Diablotin 2 session 78

Diablotin 2 session logs Previous Session 78 Next

Session

Session date:

Diablotin date:

Prologue

[DiablotinNarrator] It is drawing near the end of Twelfth-month and the year. There has been snow in the air a few times, but not enough to stay on the ground quite yet.

[DiablotinNarrator] The fire that consumed much of the Antiquarian Society's hall and its contents is under investigation. Killed in the fire were Professor Benalda Grenrake and a servant girl named Lora, surname unknown. All other injuries were fortunately minor.

[DiablotinNarrator] The greatest loss to the society, however, were the books and artifacts that were destroyed in the blaze. Those that were salvaged are being stored temporarily at the Castalia, and the items that were only partly damaged are gradually being reconstructed using magic. Hopes are high that the building itself will be restored to its former state within a few months.

[DiablotinNarrator] The decision-making process for selecting the new Patriarch is finally complete, although it took longer than usual this time, due to divisions in the church. Reverend Father Theron of the Order of the Owl has assumed the white robes as Patriarch Theron. The race to fill the position he has vacated is now officially underway

Dominik and Seth, War

[DiablotinNarrator] Dominik and Seth, you are both summoned to an important meeting with the Warlord.

• Dominik will, of course, arrive promptly on time.
• Seth comes along, fearful of what will be asked of him though!

[DiablotinNarrator] There are about 16 people present when you arrive, only a few of whom Dom recognizes, and I believe Seth recognizes none of them (apart from Dom...)

[DiablotinNarrator] Dom, you remember Nais, who assisted you on the bridge, 'Opal', whose real name you don't know, Byram Verret, a fellow Lord of the Privy Chamber, C sar de B ziers, and Laurine's husband Sylvain Marcoux.

[DiablotinNarrator] And, rather unexpectedly, Seth, of course.

• Dominik raises a curious eyebrow to Seth's presence

[Fredericia] Thank you all for coming. I hope I don't need to tell you that this meeting is of the utmost secrecy, and anything discussed here does not leave these walls.

• Fredericia says once everyone has settled down.

[Fredericia] We are formulating a strategy which, if successful, should secure a quick and relatively bloodless end to the conflict with Psyra.

[Fredericia] If you do not wish to participate in what may be a very dangerous mission, you can leave now, and we'll find a replacement.

• Seth suspects that this is not true of him. :/

[DiablotinNarrator] No one else leaves.

[Fredericia] Good.

[Fredericia] The current plan is as follows: You will pass through the teleportation circle to Nys, the capital of Psyra. The circle is located within the ducal palace, so it will certainly be well-defended. You take out the defenders and some of you remain to hold the circle and prevent a retaliatory attack.

[Fredericia] The remainder of you then proceed to locate the duke. We have maps of the palace which should be accurate. Immediately prior to your departure, we will have a Discern Location cast on him, in order to ascertain exactly where he is. He'll have some time to move, but hopefully not much.

[Fredericia] You will be equiped with appropriate magic weapons and armor if you don't already possess them, and hopefully you will be more than a match for any resistance you meet in the process.

[Fredericia] You secure the duke and remove him via the teleportation circle, bringing him here to stand trial for treason, along with his son.

[Fredericia] Our armies are building their ranks and training new recruits, but it is our hope that once the duke is out of power, they will not be necessary except as a deterrent.

[Fredericia] The current composition of this strike force is as follows: six fighters, two rogues, three sorcerers, one bard, three clerics.

[Fredericia] However, you will also have some additional assistance in this task, provided by one of the Great Constructs under the direction of M. Argo here.

• Fredericia indicates Seth.

[Fredericia] Perhaps you could give us a quick briefing on the construct's abilities, M. Argo?

[Seth] Ahh ... well, yes, certainly. Essentially impervious to all but the most potent attacks, Karik's offensive strength is also great, but I would imagine that its most significant use would be defensive and strategic, along with the sheer terror its use might inspire.

• Fredericia nods.

[Seth] I would say, however, that the greatest challenge given this particular strategy would be the golem's size, which might prevent its ingress into chambers.

[Fredericia] I imagine it would be most useful holding the circle, along with some other defenders of course.

• Seth nods.
• Fredericia suggests.

[Seth] Yes, I agree.

[Fredericia] Glad to hear that.

[Fredericia] If you fall, can another person pick up the creature's amulet to control it?

[Seth] Yes ... that is possible. I will not fall, however.

