Difference between revisions of "Diablotin 2 session 69"

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(→‎Prologue)
(→‎Alma, Ysabeau and Guillame)
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[Alma] Yes, teleporting here from that location would not allow me to teleport us back to follow her... it's a complication of the nature of priestly magic.
 
[Alma] Yes, teleporting here from that location would not allow me to teleport us back to follow her... it's a complication of the nature of priestly magic.
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[DiablotinNarrator] The group of you who are gathered at Guillame's house - what time of day were you there, jooc?
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[Alma] (We said good afternoon)
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[DiablotinNarrator] It is late afternoon by now. Normally Silvia would be home from school by now, but ... she isn't.
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[Guillame] (I guess she wasn't home after all!)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (well, normally she would be :)
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[Alma] If I run into any sort of trouble I will just teleport home :)
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[Guillame] (I said that she was in the solo, but Guillame's stretched a bit thin, so it's ok)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (yeah... he might have thought she was, and just been assuming she was back)
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* Guillame sends a servant to the school to look for her when he realizes that she's late.
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[DiablotinNarrator] A servant arrives with a note just as the servant you are dispatching is leaving.
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* Guillame reads it
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[Alma] Is everything alright?
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[DiablotinNarrator] The note indicates that your sister apparently departed without permission from school at the lunch hour, along with several other students.
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[Guillame] It would seem not... apparently Silvia, among other students, decided to absent herself from school as long ago as lunchtime...
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[Ysabeau] ...
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[Ysabeau] Does it say which students?
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[Guillame] It seems remiss of the school to wait this long to inform me.
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[Guillame] (does it?)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (it doesn't name the others, no)
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* Ysabeau is thinking of Murienne and Amiel.
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* Guillame sighs
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[Guillame] Now where can she have gotten to?
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[Ysabeau] And who did she go with?
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[Alma] I can send her a message if you'd like?
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* Ysabeau looks anxious.
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[Guillame] I don't know Ysabeau, sorry.
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[Guillame] I never know in this sort of situation whether to chase her down or just wait until she's done...
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[Guillame] Would you get a response, Sister?
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[Alma] She could if she wished.
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[Alma] Perhaps I could simply ask her to confirm what time she's expected home?
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[Alma] And you can deal with things when she returns?
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[Guillame] In that case, yes... yes, ask if any help is required and what time she's expected to return.
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[Alma] Otherwise I could scry for her :)
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[Alma] Certainly. I will just need a few minutes.
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[Guillame] Let's see if she has a message first.
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* Alma nods :)
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[Alma] I'll adjourn to the parlour so I can concentrate, if you don't mind, Your Grace.
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[Guillame] Certainly - I'll have the staff send some refreshments.
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[Alma] Thank you :)
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* Alma leaves to cast Sending. "Silvia, Your Grace, it's Sister Alma. Your brother would like to know if you need help with anything, and when you are plan to come home."
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[DiablotinNarrator] "We're fine, I'm having an adventure with Muri, Amiel, Reed and Thorn! We're exploring in the sewers and... what's that noise? It sounds like... singing..."
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[Alma] The SEWERS.
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[Alma] (Does singing in the sewers mean anything to me?)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (other that creepy as fuck?)
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[Alma] Oh dear.
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* Alma will flag down the nearest servant.
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[DiablotinNarrator] A servant can certainly be flagged down.
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* Ysabeau is quietly fretting in the room where Guillame is, then.
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[Alma] Excuse me miss, but please fetch a portrait of the Duchess of Coindeliere, her used brush and another possession of hers, and bring them to the Duke of Corcyra's study.
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[DiablotinNarrator] The servant will go off to do so.
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[Alma] She's in the sewers with Murienne, Amiel, Reed and Thorn... !
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[Alma] And she ... thought she heard singing.
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* Ysabeau jumps up, looking very pale.
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[Ysabeau] Singing?
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[Alma] Yes, singing.
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[Ysabeau] She heard singing when we are at the Temple too.
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[Alma] I took the liberty of asking a servant to bring things here to help me scry.
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[Ysabeau] When we were reacting to Emkathon.
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[Alma] I hope you don't mind Your Grace.
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[Ysabeau] Reed and Thorn - the tosher children?
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[Alma] Yes, I suppose that's why they all thought it was insufficiently stupid to avoid doing.
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[Ysabeau] They may have been affected by that voided statue, or by witnessing the deaths of all the people closest to them.
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[Guillame] Well, I'm sure that Silvia is perfectly adventurous enough to choose the sewers for herself... I did much the same when I was her
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age.
