216.2 Seira, Dedemais and the Deck of Many Things!

[Corwin]

[19:11] <Kotono> ---
[19:13] <Kotono> During the day, Seira goes to Elle's shop. The woman in question there is sitting in the back, holding what looks to be a deck of cards in her hands and peering at it curiously. A slightly piqued expression plays on her face, as if bothered by it. "Oh, Seira," she looks up as she enters, putting the cards carefully down.
01[19:13] <Seira> "Hi! What's up?"
[19:18] <Kotono> "This," Gesturing at the deck, "Whatever it is, Demedais brought it back from the jungles. It's supposed to have some sort of powerful risk and reward attached to it if you draw a card, but otherwise my magics can't figure out a damned thing."
01[19:18] <Seira> "Did you try... drawing from it?"
[19:19] <Kotono> "No. I like keeping my risks low and very manageable these days," Elle answers. "If I wanted wild risks, I'd still be a wandering adventurer."
01[19:19] <Seira> "True enough," Seira agrees. "Can I draw from it?"
[19:20] <Kotono> Raising an eyebrow, "If you want to risk it, go ahead. Demedais says he doesn't mind if you try."
01[19:20] <Seira> "Cool." Seira reaches for a card. "In case I die horribly, I've always liked you."
[19:21] <Kotono> "Why, thank you," Elle smiles slightly, scooting back and away from Seira as she takes a card! OOC - d100?
05[19:21] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[19:21] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[19:21] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[19:21] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 15." [1d100=15]
[19:23] <Kotono> Seira draws a card! She can see an image of the pure blue sky on it, before it vanishes back into the deck! Her wings glow and feel much stronger!
06[19:23] * Seira blinks. "Huh. Neat!"
[19:23] <Kotono> "What happened?" Elle blinks and asks, eyeing Seira carefully.
06[19:24] * Seira reaches back for a wing, running her hand against its surface. "I feel like I won't lose to Antenora now, for one! Hey, try it too!"
06[19:25] * Seira grins. "Another step closer to a true dragon, oh yes."
[19:25] <Kotono> "No way. Really." Elle crosses her arms, "I:f you're so energetic, draw again yourself."
[19:30] <Kotono> After a moment, "If you're so eager to get more people to use it, he left the offer open for a couple people. You, Alicia, Antenora and Eudard. Drag one of them into it."
06[19:30] * Seira shrugs. "I want to, quite honestly. But it feels greedy of me. I've already been granted a wonderful boon. What more can you want?"
06[19:31] * Seira raises an eyebrow at that. "How about Donald?"
[19:32] <Kotono> "He didn't say," Elle shrugs, "He just named a few people off hand."
01[19:35] <Seira> "I suppose there would be time to ask, then," Seira muses. "But let's leave that aside for now. I saw what you did! It was really horrible how you moved away from me as I drew the card, as if you expected me to be blasted with a nasty area spell!"
[19:36] <Kotono> "It's not that I don't trust you, I don't trust the deck," Elle eyes it, tapping the top card with her finger, "I don't like magic that I can't figure out and promises 'great risk and great reward.'"
[19:36] <Kotono> Shaking her head now, "Really, I can understanding wanting to draw, but it's so...reckless."
01[19:37] <Seira> "I can't honestly say I agree, pretty much most of my advances came as a result of gambling with powers I don't really understand, which carry great risks."
[19:38] <Kotono> "That is true..." Elle frowns as she considers that a moment. "I remember that roulette wheel, too."
01[19:38] <Seira> "It was fun," Seira agrees. "But hardly the largest gambit. You know, I think Waukeen approves."
[19:40] <Kotono> "Mph," Eyeing the deck again, hand going out...and then jerking back. "Gah. I start thinking about it a moment and I feel the strongest temptation to gamble." Crossing her arms now, "Damned thing is like a honey trap."
01[19:42] <Seira> "Give in to your urges!" Seira encourages Elle, patting her shoulder. "I'll do something about it if your luck is foul!"
06[19:43] * Seira also quietly mutters, "And I won't step away, curse or not."
[19:43] <Kotono> "...." Elle hesitates a moment, locked in a highly visible moment of indecision.
01[19:43] <Seira> "You will regret it if you don't. Trust me!"
[19:44] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check?
01[19:44] <Seira> roll 1d20+20 the deck is awesome!
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 the deck is awesome! and gets 36." [1d20=16]
[19:44] <Kotono> Listening to Seira, Elle's hand seems to have a life of it's own as it takes a card...
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 93." [1d100=93]
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100 roll 1
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 roll 1 and gets 47." [1d100=47]
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100 roll 2
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 roll 2 and gets 13." [1d100=13]
[19:48] <Kotono> Yet somehow, two cards come from the deck! One is the same sky-blue card that Seira drew, and the other is pitch black with a pair of gleaming red eyes staring malevolently out of it! They swirl together into one ball of light that slams into Elle! A scream comes from her mouth as her body explodes into dust! A massive wave of light gushes out! OOC - Fort save, Seira, -6 modifier.
01[19:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 27." [1d20=13]
06[19:51] * Seira blinks. 'What could go wrong,' why did she have to think that as Elle touched the card.
[19:53] <Kotono> Seira is dazzled and damn nearly blinded by the flash of light! Through screaming, dazzled eyes she can see the following! Elle stands where her body was - her skin is a bright blue with bands of black, looking far harder than normal flesh. A pair of wings of shimmering light jut from her back, her eyes closed. She is now ten feet tall, clad in nothing and yet strangely female in shape but genderless. (More)
[19:53] <Kotono> yet strangely female in shape but genderless. (More)
[19:54] <Kotono> "Yes...I hate it...I hate it all..." Her eyes open very slowly, as if overcoming a long lethargy. She begins to walk, going past Seira and the deck, uncaring.
01[19:55] <Seira> "No! Don't hate it all!" Seira calls after Elle, reaching for her hand.
[19:58] <Kotono> "Out of my sight!" Elle growls! OOC - Calling initiative here since it's rather needed, I think.
[19:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 22." [1d20=14]
01[19:59] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
06[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 17." [1d20=5]
01[20:00] <Seira> roll 1d10+10 FL
06[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 FL and gets 13." [1d10=3]
03[20:00] * Kotono changes topic to 'Elle>Seira'
[20:02] <Kotono> With a gesture, a cone of rainbow shaped lights sprays over Seira, "I said...out of my sight!" she snaps!
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d8
06[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 5." [1d8=5]
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d8 reroll
06[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 reroll and gets 4." [1d8=4]
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC - Fort.
01[20:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 34." [1d20=14]
[20:03] <Kotono> roll 1d6 con damage
06[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 con damage and gets 5." [1d6=5]
[20:03] <Kotono> The rainbow lights leave Seira staggered, her lifeforce weakened directly! OOC - Seira, you're up.
06[20:10] * Seira gapes at Elle, unable to comprehend. "Please don't fight me!" Seira pleads, rubbing at her hurting eyes. "We can fix this! Really! With... with a wish or something! If you can still remember the past, you have to know that I'll help you, even if I have to petition Waukeen directly!"