[Fredericia] Very well.

[Fredericia] You seem quite sure of that.

[Seth] I have a capability ... to enter into stone objects. This would include the golem, if necessary. From within, I would be as untouchable as the golem itself.

[Fredericia] I... see.

[Seth] I imagine this is why the Emperor has requested my presence particularly, in addition to my scholarly knowledge of constructs.

[Fredericia] That would make sense, yes.

[Seth] I am certain that the previous Warlord must have left some information on my particular capacities in her notes for you, Warlord.

[Fredericia] Quite likely. I'll attempt to track them down.

[Dominik] Who will be in the van with the golem?

[Fredericia] You will have approximately two weeks to train together, learn each others' strengths and weaknesses, and formulate your combat strategies.

• Dominik nods

[Fredericia] Once I've observed you at work, I'll have a better idea how I want to deploy you.

[Fredericia] Any other questions?

[Fredericia] All right. Quarters will be made available to you in the palace for the next two weeks, for those of you who don't already have accomodations here.

[Fredericia] I expect you up at dawn, mornings and afternoons to be spent in training, evenings are your own, don't do anything stupid like go get drunk and blab our plans.

[Fredericia] See the Chamberlain for room assignments.

[Fredericia] Oh, and... how will we get the golem in for training?

• Fredericia asks Seth.

[Seth] In where?

[Fredericia] The north training yard. Can it just walk over there?

[Seth] (can it?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (should be able to, as far as you know - maybe have to avoid some doorways, but hey, they probably can get horses in there, so.)

[Seth] I don't anticipate any difficulty, no.

[Fredericia] All right.

[Fredericia] Oh, and you all should also consult with the Treasurer about weapons and armor. We have to strike a balance - we don't want anything irreplaceable falling into enemy hands, but you need to be well-equipped.

[Fredericia] I'll inform him to expect you.

[Fredericia] You're dismissed until tomorrow morning, then.

[DiablotinNarrator] (if there's anybody there either of you wanted to talk to, you can, or if you want to talk to each other, you can do that in gnomeland)

[Dominik] (ill chat with seth for a bit)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok)

[Dominik] So a personal invite to the war from Marl. That must have been an interesting discussion.

[Seth] Ahh ... yes, you might say that. One might even say I have been involuntarily conscripted.

[Dominik] If this works, then it may end this before it really starts. Why wouldn't you be willing to go along?

[Dominik] Besides, you'll never get another chance like this to control a golem.

[Seth] ... well, yes and no.

[Seth] I have some exciting news. I have managed to reconstruct and reactivate the golem Schesutte.

[Dominik] That is good news. Also explains why Fredie may be more willing to risk the other one.

[Seth] I am currently engaged in significant research into her abilities and capacities. This is a ... significant intrusion.

[Seth] I also believe, based on what we learned from Thea, that Kavreshar may be using this war with Psyra as a distraction.

[Seth] And what better way than to take major defenses out of the city, then attack when the moment is right.

[Dominik] That's a possibility, but leaving the distraction to fester to more on its own isn't the best plan either.

[Seth] Of course not. But I am not seeing the true value of bringing Karik on this sort of mission.

[Dominik] If I knew a way to lure Kavreshar out on our terms, I would jump on it. That threat needs to be dealt with, but I don't know how.

[Dominik] Hoping in by the circle isn't going to be the easiest or safest tactic. The area is either heavily guarded or sealed up to prevent such an action.

[Dominik] Karik gives options to punch through those defenses that we just wouldn't have.

[Dominik] I think its a brilliant idea and use of the construct.

[Dominik] and it's likely the only way the first few through the circle will live.

[Seth] No doubt. Given the strategy that has been decided upon, it makes sense. But there are many other strategies that one could have used - say, discreetly teleporting in, not using the circle, with a properly-trained squad of trusted officers. I have no reason to think that this is the case.

[Seth] After all, the Emperor trusted me, when I have given him no special reason to do so. Do we trust all those other individuals? Do we know that none of them are infiltrators?

[Dominik] I'm sure nobody was in that room that hadn't been properly vetted. Too much is riding on this.

[Dominik] As for Marl, arn't you and his brother close? or were at least?

[Seth] The Warlord is very new to her position. I can't see how she can have such a level of confidence. Given what we know about Kavreshar, this is very risky.

[Dominik] At least its doing something instead of waiting for Kevreshar to act.