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[Alma] They probably just thought they'd go on an adventure. Have Silvia and Murienne learned any spells?
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[Alma] That's the sort of thing that'd prompt that... -_-
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[Alma] .oO( Oh maybe it's a Rat thing? )
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[Ysabeau] Only the most basic novice spells...
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* Alma nods.
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[Alma] Well I'll see if they're alright once those items come.
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[Guillame] Silvia also
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* Ysabeau is getting worked up.
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[Ysabeau] Murienne hated the sewers, why would she go into them?
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[Alma] I can take us there immediately, if we must.
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[Alma] Oh, dear.
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[Ysabeau] She isn't strong enough to fight the things that might be down there.
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[Alma] My armour is in the carriage, I should make sure Marielle is handy.
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[Alma] But I'm sure this is nothing -_-
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[Ysabeau] Amiel, maybe, he's almost ready to be ordained.
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[DiablotinNarrator] The servant returns with a small portrait of Silvia, her hairbrush, and one of her books.
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[Ysabeau] But even so...
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* Alma immediately casts Greater Scrying on Silvia.
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[Guillame] Jonnti, please prepare my adventuring gear now.
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[DiablotinNarrator] The servant will go to do so.
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[Ysabeau] I didn't bring mine...
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[Alma] We'll be fine, I'm sure.
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* Ysabeau will need to go home to get her armour and weapons. Her eyes well up.
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[Guillame] You're welcome to borrow anything that you need, although we likely don't have any parallels to your magic items?
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[Alma] (DC is 25 and she gets a -16)
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[Alma] (and another -5 if she's "familiar" to me.)
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[Alma] (But probably isn't?)
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[Ysabeau] I don't have any that are useful for combat, anyway... my crossbow is well-made, but not magical.
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[Ysabeau] If anything happens to Murienne... or any of them, oh gods.
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* Ysabeau will lapse into silence, praying to the gods to keep them safe.
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* Guillame directs Ysabeau after Jonnti to gather the supplies that she needs, if desired
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* Ysabeau will stumble after him.
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[DiablotinNarrator] You can see Silvia and Muri in a dark chamber, huddled together, with other figures moving about at the edges of your
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vision. You do hear a strange singing/crooning sort of sound 'off-screen', and then a piercing shriek. Muri and Silvia both cover their ears, and slump to the ground as if unconscious.
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[Alma] We're going, now!
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[Alma] Meet me at the carriage!
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* Alma flies, metaphorically, to the carriage.!
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[Alma] Never mind the armour. (As she changes her mind...)
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[Ysabeau] (I am not sure if I can hear Alma since I'm off in some other part of the house with Jonnti?)
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[Guillame] Ysabeau, no time!
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* Guillame calls after her.
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[DiablotinNarrator] (you probably didn't have time to get too far)
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* Ysabeau runs back to you guys then
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* Alma will follow Guillame and reach out to touch the two of you, casting Greater Teleport!
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[Guillame] . o O (I hope Silvia brought a knife...)
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* Ysabeau is caught between fear for Murienne and fear for her unborn child, since she has no armour or weapons to protect herself.
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[DiablotinNarrator] You find yourselves in an underground chamber, presumably somewhere in the sewers. The children are clustered in a corner, with the boys trying to defend the girls, who both seem to be unconscious. There is some sort of ...thing that looks like a large stone scorpion menacing them. That seems to be what is making the eerie singing sound.
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* Ysabeau will pull herself together and cast Shout... stone scorpion = brittle maybe crystalline?
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* Reed has a large knife in his hand and is trying to fend off the thing.
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* Alma will immediately Dimension Door in front of the Scorpion
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[DiablotinNarrator] (so order will be Alma, Scorpiothing, Guillame, and Ysa)
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* Alma casts Dimension Door so that she is immediately in front of the scorpion.
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[DiablotinNarrator] OK. The scorpion will attack you, then.
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* Alma is oddly enough expecting that.
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[DiablotinNarrator] (does a 20 hit?)
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[Alma] (Yup.)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (14 damage, and make a Fort save DC 18 please)
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[Alma] (31 :D)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (ok - just the bite damage, then)
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* Alma seems to take that well, all things considered.
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[DiablotinNarrator] The 'tail' was what bit you - it's not actually a stinger, but it ends in a lamprey-like mouth with creepy teeth.
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[Alma] .oO( Oh how awful. )
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[DiablotinNarrator] Guillame's turn.
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[Guillame] (Does it look like it has anatomy?)
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[DiablotinNarrator] It looks like it's made of stone, or some stone-like substance, but yes, it has an anatomy
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[Guillame] I will move to flank with Alma if possible, grabbing any stones that I pass.
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[DiablotinNarrator] OK, you can flank with her.
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[DiablotinNarrator] Ysa?
