208.4 Seira and Demedais and in the Barbarian Lands

[Corwin]

[17:15] <Kotono> -----------------------------
[17:15] <Kotono> OOC - Where do you guys want to start?
03[17:17] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[17:17] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
01[17:18] <Seira> OOC: Let's get horses and leave the city in the direction of the border
[17:18] <Demedais> OOC - Seira? There any pattern of search you want to tak- okay.
[17:22] <Demedais> OOC: Yeah. Head toward border, just start general search from there?
01[17:22] <Seira> OOC: Maybe we'll be told the most up to date rumors at the border patrol station
[17:27] <Kotono> Four horses leave Balmuria and the warmth of the bay, heading out for the border of the Barbarian Lands. Seira, Demedais and Pollyanna are joined by a young woman in decent clothes and cloak. The first day passes in pleasantry as you head for the Barbarian Lands border. As the sun is well past noon you approach the start of it, as well as a brand new, green painted building. It's big enough for a few people, a pair of guards keeping watch on
[17:27] <Kotono>  keeping watch on food and with readied spear outside.
06[17:29] * Demedais hails the guards cheerfully. "How fares the watch today?"
[17:31] <Kotono> The guards stiffen to attention, snapping off quick salutes. "Sirs!" they chorus at once. "The watch is uneventful this day, sirs!"
[17:31] <Kotono> Abagail sniffs, drawing her cloak closer around her and keeping quiet for the moment.
06[17:32] * Seira returns the salute from horseback, though she lets Demedais take care of the questioning.
[17:33] <Demedais> "At ease." Demedais salutes as well, glancing to Seira with a slight nod. "Any new sightings as of late?"
[17:34] <Kotono> The soldiers relax, and once they do, "Of anything in particular, sirs, or in general?"
[17:35] <Demedais> "In general first, I'd say." Demedais says after a moment.
[17:37] <Kotono> "There were a few goblins yesterday, but we chased them offw ith arrows," The soldier reports. "The day before we had more travellers, who complainted of odd trolls again. A few days before that, we happened to catch sight of an elven ranger in travel, but we didn't make contact, sir."
06[17:38] * Demedais looks to Seira at this, checking to see if she has anything she wants to inquire about.
06[17:39] * Seira rolls her eyes, before jumping off her horse to be on the same level as the soldiers. "The odd trolls. Tell me more about them, please."
[17:40] <Kotono> "Sir." Dutifully saluting to Seira, "They're supposed to be very tall and very fearsome. They'll throw rocks and boulders with good accuracy."
06[17:40] * Demedais grins a bit at this, staying mounted for a bit longer.
01[17:40] <Seira> "Are we paying you? It must be too much since it lets you with enough free time to become a comedian."
[17:41] <Kotono> "...Sir?" The guardsmen stares at Seira in uncomprehension.
01[17:42] <Seira> "We are going to look for those trolls, now," Seira says with patience. "I know what a troll is. Let us focus on where to find the trolls, and how they're actually different from other trolls, in case you possess that information as well."
[17:44] <Kotono> "We haven't left the station, so we don't have any idea on any nest, ma'am." The soldier gulps and goes on. "The throwing seems unusual - most trolls I've heard of or seen just charge in and maul with their claws."
06[17:45] * Seira frowns. "It doesn't surprise me much, but I suppose. Alright." She studies the soldier. "Has anyone else shown interest in this subject recently?"
[17:48] <Kotono> "A few travellers who stop and talk have in exchange for information." The report back is quick, the soldier taking a breath out. "The most notable was a group of adventurers about a week ago. "
01[17:48] <Seira> "Tell me about those."
[17:49] <Kotono> "Well, one was a big guy, one was a woman, and one was a strange,s mall man with blind eyes." Repeating back, "The woman was called J. They seemed competent, they talked about dealing with some goblins. They also mentgioned they were heading for Balmuria."
01[17:51] <Seira> "Alright." Seira nods. "What about groups of humans spotted out there? Have there been any credible reports about that?"
[17:53] <Kotono> "Oh...yes, ma'am," The soldier's eyes light up slightly, "It's the strangest thing. A few have mentioned seeing beautiful women in leather armor in the forest. They're like illusions, seen and fading away when pursued."
03[17:53] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has left #dunes
03[17:54] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
03[17:54] * Kotono sets mode: +o Demedais
01[17:54] <Seira> "Alright. Give me directions to the latest sightings of either. And if you can have a map made with all of the sightings in the past two months in a reasonable amount of time, that would be appreciated."
[17:54] <Kotono> Pollyanna nods lightly to all of this, as the soldier replies. "I can try, ma'am. Most of the sightings are second hand, so locations will be a lot of guesswork."
01[17:55] <Seira> "That is enough. We can't really expect them to remain in the same spot waiting for us."
[17:56] <Demedais> "Sadly." Demedais notes with a wry grin.
[18:01] <Kotono> The soldier goes into the hut, coming back out with a map about a minute later. "Here," he says, several spots dotted. Most of the dots are about 2-5 days into the forest, here and there.
06[18:03] * Seira accepts the map, and studies it briefly before placing it away. "Thanks," she tells the soldier, getting back in the saddle.
06[18:05] * Demedais nods gratefully to the soldiers. "Shall we, Colonel?"
06[18:05] * Seira takes the reigns, urging the horse onwards in the direction of the closest spot listed on the map.
06[18:08] * Demedais keeps pace on the right, looking out for enemies.
[18:11] <Kotono> Abagail sniffs as the party starts to ride on, past the check point. "So are filthy goblins going to appear from the shadows now to try and steal from us?"
01[18:11] <Seira> "They prefer to steal from people who can't fight back, actually," Seira responds. "But if they try anything, you can handle it, can't you?"
[18:12] <Kotono> "They'll burn to death if they try," Abagail snorts. "I have no intentions of letting a goblin have it's way with me."
[18:13] <Kotono> To that, Pollyanna shivers. "That image was particularly unpleasant," she observes.
06[18:13] * Seira laughs. "The lack of half-goblins suggests they're not into humans, really."
06[18:13] * Demedais grins slightly at this, before nodding.
07[18:16] * Ginrai is on IRC (Ginrai)
[18:16] <Kotono> "Still, let's not givet hem the chance," Abagail spurs her horse onward.
06[18:17] * Seira likewise heads onwards, amused.
06[18:18] * Demedais just glances to Pollyanna with a raised eyebrow. "I figure we should keep close together, but do you want to take watch on the left while I keep an eye on the right?"
[18:21] <Kotono> "I'll do that," Pollyanna says with a slight smile, looking ahead at the two wizards. "Interesting times ahead..."
[18:24] <Demedais> "Indeed. This should be an interesting scouting expedition." Demedais grins.
[18:26] <Kotono> OOC - Just for reference, make a spot check, DeE?
[18:26] <Kotono> OOC - Deme, even.
[18:27] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 rightyo
06[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 rightyo and gets 26."12 [1d20=13]
[18:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[18:29] <Kotono> A day passes without incident. Midway through the second day, the travellers come to a slight rise in the forest. It gives one an excellent view ahead through the trees.  Down below you can see several tents and a few mud and straw huts, and several goblins teaming around.
01[18:31] <Seira> "Let's proceed," Seira decides. "If we find no clues at our destination, we could return and nicely ask these goblins."
[18:33] <Demedais> "Nicely ask?" Demedais says, amused. "Very well."
01[18:33] <Seira> "Diplomacy is very important!"
[18:34] <Demedais> "Indeed."
[18:36] <Demedais> "Skirt around the encampment, then?"
06[18:36] * Seira nods.
[18:39] <Kotono> By the lay of the land, skirting around the camp is a bit more time consuming that you'd imagined. However, it's very safe, and soon you're travelling again. By sundown of the second day, you're very close to the first dot and to where these incidents are said to be happening. But on a glance, it's just more plain forest, at elast for now. In an hour the sun will have set, ensuing shadows and night.
[18:40] <Demedais> "Camp here and check the dot's general area in the early morning, or press on and try to determine it tonight?" Demedais asks, looking to Seira.
01[18:41] <Seira> "Let's camp and see if we can manage to draw an ambush," Seira says, sounding excited at the prospect.
06[18:42] * Demedais raises an eyebrow at this. "Very well. I'll keep watch through the night, then?"
[18:42] <Kotono> "Just as well. I'm tired," Pollyanna adds, stretching. "How are we going to do watches?"
01[18:43] <Seira> "It's pointless for us to watch, and we need the rest the most," Seira says, glancing at Abagail. "You two divide the watches, and we'll have plenty of rest before leaving tomorrow? We're not on any particular schedule."
[18:43] <Demedais> "I can keep watch for most of the time; just need two hours of sleep before we get going. You want to trade off near dawn, then, Pollyanna?"
[18:49] <Kotono> "Sure," Pollyanna nods, as Abagail sighs a little bit. "Seira, is there a spell to do something about these bedrolls?"
06[18:51] * Demedais nods cheerfully.
01[18:51] <Seira> "Yes, but it's a bit above your current level," Seira responds instantly. "I don't mind trying to teach you once we get back."
[18:53] <Kotono> "Good," Abagail agrees quickly. She stops a moment, making a few gestures and murmurs. Her clothes become fresh, a pleasant smell coming from her. "At least magic can even make this far less bothersome.
01[18:54] <Seira> "And things would be far less bothersome for you if you extend this simple courtesy to those less fortunate," Seira comments, eyeing Demedais and Pollyanna.
[18:55] <Kotono> "Excuse me?" Pollyanna puts her hands on her hips, eyeing Seira. "Are you saying we smell bad?"
06[18:57] * Demedais bites his lip to stifle a smile. "Wrong implication, I think, Pollyanna. I think it was just more a reference of keeping things shipshape in general, not meant in that direction."
06[18:59] * Seira jerks her head in Demedais's direction. "He always smells bad. You, however...." She walks over to Pollyanna, making a show to sniff the air around her. "I wonder...."
06[18:59] * Demedais coughs at this. "Wait, what?"
01[19:01] <Seira> "You actually smell nice," Seira whispers in Pollyanna's ear, smiling widely as she returns to Abagail.
[19:05] <Kotono> "Oh, good," Pollyanna smiles agreeably to that, going over to Demedais and sniffing a bit. "You do smell like damp armor," she murmurs.
06[19:07] * Demedais coughs again. "I tend to not notice, honestly."
[19:10] <Kotono> Pollyanna lightly embraces Demedais, "I'm not picking on you...but let's go camp now, alright?"
[19:11] <Demedais> "Kay." Demedais shrugs. "If it's something you want to deal with and she's willing to use that spell on me, all's well and good. As I said, I don't notice."
[19:13] <Kotono> Thus the group makes camp. The half moon rises in the sky as Demedais keeps watch for his sleeping companions. Despite there only being a half moon, silver moonlight caresses the forest like an unearthly glow. In this Demedais keeps watch...OOC - Spot check, sure.
[19:13] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 and gets 18."12 [1d20=5]
[19:16] <Kotono> OOC - Make a will save?
[19:18] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 asdf internet
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 asdf internet and gets 31."12 [1d20=19]
[19:19] <Kotono> Demedais feels faint a moment, like he's falling into a lull. However, the feeling passes. With it, you hear a soft footstep fading away, and a faint whisper on the wind. "...Your heart is to another...be wary, traveller. This forest holds dangers of it's own..."
06[19:20] * Demedais turns quickly, looking. "...We seek to ameliorate those dangers for travelers. ...Who are you?"
[19:21] <Kotono> Demedais sees nothing but the wind, the camp and the silver light from the half moon.
[19:22] <Demedais> "...Right." Demedais says after a moment, keeping in a heightened state of alert.
[19:24] <Kotono> The rest of the night passes without incident. The party awakens in the morning, the sun not out. Heavy clouds have rolled in, a few droplets of rain starting to fall.
02[19:28] * Demedais (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Broken pipe)
03[19:28] * Taishyr (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) has joined #dunes
03[19:29] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Taishyr
03[19:29] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[19:29] <Demedais> "I think I heard one of those women in the night." Demedais says without preamble as they pack up. "Based on what she said - I didn't get a glimpse of the speaker - I would guess they're trying to keep travelers safe through this forest."
01[19:31] <Seira> "And... you let her get away?" Seira asks mildly.
[19:31] <Kotono> "How do you know that?" Abagail asks, as she dusts off her clothes.
[19:34] <Demedais> "I had no reasonable way of knowing what direction the voice came from, Seira." Demedais replied back. "Had I seen it, I would have pursued to ask it, but it was either attempt to wake you all up while it gets away, take a wild guess as to its direction and leave without explanation, or some inefficient and ineffectual combination of the above."
01[19:34] <Seira> "The waking us up choice, please take it next time." With that said, she focuses on packing her thinks.
[19:36] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais shrugs.
[19:38] <Kotono> Thus, the next day of travel begins. At about 10 AM, you happen to pass by a small downward cut into the ground. It's stone dotted and rather sharp, ending in a gash in the earth that looks like a cave entryway.
06[19:41] * Demedais peers down into the cave entryway. "In retrospect, I should have asked what each dot corresponded to. But based on what they told us... probably a goblin cave?"
01[19:43] <Seira> "The encounters various travelers had with trolls," Seira says. "And we're obligated to explore a cave that we find on our way, so close to the destination, I suppose. You'll go first, right?"
[19:45] <Demedais> "Sure, why not." Demedais shrugs, pulling out and lighting a sunrod as he carefully heads downward and into the crevasse.
[19:45] <Kotono> "I would hope so," Abagail sniffs, "Who knows what lies in there."
01[19:45] <Seira> "Pollyanna, bring up the rear," Seira tells the archer, sticking near Abagail in the middle.
06[19:46] * Demedais nods to Pollyanna once with this, sword out and armor called.
[19:47] <Kotono> Pollyanna takes the rear, bow out and drawn. "Right," she reports tersely. Thus, the party goes down! (More)
[19:49] <Kotono> The crevasse ends in a 20 foot opening in the ground. It's a very steep passage, pebbles and the like littering the ground. It goes on for about sixty feet, before straw and grass and the like litters the ground for the next twenty, then a turn. Lying on the side of the grass, at the wall, are a few animal bones, a bit of stained blood and rotting meat around them.
[19:51] <Demedais> "Looks likely something's in here." Demedais says, peering in before he moves on, trying to catch movement.
[19:51] <Kotono> OOC - Spot check.
[19:51] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13
06[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 and gets 15."12 [1d20=2]
[19:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 22."12 [1d20=13]
[19:59] <Kotono> Demedais doesn't see any movement, "I don't see anything, just... a lot of straw and an animal's den." Pollyanna adds.
[20:00] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais moves on ahead, sword at the ready.
01[20:00] <Seira> "It's a dead end, then?" Seira asks. "Well, then it was a waste of time, let's go back."
[20:01] <Kotono> "There's still that turn," Pollyanna points past the straw.
06[20:02] * Seira pats Demedais on the shoulder. "Let's look there first, in that case."
06[20:02] * Demedais nods once to Pollyanna. "Let's see what's beyo- ...Right!"
[20:03] <Kotono> Demedais steps forward. As he steps on the straw, there are several very loud crackling and breaking noises, crunchy. They echo, a sudden onrush of sound. He feels something beneath his foot, under the straw.
06[20:03] * Demedais carefully withdraws his foot and checks to see what he just stepped on. "Bones, likely..."
[20:04] <Kotono> Underneath the straw is a mix of old bones, some broken up pinecones and bits of glass.
[20:05] <Demedais> "Glass? Hmph." Demedais grunts, gingerly moving on as best he can in heavy armor.
