214.1 Alicia and the Kelaran Rebellion

[Corwin]

[20:27] <Kotono> ----
03[20:27] * Celenu is now known as Ebiris
03[20:27] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[20:28] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:29] <Kotono> Heading over to Elle's shop, you find her assistant talking with one of the new women mages in the guard. Abagail leans against the counter, the two locked in a rapt discussion. It seems to be the merits of basic metamagics - about how empowering a spell works and when it's relatively merited to use. Elle's not in immediate site, the story is otherwise quiet right now.
[20:32] <Alicia> "That sort of metamagic is a waste unless you're limited in how many spells you know," Alicia invites herself to join the conversation. "A fireball is better than an empowered burning hands spell in nearly any situation."
[20:36] <Kotono> Abagail turns, looking over Alicia, "Oh, yes, I rather agree in principal," she says, "Unless precision is more worthwhile. For someone who has innate magic, it's entirely different, yes."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Like you?" Alice smiles faintly at Alicia, "As I recall, yes?"
06[20:44] * Alicia smiles in reply to Alice. "I've sometimes considered it for myself based on that, yes. But since most of my spells go to protecting and enhancing myself rather than striking directly, it probably wouldn't be the best use of effort anyway," she concludes.
[20:44] <Alicia> "I've considered learning to boost my magic missiles that way, but I can only shoot a few of them a day so it'd probably be overspecialising for nothing," Marie pipes up beside Alicia.
[20:44] <Alicia> Meanwhile the paladin turns her attention to Abagail, "I've seen you at the garrison but we've never been formally introduced. Alicia Reynes," she offers a hand, "And this is Marielle. It's always nice to meet another magic user... well, except when they're trying to kill me."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Abagail," She offers a polite smilte, "Naturally, I've heard about you and your deeds." The hand is taken briskly, shook. "Seira has mentioned you as well."
[20:48] <Kotono> "Oh yes, natural magic," Alice asks Marie, "That would be a lot of work for little return, yes."
[20:51] <Alicia> "That's right, you're her apprentice... one of many, I understand. How is she as a teacher?" Alicia asks curiously while Marie nods to Alice.
[20:51] <Alicia> "This bow you and Elle made for me is just as good as my magic missiles anyway, so they're even less needed," she smiles brightly, indicating the lightning-themed bow fastened to her hip.
03[20:53] * Kotono is now known as Infinite_Ko_Loop
[20:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Quite well enough. She is very generous, as is fitting one of her rank," Smiling with a regal air to herself as she lightly preens the sides of her dress,
[20:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Quite well enough. She is very generous, as is fitting one of her rank," Smiling with a regal air to herself as she lightly preens the sides of her dress,.
[20:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "She'll appreciate that compliment. If you're here for her, she went home for lunch. She should be back within the hour." Alice explains.
[20:57] <Alicia> "I was hoping to see about her casting a spell for me, but I don't mind waiting around," Alicia nods in response to Alice before turning back to Abagail. "Waukeen smiles on her, so she can certainly afford to be generous." Although really most of Seira's wealth acquisition falls under a very very loose definition of 'trade'.
[20:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Countess Stronger says much the same," Alice smiles more earnestly here, yet reserved, "You three bring back the most interesting artifacts and curios."
[21:01] <Alicia> "There's always something, yes," Alicia nods, happy to talk shop. "Remember that fallen planetar and his friends? We sold you the berserker's swords, but I kept hold of the planetar's. It was a very strange weapon, one that coursed with unholy power and would strip away the mind and reason of any unfortunate enough to be struck by it."
[21:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The Countess mentioned it," Alice says agreeably, "Oh yes, I remember the story now. A fallen angel that spat fire with every word it spoke?"
[21:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "How fascinating," Abagail murmurs.
[21:07] <Alicia> "He stunned Antenora with a word of power as well!" Marie pipes up, before glancing at Alicia. "So I heard. I wasn't there."
[21:07] <Alicia> "Anyway, I was instructed in the means to purify that same weapon - I won't bore you with the details, but having accomplished it the weapon is now a bane to fiends and the wielder has their own reason and will significantly bolstered. It's like a sword and one of those periapts of will all rolled into one," Alicia concludes after giving Marie a brief nod.
[21:19] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Excellent." Abagail agrees to that, "Anything to boost our reserves of magical power. I love this shop," she says, with an imperious look around it, "More concentrated magic than most large cities lies within these walls. It's superb that we keep having those things come to us."
[21:20] <Alicia> "There wasn't anything like this back in Kelara. Or even in the Desert Fiefdoms that I saw while travelling there," Alicia agrees. "Although I understand this shop is fairly new, so who knows what's sprung up there recently?"
[21:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "One would imagine that opportunity would find the right sorts," Elle's voice is cheerful as she enters, whistling a merry tune. She has a cute rabbit in her arms, "Here to shop or just for the chatter, you two?"
[21:29] <Alicia> "Well I was hoping to ask for a favour, but the conversation has been pleasant," Alicia smiles while Marie flutters over to Elle.
[21:29] <Alicia> "Oh, that's a cute little rabbit!" she exclaims. "What's his name?"
[21:30] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Flopsy, my familiar." With a slight smile as she holds the rabbit, "Well, it's mine now...but it's a long story. Anyway, what's the favor, Alicia?"
[21:32] <Alicia> "Was hoping I could talk you into doing a Sending for me," Alicia replies as Marie pats the rabbit and talks about familiar solidarity - not that anyone except the rabbit and Elle can understand her since she's using Tongues to share their secret mistress/familiar language.
[21:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Flopsy seems to like Marie, lightly touching it's nose to her hand. "You familiars do need to stick together." She agrees, "After all, if something happen sto Alicia or I..." Petting Flopsy, "That's how I got Flopsy in the first place." Her smile is a wistful one, "But...yes, a Sending? What for?"
[21:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Meanwhile Abagail and Alice quietly go back to their previous discussion, albiet at a lower tone of voice.
[21:38] <Alicia> "I don't know if you've spoken to Seira lately but she had a run in with a devil who is also an archmage - he cast time stop after she attacked him."
[21:38] <Alicia> "For some reason he didn't kill her and she's set up a 'meeting' with him which is likely going to be a horrible battle. So I'm hoping to contact a friend I recently made on the astral plane who might be able to offer some assistance," Alicia explains while Marie makes a sad face at Elle's hinted tale.
[21:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Flopsy whimpers, sinking into Elle's arms. She takes a moment to pet the rabbit reassuringly, before, "A devil...Archmage?" With an open, undisguised grimace, "That's as bad as a demon vampire or a troll cleric. Time Stop? That's..."
[21:42] <Alicia> "The very limit of mortal magic imposed by Mystra herself," Alicia concludes grimly.
[21:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> You notice the conversation Abagail and Alice were having has abruptly stopped. "So...By Mystra, what are you going to do? Fighting an archmage is supposed to be like trying to swim through a lake of lava - short, painful and a complete failure that ends in your burning death."
[21:49] <Alicia> "You can swim through lava if you take the proper precautions," Alicia reasons. "That's part of why I'm seeking help like this - on the astral plane I fought alongside a planetar who cast Mass Heal. Also a ninth circle spell as I understand it, and within the abilities of any of their kind."
[21:49] <Alicia> "Regretfully one of the other planetars was killed by the destruction of a balor we were fighting. I also heard of a planetar being killed by an orthon back in the desert campaign. Sad fates, true, but also proving that simply having access to that level of magic does not make you invulnerable," she concludes levelly.
[21:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Alright, alright," Elle agrees to that, "You made your point. What's the name and what do you want to say in your sending?"
[22:03] <Alicia> "Thanks, I really appreciate you doing this. Address it to Jamais the Solar," Alicia begins gratefully. "Message from Alicia Reynes. Going to battle Esthan, devil is also archmage, ninth circle spells. Require any forces you can spare. One week. My house."
[22:04] <Alicia> "Twenty five words on the nose!" Marie exclaims, having been counting along.
[22:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Going back into her private rooms in the rear of the shop, Elle begins to cast!
[22:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100
05[22:10] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Infinite_Ko_Loop invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[22:10] * Hatbot (www-data@70.114.144.25) has joined #dunes
03[22:10] * Infinite_Ko_Loop sets mode: +v Hatbot
[22:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> roll 1d100
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Infinite_Ko_Loop rolls 1d100 and gets 76." [1d100=76]
[22:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> At last the spell is done, the arcane rituals and casting finished! Opening her eyes from her intense concentration, "He said that he will endevour to do so, though he is uncertain as of now to how many and how strong."
[22:16] <Alicia> "It's a pity that sending limits how much information we can impart, but it's better than nothing," Alicia smiles. "He's led many campaigns against the lower planes, so hopefully his judgement will be sound in whomever he sees fit to send my way."
[22:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah," Picking up Flopsy once more and going to sit, Elle pause and instead gets a glass of wine. She sits, sipping. "We could use an archmage of our own. We would almost have one by now if..." Looking down at her rabbit, Elle continues to gently pet Flopsy. "Bleh, and next I'll be acting all miserable for the rest of the day. Stupid devil archmages."
[22:24] <Alicia> "I think you're be selling yourself short, Elle," Alicia offers kindly. "Besides, Esthan's probably had thousands of years to practice. It's hard for mortals to match that."
[22:24] <Alicia> "Even so, most outsiders don't actually learn magic or improve themselves the way mortals do - any skills we learn that way usually don't carry over if we evolve into a more powerful form so it's usually not worth it in the long term. Esthan must be very satisfied where he is if he's went to all that effort," Marie puts in.
[22:27] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That level of practice, eh?" Elle rubs her chin as she listens, "So he's likely unusual for a devil? Since isn't the point of their psychology to advance on the corpses of their former superiors?"
[22:39] <Alicia> "Well, I'm not really an expert on devils even with all my experience," Marie admits with a shrug, "And Alicia's fought devil monks and warlocks and blackguards and so on. But generally for an outsider to follow a profession they get pulled away from the core of their being - remember, we're not just physical beings of flesh and blood like you, we're belief and ethos given form."
[22:39] <Alicia> "Take me as an example. I'm limited right now as a familiar but lets ignore that - if I were to say try to learn magic like a wizard, or develop my skills as a fighter, I could do so. But in doing that rather than focusing on my innate eladrin-ness - that core of pure chaos and good that defines my existence as a spirit - I'm actually stunting my growth, clinging to something more suited to mortal life."
[22:39] <Alicia> "I could become the most fantastically powerful coure archmage or warrior, but I'd never become anything greater than that. And if I changed my mind after a while and followed my innate being, I might achieve the transformation to a firre or a ghaele, but all the magic or skill at arms I'd learned would be forgotten as I changed into the most basic expression of the next step up."
[22:39] <Alicia> "Of course," she shrugs, "Devils have their own promotion mechanic which is determined more by the approval of their superiors than their own personal connection to their ethos, but I suppose that's one of the differences between Law and Chaos."
06[22:39] * Alicia looks impressed. "That was surprisingly deep, Marie."
[22:39] <Alicia> "Yeah, and Antenora wasn't even here to be impressed by it..." the eladrin grumbles.
[22:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That's really interesting, Marielle," Marie can hear the approval in Elle's voice, "So by strenghtening yourself you advance, and taking on more focused, 'mortal' pursuits is a regression? But in the case of a devil, say...what of his superior ordered him to do that? What if there wasn't any sort of dissonance between that?"
[22:46] <Alicia> "Well, I think for devils they basically get promoted by the say so of their superiors - and their superiors and their superiors. Basically a big fiendish committee. So a devil that hasn't really done any proper introspection could possibly get advanced anyway, but they'd be doing so at the whim and power of their superior rather than actually evolving by themselves."
[22:46] <Alicia> The eladrin smiles a bit smugly, "That's a big part of Law though, isn't it? Stifling evolution?"
06[22:46] * Alicia coughs and glares, prompting Marie to look a bit apologetic. "Well, for some more than others. Anyway, the thing is though that even if they get promoted, they're likely to lose a lot of their previous skill. So say a very powerful ice devil might become a pit fiend, but the transformation is actually a loss for them, at least at first."
[22:46] <Alicia> "So you see, those sort of pursuits become a self-enforcing cycle that ultimately limits the one following them."
[22:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That's what I don't get. A devil combined with the power of an archmage would rock our world to the foundation if he wanted to. That's the sort of power that a wizard can only dream of at his absolute utter pinnacle, if everything he tries goes without flaw. I have trouble accepting that it's some sort of deviation, and that's not a sign of superiority over his caste instead of inferiority. My instinct is to assume that he's out of t
[22:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> My instinct is to assume that he's out of the normal mold of a devil." (more)
[22:50] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Even with that aside, why? Why would he be acting like this then? He could wink away, appear when one of us is weak, and pick us off one by one. Or poison us in our sleep, or banish you to the Abyss or Hell with a few words. He has power that's staggering, and he's a regression from the norm AND...mgh." Stoppping there and rubbing her forehead, "Urgh."
[22:58] <Alicia> "Well, he could have reached his limit," Alicia thinks for a moment. "What Marie said is right, a devil can't be promoted without the approval of their superiors. So a renegade has to seek other paths to power. Or conversely he might have reached the pinnacle of power for the normal advancement track - a pit fiend with nothing to do except practice his magic?"
[22:58] <Alicia> "You also need to remember that we don't think the same way mortals do," Marie puts in. "Every one of us has a fundamental impetus to embody our morality and ethics to the fullest extent - it's why fallen angels and risen fiends are so fantastically rare, it's almost impossible to reject the very stuff that gives us form."
[22:58] <Alicia> "Hmmm..." Alicia hums at Elle's comment. "Perhaps he fears escalation? Powerful though Esthan may be, there are beings just as powerful in opposition. He limits himself because he believes he can accomplish his goals even without 'going all out' and it keeps him from drawing the attention of his peers?"
[23:04] <Alicia> "Also," Marie raises her hand, "He wants to use us to kill his enemies, not kill us himself. At least that's the impression I got."
[23:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "About that," Elle speaks up, "His enemies, if they're other devils, are also our enemies? I mean, he's not so foolish as to try and sell you on killing angels and eladrin?"
[23:07] <Alicia> "Probably," Alicia shrugs. "But I'm not buying into any 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' rubbish. He's my enemy's enemy, nothing more. If I battle fiends I'll do it on my own terms, not as an attack dog for their just as vile rivals.""
[23:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes, but there is one point. If his enemies are here..." Elle spreads her hands, "It would be nice to know that before sending him away."
06[23:09] * Alicia smiles thinly. "I'll try to ask him about that before one of us dies."
[23:10] <Alicia> "And then he can lie!" Marie chirps brightly.
[23:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes, but...it's also notable that one came to you in friendship, even if it's just a mockup of one. You've done much to inflame Hell, so why you and why take that risk if you're so anti-devil?"
[23:14] <Alicia> "I have my theories on that, actually," Alicia admits, going to lean on the counter. "It's nothing concrete yet, but I believe Esthan serves a devil that all believe to be dead. Likely his master is hiding on the outskirts of Avernus, hoping to marshall his power and weaken his rivals in order to stage a triumphant return. Or perhaps he simply wishes to see his rivals suffer."
[23:14] <Alicia> "In any case, the mere fact that I've inflammed hell so and still live proves that I would make a useful... assassin, I suppose."

[Corwin]

[18:58] <Alicia> [21:11] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes, but there is one point. If his enemies are here..." Elle spreads her hands, "It would be nice to know that before sending him away."
[18:58] <Alicia> [21:11] * Alicia smiles thinly. "I'll try to ask him about that before one of us dies."
[18:58] <Alicia> [21:13] <Alicia> "And then he can lie!" Marie chirps brightly.
[18:58] <Alicia> [21:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yes, but...it's also notable that one came to you in friendship, even if it's just a mockup of one. You've done much to inflame Hell, so why you and why take that risk if you're so anti-devil?"
[18:58] <Alicia> [21:17] <Alicia> "I have my theories on that, actually," Alicia admits, going to lean on the counter. "It's nothing concrete yet, but I believe Esthan serves a devil that all believe to be dead. Likely his master is hiding on the outskirts of Avernus, hoping to marshall his power and weaken his rivals in order to stage a triumphant return. Or perhaps he simply wishes to see his rivals suffer."
[18:58] <Alicia> [21:17] <Alicia> "In any case, the mere fact that I've inflammed hell so and still live proves that I would make a useful... assassin, I suppose."
[19:13] <Kobreakfast> "Perhaps it is so," Elle agrees, "This entire thing is discoordinating to me, I grow weary of Hell." SIpping from her wine deeply, "Go give them enough Hell to make them homesick, Alicia."
[19:15] <Alicia> "Heh, I will," Alicia nods. "I think I still have those notes we took from one of Esthan's underlings who was operating in Parsifal - I should probably refresh my memory in case there's anything relevant there. Thanks for your time," she nods before waving to Abagail and Alice, "And nice talking to you two as well," she finishes as she departs with Marie in tow.
[19:20] <Kobreakfast> Returning to home passes without incident. Reading the old notes of a gelugon provides Alicia with quite the embarrassing surprise. Antenora curses openly on hearing this, gloomy and out of sorts. There's not much of a mood to be had over an early dinner, none at all. Antenora's there, though she's mostly glaring holes into the wall. Only Jessica is openly cheery, whistling as she serves salads. "Hm?" she asks as there is the sound of a kn
[19:20] <Kobreakfast> "Hm?" she asks as there is the sound of a knocking. "I'll get it, you guys can dig in."
[19:21] <Alicia> "Go ahead, Jessica," Alicia puts on a smile, not wanting to take her bad mood out on her poor sister.
[19:21] <Kobreakfast> There's the sound of the door opening and some polite chatter. "Alicia," Jessica calls, "It's someone from the Temple of Mystra in Kelara. It's a message for you."
[19:24] <Alicia> "Oh? Invite them in!" Alicia calls back as she gets up in surprise. The last messenger probably hasn't even made it back to Kelara yet, so she wonders what it could be.
[19:27] <Kobreakfast> The person in question is a young woman, a limp and a cane to help walk. She wears the garb of Mystra, slanted eyes and ears telling of non-human ancestry in part.  Her hair is russet red and gold, her eyes a piercing, unmatching blue. "It's an honor,' she says quickly, offering a hand to Alicia. "I've heard some of the stories that have trickled into Kelara."
[19:28] <Alicia> Is it someone Alicia recognises from her own time back home?
[19:28] <Kobreakfast> Her face is dimly familiar - Alicia thinks she might've seen her at the temple at time or two, but not as a regular. Her name starts with a B, you think? Bi-something Bianna?
06[19:29] * Alicia isn't about to risk saying the wrong name and so defaults to introductions. "Alicia Reynes," she confirms her identity as she shakes the half-elf's hand. "You've met Jessica, obviously, and this is Antenora and Marielle," she indicates the other two.
[19:29] <Alicia> "Hi!" Marie waves cheerily as she takes off from the dinner table and flutters over.
[19:34] <Kobreakfast> "Biranna," She offers her hand, nodding to both. She goes to sit once the hand is shaken, "Recently of The Lady of Mysteries. As honored as I am to meet you, I'm here on business." She blinks at Jessica a moment oddly as she glances at her again, before going back to Alicia. "Taldeer needed a message to reach you and the temple at good speed."
[19:36] <Alicia> "Well, I'm all ears," Alicia replies as she goes to sit down as well. "Would you care to join us for dinner? We always cook too much for some reason," she smiles briefly at Antenora and her lack of a plate.
[19:38] <Kobreakfast> Antenora looks up to politely smile in brief. "No thank you. I need to hurry to see...Shankar right after this. Now then, Taldeer wanted to let you know that your mother was wounded yesterday." Immediately going on, "However, first and foremost, she's going to be alright. She's in no danger of death, the arrows only grazed her."
[19:39] <Alicia> "What?" Alicia's posture turns more rigid, food forgotten. "Who attacked her?"
[19:40] <Kobreakfast> "Rebels," The answer comes quickly, smoothly. "The rebel situation is getting out of hand in Kelara. Yesterday, several attacks were launched in the city against the rich and nobles. Several were wounded and a few were killed. Your mother was at one of the attacks."
[19:43] <Alicia> "Bandits more like..." Alicia all but snarls, guilt welling up in her for not having been there. Again. "You say this was just yesterday, does that mean you can teleport?" she asks as the compulsion to do something about these brigands takes hold.
[19:43] <Kobreakfast> Jessica puts down her fork, "Oh no..." Shaking her head a little bit, "It's not serious, though?"
[19:45] <Kobreakfast> "Taldeer lent me the scrolls," With a slight blush at that, "To get to the crux of the matter, the Church in Kelara believes that the rebellion has fair odds of succeeding now. They've won the majority of the sorties and used effective hit and run tactics to whittle down the Kelaran counterattacks. We're going to be requesting aid and funds from the other temples to ensure the safety of the one in Kelara, including refuge for religion work
[19:45] <Kobreakfast> Kelara, including refuge for religion works, icons and even people if need be."
[19:47] <Alicia> "Horrible timing, since we have our own problems here," Alicia admits, "But I'm not going to stand by while my home is overrun by thieves and murderers. How long do you think Kelara can hold out?" she asks, all business.
[19:49] <Kobreakfast> "Realistically?" With a sigh, a soft and slight one, "A month. Our best leaders were assassinated, at times by their own bodyguards. This civil war - there's really no pretending it's not one now - has gone bad and worse for us. People are starting to send feelers out to surrounding kingdoms. Frankly, the rich and the nobles are preparing to flee if they have to."
[19:53] <Alicia> "Their own bodyguards?" Alicia repeats, looking appalled. Just how low has her country sunk? "Were they bribed or have they actually fallen in with these brigands?"
[19:55] <Kobreakfast> "It varies. Some admitted to bribes, some spotued revolutionary dogma when captured. That's the gossip," Bowing her head low a moment, "Lady of Mysteries, protect Kelara..." After that and raising her head back up, "They're supremely good at unorthodox tactics. Hita nd run, assassinations, attacking supply depots, blending into the citizens."
[19:59] <Alicia> "And more die by the day..." Alicia concludes with a heavy heart. "Alright," she then nods after coming to a decision. "I'm coming with you back to Kelara. I'll have to return to Balmuria within a week to deal with that other problem I mentioned, but that's more than enough time to make a difference, as the Malmuthians learned."
[20:00] <Kobreakfast> "I'll come with you, then," Antenora speaks up, "Two are better than one."
06[20:02] * Alicia nods gratefully to the erinyes. "Marie, you stay here in case any of Jamais's forces arrive early," she then tells her familiar. "How about you, Jessica? I don't expect you to take part in this, but you could come with us to see the rest of your family if you want?" she offers, although she'd hoped the trip would be under better circumstances.
[20:06] <Kobreakfast> "I'd love to see Kelara," She answers brightly, "Pallanth was so much fun, and even if this isn't, I'd like to see it at least once."
[20:06] <Kobreakfast> "Alright then." Standing up and using her cane to lean on, "That's my message. I'll come back here in an hour or two once I finish matters with Shankar. Alicia, would you walk with me to the Temple?"
[20:07] <Alicia> "Of course," Alicia nods to her guest, getting up to walk alongside her out the door.
[20:08] <Kobreakfast> Once outside into the late afternoon warmth, a sea breeze blowing in from the bay, "Jessica?" She asks with a wry smile on her face "I've heard of and I met your sister once ages ago, but she wasn't called Jessica then."
[20:10] <Alicia> "No," Alicia shakes her head. "It's a long and rather sad story... did you know she very nearly assassinated the ruler of the United Baronies?" she asks as they slowly walk the short distance to the temple next door.
[20:10] <Kobreakfast> "No. I won't pry," She smiles, "I'm sorry, but I was simply curious. Excuse the question then."
[20:12] <Alicia> "I don't mind," Alicia shakes her head, "Anyway, to make the story short she lost her memories while trying to better herself. As her old name carried so much baggage, she chose to take a new one for a fresh start."
03[20:17] * Kobreakfast is now known as Kotono
[20:17] <Kotono> "Ah.' With a slight nod there, "From what I heard, that was a good choice."
[20:18] <Alicia> "I wasn't so sure at first, but... she does seem happier this way," Alicia concludes with a wistful smile.
[20:21] <Kotono> As you approach the Temple, people coming in and out as bells ring, "Then bless Mystra for it," Biranna smiles at that, slowly advancing in.
[20:22] <Alicia> "It was the Mother of All Magic who even granted her the chance to escape her fate, yes," Alicia smiles in reply there as they head in, looking around for Shankar.
02[20:32] * Hatbot (www-data@70.114.144.25) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by halbarad))
03[20:33] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5af11536.wfd102.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:33] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[20:34] <Kotono> Shankar is found at the altar, as a prayer for the sunset and the mystical signifigance it holds is gone through. Once that finishes, he goes to meet the two of you. "Biranna? News from Kelara?" He nods, "Alright, we'll go to my study. Will you be coming, Alicia?"
[20:35] <Alicia> "Ah, so you two already know each other," Alicia smiles before she shakes her head in response to the question. "I'll need to go inform Commander Obureth that I'll be indisposed for a while - matters in Kelara demand my attention. If you'll excuse me..." she nods respectfully to each before departing.
[20:39] <Kotono> OOC - Skip ahead?
[20:39] <Alicia> OOC: certainly
[20:42] <Kotono> Once you return home to prepare, Antenora is waiting. "Jessica's getting her things together," she says, wearing her armor and weapon at the ready. "What about you, any packing to do?"
[20:46] <Alicia> "Just my usual supplies... well," Alicia manages a slight smile. "One more thing, actually." She then heads up to her bedroom and returns a moment later, Marie edging far away as Alicia enters with a coiled black whip in her hand and an unsettling smile on her lips. "I think I'll give this to Taldeer," she concludes, resisting the urge to give it a hearty crack.
[20:50] <Kotono> "......" Antenora looks at the whip without comment, "Yes, that would be just as well. That....thing makes you rather unsettling."
[20:51] <Alicia> "Why do you think I want to get rid of it?" Alicia replies as she caresses the hilt seemingly without noticing.
[20:52] <Kotono> "Unless you wish to impersonate a succubus," Antenora raises an eyebrow, "Then again, I can almost see it while you hold that whip. Yes, let's give it to your friend straight away."
[20:55] <Alicia> "She'll appreciate the humour, trust me," Alicia insists still with that same vaguely off-kilter smile as she sizes Antenora up and slowly uncoils and recoils the implement between her hands.
[20:55] <Alicia> "Maybe you should keep it in your backpack for now, then?" Marie suggests, hoping she's out of reach in case Alicia decides she's speaking out of turn.
[20:56] <Alicia> "I..." Alicia looks to be having a difficult internal struggle before she finally nods, "I suppose you're right," she agrees, forcing herself to stow the whip away, even though her hands linger overlong on its smooth leathery surface.
[20:57] <Kotono> "Maybe you should, unless you're going to whip me," Antenora smirks and chuckles, putting away her look of uneasiness. "Yes, do put that nicely away, would you? Marie is completely correct."
03[20:58] * Sierra_Deadness is now known as Sierra_MomentaryLife
[20:59] <Alicia> "It has an... odd effect on me," Alicia admits uncomfortably after having safely put the whip out of sight. "As if harming someone with it would actually be an act of kindness..." she shakes her head before chuckling slightly, "Still, it's not overwhelming."
[21:00] <Kotono> "Really?" Antenora asks, "If you say so, Mistress." Laughing a bit, "I'm ready to go to Kelara when you are. Jessica should be ready soon, I hope."
[21:03] <Alicia> "And likewise so should Biranna arrive," Alicia goes over to pat Marie on the head. "You'll get to visit Kelara some day, Marie. For now just look after things here while we're gone, okay?"
[21:03] <Alicia> "You can count on me!" the coure insists with a wide grin.
[21:03] <Kotono> "I'm reassured," Antenora drawls.
[21:05] <Alicia> "Well, I'm counting on you to make sure Alicia doesn't get her throat slit in her sleep by any so-called 'bodyguards'," Marie rounds on the erinyes. "You better be careful out there, you two!"
[21:09] <Kotono> "Of course," Antenora says, watching Marie as she flies around to her. "I won't let bodyguard or whip cause her to get into any trouble. After all, I have discipline and patience.
[21:14] <Alicia> "Discipline is no good without enthusiasm!" Marie counters brightly. "And patience is hardly a lawful-only trait."
[21:15] <Kotono> "Really? You spout off at the slighted provocation without any thought. It certainly SEEMS chaotic to me. Little eladrin, as flighty and chaotic as a child who chases after pretty lights and colors."
[21:17] <Alicia> "What does being provoked have to do with anything?" Marie asks. "There are plenty of eladrin who spend decades in isolation, patiently contemplating existence or perfecting their craft. I don't think they'd appreciate being called lawful, though."
[21:18] <Alicia> "Ladies, ladies," Alicia wearily comes between the two of them. "This is unseemly. Can you please let it lie? Or do I have to get the whip out again?" she concludes, her tone sounding quite serious.
[21:24] <Kotono> "Oh Mistress," Antenora simpers, "Whip me!" After that, Antenora straightens herself up, calm now. "Yes, let's move ona nd wait for Jessica now. Enough of this petty bickering."
[21:26] <Alicia> "I'm so glad," Alicia smiles warmly at each of them, even as she knows it won't last.
[21:29] <Kotono> IT may not last long, but it's enough for Jessica to come out. Biranna returns after just about an hour, escorted in by Jessica. "If the three of you are ready," she says, "We'll leave immediately."
[21:31] <Alicia> "All set," Alicia confirms with one last look at Marie that says 'stay out of trouble'.
[21:33] <Kotono> "Of course," Jessica says brightly, "Have fun while we're gone, Marie!"
[21:33] <Alicia> "I will!" Marie promises too quickly.
[21:33] <Kotono> "Mystra," Taking out a scroll, Biranna begins to chant, "Oh Mystra, open the pathways of the dimensions to us, let us go to where we wish!"
[21:33] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:33] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=5 ]{5}
[21:38] <Kotono> "Ma-" Antenora begins, but the teleportation has occured! The three stand the desert in the late afternoon. Wind and sand flickers, a town ahead of the party. It looks like an oasis, rich and cool and bubbly. "One down," Biranna says, preparing another scroll. "One to go."
[21:40] <Alicia> "Are we going straight to the temple?" Alicia asks, recalling the trouble she had with the gate guards on her last visit.
[21:42] <Kotono> "Yes, the city's locked up well with security." Answering that as she reads the second scroll, "Mystra..." she begins again!
[21:42] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:42] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=4 ]{4}
[21:46] <Kotono> The Temple of Mystra hasn't changed much. You appear in the main worship room, mostly empty. Only a few priests are about, walking together close and in deep, quiet discussions. The mood is heavy, the normal day noise of the temple not present.
06[21:48] * Alicia looks around for any familiar faces after their abrupt arrival. "Only here for a moment and already I can tell things are not right." Since the sad fact is that there likely are going to be a lot of people around that she doesn't know and she won't have time to really find out how trustworthy they are, she keeps her eyes alert for evil and intends to stay that way for the duration of her time in Kelara.
[21:53] <Kotono> No evil that Alicia sees offhand. Biranna takes the lead, "I'll take you to Taldeer," she says, leading them out of the main room. As Antenora follows and Jessica looks about, the four-some head to the back parts of the temple. They are busy, filled with worshippers, and also what look to be men at arms at a few doorways, nodding curtly to Biranna as she passes.
06[21:56] * Alicia follows Biranna obediently enough for the moment.
[21:57] <Kotono> Lead to the back, you find Taldeer in a large room. She sits at a table, baggy eyed and drinking a fouls melling, steaming mug of something or another unknown. "Alicia," she stands up, "I wish this was under better circumstances."
[22:00] <Alicia> "I didn't think it would come to this, myself," Alicia admits as she goes to hug Taldeer in a rare but unreserved gesture of friendship. "If it wasn't for the difficulty of getting here..."
[22:02] <Kotono> The hug is returned tightly, "It's alright. Your mother's doing fine; a minor spell took care of the worst of it and she's resting at home. And..." She looks over
[22:02] <Kotono> The hug is returned tightly, "It's alright. Your mother's doing fine; a minor spell took care of the worst of it and she's resting at home. And..." She looks over Alicia's shoulder. "Guests?"
06[22:04] * Alicia nods as she parts. "This is my sister, Jessica," she indicates one, "And this is Antenora," she gestures to the other.
[22:06] <Kotono> "Welcome to Mystra's House," She greets them, "Will you be going to see your parents now?"
[22:07] <Alicia> "I'd like to do that first, yes," Alicia confirms. "Will there be problems coming and going from the city?"
[22:17] <Kotono> "Yes. The city's guards are on high alert." Going to the table, she takes several sheets and writes a few lines on each of the bottom of them. "These are city papers to get in and out, they'll help. You can probably get as et from your family as well, both sets should make sure that no one bothers you too much."
[22:19] <Alicia> "Thanks," Alicia takes the papers and hands one each to Jessica and Antenora while keeping one for herself. "We'll probably be staying at my family's estate while we're here, but we'll be back shortly so we can properly discuss what's happening."
[22:21] <Kotono> "Good luck and be careful. Not even Kelara proper is safe now," Taldeer warns, drinking deep from her mug. "The entire city is in a near panic after yesterday's attacks. A single spark could set off a reaction. For Mystra's sake, don't be that spark."
06[22:22] * Alicia smiles grimly. "I'll try to keep my head down," she relents. "But I expect I'll be in the thick of things before long."
[22:28] <Kotono> "You have that look on your face..." Taldeer shakes her head, "Stay safe. The rebels are dangerously competent and fanatical. If you cross blades with them, they don't take prisoners."
[22:30] <Alicia> "All the more reason for us to take a stand against them," Alicia affirms before putting it aside, "But we can discuss that later - for now I'd like to see my family. Until then, dweomerkeeper," she bows respectfully to the head of her church before departing.
[22:31] <Kotono> Once outside thet emple, you see that the streets are busy. Yet soldiers are everywhere, the citizens cowed and often nearly running from place to place. The sky is cloudy and dark. As you walk about, "You can taste the fear in the air," Antenora observes.
[22:32] <Alicia> "It should never have come to this..." Alicia shakes her head bitterly. "I wonder if they've had any victories at all against these 'rebels'?" she wonders aloud as she starts walking to the East gate.
[22:33] <Kotono> "It's sad," Jessica looks about, as soldiers often look your way. A few look at Alicia and company harshly, some apathetically. But almost all of the certainly look. "Sister..." She hurries up, going to Alicia's side, "You're not blaming yourself for this, are you?"
06[22:36] * Alicia hesitates for a moment before shaking her head. "No. I was half the world away when all this broke out. And I hardly have any love for the noble council... but I won't stand to see the people suffer at the hands of glorified brigands. I'm here now and I intend to do something about it." She walks tall and proud through the streets, but doesn't rise to the bait of any harsh looks.
[22:40] <Kotono> "Well said," Antenora smiles at Alicia, "You're right. Y ou can't be everywhere and you can't-" Antenora stops abruptly as an egg hits Alicia's side! The runny, shelly  mess runs down her armor, as a man from the side calls, "We know what you're doing! You and all of your limp wristed friends are going to magic out of here and leave us for the rebels!" He looks like a normal man, dressed in peasant clothes and balding.
[22:40] <Kotono> A moment later, a pair of guards diverges towards him, weapons drawn. "Down!"
[22:41] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[22:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 thrown
[22:41] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 thrown --> [ 1d20=10 ]{13}
[22:42] <Kotono> "Well said," Antenora smiles at Alicia, "You're right. Y ou can't be everywhere and you can't-" Antenora stops abruptly as an egg just misses Alicia's side! It lands on the street, as a peasant bellows to her, "We know what you're doing! You and all the limp wristed Mystraites are going to run off and let the rebels have us! You aren't fooling anyone!" As he speaks, a normal man in peasant clothes, two guards peel away and at him, spears out, "
[22:42] <Kotono> two guards peel away and at him, spears out, "Down!" they instruct sharply.
06[22:45] * Alicia turns to the man and walks towards him, speaking up over the guards. "I just *arrived* here, sir," she replies firmly, her voice loud enough to carry. "And I'm not afraid of any glorified bandit who pretends to have a political agenda!"
[22:48] <Kotono> Antenora stays back, protectively staying in front of Jessica. As Alicia turns to the man, the two guards are on him. He begins to go down, the soldiers pinning his arms behind his back. He looks at Alicia even as this happens, "Oh yeah?" he says, even as many a gaze turns to Alicia, "Well, you certainly don't give a damn about us if you just arrived!"
[22:52] <Alicia> "You have no way of knowing who I do or don't give a damn about," Alicia replies scathingly, "You're just lashing out because you know I have the decency to not rise to your baiting. Would you be so quick to stand up and hurl invective if I was one of those rebels you claim to hate so much?"

