222. Albert of Kesse

[Corwin]

[18:16] <Ko-AlexisAkiko> --------(Teleport Ko)--
03[18:17] * Ko-AlexisAkiko is now known as Kotono
[18:18] <Kotono> As night approaches, the Crimson Guard and close allies gather in the garrison. Seira, Demedais, Alicia, Antenora, Donald and Celebrimbor are there. "Finally," Donald mutters too loudly under his breath.
[18:19] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[18:19] <Kotono> As night approaches, the Crimson Guard and close allies gather in the garrison. Seira, Demedais, Alicia, Antenora and Celebrimbor are there. "Let's go," Antenora says impatiently, lingering close to Ailcia allthe while.
01[18:20] <Seira> roll 1d10+10
06[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 11." [1d10=1]
[18:20] <Alicia> "First stop, the temple of Mystra in Kelara," Alicia announces, performing the requisite spell.
[18:20] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[18:20] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 45." [1d100=45]
[18:22] <Kotono> The Temple of Mystra is quiet this dusk-creep, only a few priests going through prayers to sustain the Weave of magic during the coming night. However, the leader of them happens to be Taldeer.
[18:22] <Kotono> roll 1d10+1
06[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+1 and gets 9." [1d10=8]
[18:22] <Kotono> OOC +9 more, so 18.
06[18:23] * Alicia approaches said priests. "Dweomerkeeper?" she greets the middle-aged elf respectfully.
[18:23] <Kotono> Taldeer pauses the ritual, "Alicia. Friends." She smiles briefly to them. "Have you come about the prisoners you liberated from Shar?"
06[18:24] * Seira shies away from the mention of those prisoners, more than comfortable in letting someone else handle this part.
[18:25] <Alicia> "Actually we're about to make our strike against the last remaining orchestrator of their pain, which means we need to use the temple scrying mirror," Alicia begins. "But how are they doing, anyway?"
[18:26] <Kotono> "It's going to be a long process." Taldeer's smile fades, "Not only are they maimed, but they have vast amounts of mental disturbances and damages."
06[18:29] * Alicia nods understandingly. "The crimes of that group are almost beyond measure. Still, I can't think of a better place for them to convalesce. Speaking of recovery, though, how is Kelara doing of late?"
03[18:29] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
06[18:29] * Demedais shakes his head with a grimace. "That... I wish I could say it was surprising, but from what I've seen of their cultists..."
01[18:30] <Seira> "You really should go and see them to have a hint of what they went through," Seira tells Demedais quietly.
[18:32] <Demedais> "I will while the scrying is prepared." Demedais replies.
[18:37] <Kotono> "Things are settling down, thank the Goddess." Taldeer lowers her voice, leading the party back away from this room. "Lord Roth has been making noise about re-representation but nothing has coalesced there yet."
[18:38] <Alicia> "I suppose it's only been a couple of weeks," Alicia admits. "Still, I hope it turns out to be more than just a lot of hot air."
[18:40] <Kotono> "Politics move on," Taldeer says with her own knowing smile. "Your parents are jockeying for position as well after you were granted a title."
[18:42] <Alicia> "Well if they can manage it, more power to them. I'm not going to do any special favours," Alicia shrugs, reaching into a pouch in her belt and handing over a clump of hair that her familiar purloined from Albert's hairbrush to Seira.
[18:43] <Kotono> "Right, scrying. Come this way..." Taldeer leads the party deeper in! OOC - Were any of you going to do anything besides diddle around for an hour?
[18:44] <Alicia> OOC: nothing here
[18:44] <Demedais> OOC: Demedais would likely go to see if any of the three prisoners were awake, but it can be handwaved?
[18:45] <Kotono> OOC: Okay then. PM a moment.
[18:47] <Kotono> OOC: You guys were going to have Taldeer cast the scrying?
[18:47] <Alicia> OOC: Seira
01[18:47] <Seira> OOC: I'll try first. Then Cel-chan if I fail.
[18:47] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[18:49] <Kotono> An hour passes as Seira invokes and casts at the silver mirror! She invokes all the right names and calls on her vision to see Albert of Kesse! OOC - CL check.
01[18:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
06[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 28." [1d20=15]
[18:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 DC?
06[18:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 DC? and gets 21." [1d20=16]
01[18:54] <Seira> OOC: 23!
03[18:55] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-223-229.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
[18:55] <Kotono> It's fuzzy and flickering, the image pained to appear.  But nonetheless it does! Albert sits on the Throne of Kesse, surrounded at his flanks by two unnaturally tall men, and behind them four men in dark but plain clothes. A pair of soldiers kneel before him. "...Androth is going to fall by next noon, Sire," one of the kneeling soldiers says. "Sanaxt is in completely disarray."
03[18:55] * Alicia sets mode: +o Taishyr
06[18:56] * Alicia casts shield and resist energy (cold) on herself as Seira concludes the scrying spell.
01[18:56] <Seira> "Yes!" Seira cheers, casting heroism hurriedly. "He's in the throne room talking about the conquest of neighbors. Kesse is such a shithole the blatant assassination attempt on their king didn't set them straight."
02[18:57] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-223-229.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Broken pipe)
03[18:58] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-223-229.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
02[18:58] * Demedais (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-169-22.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[18:58] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[18:58] <Kotono> Albert has a familiar fiery staff in one hand, almost like a sceptre. A familiar ring of spellstoring is on his finger as well! As this happens, the party quickly casting...OOC - Another CL check, Seira.
03[18:58] * Seira sets mode: +o Demedais
01[18:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
06[18:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 25." [1d20=12]
06[19:00] * Demedais casts Magic Circle against Evil as the scrying spell concludes, waiting for any signal.
[19:00] <Kotono> As they do,t aking the time to prepare, Celebrimbor weaving his own magics, an insignia of an eye begins to glow! OOC - Go ahead and act now, since you took a turn to buff.
01[19:02] <Seira> "Hold on," Seira tells them, focusing on her magic. "I'll try to anchor him as soon as I'm there, and then we'll take care of the small fry."
01[19:02] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[19:02] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
[19:05] <Kotono> Thus the party teleports! They reappear in the throne room to Kesse! Screams are just going up, calls of, "Magic in the Throne Room!" Guards holler! While the party appears close, the two tall men have surrounded the front and side of the throne, blocking it with their bodies! The black garbed men are preparinga s well! OOC - The eye means they aren't surprised, guys. I'm calling initiative here. You're 30ft away all.
01[19:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+13
[19:05] <Alicia> roll 1d20+7
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+13 and gets 21." [1d20=8]
06[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+7 and gets 19." [1d20=12]
[19:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Antenora
06[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Antenora and gets 16." [1d20=11]
[19:06] <Demedais> roll 1d20+1 woo, initiative
06[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+1 woo, initiative and gets 12." [1d20=11]
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Celebrimbor
06[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 Celebrimbor and gets 18." [1d20=16]
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13 (Nerveskitter) Albert
06[19:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 (Nerveskitter) Albert and gets 20." [1d20=7]
[19:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 tall man
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 tall man 2
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 tall man and gets 17." [1d20=11]
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 tall man 2 and gets 24." [1d20=18]
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 gaggle of dark clothed men
06[19:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 gaggle of dark clothed men and gets 16." [1d20=14]
03[19:09] * Kotono changes topic to 'Tall Man 2>Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Tall Man>Antenora=Dark Clothed Men>Demedais'
[19:11] <Kotono> "You've come!" Albert calls with a rakish grin on his face, wiping at his lips with the back of his hand. "You've signed your death sentence by opposing the King of Kesse!" As this happens, the second tall man opens his hand! From it, a great freezing gust of cold comes out toe nvelop the party! OOC - Ref saves, all.
[19:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+15 (+2 vs evil, thanks Deme)
01[19:12] <Seira> roll 1d20+27
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+15 (+2 vs evil, thanks Deme) and gets 18." [1d20=3]
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+27 and gets 44." [1d20=17]
[19:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 Celebrimbor
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 Celebrimbor and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[19:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+19 Antenora (Already has a resistance bonus to saves)
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+19 Antenora (Already has a resistance bonus to saves) and gets 36." [1d20=17]
[19:12] <Demedais> roll 1d20+20 (definitely an AoE attack >_>)
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 (definitely an AoE attack >_>) and gets 29." [1d20=9]
[19:13] <Kotono> roll 15d6
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15d6 and gets 54." [15d6=3, 4, 1, 1, 6, 4, 1, 6, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 6, 1]
[19:13] <Kotono> OOCV: All three PCs passed the save, as did Antenora.
[19:13] <Kotono> roll 54-18
06[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 54-18 and gets 36."
[19:15] <Kotono> The burst of cold is chilling to the bone, as Celebrimbor blinks and vanishes, appearing at the other end of the throne room! A moment later, a miasma of darkness envelops the party as well! OOC - Also CL ing the cone of cold, forgot SR.
[19:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
06[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 35." [1d20=14]
[19:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 unholy blight
06[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 unholy blight and gets 38." [1d20=17]
[19:16] <Kotono> OOC - Fort all.
01[19:16] <Seira> roll 1d20+19
06[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 and gets 29." [1d20=10]
[19:16] <Alicia> roll 1d20+21
[19:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+24
06[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+21 and gets 35." [1d20=14]
06[19:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+24 and gets 40." [1d20=16]
[19:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+20
06[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25." [1d20=5]
[19:17] <Kotono> roll 5d8 halve this and Deme quarters it.
06[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 halve this and Deme quarters it. and gets 19." [5d8=2, 7, 1, 8, 1]
[19:17] <Kotono> roll 10d6 Antenora halves this
06[19:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 Antenora halves this and gets 32." [10d6=2, 6, 2, 3, 4, 4, 2, 3, 4, 2]
[19:18] <Kotono> As the bursts of arcane power fill the throne room, the tall man who attacked speaks! "There is no hope for you. Beg for your oblivion to come quickly!" OOC - SEira.
01[19:18] <Seira> Calling upon Waukeen's divine gift, Seira takes off into the air to get a better look at Albert, using her scroll of dimensional anchor to ensure that he would remain there for the fight. His escape at this point would be unthinkable.
01[19:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 touch
06[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 touch and gets 33." [1d20=14]
[19:19] <Kotono> OOC: Unsurprisingly, that's a hit. Caster level check.
01[19:19] <Seira> OOC: There's no CL
01[19:20] <Seira> "Death!" Seira calls out loudly. "Only death awaits betrayers and usurpers, False King Albert!"
[19:20] <Kotono> The thin beam of dimensional power hits Albert, anchoring him down! OOC -Albert's up.
[19:21] <Kotono> Albert stands where he is, looking up briefly to Seira! "Suffer for eternity in the darkness!" At that, a 20ft wide sphere of darkness engulfs her! The others can see something around his waist glowing with ahorrible, dark malevolence!
[19:21] <Kotono> roll 4d6 and more in PM, Seira.
06[19:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 and more in PM, Seira. and gets 12." [4d6=3, 2, 2, 5]
[19:23] <Kotono> Albert thereafter stays where he is, calling, "These are the revoluntionaries that wiped out Sanaxt!" he calls to the guards, "They seek to lay all of our sacred institutions low!" OOC - Alicia.
01[19:24] <Seira> "Kill you!" Seira screams. "Rip you to pieces! You'll die for this, Albert! Die!"
[19:24] <Kotono> "They're..." One guard can be heard, staring, "You're the bastards that killed Prince Kort and His Majesty!"
[19:24] <Alicia> "Don't make me laugh you despicable Sharran!" Alicia snaps back. "People of Kesse, see for yourselves the horrors that Albert surrounds himself with!" she calls, dispelling the magic on one of the nightwalkers standing next to the king before moving towards Celebrimbor.
[19:25] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 targetted dispel, lemme know if there's any other checks needed
06[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 targetted dispel, lemme know if there's any other checks needed and gets 20." [1d20=8]
[19:28] <Kotono> OOC - Two other checks, yeah.
[19:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 26." [1d20=14]
[19:28] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[19:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 23." [1d20=11]
[19:29] <Demedais> "We're from a country you decided to attack with nightwalkers, Albert - or did you forget the distance between us?" Demedais retorts drolly, before glancing to the guard. "Kort of Shar killed your liege; we failed to stop that atrocity. I realize this may be very hard for you to believe, but please stand aside here; I'd rather not harm innocents."
[19:30] <Kotono> The magic shatters around the tall man! While his form stays where it is, other magic is dispelled! OOC - Moving or is that it, Alicia?
[19:30] <Alicia> OOC: I moved 40 feet towards Cel
[19:30] <Kotono> OOC: Right.
[19:32] <Kotono> Celebrimbor staggers, staring at the throne and Albert! He doesn't reply, but instead weaves arcane words in an overwhelming blitz of fiery and acidic power, two fireballs bursting around the King and his servants protecting him!
