208.1 Alicia and the Salamander Company

[Corwin]

[21:07] <Anastasia> -------
[21:10] <Anastasia> Ah, home. After the Kelaran affair settled out, the party returns to Balmuria. As life settles down again, Alicia works with the Guard. Commander Oberuth meets with her today, gesturing to a chair. "Sit down," he makes a motion.
06[21:11] * Alicia sits down!
[21:14] <Anastasia> "How was the weather over in Kelara?" Commander OBeruth asks, before starting to smile. "You don't have to answer that. Anyway, are you going to be busy in the immediate future?"
[21:15] <Alicia> "There's several things I'm meaning to look into, but if you need me for anything they can wait," Alicia replies honestly.
[21:19] <Anastasia> "I'd like for you to do some hands on commanding of the common troops," Commander Oberuth goes on. "Most of the rest of the Crimson Guard have done this in varying capacities before, but I don't think you've ever."
[21:21] <Alicia> "Not as such, I suppose," Alicia admits after going over her memory of events since she joined the Crimson Guard. "Very well, sir, how will we go about it?"
[21:24] <Anastasia> "Get a few soldiers - go ahead and borrow any if you have a preference, or just go down and get a few on training today. Three or four should be plenty." Waving his hand at that, "First of all, there's a group of mercenaries staying at the Dawn Point Inn. One of them claimed to be a spellcaster when the gate guards went through the basic questions, so it would be good to at least check on that and keep tabs on him if so."
[21:26] <Alicia> "Keep tabs?" Alicia looks uncertain, "How so? Are we to make some sort of display of force?" she asks, not sure why this would require a platoon of soldiers.
[21:29] <Anastasia> "No." Stopipng there, "Even if for whatever reason they end up aggressive, don't make a fight of it unless you have to defend yourself. You'll lead a contingent of troops instead of a seargant. Talk to them and the spellcaster, find out what they're doing. Be offical but polite. Assure them that this is simply routine because of the spellcaster. Let the men see you deal with it well and correctly, but try to involve them at the same time.
[21:29] <Anastasia> but try to involve them at the same time. One of the points is to raise morale by working with one of our heroes."
[21:33] <Alicia> "Alright..." Alicia nods, still seeming a bit dubious. It sounds like something far better dealt with informally, in her mind, but she's not going to disobey orders. "Will that be all, sir?"
[21:34] <Anastasia> "Come back when that's done," he says. "I'll want a basic report."
[21:35] <Alicia> Standing up, Alicia salutes and then heads off to grab some idle soldiers.
[21:40] <Anastasia> Three soldiers are gotten, falling in step with Alicia as she walks through the old quarter. The Dawn Point Inn is quiet and secluded still, a new shop having finally taken place next door. A blacksmithery, smoke coming out from a long stone chimney. One of the guards, Smoot, eyes the place and mutters something dark under his breath.
[21:41] <Alicia> "What's that, private?" Alicia asks Smoot, following his gaze towards the new blacksmith's.
[21:42] <Anastasia> "Nothing, ma'am!" Smooth stiffens up, while the other two soldiers smile slightly.
06[21:43] * Alicia is silent for a moment, letting him sweat before she nods, letting the matter drop as she heads into the Dawn Point Inn. In all honesty, she feels rather silly flanked by a trio of guards as she is, but she avoids showing it, presenting a calm and professional exterior to the world.
[21:46] <Anastasia> Inside the inn, you find a woman at front. She instantly looks wary on seeing Alicia, "What do you want," she asks, her voice decidely unfriendly. The Matron of the Dawn Point Inn keeps her eyes to Alicia's.
[21:50] <Alicia> Recognising the woman as one of Febras' friends, Alicia's own reaction isn't very favourable, either. Not wanting to overly trouble her, however, Alicia decides to keep this brief. "I understand you had some guests check in, today - a mercenary company?" she asks. "We'd like to talk with them - nothing bad, just welcoming them to the town and ensuring no misunderstandings."
[21:50] <Anastasia> "Late last night, and yeah," she gestures to the stairs, "Second floor, first door on your left."
[21:52] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia nods, gesturing for the guards to follow her as she heads up the stairs.
[21:59] <Anastasia> Up the stairs they go. Johnson scratches his nose as they go, "Ma'am?" he asks, as you reach the second floor.
[22:03] <Alicia> "Yes, Johnson?" Alicia asks, pausing before she approaches the relevant door.
[22:03] <Anastasia> "
[22:04] <Anastasia> "Ma'am, may I ask if this will have anything to do with ghouls?" he asks back.
[22:04] <Alicia> "I should hope not," Alicia blinks in surprise. "Why would you think it would?"
[22:05] <Anastasia> Johnson looks uncomfortable, "Smoot said something about the damned ghouls here, Ma'am," he says. "I heard that the Crimson Guard destroyed all of them, of course, but.."
[22:06] <Alicia> "Must have been before my time," Alicia replies apologetically. "But just because ghouls showed up once before, why would you think they'd appear right now?" she asks, directing this at Smoot.
[22:11] <Anastasia> "Ma'am, do you know that new blacksmithery?" Smooth asks. "I think this was back when ...oh yes." He thinks. "There was an incident there. It was abandoned for several months after. You see, it used to be a butcher's shop before the ghouls got involved."
[22:12] <Anastasia> "Nowadays, everyone's saying it's cursed," he adds on.
[22:13] <Alicia> "That's just superstition," Alicia counters. "I've been here over half a year and I've never seen a single ghoul. Vampires, zombie wolves, giant sharks, devils... but never a ghoul to be seen," she reassures them.
[22:16] <Anastasia> "Don't worry," The last guard speaks up. "Guardians of Helm are strong in this city. If there were undead here it would be crushed."
[22:18] <Anastasia> "...yes, ma'am," Johnson salutes stiffly.
[22:18] <Alicia> "Perhaps, but can we really call ourselves guards if we leave our protection in the hands of the church?" Alicia tells the last one. "Anyway, that's a discussion for another time and we have work to do." Considering the matter closed, she goes to knock on the first door on the left.
[22:20] <Anastasia> "Yeah," A burly voice calls out after the knock. "Didja bring the food we asked for already?"
[22:21] <Alicia> "Not room service, I'm afraid," Alicia calls back. "Lieu-Captain Reynes," she just catches herself with her correct rank. "Crimson Guard. May we come in?"
[22:21] <Anastasia> "Eh? Sure, c'mon i-wait. Hold on." You hear some shuffling in the room. "Yeah, c'mon in."
06[22:23] * Alicia opens the door and steps inside, offering a friendly smile to the occupants even as she gives them a cursory look over for any signs of evil.
[22:25] <Anastasia> There's a few people. One is a bare chested brute of a man, scars crisscrossing his body. He has a bushy beard, a cruel, barbed greataxe(A recently familiar one, no less) held in hand. Wrapped in blankets on the bed is a woman, intently staring at the door. "Tsch," she shakes her head. "Just some city guards, after all."
[22:26] <Alicia> "Oh, I remember that axe!" Alicia feels compelled to observe, pointing to the one held by the large man. "Hope you have better luck than its previous owner," she adds, hoping to put them at ease with some commonality.
[22:28] <Anastasia> "Do you? You looted this?" he asks, "Thanks for that.  This axe SPOKE to me. It just made me give over all those gems I'd saved up for it, it's that aweworthy," He grins, black hairs making his face fearsome.
[22:29] <Anastasia> "It's a pleasure," The woman wrapped in blankets inclines her head slightly. "Are you looking to hire the Salamander Company or are you here to bust our asses?"
[22:30] <Anastasia> The three soldiers stay respectfully back, more eyeing the woman - she's rather pretty, with red hair and pale skin - than is probably proper.
06[22:31] * Alicia nods as she steps fully into the room. "It was wielded by a Bearded Devil. Now most barbazu are scrawny little things, but this one was as big as a-" she cuts her tale off at the woman's question, turning to answer. "Oh, no, you're not in any trouble. You can think of this as a welcome, just to gauge your intentions in our city and make sure there won't be any misunderstandings."
[22:32] <Anastasia> "Bah," With a snort, "Was it the part about making enough money here to drown an oxen, or the part about casting magic?" she asks. "OR do you do this for all the still smelly from the road mercs?"
[22:33] <Anastasia> "Bearded Devil? Damn, this is impressive? That means this is from the underworld?" Looking at the axe, "Yes.  You're gonna kill so many goblins and problems, aren't you?"
[22:36] <Alicia> "Honestly, I'm not sure - this is the first time I've been given such a job," Alicia admits, entirely honest, but hopefully something that'll make them lower their guard. "Anyway, you must already be extremely wealthy to have afforded that axe, so I suppose it's mostly about the magic."
[22:36] <Alicia> "I like to think we're a friendly city for spellcasters," she glances meaningfully at the holy symbol of Mystra she wears prominently on her armour, "But some have been known to cause trouble - mostly necromancers and people a bit too obsessed with fire."
[22:38] <Anastasia> The woman follows the glance before scratching at her arm. "Ah. I get you. Yeah, we're not gonna overthrow the government or turn half the city into charmed minions. If I could do that, I'd be back home, not here." With a snort, "Me, Rods, the big guy over there and Serge are looking to make money. This town's being buzzed about all around as becoming the next big thing and having more magic than some kingdoms."
[22:40] <Anastasia> "She has a point. It had this," Looking at his ax with fond eyes, "You had necromancers? ARen't those the guys who like corspes a little too much? Can't you just got chop-chop to take care of that?"
[22:41] <Anastasia> "Not that. Spellcasters who make undead or use negative energy," The woman corrects with a slight smile. "Anyway, no, we're not any of those."
[22:43] <Anastasia> "Oh well, I still say that fucking giant was one of those other ones. Did you see the way he lookeda t poor old Madi?" With as cowl, "Well, that's why the Gods made axes."
[22:43] <Alicia> "Balmuria's a city on the rise, that's for certain," Alicia nods. She then gives Rod a thin smile, "Chopping does work well, Rod. And that's why I only speak of necromancers in the past tense. But I'm sure other problems will occur in the future to challenge this city - and offer a chance of enrichment for those with the skill, luck, and desperation to challenge them."
[22:43] <Alicia> "If you stay here, I'm sure you'll do well - and if you keep your noses clean, I'm sure my superiors will be happy to know that they can call upon the services of competent mercenaries in times of need."
[22:43] <Anastasia> "Colorful..." Smoot murmurs, putting a hand over his lips.
[22:45] <Anastasia> "Yeah." The woman looks Alicia up and down. "Well, if you're done, could you go? I need to get dressed, and I'd rather not do it in front of them," she eyes the guards with a pointed look. "Serge should be back soon, you can stick around outside if you wanna meet him too."
[22:46] <Anastasia> "Say, what was that Bearded Devil like, anyway?" the big man inquires. "Someone would have to be pretty manly to use this."
06[22:48] * Alicia thinks for a second about what Obureth said about including the men, more. "Why don't you come downstairs with us and we can trade stories over drinks?" she suggests. "That way we can meet Serge when he comes back, too?"
[22:51] <Anastasia> "Sure!" The big guy agrees instantly. "We've been stuck over in the west and then the east...long story there..."
[22:52] <Anastasia> The men blink at that, but they seem more interested now. "Drinks, ma'am?"
[22:53] <Alicia> "In moderation," Alicia warns as she exits the room. "I don't want anyone unable to walk back to the garrison."
[22:55] <Anastasia> "Ma'am!" Smoot looks up, giving a very sharp salute to her. Meanwhile, "Ah, could you do with that leaving the room," the woman asks. "It's kinda drafty in here."
06[22:55] * Alicia has already left! If any guards haven't followed her example, she will drag them out.
[22:56] <Anastasia> The guards quickly squawck and follow out! They file out in a line, following Alicia.
[23:00] <Alicia> Heading downstairs, Alicia buys a round of drinks for the guards and Rod, even forcing herself to drink some beer and resolving not to prestidigitate it into something more suitable to her palate. Hopefully no one will notice if she just nurses her mug for a while, especially if everyone else keeps things in moderation.
[23:12] <Anastasia> The guards sit down, mugs of heady ale passed out. Soon enough the two join you at one large table. While the Matron of the entire place glares at the group, she doesn't do anything otherwise. "Aaah," The big man slams down his drink, "So yeah," he begins. "Have you ever heard of Kesse?"
[23:14] <Alicia> "Is that east of Malmuth?" Alicia asks, not entirely certain.
[23:21] <Anastasia> "Naw. See, we started in the west of here. Waaaay to the west from what we digged up. Okay, you know how east of here you have a bigass desert, some odds and ends and then jungle? Well, we're well past that jungle - to us, the jungle's the eastern frontier for us." The man just shakes his head. "See, we were chasing down a warlord who was raising hell in kingdom. Long story very short is that we had to get into a fight with him and some he
[23:21] <Anastasia> a fight with him and some help he had, including a sorcerer. He had this stick-"
[23:22] <Alicia> "And I thought I'd travelled far to get here," Alicia mutters. "Go on?"
[23:22] <Anastasia> "I think it was a staff or rod. Lucky sonuvabitch, he wasn't even that good." The woman sips her drink, "I'd give my liver to have gotten my hands on it instead. Anyway, he screwed up pretty well. The staff turned into a giant snake, so he did what only a harebrain would do - he smashed it on the ground."
[23:23] <Anastasia> "Wow," Smoot listens, drinking his own. "Wait, there's stuff after the Desert Fiefdoms? Dang. I thought it all just ended in desert."
[23:23] <Anastasia> "
[23:24] <Anastasia> "Yeah," the man nods to the woman, "Boom. Big boom. Not in thew ay that say 'Time to hurt or die', but in a weird way. Next thing we knew, the four of us were in the succubus sucking ocean."
[23:24] <Alicia> "Kelara's right past the desert - that's where I'm from," Alicia tells Smoot. Then, turning her attention back to Rod, "It didn't explode, did it? I had a magic book do that to me, once."
[23:25] <Anastasia> "Hell if we know," The woman drinks again, "We haven't seen the retarded warlord or his incompetent lackey since. For all we know they're dead, somewhere else or even ruling Kesse. All we know is that the world exploded and then we did a header into the ocean."
[23:28] <Anastasia> "What magic book exploded?" Johnson asks curiously, before hastily adding, "Er, Ma'am?"
[23:29] <Anastasia> "Yeah, the worst part is that we lost all our old heavy armor and weapons. I had this great metal club, could knock the head off a dragon, and now it's probably rusted on the ocean floor. Damn." He says damn heavily, like he's tasting it. "We weren't far from shore, so we didn't drown."
[23:30] <Alicia> "It was Mihail's," Alicia replies, looking a bit irritated at this story. "He was acting completely insane, utterly paranoid about how he thought we were planning to steal his precious book. It seemed obvious at the time that it was responsible for making him sick in the head, so in the heat of the moment I tried cutting it in two to show him we meant business without actually hurting him..."
[23:30] <Alicia> "Damn thing exploded and utterly vapourised the poor man, nearly killed me, too."
[23:31] <Anastasia> "Damn," Rods scratches the back of his head, "Who's Mihail, but he sounds like the irritating end of a long job that probably didn't pay enough."
[23:31] <Anastasia> "Local wizard," Smoot adds helpfully, after amouthful of beer.
[23:32] <Anastasia> "Ma'am can tell you more about him," The third adds helpfully.
[23:32] <Alicia> "Wizard who was too obsessed with fire for his own good," Alicia raises her almost full mug in a toast to his memory. "I feel sorry for him, more than anything. It was a bad end."
[23:33] <Anastasia> The man raises his own, "Damned firebugs." The womans hakes her head, "Do you mean that the book was dominating or influencing him?"
[23:33] <Anastasia> She lingers on that, scowling, "I've heard of a few things that could do it. Sentinet artifacts, but most people couldn't find one if they spent their lives looking for them, they're so rare."
06[23:34] * Alicia shakes her head. "The book was vapourised along with him, so there's no way to be sure. But from everything I heard, he was a harmless recluse before he laid eyes on it. After that, he dug out a lava filled tunnel under the city and started making noises about sacrificing everyone to Kossuth - though afterwards it seemed like he was aiming more at a potential invasion by Malmuth than the city itself. It wasn't really our finest hour."
[23:35] <Anastasia> Smoot sputters on his drink. "Holy shit, that was true...ma'am," he adds as an afterthought, keeping some measure of respect.
[23:37] <Anastasia> Whistling, "Sounds heavy. I got a splash of lava on the arm one time," The big man taps his shoulder, "You could see the burned bone, the skin was melted away. It didn't even hurt, which was the strangest thing. Good think we'd spent money on a healing potion before that."
[23:38] <Alicia> "I don't really understand it, myself," Alicia admits, taking a sip of her drink and trying to avoid a grimace. "Demedais said he heard Mihail make a clear threat against the city, and when we challenged him he didn't deny it at all. But what we found down there indicated he was aiming at a potential invading army from Malmuth." Nodding to Rod, "We had to use lots of magical protection against heat before going down there."
[23:38] <Anastasia> "Kossuth, eh?" Rubbing her cheek, "It does remind me of that. There's some volcanos in Kesse and there's a small movement of Kossuth there. There were the ones who hired us on the job where Rods got that burn. Honestly, I think the protection from fire I cast on him saved his life, or at least his arm."
[23:39] <Anastasia> Listening to the rest, "It sounds like a complete fiasco. Are all the wizards around here like that, or was he an anomaly?"
[23:40] <Alicia> "He's not known as an especially vindictive or malevolent god, which makes it all the more puzzling," Alicia nods. "Mihail was an anomaly, fortunately. Most of us are productive members of society."
[23:40] <Anastasia> "Ah, I'd still be kicking ass, even if I was one armed," Rods grins, finishing his drink off in a gulp. "Sounds like it."
[23:41] <Alicia> "Now, you were asking about the devil that owned that axe previously, weren't you?" she goes on, nursing her drink. "It was in the desert, where we'd found a portal to Hell that devils were spilling right out of."
[23:41] <Alicia> "The Crimson Guard had joined forces with a contingent of celestials trying to send them back the way they came, and after skirmishing all over the desert, we'd finally cornered them. That barbazu was the... third last line of defence for the portal. Him, an Ice Devil, and a dozen or so erinyes."
[23:41] <Alicia> "Most bearded devils are no bigger than a man, but this one was the size of an ogre, and twice as muscled. So we did the sensible thing and trapped him with a web spell - which also stopped the erinyes shooting at us - and weakened him with spells before taking him down in melee once he'd been weakened escaping the web."
[23:41] <Alicia> "In the end, for all his fearsome appearance, he didn't get to do much at all."
[23:41] <Anastasia> "He isn't. If anything..." A shake of her head, "The man must've been influnened. While not friendly, the Kossuth movements are often useful to us. They'll strengthen us if we prove worthy and they're generally not ones to give us setups or betray a contract."
[23:42] <Anastasia> Listening to the entire story, Rods breaks into a grin by the end. "Aaaw, that's not fair!" he protests, "That's like beating up a tied up prisoner. Damn, it still sounds like a good idea, though."
[23:43] <Anastasia> "Gelugon?" A voice half chokes, coming from behind Alicia. "What in the Hell...or Hells, are you talking about now, you two?" A male voice asks.
06[23:43] * Alicia nods. "They had the advantage of a fortified defence line, so we had to use a few tricks of our own," she replies with a smile, before turning her head to regard the new arrival.
[23:45] <Anastasia> It's a dwarf. A dwarf with tanned skin - and with white, blind eyes, yet he moves to an empty chair without even showing hesitation.  He wears a breastplate and greaves, a quiver of arrows on his back. "Those are real devils and not just a lemure some kid conjured up. HEavy, as you'd say," he nudges Rods as he sits. "Serge, nice to meet you," he sticks out a hand towards Alicia. "Business or pleasure today?"
[23:46] <Anastasia> "Pleasure," Rods grins, slapping Serge's back. "The lady here's trading war stories. Oh, apparently your best friend had a loon going around here. I'll fill you in later."
06[23:47] * Alicia accepts the handshake without any sign of being offput. She really has seen stranger things, and she's not going to insult him by commenting on his apparent blindness. "Alicia Reynes, Crimson Guard. A bit of both, since this is an official welcome from the guard, but swapping friendly stories is always a pleasure."
[23:48] <Anastasia> "...dang," Smoot shakes his head. "Man, Captain Seira..." he mutters something else under his breath.
[23:48] <Alicia> "Smoot, why don't you tell these fellows about the trouble with the ghouls?" she suggests to the most talkative guard. "This happened before I came to Balmuria," she adds for the Salamander Company's benefit.
[23:48] <Anastasia> "Nice to meet you," he inclines his head, "You're the Alicia that the bar stories liked to mention? I didn't think you'd be doing greeting duty."
[23:49] <Alicia> "Perhaps it's to remind me that I am still only a Captain despite all that?" she muses in a self deprecating manner.
[23:51] <Anastasia> "Yeah. Well, you see...well, ghouls showed up," Smoot begins, getting a new drink before starting. "They walked the streets, turned a few unlucky people into a meal. The Crimson Guard got called out to counter them. From what I hear they did - Seira, Shamal, Berlioz and Lyselle of the guard tracked down t he source in a tomb to Helm and..." A moment, as the third guard glares at Smoot, before Smoot shakes his head. "Oh shut up. It's true.
[23:51] <Anastasia> "Oh shut up. It's true. Anyway, it turned into a recurring problem."
[23:52] <Anastasia> "The advancement rate must be glacial if half of what I heard is true," Serge notes. "You're a follower of Mystra, too? Trading recipies for eyes of newt and hagwarts with J?"
[23:53] <Anastasia> "Oooh, ghouls. Go on," Rods leans forward, "They sound fun."
[23:53] <Anastasia> "Well...it was off and on, with the Guard defeating each recurrance, until the threat was located. IT was a man named Febras, who had helped the Guard before. As for that, Captain Alicia knows the details since she was a part of that battle."
[23:54] <Anastasia> "Or dinner recipes," The woman - J? - grimaces. "Just ask yourself how much you want to eat spell components the next time I draw trail dinner duty."
[23:55] <Alicia> "I do use magic, but it comes from within rather than a spellbook, so there's not much to trade," Alicia admits before politely listening to Smoot's tale. "Oh!" she then starts as he concludes, "Yes, Febras, I didn't know he was connected to what you were talking about. Febras was a vampire that had caused trouble here and in Malmuth."
[23:55] <Alicia> "He had a pack of undead wolves and bats at his command - we finally cornered him in a copse of trees outside of the city, but it was a bloody affair."
[23:56] <Anastasia> At the mention of bats, "Damn. All your friends and family are around here," Rods nudges Serge again. "Bats and Kossuth, eh?"
[23:57] <Anastasia> "That sounds dreadful. It's a shame we weren't here to take a job, I'd have loved to burn away that sort of threat in the flames of Kossuth' judgment." Serge idly pushes Rods away.
[23:59] <Alicia> "Fire did do a number on him and his minions," Alicia nods, smiling with some grim satisfaction. "I'd fought him once before in Malmuth, and gave a poor account of myself before I had to withdraw. But when we fought that final time I wasn't using some borrowed longsword..."
Session Time: Wed Apr 09 00:00:00 2008
[00:01] <Anastasia> "Sounds like another good story," J leans back, sipping a little more. "It sounds like you've gotten your fair share of war stories and war injuries. You don't look it - you have a divine healer around?"
[00:01] <Anastasia> "I bet she's at least partly the source of that," Serge speaks up.
06[00:03] * Alicia shakes her head. "I have some small talent at magical healing myself, but it's not really my forte. I always keep a wand filled with charges of the simplest healing spell handy, though - that way I can be sure of fixing up any severe wounds after the fighting's over, and before there's any time for scar tissue to form."
[00:03] <Anastasia> "You think?" Rods eyes her, "I thought she said she did the hand wavy magic, not the pray to the Gods magic....unless you can do both?"
[00:04] <Anastasia> "You're a paladin?" Serge continues on, blind eyes looking at her. "Ah, of course. It would compliment you well. Your presence is palpable. You exude that sense of self tha twould be so vital, that primal will."
[00:05] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia beams at Serge. "Most paladins do cast divine spells - another in the Crimson Guard serves Helm and does, for example. But as I worship Mystra, and found myself gifted with arcane magic even before entering her service, it seems more appropriate to focus on that side of magic."
[00:08] <Anastasia> As Rods scratches his head, "You're welcome. You stand out like Rods does when he's worked up.  Anyone could tell if they paid attention well, and not just sidelong looks at your beauty." He elbows Rods at that, not stopping his speech. "I'm not a paladin myself, but I do have a slight connection to Kossuth."
[00:10] <Anastasia> You can notice Smoot blushing a bit, but it's J that speaks. "Man. Gods, Gods, Gods." Rubbing the back of her head, "Isn't that Mystra chick supposed to look after spellcasters?"
[00:12] <Alicia> "You're very kind, Serge," Alicia nods warmly to the dwarf. Then, seizing a chance to proslytize, she turns to J! "The Mother of Magic tends to the Weave that allows us to cast our spells - if not for Her, you'd simply be saying funny words and waving your hands to accomplish naught but looking silly. Do you ask for more?"
[00:13] <Anastasia> "Well yeah." Rubbing her arm, "I don't know, maybe bailing us out once in awhile? Like, where was Mystra when were fighting that horde of pissed off goblins alone, or where was Mystra when I was hoping my last spell would take down the Dire Tiger before it escaped it's bonds?"
[00:17] <Alicia> "Mystra - nor any God - is not simply some helper to trot out when you're in trouble and forget the rest of the time," Alicia reasons. "But the fact that you're still here to complain about it tells me that either Mystra *did* help you, or you weren't actually in any great crisis, after all."
03[00:19] * Sierra_DEAD is now known as Sierra_MomentaryLife
[00:20] <Anastasia> "Ah, that's the biggest load of bullshit I've ever heard," J snorts, guzzling down the rest of her drink, before eyeing Alicia. "That Dire Tiger didn't go down, you know. I lost a couple of good friends before we subdued it. The only reason I ended up breathing is because a few friends were willing to stop breathing. Aaah, if you're gonna be all about 'Be thankful' stuff, a tleast be honest and say that she'll let you get ripped up."
[00:21] <Anastasia> Rods sighs, "Oh come on, J. It's bad enough when you and Serge go at it. Save it for the next fight, not the barroom."
[00:21] <Anastasia> "...damn," Johnson marvels at that, "...Ma'am?" he asks, hesitantly.
[00:23] <Anastasia> "They're in a better place now," Serge shrugs lightly, "J, have some manners. Really now, that was crude." He sips his drink - just water, apparently - "I apologise on her behalf, Alicia."
[00:24] <Alicia> "Maybe she will," Alicia replies cooly, fixing her gaze entirely on J. "I've lost people important to me, too. But I don't blame others for it - not when I've been blessed with more gifts than most people will ever see. Mystra's given me the tools to use as I see fit, she doesn't need to lead me by the hand, too."
[00:24] <Anastasia> roll 1d20
06[00:24] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d20 and gets 20."12 [1d20=20]
[00:25] <Anastasia> "...yeah, maybe," J grunts, "Rods, why don't you tell her about the time the Dire Shark invaded that harbor we were resting at."
[00:26] <Anastasia> Rods very quickly agrees, thumping her back. "Yeah, this one time, a Dire Shark charged into a harbor we were at and went INSANE." he says. "Have you ever seen a huge shark tearing up ships?"
06[00:26] * Alicia glances at the other guards and quirks a smile, glad for the break in tension. "You'd be surprised, actually..."
[00:27] <Anastasia> Johnson smiles a bit as well. "It happened a few months ago here. Commander Oberuth and the Guard dealt with it, as I remember?"
[00:28] <Anastasia> "No shit?" Rods mutters, "Man, something in the water on this corner of the world must do it. I axed it right in the face and it kept going! It dragged me along as it ripped through the hull of a treasure ship! Gold and silver coins were going everywhere as I hung on for dear life."
[00:29] <Alicia> "Our one tore up one of the docs then just swam right out again. No clue what could have riled it up - how'd you get out of its jaws once it had you, though?"
[00:29] <Anastasia> "We won, at least," Serge interjects, "And I earned good money helping them retreive all the coins that went under from that."
[00:30] <Anastasia> "Oh, it didn't get me in it's jaws. Y'see," he gestures overhandedly, like he's swinging down, "I hit it right in the face from above. The axe kinda got stuck and it kept going." Laughing, "It never bit me...damn, all the slamming around was almost as bad. The city was nice about it and paid for the healing, since we'd been rebuilding there and helping out anyway."
[00:31] <Alicia> "And everyone had shark stew for a month?" Alicia concludes breezily.
[00:32] <Anastasia> "Hahahahahahaha," Rods nods quickly, "Hells yes. Shark sausage is pretty good, too."
[00:32] <Anastasia> Serge smiles slightly, "What about you, Alicia? What's your best crazy story?"
06[00:34] * Alicia leans back, thinking a moment. "Crazy, eh?" she's silent for a few seconds as she gathers her thoughts. "Oh, this is funny just for the sheer absurdity of it. We were exploring some gnomish ruins when we came across a chamber filled with really powerful conjuration magic. In the centre we learned that we were going to be tested on our morals and ethics." (more)
[00:36] <Alicia> "Most of it was fairly serious, for Law we were confronted by an Archon and a Devil - we talked the former into helping us fight the latter, even though it went against the conditions that bound the outsiders there. For Good we met some friendly angels, for Evil we provoked some Demons and Devils into fighting each other more than us. Then there was Chaos..." (more)
[00:38] <Alicia> "The two celestials present for that test were pleasant enough, and we expected a fight like the Gelugon had given us earlier from the other side, though... instead what we got were three succubi, two of which were tottering around with greatswords as big as they were. They didn't make any attempt at tricking us or anything, just made some juvenile insults and then attacked."
[00:38] <Alicia> Alicia can't help but laugh softly, "They looked like the kind of women afraid to break a nail, and there they were trying to hack us up with greatswords. It was almost sad, really."
[00:39] <Anastasia> Serge listens to all of it, but the moment Alicia mentions the greatswords, he cracks up laughing. He doubles over, Rods joining him. "Oh my fucking...!" he gasps out quickly, "That had to have been some sort of mistake with the summons. No way."
[00:39] <Anastasia> J looks up from her minature funk, smiling a little. "...That's..."
03[00:40] * Sierra_MomentaryLife is now known as Mecha_Sierra
[00:41] <Anastasia> "That sounds like a noblewoman fighting," Smoot observes.
[00:43] <Alicia> "There wasn't much noble about how they were dressed, but in terms of attitude you're not far off," Alicia nods amusedly. "At least one of them had some decorum about her as she tried to kill us with spells instead, so we had to take them a little bit seriously. But it's certainly one of the odder fights I've ever had."
[00:45] <Anastasia> "It's up there." J observes, "That sounds more like Erinyes than a Succubus. Erinyes are the pretty ones that try to stab you instead of letting them stab into them." With a ghost of a smile, "I nearly had to deal with one, but the summoner was tracked down too quickly and dealt with. Just as well."
[00:46] <Anastasia> "Maybe there wanted to be those E things?" Rods asks. "Oh yeah, that was before we hooked up, wasn't it? I heard about that, but I was busy up north."
[00:47] <Anastasia> "Pfah. They're not to be taken that lightly...though that situation begs to differ," Serge continues to smile, his laughter slowing. "Perhaps they were cursed?"
[00:48] <Alicia> "I've dealt with dozens of erinyes, lately," Alicia exhales, cracking a slight smile at the innuendo. She'll have tell Antenora that one. "Hell seems to be far more active than the Abyss in trying to gain influence in the world, it seems."
[00:48] <Anastasia> "Yeah. Didn't you mention fighting a bunch of devils? What was with that?" Rods asks. "It sounds like one helluva fight."
[00:49] <Anastasia> Serge smiles a bit, "Aren't they of order and chaos? Perhaps the Abyss lacks the focus to concentrate their efforts? Not that it's much blessing, if what I've read on devils is true."
[00:50] <Anastasia> "Yeah, but we're safe from them," The third guard says, "I heard Colonel SEira and the guard have an artifact that kills devils in a single blow."
[00:51] <Alicia> "They're very driven, that's true. It was an old gnomish gate they'd found - something I'll suggest you three be very careful about if you chance upon any gnomish ruins around here - and they had months to come pouring through before we closed it. There's a lot of devils abroad in the world, right now, try as we might to hunt them down."
[00:51] <Alicia> She nods to the other guard, "Not exactly a single blow, but close enough. We're hardly defenceless against Hell's forces."
[00:53] <Anastasia> "Guess we'll probably run into 'em, then," Rods grins, "Good. I'll break in this axe - it knows them already, remember!"
[00:54] <Anastasia> Serge frowns, "Alicia, that's the second time you've mentioned the gnomes. Now...Oh, most use them to scare children with distant stories and fables, but you speak of them in an entirely different tone."
[00:55] <Alicia> "I'm surprised you haven't heard yourself, considering you came here," Alicia admits to Serge. "You'll find ruins of theirs dotted around the barbarian lands if you explore there. That axe Rod is so enamoured with?" she nods towards the large man, "Gnomecraft."
[00:56] <Anastasia> "All we've heard in Malmuth is the leftovers of that war." J looks like she just bit into a lemon. "Shit, we finally get the money to move on and the entire Empire's like a clenched asshole that won't let anything in or out."
[00:57] <Anastasia> "What you heard," Serge shakes his head, "People talked, but you aren't that good at listening," he smiles at that, reaching over to pat her head.
[00:58] <Anastasia> "Fuck you," J breaks into a smile, giving him a nasty gesture. "Fine, info boy. You're good at getting drunks and merchants to talk."
[00:59] <Anastasia> Resisting a smile himself, "Ah. I'd heard of ruins and such, but it really was third tier news right now. The war and then the Crimson Guard and the Baronies, then the new Queen." With a shake of his head, "Did you truly commit regicide?"
[00:59] <Anastasia> Meanwhile, "Fucking hell, GNOMES made this?" He looks to his axe, hefting it up with one hand, nearly clipping poor J. "I'm not sure if that makes it more aweworthy or less."
[01:00] <Alicia> "Malmuth's had a lot of problems, though they can be grateful to have had the war end with so little bloodshed," Alicia observes, "As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather kill a lunatic king with delusions of godhood than draw the blood of even one honest soldier who's simply serving his country."
[01:00] <Anastasia> "Ma'am did," Smoot says, "The Crimson Guard can defeat anyone, we've seen that. CAp-er, Colonel Seira's scarier than an army, too."
[01:01] <Anastasia> "Eh." Serge leans back in his chair, rocking back and forth. "You might be right. I'm not touching that - but the point is, gnomes are real and dangerous? You've connected them to that barbaric weapon and devils already."
[01:02] <Alicia> "They're all dead, but what they left behind is still a threat to the unwary," Alicia agrees, raising her mug briefly and taking a swig - although it's still half full - before she rises. "Anyway, as much as it's been a pleasure, we really should be getting back to our duties."
[01:03] <Anastasia> "It's a pleasure," Serge stands, offering his hand. "Alicia, is there some place I can contact you? I'd like toa sk you a few supplimental questions when there's time. It'll help save us money and bandages on Rods here."
[01:05] <Anastasia> The guards stand - not tipsy, but moving. "It was fun," Smoot says, voice energetic. "Best day of work I've had in awhile."
[01:05] <Alicia> "Ask for me at the garrison or at the temple of Mystra near the West Gate," Alicia replies, shaking his hand. "Either one should be able to track me down easily enough."
[01:06] <Anastasia> "Thanks," he shakes, while Rods weaves his hand down to the table and then makes a "BOOOOOOM!" sound. Serge casually turns to him and doesn't say a word, though Rods grins like a cat in the cream.
03[01:06] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
06[01:06] * Alicia smirks slightly at Rod, though she gives J a more sombre look, simply nodding respectfully to her fellow mage before she leads the guards out of the Dawn Point Inn. No doubt to the owner's relief.

