D 001

[Corwin]

[20:56] <Alicia> [20:59] <Alicia> "This..." Alicia pauses a moment as to how to best phrase this delicately, "Is very bad," she finally concludes. "A cursed night has begun, a night of grief, loss, despair, and nihilism. We're all going to have to keep our wits about us if we're going to get through this - if you start to feel strange, speak up about it, don't let it fester, okay?"
[20:56] <Alicia> [21:00] <Kotono> Antenora approaches at that, "In other words, we've come right into a trap, haven't we?"
[20:56] <Alicia> [21:01] <Alicia> "It's more like walking into an erupting volcano than walking into a trap, if you take my meaning," Alicia returns. "I'm almost tempted to hole up somewhere and ride it out, but I think that would make things worse - we have to keep our minds occupied and focus on our jobs, so lets try to find out what happened to the people here."
03[20:57] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af0134d.wfd96.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:57] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[20:58] <OblivionKo> Pollyanna glances about, then up to the black disc in the sky. "Then let's keep going?" she prods.
[21:00] <Alicia> "Okay, same again - Pollyanna and I will quickly sweep the building, Antenora you stay here with the pegasi and yell if you see or hear anything at all, okay?" Alicia confirms with the others before attempting to open the door to the town hall.
[21:01] <OblivionKo> Antenora positions with the pegasi as the two go to the town hall door!  The door is thick and heavy...and very locked. The door is faintly cold to the touch.
06[21:02] * Alicia braces herself and tries to force the lock.
[21:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
[21:02] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{15}
[21:02] <OblivionKo> The door shudders and wrenches, but doesn't quite give to Alicia's forceful rush!
[21:02] <OblivionKo> In the distance, far away, a distant howl can be heard.
06[21:03] * Alicia pauses, motioning for everyone to be silent as she waits to hear if anything comes after the howl.
[21:04] <OblivionKo> OOC: Listen checks around the board.
[21:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
[21:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{21}
[21:04] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+18
[21:04] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+18 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{22}
[21:05] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+1 huh, she doesn't have listen?
[21:05] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0huh, she doesn't have listen? --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{9}
[21:11] <Alicia> "The reports did mention howling... sounds pretty far away at least, for the moment," Alicia muses. "Lets not worry about it till that changes," she suggests, heaving herself at the door once again.
[21:11] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
[21:11] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{11}
[21:14] <OblivionKo> The door buckles again...but once again Alicia fails completely.
[21:14] <OblivionKo> "Yeah..." Pollyanna glances backwards a few times, the howling a distant, faint tugging at your ears.
06[21:15] * Alicia sighs. "Sturdy old thing..." she mutters, stepping back and giving the door a good solid kick.
[21:15] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
[21:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{11}
[21:16] <OblivionKo> The door buckles but does not give to Alicia's attempts. It just seems to not be giving despite her best effort. "Maybe there's a window on the sideS?" Pollyanna suggests.
[21:18] <Alicia> "On one hand I don't really want to wreck the door entirely," Alicia admits, "On the other, what if something happens out here while we're inside? We'd want to be able to get back out in a hurry, not waste time climbing out a window. I'm going to have to hack it apart, I'm afraid." Putting action to words, she draws her sword and cleaves mightily into the vexing portal!
[21:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 -10 pa
[21:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+9 1,0-10 pa --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{21}
[21:19] <Alicia> roll 1d8+21
[21:19] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+21 --> 6,0[ 1d8=6 ]4,0{27}
[21:19] <Alicia> OOC: +31, so 37
[21:22] <OblivionKo> The door is sliced through! The door buckles, shudders and then collapses down the line Alicia cut! Inside, over the broken door, you can see a large town hall.  It's about one hundred feet long, with several wooden chairs littered about. There are doors on the far side and on both walls. It's utterly empty - no sign of life at all. Just a gust of chilly air, making your bones ache.
06[21:25] * Alicia pulls her blindfold down, deciding it'll be more useful to have perfect if limited range 'vision' within the close confines of a building during this scenario. "Since Shar is known for shadows and illusions, this should help," she explains for the benefit of the others,
[21:25] <Alicia> "But I can't perceive anything more than thirty feet away, so the rest of you will still need to stay sharp. Come on, lets quickly look the place over, Pollyanna," she hands the archer her magically glowing splinter of wood before stepping inside to search the building.
[21:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 aid
[21:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0aid --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{8}
[21:27] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+8
[21:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+8 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{28}
[21:31] <OblivionKo> Thus the two search the building! As Pollyanna goes to open one of the side doors...
[21:31] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+5
[21:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{23}
[21:32] <OblivionKo> The side door opens into a small room. However, in this room, Alicia's blindsense can see a tiny, purple, writhing creature. It's only the size of Marie or so, like a bug larvae floating in the air.
[21:33] <Alicia> "Do you see that?" Alicia asks Pollyanna, pointing to the creature. "Something floating in the air," she adds, giving its rough distance and height.
[21:34] <OblivionKo> "I..." Pollyanna stares, "That's horrible!" she says, "BUt...no..no." SHe catches herself, "It's not really there..."
[21:35] <Alicia> This is actually somewhat annoying, so Alicia lifts her blindfold back up her head so she can properly see whatever it is. And whether it's evil/magical.
[21:35] <OblivionKo> OOC - Will save.
[21:36] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
[21:36] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{34}
[21:36] <OblivionKo> Alicia sees nothing at all. It's just an empty closet, but Pollyanna's face is a mix of restrained fear and wonder.
06[21:37] * Alicia blinks. "I can't even see it..." she pulls the blindfold back down to confirm the creature's presence. "What does it look like, Pollyanna?"
[21:41] <OblivionKo> The creature is still there, yes.
[21:41] <OblivionKo> "
[21:41] <OblivionKo> "I saw...I'm not sure. I saw...something horrible," Licking her lips again, "Kondrux...his lair..."
06[21:42] * Alicia reaches forward to grab the floating evil magical object.
[21:42] <OblivionKo> On reaching forward, the object seems to react as well! OOC - For the sake of sorting, roll initiative?
[21:43] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+4
[21:43] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{19}
[21:43] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
[21:43] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{15}
[21:43] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+7 Polly if needed
[21:43] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0Polly if needed --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{22}
03[21:43] * OblivionKo changes topic to 'Pollyanna>Bug larvae?>Alicia'
[21:44] <OblivionKo> As Pollyanna isn't aware of it...she does nothing! As Alicia reaches forward to touch it, the larvae seems to react! A purple beam fires out from it right at Alicia!
[21:44] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+5 touch AC?
[21:44] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+5 1,0touch AC? --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{12}
[21:44] <Alicia> OOC: 15
[21:44] <OblivionKo> The purple beam whizzes by Alicia's hand, only arching through the dark town hall!
06[21:45] * Alicia proceeds with her plan of grabbing the whatever it is rather than just smiting it even though it's proved its hostility. If it has any reasoning capabilities perhaps she can interrogate it.
[21:46] <Alicia> OOC: if it has natural attacks or a melee weapon it can AoO me to stop the grapple
[21:46] <OblivionKo> OOC - I'll treat it as a grapple attempt. It has no AoO capacity on you, so go ahead and roll grapple.
[21:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 touch attack
[21:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+16 1,0touch attack --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{28}
[21:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 grapple check
[21:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+16 1,0grapple check --> 6,0[ 1d20=16 ]4,0{32}
[21:46] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+4
[21:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{24}
[21:52] <OblivionKo> Alicia is easily able to grasp the tiny larvae in her hand! It feels too soft, like rotten fruit, and very very cold. It's like holding squishy ice. But it is so held, Alicia's grasp on it solid!  OOC - Go ahead and act.
[21:53] <Alicia> "What are you?" Alicia asks the larval thing as she holds it up.
[21:54] <OblivionKo> There is no reply from the larvae like creature. It only struggles in Alicia's vicelike grasp.
[21:55] <Alicia> "Lets see if Antenora can communicate telepathically with it?" Alicia suggests to Pollyanna as she heads back outside of the hall with her squirming passenger.
[21:57] <OblivionKo> Pollyanna follows curiously, as you head outside! However, as you do, you find something is wrong! Outside, you find that only two pegasi remain! They fly nervously over the ground, with no signs of the third or Antenora.
[21:58] <Alicia> "What in the..." Alicia uses her free hand to lift up her blindfold. "Where did Antenora and the other go?" she asks, looking around for any signs of struggle. Surely the erinyes would have called out or issued a telepathic message - and she certainly wouldn't wander off on her own without saying anything.
[21:59] <OblivionKo> There is no sign of the two at all. The harsh black disc in the sky seems to throb. Pollyanna looks about, "I...where did they go?" she asks. "Antenora?" she calls.
[22:01] <Alicia> "You two, get down here," Alicia calls to the pegasi, tossing the larval creature back through the open door and to the side so it won't be able to shoot beams at anyone outside unless it moves.
[22:02] <OblivionKo> The two pegasus skittishly come back down, landing well away from where they were before.
[22:02] <OblivionKo> Meanwhile, the larval creature is tossed to the side, hidden away by Alicia's throw.
[22:03] <Alicia> "Come on," Alicia gestures for Pollyanna to follow as she goes to mount up on one of the horses. "Take us to wherever the other two went!" she orders.
[22:03] <OblivionKo> The two mount! The two pegasi seem hesitant, but they fly over where they were standing before and look straight down.
06[22:05] * Alicia frowns at that, dismounting and walking to the front of her horse, a hand against its snout as she meets its equine eyes. "Nod your head for yes, shake it for no. Were they pulled down into the ground?" she asks calmly.
[22:05] <OblivionKo> The pegasus nods it's head.
[22:05] <OblivionKo> OOC - Alicia, make a listen check.
[22:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
[22:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{22}
[22:06] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+1
[22:06] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+1 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{21}
[22:09] <Alicia> "... shit..." Alicia utters an uncharacteristic curse. "Pollyanna, stay mounted, all of you take to the air - we've got more trouble coming before we can start to figure out where those two were taken," she commands briskly, drawing her sword. 'Hell Striker, keep me updated on everything you can sense in the area,' she adds to said weapon.
[22:11] <OblivionKo> The riderless pegasi and Pollyanna take to the air, Alicia left alone on the ground! 'I shall,' Hell Striker promises, 'I don't sense anything currently.' Meanwhile, the howling grows stronger, louder! Canine howls, full of baying hunger.
[22:13] <Alicia> Reaching into her survival pouch, Alicia tosses a small object to the street about twenty feet from the town hall which manifests into a blazing campfire to provide some illumination in addition to that shed by her sword as it likewise ignites.
[22:13] <Alicia> "If something happens to me, I want you three to head straight back to Balmuria," she adds, focusing on the spot where Antenora and the pegasus apparently vanished to see if any residual magic traces will provide clues as to what happened.
[22:15] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft on lingering magic
[22:15] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0spellcraft on lingering magic --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{16}
[22:15] <OblivionKo> "Are you sure," Pollyanna calls down, even as she readies her bow  while riding her horse. "I don't want to ride back and report thet wo of you were lost!"
[22:16] <Alicia> "It'll be worse if none of us report back," Alicia replies sternly, casting shield upon herself as she readies for combat. "We've stumbled into something horrible here, Pollyanna."
[22:18] <OblivionKo> "Like hell if I'm going to leave you," Pollyanna retorts, as the howling...begins to fade, slowing. "Come on, we're going to find Antenora and all go home in one piece."
[22:20] <Alicia> "Tch, now it's just messing with our heads," Alicia grimaces as the howling retreats. "Obviously I won't be able to stop you if I'm already indisposed, just don't do anything rash." She considers for a moment, "We're going to have to search this place thoroughly for any clues, but I don't want to split up again and pegasi don't fit inside buildings easily. Any ideas?"
06[22:22] * Alicia abruptly spins and levels her blade at... something, behind her!
[22:23] <OblivionKo> It's coming at her like a black shadow, onrushing at Alicia! It barely doesn't catch her flatfooted, her reaction giving her time to defend!
[22:23] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+14
[22:23] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{28}
[22:23] <OblivionKo> OOC - AC?
[22:23] <Alicia> OOC: 33
[22:25] <OblivionKo> A claw glances off Alicia's armor, right over her heart! The blow is narrowly stopped! The creature runs past her with incredible speed, ending ten feet to her side and in a crouch. It's like a humanoid of shadow, with a maw like a hungry wolf's! As it's claw hits, the howling resumes again, a fever pitch!
[22:25] <OblivionKo> "I won't, but...aaah!" Pollyanna gawks for just a moment as the creature whizzes by Alicia, missing a critical blow against her! "Damnit!" OOC - Initiative here.
[22:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
[22:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+5 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{9}
[22:25] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+10
[22:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+10 --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{17}
[22:26] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+7 Polly
[22:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0Polly --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{16}
03[22:26] * OblivionKo changes topic to 'Shadow-wolf thing>Polly>Alicia'
[22:26] <OblivionKo> Alicia sees that the creature is moving past her again at light speed, another ripping claw delivered at her via a speedy, rippling runby!
[22:26] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+14
[22:27] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=4 ]4,0{18}
[22:28] <OblivionKo> However, this time it glances off the top-tip of her armor, claws just whizzing past and failing to scratch her toughened neck's skin! It ends up twenty feet away from her, at the edge of a gap between two buildings! The light the fire casts prevents any serious shadow cover, leaving the creature visible! Meanwhile, Pollyanna threads arrows and fires!
[22:28] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+11
[22:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{25}
[22:28] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+11
[22:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+11 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{31}
[22:28] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+11 crit check
[22:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+11 1,0crit check --> 6,0[ 1d20=5 ]4,0{16}
[22:28] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+6
[22:28] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=13 ]4,0{19}
[22:30] <OblivionKo> roll 5d8+20+3d6
[22:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 5d8+20+3d6 --> 6,0[ 5d8=26 3d6=9 ]4,0{55}
[22:30] <OblivionKo> The creature's form, while fast, seems to offer no resistance to the arrows at all! They rip through it with a furious vengence, leaving several holes in it's shadowy body as they pass through! OOC - Alicia.
06[22:30] * Alicia readies her sword and waits for the beast to come at her again...
[22:31] <Alicia> OOC: readied action to hit when it approaches
[22:31] <OblivionKo> The beast is indeed unfazed, running at Alicia full bore, even as it's been arrowed and penetrated thrice! OOC - Go Alicia.
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -3 power attack
[22:31] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0-3 power attack --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{27}
[22:31] <OblivionKo> OOC - Hit.
[22:32] <Alicia> roll 1d8+16+2d6 (assuming evil)
[22:32] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+16+2d6 1,0(assuming evil) --> 6,0[ 1d8=1 2d6=5 ]4,0{22}
[22:32] <OblivionKo> Alicia's blade cleaves through the shadowy beast! She finds it's form offers nor esistance at all! It's body splits in two from her heavy blow, fading away into nothingness! The howling ceases, a dead silence enveloping the town...
06[22:33] * Alicia pulls down her blindfold for a moment, waiting...
[22:35] <OblivionKo> The creature is still there. IT is a humanoid with a wolf's head, entirely solid. A cloak of shadows is over it's body, ripped and ruined. But nonetheless, it's there and readying another strike, backing up!
[22:37] <Alicia> OOC: can I act?
[22:39] <OblivionKo> OOC: Go ahead. It's 20 feet away from you now.
[22:39] <Alicia> "Burn!" Alicia commands as she gestures at the creature, causing a stream of molten fire to issue forth in its direction!
[22:39] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 ranged touch
[22:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0ranged touch --> 6,0[ 1d20=3 ]4,0{18}
[22:39] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 ranged touch
[22:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0ranged touch --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{34}
[22:39] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 ranged touch
[22:39] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+15 1,0ranged touch --> 6,0[ 1d20=6 ]4,0{21}
[22:41] <OblivionKo> OOC - All hit.
[22:41] <Alicia> roll 12d6
[22:41] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 12d6 --> 6,0[ 12d6=38 ]4,0{38}
[22:42] <OblivionKo> The creature's body is stricken by flaming ray after flaming ray! It shudders as he collapses, becoming entirely visible! What lies before you is a young man, burnt and destroyed. "...Alicia?" Pollyanna calls as Alicia fires, though a moment later she stares down.
[22:44] <Alicia> "What the... some sort of shadow werewolf?" Alicia pulls up her blindfold, walking over to examine the corpse.
[22:50] <OblivionKo> Alicia approaches. It looks like a young man, perhaps in his early twenties. He is unclad now, only a few scraps of cloth clinging to his body.  Pollyanna descends down a little bit, "I don't know. Any ideas?"
[22:53] <Alicia> "Shapechangers normally revert to their true form on death," Alicia reasons. "Aside from the shadows, it looked like what you'd expect a werewolf to look like... I don't really know what it has to do with Shar. Or that thing we found back in the closet, for that matter."
[22:54] <OblivionKo> "Shar's the Goddess of Loss? I don't know either, but I do know it's nicely distracted us." Pollyanna observes.
[22:57] <Alicia> "Among other things," Alicia nods slowly, frowning at the lack of any identifiable markings or belongings on the corpse. "Okay, we need to search all the buildings."
[22:57] <Alicia> "I don't like the idea of splitting up, but we really have no choice - if you and the pegasi stay airborne it should at least keep you safe from whatever got Antenora and the other one, and I'll use the Message cantrip to stay in contact," she explains, all business as she focuses on the job at hand.
[23:08] <OblivionKo> "Alright," Pollyanna answers after that.
06[23:10] * Alicia proceeds to cast Message, linking herself with Pollyanna and the two pegasi. "I'll hear anything even if you whisper, and likewise for you, but don't hesitate to yell anyway if there's trouble," she explains, going to the first building on the left of the town hall, pulling down her blindfold, and kicking in the door.
[23:10] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
[23:10] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=9 ]4,0{15}
[23:29] <OblivionKo> The next building is a shop. It's door buckles and gives way easily. Inside you can see dozens and dozens of trinkets and salable items, but not a single breath of humanity.
06[23:29] * Alicia is hardly here to rob the place, and simply performs a cursory inspection of all the rooms for anything out of the ordinary before she moves on.
[23:30] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 search
[23:30] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0search --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{18}
06[23:32] * Alicia decides to keep a running commentary of everything she sees/does while searching. None of it's useful information, but it hopefully gives the others something to focus on, and if she suddenly goes silent they'll know immediately that there's a problem.
[23:37] <OblivionKo> Alicia searches the shop! As she does...OOC - Make a will savE?
[23:38] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
[23:38] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=19 ]4,0{39}
[23:38] <OblivionKo> In a corner of the shop, Alicia finds a trap door. It's not all that well hidden, new and still with some signs of being recently installed.
06[23:39] * Alicia opens the trap door and climbs down to take a look, still recounting what's happening for the benefit of Pollyanna and the two Pegasi.
[23:43] <OblivionKo> "Careful," Pollyanna warns as you descend. A stairway is down there, leading inward. The first ten feet of it are rough and broken, the walls clearly having been worked. But past that, it gives to a natural hollow cave. You go down thirty feet in complete darkness, save fo ryour little shard of light. You come down into a smallish cavern, with paths to the north, south, east and west. But asyou do...A wordless scream of utter agony is hea
[23:43] <OblivionKo> But asyou do...A wordless scream of utter agony is heard. BUt it's voice is unmistakable in it's tone; Antenora's. It echos over and over, a slowly fading din of torment.
[23:44] <Alicia> Alicia cannot see and does not require any light with her blindfold on. "Some sort of natural stone... like a cavern. There's paths in all four directions farth- That was Antenora!" she abruptly cuts herself off, trying to place which direction the scream came from.
[23:44] <OblivionKo> OOC - Listen check.
[23:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4
[23:46] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{19}
[23:49] <Alicia> "Coming from the east, I'm going to check it out," Alicia tells the others before pulling back her blindfold so she can see farther ahead as she starts to run down that tunnel, igniting Hell Striker's blade to provide light.
[23:50] <OblivionKo> Thus Alicia restores her vision and races onward! She runs ahead down the cavern's winding path to find...OOC - Make a wills ave?
[23:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
[23:51] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+20 --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{38}
[23:52] <OblivionKo> Antenora lies on the ground. She cries out one last time, a puddle of blood around her. "Ali..ci...a...." she reaches forward weakly, before her last bit of energy fails and falls face first down. However...despite a thrill of terrifying fear...it isn't right. Something about it seems off to Alicia.
[23:54] <Alicia> "This... isn't right. It's an illusion," Alicia states shakily, fervently hoping that's the case as she checks for magic and evil where 'Antenora' lays.
[23:55] <OblivionKo> Antenora's blood pools out, a bit of it trickling towards Alicia and her boot.
[23:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[23:56] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 1,0spellcraft --> 6,0[ 1d20=8 ]4,0{15}
06[23:57] * Alicia stares at Antenora's collapsed form for a moment longer as she registers the scene before she pulls down her blindfold too perceive it in a different manner. 'Hell Striker, what are you seeing?' she asks the sword.
[23:58] <OblivionKo> Alicia sees nothing at all. Just empty air. 'Nothing,' Hell Striker answers.
Session Time: Wed Jul 16 00:00:00 2008
[00:00] <Alicia> "Just an illusion," Alicia tells Pollyanna and the others. "Be very careful if you see anything that looks like Antenora - the pegasi should be able to tell if it's really her by detecting her moral nature, since illusions have none." Now with nothing to distract her, she examines the rest of the cavern she's found herself in.
[00:03] <OblivionKo> It continues to go to the east for a good ways longer and starts sloping downward.
[00:03] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+16
[00:03] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+16 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{28}
[00:03] <OblivionKo> Otherwise, there's not much of note in the cavern here barring the illusion.
[00:04] <Alicia> "The cavern slopes downwards. I might fall out of contact depending on how deep this goes, but I'm going to check it out," Alicia tells the others as she continues following this path at a more cautious pace, now.
[00:05] <OblivionKo> "Right," Pollyanna calls, as she descends! The path goes about sixty feet downward and sloping before Alicia comse on anything. It's a body, of a middle aged man. H e's been impaled and is still warm and quite bloody.
[00:07] <Alicia> "Found a body..." Alicia pulls up her blindfold to look upon the cadaver with her eyes. "This one's real... and fresh," she examines it for any identifying characteristics,
[00:07] <OblivionKo> It's a middle aged man. He had a gray beard and gray hair. His torso has been run through by a pole armed type weapon. He leans against the wall, as if a force barrelled into him head on and did this damage.
06[00:08] * Alicia starts walking back, calling for Pollyanna every twenty feet until she gets a reply, since she wants to pass this along.
[00:09] <OblivionKo> Twenty feet up is neough. On speaking, you find Pollyanna's breathing is a bit sharper. "I ran into something up here," she says as soon as Alicia makes contact. "It's dead now."
[00:11] <Alicia> "What was it?" Alicia asks. "I just found a corpse down here, looked like it had been gored or stabbed..." she shivers as a thought starts to bubble up, "Pollyanna, did whatever you just killed turn into a human?"
[00:12] <OblivionKo> "Yeah. It was a winged...thing, and it turned into an old woman when it hit the ground." Pollyanna answers back tersely.
[00:14] <Alicia> "Pollyanna, I think... I think we've been killing the villagers," Alicia explains her awful suspicion. "I'm not certain, but I think something's changed them... I don't know if it's controlling them or if they've gone mad, but I don't think these shapechanging monsters just appeared in a coincidentally abandoned village."
[00:16] <OblivionKo> There's a momentary pause from Pollyanna there. She's quiet, "Then we have to bring the cause of it toj ustice," she says back quietly, "We can't let this sort of thing stand. It's making a mockery of us."
[00:17] <Alicia> "I know... I think the body I just found might have been killed by Antenora. Just... just try to avoid any more that appear and defend yourself only if you absolutely have to, okay? I'm going to try to find Antenora before any more lives are lost." At that she takes off on a brisk jog down the tunnel, calling out loudly, "Antenora!"
[00:20] <OblivionKo> roll 1d20+16
[00:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0OblivionKo rolled :6,0 1d20+16 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{30}
Session Close: Wed Jul 16 00:31:40 2008

Session Start: Tue Jul 15 06:22:38 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[06:22] * Disconnected
Session Close: Tue Jul 15 06:22:38 2008

Session Start: Wed Jul 16 00:31:40 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[00:31] * Disconnected
02[00:32] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[00:32] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[00:32] * Topic is 'Shadow-wolf thing>Polly>Alicia'
03[00:32] * Set by OblivionKo on Tue Jul 15 22:26:20
03[00:32] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Corwin
[00:32] <OblivionKo> "Tsh." With a shake of her head, "You can't see here, can you? I didn't kill a one of these in here." Antenora steps away a little bit. Behind her, you can just see what looks to be some sort of black disc, hewn and rising out of the floor. Around it, you can see a rusty red color on the floor.
[00:34] <Alicia> "At least one of us is innocent, then," Alicia replies shamefacedly. "As much as that word can ever apply to the likes of us." Shaking her head to clear such thoughts, she tries to focus on the now - there'll be time for recriminations later. "What happened to the pegasus that disappeared with you?"
[00:36] <OblivionKo> "You wish," Antenora says quietly, "It got sucked away from me. The earth opened up and swallowed us, closing above us so there wasn't any escape. It's like it was alive and I got deposited straight down, while the pegasus was taken...that way," Antenora needs a moment, before pointing...to the northwest. You think. "All that's here is an dozen sacrifices, from the looks of it."
[00:37] <Alicia> "Lets try to find it, but first..." Alicia gingerly approaches the black disc, looking over it with the aid of Hell Striker's flames. "This is an altar, isn't it?"
[00:38] <OblivionKo> "Yeah," Antenora answers, the black disc of Shar about four feet tall. It's made of the purest black stone Alicia's ever seen, like smooth, reflectionless glass. It's like a blank, all consuming eye of nothing.
[00:38] <OblivionKo> You notice that trails of blood seem to have trickled towards it, staining everything around it a rusty red.
[00:40] <Alicia> "You might want to stand back," Alicia warns the erinyes, clenching her fists as she glares viciously at the monument to Mystra's twisted 'mother', flickers of silvery light battling the darkness around her hands as arcane power swells.
[00:41] <OblivionKo> Antenora does just that. "Please," she says quietly. The disc stares back...it seems to. Alicia feels a simple emptiness tugging lightly at her. A hopelessness. Deep within, Alicia can feel familiar pangs of rage trying to stir.
[00:43] <Alicia> Standing right over the altar, Alicia holds her free hand over it as spellfire wells forth. "Foul Nightsister, by all the planes I swear I will make you pay for this," she growls before unleashing a blinding nova of spellfire straight down into the altar!
[00:43] <Alicia> roll 15d8
[00:43] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 15d8 --> 6,0[ 15d8=66 ]4,0{66}
[00:45] <OblivionKo> The altar swells! The spellfire flows through it, but instead of passing through? It seems to spread into the altar, glowing! With a beam of light that penetrates from floor to ceiling, the altar shatters, sending flying stone all over! Only a fine rubble of stone remains..and oddly, amid it, a bloodied doll. Like a child's doll, it's face and body stained red.
[00:47] <OblivionKo> As the rubble finishes flying, the shadowy darkness leaves. With the light of Hell Striker, one can see a fairly wide cavern. Here a dozen bodies lie, stacked in a circle around the circular disc's remnants. Blood from them seems to have flowed towards the disc. Young, old, male, female...the dozen here are of all types.
[00:47] <Alicia> "Still not enough," Alicia murmurs, scooping up the doll as she senses it could be important, wiping at the blood coating it with a finger. Until she can turn her earlier words into more than a gesture, it'll never be enough. "Come on, lets find that pegasus," she tells Antenora, starting towards the Northeast.
[00:48] <Alicia> Northwest*
[00:50] <OblivionKo> Thus the two return back the way they came. As they walk out of the cavern, "Do you know what sort of ritual that was, by any chance?" Antenora asks.
[00:52] <Alicia> "You mean what I just did? No," Alicia shakes her head. "All I wanted to do was destroy that blasphemous altar... perhaps there's more to spellfire that I don't yet know about."
[00:52] <OblivionKo> "No, I meant the sacrifice," Antenora says it with distaste, "It might give us an insight into what's going on here, beyond what we know."
[00:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 religion
[00:53] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0religion --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{15}
[00:56] <Alicia> "I don't, no," Alicia replies. "Shar's clergy sacrifice at the drop of a hat, but this seems more like her acting directly rather than any priests, considering what's in the sky. I don't know if there's any deeper meaning beyond bloodshed and pain."

[Corwin]

[20:42] <Alicia> [22:51] <OblivionKo> Thus the two return back the way they came. As they walk out of the cavern, "Do you know what sort of ritual that was, by any chance?" Antenora asks.
[20:42] <Alicia> [22:52] <Alicia> "You mean what I just did? No," Alicia shakes her head. "All I wanted to do was destroy that blasphemous altar... perhaps there's more to spellfire that I don't yet know about."
[20:42] <Alicia> [22:53] <OblivionKo> "No, I meant the sacrifice," Antenora says it with distaste, "It might give us an insight into what's going on here, beyond what we know."
[20:42] <Alicia> [22:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 religion
[20:42] <Alicia> [22:54] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+8 1,0religion --> 6,0[ 1d20=7 ]4,0{15}
[20:42] <Alicia> [22:56] <Alicia> "I don't, no," Alicia replies. "Shar's clergy sacrifice at the drop of a hat, but this seems more like her acting directly rather than any priests, considering what's in the sky. I don't know if there's any deeper meaning beyond bloodshed and pain."
[20:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Thus the two begin to walk back, "I'd like to know if there is. I suppose it could be hatred and killing for it's own sake, but..." Antenora clicks her tongue softly.
[20:46] <Alicia> "It could be that the blood sacrifice was required in exchange for the transformation of others into those shadow creatures," Alicia admits to one possibility as they walk along the pathway, approaching where she last had contact with Pollyanna. "I've got Pollyanna on a message spell, she should be about to come into range," she explains on another note before trying to talk to the archer. "Pollyanna? Can you hear me?"
[20:48] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Alicia?" Pollyanna asks back. "I can hear you."
[20:49] <Alicia> "I've found Antenora, we're looking for the other pegasus, now. Anything happening on your end?" Alicia asks, deciding not to bother Pollyanna with news of the bloody mass sacrifice just yet.
[20:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It's quiet since I shot down that creature," Pollyanna reports back. "Just horribly oppressive and gloomy."
[20:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d3
06[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d3 and gets 1."12 [1d3=1]
[20:52] <Alicia> "Stay sharp, hopefully we'll be able to find our missing horse and come back soon," Alicia tells her, though inwardly she wonders exactly how they'll get a horse out of here.
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 35."12 [1d20=15]
06[20:53] * Alicia presses on, heading up the north passage once she reaches the junction where she first came down into these caverns.
[20:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I will," Pollyanna answers. "Careful down there."
[20:54] <Alicia> "Back at you," Alicia responds grimly.
[20:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The party returns to the juncture. There are three other passages, to the north, the west and to the south.
[20:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+18
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+18 and gets 22."12 [1d20=4]
[20:56] <Alicia> Northwest could be either North or West, but Alicia decides to take things sequentially and therefore goes North.
[20:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As you just start to turn, Antenora's head jerks to the side. Her body whirls, spear brandished! For a moment she's like that, before she slowly exhales.
[20:57] <Alicia> "You alright?" Alicia asks, glancing to the left and pulling down her blindfold.
[20:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Alicia doesn't see anything unusual. Antenora slowly relaxes, "I thought I saw...nothing. I saw nothing." Antenora shakes her head slowly.
[21:00] <Alicia> "Feels like we're being toyed with, doesn't it?" Alicia muses unhappily as they continue on down this pathway, keeping her blindfold on for now.
[21:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "...yes." Antenora agrees, "Have you ever personally offended Shar, by the by?"
[21:06] <Alicia> "Not as far as I know..." Alicia replies slowly. "There was once a small cult of hers in Kelara that I helped eliminate. There wasn't even a real cleric among them, though, just a bunch of violent and misguided fools. I wouldn't call that a personal offense, but then I'm not an evil goddess. From what I hear, they're surprisingly petty."
[21:12] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yeah..." Antenora smiles a moment in the darkness, "Yes, you're right. Evil's very petty at heart. What evil can stand someone doing good?"
[21:14] <Alicia> "Well, to be fair, it's not like I'm very accepting of people doing evil, and I don't consider myself petty. I suppose it's all about scale... anyway," she shakes her head, "I don't think this is anything personally focused on any of us - the village was doomed before we got here."
[21:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Then let's finish what was started," Antenora agrees, starting to head northward as well. OOC - Move along a bit?
[21:16] <Alicia> OOC: sure
[21:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The northern path descends lightly as well. After one hundred feet of going down...
[21:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20
06[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20 and gets 7."12 [1d20=7]
[21:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Ack, forgot the mod. Still, +18 is 25.
[21:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The downward passage slopes for awhile longer, but you can begin to see an opening ahead! However, as you do, Antenora stops again, gaze turning backwards!
[21:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+16
06[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+16 and gets 28."12 [1d20=12]
[21:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora breaths out sharply, but then detenses again. "Nothing..." she murmurs.
[21:29] <Alicia> "Don't worry about it too much, Antenora. Better to stay on guard needlessly than drop it before something really does appear," Alicia reassures the erinyes, taking a moment to lift up her blindfold so she can properly see ahead towards the opening. She also checks the bloody doll she's carried from that ruined altar for any evil or magic it might possess.
[21:33] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Mph." Antenora murmurs something. Ahead, Alicai can see a larger cavern. This one stretches quite a ways and veers generally north-northwestward.
[21:35] <Alicia> "Goes farther than I can see in the dark... see anything?" Alicia asks as they enter the widening cavern.
[21:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It winds on slowly. It looks natural enough. There's a wall, but it's far enough away to where I can't get a good look yet," Antenora replies.
[21:40] <Alicia> "Well, lets keep following it, since it seems to be veering a bit to the west hopefully we'll find our missing pegasus," Alicia declares as she presses on.
[21:41] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+18
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+18 and gets 32."12 [1d20=14]
[21:41] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+16
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+16 and gets 27."12 [1d20=11]
[21:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> AS you walk halfway, Antenora speaks. "There's a small archway in the wall. It's to the west," she answers, before she swiftly turns to the side. This time she doesn't hide her growl, "Dammit...Jebel!"
[21:43] <Alicia> "Jebel?" Alicia looks in the direction Antenora looked. "There's no way he could be here..."
[21:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I know that," Antenora exhales out again, as you see nothing at all. "It's still bothering me."
[21:45] <Alicia> "I wonder why it's focusing on you so much... I don't suppose you've had any dealings with Shar in the past, have you?" Alicia asks, starting towards the archway.
[21:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Not in particular. She's not aligned completely with Hell...th eonly time I can recall is when it came up with your sister." Antenora replies.
[21:54] <Alicia> "Hmm..." Alicia murmurs, not sure what to make of it and therefore letting it drop as they press onwards.
[21:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d3
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d3 and gets 1."12 [1d3=1]
[21:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34."12 [1d20=14]
[21:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Thus the two advance to the archway! As they do, they can see another shadowy area of illumination, blanketing everything in darkness! But in it, even if Alicia can't see it...she can hear it. The sound of the pegasus, crying out in pain! The sharp slicing sound of a razor...
[21:59] <Alicia> "It could be an illusion, but that's hardly something we can ignore," Alicia tells Antenora, pulling down her blindfold and starting to run towards the sound.
[22:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I can see...fourty feet in!" Antenora calls, "It's like a ghoul and it's cutting up the pegasus!" With that, Antenora begins to hurry along! OOC - Let's roll initiative here.
[22:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[22:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+5
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17."12 [1d20=12]
[22:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+3
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+3 and gets 6."12 [1d20=3]
03[22:02] * Tiny_Ko_Army changes topic to 'Antenora>Alicia>Ghoul?'
[22:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora is quickest of the three, already flying like a dart! She attacks carefully, using the side of her spear to lash at the creature as she closes in!
[22:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+18 (-4 nonlethal, -2 PA +1 fly, +2 charge, +2 FS 7/8)
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+18 (-4 nonlethal, -2 PA +1 fly, +2 charge, +2 FS 7/8) and gets 28."12 [1d20=10]
[22:04] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 2d8+26+1d6
06[22:04] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 2d8+26+1d6 and gets 36."12 [2d8=4, 1][1d6=5]
[22:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Clang! The sound of the spearhead hitting wrongsides echos, Antenora's furious glow glowing white! OOC - Alicia. You'll be able to see it as you advance with your 30 ft blindsight.
[22:07] <Alicia> Since she can't charge something she can't see there's no way for Alicia to realistically attack the enemy, at least immediately. But, on the off chance it is an altered townsperson or an illusion, she might still be able to do something. "Mother of all magic, heed my call! Break apart the corrupt taint in the weave before!" As soon as she's cast the spell, she advances forward to perceive the results.
[22:07] <Alicia> OOC: 20ft radius area dispel centred 40 feet dead ahead.
[22:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Okay, make your dispel check.
[22:09] <Alicia> OOC: just one?
[22:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
[22:10] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Make one more.
[22:10] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 31."12 [1d20=19]
[22:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Alicia can see it for a scant moment! It is like a ghoul, but with long fingernails like straight razors! The pegasus is chained to the floor, bloodied and tormented! The ghoul has just been knocked back a bit by Antenora's blow...before it shivers, shudders and melts away. What lies in it's place is a slightly rotund woman with apron and dress, eyes closed.
[22:15] <Alicia> For the moment Alicia is more concerned with the brutalised pegasus and quickly moves to heal it as best she can.
[22:15] <Alicia> OOC: 15hp lay on hands
[22:17] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The wounds mend most of the way from the healing. It's pained cries slow and cease. Antenora approaches it as well, and after a slights igh, pats it's head. "It says thank you."
[22:18] <Alicia> "Just wish we'd gotten here sooner," Alicia likewise gives the pegasi an affectionate pat on the flank before she attempts to remove the chains binding it.
[22:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The chains are lightly tied ot the ground. It shouldn't be difficult to sever them with a swordblow, however. They don't look to be anything but iron.
[22:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The pegasus lightly neighs at the words Alicia says. Meanwhile, Antenora knees down next to the downed woman. "She's out," she reports after a moment.
06[22:20] * Alicia proceeds to do just that, before she reignites Hell Striker (not having wanted to use a flaming blade so close to the horse) and lifts up her blindfold in the hopes she can actually see anything right now.
[22:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> You can see dimly in the darkness. While the darkness lingers...this far in you can see something else. A black disk like the last, rising up out of the ground.  It's like a malignant eye, staring ahead at the three woman and pegasus. Meanwhile the pegasus flaps it's wings, using that to help it get back up.
06[22:24] * Alicia approaches the disk, since the unconscious woman should keep for the moment. Setting the doll aside for a moment, she holds her hand above the disk and repeats what she did earlier. "Be cleansed, filthy edifice to a depraved goddess," she intones as spellfire is channeled downwards straight into the disc.
[22:24] <Alicia> roll 10d8 if it actually matters
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 10d8 if it actually matters and gets 48."12 [10d8=5, 7, 5, 7, 3, 7, 3, 3, 5, 3]
[22:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The spellfire lances into the eye! The altar glows brightly, a beam of light from the heavens striking it from floor to ceiling! The altar swells and shatters, sending broken stone all over!  Amid the broken stone lies one thing...a small, bloodstained golden ring.
06[22:28] * Alicia picks up the ring and then approaches the pegasus. "My hands are getting a bit full, so can you hold onto these for now? I think they're important... somehow," she asks, placing the doll and ring into one of the horse's saddlepouches. She then examines the downed woman for any magic or evil still upon her.
[22:30] <Alicia> "I think she's safe for the moment. I'm going to try and wake her up, hopefully we'll get some answers now," Alicia goes on, taking out her wand of healing and using a couple of charges on her.
[22:30] <Alicia> roll 2d8+2
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d8+2 and gets 12."12 [2d8=4, 6]
[22:31] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The woman groans. After a bit of that her eyes open, foggy. "Joseph...? What time is it...?" she asks for a moment, before she blinks. "..eh? The hell?"
06[22:32] * Alicia crouches down beside the woman, setting her burning sword to the side to continue shedding light. "My name is Captain Alicia Reynes, of Balmuria's Crimson Guard. Do you know where you are?" she asks, tone gentle but at the same time commanding and hopefully reassuring.
[22:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I...that damned..." she shakes he rhead. "That damned Eylissa...something. Eylissa and Magur. Something about a town meeting today?" Reaching up to rub at her shoulder, "WAit, you're the Crimson Guard?"
[22:34] <Alicia> "Yes," Alicia offers her a hand to help her up. "Who are Eylissa and Magur?"
[22:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The hell...why are we in the caves...?" Dazedly getting up. "I...Magur's a farmer...an ex farmer now, I guess. Eylissa's been with him lately..." Slowly, "Since the accident."
[22:37] <Alicia> "Tell me about this meeting," Alicia presses. "Where was it held? Do you remember what was discussed? What happened?"
[22:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Slow down..." Holding up a hand, "It's fuzzy. Magur..he said something about tonight being special. Since those weird feelings and waves started, he hasn't been quite himself. Eylissa was with him and just as into it as he was."
[22:40] <Alicia> "Take your time," Alicia allows the woman a chance to compose herself, producing a waterflask from her survival pouch and handing it to her. "What's your name, anyway?"
[22:41] <Tiny_Ko_Army> She drinks from it, "Maggy."
[22:43] <Alicia> "Okay, Maggy. I think Elyssia and Magur are responsible for what's happened here. What's the absolute last thing you remember before waking up just now?" Alicia asks, not wanting to traumatise the poor woman by telling her all of what's occured so soon.
[22:45] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It was Magur. He said that...something about that it was time to honor her." Maggy answers after a bit, thinking. "To offer to her."
[22:47] <Alicia> "Her being Shar," Alicia finally concludes. "That brings some sense to it..." Though why did some people get changed and others were slaughtered? Was there any rhyme or reason to it? "What was your relationship with Elyssia and Magur, Maggy?"
[22:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I got along well with Elyssia...I say before, since she'd not been too friendly since the accident." Answering that, "We used to have lunch together and sew when our husbands were teaching our children how to farm."
[22:50] <Alicia> "You mentioned an accident before. What happened?" It's probably unimportant exactly what happened aside from the fact that a loss was suffered, but every bit of background helps.
[22:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It was in the barn. Elyssia was on on second floor, while her husband and son were below moving hay. I'm not sure what happened still, bu t the entire floor collapsed. Eylissa got a broken leg...but her son and husband were crushed under the wood."
06[22:56] * Alicia feels her heart clench with a pang of empathy for the woman she hasn't met, her suffering seeming an echo of Alicia's own. But she tempers such with a reminder of the bloody sacrifice, and the innocents that she and her friends have been forced to put to the sword. Regardless of how she's suffered, Elyssia must be brought to justice. "Thank you," she breathes out at last.
[22:56] <Alicia> "You've been very helpful... oh, another thing, sorry. You seem to know about these caverns - can you tell me about the layout, what's down here?"
[22:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "There have always been some caves underneath town. We used to use them to store things before we built a lot of new buildings over the past few years. They're roughly shaped like an cross, with the southern part being the biggest."
[22:58] <Alicia> "We're in the Northwest right now - the entrance was a trapdoor in a shop by the town hall that opened above the four-way junction. If we go Southwest from here will it loop back to the junction or does it go somewhere else?" Alicia asks.
[22:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It should loop. If you go that way it connects to our town well," she getures to the southwest.
[23:01] <Alicia> "Is there any exit that's large enough for a horse to fit through?" Alicia asks hopefully, glancing at the pegasus.
[23:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The horse...Holy Chauntea it has wings?!" MAggy sputters at that, finally seeming to pay attention to it.
[23:02] <Alicia> "Pegasus. The ground opened up to swallow it earlier, which could make getting back out a problem," Alicia admits.
[23:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "T-Try the well!" The woman gawks at the pegasus, who snorts loudly.
[23:05] <Alicia> "Okay, if that's the only thing for it," Alicia nods. "You're going to have to stick with us for now, since it's not safe to be on your own here. A lot of people have already died, and those that haven't... well, they've been changed into monsters," the paladin finally concludes, not really being able to avoid or sugarcoat it any longer. She doesn't want Maggy's first clue to come by stumbling over a corpse.

