D-ED2 001

[Corwin]

[19:13] <Kotono> ---
[19:13] <Kotono> Okay Seira, where exactly and when are yout eleporting?
01[19:13] <Seira> Minute to midnight, I'll TP to the horde site
[19:14] <Kotono> Okay. Moment, waiting on 'licia's reply so I can get timing in order.
[19:15] <Kotono>  Roll your TP check.
01[19:15] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 48." [1d100=48]
[19:16] <Kotono> ---
[19:20] <Kotono> It's dark. Everything around Seira is dark. DId she appear in the horde? She can't tell...but her skin shivers. It's cold here, a chill that smells of death and rot. Distantly, occasional flickers of electricity arc about, barely penetrating the bleak blackness. Sitting ahead of you is a grand stone throne. It's carved of solid ash colored rock, engraved with skeletons paying tribute to something unseen.
01[19:20] <Seira> "Nice and creepy, I see," she voices.
[19:24] <Kotono> He walks forward. Every muscle in his body is defined, plate armor lusterless gray. He is clean shaven and bald. His body is gigantic, as if a statue's perfection was given a body of flesh to show off. A heavy hammer is slung over his back, the face of it a screaming maw of a bebelith. He stands just behind the throne, dominating it. "Seira of the Crimson Guard. Wait there."
01[19:25] <Seira> "Nothing else to do here, is there?"
[19:26] <Kotono> Smirking as he stares at her, so tall as if to be a tree deigning to look down on here, "Of course not. You are already defeated; it's only a matter of seeing what your fate is."
[19:26] <Kotono> As they talk, there is a shimmer in the air. Alicia appears near Seira, teleportation magic placing her down safely.
01[19:27] <Seira> "The banter part, right? I love it!" Seira responds, before jumping at Alicia's arrival. "You too?!"
[19:28] <Alicia> "Colonel. Fancy meeting you here," Alicia greets Seira dryly, dressed in black leggings and a short dress of the same colour, her wings hugging her shoulders like a white-feathered cloak against the chill of night. "I'm here to negotiate the ransom of Claris and Lord Drake," she announces with a wary glance at the nearby giant. She was expecting a skeleton...
01[19:29] <Seira> "I don't think we get to negoatiate. We're already defeated."
[19:30] <Alicia> "I wouldn't count us out just yet..." Alicia remarks guardedly, waiting to see what their host has to say.
[19:30] <Kotono> "Exactly." Crossing hs arms over a chest large enough to serve a large dinner over, "I am here to first offer a courtesy. Renounce your disgusting servitude to the powers and you will have a far preferable fate than any other you could have now."
01[19:31] <Seira> "Killing me with your overwhelming power is one thing, but must you also insult me?" Seira asks, quite upset with the offer.
[19:32] <Alicia> "I have never regretted my service to the Mother of all Magic," Alicia crosses her arms over her own far less abundant chest. "I do not believe submitting myself to you or your kin would grant any satisfaction. If you have no interest in negotiating the release of your prisoners then we have nothing more to discuss."
[19:34] <Kotono> "Then lament your foolishness for eternity." Cracking his knuckles, "You will surrender the Resorts to me. In return, I will return the elf wizard."
01[19:36] <Seira> "This is what it is all about?" Seira asks in surprise. "Really?"
[19:37] <Kotono> "What this is about is of no concern to you. The term proposes is as it is."
[19:37] <Kotono> *proposed
01[19:37] <Seira> "So who the hell are you?"
[19:38] <Kotono> "You'll get no helpful information to scour the Planes with your pitiful magic with, wizard." Crossing his arms again and smirking, "The terms are here."
[19:39] <Alicia> While Alicia does like Lord Drake and barely knows Claris, she's not about to leave the priest in the lurch. "Return both of them and I will give you the third resort," Alicia makes her counter-offer.
01[19:39] <Seira> "You know, for overconfident, all-powerful mages, you guys are pretty worried I might find somethig with that pifitul magic of mine."
[19:46] <Kotono> "The terms are as they are," Looking to Alicia, gaze down on her with contempt, "There is no bargaining. Do yout hink only one of the Resorts is enough to free both of them?"
02[19:49] * Alicia (WinNT@user-544498f7.lns5-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net sebben.dejatoons.net)
01[19:50] <Seira> "And being the nice, genocidal people that you are, you will of course return the hostages and promise to never do it again?" Seira asks skeptically.
03[19:52] * Alicia (WinNT@user-544498f7.lns5-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[19:52] * ChanServ sets mode: +a Alicia
[19:52] <Kotono> "You can join the winning side," With a look to Seira, "Renounce the Gods you give homage to."
[19:52] <Alicia> "You want these things. Badly," Alicia replies, her frosty gaze looking right back. "You can either get this one for the small price of returning your hostages, or you can try to take it from me. You haven't tried that, and I think, for all your bravado, that we both know why."
01[19:53] <Seira> "If you're serious about the whole me joining you guys part, how about supplying me with that information I'll scour the planes for?" Seira counters with a snort. "You can't seriously expect me to leap into it blind."
[19:58] <Kotono> "Taking it from you? Simple. If all you understand is force, then you can die here." As the massive creature cracks it's knuckles. "So desperate for any scrap of knowledge you can steal. My name is Melancton. Scream my name as you, for you WILL lament!" OOC: Init.
[19:59] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 25." [1d20=20]
[19:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 23." [1d20=18]
01[19:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 14." [1d20=8]
03[19:59] * Kotono changes topic to 'Alicia(25)>Melancton(23)>Seira(14)'
[19:59] <Kotono> OOC: Alicia.
[20:01] <Alicia> "The advantage here is yours. When we next meet you will die, just as the false Death did," Alicia promises, quickly stepping over to take Seira's arm in hand and teleports them to her bedroom.
[20:01] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 66." [1d100=66]
[20:02] <Kotono> "Hmph!" Melancton laughs as the lair of Kondrux vanishes!  You appear in Alicia's bedroom without incident, safe and far warmer! OOC: Go ahead.
01[20:03] <Seira> 'We're back, negotiations failed. Where are you?' Seira thinks to Amaryl. She grimaces. "That went as splendid as I imagined."
[20:03] <Kotono> 'I'm with Latha,' Amaryl sends back. 'You aren't hurt, are you?'
[20:03] <Alicia> "He might follow us," Alicia notes as they arrive, starting to grab the things she left in her room, starting off by slipping on the ring of freedom of movement.
01[20:04] <Seira> 'No. In case he follows, can you two alert the Commander?'
[20:04] <Kotono> 'On it,' Amaryl thinks right back.
01[20:04] <Seira> "He might," Seira agrees. "I left my things with Donald and Dad, in case it was a diversion to lure me away and attack here or Malmuth."
[20:06] <Alicia> "Can you collect them?" Alicia asks, looping her belt of giant strength around her waist next. "I've half a mind to go back once I've gotten properly dressed."
01[20:07] <Seira> "You think he'll just be waiting for us?" Seira asks in surprise. "I suppose I could, if you don't mind coming along to Malmuth for a bit."
[20:08] <Alicia> "Not if he has any sense," Alicia concedes, calming down a little and looking more thoughtful. "And it might not solve anything, anyway... I suspect Melancton is just an expendable pawn for his masters. They wouldn't risk anyone important on facing us, given the risks involved."
01[20:09] <Seira> "Who they are does seem to get confirmed more and more with every piece of information," Seira muses. "You know, even though Waukeen doesn't think it would help, let's break the remaining seals starting tomorrow."
[20:11] <Alicia> "The idea has merit," Alicia agrees. "It's abundantly clear that all bets are off, and any protection our world might have enjoyed from its seclusion is now gone - and in fact a liability since it hampers our own ability to respond to these assaults. The only thing that worries me is that we could be overextended by the guardians in the ruins and ill-prepared for further attacks."
01[20:12] <Seira> "If our enemies attack in strength, we won't be able to hold this city," Seira states grimly. "And if they keep on sending minions, then even Arad, Valandia and the Citadel managed to hold off the attack without too great casualties without us present."
[20:14] <Kotono> 'He's been told,' Amaryl sends back. 'Anything else, Seira? Where are you?'
06[20:14] * Alicia relents in the face of Seira's undeniable logic. "Alright, let me finish getting dressed then I'll teleport us back to Malmuth - you can retrieve your things and we can bring Demedais back so we can get started tomorrow morning."
01[20:16] <Seira> 'In Alicia's bedroom. Just wait there with them, until we're certain there is no follow up attack?' she responds mentally. "We can get there by the portals easily enough, without wasting spells. You're getting low on them, aren't you?"
[20:17] <Alicia> "I have enough, but who knows how many I'll need if pressed?" Alicia shrugs as she gets started on fastening her armour in place. "Between Antenora, Marie, and Dawnhope the house should be safe from surprise attacks, at least."
01[20:18] <Seira> "The garrison and temple of Waukeen should likewise be prepared, as well as the Malmuthian contingent," Seira adds, waiting for Alicia to be finished.
06[20:20] * Alicia takes a few minutes with her armour but after that her weapons and jewellery are in place quick enough, topped off by whipping her golden cloak onto her back and fastening it. "Right, lets go," she nods, intending to give Marie a quick update before they head off to the temple of Helm to use their portal.
06[20:21] * Seira keeps ahead of Alicia, to give the paladin time to talk to her familiar and houseguests in private.
[20:23] <Kotono> Gathering up Donald, Saul and Demedais is without incident. Seira gets her gear back. As they talk amid the tents of the refuge city, "Melancton?" Saul asks, "That was the brute's name?"
[20:23] <Alicia> roll 1d20+23 planes
06[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+23 planes and gets 27." [1d20=4]
01[20:23] <Seira> "Yeah," Seira agrees, detailing the surroundings and its appearance.
01[20:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
06[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 25." [1d20=12]
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26 Saul'll try too
06[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 Saul'll try too and gets 43." [1d20=17]
[20:24] <Alicia> "Enormous bald man in full plate, had a bebilith-themed warhammer," Alicia chips in. "He laughed when I mentioned killing the entropic reaper that called itself Death. Either he didn't believe me or it really was a minor pawn to them." She hopes it's the former, but...
[20:28] <Kotono> While it doesn't ring any bells for either of the women, "Melancton...that's a titan's name. Melancton the Black Flower, who crusaded from Arborea into the Abyss. He vanished for over six millenia and then returned to Arborea to wage war on it, forsaking his ties there and embracing what he fought against in the Abyss. The legend says he was routed by the Court of the Stars, running from Arborea as fast as he could."
01[20:29] <Seira> "So even those guys can be routed," Seira mutters to herself.
[20:29] <Kotono> "Titans are feriously powerful," Saul continues as he thinks, "Not quite a solar, but mighty champions of chaos and usually good as well. But they're not invincible, no."
[20:29] <Alicia> "A weak-willed turncoat, then," Alicia mutters in disgust. "Good on the Court for giving him the kicking he deserves."
[20:30] <Kotono> "But like a bad copper in the mud, he's come back," Saul notes, "Bad on them for not finishing the job."
01[20:31] <Seira> "Seems like we will. Eventually." Seira grimaces. "Just hold down the fort until we do?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "You know, I hear Aborea is pretty fun," Donald interjects, "If he's a fallen titan of theirs, y'think they might have an interest in stopping him?"
[20:32] <Alicia> "Perhaps with the seals undone they might be able to send a stronger force to do just that," Alicia muses. "But if not I'll be happy to do the job myself."
[20:32] <Kotono> "Maybe one or two of us can go and try that?" Donald says now, "Saul can plane shift, or Latha or even Demedais there."
01[20:33] <Seira> "We might spend a Sending to give them a heads up that Melcanton resurfaced," Seira muses. "Any idea who was his boss?"
[20:34] <Kotono> "His father is said to have died, but his mother's name is known as Heliana." Saul says after a little more thought, idly tugging on one of his ears. "She's one of Lady Morwel's many ladies in waiting in the Court of Stars."
01[20:34] <Seira> "It might be awkward to ask her, so maybe someone else, like one of his old training buddies...."
[20:35] <Kotono> "It's the best lead I have, unless one of us goes over there and tries to dig up some old friends of his," Saul merely shrugs. "Awkward, yes, but if anyone knows him, it's his mother."
[20:36] <Alicia> "Telling his mother may not be the best idea, she might just sit on the information out of misplaced love for her son," Alicia notes. "I know a Tulani named Noonbreath who might help if asked. They're pretty high up the eladrin ladder, so he's sure to have connections."
01[20:36] <Seira> "We can't go, Donald shouldn't... Latha would be the best bet, here, if a Sending to Alicia's contact doesn't help," Seira agrees.
[20:38] <Kotono> "Noonbreath? How many celestials do you know?" Saul glances at Alicia askance.
01[20:39] <Seira> "If even I know a couple, why shouldn't Alicia be familiar with lots of them?" Seira asks curiously. "Anyway, how about trying the Sending now? We'll know after a few minutes what to do next."
[20:40] <Alicia> "A few," Alicia shrugs in reply. "I have an eladrin as my familiar, after all. Still, we shouldn't forget that ultimately, Melancton is just a playing piece - maybe a knight or a rook rather than a pawn, but dealing with him won't solve the real problem."
01[20:41] <Seira> "If nothing else, it might stay the hand of the bastards attacking us, perhaps long enough for us to find a way to deal with them, or information to aid us with that."
[20:42] <Alicia> "Anything that inconveniences them is good, yes," Alicia nods. "I just didn't want us to get our hopes up that killing him would solve our problems."
01[20:43] <Seira> "Nothing's ever that easy," Seira agrees.
[20:51] <Kotono> "Noonbreath, then," Saul murmurs, "What's the message, anyway?"
06[20:52] * Alicia spends a moment counting words and getting it in her head, lips moving inaudibly before she finally nods in satisfaction and recites, "Message from Alicia Reynes: Melancton, son of Meliana, traitor to Arborea, is working with Dark Six to wreak havoc on Prime. Let interested parties know."
[20:55] <Kotono> Saul leads the party into a tent so he can cast in peace. AS this happens, "You  know, we're going to look like fools if this isn't the Dark Six." Donald sits down and leans back onto his elbows. "We're still just guessing it's them, right?"
[20:55] <Alicia> "Hmm... alright, lets reword it," Alicia relents.
[20:55] <Alicia> "Just say 'unknown party' instead of Dark Six?"
[20:55] <Kotono> Saul stops his murmurs, "Well, make up your mind on a message. Sooner than later - besides which, I'd like to sleep tonight so I can be refreshed and able to reset my spells."
01[20:55] <Seira> "It's a good enough estimate, but how about god-haters?" Seira suggests. "Unknown party works too, I guess."
[20:56] <Kotono> "Alright."
[20:57] <Kotono> As Saul begins his preparations once more, "So let's see." Donald starts ticking off fingers, "Incredibly powerful remorhazes, undead of all stripes, an entropic reaper/Death itself, depending on who you believe and now a dark titan. Any pattern that any of ou see?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "How about we go with Magic and Death?"
06[20:58] * Alicia shakes her head. "I'd wager their ultimate goal is Daa-vid. They're probably arrogant enough to believe they can suborn his power for themselves. But I can't see a method to their madness."
[20:59] <Alicia> "Seeing them try to get past Ajan would be a sight, though..." she admits.
01[20:59] <Seira> "And I wonder if it's as simple as that," Seira muses. "They'll need all five Resorts, so why ask for just two? If they can't gain entrance on their own, too, then just the one would be enough. Why insist on the two?"
[21:00] <Kotono> Donald holds up his thumb and forefinger in a circle, then bounces his other hand off the circle. "We're still on the outside trying to get in. Nothing quite explains everything well and everything raises more questions than it answers. Like that. Why only two resorts? Why not drag Demedais there with Polly and get all 5 in one swoop?"
[21:02] <Alicia> "It could just be a step along the way, with further plans aimed at the remainder," Alicia shrugs. "Who knows what they'll do next?"
01[21:02] <Seira> "Maybe the answer here is, it's not the amount of the Resorts, but they want the specific two we have? In that case, Ajan might know what makes them different."
[21:03] <Kotono> "You know, I've always wanted to meet that giant dragon." Donald says, "Maybe we should ask him."
[21:04] <Kotono> Saul clears his throat, "Can I have some quiet to concentrate on my magic?"
06[21:04] * Seira is happy for the interruption, because letting Donald meet Ajan is not on her agenda.
06[21:04] * Alicia tries not to give Seira's dad a disapproving look. It's not like they're beating him up or shaking him around.
[21:05] <Kotono> After ten minutes pass, "The reply was that he'll look into it," Saul says, "And be in touch at the proper time."
[21:06] <Alicia> "That's all we can ask," Alicia nods in satisfaction.
01[21:07] <Seira> "Then all that remains is the question of who's going tomorrow," Seira voices. "I'd like to bring Amaryl with me, but beyond that...."
[21:07] <Kotono> "I wish to stay in Malmuth for now." Saul says, "Far too many need help still."
01[21:08] <Seira> "Donald will help with that, and providing security," Seira agrees.
[21:09] <Alicia> "I think it'd be best with just the three of us," Alicia voices, indicating herself, Seira, and Demedais. "We shouldn't pull more than we have to from the defence of Balmuria."
01[21:09] <Seira> "I don't really want to leave her behind since negotiations broke down," Seira admits.
[21:11] <Alicia> "She's also our link to Balmuria if something happens there, though," Alicia points out logically. "If we bring her then we won't know anything happened until someone has ten minutes after the fact to cast Sending."
01[21:14] <Seira> "I can't really argue with that, but Balmuria should be fine with its current defenses. With Pollyanna, Antenora and the Commander there, they should be able to defend it."
06[21:17] * Seira considers. "How about we ask Elle to cast Telepathic Bond on herself, us and say Donald? That way we'll keep in touch with Malmuth as well, in case anything were to happen."
[21:17] <Alicia> "If you're dead set on bringing her I can't really dissuade you," Alicia relents. "I just hope you know what you're doing - those ruins aren't a safe place, they're designed to kill off anyone too weak to face Daa-vid, after all."
01[21:19] <Seira> "It's a pretty screwed up situation where I think she'll be safer in mortal peril-filled ruins with me rather than back home," Seira admits.
06[21:21] * Alicia sees little point in discussing it further. "Anyway, lets go home. Big day tomorrow."
[21:24] <Kotono> ---
[21:24] <Kotono> It is late in the evening. Marie's sleepless night, like most others, is quiet. Until, naturally, someone starts knocking and rapping on the front door.
[21:26] <Alicia> Well, knocking is better than banging it down. Besides, there's a few other sleepless outsiders in the house and some of them are even tougher than she is, so she's got no fear of going to open the door and see who it is.
[21:27] <Alicia> Of course, if she sees any evil through the door she might hesitate.
[21:29] <Kotono> No evil. Opening the door, ou find a beautiful, strapping Tulani there. His presence illuminates the night and pushes back the chill. "Good evening, I apologize for calling at this late hour. I'm here to see the Crimson Guard."
[21:30] <Alicia> Does she recognise this particular Tulani?
[21:32] <Kotono> Noonbreath, Tulani met in the quest for Evergold.
[21:33] <Alicia> "Oh, hi Noonbreath!" Marie smiles brightly. "Come on in, I'll go wake up Alicia." Adding in a conspiratorial whisper, "She gets cranky and talks about needing eight hours, but so long as she doesn't have to cast anything it won't matter." Showing the Tulani to the living room first of all she then flies upstairs to go and wake up Alicia.
[21:35] <Kotono> Noonbreath goes to wait. Alicia is found without incident, doing that curious thing called sleeping.
[21:37] <Alicia> And she's promptly woken up and told what's happening before she can chastise her familiar. Climbing out of bed she puts on a somewhat odd looking dressing gown with half the back missing to accomodate her wings. Repressing a yawn, she goes downstairs to greet the Tulani.
[21:38] <Alicia> "Thanks for responding to my message so quickly," she offers with a tired smile.
[21:39] <Kotono> Antenora is out there, yawning herself and curled up in a chair. She watches him blearily. Noonbreath bows his head, "I apologize for the late hour, but we all felt that swiftness was essential."
[21:42] <Alicia> "It's fine, so long as I don't exert myself it shouldn't interfere with tomorrow's plans," Alicia nods, giving Antenora a sympathetic look. If it wasn't for that exhaustion spell she'd probably be bright and peppy even at this hour. "Will the Court of Stars be sending forces against its wayward son?"
[21:43] <Kotono> "There are many possibilities. Before we go into details, I'd like yo uto tell me everything you know about what's happened and about Melancton. If it's not too much trouble."
[21:43] <Kotono> Antenora smothers another yawn, murmuring an apology. Her wings curl up around herself, sinking deep into her chair.
06[21:55] * Alicia nods. "It started... yesterday, actually. Or the day before, technically. We were in the Abyss en route to Green Castle to slay the balor who lives there when we received word from home that Malmuth - that's the neighbouring empire - had its capital attacked by remorhaz. We returned to the prime and went to Malmuth's aid."
[21:55] <Alicia> "Once there we were told that the beasts emerged from the centre of the city and wreaked general havoc, but specifically focused on razing every temple they could find. All who were killed vanished upon death. We were able to slay most of the remorhaz,"
[21:55] <Alicia> and found a spellcasting wraith guarding the portal they arrived from - it was also bolstered by powerful magic that mimicked the sort of control a God has over its realm, albeit over a very small area. I dispelled that from outside before we killed the wraith."
[21:55] <Alicia> "I sent a few elementals through the portal to investigate, but they never returned so I sealed it shut. Then we heard that the Citadel of Light - capital of the elven kingdom of Pallanth - had been beset by undead who razed their temples. Again all those who died vanished, and their most powerful archmage was kidnapped."
[21:55] <Alicia> "Balmuria was attacked next, again by undead. We returned to aid in the fight, seeing that the undead we fought were the unfortunates who had died in Malmuth and Pallanth. Again their focus was the temples, but we beat them back."
[21:55] <Alicia> "In the process I fought an Entropic Reaper that called itself Death. Crushing its body failed to quiet it, and the battle was unresolved. Another attack of undead happened at Valandia, where a powerful cleric of Lathander was kidnapped after breaking the back of the attack. Arad in the desert fiefdoms was also attacked."
[21:56] <Alicia> "Earlier today we scried on the Reaper, finding it regenerating on the Negative Energy Plane. We went there and gave it a final death. Then around dinnertime myself and Seira received telepathic messages telling us to come alone and unarmed to the lair of the dead blue dragon Kondrux at midnight, bringing the resorts of the gnome god-king."
[21:56] <Alicia> "If we didn't comply then their two hostages would suffer for it. So we did, where we met Melancton. He first offered us a chance to join him, then demanded all the resorts for one of the hostages. I offered one resort for both hostages but he refused to negotiate, then decided to just attack us for them."
[21:56] <Alicia> "Being unarmed, I didn't consider the odds favourable, so I teleported us away, and Seira's father recognised the name when we mentioned it, so I thought you'd be a good person to tell in case anyone back home had an interest in taking Melancton down... we need all the help we can get," she concludes.
[21:58] <Kotono> "Melancton is a sensitive matter." AFter so listening, "So this is what became of him," Rubbing his chin as he thinks, "Long ago, Melancton was a righteous titan who went into the Abyss. He defeated many and grew emboldened. He sought to travel to Amdrolynne. Are you familiar with the sad legend of Androlynne?"
[21:59] <Kotono> *androlynne
06[22:00] * Alicia glances at Marie. "I've heard of it, yes. Greater numbers of eladrin have been going there recently, haven't they?"
[22:04] <Kotono> Antenora blinks and rubs her eyes, "Isn't that..." Stopping to yawn, "The prophecy from Helm, we thought it mentioned Androlynne."
[22:05] <Kotono> "We wish to save those poor children. Interesting, but aside for the moment. He was thought lost at Androlynne, another having given all to try and free the lost children. But after about 6000 years, he returned to Arborea, this time as a champion of the Abyss and a destroyer."
06[22:07] * Alicia nods in agreement to Antenora, although she can't recall the wording offhand. "The Abyss can have that effect, I've noticed," she agrees sadly. "We don't think he's working with any demons, now, though. None of what's happened shows any ties to the Abyss."
[22:09] <Kotono> "Interesting. He was send packing by the Court of the Stars. The way I've heard it told, he only escaped by throwing his pride away and fleeing at the last moment. From there, he vanished into the multiverse. If he has returned, Queen Morwel would like this affair settled at long last."
[22:14] <Alicia> "Well, any thing you can offer would be appreciated - we're badly overstretched, and the world as a whole just isn't ready for the sort of power these creatures can throw around with abandon," Alicia resists the urge to sigh. "The sad thing is, we're certain Melancton is just a bit-player in a larger scheme, so even getting rid of him won't solve our problems."
[22:16] <Kotono> "Queen Morwel is more than willing to help your fair city and those of this world. This sort of evil will not be unopposed. She has a request, however; Melancton is to be taken alive. Pragmatically, Queen Morwel wishes to know who controls him and what happened to him in Androlynne long ago, and also wishes him to stand in judgment in the Court of Stars. If there is any good left in him, perhaps he can yet be saved. If not, then he can be
[22:16] <Kotono> perhaps he can yet be saved. If not, then he can be put to rest for eternity."
06[22:17] * Alicia doesn't like this condition, but they have the right to request it. "I can't promise, but if it comes down to it we'll try and subdue him if we can. We have our suspicions on who he serves, but we've yet to acquire any confirmation."
[22:18] <Kotono> "I understand. I know that in battle you may not have the luxury." Noonbreath stands up now, "I will return to Arborea briefly, and come back to Balmuria at high noon. Pass on my regards to the rest of the Guard, I've heard well of all of them."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Thank you." Antenora sits up, stretching out and adjusting a plain white nightgown as she does. "We're all in this together, for the sake of this world."
[22:20] <Alicia> "I'll let everyone know in the morning," Alicia nods. "If myself or colonel Seira aren't around, you can liaise with Commander Obureth."
06[22:20] * Alicia likewise rises since everyone else is.
[22:20] <Kotono> "Understood." Going over to offer a hand to Alicia, "Next time we meet, let it be at another bacchae and in far more enjoyable situations."
[22:21] <Alicia> "We can celebrate once this is settled," Alicia returns, clasping his hand.
[22:21] <Kotono> OOC: You're going to rest thent ell everyone in the morning?
[22:23] <Alicia> OOC: yep.
[22:23] <Kotono> -----
[22:24] <Kotono> Sleep is a good thing for Seira - until it's disturbed. As she blinks away the noon light from her eyes, "Seira," Amaryl murmurs, wearing a silk nightgown of blue as she stirs her. "Guards are here." Her voice is quick, "It's about Celebrimbor! They say they found him outside town!"
01[22:24] <Seira> "Found him?"
[22:26] <Kotono> Amaryl nods, "He's alive, but..." Amaryl shakes her head, "He's at the garrison. Commander Oberuth wants you there immediately." Amaryl turns at that point, shrugging out of her nightgown and starting to dress. "I want to go with you, too."
01[22:26] <Seira> "Not even a question," Seira agrees, getting ready swiftly.
[22:27] <Kotono> Dressing quickly, the two come to the garrison. In one of the meeting rooms, Commander Oberuth stands. Sitting in a chair, wrappedin blankets, is Celebrimbor. He stares straight ahead, unseeing and listless.
[22:27] <Kotono> "The guards found him just before dawn," Oberuth reports, gruff-voiced, "He was standing outside the southern walls, shivering.
[22:27] <Kotono> "
01[22:29] <Seira> "Celebrimbor?" Seira asks, kneeling next to the elf's chair. "You managed to escape?"
[22:30] <Kotono> Celebrimbor stares ahead, no reply at all. Oberuth views down at them, "He hsan't responded to anyone. He'll walk if you lead him and sit if you push himd own a bit, but no communication at all."
01[22:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+24
06[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 and gets 42." [1d20=18]
01[22:35] <Seira> "We have to keep the body alive," Seira says at last, tearing her eyes away from Celebrimbor and standing up. "If we manage to rescue his soul, it should be reversible."
[22:36] <Kotono> "Celebrimbor?" Amaryl says quietly, holding his hands. "Celebrimbor? Scion?" She tries, "Can you hear me? It's Amaryl..."
[22:37] <Kotono> "I'll have him taken care of," Oberuth says quietly, "There was one other thing." Oberuth hands Seira a small wrapped scroll. "This was found on Celebrimbor. It's message is plain."
06[22:37] * Seira unwraps it.
[22:37] <Kotono> Written in Draconic and penned in black ink is the following: YOUR ONLY WARNING.
01[22:39] <Seira> Yes, she's definitely taking Amaryl along. "We're committed," she says out loud. "We'll break the other seals, and bet on the good coming after all the bad. It's not like those seals actually hold our enemies out, so maybe this would inspire the heavens to reciprocate."
[22:41] <Kotono> "It's worth a shot." Oberuth checks Celebrimbor's blankets, then turns. "If I understand what's going on though...all our expectations can go out the window already. Whomever's doing this has found a way to cheat on a cosmic scale. No matter what, we'll have to stop that."
01[22:44] <Seira> "As good a description as any," Seira is forced to agree. "On the one hand, we have that damn Arbiter that seems to worship balance, and on the other we have a group of villains who just don't care. If their counterparts won't cheat back, then we'll just have to alter the reality and open a path for them on our own, the way I see it."
[22:46] <Kotono> "Yes. Also remember, that just removing the seals doesn't fix the cheating or the power they have. It may be a step in the right direction, but I don't expect it to make this all go away. It's on the Crimson Guard." Oberuth looks upward, "I have no doubt about that. Gods only know why, but we're the ones who have to protect everything that matters worth a damn. At the end of the day...we have ourselves."
[22:46] <Kotono>  At the end of the day...we have ourselves."
01[22:48] <Seira> "That's how it is," Seira agrees bitterly. "You know, Sir, it's always easier to accept when you don't have the responsibility of standing between those things and the civilians. When it's just you in the balance, it's easy to take risks, but here...."
[22:50] <Kotono> "I know." Commander Oberuth's fist clenches, "I'm no holy man. I tried reading all those high books and it didn't do anything to help me. What I do know is power, and we have it. What I do know is responsbility, and we have even more of that. The final thing I know is that we're going to bring justice for each and every victim to the wicked. That's what the Crimson Guard will do."
01[22:53] <Seira> "It's time for us to provide another miracle, then," Seira says at that. "And in the meantime, unless Elle is needed directly for the city's defense, could you spare her for a while? We have ancient communication orbs, and waiting before fixing them has proved to be a mistake. We shouldn't delay in that."
[22:54] <Kotono> "So be it." Oberuth looks down at his fist. "Dismissed. Time's wasting and we don't have any more to waste."
06[22:54] * Seira gives Celebrimbor's shell another look, before taking Amaryl's hand. "Let's go," she says quietly. "There's nothing we can do here, at this time."