[Corwin]

[20:16] <Kotono> -----
[20:16] <Kotono> Alicia, do you have any immediate things you want to do or look into?
[20:18] <Ebiris> As far as fluffy stuff goes, I can offer Anty a job in the guard and take Marie to meet Obureth. I want to go back to Kelara to look into the brewing rebellion, but that can wait until magic items have been bought/upgraded (which should take about two months, so that can wait a bit). Then there's fixing the soul prison, sword of grief, and dragon scales, in that order of priority.
03[20:18] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:18] <Kotono> Let's do fluffy first and clear all that up. Preference on which you do first?
[20:19] <Alicia> Well, I can offer Anty the job then segue into going to the garrison with Marie (and possibly Anty if she chooses to take the job).
06[20:19] * Kotono nods.
[20:19] <Kotono> ------
[20:21] <Kotono> Finding Antenora isn't terribly hard - oh wait, it actually is this time. She's not training and she's not around Alicia's house. It's only when she goes near the Temple of Mystra that she chances onto her, seeing her leaving it. Her pace is good, though she wears a plain dress instead of armor for once. She still has her spear handy, strapped to her back.
[20:24] <Alicia> "Hello, Antenora," Alicia gives a little wave as she approaches. "Was just looking for you, actually. Doing anything in particular at the temple?" she asks curiously, peering past her towards the doors.
[20:25] <Kotono> The doors are currently blocked by a couple of people in robes entering. "You did mention the food it gives away to the poor, so I went to see that."
[20:26] <Alicia> "Did you volunteer to help out?" Alicia asks, gratified that her church appears to be well attended by Mystra's faithful.
[20:28] <Kotono> "Not yet. I wanted to see it myself." Antenora falls in step with Alicia, "I'll forgo the comment about them reminding me of lemures hoping for what little respite they can get." Her look is strangely, slightly cross. "It was ...interesting."
[20:31] <Alicia> "The idea is to let them sustain themselves with at least a little dignity, rather than begging for handouts," Alicia sighs softly, starting to amble in the direction of their house. "Are you still interested in giving lessons to the children, at least?"
[20:34] <Kotono> "How can a human be dignified when they can't even provide food for themselves? It's so important to them and they can't even do that." Antenora shakes hier head, "I'd like to try that, yes."
[20:36] <Alicia> "It is sad," the paladin agrees, "And wouldn't be necessary in a perfect world... but we don't live in such a world. So the least we can do is help the helpless to live as best they can, rather than leaving them to suffer and starve." Taking a deep breath, she lets that settle before essaying a smile, "You know, Marie also sounded interested in giving lessons at the church, too."
[20:40] <Kotono> "Did she?" Antenora asks, voice rather bland and unhinting.
[20:42] <Alicia> "Well, you didn't recoil in disgust, so that's a better reaction than I'd expected," Alicia goes on dryly. "Have you talked to her at all since she arrived?"
[20:44] <Kotono> Antenora doesn't answer until you finish getting back home, at the door. "Yeah, a bit....HOW did you get one of those? Why? Is this some sort of backhanded punishment from Mystra?"
[20:45] <Alicia> "She insists its a great honour and token of esteem," Alicia replies as she opens the door. Lowering her voice in case Marie is nearby to hear, "Reading between the lines, I get the idea that this is as much a test for her as anything to do with me."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Ouch." Antenora almost smiles at that, "So your familiar is simply here as a test to itself? How self efficating."
[20:50] <Alicia> "She's pretty desperate to make a good impression," Alicia agrees just as a tiny elfin figure flutters into view from the dining room.
[20:50] <Alicia> "Ah, you're early! I haven't made lunch, yet!" she proclaims, before adding in a tone stunningly void of guile, "Who's trying to make a good impression?"
[20:51] <Kotono> "You." Antenora states rather plainly, walking past. "You're one stepa way from doing wide eyes and pleading for everyone to like you."
[20:53] <Alicia> Marie twitches a couple of times, before spinning in the air to face Antenora's back as she walks past. "You're right, I'm doing it all wrong! Surely I should be playing the tortured miscreant and threatening to stab and betray her all the time even as I struggle with my conflicting subservient adoration! Would that work better, do you think?" she snaps
[20:54] <Alicia> .
[20:55] <Kotono> Turning with a smile, Antenora looks at the creature. "I didn't meant that entirely as an insult," she allows. "I suppose you have...innoncence."
[20:58] <Alicia> Alicia looked about to chastise Marie for going too far, but since Antenora didn't blow up she instead relents. "I'm sure you'll find some way to grind that out of me before all this is over," the eladrin continues in a suspicious tone.
[20:58] <Alicia> And finally Alicia just sighs. "Ladies, please, we're all on the same side here. Can't you too at least try to get along?" Besides, she can tell that the coure is actually a bit frightened beneath her facade, and doesn't want this to continue.
[21:03] <Kotono> "I don't know. Most of what I know says that innocence is meant to be ground out as a weakness." Antenora turns away, "I also hear it makes eladrin taste quite good to a devilish palate." Antenora turns again, licking her lips. "But...aaaah, Alicia is right. I hearby promise you'll never see the bottom of a pot or pan, as long as you restrain yourself a little bit."
[21:07] <Alicia> 'Just not today?' Alicia asks wearily, having to deal with three levels of conversation, the telepathic words from Antenora, the empathic sensations from Marie, and the actual spoken words.
[21:08] <Kotono> 'No matter what, order's always been there for me,' Antenora's mental voice becomes reflective as she walks away. 'I need that right now, still.'
[21:09] <Alicia> "Decadence is hardly a strength," Marie retorts at the erinyes back. "And I've been the model of restraint - it's not like I'm running around throwing rotten fruit at you and pushing you down the stairs or whatever sort of brainless pranks you seem to expect from my kind."
[21:09] <Alicia> "Marie, could you give us a minute?" Alicia asks patiently, shooing her back into the dining room as she follows Antenora. "There was another thing, Antenora, what I wanted to talk to you about originally."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Come on," Antenora starts to walk towards her room. "We'll talk later," she says to the eladrin absently, focusing on Alicia now.
06[21:11] * Alicia follows Antenora into her room. "Commander Obureth made an... interesting, proposal, earlier today," she begins.
[21:13] <Kotono> Antenora goes to a small table by her bed first, putting down a little mechanical thing there first. It looks like a three iron bands twisted together, yet in a perfect, simplistic order for all three. There's a strong symmetry to it. "What is it?" she asks.
[21:17] <Alicia> "You've been offered a position in the guard - as an ensign, I believe," Alicia wonders if that means she'll be officially part of the navy. Her tone is neutral, not wanting to spin it either way for Antenora.
[21:19] <Kotono> "You're kidding." Antenora stops, raising an eyebrow. "I feel lucky when I'm not called an abomination when I'm over there."
[21:21] <Alicia> "Obureth expressed... reservations, but it seems the orders came from above him - I'm assuming from people who don't know you're anything but the human you happen to look like," Alicia is forced to admit, though that's something likely to colour Antenora's judgement. She deserves the full facts, at least.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Ah." With a snort, "From above. Of course." She sits, "Do they want me? The ones that matter, and not some people butting in where their influence shouldn't be."
[21:24] <Alicia> "The Commander's the only one I've spoken to, and he made no secret his distaste for the idea," Alicia shakes her head.
[21:27] <Kotono> "What about you?" Antenora asks. "What do you think?"
[21:36] <Alicia> "Hmm..." Alicia drums her fingers on her thigh, knowing that Antenora will almost certainly follow her recommendation. Then again, is it really fair to withhold her counsel just as some arbitrary means to have her make a decision on her own? An uninformed one at that? "I entered the Crimson Guard as an act of desperation rather than it being a genuine choice."
[21:36] <Alicia> "It's not something I honestly regret, but at the same time... is it necessary to accept the chains of duty and obligation you're already trying to serve justice in the world? What if the United Baronies' 'justice' doesn't match up with my 'justice'?"
[21:36] <Alicia> "It hasn't happened yet, but leaders change. In a startlingly short time for someone with your perspective, I might add. I don't think you need a uniform to do what's right, Antenora. You've already surrendered yourself into my service - do you want to have another layer of bureaucracy and orders laid upon you on top of that?"
[21:39] <Kotono> "It would be comforting in a way..." Antenora murmurs, "But you're right there. I'm not sure what I'd do if there was a conflict there." She goes to sit down on her bed, looking to the little metal toy she put down. With a tap of her finger it starts to rotate, the three bands spinning in a perfectly intertwined and orderly pattern. "So you're telling me that you'd think it would be better for me to not be?"?
[21:42] <Alicia> "You've got to leave the security of the nest, as it were," Alicia reasons, curiously watching the toy. "I know it's comforting to surrender authority and simply follow orders because they're 'right', but one day you'll have to strike out on your own - I won't be around forever, after all. Joining a military organisation would be a backwards step."
[21:45] <Kotono> Antenora's gaze drifts to it, as it continues to endlessly repeat the same pattern without change. "Your life is like a flame in the wind," Antenora murmurs. "Yes, I know that. Then you've said enough to know my answer."
[21:49] <Alicia> "Still got a few decades left in me, have no fear," Alicia reassures stalwartly, then, in a more gentle tone, "Though, I wonder if in guiding you to follow my judgement, I've merely held you back in a different manner... Think it over, and if the prospect does hold appeal, you can change your mind." At that, she stands up and departs, leaving the erinyes to her thoughts.
[22:00] <Kotono> Later that day, the garrison awaits! Alicia travels with a friend on her shoulder(Or perhaps head even?), finding Commander Oberuth in his office, listening to Wedge give a report. "...and that was all, sir," he finishes, saluting.
[22:05] <Alicia> OOC: slightly amend that, I'm not going to walk around town with her in her normal form since she'd attract too much attention. I'll line, anyway.
[22:05] <Alicia> Entering Obureth's office, Alicia is flanked by a young woman of about Seira's height. Slim of build, and possessing angular features and long, delicately tapering, ears that protrude from the sides of her head, she looks like the classical elf maiden. Only her long hair, of a pale shade of violet never seen in nature, hints at her otherworldly heritage. She looks to be wearing some of Jessica's clothes, which are still a bit too big and
[22:05] <Alicia> "I feel so clumsy and big..." she whines petulantly while trailing Alicia, before almost bumping into the paladin as she stops and salutes Obureth. "Oh, should I salute, too?" she wonders aloud, waving her hand around her head in something that requires a very charitable interpretation to call a salute.
[22:05] <Alicia>  are still a bit too big and do her no favours.
[22:09] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth pauses as Wedge stairs. "Dismissed," he says to Wedge, who follows that order, while staring even on the way out.
[22:09] <Kotono> "Now then," Oberuth looks, "THAT'S your familiar?"
[22:11] <Alicia> "This isn't her natural form - much like Antenora would attract too much attention without a disguise, so would Marie. Normally she's about this high," she holds her two hands up about a foot apart.
[22:11] <Alicia> "Hi, I'm Marielle!" Marie waves, briefly getting distracted by her own hand. "It's so big..." she mutters, before returning her focus to Obureth. "I can also turn into a tiny ball of light!"
[22:13] <Kotono> "Let me see that - er, your normal form," Oberuth takes a moment to sigh. "At least you're cheerful, Marielle."
[22:16] <Alicia> Marie looks questioningly at Alicia, who focuses for a moment on dispelling the transmutation, resulting in a muffled thump as Jessica's clothes fall to the floor while Marie floats up in the air, now attired in her usual cute little green dress. She looks much the same except smaller, and now with two gossamer wings of light emanating from her back. "This is the first time I've been let out the house since I showed up, of course I'm che
[22:18] <Alicia>  I'm cheerful!"
[22:18] <Kotono> "It's good, it's good," Oberuth starts to smile as he listens to her, "I've been dealing with bored or grumpy soldiers all day. You're a nice change of pace."
[22:20] <Alicia> "So I pass muster? You're glad to have me on the team?" Marie asks hopefully as Alicia gathers up the borrowed clothes Marie had been wearing and neatly folds them.
[22:22] <Kotono> "That's a little premature, but I do appreciate your enthuiasm. You remind me of someone else on the guard when she's in a good mood." Oberuth leans back, listening, "I need to know exactly what you can do, and ifyo'ure comfortable in a fight."
[22:27] <Alicia> Marie nods excitedly. "Normally coure just get used as messengers and scouts, but since I'm linked to Alicia now I've got a portion of her skill. I've got a few magical abilities, too." As she concludes, she seems to fade away into nothingness, only to be replaced by a glowing sphere of faint purple light.
[22:27] <Alicia> "I can also do this!" she then descends, vanishing through the floor... and floating back up a few seconds later. "Barriers are nothing to me!" she laughs in triumph.
[22:30] <Kotono> "You do seem to attract these sort," Oberuth murmurs to Alicia, before, "Very good. What do you think of things like dragons, devils, or neighboring kingdoms that attack, Marielle?"
[22:34] <Alicia> Marie reappears in her humanoid form. "Well, it depends. I mean, if it's a nice dragon, then good for it! If it's a bad one, then we should do what we have to to stop it hurting anyone. Same with devils and kingdoms and anything else like that," she replies, sounding relatively subdued and thoughtful.
[22:35] <Kotono> "Alright. Are you certain?" He asks once more, "You'll have to follow orders."
[22:36] <Alicia> Marie briefly looks at Alicia, who doesn't seem to be giving anything away. All is silent as the little coure seems to be pondering her answer, before she just blurts out, "I'll follow any orders that Alicia follows."
[22:43] <Kotono> "Okay. That's good enough for now," Oberuth says at last. "But tell me honestly - is that hard for you?"
[22:48] <Alicia> "What, following orders?" Marie blinks, pressing a finger against her lips. "Not really. I just think of it as helping out a friend. You know, the way people like you and Antenora think, it's like I'm some sort of crazed anarchist who'd be contrary just out of principle. You don't need mindless obedience for people to get along, you know."
06[22:48] * Alicia coughs slightly. "It sounds nice in theory, at least," she allows, hoping Obureth won't react badly to being mentioned in the same breath as the ex-devil.
[22:55] <Kotono> "It does, doesn't it?" Oberuth agrees to Alicia. He seems to resist the urge to twitch. "As I said, it'll do for now. Be careful in the city, though. Most people still won't deal that well with a flying fairy fluttering around."
[22:57] <Alicia> "That's why she'll be in the form you saw a few minutes ago when we're walking around within town." Giving Obureth a salute at the dismissal, she turns to Marie, "Come on, lets find an empty room so you can get changed again," she tells her familiar, heading out to find a private spot within the garrison while Marie gives a cheerful wave and follows.
[22:59] <Kotono> "Wait, Alicia," Oberuth raises his voice. "Stay a minute while your familiar gets changed or whatnot."
[23:00] <Alicia> "I actually need to go with her to cast the spell to change her form," Alicia explains, turning to face Obureth while Marie blushes and floats behind the paladin's back.
[23:01] <Kotono> "Nevermind then, you're no fool and it'll hold. Dismissed."
[23:02] <Alicia> "I can come back after she's changed?" Alicia offers, somewhat curious what Obureth had wanted to talk about.

[Corwin]

[20:48] <Kotono> Once Alicia's seen her cute pixie change into Jessica's clothes again, she returns alone to see the Commander. "Now then," he smiles faintly, "I don't doubt it's nothing but a being of good, but it does seem to be a little childish and erratic."
[20:52] <Alicia> "She, sir," Alicia gently corrects. "And I don't think she's entirely as naive as she lets on. I don't imagine she would have been sent if she were going to be a burden."
[20:54] <Kotono> "Good. I don't mean it any ill will, but I am slightly concerned about anyone serving under me that has such obvious difficulty contemplating taking orders."Stopping to smile, "Yes, she. Apologies. As lon gas you keep it going along, though, I don't think it'll be a problem. She's as sweet as sugar by apperances."
[20:56] <Alicia> "If I may, sir, I believe you'd have better luck getting Marie to follow your instructions than you would Seira's rat," Alicia suggests dryly. "I don't imagine we'll have any problems unless she's put in a position of following orders that conflict with her duties to myself and Mystra."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Heaven help me if Ihave to start giving Seira's rat orders," Oberuth resists a smile at that, "Alright, I just wanted to make that clear."
06[20:59] * Alicia nods. "Of course, sir. Will there be anything else?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "No, unless you want to help design a uniform for Seira's rat?" Oberuth asks with a straight face, before, "Dismissed."
06[21:02] * Alicia salutes and then exits, finding Marie waiting outside. "Come on, lets get you some clothes of your own to wear when you're in this form, since it'll probably be a regular occurance," she suggests as they head off.
[21:07] <Kotono> ---
[21:19] <Kotono> As Alicia walks away from the garrison after a long day, the sun sets behind her. A drizzle falls from the sky, the overcast mantle dropping down occasional, misty droplets of rain.  She is alone as she walks into the new quarter. But as she walks, "Alicia," A man voice calls from behind her.
06[21:20] * Alicia stops and turns to regard the man addressing her to see if she recognises him, since the voice isn't ringing any bells.
[21:21] <Kotono> The figure wears a heavy cloak, keeping the rain out. He withdraws the hood - Eudard of Torm looks at Alicia. "Good day." he says, his tones kept low and subdued.
[21:22] <Alicia> Well, it has been a while, but she should have recognised the voice, really. "Greetings to you, Sir Eudard," she returns politely, though with no real warmth. "Is there something I can help you with?"
[21:24] <Kotono> "There is a matter I wished to raise with you," he continues to walk, the streets busy enough. His voice is just loud enough to carry. "I have heard you have a creature of chaos in your control now."
06[21:26] * Alicia folds her arms, not moving and looking very deeply unimpressed. "I find myself most curious as to where you get your information from, Sir Eudard," she notes levelly.
[21:28] <Kotono> "I find that I'm worried on the path you walk, paladin," Eudard retorts quietly, but bringing no sharpness or malice to his voice. "You consort with evil and chaos in a way that is unbecoming. You are surrounded in noble praise, yet I worry you plummet like a rock."
[21:30] <Alicia> "That 'creature of chaos' you speak of is a direct servant of Mystra herself," Alicia replies, her own tone sounding quite sharp. "Now, are you going to answer my question or not?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "To those that seek, Lord Torm offers his noble vision and blessing," is all that Eudard says to that. "I warn that you continue to turn away from the true path. You should consider repentence."
06[21:36] * Alicia glares hard at Eudard. "Torm may style himself as the 'god of paladins', but he is not *my* God," she replies coldly. "I answer to the Lady of Mysteries alone, and by Her grace I am still favoured. Perhaps Torm should look after his own house before casting aspersions elsewhere?"
[21:39] <Kotono> "Torm watches you, regardless if you admit it or not. The flames of Perdition are everlasting, as are the madnesses of the Abyss." His own tone is like iron, "Court not your own downfall, Alicia."
[21:40] <Alicia> Alicia, at this point, is honestly curious. 'Hell Striker... is this man a *good* man?' she asks her sword.
[21:42] <Kotono> '...Alicia,' Hell Striker's own diction is paused. 'His aura is that of both the light and the dark. He is torn open like a wound.'
[21:43] <Alicia> Alicia seems honestly startled for a moment, a visible look of concern in her face that stems not at all from Eudard's dire warnings, even if he'll likely choose to interpret them that way. She taps into her own gift for reading the souls of the wicked, seeing what she can see herself from the other paladin.
[21:44] <Alicia> *interpret it that way
[21:45] <Kotono> "Lord Torm will not hesitate to cast down the false and the unworthy into there. Your soul will suffer should you not repent of your foolishness. There is still time, turn away from your path, paladin." Eudard goes on, as Alicia looks.
[21:51] <Alicia> "Eudard..." Alicia sounds vaguely dazed and distracted as she concludes, "Shut up." She's heard lots of stories, but she's never met a fallen paladin before... but is he even truly that far gone? Hell Striker saw good and evil in hime... Hopefully before he can truly process that and bristle with indignation, she goes on,
[21:51] <Alicia> "Can't you see what's happened to you? You speak of suffering and unworthiness - where is the righteousness and forgiveness of the heavens in your words? Your demeanour is that of a zealot and a tyrant, not a paladin - we're supposed to be figures of inspiration, ideals for others to aspire to. Not damnation threatening demagogues."
[21:54] <Kotono> OOC - That was a pretty good speech, make a diplo check with a +2 mod?
[21:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
05[21:54] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:55] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-70-112-23-198.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[21:55] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[21:55] <Alicia> roll 1d20+20
06[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+20 and gets 32."12 [1d20=12]
[21:58] <Kotono> "What?" He actually gapes at the brazen shut up, then hooked as Alicia speaks. "Yes, but...there is a time for rightouesness and forgiveness! But you walk in brimstone and chaos!" Retorting with a flash in his eyes. "Why do you speak of things that don't matter right now? All the matters is the word of Torm and the judgment!"
[21:58] <Kotono> (More)
Session Close: Thu Apr 10 22:06:21 2008

Session Start: Thu Apr 10 22:06:21 2008
Session Ident: #evildunes
02[22:06] * Disconnected
02[22:06] * Attempting to rejoin channel #evildunes
03[22:06] * Rejoined channel #evildunes
03[22:06] * Topic is 'Erinyes 1>Alicia>Latha>Erinyes2>Seira>Antenora'
03[22:06] * Set by Kotono on Fri Mar 14 23:21:20
03[22:06] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[22:08] <Kotono> "...you sound like..." Eudard slows now, looking down. "But...but...I can't doubt Torm's relevations." His voice hesitates, "I won't. I can't. I won't!" He spins and whirls around, and nearly falls over and he hurries off, half running down the wet street.
06[22:12] * Alicia considers pursuing him, but decides to let him reflect on what she's said in peace. Hopefully it'll sink in. Then again... she'd lay fair odds that Eudard is receiving his 'revelations' from a source away from the Loyal Fury. She doesn't particularly want him to do something foolish or dangerous. So, Alicia starts walking, intent on following at a discreet distance just to see exactly where he's headed.
[22:21] <Kotono> Eudard doesn't take any particular means to hide himself, so following him is simple. He heads into the new quarter and towards the Temple of Torm.
[22:22] <Alicia> Once he goes in there, Alicia makes a quick decision and hurries home. Time for Marie to prove herself.
[22:24] <Kotono> At home, Alicia finds Marie at the table, opposite Antenora. The two are eyeing each other warily, as Jessica puts down some bowls of fruit and bread. "That nice baker boy made a special order for-hm? Oh, sister!" Jessica looks up, "Is something wrong?"
[22:27] <Alicia> "I think our local paladin of Torm is under some malign influence," Alicia admits, focusing her attention on her new familiar. "Marie, you said you're good at sneaking around, right?" Before she can even reply, "I'd like you to keep an eye on Eudard at the Temple of Torm. Don't let him see you, just make sure he doesn't do anything reckless - come get me if he does."
[22:28] <Kotono> Antenora raises an eyebrow, but says nothing here.
[22:29] <Alicia> Marie floats up into the air with a look of concern, "What does he look like?" she asks, receiving a description from Alicia in reply. "Okay, how long should I watch him for?"
[22:29] <Alicia> "Just for tonight - I said some things that seemed to rattle him, I just want to make sure he doesn't go off the deep end in response," Alicia explains.
[22:30] <Alicia> "Okay, you can count on me!" Marie nods brightly, her humanoid form giving way to an insubstantial ball of light before she flies up through the ceiling, intending to head to the Temple of Torm to carry out Alicia's wishes!
[22:34] <Kotono> Once Marie's flown off, "What's going on," Antenora asks, as Jessica slightly sighs and takes up one of the bowls of fruit..."Oh wait, are you hungry, sister?"
06[22:38] * Alicia takes a seat at the table and nods to Jessica. "Haven't had dinner, yet," she agrees, before sighing. "Eudard accosted me in the street and made some dire warnings about my future because he'd found out I was consorting with a 'creature of chaos'. His entire manner was unpleasant and confrontational, so eventually I just took a peek - the man radiates as much evil as any devil."
[22:38] <Alicia> "Yet Hell Striker says he also still radiates goodness. I challenged him on his manner and how it was unbecoming of a paladin, and he became distressed before running back to his temple. I worry he's come under the influence of some malign force that poses as his God to manipulate him, and fear he may be compelled to do something rash."
[22:42] <Kotono> "Curious." Antenora murmurs, "Then we'll find out as she watches, perhaps?"
[22:44] <Alicia> "It is my hope that he will simply take some time in quiet to reflect on my words, so I did not want to disturb him further," Alicia admits, "But at the same time, I'd be remiss to leave him entirely unsupervised given my concerns. Marie seems to have a talent for being inconspicous when she wishes, so hopefully she can keep a discreet eye on him without it going any further."
[22:46] <Kotono> Meanwhile...
[22:47] <Kotono> A little fairy flies in the air, above the city of Balmuria. It heads to the temple of Torm with a haste, approaching it. To her magic helped eyes, there is neither evil or magic radiating from the outer building. Below, the doors are open, af ew people coming and going from Torm's temple.
[22:51] <Alicia> Looking like nothing more than a pale purple smudge against the drizzly sky, even if anyone had sharp enough eyes to pick her out, Marie cuts an inconspicious figure as she floats down towards the roof of the temple. This is the first real job Alicia's given her, and she's determined not to screw it up!
[22:51] <Alicia> Starting at the rear of the building, she sinks through the roof and finds a shadowy spot to hide in against the ceiling, looking for a man matching the description Alicia gave her.
[22:52] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 on hide for 34
[22:53] <Kotono> The back of the building is mostly interior rooms and bedrooms. Nothing too interesting there. As you approach forward, Marie notes the man matching the description. He's hurrying down a hall towards the back, coming towards Marie.
[22:54] <Alicia> OOC: is he evil or magical?
[22:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft!
06[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft! and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[22:59] <Alicia> Marie remains against the ceiling, letting him pass beneath her before she follows from at least ten feet behind.
[23:03] <Kotono> While Marie can't figure out the magic specifics, she does follow. Eudard continues his path along, going down to the end of the hall. Here are several rooms, Eudard going to one on the right. The lighting is dim here, just a few torches kept. He reaches into his cloak's pocket, a key taken out and used.
[23:04] <Alicia> Marie is like a tiny ball-shaped flying ninja! Like a ghost as she stealthily follows the paladin/blackguard without being detected!
[23:08] <Kotono> The door opens! It's darker inside, a plain chamber. Moderate magic radiates out of the room.
[23:10] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft~
06[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft~ and gets 9."12 [1d20=2]
[23:11] <Alicia> Marie peers inside the room through the door for any furniture or other doors.
[23:13] <Kotono> It's a large rom and it's very plain. Eudard is going in nonetheless, moving to close the door as he goes in.
[23:13] <Alicia> No furniture at all?
[23:14] <Kotono> No furniture at all.
[23:15] <Alicia> How very bizarre. Moving to the side of the doorway, Marie phases through the wall at where she'd gauge one of the upper corners of the room to be.
[23:15] <Kotono> OOC - Do you hvae SR, Marie?
[23:16] <Alicia> OOC: no
[23:16] <Kotono> OOC - Make a will save.
[23:17] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 (+2 vs evil, protected from charms/compulsions by magic circle)
06[23:17] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 (+2 vs evil, protected from charms/compulsions by magic circle) and gets 15."12 [1d20=4]
[23:18] <Kotono> roll 1d10
06[23:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 1."12 [1d10=1]
[23:18] <Kotono> Marie tries to phase in throught he walls, but she's sent spinning back into the hall! OW! That hurt! OOC - 1 point of non lethal damage and you're shaken for 3 rounds.
[23:21] <Alicia> "Mmmm!" the coure emits a very quiet high pitched sound of distress, clamping down her urge to yelp out. Why does this horrible man have better magical defences around his home than Alicia? That's just not right at all! Not wanting to tempt fate further, she relies on the fact that she can see Eudard's evil aura to keep tabs on him from outside the room, settling for a hiding place in the hallway.
[23:22] <Alicia> OOC: Oh, wait!
[23:22] <Alicia> OOC: nevermind, carry on
[23:23] <Kotono> The door closes. Once the door is closed, Marie finds otu that she can't see Eudard's auras from in the room at all. The shaken feeling passes, however, as she waits and watches.
[23:24] <Alicia> Okay, that's no good at all. Does he have a lead-lined door or something? This is plainly absurd. Flying upwards and into the ceiling, Marie floats over to where she estimates the far side of the room to be, before steeling herself and poking downwards. Hopefully the warding only covers the side physical entry can come from.
[23:24] <Kotono> OOC - Will save again.
[23:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 (+2 vs evil)
06[23:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 (+2 vs evil) and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
[23:25] <Kotono> Marie phases through this time! She feels resistance and a little bit of fear run through her, but she makes it through the room. Inside is...a blank room. It's utterly empty, save for Eudard kneeling in the center. He is silent.
[23:27] <Alicia> Well, if he's human he's not going to see very well in the dark, so Marie should be able to hide quite easily. With the defences breached, she settles into a corner to keep an eye on Eudard.
[23:28] <Kotono> Marie feels deeply unsettled here. She feels bound, constricted. She can almost feel something tugging at her bottom. Eudard stays kneeling in the silence for now...OOC - Going to make a reaciton to that, or shall I continue on?
[23:31] <Alicia> Feeling scared and uneasy, Marie decides that there's really no reason for her to stay *inside* the creepy room of pain. It's not like Eudard can go anywhere, right? Satisfied with her rationalisation, she withdraws just a tiny bit into the ceiling, but not so far that the material blocks her ability to perceive Eudard's aura.
[23:33] <Alicia> Hopefully she'll also be able to hear him if he happens to talk to his dark masters or anything like that, too.

[Corwin]

[17:27] <Ebiris> [21:26] <Kotono> Marie phases through this time! She feels resistance and a little bit of fear run through her, but she makes it through the room. Inside is...a blank room. It's utterly empty, save for Eudard kneeling in the center. He is silent.
[17:27] <Ebiris> [21:27] <Alicia> Well, if he's human he's not going to see very well in the dark, so Marie should be able to hide quite easily. With the defences breached, she settles into a corner to keep an eye on Eudard.
[17:27] <Ebiris> [21:28] <Kotono> Marie feels deeply unsettled here. She feels bound, constricted. She can almost feel something tugging at her bottom. Eudard stays kneeling in the silence for now...OOC - Going to make a reaciton to that, or shall I continue on?
[17:27] <Ebiris> [21:31] <Alicia> Feeling scared and uneasy, Marie decides that there's really no reason for her to stay *inside* the creepy room of pain. It's not like Eudard can go anywhere, right? Satisfied with her rationalisation, she withdraws just a tiny bit into the ceiling, but not so far that the material blocks her ability to perceive Eudard's aura.
03[17:27] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[17:27] <Ebiris> [21:33] <Alicia> Hopefully she'll also be able to hear him if he happens to talk to his dark masters or anything like that, too.
03[17:27] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
03[17:28] * Corwin is now known as Seira
[17:30] <Kowork> Eudard seems to be lost in meditation or prayer. He keeps knelt down, head bowed and posture patience. The feeling of oppression makes Marie's body ache slightly.
03[17:30] * Kowork is now known as Kotono
[17:31] <Alicia> Even when she's inside the ceiling and not in the room any more?
[17:37] <Kotono> Marie finds that the feeling lingers inside of the wall.
[17:38] <Alicia> Retreating a bit further, Marie goes back until the thickness of the ceiling (or sheet of lead built within) blocks her senses, then edges forward just a smidge so she can continue keeping an 'eye' on Eudard.

