D-ED2 001

[Corwin]

[22:10] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 seems I have no choice
[22:10] <Rei-chan> Demedais rolled : 1d20+1 seems I have no choice --> [ 1d20=17 ]{18}
[22:12] <Kolunch> While all this goes on, Deme strikes up some conversations. The dazed guards just aren't much help. None of them know much about magic on the whole, let alone specific possible wizards or traders or buyers of illict magical goods.
06[22:13] * Demedais grimaces at this, before asking if the castle has a resident mage.
[22:14] <Kolunch> It does, yes. He's been sent towards the Sanaxt border to aid the assault, by order of King Albert.
[22:15] <Demedais> Very well then. Any temples to Helm? Kelemvor? Kossuth? What are the large temples in general around town?
[22:19] <Kolunch> There's a temple to Kelemvor in town, yes. There aren't too many large temples - much less of a religious presence than in Balmuria.
[22:20] <Demedais> Demedais asks Celebrimbor to cast Message if he can on the two of them, just in case they finish up in Kesse, before heading out to the temple of Kelemvor on the directions of the guards.
[22:21] <Kolunch> The castle's closed up as it's nightfall. Doubly so by order of General Andram - the castle has a tight lid kept on it currently under the circumstances.

[Corwin]

[21:28] <Kotono> ---
[21:29] <Kotono> Giselle runs out of the room, having a head start! Seira is able to catch up to her in oneof the many halls of the temple, where Giselle has falled to her knees. She hugs herself, eyes wide.
01[21:32] <Seira> "It's terrible," Seira tells her, kneeling before the princess. "I know. I was held alongside them. I made it out with a bruised eye, but my longtime familiar was murdered in that vile place. And then I had to flee, leaving the other prisoners behind.
01[21:32] <Seira> Did I earn the right to retreat from reality, yet, or should I go into how I fled the prison to Shar's own realm, surrounded by thousands and thousands of her servants circling me and singing the doom of all I hold dear?" Seira scowls. "I understand the desire for an escape, believe me.
01[21:32] <Seira> I even went for it for a brief moment, but someone pulled me away from the brink. Right now, right here, I want to do that for you."
06[21:33] * Seira extends a hand to Giselle. "Take it. Please."
[21:35] <Kotono> Does Giselle hear? She makes no sign of if she does at first, staring straight ahead at nothing. She does wince when Shar is said, a visible, horrible wince. That seems to shake her a little, mkaing her gaze go to Seira's hand as it's presented to her.
01[21:36] <Seira> "Do you want to feel alive?" Seira tells her, hoping that those words, at least, would cause a reaction. "Help these people. You can do that, now. You are the only one who can."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Alive..." Giselle whimpers loudly.
01[21:40] <Seira> "I can heal their bodies," Seira promises, her hand trembling. "If I call on an important favor, I can do that! But it won't amount to a thing if there's nothing for them to come back to! If their minds remain hopelessly torn apart by the tortures visited upon them! Giselle, please! You've trusted me once. This second promise, from me to you, it's not a lie either!"
[21:45] <Kotono> Tears start to flow from Giselle, starting with little trickles but expanding into heady sobs within a few moments. She looks tup Seira as she does, "Why? Why? Why...why are you doing this to me?" She takes the hand, before collasping against Seira with all her weight.
01[21:47] <Seira> "I told you," Seira says quietly, placing her other arm around Giselle to hug her. "I wouldn't be here, if someone didn't do the same for me. You're not alone, Giselle. I won't let that happen."
[21:47] <Kotono> No reply, just hectic sobbing and a few burbles of laughter.
01[21:49] <Seira> All Seira can do is hold Giselle for as long as she wants to be held by someone, simply being there for her.
[21:51] <Kotono> Giselle sobs and goes quiet for a time. As this happens Alicia comes up on them, the guards hanging back for now. It's peaceful for a little while...until Seira notices Giselle's breathing has slowed, as if she's fallen asleep.
06[21:52] * Seira sees if she can shift Giselle around to move her without waking her up.
[21:53] <Kotono> It's not hard - she's against Seira but doesn't look to be stirring. She's out pretty good.
06[21:55] * Seira rises to her feet, cradling Giselle to her protectively, and approaches Alicia after a glance around.
[21:55] <Kotono> It's quiet here. Not much is stirring in the temple at this hour.
[21:56] <Alicia> Seeing that Giselle's sleeping, Alicia offers, "Lets take her home and put her in bed?"
06[21:57] * Seira nods, her gaze lingering on the princess. "It's so frustrating," she says quietly. "But I think she has the strength to pull through."
[21:58] <Alicia> "You can't expect her to recover in a few minutes from years of systematic abuse," Alicia shakes her head sadly. "All we can do is give it time and hope she gets the support she needs." Glancing at the two guards, "You two ready to return to Kesse?"
01[21:59] <Seira> "Recover? No," Seira says sadly. "But--" She shakes her head. "I can't leave it like that and make it someone else's problem, either. I have a responsibility towards her."
[22:00] <Kotono> "O-of course," one nods quickly.
01[22:01] <Seira> "If I hear rumors spreading about this," Seira warns, letting it off at that.
[22:02] <Kotono> The other nods quickly, "We won't say a word, ma'am."
[22:02] <Alicia> "Can it really be worse than the rumours that she's a misbehaving slut?" Alicia asks coldly. "It might do people good to understand that she was the only one in the family with the sense to reject Shar, even with all it cost her."
[22:04] <Kotono> The guards blanch at those words, but merely nod and go to Giselle's side protectively.
06[22:04] * Alicia lets the matter drop and teleports everyone back to Giselle's bedroom. Hopefully.
05[22:05] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[22:05] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[22:05] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[22:05] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually and gets 48." [1d100=48]
[22:05] <Kotono> Woosh! Giselle's bedroom still has soldiers waiting there, as well as General Andram. "Well?" he asks as the group appears.
01[22:06] <Seira> "I believe the princess made progress in dealing," Seira tells him. "But we will need to wait until morning to truly find out, and real recovery is still long in the future."
[22:08] <Kotono> "Of course. But for now, there are other matters. If you'd come with me," he asks.
06[22:10] * Seira is loathe to part with Giselle at this point, but she made another promise, this one to stop the war from claiming needless victims. She brushes her hand through Giselle's hair, vowing to return as soon as she is able, and hopefully, before the princess awakens.

[Corwin]

[20:42] <Kotono> ----------------(Platinum Ko)--
[20:43] <Kotono> OOC: So you're hopping off to the elf-lands with Antenora for a few weeks of spiritual retreat, basically?
[20:45] <Alicia> OOC: yes, assuming they don't mind having us. We'll help out around the temple lots and we're very nice, so why would they?
[20:45] <Kotono> OOC: They won't. Okay.
[20:47] <Kotono> Heading into Pallanth's wild regions, the two women find a secluded temple to Mystra. Here Alicia and Antenora spend a long stretch of days. It's a time of work and simple meditation. Plain meals, sleeping peacefully through the night, spirtual prayer and reading, manual labor.As this time passes the cravings slowly begin to subside. What was once horrible pangs softens into subtle tugs and little jabs...OOC - Make a will save, +2?
[20:47] <Kotono> subtle tugs and little jabs...OOC - Make a will save, +2?
05[20:48] -batcave.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:48] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[20:48] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24
06[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 and gets 29." [1d20=5]
[20:49] <Kotono> It's in this that those vile things, those temptations of Malcanthet fizzle away. Like t he stench of death being cleansed by the dawn sunlight and breeze, they in time leave Alicia. (More)
[20:54] <Kotono> One afternoon, Alicia and Antenora are repairing a fence on the outskirts and side of the temple. It's pleasant work, the weather not warm enough to make it sweaty. As they do so in a long silence, it is at last broken by Antenora in a way, though no words are said. 'How are you feeling?'
[20:57] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia replies aloud, pausing her work and leaning on the fencepost. "Really," she smiles sincerely, "I've not had any perverse urges for a few days, and this has been a nice break. Takes me back to when I was younger..." She lets that thought mellow for a bit before cocking her head and studying the erinyes. "How about you? Not bored, are you?"
[21:00] <Kotono> "Not at all." Stopping her own work and standing straight, "I know I've said it several times, but it's better to be doing nothing here than to be triumphing in Hell." After a sidelong loo to Alicia's fencework, "You did a lot of chores around the family home when you were growing up? Weren't there servants to do that?"
[21:03] <Alicia> "Not just the home but the fields as well," Alicia nods. "We had staff, certainly, but my siblings and I helped out here and there - it's a family business, after all." Testing the solidity of the fence and finding it to her satisfaction, she hops up to sit perched atop it, "I was more referring to when I first joined the church, though. I never really did any prayer or meditation before that."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Yes. How did you join the church, then?" Floating up to sit a ways further down the fence, testing it herself before perching on it lightly, "Most humans would be content with a relatively easy and rich life. Even in Balmuria, where there are more churches than the average, most aren't that strongly drawn to a spiritual life, or a life of challenges."
[21:12] <Alicia> "You could say I had a spiritual awakening when I discovered my innate talent for magic," Alicia considers thoughtfully. "None of us were especially religious in my family - we'd sacrifice to Chauntea and Lathander for the harvest and our prosperity a couple of times a year, but nothing much more than that."
[21:12] <Alicia> "The church of Mystra seemed like the best people to help me understand these strange gifts I'd been blessed with. And as I spent time there I found a lot to like in Mystra's teachings - She's not just a distant goddess of scholars and insular sages, She teaches a joy of life and mystery, and an ethos of generosity and fair-play that really hit home with me."
[21:12] <Alicia> staring up at the sky in silence for a moment, she breaks it by concluding, "To be honest, I wish I'd learned about Her when I was younger."
[21:15] <Kotono> "So do I," Antenora murmurs that as she looks up at Alicia's skyview as well. "You're lucky. Despite the challenges, you have a purpose in life and a purpose in the hereafter. Most mortals are terrified of dying. You have a path, a vision and a way." After a pause, "When I help with the church or in the kitchens for the poor, they smile well enough when you help them. But it's only treating the physical...treating the spiritual is so much h
[21:16] <Kotono> treating the spiritual is so much harder."
[21:19] <Alicia> "I wouldn't be so sure," Alicia favours Antenora with a smile, "When someone is treated with kindness, they're more likely to be kind to others. It propagates throughout the connections people have with each other in a self-reinforcing cycle. Even if someone isn't consciously thinking about their soul, they can still enrich themselves and others in that way."
[21:26] <Kotono> Antenora turns and smiles back at Alicia. "Yeah. It works eventually." As she does warmly smile, Alicia notices something. An elf, clad in forest green and mud brown clothes, is emerging from the forest. He looks about, eyes taking in the side of the temple.
[21:28] <Alicia> OOC: the pixie-reserve forest?
[21:29] <Kotono> OOC: Back and around from the other way.
[21:29] <Alicia> "Oh, look, a visitor," Alicia comments, even though Antenora probably spotted him a few minutes ago. She doesn't dwell on her attentive shortcomings, instead hoping off the fence and waving as she calls over in elven. "Good afternoon,"
[21:31] <Kotono> "Hm?" Antenora blinks, turning around. "Tsk," she mutters under her breath, then smiles politely. "Good afternoon," he returns, fair voiced. "Ah, can you help me? I seem to have gotten rather lost."
06[21:36] * Alicia doesn't react to Antenora's irritation as she replies. "You're at a shrine to the Lady of Mysteries. The village of Salaraine is about twenty miles that way," she points in a generally Westward direction to provide another landmark in case that helps.
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8." [1d20=2]
[21:37] <Kotono> "Salaraine...hmph." A frown comes over his face. "I must have gotten lost. I thought I knew all the villages within a day's travel of Elandra's Rest. Thank you, human." He nods briefly to that, "I didn't even know there was a temple out here."
06[21:38] * Alicia blinks. "Elandra's Rest?" she replies, eyes widening. "That's... over a thousand miles away!"
[21:39] <Kotono> "What?" Cocking his head towards Alicia, "WHAT? That's not possible, I've only been walking for a few hours."
[21:40] <Kotono> "You aren't a wizard, are you?" Antenora quieries as she gets up off the fence.
[21:40] <Alicia> "And you didn't notice any abrupt changes in your surroundings?" Alicia asks curiously, wondering if he went through a portal.
[21:41] <Kotono> "No and no," he shakes his head, "It was entirely normal. I was walking through the forest, looking to check my traps and I got lost."
[21:42] <Alicia> "Let me see if any dweomers are still clinging to you, if it was powerful magic that sent you here they might linger still," Alicia suggests, casting detect magic and walking closer.
[21:43] <Kotono> roll 1d6
06[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 6." [1d6=6]
[21:43] <Kotono> There is a fading magical aura around the elf.
[21:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[21:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 25." [1d20=18]
[21:49] <Alicia> "Teleport," Alicia concludes. "The spell signature is quite clear, it's one I've seen often enough." She then cocks her head, "You're absolutely sure nothing untoward occured while you were out walking? Did you encounter anyone else?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "No...all I heard was some children laughing. That's unusual, but not unheard of. There's children enough around, though they're supposed to stay out of that part of the forest because of the traps."
[21:52] <Alicia> "Hmm... maybe they weren't children? Do you think you could retrace your steps? If we can follow your tracks at least to where you first arrived in this area it might tell us something," Alicia offers, her curiousity piqued by this mystery.
[21:54] <Kotono> "I could. You know magic, human...of course you do, this is a temple ot Mystra," Clicking his tongue, "She's the Goddess of Magic. My name is Finarfin, by the way." Adding that onto the end, "Or are you even humans? Can't magicians change their shape?"
[21:56] <Alicia> "We can, but why would I do that when I'm just mending a fence?" Alicia laughs. "Pleased to meet you, Finarfin. My name's Alicia Reynes, and this is Antenora," she provides by way of introduction.
[21:57] <Kotono> "I'm not a human, but..." Smiling as she touches her ribbon, "I'm harmless." To Alicia, 'How seriously are you taking this? Should I go get our gear?'
[21:57] <Kotono> "Oh." Actually blushing at that, "Thank you for the help. I'mr eally that far away from Elandra's rest? I must be near the Citadel or the border, or even Elfsander?"
[21:59] <Alicia> "We're about halfway between Elfsander and the Citadel, in the lands of the Desjardin family," Alicia confirms. 'If there is anything it's probably in Chillander's realm, not here, I doubt we'll need anything. At worst you can bash any enemies with your hammer,' she suggests to Antenora.
[22:01] <Kotono> 'Lovely.' Smoothing over the simple robes she wears now, 'I'll grab a tin pot lid for a shiled while I'm at it.' Meanwhile, as Antenora mentally speaks, "Yes," he nods, eyes lingering a touch long on Alicia, "How strange...strange enough with the dragon that attacked Respite and then this."
[22:03] <Alicia> "Yes, I heard of that," Alicia replies mysteriously. "I doubt they're connected, though. How have things been since the wyrm was slain?" she asks as they start to backtrack the way Finarfin came.
[22:09] <Kotono> Leading them back out to the forest and it's woody, shaded embrace, though not a forest of shrubs and tentacles thankfully, "There's been a lot of soldiers at first, then supply caravans and workers mustering to head for Respite. Preparing fully before the winter is important and time's running out. Fortunately, everything is going as planned."
[22:11] <Alicia> "That's good to hear," Alicia nods, keeping her senses alert for anything else in the woods with them while relying on the other two to backtrack Finarfin's path. "The dragon really did cause a lot of havoc."
[22:12] <Kotono> OOC: You can make a spot/listen checks if you like.
[22:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spot
06[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spot and gets 14." [1d20=7]
[22:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 listen
06[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 listen and gets 22." [1d20=15]
[22:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 she might as well if she's tagging along
[22:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 she might as well if she's tagging along listen
06[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 she might as well if she's tagging along and gets 28." [1d20=10]
06[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 she might as well if she's tagging along listen and gets 31." [1d20=13]
[22:15] <Kotono> Alicia doesn't see naything out of the ordinary. It's forest. There's trees and logs and leaves and animals and mud. Ho-hum. Antenora doesn't react oddly to any of it, either. As you slowly progress, his footsteps followed, "I heard the stories, yes. We're lucky that there were worthy heroes at Lord Chillander'd disposal."
06[22:16] * Alicia nods. "It doesn't bear thinking about what would have happened if the dragon had continued unchecked," she agrees gravely.
[22:19] <Kotono> Thus you are lead along. It's about twenty mintues of walking or so. Here you come to an end, Finarfin looking about. "This is it, my tracks stop here," he announces. "I know this place...it looks similar to a place near one of my traps. But ahead is different and wrong."
[22:20] <Alicia> Casting detect magic again, Alicia has a look around.
[22:21] <Kotono> There is fading magic here as well, lingering about in a 10ft aura.
[22:22] <Kotono> Antenora glances about, a hammer in one hand.
[22:22] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[22:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 9." [1d20=2]
[22:26] <Alicia> "Hmm. I can't quite place the aura, but it's fading and we can probably assume it's related to what brought you here... but it shouldn't have lasted this long if it was the same effect, since the lingering dweomer clinging to you has faded away entirely," Alicia muses, taking a look around.
[22:26] <Alicia> "Anyone see any other tracks starting here? It's possible someone else was teleported in the last few minutes"
[22:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
06[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 32." [1d20=14]
[22:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 largely moot
06[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 largely moot and gets 20." [1d20=14]
[22:32] <Kotono> After a bit of looking, Finarfin shakes his head. Antenora also quietly shakes hers, 'Nothing,' she sends.
[22:34] <Alicia> "Hmm... you said the place you were at before looked just like this, Finarfin?" Alicia then asks, starting to carefully study their surroundings. "Could you tell me where it was specifically, in relation to Elandra's Rest?"
[22:35] <Kotono> "It's a few hours away..." He begins to describe it. With a like plae to point to, it doesn't take too much effort to give a good mental image.
03[22:37] * emotoro-WAHLOOKATME-slp is now known as emotoroWAHLOOKATMEblah
[22:38] <Alicia> "Alright," Alicia nods. "I should be able to get us back there - how's the weather up North?" she then asks, wondering if she needs to take preventative measures since her habit isn't really cut out for extreme cold.
[22:38] <Kotono> "
03[22:39] * emotoroWAHLOOKATMEblah is now known as TOROTOROTOROKO
[22:39] <Kotono> "A little chillier, but it's a very warm day," he says, "I figured the difference was just the morning heat getting going."
[22:40] <Alicia> "Alright then. Both of you, take my hands?" Alicia asks, extending hers.
[22:40] <Kotono> Hands are taken!
[22:41] <Alicia> "Mother of Magic, reverse the course of this mysterious teleport and take us back to the frozen North!" Alicia incants, teleporting the group away!
[22:41] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 21." [1d100=21]
[22:56] <Kotono> Woosh! It's a bit chillier here, but Alicia seems to be where she wanted to go! Finarfin looks about, "This is back where I was..." he says, "Just ilke that."
[22:58] <Alicia> "Good, it seems we're on target. Now we need to find whomever or whatever sent you here," Alicia replies, casting her eyes about for other magical auras. "You mentioned hearing laughter, was it before you reached this spot?"
[23:16] <Kotono> There isn't any magic around here. "About 100 feet that away," he points ahead, starting to walk. "I didn't pay any mind to it at all. Local children like to runa nd play in the deeper forest."
[23:16] <Kotono> Antenora follows, brushing aside branches and batting one away with her hammer.
[23:17] <Alicia> "Hmm. Lets take a look around, then," Alicia follows after him, glancing this way and that for any magical auras that may pop up, her ears alert for any childish laughter.
[23:18] <Kotono> The party walks 100 feet and a little more after! No sign of magic as they travel, Antenora keeping a watch...
[23:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
06[23:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 28." [1d20=10]
[23:18] <Kotono> "I don't see much of anything awry," Antenora says. "I don't hear anything, either."
[23:20] <Alicia> "Likewise," Alicia agrees. "Although it would've been nearly an hour ago, so chances are they've moved on..." Biting her lip, she studies the terrain a bit, "Don't suppose anyone can see any tracks?"
[23:22] <Kotono> "I can go search," Antenora volunteers. "I might find some."
[23:23] <Alicia> "We might as well stick together. It's even possible that our blundering through these woods will attract whomever teleported Finarfin in the first place," Alicia offers.
[23:25] <Kotono> "Thanks for returning me,"F inarfin says at that, "Do you wish for me to come with you?"
[23:26] <Alicia> "Might be safer, at least until we're sure no one else is around," Alicia notes with a slight smile, "Don't want you getting teleported away who knows where again, after all."
[23:27] <Kotono> 'I'll be on the lookout for anything as well as evil, and you cover magic?' Antenora proposes mentally at the same time.
[23:28] <Alicia> 'Sure,' Alicia affirms, intending to recast detect magic a quarter of an hour from now when it expires if they haven't found anything by then.
[23:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
06[23:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 34." [1d20=16]
[23:30] <Kotono> After about ten minutes of walking, Antenora stops. She cocks her head towards the west, "I thought I heard something over there. It was like children's laughter," she confirms.
[23:33] <Alicia> "Lets go investigate, then?" Alicia suggests, starting in that direction. But not before she casts voice of the archon to give her an edge in any negotiations that ensue.
[23:35] <Kotono> The three go ahead! Antenora takes point, with Finarfin behind Alicia. After a little more walking Alicia can start to hear it. The laughter of children in the distance, innocent, pure and cheerful. You can faintly hear words of elven, "Over here...Tag, you're it....hahahahahaha!"
[23:37] <Alicia> They could be sweet little elven children (who're probably older than she is) out here by coincidence. Or they could be immortal and inhuman fey that have no concept of the difficulties they cause to random passersby in teleporting them across the continent. She'll find out in a moment once she gets close enough to see them.
[23:39] <Kotono> OOC: Make a charisma check?
[23:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[23:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 16." [1d20=10]
[23:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 not wearing my cloak
06[23:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 not wearing my cloak and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[23:41] <Kotono> As you approach, you find a clearing to be appearing, the forest around shimmering. Alicia can abruptly detect strong magic! There is now a clearing ahead, a pleasant clearing with a babbling brook, shady fruit trees in ripe blossom and a few pleasant logs to sit agaianst, well worn and with a thin, soft coating of moss.
[23:42] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[23:42] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 17." [1d20=10]
[23:44] <Alicia> While she's lacking most of her more flashy magic items, Alicia does have a few essentials on her. "Strong magic here," she whispers in celestial before pulling down her hairband over her eyes to grant her blindsight, which should tell her if this is an illusion. Or if there's any invisible pixies lurking nearby.
[23:45] <Kotono> It's an illusion. Standing in the middle of the 'brook', just in Alicia's range, is a young elf with wild golden hair and ears so long that they're almost like knives. They go straight back, his eyes pools of a forest green. A beckoning smile is on his face, as he moves his mouth. The laughter of children comes from it, teasing. His eyes are focused on Alicia.
[23:46] <Alicia> That's... that's kind of creepy. Is he evil?
[23:47] <Kotono> No evil.
[23:49] <Kotono> The elf is a teenager, or so. Hard to tell with those elves.
[23:50] <Alicia> "Who are you?" Alicia asks, still offput by the sound of multiple laughing children coming from the mouth of one solitary person. For all she knows he ate the children.
[23:53] <Kotono> "Hm?" Antenora glances about, holding up an arm to prevent anyone from passing. As Finarfin pauses and peers ahead, the elf looks right at Alicia. He continues to emit those sounds, yet another one travels with it. "A weaver of dreams, a crafter of reality's shadow. What are you?"
[23:55] <Alicia> "A servant of Mystra," Alicia replies, glad conversation is possible even if the laughter tremendously unsettling. "Are you responsible for sending this man across Pallanth? And why do you cloak yourself in illusions?"
[23:56] <Kotono> "Huh?" Finarfin looks about, as Antenora turns back to him and shakes her head.
[23:57] <Kotono> "Oh, reality is to be weaved, things are to happen..." The sing song is a sing-song of children at innocent and love, without a mote of wrongness in them. "What of you, are you responsible for bringing him back? Why do you cloak yourself words of mystery?"
Session Time: Sat Feb 07 00:00:00 2009
[00:00] <Alicia> "Words of mystery?" Alicia isn't quite sure what that means. "Regardless, I brought him back. You had no right to tear him away from his home as you did."
[00:01] <Kotono> "Aaah, but you have no right to bring him back. Who are you to undo what was done? The course of nature, who has the right to change it?" His song becomes uplifting, "Tell me then, who has the right to change what has been wrought?"
[00:04] <Alicia> "That is such an astoundingly vague question that I can give no satisfactory answer," Alicia replies. "It depends entirely upon what has been wrought. In this particular instance, however, I had the right to return Finarfin by virtue of his consent."
[00:08] <Kotono> "Aaah..." The elf's brow furrows, "The game is not to be played...it is a pity. Narrow minds lead to narrow lives. Assert what you will then. For now I shall stay here and continue my graceful song."
[00:10] <Alicia> "Sing as you like, but people's lives are not playthings for your amusement," Alicia returns sternly. "Heed this well."
[00:12] <Kotono> "The discordant words of restriction shall be noted," The song says gently, "Weighed in the balanced and weaved as all things are."
[00:14] <Alicia> "See that they are given the weight they are due," Alicia concludes, lifting up her blindfold. "We're done here, I believe," she turns to Antenora and Finarfin.
[00:15] <Kotono> Finarfin looks puzzled, while Antenora nods curtly. "Yes, let's," she says. Then to Alicia, 'Did that any more sense to you than me?'
[00:17] <Alicia> 'No. He's clearly some sort of fey creature that doesn't think on the same level we do - further conversation is pointless,' Alicia replies telepathically. "If you like we can walk you some of the way back to Elrand's Rest, although I don't think you'll be bothered again," she then speaks to the elf.
[00:17] <Kotono> 'Yes, he's fey...' Antenora begins, befor she catches herself and smiles wryly. 'Nevermind, I'll explain more later. I've been focusing so much mentally I'm forgetting to talk out loud.'
[00:18] <Kotono> "I can make it if this is done. It made no sense, but..." Spreading his hands, "Thank you again."
[00:20] <Alicia> "You're quite welcome," Alicia nods. "It was fortunate that you arrived close to us, else you likely would have had a very long journey back home. When you get back to the town, please pass on my regards to Eran?"
[00:21] <Kotono> "Eran...the priest and artist?" he blinks at that, "You know him?"
03[00:21] * TOROTOROTOROKO is now known as tai-shower
02[00:21] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Broken pipe)
[00:21] <Alicia> "I met him before, yes," Alicia smiles. "He actually painted me. Ask and I'm sure he'd be happy to show his work."
[00:22] <Kotono> "Very well," Nodding a little to thatn, "Thank you, Alicia." With that he turns and walks away into the forest.
[00:23] <Alicia> "Farewell, Finarfin," Alicia waves before turning to Antenora, sparing a brief glance over to the nearby illusory area where the laughing creature lurks as she prepares to teleport. "If you like we can go play with the pixies when we get back. They're one kind of fey that's at least easy to understand," she offers impishly.
[00:25] <Kotono> "Let me see." Looking about, "No flames, no horrible demons of torment and damnation, no succubi? I don' think this is the Abyss. So I'll pass." Smiling right back, "I have a headache, anyway. Well, I've had one, I'm still getting used to this technique."
[00:26] <Alicia> "They're really quite amusing, at least in small doses, and it might make you appreciate Marie in a new light," Alicia notes before pausing, "New technique?"
[00:28] <Kotono> "It has to do with seeing things and mindforces with your own intellect and telepathy. Have you ever tried screaming for a long time without taking a breath? It's like doing that." Settling in next to Alicia, "The creature was a fey and it was highly intelligent, at least."
[00:31] <Alicia> "Really? That's an interesting ability, one I don't think I've ever heard of before. You're really coming into your own, aren't you?" Alicia smiles approvingly, before throwing a guarded glance over to the invisible elf-alike. "Hopefully he can put his prodigious wit to use in understanding the rights of others. Anyway, shall we continue this somewhere warmer?"
[00:33] <Kotono> "I doubt it. The strongest mind is worthless if it's dedicated to wastes of time. It's a technique I'd heard about in Cania long ago - it's favored by higher ranking devils in Cania, or so I heard. You feel minds as naturally as you see out of your eyes with it."
[00:33] <Kotono> "And yes, somewhere warmer." Antenora adds as an afterthought.
06[00:34] * Alicia teleports them back to their fence.
[00:34] <Alicia> roll 1d100
03[00:34] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af0b1d6.wfd106.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[00:34] <Alicia> roll 1d100
[00:34] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=33 ]{33}
[00:35] <Alicia> Upon safely arriving she resumes conversation, "True," she acknowledges. "His speech indicated an entirely alien level of thought, which is why I didn't see much point in continuing dialogue."
[00:36] <Kotono> The fence is returned to! Antenora goes to alight on it again, "There is one amusing thing about it. The strength of the minds of various people can be surprising." Thereafter, as Alicia speaks, "Yes. You could've played along, but since it wasn't hostile, there's hardly a point."
[00:36] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia smiles winsomely as she leans on the fence. "How do I measure up, then?"
[00:41] <Kotono> "You're above average. Most of the normal people about in Balmuria are either below that or just at it. Demedais is about where you are and so is Marie, for that matter. Seira...well, most preparation wizards are like small novas. The requried skills corelleate strongly to strenght of mind, I believe. Elle's the same way."
[00:44] <Alicia> "Hmm," Alicia's ego is mollified enough that she's above average, so she doesn't feel too slighted. "Well, do you want to go take a walk through the reserve so we can see how smart its inhabitants are?"
[00:53] <Kotono> "It's not flawless...Donald has a strong mind as well. Take that for what you will," Antenora gets up, "Pixies and what else are there?"
06[00:55] * Alicia can't help but chuckle as she starts heading to the woods behind the temple. "Perhaps you can only detect book-smarts and not actual strength of will?" she suggests.
[00:55] <Alicia> "I saw pixies and snakes last time I was there, although I know there are other creatures besides. There was someone by the waterfall that the pixies were afraid of, but she sounded pleasant and didn't appear to be malicious, though I didn't see her."
[00:57] <Kotono> "I thikn that's it. Seira's very intelligent and a good wizard...but I see why she gets along with Donald." With a smirk, "It's not all of it. But if you're game, I'll tag along," Antenora says. OOC - Paus ehere? It's getting late for me.
[00:58] <Alicia> OOC: sure

[Corwin]