[Corwin]

[21:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> ---
[21:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Which entrance to the ruins are you taking?
01[21:30] <Seira> OOC: Let's go with flair and take the sea-based one.
[21:33] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Thus Seira takes to the sea! She swims into the ruins, passing through the eternal halls! Past the destroyed undead beehive, past rooms and through the magics! Seira thus enters the room of Ajan. He is facing her, looking to her. "You have come, Seira." He intones, the room rumbling with his voice.
01[21:33] <Seira> "Hello," she greets the ancient dragon. "How has it been?"
[21:34] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Another attempted to force the ruins. He is no more." Ajan's nostrils flare with smoke, "Your quest for the Resorts continues?"
01[21:36] <Seira> "We've gathered them," Seira informs him. "We plan on coming in force tomorrow, and seeing if we could help free you, but there's some trouble back home that's preventing us from that. It's possible your visitor was related to this. Was it something undead, by chance?"
[21:38] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "So the time looms close..." Ajan says, "It was a vampire." After that his head comes close to SEira, almost close enough to breath smoke onto her. "BUt listen to me now, and listen well, Seira."
01[21:38] <Seira> "All ears!"
[21:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The fourth seal may be broken. When the fifth one is, bring all you care and fight with along with you for the breaking, for great blessings shall come...but only break it when it is time. For when the fifth seal is broken, the battle with the God-King draws nigh. The sixth door shall open and to it your destinies."
06[21:43] * Seira nods to that. "Not something to take lightly, I understand. We were hoping to find aid with our problem with those invading undead from the negative energy plane, but opening all the seals may not be what we need right now. Any chance you could help us get rid of that obstacle, Ajan? It's a group hailing from Bleak Rendor and connected to the Neverborn."
[21:44] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The Neverborn..." Ajan's scales seem to shimmer with pure heat, rolling off of him. "I know of what you speak of, Seira. But...are you sure this is what you desire? What they are is a blasphemy to all the Gods that be."
01[21:46] <Seira> "Desire? Not so much. But these god-hating freaks are attacking our world and abducting our people. Those they don't kill and convert into more fodder. And they've shown a strong interest in the Resorts, which made us think you might know something. We can't just ignore this situation."
[21:49] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Very well. Of Ao, the Overgod, one of his dominions is to decide if a being is worthy of divinity. It is his choice and his choice alone. No God can live that he does not accept. This includes those mortals that seek to ascend past the limits of mere existance. Those that fail...are cast down, becoming mummy-kin known as Hunefer, cursed by Ao. But it is not a Hunefer we speak of, Seira. There is another that Ao judges."
01[21:51] <Seira> "Those who are about to be born as gods?" she guesses.
[21:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Ao judges the children of the Gods as well. Should a child of the Gods be chosen as unworthy...Ao's curse falls on them. They are ripped from the mother's womb, cast away from the Outer Planes forever. These cursed, lost children are known as Neverborn. Divine children, slain befor ethey could be born and sentenced by Ao to live for all time with no hope of salvation."
01[21:53] <Seira> Ao sounds like a pretty horrible being, Seira muses to herself. "If they're slain, how can they still affect reality so badly?" she asks the dragon.
[21:55] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "They live on, as unborn fetuses touched with undeath. Why Ao allows them to continue to exist I know not, but...the curse of Ao prevents the Gods from interfering with them. Legend says that most atrophy forever, lost of all hope. But not all."
01[21:56] <Seira> "So some do reach a sort of horrible consciousness, and they emrbace their nature?"
[21:56] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yes, in essence." Ajan agrees.
01[21:57] <Seira> "Then the question becomes, how do I find them, how do I kill them, and who can help me with that." Seira blinks. "Three questions, actually, but you know...."
[21:59] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The Gods cannot interfere with a Neverborn because of Ao's curse. Mortal beings are not so limited. As to finding them...they cannot enter the Outer Planes. They must be in the inner or material planes."
01[22:01] <Seira> "I wonder if that Bleak Rendor is where I would find my enemy," she muses out loud. "I don't suppose you'd be able to point me in the right direction? It's not easy to find guides for the negative energy plane."
[22:06] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I do not, though I have heard of it. I know of this process of divinity well, for the God-King perverted it with the Fairest Star. It is deep in the realm of negative energy...one will need a powerful guide of death to lead ou into it. Further..." Looking to Seira, "Do you know who the parents of the Neverborn are? Do you know of it's apothesis?"
06[22:09] * Seira starts to shake her head, before she pauses, and recites the relevant information gained by the limited wish spell. "There might be some prophecy alluding to the parents, but I'm not good at prophecies," she adds afterwards. "Still, how about Shar? I don't like Shar, can we go with that?"
[22:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "No, for...I have an idea." Ajan rumbles all over, "I believe I have a possibility. It is said that Talos, the Stormfather, sired children in the Abyss. Most were born as powerful half fiends, not enough for him. He sought to consort with the vilest of the Abyss for stronger children."
01[22:14] <Seira> "So the child, if belonging to him, would be vulnerable to... and that's as much as I could follow," Seira admits. "I mean, it's an evil god of storms, right? Does this tell me using lightning is a bad idea?"
[22:16] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "No. He consorted with the most vile woman in all the Abyss, the rising Queen of Succubi...yet I never heard of a child coming from it, yet it is said that there was indeed a child in the darkest whispers."
[22:17] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC: Gah, premature.
[22:17] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "No. He consorted with the most vile woman in all the Abyss, the rising Queen of Succubi...yet I never heard of a child coming from it, yet it is said that there was indeed a child in the darkest whispers." Now looking to Seira, "If this is true, you have two who have an interest in the Neverborn and can aid you further."
01[22:19] <Seira> "I'll, uh, consider sending Malcanthet a note," Seira says delicately.
[22:20] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Talos may be more productive, but the choice is yours of allies and information to seek." Ajan says.
01[22:21] <Seira> "He could just send his minions to impede us, I suppose, but the risk's worth taking," Seira muses. "Especially if it is the Dark Six who are involved. They hate all gods, and that would include him, right?"

[Corwin]

[19:32] <Kolunch> > "No. He consorted with the most vile woman in all the Abyss, the rising Queen of Succubi...yet I never heard of a child coming from it, yet it is said that there was indeed a child in the darkest whispers." Now looking to Seira, "If this is true, you have two who have an interest in the Neverborn and can aid you further."
[19:32] <Kolunch> <Seira> "I'll, uh, consider sending Malcanthet a note," Seira says delicately.
[19:32] <Kolunch> > "Talos may be more productive, but the choice is yours of allies and information to seek." Ajan says.
[19:32] <Kolunch> <Seira> "He could just send his minions to impede us, I suppose, but the risk's worth taking," Seira muses. "Especially if it is the Dark Six who are involved. They hate all gods, and that would include him, right?"
[19:32] <Kolunch> "Talos is a God, yes," Ajan answers.
01[19:33] <Seira> "I kno-- I mean, yes." Seira nods quickly. "We'll definitely try that direction, thanks!"
[19:34] <Kolunch> "Good fortune to you." Neck extending back and away from Seira now, "I believe that if any can overcome a Neverborn, it will be the ones to defeat the God-King."
01[19:35] <Seira> "Come to think of it, did anyone ever do this? Overcome a Neverborn?"
[19:37] <Kolunch> "They are creatures of legend. I have heard that heroes long ago did once, but it is a dreadful task. Even cursed and Neverborn, such a child possesses awesome power."
01[19:39] <Seira> "I don't suppose you'd remember who, or how?"
[19:43] Performing System Backup...
03[19:43] * Retrieving #evildunes modes...
Session Close: Wed Oct 21 19:43:33 2009

Session Start: Wed Oct 21 19:43:33 2009
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[19:43] * Disconnected
02[19:43] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[19:43] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[19:43] * Topic is 'Alicia(25)>Melancton(23)>Seira(14)'
03[19:43] * Set by Kotono on Fri Oct 16 20:05:56
03[19:43] * Nabuu is now known as Seira
03[19:43] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[19:44] <Kolunch> "It was tens of thousands of years ago. The names of the heroes are lost to time and eternity," Ajan answers. "I do know the name of the band - The Swiftwings."
01[19:45] <Seira> "It might not provide answers to us in time, but at least that should keep the scholarly types busy and focused," Seira muses. "Thank you again, Ajan."
[19:45] <Kolunch> The great red dragon rumbles his assent. OOC: Returning to Balmuria onw?
Session Close: Wed Oct 21 19:49:37 2009

Session Start: Wed Oct 21 19:49:37 2009
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[19:49] * Disconnected
02[19:49] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[19:49] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[19:49] * Topic is 'Alicia(25)>Melancton(23)>Seira(14)'
03[19:49] * Set by Kotono on Fri Oct 16 20:05:56
03[19:49] * Nabuu is now known as Seira
03[19:49] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
03[19:50] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
Session Close: Wed Oct 21 20:20:24 2009

Session Start: Wed Oct 21 20:20:24 2009
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[20:20] * Disconnected
02[20:20] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[20:20] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[20:20] * Topic is 'Alicia(25)>Melancton(23)>Seira(14)'
03[20:20] * Set by Kotono on Fri Oct 16 20:05:56
03[20:20] * Nabuu is now known as Seira
03[20:20] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[20:38] <Kolunch> ---
[20:39] <Kolunch> As the rain continues to fall, "Marie, you can fly," Saul asks, "Could you go up and see if anything's nearby? As long as it's raining -a nd with Limbo it's anyone's guess how long - visibility's poor."
[20:41] <Alicia> "This isn't like wild Limbo, at least," Marie comments happily as she nods and zips up a few hundred feet to take a look around their surroundings.
[20:47] <Kolunch> In the ripping rain, Marie can see a stone house ahead. It's made of multicolored stones, like a wet rainbow in the growing downpour.
[20:48] <Alicia> The eladrin then flies back down to rejoin the two men in her life. "I saw a house that way," she points. "Very colourful, it looked nice!"
[20:51] <Kolunch> As the party walks in that direction, Eudard shielding his face and peering ahead, "Better than what I imagined Talos' realm would be...though the heavy rain still fits."
[20:52] <Kolunch> Saul walks ahead, pace brisk. "We'll find out exactly how different from our imaginations soon. We can chatter once we're out of the rain. Time is important."
03[20:53] * Mystia is now known as Mystia_GhostFood
03[20:58] * Laggy (~Laggy@64-71-1-82.static.wiline.com) has joined #evildunes
03[20:58] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Laggy
[20:58] <Kolunch> Thus you reach the house - colorful stones bounce off water, a  stone door barring further entry in. It's about the size of a small house, unremarkable besides teh coloration. Saul goes to the door and knocks.
[20:58] <Alicia> Marie happily follows along, hovering just over Saul's shoulder.
[20:59] <Kolunch> The door opens! Answering is a vaguely menancing, vast creature. It fills up the door three times over, a terrible odor coming from it. The hezrou looks down, rumbling low in it's throat. "What do you want?"
[21:01] <Alicia> Marie chokes in surprise, almost reaching for her bow before she restrains herself. It's a follower of Talos, not any demon lord, so maybe it's like an uglier smellier Antenora? She can but hope...
[21:02] <Kolunch> Saul puts a hand over his mouth, "We're looking for Talos." He grimaces, "Or his court, or a someone who can speak for him. We have a matter of supreme interest to him."
[21:03] <Kolunch> Eudard has his hand on his blade, besides Saul and silent, face a mask of displeasure.
[21:04] <Kolunch> "Keep going thataways," He jerks a thumb at the horizon, where snow is beginning to fall on a stony, grassy field. "You'll know it when you see it."
[21:04] <Alicia> Visualising the creature as alike to her erinyes friend has helped Marie enough that she can give the demon a faint smile. "Thanks, you're a sweetheart!" she assures him brightly.
[21:10] <Kolunch> The creature grunts and closes the door behind him. Saul immediately makes pace, "Come now," he says, "The sooner the better, I think."
[21:12] <Alicia> Marie nods and flies along. "He wasn't terribly friendly, but I guess Antenora used to be like that, too. I'm sure deep down he's really nice."
[21:12] <Kolunch> "Perhaps," Saul says as the sun comes out, the storm passing, "He was likely dragged along with Talos if anything."
[21:13] <Alicia> "If he really wanted to stay evil he could've went back to the Abyss," Marie nods sagely.

[Corwin]

[19:08] <Kotono> <Alicia> Marie chokes in surprise, almost reaching for her bow before she restrains herself. It's a follower of Talos, not any demon lord, so maybe it's like an uglier smellier Antenora? She can but hope...
[19:08] <Kotono> > Saul puts a hand over his mouth, "We're looking for Talos." He grimaces, "Or his court, or a someone who can speak for him. We have a matter of supreme interest to him."
[19:08] <Kotono> > Eudard has his hand on his blade, besides Saul and silent, face a mask of displeasure.
[19:08] <Kotono> > "Keep going thataways," He jerks a thumb at the horizon, where snow is beginning to fall on a stony, grassy field. "You'll know it when you see it."
[19:08] <Kotono> <Alicia> Visualising the creature as alike to her erinyes friend has helped Marie enough that she can give the demon a faint smile. "Thanks, you're a sweetheart!" she assures him brightly.
[19:08] <Kotono> > The creature grunts and closes the door behind him. Saul immediately makes pace, "Come now," he says, "The sooner the better, I think."
[19:09] <Kotono> <Alicia> Marie nods and flies along. "He wasn't terribly friendly, but I guess Antenora used to be like that, too. I'm sure deep down he's really nice."
[19:09] <Kotono> > "Perhaps," Saul says as the sun comes out, the storm passing, "He was likely dragged along with Talos if anything."
[19:09] <Kotono> <Alicia> "If he really wanted to stay evil he could've went back to the Abyss," Marie nods sagely.
[19:13] <Kotono> The travels ahead are long. You go through blizzards, ice storms, rain, driving rain, winds, dryness, heat, cold, grasslands, mountains, rocky islands, beaches, savanna, thin air, depressions and more.  The terrain is constantly altering, constantly moving.  But after some long time of this, the party ranging from baked to soaked to frozen to parched,  the world around you changes. You stand in an ancient circle of stones, crude stone bloc
[19:13] <Kotono> You stand in an ancient circle of stones, crude stone blocks forming a vast ring. Storms play in the sky, lightning the size of dragons clashing far above.  Standing before you is a slaad - electric yellow, murmuring. In his words are thunderclaps and lightning flashes. These words speak to you, speaking of endless mysteries of cyclic change.  The creature is as large as one of the stone slabs, towering over the party.
[19:14] <Kotono> Eudard stands ahead of Saul, sword undrawn but shield raised. He regards the creature coolly, "We seek Talos, to seek his council on a grave matter involving him."
[19:17] <Alicia> "It's super-important," Marie seconds, floating between the two men and projecting inoffensiveness. "We wouldn't dream of disturbing the Stormlord if it wasn't."
[19:19] <Kotono> With the whispers of titanic sonic clashes of thunder leaking from it's mouth in a torrential buffet of sound, the slaad speaks of Progression. In the skies duels of lightning bolts rage, forming into shapes. Creatures mundane, exotic, legendary and unknown are all seen, in endless dances of war. With it's hand crackling with the eye of ball lightning, it extends it's hand out to Marie, utterly dwarfing her.
[19:20] <Kotono> Saul's voice is low, yet carries to Marie with precise words. "Chaos calls to chaos, perhaps?"
[19:21] <Alicia> Either that or it's hungry. Slaad are notorious devourers of unwary courre. Still, they won't get far by showing hesitation at this stage, and she's far from an ordinary example of her rank. Fluttering forward, she alights her feet on the creature's outstretched palm.
[19:23] <Kotono> Like a rocket into the heavens, Marie ascends up! She is thrust into the endless war of thunder! As she does, the slaad speaks of Meeting. Around her a dragon is bitten apart by a titanic lizard-king, while an angel is sent flying by an eye tyrant, crashing through a wobbling naga. The slaadi speaks of..."SPEAK."
[19:28] <Alicia> It's probably best that she's been designated for this. Being the familiar to an incredibly charismatic paladin does wonders for her own social skills. Keeping herself calm and her voice collected, she gets to the point - beating about the bush surely won't win points here.
[19:28] <Alicia> "The Prime Material where Daa-vid is sealed is currently under assault by a cabal of ancient liches and their servants. These liches themselves pay homage to a Neverborn cursed by Ao..." she can't help but hesitate on the next part, aware that it's rather impolite, but it's too late to back out now.
[19:28] <Alicia> "We believe the Neverborn is the result of a dalliance between the Storm Lord and the Queen of Succubi."
[19:30] <Kotono> Wind. The wind is what speaks. Marie goes flying, the slaad vanishing as you are hurtled into the sky! Saul and Eudard come rocketing with you, nary a scream as the three of you progress forward! It is the endless journey that lasts forever, over before you can breath a single breath. (More)
[19:33] <Kotono> Ahead of you lies a throne. A throne made of stormclouds and thunder, of snow and rain, of fog and ground and earth and everything. The throne is as large as the Baronies eight times over, stretching far and yet so small as to be seen fully by Marie's eyes. Around the three of you stand Elements - rain, fire, sun, fog, snow, parch, more. They are bodies, but they are what they are. Marie simply understands by looking at them, the knowledge
[19:33] <Kotono> Marie simply understands by looking at them, the knowledge as natural as knowing a mother's face. This calvacade surrounds the throne, each speaking. Each one speaks of what they are, creating an endless din of everything.  (More)
[19:37] <Kotono> In one hand, the one who sits on the throne holds in one hand the green fields and forests of Balmuria, full of life. In the other he holds the Wastelands, dead and frozen. One eye is an empty oblivion, the other teams with rainbow life. In a voice that masters and directs the din of everything around you, overawing Marie to her soul and beyond, "You have audience. Speak."
[19:38] <Kotono> The clank of Eudard's armor is easily lost in the din, as he falls to his knees and bows his head. Saul does much the same, "We beileve your child, spawn of Malcanthet, is with the Dark Six, interfering with the matters on Earth."
[19:41] <Alicia> Technically it's not spawn since it never had a chance to be spawned... Marie jumps in before Eudard can piss off the god of storms. "We are not certain, but we have had indications from multiple sources of the Neverborn's parentage," she interjects.
[19:41] <Alicia> "We were hoping, given the unnatural destruction it is fostering and its attempts at interfering with Daa-vid's imprisonment, that you might have some wisdom that could help us, Lord of Storms."
[19:46] <Kotono> "So be it." With that, wisdom flows into Marie's mind! Understanding blossoms instantly as she grasps a truth...The Neverborn will be surrounded by an aura of the utmost negation. Only the hardiest souls can survive within a hundred feet of it, and even they are utterly crippled without protections against negative energy. To face it without such is the greatest folly imaginable. Death Ward at the minimum will be absolutely needed.
[19:46] <Kotono>  Death Ward at the minimum will be absolutely needed.
[19:46] <Kotono> Saul murmurs, "I see..." he whispers, "To wound the Neverborn..." he murmurs, "Thank you, Storm God."
[19:51] <Alicia> Marie is startled by the sudden influx of knowledge. It's not what she expected, but it's very practical and useful, so she shouldn't be at all surprised. At Saul's words she wonders if Talos has granted each of the three a different piece of the puzzle.
[19:51] <Alicia> "Thank you," she nods earnestly. It's a sensible precaution against undead, but she knows Alicia may have decided to just tough it out and count on her innate strength of spirit to see her through. Now they know better. She then wonders what to say next. Somehow 'We'll gut your undead abomination of a son like a pig' doesn't cut it, even for a forthright deity.
[19:51] <Alicia> "We'll put this knowledge to good use," she temporises. "On behalf of Mystra, and the entire Prime Material, I thank you." Even though it wouldn't be needed at all if he had kept it in- with a vast effort of will she cuts off that thought and forces herself to think of something different. Dear Mystra, she's going to get them killed!
[19:53] <Kotono> He reaches forward. Thunder and lighting touch Eudard, racing to his sword! Eudard screams soundlessly, as, "Servant of Helm, take this as a boon, for I owe Helm a debt. This blade will cut true, even against the Neverborn."
[19:55] <Alicia> Marie recalls watching Alicia being split apart by a tremendous blade of lightning before her body was regenerated as she accepted the blessing of the Storm in those ruins. He may have changed his ways somewhat, but she'd certainly never call Talos gentle.
[20:00] <Kotono> Eudard falls to his knees all over again, drawing his blade with a shaking hand. It is as if lighting was formed into a sword, crackling and hissing. Lightning dances amid the blade, metal gone and forgotten. Eudard looks up with a shaking head, "T-thank you...s-storm lord," he manages.
[20:03] <Alicia> That's pretty neat. Marie idly wonders how it now compares to Demedais's recently Helm empowered sword, or Alicia's Kossuth empowered one. Or Seira's font of creation powered one, for that matter. My, she does know lots of people with impressive swords, doesn't she?
[20:04] <Kotono> "Be warned - Malcanthet will have interest in this matter as well. If you choose to parley with her, be warned, for she is a serpent terrible. Should you ignore her, be warned, for her machinations and view reach far." At that, it is gone. The three of you stand in open fields, the cold winter air blowing around you, half melted snow here and there. Far away, you can see Balmuria's western gate.
[20:06] <Kotono> Saul takes a few breaths and stands up, dusting himself off, "I know how to wound the Neverborn now, but it won't be easy." Saul says, "How about the two of you?"
[20:06] <Alicia> "I don't think any of us really want to go cap in hand to the Queen of the Succubi for help, do we?" Marie asks as they return to the Prime. "Talos told me that anyone within a hundred feet of the thing would be crippled without protections against negative energy, even if they're strong enough to avoid being killed alright."
[20:08] <Kotono> "Not particularly," Eudard is silent, walking slowly behind the rest of you. Saul is speaking as he looks to the clear sky. "Though the second half of his warning is worth weighing. One way or another, Malcanthet will make herself nosy, won't she?"
[20:10] <Alicia> Wouldn't be the first time, but Marie isn't inclined to go blabbing that around freely. "We can deal with that, I'm sure. So, how do we hurt the thing if we've not been gifted with an incredible sword of divine lightning?"
[20:11] <Kotono> "It's two fold." Saul ticks off fingers, "First of all, it must be a weapon beyond that of normal mortal construction. A weapon made of true might and true magic unknown to all but the greatest craftsmen to ever live. Secondly, the weapon must be alive."
[20:13] <Alicia> "Well, Alicia's got a sword that was made be a mighty planetar, that was then empowered by the God of fire, and it possesses as much a sentient will as you or I. Does that count?" Marie asks hopefully as she flutters along back to Balmuria.
[20:14] <Kotono> "I'm not sure ,but it's on the right track I'm sure." At this, Eudard shakes his head and picks up his pace.
[20:14] <Kotono> "I know a third part," he interjects, "Allow me to share this wisdom."
[20:14] <Alicia> "Go ahead?" Marie turns to Eudard, smiling invitingly.
[20:16] <Kotono> "Any cursed undead close to the Neverborn will be impossible to turn and heal impossibly fast. His minons will be tougher, faster and stronger than other undead of their type."
[20:19] <Kotono> "Facing the Neverborn wil be troublesome then," Saul murmurs, "If not worse than we alreayd knew it ot be."
[20:19] <Alicia> "That'll make things difficult..." Marie makes a face. "But it's good we know now rather than finding out too late - I doubt it'll just have a few zombie guards. We'd probably end up facing all six of those horrid liches along with a few dozen wraiths. Might be better to try and chip away at the supports rather than diving in to take off the head first, even though it's not our usual style."
[20:22] <Kotono> "It does seem like this won't end in one mere battle," As you approach the gates, soldiers on guard saluting Eudard and Saul and Marie all at once, "If it does drag on," Saul's hands are behind his back, "I don't trust Malcanthet to not meddle. Perhaps we should look to establish some measure of understanding with her? I doubt she'll aid us, but if we can stop her from worsening the situation by meddling?"
[20:25] <Alicia> Marie makes a face at that concept. "Don't expect Alicia to go for that," is all she says.
[20:26] <Kotono> "Yes, I know." Eudard makes the same face, "But I'd rather be a realist and deal with it before we have some servant of hers complicating matters." Thus the three head back...OOC: Wanna wind down here for this, unless Marie wants to do something else?
[20:27] <Alicia> OOC: Marie will go home and hang out with Jessica and Hugo and Dawnhope now, so we're done