[Corwin]

[21:03] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Last lines?
[21:03] <Alicia> [15:30] <Kowork> Eudard seems to be lost in meditation or prayer. He keeps knelt down, head bowed and posture patience. The feeling of oppression makes Marie's body ache slightly.
[21:03] <Alicia> [15:31] * Kowork is now known as Kotono
[21:03] <Alicia> [15:31] <Alicia> Even when she's inside the ceiling and not in the room any more?
[21:03] <Alicia> [15:37] <Kotono> Marie finds that the feeling lingers inside of the wall.
[21:03] <Alicia> [15:39] <Alicia> Retreating a bit further, Marie goes back until the thickness of the ceiling (or sheet of lead built within) blocks her senses, then edges forward just a smidge so she can continue keeping an 'eye' on Eudard.
[21:07] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Eudard stays knelt. He seems lost in his prayer or whatever he's doing, unmoving. About three minutes of tenseness pass before he at last stands up.
[21:09] <Alicia> Marie hopes he's going to go someplace where she can watch him more easily. This room is entirely unpleasant.
[21:13] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Eudard turns and heads out of the room. He goes down the hall, heading back towards the front. He goes to the public areas, the man cathedrial room and the alter to Torm. There are people about here, including a mammoth of a man. With a giant, barbed axe slung over his shoulder, "Yo, Eudard," Rods calls. "You got that job lined up?"
[21:16] <Alicia> Marie thinks she recognises this group from what Alicia told her of them, and wonders what a paladin would be doing employing mercenaries. Probably nothing good, she thinks as she hides amid the rafters, listening in.
[21:18] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Eudard nods curtly. "200 GP per bounty head, with a 50% bonus on the total if you bring back the leader's head. Also, the 500 gold fee for taking the job and travel expenses..." he reaches into a pouch on his side, taking out a few gemstones. "This should cover that."
[21:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Eeeh..." Rods rubs his chin, "It's a bit cheap..." He eyes the gems. "Sure, we might get three dozen of 'em easy, but we might not too. How abuot 300 a head?"
[21:19] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+11
06[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+11 and gets 23."12 [1d20=12]
[21:21] <Alicia> Heads? Marie's hackles are raised more and more. This doesn't sound like the sort of work a paladin should be giving out... and depending on what particular heads are being sought, it could be far worse.
[21:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "225 per head," Eudard counters, "There's danger, but no matter how well they're doing, they're still goblins." He grunts at that, "The trolls are just icing, if the story about the axe was true. That'll fetch you plenty as a spoil of war."
[21:23] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yeah, yead," Rods rubs his chin again, "I'll take it, unless J or Serge throws a fit. If you don't hear back by tonight, we took the deal and we'll be leaving. You really think they're that many of those out there? One of those alone sells for about 3 grand."
[21:24] <Alicia> Marie continues to listen intently, considering whether she should report back to Alicia after the mercenary leaves. Does this qualify as suspicious? Trolls and goblins aren't nice, sure, but this sounds rather unprovoked.
[21:24] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Possible. All I've heard are third hand mentions from unreliable, non human sorces," Eudard nods curtly again. "If you can find it, better luck to you. If you can find it and there's anything left, even more luck to you. With the stories, you do realise that it's probably been looted most or all of the way now."
[21:26] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Yeah, yeah," Waving his hand as he takes the gems, "I heard the ruins 'round here are something fierce, anyway. Girl sounded legit, but hell, if all these trolls and goblins are getting' em, it can't be that bad. Anyway, we'll deal with the problem at least."
[21:27] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "What did you hear?" Eudard asks with a bit of a raised eyebrow. "Was it something about those ruins in particular?"
[21:27] <Alicia> Since it doesn't sound like Rod and his friends are leaving immediately, Marie elects to stick around just a bit longer to see if Eudard drops any more hints.
[21:28] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Naw. Just about them around here in general. The girl works with the Crimson Guard. Hell, I think she's a paladin, now that I remember," Scratching at his cheek and peering at Eudard, "That the ruins are dangerous as hell."
[21:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Alicia Reynes?" Eudard presses, a slight look passing over his face, one of consternation. "Yes, I know her."
[21:29] <Tiny_Ko_Army> After this, Eudard lowers his voice...OOC - MAke a listening check, Marie.
[21:30] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 she'll totally move closer if she can't hear
06[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 she'll totally move closer if she can't hear and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[21:30] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Eudard's saying something, but Marie can't quite make it out!
[21:31] <Alicia> Marie flits directly over Eudard's head and then descends a few feet so she can hear him more easily, eager to find out exactly what he thinks of Alicia.
[21:32] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 34 on hide
[21:33] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+15
06[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+15 and gets 30."12 [1d20=15]
[21:33] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Rods glances around a moment, as Marie gets closer! "...trust. She may mean well, but there are horrible...rumors about her," Eudard continues. "I would council that you think carefully before associating with her overly much."
[21:35] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Huh. She seemed on the level to me," Rods looks at Eudard carefully, with a raised eyebrow. "Hell, she even had the good sense to shoot Serge down," he adds with a big old grin.
[21:36] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "She talked of devils, did she not," Eudard goes on quietly. As Rod starts to nod, "She has dedicated her soul to them and plummets into an abyss of her own making. Friend, be cautious so that you are not ensnared into her folly."
[21:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Wait, she said she fought them a lot..." Rods frowns. "Out in the desert and around."
[21:37] <Alicia> On one hand, Alicia told her to be sneaky. On the other, wouldn't she be proud to hear how Marie stood up for her? Satisfied that she's making the right call according to her system of values, Marie manifests in her humanoid form. "That's pretty rich coming from someone who radiates as much evil as the average dretch!" she remonstrates downwards.
[21:37] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "The hell?" Rods looks up, peering with surprisingly s harp eyes. "...a fucking FAIRY?" he asks. "What the hell, Eudard? I didn't think that was what Torm...waitaminute, what?" he peers up at her. "Evil?"
[21:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "What?" Eudard peers a moment...
[21:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+14
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+14 and gets 22."12 [1d20=8]
[21:39] <Alicia> "My name is Marielle, divine servant of the Lady of Mysteries, and the familiar of the noble paladin you're slandering!" Marie declares, pointing down at Eudard. "You're not a paladin, you're a Blackguard!"
[21:39] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Courre?" He says aloud, a look of pique crossing over his face. "So Alicia's corrupting reach has gone that far..." he says, though his voice is slightly hollow. "Begone from this holy place!"
[21:40] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Well shit." Rods rubs the back of his head. "Y'know, I'm gonna be going. I don't know what's going on, I don't care what's going on, but it doesn't look to be making me money."
[21:43] <Alicia> "Yeah, you're fine, you're not evil," Marie waves blithely at Rod in dismissal, continuing to focus her attention on Eudard. "But I'll tell you what, you're about as evil as its physically possible for a mortal to get without being a direct servant of one of the dark Gods. And spreading lies is sure no way for a paladin to behave!"
[21:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+8 religion - what does Marie know about Torm?
06[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 religion - what does Marie know about Torm? and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[21:46] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "You..." Eudard's voice picks up, an anger swelling in it. "You bring such lies here? You stay with someone who brooks the company of a devil? You have no right to stay here, lest you invite the punishment of Torm onto you and drag you into the pits!"
[21:48] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Rods just shakes his head. "Yeah...right. Uh, say hi to Alicia for me." he adds, before exiting out and shaking his head.
[21:48] <Alicia> "Bah, if this is the sort of behaviour Torm tolerates, I'll be glad to leave," Marie snarks back. "But I'll tell you this, if Alicia were half as bad as you claim - or as you act, for that matter - Mystra would've flung her out ages ago." Marie turns, about to fly out... then stops. (more)
[21:50] <Alicia> "Interesting word choice there... Torm would 'drag' me into the pits?" she observes slowly, half turning around. "Now, as far as I know, Torm lives on Mount Celestia. Generally the only Gods that would 'drag' someone into the pits are ones that already live there. If I were you, I'd wonder where I was getting my information from." At that, she disperses into a ball of light and then zooms up through the ceiling.
[21:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> OOC - Make an initiative check.
[21:51] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12."12 [1d20=5]
[21:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+4
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+4 and gets 13."12 [1d20=9]
[21:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Eudard seems to pray for a moment - but he stops instead, just as Marie escapes up! He doesn't say anything, instead watching her go with a stony mask of unexpression on his face. Out Marie flees, making it outside unhurt.
[21:54] <Alicia> Marie then zooms home, eager to give Alicia a full report!
[21:54] <Tiny_Ko_Army> As Alicia finishes her meal of fruit, Antenora smothers a yawn and Jessica sits down. That's when a certain familiar busts in, "Oh, you're back," Jessica asks. "How'd it go?"
[21:55] <Alicia> "That was quick..." Alicia starts to frown, before Marie pops back into her humanoid form and starts excitedly talking.
[22:00] <Alicia> "I saw Eudard and he went into this room of some magic I couldn't identify but which knocked me backwards when I tried to go inside the first time, which hurt a little. But the walls and door were lined with lead or something, so I had to try again, and I managed on the second try, but it felt really horrible in there - like I was in a binding circle or something, so I didn't stick around long."
[22:00] <Alicia> "He just seemed to be sitting there, meditating or something," she goes on, starting to pace and gesticulate on the table, seemingly filled with energy. "Then he left and spoke to one of those mercenaries you met - Rod, the guy with the axe, right? He was offering them money to go kill goblins and trolls, and said some stuff about the gnome ruins."
[22:00] <Alicia> "That's when they started talking about you, and he said really horrible things which I just couldn't stand, so I popped up in front of him and totally told him whats what! I told him no way was I going to sit there and let him slander you, and he could just think again if that's what he was going to do!"
[22:00] <Alicia> "Then he got really mad and that Rod guy left - he said to say hi to you, though - and Eudard said Torm would drag me into the pit, which I pointed out was a really weird way of phrasing it, then I came back here!" She concludes, beaming up at Alicia. "Did I do good?"
[22:01] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora blinks a few times, "Did she say that in Common, or was that some kind of..." she muses, before going quiet and listening.
06[22:03] * Alicia is silent for a long moment as she digests that, before she finally just exhales. "Not that I don't appreciate your spirited defence of my integrity," Marie beams more at this, "But didn't I tell you not to be seen?"
[22:03] <Alicia> Her smile falls apart. "But he said that you'd dedicated your soul to devils and would wind up in the Abyss! Which I guess shows how poorly informed he is, when you think about it. That sort of thing reflects badly on me and Mystra, too, you know! I wasn't about to just let it slide!"
[22:05] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Bad planar knowledge aside," Antenora speaks up, "Alicia's right. Stealth is pointless if you expose yourself like that. If he's so evil, you're lucky he didn't do something unpleasant to you."
[22:06] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "Oh, come on...even that aside, Marie meant well," Jessica goes over to her. "It sounds like the pompous fool had it coming."
[22:08] <Alicia> "Indeed," Alicia nods in agreement with Antenora. "He's conflicted - Hell Striker said there was good in him to match the evil." She briefly glances at the erinyes who suffers the same condition, "Though I did not think such was really possible in mortals. Regardless, he's in a precarious position, and such provocation will likely do more harm than good."
[22:08] <Alicia> Standing up, "I think it's best if I go talk to him before this spins further out of control."
[22:08] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "It does beg the question of how the hell he does have that," Antenora scowls, stnading as well. "I'd like to go with you, Alicia."
[22:10] <Alicia> "No," Alicia holds up her hands to forestall any volunteers. "It's best if I do this alone. He might... misunderstand if we appear in numbers."
[22:10] <Alicia> Marie looks rather disappointed at this, sitting down huffily on the table.
[22:11] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "This is directly related to my interests," Antenora counters, "If he's somehow managed this, I'd like to know how and why. If s omeone can fall the opposite way, I'd like to see it."
[22:13] <Alicia> "And likely you will," Alicia nods, "But not tonight." Softening her tone, "Listen, if we all go to confront him, I know he's going to start ranting about creatures of chaos," she gestures at her familiar, "And spawn of the Nine Hells," she includes Antenora in the gesture, "And we won't get anything done. This is going to requite a delicate touch, okay?"
[22:22] <Tiny_Ko_Army> Antenora grunts, starting to speak once, but she cuts herself off. "Alright."
[22:24] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia gives Antenora an appreciative smile for restraining herself despite her obvious interest in this matter. "I'll be back shortly," she tells the others, getting up and heading out towards the temple of Torm at a brisk pace.
[22:35] <Tiny_Ko_Army> The remaining daylight fades as Alicia heads out. The Temple of Torm's doors are still open, however, though inside you see a few underpriests about, but no sign of Eudard on a glance Just those and a few worshippers at the altar.
06[22:37] * Alicia hesitates a moment, trying to decide how to present herself. Concillatory, because she doesn't want to provoke him further... but she still can't meekly let his slander about her slide. It's a tricky balancing act that's perhaps best decided once she sees how Eudard himself reacts to her arrival. Drawing up all her considerable presence, she strides in through the doorway and looks around for Eudard. Or any other evil, for that
[22:42] <Alicia>  for that matter.
[22:45] <Tiny_Ko_Army> AS Alicia enters, one of the underpriests takes note of her. He approaches, a young man with a strong step. "Hail," he calls, "Do you look for guidance in the hall of Torm?"
[22:46] <Alicia> "I'm actually looking for Eudard," Alicia replies, relieved not to sense any evil. Though that likely means he's either not here or cooped up in the lead-lined room Marie mentioned.
[22:47] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I'm sorry, but Sir Eudard is currently busy and has asked not to be disturbed." The man inclines his head in apology. "If it is a matter of faith, I can help you with it."
[22:49] <Alicia> "It's more of a personal matter," Alicia replies delicately. "Do you know what it is that occupies his attention so?"
[22:50] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I'm sorry, but I don't," he answers. "If you wish, I can record a message and I can pass it onto him when he is not so occupied."
[22:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 sense motive is his ignorance genuine?
06[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 sense motive is his ignorance genuine? and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
[22:52] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+6
06[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
[22:54] <Alicia> "No, I think I'll wait here," Alicia replies primly after a moment's thought.

[Corwin]

[20:14] <Ebiris> [20:48] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I'm sorry, but Sir Eudard is currently busy and has asked not to be disturbed." The man inclines his head in apology. "If it is a matter of faith, I can help you with it."
[20:14] <Ebiris> [20:50] <Alicia> "It's more of a personal matter," Alicia replies delicately. "Do you know what it is that occupies his attention so?"
[20:14] <Ebiris> [20:51] <Tiny_Ko_Army> "I'm sorry, but I don't," he answers. "If you wish, I can record a message and I can pass it onto him when he is not so occupied."
[20:14] <Ebiris> [20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 sense motive is his ignorance genuine?
[20:14] <Ebiris> [20:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 sense motive is his ignorance genuine? and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
[20:14] <Ebiris> [20:53] <Tiny_Ko_Army> roll 1d20+6
[20:14] <Ebiris> [20:53] * Hatbot --> "Tiny_Ko_Army rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22."12 [1d20=16]
[20:14] <Ebiris> [20:54] <Alicia> "No, I think I'll wait here," Alicia replies primly after a moment's thought.
03[20:14] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
03[20:16] * Corwin is now known as Seira
[20:19] <Kotono> "He may not return this evening, ma'am," the underpriest inclines his head, "It would probably be best to return another day."
[20:19] <Alicia> "No, I don't think this can wait any longer," Alicia feels her patience start to evaporate. "Where is he?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but Eudard left instructions not to be disturbed. Please, before you cause a scene," he murmurs, as the other underpriest glances over. "You represent Mystra, do you not? Please, we would not like a petty squabble between the representatives of two different faiths."
[20:31] <Alicia> "I also represent the authority of the United Baronies," Alicia counters, giving him her best steely stare. "I have no desire to cause a scene, but I am not going to leave here without some answers."
[20:35] <Kotono> OOC - Intimidation check, I think.
[20:36] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17
06[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 and gets 36."12 [1d20=19]
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Ha, ha, ha.
06[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Ha, ha, ha. and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
[20:39] <Kotono> The underpriests sucks out a long gulp of air, "Aaaaah. S-Stay here!" With that he scurries away to th e back, practically running.
06[20:40] * Alicia nods in apparent satisfaction, though inwardly she's a little annoyed. Why do people respond better when she turns up the intensity? Why can't people be so helpful when she's smiling and pleasant?
[20:46] <Kotono> The priest is gone for about ten minutes. These are ten long minutes, stretching out. When he finally returns, his face is drawn. "Ma-Ma'am." he politely half bows to her.
06[20:48] * Alicia doesn't see Eudard. This is not impressive. "Has Eudard consented to suffer my presence, then?" she asks, arms folded as she gives the priest an imperious look.
[20:52] <Kotono> "Aaah...aaaah...he...invites you to his quarters...ma'am," he says at last. "C-come."
[20:53] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia nods, resisting to say anything about the presumption of him inviting a lady such as her to his room. Really, it's just not worth it at this point.
[20:58] <Kotono> LEad back into the private areas of Torm's Temple, Alicia sees that most of it is plain and business like. There's no ornmentation or waste, but simple stone reinforced corridors. You are lead to a room in the center-back, "G-go inside, ma'am."
06[20:59] * Alicia opens the door and steps inside!
[21:03] <Kotono> This room is relatively plain. There's a cot, a wooden and tall dresser half ajar, clothes seen hanging inside. There's a small font of water on a table, as well as a sturdy chest by it. Eudard stands just inside the room, face grim and dark. "On what grounds have you insisted on pressing yourw ay into this holy place?" He wears plate armor, a longsword on his side.
[21:18] <Alicia> "Eudard..." Alicia sighs, closing the door behind her. "We need to talk. I was content to let your obsession with me lie, so long as you did not present a danger to anyone else, but I simply cannot let your slanders go unanswered. Every vile utterance you whisper about my impending damnation only serves to confuse and frighten those who look to me for inspiration and protection - as a paladin of Mystra and protector of Balmuria."
[21:18] <Alicia> "Rumourmongering... chipping away at people's faith - that's not what being a paladin is about, you should know that. But more of your actions seem to show that you are losing your way. What sort of paladin places bounties on the heads of any member of a species? A paladins role is to dispense justice to those who require it, not pay others to slay creatures indiscriminately and without question or trial."
[21:18] <Alicia> "If you have a problem with goblins and trolls, shouldn't you be out there in the Barbarian Lands, bringing battle to those who prey upon the weak and innocent, showing the rest the folly of such a path? It stems back to how you're treating me - you make all these noises about holiness, but your own actions fail to measure up."
[21:18] <Alicia> "I may not follow Torm, but I know his doctrine..." she spreads her arms before her as if weighing two objects in the balance, "And whatever this voice in your head - the word of Torm as you may believe it to be - is telling you... does it match the standards set by the Loyal Fury?"
[21:18] <Alicia> She finally falls silent, really just wanting to hear an honest justification, and hopefully an acknowledgement of doubt in his recent actions before she moves on to the fact that he's been identified as evil by magical divinations from three seperate sources.
[21:25] <Kotono> "You have no right," Eudard begins with a hint of fury in his own voice, "To come into the house of Torm and spread your vile gospel!" His face is screwed into rage at this, but his voice is oddly not quite matching it. "Lord Torm has spoken to me and told me of your heresy!" His hand goes to the hilt of his blade, "Those that coddle devils cannot be tolerated! They must be cast back into the flames where they belong!" His eyes are narrow
[21:25] <Kotono> His eyes are narrow, though his hand doesn't quite close around his sword. (More)
[21:26] <Kotono> With a hand that betrays a slight shake to it, Eudard points at Alicia full on. "Those that are unclean before Lord Torm must be cast down! I had prayed you would not make me do this...but..." He looks away a moment, "My Lord gave me order to despatch you, should the devilish influence grow too strong."
[21:33] <Alicia> "I'm not making you do anything!" Alicia snaps, pausing to run a hand through her hair as she exhales and tries to calm herself. It won't help if they both get angry. "Eudard, something is using you and it's not Torm," she finally just outright states. "As I've said, your actions have been questionable, but most perplexing of all is your aura;"
[21:33] <Alicia> "Just like Antenora, a creature of pure evil who has turner herself towards goodness and fought alongside devas and archons as one of their own, you radiate an aura of good *and* evil. That shouldn't be possible in a mortal without some form of magical interference - something has warped you, Eudard, you have to see that!"
[21:40] <Kotono> Eudard looks down and away, until the very last. There's a snap back, "No. I have heard Torm's voice. Nothing else could so move me." He says this with deadly steel in his voice. "He has commanded me to cast down what must not be suffered to enjoy the fair airs of our world! Devils and those that pander to evil must be purged into the dust!" Despite these words he shakes, "What...what can your hollow words say to that? What more can you o
[21:41] <Kotono> What more can you offer than the speech of Torm? Even then..." Eudard looks up to Alicia, "If it is his will that I fall into the pit on dragging those that are not worthy down..."
[21:45] <Alicia> "No just God would ever consign their servant to such a fate!" Alicia counters. "Please, Eudard, you have to see that you're being manipulated. Do you truly believe that Torm's voice would move you towards injustice?"
[21:57] <Kotono> "...I..." Eudard shakes his head, hand tightening around the hilt of his blade. "My God has given me those orders. I will not...I cannot believe they are anything but. Leave." he breathes out, "Leave. Unless you can prove your words...leave."
[22:03] <Alicia> "Without having heard what you have heard, I'm afraid I can merely draw my own conclusions," Alicia admits. "So it would seem we are at an impasse." Not wanting to simply leave at that, however, she asks her sword for advice, 'Hell Striker, have you ever heard of or encountered a mortal as conflicted as he?' she asks, hoping it might have some useful experience.
[22:06] <Kotono> 'No. Never anything such as this. His very believes and nature seem to be in conflict with something. But an enchantment or control wouldn't leave this sort of ambivience.'
[22:11] <Alicia> "Actions speak louder than words, Eudard," Alicia then states, wanting to help him even if she really dislikes him on a personal level. Besides, he'd probably be relieved if she just provoked him. "Have your bags packed and I'll return in a couple of days - then I'll show you just what being a paladin is really all about, and you can decide for yourself instead of taking someone else's word for it."
[22:14] <Kotono> "What?" Eudard challenges back, "What do you mean?"
[22:17] <Alicia> "I mean I'm going to take you with me on a holy quest," Alicia replies, narrowing her eyes. "Make no mistake, I am hardly doing this because I enjoy your company. But if you can learn something from it, and respect what I'm doing, then so much the better." Her tone drops as she concludes, "Consider the alternative carefully, Eudard."
[22:23] <Kotono> OOC - Make another intimidation check, scary Alicia. You and Seira are both so scary at this.
[22:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+17 I wanted it to be diplomacy ;_;
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 I wanted it to be diplomacy ;_; and gets 37."12 [1d20=20]
[22:31] <Kotono> Eudard listens to those words carefully, eyeing Alicia. With a stony face and shaking hands, he lets go of his sword hilt. "...very well."
[22:33] <Alicia> "Good," Alicia nods, turning to open the door and then depart. She'd wanted to deal with the soul prison first, but she doesn't really want Eudard involved with that, so now she'll have to ask Shankar to find out how to redeem the Sword of Grief instead.
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC - Skip ahead, or do you wanna chat about this with anyone else?
[22:35] <Alicia> OOC: lets skip ahead. I'll tell Anty, Marie, and Jessica about my plan, and Anty and Marie are invited to come along, but I don't want to belabour it.
[22:38] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[22:41] <Kotono> After a few days of preparation, Alicia comes to Shankar. In front of altar of Mystra he stands, "Alicia, you wish to redeem this weapon," On the altar lies the Sword of Grief.
[22:43] <Alicia> "Yes," the paladin nods. "Though it's not my preferred type of sword, I'm sure someone could use it for a good cause... if it weren't so vile," she concludes, giving it a somewhat distasteful look.
[22:47] <Kotono> Shankar places a hand on it, even as he grimaces. "The Lady of Mysteries has spoken to me. It may be possible, but be warned - the sin of this weapon is heavy. To cleanse it will be a challenge even for you, Alicia."
06[22:48] * Alicia smiles crookedly. "I didn't choose this life because it was easy, Shankar. What must be done?"
[22:52] <Kotono> "To bear this weapon, you must bear the vile energy within it. On this quest, you will be unable to heal your wounds, nor will they heal naturally. You must use this sword as your weapon, yet not invoke it's ability to deal vile damage. If you accept this and take on this burden, you must travel to the ocean floor, where a spirit called 'Oolu' is waiting at the edge of the bay here. One of his friends begins a quest deeper into the ocean
[22:52] <Kotono> One of his friends begins a quest deeper into the ocean and must be protected."
[22:52] <Kotono> "The Lady of Mystries has provides you with these," He stops, taking out three scrolls from besides the altar, "So that you may travel there."
06[22:55] * Alicia laughs softly in bitter resignation. "Well, looks like I won't be taking anyone else along, after all." She briefly peers at the scrolls. "Water breathing, I take it?"
[22:56] <Kotono> "I don't know. I prayed for enough...but the Lady gave all these," Shankar says, "I must admit, I found it curious. One scroll would easily get you to where you're supposed to meet and farther."
[22:56] <Alicia> "It would?" Alicia blinks. "Are you sure? How far into the ocean must I travel?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "I admit I don't know, but..." Shankar looks uncertain here, "I had prayed for enough and I saw one scroll...but three came instead. From your words, you mean to bring another? Perhaps her Lady's wisdom is evident?"
[23:00] <Alicia> "I hope so, since I don't particularly want to drown," Alicia observes as she takes the scrolls. "I know Oolu, at least, and either Antenora or Marie would be able to translate for me if I need to speak to any Sea Elves." She looks at the sword and sighs, "Underwater, though... why couldn't it have been a spear?"
[23:05] <Kotono> "I must admit...this strikes me as very difficult. Blessings of Mystra on you, Alicia. The Lady, in her wisdom, has laid out an ordeal for you."
[23:06] <Alicia> "Better get to it, then," Alicia stows the scrolls away in an oilskin so they won't be damaged by water, then gingerly picks up the sword, giving it a few practice swings to get a feel for it.
[23:08] <Kotono> The sword swings well in the air. It swings sharp, seeming to curve towards Shankar's neck and torso with an alluring ease. Alicia feels faintly ill on holding it, a weight on her shoulders. "Mystra bless you," Shankar repeats, bowing his head.
06[23:11] * Alicia shudders. 'I'll miss you during this, Hell Striker...' she thinks of her preferred blade. "Blessings of the Weave upon you as well," she returns, heading off to collect Antenora and Marie before they head to the temple of Torm. Hopefully Eudard is ready to go at a moment's notice like she asked.


[00:46] <@Kotono> -----------
[00:47] <@Kotono> The sky is dark and cloudy this morning as Alicia and Antenora walk down thes treets of the new quarter. Activity still bustles, though Antenora glances at it only on occasion. "Underwater?" she repeats, shaking her head. "It does sound like quite the trial. If I didn't know better, I'd say you'd irritated someone,a ll things told."
[00:50] <@Alicia> "Actually, I am," Alicia admits openly. "If it was a little stabby sword it might be fine, but just look at this thing," she hefts the sword of grief, "It's a big hunk of metal with sharp sides. Using it underwater is going to be a tremendous pain, even without the added distraction of the thing making me feel nauseous."
[00:54] <@Kotono> "From what you said about it..." Antenora tsks her tongue, looking at it with distinct disdain. A few people walking by eye the sword as well, though most givet he two women a respectful distance. "To spread vileness so easily, the evil inside of it must be potent. I suppose that means Mystra is making you really work for it. At least you still have SCorch-" Antenora starts at that, before her face twists into a grimace. "But not so e
[00:54] <@Kotono> "But not so easily underwater."
06[00:56] * @Alicia actually smiles at that. "Not necessarily. While it's true that rays of flame won't project so easily through water, I'm quite capable of holding such a spell within a weapon even as unpleasant as this one, and discharging it directly into a foe upon drawing their blood. Consider it an expression of how I've melded melee and magic together," she explains as they head towards Torm's temple.
[01:00] <@Kotono> "Captain!" As you walk, a voice calls out before Antenora can reply. She checks her tongue a moment instead. From the street, a man working on painting the front of a building calls that.
[01:02] <@Alicia> "Duty calls," Alicia murmurs, altering course to head towards the painting. "Something I can help you with, sir?" she asks pleasantly upon approaching, having replaced her nasty sword in its sheath.
Session Close: Sat Apr 19 01:17:14 2008