[18:06] <Kotori> <Alicia> "Hmm," Alicia's ego is mollified enough that she's above average, so she doesn't feel too slighted. "Well, do you want to go take a walk through the reserve so we can see how smart its inhabitants are?"
[18:06] <Kotori> > "It's not flawless...Donald has a strong mind as well. Take that for what you will," Antenora gets up, "Pixies and what else are there?"
[18:06] <Kotori> * Alicia can't help but chuckle as she starts heading to the woods behind the temple. "Perhaps you can only detect book-smarts and not actual strength of will?" she suggests.
[18:06] <Kotori> <Alicia> "I saw pixies and snakes last time I was there, although I know there are other creatures besides. There was someone by the waterfall that the pixies were afraid of, but she sounded pleasant and didn't appear to be malicious, though I didn't see her."
[18:06] <Kotori> > "I thikn that's it. Seira's very intelligent and a good wizard...but I see why she gets along with Donald." With a smirk, "It's not all of it. But if you're game, I'll tag along," Antenora says. OOC - Paus ehere? It's getting late for me.
[18:10] <Kotori> As the two head along, "That reminds me, you've been here before? Anything in particular come of it, like a good story?"
03[18:11] * Kotori is now known as Kotono
[18:13] <Alicia> "A wizard lost a magic item, I think it was a circlet, in the reserve, and then a snake ate it," Alicia chuckles. "She asked me to get it for her, which was when I ran into the pixies."
[18:13] <Alicia> "I was a lot more highly strung back then, so I almost lost my temper at them a few times, but then I pegged that they were really just like children looking for amusement. I distracted them with a word-game and then suck away while they were busy with that so they wouldn't bother me."
[18:15] <Alicia> *snuck away
[18:16] <Kotono> "How ...strangely familiar," Looking sidelong at Alicia, "I suppose it's why you handle Marie so well."
[18:17] <Alicia> "She's actually very mature compared to them," Alicia laughs lightly as they head onto the path through the reserve. "You'll see when we bump into them, as I'm sure we will."
[18:18] <Alicia> Pausing a moment, she then adds, "You know, we should try asking if anyone at the temple ever knew any elves called Marielle who died about twenty years ago."
[18:19] <Kotono> Slowing there, "It may be worth investigating..." Rubbing her chin as she looks back, "Especially if it enlightens Marie's attitude a little."
[18:20] <Alicia> "She'd probably be disappointed that she can't make up outlandish lies about her past exploits anymore, but I'm sure she'd at least be interested in finding out where she came from," Alicia shrugs.
[18:24] <Kotono> As the two walk into the preserve and down it's path, the scent of strawberries and apples drifts out. It smells really good, coming from somewhere farther downt he path. "No more being the creator of magic missile. Pity that."
06[18:25] * Alicia sniffs briefly, enjoying the verdant aroma. "I rather liked the name she came up with for it, if nothing else."
[18:26] <Kotono> Antenora sniffs as well, "Mmmm...it's not brimstone, but that's pleasant." Starting to pick up her pace, "Any idea what that scent is?"
[18:27] <Alicia> "Strawberries and apples, I think," Alicia replies as they stroll along. "They taste as good as they smell, if you care about such things."
[18:32] <Kotono> "Eating is a habit I'm happy to avoid. Taste isn't unpleasant, but in Caina mind is often valued over matter. Indulging the body in food is seen as weak and wasteful. That view lingers with me. Food makes me feel heavy and weighted down inside." As you come along, you kind your nose leading you to a little clearing to the side of the path. Here nature has been forcibly moved back. Here a few fires have been started, rough iron pots over the
[18:32] <Kotono>  Here a few fires have been started, rough iron pots over the fires. The scent is coming from the bubbling cauldrons - pixies fly about, dumping fruits into each of them, with a few manning a large wooden stirring spoon on each, strugging to move it.
[18:34] <Alicia> "Yes, and having to get rid of it afterwards can be messy," Alicia nods sagely. "I thought fey didn't like iron?" she then comments loudly as she approaches the pixies, leaning over one of the ones stirring a pot.
[18:36] <Kotono> This gets the attention of the pixies, staring at Alicia(Or a few who stare at her noggin). "We don't!" A male pixie says back imperiously, putting his hands on his hips and dropping a few strawberries to the ground. "But it's special when we're making this...oh hey, wait," he says, "Aren't you familiar?"
[18:37] <Alicia> "Sure!" Alicia grins. "Don't you remember when I stopped by about a year ago and taught you that game with the animals? So what are you making?"
05[18:39] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[18:39] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[18:39] <Kotono> "Jam!" A female pixie giggles and flies over around Alicia! As she does she whirls by a pot, sticking a finger in it's lightly bubbling depths. She goes over to her, tapping the jam covered finger against her lips. "Isn't it nice? We were taught how to make this and it's great. It's like liquid fruit."
[18:40] <Kotono> A few others let go of a wooden spoon, coming to fly around Alicia and Antenora. "Yeah, I remember you, but this one's new. She's kind of cute, but if you keep frowning, you'll get wrinkles," one says to her, hovering in front of Antenora's face.
[18:41] <Alicia> "Oh yes, jam is very nice," Alicia agrees. "It goes wonderfully on bread. This is Antenora," she nods towards the erinyes, "And I'm Alicia in case any of you can't remember."
06[18:42] * Alicia then laughs and gives Antenora a somewhat incredulous look.
[18:42] <Kotono> Antenora buries her face into a hand and sighs. 'I don't believe it, either.'
[18:43] <Kotono> "A and A!" One says as he gently pries Antenora's fingers away from her face. "Come on, you're really going to age yourself! Do you want to be an old hag when you're still young! Smile!"
[18:43] <Kotono> Another hovers near Alicia's shoulder, "Want some? It tastes good," he invites Alicia, "You can stay for our big jam food fight too!"
[18:44] <Alicia> "She's actually six hundred years old," Alicia observes pleasantly. "Don't you think she's well preserved? Even an elf would be wrinkled at that age." Then nodding to the one near her shoulder, "A taste would be nice, but I think we'll pass on the food fight."
[18:48] <Kotono> "Oh, are you one of us? A ghost, maybe? An angel?" Fluttering around Antenora, there is a murmur as several pixies examine her all over! They take her arms, tug at her hair, check her eyes for crow's feet and more! As she is tugged and pulled, "Hey, she has wings!"
[18:49] <Kotono> Antenora's eyes widen, then she takes a veeeery deep breath.
[18:51] <Alicia> "She's a spirit of sorts," Alicia acknowledges, glancing sidelong at Antenora, leaving it up to her if she wants to show all.
[18:56] <Kotono> Very carefully, Antenora plucks each pixie away and puts them in the air in front of her. With a serene calm over her face, "Don't do that again," she says, "Ask Alicia what happens to pixies from where I come from."
[18:58] <Alicia> Well, her call. "Please don't ask," Alicia then states. "It's not at all pleasant."
[19:01] <Kotono> "Aaah." PLOP!" The male pixie settles onto Alicia's head, "Oh yeah, you have ar eally nice head. Has anyone ever told you that?"
[19:02] <Kotono> "Well..." Afemale flies in front of Antenora's face, smiling, "That's okay. Just come and have some jam them!" Tugging at Antenora's hand, flying down to do so, "If you're that old then it won't go to your hips anyway!"
[19:02] <Kotono> Another pixie goes to Antenora's back, gently pushing, "C'mon, it's our treat. Lighten up a little! It's a fun day today!"
[19:03] <Alicia> "It was probably you that said so in the first place," Alicia replies with a roll of her eyes, going to take a seat by one of the pots.
[19:08] <Kotono> As Antenora is pushed, pulled and lured along, Alicia gets to watch! Over a few protests she's lead to a cooling pot, lightly steaming but not bubbling. The fire under it has largely died off. "Just try some," one of the pixies insists.
06[19:09] * Alicia happily takes a spoon, lifting up a dollop of jam and blowing on it a few times before she takes an experimental lick.
[19:10] <Kotono> It's hot and very sweet. It's like hot, liquid candy right now. It tastes intensly of fruit. Meanwhile Antenora shakes her head, "I'd rather not. I don't like eating."
[19:12] <Alicia> "Mmmm," Alicia happily takes a few more licks before returning the spoon. "Your loss," she tells Antenora, before deciding to test the vaunted intellect of these pixies. "Say, have any of you ever heard of a type of fey that looks like an adolescent elf with really sharp ears, and talks in a voice that sounds like lots of children all laughing?"
[19:17] <Kotono> "Oh, come on!" A pixie takes up the spoon Alicia put down, getting jam all over it again. He brings it up to Antenora's mouth, "We worked all day on this! Aren't you going to be grateful! It's a gift, don't be rude!"
[19:18] <Kotono> The one atop Alicia's head peers down at her, looking into her eyes all upside down. "Like it's children laughing?" he repeats.
[19:21] <Alicia> "It just means there's more for the rest of us," Alicia tries to placate the pixies on Antenora's behalf before turning her attention to the one on her head.
[19:21] <Alicia> "Yes, when he opened his mouth you could hear laughter - as if from a dozen different children, all in different tones and pitches, and even sounding like they were talking to one another. But amidst it all you could also hear intelligible words when he spoke. Called himself a weaver of dreams."
[19:26] <Kotono> "Fuuuuu..." The spoon is lowered from Antenora's mouth, as she sighs in relief. The other pixies turn attention to Alicia at this, watching her be face to face-reverse with the pixie on her head. "That sounds like a fey you don't want to trifle with. Not all fey are as nice, charming and pleasant as us!"
[19:26] <Kotono> "Why?" Antenora asks right after, approaching Alicia. "Why not, besides the obvious?"
[19:27] <Alicia> "I remember the one you warned me about last time I was here, even though she sounded nice - the one by the waterfall?" Alicia comments. "But yes, the weaver of dreams was difficult to talk to, and didn't seem very nice, even if he wasn't entirely hostile either. Do you know anything more about what he could have been?"
[19:30] <Kotono> "Well..."T he male pixie here looks up and away, "Not all of us fey are so nice...really. REALLY. Even if he's not one of the bad ones...just stay away from him. Bad things happen to those that cross fey like that."
[19:30] <Kotono> Antenora approaches, gently taking the head of the pixie between two fingers. "Stop evading the question, this is serious."
[19:31] <Alicia> "Please, if you actually know something," Alicia follows up more gently.
[19:32] <Kotono> "Eeek!" Pressed and then asked, "Well...it's a Weaver of Dreams. That's it's title..." Blushing now, "You know how you have good dreams and bad dreams?"
06[19:33] * Alicia nods, slowly so as not to dislodge her passenger.
[19:34] <Kotono> "Legends say that dreams are truth. A Weaver of Dreams seeks to weave truth from what is seen in dreams, without regard if it's good or bad. But if you anger one...all of you rnightmares will come true."
[19:35] <Kotono> A female pixie floats up, "They speak in the voice of everyone they want. Dreams are connected, or so they say."
[19:35] <Alicia> "Hmm... I don't think we angered it, did we?" Alicia glances at Antenora. "I mean, we made our point, and it seemed to accept that even if it didn't agree."
[19:35] <Kotono> "I..think so?" Antenora shrugs after a few long moments. "It wasn't making much sense to me."
[19:37] <Alicia> "It didn't seem upset, so I suppose we're alright," Alicia settles on that. Reaching up, she gives the pixie on her head a fond little pat, "Thanks for telling us that much, at least," she smiles.
[19:43] <Kotono> "Be careful...really." Settling back up on Alicia's head, there is a moment of quiet and then...SPLAT! A small blob of jam splatters right on the pixie atop Alicia's head, raining sweetness all over Alicia's hair! A pixie peeks up from the other side of the pot, "Now you're ruining the mood! This is JAM MAKING DAY! It's special and you're acting all wrong, wrong wrong, wrong! Let's have some fun!"
06[19:44] * Alicia grimaces and nudges the pixie off her head, not wanting to have her hair clotted with sticky jam. "Sorry, I didn't think it would be such a sore subject," she apologises as she gets up.
[19:45] <Kotono> "It's just not for today," The throwing pixie grins, "Today's a fun day!"
[19:45] <Kotono> Antenora shakes her head, rubbing her temples, "You should've brought Marie..." she murmurs.
[19:47] <Alicia> "I could always go get her," Alicia responds mischeviously. "But perhaps I'll bring her to visit another time. Thank you for the jam, it was delicious," she then nods to the pixies, "But we should get going. I'll see you later," she waves, starting to head deeper into the reserve.
[19:50] <Kotono> Quickly and swiftly breaking away with Alicia, Antenora sighs in deep relief. "I suppose that they're better off than many, but..."
[19:51] <Alicia> "Really," Alicia gently chastises the erinyes, "Even if you didn't like getting poked and prodded, it wasn't necessary to allude to torturing them. You need to learn how to handle such attention gracefully."
[19:55] <Kotono> Rubbing her face with her hand, "Unbridled mirtha nd joy like that still seems so...so...chaotic and undiciplined. Sorry, Alicia."
[19:59] <Alicia> "It's rather sad for us that mirth and joy are considered inherently chaotic," Alicia muses as they stroll along. "Yes, they are child-like, and somewhat impolite, but they're still sincerely well-intentioned and I think that deserves our respect."
[19:59] <Alicia> "Besides, they seem to respond better to having their attentions gently deflected instead of outright rejected. You're just making things harder on yourself by being confrontational."
[20:09] <Kotono> "Yes, I know that. My better nature has a way of sliding back when confronted with them." Stopping on her walk now, "I can deal with children well enough, but give them wings and mirth and I forget all that. Tsch." The last sound comes from deep in her throat, a rumbling discord. "Maybe you're right and I'm being pointlessly judgmental and stuffy."
[20:12] <Alicia> "It's not really gaining you anything by being so aloof," Alicia agrees delicately. "Like I said, when I first ran into the pixies I was pretty close to outright hitting them before I figured out being direct and harsh only made them want to tease me more. But with the right approach they're entirely easy to deal with."
[20:16] <Kotono> Antenora turns to Alicia, smiling a little now. "So I should...oh, how is it Marie likes to say it? Loosen up and remove the stick from my butt?"
[20:20] <Alicia> "I'd never put it so tactlessly, but it wouldn't hurt," Alicia agrees. "You don't need to run wild and join in their madcap pranks and foodfights, but at least try to be pleasant to them and you might be surprised to find they can meet you in the middle by moderating their behaviour in return." She idly scoops a drop of jam from her head and sucks on her finger as they walk along.
[20:22] <Kotono> "Yes, I-" Antenora stops there, "You know, that reminds me. Are the feelings from Malcanthet's realm passed for you now? You've looked better the last few days."
[20:23] <Alicia> "Haven't had a perverse thought in a few days," Alicia confirms as she innocently sucks on her index finger.
[20:24] <Kotono> "Oh good. That is just innocent," Antenora's smile twitches upward, "I did wonder a few moments."
06[20:27] * Alicia blinks before slowly pulling her now clean finger out of her mouth. "Only someone with a dirty mind would have thought otherwise," she retorts balefully.
[20:28] <Kotono> "Oh Alicia," With a virtually angelic smile, "Do lighten up."
[20:30] <Alicia> "Says the woman that won't even have a taste of jam," Alicia harrumphs.
[20:32] <Kotono> "Ah, but you savor the taste of jam. You get it in your mouth, on your face and then still lick it up." With a smirk, Antenora pats Alicia's shoulder.
[20:33] <Alicia> "Well, no sense letting it go to waste," Alicia protests weakly. "Besides, it's irritating my hair," she proceeds to clear another splodge of jam from her head and dispose of it in the same way.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Well, come. There's more to see in this forest, isn't there?" Starting to walk back along now, "You'll need to wash your hair tonight, though. Or just use magic."
[20:36] <Alicia> "I'll have a bath later," Alicia confirms as they continue their lazy circuit of the forest, looking for anything or anyone of interest.
[20:40] <Kotono> It's pretty quiet otherwise - you'd have to go to where the snakes are to deal with them, or go down the side path where the unsaid creature that you avoided last time is.
[20:43] <Alicia> Even though she now has her blindfold to deal with any blindness causing creatures, Antenora isn't so fortunate, so Alicia elects to avoid the waterfall today, instead starting to wind back towards the temple. "We'll probably head home in a couple of days," she comments aloud.
[20:46] <Kotono> As you walk out of the preserve, "It's been a lot of fun," Antenora says, "Meditation, work, peace, spending time with you." Looking at Alicia with a smile, "I wish we could spend more time here. But the world moves on. Even with the Kessian royal family slain, there's still more evil out in the world. Esthan, Gurlan, Shar, countless minor seeds of hate and despair that could blossom into a bitter harvest..."
[20:47] <Alicia> "Yes," Alicia agrees. "I needed this break otherwise I doubt I'd be any good to anyone, but I can't afford to spend to much time lazing around."
[20:48] <Kotono> "Yes, but speaking of, do you feel like you learned anything from all of this, from the Abyss to here?"
[20:54] <Alicia> "I learned that using a sword of dimensional anchoring to seal a planar portal is far less safe than you'd think," Alicia responds glibly. "I also learned that my libido is a terrifying force of carnal destruction that will ruin me if given half a chance."
[20:54] <Alicia> She lets that hang in perfect seriousness for a moment before chuckling, "No, not really. I can hardly blame my natural urges for some very unnatural feelings a Demon Queen was forcing on me. The main lesson I suppose is not to take the forces of chaos lightly."
[20:54] <Alicia> "It's the common stereotype that devils are skilled at corruption while demons are just mindless beasts, but the Abyss came closer to breaking me than any devil ever has."
[20:58] <Kotono> "I find that strangely ironic in so many ways," Crossing her arms as Alicia finishes, "But...maybe you're good with controlling rational corruption, but not the sort of felt corruption that the Abyss tried? It wasn't a matter of logical damnation, but of a creeping taint in your feelings. Or not, I admit I'm fully speculating here."  Coming round to the temple again, "Though, perhaps the reason you so like me is because you secretly crave y
[20:59] <Kotono> "Though, perhaps the reason you so like me is because you secretly crave your own succubus, and that's why the Abyss nearly succeeded?" With a light smile of her own to follow that, "Honestly, I'm not sure there was anything to learn. I'd consider that a bonus on top of escaping."
06[21:08] * Alicia snorts. "You don't really act like a succubus at all, though. And of the many I've encountered, I've only found one to be tolerable."
[21:08] <Alicia> She pauses a bit before admitting, "To be honest, I was almost tempted to ask G'renna to come with me, but I doubt I could ever reform her. As nice as she was to me, I don't think she cared for changing her whole worldview, and after what happened with Aym I'm leery of trying to convince someone who doesn't have some interest in changing their ways."
[21:09] <Kotono> "She must have been playing with you." Antenora slows now, her smile blowing awya like the scent of jam in the wind. "I don't believe for a second that it was anything but a form of manipulation. But...I don't know. There's still that cultist, who as far as I know is still asleep. I want to try very badly to make her want to sincerely change and see that myself."
[21:14] <Alicia> With a thoughtful shrug, Alicia replies, "She had a lot of opportunities to take advantage of me that she ignored. I think she honestly liked me and the novelty I represented, but otherwise she was very secure and happy with her own role and nature." She pauses again before turning to the topic of the cultist, "It's been a few weeks, if she hasn't recovered by now she probably never will."
[21:16] <Kotono> "Not without magic," Antenora agrees. "It's no less than she deserves for her deeds, yet I hope she can turn to something better and be given the chance to do so."
[21:18] <Alicia> "It's laudable to try," Alicia nods warmly as they head into the shrine itself, not wanting to dissuade Antenora at all from her goal.
[21:25] <Kotono> -----------------(Machine Gun Ko Ammo)--
[21:33] <Kotono> Jessica and Antenora gather with Alicia inside Alicia's home. Both wear their travelling clothes and gear. "You're really going to take us to Mystra's home," Jessica says, "That's completely unbelievable."
03[21:33] * taisick is now known as taisicker
[21:35] <Alicia> "I'm not sure it's a good idea," Marie comments, not entirely thrilled. "People who go to their afterlife when they're alive have a bad habit of not leaving. There's a word for it, which tells you just how common it is."
[21:36] <Kotono> "What's the word," Jessica asks.
[21:37] <Alicia> "In Celestial it's Shere'sani, loosely translates as the soul's calling," Marie explains, temporarily ceasing to use her natural magic for languages so that she can say the foreign word without it being auto-translated.
[21:38] <Alicia> "We won't stay long," Alicia assures her familiar as she takes off her ring of freedom of movement before slipping on the newly purchased ring, it's single jewel shimmering with all the colours of the rainbow. "But we don't know anyone on Earth with access to the magic we need, so Dweomerheart is the best place in the planes to search."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Mortal bodies are temporary containers for the eternal," Antenora goes on, "The eternal strives to meet with it's destiny. But as long as you don't stay long you should be alright."
[21:39] <Kotono> Jessica smiles a little, "I won't get bound to it, I promise. Besides, sis will drag me back kicking and screaming if she needs to."
[21:41] <Alicia> "She's just as likely to stay," Marie notes. "Strong will doesn't even come into it. But Antenora's right, so long as we don't tarry long you two should be okay. Just don't make a habit of it, okay?"
[21:41] <Alicia> "It's just this once," Alicia assures her worrying familiar. "Now, everyone join hands?" she proceeds to take Antenora and Jessica's hands in her own while Marie alights on her head.
[21:42] <Alicia> "Also, you better not embarrass me in front of anyone I know!" Marie adds, looking pointedly at Antenora.
[21:47] <Kotono> Antenora smiles back, "I wouldn't dream of it. Really." Everyone joins hands!
[21:48] <Alicia> Focusing on the centre of Dweomerheart, even though she doesn't expect to land there, Alicia shifts the quartet across the planes!
[21:48] <Alicia> roll 5d100
06[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d100 and gets 316." [5d100=91, 46, 65, 32, 82]
[21:49] <Kotono> The planes themselves part for Alicia's magic! (More)
[21:52] <Kotono> You are at the outskirts of a vast plateau. The sky is night dark. It cloaks the city ahead - a vast, endless city of magical energy, dazzling to the eyes to view. You can't make out details from here, but yet...but yet it's marvelously complete. The feeling of completeness is absolute, Alicia's body feeling tight, constricting for a few tense moments. There is a pull here, a potent pull that draws Alicia in. As she feels that marvelous sen
[21:52] <Kotono> a potent pull that draws Alicia in. As she feels that marvelous sensation, the sky occasionally flickers with silver fire.
06[21:55] * Alicia spends a moment just taking in the vista as she swaps her freedom of movement ring back onto her finger and pockets the now dormant plane shift one. No words come, simply absorbing the view and savouring pull she feels towards her goddess.
[21:57] <Kotono> Jessica's jaw drops. She tries to speak a few times but nothing at all comes. Antenora looks on with a faint, passing smile. She looks to Marie, "Home sweet home?"
[21:57] <Alicia> "It's even better when you get up there," Marie notes cheerily.
[21:57] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 27 knowledge planes for Marie to know a place here that we can get high level divine scrolls
[22:04] <Kotono> OOC: There's several magical emporiums where these can be procured by those who serve Mystra. Marie and Alicai should have no problems at all with this.
[22:07] <Alicia> After Alicia finishes savouring the moment before Marie gives her directions to a bazaar run by a friendly and unusually studious planetar, albeit with the caution that Dweomerheart's architecture changes frequently, although it's layout remains mostly consistent so it should still be there. Armed with this knowledge, Alicia teleports the group to said bazaar!
[22:08] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually since Marie's been there a few times
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually since Marie's been there a few times and gets 74." [1d100=74]
[22:12] <Kotono> Woosh! The magic flows freely here, Alicia finding her spell easily cast.  The bazaar is a large building, the walls having veins of multicolored crystals running through it it. They form arcane patterns on the floor as the light hits it, which crackle with motes of arcane flame. In the crystals rest dozens of things - scrolls, weapons, armors, wonderous items, wands and many an other magical artifact.
06[22:13] * Alicia spends a brief moment examining their surroundings to see the rest of Dweomerheart from the inside before she heads into the bazaar in search of someone to help with her query.
[22:16] <Kotono> Outside, ou can see a sky of silver fire. A well lit street is here, with dozens of twisting buildings about. Runes of magic float in the air, coming together as raw power is woven together. An astral deva walks side by side with a golden skinned man in plain clothes, a carved staff carried by him.
[22:18] <Alicia> "They change the architecture every day at dawn so the city never looks the same from day to day, but everything's still in the same place," Marie helpfully informs the tourists as they head inside.
[22:19] <Kotono> As you go in, you notice Jessica isn't coming in with you. Her gaze is fixated elseware, starting to wander off and away down the street.
06[22:20] * Alicia pauses and follows Jessica's gaze. "Jessica?" she prods, trying to see what she's looking at.

[Corwin]

[19:04] <Kotono> > Woosh! The magic flows freely here, Alicia finding her spell easily cast.  The bazaar is a large building, the walls having veins of multicolored crystals running through it it. They form arcane patterns on the floor as the light hits it, which crackle with motes of arcane flame. In the crystals rest dozens of things - scrolls, weapons, armors, wonderous items, wands and many an other magical artifact.
[19:04] <Kotono> * Alicia spends a brief moment examining their surroundings to see the rest of Dweomerheart from the inside before she heads into the bazaar in search of someone to help with her query.
[19:04] <Kotono> > Outside, ou can see a sky of silver fire. A well lit street is here, with dozens of twisting buildings about. Runes of magic float in the air, coming together as raw power is woven together. An astral deva walks side by side with a golden skinned man in plain clothes, a carved staff carried by him.
[19:04] <Kotono> <Alicia> "They change the architecture every day at dawn so the city never looks the same from day to day, but everything's still in the same place," Marie helpfully informs the tourists as they head inside.
[19:04] <Kotono> > As you go in, you notice Jessica isn't coming in with you. Her gaze is fixated elseware, starting to wander off and away down the street.
[19:04] <Kotono> * Alicia pauses and follows Jessica's gaze. "Jessica?" she prods, trying to see what she's looking at.
[19:10] <Kotono> Jessica is staring at a pattern of light from above. It doesn't look like much on a glance to Alicia, but Jessica turns back to her. "Sorry, sorry," she murmurs, following Alicia.
06[19:12] * Alicia gives her sister a pat on the back. "It's alright. We can spend a few hours looking around while we wait on the ring recharging, but we need to see about getting those scrolls first."
[19:15] <Kotono> Heading inside, you see that the various symbols traced on the ground are emitting energy! It flows into the air, forming a pleasantly, human-esque face in the air made of spell power. "Servants of Mystra, what do you seek here?"
[19:17] <Alicia> "Ah, hello," Alicia peers at the face curiously for a moment while Marie alights on her head. "We're looking for scrolls of powerful divine magic. Specifically a spell to regenerate the body of someone who's had their limbs and eyes removed. Three someones, actually."
[19:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20
06[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 36." [1d20=16]
[19:21] <Kotono> "This can be done, servant of Mystra. Tell me, is the eladrin your friend or familiar?"
[19:22] <Alicia> "I can be both," Marie replies, smiling coyly.
[19:22] <Alicia> "What she said," Alicia shrugs. "And call me Alicia, please."
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+30
06[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+30 and gets 44." [1d20=14]
[19:26] <Kotono> "As you will, Alicia." Three scrolls emerge from the crystalline veins in the walls, the crystals ripping like water as they fly out! "4,000 gold will be sufficient; word of your deeds has reached me here."
[19:29] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia smiles a bit at that. "Thank you, that's very kind. Here," she digs into her pack and produces four scrolls which she holds out with one arm while taking the other three scrolls in her free hand. "Two of Break Enchantment and two of Passwall - they should cover that price."
[19:30] <Kotono> The scrolls fly to Alicia, as the ones she holds are gently taken from her by nothing at all. They fly into the crystalline walls, joining the dozens of other things held within. "Did one of the celestials we've met talk to you?" Antenore smiles as well, "I didn't think Alicia was that famous as to be heard ofhere."
[19:31] <Alicia> "Considering all the demons and devils that seem to know all about me, it's not that big a surprise," Alicia muses while Marie floats up into the air and speaks.
[19:31] <Alicia> "Lots of people came to give me condolences when they heard I was being sent to be your familiar!" she chirps.
[19:32] <Kotono> "Marie!" Jessica frowns. "That's so mean to say!"
[19:34] <Alicia> "It's just a joke," Marie insists breezily, pointing at Alicia's twitching lips. "See, she's trying not to smile!"
[19:36] <Kotono> "Really?" Jessica comes around to Alicia, looking at her face.
[19:36] <Kotono> "I've heard fo you from a few," The face agrees, as it begins to dissipate. "May the Weave watch over your travels."
[19:37] <Alicia> "Oh, come on," Alicia blurts out as she's inspected. "Marie's just being Marie. Maybe we can meet some of her friends here and find out the truth of some of her tales?" Then to the magical face, "Thank you again!" she adds, starting to head out.
[19:46] <Kotono> As you walk out, back into the streets, "How long do we have here," Jessica asks, following behind Alicia.
[19:48] <Alicia> "About two or three hours - I asked for the ring to recharge at midday," Alicia explains. "Until then lets just take in the sights?"
[19:50] <Kotono> "Yes," Jessica nods, smiling, "I want to...it's just so right here, Alicia. So right."
[19:52] <Alicia> "Resist!" Marie lands on Jessica's head. "You're young and have a full life ahead of you!"
[19:52] <Alicia> "Oh, Marie, stop worrying," Alicia reaches up to bop her familiar on the head, "We're just having a little break here, that's all."
[19:53] <Kotono> "I can drag both of you back if I need to," Antenora pipes up, "Let's go look around then?"
[19:54] <Alicia> "Yes, we hopefully won't be back for some time, so lets take advantage of this while we're here," Alicia agrees, picking a random street to start heading down.
[20:03] <Kotono> After a little walking you come to a grand auditorium, open air. Here hundreds - no, thousands - of celestials, mortals and spirits have gathered! Each sits in intense meditation, repeating words of terrible, heavy arcane power. Leading them is a figure too intense to look at - like a star, blazing with silver and blue arcane fires all over his body. Wings of this fire jut from his/her back. It makes the entire auditorium blaze with a light
[20:03] <Kotono>  Wings of this fire jut from his/her back. It makes the entire auditorium blaze with a light that's almost blinding. As each word is intoned by the masses, magical energies swirl around the auditorium.
06[20:04] * Alicia stops a respectable distance away, looking curiously at their guide for an explanation on what this is.
[20:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 arcana marie
06[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 arcana marie and gets 11." [1d20=2]
[20:07] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 arcana alicia
06[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 arcana alicia and gets 23." [1d20=14]
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Antenora
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 Antenora and gets 15." [1d20=1]
[20:10] <Alicia> "That's one of the Stars of Mystra," Marie whispers reverently. "They're among the most powerful of Mystra's servants... I'm not sure what everyone here's doing, though."
[20:11] <Kotono> Antenora shields her eyes with her hand, squinting. "I can't even look at it. The light's so bright!"
[20:12] <Alicia> "It's a spell, but... whatever it is is entirely beyond me," Alicia states as she sweeps her gaze around the outskirts rather than look at the Star directly. "Any one of the participants is probably a better spellcaster than me, so taking them all together... who knows what they could do?"
[20:12] <Kotono> Jessica stares, transfixed again. She finally tears away, tears coming from her eyes as she rubs them. "Unbelievable. It's like looking into the sun."
[20:14] <Kotono> "We shouldn't disturb it," Antenora murmurs, "Such power must serve an important purpose."
[20:14] <Alicia> "They could be at this for a while," Marie then adds. "If you guys want a tour we should probably move on."
06[20:15] * Alicia nods. "Yes, lets," she agrees, starting to walk around the auditorium. "Still, to see such magic... it's very humbling."
[20:31] <Kotono> As you do the grand ritual continues on, no resolution to it in sight as you continue. You walk a little longer, coming eventually to a alley path. It's odd, you seem to flow into it naturally, a single door waiting there. Oddly, it's ajar.
[20:33] <Alicia> "Well, I suppose you'd never have to worry about locking your door here," Alicia comments.
[20:33] <Alicia> "It's clearly an invitation - look at how the street is arranged! They must want visitors, so lets go in!" Marie prods, giving Alicia a little nudge towards the door.
[20:44] <Kotono> JEssica follows along, "It's nice. It's just having fun, nothing bad's going to happen. Right Marie?"
[20:47] <Alicia> "When you say it like that I suddenly think that we're doomed," Marie can't help but note as she stops pushing Alicia.
[20:47] <Alicia> Not that this deters the paladin who proceeds to push the door open and poke her head in. "Hello?" she calls, looking inside.
[20:50] <Kotono> Inside you see what looks to be a bar of sorts. The tables are of a clear glassy material, as is the bar proper and chairs. Pretty humanoids of all sorts walk about as servers, while a motley assortment of creatures sits about. It's mostly mortals of varying sorts, though there are a few obvious celestials scattered about, as well as a metallic onstruct of some sort, a pixie sitting on the bar, and a 12 foot tall minature giant. From behind
[20:50] <Kotono>  pixie sitting on the bar, and a 12 foot tall minature giant. From behind the bar is a plain looking old man, "Come in, we're open."
[20:50] <Kotono> "...not what I expected," Jessica says.
[20:51] <Alicia> "Ah, I wasn't sure if this was someone's house," Alicia notes as she approaches the bar. "You should invest in a sign."
[20:53] <Kotono> "This is the Four Winds." With a gesture to sit down at the bar as Alicia approaches, "Those who need to find it will find it."
[20:54] <Alicia> "Well, I'm thirsty. How about you three?" Alicia glances at her companions, receiving a nod from Marie who alights upon the bar.
[20:54] <Kotono> Antenora sits down as well, while Jessica pipes up, "Any elven wine would be good."
[20:55] <Kotono> "You've come a long way to come here. What a motley bunch," As he reaches under the bar, taking out a few bottles and glasses, "An eladrin, a pair of humans, and a strange, strange outsider. I'd say a reformed succubus, but the look's not quite right."
[20:56] <Alicia> "Wrong side of the law/chaos spectrum," Alicia agrees as she settles down at the bar. "I'll have whatever the house special is."
[20:56] <Kotono> "Erinyes." Antenora says shortly, "I'll pass on anything."
[20:56] <Alicia> "I'll have what she's having," Marie pipes up, pointing to the pixie on the bar.
[20:58] <Kotono> The pixie is drinking a strange green, fizzy brew. One of these is given to Marie, while one is put in front of Alicia. It's purple with a silver haze of translucent fire burning atop it. "It won't burn," The barkeep cautions. "So what brings you to Dweomerheart? Looking to get a preview of eternity?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "Huh. Haven't met one of those before. A gelugon who's turned to Limbo once, though, that I did meet." Looking Antenora over, "Good for you."
06[21:00] * Alicia and her familiar both take a sip of their drinks before the former speaks. "We needed powerful magic to heal some men who'd been held prisoner by worshippers of Shar for an extended time. Didn't know of anyone on the Prime who could manage it so we came here and got the scrolls within five minutes of arriving."
[21:01] <Kotono> In the background converesations can be heard. Most of them are about magic or mundane things. A few snippets. "...Power Word works best when coupled with a quickened, assured spell so that it won't be resisted..." "Three of them?!" "...then I cast Cone of Cold at the fire elementals!..."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Ah, ah. Makes good sense." The drinks aren't too strong to the taste, Marie's being sweet and Alicia's being...she's not sure what it quite is. A very faint taste of something, but she feels faintly rejuvenated.
[21:02] <Kotono> "A gelugon in Limbo?" With a look of utter horror, Antenora closes her eyes. "Ugh."
[21:02] <Kotono> Sipping her wine, "You said that people who need to find this bar find it? Why did we need to find it?"
[21:02] <Alicia> "Can you just imagine the giant bug playing with the giant frogs?" Marie asks, giggling as she savours her drink.
06[21:03] * Alicia slowly sips her own beverage, curious about the answer to Jessica's question.
[21:04] <Kotono> "It was a uniquely insane creature. It kept babbling about a shard of chaos. Very strange creature indeed." Putting the bottles back under the bar, "As for your question, I can't answer that.  It's something you hvae to determine for yourself. It might be a person, some information, an idea, or even a drink here."
[21:06] <Alicia> "Well, it is a nice drink," Alicia acknowledges. "But I'm not sure I strictly *needed* it," she concludes, swivelling against the bar to have a look over the clientele.
[21:07] <Kotono> "How about we go stir up some conversations then," Jessica suggests, turning to look over the crowd as well. "Heck...maybe you'll find a boyfriend here, sis?" With a bit of as mile, "You'd get along great with a manly wizard who reveres Mystra."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Yes, this isa ll about finding Alicia someone to love," Antenora sighs. "I'd like to think that if this is something we need, it's something less frivolous."
[21:08] <Alicia> "Who says it's for Alicia?" Marie asks. "It could have been any one of us that was called here."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Ah, Antenora, you sound like someone who hasn't had a boyfriend in a long time." Getting up off her chair, "And Marie's right."
06[21:09] * Alicia shrugs. "There's also the fact that we're leaving in a few hours, so I don't see much hope for a long relationship with anyone that lives here."
[21:09] <Kotono> "You can go if you want. I'll stay here and talk to the barkeep." Turning back to him, "Really, a chaotic gelugon?"
[21:10] <Kotono> "Yes well..." Jessica just shrugs, drinking more wine. "Maybe it's not that, but there has to be something interesting here then."
[21:11] <Alicia> "Well, see if anything grabs you," Alicia encourages her sister, deciding to just listen to what conversations she can overhear in case she hears anything she could contribute to or learn from.
[21:12] <Kotono> Jessica thus goes out, as Antenora keeps chatting and Alicia watches! (More)
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 28." [1d20=19]
[21:14] <Kotono> The conversation with the barkeep is about said gelugon. From what the barkeep surmised, the gelugon had a run in with this shard of chaos and was corrupted as a result. Antenora does not seem amused. (More)
[21:18] <Kotono> The conversations around the bar are pretty diverse. A pair of wizards are talking about metamagic, quickening spells versus using more powerful spells with splitting rays or maximizing them. A celestial is talking to a tired looking mortal about a battle against an Arcanoloth, seemed to go well enough but some of the support daemons escaped with his friends as hostages. The pixie has flown over to the mini-giant, the two discussing about h
[21:18] <Kotono>  The pixie has flown over to the mini-giant, the two discussing about how much to donate to Dweomerheart as thanks for saving a friend by Mystra's will. (More)
[21:20] <Kotono> Jessica strikes up convrsation with a middle aged man wearing a rugged shirt. He has a well worn sword slung across his back. They're talking about his journey; to raise his friends after they were slain by a mockery of an angel. Previous attempts to raise them haven't worked and he's desperate.
06[21:22] * Alicia is curious enough about anyone who would consider having someone brought back to life as a matter of course, and elects to join her sister and her new friend. "Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear," she begins, "You say you've already attempted to have your friends brought back to life?"
[21:24] <Kotono> The man has deep black eyes, looking at Alicia and nodding. "Yes. They've failed," he says shortly. "Would you happen to have any suggestions?"
[21:28] <Alicia> "I'm afraid not," Alicia admits, "Where I come from the power to reverse death is extremely rare. But I have heard a few things - if you have such magic at your disposal and it fails, it means that your friends are either content where they are now, or their souls are trapped. Did their killer give any indication that it could do so?"
[21:29] <Kotono> "Yes...that damned angel." Sighing long as he rubs his brow, "In short, she killed all my friends, yet I was spared as she did not consider me a target. Bad enough, then another enemy cursed me to quest forever until I was able to restore my friends."
06[21:31] * Alicia grimaces. "How tremendously vicious," she shakes her head. "So what about this 'angel' - I presume of the fallen variety - what do you know of it?"
[21:34] <Kotono> "Fallen is too kind. A bitch who likely ruts with fiends and balors." With no emotion in his voice besides resignation, he sips a glass of ale. "She judged them as sinners and evil, then unleashed old enemies on them. They were far more powerful than before and...my friends lost." With a long sigh again, "They were the kindest people I've ever known. They cared, they fought the good fight, they never gave up."
[21:36] <Alicia> "Hells," Alicia grabs a nearby chair and pulls it up before sitting heavily in it. "I've run into that monster myself. She calls for my death and judgement, but flees all confrontation - surely waiting until she's augmented enough of my former foes, from what I've heard of her methods."
[21:37] <Kotono> Looking up to Alicia now as Jessica gasps in the meantime, "You'd be best to stay here then. My curse...I've lived because of it for hundreds of years now. I've never heard of anyone who's survived her wrath. But an angel she's not."
06[21:40] * Alicia shakes her head. "I'll find her before she's ready, and then I'll defeat her." Taking out her last spare anti-despair ward, she presses the circular golden disc into his hand and clasps it over it,
[21:40] <Alicia> "This ward protects against her ability to instill paralyzing despair with a look or a word. And I've heard that magic to defeat illusions weakens her tremendously. I'm certain she can be defeated, friend."
[21:41] <Kotono> He looks at the disk and then shakes his head. INstead, he draws a dagger from his belt and casually stabs it into his hand, in and out! No blood comes out - the flesh reknits itself instead. "She's never been my enemy, and this curse...I live but I don't die until I resolve it. She can do her worst and it won't matter."
[21:43] <Alicia> "So you've faced her yourself, then?" Alicia asks, pulling her hand back. She's really not sure how he can call being immortal and invincible a curse, unless there's some major downside he's keeping from her.
[21:47] <Kotono> "I saw the battle, but I wasn't her enemy. Oh no...if she was an angel, she'd have smited me at that time." With a twisted smile there, "It's a very long story and it has no happy ending. Facing her was like facing a God. Nothing worked against her. She was invicible...but an illusion, you said?" Frowning now, "The few useful shards of infromation I've found suggests that she might have ties to Gehenna."
[21:49] <Alicia> "Those who have glimpsed her true form have said there is nothing at all angelic about it," Alicia confirms. "But perhaps that last part means your friends souls are imprisoned in Gehenna, and could possibly be freed without confronting her directly? Certainly I've visited a prison in Hell that served much the same purpose."
02[21:59] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Client exited)
[22:02] <Kotono> "It might be so," he agrees, "For no other means have succeeded."
[22:03] <Alicia> "It's probably your most reasonable chance," Alicia suggests. "But should I succeed in killing her, I'll let you know so that you can try and find out if their souls are freed by that act - my name is Alicia Reynes, what's yours?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "Icheal," he nods over his drink. "If you can stop her...you'll save others from that fate, I know it. Whatever she is, she's pure malice. I don't even know her name...would you, by chance?"
06[22:07] * Alicia shakes her head. "I don't think anyone does. I've discussed her with ancient archon sages and diabolical archmages, and none could put a name to her. Good luck to you, Icheal," she pats his wrist before getting up, electing to join her familiar at the bar for now.
[22:08] <Kotono> Antenora looks up as they return, "I overheard. Gehenna...Could she be a Yugoloth?"
[22:09] <Alicia> "Quite frankly Antenora, anything's possible with her," Alicia returns, not willing to jump to any conclusions.
[22:12] <Kotono> Antenora looks down at the bar, thinking. "It could be a false lead or speculation, or even a false flag put out by her. You're entirely right, but...it's somewhere we could start looking? All we know is that she's somewhere with our enemies, waiting to pounce."
[22:13] <Alicia> "That's our advantage," Alicia points out. "Filetta and Olburt and Armand can all lead us straight to her. We've gotten sidetracked by more immediate concerns, but I'm certain we can find them when the time comes."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Mm." Antenora looks up, "Do you think scrying will work again?"
[22:15] <Alicia> "I'm sure she's taken some countermeasures, but such things aren't perfect," Alicia replies. "We can be persistent."
[22:18] <Kotono> "Yes." Antenora looks up, "Ready to go now? I think we found was was important here."
06[22:18] * Alicia turns to the bartender. "What do we owe you?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "5 gold," he answers smoothly, stepping forward. He cracks a brief smile, "A little much, but we have to compensate for those who find themselves too distracted by what they found here to pay the bill."
[22:21] <Alicia> "It's fine," Alicia hands over the requisite number of coins. "Farewell," she waves, leading the little group back out.
[22:23] <Kotono> As they exit out, Jessica giggles a little. "That was interesting. What are the odds someone who's met that angel-woman would happen to be there? It must've been magica nd fate."
[22:24] <Alicia> "Well, that's what the bartender said," Marie chirps as she flutters alongside the group.
[22:24] <Alicia> "We've still got a while left before we leave, lets look around a bit more?" Alicia suggests, heading out of this alley and continuing to meander through the divine realm of Mystra.