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* Ysabeau will cast Shout, projecting her voice so it will miss everyone but the scorpithing if possible.
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[Ysabeau] (DC 20)
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[DiablotinNarrator] !roll 1d20
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* Alma rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 13 ].
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[Ysabeau] (fortitude partial or reflex negates)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (it gets a 20)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (reflex is only if it's an object)
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[DiablotinNarrator] roll your damage, anyway
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[DiablotinNarrator] (it's not crystalline, so 5d6)
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[Ysabeau] (In ties the defender wins? So it won't be deaf or take full damage)
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[Ysabeau] (18)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (ok)
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[Ysabeau] (brittle also takes sonic damage)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (it's made of 'flexible stone' I don't think it's brittle)
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[Ysabeau] (ok)
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[DiablotinNarrator] Alma's turn.
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[Alma] (So Guillame is using a rock?)
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[Guillame] (Some rocks, point blank shot was my plan)
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* Alma casts Harm on it.
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[Alma] (AOO time :3)
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[DiablotinNarrator] !roll 1d20+10
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* Alma rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 16 ].
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[DiablotinNarrator] (does a 16 hit?)
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[Alma] (Yup)
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[DiablotinNarrator] !roll 2d6+5
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* Alma rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 2d6+5 ] getting [ 6 4 ] for a total of [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 15 ].
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[DiablotinNarrator] 15 damage, and another Fort save DC 18.
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[Alma] (20)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (ok)
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[Alma] (Now I need a concentration DC 25 to keep the spell?)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (yes)
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[Alma] (33!)
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[DiablotinNarrator] (ok, you got it :)
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[Alma] (DC 23 Will save on the Harm)
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[DiablotinNarrator] !roll 1d20+6
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* Alma rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 13 ].
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[DiablotinNarrator] ok, roll damage
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[DiablotinNarrator] oh right, Harm
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[Alma] (No roll, it just takes 140 points :D)
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[DiablotinNarrator] The creature collapses dead.
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[Alma] Oh thank goodness.
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* Ysabeau runs to Silvia and Muri, triages them with a glance and will cast CMW as needed
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* Guillame dumps his rocks on it and walks over towards the kids
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* Alma will also see if there are any wounds.
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[Guillame] Are you boys ok?
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[Ysabeau] Muri? Silvia?
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* Guillame says, looking at Silvia
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[DiablotinNarrator] Silvia and Muri seem unharmed, apart from being unconscious. Reed and Amiel are each bleeding from a bite.
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[DiablotinNarrator] (And looking pretty ill)
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* Alma will begin to treat them. "Where's Thorn?"
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* Alma casts Detect Poison
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[DiablotinNarrator] (he's there, he's uninjured so I didn't mention him ;)
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[Alma] (ok)
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[Reed] Stonesinger...
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[Alma] Hmm?
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[Guillame] The creature, I assume?
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[Reed] That thing. A stonesinger.
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* Alma checks everyone for poison.
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* Ysabeau will try to wake the girls since unconsciousness is worse than bleeding
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* Reed has been poisoned, Amiel seems ok apart from the damage of the bite.
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* Alma will Neutralize Poison and then proceed to cast Mass Cure Moderate
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[DiablotinNarrator] Ysa, you can wake up the girls after a bit with some shaking and shouting at them.
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* Guillame kneels down by Ysa and Silvia
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* Ysabeau will hug them both fiercely
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[Ysabeau] (Muri and Silvia)
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* Guillame beams when Silvia comes to.
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[Alma] (And everyone hurt heals 39 :P)
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[DiablotinNarrator] Everyone looks healthy again.
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* Ysabeau feels like yelling at them all for being stupid, but holds her tongue.
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* Alma checks herself as well, pleased to find the spell took care of her wounds too
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[Ysabeau] Thank the gods you're all okay.
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[Silvia] It was such a pretty song...
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* Silvia says wistfully.
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[Alma] So it's called a Stonesinger is it?
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* Silvia 's glasses broke when she fell, and she picks up the pieces.
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* Ysabeau will cast Mending on them, if she doesn't.
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* Reed nods.
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[Reed] If you sing to them, they're supposed to go away - didn't work this time. Maybe we weren't good enough singers.
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* Alma checks over the boys one last time, if only to make them not feel left out with all the attention the girls are getting.
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[Reed] It turns you into stone and then eats you.
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[Ysabeau] ...