Session Start: Sat Apr 19 01:17:14 2008
Session Ident: #terrorofdunes
02[01:17] * Disconnected
02[01:17] * Attempting to rejoin channel #terrorofdunes
03[01:17] * Rejoined channel #terrorofdunes
03[01:17] * Topic is 'Hellcat>AliciaARGH>Seira'
03[01:17] * Set by Kotono on Sat Aug 11 03:24:05
[01:17] <@Alicia> "That really softened him up," she nods.
[01:20] <@Kotono> "Ooooh..." He listens with wide eyes, "You did all that?"
[01:22] <@Kotono> Antenora hangs back, dutifully inclining her head. "Alicia is modest. The human soldiers had no chance against her."
[01:23] <@Alicia> "Perhaps, but I never had any chance to prove that," Alicia inclines her head towards Antenora, "Like I said, I had a lot of help. During the war there were always too many people on both sides fighting for one person to heroically defeat an entire opposing regiment all by themself," she explains.
[01:30] <@Kotono> "Damn..." The painter puts down his brush, "Still...thank you," he takes Alicia's hand and shakes it vigorously. "I lost my dad to those bastards in the first war. Anyone who does things like that is good in my books."
06[01:36] * @Alicia firmly shakes his hand in response. "I'm sorry to hear that... too many innocents have to suffer when leaders choose war. I took no joy in killing Malmuth's soldiers, but Ferdi was another matter entirely. Good day, my friend," she concludes, letting go of his hand and departing.
[01:46] <@Kotono> "Good day, ma'am," the soldier repeats. As you walk away, Antenora doesn't say anything, letting the matter go to rest. As you approach, the Temple of Torm looks decently busy so far, epople coming and going through the open entrance
[01:47] <@Kotono> .
[01:47] <@Alicia> *painter?
06[01:48] * @Alicia is surprised people haven't been driven away by Eudard's crazed rantings, but she keeps such unkind thoughts to herself as she heads inside.
[01:49] <@Kotono> OOC: Painter, yes. Sorry.
[01:50] <@Kotono> Inside you find Eudard to a side. He's not runnin ganything right now, instead simply waiting with crossed arms. He looks vaguely impatient.
[01:51] <@Alicia> "Hello, Eudard," Alicia greets him as she approaches, blunt and to the point. "How are you at swimming?"
[01:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[01:53] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
[01:53] <@Kotono> Eudard grunts at t his, eyeing Antenora with considerable disdain. "
[01:53] <@Kotono> OOc - GAh.
[01:53] <@Kotono> Eudard grunts at t his, eyeing Antenora with considerable disdain. "How dare you..." he murmurs, but checks himself. "I can swim a little but not greatly."
[01:53] <@Kotono> Antenora looks around, drawing into herself. Her skin visibly shivers, her gaze lowering.
[01:57] <@Alicia> "Well, it just so happens that I've been tasked by Mystra to go on a quest under the sea past the bay. Since you only need to observe and not participate, great skill at swimming isn't a necessity, but an ability to keep up is. Think you're up to it?"
[02:00] <@Kotono> "Tell me first, why is she here," Eudard challenges back. He looks at Antenorap ointedly.
[02:02] <@Alicia> "When I told her of your... condition, she found herself interested, for it mirrors her own," Alicia replies, narrowing her eyes. "She has her origins to blame, but I still don't know what your excuse is."
[02:05] <@Kotono> "You are not welcome here." His voice is flat, looking right at Antenora. "Your kind only deserve to be slaughtered and sent back to the pits. Do you think that you can lie and avert justice?"
06[02:07] * @Alicia elects to let Antenora respond, though she doubts Eudard would care which of them shot him down no matter how eloquently.
[02:10] <@Kotono> "You're right. Devils deserve that," Antenora looks him right in the eye, "As far as I care, I'm not a devil anymore. Do you think I'm afraid of your petty grandstanding?" Antenora's face twists into a mocking smile. "I don't have anything to fear from dying. I've thrown my lot in with a far better side. What about you? Do you wonder what those chains will feel like as they drag your soul down into a pit of maggots? They're so very ho
[02:11] <@Kotono> They're so very hot. Hotter than the sun, and they're just the beginning." Antenora looks him right down in the eye, "The only thing I'm afraid of is what you may be sentencing yourself to."
[02:14] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+7 I hate looking up things when SR is laggy.
06[02:14] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 I hate looking up things when SR is laggy. and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
[02:18] <@Kotono> Eudard eyes Antenora back without comment at first, not standing down at all. "Lord Torm is not fooled by your heresy. Devils never change, they only present evil and damnation the same way. Those that permit this are as guilty as them!" Sweeping his arm out in the space between them, even if he hesitates just a moment, "You don't deserve any of what you've had, netted with your lies. There is no mercy for you...only the cold judgment
[02:18] <@Kotono> only the cold judgment."
[02:21] <@Alicia> "I've never met Torm, but I've met a lot of other inhabitants of the heavens. Even live with one - you've met her, I believe. They all say you're dead wrong," Alicia replies flatly. "Now, are you going to continue like this, or are we going to go and do something productive to actually lessen the evil in the world, instead?"
[02:25] <@Kotono> "I will not...I cannot travel with her," Eudard stares at Antenora balefully. "To do so would insult everything I hold dear."
[02:25] <@Kotono> "As for the others...Lord Torm will judge them if they are so decadant," he vows quietly.
[02:27] <@Kotono> Antenora sighs. "It's a shame. You remind me of an unrepentant murderer I once met. Only now I can't show you what you're netting yourself. You just refuse to accept it, don't you?"
[02:37] <@Alicia> "Worthless..." Alicia shakes her head slowly. "I don't know why Torm tolerates your actions and mindset - certainly none of it matches anything I'd previously thought I'd known about the Loyal Fury, but I can tell you right now you wouldn't last five minutes in the Church of Mystra. You're a disgrace as a paladin, and quite frankly, I'm insulted at the mere thought of being compared with you."
[02:37] <@Alicia> "Go ahead, sit here and listen to the perverse voice in your head that insists you're right and we're wrong, that only you are fit to dispense justice and none are worthy of mercy. I don't care if it's a God or a Demon that whispers in your ear at night, I'm not going to waste any more time reasoning with a fool."
[02:37] <@Alicia> She leans close, turquoise eyes boring into Eudard's, "If you ever find a moment of clarity amidst your madness, seek help, I implore you. But know that I will be watching you closely, Eudard, and won't hesitate to step in if it becomes clear you can't control yourself. Do you understand me?"
[02:39] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+17
06[02:39] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 and gets 27."12 [1d20=10]
[02:40] <@Alicia> OOC: wait.
[02:40] <@Alicia> OOC: see PM
[02:47] <@Kotono> "No." Eudard stops then and there, eyeing Alicia back. "You vex and confound me with every word your say. My God has spoken to me...yet you claim that despite your obvious sin, that you travel the right path?" Eudard looks to Antenorea, before turning away. "Perhaps I have been harsh, but...damnation awaits you, Alicia Reynes. Your Goddess cannot save you from your earned judgment. There is still time - send this abomination back to w
[02:47] <@Kotono> send this abomination back to whence she came and repent. Otherwise..." A stop there, a breath taken in. "I..." Oddly, Eudard stops there, the single letter hanging heavy in the air.
06[02:48] * @Alicia cocks her head, any ire at his speech simply turned to confusion at the abrupt stop. "Otherwise...?" she finds herself prodding.
[02:49] <@Kotono> "...ugh." Eudard's voice is full of disgust and shaking. "Leave and take your vile lies with you. I...I will not be."
[02:53] <@Alicia> "Hmph. Fine," Alicia snorts, "But I'll leave you with a little something to ponder - either all the heavens, from Ysgard to Arcadia, are corrupt and wrong... or you and the voice in your head are. Keep your nose clean, Eudard," she suggests, turning to leave.
[02:56] <@Kotono> Eudard hurries off and away, not commenting on that. Antenora watches him go, and once he is gone, "...Depressing," she notes.
[02:57] <@Alicia> "It really, really is," Alicia agrees sadly as they head out. "But I can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped..." she sighs, "I worry that pushing him too hard might just put him off the deep end, like Mihail, but all the same, I can hardly ignore the fact that he seems to be under the influence of something malignant."
[02:59] <@Kotono> "Mph." Antenora starts to walk with Alicia now, "Are you going tod o anything about it immediately? I can protect myself well enough at worst, though I worry about Jessica getting stuck in the middle of that."
[03:02] <@Alicia> "We'll just need to keep an eye on him... although for now, I've got a water elemental to meet so I can do something about this sword," she pats the sheathed sword of grief. "Want to hold down the fort while I'm gone? From what Shankar said, it shouldn't take too long."
[03:03] <@Kotono> "I will," Antenora smiles a little bit, "Good luck, Alicia. Don't end up on the wrong side of any spears down there."
[03:05] <@Alicia> "I've learned a spell that'll help me swim a lot better, anyway. Gives a chance to put the little one through her paces, too," she smiles back, mentally working out whether it'd be quicker to take a boat directly there, or a horse around the bay and then swim from the closest point to the undersea town.
[03:08] <@Kotono> "Yes, good luck with that," Antenora murmurs with a bit less energy, turning to walk away and towards home.
06[03:09] * @Alicia keeps walking with Antenora, since she needs to pick up Marie, anyway. "Still not a fan of her, are you?" she observes sympathetically.
[03:10] <@Kotono> "Let's see. We have a paladin who lost her family, me, and a former assassin. Yes, let's inject a bright and cheery fairyalike into the household. That will go over fiiiiiiine," Antenora rolls her eyes. "No, she just...puts my teeth on edge, say."
[03:11] <@Alicia> "Cheer up, I'm sure we'll break her down into sullen misery if we work at it hard enough," Alicia consoles, patting Antenora on the back. Or invisible wing. Its hard to tell when she's disguised.
[03:12] <@Kotono> The latter in this case, which shakes a bit on the touch. "Yes, yes," Antenora sighs. "...though, what would a sad courre be like?"
[03:14] <@Alicia> "Very depressing, I'm sure," Alicia nods sagely. "Though I have to say, she does get on very well with that former assassin you mentioned. I suppose both are innocent, in their own ways..."
[03:21] <@Kotono> "Heh," Antenora is amused, but comments no further. REturning home happens without incident: OOC - Alicia, mind if I skip you along?
[03:22] <@Alicia> OOC: go for it
[03:23] <@Kotono> Alicia takes a horse around the bay, the morning passing. She hurries along, soon reaching the place she'll go underwater. The bay water is a vibrant green, a few bits of sunlight that eke out from the cloudy sky making light dance on the water.
06[03:27] * @Alicia ties her horse to a convenient tree with some grass to graze on near the water's edge, before she casts from one of the scrolls on herself and Marie. "That should be good for five hours, though we've still got a bit of a swim before we reach the village..." she then raises an eyebrow at Marie's incorporeal ball of light form, "Or at least *I* have a bit of a swim," she amends to light giggling from her familiar, before she
[03:28] <@Alicia>  she dives in.
[03:31] <@Kotono> Alicia takes to swimming! The waters are chilly, but this is no great obsticle. Alicia makes good time from here - it takes only an hour to reach the sea elf village. As she approaches, she sees there are more rows of seaweed being farmed. Further, the caves are being expanded, broken and salty rocks piled on the sea floor. However, all of this is secondary right now. All the sea elves are gathered in front of the caves, while Oolu is
[03:32] <@Kotono>  while Oolu is speaking to them. He's being fairly loud, so it's easy to catch some of it as you swim close. (More)
[03:36] <@Kotono> In Aquatic, heard by Marie but lost on Alicia, "So yes. If it's the will of Deep Sashelas, everything'll work out fine. I mean, I don't know who it'll be, but I'm pretty sure they all talk up in the heavens. Can you imagine it being like, 'Oh hey, Lathander, it's been a few centuries...oops! That's right, I meant to tell you to send that priest there last century!Gah, sorry, I hope that worked out.' Of course not, they're Gods!"
[03:36] <@Kotono> "So anyway, I'm sure this person'll work out just fine."
[03:38] <@Alicia> "Wow, think they're talking about you?" Marie wonders after translating.
[03:39] <@Alicia> "Sounds like it," Alicia muses quietly, swimming onwards towards the gathering. "I think they speak elven, too - if not I'll need you to translate," she tells her familiar, before trying a, "Hail!" in the language of elves.
[03:40] <@Kotono> "Speaking of the dev-er, angel!" Oolu waves, as the mass of elves turns. By Oolu is a young female sea elf. "Bah, I knew I should've bet on it being one of you! Come on over here and tell me how much you know about the situation and why you're here?"
[03:40] <@Kotono> His elven words are called louds, as the other elves murmur in aquatic, lost on Alicia. Marie can tell it' smostly curious questions and exclamations of surprise.
[03:43] <@Alicia> "Hello, Oolu," Alicia smiles at the gregarious water elemental, descending through the water to bob gently beside him. "I've been tasked by Mystra to accompany a young sea elf who is going on a journey beyond the bay - I was told to meet with you first, so I'm glad you seem to know what's happening, as well."
[03:43] <@Alicia> "Hi, I'm Marielle, I'm her familiar so I'm coming along, too!" the ball of purple light beside her exclaims in the dominant language so more will understand her as she resolves into her humanoid form and waves.
[03:46] <@Kotono> "Wow." Oolu looks Alicia over, "I have to say that the underwater look-nevermind, not the place." He puts that aside. "Yes. Oh, nice to meet you," While he starts in elven, he slips into Aquatic for the remainder. "I don't see many glowy balls around anymore. You aren't a will o' the wisp, are you? But anyway, let's move on." Back into elven now, "Yes, Darlina here is travelling out of the bay and on the sea floor north, towards an un
[03:46] <@Kotono> floor north, towards an underwater trading ground. However, normally you don't dothat sort of thing alone. Danger at every corner, sahugin, that sort of thing. But the reason she's going is because she had a vision from abo-..." (More)
[03:47] <@Kotono> "Or is that below with Deep Sashelas? I mean, underwater tends to go down...but then again, the Elemental Plane of Water...y'knwo, I'll have to look into that," Oolu decides. "Anyway, what's important is that she had a vision that she'd travel with but a single outside escort to that trading post and find something Deep Sashelas wants her to find."
[03:48] <@Kotono> Darlina nods solmenly, though her eyes twinkle. In slightly rough elven, "It's nice to meet you, airbreather."
[03:50] <@Alicia> "And you, Darlina," Alicia smiles to the sea elf. "For our Gods to have sent me, likely we will face danger on the journey - I will do my best to protect you, however." Then, remembering that most of the sea elves don't actually know her, unlike Oolu, "My name is Alicia Reynes, paladin of Mystra."
[03:50] <@Kotono> There is a murmur from the gathered crowd, as Oolu thinks. "Yes, there is one thing. Alicia, how's your underwater breathing capacity?"
[03:52] <@Kotono> Darlina smiles back, her eyes still twinkling. "Tynave talks about the airbreathes like you a lot. So does Oolu..." She thinks, "It's nice to get to meet one of you face to face."
06[03:54] * @Alicia does some quick mental arithmitic. "If I reserve all possible spells and with both scrolls, plus the four hours left on this one... just over a day and a half. Probably less if I use spells to fight, though. How long is the journey to the trading post?"
[03:55] <@Kotono> "Two days both ways. But don't worry. Tynave, go get the Brine Potion I showed you a few days ago," Oolu calls into the crowd. Tynave emerges from it, going back into the caves with quick swimming. As she's gone, "It's been a fair bit of work, but I'm getting those again. We have enough to pad out the rest of the as you need it. Figures." Oolu shakes his head with a bit of amusement, "I wonder if it's in bad form to send the Gods a bi
[03:56] <@Kotono> "I wonder if it's in bad form to send the Gods a bill?"
[03:58] <@Alicia> "Perhaps what Darlina finds at the end of her quest will be payment enough?" Alicia suggests, now rather glad that Eudard and Antenora aren't coming. There's no way they'd have sufficient water breathing capacity for such a trip. "If there's anything like an island or underwater air pocket for me to rest along the way, I could regain my spells to extend things that way, though."
[04:03] <@Kotono> "There is, but it's just a bit off route. About an hour, just past the midway point. It's a small island, barely of any note and with just a bit of grass and a couple of trees on top." Replying with that, Oolu turns as Tynave returns. She has a single thorny looking, tightly sealed bottle. "Here. Take two sips every twenty four hours and you won't drown."
[04:04] <@Alicia> "Thank you, Tynave," Alicia nods as she accepts the bottle. "With luck I won't need to use it, but better to have and not need than to need and be without," she notes as she slips it into a belt pouch.
[04:08] <@Kotono> "Indeed." Darlina agrees, "If we go, we can reach that island before it's too late into the night. I'd like to get to Oceanoholm as soon as possible."
[04:09] <@Alicia> "Well, I'm ready to go right now," Alicia nods. "Lead the way?"
[04:09] <@Kotono> With a glitter in her eyes as she looks to Alicia, "Yes, let us," she says, starting to swim swiftly ahead. OOC - Skip along a bit?
[04:10] <@Alicia> OOC: sure
[04:11] <@Kotono> Three hours pass. You escape from the bay, the water slowly shifting from green to a deeper, radiant blue. The sea floor level starts to slide downwards, like a hill. As you swim along, past a school of gray fish and a few stands of seaweed, "Paladins are divine warriors for the Gods of the light?" Darlina asks.
[04:14] <@Alicia> "That's right," Alicia nods, having to kick her legs pretty hard to keep up with the deceptively easy movements of the sea elf. And Marie's almost obnoxious zipping about as if the water wasn't even there. "In my youth I merely sought to be a skilled warrior, but when I discovered my talent for magic, I felt drawn to Mystra. It seemed like a perfect fit. Though it's a difficult calling, it's one I am happy with."
[04:15] <@Kotono> Darlina occasionally swims closer, eyeing the ball and zipping around with it. "Magic as well. Oolu talks about how difficult and dangerous magic is, but how important it is too. Could you tell me more about it?"
[04:20] <@Alicia> "It's a diverse field," Alicia admits. "From priests who pray devoutly to their gods and are rewarded with miracles, to wizards who pull forth great wonders through their mastery of arcane lore and the flow of the Weave. My magic is similar to the latter, but flows more from my heart and spirit than any great knowledge - I consider it a gift from Mystra."
[04:20] <@Alicia> "But regardless of the how, all magic does stem from the Weave, an invisible force that encircles our world and allows all magic to be possible. It is Mystra's creation, though it allows great terrors as well as wonders when accessed by the foolish and uncaring."
[04:25] <@Kotono> "Mmm." She listens, swimming backwards to maintain eye contact with Alicia. "Fascinating. So when magic is done, this Weave is where it comes from?"

[Corwin]

[22:12] <@Alicia> [21:15] <Kotono> Darlina occasionally swims closer, eyeing the ball and zipping around with it. "Magic as well. Oolu talks about how difficult and dangerous magic is, but how important it is too. Could you tell me more about it?"
[22:12] <@Alicia> [21:20] <Alicia> "It's a diverse field," Alicia admits. "From priests who pray devoutly to their gods and are rewarded with miracles, to wizards who pull forth great wonders through their mastery of arcane lore and the flow of the Weave. My magic is similar to the latter, but flows more from my heart and spirit than any great knowledge - I consider it a gift from Mystra."
[22:12] <@Alicia> [21:20] <Alicia> "But regardless of the how, all magic does stem from the Weave, an invisible force that encircles our world and allows all magic to be possible. It is Mystra's creation, though it allows great terrors as well as wonders when accessed by the foolish and uncaring."
[22:12] <@Alicia> [21:25] <Kotono> "Mmm." She listens, swimming backwards to maintain eye contact with Alicia. "Fascinating. So when magic is done, this Weave is where it comes from?"
[22:12] <@Alicia> [21:29] <Alicia> "That's right," Alicia agrees. "Whether it's a wizard casting a simple light spell, or a priest calling forth the divine energies of her deity, it all goes through Mystra's creation. Naturally, this makes her pre-eminent among the Gods, for all must show her at least some honour when benefiting from her gift."
[22:15] <@Kotono> "Ah, I see," Darlina bows her head with a smile, eyes returning to Alicia after. "Then perhaps this matter I go on will uncover something of magic, if you are here?"
[22:17] <@Alicia> "It wouldn't surprise me," Alicia acknowledges, "What do you know about this quest, yourself, Darlina?"
03[22:17] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[22:21] <@Kotono> "Oh," Darlina takesa  breath, "I had a vision where I saw myself and aguardian going to Oceanoholm." WIth a breathy, excited voice, "That by the will of Deep Sashelas I'd find something special."
[22:23] <@Alicia> "Deep Sashelas must have a lot of faith in you - Gods don't hand out visions lightly," Marie chimes in as she effortlessly circles around the swimming duo.
[22:23] <@Alicia> "Have you done anything like this before?" Alicia herself asks, curious as to the abilities of her ward.
[22:24] <@Kotono> "Oh, thank you," Darlina blushes at that, her aquatic skin duelling with red. "No, I haven't. I was as surprised as anyone."
[22:27] <@Alicia> "Nervous?" Alicia asks kindly at the obvious blushing.
[22:33] <@Kotono> "Aaah..." she slows and stops, "Perhaps a little. Is it obvious?"
[22:34] <@Alicia> "Just a bit," the paladin nods, drawing up alongside the sea elf and patting her shoulder. "I'm sure you'll be fine, though - Deep Sashelas wouldn't have asked for something beyond your abilities."
[22:36] <@Kotono> "Aaah..." Darlina's blush continues, as she looks up at Alicia in the eye. "Thank you, airbreather. Your words are...kind." Her eyes sparkle with life, reaching out to pat Alicia's shoulder in return.
[22:40] <@Alicia> "You can call me Alicia, you know," Alicia offers easily, hoping Darlina will relax a bit over the course of their journey. She seems like a nice girl... even though she's probably got a few decades over Alicia, for all she can tell.
[22:45] <@Kotono> "Thank you, Alicia," With her blush very slowly coming under control, she starts tos wim again.
06[22:47] * @Alicia likewise continues swimming behind her, mentally working out how long before the water breathing spell runs out. She could probably copy the sea elf form quite easily with her magic, then her swimming ability should improve considerably.
[22:51] <@Kotono> Two hours pass. Alicia briefly stops to refresh the water breathing onher, when...OOC - Go ahead and make a spot check. The water's pretty clear and there's light, so no modifier.
[22:53] <@Alicia> OOC: not using water breathing, using alter self
[22:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, fair enough. Anyway, make your check?
[22:54] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+3 (sea elves get +2 spot) Alicia
06[22:54] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+3 (sea elves get +2 spot) Alicia and gets 15."12 [1d20=12]
[22:54] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+5 Marie
06[22:54] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 Marie and gets 17."12 [1d20=12]
[23:00] <@Alicia> "Hold up," Alicia warns, currently in the form of a lithe sea elf, looking a bit shorter and more delicate than normal, with tapering blue ears poking out past her dark hair as it billows through the water. Marie herself appears as an androgynous blue-skinned creature, herself, with webbed hands and feet and fin-like wings projecting from her back.
[23:00] <@Alicia> "Sahugin," the paladin warns, casting Shield on herself and channelling a scorching ray into her still-sheathed blade.
[23:11] <@Kotono> Darlina freezes cold there, peering ahead. "That is aproblem," she murmurs, "They're just as likely to attack sea elves as anything."
[23:15] <@Alicia> "What about Mephits?" Marie wonders. "I look kinda freaky, maybe they'll be scared off?"
[23:15] <@Alicia> "You're three feet tall, Marie," Alicia replies, shaking her head. "Look, Darlina, just stick close and make sure we're between you and the sahaugin at all times. We'll try and get past without fighting, but if it comes to it, we'll protect you."
[23:18] <@Kotono> "Right," Darlina drifts closer, nearly clinging to Alicia. As this happens, the sahuagin on giant seahorses come closer! They're only 60 feet away now. One calls something in Aquan first, "Make no moves, travellers!"
[23:20] <@Alicia> Alicia warily eyes them for evil as Marie quietly translates. "Ask them what they want," she murmurs, prompting the mephit at her side to speak in Aquan (apparently).
[23:20] <@Alicia> "What do you want of us?"
[23:20] <@Alicia> Marie also checks them for magic.
[23:23] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[23:23] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 27."12 [1d20=20]
[23:26] <@Kotono> "You are travelling on a route claimed by the sahuagin and cheftain Gluark. You must pay a fee to continue on," They approach to thirty feet, tridents at ther eady.
[23:27] <@Alicia> "What sort of fee?" Marie asks after translating for Alicia's benefit.
[23:27] <@Alicia> For her part, the paladin whispers to Darlina, "Heard of this Gluark?"
[23:28] <@Kotono> "Yes. He's a sahuagin warlord. I heard Oolu mention him..." Whispering back, the sea elf hides behind Alicia. "He controls much of the territory around here, but not Oceanoholm itself."
[23:30] <@Kotono> "25 gold," The call back is quick, "Per head."
[23:34] <@Alicia> Marie relays this to Alicia. "I didn't think I'd need any money underwater..." Alicia mutters. "Ask them what happens if we don't pay."
[23:34] <@Alicia> "What if we can't pay?" Marie asks after giving Alicia a somewhat dubious look.
[23:41] <@Kotono> The sahuagin bristle, talking amid themselves in their own language. Marie can understand them, however! "Non payers? Think we can shake 'em down?" The second asks, while the talker grins, "I'll see if they spook easy."
[23:44] <@Kotono> The lead turns to Alicia, staring a hole in her, "You won't like that," it promises! "Do you want to tempt us, elf?"
[23:44] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[23:44] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26."12 [1d20=17]
[23:44] <@Kotono> OOC - Make ac ounter intimidation check, Alicia?
[23:45] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+13 I was about to have Marie try her own intimidate line but you typed faster
06[23:45] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 I was about to have Marie try her own intimidate line but you typed faster and gets 22."12 [1d20=9]
[23:45] <@Alicia> OOC: Also, I can't understand him. That has to make his words less scary.
[23:51] <@Alicia> Alicia flinches at the harsh look, even if she doesn't understand the words. But Marie is ever helpful, "They want to shake us down, he says you won't like that. These fishmen are just bullies, I say we take them down."
[23:53] <@Alicia> "I'm compelled to agree," Alicia nods grimly as she draws her blade. "Stay behind us, Darlina."
[23:53] <@Alicia> OOC: initiative?
[23:54] <@Kotono> The sahuagin peer on, and in Aquan, "You want a fight, eh? Get them!" The leader calls, hefting his trident! OOC - Yes, sure.
[23:54] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+5 Alicia
06[23:54] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 Alicia and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
[23:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3 S1
06[23:54] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 S1 and gets 22."12 [1d20=19]
[23:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3 S2
06[23:54] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 S2 and gets 8."12 [1d20=5]
[23:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3 S3
06[23:54] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 S3 and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
[23:54] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+7 Marie
06[23:54] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 Marie and gets 8."12 [1d20=1]
[23:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Darlina if it ends up mattering
06[23:55] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Darlina if it ends up mattering and gets 21."12 [1d20=19]
03[23:55] * Kotono changes topic to 'Sahuagin 1>Darlina>Sahuagin3>Alicia>Sahuagin 2>Marie'
[23:56] <@Kotono> The first one is swift! He spurs his horse into motion, taking the lead! His trident is out as he recklessly charges by Alicia, "Surrender!"
[23:57] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[23:57] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 15."12 [1d20=4]
[23:57] <@Kotono> OOC - AC?
[23:57] <@Alicia> OOC: 29 vs evil
[23:57] <@Kotono> The stab is basic and not particularly well executed, missing Alicia entirely! Meanwhile, Darlina hides about five feet behind Alicia, guarding herself! OOC - Sahuagin 3 is up.
[23:58] <@Kotono> The third Sahuagin takes a more reserved tack, circling around and approaching on Alicia's flnak for a defensive stab!
[23:58] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+7 (-2 CE)
06[23:58] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 (-2 CE) and gets 21."12 [1d20=14]
[23:59] <@Kotono> This blow is probing and in position to parry well, but it isn't so good at punching through Alicia's defenses! OOC - Alicia
Session Time: Sun Apr 20 00:00:00 2008
[00:00] <@Alicia> Alicia doesn't spare any further words, merely letting the sword of grief speak as she strains her deceptively slender arms to swing it through the water and into the first attacking Sahaugin, channeling a burst of flame into his form as it impacts!
[00:01] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+15
06[00:01] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 26."12 [1d20=11]
[00:01] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06[00:01] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 26."12 [1d20=16]
[00:01] <@Kotono> OOC - Two hits.
[00:01] <@Alicia> roll (2d10+20)/2
06[00:01] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls (2d10+20)/2 and gets 13."12 [2d10=3, 3]
[00:01] <@Alicia> roll 12d6 fire
06[00:01] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 12d6 fire and gets 34."12 [12d6=4, 1, 6, 2, 3, 2, 1, 4, 1, 1, 6, 3]
[00:02] <@Alicia> OOC: DC 22 will vs frightful presence
[00:02] <@Kotono> Flames burst around the sahuagin as the Sword of Grief struggles in and slashes the side of the sahuagin! This terrifying blow resonates throughout, as she deeply chops into it!
[00:02] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[00:02] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[00:02] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[00:02] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
06[00:02] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
06[00:02] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[00:03] <@Kotono> "U..ugh...!" The leader coughs, blood running from his slashed open sides. Burns cover his body, his trident sagging in his grasp! The second one takes a more defensive tack as well, approaching Alicia's other flank and attacking very defensively!
[00:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (-4 CE)
06[00:03] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 (-4 CE) and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
[00:03] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5 (-4 CE) crit check
06[00:03] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 (-4 CE) crit check and gets 23."12 [1d20=18]
[00:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d8+6
06[00:04] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+6 and gets 12."12 [1d8=6]
[00:05] <@Kotono> With excellent defense and a swift strike, the sahuagin manages to puncture Alicia's arm! It's only a graze, but blood stains the water along with the leader's! OOC - Marie.
[00:06] <@Alicia> Trusting in her defences, Marie fires a blast of magic missiles at the wounded Sahaugin, hoping to finish him off!
[00:07] <@Alicia> OOC: one of them gets an AoO
[00:07] <@Alicia> roll 5d4+5 she has AC 31, so I'm not overly worried
06[00:07] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 she has AC 31, so I'm not overly worried and gets 15."12 [5d4=3, 1, 3, 2, 1]
[00:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Mr charger will take the honors
06[00:08] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Mr charger will take the honors and gets 15."12 [1d20=4]
03[00:09] * Kotono changes topic to 'Darlina>Sahuagin3>Alicia>Sahuagin 2>Marie'
[00:10] <@Kotono> The leader is hit hard by magical missiles! His body jerks as he's riddled by missiles, before he collapses and goes belly up! AS Darlina defends herself, the third eyes it, "Okay, okay! We'll stop," he calls in Aquan, backing off and spurring his horse to fall straight back. "You win, go on!"
[00:10] <@Kotono> OOC - Alicia, you're up.
[00:13] <@Alicia> "They're surrendering," Marie informs Alicia, eyeing the fishmen cautiously.
[00:13] <@Alicia> For her part, Alicia pulls back her blade and channels another scorching ray into it, the steel briefly glowing dull orange as the spell is absorbed. "Tell them to drop their weapons," she instructs.
[00:13] <@Alicia> "Drop your weapons!" Marie orders the sahaugin quickly.
[00:15] <@Kotono> As Alicia channels into the spell, the third falls back as well. "Just go on! You win."
[00:18] <@Alicia> "They're just telling us to move on, since we won," Marie explains, prompting Alicia to glare at the fishmen.
[00:18] <@Alicia> "Marie, I want you to repeat this to them exactly: This path, from the bay to Oceanholm, is free territory. No more tolls. No more shakedowns. If there are, I will hear about it. And I will be back." She stares down the two sahaugin, making sure they clearly know the message is coming from her, even if her familiar does the translating.
[00:18] <@Kotono> OOC - Intimidation check. +2 bonus since you just fragged the leader.
[00:18] <@Alicia> OOC: mine or Marie's?
[00:19] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+17 (+9 if using Marie)
06[00:19] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+17 (+9 if using Marie) and gets 27."12 [1d20=10]
[00:19] <@Alicia> OOC: +2, sorry, so 29
[00:21] <@Kotono> The sahuagin hear those words and promptly take off, fully moving away and psurring their horses into action! They leave behind the leader, his trident falling to the ocean floor and a sack at the side of his mount, which is flittering around in confusion.
[00:21] <@Alicia> Marie is only too happy to grab the sack. "It's got something magic in it," she explains, opening it up to take a look inside.
[00:22] <@Alicia> "You alright, Darlina?" Alicia asks in elven, sheathing her blade as she turns to her ward with a look of concern.
[00:22] <@Kotono> Inside of the sack are a few pearls, a small metal box...and a magical item. It's what Marie detected, a small whip token.
[00:23] <@Kotono> "I-I'm fine," She glances at the slain sahuagin, before looking away. "Oh..." she murmurs, head bowed, half drifting.
[00:28] <@Alicia> "I suppose we can get it identified, later," Marie muses, closing the sack and holding onto it, while Alicia puts an arm around Darlina and starts to guide her away from the carnage, her familiar fluttering along just behind them.
[00:28] <@Alicia> "I'm sorry you had to see that," she apologises. "Death is never pleasant... but he chose his fate when he became a brigand."
Session Close: Sun Apr 20 00:28:21 2008

Session Start: Sun Apr 20 00:28:21 2008
Session Ident: #terrorofdunes
02[00:28] * Disconnected
02[00:28] * Attempting to rejoin channel #terrorofdunes
03[00:28] * Rejoined channel #terrorofdunes
03[00:28] * Topic is 'Darlina>Sahuagin3>Alicia>Sahuagin 2>Marie'
03[00:28] * Set by Kotono on Sun Apr 20 00:09:36
[00:29] <@Kotono> DArlina melts into the arm, clinging to Alicia. "I...I know, I'm just surprised," she murmurs, holding onto her protector. "Thank you, that could have been me...!"
03[00:29] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[00:33] <@Alicia> "Not while I'm here," Alicia promises, doing her best to comfort the elven girl. "Come on - I know you probably want to stop and rest, but we should get some distance in case they regain their bravery. Just focus on swimming, okay?" she suggests, still holding onto Darlina as she kicks along until her ward seems recovered enough to swim by herself.
[00:34] <@Kotono> Darlina takes a little while, holding onto Alicia's arm until she at last parts. Once she is, she smiles with a refreshed glitter in her eye. "Thanks. You're brave - but what about your arm?"
[00:35] <@Alicia> "Nothing I can do for it, I'm afraid," Alicia admits ruefully, flexing the hand at the end of said injured limb. "Part of my burden for this journey is that none of my wounds will heal until it's complete. All the more reason to hurry, I suppose."
[00:40] <@Kotono> "Yes," Your friend agrees, picking up her own pace! The afternoon sunshine filters into the water as you continue, swimming along. Come about sunset, as the blue water is stained with red, "We'll need to closer to the surface. WE shouldn't be too far from that island, and we should be able to find it if we keep our eyes open."
[00:42] <@Alicia> "Marie can handle that - want to fly above the water and keep pace with us, then pop down and say when you spot any islands?" Alicia suggests. "Sure thing!" Marie chirps, turning into an incorporeal ball of light before she zooms up past the surface to keep an eye out while Alicia and Darlina swim along beneath the waves.
[00:48] <@Kotono> Once Marie is flying, "Aaah, Alicia." Darlina swims a little cfloser. "You make a good sea elf."
[00:52] <@Alicia> "Haha," Alicia chuckles slightly, "It's somewhat liberating to take on another form, though at the same time it does feel a bit strange. A mirror would be nice to see how I like, but if it meets approval from a real sea elf I must have done a passable job," she rambles a little bit, self-consciously touching one of her now pointed ears.
[00:57] <@Alicia> how I lool*
[00:57] <@Alicia> look*
[01:00] <@Kotono> Reaching up, DArlina touches Alicia's other ear. "It's a superb job," she says warmly. "Any sea elf would be estatic to look as you do."
[01:04] <@Alicia> "That's kind of you to say, Darlina," Alicia smiles at the compliment. "Though I can't help but feel... excessively delicate," she shakes her head in dry amusement, "Though I suppose we humans are bulky by elven standards. At least this transformation hasn't affected my strength."
[01:05] <@Kotono> "No...you're not bulky at all!" Darlina corrects, blushing a little. "You're fine...but...aah..." she looks on, "Let's continue before we lose what light is left?"
[01:06] <@Alicia> "Right," Alicia nods, picking up her pace and swimming onwards until Marie drops down to notify them of land being sighted.
[01:07] <@Kotono> About a half hour passes, the sun having set. However...
[01:09] <@Alicia> Marie drops down below the water, briefly. "I see the island, but there's a ship there, too!" she explains quicky, lingering for further instructions from Alicia.
[01:09] <@Alicia> "Did you see what flag it had on it?" Alicia asks, before turning to Darlina. "Do ships often stop at that island?"
[01:12] <@Alicia> "Let me check!" Marie replies, zipping up to examine the ship once more before Darlina can reply.
[01:14] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+6 nobility Alicia
06[01:14] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 nobility Alicia and gets 25."12 [1d20=19]
[01:18] <@Kotono> "It's not common, no. But I'm not out this far often," she admits. "I know the bay better."
[01:20] <@Alicia> Marie pops back down. "It's got a red flag with a tiger on it."
[01:22] <@Alicia> "House Tendor?" Alicia blinks. "Those are Kelarans - that's where I'm originally from," she explains for Darlina's benefit. "But why would they stop here so close to Balmuria? Lets get a bit closer and take a look - Marie, you hug the surface and come back down once we reach where they've anchored," she tells her familiar, starting to resume swimming towards the island.
[01:29] <@Kotono> "Ooooh," Darlina answers, as the two swim closer to the island. AS they approach, they can see the anchored ship is pulling up it's anchor. On the small island's shore, five miserable looking sailors are screaming. "Don't leave us here!" one calls.
[01:32] <@Alicia> "They're being marooned? How barbaric," Alicia scowls. "You two wait here," she suggests, leaving Marie to look after Darlina while she casts Fly and reverts to human form, since they'll likely respond better to one of their own. Soaring up, she flies over between the boat and the island. "What's going on, here?" she calls down towards the vessel.
[01:33] <@Kotono> The deck is full of jeering sailors, a few throwing rotted food to the island. "You deserve it, bastards!" one calls - before Alicia appears. The jeering and calling stops abruptly at the flying woman, before a cries erupt. "WITCH! GHOST! FURY! HARPY!" The various calls are all in surprise, while an older man with a deeply lined face watches with dead, stony eyes, wearing a greatcoat and standing at the front. He peers up, "Begone, wh
[01:33] <@Kotono>  wearing a greatcoat and standing at the front. He peers up, "Begone, whatever you are. This business is none of yours."
[01:36] <@Alicia> "That's Captain Alicia Reynes, Crimson Guard, to you!" Alicia snaps downwards, looking into the hearts of all those present for evil. "You're in the territorial waters of the United Baronies, and I'm making it my business."
[01:39] <@Kotono> "We're disposing of mutineers," The greatcoat wearing man says tersely, "And it's Captain Smith to you. These five tried and fails to incite a munity and to divert this ship's cargo."
[01:42] <@Alicia> "And despite being only half a day from port, you chose to condemn them to death instead of just kicking them off on the mainland?" Alicia asks. She knows that life on a ship is harsh, but this just doesn't sit right with her at all.
[01:43] <@Kotono> "I didn't want to waste the rope hanging them," he says with disgust, "By all rights and laws, their lives are forfeit for mutiny. Helmsman," he turns, "Prepare us to continue on. We have no more business with the mutineers."
[01:46] <@Alicia> "Tch..." Alicia watches bitterly, unfortunately unable to force them to do otherwise. Descending a bit and looking towards the marooned sailors, "Alright, so what's your story?" she asks them.
[01:49] <@Kotono> One steps forward, a rangy and lean man with only a pair of shorts worn and a bandanna. "Aaah..." he stares at Alicia, as the ship begins to move away. "Are you going to help us? Please, you can't let us die on this island!"
[01:51] <@Alicia> "Do I look like a savage?" Alicia asks, frowning even as she gives the island a brief look to see how big it is and what sort of vegetation it has. "Mutiny's a serious crime, though, no mistake about that."
[01:58] <@Kotono> "Yes," Another says, this one wearing ragged, striped clothes. This is the one that radiates evil. "The Captain was shorting us on our wages and rations, and wouldn't even pull into harbor and lose a few days. He had it cominhg."
[02:02] <@Alicia> "Great. You hated your job so you tried to take over the ship?" Alicia clarifies, not terribly impressed. "At least you're honest, though, I have to give you credit for that."
[02:03] <@Kotono> The first shakes his head quickly. "He's a rough captain and it's been a long journey. After all of that, it seemed like a good idea!"
[02:06] <@Kotono> The third steps forward, a brown skinned and bulky shouldered man. "Maybe it was a mistake, I don't know. But we couldn't take any more, and...We don'tw ant to die of thirst on this forgotten rock!"
[02:09] <@Alicia> "Nobody's going to die, here," Alicia reassures them, floating downwards a bit. "And you're actually not very far from the mainland, anyway. Anyway, I need to rest here to recover my magic before I continue on my current journey, but I can leave you with some supplies, and then drop off some more on my way back before I collect a boat to come pick you up. How does that sound?"
[02:09] <@Kotono> The first approaches, kneeling to Alicia. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" He says with energy in his voice, "Thank you! CAptain Smith would've left us to die here!"
[02:14] <@Alicia> "You're lucky beyond words that I happened to come along when I did," the paladin can't help but note. "Anyway, wait here for a second," she asks, before wincing at her choice of words. "Not that you can do much else..." she mutters, before flying down towards where she left Marie and Darlina, casting Message to link them.
[02:14] <@Alicia> "Darlina, if you want to find some place under the water close to the island, Marie can watch over both of us while we sleep. Those men shouldn't do anything stupid since I'm their only hope of survival, but we still should be careful. Plus more sahaugin might show up, too."
[02:17] <@Kotono> "Alright," Darlina nods sagely, "I'll find something. You're going to help them?"
[02:19] <@Alicia> "Humans can't drink seawater, nevermind breathe it. Leaving them to die of thirst is a horribly cruel fate, no matter what they did," Alicia explains. "Anyway, find someplace close by so it's easy for Marie to watch over us both at the same time, okay? I'll meet up with you again before dawn."
[02:21] <@Kotono> "Alright. Good luck," Darlina reaches out to touch Alicia's shoulder, between swimming back down.
06[02:23] * @Alicia flies back over to the island and makes use of her survival pouch to dole out two waterskins and two lots of trail rations which are split between herself and the mutineers, while Marie quietly adopts a circling watch pattern to keep an eye on the two mortals without drawing attention to herself.
[02:24] <@Kotono> The mutineers eye Alicia as they happily eat and drink, several calls to her. "Thank you," one calls, "Bless you and your house, noble one!" another calls.
[02:25] <@Alicia> "I'm from Kelara originally, although Reynes isn't quite a noble house... yet, anyway," Alicia explains as she does her best to make herself comfortable on the rocks at the side of the island closest to where Darlina is.
[02:36] <@Kotono> It's not really comfortable, nor is Alicia's arm feeling any better. However, as she attempts to rest...OOC - PM.
[02:49] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+45
06[02:49] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+45 and gets 60."12 [1d20=15]
[02:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+40
06[02:49] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+40 and gets 51."12 [1d20=11]
[02:53] <@Kotono> Alicia awakens with a start. She wasn't even aware she fell asleep, but the sun is rising on the horizon.
06[02:55] * @Alicia sits up quickly, a hand going to the wound on her arm as she looks around to make sure the mutineers and Marie are all accounted for.
[02:56] <@Kotono> The wound on her arm still aches. However, as she rises, it's a strange feeling. A feeling of having to balance something - control something. Her finger with the Ring of Eternal Celerity throbs gently, yet not painfully.
[02:58] <@Kotono> The mutineers are sleeping on the beach, while she can distantly see Marie flying about, keeping her ewatch.
[03:00] <@Alicia> "Hmph... starting to come around, are you?" she murmurs, eyeing the ring with less loathing than normal.
[03:00] <@Alicia> Not wanting the men to be alarmed by her sudden absence, she elects to wake them first to explain that she has to depart now, and again uses her survival pouch to leave them with four gallons of drinkable water, and enough trail rations to keep two men well fed for a day - since they're just sitting on the island rather than being too active, they should be okay going a little hungry.
[03:01] <@Kotono> As Alicia does that, she experiences it. It's very subtle most of the time, but it's a feeling of controlling. Of keeping it in tune - the ring on her finger. It feels alive to her, like it's breathing, throbbing, beating like a human heart.
[03:04] <@Alicia> Horror of horrors, she might actually get used to this, she can't help but think with some amusement. Bidding the mutineers farewell for now, she wades into the water, collecting Marie along the way before the two of them dive under to rejoin Darlina, only casting Alter Self to change their forms once beneath the waves.
[03:16] <@Kotono> Darlina begins to swim with Alicia once more. Several hours pass - noon comes and goes, a meal eaten. The current flows your way and you make superb time. By about 3 PM, you come on it. The ocean floor has descended even deeper, but you can see it. Lying on the sandy floor is  a mass of seaweed huts, stone buildings and rows of grown kelp. Sea elves, sahuagin, sharks, dolphins, blue skinned humanoids, seahorses as large as land horses
[03:16] <@Kotono> land horses and more all bustle about this place.
[03:19] <@Alicia> "So, this is Oceanholm?" Alicia asks, peering over the outpost. "What now?"