[Corwin]

[23:04] <Kotono> ----------
[23:06] <Kotono> Alicia, Latha and Antenora head home, Marie fluttering around as they walk on the dark streets of early night. A lull in the conversation has come as you approach home. In this quiet there is a peace, but it is a peace broken like all others are. "Alicia." Antenora's lips twitch upward, her face softening and warm. "I feel like we did so much good today, but yet there's so much more to be done. Despite all we did, I feel...no, I crave to d
[23:06] <Kotono> but yet there's so much more to be done. Despite all we did, I feel...no, I crave to do more."
[23:09] <Alicia> "Seeing the horrors our foes are capable of only drives home how much more we have to do," Alicia nods. "And for all we accomplished, we'll still have to face Glaciante Devarim once more in the future..." her expression twists into one of wry amusement, "I suppose the Dark Five just wouldn't have had the same ring to it."
[23:11] <Kotono> "The entire scheme is ingenious, if we have the truth of it," Latha looks to the night sky, "I believe with all my heart that the phylacteries are in Bleak Rendor, the one place we can't reach. As long as one of the greatest tragedies and mysteries in the Heaven's history continues, the Dark Six are immortal. Such intelligence and guile, wasted on blasphemies."
[23:11] <Kotono> "It wouldn't," Twisting into a sardonic grin, eyes glittering, "The Chartruse Guard wouldn't have the same ring, either."
[23:13] <Alicia> "At least Glaciante, in his overweening confidence, may have delivered the key to solving this mystery into our hands," Alicia gives Latha a smile.
[23:13] <Alicia> "That actually sounds really cool!" Marie enthuses, alighting on Antenora's head. "You guys should make up a cadet branch and call them that!"
[23:14] <Kotono> Antenora rolls her eyes up, "Uh huh. Sure. They can be further served by the Pumpernickel and Brown Legions."
[23:15] <Kotono> "The sage of the Planeswalker's Guild said Glaciante was overcompensating. I think it saved our lives. For all his planning, he neglected to simply obliterate us while we were naked and defenseless."
[23:15] <Kotono> "The sage of the Planeswalker's Guild said Glaciante was overcompensating. I think it saved our lives. For all his planning, he neglected to simply obliterate us while we were naked and defenseless." Latha's gaze focuses ahead, Alicia's house in view. "Some claim evil is self defeating; this isn't always true, but it was here."
[23:18] <Alicia> "At least with the brown legion you'd never know that they were terrified of the enemy?" Marie asks mischeviously, leaning down over Antenora's brow.
[23:18] <Alicia> "He was smart enough to avoid having his neck snapped by me the moment we broke out of his prison. And he did make a sincere effort to stop us recovering our belongings by sending the Neverborn's get, I think," Alicia reasons. "But to be honest I doubt he considered us a threat up until the very moment he was beaten."
[23:19] <Kotono> Antenora smirks, "Sometimes I wonder how you ever reached Dweomerheart, with that dirty mind of yours."
[23:19] <Kotono> "I doubt they'll make the mistake again," Latha considers, "We'll have to defend ourselves better and choose our own battles well."
[23:22] <Alicia> "We'll need to sort something out for dealing with portals that strip us and drop us into trouble," Alicia agrees, drifting towards Latha so the grown ups can have their sensible conversation apart from the other two.
[23:22] <Alicia> "Wizards love their ribald humour," Marie opines sagely. "You know how Alicia rhymes her spells when she's stressed out? You'd be amazed how many common cantrips started out as dirty limericks."
[23:23] <Kotono> "There's magic that does that, isn't there? Seira can cast it," Getting to the front door, Latha opens the door. You find it's pitch black inside, not a scrap of light on. Not that it's really bothersome to you, with darkvision and all.
[23:24] <Kotono> "Uh huh." Antenora just smirks, "I'm sure you could tell me all of them in detail. But anyway, how time consuming is that spell, Alicia?"
[23:26] <Alicia> "Only a minute or so from what I recall," Alicia replies, going to light a lantern. "Any idea where Jessica and Hugo are, Marie?" she asks her familiar.
[23:26] <Kotono> As you light the lantern, shedding light inside, "Sister?" Jessica calls out. "Are you home?" Her voice comes from upstairs."
[23:27] <Alicia> "I'm not sure, actually," Marie admits. "They weren't around - oh, there we go," Marie trails off with a shrug.
[23:27] <Alicia> "We are," Alicia calls back. "Everyone safe and sound." Notwithstanding Amaryl's brief death, but there's no need to belabour that.
[23:28] <Kotono> "Could you come up here?" Jessica calls, "Please?"
[23:29] <Alicia> "Coming," Alicia calls back, wondering what Jessica needs as she heads up the stairs and towards her sister's bedroom.
[23:29] <Kotono> Antenora eyes, "Want company or is this a sistery matter?"
[23:32] <Alicia> "It's alright, you might as well get something to eat since your ring will take a week to start working again," Alicia waves off Antenora, prompting Marie to eye the former baatezu.
[23:32] <Alicia> "So we can look forward to seven days of you glowering at the kitchen table and stabbing your food like it was your worst enemy?" she enquires sweetly. "And sleeping half the day away like a lazy sloth, to boot!"
[23:33] <Kotono> "Well, at least I HAVE to eat..." Antenora begins, but Alicia misses this. She heads upstairs, the door to Jessica's room open. It's completely dark here, Jessica sitting on her bed in the darkness. Her gaze is at the door as you enter.
[23:34] <Alicia> "Everything okay, sister?" Alicia asks as she steps inside, wondering why she's sitting up all alone in the dark. It's somewhat creepy.
[23:35] <Kotono> "You look tired." Jessica's eyes follow Alicia in the darkness, "Sit down."
[23:38] <Alicia> Well, it has been a long day. Since she didn't bring any candles Alicia just casts a light cantrip to illuminate the bedroom as she goes to take a seat next to Jessica. "I'm not nearly as tired as I was when this whole mess started," she reassures, hoping she'll elaborate on what's bothering her.
[23:40] <Kotono> "Good." Jessica half smiles, kicking her feet down. After a moment, she speaks again. "It's strange being able to see in the dark now. It's been happening over the last few weeks, along with dreams."
[23:41] <Alicia> Well, that explains why the- wait, what? "What?" Alicia blinks in surprise. "Dreams?" Seeing in the dark is strange, but odd dreams grab her attention more, since she's had her fair share of them and they always seem to herald changes.
[23:43] <Kotono> "Yes. The last few weeks. I started seeing in the dark at the same time. Each night, I'd start to dream of you, Latha, Antenora, Marie, Dawnhope, Hugo. Just living life, but in time you'd begin to glow gold and white. All of you would, but me...until the end of the dream, when I began to as well. You were gone, so I went to Shankar to consult on this matter."
[23:45] <Alicia> "Go on," Alicia invites, starting to have an inkling of where this is leading. She's more familiar with the concept of a fiendish presence tainting a place, so it's equally possible that the presence of so many celestials (or close relatives) living in close proximity has had an influence on their mortal housemate.
[23:47] <Kotono> "He cast a few spells on me and read some books. He said that the Outer Planes have a way of affecting the Prime Material and mortals if they're exposed too much. Elysium and Dweomerheart, for example. He said there was one way to find out, with an incantation he'd taught me recently."
[23:47] <Alicia> "Which incantation?" Alicia asks interestedly, crossing her legs as she turns to face Jessica fully.
[23:48] <Kotono> "Alter Self. You're familiar with it. If this works..." Jessica shrugs, "I was waiting for you to come home to find out.:
06[23:51] * Alicia reaches over to squeeze her sister's hand. "Whatever happens, you're still you," she reassures.
[23:51] <Kotono> "I already got that speech from Shankar." Squeezing back, "I'm not sad, it's just a lot to take in. Now then..." Jessica calls on arcane words! Magic flows around her, and with a pop...a little Lantern Archon floats where Jessica once was. "...oh my..." Jessica murmurs, bobbing in the air.
[23:53] <Alicia> "Oh!" Despite being half prepared for it, Alicia is still a little startled. "How does it feel?" she asks. "You should be able to fly just by thinking where you want to move - the spell makes it as easy as walking in your real body."
[23:54] <Kotono> Jessica does so, drifting towards Alicia's head. "It's...simple, natural and easy. I get it...and Alicia," Her voice turns into gushing, "Your head...!"
[23:56] <Alicia> "Oh, come on!" Alicia gives her sister a flat look of mock exasparation. "I get enough of that from Marie and every pixie I ever meet. Besides, you're just a big ball - you'd roll right off."
[23:56] <Kotono> "You could have played along," Bobbing in the air with laughter, "Let's go downstairs? The simplest way is to just show this to everyone."
[23:57] <Alicia> "Antenora will probably hug you to her bosom," Alicia laughs a little herself as she gets up, going to lead her transformed sister downstairs.

[Corwin]

[18:38] <Kotono> > "I already got that speech from Shankar." Squeezing back, "I'm not sad, it's just a lot to take in. Now then..." Jessica calls on arcane words! Magic flows around her, and with a pop...a little Lantern Archon floats where Jessica once was. "...oh my..." Jessica murmurs, bobbing in the air.
[18:38] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Oh!" Despite being half prepared for it, Alicia is still a little startled. "How does it feel?" she asks. "You should be able to fly just by thinking where you want to move - the spell makes it as easy as walking in your real body."
[18:38] <Kotono> > Jessica does so, drifting towards Alicia's head. "It's...simple, natural and easy. I get it...and Alicia," Her voice turns into gushing, "Your head...!"
[18:38] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Oh, come on!" Alicia gives her sister a flat look of mock exasparation. "I get enough of that from Marie and every pixie I ever meet. Besides, you're just a big ball - you'd roll right off."
[18:38] <Kotono> > "You could have played along," Bobbing in the air with laughter, "Let's go downstairs? The simplest way is to just show this to everyone."
[18:38] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Antenora will probably hug you to her bosom," Alicia laughs a little herself as she gets up, going to lead her transformed sister downstairs.
[18:40] <Kotono> Downstairs, Latha is fixing up a plate of fruits, vegetables and meat. Meanwhile, Marie and Antenora sits down, the former on the latter's head. "Then..." Antenora gestures with a butter knife, "I charged the wraith...Hm? Alicia? Who's that?
[18:40] <Kotono> "
[18:42] <Alicia> "It's Jessica," Alicia replies, gesturing to her orb-like sibling, prompting Marie to look over.
[18:42] <Alicia> "Oh, Mystra, I was only gone for a few hours and you died?! And became a lantern archon - never saw that coming," she mutters briefly under her breath before taking off and floating around Jessica. "I'm so sorry!" she keens, hamming it up shamelessly.
[18:43] <Kotono> Antenora blink-blinks, "Who?" she asks very quietly, "How? Why?"
[18:44] <Kotono> Jessica laughs as she flies around Marie, a giant glowing ball-lantern lapping the eladrin. "All of you, by being yourselves, because apparently the Outer Planes are like that."
[18:45] <Kotono> Latha puts down the plate of food, "Are you saying our presence caused you to spontaneously shed your mortal life and become a spirit?" Her voice raises, "I've heard of the Planes affecting the mortal realm, but rarely so pronounced!"
[18:46] <Alicia> "She's not really an archon," Alicia explains for any who don't get it. "She's using magic like I did earlier today. She's touched by the planes but not an actual spirit."
[18:46] <Alicia> "Yes, we're very corrupting like that," Marie nods earnestly.
[18:48] <Kotono> "You are at least," Crossing her arms and glaring at Marie, "I understand that. Even before Alicia began to ascend, she certainly changed me. With you visiting Dweomerheart and spending most of your time around outsiders, perhaps it was expected. When the mortal and the eternal meet, the mortal crumbles away like ash in the wind."
[18:49] <Kotono> "Oh, lighten." Jessica flies over to Antenora, "It's not as if I died. Besides, Marie is a fine example of a celestial as far as I care."
[18:50] <Alicia> "Thank you!" Marie beams happily, glad someone at least gets it.
[18:51] <Kotono> Starting to orbit around Antenora's head, "Marie, don't you think Antenora still takes things too seriously? What about you, sis?"
[18:51] <Kotono> With a warm chuckle, Latha goes back to making the meal. Quietly, in Alicia's mind, 'She is somewhat like an aasimar now?'
[18:53] <Alicia> "Oh, she's fine the way she is," Alicia waves off criticism of the resident reformed baatezu, in no real mood for an argument. "So where are Hugo and Dawnhope, anyway?" she asks her sister. 'Possibly,' she replies to Latha, 'There's no obvious tells in her normal appearance, though.'
[18:54] <Kotono> As Jessica orbits Antenora, the erinyes watching her go 'round and 'round, "They're at the temple. Commander Oberuth's ordered each temple to have a military detachment on grounds until further notice, so I felt it was nearly as safe a place as I could find in Balmuria. Besides, I needed to do some things today."
[18:55] <Kotono> 'I do wonder. We're leaving an imprint on the world. By the time Mystra calls you to Dweomerheart, I wonder if this house will be sacred ground for Mystra's followers?'
[18:59] <Alicia> "I'll go and pick them up - might as well have everyone together for dinner," Alicia decides, giving Latha a faintly unamused look. 'Hopefully not, I'd rather not see pilgrims picking through my house to make relics of my hairbrushes and cutlery.'
[19:02] <Kotono> Latha's voice is light in your mind, 'Your housedress will become a sacred artifact, worn by the high priestess of Mystra on special holidays. Flippant or not, look at Jessica. We ARE leaving our mark on the material realm, Alicia. Perhaps those who spend a night here will find inspiration from Saint Alicia, or have maladies healed? This isn't abstract theory, but reality. Your sister shows it.'
06[19:09] * Alicia thinks back to her experience with Dendragam's Tomb in the endless plains, and is forced to nod as she heads out, continuing the telepathic conversation despite distance. 'Maybe you're right, but it's still rather disconcerting.'
[19:14] <Kotono> Latha puts the food down as she goes, leaving the others to eat and be merry. She makes to follow Alicia, keeping within range. 'I believe that Mystra may wish for you to start thinking of yourself less as a human and more of what you are - a celestial champion. You are infintely larger than life; your very presence will change the order of things with enough time. Your very body is so sacred it is sanctified. You have begun to transcend m
[19:14] <Kotono> Your very body is so sacred it is sanctified. You have begun to transcend mortality.' Hurrying to catch up to Alicia in the meanwhile, switching to speaking aloud, "The first time I met mortals, they wished to bow to me as a Goddess incarnate. It was...ah yes, awkward is the right word."
[19:17] <Alicia> Since Latha's following Alicia slows pace to match her and talk aloud. "I don't expect anyone who enjoyed such treatment would make a particularly good angel," she notes agreeably.
[19:18] <Kotono> "Naturally." Smiling now, "Arrogance is a sin that has caused celestials to fall to the Depths Below. I encourage you not to be arrogant, but to understand your new place in the order Mystra has set forth for you. She has given you holy titles and decreed that you shall be an eternal spirit. It is not your lot to be a human, watching the years erode at them. It is your fate to be their guardian, protector and humble guide."
[19:25] <Alicia> "The way I see it, what I've been doing has taken me this far, so it must be good enough to stick at it," Alicia shrugs. "I don't want to be some distant pinnacle of holiness that all but taunts others with her unattainable virtue."
[19:25] <Alicia> "I'm temperamental, proud, and oh so very violent - but despite it all, I always try to do the right thing. I like to think that's something people can understand and relate to, and be inspired to try themselves."
[19:27] <Kotono> "I'll let you know a secret I'm sure you've noticed," As you walk to the temple, people come and go. Further, several soldiers are on watch, marching near the gates. Many of them salute you as you enter. "Celestials, are pure as we are, aren't perfect. Sometimes we feel things just as you do. I've felt the tuggings of anger, righteous and otherwise. I've felt the intoxicating lure of lust, the corroding grasp of pride. We are not celestial
[19:27] <Kotono> I've felt the intoxicating lure of lust, the corroding grasp of pride. We are not celestials because we are beyond them, but because we overcome them."
[19:33] <Alicia> "I know that," Alicia smiles at Latha after returning the passing salutes. "But perception matters. There's a thin line between presenting something to aspire to, and an unrealistic ideal. That's why I'm loathe to distance myself from my humanity."
[19:36] <Kotono> Latha is quiet after that, nodding after some time. "Yes. Antenora even embraces a found humanity now. She said to me once that she was making up for a lost childhood. Look at her and Marie, it's like loving sisters quibbling."
[19:42] <Alicia> "For all that it can be tiresome on occassion, I think they're good for each other," Alicia nods, accepting the subject change. "And sometimes their arguments carry a small nugget of wisdom here and there."
[19:45] <Kotono> "Yes." As you walk through the temple's courtyard, wizards and worshipers going about their nightly duties, "The old human saying is true - opposites attract and allure. For all they squabble over law and chaos, they are attached to each other. Oftentimes, this leads to one of them saying something profound...sometimes." Latha starts to laugh, "Othertimes, it does seem to engender pettiness."
[19:46] <Alicia> "You weren't here when they decided to settle things with a sandcastle building contest," Alicia laughs a little herself as they seek out Hugo and Dawnhope. "If Hell and the Abyss ever came up with that, we'd all be doomed."
03[19:48] * Yomi is now known as Seira
[19:49] <Kotono> Laughing as well, "I got the story. Did they truly decide that it was the right way, while..." Shaking her hread ruefully as you head to the cathedral, "Antenora retains a teaseful-ness to her when she likes someone and is in the right mood, doesn't she?"
[19:52] <Alicia> "She used to have quite a mouth on her," Alicia snorts quietly, recalling those early days with the devil in the house. "These days only Marie catches the brunt of it. Since Marie only showed up after she'd come around, I shudder to think how things might have went had she been around from the start."
[19:53] <Kotono> "Catstrophic?" As you enter the cathedral, you see Hugo and Dawnhope sitting by themselves, a book spread between them as Dawnhope flutters above it, reading and pointing to it. "Love takes many forms, though. Friends who argue as much as enemies is one of them."
06[19:55] * Alicia nods to Latha, tabling the conversation for now as she approaches Hugo and Dawnhope. "Hello," she gives them both a big smile, reaching over to ruffle Hugo's hair. "What are you reading?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "Alicia," Hugo smiles up to Alicia, hugging her. Dawnhope flutters, "It's the story of the ghaele eladrin Sandsun who lead a group of desert efreeti away from law and evil." she says, "It's inspirational!"
[19:58] <Alicia> "Oh, that does sound good," Alicia agrees, hugging Hugo back. "Do you two want to come home for dinner and we can all read it together afterwards?" she offers.
[19:59] <Kotono> "Dinner!" Hugo stands up, while Dawnhope agrees and hops onto Hugo's shoulder.
06[20:00] * Alicia gives the little eladrin a brief smile, picking up the book in one hand and taking Hugo's with the other as she leads the little group back home.
[20:04] <Kotono> Thus dinner comes and passes, the story told. The evening begins to wear on. Antenora is sitting on one of the chairs, listening and yawning. Latha and Marie guide Hugo through a simple game of cards, while Dawnhope watches. Jessica has returned to her normal form, humming to herself as she watches as well. Nonetheless, Antenora rouses herself. "Alicia," she calls over to her.
[20:06] <Alicia> "What is it?" Alicia asks, looking up from the card game in progress.
[20:07] <Kotono> "It's a nice night. How about we go get some fresh air," she says, getting up, "A breath of it before it's time to sleep."
06[20:08] * Alicia suspects it's more than that, but is happy enough to play along. "Alright," she nods, getting up as well. "We'll be back shortly," she assures everyone else, heading out with Antenora.
[20:10] <Kotono> Antenora goes out back, going to sit on a pile of wood. She turns her gaze up to the starry night sky, winter's cold gusting about. A little bit of snow lingers in shaded places, dotted about like tiny hordes of snowy treasure. After a few moments of studying the sky, "You look like you bit into a lemon every time Malcanthet's name was mentioned. I just want to let you know that I won't let anyone from Malcanthet's realm interfere with us
[20:10] <Kotono> I just want to let you know that I won't let anyone from Malcanthet's realm interfere with us or get close to you, no matter what agenda they pursue."
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03[20:13] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Aya
02[20:14] * Laggy (~Laggy@64-71-1-82.static.wiline.com) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Aya))
03[20:14] * Aya is now known as Laggy
[20:14] <Alicia> "Am I that transparent?" Alicia asks, leaning against the garden wall and letting her wings dangle over it. "Hopefully it won't come to anything - I know what Lord Saul said, but the Neverborn seems to have has thrown itself fully behind Pale Night. I can't see Malcanthet wanting to risk entangling herself with another demon queen if she gets involved."
[20:17] <Kotono> "I can tell," With a murmur as soft as a cloud's breath, Antenora turns to gaze onto Alicia, "I can see Malcanthet meddling. It is her spawn, and she may see a chance for power, Pale Night be damned. But I'm hardly an unbiased judge." Going to stand and approaching Alicia, settling right next to her in the same posture, "I won't let you be hurt, I won't let you be tempted...and Mystra help me, I won't let them turn you into some sort of su
[20:17] <Kotono> I won't let you be tempted...and Mystra help me, I won't let them turn you into some sort of succubus thrall. Even if I end up having to face Malcanthet herself."
[20:20] <Alicia> "Hmph. If she sends Ebony then I might not actually be too upset for a chance to get some payback there," Alicia admits, looking upwards to the clear sky above. "Between Marie and Latha we shouldn't have to worry too much about enchantments, anyway."
[20:22] <Kotono> Antenora follows Alicia's gaze, thew intry sky full of tiny starlights. "Ebony can die. But if another comes..." Antneora looks to Alicia, "I'll be ready. If you need anything of me to help with this, ask it and I'll do it for you."
[20:26] <Alicia> Since Antenora's hinting so blatantly, Alicia finally consents to address the elephant in the room. "If I run into G'renna then I won't fight her unless I have to. Even if her intentions weren't pure as the driven snow, she went out of her way to help me, and I have to respect that. I don't know if there's really any goodness inside of her, but it's more than I've seen from any other demon."
[20:30] <Kotono> "What if she offers to change herself, in exchange for your bed? What if she offers some other honeyed bargain that sounds oh so tempting and reasonable?" Antenora looks to Alicia's face, "Alicia. I beg of you, take these words to heart. When a demon, devil...any of the ones below do that, it's only a way to worm closer to claiming your immortal soul. If I had thought carnal pleasure would have claimed you, I would have done it. If riches
[20:30] <Kotono> If I had thought carnal pleasure would have claimed you, I would have done it. If riches would have swayed you, you would be a mogul now. If power was your game, you would rule this world. For a pure soul as yours, nothing is too much to offer. Once fallen, the terror you would make in the Abyss..."
[20:34] <Alicia> "Please, Antenora, give me a little credit," Alicia turns to regard her friend. "I'm not that naive. Just because I have qualms about chopping the head off of someone who helped me in the past, doesn't mean I'm inclined to throw my life away for her good graces."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Then why do you look so worried whenever anyone says Malcanthet," Antenora's voice is rising, heat coming from it. "I remember how you were, Alicia. They got to you, more than you want to admit to anyone else."
06[20:43] * Alicia sighs and looks away, not wanting to admit this, part of her thinking it's entirely right and the other that it's entirely wrong. "I don't want to have to kill G'renna, but if we meet again I probably will. Her loyalty to Malcanthet will overrule whatever fragile understanding we reached, and I'll have no choice but to stand against her. That's why I don't want to ever see her again."
[20:45] <Kotono> "You're fond of her." Antenora's voice is softening a little, taking a long breath before she speaks. "Do you..." She asks, "Is that what hurts you so inside, the fear of that?"
[20:52] <Alicia> "This is supposed to be a secret, but I managed to become fond of you long before any of the things I tried to teach you sank in," Alicia admits, leaning towards Antenora and lowering her voice. "Had you lived down to my initial expectations and fears, I'd have hunted you down and painfully returned you to Hell. I'd have done it, but it would have killed me inside."
[20:52] <Alicia> She straightens up once more, "So I appreciate it that you spared us both such a difficult experience, but I doubt G'renna would be so accomodating."
[20:54] <Kotono> Antenora's quiet for a long time at that. She just looks to the sky, at last sighing. "I understand, Alicia. Gods help me, I do. I became fond of you before I even considered truly changing my ways." She kicks at the ground, kicking at it, "Does she feel the same way about you, do you think? Is there any shreds of real feeling there, or just demonic manipulation and lusts?"
06[20:58] * Alicia shrugs helplessly. "She's of a breed known for being consumnate manipulators, and is an exemplar of all any succubus could aspire to be. She openly boasted of previous conquests, and yet still somehow I got the sense she considered me differently. But that could simply be part of her manipulative charm."
[20:58] <Alicia> "I really don't know, Antenora," she shakes her head. "But if it were to be tested, I expect I'd be disappointed."
[21:01] <Kotono> Antenora goes over, putting her arm around Alicia. She's quiet after that, letting thew ords linger in your hearts and minds. "As much as I loathe demons, if you think there's a chance she could be changed..." She looks away, "What the hell could I do? Kill her? I'd be a hypocrit of the worst sort. But to imagine her worming into your graces...I..." Antenora sighs again. "I can't stomach the thought of a succubus being that close to you. D
[21:01] <Kotono> "I can't stomach the thought of a succubus being that close to you. Damn it..." With utter disgust in her voice, "Mystra, you would think I would have the wisdom to put aside the emnity of the Blood War and the hate of chaos if there was hope for her, but even with that, I just can't."
[21:03] <Alicia> "It's alright, Antenora, really," Alicia pats her back, "She's a succubus. Of *course* it's right to be suspicious - we'd be utter fools not to be." Deciding a subject change is in order since this isn't really going anywhere, she puts on a mischevious smile and continues, "On the other hand, I did offer to get you a marilith one time, didn't I?"
[21:04] <Kotono> Antenora just looks down for a time, a weak smile. "I'd rather have Marie, anyway. She's more fun than a marilith could ever be."
[21:06] <Alicia> "She is, isn't she?" Alicia agrees, all the mariliths she's met having been rather disagreeable types. "It'll be nice to bring her along on this one, too, I think. She's been housebound too long."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmmm." Antenora looks back up at the sky, "Alicia? Can I ask you one more thing?"
06[21:08] * Alicia nods absently, wondering what else is on her mind.
[21:10] <Kotono> "If G'Renna offered to reform earnestly, would you take the risk with her, even knowing how I feel?" Antenora's voice is very soft, blending into the night breeze.
[21:14] <Alicia> Why does it sound like she's being asked to choose? Still, like Antenora herself said, it would be immensely hypocritical to refuse. "I couldn't refuse if someone offered that, even if I thought they were full of it. But it wouldn't be pleasant, as you well know," Alicia replies seriously.
[21:16] <Kotono> "I know." Antenora's gaze is distant, letting another silence form. "I don't want to lose you. I never told anyone, but after you got home, I..." Antenora looks down, "I was worried. I was worried that you'd run back into the Abyss, never to be seen again. It would kill me inside. The thought of chaos taking you away..."
[21:19] <Alicia> "That won't happen," Alicia swears. "I was very vulnerable that time, and barely understood what was being done to me. Now I'm forewarned, as Latha says, my body is sanctified, and my magic is sufficient to flee the Abyss with only a word."
[21:21] <Kotono> Finally starting to smile, a weak one that looks like it could slip away, "Praise Mystra. If you need or want anything...I'm there." Antenora looks Alicia in the eyes, "No matter when, what or at what price."
[21:23] <Alicia> "I know I can count on you, Antenora," Alicia acknowledges her friend's steadfast and uncompromising support with a smile of her own. "But I don't intend to place you into a position where you have to pay a price on my behalf."
[21:27] <Kotono> "If it does come to that, I'll pay it without a cloud in my heart." Antenora kneels before Alicia, "You are my superior, my savior and my best friend. I would fall into Hell again to save you. I love you with my heart and soul and always will, until the end of time. Also, I know you'd do the same for me if you had to."
06[21:28] * Alicia looks a bit embarrassed, taking Antenora's hand and pulling her upright. "I would. Because we're friends," she affirms quickly and uncomfortably. "So you really don't have to kneel before me."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Alicia." Antenora chuckles, "Love isn't a dirty word. Besides, you'd be off the market if I wanted you like that. I love - as a friend."
[21:30] <Kotono> Antenora then rises, going up with Alicia.
[21:32] <Alicia> "It's the kneeling, not the love that makes me uncomfortable," Alicia explains, shaking her head. "I'm not your Queen, Antenora."
[21:36] <Kotono> "Alicia..." Antenora begins, before shaking her head with a smile. "Never mind it...though..." With a thought, "Is G'renna why you're so uncomfortable with anything close to that?"
06[21:39] * Alicia rolls her eyes. "No, I didn't see anything sexual in your kneeling, but thanks for putting that image in my mind," she replies exasparatedly.
[21:40] <Kotono> "Not what I meant." Starting to smile a little warmer now, "A female succubus DID traumatize you rather throughly."
[21:42] <Alicia> "I got better," Alicia shows a smile of her own. "Now come on, the others are probably wondering about us - lets go back inside?"
[21:44] <Kotono> "Let's," Antenora goes, following Alicia along. "After all, Marie has a dirty mind. She'll be wondering all sorts of sordid things. Tsk, tsk, tsk."