[Corwin]

[20:36] <Alicia> [20:45] <Kotono> two guards peel away and at him, spears out, "Down!" they instruct sharply.
[20:36] <Alicia> [20:47] * Alicia turns to the man and walks towards him, speaking up over the guards. "I just *arrived* here, sir," she replies firmly, her voice loud enough to carry. "And I'm not afraid of any glorified bandit who pretends to have a political agenda!"
[20:36] <Alicia> [20:51] <Kotono> Antenora stays back, protectively staying in front of Jessica. As Alicia turns to the man, the two guards are on him. He begins to go down, the soldiers pinning his arms behind his back. He looks at Alicia even as this happens, "Oh yeah?" he says, even as many a gaze turns to Alicia, "Well, you certainly don't give a damn about us if you just arrived!"
[20:36] <Alicia> [20:55] <Alicia> "You have no way of knowing who I do or don't give a damn about," Alicia replies scathingly, "You're just lashing out because you know I have the decency to not rise to your baiting. Would you be so quick to stand up and hurl invective if I was one of those rebels you claim to hate so much?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "Who cares?" Glaring back balefully even as his back his thumped, his wind knocked out enough so his next words are gasping, "We're all going to lose everything! All because your church and the nobles and the army sat on their asses!" Around you, the street people often hurry along, though with eyes that turn to the scene playing out in front of them. The stationed guards have hands on weapons, keeping a sweeping gaze out.
[20:39] <Kotono> keeping a sweeping gaze out.
[20:45] <Alicia> "The church of Mystra is not an arm of the government," Alicia tells him, before gesturing back to the temple. "And for your information, the people in there are just as terrified as you are. As for what the nobles and the army have been doing... that's a very good question. One I intend to find out the answer to." Although she suspects they've been doing what they've *always* been doing; protecting the city at the expense of the villages.
[20:46] <Alicia> "Would you let him up, please?" she then asks the over-enthusiastic guards. "He might be ill-mannered but he's not a threat."
[20:46] <Kotono> The guards are rough with the peasant man, knocking the wind from him harder this time, before shaking their heads. "Standing orders. This is inciting a riot and that's mandatory arrest and hard time in the stocks."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Go to...hell..." The man manages to pant out, his discourse fading as his wind is knocked from his body quite unpleasantly.
[20:48] <Kotono> "That-" Jessica's voice can be heard, but it's cut off before much else can be said.
06[20:49] * Alicia shakes her head at the sad state her home has come to. "I understand that, but there's no need to beat the hell out of him," she tells the guard who spoke. If any of her subordinates behaved like this in Balmuria there'd be harsh words.
[20:51] <Kotono> One of the guards simply shrugs. "Orders are orders." As the man is hauled up, "C'mon, you, off to the stocks." The man is dragged away, a final look at Alicia managed. His eyes are wide and full of fear and confusion and desperation, even as he tries to show hateful scorn at Alicia.
[20:52] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 sense motive what's up with him
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 sense motive what's up with him and gets 13." [1d20=3]
[20:52] <Kotono> "Tch," Antenora quietly says, "Back, Jessica," she murmurs.
[20:53] <Alicia> The confusion's what gets Alicia's attention. "Hold on a second," she tells the guards, casting detect magic. His behaviour was entirely irrational and she wonders if there was an unnatural provocation.
[20:53] <Kotono> Quickly casting magic, Alicia sees that there's no magic around the man at all.
[20:54] <Alicia> "Oh, nevermind..." Alicia looks at the loutish shell of a man with vague pity as he's dragged away before returning to her two companions. "Come on, the sooner we're off the streets the better, I think."
[20:56] <Kotono> As Alicia falls back in step, Antenora murmurs, "The city's on edge. Just how bad were those assassinations?"
[20:57] <Kotono> Jessica's face is stricken, looking long at the man as he is dragged out of sight and around a corner. "He doesn't need to spend that long there...Orders are orders can go take a soak."
[20:59] <Alicia> "Kelara's always been short of strong leadership," Alicia admits, keeping her voice low. "The noble council is a joke, and this situation is only making things worse." Then to Jessica, "They're trying to show that they're still in control by coming down hard on anything they can, but it sounds like they can't even touch the real problem."
[21:00] <Kotono> "Lead by brute force in the city and let everything go to hell outside of it? How marvellously heartless," With a cold look at nothing at particular as you hurry through the tense streets, "That's not control, that's self centered tyranny."
[21:01] <Kotono> Jessica sighs at Alicia's words, "I didn't want to come here and see something like that! This isn't fair; home should be a good place!"
[21:03] <Alicia> "It used to be," Alicia sighs. "But the underlying problems were always there. People here in the city didn't care if those in the villages suffered, so long as they were kept fed and safe - now they're reaping the harvest of their neglect." Making sure no one's close enough to overhear, "I almost wonder if these rebels aren't somewhat justified, but their methods are too extreme to elicit sympathy."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Tch," Antenora shakes her head, "Reform it from the inside instead of tearing the entire rotten structure down. The latter is far too destructive." As they reach the outside gates, you see that there are about twenty five people on duty there, the going slow for inside. Going out is somewhat easier, only a cursory inspection. The line's short.
06[21:06] * Alicia leads the group along to show their passes and head out so they can walk the mile or so to the Reynes estate.
[21:08] <Kotono> The guards take a glance at it and then Alicia's armor, before motioning them through. Once out of the city, you see that ther e are several patrols keeping a tight perimeter. The Reynes estate has a small detachment of soldiers outside of it, a few tents pitched at the sides of the house for them. A squad of four of them interdict as the party approaches. "Identification? What's your purpose of coming here?"
[21:10] <Alicia> "I used to live here," Alicia replies showing her pass in lieu of her family signet ring which is sitting at the bottom of her jewellery box back in Balmuria. "Alicia Reynes, daughter of Arthur and Beatrice," she identifies herself if it's necessary.
[21:11] <Kotono> The papers are inspected thrice, gone over with a critical eye. "Alright," they relent at last. We'll escort you in until they confirm who you are."
[21:14] <Alicia> "Well, I'm glad my family's safety is being taken seriously at least," Alicia notes, even if she can't help but think these troops would be better employed hunting down the rebels. What happened to all the great Kelaran warriors she admired growing up? She hopes they aren't on the rebel side...
[21:15] <Kotono> Thus you are lead inside, upstairs. You're lead to your mother's bedroom, the soldiers knocking on the door. "Sir, are you in there? An Alicia Reynes is here. Sir Arthur?"
[21:16] <Kotono> The knocking is answered after a short pause, a voice coming from beyond. "Alicia?" Arthur Reynes's words are weary, the door opened. Your father is there, looking pale and waxen. "Oh, Alicia. You're home again."
[21:17] <Alicia> "Hello father," Alicia gently embraces her father and kisses his cheek. "I'm not alone, either," she steps back to reveal the prodigal daughter in question.
[21:22] <Kotono> Alicia is gently kissed back, before Arthur's face shows a look of momentary surprise. "Beth...?" he asks, looking her over. He focuse son her face, solemn. "You look...happy."
[21:23] <Kotono> "...Father." Jessica answers with a dazed voice, looking him over. She reaches out, taking his hand. "My name's Jessica, but...Hello, father."
06[21:24] * Alicia discreetly hangs back in order to give the pair a moment together.
[21:25] <Kotono> "Hello Jessica," Arthur Reynes responds, before hugging his daughter. It's surprisingly tight, Jessica gasping. "It really is true. I've never seen you look so happy since you were a young child."
[21:26] <Kotono> "...Alicia...?" The voice of Alicia's mother carries outward, rather subdued. "Arthur, I thoguht I just heard Alicia's voice. But she's off magicking and killing again."
06[21:27] * Alicia winces at how that was put. "I'm right here, mother," she calls back through the door from behind her sister and father.
[21:29] <Kotono> "Alicia?" Looking over, you can see that Beatrice Reynes lies in her bed, covers up to her chin. She is propped up on several pillows, a thin white bandage over a small cut on her cheek. "Oh Alicia, you have come home! Arthur, get someone to make her something warm to eat. It's so ghastly these days; even when the weather is good, everything's so worried."
[21:31] <Alicia> "Here," Alicia carefully moves past Jessica and Arthur before approaching her mother, going to sit by her bed and reaching out a hand towards her cheek to bestow as much healing as necessary. "We came as soon as we heard," she tells her mother.
[21:31] <Alicia> OOC: 17hp lay on hands or whatever gets her to full
[21:31] <Kotono> OOC: 2 HP is fine. She's not an HP tank or anything.
[21:33] <Kotono> "Aaah..." Sighing in relief, "Thank you, dear. But yes, things are becoming ghastly. Now the bandits strike in Kelara proper! Lord Roth is trying, but they always seem to outsmart him.
[21:33] <Kotono> "
[21:34] <Kotono> A grunt comes from Arthur at that name, even as he hugs his daughter. "Well, sooner or later bracing mediocrity rises to the top."
[21:34] <Kotono> Antenora quietly enters in the meanwhile, going to stand behind Alicia.
[21:35] <Kotono> Tsking lightly, "Arthur, don't speak like that! He's doing a good a job as he can being thrust into the position."
[21:35] <Alicia> "This is Antenora," Alicia provides by way of introduction, "She's come to help. Since we have experience in war, hopefully we can provide better direction than Kelara has at the moment."
[21:36] <Kotono> "Good day to you," she offers a smile to Beatrice, but doesn't press the matter.
[21:36] <Kotono> "Oh, is she a friend of yours? Another warrior friend from that Balmuria?" Beatrice asks.
[21:39] <Alicia> "We met elsewhere, but yes, we're both living in Balmuria right now," Alicia confirms, the memory of that odd illusory scene with Antenora and her family tugging at her. "How are Charles and Rose?" she asks, making with the pleasantries before they get down to business.
[21:43] <Kotono> "They're preparing for a trip." Arthur says quietly, "Theyr'e going to see about business matters in the east, maybe even go as far as the first oasis in the desert."
[21:45] <Alicia> "Hoping to escape the trouble here?" Alicia summarises. "I just hope they're careful - the desert is very dangerous to travellers."
[21:45] <Kotono> "Yes," Beatrice says, "It was your father's idea. Just in case."
[21:46] <Kotono> "What about you," Your father speaks up then, "How long are you going to be here, Alicia?"
[21:47] <Alicia> "At least a week," Alicia replies. "I'll have to return to Balmuria then to deal with another problem, but if necessary I'll return to Kelara after its resolved. I intend to do something about this rebellion."
[21:49] <Kotono> "How noble of you," Arthur turns, "Quite the right spirit. ARe you going to enlist in the city's army as an officer?"
[21:51] <Kotono> Jessica is at last released, hanging back behind Arthur for now.
[21:51] <Alicia> "I'm not sure - I'll see how things pan out after I discuss things with Dweomerkeeper Taldeer. To be honest, I know hardly anything about this rebellion." She looks between her two parents hopefully, "Just how did things come to this?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "Oh, that's all the gossip," Beatrice gestures, "Arthur, get the servants to bring tea, pastries and get the chairs in position. We can't have a proper discussion standing up like savages!"
[21:53] <Kotono> "Yes dear," Arthur goes out past Jessica into the hall. As he does, Alicia's mother's gaze happens on Jessica. Her face parts into a slight frown, though she doesn't say anything.
03[21:53] * Kotono is now known as Infinite_Ko_Loop
06[21:53] * Alicia looks over to Jessica expectantly, since this would be a good time for her to meet her mother before they get back to business.
[21:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Hello...Mother." Jessica smiles slowly as she approaches, "I don't remember you because of what happened, but I'm glad to see you again." She approaches her bed, smiling warmly despite the scowl. "I'd wanted to meet you."
06[21:55] * Alicia hopes her mother won't be difficult. She seemed to miss Beth last time Alicia spoke to her. Nonetheless she lets this play out without interfering, for the moment.
[21:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Beatrice looks at that smile and that face, "Beth, you look happy now," she says in soft wonder. "Gods, you haven't looked like that since you dunked Alicia in that mudhole as a young girl."
[21:57] <Alicia> Thanks to the passage of two decades, Alicia can at least look back and laugh. Barely.
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Oh." Coloring faintly at that, and murmuring sorry to Alicia, "I'm very happy now. My name's Jessica now, though."
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora cracks a smile, but doesn't speak overtly.
[21:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Beth," she says this with emphasis, "It's the name I gave you when I held you the first time, and that's what I'll call you until my deathbed." Sitting up more alertly on her pillows, "Have you finally gotten over your rebellous streak?"
06[21:59] * Alicia shrugs as her mother proves where they got their stubborness from. Hopefully Jessica can indulge such idiosyncracies.
[22:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a slightly straining smile, "Mother, I don't even remember that, so I suppose I am."
[22:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good," Brightening at that, "Beth, sit down and have some tea with us. Your father should be back soon and the servants should have it ready shortly."
06[22:02] * Alicia blushes slightly but gives Jessica a reassuring smile that basically says 'just go with it'.
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Beth goes and gets a soft sitting chair, bringing it over to the bed. As she does, "Heavens, Beth! That's what the help is for! You'll ruin your back!" With a reproachful look, "Arthur," she raises her voice, "Do hurry now."
[22:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora starts to smile, creeping up her face.
[22:03] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Beth just blushes and smiles back as much as she can to Alicia and her mother. "Sorry," she says, sitting down and putting her hands into her lap.
[22:04] <Alicia> "Really mother, she'll be fine," Alicia admonishes, "She's probably in better shape than any of the help, anyway."
[22:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Arthur returns, a servatn bringing a tray with tea and pastries. He sets it on a table, getting chairs into position. "Nonsense," Beatrice dismisses. "Now then, sit down and we can talk like civlized people."
[22:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Antenora sits down as well, smiling quite widely. "Thank you, ma'am."
06[22:09] * Alicia thanks the servant and picks up a cup and saucer to drink from. "So... just what's happened to bring Kelara to this state?" she returns to her earlier question.
[22:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Arthur gets his own tea, as JEssica gets right to the pastries. "Well, at first it was just loose banditry. We're familiar with that. But then, as time passed, it's begun to become more organized. I believe this was around the time you visited last, Alicia? There were signs it might be serious, but it was still far away.{"
06[22:13] * Alicia nods, sipping on her tea as she takes in the background details.
[22:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "A little after you left, the rebels began to be felt. The army was sent after them in ernest, but a series of setbacks sent them staggering back. Betrayls, ambushes, guerilla tactics and good knowledge of the terrain lead to several piercing victories. Thanks to our leadership they were prevented from becoming routes...an d then the first wave of assassinations started."
[22:23] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Beatrice interrups Arthur here, "The army leadership lost several people, as well as nobles. Further, a message began coming out in earnest; the nobility was going to fall and fall hard. The scariest part is that it's come from many, but it doesn't seem to have a direct source. It's always the rebels or a few isolated prisoners who claim not to know, or traitors who say the same."
[22:24] <Alicia> "Do you know anything about who's behind this rebellion?" Alicia asks. Surely to have any popular support it must have at least a visible figurehead.
[22:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Arthur nods, "The stories began to spread like wildfire along with the assassinations. It reached a cresendo yesterday with the coordinated attacks in Kelara proper." A stop there, "No, I don't. The rumor mill is abuzz - it's a disgrunted noble, it's someone making a power play, it's a foreigner, it's him or her or it. I don't know if Lord Roth knows, though."
[22:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Of course," Beatrice says with disdain there, "They're all stationed in the country sticks and away from Kelara proper. It's probably some farmer with a gift for being a pest."
[22:27] <Alicia> "Mother, that's where I used to live," Alicia dryly reminds Beatrice.
[22:29] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "And we know how that worked out. THere are downright savages in the countryside," Beatrice jabs, "Savages with no respect for law and order."
[22:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Dear," Arthur interjects there, "Be that as it may, this situation is very serious."
[22:32] <Alicia> "That's because they never get to experience it," Alicia retorts. "Everyone outside those walls is left to fend for themselves. If that effete noble's council had actually shown a firm hand all across Kelara then you can be sure this rebellion would never have had fertile ground to sprout from."
[22:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Arthur starts to speak, then at last stops. Instead, after a breath, "Maybe so, but hindsight is without merit to us. Lord Roth is not the man to save Kelara, but he's entirely too good to holding onto power, like a baby who refuses to give back his rattle."
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Charming," Antenora murmurs. "How badly beaten is the army?"
[22:35] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "There's been losses of competent commanders; the officer corps are depleted. Many of the enlisted are suspected of having sympathies with the rebels. In short, not good." Arther grunts now, "Or so the rumors go, but I suspect these are tragically close to the truth."
[22:38] <Alicia> "They think they're beaten, it's no wonder," Alicia surmises. "But I just don't understand how a rebellion could flourish so much in secret - certainly secrecy makes sense in the beginning, but at this stage when they're poised for victory? Where's the rallying figurehead? What's actually drawing them together?"
[22:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's always the rebellion, or taking down the nobility," Arthur answers, drinking his tea. "It's quite disturbing.
[22:40] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "
[22:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You're right," Antenora speaks up, "Rebellions don't last on word of mouth and rumor alone. I could perhaps believe one very capable or a small cadre of capable people were managing several isolated cells or small divisions, but someone has to be directhing everything."
[22:44] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Jessica has been lsitening, often paying more attention to her parents than the words. "Don't worry. If Alicia says she'll save it, she'll save it. I haven't seen her fail yet."
[22:45] <Alicia> "And none of the prisoners have offered anything? The loyalists don't have any spies to call on?" Alicia asks, despairing at the what she has to work with. She then smiles at Jessica. "I've never had to put down a revolution before."
[22:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "The rumors vary a little, but...Then again, Lord Roth could have the leader delivered to him ona  silver platter and he'd manage to bumble it." Arthur Reynes sharply scowls.
[22:46] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "If we're not hearing about that, it means that surely Lord Roth has the discretion not to spread his state secrets into the gossips," Beatrice chides, "The man is not so incompetent, dear."
[22:47] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It can't be harder that saving Antenora or killing a dragon," Jessica smiles even brighter at that, "Or going to fight a pit fiend.?
[22:49] <Alicia> "I haven't done that last one yet," Alicia deflects with a smile. "But it sounds like it might be better if I went directly to Lord Roth rather than simply enlisting way down the chain of command," she turns her attention to her father, "Do you think that could be arranged, father?"
[22:51] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Ask your mother," With a sour look, Arthur passes it to Beatrice! She nods and smiles, starting ot getup, "I feel better now, and that pain relieving herb should be wearing away soon. Of course, dear. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you."
[22:52] <Alicia> "I'd like to talk things over with Taldeer first, but if it could be arranged for sometime tonight or tomorrow morning..." Alicia turns back to her mother.
[22:54] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I shall." Standing up, and after a moment, "Beth, you're going to come with me," she decides, "If you're forgotten everything, then it is paramount to have you begin to make social ties again. Starting with Lord Roth and staff would be splendid."
06[22:56] * Alicia maintains perfect poise and composure, and certainly does not sigh. Much as she wants to. "Alright then," she puts down her teacup. "In that case I'll return to the temple and discuss things with Dweomerkeeper Taldeer."
[22:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "...Mother?" Jessica blinks, even as Beatrice approaches her and taps her shoulder. "Of course. Come, Beth," she says, leading your sister away with her. Arthur looks on at them go, a curious smile on his face for a few moments.
[22:58] <Alicia> "Good luck, sister," Alicia mouths as they leave, before smiling at her father. "At least they're getting along... I think."
[22:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Close enough." Arthur then turn sto Antenora, offering her a hand after approaching her. "It's nice to meet you. I'd love to talk to you more under better circumstances, but life is difficult these days."
[23:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Thank you," Antenora shakes the hand briefly, which makes Alicia's father stop. "You have a grip of iron, just like Alicia," he says, wringling his hand. "My word."
[23:03] <Alicia> "The armour isn't just for show," Alicia smiles, recalling that Antenora didn't always wear armour... or clothing at all. "Anyway, we'd best head back to the temple for now, but we'll return tonight if it's not an imposition."
[23:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It's a side effect of my calling," Antenora joins Alicia, "Until then, sir."
[23:04] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Good luck with him. The man's as hard headed as a living rock." Arthur says.
[23:05] <Alicia> "I can be very persuasive," Alicia assures her father as she heads out.
[23:06] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> As you head downstairs, "It's bad. I think it's recoverable unless something unpleasant is at the bottom of it," she surmises, pace brisk, "As long as the army hasn't distingrated, they can still be rallied. Your family's minor nobility or close to it, if I recall?"
[23:08] <Alicia> "They're about as high up as it's possible to be without sitting on the council," Alicia confirms. "What worries me most is that there doesn't really seem to be anyone fit to lead - it's no good putting down the rebellion if Kelara is just going to lurch along like a zombie afterwards. Something needs to be done about the way this country is run."
[23:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "That's harder. You can kill the leaders or subdue them, but do you want to spend your life leading them?" Antenora looks at her askance, "You're talking about your own sort of rebellion there, even if it's a peaceful one."
06[23:12] * Alicia snorts. "Weren't you the one who wanted her own kingdom to rule?" she asks as they begin the walk up the road to Kelara's gates. "I couldn't, though. Even if I could break my ties with the United Baronies, the fact is I still need to be there to continue the work in those ruins, to eventually confront Daa-vid."
[23:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We all make mistakes," Antenora smiles a little there, warmth creeping into her features, the cloudy weather overcast and dim. "Anyway, the point I'm making is that if you want to change Kelara, someone has to do the heavy lifting. Unless you're as lucky as a fairy tale, something's going to happen, or they'll simply revert to the old behaviors otherwise."
[23:16] <Alicia> "I know," Alicia sighs heavily. "First we'll see if Taldeer has any ideas - she's lived here since before my parents were even born, so she knows the place better than anyone. Then we'll see what we can make of this Lord Roth... he's not someone I remember much of offhand, anyway."

[Corwin]

[20:54] <Alicia> [21:15] * Alicia snorts. "Weren't you the one who wanted her own kingdom to rule?" she asks as they begin the walk up the road to Kelara's gates. "I couldn't, though. Even if I could break my ties with the United Baronies, the fact is I still need to be there to continue the work in those ruins, to eventually confront Daa-vid."
[20:54] <Alicia> [21:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "We all make mistakes," Antenora smiles a little there, warmth creeping into her features, the cloudy weather overcast and dim. "Anyway, the point I'm making is that if you want to change Kelara, someone has to do the heavy lifting. Unless you're as lucky as a fairy tale, something's going to happen, or they'll simply revert to the old behaviors otherwise."
[20:54] <Alicia> [21:19] <Alicia> "I know," Alicia sighs heavily. "First we'll see if Taldeer has any ideas - she's lived here since before my parents were even born, so she knows the place better than anyone. Then we'll see what we can make of this Lord Roth... he's not someone I remember much of offhand, anyway."
[20:59] <Kotono> With those words, the two proceed back into Kelara. It takes some time to get through the gates - each person is searched, frisked and interrogated. As the two wait in line, a drizzly-cool rain begins to fall from the skies, making everyone damp but not truly wet, like a sheen of cool water. When at last Alicia and Antenora are up, the guards look her over, "Papers?" they ask.
[21:00] <Alicia> "Exact same ones we had half an hour ago," Alicia smiles as she presents hers once again.
[21:01] <Kotono> The papers are examined carefully, the two armored women looked at intently. At last the papers are passed back, "Enter," the guard annouces briskly, rain drops falling all around.
06[21:02] * Alicia folds up her papers and puts them back into her backpack so that the rain won't ruin them and heads directly for Mystra's temple once inside the city.
[21:07] <Kotono> The trip back to the Temple of Mystra is a tense one. The city is wet, on edge, busy. Once back in thet emple and dried of the rain, the two go to meet Dweomerkeeper Taldeer. She is sitting where you last saw her, drinking from her strange smelling mug and penning a scroll, writing swiftly.
[21:10] <Alicia> "Taldeer?" Alicia speaks softly in greeting to the cleric as she enters her chambers to get her attention.
03[21:12] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@141.218.15.47) has joined #dunes
[21:13] <Kotono> "Alicia." Putting down her pen and then sprinkling sand on the scroll to dry the ink, "How's your mother?"
[21:16] <Alicia> "Quite well, now," Alicia replies as she takes a seat. "She's going to arrange a meeting between me and Lord Roth, and is busy helping my sister make... social ties." She smiles lopsidedly at said concept.
[21:17] <Kotono> Antenora stays standing, hovering over Alicia. "Social ties? Oh dear, even now she's acting like that? She's feeling better." With the faintest smile at this occurance, "How're things out there? I've heard they're tense, but I haen't had the chance to go out and see it."
06[21:19] * Alicia makes a face. "The church doesn't seem to be popular right now," she admits. "A man threw an egg at me and spouted all sorts of abuse about 'limp wristed Mystrans'. The guards were none too gentle in apprehending him, either." Shaking her head and leaning on Taldeer's desk, "I see now why you were so worried."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Yes. It's gone from a background worry to a serious threat in a most alarming way. The panic that is gripping Kelara proper is a grave threat. The people are lashing out at established authority, alternating between needful terror to be saved and fear tinted anger for letting 'the end come' as they see it."
[21:24] <Alicia> "And no one seems to know anything about these rebels," Alicia sounds entirely unconvinced as she says it. "I just don't understand how an uprising could develop into such a threat and yet remain so wholly unknown - where's the charismatic figurehead? The attention getting propaganda? The sugar-coated ideology? If the council does fall, what's going to replace it?"
[21:27] <Kotono> With a bitter smile, "I don't know. That's what keeps me up at night, Alicia. There's nothing running it but apparently hate of the current regime and fear and all the damned rumors."
[21:30] <Alicia> "I don't think this is a real rebellion," Alicia shakes her head. "I've heard nothing to indicate any sort of popular support - it's all cloak and dagger assassinations, banditry, and bribery. No... my instinct is telling me that someone powerful is trying to make the council fall so they can sweep in and pick up the pieces."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Who then?" Taldeer asks. "This is looking to be well organized at some level, so it' snot some bumpkin attempting to stir shit up." With a grimace as she rubs her temples, "I'm worried the Fiefdoms or maybe someone to the west is trying to get lucky."
[21:42] <Alicia> "Speaking of West, the crown prince of Kesse is a devout follower of Shar, so I wouldn't expect anything friendly from them," Alicia tells Taldeer. "But there's a huge jungle between here and there, so I doubt they'd have any real interest. The Fiefdoms... maybe, though they often talk as if Kelara is utterly unimportant to them. As for our other neighbours... I don't know. How are relations these days?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "Kesse...Oh yes, I think I read of that region once. It's past the jungle, so let Mystra care of that for now." As she settles in, Antenora's expression briefly flickers into anger at the mention of Shar. "The Fiefdoms lent us some money to help put the invasino down. Relations are good, they seem content not to attack our borders. Thankfully they're generally not expansionist. The others? We haven't been getting along with Bath - a few of thei
[21:48] <Kotono> The others? We haven't been getting along with Bath - a few of their traders got drunk and raped a few women in a bar. The problem was that it happened to be the daughter of Sir Lahn, an officer in the army and a well respected land owner. Relations have been strained because of the incident. Past that? Nodlitz hasn't caused any trouble either."
[21:52] <Alicia> "Hmm..." Alicia digests that. "Nothing obvious, but then if they've managed to pull off their fake rebellion so well so far we could hardly expect them to be. It could even be a Kelaran seeking power - but what it comes down to is that everything points to this being a coup led by a secretive - by definition small - group rather than a genuine popular uprising."
[21:52] <Alicia> It could even be an outsider of some sort, although Alicia prefers not to think of that.
[21:54] <Kotono> "That makes a strike of decapitation quite viable," Antenora speaks up now, "If we can pinpoint the leader and deal with him, the rotten body will wither."
[21:54] <Kotono> "Or her," Taldeer corrects, "Antenora, wasn't it? There's a few ambitious women in Kelara as well, make no mistake. Like Alicia's mother," With a faint smile, "Always working to get ahead in her social standings."
[21:56] <Alicia> "At least she's harmless, if somewhat trying at times," Alicia smiles slightly before her expression turns grim, "But even if we defeat the rebellion, it still leaves Kelara in a precarious state - the people won't soon forget the impotence of their rulers, and the government likely will continue overreacting to try and maintain the illusion of control - I've heard little of Lord Roth but none of it inspires confidence."
[21:58] <Kotono> Holding a hand out, Taldeer waves it side to side. "He's not incompetent. He's not really risen to the occasion, either. He also has the inpolitical tendency to not care what people think of him once he has power."
[21:59] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia looks somewhat buoyed. "My father didn't seem to think much of him. I suppose I'll reserve judgement till I meet him myself, then."
[22:02] <Kotono> "But you're still right. This has really frayed the basic social fabric of Kelara. Win or lose, the confidence in the council has been critically wounded. At best it will take a long time for it to be restored. AT worst..." Lowering her hand and then her head, "Mystra only knows what could follow."
[22:04] <Kotono> "Chaos, anarchy, bloodshed." Antenora surmises gloomily. "Do you think the council could recover after this?"
[22:05] <Alicia> "We really need a strong leader, something that the political backstabbing of the council has never really encouraged..." Alicia furrows her brow in thought, but no easy solution becomes obviously apparent. "With all the assassinations, how many are actually left besides Lord Roth?"
[22:07] <Kotono> "Six more or less have power right now. Lord Roth, Lord Lahn, Lord Kesper, Lord Anders, Lord Kelvan, Lord Frost. Your parents are getting very close to cracking that, between the various deaths and the discord. A lot of the lesser nobles are busy being officers in the army, trying to hold things together, so they're not as much of a factor."
[22:07] <Kotono> "Of course, Lord Roth commands the army. Lord Lahn and Kesper more or less deal with the city here. Lord Anders, Kelvan and Frost are serving as commanding generals under Lord Roth."
06[22:08] * Alicia shakes her head. "It's been so long, I can hardly even remember any of those names... anything noteworthy I should know about any of them?"
[22:10] <Kotono> "Lord Lahn's an old school sort - you probably would remember the face, he's been at your mother's parites a few times. Lord Kesper is relatively newly risen, but he's dealing with all the guards and patrols. Lord Anders is a patient old man, good defensive strategist. I hear he's dealing with defending if the rebels attack Kelara proper. Lord Kelvan's a trader who recently retired and bought his way into things, coming with lots of money. Lord
[22:10] <Kotono> bought his way into things, coming with lots of money. Lord Frost is another old one. I don't think he's on good terms with your family."
06[22:13] * Alicia nods as she takes in that information. "Defence isn't the problem, though - we should be focusing on finding the ringleaders. Are there any prisoners from the assassins, do you know?"
[22:15] <Kotono> "Lord Roth might know, but all I've heard is rumors on it," Taldeer answers.
[22:16] <Alicia> "Alright," Alicia drops the matter as she shifts her backpack onto her lap. "On a lighter note," she smiles slightly, "I brought you a present."
[22:17] <Kotono> Antenora steps back a few feet.
[22:18] <Kotono> "Really?" Smiling at that, "Mystra knows I could use something to bolster my spirits! What is it?
[22:18] <Kotono> "
06[22:19] * Alicia digs out the coiled black whip and sets it down on the desk in front of Taldeer with a proud smile, looking for all the world like a cat who just brought a dead rat before its owner.
[22:20] <Kotono> "It's..." Taldeer blinks as she gazes the black whip, "It's...a whip. Alicia, I didn't think you'd give me something like that...I mean, it must be ensorcelled, yes?"
[22:21] <Alicia> "Of course it is!" Alicia replies quickly. Then, after an awkward silence, "Don't you feel... different?" she hazards.
02[22:22] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@141.218.15.47) Quit (later)
[22:23] <Kotono> "I..." Taldeer reaches out for it, "I kind of...oh!" As her hand closes around the handle, Taldeer's words stop. She picks up the whip, and with a strangely  mischevious smile, cracks it! "Oh...my, Mother of All Magic!"
[22:23] <Kotono> Quietly behind her, Alicia can hear someone quietly slipping out of the room.
[22:25] <Alicia> "You see!" Alicia looks pleased. "It has a very interesting-" she pauses and glances at the door before turning back to Taldeer, "Don't mind Antenora. Honestly, the way she acts you'd think I'd done something improper with it."
[22:26] <Kotono> CRACK! The whip lashes out again, cutting through the air. "Oh, it's just marvelous. Where did you find such a wonderful item?" Taldeer can't seem tos top grinning, cracking it a second time.
[22:28] <Alicia> "In a treasure chest belonging to a suicidal undead nalfeshnee," Alicia replies, managing to keep a straight face. "Anyway, as I was saying, it has a very interesting history that I thought you'd appreciate - in addition to the obviously entertaining enchantment."
[22:31] <Kotono> "Yes," A fourth crack comes a little close to Alicia, as Taldeer preens. "I feel like being called a Queen now...oh yes, I just like this so much." Going to sit back down and rubbing the whip's handle happily, "Even if it's the enchantment talking, who cares?"
06[22:34] * Alicia is just glad to have brought a smile to her mentor's face, even as she's unsure whether to avoid the lash or accept it. "Its name is Shar's Caress - it was actually made by servants of the Lady of Loss as an implement to torture followers of Mystra. But as you can see, they botched the job."
[22:34] <Alicia> "It still functions admirably as a weapon - if you're into that sort of thing - but it also draws those who venerate Mystra to it in a rather pleasing fashion."
[22:36] <Kotono> "What ac urious history and a curious origin..." The whip lashes out again, at least not at Alicia this time. "Mmmmmm...." After a long moment she gets up, going to put it into a drawer. Shaking her head wearily, "As much fun as it is, this isn't the time for games...I think."
[22:37] <Alicia> "I suppose it's not," Alicia agrees, "But still an entertaining diversion." Leaning back towards the door she calls out, "It's safe to come back now, Antenora."
[22:39] <Kotono> "Good," Antenora enters again after that, "I'd have hated to have spoiled your two special alone time with the whip."
[22:40] <Alicia> "Very considerate of you," Alicia nods, deciding to just go with it. Any protests would surely just make things sound worse.
[22:41] <Kotono> Taldeer gives Antenora an even look, though she doesn't press it. Instead, "Are the two of you going to linger much longer? Not to be a rude hostess, but I'm quite busy. In case the worst does happen, I'm preparing the temple to preserve our sacred texts and keepings."
[22:42] <Alicia> "I told my mother to meet me here after she'd spoken to Lord Roth," Alicia admits. "So in that case is there anything we can do to help out?"
[22:55] <Kotono> Taldeer looks at Alicia and Antenora critically, before smiling. "There is. Both of you are fairly strong?"
[22:58] <Alicia> "Oh, yes," Alicia nods. "Even without this belt of giant strength a mage in Balmuria made for me, I haven't gotten any weaker over the years."
[23:00] <Kotono> "It's humble work, but humility helps one appreciate how wonderous Mystra's gifts are." Clapping her hands, "There are some shelves we need to move, but the soldiers are on orders to maintain guard, all the strapping young men are being drafted into the army, and all the casters capable of doing it with magic are busy preparing. If the two of you would be so kind?"
[23:02] <Alicia> "Of course," Alicia smiles agreeably as she gets up, happy to help in whatever capacity is needed.
[23:04] <Kotono> Thus shelf movements take up Alicia's next few hours. Antenora helps, the two removing books, moving shelves and then restocking in an underground cellar, secured and protected. As thet wo work, "It's humble work." Antenora snorts as the two of you lug a particularly heavy, wooden behemoth of a shelf. "Does this mean you have stories of all sorts of hard labor as an acoylte at the temple?"
[23:07] <Alicia> "I suppose I do," Alicia grunts as they negotiate the stairs with their burden, idly wondering just what's taking her mother so long, "But since it's hard to work an unexpected twist and heartwarming moral into this sort of thing, they're not very good ones."
[23:13] <Kotono> As they manuver downward, "Speaking of twists and stories, what DID Marie say?" As the two put the bookshelf down at last, another one done, "You look like you could use a few moments of a break anyway."
[23:17] <Alicia> "Oh, that," Alicia dusts her hands off as they set the shelf in place. "She thought she could explain my distaste of drinking with the idea that Beth nearly drowned me in a wine vat when we were children," she explains in exasparation. "No one seems able to grasp that I just don't like the taste of alcohol."
[23:18] <Kotono> "Oh." Leaning agaisnt the massive bookshelf and wiping her head clean, "It is hard to believe, since you grew up on a vinyard.  Imagine if a farmer said he hates the taste of food."
[23:21] <Alicia> "I love grapes," Alicia volunteers with a smile. "Making wine just seemed like a horrible waste to me."
[23:21] <Kotono> "Ask Marie to feed you grapes for breakfast." Starting to smile coyly, "She stays in your room anyway, so she can make it breakfast in bed." Brushing her armor off briefly, "Ready to get back to work?"
[23:23] <Alicia> "They're hard to get in Balmuria. Better when I can just eat them straight off the vine," Alicia replies as she heads up to collect their next load.
[23:29] <Kotono> About a half hour later respite comes. A young acolyte comes and leads Alicia and Antenora back to Taldeer's chambers. Here Beatrice and Jessica are waiting, both rather rain wetted. Jessica sneezes a few times as the pair enters, while Beatrice simmers, arms crossed.  "There you are, Alicia! Do you believe it? I got stuck waiting in the RAIN for a half hour and THEN we got caught in a downpour! Abominable!"
[23:30] <Alicia> "You were kept waiting outside?" Alicia asks in disbelief. Either her mother is very unpopular or noble hospitality has taken a severe downturn in this city.
[23:32] <Kotono> After another sneeze, "It wasn't like that. The -achoo!- problem was that Sir Roth was inspecting a legion of soldiers, and we ended up waiting and watching him do -achoo!- that." Rubbing her nose, Jessica sniffles. "Mother," With a hint of irritation, "I believe you said, 'It is only proper that we stay here and show our support to our beloved nation's troops in this difficult time,'?"
[23:34] <Kotono> "Even if I did, I was obviously at fault for Lord Roth's timing," With a scowl she uses a hankerchief to dab at her face and clothes, drying them slightly. "Irregardless, we did see him."
[23:34] <Alicia> "Here, at least let me dry you both off before you continue," Alicia offers, casting a cantrip and proceeding to briskly run her hand over each woman just above the surface of their clothes as she magics away the accumulated drizzle.
[23:34] <Kotono> "Aaah. Thank -achoo!-" Jessica sneezes again, sharply, "Thanks, sister. But yes, Mother, if you weren't so worried over my social status..."
[23:35] <Kotono> "It's only proper, Beth," With a quick look back to her daughter, and then back to her other daughter, "He'll see you at dinnertime."
[23:36] <Alicia> "Tomorrow?" Alicia asks, frowning a bit at the delay. She really doesn't want to waste her time on this.
[23:37] <Kotono> "Today. It's not that late out yet." Beatrice answers.
[23:38] <Alicia> "Oh..." Alicia shakes her head, "We actually had dinner before coming to Kelara... so how long till then?"
[23:39] <Kotono> "I can explain that," Taldeer speaks up, "When you move very far west or east very quickly, as with teleport, you'll find that time isn't exactly the same. When going westward, you find it gets earlier in the day."
[23:40] <Kotono> "A half hour, if that. You shouldn't dally too much longer," Beatrice replies.
[23:41] <Alicia> "Really?" Alicia looks askance at Taldeer. "I'd never actually noticed... but I suppose that does make sense. Anyway," she shakes her head, "That should be fine - where will I find Lord Roth?"
[23:42] <Kotono> "At the administration center for the city garrison," The answer comes after, "It should take you about twenty minutes to get there in this weather."
[23:43] <Alicia> "We'll wait five minutes then head off," Alicia nods, knowing the way. "What does Lord Roth look like?" she asks so as to hopefully avoid any faux pas by not recognising him.
Session Time: Wed Nov 19 00:00:00 2008
[00:03] <Kotono> "Tall man, small nose, white uniform," Jessica recounts between a few sneezes.
[00:05] <Alicia> "Thanks. Now, the two of you should go home and have something warm to drink in front of the fire," she suggests to her mother and sister, her tone not brooking any argument.
[00:06] <Kotono> "That would be nice. Come along, Beth, we can talk about some gentleman callers who could come by once this unpleasant business concludes." Rising up, Beatrice takes Jessica along with her.
06[00:07] * Alicia just shakes her head. Her mother would never have dreamed of foisting Beth off on some suitor back when they were young.
[00:08] <Kotono> As she's gone, the Dweomerkeeper hides a smile with her hand. "It's rather funny to see, when you consider the past. She really doesn't remember a scrap of it, though?"
[00:11] <Alicia> "The waters of the Styx took a heavy toll," Alicia concludes. "I still don't know if it's better this way, but she seems happy and I suppose that's all I can ask for."
[00:11] <Kotono> "The Styx strips everything away in it's blank hunger. In a way, even this loss was it's own blessing. I'm not sure if Beth would have ever been happy from what I saw of her," Antenora adds.

