D-ED 001

[Corwin]

[20:39] <Kosick> -------------------(Diseased Ko)--
[20:42] <Kosick> OOC: Oh yes, before we start. Were you going to Sending Deme at any point coming up, Seira?
01[20:44] <Seira> OOC: I really should. Along the lines of 'Where are you, need help, ETA to Balmuria?'
01[20:44] <Seira> OOC: Question mark after the need help
[20:44] <Kosick> OOC: Okay. Spell it out real quick? I'll drop it on Deme soon when we resume later in the week?
01[20:46] <Seira> OOC: 'Where are you? Need help? Can teleport over and get you if so. Otherwise, ETA to Balmuria? Seira.'
[20:48] <Kosick> OOC: Right-o, to this and the PM. Okay then. You'll be back in Balmuria by that point or still in Pallanth?
01[20:49] <Seira> OOC: Balmuria, since I wouldn't otherwise know he's not back yet
[20:51] <Kosick> ----(Second diseased Ko, let's go!)---
[20:53] <Kosick> Returning back to Balmuria, Seira takes a brief, little bit of time to rest and relax. As she settles into her study, there is a knock on her door. "Seira?" Donald calls. "You in there?"
01[20:54] <Seira> "Yes, I am relaxing just past this very door."
03[20:58] * taifk is now known as taibraindead
[21:03] <Kosick> "You have a visitor here for you," Answering that smoothly, "Want me to let her in?"
01[21:03] <Seira> "If you think that would help me relax, sure!" Seira answers brightly.
[21:09] <Kosick> "I think it will," Donald calls, "I find them rather comforting. IT must the whole being made of good thing." Donald pauses a bit there, "Oh, I guess that tells you who it is, yes?"
01[21:10] <Seira> "Sounds like it. You know, we don't have to speak through the door, I haven't actually locked it."
[21:14] <Kosick> "Well, it's called being polite," Donald calls back, but the door opens. Latha enters in, pulling back her hood as she does. "Thank you, Donald," she says, who nods and closes the door behind Latha. Once inside, "How have matters progressed?"
01[21:19] <Seira> "I gathered some people. Alicia seems to have done likewise, though I'm not too clear on the details just yet. Most importantly, there is overwhelming agreement on all the involved parties to cooperate." Seira smiles. "There isn't even the usual territorial bickering. Isn't that nice? I wish things could proceed like that for years to come."
[21:20] <Kosick> "Peace is admirable," Latha agrees, staying standing. "I've mustered a pair of allies as well. This way," Latha says, "They're waiting outside."
06[21:21] * Seira is curious enough to stand up, ready to follow Latha and meet her friends. After casting detect magic, of course.
[21:23] <Kosick> "Why the magic?" Latha asks as she starts to walk out, pulling her hood back up.
01[21:24] <Seira> "I like to memorize the magical auras of people," Seira responds. "It makes it easier for me to recognize them later."
[21:31] <Kosick> Out of the busy inn, you head to the front and out. Outside you go the far, shaded side of the inn. Here you find a man waiting. He has piercing blue eyes, ones that drive into your own like icebergs. They are utterly arresting, terrifying and uplifting at once. He wears plain brown peasant's clothes, yet somehow they look magnificent on him. Besides him is a large dog - about man sized, surely about 100 pounds or more. It's coat is a lumin
[21:32] <Kosick> about man sized, surely about 100 pounds or more. It's coat is a luminous black, it's eyes sharp and intelligent, far more than that of an animal. They stand out from it to a casual look.
06[21:33] * Seira waves.
[21:36] <Kosick> "Blessings onto you, dragon-woman," The man offers his hand, even as Seira finds herself inexorably drawn to his eyes. "I have heard there is a fiend of the pit that must be cast back down into Perdition."
[21:37] <Kosick> The dog pants, and from it's mouth, kept low, "Greetings," its peaks in rough but entirely clear Common.
01[21:37] <Seira> "With extreme prejudice," Seira agrees, shaking the man's hand. She smiles at the dog. "Likewise!"
[21:41] <Kosick> "We will get along very well then." He says, a disarming smile. His hand is hot to the touch, like grasping searing flames. "I am Balazar. My companion is of the Shining Crescent pack, of Selune."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm Seira, like Latha had no doubt mentioned." She tilts her head curiously. "Any reason you are staying out here? You're obviously welcome at my home."
[21:52] <Kosick> "It's better if I stay out of the city. I tend to attract..." he pauses for a little moment, "Attention. I cannot hide my nature for very long."
01[21:53] <Seira> "My inn is fireproof," Seira responds. "I also have a basement! I usually don't let people there, but for Latha's friends I'll make an exception."
[21:54] <Kosick> "That would suffice," He nods, "Thank you. Let us hurry there then."
01[21:55] <Seira> "Sure thing!" Seira agrees, leading the way through the back. Her new friends seem to prefer it that way.

[Corwin]

[20:20] <Kotono> <Seira> "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm Seira, like Latha had no doubt mentioned." She tilts her head curiously. "Any reason you are staying out here? You're obviously welcome at my home."
[20:20] <Kotono> > "It's better if I stay out of the city. I tend to attract..." he pauses for a little moment, "Attention. I cannot hide my nature for very long."
[20:20] <Kotono> <Seira> "My inn is fireproof," Seira responds. "I also have a basement! I usually don't let people there, but for Latha's friends I'll make an exception."
[20:20] <Kotono> > "That would suffice," He nods, "Thank you. Let us hurry there then."
[20:20] <Kotono> <Seira> "Sure thing!" Seira agrees, leading the way through the back. Her new friends seem to prefer it that way.
[20:20] <Kotono> OOC: Seira, what's your basement like off the cuff? Anything special down there?
01[20:22] <Seira> Seira's basement has a normal-seeming storage room where she keeps the wondrous gnomish barrel of endless food, plus her wine supply. Beyond that point, however, a corridor filled with deadly traps leads to the most heavily defended secret room in Balmuria!
[20:26] <Kotono> Settling in here with a look around, "Ah. Caution would be best," the blue eyed man(?) says aloud. "I understand."
01[20:27] <Seira> "It's not complete, yet, but one day!"
[20:30] <Kotono> Sitting down cross legged in a safe point of the floor, the dog besides him, "Thank you again. Ensure that no servers or the curious wander here. Most are drawn to me, but they often do not like what they find in my eyes."
01[20:36] <Seira> "Umm. Anyone trying to get here will kinda die. So I've taken measures against that!" Seira does sound curious, however, when she asks, "What about me? Can I take a look?"
[20:38] <Kotono> There is a pause there, quite a long one. "If you like. It is not a gaze that many find comforting. Even some with a good heart find they lack the dedication to order and law to withstand it. It is a gaze of judgment and righteous wrath of order and good, the beginning of my transformation."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Exciting!" Seira exclaims. "I love a good challenge. And if, by some freak occurance, I end up crying like a baby, you all will surely keep my shameful secret!"
[20:40] <Kotono> With a slight twisting smile, "As you wish. Look into my eyes then."
[20:40] <Kotono> Latha, who had been quiet to this point, "Be cautious, Seira."
06[20:40] * Seira looks with anticipation!
[20:42] <Kotono> The eyes are a gorgeous blue. A blue like icebergs, perfectly chill. Looking into them makes Seira's heart race! OOC - Will save?
05[20:43] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:43] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
01[20:43] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 we knew this was coming
06[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 we knew this was coming and gets 27." [1d20=8]
[20:51] <Kotono> Seira feels lost in those eyes, overwhelmed! A strange guilt comes over here, but it's passing and etherial! "You're strong willed. You don't look to be consumed with grief or repentenance for your path chosen."
01[20:52] <Seira> "It must be my confidence," Seira agrees. "Why should I be consumed with guilt or be repentant? I'm clearly in the right where it counts!"
[20:54] <Kotono> With a somewhat..offputting smile at Seira's bravado, "I'll respect your choice. When will be go after this fiend?"
01[20:57] <Seira> "In a day's time, if everything aligns just right. But I don't intend to just give up if something goes wrong. Can I count on your help then as well, or is the offer to help limited by time?"
03[20:57] * Taishyr is now known as taifk-errands
[20:59] <Kotono> "I aim to spend seven hundred and seventy seven years hunting fiends to find enlightenment to aid my transformation. I have only spent twenty three of those years so far.  Until then I will be happy to face any fiend who crawls from the depths below."
01[21:00] <Seira> "What are you transforming into, come to think of it?" Seira asks, still as curious as before.
[21:05] <Kotono> "Eventually, a Throne Archon," he answers, "My gaze is the first element of the transformation." He reaches down, petting the Moon Dog that goes to lie besides him. "My Master decreed that I must spent 777 years mastering this first gift and finding enlightenment in a path of my choice. I find nothing sweeter than banishing fiends back to whence they came. Mortals need not be tormented by them."
01[21:06] <Seira> "Good luck with that," Seira tells him sincerely.
[21:08] <Kotono> "I will not fail." His voice is utterly confident, "I will fight to the last drop of my existance to ensure that there will one day be a Triumph over all that revels in the filth below."
01[21:10] <Seira> "If you need me to return the favor some day, feel free to call on me," Seira offers. "It might be obvious, but I shouldn't leave it merely implied."
[21:15] <Kotono> "I shall, should there be a fiend that my might alone cannot topple." He offers a hand out again, "If a vile fiend of the Pit has crawled out to menance you, I suspect that our paths will surely cross again, for the Pit has a keen interest in you."
01[21:16] <Seira> "I plan to keep it disappointed for a long time to come," Seira responds with a smirk, taking his hand once more.
[21:18] <Kotono> His grip is strong as iron, hand shaken briefly. "When it is time, come get me. Until then, I shall meditate and pray for the wisdom and strength to overcome our opposition."

[Corwin]

[19:29] <Kotono> ------------
[19:30] <Kotono> Home! Rest! Finding both of those is easy enough for Seira. Finding the three mercenaries there isn't hard. This afternoon, they're sitting around and discussing something in front of the fireplace at Seira's inn. As Seira approaches, she can hear a little of it, "...and if we go north and that's right..." Serge is saying, "This entire thing could be worth a good pile of gold."
01[19:32] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira says, announcing her presence to avoid eavesdropping on those she'd easily count among allies. Finding a spot near the group is hardly difficult, and then she asks, "Am I interrupting anything?"
03[19:35] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[19:35] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[19:35] <Kotono> J looks up, "Nah, just wondering if we can make money off finding some lost trade goods. Boring crap," Waving a hand, "Thanks again for putting us up. Anything that cuts down our overhead is great."
01[19:37] <Seira> "Yes, about that," Seira says. "I've offered you a place to stay because I was grateful, but it's come to my attention that there's more I could do, if you were interested in it. With the use of greater teleport, I could help you get home. If that's what you want, of course."
[19:38] <Kotono> "Greater teleport?" Serge's eyebrows rise, "You have access to that potent a magic?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "Damn. I thought we were going to have to haul our asses through the jungle! That's great news." Rods turns around in his chair, "With amgic, we can be home just like that?" A snap of his fingers.
01[19:39] <Seira> "I happen to have access to an ancient artifact," Seira responds, shrugging. "Close enough, right? Means it's not a oneshot, either. If for whatever stupid reason we're not precisely on the mark, trying again would assuredly work."
[19:42] <Kotono> "Home..." Serge sighs a moment, "Yes. If you can take us there, do it! We've been gone quite awhile now."
01[19:43] <Seira> "That goes for all of you?"
[19:44] <Kotono> J nods, "Yeah. Nice city, but I'm not going to pass up af ree ticket home."
[19:45] <Kotono> Rods stretches a moment, "Yeah. As long as I have a bit o' time to settle a few things and say some goodbyes I'm all for it."
01[19:45] <Seira> "Right, then! Tell me enough about your home to get a good lock on it, and we could go after something to drink?"
01[19:45] <Seira> "And goodbyes!"
[19:49] <Kotono> "Hold on a moment," J says, "You two, where do we want to go back to?"
[19:50] <Kotono> "I'm thinking we should go somewhere not i the open. I like making an entrance, but not like that," Rods rubs his chin.
[19:50] <Kotono> "My safehouse should still be safe besides the rats and bugs that'll have snuck in," Serge suggests.
01[19:51] <Seira> "We could just aim for somewhere outdoors," Seira muses. "Like a few hours away from your home."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Works," Rods nods, "I'm good with that."
[19:59] <Kotono> "A bit of walking won't kill us," J agrees, "Finally, back home!"
01[19:59] <Seira> "Also! I can summon mounts!"
[20:07] <Kotono> "Great!" Serge says, "This'll be even easier then. When are we going to go?"
01[20:07] <Seira> "Like I said, up to you guys. Just say when, I'll be here."
[20:18] <Kotono> "How about in one day," Rods suggests, "I'll go give everyone my farewells and we'll meet here, same time, tomorrow?"
01[20:19] <Seira> "I'm fairly sure I'll still be here!"
[20:25] <Kotono> OOC: Skip along?
01[20:26] <Seira> OOC: please

[Corwin]