[Corwin]

[20:37] <Alicia> [20:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It should loop. If you go that way it connects to our town well," she getures to the southwest.
[20:37] <Alicia> [21:01] <Alicia> "Is there any exit that's large enough for a horse to fit through?" Alicia asks hopefully, glancing at the pegasus.
[20:37] <Alicia> [21:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The horse...Holy Chauntea it has wings?!" MAggy sputters at that, finally seeming to pay attention to it.
[20:37] <Alicia> [21:02] <Alicia> "Pegasus. The ground opened up to swallow it earlier, which could make getting back out a problem," Alicia admits.
[20:37] <Alicia> [21:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "T-Try the well!" The woman gawks at the pegasus, who snorts loudly.
[20:37] <Alicia> [21:05] <Alicia> "Okay, if that's the only thing for it," Alicia nods. "You're going to have to stick with us for now, since it's not safe to be on your own here. A lot of people have already died, and those that haven't... well, they've been changed into monsters," the paladin finally concludes, not really being able to avoid or sugarcoat it any longer. She doesn't want Maggy's first clue to come by stumbling over a corpse.
[20:39] <Kotono> The woman's gawk grows larger. "What? What...what are you talking about?"
[20:42] <Alicia> "I'm sorry," Alicia puts a hand on Maggy's shoulder in hopes of offering some form of comfort or reassurance, "But we've found a number of mutilated bodies in these caves already. And we've been attacked by... well, monsters, that turned back into people when we killed them. You were the same just before now, but I was able to dispel whatever was affecting you."
[20:43] <Kotono> Maggy crumples to the ground, a weak sob escaping her lips. "What...no...no!" Trying to fight back tears, "This...this has to be a nightmare then...isn't it?"
[20:44] <Kotono> "...Sorry," Antenora murmurs, barely heard as it's said under her breath.
[20:45] <Alicia> "It's real, I'm afraid," Alicia replies regretfully, crouching down along with Maggy's fallen form. "I don't know what else is in these caves, so I had to tell you before you saw it for yourself..."
[20:47] <Kotono> Maggy doesn't respond. She simply starts to sob instead, sobbing with her shoulders heaving and body quaking.
06[20:48] * Alicia gives her a minute to compose herself. They can afford that much.
[20:49] <Kotono> Maggy sobs for a few minutes before her tears run their course. She looks up, pallid faced and drained.
06[20:50] * Alicia offers her a hand as she stands up. "Do you think you can walk? We're not out of the woods, yet."
[20:51] <Kotono> Maggy nods. Her head stays down, gaze away and towards the floor.
[20:57] <Alicia> "Come on, then," Alicia picks up Hell Striker, "Lets get moving. You said the well was this way?" she asks, starting along the continuing path to the Southwest.
[20:59] <Kotono> Maggy shuffles along with the party! To the southwest you find a long, narrowish patht hat soon connects to a large underground spring. It's quite deep, deeper than you can see. However, it's open faced, with a rope and a 15 ft wide tunnel to the above seen. A bucket hangs at th eend of the rope.
[20:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
[21:01] <Alicia> "That's a big well... Pollyanna, can you hear me?" Alicia tries, hoping this opening will provide a route for her message spell to get through.
[21:02] <Kotono> 'I'm here,' Pollyanna replies after a few moments, "How's it going down there?"
[21:04] <Alicia> "We've found the pegasus and a survivor - I was able to dispel the transformation on her," Alicia lowers her voice, only mouthing the next part. "I'm going to send Antenora up first with the survivor, could you put the two bodies inside that shop I found the trapdoor in? I don't want her to see them just yet."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Right," Pollyanna calls back. "I'll let you know when."
06[21:07] * Alicia stalls for time while Pollyanna does that by taking out the doll and ring from the pegasus's saddlebags. "We've got someone up on the surface who can look after you from here, but before you head up, can you tell me if you recognise either of these?"
[21:08] <Alicia> *she asks Maggy
[21:15] <Kotono> Maggy looks up and sniffles. "...that was...Elyissa's husband's wedding ring...and her child's doll..." Looking on at the bloodied things with blankness, Maggy doesn't say anything else.
[21:18] <Alicia> "Sacrificed to Shar... what a waste," Alicia shakes her head silently. Casting prestidigitation, she cleans both before pocketing the ring and putting the doll inside her backpack. Maybe they'll help her reason with Elyissa? She's not sure she wants to, all things considered.
[21:18] <Alicia> In other circumstances she might question what sort of boy plays with dolls, but it's really not the time or place.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Done," Pollyanna replies back. "Send her up."
[21:23] <Alicia> "Okay, Antenora, can you fly Maggy up and take her to Pollyanna? She'll be by the town square where you were pulled under," Alicia asks the erinyes. "Come back with everyone towards the well and I'll send the pegasus up once you do? I'd rather not have anyone left alone, right now."
[21:26] <Kotono> "Agreed," Antenora says, and takes Maggy and does just that! Despite a bit of grunting at her weight, the woman is flown out by Antenora! A few moments later, "Okay," Antenora calls back down. "Send the pegasus up!"
[21:26] <Kotono> roll 1d3
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d3 and gets 1."12 [1d3=1]
[21:26] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25."12 [1d20=5]
06[21:29] * Alicia glances to the East, assuming that song could only be coming from the unexplored South passage. "I don't think you'd be able to fly up that normally, so I'll cast a spell to make it easier," she tells the horse, casting Fly on it. "Don't flap your wings, just think about where you want to go - in this case straight up that shaft."
[21:31] <Kotono> After a few false start flaps, the pegasus ascends up the well! Once it's up and out, "Now what?" Pollyanna asks through the Message.
[21:34] <Alicia> "There's only one unexplored passage - to the South. If Antenora comes back down, we'll head that way. I think it'll lead us to the people responsible for all this," Alicia replies through the same spell, not seeing any need to raise her voice when Pollyanna can just pass it on to Antenora.
[21:35] <Kotono> There's a bit of a shuffle, then Antenora descends down. "Ready then?" she asks quietly.
[21:36] <Alicia> "Lets go," Alicia nods, heading along the passage to the East. "I thought I heard singing while you were gone... some sort of hopeless dirge."
[21:39] <Kotono> "I think the proper retort is 'I'll shove that dirge so far up that they'll feel hopeless,'" Antenora starts walking quickly, pace quite brisk.
06[21:41] * Alicia matches pace with Antenora, expecting this path should lead them back to the junction where they can take the final Southerly path.
[21:41] <Kotono> roll 1d3
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d3 and gets 3."12 [1d3=3]
[21:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8."12 [1d20=3]
[21:42] <Kotono> Thus the two return to the center junction! The only path left is the southern one, awaiting...
06[21:43] * Alicia naturally heads down it, sword at the ready.
[21:47] <Kotono> The path sharply descends downward! However, it's not a slope, but freshly carved stairs leading deeper in. As you begin to descend, you can faintly hear it. It is a song. A song of perfect despair, a song that makes your heart wrench in agony. As you hear it losses come back to your mind unbidden - broken loved ones lying on the floor. Empty funerals, rainy days of nothing but an empty household. Antenora slows a moment, her lips twisting in
[21:47] <Kotono> Antenora slows a moment, her lips twisting into a grimace.
[21:48] <Alicia> "Our nameless friend would feel right at home, here, wouldn't she?" Alicia asks, focusing on her anger at the senseless loss of life that this village has seen to beat away the encroaching despair.
[21:50] <Kotono> "...you know..." Antenora pauses on that a moment, "... I do wonder if that ties back to Shar, then?" She takes a breath, eyes narrowing even as she advances on.
[21:52] <Alicia> "It is possible, but there are other sources of great despair in the planes as well. Is not the primary battleground of the Blood War known as one of them?" Alicia snorts. "Maybe she's a Night Hag. Prime Hags masquerade as comely mortals on occassion, so would an extraplanar one choose the form of a beautiful outsider as her ruse?""
[21:54] <Kotono> "We may be onto something...but I'm not sure this is the time," Antenora smiles grimly, "I keep wanting to curl up into a ball and cry. Let's do something about that before we end up doing just that."
[21:55] <Alicia> "It's times like this that I find focusing on rage and anger to be very helpful," Alicia returns, her expression hard as she falls silent and picks up her pace.
[21:57] <Kotono> Thus the path downward continues! After about one hundred feet down, it ends in a small, carved out hallway. Here the walls have regular disks carved into them, disks painted black with violet rims.  The hall is ten feet wide, unlit and dark. However, from sixty feet ahead...they shamble to you. Three of them - three people, rotting and cursed. They reach out hungrily, shambling towards the pair with no regards for stealth! OOC - Initiative.
[21:57] <Kotono>  regards for stealth! OOC - Initiative.
[21:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[21:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
[21:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[21:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20-2
06[21:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-2 and gets 18."12 [1d20=20]
03[21:59] * Kotono changes topic to 'Ghouls?>Antenora>Alicia, man, you're mikoing today.'
[22:00] <Kotono> The ghouls shamble forward, coming close to the two, within attacking range! Howeve,r none of them can seem to effective manage that after their long, shambling gait! "...Alicia," Antenora readies her spear, "Stun them or...?"
[22:00] <Alicia> "Brace yourself and strike to incapacitate only, but let me try dispelling them first," Alicia requests.
[22:00] <Kotono> Antenora readies her spear on defense, defending herself! OOC - Alicia.
[22:02] <Alicia> "Weave of magic, heed my call! Shake off this foul dweomer and set free these victims of your Mother's greatest foe!" Alicia incants as she attempts to unravel the spell afflicting these 'ghouls'.
[22:02] <Alicia> OOC: area dispel centred on them. 3 checks?
[22:02] <Kotono> OOC - Go for it.
[22:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 29."12 [1d20=17]
[22:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 29."12 [1d20=17]
[22:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 23."12 [1d20=11]
[22:03] <Kotono> The magic ripples apart! The three cease their movement, instead falling! Three young children fall to the ground, two boy san done girl. They're down and out, unmoving and no threat at all! OOC - Free action.
06[22:04] * Alicia relaxes, letting her blade's flames dim as she sheathes it and pulls down her blindfold. "Come on, lets carry them back up to the surface before we proceed - we can't leave them down here in case another 'monster' stumbles on them," she tells Antenora, going to carefully put a child over each of her shoulders.
[22:06] <Kotono> Antenora grabs the last, grunting low. "Let's hurry. This hateful arrogance of Shar's followers grates on me. Using these children as fodder?"
[22:07] <Alicia> "Disgusting, isn't it?" Alicia agrees, not sharing her horrible suspicion about just what that 'larva' she found in the town hall really is, and feeling very glad that she didn't slay it.
[22:09] <Kotono> Taking the children up isn't opposed at all, oddly. No attacks, no screams of rage. Just taking them back out. On coming to the surface, you find Pollyanna riding the horse in a circuit of the town. She's got her bow drawn, arrows readied. Riding with the pegasus is Maggy, dimly clinging to her back. Alicia nearly gets a flaming arrow fired at her, Pollyanna's bow and arrow aimed right at her!
[22:10] <Alicia> Well, that's not surprising since they'd likely cleared everything in that direction. "Woah!" Alicia can't quite hold up her hands since they're full. "It's only us - we've got three survivors here."
[22:11] <Kotono> Pollyanna's shoulders rock in a sigh, spurring her horse down. "Good," she says quickly. "Need me to watch over them? I managed to stop another image, but..." Shaking her head, "I don't feel right. I can't stop looking over my shoulder." After that, Pollyanna does just that.
[22:12] <Alicia> "I think we were close to the Sharrans when we encountered these three," Alicia goes to set the children down close to the fire. "We couldn't leave them down there while proceeding in case something else found them first."
[22:13] <Kotono> Antenora follows suit, "Watch them carefully. The source of this doesn't give a damn about killing them."
[22:15] <Kotono> With a slight, weak smile, "I will. Good luck down there, Alicia."
[22:17] <Alicia> "You too," Alicia replies grimly. "If any more transformed villagers show up..." she looks meaningfully at the children laid out by the fire, "Use your judgement." At that she returns to the shop and heads underground to resume their journy South.
02[22:18] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af202bf.tcl108.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit
03[22:19] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5af202bf.tcl108.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[22:19] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[22:19] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[22:19] <Kotono> THus the two come into the range of the song again! This empty song makes your hearts ache and your spirits want to sink into hopeless ennui! But the two heroes resist, heading deeper in! A little past the point of resistance, they come to the end of the hall! Here thick curtains block the way forward, faint trickles of thick fog creeping out from under it. The song is getting louder.
06[22:21] * Alicia lifts up the blindfold so she can see, using the flames of her sword for light. Approaching the curtains, she cuts them aside with a flaming slash before standing as a hopefully imposing sillouete framed by the doorway as she takes in whatever scene lies before her.
[22:22] <Kotono> Alicia sees...fog. A thick bank of fog obscures all that is ahead. She can just see 5 feet ahead, seeing nothing but...more fog. Yep, it's very foggy. The foggy mists prevent Alicia from seeing much of anything ahead.
[22:22] <Alicia> Dammit. On comes the blindfold once again.
[22:24] <Kotono> Thirty feet ahead, waiting, you can see them. They are two - horrible, quill bearing large...hounds? They're bony and gaunt, yet lick at themselves at their ample quills with abandon.
[22:25] <Alicia> Could be howlers. Could be unfortunate townsfolk. Since they might be just as hampered by the fog as she is, Alicia takes advantage of this opportunity and attempts to dispel magic, targetting a spot fifteen feet past the 'hounds' in a wide burst to hopefully catch them as well as any others she can't see just yet. "In the name of Mystra, let this Sharran affront be dispelled!" she calls out loud and clear to advertise her presence.
[22:26] <Alicia> OOC: area dispel. How many checks?
[22:28] <Kotono> OOC - Three. Tell me which are the hounds and which is the uncalled one.
[22:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 hound
06[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 hound and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
[22:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 hound
06[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 hound and gets 30."12 [1d20=18]
[22:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 unknown
06[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 unknown and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
[22:29] <Kotono> OOC - Roll the first one again.
[22:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 19."12 [1d20=7]
[22:29] <Kotono> One of the hounds vanishes away! At that, however...OOC - I'm going to call initaitive here now that you've taken an action.
[22:30] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 12."12 [1d20=7]
[22:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 23."12 [1d20=18]
[22:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 howler
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 howler and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
[22:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 ????
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 ???? and gets 20."12 [1d20=13]
[22:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 5."12 [1d20=3]
03[22:31] * Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora>????1?Alicia>Howler>????2'
[22:31] <Kotono> 'Alicia,' Antenora asks in clipped, ready tones, staring ahead at the fog.
[22:32] <Alicia> 'If you can't see then just brace yourself, there were two howlers thirty feet in, I just got rid of one. Summoned, not transformed, so don't hold back if the remaining one comes into range.'
[22:33] <Kotono> Antenora thus braces! Meanwhile...nothing seems to immediately happen...OOC - Alicia.
[22:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
06[22:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 28."12 [1d20=10]
06[22:35] * Alicia casts true strike and then moves diagonally in forty feet, off to the side of the Howler through the space formerly occupied by its double at least fifteen feet away, hopefully too far for it to detect her while letting her 'see' who else is here.
[22:38] <Kotono> Alicia can see! At the edge of her vision is the most horrible thing...a disk of Shar. Bound to it is a woman with a darkened cloth over her eyes. However...she is held to the disk. She has been pinned there with spikes through her shoulders and knees. She raises her head to sing, a song of complete lonliness and isolation, of pure agony. Next to her is a man, a plain looking man wearing a sleeveless tunic and with muscled arms. He stays low,
[22:38] <Kotono>  Next to her is a man, a plain looking man wearing a sleeveless tunic and with muscled arms. He stays low, graceful movements. His head is shaved bald. A simple rope belt is tied around his waist.
[22:39] <Kotono> "Beautiful...it is Alicia Reynes..." The man's face is dark, expressionless. "My Lady, accept this sacrifice tonight, on your most holy vision night!"
06[22:40] * Alicia doesn't reply, not wanting to advertise her presence in case that howler is unable to see through the fog unlike the man.
03[22:40] * Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora>Man>Alicia>Howler>Woman'
[22:41] <Kotono> Meanwhile, the Howler holds it's position! However, the w3oman continues to sing! The horrible song washes over Alicia, making her spirit quake! It is an empty song, singling of broken times and filled graves. OOC - Will save.
[22:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25."12 [1d20=5]
[22:42] <Kotono> As the song hits Alicia, filling her heart with horrible feelings, 'Alicia,' Antenora asks again.
[22:44] <Alicia> 'Unh... what?' Alicia's mental voice sounds a bit distracted. 'Gods, can't you feel that... no, it's better if you don't.' With an immense effort she focuses herself. 'Move thirty feet forward and you should be close enough to see the howler. Try to keep it busy for me.'
[22:46] <Kotono> Antenora advances through the fog! She breaks through, a holy ferver overtaking her as she looks about, coming close to the howler! Meanwhile, the man stays low, chanting! In sonorous words he stands still, a corcucating ray coming forth from him!
[22:46] <Kotono> Antenora advances through the fog! She breaks through, a holy ferver overtaking her as she looks about, coming close to the howler! Meanwhile, the man stays low, chanting! In sonorous words he stands still, a corcucating ray coming forth from him at Alicia!
[22:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 touch AC, Alicia?
06[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 touch AC, Alicia? and gets 14."12 [1d20=2]
[22:46] <Alicia> OOC: 13 thanks to despair
[22:46] <Kotono> roll 1d6
06[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 3."12 [1d6=3]
[22:47] <Kotono> roll 3*1.5
06[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3*1.5 and gets 4.5."12
[22:47] <Alicia> OOC: hay!
[22:47] <Alicia> OOC: spellfire
[22:47] <Alicia> OOC: I'll absorb it
[22:47] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[22:48] <Kotono> The ray fires forth! The sickly ray strikes Alicia, but smoothly flows into her body instead, doing no harm! OOC - Alicia.
[22:48] <Kotono> "What?" He asks, before looking coldly at Alicia. "You deny the power of the Black Lady?!"
[22:49] <Kotono> "Oh....Great Shar..." The woman nailed to the disc groans aloud, as her hopeless song continues to echo!
[22:50] <Alicia> Gripping Hell Striker tightly, Alicia feels holy rage fill her, chasing away the despair. "Idiot! Shar's power quails before the Mother of all Magic!" Alicia retorts as she rushes forward to attack. While she feels a strong urge to kill him, there's a cold fury inside that demands she bring these two back to Balmuria so that the entire United Baronies can see them pay for their immense crimes.
[22:51] <Alicia> Positioning herself so that he's trapped between her and the disc with nowhere to easily slip away, she cracks him in the side of the head with the flat of Hell Striker.
[22:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24 -10 pa -4 nonlethal, divine might
06[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 -10 pa -4 nonlethal, divine might and gets 38."12 [1d20=14]
[22:51] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:51] <Alicia> roll 1d8+40+2d6
06[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+40+2d6 and gets 50."12 [1d8=1][2d6=5, 4]
[22:52] <Kotono> SLAM! The overwhelming blow rocks the man hard, making him wobble! His head swells up almost instantly from the b low, the clang of it echoing underneath the song! Meanwhile, the howler seems content to pounce on Antenora!
[22:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
[22:53] <Kotono> However, Antenora fends it off with a few swipes of her spear, keeping it and it's sharp quills at bay! As the man stumbles from the blow, "Eylissa, smite this fool in the name of Shar!" he calls to her! To that, her song becomes faster paced, singing of the despair of a mother left alone and cold!
[22:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 touch AC?
06[22:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 touch AC? and gets 13."12 [1d20=5]
[22:54] <Alicia> OOC: 13. If it's a spell or spell-like I'll absorb it.
[22:54] <Kotono> OOC: It's an SU.
[22:54] <Alicia> OOC: then I'll suffer
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 6d6 sonic
06[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 6d6 sonic and gets 20."12 [6d6=4, 3, 1, 1, 6, 5]
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d4 wis damage
06[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 wis damage and gets 3."12 [1d4=3]
[22:55] <Kotono> A powerful voice bursts around Alicia! The very words of loss seem to strike at her back, bringing pain to her body! Meanwhile, Antenora turns her full fury on the howler that attacked her! "You okay, Alicia," she calls as she does!
[22:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (-8 PA +1 fly, +6 smite, +2 FS 7/8)
06[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 (-8 PA +1 fly, +6 smite, +2 FS 7/8) and gets 26."12 [1d20=6]
[22:56] <Kotono> roll 1d8+25+2d6+1d6
06[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+25+2d6+1d6 and gets 44."12 [1d8=6][2d6=6, 6][1d6=1]
[22:57] <Alicia> "Rrrrg... fine," Alicia replies as she shakes on her feet, mind reeling. "You think I'm impressed?" she demands of the pair. "That your loss is unique? That your pain justifies this? I'll see you both pay!"
[22:58] <Kotono> Spearing the beast, it shudders and collapses, fading away back to whence it came! Yet as this happens, "You have nothing! Your loss begins here! You have no hope, no future beyond the cold floor here that I will personally send you to!" With that, Magur sends a potent combination of overwhelming barehanded strikes at Alicia!
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 35."12 [1d20=14]
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 23."12 [1d20=2]
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 34."12 [1d20=13]
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 22."12 [1d20=6]
[22:58] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[22:59] <Alicia> OOC: 32
[22:59] <Alicia> OOC: 30, sorry, raging
[22:59] <Kotono> roll 8d6+18
06[22:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 8d6+18 and gets 39."12 [8d6=1, 4, 3, 2, 4, 4, 1, 2]
[23:01] <Kotono> The raining blows clang off Alicia's armor, leaving deep, painful bruises! But despite this Alicia has taken worse, only mildly injured by his impressive martial arts!
[23:01] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia.
03[23:02] * Kotono changes topic to 'Antenora>Man>Alicia>Woman'
[23:02] <Alicia> Since he seems quite competent in melee it'd probably be just as well to give him room and let him cast spells, Alicia decides. Tumbling backwards away from the pair, she then fires a beam of incandescent spellfire partially fueled by the Sharran's own spell, targetting the altar but quite naturally hitting both of the two people between her and it.
[23:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble
06[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 DC 15 tumble and gets 23."12 [1d20=11]
[23:02] <Alicia> roll 8d8 DC 22 spellfire
06[23:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 8d8 DC 22 spellfire and gets 35."12 [8d8=1, 1, 7, 8, 1, 7, 4, 6]
[23:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 man, the woman's pinned to the altara nd can'td odge.
06[23:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 man, the woman's pinned to the altara nd can'td odge. and gets 24."12 [1d20=13]
[23:04] <Kotono> Elyissa screams as the spellfire penetrates through her stomach! The altar glows a baleful white, before vaporizing in a pillar of purified light! Alicia feels a fierce joy fill her body even through the rage! The woman lies amid the rubble, bleeding, penetrated and broken! OOC - Antenora.
[23:04] <Kotono> Antenora approaches, flying above and sending one tenative strike, as Alicia feels her injuries mend! (FS 6/8, +10 HP Alicia.)
[23:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 (+2 charge, +1 fly, -6 PA)
06[23:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 (+2 charge, +1 fly, -6 PA) and gets 34."12 [1d20=18]
[23:05] <Kotono> roll 1d7 MI
06[23:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d7 MI and gets 1."12 [1d7=1]
[23:05] <Kotono> roll 2d8+46
06[23:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+46 and gets 52."12 [2d8=3, 3]
[23:06] <Kotono> With no restraint, Antenora impales the man! He lets out a rasping breath as he collapses, bleeding considerably and unconcious! After that...silence overtakes the place. A quiet silence, no sing nor any defiant words left! OOC - Free action.
06[23:07] * Alicia approaches both fallen Sharrans, checking to make sure neither is in any immediate danger of dying.
[23:07] <Kotono> The woman is dying. Her breath is slowing, her body broken, pinned and spellfired. The man is considerably wounded but not in any immediate danger.
[23:09] <Kotono> Antenora flies above the broken man, looking down at him. For a moment she raises her spear but then puts it down, descending to the ground. "I was almost hoping for more resistance.."
[23:10] <Alicia> "It would probably be kinder to let you die here," Alicia reflects, tone melancholy as she lifts up her blindfold to truly look upon the woman. "I doubt you'll see your husband and son in Shar's realm, but perhaps better to just fade away here and never have to live with what you've done."
[23:10] <Alicia> Crouching down beside her, she takes out her wand and waves it over Elyissa's broken form. "I'm not that kind, though."
[23:10] <Alicia> roll 1d8+1
06[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+1 and gets 6."12 [1d8=5]
[23:10] <Kotono> Alicia's breathing steadies someone. She's still greviously wounded...but she's alive.
[23:11] <Alicia> Has the fog lifted any?
[23:12] <Kotono> The fog behind you still lingers.
[23:12] <Kotono> "Do you think you'll do anything to get through to her...or do anything but execute her?" Antenora asks curiously. The room is moderately big, dominated by what was once a disc to Shar. The walls have the same black and purple disks as the hall, but otherwise it is unremarkable.
[23:16] <Alicia> Oh well. Alicia busies herself with removing any bindings still on the woman, ready to heal her again if removing the spikes does more potentially lethal damage. "I honestly don't know. We'll see once they wake up, but quite frankly execution is almost certainly going to be their fate unless something remarkable happens."

[Corwin]

[16:54] <Alicia> [21:10] <Alicia> "It would probably be kinder to let you die here," Alicia reflects, tone melancholy as she lifts up her blindfold to truly look upon the woman. "I doubt you'll see your husband and son in Shar's realm, but perhaps better to just fade away here and never have to live with what you've done."
[16:54] <Alicia> [21:10] <Alicia> Crouching down beside her, she takes out her wand and waves it over Elyissa's broken form. "I'm not that kind, though."
[16:54] <Alicia> [21:10] <Alicia> roll 1d8+1
[16:54] <Alicia> [21:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+1 and gets 6."12 [1d8=5]
[16:54] <Alicia> [21:11] <Kotono> Alicia's breathing steadies someone. She's still greviously wounded...but she's alive.
[16:54] <Alicia> [21:11] <Alicia> Has the fog lifted any?
[16:54] <Alicia> [21:12] <Kotono> The fog behind you still lingers.
[16:54] <Alicia> [21:12] <Kotono> "Do you think you'll do anything to get through to her...or do anything but execute her?" Antenora asks curiously. The room is moderately big, dominated by what was once a disc to Shar. The walls have the same black and purple disks as the hall, but otherwise it is unremarkable.
[16:54] <Alicia> [21:16] <Alicia> Oh well. Alicia busies herself with removing any bindings still on the woman, ready to heal her again if removing the spikes does more potentially lethal damage. "I honestly don't know. We'll see once they wake up, but quite frankly execution is almost certainly going to be their fate unless something remarkable happens."
03[16:55] * Kokokokokoko is now known as Kotono
03[16:55] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
[16:56] <Kotono> Antenora looks down at them amoment, before turning away. "Yes...still, let's finish this. Are we goign to search them or other locations here or do anything else now?"
03[16:57] * Seira is now known as Jeanne
06[16:58] * Alicia first checks if there are any notable items left over from the shattered altar and then examines both fallen Sharrans for any magic, whether on themselves or their belongings.
[17:01] <Kotono> The shattered altar has something amid it. It's a small golden ring, a bit dented but unsullied. In an inscription written on the inside, Alicia sees, 'Love you forever, Elyissa'. While Elyissa herself bears no magical items, the belt Magur wears is magical. Further, he has a single scroll tucked into his clothing that is also magic.
06[17:03] * Alicia spends a moment stamping on all the Magurs until she's removed his mirror images, then removes the belt and scroll. "These are magical. Hold onto them, will you?" she asks Antenora, also pocketing Elyissa's ring alongside her husband's. "Lets bring these two up to the surface first. We've still got a lot of village still to search."
[17:08] <Kotono> Antenora takes them. "Right." Thus, Antenora bows over and picks up Magur, grunting. "I'll bind them up good as well, just in case one of them heals fast or manages to wake up."
[17:09] <Alicia> "Hopefully we can find some manacles or chains if this village had a constable," Alicia pulls down her blindfold so she can see without light then stows her sword and picks up Elyissa. "Magur is probably strong enough to break a rope quite easily."
[17:10] <Kotono> "He hit that hard?" Antenora asks as she starts to head back towards the stairs. "It looked more like quantity than quality to me, but I was distracted."
[17:12] <Alicia> "He was hitting me with his *fists*," Alicia feels this point has to be emphasised. "Even leaving aside the fact he can cast at least third circle magic. There is no way in hell I'm buying that he's a simple farmer."
[17:14] <Kotono> "Mmmm. You think Shar's been up to something here then?" Antenora queries back.
[17:18] <Kotono> "Besides the obvious," Antenora appends after a few seconds.
[17:19] <Alicia> "I doubt that. I know the Gods can do much, but elevating an unskilled commoner to such a level that he can compete with me in both physical combat and magic? It makes the blessings we've received in preparation to fight Daa-vid seem paltry in comparison." Alicia shakes her head as they traverse the caves.
[17:19] <Alicia> "Perhaps Elyissa's powers were a temporary empowerment for this night, but Magur has to have earned his prowess the same way everyone else does. Which makes me wonder why no one's ever heard of him - he's one of the most powerful men in the United Baronies. People that strong invariably have reputations."
[17:21] <Kotono> Antenora bites her lip as she lugs up the stairs, hauling Magur over her shoulder. After a soft grunt getting over a few stairs, "Yes, that is true. Perhaps he's a sleeper agent from afar then who's integrated in? But..." Thinking, "It would have have been for some time and those seals were all broken recently, weren't they?"
[17:23] <Alicia> "It's also possible he's from another realm, like the servant of Kossuth sent to aid Mihail," Alicia admits as she carefully ascends up through the trapdoor without dropping her burden. "We can ask him when he wakes up, but hopefully that won't be for some time. There's more work ahead of us, first."
[17:23] <Kotono> Once outside, Antenora drops her load like a bundle of rotten potatoes. She kneels and begins to tie him up, even as Pollyanna begins to descent. IN the night sky, the silvery crescent moon shines amid a sea of stars.
06[17:25] * Alicia manages a wan smile as she sees Selune shining brightly in the sky. "It looks like this night of horror is over... but we still need to gather any more survivors, and then tend to the bodies," she comments while setting Elyissa down besides Magur so Antenora can tie up them both. "We've captured the two responsible - anything to report on your end, Pollyanna?"
[17:26] <Kotono> "That black disk vanished." Pollyanna's smile is relaxed, "I feel much better now. There hasn't been anything since it did. It's just a peaceful night now."
[17:28] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods grimly. "Things are probably safe enough now. First things first, we need to locate any more survivors, if there are any. I... have an idea where one might be. Wait here for a second," she asks, heading into the town hall and looking to where she left the larval creature next to the doorway inside.
[17:29] <Kotono> Lying next to the doorway is a baby. It's unclad, asleep quietly. His face is soft, innocent.
06[17:31] * Alicia shakes her head slowly. "So close, little one..." she murmurs, gently picking up and cradling the infant as she steps back outside. "Maggy," she asks the oldest survivor, wanting to give her something to focus on, "Can you look after this child for the moment? Pollyanna and I can search all the other buildings while Antenora guards everyone here."
[17:32] <Kotono> Maggy lingers in the shadow of a building, coming forward at her name. Her blank face shows a few signs of reconginition, coming over to the baby. "Little Alexander..." she murmurs, cradling him. "You're safe..."
[17:35] <Alicia> Although almost certainly orphaned... just like those three, Alicia glances at the other three children laid out by the fire. "Okay, lets split up - Pollyanna, you take the North, I'll take the South. Just do a quick room to room search of every building to find any survivors or... others. Bring any survivors back here."
[17:37] <Kotono> OOC - Taking 10/20 or rolling?
[17:38] <Alicia> OOC: just take 10. I'm looking for people, not hidden treasure.
02[17:38] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) Quit (Client exited)
03[17:39] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-54479783.wfd84b.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[17:39] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[17:42] <Kotono> Alicia has some luck! In an outlying building, she finds a man asleep in his own bed. A dog sleeps at the foot of it, the former snoring softly. The man still wears his day's clothes, dirtied. He didn't even seem to slip under the covers, having laid down and fallen right asleep.
06[17:43] * Alicia tries to wake him up with a gentle shake on the off chance that he's sleeping and not comatose.
[17:44] <Kotono> He stirs lightly, but mostly just snores louder.
[17:44] <Kotono> As Alicia does that, she hears a canine yawn. The dog at the foot of the bed gets up, casting an eye at Alicia. A soft growl escapes it's throat as it stares at her.
[17:45] <Alicia> "Nice doggy..." Alicia backs away uncomfortably from the animal, hoping it'll settle down if she doesn't make any sudden or obviously hostile movements.
[17:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
[17:47] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{21}
[17:48] <Kotono> The dog eyes Alicia...and it's growling slows and then stops. It trots up to her, sitting on it's haunches. The dog looks up at her, eyeing meeting her own as it starts to pant.
[17:49] <Alicia> "Good dog..." Alicia pats it hesitantly on the head once before she goes to pick up its owner. "Come on, lets go for a walk?" she tries to pitch her voice in that oddly high manner people do when talking to their pets.
[17:51] <Kotono> The dog pants a little more and starts to follow Alicia. As she goes to pick up the man, he mutters something. It's incoherent, but the stirring is enough to make him dimly open his eyes. "Claire...need more sleep..." he murmurs. "Trip was fine, go 'way."
[17:52] <Alicia> "I'm not Claire," Alicia replies as she gently sets the man onto his feet, though still bracing her shoulder under his for support until he wakes up fully.
[18:30] <Kotono> "Claire...?" The man repeats, before his eyes open into a state of semi vision. "...An armored angel...?" he asks groggily.
[18:32] <Alicia> "Flatterer," Alicia manages as much a smile as she can under the circumstances. "But I'm as human as you are. My name's Alicia - what's yours?" she asks, adopting a more informal approach until he's fully roused.
[18:33] <Kotono> He blinks again, going to rub his eyes and stand up on his own. "Darryl," he answers, and then, "Then..w.hat the hell are you doing in my house?"
[18:36] <Alicia> "My full name is Alicia Reynes. Perhaps you've heard of me?" Alicia asks now that he seems more coherent. "I came here to investigate reports of strange occurances at Erenholm... what's the last thing you remember before waking up?" she tries.
[18:37] <Kotono> "Holy fuck!" He says at that, straightening up. "The Crimson Guard?!" He gawks for amoment, "Um...you came all the way from Balmuria? Wow. I got home a little before sunset and went right ot bed. I'd been out the last several days on a trip."
[18:39] <Alicia> "Then it sounds like you missed what happened..." Alicia sighs softly. "Darryl, you might want to sit down. What I'm about to say won't be easy to hear."
[18:40] <Kotono> Darryl stands, "It can't be bad...can't it?" hea sks, looking at Alicia's face. "...what happened?"
[18:41] <Alicia> "Do you know Magur and Elyissa?" Alicia asks first as she builds slowly and inexorably to the terrible news.
[18:45] <Kotono> "Yeah, Elyissa...did she..." Darryl draws a finger across her throat. "She's been really down since her family died."
[18:47] <Alicia> "It's far worse than that I'm afraid," Alicia shakes her head. "Her and Magur, they... they butchered almost everyone in the village. We've found only a handful of survivors, including yourself." Left unsaid but far too obvious is that Claire is almost certainly among the dead.
[18:54] <Kotono> "What?" Darryl croaks out, staring. "...what? No...no. No way. Wait, Magur?"
[18:55] <Alicia> "He seemed to be the one mostly behind this, although Elyissa retains her share of culpability," Alicia nods grimly.
[18:57] <Kotono> "That...son of a bitch," Darryl's fists clench tightly, "Where is he?"
[19:01] <Alicia> "Unconscious and tied up in the town square where we've been gathering survivors." Alicia fixes Darryl with a firm look. "Don't get any ideas, Darryl - believe me, I was tempted to cut his head off myself when I brought him in, but that's not enough for his crimes. I'm taking him back to Balmuria so that everyone can see exactly what happens to murderous scum like him."
[19:04] <Kotono> Darryl takes a breath...and then goes to march out. "I'm going to go...see him," he says quietly, grimly.
[19:06] <Alicia> "I'll escort you there," Alicia tells him as she walks alongside. "Things look to be safe now, but I'm not taking any chances."
[19:12] <Kotono> The two head to the center of town. Pollyanna returns with nothing but a cat cradled in her arms. Her gaze is downward, a slight shake of her head as she meets Alicia again.
[19:13] <Alicia> "I've found Darryl here, but there's a few buildings I still haven't checked. I'll be back after I give them a look," Alicia tells the others before she goes to continue her search where she left off.
[19:17] <Kotono> The rest of the buildings are...empty. Quiet. Abandoned. No signs of life at all, regretably.
06[19:18] * Alicia returns to her crew and the tiny handful of survivors...
[19:21] <Kotono> So they are gathered under the moonlight. Darryl stands over the unaware Magur, with Antenora keeping a careful watch on him from a few feet away. Maggy blankly coddles and soothes the poor baby, and the saved children sleep still. Pollyanna comes over to Alicia, and with her eyes on the survivors, "Now what?"
[19:24] <Alicia> "This village is dead," Alicia states finally. "Two adults and four children... we're going to have to take everyone back to Balmuria. But before that, we should bury the bodies, and then we'll have to gather supplies for the journey - it'll take a lot longer on foot than it did to fly here."
[19:28] <Kotono> A silghtly long nod from Pollyanna, "Yes. Let's get some rest and try that by noon tomorrow or so?"
[19:34] <Alicia> "Alright, we'll use the inn. Get everyone set up inside - I saw some manacles in one of the buildings, so i'll go get them for our prisoners," Alicia nods, going to do just that. Antenora can guard the prisoners in the common room of the inn while everyone else sleeps in the bedrooms, then either Alicia or Pollyanna can guard them in the morning while the erinyes gets her two hours sleep.
[19:41] <Kotono> The beginning of the next day is a sunny one. In the full light of Lathander's glory the dead are laid to rest, prayers murmured and fresh earth poured over them bodies. Thereafter Alicia heads to the house now being used to hold the prisoners. They're very securely bound in manacles and rope, Pollyanna nods and leaves Alicia to them. Elyissa still looks to be out, but Magur is awake. His wounds are healing steadily enough.
[19:42] <Alicia> "He didn't give you any trouble, did he?" Alicia asks Pollyanna before she leaves upon seeing that Magur is awake. Quite a testament to his resilience considering the beating he took last night.
[19:51] <Kotono> "Not a bit. He hasn't said a thing," Pollyanna answers. "G'luck with him."
[19:53] <Alicia> "Anything to say for yourself, then?" Alicia asks as she pulls a chair out from one of the nearby tables and parks herself upon it facing the conscious prisoner.
[19:56] <Kotono> Magur turns his gaze away from Alicia, not uttering a sound.
[19:58] <Alicia> "Fine. I didn't particularly care to hear anything you had to say, anyway," Alicia spears him with a glare before she settles in to wait for either Pollyanna or Antenora to return from foraging so she can get one of them to look after Magur while she talks to Elyissa.
[20:06] <Kotono> An hour passes. During it, Magur says nothing to Alicia. He strains agains tthe manacles a few times, but otherwise...nothing. He seems to have no interest in talking to Alicia. Eventually..."We're ready," Pollyanna pokes back in, "The survivors are so dazed that they're barely arguing. Thankfully."
03[20:06] * Sierra_Mikain is now known as Sierra_OHGODTHELIGHTTHELIGHT
[20:08] <Alicia> The very first time Magur strains his manacles, Alicia very firmly tells him not to do it again.
[20:08] <Alicia> OOC: does he do it again?
[20:12] <Kotono> Magur just lies still in that case, keeping to himself.
[20:13] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods to Pollyanna. "Can you watch Magur for a few minutes while I see if Elyissa is more talkative?" she asks, going to pick up the still comatose woman.
[20:17] <Kotono> "Sure," Pollyanna settles in, bow kept ready.
06[20:17] * Alicia takes Elyissa into one of the adjacent rooms, closes the door behind her, then uses her wand of healing on the woman.
[20:17] <Alicia> roll 1d8+1
[20:17] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d8+1 --> 6,0[ 1d8=8 ]4,0{9}
[20:22] <Kotono> Her wounds mend further. Elyissa stirs a little at this but doesn't immediately waken.
[20:22] <Alicia> Frowning a bit, Alicia puts away the wand and then puts a hand on the woman's forehead, channeling healing spellfire into her.
[20:22] <Alicia> roll 4d4+4
[20:22] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 4d4+4 --> 6,0[ 4d4=12 ]4,0{16}
[20:34] <Kotono> That does the trick. Elyissa stirs and awakens, eyes hazy as shel ooks up at Alicia.
[20:35] <Alicia> "I only really have one question that matters," Alicia begins, looking at Elyissa with a mixture of disgust and pity. "Did Shar offer to bring them back to you?"
[20:38] <Kotono> After a moment her eyes narrow to Alicia, a look of quiet agony. "No..." Her agony manifests as a twisted, broken look. "Just to make everyone else like me."
[20:38] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[20:38] <Kotono> After a moment her eyes narrow to Alicia, a look of quiet agony. "No..." Her agony manifests as a twisted, broken look. "Just to make everyone else to suffer like me."
06[20:44] * Alicia pauses for a moment as she digests that. It would've been an uncharacteristic offer for Shar, certainly, but it would have brought some fleeting sense to this massacre. "These are yours. For whatever they might mean to you," she finally states, putting the doll and two rings down on the floor between them.
[20:48] <Kotono> "So?" With a wide eyed, dead look, "They're just memories now. I have nothing." Closing her eyes and looking away, "Don't pretend like you have anything, either. Even if you think you do...you'll lose it soon enough."
06[20:53] * Alicia slaps her right across her impudent face. "My husband and son were murdered nearly seven years ago," she hisses, leaning in close. "Not a day goes by when I don't feel their loss. Don't talk as if you have some deep understanding of suffering - you're just an ignorant tool for the likes of Magur and your dark mistress."
[20:57] <Kotono> With a ragged, dead look back at Alicia, "Then you know loss and you know that you can't keep anything. Why resist it?" Her face is red where Alicia smacked it, blazing crimson. "Go listen to Magur a little, he'll make you understand."
[20:59] <Alicia> "He hasn't been very talkative," Alicia replies contemptously. "And soon he won't ever talk ever again. Have anything to say in your own defence before I take you both back to Balmuria?"
[21:14] <Kotono> To that, Elyissa spits at Alicia. It misses, a futile gesture that does little.
[21:17] <Alicia> "Tch," Alicia scowls at the gesture, hauling Elyissa none too gently to her feet. "Come on, we're leaving."
[21:23] <Kotono> OOC - Do you wanna skip along now, if you're going to start travelling?
[21:24] <Alicia> OOC: Sure. While travelling we'll let the children ride the pegasi and keep the two mass murderers away from everyone else. Guard shifts will be taken at night between myself, Anty, and Polly to watch over the prisoners and watch for any random devil/wildlife attacks.
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d100 --> 6,0[ 1d100=34 ]4,0{34}
[21:26] <Kotono> The travel back is long,b u t it happens without incident. The two killers are kept very well bound and secured, the caravan reaching Balmuria. While the survivors are still coping...the group has nonetheless reached the western gate of the city. Over the morning cloudiness and warmth, Alicia can see the city buzzing...
06[21:31] * Alicia goes to present herself at the gate, the plan for now being to leave the children under the care of Mystra's church while taking the adults to the garrison so they can give any statements as required while she provides her report and the prisoners are secured.
[21:36] <Kotono> Thus everyone is busy. Alicia's lot is to go report to Commander Oberuth, who breaks away from training with Abagail and the new members of the guard to come talk to her. Once inside, "I was starting to wonder," he asks off the cuff, "What caused the massive delay on return? More extensive problems than anticipated?"
06[21:39] * Alicia of course makes sure Antenora is guarding the two prisoners - especially Magur - while she's talking to Obureth. "We were too late," she admits bluntly. "Of the entire village, there are only six survivors," she indicates Maggy and Darryl, "These two and four children that I've made wards of the church for now. Not counting the two responsible..."
[21:44] <Kotono> "...ugh." Shaking his head at that, "What the hell happened then? WAs it the devils again?"
[21:46] <Alicia> "Sharran cultists," Alicia replies. "They murdered most of the townsfolk as part of some horrific ritual, and turned the survivors into monsters - we didn't even realise until after we'd killed several defending ourselves and they turned back into humans." Alicia's expression turns sick, "There were children used like that..."
[21:47] <Kotono> "....." Oberuth quietly rubs his temple at that, "Bastards. We'll take care of the children and survivors, yes, but...what about the roots behind this?"
[21:50] <Alicia> "There are two prisoners, Magur and Elyissa. Elyissa is somewhat inconsequential, though guilty all the same - she suffered a personal tragedy and turned to Shar out of despair."
[21:50] <Alicia> "Magur is vastly more dangerous - he was able to fight toe to toe against me in melee while unarmed, and is a respectably powerful spellcaster, perhaps even on par with myself. I'm going to have to insist that he be guarded by at least one of our strongest warriors right up until his execution."
[21:52] <Kotono> "If it's that big a concern, I'll see to it that the trial's damned quick," Obruth agrees very quietly. "Is there anything useful to be gotten from them? Interrogation?
[21:52] <Kotono> "
06[21:55] * Alicia shakes her head. "Neither's been very talkative. From all I can tell it was an insane ritual of devotion to their monstrous goddess. It might be worth getting information from Magur about any other Sharrans he knows of - people as skilled and powerful as him don't just appear out of nowhere."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Mmm." Oberuth considers a few moments, quiet. He shakes his head then, "I'll give them a go at it myself. I've done interrogations before in the war. Alicia, see to it that the survivors are treated right. If they need lodging, charge it to the city."
[22:01] <Alicia> "Magur had a magical belt of some sort. I'm going to get it identified and sell it to Elle, then split the money between the survivors - in trust for the children. It's the fairest way," Alicia explains sadly. "Erenholm is dead as a community, but this should let them rebuild their lives elsewhere."
[22:03] <Kotono> "That'll do well enough. Is there anything else?" Oberuth asks.
[22:04] <Alicia> "At the moment, no," Alicia shakes her head. "I'll come back after I've spoken with Elle, hopefully by then you'll have finished with Magur."
[22:10] <Kotono> "Excuse me then," Oberuth smiles ever so thinly, departing away from Alicia. OOC - Loot topic coming.
[22:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[22:22] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+13 --> 6,0[ 1d20=1 ]4,0{14}
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:26] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+8 --> 6,0[ 1d20=12 ]4,0{20}
[22:31] <Alicia> The next morning, after having heard about the uncoopoerative Sharran prisoner from Alicia, Marie sneaks out of the house before dawn and flies over to the garrison, sneaking inside the dungeon with all the skill and stealth of a fairy ninja as she searches for the Sharran monk's cell.
[22:32] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 34 on hide
[22:32] <Kotono> This goes well enough. A sleepy looking Pollyanna is staying right in front of his cell, keeping a good watch on the bound, gagged and held prisoner.
[22:34] <Alicia> Pollyanna should be receptive to what she has planned, Marie hopes. "Psst, Pollyanna," the eladrin whispers from the shadows out of direct line of sight of Magur's cell.
[22:36] <Kotono> "Hm?" Pollyanna smothers a yawn and glances. "Marie? What is it? Don't tell me you're my relief?"
[22:38] <Alicia> That... actually could work out quite well. "Yeah, sure, I can do that," Marie nods her little head up and down as Pollyanna's question causes her to impulsively shift her plan on the fly.
02[22:40] * NeremWorld (~Ari@pool-96-226-75-200.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[22:49] <Kotono> OOC - Bluff check?
[22:50] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[22:50] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+7 --> 6,0[ 1d20=20 ]4,0{27}
[22:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 moot
[22:51] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+1 1,0moot --> 6,0[ 1d20=15 ]4,0{16}
[22:53] <Kotono> "Really? Good," Smiling and starting to walk away, "Just knock 'em back out if he tries to escape."
[22:55] <Alicia> "What do I do when it's breakfast time?" Marie asks, pleased that Pollyanna is so trusting. It's not a bad thing, since she'll certainly watch over the creep just as well as anyone else here could. "Letting him loose seems bad, so do I have to hand feed him?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "That's what I did, not that he wanted to eat much," Walking away now, "Good luck! Oh yes, watch out, he bites."
[22:58] <Alicia> "Eww..." Marie winces, comparing her tiny little hands with the size of a normal human's mouth. "Should've gotten Alicia to turn me into something big... when will breakfast get here, anyway?"
[23:09] <Kotono> "Should be any time," Pollyanna calls back, before turning the corner and going out of sight.
[23:10] <Alicia> Marie settles in to wait, keeping an eye on the prisoner from the same place Pollyanna was standing.
[23:11] <Kotono> IT takes a mere five minutes. A guard comes by with a small tray of food and water, looking at Marie oddly. "....You know..." he says as he holds the tray, "What do you want me to do with this, um..."
[23:13] <Alicia> "You don't have to call me sir, silly!" Marie giggles as she chooses to interpret his hesitation in the most flattering manner. "Anyway, just put it down on that table. I'll take it to the prisoner."
[23:14] <Kotono> The soldier does that, scratching his head. He doesn't press the matter, just wandering off bemused.
[23:16] <Alicia> Marie alights on the table, hopefully out of sight of the prisoner on the floor of his cell by virtue of height and distance, and quickly takes out the pouch of refined indigo mushroom powder and dumping its contents in the water, giving the mug a quick jostle to help it dissolve.
[23:17] <Kotono> The powder sinks into the water! It's thick but dissolves in, a strong, musky, mushroom scent briefly smelled. But then it passes, the water so prepared.
[23:18] <Alicia> Carefully picking up the tray, Marie turns incorporeal which makes it vanish, then flies through the cell door and reverts to corporeal form as she sets it on the floor. "Wakey wakey," she carols. "It's breakfast time!"
[23:21] <Kotono> On entering, you see Magur blankly, coldly stare at Marie. He doesn't say a word, however.
[23:22] <Alicia> Of course, he's gagged! Marie flies up to remedy that, untying the gag and setting it aside before she goes to pick up some of whatever the meal is in a spoon then fly up again level with his head, checking to see if he seems cooperative before she actually approaches.
[23:25] <Kotono> Magur stares nastily at the fairy, before smiling and chomping his teeth at her.
[23:28] <Alicia> Marie smiles back, sets the spoon back on the plate, then flies up a bit into the air above him. Drawing her bow, she smoothly nocks an arrow and fires it straight down between his feet, causing a miniature thunderclap to reverbate through the cell while a sharp tang of ozone fills their noses from the crackling projectile. Waiting a second for that to sink in, she floats back down to eye level. "Have I made my point?" she asks sweetly.
[23:31] <Kotono> OOC- Make an intimidation check, scary pixie?
[23:32] <Kotono> OOC - Er, Eladrin. I'm feeling fey today or something.
[23:32] <Kotono> OOC - Anyway, I'll give you a +3 for that little stunt. Owwie.
[23:33] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -8 penalty for being tiny and not very scary looking
[23:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0-8 penalty for being tiny and not very scary looking --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{24}
[23:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[23:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{16}
[23:38] <Kotono> After a long pause, Magur opens his mouth and glares at Marie.
[23:39] <Alicia> "Good, lets all get through this as painlessly as possible," Marie beams her approval, picking up the arrow and tossing it out through the cell bars before she gathers up a spoonful of food and commences feeding Magur.