[Seth] But, as I say, I don't believe that we are moving *against* Kavreshar - I believe that we may be doing exactly what Kavreshar wants us to do.

[Seth] But I have already expressed these concerns, as best as I could, to the Emperor.

[Dominik] Things could change in the next two weeks.

[Seth] Yes, of course.

Sanadhil and Bessa

[DiablotinNarrator] San, you are looking for the starflake. I assume you got my email?

[Sanadhil] yes

• Sanadhil will try and find Laeken @_@

[DiablotinNarrator] That is a more difficult task than usual, but you eventually manage to locate him - at the Castalia library, sitting on a desk with a pile of books.

[Sanadhil] (is it evening?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes, late)

[Sanadhil] (so, empty library?)

[Sanadhil] (or are there still students about?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (more or less... the Castalia is generally more busy than the Society was, but at this time of night and this time of year, right before holidays, it's pretty dead. No one in the immediate vicinity.)

[Sanadhil] (cool)

• Sanadhil speaks quietly

[Sanadhil] Good evening - I'm sorry to disturb you.

• Laeken turns when he notices it's you.

[Laeken] Oh, not to worry.

• Sanadhil sits and casually flips through one of the unopen boos so that ti doesn;t just look like he's stanbding there talking to a

skull @_@

• Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] Did you hear about the fire at the Society?

[Laeken] Yes.

[Laeken] Fortunately I had already read most of the useful books there.

[Sanadhil] Yes, a shame for the rest of us, however, if we had not.

[Laeken] I suppose so.

[Sanadhil] But aside from that, something was discovered missing after the fire that was of greater interest. I was hoping to convince you to help me track it down.

[Laeken] Oh? What is that.

[Sanadhil] An artifact we recovered from the Shadowplane. For lack of any better name, we'd been referring to it as The Starflake

[Laeken] Having never seen this item, I will likely be unable to locate it. Unless it is it the possession of someone I am familiar with?

[Sanadhil] it may be...

[Sanadhil] Have you met Bessa DuChamp?

[Sanadhil] She is a society member

• Sanadhil will describe her

[Laeken] Then I have seen her. I have seen most if not all of the members of your society.

[Laeken] Yes, she is familiar to me.

[Sanadhil] she may have it, but I am not certain

[Laeken] You wish me to ascertain her location?

[Sanadhil] Yes. Please.

[Laeken] Very well...

• Laeken will cast the spell.

[Laeken] The Well of Stars, Sarasagel, The Shadow Plane.

[Sanadhil] .... thank you.

• Sanadhil stands suddenly.

[Laeken] I take it that answers your question.

[Sanadhil] Yes

[Laeken] Good evening, then.

[Sanadhil] thank you.

• Laeken goes back to his book.
• Sanadhil looks a little pale though Laken probably doens't care
• Sanadhil will cast mage Armour, and shadow walk

[DiablotinNarrator] All right, where are you going?

[Sanadhil] (I'm trying to remember what all precautions may have been left at the well... but I'll teleport there)

[DiablotinNarrator] You arrive at the Well. The swirling lights seem brighter than before, more vigorous.

• Bessa stands at the edge of the well. The starflake - starsoul?- is in her hands.

[Sanadhil] Bessa!

• Bessa turns to see you, seemingly unsurprised.

[Bessa] This is the right thing to do, Sanadhil.

[Sanadhil] You have no idea what you're doing.

[Bessa] The song tells me that it's right, though.

[Bessa] It's necessary for the restoration of the Serpent. Part of its essence is trapped here. Freeing it will give it the strength it needs to be truly reborn.

• Sanadhil will try to cast dominate

[DiablotinNarrator] (what's the dc on that?)

[Sanadhil] (22, 23 if she'ca caught by surprise ;p)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok, just looking up something)

[DiablotinNarrator] You also need to roll a Will save for being within 5 feet of the Well and hearing the song.

[DiablotinNarrator] (DC 21, mind-affecting)

[Sanadhil] (I can't actually fail... but I rolled a 32)

[DiablotinNarrator] All right - you hear the song and understand its message - the understanding that the Shadow Plane can live again, and that the memory of starlight is the key - but are not compelled by it.

[Sanadhil] (But I'm not hearing anythign about the serpent?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (not in the song, no)

[Sanadhil] (okay)

[Sanadhil] Come away

• Bessa takes a step away from the well, and the ground begins to shake beneath you.

[Sanadhil] ...

[DiablotinNarrator] Make a reflex save, DC 15.