[19:11] <Kotono> ---
[19:13] <Kotono> During the day, Seira goes to Elle's shop. The woman in question there is sitting in the back, holding what looks to be a deck of cards in her hands and peering at it curiously. A slightly piqued expression plays on her face, as if bothered by it. "Oh, Seira," she looks up as she enters, putting the cards carefully down.
01[19:13] <Seira> "Hi! What's up?"
[19:18] <Kotono> "This," Gesturing at the deck, "Whatever it is, Demedais brought it back from the jungles. It's supposed to have some sort of powerful risk and reward attached to it if you draw a card, but otherwise my magics can't figure out a damned thing."
01[19:18] <Seira> "Did you try... drawing from it?"
[19:19] <Kotono> "No. I like keeping my risks low and very manageable these days," Elle answers. "If I wanted wild risks, I'd still be a wandering adventurer."
01[19:19] <Seira> "True enough," Seira agrees. "Can I draw from it?"
[19:20] <Kotono> Raising an eyebrow, "If you want to risk it, go ahead. Demedais says he doesn't mind if you try."
01[19:20] <Seira> "Cool." Seira reaches for a card. "In case I die horribly, I've always liked you."
[19:21] <Kotono> "Why, thank you," Elle smiles slightly, scooting back and away from Seira as she takes a card! OOC - d100?
05[19:21] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[19:21] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[19:21] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[19:21] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 15." [1d100=15]
[19:23] <Kotono> Seira draws a card! She can see an image of the pure blue sky on it, before it vanishes back into the deck! Her wings glow and feel much stronger!
06[19:23] * Seira blinks. "Huh. Neat!"
[19:23] <Kotono> "What happened?" Elle blinks and asks, eyeing Seira carefully.
06[19:24] * Seira reaches back for a wing, running her hand against its surface. "I feel like I won't lose to Antenora now, for one! Hey, try it too!"
06[19:25] * Seira grins. "Another step closer to a true dragon, oh yes."
[19:25] <Kotono> "No way. Really." Elle crosses her arms, "I:f you're so energetic, draw again yourself."
[19:30] <Kotono> After a moment, "If you're so eager to get more people to use it, he left the offer open for a couple people. You, Alicia, Antenora and Eudard. Drag one of them into it."
06[19:30] * Seira shrugs. "I want to, quite honestly. But it feels greedy of me. I've already been granted a wonderful boon. What more can you want?"
06[19:31] * Seira raises an eyebrow at that. "How about Donald?"
[19:32] <Kotono> "He didn't say," Elle shrugs, "He just named a few people off hand."
01[19:35] <Seira> "I suppose there would be time to ask, then," Seira muses. "But let's leave that aside for now. I saw what you did! It was really horrible how you moved away from me as I drew the card, as if you expected me to be blasted with a nasty area spell!"
[19:36] <Kotono> "It's not that I don't trust you, I don't trust the deck," Elle eyes it, tapping the top card with her finger, "I don't like magic that I can't figure out and promises 'great risk and great reward.'"
[19:36] <Kotono> Shaking her head now, "Really, I can understanding wanting to draw, but it's so...reckless."
01[19:37] <Seira> "I can't honestly say I agree, pretty much most of my advances came as a result of gambling with powers I don't really understand, which carry great risks."
[19:38] <Kotono> "That is true..." Elle frowns as she considers that a moment. "I remember that roulette wheel, too."
01[19:38] <Seira> "It was fun," Seira agrees. "But hardly the largest gambit. You know, I think Waukeen approves."
[19:40] <Kotono> "Mph," Eyeing the deck again, hand going out...and then jerking back. "Gah. I start thinking about it a moment and I feel the strongest temptation to gamble." Crossing her arms now, "Damned thing is like a honey trap."
01[19:42] <Seira> "Give in to your urges!" Seira encourages Elle, patting her shoulder. "I'll do something about it if your luck is foul!"
06[19:43] * Seira also quietly mutters, "And I won't step away, curse or not."
[19:43] <Kotono> "...." Elle hesitates a moment, locked in a highly visible moment of indecision.
01[19:43] <Seira> "You will regret it if you don't. Trust me!"
[19:44] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check?
01[19:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+20 the deck is awesome!
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 the deck is awesome! and gets 36." [1d20=16]
[19:44] <Kotono> Listening to Seira, Elle's hand seems to have a life of it's own as it takes a card...
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 93." [1d100=93]
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100 roll 1
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 roll 1 and gets 47." [1d100=47]
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100 roll 2
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 roll 2 and gets 13." [1d100=13]
[19:48] <Kotono> Yet somehow, two cards come from the deck! One is the same sky-blue card that Seira drew, and the other is pitch black with a pair of gleaming red eyes staring malevolently out of it! They swirl together into one ball of light that slams into Elle! A scream comes from her mouth as her body explodes into dust! A massive wave of light gushes out! OOC - Fort save, Seira, -6 modifier.
01[19:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 27." [1d20=13]
06[19:51] * Seira blinks. 'What could go wrong,' why did she have to think that as Elle touched the card.
[19:53] <Kotono> Seira is dazzled and damn nearly blinded by the flash of light! Through screaming, dazzled eyes she can see the following! Elle stands where her body was - her skin is a bright blue with bands of black, looking far harder than normal flesh. A pair of wings of shimmering light jut from her back, her eyes closed. She is now ten feet tall, clad in nothing and yet strangely female in shape but genderless. (More)
[19:53] <Kotono> yet strangely female in shape but genderless. (More)
[19:54] <Kotono> "Yes...I hate it...I hate it all..." Her eyes open very slowly, as if overcoming a long lethargy. She begins to walk, going past Seira and the deck, uncaring.
01[19:55] <Seira> "No! Don't hate it all!" Seira calls after Elle, reaching for her hand.
[19:58] <Kotono> "Out of my sight!" Elle growls! OOC - Calling initiative here since it's rather needed, I think.
[19:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 22." [1d20=14]
01[19:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
06[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 17." [1d20=5]
01[20:00] <Seira> roll 1d10+10 FL
06[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 FL and gets 13." [1d10=3]
03[20:00] * Kotono changes topic to 'Elle>Seira'
[20:02] <Kotono> With a gesture, a cone of rainbow shaped lights sprays over Seira, "I said...out of my sight!" she snaps!
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d8
06[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 5." [1d8=5]
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d8 reroll
06[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 reroll and gets 4." [1d8=4]
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC - Fort.
01[20:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34." [1d20=14]
[20:03] <Kotono> roll 1d6 con damage
06[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 con damage and gets 5." [1d6=5]
[20:03] <Kotono> The rainbow lights leave Seira staggered, her lifeforce weakened directly! OOC - Seira, you're up.
06[20:10] * Seira gapes at Elle, unable to comprehend. "Please don't fight me!" Seira pleads, rubbing at her hurting eyes. "We can fix this! Really! With... with a wish or something! If you can still remember the past, you have to know that I'll help you, even if I have to petition Waukeen directly!"
01[20:10] <Seira> To be entirely truthful, she's not certain of her chances fighting Elle in such a state, but even if she liked her chances, drawing a sword against her friend would be something she can't resign herself to do.
[20:10] <Kotono> OOC - Diplo check then? Goooooood luck.
01[20:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 26." [1d20=6]
[20:11] <Kotono> Elle turns away from Seira. "Out of my sight. I have no interest in you now," The raw viciousness of the look Elle gives Seira seems to slacken slightly, as she simply walks out of the room! OOC - Seira, you're up again.
06[20:15] * Seira gives chase. "Elle, wait up!" she calls, flying around the transformed mage to pause in front of her, both hands raised placatingly. "I know it was a really bad draw. I'll take responsibility for it, so if you want to hurt something, hurt me. But please don't hate everything!"
03[20:17] * Kotono changes topic to 'Elle>Seira>Alice(Next round only if applicable)'
[20:18] <Kotono> Elle has made it out into the main display room by this point! Alice is staring from her position, a moment of jaw dropping shock! Seira flies in front of her, "I will destroy...everything! This closed in world offends me!" w
[20:18] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[20:18] <Kotono> Elle has made it out into the main display room by this point! Alice is staring from her position, a moment of jaw dropping shock! Seira flies in front of her, "I will destroy...everything! This closed in world offends me!" She makes a cutting sweep of her arm, a slicing band of whirlwind going for Alice!
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+28
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 and gets 39." [1d20=11]
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d12+10
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d12+10 and gets 11." [1d12=1]
[20:19] <Kotono> Alice is caught right in the desk, blood staining her robe as she's slammed against the back wall! Arcane sparks gush from the wall at the contact, a loud alarm spell triggering! OOC - Seira, you're up again.
06[20:21] * Seira moves to hover between Elle and Alice. "That's not what you really think!" she charges, shaking her head. "If you did, if nothing that made you Elle existed anymore, you wouldn't have let me go just then!"
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and try another diplo on her?
01[20:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 38." [1d20=18]
[20:26] <Kotono> Through her dazzled, aching eyes, Seira can see Elle hesitate again a moment. Her eyes are a pitch black, though you can see them look on at Seira for just a passing moment. "Seira...?" She sounds unsure of herself, as you see Alice stagger back towards the desk, withdrawing a long metal wand from inside of it! OOC - Seira, go ahead and go again.
01[20:30] <Seira> "Yes! We'll fix this," Seira says, sounding relieved and urgent at the same time. "We've got enough contacts for that, by now. I--" She shakes her head. "The shock of the involuntary transformation must have been too great, but you're still fighting it, and you're beginning to win!"
01[20:30] <Seira> She spreads her arms widely to the sides. "I'm betting everything on you, Elle, and on our friendship. If you lose against this, I'll follow you every step of the way." Though her words are directed to Elle, Seira hopes that Alice realizes enough from them not to escalate the situation.
[20:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 8." [1d20=1]
[20:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11." [1d20=5]
[20:33] <Kotono> "Hahahahahahahaha! HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!" Elle bucks in laughter, nearly doubling over. It's a full body laugh, as if she has found this the perfect answer to the question of comedy. "Everything is seared into my brain! It's gorgeous, Seira! The magic I had before is nothing! This is true power!" She turns away from Seira, walking to the door. "Come with me. This closed in space displeases me."
01[20:36] <Seira> "Where are we going?" Seira asks, approaching Elle. "Is there somewhere you want to travel?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "Out," Elle says shortly.
01[20:40] <Seira> "Want me to take us somewhere, then?" Seira offers. "I know some really great places outdoors and they're just a teleport away."
[20:40] <Kotono> Elle doesn't reply to that. SHe's doing a very good job of walking towards the front door and to outside of her shop. "No. This way."
06[20:43] * Seira ducks her head, relenting. "People are stupid, you know," she tells Elle, following her closely. "They're easily frightened by anything they're not used to, but they don't really mean anything by it."
[20:44] <Kotono> Stepping outside, Elle immediately begins to soar straight up into the sky! "Who cares?" Indeed, a few people who are nearby openly gawk at what's going on!
06[20:45] * Seira follows swiftly. "And now?"
[20:47] <Kotono> You are now perhaps one hundred feet above Elle's shop, somewhat more against the non-hilly parts of the city. Below you can see Balmuria in the afternoon, bustling and thiriving with energy. People come and go, the city growing with hundreds of people. "Don't you see, Seira?" Sweeping her about, "They're worthless below! Stupid, powerless, groundbound bugs! I spent a life with them, simpering and thinking that I was helping them live a lit
[20:47] <Kotono> I spent a life with them, simpering and thinking that I was helping them live a little better! Never again!"
01[20:49] <Seira> "You always seemed to enjoy it," Seira says sadly. "Elle, just because someone is weaker than you, is it really a waste of time to help them?"
[20:51] <Kotono> "They're beneath me," Elle flies up higher, up to 200 hundred feet. Assuming Seira follows, she can hear easily enough. "They're nothing but bugs wriggling on the ground! They beg for you to protect them against the big, scary Empire below and all the things that go bump in the night! But now...The world is open to me and they are nothing. NOTHING."
01[20:53] <Seira> "I was like that, once," Seira feels the need to remind her. "Am I beneath you? You had a large part in making me what I am today, Elle. You can have the world, you say. But who would you share it with?"
[20:55] <Kotono> "You grew. You're not longer weighted to the ground. You, at least, are worthy. But how many of them could ever do that?" Elle snaps back.
01[20:59] <Seira> "You never know! That's the fun of it! The excitement of nurturing them until they are ready, of watching them grow and draw inspiration from you to achieve greatness!" Seira presses a hand to her heart. "This is the first time in my life that I feel like I've completely, utterly failed. Like I can't go on. Can you still understand why, Elle?"
[21:00] <Kotono> "Failed?!" Elle looks on in a moment of puzzlement, before laughing, "Seira, you freed me! If ou think you've failed so badly, go play with them below. Or," With a wicked smile, "Have them draw. Maybe a few of them will survive and become something worthwhile. But now," She starts to fly up and away, "Come with me or stay with the bugs. It's your choice."
01[21:06] <Seira> It seems that it came to the deck once more. "You'll always be my friend. I'm sorry, but I can't come with you. I really... hoped you'd understand." All that is left to do is call upon her magic to appear in the room with the deck of cards once more.
[21:06] <Kotono> Seira vanishes in an instant! The alarm is still going - it's noisy here, but the deck sits exactly where it was left, serene and uncaring.
06[21:07] * Seira reaches for the deck. Her will is always kept up to date. It's a shame, though; she really wanted to go adventuring with Amaryl.
[21:07] <Kotono> Seira takes the deck in her hand. She can draw from it if she wishes. The entire thing feels so damned normal - you'd think they were just cards if you didn't know better.
06[21:08] * Seira goes for the topmost card.
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC - d100.
01[21:08] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 74." [1d100=74]
06[21:18] * Seira keeps it brief, searching for the golden coin that is Waukeen's gift to her with her free hand. As her hand grasps it, she raises her eyes skywards, as if she could see Elle's figure fly off into the distance. "Please," she requests of Waukeen quietly, "please save my best friend. She only got this curse because I urged her to draw. If I can have her back, the way she was, I will pay any price."
[21:21] <Kotono> roll 1d6
06[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 3." [1d6=3]
[21:22] <Kotono> Seira draws the topmost card! It is a card of a great cathedral, glowing softly as Seira speaks! There is a twisting moment and then...Elle frowns as her card touches atop the deck. "Sorry Seira," she says, removing her hand. "You're convincing, but...I just don't feel like I should risk it. It's not my style." Elle smiles. "Try Demedais or Antenora or someone else."
[21:22] <Kotono> *as her hand
01[21:23] <Seira> "Yes, I'll certainly get Demedais to try!" Seira responds brightly, though she sounds a bit disappointed. "It could have been awesome, you know. Your loss!"
[21:25] <Kotono> "Perhaps, but..." Leaning back, "Ill survive, I'm certain."
[21:27] <Kotono> After a moment, "You know, you could draw again if you're that enthuiastic," she shrugs, "Anyway, I'm going to try and forget about this thing now."
01[21:27] <Seira> "Demedais can't miss out on this!" Seira exclaims. "Gambling is great." She looks as satisfied and fulfilled as she feels, perhaps due to the boost to her flying ability.
01[21:31] <Seira> And if there was one success, who is she to resist temptation? Clearly, Elle has given up her turn, and that is one turn at the deck Seira is going to take for herself. That way, it's not too greedy!
[21:31] <Kotono> OOC - Roll a d100 again then?
01[21:31] <Seira> But something makes her draw while Elle is sufficiently away from the deck.
01[21:31] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[21:33] <Kotono> Seira draws a card! This time it is of the ground! Her wings shimmer and feel heavier as the card vanishes back into the deck!
06[21:34] * Seira draws another card with a frown. Elle's luck is clearly bad, so she'll try to offset it with her own!
[21:34] <Kotono> "Your wings again," Elle asks, "What's happening this time?"
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC - d100 again. Good luck.
01[21:34] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 37." [1d100=37]
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC - List me all the skills you have ranks in via PM.
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d32
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d32 and gets 17." [1d32=17]
06[21:38] * Seira frowns, drawing another card. "I might have a problem, Elle."
[21:39] <Kotono> OOC - d100 again.
01[21:39] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 26." [1d100=26]
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira.
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. and gets 45." [1d100=45]
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. Reroll by DM fiat.
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. Reroll by DM fiat. and gets 95." [1d100=95]
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. Reroll by DM fiat Okay, let's not roll the two planes I don't wannad eal with this time, alright? Fuck.
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. Reroll by DM fiat Okay, let's not roll the two planes I don't wannad eal with this time, alright? Fuck. and gets 68." [1d100=68]
[21:47] <Kotono> Seira vanishes away! (More)
[21:47] <Kotono> ---
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d100 okay, this one I'm sticking with. Really.
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 okay, this one I'm sticking with. Really. and gets 51." [1d100=51]
[21:58] <Kotono> Seira appears in a shining golden...cell. Oh, it's gorgeous here - the walls are white marble and the bars are of gold. Yet it is surely a prison cell, even if the chair here is soft and plush as any she's ever seen. Outside of the cell a man is just approaching - a man in full plate armor, full helmet and greatsword on his back. "You are an unauthorized teleporter into a restricted part of The House of the Triad. We will work with you to f
[21:58] <Kotono> "You are an unauthorized teleporter into a restricted part of The House of the Triad. We will work with you to find out if this is an accident, a mistake...or if you are hostile. Please, I am listening if you wish to explain yourself so this matter can be resolved quickly."
01[22:00] <Seira> Since a chair is offered, Seira takes a seat.
01[22:00] <Seira> "A cross between an accident and a mistake, I think," she responds. "It wasn't really voluntary on my side."
[22:02] <Kotono> "I see. In that case, we have a few spells that we can cast to divine the nature of this. If you're telling the truth, you'll be set free with a warning not to do it again, assuming this is your first offense." He nods slightly to Seira, "Tell me all about what happened."
01[22:04] <Seira> "I drew a card. Then, I was here. Wow, the restricted part? Can you tell me what it holds that makes it restricted?" She tilts her head. "As far as appearing here is concerned, even if I were to return home and draw another card from the deck, the chances of me reappearing here would be pretty nonexistent, right?"
[22:05] <Kotono> "Sorry," he says, kindly if business-like. "It's nothing a mortal needs to concern themselves about. Ah, a deck? Some sort of magical item?"
01[22:05] <Seira> "Probably an artifact," Seira responds in a matching business-like manner, checking herself to ensure that she hadn't been robbed before being placed in a cell.
[22:06] <Kotono> Seira's gear is all intact. "Ah, I see." He reaches forward, touching the bars. With a few words, "Lord Helm, please..." he says, as the bars glow white, as do the walls. "Would you repeat what you just said?"
01[22:07] <Seira> "I drew a card from a deck that was a magical artifact. A paladin of Helm brought it over, it was clearly very safe to use! Then I was here. It would make me somewhat sad if I got a warning for what's essentially a freak occurence."
[22:09] <Kotono> A nod from him, "You seem blameless and morally upright." He taps the bars, opening, "Come with me. I'll walk you along. Don't worry, anything in the cells can't hurt you."
01[22:10] <Seira> "I'm not really worried," Seira responds, hopping off the chair to follow her new friend. "Not at being horribly mauled or anything. At causing an unfortunate misunderstanding, yes. But that's about it."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Accidents happen." He says, "As long as you understand your mistake, it's alright." As you walk along, you see the hall is -quite- long. Some cells are empty, others have things in them. Nasty things - a man with a bloody set of armor one, staring hatefully out. A bearded devil slams his glaive tirelessly against the bars of the prison, having no effect at all. A bigger...thing, that Seira doesn't identify fills a double sized cell, steam
[22:15] <Kotono> A bigger...thing, that Seira doesn't identify fills a double sized cell, steam coming from it and filling it's room. You walk by others like this - full armor and helmets, as well as an unarmored angel, a pleasant looking man who nods to Seira as he walks by. "We'll get you out of the House of the Triad and to Arcadia proper, though finding a route home lies on your shoulders. Finding a portal or service home can be arrainged if you have mo
[22:15] <Kotono> route home lies on your shoulders. Finding a portal or service home can be arrainged if you have money, good or other means to barter for it."
01[22:16] <Seira> "Mind if I ask you something, since we're both here and don't really have anything better to do while I decide my options from a set that doesn't really appeal to me?" Seira asks her companion. "What's the point of keeping a devil around, even jailed?"
[22:17] <Kotono> "Processing." The answer comes as the helmeted man glances back at the unhappy barbazu. "Even a devil will get a fair trial in captivity here. It will have a choice between dissolution and eternal imprisonment to comtemplate it's crimes."
01[22:18] <Seira> It sounds pretty nasty to Seira. Couldn't happen to a nicer outsider. "Okay. So you're kicking me out, pretty much, right? If you have someone here who could plane shift me back, I'll be able to easily teleport us to my home and then repay them for their trouble."
[22:19] <Kotono> A chuckle, "In so many words, you could say it like that. There's no reason to keep you here, unless you want to spend eternity as a jail warden."
01[22:19] <Seira> "Maybe later. Does that mean there's no one here who could get me home?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "Yes, planar shifting can even be bartered for outside," hea grees, "There's a large town outside of the portal I'm taking you two, Everwatch. As long as you barter in fair and good spirit, you should have no problems."
01[22:21] <Seira> "Waukeen would take it the wrong way if I tried to cheat, even if I wanted to," Seira agrees. "So you serve Helm? Just how removed from him are you?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "Ah, a follower of the Golden Lady?" A nod, "I met him once, hundreds of years ago. It was a great honor," His voice swells with pride, "Lord Helm is eternally busy with his endless vigliance over everything."
06[22:23] * Seira wants to ask how he can actually keep anything under wraps if he's so busy everywhere at once, she really does! But she just nods. "Sounds admirable. Say, this is probably a touchy subject, but has anyone ever escaped from this jail? Or been too powerful to contain?"
[22:25] <Kotono> The hall goes on awhile, with a four way branching path. Turning left and going into a side door, you come to a golden portal set in a plain room. "Not since I've been here. But..." He thinks a moment, "Yes, I heard a story that one time a Duke of Hell was successfully intercepted and teleported into one of the cells. It was endless millenia ago, but I hear the battle was catastrophic."
01[22:25] <Seira> "So what happened to him? And who was he, anyway? I might as well return with an awesome story!"
[22:30] <Kotono> "I believe his name was..." A thoughtful moment, "Caim. In the end he is said to have escaped, albiet greviously wounded. He is lucky," With a momentary look, "The story goes that Illmater himself was so offended by the Duke's presence that he appeared moments afterwards. Woe unto Caim if Illmater had been moments faster."
06[22:32] * Seira nods in admiration. "I wish I could've been there."
[22:33] <Kotono> "It is a good story. When you are ready, step through the portal there."
01[22:35] <Seira> "Can I ask one more question?" Seira says, pausing before the portal. "That paladin of Helm I mentioned? He said a while back that Helm has some sort of arrangement with a devil called Esthan that allows this Esthan to operate on Prime unopposed. Is that actually true? And if it is, why?"
[22:36] <Kotono> A pause, perhaps his helmeted face hiding surprise. "The devil is surely a liar. That is not uncommon; devils lie as easily as we breathe."
01[22:38] <Seira> "Really?" Seira wonders out loud. "But this other paladin I know met a planetar... or was it a throne archon? I wasn't there, so all I know they told her there was some sort of negotiations between Helm and a pretty powerful devil some time back in the day, and Esthan could be a servant of that devil.
01[22:38] <Seira> Is there a way to just settle this once and for all, since I'm clearly in a place where Helm would listen and respond, if he so wishes?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "You could return to the House of the Triad after you go through the portal and petition to gain an audience with Helm. However, these take time and are rarely granted save to those that worship him."
01[22:52] <Seira> "You serve Helm, though," Seira points out. "It's quite likely that Helm may not wish to bother with me since I follow Waukeen, but someone who not only worships him but literally works in his employ might have better chances of being heard."
[23:01] <Kotono> "It's not my place. My duty is as a jail warden. I admit, your claim is troubling, though surely it is devilish lies wrapping too tightly around your mind. But your friend, if he worships Helm, have him come to this blessed place. Surely Helm will be merciful and wise to his devoted paladin."
01[23:02] <Seira> "I might do that," Seira agrees. "The normal way. Not the unstable magical artifact way." She offers her hand to the warden. "Thanks again for chatting with me, it's been pretty fun."
[23:06] <Kotono> "Just don't break any more rules and laws around here. Law is paramount here." He warms with a friendly voice, "Your heart is pure, dragon. Live well so that your immortal life will follow your mortal life with glory."
01[23:08] <Seira> "Sure thing!" And wasn't that the nicest dismissal she'd ever heard? Seira waves and steps into the portal.
[23:11] <Kotono> Stepping through, Seira finds herself standing in a village square. It's quite bright out here, high noon. Here buildings of sturdy stone, like tiny castles, line the streets in every direction. The streets are clean, perfect, geometrical. Banners of gold, white and blue often fly from roofs and flagpoles. About you walks the impossible, the amazing - angelic figures, archons and even a few mortals. The mortals tend to walk on squad, wearin
[23:11] <Kotono> angelic figures, archons and even a few mortals. The mortals tend to walk on squad, wearing armor with a white and gold coat of arms printed on the front and a shield, if they carry one.
01[23:13] <Seira> It would be great to make some friends while she's here, but something tells Seira they'll probably be snobbish and discriminate against red dragons. Thus, the first stop is an inn! Even on other planes, where there's civilizations, inns exist!
[23:17] <Kotono> It takes little effort to find an inn, for one is in this very square. The Eternal Mercy. As she goes to it, she finds many a look on her. Most look for a few seconds before smiling kindly to her, or seriously nodding to her. Going inside, there is a dwarf inside. "Glory to you!" he says, "Welcome, welcome," He peers quietly at Seira even as he talks, and after a moment of pause, "You look like the sort that's new here and might've had a mi
[23:17] <Kotono>  "You look like the sort that's new here and might've had a mishap with teleporting somewhere you shouldn't have."
01[23:18] <Seira> "Pretty much," she agrees, nodding. "Can I get a drink? Pointing me the right way towards someone who can plane shift me back would be appreciated as well."
[23:20] <Kotono> "Sure. First one's on the house for anyone who had the bad luck to run into that," He leads you into a small tap room, the tables arrainged in a perfect rectangle. It's empty in here right now, "What do you want? Go ahead and sit down and get comfortable in the meantime. Yeah, I can help you get to someone who can get you back to where you need to be."
01[23:22] <Seira> "Choose for me, I'm not really picky and I like experimenting," Seira responds, laughing afterwards. "Guess that part's obvious, what with me being here like that and all. So how expensive is it to return back home? Prohibitively so?"
[23:25] <Kotono> A soft blue drink is poured into a mug, passed onto Seira. The dwarf goes to sit opposite her, leaning back and sighing. "Aaah, good to sit down. Anyway, fairly. It's a good sized pile of money for a mortal to do it. Most of the celestials prefer not money, but some concrete action or service towards Good or Law, or both."
01[23:28] <Seira> "Sounds troublesome, but I might as well go for a sure thing. There are times you gamble, and times you just don't, you know? Striking out on my own just doesn't sound like fun." She drains the mug. "So is there a celestial looking to partner up with a talented and highly confident dragon?"
[23:29] <Kotono> "I can look into it." He nods, "I charge 200 gold for the service." He says, up front, "You can give it to me or donate it to the Church of Tyr here."
01[23:31] <Seira> "I don't really have the gold, but I could donate a scroll or... a vial of silversheen, I dunno. It's just as useful. Works?"
[23:41] <Kotono> "The silversheen will suffice," He says after a moment of thought.
01[23:42] <Seira> "Great," Seira responds, providing said vial. "Would it take long, you think?"
[23:45] <Kotono> "At least a day," The dwarf answers, "Tharan Silverfoot," he offers his hand out, "A room comes with payment until I can finish my end of the matter. Were you planning on resting or going out and seeing Everwatch?"
01[23:46] <Seira> "Seira," she returns, shaking his head. "A day, was it?" That certainly draws a sigh. "I just know that by the time I return, someone will break that deck of cards. It's so depressing."
01[23:46] <Seira> *his hand

[Corwin]