> "Let's swim down and look for a place to stay first and see what's going on," Darlina offers. "We can rest a little over a meal of fresh fish and kelp?"
<Alicia> Alicia does her best not to look queasy as she smiles and nods. Certainly fresher than fish has any right to be on her dinner plate, but if it's good enough for Darlina it'll be good enough for her. "Lead the way, then," she offers, gesturing forward.
> Down into the places you go! The sound of bubbling chatter fills Alicia's ears, as well as other things. There is a steady undercurrent of eerie, baying music. It's deep and disturbing, yet ever so gorgeous.  On the sea floor a few sea elves argue with a blue skinned, fish bottomed and human topped male with a trident. A few sahuagin lug baskets full of seaweed and shells along. A school of fish swims by as you go to a stone hut, Darlina taking the lead. INside of here is wide open space with asoft, sandy floor that comfortably suits your feet. Here, sitting down, are all you've seen and more, chatting, eating and in some cases sleeping.
> Darlina taking the lead. INside of here is wide open space with asoft, sandy floor that comfortably suits your feet. Here, sitting down, are all you've seen and more, chatting, eating and in some cases sleeping.
<Alicia> Since chances are she doesn't understand any of the language, Alicia is content to follow Darlina's lead unless Marie alerts her to overhearing anything terribly interesting. She does mark the merman's form as something she could try to replicate herself - it might be a better swimmer than a sea elf. "Nice to see everyone getting along," she observes as the trio settle down.
> Marie can hear conversational fragments, but none of it's overly interesting offhand. Darlina leads you to a clear spot in the sand, sitting. "Let's just rest here," she gestures. "Someone'll be along with food soon. Don't worry, it's free. Oceanoholm offers hospitality to anyone that makes the journey."
<Alicia> "That's nice of... them," Alicia nods, initially smiling before she looks a bit confused. It seems like there's a completely seperate political landscape beneath the waves, which she's completely ignorant of. "Who's in charge here, anyway?"
> "Well, that Sahuagin lord I mentioned has a lot of pull. Our village, not so much. We've been a little too caught up in the bay, or so Oolu says." Smiling upwards, Darlina stops as a fish headed, small, almost dwarflike man approaches with one large bowl. He says something in Aquatic(Marie can tell it's, 'Eat well, the tuna's fresh, and so are the fish roe.'), to which Darlina thanks him in Aquatic. Then, "Let's eat," she says, grabbing what looks to be some uncooked fish. "Oceanoholm itself...) (More)
> Then, "Let's eat," she says, grabbing what looks to be some uncooked fish. "Oceanoholm itself...) (More)
> "There were some nasty border wars for it between various factions, like most trade cities. Oolu says he heard that most in this area have an independant govenor by agreements. The one here is Lord Sawr."
* Alicia delicately nibbles on her fish, worried that she'll choke on a bone. Marie eschews the food entirely as she flutters up a bit to perch herself over the back of Alicia's head while curiously taking in the surroundings. "Is Lord Sawr a sea elf or a...?" the paladin asks, deigning not to acknowledge her familiar's... familiar, position.
> "He's a half sea elf, half merman. He looks like one of us with more gills and a fin instead of feet, but with semi vestigal legs instead of one sealed fish botton." Darlina has no such hesitations, tearing in. "Interbreeding's fairly common in trade towns and rare otherwise, according to Oolu.  He says it's because we're all a bunch of stick in the muds now." With a faint smile, "Oh yes, I meant to ask you. Is it true that all of you really saved him from a waterless cavern city?"
> "Oh yes, I meant to ask you. Is it true that all of you really saved him from a waterless cavern city?"
* Alicia shakes her head. "Not me, it was Seira and Demedais that did that," she replies. "I first met Oolu in the Elemental Plane of Water when we asked him to come over to visit your people." She leans forward a bit, causing Marie to slide slowly down her back. "You forgive us, right?" she asks, half-joking.
> Smiling as she reaches over to act to catch the poor, displaced familiar, "Oh, I like him. He's been wonderful for us, but...My Gods, he is certainly different than the stories. Yet he's always working 'to make it better for us', like he says. He's so...dedicated." Darlina blushes a little.
<Alicia> "He seemed nice," Marie chirps, flicking her fins to float over towards Darlina.
<Alicia> "Yes, he's very... friendly," Alicia agrees, smiling faintly. "Very friendly."
> Her blush deepens. "Ah...yes. Very friendly." She decides on that, going back to her food and starting to idly pet Marie's head.
<Alicia> "You know, I look a lot cuter, normally," the water mephit informs Darlina as she submits to the petting. "It's a pity Alicia doesn't know any nice aquatic outsider forms to turn me into instead of this... watery imp thing."
<Alicia> "We're not here to win any beauty contests, Marie," Alicia primly reminds her familiar, setting aside her lightly chewed tuna. "Anyway..." she cocks her head at Darlina, "Any clues at all what we should be looking for?"
> "You're cute like this, like a baby Oolu," Darlina chuckles as she holds the familiar. "I want to go talk around and gather information, ideally. For that, I just need you to look menancing if anyone starts trouble."
<Alicia> "I can do menacing," Alicia nods, putting on her most charming and inoffensive smile.
<Alicia> "I'd rather look like a little sea elf - I already look like a little elf with wings, normally, so that'd be way better," Marie opines.
> "Let's go then," Passing Marie back to Alicia, "Let's get started."
<Alicia> Floating up, Marie elects to swim for herself while the faux-sea elf also rises, happy to follow Darlina's lead. This is her big quest, after all, and Alicia's just here for support.
> roll 1d20+8 gather info check
* Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+8 gather info check and gets 17." [1d20=9]
> A few hours of work pass. Darlina goes about, talking to all sorts of creatures. The relevant points, translated by Marie, are:
<Alicia> OOC: Marie and I can aid
> OOC - Okay, you can roll for it if youw ant.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+12 Alicia
* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 Alicia and gets 17." [1d20=5]
<Alicia> roll 1d20+8 Marie
* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 Marie and gets 27." [1d20=19]
> 1. The sahuagin lord has been flexing his muscles later. Rumor has it that he wants to get a grip on Oceanoholm personally.
> 2. A thief was found in Lord Sawr's home two nights ago. He waits for a hearing, though his prospects are grim. Lord Sawr is not particularly kind to thieves.
> 3. Recently, a group of sahuagin from the frozen sea came. They caused trouble, as they tried to chill the section they stayed at. Lord Sawr's guards had to resolve it and prevent a nasty fight. They're still in town, but under orders to stay low.
> 4. A sea elf named Kortuni has been splashing around goods the past few weeks, looking toe xpand into Oceanoholm. He's making moves to buy out one of the permanent merchants here.
> Once you get all of those, Darlina rests in the shadow of one of the huts. "Hm...there's a fair bit going on, isn't there?"
<Alicia> "Yes, but nothing that seems to point to this mysterious object Deep Sashelas wants you to find," Alicia replies, before eyeing the sea elf curiously. "Any feelings or hunches that we should investigate something in particular?"
> "The best thing I can think of is to see if that thief was stealing something important? It's a long shot, but perhaps what he was stealing is related to what I'm looking for? If it's valuable, it would make sense for the lord of the area to have it, yes?"
<Alicia> "But that also means you're going to have trouble getting it, if you want it," Alicia points out. "Still, in the absence of any other leads, there's no harm in asking about it. We might even be able to make an arrangement with Lord Sawr if he's having trouble with a certain Sahaugin Lord."
> "It could be so," Darlina starts to swim forward now, "I think his housea nd office are down this way."
<Alicia> "Hmm... since we might be here a while, know if there's any caves with air pockets or anything like that nearby?" Alicia asks. "I could use the brine potion if I have to, but I'd prefer to save it for an emergency."
> "There's one of the houses that has one, but they charge since it's rarely used," Darlina says. "For those times you occasinally need dry air to do something."
<Alicia> "Well, I have money now, don't I?" Alicia notes with a sidelong glance at her familiar. "If it's rarely used it shouldn't cost too much, at least. Anyway, can worry about that later, I've got a while left before I start to run out of spells."
> "Yes, let's go then," Darlina starts to swim away in a good pace. OOC - Move along?
<Alicia> OOC: yep
> Lord Sawr's house is a three story building of stone, with the entrance on the top floor. It's made of gray stone with shells mixed in, rather pretty. Armed guards - mermen and sea elves, as well as a few sahuagin, swim about and keep patrol. AT the entrance, four of them wait. "Hello and goo dday," one says in Aquan. "What business do you have with Lord Sawr?"
<Alicia> Marie whispers the translation into Alicia's ear, but otherwise the two are content to provide silent backing for Darlina.
> "I wish to meet with Lord Sawr. I come from the south, from the Lord Oolu. May we please see him?" Darlina makes a gracious bow, to which the guards listen and then, "Enter."
<Alicia> Assuming no one molests them, Alicia and Marie follow!
> Inside you come to a a large sitting room. Here a sahuagin and a few mermen and women sit in wait, while guards stand at the far door. It's nice enough, one supposes. One of those guards speaks as you enter. "Lord Sawr will see you soon. What is your reason for meeting with him?"
* Alicia defers to Darlina!
> Darlina says back in Aquan, "We wish to talk to him about a criminal," she says, then sits. There's a slight murmur,bu tnothing immediately happens.
* Alicia looks around in confusion for a moment before Marie helpfully translates, then, assuming they just have to wait their turn, she takes a seat next to Darlina, while Marie settles once more on her head.
> About a half hour passes. Oh, the party gets a few looks as people are called in, but nothing unusual. At last, however, "Ma'am," the guard intones, "The Lord will see your party now. Come."
* Alicia follows Darlina inside. This bodyguard stuff doesn't really suit her, but the language barrier is a great obstacle to her usual take charge demeanour, even if she did want to step on Darlina's toes.
> Inside you find two more guards and Lord Sawr. He is as described - a muscular man from torso up, with his lower body being scaly legs molding into a fin at the bottom. HIs eyes are strong, as he stays afloat just above the ground and gestures you in. "Aaah, you've come from Oolu? What is it you wish?"
> For a moment, "Excuse me," in Aquan, "But do you speak the native language of the elves? My friend here has difficulty with the language of water."
<Alicia> Marie remains perched on Alicia's head, leaning a little bit over the side as she whispers sweet nothings in her mistress' ear. "She's asking if they can speak elven because you're ignorant of their language," she helpfully informs her, sweet as can be.
* Alicia resists the urge to roll her eyes, instead essaying a smile towards Lord Sawr.
> In heavily accented but understandable elven, "Alright," he says, Alicia at last understanding. "You're interested in a criminal? The thief, I imagine? Do you know him, perchance?" His mood darkens, his body tensing. "He has not even given us his name."
<Alicia> "It's less the thief and more what he was stealing..." Alicia begins, before glancing to Darlina to elaborate the nature of her quest.
> Darlina nods. "Yes. I am on a vision quest from the Lord of the Deep, Deep Sashelas. What I seek is in this trading town; I have reason to suspect it may have been what the thief was trying to steal. If you would be so kind, could you tell us that so we can ascertain if this is true or not?"
> With a dour face, "What he stole has nothing to do with religion. It has nothing to do with your quest, I am sure."
<Alicia> "Forgive me, I am simply a guardian and protector for my friend on her quest, but if I may?" Alicia begins respectfully. "Just because something lacks an obvious ceremonial aspect, does not necessarily mean it lacks importance. Deep Sashelas may not have sent Darlina simply to find an object related to his worship, it may have some other significance. Could you at least tell us what the item was?"
> "Please. I would be extremely grateful, m'lord," Darlina bows deep and low.
<Alicia> roll 1d20+18
* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 and gets 36." [1d20=18]
> "...mmm." Lord Sawr listens long, before he at last speaks. "Very well, I suppose it will do no harm - if you give me an oath that you will not discuss what it is with anyone else."
* Alicia blinks in faint surprise, wondering if maybe they've wandered far off track. Still, if this is the avenue Darlina wants to pursue... "You have it," she promises for herself.
> "Guards, take them to the first floor," he instructs. Two of the guards approach, "Come with us."
* Alicia obligingly follows the guards, though she still hovers protectively close to Darlina.
> The trip to the first floor is without incident. Here you stand in a sim ple antechamber, while the guards leave you and go deeper in. Darlina waits, swimming around a bit. "I wonder if this is it..." she asks aloud.
<Alicia> "Well, we'll see once we see it?" Alicia hazards, her curiousity somewhat piqued. Though not as curious as Marie, who studies their surroundings for any sign of magic that could hint of what's to come.
> "Indeed," Darlina lingers closer to Alicia, and after a moment, half leaning on her shoulder. "I'm so excited but so worried. What should we do if this isn't it?"
* Alicia smiles slightly. "Then we just have to look for something else. Don't be discouraged just because you got it wrong on the first attempt," she offers supportively.
> "You're speaking wisely," Darlina smiles, squeezing Alicia's shoulder. "Thanks."
<Alicia> "You're welcome," Alicia replies warmly. "Besides, even if this isn't anything to do with our quest, I've got a feeling it'll be interesting, regardless."
> Shortly thereafter, the two guards return. They carry a human sized lead box, using ropes to drag it in. There are a few locks on it, keys taken to undo them one at a time.
* Alicia leans forward in fascination at the layers of security, while Marie does likewise, only barely hanging onto Alicia's head at this precarious angle.
> Darlina does the same, as four locks are removed. Then, carefully, a single word of Draconic is uttered, then the case is opened! Inside lies two things - the first is a purple gem the size of a basketball, carved and gorgeous. The second is a long, tapered spear. Frosty mists gather around the head, the water near it starting to ice over in a tiny radius. The two guards are tense, readied, one hand on spears for the each of them.
> ne hand on spears for the each of them.
> "Oh...oohhh..." DArlina murmurs, eyes going as wide as dinner plates.
* Alicia keeps her hands behind her back, clearly making no move to grab the items or anything, while Marie checks over their magical auras. After a second, the paladin glances at Darlina. "Well?"
<Alicia> roll 1d20+7
* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 13." [1d20=6]
> "I...Don't think so," she says at last. "But...what marvelous treasures! IT is a small wonder a thief that knew of them would strike."
<Alicia> "Well, we won't spread that knowledge around, anyway," Alicia drifts back half a step, nodding to the guards.
> The guards shut it and redo the locks, uttering another sharp word before dragging it back. As they're gone, "So a dead end here," she murmurs. "Any ideas now?"
<Alicia> "Well, lets thank Lord Sawr for indulging our curiousity, then... well, if you don't have any other ideas, we could just explore the town a bit and see if anything pops up?" Alicia hazards.
> Thus the two are escorted back to Lord Sawr. "Are you contented now?" hea sks in his accented Elven.
> Darlina bows deeply to him, "Thank you for allowing me to see that. You were correct, but I can now safely rule that out."
* Alicia echoes the bow. "Magnificent treasures though they were, it seems Deep Sashelas intends us to look elsewhere. You have been most gracious for indulging our curiousity, Lord Sawr," she agrees.
> "Very well." He lightly inclines his head forward, "Do remember that betraying this oath is a crime in Oceanoholm. Otherwise, good day to you."
> Darlina bows again, turning to go out.
* Alicia likewise heads out, Marie fluttering along beside her. "It would be nice if we had some sort of clue to go on," she muses as they exit the undersea manor.
> "
> "Well, from what the town said? The other things going on are the sahuagin lord, those ice sea sahuagin and that merchant muscling in." Darlina ticks them off your fingers as you swim out into the open ocean again. "You thrashed around those lackeys of Gluark...but you also said itw ouldn't be something I couldn't do myself, and I think you're right. Tangling with them...I couldn't do that." Darlina shakes her head. "So perhaps if it's not that, it's one of the other two or something we haven't caught yet?"
> Darlina shakes her head. "So perhaps if it's not that, it's one of the other two or something we haven't caught yet?"
<Alicia> "Mmm... well, the question about the Sahaugin is how are they making the water cold? Perhaps they have some artifact that could have other uses?" Alicia suggests. "As for the merchant... well, maybe he has the item, but I can't imagine it would be as simple as buying it."
> "Mmm. What about you, Marie?" Darlina asks. "Any bright ideas while we're at it?"
<Alicia> "Well... what exactly did Deep Sashelas say to you?" Marie asks, "If you got it in words, anyway. Back in Dweomerheart I had to pass along cryptic messages now and then, so maybe if I heard it word for word I might notice some meaning you've missed," she suggests.
> "In Oceanoholm I will travel with a knight-errant who comes from afar. In Oceanoholm lies the destinies; a relic that must be found in My Name, Deep Sashelas."
<Alicia> "The destinies?" Marie repeats that part, a thoughtful expression on her face. "That could actually be the name of the object itself - we could ask around for something with a name tied to destiny or fate. OR!" she holds up a clawed hand to forestall action on her suggestion, "It could be a trick clue, and we should look for a fortune teller or someone like that who would then lead us to the relic."
> "I could ask around about th-" Darlina gets that much out, before going silent at Marie's stoppage. "A fortune teller? You mean a seer?"
<Alicia> "Yeah," Marie nods. "Most are just fakes, you know, since that actually takes really powerful divine magic to properly tell the future, and powerful priests have more important things to do than read palms or whatever, but you never know! Deep Sashelas could be working in a mysterious way," she concludes brightly.
> "That's true..." Darlina considers this, bowing her head. "Yes, it's something to look into. Perhaps these approaches will free up some more information? Let's go back and try that, then."
<Alicia> "Sounds reasonable," Alicia nods, giving her familiar an approving pat on the head.
> OOC - Move along here?
<Alicia> OOC: sure
> roll 1d20+8 gather info GO
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 gather info GO and gets 10." [1d20=2]
<Alicia> OOC: Marie will also roll
<Alicia> roll 1d20+8
* Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26." [1d20=18]
> A few hours pass. Darlina talks around with fishmen, mermen, sahuagin, sea elves and more and has no luck. However, Marie finds out some choice information in contrast. One wizened old sea elf eyes the mephit, "Hmph, you're a curious little creature," it says. "I used to read palms back in my youth."
<Alicia> "Really?" Marie brightens, before grabbing Darlina's hand and yanking her forward. "Can you read hers?"
> Blinking as she's dragged forward, Darlina nods. "Ah...please?" she says, eyeing Alicia a moment.
> The old elf chuckles warmly, gesturing. "Why not? It's been centuries." He reaches out, taking Darlina's hand and peering at it intensely.
* Alicia shrugs in response to Darlina's look, allowing Marie her eccentricities.
> "You're going to live a long life..." he begins, "The second vein and the third wrinkle...hm, hm, hm, hm!" He turns Marie's hand up and then back palm up, "You have a theme of life, growth and development to you. Aaah." Letting her hand drop, "That was fun, it's been too long."
<Alicia> OOC: Darlina's, right?
> OOC - Yes, blah.
<Alicia> "Nothing about holy quests or sacred relics, though?" Marie asks, resisting the urge to decry the old elf as a fraud.
> "Not a thing." A shake of his head, "I could try your friend if you're looking for something like that. Second time's the charm?" He offers with an easy look, "It's all on the house anyway."
> "Life, growth and development, eh?" Darlina murmurs, thinking.
<Alicia> "No harm in it, I suppose," Alicia smiles slightly, taking off one of her gloves and presenting her slightly webbed hand to the palm-reader.
> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
> "Mmmm. Your hand..." He peers at Alicia's hand, bringing it close to his eyes, raising it up. "I..." Suddenly the poor man shivers, dropping Alicia's hand quickly.
* Alicia starts, reaching out to steady the shivering sea-elf. "Are you alright?" she asks worriedly.
> "I...I've never..." he licks his lips. "The stench of it's all over you. I...your fate's really tied up," he tries with a weak chuckle. "A black skeleton that...Gods," he start sto shake and cry, sobs of anguish.. "It's going to consume you. It's going to consume everything. Nothing will be left by emptiness..."
<Alicia> "Wh-what?" Alicia looks appalled. "You really saw that? Mystra preserve me... did you see how? When, or where?" The fact that he just sort of described Agares means she has to treat this with some degree of severity.
> "It's..." Between his sobs, the man breathes deeply. "I don't know. I just say it...Whatever it was...it was..." He shudders, before wiping at his eyes, trying to gather himself. "It was terrifying."
> *saw it
> Darlina stares with her mouth trying to work, but no words come out. Instead she looks to Alicia, putting a hand on her shoulder. At last, working hard, "A...Alicia?"
* Alicia sighs softly. "Marie, pay the man." Her familiar seems about to protest, but a look at Alicia's expression convinces her otherwise, and she reaches into the sack liberated earlier from the fallen Sahaugin, handing over a pearl to the sea elf. Barely waiting long enough for that, Alicia turns to depart.
> Darlina looks startled but follows. As they depart, "...Alicia?" Darlina tries once again, softly.
<Alicia> "The future isn't set in stone. Anything could happen," Alicia observes dimly. "Just because he saw that, doesn't mean there's no way to avoid it."
<Alicia> "Didn't I say earlier, fortune tellers are fake," Marie pipes up, though she doesn't sound entirely convinced. "He just got a lucky guess with the black skeleton bit, the rest was all junk."
> "Of course, but..." Darlina's face is apprenhensive, "Do you...want to talk about it?" she tries at last.
* Alicia shrugs. "I've got a lot of enemies, he just described the most dangerous... that I know of, anyway," she briefly recalls the mysterious 'M'. "It's not like I lead a very safe lifestyle, I suppose. Hmph, for all I know I could get stabbed to death by a Sahaugin tomorrow, so I'm not going to put too much stock in that fortune."
> Darlina reaches out and gently touches Alicia's shoulder warmly. "Okay." She takes a breath, "Then...what he saida bout me? Life, growth and development. Any ideas?"
<Alicia> "Well... growth and development are natural parts of living. It could be applied to anyone..." she cocks her head and smiles slightly while putting her glove back on. "Though considering I'm marked for death by a devil who represents entropy and decay, there's an intriguing symnetry."
> "Mmmm. What does this all mean, though," Darlina thinks, before starting to swim. "C'mon. Let's go look sit down somewhere and think about this a bit?"
* Alicia and her familiar both follow along, with varyingly perturbed expressions. "I'm not sure if it has anything to do with your quest, though," the paladin manages.
<Alicia> Only to be immediately undone by her familiar. "Maybe it's an egg!" Marie blurts out.
> Darlina frowns, "An ...egg? I don't follow," she confesses.
<Alicia> "Well think about it," Marie grins as the two sea elves turn their attention on her, "It could be another cryptic clue - what's a symbol of life and growth and development? An egg! It might not even be a real egg, it might even be some sort of figurative egg, but I think it's as good a lead as any."
> "Soo...." Darlina blinks again, "...we're going to either look into fish eggs or look for figurative eggs? Like a child or a pregnant woman?"
<Alicia> "Uh..." Marie's enthusiasm falters as they get into the nitty gritty. "Or something like that - it might even be something that just *looks* like an egg. Uh... you guys aren't buying this at all, are you?" she concludes, deflating.
* Alicia looks dubious, but on the other hand... "It's not like we have a surplus of clues, either way..."
> "Well...Alicia?" A look to the poor female paladin, "Does it make sense to you...?" She begins, before Alicia speaks herself. "How about we hit this fresh in the morning then?"
<Alicia> "It is getting late, and I'm running low on spells," Alicia agrees. "Lets try to find that place with fresh air you mentioned?"
> "Right," Darlina says, leading Alicia along. It's a heavy stone building, three stories and stacked like giant slabs of sentimentary rock. You enter in the bottom, a bored looking sahuagin smothering a yawn and floating in the water like it's lying down. "Ho there. Are you here for the open air room or are you just looking around?"
<Alicia> "We need an open air room for the night, please," Marie asks as the designated translator.
> "A little mephit?" The sahuagin croaks out, peering at it. "I suppose so," he shrugs. "What do you need it for?"
<Alicia> "To sleep in!" said mephit chirps.
> "...uh huh. Got a landbreather friend coming over?" The sahuagin laughs roughly. "Well, regardless, sure thing."
<Alicia> "How much does it cost?" Marie asks, looking into her sack to see how much currency she has on hand.
> There's the tree token as well as 3 pearls left in there. "What do you got?" he asks them.
<Alicia> "How about this?" Marie asks, presenting one of the pearls.
> "Damn, that'll do," he says quickly, "That'll really do, sirs. Go ahead," he gestures behind him, to a stone stair way.
<Alicia> Marie obligingly tosses the pearl over as the trio head up the stairs.
> Upstairs you find the water ends at the midpoint of the second floor. The entire third floor is airy with a table and chairs. It looks like quite the pleasant place to rest.
* Alicia promptly reverts herself and Marie to their natural forms, before casting prestidigitation to dry themselves off. "I hope you don't mind spending the night like this, Darlina, but I wouldn't be a very effective protector if we didn't stick together," she offers as apology to her ward.
> "I can..." Sniffing the air and coughing al ittle, "I can just go back into the water occasionally." She looks tired herself, "Let's just rest and tackle this in the morning."
<Alicia> Taking off her armour and gloves/boots, Alicia sits down and starts brushing her hair to remove all the tangles a day under the sea has accumulated. "Hopefully we'll have better luck in the morning," she agrees.
> Thus the night passes in deep rest. Come the morning, Darlina stretches. "Well then...do you want to look for information or look into anything we have? Any ideas spring up overnight?"
<Alicia> "I'm afraid not," Alicia shakes her head as she gets dressed to meet the day. "Perhaps we could investigate that merchant?" Giving her familiar an indulgent look, she adds, "See if he has any eggs for sale."
> "Sure." Darlina agrees, "I'd really hope it's not those ice sahuagin, I hate the cold," she scowls, "So he was my next suggestion too. He's trying to buy out a merchant in town, so we can go ask him and see if he knows where he is?"
<Alicia> Having fully dressed herself, Alicia takes a deep breath of sweet, sweet air, before she casts Alter Self to bestow aquatic forms upon herself and Marie. "Lead the way," the now elven paladin nods.
> THus the party swims out into the sea once more! You head for a single storied stone house, with a few huts of seaweed attached to the rear. Wide doors are kept open, denizens of the deep inside. Here they browse various goods, stacked on shelves of coral.  A tall, thin man walks between them all, pointing out things and coming to the three as they enter. "Welcome and let me know if you need anything."
> "ARe you the owner of this place?" Darlina asks right away.
> "I am. Dresdon's the name," he offers, his skin like a normal humans and not blue or green. "What can I do for you?"
* Alicia silently backs Darlina up while Marie casts her eyes about for anything especially egg-like. Or anything else that screams out growth/development/life. She's sure she'll know it when she sees it.
> Marie sees that most of the things sold fall into three categories. There are carvings and artistic works, often of sedimentary rock, a strange glazed green pocelin, or a vibrant, purple gemstone carved into tiny figurines. "I'm looking for Kortuni and I've heard you've had dealings with him?"
> "I know him," Dresdon agrees. "He's trying to buy my shop, as a matter of fact. If you want him...hmph." Shaking his head, "He's out of town right now. His wife's having a child or some such, but he left an aide in case I take the offer. I can direct you to him."
<Alicia> "Oooh! Oooh!" Marie makes some excited noises as she bobs up and down behind Darlina upon overhearing that little titbit. "What'd I tell you? This is a big clue!"
> Darlina blushes, "Ah, ignore her, she's just excited," she bows quickly. "If you'd be so kind as to point us along?"
> "Certainly," He eyes Marie without comment, "He's staying as a guest of Lord Sawr."
> "Thank you," Darlina bows her head again, "Excuse us."
> Thereafter Darlina hurries outside. Once out, "I wonder if you're right," she says to Marie.
<Alicia> "We've got nothing else to go on, do we?" the mephit retorts. "Unless... are you getting some sort of bad feeling from this, like deep down you sense that we're on the wrong track? Because I think we should listen to any feelings like that."
> "Not really, no," Darlina shakes he rhead. "It would be prudent to go take a look at the least. Unless you can whip up one of those fancy auguries you were talking about yesterday, Alicia?"
* Alicia shakes her head. "Not my area, I'm afraid," she replies. "Still, though, I'm not sure about this... I mean, you can hardly take someone's baby away, can you?"
> Darlina pauses there, "That's a bridge I'll cross when I get to it," she says. "If by that you mean that what we're looking for is the baby itself...?"
<Alicia> "Surely it can't be that - but maybe it's symbolic or a clue? Like by following up this angle we'll actually make our way closer to the real goal. Whatever that is," Alicia reasons hesitantly. This really is troublesome.
> "Indeed." With that, Darlina and company head back to Lord Sawr's abode. A simple question of the guard reveals that the aide in question is staying in an outlying seaweed hut, which Darlina heads for. It's on the very edge of town and pleasant, the underwater sounds a soothing, gentle melody. Near the entrance, "Hello, is anyone here?" Darlina calls.
> "Come in," A pleasant male voice calls back.
> Darlina thus heads in, glancing at Alicia once before she enters. Inside is a simple interior with a soft, sandy floor. A merman inside is whistling a pleasant tune, using his hands to skillfully dissect a few fish he has in a bowl. "I'm just sitting down for a late breakfast. Want to join me," he offers.
* Alicia gives Darlina a supportive smile at that glance, following the sea elf inside with her familiar in tow.
> "No thank you, I'm not hungry. Alicia?" She asks, but before she answers, "I heard you work for Kortuni?"
> He works away at the fish, whistling despite being underwater. It makes a ghostly sound, bubbles coming from his lips. "I do. I'm watching in his stead while his wife gives birth to his second child."
<Alicia> "I'm fine, thanks," Alicia demurs after Marie provides the requisite translations by whispering in her ear.
> "My congratulations to him," Darlina smiles warmly. "I have need to talk to him on matters. Do you know when he'll return?"
> "It shouldn't be very long. Perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow, perhaps a day or two longer on the outside?" He answers, "Oh, Guldu is the name," he says after a moment, "Sorry, where ARE my manners?"
> "Darlina, and t his is Alicia," Darlina goes on. "Could you send word to me when he returns then?"
> "I will," he says cheerfully, "Oh, and that's a lovely mephit you have with you. Are you interested in selling it? My master's wanted one for a long while. He'll offer very good coin for it."
> Darlina glances at Alicia there, mouthing in Elven, "He just offered to buy the 'mephit'," she says with a bit of amusement.
<Alicia> Marie doesn't translate that question. "I'm not for sale!" she cries indignantly, before blushing. "Lovely?" she repeats, looking down at her, in her own opinion, freakish current form.
<Alicia> "Uh..." Alicia just shakes her head, hoping the gesture is universal.
> "You're lovely for a mephit," He smiles widely, "I apologize for the question. How about this, lovely mephit: My master Kortuni will offer you excellent wages and benefits if you come to work with him. A mephit can be very useful and he's more than willing to compensate you for that."
> "Regardless of that, our business with Kortuni is important. Perhaps," Quickly cutting in, "We can discuss the mephit matter as well when he returns?"
> Darlina clears her throat after, casting a look to Marie.
<Alicia> Marie obligingly shuts up at Darlina's prompting.
> "IO'
> "I'll pass it onto him," he promises warmly. "Good day then."
> "Good day to you," Darlina inclines her head respectfully, turning to head out. Once she's out, she laughs a little bit.
<Alicia> "Some people have weird taste," Marie just shakes her head as they depart. Alicia simply looks mystified at the whole thing.
> "Well..." Darlina shakes her head, laughing a little more, "At least you're popular, Marie?"
<Alicia> "Only when I'm in disguise," she huffs indignantly, while Alicia attempts to restore some order.
<Alicia> "Be that as it may, it looks like we've stalled on this line of inquiry - what are we going to do, now?" she asks, getting back to business.
> "Let's look at what we have again," Darlina t hinks, walking a bit before starting to simply float in the water. "From listening, we know about the thief, Lord Sawr's treasure, the buyout and about some ice sea sahuagin. From the vision we know that you'll join me, that we'll find destinies here and that we'll find a relic in the name of Deep Sashelas. From the palm reader, we have the stuff about a long live, growth and development. We also have your less than happy vision."
> growth and development. We also have your less than happy vision."
> "There has to be some way it all ties together, yes?" Darlina goes on. "Or some pattern within that points to our goal."
* Alicia pushes off the seabed as well, floating alongside Darlina. "Well, we've still to really investigate the ice sea sahaugin - maybe they're the missing link that ties everything together?" she hazards. She doesn't sound fully convinced, though.
> "Maybe. But if we're just missing a link...I'd like to think we can still put the rest of it together in the meanwhile," She says slowly. "Maybe...maybe you tie into it as well since you're here? I'm here to find this, but you're my protector here. What does that mean to you?"
<Alicia> "Well, I have this really evil sword that makes me feel sick whenever I wield it," Alicia gestures to the sheathed sword of grief, not actually touching the hilt. "If I fulfill my side of the quest, the evil in it should be expunged, turning it into something worthwhile," she explains.
<Alicia> "Hmm... it's called the sword of grief, and it can inflict terrible wounds that won't heal - that's why I can't heal mine while on this quest, too. That's sort of the opposite of your life, growth, and development message, isn't it?"
> "I see." Darlina thinks, "If it is...does something that is the opposite of that have anything to do with it, or a threat to it?" Considering this thoughtfully, "Perhaps a life or the relic itself is in some danger?"
* Alicia nods. "Using the blade to safeguard the innocent is the best way to redeem it," she agrees. "Although I'd thought that protecting you would be the extent of my involvement, perhaps things are more tightly linked than that..." She drums her fingers on her breastplate while thinking. "So... someone or something's in danger, and it's up to the both of us to protect it so it can grow?"
> "Something that grows...something innocent...something that needs to be protected..." Darlina thinks. "What fits all of that?"
<Alicia> "A child," Alicia answers automatically. "But it could be more abstract - like Oceanholm itself. This place seems like a bastion of tolerance compared to some of its neighbours, we know its threatened by Gluark or whatever his name was, and as a trading post it could potentially grow a great deal if given the chance."
> "That's true...so Oceanoholm or..." Thinking, "A child...or a baby as well?" Darlina looks to Alicia. "Both of those are sound enough answers, too."
<Alicia> "That's the problem; lots of potential answers but nothing conclusive," Alicia answers gloomily.
> "I don't know. It's either a threat to OCeanoholm or Kortuni's child, at least in my eyes," Darlina observes. "Both are the best fits to what we have."
<Alicia> "But Kortuni's child isn't here, and your quest did seem focused on Oceanholm in particular. Unless Kortuni brings his child with him when he returns?" Alicia muses.