01[20:10] <Seira> To be entirely truthful, she's not certain of her chances fighting Elle in such a state, but even if she liked her chances, drawing a sword against her friend would be something she can't resign herself to do.
[20:10] <Kotono> OOC - Diplo check then? Goooooood luck.
01[20:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 26." [1d20=6]
[20:11] <Kotono> Elle turns away from Seira. "Out of my sight. I have no interest in you now," The raw viciousness of the look Elle gives Seira seems to slacken slightly, as she simply walks out of the room! OOC - Seira, you're up again.
06[20:15] * Seira gives chase. "Elle, wait up!" she calls, flying around the transformed mage to pause in front of her, both hands raised placatingly. "I know it was a really bad draw. I'll take responsibility for it, so if you want to hurt something, hurt me. But please don't hate everything!"
03[20:17] * Kotono changes topic to 'Elle>Seira>Alice(Next round only if applicable)'
[20:18] <Kotono> Elle has made it out into the main display room by this point! Alice is staring from her position, a moment of jaw dropping shock! Seira flies in front of her, "I will destroy...everything! This closed in world offends me!" w
[20:18] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[20:18] <Kotono> Elle has made it out into the main display room by this point! Alice is staring from her position, a moment of jaw dropping shock! Seira flies in front of her, "I will destroy...everything! This closed in world offends me!" She makes a cutting sweep of her arm, a slicing band of whirlwind going for Alice!
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+28
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 and gets 39." [1d20=11]
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d12+10
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d12+10 and gets 11." [1d12=1]
[20:19] <Kotono> Alice is caught right in the desk, blood staining her robe as she's slammed against the back wall! Arcane sparks gush from the wall at the contact, a loud alarm spell triggering! OOC - Seira, you're up again.
06[20:21] * Seira moves to hover between Elle and Alice. "That's not what you really think!" she charges, shaking her head. "If you did, if nothing that made you Elle existed anymore, you wouldn't have let me go just then!"
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and try another diplo on her?
01[20:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+20
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+20 and gets 38." [1d20=18]
[20:26] <Kotono> Through her dazzled, aching eyes, Seira can see Elle hesitate again a moment. Her eyes are a pitch black, though you can see them look on at Seira for just a passing moment. "Seira...?" She sounds unsure of herself, as you see Alice stagger back towards the desk, withdrawing a long metal wand from inside of it! OOC - Seira, go ahead and go again.
01[20:30] <Seira> "Yes! We'll fix this," Seira says, sounding relieved and urgent at the same time. "We've got enough contacts for that, by now. I--" She shakes her head. "The shock of the involuntary transformation must have been too great, but you're still fighting it, and you're beginning to win!"
01[20:30] <Seira> She spreads her arms widely to the sides. "I'm betting everything on you, Elle, and on our friendship. If you lose against this, I'll follow you every step of the way." Though her words are directed to Elle, Seira hopes that Alice realizes enough from them not to escalate the situation.
[20:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 8." [1d20=1]
[20:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11." [1d20=5]
[20:33] <Kotono> "Hahahahahahahaha! HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!" Elle bucks in laughter, nearly doubling over. It's a full body laugh, as if she has found this the perfect answer to the question of comedy. "Everything is seared into my brain! It's gorgeous, Seira! The magic I had before is nothing! This is true power!" She turns away from Seira, walking to the door. "Come with me. This closed in space displeases me."
01[20:36] <Seira> "Where are we going?" Seira asks, approaching Elle. "Is there somewhere you want to travel?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "Out," Elle says shortly.
01[20:40] <Seira> "Want me to take us somewhere, then?" Seira offers. "I know some really great places outdoors and they're just a teleport away."
[20:40] <Kotono> Elle doesn't reply to that. SHe's doing a very good job of walking towards the front door and to outside of her shop. "No. This way."
06[20:43] * Seira ducks her head, relenting. "People are stupid, you know," she tells Elle, following her closely. "They're easily frightened by anything they're not used to, but they don't really mean anything by it."
[20:44] <Kotono> Stepping outside, Elle immediately begins to soar straight up into the sky! "Who cares?" Indeed, a few people who are nearby openly gawk at what's going on!
06[20:45] * Seira follows swiftly. "And now?"
[20:47] <Kotono> You are now perhaps one hundred feet above Elle's shop, somewhat more against the non-hilly parts of the city. Below you can see Balmuria in the afternoon, bustling and thiriving with energy. People come and go, the city growing with hundreds of people. "Don't you see, Seira?" Sweeping her about, "They're worthless below! Stupid, powerless, groundbound bugs! I spent a life with them, simpering and thinking that I was helping them live a lit
[20:47] <Kotono> I spent a life with them, simpering and thinking that I was helping them live a little better! Never again!"
01[20:49] <Seira> "You always seemed to enjoy it," Seira says sadly. "Elle, just because someone is weaker than you, is it really a waste of time to help them?"
[20:51] <Kotono> "They're beneath me," Elle flies up higher, up to 200 hundred feet. Assuming Seira follows, she can hear easily enough. "They're nothing but bugs wriggling on the ground! They beg for you to protect them against the big, scary Empire below and all the things that go bump in the night! But now...The world is open to me and they are nothing. NOTHING."
01[20:53] <Seira> "I was like that, once," Seira feels the need to remind her. "Am I beneath you? You had a large part in making me what I am today, Elle. You can have the world, you say. But who would you share it with?"
[20:55] <Kotono> "You grew. You're not longer weighted to the ground. You, at least, are worthy. But how many of them could ever do that?" Elle snaps back.
01[20:59] <Seira> "You never know! That's the fun of it! The excitement of nurturing them until they are ready, of watching them grow and draw inspiration from you to achieve greatness!" Seira presses a hand to her heart. "This is the first time in my life that I feel like I've completely, utterly failed. Like I can't go on. Can you still understand why, Elle?"
[21:00] <Kotono> "Failed?!" Elle looks on in a moment of puzzlement, before laughing, "Seira, you freed me! If ou think you've failed so badly, go play with them below. Or," With a wicked smile, "Have them draw. Maybe a few of them will survive and become something worthwhile. But now," She starts to fly up and away, "Come with me or stay with the bugs. It's your choice."
01[21:06] <Seira> It seems that it came to the deck once more. "You'll always be my friend. I'm sorry, but I can't come with you. I really... hoped you'd understand." All that is left to do is call upon her magic to appear in the room with the deck of cards once more.
[21:06] <Kotono> Seira vanishes in an instant! The alarm is still going - it's noisy here, but the deck sits exactly where it was left, serene and uncaring.
06[21:07] * Seira reaches for the deck. Her will is always kept up to date. It's a shame, though; she really wanted to go adventuring with Amaryl.
[21:07] <Kotono> Seira takes the deck in her hand. She can draw from it if she wishes. The entire thing feels so damned normal - you'd think they were just cards if you didn't know better.
06[21:08] * Seira goes for the topmost card.
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC - d100.