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[Alma] D:
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* Ysabeau knows Muri is a good singer, so that seems strange.
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[Guillame] Maybe this one was already pissed off
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[Reed] Maybe...
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[Reed] It does seem like this must be its lair.
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* Reed points to piles of debris and stone in the corners of the room.
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[Alma] Well, I suppose we can't blame it then...
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[Guillame] It would make sense that when they go away, they go to their lair, so maybe it was just cornered.
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[Alma] It's just a creature.
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* Silvia hugs her brother.
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[Ysabeau] Are they usually this close to the surface?
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* Ysabeau asks the tosher boys.
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[Reed] I never saw one before.
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[Reed] But I heard about 'em, so I guess someone's seen them.
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* Guillame hugs Silvia back
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* Ysabeau nods.
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[Ysabeau] I wonder if something deeper down might be chasing them up.
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[Ysabeau] Why did you all come into the sewers, if we might ask?
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[Alma] That's a terrifying thought, Ysabeau D:
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[Murienne] For an adventure...
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[Alma] Mmhmm.
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[Silvia] It *was* fun.
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[Guillame] Word of advice - if you're away from home in the middle of an adventure and you hear beautiful singing... something probably wants you dead. Or enslaved.
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[Silvia] Until that happened.
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* Silvia nods.
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[Alma] Indeed, until then.
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[Ysabeau] Had you planned this in advance or was it something of a last minute decision?
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[Murienne] We had talked about it before... but we just decided to go today.
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[Ysabeau] What sort of preparations did you make?
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[Murienne] Because... herbalism lessons this afternoon, bleh.
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* Ysabeau eyes them all for armour, weapons, etc... anything other than the knife Reed had?
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[Silvia] We packed some food, and we had a lantern but I dropped it.
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[Alma] You know what herbalism lessons are good for? Treating poisons. -_-
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[Guillame] Hah, that's true, Sister.
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[Ysabeau] Indeed.
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[Guillame] Silvia, I'm sure your teacher would have me scold you and forbid you to come down here again, but you're old enough to know what's
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stupid and what isn't. Just try to be safer, ok?
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* Ysabeau nods.
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* Silvia nods.
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[Ysabeau] You should have brought more weapons, some armour.
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[Ysabeau] You should know how to use it.
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[Alma] And don't forget telling someone where you're going...
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[Ysabeau] I'm glad you had Reed and Thorn with you, they at least would have some idea of what might live down here.
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[Guillame] . o O (Well that's no fun)
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[Ysabeau] That came in handy.
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* Silvia smiles slightly at that.
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[Ysabeau] Even if the singing didn't work.
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[Ysabeau] But please, you must be careful. I was so worried, so were Alma and Guillame.
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[Murienne] I think I'm ready to go home now. Enough adventure.
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* Alma checks around for other living things nearby (Deathwatch) and then looks for magic in case it has collected things.
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[Ysabeau] Did you look for loot?
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[Alma] Does anyone here know how to Detect Magic yet?
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[Ysabeau] That's always an important part of an adventure, especially when you kill something.
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[Guillame] Well, I suggest that those of us with the time head home on foot. After all, it's not like Sister Alma will always be handy to teleport you back.
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[DiablotinNarrator] Silvia, Muri, Amiel, and Thorn all raise their hands to the 'can you detect magic' question.
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[Alma] Well get to it.
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[Guillame] (and it'll be an excellent reason not to document trade agreements today)
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* Alma looks at Thorn. (Where does he go to school again?)
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[DiablotinNarrator] He doesn't, as far as you know.
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[Alma] You can too, Thorn?
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* Thorn nods.
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* Alma looks mildly surprised...
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[Thorn] I know a couple spells.
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[Thorn] Prolly won't learn any more, though, since I can't go to the Castalia.
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[Alma] What kind of magic?
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[Ysabeau] Why can't you go to the Castalia?
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[Thorn] No money.
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* Thorn shrugs.
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[Ysabeau] Void, if that's all it is.
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[Ysabeau] I can pay for you to go the Castalia.
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[Ysabeau] But you must promise not to skip classes. :P
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[Alma] At the very least we can look into what scholarships are available.
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* Thorn looks excited.
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[Guillame] Indeed
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* Alma makes a note to remind Meg that she's here to help them succeed in the city ^_^
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[Alma] (Or Lyndall ^_^)