[Sanadhil] (15 D:)

[Sanadhil] Stop

[DiablotinNarrator] Ok, you manage to stay standing despite the earthquake... Also roll percentile, you want to get above 25%.

[Sanadhil] (47)

[DiablotinNarrator] Fissures are opening up in the ground around you, but you don't fall down any of them, luckily for you.

[Sanadhil] (how is Bessa?)

[DiablotinNarrator] You also have to make a Concentration check on your spell, I think. DC 20 + level of your spell.

[Sanadhil] (which spell?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (your Dominate)

[DiablotinNarrator] (maybe not, actually, since you're done casting it...)

[Sanadhil] (yeah... just made it, though :3)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yeah, nm on that. I think that only applies if you're casting while the earthquake happens)

• Bessa looks at the star in her hands.
• Bessa holds it up over her head...

[Sanadhil] No!

[Bessa] I... have to.

• Sanadhil braces himself for further craziness @_@
• Bessa looks like she's struggling, but she snaps the star in two nevertheless. It shatters with a light so bright it blinds you.

[Sanadhil] YOu'll die.

[Sanadhil] ...

• Sanadhil says as she snaps it, the world going black... agian...

[DiablotinNarrator] The light surrounds you. It hurts, but it's comforting too... warm, protective... The pain fades somehow, and you are in a space of white nothingness. You feel the sense that here, wherever 'here' is, you could make anything happen.

[DiablotinNarrator] You've taken 52 points of damage, and you have a single wish.

[Sanadhil] (ahhhh I don't knooooow @_@)

[DiablotinNarrator] The light begins to fade, and you are left in the darkness once more, lying on the ground near the well... There is no light now coming from it - the cracks seem to have sealed themselves. Bessa is also lying on the ground. As you look up, you realize that the sky isn't completely black. There are stars.

[Sanadhil] Bessa!

• Sanadhil crawls over to her
• Bessa is lifeless.
• Sanadhil will....wish that her sacrifice is not in vain, that the locked away essence has been released
• Sanadhil wishes that he'd been a little better mentally prepared, also @_@

[DiablotinNarrator] You feel slightly more... mentally prepared.

[DiablotinNarrator] (+2 Wis.)

[Sanadhil] damnit.

[Sanadhil] Then I could have save you, fool. :(

[Sanadhil] I'm sorry, Bessa.

[Sanadhil] I wish I could have been sure -_-

• Sanadhil looks up to the sky, at all the unfamiliar stars @_@

Ysabeau and Alma, Kavreshar

[DiablotinNarrator] Ysabeau, you are heading over to Alma's house to pay a visit to the babies... How are you travelling?

[Ysabeau] (By carriage, I suppose...)

• Ysabeau only travels during daytime...

[Ysabeau] (harder to be ambushed when one can see... ;_;)

[DiablotinNarrator] All right. As you rattle over the stones of the road, you hear a voice in your mind, not one you recognize. "It's such a nice sunny day. Why not take the babies outside for a walk in the Firefly Gardens?"

[DiablotinNarrator] Will save DC 27.

[Ysabeau] (29, ha!)

[DiablotinNarrator] All right. You feel no compulsion, but you can reply to the sender in 25 words or less.

[Ysabeau] (spellcraft on what the compulsion effect was.)

[Ysabeau] (25)

[DiablotinNarrator] (no idea)

• Ysabeau will think it's a lovely idea in case he has a mind link but not reply, so he can think he's ever so subtle, and continue on to Alma's house, heart in her throat.

[DiablotinNarrator] All right, you arrive at Alma's house.

[Ysabeau] (Is the driver one of Maze's peeps?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes, you have seen him before)

• Ysabeau will send him home to Maze's with a written message to the effect that she thinks Kavreshar is trying to get at the babies, he failed to compel her, but help might be needed at Alma's.

[DiablotinNarrator] Ok.

[Ysabeau] (more detailed, probably, I just don't want to take forever writing it)

• Ysabeau knocks on Alma's door.
• Alma will answer with promptness based on whether you sent word ahead of your visit.

[Alma] Good afternoon, Ysabeau :)

[Ysabeau] Alma, hello! It's such a lovely day, I was thinking of taking the babies for a stroll in the park!

• Ysabeau will step inside, where she hopes they are safe from scrying.

[Alma] I ... well I imagine we can step out back for some sun...

• Alma looks at Ysabeau oddly and will close the door.

[Alma] Is everything alright, dear?