[20:40] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 89." [1d100=89]
[20:40] <Anastasia> roll 1d100+10 weighted reroll since it's on the border
06[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100+10 weighted reroll since it's on the border and gets 47." [1d100=37]
[20:44] <Anastasia> Everwatch is a bright, sacred place. Seira spends a day wandering it, seeing many amazing sights. But then 'night' comes, sleep and rest needed. The next morning, she meets her dwarven host downstairs, "Alright," he says, as a few other mortals linger here, "I've lined up two options for you."
01[20:45] <Seira> "Let's hear it," she says, nodding.
[20:49] <Anastasia> "There's a mortal cleric of Lathander passing through on business. He's willing to do it for 500 gold or an equilavent magical item. There's an angel that will do it as well, but he'd prefer a service from you at a later date."
01[20:50] <Seira> "The angel sounds more entertaining," Seira muses. "Can I meet him?"
[21:02] <Anastasia> "Sure, come on," The dwarf starts to walk, "You're a paying customer."
01[21:03] <Seira> "Great. So, have you ever been to Prime?" Seira asks, tagging along.
[21:04] <Anastasia> Thus lead, Seira passes through much of Everwatch. It is a glorious town - the light is gorgeous and vigliant, a feeling of protected fearlessness evident all over. Patrols of 'einherjar' are seen, your guide mentioning them as the souls of those who worshipped these ideals and continue to live them out, protecting Arcadia from attacks and harm. As the two of you walk down one such street, "I lived there until it was my time. I kept an i
[21:05] <Anastasia> "I lived there until it was my time. I kept an inn on a dangerous road and did my best to keep it safe to any and all that needed a safe roof. My reward was to be able to continue to serve in this role after my death."
01[21:09] <Seira> "Heh, a kindred spirit, then!" she exclaims, smiling. "I have an inn, too, in Balmuria. That's near the Bay of Sparkling Stars. If you ever visit I'll show you around!"
[21:10] <Anastasia> "My time in the mortal realm's long passes," Smiling at it nonetheless, "I'm content here. I've had my lifetime's fill of strife and worry. Not to cast shadows on your own inn, of course."
01[21:11] <Seira> "I get it, I guess. You like your job so much you don't care for vacations. It's okay."
06[21:12] * Seira ponders his earlier words. "So where was this dangerous road you used to keep an inn by, Tharan?"
[21:13] <Anastasia> "It's my paradise."He says this with an open pride in his voice, "It's where I'm meant to be now. Leave the danger of morality to those that haven't died yet." After a moment, "The Great Ocean Road, by the thousand foot tall Cliffs of Besarn. The Grand Dutchy of Kenn laid claim to the lands, but was too remote to effectively police it."
01[21:16] <Seira> "As long as it's by choice, you'll get no argument from me." Seira shrugs. "This whole life after death thing confuses, let me tell you. Some seem to reborn as angels with no memories of their past, others just keep on living eternally as they used to. And there's probably some other weird afterlives like literally merging with your paradise, too. Who gets to decide what happens?"
[21:17] <Anastasia> "The Gods," You head to what looks to be a vast circle o concentric fountains, ending in one vast, small lake of a fountain. Pointing to what appears to be a simple man resting against the edge of it, you only notice one thing awry - a magnificent set of white wings coming from his back.
06[21:19] * Seira waves at the winged man as they approach him.
[21:23] <Anastasia> The man stands. He is without flaw, cast from perfect ivory and scuptled into a human form. "Ah. Seira?" He asks, "I'm pleased you came to me."
01[21:25] <Seira> "It's more fulfilling to make friends everywhere and help each other out than just pay for services rendered in most cases," she responds. "That's a long-winded way to say 'likewise'."
[21:27] <Anastasia> "Hahah," His laughter is pure and full of innocent happiness. "Yes. The agreement will be that I take you home, in return for a service rendered later at my discretion. I know you've ended up here against your will, so I won't delay your immediate return home."
01[21:29] <Seira> "As long as it's nothing I find offensive, which is an obvious condition I must still put in, in which case I'll do my best to recompense you for your help," Seira agrees. "Like you already heard, I'm Seira. What's your name?"
[21:30] <Anastasia> "Noval," the hand is taken, his grip like adamantine! "That's fine, I respect that. Your heart is pure, I have no doubt that this will not be a problem."
01[21:31] <Seira> "Likewise," she responds with a smirk. "When can we go?"
[21:32] <Anastasia> "Now," He stands up, "Tell me about your home and take my hands. I'll do the rest. As a warning, this will be somewhat imprecise."
01[21:32] <Seira> "I have the means to teleport home, if it's reasonably in the area," Seira responds, not sounding bothered by it. "If you'd like, I could put you up for a day or two as you visit our town."
01[21:34] <Seira> How to tell him about her home... Seira struggles with the question briefly, before deciding to start with showing Noval the map of her world, before one of the Baronies and describing the surroundings of Balmuria.
[21:34] <Anastasia> "I'll stop by at least for a few hours to get a good lay of your home, so teleportation later is simple," Noval agrees, "Now, if you'd tell me about it?"
[21:34] <Anastasia> Noval listens and nods, "It sounds like a lovey place to live. Oh dimensional walls, part ways and take us to the land of our desires..."
[21:34] <Anastasia> roll 5d100
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 5d100 and gets 233." [5d100=68, 4, 18, 85, 58]
[21:35] <Anastasia> Gack! You appear in a thick forest. Forest all around, vines, pollen, leaves. It's very dense, barely able to move your arms without hitting foliage. This definitely looks liek a thicker part of the Barbarian Lands.
01[21:36] <Seira> "All sorts of reasonably unfriendly groups live here, we should probably get going," Seira mutters, focusing on her teleportation ring and her home in Balmuria. "Ready?"
[21:37] <Anastasia> "Yes," Agreement comes quickly there, "I dislike forests."
01[21:37] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 3." [1d100=3]
[21:38] <Anastasia> Woosh! Seira appears in her inn without incident! In her room, to be particular, safe and sound!
01[21:39] <Seira> "Nice, I like it when the magic cooperates," she says happily. "Ah, home once more! Want to come meet my friends, or just rest and relax at my inn for a while?"
[21:40] <Anastasia> "I'll be fine by myself. I can get a lay of the city without disrupting things." His form shifts sligthly, into a wingless version of himself.
01[21:40] <Seira> "The room next door should be empty, I keep it for guests. But if you want to stay in mine, that's also good!"
[21:41] <Anastasia> "Thank you," He says, "What of you? Business at your home takes you?"
01[21:42] <Seira> "This is going to sound pretty stupid without knowing the full story, but I was in the middle of a duel with an artifact when it sent me to Arcadia. I can't wait to continue it!"
[21:43] <Anastasia> "I...see..." A curious look there, "That does explain what sent you there. Do be careful, artifacts are rarely kind if they bear you ill will.'
01[21:43] <Seira> "Yes. It has a mean sense of humor! It taunts me!" Seira shakes her fist. "I'll have the last laugh, though."
[21:46] <Anastasia> "Good luck then," He offers. OOC - Running back to Elle's, Seira?
01[21:46] <Seira> OOC: What is this running, we're a few steps away  >_>
01[21:47] <Seira> "Thanks!" With a happy wave, Seira makes her way to Elle's shop.
[21:48] <Anastasia> Returning to Elle's shop, Seira finds her and Demedais and Eudard in the back. They're talking about something or other as she enters...OOC - Goa head and intro yourself, seira?
01[21:48] <Seira> "I'm ba~ack!" Seira greets them, smiling widely.
[21:49] <Demedais> "Oh, good." Demedais turns to her, grinning. "So precisely what did happen on your draws?
01[21:50] <Seira> "The first made my wings better, the second reversed it, the third--" She pauses, frowning. "--actually didn't do anything, so let's skip to the next, which sent me to Arcadia. What did I miss while there, guys?"
[21:50] <Demedais> "Eudard got some magical capability." Demedais says, looking to Eudard himself.
01[21:51] <Seira> "Exciting!" Seira rubs her hands together. "I got as quickly as I could to try again!"
[21:51] <Anastasia> "This deck is...amazing in what it can bestow," He says, "Magic is seared into my mind now."
[21:51] <Anastasia> Elle eyes Seira, "You'd best be careful. This deck has enough power to do far worse than teleport you to an Upper Plane from what it's shown."
[21:51] <Demedais> "I... anticipated your eagerness." Demedais chuckled. "However, may I make my draw first?"
06[21:52] * Seira twitches at those words, but quickly shakes it off. "Yes, I knew as soon as I took the second card that I lost to my inner gambler. It taunts me, Elle! I can't stand back from the challenge!"
06[21:52] * Seira tilts her head. "You want to draw, too? Great! Go ahead, we can alternate!"
[21:52] <Demedais> "...I only plan on drawing once." Demedais says with a puzzled frown at Seira.
[21:52] <Anastasia> Elle sits well away from the deck.
01[21:52] <Seira> "That's what everyone says."
06[21:53] * Demedais just raises an eyebrow at Seira, before going to the deck. "Evervigilant One, watch over me..." he murmurs, before taking a card from the middle!
[21:54] <Anastasia> OOC - d100
[21:54] <Demedais> roll 1d100 right
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 right and gets 74." [1d100=74]
[22:02] <Anastasia> Demedais draws a card! The image of a great cathedral is on it, glowing soft! The card vanishes back into the deck after!
01[22:03] <Seira> "As expected," Seira says, nodding to herself. "My turn?"
06[22:03] * Demedais pauses slightly, before closing his eyes. "I... see." Demedais then steps aside. "Very well."
06[22:03] * Seira shuffles the deck happily, drawing a card!
01[22:03] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 64." [1d100=64]
[22:06] <Anastasia> roll 10d10
06[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 10d10 and gets 52." [10d10=6, 7, 3, 8, 6, 9, 3, 1, 4, 5]
[22:07] <Anastasia> Seira draws a card! It is an image of a horde of cleric look alikes and sorcerers casting magic! Seira feels something flow into her, but the prepared magic patterns in her mind scream in agony! The burst leaves her reeling, mind shocked! (52 damage and makea  will save, Seira.)
01[22:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 37." [1d20=18]
[22:08] <Anastasia> OOC - You've lost all you're prepared spells for the day but nothing else happens. IC: Seira reels, feeling herself falling back! Something mercifully supports her before she hits the ground! "Seira?" She can hear Eudard's voice.
01[22:09] <Seira> "This is... nothing," she says, trying to call on her magic to recover.
06[22:09] * Demedais quickly moves to Seira's side as well! "By Helm..." Demedais murmurs. "Do you need assistance in recovery?"
[22:10] <Anastasia> OOCL Your spell likes are still available if you're using them, yeah.
01[22:10] <Seira> "Sure, would be nice," she slurs.
[22:10] <Anastasia> Seira!" Elle is at her side as well, "Sit down, you look like you were just punched and trampled in the face!"
06[22:10] * Demedais nods and touches Seira's head with a short prayer to Helm. OOC: +28.
01[22:11] <Seira> "I can't stop now," Seira protests, struggling to her feet. "My pride is at stake! It's what I use to fight!"
01[22:11] <Seira> roll 3d8+14
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+14 and gets 24." [3d8=3, 2, 5]
06[22:11] * Demedais eyes Seira. "It may be resisting more attempts from you."
[22:11] <Anastasia> "Are you sure?" Elle asks, with open worry in her voice, "The deck just hurt you, didn't it?"
01[22:12] <Seira> "That card was incompatible." As Seira's head clears, she smiles at Elle. "You might have made a good call after all, but now that I've gone this far, I just can't stop." And she draws another card still.
01[22:12] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 38." [1d100=38]
[22:12] <Anastasia> OOC: Oi vey. List your skills in PM again?
[22:13] <Anastasia> roll 1d31
06[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d31  and gets 17." [1d31=17]
01[22:14] <Seira> "And again," Seira draws once more, gritting her teeth.
01[22:14] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[22:14] <Anastasia> This time, Seira draws a blank card with a foolish looking man on it! It shimmers as her head glows black, then vanishes into the deck!
[22:16] <Anastasia> Again Seira draws! This time it is of the fertile earth, heavy and lush! It glows over her entire body, before vanishing back into the deck! "Seira?" Elle asks, frowning.
01[22:16] <Seira> "I know that I'm losing," she says piteously, drawing again.
01[22:16] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 91." [1d100=91]
[22:17] <Anastasia> OOC - Roll twice more.
01[22:17] <Seira> roll 1d100
01[22:17] <Seira> roll 1d100
[22:17] <Demedais> "What?" Demedais asks, unable to stop her from drawing again.
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 65." [1d100=65]
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 52." [1d100=52]
[22:18] <Anastasia> OOC: Reroll these, the mix effect is largely DM fiat and these two don't mix reasonably.
01[22:18] <Seira> roll 1d100
01[22:18] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 4." [1d100=4]
06[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 23." [1d100=23]
01[22:20] <Seira> roll 1d12
06[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d12 and gets 10." [1d12=10]
[22:21] <Anastasia> This time, Seira draws a card and another follows! One is of a vast sea of yellow energy, the other a model of the Inner Planes! Both cards whirl around Seira before vanishign!
06[22:21] * Demedais eyes Seira. "Are you okay?"
01[22:23] <Seira> "Yes. I think." Seira takes a moment to center herself. "I'll keep on playing for now."
01[22:24] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 41." [1d100=41]
06[22:24] * Demedais shakes his head. "I would tell you to stop, but..." Demedais shrugs helplessly as Seira draws again.
[22:25] <Anastasia> Seira tries to draw! This time, she finds that she cannot! Despite her best efforts, drawing a card from the deck eludes her hand!
06[22:25] * Demedais blinks at this. "So it caps out?"
06[22:25] * Seira stares balefully at the deck. "We'll call this one a draw!" she declares sharply, before looking at those present. "Right?"
[22:25] <Anastasia> "You play with fire? What the hell did that do to you," Elle asks.
[22:25] <Demedais> "Sure."
01[22:26] <Seira> "I cannot speak of its taunts. They are too horrible to bare."
06[22:27] * Seira brightens up, however. "That last draw allowed me to make a last-minute comeback, however!"
[22:28] <Demedais> "That's good, I'd hate to see you cranky." Demedais says. "I have some work I must do at the temple. Eudard, come find me when you're ready." With that, he exits briskly.

[Corwin]

[20:06] <Kobreakfast> ------------
[20:06] <Kobreakfast> Going back to Elle's shop, Demedais and Eudard find her sipping a glass of wine this evening. She eyes the deck cautiously as it sits on the table, grumbling. "I tried again and I still can't read a damned thing off it with magic," she complains, "But if you want to try again, good luck."
03[20:07] * Euphy is now known as Seira
03[20:07] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[20:08] <Kobreakfast> Seira is also there, sitting next to Elle as the two paladins enter.
01[20:09] <Seira> "Give it hell!" she cheers Demedais on.
06[20:09] * Demedais eyes Seira with a slight grin, but shrugs and goes to the deck. With a brief prayer to Helm, he draws a card from the middle!
[20:10] <Kobreakfast> OOC - d100.
[20:10] <Demedais> roll 1d100
06[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 and gets 53." [1d100=53]
03[20:10] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
[20:14] <Kobreakfast> roll 1d8
06[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Kobreakfast rolls 1d8 and gets 2." [1d8=2]
[20:19] <Kobreakfast> The card drawn is of a mundane scene - people walking and going, life living plainly. The card vanishes back into the deck after being drawn! "Did...anything happen?" Elle asks, looking to Demedais.
01[20:19] <Seira> "It didn't make you... boring... did it?" Seira adds worriedly.
06[20:19] * Demedais shrugs. "Not aware of anything."
[20:20] <Demedais> "Not so far as I'm aware, but I was always under the impression you considered me far too cautious anyway." Demedais grins to Seira.
[20:20] <Kobreakfast> Eudard eyes the deck, "Does it have duds?"
06[20:20] * Seira grins back. "If you can still joke back it's all good."
[20:21] <Demedais> "Quite possibly, Eudard. I'd guess that's what I got. Either that, or maybe it tried to do something I could already do?"
[20:22] <Kobreakfast> "Perhaps," Eyeing the deck cautiously, "The entire thing does seem to be uncertain. Still..." Looking to it, "Perhaps I should draw again. I was blessed greatly the first draw, though I worry that perhaps to draw again would be greedy."
06[20:22] * Demedais shrugs. "It's your choice. I think I'll stop here; this was perhaps just a friendly warning to not bother trying again, for myself."
[20:23] <Kobreakfast> "Mmmph." Looking at the deck long, Eudard hesitates before drawing a card!
[20:23] <Kobreakfast> roll 1d100
06[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Kobreakfast rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
01[20:24] <Seira> "You know," Seira says conversationally, "I had a good first draw, too, but then kept on fighting to put things back in the black. That might be how the deck works."
[20:26] <Kobreakfast> Eudard's back shimmers! Coming forth through his armor are etherial, half visible wings! They fade in and out of apperance, composed of pure essence and energy!
06[20:26] * Demedais blinks at this. "Well, then. That'll prove useful for you, no doubt."
01[20:27] <Seira> "Donald should draw," Seira muses slowly. "I think he's very suitable to draw."
[20:27] <Demedais> "Hah." Demedais says. "If you want him to, and he wants to as well, he may. I take no responsibility."
[20:27] <Kobreakfast> Eudard flaps them, rising a foot or two off the ground, bashing his head against the ceiling! "Ack!" Wincing as she goes back to the ground, "By Helm..." he murmurs in awe.
01[20:27] <Seira> "Your deck, your rules."
06[20:28] * Demedais nods. "Then he has my permission."
01[20:28] <Seira> "I'll go call him, alright? Ah, this will be great!"
06[20:28] * Demedais eyes Seira. "I wonder about you sometimes."
[20:28] <Kobreakfast> Elle eyes Eudard, not commenting. Instead she just eyes the deck with a cautious looks till. "It's like you're mocking my caution," she mutters with ample sarcasm dripping from her voice. "Damned magic thing."
[20:30] <Kobreakfast> Seira comes back a few minutes later with Donald in tow. He's wearing his armor and gear, eyeing the deck curiously. "So what's the magical item you're talking about? That's it? Just a deck of cards?"
01[20:30] <Seira> "Yes. It can hurt you, but it can give you nice presents! You have to choose for yourself, though."
[20:30] <Demedais> "Yeah. As foreclosure, it's been pretty much mildly beneficial for me, quite beneficial for Eudard, and mixed on Seira." Demedais says.
[20:31] <Kobreakfast> "So it's like gambling," Donald asks as he goes to grab a card. "Why not? It's not like I'm going to die again, right?"
[20:31] <Kobreakfast> roll 1d100
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Kobreakfast rolls 1d100 and gets 44." [1d100=44]
[20:32] <Kobreakfast> Donald draws a card! It is a card colored entirely pink, glowing briefly before returning to the deck. Donald crosses his arms after it vanishes, "Funny, I don't feel any different. THough say," Peering at Eudard, aren't those wings new?"
01[20:32] <Seira> "I don't think so," Seira responds with a shrug. "Not unless it sends you to hell."
[20:32] <Demedais> "The wings are new, yes. One of the deck benefits." Demedais nods from a chair he took.
[20:33] <Kobreakfast> "The deck." Eudard says, hovering a few inches off the ground, with a strangely childish, cute smile on his face. It lifts a lot of his troubles off his face, giving him a strange loo of innoncence. "Surely it's Helm's influence."
01[20:33] <Seira> "Gambling past the first card is more dangerous," Seira tells Donald. "Gonna stop here?"
[20:33] <Demedais> "Or Helm's sense of humor." Demedais comments wryly.
[20:34] <Kobreakfast> "Strange," Scratching his head, "I dunno. Nothing seemed to happen at all." Shrugging, Donald draws another card!
[20:34] <Kobreakfast> roll 1d100
06[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Kobreakfast rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
01[20:34] <Seira> "Oh!" Seira smacks a fist into the palm of her other hand. "Demedais, what do you think about heading to the House of the Triad and seeking an audience with Helm?"
06[20:34] * Demedais blinks.
06[20:34] * Demedais looks to Seira. "Wait, -what-?"
[20:35] <Kobreakfast> "Yeah, say wh-" Donald begins, as a pair of feathery wings of blue and red arcane energy burst from his back! He looks back, slack jawed, "HOLY SHIT I JUST SPROUTED WINGS?!!?"
01[20:35] <Seira> "Well, that's where the deck sent me. I mean, I could've tried asking to talk to him, but that's not really my thing, right? I was wondering, is all that spiel about Esthan and his boss cutting a deal with Helm for real or not? And then I realized, why not ask directly?"
06[20:35] * Demedais pauses at this. "Well then."
06[20:36] * Seira entirely ignores Donald's antics, feeling quite bitter over that particular card.
[20:36] <Kobreakfast> Elle rubs her temple very slowly.
[20:36] <Kobreakfast> Turning to Demedais with a big grin, "Hey, does this mean I can fly and you can't?"
01[20:36] <Seira> Seira's eyebrow twitches.
06[20:36] * Demedais looks to Seira. "...Let me think on it. I am loath to tread upon his domain while myself uninvited." To Donald with an equal grin, "Yep. Have fun with that."
[20:37] <Kobreakfast> Lifting up a little as well, Donald grins wickely. "Hey, I can fly, just like Seira!"
06[20:37] * Seira laughs quietly to herself, shoulders shaking. "Yes, isn't flying great?"
[20:38] <Kobreakfast> "I've flown from a scroll, but that's just temporary! These feel so manuverable too-OW!" Bumping his head into the low ceiling as well, Donald goes right back down to the ground. "I kinda stand out now, though. More."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Demedais, hope you do consider it, not like people are forbidden from petitioning, there's a whole process about it and everything. Donald, I'm cutting you off, don't draw more or bad things happen." That said, Seira frowns. "I think I left something on the stove. Have to go, terribly sorry." Dimensional Door is most useful for getting back home before she hurts Donald.
[20:40] <Kobreakfast> "Hey Seira," Donald says with a big old grin, "We could go flying tonight! How about it? Aaaw!" He glares back,
[20:40] <Kobreakfast> "I want to draw another!"
01[20:40] <Seira> "I'll kick you out! No means no!" She visualizes her destination, and disappears.
06[20:40] * Demedais shrugs. "She's your employer, better listen before you get thrown through a wall."
[20:42] <Kobreakfast> Elle takes another long breath, rubbing her temple again. "Donald, you're an idiot."
[20:42] <Kobreakfast> "Am not," Donald banters back, glaring at the both of them, hands on his hips.
[20:43] <Kobreakfast> "Just...don't talk to her about flying for awhile," Elle insists, sitting up straighter. "Unless you want her to do something she'll regret."
[20:44] <Kobreakfast> "But..." Donald begin, then Countess Stronger silences him with a glare. After she clears her throat, "Anyone else, or is this particular fawning situation with the deck concluded again for now?"
06[20:44] * Demedais refrains from commenting, instead looking to Eudard.
[20:45] <Kobreakfast> Eudard shakes his head, "I've had enough,"he says aloud.
06[20:46] * Demedais nods. "I think I have as well. The remainder of it is there for Alicia, Antenora and Marie, if they're curious."
03[21:05] * Kobreakfast is now known as Kotono
[21:05] <Kotono> ---
[21:07] <Kotono> The Temple of Mystra is warm and pleasant. Walking past the stained glass windows and mosaic of Mystra, Seira enters into the main room of worship. There's not a service going on right now, just a few people coming and going, or sitting in prayer. Shankar happens to be one of them, head bowed and silent.
01[21:08] <Seira> "Hi," Seira says, announcing her presence. "Is this a good time?"
[21:10] <Kotono> Shankar rises after perhaps a minute of further prayer, dusting off his knees. "We are always here to guide in the name of the Lady of Mysteries," he replies.
01[21:11] <Seira> "Excellent," she comments. "I came to make another petition, though I suppose it could also be a consultation. I would rather keep it confidential. Is that a problem?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "No. I'm Shankar," he offers a hand in greeting, "You said that you've made a petition here before? One of my underpriests must've forgotten to inform me of it and your name. My apologies. If you could tell me about these?"
01[21:18] <Seira> "Seira." She taps her right earring, making it jingle. "Until I learn how to shapeshift at will, this little thing is here to help me out."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Oh." Smiling then, "I understand. Then..." He starts to walk, "What do you need, Seira?"
01[21:23] <Seira> "You could say that I entered into a magical contract with a deck of cards Demedais brought back with him recently," Seira elaborates, once she is confident no one is around to overhear them. "It sounds less silly if I add that it's a powerful magical artifact. In the end, I came to benefit from drawing cards from the deck, although I was also the target of a curse.
01[21:23] <Seira> I don't believe I am in any position to petition Waukeen, since the contract was implied, and since in the end I am no worse off now after participating in the draw."
[21:29] <Kotono> Shankar takes this all in, "You seek to be free of the curse, then?"
01[21:33] <Seira> "In a manner of speaking," Seira responds. "What I seek is slightly more complicated. It is not a traditional curse. Also, the power behind it is enforced by an artifact that escapes even Elle's -- Countess Stronger's -- divinations. Breaking through it with anything short of a Wish or a Miracle spell might be difficult... if I went through the usual means.
01[21:33] <Seira> Also, breaking the restriction placed upon me is not strictly necessary. Should there be a way to restore what was lost by other means, even if only by providing a loophole in the curse, that would be enough."
[21:36] <Kotono> Stopping near the grand doors that lead into this worship chamber, "Such magic is spoken of in rare breaths. Finding a loophole in it would not be easy. Before anything else, I would need to go study the artifact and research it to see if there are any relevant legends or informations about it."
01[21:40] <Seira> "I don't think this would prove to be a problem, as long as discretion is observed. Demedais may not wish news of it to spread beyond those he chose to bring into the knowledge." Seira frowns. "Another reason that I asked for confidentiality is that this knowledge would be extremely harmful to me if it got out to the wrong people.
01[21:40] <Seira> In effect, I am grounded. Not only have my wings been sealed, but I am literally incapable of so much as leaping into the air. However, the curse is not just a geas placed on me, since teleportation magic cast by Elle fails to send me up into the skies as well.
01[21:40] <Seira> It is quite thorough, and I was hoping that Mystra would offer me a way to break through, perhaps similarly to one of those quests she sends Alicia on."
[21:43] <Kotono> "For now, I'll go and investigate this artifact. I should refrain on anything else until Mystra grants me the wisdom to understand it or destins my research to fail."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Of course," Seira agrees, before listing the tests she went through with Elle and what was learned from them.