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[Ysabeau] Well, go see if there's any loot.
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[Ysabeau] We'll head out after you're done.
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[DiablotinNarrator] The kids go and collect the loot, then!
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[Guillame] Yeah, be sure to look for any among those piles of rubble, especially.
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* Alma does check herself in case they miss :P
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* Alma will also check the schools on the items, since their Spellcraft probably won't be as good.
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* Guillame just watches them to see where they don't look.
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* Ysabeau supervises them and keeps ears and eyes open for more bad news.
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[DiablotinNarrator] There are three magic items - a horn, a piece of amber shaped like a hand, and a light-weight sort of robe. And a few mundane but interesting items - a large beer stein with a bawdy tavern scene depicted on it that seems to amuse the boys, at least, a wooden ring carved to look like ivy leaves, a pearl necklace, a crystal hanging from a silver chain, and a pair of nice-looking knives.
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[Alma] (Spellcrafts: 28, 19, 36)
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* Ysabeau will use Bardic Knowledge to learn what she can about objects
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[Ysabeau] (25)
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* Ysabeau will tell them what she learns - want me to roll for each object?
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[DiablotinNarrator] horn = faint conjuration. amber = moderate necromancy. robe = moderate transmutation.
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[Alma] Some sort of naturalist might find value in the remains.
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[Alma] We should make you all carry it out.
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[DiablotinNarrator] It probably weighs like 1200 lbs... maybe you can get a chunk of it ;)
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* Alma prods it with her toes to see how heavy.
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[Alma] Hrm, perhaps not.
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[DiablotinNarrator] Ysa - none of these items are especially legendary :)
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] (Okay :) )
 +
 +
[Alma] We'll have everything identified and appraised at the Society.
 +
 +
[Ysabeau] Let's get out of here.
 +
* Ysabeau will walk out with the kids.
 +
* Alma will also walk, as it's polite.
 +
* Silvia and the others will accompany you guys out, then.
 +
 +
[DiablotinNarrator] And we'll end there.
 +
 +
 +
===Sanadhil and Seth===
 +
[Sanadhil] Good morning M. Argo...
 +
* Sanadhil smiles, pleasant but puzzled
 +
 +
[Seth] Ah, good morning, M. Orecalo. Have I arrived at a bad time?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] no, not particularly... please come in
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] (it smells like delicious bread @_@)
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] (not that you eat ;p)
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] (freak)
 +
 +
[Seth] Is that an elven recipe?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Yes - they won't be ready for another few hours, or I would offer you some. Would you care for some tea?
 +
* Sanadhil takes off the apron when you enter
 +
 +
[Seth] Ah, certainly, that would be fine.
 +
* Sanadhil nods, and will fetch a fresh cup for Seth and bring his own hgalf drunk one to the parlour
 +
 +
[Seth] I was hoping to speak to you about our recent expeditions.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] of course
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I have some news to share with yourself as well
 +
 +
[Seth] Oh? Well, please, go ahead.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] this is a magtter I think needs to be raised with the others as well.... I've discussed it with ilphere, and send word to the
 +
Countess but....
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I know you count yourse a 'Kizer man', but to what extent do you loyaties lie with the emperor?
 +
 +
[Seth] The Emperor *is* a Kizer, of course.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Seth] I understand that the Emperor and Duke work differently, of course.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] but if he was not acting in the best iterest of the family... or the empire....
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Seth] If the Emperor were not acting in the best interest of the Empire?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] yes
 +
 +
[Seth] That is almost paradoxical, but ... what exactly do you mean?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I have finally managed to track down a cpy of his thesis on magical binding
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] it discusses at length the original binding of Kavreshar in to the necklace.
 +
 +
[Seth] ...
 +
* Sanadhil can show you a copy (sec forwarding)
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] here...
 +
* Sanadhil fetches it from his giant pile of notes @_@
 +
* Seth furrows his brow.
 +
* Sanadhil sm's
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] (21)
 +
 +
[Seth] So he knew that Kavreshar was trapped in the necklace, before he was Emperor. Hmm.
 +
 +
[Seth] What are you implying?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I'm not certain, exactly.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] But it is concerning
 +
 +
[Seth] Do you think that Marl arranged for Kavreshar's release? How would that advantage him?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] That depends
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] perhaps nhe thought he could control it, or bind it again if necessary
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] perhaps nhe wanted the opportunity to appear heroic. perhaops there is some deeper plot we haven't yet uncovered....
 +
 +
[Seth] But releasing it in that manner? Knowing that it would cause such damage? That is ... I just don't understand.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] we still don't know who *did* bring the necklace there
 +
 +
[Seth] Indeed.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] the divinations indicated it was an accident
 +
 +
[Seth] And if it were in the Treasury, once emperor, he could release Kavreshar in safer circumstances.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] it may not have been his intention to release it then
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] precisely
 +
 +
[Seth] Has your investigation revealed anything more about who exactly had the necklace and brought it?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] no, unfortunatley not.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] although....
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] do we know which faction of the Hush was vying for it?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] perhaps we can learn what. or who,. they wanted it for, and retrace from there
 +
 +
[Seth] I would imagine Maze, since he was involved with its history.
 +
 +
[Seth] But I don't know.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] perhaps Mlle Chanuier can find out :p
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] what did you want to discuss?
 +
 +
[Seth] Well ... I had hoped to discuss the stars. And Mme Belden's recent work on the star artifact.
 +
 +
[Seth] What do you make of it?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] ahh, yes....