[Corwin]

[20:14] <Alicia> [22:09] <Kotono> "That would be nice. Come along, Beth, we can talk about some gentleman callers who could come by once this unpleasant business concludes." Rising up, Beatrice takes Jessica along with her.
[20:14] <Alicia> [22:10] * Alicia just shakes her head. Her mother would never have dreamed of foisting Beth off on some suitor back when they were young.
[20:14] <Alicia> [22:11] <Kotono> As she's gone, the Dweomerkeeper hides a smile with her hand. "It's rather funny to see, when you consider the past. She really doesn't remember a scrap of it, though?"
[20:14] <Alicia> [22:14] <Alicia> "The waters of the Styx took a heavy toll," Alicia concludes. "I still don't know if it's better this way, but she seems happy and I suppose that's all I can ask for."
[20:14] <Alicia> [22:15] <Kotono> "The Styx strips everything away in it's blank hunger. In a way, even this loss was it's own blessing. I'm not sure if Beth would have ever been happy from what I saw of her," Antenora adds.
[20:15] <Kotono> "Alright." After a nod to that, "Get going, you two.  Good luck with Roth."
[20:17] <Alicia> "One thing to help with that perhaps..." Alicia smiles slightly before gesturing before her and saying a few magic words, after which her voice seems to possess some indefinable quality that makes it so much better to listen to. "A spell I invented to make negotiations go more smoothly," she smiles at Taldeer. "I'll talk you through it later if you're interested," she offers before departing.
[20:21] <Kotono> "Fascinating! Do so!" With an interested look Taldeer bids them off, the duo heading out into the rain. It's intolerably rainy, wet and even a touch chilly in this sort of downpour. The streets are slick and muddy, most of the foot traffice now finished. The administration center is busier than most of the city now, many, many troops here or on patrol. You are ushered through no fewer than four checkpoints before you get insisde the old, grand
[20:21] <Kotono> You are ushered through no fewer than four checkpoints before you get insisde the old, grand stone and marble building. A well trained old man in bulter's clothes bows as he waits for you. "Lady Alicia?" he greets her. "Lord Roth is waiting for you."
[20:23] <Kotono> Antenora shakes her head lightly, freeing it of the moisture that has soaked her. She stays behind Alicia otherwise for now.
[20:25] <Alicia> While ordinarily she prefers Mrs Reynes, Alicia decides that grandiose titles are likely to be of a benefit in this situation and so goes with it. "Excellent," she nods, quickly prestidigitating all the water off herself and briefly fussing over Antenora to do the same for her. "If you'll show us in, please?" she then asks.
[20:26] <Kotono> The servant doesn't seem alarmed by the magic at all. He simply bows again, leading you within. You go past grand offices for generals and marshals, past a dining hall grand as any a noble lord might have in his home. You go into a smaller dining hall, ornate but more restrained. It's dominated by a single table, smooth darkwood and showing an etched in, moving, very much alive scene of a band of mounted knights breaking up a defensive line. (M
[20:26] <Kotono> mounted knights breaking up a defensive line. (More)
[20:28] <Kotono> Lord Roth is a tall man. Even sitting he flows above his chair like a perched pelican. He has fine gray-blonde hair, kept very short. He wears a perfectly kept white uniform and white gloves, the latter supporting his chin as he waits, balled up. A jewelled saber rests attached to his belt. His nose is absolutely tiny, more like a miniscule speed bump on his face. "Alicia Reynes, Lady; daughter of Beatrice and Arthur Reynes." He does not stand,
[20:29] <Kotono> "Alicia Reynes, Lady; daughter of Beatrice and Arthur Reynes." He does not stand, though he does look to you. (More)
[20:30] <Kotono> Only a few servants are in the room, bringing in trays of roasted bird and vegetables for dinner. They are silent and well trained, fading into the background and away once the food is put down. "Your timing is impeccable. Please, introduce me to your friend and come sit."
[20:35] <Alicia> "This is Antenora," Alicia introduces the erinyes simply as she goes to take a seat at the side of the table. "Thank you for taking the time to see us on short notice, Lord Roth." she goes on, on her best manners since she doesn't want to wind up at odds with someone she needs to work with to save Kelara.
[20:35] <Kotono> Antenora goes to sit net o Alicia, taking a moment to go through the motions of a curtesy, even if she lacks a skirt. "Allow me to second those thanks."
03[20:36] * Taishyr is now known as taicls
[20:37] <Kotono> As a servant makes plates up for each of the three, Lord Roth peers past them and to Alicia. "Your absence from Kelara is an excuseable one after that barbaric business with your husband. Again, allow me to express my condolences to your family and yourself." After a second for that to set in, "I also hear the stories that travel the gossip circles about you in the United Baronies far to the east. Reports speak of you as a competent warrior and
[20:38] <Kotono> Reports speak of you as a competent warrior and spellcaster." (More)
[20:39] <Kotono> He stops a moment as a servant pours him a glass of water, taking pause to drink it. "You are coming to offer services and succor to our nation in our time of need?"
[20:43] <Alicia> "Succinctly; yes," Alicia confirms. "As I'm a serving captain in the army of the United Baronies, I cannot formally enlist myself here. But I have no desire to see Kelara fall to ruin - so therefore I am offering my services as an advisor, of sorts. And if necessary I will have no hesitation in taking up my blade against this conspiracy against Kelara."
[20:44] <Kotono> "I will second Alicia in that. She is my master; I will join my wrath to hers," Antenora adds, not eating even as plates are put in front of her.
[20:46] <Kotono> "Your nobility to your homeland is appreciated." Lord Roth nods, "Your timing is superb. I need a sword that can sever the snake's head of this rebellion. You," He stops here, his gaze boring into Alicia, his will virtulaly felt along her, almost oppressively potent, "Will be my sword. Tell me, Lady Alicia, what do you know of the rebellion thus far?"
[20:50] <Alicia> He has presence, Alicia will give him that. "I know that it first emerged several months ago in the periphery, though as little more than banditry with a political facade. While it has grown more threatening since then, there still seems to be a lack of any rallying figurehead or public ideology behind it. Yesterday several nobles were assassinated, in some cases by their own guards."
[20:50] <Alicia> "Those assassins either admitted to bribery or spouted revolutionary dogma when questioned - though I have not been informed of any specifics regarding who bribed them or what the dogma entails, so I assume it's not public knowledge," she concludes, listing the facts without her interpretations.
[20:51] <Kotono> "You are correct." For a moment he smiles, a sharp thing, even as his eyes do not relent. "Of what you said, what is the morest vital, telling fact?"
[20:51] <Kotono> *most
[20:55] <Alicia> "To me it's the lack of a leader or defining ideology," Alicia replies, meeting his gaze calmly while her own potent and attention-getting voice issues forth.
[20:56] <Kotono> He smiles at that, "You are correct again. You will serve me well, Lady Reynes. There is no idealogy behind it, beyond rabble rousing. But before we continue, stand up." He does the same, "The following information is a state secret. I require an oath and bond before these words are shared."
[20:57] <Alicia> OOC: after this much interaction I'm taking 10 for 20 on sense motive to get a gut feeling on whether this dude is trustworthy or not
[21:00] <Alicia> "You can rest assured that I only have Kelara's best interests at heart," Alicia replies smoothly. "I would not share any secrets if it was contrary to the nation's best interests."
[21:01] <Alicia> *nation's wellbeing
[21:10] <Kotono> "Good. Then repeat this: I, Alicia Reynes, do solemnly swear to serve and protect Kelara, to obey the lawful orders I am given, and to uphold these until I reach the life beyond this life."
06[21:13] * Alicia is silent for a moment after the oath, letting the stillness hang in the air just long enough to become awkward before she finally speaks. "I cannot," she states with finality. "My first duty is to Mystra, and my second is to the United Baronies. If an order conflicted with either of those, I would refuse it. I will not make myself an oathbreaker, Lord Roth."
[21:21] <Kotono> OOC - Make a diplo check?
[21:21] <Alicia> roll 1d20+38
06[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+38 and gets 55." [1d20=17]
[21:23] <Kotono> Lord Roth listens well ot that, before he goes on. "I suppose that you speak well for how intensly you take your duties, speaking with moving clarity and candor." He nods very shortly, "Very well, I will accept that. Sit again." Once Alicia does so, "We know that this rebellion is the act of one man and a few advisors whom he whispers poison into. A dreadfully capable man, no less."
[21:24] <Alicia> "Everything points to a small conspiracy rather than a popular uprising, yes," Alicia agrees. "So if you know who this man is..." she trails off leadingly.
[21:26] <Kotono> "He's capable of magic, shielding himself from casual divination. Further, he is very skilled at blending into things and disguising himself. He is a plague on us, a pervsion of the highest order. He has killed our best operatives, slicing them apart." A moment here to let the air grow heavier, "We do not know his name, only his mode of operation and his gear."
[21:27] <Alicia> "Go on..." Alicia invites, it sounding like she's going to be up against someone who blends swordplay and magic as she does. And is immune to divination, as she is. This should prove interesting.
[21:30] <Kotono> "He fights most precisely, tearing oppoents apart with a pair of barbed, hooked daggers. He calls them Shame and Blame and they sever apart limbs as easily as scroll-paper is cut. He tumbles wildly about the battlefield. Further, he uses several wands for magic. He is an overwhelming opponent and always wears a steel mask of a fearsome bearded man.
[21:33] <Alicia> "So there are those who have fought him and lived? Or has this information come from prisoners?" Alicia clarifies, narrowing her eyes at how his entire style seems way too similar to her own. Except she has a true warrior's weapon in her sword.
[21:34] <Kotono> "One of our agents got away, if barely. Most of our information comes from him, a few fragments from prisoners who have managed to trade this as repreive from the executioner's axe." Stopping to take a bite of his food, before putting his silverware down, "As of a week ago he was in the vincinity of a farmstead four days northwest of Kelara. We haven't gotten any newer information than that."
[21:35] <Alicia> "If he has any sense - and I'm sure he does based on what we know - he'll be far away by now," Alicia concludes. "So I take it we have no informants or spies amidst the 'rebellion'?"
[21:39] <Kotono> "We've had a few in cells we've been able to use to snuff each cell out. The problem is...imagine this rebellion like a vast mansion. Each room is self contained, there is no doors. Even if you clean one room otu of this menance, it offers no path to the other rooms."
[21:40] <Kotono> "In essence, it's not organized as a rebellion. Our problem comes, lays his poison out and forms a cell, and fades away to repeat the process."
[21:40] <Alicia> "What we need, then, is a lure," Alicia states decisively. "What are the circumstances in which our ringleader has personally involved himself in combat?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "Snuffing out spies and those who found him and attempted to end his life," Lord Roth answers. "When simple underlings would not suffice, I suspect."
[21:45] <Alicia> "Hmm... I could attempt to infiltrate them myself as a spy, but that would take time, and I must return to the Baronies in a week's time, even if only briefly. Any thoughts, Antenora?" she glances at the erinyes to see if she has any insight.
[21:47] <Kotono> "Do you have any cells you know of, but haven't been broken up yet? If we're going to bait him, perhaps one of us could be the bait in one. Does he have a weakness for women? Anything exploitable like that?"
[21:49] <Kotono> "We have the hints of one; but we haven't confirmed it yet. We don't knwo much of his habits beyond his role as our troublemaker." With a pause there, "His personality is largely a blank slate to us, beyond all the trouble he makes.
[21:49] <Kotono> "
[21:51] <Alicia> "Speaking of that, have you received any clues as to his motivation?" Alicia asks. "Clearly he wants the noble council to fall, but to what end? Does he plan on replacing it himself? Is he acting at the behest of another nation that plans to take over? Does he simply enjoy anarchy?"
[22:00] <Kotono> "He speaks with overwhelming eloquence of overthrowing the old order and replacing it with the new, but...nothing of him. No real motivations, only a doctrine of hate and revolution. It's all about the now and the overthrow, nothing of the later."
06[22:04] * Alicia looks thoughtful for a moment. "Attempting to pass myself off as a spy is probably the best approach, although given the recent round of assassinations it's quite likely that the finaly push is imminent. What do we know of this suspected cell?"
[22:06] <Kotono> "It's about six hours outside of Kelara on horseback. A small farming community named Whitewall; it's being lead by a goodwoman named Jane. We know that our revolutionary entered the town, and further, that he likely talked to her. We just haven't managed to prove it yet, since the information is new as of today."
[22:11] <Alicia> "I could go there to investigate while posing as someone sympathetic to the rebellion," Alicia offers. "Either I successfuly infiltrate the group, or they suspect me and the leader comes to kill me - although preferably I'd kill him first. Thoughts?" she looks between Lord Roth and Antenora.
[22:12] <Kotono> "It could work," Antenora allows, then mentally, 'Alone, or...?'
[22:13] <Kotono> "You speak well of yourself. I will entrust that to you," L ord Roth agrees, his meal only half eaten at best. "Your absence will likely render you as an unknown, unless a spy identfies you and this information quickly reaches the rebellion."
[22:15] <Alicia> "I'd disguise myself anyway," Alicia replies. To Antenora 'I'd prefer to give the appearance of being alone, but if I was truly alone then I'd likely have my throat slit in my sleep. We'll need to practice deception ourselves in this.'
[22:15] <Kotono> 'I understand.' As Antenora replies, "This is acceptable and proposes a good chance of success, the best we may have. Begin immediately," Lord Roth says.
[22:17] <Alicia> "I'll make preparations with what's left of the day and depart for Whitewall in the morning," Alicia nods as she rises at the dismissal. "Thank you for your time, Lord Roth."
[22:18] <Kotono> "Thank you," Antenora echos, thus the two leaving. As they walk out of th eroom, 'So...deception?' Antenora broaches.
[22:22] <Alicia> 'Either we keep you out of sight,' Alicia begins, leading the way out out and back to the temple. 'Or give you a disguise as well... Something unexpected.'
[22:23] <Kotono> Antenora is silent for a little bit, 'Like a naked bat winged devil from Hell who wants to slither in and help them?' Suggesting that with half a smile and half a look of disgust, 'You get the idea, at least.'
[22:27] <Alicia> 'I was going to suggest succubus,' Alicia banters back, 'But magic permits lots of options - you could pose as my imp or quasit familiar, for example. Although perhaps we'd be better off to not be quite so showy, to ensure our foe properly underestimates us.'
[22:29] <Kotono> 'I'm glad we're on the same page then,' Antenora glares at Alicia, 'Pervert. But no matter, the point I'm making is that I'd rather not wear my armor to this. Something far less conspicious would do as long as it' sfitted for wings.'
[22:32] <Alicia> 'Yes, our armour and weapons are perhaps too showy for this,' Alicia regretfully agrees. 'Keeping you hidden or shapechanged into another form is the best way of hiding them in that case - although there's little point in you carrying my armour, anyway.'
[22:39] <Kotono> 'Agreed.' As you head back towards the outside, the rain having stopped as night has fallen heavily over the city, 'Going to return to your parent's home and plan from there?'
02[22:43] * Alicia (WinNT@user-514facf5.l2.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[22:44] * Alicia (WinNT@user-514facf5.l2.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[22:45] * Alicia is now known as Ebiris
03[22:45] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[22:45] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[22:46] <Kotono> 'Agreed.' As you head back towards the outside, the rain having stopped as night has fallen heavily over the city, 'Going to return to your parent's home and plan from there?'
[22:48] <Alicia> 'Church first,' Alicia replies. 'At the very least I need to organise travel back to Balmuria in time to go after Esthan - hopefully we can get some teleport scrolls, since if not we'll need to rely on Seira picking up which'll take a few days using her ring.'

[Corwin]

[20:07] <Alicia> [20:27] <Kotono> Antenora is silent for a little bit, 'Like a naked bat winged devil from Hell who wants to slither in and help them?' Suggesting that with half a smile and half a look of disgust, 'You get the idea, at least.'
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:30] <Alicia> 'I was going to suggest succubus,' Alicia banters back, 'But magic permits lots of options - you could pose as my imp or quasit familiar, for example. Although perhaps we'd be better off to not be quite so showy, to ensure our foe properly underestimates us.'
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:32] <Kotono> 'I'm glad we're on the same page then,' Antenora glares at Alicia, 'Pervert. But no matter, the point I'm making is that I'd rather not wear my armor to this. Something far less conspicious would do as long as it' sfitted for wings.'
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:35] <Alicia> 'Yes, our armour and weapons are perhaps too showy for this,' Alicia regretfully agrees. 'Keeping you hidden or shapechanged into another form is the best way of hiding them in that case - although there's little point in you carrying my armour, anyway.'
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:49] <Kotono> 'Agreed.' As you head back towards the outside, the rain having stopped as night has fallen heavily over the city, 'Going to return to your parent's home and plan from there?'
[20:07] <Alicia> [20:51] <Alicia> 'Church first,' Alicia replies. 'At the very least I need to organise travel back to Balmuria in time to go after Esthan - hopefully we can get some teleport scrolls, since if not we'll need to rely on Seira picking up which'll take a few days using her ring.'
03[20:07] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-544615c6.lns1-c12.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:07] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[20:10] <Kotono> Returning to the church goes wihtout incident, thankfully without needing cantrips to dry this time. Taldeer is found writing another scroll, the request heard. "Teleportation scrolls? We have two left - I've used most of them to secure other matters over the past week."
[20:12] <Alicia> "If you can keep a hold of them until a week from today I'd appreciate it," Alicia asks, "Antenora and I need to return to Balmuria then so we can join our comrades in confronting a horribly overpowered devil."
[20:12] <Kotono> "Alright." Taldeer nods, "I'll have them put aside. How'd your meeting with Lord Roth go?"
[20:15] <Alicia> "It was quite productive, actually," Alicia admits. "I suspect he was using some sort of magic to boost his presence just as I was, funnily enough, though something different - it was in his eyes more than his voice. Reminded me a bit of King Ferdi, though to a lesser degree."
[20:17] <Kotono> "Really?" Blinking at that, "He's not a magic user as far as I know. He's patronized our temple...then again, he might have a magical item. He has the resources and money for it." AFter a moment to ponder this, "He's always had good presence, though being stubborn makes that a flaw at times."
[20:20] <Alicia> "Could've been a potion, maybe," Alicia shrugs. "Anyway, it seems he did have some information on the leader of this conspiracy after all. It seems he has a habit of appearing in person to slay Kelara's spies - a skilled magic user as well as a warrior, which makes it a shame we're on opposite sides."
[20:21] <Kotono> "Tsh." With a look of disdain now, "Now soemone using Mystra's gifts is behind this carnage and discord? Abominable." With a long, unpleasant look, "Alicia, I must encourage you even moreso to end this problem now. This is not the way to use Mystra's wisdom and gifts!"
06[20:23] * Alicia nods sadly. "Too many people use magic without any care for the teachings of its source," she agrees. "Anyway, there's a few things I could use that might make things go easier, if the temple has them to spare..."
[20:25] <Kotono> "What are they?" Taldeer asks, eyeing Alicia, "There's no need to be subtle. You're going to try and save Kelara from banditry and bring truth to someone who's misusing Mystra's power."
[20:27] <Alicia> "When have I ever been subtle?" Alicia asks innocently in reply, before giving the game away by chuckling. "Okay, yes. A few scrolls or potions of invisibility, or possibly a wand if possible - naturally they'd get used up. Also if you have a spare bag of holding or handy haversack or something like that I could borrow, it would be very useful."
[20:28] <Kotono> "I can get you the wand. No such luck on the bag, I'm afraid," Taldeer shakes her head, "You can borrow the wand, just return it assuming any charges remain at the end."
[20:30] <Alicia> "Should only need to use a few, hopefully," Alicia replies. "Oh, one more thing - have any old quarterstaves lying around? Hell Striker," she pats the elaborate looking blade on her back, "Is a bit too distinctive for what I have in mind."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Speaking of that, that's a beautiful weapon. Where did you get it?" Asking as she stands, "Yes, we have one you can borrow."
[20:35] <Alicia> "In the Halls of the Vanquished, on the fifth layer of Hell," Alicia replies honestly as she unslings the blade and holds it out for Taldeer to take. "Say hello," she adds with a smile.
[20:36] <Kotono> "Oh!" Taldeer gasps as she takes the sword, a look of surprise going over her face. "Truly, this is a magnificent piece!" She stares at the blade raptly, "It must have been Mystra's will for you to bring it back from Hell."
[20:38] <Alicia> "Well, it did ask," Alicia shrugs easily. "I wouldn't have thought to grab a sword from there no matter how nice it looked, otherwise."
[20:40] <Kotono> "Oh..." Staring at the blade, as Antenora smiles just a little, "I'll get that quarterstaff as well." Once Taldeer is gone, Hell Striker with her, Antenora speaks. "Alicia, do you think it was Mystra's will that you'd done everything you've done?"
[20:43] <Alicia> "If you mean that I've spent my whole life simply playing a role that was predetermined by Her will? No," Alicia shakes her head. "On the other hand, I do like to think that at least most of what I have done is what She would have wanted me to do, anyway. And I'm certain She's given me a little nudge, here and there."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Good." Smiling at that as she goes to sit, "What's your plan that's brewing now? If you're asking for things, you've working something out already."
[20:51] <Alicia> "For the most part it's as I said - we proceed to Whitewall and I pose as a disaffected city dweller and try to ingratiate myself to any recruiter for the cell that supposedly works there. For your part I'd prefer if you kept yourself concealed as much as possible - the invisibility wand would be to get you into my room at the inn without anyone seeing," Alicia explains.
[20:52] <Alicia> "Then I either successfully infiltrate them and work my way towards a meeting with the leader, or expose myself as a spy and he comes in order to 'deal' with me. Whichever way it goes, we win."
[20:59] <Kotono> "That works well enough," Antenora agrees. As she does, TAldeer comes back. She's not long, carrying a purple wand and a smoothly carved and polished quarterstaff. "Here," she says.
06[21:01] * Alicia slips the wand into her belt before taking hold of the quarterstaff. After a moment to get a feel for it she says, "An enchanted one isn't really necessary, Dweomerkeeper - I'll be using it primarily as a prop, and if need be I can temporarily enchant it myself."
[21:03] <Kotono> "I can get you a more rugged looking, less enchanted one then," OFfering her hand out, "It'll take just a moment."
[21:04] <Alicia> "Just a glorified walking stick is fine, yes," Alicia smiles as she hands it back.
[21:06] <Kotono> This doesn't take long - a well kept but obvfiously weathered walking stick is passed to Alicia when she returns.
[21:07] <Alicia> "This'll do nicely," Alicia nods as she takes the staff, before looking at her sword. "Did you two have a nice conversation?" she adds pleasantly.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Let's go, then?" Antenora stands, "You'll want to get a full night's rest so you'rea t your best for this, Alicia."
[21:10] <Alicia> "Well, Hell Striker seems to like you, Dweomerkeeper," Alicia smiles at the cleric. "Why don't you keep a hold of it until I come back?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "I will. Mystra's blessings on you, Alicia," Taldeer bids. OOC - Skip ahead now?
[21:15] <Alicia> OOC: sure
[21:27] <Kotono> Resting at home in her old room, sleeping like a child. The night that passes is a glorious one in  many ways, a sleep of odd restfulness coming over Alicia. She awakens with the dawn well, breakfast provided. Her family wakens early as well, a breakfast provided together. Once that's done, Alicia and Antenora prepare...OOC - YUou said you wanted to take ten on your disguise? Go ahead and describe it?
[21:35] <Alicia> Since she's not wearing any armour, Alicia can afford to let her hair down today, having earlier applied some red dye so its now russet coloured, though still held back from her face by her black blindfold, the rest is allowed to cascade freely down her back.
[21:35] <Alicia> Makeup is applied to make her skin appear slightly paler than it truly is, and she wears one of her old dresses that still barely fits - a long and flared brown skirt with a burgandy jacket and black petticoat, her usually gold coloured cloak temporarily dyed copper. A poufy maroon coloured hat perched at a jaunty angle on her head completes the ensemble, obscuring the blindfold worn as a hairband.
[21:38] <Kotono> Wearing her old chain shirt, though not looking like it, going for a dumpy dress instead, "You look like a noble a few seasons poor and out of contact."
[21:40] <Alicia> "I'll have you know this was the height of fashion... ten years ago," Alicia replies primly as she adjusts her hat, before twisting slightly to the side and eyeing her flowing tresses. "I think I'll get a haircut when this is over. It's starting to get a bit unruly."
[21:44] <Kotono> "Heh, heh. Going for short hair?" Antenora asks, as she starts to walk out, "We can talk while we travel, the sooner to Whitewall, the better."
[21:45] <Alicia> "Just a little trim. I normally try to keep it from going past my shoulderblades when loose," Alicia explains, grabbing her staff and heading out with a spring in her step. "That said, there's something nicely liberating about getting dressed up like this and not feeling the weight of my armour on my shoulders."
[21:47] <Kotono> "Freedom?" Antenora smiles as the two travel out into the slightly cloudy Kelaran morning. "Let's go and enjoy it then!" OOC - Skip along?
[21:48] <Alicia> OOC: certainly
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:50] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=37 ]{37}
[21:51] <Kotono> The trip to Whitewall goes without incident. It's a set of several frams in a loosely spiral pattern, with a densely populated center, several farmhouses and other buildings there. A few rivers dot the land here, swoolen with rainwater still. It looks rather quiet - only a few people in the fields as it comes into sight.
[21:56] <Alicia> "Okay..." Alicia surveys the town while they're still at a good distance and unlikely to have been seen. "I'll go alone from here and get myself set up."
[21:56] <Alicia> "It'd probably be simplest if you flew up to say cloud level so you'd be more or less out of sight to anyone below, and when I'm ready I'll come and meet you say... there," she points, "By that river where it curves around those trees between the field and the town itself. You should be able to hide yourself easily enough around there."
[21:58] <Kotono> "Yes," Antenora beginst o fly up, waving once at Alicia, "Be careful, just in case."
[21:59] <Alicia> "If you see any commotion feel free to investigate," Alicia replies as she waves, casting voice of the archon to ensure she'll be taken seriously no matter what she says before treking onwards into town.
[22:10] <Kotono> As you approach the town, a few people look your way - m ostly fieldhands, who look with half interest and half utter disgust. As you enter the center of the spiral, you see more people about - good wives and farmers, some hauling vegetables about in carts. Most don't seem to have much besides a silent contempt for Alicia on a glance.
06[22:14] * Alicia affects a somewhat harried demeanour, as if she's fleeing from something but far too tired to run at this point. Leaning on her walking stick she meets the disgusted looks with confusion and just a hint of fear.
[22:15] <Kotono> As Alicia looks about and puts on her act, one man approaches her, "Hail," he calls, a muscled and dirty farmer. He's perhaps thirty, with coal black hair and green eyes. His clothes show many a day of working the soil on them. "I think you're lost, city girl. You look awfully lost."
[22:17] <Alicia> "Lost? Hah," Alicia replies with a trace of bitterness etched into her voice. "No, I'm out of the city and that's exactly where I want to be, friend."
[22:20] <Kotono> "Hmph." With a shrug at t hat, "Got more sense than most of them, aye. Still, it can be right dangerous around here. How about you give me the honor of escorting you along?"
[22:21] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 20 on sense motive to get a gut feeling on this guy's intentions
[22:25] <Alicia> "No, I don't think so," Alicia replies. "Now that I don't have to worry about the insanity back there I feel quite safe." She sounds mostly convincing but with just the faintest hesitation in case anyone with a skilled ear is listening.
[22:25] <Kotono> "Hmph," He crosses his arms there, leering down at Alicia! "What's your name then?" He leans forward just a little, looking bigger than he is.
[22:28] <Alicia> "Lyssa," Alicia mangles her own name just enough to avoid being caught in a lie. Technically. Mystra would understand, surely. "And yours, my simian countenanced friend?"
[22:30] <Kotono> "SImian? What the fuck is that?" He asks with a stormy look. "It's Peter."
03[22:31] * Demedais is now known as taihover
[22:32] <Alicia> "Don't worry your sloping head about it, Peter," Alicia smiles disarmingly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've had a trying few days and would like to rest my feet for a spell, perhaps parch my thirst," she makes a little shooing gesture before looking around for a tavern or inn or somesuch.
[22:34] <Kotono> "What...?" Peter looks confused as Alicia looks about! There is indeed an inn, a small one. It's named 'Whitewall's Bed and Breakfast.' Going inside, you don't see much of a tavern, but there is a teenaged girl up front, playing with a few copper coins as she keeps watch. On Alicia entering the plain inn, "Oh, a traveler! Our rate is 2 CP for a hay mat in the stables and 2 silver for a room. 1 gold for a room and a bath."
[22:37] <Alicia> "A room will do nicely, my dear," Alicia smiles at the girl. "But before that, is there much in the way of refreshments around here? I need to sit down and have a nice drink..."
02[22:38] * taihover (~ferixstad@141.218.208.193) Quit (backlatermustgonowsheesh)
[22:38] <Kotono> "Water or..." She makes a drinking motion with her hand, "That sorta drink?" A snort then, "Got some fancy wine for ya, too. It's from the Reynes winery, if you want it."
[22:40] <Alicia> "Oh. Those people," Alicia mutters in disgust. "Well, I suppose wine is wine. I'll have the bottle," she nods while taking a seat.
[22:42] <Kotono> "'nother 5 silver," she says as she gets up, coming back with the bottle. There's just a few tables here, not really any sort of tavern proper, jus ta small commons room. The chairs are hard wood, not all that giving compared to others Alicia has sat in recently. The bottle and a wooden cup are put down in front of her. "Those people? I hear they live not to far from here - bunch of rich stoneheads."
[22:46] <Alicia> "Have a seat and pour yourself a glass - I find drinking alone to be terribly sad, and things are depressing enough lately," Alicia smiles invitingly to the girl, putting a single gold coin on the table. "Anyway, I'll admit that I don't know too much about the Reyneses, but they're supporting the idiots in charge of Kelara and that's bad enough for me," she nods sagaciously.
[22:48] <Kotono> The gold coin gets attention, alright, the girl going to sit next to her. She gets another wooden cup first, pouring drinks for both of you. "Don't mind if I do," she says, taking a drink.  "Yeah, just a bunch of rich idiots,"
[22:51] <Alicia> "Nothing wrong with being rich," Alicia smirks as she clinks her cup against the girl's. "But oh, those blasted ignorant nobles... I'm starting to think that those rebels have a point, the way the idiots in charge are clambering over each others corpses to mess everything up."
[22:57] <Kotono> "Maaaaybe," Drinking again from her glass, "Dangerous times here, at least. Alls orts of things could go wrong..."
[23:01] <Alicia> "I confess, I had heard things weren't exactly sunshine out in the periphery," Alicia admits as she sips her wine, "But now they'll lock you up or worse just for speaking out of turn - I was lucky to get out of Kelara, and I don't plan on returning until things are settled. And let me say I'm not expecting any miracles from those idiot nobles," she concludes knowingly.
[23:03] <Kotono> "Of course not," Raising her glass and finishing it off, "That's just how it goes. I'm sure they'll ride on golden wagons and carraiges all the way to the Desert Fiefdoms or Nodlitz at worst."
[23:05] <Alicia> "I wouldn't be so sure. Half of them are dead already, and I don't see the other half getting out of this with their heads," Alicia declares grimly. "Hopefully once they're gone we can get some proper leadership around here."