01[21:08] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 74." [1d100=74]
06[21:18] * Seira keeps it brief, searching for the golden coin that is Waukeen's gift to her with her free hand. As her hand grasps it, she raises her eyes skywards, as if she could see Elle's figure fly off into the distance. "Please," she requests of Waukeen quietly, "please save my best friend. She only got this curse because I urged her to draw. If I can have her back, the way she was, I will pay any price."
[21:21] <Kotono> roll 1d6
06[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 3." [1d6=3]
[21:22] <Kotono> Seira draws the topmost card! It is a card of a great cathedral, glowing softly as Seira speaks! There is a twisting moment and then...Elle frowns as her card touches atop the deck. "Sorry Seira," she says, removing her hand. "You're convincing, but...I just don't feel like I should risk it. It's not my style." Elle smiles. "Try Demedais or Antenora or someone else."
[21:22] <Kotono> *as her hand
01[21:23] <Seira> "Yes, I'll certainly get Demedais to try!" Seira responds brightly, though she sounds a bit disappointed. "It could have been awesome, you know. Your loss!"
[21:25] <Kotono> "Perhaps, but..." Leaning back, "Ill survive, I'm certain."
[21:27] <Kotono> After a moment, "You know, you could draw again if you're that enthuiastic," she shrugs, "Anyway, I'm going to try and forget about this thing now."
01[21:27] <Seira> "Demedais can't miss out on this!" Seira exclaims. "Gambling is great." She looks as satisfied and fulfilled as she feels, perhaps due to the boost to her flying ability.
01[21:31] <Seira> And if there was one success, who is she to resist temptation? Clearly, Elle has given up her turn, and that is one turn at the deck Seira is going to take for herself. That way, it's not too greedy!
[21:31] <Kotono> OOC - Roll a d100 again then?
01[21:31] <Seira> But something makes her draw while Elle is sufficiently away from the deck.
01[21:31] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:31] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[21:33] <Kotono> Seira draws a card! This time it is of the ground! Her wings shimmer and feel heavier as the card vanishes back into the deck!
06[21:34] * Seira draws another card with a frown. Elle's luck is clearly bad, so she'll try to offset it with her own!
[21:34] <Kotono> "Your wings again," Elle asks, "What's happening this time?"
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC - d100 again. Good luck.
01[21:34] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 37." [1d100=37]
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC - List me all the skills you have ranks in via PM.
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d32
06[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d32 and gets 17." [1d32=17]
06[21:38] * Seira frowns, drawing another card. "I might have a problem, Elle."
[21:39] <Kotono> OOC - d100 again.
01[21:39] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 26." [1d100=26]
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira.
06[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. and gets 45." [1d100=45]
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. Reroll by DM fiat.
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. Reroll by DM fiat. and gets 95." [1d100=95]
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. Reroll by DM fiat Okay, let's not roll the two planes I don't wannad eal with this time, alright? Fuck.
06[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 moment, looking something up. Get your boots out, Seira. Reroll by DM fiat Okay, let's not roll the two planes I don't wannad eal with this time, alright? Fuck. and gets 68." [1d100=68]
[21:47] <Kotono> Seira vanishes away! (More)
[21:47] <Kotono> ---
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d100 okay, this one I'm sticking with. Really.
06[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 okay, this one I'm sticking with. Really. and gets 51." [1d100=51]
[21:58] <Kotono> Seira appears in a shining golden...cell. Oh, it's gorgeous here - the walls are white marble and the bars are of gold. Yet it is surely a prison cell, even if the chair here is soft and plush as any she's ever seen. Outside of the cell a man is just approaching - a man in full plate armor, full helmet and greatsword on his back. "You are an unauthorized teleporter into a restricted part of The House of the Triad. We will work with you to f
[21:58] <Kotono> "You are an unauthorized teleporter into a restricted part of The House of the Triad. We will work with you to find out if this is an accident, a mistake...or if you are hostile. Please, I am listening if you wish to explain yourself so this matter can be resolved quickly."
01[22:00] <Seira> Since a chair is offered, Seira takes a seat.
01[22:00] <Seira> "A cross between an accident and a mistake, I think," she responds. "It wasn't really voluntary on my side."
[22:02] <Kotono> "I see. In that case, we have a few spells that we can cast to divine the nature of this. If you're telling the truth, you'll be set free with a warning not to do it again, assuming this is your first offense." He nods slightly to Seira, "Tell me all about what happened."
01[22:04] <Seira> "I drew a card. Then, I was here. Wow, the restricted part? Can you tell me what it holds that makes it restricted?" She tilts her head. "As far as appearing here is concerned, even if I were to return home and draw another card from the deck, the chances of me reappearing here would be pretty nonexistent, right?"
[22:05] <Kotono> "Sorry," he says, kindly if business-like. "It's nothing a mortal needs to concern themselves about. Ah, a deck? Some sort of magical item?"
01[22:05] <Seira> "Probably an artifact," Seira responds in a matching business-like manner, checking herself to ensure that she hadn't been robbed before being placed in a cell.
[22:06] <Kotono> Seira's gear is all intact. "Ah, I see." He reaches forward, touching the bars. With a few words, "Lord Helm, please..." he says, as the bars glow white, as do the walls. "Would you repeat what you just said?"
01[22:07] <Seira> "I drew a card from a deck that was a magical artifact. A paladin of Helm brought it over, it was clearly very safe to use! Then I was here. It would make me somewhat sad if I got a warning for what's essentially a freak occurence."
[22:09] <Kotono> A nod from him, "You seem blameless and morally upright." He taps the bars, opening, "Come with me. I'll walk you along. Don't worry, anything in the cells can't hurt you."
01[22:10] <Seira> "I'm not really worried," Seira responds, hopping off the chair to follow her new friend. "Not at being horribly mauled or anything. At causing an unfortunate misunderstanding, yes. But that's about it."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Accidents happen." He says, "As long as you understand your mistake, it's alright." As you walk along, you see the hall is -quite- long. Some cells are empty, others have things in them. Nasty things - a man with a bloody set of armor one, staring hatefully out. A bearded devil slams his glaive tirelessly against the bars of the prison, having no effect at all. A bigger...thing, that Seira doesn't identify fills a double sized cell, steam
[22:15] <Kotono> A bigger...thing, that Seira doesn't identify fills a double sized cell, steam coming from it and filling it's room. You walk by others like this - full armor and helmets, as well as an unarmored angel, a pleasant looking man who nods to Seira as he walks by. "We'll get you out of the House of the Triad and to Arcadia proper, though finding a route home lies on your shoulders. Finding a portal or service home can be arrainged if you have mo
[22:15] <Kotono> route home lies on your shoulders. Finding a portal or service home can be arrainged if you have money, good or other means to barter for it."
01[22:16] <Seira> "Mind if I ask you something, since we're both here and don't really have anything better to do while I decide my options from a set that doesn't really appeal to me?" Seira asks her companion. "What's the point of keeping a devil around, even jailed?"
[22:17] <Kotono> "Processing." The answer comes as the helmeted man glances back at the unhappy barbazu. "Even a devil will get a fair trial in captivity here. It will have a choice between dissolution and eternal imprisonment to comtemplate it's crimes."