[Corwin]

[20:13] <Alicia> [21:25] <Kotono> Magur stares nastily at the fairy, before smiling and chomping his teeth at her.
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:28] <Alicia> Marie smiles back, sets the spoon back on the plate, then flies up a bit into the air above him. Drawing her bow, she smoothly nocks an arrow and fires it straight down between his feet, causing a miniature thunderclap to reverbate through the cell while a sharp tang of ozone fills their noses from the crackling projectile. Waiting a second for that to sink in, she floats back down to eye level. "Have I made my point?" she
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:32] <Kotono> OOC- Make an intimidation check, scary pixie?
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:32] <Kotono> OOC - Er, Eladrin. I'm feeling fey today or something.
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:32] <Kotono> OOC - Anyway, I'll give you a +3 for that little stunt. Owwie.
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:33] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 -8 penalty for being tiny and not very scary looking
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0-8 penalty for being tiny and not very scary looking --> 6,0[ 1d20=18 ]4,0{24}
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:33] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+14 --> 6,0[ 1d20=2 ]4,0{16}
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:38] <Kotono> After a long pause, Magur opens his mouth and glares at Marie.
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:39] <Alicia> "Good, lets all get through this as painlessly as possible," Marie beams her approval, picking up the arrow and tossing it out through the cell bars before she gathers up a spoonful of food and commences feeding Magur.
03[20:13] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-544485aa.lns5-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:13] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[20:14] <Kotono> OOC: Are you feeding the food first or the mushroomed water?
[20:15] <Alicia> OOC: food first, he can wash it down with water afterwards.
[20:15] <Kotono> Magur eats the food in bath graces, but he does eat it. All that's left is the water now..
[20:18] <Alicia> Marie has to remember that little trick with the arrow for the next time Antenora makes some 'amusing' threatening comments to her, it seems to work wonders. Floating down to pick up the mug, she flies back up towards the monk's head. "Want this in little sips or big gulps?" she asks, offering him the choice since he can't drink himself.
[20:19] <Kotono> Magur doesn't say a word, just staring daggers at Marie.
[20:19] <Alicia> "Fine, I'll stop when you start to choke," Marie shrugs apathetically, floating closer and tipping the mug against his lips.
[20:20] <Kotono> Thus the water flows down Magur's throat...!
[20:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20-4
[20:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20-4 --> 6,0[ 1d20=14 ]4,0{10}
[20:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 con
[20:20] <Rei-chan> 6,0Kotono rolled :6,0 1d20+3 1,0con --> 6,0[ 1d20=17 ]4,0{20}
[20:21] <Kotono> "mguh..." The water is drank! Magur's eyes half shut after, his gaze becoming glassy. He's awake, however.
[20:22] <Alicia> Marie smiles as she sets the mug down on the tray. "Now, you want to honestly answer all my questions, don't you?" she asks smugly as she flies back up.
[20:22] <Kotono> "Uh..huh..." Magur smiles a little, nodding and drooling a bit.
[20:24] <Alicia> "Good boy," Marie nods triumphantly. "Who trained you to fight and use magic like you do, Magur?" she starts, deciding to first of all get details of as many other Sharrans as she can.
[20:25] <Kotono> "...The Prince...prince...Prince Albert Kesse..." his words are staggered, slow, drawled out.
[20:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 knowledge nobility, who the hell is he
[20:25] <Rei-chan> 6,0Alicia rolled :6,0 1d20+6 1,0knowledge nobility, who the hell is he --> 6,0[ 1d20=10 ]4,0{16}
[20:29] <Alicia> "You mean the Prince *of* Kesse?" Marie asks. "That's pretty far away... were you in Kesse when he trained you?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "Prince came to me..." Smiling and licking his lips, "Shar...hahahahahahahahahahahahaaaa." This seems to amuse him, empty laughter coming. "She wanted a perfect, empty soul here...She told me that secret herself...Slipped away into the night too..."
[20:31] <Alicia> "And how long ago was this?" Marie asks curiously.
[20:34] <Kotono> "Year...less? More? Who cares?" Giggling oddly at that, "Tiiimme...everything's strange now..."
[20:35] <Alicia> "Focus - answer my questions honestly to the best of your knowledge, please," Marie tells him firmly. "How long ago did you first meet Prince Albert, and how long did he spend training you?"
[20:37] <Kotono> "Year," He repeats at last, slowly. "Year."
[20:38] <Alicia> "He spent a whole year training you? In Erenholm?" Marie clarifies, wondering how a prince could get away from his royal duties for so long. Especially adding in travel time... unless he could teleport. But a year ago would have been before any of the seals were opened when such magic was all but unheard of...

[Corwin]

[21:00] <Alicia> [18:29] <Alicia> "You mean the Prince *of* Kesse?" Marie asks. "That's pretty far away... were you in Kesse when he trained you?"
[21:00] <Alicia> [18:31] <Kotono> "Prince came to me..." Smiling and licking his lips, "Shar...hahahahahahahahahahahahaaaa." This seems to amuse him, empty laughter coming. "She wanted a perfect, empty soul here...She told me that secret herself...Slipped away into the night too..."
[21:00] <Alicia> [18:32] <Alicia> "And how long ago was this?" Marie asks curiously.
[21:00] <Alicia> [18:34] <Kotono> "Year...less? More? Who cares?" Giggling oddly at that, "Tiiimme...everything's strange now..."
[21:00] <Alicia> [18:35] <Alicia> "Focus - answer my questions honestly to the best of your knowledge, please," Marie tells him firmly. "How long ago did you first meet Prince Albert, and how long did he spend training you?"
[21:00] <Alicia> [18:37] <Kotono> "Year," He repeats at last, slowly. "Year."
[21:01] <Alicia> [18:39] <Alicia> "He spent a whole year training you? In Erenholm?" Marie clarifies, wondering how a prince could get away from his royal duties for so long. Especially adding in travel time... unless he could teleport. But a year ago would have been before any of the seals were opened when such magic was all but unheard of...
03[21:01] * Alicia sets mode: +v Combat_Maid_Bot
[21:02] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Came like the shadows..." Smiling easily to that, and then laughing as he drools, "Secret walker..."
[21:03] <Alicia> "Where did he train you?" Marie presses, assuming the prince was probably using some conveyance through the plane of shadow. It fits, anyway.
[21:06] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Here and there...home and away...shadows." Licking his lips now, "Shadows."
[21:07] <Alicia> "Okay," Marie nods. "Since Shar came to you, did you meet any of her other servants besides Prince Albert?"
[21:11] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Oh, Elyissa...so pretty. She was so gorgeous when she cried..." With a momentary, wistful smile, "Shar must think she's a good servant now. She gave everything to her. She wanted to go see Kesse herself, you see, because Prince Albert is there." He starts to frown then, "A foolish hope, but...she was so pretty when she cried. I let her keep that hope, so that she could lose it over and over again."
[21:12] <Alicia> Marie frowns, intending to come back to the subject of Elyissa later on. "Were there any others beside her and Albert?"
[21:15] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Oh yes...they bled out and worshipped Shar," Leering at Marie with bloodshot eyes, "They had nothing left but to beg. Oh, they worshipped her..." He laughs then, "I wish I knew...more of us would have been nice. But you don't reveal the secrets even to other members of the clergy..." Smiling faintly there and faraway, "It's a shame. I bet Prince Albert has a lovely cult of his own. If you were there...he's take you and peel your wi
[21:15] <Kokokokokokokoko> If you were there...he's take you and peel your wings off for Shar, so that you could never fly again. Wouldn't that be amazing?"
[21:20] <Alicia> "Yes, I'm sure I'd be crippled by the loss and turn into a depraved murderous lunatic. Having to walk places has that effect on me," Marie deadpans, starting to feel annoyed at having wasted her insanity mushroom powder. Well, knowing about Prince Albert will have to satisfy Alicia. "How strong is Prince Albert, anyway? Stronger than you?"
[21:22] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Very strong...very strong. He is the master." Smiling as he cocks his head to the side, "He was even stronger than The Walker, I think. Isn't that lovely? The worst they have...it didn't compare to Shar. Heheheheheheheheheheh."
[21:23] <Alicia> "The Walker? What's that?" Marie asks, wondering if he means a Nightwalker like that shadow creature they found in the Nalfeshnee's ossuary.
[21:25] <Kokokokokokokoko> "The Walker. The cloaked man who isn't a man. He visited not long ago...heheheheheh." Smiling grotesquely now, "He's not from this world. He comes from a dark place...very dark. He is doing a favor for a Devil Lord...a Duke of Hell...for Shar. They shared a competing interest, you see.  Both of them..." He licks his lips, "Want to make her lose everything."
[21:26] <Alicia> "Who is 'her'?" Marie asks, though she has a sad suspicion who he means. Alicia's certainly lucky she has people like Marie in her corner, considering the enemies she accumulates with frightening regularity.
[21:30] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Her...the bitch that put me here..." With a sweetly tired smile, "Agares...It's so beautiful." Starting to smile, "He himself is losing everything from his words. Yet he still wants to take his revenge and take everything from her... Isn't it a beautiful secret that The Walker showed me?" He turns pensive at that, however, "But...I never learned his secret." With a slight scowl there, "Surely Shar would have liked to have learned T
[21:30] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Surely Shar would have liked to have learned The Walker's secret...but I never even saw his face. He was always hooded, protected, distant."
[21:31] <Alicia> Hmm, this opens up quite a few follow up questions. But first to go back to something said just previously, "But Prince Albert defeated the Walker?"
[21:32] <Kokokokokokokoko> "He could...the Walker didn't seem that strong..." Licking his lips, "He was more interested in pithy words...and that damned spicy bread. Fool." With a snort there, "Shar's servants are superior."
[21:35] <Alicia> Spicy bread? Sounds like that devil Alicia and Antenora were tracking a while ago... "So Agares and Shar both want to make Alicia lose everything - but you said they're competing, does this mean they're enemies? Or would they work together?" It would be nice if Shar played by the same rules Mystra is, and sent a servant on Marie's power level to carry out this plan.
[21:35] <Alicia> Still, if she can shoot down a titanic bone-forged abyssal siege engine, she can surely deal with anything the Nightsister has to offer.
[21:36] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Hahahahahaha...my belt. It was the favor." Mournfully looking down, "I suppose it's only fitting that I lost it then....bah." Growling low in his throat, "I'll get my revenge on her for that."
[21:39] <Alicia> "No, you really won't," Marie shakes her head sollemnly, knowing the fate this man has in store. "So, you were there when the Walker and Albert were discussing Alicia, is that right? Did either of them ever say what they planned to do to her?"
02[21:40] * Kokokokokokokoko (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
02[21:40] * Combat_Maid_Bot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
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03[22:06] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Anastasia Anastasia
[22:07] <Alicia> [19:35] <Alicia> Still, if she can shoot down a titanic bone-forged abyssal siege engine, she can surely deal with anything the Nightsister has to offer.
[22:07] <Alicia> [19:37] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Hahahahahaha...my belt. It was the favor." Mournfully looking down, "I suppose it's only fitting that I lost it then....bah." Growling low in his throat, "I'll get my revenge on her for that."
[22:07] <Alicia> [19:39] <Alicia> "No, you really won't," Marie shakes her head sollemnly, knowing the fate this man has in store. "So, you were there when the Walker and Albert were discussing Alicia, is that right? Did either of them ever say what they planned to do to her?"
[22:09] <Anastasia> "Agares...He wants revenge so bad, to break her soul on the flaming peaks of Avernus..." Letting a laugh rock through his body, making his eyes water heavily, "It's so deliciously personal."
[22:11] <Alicia> "How does he plan to get revenge, though? Is the Walker helping him?" Marie presses, wanting specifics.
[22:13] <Anastasia> "
[22:14] <Anastasia> "The Walker...yeah, he seems to be," After a moment there, "Trying to make sure she dies. A thousand infections, boiling just below the surface. One will get her, sooner or later..."
[22:17] <Alicia> That's the problem with devils, Marie thinks. No imagination. Hey, lets just have lots of guys running around being evil while Alicia kills them all one by one - maybe one will get lucky and kill her instead! Ugh. Even a modron could do better than that. "Yes, well," she sighs in irritation, "Did they mention any specifics about these infections?"
[22:21] <Anastasia> "The Walker...said he's going west..." LIcking his lips at that, "Said something big might be happening there..."
[22:23] <Alicia> "West of the Baronies or West of Kesse?" Marie clarifies, since he did say earlier that he was 'here and there'.
[22:24] <Anastasia> "West-west from Erenholm..." Smiling at that, "I think."
[22:26] <Alicia> Could be the Fiefdoms - Antenora did say that the devil they were tracking made reference to something there, so thinks Marie. "Okay, that's enough about the walker. What about Shar's plans for Alicia? Is Prince Albert involved with them?"
[22:27] <Anastasia> "Oh yes...he was the messenger to help with it. This lovely home she's building around herself while clinging to Mystra...pfh." With a wet, flabbering sound and his tongue lolling out, "Horrible. It must be lost. It must be destroyed. Too much influence."
[22:29] <Alicia> "And how was he planning on doing that?" Marie asks. It would certainly be nice if Albert came here, since Alicia would have to spend a fortune on teleport scrolls if she were to go to Kesse to give the man the royal butt-kicking he clearly deserves.
[22:31] <Anastasia> "Lure her in...the sacrifices can't be ignored forever. Lure in the guard...and crush them." With a growing, tired frown, "She's stronger than I thought."
[22:33] <Alicia> Marie's jaw drops in horror at that part. "You mean... all those sacrifices, everything you did in Erenholm... it was done specifically to lure Alicia to you?" she clarifies, shocked.
[22:37] <Anastasia> "...wasn't is so beautiful, too? Shar smiled at the display, I'm sure." Looking up at Marie with a curious, malicious smirk, "Like a moth to the flame. Elyissa...she was so beautiful, too. It was going to be a beautiful death for her...a gorgeous loss." Suddenly Magur's smile becomes entirely hateful, boring into Marie. "All of those villagers gave their lives to a worthy cause. They lost ev erything to advance The Lady of Loss. What more
[22:37] <Anastasia> They lost ev erything to advance The Lady of Loss. What more could they wish for?"
[22:39] <Alicia> Marie just shakes her head at the vast gulf in comprehension between the two of them. There's no reasoning with this sort of insanity. "Nevermind that. Did Albert say anything about having other agents to perform sacrifices near Balmuria or were you the only one?"
02[22:46] * Anastasia (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[23:28] * Anastasia (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
03[23:28] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Anastasia Anastasia
[23:31] <Alicia> [20:37] <Anastasia> "...wasn't is so beautiful, too? Shar smiled at the display, I'm sure." Looking up at Marie with a curious, malicious smirk, "Like a moth to the flame. Elyissa...she was so beautiful, too. It was going to be a beautiful death for her...a gorgeous loss." Suddenly Magur's smile becomes entirely hateful, boring into Marie. "All of those villagers gave their lives to a worthy cause. They lost ev erything to advance The Lady of
[23:31] <Alicia> [20:37] <Anastasia> They lost ev erything to advance The Lady of Loss. What more could they wish for?"
[23:31] <Alicia> [20:39] <Alicia> Marie just shakes her head at the vast gulf in comprehension between the two of them. There's no reasoning with this sort of insanity. "Nevermind that. Did Albert say anything about having other agents to perform sacrifices near Balmuria or were you the only one?"
[23:31] <Anastasia> "Nothing 'bout that." He answers after a moment.
[23:32] <Alicia> "Mmmm..." Marie thinks for a moment, but considers it worth a shot. "You mentioned servants of Shar earlier. Do you know about any servants of allies of her that appear as short human-looking women with large black-feathered wings?"
[23:33] <Anastasia> "Sounds like an angel," Snorting at that, "Hahahahaha. Missing a friend, ar eyou?"
[23:35] <Alicia> Marie doesn't dignify that with a response. "I think we're done," she takes a half step away before pausing, "Oh, yes. One last thing. Did you have anything to do with the deaths of Elyissa's husband and son?"
[23:36] <Anastasia> "Haaaaah. That would've been amusing, wouldn't it? I wish I did. Far as I know, it was just bad luck...or just a little bit of loss."
[23:37] <Alicia> "It wouldn't have surprised me, I've heard of your kind doing things like that before," Marie admits as she replaces the gag and then picks up the food tray, turning incorporeal to exit the cell and then stand guard until whomever was actually supposed to relieve Pollyanna shows up.
[23:38] <Anastasia> On exiting out, Marie finds Commander Oberuth leaning against the opposite wall as the cell. His arms are crossed, gaze on Marie once she exits out.
[23:39] <Alicia> "Oh..." Marie blushes guiltily. "Good morning Commander... how are you, today?" she asks, trying to act casual.
[23:40] <Anastasia> "I'm fine. I slept well and I'm up with the dawn. Not that this is unusual. It is unusual to run into someone who said a little eladrin is taking over guard duty," Looking Marie in the face, "So what game are you up to?"
[23:42] <Alicia> Marie glances back towards the cell. "I thought I could ask him a few questions since I heard he wasn't very talkative to anyone else. He's been very informative to me, though," she turns back to Obureth with a guileless smile. "The effect lasts an hour, so I'm told, so if you have any questions of your own, now would be a great time."
[23:44] <Anastasia> "Uh huh." With a long look at Marie, "Not that I personally object, as I'm going to do my damnest to make him ride rope soon, but I see that Alicia's not here with you."
[23:44] <Anastasia> "However, what I do object to is to you completely trouncing our order and going off on some plan without likely telling anyone."
[23:48] <Alicia> "Um... sorry?" Marie hazards. "It's just, well, I don't think Alicia would approve. She has an oath against using poison. Something about it being dishonourable and indiscriminate - it's all very admirable, but this stuff hardly counts as real poison even if it does come from mushrooms. I didn't hurt him or anything!" she then blurts out all at once.

[Corwin]

[20:21] <Alicia> [21:42] <Alicia> Marie glances back towards the cell. "I thought I could ask him a few questions since I heard he wasn't very talkative to anyone else. He's been very informative to me, though," she turns back to Obureth with a guileless smile. "The effect lasts an hour, so I'm told, so if you have any questions of your own, now would be a great time."
[20:21] <Alicia> [21:44] <Anastasia> "Uh huh." With a long look at Marie, "Not that I personally object, as I'm going to do my damnest to make him ride rope soon, but I see that Alicia's not here with you."
[20:21] <Alicia> [21:44] <Anastasia> "However, what I do object to is to you completely trouncing our order and going off on some plan without likely telling anyone."
[20:21] <Alicia> [21:48] <Alicia> "Um... sorry?" Marie hazards. "It's just, well, I don't think Alicia would approve. She has an oath against using poison. Something about it being dishonourable and indiscriminate - it's all very admirable, but this stuff hardly counts as real poison even if it does come from mushrooms. I didn't hurt him or anything!" she then blurts out all at once.
03[20:21] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@70.114.129.129) has joined #dunes
03[20:21] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:24] <Kotono> "Poison?" Keeping a steely gaze on Marie as she speaks, "Let's see now. Do you think that Alicia would approve of what you did? Obviously not, if you're hiding it from her."
[20:28] <Alicia> "It's not real poison just because it comes from mushrooms and shows up as poison when she casts a spell to detect it - if I'd been able to do this with magic no one would even blink," Marie counters. "I'm doing this for Alicia's own good. Much as I like her, she's got a horrible habit of utterly dismissing people she thinks are beneath her - it bit her in the rear with Christopher, and it would've bitten her here as well."
[20:28] <Alicia> "If she'd actually taken the time to interrogate him herself, which I bet she could've done without having to resort to insanity mushroom powder, I wouldn't have had to do anything."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Interesting. You're doing it for Alicia's own good? I had the impression she was the master. But..." Oberuth's voice levens, becoming less accusing. "That's ultimately between you and her. Why didn't you inform me or a commanding officer before your attempt?"
[20:36] <Alicia> "Um..." Marie blinks as she ponders that question, several seconds of silence stretching out, before... "It just never occured to me?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "Then listen. I give the Guard a certain degree of latitude because they've proven themselves very well. You, however? You're an incarnatino of wild chaos. Even if you're good hearted, you're still as wild as a demon. I want at least a semblence of order around here, so the next time you think of anything like this, come to me before you go and attempt anything. Clear?"
[20:42] <Alicia> In the interests of expediency, Marie decides to just act suitably chastened instead of arguing. "Alright. Next time I plan on doing something like this I'll run it by you if it's possible."
[20:42] <Kotono> "Good. As long as you abide by the spirit of what I said," He raises an eyebrow at Marie, "We won't have problems. Get outta here."
[20:45] <Alicia> "Okay! Remember what I said, though - if there's anything you want to ask the guy, now's the perfect time," Marie nods as she takes to the air and then zooms away up the stairs to head home.
[20:52] <Kotono> ---
[20:55] <Kotono> Meeting with Rods and J is simple enough. Alicia finds them at a bar in the evening, a table to themselves as they chatter away. Alicia, as the members of the Guard tend to, gets a lot of looks as she approacehs them. After sitting down and the slight noise quieting, "So what's the matter," Rods backs, leaning back heavily in his seat, as J watches Alicia neutrally.
[20:58] <Alicia> "Nice to see you both, too," Alicia smiles in faint amusement at the welcome or lack thereof. Regarding J first of all, "I see you're back from your journey South, J, but I don't see Serge. Is he okay?"
[21:00] <Kotono> J's face clouds, "Yeah, he's fine. He's just taking a few days to rest up. It's a long story," Going to her small shot glass and draining it, "So yeah, he's fine."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Nice to see you. Don't mind J, she's just...you know. Crabby. Disagreeable. Bitchy." Shrugging his big shoulders absently, "So is it a social call and wae're lucky, or...?"
[21:02] <Kotono> J takes her empty shot glass and makes to throw it at Rods head, though all that's really tossed is a nasty look.
[21:03] <Alicia> "I can't imagine why," Alicia deadpans at Rods' description. "Anyway, I admit I do have an ulterior motive, but I wouldn't mind just swapping a few tales while we're here. First of all, though," she settles in her seat, leaning on the table towards the pair, "Have either of you heard the news about Erenholm?"
[21:04] <Kotono> "I did," Rods speaks up, grinning back at J, who settles to giving him a gesture that means all sorts of unpleasant things. "Something about a massacre, wasn't it? Bad business...and you got to clean it up, I guess?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "I haven't," J settles down at that, waving a wench over and demanding another drink. Once that's done, "I'm still out of the local loop again."
[21:07] <Alicia> "I'll summarise for you," Alicia offers to J, "Erenholm's a small village a few days to the interior of the Baronies. A pair of lunatic worshippers of Shar slaughtered almost the entire town as part of some sick ritual - the two have been imprisoned and should be tried shortly, thankfully. Thing is, one of the cultists mentioned the name of another Shar worshipper during his interrogation - the one who trained him."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Shar?" J raises an eyebrow, "Isn't that the whore that's all about loss, or am I getting mixed up with Malar?"
[21:08] <Kotono> "If you want us to go and kill someone like that, sure, as long as the price is right," Starting to grin bigger at that, "This axe could use some more breaking in."
[21:11] <Alicia> "Malar's a nature deity, more like an evil counterpart of Silvanus or Meilikki," Alicia provides. "Shar's the sister of Selune and the darkness to her light. Anyway, I thought of you two because of where you said you were from - apparently, the one who taught our prisoner everything about being a murderous scumbag was Prince Albert of Kesse."
[21:12] <Kotono> PFFBTTT! Rods breaks into a bit of coughing at that, needing to pound his chest! J's eyes narrow levelly at that, "That's one helluva interesting thing to say. So you came to us because we're from the area?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "Okay, lemme retractw hat I just said," Rods manages, taking a few deep breaths in after his coughing. "You're saying that Prince Albert worships Shar and is some sort of teacher to crazed mass murderers? We're on the same page here, right?"
[21:14] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 belated knowledge nobility, what does Alicia know about Albert that Marie doesn't?
06[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 belated knowledge nobility, what does Alicia know about Albert that Marie doesn't? and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[21:16] <Alicia> "I don't know the first thing about Prince Albert - even if Kelara is nearer to Kesse than here, there's still a huge jungle in the way," Alicia admits. "All I have is the name - there's no way the prisoner was lying about this. Prince Albert trained him how to use magic and fight bare-handed, and is a fellow worshipper of Shar. This is all I know."
[21:18] <Kotono> "Son of a bitch." Rubbing his forehead, "Well shit. Shit on a stick. Hell, guess it's time for a quick Kesse royalty lesson then, J?" Rods looks to her.
[21:23] <Kotono> J waits a moment, her new drink coming. She guns it down in one gulp, putting the shot glass aside. "Yeah, I'll give you the quick and dirty. King Denegran runs Kesse in theory...but he's old, really old. Remember that warlord we had to go smack down that ended up with us getting teleported way too fucking far? The King's not doing so well and his grip on power's shaky. Stuff like that's the natural reaction, nature abhors a vaccum and so on.
[21:23] <Kotono> Stuff like that's the natural reaction, nature abhors a vaccum and so on."
06[21:24] * Alicia nods, taking a sip of her own drink and quietly listening to the explanation.
[21:24] <Kotono> "Anyway, the point is that the King's old and feeble. However, he wasn't always so old and certainly not so feeble. He has two wives and both of them gave him several children. Five boys and three girls in total, the old man was pretty good at knocking 'em up." After a momentary pause to glance at Rods, he takes over.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Albert's the son of his first wife, but the youngest child for them. He's not really in line for the throne or much of anything, unless Prince Kort up and dies, and Princesses Giselle and Armanda don't feel like challenging for power. Once you get past Prince Kort - who is going to be such a wallflower of a king, I bet, but here not here again - it's pretty much a bunch of rich royals with nothing overly much to do."
[21:27] <Kotono> *here nor there
[21:27] <Kotono> "Yeah," J takes over again smoothly, a slight hiccup coming from her mouth. "Prince Kort puts on a good show and all when he remmebers he has a spine. But the rest kinda slip through the cracks unless you have to get outta the way of their procession."
[21:29] <Alicia> "Hmm... so as far as you know, Albert is just an idle wastrel in the background, then?" Alicia asks, tapping her fingers on the table as she digests that. "No reputation for magical or martial prowess? Not seen as especially kind or cruel?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "Pretty much. Oh, there's talk that he's the one that knocked up the Dutchess' daughter or that he'sg oing to go to the Kossuthites to train or that...well, rumors," J makes a face, "Nothing concrete. He's a rich asshole, but he's not done anything to particularly sour the people...that we've heard of, anyway."
[21:33] <Kotono> "About that," Rods speaks up then. "Wasn't Serge going on about that one bit back after the job with the giant boulders?"
[21:34] <Alicia> "I suppose it fits in a way - Shar's followers are good at keeping secrets. The instigator of the Erenholm massacre was just a simple farmer as far as his neighbours knew, despite being able to use third circle arcane magic and fight toe to toe with me in melee." She pauses at Rods' interjection, "What's that? Do you think Serge knows more about him?"
[21:34] <Kotono> J frowns then, tapping her forehead a few times. "...I think so? Shit, I can't remember, it's been too long. Hell, if it matters...Rods, go wake Serge up and bug 'im."
[21:35] <Kotono> "He might. I'm remembering something. Lemme go kick him in the ass and see if he remembers," Getting up, "I'll be back." Grinning now, "Serge could use a kick in the ass. He's still acting all mopey. He must think you're the cutest thing the side of a pair of succubus lovers."
[21:36] <Kotono> J snorts and then sighs deeply, "Subtle, Rods. Real fucking subtle. How many times do I have to tell you about that?"
06[21:36] * Alicia blinks at that phrasing. "Er..." she shakes her head, actually blushing a little. "I'll just pretend I never heard that part."
[21:37] <Kotono> Laughing, Rods departs away. Once he's gone, "...yeah, sorry. He won't pass up a chance to needle Serge."
[21:39] <Alicia> "I didn't know he was interested," Alicia admits awkwardly, briefly contemplating her mug before just taking a swig. "Mmm... anyway. How did your last job go? Better than Rods', I hope."
[21:40] <Kotono> J raises an eyebrow to that, but doesn't pursue it. Instead, "Long but rewarding. It was boring as hell, honestly. Not the worst kind of job."
[21:42] <Alicia> "Boring is good," Alicia nods with a slight smile. "I miss boring."
[21:43] <Kotono> "I keep hearing 'Crimson Guard heroes this' and 'Legendary warriors of supreme skill that'. Not finding it to your liking?"
[21:45] <Alicia> "If there's trouble then I'm certainly happy to deal with it," Alicia explains, before shrugging, "I just wish there was a bit less trouble. It seems like no matter how much I improve my skills, there's always something more horrifying and powerful around the corner."
[21:49] <Kotono> "Mmm." Taking a lean back, "You mean  you're dealing with things worse than gelugons now?"
[21:54] <Alicia> "I'd say so. Right now there are fiends moving against me that don't even fit into neat categories like 'ice devil'," Alicia nods. "Honestly, it's been a while since gelugons were the worst I could face."
[21:55] <Kotono> "No shit?" Cocking her head at Alicia, "It makes me wonder: Why the hell you, anyway? What's so special about the Crimson Guard? Did Mystra piss in a devil's drink or something?"
[21:58] <Alicia> "Well, for the devils, you remember what I told you about that invasion in the desert we stopped?" Alicia offers, not really wanting to advertise certain other dealings she's had with the baatezu. "But as for Shar and one other I don't even have a name for, I don't really know why they've made it so personal."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Ah, who can tell? I hear outsiders follow reasonings and base passions most of us will never understand until after we fill up a grave." Gesturing for another drink in the meanwhile, "What about the rest of the Guard? I have to admit, from what I have heard, that Balmuria's like a magnet for these things. I hear more stories here in the past year and change than I heard in Kesse in ten years, at least about the abnormal."
[22:03] <Alicia> "I don't think you've met her since she's been gone since before you first got here, but my immediate superior is half elf, half human, and half dragon," Alicia replies simply. After a second for that to sink in she adds, "No, I don't know how it works, either."
[22:03] <Kotono> "...." J doesn't reply, "So...you knwo what? I heard a little about Seira, but..." Waiting for her drink to arrive, J slams this one right down too. "It's like your the playground for the Gods. BAstards."
[22:07] <Alicia> "The Gods might play some role in influencing things, but the ones actually causing all the trouble - and cleaning it up - are mortals and the odd outsider," Alicia reasons, knowing J has somewhat unrealistic expectations of the divine. "Shar didn't murder the people of Erenholm, it was done by two humans."
[22:09] <Kotono> "Mph." Crossing her arms, "Yes, yes and people got to pray to nothing as they were murdered." Rolling her eyes, "Still...Blah. I'm not in the mood for that." Leaning back in her chair and half closing her eyes, which are bloodshot, "How about I call you the Divine Cleanup Crew instead?"
[22:14] <Alicia> "It's not entirely inaccurate," Alicia concedes. "Are you alright, by the way? Your eyes look a little bloody."
[22:20] <Kotono> "Oh, I'm just trying my damnest to get wasted tonight," Waving a hand aside, "Don't worry about it.
[22:20] <Kotono> "
[22:20] <Kotono> As Alicia talks, she can spy Rods returning. He's smothering a smile, coming back to sit. "Alright, I got it outta him. He still didn't feel like coming down, though."
06[22:20] * Alicia shrugs in response to J's statement, if that's what she wants to do. Turning to Rod as he arrives, she gestures him to continue. "Go on, then."
[22:20] <Kotono> "Several years back, Serge got an interesting story when we were staying in a roadside village. A local serving girl was pregnant and Serge struck up a conversation. You know, asking and congratulating and all that sweet stuff. I don't think he was getting on or naything. But anyway, the girl acted funny and Serge managed to get her to talk. She insinuated pretty heavily that Prince Albert was the father and that she'd been violated. Of cours
[22:20] <Kotono> She insinuated pretty heavily that Prince Albert was the father and that she'd been violated. Of course, Serge said he never heard anything else about it or anything but one girl's word, but..." A shrug. "Take it for what it's worth...but if he is an insane murder teacher, I guess rape's not that far removed."
[22:20] <Alicia> "No..." Alicia's expression turns grim. "I suppose it's not. It rounds out my mental picture of the man, anyway..."
Session Close: Thu Jul 24 22:22:21 2008

Session Start: Thu Jul 24 19:39:43 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[19:39] * Disconnected
Session Close: Thu Jul 24 19:39:43 2008

Session Start: Thu Jul 24 19:39:47 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[19:39] * Disconnected
Session Close: Thu Jul 24 19:39:47 2008

Session Start: Thu Jul 24 22:22:21 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[22:22] * Disconnected
02[22:23] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[22:23] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[22:23] * Topic is 'Demara > Ogre > Drow Warrior 3 > Drow Priestess'
03[22:23] * Set by Ebiris on Sun Jul 20 20:15:26
[22:24] <Alicia> protege*
[22:33] <Kotono> "True enough," Rods agrees. "So...what are you gonna do about it then? You aren't gonna march to Kesse and try and fight him...are you?"
[22:33] <Alicia> "It's not entirely unlikely that he'll come here, based on what the prisoner told my familiar," Alicia admits. "He seems to have some way of quickly moving between here and there through the plane of shadow."
[22:36] <Kotono> "Mmmph," J muses on that, "If it's here, you'll have homefield. But if you try and go to Kesse, you'll end up fighting a helluva lot unless you assassinate Prince Albert all sneaky."
[22:41] <Alicia> "At worst he couldn't be worse than Ferdi," Alicia states grimly. "He sponsored the slaughter of over a dozen citizens of the United Baronies - this can't go unanswered." Relaxing a bit and shaking her head afterwards, she concedes, "But Kesse is very far away, and since I've never been there I couldn't teleport either."
[22:41] <Kotono> "Yeah. We're going back that way eventually, but...fuck." Rods shakes his head, "I don't really WANT to trudge through the fucking jungle. It's a shitty, shitty, shitty thing to have to do. Dangerous too."
Session Close: Thu Jul 24 22:41:07 2008

Session Start: Thu Jul 24 22:41:07 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[22:41] * Disconnected
02[22:48] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[22:49] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[22:49] * Topic is 'Demara > Ogre > Drow Warrior 3 > Drow Priestess'
03[22:49] * Set by Ebiris on Sun Jul 20 20:15:26
[22:49] <Kotono> "You too," Rods then departs, leaving Alicia as well. OOC - Okay, is there anything else before we pause?
[22:49] <Alicia> OOC: I'm good

[Corwin]