[01:45] <@Kokokokokoko> <Alicia> "A child," Alicia answers automatically. "But it could be more abstract - like Oceanholm itself. This place seems like a bastion of tolerance compared to some of its neighbours, we know its threatened by Gluark or whatever his name was, and as a trading post it could potentially grow a great deal if given the chance."
[01:45] <@Kokokokokoko> > "That's true...so Oceanoholm or..." Thinking, "A child...or a baby as well?" Darlina looks to Alicia. "Both of those are sound enough answers, too."
[01:45] <@Kokokokokoko> <Alicia> "That's the problem; lots of potential answers but nothing conclusive," Alicia answers gloomily.
[01:45] <@Kokokokokoko> > "I don't know. It's either a threat to OCeanoholm or Kortuni's child, at least in my eyes," Darlina observes. "Both are the best fits to what we have."
[01:45] <@Kokokokokoko> <Alicia> "But Kortuni's child isn't here, and your quest did seem focused on Oceanholm in particular. Unless Kortuni brings his child with him when he returns?" Alicia muses.
[01:48] <@Kokokokokoko> "Yeah, that's true..." Blowing a few bubbles out into the water, "That's another factor. Further, if Oceanoholm is in danger, we have a pretty good idea what's going to be the source of it, barring something unseen."
[01:50] <@Alicia> "Probably. But like you said yesterday, fighting a warband of sahaugin is beyond your abilities, isn't it?" Alicia asks. "In all honesty, Darlina, we're just guessing and debating ourselves in circles based on nothing more than assumptions. We really lack anything solid to go on."
[01:52] <@Kokokokokoko> "Hmph." Darlina floats around, thoughtful. "Then if it's up to me...I might not be able to fight sahuagin, but maybe I can help protect a baby?" she hazards. A scowl crossover her face with a sudden irritation, "Hey, Marie. You said that you'd passed on these messages before. Do the Gods always act this circumspect?"
[01:54] <@Alicia> "Not always," Marie replies. "Like if it's something really urgent they don't want the message getting messed up. If it's less important, then yes, someone might decide that decoding the message makes for an interesting test all by itself."
[01:57] <@Kokokokokoko> "Mmmmmm." Thinking long at that, "Before we go seeing if I need to learn how to fight or outtalk sahuagin, how about we at least talk to Kortuni? I don't like either of our options too much now...but if Deep Sashelas sent me here, surely I'll find a sign wh en I'm on the right path?" Darlina takes a breath out.
[01:59] <@Alicia> "Okay," Alicia nods. "Something else might crop up while we're waiting on him returning. Although..." she pauses, reaching over to pick up Marie and set the mephit on her back, "You should take it easy, today, Marie. Since I'll want you to go and deliver supplies to those mutineers, tonight."
[01:59] <@Alicia> Marie starts to grumble, but finds her complaints oddly fading away as she settles on Alicia's head, and quickly makes herself comfortable.
[02:00] <@Kokokokokoko> "Then let's go and wait," she agrees. "I can at least get you some lunch when we settle in." Putting a smile back on, Darlina takes Alicia's hand. "C'mon." OOC - Do you wanna skip ahead ab it?
[02:00] <@Alicia> OOC: by all means
[02:02] <@Kokokokokoko> About half a day passes. Just after a short dinner of cold, fresh fish, a tired looking merwoman swims into the sandy commons room. "Excuse me," she comes up to Alicia and Darlina, "Sir Kortuni would like to see you about the water mephit offer?"
[02:04] <@Kokokokokoko> "Oh, thanks," Darlina perks up, "We'll be along."
[02:05] <@Alicia> "I thought he was gone for the next few days, wasn't he?" Alicia blinks in surprise.
[02:05] <@Alicia> "Must really want a mephit," Marie observes. "Can't imagine why, though..."
[02:07] <@Kokokokokoko> "He said from today up to a few days away," Darlina stretches out, "We got the lucky end of it then? Who knows? Maybe he wants an intelligent pet?"
[02:09] <@Alicia> "That's an oxymoron, isn't it?" Marie asks as Alicia gets up, still attached snugly to said paladin's head.
[02:09] <@Kokokokokoko> "I suppose." Starting to swim, "Are you ever going to get off Alicia's head, by the way?"
[02:11] <@Alicia> "When she sends me off to deliver supplies to those stranded sailors. Then you'll have her all to yourself!" the eladrin laughs gaily, prompting Alicia to roll her eyes.
[02:12] <@Kokokokokoko> Blushing just a little bit, "You are a strange little creature, even for an airbreather." Darlina retorts.
[02:13] <@Alicia> "Lets just go find out what a mephit is worth, shall we?" Alicia asks, trying to get the conversation back on track. "And hopefully get a clue about our quest."
[02:16] <@Kokokokokoko> The trip back to the hut is unremarkable. On entering, you find several people there. The aide who talked to you earlier today is in the rear, watching and waiting.  Lying on a bed near him is a sea elf woman, a child held to her bosom. WAtching all of this is a short, rotund sea elf. He smiles nonetheless, wearing soft green clothes that flow with the water. Around his neck is a metal pendant, a metal cast dolphin on the end of
[02:16] <@Kokokokokoko> a metal cast dolphin on the end of the chain. "Aaah," he looks at Marie right off, "It is a water mephit!"
[02:17] <@Alicia> "For the moment, anyway," Marie replies, checking over those present for evil and magic.
[02:20] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[02:20] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17."12 [1d20=12]
[02:21] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[02:21] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 9."12 [1d20=2]
[02:21] <@Kokokokokoko> "Hm?" A curious look as Kortuni approaches, "I'm very interested in procuring your services. Are you interested? I'll pay good compensation for the ma tter."
[02:22] <@Kokokokokoko> "Aaah..." Darlina blushes, "I'm sorry, but that's a gorgeous baby. Can I?" She asks politely.
[02:22] <@Alicia> "What sort of services would you need a mephit for?" Marie can't help but ask in curiousity. From her experience, this is an entirely worthless form, especially compared to her true nature.
[02:22] <@Alicia> Bereft of any translation services, Alicia simply stands mutely beneath her familiar, hoping Darlina can get what she came for.
[02:24] <@Kokokokokoko> "Go ahead," Waving to Darlina, Kortuni gives permission. However, the aide speaks up. "I'm sorry, but could it wait?" he asks with a smile, "The trip was very tiring for her so soon after childbirth, even on safe transportation. It would be in her best interests to rest."
[02:25] <@Kokokokokoko> "Oh, this and that," he begins, "As a symbol, as a useful servant and as a inconspicous protector. Certainly I could get sahuagin or other bodyguards with enough money, but your value goes beyond simple guardwork near my person."
[02:26] <@Kokokokokoko> "Hm?" Kortuni raises his voice a little, "ARe you sure?" To this the aide merely gives a look to him, to which makes Kortuni nod tersely. "Alright, of course, it's in her best interest to rest. Sorry."
[02:27] <@Alicia> "Ah," Marie nods. "Well, I have to respectfully decline, in that case. My friend here," she reaches down and gives Alicia a pat on the cheek, prompting a suspicious expression to come over said paladin's face, "She needs my help more than anyone else."
[02:29] <@Kokokokokoko> As Darlina fumes a little bit, Kortuni comes closer to Alicia. "Perhaps I can talk her out of that?" he offers, "I can compensate you as well if need be," he says in Aquan to Alicia.
06[02:30] * @Alicia returns the question with a look of noncomprehension.
[02:30] <@Alicia> "She doesn't speak your language," Marie tells him. "But, I think Darlina wanted to talk to you about something else, anyway. Right, Darlina?" she prompts the questee.
[02:30] <@Kokokokokoko> roll 1d20+5
06[02:31] * +Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17."12 [1d20=12]
[02:32] <@Kokokokokoko> "...aaah, I understand now." Shaking his head, "Well, if you change your mind about wanting to help a deadbrained elf, I'll be here." With a long, drawn out sigh, "Ah well. But yes, what did you want to talk to me about then?"
[02:34] <@Kokokokokoko> "Oh. It's about...well...your child." Blushing a little more, Darlina looks the man right in the eye. "Sir, you wear the symbol of a dolphin? Do you worship Deep Sashelas?"
[02:36] <@Kokokokokoko> "This old thing? No, I don't. My grandfather has some interest in him; I inherited this from him." Going on, "What's this about, then?"
[02:37] <@Kokokokokoko> "I am on a quest for Deep Sashelas. Events have lead me here, for I believe your child may be in danger. If we can confirm this, we'll be glad to help protect her." Darlina breathes out slowly, "My friend here is quite capable of defending and fighting."
[02:39] <@Kokokokokoko> There's a momentary pause at that, before Kortuni smiles. "I see. Well, I have my own guards and protections, but I thank you for the warning. My child is quite safe and sound and will stay that way."
[02:39] <@Kokokokokoko> "Yes, I've procured protections and I can procure more if you wish, Master," The aide speaks up, smiling.
[02:40] <@Alicia> "Sounds like you're already aware of some sort of threat," Marie observes. "Is that anything to do with why you wanted a mephit?"
[02:40] <@Kokokokokoko> "Mmm." Darlina walks a bit, pacing. She comes close to Alicia and Marie, "Is there anything off here?" she asks. "I'm getting rebuffed." She asks his to the two in a whisper in passing. "They say they can handle any danger."
[02:40] <@Kokokokokoko> OOC - Strike my line.
[02:41] <@Kokokokokoko> "Well...a wealthy man is an easy target if not protected," Spreading his hands wide, Kortuni grunts. "Most likely Deep Sashelas is rewarding my grandfather's interest by alerting me to another plot against me by competitors. But I'm more than capable of dealing with this. There's no need to intervene."
[02:43] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+5 sense motive for Marie. Is that really all?
06[02:43] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 sense motive for Marie. Is that really all? and gets 8."12 [1d20=3]
[02:43] <@Kokokokokoko> "I understand that..but for my peace of mind, could I at least see the child," Darlina presses, looking to him openly. "Sir, please. This is a quest given to me in a vision, and I do not want to let down the faith that Deep Sashelas put in me by wantonly leaving matters unsettled." Taking a breath out, "Please."
[02:43] <@Kokokokokoko> roll 1d20+6
06[02:43] * +Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[02:44] <@Kokokokokoko> "It's important that the lady and child rest," The aide speaks up now. "Perhaps in a few days."
[02:44] <@Alicia> "I see you've got some sort of spell on the child," Marie notes, hoping this will prompt something to make them elaborate further. "Is that part of the defences you were talking about?"
[02:45] <@Kokokokokoko> "Wh..ah, yes it is." Kortuni quickly goes on, voice only faltering a moment. "As I said, I take my child's defenses very seriously."
[02:47] <@Alicia> Wishing she'd been able to identify the magic more properly to be certain, Marie decides to play on her hunch. Using her own magic, she makes a ball of purple light appear above the babe, causing it to bob around and watching to see if the baby's eyes follow the colourful distraction like they should.
[02:47] <@Alicia> OOC: dancing lights
[02:48] <@Kokokokokoko> The baby stirs at this, it's eyes following the lights. "What the hell?" Kortuni says, "What is that, Guldu?"
[02:49] <@Kokokokokoko> Guldu shakes his head. "It's likely just a side effect of the protective magic," he says levelly, words easy and soothing. "It's nothing to worry about."
[02:50] <@Alicia> Well, looks like she was wrong. Marie lets the will-o-wisp vanish. "I guessed wrong," she sighs. "Well, I suppose we're done?" she looks at Darlina for confirmation.
[02:52] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+6
06[02:52] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 17."12 [1d20=11]
[02:53] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+18 (+20 vs evil)
06[02:53] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 (+20 vs evil) and gets 22."12 [1d20=4]
[02:54] <@Kokokokokoko> Darlina deflates and nods, "Yes, thank you," she says, "Thanks for your time."
[02:56] <@Kokokokokoko> "Good day to you," Kortuni turns away as Darlina walks out.
[02:57] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+7 DC 25 + spell level
06[02:57] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 DC 25 + spell level and gets 16."12 [1d20=9]
06[02:58] * @Alicia sways slightly, before blinking and looking around in concern. "Someone just tried casting a spell on me," she states, eyeing those present for any reaction as Marie translates. "She says someone just tried to cast a spell on her."
[02:58] <@Kokokokokoko> Darlina stops cold, blinking. "What's going on here then?"
[02:59] <@Kokokokokoko> Kortuni looks surprised, "You must be mistaken," he says.
[02:59] <@Kokokokokoko> Guldu smiles, "It was probably just a side effect of the protections on the baby, nothing more."
[03:01] <@Alicia> "What sort of protections have side effects like that?" Alicia asks after Marie translates, the eladrin relaying Alicia's question back to the others.
[03:01] <@Alicia> Marie adds in for herself, "Magic doesn't work that way. Especially not low level spells like whatever's on the baby."
[03:02] <@Kokokokokoko> "I'm no expert on magic," Guldu continues, "But the caster who wrought this said there may be some side effects like that. I'ma fraid you'd have to take it up with him directly."
[03:03] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+5 does the cute little eladrin smell bullshit?
06[03:03] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 does the cute little eladrin smell bullshit? and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
[03:05] <@Alicia> "I think you're lying," Marie replies bluntly. "I think I should tell my friend here to dispel your supposed 'protection' and see what happens. What do you think about that?" she asks while Alicia looks mystified at the conversation going quite literally above her head.
[03:06] <@Kokokokokoko> "I think you're dreadfully mistaken!" Kortuni speaks up, rather sharp in his words. "There's been enough here, leave. You are disturbing the rest of my child and wife."
[03:06] <@Kokokokokoko> Guldu's smile doesn't fade at all, "I wish I was. If I were a mage, I'd be richer." His own grin is pleasant and affiable, as...
[03:06] <@Kokokokokoko> roll 1d20+20
06[03:06] * +Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34."12 [1d20=14]
[03:08] <@Kokokokokoko> "So please. You will disturb the rest. I understand all of you are worried, but this is really much ado about nothing but a bit of sorcerous misunderstanding."
06[03:14] * @Alicia blinks as her empathic link with Marie registers an abrupt 180 on her familiar's feelings. "Okay, something is clearly wrong here, and I don't really know what, but I'm going to find out." With that declaration, she casts detect magic so she can identify just what magic is present, even as Marie pats her head.
[03:14] <@Alicia> "No, it's fine, Alicia, lets just go," the eladrin smiles lazily, no longer seeming bothered at all.
[03:20] <@Alicia> OOC: strike last two lines
[03:22] <@Alicia> "Oh, well... I suppose?" Marie sounds a bit uncertain as his words pierce her core. "Um... lets just go? This probably has nothing to do with us, right?"
[03:23] <@Kokokokokoko> "What?" Darlina blinks slowly. "Marie?" Shaking her head as she goes over to Alicia and switching to quiet Elven. "None of this makes sense now."
[03:24] <@Alicia> "How do you think I feel?" Alicia asks in irritation at only having got a tiny fraction of the discussion before Marie got too distracted to provide translation services. "Look, there's clearly something magically amiss here. Let me have a look and see if I can see anything?" she suggests, casting detect magic.
[03:25] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+6
06[03:25] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
[03:25] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[03:25] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 8."12 [1d20=1]
[03:27] <@Kokokokokoko> Guldu shakes his head, "Please do leave. Master Kortuni has spoken; let's not turn this nasty?"
[03:30] <@Alicia> "That's not a protective spell. It just makes the baby not cry," Alicia observes.
[03:30] <@Alicia> Marie provides a handy translation with the addendum of, "I hope you got a receipt from the wizard who cast it."
[03:31] <@Kokokokokoko> Kortuni fidgets, "That...that's a lie,": he breathes out, looking quick and hard to his aide. The aide continues to smile, "Enough of this foolishness. Please, don't make me call the town patrol over something so ridicious and trivial."
[03:32] <@Kokokokokoko> Darlina has been watching with rapt attention, "Alicia..." she murmurs in Elven. "...can we risk that?"
[03:34] <@Alicia> "This whole thing stinks," Alicia mutters, quickly putting a finger over Marie's mouth to prevent her translating that bit. "Ask them what spell they think is on the baby? And why they think it's necessary? Try to be diplomatic."
[03:35] <@Alicia> "Look, we're all clearly getting excited, but really, we're not here to fight or argue," Marie tries to follow Alicia's advice as she addresses the merchant and his entourage. "Why don't you tell us what spell you think is on the baby? And why you think it's needed? Really, we only want to help, not cause you any trouble."
[03:37] <@Kokokokokoko> "It's a spell that will shield the baby from harm should it be attacked, just in case someone tries something particularly vicious," Guldu answers. "Or so I understand it."
[03:40] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+5 Marie sense motive
06[03:40] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 Marie sense motive and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[03:40] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+6 Alicia sense motive
06[03:40] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 Alicia sense motive and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[03:40] <@Kokokokokoko> roll1 d20+14 there's really not much point of rolling this here.
06[03:40] * +Hatbot --> "Kokokokokoko rolls d20+14 there's really not much point of rolling this here. and gets 28."12 [d20=14]
[03:41] <@Alicia> "Protection spells are normally abjuration, not enchantment," Alicia points out after the requisite translations, her familiar relaying this across to everyone else. "Who's the wizard that cast the spell? It sounds like you've been had."
[03:42] <@Kokokokokoko> "W-we
[03:42] <@Kokokokokoko> OOC - Gah.
[03:43] <@Kokokokokoko> "W-we'll look into that ourselves, thank you," With a bit of ice in his voice now, Kortuni looks dead on at the trio. "Proper matters will be correctly arrainged. Now, if you would, please do leave before I lose my patience with this and call the town patrol."
[03:45] <@Alicia> Marie sighs. "We should probably go," she tells Alicia and Darlina, her tone apologetic. "I don't know, maybe I'm just not translating what you're saying properly? It's like they know exactly what's going on but are just pretending they've got a fun protection spell for some perverse reason of their own that I can't figure out."
[03:46] <@Kokokokokoko> Darlina looks irritated, but curtly nods. "Let's just go outside and regroup," she decides, speaking in soft elven again.
06[03:47] * @Alicia nods wearily and follows Darlina out. "Someone definitely cast a spell on me, and it couldn't have been that cantrip that was on the baby."
[03:49] <@Kokokokokoko> Once outside, Darlina shakes her head and rubs her temples. "What in the name of the deep was going on in there? That was like stepping into another strange new world."
[03:52] <@Alicia> "Kotruni's aide seemed really off to me, and I couldn't even understand what he was saying," Alicia mirrors Darlina's gesture.
[03:52] <@Alicia> "I think he was nice!" Marie chirps. "Unashamed liar, but still really nice!"
[03:53] <@Kokokokokoko> After a few moments of quiet after, "So one of them in there was a spellcaster? I like that even less now. So...we know there's sharkshit in the water. What do we do now? ...wait, you think that weird little thing is a liar now too? Not that I disagree, but...hmph."
[03:54] <@Kokokokokoko> Starting to swim in a circle and a bit ahead of the other two in the deep blue ocean, "I still wanted a look at that baby, but Guldu sure spoke up quickly to shoot that one down. You'd think a husband would say no if her rest was so immediately important and not need some helper to tell him that.
[03:54] <@Kokokokokoko> "
[03:55] <@Alicia> "Yeah, when he said side effects for that spell? Whoosh!" Marie nods brightly. "You could just tell in his eyes he was making it up as he went along."
[03:56] <@Alicia> "But still, I think weird is a bit harsh. I thought he was really well spoken, aside from the lying."
06[03:56] * @Alicia rolls her eyes. "Do you want to go back in there and ask him out or something?" she asks wearily.
[03:57] <@Kokokokokoko> "I doubt it will go anywhere, but damn I want another look at that baby," Darlina scowls. "I doubt I'll get it by asking, though. This entire thing stinks like rotten meat."
[03:57] <@Kokokokokoko> "At first when I saw the pendant he wore I was so sure," DArlina goes on. "That it was a sign. But he completely shut me down instead." With a long sigh, "How discouraging."
[03:58] <@Kokokokokoko> "Or no, excuse me. He said yet but that aide butted in and things went south," Darlina corrects.
[03:58] <@Alicia> "It's more of a platonic thing," Marie replies primly to Alicia's caustic comment.
[03:58] <@Alicia> "Maybe we should just stick around the house?" Alicia suggests. "Keep an eye on things without butting our noses in, so at least we're close by in case something goes wrong?"
[04:00] <@Kokokokokoko> "Maybe. Unless..." Darlina looks to Alicia, "Is there any way you could make it so I could sneak in and get a look at that baby without them knowing? With, you know, magic?"
[04:01] <@Alicia> "Hmm... I could disguise you as someone else, like what I've done for me and Marie?" Alicia volunteers. "Invisibility doesn't work underwater, even if I could cast it, but a disguise is do-able."
[04:03] <@Kokokokokoko> "That could work...but into who?" Darlina asks. "I mean, if I just change into someone plain, that won't make it any easier to see the baby."
[04:04] <@Alicia> "We could keep an eye on the house, wait for someone to leave, then disguise you as that person so you can walk- er, swim, on in?" Alicia suggests, already having thought that far ahead.
[04:05] <@Kokokokokoko> "It's a good idea as any," Darlina says at last. She sighs out, and then gently hugs Alicia. "Aaah, thank you," she says, sounding so tired. "That was so draining, but you're still so helpful! I just wanted to curl up into a ball after that."
06[04:06] * @Alicia returns the hug while Marie pats Darlina on the head. "It really was an ordeal. I'm not sure if it'd be better or worse by understanding everything that was said."
[04:08] <@Kokokokokoko> "Yes, just..." Darlina isn't fast on breaking the hug, but when she does, she smiles and looks around. "There' ssome other huts over there," she gestures. Being near the edge of the town, there's only a few freestanding seaweed huts of note about. "We can use the side of one of those and wait?"
[04:09] <@Alicia> "That works," Alicia nods, pleased her charge seems to have perked up. "Hopefully you'll get a chance to get to the bottom of this."