01[22:18] <Seira> It sounds pretty nasty to Seira. Couldn't happen to a nicer outsider. "Okay. So you're kicking me out, pretty much, right? If you have someone here who could plane shift me back, I'll be able to easily teleport us to my home and then repay them for their trouble."
[22:19] <Kotono> A chuckle, "In so many words, you could say it like that. There's no reason to keep you here, unless you want to spend eternity as a jail warden."
01[22:19] <Seira> "Maybe later. Does that mean there's no one here who could get me home?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "Yes, planar shifting can even be bartered for outside," hea grees, "There's a large town outside of the portal I'm taking you two, Everwatch. As long as you barter in fair and good spirit, you should have no problems."
01[22:21] <Seira> "Waukeen would take it the wrong way if I tried to cheat, even if I wanted to," Seira agrees. "So you serve Helm? Just how removed from him are you?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "Ah, a follower of the Golden Lady?" A nod, "I met him once, hundreds of years ago. It was a great honor," His voice swells with pride, "Lord Helm is eternally busy with his endless vigliance over everything."
06[22:23] * Seira wants to ask how he can actually keep anything under wraps if he's so busy everywhere at once, she really does! But she just nods. "Sounds admirable. Say, this is probably a touchy subject, but has anyone ever escaped from this jail? Or been too powerful to contain?"
[22:25] <Kotono> The hall goes on awhile, with a four way branching path. Turning left and going into a side door, you come to a golden portal set in a plain room. "Not since I've been here. But..." He thinks a moment, "Yes, I heard a story that one time a Duke of Hell was successfully intercepted and teleported into one of the cells. It was endless millenia ago, but I hear the battle was catastrophic."
01[22:25] <Seira> "So what happened to him? And who was he, anyway? I might as well return with an awesome story!"
[22:30] <Kotono> "I believe his name was..." A thoughtful moment, "Caim. In the end he is said to have escaped, albiet greviously wounded. He is lucky," With a momentary look, "The story goes that Illmater himself was so offended by the Duke's presence that he appeared moments afterwards. Woe unto Caim if Illmater had been moments faster."
06[22:32] * Seira nods in admiration. "I wish I could've been there."
[22:33] <Kotono> "It is a good story. When you are ready, step through the portal there."
01[22:35] <Seira> "Can I ask one more question?" Seira says, pausing before the portal. "That paladin of Helm I mentioned? He said a while back that Helm has some sort of arrangement with a devil called Esthan that allows this Esthan to operate on Prime unopposed. Is that actually true? And if it is, why?"
[22:36] <Kotono> A pause, perhaps his helmeted face hiding surprise. "The devil is surely a liar. That is not uncommon; devils lie as easily as we breathe."
01[22:38] <Seira> "Really?" Seira wonders out loud. "But this other paladin I know met a planetar... or was it a throne archon? I wasn't there, so all I know they told her there was some sort of negotiations between Helm and a pretty powerful devil some time back in the day, and Esthan could be a servant of that devil.
01[22:38] <Seira> Is there a way to just settle this once and for all, since I'm clearly in a place where Helm would listen and respond, if he so wishes?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "You could return to the House of the Triad after you go through the portal and petition to gain an audience with Helm. However, these take time and are rarely granted save to those that worship him."
01[22:52] <Seira> "You serve Helm, though," Seira points out. "It's quite likely that Helm may not wish to bother with me since I follow Waukeen, but someone who not only worships him but literally works in his employ might have better chances of being heard."
[23:01] <Kotono> "It's not my place. My duty is as a jail warden. I admit, your claim is troubling, though surely it is devilish lies wrapping too tightly around your mind. But your friend, if he worships Helm, have him come to this blessed place. Surely Helm will be merciful and wise to his devoted paladin."
01[23:02] <Seira> "I might do that," Seira agrees. "The normal way. Not the unstable magical artifact way." She offers her hand to the warden. "Thanks again for chatting with me, it's been pretty fun."
[23:06] <Kotono> "Just don't break any more rules and laws around here. Law is paramount here." He warms with a friendly voice, "Your heart is pure, dragon. Live well so that your immortal life will follow your mortal life with glory."
01[23:08] <Seira> "Sure thing!" And wasn't that the nicest dismissal she'd ever heard? Seira waves and steps into the portal.
[23:11] <Kotono> Stepping through, Seira finds herself standing in a village square. It's quite bright out here, high noon. Here buildings of sturdy stone, like tiny castles, line the streets in every direction. The streets are clean, perfect, geometrical. Banners of gold, white and blue often fly from roofs and flagpoles. About you walks the impossible, the amazing - angelic figures, archons and even a few mortals. The mortals tend to walk on squad, wearin
[23:11] <Kotono> angelic figures, archons and even a few mortals. The mortals tend to walk on squad, wearing armor with a white and gold coat of arms printed on the front and a shield, if they carry one.
01[23:13] <Seira> It would be great to make some friends while she's here, but something tells Seira they'll probably be snobbish and discriminate against red dragons. Thus, the first stop is an inn! Even on other planes, where there's civilizations, inns exist!
[23:17] <Kotono> It takes little effort to find an inn, for one is in this very square. The Eternal Mercy. As she goes to it, she finds many a look on her. Most look for a few seconds before smiling kindly to her, or seriously nodding to her. Going inside, there is a dwarf inside. "Glory to you!" he says, "Welcome, welcome," He peers quietly at Seira even as he talks, and after a moment of pause, "You look like the sort that's new here and might've had a mi
[23:17] <Kotono>  "You look like the sort that's new here and might've had a mishap with teleporting somewhere you shouldn't have."
01[23:18] <Seira> "Pretty much," she agrees, nodding. "Can I get a drink? Pointing me the right way towards someone who can plane shift me back would be appreciated as well."
[23:20] <Kotono> "Sure. First one's on the house for anyone who had the bad luck to run into that," He leads you into a small tap room, the tables arrainged in a perfect rectangle. It's empty in here right now, "What do you want? Go ahead and sit down and get comfortable in the meantime. Yeah, I can help you get to someone who can get you back to where you need to be."
01[23:22] <Seira> "Choose for me, I'm not really picky and I like experimenting," Seira responds, laughing afterwards. "Guess that part's obvious, what with me being here like that and all. So how expensive is it to return back home? Prohibitively so?"
[23:25] <Kotono> A soft blue drink is poured into a mug, passed onto Seira. The dwarf goes to sit opposite her, leaning back and sighing. "Aaah, good to sit down. Anyway, fairly. It's a good sized pile of money for a mortal to do it. Most of the celestials prefer not money, but some concrete action or service towards Good or Law, or both."
01[23:28] <Seira> "Sounds troublesome, but I might as well go for a sure thing. There are times you gamble, and times you just don't, you know? Striking out on my own just doesn't sound like fun." She drains the mug. "So is there a celestial looking to partner up with a talented and highly confident dragon?"