01[19:05] <Seira> [22:57] <Seira> "Recover, and--" Seira stops abruptly. "We're both unhappy with this development, aren't we?" she asks Bey Kerem. "I do have a plan, which I could try tomorrow, but I will need to rely on your help to clear the civilians from any area it attacks. It seems obvious that I am unlikely to be targetted indoors, so suggestions for open spaces that are sparcely populated would also be ideal."
01[19:05] <Seira> [23:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The Pasha wants this matter resolved as soon as possible," Bey Kerem agrees. "There is one space in particular that may be suitable for this matter."
01[19:05] <Seira> [23:04] <Seira> "I learn more with every encounter. The next one might well be decisive, at last," Seira muses. "Rather than soldiers or archers, I would rather have scouts accompany me, however. Or a mage that can see past invisibility, or both. That way I could concentrate more fully on actually taking down the threat rather than finding it first."
[19:15] <Kotono> "That can be arrainged," Bey Kerem agrees. "The Pasha is putting trust in you that you can resolve this matter before it negatively effects Arad.
[19:15] <Kotono> "
01[19:17] <Seira> "Let's aim for tomorrow morning, around ten o'clock or so?" Seira suggests. "It should be enough time for me to recovery fully. "
[19:20] <Kotono> "Very well," Bey Kerem agrees. "My wife was concerned for you, so rest yourself well."
06[19:21] * Seira nods.
[19:23] <Kotono> Thus Bey Kerem leaves, giving Seira time to herself...OOC - Ball is in your court, set up what you were talking about in PM. Dicebot is incoming.
03[19:23] * Rei-chan_Fangirl_Bot (~dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
06[19:25] * Seira leaves strict instructions that she is not to be disturbed for any reason as she meditates in her room, tells Isonu that she's going to be visiting the palace over the night, and teleports to her assigned rooms there after using a spell of invisibility on herself.
03[19:25] * Rei-chan_Fangirl_Bot is now known as Misukibot
03[19:25] * Seira sets mode: +v Misukibot
01[19:25] <Seira> roll 1d100
[19:25] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=75 ]{75}
[19:29] <Kotono> Woosh! Seira appears in her quarters, invisible ands hielded from all eyes. Jeanne's quarters are currently quiet, a maid changing the bedsheets. She sings softly to herself.
01[19:31] <Seira> Invisibility was definitely a good call, it seems, but where is Donald? Seira decides to wait a few minutes and see if the maid goes away. Or, at least, leaves the room long enough for Seira to cast a disguise spell.
[19:35] <Kotono> The maid lasts in here another five minutes. After finishing the bed she exits out of the immediate room. The door stays open a bit, and you can hear, "It's done now," she says, then Donald saying something just missed, and then some heady giggles from the maid.
06[19:36] * Seira decides to cast that spell now to assume Jeanne's appearance, and then opens the door to the corridor.
[19:39] <Kotono> The maid is laughing and blushing, as Donald leans against the wall and grins. "...your service, since someone has to cook and clean. Where would everyone be if there weren't people like you?"
06[19:46] * Seira decides to hide in the room and wait for Donald to return. She's morbidly curious as to whether he would be able to spot her.
[19:54] <Kotono> OOc - Make a hide check then?
01[19:55] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
[19:55] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{34}
[19:57] <Kotono> Donald chats a little longer, coming into the room after...
[19:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 largely moot
[19:57] <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 largely moot --> [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
03[19:58] * Carthrat is now known as Carthrat-Sleep
[19:58] <Kotono> He glances around, before going to sit right on the bed and falling back. "Aaaaah..." he sighs, closing his eyes. "Boooooring. At least the maid was cute."
06[19:59] * Seira waits for the door to close before making herself comfortable in a plush armchair. "The perils of palace life," she muses out loud.
[20:00] <Kotono> "Aaah!" Donald sits bolt upright on the bed, the creak of his mithril armor considerable! "Oh...damn, you snuck up on me. I didn't even notice you were here."
01[20:02] <Seira> "You didn't say something to blow our cover to the cute maid, did you?" Seira asks him, tilting her head. "Like where you're from, or my name?"
[20:03] <Kotono> "Of course not," Snorting at that, "I barely got to talk to her. She asked me to leave the room while she cleaned and then hurried off. Bah."
01[20:05] <Seira> "There'll be plenty of introductions later," she tells him with a snort. "For now, I just need to take care of my pest. Did anyone but the maid try to snoop around here?"
[20:08] <Kotono> "Nope," Donald shakes his head, "A few people did stop by, but I took messages. Let's see...someone for a Wali Hakim stopped by, but he just said that he'd try again another time.  A servant for a Bey Onur stopped by, something about magic testing or whatever. Oh, and a Wali Eure too. STrange guy, thought he was gonna pick a fight but he didn't push it."
06[20:09] * Seira blinks at the last name. "What did that strange guy want?"
[20:12] <Kotono> "Oh, I think he wanted to meet you. Really aggressive guy - he had a holy symbol, too. I think it was the same as the guy in the garrison...oh yeah!" Snapping his fingers, "Tempus."
01[20:14] <Seira> "Well, he will have to learn to live with disappointment for another day or so," Seira muses. "Once it's morning, I'll return to the temple with the Shard. I'm afraid I need to borrow it for a short bit."
[20:16] <Kotono> "Aaaw..." Donald stands, passing it over to Seira. "I'm sure you'll have fun with it at least, but..."
01[20:17] <Seira> "As long as you have another weapon to defend yourself with, it's all good." Seira leans back in the chair. "If all goes well, I'll try to rejoin you tomorrow in the afternoon. If not... well, the day after that, I figure."
[20:18] <Kotono> "I have Guardianil," Donald leans back again, "Kick that thing's ass for me good then?"
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:21] <Misukibot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=55 ]{55}
[20:22] <Kotono> The night passes. The oppression on Seira's spirit vanishes during this time, restoring her power. She awakens in Jeanne's quarters the next morning, having rested up well. OOC - Ball's in your court now. Describe what you're doing.
06[20:28] * Seira intends to teleport back to her room at the temple, and then await Bey Kerem's arrival, her spells hand-picked for a third chance at taking down the inevitable.
01[20:28] <Seira> roll 1d100
[20:28] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=19 ]{19}
[20:32] <Kotono> Woosh! Seira teleports back to her chambers without incident. (More)
[20:38] <Kotono> A few hours pass. But soon Bey Kerem's promised forces arrive. But it's not Kerem that's the Bey here. Instead, the one that enters Seira's room is Bey Onur. He nods gravely to her, "Greetings." He wears his breastplate like before, and has a large axe strapped to his back, as well as a bow and arrows. "I'm Bey Onur and the Pasha has sent me to ensure that this problem ends here." Behind Bey Onur is Deniz, silent. "I have all the relevant inf
[20:38] <Kotono> Behind Bey Onur is Deniz, silent. "I have all the relevant information from Bey Kerem as well, and can fight if my services are needed."
06[20:40] * Seira nods curtly. "That is very reassuring. Bey Kerem has informed you of the kind of location I would like to draw the assassin out into?"
[20:44] <Kotono> "Yes. We've quietly prepared it to make sure no civilians wander in," Bey Onur answers. "Deniz will be assisting with the relevant magics, as well as another mage in the Pasha's service, Allister. We also have scouts as planned."
01[20:45] <Seira> "Hearing all that, I am filled with confidence that we'll triumph this time." She glances at the silent Deniz, before adding, "Could you give me a moment to offer a prayer to Waukeen before we depart?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "If you want," Bey Onur says, "The forces are waiting just outside of the temple."
01[20:47] <Seira> "Thanks, I appreciate it," Seira tells him, going to seek out Isonu.
[20:48] <Kotono> Isonu is at the altar. It's quiet in here. One could gather that a bunch of soldiers just outside the temple could be bad for business.
06[20:49] * Seira resolves to make up for that, and approaches him, asking quietly, "Would it be possible to check Bey Onur and his party for traces of law? His magic-wielding aide and the other mage, most of all, along with the Bey himself."
01[20:50] <Seira> roll 1d10+10 FL
[20:50] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d10+10 FL --> [ 1d10=4 ]{14}
03[20:53] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5445cb38.lns3-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[20:59] <Kotono> "It can be done. I prepared many such spells after yesterday's incident." Thus, he goes and slips outside briefly! He returns after, and in a low voice, "Only faint law from the woman next to Bey Onur, as well as one of the scouts. It's nothing to indicate a lawful outsider."
01[21:02] <Seira> "Then she should be the safest of them all," Seira muses, casting an extended spell to see through the invisible. And she does offer a brief prayer to Waukeen; it mainly thanks the goddess for all her help till that point. "Well, I'll be off. Wish me luck?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "Good fortune. May your deals not be soured today," Isonu intones.
01[21:03] <Seira> With a wave, Seira leaves the relative safety of the temple to join up with Bey Onur and his troops.
[21:09] <Kotono> Bey Onur waits outside with Deniz and Allister, as well as a small squad of lightly armored soldiers, bows and arrows, as well as short swords. Each of them looks slender and fast, well toned.
01[21:11] <Seira> "Well, I'm prepared," Seira tells them. "Lead the way. We shouldn't really stay here too long in case it decides to strike."
[21:14] <Kotono> "Agreed." Bey Onur thus leads the troops on! The streets are busy, but part way for the caravan of soldiers and a few elite. Thus the pace is really rather good. soon arriving. On the outskirts of the town is an old, dusty road, white buildings quiet. There's not much of anyone around immediately...
06[21:15] * Seira leans against a building, stopping to rest briefly. "So this is our stage?"
[21:18] <Kotono> Bey Onur nods curtly back. "It is. There shouldn't be anyone around here - we had the guard clear out anyone lingering last night."
01[21:21] <Seira> "That means we don't need to hold back," Seira says, smiling. "I'll even cover the property damage."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Indeed," Bey Onur doesn't crack a smile at all. "The devil is entirely after you, correct?"
01[21:23] <Seira> "I'm being targetted by it, whatever it is," she agrees. "Of that there is little doubt. The soldiers around me were left alone yesterday."
[21:25] <Kotono> "Then you'll be what it's after. Do you want people nearby?" Bey Onur asks.
06[21:26] * Seira shrugs. "Our plan pretty much relies on letting it take the first shot. What I need is for people capable of spotting our friend to be spready out throughout the area, because it tends to strike from a distance of two hundred feet or so."
[21:27] <Kotono> "Deniz. Allister. Detect Invisibility and fan out," Bey Onur orders crisply, the two nodding to him and going to do just that.
06[21:29] * Seira settles for a long wait, if necessary.
[21:31] <Kotono> OOC - Seira, goa head and make a spot check for reference here.
01[21:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
[21:31] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
01[21:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+2 reroll
[21:31] <Misukibot> Seira rolled 1d20+2 reroll --> [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
[21:33] <Kotono> OOC - Also for reference, what's the duration on your SI?
01[21:34] <Seira> OOC: It was cast extended, so 220 min
03[21:37] * Misukibot is now known as Failurebot
[21:39] <Kotono> An hour passes. Scouts scout around, while Deniz and Allister wander in the dry, hot sunshine. Seira keeps her own glances about, her eyes sharp and quick. However, there's nothing. No signs of the Inevitable at all so far. Bey Onur wipes his forehead clean, "Still nothing?" he asks Seira.
01[21:41] <Seira> "We will know it when it happens," she responds. "Maybe he thinks the balance of power is too tilted this time around. No offense, but the regular troops last time must not have registered as a threat to an immortal creature. A pair of mages and a general might."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Yes. But I can't let normal troops fight a creature like this unsupported," Bey Onur says firmly. "Still...if this approach fails, what then?"
01[21:44] <Seira> "I'm tempted of leaving and trying to draw it away," Seira tells him. "It's not really your problem, so I should minimize the risks to the Arad population."
[21:47] <Kotono> "The Pasha's orders are to simply see it dead and to eliminate the disturbance and dissent," Bey Onur answers. "If you feel it will, go ahead."
01[21:49] <Seira> "I'm not ready to give up yet, mind," Seira mentions. "In fact, why not leave me alone in a half a mile radius? If my friend here thinks he could finish me off before reinforcements arrive, he might be tempted. That would be a mistake, hopefully the last one he ever makes."
[21:54] <Kotono> Bey Onur nods, letting Seira alone then. OOC - Doing anything besides watching here?
01[21:55] <Seira> OOC: Not really
[21:56] <Kotono> A second hour passes...nothing. No sign of your mechanical intruder, just the warmth of the coming summer. Not that it bothers Seira, obviously.
06[21:58] * Seira might as well pass the day here. She decides to wait until the spell on her is about to expire, and then have it recast, if necessary.
[21:59] <Kotono> The third hour passes without incident, thena nother half hour mroe. The spell is about to run out, but no sign of the Inevitable at all.
06[22:02] * Seira recasts the see invisibility spell, given the previous runs out.
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:02] <Failurebot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=91 ]{91}
[22:02] <Kotono> After another hour, Bey Onur comes over to Seira's position. "There's been nothing as far as any of us can tell, and the mages are running out of detect invisibilty times."
01[22:04] <Seira> "That's unfortunate," Seira tells him. "Well, I'll give it some more time. If your mages have another casting of the spell them, have them save it for now."
[22:06] <Kotono> Thus the rest of the time passes. Morning is turning into later afternoon as Seira's spell runs it's course again. Nothing. No sign of the damned Inevitable. Whereever it is, it isn't here.
06[22:06] * Seira decides to head back to the temple. There's really nothing more she can do at that point.
03[22:12] * Failurebot is now known as Awesomebot
01[22:12] <Seira> Once her escort makes it back, Seira invites Bey Onur and the pair of mages inside.
[22:13] <Kotono> The trio looks rather tired(Or Deniz does a bit, as does Allister, but Bey Onur looks fine) as they enter. "The creature seems not to want to engage anyone except you, to the point of passing you up," Bey Onur observes.
01[22:14] <Seira> "That might be so," Seira agrees, leading the way to an empty room not far into the temple. "However, there is another possibility. Since I am obediently following up on every suggestion from Bey Kerem without complaint, would you grant me a small favor, Bey Onur?" she requests.
[22:19] <Kotono> "It depends on the favor," Bey Onur answers, staying standing, while Deniz does the same right behind him. Allister leans against the wall, looking rather tired.
06[22:21] * Seira takes out her hammer, pointing it at Bey Onur. "It would put me considerably at ease if you were to touch the weapon, Bey," she says, observing him impassively.
[22:25] <Kotono> "A hammer?" Bey Onur eyes it without comment, before reaching out and touching it. Nothing notable happens. "...strange..." he murmurs, withdrawing his hand and then slightly shaking his head, his eyes blinking several tims in rapid succession.
06[22:26] * Seira casts Detect Magic once he does so, observing the man for any changes.
06[22:27] * Seira shifts the Shard in Alister's direction. "You as well, please."
[22:33] <Kotono> "Wait." Bey Onur speaks up, "They're under my command. What's the point of us?" he asks.
01[22:37] <Seira> "This is one of our military secrets, so I don't like to talk about it," Seira responds. "But it detects devils by touch. It's possible that I wasn't attacked because the situation wasn't favorable to the assassin. Another possibility was that he had been there all along, and knew of my plan. It is only prudent that I test those who came with me on that fruitless excursion."
[22:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[22:39] <Awesomebot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[22:40] <Kotono> Bey Onur looks at Seira intently, before he nods. "Deniz," he says curtly. "Touch the hammer."
06[22:41] * Seira draws it away, blinking. "You don't trust her? I've considered Deniz vetted after you came out unaffected."
[22:42] <Kotono> "I trust Deniz very much. That's exactly why I'm asking her," Bey Onur's look is calm and unemotional. Meanwhile, Allister looks on, "A magical hammer, eh?"
01[22:43] <Seira> "Alright," Seira agrees. "Let's keep the order established. Allister, if you will?" She offers the hammer end to the mage.
[22:44] <Kotono> Allister shrugs and touches the hammer! Nothing happens. The hand is withdrawn after a moment, "The hammer makes me feel funny inside." Allister says.
01[22:46] <Seira> "The effect varies for different people," Seira explains, and holds it out to Deniz next.
[22:47] <Kotono> Deniz reaches out and touches it! Her hand stays on it a moment, her face crossing into a look of dismay. She quickly removes her hand, shaking her head back and forth.
01[22:47] <Seira> "As I expected," Seira agrees, nodding to herself. "That should soon pass," she tells Deniz.
01[22:48] <Seira> "And because I'm highly paranoid, after two attempts on my life... would you mind removing your ring and repeating the procedure?" she asks of Allister.
[22:48] <Kotono> "Now then...what are you going to do? Staying openly in Arad is a problem as long as the devil stalks you," Bey Onur crosses his arms.
[22:49] <Kotono> Allister shrugs, taking off the ring, "Sure, why not?" he smiles amiciably, "It's not even magical, it's just a memento." He reaches out, touching the hammer again. Again, nothing of note seems to occur.
01[22:51] <Seira> "As I've said, I'll consider my next move," Seira tells Bey Onur. She nods at Allister, and returns the hammer to its place at her belt. "I think I'll do it from Balmuria. Isonu, the head priest here, would be able to pass on a message to me should you find out something and wish to warn me of another attack."
01[22:51] <Seira> Seira frowns. "Though I loathe to leave like that. Was anyone else aware of our plans for today?"
[22:53] <Kotono> "The Pasha and Bey Kerem." Bey Onur answers, "Though our public march made it no secret."
06[22:55] * Seira struggles with the next question for a bit, before asking it bluntly in the end. "Do you believe I should visit Bey Kerem and ask him to take this test, Bey Onur?"
[22:56] <Kotono> Stiffly he answers, "I have no reason to impunge on Bey Kerem's honor or his deeds. He has loyally served the Pasha and served him well."
01[22:59] <Seira> "Then that is that. I will need to prepare the necessary spell, and will depart for Balmuria tomorrow morning. I believe I should be safe within these walls, but until that time, feel free to keep guards nearby. Also... this is my last line of defense;
01[22:59] <Seira> should a devil learn that I possess it, they might devise means to overcome it, however temporarily. I would like it if what happened in this room stayed here, between us four."
[23:02] <Kotono> "Very well," Bey Onur agrees quietly to that, "Travel well to Balmuria then."
[23:05] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:05] <Awesomebot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=95 ]{95}
01[23:15] <Seira> After giving a final set of instructions to Isonu on how to handle the affairs in Balmuria, Seira conceals her magical aura, assumes Jeanne's appearance and becomes invisible, followed by a teleport into her rooms in the palace.
01[23:16] <Seira> roll 1d100
[23:16] <Awesomebot> Seira rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=1 ]{1}

[Corwin]

[16:46] <Kokonut> -------
03[16:46] * Alicia sets mode: +o Demedais
[16:46] <Kokonut> As spring fades away into summer, the three main members of the Crimson Guard at last reunite. Over drinks and rest they finally have a chance to talk again, many events having occured in the interum...
[16:47] <Alicia> "I really thought you were joking when you said you were going to grow wings," Alicia observes, eyeing Seira's new additions. "How exactly did you pull that off, anyway?"
[16:48] <Demedais> "So. What have you two been up to?" Demedais says after a moment. "I've but heard bits and pieces, and Helm only knows how many of the rumors are true."
01[16:49] <Seira> "Lots of practice," Seira tells Alicia brightly. Turning to Demedais, she adds, "And the rumors are probably all false, they tend to be."
[16:50] <Demedais> "That was the implication I intended." Demedais replies, waiting.
01[16:51] <Seira> "Well, we don't need to worry about the residual devils back in the desert anymore," Seira says, shrugging, "but other than that things have been pretty quiet on my front."
[16:51] <Alicia> "Well, there are a few things of concern I should probably warn you about," Alicia admits, deciding not to ponder how one practices growing new limbs. "First of all, there seems to be some sort of creature masquerading as a fallen angel that's gathering up old... acquaintances of ours."
[16:52] <Alicia> "It turned General Olburt into some sort of half-fiend monster, and I know it has Almand and Filetta under its control as well, and who knows what else. Apparently Pallan killed himself rather than allow himself to be taken.
06[16:52] * Seira blinks. "Well, that's just... pathetic, I think the word I'm looking for."
06[16:53] * Demedais nods once to Seira, before listening to Alicia. "I've heard of some of this, but... Pallan dead, and Almand, Filetta and Olburt under its full control? Do we know their current actions, or their plans from here?"
[16:56] <Alicia> "Considering what I've learned about it, I don't really blame him," Alicia replies neutrally. "After Antenora and I defeated Olburt, the creature appeared before a killing blow could be struck - we were both rendered utterly paralysed with despair just from looking at it, and after delivering a sanctimonious lecture and promising that I would 'pay for my sins' in time, it departed."
[16:56] <Alicia> "Considering Filetta's presence, it must be targetting you as well, Seira." Alicia then proudces a pair of small tokens and slides one each to Seira and Demedais. "I did some research on the creature, and apparently it likes to target great heroes by gathering their surviving enemies and attacking them - it's done this numerous times throughout the ages. These wards I had Elle make protect against its aura of despair, meaning we could fight
[16:56] <Alicia> "Of course, the last group that tried fighting it directly didn't win. Obviously. It's very powerful in its own right, even if it seems to prefer to leave fighting to its underlings. True Seeing spells supposedly weaken it, though."
[16:57] <Alicia>  meaning we could fight it."
06[16:58] * Demedais nods once. "At least this is useful." Pocketing the small token, he paused for a second. "Will we need to hold it as she approaches, or will simply having it on our body suffice?"
01[16:59] <Seira> "Thanks!" Seira smiles for good measure.  "So this creep is targetting me, then?"
[17:00] <Alicia> "I'd imagine so, yes," Alicia nods to Seira. "You have to hold onto it, so have it ready if you have any reason to think she'll appear - as soon as you see her or hear her voice, chances are you won't be able to react."
06[17:01] * Demedais nods. "Understood. And... True Seeing weakens it? I'll keep that in mind."
01[17:02] <Seira> "Right," Seira agrees. "Oh. There's this thing called a Kolyarut. It also wants to kill me. Did one try to get either of you?"
[17:02] <Demedais> "No." Demedais shakes his head.
[17:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 planes, what's a kolyarut?
06[17:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 planes, what's a kolyarut? and gets 13."12 [1d20=2]
01[17:02] <Seira> "Oh. Gee, I feel all special, now!"
[17:03] <Alicia> "I've managed to pick up two scrolls of the spell, so I can use that for two of us if she appears," Alicia tells Demedais before turning to Seira. "I think Antenora mentioned something about one of those... do you have any idea what brought it on?"
01[17:04] <Seira> "Nothing concrete, and attempts to ask it resulted in more attacks so I just stopped doing that. It's a creepy golden clockwork thing that can become invisible, teleport and change its appearance."
[17:05] <Demedais> "Huh." Demedais muses at this. "No, definitely haven't seen anything invisible."
06[17:05] * Alicia sighs. "As if devils weren't bad enough. Glad to hear you dealt with the ones in the desert, though - Antenora and I were tracking one in the baronies that apparently headed in that direction, but we lost its trail. Does the name Martinet mean anything to you, Seira?"
06[17:06] * Seira snorts, before Alicia's question draws her attention. "Martinet...?"
01[17:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[17:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
01[17:07] <Seira> "Not particularly, no, sorry."
[17:10] <Alicia> "He's the superior of the devil we were tracking. Apparently one of Asmodeus' top servants, he's second only to the Lords of the Nine themselves. We found some writings regarding him on a Gelugon we killed in Parsifal. Seems like he's overseeing a lot of their activities on the Prime, now," Alicia explains. "Just wondered if your devil had any connection as well."
01[17:10] <Seira> "My devil was serving a cornugon. Or what passes for one. Would he be it?"
[17:12] <Alicia> "Cornugon could be the one we were following - Demedais probably knows more about Esthan than I do, though," Alicia glances at her fellow paladin briefly. "But Martinet himself is a unique devil, beyond even a pit fiend."
01[17:13] <Seira> "That sounds decidedly unpleasant. How are they getting here?"
[17:13] <Demedais> "My knowledge on Esthan's limited as well." Demedais shrugs.
[17:14] <Alicia> "I don't know. Could be left overs from the gate in the desert, could be another hidden gate, or they could just be using plane shifting magic," Alicia surmises. "The gelugon's notes didn't mention how it got here."
01[17:17] <Seira> "So nothing we could do about it, for now." Seira nods. "Alright. So that leaves us several paths to choose from? Trying to track down this devil and his friends, looking for the creepy angel wannabe, and trying to break the rest of the seals?"
[17:19] <Demedais> "I believe those to be our options, yes." Demedais nods. "Put bluntly, do we have any good leads on the devil or the angel?"
[17:19] <Alicia> "Personally I'm loathe to confront the angel directly right now, since it could be more than we can handle with our current resources and abilities. But I'm not averse to chipping away at its followers - you could probably locate Filetta or Almand quite easily with scrying, Seira, and your ring would let us teleport right to either if we have a good chance," Alicia suggests.
[17:19] <Alicia> "But since we're lacking any firm leads on devils, it'd probably be more productive to go to Pallanth to try those ruins that the ring Resort is in."
01[17:20] <Seira> "I've followed all I could on the devil front, and this is the first I hear of the angel, so there's my answer."
06[17:21] * Demedais nods slightly. "I'm content with going to try and get the ring, for now. Since the angel seems to be targeting us, it's of little danger to everyone else here. So."
[17:30] <Kokonut> OOC: Okay, you guys wanna go by boat? Who's all coming?
[17:31] <Alicia> OOC: I'll bring myself, Jessica, Marie, and Anty
[17:31] <Demedais> OOC: Just me for this.
01[17:31] <Seira> OOC: Just me
[17:31] <Kokonut> OOC: Very well then.
[17:32] <Kokonut> --------
[17:34] <Kokonut> Getting a ship is simple for the Crimson Guard. Under a sunny day with no sign of anything but the pleasant summer ahead, the party departs Balmuria. The trip out of the bay is peaceful, besides for the shipmen talking and occasionally pointing at the green water. Talk of sea elves comes, taking a decidedly protective hints. If one listens, you can easily hear how the sailors telling storied about how the strange sea creatures helped overboa
[17:34] <Kokonut> about how the strange sea creatures helped overboards in the bay. (More)
[17:34] <Kokonut> But soon the open sea comes, blue waters taking over as the ship sails east...
[17:34] <Kokonut> roll 1d100
06[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d100 and gets 85."12 [1d100=85]
[17:34] <Kokonut> roll 1d100
06[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d100 and gets 20."12 [1d100=20]
[17:34] <Kokonut> roll 1d100
06[17:34] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d100 and gets 83."12 [1d100=83]
[17:36] <Kokonut> roll 1d3
06[17:36] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d3 and gets 1."12 [1d3=1]
[17:36] <Kokonut> OOC - Deme, would you make a spot check?
[17:36] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14
06[17:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 and gets 16."12 [1d20=2]
[17:39] <Kokonut> It's been several days since leaving Balmuria. The first days were peaceful, the seas calm and the passage pleasant. However, today is a little different. The sky pelts you with a slow, steady, steamy drizzle. There is heat in the air, unusually strong for an ocean voyage. It makes the day like sweating and sliding through a sauna with none of the benefits of being clad in only a towel. In this weather many are belowdecks out of the rain, th
[17:39] <Kokonut> In this weather many are belowdecks out of the rain, though Demedais happens to be on deck right now. (More)
[17:42] <Kokonut> His attention isn't too sharp, his mind distracted by a particular bit of amusement. So perhaps he could have noticed things earlier - but ah well. Regardless, the harsh THUNK of metal against wood is very certainly heard, coming from the side.
06[17:43] * Demedais quickly looks over, motioning to one of the few sailors in the rain as he moves toward the side to investigate.
[17:46] <Kokonut> There are few sailors nearby, all of them turning at the odd thunk. A metal grappling hook has latched into the side of the boat, a greenish humanoid crawling on board, and then another and another and another! Demedais can hear another THUNK as well,f rom the other side of the ship. These creatures are familiar - sahuagin! They wear light clothes dripping water, tridents and crossbows sighted on them! From one of them, having gotten on deck
[17:46] <Kokonut> tridents and crossbows sighted on them! From one of them, having gotten on deck already, "Get 'em! If you know what's good for you," he says in rough common, "Lie down on your stomachs or you'll be shark food!"
[17:49] <Demedais> "Hardly a way to negotiate." Demedais grunts, before looking to a sailor. "I'll handle these. Go get Alicia and Seira from belowdecks!" Having said this, he draws his blade in anticipation of their reaction.
[17:50] <Kokonut> "Attack! We're under attack!" one of the sailors bellows, while another runs below decks! There are currently four sahuagin on deck,w ith the thunk of metal hooks digging into the ship's railing, more lines! OOC - Let's call initiative here.
[17:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 okeh.
06[17:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 okeh. and gets 14."12 [1d20=13]
[17:51] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+1 various friendly sailors
06[17:51] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+1 various friendly sailors and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
[17:51] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+1 sahuagin (Current number 4)
06[17:51] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+1 sahuagin (Current number 4) and gets 3."12 [1d20=2]
03[17:51] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais<'
03[17:51] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais<Sahuagin pirates'
03[17:52] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
03[17:52] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais<Sahuagin pirates(Currently 4)'
03[17:52] * Seira changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates'
03[17:52] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 4)'
[17:53] <Kokonut> As sailors run below decks, a few are starting to poke upward! The few on the deck draw daggers and scimitars, one already going forward to confront one of the early borders, bandannaded head dripping sweat and rainwater even as he lashes out!
[17:53] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 7."12 [1d20=5]
[17:53] <Kokonut> He swings too wide, but gets close as the boarding begins! OOC - Deme.
06[17:55] * Demedais steps in a bit closer and swings brutally at the sahaugin who spoke to him, hoping to end this fight before it starts with four wide slashes!
[17:55] <Demedais> roll 1d20+20
06[17:55] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 and gets 24."12 [1d20=4]
[17:55] <Demedais> roll 1d20+20
06[17:55] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34."12 [1d20=14]
[17:55] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15
06[17:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 and gets 28."12 [1d20=13]
[17:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10
06[17:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[17:56] <Kokonut> OOC - All hit. Ow. The last is a crit threat, if you're keen like I remember.
[17:57] <Demedais> roll 10d6+40 may my brutality inspire our men?
06[17:57] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 10d6+40 may my brutality inspire our men? and gets 71."12 [10d6=1, 6, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1, 4, 6]
[17:57] <Kokonut> OOC - Cleave.
[17:59] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 eh, sure. I'll be nice here.
06[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 eh, sure. I'll be nice here. and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
[17:59] <Kokonut> OOC - Crit threat.
[17:59] <Demedais> roll 4d6+16 Nice involves more pain anyway.
06[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+16 Nice involves more pain anyway. and gets 33."12 [4d6=6, 4, 6, 1]
[17:59] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 threat! Right! I remember things. Sometimes.
06[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 threat! Right! I remember things. Sometimes. and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[18:00] <Kokonut> OOC - Crit. Ow.
03[18:00] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 2)'
[18:01] <Kokonut> With one vast sweep of his blade, Demedais bisects the two sahuagin closest as he closes in! They fall apart bloodily, torn asunder! Meanwhile, below decks, Alicia, Seira and the others begin to run forward, preparing! Meanwhile, more metal thunks come, more sahuagin boarding! Five come up this round, some near Demedais, and a single one on the other side of the ship! (Friendlies are up.)
03[18:01] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 6 5:1)'
03[18:01] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 7 6:1)'
[18:03] <Kokonut> Gawking at the display of martial prowess by Demedais, the close sailor grins as he wipes sweat and sea spray from his face! "See that, you're going down to Bitch Queen!"
[18:03] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10."12 [1d20=8]
[18:04] <Kokonut> However, his swing misses, as a few more sailors come out! These ones come from below decks, having weapons and advancing forward carefully, towards the side with six sahuagin! OOC - Deme.
06[18:06] * Demedais steps in closer again to the group of six, now more aware of what he's facing here, as he prepares to dismember as many of the attempted boarders as he can manage!
[18:06] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19
06[18:06] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 and gets 28."12 [1d20=9]
[18:06] <Demedais> roll 2d6+8
06[18:06] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+8 and gets 15."12 [2d6=3, 4]
[18:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14
06[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 and gets 28."12 [1d20=14]
[18:07] <Demedais> roll 2d6+8
06[18:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+8 and gets 14."12 [2d6=2, 4]
[18:07] <Kokonut> OOC - Cleave.
[18:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 assuming second.
06[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 assuming second. and gets 27."12 [1d20=13]
[18:09] <Demedais> roll 2d6+8
06[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+8 and gets 18."12 [2d6=5, 5]
[18:10] <Kokonut> In a flurry of blows, Demedais largely evens the odds! Three more boarders are chopped into a fine mist, littering the deck and turning it a pulpy red! OOC - Sahuagin are up.
03[18:10] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 4 3:1)'
[18:11] <Kokonut> One of the new ones glares at Demedais, "Got a fighter here! GEt 'em!" he calls, as one goes at him with his trident!
[18:11] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 9."12 [1d20=5]
[18:12] <Kokonut> However, hsi swing shows relatively little training at all! Demedais is easily able to avoid the thrust! The other, however, drops his weapon and attempts to tackle Demedais!
[18:12] <Kokonut> OOC - He's attempting a grapple. You can AoO.
[18:12] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 sure, why not?
06[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 sure, why not? and gets 33."12 [1d20=14]
[18:12] <Demedais> roll 2d6+8
06[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+8 and gets 13."12 [2d6=1, 4]
03[18:12] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 3 2:1)'
[18:13] <Kokonut> However, several feet of steel to his gullet end that fallacy before it can begin! Meanwhile, the only sahuagin on the far side just holds his position! OOC - More.
[18:14] <Kokonut> More sahuagin come! More ropes attach, more coming up! The ones Demedais cut down are more than replaced, and amid them is a big one with a spear! On the other side, sevearl more trident and crossbow sahuagin come up, as well as one carrying no weapon. (More)
03[18:14] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 12 7:5)'
[18:15] <Kokonut> At this point, however, those that moved fast are abovedecks! Seira and Antenora come up, the latter armorless but still having her spear! OOC - Roll initiative, you two.
[18:15] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+5
06[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
03[18:15] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 12 7:5)'
01[18:17] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
06[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
03[18:17] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 12 7:5)'
01[18:19] <Seira> "Think you could handle the large one with the spear?" Seira asks of Antenora, not particularly bothered by what they're facing.
[18:26] <Kokonut> "I'll try," Antenora says, taking to the air as the sailors rally1 Even as the sahuagin board fast, many of them are falling to Demedais! A few advance towards the sahuagin on either side, swinging away!
[18:26] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 3."12 [1d20=1]
[18:26] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
[18:26] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 8."12 [1d20=6]
06[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 13."12 [1d20=11]
[18:26] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[18:26] <Kokonut> roll 1d4+1
06[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d4+1 and gets 5."12 [1d4=4]
[18:26] <Kokonut> One of them manages to scrape a good chunk of a sahuagin's arm off, as the pitched battle is joined! Meanwhile, Antenora flies above the sailors, going right for the big one with the spear!
[18:28] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+16 (+2 charge, +1 flying, -6 PA)
06[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+16 (+2 charge, +1 flying, -6 PA) and gets 23."12 [1d20=7]
[18:28] <Kokonut> roll 2d8+21
06[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 2d8+21 and gets 30."12 [2d8=7, 2]
[18:28] <Kokonut> Flying forward, Antenora skewered the spear sahuagin! He stays up, bloodied but not downed! OOC - Demedais.
06[18:30] * Demedais nods once to Antenora. "Keep alert, they're trying to swarm." With this, he steps forward again and slashes at the one injured by Antenora, hoping to eliminate him and the ones around him quickly!
[18:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 (+1 haste -5 PA) attack 1 (spear sahaugin)
06[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 (+1 haste -5 PA) attack 1 (spear sahaugin) and gets 25."12 [1d20=10]
[18:32] <Kokonut> OOC - Hit.
[18:32] <Demedais> roll 2d6+18
06[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+18 and gets 24."12 [2d6=4, 2]
[18:33] <Kokonut> OOC - Cleave.
03[18:33] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 11 6:5)'
[18:33] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 cleave toward near sahau
06[18:33] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 cleave toward near sahau and gets 16."12 [1d20=1]
[18:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 second swing
06[18:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 second swing and gets 34."12 [1d20=19]
[18:34] <Kokonut> OOC - Crit threat.
[18:34] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 crit confirm
06[18:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 crit confirm and gets 29."12 [1d20=14]
[18:34] <Kokonut> OOC - crit.
[18:34] <Demedais> roll 4d6+36 bang.
06[18:34] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+36 bang. and gets 51."12 [4d6=3, 6, 4, 2]
03[18:34] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 10 5:5)'
[18:36] <Demedais> roll 1d20+15 mighty cleave
06[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+15 mighty cleave and gets 20."12 [1d20=5]
[18:36] <Kokonut> OOC - Hit.
[18:36] <Demedais> roll 2d6+18
06[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+18 and gets 28."12 [2d6=6, 4]
03[18:36] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 9 4:5)'
[18:36] <Kokonut> HAcking through the fishmen with a deadly, practiced ease, Demedais strikes down the wounded spearman and two others quickly! In a burbling, gurgling tongue the sahuagin begin to talk amid themselves! OOC - Seira.
01[18:37] <Seira> The sahuagin carrying no weapons is clearly unique, so he's the one Seira targets first. Three fiery beams lance at it, as Seira raises off the deck while drawing her sword, flying towards that section of the boat. She figures that Demedais and Antenora would have the other boarding point covered.
01[18:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+15 scorching ray
06[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 scorching ray and gets 28."12 [1d20=13]
01[18:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+15 scorching ray
01[18:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+15 scorching ray
06[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 scorching ray and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
06[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 scorching ray and gets 19."12 [1d20=4]
[18:38] <Kokonut> OOC - Hits.
01[18:38] <Seira> roll 12d6 fire
06[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 12d6 fire and gets 48."12 [12d6=5, 5, 4, 6, 4, 3, 6, 3, 2, 3, 5, 2]
[18:39] <Kokonut> Three piercing beams of fire set the sahuagin alight, his body smoldering and smoking! Even with those three penetrations, however, he stays upward somehow!  He wobbles and he burns, but it yet lives!
[18:40] <Kokonut> Meanwhile, amid the growing battle, Demedais and Antenora are each swung at once!
[18:40] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 13."12 [1d20=11]
[18:40] <Kokonut> OOC - +4, but still a whiff on Deme.
[18:40] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 20."12 [1d20=16]
[18:40] <Kokonut> However, neither are stricken! As they fend for themselves amid the mess, sailors are attacked too!
[18:40] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
[18:40] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[18:40] <Kokonut> However, none are hit either!
[18:41] <Kokonut> Meanwhile, the far side has crossbows readied! In a choking few words in common, "Kill the...freak bitch..." The roasted sahuagin gasps, as crossbow bolts come for her!
[18:41] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
[18:41] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 19."12 [1d20=15]
06[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18."12 [1d20=14]
[18:41] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[18:41] <Kokonut> However, none of the bolts come quite close enough, whizzing by in the air! But as that happens, the sahuagin makes a few strange gestures and utters a few words of power! OOC - Will save, Seira.
01[18:42] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
06[18:42] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 17."12 [1d20=4]
[18:43] <Kokonut> Seira feels strange for a few moments, foggy headed. Odd...but it all passes in a blur, fought off! Meanwhile, eyt more sahuagin comes - including one on Deme's side who towers, a huge trident in both hands, "Crush our enemies!" he cries, "There is treasure ahead! Save your regrets for the next life!"
[18:43] <Kokonut> Meanwhile, Alicia reaches deck! OOC - Initiative?
01[18:43] <Seira> "Treasure? Where?"
03[18:44] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 22 10:12'
06[18:44] * Alicia finally appears on deck, Hell Striker in hand and wearing naught but a black slip dress and a few items of magic jewellery, not having bothered to wear more bulky clothing far less armour in this stifling heat. Nonetheless, she still seems ready to fight!
[18:44] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 20."12 [1d20=15]
03[18:44] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Alicia>Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 22 10:12'
[18:44] <Kokonut> OOC - Go Alicia.
[18:45] <Kokonut> "Get 'em! We'll eat fishmen tonight!" A sailor cries amid the chaos of battle!
[18:45] <Alicia> Briefly taking in the situation, Alicia decides to target the one who just tried to cast a spell on Seira. "Foul brigands of the sea, wither and die!" she calls, gesturing at it to launch a beam of crackling dark red energy through the steamy rain that pelts down upon them!
[18:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 enervation
06[18:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 enervation and gets 33."12 [1d20=18]
[18:46] <Alicia> roll 1d4
06[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4 and gets 2."12 [1d4=2]
[18:46] <Kokonut> The smoldering sahuagin staggers on the rainy deck, it's entire body seeming to contract into itself! He shivers all over, glaring at Alicia with hatred! Meanwhile, the friendly sailors fight on!
[18:46] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[18:46] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
[18:46] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 4."12 [1d20=2]
06[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 7."12 [1d20=5]
[18:46] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 21."12 [1d20=19]
[18:46] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 20."12 [1d20=18]
[18:46] <Kokonut> roll 1d4+1
06[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d4+1 and gets 5."12 [1d4=4]
[18:47] <Kokonut> roll 1d8+1
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d8+1 and gets 6."12 [1d8=5]
[18:47] <Kokonut> Sahuagin are wounded in the tussling, the battle going back and forth! Meanwhile, Antenora floats over a bit, attacking the big sahuagin's side!
[18:47] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+16 (-3 PA)
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+16 (-3 PA) and gets 31."12 [1d20=15]
[18:48] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+11 (-3 PA)
06[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+11 (-3 PA) and gets 31."12 [1d20=20]
[18:48] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+11 (-3 PA)
06[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+11 (-3 PA) and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
[18:48] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+6 (-3 PA)
06[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+6 (-3 PA) and gets 19."12 [1d20=13]
[18:48] <Kokonut> roll 2d8+30
06[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 2d8+30 and gets 38."12 [2d8=4, 4]
[18:49] <Kokonut> Antenora manages to rip into him twice, but it's only shallow wounds on his muscular frame! OOC - Deme.
06[18:50] * Demedais steps again over to this newest big threat. "Yeah, 'bout those regret things? Start tallying, is my advice."
[18:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -4 PA)
06[18:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -4 PA) and gets 22."12 [1d20=6]
[18:51] <Kokonut> OOC - Whiff.
[18:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -4 PA) swing 2
06[18:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -4 PA) swing 2 and gets 36."12 [1d20=20]
[18:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -4 PA) swing 2 crit check
06[18:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 (+1 Haste -4 PA) swing 2 crit check and gets 26."12 [1d20=10]
[18:51] <Kokonut> OOC - Crit.
[18:52] <Demedais> roll 4d6+32
06[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+32 and gets 47."12 [4d6=6, 2, 2, 5]
[18:52] <Kokonut> OOC - Last attack is up.
[18:52] <Demedais> OOC: Haste. Two more.
[18:52] <Kokonut> OOC - Oh right, y bad.
[18:52] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11 (+1 haste -4 PA)
06[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 (+1 haste -4 PA) and gets 24."12 [1d20=13]
[18:52] <Kokonut> OOC - Whiff.
[18:52] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 (+1 haste -4 PA)
06[18:52] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 (+1 haste -4 PA) and gets 16."12 [1d20=10]
[18:53] <Kokonut> Demedais trades swords with the clear leader! He manages one savage cut into his flank, but can'tq uite score a truly decisive blow! OOC - Seira.
06[18:53] * Seira descends upon the mage with savage amusement on her face, bringing the Resort down upon his burnt head.
01[18:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+22 charge
06[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 charge and gets 28."12 [1d20=6]
[18:53] <Kokonut> OOc - Hit.
01[18:53] <Seira> roll 3d8+7
06[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+7 and gets 21."12 [3d8=7, 6, 1]
03[18:54] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Alicia>Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 21 10:11'
[18:54] <Kokonut> Wounded and withered, Seira has no problems finishing him off! He crumples to the ground, dead!  At that, the trident leader attacks, snarling, "You won't take them easily!" he calls, attacking Demedais and Antenora!
01[18:54] <Seira> "I've cut something worthless again," Seira mutters, loudly enough for the remaining pirates around her to overhear.
[18:55] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+16 (-6 PA) Deme
06[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+16 (-6 PA) Deme and gets 22."12 [1d20=6]
[18:55] <Kokonut> OOC - AC?
[18:55] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+11 (-6 PA) Antenora
06[18:55] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+11 (-6 PA) Antenora and gets 26."12 [1d20=15]
[18:55] <Demedais> OOC: Let's just say 19 since I didn't say I had the armor on.
[18:56] <Kokonut> roll 1d8+25 Deme
06[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d8+25 Deme and gets 29."12 [1d8=4]
[18:56] <Kokonut> roll 1d8+25 Antenora
06[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d8+25 Antenora and gets 31."12 [1d8=6]
[18:57] <Kokonut> The power he hits with is surprisingly good, striking dead on and leaving three holes in each of them! However, it's not nearly enough to serioujsly threaten them! Meanwhile, more swings come flying at both as they defend themselves!
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 Deme
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 Deme and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 Deme
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 Deme and gets 7."12 [1d20=3]
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 Antenora
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 Antenora
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 Antenora and gets 9."12 [1d20=5]
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 Antenora and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 sailors
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 sailors and gets 15."12 [1d20=11]
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 sailors
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 sailors and gets 13."12 [1d20=9]
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 sailors
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 sailors and gets 7."12 [1d20=3]
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 sailors
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 sailors and gets 8."12 [1d20=4]
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 sailors
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 sailors and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
[18:57] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4 sailors
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 sailors and gets 18."12 [1d20=14]
[18:58] <Kokonut> roll 4#1d8+3
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 4#1d8+3 and gets 36."12 [4#1d8+3 = 9, 9, 8, 10]
[18:58] <Kokonut> Sailors are speared and stabbed, a few going down in the bloody brawl! Meanwhile, on the other side, Seira finds herself being crossbowed at all angles!
[18:58] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
[18:58] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 20."12 [1d20=16]
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 23."12 [1d20=19]
[18:58] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
[18:58] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
[18:58] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 7."12 [1d20=3]
[18:58] <Kokonut> OOC - AC?
01[18:59] <Seira> OOC: 26 after charging
[18:59] <Kokonut> However, crossbow bolts miss her, as trident sahuagin close in to slug at her!
[18:59] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 8."12 [1d20=4]
[18:59] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[18:59] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 14."12 [1d20=10]
[18:59] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12."12 [1d20=8]
[18:59] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+4
06[18:59] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+4 and gets 8."12 [1d20=4]
[19:00] <Kokonut> Swarmed and surrounded, Seira is nonetheless able to defend herself! A few others advance a bit forward, towards Alicia! OOC - Alicia.
[19:00] <Kokonut> "Hurts..." One sailor staggers back, blood flowing freely from his shoulder, "Kill 'em! Skin 'em! Roast 'em!" he calls, "We're fighting with legends! We're not gonna lose!"
[19:02] <Alicia> While she wants to heal the wounded sailors, Alicia can't really do much while there's still so many enemies around to continually threaten them. "Come and face me if you dare, cowards!" she challenges the ones advancing in her direction as she sweeps her arm forward, sending a spray of fiery rays amidst them and targetting three of the sharkmen nearest the most wounded sailors.
[19:02] <Alicia> While she wants to heal the wounded sailors, Alicia can't really do much while there's still so many enemies around to continually threaten them. "Come and face me if you dare, cowards!" she challenges the ones advancing in her direction as she sweeps her arm forward, sending a spray of fiery rays amidst them and targetting three of the sharkmen nearest the most wounded sailors.
[19:02] <Alicia> OOC: whoops
[19:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 28."12 [1d20=13]
[19:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 32."12 [1d20=17]
[19:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 28."12 [1d20=13]
[19:03] <Alicia> roll 4d6
06[19:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d6 and gets 10."12 [4d6=1, 3, 5, 1]
[19:03] <Alicia> roll 4d6
06[19:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d6 and gets 20."12 [4d6=2, 6, 6, 6]
[19:03] <Alicia> roll 4d6
06[19:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d6 and gets 16."12 [4d6=4, 5, 1, 6]
03[19:04] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Alicia>Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 18 7:11'
[19:04] <Kokonut> Sending flaming hot beams of death, Alicia fries three sahuagin! They smoulder and go down, fried, the sides further reduced! OOC - Antenora and friendlies are up.
[19:04] <Kokonut> Keeping her own comments to herself, Antenora swings hard at the leader!
[19:05] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+16 (+1 flying, d'oh, -4 PA)
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+16 (+1 flying, d'oh, -4 PA) and gets 35."12 [1d20=19]
[19:05] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+16 (+1 flying, d'oh, -4 PA)
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+16 (+1 flying, d'oh, -4 PA) and gets 26."12 [1d20=10]
[19:05] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+11 (+1 flying, d'oh, -4 PA)
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+11 (+1 flying, d'oh, -4 PA) and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
[19:05] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+6 (+1 flying, d'oh, -4 PA)
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+6 (+1 flying, d'oh, -4 PA) and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[19:06] <Kokonut> roll 3d8+51
06[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 3d8+51 and gets 68."12 [3d8=5, 5, 7]
[19:06] <Kokonut> The blow that rips through the powerful sahuagin is considerable, impaling his chest! Even as it's lifeblood flows down it's front, it stays alive and fighting! However, the remaining soldiers rallya t this, trying to survive! Some defend themselves, some attack!
[19:06] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
[19:06] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
[19:06] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+2
06[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 11."12 [1d20=9]
06[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 4."12 [1d20=2]
06[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+2 and gets 5."12 [1d20=3]
[19:07] <Kokonut> The clang of sword against trident sounds about, as...OOC - Demedais.
06[19:07] * Demedais nods once and prepares to try and finish the sahaugin and end this battle!
[19:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17 (+1 Haste -3 PA)
06[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 (+1 Haste -3 PA) and gets 36."12 [1d20=19]
[19:07] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17 (+1 Haste -3 PA) crit check
06[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 (+1 Haste -3 PA) crit check and gets 27."12 [1d20=10]
[19:07] <Kokonut> OOC - Crit.
[19:08] <Demedais> roll 4d6+28
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+28 and gets 42."12 [4d6=3, 5, 4, 2]
[19:08] <Kokonut> With a brave, quick slash, Demedais finishes off the powerful warrior by shortening him a head! He falls down, slain! OOC - Cleave.
[19:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17 cleave
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 cleave and gets 19."12 [1d20=2]
[19:09] <Kokonut> OOC - Hit.
[19:09] <Demedais> roll 2d6+14
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+14 and gets 18."12 [2d6=3, 1]
03[19:09] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Alicia>Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 16 5:11'
[19:09] <Kokonut> OOC - Cleave.
[19:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17 mighty cleave
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 mighty cleave and gets 37."12 [1d20=20]
[19:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+17 mighty cleave crit check
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+17 mighty cleave crit check and gets 26."12 [1d20=9]
[19:09] <Kokonut> OOc - Crit. Fuck.
[19:10] <Demedais> roll 4d6+28
06[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+28 and gets 40."12 [4d6=5, 1, 1, 5]
03[19:10] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Alicia>Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 15 4:11'
[19:11] <Kokonut> Cleaving through two more, Demedais reduces the sahuagin numbers considerably! OOC - Seira.
06[19:11] * Seira comes down in a crouch, finding the ideal position to get most of the boarders near her, if not them all, and breathes fire at the remaining pirates.
01[19:11] <Seira> roll 6d8 fire
06[19:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8 fire and gets 35."12 [6d8=8, 7, 2, 5, 6, 7]
01[19:11] <Seira> roll 1d4
06[19:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4  and gets 1."12 [1d4=1]
01[19:11] <Seira> OOC: Dc16
03[19:11] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Alicia>Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 15 4:8'
03[19:11] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Alicia>Friendly Sailors=Antenora>Demedais>Seira>Sahuagin pirates(Currently 12 4:8'
[19:12] <Kokonut> OOC - It's moot, they fry even on a save.
[19:13] <Kokonut> LEtting loose a gout of flame, Seira roasts three more sahuagin! Flaming chunks of sahuagin litter the deck! AT this, and the fall of the muscled one, the morale of the sahuagin break! They turn and flee, jumping off the boat and into the water with considerable haste! A symphony of retreating splashes are heard, the sailors cheering!
01[19:13] <Seira> Smoke trailing from her lips, Seira can't help but smile at this turn of events.
[19:13] <Kokonut> OOC - The sahuagin are fleeing off the sides and have plunged into the water. Go ahead and free act for the moment.
01[19:14] <Seira> "Who's injured?" Seira calls out instantly, intending to seek out the most wounded of the soldiers.
[19:14] <Alicia> If the sharkmen are retreating that's good enough for Alicia, and she quickly moves towards the most wounded sailor, kneeling down beside him and channeling enough healing energy into his form to get him back on his feet.
[19:15] <Kokonut> Antenora setttles down on deck, rubbing her wounded side. Meanwhile, the other wounded sailors stagger towards Alicia and Seira, or point to the downed ones.
06[19:15] * Demedais moves to the downed soldiers as well, working to heal where he can. "Antenora, I can attend to that injury in a minute." he notes.
[19:36] <Kokonut> The sailors begin to mend to the touches. "It's not terrible," Antenora returns, "He only got one strike in."
06[19:40] * Demedais nods slightly, continuing to check on people.
[19:44] <Kokonut> With magic and laying of hands, the crew is mended. The left behind weapons are gathered and put in the hold, gathered and inventoried. Thus the trip continues on...OOC - Anyone going to do anything unsuaul or just sailing now?
[19:44] <Alicia> OOC: nothing for me
[19:45] <Kokonut> roll 1d100
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d100 and gets 75."12 [1d100=75]
[19:45] <Kokonut> roll 1d100
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d100 and gets 96."12 [1d100=96]
[19:45] <Kokonut> roll 1d100
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d100 and gets 77."12 [1d100=77]
[19:52] <Kokonut> roll 1d3
06[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d3 and gets 1."12 [1d3=1]
[19:54] <Kokonut> It is night. Thet rip to Elfsander is nearly completed, only a few more day sof travel. Since the sahuagin engagement, the way has been peaceful. Until...(More)
[19:54] <Kokonut> Demedais is awake. This is not an uncommon state for him at night, needing little sleep. At 2 AM or so, no one else is up, besides perhaps Alicia's familiar. OOC - What would Deme be doing at 2 AM?
[19:55] <Demedais> OOC: Probably up on deck, thinking/praying.
[19:57] <Kokonut> Sitting on the smooth, damp deck, Demedais prays. His communes with Helm are anightly ritual. But as he does...he hears it. It's a faraway thing, distant, but it's gorgeous. It's the most gorgeous sound Demedais has heard in...too long. Perhaps his entire life. It is singing. Someone is singing. A longing song - someone is singing a song of missing thier father.
06[19:59] * Demedais finishes the prayer softly, looking up toward the song. How odd, to hear such a song all the way out here...
[20:03] <Kokonut> Standing on deck is a young elven boy. He is still well in his childhood from apperances. He wears fine clothes...yet they drip water. His face is sad, his voice longing and singing.  His body glows a ever so slightly transparent blue. He is about twenty feet away from Demedais now. His eyes are like the ocean in color, fixing onto Demedais.
06[20:06] * Demedais looks at the elf, about ready to speak before pausing. "Wait. First, when did you get on board, secondly why are you wet, and thirdly how are you singing so well?" Demedais says, standing somewhat quickly. "Assuming, of course, you understand, but since I understood what you were singing..."
[20:07] <Kokonut> His song slows and stops there on a final, heartrending note of lonliness. "I came because of you and your friends. I can see it on you, smell it on you. I can taste it in the air..." He drifts slowly twards Demedais. "You're the ones who are waking the world up. You're the ones who woke me up. Mighty hero, would you spare some compassion for me?"
[20:11] <Demedais> "Explain?" Demedais asks, thinking of the incident in the ruins with the orphanage. "What is it that you need?"
[20:13] <Kokonut> "I'm so lonely..." Smiling at Demedais hopefully, "I've been lonely for so long...will you let me come closer?" OOC - More.
[20:13] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+13 what's your SR, Deme?
06[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+13 what's your SR, Deme? and gets 29."12 [1d20=16]
[20:13] <Kokonut> OOC - Will save.
[20:13] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 Yeah, saw this coming, but I detect chaos, not evil.
06[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 Yeah, saw this coming, but I detect chaos, not evil. and gets 32."12 [1d20=19]
06[20:17] * Demedais pauses, before muttering a word under his breath to call his armor to him and looking at the kid for chaos. "Do not try such acts again. You just lost any mercy you could have hoped for."
[20:18] <Kokonut> "Aaah!" The child stops moving as Demedais' armor appears around him as if by magic. His face twists into anger, "No!" He stomps his foot against the deck, a strangely soundless stomp. "I said let me get closer!" OOC - Let's do initiative here.
[20:19] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 right.
06[20:19] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 right. and gets 9."12 [1d20=8]
[20:19] <Kokonut> roll 1d20+7
06[20:19] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 1d20+7 and gets 24."12 [1d20=17]
03[20:19] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Child>Demedais'
[20:19] <Kokonut> The child glares at Demedais, his face twisting with fury into something...terrifying! OOC - Fort save.
[20:20] <Demedais> roll 1d20+21 right, kid. Gonna make me smack you here. (+5 Last Resort)
06[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+21 right, kid. Gonna make me smack you here. (+5 Last Resort) and gets 41."12 [1d20=20]
[20:21] <Kokonut> Demedais stands the gaze without even being lightly effected! It's a pressure on him, but one he easily resists! OOC - Deme, you're up.
[20:25] <Demedais> "Someone, please stand by to alert Alicia and Seira!" Demedais bellows, drawing his sword. "And as for you, child..."
[20:25] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11
06[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
06[20:29] * Demedais pauses, looking at it. "There's likely as not to be any real comfort for you here, child." Demedais says in a far kinder tone. "Listen to me. Somewhere out there, your parents are waiting for you, alright? This isn't a good place to linger."
[20:31] <Kokonut> "Give me your comfort then! You have so much, it's not fair that you're not giving me any!" The ghost retorts! He then glares at Demedais again, angrily! OOC - Forts ave again.
[20:32] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 bah.
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 bah. and gets 36."12 [1d20=20]
[20:33] <Kokonut> Yet again, Demedais isn't even disturbed by the hateful look! OOC - Go Deme.
[20:35] <Demedais> "Child... such a thing has never been something you can take, or even something you can give so easily as that." Demedais says, still kindly. "Listen. What you ask can't truly be given by any of us here. That may be painful, but it's all the comfort I can give; once you move on, there will be those who can give that comfort, most likely. Where were you from?"
[20:36] <Kokonut> OOC - Make a diplo check?
[20:37] <Demedais> roll 1d20+21
06[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+21 and gets 37."12 [1d20=16]
[20:39] <Kokonut> "I don't wanna move on! I wanna eat and drink and play!" Stomping his foot again, "I want it all! I wanna remember what it's like to eat fruits and drink water! I wanna remember what it's like to be warm! I wanna, I wanna, I wanna!" The child ghost jumps up and down, slamming it's feet silently.
[20:44] <Demedais> "Child... Here, you can't do such things." Demedais replies sadly. "But you can try to find another place to do so. There may be other elves, other people, waiting for you. With them, you should be able to do all that... but here? Nothing we have can really satisfy you anymore."
[20:45] <Kokonut> "You can! You can!" Glaring at Demedais again, "I know you can! Your glowing like a small nova of life! Give it to me!" He glares again at Demedais, "Come to me!" OOC - Will save.
[20:46] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 (+5 Mindarmor)
06[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 (+5 Mindarmor) and gets 37."12 [1d20=19]
[20:46] <Kokonut> Despite it's words, Demedais isn't even budged. As this is said, Alicia and Seira reach the deck, seeing the scene unfolding!
01[20:47] <Seira> "Hey there, glowy elf boy!" Seira greets their guest.
[20:48] <Alicia> "What the... a ghost?" Alicia falls short at the scene ahead, not having really expected this. Meanwhile Marie pops up through the floor nearby.
[20:48] <Alicia> "There was nothing below the boat," she reports dutifully.
06[20:48] * Demedais raises a hand to stop them from quick judgments, before kneeling a bit. "Child... you are but a ghost here. We can give you nothing to satisfy you; your very nature here forbids it. Nor can you really give us anything. There isn't anything left here for you, only that which awaits beyond."
[20:49] <Kokonut> The boy's attention turns to them, licking his lips, "All of you are so bright...so warm...so alive!" he says in a shaky, hungry voice. "You can too! Just let me get inside you!" he says. "That'll make everything better!"
[20:51] <Alicia> "Hey, a ghost!" Marie bobs around and looks towards the boy, herself just as incorporeal as he is right now before she pops back into her humanoid form. "You're not going to get anywhere by clinging on like this, you know!"
[20:52] <Demedais> "Child. The hunger you're feeling... it's false. Listen. Trust me. You need to let go. I know it's scary, but there are those waiting for you on the other side. Waiting for you to return to them."
[20:53] <Kokonut> OOC - Would you two roll initiative? I'm going to start a new round after this next line, I think.
[20:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 A
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 A and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
01[20:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
[20:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 M
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 13."12 [1d20=1]
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 M and gets 20."12 [1d20=13]
03[20:53] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Alicia>Child>Marie>Seira>Demedais'
[20:55] <Kokonut> "No! No! No!" The child looks angrily at Demedais, "I want it! I'll have it! You're so greedy! You just want it to yourself and it's not fair!" OOC - Go ahead, Alicia. If you're not acting just say you're holding.
06[20:56] * Alicia glances towards her familiar. "You've already passed on, why don't you talk him into doing it?" she suggests quietly.
[20:56] <Alicia> OOC: holding
[20:57] <Kokonut> The child throws is head back, "I...I hate you! You're greedy! You're just like them!" With a roar, a horrible scream comes from it's mouth, a chilling moan! OOC - Will saves for all except Deme. This is a sonic, mind affecting fear attack, for those of you with relevan tmodifiers.
[20:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13 M
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 M and gets 21."12 [1d20=8]
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 A
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 A and gets 29."12 [1d20=11]
02[20:58] * Cube_Hero_Sierra (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-70-85.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[20:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 22."12 [1d20=5]
[20:59] <Kokonut> roll 2d4
06[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Kokonut rolls 2d4 and gets 5."12 [2d4=2, 3]
[21:00] <Kokonut> A horrible sound washes across the deck! The boy's face twists into something not nearly so innocent, a look of pure fury crossing his expression! OOC - Marie, you're up.
[21:00] <Alicia> "Eeeek!" Marie shrieks, promptly turning incorporeal again and zipping down below the deck.
[21:01] <Kokonut> OOC - Seira.
01[21:01] <Seira> "Too creepy for me," Seira spits, disappearing without another sound.
[21:02] <Kokonut> OOC - Deme's up when he gets back. If you wanna banter a bit, Alicia, feel free.
[21:02] <Alicia> OOC: well, I can just take my held action
[21:02] <Kokonut> OOC: Okay.
03[21:02] * Alicia changes topic to 'Child>Marie>Seira>Alicia>Demedais'
[21:05] <Alicia> "Ugh, she won't be convincing anyone of anything," Alicia mutters irritably, before stepping towards the wayward ghost and trying to reason with it before she starts with the magic missiles. "We're not greedy, we only want to help you. But you have to stop acting up like this - we can't help you if you lash out at us," she chastises in a soothing maternal tone.
[21:06] <Kokonut> OOc - Dipl check it?
[21:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16
06[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 and gets 19."12 [1d20=3]
[21:10] <Kokonut> "Then why won't you give it to me! You have more than enough! Greedy! Horrible!" Snarling at Alicia, "I won't believe it! Liar! Liar! Dirty liar! You're just another greedy liar like Mom! I HATE YOU!"
[21:10] <Demedais> "Look. Child. Please, calm down. We're just trying to get you somewhere where you can eat, play, drink, alright? And for that, you need to let go. That stuff's all waiting for you back there. Here, there's a lot of suffering and falling - it's not much fun to play here.
[21:11] <Demedais> roll 1d20+21 one last try for diplomacy.
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+21 one last try for diplomacy. and gets 25."12 [1d20=4]
[21:11] <Demedais> roll 1d20+21 ahahah reroll!
06[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+21 ahahah reroll! and gets 38."12 [1d20=17]
[21:12] <Kokonut> "Then...it breathesin and out, "Let me have it! Let me get inside of you!" He points at Demedais! "Let me!"
[21:14] <Alicia> At this point Alicia is glad Marie ran off. She'd probably say something inappropriate right now.
03[21:15] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Child>Marie>Seira>Alicia>Demedais (1 round on panicked)'
06[21:25] * Demedais closes his eyes. "...Child. Listen." A pause, and a muttered plea to Helm, before he looked directly at the child, slightly resigned. "I am willing to do so. But first, we will need to make a deal, alright?"
[21:28] <Kokonut> "You will?" The child turns to Demedais, a hint of hope springing up, "What deal?"
[21:30] <Demedais> "The first part is going to perhaps be hard for you, but... I need to retain control. This ship has been attacked by sahaugin already; they may be following, and I'm one of the ones trying to defend it. So you can... share? The feelings, but I need to stay in control. Secondly... what's your name?"
[21:32] <Kokonut> "Okay, okay, sure," The kid says quickly, "My name's Gilnal." The boy's eyes stay on Demedais, his body perfectly still now.
[21:37] <Demedais> "Alright, Gilnal. The other half of it is that you will, eventually, need to move on, alright? You can't stay forever, but if this helps you let go... then I'll allow it. How long will you need?" Demedais says, looking at the ghost tiredly.
[21:37] <Kokonut> "I dunno," he admits, "We can figure it out later!" he advances a bit to Demedais, quickly.
06[21:38] * Alicia seems rather dubious about this whole plan, but decides to keep quiet since Demedais has the temperamental spectre somewhat under control.
[21:40] <Demedais> "Hold on for one more moment." Demedais says, before standing and looking to Alicia. "Can you look him over quickly? He checks as chaotic." he asks, before closing his eyes for a moment and muttering under his breath.
[21:41] <Alicia> "Most elves are. If he was evil I'd have already done something about him, though," Alicia replies quietly.
06[21:42] * Demedais nods slightly.
[21:42] <Demedais> roll 1d1000
06[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d1000 and gets 709."12 [1d1000=709]
[21:42] <Kokonut> "Come on!" Gilnal insists.
[21:43] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais says after a moment. "As a warning, we are likely of rather clashing personalities, but..." Demedais shrugs, with a slight grin. "I will endure, for Helm."
[21:44] <Kokonut> "Yes!" The ghost comes up to in front of Demedais, "Give me your hand and don't resist. Just relax!"
06[21:45] * Demedais holds out his hand. "Deal. You hold your end of it as well, alright?"
[21:46] <Kokonut> "Sure, sure!" With that, Demedais' hand is taken! OOC - You're entitled to a saving throw here to resist the possesion, will you take it?
[21:47] <Demedais> OOC: Against all my natural instinct, no.
[21:47] <Kokonut> Alicia sees what happens! The ghostly boy fades into Demedais' body! A few moments later, Demedais laughs! "Yes! Yes! Yes!" He jumps up and down, armor clanging! "This feels great! So warm! So nice! Ahahahahahahahaaaaaa!"
03[21:48] * Kokonut changes topic to 'Child>Marie>Seira>Alicia>Demedais'
06[21:49] * Alicia eyes the bald man dubiously. "I thought you weren't going to take control," she comments with a frown.
[21:49] <Kokonut> "Oh come on!" Turning to Alicia, Demedais grins, "Don't worry about that! Where's some food? There's some food somewhere on this boat, isn't there?"
[21:51] <Alicia> "I hope you like fish," Alicia snorts, not relaxing her grip on her sword. "Put Demedais back in charge - that was the deal you agreed to, remember?"
[21:52] <Kokonut> "I will, I will. Just lemme eat first!" Demedais insists, "C'mon, you can make me something to eat."
[21:53] <Alicia> "Fine, fine," Alicia sighs, "This way," she gestures for him to head inside towards the galley, not wanting to turn her back on him.
06[21:53] * Seira makes an appearance, being quite nonchalant about it. "What's up?"
[21:53] <Kokonut> "Food!" Demedais follows Alicia towards the gallies. "Real food!"
[21:54] <Alicia> "Demedais let the ghost possess him, and now it wants something to eat," Alicia reports deadpan.
01[21:56] <Seira> "Good plan," Seira says in response to that.
[21:56] <Kokonut> The galley is a cramped place, with several long tables and a small kitchen area. Demedais goes and sits right on down, "Hurry up, I'm really hungry!" he says to Alicia. Then to Seira, "You look funny. What are you?"
01[21:57] <Seira> "I'm a dragon. You look really creepy."
06[21:57] * Alicia proceeds to start cooking up a meal using whatever ingredients are on hand, also getting a mug of water and depositing it in front of the normally fasting paladin.
[21:59] <Kokonut> There's some leftovers from dinner - fish stew and bread. On seeing the food, Demedais digs in! With loud slurps and really no manners, he begins to wordlessly feast!
01[21:59] <Seira> "Never thought I'd see this," Seira mutters to Alicia. "You?"
[22:00] <Alicia> "First time I've ever seen him eat, actually," Alicia marvels as she hangs back. "I think I understand why he doesn't, now."
[22:00] <Alicia> As the disgusting display takes place, Marie floats into the galley and approaches Alicia, passing fairly close to Demedais in the process. "Hey, the sailors said you'd all went down here and the ghost had vanished. I knew you could handle things without me!"
06[22:07] * Demedais pauses, before quickly looking up. "Marie, will you stay here for a second? As in, about five feet from me? You can continue to talk to Alicia or Seira, if you wish."
[22:07] <Alicia> "Huh? Oh, sure," Marie shrugs as she alights on the table nearby. "So... everything under control, then?" she asks with a smile.
[22:08] <Alicia> "It seems to be," Alicia blinks in surprise, straightening up from the galley countertop she'd been leaning against. "Are you alright, Demedais?"
[22:10] <Demedais> "No, and yes, I believe myself to be okay." Demedais replies, before looking down at the food with a frown. "Though it seems he has no manners... Hm. I admit I expected this in part, but it still is frustrating."
[22:11] <Alicia> "It seems like Marie suppresses his control when she's nearby," Alicia observes. "But he's still in there, isn't he? So what now?"
06[22:13] * Demedais pauses, seemingly lost in thought. "I'm attempting to communicate with the kid. Making him irritable won't help in getting him past this world, but neither can we afford this loss in control on my part. Granted, you and Seira could probably subdue me without issue, but I'm more worried about other effects."
01[22:13] <Seira> "What other effects? And is there harm in letting him finish his dinner?"
[22:14] <Alicia> "Oh, you let him possess you? Wow, I never saw that coming," Marie marvels. "Yeah, it'll be my protective aura that's keeping him at bay for now. Just one of the advantages you get for passing on and becoming an eladrin," she grins proudly.
[22:14] <Demedais> "There are other crew members on board, and we can't be sure how long it'll take. Also, I hate eating that messily." Demedais grunts, idly muttering something to send the armor away. "But I will if we can't resolve this any other way."
06[22:15] * Demedais looks at Marie. "Mainly willing to do this... heh. I'll explain motives later, but let's just say I had my reason."
01[22:16] <Seira> "I would've probably done it. If he wasn't being creepy and all."
[22:16] <Alicia> "Well, I can suppress and reactivate the aura easily enough, so just say so if you want him to finish his meal or... any other things he wants to do while borrowing your body." She leans over and sniffs the stew, making a face, "There's way better food in any of the heavens, though. Really, he doesn't know what he's missing out on."
[22:21] <Demedais> "Yeah, see, if you want to tell him that while he's eating, I'd not object." Demedais says. "And... bear with me for a moment."
06[22:23] * Demedais clears his throat. "Okay, Gilnal. I still have no objections to you being here, but you're going to follow through on your end of the deal or find yourself stuck like this for a while, I'm afraid. Now. I'm going to let you finish dinner, but then I want you to relinquish control for a time, alright? I am giving you one final chance with this. Please do not make me withdraw it."
06[22:29] * Demedais exhales. "Okay. If he doesn't let go, please reactivate the aura, Marie. Go ahead and drop it now, and, uh. I don't usually eat this way." A look to Alicia.
[22:30] <Alicia> "I'm very relieved to hear that," Alicia replies seriously as Marie ceases to act as a lovely protective beacon against evil.
[22:30] <Kokonut> "Aaah!" Demedais blinks and shuddders, "Who cares? It's food and manners anyway!" With that, Demedais tears into the rest of the stew!
[22:32] <Alicia> "You know, Gilnal," Marie begins in a friendly tone. "You'd be able to have far more fun if you stopped being a ghost - you don't seem like a bad person, so that means you're guaranteed to wind up someplace nice in the hereafter. You might even wind up being an eladrin like me, if you're really lucky."
[22:34] <Kokonut> Words come out, mashed up and between finishing gulps of stew. After wiping his mouth with the back of Demedais' arm, "But girls are icky," he says, looking at Marie and sniffling, "Even flying little ones. I don't wanna get cooties."
[22:35] <Alicia> "There are boy eladrin, too," Marie points out. "And you might even find out that there are fun things you can do with the girl eladrin once you-" she then shuts up and looks sheepish as Alicia coughs loudly and glares at her.
[22:35] <Alicia> "What my overly talkative friend is getting at, Gilnal," Alicia takes over, "Is that you've really got nothing to be afraid of by passing on. What's waiting for you really is better than how things are right now."
[22:37] <Kokonut> "Aaaah...!" Leaning and and guzzling down water, "I remember one of the older elves talking about that. It sounded kind of..." he stops as Marie does, "But I don't wanna go! I wanna be alive and here!"
01[22:38] <Seira> "Wouldn't you just get reborn here if you really wanted it to?" Seira wonders.
[22:39] <Alicia> "I don't think it works that way unless someone casts reincarnate on him or something," Marie shakes her head. "What's so great about here, though? I mean, it's not terrible or anything, but I'm only here because of my job. I could be having way more fun in Dweomerheart right now."
[22:40] <Kokonut> "Oh yeah?" Demedais asks Marie, "What sorta fun, anwyay?"
[22:42] <Alicia> "Dancing, singing, playing games, telling jokes, playing pranks, making l-" she then cuts herself off with a blush as Alicia glares at her some more, "Making lots of fun and happy memories!"
[22:43] <Kokonut> "That sounds not so bad..." Demedais says, "But how I know you're not l ying, anyway?"
[22:45] <Alicia> "Because I'm as dead as you are, but you don't see me running around begging people to let me experience life again through them - I don't need to, because I've been given a body that can experience it all for myself!" Marie retorts, taking to the air and zipping gaily around the room.
01[22:47] <Seira> "It's not a bad deal," Seira muses. "All the benefits of being alive, plus the flying thing."
[22:48] <Kokonut> "I'll think about it," A bit sullen sounding, then abruptly...Demedais feels in control of his body again.
[22:50] <Alicia> "Exactly," Marie nods to Seira. "Too many people think of death as being an ending, but it's really a new beginning. I mean, I can't actually remember what things were like when I was alive, but I doubt they'd top this."
06[22:53] * Demedais looks down, before moving the stew bowl off to the side and standing up. "Excellent. Thanks, Marie... but it sounded like you and him were having a good conversation. Do you want to keep talking to him?" A sheepish look to Seira and Alicia. "You guys can probably sleep now? At least you know what's going on."
[22:53] <Alicia> "Gladly. Good night, wake me if you need me," Alicia nods and heads off to bed grumbling about spell preparation.
01[22:54] <Seira> "Whatever I say, we both know someone will wake me," Seira muses, giving Demedais a wave. "Good luck with your houseguest!"
[22:54] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais says drily.
[22:54] <Alicia> "Well, I think I've really told him all the good stuff I'm allowed to talk about," Marie admits. "Basically, being an outsider is like a hundred times better than being undead."
[22:55] <Alicia> "Unless you wind up in one of the lower planes. Then it's probably a little bit worse, depending..."