[Corwin]

[18:57] <Ko-BlameNitori> * Alicia turns to the bartender. "What do we owe you?"
[18:57] <Ko-BlameNitori> > "5 gold," he answers smoothly, stepping forward. He cracks a brief smile, "A little much, but we have to compensate for those who find themselves too distracted by what they found here to pay the bill."
[18:57] <Ko-BlameNitori> <Alicia> "It's fine," Alicia hands over the requisite number of coins. "Farewell," she waves, leading the little group back out.
[18:57] <Ko-BlameNitori> > As they exit out, Jessica giggles a little. "That was interesting. What are the odds someone who's met that angel-woman would happen to be there? It must've been magica nd fate."
[18:57] <Ko-BlameNitori> <Alicia> "Well, that's what the bartender said," Marie chirps as she flutters alongside the group.
[18:57] <Ko-BlameNitori> <Alicia> "We've still got a while left before we leave, lets look around a bit more?" Alicia suggests, heading out of this alley and continuing to meander through the divine realm of Mystra.
05[19:01] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[19:01] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[19:01] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[19:01] <Ko-BlameNitori> roll 1d100+5
06[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Ko-BlameNitori rolls 1d100+5 and gets 82." [1d100=77]
[19:05] <Ko-BlameNitori> You see many marvelous sights - magic unbound, commanded and shaped. You see spells given form and bodies, you see arcane masteries weaved, you see beings of incalcuable power work their craft. Midday has come now, Jessica still looking about. "You know, sis..." she says quietly. "Maybe we should stay longer?"
03[19:08] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@resnet210-228.resnet.wmich.edu) has joined #evildunes
[19:08] <Alicia> "No, Marie's right, we really shouldn't tarry here now that our business is done," Alicia shakes her head. "This isn't a place for mortals."
03[19:09] * Ko-BlameNitori is now known as Kotono
[19:10] <Kotono> Jessica stops, the pair talking close while Marie and Antenora are a little further down this wide, broad street. "Yes, well..." Jessica shuffles, "I still want to stay. You feel it too, don't you? We belong here."
03[19:10] * Taishyr is now known as taisick
[19:12] <Alicia> "It does call to me," Alicia admits, looking around wistfully. "But Marie's the one who really lives here, and if she says it's a bad idea I'm inclined to believe her."
[19:17] <Kotono> "
[19:18] <Kotono> "I know," Jessica admits, her eyes trailing away to look over the glowing city of magic. "But wouldn't it be good if we could stay? No devil attacks to worry about, no undead horrors, none of that? I think-no, I know that I'd be happy here."
06[19:21] * Alicia puts an arm around Jessica's shoulder. "I know, but shouldn't we try to make the best of things back home? It'd just be giving up if we stayed here."
[19:22] <Kotono> Jessica leans into the embrace, sighing. "I know. I have people I care about in Balmuria, but it hardly seems to matter right now. I love it here...and I'm never going to be able to forget it. Ever."
[19:25] <Alicia> "Don't, then," Alicia strokes Jessica's back. "Think of it as something to look forward to?" she suggests. "For most people death is a scary unknown. But if you stay true to Mystra, you know for sure that you'll end up here eventually."
[19:27] <Kotono> "Alright...then...I know, but..." Struggling to speak, "Take us home, okay, before I start wanting to stay so bad again?"
[19:28] <Alicia> "Okay, although we're going to Kelara first," Alicia warns. "Marie, Antenora, come on over - the ring's recharged!" she calls to the outsider duo, swapping her once more swirly multicoloured ring on.
[19:30] <Kotono> Antenora approaches over, smiling. "This is old but it bears repeating: This is so much better than Hell. I wish there was a simple way to make others understand that."
[19:32] <Alicia> "It's like this because of its inhabitants," Marie reasons as she alights on Alicia's heads. "If you filled heaven with selfish jerks who just want a free ride then it wouldn't be nearly so nice!
[19:35] <Kotono> "There has to be a way to make them understand..." Antenora murmurs, taking Alicia's hand. "I can't provide an answer, but there has to be a way. Then again, it does have chaos," With a little smile at the corners of her mouth, "That's certainly selfish in it's own way, hm?"
[19:39] <Alicia> "Enlightened self interest is no bad thing," Alicia muses as she takes Antenora and Jessica's hands, starting to focus on Kelara. "But really, people need more than the thought of a reward or punishment after their death to guide them through life. All the horrors of hell or the wonders of elysium are far removed from most people's everyday lives."
[19:39] <Alicia> roll 5d100
06[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d100 and gets 256." [5d100=2, 34, 88, 72, 60]
[19:40] <Kotono> roll 1d7
06[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d7 and gets 7." [1d7=7]
[19:40] <Kotono> Woosh! You now stand in an empty, plain field. Nothing of note is around here, just a few trees. Looks like unused, wild land.
[19:42] <Alicia> "No idea where we are, but I can get us where we want to go easily enough," Alicia states after a quick look around, proceeding to teleport the group to Mystra's temple in Kelara.
[19:42] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[19:42] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 58." [1d100=58]
[19:44] <Kotono> Thus they appear right there, in the busy noon temple. It's quite busy indeed, a congregation at worship. The party gets some startled looks, but not as many as average.
[19:45] <Alicia> "So this is where you first learned about the Lady of Mysteries?" Marie asks as she takes off from Alicia's head, starting to flutter around curiously while Alicia looks a bit embarrassed at disrupting worship, looking around for Taldeer.
[19:50] <Kotono> Taldeer is leading the service today. She takes a moment to interrupt, "This is Marie, an honored servant of Mystra from Dweomerheart. She honors us with her presence, coupled with the presence of Knight-General Alicia. Marie, would be so kind as to speak words of wisdom from Mystra?" She steps away and walks to Alicia in the meantime.
[19:53] <Alicia> "Oh, she told you about me?" Marie beams happily, flying out to take Taldeer's place at the front of the church.
[19:53] <Alicia> "Hi everyone! Normally I just give lessons to children at the church in Balmuria, so I've never led a full service before - but I'll be happy to talk to you all today! In fact, one of my friends was just talking about how it's a shame people don't really know what's waiting on the other side, so I'll tell you all about Dweomerheart!"
[19:54] <Kotono> As Marie goes on, Taldeer speaks in a lower voice. "Welcome back. What brings you back today, Alicia?"
[19:54] <Alicia> As Marie prattles on, Alicia walks off with Taldeer. "Sorry to drop in so abruptly, but I've got it!" Alicia whispers excitedly, taking out the scrolls and handing them to Taldeer, "The means to heal those three men we rescued from Kesse!"
[19:57] <Kotono> "Oh, glory to Mystra!
[19:57] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[19:57] <Kotono> "Oh, glory to Mystra!" Taking the scrolls in hand as Antenora and Jessica linger, "I'll do heal them immediately."
[19:58] <Alicia> Naturally Alicia wants to stick around and see the happy event, so she follows along with Taldeer.
[20:02] <Kotono> Thus you are taken back! You go to the dwarf first, Taldeer going to stand besides his bed. She unwraps a scroll, beginning to chant! Magic weaves around him, his ruined body surrounded by new vitality!
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 2d10
06[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d10 and gets 9." [2d10=2, 7]
[20:03] <Kotono> As the scroll burns away, his ruined body begins to restore! "Wh..w.hat is this?" he whispers, as his eyes open. Empty...yet slowly eyes begin to form in the emptied sockets! His ears shimmer, a deep sigh coming. "Did...Did I just hear something?"
[20:04] <Alicia> "Yes!" Alicia speaks up. "By Mystra's will, your body is remade!"
[20:05] <Kotono> "I..." His eyes slowly reform over the course of a minute as he sits up! "I can see...I can hear..." He blinks several times, a few gruff tears trickling down his weathered cheeks. He looks to Alicia and then Taldeer, "Oh...thank you! I never thought I'd see again or hear again!"
[20:07] <Kotono> "Thank Alicia," Stepping aside, and in a lower voice, "I'll go heal the other two. If you would stay with him for a few moments?"
[20:07] <Alicia> "You're very welcome," Alicia beams. "For this to occur is a great victory against Shar," she briefly nods to Taldeer, taking a seat by the bed. "My name's Alicia Reynes. What was yours?"
[20:12] <Kotono> "Rubri'granit." He looks around slowly, drinking in the vision. His voice shakes still. "Thank you," He takes Alicia's hand in his own, strong gripped even now. "You stopped those bastards from turning Kesse into a wellspring of horrors."
06[20:15] * Alicia squeezes his hand back. "Ironically we would never have even known if they hadn't come to attack us," she admits. "But I'm glad things ended up with them in the ground. Do you have family still in Kesse?"
[20:19] <Kotono> "No. I'm not native to Kesse. I came from the west." Sitting up in bed, "I stumbled on the horrors in Halla and attempted to stop them. I ultimately failed and was taken prisoner."
06[20:22] * Alicia nods, helping Rubri up. "Right now we're in Kelara, far to the East on the other side of the jungle. If you want I can take you back at least as far as Kesse, though."
[20:23] <Kotono> "In due time, yes." Brushing himself off, "I never forget a debt, and I owe you and this Temple to Mystra much. I would not return home before repaying it to my satistifaction."
[20:25] <Alicia> "That's your perogative," Alicia allows. "How you seek to repay the debt is up to you, Rubri'granit - Mystra gives freely and will accept whatever you feel able to give in return."
[20:28] <Kotono> "I have hundreds of years of craft forged into my bones, coupled with Moradin's wisdom. I will make and enchant something worthy for your heroism and altruism."
06[20:31] * Alicia smiles. "We'd be honoured to benefit from your craft, in that case. Now," she stands up, "Do you feel like testing your legs and going to see how the others are healing? Be good to get the limbs moving again, I think."
Session Close: Mon Feb 09 20:38:52 2009

Session Start: Mon Feb 09 20:38:52 2009
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[20:38] * Disconnected
02[20:39] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[20:39] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[20:39] * Topic is 'Lilitu>Armored Succubus>Alicia>G'renna'
03[20:39] * Set by Kotono on Mon Jan 19 01:49:35
03[20:39] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
03[20:39] * taisick is now known as tai-cls-woomphwoomphwoomph
[20:41] <Kotono> He gets up and tests those legs, walking forward and stretching. "The former lovers of Princess Giselle? Are those still alive, or are they other poor souls?"
[20:42] <Alicia> "There were two of them," Alicia confirms. "You three were the only ones we found still alive, I'm afraid."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Take what we can get," He nods as you head into the next room. Grantire sits up in his bed, body freshly restored! His hands run over his face and then legs and body, shivering all over. Taldeer brushes by as you enter, "One more," she murmurs back.
06[20:48] * Alicia nods briefly to Taldeer before focusing her attention on the bedridden man. "Hello, Grantire. I told you I'd find a way," she tells him warmly.
[20:53] <Kotono> He slowly stands up, before throwing his arms around Alicia. He doesn't quite lift her up off the ground, though he's close. "Now I can go back to Giselle...she's in so much pain, isn't she?"
[20:55] <Alicia> "Ah, well," Alicia is a bit startled by the hug but takes it with good grace, "She's had a rough time of it, yes. Glad to see you're so energetic, at least."
[20:57] <Kotono> "I've gotten everthing I hoped for! I'm alive again!" Smiling from ear to ear, "I'd givne up hope so many times, but it's finally come true!"
[21:01] <Alicia> "I'm happy for you," Alicia pats him on the back as she gently disentangles herself from him and gestures to the dwarf. "Have you met Rubri'granit, by the way? He's one of the others that was held at Halla."
[21:02] <Kotono> "No." Going over to him and offering his hand, "Grantire. Ah..." he begins, then just smiles, "Glad to see someone else made it out, too."
[21:03] <Alicia> "There's one more, who should be healed as well by now - lets go see him?" Alicia suggests, heading to the last room.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Yeah, I did. If I get my way I'll fill that damned temple with pure molted mithral and adamantine before I'm done." Shaking the hand fiercely, "The hubris and hatred of those foolish royals staggers me to consider."
[21:04] <Alicia> "You'll need a lot of metal," Alicia warns. "That temple's now a pit half a mile deep in the ground. Still an improvement by far, though."
[21:11] <Kotono> "I can get a lot of metal," The dwarf replies.
06[21:12] * Alicia smiles thinly. "I like your attitude, Rubri'granit," she commends him.
[21:14] <Kotono> "Hmph, I should get started on planning that." Starting to walk out, "On a related matter, where's the nearest forge?" He goes towards the last room in the meantime.
[21:15] <Alicia> "There's one at the other end of the temple. We make quite a lot of magic items here," Alicia tells him, pointing down the hall before heading into the last room.
[21:17] <Kotono> The group heads in! Taldeer has just finishes, sitting down at the man's bedside. He looks to be asleep, body restored as he rests. "He should be up in due time," she says, "His sleep has been erratic."
[21:18] <Alicia> "He might worry he's dreaming when he does wake up," Alicia notes with a smile. "Still, I'm glad everyone's fully restored, now. Praise be to Mystra," she briefly ducks her head in a reverent gesture.
[21:19] <Kotono> Taldeer mimics this, going to tuck him back in. "The two of you are welcome to stay here while you get your lives back together."
[21:19] <Kotono> The dwarf merely grunts at that, "I will, though I have business to repay you before anything else. The forge is thataways?" Nodding, "I'll be down there."
[21:20] <Kotono> "I want to go back to Kesse and Giselle," Grantire says quickly, eyeing the sleeping man with a smile that doesn't really reach his eyes.
[21:20] <Alicia> "We're far away from Kesse, but I can transport you across the jungle should you want to return," Alicia confirms. "But it's up to you what you want to do, now."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Please, take me there," Grantire insists, "Can you do it now?"
[21:25] <Alicia> "Hoping to get a jump on the competition?" Alicia asks, not having been born yesterday, before gesturing to the man on the bed. "I haven't really talked to this man, but I understand he was also in a relationship with Giselle as well."
[21:25] <Alicia> "It's not my place to say which of you is better for her - or whether either is better than any of her current suitors, but I think it might be a good idea if the two of you talked before we go back to Kesse."
[21:27] <Kotono> Grantire's smile goes away at that, but after a long look, he nods. "Yeah. Guess I do," he says, going pace besides the man's bed. We're gonna have to talk."
[21:29] <Alicia> "It's not uncommon for Kings to keep multiple mistresses," Alicia notes with a teasing smile. "You never know, Queen Giselle might adopt a similar approach. Anyway, I'll be able to take you both to Kesse tomorrow, so just relax until then."
[21:31] <Kotono> Taldeer rises at that, "Shall we,"
[21:31] <Kotono> OOC - GAh.
[21:33] <Kotono> Taldeer rises at that, "Shall we," she murmurs, "Follow me, Alicia."
06[21:33] * Alicia obligingly trails after the elf.
[21:34] <Kotono> Once the four womena re out of the room, Taldeer leads you back into her chambers. Once there, "Are you going to be in KElara long, Alicia?"
[21:35] <Kotono> Jessica smiles a little, "That was so good of you. They looked so happy now...and are we, sis? We could go see father and mother again?"
[21:36] <Alicia> "I was thinking of staying at least the night with them and then making a quick trip to Kesse on the morrow," Alicia confirms. "After that, well... I had thought of sticking around here a little, just to make sure things are improving after that so-called rebellion."
[21:38] <Kotono> "We can talk about that now or tomorrow or later? Kelara hasn't burned down, thankfully," With a faint smile as she goes to sit down, "You're welcome to come back here when you want, Knight-General. Lord Roth was generous with that title. When you've been mentioned, he makes a big deal out of making sure your title is added on."
[21:40] <Alicia> "Of course. If people forget one noble's title it's a small step to forgetting another's," Alicia observes as she likewise seats herself. "We can talk now, if you don't mind leaving my familiar in charge of the congregation a little longer. She'll offer a unique perspective, if nothing else."
[21:43] <Kotono> "I don't think she'll ruin it." Smiling faintly again, "There's been a lot of speeches about things while the nobles manuver and bicker. With allt he gaps, there's a  power vacuum that's still filling. Your parents haven't been idle, either."
[21:44] <Alicia> "Good for them. If they have the werewithall to come out ahead in this, they deserve it," Alicia opines. "How are people responding to the speeches and maneuvering, though? Particularly outside the city walls?"
[21:45] <Kotono> "They're probably going to make it in this time. They're making really adroit plays from what I hear." Leaning back in her chair, "Some. There's lots of promises and it's enough to help pacify things."
06[21:47] * Alicia nods. "Just so long as the promises are met. If they get broken then things will be even worse than before..."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Order breaks down when it's empty lies, unless power supports it. It's imperitive that they keep those promises and not rely on brute force to shield themselves," Antenora adds in.
[21:49] <Kotono> "At least Father and Mother would know better than that, if they get involved?" Jessica says, "Right, sister?"
[21:51] <Alicia> "I think so," Alicia agrees with Jessica after nodding to Antenora's sage statement. "They've both worked hard in their own ways to get where they are."
[21:53] <Kotono> "As lon gas I'm not married off to some nobleman," Jessica mutters under her breath. "Can we go, Sis?"
[21:54] <Alicia> "You want to go see them now?" Alicia asks, getting up. "Alright then, let's see if we can pry Marie away from the altar?"
[21:55] <Kotono> OOC: Skip along?
[21:56] <Alicia> OOC: sure
[21:58] <Kotono> The Reynes estate has a cool breeze blowing through it, clouds rolling in. It'll rain soon. However, as you approach the front doors, you notice something. A few men loiter around there - men in armor and with weapons, keeping a general watch out. They're well kept but don't look like Kelaran soldiers. One of them breaks away, going to walk towards the group as they approach the manor house. "Hail and good day," he says, a young man with a
[21:58] <Kotono>  manor house. "Hail and good day," he says, a young man with a quick step.
[22:00] <Alicia> "Hail," Alicia returns. Private guards? That seems rather ostentatious. She decides to check none of them are morally suspect while talking. "I don't recall there being guards posted last time I was here. Is there a problem?"
[22:03] <Kotono> "Lady and Sir Reynes hired us recently. You're Alicia Reynes, I believe?" He says this smoothly, all the while murmuring a few words of magic. There is a soft clinkle of chain as he does. You can see the tips of a chain shirt underneath a brown shirt and cloak - it has a silver cast to it, like mithral. "You match the descriptions...and except for you, all of you are wearing a fortune in magic. You must be shielding, then."
[22:03] <Kotono> fortune in magic. You must be shielding, then."
[22:06] <Alicia> "It's to my advantage to avoid being scried upon," Alicia confirms, smiling a bit. "So you're a warrior-mage, yourself? We should talk shop sometime - what's your name?"
[22:07] <Kotono> "Erikin. I work for the Rock Hawks, we're the group doing security here," he offers a gloved hand out. "Not while I'm on duty, though. Go ahead."
[22:08] <Kotono> "AT least Father and Mother hired competent security," Jessica says as she starts to continue on.
[22:09] <Alicia> "Yes, I want to see my family first, anyway." Alicia shakes his hand. "Good to meet you, Erikin." With that she heads on to the manor itself.
[22:09] <Alicia> "They must be doing well," Marie agrees as she flutters on by. "Who knew you grew up in such decadence, eh?"
[22:10] <Kotono> "She didn't let it go to her head." Antenora adds as you walk inside. Arthur Reynes is going down to thes tairs, deep in conversation with a page wearing travel worn clothes.
[22:12] <Alicia> "Hello, father," Alicia waves, wiping her feet before stepping inside.
[22:13] <Kotono> Arthur looks up, "Alicia, Bet-Jessica." Approaching them and waving away the page, "It's good to see you again. You beat the rain, too. Come in, we'll get you inside and have some warm tea. Your brother's back home now, too, you can go see him."
[22:14] <Kotono> After a moment, he does a double take. "My word, is that a flying...child...tiny...um...'
[22:15] <Alicia> "Just happened to be in Kelara so we thought we'd stop by," Alicia explains, giving her father a quick kiss on the cheek. "You've met Antenora before, and this is Marielle - she's my familiar."
[22:15] <Alicia> "Pleased to meet you!" Marie chirps, performing a little curtsey with her flattering plainswalker robes. "I'm a coure eladrin!"
[22:15] <Alicia> "And you can call me Marie!" she adds.
[22:17] <Kotono> "Pleased to meet you," Arthur returns with that, "The guards didn't give you any trouble getting in, did they?"
[22:18] <Alicia> "No, they were fine," Alicia shakes her head. "Although I'm curious at the necessity - have you had any threats?"
[22:24] <Kotono> "Better active against threats than to let them surprise you. Your friend said you had the same attitude," Starting to walk up the stairs, "He was so helpful to us."
06[22:25] * Alicia blinks. "Which friend was that?"
[22:27] <Kotono> "He called himself Esthan. He said you were good friends and he came to give us advice in the difficult times ahead." As you go up to the sitting room, keeping a brisk pace, "He also helped us get the Rock Hawk band and get them at a good price. Thank you so much for having him come by, he's really done so many favors for your mother and I."
[22:27] <Kotono> Antenora's breath escapes in a sharp hiss, her hand reflexivly going back for her spear.
[22:28] <Alicia> "Oh, that son of a..." Alicia grimaces, whipping around to look at her familiar. "Marie, sweep the grounds," she instructs, her familiar promptly turning incorporeal and zipping away. "Father, Esthan is *not* my friend. And any mercenaries he helped you hire are automatically suspect."
[22:30] <Kotono> "What...that can't be right,": Stopping at the top of the stairs, "Esthan is a good man. He's done so many useful things for us! He gave us incredible advice on managing the politics going on in Kelara right now, not to mention told us so many stories about you. He even knew techniques to make our wineries more efficient."
[22:31] <Alicia> "He's not a man at all," Alicia replies firmly. "He's a devil." Sighing, she puts a hand on her father's back, guiding him to the sitting room. "Come, lets sit down and then you'd better tell me all about how Esthan 'helped' you."
[22:33] <Kotono> "You're kidding," Let along with wide eyes, "He was the nicest, most charming man I've ever met! Are you sure you're not mistaken? He even paid respects to your husband and child's coffins. Aren't devils all monsters?"
[22:35] <Alicia> "They're not wild ravening animals - they're sneaky," Alicia insists. "Now please, tell me all about what he did, and whether you made any agreements with him," she then asks firmly, a worry gnawing in the back of her mind that the remains of her family have been desecrated, or worse.
[22:36] <Kotono> "No agreements. He said it was all because he was friends with you," With a look of puzzlement as ou head into the sitting room, "He even refused to take travelling money as a sign of our esteem."
[22:37] <Kotono> Antenora nods to Alicia and walks downstairs! Jessica goes closer to Alicia, "Father, Alicia's right."
[22:38] <Alicia> "This is deadly serious," Alicia confirms as they sit down. "Please, start at the beginning - how you met him. And when."
[22:44] <Kotono> "He came to us one evening. There was a torrential downpour and he simply asked to be able to stay inside while it passed. He talked his way into that and then struck up a conversation while he waited. When he heard my name, het alked about you...and it was so easy to listen to him. He kept saying the right words, and there was something about the way he talked. Such presence. I felt like I was listening to the finest oratory I'd ever heard
[22:44] <Kotono>  I felt like I was listening to the finest oratory I'd ever heard."
06[22:47] * Alicia can't help but note that Esthan felt no need to break out the wondrous speechifying on her. Either that or her standards are higher. "What did he say in particular?"
[22:48] <Kotono> "It's a blur. He said about how you were so heroic and just. He said you understood the value of law and order and how paramount it was to society. He said he wanted to help us in return fo ryour services. I agreed."
[22:51] <Alicia> "How very nice of him," Alicia mutters sourly. "So how did he help you?"
[22:54] <Kotono> "He told us how we could make the nobility for sure once Beatrice mentioned she wanted into it...oh, it was easy to mention things around him. It just happened." Arthur smiles here, "He made it so wonderful just to talk about things. Conversations with him were unbelievable. He explained how we were in danger and needed protection, with both Kelara and all the danger you're in. He got us the Rock Hawk mercenaries at a large discount. There
[22:55] <Kotono>  He got us the Rock Hawk mercenaries at a large discount. There was the business with helping the winery, and just the evenings of pleasant talk..."
06[22:57] * Alicia could just scream at the insanity of it all. "So how did he help you advance your station towards nobility?" she asks, deciding that's the path most likely to leave victims by its side. She'd actually been proud of her parents for getting their themselves, but now it seems she was premature...
[22:59] <Kotono> "He talked to us about the nobles. He seemed to know all of them fairly well and ways to out argue them. Whot o court and flatter, who to ignore, who to deal with. He gave us good arguments to use against them when needed, too. He said it was important for us to rise into power. We'd need it and we were worthy of it."
[23:00] <Kotono> "He knew that much?" Jessica frowns, "How would he learn something like that?"
[23:01] <Alicia> "Scrying and spying," Alicia shrugs. "He could even rip secrets right out of the other nobles' minds. He's a powerful devil with more magical talent than anyone else on the Prime and can call on the services of who knows how many other devils. This would be trivial for him."
[23:02] <Kotono> "I don't understand. If he's a mage beyond compare...why come to us then?" Arthur asks. "Why help us if he's your enemy?"
[23:03] <Alicia> "He doesn't want to be my enemy. He wants to be my master," Alicia concludes unhappily. "By doing this he's showing just how much power he has - if he can help you so much, then how much could he hurt you? It's the worst sort of taunting."
[23:05] <Kotono> "Oh, Alicia? Beth? Ithought I heard you!" The door opens to admit Beatrice Reynes, wearing a lovely blue dress and jewelry. "Oh, you beat the rain in. Excellent...what's wrong? You all look so worried."
[23:06] <Alicia> "Hello, mother," Alicia turns dispiritedly towards Beatrice. "Father was just telling us all about your newest friend."
[23:06] <Kotono> "Oh, Esthan!" Her face lights up, "I do hope he comes back soon! You should introduce us to more of your friends, he was delightful!"
[23:08] <Alicia> "No," Alicia shakes her head. "He's not my friend. He's an inordinately powerful fiend of the Nine Hells."
[23:08] <Kotono> "What...that's not possible!" Beatrice scowls, "There is no way such a civilized and well mannered man is anything but a noble, or perhaps evena  Prince from a faraway land!"
[23:09] <Alicia> "A noble from hell, perhaps," Alicia sighs. "Devils are perfectly capable of being civilised and polite when it suits their purposes. All the better to make their enemies drop their guard."
[23:10] <Kotono> "...Oh." Beatrice says slowly, "I still can hardly believe it! I should go see what your brother thinks of this, they got along well too."
[23:12] <Alicia> "Just like everyone got along with that imbecile David," Alicia notes with a frown. "He's a monster that would just as soon see us all suffering an eternity of hellish torment."
[23:13] <Kotono> "You don't want to go to Hell. Antenora says it's horrible and Dweomerheart was so much nicer," Jessica pipes up.
[23:14] <Kotono> As Beatrice stumbles off in a shocked daze, "So are we in any danger then?" Arthur Reynes asks.
[23:15] <Alicia> "I don't know," Alicia concludes weakly. "That's the worst of it. This was his way of sending a message - but what will the next one be?"

[Corwin]