[01:09] <@Kotono> > "It's a good idea as any," Darlina says at last. She sighs out, and then gently hugs Alicia. "Aaah, thank you," she says, sounding so tired. "That was so draining, but you're still so helpful! I just wanted to curl up into a ball after that."
[01:09] <@Kotono> * Alicia returns the hug while Marie pats Darlina on the head. "It really was an ordeal. I'm not sure if it'd be better or worse by understanding everything that was said."
[01:09] <@Kotono> > "Yes, just..." Darlina isn't fast on breaking the hug, but when she does, she smiles and looks around. "There' ssome other huts over there," she gestures. Being near the edge of the town, there's only a few freestanding seaweed huts of note about. "We can use the side of one of those and wait?"
[01:09] <@Kotono> <Alicia> "That works," Alicia nods, pleased her charge seems to have perked up. "Hopefully you'll get a chance to get to the bottom of this."
[01:14] <@Kotono> Thus the two settle in. An hour and a half passes, darkness settling in for the night. The dark sea is peaceful, Alicia's magically enhanced eyes having no difficulty keeping vigil. It is at thi point that Guldu passes out of the hut, swimming away and into the town proper.
[01:15] <@Alicia> "Okay, ready?" Alicia asks Darlina as she watches Gurdu depart.
[01:18] <@Kotono> "I am," she breathes out, "Ready as I'm going to be."
06[01:20] * @Alicia takes a moment to cast Message on all three of them. "This way Marie and I will hear everything you say, so you can call if you need help. Now, this might sting a bit," she draws her spare dagger and channels the alter self spell into it, "But it's the only way I can cast it on someone besides myself or my familiar."
[01:26] <@Kotono> Darlina gulps at the dagger, but nods without looking away. "Okay, just do it somewhere that it won't be noticed then."
[01:28] <@Alicia> "Don't worry too much about that," Alicia reassures, taking hold of Darlina's wrist and nicking her palm with the blade just enough to draw blood and impat the spell onto her to mimic Guldu's form. As soon as she's done that, she uses her own blessed healing ability to seal the wound.
[01:28] <@Alicia> OOC: I'll take 10 on the disguise check for 26 (the +2 bluff synergy would probably only apply if Darlina herself had that skill, I dunno)
[01:29] <@Kotono> OOC: Righto.
[01:30] <@Kotono> Darlina transforms into Guldu, body shifted. "Wish me luck," she says, swimming away. "If Guldu returns while I'm in there, well..." She shakes her head, "Let me know."
[01:31] <@Alicia> "We will," Alicia promises, keeping an eye out for his return while relying on Message coupled with translations from Marie to monitor the situation.
[01:33] <@Kotono> Thus Darlina heads into the house. There's a moment of silence, then message carries the following in Aquan:
[01:34] <@Kotono> "Ah..yes, my business was swifter than I expected," Darlina says with only the slightest hesitation. Then, "Of course it should be, Master."
06[01:35] * @Alicia more or less ignores the commentary, trusting Marie will let her know if Darlina says anything important.
[01:35] <@Kotono> "Hm...aaah...yes, of course." Darlina says after a moment. Then there's a long pause, "...Yes, I want to see him now to check on that. Just in case."
[01:36] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[01:36] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[01:36] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[01:36] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 25."12 [1d20=20]
[01:47] <@Kotono> "Deep Sashelas..." Darlina breathes under her breath then, voice full of awe.
06[01:48] * @Alicia raises an eyebrow and glances at Marie, understanding the tone if not the words. A translation from the mephit provides little in the way of illumination, however.
[01:49] <@Kotono> "...ah, yes, yes." Darlina syas a moment later. There's a very long pause then, before, very softly, "...I see, yes." Darlina murmurs. "I'll be back."
[01:57] <@Kotono> A moment later, 'Guldu' swims out of the hut. He makes a beeline to Alicia, hiding behind the wall. "It's done," she says, voice breathy and drained. "We need to talk."
06[01:59] * @Alicia dispels the transmutation and reverts Darlina to her natural form. "Sounds like you saw something important, alright," she agrees, curiousity welling up inside her.
[02:00] <@Kotono> "So I went in ans he said I was back quickly, then he asked if it was successful. He asked if things were back on track, so I said of course. He said it's good, since he doesn't want to wait much longer and he imagines I don't either for the child. I agree and say I want to check on that, just in case."
06[02:01] * @Alicia nods, wondering just what 'things' are, and waiting for the real revalation.
[02:03] <@Kotono> "So I check the child. When I look at it's right hand...he has a birthmark all over his palm. It's of a dolphin and a gemstone. I stare at it a little while, then he asks if it's still fine. I say yes, and he says good, since it's soon time and that when things come together, that the deal will be done. I said that and said that I'd be back then and left."
[02:05] <@Alicia> "Sounds like the baby's our egg, alright!" Marie pipes up.
[02:05] <@Alicia> "Yes, it was a good guess, Marie," Alicia idly pats her familiar on the head. "But what does it all mean? What 'things' are back on track? What deal is going to be done?"
[02:07] <@Kotono> "I don't know. But I do know that they made a damned good effort to make sure I didn't see that," Darlina frowns darkly. "That child bears the sacred mark of Deep Sashelas on him and they want to keep me away from him." With a grim look, "It says nothing good of them. But...we need to discover what business Guldu is on, then?"
[02:09] <@Alicia> "He only left a minute ago, we might still be able to catch up with him if we hurry," Alicia suggests, starting to swim in the direction Guldu went at a good clip. "It sounds like whatever he went away for, it's connected to their plan."
[02:11] <@Kotono> "Yes, let's." Swimming along quickly, Darlina follows as the party heads back into town. It's winding down now, not so many peopl eon the streets. There are a few here and there, a few fishmen chatting and a couple of sahuagin working to patch up a nasty chip in the side of a stone building.
[02:14] <@Alicia> "Ask them if they saw Guldu pass?" Alicia suggests to Darlina, pointing out the sahaugin and feeling grateful for the fact that the shark-men appear to be normal members of Oceanholm's society, rather than the rapacious predators she's experienced in previous encounters with the race.
[02:15] <@Kotono> "I'm on it," she says, swimming over. In Aquan she asks them, some discussion...
[02:15] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[02:15] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 24."12 [1d20=16]
[02:16] <@Kotono> A few moments later she swims back, "Got it," she goes into Elven, "He was heading towards the city jail."
[02:17] <@Alicia> "Lets head that way, then," Alicia nods, trusting Darlina to guide the way. "Hmm... you think it might have something to do with that thief we heard about?"
[02:19] <@Kotono> "It would make sense...and..." Thinking a moment, "Wasn't the treasure a spear and a gemstone?"
[02:20] <@Alicia> "Yes. Any significance to those items?" Alicia asks as they swim along.
[02:21] <@Kotono> "The child's birthmark had a gemstone as well as a dolphin," Darlina remarks.
[02:22] <@Alicia> "Interesting... it seems like we're on the right track, but how does it all tie together?"
[02:22] <@Kotono> "That...I don't know..." DArlina deflates a little, "I was hoping you'd figured that part out. The gem is tied to the child and the child is tied to Deep Sashelas, and the child's father and this aide are up to something. But what?"
[02:24] <@Alicia> "Well, once we get to the jail maybe we'll find out what Guldu's up to and it'll become clearer?" Alicia replies, smiling. "Come on, this is our first sign of progress, we just need to follow it a bit further."
[02:28] <@Kotono> The three swim on! In the darkness they come to the jail - a small but very thick stone building. There's only one heavy stone door leading inside. A few guards are there even now.
[02:31] <@Alicia> "Okay, lets keep out of sight and watch for when he leaves, but Marie..." Alicia casts alter self directly on the coure so her aquatic form will remain even apart from Alicia. "Think you can sneak in there and find Guldu, and preferably overhear what he's up to?"
[02:32] <@Alicia> "Easily!" Marie replies brightly, switching to her incorporeal ball form and dropping low to the seabed, making use of cover to approach the jail and penetrate it's walls withoug being seen by the guards.
[02:32] <@Alicia> OOC: taking 10 on hide for 34
[02:33] <@Alicia> without *
[02:34] <@Kotono> Marie slips in with ease, the guards not seeming to notice her at all.Slipping inside, she finds there is one small center room, then several lines of cells. One cell on the left is open, notably.
[02:35] <@Alicia> Marie approaches that one in particular, assuming that's where Guldu went in. Since she can detect both magic and evil at will, there's no reason not to, right now.
[02:37] <@Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[02:37] * +Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[02:39] <@Kotono> Inside, Marie finds Guldu smiling. He's standing over a sad looking prisoner, twitching ahd covering his face. "It's alright," he says kindly, offering a hand to him. "I'm not going to punish you. A mistake is a mistake, nothing more. You can still make things right and succeed."
[02:40] <@Alicia> Marie hides in the corner and listens in on the conversation without interrupting.
[02:41] <@Kotono> The prisoner shivers all over, "B-buh-buh..." he breathes out, "You won't?" He swallows, shuddering. "I was certain you'd collect now."
[02:42] <@Kotono> Smiling and kneeling down, "Of course not. We're perfectly civlized. Your terror is entirely inapproriate." With a big grin full of white teeth, "I've even arrainged for you to come out with me now."
[02:44] <@Kotono> "Oh, thank you!" With a deep sigh of relief, the prisoner looks up and takes the hand. He stands, "I can get it this time. IT was the last damned trap they had that got me. I disabled all the locks, but a fucking magic ward was in place and I tripped it."
[02:45] <@Kotono> "Live and learn. We all do, even us," With a pat on the man's back, "Come along now, the night's still young."
[02:47] <@Kotono> With that, Guldu begins to turn back...
[02:47] <@Alicia> As he starts to turn, Marie sinks through the wall and out of sight.
[02:48] <@Kotono> OOC - Fleeing or just hiding?
[02:49] <@Alicia> OOC: passing through the wall and back into the corridor, then hiding there in order to follow them out
[02:50] <@Kotono> Marie fades back long enough to let them by, then follows! They head outside, past the guards. "It was a pleasure doing business with you," Guldu murmurs to the leader of them. They don't even bat an eye at the thief following.
[02:52] <@Alicia> Marie follows until they're outside, then 'mouths' (despite her current lack of one) to Alicia and Darlina. "Sounds like the thief tried to steal the treasures on Guldu's orders, but was stopped by the last ward. I think he's going to try and steal it again, tonight - he seems really scared of Guldu."
[02:54] <@Kotono> OOC - Is Marie going to keep an eye on them or follow, by the by?
[02:54] <@Alicia> OOC: was giving a moment in case she overheard more or Darlina wanted to line
[02:54] <@Kotono> Darlina murmrus at that, "He must be throwing some sort of weight around."
[02:55] <@Alicia> "Okay, we should probably alert Lord Sawr about this," Alicia suggests. "Marie, can you keep an eye on them while Darlina and I go do that?"
[02:59] <@Alicia> "I can do that," Marie replies. "What'll I do if they split up?"
[03:00] <@Alicia> "Follow the thief, that way you can let us know if he heads to the Lord's manor and we can have an appropriate welcome prepared," Alicia replies. Plan all set, she turns to Darlina, "This work for you, Darlina?"
[03:02] <@Kotono> "It works for me," Darlina agrees.
06[03:02] * @Alicia waits for Marie to pass while tailing the other two before she and Darlina head to the mansion, so as not to be seen by their quarry.
[03:05] <@Kotono> OOC - I'll do Marie in #evil?
[03:05] <@Alicia> OOC: works

---

[22:05] <Kotono> ----
[22:06] <Kotono> Marie follows! They head straight up and away from the city altogether at first for a few minutes. They don't talk, seeming to be simply getting away from it all for now.
[22:08] <Alicia> Marie simply follows, close enough to overhear them but far enough to avoid easy notice as she flits from available cover to cover.
[22:09] <Kotono> OOC - Make a hide check in general for here?
[22:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24
06[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 and gets 31."12 [1d20=7]
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 32."12 [1d20=20]
[22:10] <Alicia> OOC: remember, spot checks take a -1 for every 10 feet of distance
[22:12] <Alicia> OOC: she'll be at least 30 feet away
[22:13] <Kotono> Soon, they stop. "Good luck," Guldu adds, swimming off, as the thief takes a breath and starts to swim away.
[22:14] <Alicia> Marie elects to follow the thief, still keeping a safe distance and using what cover she can while in her incorporeal form.
[22:15] <Kotono> After about thirty feet...Marie finds that the thief begins to radiate faint evil.
[22:16] <Alicia> That explains so very much. Marie resolves to have Alicia employ a targetted dispel on Guldu at the first opportunity. For now she'll simply follow, and hopefully ruin his heist at the worst possible moment.
[22:20] <Kotono> The thief is taking a roundabout wayt o Lord Sawr's house. He's swimming with no particular hurry, wading through the darkened night waters with a good speed. However, as he approaches, he stops. Around the building guards are mustering, gathering and setting up a perimeter.
[22:22] <Alicia> Just in case she's in range to get Alicia with message, Marie sends, "He's just stopped, looks like he's spooked by all the guards,"
[22:22] <Alicia> OOC: 210ft range on Message
[22:24] <Kotono> The thief falls back, swiming up and away and cursing. "Dammit! How? I can't even...shit!" He swears up and down. "Oh Gods, how did I get myself into this one?" He frets.
[22:26] <Alicia> Since there's no reply, Marie assumes she's too far away. Watching and listening to the thief, she considers confronting him, but decides it better simply to observe until he commits to a course of action.
[22:27] <Kotono> "Maybe if..." The thief looks longingly away fromt he town, "...yeah. Maybe if I run I can makea  big break for it..."
[22:33] <Alicia> Well, if he's going to run... Marie decides she might as well act. Sinking partially into the ground, she generates some dancing lights above herself to form a faintly glowing, human-like shape. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" she asks in the guise of her spectral apparition. Maybe she can goad some information out of him, this way. It's no good if he just runs, anyway.
[22:37] <Kotono> "Whaaa?!" The thief spins around, face full of shock. He stares at the figure, "W-w-whaaat?!"
[22:38] <Alicia> "How far do you think you could run? Really?" Marie asks, trusting the thief's paranoid imagination will fill in its own blanks and make him spill his guts.
[22:40] <Kotono> "I-I-I don't know! I just have to get away from him!" Shuddering as he stares with an open mouth at the image, "Oh no...are you going to drag me down to Hell for him?" The thief starts to drift off, holding his hands out in front of him. "Stay back!"
[22:42] <Alicia> "Sounds like you're in over your head, my friend," Marie observes, wondering what words would best goad him into giving useful information without giving away her own complete ignorance. "But I'm not the one you have to worry about, am I?"
[22:45] <Kotono> Whimpering, "I know. I have to get away from Guldu. I read the contract afterwards...I can't. I just can't go to that Lord Dest. It was a mistake, I gotta run away!" He whimpers at this bleakly. "I have to find some way!"
[22:48] <Alicia> This is now officially a crisis. "Dest?! Go back to the prison. Go *right now*, if you value your soul!" Marie instructs, before zooming straight for the mansion in search of Alicia at top speed.
[22:49] <Kotono> So Marie zooms off...OOC - #terror.

---

[03:07] <@Kotono> Thus the two head back to Lord Sawr's mansion. It's top floor door is closed, a single guard keeping watch outside. A sea elf, idly glancing around every now and again.
[03:08] <@Alicia> "Want to do the talking?" Alicia defers to Darlina as the local expert, as well as person fluent in Aquan.
[03:09] <@Kotono> Darlina approache, speaking to th eguard in Aquan. He says something slow and apathetically at first, but after a few words snaps up. He turns and knocks hard on the door several times. At that, Darlina turns. "Telling him about a jailbreak got his attentin."
06[03:10] * @Alicia smirks. "I'd imagine it would. Nothing we've heard indicated any leniency would be expected for that thief."
[03:14] <@Kotono> The door soon opens, a few more guards coming out. There's more discussion in Aquan, before Darlina turns. "C'mon, we're being invited in."
06[03:15] * @Alicia nods and follows Darlina inside.
[03:16] <@Kotono> Inside, Lord Sawr is just storming into the front room. His face is fearsome, guards following his broad step. On seeing the two and switching into Elven, "On what grounds do you make these accusations? Has the jailhouse been attacked?"
[03:17] <@Alicia> "No, an aide of the merchant Kortuni, Guldu, simply waltzed - or swam, rather - straight in, collected the thief, and departed just as easily without a peep from the guards," Alicia informs him. "We were able to overhear some of their conversation, which implied the thief was working for Guldu or Kortuni, and likely to make another attempt on your treasures tonight."
[03:18] <@Kotono> "I would suspect bribery in your ranks, m'lord," Darlina says respectfully.
[03:19] <@Kotono> "I see. Then how did you come on this information," He asks, right to the point. "Explain yourselves; you have seen the treasure. How do I know you are not in league or seeking to distract us and steal it yourselves?"
[03:21] <@Alicia> "You remember the mephit I was with, earlier?" Alicia asks, "She is skilled at hiding herself, and was able to follow Guldu inside and overhear his conversation with the thief. I have her following them now, and she should be able to alert us when the thief makes his next attempt," she then explains simply, holding her hands out in a gesture of openness.
[03:23] <@Kotono> "Hmph."  Listening to that thoughtfully, "Well, if you're lying, you should know that the price of this transgression could go up to execution. Are you sure of what you've said?"Lord Sawr asks. "If you're lying and recant now, I'll spare you the worst." Meanwhile, guards are spreading, the doors being barricaded and several of them setting up. "If you're telling the truth now...Soldier," He calls to one of them. "Send a patrol ot the
[03:23] <@Kotono> "If you're telling the truth now...Soldier," He calls to one of them. "Send a patrol ot the hut Kortuni's using. See if Guldu is there, and if he is, bring him here."
[03:25] <@Alicia> "My Lord, every word I've spoken has been entirely sincere," Alicia swears. "We mean no malice, and only wish to help."
[03:25] <@Kotono> "If we are lying, then you may do to us what you wish," Darlina says without looking away. "I won't run."
[03:26] <@Kotono> Lord Sawr listens, "Then settle in. We'll see how this goes."
[03:31] <@Alicia> "Alright," Alicia nods. "As a suggestion, it might be an idea to bait the thief by keeping your guards hidden so that they can catch him in the act. Just in case he's already left Kortuni's abode and you don't catch him, there."
[03:37] <@Kotono> "Perhaps so," Lord Sawr considers, thinking. "Soldier, order the guards to be less open and more hidden."
[03:40] <@Alicia> With all that, Alicia seems content to wait for any word from the guards or a warning from Marie.
[03:40] <@Kotono> OOC: Wait a moment in here to see how Marie resolves.
[03:49] <@Kotono> A few minutes pass, before...OOC - Go ahead, MArie.
[03:50] <@Alicia> An incorporeal ball of light zooms into the room. "Alicia! Gulu is a devil! He made some sort of pact with the thief, he's working for that Cornugon you killed!" she blurts out.
06[03:52] * @Alicia bolts up at that. "Lord Sawr, your men sent to Kortuni's home are in grave danger - we need to get over there, right away - Marie, you go on ahead and we'll catch up, I'll let you exercise your own judgement. Keep the child safe, no matter what, though," she commands briskly.
[03:52] <@Alicia> *Guldu
[03:54] <@Kotono> "What?" Lord Sawr stares at this, "What's going on here?" He looks lost a moment, before, "Mobilize the entire garrison." he says after a moment, "Regardless of this being true or not, something major is happening."
[03:54] <@Alicia> "On it!" Marie returns, zipping away at top speed through the wall and away, hopefully to get there before the guards do. She is a lot faster, after all.
[03:54] <@Kotono> "A devil? A soulstealer?" Darlina asks, going very pale.
[03:54] <@Kotono> OOC - #evil, Marie.
[03:55] <@Alicia> "By your leave, My Lord," Alicia bows before turning to head out and in the same direction as Marie went. "Come on, Darlina, I'll explain on the way!"
06[03:56] * @Alicia lingers only long enough to cast Shield on herself and channel a magic missile spell into the sheathed Sword of Grief before she starts swimming.
[03:57] <@Kotono> "Yes," Darlina gulps out and hurries along! As they race..OOC - Do you want to skip over this or expo her?
[03:57] <@Alicia> OOC: I'll summarise, just a basic gist about what devils are all about and a suggestion to keep behind me at all times.
03[03:58] * Demedais is now known as tsrjdmvarx
[03:59] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.


#evil

[22:55] <Kotono> Thus Marie races from Lord Sawr's home! She races in the water, hurrying to the hut! As she does, she finds the water is starting to tint a bit red. With her darkvision, she can soon start to see things near the hut - floating body parts and bodies, broken weapons about. Savagely bitten apart, or at times simply gear that rests ont he sandy bottom, bloodstained.
[22:57] <Alicia> "Oh, no..." Marie whimpers, flying straight inside the house without pausing. Why did it all have to go wrong? And so suddenly, too...
03[22:58] * Demedais is now known as tsrjdmvarx
[22:58] <Kotono> As she flies to the hut, she sees that the front of it is gone. Only one man stays in there - Kortuni. HIs head is bowed, silent. The bloody waters seem to not even faze him, his interest otherwise.
[23:00] <Alicia> "What happened?" Marie demands, stopping before him. "Where's Guldu? Where's the baby?!" her voice rises in pitch with each question.
[23:01] <Kotono> "Heh..." Kortuni laughs, his face a smile as he looks up. "They're gone, you're a little too slow. He's taken the baby and fled away from Oceanoholm as fast as his pet will take him." He looks on, "I'm so happy. He was willing to finish it even without the gemstone now. Now...I'll have this city to myself."
[23:04] <Alicia> "Where did he go? If you've got what you want then it doesn't matter to you what happens to him, right?" Marie presses. Much as she'd dearly love to punish this vile individual, the safety of the baby is paramount.
[23:06] <Kotono> "He went off," Waving away, "Maybe back to the mansion, maybe somewhere else. Who cares? Now..." He looks up, "If you excuse me, there's a city for me to rule now." His eyes radiate a red light, as he begins to walk forward.
[23:09] <Alicia> "You had to have seen what direction he fled in! Tell me, now!" Marie demands, seconds away from attacking. She's a lot stronger now that she's Alicia's familiar, as that Sahaugin brigand learned to his cost, and if she can't save the baby she can at least deal with this particular monster.
[23:09] <Kotono> "That way," He gestures towards the north, walking to and past Marie without even stopping.
[23:11] <Alicia> Alicia and Darlina swim up just as Marie happens to cast Sleep on the merchant. Even if it's likely a futile gesture. "By the Gods... what happened?!" Alicia demands.
[23:12] <Alicia> OOC: DC 13 if he has 4 or less hd.
[23:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
06[23:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 7."12 [1d20=2]
[23:13] <Kotono> The man stops. His red eyes go silent...and he collapses into sleep.
[23:14] <Alicia> "No time, the devil took the baby and fled to the North!" Marie explains. "Come on, we need to hurry!" At that she zooms off in the indicated direction, Alicia only briefly glancing at the now comatose Kortuni before deciding he can wait while an innocent's life hangs in the balance. Kicking her legs, she swims after Marie as fast as she can.
[23:15] <Kotono> OOC - What's your guys' swim speed?
[23:15] <Kotono> Darlina looks stricken, pale faced but quiet. She pauses to bow her head and murmur a few words, before hurrying along as well.
[23:15] <Alicia> OOC: Marie is speed 60 (technically she's flying in this form), Darlina and I are speed 40
[23:17] <Kotono> A trail of blood leads to the north, the water still having life fluid spread in it. North of town are ocean flats, seaweed and fish swimming about. After about five minutes of this...OOC - PM.
[23:20] <Alicia> Fortunately Marie is more or less immune to physical assault in her current form, so she shows no fear of the shark. But it could be a danger to Alicia and Darlina, so she can't ignore it entirely. Although... if the devil has dominated or charmed it, she might be able to stymie that plan. Examining the shark for magic, she approaches closer.
[23:22] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[23:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 26."12 [1d20=19]
[23:25] <Alicia> Plan set, Marie gets right in the shark's face, hoping the devil is close enough to attract its wrath.

[Corwin]

[16:08] <Alicia> [21:17] <Kotono> A trail of blood leads to the north, the water still having life fluid spread in it. North of town are ocean flats, seaweed and fish swimming about. After about five minutes of this...OOC - PM.
[16:08] <Alicia> [21:20] <Alicia> Fortunately Marie is more or less immune to physical assault in her current form, so she shows no fear of the shark. But it could be a danger to Alicia and Darlina, so she can't ignore it entirely. Although... if the devil has dominated or charmed it, she might be able to stymie that plan. Examining the shark for magic, she approaches closer.
[16:08] <Alicia> [21:22] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[16:08] <Alicia> [21:22] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 26."12 [1d20=19]
[16:08] <Alicia> [21:25] <Alicia> Plan set, Marie gets right in the shark's face, hoping the devil is close enough to attract its wrath.
[16:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Marie moves, getting right in the shark's face! It's racing forward, maw open as it continues forward to the south! If Marie doesn't move, she'll l ikely be swallowed whole!
[16:16] <Alicia> Since suppressing the charm effect didn't work, Marie fires a barrage of magic missiles right into the shark's nose - maybe the stupid beast will take the hint that pain occurs in this direction and then choose to head in a different one. She feels no need to dodge, since she could fly right through the shark's entire body without fear of harm if she so desired.
[16:16] <Alicia> roll 5d4+5
06[16:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 5d4+5 and gets 15."12 [5d4=1, 3, 2, 1, 3]
[16:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Strike. I didn't grok that was your idea at all.
[16:19] <Alicia> OOC: yes, magic circle to suppress charm and all that. If it changes direction Marie will move with it to keep the charm suppressed by her proximity.
[16:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Marie moves in the way of the shark! As it races closer to her, mouth looming over - it seems to slow. It abruptly starts to thrash about, sending waves about.
[16:22] <Alicia> Sticking close enough to the shark to protect it from the devil's malign influence, Marie looks around for any sign of Guldu.
[16:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The shark has stopped for this moment, animalistic eyes looking all about in great sweeps. Meanwhile, Marie doesn't see any immediate sign of Guldu.
[16:26] <Alicia> Wanting to get rid of the shark before Alicia and Darlina show up, Marie uses Dancing Lights to create a glowing humanoid shape before its eyes, then moves said spectre 60 feet to the right, hoping it'll get the shark's attention.
[16:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The shark's eyes latch onto it when it sees it, charging ahead at the lights! It makes one great swoop at them, looking to swallow them whole!
[16:30] <Alicia> Marie keeps the lights moving, taunting the shark to follow while she sticks close to it to maintain the suppression of the charm effect, Once they're about three hundred feet from where they started, she keeps the lure moving while she heads back to where she met the shark, hoping it will either keep going or at least be too disoriented to continue the original orders given by the devil controlling it.
[16:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> This goes on several hundred feet, a cautious bait and switch that Marie keeps going. When she finally lets it go, the dire shark does indeed give chase. It races off far away, chasing the lights with a savagery! By the time Marie makes it back, the shark is out of sight and Alicia and Darlina have caught up.
[16:36] <Alicia> "He sent a shark back to stall us but I got rid of it, we must be on the right track!" Marie tells the duo as she returns on the scene. "Come on, swim faster!" With said encouragement, the incorporeal ball of celestial light zooms off to the North, while Alicia redoubles her efforts to swim onwards.
[16:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Darlina does the same, breathing heavy but her face a picture of scared determination! Thus t he three hurry along! After about ten more minutes of this...OOC - Make a spot check, Marie?
[16:38] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[16:38] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
[16:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Marie races along...and then suddenly, she hears the cry of a baby. It's a cry of fear, echoing in the dark waters around her. The cries begin, echoing throughout. The crying of babies, alone and forgotten. Amid the wailing, "You've come far from home, little eladrin..."
[16:44] <Alicia> Detect magic and detect evil are on! Even if this devil can hide its alignment, she should be able to sort out the illusory sounds from reality by identifying the dweomer. "Seems like they'll let anyone onto the Prime, these days," she blusters, hoping to buy some time till Alicia catches up.
[16:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Sense motive check.
[16:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[16:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
[16:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There is magic ahead and to the right of Marie. However, the figure there is just coming out of the shadows, making no effort to hide. Guldu comes out, a little baby carried in it's arms. Kortuni's child cries like a lost soul, loud and lonely. Guldu absently strokes his head, which only makes him cry harder. "It was lovely, wasn't it?" He smiles warmly, "I had such a fun time going! TWo souls wrapped up and an entire free city
[16:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> free city to be dominated." As Guldu stands there, you note his other hand has a black, ichor soaked dagger at the baby's throat. "It's a shame you and those others found me. I should've suspected a celestial servant faster with that little story about Deep Sashelas, but...ah well, alas." He chuckles, a warmth that is out of focus with the image. (More)
[16:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That was really a nice ploy, too. Having your superior act like an uncomprehending fool. I'll remember that one." HIs face is entirely open, pleasant...yet the dagger lightly digs into teh baby's flesh, almost drawing blood. "But I'm afraid that we should get to business now."
[16:53] <Alicia> Why her? She's just a tiny little messanger eladrin, there's no way she can rescue the baby before it gets killed... "What do you want?" she asks. Just keep him talking and hopefully Alicia can do something when she gets here.
[16:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh, I have so much more to do here. M'lord so desires what rests here." The dagger stays in place, pressing ominously. "This child is worth quite a lot, it's meant to be something special to the undersea world. My Lord has a special interest in children, you see, and a child like this even moreso. But...perhaps we can come to an understanding, before I have to send this child straight to Stygia."
[16:57] <Alicia> "Yes... Dest, wasn't it?" Marie asks, just trying to keep him talking. "I heard about what happened to him in the desert. He didn't get demoted for such a debacle? I never knew Hell was so forgiving."
[17:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Really now?" A bit of a laugh. "I've been so out of the loop lately. Corrupting souls and ruining lives keeps me so occupied. It's a shame about the desert then, but so what? Then it shall be another. Even if you destroyed m'lord, Asmodeus curse his soul, we are infinite. There's another devil just waiting to take his place and feast on the souls of lost children."
[17:05] <Alicia> "Perhaps... but if you just kill the child right now, his soul won't go to your lord, will it? There are rituals, aren't there? Otherwise you'd have already done it." Marie pauses, gathering her thoughts. This is so horribly stressful! "So... what understanding do you think we can reach?"
[17:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a happy look, "Why yes, we can reach an understanding. Perhaps...a trade is in order? Oh, don't be afraid, your soul isn't worth the little fairy wings you glide on. Your superior there is certainly worth more, however."
[17:10] <Alicia> "So, you'd trade the child for the warrior?" Marie asks, thinking she can work with this. "That's possible, yes. Why, though? What makes her worth more than a special child?"
[17:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh, you want me to tell you more information?" With a laugh, "I have my reasons. Unless...you'd like to decline?" The dagger at the baby's throat presses, teh crying of children growing stronger.
[17:13] <Alicia> About 200 feet distant in the dark water, Alicia pauses. "Sounds like Marie's stalling him... Darlina, I need you to swim down low to the seabed and try to keep yourself hidden as we advance. Marie and I will keep him occupied, and when you get a chance, try to secure the child?"
[17:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Right," Darlina nods, taking a breath before scurrying down to the seabed. "Deep Sashelas help me..."
[17:15] <Alicia> "No," Marie bobs around in the water, "I think it's a good deal. Which is why it seems odd for you to make it. Well, she should catch up soon, I hope."
[17:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Indeed." The devil waits, "I must say I'm impressed. Your group managed to track me down and get past the dire shark with admirable speed."
[17:19] <Alicia> "Animals aren't very reliable," Marie points out as Alicia recasts Shield and then swims onward. "Although if you hadn't sweet-talked me earlier this might have ended a lot sooner. Since you know I'm not a mephit, now, I might as well ask; what kind of devil are you, anyway?"
[17:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Ah, information again. I'm a gelugon," he answers, smiling further.
[17:25] <Alicia> "Surprisingly good swimmer, for a bug," Marie comments as Alicia swims into range, stopping sixty feet away from the shapechanged devil.
[17:25] <Alicia> "Let the baby go!" Alicia calls over, deciding not to let on that she's aware of the conversation up till now.
[17:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Well well. It's an honor," The devil says, as far below, Darlina swims! "I was just telling your underling about the trade I wanted for the baby."
[17:27] <Alicia> "What trade?" Alicia asks, waiting for Darlina to get into position. They'll probably only get one shot at this, and they can't afford to screw it up.
[17:28] <Alicia> OOC: wait, is he speaking Aquan?
[17:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: No, he switched to Elven for you, since I assume that's what you're speaking.
[17:28] <Alicia> OOC: that works
[17:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You and your soul in exchange for the child," Guldu's smile spreads farther, "M'lord does so enjoy the suffering of children, but you'd be an acceptable substitute."
[17:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Meanwhile, Darlina gets in place far below, starting to swim up...
[17:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+8 Darlina's hide roll
06[17:30] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+8 Darlina's hide roll and gets 11."12 [1d20=3]
[17:30] <Alicia> "I would?" Alicia asks, keeping him hopefully attentive on her and not elsewhere. "What makes me so special?"
[17:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You just set off all my alarms," Guldu admits, idly stroking the dagger back and forth, the baby's sobbing echoing about. "At first I thought you were a celestial, but any they'd send on this would speak Aquan. No, it doesn't quite play. What are you, a mortal hero or some other outsider? REgardless..." Looking on, "I know quality when I see it."
[17:34] <Alicia> "Alright..." Alicia flicks her legs behind her, starting to swim closer. "So... you let the baby go, and I go with you, then?"
[17:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh, not quite," As Darlina starts to swim up behind him, slowly and silently, "You see, there's something I want you to sign first. You know, to make it...official."
[17:40] <Alicia> "What? You don't trust me?" Alicia does her best to look hurt even as she continues her inexorable advance.
[17:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Of course not." With his free hand, the devil shifts slightly and withdraws a sheet of parchment. "A blood drop on it will suffice," he says, "But do stay right there." He floats the strangely unwetted sheet of parchment towards Alicia, as Darlina is almost ready...
[17:48] <Alicia> "It's hard to make blood drop underwater," Alicia replies dryly. "I just want to check something - you'll kill the child if I don't sign the pact, right?"
[17:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "
[17:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That's right," The devil says, "It's blood will be so pretty in this nightw ater, don't you think?" AS it speaks, Darlina is ready! For just a precious second she look sto Alicia, ready to pounce!
[17:50] <Alicia> "Now," Alicia mouths to Darlina.
[17:50] <Alicia> OOC: surprise round for Darlina then init?
[17:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Darlina pounces, trying to knock the child away!
[17:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+10 (Bunch of mods up and down on this as discused in PM, disarming an object rules are trippy)
06[17:57] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+10 (Bunch of mods up and down on this as discused in PM, disarming an object rules are trippy) and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
[17:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The effort is full bodied, but the blow only glances off the devil's arms! "Hm?" he says in a moment of surprise! OOC - Initiative all.
[17:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
06[17:58] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[17:58] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 if ever I needed a good roll, now is the time
06[17:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 if ever I needed a good roll, now is the time and gets 17."12 [1d20=11]
[17:59] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 Marie, fuck
06[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 Marie, fuck and gets 27."12 [1d20=20]
[17:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3 Darlina
06[17:59] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 Darlina and gets 20."12 [1d20=17]
03[17:59] * Infinite_Ko_Loop changes topic to 'Marie>Devil>Darlina>Alicia'
[18:02] <Alicia> Marie surges forward, appearing right in the devil's space and shifting to mephit form as she tries to present an obstacle/distraction to killing the child, unfamiliar claws poised ready to strike.
[18:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The devil's grin stays in place, as it raises the dagger high to stab it down into the child! OOC - Marie, you can AoO since you'ore not flatfooted.
[18:10] <Alicia> Marie lashes out with her tiny claws to latch onto the devil!
[18:10] <Alicia> OOC: since it's a full round action to coup, the baby won't die until the devil's turn rolls around, assuming nothing happens to make him incapable of completion the action
[18:11] <Alicia> OOC: funnily, he gets an AoO, too, since she's trying to grapple
[18:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11 AoO on Marie, what's her AC?
06[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 AoO on Marie, what's her AC? and gets 23."12 [1d20=12]
[18:12] <Alicia> OOC: 24, 26 vs evil
[18:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+9 melee touch
06[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+9 melee touch and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[18:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Hit.
[18:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+4 grapple laf
06[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+4 grapple laf and gets 10."12 [1d20=6]
[18:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11 Ow.
06[18:12] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 Ow. and gets 16."12 [1d20=5]
[18:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It happens so fast! Marie darts out, trying to grapple him! A feint of the devil's dagger is avoided as Marie grapples onto his wrist! But with a quick flick of his wrist and some wiggling, he's free and continuing! Down, down, down the dagger goes!
[18:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 2d4+4
06[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 2d4+4 and gets 11."12 [2d4=4, 3]
[18:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+5
06[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
[18:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The baby's chest is torn open, blood spilling in the water all around! It's cries become a wet gurgle, as the devil's grin grows! Framed in a child's blood, "There, it's done. A pity it has to end this way, but..."
[18:18] <Alicia> OOC: couping is a full round action!
[18:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Darlina's eyes fill with tears, "You..." she stares, "You...you..." OOC - Alicia.
[18:20] <Alicia> "No!" Alicia cries, lunging forward desperately to try and heal the baby.
[18:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - I'll call that a melee touch attack. Go ahead and roll one, since the devil's not going to exactly let you easily reach out and go for it.
[18:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16
06[18:21] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 and gets 19."12 [1d20=3]
[18:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Hit. Rule of touch AC bails out Hatbot hate.
[18:22] <Alicia> OOC: 11hp lay on hands go
[18:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> To Alicia's touch, the baby's injury mends away! The blood flow stops, it's cries becoming strong again! OOC - MArie.
[18:24] <Alicia> Marie attempts to grab the baby and spirit him away to safety!
[18:24] <Alicia> OOC: he gets an AoO
[18:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[18:24] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31."12 [1d20=20]
[18:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11 crit check you have got to be fucking me
06[18:24] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 crit check you have got to be fucking me and gets 20."12 [1d20=9]
[18:24] <Alicia> OOC: normal hit, that disrupts her attempt
[18:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d4+2
06[18:24] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d4+2 and gets 6."12 [1d4=4]
[18:25] <Alicia> OOC: lets say Alicia drew her sword while approaching to lay on hands, too
[18:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> MArie tries to tackle him, but his bloodied dagger slices across her lightly, stopping the attempt! "Not bad..." The devil moves back just a little, as suddenly...
[18:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d4+3
06[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d4+3 and gets 6."12 [1d4=3]
[18:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seven Guldues spring into life, perfect images of each other! OOC - Darlina is up.
[18:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Darlina shakes all over, and diving at the images, "Let her GO!" she cries!
[18:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+6
06[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10."12 [1d20=4]
[18:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Despite her e ffort, Darlina flails helplessly amid all the images! OOC - Alicia.
[18:31] <Alicia> Flitting forward, Alicia focuses her attention on the sole image holding a baby, glad that Guldu is ignorant of the shortfalls of one of her own favoured spells. First she reaches for the baby to grab it safely from his grasp...
[18:31] <Alicia> OOC: he gets an AoO
[18:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
[18:32] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 opposed rolls (+4 unsecured, -4 unarmed)
06[18:32] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 opposed rolls (+4 unsecured, -4 unarmed) and gets 29."12 [1d20=13]
[18:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+7
06[18:33] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+7 and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[18:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a desperate strike, Alicia is able to knock the baby away! It floats in the water, crying, as the smile slightly flickers on Guldu's face! OOC - Marie.
[18:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Tch...fast of you," He hisses, humor leaking out from his voice.
[18:34] <Alicia> OOC: full attack, I'm not done (not knocking it away, grabbing it!)
[18:35] <Alicia> Holding the baby safely against her bosom, Alicia then strikes down with the sword of grief to knock Guldu's dagger from his grasp, a slightly clumsy one-handed strike with the unfamiliar weapon.
[18:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Strike my line.
[18:36] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 (-5 second attack, -4 using exotic weapon without proficiency)
06[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 (-5 second attack, -4 using exotic weapon without proficiency) and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
[18:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+7 (-4 light weapon)
06[18:39] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+7 (-4 light weapon) and gets 10."12 [1d20=3]
[18:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Wait a moment.
[18:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Nevermind.
[18:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With an off balance second strike, the sword just barely knocks away Guldu's dagger! "Tch..." Guldu scowls, his smile finally fading, "Fast, aren't we?" OOC - Marie.
[18:41] <Alicia> "Marie, get him out of here!" Alicia orders, holding the bably out as Marie picks him up and zooms straight up towards the surface of the water.
[18:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Thus Marie flees out to the surface of the water! The devil looks on at Alicia and reaches out to touch her!
[18:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[18:48] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18."12 [1d20=7]
[18:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Touch AC?
[18:48] <Alicia> OOC: 15
[18:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 4d6
06[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 4d6 and gets 15."12 [4d6=4, 4, 1, 6]
[18:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The touch only lightly gets Alicia's face, but it makes her feel weak! It's like a tap was put onto her lifeforce and turned on! A black energy clings to Guldu's hand, as his voice is soft. "Do you think you can win? Even if you do, we're infinite. If you strike me down, two more will spring up in my place." OOC - Darlina's up.
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Still in a fury, Darlina wildly attempts to tackle one of the images!
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+6
06[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+6 and gets 26."12 [1d20=20]
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+6 crit check before image check
06[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+6 crit check before image check and gets 14."12 [1d20=8]
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d7
06[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d7 and gets 7."12 [1d7=7]
[18:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> She closes in on and tears up one of the images with her bear hands, leaving only six possibilities now! OOC - Alicia.
06[18:53] * Alicia grimaces as the life is leached out of her, before giving Guldu a grim smile. "Devils can't breathe underwater, normally, can they?" she asks, before incanting, "Mother of all magic, I call to you! Withdraw your gifts from this hateful creature before me!" Lets see how well he swims in his normal form.
[18:53] <Alicia> OOC: targetted dispel. How many rolls?
[18:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Two.
[18:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
[18:54] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10
06[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
03[18:55] * Sierra_Busyness is now known as BelieveItOrNotCidIsntAtHome
[18:56] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The devil's body shatters! The image of an aquatic creature vanishes! In it's place is a loathesome creature wearing fine blue clothes. A red tail flicks about, a handsome face with tiny horns on his forehead and red eyes. A grin is on his face a moment...before he paws and chokes, coughing! OOC - Marie. Still flying away?
[18:57] <Alicia> Marie pauses to hurl a barrage of magic missiles down to help get rid of the mirror images before she continues her ascent to the surface.
[18:57] <Alicia> roll 1d6
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."12 [1d6=1]
[18:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Caster level check.
[18:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 20."12 [1d20=8]
[18:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - carry on.
[18:58] <Alicia> OOC: she's hitting a different image with each one, so assume she kills 4 other images, leaving the real one and one image left
[18:58] <Alicia> roll 1d4+1
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4+1 and gets 3."12 [1d4=2]
[18:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Magic missiles slam into the images, leaving only one left! The devil itself swims upward, making good distance towards the surface and merciful air! Meanwhile, Darlina stops a few moments, "The baby," she asks Alicia, seeming to recover a moment.
[19:00] <Alicia> OOC: doesn't it have to make swim checks? And get AoO'd?
[19:00] <Alicia> OOC: it can't take 10 on swim without a natural swim speed, and this definitely counts as a stressful situation
[19:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Yeah, I forgot since I was used to everything having a swim speed here.
[19:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+10 swim check first
06[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+10 swim check first and gets 22."12 [1d20=12]
[19:01] <Alicia> OOC: I'd get an AoO anyway, since if it's going straight up it passes 2 threatened squares, so withdrawing won't save it
[19:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Go for it.
[19:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 swording
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 swording and gets 30."12 [1d20=15]
[19:02] <Alicia> roll 1d2
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d2 and gets 1."12 [1d2=1]
[19:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 SR check for channelled Magic Missile
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 SR check for channelled Magic Missile and gets 28."12 [1d20=17]
[19:02] <Alicia> roll (1d10+10)/2+5d4+5
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls (1d10+10)/2+5d4+5 and gets 32.5."12 [1d10=9][5d4=4, 3, 3, 4, 4]
[19:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The sword blow sends five glowing darts to compliment the slow, jagged gash down the crature's hooved legs! It's striken greviously, as OOC - Darlina's just chatting this round. Go, Alicia.
06[19:04] * Alicia follows the devil upwards, positioning herself directly above it with her far superior swimming speed and agility so it has no way to reach the water without passing by her. Then she slices downwards to hack into it, channeling holy energy through the vile blade she wields!
[19:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 -6 pa, smite
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 -6 pa, smite and gets 20."12 [1d20=5]
[19:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia swings fast and hard, but just misses the quickly swimming fiend! OOC - Marie.
[19:09] <Alicia> Marie sends down some more magic missiles as she continues to swim upwards to safety. Even though it looks like things are in hand, down there, now.
[19:09] <Alicia> roll 1d2
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d2 and gets 1."12 [1d2=1]
[19:09] <Alicia> roll 1d2
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d2 and gets 2."12 [1d2=2]
[19:09] <Alicia> OOC: 1 image dead, 4 hitting devil
[19:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 SR
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 SR and gets 24."12 [1d20=12]
[19:09] <Alicia> roll 4d4+4
06[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 4d4+4 and gets 15."12 [4d4=2, 3, 4, 2]
[19:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The devil is battered by more missiles! It thrashes in the water, coughing! It's eyes are half shut as it reaches out for Alicia desperately!
[19:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 24."12 [1d20=13]
[19:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 4d6
06[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 4d6 and gets 14."12 [4d6=6, 2, 1, 5]
[19:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia feels drained again, body sagging without the vitality that she lost! The devil's own body seems to improve, drawing in the vitality! OOC - Darlina's holding. Alicia?
06[19:13] * Alicia growls. "Fine, that's how you want to play?" she asks, before reaching down to grab the fiend and restrain it. "Lets see how long you can hold your breath?"
[19:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 melee touch
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 melee touch and gets 28."12 [1d20=12]
[19:13] <Alicia> roll 1d20+16 grapple
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+16 grapple and gets 26."12 [1d20=10]
[19:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[19:14] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 17."12 [1d20=6]
[19:14] <Alicia> roll 1d3+6 unarmed damage
06[19:14] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d3+6 unarmed damage and gets 8."12 [1d3=2]
[19:14] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 grapple #2 to pin him
06[19:14] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 grapple #2 to pin him and gets 29."12 [1d20=18]
[19:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[19:14] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[19:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Alicia manages to grapple, beat him around and finally pin him down! The devil is held completely! Yet even as it is, '..ugh...' It's voice is in Alicia's mind like an unwelcome visitor. 'Tell me one thing...did you defeat Dest...or was it others?'
[19:21] <Alicia> "When you get to Hell, tell them Alicia Reynes sent you," Alicia whispers in his ear as she holds the devil completely immobile while he drowns. "You'll find yourself in august company."
[19:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The horrible creature takes in a big lungful of air, it's eyes closing. 'I see. But...we are eternal and we are infinite. What are you...just dust on the wind that's taken the form of a mortal for afew brief moments. Long after you are gone...we will still be and still growing stronger.'
[19:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> *lungful of water
[19:25] <Alicia> "So? Weren't you mortal, too? Before you died and got made into a lemure, crawling and scratching your way to your current station?" Alicia asks, tightening her grip. "One thing I've discovered about the planes is that there's a lot of infinity to go around."
[19:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> IT's body is starting to slacken in your grasp. '...you're not afraid at all?' It'
[19:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> sOOC - Gah.
[19:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> IT's body is starting to slacken in your grasp. '...you're not afraid at all?' It's mental voice is dimming, going quiet. 'How...curious. What a peculiar mortal. Perhaps you really did defeat Dest...' Suddenly it's body turns to black ichor, fading in the dark waters. It's clothes fall around Alicia, several sacks and golden objects falling towards the sea floor.
[19:29] <Alicia> "Yeuch," Alicia slips back away from the ichor, before calling upwards. "Okay, Marie, it's safe to come down, now." At that, Marie descends from where she'd been trying to entertain the baby under the starlit sky, once more embracing the waves.
[19:30] <Alicia> She then sheathes the sword of grief, glad to rid herself of the nauseating feel of wielding it.
[19:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Darlina swims up, meeting Marie. "Is the baby safe?"
[19:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The child in Marie's arms cries a little, but cries alive, despite being bloodstained.
[19:34] <Alicia> The water should hopefully wash that off easily. "Yes, thank Mystra," Marie nods as she offers the infant out for Darlina to hold. "When he stabbed him, I thought..." she trails off, unable to finish that thought.
[19:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Darlina holds the child gently, cooing soft noises. "We got lucky this poor thing survived long enough after and didn't die instantly."
[19:38] <Alicia> "It shouldn't have got that far in the first place," Alicia grimaces unhappily. "We should've come down hard on them as soon as we noticed something wrong, not dithered around like we did."
[19:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good baby," Holding the shaken and crying bundle of young life, "Alicia...I'd have gotten a dagger in the back if I'd been alone here, and this baby would be dead or worse. You and Marie saved me from going on a suicidal errand."
[19:43] <Alicia> "We should have handled it better," Alicia shakes her head. "It was only through the greatest of luck that that child still lives." Sighing and causing a torrent of bubbles to rise from her mouth, she goes on, "Time was when I would've taken Kortuni and Guldu to task immediately for how they were acting. I've gotten soft, and people died because of it."
[19:43] <Alicia> "Not to interrupt your navel-gazing, but we should probably go back now and make sure Kortuni doesn't cause any more trouble," Marie points out.
[19:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Alicia..." Darlina floats closer, touching her shoulder gently, "Still...thank you. Maybe you weren't perfect, but you did what you had to."
[19:47] <Alicia> "Maybe... not like we could have known he'd pull a dire shark out of nowhere, anyway," Alicia agrees glumly. "But Marie's right, we should head back - can you grab whatever Guldu dropped and catch up?" she asks her familiar, prompting Marie to nod and swim down to the seabed so she can gather up said items and then catch up with her faster incorporeal form while the other two head back, now.
[19:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Thus the two return. On passing by the ruined hut, they see quite a scene.  A group of about thirty mixed guards have Kortuni tied up. He's tied several times over, his eyes gouged out. A single guard lies to the side, his body broken and with labored breathing. A few work on him, trying to patch the obviously shattered bones as best they can. To this, Lord Sawr proceeds over, looming with wrath. "You have brought this into our
[19:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You have brought this into our village, monster?" he snarls, voice carrying far.
02[19:50] * asdgsdfasdfnap (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
06[19:50] * Alicia approaches the wounded guard, taking out her wand. "I can heal him," she volunteers, hoping they understand elven.
[19:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Lord Sawr turns, face furious. In his accented Elven, "I would thank you for that. Enough have died today." He turns to the de-eyed, bound Kortuni, a spear in hand. "There is only one sentence for this. Prepare yourself for oblivion."
06[19:52] * Alicia certainly has no objections to Kortuni's punishment, so simply focuses on mending the maimed aquatic person.
[19:52] <Alicia> roll 1d8+1
06[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+1 and gets 4."12 [1d8=3]
[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The first draught of healing somewhat mends his body, a sigh coming. "Aaah...the pain's stopping," the poor merman says. Meanwhile, "No!" Kortuni cries, "I was...no!" He cries out in vain, "Spare me, please! Don't kill me!" His voice is full of fear and tears.
[19:55] <Alicia> Putting the wand away, Alicia uses her own healing power to help a little bit more which should be enough for him the recover naturally. Then she turns her gaze towards Kortuni, unmoved by his pleas. If she can even understand them.
[19:55] <Alicia> OOC: 3hp lay on hands
03[19:56] * BelieveItOrNotCidIsntAtHome is now known as Sierra_Quest_VIII
[19:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Oh, he cries out a few more times. But then...the spear comes down. His head is impaled, his words ceasing. Lord Sawr turns away, "Draw and quarter his body, then burn it above the ocean. Let the waves find him no rest ever again," he says to his guards. "You two," he looks to Alicia and Kortuni, in Elven, "It seems you told the truth and aided us considerably.  I owe you a debt - do the iether of you have a request? Money? A po
[19:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop>  I owe you a debt - do the iether of you have a request? Money? A position? A favor? I'll grant any as best I can."
06[20:00] * Alicia shakes her head, then glances towards Darlina while Marie bobs around behind them in her will-o-wisp form.
[20:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I may, but..." Shaking her head for now, "Alicia and I need to rest."
[20:07] <Alicia> "It has been a long day," Alicia agrees wearily.