[Corwin]

[19:48] <Demedais> [15:50] * @Demedais looks down, before moving the stew bowl off to the side and standing up. "Excellent. Thanks, Marie... but it sounded like you and him were having a good conversation. Do you want to keep talking to him?" A sheepish look to Seira and Alicia. "You guys can probably sleep now? At least you know what's going on."
[19:48] <Demedais> [15:51] <@Alicia> "Gladly. Good night, wake me if you need me," Alicia nods and heads off to bed grumbling about spell preparation.
[19:48] <Demedais> [15:52] <@Seira> "Whatever I say, we both know someone will wake me," Seira muses, giving Demedais a wave. "Good luck with your houseguest!"
[19:48] <Demedais> [15:52] <@Demedais> "Right." Demedais says drily.
[19:48] <Demedais> [15:52] <@Alicia> "Well, I think I've really told him all the good stuff I'm allowed to talk about," Marie admits. "Basically, being an outsider is like a hundred times better than being undead."
[19:48] <Alicia> [20:53] * Demedais looks down, before moving the stew bowl off to the side and standing up. "Excellent. Thanks, Marie... but it sounded like you and him were having a good conversation. Do you want to keep talking to him?" A sheepish look to Seira and Alicia. "You guys can probably sleep now? At least you know what's going on."
[19:48] <Alicia> [20:53] <Alicia> "Gladly. Good night, wake me if you need me," Alicia nods and heads off to bed grumbling about spell preparation.
[19:48] <Alicia> [20:54] <Seira> "Whatever I say, we both know someone will wake me," Seira muses, giving Demedais a wave. "Good luck with your houseguest!"
[19:48] <Alicia> [20:54] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais says drily.
[19:48] <Alicia> [20:55] <Alicia> "Well, I think I've really told him all the good stuff I'm allowed to talk about," Marie admits. "Basically, being an outsider is like a hundred times better than being undead."
[19:48] <Demedais> [15:52] <@Alicia> "Unless you wind up in one of the lower planes. Then it's probably a little bit worse, depending..."
[19:48] <Alicia> [20:55] <Alicia> "Unless you wind up in one of the lower planes. Then it's probably a little bit worse, depending..."
03[19:49] * KotonoIbis is now known as Anastasia
[19:50] <Anastasia> OOC - What are you going to do now, Deme?
[19:51] <Demedais> "Well, Marie, go ahead and stop the aura?" Demedais shrugs after a moment. "Let you two talk, at least."
[19:52] <Alicia> "Okay... um, I guess Anty should still be able to talk to you telepathically, so let her know if you want me to stick it back up?" the eladrin asks before she ceases to act as a ward against all that is wrong with the world.
06[19:54] * Demedais nods quickly.
[19:54] <Anastasia> Demedais grins and stretches back. "Aaah! It feels so good just tod o that!" The paladin hops up to his feet, wobbling a bit but his balance holds. "It's so nice just to be able to breathe!"
[19:55] <Alicia> "So, why are you sticking around, anyway?" Marie asks. "I mean, don't ghosts normally have some really important thing tieing them to their mortal existences? I don't think just breathing and eating would count."
[19:57] <Anastasia> Demedais looks about, licking his lips. His attention does briefly turn to Marie. "Because..." He looks to her, his eyes narrowing, "It's entirely not fair! I barely got to do anything! I wanted to do so much...but now I can!" Heading towards the exit, "You know what I'm gonna do now?"
[19:59] <Alicia> "You could do stuff in Arvandor. I got to visit there once while I was helping out the Keeper of Words, it was really nice! I mean, I prefer Dweomerheart myself, but I can see why most elves go to Arvandor," Marie replies as she flutters after him. "But go on, what were you going to do now?" she adds politely.
[20:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+14
06[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+14 and gets 32."12 [1d20=18]
[20:03] <Anastasia> Demedais slows down, a look of idle curiosity. "Arvan...something. Hmph. I bet the Citadel of Light's better. Hey!" As he slows as he heads for the deck, "I should go visit the Citadel of Light now!"
[20:05] <Alicia> "That's where we're actually headed, but... well, it's really not better at all. I mean, the whole point of Arvandor is elven perfection turned up to eleven. Nothing on the Prime Material even comes close."
[20:08] <Anastasia> "Really?" Trotting to the deck and looking towards the rigging, Demedais approaches the rope netting. "Prove it then. How I do know that you're not a liar? Most girls are terrible liars!"
[20:10] <Alicia> "Well... just look at me!" Marie blurts out. "Have you ever met an elf as small as me? With wings like this?" she gestures to her ethereal wings fluttering behind her. "You're a ghost, I'm an eladrin. We're both dead, but only one of us is happy about it. Come on, work it out?"
[20:12] <Anastasia> "I dunno...how do I know you're not planning something bad?" Demedais leers at Marie, nothing nice about it. "Maybe all of this...maybe your planning is a trap! Heck, maybe you're a trap to get me!"
[20:15] <Alicia> "How could I be a trap when you're the one that found us?" Marie asks reasonably. "And don't forget, you're the one that made with the scary face to terrify me earlier!" she then adds indignantly. "I've been nothing but nice to you."
[20:16] <Anastasia> "Yeah well...girls aren't nice back..." Demedais' face looks positiviely miserable, before he turns and starts to climb up the rigging...or try to, anyway! OOC - Deme, make a climbing check, would you?
[20:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 and gets 23."12 [1d20=16]
[20:19] <Anastasia> With surprising agility, Demedais scurries right up the rigging, making a steady pace upward.
[20:19] <Alicia> "Hey, are you sure you should do that?" Marie asks worriedly, flying up alongside him. "What if you fall and break you- Demedais' back? I'm too small to catch you!"
[20:20] <Anastasia> With an abrupt grin, "But the breeze feels so good! It smells nice, too, like the ocean!" Continuing to scurry up, "He'll be fine! This body's so strong!"
[20:22] <Alicia> "I guess so..." Marie relents. "But still, how long do you think this'll last? You can't stay inside Demedais forever - even if he let you, he's a human, and they never even live longer than a century. One way or another, you'll end up being disembodied again if you just keep going the way you are."
[20:24] <Anastasia> Climbing up to the crow's nest, Demedais nimbly leaps into it. He spreads his arms out, the sea breeze going against Deme's clean shaven head. "Oh yeah?" Looking to Marie, "Hey you, Demedais! Tell him to say if you're telling the truth!" Gilnal insists, and then...Demedais is in control of his body again.
[20:26] <Alicia> Marie blinks in confusion, not quite sure what to make of all that.
06[20:29] * Demedais blinks, taking hold on the rim as he looks down in annoyance. "Uh, yeah, and since I'm a fighter, I'm not likely to live longer than ten more years, if that. Marie's trustworthy... unless she's playing a prank on Antenora or Alicia, I suspect." A pause. "It may be hard for you to believe, but Alicia, Seira, Antenora and Marie? You can trust them, alright?"
[20:29] <Alicia> "You're trustworthy, too, Demedais!" Marie smiles supportively.
[20:31] <Anastasia> Woosh! After saying that, Deme fades away again! Demedais' look turns to one of curiosity and irritation, "No kidding? Hmph. How do I know these girls haven't lied to you! That human girl looked like a big liar, too! And that scaly one's so strange looking!" Crossing his arms, Demedais keeps looking downward. "But...Arvandor does sound kind of fun..."
[20:34] <Alicia> "Oh, it is. When I went there, we visited Grandfather Oak - that's this enormous tree that's probably bigger than all of Pallanth. Thousands of eladrin and petitioners and fey all live there in harmony, telling stories, singing songs, practicing their crafts... oh, it was great. And that's just one little part of Arvandor!" Marie goes on, doing her part for Arborea's tourist division.
[20:36] <Anastasia> "Well..." Gilnal considers, even as he leans a bit over, grinning as he looks up now, "Are there a lot of girls there?"
[20:39] <Alicia> "There's a lot of girls, but there's a lot of boys, too. And a lot of people who're neither. I don't even know if it's possible to count just how many people there are there - so even if you do meet someone you don't like, there's an infinity of other people to meet," Marie gushes. "Really, I promise it's one of the best places to spend eternity."
[20:39] <Anastasia> "Mmmmgh..." Demedais looks uncertain, "...If Elves go there...would father be there?"
[20:44] <Alicia> Marie pauses, since this is an important concept. "Most elves go there - the ones who value freedom and happiness and all that. If your father was big on rules and laws, he might have went to somewhere else... unless he worshipped one of the elven deities, like Corellon or Rillifane. I mean, I was a freedom loving elf, but I went to Dweomerheart because I pledged myself to Mystra, you understand?"
[20:44] <Alicia> "But even if your father is there, it could take a few lifetimes to find him. As well as there being so many people there, hardly anyone actually remembers their mortal lives, at least at first. I've been dead for twenty years, and all I know about my life is that I was an elf called Marielle. I might remember more later on, or I might never remember. It could be the same for you, and your father."
[20:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17
06[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 and gets 32."12 [1d20=15]
[20:49] <Anastasia> "Mph...." Demedais looks down, face contorted. "...You don't sound like you're lying..." he murmurs, his voice slowing. "Well...how do I get there?"
02[20:50] * TheTranscendantSierra (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-70-85.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:51] <Alicia> Marie's voice becomes soothing. "You just have to let go. It's not hard once you grasp that - whatever it is that you want to do, whatever it is that's keeping you here, let it fade away from memory. It's not important anymore, not compared to what's waiting for you on the other side."
[20:52] <Anastasia> Demedais scowls a moment, "Mph. But..if it doesn't work, you gotta promise me to let me do something about the lying girl! Promise me!" Demedais says...and then Demedais is in control of his body again.
[20:53] <Alicia> "What lying girl?" Marie asks curiously, wondering if this is the thing keeping him tied to his unlife.
[20:54] <Demedais> "She's not lying, though what she's suggesting may be hard to do; just take your time and perservere." Demedais says, staying in the same spot. "And anyone you don't want to see there, I'd expect you can avoid doing so; correct, Marie?"
[20:55] <Alicia> "Oh, yeah," Marie bobs her head up and down. "Infinitely huge plane and all that."
[20:57] <Anastasia> Woosh! Demedais loses control of his body. "Fine..." Muttering something, "I'll try." Then...Demedais goes limp and recovers his awareness! Gilnal floats outside the crow's nest, arms crossed. "So what do I do, wish to just go there?"
06[20:58] * Demedais looks to Marie. "Will that work?"
[21:00] <Alicia> "Well, for most people they just die and that's it," Marie admits. "I heard ghosts stick around because of some injustice or something, but since Gilnal here just wants to satisfy his earthly desires, he needs to purge himself of those desires. Once he does that, and there's nothing tying him here anymore, the fundamental laws of the planes should do the rest," she reasons.
06[21:01] * Demedais gives an unreadable look to Marie.
[21:01] <Anastasia> "So...I don't wanna. I don't wanna...eat. I don't wanna...do anything. I wanna...go to that Avordandor place!" Gilnal crosses his arms, squeezing his eyes shut and concentrating. "I don't wanna go to the Citadel of Light! I don't wanna!"
[21:02] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+6
06[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 7."12 [1d20=1]
[21:02] <Anastasia> But...Gilnal then scowls. "But who am I kidding? I wanna!" he says a moment later. "I really wanna!"
[21:02] <Alicia> "Hmm... you really want to go to the Citadel of Light?" Marie asks thoughtfully. "Like, really really? More than anything in the whole wide world?"
06[21:02] * Demedais grins very slightly, before his face returns to impassiveness.
[21:03] <Anastasia> "Sure! I hear it's nice there!" Gilnal agrees. "I wanna see everything there!"
[21:04] <Alicia> "I still think it's pretty provincial compared to Arvandor, but alright!" Marie claps her hands together. "This is probably what's keeping you here, so if we take you to the Citadel of Light and show you around, that should hopefully get rid of your last regrets and let you pass on peacefully."
[21:06] <Anastasia> "You will? Really?" Gilnal looks to Demedais. "You'll take me to the Citadel of Light?"
[21:07] <Demedais> "...If it helps you see your father again, sure." Demedais says after a moment.
[21:10] <Anastasia> "Then let's go!" Gilnal says abruptly, flying right back into Deme's body! OOC - You're entitled to a saving throw here, do you want to take it?
[21:11] <Demedais> OOC: Again, against all instinct, no.
[21:12] <Anastasia> Woosh! Demedais is shunted off, pushed aside in his own body! "Okay!" Demedais said, "When will we get there?"
[21:13] <Alicia> "Well, we're a few days from the mainland. I'm not really sure how long it takes to get to the Citadel from the port, though," Marie admits, tapping her chin in thought.
[21:15] <Anastasia> "Well...until then...hey, do you cheat at playing tag?" Gilnal asks.
[21:16] <Alicia> "Does flying and turning incorporeal count as cheating where you come from?" Marie asks innocently.
[21:17] <Anastasia> "Yes!" Gilnal starts to climb down the rope! OOC - Climb check, Deme, to make sure no disasters come.
[21:17] <Alicia> "Then yes, I'm a horrible cheater," Marie affirms without shame.
[21:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+7
06[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+7 and gets 21."12 [1d20=14]
[21:18] <Anastasia> Demedais reacehs down to the deck without incident! On getting down, "Well, don't cheat then...and let's play tag!" Gilnan says! OOC - Skip along?
[21:18] <Alicia> Marie is rather unhappy at the huge disadvantage this puts her tiny frame at, but nonetheless plays along.
[21:19] <Alicia> OOC: by all means
[21:19] <Demedais> OOC: Sure, why not.
[21:20] <Anastasia> By dawn, much tag has been played. Despite the looks a few morning sailors give Demedais, nothing much comes of it. At dawn, Gilnal seems content to give Deme his body back for awhile. OOC - WIll any of you be doing anything of note the next day?
[21:20] <Alicia> OOC: not me nor my familiar
[21:20] <Anastasia> OOC - Cor? Deme?
[21:21] <Demedais> OOC: Other than falling asleep at some point since it sounds like he was up all night, no.
01[21:21] <Seira> OOC: Not really, no
[21:22] <Anastasia> Sleep is gotten for Demedais. Come that afternoon, the party happens to be on the deck. Gilnan seems...asleep, perhaps? Regardless, Demedais is in control of his body. However, abruptly from his mouth, in a child's voice, "OW! STOP!" he screams, the noise clashing with the sunny, pleasant view all around.
[21:23] <Alicia> "What?" Alicia jolts in alarm from where she'd been leaning against the rail and cataloguing what various clouds look like. "What's wrong?"
06[21:23] * Seira looks over with a degree of concern.
[21:24] <Anastasia> Antenora is near Alicia, doing much the same. She turns her attention as well. Sailors do likewise, the scream rather loud.
06[21:25] * Demedais blinks. "I... have no clue in hell. This is Demedais. I... downstairs, just in case Gilnan's possession decides to jolt in any more?" he suggests, moving in that direction already.
[21:27] <Anastasia> As Demedais moves, however, a funny thing is seen! Gilnan is plastered to where he was, struggling! He's reaching forward, even as the ship slowly slinks forward...but Gilnan isn't, frozen in place even as the ship continues on.
01[21:27] <Seira> This calls for Detect Magic!
[21:28] <Alicia> "He must be bound to where he died!" Marie surmises. "This means there's no way we can take him to the Citadel of Light - what do we do?" she asks, floating herself to stay near the ghostly elf.
[21:28] <Anastasia> The sailors stare at the ghostly elf child, even as he reaches out at Demedais, who is slowly getting farther away from him at the moment! He slides backward on the deck, straining to move forward, and not going a single inch ahead!
[21:28] <Anastasia> "Hey! What? This isn't fair!" Gilnal wails aloud.
01[21:28] <Seira> "Drop anchor, hold this position," Seira commands. "Turn back if you can't."
06[21:29] * Demedais blinks, before quickly moving near the kid, sadly frowning. "...There's only one way I can think of that you'll be able to see the Citadel of Light, Gilnan."
[21:30] <Anastasia> Teh crewmen are currently staring, a few gawking in fear. None are immediately reacting to Seira's order.
06[21:30] * Seira snaps her fingers, fire appearing over them. "That's an order!"
[21:30] <Anastasia> Straining forward and failing to move a single inch ahead, "What?" Gilnan asks, voice angry and teary.
[21:30] <Anastasia> At teh snapping, one of the soldiers blinks and moves to go to the ship's helm.
[21:32] <Demedais> "Remember how Marie said that she became a courre and thus was able to come back? That's likely how you will need to. In order to see the Citadel or much else other than here... you're first going to have to go to Arvandor. So if you wish to go there with all you have, so that you can see what you want... that might work."
06[21:33] * Seira blinks, before tapping Demedais's arm. "What if he can't leave like those ghosts in the desert?" she asks him quietly. "When did he say he died?"
[21:33] <Anastasia> The ship begins to slow, Gilnan going past the main sail and sliding towards the bakc of the ship, but not off it as it stops. "That's not fair! I wanted to see it first!"
[21:35] <Alicia> "There could be a way," Alicia speaks up softly. "His body, it must have been lost at sea. If it was given a proper burial, perhaps that would grant him peace? I've heard stories like that, anyway."
01[21:35] <Seira> "I had the same thought," Seira admits. "And I have the means to take us below for a while. Who wants to come along with me?"
[21:36] <Demedais> "... It's a possibility. And if the body goes with us, maybe he will as well, fulfilling both issues." Demedais says after a moment. "I'll stay here and explain the situation to the crew?"
[21:37] <Anastasia> Gilnan's face turns dark, very dark. "...No..." he murmurs quietly. "I don't wanna go there."
01[21:37] <Seira> "Go where, kid?" Seira asks him, coming closer. "You don't have to come in person if you tell us enough here."
[21:38] <Anastasia> Gilnan turns away, "I don't want to go back there!" he says hotly. "No! I wanna go to the Citadel of Light1"
[21:38] <Alicia> "Gilnal, it might be the only way," Marie tells him, fluttering around to face him. "You have to be brave if you want to realise your dreams."
[21:39] <Anastasia> "NO!" With a sudden, angry shout, "I DON'T WANT TO!" Gilnal turns away, running abruptly a bit ahead, then straight down below the deck.
[21:40] <Alicia> "I'll follow him," Marie tells the group, turning incorporeal and zipping right after the ghost.
06[21:40] * Seira has the spell of water breathing ready! "Coming?" she asks Alicia, extending her hand.
06[21:40] * Demedais sighs, a bit bewildered. "Right. I'll handle things here."
[21:41] <Alicia> "Just a second," Alicia casts a spell of her own, transforming her form into a slender blue-skinned elf with wavy greenish-black hair. "This makes swimming a lot faster," she reasons.
[21:42] <Anastasia> The sailors are just staring at the entire spectacle, now at Alicia's elven form in particular.
[21:42] <Anastasia> OOc - Marie, #evil?
06[21:43] * Seira casts her own spell over the two of them, in the meantime.
[21:45] <Alicia> "Always feel like a stiff breeze would snap me in two when I'm like this," Alicia mutters, flexing her slightly webbed fingers. "We'll need to wait on Gilnal, anyway. Searching the entire ocean would be futile."
01[21:46] <Seira> "I could always try to triangulate by having the ship circle the area and observing where he's getting pulled towards," Seira muses. "Rather not, really. That sound unpleasant for all involved. Less so than leaving him down there, but still."
[21:47] <Alicia> "And it'd take forever, considering how far we've come since we encountered him," Alicia nods. "Hopefully Marie will be able to calm him down."
01[21:48] <Seira> "A couple days at least," Seira agrees. "I'm all for waiting on the mini-elf, yep."
[21:49] <Demedais> "Yeah." Demedais nods slowly.
[22:00] <Anastasia> Antenora watches the entire spectacle, mostly keeping to herself. The sailors are still staring, though a few are cautiously getting back to work, muttering.
[22:07] <Anastasia> "Marie's taking a little while," Antenora observes aloud.
06[22:07] * Demedais nods a bit. "It's likely Gilnal fled underwater, then? She'd likely have popped up otherwise."
[22:08] <Alicia> "She's still nearby," Alicia notes. "I don't think things are going entirely to her liking, though."
06[22:08] * Seira shrugs. "When you're immortal, you tend to lose track of time."
[22:08] <Anastasia> "Spent a few centuries losing track of time," Antenora bandies back at that, going to the rail and looking down at the blue ocean.
[22:11] <Alicia> Marie promptly reappears, rising up through the deck and popping into her humanoid form. "He was really spooked, he thinks we'll get killed by 'her' if we go after his body. All I got out of him was that it was at the Sea Mounts, which are to the Northwest. They stick out of the water a little, and it's dangerous at the bottom," she reports breathlessly.
01[22:12] <Seira> "If we don't have a distance estimate, let's take the ship in that direction," Seira muses. "You can just scout ahead for us, right?"
[22:13] <Alicia> "Oh, well, leave it for later I suppose," Alicia sighs, dismissing her elven form and returning to normal.
[22:14] <Alicia> "I could do that, or maybe circle around the ship at a distance in case we wind up going to the side and missing it that way," Marie offers.
01[22:15] <Seira> "Works," Seira agrees. "I'll get the sailors to look for anything unusual in the water around."
[22:20] <Anastasia> Thus the ship turns around to the northwest! With Marie and fliers, as well as lookouts, they search for sea mounts! About twenty hours pass, he next morning here and near to noon. But at last..."Land ho!" A voice calls from the crow's nest. "Sea mounts! I see one!"
[22:21] <Alicia> "Okay, drop anchor here!" Alicia commands, going to look in the direction indicated. "We don't want to risk the ship by getting too close."
06[22:21] * Demedais nods a bit, peering out in that direction as well.
[22:22] <Anastasia> Going to the front of the ship, Alicia peers ahead. Far ahead, she can see salt crusted stone rises, a few just poking out of the water. They're not really islands, but just a few tops of rocks that reach up unusually high in the deep sea to the surface. A few sea gulls can be spotted on them.
[22:22] <Anastasia> Demedais obviously sees thes ame thing, too.
01[22:22] <Seira> "So, same plan as before? The water breathing spell, plus the alter self for better maneuverability?" Seira asks, coming up next to Alicia.
[22:24] <Alicia> "Yes," Alicia nods. "Marie, you stay here and keep an eye below in case anything attacks the ship," she tells her familiar. "Anyone else coming?" she asks, looking mostly at Demedais and Antenora.
06[22:25] * Demedais considers for a moment. "It may be wise to give all us four water breathing, though we don't know how much will be needed; if something attacks, Marie and I can likely stall it at a minimum. Antenora, you head down with them?" he proposes.
[22:25] <Anastasia> "Are you sure?" Antenora glances at Demedais. "He seemed to like you. I can stay on ship easily enough...I'd rather not get soaked."
06[22:35] * Demedais considers. "...You're probably right." he concedes after a moment. "I should probably go with you guys, thinking on it, if only for that reason."
[22:36] <Anastasia> "Alright," Antenora says, "I'll keep watch up here then."
[22:37] <Alicia> "Okay," Alicia proceeds to turn herself into a svelte sea-elf. "Demedais, I can probably turn you into either a sea elf or a merman, if you like. Seira... well, perhaps some form of aquatic dragon?"
01[22:37] <Seira> "Sure thing, I always meant to try it," Seira agrees.
[22:39] <Demedais> "Merman works, I guess?" Demedais shrugs.
[22:40] <Alicia> "Best to get in the water first, then," Alicia tells Demedais, drawing her dagger and focusing on it for a moment before she takes Seira's hand and nicks it, drawing a small amount of blood as the half-dragon turns into a baby black dragon. She then jumps overboard.
[22:40] <Alicia> She of cours heals the tiny cut on Seira beforehand.
06[22:41] * Demedais nods a bit, before lowering himself overboard as carefully as he can before dropping in.
[22:41] <Anastasia> Antenora eyes the three, smiling a little as she stays and takes guard.
06[22:42] * Seira swiftly follows, intending to cast an extended shield once she's crossed most of the distance to their target.
[22:43] <Alicia> Once Demedais is in the water, Alicia repeats what she did with Seira, this time turning him into himself but with a big fishy tail. As her familiar calls out good luck, she dives under the water, sparing a moment longer to link the three with a message spell as she starts swimming to the base of the sea mounts.
[22:45] <Anastasia> Thus the three swim to the sea mounts! Just before them Seira casts Shield as well, extending it. On reaching the sea mounts, they can see somewhat into the water. They stretch down farther than the party can easily see. The sea gulls squawk and take off as the party approaches.
03[22:45] * TheTranscendantSierra (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-69-70.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
06[22:46] * Alicia is already below the surface of the water, and swimming for the seabed where it meets the base of the mounts.
06[22:46] * Seira keeps near Alicia, since their goal is supposed to be below.
06[22:47] * Demedais follows Seira and Alicia, sword out.
[22:49] <Anastasia> THus the party descends down! Fish and dolphins flee out of the way, jellyfish blurbling by mindlessly as the party descends!  Thus, an elf, a dragon and a merman swim deeper down! As they do, the light begins to fade. The party doesn't immediately see anything of note or of interest.
06[22:50] * Alicia casts light upon her sword, her elven eyes able to see far further in the murky depths than normally with just a little light to help. "Lets just circle the base first and see what we can see?" she suggests, also casting detect magic and keeping an eye out for any evil.
01[22:51] <Seira> "Sure. There might be some clues at the surface."
[22:51] <Anastasia> The ocean goes down a fair depth here. It's quite a ways to the bottom, but you can glimpse it with Alicia's light. Nothing of note is there, just the sea bottom and the bottom of the mounts on a glance.
06[22:51] * Demedais nods once. "Sounds good. Look for magic as well?"
[22:53] <Alicia> "On it," Alicia affirms, starting to circle around the base of the mounts then once that's done she begins spiralling upwards in case there's anything to be seen up their height.
[22:54] <Anastasia> OOC - Make a spot check as yo ugo, Alicia?
06[22:54] * Seira decides to touch down on the sea bottom for her part, in case something there is waiting for bait just like her to appear.
[22:55] <Anastasia> Seira lands at the sea bottom! The ground is soft and wet, just like everything around her. No tentacles or evi energies erupt to attack her.
[22:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+3
06[22:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
01[22:57] <Seira> "Anything?" Seira asks, looking closer at the very base of one of the mounts.
[22:58] <Alicia> "There's someone between two of the mounts," Alicia relays through message, moving closer to the blonde merman. "Hello there!" she calls over in common.
[22:59] <Anastasia> The merman looks up, face ruggedly handsome. He looks mature without being old, wisdom on his features. He  looks at Alicia and then about, then in Aquan, 12What? I don't speak that language. Do you speak Aquan?"
06[23:00] * Seira makes her way over to Alicia at that, finding nothing herself.
[23:00] <Alicia> "I think he's speaking Aquan. Do either of you two know that?" Alicia asks through message, wishing she'd brought Marie. "Sorry," she shakes her head, before trying all the languages she does know. "Do you speak Elven? Celestial? Infernal?" she tries in each of the same languages.
06[23:01] * Demedais swims over, but blinks at the tongue, shaking his head regretfully and shrugging. "Seira?"
[23:01] <Anastasia> "Elven!" he calls back in Elven, before eyeing Seira and going wide eyed. He grabs his pick, "By the waves, what is that?!"
[23:02] <Alicia> "She's a dragon," Alicia replies in elven. "Don't worry, she's friendly!"
[23:02] <Anastasia> "Dragon?!" The merman stares at Seira, "I thought they were just a legend!"
06[23:03] * Demedais looks between the two, still not understanding what's being said. "Meh."
01[23:03] <Seira> "I speak everything," Seira says, eyeing the merman back. "Legends all have a grain of truth in them."
[23:04] <Anastasia> "...well then..." He eyes Seira and then the rest of the party, "What do you want? I didn't think there were any hamlets or towns nearby."
[23:06] <Alicia> "We were passing to the Southeast towards the mainland when we encountered the spirit of a young elven boy," Alicia explains. "From what he said, it sounds like he died around this area. He warned us away, saying 'she' would kill us if we came near, but we wanted to bring some peace to the spirit."
[23:06] <Anastasia> "Heck of a story," He smiles a bit at Alicia, looking her over now, though his eyes stray towards Seira after. "I haven't seen anything odd, but I'm only looking for good mining places."
01[23:07] <Seira> "Do you live near here yourself?"
[23:08] <Anastasia> "No, I'm a t raveller. I'm hoping to find a good vein of gold or mithril or what have you."
06[23:08] * Alicia idly wonders what the point of mining underwater is when you can't have any fire for forging the metal, but assumes there must be a simple aquatic reason she's overlooked and doesn't want to betray her ignorance by asking.
[23:08] <Alicia> "Have you been around this area for long? Seen anything strange in the vicinity?" Alicia tries, hoping this wasn't all in vain.
[23:09] <Anastasia> "About a day or two? I havent's een anything at all. It's been quiet. It should be - there's no villages for at least a day's travel in any direction."
01[23:09] <Seira> "What's up with all this?" Seira asks, motioning at the mounts.
[23:13] <Anastasia> "The mounts? They're natural enough, I've seen them once in awhile, though usually not this far south. I was hoping it meant some unusual land lays and perhaps metals could be found," Putting his pick back down now, "I haven't seen anything to indicate it yet, but I also haven't tried digging."
01[23:14] <Seira> "So how do you mine underwater?" Seira asks curiously. It seems that they wasted their time traveling here, after all, so she might as well learn something.
[23:14] <Alicia> "Hmm... well, I suppose we'll continue our own search," Alicia looks up at the mounts, hoping there might be a cave entrance or something to be found further up.
[23:15] <Anastasia> "I dig. The ground's very soft on top, but it hardens up below." Answering, "If you hack through all the sentiment rock, you can find some interesting things."
01[23:15] <Seira> "Huh, really? Can you show me?"
[23:16] <Anastasia> "If you like." Kneeling down, the merman reaches his hand downa nd scoops up a bit of loose, muddy soil. "This is the top coating of loose mud and the like." Dirt particles fly as he lets it go. "Just below is the sentiment rock. Do you have an interest in geology?"
[23:17] <Alicia> "I'm going to check around the mounts for caves, I'll let you know if I find something," Alicia tells Seira, kicking her legs behind her as she ascends and begins carefully looping around the mounts in search of any caverns and the like.
01[23:17] <Seira> "More like archeology," Seira corrects him. "Sounds like the past can be dug up the same way."
06[23:17] * Seira waves at Alicia as the latter leaves to explore.
06[23:18] * Demedais hesitates a minute. "Be careful, Seira." he says once, before leaving to follow Alicia.
[23:20] <Anastasia> As Seira lingers at the bottom with the merman, Demedais and Alicia swim up. Seira spends some time learning about sedimentary rocks, while Alicia and Demedais don't find anything. The sea mounts, while there are wa few worn away recesses, don't seem to have anything unusual at all about them.
[23:21] <Alicia> "It looks like we were sent on a fool's errand," Alicia concludes, rejoining Seira after her search.
01[23:22] <Seira> "Maybe not," Seira muses. "You said there wasn't a village around for a day, but what about past that? And are there more mounts like this?"
[23:23] <Anastasia> "There are more mounts to th enorth - bu tnothing within several days. It's unusual for this to be this far south." Answering that, "There's a village to the north about...two and some odd days of swimming?"
01[23:24] <Seira> "Any shipwrecks nearby, then? And why is it so unusual for them to be this far south? Not really a geologist, here."
[23:25] <Anastasia> "I don't know, I'm passing through. I don't know the area well...but it's close enough to the surface world, I suppose." He shrugs his shoulders. "They just don't appear this far south. They'r emore common northward."