[Corwin]

[20:17] <Alicia> Marie throws a somewhat curious glance after Alicia but nonetheless stays behind, fluttering amidst the various statuary while Mizin does his sketching.
[20:18] <Nikori> "Mmmm...mmmm....mmmmm..." As he works away, "Your master's a really special woman," Mizin observes. "How did you end up serving her? I was under the impression familiars were usually animals or small things, not eladrin."
[20:22] <Alicia> "Well, she needed someone to keep an eye on her and a cat wouldn't cut it," Marie replies as she flies over towards Mizin, peering over his shoulder at the sketches. "It's pretty rare for an outsider to become a familiar - you're more likely to see some idiot with an imp than anything else, too. But Mystra thought I'd be just perfect for Alicia, and so down I got sent."
[20:24] <Nikori> He's a pretty good artist. He's making accurate and appealing sketches at a quick speed. "Really? That Alicia...she's something else, though." Going to copy some statues down now, then chisel jus ta tiny bit of stone away from them, "I almost feel like the fair maiden who had a knight in shining armor appear to save them at the last moment."
[20:25] <Nikori> He laughs after that, kneeling down in his work. "Thirty years of listening to the priests of Empress Sulia does that to a man's perceptions."
[20:25] <Alicia> "Hey!" Marie stops him as he takes out his chisel. "I might not be a servant of any of those goddesses, but even I can tell you that's sacriligous!"
[20:28] <Nikori> "Eh..." He takes a long look and shrugs. "Perhaps." Admitting that as he stares at it, "Would Sune really begrudge someone taking just a little from behind the foot?"
[20:30] <Alicia> "You'd be marring her perfect beauty," Marie warns, waggling a finger. "Besides, this is someone's tomb as well, so you're disrespecting the goddess, the craftsperson who carved the statue, and the person who rests here."
[20:31] <Nikori> "Yes, I do suppose so." Putting his tools away, "What do you think about these Endless Plains then, as an outsider both in the technical term and in the sense you've not been here long?"
[20:34] <Alicia> "If it weren't for the horrible monsters getting teleported in your path I'd say this place was really nice," Marie admits. "Reminds me a bit of Bytopia what with all the sameness, but there are worse places to be."
[20:36] <Nikori> "Yes, but you just said it yourself. It's more like an eternity, more like an Outer Plane. It's not like the real world." Standing up now and dusting his knees off, "It's nice enough as long as you follow the rules and stay in the nice little settlements."
[20:39] <Alicia> "Yeah, well, hopefully we can find some way to get rid of the endlessly lost part while still keeping those settlements as nice as always," Marie nods decisively. "I bet that Halian guy has something to do with it."
[20:40] <Nikori> "My thoughts exactly. I don't know what yet, but this entire situation is unnatural. This Halian must be at the root of it." Nodding to himself, "I've found out important things already, I'm certain I'll find more if I keep going."
[20:42] <Alicia> "Hopefully it won't take too long," Marie opines. "There's no telling what could be going on back in Balmuria while we're here. Although I suppose they'd probably contact Alicia with a Sending spell if anything major happened."
03[20:44] * CC is now known as Seira
[20:47] <Nikori> "This Balmuria. Tell me about it. I recall a city with that name in the far north of the Empire. It's a good fortress and choke point city against the northern end of the Galkass Mountains?"
[20:49] <Alicia> "Yeah, I hear that's how it worked in the first war when the Baronies became independent from Malmuth - but in reverse, obviously," Marie confirms. "It's still pretty well fortified, but it's also experiencing a pretty big religious awakening - I don't know if any other city on the Prime has as many major temples as it does, now."
[20:50] <Nikori> "In reverse, woe to the foolish leaders who lost that," With a moment to close his eyes in visible regret, "What Gods?"
[20:52] <Alicia> "Well, originally the only temples were to Helm and Waukeen," Marie begins to list them off. "Then Alicia founded a temple to Mystra, a guy from way East founded a temple to Torm - big mess there, don't ask - and one of the shipwrights founded a temple to Gond. They're all doing pretty well, too. Which is a shame in Torm's case, really."
[20:58] <Nikori> "I won't ask." listening well to it and thinking, Mizin goes quiet for a time.
[20:59] <Alicia> Marie is content to putter around while he does his sketching and Alicia does... whatever it is that Alicia does when she's all alone in shrines to goddesses of love and beauty.
02[23:26] * taifk (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-190-20.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
Session Time: Sun Dec 21 00:00:00 2008
03[01:15] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@24-176-14-8.dhcp.klmz.mi.charter.com) has joined #evildunes
03[02:01] * Targo is now known as Nao
[03:16] <Nikori> -----
[03:18] <Nikori> Marie's vision goes all blurry and foggy for several seconds. When it clears, a chill runs down her body! Her entire being feels out of place and unwelcome here! She lies on a stone stairway, walls near her. Like the outer ring of a tower? The inside, a circle fourty feet wide, has no floor! Instead it has a great column of souls rising upward, twisting and screaming in the utmost agony! The chorus of damnation makes her blood go cold as th
[03:18] <Nikori> The chorus of damnation makes her blood go cold as the touch of Auril!  The stairway goes both up and downward, about twenty feet wide.
[03:19] <Nikori> OOC:  You can make a K:P check if you like, Marie.
[03:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 yes please
06[03:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 yes please and gets 19." [1d20=3]
[03:20] <Alicia> "Okay, don't worry Marielle," Marie talks to herself as she takes in her entirely unpleasant new surroundings. "It just plane shifted you. No big! You have a plan!" Making sure no one's about to jump her or anything, she digs out one of her last two banishing arrows from her quiver.
[03:22] <Nikori> From above, she notices something! It's creeping down thes tairs at a half run! A horrible creature...claws...red-jelly over it's skin, a sadistic killer's smile on it's face as it approaches! "Ooooh.." It says in mocking Celestial, "Far away from hooome?" OOC - Initiative.
[03:22] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[03:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 10." [1d20=3]
[03:22] <Nikori> roll 1d20+1
06[03:22] * Hatbot --> "Nikori rolls 1d20+1 and gets 6." [1d20=5]
03[03:22] * Nikori changes topic to 'Marie>Babau'
[03:23] <Alicia> "Yeah, don't worry, I was just leaving!" Marie blurts out as she stabs herself with the point of the silvered arrow, not resisting the magic that courses through it to send her back home to Dweomerheart!
[03:23] <Alicia> roll 1d100 20% chance of going to a different plane
06[03:23] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 20% chance of going to a different plane and gets 78." [1d100=78]
[03:24] <Nikori> OOC: Okay, Marie's back in Dweomerheart. Moment, #dunes.

[Corwin]

[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Does that happen often?" Seira asks, casting her own look at the door.
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> > "Not really. They're not that bad, just..." Rubbing his temple again, "Robert's kind of a sore subject for J. She's not very good with ex-es."
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Can't say I understand," Seira says rather honestly. "So how long are we supposed to wait before we check with the local authorities?"
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> > "I give them a half hour, inc ase they got distracted with something unrelated and mundane." Lying back, "You said you wanted to study somewhere to teleport to? Feel free to use this place."
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Sure. I'll find another place, too, just in case. But for now...." Seira trails off, making herself comfortable as she studies the layout of the large room.
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> > A half hour passes. Serge gets up and sighs, "Sorry, Seira. Idiots. I won't be long with any luck."
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Oh no you don't," she says, rising from her meditative position. "I know how these stories go! First, a couple disappears. Then more and more people, and I get left all alone and everyone is now a zombie! I'm coming with you!"
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> > "How the hell did zombies become part of it," Stopping by the door, "I don't really mind if you come, but zombies?"
[20:17] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> <Seira> "Our town was hit by zombies once! You never expect them, and suddenly, there they are!" Seira gestures with her arms for good measure.
[20:23] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> "Rising out from the ground like in all the stories?" Serge opens the door, as the two head out again.
01[20:23] <Seira> "From the crypts, more like, but yes," Seira responds, launching into the rousing tale of zombie hunting in Balmuria.
[20:28] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> As Seira gets to the point about hunting the streets with Lyselle in the dark, ghoul infested night, the two are turning the corner. Rods and J are just coming around as they do. J is stomping along, simmering with uncontrolled pique. Rods is half smiling, though keeping a wide distance from J.
01[20:29] <Seira> Tempting as it is to intervene, Seira lets Serge handle the no-doubt happy reuinion.
[20:31] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> "Come on," Serge says without missing a beat, "I'll go out and round up something to drink." He says something to her as he approaches, low and under his voice.
06[20:31] * Seira waves, for her part. "So, drinks are in order?" she asks, coming closer.
[20:33] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> "Yeah, sure," J says darkly.
[20:33] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> Rods hurries along, "I'll catch up," he says, going off down a side alley.
01[20:34] <Seira> "Great! Hope you guys have something unique to these parts. I might just take a bit back with me!"
[20:38] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> Serge, for this part, looks back to Seira. "A fair bit of dwarven meads and spirits, mostly. The local brews are mostly dark ales."
01[20:39] <Seira> "It would be nice to see how that stuff measures up to our variants." Seira nods thoughtfully. "Don't misunderstand, this is professional interest! It's not that I want to get drunk or anything!"
[20:39] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> "Right," Serge can't seem to help but nod sagely. "A purely PROFESSIONAL INTEREST."
01[20:40] <Seira> "That's right!"
[20:45] <Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan> The three head past the safehouse and down a few streets. Here in a quiet little alley you are lead into a door open tavern. It's warmer in here, one long bar dominating the rectangular barroom. A few barflies are about, but otherwise it's mostly empty. I's reasonably clean for it's sort of thing - no visible rats or bugs nor any hugely unpatable smells.
06[20:47] * Seira would have been quite upset had vermin been infesting an establishment she decided to grace with her presence, and such things far too often end in fire. She follows the others, merely intending to relax and, perhaps, listen to a few of the juicier rumors.
03[20:49] * Rabite_Lolimage_Kochan is now known as Kotono
[20:55] <Kotono> The barkeep is a brute of a man, bald headed and with a glass eye in place of his left eye. "Something nice and strong," J tosses a few silver coins on the bar, rattling on the well worn wood. The barkeep eyes them, scooping them up. "Huh, strange coins. The design-Oh damn, you're alive?" Looking J and then Serge over with his one good eye even as the money vanishes into his pocket, "I heard you three got blown all the way to Gehenna."
[20:55] <Kotono> "I heard you three got blown all the way to Gehenna."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Not from a lack of trying," Serge sits down comfortably, "Rods is fine too, he's dealing with something else. The coins are from well to the east, past the jungle. Don't worry, they're pure."
01[20:56] <Seira> "Of course they are!" Seira insists. "Waukeen would punish those trying to tamper with them!"
[20:58] <Kotono> "Got a half elf with you too? Past the jungles? Hot damn," As he comes with three mugs of a dark ale, "Glad to hear you're alive. Dead customers don't keep spending money.
[20:58] <Kotono> "
06[20:59] * Seira gives Serge a meaningful glance at those words.
[21:00] <Kotono> J takes a drink from her mug, a rather long one. "Yeah. Long ass story, we got thrown hellishly far."
[21:01] <Kotono> Serge looks right back at Seira. "Yeah, most of the time," he mutters.
06[21:02] * Seira laughs, and sees for herself what they consider a strong beverage around these parts.
[21:04] <Kotono> It's quite strong. It tastes very deep and earthy, faintly of mushrooms. "Eh?" The barkeep shakes his head, "Nevermind." He shuffles a stool behind hte bar, going to sit as well. "There's not shit going on today, but you know that. Most of the regulars are off on summer business. Mathias is in town, though. Had an escort mission go wrong, he's been in a piss poor mood all week. Oh yeah, and old Grent finally got a two foot deep burial. Hear
[21:04] <Kotono> Oh yeah, and old Grent finally got a two foot deep burial. Heard some bandits up in the mountains did him in."
[21:05] <Kotono> J laughs out loud. "Asshole," she says over her drink. "You can't stop with the jokes even after he buys a plot?"
01[21:05] <Seira> At the mention of bandits, Seira gets sad and nostalgic. There was a time they proved a challenge. Unfortunately, that time has passed.
[21:06] <Kotono> "He went out as he lived, short, foul tempered and unlucky," Bowing his head in reverence, or perhaps something close to it, "He kept going even when he got too old for this work. He wanted to die in the field, so be it."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Speaking of business, how has it been doing?" Serge asks after taking a light sip of his own drink.
06[21:07] * Seira is interested in that as well. "Yeah, anything happening around here?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "King's still doddering along and that means good business," The barkeep lowers his voice here a little. "Most of it's been snapped up. Escorts, cleaning up articularly uppity bandits or warlords, that sort of thing, along with the normal odds and ends."
[21:14] <Kotono> "Anything about Prince Albert," J says between tasting drinks of her booze. "Him in particular, not Prince Kort or any of the rest.":
01[21:15] <Seira> "Just how many of them are there?" Seira asks Serge quietly, listening to the barkeep's answer.
[21:16] <Kotono> "Albert? Not a thing that matters. Heard he's knocking uglies with some knight's daughter these days. Ah, to be able to chase rich pussy all day," With an openly wistful sigh, "Instead I have to work fairly hard to get poor girls."
[21:16] <Kotono> Lowering his voice, "A fair few. Ic an give you a run down later," Serge whispers back.
[21:17] <Kotono> "Poor baby." Putting her mug down, "Gimme some water, thirsty." As she does, a small handful of gold coins are put down for it. "You know the drill."
[21:17] <Kotono> The coins vanish in an instant, "Albert who?" he murmurs back, stopping to bring J a glass of water.
01[21:18] <Seira> "Not a fan?" Seira asks J. "Or a pretty huge fan?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Don't worry about it right now,"J says, then in a low voice, "Go find some mugs to polish for a coupla minutes," she say sto the barkeep, who does exactly that. Once he's out of earshot, "Alicia told us the dear Prince is up to all sorts of nasty things with Shar's church. Shit, if we can bring that out and do it right, we could be fucking made."
[21:20] <Kotono> "And if we do it wrong, we'll get shortened by a head." Serge says in a very low, soft voice.
01[21:22] <Seira> "Oh, I see," Seira says brightly, if quietly. "Is Albert liked? As in, would anyone care much if he just met an unfortunate accident?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "He's tolerated. He's a Prince and hasn't done anything to make the rest of us hate him." J says this with a shrug, "He's not the next in line for the Crown, that's Prince Kort then two Princesses if they choose to try for it, so who cares about a lifelong Prince?"
01[21:25] <Seira> "Sucks to be him," Seira mutters. "So, you guys think you have a shot at exposing him? If it's a decent one, I'll pitch in."
[21:27] <Kotono> "I don't have a clue," Serge leans against the bar, "Assuming Alicia's information is right...though I think it is, since she came to us with it and knew the right names, which isn't likely otherwise..." He pauses there, before he nods. "Yeah, it's probably at least mostly right. Anyway, it depends on what we can dig up. If this asshole's not an idiot he's going to use his position to keep his deviancy as well hidden as he can. Plus he taug
[21:28] <Kotono> to keep his deviancy as well hidden as he can. Plus he taught that fucker behind that massacre in Erenholm all his stuff. So he's a dangerous as well as a Prince and an asshole."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Assuming he's not done the old corrupt the entire scene behind the scenes routine," J makes a face at that. "I don't like our odds if we have to face the entire fucking army."
01[21:30] <Seira> "The best way to resolve this is to ask him, I think," Seira suggests. "There might be an entire network of likeminded nobles or even royalty."
[21:30] <Kotono> Sputtering on her drink, coughing and then leaning forward towards Seira, "ASK him? Fucking Mystra, do you think I should just cut my own throat beforehand? It would save him the time of getting us killed!"
06[21:31] * Seira shrugs at J. "An army is not a problem, I could probably take it down without heavy losses on their side. But the other part... yeah, could be troublesome."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Down J," Serge whispers. "Let's back up here. Even if we -can- take the entire army, I'd rather do this without having to do that."
01[21:33] <Seira> "Yeah, it would get old real fast," Seira agrees, nodding. "So I'm thinking, let's ask Albert extra nicely. I'll make him an offer he can't refuse. Then we'll know for sure."
[21:35] <Kotono> "Seriously?" Serge looks back to Seira now, "First of all, we'll have to manage to meet him. Easier said than done, though I'm sure we could whip up some bullshit. Second of all, what will asking serve us?"
06[21:36] * Seira blinks. "Like I was saying, we'll know who else is involved?"
[21:37] <Kotono> "What I'm not seeing is why the hell he'd tell us anything. Once he's done laughing he'll have us escorted out if we're lucky." Eyeing Seira, "Do you think he's just going to tell us his entire setup here if we ask him?"
01[21:41] <Seira> "It depends on how we're asking, but first we'll have to show him that he has already lost. That's where the problem lies." Seira sighs. "So troublesome. Let's take this one step at a time, and first find out where his newest girl is?"
[21:42] <Kotono> Serge is quiet for a few moments, "Alright. Let's wait for Rods to get back and we can talk this over at home. WE'll hash out the details then."
[21:43] <Kotono> J looks to Seira, "Gutsy." It's all she says, downing her water.
01[21:44] <Seira> "So, how difficult would it be to find a silver mirror of a thousand gold in worth or so?" Seira asks J.
[21:45] <Kotono> "Not impossible. I have a few contacts for that sort of thing. Gimme a few days and I can get you one."
06[21:46] * Seira nods. "As long as no one connects the sudden demand for one with our target, it's all good." She finishes her mug. "This sounds like a fun diversion."