[20:06] <Kotono> The sound is like shattering several times over. The sounds echo madly as Demedais crosses the straw. It's quite loud and caught, the weight of his metallic aided steps making a symphony of breaking.
[20:07] <Demedais> "... Well, I hope we weren't anticipating sneaking up on whatever's down here." Demedais grunts.
06[20:07] * Demedais continues on, quickly moving to the other side of the straw, before trying to look down the hallway again.
[20:09] <Kotono> The hallway widens, the walls becoming smooth and polished. The ceiling goes up about a dozen feet, tons of clearance. On the walls hang several signs, and at the end, sixty feet away, is a sturdy, new wooden door.
[20:09] <Demedais> "Well, this seems remotely civilized." Demedais comments, waving the group up to him as he looks at the signs from a bit of a distance.
[20:12] <Kotono> The signs are in several languagues, including rough Common. They read: DANGER: DIRE BEAR. PROCEED ONLY IF YOU WANT TO BE BEAR FOOD; DO NOT DISTURB ON PAIN OF AN THRASHING; ENTERING WITHOUT PERMISSION GIVES ME PERMISSION TO LOOT YOUR COOLING CORPSES. Things like that, really.
06[20:13] * Demedais raises an eyebrow. "Well then. This is interesting enough.
[20:14] <Kotono> "...I don't think whom ever this is wants to be bothered," Pollyanna adds helpfully. "Do yo uwant to check anyway?"
[20:15] <Kotono> "How garish," Abagail sniffs, "Though at least whatever it is has the cortesy to warn us."
[20:15] <Demedais> "It's up to Seira." Demedais shrugs. "Worst comes to worst, we make a note and come back here later, but we can also deal with it right now."
01[20:19] <Seira> "There is an adventure coupon being handed to us," Seira speaks, eyes glittering. "Of course we'll take it! A dire bear? We'll skin the thing and bring home a rug! Let's go!"
[20:20] <Demedais> "And here we go. Check the door for traps, then?" Demedais says, nodding.
06[20:20] * Seira takes out the Resort, before doing so.
01[20:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 30."12 [1d20=7]
01[20:21] <Seira> "Go for it," Seira tells Demedais, stepping back.
06[20:22] * Demedais nods and opens the door, carefully looking in as he does so.
01[20:23] <Seira> roll 1d10+10 false life
06[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 false life and gets 11."12 [1d10=1]
[20:23] <Kotono> The door is amazingly heavy, straining Demedais to try and open! OOC - Str check.
01[20:25] <Seira> "And, by the way, someone in armor is behing the door," Seira whispers, after connecting them all with Message.
06[20:26] * Demedais blinks in surprise, before focusing himself completely to moving the door open, pushing as hard as possible!
[20:26] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 (6+4 KENSAI SMASH)
06[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 (6+4 KENSAI SMASH) and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[20:27] <Kotono> With a great effort, Demedais pulls the door forward! The hinges let loose nary a sound as the massively heavy thing is opened! Ahead is a fifteen foot long room, wider. Torches hang fromt hew all, another door ont he far wall, even bigger. Here and there, ont he sides, are spears , butt end embedded into the ground. On each is a head - goblin heads, troll heads and a half orc's head all decorate here. In a rusty red above the next door is th
[20:27] <Kotono> red above the next door is the following: LAST WARNING.
[20:28] <Kotono> As you stare ahead, one can hear a steady thumping of metal on metal ahead. Youc an't see anything, but it's a steady, pounding rhythm, even if muffled.
06[20:28] * Seira rolls her eyes, casting Detect Magic and looking around.
06[20:29] * Demedais pauses, looking around. "Something tells me what's in here may - emphasis on may - be more of an ally to us than not. A druid, maybe?"
01[20:29] <Seira> "We're not going to stab people without talking, first," Seira responds with a shrug. "Anyway, next door, if you will?"
[20:30] <Demedais> "You look it over, first." Demedais grins. "Likely not trapped but I'm not in the mood to gamble it."
01[20:31] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 32."12 [1d20=9]
01[20:31] <Seira> "I think the real challenge is past it."
[20:31] <Kotono> "Wait a moment," Abagail says, quickly casting a spell around herself, touching her shoulders.
[20:32] <Demedais> "Probably. Although if it's actually somethign we want to kill and not, say, said theoretical druid's pet..."
06[20:32] * Demedais moves to the door regardless and checks to see if he'll need to force it open again.
01[20:33] <Seira> "Though you're not officially in the chain of command, listen to my orders if we get into combat," Seira tells Abagail quietly, before snorting. "Druids? Who collect the severed heads of sentient forest dwellers?"
[20:34] <Kotono> Demedais can tell it'll take an effort, yes.
[20:34] <Demedais> "Sentient evil forest dwellers?" Demedais counters. "Besides, killing one to get many to back the hell off may be the saner method of staking out territory."
[20:34] <Kotono> "It doesn't really track...the only druid I've really known wouldn't do this," Pollyanna adds quietly.
01[20:34] <Seira> "Yeah, whatever, let's meet what's-his-face already."
[20:35] <Demedais> "Well, yes, but I'm not going to presume I know all the druids out there." Demedais notes, before moving to push the door open!
[20:36] <Kotono> OOC - STr check again.
01[20:36] <Seira> roll 1d20+1 aid
06[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+1 aid and gets 2."12 [1d20=1]
[20:36] <Demedais> roll 1d20+19 (kinda a formality, this, since I still pass on a 1, but DC 20 Concentrate check for Kensainess.
06[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+19 (kinda a formality, this, since I still pass on a 1, but DC 20 Concentrate check for Kensainess. and gets 32."12 [1d20=13]
[20:36] <Demedais> roll 1d20+10 push, push, push the door
06[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+10 push, push, push the door and gets 14."12 [1d20=4]
[20:37] <Kotono> Demedais struggles, and can't budge the door! Ow! His muscles protest the failed effort. OOC - 1 point of strength damage, Deme, due to overstraining your muscles.
[20:38] <Demedais> "Ch... this one seems jammed or something." Demedais grunts after a moment, rubbing his neck.
06[20:38] * Demedais then tries again, doubling his effort!
06[20:38] * Seira leans against the door. "I could help. Just cry uncle, and I'll get it open!"
[20:38] <Demedais> roll 1d20+9 lol doubling effort, I lose a point.
06[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+9 lol doubling effort, I lose a point. and gets 16."12 [1d20=7]
[20:39] <Kotono> Demedais tries again! He does better - he doesn't budge it still, but at least he doesn't strain his muscles.
[20:40] <Demedais> "Yeah, if you've got a magic to make this work better, forcing it's not working at all." Demedais grunts in irritation. "If it's a scroll, remind me to pay you back for it later."
06[20:41] * Seira snorts, and comes to stand in front of the door, reading from a scroll. "Just tend to yourself, and I'll have us past this in a flash!"
[20:41] <Demedais> "Right." Demedais mutters a prayer to Helm, relaxing his muscles as he does so.
[20:42] <Kotono> To the knock spell, the door opens! (More)
[20:45] <Kotono> This chamber widens out...wooooah. It's huge. Everything is oversized - an oversized bet in one corner, an oversized bookshelf, an oversized rug, an oversized cooking pot in a fire on the center of the room. In the back...is the biggest forge you've ever seen. Oversized weapons rest on a rack near it, as...(More)
[20:47] <Kotono> It's not really a man, even if it's humanoid. It's skin is faintly greenish tinted, rough bear hide armor worn over it's massive muscles. He's about twenty five feet wall and massively wide, a sharp gray beard on his face and a metal helmet. His eyes are green and he works at the forge. In his hands is the biggest hammer you've ever seen, the business end of it glowing red as he works on a giant slab of metal. However, this is all taken up by
[20:48] <Kotono> slab of metal. However, this is all taken up by something else. Coming right in front of the door...ack! It's just as big as the man! A massively oversized bear, waaaay too big! It roars at the party, it's claws like greatswords! As it obstructs the view and generally  menances, you hear the hammering stop. "Ah, dammit. No one reads anymore." It's a male voice from what you presume was the hammerer.
01[20:49] <Seira> "Oh, I read!" Seira responds brightly. "I was really impressed by the number of languages you knew. How could I not visit, then?"
06[20:53] * Demedais eyes the bear, one eyebrow raised as he ensures the other three stay back a bit. "Huh. ...Cool."
[20:53] <Kotono> "Then if you're so smart, explain what the hell you're doing here or you're bear food," the voice says gruffly, as the bear leans forward and roars again! A blast of warm breath buffets the party!
[20:54] <Kotono> "Uh..." Abagail takes a breath out, magical words on her lips. She stays well behind Demedais and Seira, looking ahead with careful, if shaky resolution.
01[20:54] <Seira> "Yeah, about that. I'm a dragon. I just came to talk, but if you don't call back your pet you'll need to look for a new one," Seira tells him calmly. "As it so happens, we're on official business from the human country of the United Baronies. It would really please me to talk things through with someone intelligent rather than pointlessly demonstrate our strength again."
[20:56] <Demedais> "Yeah, I'd... actually hate to hurt this thing, I must admit." Demedais says. "It's impressive, to say the least. But we've come mainly to try and get a grasp of what goes on out here. I take it you're far more often bothered than you like?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "...dragon?" The voice suddenly sighs. "Oh Kossuth DAMN it. Move." At that word, the dire bear glares at the party, but does back off. This gives the giant man a look at the party, a snort. "Hmph. Four of you. Speak quickly, what do you want."
06[20:59] * Seira takes a step forward. "We have received reports of unusually bright and powerful trolls and of strange women around these parts. Thus, we went to determine whether the reports were credible, and if the two were working together. Of more importance is whether either group wishes us harm." She smiles. "If the answer to that one is negative, then we would like to befriend them."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Hmph. I have nothing to do with any of that, unless some hare brain mistook me for a troll." He glares at Seira, "As I'm sure you noticed, I prefer to be left alone here and establish my forge in peace and solitude."
06[21:05] * Seira shrugs. "Don't look for offense where none was offered, please. You live here. I specifically listed two groups we were interested in, and included you in neither. So, you don't know enough to point us in the right direction?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "I say that 'cause I bet some others like me might've came here recently. Who else would I sell too," he gestures to the weapons. "Idiots are probably raising hell and think they own the entire forest."
06[21:07] * Demedais muses on this. "That'd explain the equipment some have seen, yes. Hm."
01[21:07] <Seira> "Ah. I don't really care if they raise hell as long as they don't bother the travelers, or the friend I have living nearby."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Like hell.l I haven't sold anything yet, I didn't get here too long ago. Unless someone's trying to squeeze in on my turf..." he growls darkly at that.
01[21:09] <Seira> "Who else would I sell to," Seira repeats thoughtfully. "I can guarantee that if you're as good as I think you are from simple observation, you'll make a nice sell in Balmuria. That's our home base, as it so happens, about two days' travel from here."
[21:10] <Demedais> "Oh? Alright, then." Demedais nods slightly. "I misunderstood; apologies for that. And... yes, Balmuria is always interested in excellent wares, if you've a mind to make them."
01[21:10] <Seira> "We would be more than happy to arrange for suitable accomodations, but if you'd prefer to just keep it to trade, we can do that too."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Hell," The giant gestures at an absolutely massive sword on the rack, far bigger than the one Demedais uses. "Can anyone in your town use something like that? Are there giants there?"
01[21:11] <Seira> "No, but I always thought that size didn't matter in crafting. You can always make smaller weapons, right?"
[21:12] <Demedais> "...Point." Demedais says with a slight grin, before letting Seira speak.
[21:13] <Kotono> "I could try, but that's like making a toothpick," the huge man snorts. "Gond in his craft, a sword like his really would be a toothpick for me."
01[21:14] <Seira> "Well, where magic's involved, nothing's impossible. But if it's too much bother to you, we'll leave it at that." Seira steps forward once more, extending her hand. "I'm Seira. It was nice meeting you."
[21:15] <Demedais> "Mmm. For weapons of that sort, this really is the best area I can think of that we've seen. Demedais, myself. Apologies for intruding."
[21:16] <Kotono> The giant's hand reaches out, enwrapping Seira! She's lifted up with ease, shaken up and down in the handshake! "We'll see."
[21:17] <Kotono> Pollyanna nods, her bow lowered but staying back.
[21:17] <Kotono> Abagail watches, but seems to be starting to relax.
[21:17] <Demedais> "You have any pressing concerns in the area, idly?" Demedais says, offering his own hand with a slight grin.
01[21:17] <Seira> "I was subtly hoping to get your name as well," Seira notes, not seeming bothered by the way she's shaken around.
[21:18] <Kotono> Demedais is lifted upa s well, the handshake more like being moved by something with a grip like steel. "Pressing concerns get a pressing spear out there," he gestures. "I can take care of myself."
[21:22] <Demedais> "Fair enough." Demedais grins wider at this, before waiting to see if Seira's more blunt comment gets a response.
[21:23] <Kotono> "Jobran," he answers after.
[21:24] <Demedais> "Very well, then. Good luck." Demedais nods.
01[21:24] <Seira> "A pleasure," Seira says, before giving him a wave and walking outside.
06[21:26] * Demedais gives one last amused look to the bear before following Seira, glancing to Pollyanna on the way out.
[21:35] <Kotono> Once the party is outside, Abagail sighs, "My word, that thing...it could've nearly swallowed one of us whole, or stepped on us by mistake!"
01[21:36] <Seira> "It's my first time meeting a nice giant, I think."
[21:37] <Kotono> "Have you met an unfriendly one before," Pollyanna inquires.
[21:40] <Demedais> "I've not met a giant, though I've faced a troll or two before." Demedais shrugs. "This guy seemed far more congenial."
[21:42] <Kotono> "It makes me want to learn that spell that shrinks the target," Abagail murmurs.
01[21:42] <Seira> "Not yet!" Seira tells Pollyanna. "In a way, I can't wait to see how quickly I could take a bad giant down. But if they're all as reasonable it'll remain a mystery."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Heh, heh," Pollyanna shakes her head, "As long as Demedais doesn't have to suffer it's club or hammer while you do that."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Speaking of spells that would work well here, anything that targets the giant's mind or presence might be able to fell them with one successful hit."
[21:45] <Kotono> "It's a good thought. I have a glitterdust, but that's not quite it," Abagail considers, as she starts to head along again. "I can change up tonight."
[21:45] <Demedais> "Eh. I wouldn't mind trying to stall against one of them, though taking it out in a straight fight would be quite a challenge...." Demedais muses.
01[21:45] <Seira> "Well, then. Let's go look around some more? If we spend a week here, camping, we should be able to see more."
[21:47] <Kotono> "Yes, let's go," Pollyanna agrees. OOC - Move laong?
01[21:47] <Seira> OOC: Yes
[21:48] <Kotono> The rest of the day passes without incident. The party stops to camp, Pollyanna stretching, "Do you want to do the same watch as last time?"
01[21:49] <Seira> "No," Seira says to that. "I would like you both to take the watch. Demedais could then use the restoration spells on you two, or we could have you rest while it's day."
06[21:50] * Demedais opens his mouth, before shrugging at this. "My restorations spells will not cover a full amount of time; we will need to rest during the day if we do this."
01[21:51] <Seira> "Why not?"
[21:53] <Demedais> "I will need to recover my energy myself. Unless you mind loaning the pearl for the night." Demedais replies.
01[21:54] <Seira> "You'll get it."
[21:54] <Demedais> "Very well, then." Demedais shrugs.
[21:54] <Kotono> "Alright," Pollyanna agrees to this, "You two rest well. We'll take care of it."