[Ysabeau] Do you have a nice jade sculpture, by any chance?

[Alma] I... don't think so...

[Alma] Why do you ask?

[Ysabeau] False Vision...

[Alma] I don't recall any priestly spells which utilize Jade, so it's not a component I have...

• Ysabeau looks a bit pale and possibly a bit shaky.

[Alma] What's wrong?

• Ysabeau leans in close enough that someone watching couldn't read her lips due to Alma's hair being in the way, and whispers.

[Ysabeau] [w] Someone tried to compel me to take the babies to the Firefly Gardens. I didn't succumb, but I think we all might be in very great danger.

• Alma nods :|

[Ysabeau] [w] I sent the driver back to Maze's with a message asking for help, but I don't know if any will come. What should we do?

[Alma] (Is anti-scrying on the list of MAze/Chief Sorceror provided protectives?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes, also anti-teleportation)

[Alma] We're safe from scrying and teleportation here...

• Ysabeau looks relieved.

[Alma] I ... I'm not sure what to do... I hoped we had more time.

[Ysabeau] I wasn't sure if you'd have been able to get that done already.

• Alma nods

[Alma] I ... well I doubt the Chief Sorceror or anyone else are ready to try to trap him... now would have been the perfect time...

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] I can't cast Sending to ask.

[Ysabeau] Whoever was trying to get me to do that did use Sending, but I didn't reply...

[Alma] (I'll probably have Hallowed it as well Julie?)

[Ysabeau] I didn't know what I could possibly say.

[DiablotinNarrator] (yeah, I assumed you would)

[Ysabeau] Can you get a message to the Chief Sorceror?

[Alma] That's fine dear...

[Alma] Yes, I can... let's go up to see them.

• Ysabeau follows you upstairs.
• Alma will take Ysabeau up to see the babies to help her calm down. She'll also cast Wind Walk on all three of us so that we can flee quickly if needed.
• Ysabeau will play with the babies and try to remain calm.
• Alma will cast Sending to inform the Chief Sorceror: Unknown being attempted to compel Ysabeau Chanuier to take the babies to

Firefly Gardens on way here. Unsure of how to proceed.

[Ysabeau] I don't know how long we'll have before they think it's high time I appeared with these two in a pram?

[DiablotinNarrator] Loick will reply: Remain where you are, I'll come to you, we can formulate a plan there.

[Alma] The Chief Sorceror is coming here.

[Alma] I'll wait by the door.

• Alma leaves the babies with Ysabeau

[Alma] (Oh wait)

• Ysabeau glances out the window frequently as she plays with the little ones.

[Alma] (nm I can't scry her)

• Alma will cast Status on Ys/MArla/babies
• Loick walks up the drive to your house after a short while. He presumably teleported to somewhere nearby and walked the rest of the way.
• Alma will Detect Evil, See Invis

[DiablotinNarrator] You don't detect evil or anything invisible as he knocks at your door.

• Alma casts Detect Magic
• Loick probably has some magic on him... he usually does ;)

[Alma] (Well at least he's not immune to divinations @_@)

• Alma will open the door.

[DiablotinNarrator] (nope)

[Alma] Come in Your Grace...

[Alma] Good to see you.

[Loick] I came as quickly as I could. I hope everything's all right?

• Loick steps inside.

[Alma] It seems to be, yes.

[Alma] May I take your coat?

[Loick] Oh, certainly.

• Alma will take it and check for race/alignment.

[Alma] (That's way below my auto-succeed)

[DiablotinNarrator] (human, CG)

• Alma smiles in relief :)

[Loick] What precisely happened? Is Mme. Olivier still here?

[Alma] (Oh yes, Olivier :P)

[Alma] Yes, she's up with the children. If you'll follow me.

• Loick does so.
• Alma leads him to the nursery where Ysabeau and the babies are, and perhaps a nervous Marla.
• Ysabeau gently jiggles Justen in her arms and is singing reassuringly for everyone's benefit.
• Ysabeau glances up at Loick anxiously.

[Loick] Good day...

[Ysabeau] Good day, my lord.

[Alma] If you'll tell His Grace what happened?

• Ysabeau would curtsey if she weren't holding an infant.
• Loick sits down to listen.
• Ysabeau explains what happened.

[Ysabeau] (was the voice gendered?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (male)

[Ysabeau] It was a male voice which I didn't recognize.

[Ysabeau] I continued on here so it would think perhaps it had succeeded.