[Corwin]

[20:01] <Kotono> -----------
[20:01] <Kotono> Okay, you're going to spend a few days gathering info under various guises, yes? What are you going to be asking around for?
01[20:03] <Seira> Basic info on Al and whether there's another royal who might have problems with him.
[20:05] <Kotono> Okay. Roll a gather info check?
[20:05] <Kotono> ----
05[20:05] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:05] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[20:05] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[20:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 13." [1d20=3]
[20:07] <Kotono> Seira spends a day in disguises, chatting around. She finds the following information:
[20:09] <Kotono> From the highest, fancy tea and wine gardens to the simplist, slummy buildings about town, Seira finds a few basic facts. Prince Albert Kesse is not in direct line for the throne and thus not all that much of an attention-hog compared to his brother, Prince Kort Kesse. Albert is mostly a playboy from all reports, though Seira doesn't get any solid information after a day of work. She does, however, get an impression of the city. (More)
[20:09] <Kotono> get any solid information after a day of work. She does, however, get an impression of the city. (More)
[20:12] <Kotono> The entire city is packed into the thick walls. There's very little free space since expansion looks to be difficult. While there are general trends to the affluance of city areas, there's often quite a bit of mixing. There seem to bes ufficient guards about to prevent anything too out of control, though not particularly thick on the ground or anything. There's a few dwarves about, not getting much attention for being dwarves. The flag of t
[20:12] <Kotono> There's a few dwarves about, not getting much attention for being dwarves. The flag of the nation seems to be of a pair of mountains with a river running through the center, seen on city buildings and here and there. OOC - Ball's in your court if you want to try again or do something else.
01[20:18] <Seira> The next day Seira dresses up as a traveler and spends it carefully steering conversations towards far lands which might well be a myth to some. The United Baronies get a special interest from her, here, although information about their neighbours is also important.
[20:19] <Kotono> OOC: Steering the conversation towards places lik teh Baronies, Desert Fiefdoms, Kelara, ect al?
01[20:19] <Seira> OOC: I want to know what they know about us, yes
03[20:19] * yippie-kay-yay-melonfarmer-slp is now known as Demedais
01[20:19] <Seira> OOC: Without making it seem like I'm focusing unduly on the Baromies
[20:20] <Kotono> OOC: Roll again, sure.
01[20:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 19." [1d20=9]
03[20:20] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:21] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:24] <Kotono> There's really not much. Seira drifts along, chatting travelers and barkeeps and the like up. She finds one old, salty traveler with an eyepatch, white hair and a limp. When the lands past the jungles come up, the two sharing drinks in a too-quiet for the amount of people in it bar, "Are you from there?" he asks, "Somewhere past the jungles?"
01[20:27] <Seira> "From somewhere in between," Seira responds so casually she might as well have been telling the truth. "Far enough from here to hear wondrous tales about the desert and the frost."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Huh." he pulls down on his drink, "I knew someone who said he was from a place named Malmuth, years and years ago. The names you rattled off sound the same. But you almost never hear anything about them - jungle's a graveyard for those who are curious, and the sea trip is just as dangerous."
06[20:30] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "You'd think it's due to the elements, too, but then you take a boat and then you're under attack. It's almost a relief when it's just the pirates, and not something worse."
[20:31] <Kotono> "If you're looking to head that way, I'd make your will up." Drinking again, "My friend tried to get me to come back with him, but I wasn't aving any part of that suicide trip."
01[20:32] <Seira> "Was that long ago?" Seira asks. "I might be interested, if I had someone to make the trip with me."
[20:34] <Kotono> "15 years?" He says after another drink. The bar really is quiet - there's a lot of decently dressed people about and a few not too rugged adventurer-sorts. All of them seem to keep to their own conversations in a low tone. "If you're looking for company, good luck. It's known by the mercenaries and the like as the last trip you'll ever take. I hope you have enough gold to make men take big risks."
01[20:41] <Seira> "So what does a mercenary do around here, when they're not being asked to take on huge risks?"
[20:43] <Kotono> "Drink, eat, talk, rest up, resupply. City's usually pretty quiet, even with King Denegren on the way out." His voice is quite low here, keeping it to a near murmur. "Imagine it as the homebase for a few hundred men who are willing to kill, search, loot, protect and more for money. Things get out of hand and bad things occur, but..."
01[20:46] <Seira> The situation must be interesting indeed if everyone is discussing regime change once you drink a bit with them. Politely thanking the aged traveler for the conversation, Seira decides to touch base with her local allies.
[20:48] <Kotono> That evening, the three and Seira are in the safe house. It's been marginally cleaned up and a few kegs have been added in. Lounging around, J puts her feet up on the table as she listens to Seira. "Oh yeah, Serge was saying we needed to go over the royal family again. Game for that?"
01[20:49] <Seira> "Sure. Sometimes, the direct approach works. If one of them worshipped Waukeen, why, we would have this in the bag!"
[20:52] <Kotono> "This isnt' like Balmuria," Sitting besides J, Rods puts his own feet up next to hers. With a scowl she brushes them off, "Don't do that, it's rude," she says, even as she doesn't turn away from Seira. "Religion isn't such a massive deal as it is over there. There's still some - ask old Serge about Kossuth - but the royal family doesn't have any hereditary or strong ties to a religious temple. The King goes to the temple of Kelemvor some la
[20:52] <Kotono> The King goes to the temple of Kelemvor some lately, butw hy the hell not? He's about to go croak."
[20:52] <Kotono> "Hey, you have your feet up there!" Rods protests, "What the fuck?"
[20:53] <Kotono> Serge loudly clears his throat, sitting ab it away from it all on one of the beds. "Act less like children, both of you. Anyway, it's not to say religion isn't existant here, but it's much more subdued."
06[20:54] * Seira rolls her eyes at the antics. "Yeah, I get that. But us followers of Waukeen, we share an understanding. And I've yet to meet a stupid one." In her heart, Seira adds in prayer, 'And may I never do.'
[20:57] <Kotono> "Yeah, but Waukeen's based all on trade and travel." Serge rests on his back now, hands supporting his head up. "You get to the jungle and travel's impeded. Just because you worship Waukeen over there, doesn't mean you'll agree completely with them over here. I did a bit of looking into Kossuth over in Balmuria, besides that one incident with the crazy wizard, and some of the doctrine was a bit off compared to what I knew."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Eh," Rods glances back at him, "I wondered what you were up to when you weren't mooning over your knight in shining armor."
01[20:59] <Seira> "Yes. That unfortunate incident," Seira mutters, before shaking her head. "Anyway, I really need to know some basics. Like do you guys actually have any members beyond your place," she says, nodding at Serge, "and if the current King or that crown prince are into religion more than most. One of them following Mystra would give us just the right edge."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Prince Kort, eh...Well wait, let's start with the royal rundown." Rods sends another venomous glare at J's feet, "There's Prince Kort, next in line for the throne. Kinda a wallflower from everything I hear, but he's in good shape. Likes to hunt and get drunk out on the hunts according to the stories. The only religion he's followed is how to be a middling king as far as I know."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Thank you for the added commentary," J rolls her eyes, "There's two Princesses after him, though they aren't automatically in line for the throne. Princess Giselle and Princess Armanda."
01[21:03] <Seira> "Any reason they're not? In line, that is?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "The succession law. See, a princess isn't barred from the throne according to the letter of the law...but they're not included in the official line of succession, either," J snorts now, "Since Princesses are supposed to be pretty and turn into royal baby machines. "Of course, a Princess with enough power and ambition can challenge that...or if there's no other heir, they can take the throne. Queen Deliah was a good queen who took the thron
[21:05] <Kotono> Queen Deliah was a good queen who took the throne from her idiot brother, and Queen-Regent Pacficia the Bloody was the only child of the king when he died prematurely."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Think of them more as royal insurance when the current King does a bad job of sowing his royal oats," Serge pipes up.
01[21:07] <Seira> "And are they good, subservient baby-churning machines, or there's a spark in any of those two?"
[21:10] <Kotono> "Giselle's been off in a mountain home. It's an open secret that she got knocked up a few times as a teenager." Coughing delicately here, "Bastards of the sort that's not tolerated...a stablehand and a petty courtier. Heard she's back in the castle now, though. Probably because dear old King Denegren's close to his end."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Armanda's a decent sort. A bit of a tomboy like J," Rods flicks her shoulder with his fingers, "You could put your feet down," he challenges, before, "Anyway, "Not very ladylike but she's not slept with half the palace, so she's far more in favor with her father."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Speaking of Giselle..." A shake of his head, "The reason the men who did the deed are known is because the two were 'privately' exiled from the country, though apparently no one in the court could stop from gossiping that one over."
01[21:12] <Seira> "So that one's off, and the kingdom's probably doomed some twnety year into the future when one of the bastards raises an army to claim his birthright," Seira muses. "Armanda sounds like my kind of princess, though. Except for the name."
[21:14] <Kotono> "Then there's Prince Albert," Serge continues then. "The playboy that has a good smile and gets along well. Rich, connected, male. He's set for life in Kesse."
[21:15] <Kotono> "There's another princess and three more princes," Rods adds, "Don't forget them, but hell, after awhile, ti's hard to keep all the idle rich royalty straight. Denegren certainly knew how to treat his lovers right."
01[21:16] <Seira> "Isn't it just not fair that a girl sleeps around and she's a slut, but in the prince it's an admirable trait?"
06[21:16] * Seira frowns. "For that alone I want to set him on fire."
[21:17] <Kotono> "I could sleep around with six women on J-OW!" Rods winces as his head is smacked, going up to rub it, "And I'd be a stud. A woman does it and she's a dirty strumpet whore. That's life." With another shrug there, "Besides," Grinning at Seira and J, "Women should stay at home, be barefoot, and watch the kids."
[21:18] <Kotono> "Dont' rise to the bait," Serge says quickly. "ANYWAY."
01[21:20] <Seira> "Your life must be so hard," Seira tells Serge sympathetically.
[21:21] <Kotono> "There's Princess Manara. She's just out of childhood and looks cute at formal functions. That's about it. As for the Princes? Prince Dolfuss, Prince Kenneth and Prince Denegren. He'll be Denegren the second if he ever takes the throne." Rubbing his forehead, "It is the fires that Kossuth tempers my soul in. I think."
01[21:23] <Seira> "Prince Doofus?" Seira winces. "Yikes. I'll take Amanda with an R over that one."
[21:24] <Kotono> J crosses her arms and stares daggers at Rods, who grins back cheekily at her. As the two are distracted, "That's the rundown of them. The closest mercs like us get to them is standing out of the way when a carraige they're in is coming down the street."
01[21:25] <Seira> "Right. So let's get back to basic geography? What else is there aside from Kesse?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "To the south there's a few kingdoms and large dukedoms. Alhan is allied to Kesse and directly on our southeast border. They're related to our royal family through marraiges. Evrai is dead south and we're on bad terms with them, but they're quite good and keep a large enough standing military to ward off squashing them easily. To the east there's the ocean, though Kesse doesn't quite connect to it yet. There's a lot of free cities allied to
[21:30] <Kotono>  To the east there's the ocean, though Kesse doesn't quite connect to it yet. There's a lot of free cities and minor nobles allied to Kesse or in our power, but not annexed in." (More)
[21:33] <Kotono> "To the north there's more hills and eventually mountains immediately. The Dukedom of Sanaxt holds most of those lands. We've been at war and peace with them off and on for about two hundred years. Peace right now, since King Denegren's dying and their Duke's apparently focusing on the north and west instead of south on us. To the west, more mountains, mountain kingdoms and dwarves below."
01[21:36] <Seira> "Okay. So now comes a very important question. You mentioned religion and worship working differently around these parts. So what would cause a playboy prince -- or one pretending to be, to obfuscate his true nature -- tie his fate to Shar?"
[21:37] <Kotono> "That's the question worth the entire treasury of gold, isn't it?" Serge says spectulatively, lying back and staring up at the ceiling. "You don't just walk to a temple of Shar and ask to convert, either. My guess? He's either been given some sort of divine prodding, a priest turned him, or he's a really sick son of a bitch who found Shar instead of the other way."
[21:38] <Kotono> "That's just guesswork, though." J adds in, turning away from staring a hole into Rods' eyes. "To be honest, none of us know that much of cults of Shar around here. They're not one of the small estabished churches. There might be a solid movement that we don't knwo about. Isn't part of Shar's worship secrets and darkness and all of that?"
01[21:39] <Seira> "Oh, definitely," Seira agrees. "But you're looking at it from another direction. My question is far simpler." She mirrors J's position, resting her own feet on the table. "Here I am, a prince who can have everything. My old brother doesn't sound so hot, so I could take over without much trouble. Why Shar? What does she give me?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Yeah," Serge speaks up, "At least over in Balmuria from what literature I turned up. But...mph." Chewing his lip, "I can't answer that beyond weak guesses. None of us KNOW Albert. He's just another rich noble to us. I couldn't tell you what makes him get out of bed each morning or what keeps him going."
01[21:40] <Seira> "I couldn't really turn up any clues as to whether someone in the family doesn't like him particularly. Any chance either of you does?"
[21:42] <Kotono> "I could give you a few pointers for info sources that could help. You'll have to pay some money to grease the wheels, but it couldn't hurt," Serge says, "But no. Before this I figured Albert wasn't anyone of interest. No one seems to particulary hate him or much like him."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Troublesome," Seira mutters. "Alright. We have our preliminary information. Now, I need you guys to decide. Just how official do you want me to make it?"
[21:44] <Kotono> "Elaborate on that first," J says.
01[21:47] <Seira> "I could just walk in the front door as the official representative of the United Baronies, gain an audience with King Denegren and deliver our formal complaint. I won't even have to fake it; I have such authority at my disposal." Seira shrugs.
01[21:47] <Seira> "I could pick a royal to approach covertly, and I think you know which one I'd favor in that case, and try to work together with her to formulate a plan of action. Or I could just conceal my identity entirely for the remainder of my visit here. Or anything in between. Each approach has its pros and cons."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Well hell," Shaking his head, "Why not announce to Prince Albert that you're going to want to be exiled or executed," Serge shakes his head. "Unless you're absolutely, 500% certain you'll succeed, I'd play it low. We've talked it over as well and this is suited for more subtle means."
[21:49] <Kotono> "The problem is that one misstep goes bad, and the name United Baronies means jack and shit over here," J adds. "What are you going to do if they don't take you seriously? Declare war when you're ages of travel away?"
01[21:51] <Seira> "The plausibility of harm coming to me nonewithstanding," Seira responds, "such a plan would keep you three in the clear and safe, overall. Whatever happens, you won't be involved, even if there is a reprisal. Would I be taken seriously? Quite, as I can prove that part, at least. Would the court have reason to care?
01[21:51] <Seira> Not about Balmuria, but a rogue prince consorting with Shar and capable of such magics... it would be in their own best interests to deal with him."
[21:55] <Kotono> "If you can talk them into it," J says after some thought, "You're dripping confidence to try and go in there and pull that off, though."
01[21:57] <Seira> "Albert must have designs for Kesse," Seira states firmly. "That's my working assumption, and one without which not much makes sense. Therefore, even in the worst case scenario, a seed of mistrust, of doubt, would be left here. And Albert would have to work against that, while the people around him are bound to be that extra bit more wary.
01[21:57] <Seira> Of course, no one likes a plan with slim chances. What about option number two?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "Depends on which royal," Rods thinks, getting up to get a drink of ale, "Which one got your fancy?"
01[21:59] <Seira> "Do you think I could get her to legally change her name?" Seira asks intently. "Amanda is just much prettier."
[22:00] <Kotono> Chuckling to himself, "Try away. Anyway, do you have a plan at getting in contact with her? I can take you by the castle tomorrow and show you the basics, but getting into see her will take more work."
01[22:01] <Seira> "J, how does the greater teleport spell work?"
[22:01] <Kotono> "You're thinking about teleporting right into the castle," J asks right back.
01[22:02] <Seira> "I'm thinking I just need to have a good idea in my mind of her bedroom, if there is no information about the schedule she keeps."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Fucking Kossuth," Rods grins, "You sure don't screw around. Get caught at it and you're asking to be seen as a spy or an assassin, though."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Pair it with invisibility," J adds, "Rods is right about that risk."
01[22:04] <Seira> "From where?" Seira asks innocently. "They haven't even heard of the Baronies here, isn't that right? I'll just teleport away, yelling, 'And that's what happens when you mess with Albert!'"
[22:04] <Kotono> "Oh." Smiling a little at that, "Sneaky, I like it. What exactly are you going to do in there. You're not going to..." J draws a line over her throat.
01[22:05] <Seira> "What, molest her in her sleep?" Seira asks. "Nah. I'll probably use the usual protections, too. Invisibility is always a good idea, unless I specifically know they watch for it. No one ever does, though."
[22:08] <Kotono> "Good luck, then," Serge says, "When are youg oing to try it?"
01[22:09] <Seira> "As soon as I have the right spells, if you three don't have a better idea. I tend to like to work with at least some facet of the local government. Even if everything goes badly, I'm reassured that the state knows about the problem and could take measures to resolve it on its own. Plus, it just builds friendships."
[22:17] <Kotono> "Right," A short nod by Serge, "Alright then. With that spell, you can just will to go there and you'll be there?"
01[22:19] <Seira> "There is a very slight chance I will miss, but I could always try again the next day," Seira responds, much like she did when they first discussed it in Balmuria. "We still need to decide on a few things. How hard would it be to get the right information about Albert's newest flame? Do any of you have any sources who could try to find out what's going on with him... those you can trust, of course?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "It'll take me a day or two, but I can call in favors," Serge says as he thinks.
01[22:23] <Seira> "If it's a question of money, I could supply some within reason," Seira muses. "Just keep in mind that most of my capital is invested, and only a fraction is truly fluid and available immediately. If it's a question of trust or risk, however, it's better to not alert our good friend of our intentions, even at the cost of reduced information."
[22:24] <Kotono> "The money's not that backbreaking, and we're well enough off right now," Serge says, "I trust these people...more or less."
06[22:25] * Seira nods. "Let's hope people realize enough that Shar is a bitch and it's ultimately pointless to bargain or deal with her. What else... you're keeping that mirror in mind, right? It might be important."
[22:26] <Kotono> "Yeah," J shifts her attention back to Seira, "I have one lined up to use. Friendly mage'll let you use it for 100 gold a spell."
01[22:27] <Seira> "A successful spell," Seira haggles with a smile. "You know how tricky divinations can be."
[22:29] <Kotono> "When will you need it, and I'll see about the haggling," J responds.
06[22:31] * Seira snorts. "Okay. Doubt I'll need it before we find out more. And back to you three, once more. Just how far are you going with this? All the way? I can't help but remember that if all else fails I have a home to return to, while this is yours."
[22:32] <Kotono> "I'd prefer not to hang, but let's be honest. If this goes well, we could be set for life," Rods shakes his bearded face here, "High risk, high rewards. If it's not possible to topple it for gain and fame, I was going to play things cooler and for the long game."
06[22:33] * Seira glances at J and Serge in turn.
[22:34] <Kotono> J nods after a moment. For Serge, "I wasn't going to do anything that could trace to us. I wasn't planning on walking in and ending this in a few days. I pegged it as a long term project that we only conclude when we have safe as steel evidence and support."
01[22:35] <Seira> "Then that would be one of our options," Seira agrees. "If that's how things turn out, I'll make a series of short-ranged jumps on my way home, so that I could follow up even with a regular teleport later on. Sendings and the like would allow us to stay in touch, if we simply can't do anything about this problem in the short term."
[22:44] <Kotono> "That sounds good," Serge says at last. "If Albert's capable behind his basic apperance, this may not be solved so easily. Jobs never go that smoothly, especially big ones."
06[22:47] * Seira blinks. "It's quite possibly an overestimation of his true abilities, but if you heard the same story I did from Alicia, then you must know he has access to magic more powerful than in my possession. Even a complete fool with such spells presents a difficult target."