[Corwin]

[20:55] <Kotoro> ---
[20:55] <Kotoro> Ooof! Abruptly Seira finds herself in a forest, the Abyss gone! It's dark and sunset-y here, red sunlight coming down. The air is clean, fresh, un-Abyss tainted.
01[20:57] <Seira> "Undo it!" Seira demands as soon as she gets over her disorientation, and puts two and two together. That damn, cheating balor! Now, all she can do is place her faith in the wish imbued with Lagann, and hope its power is enough to undo this single, terrible event.
[21:00] <Kotoro> OOC: What are you trying here? Limited wish for...? Clarify exactly.
01[21:01] <Seira> OOC: Wishes can literally undo misfortune and transport people wherever. Limited Wishes can undo the harmful effects of spells, so I was hoping it could undo this or give me a reroll.
[21:03] <Kotoro> OOC: I'll give you a caster level check against Lsyscrea's caster level, say. I'm not quite sure how to handle this offhand but it seems like a fair enough method for the moment.
05[21:03] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:03] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.51.230) has joined #evildunes
01[21:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+18 I'd like to use the +10 ignorance bonus here as well, if you'll let me
06[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 I'd like to use the +10 ignorance bonus here as well, if you'll let me and gets 32." [1d20=14]
[21:05] <Kotoro> OOC: Okay, assuming it says any check.
[21:05] <Kotoro> roll 1d20+22
06[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotoro rolls 1d20+22 and gets 32." [1d20=10]
01[21:05] <Seira> OOC: Good thing I did!
[21:06] <Kotoro> OOC: By the way, for this one(do it now) and in the future, write up your wish. Don't make it over technical/hedging or it'll autofail, but I want to hear in your words what you're diong to do IC with them. This appiles to you as well for yours, 'licia.
01[21:07] <Seira> Lacking in imagination as Lagann is in anything not having to do with metal, Seira aligns her mind with his, calling upon the arcane might to reshape reality, and uncast the vile magic used so cowardly on her!
[21:11] <Kotoro> For a moment reality twists on itself, Seira feeling her body weaken...but in an instant, then...OOC: Back to #dunes in a few.

[Corwin]

[21:39] <Kokokokokoko> ----
[21:39] <Kokokokokoko> Okay, prep up spells first. Are you going to visit Neve alone or...?
03[21:39] * Kokokokokoko is now known as Kotono
03[21:39] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Kotono
01[21:43] <Seira> Okay. I want to take Abby along, and my spells would be greater teleport+limited wish for lvl7, superior resistance +2 blank slots for lvl6, and as posted for lvl0-5.
[21:44] <Kotono> Okay.
01[21:44] <Seira> If the elven rod wasn't returned by Abby yet, we'll return it as we go
[21:44] <Kotono> Okay.
01[21:44] <Seira> I mean, I asked her to, but she might not have had the time. Anyway, that's about it.
[21:44] <Kotono> Are you using regular or greater TPs over there?
01[21:45] <Seira> Greater TP to get there, we'll see re: return
03[21:48] * Laggy (~Laggy@64-71-1-82.static.wiline.com) has left #evildunes
[21:48] <Kotono> Where are you TPing to?
01[21:49] <Seira> The entrance
01[21:50] <Seira> With heroism precast
[21:50] <Kotono> Wooosh! The air is thin and the cold bitter as the two appear at the entrance to the silver dragon's lair. Abagail grimaces, "The cold is still damnable here," she shivers, rubbing her arms.
01[21:52] <Seira> "I doubt we'll be staying long enough that it's an issue," Seira tells her, before raising her voice. "Neve! There's something I need to speak to you about."
[21:52] <Kotono> No immediate reply.
01[21:53] <Seira> She might not be there, but on the off chance she's somewhere, hiding, Seira decides to see whether Neve's unique fur coat is anywhere within her range of detection.
[21:54] <Kotono> OOC: How far is your range?
01[21:55] <Seira> OOC: 1160ft
[21:57] <Kotono> Neve is above and outsider, Seira can detect.
[21:57] <Kotono> *outside
01[21:59] <Seira> "I'll take us there?" Seira offers, deciding to fly up to Neve rather than attempt a short-range teleport that might not go over too well.
01[21:59] <Seira> *take us to her
[22:01] <Kotono> As you take a shivering Abagail up, Seira ascends! In a little rocky crevice in the mountain above, you find Neve's fur coat. It lies there tucked between the rocks, yet there is no sign of Neve nearby.
06[22:02] * Seira spends a moment staring at it curiously, estimating how long the coat had been lying there.
[22:03] <Kotono> There's a bit of snow atop it but not too much. The coat is folded strangely - none of the interior can be seen, only the furry exterior.
06[22:05] * Seira frowns, but finds a spot where they wouldn't immediately freeze to death, and then casts a Sending with Neve as the recipient.
01[22:08] <Seira> 'I came to talk with you about an important matter regarding us both. Are you home? Can you meet me at the entrance?'
[22:09] <Kotono> Seira sends the Sending! There is no reply. As Abagail shivers bitterly, her lips turning blue, "A-a-anything?"
06[22:10] * Seira shakes her head to the negative. "Under the circumstances, we should look at the coat," she says, doing as much.
[22:11] <Kotono> "To wear it?" Abagail says with open hope, "This c-cold is completely uncivilized. Don't you have the means to protect from the elements, Seira?"
01[22:12] <Seira> "To see whether it was folded this way for a reason," Seira responds. "If this fails, we'll do something about the cold or just leave."
[22:14] <Kotono> The interior of the coat is stained. Written in icy blue in the center is the following, "I once heard a story that creatures called snakes shed their skin and leave it behind. That's a preposterous story. Isn't it?" Then, below that, "Then again, what does a one eyed near zombie have here?" Below even that, at the bottom hem of the jacket, "It was a good vacation to the east, wasn't it?"
06[22:17] * Seira drops it back, standing up abruptly. "We're returning for now," she states. "I'll take us to the capital of Pallanth. You could teleport us back home from there, correct?"
[22:17] <Kotono> Abagail reads over Seira's shoulder, "...you don't think she...?" Amid her shivers, "Seira?"
01[22:19] <Seira> "I don't know," Seira admits. "You're right. This is why I brought you. I need someone to think straight when it comes to her." She takes our a pair of scrolls of Endure Elements, and hands one over to Abagail. "Let's see if she went back, as this implies? She couldn't have gotten far, going by the snow."
[22:21] <Kotono> Abagail immediately casts, her shivering stopping. With a momentary smile of utter relief, rubbing her fingers and forearms, "Sorry, run your ideas by me? My mind was concentrating on not turning into a solid block of ice."
01[22:22] <Seira> "She tried to return to where she came from," Seira says slowly. "That's what I think it means. Except she can't, since there is an all-encomassing barrier in that direction. If we head after her, we might be able to catch up to Neve."
[22:23] <Kotono> "Maybe." Goign to rub her shoulders together now, "Is there any better way to find her than blindly open? A dweomer that can speed this up? If speed is important..."
[22:24] <Kotono> *blindly go. Weird typo.
01[22:25] <Seira> "I don't have a large mirror to scry for her with. Amaryl might have been able to track her, but I can't really bring her here until the next day at the earliest." Seira looks miserable. "I don't know. This isn't what I expected to see when coming to warn her and remove the curses upon her."
[22:26] <Kotono> Abagail considers a few moments, "Maybe she wanted a fresh start after all of what happened with you? Like selling a summer residence that a loved one dies in and buying a nicer one after."
01[22:30] <Seira> "I'll try to find out, then," Seira decides, memorizing another Sending and then directing it to Neve once more, the message being, 'I was wrong. I won't apologize, but I intend to restore you to how you were. I'll return in a week.'
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check?
01[22:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+37 okay
06[22:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+37 okay and gets 40." [1d20=3]
[22:35] <Kotono> There is no reply. Abagail watches throughout, resting and breathing deep anda little rapidly. "Is it possible she's..." Abagail trails off again, "Be it of her own volition or another creature or accident?"
01[22:38] <Seira> "I don't know. I can't tell, if she's not talking to me," Seira says, though she's calmed down by now. "We are returning. If you can allot the time for it, I would like you to scry for her daily. Since we still have some of Neve's blood for exactly this purpose, even if the reasoning behind it was different, you might be met with success and answer that question, at least."
[22:38] <Kotono> "I'll do the first one today," Abagail agrees, "I can spare an hour for this."
06[22:39] * Seira nods, and takes hold of Abagail's arm, focusing on a frozen elven village serving as their rest point.
01[22:39] <Seira> roll 1d100 ring
06[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 ring and gets 49." [1d100=49]
[22:39] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and roll your TPs.
01[22:39] <Seira> roll 1d200 limited wish to TP to the Citadel
06[22:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d200 limited wish to TP to the Citadel and gets 80." [1d200=80]
[22:39] <Kotono> OOC: d200?
01[22:40] <Seira> OOC: Typo.
01[22:40] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 53." [1d100=53]
[22:40] <Kotono> OOC: Stopping there?
06[22:41] * Seira intends to report to the elven council about what they have discovered about the nature of their enemy and Celebrimbor's fate, after which she would focus on opening a path from the Citadel to Balmuria, by way of the temple of Helm.
[22:42] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, for the sake of making sure you get everything done in order befor eyo ugo, we'll skip over yet another infodump. Okay.

[Corwin]