[Corwin]

03[20:11] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:14] <Anastasia> On the wings of a lively easterly wind, the ship progresses onto Elfsander. Elven ships of the Drake family come to escort the human ship into the harbor.  However, on arrival, anyone with eyes can see something is amiss. The harbor is nearly empty, only a few people working, and often with a certain look of unusually bad grace, especially by elven standards.
[20:15] <Alicia> "What's everyone so down in the dumps for?" Marie asks as she surveys the citizenry from atop her lofty perch on Alicia's head.
[20:15] <Alicia> "I've no idea, but I'm sure we'll soon find out," Alicia opines as she disembarks.
06[20:16] * Demedais looks over the area with a concerned eye. "Seira? Did we come at a bad time?"
01[20:16] <Seira> "I didn't hear anything when I was last here. Maybe there are more ghosts accosting all the ships?" Seira ventures, seeking out a captain of one of the escort ships.
[20:18] <Anastasia> Antenora hangs back near Demedais, but keeps her peace otherwise. The human sailors get to work,a s the few elves about often glance at the party. Seira finds that the escorting ships merely guide the ship in, not docking proper but going back out.
01[20:18] <Seira> The dock master, perhaps, then? Seira tries to find someone in charge who could give them their answers. Or avoid it altogether, which is another kind of response.
[20:20] <Anastasia> It's not too hard to find the man leading the few dockhands about. He's a tall, lithe elf wearing well cut, gorgeous green clothes. He stiffens to attention as the party approaches. "Good day," he says respectfully, "Do you require aid unloading your ship?"
01[20:22] <Seira> "I think we'll be alright," Seira tells him after returning his greeting. "Is there a problem in Elfsander?" she asks without much preamble. "The port looks differently from the last few times we've been here."
[20:23] <Alicia> "Seems a lot quieter," Alicia agrees, briefly looking about before focusing on the dockmaster.
06[20:24] * Demedais just waits to hear the reason given, first, before commenting.
[20:25] <Anastasia> "Oh. Today was declared a holiday." The answer comes easily, "A prophet of Corellon Larethian came seven nights ago and has worked a miracle."
01[20:26] <Seira> "Really?" Seira asks curiously. "What kind of miracle?"
06[20:27] * Alicia likewise looks somewhat interested at this juncture, waiting for elaboration.
[20:28] <Anastasia> "He raised the dead," The dockmaster answers. "A woman who died two months ago in childbirth."
06[20:28] * Demedais raises an eyebrow at this.
[20:29] <Alicia> "That's wonderful," Alicia nods happily. "I can only hope with the resurgence of magic in the world that such tales will become more common."
01[20:30] <Seira> "That's a miracle, alright," Seira agrees after a brief pause. "Who was this prophet? Is he still in town? I would love to catch a glimpse of him."
[20:33] <Anastasia> "Isn't it? The family is overjoyed. He left after he did - he was a dedicated fellow. He spoke of going to the east, but rejected all aid and payments for his deed. He said that he must spread the word of the Protector. He wouldn't even stay one day for the holiday."
[20:34] <Alicia> "East? Perhaps to the Citadel of Light?" Alicia muses. "I wonder if we'll see him there?"
[20:36] <Anastasia> "He said his name was Koranon," he adds after.
[20:36] <Demedais> "A possibility." Demedais nods once, glancing around.
01[20:37] <Seira> "We might," Seira agrees. "Well. Let's proceed, then?"
[20:39] <Alicia> "Might as well be off then, yes," Alicia agrees.
[20:40] <Demedais> "Sure." Demedais shrugs, following.
[20:43] <Anastasia> OOC - Going to do anything in Elfsander, or continue on towards the Citadel?
01[20:44] <Seira> OOC: Let's continue?
[20:44] <Alicia> OOC: actually, lets gather info on Gilnal first.
01[20:44] <Seira> OOC: Think it'll be here and not at the citadel? If so, sure.
[20:45] <Alicia> OOC: we can do here first and if no leads do it elsewhere. It's only 4 hours out of our lives.
[20:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 18."12 [1d20=6]
[20:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 Marie aids
06[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 Marie aids and gets 26."12 [1d20=18]
01[20:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 sure
06[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 sure and gets 6."12 [1d20=1]
[20:46] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+6 Anty will help, sure.
06[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+6 Anty will help, sure. and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
01[20:46] <Seira> OOC: Wait, I actually forgot the mod, it's over 10
[20:47] <Demedais> roll 1d20+6 sure, Deme will try to help, too.
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+6 sure, Deme will try to help, too. and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
[20:50] <Anastasia> Amid the revelry, the party does piece together the following: Over the past few months, ship lookouts have reported a strange boy drifting amid the waves. He sings longingly and heartbreakingly for his father. He got close to one ship, but he complained that the 'life energy' wasn't strong enough. It's causing a bit of a ripple amid incoming ships, but hasn't been happening long enough to become a huge deal. Yet.
[20:51] <Alicia> Well, since no one actually knows who Gilnal is or what really happened to him, they'll just have to hope they run into him again at sea and he proves more helpful. Time to move on!
01[20:53] <Seira> They can always find him with magic. Probably. Or he'll find them since he likes Demedais's life energy.
[20:54] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 92."12 [1d100=92]
[20:54] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 81."12 [1d100=81]
[20:54] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 57."12 [1d100=57]
[21:09] <Demedais> roll 1d20+11
06[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+11 and gets 20."12 [1d20=9]
[21:11] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+14
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20+14 and gets 30."12 [1d20=16]
[21:16] <Anastasia> Two days pass in travel. These go well enough, the weather good. But the third morning is rainy, but amid this and around the breakfast campfire...
[21:17] <Demedais> "So, uh. I am currently in support of going back out to sea and trying to find Gilnal, or at least making an effort. All I can tell is that he's near a shipwreck and whatever's attempting to consume him is distinctly not pleasant at all." Demedais says all at once.
06[21:18] * Alicia slowly looks up from her breakfast. "What brought that on?" she asks, staring.
[21:19] <Anastasia> Antenora sits a little away, against a damp log as she idly drips water from the rain. "Feeling guilty?" she asks.
01[21:20] <Seira> "...consume him?" Seira asks uneasily.
[21:22] <Demedais> "Consume him, yes." Demedais replies. "Also, dream or vision of him near a shipwreck, I think - probably the one he drowned on - with the... dark thing hovering over him. Whatever it is, it's powerful, I'm pretty sure of it." A pause, then; "Can scrying spells work if someone not the caster knows the place to be seen?"
01[21:23] <Seira> "Scrying spells kinda require a huge-ass mirror we aren't carrying with us."
[21:24] <Demedais> "I was thinking maybe one could be located in the port town."
[21:24] <Alicia> "They also target people not locations. We've all met Gilnal, although you probably have a deeper connection," Alicia admits, biting off a mouthful of jerky and tossing the rest into the fire. "What can eat a ghost, anyway?"
06[21:24] * Seira frowns. "Hard to say. They're unique and very expensive. I don't know someone there who might have it."
[21:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 religion, would destroying a ghost let it pass on?
06[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 religion, would destroying a ghost let it pass on? and gets 15."12 [1d20=7]
06[21:25] * Seira nods at Alicia's words. "Yes, what I was talking about before. What could it be?"
[21:25] <Demedais> "Another spiritual being, one who hates everything. Part of me wonders if it's his mother." Demedais notes.
[21:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 religion, would destroying a ghost let it pass on? Marie also wants to know
06[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 religion, would destroying a ghost let it pass on? Marie also wants to know and gets 28."12 [1d20=20]
[21:28] <Alicia> "Well, if he's eaten he'll probably end up as something even worse than a ghost," Marie points out. "If only we'd found his body at those sea mounts..."
[21:28] <Alicia> "What about your aunt's home?" Alicia turns to Seira. "Didn't it have lots of rich furnishings? Maybe she had an expensive mirror lying around."
01[21:30] <Seira> "It's not her home," Seira mutters in annoyance, before shrugging. "To be honest, if we're going for speed then we can just teleport to any place that has it, such as Balmuria or our destination. Which we should've done from the beginning, pretty much. It's either that or going back for three days."
06[21:31] * Seira considers. "If we go forward, and get the elves to borrow one of their rings, it is possible that Demedais could take us to the shipwreck from what he saw in his vision."
[21:32] <Demedais> "Will a scrying even catch a ghost?" Demedais muses, before shrugging. "Originally our objective wasn't time-based. But... very well. Can we even get everyone there with one teleport, though? That was part of the reason for land travel."
[21:32] <Demedais> A pause. "That'd work. We'd want to be very ready for a fight, however. I would guess... vaguely? That it's some sort of spiritual maleovance."
01[21:32] <Seira> "The elven rings are not limited in function like mine. If we go to the capital and persuade them to help, we could just pick up any stragglers soon enough."
[21:32] <Alicia> "There's six of us. Seven if Seira brought her familiar," Alicia notes, "And the teleport ring only allows four at most."
01[21:33] <Seira> "This teleport ring."
06[21:34] * Demedais nods at this. "Then I can stay here; I don't speak Elven so that will make things somewhat easier."
[21:35] <Anastasia> "I can stay as well," Antenora offers. "....Marie would suit the elves better..." she adds under her breath, with no particular kindness about it.
01[21:35] <Seira> "It would be best if we had someone to actually plead our case, though. And Celebrimbor can understand you just fine."
06[21:37] * Demedais considers. "Very well. If I go, who else does?" A dry look is shot to Antenora after she speaks.
[21:38] <Alicia> "We'd probably be going straight to the shipwreck as soon as we've scried on it, then picking up everone afterwards," Alicia suggests. "Why don't Seira, Demedais, and I go to deal with this, while Jessica, Antenora, and Marie head back to Elfsander to meet up with us there just in case we can't get the use of any of Pallanth's treasures."
06[21:38] * Demedais nods once. "That would work."
01[21:39] <Seira> "With a single adjustment. Wait till nightfall -- or morning, as suits you -- before you start moving back. We can just jump back here if we're successful within that time."
[21:39] <Anastasia> "Right," Jessica nods, breaking her general quiet over the last few weeks.
01[21:40] <Seira> "Well. Ready?"
[21:40] <Demedais> "Sure." Demedais nods.
06[21:41] * Seira envisions the usual place she teleports towards at the Citadel, that being a brief distance from the Gaial estate. Once everyone delivers their assent, she activates her ring.
01[21:41] <Seira> roll 1d100
[21:41] <Alicia> "Keep each out out of trouble," Alicia tells the three left behind levelly as she gathers her things and goes to join Seira in advance of the teleport.
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 18."12 [1d100=18]
[21:42] <Anastasia> The Gaial estate is sunny today, a contrast from the rain to the north. A soft, warm breeze flows, the grounds busy with elves tending to it. A few look surprised at the party's apperance, though most nod respectfully to Seira and get back to work.
01[21:43] <Seira> "That worked well," Seira notes, waving back at the elves greeting her. "I've had some practice with this location."
[21:43] <Demedais> "Good.
06[21:43] * Alicia looks around, trying to see if she can spot the citadel itself on the skyline.
01[21:43] <Seira> "I'm glad you agree! Now, Celebrimbor lives pretty close, so let's go see if he's in?"
[21:43] <Demedais> "Good." Demedais nods once, looking to Seira. "Sounds like our best option."
[21:45] <Anastasia> As the party heads out, seeing the Citadel int he skyline is easy enough. The Citadel of Lights is vibrant, the city alive and b looming in the early summer. The trip to Celebrimbor's estate passes without any particular incident, arrival there smooth. The party is escorted to the gardens, food and drink provided as they wait. Celebrimbor comes after about 15 minutes. "AH, so you're back in Pallanth now. All three of you, no less."
06[21:46] * Demedais inclines his head to Celebrimbor. "Thank you for receiving us."
01[21:46] <Seira> "There were more of us, but we kind of left them en route," Seira tells him. "Would you give us a bit of your time?"
[21:46] <Alicia> "It's a pleasure to see you again, Cemebrimbor," Alicia adds in respectfully.
[21:49] <Alicia> *Celebrimbor
[21:49] <Anastasia> Celebrimbor goes to sit, resting is old bones with a contentness. "Of course. Now that the pleasantries are done...have you come to try and retreive the Resort?"
[21:51] <Demedais> "That was our original intent, but one thing presses for our attention, first." Demedais pauses. "We were en route to Elfsander about a week past by boat, when at night, a ghost of an elvish child appeared. His name was Gilnan; he lingered for that night and into the morning, but after that, he was suddenly dragged away." A pause, here.
[21:54] <Anastasia> "Mmmm. I heard a story about it two days ago, along with the news of a miracle in Elfsander," Celebrimbor replies. "So it's true and not just meanderings by sun addled seamen?"
[21:56] <Demedais> "Correct." Demedais nods. "We attempted to locate him, but could not seem to; without leads at the time, we continued our trip here. However, on the second night... I had a vision of Gilnan, on the ocean bed, near a shipwreck. Above him, devouring him... was a dark, oppressive force of some considerable power."
[21:56] <Anastasia> "A shipwreck, eh?" Celebrimbor continues to listen, "So you're going to want to do something about this? What aid do you need, then?"
[21:57] <Demedais> "Thus we thought it reasonable to advance here as quickly as possible and attempt magical means of locating this shipwreck, and by extension Gilnan and this force. If left alone, I do not think the actions of that force will be at all beneficial; in addition, I have my own reasons for wishing to save him. Seira, you know what you need?"
01[21:58] <Seira> "We tried to get him to tell us more about his resting place, or some 'mother' he kept being worried about. Unfortunately, we don't know a thing." Seira frowns, nodding at Demedais. "If you don't, either, we would like your help with transporting us to the location Demedais saw in his vision. My ring would be unsuitable for that, but not your own.
01[21:58] <Seira> Again, we would like to have your help in putting the boy's soul to rest and destroying the monster haunting the seas."
[22:14] <Anastasia> "I can do both mundane and magical help. The sea harbor is both of my family and Desjardin. If any wrecks have been there and recorded, it's simple enough to check that. Further, you're welcome to borrow this." He reaches into his robe, taking out a ring. "Use it well."
[22:15] <Alicia> That was surprisingly easy! "We are grateful for your generosity, sir," Alicia speaks up sincerely.
06[22:15] * Seira smiles, accepting it. "Your help in checking for records of wrecks fitting that in Demedais's vision is more than welcome, of course."
[22:19] <Anastasia> "You give people hope in your homeland," Celebrimbor says, "It would be useful if you can do the same in Elfsander, before any situation there gets out of control."
06[22:20] * Demedais nods in thanks. "This is... greatly appreciated. Thank you."
01[22:20] <Seira> "Whom should we approach at the port?"
[22:24] <Anastasia> "I have a family agent there. His name is Atlaba, he resides in a house near the docks." Giving instructions on how to reach there, "He can do all the relevant work on command."
01[22:25] <Seira> "Thanks again," Seira says, shaking Celebrimbor's hand. "I really, really would like to stay and chat, but a ghost kid being consumed by something dark and evil kinda puts a damper on the reunion. But I'll definitely come and visit you and Amaryl properly later!"
[22:26] <Demedais> "Indeed. Our apologies for the abrupt arrival and departure.
[22:26] <Alicia> "Won't you try scrying on him first, Seira?" Alicia asks before they leave the place most likely to have an appropriate mirror. "I mean, even if we know what ship Gilnal was on, that doesn't tell us where it sank."
01[22:27] <Seira> "Unless I'm mistaken, the ring can take us there if we have an idea, and getting one from a vision is good enough for it." Seira glances at Celebrimbor. "Right?"
[22:29] <Demedais> "Can a non-spellcaster like I use it?" Demedais interjects, looking between the two. "If not, we have more of an issue."
01[22:30] <Seira> "Of course. But even if you couldn't, this particular spell would've covered a good enough description."
[22:31] <Anastasia> "It should suffice," Celebrimbor agrees, "However...do not lose it," he warns. "It's a precious treasure to my family and Pallanth. I'm instilling much into you to keep it safe. I trust you'll maintain this trust successfully, as you have all others.
[22:31] <Anastasia> "
[22:31] <Alicia> "Well, okay then," Alicia relents, happy to go with the flow for now.
01[22:32] <Seira> "I'll get it back to you even if I die," Seira promises.
[22:32] <Anastasia> With a thin smile, "Becoming  aghost to return it would be dreadfully ironic."
06[22:32] * Seira laughs. "I'll just have to avoid it, then?"
[22:33] <Demedais> "...Yes, that would be preferable."
[22:36] <Anastasia> "Good fortune then," Celebrimbor agrees, "Oh, and Saul sent a letter a day or two ago. From the sounds of it you'll have one at home as well or shortly will, Seira."
01[22:37] <Seira> "Alright." Seira switches her ring out with Celebrimbor's. "Let's get all the information we can at Elfsander, and head there once the ring works again." She looks amused at the news. "And now I have even more to return for!"
01[22:38] <Seira> That said, and once everyone is prepared to travel back, Seira thinks about the directions of where Celebrimbor's agent can be found in Elfsander, activating the ring.
[22:41] <Anastasia> The teleportation is smootha nd without incident! The house in question is pleasant, the scent of forest and sea mingling together here. It's one story but broad.
06[22:41] * Seira proceeds towards the door and knocks on it politely.
[22:44] <Anastasia> The door is soon opened by a cute, young female elf. She wear's a maid's clothes, bowing. "How can I help you..." she trails off, a look of surprise. "...aaaah!"
01[22:45] <Seira> "Hi!"
[22:46] <Alicia> "It's okay, we're not here to hurt you!" Alicia speaks up quickly in elven, hoping to reassure the poor woman in the face of two humans and a dragon-ish person.
[22:48] <Anastasia> Staring in surprise at them, "Aaah...w-what...are you here for Master Atlaba?" she answers hesitantly, face coloring.
[22:49] <Alicia> "Yes, yes we are," Alicia nods earnestly. "Celebrimbor sent us."
06[22:49] * Seira offers her a smile. "I'm Seira, nice to meet ya!"
06[22:50] * Demedais steps back, nodding a bit.
[22:51] <Anastasia> "O...oh." Taking a breath as her eyes stay glued to the party, "Right this way..." she bows deeply, before leading them inside. Inside in the back of the house is a window to the harbor. Here a man sits in a chair, staring out. His expression is thoughtful, a pen and scroll at a table besides him. He writes on occasion, gaze distant. "M...master Atlaba..."
01[22:52] <Seira> "We came for a brief visit. Celebrimbor sent us. I hope you can spare us a few moments?"
[22:55] <Anastasia> Atlaba raises his eyebrows, "Ah, what unique visitors! One like our own family's flag, a knightess in shining mithril, and a stout human warrior!" he jots a few more words down on his paper, "Of course. I have heard of you. What do you need of me?"
06[22:56] * Alicia favours the elf with a smile for his flowery prose, but lets Seira handle the talking.
01[22:56] <Seira> "You've heard the stories of a ghostly elf boy haunting ships passing to and from this harbor, I suppose?" Seira asks. "They're true, and we would like to find out which shipwreck this boy, Gilnan, could be related to."
[22:58] <Anastasia> "A name, Gilnan...ah. I see." He stands, "We have kept our shipcraft well and limited wrecks for countless years. What ones remain are relatively rare, so it should not be a difficult matter. Alana here will help you if you need naything while I do so. Please, partake of my hospitality while I work."
01[22:59] <Seira> "Of course!" Seira agrees happily. "Demedais here should take the lead on this one, as Helm granted him with a vision of the shipwreck. It might hold relevant details."
[23:00] <Anastasia> In Elven still, "Demedais," he asks him, "Would you like to come with me then while I search the records?"
06[23:00] * Seira is there to translate seemlessly.
06[23:01] * Demedais looks to the man with a frown, catching only his name. "Uh. Sorry, I don't speak Elvish." At Seira's comment, "Ah. Certainly."
[23:02] <Anastasia> Taking a moment,a nd switching to rough Common, "Ah. Come with me then, Demedais?" Atlaba offers. OOC - Skip ahead a bit here?
01[23:02] <Seira> OOC: Let's chat up the maid-- sure
[23:07] <Anastasia> A few hours pass. While Demedais helps Atlaba - admittedly not overly much besides answering quesitons, as the documents are all in Elven - Seira and Alicia keep chat with Alana.  On return, "I do believe I have something here," he says at last, "I found an old record of a Gilnan being on a sunken ship, and it mentions him being a child."
[23:08] <Alicia> "Sounds like our boy," Alicia nods. Well, except for his name being Gilnal, but it seems no one can keep that straight.
06[23:11] * Demedais nods with some cheer. "It should be the right one, I hope."
[23:11] <Anastasia> "It was over a thousand years ago," he goes on, "The record is considerably old. A passing ship rescued a few pas sangers from it - apparently the ship hit some small islands or some such, then went southeast a ways before it sunk. A tragedy all around. According to the notes and appendixes to our sea maps," he takes another scroll, scribbing on it, "The location should be roughly here."
01[23:12] <Seira> "Who was the boy traveling with? And what happened to his immediate family? Any chance that kind of information is listed?"
06[23:13] * Demedais looks over the map he pulls out, not really able to make heads or tails of much of the information on it.
[23:14] <Anastasia> "He was travelling with an Irena. Ia ssume that was his mother or a family member." Atlaba answers. "It doesn't elaborate."
06[23:15] * Demedais nods a bit after Seira translates, noting this for reference.
01[23:15] <Seira> "That might be enough to finally get him to open up. In case we have the chance to do it, anyhow."
[23:15] <Alicia> "It's more than we knew before," Alicia allows diplomatically.
[23:16] <Anastasia> "Will you require anything else," Atlaba asks.
06[23:17] * Seira glances at Alicia and Demedais. "A place to rest till it's morning, I'm thinking? Unless that's too much. I can afford an inn, if so."
[23:18] <Anastasia> "My rooms are humble, but for friends of Lord Celebrimbor, it's avaliable if you'd like them," he offers.
[23:19] <Alicia> "So long as it's no imposition," Alicia replies. "An inn is no trouble at all."

[Corwin]

[20:08] <Kolunch> ---
01[20:10] <Seira> roll 1d10+10
06[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 18." [1d10=8]
[20:13] <Kolunch> The next morning dawns, another beautiful day in the elven port city of Elfsander. The mood is still bright and happy as the party prepares...OOC - Go ahead and do any spell prep/castings and go when you're ready?
06[20:15] * Alicia briefly glances at the road east, wondering how the others are doing, before she focuses on the here and now. A shield spell followed by Alter Self to take the form of a delicate sea elf maiden. She then briefly cuts both Seira and Demedais with a dagger bearing the same spell channeled in order to gift them suitable aquatic forms (and of course heals them afterwards).
06[20:16] * Demedais nods slightly in merman form, still a bit uncomfortable with such magics.
[20:17] <Alicia> And probably more uncomfortable having to stand on his tail, now. But such is life. "Okay, so you think you can use that ring to take us to the place you saw in your vision?" Alicia asks, unsure if she now blends in more or less with the local population.
01[20:18] <Seira> Aside from her usual spells, Seira bestows the ability to breathe underwater to all three of them, so that they won't have to bother with keeping track of the alter self spells, and hands Demedais the teleport ring at Alicia's prompting.
[20:18] <Demedais> "I hope so?" Demedais replies with a shrug. "It's our best bet, no matter how we look at it, to get there."
[20:19] <Demedais> "You two ready?" he asks after a moment.
01[20:19] <Seira> "As ready as I'll ever be."
06[20:21] * Demedais nods to Seira, then glances over to Alicia.
06[20:22] * Alicia nods silently.
06[20:26] * Demedais calls his armor to himself and pulls out the spear lent to him, before attempting to use the ring to reach the shipwreck he saw in the dream vision...
[20:32] <Kolunch> Thus, a black dragon, a merman and a sea elf vanish! Underwater they appear! The darkness here is deep, suffocating. Only the faintest rays of illumination penetrate the dark, cold waters here.
[20:32] <Alicia> Drawing her sword, Alicia spends a moment to cast Light upon it.
06[20:36] * Seira looks around for now.
Session Close: Thu Aug 21 20:36:34 2008