[Corwin]

[19:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: So you're going to rest that night, change spells and...what are you going to do the next morning?
01[19:16] <Seira> It would be nice if they told me a bit more about my target, but I'm good with assuming they did and me knowing random minor stuff about her if I need them.
[19:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Armanda's pretty much a tomboy is what you'll gather from them. A bit adventurous, likes to see things. Moderately attractive but not stunning, too lean. Hasn't had any seen relationships or the like, but old Dad's fading so who knows there?  Things like that, her more personal aspects aren't really seen much because she's royalty and distant from the riff-raff.
01[19:23] <Seira> Okay. Any chance for a good desc of her chambers, like from stories her maids might have? She's a royal, she doesn't know the meaning of privacy.  >_>
[19:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> You'd need to scour for information. Despite Rods perhaps wishing it once or twice, none of them have really ahd a chance to become aquanted with her bedchambers.
01[19:32] <Seira> A day will be spent using invisibility and spamming clairvoyance at the empty windows of the castle to get a better understanding of its layout. I might get lucky with it, too.
01[19:32] <Seira> My range with the spell is some 900ft
01[19:33] <Seira> 960, to be exact
[19:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Okay. How many castings of clairvoyance can you have?
01[19:35] <Seira> I have 9 spots of lvl3+ spells and a recast, so 10 total
[19:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Okay.
[19:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> ---
[19:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira cloaks herself to be unseen and heads to the castle. It's near the center of the town, a heavy stone building sealed off by a moat, with a drawbridge and the like. It's much like a microcosm of the city itself, the moat around it, then a wall, then presumably the castle grounds inside, but the wall is too high to casually see over it. People come and go, occasionally guards lowering and opening the drawbridge to let people pass.
03[19:38] * Celenu (WinNT@user-54444727.lns3-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[19:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> People come and go, occasionally guards lowering and opening the drawbridge to let people pass. From pennants the flag of Kesse flies, a pair of mountains with a river through the middle.
06[19:42] * Seira is not without a moderate knowledge of architecture, and chooses to approach the side of the castle most likely used to house its royal owners. One of the windows there would be a good place to use her first divination, while remaining a safe distance and invisible, too far from other people to be overheard.
[19:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Make an K:A check then?
[19:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Architexture that is.
01[19:43] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 25?
[19:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> While not being able to see over the castle wall makes guessing difficult, Seira knows most castles keep the royal chambers deep in the center of the castle. Nice, warm, well protected, that sort of thing. Unless they're big fan of castle towers, but you don't see any particularly large ones about.
[19:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Casting, Seira gets an eagle eyed view of the castle! It's in the shape of many rectangles, squares and circles melded together over time. It looks like it's expanded over the years. The castle is three stories with two towers in the center that go another two stories. The bulk of the castle's center is  agreat big square of hewn stone, with smaller buildings and wings connected. Just past the drawbridge is quite a large courtyard, so
[19:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> with smaller buildings and wings connected. Just past the drawbridge is quite a large courtyard, some detached stables and other buildings in it. There are a few big, deep wells in the sides of the courtyard as well.
[19:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The courtyard is just past the drawbrige and past the moat/wall.
06[19:56] * Seira dismisses the first magical sensor from her mind, and summons another to take a loot within one of the central tower, going for what must be its top floor. A simple calculation of how thick the walls must be, with a safety margin, and she calls upon her magic once more.
01[19:56] <Seira> *look, bah
[19:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Inside of the top floor is a single large room. The windows inside are reasonably large, contrasting the more slit like windows on the lower floors of the castle. Here several younger guards are about, sitting in chairs and peering out over the city. They chatter as they do, eight of them in total. OTherwise the room has a table with a few maps on it - looks like maps of the city.
06[19:59] * Seira takes a casual look at the maps for any differences from those shown to her by Serge earlier.
[20:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> They look like very detailed maps. They have long pages of notes attached, as well as the names of the various shops/buildings and what floors each are on. It looks very detailed. It's not starkly different, merely far more elaborated and grand. Someone spent a lot of time onthis.
[20:02] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The pub where J paid off the barkeep is noted. The safehouse the mercs used are listed in a block or 'homes/some abandoned'.
01[20:03] <Seira> Nice. Seira's next sensor seeks to appear in the very center of the cube, around shoulder height for what would be the ground level.
[20:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Caster levle check?
01[20:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 33." [1d20=19]
[20:06] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+7
06[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+7 and gets 9." [1d20=2]
[20:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The throne room! Seira's gaze can take it in. Soldiers stand on guard in a line leading up to the throne. Here an old man sits, face drawn and pale. He wears soft clothes and an ermine cape, a heavy gold crown sitting on his head. A pair of men in noble's clothing kneel before him, speaking. It looks normal enough...except for that the throne His Majesty sits on is made of beautiful wood and gold. Frop atop it, above the king's head,
[20:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> except for that the throne His Majesty sits on is made of beautiful wood and gold. Frop atop it, above the king's head, the insignia of an eye begins to radiate light.
01[20:12] <Seira> Interesting. Seira decides to observe the progress of their detection systems, while checking to see which royals are in attendance besides the king.
[20:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The king says something, his color turning worse. The guards stiffen to attention, a three-set of them running off after the King commands. There don't look to be any other royals in the throne room right now - though this changes within a half minute. A man with pasty, delicate features hurries in, wearing noble's clothes as well. He briefly bows to the King, before talking with him briefly. His gaze goes to the glowing eye, quite vi
[20:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> quite visibly mouthing, 'How dare someone spy on us?'
06[20:18] * Seira can never understand why royals think they are above it. What's a little scrying between friends? She decides to continue watching the show.
[20:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Soon after another man comes in. He's a tall man with a limp, a wooden foot noted. His features are drawn as he looks about, murmuring a few words, tossing white and silver powder into the air! He points right at the sensor for clairvoyance!
01[20:30] <Seira> If Seira could wave back at him, she would.
[20:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The man makes more gestures, casting a spell!
[20:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+8
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+8  and gets 20." [1d20=12]
[20:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> But nothing seems to happen! The spellcaster shakes his head, the King straining to stand up. He says a few quick, sharp words, before falling back onto his throne.  They're easy enough to lip read: "Find the diviner behind this!'
01[20:36] <Seira> This is quickly getting boring for Seira. It managed to establish that the official magical strength of the crown is probably not enough to seriously oppose her, but little else. If no one rushes into the throne room within the minute, or no interesting new spells are cast, she'll let this sensor fade as well.
[20:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The King stays on the throne, while another enters. He is tall, young, well kept. HIs body is in reasonably good shape, wearing full plate armor. The symbol of Kesse is over the front breastplate - two mountains split by a river. He speaks to the King without bowing, "Father, by your leave, you are not well. If the Eye of the Throne has detected a problem, I would like to have it dealt with."
[20:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The king coughs, his lips easy to read as his words are slower and more carefully spoken. "Kort...do as you will." he says.
01[20:41] <Seira> And Seira's interest returns! She's heard of Albert's exploits. Is this prince also someone who attained power of his own, or just a man that relies on his father's status?
[20:41] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Father," He nods to him once more, turning and leaving the throne room.
01[20:42] <Seira> Not a wizard, then. Seira terminates the connection, and relocates discreetly, deciding to study another part of the cube.
06[20:46] * Seira puts on both rings of teleportation, for good measure.
[20:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira chooses another part of the cube! This time she finds herself in what looks to be a large dining hall. Tapestries and flags hang on the walls, the table clean and empty. Not much going on here right now, just a few servants sweeping the floor and looking miserably bored. A few doors are here - one's open and looks to connect right to some kitchens.
06[20:48] * Seira tries other parts of the cube, attempting to learn the layout of it, so that she would be able to make sense of it even without a map, if she were forced to navigate it on foot.
[20:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The next five scryings show her that the cube is quite big indeed. She sees a grand hall, a storage closet(Bad luck there), a connecting passage(Looks like there's a web of winding passages that connect everything here and stairs that go up to the higher stories), and oh! A bedroom on the fourth try. A rather nice one - a grand bed and immaculately clean. A harp sits in a corner, a velvet couch and divan as well. A vast flag with the
[20:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A harp sits in a corner, a velvet couch and divan as well. A vast flag with the symbol of Kesse hangs on one wall. A bookshelf is lined with books.
06[20:53] * Seira has the time to examine the titles of the books as well as she can from her vantage point, and takes it.
[20:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Most of the books are in common, though a few are in dwarven, a couple in elven and even one in celestial. Maps and histories of KEsse and the surrouding areas, a treatise on how to lead and rule well, stories of noble warriors, a genology book of the Kessian royal family, dwarven works on dwarven culture, an elven study titled to be about song and dance, and the book in celestial is about rising above the mundane and improving the wo
[20:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> and the book in celestial is about rising above the mundane and improving the world around you.
[20:58] <Tiny_Ko_Army> There's also a desk with some papers on it, a few doors leading to other rooms and one that's ajar that looks to be a large closet and so forth. Nothing that immediately identifies the owner of the room on a glance.
01[20:59] <Seira> Her invisibility spells are about to run out at this rate, only a single casting remaining, and Seira decides to adjust her appearance and clothing to that of a maid she had seen hanging around the kitchens, looking bored, and steps into the room!
01[20:59] <Seira> roll 1d100 TP
06[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 TP and gets 41." [1d100=41]
[21:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira appears in the room! It's well lit by a few discreet torches and lamps. No one else is here, no sign of anything awry.
01[21:02] <Seira> As her invisibility spell leaves her, Seira gives the room a cursory search. It would be nice to learn who uses it, after all, and see if there is any sign of the schedule they keep. Her only desire is to leave no overt traces of her search.
01[21:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+25 search?
06[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 search? and gets 26." [1d20=1]
[21:07] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Taking her time, Seira searches the room. On the desk she finds a few papers. They're orders, signed by Prince Kort Kesse. They're for mundane things, left to dry and covered. One is to have a soldier demoted for the Prince catching him asleep athis post, another is for a special dinner to be prepared in a few day's time. Nothing too exciting. Otherwise, in one of the drawers there is a golden seal-stamp. It's of the symbol of Kesse a
[21:07] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Otherwise, in one of the drawers there is a golden seal-stamp. It's of the symbol of Kesse and looks well made. Next to the bed on a small table with little drawers is a sack of heavy golden coins. In the closet are many rich silk and fancy clothes.
06[21:08] * Seira blinks. Royal life must be even less glamorous than she thought, if they make the rounds and personally oversee the demotion of common troops.
06[21:10] * Seira listens at the door for almost a full minute, next. If there are any guards stationed outside it, she figures she has a decent chance to hear them chat or shuffle.
[21:10] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Listen check?
01[21:10] <Seira> OOC: Can I spam them for 20?
[21:10] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: If you like.
01[21:11] <Seira> OOC: Sure. That would be... 20, I think.
01[21:11] <Seira> OOC: Ah, got a +2
[21:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Taking her time and listening, Seira can eventually hear something through the door. It's highly muffled, but she can make out conversation distantly. It's not that close, or there's more than just the door obscuring it. She can't really make out what they're saying.
01[21:13] <Seira> Well, then. Time for this comely maid to be on her way! Picking and then piling on a few clothes that look like they could stand being laundered, Seira opens the door into the corridor.
[21:15] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door out is not into a corridor, but to another room. This room has a vast fireplace and enough seats to sit thirty. Good seats, rich seats, soft seats. Yet is is quiet, only another door ahead. Paintings are hung here, a few selected books left on a table near the fireplace.
06[21:16] * Seira takes a brief inventory of the books, before listening at the door. If there are guards here after all, she might rethink her strategy.
[21:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A book of elven poetry, a book of philosphy, a book of Divine Right and rulership. Listening at the door, Seira can hear conversation much better now. "...him that I wasn't going to put up with that," A bored voice says, nasal and clogged. Another answers that, "Yes, that's nice," he says, distance ane dripping, gushing boredom.
06[21:19] * Seira decides to listen in for now!
[21:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Now then, when this cold is over? I'll go eat ten girls!" He says grandly, while the other yans, "That's nice..." he repeats, and then another comment by the nasal-toned one, "Ale and whores, my wageswill be put to good use!"
01[21:28] <Seira> Change of plans! Seira returns to Kort's inner chambers, carefully replaces the items she borrowed, and tries another divination! It is rather likely that his siblings would be staying nearby, and so she takes a glance at the suite next door, or where she estimates one to be, given that she can now tell for certain how these suites are built and the thickness of the inner walls.
[21:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The next room is the room of a Princess. That there is of no doubt. It is a woman's room - softly lit and delicate, a large mirror and dresses hung about. It is quite clean, though one of the door is ajar and light comes from it.
06[21:39] * Seira waits a minutes to see if anything changes, while preparing to cast the spell again.
[21:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> After about a half minute, the ajar door opens! In comes a woman with lustrous brown hair, like chestnuts. It's long and daintily kept down to her lower back. She wears a brown length of cloth across her body, obviously quite wet and dripping, as if coming from the bath. Two women follow her, maids going to one of the dresses and inspecting it as the woman sits down. She sits heavily on her bed, her face a composed, distant thing. As
[21:43] <Tiny_Ko_Army> her face a composed, distant thing. As one prepares a dress, the other gets a hairbrush of white ivory and gemstones, starting to stroke the woman's hair out. From the description, she's likely Princess Giselle.
01[21:44] <Seira> She's getting closer! Fun though it might be to watch the princess get pampered, Seira tries the suite past Giselle's.
[21:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> This suite - well, there's something going on, alright. Prince Kort is in here, talking toa  woman wearing man's clothing. She wears a nobleman's clothes, albiet cut well to flatter her form. With her brown hair tied back into a ponytail, she's talking to the armored Prince.
01[21:48] <Seira> Excellent! Seira certainly hopes they oblige her by positioning themselves just so relative the sensor that she could read their lips!
[21:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No such luck for Kort - his back is facing the sensor. You get a look at the other one, though. "...thing is silly," she says. "If anyone dared..."
01[21:50] <Seira> Unfortunate, but she'll do her best to construct the rest of the conversation from just one half of it.
[21:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Kort says something here, perhaps, the other woman stopping her speech before she nods to him, lowering her head with blazing eyes. "Yes, brother. Will this be a trifling matter then?"
[21:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Another pause, as the woman keeps her head down. This obscures her mouth from view for a time before she raises it, entirely controlled. "It's your order," she says.
[21:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Kort then turns away, walking out of th eroom. Once he's gone, the woman goes to her bed and sits on it a moment, running a hand through her bangs.
06[21:56] * Seira doesn't have much time, if he is headed back to his rooms. The logical, sensible thing to do here would be to return to the hideout and recover her spells. Seira, of course, would have none of that! She adjusts her features and clothing to match Kort's, as she had just seen him.
01[21:56] <Seira> Once she has seen Kort leave the suite altogether, she spends ten seconds waiting and teleports into the room he had just vacated. Ideally, it would be empty, and she could proceed towards Princess Armanda's bedroom from there.
[22:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira so teleports! Shifting her guise into a far more male one, she enters into the room. The woman there looks back, "Brother, what is it?"
01[22:07] <Seira> "A question on a hypothetical matter," Seira says quietly, observing Armanda. "If someone from outside the kingdom were to seek the aid of its royalty on an urgent matter, but couldn't go through the official channels, what should they do?"
[22:09] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Armanda blinks at that, standing up from her bed. She moveds well, a sort of fluid in shapeness. "I would think that.." she pauses, before just smiling. "It would depend on what it was? Why such a strange question?"
01[22:12] <Seira> "Alright, then. A scenario." Seira leans against the doorframe, mindful of her illusion lest she cast doubts upon it with her actions. "If a diplomatic incident could be triggered that might lead to war if an official mission were dispatched to Kesse, but the matter was important and time-critical, too much so to go through the lengthy process of intermediaries.
01[22:12] <Seira> What would you do, were you in the messenger's shoes?"
[22:17] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Find someone in power or position to speed the matter along," Armanda answers after some thought, looking at her brother neutrally. "Was it the dogs in Sanaxt?"
01[22:22] <Seira> "Ah, no." Seira looks embarrassed, which must seems strange with Kort's borrowed face. "I had the same idea, see, but I've been too rash about implementing it. You see, I've decided to seek you out to see if this not-at-all-hypothetical matter could be resolved.
01[22:22] <Seira> I really hope that I haven't made a mistake in trusting you because I used my last spell to get here and leaving quietly would be quite a quandary." Seira pauses. "Is this the part where you let me explain the situation, or the part where you call for guards? Not to make your decisions for you or anything of the sort, but you could always call for the guards later if you don't like my explanation, Highness."
03[22:22] * Taishyr is now known as everydaysgreatatyourjunes
[22:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I see..." Looking downward, "Come here then," she pats the bed besides her. "We can talk. You've gone to great lengths to reach me, haven't you? The Eye of the Throne's being stirred was your doing?"
01[22:25] <Seira> "An accident, really," Seira responds, shifting the disguise towards the standard one she keeps on as she takes a seat on the bed. "I so rarely get to exercise my divinations that I got a little carried away where a bit of legwork would have served me just as well. My sincere apologies for inadvertantly giving your father a hard time."
[22:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "A woman! I thought your voice was strange," Armanda says as Seira sits down, the Princess scooting closer. "An elf-child as well. For the sake of the royal family, you are excused. Speak then and tell me what is so important."
06[22:29] * Seira smiles. "I only wish the rest were as easy. This might be a bit difficult to take in, but I come from beyond the jungle. Quite a ways beyond it, in fact. From a land so distant it would be a pleasant surprise if you've heard of it. The United Baronies, a country born out of the civil war of the Malmuthian Empire in recent history."
[22:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh!" Nodding to that, "What could such a faraway realm have to do with us?"