[23:29] <Kotono> "I can look into it." He nods, "I charge 200 gold for the service." He says, up front, "You can give it to me or donate it to the Church of Tyr here."
01[23:31] <Seira> "I don't really have the gold, but I could donate a scroll or... a vial of silversheen, I dunno. It's just as useful. Works?"
[23:41] <Kotono> "The silversheen will suffice," He says after a moment of thought.
01[23:42] <Seira> "Great," Seira responds, providing said vial. "Would it take long, you think?"
[23:45] <Kotono> "At least a day," The dwarf answers, "Tharan Silverfoot," he offers his hand out, "A room comes with payment until I can finish my end of the matter. Were you planning on resting or going out and seeing Everwatch?"
01[23:46] <Seira> "Seira," she returns, shaking his head. "A day, was it?" That certainly draws a sigh. "I just know that by the time I return, someone will break that deck of cards. It's so depressing."
01[23:46] <Seira> *his hand

[Corwin]

[20:40] <Anastasia> roll 1d100
06[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100 and gets 89." [1d100=89]
[20:40] <Anastasia> roll 1d100+10 weighted reroll since it's on the border
06[20:40] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d100+10 weighted reroll since it's on the border and gets 47." [1d100=37]
[20:44] <Anastasia> Everwatch is a bright, sacred place. Seira spends a day wandering it, seeing many amazing sights. But then 'night' comes, sleep and rest needed. The next morning, she meets her dwarven host downstairs, "Alright," he says, as a few other mortals linger here, "I've lined up two options for you."
01[20:45] <Seira> "Let's hear it," she says, nodding.
[20:49] <Anastasia> "There's a mortal cleric of Lathander passing through on business. He's willing to do it for 500 gold or an equilavent magical item. There's an angel that will do it as well, but he'd prefer a service from you at a later date."
01[20:50] <Seira> "The angel sounds more entertaining," Seira muses. "Can I meet him?"
[21:02] <Anastasia> "Sure, come on," The dwarf starts to walk, "You're a paying customer."
01[21:03] <Seira> "Great. So, have you ever been to Prime?" Seira asks, tagging along.
[21:04] <Anastasia> Thus lead, Seira passes through much of Everwatch. It is a glorious town - the light is gorgeous and vigliant, a feeling of protected fearlessness evident all over. Patrols of 'einherjar' are seen, your guide mentioning them as the souls of those who worshipped these ideals and continue to live them out, protecting Arcadia from attacks and harm. As the two of you walk down one such street, "I lived there until it was my time. I kept an i
[21:05] <Anastasia> "I lived there until it was my time. I kept an inn on a dangerous road and did my best to keep it safe to any and all that needed a safe roof. My reward was to be able to continue to serve in this role after my death."
01[21:09] <Seira> "Heh, a kindred spirit, then!" she exclaims, smiling. "I have an inn, too, in Balmuria. That's near the Bay of Sparkling Stars. If you ever visit I'll show you around!"
[21:10] <Anastasia> "My time in the mortal realm's long passes," Smiling at it nonetheless, "I'm content here. I've had my lifetime's fill of strife and worry. Not to cast shadows on your own inn, of course."
01[21:11] <Seira> "I get it, I guess. You like your job so much you don't care for vacations. It's okay."
06[21:12] * Seira ponders his earlier words. "So where was this dangerous road you used to keep an inn by, Tharan?"
[21:13] <Anastasia> "It's my paradise."He says this with an open pride in his voice, "It's where I'm meant to be now. Leave the danger of morality to those that haven't died yet." After a moment, "The Great Ocean Road, by the thousand foot tall Cliffs of Besarn. The Grand Dutchy of Kenn laid claim to the lands, but was too remote to effectively police it."
01[21:16] <Seira> "As long as it's by choice, you'll get no argument from me." Seira shrugs. "This whole life after death thing confuses, let me tell you. Some seem to reborn as angels with no memories of their past, others just keep on living eternally as they used to. And there's probably some other weird afterlives like literally merging with your paradise, too. Who gets to decide what happens?"
[21:17] <Anastasia> "The Gods," You head to what looks to be a vast circle o concentric fountains, ending in one vast, small lake of a fountain. Pointing to what appears to be a simple man resting against the edge of it, you only notice one thing awry - a magnificent set of white wings coming from his back.
06[21:19] * Seira waves at the winged man as they approach him.
[21:23] <Anastasia> The man stands. He is without flaw, cast from perfect ivory and scuptled into a human form. "Ah. Seira?" He asks, "I'm pleased you came to me."
01[21:25] <Seira> "It's more fulfilling to make friends everywhere and help each other out than just pay for services rendered in most cases," she responds. "That's a long-winded way to say 'likewise'."
[21:27] <Anastasia> "Hahah," His laughter is pure and full of innocent happiness. "Yes. The agreement will be that I take you home, in return for a service rendered later at my discretion. I know you've ended up here against your will, so I won't delay your immediate return home."
01[21:29] <Seira> "As long as it's nothing I find offensive, which is an obvious condition I must still put in, in which case I'll do my best to recompense you for your help," Seira agrees. "Like you already heard, I'm Seira. What's your name?"
[21:30] <Anastasia> "Noval," the hand is taken, his grip like adamantine! "That's fine, I respect that. Your heart is pure, I have no doubt that this will not be a problem."
01[21:31] <Seira> "Likewise," she responds with a smirk. "When can we go?"
[21:32] <Anastasia> "Now," He stands up, "Tell me about your home and take my hands. I'll do the rest. As a warning, this will be somewhat imprecise."
01[21:32] <Seira> "I have the means to teleport home, if it's reasonably in the area," Seira responds, not sounding bothered by it. "If you'd like, I could put you up for a day or two as you visit our town."
01[21:34] <Seira> How to tell him about her home... Seira struggles with the question briefly, before deciding to start with showing Noval the map of her world, before one of the Baronies and describing the surroundings of Balmuria.
[21:34] <Anastasia> "I'll stop by at least for a few hours to get a good lay of your home, so teleportation later is simple," Noval agrees, "Now, if you'd tell me about it?"
[21:34] <Anastasia> Noval listens and nods, "It sounds like a lovey place to live. Oh dimensional walls, part ways and take us to the land of our desires..."
[21:34] <Anastasia> roll 5d100
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 5d100 and gets 233." [5d100=68, 4, 18, 85, 58]
[21:35] <Anastasia> Gack! You appear in a thick forest. Forest all around, vines, pollen, leaves. It's very dense, barely able to move your arms without hitting foliage. This definitely looks liek a thicker part of the Barbarian Lands.
01[21:36] <Seira> "All sorts of reasonably unfriendly groups live here, we should probably get going," Seira mutters, focusing on her teleportation ring and her home in Balmuria. "Ready?"
[21:37] <Anastasia> "Yes," Agreement comes quickly there, "I dislike forests."
01[21:37] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 3." [1d100=3]
[21:38] <Anastasia> Woosh! Seira appears in her inn without incident! In her room, to be particular, safe and sound!
01[21:39] <Seira> "Nice, I like it when the magic cooperates," she says happily. "Ah, home once more! Want to come meet my friends, or just rest and relax at my inn for a while?"