06[21:55] * Seira gets her bedroll without further ado.
[21:57] <Kotono> Thus the night falls. As the now slightly more than half moon looms over, spilling silverlight again...Pollyanna sighs gently. "Demedais?" she asks.
[21:57] <Demedais> "Yes?" Demedais asks, looking over to her with some slight concern.
[21:58] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles a moment, coming over to lightly touch his arm. "Oh...I just thought it was lovely out here with the moonlight. Isn't it?"
[21:59] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais smiles, looking up for a moment as he listens. "You doing alright?"
[22:00] <Kotono> "I'm fine." She smiles a little, walking over to him. "Do you normally fight things that huge, or was that giant big even for you?"
[22:01] <Demedais> "Bigger than I'm used to, if more straightforward." Demedais smiles, looking around again.
[22:02] <Kotono> OOC - Spot checks, you two.
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[22:02] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 righty-o, then
06[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 righty-o, then and gets 19."12 [1d20=6]
[22:03] <Kotono> "It's good you didn't have to fight it, then. That hammer was terrifying," Pollyanna shakes her head, as...OOC - Will saves and hate Hatbot time.
[22:03] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 23."12 [1d20=20]
[22:03] <Demedais> roll 1d20+12 well at least Pollyanna likely stays sane
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+12 well at least Pollyanna likely stays sane and gets 30."12 [1d20=18]
[22:04] <Kotono> There isa  momentary feeling of lull, like you're falling asleep. You see Pollyanna's head lean forward, as if she's sleeping, but she blinks it away at the last moment. "Wha..." Pollyanna blinks.
06[22:05] * Demedais glances to Pollyanna. "You, too? Then that's not normal." Demedais notes, before saying in the same tone, if forcefully, "Seira!"
06[22:07] * Seira wakes up! "What's wrong?" she asks, reaching for her sword.
[22:08] <Demedais> "I believe the same being as last time to have just passed nearby." Demedais says, turning to peer into the forests behind him. "Either that or it tried something and it failed to work; both myself and Pollyanna seemed on the cusp of falling asleep simultaneously."
01[22:10] <Seira> "Alright." Seira stands up, pointing to her right and left. "And you Pollyanna, go and explore in those directions. Signal any way you can if you've made contact. Return here in an hour if there's nothing." She raises her voice slightly, now. "Abagail! You'll come with me." Seira indicates the forward direction for the one she picked for herself.
[22:11] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais shrugs, heading right with a nod to Pollyanna.
06[22:11] * Seira waits on Abagail before heading out.
[22:16] <Kotono> OOC - Okay. Would each group please make spot or search checks, whichever is better?
[22:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 righty-o.
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 righty-o. and gets 19."12 [1d20=6]
[22:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 19."12 [1d20=10]
01[22:18] <Seira> OOC: If Abby has +5 or more to the check, I'd like her to take 10. If she has +2 to +4, let her roll. Otherwise, I will.
[22:18] <Kotono> OOC - She's not up on search or spot. Roll
01[22:20] <Seira> OOC: Oh wait search too? Taking 10 for 33 please.
[22:21] <Kotono> While Demedais and Pollyanna don't turn up anything, Seira has a little more luck. She finds a single footprint a ways from camp, a very faint trail that could be followed if anyone is so skilled.
06[22:23] * Seira sends an array of colorful lights into the sky to draw the others to her location, before indicating the tracks to Abagail. "Let's find out where they lead, shall we?"
06[22:24] * Demedais sees the lights after a moment, and abandons his search to go see what Seira has found.
[22:25] <Kotono> Abagail peers down at the trail, "You mean you can track that," she asks dubiously.
[22:25] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Demedais and Pollyanna come, the fairy lights doing their job.
01[22:25] <Seira> "I can try, and go for a spell that'll let me do it better tomorrow."
03[22:25] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
06[22:27] * Demedais nods at hearing this. "Let's see what can be done, then?"
01[22:27] <Seira> "Yes. In the meantime, unless anyone has a better idea, I'll just follow a vector from our camp that leads through this point.:
[22:28] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais shrugs.
[22:30] <Kotono> OOC: Going to try to hope and search for more tracks, Seira?
06[22:30] * Seira executes her plan, stopping every five minutes to check around the area.
[22:32] <Kotono> OOC: Rolling or taking 10 or something?
[22:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[22:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 23."12 [1d20=20]
[22:34] <Kotono> Abagail helps out some as Seira searches. She spends some time poking around here and there, time passing. After about a half hour of work, she finds what might be another foot print. It's heading to the north, a very light and well hidden step.
06[22:35] * Seira nods to herself, and fetches a map of the area, noting down their findings before looking whether the map handed to her indicates any caves and the like in the area.
[22:35] <Kotono> Nothing much around here, no. Just forest.
01[22:36] <Seira> "Let's give this another hour," Seira suggests. "Same pattern. We'll know more by then."
[22:37] <Kotono> "If you want," Pollyanan stretches and cracks her neck, smothering a yawn. "Whomever this is is really good. You can barely see that print there."
[22:37] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais intones, a slight shrug.
01[22:37] <Seira> "Or really slender!" Seira can't help but note.
[22:44] <Kotono> "Impressively so," Pollyanna murmurs in appreciation. OOC - Search check again.
01[22:45] <Seira> OOC: I'm good with taking 10, really, as long as people aid
[22:45] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 sure why not.
06[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 sure why not. and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[22:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
06[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
[22:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Polly
06[22:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Polly and gets 19."12 [1d20=11]
01[22:47] <Seira> OOC: 37
[22:47] <Kotono> Seira spends a long time searching, helping with others. While she feels she's close and works hard...she just can't quite find another track. Wherever it is, she can't find a continuation.
01[22:48] <Seira> "Alright. We'll move the camp here," Seira decides. "And start fresh the next day."
06[22:49] * Demedais nods once, slowly.

[Corwin]

[19:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ----
[19:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira, just so I'm sure since I was a little awayish at the end of Saturday: You guys made camp where you were and are splitting into two groups in the morning?
01[19:15] <Seira> That seems like our best option. How far am I from the nearest ranger station or whatever?
[19:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You're not close to anything like that, no. You guys ar epretty much into the Barbarian Lands and the wilderness now.
01[19:17] <Seira> I guess I'll teleport over to one, then.
01[19:19] <Seira> Can I?
[19:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Okay, you can try that. Fair warning, unless you've been to it or are blinking back to the one at the border that you saw, you'd be in the worst category.
01[19:19] <Seira> Yeah, that's fair. Do I know if people who can track exist at the one I visited recently?
[19:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There are decent odds. IT comes with the territory.
[19:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> I mean, it's off possible you'd get vastly unlucky and they're not there or tapped out, but odds are you can.
01[19:20] <Seira> Let's do this!
01[19:20] <Seira> roll 1d100
[19:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> ---
05[19:21] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Infinite_Ko_Loop invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[19:21] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-67-9-174-38.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[19:21] * Infinite_Ko_Loop sets mode: +v Hatbot
[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Anyway, roll itup.
01[19:23] <Seira> "We'll be going to pick up someone who tracks for a living," Seira muses. "It is somewhat pointless to try and find annoying nightly visitors without help like that."
01[19:23] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 80."12 [1d100=80]
[19:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Wink! The morning air is crisp and chill as the two appear. Abagail looks around, eyeing the two guards at watch. "Impressive magic. I should endevor to master spells like that soon," she opines.
[19:28] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The two guards glance back and forth, eyeing Seira and Abagail in some open surprise before stiffening into quick salutes.
01[19:29] <Seira> "It will be very useful if you could master it in the near future," Seira agrees, nodding. She salutes to put the guards at ease, before asking without preamble, "I need a volunteer to help me track someone in the Barbarian Lands. Their safety would be guaranteed."
[19:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Tracking, ma'am?" The first soldier says, "Got it." He goes into the guardhouse, a man coming out with him. He wears green tinted leather armor and has a bow and arrow on his back. He's rather scruffy looking, a worn trailpack on his back. "Holy shit what?" he says as he blinks and rubs his eyes, a look of detatchment changing to one of interest as he sees Seira. "Damn, did your dad sleep with a li-ooof!" The man's words are interr
[19:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Damn, did your dad sleep with a li-ooof!" The man's words are interrupted by the guard that got him, a quick elbow to his side.
06[19:34] * Seira stares at him silently.
01[19:35] <Seira> "My faith in humanity breaks, little by little, the more I interact with humans," she finally tells Abagail, turning to look at her companion. "But then we have people like you, so I hang in there."
[19:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Rubbing his side, "What..." He looks at Seira, before he blinks and dutifully salutes. "Sorry, ma'am, but you just really stand out."
01[19:37] <Seira> "Yeah, whatever. You have the skills, right? Let's go."
[19:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Abagail snorts, "When someone stands out like that, it means they're special and worthy of praise, not base ruminations on their parentage." Shaking her head in disdain to the soldier, "Yes, let's go," she says, perking up at Seira's words.
01[19:38] <Seira> "It's also the lack of common sense in those who are supposed to be trained soldiers around those who could affect their entire carreer," Seira comments to Abagail, already walking back into the Barbarian Lands.
[19:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The gruff man's back stiffens, before he rolls his eyes. "Look," he stops right there. "First, my name's Ellard, thanks for asking. Second, if you're gonna start throwing weight around, stop it. I'm already in the back end of nowhere following goblin tracks, so I don't really -care-."
06[19:47] * Seira peers at him over her shoulder. "Tracking goblins must be very exciting. We're going after mysterious women in leather. It is, of course, up to you to decide which you'd prefer to track down."
[19:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a sigh, Ellard starts to come. "Yeah," he hurries along and falls in step. "I was thinking about looking into those rumors myself, so..."
01[19:51] <Seira> "The plan is pretty simple. They come at night, so if it happens again as we travel, we'll try to force a meeting! If not, we'll get back all the way to where we found the last tracks and try to take it from there."
[19:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "How far is that?" Ellard asks, as meanwhile Abagail suppresses a sigh and keeps going.
01[19:55] <Seira> "Several days. I'm personally hoping they'll oblige us by trying to warn us off earlier, though."
[19:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ellard nods, starting to take point, "Lead on then." OOC - Do you want to skip along?
01[20:01] <Seira> OOC: yep
[20:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The rest of the day passes without incident. Come sunset, Abagail looks at the endless forest and breathes out, "So, Seira," she begins, "How are we to keep watch this night?"
01[20:16] <Seira> "I don't think you need to keep watch," Seira informs Abagail. "Ellard and myself will have it covered. However, at the first sign of anything out of the ordinary, I expect to be woken up. Of course, I'll do the same to you two if it happens during my watch."
[20:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ellard smothers a yawn in his hand, "Yeah, okay. Who's taking first watch then?"
06[20:18] * Seira flips a coin!
01[20:18] <Seira> roll 1d2
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d2 and gets 1."12 [1d2=1]
01[20:18] <Seira> "I'll go first," she responds.
02[20:18] * Laggy (~Laggy@adsl-68-126-190-75.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) Quit
[20:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good," Ellard kneels down next to a try, taking out a worn bedroll. "It's been a long day."
[20:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Abagail nods slightly, "Do be cautious, these reports rather make me curious."
06[20:21] * Seira shrugs. "I'll try not to be spirited away, but do track me down if the unfortunate though unlikely event occurs."
[20:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The night wears on. The waxing moon spills silvery light down through gaps in the foliage above. It's quite pretty, occasinal animal calls and distant wolf howls echoing. OOC - Seira, make a spot chec?
01[20:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+2  :)
06[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+2 :) and gets 20."12 [1d20=18]
[20:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> It's so pretty tonight. There are no goblins here, no trolls, only the natural and restful environs of the forest. With her magically augumented eyes of low light vision, Seira catches something out of the corner of her eye.
03[20:26] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-544119cb.l5.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:27] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[20:27] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:28] <Seira> "I came here to meet you and I will not leave until I have," Seira says loudly, not overtly looking in that direction even as she observes the area for movement with her peripheral vision. "Let's make this easy on all of us? I won't harm you if you agree to talk to me."
[20:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You see the glimpsed figure - it's a figure that stays just out of vision, moving like the wind. Yet it's somehow close enough to...OOC - WIll save, +2 bonus.
01[20:30] <Seira> OOC: Enchantment, evil, etc?
01[20:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+18
06[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 and gets 19."12 [1d20=1]
01[20:31] <Seira> OOC: Never mind, hate
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Glaringly moot. Hatbot giveth and Hatbot taketh.
[20:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira hears some noise behind her as the others sleep, but...her mind goes malleable. Blank. She's aware of things from a place besides her body. She's aware of hands holding her. "Your beauty is remarkable, even with such an exotic heritage," A woman's voice is heard from faraway. "But your soul struggles in it's ways, and your heart dedicated to another-hm?"  (More and PM both.)
[20:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> From farther away, Seira hears, "What the hell? GEt away from her!" Abagail's voice, groggy but quickening. Seira can dimly see in front of her - a woman's body in delicate, beautiful leather armor, stitched with green threads. She is close, a hand on Seira's shoulder, but her face is turned away, towards the camp.
01[20:36] <Seira> "I'm proud of my beauty," Seira murmurs. "And my heritage. Did you come to befriend me? That's why I'm here."
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "This forest is not a safe place. Our Great Mother Jannath is not the only one to have come to this place. Please, travel safely..." Her voice is soft and light, "But you..." Her eyes turn to Abagail, as...
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+5
06[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10."12 [1d20=5]
[20:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...aaah..." The woman smiles, as you hear a male voice let out a surprised call. "What the hell is going on..." he says, as...Seira's mind goes blank a few seconds. When it clears, "...Oh hell no," Ellard's voice is sharp and irritated. Then, a shake on Seira's shoulder as her vision clears.
06[20:41] * Seira looks around sharply.
[20:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Abagail is lying on the ground, dazed. Ellard is over Seira, shaking her shoulder. HIs bow is in his other hand, "You okay?"
01[20:43] <Seira> "Oh hell no," she echoes Ellard. "There is a bitch in leather running away and we're going after her." She makes her way to Abagail, slapping her cheek lightly for a reaction.
[20:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As Seira does this, Ellard peers ahead, already starting to study the ground. As this goes on, ""Ugh..." Abagail groans, blinking her eyes. "What happened?" she asks quickly, looking about with an abruptness.
01[20:45] <Seira> "Did you come across the name 'Jannath' in your studies? Great Mother of something or other?" Seira asks, helping Abagail get to her feet.
[20:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
[20:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+1
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+1 and gets 16."12 [1d20=15]
[20:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Can't say as I have," Ellard grunts as he works along. "Sounds kinda elvish, maybe? As he does..."
[20:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
01[20:47] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31."12 [1d20=20]
06[20:47] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 22."12 [1d20=11]
[20:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Got it!" He calls a few seconds later, "Oh yeah, she left a trail. She's way better than goblins, buts he's not that good."
01[20:48] <Seira> "She is so getting befriended," Seira promises angrily. "Let's go!"
[20:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Thus the trail is followed! Ellard keeps the pace slow as he follows, but after about a mile...
[20:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
[20:52] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+11 using feat reroll
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+11 using feat reroll and gets 19."12 [1d20=8]
[20:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Dammit," he stops after about a mile, in front of a thickening bit of trees. "I can't tell if she went on or went around this," he gestures, the thickness so much that it would be  aserious feat to go through it.
01[20:56] <Seira> "Would we see any signs if she did go through?" Seira asks, looking for any unnaturally broken branches or torn bits of leather.