[18:35] <Kotono_Ibis> ---
[18:35] <Kotono_Ibis> Okay Seira, what' son your agenda here?
01[18:36] <Yomi> Slightly adjust my spell list, then scry and such. I assume my fourth permanent TP circle went off without a hitch?
01[18:36] <Yomi> Citadel->Temple of Helm
03[18:37] * Yomi is now known as Seira
03[18:37] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[18:37] <Kotono_Ibis> Yeah, nothing apocalyptic happened.
01[18:37] <Seira> Edits to the posted spell list: Helical Mirage->Resist Energy, Heroism->MCaE, Greater Invisibility->Voice of the Dragon, Greater Mirror Image x2->blank, GMW->Scrying, Empowered Flame Whips->Greater Heroism, Twinned Ray of Dizziness/Twinned Melf's Unicorn Arrow->Greater Teleport x2
[18:37] <Kotono_Ibis> Okay.
[18:37] <Kotono_Ibis> For reference, what are the curses you put on Neve?
01[18:39] <Seira> Bestow Curse: -4 penalty, -6 decrease to con, -6 decrease to cha, each turn/50%. The last one was removed when she was released.
[18:39] <Kotono_Ibis> Okay.
01[18:39] <Seira> I'm pretty sure it was con and cha, anyway.
[18:39] <Kotono_Ibis> Just making sure I had them straight.
01[18:39] <Seira> So she should have a -14/-19 penalty to the roll, depending on how well I'm considered to know her
[18:40] <Kotono_Ibis> Okay, go ahead and make the relevant rolls for scrying?
01[18:40] <Seira> roll 1d20+18 SR
06[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 SR and gets 19." [1d20=1]
01[18:41] <Seira> Abby can try, I guess. If she fails, I'll do something else today and try again tomorrow.
[18:41] <Kotono_Ibis> Seira spends an hour and promptly realizes her spell was resisted. A 1? Again? Really?
[18:41] <Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+11
06[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31." [1d20=20]
[18:42] <Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d20+12 (-10 body part) will
06[18:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d20+12 (-10 body part) will and gets 14." [1d20=2]
[18:42] <Kotono_Ibis> ---
[18:43] <Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Forgot the -4 for curse but with a 2 it's irrelevant.
[18:44] <Kotono_Ibis> After Seira's spell fizzles, Abagail spends an hour casting. The two stand by a polished silver mirror, watching as reality comes into form. You see a glinting, glacial view. Ice caves, perhaps? Pure, solid ice. Within one Neve lies, wearing a slightly darker fur coat and leaning against a icewall. She is eating what looks to be frozen meat and broken up ice.
06[18:46] * Seira breathes out a sigh of relief. "She wasn't abducted or worse. That's good." She spends a few moments just observing Neve, before casting her preparatory spells in order, extending their duration whenever possible.
01[18:46] <Seira> "Would you like to come along, or stay here and watch?" Seira then asks Abagail, when she feels ready to proceed. "If you use Message on me, we should be able to remain in contact either way."
01[18:48] <Seira> OOC: Extended MCaE, Extended Resist Energy/Cold, Voice of the Dragon, Greater Heroism.
[18:48] <Kotono_Ibis> Abagail watches, "Frozen dinner?" With a sidelong look at Seira, "I thought Message didn't extend that far?"
[18:48] <Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Okay.
01[18:48] <Seira> "No, but it works through the scrying spell."
[18:48] <Kotono_Ibis> Thus Abagail nods and casts Message!
[18:48] <Kotono_Ibis> roll 1d100
06[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono_Ibis rolls 1d100 and gets 25." [1d100=25]
01[18:50] <Seira> "You should be able to read the situation even without it, given this," Seira adds, gesturing at the massive mirror used as a medium for the scrying process. "I might need your help, here, so stay sharp." And then, taking a deep breath and schooling her features, Seira teleports to the outer edge of the scrying spell, the farthest she can manage from Neve.
[18:51] <Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Scrying only sees 10ft around the sensor, do bear in mind.
01[18:51] <Seira> OOC: It's so I don't land in her lap
[18:54] <Kotono_Ibis> Woosh! So Seira appears. She stands inside pure ice - the walls are ice, everything is frozen. Neve sits against a wall, eating some sort of frozen meat. Her gaze barely breaks away as Seira appears, her breath misting in the air. "How abrupt. The great archmage can't be bothered with common courtesy?" Neve's good eye stares at Seira, a strip of fur over and covering her empty eye socket.
01[18:55] <Seira> "You didn't get my Sendings?" Seira asks, taking a look around. Should there be a conveniently empty spot of wall opposite of Neve, she would claim it for herself to sit facing the fey. "In any case, I was worried that the demons got you, so I decided to forego the week and scried for you."
[18:57] <Kotono_Ibis> Neve's mono-eyed gaze settles onto Seira as she sits next to her. "What do you want now?"
06[19:01] * Seira nods curtly. "I would like you to listen. We didn't understand each other that well before, and it bothers me a lot, but that aside, I'm sure you realize I wouldn't have done this without a very good reason. There has been a series of attacks on our world by demons and liches.
01[19:02] <Seira> The latter hit uncomfortably, too close to home. I felt terrible, thinking that a fate worse than death claimed you again, and that was when I was forced to reevaluate what I have done." Seira sighs. "I'm not sure why, but you happen to be among the very few matters in the world I can't react to objectively.
01[19:02] <Seira> Still, because I've made mistakes and hurt us both, does it mean I just give up and leave you to fend for yourself if they decide to come after you, as they have for every strong, worthy being on Prime?"
[19:07] <Kotono_Ibis> "At first I thought you were a fool. Now I know better," Neve tosses her food aside, standing up. "You're a devil. Oh no, demons and liches are coming for me! I'll make you better, but you'd better do what I say now! I've had long enough to stew in my curses and losses, surely I'll come groveling back at a chance to be made whole, no matter what flimsy excuse you have for it?"
01[19:09] <Seira> "And yet, I didn't ask you for anything. First, I wanted to warn you, and I did. Next, I will remove the curses, so that you have a real chance if they do come for you. There is nothing past it."
[19:10] <Kotono_Ibis> Neve watches Seira with silent chilliness. "Do it then."
06[19:11] * Seira nods once more, and takes out her spellbook. "I'll need about a quarter of an hour to acquire the right spells. If you would like to use that time to finish your breakfast, we would both be ready by that time."
[19:12] <Kotono_Ibis> Neve seems content to watch Seira quietly, not offering conversation but simply waiting. OOC: You can go ahead if you like.
06[19:14] * Seira calms herself, opening her mind to the arcane as she settles into her meditation, memorizing the spell she needs to break a curse upon Neve. Once she is done, Seira puts her spellbook away, and stands up, approaching the fey. "You will need to relax as much as you are able. I can't really make the situation any less difficult between us as is."
[19:14] <Kotono_Ibis> Neve crosses her arms but after a moment she nods. "Very well."
06[19:16] * Seira nods herself, unwilling to force a cure on someone even if it is within her power. She first undoes the chains on Neve's magnetic personality, before following up with her health, and culminating with removing the last, most insidious of the curses upon her. Taking a few steps back, she observes Neve silently.
[19:17] <Kotono_Ibis> Neve's posture grows stronger. There is a different gleaming in her eye, her shoulders held higher. "...mph. Thechains of magic are indeed gone." Neve admits.
01[19:19] <Seira> "I'm not at the stage where I could heal your eye," Seira admits, "but I do have the right contacts. It's only gold, so I'll secure the necessary scroll. However, the emergency situation back home truly is dire, so that might take time. Perhaps only a week. Perhaps longer. I apologize, but my duties to those I am sworn to protect limit my ability to act independantly at such a time."
[19:22] <Kotono_Ibis> "So be it." Neve's gaze is distant, chilly and frozen. "Demons and liches, hm?"
01[19:25] <Seira> "If you see or hear of doll-faced demons, just do your best to avoid them, for Pale Night's servants never travel alone," Seira tells Neve, brushing bits of snow off her clothing in preparation of returning.
[19:26] <Kotono_Ibis> "They don't? Very well." Neve merely nods, expression unchanging.
06[19:28] * Seira gives Neve one last look, before she nods as well and teleports over to the mountain where she left the Roc to form a nest for itself.
01[19:29] <Seira> OOC: Greater TP again
[19:32] <Kotono_Ibis> Woosh! Seira appears in the Galkass Mountains, the chilly air whirling about her. The sky is cloudy and hazy, sharp winds blowing about.
06[19:34] * Seira is more than protected from chill, not even giving the weather a second thought. Instead, she looks for any telltale signs of the creature she had befriended previously.
[19:34] <Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Going to basically look around for the birdie?
01[19:42] <Seira> OOC: Sorry! Yes. Or signs of nests.
[19:43] <Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Make a search check?
01[19:43] <Seira> roll 1d20+34
06[19:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+34 and gets 53." [1d20=19]
[19:45] <Kotono_Ibis> Seira follows a trail of feathers, coming to a high peak. Atop this peak nests the great roc seen before. The chill sunshine shines down on the majestic bird as it surveys all the mountains from its lofty perch.
01[19:47] <Seira> "Hello again, Roc," Seira greets it. "I've heard of the great exodus of the lizards from these mountains, so it is not too much to hope that you have been doing well?"
[19:47] <Kotono_Ibis> From above the great bird looks down. It speaks in the words of the wind, "I have hunted well."
06[19:48] * Seira reciprocates, quite naturally. "My appreciation. I lost a very dear friend to those things, once upon a time."
[19:50] <Kotono_Ibis> "They hide in the stone from my pussiance and wrath. Let them be eaten."
06[19:54] * Seira smiles at the nice thought of shocker lizards cowering before their inevitable doom. "I have come today with a request," she says, however, getting back to the reason for her visit. "There have been attacks on our city and those of our allies. Cowardly attacks that came without warning or reason, guided by demons and their ilk.
01[19:54] <Seira> Would you concent to lending your strength to our defense? Even if no further attacks come, our citizens would be, without a doubt, reassured to see you in our midst." Once they were prepared for the idea, of course, Seira doesn't add.
[19:57] <Kotono_Ibis> "I am willing, for I owe you a debt. However, is it not your Lady's words that nothing is for free? A quantity of human coin could be useful and proper compensation."
01[19:59] <Seira> "I was prepared to negotiate proper compensation," Seira agrees, having expected as much. "But if I might ask, what value is gold to you? Only dragons collect gold for gold's sake. Any other being I have come across thus far merely sees gold as a means to acquiring that which they truly wish to possess."
03[19:59] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5447166e.wfd83a.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[19:59] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:00] <Kotono_Ibis> "It is a useful tool and many value it for it's wealth. That is why."
01[20:01] <Seira> There is quite a bit Seira wants to ask. Such as where the Roc intends to spend his gold, or which store owner would even understand Auran enough to negotiate for purchases. Instead, she merely inclines her head. "A suitable reason to satisfy my curiousity. What sort of rate did you have in mind?"
[20:02] <Kotono_Ibis> "A human may work for a single circle of gold. I am worth at least a thousand humans, so a thousand gold coins."
06[20:04] * Seira inclines her head once more. "The terms you have specified are acceptable. I would consider our oral agreement a binding contract, but if you wish for one, I could produce a written contract instead and give you a copy to keep."
[20:05] <Kotono_Ibis> "Your word will do."
01[20:06] <Seira> "As will yours," Seira tells the Roc with a bright smile, before trying to get in touch with Amaryl, asking mentally, 'Are you busy?'
[20:07] <Kotono_Ibis> 'Only a little - I'm taking a bath,' Amaryl sends back, 'What's going on, Seira?'
06[20:09] * Seira takes a long moment to respond. 'Hmm? Ah, right. I talked to the Roc and we've reached an agreement. He will aid us in return for a fee, which is of a thousand golden coins. I can handle that, so all we really need right now is for the Commander to decide where Roc's services would be most needed, and to prepare the populace. I was thinking of Valandia, myself.'
[20:10] <Kotono_Ibis> 'I can go talk to him...hold on, let me get out.' There's a pause of several moments, then, 'Or send Donald to do it.'
01[20:11] <Seira> 'That's what Donald's for! No need to rush, take your time,' Seira relates happily.
[20:12] <Kotono_Ibis> 'Okay. When will you be back home?'
01[20:14] <Seira> 'Probably too late to join you, but what do you think about a short trip to Astral afterwards? I had an idea about something I could do to better myself.' Or die trying, it goes without saying.
[20:14] <Kotono_Ibis> 'I'll be ready,' Amaryl sends back, 'Whenever you are.'
01[20:15] <Seira> 'Thanks,' Seira thinks, settling to wait as she fills the Roc in on recent events that are common knowledge in the Baronies, making small talk.
[20:15] <Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Killing time or going somewhere with this, by the by?
01[20:16] <Seira> OOC: Just want Obi to decide where the Roc will go and guide him there/give directions. This can happen off screen.
[20:18] <Kotono_Ibis> OOC: Easily enough done. Okay, going to meet up with Amaryl?
01[20:19] <Seira> OOC: Yeah
[20:20] <Kotono_Ibis> Amaryl and Seira meet in their private quarters. Amaryl is dressed and ready to go to battle, "There's little rest when everything is on the line, no?"
01[20:21] <Seira> "Unless you count all the time we spend out of battle, just going somewhere or waiting," Seira responds with a smirk. "Let's go grab Abagail, and I'll run my plans by you two. If there's anything stupid, I'm hoping you'll catch it and stop me."
[20:24] <Kotono_Ibis> Amaryl leans in and gives Seira a light kiss right on the lips. "Promise I will." With that the three meet in the garrison, a quiet room put aside. Abagail sits primly in a high wooden backed seat, while Amaryl sinks into her own, hands in her lap. "Well then?" Abagail asks, "What's your grand plan?"
01[20:28] <Seira> "We were considering heading into the ruins to seek further blessing from our patron deities in a manner that would not harm the restrictions placed upon all parties," Seira begins her perhaps unnecessarily officious explanation. "The idea is that if they act too much, the other side gets a wedge in.
01[20:28] <Seira> Unrelated to this, I wished to take this chance to get as much done, as much built here on this world while I still had the chance. One of those things I wished to mend was the gate to the Plane of Water, which required me to head to Astral.
01[20:28] <Seira> But when I thought of those two ideas together, I realized that Waukeen had already opened a path for me by bequesting me to seek out the red dragons of Astral to gain her approval. If I need the strength to challenge Pale Night's servants and allies, it might well lie there."
[20:30] <Kotono_Ibis> "Dragons? Plural?" Abagail cocks an eyebrow up, "That sounds deleriously dangerous. A single dragon is enough to put your life in danger, multiple is suicidal."
01[20:31] <Seira> "That would not change, even if I became as powerful as possible as a mortal," Seira points out. "All that would, in fact, change is how many of the dragons I could put down before being slain myself. Therefore, I have theorized that Waukeen does not wish me to battle a draconic horde, but to accomplish a different task."
[20:33] <Kotono_Ibis> "What's the task then?" Amaryl quietly asks, "Seira..." Shaking her head, "A group of reclusive red dragons, what goal is to be found there?"
01[20:36] <Seira> "This was back when I still held onto my preconceptions of how dragons of certain types are beholden to their supposed natures," Seira responds, frowning. "The single example of Ajan aside, of course, and he was bound and could possibly have been lying about certain matters.
01[20:36] <Seira> I remember asking Waukeen if I could affect the red dragons the way they wished to affect me, and turn them around. Since I was told I could try... also, Waukeen can't possibly want me to commit genocide to prove myself. Maybe she wants to see if I can approach the dragons and negotiate with them, before leaving the group alive?"
[20:38] <Kotono_Ibis> "That...that makes sense," Abagail says after some squinty-eyed thought, narrowing in on Seira. "Waukeen's a trade goddess. Negotionation and diplomacy are her calling cards. Certainly she may understand the need for strength at arms, but it's not her nature."
01[20:41] <Seira> "Plus the red dragons aren't harming anyone!" Seira agrees, fervently hoping this is indeed the case. But wouldn't they have heard about it in their travels? She shakes her head. "It must be a trial Waukeen has placed before me, and I might discover its next part as I embark. Or I might not realize a single thing until after I've returned."
01[20:41] <Seira> If I return. "So the questions here are, really, is this a foolish idea, and if not, what should I do to prepare myself before setting out on this quest?"
[20:45] <Kotono_Ibis> "It's a large risk. If the dragons are hostile, can you get out of there in one piece?" Abagail puts her hands together, "Where in the Astral is it? If you have confidence in yourself and in Waukeen, I'd try."
01[20:47] <Seira> "It really depends on magic working for me or against me," Seira admits. "If I see the sign of hostility, I can command Lagann to get me away. Unfortunately, if planar travel of any kind is forbidden in the area where they stay, he would be unable to protect me in this way. And, of course, this doesn't even account for the slim possibility of being attacked on sight or ambushed."

[Corwin]

[19:07] <Kotono> > "That...that makes sense," Abagail says after some squinty-eyed thought, narrowing in on Seira. "Waukeen's a trade goddess. Negotionation and diplomacy are her calling cards. Certainly she may understand the need for strength at arms, but it's not her nature."
[19:07] <Kotono> <Seira> "Plus the red dragons aren't harming anyone!" Seira agrees, fervently hoping this is indeed the case. But wouldn't they have heard about it in their travels? She shakes her head. "It must be a trial Waukeen has placed before me, and I might discover its next part as I embark. Or I might not realize a single thing until after I've returned."
[19:07] <Kotono> <Seira> If I return. "So the questions here are, really, is this a foolish idea, and if not, what should I do to prepare myself before setting out on this quest?"
[19:07] <Kotono> > "It's a large risk. If the dragons are hostile, can you get out of there in one piece?" Abagail puts her hands together, "Where in the Astral is it? If you have confidence in yourself and in Waukeen, I'd try."
[19:07] <Kotono> <Seira> "It really depends on magic working for me or against me," Seira admits. "If I see the sign of hostility, I can command Lagann to get me away. Unfortunately, if planar travel of any kind is forbidden in the area where they stay, he would be unable to protect me in this way. And, of course, this doesn't even account for the slim possibility of being attacked on sight or ambushed."
[19:08] <Kotono> "Dragons are all highly skilled with magic, yes?" Abagail considers as she ponders this, voice speculative. "I would imagine they'd have the best wards and protections around a signifigant group lair or site of importance that they could have. The chances of being able to shift or teleport out of it...not good. Not good at all."
01[19:09] <Seira> "Would you normally do that?" Seira wonders. "Teleporting through Astral often has no meaning, so why ward against it?"
[19:12] <Kotono> "I don't know. It depends on how the dragons think. How do dragons think," Looking right at Seira, "Aren't they reclusive?"
01[19:15] <Seira> "So you're thinking they're paranoid enough to prepare for everything?" Seira shrugs. "I suppose they had the time for it, if so. But it would be pretty nasty of them to let me in unchallenged, and only then to try and kill me. If their hostile intentions are shown clearly as I approach, I might be able to escape yet."
[19:16] <Kotono> "It would be nasty. It would also be intelligent to lure you in and then crush you en masse. If they want you dead, I can hardly think of a better way," Abagail smirks a little, "Besides, aren't most dragons arrogant in regards to us? They see us as lesser beings, at least according to the studies?"
06[19:18] * Seira can't really argue with that. "It would show far more cunning and trepidation towards said lesser beings than anything we've seen so far of the dragons we came across, but again, that hardly means it can't happen," she agrees.
[19:19] <Kotono> "Besides, it may not be you they fear, but what about other dragons or immortals?" Abagail nods along, "I'd be as well prepared as possible and have a few powerful outs."
01[19:21] <Seira> "Any idea if there's a spell that breaks through dimensional anchoring, even if only temporarily?" Seira asks next, wondering whether Wish in any of its forms might be able to accomplish that task.
[19:24] <Kotono> "None that I know of," Abagail answers offhand.
06[19:27] * Seira considers this some more. "Anti-magic should stop it, but won't let me escape, either. A powerful dispel might suppress the effects, however."
[19:30] <Kotono> "Anti-magic is a double-bladed sword," Amaryl frowns, "Can you defend yourself against giant dragons without magic?"
01[19:34] <Seira> "Surprisingly well!" Seira agrees. "But yes, any direct escape plan would be based on hoping for a strong suppressant of the spell keeping me grounded via Greater Dispel. I'll probably only have one chance at this, too. I certainly hope I don't need to do this at all, however."
06[19:34] * Seira frowns. "We're back to the part where we're considering Waukeen is sending me into mortal peril to either slay red dragons or get eaten. If we work off the negotiations and trade angle, then what could Waukeen expect to gain from me contacting the red dragon horde?"
[19:36] <Kotono> "I don't know...would a red dragon know? Ajan?" Amaryl considers this fo ra time, frowning more as she does. "We're speculating without really knowing what we need to know."
01[19:38] <Seira> "How about we go and see him?" Seira muses, finding herself nodding alongside Amaryl's words. "I could use the chance to introduce you to him, too."
[19:38] <Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl smiles hesitantly, "Waukeen will protect me...I'm sure of it. She made sure I came back to you." Amaryl stands, "Let's go then?"
01[19:42] <Seira> "She likes you a lot, and I can see why," Seira agrees, smiling back with far more confidence. Turning towards Abagail, she asks, "Please help Elle in the near future? She is working on making really impressive ancient orbs of instant communication operational once more, and they could prove invaluable in case of another attack on our allies.
01[19:42] <Seira> Or, alternately, as the means to keep in constant touch with members of the Guard when they're away on matters such as this one."
[19:44] <Kotono> "I am. I'm helping her, working with Eudard, Xavier and the Helmites on defense, consulting with Commander Oberuth..." Abagail leans back in her chair, rubbing her temples. "There's barely enough time to get a full night's rest so I can refresh my magic."
06[19:45] * Seira directs a smile at Abagail as well. "At least we have the best excuse to get one?"
[19:46] <Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along to Ajan now? If so, which way are you taking?
01[19:47] <Seira> OOC: I'll give us water breathing and head through the sea, I think
[19:53] <Kotono> The swim through the sea is chilly and wet, much like the normal winter sea. You pass by forgotten gates and defeated bees, reaching Ajan. He is waiting, staring down at you as you enter. His voice shakes all the firmanents of the earth, "You have returned, Seira..." His burning red eyes settle onto Amaryl, "The touch of Waukeen is with you. You may pass as you please."
01[19:55] <Seira> "Ajan, Amaryl. Amaryl, Ajan," Seira introduces the two, gesturing when is appropriate. Ajan seems to appreciate directness, so she doesn't dawdle. "I have," she proceeds to say. "Our pact calls for me to venture to the Astral to seek out the red dragons there. I find myself unable to delay this much longer. Could you help explain to me just what is happening?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "On what matter?" Ajan rumbles, the scent of smoke filling the chambers, coming from his nostrils. "What has provoked you to challenge them? The actions of the Dark Six?"
06[19:58] * Seira nods. "I feel that if I prove myself before Waukeen in this manner, I would gain her support against the Dark Six, who are directly aided by a Neverborn and Pale Night. Against such odds, I don't believe I can put this off any longer."
03[20:02] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5af2ae8f.tcl126.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:03] <Kotono> "Proceed to the Astral and seek your destiny, dragon." Ajan snorts, flames leaping out around his eyes. "You have always wanted to be a dragon, no?"
01[20:06] <Seira> Maybe not always, but certainly a key part of her life. "I really don't want you to take this the wrong way, especially given how much you've helped me in the past," she tells Ajan, "but if I'm misinterpreting Waukeen's wishes, I'm likely to die and then I can't succeed in my goals, including the key one of slaying Daa-vid and ending this prison."
06[20:06] * Seira pauses. "From my understanding, seeking the dragons out might result in me becoming one of them, but will my mind still be my own? Will I be allowed to return? Is that what Waukeen has in mind?"
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check here, Seira?
05[20:07] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:08] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.51.230) has joined #evildunes
01[20:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+47 still have voice of the dragon up
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+47 still have voice of the dragon up and gets 58." [1d20=11]
[20:09] <Kotono> "What becomes of you on your success or failure will be the ultimate test," Ajan peers down at Seira, "That is the fire that will test your soul and temper your scales. I cannot answer that question, for your own destiny lies in your claws. If you are truly a dragon, you will make your own destiny there, no matter the will of inferior creatures. If you cannot, you will be made or discarded by superior creatures. Such is the way of dragons.
[20:10] <Kotono> superior creatures. Such is the way of dragons."
03[20:12] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:14] <Seira> "I'm comfortable with having my fate in my own hands, and I fear no tests," Seira says in a measured tone of voice. "Thank you, Ajan. Lack of knowledge is a terrible thing. With no idea what to expect, I worried over having to wage needless battles against the entirety of that clan."
[20:21] <Kotono> Ajan's scaly lips curl up, showing several long, white, sharp tearing teeth. His eyes blaze, burning with crimson fires. "If you must have some knowledge then, know this: For all of a dragon's physical might, it's greatest asset is the powerful mind, intellect and will that drives it. A dragon lacking those is no better than a wild animal."
01[20:22] <Seira> It would be pretty shameful to fail after this, so Seira nods once more. "Thank you once more for your time, Ajan," she tells the wyrm. "I'll be off to seize my destiny, then."
[20:23] <Kotono> Amaryl gulps and bows as well, "T-thank you," she murmurs.
[20:26] <Kotono> "Go. If you succeed and return to the seals, there is still the matter of your servitude to me once all matters are done." Ajan gazes, "Then we shall talk of things, things that you must know."
01[20:27] <Seira> "I have not forgotten of that," Seira agrees, and steps back, before turning around and walking out of the chamber.
[20:29] <Kotono> Once you are walking back with Amaryl and through the first portal, "So it's your will and your mind that's important and not your might?" Amaryl asks aloud.
01[20:31] <Seira> "Might can't be meaningless, but this likely means there is a battle of wits or something along those lines?" Seira ventures. "My preparations could make all the difference, here, though I'm hardly a slouch without them. Still, sounds pretty dangerous. What are you going to do?"
[20:32] <Kotono> As you travel along, coming back ot the ocean, Amaryl takes her time in considering. Just before you go into th ewaters, "Seira." She says at last, "You think you can triumph?"
01[20:33] <Seira> "I will triumph, whatever the tests."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Then I'll be here for you, or at your side there, or whatever else you wish." Stopping now, "Always."
01[20:36] <Seira> "It's insanely dangerous, but is defending the eladrin children in the Abyss or fighting ancient liches at their fortresses any safer?" Seira snorts. "If you go, there's just one thing. You can't show weakness before the red dragons. You're trying to become one in your own way, and to be meek towards them might be dangerous. Can you handle that? Some might be as powerful as Ajan."
[20:37] <Kotono> "...I will." Amaryl promises, "I will."
01[20:38] <Seira> "Let's go, then. I saw a vision of a valley I think I need to seek out, so that's as good a starting point as any. Lagann will take us to Astral, and if we're in luck, the way onwards would be revealed to us."
[20:40] <Kotono> OOC: Going to exit out and then plane shift along?
01[20:41] <Seira> OOC: Yes. Normally, I'd appear within 5d100 miles of the valley, but I dunno how Astral works with that
[20:42] <Kotono> OOC: Distance is mostly irrelevant in the Astral so it hardly matters.
01[20:42] <Seira> OOC: Yeah. PM question first, please?
[20:43] <Kotono> Thus Seira returns home and rests...OOC: Resting for the day? Go ahead and switch spells/prepare?
01[20:43] <Seira> OOC: Yeah, sec
[20:46] <Kotono> OOC: Lemme know when.
01[20:50] <Seira> OOC: dune
01[20:51] <Seira> OOC: ready~
[20:53] <Kotono> Thus Seira and Amaryl prepare in Seira's room. Once ready and finishing a glass of water, "Are you ready?" Amaryl asks, "I think I am, as much as I'm able."
01[20:56] <Seira> "Time to see the dragons," Seira agrees, enchanting Amaryl's bow and then calling upon Lagann's power to transport them towards their starting point.
01[20:56] <Seira> OOC: GMW
[21:00] <Kotono> All about you is hazy silver. You float in the Astral Sea, emptiness from horizon to horizon. A silent, peaceful timelessness settles over you, Amaryl looking about several times. "This is the Astral? It's truly as empty as your books said it would be."
01[21:01] <Seira> "It's certainly boring to travel alone," Seira agrees, taking Amaryl's hand and gesturing forward. "Be bold, make your own path. That's what Ajan was saying, right? Then the way lies here."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Let's go then," Amaryl nods, as thet wo start to fly ahead. OOC: Good to move along?
01[21:03] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[21:05] <Kotono> Thus you fly into endless silver expanses. How long you fly...you do not know. Time escapes you within a few 'moments' of moving, leaving everything behind. Ahead...you see something. A small red shape is flying in the Astral, coming in your direction.
01[21:07] <Seira> Dragonskin and Heroism are both defensive spells, unmistakenly so, and Seira imbues herself with them both in a flash as she pauses, sharing the latter with Amaryl, all extended past their natural ability. Voice of the Dragon is a somewhat more tricky proposition, but at least it should allow Seira to sound like one of them, so she invokes it too, before resuming her wait for the shape to draw closer.
[21:10] <Kotono> The shape takes some time to approach. It is...a dragon? A human sized dragon, scales of glossy red and pouncing ahead in the air. With a loud, boisterous voice, "Halt, I am Scorch!" It pronounces. "What business do you have passing here, humanoid?"
06[21:12] * Seira has already halted, considering that she might be on the verge of tresspassing, and having no desire to do so unannounced. "My name is Seira," she introduces herself in Draconic. "My destiny lies ahead."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Destiny?" The little dragon laughs all over, "What destiny does a little flea like you have? If you know what's good for you, you'll turn around and go home!"
01[21:17] <Seira> "If I were not guided to this place for my final transformation, I would not be here," Seira calmly points out.
[21:18] <Kotono> "Oh yeah?" The little dragon scowls, a hint of flame leaking from it's mouth, "How do I not know that you're just a lying bandit trying to get out of being cooked?"
01[21:19] <Seira> "If a dragon's greatest asset is their sharp intellect, then I am more suited for being here," Seira points out again, this time with just a bit of haughtiness as she exhales mesmerizing golden flame. "Unless you are secretly the oldest of wyrms, the one you addressed as a flea can rend you limb from limb. What purpose is served by blindly picking unwinnable fights?"
[21:20] <Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidation check, +3?
01[21:20] <Seira> roll 1d20+35
06[21:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+35 and gets 51." [1d20=16]
[21:21] <Kotono> The little red dragon skirks back, "F-fine!" With a snap it turns tail and hurries away, "I'-I'll let you pass!"
06[21:22] * Seira inclines her head at the fleeing red dragon for Amaryl's benefit, and follows it at a pace that comfortably keeps it in sight without giving the appearance of chasing the small dragon down.
01[21:23] <Seira> OOC: Laf, forgot the +10 from VotD
[21:24] <Kotono> Amaryl cracks a smile, "That was just a wyrmling dragon?"
01[21:25] <Seira> "At least they're not all ancient and hopelessly set in their ways?" Seira responds with a smile of her own. She hardly relaxes just because an outer perimeter guard was terrified by someone of her power, however. The true test is not even yet to begin.
[21:27] <Kotono> As you fly on, you quickly see Scorch vanish. A moment later, the silvery horzin begins to glow with a faint hint of red. You can feel a faraway heat lick your bodies, from so far away, yet felt teasing you.
[21:29] <Kotono> Amaryl squints and peers ahead, a hand over her eyes, "Red? Its' getting a bit warm, too. You feel that, Seira?"
01[21:30] <Seira> "This might be the valley of lava. I considered this," Seira admits. "But judging durations on Astral is next to impossible, so warding you against the heat might have run out at the wrong time, and I didn't want to risk that. If it becomes too much, hold back?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "Okay." With that you advance on! You fly for a time, the heat and glow maintaining an evenness. You fly for a little while until...it approaches out of the Silver Sea, not hiding itself. A large sized dragon, propelling itself with it's wings. "Hail!" It calls as it comes closer.
01[21:34] <Seira> Once more, Seira finds herself coming to a halt. "Greetings. I am Seira," she returns, introducing herself to this new dragon as well. "I come here because it is time for me to embrace my true nature fully."
[21:35] <Kotono> "I am Kalfyra. I am traveling, looking for a mate." So announcing, the dragn stops 50 feet away, hovering in the Silver Sea. "A worthy dragon to couple with me."
06[21:38] * Seira just barely stops herself from launching into coughing fit, stumped by this development. "If I took this the right way, I'm sorry, but I'm already taken. If I didn't, then I guess I'll have to apologize again, if only for different reasons."
[21:39] <Kotono> With a snarling snap, "You presume foolishly, humanoid! To think, degrading myself to mate with you!"
01[21:41] <Seira> It takes supreme force of will not to extoll her virtues in the face of this, but Seira preserves. Rather, she calmly waits for the anger to pass. She had apologized in advance, after all.
[21:43] <Kotono> Quivering all over from scale to claw with the utmost fury, "Such arrogance! I deign to allow you some information on me and you mock your superior being?!"
01[21:47] <Seira> Seira's lips part in a snarl. "Don't push it, Kalfyra," she tells it threateningly. Ajan said that she is not to care for the will of the inferior, but pass on as the superior being she seeks to confirm herself as, and so she lets her anger show openly. "Only a wyrm might presume to treat me so callously and have a prayer of avoiding consequences. Do not mistake politeness for subservience!"
[21:48] <Kotono> "You dare to act as if you are equal to me?!" With a gust of flaming mirth, "Pathetic! You are as flammable and weak as the rest! You will scream and die in my fires if I deign to burn you!"
01[21:50] <Seira> "Equal? Hardly," Seira states with disdain, flames gathering in her palms. "Fire, you said? Fine. It is a worthy handicap. We'll see which of us burns the hardest as I restrict myself to that single element!"
[21:51] <Kotono> With a roar, Kalfyra gushes flames at Seira, eyes burning with fury! OOC: Goa head an dmake a ref save if you care to.
01[21:52] <Seira> It is a hard call, and the one Seira makes is perhaps foolish, but if she dodges first, she in effect forfeits. If she is the one to endure and force Kalfyra to flinch, that is a clear advantage.
01[21:53] <Seira> OOC: I won't save, and will mock him if he does. If I don't burn to death.
[21:53] <Kotono> roll 8d10 fire damage which is completely irrelevant.
06[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 8d10 fire damage which is completely irrelevant. and gets 46." [8d10=4, 1, 7, 3, 10, 10, 5, 6]
[21:54] <Kotono> Fire washes over Seira...yet burns her not at all, leaving her unscorched and unbothered! Kalfyra snarls again, "Magic, doubtless."
06[21:55] * Seira meets the sheathe of flames with a sneer, practically looking down at Kalfyra's words despite their relative sizes. "Excuses, the refuge of the weak," she says scornfully, breathing a stream of golden flames back!
01[21:55] <Seira> roll 8d8 FIRE
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 8d8 FIRE and gets 46." [8d8=1, 5, 7, 8, 5, 6, 8, 6]
06[21:57] * Seira draws the staff that is Elle's greatest gift to her, holding it before her as she moves into an openly aggressive stance. "That was my true nature. But if you would like to see my fire magic, just say the word. I will get serious."
[21:58] <Kotono> "Tsch..." Glowering at Seira, the dragon turns away, "Youa ren't worth my t ime!" With that it flies past Seira, not looking her way in the least.
06[21:59] * Seira doesn't give him the time of day, either, though even as she resumes her advance towards her nebulous goal, the staff remains in her hands.
[21:59] <Kotono> As you begin to fly again, "Curious," Amaryl says aloud, "That wasn't a very old dragon, either."
01[22:01] <Seira> "Either this is coincidence, as we meet progressively older dragons as we come closer to the core hosting the supreme ones, or it is a way of testing the unworthy," Seira muses quietly in response. "Either way, the chances are our next encounter with a dragon will be with one I will need to go all out against to best, or find some common grounds with.
01[22:01] <Seira> Granted Waukeen's nature, I will strive for the latter."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Like a circle of tests, hm? That's logical," Amaryl flies along. As she does, the horizon begins to burn in the distance, leaping flames glimpsed at the edge of the red tinted Silver Sea.
01[22:04] <Seira> "That, or the young ones preferring to explore more, or being used for the more menial tasks," Seira agrees. "Would you dispatch an old dragon to guard the perimeter?" But the burning horizon soon occupies her attention, and she peers ahead at it.
[22:05] <Kotono> It's leaping flames, coming out of nothing and flickering into the sky. "That's a good point. Why waste the important ones first?"
06[22:07] * Seira intends to come closer and see if it's a dragon entertaining itself with its breath. If it's not one of the old ones she'd mentioned to Amaryl, talking her way past it should be doable.
[22:09] <Kotono> Thus you fly along for a time. The flames come no closer, yet you travel ahead. How long are you at it? You are not sure. Time folds and twists onto itself, passing without notice. But eventually, you find yourself in front of it. A huge dragon, red as bunished hot metal. It stares down at you, sitting in the AStral Sea as if solid. "Who comes here?"
01[22:12] <Seira> "My name is Seira. My nature is a proud red dragon," she introduces herself, bowing respectfully.
[22:13] <Kotono> "My name is too complicated for a humanoid. Valin will do." It answers, it's voice booming across the Astral. "Why have you come here?"
01[22:14] <Seira> "I entered into a pact with an elder wyrm on Prime by the name of Ajan. Through this pact, I grew to embrace my new nature. Now, I am ready to take the final step in my transformation," Seira responds. Hiding the truth is meaningless. She is here to seize her destiny, not to skulk about and steal it from the unwary.
[22:17] <Kotono> "So you're Ajan's thieving little spawn?" With molten red eyes that bristle with fiery hate, "You think you can confront us after wiggilng out of your fate?"
01[22:20] <Seira> "Those decisions were all made without true understanding of the facts," Seira responds evenly. "I wish to gain that understanding now. If I had inadvertantly wronged you, Waukeen would have me pay suitable amends. That I came openly shows my intentions louder than any words I might say in my defense."
[22:22] <Kotono> OOC: On second thought, make diplo here, I thnk
[22:22] <Kotono> .
01[22:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+49 okay
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+49 okay and gets 60." [1d20=11]
[22:26] <Kotono> The dragon watches, Valin silent until Seira is done. "You have commendable courage for a lesser being. I wonder...did Ajan use you, or did you sign yourself over willingly?"
01[22:30] <Seira> "I believe that I should impart my story fully, or at least the salient points," Seira responds, spending several moments gathering her thoughts before proceeding. "I will quite naturally present myself in as good a light as possible, but my story contains no falsehood, evasions or half-truths. All I will add is my perspective.
01[22:31] <Seira> Everything started as a blue dragon my friends and I could not hope to deter appeared, threatening the city I was sworn to protect and its citizens. The only way to defeat it was to approach Ajan for aid; this aid he provided to us reliably, but he asked my friends and I to enter into a blood pact with him in order to gain his help. I did so without reservation.
01[22:33] <Seira> Eventually, I learned that I could draw upon it to a degree, and I turned to study it, yet only in a peripheral manner. In my subsequent dealings with Ajan, I did not receive any warning against this, beyond a vague sense that doing so might have consequences one day. I fully intended to meet them, when they were revealed to me.
01[22:35] <Seira> Finally, it was as I was granted a rare audience with my patron deity, Waukeen, I asked to become her servant on Prime, her avatar in all matters, and after asking me if I was certain of this, she had transformed me in some way I do not truly grasp as of yet. Waukeen told me it was the first step, and that the process would be complete, once I sought out the red dragons of Astral.
01[22:35] <Seira> Even to this day, I am not certain how Ajan's shared power is related to another plane, and I find myself eager to learn the truth behind this situation."
[22:38] <Kotono> Valin listens with infinite patience, a draconic smirk of teeth and fire by the end. "Your soul was forfiet...but it seems that Waukeen deigned to spare you. Amusing that she would interfere in a binding, mutual agreement."
01[22:41] <Seira> "She likes me. It might be because I like her back," Seira responds honestly. "This is the sense I've gotten. Despite the restrictions placed on our world, she was always there just out of sight, yet constantly aiding those who need her, including myself." She pauses, before asking the key question here,
01[22:41] <Seira> "Excuse me, but why would my soul be forfeit? Was the pact not based on... it might be foolish of me, but I saw it much like a magely apprenticeship."
[22:45] <Kotono> "Nothing at all? Hah." The dragon chortles loudly, "Then again, perhaps Ajan wanted someone who could survive this long."
01[22:48] <Seira> "At another opportunity, when I asked him to break a curse on me, he demanded serving him for a certain duration to help him find an out of the way lair," Seira volunteers. "I felt the terms we agreed upon as we entered that bargain were straight and to the point.
01[22:48] <Seira> It never occured to me that a loophole might have been present from the very start of my dealings with Ajan." Seira hesitates. "Well, no. I doubt everyone. But this never occured to me in any serious manner."
[22:49] <Kotono> The dragon smiles now, all teeth. "Tell me, how is Ajan doing this millenia?"
01[22:50] <Seira> "He's actually pretty unhappy and sour," Seira admits. "And I don't need to be some sort of genius to guess that he, too, came from this place once upon a time?"
[22:51] <Kotono> "He did far more. Ajan created it." With it's own dire amusement, "Long ago, even for a dragon. Before he forsook everything he made here for his own purposes."
01[22:53] <Seira> Wow, he's really, really old. Seira very carefully doesn't say this. "There was a great war on Prime, between the gods united and a an aspirant mage-king. He took the side of the gods, from what limited information available to us after all those millennia. I wouldn't know if that was his reason for venturing into Prime, unfortunately."
[22:55] <Kotono> "Heheheheheheh. Long ago, Ajan proposed that even dragons were inferior to the spirits of mortal kind, the outsiders. He theorized that the soul was the ultimate form of power and that even the Gods were ultimately only extrodinarly powerful outsiders. Yes, he would have involved himself in that."
06[22:58] * Seira quirks a smile at that. "I find this ironic, I admit. He called the dragons superior beings. To have him change his mind so completely is a bit shocking, but I suppose given the millennia...." She finds herself trailing off.
[23:00] <Kotono> "Indeed. What will your fate be then, Seira? What do you seek here?"
01[23:04] <Seira> "In the short term, I seek power. The power to oppose those who would dare threaten our world and way of life. Liches and fiends, banding together to strike cowardly in the night, those whose greatest wish is to slay innocent children incapable of resisting en masse." (more)
01[23:04] <Seira> Anger seeps into Seira's voice, but she keeps it as cool and respectful as she is able, given her company and the situation she is in. "A dragon in Waukeen's service can oppose them on even grounds, I am certain, and drive off their unwelcome blight." (more)
01[23:05] <Seira> She pauses once more, suddenly reflective. "After that... I believe that dragons are supreme, majestic beings. And I believe in a concept the mortal lands have, of noblesse oblige. Privelege entails responsibility, and dragons are among the top of the priveleged. I wish to shoulder that responsibility properly."
[23:06] <Kotono> "Your words mean nothing to us. We are red dragons...you speak like a gold or a silver dragon! What worth are you to us? What worth are we to you?" Valin challenges right back, leaning in to be nearly face to face, Seira's vision consumed with his draconic head.
01[23:12] <Seira> "Ah, now I understand," Seira responds, unmoved by the draconic head consuming her field of vision. She had faced far more terrible things. Losing Amaryl will forever remain at the top. After experiencing that.... "Some things, I don't yet understand, so I might not sound like a proper red dragon. But those come with age, and I will acquire them!" Seira states firmly.
01[23:12] <Seira> "What I need is the power to crush my opposition! Your worth, to me, is so I could meet Pale Night's challenge head on, as is proper! In return... the maker of this place brought me into the fold. The goddess of contracts broke a contract in my defense. I'm not a bystander. I'm not some castaway. I'm always on the front lines, and I always prevail, growing ever stronger and richer!"