[21:40] <Anastasia> "I'll be fine by myself. I can get a lay of the city without disrupting things." His form shifts sligthly, into a wingless version of himself.
01[21:40] <Seira> "The room next door should be empty, I keep it for guests. But if you want to stay in mine, that's also good!"
[21:41] <Anastasia> "Thank you," He says, "What of you? Business at your home takes you?"
01[21:42] <Seira> "This is going to sound pretty stupid without knowing the full story, but I was in the middle of a duel with an artifact when it sent me to Arcadia. I can't wait to continue it!"
[21:43] <Anastasia> "I...see..." A curious look there, "That does explain what sent you there. Do be careful, artifacts are rarely kind if they bear you ill will.'
01[21:43] <Seira> "Yes. It has a mean sense of humor! It taunts me!" Seira shakes her fist. "I'll have the last laugh, though."
[21:46] <Anastasia> "Good luck then," He offers. OOC - Running back to Elle's, Seira?
01[21:46] <Seira> OOC: What is this running, we're a few steps away  >_>
01[21:47] <Seira> "Thanks!" With a happy wave, Seira makes her way to Elle's shop.
[21:48] <Anastasia> Returning to Elle's shop, Seira finds her and Demedais and Eudard in the back. They're talking about something or other as she enters...OOC - Goa head and intro yourself, seira?
01[21:48] <Seira> "I'm ba~ack!" Seira greets them, smiling widely.
[21:49] <Demedais> "Oh, good." Demedais turns to her, grinning. "So precisely what did happen on your draws?
01[21:50] <Seira> "The first made my wings better, the second reversed it, the third--" She pauses, frowning. "--actually didn't do anything, so let's skip to the next, which sent me to Arcadia. What did I miss while there, guys?"
[21:50] <Demedais> "Eudard got some magical capability." Demedais says, looking to Eudard himself.
01[21:51] <Seira> "Exciting!" Seira rubs her hands together. "I got as quickly as I could to try again!"
[21:51] <Anastasia> "This deck is...amazing in what it can bestow," He says, "Magic is seared into my mind now."
[21:51] <Anastasia> Elle eyes Seira, "You'd best be careful. This deck has enough power to do far worse than teleport you to an Upper Plane from what it's shown."
[21:51] <Demedais> "I... anticipated your eagerness." Demedais chuckled. "However, may I make my draw first?"
06[21:52] * Seira twitches at those words, but quickly shakes it off. "Yes, I knew as soon as I took the second card that I lost to my inner gambler. It taunts me, Elle! I can't stand back from the challenge!"
06[21:52] * Seira tilts her head. "You want to draw, too? Great! Go ahead, we can alternate!"
[21:52] <Demedais> "...I only plan on drawing once." Demedais says with a puzzled frown at Seira.
[21:52] <Anastasia> Elle sits well away from the deck.
01[21:52] <Seira> "That's what everyone says."
06[21:53] * Demedais just raises an eyebrow at Seira, before going to the deck. "Evervigilant One, watch over me..." he murmurs, before taking a card from the middle!
[21:54] <Anastasia> OOC - d100
[21:54] <Demedais> roll 1d100 right
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 right and gets 74." [1d100=74]
[22:02] <Anastasia> Demedais draws a card! The image of a great cathedral is on it, glowing soft! The card vanishes back into the deck after!
01[22:03] <Seira> "As expected," Seira says, nodding to herself. "My turn?"
06[22:03] * Demedais pauses slightly, before closing his eyes. "I... see." Demedais then steps aside. "Very well."
06[22:03] * Seira shuffles the deck happily, drawing a card!
01[22:03] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 64." [1d100=64]
[22:06] <Anastasia> roll 10d10
06[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 10d10 and gets 52." [10d10=6, 7, 3, 8, 6, 9, 3, 1, 4, 5]
[22:07] <Anastasia> Seira draws a card! It is an image of a horde of cleric look alikes and sorcerers casting magic! Seira feels something flow into her, but the prepared magic patterns in her mind scream in agony! The burst leaves her reeling, mind shocked! (52 damage and makea  will save, Seira.)
01[22:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 37." [1d20=18]
[22:08] <Anastasia> OOC - You've lost all you're prepared spells for the day but nothing else happens. IC: Seira reels, feeling herself falling back! Something mercifully supports her before she hits the ground! "Seira?" She can hear Eudard's voice.
01[22:09] <Seira> "This is... nothing," she says, trying to call on her magic to recover.
06[22:09] * Demedais quickly moves to Seira's side as well! "By Helm..." Demedais murmurs. "Do you need assistance in recovery?"
[22:10] <Anastasia> OOCL Your spell likes are still available if you're using them, yeah.
01[22:10] <Seira> "Sure, would be nice," she slurs.
[22:10] <Anastasia> Seira!" Elle is at her side as well, "Sit down, you look like you were just punched and trampled in the face!"
06[22:10] * Demedais nods and touches Seira's head with a short prayer to Helm. OOC: +28.
01[22:11] <Seira> "I can't stop now," Seira protests, struggling to her feet. "My pride is at stake! It's what I use to fight!"
01[22:11] <Seira> roll 3d8+14
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d8+14 and gets 24." [3d8=3, 2, 5]
06[22:11] * Demedais eyes Seira. "It may be resisting more attempts from you."
[22:11] <Anastasia> "Are you sure?" Elle asks, with open worry in her voice, "The deck just hurt you, didn't it?"
01[22:12] <Seira> "That card was incompatible." As Seira's head clears, she smiles at Elle. "You might have made a good call after all, but now that I've gone this far, I just can't stop." And she draws another card still.
01[22:12] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 38." [1d100=38]
[22:12] <Anastasia> OOC: Oi vey. List your skills in PM again?
[22:13] <Anastasia> roll 1d31
06[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 1d31  and gets 17." [1d31=17]
01[22:14] <Seira> "And again," Seira draws once more, gritting her teeth.
01[22:14] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[22:14] <Anastasia> This time, Seira draws a blank card with a foolish looking man on it! It shimmers as her head glows black, then vanishes into the deck!
[22:16] <Anastasia> Again Seira draws! This time it is of the fertile earth, heavy and lush! It glows over her entire body, before vanishing back into the deck! "Seira?" Elle asks, frowning.
01[22:16] <Seira> "I know that I'm losing," she says piteously, drawing again.
01[22:16] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 91." [1d100=91]
[22:17] <Anastasia> OOC - Roll twice more.
01[22:17] <Seira> roll 1d100
01[22:17] <Seira> roll 1d100
[22:17] <Demedais> "What?" Demedais asks, unable to stop her from drawing again.
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 65." [1d100=65]
06[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 52." [1d100=52]
[22:18] <Anastasia> OOC: Reroll these, the mix effect is largely DM fiat and these two don't mix reasonably.