[16:37] <Kotono> > As Beatrice stumbles off in a shocked daze, "So are we in any danger then?" Arthur Reynes asks.
[16:37] <Kotono> <Alicia> "I don't know," Alicia concludes weakly. "That's the worst of it. This was his way of sending a message - but what will the next one be?"
[16:38] <Kotono> "Really..." Arthur Reynes shakes his head again, rubbing his forehead. "He was like a dream come true."
[16:40] <Alicia> "What better way to tempt you?" Alicia concludes. "I'm sorry, father. It's because of me that you're getting mixed up with things like him. What about the Rock Hawks?" she glances at the window briefly, "What sort of contract do they have with you?"
[16:43] <Kotono> "Esthan introduced me to the leader of the troop, Elias Sandsmith. He negotiated a reduced rate for the Rock Hawk band as well. They've been nothing but polite, well trained and effective that I've seen."
[16:45] <Alicia> "I haven't sensed anything outwardly suspicious myself, admittedly," Alicia confesses, furrowing her brow. "It could be they're innocent and were simply manipulated, but even so... I think I should talk to them, or at least their leader."
[16:46] <Kotono> "Agreed." Antenora enters into the room, inclining her head to Alicia's father. "None of the three here are tainted by evil. This Elias may even be an upright person, though doubless Esthan is manipulating them in some manner as well."
[16:48] <Alicia> "Maybe he just appreciates how you defended law and order by killing that revolutionary guy here in Kelara?" Marie suggests as she flies in behind Antenora. "But you also killed the lawful leaders of Malmuth and Kesse, which was pretty chaotic, so I who knows?"
[16:49] <Kotono> "Alicia, what are we going to do now?" Antenora asks. "What do we need to do?"
06[16:50] * Alicia briefly glares at her familiar. "Thank you for that, Marie," she mutters dryly. "In any case, if Esthan's already been and gone there's not really much I can do about it, I'm afraid." Looking at her father, "When did you last see him, Father?"
[16:50] <Kotono> Arthur listens to all of this, shaking his head several times. "Elias Sandsmith is in Kelara proper. The Rock Hawks are renting out several rooms in an inn-and Esthan? A few days ago, he left to continue his travels.
[16:50] <Kotono> "
[16:52] <Alicia> "Missed him by a few days? How dreadfully convenient for him," Alicia grimaces. "Did he say where he was headed?"
[16:53] <Kotono> "He said he wasn't sure," Arthur answers back. "He was going to take him where his feet took him."
[16:55] <Alicia> "Hmm..." Alicia looks thoughtful for a moment as she considers. "We can try asking around the city if anyone saw him, although I doubt it'll help - last time we tried tailing him he left a false trail. For now I think we'll go have a chat with Elias Sandsmith - which inn is he staying at, and can you tell me anything else about him, Father?"
[16:57] <Kotono> "He's staying in the Seafoam, down on Breckenridge street. He's from Nodlitz, the entire band operates from there. He looks like he's been in a lot of fights - scars, a badly set nose, a limp. He's really soft spoken."
[16:58] <Alicia> "I think I'll go see how he knows Esthan, in that case," Alicia stands up. "I'm sorry my visit has to end up like this, Father, but if you have Esthan's attention then we can't afford to be complacent."
[17:00] <Kotono> "It's like a dream that's turned into a nightmare. Alicia, why?" Looking up at his daughter, "...all I can say is to protect yourself. I...it sounds like you'll need that."
[17:02] <Alicia> "We all do... speaking of that," Alicia glances at her sister. "Jessica, why don't you give your bracelet to Father? We can get you a new one back in Balmuria."
[17:04] <Kotono> Jessica nods, taking off the bracelet. "Father, if you're ever in serious danger, this'll summon Alicia."
[17:06] <Alicia> "At worst I might not be fully equipped for a fight but I'd still be able to help you escape from danger," Alicia nods. "Anyone want to come with me to see Mr Sandsmith?" she then asks the group.
[17:08] <Kotono> "I'll stay here," Jessica smiles and goes to sit down next to her Father. Antenora nods briefly. "I'll go with you, just in case there's trouble."
[17:09] <Alicia> Marie also elects to stay behind, leaving Alicia and Antenora to walk back to the city and reflect on why an inn in a landlocked city state would call itself Seafoam.
[17:13] <Kotono> On the walk back, Antenora looks to Alicia. "You okay?" she asks quietly.
[17:14] <Alicia> "No," Alicia replies with a sour look. "This has really ruined my day. I hate feeling so powerless whenever he comes up."
[17:15] <Kotono> "So do I. That's how he wants us to feel." Going to walk besides Alicia now, "He wants to dominate us in one way or another, to break us. We have to remember we're fighting for something better than he could ever imagine. That no matter what he does against us, that we're going to preservere and defeat each of his schemes in detail."
[17:18] <Alicia> "If only we could actually find him," Alicia grimaces, clenching a fist at her side. "Our one good shot at him, with all our allies standing together, and he deflects it like it was nothing!"
[17:22] <Kotono> "If he is a Pit Fiend, he has power over innumerable fiends. He can call on the wealth of a nation to aid his goals. He can call the mightiest of mundane devils to do his bidding without question. Without a doubt, he's skilled and connected enough to be untouchable as long as we play along with his games." Antenora looks up at the cloudy sky, as raindrops start to plummet down. "We need to find some morsel of truth about him. We need to fin
[17:22] <Kotono> "We need to find some morsel of truth about him. We need to find some way to gain an advantage on him and break this reactive pattern."
06[17:26] * Alicia pulls her hood up as she walks. "Hard to do when he can appear and disappear at will anywhere in the world, or even the planes. And no one seems to really know anything about him."
[17:27] <Kotono> "I doubt Esthan is his true name." Antenora lets the water splash on her face and hair, "A throw-away name disguises him in another layer of deception."
[17:29] <Alicia> "That contract he showed me referred to him as Esthan. Aren't there rules about having to use real identities for them to be enforcable?" Alicia glances at Antenora curiously. She doesn't know that for sure, but it would make sense.
[17:34] <Kotono> "Usually. I wouldn't put it beyond him to have some way of cheating that." Antenora looks back at Alicia, "One of the things about Hell is that those in charge ignore the rules that bind the masses. Those with priviledge have rights the rabble can't even dream about. He may have some manner of fooling you...or he never meant for the contract to be valid in the first place, or to be signed." With a souring look, "Bleh, I may be overthinking
[17:34] <Kotono> With a souring look, "Bleh, I may be overthinking this."
[17:36] <Alicia> "It was a very bad contract," Alicia agrees. "I was worried he may have actually provided a tempting offer, but I didn't even need to think before I tossed it." Shrugging as they walk onwards, "The thing is, though, we really know far too little for us to make any accurate suppositions."
[17:36] <Alicia> "Esthan is out of our reach for now, although I'll ask Taldeer to prepare a sending for Latha - perhaps she's heard something recently."
[18:10] <Kotono> Going closer to Alicia, "I know, but...you've won against Hell before and saved me. You'll do it again...and I'll be there for you wheneveryou need me there."
06[18:12] * Alicia gives the erinyes a smile. "Thank you, Antenora. You don't need to worry about me giving up - I'll keep going no matter how daunting the road ahead is," she reassures her friend.
[18:16] <Kotono> At that, the two continue onward The Seaform inn is on a busy street. IT's painted seafoam green, standing out from the other buildings.
06[18:18] * Alicia casts voice of the archon before heading into Kelara itself, and proceeds into the inn's common room, looking around for a scarred man with a broken nose.
[18:19] <Kotono> The common room is fairly quiet, mostly a few people eating or drinking here. No one here matches that description as you look about.
03[18:19] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@pix050-144.pix.wmich.edu) has joined #evildunes
06[18:21] * Alicia gets the attention of one of the serving staff. "Excuse me, I'm looking for a man named Elias Sandsmith - I believe he's staying here?"
[18:22] <Kotono> The maid nods quickly, "Go talk to Sandra, she's the woman at the desk taking reservations. She's handling Mr. Sandsmith's affairs.:"
[18:22] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia nods, going to do just that!
[18:27] <Kotono> SAndra is a middle aged woman of little note. She listens to Alicia and Antenora, then, "On what business do you need to contact Mr. Sandsmith on?"
[18:28] <Alicia> "It concerns a mutual acquaintance of ours," Alicia replies shortly.
03[18:30] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[21:12] <Kotono> "This way," she nods, leading the two back. Alicia and Antenora are lead to a large suite on the third floor. Here Elias Sandsmith reclines on a couch, reading a book and resting. Sandra bows to him, "Sir, you have people here to see you."
06[21:13] * Alicia waits for him to register their presence before saying anything.
[21:16] <Kotono> "Yes," he whispers quietly, putting down his book. He looks Alicia over, "Ah...Alicia Reynes, daughter of our current client? What can I do for you?"
[21:18] <Alicia> "Pleased to meet you, Mr Sandsmith," Alicia inclines her head, checking on the off chance that he registers as evil - unlikely considering his men, though. "I understand you were introduced to my parents by a man named Esthan?"
[21:23] <Kotono> "That's right," Elias Sandsmith whispers.
[21:24] <Alicia> "I'd like it if you could tell me about how you came to know this individual," Alicia requests politely, a bit put off by his whispering but not showing it.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Esthan requested to stay anonymous on this matter," he replies. "I cannot answer your question."
[21:28] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia raises an eyebrow. "Would it surprise you to know, then, that Esthan is a fiend? I speak not in hyperbole, I literally mean that he is an outsider from the lower planes."
[21:29] <Kotono> "This is a fascinating claim," Smiling now politely, "Ma'am, my word is my bond." His voice is ever so quiet all the while, "Still...can you support what you said at all?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "I can," Antenora says quietly. "If I need to.
[21:30] <Kotono> "
[21:32] <Alicia> "That shouldn't be necessary, Antenora," Alicia waves the erinyes down before regarding Elias. "Without Esthan here and willing to reveal his true nature, I cannot. I could show you written correspondence from other devils relating to him, but words on paper are meaningless as proof. You would have to take my word for it."
[21:33] <Kotono> Steepling his hands together, "Try and convince me, then."
[21:39] <Alicia> "Esthan first came to my attention when I slew a Gelugon in Parsifal - a mining town in the United Baronies, far to the East. Written in the fiend's notes were details of a recent visit from Esthan, who was acting in the service of Martinet - Constable of Nessus," Alicia explains, before narrowing her eyes.
[21:39] <Alicia> "That's all you'll get from me for now, since as things stand I have no reason to believe you're not in league with the fiend. If you were to allay my concerns I might be able to share more."
[21:40] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check?
[21:41] <Alicia> roll 1d20+39
06[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+39 and gets 40." [1d20=1]
[21:43] <Kotono> "Tsk," His voice is still whispered and still almost silent as he leans forward. "You're as good a speaker as he said you'd be. He instructed me to tell the full details of our agreement if you tried to talk it out of me."
06[21:43] * Alicia is hardly reassured by that, looking expectantly at the mercenary.
[21:46] <Kotono> "Esthan came to me. He offered to pay me triple our normal fee for the following service: Taking a reduced fee to protect the Reynes household. He said that Alicia Reynes has many powerful enemies, and she can'ts top any of them from coming to destroy her family. Since she's so...incapable of dealing with the enemies she's made, he has to ensure that they're safe."
[21:50] <Alicia> That colossal dick. "Trying to provoke me," she grits her teeth in intense irritation. "Fine, then. Do you know where he headed after brokering this... generous, agreement?"
[21:51] <Kotono> "I'm afraid not." Spreading his hands out now, "He has a message for you as well: If you can't stop the obvious enemy, how will you stop the Spark Hunters or the Order of the Lie?" A pause tehre, "I don't know what it means at all, he told me to tell you that."
06[21:52] * Alicia nods curtly. "Thank you for your time," she tells him, turning on her heel to leave.
[21:54] <Kotono> Antenora follows, her mouth twisted into a sour grimace. Elias says nothing as they head out, leaving them to their own devices.
[21:54] <Alicia> "We're going to Arborea tomorrow," Alicia announces as the leave the Seafoam Inn, heading towards the Temple of Mystra.
[21:55] <Kotono> Antenora nods tersely. "What for?" she asks. "In particular, how does it relate to destroying Esthan?"
[21:58] <Alicia> "Remember Latha mentioned how water from that plane really hurt Agares? I'm sure it'll work just as well on any other devil, so we're going to collect some. A lot, even."
[21:58] <Kotono> Antenora smiles at that. "Ah, like immersing a human in magma? I like the image of that."
[21:59] <Alicia> "Full immersion may be tricky, but I'm sure we can find use for a few barrels of the stuff," Alicia nods quickly.
[22:00] <Kotono> "A few barrels? How about a houseful?" Antenora's smile grows, "We should bring Marie for this, she'll be far better at negotiating or dealing with any matters related to this."
[22:02] <Alicia> "Naturally," Alicia agrees. "Jessica, too, since we're going straight there before we go home."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Right." Antenora slows down a moment, "I don't believe he has the gall to do this. Rubbing our faces in this so casually...and in a way where we're likely to find out."
[22:05] <Alicia> "He's trying to show how weak we are. How much we *need* him," Alicia all but snarls. "I can't deal with my enemies!" she mutters in a sing-song falsetto, before concluding darkly, "He should take a look at Halla before he says that."
[22:07] <Kotono> "He went around, he befriended your family, protected them, made them happier, and even visited your fucking family," Antenora's tone takes on a darker tint, a hot savagery. "I'm impressed at the raw level of callous provocation he's managed to use to inspire such complete fury."
06[22:10] * Alicia shudders. "I should check he hasn't done anything there... I doubt he has - why bother when he's made it so perfectly clear that he *could* and I couldn't do a thing to stop him - but I'm going to check, anyway."
[22:11] <Kotono> "I'll go with you," Antenora volunteers. "If I go sit down somewhere I'm going to punch a wall."
[22:13] <Alicia> That causes Alicia to crack a slight smile. "You haven't done that in a while, too," she manages a chuckle, shaking her head, "Gods, we need to calm down. Getting all infuriated like this only plays into his hands..." she takes a few deep cleansing breaths before adding, "Still going to Arborea tomorrow, though."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Yes. Lead on?" Antenora says. OOC - Going to the temple or the crypt first?
[22:15] <Alicia> OOC: temple, going to ask Taldeer to prepare a sending when she prays for spells tonight (if she has one prepared now that's cool, too)
[22:16] <Kotono> OOC: She can prepare one, she doesn't have one handy. If that's all you want there we can skip along past it. Do you have anything else there?
[22:18] <Alicia> ooc: nope, moving on
[22:22] <Kotono> With a few trees shading it, the Reynes family tomb is a somber stone affair. It's kept up well and carved in a classical style. The grounds of it are well maintained, a pair of twin stone doors ahead. Antenora stops as she approaches, murmuring a prayer before she continues.
[22:23] <Alicia> "I've never visited," Alicia admits conversationally as she goes to open the doors. "Not since they were interred, I mean."
[22:24] <Kotono> "Too many memories?" Antenora asks, the doors smoothly sliding open. Inside, there are many coffins. It's easy to pick out the two in question - for on each rests nine fire red roses wrapped in black silk. Each has a ribbon holding them together, scribbled with writing. Between the two coffins rests a scroll.
06[22:26] * Alicia shakes her head. "That's not it. It's just," her voice catches, almost imperceptively before she continues, "Bodies are just things. Empty shells with nothing left of those I loved. I never wanted to see them like that..." After opening the door she approaches and pauses at the new additions, her expression darkening. After a long moment, she sighs and casts detect magic.
[22:27] <Kotono> Antenora puts a hand on Alicia's shoulder, besides her as she casts detect magic. There is no magic around the coffins or flowers or scroll at all. "You're right. Sorry."
[22:28] <Alicia> "Nothing to apologise for," Alicia gives her friend a wan smile, walking up to the coffins. First of all she picks up the scroll and unfurls it to read its contents.
[22:32] <Kotono> "I know, but if I can ever do anything to ease your pain," she replies as Alicia goes to the scroll. In Common is the following: You can't protect them from me. Do you think you can stop the Spark Hunters from using your parents as a way to affect you? The Order of the Lie sees everything; they'd kill your family just to hurt you. As much power as you have, you're powerless against Hell by yourselves. AS long as you fight them alone, people
[22:33] <Kotono> people will die for your pride. Will you fill this crypt up with your family and friends? How many more will you bury because of your pride, Alicia?" There is a paragraph break there. "I can help you, and my Master can as well. The Spark Hunters are coming. The Order of the Lie has crept into this world like a miasma. You can't win alone. Next time I see you, remember this well. With my help...no one else needs to die."
[22:36] <Alicia> "Worthless empty words," Alicia intones bitterly, tossing the scroll aside and proceeding to unravel the ribbon binding the roses atop the smaller coffin so she can read what is written there.
[22:37] <Kotono> Each ribbon has the same simple messure, 'Sleep in peace those who cannot be protected by those they love, in the past, now and in the future.'
[22:37] <Kotono> *message
02[22:38] * Demedais (~ferixstad@pix050-144.pix.wmich.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[22:39] <Alicia> "You. Fucking. Bastard," Alicia grinds out furiously, tossing the roses and their ribbons atop the scroll and proceeding to immolate the lot with a burst of conjured flame. "He can't seriously expect this sort of taunting will convince me to join him?"
[22:40] <Kotono> Antenora watches the flame burn, before gently touching Alicia's shoulder again. "I don't know...but he's trying to make us desperate enough to kneel before him."
[22:43] <Alicia> "More like making me enraged enough to hunt him down and kill him," Alicia replies fiercely. "I don't care how many gelugons he packs the space between us with, next time we meet one of us will die," she swears.
[22:46] <Kotono> "He needs to die." Antenora squeezes Alicia's shoulder. "He's a dominating bastard who thrives on making us suffer and weaken. But please...don't throw your life away. I swear to you Alicia, there will be a day soon when we stop him.  But don't go into one of his traps because you've lost your rationality."
06[22:46] * Alicia breathes deeply, trying to calm down at Antenora's suggestion. And thinking...
[22:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 planes, what do I know about the spark hunters (specifically base of operations and leader)
06[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 planes, what do I know about the spark hunters (specifically base of operations and leader) and gets 35." [1d20=18]
[22:48] <Kotono> "Jessica need syou. Your parents need you. The Guard needs you. I need you," she says very quietly. "We will defeat him, by every angel that's ever been born. But you'll be there with us when we do, alive and well."
[22:53] <Alicia> "You're right," Alicia finally nods. "Also, it occurs to me that our only knowledge that these Spark Hunters are after us comes from Esthan. And they don't have a reputation for standing idle when they have a target. I think he might be bluffing."
[22:55] <Kotono> "I hope so," Antenora smiles a little about that, going to hug Alicia. "Unless he's the one sending them or getting them to be sent somehow."
[22:56] <Alicia> "I'm tempted to ask them directly, but that could just cause more trouble..." Alicia murmurs, not really responding to the hug. "Let's... let's just go. I'm tired."
[22:57] <Kotono> "Let's go back to your parent's house? I'll get you some tea and dinner and you can lie down," Antenora says gently. "Let's rest and have a better day tomorrow?"
06[22:59] * Alicia nods. "Big day ahead tomorrow," she agrees, starting to walk out of the crypt. "We'll get him, one day. Him and all the others..."
[23:02] <Kotono> "We will. I'll be there by your side each time," Antenora leads Alicia out. "No matter what happens, I'll make sure you'll have someone to help you."
[23:02] <Alicia> OOC: I'm good to skip rather than continuing to mope
[23:03] <Kotono> OOC: Sure, no problem. Do you want to go straight to Arborea or did you want to touch any bases at home?
[23:04] <Alicia> OOC: Sending for Latha, take male-concubines to Kesse, then go to Arborea (after buying some barrels in Kesse)
[23:04] <Kotono> OOC: We'll start there tomorrow then? Go ahead and plan out your sending now, though, so we can start from the reply first thing?
[23:05] <Alicia> Message from Alicia Reynes. Esthan recently in Kelara until few days ago. Had any further leads, yourself?

[Corwin]

[18:56] <Kotono> > OOC: We'll start there tomorrow then? Go ahead and plan out your sending now, though, so we can start from the reply first thing?
[18:56] <Kotono> <Alicia> Message from Alicia Reynes. Esthan recently in Kelara until few days ago. Had any further leads, yourself?
03[18:58] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[19:01] <Kotono> The next morning Taldeer casts that very Sending! Once it is done, "I received the following reply, Alicia. To quote: "In western desert fiefdoms, working to undo some of Esthan's work. Got tangled in unrelated matter, slowed down. Will be in contact soon."
06[19:05] * Alicia thanks Taldeer before asking, "What do you think I should do, Dweomerkeeper? I'm worried he's making me so angry that I can't think straight in how to deal with this..."
[19:10] <Kotono> Taldeer bows her head. Antenora and Jessica are with Alicia, though none have said anything lately. "I don't know. There's no easy answer to this. One who has the malice and power to attack you in such an indirect way with impunity is a nightmarish adversary. With the power he commands, this may not be a battle of steel and flesh, but a battle of the soul."
[19:13] <Alicia> "Mmm..." Alicia makes a thoughtful noise. "If only I could confront him instead of always showing up too late... or else get at something *he* cares about to force him to back off."
[19:13] <Alicia> "Well, if he really is the Walker - and how many other devils do we know that love spicy bread - taking care of his allies in Kesse is one thing," Marie suggests brightly.
[19:15] <Kotono> "Do you really think you can intimidate a devil?" Taldeer frowns, "If anyone can do it, it would be you, but how?"
[19:16] <Alicia> "Killing his master would be a start," Alicia reflects grimly. "Esthan moves around too much, but the one behind him has to have a power base - somewhere on Avernus..." she then sighs and shakes her head, "It doesn't matter what approach I take, there's going to be great danger in any case."
[19:17] <Kotono> "You mean raiding Hell?" Antenora perks up there, "Avernus is formidable and you'd need to be as prepared as possible."
[19:19] <Alicia> "I've done it before, and I've improved a lot since then," Alicia nods. "But one thing at a time - first we need to stop by Kesse and then we're going to Arborea." Looking to Taldeer, "Are Giselle's two friends up and about?"
[19:20] <Kotono> "This way..." Taldeer leads Alicia along. She finds them ready, waiting in one of the bedrooms. They shoot each other looks on occasion, but are quiet and waiting otherwise.
06[19:22] * Alicia looks to the one she hasn't properly met yet. "Good morning, I'm Alicia Reynes," she gives him a brief nod in greeting before addressing both, "Are you two ready to go to Kesse, then?"
[19:23] <Kotono> "Naren," he nods curtly. "I'm more than ready."
[19:25] <Alicia> "Alright. I'll see what I can do about getting you an audience with Queen Giselle, but after that you'll be on your own, so I hope you're prepared," she smiles slightly, extending her arms while Marie alights on her head. "Everyone join hands?"
[19:26] <Kotono> The party does so!
06[19:27] * Alicia teleports the group to the square leading to Kesse Castle.
[19:27] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually
06[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually and gets 85." [1d100=85]
[19:29] <Kotono> Woosh! The square leading to Kesse castle is bustling today! People come and go around you, many stopping to stare in the rain at the appearing group.
06[19:31] * Alicia knocks Marie off her head as she proceeds to pull her hood up and proceeds to approach the castle gates. "Everyone stay close, please," she instructs as her familiar grumbles and flies after her.
[19:32] <Kotono> Despite the gawking Alicia and company reach the castle gates without trouble. Thet wo men are looking about in soft wonder as the gates are reached, guards at the ready. "Who are you?"
[19:34] <Alicia> "Captain Alicia Reynes of the United Baronies," Alicia replies, pulling back her hood so they can see her face properly. "Respectfully, I'm here to request an audience with Queen Giselle." It's oddly comforting to do this in the proper and formal way instead of just jumping right in unannounced as she's had to do recently.
[19:38] <Kotono> There's some brief discussion amid the guards, before they nod. "We'll escort you in. This way..." Thus Alicia and company are lead along! They are taken not to the throne room, but a quiet room on the first floor. Here General Andram awaits, offering a hand to Alicia. "I remember thet wo men with you. Welcome back to Kesse," he nods to them, and then in a lower voice to Alicia, "Giselle's sedated, she's having a bad day. No audiences."
[19:38] <Kotono>  Alicia, "Giselle's sedated, she's having a bad day. No audiences."
[19:39] <Alicia> "I understand," Alicia nods as she shakes his hand, then lowers her own voice to match while leaning closer. "Does this happen frequently?"
[19:40] <Kotono> "General..." Grantire says in soft wonder, "Giselle? Where is she then?"
[19:40] <Kotono> "Ah, I'll have you two dealt with in a moment," he says politely, "I'll need to talk to you once I conclude business with Alicia here." Then, back in the same low voice to her, "Sometimes. Some days are far more difficult on her than others."
06[19:42] * Alicia briefly shoots Grantire a look at his lack of decorum. What he calls her in the bedroom is his own business, but out here it's Queen Giselle!
[19:42] <Alicia> "This may or may not help her, then. These two men are..." she coughs delicately, "Former lovers of hers. We rescued them from the temple at Halla and they've been convalescing up until now. Since they recovered they've both expressed a strong desire for a reunion."
[19:48] <Kotono> "I'm aware," General Andram nods shortly. "Gentlemen, Queen Giselle is in...difficult situations, as I'm sure you appreciate. You can see her soon, but for the moment she's...mmm. Well, you can see her now, actually. She won't be awake until tomorrow."
[19:48] <Kotono> "Yeah, I don't care," Naren agrees, "I just want to see her!"
[19:53] <Alicia> "Maybe you should start to care," Alicia tells him, not liking that choice of words. "She's had a terrible time and now the duties of rulership thrust upon her with no warning - show some consideration."
[19:55] <Kotono> Bowing his head, "Alright, just...it's been too long. I want to be there for her if she's hurt!"
[19:56] <Kotono> Before Grantire can say anything to that, General Andram cuts him off. "I'll have you taken to go see her now." Going to the door, he briefly talks to a guard outside. He comes in and leads the two men off. Grantire and Naren both turn before they do, "Alicia," Naren says, "Thank you."
[19:58] <Alicia> "Please... please don't fight over her," Alicia replies. "She needs understanding and support, not competition. Just be there for her and don't push it, okay?"
[19:59] <Kotono> Grantire nods, "I'll try," he say ssimply, turning to go. Naren nods as well, before b oth leave. Once they're gone, "So excited and anxious. Maybe they'll manage to help her after all. Maybe...if there's anything that can help her."
03[20:00] * tainansi is now known as taiphoon
[20:01] <Alicia> "It might do her some good," Alicia allows. "As much as anything can... well, that was really the extent of my reason for visiting, General. Still, while I'm here - have things settled down much?"
[20:05] <Kotono> "Well...to the north, our relations with Sanaxt are ice cold. The only thin gthat's stopping a war is that they're having a nasty little argument internally on who's going to rule now. To the south, Evrai's starting to reinforce it's borders. They might have found out about our position and are ready to take advantage. Internally, we're getting by with a Queen who spends about half o her daze in an induced sleep because she's a shattered wr
[20:05] <Kotono>  Queen who spends about half o her daze in an induced sleep because she's a shattered wrench of a woman." Looking right to Alicia, "Not well at all."
[20:05] <Kotono> *days
[20:09] <Alicia> It would be churlish to point out how bad things would have been under Kort/Albert/Armanda, so Alicia does not. "Hopefully those two can have some positive effect on her, then," she glances at the door Grantire and Narem left by. "Until next time, General, good day," she gives him a nod and turns to leave.
[20:10] <Kotono> OOC: Hopping back to Kelara now?
[20:13] <Alicia> OOC: we'll go back to Balmuria and buy three barrels then tomorrow morning we're going to Arborea (specifically Arvandor)
[20:14] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Roll relevant TP checks to make sure nothing goes awry?
[20:15] <Alicia> roll 1d100 to Kelara
06[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 to Kelara and gets 42." [1d100=42]
[20:15] <Alicia> roll 1d100 to Balmuria
06[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 to Balmuria and gets 14." [1d100=14]
[20:30] <Kotono> OOC: Who's going with you to there?
[20:32] <Alicia> OOC: Marie, Anty, and Jessica (assuming all are willing)
[20:34] <Kotono> Marie, Jessica and Alicia are all gathered together, waiting. So is Antenora; while Jessica looks happy enough, Antenora is far more reserved. "Oh, this will be fun again, won't it?" Jessica asks.
03[20:37] * taiphoon is now known as taiclsarrrrrrgh
[20:38] <Alicia> "Arborea's really nice," Marie confirms. "Not as nice as Elysium, but it has its charm. Lots of divine realms there, too, especially in Arvandor."
06[20:39] * Alicia slips on the plane shift ring and has everyone form a circle around the three sturdy wooden barrels she purchased yesterday. "Anywhere in particular you think we should aim for, Marie?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "Choose somewhere fun," Jessica opines.
[20:40] <Alicia> "It hardly matters since you'll miss anyway," Marie points out. "Aim for the tree of life, I suppose. Lots of interesting locations near there, so we're bound to arrive close to something worth seeing."
[20:41] <Alicia> "Tree of life it is," Alicia nods, getting everyone to join hands and then whisking them away to chaotic good heaven!
[20:41] <Alicia> roll 5d100
06[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d100 and gets 231." [5d100=3, 42, 69, 21, 96]
[20:51] <Kotono> Wooosh! You appear in a starry night in a forest clearing.  Above you a gorgeous bright moon and stars shine, a second layer of stars closer to the ground. No...it's fireflies. A great sea of luminous fireflies float in the air, making morphic constellations against the canvas of the night.  Ahead of you are several gathered elves and eladrin. A female elf in a radiant white dress stands in front of them, at her side is a male elf in ceremo
[20:51] <Kotono>  A female elf in a radiant white dress stands in front of them, at her side is a male elf in ceremonial golden armor.  Behind all of this is a great table of food and drink. In Celestial, the gowned woman speaks, "...name of the Seladrine, let this night of joining be a blessed one!"
06[20:54] * Alicia feels oddly guilty about popping up in front of a wedding party, and promptly ushers her group away from the happy event, picking up their barrels as they go.
[20:57] <Kotono> "Hm?" The male elf at the head of it looks to them, "Humans?" he calls, "All are welcome here. You need not turn away, this is a night of festival and bliss."
[20:59] <Alicia> Well, they do have time to kill while they're here. Glancing at her familiar and getting a cheery nod, Alicia puts her barrel down and approaches the party. "Sorry, we didn't mean to intrude. You know how plane-shift works," she shrugs apologetically.
[21:00] <Kotono> The gathered eladrin and elves generally smile, "Come, join us. We're about to feast." The woman smiles, "You can regail us with the tales of why you appeared carrying barrels as we celebrate?"
[21:01] <Alicia> "Well, if you like," Alicia replies uncertainly, "But this is your happy day, I wouldn't want to step on any toes..."
[21:01] <Kotono> Jessica smiles at that, putting a barrel down. "It's kind of a strange story when you talk about it to someone else."
[21:02] <Alicia> "Strange stories are the best kind!" Marie exclaims as she flies alongside Alicia.
[21:02] <Kotono> A few of the elves and eladrin come forward. A strapping Tulani smiels ear to ear, "What do you think this is, Mechanus? The more the merrier! You'll add something to the festivities!"
[21:02] <Kotono> The gowned woman laughs to that, "In the name of Corelleon, let us celebrate this joining!"
[21:03] <Alicia> "Well, okay," Alicia elects to shed her inhibitions, nodding as she joins the group. "My name's Alicia Reynes. Thank you for your hospitality."
[21:04] <Alicia> "I'm Marie!" the resident coure adds brightly.
[21:06] <Kotono> "Jesica Reynes." Jessica smiles as the elves and eladrin go to the food and drink. Antenora lingers back carefully in the meantime. As the food is begun to be torn into, "EAt and drink up!" Food and various drinks are pressed into the hands of the group. "We'll sing and storytell the night away!"
[21:09] <Alicia> Marie flies back and gives Antenora a little push to get her to join everyone else. "Come on, they're not going to eat you!" she whispers.
[21:10] <Kotono> "Unless we get drunk enough," Antenora rolls her eyes, but follows along anyway. As food and drink are consumed - strong food and drink, incredibly tasty and yet flavorlly intoxicating, "Alicia Reynes!" A armored man calls, "Why in the name of Corelleon did you bring barrels to this realm?"
06[21:11] * Alicia gratefully accepts the food on offer and tastes a bit of everything. "The barrels are actually to collect water," she explains. "I've heard that the waters of Arborea are anethama to certain devils, although hopefully they'll upset any fiend."
[21:13] <Alicia> "Well, you're the one that always talks about eating eladrin, maybe a bit of turnabout would do you good!" Marie giggles in Antenora's ear before fluttering off to mingle.
[21:14] <Kotono> "Oh, devils," The tulani pats Alicia's back as he hands Jessica a mug of something wine-like. "Yeah, you'rel ooking for the strongest holy water and chaotic water you can find then?"
[21:17] <Alicia> "Definitely," Alicia agrees. "Something even a noncombatant could use to buy some time against weaker baatezu and enough to give me an edge against a greater one."
[21:18] <Kotono> Alicia finds someone putting some sliced fruit into one hand and a drink into another, drifting on by. Another eladrin drifts by, this one a little female coure eladrin. "Give 'em Hell for us! Hehehehehhehehehe!" Meanwhile Jessica giggles and starts talking to a nice, lithe pair of male elves, teasing and blushing. Antenora sips a mug that seems to have found it's way into her hands, while she still mostly lingers back.
[21:18] <Kotono>  into her hands, while she still mostly lingers back.
[21:21] <Alicia> While Marie elects to regale the newlyweds with the sacred lore of Sune that she learned on the endless plains, Alicia struggles to deal with all the food and drink she's having foisted on her. "Please, let me finish one thing off before giving me another," she protests, nonetheless in good spirits.
[21:27] <Kotono> The gowned woman approaches Antenora, talking to her quietly. As this happens, the Tulain Eladrin grins. "Give them Hell, yes. Well, there's water, then there's holy or chaotic water, then there's special water. Why, everyone here knows that if you're looking for the best water, you have to find Evergold!"
[21:27] <Kotono> "Evergold!" A few elves chorus, "Beautiful Evergold!"
[21:29] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia briefly looks over at Marie who had never mentioned anything about that. The eladrin is too busy making suspicious gestures and talking animatedly with her audience to notice, however. "Where's Evergold, and what's so special about the water there?"
[21:30] <Kotono> "Why, Evergold is a magnificent fountain! The Gods themselves come to bathe in it at times!"
[21:30] <Kotono>  OOC - Gah.
[21:32] <Kotono> "Why, Evergold is a magnificent fountain! The Gods themselves come to bathe in it at times!" The tulanis' voice drifts into near song, "It is where beauty is revitalized and where life and love are found!" In the meanwhile, Jessica's laughing away and chatting, while Antenora's finding herself drinking more of her drink as the elven woman talks to her animatedly. "Sune and Hanali Celanil both favor it. Truly, it is without peer in the multi
[21:32] <Kotono>  "Sune and Hanali Celanil both favor it. Truly, it is without peer in the multiverse!"
[21:33] <Alicia> "Well, it sounds impressive, although do you think a mortal could gain access to it easily?" Alicia asks the faerie lord interestedly.
[21:37] <Kotono> "Anyone can with determination!" Waving about grandly, "Find the soul of this realm and contact it, and you will find it when the time is right!"
[21:38] <Alicia> "That sounds... somewhat vague," Alicia concludes after a moment.
[21:39] <Kotono> "Oh, come on. It'll make sense to you. Besides," Handing Alicia another drink, "I'll give you a better direction, then. Go to Brightwater. Sune and her friends love that pool. If anyone knows where it'll be, it'll be them."
[21:40] <Kotono> Meanwhile you can hear Antenora laugh a little in the distance, joined by the elven woman's laughter.
06[21:42] * Alicia is glad Antenora's loosening up. Throwing another glance at her familiar as she sips her drink she replies, "I'm not sure if my friend over there has ever been to Brightwater, so on the off chance she hasn't I don't suppose you could give me directions?"
[21:43] <Kotono> "Tell you what. In the morning I'll set you along the right path. That sound good to you?" Smiling now, "We'll party all night and travel all day. The way life should be lead."
[21:45] <Alicia> "Well, I'll probably teleport if Marie has been to Brightwater before, since we don't want to have to cart those barrels everywhere," Alicia admits. "But we can certainly spare a few hours here." Everyone's having fun, even the grumpy erinyes, so Alicia sees no reason to hurry them along.
[21:53] <Kotono> The night passes along in an incredibly pleasant blur. Alicia isn't quite sure when it happen.s One drink, or two, or something she ate? Or maybe i was just all the fun. There was singing, she's sure of that. Stories, a mishmash floating in her head. But she awakens with sunlight teasing her eyes, a gorgeous morning sky visible. The sun is a golden disk of breathtaking perfection. Despite all she ate and drank, she feels fine and refreshed.
[21:54] <Kotono> The sun is a golden disk of breathtaking perfection. Despite all she ate and drank, she feels fine and refreshed. She finds herself resting against a tree. A few other elves are resting against other trees as well. Jessica has one as well, snoring softly. Antenora is on the opposite side of one as Jessica, her ribbon gone and wings curled around her body as she sleeps.
[21:56] <Alicia> Marie flutters down out of the trees to join Alicia as she rouses herself, the two electing to eat some of the leftover food from last night while waiting on Jessica and Antenora waking up.
[21:57] <Kotono> As the two eat, they find the Tulani - his name is Noonbreath, Alicia can recall - waiting. "Ah, that was fun," he says agreeably as greets the two. "Your friends should waken soon with any luck."
[22:01] <Alicia> "I don't mind waiting," Alicia glances over at the pair with a smile. "It was a fun party."
[22:01] <Alicia> "I hope those two lovebirds put my lessons to good use," Marie adds cheerily.

[Corwin]