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] other than that is is powerful and shoul at all cost be kept from the wrong hands?
 +
 +
[Seth] Yes, obviously.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] My people believe the stars to be the fundamental power of creation
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Life, matter... all of it is formed by the substance of stars
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] in that respect, the 'power of the stars' seems quite vast
 +
 +
[Seth] Yes ... but obviously, the stars exist, leading to the question of just what is contained in the artifact. Particular stars - a
 +
constellation, like Rat prior to its restoration?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] the implication is that it is the natual firmament of the shadowplan
 +
 +
[Seth] I suppose ... I am no expert on the planes.
 +
 +
[Seth] What do the Shadar-kai make of it?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] of what? Their plane?
 +
 +
[Seth] Of the artifact.
 +
 +
[Seth] Of the stars.
 +
 +
[Seth] I don't know.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I don't think that they know of it specifically
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] as to the stars..... there are some very old texts that reference the stars, and the sun, but their scholars have apparently debated about wther they might date to the time of the occupation here, or to something else
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I now suspect they date to a time when the plane had its own
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] The essence of creation is now imbued in the material of the plane itself, however.
 +
 +
[Seth] And the Legend Lore - what do you take from it?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Perhaps that is what happened when things started to die there and the essence could not return to the sky...
 +
* Sanadhil muses
 +
* Sanadhil makes a face at the mention of legend lore
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] it seems almost too straught forward in some respects....
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] if we coudl figure out how to taps its power, it could be limitles @_@
 +
 +
[Seth] Limitlessly dangerous.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] limitless in all ways, absolutely
 +
 +
[Seth] Do you think it is connected to Emkathon, and if so, how? I admit to being unclear on the connection between the Shadow Plane and entities such as her.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I don't think it is directly connected
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] but possibly its power could be used to free her....
 +
 +
[Seth] Is that something you are planning to do?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] it was the Serpent, Vrag, that the shadar-Kai antitheists sought to -hmm?
 +
 +
[Seth] I am asking if you are planning to free Emkathon.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I would like to see it done.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] you?
 +
 +
[Seth] Despite the consequences?
 +
* Sanadhil sm's (if we're gong on earlier rolls I got a 21 ;p)
 +
 +
[Seth] (you succeed - I can't beat a 21; I am not trusting of you!)
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] It is already happening. Its only a matter of time. Would you see her bound?
 +
 +
[Seth] I don't know what I want of her ... I don't see that it is my decision alone to make. But I fear the consequences, either way.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Seth] I ask your word that you will not do anything with her, or to her, without consulting me.
 +
 +
[Seth] This city is ... it is to me, much more than my home. If it should suffer the fate of Am, I would die.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] . o O (What is it with everyone and oaths :p)
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] You wouldn't be alone -_-
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] But I don't want that to happen
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Emkathon is Mercy.
 +
 +
[Seth] I understand that ... I do not think you wish the death of us all. But I do think you might make decisions without speaking to me, or to the others, that might inadvertently cost us all dearly.
 +
 +
[Seth] So again, I ask your word.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] very well - I give you my word, I won't do anything to, or with her, without consulting you ot the others.
 +
 +
[Seth] Thank you.
 +
* Seth relaxes visibly.
 +
* Sanadhil nods, but kind of sighs.
 +
 +
[Seth] So many things have happened lately ... I would have thought the dream-world was the strangest thing that could ever happen to me.
 +
* Sanadhil nods
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] And most people are so completely ignorant of everything going on....
 +
 +
[Seth] Yes, exactly.
 +
 +
[Seth] Which is stranger, to meet the queen of her own realm, to free a Founder from his prison, to touch Mercy herself, or to touch a star?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] is that rhetorical?
 +
 +
[Seth] Indeed.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] hmm.
 +
 +
[Seth] And on top of all of that, my own powers grow daily, my communion with this city.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I hadn't thought you'd touched her....
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] but yes.
 +
 +
[Seth] Well, yes, not ... not the way you did.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] @_@
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I would....not recommend it
 +
 +
[Seth] I suppose you want her to yourself?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] No.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] No, not at all
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] She's.... too much. She' not meant to be contained, or horded....
 +
 +
[Seth] Have no fear, M. Orecalo, I am already possessed of enough strangeness in my life.
 +
* Sanadhil shakes his head
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Indeed.
 +
* Sanadhil says finally, never quite trusting what he will say when people get him talking about Emkathon @_@
 +
 +
[Seth] One wonders how much the Emperor has learned of what we are up to. Thankfully we have not told anyone outside our group about Emkathon.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] indeed - I hope he doens't learn of her
 +
 +
[Seth] Is there something I can do, to help with that side of matters?
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] how do you mean?
 +
 +
[Seth] I don't know. I am well connected to the Kizer family, and to the Warlord.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I'm not certain at this point.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I've been too busy gathering information to have a chance to think of what to do with any of it, lately
 +
 +
[Seth] All right. If there is anything, I am available at most times at the Society.
 +
 +
[Seth] Who knew that the architecture of wells was such a fascinating subject?
 +
* Sanadhil smiles
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Some more than others, I suspect....
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I should prepare another presentation soon as well
 +
 +
[Seth] Indeed. I will be most interested to attend, in that case!
 +
* Sanadhil frowns trying to wrap his head arounjd something he could talk about bthat woudln't be completely world shattering :p
 +
 +
[Seth] I thank you for your time, M. Orecalo. I hope to speak with you again soon.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] Likewise, M. Argo.
 +
 +
[Sanadhil] I'll come find you if I think of anything more concrete.
 +
 +
[Seth] I am greatly obliged.
 +
* Seth finishes his tea and leaves.
  