[Corwin]

[20:43] <Alicia> [21:00] <Kotono> "Maaaaybe," Drinking again from her glass, "Dangerous times here, at least. Alls orts of things could go wrong..."
[20:43] <Alicia> [21:03] <Alicia> "I confess, I had heard things weren't exactly sunshine out in the periphery," Alicia admits as she sips her wine, "But now they'll lock you up or worse just for speaking out of turn - I was lucky to get out of Kelara, and I don't plan on returning until things are settled. And let me say I'm not expecting any miracles from those idiot nobles," she concludes knowingly.
[20:43] <Alicia> [21:05] <Kotono> "Of course not," Raising her glass and finishing it off, "That's just how it goes. I'm sure they'll ride on golden wagons and carraiges all the way to the Desert Fiefdoms or Nodlitz at worst."
[20:43] <Alicia> [21:08] <Alicia> "I wouldn't be so sure. Half of them are dead already, and I don't see the other half getting out of this with their heads," Alicia declares grimly. "Hopefully once they're gone we can get some proper leadership around here."
02[20:44] * Celenu (WinNT@user-514ff92b.l4.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:45] <Kotono> "MIght just be," The woman drinks her second cup down at a more reserved pace, "It might just be. Got out when the getting was good, girl? Didn't want to lose your own head"
[20:45] <Kotono> ?
06[20:49] * Alicia is still sipping away on her first cup. "Lets just say I'm more worried about what the people currently in charge would do rather than what anyone hypothetically about to become in charge would do," she opines darkly. "Oh, we haven't been introduced - you should always know the name of the person you're drinking with, I say. I'm 'Lyssa," she then adds in a show of manners.
[20:51] <Kotono> "Thanks. Name's Jessica," She offers her hand out, "Jessy's fine."
06[20:54] * Alicia shakes the hand and chuckles. "I know another Jessica. Nice woman," she notes before making a show of looking around the empty inn. "You know, given the reception I got coming into town, I can't say I'm surprised you don't have many travellers."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Pfah," With a snort, "Most of them are too scared to leave their precious town, I bet." Finishing her second drink there, "At least you got some guts for a city girl."
[20:57] <Alicia> Having finished her first drink Alicia pours another round for each of them. "Guts, common sense, call it what you like," Alicia smirks. "I'm better off here than I was there, trust me on that."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Good for you," Toasting Alicia with her wooden glass, "Where are you going to go then, Lyssa?"
06[21:02] * Alicia returns the toast and drinks up. "I was thinking of just laying low around here for a while. Much as I'd like to settle a few scores with those nobles there's a lot of them and only one of me - so instead I'll just wait for them to get killed by the rebels and return once they're gone." Setting her cup down she finishes with a question, "Anything interesting around here besides dodging the ham-fisted attentions of amorous farmhands?"
[21:04] <Kotono> "Not much. Kelara's sewn up tight," With a waveo f her hand as she drinks, "We're only seeing soldiers coming to buy food and send it in. Bastards. They're gonna start shorting us and call it an emergency situation soon, I bet."
[21:07] <Alicia> "Well, they're just doing their jobs, really," Alicia allows graciously. "It's the ones pulling their strings that are at fault. Hmm..." she picks up her cup, has a sip and then swirls it idly in her hand as she leans back. "To be honest with all the rumours, I'd half expected to be accosted by rebels while on the road here."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Well, it just shows you what the city people know: Just about zero!" Sipping again befgore she watches Alicia swirl her cup, "And that's the truth, no matter how you spin it up."
[21:13] <Alicia> "Then by all means, dear Jessy - educate me," Alicia invites, batting her eyelashes winsomely. She straightens up and affects a more composed demeanour, "In all seriousness, though, I am interested in hearing what's actually going on out here."
[21:25] <Kotono> "Oh, there are things. Say, you're staying the night?" With a long look to Alicia, "Why don't you head upstairs and get some rest, Lyssa? Be nice and fresh for the evening, say?
[21:25] <Kotono> "
[21:34] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 20 on sense motive to get a gut feeling on the girl's intentions
02[21:35] * taicone (~ferixstad@resnet208-193.resnet.wmich.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:36] <Alicia> "Oh?" Alicia arches an eyebrow. "Some exciting social event, perhaps? You've piqued my curiousity, Jessy."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Something like that. Go get some rest," STanding up and patting Lyssa on the shoulder, "I'll see you tonight."
[21:39] <Alicia> "Hmph. A woman in my position might be inclined to get worried by such mysterious foreshadowing," Alicia notes as she also rises. "But I've got a good feeling about you, Jessy. Keep the change," she offers with a smile as she grabs her staff and heads upstairs.
[21:42] <Kotono> "Don't worry about it," THus Alicia goes upstairs. She finds her room to be a simple looking one, with a straw bed and a few chairs. There's a small fireplace, currently not in use. Otherwise it's very much a standard, basic inn room. OOC - Ball's in your court
[21:45] <Alicia> Is there a window?
[21:47] <Kotono> There's a single window, yes. It gives a view outward towards the spirals, several fields of grain and crops visible.
06[21:49] * Alicia opens the window and settles in to make herself comfortable for the next twenty or so minutes...
[21:52] <Kotono> Twenty minutes pass without incident. You can see men working in the afternoon outside, cropwork continuing apace. You can hear a moo as a man walks a cow down the side streets.
[21:53] <Alicia> Oh, while she's here she checks over the furnishings, looking for a place someone could theoretically hide - is there room under the bed? Up the chimmney? Is there a closet?
[21:54] <Kotono> The chimney is fairly wide but would require climbing, not to mention getting you quite sooty. There's no closet, but there's space under the bed.
[21:57] <Alicia> Alright, now it's time to collect Antenora. Casting Fly on herself while standing well out of sight from the window, Alicia then uses her borrowed wand to turn invisible before zipping out of said window and flying straight towards the meeting place she agreed with the erinyes.
[22:01] <Kotono> The river bend and the trees are indeed quite an agreeable spot. On arriving, Alicia doesn't see Antenora immediately - on a casual glance, one wouldn't think anything was amiss at all.
[22:02] <Alicia> Unfortunately Antenora still has a sad aura from her six hundred years as a nasty fiend, and Alicia is perfectly capable of seeking it out if it's within the vicinity.
[22:04] <Kotono> She's hiding quite well in some bushes, obscured well enough from Alicia's searching eye.
[22:04] <Kotono> *not well enough.
[22:05] <Alicia> "Antenora," Alicia hisses quietly after floating over towards the bushes.
[22:07] <Kotono> Antenora slowly pokes her head out, shaking it to dislodge a few leaves from her hair. "Alicia?"
[22:09] <Alicia> "I've got a room at the inn, that building over there," Alicia takes Antenora's hand and points it in the direction of said inn, since any pointing on her own part would be a futile gesture. "I'm going to turn you invisible, then we'll fly back over to my room - it's the one with the open window facing West."
[22:11] <Kotono> "Right," Antenora emerges ever so slightly, bulging up from her hiding spot, "Do it."
06[22:12] * Alicia waves the wand over Antenora to make her vanish from sight before stowing it away once more. "Use telepathy from here on," she whispers before taking off back to the inn.
[22:13] <Kotono> 'Right.' As the two fly back, or at least in theory they do, 'Anything happen there yet?'
[22:15] <Alicia> 'People from the city aren't popular here at all. I've laid some groundwork establishing my opposition to the current regime but it might take a while to bear fruit. Apparently there's some sort of event in the evening that the nice young lady at the inn said I should be well rested in preparation for,' Alicia summarises as they silently and invisibly fly back across the town.
[22:18] <Kotono> On arrivial to the room, you find nothing seems to have changed. Once inside, 'So are we waiting for this evening now, or...?'
[22:21] <Alicia> 'I'm going to wait for now - something tells me that whatever occurs this evening is important. She wouldn't have been so foreboding if it was trivial,' Alicia surmises. Belatedly, she goes to see if the door can be locked from the inside, and whether it's a key or a bolt lock.
[22:21] <Kotono> There's a lock on the door - it's a simple iron bolt lock.
06[22:27] * Alicia slides the lock shut. 'You'll need to hide if someone comes - either under the bed or up the chimmney - but the lock should give enough time that you don't have to stay there all the time.' Dismissing her invisibility spell, Alicia goes to close the window, 'Just keep away from here. No sense taking chances.'
[22:28] <Kotono> 'Right,' Antenora says, 'Once the invisibility wears off. How long does it last?'
[22:29] <Alicia> 'Three minutes - wands are always made with the lowest amount of power necessary to get the spell out, for some reason,' Alicia replies as she goes to sit on the bed.
[22:30] <Kotono> 'Until then...' Antenora settles in. Soon enoughy ou can see her, resting in a corner and simply waiting...OOC - Do you want to skip aehad?
03[22:30] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-222-120.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
03[22:30] * Taishyr is now known as taihome
[22:30] <Alicia> OOC: works. I'll recast voice of the archon around sundown if nothing happens before then
[22:33] <Kotono> The day passes in a relative peace and quiet. Light conversation is had here and there, but nothing really of note. Come sundown Alicia casts her spell, invoking the voice of the archon into her again. Red rays of dying sunlight spill into the room, darkness onrushing, coming closer with every second.
02[22:34] * taihome (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-222-120.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Broken pipe)
03[22:34] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-222-120.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
06[22:36] * Alicia watches the sun set before deciding now's as good a time as any to do something. 'I'm going to see what's happening. Hide yourself in case anyone wanders in, but keep an ear out for trouble,' she tells Antenora, going to open the window so it'll be easier for her to hear any potential trouble outside.
[22:37] <Kotono> 'Yes. Be careful," Antneora takes the time to hide under Alicia's bed, and lightly, "I wish this room had a closet or some place to hide in with more space."
[22:39] <Alicia> 'I know, it's a pain,' Alicia agrees. 'But it's the only inn in town, I think.' Grabbing her staff, Alicia goes to unlock the door and head downstairs, closing it behind her.
[22:40] <Kotono> Thus Alicia heads out! The inn has a few people in it's front, mostly farmers and farmhand relaxing and drinking. A few look a ther rather long, though none make any -immediate- move at her. Jessy's sitting back and looking out a window at the encroaching night.
[22:40] <Alicia> OOC: wait a sec
[22:40] <Kotono> OOC: Strike then.
[22:41] <Alicia> OOC: before heading down I cast message to link Anty and myself
[22:41] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Carry on then.
[22:42] <Alicia> If anyone smiles at Alicia, she gives them a smile back. If they look hostile she simply averts her gaze and moves on, going to take a seat by Jessy. "Well, it's evening time and I'm now thoroughly bored. Perhaps now you can tell me what excitement the night promises?"
[22:45] <Kotono> "Sure," Smiling as Lyssa comes up to her, "C'mon with me." She stands up, heading out towards the door and the fresh air of outside.
[22:45] <Alicia> "Do lead on, then," Alicia smiles in reply as she follows easily enough.
[22:48] <Kotono> The pair heads outside. They head down an arm of the spiral, away from the clustered center of the city. Out here there are a few things - including a bar with wide open doors that Alicia is lead to. Inside you can see a fire burning bright, no stalls and mostly open space for hay. A few men are here nad there, sticking close to the fire.
06[22:49] * Alicia looks around curiously, naturally alert for any evil presences as she waits for some sort of elaboration from Jessy. Is this a bar or a barn?
[22:51] <Kotono> It's pretty much a barn to a look, though mostly empty. One of the men - a short one wearing only pants and having a lot of muscle - radiates faint evil. "Is that her," Another asks, a tall one with flowing brown hair and a scar over his chin.
[22:51] <Kotono> "Yeah, it's her," Jessy calls, "Lyssa's her name."
03[22:51] * Taishyr is now known as taibeep
03[22:52] * taibeep is now known as tai-beepinglaggymodel
[22:52] <Alicia> "Hello," Alicia greets him, giving Jessy a faintly curious look before giving her attention to the man. "And you might be...?"
[22:54] <Kotono> "Michael," He grins to Alicia, all while restraining back from her. "I heard you came from the city while the going was good."
[22:55] <Alicia> "Things are hardly good there right now, but I expect they'll get worse before they get better," Alicia replies with a nod, briefly glancing at the others present to see what their take on this is.
[23:00] <Kotono> "Right," A stronger nod to that, "So you know the city, eh? I was wondering if you could do us a favor since you do."
06[23:01] * Alicia narrows her eyes. "That depends..."
[23:03] <Kotono> A third speaks up, a well worked farm man with a slight limp. "I need to get into Kelara. My daughter's there and I need to go to talk sense into her. Problem is that I don't have any papers to get in. But if you just came from Kelara, that means you have papers, don't you?"
[23:06] <Alicia> "You don't look like a 'Lyssa to me," Alicia tells him with a smirk, enjoying the accident of language that made her say her name normally despite the mangling she gives it in this persona. "Besides, how do you know I walked out the gates like a good girl? Maybe I had to sneak out without anyone knowing about it..."
[23:09] <Kotono> "Maybe so," He says, "But I lose nothing by asking." Looking on at Lyssa, "We can work something out once we get some papers to work with, I'ms u re."
[23:10] <Alicia> "You're right, there's nothing lost in asking," Alicia agrees. "So lets turn the question around - what do I gain from answering?"

[Corwin]

[18:32] <Alicia> [21:04] * Alicia narrows her eyes. "That depends..."
[18:32] <Alicia> [21:06] <Kotono> A third speaks up, a well worked farm man with a slight limp. "I need to get into Kelara. My daughter's there and I need to go to talk sense into her. Problem is that I don't have any papers to get in. But if you just came from Kelara, that means you have papers, don't you?"
[18:32] <Alicia> [21:09] <Alicia> "You don't look like a 'Lyssa to me," Alicia tells him with a smirk, enjoying the accident of language that made her say her name normally despite the mangling she gives it in this persona. "Besides, how do you know I walked out the gates like a good girl? Maybe I had to sneak out without anyone knowing about it..."
[18:32] <Alicia> [21:12] <Kotono> "Maybe so," He says, "But I lose nothing by asking." Looking on at Lyssa, "We can work something out once we get some papers to work with, I'ms u re."
[18:32] <Alicia> [21:13] <Alicia> "You're right, there's nothing lost in asking," Alicia agrees. "So lets turn the question around - what do I gain from answering?"
03[18:33] * CC is now known as Seira
[18:37] <Kotono> "My gratitude and the gratitude of my friends," Looking about to the men assembled here, "People in the countryside have to help each other. You can't just go running to the guard whenever you get a stubbed toe or someone looks at you wrong."
[18:39] <Alicia> "I've learned that guards can't really be relied on anyway," Alicia replies cooly. "Perhaps you can offer a more meaningful incentive?"
[18:43] <Kotono> You get long looks at that, the evil aurad man spitting and speaking up for the first time. "City dwellers, always in it for them. Me, me, me, me, me. Spoiled witch." Even as he heaps disdain on Alicia, the other man calmly clears his throat.
[18:44] <Kotono> "I can respect self interest. It's a sign of motivation," he says, "I can offer you a little bit of gold, if that's what you want."
[18:46] <Alicia> "Self interest is what keeps me alive through such difficult times," Alicia favours the namecaller with a smile before turning back to the other man. "I might be able to provide a set of forged papers for you, my friend..."
[18:47] <Alicia> roll 1d20+10 sense motive on his reasons for getting the papers
06[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+10 sense motive on his reasons for getting the papers and gets 15." [1d20=5]
[18:49] <Kotono> "Really?" With his eyes growing wider at that, "How will I know forged papers will pass muster?"
[18:51] <Alicia> "You won't," Alicia replies honestly. "The guards might see right through them and have you locked up for making the attempt." Her eyes narrow, "And they're not very kind to lawbreakers right now, in case you haven't noticed."
[18:53] <Kotono> "Mph." Crossing his arms as he bows his head to think, "Tell you what. How about I write you a note and you go back to Kelara yourself. No forged papers, no problems."
[18:56] <Alicia> "Certainly a safer plan for you, my friend," Alicia smiles toothily, it not reaching her eyes. "Less so for me. Still, I'm not without my resources... I might be able to do this for you, yes."
[18:59] <Kotono> "That would be good," Smilling back at her with a wide grin, "I really need to at least get a message to my daughter. Besides...if things go really sour, it'll pay to have someone out here owing you a favor."
[19:03] <Alicia> "Hmph," Alicia gives him a warning look, "You'll find I'm a woman who collects on her debts. Alright - go and write up your missive, and I'll have it delivered to your daughter by morning."
[19:07] <Kotono> "Yeah," He nods and goes off, leaving Alicia alone. The first, barechested man watches him go, before turning to Alicia, "You're not an easy mark, woman," he observes without much emotion in his voice, eyes half shut as he looks at her. "Milked poor Reg for all he's worth."
[19:09] <Alicia> "Trying to make me feel guilty?" Alicia smirks at him. "Please, he should be grateful I'm doing this much."
[19:10] <Kotono> "Brr," The evil auraed man makes to rub his arms, "It just got nippy in here."
[19:10] <Kotono> "Just like ice," The barechested man agrees, "Colder, even."
06[19:11] * Alicia rolls her eyes at the theatrics. "Anyway, the father's problem is obvious. What's your stake in this?" she looks between the remaining men.
[19:19] <Kotono> The shirtless one shrugs. "We got our reasons. That's good enough."
[19:21] <Alicia> "Does everyone in this town delight in vagueness?" Alicia turns to Jessy to ask her question with a slight edge of irritation.
[19:22] <Kotono> Jessy just grins, thumping's Alicia's back. "Like hell if they trust a city dweller right off. Just go with it. You gotta earn your stripes, is that clear enough?"
[19:24] <Alicia> "Things never used to be this way," Alicia grumbles, half tempted to force the evil man into confessing his whole agenda. But better not to do that with witnesses. "So what happens once I 'earn my stripes'?"
[19:29] <Kotono> "You'll fit right on with us then," Jessy clasps Alicia's back again. "Won't that be good once you do that and get back, Lyssa?"
[19:32] <Alicia> "What, you mean get back to the city you all hate so much?" Alicia returns. "I'm likely only here until those nobles are gone - I don't exactly plan to settle down for a quiet country life just yet."
[19:42] <Kotono> "Yes, well..." Jessy just smiles again. "We'lls ee about that."
[19:43] <Alicia> "You're back to being vague and foreboding," Alicia comments nonplussed. "I may have to do something about that."
[19:53] <Kotono> "Aaaw," Batting her eyelashes at Jessy, "You wouldn't, would you?"
[20:09] <Alicia> "You might be surprised at some of the things I'm capable of, young lady," Alicia replies warningly, crossing her arms and looking around impatiently.

[Corwin]