[19:08] <Kotono> <Alicia> Marie flutters down out of the trees to join Alicia as she rouses herself, the two electing to eat some of the leftover food from last night while waiting on Jessica and Antenora waking up.
[19:08] <Kotono> > As the two eat, they find the Tulani - his name is Noonbreath, Alicia can recall - waiting. "Ah, that was fun," he says agreeably as greets the two. "Your friends should waken soon with any luck."
[19:08] <Kotono> <Alicia> "I don't mind waiting," Alicia glances over at the pair with a smile. "It was a fun party."
[19:08] <Kotono> <Alicia> "I hope those two lovebirds put my lessons to good use," Marie adds cheerily.
[19:11] <Kotono> Antenora beginst o stir at this. Her wings flutter and she groans. Noonbreath looks over, "If you don't have fun, you're not doing it correctly."
[19:12] <Alicia> "Morning, Antenora," Alicia calls over.
[19:15] <Kotono> "Morning," Antenora calls back, picking herself up. She shifts and adjust her armor, a faint scowl playing on her face. "Ugh. I remember singing and stories and drinking and all of it's a blur."
[19:17] <Alicia> "Then why are you frowning? You looked like you were having a good time last night," Alicia asks curiously.
[19:17] <Alicia> "It was nice to see you two loosen up for a change," Marie agrees, fluttering into the air.
[19:20] <Kotono> Antenora doesn't reply to that. She instead checks over her gear, before going to stand behind Alicia. "No reason," she says at last.
[19:22] <Alicia> "If you say so," Alicia shrugs. "Help yourself while we wait on Jessica waking up?" she then indicates the leftover food.
[19:22] <Alicia> Meanwhile Marie floats in front of the erinyes' face, "The fact that you frown for no reason at all is pretty sad," she opines.
[19:27] <Kotono> "Should we really be partying like satyrs when Esthan is wandering around our world?" Antenora says quietly. "There's so much evil out there still, so many people being hurt."
[19:32] <Alicia> That kills Alicia's mood pretty handily, although Marie speaks up in defence of the right to party.
[19:32] <Alicia> "It's not as if a few hours relaxing is the height of debauchery - how is spending last night partying any different than all the nights we spend playing games or having discussions or writing books or training?" she argues. "By that logic any moment not spent actively hunting evil is a moment wasted, regardless of what exactly you do with it."
[19:38] <Kotono> "Mph." Antenora looks down and away. "I just can't help but feel that we should be doing something tos top him, before he does something terrible."
[19:42] <Alicia> "We're doing everything we can," Alicia replies gently. "But since we don't know where he is, our options are limited." Still, she's sufficiently bummed out that she gets up and goes to wake up her sister rather than delay any longer.
[19:45] <Kotono> Jessica awakens with a big smile. "Morning, sis!" Smiling ear to ear as she blinks, "Mystra, I never knew you had a singing voice ilke that."
[19:46] <Alicia> "It's a hidden talent," Alicia replies with a faint smile. "You ready to get moving? There's plenty of leftovers if you want to eat first."
[19:48] <Kotono> "I'm not hungry." Sitting upa nd getting her things together, "This is such fun! Antenora, you were so fun, too. Even if you couldn't sing."
06[19:49] * Alicia goes over to grab one of the barrels before asking their friendly Tulani guide, "So, how far is it to Brightwater, Noonbreath?"
[19:53] <Kotono> "There's a passage to the Quarter of the Great Wheel within travelling range." Noonbreath smiles as the party gathers itself, starting to walk. "Many petitioners and eladrin love the games of chance and whimsy Tymora's realm provides."
06[19:54] * Alicia nods and gives him a smile. "Thank you for guiding us, by the way, it's very kind of you."
[19:55] <Kotono> "It should be fun! Tell Bat Wings," With a wide smile to Antenora, "That no matter what she's dealing with, this is a realm for fun and joy. Listen to Marie, she has it right. No frowning in Arborea! Now then, shall we?"
[19:58] <Alicia> "Of course," Alicia nods as she lugs her barrel along with her.
[19:58] <Alicia> "Just remember, if you see anyone that actually looks like a satyr, you're best off not joining their party," Marie warns.
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16
06[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 and gets 31." [1d20=15]
[20:01] <Kotono> "...I'd take too long to pass out, too," Antenora notes to herself. Thus, barrels in tow, the party begins to travel!
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 15." [1d100=15]
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 76." [1d100=76]
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 35." [1d100=35]
06[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 34." [1d100=34]
[20:08] <Kotono> A few days of travel past. It's fine, easy travel. The forests are accomindating and the air is pleasantly warm. The nights pass in a blur of perfect dreams. Alicia feels half at home and half an alien visitor. It's a strange sense of acceptance and rejection, leaving her feeling off balance in a very subtle fashion. Jessica's mood is bubbly throughout, laughing with Noonbreath and Marie many a time. Antenora is more reserved. She often spe
[20:08] <Kotono>  and Marie many a time. Antenora is more reserved. She often spends long periods of time staring off at the sky or keeping to herself. (More)
[20:18] <Kotono> It's a gradual and yet sudden thing. Instead of forests you find yourselves walking amid dozens of rich buildings. Buildings dedicated to chance and games, glimses inside showing games of all sorts. Four leaf clovers grow in grassy patches all about, laughing and frolicking eladrin seen all over. Elven petitioners and even a few mortals can be seen here and there. The street is made of pure silver.
06[20:19] * Alicia isn't really sure how to tell the difference between an petitioner and a mortal on most of the upper planes, anyway. "So, where to from here?" she asks Noonbreath once it's obvious they've moved into another realm.
[20:25] <Kotono> "Well, you travel through here. There's a path to Sune's realm here." Stretching out now, "I think I'm going to go try some games of chance. Care to join me if you have the time?"
06[20:26] * Alicia shakes her head. "We've already spent more time than we intended on travelling, and I prefer games of skill over chance," Alicia admits, setting down her barrel and offering the eladrin her hand. "It's been a pleasure travelling with you, Noonbreath - good luck."
[20:28] <Kotono> The hand is taken, Jessica doing the same. "It was fun. Good fortune with that Esthan and may Tymora's blessings smile on you."
[20:29] <Alicia> "Clean them out!" Marie gives him a cheerful wave as the group gathers their burdens and continues onwards in the same direction they've been heading.
[20:42] <Kotono> Thus you walk along these streets. Some time passes as you wander, no signs immediately about or directions. As this occurs, you come by a tent pitched between two larger buildings. A smiling human stands outside of it, talking to people as they pass. As Alicia's party comes closer, "Hey there, welcome to the Quarter of the Great Wheel! You look like fine folks there, on a girltrip away from Mystra and magic to have some fun here? Why don't
[20:42] <Kotono>  on a girltrip away from Mystra and magic to have some fun here? Why don't the four of you come in here and we can play a rousing game of Odds!" The human wears green clothes, talking a mile a minute.
06[20:45] * Alicia gives the man a smile as she pauses. "Sorry, we're only passing through on our way to Brightwater, so I'm afraid we don't have time to play."
[20:46] <Kotono> "Ah, pretty ladies, pretty ladies," Smiling to that, "There's always time for games! There'se lovely prizes to be won! PRactical ones for your type, too!"
[20:48] <Kotono> "It sounds like fun, but it's up to my sister. Sorry," Jessica's tone drips with niceness.
[20:51] <Alicia> "Sorry, some of us have had really bad luck when it comes to chance," Alicia doesn't look in Antenora's direction, but she's certainly thinking of how she was affected by that deck. "Thank you, anyway." With that she continues onwards.
[20:56] <Kotono> "Too bad, too bad..." The man's calls fade away as the party continues to walk on. After a little while longer, the party comes to an open air auditorium. It descends down, with the center being a large pit in the ground. The descending hole before that is circular and large as a building, hundreds of seats lining it. Currently they're filled as people watch something going on below. It makes a ton of noise as you travel along. Peering ahea
[20:56] <Kotono> It makes a ton of noise as you travel along. Peering ahead, "Nothing but chance and trying to predict it..." Antenora murmurs. "I actually sort of like that. Analyzing and betting on the chance, that is. Trying to put some pattern to it."
[20:58] <Alicia> "Really? All seems like guesswork to me," Alicia shrugs, craning her neck to try and see what all the fuss is about in the pit.
[20:59] <Kotono> It looks to be over wrestling matches. People are betting on who will win as it proceeds, the odds changing wildly as the match unfolds.
06[21:00] * Alicia doesn't particularly care about wrestling matches, although she does elect to ask for directions from someone nearby just to make sure they're still on the right track to reach Brightwater.
[21:11] <Kotono> You seem to be going the right path. Several more hours of walking down just the right roads leads you a single, rose red path. As you walk it you can begin to hear gentle strummings of a lute. The buildings of chance and games seem to have vanished. In it's place is a gorgeous ruby red sunrise in the sky. Around you are pleasure-gardens. Song can be heard - not too far away and ahead, a gorgeous female elf sings a song of love and adoratio
[21:11] <Kotono>  Song can be heard - not too far away and ahead, a gorgeous female elf sings a song of love and adoration for a male angel who sits amid blossoms of white flowers.
[21:13] <Alicia> "Pretty clear where Malcanthet got her inspiration from," Alicia mutters under her breath as she takes in their new surroundings. She steers clear of the elf and angel ahead, not wanting to disturb their romantic moment together.
[21:16] <Kotono> "She can oly dream her realm could measure to a celestial realm," Antenora mutters right back. Jessica sighs here, "Oh...Roald..." she murmurs, closing her eyes.
[21:18] <Alicia> Giggling a bit at Jessica's wistful sigh, Marie flutters alongside Alicia. "So are you actually planning on trying to ask Sune or Hanali yourself where to find Evergold?"
[21:18] <Alicia> "I doubt goddesses have time for us," Alicia shakes her head, "But hopefully we can find a guide somewhere here."
[21:20] <Alicia> "Maybe we'll see Empress Sullia?" Marie wonders, tugging briefly at her slinky plainswalker garment. "I can thank her for this outfit!"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Yeah..." Antenora murmurs, "Mmm."
[21:21] <Alicia> "Who knows?" Alicia asks, shifting her grip on her barrel a bit. "I'll just be glad when I can stop carrying this barrel everywhere. I never expected such an extended sojourn."
[21:31] <Kotono> "Empress Sulia?" Antenora look sto Marie as they start to walk, "Oh yes, the quasi-goddess or religious figure that was revered in those plains you visited?"
06[21:32] * Alicia nods. "For a while I thought that was just a strange name they used for Sune herself, but it turned out she was a favoured servant. If she's anywhere in the planes it's probably here."
[21:43] <Kotono> "That could prove enlightening if we meet her," Antenora says as the party continues on. Past gardens of beauty and serenity, quiet forest paths with little springs and brooks nearby, occasional bits of song or poetry leaking from them, or occasionally more excited noises. The path continues on, the din of a waterfall heard ahead. However, a statuesque human stands here, blocking the path. His beauty is without question, a faint golden tint
[21:43] <Kotono> blocking the path. His beauty is without question, a faint golden tint to his perfect skin. "Hail, in the name of Lady Firehair."
[21:47] <Alicia> "In the name of the Lady of Mysteries, I bid you greeting," Alicia returns in the same vein, setting her barrel down as she addresses the man. "We are peaceful travellers, seeking the fountain of Evergold."
[21:49] <Kotono> "A noble goal," He smiles benignly. "Ah, all of you are women?" he asks. "A group of nymphs and select worshippers of Sune frolic ahead. It is acceptable for the group of you to pass then."
[21:51] <Alicia> "Ah... yes, don't worry, we wouldn't do anything untoward..." Alicia blushes a bit at the implication. "Perhaps you could help us, however - do you know where the fountain might be found?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "Now, if it were the male equal to nymphs," Jessica giggles, "Say, are there male nymphs or something close to it?"
[21:54] <Kotono> "I do not," he admits, "I have never seen it myself."
[21:55] <Alicia> "Oh, well, no harm in asking," Alicia gives him a smile as she hefts her barrel once more. "Good day to you," she nods, resuming her walk.
[21:55] <Kotono> "That's amusing," Antenora chuckles, "A male nymph?" As she starts to walk again, "I can't say I've ever heard of anything like that, though."
[21:55] <Alicia> "They're only female," Marie tells Jessica as she flutters along. "But they really just look like pretty elves, so..."
[22:00] <Kotono> The waterfall is ahead. Here, in a pool, a gaggle of nymphs and a few select mortals bathe. They splash, laugh and frolic freely. Around the shores of this waterfall pool, nymphs and mortal women lie, being given long, soothing massages by eladrin. Others sit on a large picnic cloth in towels and robes, eating fine foods and laughing amid each other. Yet others lie in warm, soft mudbanks on the other side of the pool. A single male man watc
[22:01] <Kotono>  Yet others lie in warm, soft mudbanks on the other side of the pool. A single male man watches all of this from away, painting on a mounted canvas. The path winds past and through all of this.
[22:04] <Alicia> "Think anyone here will know about Evergold?" Alicia asks the group.
[22:04] <Alicia> "There's quite a few, so maybe someone does," Marie agrees as they approach the waterfall. "Let's ask around!"
[22:09] <Kotono> As you approach, many of the assembled sort watch! One rises from being massaged, a towel just barely keeping her decent. "Visitors...oh, you're acceptable..." Looking over Alicia, "You too," with a look to Antenora, "But you?" With a slight shake of her head to Jessica, "You and the little eladrin don't fit in here!"
[22:11] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia replies deadpan. "You're seriously telling our friends to go away because they don't meet your standards of beauty? This place suddenly became a whole lot uglier in my estimation." With that she keeps on walking right past the stuck up bitches and their waterfall.
[22:12] <Alicia> Marie sticks her tongue out at the one who insulted her looks as she flutters along behind Alicia.
[22:13] <Kotono> Jessica scowls and follows Alicia. "Well, at least I'm not stuck up." Hurrying along, Antenora meanwhile looks to them and shakes her head. "I'd expect that from succubi."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Meow, says the old hag," One of the nymphs shoots back. "Goddess, you're so so so so OLD looking!"
[22:17] <Alicia> "Really," Alicia agrees, honestly rather shocked and not rising to the bait. "How do people like that even get into heaven?"
[22:17] <Alicia> "See, this is why I suggested Arvandor to start with," Marie opines, giving the nymph a dirty look and promptly conjuring up an illusion of several hideous hags of various stripes making themselves comfortable at the waterfall. Night hags, sea hags, annis hags, green hags - they're all represented!
[22:18] <Kotono> "They sound so spoiled," Antenora looks back, "I was born and raised in Hell and I'm prettier than they'll ever hope to be."
[22:19] <Kotono> Oh, that does it. The nymphs stare at the image, "Ooooooh!" One scowls, "Did you just insult us?! We=" This is cut off, as the painter says in a voice of song, "Quiet....let peace rule the day....Sune preaches love, not haaaateeee...." Then, to the retreating party, "I apologize...on their behaaaalf..."
06[22:24] * Alicia briefly pauses and looks back at the painter, starting to glow with celestial radiance - the first time she's used it since Shendilvari, but it feels appropriate, now.
[22:24] <Alicia> "Rather than apologise, you should impress upon your charges that beauty is merely skin deep. There's a particular layer of the Abyss for those who care only for the facade, and your friends would fit in perfectly there from what I've seen."
[22:26] <Kotono> As the nymphs and mortals watch, a few of them looking abashed, "So it is trueeee..." The man stops his painting, approaching Alicia and company. In a more normal voice, "I'm sorry. I shall endevour to teach them this lesson while I am with them, honored one."
[22:27] <Kotono> Jessica huffs, "They're so stuck up. So what if I'm not the prettiest!" With heat coming to her cheeks, "I have someone who loves me!"
[22:29] <Kotono> "Really. If they go farther down that path, they'll fit into Malcanthet's realm better than this one. Disgraceful," Antenora looks to them with a chilly gaze. "So much beauty and a neglected soul and empahty within."
[22:30] <Alicia> "Really, it's making me ashamed to be wearing the garb of Empress Sullia if it means I'm associated with people like that," Marie agrees indignantly.
06[22:30] * Alicia simply nods to the painter, glad at least someone here isn't a vapid whore. "Please do. I do not believe Lady Firehair would be proud to have such high-handed followers. Now, I will bid you good day." With that she turns to leave.
[22:32] <Kotono> The man stops there, shaking his head. "Here," he takes a ring off his hand, presenting it to Alicia. "Take this as my apology for this. I was to give it to one of the nymphs here, but I do not believe it suits them now. This ring bestows presence and charisma. You have outdone all of them."
06[22:33] * Alicia pauses, shuffling her grip on the barrel so she can accept the ring. "Your gift and your apology, I accept both. May the Lady of Mysteries grant you peace and serenity," she intones formally, as seems to befit the moment.
[22:34] <Kotono> "Travel well...follows of Sulia?" He also looks to Marie at that. "Ah, I understand why you're here now."
[22:34] <Alicia> Marie dismisses her illusion as well, the point having been made.
[22:36] <Alicia> "Mystra, actually," Marie replies, "But we're on good tems with Sulia. We're actually looking for Evergold, since we've heard its waters can be very effective against baatezu."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Aaaah. I hear Sulia is a favored servant of Sune. Perhaps a demigoddess from what I have heard, though I cannot verify it."
[22:38] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[22:38] <Kotono> "Aaaah. I hear Sulia is a favored servant of Sune. Perhaps a demigoddess from what I have heard, though I cannot verify it."  With a look to Marie, "Do you know if that's true, ravelers? Ive never had the pleasure of meeting her."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Evergold...mmm. Continue onward, and you will find it in due time," he adds.
06[22:39] * Alicia nods. "That is our hope. Thank you for your consideration, sir," she favours him with a smile before resuming their journey.
[22:40] <Kotono> Once out of vision and earshot of all of that, "...I'm not that ugly, am I, sister?"
06[22:41] * Alicia puts down her barrel so she can give Jessica a hug. "Of course not," she reassures. "Roald doesn't think so either, does he?"
[22:42] <Kotono> Hugging back, "It's just not fair. I know I'm not as pretty as you or Marie or Antenora...but at least you're sis and the other two aren't human. But do they have to rub it in like that?" Sniffling, "You're lucky. You could get anyone to like you, Alicia."
[22:43] <Alicia> "They snubbed me as well!" Marie cries as she glomps onto Jessica's head.
[22:45] <Kotono> "It's alright," Antenora says quietly. "Most humans can't pray to compete with a nymph's beauty. There's no shame in that. Even the thought of a nymph's beauty gave Alicia pause when she first heard, and she's stunning by human standards."
[22:47] <Alicia> "Even if you're not some pampered looking courtesan, you're fit and healthy and have a good heart," Alicia consoles her sister. "Those are things that are more important in the long run - looks fade, after all. And Antenora's right, too - that sort of dominating inhuman beauty, it's not necessarily the best thing if it marks you apart from everyone else."
[22:48] <Alicia> "I can't believe they even called you old," Marie looks over at Alicia. "Not a grey hair or wrinkle in sight, too!"
[22:49] <Kotono> "It's a curse at times. A child saw me without my ribbon and wouldn't stop staring even after I put it back on," Antenora smiles, "You don't need to always be the cream of the crop unless you want the attention that badly."
[22:50] <Alicia> "The fact that you made your wings disappear is probably weirder than the wings themselves," Marie points out. "People don't really stare at me or Seira or Donald or Eudard any more - you could probably stop wearing it, at least in Balmuria, without anyone caring."
[22:51] <Kotono> "I could, but I'm used to it," Reaching up into her hair, "And...maybe one day, when I don't have bat's wings."
[22:52] <Alicia> "I think it's better like this," Marie goes on. "If you were just another archon or deva that'd be dull, but you're not - you're a renegade baatezu! A rogue erinyes! That's unique and exciting!"

[Corwin]

[20:17] <Alicia> "I'm not going to make you carry two!" Alicia blurts out in reply.
[20:17] <Alicia> "Well okay, then how about looking at it this way," Marie begins. "As you are you're a symbol of how fiends can transcend their bitter nature, and if you were just another celestial then the message would be lost?"
[20:19] <Kosick> "Alicia, it's not like they're that heavy," Antenora reasons with a faint smile, "I do look at it that way. I'd still love to just be another celestial one day. Not a fiend who happens not to be evil, if that makes any sense at all."
[20:20] <Alicia> "Well if they're not heavy then why should I need to be relieved?" Alicia counters easily.
[20:20] <Alicia> "I suppose I can see it. I mean, there's comfort in belonging," Marie relents as she lands on Antenora's head.
[20:21] <Kosick> Antenora nods and smiles, as Jessica oomphs a bit. "Lucky you two," she observes.
[20:21] <Alicia> "I could polymorph Marie into something bigger and get her to take your barrel for a bit," Alicia offers to her sister.
[20:22] <Alicia> "Or she could wear your belt!" Marie suggests instead.
[20:23] <Kosick> "Let Marie do it, then?" Jessica says, "Make it ag ame where you can't let the barrel touch the ground?"
[20:25] <Alicia> "Even if I'm big I'm still pitifully weak," Marie whimpers as Alicia sets down her barrel and turns to the eladrin.
[20:25] <Alicia> "I'll lend you my belt, then. Come here," she beckons as Marie reluctantly flutters closer. A moment later where a coure once fluttered now stands a pretty aasimar girl. A naked one.
[20:25] <Alicia> "I hope you've got more than just a belt for me to wear," she huffs.
[20:27] <Kosick> Antenora chuckles, "You'll get romanced away by a strappling eladrin like that. Then again, it is Sune's realm."
[20:28] <Kosick> "That's kind of...um...." Jessica coughs, "You know, it's not like you set it all out like a free feast. I have some spare clothes in my pack if you need them."
[20:29] <Alicia> Digging into her backpack, Alicia hands her familiar one of her black tunics which on Marie's more petite frame functions as a barely-decent dress. She then slips her belt off and hands it to her familiar who tightens it around her waist before grunting as she picks up Jessica's barrel. "Huh... I think I can manage this," she nods after a moment.
[20:30] <Kosick> "Aaah." Stretching her arms out over her head, "So much nicer. Let's get going then? I 'd like leave those stupid ymphs behind for good! Oh, and sister, what was that ring he gave you?"
[20:32] <Alicia> "He said it boosted charisma and presence," Alicia replies as she starts walking again. "Probably works like my cloak, but we can get it identified once we return home."
[20:34] <Kosick> "That was unusually easy. Normally you have to find or take those sort of things off defeated evil oppositions, or have them made yourself." As you walk along the forest path, "That is a small blessing.'
[20:35] <Alicia> "Well, it sounded like it was a prize for some sort of beauty pageant back there, but all the competitors disqualified themselves on the congeniality test?" Marie laughs as she trundles along.
[20:44] <Kosick> Thus the trip continues on. The forest path winds along for at time, slowly breaking down to a stream. The path then follows this stream for a time as it slowly engorges into a mighty river. Here you can see sea elves swimming in it just below the surface, pairs of them laughing and playing and loving together. On the path ahead right now, you come to alarge, single roomed hut. IT's made of sterling silver and white marble, both tinted with
[20:44] <Kosick> IT's made of sterling silver and white marble, both tinted with ruby red. Lady Firehair's symbol adorns it in places, carved into the wall. Behind it the path forks in thre directions - continuing along the river, to the west, over the river via an arching, delicate bridge with various people on it, and to the east into some plains.
[20:45] <Alicia> Since she doesn't know which path to take, Alicia chooses to go into the hut to ask for directions. Knocking first, of course.
[20:46] <Kosick> The door is adorned with Sune's face and long, flowing red hair. Below it is written intot he stone, "Come, those that seek true love. Love will always find a way within." Knocking on the door brooks no response at all.
[20:46] <Kosick> The writing is in Celestial.
[20:47] <Kosick> Jessica follows along, whistling as she stretches again. "Hm? What's that," glancing over Alicia's shoulder, "No answer? Nobody home?"
[20:48] <Alicia> "Ah, actually, it says you should only go inside if you're seeking true love," Alicia draws back, "If either of you three are interested in that, feel free, but I don't think that's for me."
[20:48] <Kosick> "I'm okay with that," Jessica says quickly. "What about you, Marie? Antenora?"
[20:49] <Alicia> Marie shakes her head. "I'm too young to settle down, anyway."
[20:50] <Kosick> "I'll pass as well," Antenora agrees, eyeing Marie. "Besides you're already pledged to Alicia right now. A familiar/master bond is somewhat like being connected and married, isn't it?" The tips of her lips twitch upward as she looks away.
[20:52] <Alicia> "Most familiars are animals, so I don't think that's a typically accepted definition," Marie replies with a suspicious look towards Antenora.
[20:52] <Alicia> "Yes, well, moving on from that thoroughly disconcerting tangent," Alicia rolls her eyes, "Lets go see if anyone on that bridge can guide us?"
[20:53] <Kosick> Antenora smiels again, "What, I'mt rying to be more spontaneous and fit in here," Looking over her armful of barrel, "Besides, the two of you can read each other's feelings, talk together and are almost always together."
[20:53] <Kosick> "Right," Jessica does briefly crack a smile as she follows along. "Spontaneous doesn't mean vapid, either."
[20:55] <Kosick> Ahead, you can ee many a couple on the bridge. Some look out over the water, holding hands. Others sing of stay close to each other. One couple even has the man leaning out over the water, about to fall. A hand is to his head, as he goes, "Oh...but you'll never love me like SHE Loved me! My life is over! There are no heavens without her!"
06[21:02] * Alicia looks around for anyone on their own, or groups larger than two. If that's not possible she'll settle for a couple who don't look to be too preoccupied where she can ask for directions.
[21:02] <Alicia> "She spends more time with you than me, I think," Marie mutters towards Antenora while Alicia's distracted. "Who even went with her on her private and intimate spiritual retreat?"
[21:04] <Kosick> No luck on solos or groups, but there is a couple near the close side of the bridge. They're laughing a bit and looking out over the water, but not particularly spellbound. It's a pair of humans or human-alikes, one with fiery red-brown hair and tight leather clothes. The other is a man wearing well worn armor and with many a scar over his body. An ill fitting but beautiful smile is plastered onto his face. (More)
[21:04] <Kosick> An ill fitting but beautiful smile is plastered onto his face. (More)
[21:05] <Kosick> "Really?" Antenora's eyebrow twitches, "That was purely for her spititual health. After Malcanthet's realm, she needed purification and rest. I helped her with that, nothing more."
[21:05] <Kosick> "You want to, sis," Jessica slides up to Alicia, "You're the sweet talker."
06[21:07] * Alicia shrugs and approaches the two she noticed, clearing her throat politely. "Excuse me?" she begins, to get their attention.
[21:07] <Alicia> "Hmm?" Marie bats her eyelashes at Antenora. "And did you teach her that it's not sinful to give into lust, in the proper lawful context? Did you experience loving discipline together?"
[21:09] <Kosick> The man turns with a big old grin and looks Alicia over. "Hey there," he says, as the woman turns. She smiles as well, "Oh, more mortals?" she purrs. "You look like it and smell like iron and travel. Lost? Or looking to take a barrel plunge into the Ellse Faire?"
[21:10] <Kosick> For a moment Antenora starts to blush, but then it gets pushes upwards with a smirk. "OH! I see, I see...you're jealous of me spending that much time with Alicia, aren't you?" Looking Marie in the eyes with a smirk, "You want your master aaaall for yourself, and it just burns you up that I'm spending innocent time with her."
[21:11] <Kosick> "No, just travelers," Jessica says warmly, glancing back. "Don't mind the two in the back, they're like the quibbling heads of Demogorgon, only cuter."
06[21:12] * Alicia is certainly doing her best to ignore those two. "We're actually trying to find Evergold," she admits. "We were told to follow this path, but now that it branches we're unsure where to go. Might you have any advice for us?"
[21:12] <Kosick> "Evergold, eh?" Rubbing her chin as she smirks, "That's what the barrels are for?"
[21:13] <Kosick> "What's Evergold?" The scarred, armored man asks. "Sounds like a treasure horde."
[21:13] <Alicia> "A friendly Tulani told us that its waters would be very effective against devils," Alicia agrees. "It's a sacred fountain," she then tells the man.
[21:14] <Kosick> That gets a chuckle from the woman. "Oh, I suppose it would be. I know someone who bathed in it. It makes you postively radiant. It's also sacred, anarchic waters, so surely it would be good for scolding and punishing Baatezu."
[21:14] <Alicia> "That's not it," Marie replies with a blush of her own, sidling up to the erinyes and whispering, "I'm willing to share."
[21:14] <Alicia> "That's what we're hoping," Alicia agrees cheerily. "So do you know where it is?"
[21:15] <Kosick> Antenora smirks again and taps Marie on the head, "You can have her. Fascinating confession, though." Replying in a whisper, "My, what a naughty little eladrin you are."
[21:15] <Kosick> OOC: Make a charisma check, Alicia?
[21:16] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 17." [1d20=10]
[21:17] <Kosick> "I'm afraid not. IT's not something you can just quest to, not like that." Looking Alicia up and down slowly, "You might be able to find it. IT favors the beautiful and the radiant, as well as the good and free hearted. You fulfill at least some of those, I think."
[21:18] <Kosick> "Eh, oh well, it's not like I need gold here," The man shrugs, an arm arond the leather clad woman. "I was so sick of chasing down things like that. Mystic treasures and artifacts would be so much more enjoyable if you didn't have to defy death and impossible odds to find."
[21:18] <Alicia> "Ahh," Alicia nods understandingly. "Well, nothing much for it then but to continue our journey. Thank you for your time, at least." Then to the man she smiles, "Ah, but without those artifacts you have to face even worse odds when trouble finds you."
[21:19] <Alicia> "Clearly I haven't been disciplined enough," Marie agrees with a giggle as she flounces away from Antenora.
[21:19] <Kosick> "I know." Scratching at a scar ont he side of his face, "It got to be a helluva vicious cycle. I got lucky to escape it. Take it from me, I was at it for twenty years: It's not worth your entire life."
[21:21] <Kosick> "Yes, there are so many fun things to do. Like getting you regeneration. Those scars are distinctive but you'd have such a nice face without them," The woman purrs to him. "You don't really need two protective rings, do you?"
[21:22] <Alicia> "Maybe not, but while I've still got strength in me I'll use it to defend others," Alicia replies, starting to back away as the two resume flirting. "Good day to you both." With that she returns to the riverbank and continues on their original path, eschewing the branches.
[21:22] <Kosick> Antenora starts to say a few things, then just shrugs. She turns to listen to the conversation in front of her for the moment.
[21:22] <Kosick> "Enjoy yourself," Jessica says, and once you're moving again, "I wonder if he's dead or just retired?"
[21:24] <Alicia> "Probably retired," Alicia reasons. "If he was a petitioner then his flesh would be pristine."
[21:26] <Kosick> Lowering her voice, "Could you say something to those two," Jessica says quietly. "That was horribly embarrassing! It took all my effort not to blush like a firestorm! They'll listen to you."
[21:27] <Alicia> "I just tune them out," Alicia admits. "I'll talk to them privately when we next make camp, though."
[21:28] <Kosick> "Please," Jessica sighs. "It's like they turn into children when they et going!" Then in a normal voice, "I suppose. HE looked so happy there. Maybe that's his equivalent to settling down with a wife and a home?"
[21:29] <Alicia> "Well, it's like Marie warned us against staying too long in Dweomerheart?" Alicia reasons as they continue to follow the riverbank.
[21:30] <Kosick> The riverbank goes on, widening further into a hugely expanded river. As you walk you feel tired. The sky is still a beautiful red sunrise, but your body is telling you ti's time to rest. The path continues on straight for now, no one in the vicinity or anything disturbing.
[21:32] <Alicia> "Hmmm. Been a long day, lets make camp here?" Alicia suggests, intending to have a quiet word with Marie and Antenora individually once they're settled to suggest they tone things down a bit. But mostly she just wants to eat and rest.
[21:34] <Kosick> Dinner is a pleasant affair. Jessica cooks well from trail rations and uses the river water. The water itself seems to be most agreeable and pure, making the entire meal better. OOC - Ball's in you rcourt if you wanan do anything or just skip along.
[21:35] <Alicia> OOC: assume I tell the troublemakers to stop being so perverted and we'll make a nice little camp just off the path where we'll sleep until ready to challenge the new day
[21:35] <Kosick> OOC: Okay.
[21:37] <Kosick> roll 1d100
06[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Kosick rolls 1d100 and gets 96." [1d100=96]
[21:38] <Kosick> OOC: Who's keeping watch if anyone?
[21:38] <Alicia> OOC: Marie doesn't need to sleep so she'll keep watch throughout. Anty needs hardly any sleep so I guess she can keep watch at her convenience
[22:03] <Kosick> Antenora and Marie are killing time on watch as Jessica and Alicia snore. The 'night' has been utterly uneventful. As the time passes, "Sorry," Antenora murmurs.
[22:04] <Alicia> "She gave you a telling off, too, huh?" Marie asks knowingly.
[22:05] <Kosick> "Yeah." Antenora says, "I feel like I should have a sore bottom to go with that verbal spanking."
[22:05] <Alicia> The coure briefly looks pained. "Ordinarily I'd jump on that, but I'll let it slide this once."
[22:06] <Kosick> "Hehehe. Sorry." Antenora blushes there, "I still couldn't restrain myself. That wasn't my finest hour here today. It's not easy to be spontaneous and witty without going to far or putting barbs on it, though."
[22:09] <Alicia> "I thought it was pretty funny," Marie shrugs. "But I guess including Alicia in our sparring was a bit uncalled for."
[22:10] <Kosick> OOC: Make listen checks, both of you?
[22:10] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 15." [1d20=9]
[22:11] <Kosick> roll 1d20+18
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kosick rolls 1d20+18 and gets 28." [1d20=10]
[22:11] <Kosick> "I...hm?" Antenora cocks her head to the side, standing upa nd looking to the other side of the river. "Did you just hear music?"
[22:12] <Alicia> "No," Marie shakes her head, looking in the same direction as Antenora. "Maybe someone over there is serenading their lover?"
[22:12] <Kosick> "It sounded  more like instruments." Antenora says. As she sits up, Marie can faintly hear something, a favorable wind making it drift this way. It sounds like lutes and flutes and pipes.
[22:13] <Alicia> "Oh, wait, I can hear it now. Wind instruments," Marie agrees. "Hopefully won't wake up those two - you know how Alicia gets when she doesn't have her eight hours."
[22:14] <Kosick> "Want to go see if it's going to get closer?" Antenora stretches, "I can stay here and hold camp, just in case something bizzare happens."
[22:15] <Alicia> "Sure, I'll go take a quick look," Marie shrugs, zipping over the river to see what the source of the music is.
[22:17] <Kosick> It takes going over the river and a bit of flying to see what's going on. Far ahead, in the open plans, a party is occuring. Courre eladrin fly in the air and play instruments, while dozens dance, laugh and frolic. Booze flows freely, couples occasionally going hand in hand and heading away from the main party. The partygoers are a mix of Sunites and creatures of all shapes and types. Most are appealing enough, though a few not so much.
[22:17] <Kosick>  Most are appealing enough, though a few not so much.
[22:19] <Alicia> Looks like fun, but Marie doesn't really want to get sidetracked and so flies back to rejoin their camp and reassure Antenora that they should be free of molestation for the evening.
[22:19] <Kosick> Antenora listens to the brief report, "Good. One party was enough." As she stretches back, "What was with that nymphs back in the forest? That was so cold of them."
[22:20] <Kosick> With a scowl after, "They had no excuse. They were all quite intelligent, neither of you deserved to be tossed aside like rubbish."
[22:22] <Alicia> "It was odd," Marie admits. "I mean, they're typically benign nature spirits, although maybe it was the company they kept? It was that petitioner that insulted us first and got everything off on the wrong foot."
[22:23] <Kosick> "Maybe they're new, too." Antenora considers as she glances ahead. "It might have been a lot of fun, too. As much as I hate to admit it...I really had fun with that party a few days ago. There wasn't even a hangover afterwards."
[22:25] <Alicia> "Could be they weren't particularly good but were devout followers of Sune nonetheless?" Marie suggests. "Same way I got into Elysium by following Mystra even though my nature doesn't quite fit that plane. They'll probably change over time the longer they stay here, though."
[22:26] <Kosick> OOC: Spot checks, both of you?
[22:26] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6
06[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10." [1d20=4]
[22:26] <Kosick> roll 1d20+18
06[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Kosick rolls 1d20+18 and gets 21." [1d20=3]
[22:27] <Kosick> "That makes fair sense." Continuing to look out at the path for a time. "You weren't serious about Ali-" she begins, though stops as she squints. "Interruptions again? There's a group coming down the path."
[22:28] <Alicia> "We're off the path here, hopefully they won't wake the two mortals," Marie opines hopefully, looking down the path herself.
[22:30] <Kosick> They come into view easily enough, at about 200 feet away. A woman riding a white horse, a man wearing armor and walking alongsides her, a man in rune covered robes, and a dwarf wearing heavy armor and lugging along the a huge maul. "Looks like mortal travelers. Shouldn't be any harm then."
[22:33] <Alicia> "Unless they decide to pick a fight with the scout of a fiendish invasion force?" Marie asks with a slight smile.
[22:34] <Kosick> Antenora idly touches her ribbon. "If they have magic to see through it, um...well, we can always wake up Alicia at worst." Antenora smiles. "Crabby or not."
[22:35] <Alicia> "Be sad for them if it comes to that," the coure chuckles.
[22:36] <Kosick> The group comes closer! The woman is pretty, the dwarf is gruff, the man is mighty and the robed one is mysterious. They don't look particularly unusual at all. However, as they come closer..."Say, Marie." Antenora whispers, "Try detect evil and detect magic on the dwarf? He's like a blank spot to my mind. No intelligence at all."
[22:37] <Alicia> Marie dutifully checks the group over.
[22:38] <Kosick> No evil on any of them. The woman and the two men both have various magical arms and wonderous items. The dwarf seems to have no magic at all on him.
[22:38] <Kosick> "Good day,"The woman nods as they pass, an emblazoned symbol of ruby red lips on her breastplate. "Love and passion onto all your business, celestial friends."
[22:39] <Alicia> "Blessings of the weave upon you," Marie returns with a smile.
[22:39] <Alicia> OOC: just lips, there's no blood or anything like Mal-chan's symbol, right?
[22:40] <Kosick> "Safe travels," Antenora also adds as they walk by. The human in robes glances briefly. The armored man smiles in passing, while the dwarf grunts a greeting. OOC: Nope. Also you can make an KR check.
[22:40] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 and gets 17." [1d20=8]
[22:42] <Alicia> Once they've passed, Marie speaks up again, "He must have some really powerful ward on him - you can detect Alicia's mind, can't you?" she asks.
[22:43] <Kosick> "I can. That's why it puzzled me," Antenora watches them go. "It's like feeling the mind that's there."
[22:43] <Kosick> "No intellect at all and he didn't look like an artificial being. It could be some particularly potent ward, they looked well equipped."
[22:44] <Alicia> "I'd have detected magic if he was just a disguised golem, so it has to be a powerful defense against divinations," Marie nods. "Makes that so-called artifact ring of Alicia's look pretty poor in comparison, doesn't it?"
[22:45] <Kosick> "Yeah. That's a lot of power for a mortal to be trotting around with." As they fade out of sight in the other direction, "Do you think it's a mystery worth investigating?"
[22:49] <Alicia> "What would we do, mug them?" Marie snorts. "I think I've heard of the spell, anyway, it's not uncommon in Dweomerheart considering all the archmages floating around there. For all we know the robed guy's a wizard who just cast it on the dwarf because he kept getting charmed or dominated."
[22:50] <Kosick> "What's the spell," Antenora turns her eyes away, back to Marie. Curiously, "If it's out there, it would be good to know about it in case it matters in battle."
[22:51] <Alicia> "It's called Mind Blank, it's an eight circle one. Probably be the first one Alicia learns of that tier, too, I bet," Marie nods sagely.
[22:52] <Kosick> "Mind Blank, hmph." With a sour look as she goes to lie back on her elbows, "I bet Esthan will have that handy too."
[22:54] <Alicia> "He didn't when we ran into him at the Citadel of Light - I could detect his aura quite easily," Marie smiles. "But then that might've just been deliberate to make sure I spotted him. It's too good a defence to neglect if you have the magical power for it."
[22:55] <Kosick> "I'd wager it's intentional in that case. He wanted to find you and give you that bow." With her scowl deepening, "Can we go back to talking about horrible slanders against Alicia? I'm trying not to obsess over the lemure fucker while I'm here.
[22:57] <Alicia> "Sure. But you do know that sword of hers will repeat every word we've said when she gets up in the morning?" Marie asks micheviously.
[22:58] <Kosick> With a snort, "From all I've gathered, Hell Striker mute to the point of being anti-social."
[23:00] <Alicia> "To us, maybe," Marie smiles slyly. "Anyway, it's unseemly for a familiar to speak poorly of her master, so I'll have to decline."
[23:01] <Kosick> "Heh, heh." Chuckling now, "Just as well. We did get out of hand today." Eyeing Marie, "Share and share alike, hm?"
[23:02] <Alicia> "Share?" Marie raises an eyebrow, not sure what Antenora's getting at.
[23:03] <Kosick> "Playing innocent now?" Chuckling moreso, "Nevermind, I was only teasing."
[23:05] <Alicia> "Oh!" Marie laughs slightly, recalling what she said earlier about sharing. "That. Yeah, me too," she nods quickly.
[23:07] <Kosick> "Uh huh." Antenora looks up into the sunset sky, "She's just so charismatic sometimes. It's easy to get close to her and spend a lot of time with her. She's really most of my life right now. If I were a man, maybe..." Smiling innocently now, "I don't know, sometimes I just...This entire messw ith Esthan reminded me that she must be terribly lonely sometimes. I want to be close to her, intimiate to her as a friend. Like a sister."
[23:07] <Kosick>  intimiate to her as a friend. Like a sister."
[23:10] <Alicia> "That's nice. Admirable, even," Marie nods. "But if you're going to make unseemly allegations about improper master/familiar conduct you should expect to receive in turn."
[23:10] <Kosick> "Naturally. But you're so free and wild. LIve and love earnestly. Isn't that a phrase eladrin live by?"
[23:12] <Alicia> "Among others. I mean, if you ask ten different eladrin for words to live by you'll get ten different answers," Marie shrugs. "It's not too easy for me to find love on the prime where no one's my size, though - so what's your excuse?"
[23:18] <Kosick> "I don't know...well, no, that's a lie. PArt of it is that I'm happy right now by myself. Another is that I know a lover would be in danger by being close to me. Hell would see it as a weakness to exploit. Alicia needs me around often, too." There's a stopa fter this, Antenora looking to Marie, "I'd be worthless to Alicia lovestricken or pregnant. Finally...I like to think I can overcome the limitations of the relative mortality put on me b
[23:18] <Kosick> "
[23:18] <Kosick> Finally...I like to think I can overcome the limitations of the relative mortality put on me by my change. I can continue to ascend and rise beyond what I once was.
[23:24] <Alicia> "You're still an outsider," Marie agrees. "I don't want to stay a coure forever and you shouldn't stay an erinyes forever - although I wonder just what you would turn into if you put your mind to it," she flutters over and peers at Antenora closely. "The usual baatezu promotions are off-limits... I wonder, do you know what your angelic ancestor was before falling?"
[23:26] <Kosick> "No. I was several generations removed. I would hope an angel of some sort. If I have any say in it at all, that's what I'll go for."
[23:29] <Alicia> "Considering your zeal for fighting evil you'd make a good planetar," Marie nods. "But I'd guess you'd probably need outside interference to become a typical example of another outsider type. But you might still turn into something suitably angelic all by yourself, even if it's new and unique!"