[20:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's possible, but she's moving this well already, so I wouldn't bank on it," Ellard shakes his head. OOC - Seira, are you just looking or searching for those in earnest?
01[20:58] <Seira> OOC: I'll totally search if I can
[20:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Go for it.
01[20:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+23
06[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+23 and gets 38."12 [1d20=15]
01[21:00] <Seira> "We go forward," Seira decides, pointing out her findings to Ellard. "If you can't pick up a trail yet, try again once it's less dense."
[21:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Sure," Ellard agrees, taking the lead and starting to clear branches out of the way for easier travel into the thicket. Abagail follows, "Do all of your heroics involve sacrificing so much sleep time, Seira?" she asks.
01[21:05] <Seira> "Usually, my enemies show the courtesy of sleeping during the night and facing me while the sun's out," Seira responds. "However, whenever an idiot comes that breaks the unspoken code, you just suppress all this anger until you see them again, when it would all be unleased."
[21:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It is rather bothersome. Fortunately, I didn't cast anything but prestigidation this past night." Sniffing the air as you press inward, "Ah well, I suppose we must make these bothersome sacrifices."
[21:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ellard leads you along perhaps a minute, before...the silver light grows stronger, even as the forest thickens. Yet straight ahead is a perfect path, as if carved out from the forest by a hand.
06[21:08] * Seira signals them to stop. "This is where I cast the preliminary spells. Worst case, I've just wasted them for nothing and will have to meditate again. But if it turns into a nasty fight, I wouldn't want to be caught without them."
06[21:09] * Seira recasts Mage Armor and calls upon Heroism afterwards, before deeming herself ready to proceed.
[21:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Abagail does the same, magical armor invoked onto herself. Ellard watches and shivers, "Damn," he murmurs, but continues onward. The party proceeds on the path! It twists and turns a bit, but stays solid even as the woods get thicker. After about three minutes...(More in PM.)
[21:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hm?" Abagail murmurs quietly. She looks ahead, cocking her head. "My word, what...is that?"
06[21:16] * Seira frowns. "Alright. If there are too many of them at our destination than I can safely protect you from, I'll send us back by way of teleport. Don't stray too far from me."
06[21:17] * Seira draws her sword and proceeds.
[21:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...yeah..." Ellard murmurs quietly. "But...it's so beautiful. It's better than the songs Mother used to sing." He starts to walk forward, gaze focused ahead.
[21:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+5
06[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
[21:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+3
06[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19."12 [1d20=16]
01[21:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 24."12 [1d20=4]
[21:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Ellard and Abagail pick up their pace, hurrying along!
06[21:20] * Seira picks up her pace to match theirs.
[21:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The path soon widens out to a field. This field is empty of trees, yet a large full moon shines over it. In this moonlight you can see it... dancers. Perhaps a dozen of them, women in leather armor. They dance and sing in the moonlight with an unearthly, flawless grace. AS soon as they see them, Abagail and Ellard approach them, beginning to dance as well. "Come yes," One of the women calls, "More revelers to revere Jannath! Come an
[21:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "More revelers to revere Jannath! Come and show her your worship this beautiful night!"
06[21:28] * Seira snaps her fingertips, as catches the woman who had spoken and any unlucky flunky who might happen to be near with glitterdust. "Undo the spell on my companions. Stop trying to break my mind with magic. Resistance would lead to me wiping you out." Seira frowns, calling for stoneskin to augment her defenses. "You may keep on dancing, if you'd like."
01[21:29] <Seira> OOC: DC22
[21:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 16."12 [1d20=7]
[21:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
[21:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d20+9
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 19."12 [1d20=10]
06[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d20+9 and gets 19."12 [1d20=10]
[21:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The dance stops as golden glitter covers three of the dancing women! They cry out as the beautiful melody comes to an end! One steps forward, a sad look on her face. "You have come to our home and come in with an attack in your heart?" she asks, voice heavy. "You bring great disrespect onto Jannath with your actions."  The woman spread out at this, watching, as Ellard and Abagail just stand still and stare.
01[21:37] <Seira> "We clearly started on the wrong foot," Seira responds, her mouth a thin line. "It must have been when one of you came into MY camp and used mind magics on ME when all I asked for, politely, was to start peaceful dialogue with you. I don't take kindly to being targetted, and I like it when those under my care get ambushed even less.
01[21:37] <Seira> Now, free my two companions, I will take off the painless, harmless spell I placed on your friends, and we just might have this peaceful chat after all. And hey, I'm not averse to dancing if it's of my own free will. But that free will part? Vital component."
[21:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have nothing but good intentions, for the forest is a dangerous, mystical place. Perhaps you are treading somewhere you are better not to?" The woman asks right back. "What is your interest in us, then, to seek us so?"
01[21:52] <Seira> "I don't intend to hide anything nor lie," Seira responds. "But I would like to see a show of good will by returning my charges to their senses."
[21:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - Make a diplo check here, Seira.
01[21:55] <Seira> OOC: 10 for 31, please
[22:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There is a terse, tense pause, before Ellard and Abagail fall to their rears. They blinka nd look about in a dazed confusion, faces wide open. "Very well, I'll hear your words," the woman states.
01[22:02] <Seira> "My intentions are likewise good," Seira tells them, sheathing her sword while allowing Abagail and Ellard to recover their senses. "I serve the human land of the United Baronies -- specifically, the city of Balmuria which borders this land.
01[22:02] <Seira> There have been reports of travelers witnessing dangerous things; indeed, we have since discovered that those were giants, beings that we had thought extinct in the world. The other reports covered your group, and we had to know your intentions.
01[22:02] <Seira> As for treading where I'm not supposed to? If anyone laid claim to this land recently, I wasn't informed, and I can defend myself adequately from any mindless monsters uninterested in sorting things out by dialogue. The safety of the travelers to and from our lands, as well as our own security made this expedition necessary."
[22:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have no desire in your lands nor to do them harm," The woman speaks in soft tones now, restful. "Our business is only in this forest. But, you have come into our home now."
01[22:14] <Seira> "So I have," Seira agrees. "Could you please explain why one of you looked into my head to find my... loved one, you said? I think those were the words. My mind was a bit hazy, and that's another thing I'd like explained, if you will. I recall a mention of these lands being dangerous, but if you think so, would you truly be putting travelers off balance,
01[22:14] <Seira> giving all those dangers to strike at them unopposed?"
[22:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have a few other purposes here as well...but you are of no part of it." Smoothly going on, "It would be best if you left this forest. We have already done battle twice with forest giant and giant-kin, as well as several lesser encounters with trolls and goblins."
[22:17] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC - GAh, premature.
[22:18] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We have a few other purposes here as well...but you are of no part of it." Smoothly going on, "It would be best if you left this forest. We have already done battle twice with forest giant and giant-kin, as well as several lesser encounters with trolls and goblins." Stopping there for a moment, "Our Great Mother wishes for us to balance and combat these dangers, and thus we will."
01[22:25] <Seira> "I don't intend to live here as a hermit, so I could accomodate you," Seira muses. "But I would need to bring information to my superiors, or they would send more expeditions. Lots of them, to no end. Settling things here would really be to the best of our mutual interests, wouldn't you agree?"
[22:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That would be folly, for it would only bring war and death to the forest." The woman's words turn sadder, "I would hope you would not insist on such folly."
01[22:29] <Seira> "I hope so too!" Seira agrees, her demeanor becoming brighter. "Now, from what you're saying, the giants and other forest inhabitants are currently opposing you? What is the nature of the conflict? Territorial, religious?"
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "This is not a matter for those outside of this to worry overmuch of," she cautions. "We only wish to be left alone in this. But...it is natural. Many forest giants are nothing more than brutes, and thus destroy. Destruction is not the way of Jannath, thus we have come to oppose them."
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh..." Abagail moans, holding her head. "Seira?" she blinks slowly, looking about.
01[22:33] <Seira> "Forgive me for being lax in my studies, but could you tell me more about Jannath?" Seira asks. She gestures for Abagail to keep her cool but doesn't otherwise react to her. "My apologies, once more, for a disrespectful question like that."
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Now her smile slightly increases, "Jannath is the true form of the Great Earth Mother. A few humans worship a misleading aspect of her, or so I have heard. Do you know of the scriptures of Chauntea?"
01[22:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 no idea!
06[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 no idea! and gets 21."12 [1d20=10]
01[22:36] <Seira> OOC: Do I?
06[22:39] * Seira snaps her fingers, this time no malicious spell coming to pass. "Right! Now I'm connecting the dots. But wouldn't you fall more under, I dunno, Sylvanus's domain? Or Mielikki's?"
[22:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Jannath's true worship is one of the wild. What a few humans might remember is simply an incomplete, incorrect face. We hold to be the true service of the Great Mother." At this, the other woman behind her gather into a row, beginning to sing. It is the same hymn of praise as before, ascending and beautiful.
06[22:45] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "Alright. Would you be willing to teach a few select representatives of ours more about your faith? I can assure you that I would only pick those who would be absolutely safe, even if they had to go one on one against a giant."
[22:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "There may come such a time as we do," The murmur is soft, the song picking up energy and beauty. "Do you wish to understand of her yourself?"
01[22:53] <Seira> "Yes," Seira says curtly. "However, before that, I must understand you better. Could you tell me where you came from?"
[22:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "This is our home and our home is this place." The full moon glows brighter, spreading it's benedictions down. "Look to the moon - Selune still sends her blessings to Jannath, even now. We come from here, this place of blessings."
06[23:01] * Seira nods. "Alright, I'll have to take that as an answer. Would you have the time to teach me about Jannath tonight, or should I return? And if I return, do I come to this place, or do you travel from field to field?"
[23:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The first step to understanding Jannath...is to join us," Beckoning on, "Come. Praise Jannath with us under the moonlight."
01[23:05] <Seira> "I'll try it," Seira agrees with a shrug, after a moment's thought. She gestures for her companions to stay back, before approaching the woman she'd been talking to. "I just have to copy you until I get the hang of it, right?"
[23:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes," The woman smiles, as the dancing begins. "Just copy us."
06[23:07] * Seira does her best to copy the woman, after making certain that Abagail has command of her sense and observes them from a certain distance.
[23:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Dancing. Seira can't pin exactly when and how it was, but there was dancing. A smile comes over her face as her eyes open, the morning sunlight peeking through the treetops. Dancing. There was very much dancing. Like a festival all night, hazy like a faraway memory. A strange, contented joy flowers within her as she realises she is lying on the ground. She feels very much at peace.
06[23:13] * Seira first and foremost makes sure she is still fully clothed, as she has sadly started to do whenever she returns from a trance-like state.
[23:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira is fully clothed. Lying to her left is Abagail, and lying to her right is Ellard. They are both blinking awake as well, wearing completely relaxed looks of happiness.
01[23:14] <Seira> "You got drawn into it after all?" Seira asks them.
[23:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I...think so," Abagail laughs a little despite it, carefree. "Aaah...that was such fun...I think."
01[23:18] <Seira> "When nothing is taken or missing, it's a good sign," Seira muses, lying back on the grass. "Well, I think we pretty much got what we came here for. I'd like to stay near this spot for a day to confirm if they'll return here or relocate, but after that we could just teleport back to civilization."

[Corwin]

01[18:56] <Corwin> [23:14] <Seira> "You got drawn into it after all?" Seira asks them.
01[18:56] <Corwin> [23:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I...think so," Abagail laughs a little despite it, carefree. "Aaah...that was such fun...I think."
01[18:56] <Corwin> [23:18] <Seira> "When nothing is taken or missing, it's a good sign," Seira muses, lying back on the grass. "Well, I think we pretty much got what we came here for. I'd like to stay near this spot for a day to confirm if they'll return here or relocate, but after that we could just teleport back to civilization."
[18:57] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Abagail struggles to try and get the smile off her face, but fails completely. "What exactly were they? I was spellbound, wasn't I?"
01[18:59] <Corwin> "Probably," Seira responds. "I hoped you would stay away, but I suppose the pull was too strong. In any case, they were weird, but they're worshipping a nature goddess in an out of the way area and are a counterweight to our giant neighbors. I don't really have complaints."
[19:00] <Kotono> Ellard sighs, "Nor do I. That was...special. Completely insane, but special."
01[19:01] <Corwin> "Well, let's see about making a camp near here, then. I do want to test my last theory."
[19:01] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Abagail quietly agrees. OOC - What do you want to do here? Wait a day and see if anythin ghappens, or anything more?
01[19:02] <Corwin> OOC: Wait a day and see if they come visit me again at night. If not, a bit after midnight, I'll go visit this field.
[19:08] <Kotono> The day passes by quietly enough. While a watch is kept, nothing of importance occurs. It's a very restful day, the good mood lingering into the night...OOC - Ball's in your court, Seira.
06[19:09] * Corwin waits until it's past midnight, and goes to see whether the field she tracked her new friends to the other day is empty on this night.
01[19:10] <Corwin> *Seira
03[19:10] * Corwin is now known as Seira
[19:16] <Kotono> Thus Seira heads down the path. She heads to the thicket of trees, wading in where she did last night. However, as she pushes into the bush...she finds that there is no perfect path in it now, no lead deeper into it. Just overgrown forest, thick and heavy.
01[19:17] <Seira> "Annoying." She returns to the camp, deciding to call it a night at that.
[19:21] <Kotono> Thus the night passes. Abagail rises early, and on the sunrise, "Ah," she scowls, "What of Demedais and the other woman? Are they to ride home by themselves?"
01[19:22] <Seira> "That's Pollyanna, and sure, why not?" Seira shrugs for good measure. "He's pretty strong, and she's smart enough to know when to run and lucky enough to survive till now, despite the odds."
[19:23] <Kotono> "Alright, then teleport us home?" Abagail sniffs, "I'll be so happy to get a real bath and not lie on pine needles and leaves."
[19:23] <Kotono> Ellard just rubs his nose, eyeing Seira but keeping his peace.
01[19:24] <Seira> "How about you?" Seira asks Ellard. "I can take you back to Balmuria, or back to the border, if you'd like."
[19:25] <Kotono> "Balmuria's fine," he says, "I'll just travel back from there."
01[19:26] <Seira> "Alright," Seira agrees, stopping. "This is a fine spot for a teleport. Keep near, won't you?"
01[19:26] <Seira> roll 1d100 inn
05[19:26] -batcave.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[19:26] * Retrieving #evildunes modes...
03[19:26] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-67-9-174-38.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[19:26] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[19:27] <Seira> roll 1d100 inn
06[19:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 inn and gets 71."12 [1d100=71]
[19:30] <Kotono> Thus Seira arrives home! A night of rest is pleasant to recharge. As the inn settles in for that evening, Donald takes a moment to talk to Seira alone. "Oi, Seira," he says, the two standing away from all the buzz and bustle. "Been busy? There's something I want to pass ontot you."
01[19:31] <Seira> "I like presents," Seira responds eagerly to that.
[19:33] <Kotono> Scratching at his face, "Well...I wouldn't quite call this a PRESENT, but it's....something." Donald decides on that after a few moments of deep thought. "A few nights ago a small group of gentlemen gathered here. They spent the night talking about dragons, even calling themselves a 'dragon study group' and that they were meeting in the abode of the closest dragon blooded in the Baronies."
01[19:34] <Seira> "Uh--" For a change, Seira isn't certain what to say.
01[19:34] <Seira> "Did they want to become my flunkies?" she finally asks.
[19:35] <Kotono> For a moment, Donald blinks. "Yeah, about my reaction." he says, "They gabbed about Kondrux awhile, then went into dragon legends. I'm not sure - they used a ton of big words and acted very brainy about it. They did ask to see you."