Session Start: Thu Aug 21 20:36:34 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[20:36] * Disconnected
02[20:37] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[20:37] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[20:37] * Topic is 'Wilhelmina >  Forrest > Gangsta+ (still on fire) > Targo'
03[20:37] * Set by El-Cideon on Sat Aug 16 17:39:16
03[20:37] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
06[20:37] * Seira looks around for now.
[20:39] <Kolunch> The light of Alicia's blade offers illumination! Here lies a sandy, dark sea bed. About are bits of wood and ruin, the sea floor littered with them. Ahead of the party, fourty feet ahead, it coaleses out from the ground! A creeping, vast black shadow! It looms around the party for a heart stopping moment before it forms! It's about five feet wall, vaguely...feminine, somehow, in apperance. An arcing hiss comes from her, "Who dares?" she scow
[20:39] <Kolunch> An arcing hiss comes from her, "Who dares?" she scowls, "Pawns of Helm? You shall not have him!" Her voice is like the last drowning burble of a dying maiden, choking in salt water.
[20:41] <Kolunch> OOC - Go ahead and react, if you're gong offensive we'll drop into initaitive then.
[20:41] <Demedais> "We do not come to possess him, but to guide him to where he belongs." Demedais replies, shaking his head. "Why do you cling to him so?"
[20:41] <Alicia> It's likely entirely moot, but Alicia still casts her judgemental eye over the creature nonetheless.
[20:43] <Kolunch> "His soul is mine to have! You dare to take him away? I will rend your mortal bodies apart and add your vibrant souls apart! The touch of the Gods radiates from you and I shall have it!" With that and a howl in the lifeless, black waters...OOC - Initiative.
01[20:43] <Seira> "Who were you, again?" Seira wonders out loud.
[20:43] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11." [1d20=6]
[20:44] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+4
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18." [1d20=14]
01[20:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 nerveskitter
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 nerveskitter and gets 28." [1d20=16]
[20:44] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 yep okay
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 yep okay and gets 16." [1d20=15]
03[20:44] * Kolunch changes topic to 'Seira>Shadow Mother>Demedais>AliciaHino'
01[20:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 20." [1d20=9]
01[20:47] <Seira> Since the underwater shadow freak doesn't feel like answering, Seira just tries to hit it with an orb of pure force, drawing back and activating her boots.
01[20:47] <Seira> roll 1d20+17 touch
03[20:47] * Kolunch is now known as Kotono
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 touch and gets 25." [1d20=8]
[20:47] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
01[20:47] <Seira> roll 10d6 force
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 force and gets 45." [10d6=3, 2, 4, 4, 6, 5, 3, 6, 6, 6]
[20:48] <Kotono> The orb of force flies through the black-dead water! It rocks the shadowy body, forcing bits of it apart! However, even as it's smashed and rocked back with vast impactive power, "No...No! Hurry, run! Don't let her touch you!" Gilnal's voice comes from far away, smothered and leaking out from below. (More)
[20:50] <Kotono> The Shadow Mother rushes ahead! "Accursed of Helm, suffer!" she snarls at Demedais, as she approaches! OOC - First, fort save, Demedais.
[20:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 righty-o.
06[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 righty-o. and gets 18." [1d20=2]
[20:51] <Kotono> OOC - Make a will save too then.
[20:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 right, let's try this again, bot.
06[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 right, let's try this again, bot. and gets 31." [1d20=13]
[20:52] <Kotono> roll 3d6
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d6 and gets 7." [3d6=1, 5, 1]
[20:54] <Kotono> A horrible shake comes over Demedais! His body twists and turns! Black, inky scales cover his body, his forehead bleeding as his eyes spread to the side of his head! In the new gap, a third eye blinks into existance! His head sprouds hair of a sword - dozens of tiny eels, snapping in the water for food, attached to his head! Demedais feels his mind shudder and shake, nearly snapping under the strain. But yet...(More and also PM, Deme.)
[20:54] <Kotono> nearly snapping under the strain. But yet...(More and also PM, Deme.)
[20:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 roll well since the fairy isn't here to back you up
06[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 roll well since the fairy isn't here to back you up and gets 12." [1d20=4]
[20:55] <Kotono> Even as Demedais twists and turns, the shadowy woman advances onto Alicia, clawing at her once!
[20:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26 chaaaaaaaarge
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 chaaaaaaaarge and gets 32." [1d20=6]
[20:55] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[20:56] <Alicia> OOC: 28 flat footed
[20:56] <Kotono> roll 1d8+11 phys damage
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+11 phys damage and gets 18." [1d8=7]
[20:56] <Kotono> roll 1d4 wis damage
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 wis damage and gets 2." [1d4=2]
[20:56] <Kotono> roll 1d4 cha damage
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 cha damage and gets 1." [1d4=1]
[20:57] <Kotono> The claw slinks into Alicia's elven side, only a bit of blood drawn! However, Alicia feels a wound that stretches much farther into her! OOC - Demedais.
[20:57] <Kotono> "NO! DEMEDAIS!" Gilnal's voice echos from far away.
[21:00] <Kotono> As the claw withdraws from Alicia's body, flecks of beautiful white light crackles up the shadow's arm! It turns black as it races into the being's body, like sparkling fireworks dimmed by an impossibly black night!
06[21:00] * Demedais seems to hesitate for a moment, before, "So this is the way you want to play, hm? Right." With that, Demedais focuses before making one huge thrust into the core of the beast!
[21:02] <Demedais> roll 1d20+25 (+6 smite, +4 kensai smash (dc 15), +2 helm, +1 haste, -6 PA)
06[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+25 (+6 smite, +4 kensai smash (dc 15), +2 helm, +1 haste, -6 PA) and gets 32." [1d20=7]
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[21:02] <Demedais> roll 1d8+31
06[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+31 and gets 39." [1d8=8]
[21:04] <Kotono> With a massive thrust, Demedais plunges into the shadowy woman! The spearing does some harm to it, but the shadows wither and exist on! Even as it wounds, dying flickers of white energy come, helping to substain the damage! OOC - Alicia.
[21:06] <Alicia> "Nnng..." Alicia winces at the blow she just took, wheeling back for a moment before she's refreshed by a burst of rage from Hell Striker, channeling all her divine and magical energy into her blades for a final decisive strike. "Go to your own wretched afterlife, monster!" she yells as she assails the shadowy creature with a vengeance!
[21:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+23 fire, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+23 fire, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might and gets 42." [1d20=19]
[21:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+23 fire, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might crit check
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+23 fire, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might crit check and gets 24." [1d20=1]
[21:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22 holy, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 holy, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might and gets 32." [1d20=10]
[21:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24 fire, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might smite
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 fire, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might smite and gets 44." [1d20=20]
[21:08] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24 fire, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might smite crit check
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 fire, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might smite crit check and gets 30." [1d20=6]
[21:08] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 holy, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 holy, sacrificing 1 4th and 2 3rd level slots, divine might and gets 20." [1d20=3]
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC - Two hits and a crit.
[21:08] <Alicia> OOC: any dr I should care about?
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC - Just roll it all is fine. Ow.
[21:10] <Alicia> roll 4d8+39+24+3d8+2d6+2d6+27d4
06[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d8+39+24+3d8+2d6+2d6+27d4 and gets 170." [4d8=2, 6, 6, 1][3d8=2, 4, 4][2d6=5, 1][2d6=5, 3][27d4=3, 3, 2, 4, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 1, 4, 1, 3, 3, 3, 1, 2, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 2, 1]
[21:11] <Alicia> roll 3d4
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 3d4 and gets 8." [3d4=4, 3, 1]
[21:11] <Alicia> OOC: forgot it was 10 spell levels sacced, not 9
[21:12] <Kotono> With a savage fury, Alicia rips away! Severing arm, leg and torso, Hell Striker is relentless as it carves up the shadowy woman! It's form is sundered thrice over, only it's shadowy nature perhaps letting it survive! IT remains, somewhat flickering and with a shriek of fury following! Steam rises up in the air from Hellstriker, the hissing sound cascading with it's scream! OOC - SEira, you're up. The shadow woman just got carved -up-.
[21:12] <Alicia> OOC: another 2 for the smite, sorry
[21:12] <Alicia> OOC: 4, even, since it critted
06[21:16] * Seira gnashes her teeth, pointing a utilitarian-seeming golden rod at the shadow. Ten phantom jaws of force come into being all around her target, barely giving it time to react before swarming it!
01[21:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 16." [1d20=5]
[21:18] <Kotono> The teeth snap and gash at the woman, but the magic doesn't seem to touch her! Instead, with a hissing scream, "AAAAAAAH! Such delicious life force! If...if you want the child so badly, come and get him!" With that, the shadowy woman breaks apart, shadows diving back into the sandy ground like oil! OOc - Alicia and Deme, you two can AoO it if you wish, if you wanna attack the breaking apart shadows.
[21:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22 holy, I still have all my mods from last round
06[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 holy, I still have all my mods from last round and gets 38." [1d20=16]
[21:19] <Alicia> roll 1d8+15+1d8+2d6+10d4
06[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+15+1d8+2d6+10d4 and gets 55." [1d8=8][1d8=8][2d6=1, 2][10d4=2, 2, 3, 1, 3, 3, 2, 3, 1, 1]
[21:19] <Alicia> OOC: add on another 3 damage, since that was 2-handed
[21:19] <Demedais> roll 1d20+25 well, might as well chip in
06[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+25 well, might as well chip in and gets 42." [1d20=17]
[21:19] <Kotono> OOC - Hit. Damn.
[21:20] <Kotono> OOC - Your PA adjustment carries over, remember. You still hit, ind.
[21:20] <Demedais> roll 1d8+21
06[21:20] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d8+21 and gets 25." [1d8=4]
[21:22] <Kotono> With a stab of arcane fire and a thrust of a magical spear, Demedais and Alicia slash at the shadows! It's not very effective, but a few more are torn apart! OOC - The shadow seems to have slunk into the ground. Deme, you're up if you wanna do anything. If not, hold.
[21:22] <Demedais> "Okay, how do we follow her with this?" Demedais grunts, peering ahead into the shadows to try and spot chaos.
[21:23] <Demedais> "Whatever she's doing, she's moving down there. I don't know how to get to her from here..."
[21:23] <Demedais> OOC: hold.
[21:24] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia, same as Deme. You're up.
[21:24] <Alicia> "Like this," Alicia holds her free hand above her head for a second, arcane power glowing vibrantly within her clenched fist as she focuses before pointing straight down the path the shadows fled by, hoping they stayed on a straight line course as she unleashes a massive blast of spellfire through the seabed after her!
[21:24] <Alicia> roll 18d8
06[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 18d8 and gets 85." [18d8=7, 3, 7, 3, 7, 8, 6, 3, 4, 8, 3, 4, 2, 3, 8, 5, 2, 2]
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 1d100 I'm treating it as having concealment here, since you're aiming semi blind. 1-50.
06[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 I'm treating it as having concealment here, since you're aiming semi blind. 1-50. and gets 27." [1d100=27]
[21:26] <Alicia> OOC: it fills a 5x5x100 line, but it gets a reflex save for  half. DC 22
[21:26] <Kotono> OOC: It's radius? Okay, I had it in my head it was a line.
[21:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
06[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 26." [1d20=14]
[21:27] <Alicia> OOC: it is a line, but it's a line that fills up the squares it passes through, so unless she actually changed direction after submerging it should connect
[21:27] <Kotono> A pure line of spellfire rockets down into the sands! It leaves a seared glass tunnel in it's wake, remnants of a ship seen below! Bits of loose wood float up, shadows roasted and keening! Some are seen on the other side of the glass, hinted at! OOC - Seira, you're up.
06[21:28] * Seira decides to rejoin the others, swimming over to glance down the tunnel dug up by the spellfire.
[21:29] <Kotono> The glassy tunnel is empty, spellfire cleared out. However, just past the freshly seared, steaming sand, Seira can glimpse more shadow in the still uncooked sands to the sides.
06[21:30] * Seira commands the jaws of ghostly death to descend into the tunnel, splitting up to bite at every bit of shadow within range!
01[21:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 SR
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 SR and gets 23." [1d20=12]
01[21:33] <Seira> roll 1.5*10d6
06[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1.5*10d6 and gets 72." [10d6=3, 6, 6, 4, 4, 6, 6, 2, 6, 5]
01[21:33] <Seira> OOC: Ref23 half
[21:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 21." [1d20=9]
[21:35] <Kotono> With this gnashing of teeth, there is a great groaning! The shadowy fitures begin to shudder and shake! There is a great scream, like a primal roar from below! ABruptly the ground collapses, sand tossed upward into the air! The sea bottom sinks down, sands falling into some unseen sinkhole! OOC - You guys aren't falling, since you're swimming. Go ahead and free act now.
06[21:36] * Demedais stares at the line of destruction. "Uh.... I don't think that sort of thing is within my capability, Alicia." he chokes out after a moment, before the teeth finish the job. "...Gilnal? Are you here?" He quickly moves forward, armor dismissed as he looks around.
06[21:37] * Alicia exhales slowly, bubbles coming out of her mouth as she calms down from her battle fervour, slowly taking note of the changes to Demedais' appearance. Well, she certainly never added the extra eye or medusa hair. "You... okay, Demedais?"
[21:38] <Demedais> "Mentally I'm fine. Physically I feel like I got turned into some sort of monstrosity, but I'm more worried that you may have hit Gilnal with that blast." Demedais replies.
06[21:39] * Seira taps Demedais experimentally, just in case it's a weird curse of some kind.
[21:39] <Kotono> The ground finally ends it's collapse! The sand has partially drained away. Twenty feet down is the deck of what looks like a half rotted ship, piles of sand about on it. Seira notes her hand feels unpleasantly slimy on touching Demedais' scales.
[21:40] <Alicia> "Well, better that than what the creature had in store," Alicia reasons, likewise helping Seira by trying to dispel any magic on Demedais that isn't her own handiwork. "Mother of all magic, hear me and end this foul transformation upon my ally!"
[21:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 13." [1d20=1]
06[21:40] * Demedais begins swimming toward the ship, not reacting to Seira's touch.
[21:41] <Kotono> The dispel magic has no effect on Demedais' body. As Demedais swims down, he can see that there are several holes in the deck. Descending down should be simple enough.
[21:42] <Demedais> "Gilnal?" Demedais calls loudly. "Can you hear me? She's gone, Gilnal."
06[21:42] * Seira pauses long enough to cast an extended shield upon herself, just in case, and a spell to see the invisible.
[21:44] <Kotono> There's a long pause, then from far away, "Down here!" Gilnal's voice carries upward.
[21:44] <Alicia> "Hmm, I'll try a general dispel once we're out of the water, if you don't mind waiting a bit, Demedais," Alicia offers as she swims down closer to the ship, casting detect magic and looking it over for both dweomers and evil.
06[21:45] * Demedais nods. "That's fine. It works for now; my body feels like it's got a shell all over, which may help if something else slumbers down here. You've got the light; help me navigate down there?" he asks as he begins swimming downward.
01[21:46] <Seira> "Hey, guys," Seira asks suddenly. "Any of you seeing ghostly demons in a weird shadowy rising fog thing?"
06[21:46] * Demedais pauses, before looking around.
[21:46] <Kotono> Demedais doesn't see anything like that.
06[21:47] * Demedais hesitates a second before looking for chaos next, focusing on the ship.
[21:47] <Demedais> "I see fading chaos, but nothing else.
[21:47] <Demedais> Perhaps you're seeing the ghost and whoever else it claimed as it disperses?"
[21:48] <Alicia> "What?" Alicia looks at Seira in surprise. "No, I can sense the aura of the creature - it'll take some time to fade, I imagine, but no demons... or fog, for that matter."
01[21:50] <Seira> "Maybe it ate all of them," Seira theorizes, before shrugging. "It already touched us and we're fine, sort of," she glances at Demedais, "so let's proceed?"
[21:51] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais nods, leading the way with Alicia's light spell to help him see through the water.
06[21:52] * Alicia slows down a bit to heal herself some but nonetheless follows close behind Demedais.
[21:54] <Kotono> Following Gilnal's cries, the party comes to a room in the midship area. There's the ancient remnants of what looks to be a passenger room. The one thing that survives completely intact is a large wood cabinet, big enough to walk into. It's utterly untouched by the water's erosions.  Just outside of it Gilnal is kneeling, looking dazed.
[21:54] <Demedais> "Are you okay?" Demedais asks, looking to him as he swims a bit closer. "Apologies for the appearance, but."
[21:55] <Kotono> "You're still...Demedais?" Gilnal stares in shock, "How...how did you do it? You...you really did it?" He asks, voice low and teary. "You...all of you..killed her?"
01[21:55] <Seira> "What was she, anyway?"
[21:56] <Alicia> "She will trouble the seas no more," Alicia affirms with some satisfaction.
[21:56] <Demedais> "I think so." Demedais replies. "And yeah, despite the transformation, I'm still me. It takes a lot to break me..." A look over to Seira. "Ah. I think I can guess, but let's not worry about it right now. Yeah. Especially Seira and Alicia, they both made sure you got outta there."
[21:57] <Kotono> "She's really gone?" Gilnal asks hesitantly, looking at Demedais. "Really gone?"
[21:57] <Demedais> "Yeah. She's gone." Demedais nods once.
[21:58] <Kotono> Gilnal sniffles, a ghostly, echoing sound. "She's...she's not going to come back, either?" He looks up, wide eyed right into Demedais' three eyes. "You mean she's gone forever?"
01[21:58] <Seira> "Fine," Seira agrees reluctantly, before asking, "Hey, kid, any others like you that were held here against their will?"
[21:58] <Demedais> "As far as I know, she won't be back here ever." Demedais says, blinking all three eyes unintentionally.
[21:59] <Alicia> "She won't be able to come back from where she is now," Alicia agrees, the whole Gilnal situation keeping her thoughts on a somewhat afterlife focused bent.
[22:00] <Kotono> "They're gone then...she's gone!" With a long sigh of relief and teary eyes, "I...I'm sorry!" he blurts out, "But I didn't want her to get you too! She made me want to try to get mortals!" He wipes at his eyes, "I...I'm the only one. It was because...it was because of what she did that we were like this."
[22:01] <Demedais> "It's fine. But we couldn't leave you down here, you know?" Demedais replies. "...I wanted to make sure you were able to go see your dad again."
[22:02] <Kotono> "She said that...that when we woke up, that Dad was long gone." Gilnal sniffles. "I thought she had to be lying."
[22:04] <Alicia> "I think that much probably is true," Alicia admits, her blue-ish skin paling as she starts to digest the relationship between Gilnal and the shadow creature.
[22:04] <Demedais> "He's gone from here, but he's waiting for you. Remember what we - what Marie told you about the afterlife? He's probably there and waiting."
01[22:05] <Seira> "It's pretty much up to you to find him there. If you don't give up, you definitely will!"
[22:05] <Kotono> Sniffling some more and wiping his ghostly arm against his running, ghostly nose, "Then...Will you take me to the Citadel of Light?" he asks quietly. "I mean, will you take this to it?" Gilnal turns his wet eyes to the untouched cabinet.
[22:07] <Demedais> "We should be able to do that, yeah." Demedais nods once, before pausing and turning to the other two. "Right?"
01[22:07] <Seira> "Give me a moment," Seira requests, estimating the limits on the teleport.
06[22:10] * Seira frowns. "Alicia, think you could manage to briefly increase Demedais's strength? Even a few minutes should do, I think."
[22:11] <Alicia> "Easily," Alicia nods, casting enlarge person and tapping Demedais' arm.
[22:12] <Kotono> "Just...I wanna see it." Gilnal says, "I always dreamed I'd see it once day with Dad, so at least...I want to see it."
[22:12] <Kotono> "...wait..." Gilnal also speaks up. "Before you do."
06[22:12] * Demedais shrugs. "If it's temporary might, I have that. But this works, too." he says as he grows. "What is it?"
06[22:12] * Seira nods, handing the male paladin her teleport ring. "Just aim for the capital. Anywhere in it is fine. You'll also need to pick up the cabinet beforehand, of course."
[22:13] <Demedais> "Okay. I think I know outside your estate best, so I'll try to get us there." Demedais nods. "Though wouldn't you be more accurate with this?"
06[22:14] * Demedais waits on Gilnal's response as well.
[22:14] <Kotono> "There's...there's some things that she gathered. Rich things." Clearing his throat, "I'll show them to you, because you saved me. There's also...the...the bad place."
06[22:14] * Seira blinks. "Okay. We need to take care of any bad places before leaving, yes."
06[22:14] * Demedais pauses. "Alicia, how long does this spell last? And... thank you, Gilnal."
[22:15] <Alicia> "Bit over ten minutes, I can easily cast it again, though," Alicia tells Demedais. "It's a very simple spell."
[22:15] <Demedais> "Okay." Demedais nods. "Lead the way, Gilnal, and be careful."
06[22:16] * Seira extends the protection of her boots for herself, ready to follow the ghostly elf.
[22:17] <Kotono> Gilnal nods. "J-just follow me, okay?" He says, clinging close to Demedais. He leads them to the back of the ship. Here, you find what may have been once the captain's room. The back half of the wall is melted away into a sludge that's draining to the floor. A wooden chest sits on the opposite side. "In there," Gilnal says, staying behind Demedais and casting worried looks towards the sludge.
06[22:18] * Demedais looks at the sludge sharply, attempting to discern if it's chaos or not.
01[22:18] <Seira> Detect Magic! It exists for situations such as this.
[22:19] <Demedais> "Chaos overwhelming." Demedais grunts, readying his spear. "Can we dispel or otherwise neutralize this stuff?"
[22:19] <Alicia> "That sludge must have been connected to the creature, the aura seems about the same," Alicia observes calmly. "Like I said before, it'll take some time to fade completely, but it's harmless."
01[22:20] <Seira> "Yes, no magic," Seira concurs, checking it for more mundane dangers.
01[22:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+23 search
06[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 search and gets 29." [1d20=6]
06[22:20] * Demedais nods once. "It won't have any after effects on the area, then?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "It's not...it's not like it was when..." Gilnal whimpers. "There aren't the faces in it."
01[22:21] <Seira> "The faces all floated up and away," Seira tells him, opening the chest.
06[22:21] * Demedais nods. "Understood, Gilnal. ...This was probably her core, at the time. Now, though, since she isn't hear to hold it together, it's dissolving."
[22:22] <Alicia> "Hard to say," Alicia admits to Demedais. "Strong evil of this sort, especially having lingered here for so many years? I don't imagine this will ever be a particularly pleasant stretch of seabed, in all honesty."
[22:22] <Kotono> Inside of the chest Seira sees beautiful things. Delicate statues of silver, carvings inlaid with gold and platinum. A hand telescope gilded with golden sheen and a rim of semi precious gems. Also several gold, platinum and even mithril coins sit mixed in with all of it.
06[22:23] * Demedais grunts, before swimming forward and stabbing the darkness with his spear, a prayer to Helm behind the thrust.
[22:24] <Kotono> "The core was in there...the bad place." Licking his lips as Demedais plunges in...Demedais cuts into the darkness! It yields to his spear, dripping down on it like a sticky sap. Ahead, he can see a chasm that leads to the bottom of the ship. Sticking out fo the ground looks to be a large, twenty foot wide hexagon. It is covered with faded, weathered writings. Along the side pointing most upward, a small hole has been worn into it.
[22:25] <Demedais> "Okay, so, uh. I think we want to do something about this, at least." Demedais comments.
01[22:26] <Seira> "I could try to ruin it with acid," Seira offers, swimming over to take a closer look.
06[22:27] * Alicia peers down the hole. "What exactly is the core? Do you mean that killing that shadowy creature back there wasn't enough?" she asks, frowning. It doesn't really fit with what she's sensing around here.
01[22:27] <Seira> "Maybe it means the shadow is gone, but another thing could use the core to empower itself in the future?"
[22:27] <Demedais> "Alright. Be careful..." Demedais says, shaking the dark gunk off his spear. "And I think it was the core, but... Could it have been a corruption devil or something that did all that?"
[22:28] <Kotono> As Seira gets closer, she can see that the hole is about merely a few inches wide. It's not much of a hole at all, though most of the metal is slowly pitted, worn and rusted. The writing on it is in several different languages, including archaic common, elven, Celestial and Draconic. On a glance, Seira can also see wards, faded adn ruined.
[22:29] <Kotono> "It's where the bad things happened," Gilnal whispers quietly, looking awy from it. "It's...it's...where it happened. Where bad things happened."
06[22:29] * Demedais nods silently to Gilnal, moving back toward him a bit.
[22:30] <Alicia> "I wouldn't be so quick to ascribe a foreign influence. Most undead are quite bad enough on their own without needing outside corruption," Alicia reasons, deciding to swim down the tunnel to investigate. "Come on, lets go see, we won't solve anything just guessing up here."
01[22:30] <Seira> "It's really because I saw demonic faces, and since I could see the invisible, it made sense something really was there."
06[22:31] * Seira gets close enough to read the writing and observe the full design.
[22:31] <Demedais> "You two handle it? I'll stay back for now." Demedais replies. "The main threat is gone, at least, so there shouldn't be much of a problem; it still needs to be dismantled in there to prevent future use, and, ah, magic's better at that."
[22:38] <Kotono> Reading one of the bands of writing is like reading them all, since each language repeats roughly the same message. "Here lies the seal of 20 servants of Demogorgon. In the name of the Realms Above, never disturb this seal. In the name of Lathander, let sacred light forever hide it away. In the name of Helm, let eternal vigliance guard it in this shrine. In the name of Ilmater, let this seal hold the fury and suffering of these demons for ete
[22:38] <Kotono> let this seal hold the fury and suffering of these demons for eternity. In the name of Kelemvor, let them forever be denied death, so that they cannot return to the screaming insanity that birthed them. In my name...I swear my vengence should you free these spirits. Talinn." The wards could be studied if Seira wishes as well, though a glance can tell that they're too worn to be functional. OOC - Spellcraft on those if you want, Seira.
01[22:39] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 28." [1d20=6]
01[22:40] <Seira> "Huh." Seira checks to see whether the seal broke recently.
[22:40] <Kotono> On a casual estiment, Seira imagines that the seal broke quite a long time ago.
01[22:41] <Seira> "Oh good!" she exclaims in relief. "Talinn isn't going to come out of retirement, death nonwithstanding, to exact vengeance on us!"
[22:41] <Demedais> "What?" Demedais calls back. "Talinn did this?"
06[22:41] * Alicia stops and looks back from where she'd been swimming down the hexagonal tunnel. "Why would he want to?"
01[22:42] <Seira> "He sealed twenty demons inside, something broke them out. Apparently it denied Demogorgon some important servants?"
[22:43] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia swims back to rejoin the party. "Any idea when they got loose?"
[22:43] <Demedais> "Ah. Well, yes, that would make this place gunky... it would also explain the demons you saw. I can't really explain this, though; did the ship crash and... the spirits possessed the ghost we just fought?"
01[22:44] <Seira> "When our shadowy friend came into being, I'd hazard?"
[22:45] <Alicia> "Normally ghosts are the ones that do the possessing," Alicia muses. "Still, the location is too convenient to be mere coincidence."
[22:45] <Demedais> "Yeah. It makes the most sense... which means Demogorgon likely just got his helpers back anyway."
06[22:45] * Seira shrugs. "Better loose there than on Prime."
[22:46] <Alicia> "Sad to say, twenty demons just isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things," Alicia agrees. "An infinity plus twenty is still an infinity."
06[22:47] * Seira peers beyond the seals through the hole in them.
[22:47] <Demedais> "Let the infinities handle each other." Demedais growls. "So is there anything else here that we need to handle?"
01[22:48] <Seira> "We might as well comb through the ship. If Talinn was here, maybe he left something we really, really want to find."
[22:48] <Kotono> Inside, Seira can see that the inside is smooth, worn and empty.
[22:48] <Alicia> "Agreed, and I still haven't looked at the bottom of this tunnel," Alicia nods, resuming her swim down the hexagonal passage.
[22:49] <Demedais> "Alright." Demedais says, before looking to Gilnal sadly. "So what did they do here? Was it... sacrifice to those demons?"
[22:49] <Kotono> Gilnal shakes his head, "...I don't wanna talk about it..." he whispers, "Because when they met her..."
[22:50] <Demedais> "...okay. We'll find answers. Don't worry about it..." Demedais replies after a moment.
[22:52] <Kotono> Gilnal stays close to Demedais and nods. With that, the party begins to search the tunnel! The tunnel ends a bit past the seal. However, oddly, something's strange about the tunnel. The walls begin to look...worked. Too smooth, even underwater. The ground evens out. It comes to an abrupt dead end, however, completely clogged with sand.
[22:52] <Kotono> (More)
[22:53] <Kotono> The ship itself is ruined and ancient. There's not much of value, or anything that was has been ruined by the water. A search doesn't turn up anything particularly interesting.
06[22:55] * Alicia frowns a bit at the sandy blockage. "Wish Marie was here, she's perfect for things like this," she sighs, returning to join the others. They can always come back, she supposes.
06[22:58] * Demedais makes sure everything and everyone is ready, before...
[22:58] <Demedais> roll 1d100
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 and gets 88." [1d100=88]

[Corwin]

[20:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ------------
[20:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's not a bad day. It's rather warm on the verge of being hot, but it's not very humid. The dapple of tree shaded sunlight is here, the scent of well kept, groomed and nurtured plants about. Appearing in one of the many public greens of the Citadel of Light is altogether pleasant. However, this pleasant ness only lasts a split second. Something breaks it -s omething like screams of surprise and terror.
[20:16] <Demedais> "Will you do that dispelling now, please, Alicia?" Demedais growls. "As much as leaving as quickly as possible was needed, it's best now to drop the spell..."
[20:17] <Alicia> "It's okay, she's not really a black dragon!" Alicia speaks up quickly as she terminates her spell on Seira. "She's... a red dragon. Half. Much better."
01[20:17] <Seira> "I think the screams are due to the huge freak with three eyes and tentacles," Seira mutters.
[20:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As the party gets it's wits, they see they stand amid several trees. The cabinet Demedais lifts is quite heavy even with his enhanced size. Several elves are staring, af ew running off, and a couple coming close with wide eyes.
[20:18] <Alicia> Alicia then turns her attention to Demedais, her current sea elf form pretty inoffensive as far as she's concerned. "Better put the cabinet down first or you'll break your back, Demedais," she warns before casting, "Mother of all magic, end the fell and not so fell dweomers upon this unfortunate before me."
06[20:18] * Demedais puts it down instantly on hearing this.
[20:18] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 to dispel alter self that I put on (DC 23)
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 to dispel alter self that I put on (DC 23) and gets 14." [1d20=2]
[20:18] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 to dispel bad magic
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 to dispel bad magic and gets 21." [1d20=9]
[20:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The magic around Demedais does not break! However, as this happens, "Hey!" Gilnal's voice is heard, the ghostly child near the cabinet, looking about with wide eyes. "Is this it?"
06[20:20] * Seira waves at the gathered elves as Alicia tries to dispel Demedais's new look.
[20:20] <Demedais> "Hi. Sorry for the mess, we didn't have any easier way to get back here." Demedais says in as normal of a tone as he can to the elves, before nodding to Gilnal. "Yeah, it is."
[20:20] <Alicia> "Hang on, I nearly got it that time," Alicia mutters, taking a breath to centre herself and making another attempt. "Magic be gone!"
[20:20] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 alter self
06[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 alter self and gets 18." [1d20=6]
[20:20] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 aberrant
06[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 aberrant and gets 13." [1d20=1]
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Still no effect! Meanwhile, elves are running and screaming in contrast to the beautiful weather and scenery! A few elves are running down from a side street, longswords and leather armor noted. "What...why's there so much screaming...?" Gilnal asks.
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The words and waves from Seira and Demedais don't seem to make much impact, really.
[20:21] <Alicia> "Hmm. It's really stubborn," Alicia looks unhappy, settling for snapping her fingers to at least remove Demedais' fishtail with a minimum of effort. "It might be beyond my ability... one last try, I suppose."
[20:22] <Alicia> "Lady of Mysteries, I beseech you, turn Demedais back to normal!"
[20:22] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 24." [1d20=12]
[20:22] <Demedais> "Because I look like a monster in the middle of town." Demedais grunts.
06[20:23] * Seira decides to meet the armed elves halfway, trusting in Alicia's abilities.
[20:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Again, the magic buckles but does not give! Meanwhile, SEira moves to intercept. There are four of them, approaching with drawn blades and wide eyes. "Announce yourselves," one calls. "In the name of the King!"
01[20:24] <Seira> "Umm. Seira of the Baronies! And friends. One of them is suffering under a nefarious curse. I don't suppose someone here could help us dispel it?"
[20:25] <Alicia> "This is my last third circle spell for the day... never encountered such a stubborn enchantment," Alicia mumbles under her breath, waving her hands about once more in an effort to unweave the flow of magic.
[20:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 16." [1d20=4]
[20:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Under the circumstances, make a diplo check, Seira? -4 modifier considering the rather unique circumstances.
01[20:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 28." [1d20=10]
06[20:26] * Demedais grimaces and draws his blade only an little out of the scabbard, cutting into the skin a little bit to try and use the sword's innate magic to remove the curse.
[20:26] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 come on, lucky sword?
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 come on, lucky sword? and gets 29." [1d20=19]
[20:27] <Demedais> OOC: Strike that.
06[20:29] * Demedais shrugs at the lack of effect, looking up to Alicia and shaking his head. "No effect. Not sure what to do, here; can you Alter Self to override this for a temporary solution?"
[20:31] <Alicia> "My aplogies Demedais, but if this doesn't work I'm afraid I'm going to have to give up. As upsetting as your appearance may be, it's only an inconvenience at worst, and I'm running very low on what magic I have available. If Alter Self was any solution then your appearance would have gone back to normal when you reverted to human." Taking a deep breath, she tries one last time. "Foul tentacled abomination, begone!"
[20:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 15." [1d20=3]
[20:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Once again, Alicia's magic cant' seem to dispel the curse. The guards stare at the two, "Just don't make any sudden movements then," One says to Seira, watching the scene carefully. Yet again, Alicia's magic fails to work!
06[20:33] * Alicia shrugs in apology, reverting herself to her human form and turning her attention to the guards. "Are we under arrest?"
01[20:33] <Seira> "No sudden movements from me," Seira agrees. "But about that help with curing my friend? I really don't want him to have that freakish hair. It's unnatural!"
06[20:33] * Demedais nods a bit. "It's just annoying to be causing this much havoc, but as I said earlier, it was probably best to handle this quickly and let things sort out here instead." With that, he sits down a bit. "First thoughts, Gilnan?"
[20:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Just come with us," He says, "Even if you're who you say you are, you're going to cause a panic standing like this." Meanwhile, Gilnal starts to float around a bit, looking about with wide eyes.
01[20:34] <Seira> "Sure thing," Seira agrees. "Umm. Except. We kinda brought back an elf ghost so that his soul could finally rest after returning home. I don't think we should leave him here." She gestures to the cabinet.
[20:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As more guards come and most of the watching elves have fled or fallen back, the presumptive leader looks to the cabinet and rubs his forehead. "About that..." he says long.
01[20:35] <Seira> "It's just a kid! You wouldn't leave him to wander the seas endlessly, would you?"
[20:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's...beautiful!" Gilnal says, before abruptly starting to fly about, gawking and looking and smiling, even though many people have fled.
[20:37] <Alicia> "We really didn't think this through very well at all, did we?" Alicia mutters under her breath. "Perhaps you should namedrop one of your friends in high places, Seira?" she whispers to the colonel, having no desire to be arrested and disarmed.
[20:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Let's just come along now...We'll have someone carry the cabinet, then," The elf looks half disbeliving and half darkly amused.
01[20:39] <Seira> "This was the only place close enough where Demedais could get treated," Seira responds with a shrug. "Alright. Would it be possible for us to see Lord Drake?" she asks the elf in charge of the guards. Slowly, Seira shows him Celebrimbor's ring. "We'll come along quietly, but it would probably be best for everyone involved if he could be present at our destination as well."
03[20:39] * Sierra_Naptime is now known as Awakened_Sierra
[20:41] <Demedais> "It was either this or attempt to work out how to arrange everything else in a dark, miserably wet and entirely too uncomfortable wreck of a boat who knows how far underwater. Besides, I teleported to the least busy place I could clearly remember. No way of knowing it'd be busy today..." Demedais grunts.
[20:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's a rather unusual tour of the Citadel of Light. With a few guards lugging a ancient wooden cabinet, the party proceeds onwards towards a guard building. Once inside and secured, some waiting happens. As they wait, however, Demedais shivers. In a moment his body returns to as it was, aberrational form gone.
01[20:55] <Seira> "Huh. Who knew?"
[20:55] <Demedais> "... I'll take it." Demedais grunts, shaking his head.
[20:56] <Alicia> "Wish I'd known the duration was so short earlier," Alicia sighs in mild irritation, herself.
01[20:57] <Seira> "Well, the next time Demedais gets turned into a tentacled monstrosity, we'll know to leave him to his devices," Seira agrees sagely.
[20:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's about an hour in total. Gilnal is bored, but seems restless and stays close. When someone enters, it's a well dressed elf with the insignia of the Drake clan on his red doublet. A guard is with him, and after he glances at the party briefly, "That's them. The Drake house will resolve this matter. Thank you."
01[21:00] <Seira> "Thanks!" Seira tells him brightly.
[21:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Gilnal is floating about, inspecting thew alls for the third time in this long hour. He looks over to the servant hopefully, while staying generally close to Demedais.
[21:02] <Alicia> "I apologise for our unseemly appearance upon arrival," Alicia rises respectfully as the new arrival enters. "We were just fresh from battle and didn't have time to make ourselves more presentable."
[21:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's my duty," he smiles thinly to Seira, "Scion Celebrimbor will want to see you immediately. However, taking that cabinet with us isn't terribly practical. Will one of you desire to stay with it?"
06[21:03] * Demedais waits for Seira to translate before nodding. "I'll do it."
[21:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "There's no need to apologise to me," he replies to Alicia, and with a slight smile, "You are human. Such rashness can only be expected."
06[21:04] * Seira does so naturally, until such a time Demedais learns the language. Unless he wouldn't want to because elves sometimes use it to insult him and his kind.
[21:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 bluff, of course I'm not offended
06[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 bluff, of course I'm not offended and gets 14." [1d20=3]
06[21:04] * Alicia does her best to keep from showing any offence at the elf's words, although she's not particularly impressed.
[21:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Then , if you'd come with me," he says to Seira and Alicia. OOC - Deme, into #evil?
06[21:06] * Seira has no words for the peon, content to be lead to her friend in peace.
[21:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The travel to the Drake Estate is pleasant. MEeting Celebrimbor in his private garden, the two find him with a slightly bemused look. "What did happen there," he enquires, dismissing the servant with an idle wave of his hand. "The report from the city soldiers wasn't made by the most reliable for this type of incident."
[21:13] <Alicia> "In order to better function underwater we were all transformed into various forms - myself as a sea elf, Seira as a wyrmling black dragon, and Demedais as a merman. Demedais also had the misfortune of being afflicted with a spell that made eels grow from his head like a perverse toupee," Alicia explains embarrassedly. "In retrospect we should have teleported somewhere quieter."
01[21:16] <Seira> "I don't believe so," Seira interjects. "Only Demedais could use the ring on the way back, if we didn't want to leave Gilnal down there. And here was the best place to seek treatment for him. Trying to cure him underwater could've just lead to his drowning."
[21:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes. It would be better for everyone if we avoid those incidents again. Stories of human heroes coming about and spreading fear in the Citadel of Light won't do." Celebrimbor leans back, steepling his fingers together. "Use my estate's grounds if the occasion to teleport to the Citadel occurs again. My servants are more used to magic than the norm."
01[21:17] <Seira> "Using Demedais for the teleport was unexpected. An oversight on my part, and I apologize," Seira says, before handing over the ring and thanking Celebrimbor for allowing them to use it once more. "I really should've done this first."
[21:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "As long as the mistake isn't made again, it's ana cceptable learning experience. Further, you eliminated the problem with the ghost?" Celebrimbor puts the ring back away into his clothes.
01[21:19] <Seira> "And found something interesting along the way," Seira adds. "The ghost was fused with some twenty demons once sealed away by Talinn. No, I don't really know how it worked."
[21:20] <Alicia> "He wanted to see the Citadel of Light before passing on. I had thought he would simply take one glimpse at the place and then peacefully fade away like in stories about ghosts, but he's still back at the guardhouse with Demedais," Alicia looks a bit perturbed, wondering just what is needed for Gilnal to actually pass on.
01[21:20] <Seira> "It should give you an idea of why I was worried the changes in Demedais after a brush with that magic went beyond the cosmetic, though," she adds a moment later.
[21:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Curious." Celebrimbor bites his lip a moment, "Something to look into, that makes me interestedon what happend. Still, that does leave a loose end now. You need to get this Gilnal to pass on."
[21:25] <Alicia> "Well, we don't need to, but really he should for his own benefit," Alicia amends. "I'm just not sure what he actually wants. Will he only be satisfied after seeing every inch of the Citadel of Light? Is there something more he's not telling us?"
01[21:25] <Seira> "It's definitely the lesser of the evils," Seira mutters quietly.
[21:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Find out then. Even if he's innocent, a ghost can still spread death and horror easily, even if they mean better. For everyone's safety, he needs to pass on."
[21:29] <Alicia> "Indeed," Alicia nods, "When we first encountered him he was easily provoked into unleashing a terrifying visage that sent my familiar screaming down to the sea bed. We wouldn't want him inflicting that upon the inhabitants of this city."
01[21:29] <Seira> "Yeah, we were kinda ready to do that from the start," Seira agrees. "Since we went to certain lengths and followed Demedais's vision and all that, we wouldn't really stop halfway."
[21:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good then. If you need anything to help you on this, contact me. The sooner the ghost lets go and returns to where he should be, the better." Celebrimbor agrees.
[21:31] <Alicia> "Well then, should we go rejoin him and Demedais?" Alicia asks Seira. "Perhaps a tour is in order."
01[21:33] <Seira> "That sounds about right," Seira responds, before smiling apologetically at Celebrimbor. "And it seems I have to run off again. Please contact me if someone is needed to make a formal apology for that stunt, or anything along those lines? I'll take full responsibility."
[21:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We'll see how high it goes up," Celebrimbor says, and then with an odd little smile, "Good luck."
[21:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ---
[21:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A day in the Citadel of Light. Gilnal follows the party around, getting many a look. However, with the situation taken care of, nothing gets out of control this time. He hovers about, seeing and smiling and laughing.  After a few hours of this, as you walk down a tree lined side street in the late afternoon, "This place is so beautiful! It beats that old ship to death!" Gilnal gushes, a little ahead of the party and floating backwar
[21:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> floating backwards to keep eye contact on Demedais.
[21:56] <Demedais> "Heh. Glad you like it, Gilnal." Demedais replies, looking over to the ghost kid.
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It was so cold and lonely in that ship," Gilnal goes on, "But here I almost feel warm again..." Smiling to the party now, "Thank you, I...I really feel free now."
06[21:59] * Seira gives him a little wave. "Ready to go to your rewards, then?"
[21:59] <Alicia> "You're welcome, Gilnal," Alicia allows. "But you do know a place even better than this city is waiting for you, if you'll just let yourself go."
06[22:00] * Demedais stops for a second, looking to the kid and vaguely disregarding the other two. "I'm glad. Being down there... not a fate any good person should need to endure."
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah, that's what Marie told me..."G ilnal slows down, kicking a ghostly foot at the ground. "I'm not so afraid any more since...since she's gone now. There really are heroes in the world. Special ones, too. I never have to go back down there again now.""
06[22:04] * Demedais nods solemnly. "Now... you're going to go see your father, then?"
[22:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There's a pause, and then Gilnal nods. "...yeah...I guess I should..." he murmurs. "Hey...tell Marie...that she wasn't so bad for a girl."
[22:07] <Alicia> "I'm sure she'll be very happy to hear that," Alicia replies sollemnly.
[22:07] <Demedais> "... Take care, then, Gilnal. And have fun." Demedais says after a moment, grinning.
[22:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Gilnal closes his eyes, and is silent for about ten seconds. He frowns, shuffles and closes his eyes again. "Thanks, all of you. Maybe I'll see Marie there one day?" On saying that, his body shimmers a moment..and then, without fanfare, simply winks away.
06[22:11] * Demedais is silent, simply staring into space at where Gilnal used to be.
01[22:11] <Seira> "Here's to him finding his dad eventually," Seira offers, staring at the spot he disappeared from. "And that calls for a drink, I guess. Alicia? Demedais?"
[22:11] <Alicia> "Heh... I'll tell her to drop by Arvandor when she has a chance," Alicia mutters, smiling at the empty space where the ghost once hovered.
[22:12] <Alicia> "I'm for that," she then nods in agreement with Seira.
[22:14] <Demedais> "... I'm glad Polly wasn't here for that, but yes. A drink works well." Demedais nods after a moment.
01[22:15] <Seira> "No worries, I'll provide the images of your hair to her, free of charge."
[22:16] <Demedais> "That... that wasn't what I was referring to, Seira." Demedais replies after a moment. "But do as you will."
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> After a few days of rest and regathering, a quiet gathering occurs at Celebrimbor's estate. It's in a quiet library, books overshadowing. IN a corner of it, with walls lined with countless books and floating ladders against walls, there is a comfortable alcove. Here deep chairs and rest comes, surrounded by air that is flawlessly cool, not warm nor cold. Here two scions of the great elven houses await the party. Celebrimbor is relax
[22:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Here two scions of the great elven houses await the party. Celebrimbor is relaxed enough, though Juai Desjardin is somewhat more reserved. (More)
[22:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You've come for the Fourth Resort?" Juai Desjardin asks after the basic pleasantries are settled.
01[22:35] <Seira> "Yes," Seira responds curtly. "The world's under threat from fiends as it is, so having all the resources at our disposal to battle them makes sense."
[22:35] <Alicia> "Primarily, yes," Alicia nods, "There are a few other matters to deal with while we are here, but that is what we will focus on to start with."
06[22:37] * Demedais just listens to the pretty conversation and the translation Seira offers, not willing to burden with forcing Seira to translate the other way as well right now.
06[22:38] * Alicia would've brought Marie to act as interpreter for Demedais, but sadly Jessica and Antenora need the little eladrin more. Loathe as one of them may be to admit it.
[22:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I'll review the salient information. The defenses of the Fourth Resort were created to be strong and with all the magic of millenia ago. To even enter, you'll need these rods," Taking out a small box of six inch rods and placing them on a nearby table, "Otherwise you'll never get past the forcefields and barriers around the entrance." He speaks in Common well enough.
01[22:41] <Seira> "We need to hold onto these just to get past the barriers, or to avoid being ejected?" Seira asks in an attempt to clarify this.
06[22:41] * Demedais nods a bit to this, leaning over to the rods and looking them over more carefully.
[22:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Once you enter, you'll find yourselves in a sea of trees with a great tower and city of tree glimpsed far ahead." A pause here for Seira, "Entrance. Once you're inside, you don't strictly need them. However, there's more that's related there, so listen. This area is both natural and sublimely unnatural at once. It is full of the power of the old elves and the fey, yet mighty magic redefines matters while you are in there. For one t
[22:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> For one thing, no sort of extra dimensional or teleportation magic works inside. No teleporation, dimensional doors, summonings or the like." (More)
06[22:44] * Alicia is glad she already decided to leave Antenora and Marie with Jessica, since this means her sister won't be able to summon her if she gets into trouble.
06[22:45] * Demedais nods a bit at hearing this. "Caution will definitely be needed, then."
[22:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Secondly, this is a place of the fey. Magic flows differently - most isn't affected. However, magic that manipulates nature works extremely well. Plant growth spells, druidic magic and the like all shine. Secondly, time doesn't seem to flow entirely correctly inside. Magic that relates to speed and time, like haste or slow, are both more potent, doubly so when combined with the relevant effects."
[22:49] <Alicia> "None of my spells fall within those fields, so it seems the effect is moot for better or worse in my case," Alicia observes. "Though I suspect there are guardians who will take full advantage of these traits?" she asks the two old elves.
[22:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Thirdly," Celebrimbor takes over here, "There are fey. Many of them. We sighted some of the lowly, but according to Juai, they only have one reason to be here - to prevent you from reaching the Fourth REsort. No matter what you do or see, you must remember this."
[22:50] <Alicia> "Even if they act friendly it's merely a ruse?" Alicia clarifies, making sure that there's definitely nothing in there that they could consider on their side.
[22:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Juai nods to Alicia, "Naturally. The exacts weren't left to me, in marvelous cynicism. They may not hurt or harm you, they may even be friendly, but they're only there to stop you from reaching the Resort. REmember that. They'd even give you an eternity of happiness to ensure it's not disturbed."
01[22:52] <Seira> "I could work something with Slow and Haste," Seira muses. "And extended spells might carry more of a kick." On the subject of fey, however, she feels she must ask, "What happens to the fey inside if we reach the Resort?"
[22:52] <Alicia> "How insidious," Alicia marvels.
[22:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I don't know," Juai says honestly. "They were bound for eternity, so..." He wavers his hand back and forth. "They may be freed, they  may continue to defend a worthless task, they may die."
[22:54] <Alicia> "I'd suggest asking them, but given their objective and nature they'd surely lie to suit their purposes," Alicia admits, drumming her fingers on her thigh.
01[22:55] <Seira> "If they die anyway, I don't see a need to hold back during the journey," Seira says bluntly. "If they're freed, the opposite is true. Is there any way to determine the truth?"
[22:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Obviously, you need to be prepared to deal with fey. Bring ways to deal with being charmed and confused. Have your will be at it's strongest. The worst dangers may not be ones you have to fight," Celebrimbor warns.
[22:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "From here, no. Perhaps you can find the truth deeper within the ruin," Juai Desjardin says.
01[22:58] <Seira> "Perhaps," Seira agrees. "Are there actually lethal traps? The description suggested that the defenses were geared towards turning people away or dissuading them from reaching the Resort, rather than eliminating them outright."
[22:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's possible there may be, yes," Juai agrees. "I don't doubt that they'd have incorporated lethal force to stops omeone from reaching the Resort."
[23:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Right," Celebrimbor nods, then, "Any more questions? If not, when are you prepared to go?"
01[23:06] <Seira> "In the morning sounds about right," Seira responds. "Gives us time to prepare more adequately."
[23:07] <Alicia> "Do you have a map of the interior, or an idea of where exactly the Resort is located?" Alicia asks.
[23:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Not deeply in, no. It's entirely possible you may be attacked or engaged by the first line of defenders. I've seen elven women, beautiful and alluring me. I've also seen pixies, only visible with magic and attacking with endless rains of arrows...and then the same pixies retreat and approach, attempting to make our friendships. The fey are not always consistent as long as it serves the goal of stopping the intruders from reaching t
[23:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> from reaching the Resort."
[23:14] <Alicia> "Just have to find it on our own, then," Alicia nods. "Alright, I think I know all I need to for the moment. We can prepare today and be ready in the morning, as Seira said."
06[23:15] * Demedais nods slightly to all this. "Very well. Thank you."
[23:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> -----
[23:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Go ahead and set up your summoning, Alicia.
[23:26] <Alicia> Within the inn that they're staying at, Alicia has currently hijacked the room shared by Jessica, Antenora, and Marie. Likely the first two are present, since Marie certainly is as Alicia reads off from her Magic Circle Against Good scroll to create a binding circle in the middle of the room (having pushed the beds to one side).
[23:26] <Alicia> "Have you ever been bound like this, Marie?" she wonders conversationally, hoping it's not unpleasant for the recipient.
[23:28] <Alicia> "Just once, this weird witch summoned me and said she'd pay me five hundred gold if I cried for her. It was really horrible and I felt violated and sick," the eladrin replies with a big innocent grin.
[23:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica is sittinga nd watching, though Antenora lingers near the door. She does chuckle a little at this, "You know, I wonder if it's possible for Outsiders to find a way to summon mortals in return."
06[23:31] * Alicia sighs. "Thank you for your input, Marie," she proceeds to bop her familiar on the head, eliciting some giggles as Marie zips around. "I hope not, Antenora, or else I'm screwed when some enterprising devil figures it out."
[23:33] <Alicia> Not dwelling on that, she takes out another scroll and proceeds to read off it, culminating with a little personal touch as she names the lucky winner. "In the name of Mystra, I summon you, Laistael!" she calls one of the Hound Archons she spent a while chatting with while walking through the desert.
[23:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The magical circle flares to life! Symbols dot the floor, seared in vivid white! The momentary spectre of an image of a hound archon appears in the center of the circle!
[23:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+6 will save
06[23:34] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+6 will save and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[23:35] <Alicia> OOC: DC 16 since it's a scroll
[23:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The image wavers a few seconds, before the magical circle blinks, shudders and winks out! The image fades away, the spectre of a hound archon vanishing.
[23:39] <Alicia> "Awww, I guess he didn't like you that much," Marie consoles Alicia, settling on her head.
[23:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "No good," Antenora watches on, "Considering the spell, it might've been reflexive or instinctual to resist the summoning anyway."
[23:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica watches the flaring circle and it's vanishing, "It's amazing to watch, though..."
[23:40] <Alicia> "Shush, you," Alicia grumbles, jostling her familiar. "Okay, perhaps a Hound Archon was too much for such an old scroll. Luckily I have another one... lets see... Ah, you two remember Denga, don't you?" she asks Antenora and Jessica. "Hopefully we can get his attention."
[23:41] <Alicia> Digging out the last crumbling scroll of lesser planar binding, Alicia reads off it before finishing, "Come forth, Denga, so calls Alicia!"
[23:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good luck," Antenora says, then with a frown, "...you know, I do wonder if some good hearted cleric will rip me away on s ummons one day now."
[23:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The magic circle flares again! This time, the outline of a little lantern archon appears in it, bright and powerful against the magical circle!
[23:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+2
[23:42] <Alicia> "I think native outsiders don't have to worry about it, but don't quote me on that," Marie turns back towards Antenora.
06[23:42] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+2 and gets 7." [1d20=5]
[23:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "My life's changed so much that I shouldn't take anything for granted," Antenora retorts lightly, but goes silent as the circel solidifies! In the center you see a floating little Lantern Archon, bobbing about within the center. "Oh...Alicia!" It's voice of sorts can be heard. "You summoned me?"
[23:45] <Alicia> "Hello, Denga," Alicia speaks very respectfully to the being she's pulled away from its celestial home. "Please, forgive me for calling you in this abrupt manner, but it was the only method I had and I was hoping to enlist your aid once again."
[23:45] <Alicia> "Hi! I'm Marie!" the resident eladrin waves irreverently at her fellow bottom rung celestial from atop Alicia's head.
[23:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's alright," With a cheerfulness in it's voice, "I know you're a wonderful person. Marie? Hi!"
[23:49] <Alicia> "Thank you for being understanding, Denga," Alicia nods. "Now, tomorrow my friends and I are going to seek out the Fourth Resort. It's defended by fey creatures of the forest that favour enchantment magic, and your protective aura would be able to ward us against such. Would you be willing to come with us - it should only be a short journey, but if you would rather not I can send you home right now."
[23:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Charisma check, Alicia?
[23:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
06[23:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 20." [1d20=14]
[23:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20
06[23:51] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20 and gets 10." [1d20=10]
[23:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Okay!" Denga says happily. "It'll be fun to be with all of you again!"
[23:54] <Alicia> "Wonderful!" Alicia claps her hands together as the deal is struck, waving a hand before her to remove the binding circle and let the archon move freely. "I'm certain that with your help we'll succeed."
[23:54] <Alicia> "You'll have to take care of her on my behalf, Denga, since I'm not coming," Marie speaks up. "She's a real troublemaker, so you have to be firm with her!"
[23:54] <Alicia> "Shush, you," Alicia repeats, her eyes vainly looking upwards to the real troublemaker perched atop her head.
[23:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It is true," Antenora smiles a little. "Alicia'll walk right into Hell for someone, or challenge a cornugon head on. So makes ure she comes back safe."
Session Time: Wed Aug 27 00:00:00 2008
[00:00] <Alicia> "Well, hopefully there won't be any hellish portals or greater fiends where we're going," Alicia nods firmly, causing Marie to scramble about to keep her seat. "All you have to do is support us, Denga, and stick close to anyone who falls for a nymph's wiles or suchlike."
[00:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I will," Denga promises to that.