[19:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[19:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14  and gets 34." [1d20=20]
06[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14  and gets 26." [1d20=12]
[19:32] <Kotono> roll 10d6
06[19:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 32." [10d6=1, 6, 4, 1, 6, 6, 3, 1, 2, 2]
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 32*1.5
06[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 32*1.5 and gets 48."
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Albert 1
[19:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15 Albert 2
06[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 Albert 1 and gets 23." [1d20=8]
06[19:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 Albert 2 and gets 34." [1d20=19]
[19:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Tall Man 1
[19:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 Tall Man 2
06[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Tall Man 1 and gets 17." [1d20=6]
06[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 Tall Man 2 and gets 24." [1d20=13]
[19:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 group saves for dark men
06[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 group saves for dark men and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[19:34] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 group saves for dark men 2
06[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 group saves for dark men 2 and gets 18." [1d20=13]
03[19:34] * Kotono changes topic to 'Tall Man 2>Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Tall Man>Antenora>Demedais'
[19:36] <Kotono> The various dark garbed men burst aflame and are acid-seared to the bone! They fall as one, obliterated! Albert backflips atop the throne, avoiding the acid-ball, then leaps high and lands as the massive fireball rocks around the throne, unhurt by it all! The tall men are both somewhat burna nd scorched by it, but the stronger fireball fizzled against them! OOC - Tall man 1.
[19:37] <Kotono> The first tall man stays where he is as well! He gets Demedais and Antenora in a cone of cold, then sends an unholy blight at them!
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 cone of cold CL
06[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 cone of cold CL and gets 22." [1d20=1]
[19:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 unholy blight CL
06[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 unholy blight CL and gets 37." [1d20=16]
[19:38] <Kotono> OOC - Fort save only, Deme.
[19:39] <Demedais> roll 1d20+20 fort check
06[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+20 fort check and gets 39." [1d20=19]
[19:39] <Kotono> roll 5d8 quarter this
06[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 quarter this and gets 20." [5d8=5, 2, 8, 4, 1]
[19:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 Antenora ref, forgot +1 extra due to flash
06[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 Antenora ref, forgot +1 extra due to flash and gets 32." [1d20=12]
[19:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20 whatever, only fails on one for fort on unholy blight
06[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 whatever, only fails on one for fort on unholy blight and gets 7." [1d20=7]
[19:40] <Kotono> roll 15d6 halve this for Antenora
06[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15d6 halve this for Antenora and gets 61." [15d6=5, 4, 2, 4, 5, 4, 2, 2, 2, 6, 6, 6, 6, 2, 5]
[19:40] <Kotono> roll 10d6 halve this for Antenora
06[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 halve this for Antenora and gets 40." [10d6=2, 5, 6, 6, 4, 2, 2, 1, 6, 6]
[19:42] <Kotono> The barrage of spells does little to Demedais, the crackling cone of cold not touching him and the unholy blight having little power over him! Antenora is hit far worse, ice forming on her armor and body battered, bruised bythe blight! OOC - Antenora's up.
[19:44] <Kotono> Antenora charges forward, pouncing the tall man that froze her so bad as holy fury mends her injuries! OOC - +10 HP Antenora, 8/9, keep forgetting Flash.
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +1 flying, +7 smite 2/3 -5 PA)
06[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +1 flying, +7 smite 2/3 -5 PA) and gets 40." [1d20=15]
[19:45] <Kotono> roll 2d8+42
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+42 and gets 51." [2d8=4, 5]
[19:45] <Kotono> Antenora stabs the tall man right in the stomach, before quickly jetting back and away 50 feet! OOC - Demedais.
06[19:47] * Demedais grimaces before rushing in up close with the tall man Antenora struck at, hoping to act as a distraction for the attacks the two bodyguards are throwing out while wearing down the one who damaged Antenora so badly!
[19:48] <Demedais> roll 1d20+21 (+6 Smite, +2 Charge, +1 Haste, -5 PA)
06[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+21 (+6 Smite, +2 Charge, +1 Haste, -5 PA) and gets 41." [1d20=20]
[19:49] <Kotono> OOC - No crit on it, but hit.
[19:49] <Demedais> roll 2d6+24 aw boo.
06[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+24 aw boo. and gets 26." [2d6=1, 1]
[19:51] <Kotono> Demedais closes in, stabbing the tall man in the gut! It's not a deep wound, it's body resisting the stabbing! At this point the throne room is in panic! Guards are running about and preparing weapons, while others are stunned and af ew are frozen solid from the cones of cold going about! The doors of the throne room break open, more guards running in, six of them! OOC - Going to roll intiaitive for the misc horde here.
[19:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20
06[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 3." [1d20=3]
03[19:51] * Kotono changes topic to 'Tall Man 2>Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Tall Man>Antenora>Demedais>Allt he rabble'
[19:51] <Kotono> OOC - Tall man 2 is up.
[19:52] <Kotono> Wounded by Demedais and Antenora, the tall man looks down at the paladin chopping at his body! With terrible words of unholy reverence, it says, "Crumble before me, magic!"
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20 what spells do you have active, Deme?
06[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 what spells do you have active, Deme? and gets 25." [1d20=5]
[19:52] <Kotono> OOC: CL of them as well.
[19:52] <Demedais> OOC: Uh, Magic Circle against Evil, caster level 6. >_>
[19:52] <Kotono> OOC: Gone.
[19:53] <Kotono> A moment later, as the Magic Circle crackles into oblivion, an unholy blight bursts around Demedais!
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 CL
06[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 CL and gets 41." [1d20=20]
[19:53] <Kotono> OOC - Fort.
[19:53] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 sure
06[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 sure and gets 23." [1d20=5]
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 5d8 quarter this.
06[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 quarter this. and gets 13." [5d8=3, 2, 1, 3, 4]
[19:53] <Kotono> Unholy darkness ravages Demedais, but doesn't get the worst of him, not by far! OOC - Seira. You're surrounded by darkness as said in PM.  You can't see anything.
06[19:54] * Seira doesn't even vocalize entrusting Lagann with the silvered blade, but they've fought side by side enough a small part of her mind is confident that he would follow her lead. "You'll pay for what you put me through, you damned Shar-worshipping freak!" she screams, dropping blindly through the cloud with the Resort to zoom in on the last place she saw Albert at, adjusting herself mid-flight.
[19:54] <Kotono> OOC - Will save.
[19:54] <Demedais> "Uh huh." Demedais replies. "Stop wasting my time and fight."
01[19:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+24
06[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 and gets 44." [1d20=20]
[19:55] <Kotono> Seira is able toe scape the tearing oblivion around her! She comes down out of the sphere, able to approach Albert with her swift action from above! OOC - Travel devotion is nice.
01[19:55] <Seira> OOC: Yes it is. Can Lagann help me flank him for this?
01[19:56] <Seira> roll 1d20+24 (+1 fly, +2 heroism) diving, spellruin
06[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 (+1 fly, +2 heroism) diving, spellruin and gets 25." [1d20=1]
[19:58] <Kotono> OOC: He could, but it's utterly moot now. He'll roll to hope for alucky hit anyway.
[19:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
06[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 19." [1d20=11]
01[19:58] <Seira> Cursing, Seira flips back and away.
01[19:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+18 tumble
06[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+18 tumble and gets 20." [1d20=2]
[20:00] <Kotono> Seira dives and then falls back, Albert swiftly avoiding the strike as it goes errant! He braces on the throne, as a sphere of darkness envelops Alicia this time! Even as it does, "Worthless!" He snaps back, smirking, "You're as defenseless and stupid as last time!" OOC - Damage in here and something in PM, Alicia.
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 4d6
06[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 and gets 17." [4d6=4, 6, 6, 1]
[20:00] <Kotono> OOC: 17 damage and Alicia's up now. See PM, you're cloaked in darkness.
01[20:01] <Seira> "As the time you stabbed me in the back when I came to Kesse on a mission of peace?" Seira yells at Albert. "Or the time you attacked our defenseless citizens? Or in the Halla temple to Shar, where you sacrificed so many? Which is it, you scum?!"
[20:01] <Kotono> "All of them." With a suave smile as he looks up at Alicia, "You're as worthless as gutter trash!"
[20:02] <Alicia> After having seen exactly what that 'impenetrable darkness' looked like from the outside when it hit Seira, Alicia isn't too bothered. Continuing on in the same direction she was headed, she approaches Celebrimbor, expecting to be free of the darkness quite quickly.
[20:02] <Demedais> "I do hope everyone just heard Albert's little confession there." Demedais remarks drolly again, calling out to the soldiers behind him.
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC - Wills ave, Alicia.
[20:02] <Alicia> roll 1d20+22
06[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+22 and gets 35." [1d20=13]
01[20:03] <Seira> "What you did to your own sister's lovers will be nothing compared to your torment!" Seira vows. "And then... and then, when I allow you die... you'll face Shar's mercies for your failure! That's your damned future!"
[20:03] <Kotono> Alicia is able to escape the clinging darkness and come closer to Celebrimbor! OOC - You're up with the rest of your turn, Alicia.
[20:04] <Alicia> After escaping she decides to try another dispel, this time on the other Nightwalker. "How many Nightwalkers has Shar given you, anyway? Doesn't she know when to give up on a lost cause?"
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 assuming 3 again this time
06[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 assuming 3 again this time and gets 14." [1d20=2]
[20:04] <Kotono> OOC - 3 checks.
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 14." [1d20=2]
[20:04] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12
06[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 and gets 31." [1d20=19]
[20:06] <Kotono> Only one spell crumbles around the Nightwalker, Alicia's magic only going so far! OOC - Celebrimbor is up.
[20:08] <Kotono> A powerful Manyjaws springs into life, and a quick Sonorous Hum follows to maintain it, as the jaws strike at the wounded tall man!
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 31." [1d20=17]
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 10d6
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 and gets 37." [10d6=3, 6, 6, 3, 2, 5, 4, 5, 2, 1]
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 37*1.5
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 37*1.5 and gets 55.5."
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12." [1d20=1]
[20:10] <Kotono> The jaws painfully ravage the tall man, ripping into him like an elemental force! It's body is shredded severely, blood coming from a dozen force inflicted gnaws! OOC - Fresher tall man is up.
[20:11] <Kotono> The other tall man fires off a quick pair of unholy blights - one at Demedais and one at Antenora!
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 CL Deme
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 CL Deme and gets 40." [1d20=19]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 CL Antenora
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 CL Antenora and gets 36." [1d20=15]
[20:11] <Kotono> OOC - Fort saves.
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20 a lot
[20:11] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 sure
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 a lot and gets 3." [1d20=3]
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 sure and gets 30." [1d20=12]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 5d8 quarter
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5d8 quarter and gets 20." [5d8=3, 8, 1, 6, 2]
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 10d6 halve
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10d6 halve and gets 36." [10d6=6, 3, 5, 1, 6, 4, 6, 1, 2, 2]
[20:12] <Kotono> Both are maimed by the darkness, but boht endure ! Demedais is in good shape, while Antenora sags int he air heavily! OOC - Antenora.
[20:12] <Kotono> Quickly darting at the injured tall man, Antenora looks to finish him off!
[20:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 (Same mods as before, +10 HP 6/8, -9 PA)
06[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 (Same mods as before, +10 HP 6/8, -9 PA) and gets 38." [1d20=17]
[20:13] <Kotono> roll 2d8+58
06[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+58 and gets 67." [2d8=6, 3]
03[20:13] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Tall Man>Antenora>Demedais>Allt he rabble'
[20:14] <Kotono> Antenora's spear penetrates the unnaturally tall man deeply, making his body turn to a shadowy mist that fades away in the Throne Room's air! OOC - Demedais.
[20:14] <Kotono> She also flies 50 feet back after with her boots.
[20:15] <Demedais> "Oh hey look at that an undead monstrosity guarding Albert I wonder why?" Demedais quips, stepping over to quickly slice up the other tall man!
[20:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+24 (+6 Smite, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+24 (+6 Smite, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 35." [1d20=11]
[20:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 21." [1d20=3]
[20:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 15." [1d20=2]
[20:17] <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[20:18] <Kotono> OOC: Isn't it three attacks and one at full attack due to haste? You did them all descending.
[20:18] <Kotono> OOC: Oh wait, smite. Okay.
[20:18] <Kotono> OOC - Two hits.
[20:18] <Demedais> roll 4d6+38 aw boo.
06[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+38 aw boo. and gets 52." [4d6=4, 5, 3, 2]