01[22:36] <Seira> "Not much, normally," Seira responds, nodding herself. "As you must realize, very few of us had knowledge of Kesse, in turn. However, an event took place in our domain that made learning about Kesse a priority. If my previous words were hard to swallow, what comes next must be even more difficult to believe. Nonetheless, we learned of Kesse when its prince committed a sudden act of war against us."
[22:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh..." Holding her head in her hands, "Prince...which one?"
01[22:40] <Seira> "Prince Albert. There was no warning; suddenly, an entire settlement was annihilated, and those who didn't perish were turned into monsters, all done in the service of Shar. If one of our elite defenders of the realm weren't nearby to put a stop to that, the damage might have been far greater."
[22:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Hiding her face in her hands, "Oh...oh..." she murmurs softly. "I'm sorry, but...I can hardly believe it. Albert..." Standing up, "Stay here. I'll have my brother here very quickly. Prince Kort is the crown prince, and if something so horrible has happened, he is the only one that can do anything against Albert."
01[22:45] <Seira> "Can anything be done?" Seira asks, stopping her. "Approaching the crown prince is much like approaching the king. I don't have much in the way of evidence with me, and unless your other brother has tattooed his allegience to Shar somewhere upon his person, I couldn't prove even that much, even if that alone constitutes a crime in Kesse.
01[22:45] <Seira> I approached you because I wanted to know my options before I made an appeal that could not be officially ignored."
[22:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Stopping now at those words, "Only my father could have Albert stopped, if this is true. However, Father is weak and Kort handles many duties already. Can you find concrete proof of Albert's role?"
01[22:52] <Seira> "It's possible," Seira agrees. "How concrete it is depends on your laws, and so I would like to discuss matters with you a bit longer, before we were to speak with the crown prince, if that is alright," she requests, before asking suddenly, "Do you have a magical education, Princess?"
[22:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "No," she shakes her head, "I have no head for it. Brother would be better at it - he's possessed by a keen mind."
06[22:55] * Seira thinks about it. "Commune or Speak With Dead, a pair of spells either of which would be sufficient proof back home. If the same holds true here, then I believe I could present my case to your brother."
[22:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "In that case..." Armanda bows her head to think, "I can get someone who can do that." she says at last. "I'm sure I can."
01[22:58] <Seira> "It... wouldn't really be pleasant, but I believe our citizens would have wished to help justice get done, and I share no sympathy with the executed agent of Shar." Seira considers. "It's also possible for me to take several people on a brief day-long trip to our lands to present the evidence available first-hand."
[23:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I...as much as this makes me sick, this is very serious," Armanda says, "But it doesn't matter if it's pleasant, we have to do something." STanding up now, "Stay here now, the sooner I bring back one who can unweave this accusation and mystery, the better."
01[23:04] <Seira> "Alright," Seira agrees, resigning herself to a wait.
01[23:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
06[23:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 9." [1d20=5]
[23:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Going tod o anything while you wait?
01[23:05] <Seira> OOC: Nothing much I can do, though I hope she's not backstabbing me
[23:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> About twenty minutes pass. Armanda returns, this time with a smiling man. An older man, pasty and pale. The man who saw and attempted to dispel your magic, notably. He walks up to Seira, "I understand that there's a serious matter here? The Princess insisted that I come immediately." Meanwhile, Armanda goes to stand next to Seira.
01[23:10] <Seira> "And one that requires discretion, for the time being," Seira confirms. "I inquired about the means of communing with the deities or speaking with those who have passed. Would any of those fall under your area of expertise?"
[23:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I can manage that, yes," he says, offering his hand for Seira to shake. "I'm sorry, I didn't get your name, though."
01[23:12] <Seira> "Seira," she responds, taking it. "I assume you refer to the latter? I'm not used to the former being commonplace, in all honesty."
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> It's odd. His hand feels warm - very warm. Smooth too, no skin slack. The grip is like iron...!!! And it's around Seira! IN a flash the old man is attacking like the wind, a dynamo of offensive! To your side, Armanda leaps into action at the same time, the pair wordless as they abruptly assail Seira!
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+23 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal)
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+23 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal) and gets 35." [1d20=12]
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+23 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal)
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+23 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal) and gets 25." [1d20=2]
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+18 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal)
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+18 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal) and gets 32." [1d20=14]
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+13 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal)
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+13 (+1 haste, +6 burning sixth level slot, as well as 3 level 2 slots; nonlethal) and gets 29." [1d20=16]
[23:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Flatfooted AC?
01[23:18] <Seira> OOC: 21. I also have my temp hp which I now need to roll, whee
[23:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Roll it first?
01[23:18] <Seira> roll 1d10+10
06[23:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 19." [1d10=9]
[23:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 8d8+24+48d4+4 vile I suspect you're about to be KOed here by the storm of nonlethal damage.
06[23:20] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 8d8+24+48d4+4 vile I suspect you're about to be KOed here by the storm of nonlethal damage. and gets 196." [8d8=3, 4, 7, 7, 7, 5, 8, ]
[23:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The slams catch Seira off guard! Her wind is knocked out of her, her senses going dead black as she's hit so far she sees herself soaring through the air! She dimly feels the impact of the far wall, her mind already retreating into blissful, agonizing unconciousness! (More)
[23:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Her body aches all over. Seira's mind feels like it comes out of a great dark, dark void. What happened? It's all a daze...it's so dark here. So very dark. No light at all. No vision. Her body is restrained, pinned, tied. She can feel her arms bound behind her back and up at an angle, numb save for the gentle caresses of pain. Pain. It hurts. She's cold here - her body feels lighter than it should be. "Awake?" A man's voice asks, a pa
[23:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> her body feels lighter than it should be. "Awake?" A man's voice asks, a painful prodding to the ribs.
01[23:29] <Seira> "Did not expect to be," Seira responds. "What gives?"
[23:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Her voice is hoarse, weak. Her ears ring at the sound, a wave of dizziness crashing over her. "Ah," she can feel her chin being lifted up, her neck cracking. "Seira, is it? I'm curious about what you've done. Your'e a long way from home."
01[23:32] <Seira> "So were you?" she chances. "Is there really a point to keep me blindfolded? I can't see you gloat properly this way, you know."
[23:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Solo gloating is quite fine for me." Chuckling now, "Try again, what's the Crimson Guard doing all the way here? Let alone a dragonwoman."
01[23:37] <Seira> "All part of my cunning plan," she groans. "Solo, was it? Where is your sister?"
[23:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "That was your second mistake. You won't get a third without pain," The voice warns. "Why are you in Kesse? Is anyone else here?" The voice is stronger now, strident, commanding harshly.
01[23:39] <Seira> "Work with me, here," Seira tells him. "You're going to torture me horribly anyway, right? I'll need some incentive to actually talk."
[23:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The covering over Seira's face is lifted! Through blurry eyes she can see a man. A man with good muscles, eyes a tar black and with a look of utter disdain on his face. "That was your last mistake." LIke a dart of lighting, his thumb is jabbing out - right at Seira's left eye!
06[23:44] * Seira cries out in agony, as a fireball explodes all around her, eating at her bindings and her assailant all at once!
[23:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Roll damage?
01[23:45] <Seira> roll 10d6
06[23:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 and gets 26." [10d6=3, 2, 1, 5, 4, 1, 2, 1, 4, 3]
[23:45] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: CL too, you know monks and diamond soul, the bastards.
01[23:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
06[23:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 31." [1d20=16]
[23:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+15 DC?
06[23:47] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+15 DC? and gets 21." [1d20=6]
01[23:47] <Seira> OOC: only 17
[23:48] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Fire erupts around Seira! The thumb at her eye withdraws as the man leaps backwards! Using his arms to travel the edge of the burst he lands ten feet away, parrying through it and coming out unburnt! Seira feels her arms relax - bindings letting go, finding herself on the floor! OOC - Initiative and more description coming.
[23:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The 'room' is rather small - maybe twenty feet in total. It's dark, a single torch next to a steel door shedding light. The steel door is closed. The walls here are of a sturdy looking stone.
01[23:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+12 nerveskitter
06[23:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 nerveskitter and gets 17." [1d20=5]
[23:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira finds herself also unclad, her gear obviously gone.
[23:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+8
06[23:49] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10." [1d20=2]
03[23:49] * Tiny_Ko_Army changes topic to 'Seira>Albert Kesse'
[23:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Go Seira.
[23:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Tch!" Hissing as the room is filled with fire and smoke, "Fine then, I'll rip your arms off, dog!"
01[23:51] <Seira> Screaming incoherently in anger, Seira calls upon her most powerful spell!
01[23:51] <Seira> roll 18d6+15 boosted cone of fire
06[23:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 18d6+15 boosted cone of fire and gets 75." [18d6=6, 3, 1, 6, 5, 1, 2, 5, 4, 3, 4, 5, 1, 1, 5, 4, 2, 2]
01[23:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+15
06[23:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+15 and gets 31." [1d20=16]
[23:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+15 DC?
06[23:52] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+15 DC? and gets 33." [1d20=18]
01[23:52] <Seira> OOC: dc... less than that
[23:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Flames gush out, a massive torrent of fire! The man dives out of the wal, rolling out of it's path entirely! The wall and door behind hima re hit with a massive charring wave, metal door half melted and stone turned black! The door weakens on it's hinges, even as Albert surges forth at Seira, a single snaking blow going right at her!
[23:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Flames gush out, a massive torrent of fire! The man dives out of the wal, rolling out of it's path entirely! The wall and door behind hima re hit with a massive charring wave, metal door half melted and stone turned black! The door weakens on it's hinges, bits of melted metal running down it! It's not off it's hinges or melted on the spot, but it's hanging there like half gone slag and sagging massively!
06[23:55] * Seira uses Albert's dive to dart past him and outside the room, taking a brief stock of her surroundings!
[23:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door is an embrace of melted steel! This doesn't even both Seira, however! Outside of the room is a long hall, a fourset of these steel doors here. Seira came out of the third. Ahead in one direction is another arched door, the walls dark and gloomy here. Only the faintest light can be seen, not that it bothers Seira's eyes. In the other direction is a stairway going down. The door is 50 feet away, the stairway 40. It was 20 feet
[23:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door is 50 feet away, the stairway 40. It was 20 feet out of the room.
Session Time: Wed Dec 31 00:00:00 2008
06[00:02] * Seira bolts for the arched doorway, not liking her chances of going down in what might well be a dungeon. As she stops just short of it, her mind calls out to Lagann desperately, out of hope that he might be just past it.
[00:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No response! The door is closed, though it doesn't look locked. It's of solidish looking wood. OOC - You have 10 ft of movement left if you wanna try to barrel through it or anything.
06[00:03] * Seira hits the door at a run!
[00:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door isn't locked and opens outward, so it works! Lucky for Seira as she finds herself on a balcony shrouded in darkness! Sound comes from here - chanting. Empty, dead chanting, chanting in Common. It is a man's voice, a man's voice full of emptiness. For below you lies a vast cathedral of darkness! (More)
[00:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No light is here - only Seira's eyes let her see. Pews of black oynx lined with purple are here, sixteen of them in two rows. The floor between it is wide, taken up by a black disc engraved into the floor, lined with a dark purple glow that brings to Seira's mind painful images of numb oblivion. Her still slightly numb arms ache in memory of it. At the head of shis is a black point, drenched in dried blood.  Armanda kneels here, weari
[00:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> At the head of shis is a black point, drenched in dried blood.  Armanda kneels here, wearing loose black clothes as she sprinkles a purple liquid over the space.  Kort Kesse stands over her, singing the dirge of void. At their sides are six purple and black robed men, beginning to join in the chorus. A chorus thanking Shar for this gift, this comings acrifice. All of this is 50 feet below. There are a few other balconies here and ther
[00:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> All of this is 50 feet below. There are a few other balconies here and there, several doors on the ground level.
06[00:13] * Seira is a dragon! What this means is that she has wings and Albert would expect her to just fly over
01[00:13] <Seira> OOC: ack, enter key
06[00:14] * Seira is a dragon! What this means is that she has wings and Albert would expect her to just fly off into the mists! But instead, she hides using the door as cover for the chance of catching him off guard when he pursues her.
[00:14] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Hide check?
01[00:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[00:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 20." [1d20=2]
[00:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> A few moments later, Albert rushes to the balcony! He takes a moment to look about...
[00:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+7
06[00:18] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12." [1d20=5]
[00:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Snapping off a momentary curse under his breath, "Brother, she's on the loose," he calls down, "Have someone detect invisibilit above us immediately!"
[00:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Go Seira.
06[00:22] * Seira regulates her breathing, trying to regain her breath as she stays perfectly still.
01[00:22] <Seira> roll 3d8+15
06[00:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+15 and gets 27." [3d8=1, 6, 5]
[00:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Fan out." Kort barks an order, "In the name of her Dark Goddess!" Then...OOC - Listening check, Seira.
01[00:24] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[00:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 16." [1d20=14]
[00:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> It carries enough to be heard next, even over the clatter of feet! "Dispose of the rat," he says, and as he turns, Seira glimpses something. Her short sword, Flash of the Heavens, is belted to hsi side, besides a falchion! "Armanda, finish the desecration rites later." Meanwhile, you can hear magic words being chanted and cast! "No sign of anything," A morose voice says from one of the robed men.
06[00:28] * Seira is still too weak to act, but she can certainly do something about that as she lies in wait.
01[00:29] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
[00:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As Seira prepares to heal herself again, Albert wheels around and goes back down the hall you came from! OO C- Go ahead and act?
06[00:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 18." [2d8=6, 2]
[00:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As Seira heals herself, she hears voices and noise below. The robed men are fanning out, Kort going down one of the side doors. Two stay with Armanda, whiel the others go in various directions.
06[00:31] * Seira waits until she is certain Albert had had time to leave, and then carefully peeks into the corridor, most of her still hidden behind the door.
[00:32] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Albert is gone. The corridor is currentlye mpty.
06[00:34] * Seira creeps down the hall, pausing briefly past each of the locked door to send a mental call to Lagann.
[00:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> This takes one round with Seira's speed movement. No answers in any of the cells at all. She can reach most of the way to the stairs with the rest of her move. (4 rounds left.) Still no sign of anyone about right now.
01[00:35] <Seira> Hiding as best as she can, Seira heads downstairs, peering ahead.
[00:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira reaches the stairs! They go down two stories, with a door halfway and then at the bottom. You could reach the midsection with the rest of your move this round, and the bottom with another half round.
06[00:37] * Seira gets to the halfway point, sending another call to Lagann as she catches her breath by that door.
[00:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No response in that door. It's a wood door like the balcony door. It doesn't look to be locked. (3 rounds.)
[00:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Strike that, 4 rounds. +30 move for double moving here.
[00:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Carry on.
03[00:39] * everydaysgreatatyourjunes is now known as xorntoro
01[00:41] <Seira> Oh, if only divine intervention took place more often! Seira decides risking opening the door she finds herself next to, looking inside.
01[00:41] <Seira> roll 1d1000 because why not?
06[00:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d1000 because why not? and gets 406." [1d1000=406]
[00:42] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The door opens! Inside is a hall leading to two doors on either side, curving around past that around a corner eighty feet away.
06[00:45] * Seira enters the hall, closing the door behind her, and approaches the pair of doors. Lagann must be somewhere around here, and she will keep on trying to call over to him until she gets an answer.
[00:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> No answers from that at all. The doors are one lcosed and one open. Glancing in to the open one, Seira can see several small rooms. Some of -those- doors are open, showing simple, plain living quarters. No one is about.
06[00:51] * Seira tries to do something about the closed door, checking what lies past it, first.
[00:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> More rooms. Looking in, you can see they have a small basket for personal goods. You can see some of the robes like that were worn, as well as occasionally minor personal effects.
01[00:53] <Seira> A robe roughly her size is the first thing Seira appropriates. And then, calling upon her knowledge of Shar, meager though it might be, she roots through the personal effects to see if there is some sort of accessory she should get, lacking which would quickly point her out as an impostor.
[00:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: K R check?
[00:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: MAke a search check too, tinking on it.
01[00:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
06[00:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 15." [1d20=7]
01[00:53] <Seira> roll 1d20+22 search
06[00:53] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 search and gets 42." [1d20=20]
[00:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira finds a robe just her size! Further, she finds tucked away in one of the rooms something useful! There's a bloody dagger(A sacrificial dagger, possibly enchanted knowing Sharrans) and a pair of wrapped scrolls.
01[00:56] <Seira> Thus equipped, Seira checks the scrolls to see if she recognizes the spells on them, before tucking them in and proceeding down the corridor. Having closed the door once more, of course.
[00:57] <Tiny_Ko_Army> It's Dispel Magic and Summon Monster 3. Seira closes the door behind her, going around the corner. IT winds around into a small fireplace and pit, with a very narrow chimney to admit smoke. There's some foodstuffs about.
01[00:58] <Seira> At least she shouldn't be recognized on the spot, now. Seira heads back towards the stairway, intending to descend it.
[00:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Searching and changing should've taken enough time to expire your devotion, by the way.
[01:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Seira descends down! AS she reaches the bottom she can see that it feeds right into the cathedral! IT's one of many doors leading into it, coming out near the middle of the pews on the left side. Here two robed men keep a watch as Armanda continues her unholy work! There are several doors - one leading directly out of this room, two on the opposite wall, and three on the far end, past the altar.
[01:06] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Make a fort save?
01[01:22] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[01:22] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 20." [1d20=3]