[Ysabeau] But now what?

[Loick] Hm... it sounds like a Demand spell. Basically a sending plus a suggestion. You were fortunate to escape its effects.

[Loick] The caster wouldn't have had to be near you - could even be on another plane, although that seems less likely.

[Ysabeau] I sent my driver home with a message and asking for more help. I don't know if any will come.

[Loick] The suggestion that you come to a particular place suggests that whoever it is will be waiting there, or has accomplices waiting there.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Alma] Indeed.

[Ysabeau] If I stay here indefinitely then it will catch on that the compulsion failed.

[Loick] Yes - it may simply try again, though.

[Alma] I'm assuming that no plan is near enough to completion that it could be put into effect?

[Loick] Not yet...

[Ysabeau] If it is Kavreshar, I'm not certain that we could apprehend it, if we went... He must be pretty powerful.

[Loick] Indeed.

[Loick] I would suggest that you and I, Sister, go to the park, possibly in disguise, and scout the area.

[Ysabeau] It would be nice if we could make some changelings that would fool him. ;)

[Ysabeau] But I doubt he could be so easily fooled.

[Alma] It is possible that Kavreshar himself uses a sort of True Seeing effect. He saw us immediately when we encountered him below the Bonemire.

[Alma] Perhaps if we were in the Ethereal plane?

[Ysabeau] I know, that's why I figure it wouldn't work.

[Loick] Hm, that's worrying. Maybe a mundane disguise would fool him, however?

[Alma] Yes, perhaps.

[Loick] Can you employ True Seeing from the Ethereal Plane?

[Alma] Hmm.

[Alma] (I'm not sure OOC. You can focus to see from the Material into the Ethereal using TS. I'm assuming that you'd get TS's benefits but with the same blurriness of the Etherealplane-seeing-the-material)

[Alma] (Kplanes 39)

[DiablotinNarrator] Yeah, I think that's reasonable.

• Alma will say as much

[Loick] All right...

[Alma] It could make it harder for us to see important details though...

[Alma] I am willing to try a mundane disguise ...

[Ysabeau] Am I to just stay here, then...?

• Alma does sound a little dubious about her abilit.

[Alma] Someone ought to stay with Marla and the infants...

[Alma] :/

[Ysabeau] I know... :/

[Ysabeau] When will you be back?

[Loick] Can you provide any assistance with disguises?

[Ysabeau] When should I worry if you don't come back?

[Loick] I would think covering our hair would be most necessary.

[Ysabeau] I didn't bring my magic hat. Wouldn't he see through it anyway?

[Ysabeau] I have no spells that could help, I'm sorry.

[Loick] Mundane disguises, I meant.

[Alma] Oh... Ysabeau, you could use the Crystal ball

• Ysabeau smiles apologetically.

[Ysabeau] I don't have those sorts of skills, my lord... You'd need my husband for that.

[Alma] Once we're at the bounds of the protectives, I will try to consent to your attempt...

• Alma will try to find things about the house.
• Loick will basically attempt to stuff his hair up under his hat, so it's not so visible.
• Ysabeau will help tuck his hair up after putting a baby down. :/
• Ysabeau feels pretty wretched that she can't help any more than that.
• Alma uses what she tried to use when spying on Leonien
• Ysabeau will do what she can for Alma, too.

[Ysabeau] ...

[Ysabeau] What if someone comes here while you're gone?

[Ysabeau] You let Vescan go.

[Alma] Hmm?

[DiablotinNarrator] There is a knock at the door.

• Ysabeau tries not to sound accusing.
• Alma will go to one of hte windows on this floor and peek out.

[DiablotinNarrator] It is several people, one of whom looks to be Martan.

[Alma] It looks like your husband now...

[Ysabeau] Hopefully it is, and not someone pretending to be him. Can you tell?

[Alma] I will do my best.

• Alma will go to the door, scanning through her detection list (invis, evil, deathwatch)

[Alma] (The Deathwatch will also tell me if people are immune, if I see someone who doesn't register)

[DiablotinNarrator] they all seem clear.

• Alma will open the door.

[Alma] M. Olivier, how good to see you. Ysabeau will be so relieved.

[Martan] I came as soon as I got her message - is she all right?

[Alma] Yes, everyone is well.

[Alma] We could still use your help, though... come in.

• Martan does, along with his assorted minions.
• Alma will bring Martan and whoever he seems inclined to invite up to get filled in.
• Ysabeau actually looks a little more anxious when she sees Martan.
• Martan hurries to his wife's side.