[Corwin]

[19:25] <Kolunch> > Antenora's spear penetrates the unnaturally tall man deeply, making his body turn to a shadowy mist that fades away in the Throne Room's air! OOC - Demedais.
[19:25] <Kolunch> > She also flies 50 feet back after with her boots.
[19:25] <Kolunch> <Demedais> "Oh hey look at that an undead monstrosity guarding Albert I wonder why?" Demedais quips, stepping over to quickly slice up the other tall man!
[19:25] <Kolunch> <Demedais> roll 1d20+24 (+6 Smite, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
[19:25] <Kolunch> * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+24 (+6 Smite, +4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 35." [1d20=11]
[19:25] <Kolunch> <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
[19:25] <Kolunch> * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 21." [1d20=3]
[19:25] <Kolunch> <Demedais> roll 1d20+13 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
[19:25] <Kolunch> * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+13 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 15." [1d20=2]
[19:25] <Kolunch> <Demedais> roll 1d20+8 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
[19:25] <Kolunch> * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+8 (+4 Law Devotion, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[19:25] <Kolunch> > OOC: Isn't it three attacks and one at full attack due to haste? You did them all descending.
[19:25] <Kolunch> > OOC: Oh wait, smite. Okay.
[19:25] <Kolunch> > OOC - Two hits.
[19:25] <Kolunch> <Demedais> roll 4d6+38 aw boo.
[19:25] <Kolunch> * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 4d6+38 aw boo. and gets 52." [4d6=4, 5, 3, 2]
03[19:25] * Kolunch sets mode: +o Demedais
[19:27] <Kolunch> Demedais grapples and stabs into the tall man, meeting him head on! He cuts deeply into the creature's strange flesh, unnatural wounds parting before his enhanced blade! As this happens, the crowd of soldiers are in confusion! The words of both the party and Prince Albert echo around as the battle rages! OOC - Could one of you three here make a diploc heck? Only one. I'm going to have one of you and Albert make opposed rolls here to see how th
[19:27] <Kolunch> I'm going to have one of you and Albert make opposed rolls here to see how the guards are taking all of this. The other two will be assumed to be aiding another for a +4 modifier to the diplo'ers roll.
[19:29] <Alicia> roll 1d20+33
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+33 and gets 37." [1d20=4]
[19:29] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+29
06[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+29 and gets 48." [1d20=19]
[19:31] <Kolunch> The guards, by and large, side with Prince Albert! Two sprint in front of him, spears brandished with quaking hands. "S-stay away from his M-majesty!" OOC - Deme, they had to pass close to you to protect Albert. You can AoO one if you want.
[19:35] <Demedais> "As I said, I don't want to hurt any of you..." Demedais grimaces, before lashing out at the spear of one of them in an attempt to sunder it!
[19:37] <Kolunch> OOC: Opposed attack rolls. You get a +4 bonus since you have a two handed weapon.
[19:38] <Demedais> roll 1d20+26 (+4 Law Devotion, +4 Two-handed weapon, +1 Haste; presuming Haste/LD apply)
06[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+26 (+4 Law Devotion, +4 Two-handed weapon, +1 Haste; presuming Haste/LD apply) and gets 43." [1d20=17]
[19:38] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+8 (+4 two handed weapon for him, too.)
06[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+8 (+4 two handed weapon for him, too.) and gets 27." [1d20=19]
[19:38] <Kolunch> OOC: Damage.
[19:39] <Demedais> roll 2d6+8
06[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+8 and gets 15." [2d6=5, 2]
[19:40] <Kolunch> CRACK! With all the force he can muster, Demedais just barely manages to sever the wooden haft of the spear! It's now two neatly parted hunks of wood on the ground! Meanwhile, a pair of soldiers charge at Celebrimbor from the sides!
[19:40] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 (+2 charging)
06[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 (+2 charging) and gets 24." [1d20=18]
[19:40] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 (+2 charging)
06[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 (+2 charging) and gets 16." [1d20=10]
[19:45] <Kolunch> roll 1d8+1
06[19:45] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d8+1 and gets 2." [1d8=1]
[19:46] <Kolunch> One of the soldiers manages a scraping wound as Celebrimbor staggers forward closer to Alicia! He glances back at them, "Stand down unless you wish for your life to burn away here!"
[19:47] <Kolunch> Meanwhile, the other four rushing guards go around the side, two going to engage Alicia and two at Antenora! "Surrender! We won't give up like those Sanaxian fools!"
[19:47] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 Alicia
[19:47] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 Alicia
06[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 Alicia and gets 15." [1d20=9]
06[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 Alicia and gets 15." [1d20=9]
[19:47] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 Antenora
[19:47] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+6 Antenora
06[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 Antenora and gets 22." [1d20=16]
06[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+6 Antenora and gets 17." [1d20=11]
[19:47] <Demedais> "Focus on the followers of Shar!" Demedais bellows back. "I'll aim to disarm the soldiers!"
[19:47] <Kolunch> They jab and thrust at the two women, but neither scores anything on them! OOC - Seira.
01[19:50] <Seira> "The lives of those protecting this murderous usurper are forfeit!" Seira declares, gaining altitude again and incidentally getting a better view of the chamber. "Sanaxt fools? Albert's agent Yann is the one who got them killed on his orders. You are the fools. And if you continue staying by his side, you will die with him."
01[19:50] <Seira> An orb of force gathers in Seira's hand, and she reminds to Albert where to focus his attention.
01[19:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 touch
06[19:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+19 touch and gets 26." [1d20=7]
01[19:51] <Seira> roll 10d6
06[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 10d6 and gets 30." [10d6=5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 5, 2, 1, 1, 2]
[19:51] <Kolunch> OOC - Hit.
[19:54] <Kolunch> An orb of force flies out, htiting Albert right int he arm! His flesh breaks at that, a nontrivial wound as he grimaces! Yet more darkness blossoms around, this time engulfing Antenora! Then Albert leaps back past the throne, falling back to the other end of the throne room!
[19:54] <Kolunch> roll 4d6
06[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 4d6 and gets 16." [4d6=5, 5, 4, 2]
[19:55] <Kolunch> Antenora is encased in darkness, as...OOc - Alicia.
06[19:57] * Alicia ducks and weaves away from the two men attacking her and approaches Celebrimbor, channeling a burst of healing spellfire into his body. "Lord Drake, it would please me greatly if you were to remove that eyesore of a Nightwalker from this throneroom," she requests politely.
[19:57] <Alicia> roll 11d4+11
06[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 11d4+11 and gets 34." [11d4=4, 3, 3, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3]
[19:58] <Kolunch> OOC: You'll get an AoO from the spearmen since you're coming within their range. You okay with that?
[19:58] <Alicia> OOC: tumble
[19:58] <Kolunch> OOC: Okay.
[19:58] <Kolunch> Celebrimbor perks up instantly, "I will endevor to end it's existance," he says calmly, concentrating! The empowered manyjaws continue to tear first!
[19:58] <Kolunch> roll 10d6
06[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 10d6 and gets 45." [10d6=3, 4, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 1, 6]
[19:58] <Kolunch> roll 45*1.5
06[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 45*1.5 and gets 67.5."
[19:58] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+11
06[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+11 and gets 25." [1d20=14]
[19:58] <Kolunch> roll 67/2
06[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 67/2 and gets 33.5."
[20:00] <Kolunch> Thereafter, a great acid fireball bursts around the nightwalker, shaping so that it only damages it! There is a flow during it, it's power increasing massively!
[20:00] <Kolunch> OOC: Sudden maximize used.
[20:00] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+11
06[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+11 and gets 22." [1d20=11]
[20:00] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+14 SR
06[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+14 SR and gets 15." [1d20=1]
[20:01] <Kolunch> The fireball bursts with pure acid, but fizzles against the nightwalker! OOC - Tall man is up.
[20:02] <Kolunch> Focusing on Demedais, the tall man gazes at him with horrible eyes, before an unholy blight rips into him again! OOC - Unholy blight makes a fort save, but Deme's immune to the fear gaze. Fort Deme.
[20:02] <Demedais> roll 1d20+18 hehehe demestalllll
06[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+18 hehehe demestalllll and gets 24." [1d20=6]
[20:03] <Kolunch> roll 5d8 quarter this
06[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 5d8 quarter this and gets 18." [5d8=3, 5, 3, 3, 4]
[20:03] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+21 SR first too
06[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+21 SR first too and gets 25." [1d20=4]
[20:03] <Kolunch> OOC: No damage.
[20:03] <Kolunch> Demedais simply resists the spell, blotting it out as if it had never been cast! OOC - Antenora.
[20:04] <Demedais> "Hmph, pathetic!" Demedais growls at the tall man.
[20:05] <Kolunch> Still sagging in the air, Antenora charges forward to the tlal man! She throws alls he has into this, spear throbbing with white light!
[20:05] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+20 (+2 charge, +1 fly, +2 FS 6/9 heh, +7 smite 0/3 left, -12 PA)
06[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+20 (+2 charge, +1 fly, +2 FS 6/9 heh, +7 smite 0/3 left, -12 PA) and gets 25." [1d20=5]
[20:06] <Kolunch> roll 2d8+1d6+70
06[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 2d8+1d6+70 and gets 85." [2d8=7, 2][1d6=6]
03[20:08] * Kolunch changes topic to 'Seira>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Antenora>Demedais>Allt he rabble'
[20:08] <Kolunch> As weak screamse echo from the darkness Antenora escapes, she stabs the nightwalker in the head! It's body rippled before falling apart, into shadowystuff and then oblivion! OOC - Deme.
01[20:08] <Seira> "And then, there was one!"
[20:10] <Demedais> "Indeed." Demedais replies to Seira, before quickly aiming to sunder the other guard's spear!
[20:10] <Demedais> OOC: Accepting AoO attempt.
[20:10] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+4
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5." [1d20=1]
[20:11] <Kolunch> OOC - Caryr on. Opposed attack rolls.
[20:11] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+8
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16." [1d20=8]
[20:11] <Demedais> roll 1d20+22 (+4 Law Devotion, +4 Two-handed weapon, +1 Haste, -4 PA)
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 1d20+22 (+4 Law Devotion, +4 Two-handed weapon, +1 Haste, -4 PA) and gets 38." [1d20=16]
[20:11] <Demedais> roll 2d6+16
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Demedais rolls 2d6+16 and gets 22." [2d6=3, 3]
[20:12] <Kolunch> CRACK! This spear is obliterated as well, shattered! As this ripples through...OOC - Make another set of diplo checks? One of you make a check with a +4 for aiding and an additional +2 untyped bonus.
[20:12] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+29
06[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+29 and gets 38." [1d20=9]
[20:12] <Alicia> roll 1d20+35
06[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+35 and gets 49." [1d20=14]
[20:13] <Demedais> "Listen well, those who would guard this corrupt king." Demedais calls out in his sword-swing. "We must perform our duty. What Seira says is true; men of your own king struck Sanaxt down. We have come to end this plague upon your land."
[20:13] <Kolunch> At this, with magic and darkness and power being thrown around the throne room like nothing at all, the guards break! Several of them turn and fall back, while others freeze up! One even turns to Albert, "It can't be true, the rumor..." OOC - Guards aren't doing anything effective this round, they aren't hindering you. You're up, Seira.
06[20:13] * Seira dives at Albert across the throne room, wings folded behind her for better gliding as she races alongside Lagann's blade to put everything she has into this one strike and make it count!
01[20:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+26 (+1 fly, +2 heroism, +2 charge) diving, smite
06[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 (+1 fly, +2 heroism, +2 charge) diving, smite and gets 34." [1d20=8]
[20:14] <Kolunch> OOC - Hit.
[20:15] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+8 Lagann
06[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+8 Lagann and gets 12." [1d20=4]
01[20:15] <Seira> roll 6d8+22+6d8
06[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+22+6d8 and gets 65." [6d8=4, 8, 2, 2, 1, 7][6d8=3, 1, 5, 4, 4, 2]
06[20:16] * Seira flips back afterwards. "Even your own men are deserting you, Albert! Your vile reign has come to an end!"
[20:17] <Kolunch> Seira manages to cut into his stomach, a serious wound on the King! Despite that he spreads his arms wide and smiles, blood staining his clothes! "Then so be it! Let everything fall into oblivion! But now..." His gaze travels through the room, settling on Alicia! He rushes forward with inhuman speed, running into her with fists blazing with arcane power. "You, in the name of Shar, DIE!"
[20:20] <Kolunch> roll 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +6 level six spell sacced(2 6th, 3 4th)
06[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 1d20+25 (+2 charge, +6 level six spell sacced(2 6th, 3 4th) and gets 40." [1d20=15]
[20:21] <Kolunch> 2d8+6+24d4
06[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 2d8+6+24d4 and gets 79." [2d8=7, 5][24d4=1, 2, 3, 3, 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 2, 3, 1, 4, 4]
[20:21] <Kolunch> OOC: +1 vile as well.
[20:21] <Alicia> OOC: see #e
[20:21] <Kolunch> OOC: Strike that action then.
[20:29] <Kolunch> Seira manages to cut into his stomach, a serious wound on the King! Despite that he spreads his arms wide and smiles, blood staining his clothes! "Then so be it! Let everything fall into oblivion! It's too late to stop it! This entire region will break into war!" A moment later he makes arcane words, vanishing from sight!
[20:31] <Kolunch> OOC: Alicia.
01[20:31] <Seira> "Get the doors!" Seira screams. "He can't be allowed to escape!"
[20:32] <Alicia> "Lord Drake, if you would cover the rear exit?" Alicia asks, taking out a freshly purchased scroll and casting from it to erect an invisible wall of force over the currently open main door. Anyone running into that will be in for a rude surprise.
[20:32] <Kolunch> Holding one of her ravaged arms briefly, "You're mad," Antenora calls, "You have a life anyone else in the kingdom would dream of! Why Shar? Why bring so much suffering? You had a choice!"
[20:33] <Kolunch> Celebrimbor does likewise, invisible walls of force springing over each doorway and sealing them! OOC - Deme.
06[20:35] * Demedais grimaces at this. "You've heard his words, guardsmen of Kesse." he tosses out to the guards. "He himself wishes for this entire region to fall into chaos - is that who you want to serve?" OOC: Holding for now, can't do much.
06[20:35] * Seira springs into the air once more, getting fifteen feet up for a better vantage point before calling upon the magic to break through Albert's attempts at evading a tortured death.
[20:36] <Kolunch> The guards are rattled, some turning to listen to Demedais with apined, shocked faces! Other stare at where Albert vanished! OOC - PM Seira.
06[20:40] * Seira flies ten feet closer to the wall, gesturing with the Resort at the invisible would-be king of Kesse. "He cowers piteously here," Seira proclaims. "Demedais, cut off his escape with your wall of fire. Let's smoke him out like a wild animal!"
[20:41] <Demedais> "I know it's not easy to believe or imagine, but...!" Demedais turns at this! "Very well!" At the area Seira points at, Demedais erects a half-circle of broiling water in that section of the room, forcing all the heat inward like an oven!