 
==Solos==
 
==Solos==
  
 
{{d2}}{{d2-log}}
 
{{d2}}{{d2-log}}

Revision as of 17:46, 28 June 2011

Diablotin 2 session logs
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Summary

Session

Session date:
Diablotin date:

Prologue

[DiablotinNarrator] It is the beginning of 9th-month, the start of what should be the harvest season. Unfortunately, it seems as though the poor weather has diminished this year's crops, much like last year. Harvests have been poor in many areas.

[DiablotinNarrator] The big news recently is the arrest of the Count of Sephinos, Trevan Rademacher, and various associates, on charges of treason. The Duke of Psyra, his father, is reported to be furious at the treatment of his son, and there are rumours (currently unsubstantiated) that war may be coming.

Seth and Gwen

[DiablotinNarrator] Seth, your Aunt Gwen comes looking for you. Where would she be likely to find you?

[Seth] (at the Society, most likely - doing a lot of research these days)

  • Gwen finds you at the Society, then.

[Gwen] You aren't the easiest person to find, you know.

[Seth] Ah, Aunt Gwen. My apologies. My research has taken me in some very interesting directions lately.

[Gwen] Great.

[Gwen] We need to talk.

[Seth] Of course. Here?

[Gwen] No, somewhere more secure.

[Seth] All right. Come with me.

  • Gwen nods.
  • Seth will lead Gwen through to a place where no one would come, or scry them.

[Gwen] ...Nice place you have here.

[Seth] This isn't mine. It's just a spot.

[Gwen] OK, whatever. Listen, weird things are going on.

[Seth] My definition of 'weird' may not be yours. What is it?

[Gwen] 'It' is a large number of things.

[Gwen] One is, the shakeup in the Hush.

[Seth] Which faction is taking charge?

[Gwen] Neither, not really.

[Gwen] Maze's protegee Martan is taking over. I don't know if it's a coup of his own initiative, or if there's some other reason behind it.

[Seth] Hmm, that issue has been far from my concern, of late. There had been talk, about the young Olivier.

[Gwen] What sort of talk?

[Seth] Well at one point there was talk that Maze was trying to portray Martan as Martan Kizer reborn. That, I *think*, has been refuted.

  • Gwen gives a brief laugh.

[Gwen] I think he'd give him a different name if that was the case... seems a bit obvious.

[Seth] Well, yes. But in any case, I do have a potential connection to Martan Olivier. He has been seen a great deal in the company of my sometime travelling companion, Ysabeau Chanuier.

  • Gwen nods.

[Gwen] She the one who's fucking the Emperor?

[Seth] Yes, it appears so. She was also involved with my companion Dominik Rademacher for quite some time. She seems to get around.

  • Gwen nods.

[Gwen] Popular girl.

[Seth] In any case, I would be surprised if she would be all right with her consort leading the Hush. She ... isn't that type.

  • Gwen shrugs.

[Gwen] Maybe she's just a good actor.

[Gwen] Anything you can find out from her - discreetly, of course - let me know.

[Gwen] If she's that much of a slut, maybe you can... nah, never mind.

[Seth] Well ... yes. I could certainly raise the issue without her suspecting it was of your interest, or the Duke's. She would, of course, assume it is the Warlord's interest.

[Seth] Uhh ... no.

[Gwen] Yeah, no.

[Gwen] How closely are you still working with Nash?

[Seth] I'm not sure I'm *working* with her at all. I speak to her regularly.

  • Gwen nods.

[Seth] I still am not exactly sure what she is trying to do, and now that apparently there is a change in the Hush ... is Nash going to remain as Warlord?

[Gwen] I suspect not.

[Gwen] So it might be prudent to cut back on your association with her.

[Seth] Surely Martan Olivier will not be the Warlord, though?

[Gwen] No, no.

[Gwen] I don't know who will be. There are only rumours at this point.

[Seth] But the rumors about Maze and Nash being ousted, are more than that?

[Gwen] Maze's departure isn't just a rumour anymore... it seems pretty likely to be true.