[Corwin]

[22:40] <Kotono> > Finally...I like to think I can overcome the limitations of the relative mortality put on me by my change. I can continue to ascend and rise beyond what I once was.
[22:40] <Kotono> <Alicia> "You're still an outsider," Marie agrees. "I don't want to stay a coure forever and you shouldn't stay an erinyes forever - although I wonder just what you would turn into if you put your mind to it," she flutters over and peers at Antenora closely. "The usual baatezu promotions are off-limits... I wonder, do you know what your angelic ancestor was before falling?"
[22:40] <Kotono> > "No. I was several generations removed. I would hope an angel of some sort. If I have any say in it at all, that's what I'll go for."
[22:40] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Considering your zeal for fighting evil you'd make a good planetar," Marie nods. "But I'd guess you'd probably need outside interference to become a typical example of another outsider type. But you might still turn into something suitably angelic all by yourself, even if it's new and unique!"
[22:42] <Kotono> "Unique is a Pistis Sophia or Raziel. I'm not that unique," Antenora smiles at the sunset sky, "Or no, I'm not sure I want to be. I don't know. Just...I want to be an angel, not a strange outsider who wants to be one. Does that makes any sense at all?"
[22:46] <Alicia> "I understand, I guess," Marie agrees. "I suppose no matter what you become you'll still be you, and that's what's most important." She flutters up to land on the erinyes' head. "Have you thought about asking Mystra? She clearly has an interest in you since she extended her protection against that big red dragon."
[22:49] <Kotono> Smiling a little now and reaching up to use a finger to pat Marie's head. "That's why I've been studying her doctrine. It's where Alicia's going, so it's where I want to end up one day."
[22:56] <Alicia> "And since you're already an outsider of middling power you'll probably get to skip the entry-level position!" Marie adds happily as she makes herself comfortable. "Seriously, though, pray to Mystra for it. If you're sincere and She thinks you're ready, it'll happen."
[22:58] <Kotono> "Should I namedrop you for pointing me in that direction while I'm at it?" Laughing now, "I do wonder, you get praise and credit for helping convert worshippers to Mystra, like how devils get the same for soul collecting and damning? You're only a courre, I don't know if it's something you'd deal with much at your level."
[23:05] <Alicia> "Especially with access to the prime being so limited until recently," Marie nods. "But Mystra doesn't really rely on mortal worshippers the same way most other deities do - considering every spell cast that draws on the Weave is effectively a prayer to her, whether the caster realises it or not."
[23:05] <Alicia> "Before becoming a familiar I mostly worked as an errand-girl and diplomat - I used to work for Keeper of Names, helping her out whenever she visited the more chaotic planes. But I figure if you're going to be joining a heavenly choir, why not the ne I'm in?"
[23:06] <Alicia> *the one I'm in
[23:09] <Kotono> "Good sense. You know...one day, I wonder if we'll end up serving Alicia if she keeps rising. She has so much potential like all of the Crimson Guard." Thoughtfully chewing on her bottom lip, "Mystra's gone out of her way to favor Alicia. Maybe the point of this is to make sure she has support, now and in the future?"
[23:09] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[23:09] <Kotono> "Good sense. You know...one day, I wonder if we'll end up serving Alicia if she keeps rising. She has so much potential like all of the Crimson Guard." Thoughtfully chewing on her bottom lip, "Mystra's gone out of her way to favor Alicia. Maybe the point of this is to make sure she has support, now and in the future?" She pauses there, "WE cluster around her as she gathers more, and maybe we do the same? I don't know. That bit about soul ga
[23:10] <Kotono> and maybe we do the same? I don't know. That bit about soul gathering got me off on that tangent."
[23:13] <Alicia> "Yeah..." Marie sighs, laying on her stomach atop Antenora's head. "I thought it'd be fun to boss her around if she wound up a lantern archon, but she'll probably wind up becoming a proxy at this rate. Still, the higher she goes the higher she'll bring her followers, so we should do okay."
[23:13] <Alicia> She lowers her voice, "To be honest, I'm pretty sure I'm already stronger than a ghaele in some ways just from being her familiar."
[23:16] <Kotono> "You take abuse surprisingly well and your bowmanship is remarkable." Lowering her voice in kind, "You're right. This entire group of three in particular feel like they're meant for great things. Certainly the God-King, but..." There's a long, full stop here. "I wonder if it stops there?"
[23:19] <Alicia> "No way," Marie shakes her head. "The barriers have only been weakened and we've already got diabolical archmages and who knows what else strutting around the Prime like they own the place. Once they go down completely it's going to be a free for all."
[23:22] <Kotono> "Alicia has to be well supported for that day. No, all of them have to. At least we're advancing quickly, so we can do so. It feels like a pressure cooker or a forge...or Hells, whatever silly metaphor for being cast and strengthened in fire you like. I'm thinking like a devil again." A look of pique turns Antenora's lips down as she shifts in the grass. "I mean, most worlds surely have able champions and rising champions. This world lacks
[23:22] <Kotono> "
[23:22] <Kotono> I mean, most worlds surely have able champions and rising champions. This world lacks that base."
[23:27] <Alicia> "I remember Alicia said once that she used to consider anyone who could cast third level spells to be an archmage. I almost laughed in her face," Marie admits. "Even you've come a long way, though - I mean, you used to be an erinyes that couldn't even teleport, taking orders from an osyluth of all things. Now you run around beating up gelugons like it was nothing at all."
[23:31] <Kotono> "It makes sense in it's way. With this world being so sealed off and being unsealed in a short time period, it has to be done with all haste." Now smiling widely at that, "It's natural that I can use weapons well, but my talent has grown considerably."
[23:36] <Alicia> "You'd probably lose some of your physical might in exchange for greater arcane powers, if Mystra accepted you fully," Marie opines thoughtfully. "Of course, that might let you learn some of Alicia's tricks, so it'd be a plus overall. I just hope she can learn all the circles of magic before facing Daa-vid and what comes after - she's going to need them."
[23:38] <Kotono> "There's...oh, let's see. Esthan, Agares, The Master of Esthan who will remain nameless, Shar, Torm, Gurlan, Malcanthet possibly, maybe a few others I'm forgetting?" Ticking off her fingers one at a time, "If she somehow did all of that one day she'd have changed the cosmos."
[23:41] <Alicia> "Martinet and Ebony," Marie fills in the missing blanks. "Realistically I think we need to forget any deities, and probably Malcanthet as well."
[23:42] <Kotono> "I didn't include Martinet since I have no idea what level Esthan's playing on now. We need to make a diagram to keep up with all of these. The worst part? They're starting to work together a bit. If Esthan is the Walker, he was giving the Sharrans a little boost against us."
[23:50] <Alicia> "Alicia kinda has a point that Agares seems too visible and weak to have Esthan's service, although I guess it could've been a freelance thing - the spicy bread bit was a dead giveaway, in my book," Marie muses. "Never really heard of Shar working much with devils or demons, though. She pretty much hates everyone equally, but I guess there's a difference between a deity and her followers."
[23:54] <Kotono> "Agares seems to be have messed himself up quite well in the past year or three. I don't think Agares is his master. It might be MArtinet after all and he's snowing us, but no way to prove it right now. I'm more worried about the Spark Hunters. Alicia thinks they might be a bluff, but..."
[23:58] <Alicia> "Well, we haven't seen them yet, right?" Marie smiles hopefully. "You do realise the minute they do show up she's probably going straight to hell so she can fight some powerful devils that don't move around a lot like Esthan does? That ring she commissioned wasn't just for fun jaunts to the upper planes."
[23:59] <Kotono> "The trick is surviving that," Antenora smiles a bit there, "Alicia..." Closing her eyes now, "As if she hasn't worried enough lately, I'm doing extra time for extra worrying."
Session Time: Sun Feb 15 00:00:00 2009
[00:03] <Alicia> "What happens will happen. There's really only so much we can do, and just worrying is pointless," Marie points out sagely. "How about we pass the time with a game to keep our minds busy?"
[00:05] <Kotono> "As long as it's nothing about relationships or love. Though the plane certainly puts it at the forefront of one's mind." Antenora looks up then. "Until they wake up, let's just do that and relax." OOC - Ready to skip ahead now?
[00:06] <Alicia> OOC: sure
[00:06] <Kotono> Alicia and Jessica awaken a few hours later. Once breakfast is consumed the trail is resumed! OOC - Anyone doing anything unusual or just normal traveling procedure?
[00:07] <Alicia> OOC: just strolling along.
[00:11] <Kotono> This river soon leads to a beach, emptying out into a pristine blue sea. Here and there are isolated pairs of lovers, sunbathing or talking or whispering, or if one looks towards half concealed areas, far more obvious acts of love. Mena nd women splash through the water contentedly, swimming about. A footpath goes towards the west and east along the sandline. Dotting the western beach, just at the edge of your vision, is a beachfront house.
[00:11] <Kotono> Dotting the western beach, just at the edge of your vision, is a beachfront house.
06[00:12] * Alicia follows her gut instinct and goes...
[00:12] <Alicia> roll 1d2
[00:12] <Kobot> Alicia rolled 1d2 --> [ 1d2=2 ]{2}
[00:12] <Alicia> East!
[00:14] <Kotono> As you walk opposite the dune, "You know, we really should find a guide," Jessica suggests, "Wandering aimlessly is enjoyable enough, but we're not getting anywhere so far."
[00:16] <Alicia> "Well, like we heard, it's not the sort of place you can just get directions to," Alicia reminds her sister. "Just... think happy thoughts, we'll get there soon enough."
[00:16] <Alicia> "She's right," Marie agrees. "Belief is how the planes work, so just believe that we'll get there and we will."
[00:17] <Kotono> Sniffing the air, "Mmm. I like the smell of the beach," Antenora looks to it, "The bay near Balmuria is too rocky to make good beaches. What a shame."
[00:17] <Kotono> "I believe we'll find Evergold. I believe we'll find Evergold. I believe well find Evergold," Jessica chants steadily as she walks.
[00:18] <Alicia> "There's a few nice spots, but you have to go away from the city for it," Alicia tells Antenora as they stroll along, determined to find their goal.
[00:21] <Kotono> An hour of walking brings no end to the shoreline. However, over the dunes, you can see a beachouse. Nothing unusual there, but this one has a human leaning against the side. This man wears good clothes, sand clinging to them. His head is tucked against his knees as he sits, soft sobs escaping him. The sound of it drifts to the path.
[00:26] <Alicia> A jilted lover, perhaps? Still, it doesn't seem right for someone to be crying in heaven, so Alicia sets down her barrel as they draw near and approaches the man, squatting down opposite him and speaking up in a soft tone, "Tears don't suit this realm of joy and love. What ails you, sir?"
[00:55] <Kotono> Sniffing before he looks up, cheeks wet, "Oh, my beloved...she did not come." Wiping at his eyes, "Long have I waited for this glorious day and she is not here!"
[00:57] <Alicia> "She stood you up?" Alicia asks sympathetically. There probably are a lot of distractions here, although it seems somewhat inappropriate for a realm of pure love.
[00:58] <Kotono> "It seems so. She should have come from over there," Pointing at the sandy beach, "Fair Gwendolyn, my beloved. I wait here for you, but you are still gone!"
[01:00] <Alicia> "Well, maybe something delayed her?" Alicia asks. "Why don't you go look for her instead of brooding here?"
[01:01] <Kotono> "...oh. Yes, that would be a fine idea," Wiping at his eyes, "I just wanted to meet her here like we'd promised."
[01:05] <Alicia> "How late is she?" Alicia asks. "If it's not been too long then you might as well wait in case she's just been held up, but otherwise you're probably better off looking for her I think. Just moping isn't going to accomplish anything," she encourages, trying to lift his spirits.
[01:06] <Kotono> "About three hours," Drying his tears now as he stands up, "The emotion of it overwhelmed me."
[01:10] <Alicia> "That's longer than any reasonable delay," Alicia agrees. "You should go try and find your lady love instead of waiting - women like a man who's decisive, after all," she concludes with a smile.

[Corwin]

[14:46] <Kokokokokoko> <Alicia> "She stood you up?" Alicia asks sympathetically. There probably are a lot of distractions here, although it seems somewhat inappropriate for a realm of pure love.
[14:46] <Kokokokokoko> > "It seems so. She should have come from over there," Pointing at the sandy beach, "Fair Gwendolyn, my beloved. I wait here for you, but you are still gone!"
[14:46] <Kokokokokoko> <Alicia> "Well, maybe something delayed her?" Alicia asks. "Why don't you go look for her instead of brooding here?"
[14:46] <Kokokokokoko> > "...oh. Yes, that would be a fine idea," Wiping at his eyes, "I just wanted to meet her here like we'd promised."
[14:46] <Kokokokokoko> <Alicia> "How late is she?" Alicia asks. "If it's not been too long then you might as well wait in case she's just been held up, but otherwise you're probably better off looking for her I think. Just moping isn't going to accomplish anything," she encourages, trying to lift his spirits.
[14:46] <Kokokokokoko> > "About three hours," Drying his tears now as he stands up, "The emotion of it overwhelmed me."
[14:46] <Kokokokokoko> <Alicia> "That's longer than any reasonable delay," Alicia agrees. "You should go try and find your lady love instead of waiting - women like a man who's decisive, after all," she concludes with a smile.
[14:48] <Kokokokokoko> "Yes, you're right." Standing up now, "Thank you for that, I needed it."
[14:52] <Alicia> "Any time," Alicia nods, happy to do her bit to brighten up Brightwater. "Good luck to you." With that she goes to rejoin her friends, having had a sudden inspiration. "You know, if we're looking for a hidden fountain, we're going about it wrong this way - we need to head off the beaten path and really explore the secret places of this realm."
[14:58] <Kokokokokoko> "That...yes, that does feel like a good leap of logic considering the realm." After a moment to weigh it over, "So...where do we go now then, Alicia?" Antenora looks about, towards the beaches and then towards the open fields opposite them.
[14:59] <Alicia> "For now lets just head inland over those fields," Alicia strikes off in that direction. "If any of you feel any sudden inspirations to go in a particular direction we'll go with that, but this should at least give us a start."
[15:03] <Kokokokokoko> "I will, sister." Jessica starts to walk in the fields, the sunrise sunlight washing over her. Thus the party takes to wandering this realm aimlessly! (More)
[15:03] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d100
05[15:04] -batcave.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[15:04] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[15:04] <Kokokokokoko> roll 1d100
06[15:04] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d100 and gets 60." [1d100=60]
[15:06] <Kokokokokoko> A few hours of this leads into more and more fields. At first this is uneventful, but eventually something is seen. In these quiet fields you very occasionally pass people far away, on picnics and the like. Most of them are close enough to where distance and disc retion is preferable anyway. But then...on the horizon, a tower. A gilded tower of rose-gold and light, tall and looming over this segment of the fields. While not being obvi
[15:06] <Kokokokokoko> While not being obviously indicative of the realm, it is certainly long and big anyway.  You're still a fair ways from it when it comes into view - you'd need to go to it to get a better look.
[15:08] <Alicia> "Hmm. Want to check out that tower?" Alicia asks her companions.
[15:09] <Kokokokokoko> "I wonder if there are caves around too," Jessica mutters to herslef, before she glances. "I'm good either way."
[15:10] <Kokokokokoko> "Even if it's not Evergold, ther emight be information there or something worthwhile," Antenora suggests.
[15:11] <Alicia> "Maybe a wizard lives there?" Marie suggests as they head towards said tower.
02[15:17] * tai-shower (~ferixstad@resnet226-054.resnet.wmich.edu) Quit (Off to n I go.)
[15:25] <Kokokokokoko> The tower is surrounded by a fence of roses, all growing and weaved together. Roses of red, each one throbbing with color. There's a fair bit of space between the walls of roses and the tower. The tower itself is ten stories tall, circular in shape and very classical. There is a gap in the wall of roses ahead, a section of it ajar, almost like a fence gate.
[15:31] <Alicia> Naturally Alicia heads towards the opening as the simplest means of bypassing this fence of thorns.
02[15:32] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Client exited)
[15:34] <Kokokokokoko> As the group approaches, the rose-gate swings open! Standing just inside of it is an angel. This angel has wings of rose-red and a beauty that words fail to describe. Her face is filled with patient hope and eternal longing. She wears only a bodysash of the lightest silk you've ever seen, almost ghost like. In a throaty whisper, "Welcome to Immemorium."
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[15:36] <Alicia> "Greetings," Alicia smiles to the angel, "We are travellers from the Prime and Elysium - my name is Alicia Reynes. What is this place?"
[15:40] <Kokokokokoko> "Here lies the legacy of Rosewild, the once and future servant of Sune. Time has forgotten her, yet there shall be a time when Rosewild rises once more." Her hair is as red as the roses, longer than her body and flowing in the wind like a trail of rose-red fire. Her eyes are closed. "When the time is right, Rosewild will return. Until that time, this resting place is dedicated as a trial ground. Those who whis to prove bravery, love,
[15:40] <Kokokokokoko>  this resting place is dedicated as a trial ground. Those who whis to prove bravery, love, strength of arms and conviction, and passion may enter in."
06[15:44] * Alicia sets down her barrel. She's gotten rather bored of aimlessly wandering the planes and this sounds like a good way to challenge herself and perhaps learn a thing or two so that the trip won't be a waste even if they don't find Evergold. "As you say, fair guardian, then I would wish to pay my respects to Rosewild by testing myself, if you would permit it."
[15:44] <Alicia> Marie blinks before speaking up, "Me too!"
[15:44] <Kokokokokoko> "I would wish to as well," Antenora says, and Jessica just nods along agreeably.
[15:45] <Kokokokokoko> "Then so it shall be. Only pairs may go in together, the four of you will have to split into two pairs. Which two of you will enter first, then?" The angel's eyes open, all the golden glow of love within them.
[15:47] <Alicia> "How about Jessica and I go first, then you two?" Alicia suggests, looking first to her sister then to the two outsiders.
[15:47] <Kokokokokoko> "Go ahead," Antenora puts her own barrel down, going to stretch her back out.
[15:48] <Alicia> "Can you tell us anything about the tests before we enter, guardian?" Alicia asks the angel.
[15:49] <Kokokokokoko> "There are times when your strenght of arms is requisite, yet other times when it will be a bane." Stepping aside, "Enter into the tower when you are ready."
[15:50] <Alicia> "Give me your sword for a second, sister?" Alicia asks, so she can provide a stronger enhancement to the blade.
[15:50] <Kokokokokoko> The silver rapier is dutifully passed over.
06[15:51] * Alicia then casts greater magic weapon on it, and also casts voice of the archon on herself before leading the way into the tower.
[15:53] <Alicia> After giving the sword back, of course!
[15:54] <Kokokokokoko> Past the rose fence, there are small gardens and statues. A stone path leads to the entrance to the tower. It's a simple rose styled door made of wrought gold. As you walk to it, "I thought you would've invited Antenora to go with you. She's much stronger than I am."
[15:57] <Alicia> "If it comes down to strength then it would make things hard if you and Marie went in together, wouldn't it?" Alicia asks. "Besides, it's nice for us to do something like this together once and a while - and those two have been getting along so well since we came here that it'll give them a chance to show their love for one another," she concludes with a snicker.
[15:58] <Kokokokokoko> That makes Jessica laugh, pausing before the entrance door as she does so. "Well, at worst, they can redirect their bickering towards each other. Like a married couple." With a long, heavy laugh to finish that, "At least they've calmed down. Anyway, shall we?"
06[15:59] * Alicia nods and opens the door to head inside!
[16:02] <Kokokokokoko> Inside is a hollow floor. Here three dozen angels lie in kneeling in a circle around the center of the room. Each chants in Celestial, a ballad of love, hope and rebirth.  In the center of the room stairs wind upward, little floating bits of rose-gold that loosely form a path to the next floor.
06[16:05] * Alicia elects to stay here for a bit and listen to the song before she goes up the stairs - she also takes a chance to look around for anything else of note on this floor, but regardless of what she finds she takes the time to admire the performance.
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[16:09] <Kokokokokoko> The performance is heartlifting and uplifting. AS Alicia looks around, it filters her view. She feels hope spread into her heart. As it does, she sees the floor has several statues, one at each cardinal point. Smaller statues fit between them, lining the walls, two between each statue. Each is of the same angel in different poses, a glorious one clad in silk and with a wild rose in hand.  (More)
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[16:09] <Kokokokokoko> rose in hand.  (More)
03[16:09] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-174-145.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #evildunes
[16:11] <Kokokokokoko> One of the angels stands up as the song progresses, going to stand directly in front of Alicia and Jessica. "It is beautiful. The loving bonds of sisterhood link the two of you intimiately." This angels has hair like the rose-gold you see in the stairs, body covered in golden armor. "There exists love in your hearts."
03[16:12] * Kokokokokoko is now known as Blondezilla
06[16:13] * Alicia smiles at the compliment, feeling uplifted by the song all around them. "You see us as we are, my friend. We have come to pay our respects to Rosewild and test ourselves in the trials found here."
[16:16] <Blondezilla> "To me, there is no doubt of your love." A rose appears in the angel's hand, it's gender unable to be easily discerned. Regardless of which it is, the creature in front of you is beautiful in a sense that mortal beings cannot approach.  "Thus I shall test your courage of arms. Worry not on harming me, for in this place I am eternal. Now...!" OOC: Initiative.
[16:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
[16:17] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{17}
[16:17] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+10 Jessica
[16:17] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 1d20+10 Jessica --> [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
[16:17] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+7 angel
[16:17] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 1d20+7 angel --> [ 1d20=12 ]{19}
03[16:17] * Blondezilla changes topic to 'Rose Angel>Aliica>Jessica cosplays Rei again. Scary!'
[16:19] <Blondezilla> From the angel's rose, four thorns fly out at the two women! Two thorns on each one!
[16:19] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+24 Alicia
[16:19] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 1d20+24 Alicia --> [ 1d20=6 ]{30}
[16:19] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+19 Jessica
[16:19] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 1d20+19 Jessica --> [ 1d20=13 ]{32}
[16:19] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+14 Alicia
[16:19] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 1d20+14 Alicia --> [ 1d20=6 ]{20}
[16:19] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+9 Jessica
[16:19] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 1d20+9 Jessica --> [ 1d20=18 ]{27}
[16:20] <Blondezilla> OOC - Flatfooted AC, Alicia?
[16:20] <Alicia> OOC: 24
[16:20] <Blondezilla> OOC - 1 damage to you and 2 to Jessica. More coming.
[16:22] <Blondezilla> The thorns fly in the air, arcing through! One grazes across Alicia's cheek, drawing a single droplet of blood! This blood hovers in the air, the thorn flying back to it! The two combine together, springing around Alicia! A tight dome of thorns surrounds Alicia completely! This dome has crimson roses blossom on it. As she is surrounded, Alicia can glimpse the same thing happen to Jessica before her view is blocked! OOC- Alicia. You're
[16:23] <Blondezilla>  Alicia can glimpse the same thing happen to Jessica before her view is blocked! OOC- Alicia. You're surrounded by a dome of thorns and roses.
[16:23] <Blondezilla> The song of the angels changes, turning to a ballad of bravery in combat, to save your loved ones from all evils nad perils.
06[16:25] * Alicia draws Hell Striker in a smooth motion and sends the blade scything through the thorns around her to burn and cut them down!
[16:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 -12 pa
[16:25] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+10 -12 pa --> [ 1d20=11 ]{21}
[16:25] <Alicia> roll 1d8+34+1d6
[16:25] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+34+1d6 --> [ 1d8=2 1d6=5 ]{41}
[16:27] <Blondezilla> Alicia cuts a large chunk of thorns away, makign some head way against the barrier! As the edges smoke and flame from the contact, Alicia finds she can almost see outside of them! Not quite, though, more barrier still surviving! OOC - Jessica's up.
[16:28] <Blondezilla> Alicia can hear some muffled sounds away, and then Jessica's voice! "Sister...help, please! Heeelp...me....they hurt...I can't get out..." OOC - Alicia, you're up.
[16:30] <Alicia> "Hold on, Jessica!" Alicia continues to hack through the wall of thorns, intending to step closer to the other dome as soon as she's cleared a sufficient path so that she can come to her sister's aid.
[16:30] <Alicia> OOC: full attack plus 5ft step, I'll roll them seperately so any that come after enough damage to kill my dome are applied to Jessica's
[16:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 -12 pa divine might
[16:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+10 -12 pa divine might --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
[16:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 -12 pa divine might
[16:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+5 -12 pa divine might --> [ 1d20=9 ]{14}
[16:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20 -12 pa divine might
[16:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20 -12 pa divine might --> [ 1d20=18 ]{18}
[16:31] <Blondezilla> OOC: Two hits.
[16:31] <Alicia> roll 1d8+41+1d6
[16:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+41+1d6 --> [ 1d8=5 1d6=3 ]{49}
[16:31] <Alicia> roll 1d8+41+1d6
[16:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+41+1d6 --> [ 1d8=6 1d6=6 ]{53}
[16:32] <Blondezilla> With a mighty hack, Alicia clears a path out! Stepping forward, she assails the dome that cloaks Jessica, side by side! A deep gouge is ripped into this, thorns all around you! As this happens, you can hear, "Alicia, hold on! I'm coming!"
[16:33] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+15
[16:33] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+10
[16:33] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{20}
[16:33] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{18}
[16:33] <Blondezilla> roll 2d6+8
[16:33] <Rei-chan> Blondezilla rolled : 2d6+8 --> [ 2d6=5 ]{13}
[16:34] <Blondezilla> The remaining part of thorns between you and your sister is perforated twice, silver rapier-tip poking through to weaken it further! The angel cannot be seen right now, thorns block most of your view ahead. OOC: Alicia.
06[16:35] * Alicia gets the feeling that those plaintive cries for help she heard didn't really come from her sister, and Jessica's hearing her own false request for help in turn. Still, she needs to clear out these thorns before they can think about battling any other foes, so she continues to defoliate the area with extreme prejudice!
[16:35] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 -12 pa
[16:36] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+10 -12 pa --> [ 1d20=8 ]{18}
[16:36] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 -12 pa
[16:36] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+5 -12 pa --> [ 1d20=9 ]{14}
[16:36] <Alicia> roll 1d20 -12 pa
[16:36] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20 -12 pa --> [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
[16:36] <Blondezilla> OOC: One hit.
[16:36] <Alicia> roll 1d8+34+1d6
[16:36] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+34+1d6 --> [ 1d8=4 1d6=1 ]{39}
[16:37] <Blondezilla> With a crackle of fire, Hell Striker cleaves through the thorns! JEssica is within, rapier drawn! "Alicia!" She says quickly, "You're safe!" She approaches through the hole, "Can you cut a path ahead so we can get out of these thorns entirely?"
[16:39] <Alicia> "I can, but we need to be ready so that we're not caught all over again," Alicia replies. "Hold still for a second," she channels a mirror image spell into her blade which ceases to flame as she gently taps her sister, causing several illusory duplicates to spring up around her!
[16:39] <Alicia> roll 1d4+4
[16:39] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d4+4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{6}
03[16:40] * Blondezilla is now known as Koaway
03[21:28] * Koaway is now known as Kotono
[21:51] <Kotono> Six Jessicas are now in place of the one Jessica!  Jessica readies herself in the meanwhile! OOC - Alicia.
[21:52] <Alicia> Now to hack through the wall of thorns between them and the angel, which Alicia does with gusto!
[21:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 -12 pa
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+10 -12 pa --> [ 1d20=16 ]{26}
[21:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 -12 pa
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+5 -12 pa --> [ 1d20=2 ]{7}
[21:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+0 -12 pa
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+0 -12 pa --> [ 1d20=19 ]{19}
[21:53] <Kotono> OOC - Two hits.
[21:53] <Alicia> roll 1d8+34+1d6
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+34+1d6 --> [ 1d8=6 1d6=1 ]{41}
[21:53] <Alicia> roll 1d8+34+1d6
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+34+1d6 --> [ 1d8=4 1d6=6 ]{44}
[21:58] <Kotono> Hacking through, Alicia clears an escape path! Now you can see the angel, about 60 feet away. It stands past the rose-gold stairs, rose petals and thorns swirling around it. Jessica slides out past Alicai deftly, silver rapier brushing aside a few thorns! She moves thirty feet, keeping low in tandem with all of her illusions! OOC - Angel is up.
[22:00] <Kotono> The angel's body is cloaked by roses and thorns! "Together, you could conquer anything. But apart?" This time, four thorns go out at Alicia!
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24
[22:00] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+24 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{42}
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
[22:00] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{23}
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[22:00] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+14 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{29}
[22:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[22:00] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{12}
[22:00] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[22:01] <Alicia> OOC: 33
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC: 1 damage
[22:02] <Kotono> Alicia defends herself, blocking two thorns with her armor and a third batted out of the air! But a forth grazes her cheek again! Thorns and roses surround her in another prison of hard, sharp thorns blossoms around her, the back melding into the previous two sets! OOC - Jessica's up.
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[22:03] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{16}
03[22:03] * asdgsdfasdf (~ferixstad@adsl-76-236-187-14.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #evildunes
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC - Wait I'm sorry, you're up. Hurf durf. 1 stays in place, though.
02[22:03] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-174-145.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[22:03] * Kotono changes topic to 'Rose Angel>Alicia>Jessica cosplays Rei again. Scary!'
06[22:05] * Alicia could just blast through the thorns and then hit the angel with spellfire, but that would risk the noncombatant angels as well as damage the tower itself, which she can't consider as an option. Therefore with little else for it, she hacks through the thorns, this time prepared to defend herself from attacks afterwards!
[22:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2 knowledge devotion nature?
[22:05] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+2 knowledge devotion nature? --> [ 1d20=5 ]{7}
[22:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 -12pa fighting defensively
[22:05] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+7 -12pa fighting defensively --> [ 1d20=1 ]{8}
[22:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2 -12pa fighting defensively
[22:06] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+2 -12pa fighting defensively --> [ 1d20=7 ]{9}
[22:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20-3 -12pa fighting defensively
[22:06] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20-3 -12pa fighting defensively --> [ 1d20=13 ]{10}
[22:08] <Kotono> The hacks of Alicia fail to damage the thorny barrier! She hears a faint sound on the other side, but nothing comes of it as well! Then...
[22:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+4 morale)
[22:08] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+9 (+4 morale) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{29}
[22:09] <Kotono> OOC: Alicia.
06[22:09] * Alicia tries again!
[22:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 -12pa fighting defensively
[22:09] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+7 -12pa fighting defensively --> [ 1d20=16 ]{23}
[22:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+2 -12pa fighting defensively
[22:09] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+2 -12pa fighting defensively --> [ 1d20=7 ]{9}
[22:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20-3 -12pa fighting defensively
[22:09] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20-3 -12pa fighting defensively --> [ 1d20=16 ]{13}
[22:10] <Alicia> roll 1d8+35+1d6
[22:10] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+35+1d6 --> [ 1d8=2 1d6=4 ]{41}
[22:10] <Kotono> Hacking outward, Alicia is able to tag the thorns once! A large chunk of them are burnt away, but some of the barrier remains, still impedeing her! Distantly, she can hear Jessica shout, "No! I would never leave her behind!"
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:11] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{23}
[22:11] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{25}
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 2d6+8
[22:11] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 2d6+8 --> [ 2d6=7 ]{15}
[22:11] <Kotono> Two rapier stabs pierce through the wall of thorns, making it buckle further with holes! This lets more sound in, as, "....then be silent!"
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+4 morale)
[22:12] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+9 (+4 morale) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{23}
[22:12] <Kotono> Through the holes Alicia can see Jessica hacking and thursting! Bands of white energy course around her, but with a struggle and shout, she breaks them apart before they ensnare her! OOC - Alicia.
[22:13] <Alicia> Hopefully one more should do it!
[22:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 -12pa
[22:13] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+11 -12pa --> [ 1d20=6 ]{17}
[22:14] <Alicia> roll 1d8+35+1d6
[22:14] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+35+1d6 --> [ 1d8=8 1d6=2 ]{45}
[22:14] <Kotono> With another heavy slash, the barrier of thorns burns away and collapses! Alicia can see the angel where it still was, covered by it's barrier!
[22:15] <Alicia> Having cut her way to freedom, Alicia starts moving quickly towards their angelic foe. "Come on, we can't win if we stay on the defensive!"
03[22:19] * asdgsdfasdf is now known as taifkaughnephewonleg
[22:19] <Kotono> Jessica nods and follows, stopping 10 feet in front of Alicia! "This time he won't get us," she smiles low, "Got it!" The angel's hand comes out of the barrier, unmolested by the thorns! From this...OOC - What's your CL, Alicia?
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:19] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{18}
[22:19] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
[22:19] <Alicia> OOC: 14
[22:19] <Kotono> But nothing seems to happen! OOC - Alicia.
06[22:20] * Alicia attempts to bring down that thorny barrier, first of all! "Weave of magic, bend to my call and break this dweomer before me!"
[22:20] <Alicia> OOC: targetted dispel on angel. How many rolls?
[22:20] <Kotono> OOC: 3.
[22:20] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[22:20] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{21}
[22:20] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[22:20] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{19}
[22:20] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[22:20] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{15}
[22:22] <Kotono> Alicia attempts to disrupt the weave around th eangel, but nothing seems to happen! HIs magic does not break to Alicia's arcane words at all! Jessica hangs back, "Can you try that again? I can't get in close without getting torn apart by those thorns!"  She does move ten feet closer and five feet away ,moving around him in the meanwhile! OOC - Angel is up.
[22:22] <Alicia> OOC: I have a move action
[22:22] <Kotono> OOC: Oh, okay.
[22:22] <Kotono> OOC: Strike everything after the resolution of yoru dispel then.
06[22:23] * Alicia moves forward, tumbling around the angel and staying close so she hopefully can't be seperated by another wall of thorns. "Wait until I've dispelled the barrier before attacking, Jessica!"
[22:25] <Kotono> "Got it, I know!" Jessica says, going around to the other side of the angel, tumbling past his thorns as well and positioning! OOC - Angel is up.
[22:27] <Kotono> The angel glows bright, a blinding flash coming from him! The light is overwhelming! OOC - Fort saves, both of you.
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 (+4 morale)
[22:27] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 (+4 morale) --> [ 1d20=1 ]{9}
[22:27] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25
[22:27] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+25 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{33}
[22:28] <Kotono> The light leaves Alicia unharmed, but Jessica falls to her knees, her rapier clattering as she groans! OOC - Alicia.
[22:29] <Alicia> "Hang on, Jessica, I'll end this now!" Alicia calls, braving the thorns as she proceeds to throw caution to the wind and assail the angel with everything she has!
[22:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 knowledge devotion
[22:29] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+17 knowledge devotion --> [ 1d20=4 ]{21}
[22:29] <Kotono> OOC - Hold on a sec.
[22:29] <Alicia> OOC: okay...
[22:30] <Kotono> OOC: Sorry, I misread your line, go ahead and attack first.
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+23 5th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers
[22:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+23 th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers --> [ 1d20=20 ]{43}
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+23 5th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers crit check
[22:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+23 th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers crit check --> [ 1d20=5 ]{28}
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+23 5th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers
[22:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+23 th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers --> [ 1d20=5 ]{28}
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+23 5th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers
[22:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+23 th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers --> [ 1d20=14 ]{37}
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 5th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers
[22:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+18 th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers --> [ 1d20=11 ]{29}
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 5th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers
[22:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+18 th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers --> [ 1d20=6 ]{24}
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13 5th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers
[22:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+13 th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers --> [ 1d20=4 ]{17}
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13 5th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers
[22:31] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+13 th and 2nd level arcane strike, divine might, nonlethal, bracers --> [ 1d20=8 ]{21}
[22:31] <Kotono> OOC - TWo normal hits.
[22:32] <Alicia> roll 1d8+16+1d6+6d4
[22:32] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+16+1d6+6d4 --> [ 1d8=2 1d6=2 6d4=17 ]{37}
[22:32] <Alicia> roll 1d8+16+1d6+6d4
[22:32] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+16+1d6+6d4 --> [ 1d8=7 1d6=1 6d4=16 ]{40}
[22:32] <Kotono> roll 10d8+10
[22:32] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 10d8+10 --> [ 10d8=39 ]{49}
[22:34] <Kotono> The thorns shred at Alicia as she hacks through them! She lands two blows through them to the angel! Each time she does, the thorns seem to find her most vulnerable spots, stabbing and piercing through her protections painfully! OOC: 49 damage, Alicia. Jessica's stunned this round. Angel's up.
[22:38] <Kotono> The thorns are bloodied, both by Alicia and the angel! Yet it's attention is on her, unearthy grace looking at her rose petals fly out around her! OOC - Ref save, Alicia.
[22:38] <Alicia> OOC: spellfire
[22:38] <Kotono> OOC: 5 levels.
[22:38] <Kotono> The rose petals flow into Alicia as pure spelle nergy, doing her no harm! OOC - Aicia.
[22:38] <Alicia> Bloodied but not unbowed, Alicia retracts her blade for the moment. "That's a wonderful defence you have. A shame I must break it," she compliments, trying to dispel the angel once more!
[22:38] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[22:38] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{29}
[22:38] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[22:38] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{25}
[22:38] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[22:38] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{23}
[22:41] <Kotono> This time, the barrier of defense fades away! The angel is exposed now after Alicia's dispellation! It is wounded across it's body and chest, golden armor stained rose! OOC - Doing anything with your move action?
[22:41] <Alicia> OOC: nope, holding position
[22:42] <Kotono> Jessica gets up and grabs her rapier, before thrusting at him once, flanking him with Alicia! "Go down! No one hurts Alicia!"
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+17
[22:42] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+17 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{21}
[22:42] <Kotono> BUt the blow glances off his armor, failing to do anything of note! OOC - Angel is up.
[22:43] <Kotono> Drawing his arms back to wrap around her/his chest, the angel emits another blinding flash of light! OOC - Fort you two.
[22:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:43] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
[22:43] <Alicia> roll 1d20+25
[22:43] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+25 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{27}
[22:44] <Kotono> Jessica falls stunned again, while Alicia endures the powerful light without yielding! Thereafter, the angel attempts to tumble back and away!
[22:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[22:44] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}
[22:44] <Kotono> It gracefully flips back twenty feet and away from them, landing just past a singing, bowing angel!
[22:44] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia.
06[22:46] * Alicia moves swiftly after the angel, putting herself between it and Jessica as she lunges out to batter her foe with the flat of Hell Striker's blade!
[22:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22 nonlethal, charging
[22:46] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+22 nonlethal, charging --> [ 1d20=5 ]{27}
[22:47] <Kotono> The charging blow hits right on the angel...'s breastplate, a mighty impact absorbed by it's armor! Jessica is stunned again, unable to move! OOC - Angel is up.
[22:48] <Kotono> "Superb...you move to protect her even now. I salute you!" Yet he retorts with a single heavy blow against Alicia, the rose in his hand used as a pure weapon?!
[22:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+30
[22:48] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+30 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{47}
[22:48] <Kotono> OOC: 1 damage and will.
[22:49] <Alicia> roll 1d20+26
[22:49] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+26 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{33}
[22:49] <Kotono> The rose does very little damage at all, yet Alicia feels strangey afllicted...but nothing seems to come of it! After, the angel backwards and to the sides again!
[22:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[22:49] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{32}
[22:50] <Kotono> OOC - Alicia, you're up.
[22:52] <Alicia> "Mystra, guide my blade..." Alicia whispers under her breath, again moving after her foe but more deliberately this time, not a heedless charge but still threatening with her fiery blades.
[22:52] <Alicia> OOC: true strike cast
[22:52] <Kotono> JEssica gets up and gets her rapier again, coming to Alicia's side but not quite reaching the angel! She moves to be able to go around him next round! OOC - Angel is up.
[22:53] <Kotono> The angel stands it's ground this time, striking out with it's bare hands now! "You leave me no choice!" he says, striking Alicia!
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 (-7 PA)
[22:54] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+20 (-7 PA) --> [ 1d20=6 ]{26}
[22:54] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[22:54] <Alicia> OOC: 33
[22:54] <Kotono> The blow hits Alicia's own breastplate, failing to dent her! There after the angel flips away again!
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[22:54] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{26}
[22:55] <Kotono> He goes around and lands at the foot of the rose-gold stairs, standing before the first one! OOC - Alicia.
06[22:56] * Alicia rushes after the angel, leaping gracefully above him to land on his far side and provide a perfect flanking opportunity for Jessica as her blade sings downwards to bash him on the back of the head as she goes!
[22:56] <Alicia> roll 1d20+28 nonlethal -12 pa divine might
[22:56] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+28 nonlethal -12 pa divine might --> [ 1d20=14 ]{42}
[22:57] <Alicia> roll 1d8+43+1d6
[22:57] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d8+43+1d6 --> [ 1d8=8 1d6=1 ]{52}
[22:58] <Kotono> The angel is staggered massively by the blow, rocking back as his head is slammed back! A moment later, Jessica goes to his flank, weaving amid the tiny stairs to strike at him!
[22:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19
[22:58] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{20}
[22:59] <Kotono> Yet despite a charge and a flank, Jessica's thrust narrowly misses! OOC - Angel is up, horrible, horrible luck.
[23:01] <Kotono> The angel grimaces and holds her head, "Enough, I concede," it says, going to kneel and touch it's head. Healing energy passes through its' body. "You've triumphed. I'll heal your injuries in a moment before you go on."
06[23:02] * Alicia relaxes and stows her blade. "Well fought," she compliments. "You were a worthy foe."
[23:03] <Kotono> "You are worthy as well," it goes to Alicia, her wounds healing! OOC - HP fully restored.
[23:03] <Kotono> Jessica sheaths her rapier, "You were like trying to hit a ghost. I could barely keep up with you."
[23:04] <Alicia> "Can you tell us anything of what to expect on the next floor of the tower?" Alicia asks, smiling in gratitude as they're healed.
[23:05] <Kotono> "You will go to floor 3 next; bypass floor 2." As it straightens up, the song changes to a peaceful melody of peace hard one in the forge of battle, of love's rewards after trials. "You will be tested further. Proceed."
[23:07] <Alicia> "Very well," Alicia nods, taking half a step up before cocking her head and glancing back, "Out of interest, why... actually, nevermind. It's probably a test pertaining to romantic love, I take it?"
[23:10] <Kotono> "Perhaps it is," With a slight smile, "You have no business going there with your sister."
[23:10] <Kotono> JEssica furrows her brow briefly, "I'll take your word for it." The rose-gold stairs are supportive despite being so slight, not sagging to Alicia's weight.
[23:10] <Alicia> "Understood," Alicia chuckles as she nods. "Come on, Jessica. Floor three it is!" She begins her asscent.
[23:11] <Kotono> A moment later, "I mean...nevermind, that sounded wrong. To floor 3!"
[23:11] <Kotono> Up you go! The second floor stair branches off to a single door and wall, nothing else visible past it. The door is dark, shadowed. The stairs continue upward as well.
06[23:12] * Alicia does not give into her curiousity and keeps going. Maybe Antenora and Marie can tell them about the second floor, assuming those two even get past the first.
[23:13] <Kotono> The third floor comes up to a room. This is a wide room with statues ahead, and a door of rose-gold that's ajar. The stairs abruptly end here for twenty feet, more rose gold twenty feet up as the path continues despite the interruption.
06[23:14] * Alicia takes a moment to study the statues before approaching the door, in case they have any clues regarding what's ahead.
[23:14] <Kotono> The statues are of an angel holding a rose in her hand. THis statue is distinctly feminine.
[23:16] <Alicia> Well, not really any different than the ones on the first floor. "Hmm, just in case we have to fight again..." Alicia casts shield on herself, then channels it into her sword and briefly taps Jessica to give her the same benefit. "Ready, sister?"
[23:16] <Kotono> "Sure." Stepping forward and walking to the door, "You want to go first?"
06[23:17] * Alicia nods and obligingly leads the way inside!
[23:20] <Kotono> Inside you come to an array of mirrors. There are hundreds of mirrors in this room. Freestanding mirrors, mirrors on thew alls, mirrors floating in the air. Trillions of reflected Alicias and Jessicas can be seen! It's a large room, wrapping around like a hall out of sight.
[23:20] <Kotono> "So many, so much glass!" Jessica's head whips about as she views them all. "So pretty."
[23:21] <Alicia> "A hall of mirrors? I hope we don't have to fight copies of ourselves," Alicia is a bit more guarded as she starts to walk down the hallway.
[23:25] <Kotono> As you walk, you see more images. These images are of Alicia and Jessica with various people. People you care about: family, friends, lovers, children. Jessica's are far more repetitive, mostly Roald, Alicia, Antenora or Marie.
[23:29] <Kotono> Jessica eyes all of them, focusing more on hers. "Just what I remember...yours have so many, but mine are just the people I know. I mean...no Beth? I guess not."
[23:30] <Alicia> A sad reminder of her amnesia, although Alicia doubts even if she could remember her life as Beth that there'd be much love in it. "Oh, sister, look at this one," Alicia tugs Jessica's arm and brings her over to a mirror showing a younger and softer looking Alicia cradling a baby while leaning her head against a man's chest. "That's me with Hans and Felix."
[23:31] <Kotono> "Oh!" Looking on with wide eyes, "You look so...happy." Smiling now, "He's so cute, too!"
[23:33] <Alicia> "Yes... it was good while it lasted," Alicia smiles wistfully, staring at the image for a long moment before she resumes walking. "I wouldn't worry too much about not having as many here. You haven't had that long to experience life, yet - if you look at it one way you're no older than my son was in that image there."
[23:40] <Kotono> Staying to watch it as she begins to walk again, "The past goes away from it. It slips away...like a stream. We can't go backwards in it except in our memories so we have to keep trying to make new happinesses. I read that and this reminds me of it." As Jessica speaks, you wrap around. Here, the mirrors blur and blend into one great wall of reflections. Alicia can be seen in it; her reflection is of a young woman in her blossoming prime, go
[23:40] <Kotono>  Alicia can be seen in it; her reflection is of a young woman in her blossoming prime, gorgeous and unmarred by time and battle. Love and happiness shines in her eyes. Jessica appears much the same. Words in a neutral voice are heard, "You have made love and passion for yourselves. What of others? CAn you stand before the light and claim that you have made the world a better place?"
[23:43] <Alicia> "Yes I can," Alicia replies without hesitation. "I have loved, I have fought, I have inspired, I have taught. And in doing each I have helped others."
[23:45] <Kotono> "I haven't been here long. My other self died, but I've done all I can. Alicia, she's made me what I am today! Not an assassin who sold herself to the highest bidder, but a caring person who isn't a dead zone inside! I live because of my sister, and Alicia...I see the light in her eyes every day, and she sees the light in mine!"
[23:47] <Kotono> LIght shines within the mirror! The images of Alicia and Jessica twist and boil! Yet in the end, they stay the same. The mirrors slide away, revealing a rose-gold door. "So it is. The 5th floor awaits you. Your bond is strong inside and outside."
06[23:47] * Alicia gives her sister a proud smile. "I think that's the last floor, from how tall it looked on the outside," she remarks, going to open the door.
[23:49] <Kotono> "I'm pretty sure it looked closer to ten," Jessica says as you open the door! You find it's wrapped around to the other side of the stairroom, a door where one was not before. The stairs now go up, no gap in the rose-gold steps at all. "Still, that was easy. It's nice to know we're doign so well that the trial isn't even a trial."
06[23:51] * Alicia briefly gauges the difference between the floor and the ceiling and nods. "Ten might be right, actually," she concedes, going to ascend the stairs. "It's not all about force of arms, though, that's clear enough."
[23:56] <Kotono> Thus you ascend! The fourth floor is exactly like the second, the door into it dark and shadowed! The fifth floor is wide open like the first! The stairs continue up, but there is a gap in them like the third. The floor is wide open and decorated like the first. Here a man in plain clothes stands. HIs skin is red and scaly, his eyes pools of blood. An acrid scent fills your noses as you see him.
[23:57] <Alicia> "Hello," Alicia greets the man, assuming that despite his fearsome appearance he wouldn't be here without the blessing of those who rule this plane. "What test do you herald?"
Session Time: Mon Feb 16 00:00:00 2009
[00:00] <Kotono> "You don't know me. I don't know you. I am the child of Xynertan the demon and Yulia the human. Fiendish blood flows in my veins, the birthright of the Abyss." He stands up now, the smell around him battering you. The stench is overwhelmingly bad, making your stomachs dance in discord. "No one but the most twisted would look at me with anything except horror or disdain."
[00:01] <Kotono> (More)
[00:02] <Kotono> "Love? A fiction!" Sweeping his arm aside, "There is only the call to destruction! The only beauty that exists is the splendor of unfettered wrath and slaughter! I am everything you loathe and fear!"
06[00:04] * Alicia wrinkles her nose, the smell far more offensive than his appearance. "That begs the question of what you're doing here," she replies.
[00:05] <Kotono> "Only I can allow you to advance! THe price is one of your hands in marraige!" He demands, coming closer. "Show me your love or you will never rise a single step higher!"
[00:06] <Alicia> "Oh, come on!" It's all Alicia can do not to laugh in his face. "Don't be absurd - first you decry love and then you ask for us to marry you? That makes no sense at all!"
[00:07] <Kotono> "I don't care about your love. I want your bodies!" He snarls back.
[00:07] <Kotono> Jessica takes a step back, waving her hand over her face. "Uh, you're disgusting! You're joking, aren't you?"
[00:08] <Alicia> "If all you want is sex then why even care about getting married?" Alicia asks reasonably.
03[00:08] * taifkaughnephewonleg is now known as taisnksnksnksnk
[00:09] <Kotono> "I don't care for your questions! If you don't do it, you can march yourselves out of here!" he snaps again, growling!
[00:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 sense motive, is he for real? (+1 if he's evil, +2 if he's good)
[00:09] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+10 sense motive, is he for real? (+1 if he's evil, +2 if he's good) --> [ 1d20=20 ]{30}
[00:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[00:10] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+15 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{35}
[00:14] <Alicia> "Of course I can't marry a strange man I just met who vocally admits he only wants me for sex and lists wrath and slaughter as his favourite activities," Alicia counters. "You should be ashamed of yourself for even asking!"
[00:16] <Kotono> "Where's your love?!" Stepping forward again and bringing that stench even closer, "You cold hearted bitch! There's not a drop of compassion in your body!"
06[00:18] * Alicia valiantly doesn't pinch her nose, tempting as it may be. "Having compassion doesn't mean surrendering yourself to everyone that asks," she argues. "If you want love - or even just sex if you're that shallow - you need to earn it, not demand it from every woman who crosses your path as if it's your due! Who do you think you are?"
[00:20] <Kotono> "Earn it? Then what's compassion?!" Nearly screaming now, his voice causing echos all around you, "What the hell is it?"
06[00:22] * Alicia flinches a bit at the din before responding. "I'm giving you advice so you can improve yourself. But compassion is wasted on those who refuse to listen."
[00:30] <Kotono> Jessica steps forward, "It doesn't have to be throwing her body at you. She's trying to help you in the way she can. Compassion isn't doing what you want, it's doing something kind to try and aid another."
[00:31] <Alicia> "And yet you spurn it, focused only on your own pleasure," Alicia shakes her head sadly.
[00:34] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diploc heck?
[00:35] <Alicia> roll 1d20+39 +2 if he's good
[00:35] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+39 +2 if he's good --> [ 1d20=4 ]{43}
[00:36] <Kotono> The man at last bows his head, "There is a certain...wisdom in your words." he relents at last, turning away. "Go on, get out of here. Go up."
06[00:38] * Alicia nods, pretty sure this was just an act for the test and not inclined to push him further because of it. "Thank you," she says before proceeding up the stairs.
[00:39] <Kotono> As you go up, out of the smell again, Jessica wrinkles her nose. "I'd ask, but..." Waving her hand, "At least we got past it?" The sixth floor is like the second and fourth, shadowed and door shut. The stairs continue upward.
[00:40] <Alicia> "Seems like every even numbered floor is just for romantic couples," Alicia mutters as she continues upwards. "He was probably just acting that way to test us - someone who really was that crazy wouldn't be here."
[00:41] <Kotono> "That means Antenora and Marie will get a repeat of what we're doing when we finish?" Jessica pauses a moment to stretch her back out. "Should we spoil it for them?"
[00:42] <Alicia> "I wouldn't dare speculate what form their love for one other takes," Alicia replies dryly as she ascends the stairs.
[00:44] <Kotono> The seventh floor is quiet. Dead quiet. The stairs have a gap again, and there is a small room with a door leading inside. This rose-gold door is ajar, waiting to be opened fully.
[00:44] <Alicia> Naturally Alicia goes to open the door!
[00:45] <Kotono> Alicia opens the door! It leads to a pleasant looking bedroom. A bed is here, a soft padded chair by a window with a view, a table, that sort of thing.
[00:46] <Alicia> "Hmm. Wonder what we have to do here?" Alicia muses, going to look out the window.
[00:48] <Kotono> There's no reply from Jessica as Alicia goes to the window. The view is lovely, letting you see the plains for miles around. As you stand there, "I don't know," Jessica mutters. "This entire trial is dragging. It was your idea, though."
[00:50] <Alicia> "We had a good fight with that angel on the first floor, and those mirrors were nice," Alicia opines, turning away from the window. "Hmm... it's cliche, but," she then looks under the bed.
[00:51] <Kotono> There's some books under the bed. "Yes, well...oh, and that'll help. Looking under the bed," Jessica sighs. "That's productive and useful thinking there.":
[00:52] <Alicia> "Last time I looked under a bed I found a secret passage!" Alicia retorts. "This time I found books... I hope they're not like that one Marie read at that Sunite shrine..." she concludes, pulling them out to take a look.
[00:53] <Kotono> The books are, well...graphic. The art is nice, at least. Someone spent a lot of time drawing very interesting and intimiate pictures. "This time you found perverted drawings?" Crossing her arms over her chest, "So they are. I'm sure those'll be useful here. You can give them to MArie and she can act like a pervert again. Great."
[00:55] <Alicia> "Let's not," Alicia replies, putting the books on the bed and looking around for anything else of interest in the room.
[00:55] <Kotono> There's a closed closet, a desk without much on it but a few drawers and a door on the side of the room.
06[00:56] * Alicia has a look in the closet!
[00:57] <Kotono> The closet has many a fine dress and piece of clothing in it. It's quite big, more like it's own room than a closet. Jessica eyes all of them, "Thinking about a change of clothes, sis? At least it would be different than armor day in and day out."
[01:00] <Alicia> "I don't think we should steal anything," Alicia opines, noticing but not commenting on the marked deterioration in Jessica's tone since they entered this room. "Although I suppose something here might be a clue or such as to how we should proceed."
[01:00] <Alicia> She then casts detect magic and scans the room, though mostly she looks to see if Jessica has any auras besides her items and the two spells Alicia cast on her.
[01:01] <Kotono> "Yes, you could use a clue. We do seem to be spinning our tails here. WE could be wandering the plains again, waiting for Antenora to try and be spontaneous! That's fun! Oh, and Marie could be Marie, and you could walk around all strong and silent." Scowling, "Or I could be home and with Roald, you know."
[01:02] <Alicia> "That's nice, sister," Alicia nods agreeably. "By the by, you do know you're under an enchantment, right?"
[01:03] <Kotono> "Really? What makes you think that? What a lovely idea...did you bump your head in the closet there? Gave those brains another bruise to go with the dozens of others you get when you run off with Antenora or Marie or the Guard? Then again, it's not like you hav ea husband to stay home and worry about."
[01:05] <Alicia> "It's to your credit that you're not as good at this as Beth was," Alicia remarks placidly. "Now, just hold still for a second, this might take a couple of tries - let the spell be broken!" she attempts to dispel the new aura on her sister.
[01:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[01:05] <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{31}
[01:07] <Kotono> The aura vanishes! Jessica blinks then puts her hands on her cheeks, turning crimson! "Oh Mystra, I'm so sorry!" Shrinking away, "I don't know what happened!"
06[01:08] * Alicia laughs a bit. "Don't worry about it, really. I heard far worse from you before you lost your memory," she reassures her sister.
[01:08] <Kotono> Going to Alicia and wrapping her up in a hug, "Still, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'ms orry!"
06[01:10] * Alicia returns the hug warmly. "Really, it's fine. You were being manipulated, so it's not your fault - considering the things people can be made to do under enchantment, a bit of snippiness is getting off lightly."