[20:42] <Kolunch> OOC: roll a d100? 51-100 means youa ctually get him in the wall,s ince you're somewhat guessing here with invis.
[20:43] <Kolunch> OOC: Otherwise it'll just be the 2d4 for within 10ft damage.
[20:44] <Demedais> OOC: He can take the 2d4, I'm more interested in pinning him in.
[20:44] <Kolunch> roll 2d4
06[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Kolunch rolls 2d4 and gets 4." [2d4=3, 1]
[20:45] <Demedais> "Oh, and... stay away from that wall, you guys, it hurts." Demedais notes to the guards, his attention toward the wall fading almost instantly.
03[20:46] * Kolunch changes topic to 'Seira>Demedais>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Antenora>Allt he rabble'
[20:47] <Kolunch> The wall forms around Albert, heat boiling him inside of it, glimpsed! Albert holds his stomach, arcane energies whirling as his wounds rejuvenate slightly! OOC - Alicia and Celebrimbor are up again.
06[20:47] * Alicia pulls down her blindfold of blindsight and starts walking towards the large wall of boiling water.
[20:48] <Kolunch> Alicia approaches close to it, not quite in range! Celebrimbor holds his magic for the moment as well! Antenora mends her wounds in the meantime! OOC: +10 HP 5/9. Rabble is up.
[20:48] <Kolunch> "What's goin gon," One of the disarmed guards gawks at the wall of water, as others are transfixed and scared! OOC - Seira, you're up.
[20:49] <Alicia> "Kort killed Denegren with a pillow. I killed Kort with a stick. Now we see whether Albert gets boiled to death or jumps onto Seira's sword," Alicia helpfully informs the guards.
06[20:50] * Seira dives at Albert again!
01[20:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+26
06[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 and gets 31." [1d20=5]
[20:50] <Kolunch> OOC - Hit.
01[20:50] <Seira> roll 6d8+22
06[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 6d8+22 and gets 48." [6d8=1, 1, 8, 6, 5, 5]
01[20:51] <Seira> "I am merciful, aren't I?" Seira asks Albert, twisting the blade in his gut. "I am. I won't let you say I'm not, because I'm killing you quickly instead of the years of torture you deserve. This is my mercy."
06[20:52] * Seira steps back afterwards, looking at Albert with an eerie smile.
[20:53] <Kolunch> Diving forward, Seira splashes through the wall! AS she does, her invisibility seeing eyes let her see Albert see the look ofs hock on his face as the Second Resort goes deep into his gut! One of his hands goes up to it, motes of arcane fire forming and fizzling! "Guh...No..regrets...brother...sister..." His eyes look at Seira, unfocused and shutting. "You think...you've..." Then his words cease, blood flowing out of his wounds as he goes stil
[20:53] <Kolunch> hen his words cease, blood flowing out of his wounds as he goes still. OOC - Free act.
01[20:54] <Seira> "Won?" Seira asks, throwing her head back and laughing. "Yes! The Sharran leaders are all dead!"
[20:55] <Kolunch> Antenora sags at that, leaning on her spear as she sighs deeply. "Ugh." Supporting herself up and looking around at the stunned guards, she goes to walk towards Alicia.
[20:55] <Alicia> Hearing Albert's death rattle, Alicia pushes her blindfold back up so she can see normally. "Well, this didn't go at all according to plan, but we've achieved or original aims," she remarks. As Antenora approachs, Alicia channels some spellfire into her wounded frame.
[20:55] <Alicia> roll 11d4+11
06[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 11d4+11 and gets 34." [11d4=4, 2, 1, 3, 1, 1, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1]
06[20:55] * Demedais bows his head for a moment at this, before turning to the guards. "There is, so far as our knowledge goes, no other Sharran support in the castle. At the very least, I will be back to explain the full story, as far as I know it."
01[20:56] <Seira> "You!" Seira calls out to no single guard in particular, merely resting her eyes on all those nearby in turn. "Bring the captain of the guard here, and any army generals you have in the capital!"
[20:58] <Demedais> "Seira, he has the ring?" Demedais inquires.
06[21:02] * Seira calls upon Lagann to seek out all that which was taken from her by force and deceit that Albert's corspe might have in response to Demedais's query, her glare daring any of the gathered Kessians to disagree with her voiced orders.
[21:26] <Kolunch> A few of the guards flee out at that, the Throne Room mostly empty. The party has a few moments. On searching him, Seira finds her ring of spellstoring as well as Seira's staff. He also has an amulet around his neck, a black belt around his waist under his clothes and a ring with the insignia of KEsse on his other hand.
06[21:27] * Alicia drops the wall of force after a few guards bump into it, proceeding to channel a voice of the archon spell into hell striker and approach Seira. "This'll help you negotiate," she tells her before bopping the half-dragon lightly.
[21:27] <Kolunch> He also has the Elven Ring of Teleportation in his pocket.
[21:28] <Alicia> After improving Seira's people skills, Alicia goes to see if any of those felled by the wild attacks of Albert and the Nightwalkers still breathe, asking Antenora to do the same.
06[21:28] * Demedais assists Alicia and Antenora.
06[21:28] * Seira dips her head in a curt nod. "Thanks. This war was never against Kesse's people, and I'll try to make them see reason." Taking the elven ring, she approaches Celebrimbor, straining to keep a neutral expression. "We finally got it back."
[21:29] <Kolunch> The three search and look! The ones caught in it are blighted into obivion or frozen solid, save one. One was grazed by an unholy blight, still breathing.
[21:29] <Kolunch> "At last," Celebrimbor sighs in relief. "Once this matter is soon resolved, I can settle this affair with King Lorthan.
[21:29] <Kolunch> "
06[21:30] * Alicia gets him back on his feet with her Mystra granted healing ability.
01[21:30] <Seira> "I'll come with you," Seira promises. "I won't let you shield me from my mistakes. Think... think he might like something from the dragon we slew? Shadow dragons are rare here, aren't they?"
[21:32] <Kolunch> "It would be a good offering," A short nod ot SEira, as the others get the man helped up! He grimaces and looks about, dazed still. As he does, a man comes striding in. He wears a well polished breastplate and a plumed helmet made of adamantine. He has a fierce, bushy beard and mustache, a saber at his hip. "What in the name of Kelemvor is going on here?" he asks.
01[21:32] <Seira> "Who might you be?" Seira asks, striding over to meet him.
[21:33] <Alicia> "Fight's over, relax," Alicia tells the wounded man gently before she goes over to stand near Seira with all the imposing presence she can muster.
[21:33] <Kolunch> "General Andram," he says sharply, "Where is HIs Majesty?"
01[21:35] <Seira> "I am Seira, Colonel in the Crimson Guard of the United Baronies," she announces, ignoring that question for the time being. "Albert Kesse and his siblings, Kort Kesse and Armanda Kesse, committed numerous acts of war against our nation and its citizens. Our attempts to resolve this diplomatically failed when I was attacked on a peaceful mission to your land a few days ago. Now, we've returned.
01[21:35] <Seira> I ask of you, General Andram, is this aggression an indication that Kesse itself intends to fight the Baronies to the bitter end, much like Albert's aggression against the royal house of Sanaxt?"
[21:39] <Kolunch> "What are the Baronies?" He asks as he listens, puzzlement in his voice. "We have a war against Sanaxt, but that has nothing to do with..." He starts and then pales, "What? Albert did that?"
[21:40] <Kolunch> Antenora hovers back as all this happens, staying close to Alicia stilll.
01[21:40] <Seira> "All that and more, General," Seira tells him. "Underneath Halla there is a vile temple to Shar where unspeakable tortures and sacrifices to that dark goddess were being committed by those three and their followers for years." She can't restrain the shudder that goes through her at that. "Albert, being the ringleader, sent agents to many countries both near and far. One of them was the United Baronies."
[21:42] <Kolunch> "Why?" He asks, dazed as he stares baout the damaged, iced, darkened and boiled throne room. "Princ...King...Albert ordered us to secure the border and attack Sanaxt while it was in disarray, but I never imagined he had anything to do with that. IT was just good tactical sense..."
01[21:43] <Seira> "We in the Baronies are of the opinion that when the crown prince smothers his ailing father with a pillow, neither he nor his co-conspirators can rightfully enjoy the ensuing benefits," Seira tells him matter-of-factly. "Therefore, we are inclined not to see him as Kesse's monarch and thus not have his acts represent Kesse."
[21:43] <Alicia> "I understand the leadership of Sanaxt was frozen by arcane cold?" Alicia speaks up, glancing meaningfully at the iced over corpses of Kesse's guards. "Albert's two oddly tall guards are responsible for all the ice you see here, and likely did the same thing in Sanaxt."
[21:44] <Kolunch> "That was the rumo..." he begins, before looking ot the ice and paling. "Oh KElemvor..." he mutters, "Did you say Shar?" The Black Bitch?"
01[21:45] <Seira> "Tactical sense," Seira muses, seemingly to herself. "The last time we were attacked in such a base way, we waged war alongside our allied nation of Pallanth. The barony of Valandia joined us as a result, and Malmuth was in need of new leadership. Here, we won't even need to lift a finger beyond providing proof to Sanaxt of who is truly responsible. Proof we hold."
[21:46] <Kolunch> "I see..." Looking to Seira, "You said you're willing to consider these actions the actions of a man that did not represent Kesse?"
01[21:47] <Seira> "We are willing to go one step farther," Seira tells him, returning the look evenly. "We can work towards settling the war with Sanaxt before further bloodshed takes place. We can also work closely with you to hunt down the rest of Albert's agents, sleepers and other worshippers."
[21:48] <Alicia> "At the time we were first attacked, King Denegren ruled Kesse," Alicia interjects. "Kort's murder of his father proves that the ruler of Kesse at the time was not involved with the conspirators."
06[21:49] * Seira nods at that. "Alicia is right. Albert's short reign could be overlooked, which is my intention if these negotiations succeed."
[21:50] <Kolunch> "There is much to do, but..." General Andram looks to all the destruction, "There's no helping it then, is there? Princess Giselle is in her room...in this crisis, she may have to become Queen."
01[21:51] <Seira> "She has been wronged by her siblings," Seira says neutrally. "If she can overcome that, then her allegience, at least, is not in doubt."
06[21:52] * Demedais nods as well, looking over the men. "That is likely, but it is possible that she will need counseling; the effects of her siblings on her, from our understanding, is... harsh."
01[21:52] <Seira> "It is not something we should discuss in detail under this setting."
06[21:52] * Alicia nods in agreement with Seira.
06[21:53] * Demedais nods silently, stepping back.
[21:53] <Kolunch> With a slight darkening of his face, "There is much to do, but..." he nods. "Until that time, I will take control. I will send orders to have the army pull back and cease the attacks."
01[21:55] <Seira> "If you draft an offer of a cease fire, I will ensure that the current Sanaxt leadership gets it," Seira tells him. "Also, cold as that might sound, we want to keep an eye on things. Not all of the sleeper agents have been ferreted out just yet, and one would be enough to wreck things yet again. Since we took an active role, we'll keep at it until things have been resolved to our satisfaction."
02[21:58] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Client exited)
[22:00] <Kolunch> "Very well," The general nods. Soon matters progress that evening, and as night passes into it's short summer dance, the party goes to Giselle's quarters. Seira and Alicia enter, Antenora trailing behind her. Giselle sits on her bed, wearing a simple nightgown of silk. Her gaze is downward, to the ground.
[22:01] <Kolunch> A set of guards come with them, as well as General Andram.
01[22:01] <Seira> "Your Highness," Seira greets her with a nod.
[22:01] <Alicia> "Majesty," Alicia corrects in a whispered aside, since she just got promoted from princess to queen.
[22:01] <Kolunch> "What is all this," she asks quietly, "General? What is going on?"
06[22:03] * Seira hopes this visit to a Kesse princess goes better than the previous one. "There is no way to sugarcoat it, Highness. Shar ordered your siblings to strike at us, and while taking quite a toll from us, we endured and retaliated."
[22:03] <Kolunch> "Princess Giselle." Taking a moment to come forward and kneel before her, "Your brother, Prince Albert...is dead. In this time of crisis, you are the only surviving royal who can immediately take the throne. Under these circumstances, a Queen is acceptable."
[22:04] <Kolunch> Giselle half listens to the general, eyes jerking up as Shar is mentioned. Her face smiles at that, "Oh, did she?" she asks, "And Albert is dead?" Her voice is...disinterested. Deathly calm.
01[22:04] <Seira> "We have also freed your consorts from his grasp," Seira proceeds. "They are alive, though a full recovery will take a long time."
[22:05] <Alicia> "As is Armanda," Alicia adds, eyeing Giselle and recalling Marie's description of the sisterly abuse she doled out on Giselle.
01[22:05] <Seira> At the mention of Armanda, Seira can't conceal a scowl.
[22:07] <Kolunch> "Heh...Albert is dead..." Laugher goes through her, a dead, cold freezing laugh. "Hahahahahahguh!" Her laughter chokes at that, a sharp look at Seira. "...what?" Her face starts to twitch, "T...I was never to see them again! Where are they? WHERE ARE THEY?" Abrupty Giselle springs up,grabbing Seira by the arm. "Kort...no..." her voice coldens again, "You won't make me cry this time. Not again. I know this is a trick. I know this is a trick. I
[22:07] <Kolunch> I know this is a trick. I know this is a trick. I know this is a trick." Letting Seira's arm go, Giselle starts to rock back and forth. "I'll feel alive again, brother. I willl. I will."
[22:08] <Alicia> "No," Alicia goes and puts her hand on Giselle's shoulder. "Kort's gone. You're safe - none of them can ever hurt you again," she tries to encourage the poor woman.
06[22:08] * Seira looks at Alicia. "Could you take us to the temple of Mystra in Kelara along with Princess Giselle and several of her bodyguards?" she asks. "It might be the only way."
[22:10] <Kolunch> "No...Kort is never gone! They're always here!" Whirling onto Alicia, giggling ferciously like she can't stop, "I know this is a trick, brother! You're making me see all of this! I won't let you see me cry again!"
06[22:11] * Seira adds for General Andram's benefit, "Even under those inhumane conditions, they only thought of the Princess and wished for her health. If seeing them alive could help both sides on the way to recovery, we have to try it."
[22:11] <Kolunch> General Andram stands, looking at Giselle with a long, contained sigh. "Princess..." he says, "It may be best, yes.We have little choice under these exceptional circumstances."
06[22:12] * Seira takes a step to hold her arms around Giselle, not thinking about what is appropriate at the moment. "We understand," she whispers to her. "Just a little bit, perhaps, but we understand. Find within yourself to trust another just one more time."
[22:12] <Alicia> "They may be alive, but they're hardly well," Alicia notes in a worried whisper before returning her attention to the new queen. "Giselle?" she speaks in a motherly tone, stroking the distraught woman's hair, "Please, it's alright. I'm going to take you to see them. It's a safe place, you'll be alright coming with us."
01[22:14] <Seira> "They need hope above all else," Seira tells Alicia, though her words are intended for everyone. "Only Princess Giselle can give it to them right now. Not us, and not the priests."
[22:18] <Kolunch> Giselle twitches, "Prove it," she says sharply, "I command it! Prove it!" she shakes.
01[22:19] <Seira> With the rings of teleportation, Seira could get them back on course in the rare chance of an accident. However, she only has one reliable charge in them, and defers to Alicia. "Five people, which means two guards, correct?"
[22:20] <Alicia> "Come with us and I will," Alicia tells her, not being able to teleport an unwilling subject. "Just relax and trust me, please." Glancing back at Seira she nods briefly. "You, me, Giselle, the general, and one of his men?"
06[22:22] * Seira stills holds onto Giselle, and pulls her head back just enough to give the princess a tentative smile. "You've made the right choice. Decent people really do exist. It's alright to trust; we'll prove it to you right now."