01[19:36] <Seira> "Well, I'm here now...." Seira makes a show of looking around for any dragon fanboys. "I do have some time to meet them."
02[19:36] * taislumbershavingslaintherat (Taishyr@58.194.238.102) Quit (Ping timeout)
[19:36] <Kotono> "One of them left contact information if you wanted to meet them." Donald says, "I can go see if they're interested and drag 'em over if you like."
06[19:37] * Seira considers, before nodding. "Sure thing. I can put my plans on hold for a while."
[19:44] <Kotono> "Right," Donald cracks his neck before turning for the door. "I'll be back with 'em soon."
01[19:46] <Seira> "Show them to my library," Seira calls after him, making her way there with a bottle of wine and several glasses.
[19:48] <Kotono> A half hour passes in waiting before Donald leads them in. He shakes his head and hides a smile as he sees Seira. Behind him are three men - relatively aged and decently dressed, each carrying along books and scrolls. "Aaah," the lead one peers through small spectacles, "Seira of the Crimson Guard?" he asks, eyes roaming her. "'tis true? You have dragon's blood in your veins?"
[19:48] <Kotono> The second, a bald man with quick blue eyes peers as well, "It does look it, yes. Fascinating. Dragons are so rare, let alone a crossbreed...it is truly an honor and a spectacular opportunity."
01[19:48] <Seira> "Yes. You can't have it, if you came here for it."
[19:50] <Kotono> The third man sighs a little, opening a book and making a check mark with ab it of charcoal. "Damn. Well, there's still a lot of other chances," he says, sitting down. "Thank you for seeing us regardless. We're scholars studying dragons; Balmuria's recent dragon attack and your presence has piqued our interests."
[19:50] <Kotono> "Relatively recent," The first man corrects, sitting as well. "A dragon attack within twenty years can be recent by this scale," he checks, idly brushing back his white shock of hair.
01[19:51] <Seira> "I studied dragons, too! It's quite an interesting field of study," Seira agrees. "Is there anything in particular I could help you with? I've met half a dozen dragons by now, which is probably more than anyone in these parts."
[19:53] <Kotono> The third man scribbles a bit more in his book, "Yes, we have many questions. Dragon specimens are so rare, after all."
[19:53] <Kotono> The second man looks on at Seira with overflowing interst, "First of all, who is your sire? Where does your dragon's blood come from? Do you know?"
01[19:54] <Seira> "He's not my sire, and yes," she responds.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Then where does it come from," The first man asks.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Fascinating..." The third continues to work awayi n his book, "Do you know any other living dragons?"
01[19:57] <Seira> "I'm sorry, that's a personal question," she responds to the first, before tilting her head in thought. "Only two; a golden dragon and a red one. Dragons tend to die violently when they get too involved, here on Prime."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Fascinating..." Repeating that, "Dragons are paragons of power and might, yet you say they die violently here? On the Prime, no less, are you saying that dragons are really extraplanar? Are they related to outsiders?" This question comes quickly, as the second man's eyebrows raise. "My word, that would be a revolutionary revelation if it's true. It would explain the immortality and vast power the possess."
01[20:02] <Seira> "Dragons... although one would view them as independant, it seems the opposite is actually true. Those on Prime tend to have otherworldly backers, who are attracted to the dragons' immense powers. As they are forced to play in these machinations, dragons often find their deaths. It seems the truly independant ones are the exception here, these days."
06[20:02] * Seira pauses before continuing, "And what if I told you that dragons have, in fact, emigrated off Prime after the great cataclysm of the past?"
[20:06] <Kotono> "That would explain why ther eare so few?" The third scholar notes, "That some horrible catastrophe removed all the dragons, that is. So you equate dragons to pawns on the Prime, caught up in great events by otherworldly powers?"
01[20:07] <Seira> "Pawns? No. But even a queen is a slave, just a vastly more powerful one. In order to secure a win, she can be sacrificed just as well as a pawn."
[20:10] <Kotono> "Mmm, mmm..." All the men are quiet for a few moments, "Was that the position Kondrux was in, then?"
03[20:10] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5442d49d.lns2-c8.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #evildunes
03[20:11] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
01[20:11] <Seira> "I don't believe so, actually," Seira muses. "I figure he was one of the exceptions."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Mmm, mmm..." They listen a little more. "So Kondrux was essentially an isolated incident?" The first man asks. "So your apperance here is unrelated to his apperence?"
03[20:13] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:14] <Seira> "Do you believe in coincidences?" Seira asks her guests with a smile.
[20:14] <Kotono> "That would be a notable coincidence," The third man scowls, "Nothing is coincidence; coincidence is merely shorthand for not being able to correclty attribute the causes of a situation."
06[20:15] * Seira nods. "As it was in this case, yes. I suppose I don't mind sharing this much -- Kondrux's sudden appearance expedited my own plans and preparations."
[20:17] <Kotono> "I see," The first man rubs his chin slowly, "You mentioned a gold and a red one. ARe they friendly? Can they be contacte4d?"
01[20:18] <Seira> "They are friendly to me. But the red one would probably eat you if I introduced you to him." Seira shrugs apologetically. "His divine masters are responsible for this rather than a sour disposition on his part, I must add."
[20:20] <Kotono> "
[20:20] <Kotono> "Divine masters?" The second man sniffles and peers ahead at Seira. "What divine masters does he serve?"
01[20:21] <Seira> "Oh, all of them, actually. It's a rare case where all the gods got together and actually agreed on something, then tasked him with doing it."
[20:22] <Kotono> There's a long silence there, dead. The three stare at Seira with open amounts of shock and interest, "Whaaaaat?!"
01[20:23] <Seira> "I get the feeling that I am talking and you're only humoring me," Seira says, frowning. "It would all go so much smoother if you just take me at my word."
[20:24] <Kotono> "No no," The first man swallows long, "You're telling us such useful and fascinating things that we must learn more. What could so drive the Gods into agreeing? Some of them are the diametric opposites of one another!"
[20:25] <Kotono> "It is fascinating," The third man scribbles furiously in his book. "I theorised that dragons may have divine sponsorship at times, and this helps confirm such matters."
01[20:26] <Seira> "For an answer to that you would need to study indepth into gnomish history," Seira tells them. "I could just spoil everything, but finding out for yourselves is part of the fun."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Gnomes?" The third one blinks and shrugs, "Very well, I think I'll do that. ALso, what of the golden dragon?"
[20:30] <Kotono> "A red and a gold dragon," The second one scowls, "It does remind me of that bard's tale that gets sung about."
01[20:31] <Seira> "The golden dragon isn't on this plane of existence right now, but I'll be sure to tell him that some people want to meet him when I see him again," Seira promises. "And that tale, right? I think I've actually narrowed down Kagnap and Goldan's hiding place."
[20:35] <Kotono> "They still live and you know where they are?" The interest of the three turn to SEira like laserbeams. "Really?"
01[20:37] <Seira> "I have very, very good reasons to believe they still live," Seira affirms. "And like I said, I recently found clues as to their probably locations. It would probably be a horribly dangerous expedition, but are you by any chance interested?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "...how dangerous?" The third one asks, "Ah, but we are but scholars, not adventurers. When we need such, we hire out willing adventurers."
01[20:40] <Seira> "Well, we could just share the burdens of preliminary research, and I'll let you know how things went after."
[20:44] <Kotono> "That would be acceptable," The first man says, "Finding those two would be a discovery of a lifetime."
01[20:45] <Seira> "Yeah, pretty much," Seira agrees. "I have my notes on them close by. You can read Draconic, I presume?"
[20:46] <Kotono> "Of course," The second man nods swiftly. "I even dream in it."
01[20:48] <Seira> "That's... actually something I didn't really need to know," Seira says bluntly. "Anyway. My notes are in Draconic." She fetches the ones she took relating to the pair's old lair somewhere in the area that is now Kelara. "If you have something corresponding the information I have, or something I've missed, please contribute."
[20:52] <Kotono> The ones read and read and read, going quiet as they examine. They crowd around one chair, going at it with eyes wide open. They become completely absorbed, but as they read, "...Kelara?" One asks aloud. "That's well to the west of the Deserts, yes?"
01[20:53] <Seira> "Yes. I've visited recently, and though I found no signs on a preliminary check, I intend to go back in a few weeks."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Right, right," Another says as they keep reading. "..mmmm. The Fairest Star?" comes next, voice filling with interest. "All of this...what is all ofthis? It's hinting at things that...!"
01[20:59] <Seira> "First of all, this is not something that should be discussed lightly," Seira cautions. "Secondly, I already pointed you in the right direction. After you discover the story for yourselves, I'll fill in the blanks for you."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Live, growth and development, eh?" Darlina murmurs, thinking.
[21:04] <Kotono> OOC - STrike. -_-
[21:07] <Kotono> "THis is...quite a lot," The third man says, writing furiously. "Could you give us a little time to absorb all of this?"
01[21:08] <Seira> "Yeah, sure. I'll be away on business for a few days, and could be reached for emergencies -- Donald would know how to get in touch with me. Let's meet again in a week's time?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "Thank you," The nod in agreement, "We will."

[Corwin]

[06:54] <Cute_DM_Kochan> ----
[06:56] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Thus the party sleeps the rest of the night and then splits up with Seira and Abagail. As the morning sun dances amid the leaves and splatters a field of shadows and light over the forest, "Which way do you want to go, Demedais?" Pollyanna asks, as you stand at the now quiet camp.
06[06:58] * Demedais grunts. "I figure we re-align ourselves with our previous path and continue taking that. Really, since Seira has the map, we're likely just going to want to do general sweeps of the area. So... south-southeast, for now. Sound logical?"
[06:59] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Pollyanna nods, flashing a warm smile. "That works for me." Checking her bow briefly, Pollyanna then begins to walk...OOC - Skip ahead?
[07:00] <Demedais> OOC: Sure.
[07:00] <Demedais> OOC: But don't we have horses?
[07:01] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC: You're right, but it's just  aturn of phrase. <_<
[07:03] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Noon comes and goes, as well as the afternoon meal. You come to a small patch of thorny bushes, overruing the area. It's only about sixty feet wide, but it's enough to make you have to go around as you approach. However, you note something odd - there's a rough hewn slab of stone jutting out of the ground in front of it, three feet tall and two wide.
06[07:04] * Demedais eyes the stone warily, slowly looking around it on the horse. "You seen anything like this before?"
[07:05] <Cute_DM_Kochan> The stone has some carvings on the front - looks like letters, maybe, but you'd have to go and peer. "Looks like a marker stone or a tombstone, or perhaps a more permanent sort of sign?" Pollyanna glances about. "Maybe a warning about those bushes?"
06[07:06] * Demedais nods. "Possible... Let me see if I can read the stone, though it's admittedly unlikely. You keep an eye out for an ambush?"
[07:07] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Pollyanna nods, a quick motion to draw and ready her bow with an arrow. "If I scream about devils or giants, hurry on over," she says, a faint look of amusement before she settles in.
[07:07] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+9
05[07:07] -batcave.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Cute_DM_Kochan invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[07:07] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-67-9-174-38.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[07:07] * Cute_DM_Kochan sets mode: +v Hatbot
[07:08] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+9
06[07:08] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+9 and gets 17."12 [1d20=8]
[07:08] <Demedais> "Gotcha." Demedais grins, spurring the horse forward a bit as he moves in.
[07:10] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Demedais approaches the slab! As he gets closer, he can see the following is carved into the stone in crude Common: Here lies Jack of Valandia, gutted by a troll.
[07:10] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC - Gah.
[07:11] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Demedais approaches the slab! As he gets closer, he can see the following is carved into the stone in crude Common: Here lies Jack of Valandia, gutted by a troll. Ilmater end your suffering at last in the sleep of the soil.
[07:12] <Demedais> "Jack, of Valandia..." Demedais turns back to Pollyanna after a final look over the area, shaking his head.
[07:12] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "Hm? What was it?" Pollyanna asks, curious. "Anything important?"
[07:14] <Demedais> "A gravestone. Jack, of Valandia. Trolled." Demedais replies, shaking his head. "I'd ask Seira to check the brambles for magic, but it's probably just a natural occurance, if odd. I don't feel much need to go in; you interested?"
[07:17] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "Not at all. I've been through thorny bushes before...ugh." With a look of distaste, "You get a dozen little, swollen jabs out of it and little else. Let's just go around. ...still, odd that someone goes to the trouble of a tombstone out here. Must've been travelling with a family member."
[07:19] <Demedais> "Or close friend, yes." Demedais shrugs. "Sad, but what's to be done...? Let's go. If we hear anything more of him, I'll keep this in mind, but it's doubtful."
[07:21] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "Right," Pollyanna agrees, travelling on. The rest of the day passes without particular incident, until about an hour before dusk. In the last full blasts of the daily sunshine, you begin to smell it in the air. The thick, cloying scent of smoke. A wet, woody smoke, a smell that makes it difficult to breathe.
06[07:22] * Demedais reins in the horse. "A fire...? Forest fire? Do you see anything, Pollyanna?" he asks, looking around carefully as he holds his breath a bit.
[07:24] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+9 and you can make a spot check if you want as well
06[07:24] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+9 and you can make a spot check if you want as well and gets 28."12 [1d20=19]
[07:24] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 kay
06[07:24] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 kay and gets 28."12 [1d20=15]
[07:25] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Pollyanna looks about, before squinting her eyes and peering to the east. "That way," she points rather grimly. "It's coming from the east." On his ownl ook, Demedais can see the same. The wind is carrying the smoke that way, the far distance in the forest beginning to become slightly obscured because of it.
[07:25] <Demedais> "Ah, hell. I might be able to do something about it, but let's quickly circle out of upwind before we approach. Keep an eye on for whoever set it as well."
[07:25] <Demedais> "Assuming, of course, it was maliciously set."
[07:27] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "Right," Pollyanna hurries along, keeping an eye out as you begin to circle northward! (More)
[07:27] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+9
06[07:27] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26."12 [1d20=17]
[07:28] <Cute_DM_Kochan> About five minutes of riding helps get you out of the direct cast of wind, though the scent still lingers. In fact, it's getting stronger overall, just tha you're improving your position. (More)
[07:30] <Cute_DM_Kochan> About ten more minutes of travel slightly reduces the light as sunset creeps closer, but you begin to see. Ahead you can glimpse it, far away and obscured by a row of trees 140 feet away, then a clearing. This 'clearing' has the shadows of huts and bodies on the ground, for it is burning most merrily.
06[07:32] * Demedais pauses, looking ahead for a moment. "Human, or... Should we look closer?"
[07:37] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC - Spot again if you like.
[07:37] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 Where's Waldo?
06[07:37] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 Where's Waldo? and gets 30."12 [1d20=17]
06[07:40] * Demedais looks to Pollyanna. "I'd like to look into this further. Keep watch that whatever did this doesn't decide to ambush us... and get something around your mouth and nose to bypass the smoke." Demedais follows his own advice, withdrawing a cloth bandana and covering his nose and mouth with it, looking to Pollyanna to ensure something similar before continuing on.
[07:41] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Pollyanna goes to her pack, taking out a red cloth. She ties it over her face, shielding it from the smoke. Thereafter she readies her bow and arrow, as well as her eyes. "Careful to you too," she smiles briefly. "Don't get set on fire again."
[07:42] <Demedais> "Gh." Demedais grins. "Hopefully this armor helps. You be careful, too." With that, he moves forward carefully, sword at the ready.