[20:48] <Kotono> <Alicia> "What, you mean get back to the city you all hate so much?" Alicia returns. "I'm likely only here until those nobles are gone - I don't exactly plan to settle down for a quiet country life just yet."
[20:48] <Kotono> > "Yes, well..." Jessy just smiles again. "We'lls ee about that."
[20:48] <Kotono> <Alicia> "You're back to being vague and foreboding," Alicia comments nonplussed. "I may have to do something about that."
[20:48] <Kotono> > "Aaaw," Batting her eyelashes at Jessy, "You wouldn't, would you?"
[20:48] <Kotono> <Alicia> "You might be surprised at some of the things I'm capable of, young lady," Alicia replies warningly, crossing her arms and looking around impatiently.
[20:49] <Kotono> The barechested man gawffs at that, "So touchy. Just relax for a little bit. Here," He takes a small metal flask he has tucked into his pants pocket, taking a nip from it before offering it to Lyssa. "Good strong stuff to help you unwind."
06[20:54] * Alicia accepts the flask and takes a swig without any hesitation.
[20:55] <Kotono> This, so to speak, puts hair on Alicia's chest. It's incredibly strong whiskey of some sort, making her eyes water freely and her throat burn. Her head swims from it, the taste like slightly refined acid. However, a few moments later, the kick that follows is incredibly potent.
[20:55] <Kotono> The evil man chuckles at Lyssa, going to warm his hands in front of the fire, while keeping a sidelong view of her going.
06[20:57] * Alicia is grateful for her resistance to poison, because that's really all she could call this. "Vile stuff," she opines, doing her best to seem entirely unaffected as she replaces the cap and tosses the flask back to its owner.
[20:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 bluff
06[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 bluff and gets 27." [1d20=15]
[20:57] <Alicia> OOC: +10, voice of archon
[20:59] <Kotono> The man grins as he takes it back, goign to thump Alicia on the shoulder. "Gond alive, you took that like a champion. You're alright." Putting the vile flask away, even as Alicia feels her head swim, "You're still up. Did I even introduce myself before?" His face splits into a wide, toothy grin. OOc - Make a fort save?
[20:59] <Kotono> OOC: +4 to poison applies, it's close enough.
[21:00] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24
06[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 and gets 31." [1d20=7]
03[21:00] * taireallysick is now known as taigraine
[21:02] <Alicia> "No... in fact none of you have," Alicia looks between all those present, before belatedly adding, "Aside from my good friend Jessy here," and swinging her arm around the girl's shoulders and affecting a tipsy grin. It might be better to make them lower their guard if she does seem a bit inebriated.
[21:02] <Kotono> Jessy grins and supports Alicia, "I'm really surprised your up. I didn't think some city girl had it in her."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Alan," The barechested man says, as the other says, "John."
[21:04] <Kotono> After that, "Yeah, neither did I." Alan admits, still grinning. "Look, Iknow it's like we're trying to wring you out and bullshit you around. But most of your city folk aren't worth a horseshit left on the ground."
[21:04] <Alicia> "What, you think all we do in the city is sit around sipping tea an' tradin' knitting' recipes?" Alicia asks in a tone of amused indignation, seemingly oblivious to her calculated verbal slipup. Giving Jessy an affectionate squeeze she nods to the men in turn, "'Lyssa, as you already know."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Yeah," Jessy grins as well, squeezing back, "You're alright, Lyssa. Do this favor and you'll get in real good, trust me. I know it's a pain the ass, but it'll be worth it."
[21:06] <Kotono> "Ha ha ha," Taking his flask out and having a second hit, "Guess you don't, at least."
[21:07] <Alicia> "It better be," Alicia nods her head up and down. "Was a lotta trouble gettin' out of there clean. Lucky I've gots a ways to send word in there without any old 'friends' catchin' wind."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Heh, heh," Going to sit, the barechested man pats the ground, "C'mon, sit down and we'll pass the time 'till he gets back."
[21:09] <Kotono> Jessy laughs at that, "Good, good. All those stupid bastards in the city don't have a clue 'cept to be dumb assholes."
[21:09] <Kotono> John is quieter, keeping a polite distance.
[21:11] <Alicia> Disentangling herself from Jessy, Alicia goes over to the fire - her feet seem steady enough despite a little sway in her gait - and primly kneels down with her legs folded under her and fully obscured by her long skirt. She lays her quarterstaff on the ground beside her, "Hey now, I'm from the city and I'm plannin' to go back there, too," she reprimands.
[21:12] <Kotono> "Yeah, well..." Jessy shrugs and sits next to Lyssa. "Maybe you'll change your mind by the time all this blows over?"
[21:12] <Kotono> Alan grins and offers the flask again, "Maybe she won't, but she'll be okay. Lyssa's got a real good head on her."
06[21:14] * Alicia accepts and takes another swig, steeling herself beforehand for the wretched taste violating her poor throat. There's really nothing good about being a spy, she reflects, before handing the flask back to Alan with an apologetic look to Jessy, "You're too young for this," she nods with overdone seriousness.
[21:16] <Kotono> Another drink makes Alicia's vision blur, her body burning like a white hot fire as the drink works down to her stomach. "Ah, bullSHIT!" she protests, glaring with mock heat. "Gimme that," she challenges. "I can take two shots of that like it's no thing at all!"
[21:17] <Kotono> Laughing now as he takes a slight sip of it, Alan puts the flask back, "Fraid she might be right, Jessica. 'sides, you'll try to drink too much of it and fall flat over. I ain't wasting good booze on that."
06[21:18] * Alicia leans close to Jessica as if to whisper, but her voice comes out very loud. "Don't feel bad, Jessica. It tastes like ogre-piss."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Baaah!" Alan crosses his arms even as Jessy breaks into laughter. "No taste from a city girl!"
[21:19] <Kotono> OOC - Make another fort save?
[21:19] <Alicia> roll 1d20+24
06[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+24 and gets 34." [1d20=10]
[21:20] <Kotono> Meanwhile, "Having fun?" Your message maker has returned, a glance at Alan seen briefly as he comes into view. Alan nods back to him.
[21:21] <Alicia> "No," Alicia huffs. "They're trying to poison me."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Heh," He cracks a bit of a smile, a rolled up scroll held in his hand. "Don't mess her up anymore, you idiots," he sighs. "Fun and games are good, but not now. Here's the scroll. I wrote the instructions down here," he produces a second one, a smaller scroll, "In case Alan got to you."
06[21:23] * Alicia takes both scrolls and unrolls the second. "Directions, description, name, that sort of thing?" she confirms while scanning it by the firelight.
[21:27] <Kotono> "Yep," He says. It has a handdrawn map of a part of Kelara - the lower-middle part of it for wealth, a small communial house from what Alicia knows of the city. A boardhouse. The person's name is Elizabeth, she has short blonde hair, green eyes and is medium height.
[21:28] <Kotono> "See, that' done. She can leave in the morning," Alan grins, "We were having fun getting drunk." Making a shooing motion, "Go back home now, it's taken care of."
[21:29] <Alicia> "Alright," Alicia uses her quarterstaff as a lever to pull herself to her feet. "Worry not, Reg. I'll have a reply from your beloved daughter tomorrow," she confirms.
[21:30] <Kotono> Jessy rises as well, throwing an arm around Lyssa. "See, she has it taken care of! She took two drinks of Alan's homebrew and she can stand!" Grinning, "Girl's tougher than a troll, you hear? Damn, it took you years to be ablet o take one shot without falling on your ass."
[21:30] <Kotono> Without much of a smile, "Still, the matter's done. And if that's true, congratulations. You're made of steel." With a nod to Lyssa. "Thank you. We'll talk again once you return."
06[21:31] * Alicia nods to Reg, though her eyes narrow slightly as she looks between Jessy and Alan. "And what would have happened to delicate and innocent me if I *had* been knocked out by your witch's brew?"
[21:33] <Kotono> "I'd have taken you back to your room," Jessy answers smoothly, "Oh come on, you passed a biiiiiiiig test," she leans in to whisper it, before wobbling out and away, barely holding onto Lyssa. "Anyone who can take a shot of that's not a worthless city girl."
[21:35] <Alicia> "I've been called many things, Jessica, but never worthless," Alicia notes, dusting off her skirt. "Anyways, I'd best get going. Things to do and such."
[21:35] <Kotono> "Yeah, yeah," Jessy amidts, "Want some company?" she asks, "Have a nice stroll back to the inn?"
[21:38] <Alicia> "I'd be delighted to enjoy your presence, of course," Alicia smiles sweetly. Too sweetly, for anyone with half a brain. Holding that for a moment, she turns for the exit. "Alan. John. I'm sure we'll chat again," she gives them a brief wave in passing.
[21:39] <Kotono> Thus the two head out, a few partings called. Once out, Jessy stretches under the dark sky. "Yeah..." she breathes out, too easy laughter coming. "Sorry if I talked down to you earlier, Lyssa." Her smile tames itself, "You really aren't so bad."
[21:40] <Alicia> "Well you didn't glare and mutter as soon as you saw me, or imply I might get raped, so it puts you ahead of most people here," Alicia replies smoothly.
[21:41] <Kotono> "Yeah, well..." Rubbing the back of her head, she stops as you walk down the quiet farmland. "Hey, Lyssa. Stop. I wa-need to ask you something."
06[21:41] * Alicia obligingly stops and turns to Lyssa with an expectant look.
[21:42] <Alicia> OOC: to Jessica
[21:42] <Kotono> "Look..." She looks down a moment, holding her arm with her other hand, "Were you looking to return to the city after all this?"
[21:45] <Alicia> "Most likely... or perhaps I'll move elsewhere if things don't turn out for the best, but we'll see how things turn out first," Alicia replies after some consideration. "The quiet country life isn't for me, Jessy."
[21:45] <Kotono> "Alright, then do what you're asked here and come back. It'll make your life a lot better once this lbows over," After that her smile returns, taking Alicia's hand. "Alright then," she asks as she starts to walk again.
02[21:46] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Client exited)
[21:46] <Alicia> "There's a lot you're not telling me, Jessy," Alicia observes as her hand is taken, walking in step with the young woman.
[21:47] <Kotono> "Yeah...come on, can't you guess," she smiles a little, "Do this and you'll be in good shape after all of this."
[21:49] <Alicia> "All of the ominous vagueness was a clue in of itself," Alicia agrees. "You're with the rebels, aren't you?" she asks, keeping her voice low.
03[21:49] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5445eb1d.lns4-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[21:49] * Alicia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[21:58] <Kotono> "Yeah, well..." She shrugs again, "Just do what you're asked and you'll be golden. Okay?" She turns to look at Lyssa, her smile there, but not really on. Her eyes are far too serious.
[22:01] <Alicia> "I've no love for the nobles of Kelara," Alicia replies honestly, "But... what if I'm asked to do more than send a message next? I've heard that the rebels are somewhat... indiscriminate in their targets."
[22:02] <Kotono> "Don't worry about it," With a warming smile as the two saunter back towards the center of the spiral, "Come on. How about we go and have another bottle of wine and then talk?" she offers, "Instead of talking all out here."
[22:03] <Alicia> "I think there's a lot to talk about, yes," Alicia agrees as she walks in step with her rebellious young friend.
[22:05] <Kotono> The return to the inn is otherwise without incident. It's more or less emptied out by now, the two having it alone as Jessy fetches a bottle of wine. Pouring a pair of wineglasses full and then raising her glass, "Cheers," she says, "Yeah, guess you got our eyes, alright. You're pretty lucky and good that you're coming off so well."
06[22:09] * Alicia clinks her glass with Jessica's and then takes a long sip. After that swill earlier wine is almost welcome to wash the taste away. "Aren't you a little young to be mixed up in this sort of thing, though?" Admittedly she's probably older than Seira, but Seira's special.
[22:10] <Kotono> "Special times call for special measures," she says plainly. Drinking deeper of her own glass, "A bit of wisdom from my Dad. It's true...and I'm 19." Puffing out a bit, "Really. I'm an adult as much as you."
06[22:13] * Alicia gives Jessy a melancholy smile. "They grow up so fast..." she reflects, briefly thinking of her own lost son. He'd be ten, now... Forcing herself to return to the present before she becomes too maudlin, she focuses on the mission. "So, what's this rebellion all about? Aside from the welcome dissolution of the noble council, I can't say that I've heard much of anything good about it."
[22:14] <Kotono> Smiling as she drains her drink, "It's time for a change. It's time for hope instead of all the endless neglect from the nobles. It's time to do something besides be easy prey for bandits and the occasional monster. You probably don't have a clue since you're from the city." With a nasty snort, "We're not even a day from Kelara here and they may as well be on the other side of the ocean."
[22:15] <Kotono> Getting another glass, "I grew up hearing about how we had to be careful, about how bandits and monsters can get you, about how careful my Mom was with me until I got taught how to defend myself." Drinking deeper from her new glass, "And you can go in the city and be safe from them. Fuck that."
[22:18] <Alicia> "I know all about bandits," Alicia replies with aching bitterness, before she collects herself. "And that's what the tales in the city say - that the rebels are bandits, dressed up in fancy dogma but still the same in action."
[22:20] <Kotono> "They don't know shit!" With a sharpness that belies her feminine voice, "I lost my dear Aunt Diana to a bandit raid. Bandits kill for greed. We're not like that, no matter how much the nobles lie about it!"
[22:20] <Kotono> Draining her glass again and putting it down with a thump, "You know all about bandits, eh? Do you think I'd give them the time of day if they were just bandits?"
06[22:24] * Alicia shakes her head. "You seem like you have a good head on your shoulders, Jessica," she admits. "But it's easy to dress up abominable acts in pretty rhetoric. And easy to be taken in if the one speaking for the cause is charismatic enough. So tell me - tell me all about this rebellion so I can know for myself."
[22:26] <Kotono> There's a pause there, a longer one. As it stretches, she goes for another drink, draining it down in one gulp. "It's for change," she says slowly. "To overthrow the nobles. It's ...because he talked to us so well. It's because overthrowing them is so important."
[22:28] <Alicia> "Then what happens?" Alicia presses, finishing off her own drink and pouring another round for them both. "You won't hear any disagreement from me that the noble council is a wretched system of government, but what replaces it?"
[22:29] <Kotono> Sipping her drink, "...I don't know," she says, half in wonder. "I mean, things will change for the better, but..."
[22:29] <Kotono> After a moment, she looks up with widening eyes. "I'm really not sure."
[22:29] <Alicia> "That doesn't sound good," Alicia shakes her head. "A weak government is bad, yes. But no government? That's far worse."
[22:30] <Kotono> After a longer moment, "I don't know. I just...he made everything sound right. His voice. That's what I remember the most besides that mask. Everything was so reasonable and h ewas right! The nobles have to go! But..."
[22:32] <Alicia> While Alicia does want to know about the leader of the rebels, she's taken with Jessy enough that she considers it more important to undo her apparent bewitchment. "That's all we've heard in the city as well. Bring down the nobles! But, as sad as it makes me to say it, if the nobles fall then so will Kelara, unless someone is there to pick it up once they're gone."
[22:33] <Kotono> "Then, surely he will?" Jessy asks, drinking again. Her eyes are quite red now, her words starting to slur. "There's no way he won't. Right? Why else would he be doing this?"
[22:34] <Kotono> After a moment, Jessy reaches out for Alicia's hand, "Lyssa, I never thought about this like that. It's just...I really can't explain it. It's like he knew what was bothering us and lanced open all the resentment."
[22:35] <Alicia> "Has he said anything about what he'll do in that case?" Alicia asks, subtly moving the bottle away to the other side of the table with her free hand as the other is taken. Jessy's had enough to drink and Alicia would be happy enough to forgo any more.
[22:36] <Kotono> "No. But he made so much sense." With a deepening scowl, "He even deflected telling us his name. We just called him 'him' or 'he'. But it worked. I twas finally our chance to change things!"
[22:37] <Alicia> "Why don't you tell me about him, then?" Alicia asks as she squeezes Jessy's hand. "It sounds like he's the mastermind, after all."
[22:40] <Kotono> "He came on us one evening, when we were having drinks. He started talking to us, casually, but he got our attention. He got Jane's the most, she latched right into it. Jane...my Mother." she adds in. "He told us what was coming and we could be a part of it."
[22:40] <Kotono> "That mask...that's what stuck out the most. I twas of a bearded man, with some sort of strange hat. We never saw his face, but the mask was very well made and polished."
[22:42] <Alicia> "Do you know where he came from? Where he was going?" Alicia asks, idly noting the irony that she's probably having a similar effect on Jessy as the mastermind did.
[22:43] <Kotono> "No. Just that..." After that she shrugs, squeezing Alicia's hand. She gets up, coming to sit at the chair right next to her. "I was happy. I could finally do something to make my AUnt's death mean something."
[22:48] <Alicia> "I understand," Alicia sighs. "That need to do something to make things right. It was the same for me, eight years ago..." she lets that linger for a moment before she shakes off the urge to reminisce, leaning close to Jessy. "But do you know something, Jessy? Never trust a man who won't tell you his name."
[22:49] <Kotono> With a faint, wan smile, "You know, my Mom told me something like that once." With a weak smile as she looks into Alicia's eyes, "But it's funny, Lyssa. You remind me of him a little. You're just so...so....so....powerful. Bigger than life with just words."
[22:52] <Alicia> "Perhaps we're destined to be rivals?" Alicia chuckles, though with little mirth. "I admit, I do have my own secrets... but it's no lie that I want Kelara to be better than it is. I just don't think this nameless masked man has the answer."
[22:53] <Kotono> "You oppose him?" Lyssa asks softly, voice low indeed. "Lyssa...who are you? Are you really just some city girl running away?"
[22:54] <Kotono> *Jessy. Ooops.
06[22:57] * Alicia takes a deep breath. She honestly has no love for this skulking about and misdirection. And it's possible she could lure the mastermind here by providing a more interesting bait. "I used to live in Lorasce, you know," she begins. "It's a day or so to the North of here, probably half the size of Whitewall, if it's lucky..."
[22:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 fiat K:L check
[22:57] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+4 fiat K:L check --> [ 1d20=13 ]{17}
[22:58] <Kotono> There's a pause, "Lyssa...no...your name's Alicia? I remember, years ago, a story about how bandits killed a husband and child, but the wife survived. Her name, it was Alicia."
[23:00] <Alicia> "Alicia Reynes, at your service," Alicia gives Jessy a wan smile. "Do the stories also tell of what I did to those same bandits when I caught up with them?"
[23:01] <Kotono> "I don't remem-" She stops there, her eyes widening. "Reynes...hahahahahahahahahaha!" Despite it she begins to laugh, drunkenly wobbing and eventually leaning against Alicia. "The same Reynes as the Reynes wineyard?"
[23:02] <Alicia> "The same," Alicia steadies Jessy. "My sister and I weren't intended nor were we inclined to follow the family business, though."
[23:03] <Kotono> "I see..." Using Alicia to keep herself upright and then back up in earnest, "I'm sorry. But you...you took revenge from them, from the sounds of it?"
[23:06] <Alicia> "I did," Alicia nods. "I was neither merciful nor kind, to them or any other bandits I encountered in my bloody swathe through Kelara. It is not something I am proud of, but in truth I do not regret it either. Afterwards... this land held too many bitter memories for me, and so I walked into the desert, not knowing if I would ever return."
[23:06] <Kotono> "Why are you back then," Jessy gazes into Alicia's eyes, rapt and drunk and allured and so many other things at once. "Because he's here?"
[23:10] <Alicia> "When I heard that Kelara was all but overrun with brigands, and even my own mother had her blood spilled, the hundreds of leagues of desert and waste seperating us were as nothing at all. I sought answers from those in the city, and then I came here to see what those in the country would say..." Alicia is free enough with the drama in weaving her tale. If she's to compete with this mastermind, she needs to be larger than life.
[23:10] <Kotono> "Ooooh..." Listening and nodding well, "You crossed the desert that quickly?"
[23:13] <Alicia> "On wings of magic the vast lands of the Pasha were traversed in the blink of an eye," Alicia smiles, before admitting, "In truth though, my summoning and means of travel were more at the behest of the Mother of All Magic."
[23:15] <Kotono> Eyes going wider and wider as Alicia's tale ensnares her, "O-oooooh...! Magic...you can cast magic?"
[23:18] <Alicia> "I can do a great many things, dear Jessica," Alicia smiles, before her expression turns troubled. "Though whether I can fix Kelara..." she shakes her head, "The noble council is not fit for its purpose, but it is likewise clear that the rebellion will not solve anything, and is in fact more likely to make things worse. It is a troubling set of events that have brought me back home..."
[23:20] <Kotono> "I think you can," Jessy blurts out, before turning bright, almost glowing red.
[23:20] <Kotono> "I mean...well..." She stumbles there, before coloring even more.
06[23:23] * Alicia smiles and puts a hand on Jessy's shoulder. "That's sweet of you to say. I certainly plan on doing my best, at any rate."
[23:24] <Kotono> "Y-yes..." Taking Alicia's hand on her shoulder with her own, reaching across her body, "Can you promise me something, Alicia?"
[23:25] <Alicia> "If it's within my means..." Alicia allows.
[23:26] <Kotono> "If you win...You'll make sure nothing happens to me and my family? My mother, if they find out she's a rebel..." Jessy lowers her head. "Please."
[23:28] <Alicia> "This is important, Jessica," Alicia shifts her hand from the girl's shoulder to cradle her chin and lift it up so their gazes can meet. "Agitating for change is one thing, but has your mother directly harmed anyone during this?"
[23:29] <Kotono> "No." Jessy says earnestly, "We haven't been in all that long."
[23:29] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 on sense motive for 20
06[23:32] * Alicia nods. "Alright. I'm going to do what I can to reform the noble council anyway - they need to learn to care more about what happens outside those walls, and they won't get far if they lock up everyone who just wanted things to get better." Her tone turns more grim, "I won't promise anything for those who've robbed and murdered for the rebellion, though."
[23:33] <Kotono> "I understand," Bowing her head to that, "Thank you, Alicia."
[23:35] <Alicia> "You're a good girl, Jessy," Alicia puts her arm around the younger woman again. "Your mother should be proud."
[23:36] <Kotono> "She...she is." After a moment Jessy hugs Alicia, reaching out to embrace her.
06[23:40] * Alicia gives Jessica a tight hug, the alcohol and her oddly motherly feelings towards the girl making her more demonstratively affectionate than normal even now that she's no longer playing a role. "Do you know if anyone here would be able to arrange for me to meet the man in the mask?"
[23:41] <Alicia> "Or know where to find him?"
[23:41] <Kotono> "I can...I can ask my mother," Jessy says. "I don't know, but she might." She stays agaisnt Alicia, sighing lightly.
[23:43] <Alicia> "Lets do that tomorrow, then," Alicia nods slowly. She remains in the embrace for a moment longer before, "For now, though, I have a letter to deliver and you should probably get to bed. Do you stay here or in another house?" she asks, wanting to make sure Jessy gets to bed without any mishaps.
[23:45] <Kotono> "I can go home." Slowly breaking it as well and blushing, "Or I can stay here."
[23:46] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 for 20 on sense motive. Is she hitting on me?
[23:49] <Alicia> "I'll walk you home," Alicia decides. "If you're going to wake up with a hangover it should be in your own bed, after all."
[23:51] <Kotono> With a blush, "I can stay here," she murmurs again. "You're drunk too, you know." Jessy slowly gets to her feet, "Unless you want to walk me home?"
[23:54] <Alicia> "It's your inn," Alicia chuckles, defering to Jessica since she's pressing the point. At least this way she can keep an eye on her, at least.
[23:55] <Kotono> Going towards the hall, "Going to bed," she asks, using a wall to support her briefly, as she walks away.
[23:57] <Alicia> "Goodnight, then," Alicia replies, heading upstairs to her own room.
[23:59] <Kotono> Alicia makes it back to her room without incident. Once she enters, you hear a slight rustling as Antenora emerges from under her bed. She sniffs the air and, 'Have fun?' she asks dryly. 'You smell like you have, whatever you drank is really strong.'
Session Time: Mon Nov 24 00:00:00 2008
[00:02] <Alicia> 'Drinking paint stripper is hardly fun, but it was productive,' Alicia replies, channeling an alter self spell into her staff as she closes the door. 'It was productive, at least. They were rebels and they were quite taken with me... just as they were taken with our masked man, as it happens.'
[00:03] <Alicia> OOC: strike that 'it was productive, at least' bad repetition
[00:03] <Kotono> 'Lovely.' Going to sit atop Alicia's bed and stretching backwards, 'Drunk?'
[00:03] <Kotono> After a moment and another sniff, 'It can wait for the morning if you are.'
[00:06] <Alicia> 'Only a little,' Alicia sits down next to Antenora. 'Anyway, I'd rather not waste time - got a job for you.' she sets aside her staff and takes out both scrolls, beginning to glow with her inner radiance since she doesn't have anything to light the lamp in her room to see by.
[00:07] <Kotono> Antenora stays next to Alicia, but after a moments she scoots away a little bit. 'What is it?'
06[00:07] * Alicia sniffs. 'It smells that bad?'
[00:08] <Alicia> 'I'd hoped the wine would've gotten rid of it...'
03[00:11] * Ko (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
03[00:11] * Ko is now known as Anastasia
03[00:11] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Anastasia Anastasia
[00:12] <Anastasia> Alicia smells a pleasant millieu of wine, a bit of sweat, some of a faint womanly scent. There's a sharper smell under it. 'It makes my nose itch,' Antenora answers. 'It's just very strong. Anyway, go on. I'll live.'
02[00:13] * Kotono (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[00:17] <Alicia> 'Okay, I've been asked to deliver a letter to a man's daughter in Kelara - because of the lockdown of the city he can't do it himself,' Alicia explains, 'Since you can fly a lot faster than I can walk, I was thinking you could do it - and while you were there pick up hell striker and our armour for when you come back.'
[00:17] <Alicia> 'I made more progress with one of the rebels after I told her my true identity so I think I'd prefer to have everyone know who they're really dealing with.'
[00:18] <Anastasia> 'Understood,' Antenora nods to punctuate her words, 'Do you think matters are going to come to a head quickly?'
[00:19] <Alicia> 'Well, the mother of the girl running the inn seems to be the leader of this particular cell - they were swayed by a lot of impressive but fundamentally empty talk by the masked man - so I'm hoping she can get me in contact with him.' Alicia then casts detect magic and detect poison while looking over the letter in question.
[00:20] <Anastasia> There is no poison nor is there any  magic.
[00:21] <Anastasia> 'Right,' Antenora says, and after a few moments, 'I hope it's that quick and easy.'
[00:21] <Alicia> Is there any seal on the scroll?
[00:22] <Anastasia> The scroll isn't sealed.
06[00:23] * Alicia unrolls the scroll and scans it to make sure it's an innocent letter from father to daughter and not coded assassination instructions or something heinous like that. 'We'll see. Perhaps playing spy for longer would be safer, but I think I prefer things this way.'
[00:23] <Anastasia> It looks like a normal letter - it's addressed to his daughter, pleading with her to come home under the dangerous circumstances.
[00:24] <Anastasia> 'You're better at guile that you think,' Antenora observes as she leans in to read over Alicia's shoulder.
[00:26] <Alicia> 'Oh, I won't disagree that I'm good at it - I had those rebels practically eating out of my hand earlier - but I don't especially care for it, either. I'm supposed to be a figure of inspiration, and I can't well do that while sneaking around and spouting innuendo and misdirection,' Alicia replies, letting Antenora read the scroll before she rolls it up and sets it down on the bed.
[00:26] <Alicia> 'That's the letter, and those are directions to the recipient,' she indicates the second scroll.
[00:27] <Anastasia> 'Got it.' Gathering the two up, 'What's your plan while I'm gone?'
[00:30] <Alicia> 'Well if you hurry you should be back by midmorning, so I think I'll just wait for you,' Alicia admits, taking hold of her quarterstaff. 'I'm about to change you into something that'll attract less notice flying out of here as well as be a bit faster in flight. Ready?'
[00:31] <Anastasia> 'Tell me what it is before you transform me,' Antenora stands up, storing her scrolls away. 'But I'm ready.'
[00:33] <Alicia> 'An air mephit,' Alicia replies. 'Most of what you have on you will merge into the new form, but it's still humanoid in case you need hands. I expect you'll revert to your true form about halfway to Kelara.'
[00:33] <Anastasia> 'Go ahead,' Antenora waits.
06[00:37] * Alicia gently taps the erinyes on the head, transforming her into a small impish creature with a pale blue skin and a very delicate feminine frame. 'I won't say it suits you, but no one has to get a good look at you like this,' she notes while going to open the window. 'Remember to bring back a reply, and come meet me here when you're done.'
[00:38] <Anastasia> Antenora stars to fly by the window, but stops. You can see a strange look cross her face as she flies up again, going to settle on Alicia's head.
06[00:38] * Alicia laughs softly. "Even though you're bigger, you actually weigh less than Marie, like this," she whispers amusedly.
06[00:39] * Alicia makes sure to stop glowing as she stands by the window, as well.
[00:39] <Anastasia> Antenora leans over, a devil-may-care smile crossing her mephit face. She taps Alicia's nose, "Good. I must admit, it's oddly comfortable here. I think Marie's broken in your head." She whispers back quietly.
[00:40] <Alicia> "Well she wasn't the first, but she'd probably be jealous if she saw us like this," Alicia chuckles. "Anyway, get going and I'll see you in the morning."
[00:41] <Anastasia> "Sleep well and I hope you don't get a morning headache,' Antenora flies off and out, leaving Alicia alone at last.
06[00:43] * Alicia watches Antenora go until she's vanished from sight, and then closes her window and undresses for bed. Taking hold of her quarterstaff she channels an enervation spell into either end so that she'll have a nasty surprise in store if anyone tries sneaking in here, then clambers into bed to sleep the night away...
02[00:47] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5445eb1d.lns4-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit
[00:50] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+21 flasheart diplo attempt go
[00:50] <Anastasia> D'oh.
[00:51] <Anastasia> Could you wake REi up for a sec?
03[00:51] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-5445eb1d.lns4-c13.telh.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[00:51] * Anastasia sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[00:51] <Anastasia> roll 1d20+21 flasheart diplo attempt go
[00:51] <Rei-chan> Anastasia rolled : 1d20+21 flasheart diplo attempt go --> [ 1d20=10 ]{31}

[Corwin]

[20:13] <Giga_Ko> ---
03[20:13] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:13] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
03[20:13] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:14] <Giga_Ko> Mornings and dawn. This isn't one that Alicia's really set to enjoy. While not the worst headache in her life, nor the worst sour stomach, the two are noticable and a persistant drain on her. Last night's enforced revelry has left her feeling below the weather on awakening...OOC - What are you going to do, Alicia? Wait for Antenora to return or something else?
02[20:16] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@pix054-194.pix.wmich.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
06[20:19] * Alicia prays extra hard to Mystra as soon as she wakes up, since she neglected her usual rites last night - surely another sign of how bad alcohol is for her - and casts prestidigitation to clean herself up since she didn't pay extra for a room with a bath.
[20:19] <Alicia> This also necessitates removing her makeup and hair dye, as well as the copper colouring on her cloak, before she gets dressed in her usual black leggings and long-sleeved shirt, with her jet hair tied back as is her habit. Suitably ready to challenge the day, she leaves the room and heads downstairs to see if Jessy's up and if there's anything on the go for breakfast.
[20:22] <Giga_Ko> The inn is rather quiet in the morning. A large pot of porridge has been placed out, warmed over a gentle fire. Jessy is seen slumped over one of the bowls, a large, older man sitting next to her and chattering. "...if you hadn't drunk so much you wouldn't feel so bad," he lectures,
[20:22] <Giga_Ko> OOC - Gah.
[20:22] <Giga_Ko> The inn is rather quiet in the morning. A large pot of porridge has been placed out, warmed over a gentle fire. Jessy is seen slumped over one of the bowls, a large, older man sitting next to her and chattering. "...if you hadn't drunk so much you wouldn't feel so bad," he lectures, "It kills tastes and you'll savor nothing but stomach juice and ash for the rest of the day."
[20:22] <Giga_Ko> Jessy just groans, head resting on her arms, her meal besides her and barely touched. "Shut up," she snaps, "Less talking, head hurts."
06[20:26] * Alicia gives Jessy a quick pat on the back as she passes behind her and takes a chair at the table. "Horrible stuff, alcohol, and yet nobody ever stops drinking it," she opines sagely.
[20:28] <Giga_Ko> "See?" At least she has common sense," The man tucks into his meal, finsihing what little remains his bowl. "Well, take your time, mornings are slow anyway." Patting Jessy as well, "Morning to you, stranger," he nods, "Enjoy, there's bowls besides the pot."
[20:29] <Alicia> "Good morning, sir," Alicia nods to the man. "I'll help myself in that case," she gets up and goes to dole out a bowl for herself.
[20:30] <Giga_Ko> It's porridge. It at least looks like it's been made with milk and cream, not being true gruel. Not bad but not anything to write to Mystra about. "Morning to you." he says, standing up. "I have breakfast dishes to clean, so...bug Jessy if you need any service."
[20:30] <Giga_Ko> Jessy groans at that, but doesn't manage anything coherent.
[20:32] <Alicia> "Probably best to just let her be right now," Alicia reflects, taking a seat by Jessy and digging in. Could use some salt but it's good enough for her. Certainly better than trail rations.
[20:33] <Giga_Ko> Jessy looks up with red, bleary eyes at Alicia. She rubs them and winces, "I thought your hair was red," she says foggily.
[20:36] <Alicia> "Today you see me as I really am," Alicia gives the girl a smile. "Yesterday I was disguised just in case anyone recognised me - I was quite renowned a few years ago, after all."
[20:37] <Giga_Ko> Rubbing her eyes, "Oh yeah...I remember what you said now." Rubbing her temples, "Is there any chance you can wave your hands and get rid ofa  hangover?"
[20:43] <Alicia> "What, and deprive you of a valuable learning experience?" Alicia smirks, before relenting. "Well... I can do a little bit. Won't help the headache but you'll feel a bit better," she reaches over towards Jessy, almost cradling her cheek as she magically cleans the girl, excising the vague muggy morning feeling that always seems far worse when hungover. "Drink lots of water," she suggests after a moment once she's done and pulls her hand back.
[20:46] <Giga_Ko> "MMmm." She blinks as the magic cleanses the dirt away from her, "That helps a little bit." Sitting up a touch straighter, "Never thought I'd see real magic like that." After a moment to lower her voice, "Aren't you going to go?"
06[20:47] * Alicia shakes her head. "I took care of it last night. Should have a reply from Reg's daughter by midmorning so long as nothing bad happens."
[20:48] <Giga_Ko> "Oh. Magic." Rubbing her eyes clean again, "So...um...." She hesitates here, "Is it okay not to be all disguised or whatever it was? What if Alan or John comes in?"
[20:51] <Alicia> "Well... I hadn't thought it was necessary, anymore," Alicia admits. "Now that I have a handle on what's going on I'm probably better off dealing with it out in the open. Do you think they'd have a problem with the real me?"
[20:52] <Giga_Ko> "If you come out opposing them, yes," She says quietly, "What exactly are you going to do, go confront them?"
[20:57] <Alicia> "Well, really I was mostly wanting to see if your mother could arrange a meeting with the masked man," Alicia replies. "But if they've been taken in the same way you were, then yes, talking things over is probably for the best." She then shrugs, "I can disguise myself if you think they'd prefer to hear it from 'Lyssa', but is it really necessary?"
[20:59] <Giga_Ko> Jessy thinks for a little bit, before rubbing her temples. "Ugh. Can this wait a few hours? I'm trying to think straight and my head keeps pounding."
[21:02] <Alicia> "Okay," Alicia finishes off her porridge. "Like I said, it'll be a few hours till my friend arrives anyway. Come visit my room if you want to talk," she invites, heading back upstairs.
[21:05] <Giga_Ko> OOC - Doing anything of note or just waiting?
03[21:05] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@141.218.208.193) has joined #dunes
[21:05] <Alicia> OOC: now we play the waiting game~
[21:09] <Giga_Ko> After an hour and some change, Alicia's headache and sour stomach have improved somewhat. She feels pretty functional if a bit down still. There's a knock on her door.
06[21:10] * Alicia hasn't locked the door and so simply calls, "Come in." An assassin wouldn't knock, after all.
[21:19] <Giga_Ko> Antenora enters, carrying a backpack on her shoulders. She sets it down by the bed, going to sit after closing the door. "It's done."
[21:20] <Alicia> "How'd it go?" Alicia asks, making room on the bed for her friend.
[21:21] <Giga_Ko> "His daughter told me to go to Hell," A faintlly amused smile there peeks out, "And that she wasn't going back to her stupid old man. She used a lot of profanity to drive the point home."
[21:21] <Alicia> "Oh, boy... I take it she didn't care to write a note in reply then?" Alicia asks, just shaking her head at this.
[21:23] <Giga_Ko> "None at all." Antenora sprads her hands, "I couldn't press it since she was damned close to getting all the guards on us."
06[21:25] * Alicia nods. "Oh, well, I suppose it can't be helped. Thanks for doing this, anyway - did you have any trouble on your way into the village?"
[21:37] <Giga_Ko> "No. Just a few looks and insults." Antenora smiles a little, "Really, most of them weren't even creative."
[21:40] <Alicia> "I wonder if everyone in Kelara has gained this mysterious habit of insulting heavily armed travellers?" Alicia muses. "People used to have a better sense of self preservation..."
[21:42] <Giga_Ko> "I don't think anyone cares anymore," Antenora's humor fades, "I don't know if the noble's council is to really blame or not, but all the malaise of the commoners has been directed at them and the inhabitants of Kelara city. I think hope mixed with anger's making people want to fight now."
[21:46] <Alicia> "And the people in the city are just as surly," Alicia nods, sighing. "Well, anyway, before I deliver the message to Reg, I want to talk to Jessy - she seemed to think I should keep up the disguise a little longer, but she wasn't exactly coherent earlier on. Did you see a teenage girl downstairs when you came in?"
[21:47] <Giga_Ko> "No. I wasn't looking, either." Settling in, "Do you need me to keep hiding under the bed, by the way?"
[21:49] <Alicia> "No, don't worry about it," Alicia waves it off. "People have seen you now, after all. I'll just go see if she's around - wait here a moment?" she asks, getting up and heading downstairs to look for Jessy.
[21:51] <Giga_Ko> Antenora goes to lie on Alicia's bed as she heads downstairs. A short search shows no sign of Jessy. It's only after a little mroe that she's found tucked away in a secluded, walled back of the inn. Here a few large barrels are about. One is filled with steaming water, which Jessy is in up to her chin. Her eyes are closed.
06[21:51] * Alicia approaches the girl and crouches down beside her. "Jessica?" she whispers.
[21:52] <Giga_Ko> "Aaaah!" Jessy half leaps out of the barrel, splashing up and down and getting Alicia a faceful of warm bath water and considerably wetting her hair. Her eyes stay terror-wide for about three seconds before she winces. "Oh. Dammit! I was trying to sooth out my headache!"
06[21:56] * Alicia closes her eyes for a very long moment as she counts to five before opening them and mopping her brow. "In retrospect, that wasn't my brightest idea," she admits. "Feeling any better, at least?"
[21:57] <Giga_Ko> Going back down to chin deep in the water, entirely modest as the warm water keeps her dignity intact, "Some. Sorry, you just really startled me, I'd been drifting off here."
[22:01] <Alicia> It's not like she has anything Alicia doesn't have herself, so she hardly cares about modesty. "Anyway, I just got word back from Reg's daughter. I was going to go find him now like this, unless you think it's a bad idea?"
[22:03] <Giga_Ko> "Well, the changed hair color will raise questions alone," Jessy leans her chin forward on the edge of the barrel. "I'm not sure how they'll react to it."
[22:05] <Alicia> "I suppose, but it's going to come out eventually, anyway. I think it'd be better to have it out in the open sooner rather than later," Alicia reasons.
[22:07] <Giga_Ko> "Alright. Then try and good luck." Jessy sinks deeper into the barrel, crouching down. "I'll go hang out around my mother in case it all goes wrong from there.:
[22:09] <Alicia> "On that note, where does Reg live?" Alicia asks.
[22:14] <Giga_Ko> "Out on one of the outer spiral farms. I'll walk you...just give me some privacy?" Jessy asks.
[22:16] <Alicia> "Sure," Alicia nods agreeably. "Come on up when you're ready." With that she heads back upstairs, idly scrunching the moisture out of her hair.
[22:16] <Giga_Ko> Five minutes later Alicia gets a knock on her door. Antenora's resting on Alicia's bed, eyes half closed for the moment.
[22:18] <Alicia> "Come in," Alicia calls from where she's standing by the window.
[22:19] <Giga_Ko> Jessy is there, wearing a simple peasant dress. She eyes Antenora briefly, "A friend?"
[22:21] <Alicia> "She's the one who delivered Reg's message, and copped an earful of abuse from his foul-mouthed daughter for her trouble," Alicia confirms. "Antenora, Jessica. Jessica, Antenora," she provides introductions.
[22:22] <Giga_Ko> "Nice to meet you," Jessy says, as Antenora simply raises a hand in acknowledgement.
[22:24] <Alicia> "Okay, just before we go," Alicia turns to the erinyes, "'Go to hell, I'm not going back to my stupid old man?' any pertinent points I'm missing besides that?"
[22:25] <Giga_Ko> "That was the highlight. Fuck, shit, whore, cock sucker, shitlicker and all sorts of words were also involved if you want to be crude."
[22:26] <Giga_Ko> Jessy can't seem to help but smile, "That's her. She always had a foul mouth from what I remember."
06[22:27] * Alicia nods awkwardly, "We'll see if he accepts the sanitised answer first," she decides. "Okay. Lead on, Jessy?"
[22:30] <Giga_Ko> Thus the two stake out! It's a fairly longw alk, the better part of an hour out to this farm. It's near the end of one of the spirals, a large, single story, rambling affair of a house. A barn and several animal pens are besides it, fields of crops beyond that. Jessy leads along, "This way."
[22:33] <Alicia> "Nice if you like solitude," Alicia reflects after their long walk.
[22:34] <Giga_Ko> Some men are in the fields, but you don't notice Reg amoung them. Going to rap on the door, "It's not that bad. It's not even an hour back to town's center."
[22:35] <Alicia> "Could be worse," Alicia agrees, standing by the door and waiting for an answer.
[22:36] <Giga_Ko> After a few knocks it opens. REg is there, "Is something the matter? Did you lose the message?" He begins to ask, though he eyes Alicia with narrowed eyes. "What the hell?"
[22:39] <Alicia> "Relax," Alicia smiles placatingly, "It's just a change of hair colour. Anyway, I have a reply from your daughter, although you'll have to take my word for it since Elizabeth wasn't inclined to write anything down."
[22:39] <Giga_Ko> Crossing his arms, "Really? What is it?"
06[22:41] * Alicia coughs, "Go to hell, I'm not going back to my stupid old man," she repeats. "I'll spare us both from repeating any of the more... colourful, language she used."
[22:42] <Giga_Ko> Reg sighs deeply, vastly. "That would be her," He rubs his temple, "Damned stupid girl."
[22:42] <Giga_Ko> "Sorry," Jessy adds. "You know how she is."
06[22:46] * Alicia shrugs. "I don't know the ins and outs of your relationship with your daughter, but hopefully on some level she at least appreciates that you care..." she tries to console him. "Buried deep down in her heart, I mean."
[22:49] <Giga_Ko> "Yeah, thanks." He rubs his forehead. "Go ahead and go now. You must be tired, you would've needed to travel at a gallop all night to be back already. We'll talk tonight.
[22:49] <Giga_Ko> "
[22:50] <Alicia> "Alright. See you around, Reg," she nods to the man and turns to leave.
[22:52] <Giga_Ko> "See you," Jessy says, the two walking away. Once out of earshot, "I think he accepted it," she says.
[22:54] <Alicia> "I admit I did have a slight fear that he'd protest that his daughter is a little angel who would never use such language and therefore I'm a liar," Alicia confesses, glancing back as they walk up the road to town.
[22:54] <Giga_Ko> "You never met her," Jessy remarks back.
06[22:55] * Alicia nods. "Your reaction when you heard Antenora's list of profanity did reassure me a good deal, yes."
[22:57] <Giga_Ko> "Yeah." As the two of you walk in the sunny morning, "Did you want to try and talk to my Mom before night?"
[22:59] <Alicia> "Sooner is probably better, although maybe I should solidify things with Alan and John first... how's the group organised?" Alicia asks as she strategises.
[23:02] <Giga_Ko> "Mom runs it, everyone else falls in line with her."
[23:03] <Alicia> "In that case I might as well go straight to the top," Alicia nods. "If anyone has a way of contacting the masked man it'd be her."

[Corwin]