[Corwin]

[20:08] <Kotono> <Seira> "They need hope above all else," Seira tells Alicia, though her words are intended for everyone. "Only Princess Giselle can give it to them right now. Not us, and not the priests."
[20:08] <Kotono[20:08] <Kotono> <Seira> "They need hope above all else," Seira tells Alicia, though her words are intended for everyone. "Only Princess Giselle can give it to them right now. Not us, and not the priests."
[20:08] <Kotono> > Giselle twitches, "Prove it," she says sharply, "I command it! Prove it!" she shakes.
[20:08] <Kotono> <Seira> With the rings of teleportation, Seira could get them back on course in the rare chance of an accident. However, she only has one reliable charge in them, and defers to Alicia. "Five people, which means two guards, correct?"
[20:08] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Come with us and I will," Alicia tells her, not being able to teleport an unwilling subject. "Just relax and trust me, please." Glancing back at Seira she nods briefly. "You, me, Giselle, the general, and one of his men?"
[20:08] <Kotono> * Seira stills holds onto Giselle, and pulls her head back just enough to give the princess a tentative smile. "You've made the right choice. Decent people really do exist. It's alright to trust; we'll prove it to you right now."
[20:09] <Kotono> "You two," General Andram gestures to two guards, "Go with her."
[20:10] <Kotono> With a cracking smile, "Okay. But I'll find a way to get you when it's a lie, Kort!"
[20:11] <Alicia> "Antenora, stay with Lord Drake and Demedais until we get back?" Alicia asks the erinyes before having everyone join hands. She's somewhat worried that seeing the state of her former paramours won't really help Giselle, but maybe she's wrong. "We're going to the temple of Mystra in Kelara. It's the safest place in the world from Shar's influence." At that, she whisks them all away!
[20:11] <Alicia> roll 1d100
05[20:11] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:11] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[20:11] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:11] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 83." [1d100=83]
[20:14] <Kotono> The Temple of Mystra's main altar room is quiet. The night has passed over Kelara deeply, the silences of rest muting everything. It is so quiet that you can hear your own breathing, not a soul immediately around you.
[20:16] <Alicia> "Come with me," Alicia instructs, heading to the quarters that Taldeer earlier mentioned the maimed victims of Shar were staying in while they did their scrying.
06[20:17] * Seira hovers close to Giselle, ready to support her should the need arise.
[20:18] <Kotono> It's deep and in the back of thet emple. The hallways are dim, only a few light sorces that shed eternal light adding any illumination. The guards follow dutifully, casting little gazes about when they have chances. Giselle walks along upright.  They are in three seperate rooms next to each other, each one with a closed door. A scroll nailed to the door says, 'Do not disturb without permission of the Dweomerkeeper!'.
06[20:21] * Alicia thinks these are special circumstances, and she doesn't really want to wake Taldeer for this. On the other hand, she's an elf and doesn't even sleep - she probably won't trance until well after midnight. "Just a moment and I'll get Dweomerkeeper Taldeer," she says. She's pretty sure Giselle was never involved with the dwarf and doesn't want to disturb him with this...
[20:22] <Kotono> Thus the tohers wait. As Alicia goes, Giselle looks aroudn imperiously. "I'm not going to break down while you make me wait," she says aloud.
[20:22] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Alicia hurried to get Taldeer. She's in her chambers, roused from reading and coming to meet Alicia. "What do you need at this late hour," she asks.
06[20:22] * Seira can't really say anything to that.
[20:23] <Alicia> "We've almost concluded our business in Kesse," Alicia begins. "The new Queen knew some of the Sharran victims and wanted to see them. Firstly do you mind us disturbing them, and secondly which ones are in which rooms?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "I see. You have permission; there are acolytes in there with them constantly. Knock on the doors. The dwarf is in the leftmost and the humans are in the other two."
[20:25] <Alicia> "Got it, thank you," Alicia nods. "I'll catch up with you later?" After that she returns to the Kessian contingent and delicately raps her knuckles on the middle door.
06[20:32] * Seira steels herself for coming face to face with the rescued prisoners once more.
[20:33] <Kotono> "Yes," A woman's voice calls gently from the room. "Who is it?"
[20:34] <Alicia> "It's Alicia," Alicia begins. "I have Princess Giselle with me to see our guest." She really wishes she'd had time to get their names.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Oh, honored champion of Mystra. The dweomerkeeper said you might come. Please, enter." the woman calls back.
03[20:36] * taizombie is now known as taicls
06[20:36] * Seira glances at Giselle. "As Alicia said, it won't be easy. But there's nothing that can't be overcome."
06[20:36] * Alicia blushes a bit. "No need to lay it on so thick," she demurs, nonetheless opening the door and stepping inwards, holding it open for Giselle.
[20:38] <Kotono> The door is opened! Giselle merely glances at Seira, "Such l-" she begins, her gaze taking in the room! A large window shows night, a bed laying besides it. Here the armless and legless man lies, covered save for his face. His eyesockets have a gentle white cloth put over them, blindfolded. Giselle stares for several long seconds, frozen in place.
[20:40] <Alicia> "Do you recognise him?" Alicia asks in a gentle whisper.
06[20:40] * Seira forces herself to step inside the room, waiting on further reaction from Giselle.
[20:43] <Kotono> "Hah...hah...hahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhaahahahahahaaaahaaahaaaaaaaaaaaahahhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Giselle doubles over, laughing! Roaring with it she turns to Seira and Alicia, "YOU BASTARDS! IT WASN'T ENOUGH, WAS IT? IT'S NEVER ENOUGH FOR YOU!" Her voice turns into a scream, as a broad smile cracks her face open. "NEVER ENOUGH! YOU CAN DO YOUR WORST! RIP MY WOMB OUT, ALBERT! I'LL FIND A WAY TO FEEL ALIVE! YOU WON'T FOOL ME!"
[20:45] <Alicia> Vindication, it is such a sad thing. "It wasn't us!" Alicia insists, grabbing Giselle's arms. "Albert is dead! So are Kort and Armanda! We killed them!"
[20:45] <Kotono> The guards shrink back at this, staring with mouths agape.
01[20:46] <Seira> "Can you only think of yourself when someone who needs your help lies here?" Seira asks her, taking Giselle's head and forcing her to look at the bed. "Yes, they were scum, and what they did to you was inhuman. But like Alicia said, they're dead now! If you don't get past that, you're just letting them win in the end!"
[20:46] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check, -20?
01[20:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 26." [1d20=12]
[20:56] <Kotono> GIselle whirls onto Seira, "You're lying to me," she snaps! "ALWAYS LYING!"
[20:56] <Kotono> "Ugh...Gi..selle..." The maimed man murmurs now, "Giselle...?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "So this is a lie?" Seira asks her, gesturing at the bed. "A lie?! The only lies being told here are those you use for yourself, to protect herself. But a queen doesn't have the luxury of retreating into a safe little world in her head. And neither does a woman who has people she loves, which need her help right now to get better."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Everything is a lie!" Grimacing at those words, looking between the man and Seira, going back and forth, Giselle shudders.
01[21:03] <Seira> "Go on, then," Seira says, gesturing at the bed once more. "If it's just a lie made to torment you, and not the reality you run away from, kill the man lying there with your own two hands!"
[21:03] <Alicia> "It's not," Alicia speaks up simply, adopting a more gentle tack. "This is reality. It hurts, it's unfair, and you wish you could have something better... but this is what we have to live with."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Giselle...oh...please, let that be you, Giselle? Do you remember?" The man's voice is horribly raspy, the female acolyte going to get a bit of water for him. "Please, Giselle, let me feel your hand on my chest again! Let me smell you! Please! Please don't be another dream!"
01[21:09] <Seira> "You know this is not a lie, Giselle," Seira says quietly, laying her hands on the princess's shoulders and leaning forward to rest her forehead against the older woman's. "Teleportation magic only works on the willing. Back in Kesse, you agreed to trust us. You realized the truth. You're just... you're just scared to accept it, but you don't have to be alone for that."
[21:12] <Kotono> "No!"Snapping as she turns away from Seira and Alicia, tears starting to come, "You're dead..you have to be dead and gone. They wouldn't..." She shakes all over again, "Grantire..."
[21:15] <Alicia> "Please, Giselle. Just talk to him?" Alicia asks softly. "Listen to what he has to say? Let him hear your voice?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Giselle...PLEASE!" The maimed man pleads. OOC - Make your own diplo check, Alicia. -17 mod.
[21:18] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 should've cast voice of the archon on myself
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 should've cast voice of the archon on myself and gets 20." [1d20=8]
[21:21] <Kotono> Giselle wavers long, listening, looking back and forth. For several moments she's paralysed, shaking like a leaf. Then, with nary a sound, runs outof the room.
06[21:23] * Alicia sighs. "These things take time..." Looking towards the maimed man. "I'm sorry... Grantire? Her siblings hurt her deeply, it may be a while before she's ready to see you again."
[21:23] <Kotono> Grantire leans forward, as if seeing with his lost eyes, "That was her? Was it really her?"
06[21:23] * Seira doesn't need another excuse to leave the room, running after Giselle.
[21:26] <Kotono> The guards follow suit after Giselle, as the female acolyte goes to him. "It's alright," she soothes him quickly, while glancing at Alicia.
[21:26] <Alicia> "It was," Alicia nods, letting Seira handle Giselle rather than crowding her. "She's the Queen, now. But after what she's been put through I'm not sure she's ready for the role..." Shaking her head she approaches the limbless figure on the bed. "I'm sorry your reunion went like this."
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC: #evil, Seira.

---

[21:28] <Kotono> ---
[21:29] <Kotono> Giselle runs out of the room, having a head start! Seira is able to catch up to her in oneof the many halls of the temple, where Giselle has falled to her knees. She hugs herself, eyes wide.
01[21:32] <Seira> "It's terrible," Seira tells her, kneeling before the princess. "I know. I was held alongside them. I made it out with a bruised eye, but my longtime familiar was murdered in that vile place. And then I had to flee, leaving the other prisoners behind.
01[21:32] <Seira> Did I earn the right to retreat from reality, yet, or should I go into how I fled the prison to Shar's own realm, surrounded by thousands and thousands of her servants circling me and singing the doom of all I hold dear?" Seira scowls. "I understand the desire for an escape, believe me.
01[21:32] <Seira> I even went for it for a brief moment, but someone pulled me away from the brink. Right now, right here, I want to do that for you."
06[21:33] * Seira extends a hand to Giselle. "Take it. Please."
[21:35] <Kotono> Does Giselle hear? She makes no sign of if she does at first, staring straight ahead at nothing. She does wince when Shar is said, a visible, horrible wince. That seems to shake her a little, mkaing her gaze go to Seira's hand as it's presented to her.
01[21:36] <Seira> "Do you want to feel alive?" Seira tells her, hoping that those words, at least, would cause a reaction. "Help these people. You can do that, now. You are the only one who can."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Alive..." Giselle whimpers loudly.
01[21:40] <Seira> "I can heal their bodies," Seira promises, her hand trembling. "If I call on an important favor, I can do that! But it won't amount to a thing if there's nothing for them to come back to! If their minds remain hopelessly torn apart by the tortures visited upon them! Giselle, please! You've trusted me once. This second promise, from me to you, it's not a lie either!"
[21:45] <Kotono> Tears start to flow from Giselle, starting with little trickles but expanding into heady sobs within a few moments. She looks tup Seira as she does, "Why? Why? Why...why are you doing this to me?" She takes the hand, before collasping against Seira with all her weight.
01[21:47] <Seira> "I told you," Seira says quietly, placing her other arm around Giselle to hug her. "I wouldn't be here, if someone didn't do the same for me. You're not alone, Giselle. I won't let that happen."
[21:47] <Kotono> No reply, just hectic sobbing and a few burbles of laughter.
01[21:49] <Seira> All Seira can do is hold Giselle for as long as she wants to be held by someone, simply being there for her.
[21:51] <Kotono> Giselle sobs and goes quiet for a time. As this happens Alicia comes up on them, the guards hanging back for now. It's peaceful for a little while...until Seira notices Giselle's breathing has slowed, as if she's fallen asleep.
06[21:52] * Seira sees if she can shift Giselle around to move her without waking her up.
[21:53] <Kotono> It's not hard - she's against Seira but doesn't look to be stirring. She's out pretty good.
06[21:55] * Seira rises to her feet, cradling Giselle to her protectively, and approaches Alicia after a glance around.
[21:55] <Kotono> It's quiet here. Not much is stirring in the temple at this hour.
[21:56] <Alicia> Seeing that Giselle's sleeping, Alicia offers, "Lets take her home and put her in bed?"
06[21:57] * Seira nods, her gaze lingering on the princess. "It's so frustrating," she says quietly. "But I think she has the strength to pull through."
[21:58] <Alicia> "You can't expect her to recover in a few minutes from years of systematic abuse," Alicia shakes her head sadly. "All we can do is give it time and hope she gets the support she needs." Glancing at the two guards, "You two ready to return to Kesse?"
01[21:59] <Seira> "Recover? No," Seira says sadly. "But--" She shakes her head. "I can't leave it like that and make it someone else's problem, either. I have a responsibility towards her."
[22:00] <Kotono> "O-of course," one nods quickly.
01[22:01] <Seira> "If I hear rumors spreading about this," Seira warns, letting it off at that.
[22:02] <Kotono> The other nods quickly, "We won't say a word, ma'am."
[22:02] <Alicia> "Can it really be worse than the rumours that she's a misbehaving slut?" Alicia asks coldly. "It might do people good to understand that she was the only one in the family with the sense to reject Shar, even with all it cost her."
[22:04] <Kotono> The guards blanch at those words, but merely nod and go to Giselle's side protectively.
06[22:04] * Alicia lets the matter drop and teleports everyone back to Giselle's bedroom. Hopefully.
05[22:05] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#evildunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[22:05] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #evildunes
03[22:05] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[22:05] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually
06[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually and gets 48." [1d100=48]
[22:05] <Kotono> Woosh! Giselle's bedroom still has soldiers waiting there, as well as General Andram. "Well?" he asks as the group appears.
01[22:06] <Seira> "I believe the princess made progress in dealing," Seira tells him. "But we will need to wait until morning to truly find out, and real recovery is still long in the future."
[22:08] <Kotono> "Of course. But for now, there are other matters. If you'd come with me," he asks.
06[22:10] * Seira is loathe to part with Giselle at this point, but she made another promise, this one to stop the war from claiming needless victims. She brushes her hand through Giselle's hair, vowing to return as soon as she is able, and hopefully, before the princess awakens.