[Corwin]

[21:16] <Kotono> -------
[21:18] <Kotono> Alicia and Marie head towards the Temple of Torm. It's a busy, bustling morning here as the party approaches, a long line of men hauling stone nearby, another building b eing constructed not far away from the Temple. Weaving around this, Alicia approaches her destination.
[21:22] <Alicia> Marie is in her elf-like aasimar form, cradling the Hammer of the Shard in a rather loving manner - every now and then she'll nuzzle her cheek against the head while stroking a hand up and down its shaft. "Being able to carry this actually makes up for being all huge and weird looking," the diminuitive violet-haired girl chirps happily.
[21:22] <Alicia> "Just try not to let it get to your head, will you?" Alicia asks, her demeanour far more serious as she strides into the temple of Torm.
[21:27] <Kotono> The Temple is moderately busy. People stay by the altar to the God Torm, while underpriests work with them. There's no immediate sing of Eudard about, though a few people glance at Marie and the hammer she carries.
[21:29] <Alicia> Alicia's familiar hums happily to herself, seeming oblivious to any stares. Alicia herself checks for evil and glances around, in case Eudard is noticable through any walls before she starts asking questions.
[21:33] <Kotono> No evil is immediately about, nor can Eudard be seen.
[21:35] <Alicia> Okay! Time to accost one of the priests! Finding one who doesn't look too busy, Alicia sidles up and clears her throat. "Excuse me, but would you know where I could find Eudard?"
[21:36] <Kotono> This young man looks over Alicia with a cool, distant look. "I believe Sir Eudard is at prayer." His eyes drift to Marie, giving her a very odd look.
[21:37] <Alicia> Marie gives him a sunny smile in reply.
[21:37] <Alicia> "And where might he be praying?" Alicia prods patiently.
[21:40] <Kotono> "In his private quarters, I believe," He answers, looking to Marie again. He doesn't say anything to her, but his attention is clearly distracted.
[21:40] <Kotono> "He should be out to see the worshippers soon, as it is getting into the morning."
[21:42] <Alicia> "I know where his quarters are, thank you," Alicia gives him a curt nod before she starts heading to where she met Eudard after his first encounter with her familiar. Marie follows behind, almost skipping.
[21:45] <Kotono> So Alicia heads in. Inside these quiet halls are a few priests walking, looking in surprise as they see Alicia heading for Eudard's room. The door to said room is closed, Alicia can see.
[21:46] <Alicia> Alicia knocks on the door!
[21:55] <Kotono> After several long moments, "What is it?" Eudard calls aloud.
[21:58] <Alicia> "It's Alicia. I want to talk," Alicia replies bluntly while Marie glances over in the direction of the creepy empty room, before blinking and glancing at Eudard's room as well.
[21:59] <Alicia> "Are all the doors and walls here lined with lead?" she quietly asks, frowning in consternation.
[22:00] <Kotono> There's a short pause, before Eudard comes forth. He opens the door, wearing his armor and gear. You catch a glimpse of a simple room as he comes out. "What?" he asks brusquely.
[22:04] <Alicia> "Hello, Eudard," Alicia greets him. "I thought you should know I've finished that holy quest I invited you on - and the funny thing was, I learned something important." She stares him down with hard eyes, "I learned that when I have suspicions, I should act on them instead of waiting for things to go wrong. So..." she produces a small flask of clear liquid from her belt and holds it towards the alleged paladin. "Drink this," she c
[22:04] <Alicia> OOC: it's holy water
[22:06] <Kotono> Eudard doesn't blink at all, returning the look with a frosty gaze. "I have no need to do what you say, let alone trust what you'd have me drink."
[22:10] <Alicia> "Fine," Alicia returns. "Hold out your hand, we can do this without you needing to ingest it." Even if it would have probably been more dramatic. "But one way or another, I'm getting satisfaction."
[22:15] <Kotono> Eudard's gaze bores into Alicia, "On one condition. When this fails, you will acknowledge your fallings and begin to repent for them."
[22:15] <Alicia> "I could hit him with the hammer, instead!" Marie suggests cheerily. "I bet that would knock the Corruption Devil right out of him!"
[22:15] <Alicia> Alicia starts, glancing at her familiar. "How did you...?" she asks in surprise, not having iterated her suspicions fully.
[22:15] <Alicia> "Oh, come on," Marie lazily brandishes the blunt implement of chaotic vengeance as she explains in a sunny and pleasant tone, "It was pretty obvious - a person with an evil and a good aura, you wanting to try using holy water on him - borrowing this hammer for me was just the clincher. Even if it seems like a bit of overkill, but hey, I'm just the familiar, right?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "What lies you tell," Eudard's face stiffens into anger, "I bear with your foolishness in hopes of turning this sad tide around, but...Enough of this." Holding out his hand and taking off a metal gauntlet, "Do it and be done with this."
[22:20] <Alicia> Unclasping the vial, Alicia promptly douses his hand while paying close attention to his vile aura. Marie does much the same, though she also checks for any magic.
[22:25] <Kotono> The holy water is poured, as..
[22:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
03[22:25] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-67-9-174-38.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
[22:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12."12 [1d20=9]
[22:27] <Kotono> Eudard closes his eyes. A long sigh escapes from his mouth as the water goes over his skin without burning it. "Are you satisified now?" OOC - PM.
[22:29] <Kotono> roll 1d1000
06[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d1000 and gets 764."12 [1d1000=764]
[22:31] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 17."12 [1d20=10]
[22:33] <Alicia> "Ahh... Alicia, did you see that, too?" Marie asks as she kneels down and dips a finger in the puddle of water now formed below Eudard's hand.
[22:34] <Kotono> The water slightly singes Marie's finger like acid! OOC - Marie takes 1 damage.
[22:34] <Alicia> "Ouch!" she yelps, standing up quickly and yanking her hand back, her index finger now red-raw and slightly smoking.
[22:35] <Alicia> "By the Gods..." Alicia gapes in horror, recoiling. "You... you perverted the blessed water with just a touch? Just what kind of thing has hold over you, Eudard?"
[22:39] <Kotono> Eudard looks down with a steady, long look at Alicia thereafter. "I know not what lies you speak." His face shows a flicker of sadness, passing like a bit of errant wind. "Now leave or repent of your foolishness and vile acts."
[22:41] <Alicia> "Like hell - you've only just confirmed my suspicions. If you still doubt me, we can pay a visit to Vigilance and see how their stock of holy water reacts to you?" Alicia challenges.
[22:41] <Alicia> "Or there's always the hammer!" Marie offers, tapping the mallet into her palm.
[22:46] <Kotono> OOC: Have Alicia and Marie make will saves?
[22:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+18 Alicia (+2 if vs evil)
06[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+18 Alicia (+2 if vs evil) and gets 25."12 [1d20=7]
[22:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+11 Marie (+2 if vs evil)
06[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+11 Marie (+2 if vs evil) and gets 14."12 [1d20=3]
[22:51] <Alicia> 'That's not you, is it, Hell Striker?' Alicia asks her sword as fiery rage wells up inside while she waits for Eudard to reply.
[22:52] <Kotono> Eudard's gaze bores into Alicia, "Like hell. My Lord warned me of your trickery as you fall deeper into darkness," Eudard's voice is very stern.
[22:52] <Alicia> Marie shivers. "Stop!" she calls out, raising back her chaotic implement. "Hammertime!"
[22:54] <Alicia> "Marie, no!" Alicia holds up a hand to forestall her familiar. "Dammit, Eudard, don't make me do this," she almost pleads. "Mystra help me, I will, but you have to see that you need help! Why won't you accept it?"
[22:57] <Kotono> Eudard draws himself up to full height, a fearsome figure with an ungiving gaze. "My Divine Lord has spoken to me. He warned me that I may have to kill your heresy goes too far." With one hand he draws his sword, a smooth, easy motion. "...Even if My Lord has me act the evil...then I'll be the worst evil I can for Torm! Do you think you can escape his judgment of your crimes?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "Would you not do the same for Mystra," he asks a moment later.
[23:02] <Alicia> "No I would not," Alicia snarls, though she does not draw her own blade. Marie has enough smash for both of them at the moment, anyway. "Faith is not blind! I follow Mystra because I sincerely believe in what She represents. She never has to *tell* me what to do, because I already champion her cause simply by following my heart!"
[23:02] <Alicia> "If Mystra were ever to turn against the very things that made me believe in Her, I would do everything in my power to bring her back to the way she was, not mindlessly follow Her into ruin!"
[23:07] <Kotono> These words seem to strike Eudard as a physical blow, making him turn his head away. "I..." He starts to reply a few times, but the words don't seem to come out. Then...OOC - More and PM.
[23:08] <Alicia> "Alicia, good time for you to flatten the Weave, if you follow," Marie suggests, her arms starting to visibly shake from the strain of holding the hammer overhead.
[23:08] <Kotono> "I must..." He shakes, looking up. For a moment there's real hesitation in his eyes, but it's gone in an instant. In it's place is fury unabated, "You must be judged!" he demands, "You are another that consorts with evil and brings disgrace! Nothing awaits you but the flames of Perdition!"
[23:09] <Alicia> OOC: going to cast dispel magic. Init?
[23:09] <Kotono> OOC - Okay.
[23:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
[23:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 Marie
06[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 Marie and gets 26."12 [1d20=19]
[23:09] <Alicia> roll 1d20+6 Alicia
06[23:09] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+6 Alicia and gets 13."12 [1d20=7]
03[23:09] * Kotono changes topic to 'Marie>Eudard>Alicia'
[23:10] <Alicia> Marie hesitates, waiting for Alicia to follow her sound advice.
[23:13] <Kotono> "Face your righteous judgment and plummet into the Pit!" Eudard's voice is a snarl, the air in the temple shaking! A feeling of raw fury permeats everything, intoxicating! At that, he attacks Alicia without hestiation!
[23:14] <Alicia> "Hey, back off!" Marie cries, dropping the hammer!
[23:14] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 (+11 if he counts as lawful outsider)
06[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 (+11 if he counts as lawful outsider) and gets 25."12 [1d20=15]
[23:14] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5 (+6 if he counts as lawful outsider)
06[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 (+6 if he counts as lawful outsider) and gets 8."12 [1d20=3]
[23:14] <Kotono> OOC - One hit.
[23:14] <Alicia> roll 1d8 (+1 if lawful outsider)
06[23:14] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8 (+1 if lawful outsider) and gets 3."12 [1d8=3]
[23:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[23:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 14."12 [1d20=3]
[23:15] <Kotono> roll 5d10
06[23:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d10 and gets 31."12 [5d10=10, 5, 6, 3, 7]
[23:16] <Kotono> The hammer of the shard lashes out! Eudard screams, echoing through the hall! The impact freezes in place, the hammer glowing with a horrible, rigid black around it! Cracks run up and down it, a changing, shaking light coming from within! The black fizzles away, and Eudard collapses to his knees! The feeling of rage leaves, Eudard dropping his sword.
[23:18] <Alicia> "The evil aura, it's fading?" Alicia marvels, stepping back a bit still from the frenzied alleged paladin.
[23:19] <Alicia> "We should've done this from the start!" Marie declares, before she notices the crack in the hammer. "Ohhh... that's not good," she whimpers, caressing the crack in a futile effort to make the hurt go away.
[23:20] <Kotono> Eudard groans once, falling to hands and knees. He shivers and then vomits, emptying his stomach out.
[23:21] <Alicia> "Euch..." Alicia skitters back a step to avoid the vomit. "Eudard...?" she asks hesitantly. "Feeling more clear-headed now, at least?"
[23:23] <Kotono> No answer straight away. Eudard shakes a like a leaf in the winter winds, keeping his gaze to the floor.
06[23:24] * Alicia decides it wouldn't hurt to at least heal him a bit, since he's probably not a risk, now. Leaning carefully over the vomit, she rests a hand on his shoulder to bestow some portion of positive energy. Still... "What on earth was that? It sure wasn't a Corruption Devil, but such evil as I've rarely felt before..."
[23:25] <Alicia> OOC: 3 or 4hp lay on hands, whichever's needed

[Corwin]

[20:44] <Alicia> [21:19] <Alicia> "We should've done this from the start!" Marie declares, before she notices the crack in the hammer. "Ohhh... that's not good," she whimpers, caressing the crack in a futile effort to make the hurt go away.
[20:44] <Alicia> [21:20] <Kotono> Eudard groans once, falling to hands and knees. He shivers and then vomits, emptying his stomach out.
[20:44] <Alicia> [21:21] <Alicia> "Euch..." Alicia skitters back a step to avoid the vomit. "Eudard...?" she asks hesitantly. "Feeling more clear-headed now, at least?"
[20:44] <Alicia> [21:23] <Kotono> No answer straight away. Eudard shakes a like a leaf in the winter winds, keeping his gaze to the floor.
[20:44] <Alicia> [21:24] * Alicia decides it wouldn't hurt to at least heal him a bit, since he's probably not a risk, now. Leaning carefully over the vomit, she rests a hand on his shoulder to bestow some portion of positive energy. Still... "What on earth was that? It sure wasn't a Corruption Devil, but such evil as I've rarely felt before..."
[20:44] <Alicia> [21:25] <Alicia> OOC: 3 or 4hp lay on hands, whichever's needed
[20:50] <Demara> OOC: 4.
[20:50] <Alicia> OOC: duly noted
[20:52] <Demara> Eudard shudders a few more times, coughing. "Torm..." he murmurs. "What...what just happened?"
[20:54] <Alicia> "I just hammered the badness right out of you!" Marie chirps happily, before giving said hammer a sad look. "It hammered back something fierce, though..."
06[20:54] * Alicia just shakes her head. "I don't even know. It's like you were possessed... for it to corrupt the holy water and damage the hammer of the shard, whatever it was would have to have been of both law and evil in their most pure forms."
[20:56] <Demara> Eudard tries to sit up, but instead falls onto his rear end. He sits, eyes dazed. "...I feel..." he licks his lips. "Alicia? Alicia Reynes?" He asks, looking at her.
06[20:57] * Alicia nods slowly, wondering how much he even remembers. "That's right - what's the last thing you remember, Eudard?" she asks gently, as if afraid to startle him.
[20:58] <Demara> "It's...conflicted. The last clear thing I remember...I remember meeting you," he struggles with the word. "Then...The revelation of Torm. Then...I just remember being so angry and seeing eveyrthing through a cloud of that. Slow building, vast anger...directed at you and your ward."
02[21:02] * Tai{slwwpwr} (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:02] <Alicia> "So... that really was Torm? Or at least some aspect of him?" Alicia asks in disbelief.
[21:02] <Alicia> "It has to be, Alicia," Marie nods slowly, sounding awfully surprised herself. "It was totally axiomatic and profane as any Pit Fiend, there's no denying that, but couldn't you feel the hatred it held towards the Baatezu?"
[21:03] <Demara> "I don't know," Eudard murmurs this, voice sounding rather dazed.
06[21:07] * Alicia casts prestidigitation to clean up the vomit and then offers Eudard a hand up. "I just can't believe it... I'd been so sure you were being manipulated by either a demon or a devil. But Torm, the True... how could he be an embodiment of such vileness? It makes no sense at all."
[21:11] <Demara> Eudard takes it, standing on wobbly legs. "It's impossible," Eudard says in a shaky voice. "It...it must have been another."
[21:14] <Alicia> "You seemed sure, before," Alicia points out. "I suppose we could perform a divination? I'm afraid Shankar doesn't have access to that level of magic, yet, but I think the head priests at Helm and Waukeen's temples might."
[21:16] <Demara> "Helm," Licking his lips, "The Great Watcher...Demedais as well." Straightening himself, "I...I was told I would likely have to kill you." He says this with a conflicted, shameful voice. "That you had taken the devils in your home and that you were worthy of nothing but judgment."
[21:19] <Alicia> "She's only taken one devil!" Marie pipes up helpfully, then. "'Taken'? That actually sounds pretty wrong..." and upon seeing Alicia's horrified look, "I'll shut up, now."
[21:19] <Alicia> "Uh..." Alicia continues to give her familiar a weird look for a moment longer before shaking her head. "Anyway, Antenora no longer belongs to the Hells. She has proven her commitment to righteousness beyond any doubt."
[21:22] <Demara> "Ugh." Wiping his face with his gauntlet free hand, "But the worst is...I still feel so sure," Eudard elaborates. "That it was Torm. I've never been so sure of anything in my life."
[21:24] <Alicia> "Lets go to Vigilance," Alicia nods decisively. "Helm would have no bias either way, so if we get an answer, I think we can trust it."
[21:30] <Demara> "Yes, let's," Eudard agrees. He looks a bit shaky as he walks, but doesn't look to fall over. Thus the party heads to the Temple of Helm.  The doors are open wide, the eternal eye of the Watcher engraved to the altar. Father Ceiar is currently about, talking to the faithful and leading a session of prayer.
[21:31] <Alicia> It would be disrespectful to disturb prayer, especially when looking for a favour, so Alicia suggests Eudard hang back for now until the Helmites are done. Likewise Marie and her hammer wait outside so as not to cause any problems.
[21:34] <Demara> Ten minutes pass this way, then five more. The prayer at last breaks up, people coming and going past.  Father Ceiar looks about after this, and on seeing Alicia and Eudard, approaches himself. "Good day to you. May Helm's blessings come to you," he greets. "What does our humble temple owe the honor?"
[21:38] <Alicia> "Hello, Father," Alicia responds, smiling in spite of the troubling issue that brought them here. The clergy that helped produce a paladin like Demedais deserve her respect and consideration. "No need to be modest, for it is a wondrous temple you have here. Unfortunately, we come not for simple pleasantries - we seek Helm's wisdom on a matter most grave."
[21:38] <Alicia> "I think Eudard had best explain, for it affects him directly," she then defers to her companion.
[21:39] <Demara> "...I must speak to the Father alone a moment, Alicia. Eudard says, "There is a matter that may involve him that does not involve you, and I gave my oath not to lightly spread it."
06[21:41] * Alicia blinks. "And this takes precedence over what just transpired?" she asks in blatant surprise. "Well..." she takes a step back, "If you two require privacy, then by all means, don't let me get in your way." She walks over to the door, near where her familiar waits outside.
[21:41] <Demara> Father Ceiar raises an eyebrow as well, but the two creep away and talk. It's not very long, before, "Alicia," Father Ceiar calls.
06[21:42] * Alicia heads on over to rejoin the pair.
[21:43] <Demara> "This matter is complicated..." Father Ceiar breathes out. "What do you wish of us, Alicia?"
[21:43] <Demara> "I told him the fundamentals swiftly," Eudard murmurs to Alicia.
[21:47] <Alicia> "Quite simply, we're at something of a loss - we know that *something* possessed Eudard, claiming to be Torm. But whatever it was, it was clearly a primal force of malevolence and order - which points to a Devil. Yet - and this is hard to describe - we all could feel a palpable hatred for the Baatezu from the manifestation just before it was expunged."
[21:47] <Alicia> She sighs softly and shakes her head, "We need to know what it truly was, but we have no way to investigate. So, we were hoping you might have access to a divination spell powerful enough to unravel this tangled skein and point to the truth."
[21:48] <Demara> With a slight nod to that, "I understand your situation." He says at last. After a few long, heavy moments, "Among us, Demedais is the favored of Helm. I would believe it prudent to involve him in any attempt to discern the truth, for Helm shows his favor to him regularly."
06[21:51] * Alicia nods. "Very well, if that is how you would do this - I did not expect you would have the spell ready at this exact moment, after all. Last I heard, he was investigating a disturbance in the Barbarian Lands, wasn't he?"
[21:53] <Demara> "He returned recently," Ceiar says. "We can meet for this tomorrow at dawn."
[21:57] <Alicia> "Fortuitous timing," Alicia smiles briefly. "Until tomorrow, then... is that alright for you, Eudard?" she glances at the other paladin(?).
[21:57] <Demara> Eudard nods after a few moments, "Yes, that's fine," he allows.
[21:58] <Alicia> "Okay. Until then..." she hesitates, about to offer a religious benediction before deciding it's perhaps inappropriate at this juncture, "Be well."
[22:09] <Demara> "Be well," Eudard returns that after a hesitation, Alicia walking out. OOC - Do you want to chat this over with anyone or anything, 'licia?
[22:11] <Alicia> OOC: I'll stop by Mystra's temple to get Shankar to cast Make Whole on the hammer and give back the two water breathing scrolls I forgot about, then go drop the hammer back off at the garrison. Then I'll give Anty an exciting update since all I can do is kill time till tomorrow.