[Ysabeau] You shouldn't be here...

[Ysabeau] All four of you in one place?

[Ysabeau] That might be just what he wants.

• Ysabeau squeezes Martan's hand but really looks quite worried.

[Martan] I wasn't going to stay away from you when you needed me.

[Ysabeau] I know, I understand. But that doesn't change the fact...

• Loick and Alma have done what they can to disguise themselves using scarves and bits of clothing and so on.

[Loick] Any assistance with this?

• Loick asks, looking a bit frazzled.

[Martan] ...Oh, dear. Yes.

[Alma] Yes, this is not at all a strength of mine ... -_-

[Ysabeau] Can you go with them to the park? It will split us into two groups. More targets.

[Martan] If you want me to, I will.

• Martan provides assistance to improve your disguises.

[Alma] Much better.

[Ysabeau] I don't know if I exactly do, but I do think it's better than having us all in one spot.

[Martan] Look. He wants the babies alive, right?

[Alma] A very good assumption.

[Martan] He can't target this place, or anywhere they might be, with large-scale damage. No fires, that sort of thing.

[Alma] Something I have been counting on -_-

[Martan] And I suspect he can't easily get in here? Correct, Sister?

[Alma] Yes, there are numerous protectives, including Hallow, Dimensional Anchor.

• Martan nods.

[Martan] So he has to try and get the children out in order to seize them.

[Alma] Without risking us vanishing with them, as we vanished with Thea.

[Martan] Exactly.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Alma] We had considered the Ethereal Plane as an approach...

[Loick] You should be all right here. I'll come back as soon as I can.

[Ysabeau] Can he cast Demand through the protectives?

[Loick] I don't know.

• Ysabeau knows Martan probably wouldn't be able to resist it well.
• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] Go with them, please, love.

[Alma] Hallow will make it more difficult.

[Loick] But if any one of us begins to act strangely, the rest of us will notice.

[Loick] I think we should presume any attempt to take the children outside is motivated by external forces.

[Alma] If not block attemptsc completely.

[Ysabeau] If Martan stays with me here, and he succeeds in compelling one of us, will I be able to attack my husband? Will you be able to attack me?

[Ysabeau] Go with them, please.

[Martan] I will.

• Ysabeau kisses him.

[Ysabeau] Thank you. I love you.

• Martan kisses her back.
• Martan will go with the others to the park, then.
• Ysabeau hopes she made the right decision. He could get in trouble at the park too.
• Ysabeau will stay and be strong for herself and Marla and the babies.
• Alma will check with Martan to see if trying via the Ethereal First is best, or if we should just go in disguised.

[Alma] (Alma sucks at bluffing so she could be ethereal alone even :P)

[Martan] I think the disguises are our best bet. We don't know what he may be able to perceive with his magic...

[Martan] This way we attract least attention, hopefully.

• Alma nods

[Loick] Do you have True Seeing cast?

[Alma] I will cast it once we are somewhat nearer - maybe 2-3 minutes away?

[Loick] All right.

• Loick offers you his arm, then, so you look like you're just going out for a nice stroll.
• Alma will then cast it on herself and Martan
• Alma takes Loick's arm, comfortable at least with seeming friendly with a good man, even though she's still nervous.

[DiablotinNarrator] You walk to the Firefly Gardens, which are not too far from Alma's house.

[DiablotinNarrator] The weather is sunny but a bit chill, so there aren't huge crowds of people there.

• Alma relies on her diplomatic training to provide her with things to seem to be talking about.

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma, your true seeing gives you an unsettling sight as you approach. You can see a dragon in the garden.

• Martan evidently sees it too, you hear him breathe in sharply.

[Alma] [q] Oh Owl protect us.

[Alma] (A dragon not a hellfire wyrm?)

[Loick] [q] What is it?

[DiablotinNarrator] (well, yes. a hellfire wyrm, if you want to be specific :)

[Alma] It's Kavreshar..

[Alma] [q] Shall we go back?

[Loick] [q] Yes, I think that's best.

• Alma will comment on how cold her toes have become @_@
• Loick will pass on by the park a little way, cross the street, and take another route back towards your house.

[Alma] (Did we get close enough to see if he's still masquerading as Phelix?)

[Loick] [q] For what it's worth, I saw only an old beggar there.

[Alma] It was definitely him...

[Loick] [q] So evidently a new disguise.