---

[21:29] <Kotono> "What happened to her," he asks in a cracking voice. "She was the brightest person I know. That was her voice...but itw asn't her."
[21:31] <Alicia> "Kort, Albert, and Armanda... they could torture you as they pleased. But they couldn't harm their sister, at least not in any way that could be seen..." Alicia pulls up a chair opposite the one used by the acolyte. "So instead they tried to break her mind."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Oh Gods..." Grantire whimpers with his entire body, "They'd do that, too. "
06[21:34] * Alicia reaches over to pat his shoulder. "They can't hurt her or anyone else ever again. But... they still cast long shadows even when gone."
[21:36] <Kotono> "They're dead...thank you for that, at least." Turning towards Alicia, "You have a kind voice. Promise me something...I'm a ruined shell of a man. I don't want to live any longer..I'm so tired. Could you...make sure Giselle is taken care of?"
[21:39] <Alicia> "I'll do what I can for her, but I promise you I'll find a way to heal the three of you," Alicia tells him seriously. "Please, hang on until then?" she clasps his shoulder tightly.
[21:40] <Kotono> "Alright," he says, "I've waited so long...but if you fail...set me free," he asks, "Of this ruined body.:"
[21:43] <Alicia> "Please don't ask that," Alicia's voice catches a little. "I won't fail, though. Even if there's no one in the world who can cast the spell to regenerate your body, I've been to others."
[21:46] <Kotono> Paling as she makes the crippled man drink water, the acolyte smiles to Alicia.
[21:46] <Kotono> "Go then adn try," he says, after sipping water.
06[21:48] * Alicia lets out a long breath. "I will," she affirms, briefly returning the acolyte's smile before getting up. "Once Giselle feels better, we'll bring her to visit again," she promises before heading out and closing the door behind her.
[21:50] <Kotono> OOC: Going to wait or find Seira or...?
[21:51] <Alicia> OOC: I'll go look for Seira and Giselle, but once I find them I'll just stand back and let them hug it out> > Giselle twitches, "Prove it," she says sharply, "I command it! Prove it!" she shakes.
[20:08] <Kotono> <Seira> With the rings of teleportation, Seira could get them back on course in the rare chance of an accident. However, she only has one reliable charge in them, and defers to Alicia. "Five people, which means two guards, correct?"
[20:08] <Kotono> <Alicia> "Come with us and I will," Alicia tells her, not being able to teleport an unwilling subject. "Just relax and trust me, please." Glancing back at Seira she nods briefly. "You, me, Giselle, the general, and one of his men?"
[20:08] <Kotono> * Seira stills holds onto Giselle, and pulls her head back just enough to give the princess a tentative smile. "You've made the right choice. Decent people really do exist. It's alright to trust; we'll prove it to you right now."
[20:09] <Kotono> "You two," General Andram gestures to two guards, "Go with her."
[20:10] <Kotono> With a cracking smile, "Okay. But I'll find a way to get you when it's a lie, Kort!"
[20:11] <Alicia> "Antenora, stay with Lord Drake and Demedais until we get back?" Alicia asks the erinyes before having everyone join hands. She's somewhat worried that seeing the state of her former paramours won't really help Giselle, but maybe she's wrong. "We're going to the temple of Mystra in Kelara. It's the safest place in the world from Shar's influence." At that, she whisks them all away!
[20:11] <Alicia> roll 1d100
05[20:11] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:11] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-25-141-28.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[20:11] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:11] <Alicia> roll 1d100
06[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 and gets 83." [1d100=83]
[20:14] <Kotono> The Temple of Mystra's main altar room is quiet. The night has passed over Kelara deeply, the silences of rest muting everything. It is so quiet that you can hear your own breathing, not a soul immediately around you.
[20:16] <Alicia> "Come with me," Alicia instructs, heading to the quarters that Taldeer earlier mentioned the maimed victims of Shar were staying in while they did their scrying.
06[20:17] * Seira hovers close to Giselle, ready to support her should the need arise.
[20:18] <Kotono> It's deep and in the back of thet emple. The hallways are dim, only a few light sorces that shed eternal light adding any illumination. The guards follow dutifully, casting little gazes about when they have chances. Giselle walks along upright.  They are in three seperate rooms next to each other, each one with a closed door. A scroll nailed to the door says, 'Do not disturb without permission of the Dweomerkeeper!'.
06[20:21] * Alicia thinks these are special circumstances, and she doesn't really want to wake Taldeer for this. On the other hand, she's an elf and doesn't even sleep - she probably won't trance until well after midnight. "Just a moment and I'll get Dweomerkeeper Taldeer," she says. She's pretty sure Giselle was never involved with the dwarf and doesn't want to disturb him with this...
[20:22] <Kotono> Thus the tohers wait. As Alicia goes, Giselle looks aroudn imperiously. "I'm not going to break down while you make me wait," she says aloud.
[20:22] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Alicia hurried to get Taldeer. She's in her chambers, roused from reading and coming to meet Alicia. "What do you need at this late hour," she asks.
06[20:22] * Seira can't really say anything to that.
[20:23] <Alicia> "We've almost concluded our business in Kesse," Alicia begins. "The new Queen knew some of the Sharran victims and wanted to see them. Firstly do you mind us disturbing them, and secondly which ones are in which rooms?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "I see. You have permission; there are acolytes in there with them constantly. Knock on the doors. The dwarf is in the leftmost and the humans are in the other two."
[20:25] <Alicia> "Got it, thank you," Alicia nods. "I'll catch up with you later?" After that she returns to the Kessian contingent and delicately raps her knuckles on the middle door.
06[20:32] * Seira steels herself for coming face to face with the rescued prisoners once more.
[20:33] <Kotono> "Yes," A woman's voice calls gently from the room. "Who is it?"
[20:34] <Alicia> "It's Alicia," Alicia begins. "I have Princess Giselle with me to see our guest." She really wishes she'd had time to get their names.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Oh, honored champion of Mystra. The dweomerkeeper said you might come. Please, enter." the woman calls back.
03[20:36] * taizombie is now known as taicls
06[20:36] * Seira glances at Giselle. "As Alicia said, it won't be easy. But there's nothing that can't be overcome."
06[20:36] * Alicia blushes a bit. "No need to lay it on so thick," she demurs, nonetheless opening the door and stepping inwards, holding it open for Giselle.
[20:38] <Kotono> The door is opened! Giselle merely glances at Seira, "Such l-" she begins, her gaze taking in the room! A large window shows night, a bed laying besides it. Here the armless and legless man lies, covered save for his face. His eyesockets have a gentle white cloth put over them, blindfolded. Giselle stares for several long seconds, frozen in place.
[20:40] <Alicia> "Do you recognise him?" Alicia asks in a gentle whisper.
06[20:40] * Seira forces herself to step inside the room, waiting on further reaction from Giselle.
[20:43] <Kotono> "Hah...hah...hahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhaahahahahahaaaahaaahaaaaaaaaaaaahahhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Giselle doubles over, laughing! Roaring with it she turns to Seira and Alicia, "YOU BASTARDS! IT WASN'T ENOUGH, WAS IT? IT'S NEVER ENOUGH FOR YOU!" Her voice turns into a scream, as a broad smile cracks her face open. "NEVER ENOUGH! YOU CAN DO YOUR WORST! RIP MY WOMB OUT, ALBERT! I'LL FIND A WAY TO FEEL ALIVE! YOU WON'T FOOL ME!"
[20:45] <Alicia> Vindication, it is such a sad thing. "It wasn't us!" Alicia insists, grabbing Giselle's arms. "Albert is dead! So are Kort and Armanda! We killed them!"
[20:45] <Kotono> The guards shrink back at this, staring with mouths agape.
01[20:46] <Seira> "Can you only think of yourself when someone who needs your help lies here?" Seira asks her, taking Giselle's head and forcing her to look at the bed. "Yes, they were scum, and what they did to you was inhuman. But like Alicia said, they're dead now! If you don't get past that, you're just letting them win in the end!"
[20:46] <Kotono> OOC: Make a diplo check, -20?
01[20:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+14
06[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+14 and gets 26." [1d20=12]
[20:56] <Kotono> GIselle whirls onto Seira, "You're lying to me," she snaps! "ALWAYS LYING!"
[20:56] <Kotono> "Ugh...Gi..selle..." The maimed man murmurs now, "Giselle...?"
01[20:58] <Seira> "So this is a lie?" Seira asks her, gesturing at the bed. "A lie?! The only lies being told here are those you use for yourself, to protect herself. But a queen doesn't have the luxury of retreating into a safe little world in her head. And neither does a woman who has people she loves, which need her help right now to get better."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Everything is a lie!" Grimacing at those words, looking between the man and Seira, going back and forth, Giselle shudders.
01[21:03] <Seira> "Go on, then," Seira says, gesturing at the bed once more. "If it's just a lie made to torment you, and not the reality you run away from, kill the man lying there with your own two hands!"
[21:03] <Alicia> "It's not," Alicia speaks up simply, adopting a more gentle tack. "This is reality. It hurts, it's unfair, and you wish you could have something better... but this is what we have to live with."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Giselle...oh...please, let that be you, Giselle? Do you remember?" The man's voice is horribly raspy, the female acolyte going to get a bit of water for him. "Please, Giselle, let me feel your hand on my chest again! Let me smell you! Please! Please don't be another dream!"
01[21:09] <Seira> "You know this is not a lie, Giselle," Seira says quietly, laying her hands on the princess's shoulders and leaning forward to rest her forehead against the older woman's. "Teleportation magic only works on the willing. Back in Kesse, you agreed to trust us. You realized the truth. You're just... you're just scared to accept it, but you don't have to be alone for that."
[21:12] <Kotono> "No!"Snapping as she turns away from Seira and Alicia, tears starting to come, "You're dead..you have to be dead and gone. They wouldn't..." She shakes all over again, "Grantire..."
[21:15] <Alicia> "Please, Giselle. Just talk to him?" Alicia asks softly. "Listen to what he has to say? Let him hear your voice?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Giselle...PLEASE!" The maimed man pleads. OOC - Make your own diplo check, Alicia. -17 mod.
[21:18] <Alicia> roll 1d20+12 should've cast voice of the archon on myself
06[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+12 should've cast voice of the archon on myself and gets 20." [1d20=8]
[21:21] <Kotono> Giselle wavers long, listening, looking back and forth. For several moments she's paralysed, shaking like a leaf. Then, with nary a sound, runs outof the room.
06[21:23] * Alicia sighs. "These things take time..." Looking towards the maimed man. "I'm sorry... Grantire? Her siblings hurt her deeply, it may be a while before she's ready to see you again."
[21:23] <Kotono> Grantire leans forward, as if seeing with his lost eyes, "That was her? Was it really her?"
06[21:23] * Seira doesn't need another excuse to leave the room, running after Giselle.
[21:26] <Kotono> The guards follow suit after Giselle, as the female acolyte goes to him. "It's alright," she soothes him quickly, while glancing at Alicia.
[21:26] <Alicia> "It was," Alicia nods, letting Seira handle Giselle rather than crowding her. "She's the Queen, now. But after what she's been put through I'm not sure she's ready for the role..." Shaking her head she approaches the limbless figure on the bed. "I'm sorry your reunion went like this."
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC: #evil, Seira.
[21:29] <Kotono> "What happened to her," he asks in a cracking voice. "She was the brightest person I know. That was her voice...but itw asn't her."
[21:31] <Alicia> "Kort, Albert, and Armanda... they could torture you as they pleased. But they couldn't harm their sister, at least not in any way that could be seen..." Alicia pulls up a chair opposite the one used by the acolyte. "So instead they tried to break her mind."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Oh Gods..." Grantire whimpers with his entire body, "They'd do that, too. "
06[21:34] * Alicia reaches over to pat his shoulder. "They can't hurt her or anyone else ever again. But... they still cast long shadows even when gone."
[21:36] <Kotono> "They're dead...thank you for that, at least." Turning towards Alicia, "You have a kind voice. Promise me something...I'm a ruined shell of a man. I don't want to live any longer..I'm so tired. Could you...make sure Giselle is taken care of?"
[21:39] <Alicia> "I'll do what I can for her, but I promise you I'll find a way to heal the three of you," Alicia tells him seriously. "Please, hang on until then?" she clasps his shoulder tightly.
[21:40] <Kotono> "Alright," he says, "I've waited so long...but if you fail...set me free," he asks, "Of this ruined body.:"
[21:43] <Alicia> "Please don't ask that," Alicia's voice catches a little. "I won't fail, though. Even if there's no one in the world who can cast the spell to regenerate your body, I've been to others."
[21:46] <Kotono> Paling as she makes the crippled man drink water, the acolyte smiles to Alicia.
[21:46] <Kotono> "Go then adn try," he says, after sipping water.
06[21:48] * Alicia lets out a long breath. "I will," she affirms, briefly returning the acolyte's smile before getting up. "Once Giselle feels better, we'll bring her to visit again," she promises before heading out and closing the door behind her.
[21:50] <Kotono> OOC: Going to wait or find Seira or...?
[21:51] <Alicia> OOC: I'll go look for Seira and Giselle, but once I find them I'll just stand back and let them hug it out

[Corwin]