01[22:18] <Seira> roll 1d100
01[22:18] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 4." [1d100=4]
06[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 23." [1d100=23]
01[22:20] <Seira> roll 1d12
06[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d12 and gets 10." [1d12=10]
[22:21] <Anastasia> This time, Seira draws a card and another follows! One is of a vast sea of yellow energy, the other a model of the Inner Planes! Both cards whirl around Seira before vanishign!
06[22:21] * Demedais eyes Seira. "Are you okay?"
01[22:23] <Seira> "Yes. I think." Seira takes a moment to center herself. "I'll keep on playing for now."
01[22:24] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 41." [1d100=41]
06[22:24] * Demedais shakes his head. "I would tell you to stop, but..." Demedais shrugs helplessly as Seira draws again.
[22:25] <Anastasia> Seira tries to draw! This time, she finds that she cannot! Despite her best efforts, drawing a card from the deck eludes her hand!
06[22:25] * Demedais blinks at this. "So it caps out?"
06[22:25] * Seira stares balefully at the deck. "We'll call this one a draw!" she declares sharply, before looking at those present. "Right?"
[22:25] <Anastasia> "You play with fire? What the hell did that do to you," Elle asks.
[22:25] <Demedais> "Sure."
01[22:26] <Seira> "I cannot speak of its taunts. They are too horrible to bare."
06[22:27] * Seira brightens up, however. "That last draw allowed me to make a last-minute comeback, however!"
[22:28] <Demedais> "That's good, I'd hate to see you cranky." Demedais says. "I have some work I must do at the temple. Eudard, come find me when you're ready." With that, he exits briskly.

[Corwin]

[20:06] <Kobreakfast> ------------
[20:06] <Kobreakfast> Going back to Elle's shop, Demedais and Eudard find her sipping a glass of wine this evening. She eyes the deck cautiously as it sits on the table, grumbling. "I tried again and I still can't read a damned thing off it with magic," she complains, "But if you want to try again, good luck."
03[20:07] * Euphy is now known as Seira
03[20:07] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[20:08] <Kobreakfast> Seira is also there, sitting next to Elle as the two paladins enter.
01[20:09] <Seira> "Give it hell!" she cheers Demedais on.
06[20:09] * Demedais eyes Seira with a slight grin, but shrugs and goes to the deck. With a brief prayer to Helm, he draws a card from the middle!
[20:10] <Kobreakfast> OOC - d100.
[20:10] <Demedais> roll 1d100
06[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d100 and gets 53." [1d100=53]
03[20:10] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
[20:14] <Kobreakfast> roll 1d8
06[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Kobreakfast rolls 1d8 and gets 2." [1d8=2]
[20:19] <Kobreakfast> The card drawn is of a mundane scene - people walking and going, life living plainly. The card vanishes back into the deck after being drawn! "Did...anything happen?" Elle asks, looking to Demedais.
01[20:19] <Seira> "It didn't make you... boring... did it?" Seira adds worriedly.
06[20:19] * Demedais shrugs. "Not aware of anything."
[20:20] <Demedais> "Not so far as I'm aware, but I was always under the impression you considered me far too cautious anyway." Demedais grins to Seira.
[20:20] <Kobreakfast> Eudard eyes the deck, "Does it have duds?"
06[20:20] * Seira grins back. "If you can still joke back it's all good."
[20:21] <Demedais> "Quite possibly, Eudard. I'd guess that's what I got. Either that, or maybe it tried to do something I could already do?"
[20:22] <Kobreakfast> "Perhaps," Eyeing the deck cautiously, "The entire thing does seem to be uncertain. Still..." Looking to it, "Perhaps I should draw again. I was blessed greatly the first draw, though I worry that perhaps to draw again would be greedy."
06[20:22] * Demedais shrugs. "It's your choice. I think I'll stop here; this was perhaps just a friendly warning to not bother trying again, for myself."
[20:23] <Kobreakfast> "Mmmph." Looking at the deck long, Eudard hesitates before drawing a card!
[20:23] <Kobreakfast> roll 1d100
06[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Kobreakfast rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
01[20:24] <Seira> "You know," Seira says conversationally, "I had a good first draw, too, but then kept on fighting to put things back in the black. That might be how the deck works."
[20:26] <Kobreakfast> Eudard's back shimmers! Coming forth through his armor are etherial, half visible wings! They fade in and out of apperance, composed of pure essence and energy!
06[20:26] * Demedais blinks at this. "Well, then. That'll prove useful for you, no doubt."
01[20:27] <Seira> "Donald should draw," Seira muses slowly. "I think he's very suitable to draw."
[20:27] <Demedais> "Hah." Demedais says. "If you want him to, and he wants to as well, he may. I take no responsibility."
[20:27] <Kobreakfast> Eudard flaps them, rising a foot or two off the ground, bashing his head against the ceiling! "Ack!" Wincing as she goes back to the ground, "By Helm..." he murmurs in awe.
01[20:27] <Seira> "Your deck, your rules."
06[20:28] * Demedais nods. "Then he has my permission."
01[20:28] <Seira> "I'll go call him, alright? Ah, this will be great!"
06[20:28] * Demedais eyes Seira. "I wonder about you sometimes."
[20:28] <Kobreakfast> Elle eyes Eudard, not commenting. Instead she just eyes the deck with a cautious looks till. "It's like you're mocking my caution," she mutters with ample sarcasm dripping from her voice. "Damned magic thing."
[20:30] <Kobreakfast> Seira comes back a few minutes later with Donald in tow. He's wearing his armor and gear, eyeing the deck curiously. "So what's the magical item you're talking about? That's it? Just a deck of cards?"
01[20:30] <Seira> "Yes. It can hurt you, but it can give you nice presents! You have to choose for yourself, though."
[20:30] <Demedais> "Yeah. As foreclosure, it's been pretty much mildly beneficial for me, quite beneficial for Eudard, and mixed on Seira." Demedais says.
[20:31] <Kobreakfast> "So it's like gambling," Donald asks as he goes to grab a card. "Why not? It's not like I'm going to die again, right?"
[20:31] <Kobreakfast> roll 1d100
06[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Kobreakfast rolls 1d100 and gets 44." [1d100=44]
[20:32] <Kobreakfast> Donald draws a card! It is a card colored entirely pink, glowing briefly before returning to the deck. Donald crosses his arms after it vanishes, "Funny, I don't feel any different. THough say," Peering at Eudard, aren't those wings new?"
01[20:32] <Seira> "I don't think so," Seira responds with a shrug. "Not unless it sends you to hell."
[20:32] <Demedais> "The wings are new, yes. One of the deck benefits." Demedais nods from a chair he took.
[20:33] <Kobreakfast> "The deck." Eudard says, hovering a few inches off the ground, with a strangely childish, cute smile on his face. It lifts a lot of his troubles off his face, giving him a strange loo of innoncence. "Surely it's Helm's influence."
01[20:33] <Seira> "Gambling past the first card is more dangerous," Seira tells Donald. "Gonna stop here?"
[20:33] <Demedais> "Or Helm's sense of humor." Demedais comments wryly.
[20:34] <Kobreakfast> "Strange," Scratching his head, "I dunno. Nothing seemed to happen at all." Shrugging, Donald draws another card!