[07:44] <Cute_DM_Kochan> After about going 30 feet, Demedais can smell something horrible with the smoke. It's not smoke, but it smells godawful and only makes it worse. After approaching 60 feet, Demedais can also smell the juicy scent of cooking flesh. (More)
[07:44] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+9
06[07:44] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+9 and gets 26."12 [1d20=17]
[07:44] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20-2
06[07:44] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20-2 and gets -1."12 [1d20=1]
[07:46] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC: The roll's off; I read that it didn't have a skill when it did. Still, with that roll, it's largely moot.
[07:47] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "From the side!" Pollyanna calls abruptly, "Left side!"
06[07:48] * Demedais turns and steps back two paces, calling his armor into place as he looks to his left!
[07:50] <Cute_DM_Kochan> It's coming through the smoke filled and foresty haze! It's huge! It towers through the trees, advancing with a deadly, reckless speed! It's skin is tinted slightly green and it's over 20 feet tall, a crude but sharp spear in it's hands! "Waaaaargh! There will be no survivors!" OOC - Initiative.
[07:50] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 mmhmm, right.
06[07:50] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 mmhmm, right. and gets 14."12 [1d20=13]
[07:54] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+2
06[07:54] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[07:55] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+7
06[07:55] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+7 and gets 15."12 [1d20=8]
03[07:55] * Cute_DM_Kochan changes topic to 'Pollyanna>Deme>Biiiiiiiiiiig green man'
[07:56] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "Demedais, lethal force?" Pollyanna calls as the green man rushes on.
[07:56] <Demedais> "If he's yelling about no survivors... probably the safer method!" Demedais growls, preparing.
[07:57] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Without even slowing her pace, Pollyanna draws a threeset of arrows and lets fire! "Right!" she calls.
[07:57] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+10
[07:57] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+10
06[07:57] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+10 and gets 14."12 [1d20=4]
06[07:57] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+10 and gets 16."12 [1d20=6]
[07:57] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+5
06[07:57] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+5 and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
[07:58] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Quickly letting loose, Pollyanna gets of three good shots! However, none of the flaming arrows are doing much in the way of hitting the giant! OOC - Deme.
[08:11] <Demedais> "So, what precisely are you doing here, green dude?" Demedais grins, turning to face him. "And why are you bothering to fight everything in range? Answer and we can end this, but I won't hold back otherwise!" Demedais spurs the horse on, charging straight at the beast!
[08:12] <Demedais> roll 1d20+23 (+1 Haste +2 Charge +2 helm) let's see what you're weak to, green dude!
06[08:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+23 (+1 Haste +2 Charge +2 helm) let's see what you're weak to, green dude! and gets 30."12 [1d20=7]
[08:14] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC - Hit.
[08:15] <Demedais> roll 2d6+13 (transmuting blade - does not override DR this round)
06[08:15] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+13 (transmuting blade - does not override DR this round) and gets 20."12 [2d6=1, 6]
[08:18] <Cute_DM_Kochan> A solid charging strike hits the troll's side, a shallow but long injury! The giant braces against the blow, "Wait, yer a hum-aaah!" He scowls in pain, "Are you a goblinfriend?" As he speaks, his spear probes in a volley of strikes!
[08:18] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+18 (-2 PA)
06[08:18] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+18 (-2 PA) and gets 31."12 [1d20=13]
[08:18] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+13 (-2 PA)
06[08:18] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+13 (-2 PA) and gets 25."12 [1d20=12]
[08:18] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+8 (-2 PA)
06[08:18] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+8 (-2 PA) and gets 24."12 [1d20=16]
[08:18] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC - AC?
[08:18] <Demedais> OOC: 29
[08:18] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 3d6+17 and make a fort save, Deme
06[08:19] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 3d6+17 and make a fort save, Deme and gets 30."12 [3d6=4, 4, 5]
[08:19] <Demedais> roll 1d20+16 asdf poison?
06[08:19] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+16 asdf poison? and gets 21."12 [1d20=5]
[08:20] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 2d6
06[08:20] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 2d6 and gets 8."12 [2d6=5, 3]
[08:21] <Cute_DM_Kochan> The hammering, massive strike stabs into Deme's shoulder like a comet! He's nearly knocked flying, the impalement drawing out a gush of blood! As he is, Demedais feels his body become numb, weakened! OOC - 8 points of dex damage. Polly's up.
[08:22] <Demedais> "Goblinfriend? Not particularly, no; I've never met one of the things and bee- cha...!" Demedais curses, shaking in his saddle.
[08:23] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "Hmph, puny man tougher than the goblins, too," he retorts back. "Then if yo udon't want to die, get out of here!" Meanwhile, Pollyanna's face sets into a mask of silent rage, approaching to just within thirty feet and letting two arrows fly!
[08:23] <Demedais> "I
[08:23] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+13
06[08:23] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+13 and gets 14."12 [1d20=1]
[08:23] <Cute_DM_Kochan> roll 1d20+8
06[08:23] * Hatbot --> "Cute_DM_Kochan rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10."12 [1d20=2]
03[08:23] * Laggy (~Laggy@adsl-68-126-190-75.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) has joined #dunes
03[08:23] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Laggy
[08:24] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Yet both arrows whizz by well to the ground and skidding out at the giant's feet!
[08:24] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOc - Deme.
[08:24] <Cute_DM_Kochan> The scent of the burning village fills your noses, the wet, woody smoke and the horrible scent of burning bodies making this battle's air intoxicating. The giant seems to take it all in a certain beastly stride, it's spear glistening with a few drops of blood!
[08:30] <Demedais> "I'd rather a damn explanation first!" Demedais growls, glancing at his sword before letting loose a flurry of four cautious strikes aimed at the troll's chest. "Why the hell are you attacking random travelers in addition to whatever else is going on here...!"
[08:30] <Demedais> OOC: Strike.
[08:32] <Demedais> "I'd rather a damn explanation first!" Demedais growls, glancing at his sword before glaring at the man. "Why the hell are you attacking random travelers in addition to whatever else is going on here...! Was that purely a goblin's settlement?"
[08:34] <Cute_DM_Kochan> The giant looms over Demedais, casting an early night's shadow over him! "The goblins don't know their territory!" The giant says as it prepares to defend!
06[08:36] * Demedais pauses at this, before stepping back and holding a hand up to stop Pollyanna and hopefully the troll - or was it something else? "You're saying they invaded on your territory?"
[08:37] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "That's right," The giant's glare is full of rage, "The goblins don't know their place!" OOC - Are yo ugoing to do anything else with your turn, Deme?
[08:40] <Demedais> "..." Demedais pauses, before looking to the fire again and putting his sword into a defensive position. "Mind explaining further? I will... heal you, after. But I wish to hear this. Who are you?"
[08:41] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC- The poison's second phase is quick acting. Make another fort save?
[08:42] <Demedais> roll 1d20+21 using Fifth Resort,. I wasn't anticipating the first round to be so brutal.
06[08:42] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+21 using Fifth Resort,. I wasn't anticipating the first round to be so brutal. and gets 27."12 [1d20=6]
[08:43] <Cute_DM_Kochan> Despite the numbness in his body, Demedais manages to keep his body at least somewhat moving! "The goblins tried hunting and sneaking into our territory without permission." It answers shortly, brandishing it's own spear in defense. Pollyanna shakes her head, keeping arrows ready - but not firing.
06[08:45] * Demedais slowly shakes his head, trying to keep his joints mobile. "I... see. May I know who I address?" Demedais says, scanning him for chaos as he does so.
[08:47] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "Sandeir the Great Thrower!" His answer back is stiff faced, as he gestures with his spear, "Get outta here!"
[08:51] <Demedais> "Wait. Hold on a minute, Sandier." Demedais shakes his head. "I'm Demedais of Helm, from Balmuria. If you could assist me in knowing where your people's lands are, I can try to ensue you aren't disturbed by patrollers or traders so long as you don't bother us in return." One hand is slowly taken off his sword to touch the wound on his shoulder gingerly, a prayer under his breath to Helm as he listens.
[08:53] <Demedais> roll 1d4 heal, heal, heal the dexterity damage!
06[08:53] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 heal, heal, heal the dexterity damage! and gets 1."12 [1d4=1]
[08:55] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC - Make a diplo check as well, I think.
[08:55] <Cute_DM_Kochan> OOC - +2 bonus, you did a pretty decent job of gabbing.
[08:55] <Demedais> roll 1d20+22
06[08:55] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 and gets 28."12 [1d20=6]
[08:56] <Demedais> roll 1d20+22 ...gonna try my reroll. Hatbot, do me well or I rip out your intestines through your cervix.
06[08:56] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 ...gonna try my reroll. Hatbot, do me well or I rip out your intestines through your cervix. and gets 31."12 [1d20=9]
[08:59] <Cute_DM_Kochan> "This is our territory, from here to the north for 25 miles!" He so declares, "The Green Boulder clan owns this place!"
[09:00] <Demedais> "Here to the north... twenty-five miles... And from there?" Demedais inquires, continuing to press on the wound a bit as he talks, trying to get his muscles working again. "And... a giant, then?"
[09:01] <Demedais> roll 1d4 you will obey, you thrice-accursed bot, or I shall rain down the eternity of Meeplina upon thee
06[09:01] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 you will obey, you thrice-accursed bot, or I shall rain down the eternity of Meeplina upon thee and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]

[Corwin]

[07:53] <Demedais> [13:55] * +Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 and gets 28." [1d20=6]
[07:53] <Demedais> [13:56] <@Demedais> roll 1d20+22 ...gonna try my reroll. Hatbot, do me well or I rip out your intestines through your cervix.
[07:53] <Demedais> [13:56] * +Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 ...gonna try my reroll. Hatbot, do me well or I rip out your intestines through your cervix. and gets 31." [1d20=9]
[07:53] <Demedais> [13:59] <@Cute_DM_Kochan> "This is our territory, from here to the north for 25 miles!" He so declares, "The Green Boulder clan owns this place!"
[07:53] <Demedais> [14:00] <@Demedais> "Here to the north... twenty-five miles... And from there?" Demedais inquires, continuing to press on the wound a bit as he talks, trying to get his muscles working again. "And... a giant, then?"
[07:53] <Demedais> [14:01] <@Demedais> roll 1d4 you will obey, you thrice-accursed bot, or I shall rain down the eternity of Meeplina upon thee
[07:53] <Demedais> [14:01] * +Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d4 you will obey, you thrice-accursed bot, or I shall rain down the eternity of Meeplina upon thee and gets 4." [1d4=4]
[08:02] <Kokokokokoko> As Demedais feels his body loosen up, "Twenty five miles all around," he gestures with his spear in a rough circle.
06[08:04] * Demedais cracks his neck a bit. "Very well. How many other... tribes of giants are there in the area?"
[08:07] <Kokokokokoko> "Just us," With a slam of his spear butt into the ground, the giant stands tall. Literally, as the miasma of smoke grows thicker.
[08:08] <Demedais> "...Two more questions, as odd as they may sound... How long have you guys been here, and can I try to extinguish that fire so my partner and I can breathe more easily?" Demedais chokes, trying to move out of the wind a bit.
[08:11] <Kokokokokoko> "We be here long enough," With a grunt, "I said leave! The goblin fire's going to go off soon and make it even worse."
[08:13] <Demedais> "...very well. I leave it to you, then. Pollyanna." Demedais moves, before pausing. "I said I would heal you. The offer is still on the table."
[08:14] <Kokokokokoko> "Hah! This scar will b ea battle trophy!" The giant doesn't even look fazed by it, even as his blood stains the grass. "No goblin can swing that big a sword!"
[08:15] <Demedais> "Hh. Perhaps next time we can have a proper duel, but I'm not here for that right now." Demedais grins, before turning and departing, gesturing to Pollyanna.
[08:16] <Kokokokokoko> Pollyanna follows, coughing a few times. Once she's out of the worst of the smoke. "Demedais, what the HELL was that?"
[08:16] <Kokokokokoko> Putting her hands on her hips, "The two of you beat each other up then started talking? What the HELL?"
[08:18] <Demedais> "He made a comment in surprise about thinking originally we were more goblins. I kinda guessworked it from there, but he seems to be uninterested in killing humans if he doesn't have to." Demedais shrugs. "Also, I think he's a giant? ...I'd tell him about Jobran, but they'll likely find each other. Also, his spear was poisoned. I didn't want to fight another round weakened, even though I think I stood a decent chance at it."
[08:26] <Kokokokokoko> "Hmmm. That's at least true, but..." Shaking her head, "Nevermind. Are we going to leave them to burning the goblin settlement?"
06[08:30] * Demedais inclines his head once. "It seems to be over a border dispute; something we have little right to interfere in, so far as I can see. ...I don't like it, too much, but it is something they must police, not us. I can only hope the fire does not spread too far..." Demedais pauses, at this, turning back to see if the fire is spreading at all beyond the clearing.
[08:30] <Kokokokokoko> It's rather hard to tell, as there's a growing amount of smoke. It doesn't look to be massively spreading, but beyond that you just can't tell.
02[08:33] * Sierra_Quest_VIII (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-68-178.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[08:33] <Demedais> An irritable grunt. "And when it comes down to it, I'd rather trust the being that was willing to pull out of a fight and talk reasonably than the goblins..."
[08:36] <Kokokokokoko> "Better than a pack of trolls," Pollyanna observes quietly. "Are they really related? They don't seem quite so brick dumb.:"
[08:39] <Demedais> "That was my reaction, too. It showed not only a lack of fear to fire, but also a foreknowledge of what goblin fire would do... ...which causes me worry, that. How bad -will- it be when it blows up?" Demedais idly touches his skin at this, hoping to heal the cut further physically.
[08:48] <Kokokokokoko> "Bad enough to keep going. I've heard of Goblin's fire. It's an alchemical compound that sickens you." Sniffling the air, Pollyanna hurries on.
[08:49] <Demedais> "Kh..." Demedais shakes his head. "Goddamnit. I leave it to you, then, Sandeir."
[08:50] <Kokokokokoko> About five minutes later, there is a loud, ground shaking burst, then a great BOOOOOOM sound washes over the two. Pollyanna nearly falls over from it, "Aaah!"W hirling to turn, "...that must've been it. Uh, let's keep going."
06[08:51] * Demedais turns to look, cursing. "...I withdraw my comment about intelligence."
[08:55] <Kokokokokoko> "I don't know. I: think his comments about getting out of here make more sense now," Pollyanna looks into the smoky forest, before turning and hurrying along.
[08:56] <Demedais> "On the other hand, he seemed to be waiting there." Demedais shakes his head. "Whatever. Let's go."
[08:57] <Kokokokokoko> "What are we going to do now? Keep sweeping?"
[08:59] <Demedais> "Mmm... We now have an adequate explanation for the giants being seen, and can tell our men to stay away. I would say take a wide loop back to Balmuria, at this point." Demedais says. "Look a bit more, but without a map and with this information, we should get back to note this."
[09:01] <Kokokokokoko> "Mmm. Let's get going then," Pollyanna settles in, casting a smile to Demedais. "At least we'll be together and alone for the next couple ofd ays?"
06[09:02] * Demedais grins as well at that. "That sounds excellent. Let's ride."

[Corwin]

01[18:57] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[18:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 84."12 [1d100=84]
[18:58] <Kotono> ---
[18:59] <Kotono> The weather is chilly as Seira, Demedais, Abagail and Pollyanna appear outside Valandia's gates. It's not far at all to them, the gates opened and traffic slowly processing through them. Yet, instead of blue wearing Malmuthian soldiers at the gates, men in breastplates and red work away diligently.
01[19:01] <Seira> "Let's go see how things are, first?" Seira suggests. "We'll meet Claris soon enough, but it might be nice to mingle with the people before that."