[20:06] <Kotono> * Alicia nods. "Your reaction when you heard Antenora's list of profanity did reassure me a good deal, yes."
[20:06] <Kotono> > "Yeah." As the two of you walk in the sunny morning, "Did you want to try and talk to my Mom before night?"
[20:06] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Sooner is probably better, although maybe I should solidify things with Alan and John first... how's the group organised?" Alicia asks as she strategises.
[20:06] <Kotono> > "Mom runs it, everyone else falls in line with her."
[20:06] <Kotono> <Alicia> "In that case I might as well go straight to the top," Alicia nods. "If anyone has a way of contacting the masked man it'd be her."
03[20:07] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:07] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:07] <Kotono> Jessy is quiet as Alicia is lead to her home. It's a small farmhouse near the center of the spiral, only a few small fields to it. The front of the house is dominated by a large opened window, the smell of fruit and pies coming from it. A large kitchen can be seen, a pie even cooling on the windowsill.
[20:09] <Alicia> "Anything you think I should know about her before we go in?" Alicia asks, channeling a voice of the archon spell into her quarterstaff and then idly thumping it into her palm as a way of casting the spell on herself without being obvious.
[20:12] <Kotono> "Mom looks normal, but she can be really iron willed," Jessy warns.
[20:13] <Alicia> And yet she was still taken in by the masked man, though Alicia reserves comment on that. "Okay then, lead on and we'll see how things go?"
[20:18] <Kotono> You are lead inside. It's a plan enough farmhouse, something Alicia knows well. Into the kitchen, the smell of pleasant things lulling in it's homey security. Here a slightly large woman hums to herself, working a ball of dough. She turns, "Jessy, is that you-oh!" Raising an eyebrow, "Hello there. Jessy, who did you bring over?"
[20:19] <Kotono> "A friend, Mom." Shuffling a little, "Why don't you introduce yourself?" she asks, looking to Alicia.
[20:20] <Alicia> "Alicia Reynes," Alicia leans her quarterstaff on the wall and smiles at Jane, offering her hand. "I was hoping we could talk a bit."
03[20:21] * brokedtai is now known as taicantfocus
[20:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 fiat K L check
06[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 fiat K L check and gets 19." [1d20=17]
[20:23] <Kotono> Her eyes narrow at that, "Reynes?" she says, her voice still polite. "That name's familiar. The vineyard, right?"
[20:25] <Alicia> "My family runs it, yes," Alicia smiles disarmingly. "I'm not involved in the winery, though - never had much of a taste for it, in both senses."
[20:30] <Kotono> "What's the occasion?" Asking this still ever so politely, "You don't have the name to be coming to a simple farmhouse, ma'am."
[20:33] <Alicia> "Don't be so modest," Alicia retorts, "Why, this is probably twice the size of my old house, back when I lived in Lorasce." She makes a show of looking around, "You've got a fine home and a wonderful daughter - you should be proud of yourself."
[20:34] <Kotono> To that her eyes soften a little, "Why thank you." She goes to the counter, "Would you like some tea? I'll put on a pot."
[20:36] <Alicia> "I'd love some," Alicia smiles, happy to go through the social niceties before getting to business. This is certainly better than having to drink that vile witch's brew she was forced to partake of last night.
[20:38] <Kotono> A pot of water is put over the fire, Jessy's mom humming to herself as she does. Jessy shuffles and goes to sit at the kitchen table. "So, how did Jessy end up meeting you?"
[20:41] <Alicia> "I arrived in town yesterday and got a room at the inn, that's where we met," Alicia explains. "We got to talking about this and that, and hit it off pretty well."
[20:42] <Kotono> "Really?" As the tea is made, the whistle of steam punctuating the air with a speedy boil, "I heard someone was staying at the in, but I thought her name was Lyssa. Ididn't know there was another person."
[20:45] <Alicia> "Lyssa, Alicia," Alicia shrugs, "Close enough. I was trying to avoid too much notice yesterday, just in case anyone recognised me and jumped to hasty conclusions."
[20:47] <Kotono> Pouring Alicia a hot cup of tea and then doing the same for herself and her daughter, "How lovely. Isn't the weather nice today?"
[20:48] <Alicia> "I've been back in Kelara for three days and it's only rained once," Alicia marvels. "I can hardly recognise the place - although perhaps more than the weather is responsible for that." She sips her drink before adding, "You pour a lovely cup of tea, by the way."
[20:50] <Kotono> "Oh, thank you." Blushing as she smiles, sitting opposite Alicia and her daughter, "I know. It's been an unusually pleasant summer! My, we've only had rain three times in the past week!"
[20:52] <Alicia> "Perhaps the gods are showing pity by allowing this respite from the usual downpours, considering all of Kelara's other problems?" Alicia muses thoughtfully as she sips at her tea.
[20:54] <Kotono> "Mercy comes when it comes," Jessy's mother sips her own tea, "Surely we'll get rain enough soon, not even the Gods could keep us dry forever." With a long look to Alicia over her mug of tea, "But like the rain, troubles end up blowing by, leaving water and rainbows in it's wake."
[20:56] <Alicia> "And what can we expect in the wake of Kelara's current troubles, I wounder?" Alicia cradles her almost empty mug in her hands, "Does anyone know for sure?"
[20:57] <Kotono> "Things will work out. After all, we're used to looking after ourselves. Even if the city goes to Shar's embrace in a handbasket, we'll survive." Putting her teacup down, "What do you think?"
[21:03] <Alicia> "Goodness knows, the rulers of the city have shown a lack of interest in their obligations to all of Kelara, and would do well to reassess their priorities," Alicia agrees, "But like as not, the city is the centre of gravity upon which the nation rests - if it were to collapse I have my doubts that the rest of Kelara would have any chance of prospering, or even surviving if push came to shove."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Too pessimistic. We'll survive," With a knowing, easy smile to that, "We are not so soft as the city."
[21:11] <Alicia> "Tell that to my husband and son. Tell that to your sister," Alicia replies coldly, her demeanour turning to steel. "Do you think if the leadership of the city dies then everyone living there will just drop dead? Or vanish into the mists? If you think you have a bandit problem now, just you wait!"
[21:11] <Alicia> "And then, when what's left of Kelara is nothing more than fragmented badlands, filled with raiders picking at the corpse of our nation, one of our neighbours will step in to enforce order. And you're dreaming if you think the Pasha cares for you more than those self absorbed nobles do."
[21:14] <Kotono> The words are sharp and quick, shattering the mood of Jessy's mother. Her expression turns steely as well, "How dare you come into here and talk like that?" Her cup is put aside as she looks Alicia right in the eye. "The city's been fine to leave us along well enough; even if they are sacked and destroyed it hardly matters."
[21:24] <Alicia> "Leaves you alone? I'll admit that the militia is painfully slow to respond to any threat, but you don't live in a vacum here. What about the priests who come to bless your weddings and births, cure the sick, and deal with problems the guard won't? Twelve years ago when that necromancer was raising people from their graves across the countryside, I and a dozen of my friends from our temples in the city and put a stop to it."
[21:24] <Alicia> "That's not nothing."
[21:24] <Alicia> "And what about the traders who buy your grain and livestock, who sell you worked goods and produce that isn't grown here? What about your children who go to the city so they can learn things in the schools there that aren't available here? Whether they bring their knowledge back here or move elsewhere to expand their horizons, it's good either way."
[21:24] <Alicia> "Kelara is sick, but you can't cure the disease by ripping out the heart! All you'll do is hasten the country's demise."
[21:27] <Kotono> "We'll survive," With an anger growing and burning all over her face "We'll keep going. You say they're help! They're nothing but parasites on our blood, sweat and toil! Kelara isn't the heart, it's the nesting parasite that's killing everyone in it's grasp!"
[21:31] <Alicia> "So that's your plan?" Alicia asks in disbelief. "Kill as many as you can in the city until it disintegrates and hope for the best afterwards? And what about when Bath or Akint - or even Nodlitz or the Fiefdoms - decide they don't like having lawless badlands next door?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "My plan?" Her eyes narrow at both Jessy and Alicia. A coldness overtakes her, burned away a moment later by a fury. "You..."
[21:35] <Alicia> "If it's not your plan then at least it's one you've thrown your wholehearted support behind," Alicia replies, meeting her fiery gaze resolutely. "And for the life of me I can't understand why - it's nothing more than an agenda of cold-blooded murder with no thought of what the consequences will be."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Jessica," Her voice is like an angry whip, angry and...something else. Something subtle, fear. "You brought a noble into this house...and you..." she takes a breath, "You...."
[21:40] <Alicia> "Stop that right now!" Alicia's voice interjects sharply. "I am *not* a noble. I have no say in the governance of Kelara, nor do I serve those rulers. If nothing else, I want you to be clear in understanding that."
[21:41] <Kotono> "Yet, you're going to run back to them and have us executed?" With a snap back, "You idiot," she hisses to her daughter, "You're going to get us hung...if we're so lucky! Do you wanna be raped and choked to death, girl?"
[21:43] <Kotono> Jessica winces at thsoe words, "Alicia's not like that, mother," she says quietly.
[21:44] <Alicia> "Do I look like I'm running?" Alicia spreads her arms. "I came here to try and bring a peaceful end to this rebellion so no one else has to die. Unfortunately I underestimated your bloodlust, Jane."
[21:45] <Alicia> roll 1d20+38
06[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+38 and gets 55." [1d20=17]
[21:51] <Kotono> The slamming of words seems to weaken her will, the steel in her draining out as once as she collapses back into her chair. She runs her hands over her face, "Then what? Why are you here?"
[21:53] <Alicia> "Like I said, to end this rebellion in a way that satisfies everyone," Alicia reiterates. "I thought I made it clear I have no love for how Kelara is run as things stand, I just think that killing people simply for being neglectful is the wrong approach - even if it was justified, unless you actually have a strong replacement for the council then Kelara's only going to become worse off, not better."
[21:56] <Kotono> "Then what are you going to do? Wring your hands about it," Jane asks.
06[21:57] * Alicia snorts and puts her callused and strong hands palm up on the table for all to see. "Do these look like they belong to a hand-wringer?" she asks.
[22:01] <Kotono> The hands get a long looka t them, "They're the hands of a farmer," she admits.
[22:01] <Kotono> Jessica smiles slightly at that, "She's not a farmer, mother. Not really. She's..."
[22:06] <Alicia> "Well, a warrior, really," Alicia confirms. "Putting all those skeletons back in their graves twelve years ago wasn't an isolated incident for me." She then sighs, "But I don't want to cut my way through everyone in this rebellion and call the problem solved - not when you have legitimate greivances." Shaking her head and running a hand through her hair,
[22:06] <Alicia> "It seems to me like the leader of the uprising has got everyone agitated by playing on their resentment and fears, using his force of personality to make you all ignore the problems that'll inevitably arise once you succeed."
[22:06] <Alicia> "If I could talk to him I'm sure I could get to the bottom of this, and I'm confident I have enough clout to convince the nobles to change their ways - if they're not already convinced by the depth of feeling against them."
[22:11] <Kotono> Her gaze is speculative, "You want to talk to...Him?" A lick of her lips at that, careful.
06[22:13] * Alicia nods. "It's obvious even to someone who only returned to Kelara three days ago that the rebellion is entirely centred on him as an individual. If I can't meet him then I don't think I'll be able to truly solve anything."
[22:15] <Kotono> There's a long pause here, "I have an idea where he might be." She says, "Just something he said in passing."
[22:18] <Alicia> "If you know where to find him or some way to contact him and bring him here, that would be very helpful," Alicia smiles reassuringly to Jane.
[22:19] <Kotono> "He said he was going to go investigate an old hero in Lorasce," she answers. "I think that was it..." She blushes, "For the rebellion."
06[22:21] * Alicia doesn't look entirely thrilled. "Not a place I had wanted to return to..." she admits quietly. "When was this?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "Perhaps a week ago," Jane answers. "He's only been here once."
[22:23] <Alicia> "Hmm... chances are he'll be long gone, but it might give me a trail to follow. Didn't he ever tell you how he could be contacted if it was necessary?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "No, he said he'd be in contact when it was right." THe answer is there and easily given.
06[22:30] * Alicia grimaces. "Well, in that case I'll have to finally return to Lorasce..." she seems somewhat ill at ease, taking a moment to steel herself before moving on and standing. "I apologise for my earlier rudeness when you've been such a gracious host, Jane - things are too dire right now for me to sugarcoat everything, but nonetheless my words were in poor taste. Please forgive me," she ducks her head respectfully to the older woman.
[22:32] <Kotono> After a omment, "It's...it's alright." She bows her own head, a tear coming out. "Gods above, you sound like he does. It gives us hope."
[22:34] <Alicia> "I suppose some of us have a gift for words," Alicia smiles lopsidedly. "I fear though that he lacks the proper wisdom to temper his. In any case, I must depart - time is short, for me. Farewell to you both, and I hope we can meet again in better circumstances."
[22:35] <Kotono> roll 1d10
06[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 4." [1d10=4]
[22:35] <Kotono> OOC - Strike, wrong room.
[22:48] <Kotono> "Good luck, Alicia." Jessica speaks up, going to her mothe'rs side.
06[22:50] * Alicia nods to the two women in gratitude before she takes her staff and departs, intending to collect Antenora and get changed into her armour before heading back to her marital home... "Oh, Mystra, why do you test me so?" she asks wearily, looking to the heavens after leaving Jessica and Jane's house.

[Corwin]

[20:15] <Kobrb> ---
[20:16] <Kobrb> Thus Alicia gets changed into her armor. Antenora follows suit, thet wo again clad in good steel. Antenora is ready quickly, "How far a trip is it from here to Lorasce?" she breaks the silence between them.
[20:18] <Alicia> "About twenty-twenty five miles," Alicia replies. "If we head off now we'll probably be there around dusk."
[20:19] <Kobrb> Antenora nods a moment, "Not happy to go back? You haven't smiled once about it."
[20:22] <Alicia> "No..." Alicia is slow to reply. "After what happened I gave away the house and left as soon as I could. Every reminder hurt..."
[20:23] <Kobrb> Antenora is silent as she positions her breastplate into place. She walks over to Alicia, "I can go," she says. "I can probably be back faster too."
06[20:30] * Alicia shakes her head resolutely. "No," she replies firmly. "It's kind of you to offer, and I appreciate it, but it's been eight years - I can handle this. Besides, I hopefully still have some old friends living there who'd be more likely to help me than they would a stranger, given Kelara's current state."
[20:32] <Kobrb> "If you're sure." Antenora speaks quietly. "
[20:32] <Kobrb> "Then let's go together."
06[20:33] * Alicia gives the erinyes a smile and nods. "He's got a big head start, so no sense in wasting any more time," she agrees as she slings on her pack and heads out.
[20:33] <Kobrb> roll 1d100
06[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Kobrb rolls 1d100 and gets 73." [1d100=73]
[20:34] <Kobrb> The weather turns sour as the two head for Lorsace. Kelara's natural tendencies come to light, clouds and then a steady, soaking rain comes. Travels slows a bit, the roads assailed yet again and muddied up. There are few travellers about, and the few you see hurry along, often with weapons visible and never travelling alone. (More)
[20:37] <Kobrb> As memories can assail Alicia and dusk falls on the already dim, rainy afternoon, the two women are quite muddy and wet. There's no helping it in this sort of weather. Yet...Alicia's hometown has been reached. It's a pleasant village, quiet and restful. Doubly so in this weather, the cluster of houses along the road holding several farmsteads and cottages in a looser orbit for several miles around it.
06[20:40] * Alicia recalls her own home was on the far side of the village outskirts, at the entrance to a valley cutting through the hills, which is where those bandits based themselves. Hopefully there will be no call for her to go there. "The Stuck Boar is the village's only tavern in the centre - chances are if anyone's about right now they'll be in there," she informs Antenora as they head inwards.
[20:42] <Kobrb> Antenora wipes her brow clean of rainwater, clasping Alicia's shoulder as she follows her. The Stuck Boar's door is open - it's somewhat busy in there. Several people are there - so many familiar faces not seen in so long. Arnold the baker's son, Johnathan the miller, Henry the skinner...some of them look to Alicia. Some don't show much, but a few have widening eyes on seeing her.
06[20:47] * Alicia pulls back the hood of her cloak after entering, shaking the water off out the doorway, having cast voice of the archon beforehand just in case she needs an edge. Seeing those familiar faces, she smiles at those who show recognition while entering fully. "Been a long time..." she observes, feeling a somewhat awkward but welcome familiarity and less of the pain than she expected. Time does heal all wounds.
[20:48] <Kobrb> Herny gets up, approaching her. He smiles widely, "Hey...it's Alicia," he says as he approaches her, before wrapping her up in an embrace. The bar's attention turns to her now, even as his well muscled arms lift her up off the ground slightly.
[20:50] <Kobrb> The barkeep, a woman on the cusp of being eldery, is heard. "Thank anyone above. We could use a friendly face."
[20:51] <Alicia> "Oohf!" Alicia grunts good naturedly as she returns his hug. "You haven't let yourself go, at least, Henry," she compliments him. "Still taking money from youngsters in those arm-wrestling contests?"
[20:53] <Kobrb> "Yes," He grins as he half carries Alicia over to the bar. Several people get up to greet her, a flock of familiar faces. Antenora follows, a bemused smile. "Come in, get out of ther ain. You look so good!"
[20:58] <Alicia> "I've been keeping in shape," Alicia understates, returning the greetings of her old neighbours and recalling her life as the humble tailor's wife. "It's... good to see you all, again," she admits, surprised at how true it is. She then offers an introduction so Antenora isn't left out, "This is Antenora. She's a knight like I am."
[20:59] <Kobrb> Antenora shakes a few hands, a few men looking at her long. Very long indeed. "Alicia," the barkeep, Liza, pushes a mug of hot steaming cider at her. "On the house."
[21:00] <Kobrb> Jonathan limps forward, his old bad knee slowing him down. "I thought you might be back soon."
06[21:01] * Alicia takes a long drink of the cider and sighs in contentment. "Just the thing after walking all day in that weather," she thanks Liza, before nodding to Jonathan. "Things have gotten bad in Kelara, while I was away," she notes seriously.
[21:04] <Kobrb> Antenora gets a mug passes to her a few moments later, she sits next to Alicia and drinks it and smiles. "Isn't that the truth," Liza sighs.
[21:04] <Kobrb> "Yeah..." Henry sits on Alicia's other side, "I guess all the trouble brought you back?"
[21:07] <Alicia> "I've been living in the United Baronies on the other side of the desert this past year," Alicia explains, "But a few days ago I got word from the temple in Kelara of how bad things were getting - my mother was attacked during all those assassinations in the city. She survived, luckily, but I had to come and see for myself what was happening."
[21:07] <Kobrb> "Yeah...I wonder if he knew about it," Johnathan limps up, "Someone was asking about you a few days back. I thought it was mighty queer."
[21:09] <Alicia> "Really? Who was this?" Alicia asks interestedly as she nurses her cider.
[21:11] <Kobrb> Liza sits down gingerly, "It was another traveller. Nice man, he tipped nice."
[21:11] <Kobrb> "Yes. He looked like a normal traveller. Brown hair, brown eyes, dirty clothes." Johnathan adds, leaning forward against the bar. "He was nice about it, saying he heard a heroine used to live here."
[21:12] <Alicia> "Hard to avoid getting dirty around here," Alicia agrees, flicking her mud-coated cloak. "Any idea why he was so interested?"
[21:13] <Kobrb> "He said he was looking for a hero. He never said why," Johnathan answers. "Saw him going north out of town, that was it."
[21:21] <Alicia> "North? But there's nothing there, unless he was going all the way to Akint," Alicia sounds a bit surprised. Well, there are also a few bandit lairs she recalls clearing out quite thoroughly a few years ago, and it's possible they've been reoccupied... "He didn't say anything else to give a clue as to what he was doing?"
03[21:21] * Rei-chan (Rei-chan@user-3e88cc02.tcl119.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[21:21] * Alicia sets mode: -v+v Hatbot Rei-chan
[21:21] <Kobrb> "He just asked about you," Liza speaks up, "We gabbed about this the last few days. Oh yes. He did ask someone about your home. He said he might lay flowers there."
[21:24] <Kobrb> Antenora softly snorts amid drinking her cider.
06[21:25] * Alicia looks briefly troubled. It's as if events are forcing her back there whether she likes it or not. "Doesn't Joaquim Derren still live there?" she asks, recalling the young (though not so young by now) man she gave the house to upon her hurried departure from Lorasce.
[21:32] <Kobrb> "Yeah," A short nod there, "He's still around."
[21:34] <Alicia> "I might go and see him in the morning, then," Alicia decides. "I have reason to believe the man asking about me was far more than a simpler traveller, anyway."
[21:36] <Kobrb> "It figures. You attract trouble," Liza pats her shoulder, "Need a room to stay at?"
[21:38] <Alicia> "We will, yes," Alicia smiles at Liza. "But it's early enough and there's plenty of time for us to catch up - how has everyone been doing around here, these past eight years?"
[21:39] <Kobrb> "Well enough," Henry says, "Old Bob passed and Miriam got on the wrong end of a fever. But most of us are still kicking,"
[21:42] <Alicia> "I'm sorry to hear that," Alicia bows her head out of respect for the dead. "I remember Miriam used to make the best dumpling stew... they were both good people." Straightening up she goes on, "No... other trouble though, right?"
[21:43] <Kobrb> "No." Smiling gently here, "No bandits, thanks to you." Liza says warmly.
[21:43] <Kobrb> "Not until all this started," Herny adds in with a long sigh. "Word is that things are getting really bad in Kelara."
06[21:45] * Alicia briefly smiles at Liza before nodding to Henry. "Yes, about half the noble council was assassinated a few days ago - mostly by their own guards, who'd either been bribed or genuinely believed in all the revolutionary nonsense going around. Things are locked down tight but no one's reassured... it's madness."
[21:47] <Kobrb> "Terrible." Liza sighs sadly, "How's your mother?"
[21:48] <Alicia> "She's fine now," Alicia nods reassuringly. "The wounds weren't fatal and between myself and Dweomerkeeper Taldeer she was easily mended."
[21:49] <Kobrb> 'Going to be alright?' Antenora asks mentally as this conversation goes on.
[21:50] <Alicia> 'I'm fine, really,' Alicia replies. 'This is a lot easier than I thought it would be.'
03[21:50] * taislpslp is now known as taimrf
[21:54] <Kobrb> 'With your leave, I'd like to go poke around then,' Antenora says quietly. 'In case I can turn up anything, since I imagine you'll be playing catchup.'
[21:55] <Alicia> 'Alright then, go ahead,' Alicia replies, trusting Antenora to handle herself appropriately.
[21:56] <Kobrb> OOC: Want to skip along?
[21:57] <Alicia> OOC: certainly.
[22:05] <Kobrb> roll 1d20+4
[22:05] <Rei-chan> Kobrb rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{7}
[22:06] <Kobrb> Antenora comes back well past dusk. Alicia's in a pleasant inn room by now, dried out and cleaned up. Antenora puts her spear aside, shaking her hair dry as she begins to take off her armor. "No immediate leads. The ground's a muddy mess, even if he left a trail it's not obvious. Any ideas?"
[22:09] <Alicia> "I'll talk to Joaquim in the morning in case he spoke to our quarry," Alicia begins. "Past that... if he went North, there's no towns or villages in that direction. But there are a few caves and old forts that were used as bandit hideaways. We could investigate them, but we'll have to head back to Kelara two days from tomorrow so we can teleport to Balmuria in time to go after Esthan."
[22:11] <Kobrb> Antenora removes her armor then her underclothing entirely as Alicia talks, cleaning herself off with a towel from her pack. Even her ribbon is removed, her wings flapping to dry themselves. "Can you prestidigate my clothes? I'm tired of wearing wet cloth today." After that, "We can try that. There would be a logic to it, you created a vacuum by emptying out the bandits, so perhaps someone else is using them now."
[22:12] <Kobrb> The ship lists a little further, a few clanging explosions below! The rocking is more pronounced now! "Yeah, yeah," Donald grouses with a weak smile.
[22:12] <Kobrb> OOC - Strike, sorry.
[22:13] <Alicia> "I honestly can't think of any other reason to go North unless he's heading for Akint, but that's nearly a week away," Alicia agrees, obligingly casting her cantrip and drying off Antenora's clothes and Antenora herself if she doesn't protest.
[22:15] <Kobrb> Antenora continues to towel herself anyway, quite throughly making sure moisture is gone. "I doubt he'd go that far unless he had to. Besides, if he has magic..." A shrug there. "There's odds he'll go back to Jessy and company sooner or later, but waiting..."
[22:17] <Alicia> "Honestly I half expect all his magic comes from spellgems - not that it makes much difference, truly," Alicia shrugs as she goes back into her bed. "I'm just worried that we'll miss something big here while we're off dealing with Esthan."
[22:19] <Kobrb> "I know." Antenora shakes her clothing out, slowly dressing again. "Hell doesn't relent. In a way..." Dressing lightly and going to the other bed in the room, curling up under it's blankets, "Esthan's controlling all of us. He's making us dance to his manipulations and tune."
[22:22] <Alicia> "That's certainly a depressing way of looking at it," Alicia returns, snuffing out the magical light she left on now that they're both in bed. "Although on that note, there's still the matter of the vrocks loose on the border between the Baronies and Fiefdoms. I know Demedais said Helm said they weren't a threat yet, but I hardly like leaving them..."
[22:24] <Kobrb> "It's a busy life right now." Quietly in the darkness, "I like to tell myself that it'll make it quicker to balance out the last six hundred years."
[22:25] <Alicia> "All you can do is try," Alicia offers supportively, not inclined to gloss over or understate the depths of Antenora's sins.
[22:29] <Kobrb> "Yes." Antenora murmurs that. "Alicia..." she says, hesitating there.
[22:29] <Alicia> "Mmhmm?" Alicia prods her to spit it out.
[22:31] <Kobrb> "It was nice that everyone was happy to see you again. It reminds me...Ah, Abyss." she cursees lightly. "It's not that I mind missing Jessica, or Demedais, or Shankar. It's..."
[22:32] <Alicia> "What is it, Antenora?" Alicia asks, propping herself up slightly to look across the darkened room.
[22:34] <Kobrb> "I miss people a lot now." Antenora says, turning to look at Alicia. She's smiling, a wistful smile. "Just miss talking to people and seeing them. Even that damned familiar sometimes. It's only been a few days, but it gnaws in me a little."
[22:36] <Alicia> "It's often a lonely life we lead," Alicia admits. "I think there's a saying; absence makes the heart grow fonder. There's something to it, I suppose - I'm sure they miss you as well." She manages a grin, "Although I won't tell Marie you said that."
[22:38] <Kobrb> "Thank you," Her smile grows at that, "It's not a bad feeling at all. You know..you keep impressing me when I feel things like that. I can't imagine how much you miss them."
[22:40] <Alicia> "Really, it's just a fact of life," Alicia shrugs. "You can't stay by the side of everyone you care about all the time - it's just not physically possible even if you all want it to be so. So you just have to get on with things and look forward to the next meeting."
[22:40] <Kobrb> "Mmm." Antenora turns to look up at the ceiling, "Just grab on and enjoy it as much as you can while you'r ewith them?"
[22:44] <Alicia> "That's pretty much it," Alicia nods. "Besides, if you're around someone constantly it's easy enough to grow weary and need a break no matter how much you like them - nothing wrong with that either, it's just the way things go."
[22:46] <Kobrb> "Then again...what's a life time to me?" With her own slight chuckle, "I feel like I need to horde these times at the same time, since in a hundred years man of you will be..."
[22:47] <Alicia> "Or we could both die tomorrow," Alicia interjects. "There's no sense dwelling on the remote future when our lives are so uncertain in the present."
[22:48] <Kobrb> "Please." Antenora sits up in her bed, swinging her legs around, "I'm not going to let you die, Alicia."
[22:49] <Alicia> "I don't plan on letting it happen either," Alicia replies with a dry smile. "But things don't always go the way we'd want them to. Like I said earlier; all we can do is try."
[22:52] <Kobrb> Antenora gets up, approaching Alicia's bed. Without a word she hugs the paladin tightly, "Just because I wanted to savor the moment while I had it," she says lightly. "And I'll try until I die."
06[22:54] * Alicia is briefly startled by the uncharacteristically demonstrative show of affection, but returns the hug after a moment, patting Antenora's back above her wings. "I know you will," she whispers warmly.
[22:55] <Kobrb> Antenora then parts, going back to her bed. With a smile, "Sleep well, Alicia. Until tomorrow?"
[22:56] <Alicia> "Big day ahead," Alicia confirms. "Good night." And with that she curls up under her covers, intending to go to sleep.

[Corwin]