[Corwin]

[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> > "Really? What makes you think that? What a lovely idea...did you bump your head in the closet there? Gave those brains another bruise to go with the dozens of others you get when you run off with Antenora or Marie or the Guard? Then again, it's not like you hav ea husband to stay home and worry about."
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> <Alicia> "It's to your credit that you're not as good at this as Beth was," Alicia remarks placidly. "Now, just hold still for a second, this might take a couple of tries - let the spell be broken!" she attempts to dispel the new aura on her sister.
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> <Rei-chan> Alicia rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{31}
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> > The aura vanishes! Jessica blinks then puts her hands on her cheeks, turning crimson! "Oh Mystra, I'm so sorry!" Shrinking away, "I don't know what happened!"
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> * Alicia laughs a bit. "Don't worry about it, really. I heard far worse from you before you lost your memory," she reassures her sister.
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> > Going to Alicia and wrapping her up in a hug, "Still, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'ms orry!"
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> * Alicia returns the hug warmly. "Really, it's fine. You were being manipulated, so it's not your fault - considering the things people can be made to do under enchantment, a bit of snippiness is getting off lightly."
03[20:11] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:11] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With an abashed look downward, "I still feel guilty." Jessica says, "Especially that last remark."
[20:23] <Alicia> Alicia's expression briefly clouds, "Nothing I haven't heard before," she reassures her sister, before perking up, "Anyway, we've still got to solve the puzzle of this floor, so do you want to help me look for clues, now?"
[20:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Okay," Disengaging from Alicia, "Where were we on looking for things?"
[20:28] <Alicia> "So far we've found books of erotic pictures," Alicia gestures to the tomes she's left on the bed, "And a closet full of nice clothes. I'll go check those drawers, but you always had a good eye for spotting things that aren't meant to be found, so you might find something I've missed."
[20:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Right, I'll search," With that, Jessica gets to searching! OOC - Going to have her roll a search check, I think. Moment.
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Do you  mind Jessica taking awhile at it? She's thinking about taking 20 for 32.
[20:40] <Alicia> OOC: I'm not in a huge hurry
[20:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two toss the room! With Jessica's help the two spend quite a while finding the following:
[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> - In the closet is a drawer half hidden into the wall and tucked away. Inside is a faint pink-colored powder in an envelope. Alicia's detect magic is still up and she can see magic clinging to it. (More)
[20:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> - In the mundane drawers are mostly silken underthings or dried flowers. However, a little rose-gold key is found wrapped in one of the silken pair of undergarments. (More)
[20:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> - While checking the erotic books, Jessica finds that there's a scrap of paper tucked inside. It's an improptu scroll of magic circle against evil. (More)
[20:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> - Finally, as she checks the walls, she finds a little false stone behind the head of the bed. Tucked into it is a simple silken scarf, which radiates magic as well.
[20:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica hasn't checked the door on the wall, beyond finding out that it's not trapped. Her efforts have stayed to this room.
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft on powder
05[20:52] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:52] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft on powder
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft on powder and gets 25." [1d20=18]
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft on scarf
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft on scarf and gets 10." [1d20=3]
[20:54] <Alicia> "Well, I doubt we'll run into any evil here, so we shouldn't need the scroll," Alicia muses. "Lets keep a hold of the scarf, envelope, and key for now, though." Giving them to Jessica to carry, she proceeds to open the door opposite the on they came in.
[20:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The door opens! It leads into a short hallway, five feet by five feet. It at another door, this one with a rose-gold lock.
06[20:57] * Alicia approaches the door and leaves the unlocking to Jessica.
[21:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica unlocks the door! The key works marvelously! "Who hides a key in your nice underwear," Jessica looks back to Alicia. "Unless you're being terribly symbolic."
[21:01] <Alicia> "Well, it's better than under your pillow?" Alicia shrugs. "I don't really know," she concludes before opening the door to face whatever awaits on the other side.
[21:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The door opens! Inside you find a living room with a hearth, fire place, couches, chairs, and a pleasant window view. Here a beautiful human man and elven woman sit back to back, arms crossed. The woman is sitting to face you while you can only see the man's back. The elven woman's face is tear stained and a look of disdainful anger shows.
[21:08] <Alicia> "Ah, hello," Alicia greets them as she steps inside. "Is there a problem, here?"
[21:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "
[21:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "There is." Wiping at her eyes quickly, drying any leftover tears, "But it's none of your business!"
[21:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The man glances over his shoulder and sighs. "There is a problem. But maybe it is some of your business."
[21:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's not! They came barging into here!" Glancing back tiredly, "You're so insensitive! You're just inviting these two strange women into our personal life!"
[21:11] <Alicia> "I see," Alicia nods slowly at the conflicting responses, idly checking if they're affected by any magic like Jessica was. "Well, we were passing through to pay our respects to Rosewild - what are you two doing here?"
[21:11] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 20." [1d20=13]
[21:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We're breaking up," the man sighs heavily, his short brown hair having long bangs that cover his eyes. He's well built and pretty, like a statue. Not unusual here, really. "We're fighting too much."
[21:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Jahn, stop that!" The elven woman yelps, "Please leave, this really isn't any of your business! You're just ignoring my protests, you stone headed, cruel...MAN!"
[21:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Sis..." Jessica whispers, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking,t hat this might be the trial?"
[21:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Man!" Wincing, "You said you'd never bring our races into it!" With a flare of anger, "That's dirty play! I said I'd love you no matter what our races were!"
[21:15] <Alicia> "Isn't a male elf still a man as well, or am I missing some subtlety of the language?" Alicia wonders before addressing the woman. "Well, this *is* Rosewild's Legacy - I can't see that you have any greater right to be here than we do," Alicia retorts, giving Jessica a brief nod - it could be like the last floor. "Although I must ask, did you two fight much before coming here?"
[21:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "No, but it doesn't matter. The love is dead," The female elf wipes her eyes, as Jahn rolls his eyes.
[21:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "And now you're ignoring me?" Jahn growls, "You two saw that, didn't you?"
[21:18] <Alicia> "Please, we're not here to take sides," Alicia tells the man, stepping fully into the room and standing to the side of the duo between them to emphasise said point. "But if you two really wish to break up, why are you still sitting here together? What are you even fighting about?" She could just dispel them, but she wonders if that might be cheating.
[21:18] <Alicia> Then again, is it even possible to help them with words when they're enchanted? She can try, at least.
[21:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We came here to be together!" Wiping at her eyes, "Then that jerk said that this room was nicer than the house we kept. It was clean, unlike ours!"
[21:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Well, it was true," Jahn retorts, "You're always off int he forests instead of keeping the house up!"
[21:27] <Alicia> This is just inane. "If she's in the forest doesn't that mean that she's not the one dirtying the house, either?" Alicia asks reasonably. Before that can even sink in she adds, "By the way, you're both under an enchantment that's making you become more hostile to one another."
[21:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Well..." The man begins, before, "Excuse me?"
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "YEs, what she said. You're the one that makes a mess when you get home...what?" Looking to Alicia, "That's impossible!"
[21:31] <Alicia> "You've both been acting differently since coming here, you say?" Alicia asks. "You don't think that the other is perhaps acting just a bit out of character? Or has your relationship up until now truly been characterised by bickering over the housework?"
[21:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's the magic talking, but Alicia can help you," Jessica says to them, "Please, don't ruin a loving relationship over some cheap magic.:
[21:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I thought you were just being  cruel and bitchy," Jahn looks to her, "You got nagging again and Jahn this, Jahn that!"
[21:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The female elf looks to him, "You're so terrible like that! It's always my fault! I'm the nag, or I'm not thinking now but 100 years in the future, or it's my fault for not cleaning up, since you have to enjoy the time you have and I have a lot more!"
[21:37] <Alicia> Aren't they both petitioners? It's not like the elf will outlive the human when they're both immortal spirits. Anyway, "To have magic used to pollute a relationship in the realm of love is an affront to my Goddess," Alicia nods sagely as she gestures to the pair. "Therefore in Mystra's name, let the spell be undone!"
[21:37] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 14." [1d20=2]
[21:38] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia magic does no good! "See?" The man crosses his arms, "Nothing! That's just her being her!"
[21:39] <Alicia> "No, that was just a poor effort on my part. Magic is oft unpredictable," Alicia admits. "But perseverance pays off!"
[21:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The female elf stands up, rubbing her nose and glaring at him. "You...you insensible...MALE!" Huffing, "I hate you so much sometimes!"
[21:39] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 20." [1d20=8]
[21:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> This time the magic cracks around them! The two stop what they're doing and stare at each other, "Oh Jahn..." The female elf says, while, "Oh, Malma..." he murmurs, then at once, "I'm so sorry!"
[21:41] <Alicia> "There we go!" Alicia smiles. "Now don't you two feel better?"
[21:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh..." The two embrace and start to cry, holding each other! Jessica smiles herself, "Ah, that's a relief. What silly magic...though I suppose that was the point of it. Overcoming stupid, silly arguments and remembering how much you carea bout someone?"
[21:44] <Alicia> "Be nice if we could do it without me having to dispel it, but then it wouldn't be a very good spell," Alicia admits. "Anyway, we'll leave you two to make things up to one another..." she looks to see if there's any other doors here.
[21:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> No other doors at all. This room looks to be a dead end.
06[21:46] * Alicia backs off! Hopefully they way up will be clear. As they pass through the bedroom she suggests Jessica leave the scarf and envelope behind. This isn't some forgotten dungeon for them to loot, after all.
[21:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Doing so and returning them, "Do you have any idea what they were enchanted to do? The papermakes sense...doesn't that spell suppress some enchantments?"
[21:50] <Alicia> "It does, yes, regardless of whether the caster is evil or not. I really don't know what the scarf does, the powder is some sort of enchantment effect but I don't know quite what," Alicia replies as they head back to the stairway.
[21:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The stairway no longer has a gap! You can climb up freely to the next floor now.
06[21:54] * Alicia nods in satisfaction as she starts to climb up. "Maybe the powder was a love charm, some way to cancel the other enchantment out with an opposite effect? There's probably several solutions in there for people who can't just dispel magic like I can."
[22:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Up to the 8th floor! Like the other even numbered floors this one is quiet as well, shadowed and door closed. The path to the ninth floor is not interrupted, either.
[22:01] <Alicia> "Looks like this one isn't for us," Alicia muses, continuing onwards.
[22:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Up to the 9th floor! Here an ornate door awaits, brightly lit! The stairs stop here, no sign of a path to the tenth floor. The door is decorated by twin statues of a rose carrying angel.
06[22:08] * Alicia goes to open the door!
[22:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The door opens! Ahead of you is a gorgeous glass hall of rose-glass! The light refracts all over! Floating in the dead center of this double-tall floor is a glass coffin, smoky and opaque. Four angels surround it, singing as weet song of love and rebirth. As the two enter, the song changes to words of lyrical beauty. "Oh, you have ascended the tower? Your love and passion have rekindled the flames of romance and stayed strong in t
[22:15] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Your love and passion have rekindled the flames of romance and stayed strong in the hottest fires of turmoil."
[22:17] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia smiles as she approaches the coffin and the angels. "As we are here, would you tell us the tale of Rosewild?" she asks respectfully, wanting to know more about the one who warranted all this effort.
[22:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Listen well to the story of Rosewild, once beloved of Sune, forgotten by time. Yet she will rise again when the circumstances are right once more. Listen to Rosewild, the bringer of love and beauty, the Mistress of Passionate lives." (More)
[22:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Rosewild was an Angel created by the breathe of Sune, giving form to her desire for love and passion. She was often at Sune's side, and if not, spreading her believes. She became known as a figure of love, triumphing over the hatreds of the darkness of the mortal heart. The stories of her battles with evil are epic, even a tale of a brief confrontation with Belial, Lord of the Fourth Hell. Bright was the multiverse with her...and
[22:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop>  Lord of the Fourth Hell. Bright was the multiverse with her...and yet, one day...she fell asleep, never to awaken. A great curse had come on her. Whom had laid it none could agree: Some said the diabolical fiends of Hell, others said the destructive scions fo the Abyss, yet others said a spurned lover turned to the darkness did so. Yet it was a curse that could not be undone easily even by Sune. By he rwords, Rosewild would sleep
[22:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop>  by Sune. By he rwords, Rosewild would sleep 'until the multiverse and the glorious stars were right again.'.
02[22:35] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Hatbot)
[22:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica listens to the long story, "Cursed to sleep forever...How horrible. Until times are right again; I wonder when that will be? Perhaps a lovely prince has to awaken her with his love, like in the bard's stories?"
06[22:36] * Alicia bows her head after hearing that tale. "It sounds as though her loss is deeply felt," she acknowledges, before looking up. "Know, guardians of Rosewild, that I seek to one day finally destroy a malign being who sought the forbidden power of the Fairest Star, and restore what once was to the Prime."
[22:36] <Alicia> "Perhaps that act will bring the multiverse back to rightness and allow Rosewild to awaken once more. Perhaps not, but I shall pray for her anyway."
[22:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A single pin-point of light springs into life as Alicia finishes speaking. It comes from above the coffin, floating down to Alicia. "Your words are honored. Those who come and prove their love, passion and vigor are given reward by Sune. Take it in your hands and it shall manifest."
[22:44] <Alicia> Carefully reaching upwards, Alicia clasps her hands around the point of light and clasps it to her chest before she opens her palms to take a look.
[22:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Light flares around Alicia and Jessica! (More,also see PM.)
[22:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The light fades slowly, the energy in Alicia's hands radiant!
[22:51] <Alicia> Wordlessly, Alicia turns to Jessica and reaches out to clasp her hands over her sister's, bestowing Sune's gift to the one it will benefit the most.
[22:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica's hands wrap around the light! "Sister..." she whispers, eyes going wide, "I...love you...sister..."
[22:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Gah.
[22:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica's hands wrap around the light! "Sister..." she whispers, eyes going wide, "I...love you...sister..." The light flashes and then is gone! JEssica smiles...there is something different about it. "I feel...blessed."
[22:55] <Alicia> "Sune smiles upon us," Alicia smiles in return, bowing to the angels and the coffin. "Thank you," she concludes simply.
[22:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Thank you," Jessica bows deeply to them, "Thank you so much!"
[22:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Go then, and hold those words in your hearts forever," the angels bid.
06[22:58] * Alicia nods and proceeds to lead her sister back down the stairs. "I wonder how far Antenora and Marie will get..." she muses.
[22:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good question..." Thus, the two descend down without incident. They find Antenora and Marie waiting outside.
[23:00] <Alicia> "Well, how was it?" Marie breaks off from chatting to the angelic guardian to accost the duo.
[23:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora leans up from resting against the stacked up barrels. "Well, you're not obviously injured, which is a good sign."
[23:02] <Alicia> "We did have one fight but it was nonlethal and we were healed afterwards. Overall it was productive and enlightening - I know that we'll find Evergold, now. Of course, you two are still free to go and test yourselves while Jessica and I wait."
[23:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Let's go," Antenora says, looking to Marie, "It shouldn't be too hard then, should it?"
[23:03] <Alicia> "Not if you keep love in your heart!" Marie agrees brightly, fluttering in past Alicia and Jessica.