06[19:01] * Demedais looks ahead, interested. "Red as their color? Attempting a defined change from the old regime, I would suspect. And sure." Demedais nods once.
06[19:02] * Seira walks towards the gates, adopting a curious expression.
06[19:03] * Demedais follows alongside Pollyanna.
[19:04] <Kotono> "It can't be any worse than the old one," Abagail snorts as she follows along. "The Malmuthians had it coming."
01[19:04] <Seira> "Their government, really," Seira agrees, "I did fight against it, after all. But the people were actually nice, so let's not antagonize them."
[19:06] <Kotono> Pollyanna smiles a little as she walks, "I'd never have imagined," she murmurs, eyeing the fortress city. As you approach, you see that what's coming this way look to be traders, wagons full of cargo. It'll take just a bit of waiting, but it shouldn't be long at all.
06[19:07] * Demedais nods to Pollyanna once, giving a slightly irritated look to Abagail before a near-imperceptible shrug as the two follow Abagail and Seira.
[19:09] <Kotono> "STill...the people willingly followed along. They deserved it for that," Abagail observes pointedly. "No one gets where they are without that."
01[19:10] <Seira> "This is a very good point," Seira once more agrees. "However, another one is that if you believe that, then you're pretty much entering enemy territory, and showing your hand before you've managed to gather the information you need would be a bad idea."
[19:12] <Kotono> The line processes fairly fast. Two soldiers eye the party, "Business," they asks bluntly. "What's your business in Valandia?"
01[19:13] <Seira> "Visiting," Seira responds, smiling at the pair.
[19:14] <Kotono> "Uh huh," They look the four over, "Anything to declare?"
01[19:14] <Seira> "Not in particular. We're just here for a few days at the most."
[19:15] <Kotono> "Go on." He gestures in. "Keep your noses clean in there."
06[19:15] * Demedais nods once at this. "Thank you, gentlemen."
06[19:16] * Seira nods herself and happily strides inside.
[19:16] <Kotono> Once inside, the party gets a good look at northern Valandia. The long streets of garrisons are being slowly changed - a few torn down by work crews, others being reworked instead. Great piles of wood, metal and stone are being gathered. The streets are loud with this activity, yet it's not a chained gang of criminals doing it this time.
01[19:18] <Seira> "As a side benefit, it seems they'll have all the iron they need now, with the disbanding of most of the military," Seira speaks, taking in the sights.
[19:18] <Demedais> "At least things seem to be settling down, here. Though I do wonder if they'll face an influx of problems as the people adapt to a lesser presence... we will see, I suppose."
06[19:18] * Demedais nods to Seira. "It will help them develop, yes."
[19:19] <Kotono> "It should keep them busy and hopefully keep any loyalists from raising trouble," Abagail observes. Indeed, there are hundreds and hundreds of people at work as you walk along, toiling away.
01[19:20] <Seira> "First stop, a pub!" Seira declares, looking around for one. "Nothing like one to measure the mood!"
[19:21] <Demedais> "And to get a measure of how the competition runs their businesses?" Demedais asks dryly, a slight grin to Pollyanna.
01[19:22] <Seira> "I always do that, I don't need to go to Valandia for that," Seira responds, before shrugging. "But might as well, I suppose."
[19:23] <Kotono> "Of course," Pollyanna's own smile grows at that, a bit of a laugh. "If they're outdoing us at that already, we're in trouble." A few blocks in, a small utility building has been converted to one. It's thick and packed, to the point that some tables radiate outside around the front. The Bloody Emblem is the name, bar wenches working at hurried speeds.
06[19:24] * Seira steps inside, looking for a free table.
[19:26] <Kotono> There's a single table in the middle that's currently open. As you enter, the buzz of conversation is loud, people talking, drinking and eating with abandon.
06[19:26] * Demedais glances in as well, but keeps outside a bit to look for a free table outside as well. "Hm."
06[19:27] * Seira steps towards the table and takes a seat facing the exit, waving a waitress over.
06[19:28] * Demedais glances in and follows Seira, looking over the crowd.
03[19:39] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-54427ac0.l6.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[19:40] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[19:40] <Kotono> "Busy," Abagail looks about, dusting off the bottom of her chair with a few magical words before sitting.
01[19:41] <Seira> "Better for us, as far as I'm concerned."
[19:42] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods once. "Lets us do what we came here for without issue."
[19:44] <Kotono> A waitress comes as the party settles in. "What do you want," she asks, as Pollyanna glances to Seira. "What are our plans after this?"
03[19:45] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[19:45] <Seira> "Bring us the best wine and four glasses?" Seira asks the woman. "That should be enough to start with."
[19:49] <Kotono> "Fine," She nods and hurries off. Once she's gone, "Since I figure we'll go see Claris at some point on this?" Pollyanna sks.
[19:50] <Demedais> "That'd be nice, yes."
[19:55] <Kotono> Around you, the tavern buzzes. People seem to be quite talkative no matter what. "Aaah." Abagail sniffs again, "Do you think all of the people here will stay in line?"
01[19:56] <Seira> "Now that's a wrong train of thought," Seira says with a smile. "You don't wait to see what happens, you guide people to act the way you want them to."
[20:00] <Demedais> "Hopefully, there will be little problems, and what there are can be circumvented." Demedais shrugs once at this.
06[20:00] * Seira decides to listen to the other tables as she waits for her wine.
[20:03] <Kotono> The wine comes, put down quickly before the server hurries off. After that, "Yes, that's true. Something to ask this Claris about," Abagail agrees with a bit of a smirk. As Seira listens, she gets a few fragments. It's mostly talking about a reconstruction probject, which seems to be all the work on the old garrisons here.
01[20:04] <Seira> "Excuse me," she asks after flagging the waitress over once more. "What's all the fuss about a reconstruction project?"
[20:07] <Kotono> The waitress stops just a moment, "It's what the new gov'ments doing.  They're turning all those barracks into other things and harvesting all the still good materials." She answers this in a blur, before hurrying back to work.
[20:07] <Demedais> "Mmm. Productive." Demedais inclines his head once in approval.
06[20:08] * Seira serves the wine to everyone, taking a sip herself afterwards. "It's just not the same without decent rumors."
[20:09] <Kotono> Pollyanna cracks a smile at that, "Maybe one of us should try to pick up conversation and rumors while the rest of us go meet with Claris? I do wonder how the citizens of the new barony are coping."
01[20:10] <Seira> "It would be nice to hear what they think about Malmuth and Balmuria both," Seira comments. "And find out just how much does the general public knows about the war and how it ended."
06[20:10] * Demedais smirks at this. "The traveling or the wine, Seira?" A look to Pollyanna, nodding. "That might be a good idea if someone doesn't care much for going to see Claris, yes."
[20:11] <Kotono> Abagail just sips her glass, "I'll pass on rumor gathering, thank you," she asserts.
01[20:13] <Seira> "Both," she tells Demedais.
[20:13] <Kotono> "I might if no one else does." Passing on the wine for now, "Claris is a nice enough fellow, but...I always get the feeling he's looking at me when I'm not looking." Frowning just a little, "I don't know."
01[20:16] <Seira> "You think he likes you?" Seira rubs her chin thoughtfully. "You could be right. I'll be sure to ask him."
[20:16] <Demedais> "Mmm. If you feel you'd rather look into the current situation from the ground level, that, too, would be useful." Demedais nods a bit at this. "I would like to at least talk to him for a little bit, but I may excuse myself early and meet up with you."
[20:19] <Kotono> "Isn't he a man of the Gods?" Abagail's words are a little harsh, "Ah well, I suppose men are men no matter who they serve."
06[20:19] * Demedais looks to Seira, one eyebrow raised.
[20:19] <Kotono> "Don't tease him too much," Pollyanna's face cracks a smile, "While it's fun, I don't want to bring any uneededed suffering to him. Nothing that'll distract him from keeping here in line and preventing another war."
01[20:20] <Seira> "There's actually no pledge of celibacy, even for most paladins," Seira tells Abagail. "It's actually better that way, too, or all that pent up energy might force him to jump Demedais one day."
06[20:21] * Demedais then looks to Abagail, slightly amused, before choking at Seira's words. "...I'd hate to be forced to knock him out, but if he ever tried that..."
01[20:21] <Seira> "Oh, right!" Seira snaps her fingers. "Demedais, you're a paladin and you're not celibate, yes?"
[20:23] <Demedais> "Correct." Demedais nods once. "Then again, my vows are decidedly different compared to most, seeing as how I chose to follow Helm directly and not the forces of Good as well as Law. Strict in their hierarchy of duty, less so as to other actions."
01[20:24] <Seira> "Good or law would make you do that?" Seira asks, raising an eyebrow.
[20:27] <Kotono> Pollyanna blushes deeply at all of this, bowing her head and murmuring something about non celibacy.
[20:27] <Demedais> "Not particularly. See Alicia. However, it would be more accurate to say... well, that I have a bit more moral leeway in some regards to ensure that Helm's will is excised, effectively. I believe most paladins aren't even allowed to really use poison on their belongings, but the shield is important enough to warrant locking the shield away with a fair deal of security."
06[20:27] * Demedais looks to Pollyanna with a warm smile.
[20:27] <Kotono> "Mph." Eyeing Demedais, Abagail considers. "That's good to know."
06[20:28] * Seira laughs. "Well, this has been fun, if for the wrong reasons. Let's go see Claris now, then?"
06[20:29] * Demedais nods a bit. "Pollyanna, I take it you want to do some listening, then?"
[20:30] <Kotono> "Ah!" Still blushing, "Yes, I do. I'll stay here and then wander a bit and meet up with you later."
[20:31] <Demedais> "Very well. If I leave early I'll meet up with you around here, then." Demedais nods.
06[20:32] * Seira leaves a few coins on the table. "I'll cover the bill if it ends up being more than that. Just let me know after, okay? And if we miss each other, meet me by the northern inner gates at dusk."
[20:32] <Kotono> "Right," Pollyanna nods her head, "Good luck."
[20:33] <Demedais> "Same to you." Demedais nods.
[20:37] <Kotono> Thus the party continues on! With a bit of checking the find out that Claris and the center of goverment has taken up residence not in the older homes of the wealthy in Valandia, but in the abandoned sections of the mid city. As you approach them, you see this previously dead section is now bustling with life, closed off shops being remade into something else. Despite the humbleness of the surroundings, a block of stout buildings makes up thi
[20:38] <Kotono> stout buildings makes up things.
01[20:41] <Seira> "I'm kind of happy they've left my future summer home alone and made the seat of government some place else," Seira muses. "Think I should ask Claris to reserve it for me, or just go myself and purchase the property?"
[20:42] <Demedais> "I wouldn't know. You'd have to ask someone else." Demedais shakes his head. "I do approve of the tactical statement rebuilding here makes, however. He's likely well in favor with the common people right now, at least."
[20:48] <Kotono> "They'll think he's watching out for them. Acceptable, I suppose." As Abagail says this, you head down the street. A sturdy two story old shop is your destination, guards outside of it. They are dressed like Balmuria guards, and come to attention at seeing Seira and Alicia.
01[20:49] <Seira> "Hey!" Seira greets them, waving. "Is Claris inside?"
[20:49] <Kotono> *Demedais
[20:51] <Kotono> With quick, snappy salutes, "He is, ma'am," the soldier choruses back. "Proceed inside."
01[20:51] <Seira> "Thanks! Keep up the good work!"
06[20:52] * Seira proceeds inside.
06[20:52] * Demedais nods to the guards. "Knowing him? He may very well be." he notes, as an aside to Abagail as he follows Seira.
[20:56] <Kotono> You head to the second loor. Here, with a large window viewing the southern part of the city, is where Claris has his office. It's a few tables and desks, a recessed door on the side ajar. Claris looks over papers here, as three non descript men stand behind him. They salute once briefly as the trio enters. Claris himself looks up, before a smile takes over his face. "Demedais, Seira! It's been too long," he stands.
01[20:56] <Seira> "That's what we thought, too! So we came to visit!"
[20:57] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais nods once, grinning as well.
[20:59] <Kotono> Coming around the desk, Claris offers his hand out to both of them. He wears his battle gear, looking noble and forthright. "Come, let's go talk somewhere pleasant." Turning back to the three men, "Handle anything that isn't major while I'm gone; don't disturb me for anything less."
01[21:00] <Seira> "Heh, we're getting the royal treatment," Seira says, shaking his hand eagerly.
[21:01] <Kotono> "Good day to you," Abagail smiles sweetly, "I'm Abagail, serving under Seira." She offers a hand to him as well, "I've heard about you, Sir Claris."
06[21:01] * Demedais shakes his hand as well. "Where do you have in mind?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "It's a pleasure," Claris smiles nicely to her, "There's a beautiful garden in the rich quarter of town that I visit. The sun shines down on it so pleasantly that I can't resist." AFter a moment, and a bemused smile, "It's not as if anyone can say no, I suppose."
[21:05] <Demedais> "Lead on, then." Demedais inclines his head.
01[21:06] <Seira> "Say no?" Seira asks, ready to follow him.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Oh," Claris leads you outside, down the streets before replying. As people give you a respectful birth on seeing Claris with you, "A few people have been less than charitiable about my choices regarding Malmuth."
01[21:10] <Seira> "That happens in politics. If some are too stupid to live, just let me know and I'll do something about that, okay?"
[21:11] <Demedais> "They feel you are being too leinient or something in your decisions?" Demedais inquires curiously, glancing to Seira with some amusement.
01[21:13] <Seira> "One day, someone will take me up on my offer and thing will be all the better for everyone involved," Seira insists. "In fact, that someone could well be Claris and that time could be now!"
[21:13] <Kotono> "No." Claris shake shis head solemnly, "I understand why they do. They see me as little more than a traitor and now an accomplice. But let them think that, as long as they stay peaceful. They're entitled to believe what they want, I won't begin to persecute them for thinking that. There's always time for them to change...and I ahve time here to make sure that happens, Lathander willing."
01[21:15] <Seira> "Some people see this understanding as weakness, but as long as you know when they cross the line and act accordingly, it's well enough."
06[21:16] * Demedais seems about to say something, but stops and just nods at Seira's words. "Be careful as always, friend, but things should be alright from here, I hope."
01[21:17] <Seira> "And if all else fails keep a Sending spell at hand, and I'll be able to provide support within ten minutes."
[21:18] <Kotono> "I think so. I've been working on it, with the help of the..ah, advisors the Baronies sent." Thinking on that, "Things like this," He gestures northward grandly, asyou pass into nicer streets and more pleasant surroundings. "Keeping them busy and paid helps prevent poverty from taking root in light of defeat...and ensures that if the city ever ends up in Malmuthian posssess again that it's not ready to be a massive springboard to Balmuria."
[21:18] <Kotono> *Possession.
[21:19] <Demedais> "Indeed. That then was part of what motivated the people, I take it?" Demedais asks, looking around.
01[21:19] <Seira> "Wait, wait, what is this 'if we ever end up losing it' crap?" Seira asks with a frown. "I strongly oppose this and would fight the Malmuthian army if they decide to act up on this."
[21:20] <Demedais> "It's called planning ahead for all eventualities, even if you do not expect any of them to come to light." Demedais notes.
01[21:24] <Seira> "I think we disagree, then. There are some eventualities that are simply unacceptable, so you plan on how to avoiding them rather than accepting them and lessening the damage."
[21:26] <Demedais> "Planning to avoid them is also quite useful." Demedais says, nodding. "But being overprepared is rarely detrimental. Underprepared tends to be far more problematic."