[20:48] <Kokokokokokokoko> 3--
03[20:48] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:48] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:50] <Kokokokokokokoko> The next morning dawns. As Alicia rises to her prayers, she can see that it's raining again. Oh joy.
06[20:52] * Alicia grew up here, she's somewhat inured to it. Even if a few years in the desert did spoil her. Getting dressed up nice and warm she waits for Antenora to do the same before, "We'll go to my old house and see if Joaquim saw or spoke to my 'well-wisher' before anything else."
[20:55] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora is up around the same time as Alicia, the two going out into the rain. Antenora shoots up an absently annoyed look. "You know," she mentions, "Snow and howling winds don't bother me nearly as much as rain do. It never rained in Caina."
[20:59] <Alicia> "I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed it," Alicia replies as she fastens her hood in place, "But really you get used to it. Still, I'm not too thrilled that we'll likely spend the whole day tromping through wet and muddy wilderness."
[20:59] <Kokokokokokokoko> "There are worse fates," Antenora agrees. "Lead on then?"
06[21:01] * Alicia does so, heading to the outskirts and her old home near the pass into the hills.
[21:08] <Kokokokokokokoko> Home. It's been a long time for Alicia. The cottage is much as she remembers it, the terrain silent now. No calls of a child's play in it...Antenora looks on at it, peering around. She pats Alicia's shoulder and walks forward to the front door.
06[21:11] * Alicia pauses for a moment, simply taking in the sight of her marital home after so long and allowing the memories to wash over her. The melancholy rain and grey sky certainly does its part in contributing to the ambience. Sighing softly, she follows Antenora to the door and knocks.
[21:17] <Kokokokokokokoko> The door is answered after a knock. The man who opens it is in twenties, aging quite well. He's wearing dirty clothes, a cloth wrapped around his head. "Yeah?" he asks, "Who the hell are you and what do you wa-...oh. Wait."
[21:17] <Kokokokokokokoko> He peers at Alicia's face, "Miss Reynes?"
[21:18] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Mrs." He corrects himself with a sharp grimace. "Come in, come in. Get out of the rain."
[21:19] <Alicia> "Thank you, Joaquim," Alicia doesn't rise to his rude greeting as she steps in and shakes her cloak off out the door before pulling her hood back. "You're looking well."
[21:19] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antneora enters in, shaking her hair dry and then gently wringing it. "Thank you," she says, glancing about carefully. The cottage isn't much different than it was left, a little more lived in perhaps and not very tidy.
[21:20] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Yeah, sorry." he scratches the back of his head, "I'm about to clean out the chimney's bottom and I wondered why someone came knocking again so soon."
[21:20] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Anyway," he goes on quickly, "Funny thing. A couple of days ago someone came asking about you."
06[21:21] * Alicia nods. "I arrived back in town last night and heard that, yes. I was hoping you might know a bit about whomever would come looking for me after all these years."
[21:24] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Well," Leading them to sit down in wooden chairs and taing the cloth off his head, "Nice guy. Got me talking awhile. He was asking about a heroine who used to live here. He said in these dangerous times that heroes are in short supply. He said it was a tragedy about what happened...and between me and him, he was glad someone was going to give those nobles what-for. It's what you'd have wanted." (More)
[21:25] <Kokokokokokokoko> "He asked if there was a grave he could pay respects to, but I told him you had them buried somewhere else. Family crypt is what I remembered, so I mentioned that to him. He said he'd pay respects there next time he's passing by."
06[21:26] * Alicia looks a bit put out at the man's presumption. "I may not like the nobles but I hardly want them butchered," she protests.
[21:27] <Kokokokokokokoko> "His words, not mine." With a shrug there, "Anyway, he seemed let down. He had it in your head that you were worth finding, even if it was a long shot."
06[21:30] * Alicia frowns slightly in thought. "How many days ago was this?" she clarifies.
[21:30] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Four or five? I got drunk three nights ago and that was after it..." Scratching his head with a frown, "That sounds right."
[21:34] <Alicia> "He could be anywhere in Kelara by now... any idea where he was headed after speaking to you?" Alicia asks.
[21:35] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Oh yeah, that he did mention. He said he was going to Kelara in a week or two after he finished some business." Snapping his fingers, "That's when he said he's look for your family's tomb."
[21:38] <Alicia> "Hmm... maybe I'll catch up with him somewhere along the way..." Alicia muses before getting up. "Sorry I can't stay and catch up on old times, but we'd probably best get moving. Glad to see you've taken good care of the house, though," she smiles.
[21:39] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Sure." He stands up as wel, offering a hand out, "Take care of yourself. Dangerous times out there according to the rumors."
06[21:40] * Alicia shakes his hand agreeably. "The rumours are true, sadly. But I'll see what I can do about that. Goodbye, Joaquim," she waves before seeing herself and Antenora out, replacing her hood once out the door.
[21:43] <Kokokokokokokoko> Once outside and into the steady rain again, "The problem I'm having is that I have no pattern of what he's like." Antenora begins, the gentle splash of rain on her face making her pause a moment to wipe it. "It makes anticipating moves with what scraps of evidence we find all that much harder."
[21:45] <Alicia> "We've got very little to go on, yes," Alicia agrees. "However, if we're visibly asking around after him it could just be a matter of time before he seeks us out, even if we don't luck out and find a perfect lead."
[21:46] <Kokokokokokokoko> "You know..." Antenora considers, "Making ourselves highly visible might be the best idea. Maybe we're going about this wrong. He has all the advantages when we're chasing him about, so maybe we need to make him want to find us."
[21:47] <Alicia> "Any suggestions on how to raise our profile, then?" Alicia asks as they head through Lorasce.
[21:49] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Well..." Rubbing her chin, "It depends on how far we want to go and how tricky we want to be. How far are you willing to push on those lines?"
[21:50] <Kokokokokokokoko> Stopping a moment, and with a growing smile, "And...oh yes. This is starting to remind me of scheming in the old days." It's not really a nice smile, "We'll need to make him want to come to us and be happy to get himself in a mess he can't extract himself from."
[21:52] <Alicia> "I'd rather not do anything that lends the impression of me supporting this rebellion," Alicia replies. "Really like I said I was mostly thinking that we'd just pass through as many villages between here and Kelara as possible to ask after him in the hopes he'll get word we're looking for him."
[21:53] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Mmm. Co-opting the rebellion would be extremely effective, but risky and having certain ethical concerns." As the rain continues to patter down, the squelch of mud under your feet heard, "It appeals by hoisting him on his own petard and it would give you a chance to affect the change you talked about before. Of course..." With a momentary look of distaste, "You might end up supporting murders and anarchy, which isn't acceptable."
[21:54] <Kokokokokokokoko> "On the other hand, assuming he has good information networks, and I strongly suspect he does, simply being bone-headedly obvious on searching for him might get us trouble. Maybe not him at first, but we might get visits from someone who would give us a lead. Or try to kill us, either way."
[21:56] <Alicia> "While that is possible, from what we learned in Kelara it sounds like he has a tendancy to personally deal with troublemakers," Alicia notes. "And I had enough of pretending to support the rebellion in Whitewall - I'd rather confront it openly as I did when speaking to Jane."
[21:58] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Mmmm. Then let's just make a lot of noise and see if that gets his attention," Antenora opines.
[22:01] <Kokokokokokokoko> OOC - GI check? Also elaborate on what you're asking and how obvious you'll be.
[22:03] <Alicia> OOC: I'll be asking after a man wearing a metal mask of a fierce bearded face or failing that a man matching the description given in Lorasce. I won't be shy about who I am, and if anyone asks I'll just say that I really need to talk to this guy.
[22:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
03[22:03] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[22:03] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 and gets 33." [1d20=18]
[22:03] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+6 Antenora aids
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+6 Antenora aids and gets 17." [1d20=11]
[22:05] <Kokokokokokokoko> It's a long, wet, miserable day as the two head for villages and travel back towards Kelara. Antenora even starts sneezing a bit near duskfall, cursing as much as she can about the rain in Celestial. Well, as much as you can curse in Celestial, which isn't much. Anyway, Alicia finds herself quite good at being obvious and gathering information! (More)
[22:07] <Kokokokokokokoko> While the bearded man ones don't get her too much beyond wild speculations, the man's description gets a few bites. A nice man heading here or there or anywhere. This often also ends up leading to the current situation, rumors flying wildly. As evening settles in...OOC - Are you guys going to camp out or inn up at the closest down or what?
[22:08] <Alicia> OOC: get an inn-room at the nearest town, yeah
[22:10] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora takes off her armor and wet clothes in front of the fire, sitting close to it and putting her arm and then legs into the blaze. As she dries in a most direct, fiery way, "Mmm. Going to want to keep watches, just in case now?"
[22:12] <Kokokokokokokoko> The inn room is pretty plain - a pair of beds, a fire place, a table, a tray with two meals on it left in for your leisure. There's a few windows, the dusky darkness held at bay by candles inside the room and the fireplace.
06[22:13] * Alicia nods. "Hell Striker can probably alert us if anyone comes in, but not if it's our masked man with nondetection. You can take your nap first then I'll sleep once you're rested," she offers.
[22:15] <Kokokokokokokoko> Creeping in to sit in the fireplace and then laying in it so she gets a faceful of flame, "Sure." Thus night falls! Antenora sleeps with her spear next to her, armor carefully laid out at the foot of her bed. She has her cloak of storms wrapped about her, ribbon taken off and wings visible. It's a dark, quiet night for Alicia. Only the pitter-pat of rain to keep her company right away...
06[22:17] * Alicia relaxes but not too much - she's even still wearing her armour as she sits against the headrest of her bed, content to wait for Antenora to rest up before she indulges her own need for slumber.
[22:27] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora awakens around the appointed time. She rises and puts on her armor, preparing. "Sleep well, Alicia," she bids.
[22:28] <Alicia> "Wake me if anything exciting happens," Alicia replies, undressing and climbing into bed.
[22:29] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora nods to Alicia. "I will." Thus, Alicia slips into the realm of dreams. It is a realm of peace and rest, her dreams forgetful ones as her body replenishes it's energies...
[22:29] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+18
06[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+18 and gets 37." [1d20=19]
[22:31] <Kokokokokokokoko> Alicia's reverie is disturbed. She can hear Antenora's voice,
[22:31] <Kokokokokokokoko> OOC - Gah.
[22:31] <Kokokokokokokoko> Alicia's reverie is disturbed. She can hear Antenora's voice, "Wake up!" she says abruptly.
06[22:31] * Alicia jolts upright and pivots out of bed, looking around as she reaches for her sword.
[22:33] <Kokokokokokokoko> As Alicia does so, she sees Antenora at a window - but this lasts only a split second, as the window bursts into flame, an explosion! The sound of it sends glass flying around Alicia, Antenora staggering back! She isn't burned, thankfully immune! "Trouble," she adds, "Something's outside!"
[22:36] <Alicia> "Damn, that was fast," Alicia complains, glad she kept most of her gear on, although taking off her armour was probably a bad move in retrospect - at least it was left in her backpack, though, which she slings on while casting shield on herself. "Can you see what it is?"
[22:39] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Tsch," At the shattered window, "He saw me afterwards and vanished. Was wearing a mask, looked like what the statues of the God-King looked like in the devil's base. He had what looke dto be a wand or staff in hand. He was hiding in some bushes, but relying ab it too much on the darkness."
[22:39] <Alicia> "Sounds like our boy!" Alicia begins to glow with holy radiance, casting fly on herself. "Lets go!" she says, zipping out the now very open window.
[22:40] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora follows, spear readied! The two come out of the second story! It's dark now, the moon not helping much with cloudiness, but no rain. You don't immediately see anything out here, besides someone rushing out of the inn and staring up at the broken window, gaping.
[22:42] <Alicia> "You said he vanished, do you mean he cast a spell and disappeared or he ran out of view?" Alicia clarifies, casting resist energy on herself to become protected from flames as she looks around, igniting Hell Striker to provide more illumination than her own nimbus of holy light.
[22:42] <Kokokokokokokoko> "He just vanished," Antenora supplies. Fire and holy light illuminate things, but Alicia still doesn't see anything. Around them, the sleepy village stretches here and there.
[22:45] <Alicia> "Spellgem," Alicia grimaces, casting detect magic and looking around for the residual aura.
[22:45] <Kokokokokokokoko> OOC: Caster level check?
[22:46] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13
06[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 25." [1d20=12]
[22:48] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
06[22:48] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[22:49] <Alicia> "That way!" Alicia points for Antenora's benefit, hesitating only long enough to incant a spell before she takes off in pursuit. "Mother of all magic, rend asunder the purloined dweomer of my enemy!"
[22:49] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 dispel on the aura
06[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 dispel on the aura and gets 30." [1d20=18]
[22:53] <Kokokokokokokoko> The aura crumbles before Alicia's might! With that aura gone, the man appears! He wears a cloak and an iron mask, the fierce visage of the God King on it! As you dispel it, he stops moving, near a few houses 140 feet away! He looks on at them, two daggers drawn! OOC - You got extremely lucky with Hatbot tonight in gneeral. Let's roll initaitive here.
[22:53] <Alicia> roll 1d20+5
06[22:53] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[22:54] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+9
06[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+9 and gets 24." [1d20=15]
[22:54] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+5
06[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+5 and gets 24." [1d20=19]
03[22:55] * Kokokokokokokoko changes topic to 'Masked Man=Antenora>Alicia'
[22:57] <Kokokokokokokoko> He peers up ahead, he dives into the gap between two houses and out of sight, tne more feet away! As he does, an ice storm breaks out around Alicia and Antenora! Hail pounds them, cold winds savaging!
[22:57] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+15 caster level check
06[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+15 caster level check and gets 27." [1d20=12]
[22:57] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 3d6 cold
06[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 3d6 cold and gets 9." [3d6=2, 1, 6]
[22:57] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 2d6 cold, other was bludgeoning damage
06[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 2d6 cold, other was bludgeoning damage and gets 6." [2d6=3, 3]
[22:58] <Kokokokokokokoko> The hailstones pound down as Antenora doubly moves closer, only 40 feet away now! OOC - Alicia.
06[22:59] * Alicia flies forward as much as she can, covering 120 feet to get closer to their prey. "Coward who wears the face of a tyrant!" she rails at the sneak attacker, "Prepare to face your judgement!"
[23:00] <Kokokokokokokoko> As the village below stirs, innocents at rest and sleep...Antenora advances to the alley! She peers down a moment, cursing, 'I don't see him,' she calls, even as a righteous aura of fury springs up around her!
[23:01] <Alicia> OOC: any magic aura seen?
[23:01] <Kokokokokokokoko> OOC: Make a new caster level check?
[23:01] <Alicia> roll 1d20+13
06[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+13 and gets 16." [1d20=3]
[23:02] <Alicia> OOC: does hell striker sense anything?
06[23:03] * Alicia pulls down her blindfold of true darkness over her eyes before she flies through the alleyway ten feet above the ground, moving twenty feet to reach it and then forty feet down its length.
[23:07] <Kokokokokokokoko> With blindsense Alicia gets lucky! She finds him near the end of her move, kneeling in the shadow by the corner of the house, ready to pounce! He's looking right at Alicia!
[23:07] <Kokokokokokokoko> His mask's blank metal eyes hide his look, but his face shows that he's looking at her, anyway.
[23:07] <Alicia> "He's by that corner there!" Alicia calls for Antenora's benefit, pointing right at him.
[23:09] <Kokokokokokokoko> The two react at once! The man begins to concentrate and make arcane gestures, symbols of forgotten letters turning and twisting in the air! Letters of gnomish, even as he speaks, "Impressive," his voice is metallic and seductive, knee weakening with it's authority. But even as he does, Antenora plummets down like a meteorite at him!
[23:10] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+20 (+6 smite, +2 FS 7/8, +2 charge, +1 flying, -10 PA)
06[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+20 (+6 smite, +2 FS 7/8, +2 charge, +1 flying, -10 PA) and gets 25." [1d20=5]
[23:10] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d100 1-50 is a whiff since she's guessing here.
06[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d100 1-50 is a whiff since she's guessing here. and gets 29." [1d100=29]
[23:12] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora's spear pulses white with sacred powers as it stabs down...into the wall just an inch from the masked man, as he steps backwards into a twisting door and vanishes! "Another time!"
[23:13] <Kokokokokokokoko> OOC - You're up, Alicia.
[23:15] <Alicia> "Oh, it's not over yet," Alicia snarls, taking out her wand of invisibility and turning herself invisible while her holy light vanishes so she'll be utterly unseen. Now that he won't see her coming she might just be able to get close enough to detect him while he catches his breath. "Wait in the air, you'll see soon enough if I find him," she tells Antenora before taking off on a spiral search pattern.
[23:15] <Alicia> Just like so many dogai before, he can't have gotten far.
[23:16] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora smiles with a fury just like Alicia's, her face a mask of holy vengence, "Oh yes," she says in agreement, "There's no escape for you anymore." She thus flies straight up! OOC - Alicia, you're up.
[23:18] <Alicia> Moving out of the alley and staying low to the ground so her blindsight can cover the most area, Alicia begins to work her way throughout this small village, circling wider and wider from the spot where he vanished from as fast as she can - the longer this takes the farther he could've gotten, after all.
[23:26] <Kokokokokokokoko> OOC - Going in widening, encompassing circles, basically?
[23:26] <Alicia> OOC: standard spiral search pattern that's served me so well in the past, yes.
[23:29] <Kokokokokokokoko> Thus Alicia begins to circle the village! A few people have come out, some minor confusion in the streets at all the noise! Her search starts slow and then spreads out, encompassing the village as Antenora holds her aeria vigil! A few even seem to notice her, pointing up at the flying erinyes. Meanwhile, Alicia eventually circles the village. Nothing.
[23:30] <Alicia> It's quite conceivable that she may have simply missed him due to his moving around, so Alicia spirals back inwards - the area involved is simply too big for her to reasonably extend the search outside of the village, anyway.
[23:31] <Kokokokokokokoko> So Alicia finishes. Fortune is not with her, as she does not find any trace of him at all.
06[23:32] * Alicia swears quietly, flying up to join Antenora and dismissing her invisibility while reasserting her holy radiance in the night. "Nothing," she admits bitterly. "He escaped."
[23:36] <Alicia> "Well... there is one more chance," she admits.
[23:37] <Alicia> "He can't have teleported far, so he must have ran the rest of the way. Lets check the paths out of town for any fresh tracks in the mud? If there aren't any then he could be hiding in a building here."
[23:41] <Kokokokokokokoko> "We might get lucky," Antenora agrees to that, going down to check the paths out of town! OOC - Do you have any ranks in survival? Anty has a few.
[23:41] <Alicia> OOC: none, so I'm relying on her
[23:44] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+6
06[23:44] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+6 and gets 14." [1d20=8]
[23:44] <Kokokokokokokoko> OOC - Aiding?
[23:44] <Alicia> roll 1d20+1 I can try
06[23:44] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+1 I can try and gets 11." [1d20=10]
[23:48] <Kokokokokokokoko> On a path going southeast out of town, Antenora finds prints! The wet, muddy trail makes finding them quite doable! She kneels down a moment, legs and knees getting quite muddy as she peers ahead. "This way," she flies a foot off the ground, face down to intently follow the trail. "Follow me."
03[23:48] * taiexhaustion is now known as taisickish
06[23:48] * Alicia eliminates her showy glowing and follows after Antenora silently so as not to disrupt her concentration.
[23:51] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora leads the pair about a mile, the rain starting again. It's just a drizzle, evoking a few more distracted curses from Antenora, this time in Infernal. This language, at least, has very profane things. The rain rather likes to dally around and violate the rear of a lemure, according to her. (More)
[23:52] <Kokokokokokokoko> It's as the path goes up a tree bedeckoned hill that Antenora suddenly grins. 'Ahead! He's just going to the top of the hill!' Her gaze is like a thunderclap of justice, the hill obscured and quite dark to Alicia, who can't see him.
[23:54] <Alicia> "Okay, lets make this count," Alicia tells Antenora, taking out her wand and turning the erinyes invisible before doing the same to herself and channelling an enervation spell into her blade. "There won't be any escape this time."
[23:54] <Kokokokokokokoko> As Alicia does this, 'He's just gone over the top of the hill,' she relays silently, 'He's not looking back - I think he doesn't think we're following him.
[23:54] <Kokokokokokokoko> ;
[23:55] <Alicia> 'Why would he? As far as he knows he made a perfect clean getaway - come on.' Now entirely invisible she flies towards the hill, matching her pace with Antenora's so they can reach him at the same time.
[23:56] <Kokokokokokokoko> The two fly and reach the top of the hill! He's about sixty fee away, carefully going down the slick and dark path, mud squelching under his feet. As Antenora prepares a long breath a moment, 'Ready?' she whispers back into Alicia's mind.
[23:58] <Alicia> 'Little closer,' Alicia replies, flying over until she's ahead of him so that they'll be able to flank him when they attack.
Session Time: Sat Nov 29 00:00:00 2008
[00:00] <Kokokokokokokoko> Alicia does so, the two pinning him at the bottom of the hill. Mentally, 'On three?' Antenora asks. 'One...two...."
[00:06] <Alicia> 'Three!' Alicia affirms as she flies down, suddenly appearing from thin air as a golden-illuminated figure of vengeance, her sword crackling with arcane and holy power as it lashes out to smash into the side of his masked face with its flat!
[00:06] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22 +1 flying +2 invis +7 smite +3 3rd level arcane strike -4 nonlethal, -8 power attack divine might vs flat footed AC
06[00:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 +1 flying +2 invis +7 smite +3 3rd level arcane strike -4 nonlethal, -8 power attack divine might vs flat footed AC and gets 37." [1d20=15]
[00:06] <Alicia> roll 1d4 negative levels
06[00:06] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d4 negative levels and gets 4." [1d4=4]
[00:06] <Alicia> roll 1d8+37+3d4+2d6 nonlethal
06[00:07] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d8+37+3d4+2d6 nonlethal and gets 53." [1d8=2][3d4=2, 3, 2][2d6=2, 5]
[00:07] <Kokokokokokokoko> At the same time as Alicia strikes, Antenora charges into his rear with her spear!
[00:07] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+18 (+6 smite, +2 FS 6/8, +2 charge, +1 flying, -10 PA, -4 nonlethal, +2 invis)
06[00:07] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+18 (+6 smite, +2 FS 6/8, +2 charge, +1 flying, -10 PA, -4 nonlethal, +2 invis) and gets 26." [1d20=8]
[00:09] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 2d8+1d6+60
06[00:09] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 2d8+1d6+60 and gets 78." [2d8=8, 8][1d6=2]
[00:13] <Kokokokokokokoko> Caught as the sandwich between two agents of divine justice, the masked man can't even get out a word! Alicia's blade smacks him in the stomach, as Antenora's spear hits him in the small of the back and kidneys! With a groan he goes down hard, collapsing into the mud! He tries to get up a few times, but his body gives out! OOC - Free act, you whalloped the utter living shit out of him.
[00:14] <Alicia> "Well!" Alicia takes a happy deep breath. "That was invigorating!" she declares as she alights, casting detect magic first of all. "I'd wager this is what shields him from divination and makes everyone go weak-kneed at the sound of his voice," she muses as she takes off his mask.
[00:14] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Ah," Antenora appears as her magic winks away, "Got him!" She kneels next to him, checking his pulse. "He's down and likely out for quite awhile."
[00:15] <Kokokokokokokoko> The mask is body heat warm to the touch. His face is attractive - straight black hair and a well defined set of features. Really, he's rather striking even now. The mask radiates magic, as does a par if gloves he wears, his daggers, and a few things on his person.
06[00:17] * Alicia nods in satisfaction. "All the magic is showing up, now. A shame to hide such a handsome face, though, really," she muses as she puts the mask in her backpack and then proceeds to liberate him of everything magical which likewise goes into her pack. She takes her own armour out to make room and puts it on while she has time.
[00:18] <Kokokokokokokoko> Alicia gains: A mask, two daggers, a pair of wands, a statue of a fierce tiger, a necklace chain of what appears to be reddish, diabolical bison, and a pair of potion flasks.
[00:18] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora taps the necklace as it's taken, "Your favorite summon. They had to even get those, didn't they? Anyway, want me to carry him?"
[00:19] <Alicia> Such can surely be properly identified and inventoried at a later date. Now she frisks him for any mundane tools or weapons that he might use to effect an escape when he wakes up. And his spellbook in the vanishingly rare chance he has one.
[00:20] <Kokokokokokokoko> His mundane things are the following: A set of thievies tools, a disguise kit(3 uses left), a bag with 309 gold, a girl's ribbon, a pair of daggers strapped into his boots, a smokestick and a small little diary book, bound with a lock.
[00:21] <Alicia> "Tie him up before you do," she suggests to the erinyes. "We'll see about getting a stretcher or cart or something once we're back in the village. Can read over this book once we're out of the rain, too," she briefly waves said tome before it goes into her backpack.
[00:21] <Kokokokokokokoko> "You know, that tracking was useful," Cheerfully smiling as Alicia continues to search him, "Far better than letting him get away. Maybe there's something to it." Going to tie him up carefully, she then lifts him. "Ready?"
[00:22] <Alicia> "I belive its how the Crimson Guard caught my sister as well, thanks to tracks left in the mud on a rainy night," Alicia agrees, healing herself and Antenora of their wounds from that earlier ice storm. "Lets go."
[00:24] <Kokokokokokokoko> The trip back to the village is a rather long but light hearted one. When you arrive several of the villages are still out, torches and pitchforks displayed. "Back," one of them calls, "Devil women!" It's about twenty people, looks of fear all over their faces. "Demons who glow with profane light and fly!"
[00:25] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Oh for..." Antenora sighs a moment, looking at them with lidded eyes.
[00:27] <Alicia> "What?" Alicia looks shocked at this greeting. "If you have scorn, save it for the coward who threw fire at the inn and vanished from sight!" she points to the scorched wall of the inn they were staying at before gesturing to their bound captive. Also given that none of them seemed to recognise the innate benevolence of her celestial nimbus, she looks the crowd over for evil.
[00:28] <Kokokokokokokoko> The celestial light washes over them as Alicia speaks. One man calls in a shaky voice, "M-Magic...only the city dwellers have magic and none of them have wings!" A few more seem to calm, shaking their heads. "Maybe this isn't anything..."
[00:30] <Kokokokokokokoko> "I know I don't quite look lik eit, but I'm a celestial being," Antenora calls, putting on a pleasant smile. "My friend glows wiht her benevolence and is a great heroine. I'm sorry if we startled you, but we had to stop this man from harming anyone else."
[00:30] <Alicia> "I am Alicia Reynes, paladin of Mystra - perhaps you've heard of her? She has a large temple in the city and her priests often minister to the countryside?" Alicia asks as she draws herself up without shame.
[00:31] <Kokokokokokokoko> More still look at the holy symbol on her ches,t the crowd starting to diperse. Only a few linger, even then not so much energy in their voices. As a few others call apology to her, "Still...bat's wings. My grandmother always said demons had bat wings, the ones that seduce away your soul!"
[00:32] <Kokokokokokokoko> "If I travel with a paladin of Mystra, I'm not a demon," Antenora's smile cracks slightly as only three are left, "There's a long story to why I have these, but I assure you I mean you no harm."
[00:33] <Alicia> "She's a noble being, true," Alicia stands up for Antenora. "Can you not see my friend is a stalwart warrior and not some callow seductress?"
[00:34] <Kokokokokokokoko> Another shakes his head, only leaving a scared looking pair of men. "Well..." The last lowers his torch, "Maybe. You sound sincere. Sorry." He says, as the other says, "Everyone said fire and flying demons were seen in the sky."
06[00:35] * Alicia nods, allowing more sympathy now that the mob doesn't seem angry. "I know, and you have a right to be concerned. But we were only seeking to defend ourselves after the leader of the rebellion himself launched a cowardly attack by hurling magical fire at the inn while we slept."
[00:36] <Kokokokokokokoko> The two eye the man Antenora carries, only one speaking. "O-Oh." He licks his lips and nods, "Oooooh."
[00:36] <Kokokokokokokoko> The other backs away, "
[00:36] <Kokokokokokokoko> The other backs away, "Sorry..." he murmurs again, fleeing into the night.
[00:38] <Alicia> "Come on, I doubt we'll get much more sleep tonight but there's no point staying out in the rain," Alicia decides, quenching her glow as she leads Antenora towards their ravaged inn. "You can put the ribbon back on if you want."
[00:39] <Kokokokokokokoko> "I left it in the inn room," Antenora answers, "I'll go get it then." Thus the two head back. Another room is secured without too much difficulty, another two bed room. Antenora retreives her things left behind in the meantime, after dumping the man onto the bed.
[00:41] <Alicia> "Okay, before we wake him, lets read his diary," Alicia suggests, frisking him again for a key but if none is found she'll quite cheerfully force the lock apart in order to open it.
[00:41] <Alicia> "Or spellbook or whatever it is."
[00:41] <Alicia> She also casts prestidigitation to clean all concerned up.
[00:42] <Kokokokokokokoko> No key is found. Alicia thus forces the lock! It takes a strong, solid CLACK and a hit to open it. Once opened, Alicia sees that it's written in what she reconizes as gnomish. She can see magical diagrams and the like, drawn small, but she can find that she can read them perfectly fine, in spite of the size. The man has incredible penmanship.
[00:43] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora goes to lie on the other bed, taking off her breastplate to comfortably lie on her side. "Anything interesting," she asks.
06[00:43] * Alicia groans. "Well, we won't be able to read this till we get back to Balmuria, then we'll have to trust Marie's interpretation. It's all gnomish," she closes the diary and puts it back into her pack.
[00:46] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Can't Demedais or Seira read it?" Antenora asks, "They've been dealing with this gnomish material awhile as well."
[00:47] <Alicia> "Seira definitely can, don't know about Demedais," Alicia replies. "Honestly though, Marie's normally accurate enough. For now I suppose it's time we had a little chat with our friend here..."
[00:49] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Wake him up?" Antenora peers to him. "Do you think he'll talk? If he thinks we're going to take him to be executed - and I imagine Lord Roth will want to - he doesn't have much incentive to tell us anything."
[00:52] <Alicia> "He might want to brag or try and use his vaunted persuasive skills to convince us to let him go," Alicia shrugs, "But really, I can be very persuasive even without magic. And right now he'll be especially out of sorts from that enervation I hit him with." At that she takes a moment to cast voice of the archon before healing him a little. "Get ready to knock him in the back of the head if it looks like he's casting something."
[00:52] <Alicia> roll 2d4+2 spellfire healing
06[00:52] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 2d4+2 spellfire healing and gets 8." [2d4=3, 3]
Session Close: Sat Nov 29 01:00:53 2008

Session Start: Sat Nov 29 01:00:53 2008
Session Ident: #dunes
02[01:00] * Disconnected
02[01:01] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[01:01] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[01:01] * Topic is 'Masked Man=Antenora>Alicia'
03[01:01] * Set by Kokokokokokokoko on Fri Nov 28 22:58:06
03[01:01] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[01:02] <Alicia> "Yes, imagine my surprise when the man who supposedly felt some sympathy and kinship with me would suddenly hurl a fireball at my room while I slept," Alicia returns dryly. "Fortunately I'm a lot better at this than you are."
03[01:04] * Sierra_MomentaryLife is now known as Sierra_WhatchouTalkingBoutDune
03[01:05] * BuildMoreSCVS is now known as Nao
[01:05] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Live and learn," he says quite agreeably. "You and the other one surprised me. I didn't think you'd manage to follow me after a dimension door. Bravo." Warmly speaking to that, "I do suppose you're going to drag me off to Kelara and make an example of me?"
[01:07] <Alicia> "You're hardly the first to have tried that tactic," Alicia snorts. "And yes, you do get the idea. It's a shame, really - I hardly have any great love for the noble council, but sadly you failed to provide a compelling alternative."
[01:08] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Yes, well." He shrugs as little as he can tied up, "A figure in history tried to overthrow the Gods and take over. I'm not so hot on taking over, but overthrowing a rotten regime is certainly appealing. Besides, to be frank, I think a period of collapse is preferable to letting Kelara continue to exist as a sick, delusional little domain."
06[01:10] * Alicia actually laughs at that. "So you style yourself after that rotten little gnome after all? How charming."
[01:11] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Ah, you identified it." Smiling and then laughing with Alicia, "Not entirely. Daa-vid is inspirational in that he stood up to a regime he felt was corrupt.  The rest of his bunk can stay in the dustbin of history for all I care."
[01:11] <Kokokokokokokoko> (More)
[01:13] <Kokokokokokokoko> "But that's not all that important. I'd heard you were over in the east, in the city of Balmuria?" His smile never flickers, "I hear the most fascinating things from over there, when I know to ask the right questions to the right people. I hear the Guard has a shield of jewells that floats as it's own living thing, and a sword that glitters with all the God-King's decadence. The Resorts, am I right?"
06[01:14] * Alicia doesn't really see the harm in confirming what's basically common knowledge. "You are well informed. Yes, those items among other treasures of the gnomes are held by Balmuria. I've little taste for their crafts myself, but they seem to be effective."
[01:16] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Yes, yes." As he positions slightly, able to upturn his head, "I've had the fortune to become aquianted with their works. Fascinating, aren't they? It sounds so trite and like something out of a bard's song, but we really have lost a lot from the distant past. The gnomes left behind the most spectacular toys. I then presume the Baronies have an interest in gnomish goods?"
[01:18] <Alicia> "Is this the part where you offer me access to some treasure trove that you've conveniently never liberated yourself in exchange for your freedom?" Alicia asks, sounding disappointed.
[01:20] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Just the opposite." With a widening smile, "You see, the gnomish ruins have several quirks. This includes gates - if you don't know, they're portals to other places, other existances. The afterlife in all it's forms in particular." He smiles a moment, quite cheerfully, "Oh, what would happen if a carefully designed trigger wasn't reset in time and the gates opened wide?"
[01:22] <Alicia> "Fantastic. Another portal to hell. That would be what, the third - no wait, fourth - one I've had to shut down," Alicia shakes her head. "Alright, allow me to demonstrate how weak your bargaining posture is." She leans over him before speaking with words empowered by magic, "Tell me everything you know about all the gnomish gates you're aware of."
[01:22] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21 will save
[01:22] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+8
06[01:22] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+8 and gets 13." [1d20=5]
[01:23] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Really, Hell isn't so impressive? Did you notice my wings?" Antenora drawls, "A few of us would rather side with Alicia and company than throw our lives away."
[01:24] <Kokokokokokokoko> His words come just as naturally, "There are two gates that I know of. I have disabled and destroyed both of them; I had no desire to let hellspawn or elementals through. The study was quite rapturous, even if I couldn't understand much of it. Really, the ability to go and see what lies beyond our lives? How many questions does that answer? How little will you fear death when you know what waits foryou!"
06[01:26] * Alicia smiles. "Well I can commend you for that much at least, even if your attempt to mislead me was in vain."
[01:27] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Well." Smiling himself, "That was impressive again. It's a shame some bandits had to lovingly murder your family, you'd be a fat housewife by now if not and I'd still be going."
[01:28] <Alicia> "Yes, it's a funny old world, isn't it?" Alicia drawls, unimpressed. "What's your name, by the way?"
[01:29] <Kokokokokokokoko> "David." After a moment, "Yes, I do believe it's so incredibly ironic. I laughed myself when the irony truly struck me for the first time. If nothing else, I believe the Gods have a sublime sense of humor. Now Alicia...I don't suppose you'd like to lie down here with me?"
06[01:33] * Alicia snorts. "All that charm everyone said you had must have come from the mask," she replies snarkily. "I'll tell you what I will do, though... you'd better hold still for this," she suggests as she grabs hold of a handful of his hair and cuts it off with her sword. "Just in case you're more competent than you appear - considering you employed anti-divination wards you surely know the best way to guarantee the efficiacy of a scryi
[01:34] <Alicia>  a scrying spell?"
[01:34] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Now that's just uncalled for," After his hair is cut, "Yes, yes, I'm aware. Still, if I'm on death's door, I may as well shoot for the fairest star I can see."
06[01:36] * Alicia deftly knots the purloined lock of hair together and pockets it. "Fairest star. That's a curious turn of phrase, isn't it?"
[01:37] <Alicia> OOC: taking 10 on sense motive for 20 for a gut feeling. Does he seem bothered/scared at all?
[01:37] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Isn't it?" With a serene smile, "You are the fairest star I can see right now. It's only natural to covet you like the greatest treasure there is."
[01:39] <Alicia> "Yes, very poetic," Alicia replies drolly. "But if I'm the fairest star you can see right now, then what is the fairest star of all?"
[01:40] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Why, it's you. Who am I to argue with the light of the angel in front of me?" His eyes sweep over Alicia, "Ah, if I only had some inspiration now..."
[01:43] <Alicia> "Being tied up with two beautiful women and facing certain death isn't inspiration enough? My are you hard to please," Alicia shakes her head. "So, why don't you tell us all about the logistics of your rebellion? I can use that spell again, if you want, but feel free to volunteer."
[01:45] <Kokokokokokokoko> "I have a proposal instead. We both know that I probably have fascinating things you'd like to hear." Jostling a bit to get more comfortable as he smiles lightly, "You can nickel and dime them out of me, but that's more time where I'm not around and more people will die. For both our sakes, how about we cut a deal?"
[01:47] <Alicia> "I'm not especially interested in deals right now," Alicia replies flatly.
[01:49] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Ah, hear me out. Perhaps you'll find yourself more interested when you hear it. Now then, surely your city has the resources for a Geas spell? I give you the information to root out the rest of the problems and ensure that Kelara continues it's dying dance as long as you wish. In return, you return me my equipment and I willingly undergo a geas to serve the Baronies as a useful servant. With two wars in five years, surely you have ne
[01:49] <Kokokokokokokoko> surely you have needs for problem solvers?"
[01:50] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Kill a few people there, kidnap a few others, ferret out information, all sorts of things like that. Really, I like to think I'm good at it."
[01:55] <Alicia> "As amusing as it would be to send you off to battle fiends who can stop time with a word, I think I'll decline," Alicia shakes her head. "I'm hoping some good may come out of your rebellion in striking genuine reform in this country. But before that can happen the rebellion has to be definitively ended, and that won't happen while you walk free."
[01:55] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Ah well. Perhaps then...you'd trade that information for a night of bliss with you? If I'm to die," His smile grows a little, "One may as well go out on a high note? Or your friend, she's alluring as well."
[01:56] <Kokokokokokokoko> "You know," Antenora says, tone rising, "One could think you don't appreciate the gravity of your situation."
[01:57] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Oh, I appreciate it all too well. But again, why not? When you have nothing left, aim for everything."
06[01:58] * Alicia smiles in a not very heartening manner. "Maybe you can offer your services to Lord Roth instead? For now though, it might be best to just reflect on the mistakes you've made over the years - I'm certain tonight was not your first."
[01:59] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Ah. Oh well, failure is a pain," With a slight, dramatic sigh, he closes his eyes. "Yes, to reflect and sleep. There's still time until the dawn."
06[02:00] * Alicia watches him close his eyes and waits a moment before speaking. "Nice job evading my question, by the way, but I'm not that scatter-brained." Intoning the words to her spell she speaks again in a far more commanding voice. "Now, tell me how the rebellion is organised and any plans set in motion that have yet to come to fruition."
[02:00] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21 will save
[02:01] <Kokokokokokokoko> roll 1d20+8
06[02:01] * Hatbot --> "Kokokokokokokoko rolls 1d20+8 and gets 13." [1d20=5]
[02:04] <Kokokokokokokoko> "The point of it is to bring down Kelara without any point. Lord Roth should be dead or soon dead, the agent in the city was due to get the message. There are a few other cells in Kelara - one of the soldiers in your father's mansion is waiting on a word to finish your family off, for example. But it's mostly a sleeper there, a few clustered groups there. You see, Kelara has to fall into chaos without a leader, so that the old can be
[02:04] <Kokokokokokokoko> so that the old can be purged and someone strong enough to rule will come. Someone who will defeat the pointlessness of the anarchy and establish just, strong laws for not just the city, but for all of Kelara."
[02:05] <Kokokokokokokoko> Antenora's scowl explodes, taking over her entire face.
[02:05] <Alicia> "I want names and descriptions for these agents," Alicia tells him sharply.
06[02:07] * Alicia briefly glances at Antenora with a faintly worried look before refocusing her attention on David.
[02:08] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Well, there's Elizabeth. She's waiting on a message from her father, Reg. I've set it up so that Reg doesn't know her daughter's role, and that her daughter won't know about her father until she goes and kills Lord Roth. Oh, then there's the soldier around your parents. His name's Justin, nice boy. Believes everything I told him and thinks that killing the nobles will bring about what he wants."
[02:09] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Then there's Barkley, the cook with the poison. Oh, and Bessie's with him in Kelara. Both of them should get into at least a few households and make a few fatal stews."
[02:09] <Kokokokokokokoko> He yawns after a moment, "Want me to keep going? There's bunches of them."
[02:09] <Alicia> "Oh yes," Alicia nods. "Don't forget the descriptions and where to find these people."
[02:10] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Oh, you son of a bitch," Antenora whispers.
[02:11] <Alicia> "Just the ones in Kelara proper for now, we can deal with the others as we go."
[02:11] <Kokokokokokokoko> "Then there's Posy and Rosy. Cute name for a married couple, they're servants and they'll cut some more throats while rich nobles sleep. Then there's - oh, right. There's a Frank in the city guard, no real purpose to him but I left a couple of sleeper instructions. If he gets a small shipment of gold as payment for a past debt, he's to kill his commanding officer."
[02:13] <Kokokokokokokoko> "See, that's how most of these work. One hand doesn't know the other. Is et up one to do something and have another person unknowingly satisfiy the condition. That way, no one gets the full story. It's qquite effective. I imagine Lord Roth, or whomever is in control now, is completely perplexed and terrified."
[02:13] <Alicia> "Right. Antenora, fly to Kelara now and get started on clearing these people out, I don't care who you have to wake up," Alicia tells the erinyes, not wanting to waste any time. "I'll follow on foot with David here, hopefully we'll catch up by morning."
[02:14] <Kokokokokokokoko> With a curt nod, "And if I have a chance, I'll execute you myself for Lord Roth." Then quieter, "I didn't need more blood on my hands..." she says as she passes Alicia, walking out to the window and flying away.
06[02:16] * Alicia nods understandingly to Antenora, hoping that either Elizabeth failed or hasn't yet acted. "Up, you!" she hauls David to his feet with the rope. "We've got a long walk ahead of us."
[02:16] <Kokokokokokokoko> "At night?" With a look of disdain, "How barbaric. A forced march all night?"
[02:17] <Alicia> "I'll knock you out and carry you if you want," Alicia offers menacingly as she shoves him out the door.