[Corwin]

[20:04] <Anastasia> > "Good question..." Thus, the two descend down without incident. They find Antenora and Marie waiting outside.
[20:04] <Anastasia> <Alicia> "Well, how was it?" Marie breaks off from chatting to the angelic guardian to accost the duo.
[20:04] <Anastasia> > Antenora leans up from resting against the stacked up barrels. "Well, you're not obviously injured, which is a good sign."
[20:04] <Anastasia> <Alicia> "We did have one fight but it was nonlethal and we were healed afterwards. Overall it was productive and enlightening - I know that we'll find Evergold, now. Of course, you two are still free to go and test yourselves while Jessica and I wait."
05[20:04] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
[20:04] <Anastasia> > "Let's go," Antenora says, looking to Marie, "It shouldn't be too hard then, should it?"
03[20:04] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[20:04] <Anastasia> <Alicia> "Not if you keep love in your heart!" Marie agrees brightly, fluttering in past Alicia and Jessica.
[20:05] <Anastasia> As the two walk to the front door of the tower, "Jessica looked so radiant and happy, didn't she?"
[20:06] <Alicia> "There must be something really nice inside," the eladrin agrees, flying instead of walking.
[20:07] <Anastasia> Antenora goes and opens the front door! Inside, the two find exactly what Jessica and Alicia did! The singing angels are singing the same song, the rose holding angel standing as they enter. "Welcome...how interesting. The bond between you is...ah...."
[20:08] <Alicia> Marie smiles radiantly at the angel, waiting to hear how her loving bond with Antenora could best be summed up.
[20:09] <Anastasia> "...u...unique." He or she finishes, "Yes, unique. Why did the two of you come to this tower together?"
[20:11] <Alicia> "Well we thought we'd pay our respects since Alicia did, but that nice gate guard outside said we could only go in two at a time," Marie explains, before adding, "Is it really unique? I mean, surely you must see a lot of stuff here..."
[20:11] <Anastasia> "We came to pay respects to Rosewild and attempt the trials. We came together since my master and her sister came together. Since it's two at a time and we were the two left, we cam etogether," Antenora answers.
[20:12] <Anastasia> "The ones that come here are often...close, in friendship or love. Your bonds...well..." Rubbing at it's chin, "It's not the sort of bonds we see here by those who wish to attempt the trials."
[20:14] <Anastasia> "Oh really?" Antenora crosses her arms now, "What are our unique bonds like then, hm?"
[20:16] <Alicia> "We're friends!" Marie insists. "I mean, if you'd said this was only for lovers then I might understand, I suppose." She then glances at Antenora, "Unless you want to change that?"
[20:17] <Anastasia> "Well...perhaps your bonds can deepen in the trials..." Thiking to himself, he gets cut off by Antenora rolling her eyes and then sighing, "No. Are you trying to get everyone to look oddly at you lately, Marie? First the sharing bit, now asking me if I want to roll around with you? Shouldn't a celestial have more dignity than that. Even if you're chaotic, that's below you."
[20:20] <Alicia> "Maybe it's because I spend so much time around you it's starting to tarnish my halo," Marie replies, sticking her tongue out. "Humour really is just lost on you, isn't it?"
[20:23] <Anastasia> Glaring at Marie, "Did you listen to me at all last night? I want to be better than that. I'd just as rather forsake pleasures of the body. You don't need to keep making jokes like that!" With a long look right back, "Besides, wouldn't Alicia have an idea of what's going on because you're linked?"
[20:25] <Alicia> "It's not telepathy, she just knows that I'm getting a little bit annoyed - she was a lot more upset when than this herself not long after entering the tower, though," Marie replies, sighing. "Fine, I'll stop, but really the setup just begged for that sort of line."
[20:27] <Anastasia> "Thank you." Antenora eyes Marie, then sighs. This sigh is cut off, however, by the gender neutral angel. "It's one of those sort of bonds. You two can go to the second floor and begin your trials there if you wish. It may be better for both of you to come back later."
[20:29] <Alicia> "I'm not one to turn down free advice," Marie speaks up. "Besides, if we're not even comfortable enough to engage in light-hearted flirtatious banter then clearly we need to work on our relationship more."
[20:31] <Anastasia> "That is true. What you said there is complete falsehood." The angel turns to Antenora, "Love and passion is a divine gift from the Goddess Sune, Sharress, Lliira and others who give us joy, love and light. Is there any purity in turning that away? Acts of love, given to those that care about each other deeply, are great gifts."
[20:32] <Anastasia> "If you reject those so out of hand, why are you here? Rosewild spent countless aeons working hard so that these feelings came. Someone who rejects them has no place here at all. This is a realm of love and bonds."
[20:35] <Alicia> "She's just learning, give her time!" Marie comes to Antenora's defence.
[20:35] <Anastasia> Antenora hangs her head but doesn't reply. Well, that's not quite right. She starts to a few times, before she says nothing. She then sighs long, "I apologize then, to you and to Rosewild. And Marie, don't make excuses for it, it's my error."
[20:38] <Anastasia> "There may be hope for your bonds to grow and learn. Go to the second floor," the angel stands away from the rose-gold stairs, "If you are wise and open, you will find a chance to become more inside."
06[20:51] * Alicia wants to say more, but doesn't think it appropriate to discuss speculations of Antenora's sexual experience in front of strangers. "It's up to you," she offers gently. "We don't have to if you don't want to."
[20:53] <Anastasia> "Let's just go back," Antenora says after a moment, "This isn't a place for me. I'm sorry." Turning away, Antenora goes to walk out, her cheeks red.
06[20:53] * Alicia gives the angels an apologetic look. "Give our best to Rosewild, anyway," she offers before flying off after Antenora.
[20:55] <Anastasia> Antenora goes out, just past the door. She hangs her head again, and once Marie catches up, "...sorry." she murmurs to her, then glancing bac to the gate where the angel and Alicia and Jessica wait.
[21:01] <Alicia> "It's okay. Um, just follow my lead?" Marie suggests before adopting a pleading expression and raising her voice as she starts to fly back alongside Antenora. "I'm sorry about calling you a braindead wannabe-modron! I didn't think they'd throw us out over one little remark!" she apologises profusely to the erinyes.
[21:02] <Alicia> Alicia raises an eyebrow as she watches the display as the two emerge. "That was unexpectedly brief."
[21:03] <Anastasia> Antenora walks back, shaking her head. "Sorry Alicia. It didn't work out for us. Don't blame Marie for it. It was my fault, no matter what she's saying. "
[21:04] <Alicia> Marie drops the act and shrugs. "You shouldn't feel guilty. I mean, considering your experiences and all, it's no wonder you'd have a warped view of romance..."
[21:05] <Anastasia> "Yes, well...it's not an excuse. I'm supposed to be better than my past now." Looking up now, "Let's continue then?"
06[21:06] * Alicia looks between the two for a moment before nodding and going to collect her barrel, bidding farewell to the angel and leading her group back onto the plains before she speaks up, "Do you want to talk about it?"
[21:07] <Anastasia> "I made an idiot of myself and let my irritation start a pointless fight, then acted like a fool in a shrine to the servant of the Goddess of love and passion. Yes, talking about how it was better to refrain and remain chaste is surely going to win favor and approval in those circumstances." Taking her own barrel, "Marie had a far better idea how to handle it."
[21:13] <Alicia> "I see," Alicia nods slowly. "Sticking to your principles is admirable, but rubbing them in the noses of those who believe otherwise isn't particularly polite," she admits.
[21:14] <Anastasia> "No, but what could I have done? Flirted back with Marie?" Shaking her head, "Ugh, I don't know. At least it went well for you two."
[21:15] <Alicia> "You flirted with her?" Alicia looks askance at her familiar.
[21:16] <Alicia> "Just a little!" Marie insists. "The other angels were talking about our unique love for one another, it seemed like the perfect setup!"
[21:17] <Anastasia> Jessica sighs. "What is it with you two here? Is it because you're outsiders? Is this plane messing with you two?"
[21:19] <Anastasia> "She meant well. Sort of. I think." Antenora drops her barrel and rubs her head. "Are we really that bad?"
[21:20] <Alicia> "Actually, the prevalent ethos of a plane has far more of an effect on mortal visitors than outsiders," Marie explains. "I guess maybe I'm being more friendly to Antenora than I used to, but that's because I'm not as scared of being murdered by her as I used to be? And so fun to tease!"
[21:23] <Anastasia> "Who knows," Antenora takes her barrel back up, "If I start flirting with any of you before we get home, hit me."
[21:23] <Anastasia> "She is sometimes, isn't she," Jessica grins to Marie. "When she relaxes and stops blaming herself."
03[21:24] * Demedais is now known as tai-study
[21:28] <Alicia> Marie bites her lip and chooses to refrain from the question that she'd so much like to ask in response to Antenora's line.
[21:28] <Alicia> "I really don't care who flirts with who, just so long as no one's made uncomfortable by it," Alicia sighs as they strike off into the unknown.
[21:33] <Anastasia> A few hours pass as the party wanders the plains. Your path meanders along, coming to what appears to be a rising hill. Carved into the back of the hill is a wooden door, a heart shaped knocker of rose-gold on it.
[21:35] <Alicia> "Anyone care for another detour?" Alicia asks, gesturing to the doorway.
[21:35] <Anastasia> Antenora shrugs, her barrel bouncing a bit. "I don't care either way."
[21:35] <Anastasia> "Oh, that's kind of cute, built into the hill. I'm game," Jessica approaches the door.
[21:36] <Alicia> "Since this is about the journey and not the destination, there's no point in not checking it out," Marie agrees, prompting Alicia to lead the party to the doorway, setting down her barrel and knocking on the door.
[21:42] <Anastasia> The door is opened by a dwarf! A manly dwarf, bare except for a loincloth! For ad warf, he's...quite attractive, in a very squat and stony way. He's muscled, too. "Human girls? What are you doing here?" Grunting at that, "Lost, or are you here on purpose?"
[21:44] <Anastasia> Jessica's lips twitch at that. "Uh....Alicia? This is your forte...I mean, I remember that Serge guy you met, um..."
02[21:44] * tai-study (~ferixstad@141.218.228.208) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:44] <Alicia> "Not lost, but not here on purpose, specifically," Alicia admits, shooting her sister a faintly incredulous look before she resumes talking to the dwarf. "We've been walking all day and your door was the first sign of life we'd seen in the past few hours so we thought we'd investigate - we don't want to be any bother if we're disturbing you, though."
03[21:44] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@141.218.228.208) has joined #evildunes
[21:46] <Anastasia> "You're welcome to come in if you like, but this is suited to more earthy people. You wouldn't fit in so well, being tall and living out in the sun." Rubbing his red bearded chin, "Need directions somewhere?"
[21:48] <Alicia> "We're looking for Evergold, but I understand that it moves around and only reveals itself when ready, so directions would be moot," Alicia shakes her head. "For now we're simply enjoying the journey."
[21:50] <Anastasia> "Aaah, aaah. Good luck to you, then," Stepping back and going to close the door, "Enjoy the trip then."
[21:51] <Alicia> "Sorry for disturbing you," Alicia gives the dwarf a smile, picking up her barrel so they can resume their trip.
[21:52] <Anastasia> "I suppose even dwarves nee dlove," Jessica remarks as you start to walk again.
[21:55] <Alicia> "That they do, although it's not an image typically associated with them," Alicia muses as they once more plunge into the unknown. "Still, with it being so far out in the middle of nowhere I assumed it was more than just a residence. Oh, well, no harm done."
03[22:01] * Taishyr is now known as tai-test
[22:02] <Anastasia> Thus the group travels on! You find yourselves coming to a hill - a tall hill a few hundred feet or so. However, it is split flawlessly down the middle, a path of rose-gold leading through it's unexplainable cleft. It dominates the landscape around you.
[22:03] <Alicia> Why climb a hill when you can walk along a nice smooth path? Especially when lugging a barrel around. So Alicia has no qualms about following the inviting path laid out before her.
[22:11] <Anastasia> As you walk, you find the path starts to narrow tightly. Ahea dyou can see it come to a little impasse, but past it there is light. You can also hear the soft, bubbling sound of water ahead, drifting like a melody of music.
[22:12] <Alicia> Even if it's not Evergold a nice little stream sounds like a good place for them to make camp for a while, a sentiment Alicia voices to her companions as she leads the way through the narrowing path.
[22:14] <Anastasia> "That would be nice. The two of you can get some sleep," Antenora sasys as you reach the narrowest point. However, Antenora slows and stops there entirely. She frowns, doing nothing, about ten feet away from the narrowest point. "Wh..what?"
06[22:15] * Alicia pauses and looks curiously towards Antenora. "What's wrong?"
[22:17] <Anastasia> Antenora steps back, then steps forward and stops where she was. "I can't move further," she says. "I don't know, I just can't."
[22:18] <Alicia> "Maybe there's something really chaotic ahead?" Marie suggests. "Like, say... Evergold?"
[22:20] <Anastasia> Trying againa nd failing to advance forward, even after getting off the ground and flying, "I just can't. It might be." Scowling now, "I already managed to show I don't fit in here, so go on?"
[22:21] <Anastasia> "Antenora..." Jessica murmurs, "What do you think, sis?"
[22:21] <Alicia> "Maybe, but it might be something else - we shouldn't rush to get seperated," Alicia replies thoughtfully. Setting down her barrel, she takes out her ring of plane shift and hands it to Marie. "I'll go check to make sure it's safe and the rest of you wait here."
[22:23] <Anastasia> Alicia advances to the narrowest point! Ahead, she can hear bubbling water and almost see something...but she can't seem to advance easily. There's a faint, momentary resistance.
06[22:23] * Alicia doggedly presses on!
[22:26] <Anastasia> The resistance fades! Alicia presses on! She finds herself...alone past it. There's nothing of interest past the narrow gap. The sound of bubbling water is gone.
06[22:28] * Alicia retreats back a few steps to see if that causes it to resume.
[22:29] <Anastasia> Retreating back, Alicia can hear the sound again.
[22:30] <Alicia> "Hmm..." Alicia goes to the edges of the gap and presses her hands against the sides to see if there's some sort of illusion hiding any alternate paths.
[22:31] <Anastasia> The edges of the gap seem solid. "Any luck, sister?" Jessica calls over.
[22:32] <Alicia> "It stops after you go on too far," Alicia calls back, thinking for a moment as she considers this dilemma.
[22:32] <Alicia> "Maybe it's a portal!" Marie calls over. "Try thinking romantic thoughts!"
[22:33] <Alicia> Alicia can't say it's outside the realms of possibility, so she steps forward to where the resistance just begins to be felt but before the noise stops, and proceeds to... think about things that are her business and nobody else's.
[22:37] <Anastasia> Alicia thinks those thoughts! Nothing seems to change as she does so.
[22:38] <Anastasia> "Maybe it's some sort of trick?" Jessica scratches her head, "But what is it?":
[22:38] <Alicia> "Not doing anything!" Alicia calls back, deciding to cast detect magic and have a look around. "Can you see any magic around here?" she then asks, prompting her familiar to likewise investigate.
[22:42] <Alicia> "No!" Marie calls back, before asking Antenora in a quieter voice, "Are you sure you can't move? I can't detect any magic stopping you."
[22:43] <Anastasia> Antenora stays still. "No. I just...can't." she says, "I'm really trying here!"
[22:44] <Alicia> "Antenora still can't move, so it must be something that's deliberately hiding itself - like a portal to a hidden fountain where goddesses bathe? Maybe you're not thinking hard enough - let me try!" Marie calls over before she flies across to join Alicia.
[22:47] <Anastasia> Marie comes over and thinks her special brand of thoughts as well with Alicia! Nothing seems to happen at all.
[22:49] <Alicia> "Okay, maybe not," Marie pouts, fluttering around Alicia thoughtfully. "Why don't you try saying a prayer to Sune?"
[22:49] <Anastasia> Antenora stands back and watches, "Maybe I'm holding the three of you back?" she says quietly. "It won't even let me get close."
[22:51] <Alicia> "Oh, wait a second!" Marie stops as she feels a bit of resistance. "There's something here!"
[22:52] <Alicia> "I don't think that's it, Antenora, if we were all barred it wouldn't bother to stop you at all," Alicia replies as Marie focuses on some of the fun times she's had back in Dweomerheart with her fellow eladrin as she gently flutters her wings to press against the strange invisible resistance in the air.
[22:53] <Anastasia> Marie does so! Nothing seems to happen because of it, at least not obviously.
[22:53] <Alicia> Does she still hear the babbling brook?
[22:55] <Anastasia> Marie hears the babbling water from where she is before the narrowest point.
[22:55] <Alicia> "Didn't you say you couldn't hear anything after you went past this spot?" Marie asks, "'Cause I still can!" With that she flies down the rest of the passage!
[22:57] <Alicia> OOC: strike that, I guess
[22:57] <Alicia> Marie flies through the resistance while polluting her mind only to discover the noise stopped, so she flies back. "Well, scratch that idea. Try praying?"
06[23:00] * Alicia nods and utters a prayer to Lady Firehair, asking for her guidance and benediction in the search for Evergold, which she needs to fight a force of entropy and despair and protect the ones she loves. That done she tries walking through the area of resistance once more.
[23:01] <Anastasia> Alicia attempts to pass through again! AGain the sound stops and nothing is on the other side! However, she feels alone when she does. Lonely.
06[23:02] * Alicia steps back again to rejoin her friends and family. "I have an idea, actually - Jessica, can you come over here?"
[23:04] <Anastasia> Jessica trots over! "What's the idea, Alicia?"s hea sks.
[23:06] <Alicia> "This needs to be... actually, wait, it might work for all of us. Lets go back and get Antenora - you, too, Marie," Alicia amends, taking Jessica's hand and retreating back before she offers her free hand to the erinyes while Marie lands on Antenora's head, having caught on. "Try to go forward, now?"
[23:09] <Anastasia> Antenora takes the hand and shakes her head. "I hope itw orks," she says quietly as the party walks hand in hand in hand on head! Walking forward...geos without incident at all! Antenora sighs in relief, "So what's what it was. We're supposed to go forwards as a group?"
[23:11] <Alicia> "Looks like it," Alicia smiles, glad none of them have to miss out - assuming this really does lead to Evergold. "Of course, my hands are full now, so could each of you pick up a barrel and we'll go the rest of the way to see if it works to the end?"

[Corwin]

[20:12] <Kotono> * Alicia steps back again to rejoin her friends and family. "I have an idea, actually - Jessica, can you come over here?"
[20:12] <Kotono> > Jessica trots over! "What's the idea, Alicia?"s hea sks.
[20:12] <Kotono> <Alicia> "This needs to be... actually, wait, it might work for all of us. Lets go back and get Antenora - you, too, Marie," Alicia amends, taking Jessica's hand and retreating back before she offers her free hand to the erinyes while Marie lands on Antenora's head, having caught on. "Try to go forward, now?"
[20:12] <Kotono> > Antenora takes the hand and shakes her head. "I hope itw orks," she says quietly as the party walks hand in hand in hand on head! Walking forward...geos without incident at all! Antenora sighs in relief, "So what's what it was. We're supposed to go forwards as a group?"
[20:12] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Looks like it," Alicia smiles, glad none of them have to miss out - assuming this really does lead to Evergold. "Of course, my hands are full now, so could each of you pick up a barrel and we'll go the rest of the way to see if it works to the end?"
[20:16] <Kotono> Barrels carried as they can, the party advances through the narrow gap! On the other side is a lush field surrounded by a dark halo of forest. Here it bubbles - a glorious natural spring, simmering warm. It's sides are paved and lined with gold, quite wide and at least hip deep. Statues of half clad nymphs and eladrin line it about, here and there.
03[20:18] * tai-wenchiestcornerofmysoul is now known as tai-jwrgoiwe
[20:21] <Ebiris> "I think this is it," Alicia breaks out into a grin as she reverently approaches the spring where the goddesses themselves bathe. At least a small subset of exceptionally beautiful, benevolent and free-spirited goddesses.
03[20:22] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:23] <Kotono> JEssica puts down her barrel and lets her eyes sweep over it. With a growing smile, "So we really made it?"
[20:24] <Alicia> "Last one in's a rotten egg!" Marie declares as she takes off from Alicia's head, landing beside the spring and immediately starting to strip out of her clothes after setting aside her bow and quiver.
[20:24] <Kotono> "No Goddesses about," Antenora lugs her barrel over, resting it against the golden side of the spring. Eyeing Marie, "Oh right. We're going to bathe in it too?"
[20:27] <Alicia> "I'm not sure, it seems a bit presumptious," Alicia muses. "On the other hand, perhaps it might be taken as an insult if we were to come all the way here and not take full advantage?"
[20:28] <Alicia> "We've been walking all day," Marie points out, already half out of her garment. Then after receiving a somewhat incredulous look from Alicia she amends, "You've been walking all day."
[20:30] <Kotono> "Well, these Goddess are caring and kind, right? It's not like they'd strike us down for the presumption?" Jessica considers, "And a bath would feel really nice after all that walking. My feet would love to soak, too."
[20:31] <Alicia> "Since we've been invited it would be a bit rude to reject their hospitality," Alicia finally agrees, starting to shed her armour, which her familiar takes as all the permission she needs to slip out of her outfit and dive into the water.
[20:36] <Kotono> Jessica follows suit, gently folding her clothes before she slips in. Antenora lingers a few moments, "It is a bit of a presumption..." she kneels and puts a hand into the water, then breathes out heavily. "But oh...that is warm!" She lingers a moment or two before joining the others as well. On slipping in, Alicia feels gloriously beautiful and warm. The water makes her body tingle pleasantly. As the others gets i, she can notice their ski
[20:36] <Kotono> pleasantly. As the others gets i, she can notice their skin is starting to glow a lustrious white.
[20:38] <Alicia> "Ahhh, this is heavenly..." Alicia sighs as she leans against the side of the spring with just her head above the water. Then on spotting the glowing state of her companions she blinks a few times and lifts her arm up to see if she's similarly affected.
[20:39] <Kotono> "Alicia? Jessica? Marie?" Antenora says, as Alicia finds her own arm shimmering. It feels so warm, skin smoothing over. Little discolorations are smoothing out, faint scars becoming unblemished skin once more.
[20:40] <Kotono> "Oh.." Jessica leans back, "This feels so good! It's like I'm being polished and washed all over by warm water."
[20:42] <Alicia> "I think we really are being polished," Alicia states as she sees her skin mending long forgotten wounds. Well, those scars had character, but all the same this feels really nice and she really doesn't care either way - it's not like she necessarily likes having them.
06[20:42] * Alicia looks curiously at Antenora while Marie ceases doing her backstroke through the water to likewise direct her attention to the erinyes.
[20:43] <Kotono> Antenora's skin is glowing much the same way as she slides up to her chin in the water, squatting. "It just feel so nice...but we're glowing." She finishes, almost laughing, lips twitching. "I was surprised, that's all."
[20:47] <Alicia> Still radiating the golden halo of celestial light from her form, Alicia just laughs a bit and shrugs. "So long as it's not permanent?" Sliding down further, she dunks her entire head in the water before popping back up and wiping her eyes. "Really, though, this is fantastic."
[20:52] <Kotono> As Alicia settles in, she feels a warmth building her body. Painlessness replaces a dozen little aches and pains from travel. Her skin looks flawless as a statue's. Looking to her friends, she can see them glowing as well. They look breattakingly gorgeous now, each one a vision of lovliness beyond what Alicia has seen from them before.
06[20:56] * Alicia stretches out a bit, working a few kinks out of her muscles as the heavenly spring does all the rest, sighing happily.
[20:56] <Alicia> "Wow, this is like getting the best makeover in the planes!" Marie carols exuberantly as she treads water amidst her far larger friends. "It's hard to believe this water could hurt anyone, even a fiend."
[20:57] <Kotono> Jessica giggles, "All of you look so incredibly beautiful!" Splashing water at Marie as she swims by, "I don't see how, either, but I'm sure it will."
[20:58] <Kotono> Antenora merely stays submerged in the spring, coming up to breath a few times and sigh in bliss. "This was worth the trip," she says, "Well worth it. Alicia...you look like an angel right now. Jessica's not far removed frmo it, either."
[21:01] <Alicia> "We all look stunning," Alicia agrees warmly, rubbing her limbs as if to work the waters surrounding her even more into her skin.
[21:01] <Alicia> "Hey, Antenora - take your ribbon off?" Marie asks, wondering what her batwings would look like with an angelic makeover.
[21:03] <Kotono> Antenora stands up in the water, dripping it as she's only now submerged to her hips. Her ribbon is tossed aside to the edge of the spring. Her wings glow white, almost a platinum shade of metallic. She goes to sit next to Alicia, "They feel warm, too. Feel them, Alicia?"
[21:04] <Kotono> Jessica saunters over to Alicia and Antenora as well, "They look better than that normal bat-color. Just don't start molting like that fallen angel?"
[21:05] <Alicia> "Haha, they're like an Arcadian Avenger's wings!" Marie cries out as Alicia agreeably reaches over to grasp the fleshy membrane of the erinyes' right wing and give it a light squeeze.
[21:07] <Kotono> It's hot as boiling water but not burning, the wings silken soft. Antenora breathes out at the squeeze, "They're sensitive right now. Gentler, Alicia." Going to slowly kneel back into the water, up to her chest with her wings just out of the drink, "Arcadian Avenger?"
[21:09] <Alicia> "Sorry," Alicia apologises quickly, letting go.
[21:09] <Alicia> "They've got metal wings, they kinda fake being feathered but not very well," Marie explains.
[21:12] <Kotono> Going to sit next to Alicia now in utter contentment, "Oh...and this was so worth it. Did I say that already? We should've come earlier." Antenora's voice is nearly a throaty purr, drifting into just that by the end.
[21:12] <Kotono> "Roald will love how I look after this," Jessica smiles wistfully, "I feel so gorgeous now. I feel like everyone's going to watch me as I walk by."
[21:14] <Alicia> "Well, how could we have known what we were missing?" Alicia asks with a smile before grinning wickedly at her sister. "Roald would think he'd died and gone to heaven if he saw you now?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Oh Marie, if I ever get all stupid and judgmental about chaos again, hit me." Antenora's face is creased into a huge, relaxed happiness.
[21:17] <Kotono> "Oh yes," Looking down at her body, "He's such a sweet man, too. He deserves it."
[21:19] <Alicia> "Oh, I'm so proud of you!" Marie gushes at Antenora, "You've finally learned tolerance!"
[21:22] <Kotono> Sliding up to Alicia and resting her head on her shoulders, "Mmm-hmm. Now I just want to rest and enjoy this. It's so good here. WE aren't in any hurry to leave, are we? Rest against someone and just let the time go by..."
02[21:26] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af124c2.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[21:29] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af124c2.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
[21:29] <Kotono> Sliding up to Alicia and resting her head on her shoulders, "Mmm-hmm. Now I just want to rest and enjoy this. It's so good here. WE aren't in any hurry to leave, are we? Rest against someone and just let the time go by..."
03[21:29] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
02[21:30] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af124c2.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Killed (scifi-classics.dejatoons.net (Nick Collision)))
03[21:31] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af124c2.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[21:31] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[21:31] <Kotono> Sliding up to Alicia and resting her head on her shoulders, "Mmm-hmm. Now I just want to rest and enjoy this. It's so good here. WE aren't in any hurry to leave, are we? Rest against someone and just let the time go by..."
[21:33] <Alicia> "We can afford to relax a bit," Alicia confirms, leaning her cheek on the top of Jessica's head in return. "Not too long, though. We don't want to get too attached and end up staying forever, after all," she chuckles.
[21:37] <Kotono> Time slips by as the girls rest. It's easy to loose track as your bodies seem to become mor eand more stunningly perfect. Alicia can feel her entire body warmed with a gentle heat from toe to hair. The other girls shine brightly, each one seeming to outdo the brightest, most etherial angel Alicia has ever seen. They seem to be less beauty and more works of utter perfection, transcending mere 'beauty'. Antenora's eyes are slitted open, her b
[21:37] <Kotono> transcending mere 'beauty'. Antenora's eyes are slitted open, her breathing slow and peaceful. Jessica's outright asleep, snoozing away.
[21:40] <Alicia> Marie has given up swimming and simply cuddled up against Alicia's chest as the whole group relaxes, while said paladin feels her own eyelids drooping after a while. Finally deciding that enough's enough, Alicia gently shakes Jessica awake, eliciting a muffled noise of discontent from Marie as she slips away from her own relaxation spot.
[21:40] <Alicia> "Come on," Alicia murmurs, "Think it's about time we got up."
[21:42] <Kotono> "If we have to," Antenora doesn't even raise her head quite yet. She looks up, depthless, ensnaring eyes goign wide. "Mystra, you look so...so...." Antenora struggles. "Perfect."
[21:42] <Kotono> JEssica sits up and yawns, stretching her arms. "I feel sooooo nice." She stands up and brushes her body off, "Hehehehe, I wonder if Roald will bleieve me that I bathed in the same spring where Sune does."
[21:44] <Alicia> "You clean up pretty good yourself," Alicia returns with an affectionate smile as she rises up, water sloughing off her radiant form as she stretches out and yawns.
[21:44] <Alicia> "You couldn't blame me for flirting with any of you, now!" Marie laughs as she flutters her wings and finally escapes from the water and takes to the air.
[21:46] <Kotono> Antenora slides up, splashing her legs in the water as she gently wrings out her hair. "If any of us were men...we'd be the luckiest man in existance." she concurrs. "Are we going to go straight home now, Alicia?"
06[21:47] * Alicia clambers out of the spring and uses her cloak as a towel to begin drying herself off. "Soon enough," she agrees. "The trip took longer than expected... not that it was anything but worth it."
[21:48] <Kotono> Giggling now as she dries off with her clothes, "Antenora, that sounds so wrong. If any of us were men, we'd be waiting back outside while the women bathed."
[21:50] <Alicia> "Then they'd get worried at us taking so long and come over to 'make sure we're okay' and get a nice peek?" Marie suggests, using an edge of Alicia's cloak to dry herself while Alicia does the same.
[21:50] <Kotono> Shaking her wings off to dry, "I don't know. From the way Marie talks, the eladrin here would make it amixed bath and let nature take it's course." After that, she goes to start sorting her armor and underpadding, slowly redressing.
[21:51] <Alicia> "Considering most of us don't really discriminate that much we might as well make it mixed to be fair," the eladrin laughs.
[21:51] <Kotono> "Oh, and we need to fill the barrels up," Jessica says once she's dressed. "I nearly forgot about it myself."
[21:51] <Kotono> "Ah yes, no wonder you kept saying what you did," Laughing with her, "Poor Alicia."
[21:54] <Alicia> "If you really get something out of it, more power to you," Alicia just shrugs as she begins to get dressed after having thoroughly dried herself off. "But considering I don't have anything you don't have yourself, I wonder why you'd even care."
[21:55] <Alicia> "That's a sad lack of imagination," Marie laments as she likewise starts to get dressed.
[21:57] <Kotono> Going to get a barrel and starting to fill it with water, "Alicia's right. They're just breasts. What's the big deal? They get in the way as much as they get attention."
[22:01] <Kotono> Antenora goes to fill her barrel up, bowing down to scoop it through the water once she gets dressed. She doesn't comment on this, instead getting a good barrelful.
[22:01] <Alicia> "That's like saying I'd only be interested in a man for his penis," Marie remarks dismissively as Alicia dunks the other barrel in the spring. "It's the beauty of the whole. And what's inside as well, that counts! I"
[22:01] <Alicia> *that counts!"
[22:02] <Kotono> "I guess," Jessica shrugs, finishing with her barrel. "It must be anoutsider thing, it doesn't make any sense to me."
[22:03] <Alicia> "Well okay," Alicia admits, "We do have different 'wholes' in that our appearances are notably seprate, but still, all the essentials are the same. Wouldn't it be more chaotic to fixate on those who have more notable differences in form?"
[22:04] <Alicia> "Love can transcend ethics just as much as appearances?" Marie replies with a grin, unphased.
[22:05] <Kotono> "Well..." Jessica grunts as she hefts her barrel, "Are we ready to go then?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "Besides, love doesn't mean sex." Antenora adds, her own barrel ready. "There's a lot of different types of love. I think you're just free spirited...or whatever other term you want to use."
[22:07] <Kotono> "Like Seira?" JEssica says quickly.
[22:07] <Alicia> "That's one of the smartest things I've ever heard you say," Marie beams proudly at Antenora. "This trip has clearly done you a world of good, my formerly close-minded friend!"
[22:08] <Alicia> "Seira has a preference for her own gender as well," Alicia agrees with her sister. "But she's never done anything to make me uncomfortable, so as far as I'm concerned that's her business."
[22:09] <Kotono> "Yes. So the answer is to have Alicia use Alter Self, make you a strappling boy eladrin, and go out on dates." Smirking now, "Or not. Anyway, are we ready to go?"
[22:09] <Kotono> "I gathered from what I've heard." Jessica goes on, flicking the last of the water out of her impossibly radiant hair and skin.
[22:11] <Alicia> "Actually..." Alicia pauses, hit by a sudden inspiration. "I just had an idea." Drawing Hell Striker, she approaches the spring and kneels before it, lowering the sword into the waters as its held lengthwise between her hands.
[22:12] <Kotono> "Hm?" Antenora's attention goes to Alicia, "What are you doing?"
[22:22] <Alicia> "Lady Firehair, Mistress of Revels, Mother of Cats," she prays to the three goddesses who rule over this realm. "In this holy place I pay tribute to your beauty and grace, your compassion and kindness. Though I seek battle and conflict, may it ever be against those who would crush joy, imprison hope, and pervert love."
[22:22] <Alicia> "In your names I beg, bless this blade, this stalwart defender of justice and light, that it may always strike true against those creatures of darkness who would seek to rob us of the love you show to us. Let this Hell Striker be a beacon in the darkness, a ward against despair and bitter entropy!"
[22:22] <Alicia> Her voice rising as she makes her impassioned plea for a blessing that could make all the difference against fiends like Agares, she concludes, "Grant me this boon, oh generous and fair Goddesses, that I might carry the fight in your names to bring light where there was darkness, life where there was death, and beauty where there was ugliness."
[22:24] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 9." [1d100=9]
[22:29] <Kotono> The spring shimmers red nine times! Each time Hell Striker glows in turn! After the last glow, the pool returns to it's color.
06[22:32] * Alicia didn't actually expect to get a reply! But then again, praying from a goddess's bathroom is probably going to get more attention than doing so back on the half-sealed Prime... "It shall be so," she swears as she rises up, stowing Hell Striker on her back and turning to the others. "Now we can go home."
[22:32] <Kotono> "What happened," Jessica eeps as the pool glows and ceases! "Did something happen, well besides the glowing?"
[22:33] <Alicia> "My plea was heard and measured," Alicia replies with a smile, replacing her freedom of movement ring with the plane-shift one before she stands by the two filled up barrels. "Now, is everyone ready?"
[22:34] <Alicia> Once her party is all in position, she plane shifts back to Balmuria! Or within a few hundred miles...
[22:34] <Alicia> roll 5d100
06[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d100 and gets 217." [5d100=5, 14, 40, 61, 97]
[22:34] <Kotono> roll 1d9
06[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 and gets 1." [1d9=1]
[22:35] <Kotono> Woosh! You appear standing on a few rocks just above the water line! The blue sea is all around you, horizon to horizon! There's just enough space to stand here!
[22:36] <Kotono> "Tsk!" Antenora flaps her wings immediately, off the small, slippery rocks and hovering. "Not the best return ever."
[22:36] <Alicia> Before they have a chance to get too comfortable, Alicia teleports them back to the hallway of her house in Balmuria!
[22:36] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 28." [1d100=28]
[22:37] <Kotono> Woosh1 The party then appears at home! Jessica sighs in relief, "Well...that was fun!" she says, "But I'm going to go out to the bakery now." With a coy smile, "I'll be back later, sister!"
[22:39] <Alicia> "Stay out as long as you like, or bring him back here if you need some privacy away from his family, I really don't care," Alicia smiles back at her sister, proceeding to seal the barrels and stow them under the stairs for now.
[22:39] <Kotono> OOC: Going to do anything immediately, or skip along?
[22:41] <Alicia> OOC: I'll get changed into casual clothing and hit the town myself (I'll stop my celestial glowing before leaving the house), basically socialising and keeping an ear open for anyone suffering romantic troubles that could use the help of Auntie Alicia.