[Corwin]

[19:37] <Ko-IndarknessNitoridwells> <Seira> "In the short term, I seek power. The power to oppose those who would dare threaten our world and way of life. Liches and fiends, banding together to strike cowardly in the night, those whose greatest wish is to slay innocent children incapable of resisting en masse." (more)
[19:37] <Ko-IndarknessNitoridwells> <Seira> Anger seeps into Seira's voice, but she keeps it as cool and respectful as she is able, given her company and the situation she is in. "A dragon in Waukeen's service can oppose them on even grounds, I am certain, and drive off their unwelcome blight." (more)
[19:37] <Ko-IndarknessNitoridwells> <Seira> She pauses once more, suddenly reflective. "After that... I believe that dragons are supreme, majestic beings. And I believe in a concept the mortal lands have, of noblesse oblige. Privelege entails responsibility, and dragons are among the top of the priveleged. I wish to shoulder that responsibility properly."
[19:37] <Ko-IndarknessNitoridwells> > "Your words mean nothing to us. We are red dragons...you speak like a gold or a silver dragon! What worth are you to us? What worth are we to you?" Valin challenges right back, leaning in to be nearly face to face, Seira's vision consumed with his draconic head.
[19:37] <Ko-IndarknessNitoridwells> <Seira> "Ah, now I understand," Seira responds, unmoved by the draconic head consuming her field of vision. She had faced far more terrible things. Losing Amaryl will forever remain at the top. After experiencing that.... "Some things, I don't yet understand, so I might not sound like a proper red dragon. But those come with age, and I will acquire them!" Seira states firmly.
[19:37] <Ko-IndarknessNitoridwells> <Seira> "What I need is the power to crush my opposition! Your worth, to me, is so I could meet Pale Night's challenge head on, as is proper! In return... the maker of this place brought me into the fold. The goddess of contracts broke a contract in my defense. I'm not a bystander. I'm not some castaway. I'm always on the front lines, and I always prevail, growing ever stronger and richer!"
03[19:37] * Corwin is now known as Seira
03[19:38] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
03[19:39] * Ko-IndarknessNitoridwells is now known as Kotono
03[19:39] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
[19:40] <Kotono> "So you want power? The ability to lay your enemies low and feast on the lamentations they cry out?" Valin's great maw crackles with flames, licking against Seira's body. "Now that I understand. What will you do to possess might, Seira?"
[19:43] <Seira> "What I must, short of selling my soul or my allies. Such things are beneath me," she states in disdain. "That's what the petitioners of demons do, weak in body and spirit."
[19:48] <Kotono> "Then you..." Valin glides 20 feet back, still mammoth and gigantic against the backdrop of the Silver Sea aflame. "One on one. If you are a dragon, you can survive this and are worthy of attention! If not, burn in the ashes of history forever!"
02[19:50] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[19:50] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) has joined #evildunes
[19:50] <Kotono> "Then you..." Valin glides 20 feet back, still mammoth and gigantic against the backdrop of the Silver Sea aflame. "One on one. If you are a dragon, you can survive this and are worthy of attention! If not, burn in the ashes of history forever!"
03[19:51] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[19:52] <Seira> "A duel?" Seira asks, as there had been enough misunderstandings that day already. "To surrender or death?"
[19:54] <Kotono> "Surrender," He agrees, "Tell your second to get out of way, lest she burn away."
06[19:54] * Seira gives Amaryl her most reassuring smile, nodding at her.
[19:55] <Kotono> Amaryl takes a breath, smiles to SEira and flies back and out of the way. At that, Valin is coming right at you! OOC: Roll init.
[19:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9." [1d20=4]
03[19:56] * Corwin7 (~cor@193.254.233.38) has joined #evildunes
[19:56] <Kotono> Amaryl takes a breath, smiles to SEira and flies back and out of the way. At that, Valin is coming right at you! OOC: Roll init.
[19:56] <Kotono> > roll 1d20+5
[19:56] <Kotono> * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9." [1d20=4]
02[19:57] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Corwin7))
03[19:57] * Corwin7 is now known as Seira
03[19:57] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[19:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
06[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[19:57] <Seira> roll 1d20 L
06[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20 L and gets 18." [1d20=18]
03[19:58] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lagann>Valin>Seira'
[19:58] <Kotono> OOC: Open Lagann. Terrible luck.
[19:59] <Seira> OOC: Lagann will hold. And wonder why he didn't use nerveskitter on me.
[20:00] <Kotono> Valin looms over Seira, maw going for her to bite her apart!
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26 (+2 charge, -10 PA)
06[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 (+2 charge, -10 PA) and gets 44." [1d20=18]
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 2d8+21
06[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+21 and gets 25." [2d8=1, 3]
[20:01] <Kotono> Seira's body is grazed by the dragon's razor sharp teeth, a few little trills of blood trickling down her obdy! She's able to evade the worst, rolling back with the overwhelming force of the bite! OOC: Seira.
02[20:05] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) Quit (Broken pipe)
03[20:06] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) has joined #evildunes
[20:06] <Seira> Seira's eyes widen despite herself at the unexpectedly swift attack, and she dodges back, firing off a pair of rays designed to halt the dragon in its tracks, even as a powerful orb of cold boosted to the top of her ability seeks out her opponent! While destined to wound it, Seira is actually betting on Valin to take precautions against the cold, while she begins to execute her real plan.
[20:07] <Seira> OOC: Tumbling back and away, twinned ray of dizziness, maximized empowered orb of cold/impromptu SA
[20:08] <Seira> roll 2#1d20+18 SR for ray of dizziness
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2#1d20+18 SR for ray of dizziness and gets 55." [2#1d20+18 = 33, 22]
[20:08] <Kotono> OOC: One success on the ray.
[20:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+20 ranged touch
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 ranged touch and gets 29." [1d20=9]
[20:09] <Seira> OOC: Valin's limited to a standard or a move action per round for 18 rounds
[20:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+20 ranged attack, flat footed
06[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 ranged attack, flat footed and gets 27." [1d20=7]
[20:09] <Seira> roll 90+5d8 cold
06[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 90+5d8 cold and gets 111." [5d8=1, 7, 7, 1, 5]
[20:11] <Kotono> Between ice ray and dizzy ray, Valin wobbles in the air! His majestic wings are at the wrong angles, his head shaken back and forth, "What...manner..." OOC: Lagann?
[20:12] <Seira> OOC: Lagann is still holding
[20:13] <Seira> "I'm honoring you by not holding back," Seira tells Valin, eyeing the dragon while maintaining her defensive stance in the sea of nothingness.
[20:15] <Kotono> "Gh..!" The dragon continues to try and right itself, "Ajan wouldn't send a weakling. Bastard." The dragon shakes it's head in ane ntirely human gesture, "Power enough. Now go ahead before I change my mind!"
[20:16] <Seira> Figuring that she had proven her worth, here, Seira bows to the dragon and proceeds onwards after waiting for Amaryl to rejoin her side.
[20:17] <Kotono> Amaryl rejoins Seira's side as they fly ahead. "That was wonderful! He didn't know what struck him!"
[20:18] <Seira> "Even though he did manage to strike first," Seira admits with disdain directed towards herself, healing her wounds and then warding her skin against such attacks. "I should have been swifter."
[20:18] <Seira> roll 3d8+15
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+15 and gets 25." [3d8=1, 4, 5]
[20:18] <Seira> OOC: Using stoneskin, too
[20:19] <Kotono> "Perhaps, but...why no magic? Magic flows quickly here, and a dragon that big should have some?" Amaryl stops to look back, before flying on with Seira.
[20:21] <Seira> "It's not just the magic," Seira agrees quietly. "He could have mauled me on a charge. Should have, in fact. Either, this is some part of a test, again, or perhaps I'm being lulled into a false sense of security. There's also the possibility of making me run out of my own spells by making me underestimate the dangers. I really can't come up with a favorable idea."
[20:23] <Kotono> "Then we'll just have to do the best we can," Amaryl says as you fly for a time. How long Seira knows now...but it gets warmer. The heat grows around you, the air starting to shimmer-twist with waves of boiling air. Amaryl stops, wiping her brow, "Seira, the heat is getting unbearable..."
[20:26] <Seira> "Wait for me here, then?" Seira suggests. "If it's yet another dragon, once it lets us pass you'll be able to catch up by heading towards me.
03[20:34] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54456f9c.lns6-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:35] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:37] <Kotono> Amaryl nods, "Seira, be careful. I know, I know, I keep saying that, but..." With a weak smile that doesn't last long, "If it's not liches and demons, it's dragons."
03[20:38] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
06[20:40] * Seira takes the warning to heart, casting keen edge on the Resort, and Shield upon her person. If it expires before she reaches her goal, that's just too bad. "Dragons can stand up to the other two," she responds with a slight smile of her own. "I'll show those bastards they shouldn't have messed with us." And with those words, she's ready to proceed towards her next test.
[20:45] <Kotono> Thus Seira flies along for a time! How long she flies is unknown, but the Silver Sea catches fully aflame! AS if she stepped into the firest pits of Avernus itself, the entire air burning! Ahead, a single pair of vast red eyes can be seen in the bonfires all around you, watching.
06[20:47] * Seira heads straight towards those eyes, not showing any fear or reservation. A strange realization overtakes Seira, as she understands that she doesn't feel those things, either. Her mind is focused on making her way to the goal, occupied with the best method to deal with every obstacle along her way, but what it decidedly lacks are thoughts of retreat or defeat.
[20:50] <Kotono> The eyes stay at the same distance from you as you advance, the flames roaring higher. The Astral is gone - all about you is flame. Fire burns in it's most intense way, yet not a bit of it damages Seira. From the flames, "I am Inferno. I have been given eternity to craft the answer to a single question: What is the destiny of dragonkind?"
02[20:56] * Alicia (WinNT@user-54456f9c.lns6-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (scifi-classics.dejatoons.net atarians.dejatoons.net)
02[20:56] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.51.230) Quit (scifi-classics.dejatoons.net atarians.dejatoons.net)
03[20:56] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54456f9c.lns6-c11.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:56] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
03[20:56] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:58] <Seira> "I'm Seira, and I did not have an eternity to contemplate that, but my answer right now start with 'to acquire wealth and power'," she says, hovering inside the crackling fire. "That pursuit is the means through which this destiny will be revealed, I believe. And above all, we are to forge it ourselves, whatever our destiny might be. It is something we must seize for ourselves, and not receive handed down from others."
[21:01] <Kotono> The flames sear hotter around Seira! Her vision is nothing but fire, her body bathed in fire! "You speak as a dragon should. How large is your horde?"
06[21:07] * Seira is forced to consider this question for a bit. "My actual, dedicated horde is slightly under fifteen thousand gold in worth, kept safe in a dedicated lair. That is, however, because most of my funds are put towards securing more of it, all three hundred thousand of them invested into the power side of the equation." It is as accurate an account of her finances as possible, since putting a price on artifacts is pointless.
[21:09] <Kotono> "A fascinating reply." Inferno rumbles, as his eyes vanish. Ahead lies a path of fire, leaindg Seira onward, "What you seek is ahead. Only Tiamat knows if you are able to grasp it without failing, dragonling."
[21:11] <Seira> Waukeen has confidence in her, and Seira never had any issues with Tiamat, either. "Thank you," she says, politeness costing her nothing, and proceeds onwards through the path made for her.
[21:14] <Kotono> How long does Seira fly? She doesn't know. Her magic crumbles away from her, the times seeming to pass, sufficient to elapse the magic already cast. Her mind hazes over with the walk through the Inferno of the Silver Sea, lost into itself. She dreams of fire and chaos, of burning destruction all around her. Within the chambers of her deepest heart, eyes drooping shut, "What are you, crossbreed? A bastard child of human and elf, desperately
[21:15] <Kotono>  eyes drooping shut, "What are you, crossbreed? A bastard child of human and elf, desperately seeking to be neither." OOC: The various spells you ahve cast have elapsed.
[21:18] <Seira> "I want to be a dragon, that is true. But I'm not forsaking my heritage," Seira responds out loud, believing the everpresent voice to be capable of hearing her. "Instead, it is that heritage of human and elf that I will use to bring out my utmost potential as a dragon!" Her face twists. "Also, I'm not a bastard child. My parents were properly married."
[21:21] <Kotono> Seira feels her body burn, sizzling away. It hurts so much, but at the same time, the pain is a distant imitation of real agony. "Only a true dragon is a superior being! Halfbreeds have no place in true dragon-kind! What good is only half a dragon and half of a lesser species?"
[21:25] <Seira> "The greatest of the red dragons is trapped as a guardian for the prison of the gods!" Seira calls back. "I will surpass that! I'll draw on my nature to know when to gamble, when another dragon would be hesitent with their hoard. I'll pause and think things through when a lesser red dragon might charge in and lose a battle that did not have to be lost. What kind of superior being would I be if I fell to stagnation? If I were happy with my lot as a true dragon
[21:26] <Seira> If I were happy with my lot as a true dragon and ceased improving, forgot all the lessons I have painstalkingly learnt to get me that far?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "Ambition burns brightly within you." Seira's eyes open. She stands atop a cliff, a clifface above a vast canyon-valley. Far below a ribbon of red runs, endless magma glimpsed. Alla round her the Silver Sea burns, and in the air ahead of her...dozens...no...hundreds of red dragons! The attention of all are on Seira, yet one dominates. This one is beyond gigantic, dwarfing a metropolis in size. It's head is as large as Balmuria's old city,
[21:33] <Kotono> This one is beyond gigantic, dwarfing a metropolis in size. It's head is as large as Balmuria's old city, eyes the size of giants nothing but a single roaring mote of flame in each. "You have come willingly to us, after escaping with your soul intact?"
03[21:34] * Corwin7 (~cor@193.254.233.38) has joined #evildunes
[21:35] <Kotono> "Ambition burns brightly within you." Seira's eyes open. She stands atop a cliff, a clifface above a vast canyon-valley. Far below a ribbon of red runs, endless magma glimpsed. Alla round her the Silver Sea burns, and in the air ahead of her...dozens...no...hundreds of red dragons! The attention of all are on Seira, yet one dominates. This one is beyond gigantic, dwarfing a metropolis in size. It's head is as large as Balmuria's old city,
[21:35] <Kotono> It's head is as large as Balmuria's old city, eyes the size of giants nothing but a single roaring mote of flame in each. "You have come willingly to us, after escaping with your soul intact?"
02[21:35] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Corwin7))
03[21:35] * Corwin7 is now known as Seira
[21:35] <Seira> "Yes," Seira responds, waiting to see what the truly massive dragon wishes to say next.
[21:37] <Kotono> "Ajan chose well. What greed burns in this little elf-child! What raw need for power! What ambition!" The dragon laughs, as if all the heat in Hell were cascading around and out of it. Seira feels the heat melt her flesh away, her bones turning to slag...or is that just her mind....it's hazy. The heat is unto Lathander's hottest rays, surely, rivalling Kossuth's fury! "Ajan must have thought he glimpsed the spirit of a dragon in you."
[21:37] <Kotono> "Ajan must have thought he glimpsed the spirit of a dragon in you."
[21:42] <Seira> Her greed and ambition are greater than she had admitted even to herself before, Seira had learned on this pilgrimage, but she doesn't shy away from her true nature. Her very being shivers from the shock of having her flesh and bones slowly destroyed as her mind lives on.
[21:45] <Kotono> With another blast of heat, Seira's vision is gone, burning away into void. "But Ajan is locked far away, prisoner of his own hubris and slavery. Why should we not devour your soul now, growing stronger from your ample draconic qualities? It would make a pleasing snack."
02[21:51] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) Quit (Broken pipe)
03[21:51] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) has joined #evildunes
[21:51] <Seira> "I would say that Waukeen would stop you," Seira says, breathing heavily to regulate her breath. She can't tell if she even has a mouth to speak of, but that is irrelevant, since she intends to respond. "That would even be true! But that's not why you should choose differently! You need me, you need what I can become given the chance! That is the only reason I am even being asked rather than outright devoured! You, all of you, you already realize this. And I
[21:53] <Seira>  And I will get there, whatever it takes. I won't stop, and I'll claw my way towards the very top, and then, you'll have the strongest ally you could ever wish! Between that and a mere snack, the choice is not a choice at all!"