[Corwin]

[20:54] <Kotono> -------
02[20:56] * Corwin (~corwin@bzq-79-181-174-59.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:58] <Kotono> Having rested and prepared, the party gathers once more at Celebrimbor's abode. "If all of you are ready, I'll take you to the entranceway."
[20:59] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods in acknowledgement.
03[20:59] * Corwin (~corwin@bzq-79-181-174-59.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
03[20:59] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Corwin
[20:59] <Alicia> "I'm ready. You two remember Denga, right?" Alicia asks Seira and Demedais, indicating the floating golden orb beside her that replaces the usual fairy.
[21:00] <Demedais> "Indeed. A pleasure." Demedais nods to Denga.
[21:00] <Kotono> "Gather around me," Celebrimbor instructs. "The entrance way has it's own difficulties in being reached," he mentions.
[21:00] <Kotono> "Hi!" Denga floats in the air, "I remember you!" It's voice comes from it's white beachball like body, bright and cheery.
06[21:00] * Seira gives a wave and a smile, before following Celebrimbor's instructions.
06[21:02] * Demedais moves in toward Celebrimbor as well.
[21:02] <Kotono> There is a rush, a pull. The teleportation takes a mere second, like blinking. You stand in a cool, quiet place. The smell of the forest is thick here, yet there is no sunlight. Above is only a strange darkness, preventing you from telling anything. Everything to the sides is strangely blurry, the outline incomprehensible and hidden.  But ahead of you...(More)
[21:04] <Kotono> It's a rippling image, like water standing straight up. It's quite big and wide, enough for several abreast to easily walk through. Through this portal you can see a vast, untamed forest. Over the portal shimmers a faint sheen, sparkling with hues of white. "Now, make sure each of you has one of the rods to pass through safely." CElebrimbor instructs, "Once you're in there, remember that the goal ofe verything is to prevent you from reaching
[21:04] <Kotono> "Once you're in there, remember that the goal ofe verything is to prevent you from reaching the Resort by any means they can imagine."
[21:05] <Alicia> Taking one rod for herself, Alicia rests her free hand atop Denga. Since he lacks any arms this will have to do. "Can the rods be shared if necessary?" she asks the elf.
[21:05] <Demedais> "Understood." Demedais nods again. "We'll be cautious."
01[21:06] <Seira> "Then we'll just have to head for it with all we have," Seira says, holding a rod of her own just in case.
06[21:07] * Demedais holds onto one as well, feeling only slightly concerned about this.
[21:07] <Kotono> "Yes, but it's better if you all have them. I don't know if you'll need them deeper in, so having more than one is adviseable." CElebrimor says, "Myself or a servant will be here to help you if you need to retreat and regroup. Good luck," Finishing, CElebrimbor steps aside. The portal looms ahead, a sylvan forest awaiting past it.
06[21:08] * Seira steps through the ripple!
06[21:08] * Alicia stows a spare in case it's necessary and starts to head through the barrier with her archon pal. "Thank you."
06[21:09] * Demedais nods and follows the three companions.
[21:10] <Kotono> "Gods watch over you...The Desjardins did all they can to make sure no one succeeds here, so you'll need the watching." CElebrimbor's words fade as the party approaches the portal. As the rods come within a few feet, the white sheen around the portal peels away around the approaching bodies, allowing them to pass through the portal! (More)
[21:11] <Kotono> You stand in a vast forest. It is dim - it's not nighttime, but little sunlight makes it through the dense canopy. For sixty feet up it is a branchy but possible rising, after that, thet rees become far to thick to allow advancement.  Ahead of you, you can faintly see something far away throug the forest. Some sort of tower and town? You can't get a solid look at it at all. (More)
[21:12] <Kotono> There is a faint chitter-chatter of birds and insects, but otherwise, it's relatively quiet on first glance...
[21:13] <Alicia> Showing her utter contempt for the law of dramatic irony, Alicia decides to give Demedais and Seira a warning as they survey the terrain ahead. "I hope you two can control yourselves no matter how many comely maidens hurl themselves at your feet?" she asks them with a slight smile, naturally unconcerned about herself in this regard.
01[21:13] <Seira> "Many have done this. I'm still here," Seira affirms.
[21:13] <Demedais> roll 1d20+3
06[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+3 and gets 8." [1d20=5]
[21:13] <Demedais> "Kh. This place itself is disorienting..." Demedais grunts.
01[21:14] <Seira> "Speaking of temptations, there's music that I'm hearing from the right. Normally, I'd be all about exploring, but since everyone here is out to lie to us, let's go straight for the tower?"
[21:14] <Alicia> "The tower might be a lie as well," Alicia reasons. "But still, it's probably our best bet... strange, though," she cocks her head, "I can hear nothing."
01[21:15] <Seira> "Then the music is subjective, and the tower is not. A clear invitation, in such a case."
[21:15] <Demedais> "... this is possibly all false. Be careful." Demedais replies to Alicia's comment.
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 7." [1d20=7]
[21:16] <Alicia> "I have some ways of dealing with visual illusions, at least. Still, we have to go somewhere, so straight ahead it is." At that, Alicia begins marching forwards.
[21:16] <Kotono> Denga floats, "I don't quite like this place..." he says. "It's...not right."
06[21:16] * Seira sets off for the tower, herself. "Likewise, in a limited way."
06[21:17] * Demedais nods to Denga. "You feel it too, then? A relief. Let's go; hopefully we can pin it down together, Denga."
01[21:18] <Seira> "I do wonder whether we'll get to see comely fey," Seira can't help but muse out loud. "It would be a very welcome change from... pretty much all our enemies except those few devils that one time."
[21:18] <Alicia> "I got to see some pixies at that preserve we visited on our last trip to Pallanth," Alicia notes, smiling a bit at the memory. "There was a nymph present as well but I never saw her, the pixies warned me away."
[21:19] <Alicia> "She was nice enough to talk to, but apparently you don't want to lay eyes on one of them."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Aren't pixies mortal eladrin like Marie?" Denga asks as he travels along.
06[21:19] * Demedais stays silent at the banter, looking around warily.
01[21:20] <Seira> "I'll be the judge of that!"
[21:20] <Alicia> "Um... somewhat," Alicia responds to Denga. "The similarities are certainly striking enough. According to Marie she was an elf when she was mortal, though."
[21:22] <Kotono> The party walks ahead! The terrain is difficult, it's a lot of walking around roots and logs and through low lying branches. Yet then it appear sin the air. "Aaaaah, it's nice to be loved," A light female voice says. Ahead of you it floats in the air - a pixie, familiar to Alicia in particular. It bears nothing but body pain, cheerfully smiling. "Hey there! Are you lost?"
06[21:23] * Seira ignores the pixie, walking forward.
[21:23] <Kotono> The pixie is about thirty feet away as Seira begins to walk forward. "Hey wait, you could at least say something!" she snorts to Seira.
01[21:23] <Seira> Is there a pixie nearby? Seira doesn't care, walking past her if need be, as long as she doesn't leave Denga's protective aura.
06[21:24] * Alicia pauses for a second and shakes her head as if to clear it. "Excuse us," she tells the pixie, "It's not that we want to be rude, but we know of your task. Perhaps we can play after we complete our own task?"
[21:24] <Kotono> "Oh, if you're gonna be like that..." she sighs. "You aren't gonna like me when I'm angry..." she says warningly. "If don't wanna get beat up," she makes a little fist and shakes it, "You'd better turn back and not come a step closer," she glares at Seira.
06[21:25] * Demedais is about to say something, but lets Alicia speak instead, staying near Denga as he looks around.
[21:25] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14
06[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 and gets 34." [1d20=20]
06[21:26] * Alicia pulls down her blindfold to let her spot any invisible friends the pixie has nearby. "Denga, I'll need you to be my eyes, I can't see farther than 30 feet like this," she whispers to the archon.
01[21:26] <Seira> "Every word they say is a lie, including the 'the' and the 'and'," Seira says rather cheerfully. "Why bother talking? If we really have to fight, then so be it, but let's just not acknowledge the inhabitants? At least the small fry?"
[21:27] <Demedais> "Alicia, look behind our, ah, front pixie." Demedais says after a second. "Something is moving the bushes, but I can't tell what... Although I would rather just move on, they're likely to try an ambush, I'd suspect."
[21:27] <Alicia> "Ahh, the 'I always lie' paradox. Marie thought she could make Antenora cry by using that, but it didn't work," Alicia notes amusedly. "Anyway, just because pixies are small doesn't mean they're not dangerous."
01[21:28] <Seira> "Oh, don't worry," Seira responds, "I fully intend to go all out, even against a pixie."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Grr!" Shaking her fist at the party, "You're not even taking me seriously! And you're damn right we're dangerous, at least," To Alicia, "You're gonna see now! I warned you that you wouldn't like me when I'm angry!" OOC - Let's roll initiative here for clarity, It hink. That certainly went downhill. Seira, you're 20 ft away from the floating pixie, the others are 30 ft.
[21:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
01[21:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 27." [1d20=20]
[21:29] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 and gets 4." [1d20=3]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 pixie
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 pixie and gets 12." [1d20=6]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 ?1
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 ?1 and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 ?2
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 ?2 and gets 27." [1d20=20]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 ?3
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 ?3 and gets 16." [1d20=9]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 ?4
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 ?4 and gets 11." [1d20=4]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 ?5
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 ?5 and gets 16." [1d20=9]
03[21:31] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Alicia=?2>?1>?3=?5>?4>Pixie>Deme'
[21:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 11." [1d20=7]
03[21:32] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Alicia=?2>?1>?3=?5>?4=Denga>Pixie>Deme'
[21:32] <Kotono> OOC - Ball's in your court, Seira.
06[21:33] * Seira snaps her fingers, and a fireball appears, catching the pixie and spreading outwards towards the bushes Demedais believed something was moving in.
01[21:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 SR?
06[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 SR? and gets 20." [1d20=8]
[21:35] <Kotono> The spell fires off...but the pixie comes out of it unscathed! A bunch of underbrush around and behind it is cleared away, smoking and burnt! "Oooooh...mage, are you?" The little pixie eyes Seira with dislike obvious. "No wonder you're so arrogant!" OOC - Alicia, you're up.
01[21:35] <Seira> "Really? What clued you in?"
06[21:38] * Alicia draws Hell Striker as she approaches the pixie, stopping next to it so she can hopefully perceive any nearby friends it has. "Let us pass and you won't be hurt. I have no desire to spill your blood but you can plainly see that my companions are not so merciful."
[21:38] <Alicia> OOC: readied action to smack her if she does anything hostile
[21:38] <Kotono> AS this happens, arrows come firing out from the bushes - thirty feet back and about fifteen to the right! A pair of them, both levelled at Seira!
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 flatfooted AC, Seira?
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 flatfooted AC, Seira? and gets 27." [1d20=8]
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 flatfooted AC, Seira?
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 flatfooted AC, Seira? and gets 33." [1d20=19]
01[21:39] <Seira> OOC: Less than that
01[21:40] <Seira> roll 1d10+10 FL
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 FL and gets 11." [1d10=1]
[21:40] <Kotono> roll 2d6+5d6+5d6 and 4 str damage, Seira.
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+5d6+5d6 and 4 str damage, Seira. and gets 45." [2d6=4, 1][5d6=4, 6, 4, 2, 6][5d6=3, 5, 4, 3, 3]
[21:41] <Kotono> The arrows whizz out with lethal aim, thudding into Seira's shoulder! The wounds are exceedingly painful, her shoulder muscles protesting the wound! A moment later, two more arrows fire, this time at Demedais and from thirty feet straight back!
[21:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 flatfooted, Deme?
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 flatfooted, Deme? and gets 36." [1d20=17]
[21:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 flatfooted, Deme?
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 flatfooted, Deme? and gets 26." [1d20=12]
[21:42] <Demedais> OOC: 29.
[21:42] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5d6 and 2 str damage, Deme
06[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5d6 and 2 str damage, Deme and gets 15." [1d6=1][5d6=3, 5, 2, 3, 1]
[21:43] <Kotono> One arrow bounces off Deme's armor, but another thuds into his elbow! AT this, two more volley's come! One at Alicia and another at Seira! They're spread out as well, sniping away!
[21:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Alicia
06[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Alicia and gets 34." [1d20=15]
[21:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Alicia
06[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Alicia and gets 15." [1d20=1]
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5d6 Alicia and 2 str damage
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5d6 Alicia and 2 str damage and gets 19." [1d6=5][5d6=2, 4, 3, 1, 4]
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Seira
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Seira and gets 32." [1d20=13]
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Seira
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Seira and gets 16." [1d20=2]
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5d6 and 2 str damage
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5d6 and 2 str damage and gets 18." [1d6=2][5d6=3, 1, 2, 4, 6]
[21:45] <Kotono> As arrows rain, wounding the party all over, "See that? You're so dead if you don't retreat," The lead pixie warns, "I haven't even gotten started yet!"
[21:45] <Kotono> OOC - Denga and the last ? are up. Alicia, what di dyou want it to do?
[21:47] <Alicia> "Neither have I," Alicia warns, wincing slightly at the arrow she just took and casting a defensive spell to ward off further attacks, a shield of force springing up around her.
[21:49] <Kotono> Denga floats next to Alicia, casting aid on her! As this happens, there is a rustling in the bush! One could perhaps glance something being moved, but a single arrow comes from  10 feet behind the visible pixie at Seira! OOC - PM, Alicia, too.
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
06[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 37." [1d20=18]
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5d6 and 2 str damage
06[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5d6 and 2 str damage and gets 29." [1d6=6][5d6=4, 4, 5, 6, 4]
[21:51] <Kotono> The pixie grins ear to ear now, shaking, "I warmed you...don't like me when...I'm...ANGRY! RAWR!" The pixie's body twists and shifts! Where there was once a pixie is now a large bear! Something Seira reconzies from long ago - a dire bear. With a terrifying speed it's on Alicia, clawing and biting away!
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (-8 PA) claw
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (-8 PA) claw and gets 30." [1d20=5]
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (-8 PA) claw
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (-8 PA) claw and gets 34." [1d20=9]
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23 (-8 PA) bite
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 (-8 PA) bite and gets 27." [1d20=4]
[21:52] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[21:52] <Alicia> OOC: AC 33
[21:52] <Kotono> roll 3d4+20
06[21:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d4+20 and gets 23." [3d4=1, 1, 1]
[21:53] <Kotono> The bear thrashes about, tearing into Alicia with a massive, nearly overwhelming strength! It roars again, no coherent words coming from it! OOC - Deme, you're up.
[21:54] <Demedais> "Alicia! Deal with the invisible ones!" Demedais growls as he himself lunges at the bear with a wide, overarching slash!
[21:54] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 (-4 PA)
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 (-4 PA) and gets 22." [1d20=6]
[21:54] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[21:55] <Demedais> roll 2d6+16
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+16 and gets 18." [2d6=1, 1]
[21:55] <Alicia> roll 1d8+3 temp hp from aid, btw
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+3 temp hp from aid, btw and gets 10." [1d8=7]
[21:56] <Kotono> Demedais slashes into the beast! His blade has great difficulty cutting in, managing only a weak gash! OOC - Remind me about Metalline or whatever it is next round you're up, Deme. Seira's up.
01[21:56] <Seira> "I didn't like it even when it wasn't angry," Seira mutters, dehumanizing their enemy further. A whispered command activates the spell stored in her ring, and she withdraws from the melee. If some of the invisibles take the bait, their enemies will be divided. And if not, she'll convince them in a moment by sniping at them from superior range.
06[21:58] * Seira also decides to activate her boots, just in case. She did promise to go all out, even against pixies.
[21:59] <Kotono> On unleashing the magic from her ring, Seira sees that the air around the four twists and turns! There is a distinct sense of time speeding up for all four of them, everything else feeling like it's going faintly in slow motion! OOC - Alicia, you're up.
[21:59] <Kotono> OOC - Oh wait.
[21:59] <Kotono> OOC - You took a held action.
[22:00] <Alicia> OOC: and regretted it ever since
03[22:00] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>?2>?1>?3=?5>Alicia>?4=Denga>Pixie>Deme'
[22:00] <Kotono> This time, an arrow comes from ten feet and a little to the side of where the first arrow came! This arrow shoots for Demedais, going right for his neck!
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
06[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 26." [1d20=7]
[22:01] <Kotono> However, the arrow dings off his sturdy royal armor, bouncing to the ground! A moment later, an arrow comes from just a little more behind, this one at Alicia!
[22:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
06[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 31." [1d20=12]
[22:02] <Kotono> OOC - You're not flatfooted due to the blinds. There are three pixies close together now, 10 ft away from the bear. Only Alicia is directly aware of their exact location.
[22:02] <Kotono> AS a third arrow whizzes by, the blind Alicia dodging with uncanny grace, three more come! A pair is loosened at Demedais, while another flies up! With a gesture at Alicia, "Stop that!" it calls!
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 and gets 22." [1d20=12]
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Deme attacks
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Deme attacks and gets 36." [1d20=17]
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Deme attacks
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Deme attacks and gets 19." [1d20=5]
[22:03] <Alicia> OOC: if it's using a single target spell on me I totally absorb it
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5d6 and 2 str, Deme.
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5d6 and 2 str, Deme. and gets 21." [1d6=1][5d6=1, 5, 3, 5, 6]
[22:04] <Kotono> As the arrows reign, Alicia harmlessly absorbs the spell at her! As that fails, an arrow goes right into Deme's hand, making his grip and strength weaken! OOC - Alicia.
[22:07] <Alicia> "Be careful, Demedais, that thing's smarter than the average bear," Alicia warns as she tumbles out of melee, lining up a shot on the other three pixies she can detect. "Return to the earth!" she calls before sweeping her free hand before her and releasing a terrifying blast of pure magic that cores right through all three!
[22:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13 DC 15 tumble
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 DC 15 tumble and gets 16." [1d20=3]
[22:07] <Alicia> roll 18d8 DC 22 spellfire
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 18d8 DC 22 spellfire and gets 76." [18d8=1, 7, 1, 4, 8, 2, 1, 2, 2, 8, 1, 3, 5, 8, 3, 8, 5, 7]
[22:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[22:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 32." [1d20=17]
[22:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 29." [1d20=14]
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 35." [1d20=20]
[22:09] <Kotono> Alicia lets loose a great line of spellfire! However, the pixies have evade beyond belief! They dart away instantly, fluttering out of the way of the fire! The nearest pixie looks at Alicia with wide eyes, before breathing out inrelief and sticking it's tongue out at her! The line of spellfire penetrates to the right meanwhile, burrowing through trees before ending out! OOC - 4 and Denga.
[22:09] <Kotono> The last pixie comes into range! It's eyeing Alicia, and alloud, "Special arrows!" it calls, shooting a single one at Alicia!
[22:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 not flatfooted
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 not flatfooted and gets 19." [1d20=2]
[22:11] <Kotono> However, this arrow bounces off her breastplate! It sparkles blue a moment as it lies on the ground, wasted and useless! Meanwhile, Denga floats over to Demedais, invoking Aid on him!
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d10 temp HP for Deme
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 temp HP for Deme and gets 5." [1d10=5]
[22:11] <Kotono> OOC - Strike, worng die.
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d8+4
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+4 and gets 10." [1d8=6]
[22:11] <Kotono> OOC - +3, so 9.
[22:11] <Kotono> However, the bear isn't amused! It turns to Demedais, and with a fearsome roar, tears into him!
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+28 (-5 PA) claw
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 (-5 PA) claw and gets 41." [1d20=13]
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+28 (-5 PA) claw
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 (-5 PA) claw and gets 44." [1d20=16]
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26 (-5 PA) bite
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 (-5 PA) bite and gets 44." [1d20=18]
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 3d4+17
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d4+17 and gets 26." [3d4=2, 4, 3]
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 3d4+17
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d4+17 and gets 28." [3d4=3, 4, 4]
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 2d8+13
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+13 and gets 20." [2d8=4, 3]
[22:13] <Kotono> The bear seems to know great fury, ripping into Demedais deeply! It's raw power is enough to compromise his steely defenses, raking against his chest and torso! OOC - Deme, you're up.
06[22:14] * Demedais grunts in surprised, before shaking his head and returning the favor in kind!
[22:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 (-6 CE)
[22:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+14 (-6 CE)
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 (-6 CE) and gets 16." [1d20=2]
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+14 (-6 CE) and gets 27." [1d20=13]
[22:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 (-6 CE)
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 (-6 CE) and gets 28." [1d20=19]
[22:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+4 (-6 CE)
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+4 (-6 CE) and gets 5." [1d20=1]
[22:15] <Kotono> OOC - Crit thread on the third roll.
[22:15] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 crit threat
06[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 crit threat and gets 19." [1d20=10]
[22:15] <Kotono> OOC - Two normal hits.
[22:16] <Demedais> roll 4d6+16 (Transmuting blade)
06[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+16 (Transmuting blade) and gets 32." [4d6=5, 4, 6, 1]
[22:17] <Kotono> This time, Demedais finds no resistance to his slashes! He cuts in easily, ripping the flesh of the bear out! It's solid but not serious wounds, but it does make an impact, blood coming from it's torso and arm! OOC - Seira, you're up now.
[22:17] <Kotono> "They're really strong..." Denga says quietly. "Are you okay, Demedais? You're hurt!"
[22:18] <Demedais> "I will endure."
[22:18] <Kotono> "Get outta here," The voice comes from behind the bear, unseen to all except Alicia. "You're gonna die if you keep this up! There's now ay you can beat us now!"
01[22:18] <Seira> Quickly weighing her options, Seira calls over, "Alicia, Demedais, which of you needs support the most?"
[22:19] <Demedais> "Defeat the invisible ones." Demedais replies.
[22:19] <Alicia> "I'm fine," Alicia replies, "But I wouldn't discount retreating as an option right now," she adds, having heard more than seen the savaging Demedais just took.
06[22:21] * Seira decides to ignore Demedais's bravado, given his mauling by the bear and Alicia turning away the offer of help. She grasps ahead at thin air, and tears a part of it away, shaping the substance into a perfect, swirling orb, which she then launches at the bear!
01[22:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 touch
06[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 touch and gets 33." [1d20=20]
01[22:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 touch
06[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 touch and gets 23." [1d20=10]
[22:21] <Kotono> OOC - Crit.
01[22:21] <Seira> roll 20d6
06[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 20d6 and gets 62." [20d6=3, 5, 4, 1, 1, 3, 6, 3, 1, 1, 1, 4, 6, 6, 4, 3, 3, 1, 3, 3]
[22:23] <Kotono> The orb of force soars through the air, slamming right into the side of the bear! It's left side is obliterated, ribs and organs seen inside! Even with this horrific injury, the bear roars and fights on! Meanwhile, more arrows come, this time the strange, slightly blue sparkling arrows!
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17 Alicia
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+17 Alicia and gets 30." [1d20=13]
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Deme
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Deme and gets 29." [1d20=10]
[22:23] <Kotono> OOC - Flatfooted? Since you're not aware of it, the dodge bonsues don't apply.
[22:24] <Alicia> OOC: 24 flat footed 35 otherwise
01[22:24] <Seira> "I think we'll manage," Seira calls over to Alicia. "Just kill the invisible ones or help Demedais and I'll do that."
[22:25] <Demedais> OOC: 29, since CE is Dodge, as is Haste and Dex.
[22:25] <Kotono> IOOC - Fort save.
[22:25] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 woo.
06[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 woo. and gets 28." [1d20=12]
[22:26] <Kotono> An arrow hits Demedais, but it draws no blood! Instead, he feels his limbs and body grow tired, but his iron will and energy foist it off! Meanwhile, Alicia nimbly ducks another arrow as more come!
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 at Seira
06[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 at Seira  and gets 39." [1d20=20]
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 at Seira crit, though it doens't matter since it's not a damage arrow
06[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 at Seira crit, though it doens't matter since it's not a damage arrow and gets 31." [1d20=12]
[22:26] <Kotono> OOC - Fort save.
01[22:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 19." [1d20=1]
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d8
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 4." [1d8=4]
[22:29] <Kotono> The arrow hits Seira...but nothing happens! Alicia can see the pixie who fired it look and scratch it's head, "Huh...?" it mutters, as the last arrow flies at Demedais!
[22:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
06[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 20." [1d20=1]
[22:30] <Kotono> This arrow bounces off the Fifth Resort, deflecting it away! OOc - Alicia, you're up.

[Corwin]

[20:08] <Alicia> [20:27] <Kotono> An arrow hits Demedais, but it draws no blood! Instead, he feels his limbs and body grow tired, but his iron will and energy foist it off! Meanwhile, Alicia nimbly ducks another arrow as more come!
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 at Seira
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 at Seira  and gets 39." [1d20=20]
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 at Seira crit, though it doens't matter since it's not a damage arrow
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 at Seira crit, though it doens't matter since it's not a damage arrow and gets 31." [1d20=12]
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:27] <Kotono> OOC - Fort save.
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 19." [1d20=1]
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:28] <Kotono> roll 1d8
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 4." [1d8=4]
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:30] <Kotono> The arrow hits Seira...but nothing happens! Alicia can see the pixie who fired it look and scratch it's head, "Huh...?" it mutters, as the last arrow flies at Demedais!
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 and gets 20." [1d20=1]
[20:08] <Alicia> [20:30] <Kotono> This arrow bounces off the Fifth Resort, deflecting it away! OOc - Alicia, you're up.
03[20:09] * Vaikappa_Fangirl changes topic to 'Seira>?2>?1>?3=?5>Alicia>?4=Denga>Pixie>Deme '
[20:10] <Alicia> From the perspective of anyone else it looks like a blindfolded woman wandering around and stabbing thin air, but Alicia certainly has a plan in mind as she moves to strike one of the nearby pixies and hopefully take it out of the fight!
[20:10] <Alicia> OOC: targetting the pixie that goes before Deme
[20:11] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15-4 pa divine might
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15-4 pa divine might and gets 27." [1d20=16]
[20:11] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Hit.
[20:11] <Alicia> roll 1d8+25+1d6
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+25+1d6 and gets 29." [1d8=1][1d6=3]
[20:14] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Alicia weaves into the combat with expert speed, slashing her flaming blade into the pixie! It's invisible body is resistant to the blow, surprisingly so! It survives it, even though it's deeply sliced! At this it lets out a cute little cry, "Ow! You're really serious! Someone do something about her!" it cries, fluttering away and past Alicia! It approaches Seira, letting loose a single arrow at her!
[20:14] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+19 flatfooted AC, Seira?
06[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+19 flatfooted AC, Seira? and gets 32." [1d20=13]
01[20:14] <Seira> OOC: Likely not that
[20:14] <Alicia> "I haven't even begun to get serious!" Alicia replies sternly.
[20:14] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d6+5d6 and 2 str damage
06[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d6+5d6 and 2 str damage and gets 20." [1d6=6][5d6=3, 6, 3, 1, 1]
[20:15] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> The arrow flies, stubbing into Seira's scaly flesh under her elbow! Pain flares there, the wound entirely too well aimed to incapacitate her! Meanwhile, Denga whimpers softly, "Careful everyone," he says again, defending himself! OOC - Bear's up.
[20:16] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> The bear snarls at Demedais, lost in it's complete anger! It attacks his defensive form without care, looking to maul him sideways, up down and then left and right!
[20:16] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+27 (-6 PA
06[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+27 (-6 PA and gets 40." [1d20=13]
[20:16] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+27 (-6 PA)
06[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+27 (-6 PA) and gets 47." [1d20=20]
[20:16] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+27 (-6 PA) crit check
06[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+27 (-6 PA) crit check and gets 36." [1d20=9]
[20:17] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+25 (-6 PA) crit check
06[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+25 (-6 PA) crit check and gets 33." [1d20=8]
[20:17] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Second crit check was the bite. AC Deme?
[20:17] <Demedais> OOC: 37.
[20:19] <Demedais> OOC: Scratch, 38.
[20:19] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> 6d4+24+12
06[20:19] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 6d4+24+12 and gets 55." [6d4=3, 3, 2, 3, 4, 4]
[20:20] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Defending with all he has, Demedais is barely able to withstand the storm! He is torn up and down, stomach bleeding and chest rendered! His arms are dripping down blood, his vision swimming! But he stands true even amid this hateful storm, surviving for now! OOC - Deme, you're up. Ow.
06[20:25] * Demedais grunts, quickly pulling back toward where they came from. No point in dying here when more needs to be done. "Do what you two can, but don't hesitate to retreat!" OOC: Withdraw 40 ft.
[20:26] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Demedais falls back, defending away a claw swipe as he does so! The bears roars defiance at him, as one of the invisible cluter of pixies call, "That's right, get outta here!" OOC - Seira.
[20:26] <Alicia> "I have no objections at all to ending this senseless battle," Alicia returns, carefully keeping her... well, not eye, but you know, on the pixies in case they choose to deny retreat.
06[20:27] * Seira invokes a simple spell to split her image into several, taking off the ground in the direction of the main fight, sword drawn.
01[20:27] <Seira> roll 1d4+3 MI
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4+3 MI and gets 4." [1d4=1]
[20:27] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Moving 30ft ahead, back to near the front line?
[20:28] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> The pixies turn towards Alicia, "It's not fair! You can see us, you blind witch!" One of them sticks it's tongue out at her, "You're cheating!" With that, he looses off two arrows at her!
[20:28] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 and gets 33." [1d20=16]
[20:28] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+12
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+12 and gets 16." [1d20=4]
[20:28] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - AC?
[20:29] <Alicia> OOC: 33
[20:29] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d6 snerk
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d6 snerk and gets 3." [1d6=3]
[20:29] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> This arrows, with time to prepare for it, is hardly a threat to Alicia! She's able to swerve and have it just nick her face instead of plunging into her eye! Only a shallow cut remains! Another of the pixies floats ahead and up, angling to fire at Seira, "Oh, you want more?" it challenges under it's g uise of invisibility!
[20:29] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+19
06[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+19 and gets 24." [1d20=5]
[20:30] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d4 image
06[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d4 image and gets 3." [1d4=3]
[20:30] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Strike, wrong die.
[20:30] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d5
06[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d5 and gets 3." [1d5=3]
01[20:30] <Seira> "Seems like it," Seira's remaining images respond, before dismissing the invisible pest from her considerations altogether.
[20:31] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> An arrow flies, deleting one of the fake Seiras away into oblivion! Meanwhile, the last two nod to each other, seen by Alicia! One goes for Alicia again, while the other goes to harrass Seira!
[20:31] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17 Alicia arrowing
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 Alicia arrowing  and gets 24." [1d20=7]
[20:31] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> This arrow bounces off her breastplate, clattering against the solid mithril!
[20:31] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+19 Seira
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+19 Seira and gets 33." [1d20=14]
[20:31] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d4
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d4 and gets 3." [1d4=3]
[20:32] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> However, once again the images hold true, only two fake Seiras left! As they wink away into nothingness...OOC - Alicia.
[20:37] <Alicia> Hearing Seira taunting the pixies, Alicia feels her desire to retreat only increase, but she can't in good conscience leave her here to face them alone no matter how much she brought it on herself. "Denga, head back with Demedais, it's too dangerous here," she instructs her archon friend, moving to attack one of the nearby pixies - this time seeking to deny it it's ability to shoot at them by cleaving through its bow!
[20:37] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 -8 pa sunder on one that just shot at me
06[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 -8 pa sunder on one that just shot at me and gets 20." [1d20=2]
[20:37] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Hit.
[20:37] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Sec while I check sundering rules.
[20:38] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Did you include the +4 size bonus in your roll?
[20:38] <Alicia> OOC: I did
[20:39] <Alicia> OOC: no, I didn't
[20:39] <Alicia> OOC: I'm medium, not large
[20:39] <Alicia> OOC: I included the +4 'two handed' bonus
[20:39] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - So 24 total.
[20:39] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17
06[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 and gets 25." [1d20=8]
[20:40] <Alicia> OOC: I think it counts as a carried object rather than a weapon in this case, although I surely lose against its size mod + dex anyway
[20:40] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - I think so, yeah.
[20:41] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Alicia swings swiftly, but the pixie is too fast! It darts out of the way, it's bow just missed by the searing flames of Hell Striker! "You really don't play fair!" the pixie complains back! OOC - Denga and the last pixie are up.
[20:41] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Denga floats by Alicia a moment! "Right! Don't get hurt!" Denga says, flying over to Demedais and casting Aid on him once more!
[20:41] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d8+3 temp HP
06[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d8+3 temp HP and gets 10." [1d8=7]
[20:41] <Alicia> "I'm trying to avoid killing you... for reasons that are starting to elude me," Alicia replies irritably.
01[20:42] <Seira> "They have eluded me from the start!" Seira calls over. "They were ambushing us! With poisoned arrows!"
[20:42] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> "Then get outta here," The pixie banters back, "You're the ones who are invading our home!" Meanwhile, the last pixie again sneaks to follow Seira, firing at her!
[20:42] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+19
06[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+19 and gets 34." [1d20=15]
[20:42] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d3
06[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d3 and gets 2." [1d3=2]
[20:43] <Alicia> "You fireballed them!" Alicia yells back at Seira. "If they'd only attacked you and not me and Demedais I wouldn't even have begrudged them that!"
[20:43] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> The arrow flies but Seira's Mirror Image again takes an arrow meant for her! OOC - Bear's up!
01[20:43] <Seira> "I fireballed the invisible reinforcements lying in wait, I can't see how this is a bad thing."
[20:43] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> The bear roars and looks about! Seeing Demedais in retreat, it turns it's attention to Alicia! With a charge, it comes right at the paladin!
[20:44] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+25(-10 PA, +2 charge)
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+25(-10 PA, +2 charge) and gets Error: Unclosed parentheses."
[20:44] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+25 (-10 PA, +2 charge)
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+25 (-10 PA, +2 charge) and gets 29." [1d20=4]
[20:44] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - AC?
[20:44] <Alicia> OOC: 33
[20:45] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Alicia is quick enough to deflfect the claw away with the tip of her sword! Meanwhile, "I'll protect you!" Denga tells Demedais, floating in front of him! "You're really hurt1" OOC - Deme, you're up.
[20:45] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> "You're an idiot, you know that," The pixie that just missed Seira choruses back. "Go away! If you didn't want to mess with here, you wouldn't be getting your butts kicked!"
06[20:45] * Demedais keeps a wary eye on the battle, healing his wounds as much as he can with a touch. "Do not worry about me so much. They seem focused on the other two. Can you assist them from this range without risking yourself, Denga?" . OOC: +24 HP.
[20:46] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> "A little," Denga replies, "I'm not that strong at real fighting..." OOC - SEira.
06[20:46] * Seira summons a sickly orb of acid contained only by her willpower, and launches it at the bear to take some of the pressure off Alicia.
01[20:46] <Seira> roll 1d20+13 ranged touch, empowered
06[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 ranged touch, empowered and gets 24." [1d20=11]
[20:46] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - HIt.
01[20:47] <Seira> roll 1.5*5d8
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1.5*5d8 and gets 27." [5d8=4, 8, 1, 4, 1]
[20:49] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Acid sizzles on the face of the bear! It's face is half eaten away, bone and blood leaking out! Nonetheless it stays standing, screaming and half blinded, but alive! Meanwhile the storm continues! First, another singular arrow comes at Alicia, and then a pair at Seira!
[20:49] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17 Alicia
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 Alicia and gets 29." [1d20=12]
[20:49] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+19 Seira 1
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+19 Seira 1 and gets 29." [1d20=10]
[20:49] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+14 Seira 2
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+14 Seira 2 and gets 32." [1d20=18]
[20:49] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d2
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d2 and gets 2." [1d2=2]
[20:49] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d6+5d6 and 2 sr damage
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d6+5d6 and 2 sr damage and gets 28." [1d6=6][5d6=6, 2, 4, 6, 4]
[20:50] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Despite her stony skin, Seira finds her body riddled with another arrow! The pain increases, as the other two fly about, making sweeps of the field! They repeat the same tactics as before, one arrow at each woman!
[20:50] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17 Alicia
06[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 Alicia and gets 37." [1d20=20]
[20:51] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+17 Alicia crit doesn't matte,r it's a sleep arrow. Fort save.
06[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+17 Alicia crit doesn't matte,r it's a sleep arrow. Fort save. and gets 32." [1d20=15]
[20:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+19
06[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+19 and gets 22." [1d20=3]
[20:52] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Alicia feels an arrow graze her hand! For a dreadful moment of pure terror, she feels herself grow sleepy...but instead she manages to stay up, groggy but awake!
[20:52] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+19 Seira
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+19 Seira and gets 39." [1d20=20]
[20:52] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d20+19 Seira crit?
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d20+19 Seira crit? and gets 23." [1d20=4]
[20:52] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d2
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d2 and gets 1." [1d2=1]
[20:52] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - STrike, image is already dead.
[20:52] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 2d6+5d6 and 2 str damage
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 2d6+5d6 and 2 str damage and gets 23." [2d6=3, 6][5d6=2, 1, 6, 1, 4]
[20:52] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> roll 1d6 since arrows are 3x crits
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Vaikappa_Fangirl rolls 1d6 since arrows are 3x crits and gets 1." [1d6=1]
[20:53] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> More arrows fly, one embedding into SEira's shoulder! Despite her defenses, each shot arrow flies with a deadly aim that hits her softest, most vulnerable spots! OOC - Alicia.
06[20:55] * Alicia does not at all like the way this is going. Even if they kill the bear, the other pixies are certain to take them down if they continue at their current rate. There's one chance for possibly ending the battle, but it's contingent on how deeply their binding goes... but even at worst it still takes the bear out of the fight, so Alicia is content to go for it.
[20:56] <Alicia> Bracing herself a moment, she proceeds to let fly with a flurry of flat-bladed strikes at the ursine pixie, focusing on its exposed and weeping wounds to batter it into submission as she moves like a blur around its form!
[20:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 -4 nonlethal, divine might
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 -4 nonlethal, divine might and gets 21." [1d20=3]
[20:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 -4 nonlethal, divine might
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 -4 nonlethal, divine might and gets 34." [1d20=16]
[20:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13 -4 nonlethal, divine might
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 -4 nonlethal, divine might and gets 29." [1d20=16]
[20:57] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - All hits.
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d8+17+1d6
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+17+1d6 and gets 27." [1d8=5][1d6=5]
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d8+17+1d6
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+17+1d6 and gets 26." [1d8=8][1d6=1]
[20:58] <Alicia> roll 1d8+17+1d6
06[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+17+1d6 and gets 21." [1d8=2][1d6=2]
[20:59] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Clang! Clunk! Thud! The baer is battered an dbeaten! For a few moments it rears up, looking to strike Alicia...before it totters over! With a thump it lands, shaking the ground! A few moments later, it's form reverts to that of a badly beaten and acid splashed pixie, down and out cold! OOC - Denga and last sniper pixie are up.
03[20:59] * Vaikappa_Fangirl changes topic to 'Seira>?2>?1>?3=?5>Alicia>?4=Denga>Deme '
[20:59] <Alicia> "She's not dead - yet," Alicia tells the pixies firmly, glaring sightlessly at each. "But that can change, so I suggest you all back off!"
[21:00] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Go ahead and make an intimidation check then.
[21:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17
06[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 and gets 27." [1d20=10]
[21:01] <Alicia> OOC: +4 for being bigger than them
[21:02] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> There's a pause, and then..."Dammit, retreat!" The fourth pixie cries out, unseen but no more arrows coming! OOC - Deme, you're up.
06[21:03] * Demedais grunts, pulling out a cure light wounds wand and waiting to see if anything else happens here.
[21:03] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Seira.
01[21:04] <Seira> "Let's return for now and bring the pixie back with us," Seira suggests. "We'll see if we can take it outside, and whether that affects its behavior any."
[21:05] <Alicia> "That makes sense," Alicia agrees, bending down to gently cradle the very naked little winged girl and pick her up - after sheathing her sword, naturally. "It seems they're not bent on stopping us 'at all costs', at least."
06[21:05] * Seira casts the spell to see through the invisible, just in case, at extended duration.
[21:05] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Indeed, no more arrows seem to be coming...OOC - The battle's winding down, so ahead and free act now.
[21:06] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Seira gets glimpses of pixies flying away into the woods all about. They do indeed seem to be beatin ga hasty retreat.
01[21:06] <Seira> "Yes, that's strange," Seira agrees, touching down next to Alicia. "It seems the information we received wasn't perfect."
[21:06] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Denga protectively hovers around Demedais, "Is it safe now," he asks.
06[21:07] * Demedais nods a bit and recovers as the group begins moving back to the entrance. "It seems to be, yeah." Demedais nods. "No more arrows, at least."
[21:07] <Demedais> roll 4d8+4
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d8+4 and gets 21." [4d8=5, 4, 5, 3]
06[21:07] * Seira heals Demedais further, before giving herself a boost as well.
[21:07] <Alicia> "Next time we can perhaps try and talk our way out of trouble, but for now lets regroup outside," Alicia suggests, healing the pixie just a little to stem her bleeding but not enough to wake her as they head back the way they came. That can wait till they leave.
01[21:07] <Seira> roll 3d8+13
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+13 and gets 32." [3d8=7, 5, 7]
[21:07] <Alicia> OOC: 1hp lay on hands on pixie
01[21:07] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
06[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 21." [2d8=6, 5]
[21:07] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> OOC - Okay Alicia. Could you two adjust the # topic, I'm about to line.
01[21:08] <Seira> "I can't make promises when things I've been warned would use any means to try and stop me give me threats while I'm merely passing by, but we'll try that next time, sure."
[21:09] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Thus the party walks back! They come back to the portal to return - the same as the one they came in, awaiting them.
06[21:10] * Seira is there to hold the way open with one of the rods they were given.
06[21:10] * Alicia rests her spare ward key on the pixie's back as she holds her in an over the shoulder carry, while holding the other in a hand which she rests atop Denga while walking through the barrier.
06[21:11] * Demedais rubs his head a second before following the group through the barrier. "That was... disorienting. I've got no clue how long we were there."
[21:12] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Thus the pair walk through the portal! As they cross into the other side, Celebrimbor awaiting? (More)
[21:14] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> As you step out, there is a scream! The pixie on Alicia's shoulder screams from it's entire mouth, shuddering! It's body twists, the air around it seeming to writhe! It's flesh changes - in a second it goes from young to adult to middle aged to old to ancient to dust! In a mere second she has gone from vitality to being dust to dust, ashes to ashes on the wind.
[21:14] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Celebrimbor opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out as he stares.
[21:15] <Alicia> "Oh... dear goddess..." Alicia looks rather sick at what just transpired. Had she had better reflexes she would've surely jumped back through the barrier as soon as the change started, but alas she was too late.
06[21:16] * Demedais pauses, before silently shaking his head, his face a mask.
06[21:16] * Seira likewise isn't sure of what to say, not having thought it would happen to their prisoner.
[21:17] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> "...." Celebrimbor licks his lips, "...I see." he says solemnly. "I..." He just shakes his head, "Come, do you need rest and recovery?"
01[21:17] <Seira> "We need a fresh plan."
[21:18] <Demedais> "... That, and I think I may need a drink." Demedais says after a long moment, staring at where the pixie had been.
[21:18] <Alicia> "Well... I don't think we'll be able to talk our way past those pixies again, now," Alicia sighs forlornly. Casting a bitter glance through the barrier, "What an accursed place."
01[21:18] <Seira> "It is the first time a place has creeped me out," Seira agrees.
[21:19] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> "...They...were very serious about sealing away the Resort," Celebrimbor manages after his own long pause. "Gods!"
[21:20] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Denga doesn't say anything at all, instead simply going to rest on Alicia's shoulder and shuddering, making his light flicker back and forth.
01[21:20] <Seira> "They are all already dead," Seira says with sudden realization. "It's one thing to theorize about it, but to actually see it yourself...."
[21:22] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> "Rest. Let's have you rest and talk of this later," Celebrimbor says after another long moment. OOC - Did you guys want to go heal up and plan?
[21:22] <Alicia> "Some fey truly are immortal, but not pixies, it would seem..." Alicia shakes her head slowly in subdued horror. "Trapped and bound for millenia, denied even death... it reminds me of the story you once told, Denga, but I'm not sure any happy ending is possible in this case."
[21:22] <Demedais> "We can only hope they go to a proper resting place and such... methods... are never needed again." Demedais says after a moment.
01[21:23] <Seira> "First the gods do it, now mortals," Seira mutters, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
[21:25] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> "Are...are you going to doa nything about it...?" Denga asks.
[21:26] <Alicia> "And this is what we seek to bring back?" Alicia asks, her voice turning slightly shrill. "Magic such as this... it can't be right. Do we really want to live in a world where such abominations are possible?"
[21:28] <Demedais> "Abombinations and wonders both." Demedais says softly. "Thus is the nature of power... thus the reason for protectors. ...To be forced to such actions is a sign of how those who were to protect this world long ago... could not or did not."
01[21:28] <Seira> "Such a world is wrong," Seira states categorically. "So we'll just have to remake it. Bringing Daa-vid down once and for all shouldn't be the final goal, but just a stepping stoen for that."
[21:30] <Alicia> "Too long I had focused only on the wonders," Alicia admits, voice thick with self reproach. "I was blind..." Composing herself, she nods in agreement with Seira. "You're right. Daa-vid won't go away, so we can't ignore our mission, but simply recreating the world that spawned him would surely be a greivous mistake."
06[21:31] * Demedais just nods quietly.
01[21:31] <Seira> "To do something the gods couldn't, back in their day, would put us in just the right position to correct those mistakes," Seira adds.
[21:33] <Alicia> "Is there anything we can do for the inhabitants of this realm?" Alicia asks Celebrimbor, gesturing back at the field. "Even if simply slaying them could be considered mercy, I have trouble accepting it as right."
01[21:34] <Seira> "What if we returned with an attempt to sneak by them? We can use invisibility as our means," Seira suggests at that. "They wouldn't even have to know anything until the very end."
[21:34] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> Celebrimbor keeps to himself here, merely listening. His expression is stormy and troubled, but ever so carefully nods. "I don't know. I truly don't." With an unhidden note of regret to his voice, "The Desjardin clan did not leave us much information. Perhaps they did not care, or perhaps considered it a sacrifice to help ensure the Resort is as difficult as possible to retreive. I don't know. The magic here...it's not like the magi
[21:34] <Vaikappa_Fangirl> The magic here...it's not like the magic I know. It's the sorf magic whispered of in the old tales, that you hold a few pieces of."
06[21:37] * Demedais nods carefully. "Like the magics I've but heard of in distant stories..."
06[21:38] * Alicia nods slowly at the old elf's response, not hiding the distaste on her face. "Using stealth would probably be safer for us as well," she agrees with Seira. "But our only options are either to leave them bound here, or to kill them?"
[21:38] <Alicia> "There has to be another way, we just haven't found it yet. Even if the Desjardin who crafted this spell are long dead, it does not mean their knowledge is entirely lost - I have heard of places in the Planes where all memories go to rest. Perhaps a solution can be found in such a place?"
[21:42] <Demedais> "Perhaps." Demedais muses. "But such journeys carry their own risk as well."
01[21:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 20." [1d20=9]
[21:44] <Alicia> "Risks for us, not for them," Alicia again gestures back through the field. "That's what being a paladin is all about."
01[21:45] <Seira> "That's the hazards of working with paladins, I guess," Seira muses. "I'm in, if you've got an actual lead on this."
[21:45] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods. "Still, caution is preferable; remember what other burdens we carry."
01[21:46] <Seira> That it's apparently where the people who don't like her live. Seira remembers that perfectly well.
[21:50] <Alicia> "I have two. One is the Keeper of All Knowledge, on the second level of Mount Celestia - he has helped me before, but I cannot say for sure if he will know the answers we seek here. The other is one I have never investigated, but only heard of; The Apex of the Contract."
[21:50] <Alicia> "Supposedly the memories of every mortal who ever lived are stored there. The patronage of a lawful deity is required to enter, for it resides within Mechanus and is fiercely defended, but if we knew what to look for I'm certain the answer could be found there if it exists."
01[21:53] <Seira> "We still have to get there," Seira says, perhaps needlessly. "Does it mean we're waiting until we have the means to do so?"
[21:56] <Alicia> "The resort isn't going anywhere," Alicia points out. "We've all travelled the planes to some extent, so I hardly believe the journey would be impossible for us."
01[21:57] <Seira> "Not really objecting to that," Seira responds. "Sure, sounds like a plan."
06[21:57] * Demedais nods a bit in response to this. "Very well, then."