[21:26] <Kotono> "It's disabling a weakness and providing useful work and good to the people. That's enough for me," Claris states as you enter a row of vast, pleasant manor houses and mansions. Claris leads you to a walled off one, a vast, pleasant green garden here. Even in winter the sun shines on it with a certain warmth that belies the chill in the air. Winter roses blossom, with fountains in the shape of dryads, dragons and dwarves dotted about. Covered
[21:26] <Kotono> dwarves dotted about. Covered benches and secluded tables are dotted about as well.
01[21:27] <Seira> "Oh, I do approve the work," Seira says readily. "Eliminating poverty? Building good will? That's totally stuff in the right direction. I just don't like hearing of any defeatist notions, even if they're some kind of unlikely backup plan."
06[21:28] * Demedais blinks once, looking around with slightly wide eyes. "...Extravagant."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Sir Winston put money into this garden, or so I hear," he remarks, heading for a table. "BUt perhaps enough of that talk for a moment. You want this to be yours ummer home, Seira," Claris says lightly.
06[21:30] * Demedais coughs lightly, letting the others sit first.
06[21:31] * Seira nods slowly. "I have very fond memories of it, most of them related to golden dragons."
[21:33] <Kotono> Claris' face becomes somber, "Ah yes." He murmurs, having sat and looking thoughtful. "The city's moving on from those days. To be truthful, I don't think most entirely accept the changes yet. They may bow to them, but...it takes time to change a man's heart. I've made efforts to help it along."
01[21:34] <Seira> "To be entirely truthful, change is why I want the house, too," Seira admits at his words. "When I first scried on it, I just decided that I would eliminate what's been going on here entirely with my own two hands, and build something different."
[21:35] <Kotono> "That's good," Claris smiles faintly, "Anything to help that along. Right now...no matter how just we are and how soft a touch we use, some will see us as nothing but a hostile occupation. I pray that my works are beginning to softne that sentiment, but..tell mew, aht do you have in mind?"
01[21:37] <Seira> "This city needs a temple to Waukeen," Seira declares suddenly, nodding to herself. "I just realized this."
[21:38] <Kotono> "You're a little late," Chuckling to that, "I'm working on setting one up to Lathander as well. The balm and renewed guidance from the Gods will do much to help as well, I believe."
01[21:39] <Seira> "It already has one?" Seira asks in disappointment.
06[21:40] * Demedais sits as well, simply listening for now.
[21:43] <Kotono> "No, no. I meant inthat you weren't the first to think of a temple here." Putting that aside, "I won't stop you if you're interested. Even if I did, I suspect my advisors would insist that I change my mind in due time." With a wry smile, "As long as it helps the populace, I have no objection."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Alright!" Seira is cheered up by his words. "Please select a good area where you think commerce needs to pick up, and I'll make it happen."
06[21:44] * Demedais nods slowly. "So long as everything stays under control here, there should be little problem, I suspect."
[21:45] <Kotono> "The northern gates," He says instantly. "The southern gate si where we're focusing our military efforts...and the check in is far more bothersome there, since anyone entering is coming from Malmuth."
01[21:47] <Seira> "I'll look at property later, then," Seira tells him, "and be certain to instruct whomever heads the project to coordinate with you."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Yes." Looking down a few moments, "There's also another matter of note. Did you notice how we had Balmurian guards around my work building?"
06[21:50] * Demedais nods once. "I thought that was a bit peculiar. Reasoning?"
[21:51] <Kotono> "No one's quite sure who's trustworthy yet. AN assassination would risk setting off things rather spetacularly." With that, "So the advisors wanted Baronies natives who could be trusted, and certain matters are being resolved by outsiders or adventurers hired."
01[21:52] <Seira> "That's... actually a poor idea, don't you think? Why not just vet a few of the locals?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "I've argued about it, but they argue ceaselessly about it." With a bit of a sour look, "Despite the situation, I've been told that on certian matters like security they can overrule me. I do think it sets off a rather mediocre image, don't you think?"
01[21:55] <Seira> "I think...." Seira pauses, before smirking confidently. "I think you should show your advisors who's in charge! Don't let them push you around! If you can't trust your instincts, the reason you were put to administer this place, then what was the point? Just push your ideas through and make them listen!"
[21:57] <Demedais> "That is a bit difficult. Mmm." Demedais muses for a moment, before looking to Seira. "I am forced to agree, here. You need to be able to to keep a grasp on the populace, and that will be done far better if a lare majority feel they can trust you. Again, caution regarding who is hired, and... I personally would argue for a mix of people in the units to try and develop trust, but this is worth trying to press on."
[21:58] <Kotono> "I could. I could also have been being pointedly trying to get you to intervene to Commander Oberuth on my behalf, who can then buck it up the line." With a ghost of a smile. "They've stubborn on this point, so I'm hoping a more indirect approach would work better."
01[22:00] <Seira> "You don't have to be indirect with me, just tell me things straight. If it's a request from a friend, of course I'll help!"
[22:01] <Demedais> "Details. Keep the pressure on your end and let us see what can be done on ours, then? And neither of us are the best with subtlety. Paladin and straightforward dragon, though the latter is far more capable with it than the former." Demedais grins.
06[22:01] * Seira considers. "Actually, how about using mixed units? We are, after all, supposed to be under the same rule. It might help cohesion if both sides worked out their issues this way and gained better understanding."
[22:01] <Kotono> "It's on the table," Claris nods, "Once thing settle down a bit more. Between Balmuria and Valandia is perfect for exercises and even mixing units onc e things are better integrated."
[22:02] <Demedais> "Excellent." Demedais says, musing.
[22:04] <Kotono> Abagail has been listening quietly, "What about magic? I mean, is there much magic here at all?"
01[22:04] <Seira> "Is there anything else you need our assistance with?" Seira asks then. "Finding out who's trustworthy or not among the powerful players, inspecting the troops? Even financial support?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "Not much. For now...just work on that temple and be ready if anything does go down. Unless you want to run around the new border and help take care of issues?" Claris asks. "We're using adventurers for that, but if you want to get your hands dirty?"
01[22:07] <Seira> "Depends on the issues," Seira muses. "And Abagail brings up a good point. Advertise my school amongst the population, won't you, Claris? We've had enough time that our teaching methods have improved since it was created."
[22:08] <Kotono> "Easily done," Claris agrees. "AS for the issues? Most of the needed cleanup and relocation has been done. There were a few villages right on the border, and one was even bisected by it. We helped those sort out. More relevantly are minor things - occasionally border crossers, raiders, some bandits, that sort of thing. Even a few shocker lizards for the town nearest to the Galkass mountains."
01[22:12] <Seira> "Pass on the latter," Seira says instantly. "I suppose we could try a brief patrol, though. Bandits and raiders... how long has it been since I punished those?"
[22:14] <Kotono> "It would be trivial to deal with them," Abagail agrees. "How can a few ruffians fight against magic?"
01[22:15] <Seira> "Give us your best intel, and we'll leave in the morning."
[22:21] <Kotono> "I'll have it prepared." At that, "But...how are you, away from all of this business? How is Balmuria?" Claris asks.
01[22:22] <Seira> "Strangely boring, after everything that's happened." Seira shrugs. "Figures."
[22:22] <Demedais> "Bustling." Demedais says. "But the growth is regulated, thankfully."
[22:25] <Kotono> "What of yourselves? What of Alicia? Engan? Pollyanna?" He asks, "I've not even had time to send letters properly, I've been so engrossed in this venture."
01[22:26] <Seira> "You know me. Going around, building temples. The usual. Polly's actually here, but she decided to use this chance to sightsee."
[22:26] <Demedais> "Engan is busy training recruits. Seems to be enjoying it, too." Demedais grins.
[22:31] <Kotono> "Good, good." Claris smiles thoughtfully at all of that, "Well then, let's rest and I'll get you that information for tomorrow?
[22:32] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods once to this.
01[22:32] <Seira> "If that information contains tidbits about mages or potentials, I'll be extra happy," Seira notes.

[Corwin]

[19:17] <Ko-MysteryNitoriTour> --------------------Nestled Ko goes here--
03[19:18] * Ko-MysteryNitoriTour is now known as Kotono
[19:25] <Kotono> That evening, Seira slips away back to the northern gates of Valandia. Hanging out in the shadow of a silent, empty garrison is Pollyanna. "Hey," she calls softly as Seira approaches, the work finished for the day. The northern streets are far quieter now, only a few straggers as the gate has been shut for the night.
01[19:27] <Seira> "Pollyanna, always a pleasure," Seira greets her, smiling.
[19:30] <Kotono> Wiping her brow with a bit of a smile, "Likewise." Coming out of the shadows, she glances about briefly before, "How's Claris? Anything noteworthy there?"
01[19:32] <Seira> "He tried to ask for a bit of help without asking." Seira snorts. "We quickly taught him how fruitless subtlety is on Demedais, so everything went better from that point on. How about you?"
[19:33] <Kotono> That prompts a round of heady giggles from her, barely controlled. "I did a lot of gathering and a lot of talking...a lot of drinking, too," she takes a moment to rub her eyes slowly, which are just a bit bloodshot. "There's a whole lot of stuff floating around about Malmuth and Ferdi."
[19:35] <Kotono> "Oh yes, and about the seige and Olburt and the Gods..." listing off on fingers slowly as she walks, "Did you know that I heard at least ten Gods being invoked as being involved in the various events? You'd think it was a cosmic party to kill him."
01[19:35] <Seira> "Do I need to get you drunk to hear it?" Seira asks, raising an eyebrow.
[19:36] <Kotono> "No, no," Waving her hand, "I'm already going to have a naaasty headache tomorrow," Laughing a little more, "LEt me start from the war and move on from there?"
01[19:37] <Seira> "Yeah, works for me," Seira agrees. "You make it sound like they really don't know what the whole thing was about."
03[19:37] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-514ff1d1.l4.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[19:37] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[19:38] <Kotono> "Some of that and some of the ones that do know some don't always believe it," Pollyanna observes, "Okay, so the general thought is that the war by Ferdi was justified. Revaunchist attitudes permeated most people I talked to. You know, that the Baronies are a rightful part of Malmuth and all that?"
[19:39] <Kotono> Stopping a moment, looking ahead at the closed gate and rubbing her eyes again, "But you know that already, so let me get to the important stuff."
01[19:39] <Seira> "Sure." Seira makes an effort to listen, not interrupting unless it's important.
03[19:39] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[19:40] <Kotono> "No one seems to quite know that Malmuth brazenly started the war. Most people don't talk about it or seem to assume there was some aggression to help justify it. Whatever there," Waving a hand, "A couple mentioned hearing that MAlmuth started it after the fact, though they didn't put much weight into it. They're still thinking like Malmuthians, yeah? Anyway, as for Ferdi's last stand?"
[19:44] <Kotono> "Most people have heard that the Crimson Guard did it." Steepling her hands together, "That's where it all diverges. A few believes that - and some of those that did claim they had divine or infernal help, or that it was the Gods, or whatever. Some claim it wasn't and it was an internal coup, and some saw a massive dragon in the skies. That was a popular one. A few are even claiming Lathander did it to pave way for Claris." There's a long dra
[19:44] <Kotono> " There's a long drawn out shrug there, "A few are even saying that it's all a set up, to make the Baronies off guard for the glorious return of HIs Majesty."
01[19:45] <Seira> "Ah, yes," Seira comments, nodding. "The old 'by killing me, you've made me more stronger than ever' approach to world domination."
[19:46] <Kotono> "In essence, you have a lot of confused people who don't want to believe or can't believe the truth. Then there as the seige..." Shaking her head, "The city got off lucky, apparently. The seige broke before they got started with serious destruction beyond some damage to the southern and eastern sections of the city."
[19:46] <Kotono> That gets Pollyanna to giggle some more, "I wonder if that ever works?"
01[19:48] <Seira> "If you ever want to give global conquest a try, I wouldn't recommend that particular tactic," Seira cautions Pollyanna, sounding quite serious. "If only because those who kill you will take all your stuff," she says, patting the Resort sheathed at her hip, "and will do unspeakable things to your corpse.
01[19:48] <Seira> I'm certain I could come up with more reasons for why you shouldn't do this if you give me a bit more time."
[19:48] <Kotono> "Anyway, there's a lot of rumors about Olburt now, since no one seems to have an idea." Listing things off her hand now, "Some say he committed suicide for his failure and had his body spirited away for a private funeral, or that he had it cremated. Some say he escaped to out of Malmuth, or that he escaped deeper into it, or that he had an understanding with Queen Tant and is allowed a private, hidden life in exchange for fading away from his
[19:49] <Kotono> fading away from history."
[19:52] <Kotono> "Heh, heh," Listening, "I'll remember that if Demedais ever takes over the world. But...there's another piece to that puzzle. There were a few people that mentioned seeing Olburt with a woman before he vanished. A beautiful woman who stood behind him on the last day or so." Looking up at that, "The two people who said it were both soldiers involved in Valandia's defense, for what it's worth."
01[19:52] <Seira> This gets Seira to frown. "I believe we'll have to take a more direct approach with this, Pollyanna. I'll be leaving with first light tomorrow, and I would like you to handle this part in my stead. Find out whether Claris knows the real deal behind Olburt and the deal with Queen Tant, and impress upon him that we need to know the truth if he doesn't.
01[19:52] <Seira> I knew Olburt, and I saw him at Ferdi's death. He was a crazy zealot and it's not an issue I want coming back to haunt us some time down the line."
06[19:55] * Seira takes a few steps away from the gates, signaling the archer to follow as she heads towards a tavern Abagail is currently at. "As matter of fact, it would be prudent to find out what happened to those we had in our custody and extradited to Tant."
06[19:57] * Seira also happens to think that on top of the official channels they should have better means of gathering intelligence, but that's not a subject she wants to involve Pollyanna with. "Alright. The other issue of the day is to educate the Valandia populace. Sure, they may not believe what happened with the war and with Ferdi, and there're aspects of the story we don't really want out,
01[19:57] <Seira> like Daa-vid and the gnomes, but we can have an edited version out that mentions vaguely to fiendish rituals on Ferdi's part. It won't be too far from the truth, even, but most importantly it will show we're not ignoring their propaganda but facing it head on."
[20:00] <Kotono> "That makes good sense," Pollyanna agrees as she follows along, wobbling once ever so slightly. "Just as well. I still owe that little rat Pallan." HEr eyes narrow abruptly, "He gave it an entirely too good a go at trying to kill me. See if you can get him to go away forever if you look into that?"
01[20:02] <Seira> "As far as you know, I won't be looking into it," Seira tells Pollyanna in a casual tone. "I would hate for there to be misunderstandings about that."
[20:02] <Kotono> "Oh good. Then make sure there's no misunderstandings...like say, him hanging from a noose?" WIth a pleasantly cold look, "What that damned fool did to his body, too...it made me throw up."
01[20:06] <Seira> "I'm not disputing his foolishness. Fanatics are annoying to deal with." Changing the topic, Seira muses, "Perhaps something from the Illusion school could be used for a helpful demonstration? Ferdi's last moments, displayed for all senses but touch. If Claris can't make it happen, I'll check with Elle as to whether she can whip up something custom we could place at a public place.
01[20:06] <Seira> Like a museum dedicated to war and peace and all the good stuff?" Seira nods to herself. "If we advertise it well enough, people would come in droves because epic battles and dragons sell."
[20:07] <Kotono> "Hehahahahahaha!" Pollyanna breaks into a content laugh, "That's brilliant...and you'd make money off it at once."
01[20:07] <Seira> "Money makes the world go around!"