[Corwin]

[19:54] <Kotono> <Seira> Her greed and ambition are greater than she had admitted even to herself before, Seira had learned on this pilgrimage, but she doesn't shy away from her true nature. Her very being shivers from the shock of having her flesh and bones slowly destroyed as her mind lives on.
[19:54] <Kotono> > With another blast of heat, Seira's vision is gone, burning away into void. "But Ajan is locked far away, prisoner of his own hubris and slavery. Why should we not devour your soul now, growing stronger from your ample draconic qualities? It would make a pleasing snack."
[19:54] <Kotono> * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) Quit (Broken pipe)
[19:54] <Kotono> * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) has joined #evildunes
[19:54] <Kotono> <Seira> "I would say that Waukeen would stop you," Seira says, breathing heavily to regulate her breath. She can't tell if she even has a mouth to speak of, but that is irrelevant, since she intends to respond. "That would even be true! But that's not why you should choose differently! You need me, you need what I can become given the chance! That is the only reason I am even being asked rather than outright devoured! You, all of you, you
[19:54] <Kotono> <Seira>  And I will get there, whatever it takes. I won't stop, and I'll claw my way towards the very top, and then, you'll have the strongest ally you could ever wish! Between that and a mere snack, the choice is not a choice at all!"
[19:55] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check, Seira?
03[19:56] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.51.230) has joined #evildunes
[19:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+35
06[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+35 and gets 45." [1d20=10]
03[20:02] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5445ee12.lns4-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:03] <Kotono> Rumbling fires can be heard - endless crackles of burning, heat buffeting Seira, yet not felt on any body at all. It sears into her spirit, he very conciousness burning in agony. The pain is very real now, her mind overtaken by it. "Offer to us then. Give us tribute and beg for our power then, humanoid child! Plead for the power you crave!"
03[20:05] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:10] <Seira> "Dragons don't beg!" Seira screams, twisting in agony. She can't muster the faculties for a thought-out response, but Ajan's insistence of behaving as a superior being rather than inferior one guides her limited answers. "Ally yourself with me or kill me! The former, you won't regret!"
[20:11] <Kotono> OOC: Make another diplo, +5 bonus?
[20:11] <Seira> OOC: Can I take 10?
[20:11] <Kotono> OOC: If you really want. It's your skin.
[20:14] <Seira> OOC: I'll grab 10 for 50, okay
[20:22] <Kotono> Roaring fury cascades around Seira, mocking laughter. "You want power, dragon?" Abruptly Seira's vision returns. She stands intact, atop the cliff over the vast chasm below. The Silver Sea itself burns, shaking as if seized with fury! The dragons ahead of you howl and roar, cascading down into the ribbon of lava seen deep! Down and down they go, the shaking growing stronger! Only one remains, the vast one who addressed you before. (More)
[20:22] <Kotono> Only one remains, the vast one who addressed you before. (More)
[20:24] <Kotono> From the deep chasm below, the lava rises in a great tornado! IT wraps around the gigantic dragon, mere house and city sized ghostly dragons whirling around his body like armor! "Then prove you are superior! None but dragons have ever withstood my fury! Survive and we shall treat with you, Seira!"
[20:24] <Kotono> OOC: Roll init here.
[20:25] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 augh, Lagann uses Nerveskitter on me
06[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 augh, Lagann uses Nerveskitter on me and gets 17." [1d20=6]
[20:26] <Seira> roll 1d20 L
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20 L and gets 2." [1d20=2]
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22." [1d20=18]
03[20:26] * Kotono changes topic to 'DRAGON OH FUCK DRAGON>Seira>Lagann'
[20:27] <Kotono> The mammoth dragons rears it's head back! In it the heat of the Sun itself is born, cascading into a great gout of flame! It races to Seira, as if to burn her ot the tiniest cinder, engulfing her all over! OOC: Ref save.
[20:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+28
06[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+28 and gets 34." [1d20=6]
[20:31] <Kotono> roll 24d10 failed the ref, half fire damage and half nontyped.
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 24d10 failed the ref, half fire damage and half nontyped. and gets 149." [24d10=10, 1, 8, 4, 3, 8, 1, 10, 9, 8, 6, 10, 8, 3, 9, 9, 3, 4, 5, 5, 4, 9, 2, 10]
[20:31] <Seira> OOC: -6, right
[20:32] <Kotono> Then in a moment, time pauses! Nine dragons dance around, images swirling and twisting together! The dragon's movements are faster, as a black aura surrounds it's body! Seira is buffedeted with pure fire, burning even her as she's caught flat on her feet! The agony is unreal, even as the dragon gathers more fire into it's mouth! OOC: Seira.
[20:33] <Kotono> roll 1d4-1
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4-1 and gets 3." [1d4=4]
02[20:39] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
03[20:41] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) has joined #evildunes
[20:44] <Seira> Seira's mind clears even as she is badly burned, instantly seizing on the dragon's terms. She is to survive, not to win, so that's what she will do. First, she will let Lagann strike at one of the draconic images to test it, and then her plan would be fully formulated.
[20:44] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and go if Seira's holding, Lagann.
03[20:45] * Kotono changes topic to 'DRAGON OH FUCK DRAGON>Lagann>Seria'
03[20:45] * Kotono changes topic to 'DRAGON OH FUCK DRAGON>Lagann>Seira'
[20:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+25 CHARGE
06[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+25 CHARGE and gets 38." [1d20=13]
[20:45] <Seira> roll 1d9
06[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d9 and gets 9." [1d9=9]
[20:45] <Kotono> An image is hacked apart, one impossibly vast dragon down and yet eight remain! OOC: Seira?
06[20:47] * Seira wordlessly sends five ghostly unicorns to their demise, each picking a dragon for itself!
[20:47] <Seira> roll 5#1d20+18 ranged touch
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5#1d20+18 ranged touch and gets 141." [5#1d20+18 = 27, 24, 28, 26, 36]
[20:47] <Seira> roll 1d8
[20:47] <Kotono> OOC: All hit touch AC, roll dice for each one to see if they get an image.
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 and gets 1." [1d8=1]
[20:47] <Kotono> OOC: SNerk.
[20:47] <Seira> roll 1d8+8
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+8 and gets 10." [1d8=2]
[20:48] <Seira> OOC: Sec
06[20:49] * Seira instantly sends an empowered orb of cold on the heels of the unicorn that found the correct target, before falling back twenty feet!
[20:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 30." [1d20=12]
[20:49] <Seira> roll 1.5*15d6 cold, fort dc26
06[20:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1.5*15d6 cold, fort dc26 and gets 82.5." [15d6=1, 2, 6, 3, 4, 1, 6, 5, 6, 4, 1, 4, 5, 1, 6]
[20:52] <Kotono> The unicorn and orb slam into the dragon! It's massive frame doesn't even twitch at the blows, it's head snaking forward to Seira! As it goes to bite down, "Impressive bravery to ignore your defense and strike at me instead! Your tombstone will brag of it!"
[20:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29 (-20 PA)
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 (-20 PA) and gets 38." [1d20=9]
[20:53] <Kotono> OOC: AC?
[20:53] <Seira> OOC: Not that
[20:53] <Kotono> roll 4d8+37 owwies
06[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d8+37 owwies and gets 52." [4d8=7, 1, 6, 1]
[20:54] <Kotono> Seira is taken into that mouth, bitten and chewed! She has to slip between two teeth, bleeding immensly as she dives out of the dragon's maw before it closes tighter for another, likely fatal, bite! Her vision swims, even as the dragon sends a strange wobbling ray at Seira!
[20:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+32 ranged touch
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+32 ranged touch and gets 42." [1d20=10]
[20:55] <Kotono> OOC: Ray of dizziness. One standard or move action per round. Lagann's up.
[20:56] <Seira> Lagann proceeds to eliminate the massive dragon's images!
[20:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 34." [1d20=11]
[20:56] <Seira> roll 1d4
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d4 and gets 2." [1d4=2]
[20:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 29." [1d20=11]
[20:56] <Seira> roll 1d3
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d3 and gets 1." [1d3=1]
[20:56] <Kotono> OOC: Doesn't hit his AC.
[20:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
06[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 21." [1d20=8]
[20:56] <Seira> OOC: Minus another image
[20:57] <Seira> Even as he finds Seira's target for her, Lagann cloaks Seira under invisibility!
[21:03] <Seira> "With all my spells brought down in preparation?" Seira can't resist but ask incredulously. "If you had wanted to test my magical defenses, you shouldn't have stripped them prior to granting me this audience!" But it's all a test, and even one where she is not expected to best her opponent.
[21:03] <Seira> Still, her original tactic of forcing the opponent on the defensive by using cold has failed, so Seira falls back for two hundred feet, banking right for another fifty afterwards, watching the dragon's action and whether it's tracking her with its eyes. A lesser globe of invulnerability is her chosen defense this time around.
[21:12] <Kotono> The dragon's eyes don't track. Instead it's eyes abruptly glow, as it looks around and then spots Seira! With eyes narrowing, "Goodbye, dragonling!" It says, as a storm of fire erupts around Seira! OOC: Ref.
[21:12] <Seira> roll 1d20+22
06[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+22 and gets 31." [1d20=9]
[21:14] <Kotono> Yet Seira soars up and over the fire storm, avoiding the super-hot fires and the agony they would inflict! Despite the agony she retains her reason, her body obeying commands even to the last! OOC: Lagann.
[21:19] <Seira> Well, this is unfortunate. Seira no longer has the means to actually take the dragon down. If he can see her, she has effectively lost her chance to wear him down with a horde of summoned unicorns, and Seira doesn't have anything else left that could allow her to even survive for long, much less take down such an opponent, as even luck has its limits. Not that she had any so far, of course.
[21:19] <Seira> "So how long am I to survive before I am acknowledged?" Seira calls out to her opponent. "I'm under no illusions that I could take you down. At present, I estimate my powers to equal an old dragon, perhaps even a wyrm on a truly good day, but anything past that is merely wishful thinking."
[21:19] <Seira> OOC: Lagann will wait on me
[21:22] <Kotono> At this the vast dragon stares, teeth on display as it...smiles? "You're still talking? Three strikes and you live! You are not some sniveling weakling humanoid, lusting after power they cannot have."
[21:25] <Seira> "I'm not stupid," Seira says, shrugging. "I could not possibly take you down even at full strength. I'm hardly at that point. My plan was to try and trick you into certain courses of action to take control of the battlefield, but both such attempts were either seen through or fell apart due to a bit of atrocious luck. Whichever the reason may be, I don't know, but it seems clear to me that winning does not have to come through beating you in a martial or magi
[21:26] <Seira> beating you in a martial or magical contest."
[21:27] <Kotono> "You had no chance. Mere trickery will not fool another dragon easily." The ghost dragons spin around the vast one, as he regards Seira. "Perhaps I will make an investment in you. If I give you power, what will you do with it?"
[21:30] <Seira> Perhaps she was too naive, but the hope of seeing her spells form up just right was just too alluring. "Pale Night and a cabal of ancient liches picked a fight with me. I'll take the fight back to them, all the way into Pale Night's abode. But first, there is an uppity balor who presumes too much. I will crush his bones into powder and take everything of value he has for myself." Seira pauses briefly. "This would be my plan for the next two months."
[21:32] <Kotono> "I will grant you an inkling of power. In return, you shall pay me tribute. When this balor is slain, you will bring me a quarter of his riches. If you have satisfactorily impressed me at that time, we will continue ahead."
06[21:35] * Seira would be indignant if she weren't being beaten like a drum. She might have achieved a semblance of parity, attack-wise, but she can't really take another attack and the dragon doesn't even seem troubled by hers. "What am I to do to impress you further?" she asks instead, businesslike.
[21:37] <Kotono> "Naturally, the amount of treasure you bring back to me from the balor," With a toothy dragon-smile, "My horde must grow bigger."
[21:38] <Seira> "I better hope that he frantically increases it before his untimely death, then," Seira agrees, allowing herself to show a smile of her own.
[21:39] <Kotono> "Then choose what you desire: Draconic Might, Draconic Energy or Draconic Magic."  The great red wyrm asks. "What power do you fancy, dragon?"
02[21:45] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[21:45] * Seira (~cor@193.254.233.38) has joined #evildunes
[21:45] <Kotono> "Then choose what you desire: Draconic Might, Draconic Energy or Draconic Magic."  The great red wyrm asks. "What power do you fancy, dragon?"
[21:48] <Seira> "Might," Seira responds after thinking it through for a while. Magic is key, but Might is where she finds herself lacking the most, and it makes sense to eliminate any weaknesses before working on polishing her strengths.
[21:56] <Kotono> With that, ghostly dragons race around Seira! The fire burning with in her grows hotter!
[21:58] <Seira> Fierier fire is not what she expected when she made that choice, though Seira can hardly argue, burning merrily!
[21:59] <Kotono> "Go then. Return with the balor's treasure!" With that Seira finds herself standing besides Amaryl, the latter waiting and looking ahead.
[22:00] <Seira> "Sorry to keep you waiting," Seira says nonchalantly. She would topple over, but her inner fire keeps her upright even when her body wants to give out.
[22:01] <Kotono> "Seira!" With a yelp, "You're...you're hurt! Badly!"
[22:01] <Seira> "Yes! I fought a great wyrm and he bit me in half! Twice!"
[22:02] <Kotono> "Let's return to Balmuria and get you healed!" Looking Seira over with wide eyes, "You're about to drop over!"
[22:03] <Seira> "Mmm. Yes. Arrogance only gets you so far. But get far I did!" Seira states proudly, recovering slightly before she is ready to return.
[22:04] <Seira> roll 2d8+10
06[22:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+10 and gets 16." [2d8=2, 4]
[22:06] <Seira> "Right then. We so need a cheaper way to travel," Seira says once that is done, retrieving a scroll while giving Amaryl a loaf of bread. "We'll probably be tired as is upon return, but no need to collapse entirely from exhaustion if we're somewhere we can't fend for ourselves." She's not too worried, however, given Lagann's presence.
[22:07] <Seira> roll 2d8+5
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2d8+5 and gets 14." [2d8=6, 3]
[22:07] <Kotono> Amaryl works throughthe loaf of bread, "As long as we can manage the teleport back to Balmuria we should be okay."
06[22:08] * Seira hands Amaryl the teleportation ring, at that. "If we remain conscious long enough, it should do the trick. Whenever you're ready?"
[22:08] <Kotono> "Ready," Amaryl says, ring in hand!
06[22:09] * Seira invokes Heroism once more with the help of a pearl, and then concentrates on the scroll in her hands.
[22:09] <Seira> roll 2#1d20+30
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 2#1d20+30 and gets 79." [2#1d20+30 = 45, 34]
[22:09] <Seira> OOC: Plane shift home
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 5d100
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d100 and gets 191." [5d100=24, 11, 42, 56, 58]
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d9
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d9 and gets 5." [1d9=5]
[22:11] <Kotono> Exhaustion licks at the two women are you appear in the night's caress. It's dark here, the air cold and windy. Around you the shadows of rising mountains loom all about! Amaryl sags, "...think I can make it..." she says.
[22:12] <Seira> "Aim for home," Seira suggests, ready to defend them until they arrive safely, exhaustion be damned.
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
[22:12] <Kotono> Woosh! The two of you appear in your bed. Amaryl immediately sits down like a ton of bricks, falling back.
06[22:13] * Seira leans back, dropping down beside Amaryl. "Lagann, wake us if there's an apocalypse,
06[22:13] * Seira leans back, dropping down beside Amaryl. "Lagann, wake us if there's an apocalypse," she bids tiredly, intending to rest and rest....

[Corwin]

[21:03] <Kotono> ---
[21:09] <Kotono> Thus drawing the circle and creating the proper words of power, Seira invokes the magic to draw Agathaiel into this world! Amaryl and Donald stand back and watch the magic, as a ray of light arches from the heavens! In golden glow Agathaiel appears, the magic circle glowing against her. "You have summoned me, Seira. What matter of business does this require?"
[21:10] <Seira> "Hello," Seira greets the deva. "I recently received a suggestion that appealed to me. Among the things I wanted to talk to you about, it would be first. Would you like to work with me and my friends on a closer basis, without the need to be summoned for every specific task?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "A more permanent contract?" she asks right back, her hands rippling against the barriers of the circle's magic.
[21:25] <Seira> "Sorry," Seira says apologetically. "The barrier kind of goes with the territory. Terrible things might happen if I omit it, it's not that I don't trust you or anything like that." Shaking her head, she finally addresses the question. "Yes, although I would prefer to see you as a friend and ally rather than a hired hand, as such. What do you think?"
[21:27] <Kotono> "My duties are what Waukeen wills for me," Agathaiel says this as golden light gently presses against the circle, "A contract is a fine form of friendship for me. A contract brings glory to Waukeen."
[21:31] <Seira> Outsiders are weird, even the nicest ones. Seira tilts her head. "I'll take your word for it. Maybe, after a while, you'll find it more fun to bring glory to Waukeen by my side than elsewhere." Without pausing, Seira presses on. "Speaking of Waukeen and glory, we tend to get more than our share of rewards in the course of our duties.
[21:31] <Seira> If you were to enter this contract with us, you'll naturally get an equal share to do with as you will, tithe to Waukeen in full, turn it towards projects she would approve of or spend it on setting yourself apart from Waukeen's other servants."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Of course. Reward is the natural consequence of friendship," Agathaiel smiles now, "Friends enrich you in spirit and in money."
06[21:33] * Seira laughs. "So since I seem to have your agreement, what now? I don't think the scope of the spell allows for a partnership of this sort, so do I appeal to Waukeen to have our contract approved?"
[21:36] <Kotono> "A proper contract must be drawn. If you are not trained as such, a priest of Waukeen should be. His name is Gilartal, he should have the requisite training?"
[21:37] <Seira> "Donald, would you mind asking Gilartal for his services?" Seira requests of the neo-elf, before returning her attention to Agathaiel. "Good idea. While we wait, do you mind if I ask you for advice on other matters?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "Sure," Donald grins, "Nice to see you again...o rwait, have I met this one?" scratching at his long ear, "Gah, it's getting to the point where I can't keep the incarnations of good straight. Oh well!" With that Donald hurries off.
[21:41] <Kotono> "If you will draw profit from my words, yes, speak," Agathaiel nods.
[21:44] <Seira> "You have, actually!" Seira calls after Donald, rolling her eyes. "Mmm. I think I will. Amaryl has a beautiful blade, and I was thinking about how nice it would be if she had an armor to match it." She smiles briefly in happiness. "What started as an idle thought, however, grew into more as I realized that she was outgrowing it, and considering our opponents, it is never good to stay behind.
[21:44] <Seira> I remember discussing armors with Latha, once upon a time, and I recall that there are certain designs that the heavens don't usually part with, one of which could fit her quite well. And that 'usually' made me figure that it might just happen, if we tried."
[21:54] <Kotono> "There are. Crafted atop Celestia, wrought in remote hamlets in Elysium, woven of chaos and light in Arborea. To find one with Waukeen's favor, I would trawl and search the roads of trade. Gather information on such and follow the paths that gold flows on. Prove yourself to her and you may find what you seek."
[21:56] <Seira> "Would it demean you to accompany us as a guide and traveling companion?" Seira asks fairly bluntly. "You'll have to excuse me, but I'm not fully up to date on which tasks are demeaning for an astral deva, and which are acceptable requests."
[21:59] <Kotono> "If you are to follow Waukeen's path, I will do so," Agathaiel states simply.
[22:00] <Seira> "Great!" Seira exclaims, smiling. "There's more I wanted to learn from you, but it can easily wait until we've left on our way. It would be pretty exciting to have another point of view on Waukeen's path while on the road!"

[Corwin]