• Alma shakes her head .oO( That /thing/ knows where I live D: )

[Martan] [q] Gods, what would have happened if Ysa hadn't resisted him...

[Alma] It's no matter, because she did, and now we're forewarned.

• Martan nods.

[Alma] And it would also have seemed a strange fixation, despite her affection for them...

[Alma] .oO( Now if I was out ... o_O )

[Martan] [q] Would it be prudent to move the babies? Teleport them to us for a few days, say? Or do you think he would be able to find them again even with precautions in place?

[Alma] I'm not sure if he could find them again quickly...

[Martan] Maybe if we keep moving them, then.

[Alma] Or should we chose someplace where we feel them safe even if he does find them?

[Martan] I know it's inconvenient for everyone, but maybe that's safest for now. It would also spare you a bit, Sister - you shouldn't have to bear all of this on yourself.

[Loick] Where would that be?

• Alma sighs, not really sure where that would be -_-

[Alma] I don't know.

[Alma] That might be best, I suppose.

[Martan] I know Ysabeau is willing to shoulder some of the burden in caring for them. And our place is as well-defended as anywhere...

[DiablotinNarrator] You arrive back at Alma's house without further incidents.

• Ysabeau is very relieved that you're all alive, especially if you tell her it was Kavreshar there. D:
• Alma takes them back up to where Ysabeau is waiting.
• Ysabeau is hugging little Mercy.

[Ysabeau] [q] Thank the gods.

• Martan gives Ysa a hug, careful of the baby.

[Alma] Martan has suggested that to keep Kavreshar in the dark, you take the two with you by stealth...

• Martan nods.

[Ysabeau] ...

• Alma looks to see what Loick's thoughts on that are.

[Alma] (sm)

• Alma rolls [ 1d20+35 ] getting [ 4 ] which, after the modifier [ 35 ] totals [ 39 ]

[Loick] I think moving them to another secure location is prudent. As long as we're all aware now that anyone who tries to take them outside may be under the influence of that... thing.

• Alma nods.

[Alma] I trust Marla would appreciate being hidden as well, if she's willing to continue...

[Loick] We'll just have to make sure we find a few other secure locations, as necessary.

[Ysabeau] If he catches on, there are all the servants at Maze's house, who could be compelled.

[Ysabeau] As well as us, and...

[Alma] Hmm... I suppose at their age it would be difficult to hide their presence.

[Loick] Silence on the room?

[Loick] I'll give it some further thought.

[Martan] As long as people who are trusted - and strong-willed - can stay with them, then if someone tries to take them away, they can be stopped.

[Alma] Hallow might also benefit as well.

[Alma] It would protect against anyone inside being influenced.

• Loick nods.

[Ysabeau] It's really just going to be a race between us and him, isn't it? :/

[Loick] We're working on ways to stop him.

[Alma] It always was, dear... but at least now we know to run.

[Loick] We just have to keep ahead of him long enough to put one of those into effect.

• Alma will give Ysabeau a side-hug.
• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] Well, it's a good thing my schedule's looking pretty clear, then. I won't be leaving the house for a while. ^-^

[Martan] It's practice for our own little one :)

[Loick] All right. I should be going, but I'll be in touch.

[Alma] Thank you, Your Grace.

• Alma will see him to the door.

[Ysabeau] If I were a clever hellwyrm, I'd be having the house watched.

[Ysabeau] This one. So... if we take the babies by stealth, we'll have to return by stealth and leave obviously.

[Ysabeau] It might just be easier for us to go, and you to bring them, Sister.

[Martan] Agreed. We'll leave as normal, and Sister Alma can bring the babies by other means, if that's all right.

• Alma nods

[Alma] I'll get everything together and see if Marla is willing to continue on.

[Martan] To the back door, I think :)

[Alma] Hmm, I have not been there... could you describe it to me?

• Martan will do so.
• Alma nods

[DiablotinNarrator] All right - you make your various preparations, and Alma can bring over the babies later that day.

• Alma will let a dimensional Ward drop and teleport them
• Ysabeau will thank Martan's dudes who came with him for their help. I'm guessing they stayed with me and Marla while you went to the park.

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes)

[Alma] (Lock even)

• Ysabeau will have been making it a goal to remember all of Maze/Martan's henchmen by name
• Alma probably does put out the candle int he nursery with a teeny bit of melancholy.

[Curtana] awww

[DiablotinNarrator] The end, for now...