[20:34] <Kobreakfast> roll 1d100
06[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Kobreakfast rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
01[20:34] <Seira> "Oh!" Seira smacks a fist into the palm of her other hand. "Demedais, what do you think about heading to the House of the Triad and seeking an audience with Helm?"
06[20:34] * Demedais blinks.
06[20:34] * Demedais looks to Seira. "Wait, -what-?"
[20:35] <Kobreakfast> "Yeah, say wh-" Donald begins, as a pair of feathery wings of blue and red arcane energy burst from his back! He looks back, slack jawed, "HOLY SHIT I JUST SPROUTED WINGS?!!?"
01[20:35] <Seira> "Well, that's where the deck sent me. I mean, I could've tried asking to talk to him, but that's not really my thing, right? I was wondering, is all that spiel about Esthan and his boss cutting a deal with Helm for real or not? And then I realized, why not ask directly?"
06[20:35] * Demedais pauses at this. "Well then."
06[20:36] * Seira entirely ignores Donald's antics, feeling quite bitter over that particular card.
[20:36] <Kobreakfast> Elle rubs her temple very slowly.
[20:36] <Kobreakfast> Turning to Demedais with a big grin, "Hey, does this mean I can fly and you can't?"
01[20:36] <Seira> Seira's eyebrow twitches.
06[20:36] * Demedais looks to Seira. "...Let me think on it. I am loath to tread upon his domain while myself uninvited." To Donald with an equal grin, "Yep. Have fun with that."
[20:37] <Kobreakfast> Lifting up a little as well, Donald grins wickely. "Hey, I can fly, just like Seira!"
06[20:37] * Seira laughs quietly to herself, shoulders shaking. "Yes, isn't flying great?"
[20:38] <Kobreakfast> "I've flown from a scroll, but that's just temporary! These feel so manuverable too-OW!" Bumping his head into the low ceiling as well, Donald goes right back down to the ground. "I kinda stand out now, though. More."
01[20:39] <Seira> "Demedais, hope you do consider it, not like people are forbidden from petitioning, there's a whole process about it and everything. Donald, I'm cutting you off, don't draw more or bad things happen." That said, Seira frowns. "I think I left something on the stove. Have to go, terribly sorry." Dimensional Door is most useful for getting back home before she hurts Donald.
[20:40] <Kobreakfast> "Hey Seira," Donald says with a big old grin, "We could go flying tonight! How about it? Aaaw!" He glares back,
[20:40] <Kobreakfast> "I want to draw another!"
01[20:40] <Seira> "I'll kick you out! No means no!" She visualizes her destination, and disappears.
06[20:40] * Demedais shrugs. "She's your employer, better listen before you get thrown through a wall."
[20:42] <Kobreakfast> Elle takes another long breath, rubbing her temple again. "Donald, you're an idiot."
[20:42] <Kobreakfast> "Am not," Donald banters back, glaring at the both of them, hands on his hips.
[20:43] <Kobreakfast> "Just...don't talk to her about flying for awhile," Elle insists, sitting up straighter. "Unless you want her to do something she'll regret."
[20:44] <Kobreakfast> "But..." Donald begin, then Countess Stronger silences him with a glare. After she clears her throat, "Anyone else, or is this particular fawning situation with the deck concluded again for now?"
06[20:44] * Demedais refrains from commenting, instead looking to Eudard.
[20:45] <Kobreakfast> Eudard shakes his head, "I've had enough,"he says aloud.
06[20:46] * Demedais nods. "I think I have as well. The remainder of it is there for Alicia, Antenora and Marie, if they're curious."
03[21:05] * Kobreakfast is now known as Kotono
[21:05] <Kotono> ---
[21:07] <Kotono> The Temple of Mystra is warm and pleasant. Walking past the stained glass windows and mosaic of Mystra, Seira enters into the main room of worship. There's not a service going on right now, just a few people coming and going, or sitting in prayer. Shankar happens to be one of them, head bowed and silent.
01[21:08] <Seira> "Hi," Seira says, announcing her presence. "Is this a good time?"
[21:10] <Kotono> Shankar rises after perhaps a minute of further prayer, dusting off his knees. "We are always here to guide in the name of the Lady of Mysteries," he replies.
01[21:11] <Seira> "Excellent," she comments. "I came to make another petition, though I suppose it could also be a consultation. I would rather keep it confidential. Is that a problem?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "No. I'm Shankar," he offers a hand in greeting, "You said that you've made a petition here before? One of my underpriests must've forgotten to inform me of it and your name. My apologies. If you could tell me about these?"
01[21:18] <Seira> "Seira." She taps her right earring, making it jingle. "Until I learn how to shapeshift at will, this little thing is here to help me out."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Oh." Smiling then, "I understand. Then..." He starts to walk, "What do you need, Seira?"
01[21:23] <Seira> "You could say that I entered into a magical contract with a deck of cards Demedais brought back with him recently," Seira elaborates, once she is confident no one is around to overhear them. "It sounds less silly if I add that it's a powerful magical artifact. In the end, I came to benefit from drawing cards from the deck, although I was also the target of a curse.
01[21:23] <Seira> I don't believe I am in any position to petition Waukeen, since the contract was implied, and since in the end I am no worse off now after participating in the draw."
[21:29] <Kotono> Shankar takes this all in, "You seek to be free of the curse, then?"
01[21:33] <Seira> "In a manner of speaking," Seira responds. "What I seek is slightly more complicated. It is not a traditional curse. Also, the power behind it is enforced by an artifact that escapes even Elle's -- Countess Stronger's -- divinations. Breaking through it with anything short of a Wish or a Miracle spell might be difficult... if I went through the usual means.
01[21:33] <Seira> Also, breaking the restriction placed upon me is not strictly necessary. Should there be a way to restore what was lost by other means, even if only by providing a loophole in the curse, that would be enough."
[21:36] <Kotono> Stopping near the grand doors that lead into this worship chamber, "Such magic is spoken of in rare breaths. Finding a loophole in it would not be easy. Before anything else, I would need to go study the artifact and research it to see if there are any relevant legends or informations about it."
01[21:40] <Seira> "I don't think this would prove to be a problem, as long as discretion is observed. Demedais may not wish news of it to spread beyond those he chose to bring into the knowledge." Seira frowns. "Another reason that I asked for confidentiality is that this knowledge would be extremely harmful to me if it got out to the wrong people.
01[21:40] <Seira> In effect, I am grounded. Not only have my wings been sealed, but I am literally incapable of so much as leaping into the air. However, the curse is not just a geas placed on me, since teleportation magic cast by Elle fails to send me up into the skies as well.
01[21:40] <Seira> It is quite thorough, and I was hoping that Mystra would offer me a way to break through, perhaps similarly to one of those quests she sends Alicia on."
[21:43] <Kotono> "For now, I'll go and investigate this artifact. I should refrain on anything else until Mystra grants me the wisdom to understand it or destins my research to fail."
01[21:44] <Seira> "Of course," Seira agrees, before listing the tests she went through with Elle and what was learned from them.