[Corwin]

[19:39] <Alicia> [00:17] <Alicia> "Right. Antenora, fly to Kelara now and get started on clearing these people out, I don't care who you have to wake up," Alicia tells the erinyes, not wanting to waste any time. "I'll follow on foot with David here, hopefully we'll catch up by morning."
[19:39] <Alicia> [00:18] <Kokokokokokokoko> With a curt nod, "And if I have a chance, I'll execute you myself for Lord Roth." Then quieter, "I didn't need more blood on my hands..." she says as she passes Alicia, walking out to the window and flying away.
[19:39] <Alicia> [00:19] * Alicia nods understandingly to Antenora, hoping that either Elizabeth failed or hasn't yet acted. "Up, you!" she hauls David to his feet with the rope. "We've got a long walk ahead of us."
[19:39] <Alicia> [00:19] <Kokokokokokokoko> "At night?" With a look of disdain, "How barbaric. A forced march all night?"
[19:39] <Alicia> [00:20] <Alicia> "I'll knock you out and carry you if you want," Alicia offers menacingly as she shoves him out the door.
[19:42] <Kotono> Thus thet wo head out into the night! It's a steady rain now, a heavy and soaking one. The path is muddy as Alicia leads David along...OOC - Describe how you're travelling and all that?
06[19:45] * Alicia casts light on David's shirt so that invisibility or short range teleportation won't do him any good in attempting to flee from her and walks him along the road to Kelara - he stays in front of her the whole time.
[19:46] <Kotono> Thus thet wo begin to travel. Once they're out of sight of town, David glances backwards. "Lovely weather, isn't it?"
[19:49] <Alicia> "Normal enough for here," Alicia replies curtly, not really in the mood to chat.
[19:49] <Kotono> "Yes, Kelara has always been blessed by so much rain," Even as he speaks...OOC - Make a will save?
[19:49] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
06[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 24." [1d20=2]
[19:51] <Kotono> "Ah well." He shuffles along, "So you've dealt with the gnomes several times? Devils too, from the sounds of it. But still, are you telling me that there'ss ome fools who let those gates go wide open?"
[19:54] <Alicia> "Either that or they get opened from the other side," Alicia replies curtly, thinking about how hard it'll be to hold him prior to his trial and sentencing. Not particularly inclined for any more prevarication, she casts voice of the archon, "Tell me the full extent of all your magical abilities," she instructs.
[19:54] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21 will
[19:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 21." [1d20=13]
[19:57] <Kotono> "Well," Smiling, "There's the magic I learned. Technically it's arcane magic and an assassin's magic. You see, one of the things I found were the notes from a gnomish assassin. Absolutely amazing stuff, if I do say so. But...tied up it's no use to me. I can use a few spell abilities from those lovely gems. The ice storm you saw and the ability to heal wounds to a degree. Sadly, that's it." Even as he talks, charming as can be...OOC - MAke anoth
[19:57] <Kotono> Even as he talks, charming as can be...OOC - MAke another will save?
[19:57] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
06[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 36." [1d20=14]
[19:59] <Alicia> "An evasive answer. That's one out of three you've resisted," Alicia flatly congratulates him as they walk along through the miserable night. "Well I can always try again." Casting her spell she reiterates, "Give me a full breakdown of every spell and spell-like ability you have at your disposal."
[20:00] <Alicia> OOC: DC 21 once more
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 9." [1d20=1]
[20:01] <Kotono> "Well, that's honestly most of it. Oh, I can do a few other things. Like, say, charm people. It's a shame your will is like a brick wall, you're not even budging." With a cross look, "Really now, that's in terribly bad form. When I charm someone, I expect them to have the good graces to fall for it."
[20:04] <Alicia> "You're not telling me everything," Alicia points out, not having heard anything about invisibility and dimension door. "I want to know every spell you can cast and I want to know every spell you can use from a spellgem. And I want to know how many times you can use each." She also prepares herself to absorb any further charm spells he uses on her, which she should've done earlier.
[20:08] <Kotono> "Oh fine, I can do those as well. Happy," With a piqued look, "Really, I wanted more of those gems, but some of them had been smashed before I found them. Some of the ceiling fell in just the wrong spot. From the notes, one of them was a gem of dominate person, and another was a gem of earthquake. Now that magic..." Sighing there, "What a loss!"
[20:10] <Alicia> "Stop stalling and give me the list," Alicia tells him firmly. Her suggestion spell certainly took hold, so why the hell is he bullshitting in the face of her simple and clearly worded command?
[20:12] <Kotono> "I did," he says in exasperation. "What, do you want it spelled out again? Were you too busy acting like a self righteous twat to catch all of it? Yes, I have SECRET MAGIC that I cannot tell anyone about."
[20:17] <Alicia> "Yes. Spell it out nice and neat. 'I can cast magic missile three times before I have to rest. I have a spellgem that lets me cast charm person four times a day.'" Alicia patiently explains what she's looking for. "No fun little trips down memory lane, no changing the subject to how fantastic those horrible little midgets were. Just the bare facts."
[20:23] <Kotono> "Mystra in her heavens, you need to get the stick out of your ass and put it in your other hole instead. Clearly the loss of your husband has turned you into a menancing harpy." With an overdone glare of exasperation. "Fine." (More in PM, sec.)
[20:29] <Alicia> "And you're a pathetic whiner," Alicia replies cooly. "Now shut up and keep walking."
[20:34] <Kotono> Thus the trip continues! Dawn comes and with it two soaked travellers come closer to Kelara. It's still a good part of a day's journey away. As the sun comes up, the long silence is broken, "You know, are we going to stop for food, or to use the bushes?" David asks.
[20:35] <Alicia> OOC: we're that far off? Lorasce was something like 18 hours away and we're closer to Kelara than that since we were moving back towards it when gathering info.
[20:37] <Kotono> OOC: About a half's day then. I figure you took time gathering info and went a bit off the direct-est path to go various villages and the like while info hunting.
[20:39] <Alicia> "We'll reach the city by lunchtime," Alicia tells him. "But I suppose breakfast couldn't hurt." She conjures forth some trail rations from her survival pouch and splits them, hand feeding small bite-sized chunks to David rather than letting him have his hands free.
[20:40] <Kotono> David takes the food well enough, and once the meal's done, "I suppose you'll have a grand feast once my head's decorating the city walls."
[20:43] <Alicia> "That would be terribly gauche," Alicia remarks as she prods him into motion once more.
[20:44] <Kotono> "Oh, I magine i'tll happen. The surviving nobles will feast on richers and splendor unimagined by the common folk now that they're not in danger anymore. I imagine your parents will spend plenty on the celebration. Now, imagine if that money was put to a better use...ah well. I'ms ure you'll be there having a good time as well. IT hardly matters."
06[20:46] * Alicia snorts. "Please. You've made it perfectly clear you don't give a rat's ass about the welfare of the common folk any more than you do the nobles."
[20:48] <Kotono> "Oh, I do. There's a bunch of sayigns about breaking eggs to make an omlete and a rotten foundation that has to be torn down and built anew, but the point is that lives have to be lost for the changes needed to occur.
[20:48] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[20:48] <Kotono> "Oh, I do. There's a bunch of sayigns about breaking eggs to make an omlete and a rotten foundation that has to be torn down and built anew, but the point is that lives have to be lost for the changes needed to occur." Looking ahead, "Besides, you're a multiple murderer as well. How many bandits did you slay? How many wives or lovers or children were bereaved by you?"
[20:53] <Alicia> "I'd imagine quite a lot," Alicia replies. "But the sadness of those people does not outweigh the rights of all the victims of the bandits they love."
[20:55] <Kotono> "So it's a matter of a greater good?" David turns back to Alicia, "How many victims are there of noble's incompetence and apathy? How many died or suffered because of it? The deaths aren't a good thing, no doubt, but change has to happen. You realise that just as much as I do. Then...what's different about us? The master we bow down to? The particular people we prefer not to kill?"
[21:01] <Alicia> "Keep walking," Alicia prods him to get moving. "There's a lot wrong with your stance I'm not sure where to begin, but what the hell. Firstly, the nobles are merely apathetic and incompetent. The people I kill on the other hand tend to be out and out murderous and sadistic. You see the difference, yes?"
[21:01] <Alicia> "Further, if I kill a band of thieving murderous rapists hiding out in the woods, most people aren't going to even notice except that they can walk the roads a lot more safely. On the other hand, if you kill the ruling government of Kelara, people are going to notice when the country falls apart. That was your stated goal, yes?"
[21:01] <Alicia> "Kelara must fall into anarchy so that the strong can rule?" she repeats his phrasing from last night. "Even if the strong ruler turns out to be superior to the effete council - by no means a guarantee, and something you've confirmed an avowed disinterest in - it hardly justifies all the suffering that occurs before this happy turn of events."
[21:05] <Kotono> "Death by apathy is no less shameful than death by  malice. It's merely a matter of execution. If good men do nothing...evil walks over the innocent." With a shrug as he walks on, "I'm doing something so that Kelara will one day have a worthy ruler and happy people. What are you doing? Getting more blood on your hands by preserving the nobles. Do you ever wonder if your family's proud of you? Do you ever wonder...if maybe they cry a little each
[21:05] <Kotono> Do you ever wonder...if maybe they cry a little each time your support leads to another tragedy because the nobles are still in power? Maybe you do. I did wonder why I thought I saw a succubus with you."
[21:08] <Alicia> "Gods above and fiends below, you are full of yourself," Alicia marvels. "I can see why you needed all that gnomish magic, because your command of rhetoric is abysmal. All you're doing is sowing discord to satisfy your perverse ego and tacking on a justification that 'things might turn out better eventually. Maybe.'"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Better than letting the same rotten structure continue to wobble." With a long look to Alicia now, "Well, if I'm an egotistical sop, you certainly match with me well. Your galling superiority is everything that's wrong with Kelara. You don't just have a silver spoon in your mouth, you have teeth of pure silver."
[21:13] <Alicia> "Or you could maybe do something to fix it?" Alicia suggests with a glare back. "Oh, I'm sorry, of course - doing that's an awful lot of work, and it's so much more fun to simply charm people into going at each others throats and giggling as everything disintegrates around you."
[21:15] <Kotono> "Really?" Leaning forward a little and stopping his walk a moment as he matches that glare with ad evil-may-care look, "Yet I imagine you'd say I'd done enough already. It's strange how that works? Would you prefer to give me a dagger and command me to go kill afew more peasants?"
[21:17] <Alicia> "I'd prefer for you to shut up," Alicia replies giving him a shove to keep him moving. She doesn't even understand what point he was trying to make with that statement and doesn't care nearly enough to seek clarification. "Are you that in love with the sound of your own voice?"
[21:21] <Kotono> Standing still, "No. I'm just irritated with your self righteous, self reinforcing idiocy. It's like talking to a golem that has just enough instructions to repeat the same limited message over and over and over again."
06[21:22] * Alicia smiles sweetly. "Then don't talk to me. We'll both be far happier."
[21:25] <Kotono> This does seem to kill conversation a bit. A few miles from Kelara, Alicia is intercepted! A group of thirty mounted, armored riders are clearing the roads, lances and bows at the ready. At about one hundred feet away, "Lo! Are you Alicia Reynes?"
[21:26] <Alicia> "I am she," Alicia calls over, raising her arm in a greeting.
[21:27] <Kotono> A pennant flies from their lances - the isignia of Kelara. "You have the prisoner? We come on order of Lord Roth to ensure that he's delivered safely."
[21:28] <Alicia> "Got our mastermind right here," Alicia gestures to David, reassured that Lord Roth is still breathing.
[21:29] <Kotono> The riders come close, several fo them dismounting. David is chained, gagged, double bound and tied so as to be suspende din the air betweent wo horses, perfectly taunt. "Lord Roth has sent us as an honor guard as well. He gestures, a fine white stallion brought along. "You may ride at the front as the prisoner is taken into Kelara."
06[21:34] * Alicia checks to ensure none of these men are evil before letting them even approach her and her prisoner.
[21:38] <Kotono> None are evil to Alicia's glance.
[21:40] <Alicia> That's reassuring, but she doesn't allow David to be trussed up like a pig, and declines the horse. "We're quite able to continue on as we have been, although you're welcome to escort us to the city," she offers.
[21:55] <Kotono> The lead warrior shakes his head, "Your choice on the horse, but Lord Roth's orders are clear. We're to bind him completely so there's no chance of escape at all."
[21:58] <Alicia> "Alright then," Alicia relents. "He is a mage, so ensuring he has his hands bound at all times is a good idea." Fortunately he won't have any more dimension doors left anyway thanks to her enervation spell.
[22:04] <Kotono> The trip back to Kelara passes without incident. David is taken along with Alicia through streets lined with people staring on, many gawking. There are still many soldiers about as the two are lead to Lord Roth. He sits in a high backed chair, several bandages over his forehead and left arm.  Despite that, he stands up as David is hauled in and Alicia enters. Antenora stands behind him and to the side. "Superb! That's him, is it?"
[22:06] <Alicia> "Perhaps difficult to recognise without the mask," Alicia proceeds to remove said face-covering from her backpack and hold it up for all to see. "Though this should assuage all doubts."
[22:08] <Kotono> With a nod, Lord Roth approaches Alicia. He looks at the mask, "We will destroy it as well at his execution. Let the symbol of his vile taint be shattered." Thereafter he turns to David, who looks at back at Lord Roth with...boredom? Something close to that. "You'll have a trial, but the evidence here alone damns you. You'll be beheaded at dawn tomorrow."
[22:11] <Alicia> While it is probably a nice magic item, Alicia well understands the power of symbolism, so it's likely best that the mask is destroyed lest it find its way into the hands of another anarchist. Looking to Antenora, she asks, "I trust all the agents we learned of last night have been dealt with?"
[22:12] <Kotono> After that, "Alicia," Lord Roth says, gesturing as he does. David is grabbed by two burly warriors, hauled off. "Yes, that matter's taken care of, thanks to her speedy travel." He turns to Alicia once more, offering her his hand. "You've helped us in our hour of need. Kelara itself is proud of you for helping stop this reign of terror."
[22:13] <Kotono> With a slight smile, 'Apparently he likes to cut me off,' Antenora sends to Alicia, 'But yes, I went with some of the round up teams. They've been taken in.'
[22:15] <Alicia> 'Self importance is a vice of these types, though I'd hope recent events would have punctured it somewhat,' Alicia responds to the erinyes in the same way before speaking aloud. "I did what was necessary, but there are harsh lessons to be learned from all of this. I request that I address the council in its entirety tonight so that we can assure there is no repeat."
[22:16] <Kotono> "You've certainly earned that right. There's only a few matters to resolve now." Going back to sitting, "What of his daggers? If those were recovered I'd like for those to be made an example of as well."
[22:18] <Kotono> 'Yes.' Antenora agrees there, 'We'll talk more later once this is done.'
[22:18] <Alicia> "Please, Lord Roth," Alicia lowers her gaze. "While I understand the symbolism of the mask and agree to its dissolution in the name of national stability, I see no reason for all of his equipment to be disposed of in such a final manner."
[22:20] <Kotono> "What benefit is for them to survive, then?" Asking that to the point, "Do you desire them?"
[22:23] <Alicia> "Yes," Alicia replies simply. "They may prove to be useful weapons for myself or one of my allies. And the ancient magic within them may be studied. Or I may sell them in Balmuria and use the funds for other matters." Looking up to meet his gaze, "The Lady of Mysteries does not consider the destruction of magical craftwork a thing to be done lightly. As the daggers are no threat in of themselves, I see no reason to have them broken."
[22:23] <Kotono> OOC - Diplo here, I think.
[22:24] <Alicia> roll 1d20+28 fuck you bitch, I killed V and I can kill you
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+28 fuck you bitch, I killed V and I can kill you and gets 36." [1d20=8]
[22:25] <Kotono> Alicia's words are strong. Lord Roth considers, "Very well, on two provisions. One, you will defray the cost of making a pair of non magical replicas. Two, you will submit both of them to the Temple of Mystra, where their exact magical properties will be ascertained, so we can ensure there is no malicious magic or danger to keeping them."
[22:28] <Alicia> "Naturally I will have their properties divined and if there is an issue I will deal with it," Alicia replies smoothly, masking her exasparation. Does he think she's an idiot? "But there is a mage in Balmuria who possesses specialised magic that is not available here, so it is there that I will have them divined." (more)
[22:29] <Alicia> "However, I hardly see the point of making replicas, and even if there were one I don't think there's a smith in Kelara who could do it in a day. Unless you simply didn't care about the quality, in which case why are you even quibbling over the cost?"
[22:32] <Kotono> There is a long moment, before Lord Roth just goe son. "Very well." He takes a breath, "Were there other things found on his person?"
[22:36] <Alicia> "A pair of wands and potions, some coinage and jewellery, a pair of nonmagical daggers, a hair ribbon, a smokestick, book written in gnomish, a disguise kit, and a set of lockpicks," Alicia lists off, now starting to well understand her father's dislike of this man.
[22:37] <Kotono> A short nod to it, "Do what you will with it. None of it seems to be relevant." With a dismissive wave of his hand, "Except... a book written in gnomish?"
03[22:38] * taigrav is now known as taisick
[22:41] <Alicia> "Yes, I never took the time to learn the language I'm afraid but I have some friends who can read it so perhaps they'll get something out of it," Alicia replies, deciding to stop being so passive and take charge. "Now, it has been a tiring evening and I must see to my church and my family. I would be obliged if you could convene the council by this evening, but until then..." she straightens up as if to depart, "By your leave?"
[22:42] <Kotono> "There is one further matter." Lord Roth stands up again. "Alicia, kneel."
06[22:44] * Alicia isn't entirely thrilled about demonstrating supplication to the nobility after she just saved their asses, but her mother always said you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. So she wordlessly gets down on bent knee.
03[22:50] * El-Deadeon is now known as Sierra_Mikain
[22:50] <Kotono> Drawing the sword from his sheath, he taps Alicia on both shoulders, then atop her head. "There will be a formal ceremony later, but let all of Kelara know you as Lady Alicia, Knight-General of Kelara." After a second, "Your parents will be very proud of you."
[22:53] <Alicia> Oh Mystra, her mother will be pushing her so hard to influence the council to give them a seat, now... not that they're exactly filled with occupied chairs at the moment, but still. Oh, well, it's still a nice honour. "I thank you for this honour, Lord Roth," she replies sombrely as she rises.
[22:54] <Kotono> After a moment, "I can bestow the same on Antenora if you wish, or a lesser title. She said she would leave any choice on that to you."
[22:58] <Alicia> "I believe that's a polite way for her to decline," Alicia replies after a moment of looking to the erinyes after deciding that her apathy is a clear enough signal even if she won't commit to just saying no.
[22:58] <Kotono> "As you wish," Lord Roth agrees to that, "You may go now."
06[22:59] * Alicia nods. "Come along then, Antenora," she requests as she turns to depart, intending to stop by the church first.
[23:00] <Kotono> As they walk out of the office, 'You're half right, by the way,' She adds. 'Though honestly, the only matter of it that occured to me was if you'd want me to have a title to benefit your family somehow or another.
[23:00] <Kotono> '
[23:03] <Alicia> 'Titles can be useful,' Alicia agrees as they head onto the streets. 'It gives you more leverage with the people who put stock in such things - and most people do, whether they realise it or not. This coupled with my doing in three days what they couldn't do in three months should lend a lot of weight to my words when I address the council.'
[23:04] <Kotono> 'What are you going to say?' The streets are still busy, but the air of it is different. In the sunny day, you can see people talking, oftne quietly, but an electricity seems to run through them.
[23:10] <Alicia> 'Firstly I'm going to insist on amnesty for anyone who supported the rebellion but didn't actually hurt anyone - the divisions between the city and the country badly need to be healed, and a crackdown won't help that. Then I'm going to suggest that the army be used to more aggressively patrol the whole of Kelara's domain rather than looking pretty inside the city.'
[23:10] <Alicia> 'Finally, I'll suggest that as the council needs to replace its numbers, that it do so by filling some seats with leaders from the surrounding towns - granting appropriate titles and rank that their word will carry just as much weight.'
[23:10] <Alicia> 'Honestly I'd prefer a single strong leader to the whole council business, but it's just not the way Kelara works and picking one from the current crop would just cause acrimony among all the others who'll rightly see they've been demoted.'
[23:11] <Kotono> 'And you don't want to be called Queen?' Antenora says, with ever so slight an upturning of her lips, giving her face a teasing air. 'No, I understand what you're saying, but do you think they'll go along with it?'
[23:12] <Alicia> 'Oh, they'll fight it, I'm certain of that,' Alicia nods as they silently converse while walking the streets. 'But I'm hoping that knowing how close they came to losing everything will make them more open to such drastic change.'

[Corwin]

[20:13] <Alicia> [21:07] <Kotono> 'What are you going to say?' The streets are still busy, but the air of it is different. In the sunny day, you can see people talking, oftne quietly, but an electricity seems to run through them.
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:13] <Alicia> 'Firstly I'm going to insist on amnesty for anyone who supported the rebellion but didn't actually hurt anyone - the divisions between the city and the country badly need to be healed, and a crackdown won't help that. Then I'm going to suggest that the army be used to more aggressively patrol the whole of Kelara's domain rather than looking pretty inside the city.'
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:13] <Alicia> 'Finally, I'll suggest that as the council needs to replace its numbers, that it do so by filling some seats with leaders from the surrounding towns - granting appropriate titles and rank that their word will carry just as much weight.'
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:13] <Alicia> 'Honestly I'd prefer a single strong leader to the whole council business, but it's just not the way Kelara works and picking one from the current crop would just cause acrimony among all the others who'll rightly see they've been demoted.'
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:14] <Kotono> 'And you don't want to be called Queen?' Antenora says, with ever so slight an upturning of her lips, giving her face a teasing air. 'No, I understand what you're saying, but do you think they'll go along with it?'
[20:13] <Alicia> [21:16] <Alicia> 'Oh, they'll fight it, I'm certain of that,' Alicia nods as they silently converse while walking the streets. 'But I'm hoping that knowing how close they came to losing everything will make them more open to such drastic change.'
05[20:13] -batcave.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:13] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[20:13] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:13] <Kotono> 'What if they aren't?' A sidelong look to Alicia as the two travel through the streets, heading towards the Temple of Mystra.
06[20:14] * Alicia is silent for a long moment before she replies with, 'Lets just hope they're not so foolish.'
[20:21] <Kotono> THus the two reach the TEmple of Mystra. Taldeer is found in her quarters again. She rises immediately, "So is the rumor true?" she asks. "I've heard that the town is abuzz that the rebellion has been decapitated."
[20:28] <Alicia> "Hello, Taldeer," Alicia smiles at the priestess. "It's true. The mastermind behind the whole thing foolishly attacked all by himself us while we were sleeping in an inn, but couldn't stand up to our counterattack."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Really?" Raising an eyebrow to that, "It must be a miracle, a miracle or a stroke of incredible fortune."
06[20:33] * Alicia shakes her head. "I think we can more easily put it down to him being touched in the head. I had plenty of time to converse with him on the road back to Kelara, much to my misfortune. Even with his capacity to use charm magic as a spell like ability, I have a hard time believing anyone could take him seriously after spending five minutes in his company."
[20:33] <Alicia> "Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he's a skilled magic user and warrior, but I've met goblins with better persuasive skills."
[20:36] <Kotono> "If that'st rue, then the situation must be worse than I imagined." Taldeer considers this with a solemnly sour frown, "Since so many went along with it.
[20:36] <Kotono> "
[20:38] <Kotono> "He has a certain...almost charm," Antenora's voice is tinged with dislike there, "But his ideals are repugnant."
[20:38] <Alicia> Alicia's demeanour turns more grave at that. "Kelara is all but broken, and needs to change if it is to survive. I intend to press this with the council when I meet them later," stifling a yawn she sits down opposite Taldeer, "But you've lived here longer than anyone, Dweomerkeeper - do you have any thoughts on what should be done?" she asks, eager for input from her mentor.
[20:39] <Kotono> Taldeer gets up, fixing up a cup of tea. She adds a blue powder to it, stirring it in before putting it before Alicia, thena nother cup to Antenora. "This'll wake you up. Anyway, hm." (More)
[20:42] <Kotono> "Kelara's always been focuse don the city, with the surrounding villages in it's pull. The problem is that the power focuses in the city; thus the attention does as well. The government is an overgrown city government at heart that quibbles over it's own influence. A new system - be it a reorganized government, or a more central authority like a kingdom - that can handle this is needed."
[20:46] <Alicia> "A single ruler would be idea," Alicia agrees. "The likes of the Fiefdoms and Malmuth manage to span vast areas mostly successfully with such an arragement. Unfortunately to pick one leader here would be effectively demoting a dozen others, which would just as likely spark a civil war. I was thinking of perhaps altering the makeup of the council to bring in leaders from the towns and villages."
[20:46] <Alicia> "It's not perfect, as they likely won't have the experience for governing a state, and might just 'go native' once ensconsced in the city itself, but it's the best idea I have."
[20:46] <Alicia> *single ruler would be ideal
[20:48] <Kotono> "A single ruler would be ideal," Taldeer looks at Alicia shrewdly. "Someone with charisma and the presence to lead. The problem is that great leaders and great men don't simply appear when you want them. They're as rare as the stars themselves."
[20:51] <Alicia> As she drinks the tea down after her little speech, Alicia nods to Taldeer. "And they'd need to be incredibly persuasive to convince all the nobles to subordinate themselves like that. That's why I don't think it can work - like it or not, the council of equals is a concept too deeply ingrained into Kelaran politics to override without getting into a fight."
[20:52] <Kotono> The tea sends jolts down Alicia's body, bringing a rush of energy. "Perhaps so. But what if the council turns out to repeat the same things and the system stays weak?"
[20:56] <Alicia> "Then someone else will decide to cast it down," Alicia concludes gravely. "Someone who won't make the same stupid mistakes as the formerly masked man sitting in the dungeon right now. But whether it's another popular uprising or a foreign invader sensing weakness, someone will bring an end to the status quo if it doesn't adapt."
[20:56] <Alicia> She then shivers a little, setting her mug down. "Lovely tea, by the way."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Thank you. That root's from the outskirts of the jungle. It wakes you up like nothing else. I've been putting in far too many late hours." Smothering her own yawn in her hand, "I've been thinking about this a lot, Alicia. I'm worried that the system is doomed to fail and that what you say will come to pass, be it in a month, a year, ten years or a hundred."
[20:58] <Kotono> Antenora takes a sip, eyes going wide before she puts it back down.
06[21:00] * Alicia nods. "People aren't going to forget how impotent the nobles were at dealing with the rebellion... but they may be able to forgive them, if the situation is handled properly."
[21:01] <Kotono> "They might." A second yawn, "Just think about this, Alicia. But..." Rising up, "I desperately need rest. If the head of the rebellion is in jail, I can sleep easier."
[21:03] <Alicia> "Oh, before you go," Alicia sorts through her wands before handing the invisibility one over as she also rises. "We used four charges. Anyway, get some rest and I'll speak to you later, Taldeer."
[21:06] <Kotono> The wand is taken, TAldeer gone. Once she is Antenora rises, "Ready to go get a nap before the council meets?"
[21:08] <Alicia> "I did say in the evening so we've got a few hours for it, yes," Alicia agrees as they exit the temple, heading out of the city to the Reynes estate. "Everything okay at the manor, do you know?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "They got the soldiers, yes," Antenora says. Thus the pair returns home! Alicia finds her mother and father safe and sound, sitting down for tea. "Oh, there you are. Smashingly done," Alicia's father says, "Your friend told us that you captured the blight on Kelara."
[21:15] <Alicia> "He's enjoying the hospitality of the dungeons as we speak," Alicia confirms with a smile. "I'm glad to see you're both well - is Jessica around?"
[21:21] <Kotono> "She's off taking an lesson on grace and manners," Beatrice says, voice most proper. "She really should not be disturbed until it resolves."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Well done!" Standing up, Arthur goes to clasp his daughter on the shoulder. "You've done our family proud, capturing that menance!"
06[21:26] * Alicia feels a pang of sympathy for her sister. "Yes, I admit I was curious to learn his motivations behind this whole uprising, but I was left bitterly disappointed. The man is truly a lunatic," she explains, smiling briefly at her father. "Of course, even with him out of the picture there's still going to be hard work ahead healing the wounds he's left."
[21:26] <Kotono> "They'll be taken care of now that this ruffian is going to get justice delivered to him," Alicia's mother says, "Alicia, you look exhausted. Have you slept lately?"
[21:28] <Alicia> "I only had a few hours last night before I was so rudely interrupted," Alicia shakes her head. "I was thinking of taking a nice hot bath and then a nap - I'll be addressing the council this evening so I want to be rested for that."
[21:29] <Kotono> "I'll have the servants draw one for you. Antenora as well," Sniffling her nose, "You two smell like the rain and the roads."
06[21:30] * Alicia could have magicked that away but she honestly hadn't noticed. "That would be nice. Thank you, mother," she inclines her head to the elder Reynes.
[21:32] <Kotono> "Thank you, Ma'am," Antenora mimicks that. At that, Beatrice rises, "Go on then. We can discuss this beastly rainy weathera nother time."
06[21:34] * Alicia eagerly goes off for a vigourous scrubdown followed by a long hot soak.
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC - Going to do anything besides take a bath and then sleep?
[21:35] <Alicia> OOC: Anty and I can platonically molest each other in the bath but that's pretty much it.
[21:37] <Kotono> OOC: What time are you going to wake up?
[21:38] <Alicia> OOC: around 4-ish. Time for dinner and then I can head into the city
[21:45] <Kotono> Alicia gets a few hours of sleep, feeling bette.r (You're not longer fatigued.) She can still feel a bit of exhaustion, bu t her strong vitality is letting her kick most of it off. After a meal Antenora waits for her at the exit of the estate, "REady," she asks, wearing armor freshly polished and cleaned up.
[21:46] <Alicia> "Lets go play politics," Alicia puts on a brave smile in reply, likewise cleaned up to perfection as she heads onto the road into Kelara proper.
[21:52] <Kotono> The rain has mercifully stopped. It's a gorgeous sunset as the two head into the city, gate guards this time not even checking their papers. They salute instead. Just inside, an honor guard of elite soldiers await, doubleswords strapped to the back of their armor. "By order of Lord Roth, we are to escort you to the council meeting."
06[21:53] * Alicia is gratified that at least some people haven't forgotten the noble art of sticking sharp edges on a quarterstaff. Sadly none of the guards in Balmuria ever expressed interest in learning after the first lesson... "Very well, lead on," she nods to the leader of the group.
[22:05] <Kotono> Thus Alicia is lead! The council meets in a gorgeous, classical style grand building. Stone pillars support the entrance as you walk up a flight of vastly wide steps to come in. In a way it's rather out of place in the city, yet it commands it's own majesty of gray and white stones. Inside Alicia is escorted inward, to an antechamber before the room where the council meets. A waiting page bows to them, "You'll be announced shortly, Knight-Gener
[22:05] <Kotono> A waiting page bows to them, "You'll be announced shortly, Knight-General," he says to Alicia.
[22:06] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia nods, primly sitting down to wait.
[22:07] <Kotono> The page exists, leaving the two women alone. As they wait, 'There's one thing that bothers me more about this business now that it's concluding.'
[22:08] <Alicia> 'What's that?' Alicia asks. If there's any reservations she wants to hear them!
[22:09] <Kotono> 'I almost wonder...did we realy get lucky or run into an idiot savant? For all the trouble he stirred, it seems strange to conclude it so quickly.'
[22:12] <Alicia> 'Kelara's a small pond and he's a big fish,' Alicia notes. 'Honestly, I wouldn't say he's... stupid. But he seems to have some severe mental blind spots and relied far too much on charm magic. He thought he was untouchable, and probably would've been right if we hadn't shown up.'
[22:13] <Kotono> 'Maybe.' Antenora looks away at that, studying nothing in particular. 'I want to assign more meaning to it, that he's not the end, but just another puppet on the string. Bah.' Stopping there and switching modes of communication, "Maybe my lineage is tinting my views."
[22:14] <Alicia> 'Maybe his mind was broken by something he found in those gnomish ruins - or maybe that mask he wore?' Alicia suggests, sticking with telepathy.
[22:16] <Kotono> 'Maybe. He did praise Daa-vid at least once. That's a sign that something's not firing right.' With a moment to rub her chin, 'It just felt...too easy. His methods were good, mainpulating people well in quite the advanced manner. Then he turns into low lying fruit to be picked off at our leisure.'
[22:18] <Alicia> 'Could ask him tomorrow if anyone or anything inspired him once I've had a chance to regain my spells and ensure truthfulness, if it'll put your mind at ease?' Alicia offers.
[22:19] <Kotono> 'I think they're planning on executing him at dawn,' Antenora observes, 'But I'd like one more chance to speak to him regardless.'
[22:21] <Alicia> 'When's the trial then? I'd expect to be called as a witness...' Alicia muses. 'But even so I can get up early enough to ask a few questions beforehand.'
[22:21] <Kotono> 'I presume it was this afternoon?' Antenora hazards a guess, 'Though 'trial' might be slightly generous for it if it's that rushed.
[22:21] <Kotono> '
[22:23] <Alicia> 'Funny that they can rush this through when they take an age to decide on anything else. Still, he confessed everything so I'm not particularly worried about there being any miscarriage of justice.'
[22:24] <Kotono> 'What better way to ensure stability than an execution,' With an absolutely viciously sour look on her face, Antenora stands and stretches. 'It's their laws and I know they have the right person, so...'
[22:25] <Alicia> 'You don't approve?' Alicia asks gently, watching Antenora get up.
[22:27] <Kotono> 'I don't think anything wrong is being done, just...' A long look to Alicia, 'I can't think of any way to protest it beyond complaining that it feels wrong. It's a court where the verdict's already decided, even if it's the right one. I'd expect to find that in Baator."
[22:31] <Alicia> 'I suppose they are just going through the motions as a piece of performance theatre rather than a real trial, but since there's no evidence of his innocence being supressed or anything like that I don't really see it as unjust,' Alicia reasons. 'Is it more or less honest than if we'd simply cut his head off on that hill last night and been done with it?'
[22:32] <Kotono> 'I suppose...' Antenora begins, but she stops as the door to the council chamber opens. "Lady Alicia, this way," he says, "You may bring your servant with you if you like."
06[22:33] * Alicia stands up. "She's not my servant," she corrects, "Antenora is a fellow knight. And she may attend."
[22:35] <Kotono> "As you wish. My apologies for misunderstanding, M'lady," The page stands aside. "Head in and you'll be announced."
[22:37] <Alicia> "Apology accepted," Alicia wasn't really offended or anything, and she doubts Antenora was either. Drawing up to her full imperious bearing, she strides into the chamber.
[22:39] <Kotono> The chamber you enter into is large, the floor done in smooth, hyper polished stone. It's slippery, each footstep an audible clack. Pillars line the walls of this room, paintings of Kelara's glories about. These portraits are alive with magic, showing great scenes over and over in enthralling colros of illusion. (More)
[22:40] <Kotono> The room is largely taken up by a series of small circular tables set in a bigger circle. Each one faces another squarely, save for one a little out of the circle. This is where Lord Rot sits, peering ahead at Alicia as she enters. "Presenting," A loud cry from behind her, "Lady Alicia Reynes, Knight-General of Kelara and Captain of the Crimson Guard!" (More)
[22:43] <Kotono> Lord Lahn DOES look familiar. He looks on at Alicia with a friendly if restrained face. It's the face of a wise, loving grandfather. Alicia's mind faintly recalls long ago, memories of a childhood where balls and parties showed her many forgotten faces...but the memory is too old, flittering away. Lord Kesper is a rugged looking man - or would be, if he hadn't clearly lost a lot of weight not too long ago. He looks deflated. Alicia doesn't imme
[22:43] <Kotono> if he hadn't clearly lost a lot of weight not too long ago. He looks deflated. Alicia doesn't immediately get a chance to look at the others,(More)
[22:44] <Kotono> "Welcome, Knight-General. You wished to speak before the council?" Lord Roth asks, "You may do so."
[22:51] <Alicia> They missed off Order of the White Horizon and Knight Errant of Mystra, but Alicia isn't one to quibble. "Lords and Ladies of the council, thank you for agreeing to hear me today," she begins as she stands before them. "Though I have travelled far, I still care for the land of my birth - that is why I returned to deal with the one called David who led this rebellion, and that is why I speak to you now."
[22:51] <Alicia> "For though the immediate threat is gone, what cannot be ignored are the circumstances that led to this festering division between the city and its surrounding lands taking root - how else could a madman with no plan for the future have ever inspired such support if people were not thoroughly disgusted with the way things are?"
[22:51] <Alicia> "Kelara stands on the precipice even now - the people will not soon forget close the city came to crumbling, and our neighbours have assuredly watched with interest as rebellion was spoken of throughout our lands without opposition. What we do now is most certainly more important to Kelara's future than simply capturing one mastermind." She pauses, both to collect her breath and gauge the reaction thus far.
[22:55] <Kotono> A man with steely gray hair and a strong bearing shakes his head, "Nonsense," Lord Frost says, "Now that this David is captured, things will return to the way they always are. If not for him, there would have been o problems."
[22:55] <Alicia> An interruption! Fantastic. "Have you spoken to him, Lord Frost?" Alicia asks politely.
[22:56] <Kotono> Lord Kelvan is a little on the large side, with a florid red face and long black hair kept in a ponytail. "It has been bad for trade," he observes, "Besides, it's terribly improper to interrupt her."
[22:56] <Kotono> Roth Lord clears his throat, "Frost, silence! Lady Alicia, I apologize for Lord Frost. Continue."
06[23:14] * Alicia smiles pleasantly, seemingly unruffled by the interruption. She holds her silence for a moment longer before resuming. "Well, as I was about to say to Lord Frost, David is not a particularly credible individual - he instigated wanton violence and disorder with no actual plan for how to improve things."
[23:14] <Alicia> "Certainly, he had the benefit of charm magic to sway people to his cause, but such magic wears off swiftly - so what kept people following his orders even when he wasn't there to enforce them?" She pauses again here but not long enough for anyone to interrupt, "There is a divide between the city of Kelara and the villages that ostensibly owe allegiance to it, so much so that they could be different countries."
[23:14] <Alicia> "People outside the city walls feel neglected and abandoned by rulers who quite frankly take them for granted. They've now made clear that they will grasp any chance for change, no matter how self destructive it could be, and we would be grossly remiss to ignore them, lest this situation repeat itself a few years from now."
[23:14] <Alicia> She lets the gravity of that sink in for a moment, meeting the eyes of each lord or lady in turn. "Kelara must change, or it will die," she concludes finally. "I have my own suggestions for what can be done to remedy things, and it is my earnest hope that the assembled lords and ladies will give them the consideration that this extraordinary situation warrants."
[23:14] <Alicia> "Firstly," she begins, "I propose an amnesty for all those who supported the rebellion but have not committed any other crimes to demonstrate their support. A crackdown would only cement the hatred held by those in the country towards their remote overlords - by reaching out we can show that we do understand their concerns, which will give them the impetus to move forward with other changes without any interference."
[23:14] <Alicia> "Secondly, we must secure our borders." This is a calcuated statement, intended to give them a threat they'll take more seriously but which will surely have a knock-on effect of reducing bandit activity. "Our neighbours have surely sensed weakness of late, so by deploying our army out of the city and to the surrounding lands we will show that the situation is under control."
[23:14] <Alicia> "The folk of the villages will also be reassured by this display of might, so long as our soldiers make it clear that they are on their side - there can be no garrisoning troops in people's homes or raiding granaries for supplies."
[23:14] <Alicia> "Finally, the Council itself must face its own changes to meet these challenging times. I mean no disrespect to the Lords and Ladies here, but no one in Kelara would dispute that the Council is an insular body that is primarily concerned with what occurs within the city walls. To that end, fresh blood must be introduced in order for it to more accurately reflect the whole of Kelara."
[23:14] <Alicia> Since this is a huge change, she backs off a bit on what she'd initially considered forcing. "Therefore I propose that the Council find a way to include the voices of those outside the city - whether by elevating the leaders of the various towns to nobility and giving them seats or perhaps having a rotating body of delegates from the towns who can bring their issues here and expect them to be heard fairly and promptly,"
[23:14] <Alicia> "I leave the actual mechanics to you all to decide, I only stress that something must be done to ensure that the country folk have a voice to speak in Kelaran affairs, lest they feel they have nowhere else to turn but to rebellion."
[23:14] <Alicia> Phew! Right, she's hit off all her main points, now to see how they take it...