[Corwin]

[18:45] <ZombieDune> > It's Dispel Magic and Summon Monster 3. Seira closes the door behind her, going around the corner. IT winds around into a small fireplace and pit, with a very narrow chimney to admit smoke. There's some foodstuffs about.
[18:45] <ZombieDune> <Seira> At least she shouldn't be recognized on the spot, now. Seira heads back towards the stairway, intending to descend it.
[18:45] <ZombieDune> > OOC - Searching and changing should've taken enough time to expire your devotion, by the way.
[18:45] <ZombieDune> > Seira descends down! AS she reaches the bottom she can see that it feeds right into the cathedral! IT's one of many doors leading into it, coming out near the middle of the pews on the left side. Here two robed men keep a watch as Armanda continues her unholy work! There are several doors - one leading directly out of this room, two on the opposite wall, and three on the far end, past the altar.
[18:45] <ZombieDune> > OOC - Make a fort save?
[18:45] <ZombieDune> <Seira> roll 1d20+17
[18:45] <ZombieDune> * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 20." [1d20=3]
[18:45] <ZombieDune> OOC: DM note. Cor's save was -5 lower than rolled, as he forgot to subtract a modifier. However, this is still a bare pass.
[18:46] <ZombieDune> The room ahead is large. It's about 80 feet across from one end to another and about 200 long. (More)
[18:50] <ZombieDune> Agony wails through Seira's body! The feeling of fear turns into one of momentary panic, then agony, then fadingness. A despair is at it as the awareness of Seirat fizzles into the endless void of death. A despair at never seeing his Master again, all while Seira's body recoils, the magical link between the two screaming out! OOC - Ball's in your court.
[19:05] <ZombieDune> Most of the doors are below or nearly below balconies. However, one on this side, near the entrance end of the cathedral, isn't. The main door leading into this has no balcony as well, nor do two others past the altar.
06[19:07] * Seira will soon follow him, won't she? A sort of numbness replaces the terror gripping Seira's heart, and she proceeds to the door to her right. She can't afford to draw any suspicion from Armanda or the other Sharrans, so bolting for what seems to be the exit is futile. She has to find a spot to hide and weather the storm. For now, that mean trying the nearby door situated below a balcony.
[19:09] <ZombieDune> OOC - Make a hide check as you do?
01[19:09] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 28?
[19:10] <ZombieDune> roll 1d20+5 moot
[19:10] <ZombieDune> roll 1d20+5 moot
06[19:10] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d20+5 moot and gets 12." [1d20=7]
06[19:10] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d20+5 moot and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[19:11] <ZombieDune> Seira stays low, moving with soft, silent feet
[19:11] <ZombieDune> OOC - Gah.
[19:12] <ZombieDune> Seira stays low, moving with soft, silent feet! She races to the right under the cover of the gloom of this dark place of Sharran worship, racing to the door she chose! She reaches it without any cries, finding it closed but not obviously locked as far as she can see!
06[19:12] * Seira opens the door, stepping inside and closing it behind her.
[19:13] <ZombieDune> roll 1d20+3
[19:13] <ZombieDune> roll 1d20+3
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d20+3 and gets 7." [1d20=4]
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10." [1d20=7]
[19:13] <ZombieDune> Slipping past and in, Seira finds herself facing a stairway going downwards again.
06[19:16] * Seira decides to have a look. Perhaps a place could be found to hide below.
03[19:17] * Annatoro is now known as Demedais
[19:19] <ZombieDune> There is no light here, only Seira's darkvision helping. The stairs are a hard, cold black stone, leading her far deeper into the earth. After about fifty feet, the stairway comes to an end. A single door is here, covered with a gylph.
01[19:19] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 27 on arcana?
[19:21] <ZombieDune> OOC: Make a K:R check as well?
01[19:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
06[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16." [1d20=8]
[19:21] <ZombieDune> The gylph is a ward against the undead from passing through this door. In particular, incorpreal undead known as shadows. Seira can recall that Shar's teachings favor creatures of shadow and darkness.
01[19:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[19:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 24." [1d20=7]
[19:28] <ZombieDune> There's no dust and not too much scuffing. IT looks well kept and with no signs of heavy traffic. The floor does look very sturdy, however.
01[19:28] <Seira> And that brings back another terrifying memory. Maybe, if she were certain that the servants of Shar would hold no sway over Shar's favored creatures... for now, Seira decides to return, slip out of the door and see if she can try another one.
[19:32] <ZombieDune> Quietly Seira opens the door! Peeking out she can see that the priests are still keeping a casual watch as Armanda continues her ritual! The main door leading into the balcony isn't far from here, though right dead on in the viewpath of the two robed men.  There's the door on the other side, and the ones past where Armanda works. There's also other doors with balconies.
03[19:43] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[19:44] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
01[19:45] <Seira> It looks like she won't be finding the safe hiding spot she wishes without taking risks, and risk-taking had been thoroughly beaten out of Seira. She creeps back to the door she first emerged from, intending on making her way back to that balcony and crouching on it so that the open door and the rise of the balcony itself would provide all the cover she needs to huddle out of view for a few hours.
[19:46] <ZombieDune> OOC - MAke another hide check?
01[19:46] <Seira> OOC: 18 again?
01[19:46] <Seira> OOC: If I can take 10, that's 28
[19:46] <ZombieDune> OOC: Okay.
[19:46] <ZombieDune> Seira sneaks back to where she came! She reaches the balcony without incident, even as her heart races! Thus she settles in to wait for a time! (More)
[19:49] <ZombieDune> After about twenty minutes, you hear bustling below! "Gone," Kort Kesse's voice travels up. "She's escaped."
[19:51] <ZombieDune> "Shar rip her eyes out," Armanda's voice is different, full of bitter, cold hatred. "Dread Dark Master, may I suggest that Albert pursue her with the aid of divination?"
[19:52] <ZombieDune> "He will. The fact that killing her familiar did not bring forth her shows she somehow escaped us quickly." Kort continues on then, "The vibrant life around her...It will be a sacrifice to the Lady of Loss. Continue your works here."
01[19:54] <Seira> There is always a chance that divinations will fail, especially if this place is shielded from such to protect the Sharrans. And they have to sleep, don't they?
[19:55] <ZombieDune> Another hour passes. As Seira's body cramps a little, waiting in tense nervousness...
[19:55] <ZombieDune> roll 1d100
06[19:55] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d100 and gets 82." [1d100=82]
[19:56] <ZombieDune> 'Seira, Celebrimbor.' The voice is in her head, speaking as if ntohing in the world was wrong. 'You're late with returning the ring. Is everything alright? Respond.'
01[20:04] <Seira> "I'm sorry," Seira whispers quietly back, panicked. "They caught me. Land of Kesse. Alicia knows. Held in cathedral. Sharrans, local royal family. Albert, Kort, Armanda. Help. I'm on borrowed time."
[20:06] <ZombieDune> Thus the message is returned! Time passes, another 5 minutes. Below you can hear some noise. Heavy noise, clomping noise. Like a horse? The scent of smoke begins to waft up towards Seira.
06[20:07] * Seira wonders what it might be, though she doesn't dare look down.
01[20:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 21." [1d20=13]
[20:08] <ZombieDune> One creature comes right o Seira's mind - a nightmare, like the cauchemar nightmare she fought int he ruins.
06[20:11] * Seira hopes she can wait long enough for the Sharran ritual to complete without getting discovered.
[20:13] <ZombieDune> Another five minutes pass. Then...
[20:13] <ZombieDune> roll 1d100
06[20:13] * Hatbot --> "ZombieDune rolls 1d100 and gets 66." [1d100=66]
[20:13] <ZombieDune> 'Help will come as fast as it can. Waukeen preserve you, stay strong. Celebrimbor.'
01[20:15] <Seira> There is no need to risk things by responding this time. At least, if help doesn't arrive in time, she got to apologize for her blunder. Somehow, amid everything, that makes Seira feel a tiny bit better.
[20:17] <ZombieDune> There's more sound below - heavy sounds along with the nightmare. A few clunking sounds, a single swearword muttered and carrying once. But then the clomping heads outward, away from Seira and gone. Quiet again settles over the temple...OOC - Going to keep waiting awhile longer?
01[20:17] <Seira> OOC: For hours if I have to
[20:19] <ZombieDune> Two more hours pass. Still nothing - it's gotten pretty quiet, silent in the temple. Entirely so.
06[20:20] * Seira crawls over to the edge, risking a glimpse below. Would they stay silent for hours just to trap her, if they think she's gone?
[20:26] <ZombieDune> The temple below is currently empty. Not a soul can be seen...
06[20:29] * Seira waits one more hour, this time keeping her observation post.
[20:30] <ZombieDune> The hour passes. By Seira's reckonings of her spell wearing off it's 11 PM or so. Almost midnight...and it's still solemnly quiet.
06[20:32] * Seira decides that the time has come to attempt an escape. If no signs of guards appear, she will try to get to the room located midway through the stairway and listen at it for a minute or two for any signs of movement or conversation.
[20:33] <ZombieDune> Seira creeps to there without incident! She reaches this door, glimpsing that it's open as she slinks down the stairs!
06[20:34] * Seira doesn't come into full view of it, then, merely slipping over as close to it as she dares, listening for any hints of activity.
[20:35] <ZombieDune> OOC: Listen check again?
01[20:35] <Seira> OOC: I'll happily take 20 for 22 if possible, I'm not in any hurry to die
[20:37] <ZombieDune> Listening well, Seira can here noise within. Living noises, as well as talk. She can get snatches of it, "...for the..." "To Shar at the apex of night..." "...finding the heretic..." "...because Sanaxt will soon..."
06[20:38] * Seira sneaks a quick peek past it, most of her form remaining hidden behind the doorframe. From memory, there are no actual living quarters in full sight of the doorway, so unless someone happens to be in that corridor, she could use this chance to slip past.
[20:39] <ZombieDune> She can glimpse robed men inside rooms, but none are looking her way as she slips by! She goes down to the catherral without incident, finding it still unearthly quiet and silent, waiting.
06[20:50] * Seira sneaks across the large cathedral, crouching and using the pews for added cover. She leaves the door she exited closed, as it had been, since her primary motivation is to avoid giving up any signs that she hadn't fled yet.
[20:51] <ZombieDune> OOC - Hide check for reference here?
01[20:51] <Seira> OOC: 28 again?
[20:52] <ZombieDune> OOC: Carry on.
06[20:53] * Seira tries the door located on the opposite side, which is closest to the main entrance.
[20:57] <ZombieDune> The door is locked! It doesn't open to an attempt to budge it manually!
06[20:59] * Seira listens by the door to determine if anyone is near it from the other side. That would go badly with her attempts to open it.
[20:59] <ZombieDune> OOC - Listne checnk.
01[21:00] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14." [1d20=12]
[21:01] <ZombieDune> It seems quiet as far as Seira can hear.
06[21:02] * Seira decides to try it, working on the lock as best as she can with her claws.
[21:03] <ZombieDune> OOC: Open lock?
01[21:03] <Seira> OOC: I want to take 10, which gives me a final result of 20 with the -2 penalty factored in
[21:04] <ZombieDune> Seira fiddles with the lock, but it doesn't give to this effort. It's a pretty high quality look from the looks of it. It's going to be hard siarming it without a tool.
06[21:05] * Seira gives it a rest for now, and tries the middlemost door after spending some time to listen there as well.
01[21:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 21." [1d20=19]
[21:06] <ZombieDune> The middle door is quiet as well.
06[21:07] * Seira tries to open it.
[21:07] <ZombieDune> The door opens! Ahead is a short hallway and then a stairway going up. There's a small wood door just before the stairway.
06[21:08] * Seira pauses before it, calling out to Lagann mentally even as she listens by it.
01[21:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 13." [1d20=11]
[21:08] <ZombieDune> No response and no noise ata ll.
01[21:09] <Seira> With the door leading into this hallway closed after her, Seira tries to open this one and see what's past it.
[21:09] <ZombieDune> It leads to a stairway going down, contrasting the stairway just after the door that goes up. Both are pitch black, only darkvision allowing Seira to see.
01[21:10] <Seira> Wondering whether it would lead to more shadows, Seira descends cautiously.
[21:12] <ZombieDune> The stairs go down for 90 feet. At the bottom it leads into a hall with a few wood doors. It smells bad down here - the smells of sweat, shit, and blood. As Seira sees it, the odor assaults her nostrils like a hammer.
01[21:15] <Seira> She can't even rescue herself. Doing anything about other hostages, if any remain alive, is just impossible right now. Filled with regret, Seira heads upstairs, intending to follow the other stairway up.
[21:17] <ZombieDune> Seira returns and heads upstairs! It leads up directly to a small hall that connects to the balcony here. This one has a comfortable chair to sit in atop here, but is otherwiswe like the previous balcony.
06[21:17] * Seira observes the main area briefly for any hints of movement, before returning there to try the last door on that side.
[21:22] <ZombieDune> Still no movement. Returning to the bottom, Seira tries this door! It opens, leading into a wide, large room. There's a door on the side of this...but Seira can see practice weapons about. The floor has occasional bloodstains, as well as practice dummies. Looks like a training ground. Further, there is a sketched arcane circle in the back of it, ten feet wide.
01[21:23] <Seira> OOC: Arcana 27 to tell what the circle is?
[21:27] <ZombieDune> OOC: It is a magic circle against evil. Standard abjuration.
06[21:28] * Seira boggles for the briefest of moments, before closing this door, listening by the next, and opening that one if she thinks the coast is clear.
01[21:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
06[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 and gets 12." [1d20=10]
[21:30] <ZombieDune> There's faint sound behind this door. The sound of steel, slithering and soft.
01[21:30] <Seira> 'Lagann?' Seira tries, pausing by this door.
[21:32] <ZombieDune> No reply. The sound is like steel being polished, worked.
06[21:34] * Seira withdraws quietly, unwilling to risk a confrontation. After leaving everything the way it was when she first came in, Seira calls upon the spell of Detect Magic, and approaches the nearest door located past the altar.
[21:35] <ZombieDune> The altar radiates strong magic as Seira approaches the rightmost upper door without incident.
01[21:36] <Seira> Not believing the door would block her divination spell without being magical or far thicker than it appears, Seira spends a bit of time listening by it and observing.
[21:38] <ZombieDune> OOC -Listen check again?
01[21:38] <Seira> OOC: DM sends anything, first?
[21:40] <ZombieDune> OOC: Nothing behind the door.
01[21:40] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 48." [3#1d20+2 = 10, 18, 20]
[21:40] <ZombieDune> It's quiet behind the door.
06[21:41] * Seira spends a moment searching it for traps, since ordinary cultists might well be prohibited from opening these doors on the altar side of the cathedral, before trying to see what's past it.
01[21:41] <Seira> OOC: Search 27
[21:42] <ZombieDune> The door does not appear ot be trapped.
06[21:42] * Seira opens it.
[21:43] <ZombieDune> Inside you find a small, cozy library without a shred of light. Several shelves hold tomes, as well as a few pedestools that hold open, massive books. Many of them are black covered.
06[21:43] * Seira briefly scans the area for her spellbook on the off chance it was placed here. Although she really would've picked up on its magical aura, she supposes, but it never hurts to do a cursory scan.
01[21:44] <Seira> OOC: Spot 20 or Search 27, whichever
[21:45] <ZombieDune> No spellbook. However, she gets an idea of the tomes. All dedicated to Shar and her vile worship, as well as hutning thsoe that follow the moon's light, the sun's warmth, fire, or the weave of magic. One of the open books shows a muliated, nude man, bleeding out as robed man sacrifice him.
06[21:47] * Seira grimaces, closing the door and moving on to the next to repeat the previous pattern. It feels too much like a warning of the future to ignore, and on her own with just a dagger and a handful of scrolls she won't get far.
01[21:47] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 24." [3#1d20+2 = 6, 7, 11]
[21:48] <ZombieDune> There's no noise behind the middle door.
[21:51] <ZombieDune> There's no magic from this door, nor any traps.
06[21:51] * Seira opens it as well, looking inside.
[21:55] <ZombieDune> Inside is a short hallway leading to naother door. A black disc has been engraved into the floor here, like a sea of inky void.
01[21:55] <Seira> OOC: Arcana helps me know what it is?
[21:56] <ZombieDune> OOC: K R.
01[21:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+8 and gets 28." [1d20=20]
[22:06] <ZombieDune> IT's an unholy symbol to Shar.
01[22:08] <Seira> As long as it isn't radiating magic, Seira takes care to step around it after closing the door leading to this hallway, pausing before the one at its end to repeat her routine.
01[22:08] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 41." [3#1d20+2 = 21, 12, 8]
[22:09] <ZombieDune> No noise from beyond the door. The door is a bit chilly, however, to the touch, despite being wood.
01[22:10] <Seira> OOC: no traps or magic?
[22:12] <ZombieDune> OOC - Did you search it for traps as well? Oh wait, are you still taking ten?
01[22:12] <Seira> OOC: Yes
03[22:15] * Ko-SupersJeepHatesMe (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #evildunes
03[22:15] * Ko-SupersJeepHatesMe is now known as Kotono
03[22:15] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:08] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 41." [3#1d20+2 = 21, 12, 8]
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:09] <ZombieDune> No noise from beyond the door. The door is a bit chilly, however, to the touch, despite being wood.
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:10] <Seira> OOC: no traps or magic?
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:12] <ZombieDune> OOC - Did you search it for traps as well? Oh wait, are you still taking ten?
01[22:16] <Seira> [22:12] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[22:16] <Kotono> The door is trapped.
02[22:18] * ZombieDune (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[22:19] <Seira> Since the trap is not radiating a magical aura, Seira might be able to bypass the trap even without her usual tools. She gives it a try.
01[22:19] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 30 is possible?
[22:22] <Kotono> Seira fiddles with the trap but can't disarm it on her first try.
[22:23] <Kotono> She does notice the door is also quite heavy - more metallic despite a wood exterior. There's something really heavy in the center.
01[22:26] <Seira> Weighing the dangers of trying to disarm the trap in her state against the potential rewards, Seira tries to reach out mentally to Lagann, deciding that only his presence past it would merit such an attempt.
[22:27] <Kotono> No response.
06[22:27] * Seira decides to observe the last door, after returning to the central area.
01[22:27] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 42." [3#1d20+2 = 18, 18, 6]
[22:29] <Kotono> There's noise behind the door - talking. It's a low, careful talking. Seira can hear some of it through the door! "...ready? It's almost..." "For midnight..." "Good. Let's move it to the..."
01[22:34] <Seira> It tempts, for a moment, to try and return to the trapped door and try to force her way past it, because Seira knows that wards exist to protect valuable resources, more often than not of magical nature. But that same sort of daring got her into this trouble in the first place.
01[22:34] <Seira> She retraces her steps quietly, until she is standing by the locked door near what she considered to be the main entrance, and spends a brief moment to see if there's magic emanating from beyond it.
[22:36] <Kotono> Seira doesn't detect anything past this door.
01[22:36] <Seira> It's time to see if she can leave, then.
01[22:36] <Seira> OOC: Magic, traps, I'll take 20 again for 22 to listen for guards.
[22:37] <Kotono> OOC: You meant the southern door leading into this cathedral, presumably?
01[22:37] <Seira> OOC: Yes, in hopes it's the exit
[22:37] <Kotono> No traps on it. Seira can't hear anything past it.
06[22:38] * Seira tries to open it.
[22:39] <Kotono> The door opens! Ahead is a long hallway - it's decadently decorated with black gemstones and blackened metal. The symbol of Shar dominates everywhere. 120 feet it goes, coming to three doors at the far end.
06[22:39] * Seira closes it behind her and checks each of the doors.
01[22:40] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 41." [3#1d20+2 = 15, 20, 6]
01[22:40] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 19." [3#1d20+2 = 3, 11, 5]
01[22:40] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 44." [3#1d20+2 = 20, 17, 7]
[22:42] <Kotono> Each door is quiet. None of them are trapped. Over each door is a disc. One is a crescent, like a crescent moon of darkness. One is like a half moon, and one is a full moon. It's cresent on the left, half in the middle and full the right.
01[22:43] <Seira> The doors seem to correspond to the three royals who lead this cult. She tries to open the one with the crescent.
[22:43] <Kotono> The door opens! Ahead is a long, straight hallway. Looks pretty plain, going on about ninety feet to another door.
06[22:44] * Seira closes it, entering the hallway and repeating the painstalking process once more.
01[22:44] <Seira> roll 3#1d20+2
06[22:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3#1d20+2 and gets 34." [3#1d20+2 = 16, 13, 5]
[22:44] <Kotono> OOC: You're walking into the far door and repeating your routine, to be clear?
01[22:45] <Seira> OOC: If I see no magic and traps, and hear nothing, I'll close this door and approach the one 90ft ahead.
01[22:45] <Seira> OOC: Then I'll repeat the routine, yes
[22:46] <Kotono> The door is not trapped. There is magic, however, the door 90 foot away radiating it.
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC - STrike. Detect magic's range is 60 ft. Dur.
[22:46] <Kotono> The door is not trapped nor is ther eany magic about.
01[22:47] <Seira> OOC: I will surely see it as I walk towards it, unless it will shoot at me once I step into the corridor. I'm doing that.
[22:51] <Kotono> At 60 feet away Seira can see the door's aura. It's moderate abjuration.
01[22:53] <Seira> Steeling herself, Seira comes close enough to the door to check it for traps.
[22:54] <Kotono> At 45 feet away, the floor beneath Seira sinks down slightly! There is a soft CLICK! noise! Ahead, the warded door begins to open!
01[22:56] <Seira> Seira's heart sinks, while she draws her dagger. It's not like she has anywhere to run, now, so if whatever is past the door fails to be fatal to her, she still has a chance.
06[22:57] * Seira does move five feet back sideways, in case the trap is a standard one.
01[22:57] <Seira> *back and
[22:58] <Kotono> From the door there is a dark, deep howling! The howling of agony, as four shadowy creatures emerge! Shadows! They sing out in a dirge of apathatic nothingness, crying out for Shar to bless them and bring oblivion to all! OOC - They're 45 feet away. Initiative.
01[22:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 11." [1d20=9]
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10." [1d20=8]
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9." [1d20=7]
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14." [1d20=12]
03[22:58] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Shadows'
[22:58] <Kotono> OOC - Go Seira.
03[23:01] * Alicia is now known as Celenu
06[23:03] * Seira flees back, intent on closing the door behind her and retreating to the central area as swiftly as she is able to. Her orb of acid should help unlock the door she passed by, and maybe safety could be found there.
[23:05] <Kotono> Seira runs, closing the door behind her! AS she passes through the hall dedicated to Shar, the shadows come through the door, pursuing! They call their dirge, echoing behind her like a chilling paean! The echos of it get louder as Seira runs back to the main room, the silence of it being shattered by the shadows!
06[23:08] * Seira continues fleeing for the locked door nearby, an orb of acid forming in her palm to slam it against the lock. No matter the quality, metal will have to be dissolved!
[23:09] <Kotono> The lock of the door, as well as a good chunk of it, is melted! Seira throws the door open even as the shadows give chase and sing! Through the door Seira can see a long hall with a stairway going down the center of the floor, with a walkway past it leading to another door 50 feet away.
06[23:10] * Seira chooses the other door, intending to barrel through it.
[23:10] <Kotono> As Seira runs the shadows stay in dogged pursuit! The door is hard, not giving way at all! As she gets closer, SEira can see it's magical as well.
01[23:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+17
06[23:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+17 and gets 34." [1d20=17]
06[23:18] * Seira decides to blast the door with a fireball she has in reserve, not caring that she would get caught in the center of the explosion!
[23:19] <Kotono> OOC - Roll damage?
01[23:19] <Seira> roll 10d6
06[23:19] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 and gets 39." [10d6=4, 6, 1, 5, 3, 1, 6, 5, 6, 2]
[23:20] <Kotono> The door buckles, shudders and collapses! Ahead is a large room,t ables with beakers and foaming liquids all about. The rear part is a mess, broken upand with some fresh blood on the floor. No body, but one thing in there gives you hope - sitting on the table is Lagann, fourty feet away! Behind you, teh shadows continue to sing of damnation!
01[23:24] <Seira> Lunging for Lagann, Seira barely has it in her grasp before she attempts to call on her most recent power! There is just the slightest chance that such a cathedral is not located in Kesse -- those stories of traveling through shadow give her hope. And if this succeeds, almost anywhere is better than this horrible place.
[23:41] <Kotono> Lagann is in her hand! 'Seira seira seira seira!' the voice of the orb sounds in her mind, even as she uses Dismissal on herself! .... .... ....! (More)
[23:42] <Kotono> No good. Despite dismissing herself fairly hard, Seira remains on the material plane!