[19:38] <Kotono> ---
[19:38] <Kotono> <Seira> I remember discussing armors with Latha, once upon a time, and I recall that there are certain designs that the heavens don't usually part with, one of which could fit her quite well. And that 'usually' made me figure that it might just happen, if we tried."
[19:38] <Kotono> > "There are. Crafted atop Celestia, wrought in remote hamlets in Elysium, woven of chaos and light in Arborea. To find one with Waukeen's favor, I would trawl and search the roads of trade. Gather information on such and follow the paths that gold flows on. Prove yourself to her and you may find what you seek."
[19:38] <Kotono> <Seira> "Would it demean you to accompany us as a guide and traveling companion?" Seira asks fairly bluntly. "You'll have to excuse me, but I'm not fully up to date on which tasks are demeaning for an astral deva, and which are acceptable requests."
[19:38] <Kotono> > "If you are to follow Waukeen's path, I will do so," Agathaiel states simply.
[19:38] <Kotono> <Seira> "Great!" Seira exclaims, smiling. "There's more I wanted to learn from you, but it can easily wait until we've left on our way. It would be pretty exciting to have another point of view on Waukeen's path while on the road!"
[19:38] <Kotono> "We should begin by taking to the trades of this city. Let us investigate your prospect," Agathaiel says, "If you would remove this circle and barrier?"
06[19:39] * Seira steps on a rune marking the barrier that keeps the deva bound, eliminating the construct. "Of course."
[19:40] <Kotono> The circle flares away, golden lights hining. Agathaiel shifts, becoming a slight, red headed woman wearing rich white robes. "For the moment, allow me to observe your work in Balmuria."
[19:43] <Seira> "I tend to delegate a lot, so I'm... not even sure I have any pressing business to tend to," Seira admits, glancing at Amaryl briefly. "Do I? There's the inn, and it's in very good hands. Abagail is handling Guard business and acting as liason to Elle. The magical research's hit a lull on account of one of the mages involved being abducted by horrible liches, and I can't work on connecting more of the allied cities together until my order of teleportation cir
[19:45] <Seira> until my order of teleportation circle scrolls arrives."
06[19:46] * Seira waits for Amaryl to correct her, even as she offers to Agathaiel, "Of course, if seeing more appeals to you, just pick an aspect of my duties or ventures here, and I'll give you a guided tour."
[19:47] <Kotono> "Everyone's tied up with the Dark Six," Amaryl murmurs back.
[19:48] <Kotono> Agathaiel shakes her head, "No, I mean to allow me to observe your work in Balmuria, pursuing your goal of superior armor. Let me see the workings of the trades here as you do."
[19:50] <Seira> "I think I understand better," Seira responds with a slow nod. "In that case, how about we wait a few minutes for Gilartal to arrive? Once we've settled the contract, I'll take us to Waukeen's realm to start working on that goal."
[19:59] <Kotono> OOC: What's your plan now? Have Gil draw up a contract then...?
[20:00] <Seira> OOC: She suggested that Waukeen's realm might hold either such armors or ways to craft them. I'll plane shift there with her and Amaryl to ask.
[20:00] <Seira> OOC: She actually suggested any celestial realm might, but I don't want to go to other places unless I have to
03[20:01] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-544750d2.wfd87a.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:01] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:28] <Kotono> Thus Gilartal gets to work. After abouta half day you meet in his private quarters. He looks sleepy, sipping tea as he presents a several page document to Seira, neatly scribed in ink. Agathaiel is nearby. "This is it. Read it and make sure the terms are acceptable for you."
03[20:29] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
06[20:35] * Seira reads through it while allowing Agathaiel to look over her shoulder rather than wait her turn, if she so wishes.
[20:37] <Kotono> OOC: Make an int check, by the by?
[20:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
06[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 29." [1d20=16]
[20:41] <Kotono> It's a fairly complex legal document, but Seira can hash it out without trouble. It's essentially pledging service in the name of Waukeen in exchange for gold, wealth and other such considerations. It sets a normal share structure, and encourages both parties to glorify Her name.
[20:42] <Seira> It's overly complex, but if this is the way one befriends an astral deva like her, Seira is quite willing to put in the extra effort. "Looks solid and comprehensive," she comments, giving Gilartal a grateful smile. "You're satisfied with this as well, Agathaiel?"
[20:44] <Kotono> "I am." She nods, "The contract is to my liking."
06[20:44] * Seira is the first to put her name upon it, further sealing the contract with her arcane mark.
[20:46] <Kotono> Agathaiel approaches, one finger running down the middle finger of her opposite hand. In golden blood she signs in Celestial, the wound fading away a few moments after. "Now then, shall we proceed?"
[20:48] <Seira> "Since my goal is fairly open-ended, I don't have a particular starting point," Seira responds to her. "If you could take myself and Amaryl towards a well-traveled marketplace on the right plane, however, we should be able to proceed from there."
[20:49] <Kotono> "We should start with home, here," Gesturing about, "It may deal mostly in mundanity, but Waukeen will provide in time, be it in coin, information or other help. Our path may well take us beyond this world, but in the fullness of profit and time."
06[20:51] * Seira pauses. "Now I think I understand. You believe we should first look here, on Prime? I'm not certain how to go about it, however, since I believe I would know if someone was in possession of such an armor and willing to part with it."
[20:53] <Kotono> "Let us ask around first? Information is one of the greatest keys ot profit," Agathaiel says, "Allow me to watch as you search for information about in Balmuria?"
06[20:55] * Seira consider the suggestion. "It is true that we have become one of the premier hubs of trade and travel in the world, and with traders and caravans travels information," she admits. "Very well. In that case...." Seira looks at Gilartal. "Before I turn towards other sources, such as the elven trading post or the harbor, is it possible to find out whether there have been any rumors of exceptional armors or smiths right here, at the church's promenade?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "It's simple enough to find out." Gilartal nods slightly, "I'll send a few acolytes and servants to get the latest appraisal; I have not heard today's since I was involved in this contract."
06[20:56] * Seira nods. "I will return after touring the city, then, if it is acceptable?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "It won't take long, I get reports every day, if you care to wait first," he says, "No more than a half of an hour."
[20:59] <Seira> "Might as well," Seira agrees.
[21:00] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahea dand make a GI check with a +15 bonus, Seira, to simulate this?
[21:00] <Seira> roll 1d20+27 okay
06[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+27 okay and gets 28." [1d20=1]
[21:05] <Kotono> Soon Gilartal has the information in question. "Aye, here we go,"  he murmurs, "There's a few good blacksmiths in the city these days - most of them work for the Guard and take out secondary contracts. There's some good work being done in Gond's temple. Far to the north in Armasea there's a well renowned blacksmith getting a good name for himself. As for armors? A merchant's been passing around a story that he let a rare armor slip through
[21:06] <Kotono>  A merchant's been passing around a story that he let a rare armor slip through his hands recently."
06[21:06] * Seira perks up at the last mention. "Any notion where it took place, or in which way the armor was rare?"
[21:10] <Kotono> "I have his name: Jarn, he's staying at the Dawn Pointe Inn," Gilartal answers, "You can pursue it face to face - I'd hurry, he has a reputation as an evening drunk."
[21:12] <Seira> "I'll chase down what information I can here, before teleporting elsewhere," Seira decides. "My thanks. Jarn, then, and a visit to Gond's temple afterwards."
[21:16] <Kotono> Thus the three leave! As they walk out into the afternoon chill in the Promenade, "Two months," Amaryl says aloud, "A little less now."
[21:17] <Seira> "I think we'll manage to find something for you in that time," Seira voices, a bit taken off guard by the sudden change of topic. "You've more than proven your offensive abilities, but I still can't help but worry about your defense."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Yes." Amaryl blows out a frosty breath that lingers in the air, "Yes, I know. But only two months! That's barely any time at all to me, even at the insane pace we scurry about on."
[21:25] <Seira> "Unfortunately, our enemies are the ones to dictate the pace?" Seira responds with regret, after fishing for a suitable response. "I can enjoy just relaxing for a while, but mostly my outlook on time is different from yours. I wonder if living through a century would change me?"
[21:27] <Kotono> "You are still young?" Agathaiel walks on Seira's other side, as you pass by a few merchants carrying a box full of what looks to be covered salt. "Time is the greastest teacher of patience."
[21:28] <Seira> "Patience, I've got in spades, when I need it," Seira voices. "It's more that I feel antsy to be sitting and waiting when there're things I could be doing."
[21:32] <Kotono> "When the time is right, decisive action is important. But rushing is folly," Amaryl shakes her head, "Everyone in Balmuria always seems to be in such a hurry. That's all."
[21:33] <Kotono> "All the better that they have energy to pursue Waukeen's gifts of wealth. Proper ambition is one of her gifts, too," Agathaiel says brightly, voice rising. "These virtues are not mutually excusive."
06[21:34] * Seira taps her lips thoughtfully. "And sometimes, it's just more fun that way. Chasing you wasn't folly, rush though it might have been."
[21:37] <Kotono> You walk along. The sky is getting cloudy, heavier, darker clouds rolling in. As you come closer to the inn, "Tymora protects the brave and the bold. She too resides in Brightwater, and Her lessons are wise as well." Agathaiel takes a momentary glance at the sky.
[21:40] <Kotono> With a blush creeping up, "It...well, it worked out." Amaryl eeps.
06[21:41] * Seira laughs, closing the rest of the distance and holding the door to the inn open for Amaryl and Agathaiel to enter before her.
[21:48] <Kotono> Just inside, you find a skinny man with a big red nose waiting at the front desk, whichi s currently unoccupied. He scowls, wearing clean clothes and with his arms crossed.
[21:50] <Seira> It's just as well they don't across the hostess that doesn't like her. Seira approaches the man, asking rather easily, "Anything wrong?"
[21:51] <Kotono> "Yeah, I've been waiting twenty minutes," he grouses, "Of all the miserable luck!"
[21:53] <Seira> He wouldn't be doing that if he picked the right inn, but Seira instead offers, "The wait can be made more pleasant. How about a round of drinks? My treat."
[21:55] <Kotono> "Oh, now you're talking," With a grin, "Nice to..." he eyes Seira and then blinks, "Wait...wait, wait. You look..."
[21:56] <Seira> "Like a dragon? Thanks, I get that a lot. My name is Seira. How do you do?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "Oh...of the Crimson Guard?!" He gawks openly now, "I-I'm honored!"

[Corwin]

[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> > With a blush creeping up, "It...well, it worked out." Amaryl eeps.
[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> * Seira laughs, closing the rest of the distance and holding the door to the inn open for Amaryl and Agathaiel to enter before her.
[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> > Just inside, you find a skinny man with a big red nose waiting at the front desk, whichi s currently unoccupied. He scowls, wearing clean clothes and with his arms crossed.
[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> <Seira> It's just as well they don't across the hostess that doesn't like her. Seira approaches the man, asking rather easily, "Anything wrong?"
[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> > "Yeah, I've been waiting twenty minutes," he grouses, "Of all the miserable luck!"
[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> <Seira> He wouldn't be doing that if he picked the right inn, but Seira instead offers, "The wait can be made more pleasant. How about a round of drinks? My treat."
[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> > "Oh, now you're talking," With a grin, "Nice to..." he eyes Seira and then blinks, "Wait...wait, wait. You look..."
[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> <Seira> "Like a dragon? Thanks, I get that a lot. My name is Seira. How do you do?"
[17:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> > "Oh...of the Crimson Guard?!" He gawks openly now, "I-I'm honored!"
01[17:17] <Seira> "Yes, of the Crimson Guard," she responds. "I'm here on business," Seira confides in the man, as it is hardly a secret, "although not Guard business, at that."
[17:18] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Of course!" A gush of words follow, "Don't let me slow you, ma'am!"He steps aside, "I'm only a humble merchant."
06[17:21] * Seira laughs. "It just so happens that I've recently pondered about the meaning of life," she elaborates, smiling. "Not in the what are we here to do, really, sort of way, but more in the sense of finding balance between rushing towards our goals and making ourselves busy every moment of the day, and just taking the time to relax once in a while.
01[17:21] <Seira> In this case, my business can wait, and showing Balmuria's good side to visitors can easily take precedence. To make a long story short, what would you like to drink?"
[17:37] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "I'm...wow." With a cocky smile now, "Don't mind if I do. But I haven't even introduced myself! Name's Jarn."
[17:38] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> Amaryl ever so slightly smiles to this, but hangs back.
01[17:39] <Seira> "Unbelievable," Seira muses, as her smile widens at that. "Why don't you three find us a table, while I get our order?" No one is asking for anything in particular, so she would just improvise with the selection.
[17:40] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> A table is gotten, the group sitting down. Drinks are gotten without incident. As everyone settles in, "I'm Amaryl," Amaryl offers, "Jarn, you're a merchant?"
[17:40] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> Agathaiel maintains a friendly silence, observing.
[17:41] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Uh huh," Jarn smiles to that, "Born and raised. My dad was a merchant and my grandfather was a merchant. My son'll be a merchant, Gods willing."
01[17:42] <Seira> "And this is Agatha," Seira introduces, observing the disguised deva as she does so. Her true name and assosiation with them would pretty much reveal her true nature, and Seira isn't sure whether Agathaiel wants that out in the open. "Waukeen can only smile in approval," she then continues without a noticeable pause. "Where do you hail from?"
[17:46] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Se.." He takes a drink, "I mean Victoria. I've been spending more time over here - goods from the desert and further west flow here, money from Malmuth comes north, not to mention all the unusual wares. It's the best place to make coin now."
01[17:48] <Seira> "Now that we have this chance to talk, would you mind if I asked you a question of a professional nature?" Seira inquires. "If there was something the Baronies could do to help trade along, or improve conditions for it, what would it be?"
[17:50] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> He takes a longer drink from his mug, setting it down. He rubs his red nose, "More of it. With all the money in Balmuria combined with all the goods and it's position, I'm making about five times what I used to make. Are you kidding? This city is a goldmine."
[17:50] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Waukeen's blessings have touched this city. Prosperity for all follows," Agathaiel murmurs quietly, refraining from drink and food.
01[17:51] <Seira> "Waukeen was concerned with ensuring that there were suitable trade routes from Balmuria to our neighbors," Seira muses, "but since I tend to travel differently from the merchant folk, I sometimes wonder whether their condition and upkeep is suitable."
[17:55] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Well, the Baronies roads are safe. I've heard of occasional bandits in the less well traveled Baronies, but I also hear about them being dealt with efficiently from Victoria or Balmuria. You see soldiers patrolling, both local and army detachments."
06[17:57] * Seira nods, finally tasting her own drink. "Perhaps, one day, golems could keep the roads entirely safe for travel, freeing the soldiers from this duty," she comments. "It might be an interesting project to tackle, one of those days."
[17:58] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> It's average booze. Not bad, not worth selling the farm for. "Golems...?" Jarn scowls, "What are those?"
01[17:58] <Seira> "Mmm. Think of what I had in mind as clay soldiers, stationed by the sides of the road to assist the travelers."
[17:58] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> With a little smile, "Magical constructs." Amaryl says, "They follow orders. They can be made of anything, metal, stone, gems, clay, what have you."
06[17:59] * Seira nods. "I think that clay is both the cheapest way to make them, and also one that doesn't take up precious metals or other important material that could be used elsewhere."
[18:00] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Oh, magic." With a knowing nod, "Shoulda guessed that. If you come to Balmuria for anything, it's the magic. The wizards, the temples, the money..." With a deep, heavy drink, "Still smells a bit funny. Heard the dead walked," Making the sign of the evil eye over his shoulder, "Like a story, but the city won."
01[18:02] <Seira> "We do seem to have a bit of a bad luck, where it comes to the living dead," Seira admits with a quiet sigh. "And it's just another reason to have more in the way of resources, I suppose."
[18:05] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Terrifying. If it wasn't for the Crimson Guard..." He stops here, looking at Seira all over again. He shakes his head back and forth, "Dad used to like to tell me stories about fantastic kingdoms. Said he heard about them on the road. Thing is, it was always 'They rose high and higher, then collapsed'. Mythic ages."
01[18:07] <Seira> "That's the way such stories tend to go," Seira agrees. "The Guard is trying to scribe a different one on the pages of history, but I'm afraid only time will tell whether we are successful. After all, the collapse in the myths is always related to some manner of folly, and those could be circumvented by studying the mistakes of the past, perhaps?"
[18:09] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Those who fail to study history are condemned to repeat it," Amaryl says around a sip of her own wine, "A very old proverb from Pallanth."
01[18:09] <Seira> "It would help if those who occupied themselves with the study of history also acted to ensure its mistakes weren't repeated," Seira says with another smile. "But yes, a very fine sentiment, I have to agree."
[18:10] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Guess so." Jarn shrugs his light shoulders, "Never thought Malmuth would fall so far, but just like that in a generation? Me? I'm gonna stay here where it's safe and on the rise."
06[18:10] * Seira shrugs. "To be fair to Malmuth, it still remains much like it was before, just smaller on a geographic scale. Given its original size, the empire is still quite vast."
[18:12] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Guess so. But they're buyin' up iron like crazy, still are. Who can keep going without iron? If the Baronies crossed their legs again, they're stepping in it." Jarn finishes his drink, waving a serving girl over for another. Once that's procured, "Plus they're humiliated. You should listen to the Malmuthians when they get drunk. Not a lick of 'em are happy."
01[18:15] <Seira> "We never annihilated their capital, so here's to hoping they eventually realize who their real friends and enemies are?" Seira suggests, her smile slipping slightly. This calls for a change of topic, and she might as well introduce the one she had originally come to this inn for. "Politics aside, how has your business fared you?"
[18:15] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "They started it with King Ferdi," Amaryl whispers, "It's sad, but they made their own bed and laid in it."
[18:16] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Well, well, well." He takes a long drink from his mug, nearly draining it down. With a growing smile, "I came in with dates, figs and other such delicies from the Fiefdoms. They've sold higher than I expected." He pats his stomach, "You could stand to lower your taxes a few notches, but..."
01[18:17] <Seira> "But then those excellent soldiers protecting the merchants from bandits wouldn't have their top of the line equipment," Seira picks up, her smile returning in full.
[18:18] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Mph." Finishing his drink right now, "Yeah, guess so."
06[18:22] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "I find myself in the market for such fine equipment as well, myself," she admits, low enough that she isn't overheard past their table. "I know it's quite rare for a mage such as myself to wear armor, but I've been meaning to equip myself in such a way for a while, now."
[18:26] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Oh, armor? Oh, did I miss a deal on armor not long ago!" Throwing his hands up, splashing a bit of ale, "I'm always on the lookout for side deals to earn some extra gold. A little back in Victoria, there was a guy from the Fiefdoms passing through. Azure was his name. He came through one night, talking up a few merchants. Said he had some incredible, once in a lifetime deals. So I make sure to notice where he's staying and give
[18:26] <Ko-Nitorisonfire>  once in a lifetime deals. So I make sure to notice where he's staying and give him a visit." (More)
[18:28] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "He says he's sold some of his goods, but he has one he thinks I'd like. Shows me this armor...wow." Making a gushing whoosh of air from his mouth, "Lit up the entire room like a goblinfucking burst of sunshine. Gorgeous. Could have stared at it all day, would've given stormy applause until my hands fell off if someone put it on stage and sold tickets to see it. Problem was, I couldn't afford it on the spot. Told him I'd get back
[18:28] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> Problem was, I couldn't afford it on the spot. Told him I'd get back to him in a few days once I russled up the funds. But by the time I did, he was gone. Heard he slipped away in the night."
01[18:31] <Seira> "That's quite a shame," Seira commiserates. "Was the price that high?"
[18:37] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "10,000. I'm convinced it was a steal!" He shake shis head, "I bet it was stolen or something, but the Hells withi t. Who gets that sort of chance? I bet Luna del Stronger would've bought it for ten times that! I'd be rich!"
01[18:39] <Seira> "It does sound like one," Seira agrees, nodding thoughtfully. "So it was a man from the Fiefdoms? You could tell that by the way he looked?"
[18:44] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Yeah. Said he as from when I asked, too." With a nod and finishing off another drink, "Damn shame."
01[18:45] <Seira> "A shame," Seira repeats once more. "Did Azure talk to any of the local merchants while in Victoria, you think?" she inquires. "It was just a couple weeks ago, right?"
[18:46] <Ko-Nitorisonfire> "Yeah." Jarn smiles lightly now, eyes a bit bloodshot. "He was talking to a bunch of people."
01[18:47] <Seira> "Did you happen to catch any names in particular, from Victoria itself?"
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03[20:04] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[20:19] * Ko-Nitorisonfire is now known as Kotono
03[20:53] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:54] <Kotono> "Red Meyer was one of them." With another drink down the gullet, "Big man, all red hair. I know he ws involved."
01[20:55] <Seira> That should be enough information to follow up on, Seira muses, helping Jarn to Agathaiel's serving.
[20:56] <Kotono> He swills down the wine as well, leaning back. "Good stuff. So Colonel Seira...What's it like with magic? I mean, casting it. You know, making dragons appear and fireballs burst."
01[20:57] <Seira> "I'm not really sure what you mean. Are you asking me if I enjoy it?"
[20:57] <Kotono> "What's it like casting magic? How does it feel?"
[20:58] <Kotono> Amaryl smiles at this, "It's channeling Mystra's Weave. I can use a little of it, it's like..." She considers, "It's like drawing something from inside and knowing just what to say. It makes my fingers tingle and my face feel like it's blushing."
01[20:58] <Seira> "It's a lot of fun. A feeling of power, of course, and often of control," Seira responds, reminiscing. "Sometimes, it is so exciting that you can't help but rhyme."
[21:00] <Kotono> "It's very hard, though, even when you can do it. When you finally feel like you've mastered a spell, there's new ones that are even harder." Amaryl thoughtfully looks down to her wine.
01[21:02] <Seira> "I personally like the challenge of matching the right spells to a situation you have yet to encounter to be the best," Seira muses. "Although if I fail spectacularly in that area, it can be quite depressing. I don't often do that, but still...."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Huh. Sounds like..." Yet another drink goes down, Jarn grinning. "Sounds kinda like...training, you know? Er, trading. Trading." Shaking his head as more ale goes down, "Like that. FIguring out markets and what to bring."
01[21:05] <Seira> "It is a lot like that, except it may reflect on lives. You tend to be more conservative by nature, since a loss in that area is not one you could ever recover from."
[21:06] <Kotono> "Almost." Amaryl smiles shly ot Seira.
06[21:07] * Seira is a mix of relief and sadness at the reminder. "Almost," she agrees.
[21:14] <Kotono> Agatha coughs delicately now, "Be well," she says, "But as a token of advice, restraint is a virtue as well. Drink will weather your body away and fog away your memories, as well as deplete your coffers."
[21:14] <Kotono> Jarn just finishes his drink, "Yeah, yeah, now you sound like a wife."
06[21:16] * Seira laughs, rising from her seat. "I find Agatha's advice to be quite sound in matters relating to trade and negotiations, so I wouldn't dismiss her words out of hand, however they might seem. We will be off, then. Take care, Jarn."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Thanks," Jarn raises his glass, as the party walks out. Once they're outside into the chilly air and away from the warmed air of the inn, "Are we going to head to Victoria and pursue that now, Seira?" Amaryl asks.
01[21:20] <Seira> "No reason why not," Seira agrees. "We've been there before, and we can use the ring to teleport to the front gates, then ask around."
[21:23] <Kotono> "Let's do then?" Amaryl says. OOC: If you are, go ahead and roll TPing, then assuming it works, go ahead and do a quick GI check?
01[21:23] <Seira> roll 1d100
05[21:24] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:24] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@24.174.51.230) has joined #evildunes
01[21:24] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 93." [1d100=93]
01[21:26] <Seira> OOC: I dunno, does it qualify as studied carefully? We did spend over a day there.
[21:26] <Kotono> OOC: That's fine, you're familiar with tit and use it as a TP destination fairly often.
01[21:28] <Seira> Arming herself with a bout of Heroism to last her through most of the day, Seira begins questioning the traders and guardsmen about Azure, the traders from the
01[21:29] <Seira> Arming herself with a bout of Heroism to last her through most of the day, Seira begins questioning the traders and guardsmen about Azure, the trader from the Fiefdoms, and the visually-impressive Red Meyer.
01[21:29] <Seira> roll 1d20+14 GI
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 GI and gets 27." [1d20=13]
[21:40] <Kotono> Red Meyer is easy to find out about. He runs a merchant house in Victoria and can be found there if Seira wishes. Azure is far less forthcoming. SEira hears a few rumors - a man selling wonderous goods, but nothing concrete.
01[21:41] <Seira> Then Red Meyer is where she and her companions are headed next, to hear more than rumors.
[21:42] <Kotono> You find his merchant house: Red's Exotics. Entering in, you find a blonde haired woman standing inside, wearing an expensive looking dress and jewelry. "Good day!" She carols, "I...oh, Colonel SEira of the Crimson Guard and Lady Amaryl." She immediately makes a deep curtesy. "To what can we attribute the honor of this visit, ma'am."
01[21:47] <Seira> "Good day," Seira pleasantly returns, gesturing to her left. "This is Agatha." Perhaps, the woman could take the subtle hint and introduce herself in turn, so that Seira's response about the nature of her visit could be made properly.
[21:50] <Kotono> "I'm Marigold," she replies, "The hostess of Red's Exotics. Are you here on business, Colonel?"
01[21:51] <Seira> "Yes, although not official Guard business," Seira responds. "Call me Seira, if that's easier for you. I am interested in perusing your wares, if this is not too much trouble."
[21:53] <Kotono> "Of course," With a deep curtesy again, "Let me get Mr. Meyer for you. He would love to personally escort you, ma'am."
06[21:53] * Seira smiles, thanking the hostess.
[21:56] <Kotono> Within a few moments, she brings back a big, fat man. He has a shock of red hair, as red as pure fire. His face is the same, a thick fur jacket hanging from his massive frame. He comes forward, offering a beefy hand out. "Ah, Colonel Seira of the Crimson Guard! My modest trading house is far too little to properly entertain you, I'm afraid."
01[21:59] <Seira> "Not at all," Seira protests, accepting the trader's hand and shaking it. "I've heard about your exploits and decided to pay you a visit. Would you care to showcase your most recent acquisitions?"
[22:03] <Kotono> His grip is strong enough. "Certainly. Is there a piece in particular you're looking for, Colonel?"
01[22:05] <Seira> "In a sense," Seira agrees. "What sparked my interest was the news of a trade made with one Azure hailing from the Desert Fiefdoms. Might I see what you have gotten from his wares?"
[22:05] <Kotono> "Ah. Azure." Folding his hands together into a clap, "I should have known."
01[22:07] <Seira> "Why would that be?" Seira asks curiously.
[22:08] <Kotono> With a composed smile, "Azure sold...interesting items, as I'm sure you're aware of. Items of a mystical nature, I believe. The most strange things, too. Marvelous things, but strange."
01[22:11] <Seira> "I find myself in the curious position of both being interested to purchase his wares, and wondering if they legitimately belonged to Azure to sell in the first place," Seira elaborates with a small sigh. "I came to you in hope of both seeing one of his wares in person, and hearing more from you on the subject. Your help would be most appreciated, Sir."
[22:12] <Kotono> "Of course, I'm always happy to help the protectors of the Baronies," Gesturing, "This way.
[22:12] <Kotono> "
01[22:12] <Seira> "Thank you," Seira returns, following.
[22:14] <Kotono> You are lead back into soft, rich rooms. Here pieces of art from the Fiefdoms hang, rich displays of desert wealth. Amid them, there is a simple cudgel lying atop a fireplace. It looks completely out of place as Red Meyer stands before it. "This is it - looks normal enough right now."
01[22:17] <Seira> "If I may?" Seira voices, invoking the spell to see the magical auras of things, and taking a second look at the cudgel.
[22:18] <Kotono> The cudgel radiates magic.
01[22:19] <Seira> OOC: School, strength?
[22:20] <Kotono> OOC: Evocation, strong.
06[22:21] * Seira nods in approval. "It is decently strong. What is this cudgel supposed to do?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "Touch it." Red Meyer invites, "By all means."
06[22:23] * Seira does so at his invitation.
[22:25] <Kotono> The cudgel glows with a sheen of energy! It ripples over the surface of the cudgel, like a second skin.
06[22:26] * Seira observes it curiously for a moment longer.
[22:26] <Kotono> The energy continues to ripple. It's very pleasant to look at, entralling.
[22:26] <Kotono> *enthralling
01[22:27] <Seira> "Its ability is not revealing itself to my eyes," Seira admits. "To know more, I would need a more intrusive spell than I would like to cast at the moment."
[22:28] <Kotono> "It's definintely magic. Anyone with eyes can tell you that," Red Meyer smiles a little, "If you'r einterested in buying it? Considering it's uncertain status, I'd be willing to sell it to you at cost."
01[22:28] <Seira> "Oh?" Seira asks curiously, admiring the pleasantly glowing cudgel. "How much would it be, at cost?"
[22:31] <Kotono> "Seven thousand gold." He answers, "For what it may be, this is an absolute steal."
01[22:33] <Seira> Smiling, Seira glances towards the trader, moving her eyes away from the alluring sheen of energy. "And might I inquire about your own profit margin from this entire affair?" she wonders good-naturedly.
[22:35] <Kotono> "Even. It's at cost, I bought it for a mere 7,000 gold." Offering his hand out again, "Anything to help the guard...though, I have been thinking about opening an office in Balmuria. Would you know anything about that?"
01[22:39] <Seira> "We are always looking for enterprising people to increase the city's revenue and the quality of life for its citizens," Seira responds. "A boost to trading is one of the best ways of accomplishing this. Would you mind telling me more about that Azure person, first, however?" she requests politely. "While the product is genuine, I would still like to hear more about this trader."
[22:43] <Kotono> "He was a strange fellow. He was from the Fiefdoms, I believe. He said that he had acquired certain interesting goods he was willing to sell. Very easy to listen too, helluva talker. He'd make a great seller." Red Meyer rubs his jowly chin, jiggling. "He had the goods too."
01[22:45] <Seira> "Any idea where he was coming from, where he was headed? His plans? The rest of his merchandise?" Seira inquires calmly, giving the curious weapon a look for evil on the off chance there is foul play at hand.
[22:49] <Kotono> "He left rather abruptly," Shaking his head, "I do wonder if he was being chased." No evil, no evil at all. "He had a glowing set of armor and a cold iron sword in his possession."