[20:11] <Kobrb> ------------(Rodent grave Ko ;_:)--
03[20:11] * Kobrb sets mode: +o tai-zombie-canitbemigrainetime
03[20:11] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
03[20:11] * tai-zombie-canitbemigrainetime is now known as Demedais
03[20:11] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
05[20:11] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:11] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[20:11] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:15] <Kobrb> As Alicia, Demedais and Antenora travel in the city itself, they see that it' returning to normal. There are still some signs and posters up - warning of attacks and proclaiming the rule of King Albert. The air buzzes with rumors and gossips, electric as people try to live their lives. Going to the merc's hideaway, they find the door quietly shut as usual. Despite teh hustle in the rest of the city, this street is as quiet as ever.
06[20:16] * Alicia knocks on the door!
[20:16] <Kobrb> There's a long pause, before from the other side, "Yeah?" J's voice is ever so tense while being friendly enough. "Who is it?"
[20:17] <Alicia> "Alicia. And friends," Alicia answers.
[20:17] <Kobrb> Seira is also along, hanging back and being quiet. Thoughtful even, with the burden of all that's gone on lingering to her.
[20:18] <Kobrb> The door opens after a few clacks of locks giving way. J ist here, looking them over. "Hey...Seira." Sighing in relief, "You're in one piece. You gave us a helluva scare when you vanished and then Alicia showed up. Come in." Stepping aside, "What the hell is happening in the castle? Albert's king and now rumors are flying and no one seems quite sure yet of what's going on."
[20:19] <Demedais> "Hopefully things start settling down now.
[20:19] <Alicia> "Albert's dead," Alicia nods quickfire as she steps in. "Sorry we never really had much chance to work with you guys on all this, but having my familiar catch Kort in the act of smothering his father really upset our timetable."
[20:20] <Kobrb> "I was worried about that, too," Rods says. He's sitting on one of the plain cots, buffing his armor and barechested. "Damn. This was supposed to be long and careful, but nothing works out when it happens."
[20:21] <Kobrb> "Good," J sighs again, "Freak can go bug Shar himself. Who's in charge now?"
[20:23] <Alicia> "Queen Giselle, officially," Alicia considers. "Although she's not really fit to lead at the moment... her siblings did their very best to ruin her, after all. For the time being it looks like General Andram is holding things together."
[20:24] <Kobrb> No sign of Serge offhand, as Rods puts his armor aside and sticks a hand out. "Still, thanks. At least this thing blew over. We missed a chance, but I wasn't o hot on fighting the entire fucking kingdom."
[20:24] <Kobrb> "Hah," J smirk at that, "QUEEN Giselle? That's still a nice change, no matter how dented up she is."
06[20:25] * Demedais shakes Rods' hand, before leaning against the wall. "Let's hope it stays a nice change."
06[20:26] * Alicia briefly clasps Rods' hand. "As far as the United Baronies are concerned this effectively ends our hostilities. Whether Sanaxt will be so quick to accept peace still remains to be seen - the general is sending a recall order to the army Albert sent against them, but whether that'll be enough to satisfy your neighbours I couldn't say."
[20:26] <Kobrb> "Yeah, well..." Rods shrugs, "Shit's going down up north from all the word. A war means easy work for us, as hired soldiers or as filling in gaps opened up by the war. Knowing Sanaxt I'd call it a coinflip at best. Knowing what happened with the royals there, according to the rumor, makes it a roulette."
[20:28] <Kobrb> "Even if peace is gotten, no one's going to forget Kesse attacking when they were down." J observes as she goes to get a small keg, working on getting it open. "Probably have the next war sooner than later."
[20:28] <Alicia> "Killed by Albert's undead minions," Alicia confirms. "If I never see another Nightwalker again it'll be too soon..." she adds with a disgusted shake of her head.
[20:28] <Kobrb> "Nightwalker? What's that?" Rods asks, "One of those -gon devil things you talked about? Sounds about part...though those aren't undead, are they?"
[20:29] <Kobrb> Antenora smiles a little, "It's an undead horror from the Plane of Shadow, not a devil. All the ones we found are obliterated."
[20:29] <Alicia> "Huge shadowy monsters. Shar seemed to have a revolving door of them being spat out for Albert and his siblings to play with," Alicia elaborates irritably.
[20:30] <Kobrb> "Aaah, a revolving door and a woman. Isn't that familiar?" Smirking as he goes to join J at the keg, the latter hits his shoulder lightly before getting a bunch mugs. "Shut up, you big jerk. Who' thirsty?"
[20:32] <Demedais> "I'll take one." Demedais nods politely.
[20:33] <Alicia> "Thanks, but I don't drink," Alicia shakes her head. "To be honest though, once things settle down you might find work becoming more scarce - what we got out of Armanda and Kort seemed to imply that they deliberately kept Kesse and its surroundings unstable so that mercenaries would be too busy with various crisises to look too closely at the royal family."
[20:33] <Kobrb> As Rods brings Demedais a drink and takes one of his own, "So the entire cult's wiped out? Damn. We didn't have an idea until we heard from you guys. Then again, Serge says that Shar's abouts ecrets and darkness and shit and we should expect a lot of surprises."
[20:33] <Kobrb> "I'm fine," Antenora stays close to Alicia, behind her politely.
[20:34] <Kobrb> "Ah shit," J scowls, then shrugs. "Eh, we'll find something. We have some capital still for saving up for the jungle trip back in Balmuria. Plus if border relations go down again...sooner or alter there will be another war, and that'll fix it."
06[20:34] * Demedais nods in thanks, drinking a bit of it before thinking. "On a side note, do either of you know of a Sa'grim Rockstall?"
[20:34] <Alicia> "Well," Alicia demurs. "We destroyed their temple. Very thoroughly. And the leadership is dead. But they had various roving agents out and about - we'll be doing our best to hunt them down before they can cause more trouble, though." Pausing she adds, "Speaking of Serge, where is he? Haven't seen him either time I've visited."
[20:35] <Kobrb> "I do," J speaks up a bit, "He's not really local, but he's a purchaser of certain arcane items on occasion. Very low key, buys third and fourthhand discreetly. I've had to track down a few things through him."
06[20:36] * Demedais nods at this. "We're likely going to need to talk with him at some point fairly soon."
[20:36] <Kobrb> "Right now, he's been snooping to find all he can out about what's happening. He doesn't like sitting on his hands much when he has something on his mind." A shrug there, Rods drinking deeply. "He gets likethat sometimes."
[20:38] <Kobrb> "I can work on that," J says, "You'l need to head west, though. He'd a dwarf and likes the mountains."
[20:39] <Demedais> "I guessed from the name." Demedais replies before taking another drink. "Does he have a spot he usually meets with people?"
[20:40] <Kobrb> "Yeah. He has the money and connections with the right people to make you have to travel to him." Sipping again, "It's about a week west, give or take a few days depending on the weather. 'course, teleporting around in the blink of an eye makes it easier for you guys."
[20:41] <Demedais> "Ideally, we'd teleport right to the area." Demedais replies with a grin. "Could you describe the area in as best detail as you can manage?"
[20:43] <Kobrb> "Did you guys get that fancy teleportation ring back? I can teleport and send magic word to him much quicker if you do. Once you get there, the spot's easy to memorize. He has a taste for style."
06[20:45] * Demedais nods. "That'd probably be better. We have the ring back, but... do we need its charge for anything?" Demedais asks Seira, looking for just a yes or a no.
[20:46] <Kobrb> Seira nods.
06[20:46] * Demedais nods.
[20:47] <Demedais> "Alright. That'll work, then." Demedais replies.
[20:47] <Kobrb> "We can go whenever you want then," J agrees. "Just be on your best behavior and don't piss him off."
[20:48] <Demedais> "Understood." Demedais nods.
[21:00] <Kobrb> ---
[21:01] <Kobrb> It is a quiet room that serves as the resting place for Albert Kesse. He rests in a simple pine box for now, arms crossed over his chest. He looks oddly serene now, peaceful. J peers down at him, "Jerk looks like h'es taking a nap."
[21:01] <Kobrb> The cleric of Kelemvor, Garag, nods briefly. "Are you familiar with how this spell works?" he asks.
[21:02] <Kobrb> Antenora hangs back again, staying near Alicia.
06[21:02] * Demedais looks at J with a odd cross between sternness and amusement, before nodding to Garag. "We are. While you prepare the spell, we will write the first four questions; the fifth will likely be dependent upon the first four. Is this acceptable?"
[21:02] <Alicia> "He looks a lot better than Kort and Armanda," Alicia notes before nodding to the cleric. "Yes, we've employed it before quite recently. I understand he's likely to resist unless it's cast by one who shares his moral laxity - with J and his belt we should be able to fake it enough for the spell to run smoothly."
[21:04] <Kobrb> With thin white lips purses together, the cleric nods. "I understand. Prepare the proper questions and magic then? This spell takes a little time to invoke."
[21:05] <Alicia> "J, do your bit," Alicia instructs the wizard before doing as Demedais says and writing down her first four questions.
[21:06] <Kobrb> J nods, getting with the spellcasting! SHe weaves Misdirection around Garag, leaning against the side wall after. "Magic or not,t his spell makes my skin crawl."
[21:06] <Alicia> She then passes over a piece of paper with the following. 1: What happened to Giselle's children? 2: What other assassinations were you plotting that had yet to come to fruition? 3: What did you do with Seira's belongings that were not given away or split between you and your siblings? 4: What was your relationship with a devil called the Walker?
[21:09] <Alicia> "I think it's more the belt than the spell," Alicia tells J. "I don't know what it does, but it can't be anything good."
[21:09] <Kobrb> "Very well." With that, the magic is cast! Calling on Kelemvor, Albert sits up in his coffin! Garag looks at him, "Rise from your judgment in front of Kelemvor and speak the truth in my name! What happened to Giselle's children?"
[21:11] <Kobrb> Albert smiles, "Enlightenment as demanded by the true faith."
[21:12] <Demedais> "Well isn't that mighty cryptic of him." Demedais mutters.
[21:12] <Kobrb> "That's normal," Garag adds, "Some answers are cryptic or only make sense to the departed. It takes time and wisdom to p uzzle out those meanings."
[21:12] <Alicia> "We can ask for clarification with the last question," Alicia shrugs. "Keep going."
06[21:13] * Demedais nods to Garag. "Well aware. Just mildly annoyed."
[21:13] <Kobrb> "What other assassinations wer eyou plotting that had yet to come to fruitition?" The question is asked, the second one fired. In reply, "Evrai...shatter them into sacred hopelessness!"
[21:14] <Demedais> "A message to Evrai may be in order." Demedais nods at this.
[21:14] <Alicia> "Or we could ask for clarification on that one - it may be more urgent," Alicia mutters.
[21:15] <Kobrb> The third is then asked, Garag's face turning pallid. "The sacrifices...to ruin what is beautiful to an enemy is a great worship!"
06[21:15] * Alicia sighs. "Seira won't be pleased by that."
[21:16] <Demedais> "Understatement writ large. Though he may just mean Seira's familiar... we can hope." Demedais replies. "Not that that isn't bad enough."
[21:17] <Kobrb> "That's a large loss." Frowning, "I can surrender my share of the loot. With those losses she'll need it to recover." Antenora speaks up here.
[21:17] <Alicia> "A familiar isn't really a belonging," Alicia shakes her head. Glancing back at Antenora, "Although that might cheer her up some."
[21:17] <Demedais> "We'll decide on that when we get there. No reason to rush that just yet."
[21:18] <Kobrb> The fourth is then asked! Albert looks to Garag head on, "The Walker came to us as a friend. He understood."
[21:19] <Alicia> "That wasn't very helpful. Alright, the situation with Evrai seems most urgent. Unless anyone has any better ideas, we ask who the target is in Evrai and who the assassin is?"
06[21:20] * Demedais nods. "Sounds ideal."
[21:21] <Alicia> "Alright," Alicia nods before reciting her question to the priest. "Ask this: Who did you send to Evrai on your mission of murder and who was their target?"
[21:22] <Kobrb> "Right." With that, Garag asks jus tthat question! "The time had not yet been right, almost, but not yet. The target was those that would lead them and resist the coming of Shar."
06[21:23] * Alicia cocks an eyebrow. "To me that sounds like the plot was merely theoretical. I don't think anything had been put into practice before he died."
[21:24] <Kobrb> At this, Albert falls back into his coffin. Garag looks on, before murmuring words to Kemelvor. "Such horrible words and horrible Goddess invoked. There is no oblivion to fear..." he sighs. "You fool."
[21:25] <Alicia> "And how many years did he and his siblings perform their foul worship without anyone catching on?" Alicia asks pointedly. "A warning to Evrai is probably still in order, even if nothing had actually been set in motion. No sense taking chances. Beyond that... think Helm could offer insight, Demedais?" Alicia relaxes slightly into a smile, "I understand He has a soft spot for children."
06[21:25] * Demedais nods slightly, before shaking his head. "It's still probably a good idea to warn them.
06[21:26] * Demedais nods. "I will inquire to him regarding the state of Giselle's children."
[21:27] <Alicia> "Alright, I think we're done here. You've both been very helpful and earned your pay," Alicia nods to J and Garag in turn.
[21:28] <Kobrb> "Thanks," J straightens up, "I promise I won't blow all the money on drink and men. Just some of it."
[21:29] <Demedais> After Demedais has found a quiet room to phrase his spell, he falls into a trance to Helm, before requesting, "Helm, I ask your assistance in resolving this matter; what is the fate, and if possible, the location of Giselle's children?"
03[21:29] * Kobrb is now known as Kotono
[21:29] <Kotono> OOC: CL?
[21:30] <Demedais> OOC: 8.
[21:35] <Demedais> "..................." Demedais stands and looks to Alicia. "That belt. We. are. BREAKING IT."
[21:37] <Kotono> Antenora eyes Demedais, "The belt?" she asks quietly. "You mean that...?"
[21:38] <Alicia> She still has the belt in her pack from when J used it as a spell prop. "Never really liked it anyway," she affirms, taking it out of her pack without asking further questions.
[21:39] <Kotono> The belt feels unclean to Alicia's touch. Not even in a dirty-sorta tempting good way like Malcanthet's realm, but a horrible unclean. Like she'll wash her hands forever and never be clean.
[21:39] <Demedais> "Their souls are trapped within." Demedais states, voice edged. "It isn't possible to break it right now - not in any way that will save them, from what I understand. I will remain vigilant for this. But the belt will not be sold or given away, nor will there be any attempts to purify it. They will be released from there."
[21:40] <Alicia> "Breaking it won't release them?" Alicia's eyes widen. "But... what will, then?"
06[21:41] * Demedais feels his shoulders slump. "I... don't know yet. But I feel I will when I see it."
06[21:41] * Alicia shudders and puts the belt away. "Gods, I didn't think they could get any more vile... We can't tell Giselle this."
[21:42] <Kotono> "Absolutely," Antenora agrees. "They're dead. It doesn't make up for what they did, but at least no one can be hurt by them any more. It's a good consolation."
[21:42] <Demedais> "Agreed." Demedais' voice is almost supremely calm now. "It will not assist the situation."
[21:43] <Alicia> "Since... Helm sounds like He has a plan for this, do you want to hold onto the belt?" Alicia offers. She really doesn't like touching it, herself.
[21:45] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods, taking the belt and placing it into his bag.

[Corwin]

[20:16] <Kotono> --------(Dwarf Ko!)------
[20:16] <Kotono> OOC: Who all is going with J's teleport? Alicia, Deme and...Seira suggested Celebrimbor for easier teleport access later.
[20:17] <Alicia> OOC: I can teleport fine, but if Cel wants to come along more power to him
[20:17] <Alicia> OOC: I'm really just along for the ride on this one
[20:20] <Kotono> The three meet with J at the Merc's safehouse. "Alright, I did what needed to be done. But remember - mind your manners. If you offend him this won't go anywhere," she warns. "It'll reflect bad on me too and I'll be in deep trying to fix it up."
03[20:22] * Alicia sets mode: +o Demedais
[20:22] <Demedais> "Very well." Demedais nods.
[20:22] <Alicia> "Aren't we planning on forcing him to hand over a probably expensive magic item that he probably paid money for?" Alicia clarifies.
06[20:24] * Demedais looks to Alicia with a somewhat baffled expression. "First, we have no proof of any wrongdoing, so force shouldn't be a factor at this point. Second, if he did in fact pay money to get this, as is quite likely the case, we may need to enter into a deal between him and the State to get him recompense for the amount he paid."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Then bring your sweet tongue and words," J says shortly. "Just don't turn this into a fight."
[20:27] <Alicia> "Okay," Alicia shrugs, deciding not to mention Seira's comments about dwarf-punching.
[20:28] <Kotono> "Now then..." Invoking the ring of teleportation, the four are whisked away!
[20:28] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 52." [1d100=52]
[20:30] <Kotono> The four-some appears atop a rocky vista. You are high up - the air is coola nd thin. Not nearly as bad as the eastern tundra mountains are, but noticable. Ahead of you is a magnificent view of a valley far below, the sun sinking into the horizon. Amid this spray of red and gold, a carved, raised bit of stone is patterned like a table, ancient and weathered. Surrounding it are seven statues of humanoids holding offerings of gold and leaves to t
[20:30] <Kotono> Surrounding it are seven statues of humanoids holding offerings of gold and leaves to the heavens. Sitting in a wooden chair at this 'table', waiting patiently, is a dwarf. (More)
[20:32] <Kotono> He sips a shot glass full of a brown-gold liqiud that shimmers in the sunset's rays. He is well built, like a tiny house layered with muscles. He wears earthen colored clothes and a wide brimmed hat. Behind him stand two burly dwarves in full armor, greataxes at their sides.
[20:32] <Kotono> "Sa'grim?" J steps forward, tones kept respectful as she nods deeply to the dwarf. "Thanks for seeing us on this short notice."
06[20:32] * Demedais glances to Alicia briefly, before nodding to the dwarf as well.
[20:33] <Alicia> Content to let Demedais and J handle the negotiations, Alicia merely checks for evil auras in the vicinity. Can't be too careful with someone that Albert and company felt like dealing with on friendly terms, after all.
[20:33] <Kotono> He drains his glass in one slow, extended sip, before putting it down with a clatter. "Always good to see you on business, J. How's Serge?"
[20:34] <Kotono> "Busy." With a momentary flicker of a smile, "This Dem-" she begins.
[20:34] <Kotono> "Demedais, Alicia, Celebrimbor," he says. "I'm familiar with them."
03[20:35] * Cidward is now known as Sierra_Naptime
06[20:35] * Alicia raises an eyebrow. Hearing of her and Demedais is one thing - the Kessian royal family surely blabbed something. But Celebrimbor? He should surely be unknown here. "You're very well informed," she compliments cautiously.
06[20:36] * Demedais raises an eyebrow slightly, but has a small little patient smile affixed. With a slight nod to Alicia, "Indeed. To have heard of us is something I hadn't been expecting this far away from our home."
[20:37] <Kotono> "I try. Being caught unawares ruins business opportunities." Gesturing, he motions to other seats at the crude table. "Now then, what matter of business do you want with me? I assume J's just the contact in this case?"
06[20:37] * Alicia silently takes a seat towards the side.
[20:38] <Kotono> Celebrimbor watches the dwarf, electing to stay standing, leaning on his magical rod.
[20:38] <Demedais> "I'm afriad so. We retrieved your name from a source and were thus led to believe you could help us, sir." Demedais confirms respectfully, also taking a seat.
[20:38] <Kotono> "Yeah," J goes to sit down, "Demedais and Alicia are the ones that want to see you."
[20:39] <Kotono> "How can I help you, then?" Going on with that, looking at Demedais as he strokes a long, black beard he maintains.
[20:41] <Demedais> "Some items were taken from a friend of ours - currently unable to be present, sadly." Demedais says simply, looking him over for chaos as he speaks. "We are seeking their retrieval, and believe you have come into possession of at least one of them."
[20:44] <Kotono> "It is entirely possible," he agrees, "If you have descriptions of them...?"
06[20:45] * Demedais nods slightly, first describing Seira's pendant, mainly describing the basic function while avoiding getting into its sentimental worth.
[20:47] <Kotono> "I may have possession of that, yes," he nods slowly.
06[20:48] * Demedais nods slightly. "As an aside, you are aware of who sold it to you, I presume?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "I bought it from a trusted source. Who he may have purchased it from, or that person purchased it from is not something I ask," he says quite blandly, as if talking about the weather with his dry words.
06[20:50] * Alicia starts looking vaguely irritated at all this double-speak, but remains silent and lets Demedais handle things.
06[20:55] * Demedais inclines his head slightly. "Very well, we shall leave it at that, then. How much did you purchase it for?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "I purchased it as part of a larger lot of magical items. We traded in both coin and other goods and services. An approximate price would be...25,000 gold."
06[21:05] * Demedais nods slightly after a few moments. "I see. Of the larger lot of magical items, could you please inform me what was present there?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "A slightly used wand of invisibility, a vest that auguments precise strikes and stealth, a blessed spellbook, the amulet, and an enchanted bow." Looking up to them at this, "Are you interested in the entire lot?"
06[21:09] * Demedais inclines his head, a slight musing. "How much was the entire lot purchased for?" he asks after a moment. "I confess that I am not sure that these are all hers, but."
[21:11] <Alicia> "Sounds like it, depending on what sort of enchantment is on that bow," Alicia notes quietly.
[21:12] <Kotono> "Approximately 90,000 gold." Now smiling a little, "If you're interested, yes, perhaps we can come to some sort of arraingment regarding them. I could be willing to sell them at cost."
[21:13] <Kotono> "That's enough to buy yourself a life and a life for your kid's grandkids." J whistles.
06[21:15] * Demedais tilts his head slightly. "I am glad to hear that you are willing to sell them at cost. However, the actual discussion of fund transfer may need to occur with two other people present... Still, I am pleased to hear that you would be willing to make this deal. What is the arrangement you are thinking of?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Buying them all as one lot." he answers to that, "But tell me, whoa re the other interested paraties?"
[21:16] <Kotono> *parties.
[21:19] <Demedais> "The person whom they were stolen from and a party who will be handling payments, either to us in repayment or to you." Demedais replies.
[21:21] <Kotono> "I have no objections. Bring them here tomorrow at this time and we can begin the relevant details in earnest." Standing at this as the sun sinks into the horizon, night creeping over the view like a cloak, "Good evening to all of you."
06[21:23] * Demedais nods slightly at this. "I would request at least the bow and amulet be brought; the bow for verification that it is hers, the amulet for verification of ownership. Past that, we shall endeavor to bring both at this time." Demedais stands and bows slightly. "Thank you for your time."
06[21:23] * Alicia likewise gets up, ready to teleport everyone back to J's safehouse when she's ready.
[21:24] <Kotono> As the party gets up, returning to each other, "That went well," Jm urmurs. "Who's booting the bill?"
[21:25] <Alicia> "Kesse is. They can try asking Albert's corpse what he did with the first 90,000, I suppose," Alicia shrugs. "Everyone ready?"
[21:25] <Demedais> "Given who stole the equipment? Likely the government, based on what details I heard." Demedais replies. "Seira may be willing to make a deal with them, and worst comes to worst I'll cover most of it and get payment for it later."
[21:27] <Kotono> "We'll have to talk Andram into it," Celebrimbor murmurs, "If anyone can approve it now, it's him." Meanwhile, J teleports the party back!
[21:27] <Kotono> roll1 d100
06[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls d100 and gets 1." [d100=1]
[21:27] <Kotono> roll1 d100 making sure it read that right
06[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls d100 making sure it read that right and gets 43." [d100=43]
[21:27] <Kotono> OOC: Strike, hurdur. Roll Alicia? Let's goa head and get this moving.
[21:28] <Alicia> roll 1d100 seen casually?
06[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d100 seen casually? and gets 52." [1d100=52]
[21:33] <Alicia> roll 1d20+29
06[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Alicia rolls 1d20+29 and gets 48." [1d20=19]
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC: How much are you offering to cover, Deme?
[21:35] <Demedais> OOC: Hold on a sec.
[21:35] <Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[21:38] <Demedais> OOC: Put bluntly, how much will they cover?
[21:39] <Kotono> OOC: The government can cover up to 50k without a huge problem - they have some gold reserves. Any more than that and it's a matter of it cutting into needed funds. War springing up+royal turnovers are a bit costly.
[21:41] <Demedais> OOC: Demedais will agree to cover the rest, but will subtly make the point that he may be requesting favors at a later point, since it's lower than he had hoped.
[21:42] <Kotono> OOC: They're happy to exchange coin for favors, yes. Okay then. Do you want Anty or Donald to contribute at all as well? They're willing to take some of the strain off of you.
[21:42] <Demedais> OOC: Nah, let them use their loot to focus on upgrading their own skills. Better tradeoff.
[21:43] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. This goes without incident. Deme covers 40k then and also goes GRIMDARK. Loot otpic post coming.

[Corwin]

[20:20] <Kotono> -------(NINJA SUPER KO 9000 OH YES)--
[20:22] <Kotono> As events wind down, there are still a few that require Seira's attention. One such is several days after hostilities come to a screetching halt. In a quiet, well decorated meeting room in the castle, representatives from Sanaxt arrive. (More)
[20:26] <Kotono> General Andran and a few aides sit on one side of the table, along with Seira. A guard comes in and announces, "Storm Leader Greelay has arrived," he calls. Who follows his is a wiry, whipslender man with an obvious limp. He uses a cane to help himself, a wooden clatter as he walks forward. A few men in breastplates styled black and green follow him in, one going to pull out a chair for him.
[20:26] <Kotono> "General," he says as he goes to sit, "Speak. What are your terms and reasons for this?"
01[20:27] <Seira> "I believe that would be my cue?" Seira asks Andram.
[20:29] <Kotono> "How is your foot, Storm Leader?" With the faintest hint of a barbed smile, "There are more...details to be elaborated on, but in essence this current war was a mistake that needs to be stopped."
[20:29] <Kotono> With a look to Seira, before a curt look back, "Go on," he says to both of them.
01[20:33] <Seira> "I don't think a mistake is quite the right term to use, here," Seira comments, looking at the Storm Leader as she speaks. "Albert was quite specific about his wishes, both in arranging for his undead followers to slay the leadership of Sanaxt and in trying to utilize that by sending the Kesse army after you.
01[20:33] <Seira> Unfortunately, that doesn't cover all the facts, such as allies of his in that cabal smothering their own father to seize power in Kesse by fell means. It was my hope that by explaining the situation, a more lasting solution than a temporary truce could be found."
[20:35] <Kotono> Greelay's face turns to utter stone at those words. "A peace can be arrainged. We seek a status quo peace, with return to our previous borders. Under the circumstances we can pretend this never happened."
[20:37] <Kotono> "We have no objection to this," Andram says with his own control in effect, words as polished and lifeless as a stone. "If we agree on the fundamentals, the rest is simple enough."
06[20:38] * Seira shrugs. "The public face put on the resolution is out of my hands. But I did want to add that Albert considered Sanaxt, Evrai and the Baronies, a farther land which is I come from, to be filled with heretics in need of domination or eradication.
01[20:38] <Seira> The reason for that was that he had deals formal and under the table with the others. Now that the extent of his vileness had been revealed, it is my hope that those he thought an anathema to his way of life would band together."
[20:41] <Kotono> With a slight nod to Seira there, "I thank you for your services in eradicating Albert." Storm Leader Greelay says, hands resting on the top of his cane resting before him. "Then if a neutral peace is desired, our scribes and aides can draw one up. The swifter one is established, the better."
03[20:43] * Sierra_Comatose is now known as Stealth_Sierra
06[20:43] * Seira nods. "Any chance you would know of this Yann character? Might go under a different name, though I doubt he would bother changing his features as well. Creepy Sharran spy, though I bet he'd keep that hidden, too," Seira asks, giving a description of the man she had received from their captive.
[20:44] <Kotono> With a slight nod, "The matter will be resolved in due time. I may have an inkling..." Drumming his fingers together, "Are there any other matters to attend to with this?"
01[20:50] <Seira> "I would be a bad servant of Waukeen if I didn't casually extoll the benefits of trade towards building better relations between people and countries atop of the usual pluses," Seira says happily to that opening, "so how about setting up a promenade on a section of your mutual border? Complete with temple, an enormous marketplace, the works.
01[20:50] <Seira> Someone or something has to work on rebuilding the trust of the common man, and who better than Waukeen?"
[20:52] <Kotono> "No point to it. It'll just be destroyed at the next war." Storm Leader Greelay smiles thinly, "I won't say no if you want to spent the money on it."
01[20:53] <Seira> "Why should there be a next war with one's natural ally? That always surprises me in humans."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Ally?" Standing up now, "Andram, idealism doesn't suit you or your friends." Storm Leader Greelay begins to walk away. "Educate her, the comedy is not well received."
06[20:58] * Seira tilts her head. "Is this a bit about only respecting strength? Cause that I can display."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Don't," Andram speaks up here to Seira. Then to Greelay as he continues to walk, "I assume you have the authority to sign the treaty? We'll do it as soon as one is written out."
06[21:00] * Seira defers to him, wanting to ask the general a few things in a more private setting.
[21:01] <Kotono> Once Greelay is gone, "You mean well," he begins, "But we've had dozens of wars over the centuries. You may as well ask angels and demons to lair together."
01[21:02] <Seira> "Hmph. You think where we come from it's all sun and roses? We made it past that... hell, the elves came out of their self-imposed isolation. If they can break millennia-long habits, the human nations could make an attempt, too, can't they?"
[21:03] <Kotono> Taking a long breath, "By our own admission, our royal family slaughtered theirs and started this war. I'm thankful that he's even taking the peace after that - and I bet the only reason is because that they're in turmoil and discord because of those murders."
01[21:06] <Seira> "And because the more belligerent side will get on my bad side," Seira adds bluntly. "If he has access to halfway decent spies, that might be part of the reason. But it doesn't matter, since I've found what I want to do. Are you particularly attached to the strip of land that constitutes your border with Sanaxt?"
[21:08] <Kotono> "If you want to establish that temple, you're welcome to." He nods curtly to that, "Reinforcing our defenses to go around south of that part shouldn't be too terribly disruptive, and the trade roads are harder to defend in any event. They're a natural pathway for armies."
01[21:10] <Seira> "I'm thinking of taking it one step farther and establishing an official presence there. On top of providing some very real security, I would like to think it gives Sanaxt pause if to make war with you, they first have to go through us."
[21:11] <Kotono> "How...large a presence?"
01[21:13] <Seira> "A small garrison. What matters is which flag it would fly, and not its actual strength, after all. Since if it were to fall to an invasion, our response would not be late in coming, and would, of course, be quite overwhelming and disproportionate."
[21:14] <Kotono> "It won't stop them," he says, "Even at worst, they'll just go around the garrison. The flag of a country that they've never heard of won't cool a head down."
01[21:20] <Seira> "Oh, I'm not naive enough to think there won't be a first attempt. I just have the confidence to state that it would not be followed up on. As for the matter of land to cover, several such small garrisons could be placed across the borders, and a mutual defense pact between our countries would be in place to specify how they would be activated."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Even if so, can you really man a garrison this far from your kingdom? Are you planning to use mercenaries?"
01[21:24] <Seira> "Mercenaries and a special force that will be created for this purpose," Seira responds. "That we can do so is manifestably true. It would be no different from your farther patrols, except magic would replace horses for troop circulation and carrier pigeons for communication. Establishing the framework on the ground would take time, and that time would be well-used on our side."
[21:29] <Kotono> "I will consider it," Andram says at last, after a silence of quite a long time. "Such a decision needs not to be made immediately, not before P-Queen Giselle is installed and the situation has solidified."
06[21:34] * Seira nods. "It would make me pretty happy if you did build a promenade to Waukeen, though. Perhaps even two." She presents him with a handwritten list. "I wish I could call this a bill but that's mean and unhelpful. What it is is a list of my belongings that are still missing, and since Albert might have given some away, I would appreciate your help with recovering those.
01[21:34] <Seira> I didn't write down a total because that always made me sad when I sad down to do it, but even a simple glance should show why I really need that bit of sunshine and happiness I asked for."
[21:34] <Kotono> "I see," Scanning the list, "From what I recall about magic prices, that is quite a fortune."
01[21:35] <Seira> "I helpfully included the prices, except for that one amulet that was never appraised and, being unique, is likely pricess anyway."
[21:36] <Kotono> "I'll see what we can do," Andram nods.
[21:54] <Kotono> -----(Insane Ko!---
[21:58] <Kotono> Princess Giselle can be found in her room. She sits on her bed plainly, a quiet maid brushing and then braiding her hair. A pair of guards stand just inside the room, which is otherwise quiet as Seira is allowed to enter.
06[21:59] * Seira waits to be noticed, observing Giselle. She could appear perfectly normal even previously, so the real test might be when she spots Seira.
[22:00] <Kotono> Giselle's gaze is downward, as if studying the floor as her hair is worked. Her apperance is withdrawn, quiet, regally reserved.
06[22:01] * Seira takes the first move, then. "I could brush your hair for you, if you'd like," she offers, coming closer.
[22:04] <Kotono> Giselle looks up at that, "There is no need. Cerella is sufficient." Said maid continues to work, binding her hair up into a manageable set of braids.
01[22:06] <Seira> "It's probably a good call," Seira notes, crossing her hands in front of her chest. "I'm not really versed in the local fashions."
[22:08] <Kotono> "I hear I am to become Queen," Giselle says after, going to look back down as the maid finishes.
01[22:09] <Seira> "If you want to," Seira agrees. "No one will force you. Leadership is something people should seek rather than being granted, I feel. Do you want to become queen?"
[22:17] <Kotono> There isn't ar eply immediately. Instead, the maid finishes with her hair and stands, then bows to the Princess before departing. Once she is gone, "I will do what must be done."
01[22:19] <Seira> "This is where I normally would joke," Seira mutters. "Great, and I mean it. I don't think you would be saying it like that unless you've made up your own mind instead of having others's wishes just piled on to you and accepting passively. Do you need anything from me to make things easier?"
[22:21] <Kotono> "I will be alive," Giselle murmurs. "I will be alive...that is enough."
01[22:26] <Seira> Disturbing, but not overwhelmingly so. Seira chooses to nod curtly. "I've made my proposal to General Andram which I'm hoping would help. Once things calm down enough to properly study it, I'm confident it will get the proper consideration it deserves, since it wasn't made lightly.
01[22:26] <Seira> But that's state business. If you need anything I could help you with, perhaps not now but later down the line, call me. I'll leave an easy way for it, so don't be shy or hold it in when you have someone to talk to. Someone who could come to your aid, and not because you're the queen of a country."
[22:29] <Kotono> Another small nod there, "I will remember it, Seira."
06[22:32] * Seira gives Giselle a small smile that isn't forced this time around. "I have to go home, but since you are in charge, I will be back again. I really want to see the country someone who wants to help others from the very bottom of her soul would make."
[22:33] <Kotono> "I will," Giselle looks up. "Shar won't get me...I have to believe that."
01[22:35] <Seira> "She gave it her best shot, and she failed. Now that you're free and amongst friends who would help you oppose her? Not a chance!"
[22:36] <Kotono> "Shar won't get me...Shar won't get me," Giselle breathes, one of the guards coming up to Seira. In a whisper, "General Andram requests that you not linger if The Princess gets excited again," he says. "Her composure is critical."
06[22:38] * Seira nods to him lightly, and heads out of the room, pausing at the doorway to wave at Giselle before leaving.