[Gwen] And if Nash isn't taking over, then I can't see how she would stay as Warlord.

  • Seth nods.

[Seth] I see.

[Seth] Honestly, I don't talk much to Nash about that side of her work.

[Gwen] That's probably for the best.

[Gwen] Less reason for her to need to silence you if things go bad.

[Gwen] And I don't just mean in that bard-y silence way :p

[Seth] And my visits to her are quite discreet. Sometimes I don't even use the door.

  • Gwen nods.

[Gwen] So, anything you can find out about Martan, via this Ysabeau girl, would be helpful.

  • Gwen seems as though she's still worried about something else, though.

[Seth] Why doesn't the Duke just ask the Emperor about this?

[Gwen] Yeah, about that.

[Gwen] Have you talked to the boss lately?

[Seth] Not lately. I come when I'm asked, not otherwise.

[Gwen] Well, if you do see him, tell me if you think he's acting... strange.

[Seth] All ... right ... ... Strange how?

[Gwen] I spoke to him yesterday... He was a bit distracted, maybe. And forgetful of things I'd told him before - and he never forgets things. I'm worried he might be sick... or maybe he's just preoccupied with something. I hope it's that.

[Seth] Hmm. Thank you for telling me. I'll be alert for anything.

[Gwen] Maybe, even, make up a reason to go talk to him? If you can think of something plausible, anyway.

[Seth] I'm sure I can, especially with this latest news.

[Gwen] Because if he's going loopy, then it could be just because he's old and sick, or it could be that he's being poisoned, or affected by a spell, or... I don't know what.

  • Seth nods.

[Seth] So this business with the Hush, you think this is the Emperor's idea alone?

[Gwen] Maybe. I hope so, in a way. It's good for him to take charge of it.

[Gwen] He's been letting it slide for too long.

[Seth] You're not angry that he would choose this Olivier child over you?

  • Gwen laughs.

[Gwen] Oh, void. I don't want that job, what a nightmare. If this kid is easy to work with, then I'm happy.

[Seth] But you did want it, didn't you, when Marl first took power?

[Gwen] Maybe briefly. But I've reconsidered.

[Seth] Especially now with it being factionalized the way it is.

[Gwen] Like I said, nightmare. The kid is going to have a lot of work to do, even if Nash is out of the way.

[Seth] Well, they may be getting even more interesting than that, in some very weird ways. But about that, I'll have to let you know when I'm able to say more.

[Gwen] ... All right. Find out what you can, and let me know.

[Gwen] Stay safe.

[Seth] I will.

  • Gwen will go on her way.


Dominik, Fredericia and Marl

  • Fredericia has you over for dinner, Dom.
  • Dominik will go then
  • Fredericia welcomes you in.

[Dominik] Thank you for the invitation.

[Fredericia] Well, of course :)

  • Fredericia 's servants serve a nice meal, which you are in the middle of eating when...

[DiablotinNarrator] A servant comes to Fred's side and murmurs something in her ear. She frowns, but nods.

[Dominik] A problem?

[Fredericia] Apparently your boss is here, unexpectedly.

[Fredericia] Obviously I can't tell him we're in the middle of dinner, bugger off.

[Dominik] No, I don't think that would be very appropriate, alas.

[Fredericia] I suppose we can set an extra place for him, if he's hungry.

[Dominik] But I'm very curious to see what he wants.

[Fredericia] So am I...

  • Marl enters a short while later. Fredericia rises and curtseys politely to him.
  • Dominik rises and shows his respect

[Fredericia] Good evening, your Majesty.

[Fredericia] What an unexpected pleasure. Would you care to join us for dinner?

[Marl] Thank you, but no, I've already eaten.

  • Fredericia nods.

[Marl] I'm sorry to interrupt your meal, but I have some important matters to discuss with you.

[Fredericia] Of course. Privately, or ...?

  • Fredericia says with a glance to Dom.

[Marl] Both of you may remain.

  • Dominik nods

[Marl] I imagine you've heard rumours about what's happening in the Hush at present.

  • Fredericia nods.

[Marl] I am attempting, inasmuch as such a thing is possible, to bring things back into some semblance of order.

[Marl] Consequently, I will shortly be replacing the Warlord.

  • Dominik looks very interested in Marl's words.

[Marl] I wish to invite you to take the position, if you want it.

  • Marl says to Fredericia.

[Fredericia] Me?

[Marl] Yes.

[Fredericia] ...

[Marl] I understand you may need time to think it over...

[Fredericia] No, I don't. I'll take it.

[Marl] Very well.

  • Marl nods.

[Dominik] Is Nash loosing her other duties as well or is this just a split of responsibility... if I'm not being to forward in asking.

[Marl] Nash will be .. retiring.

  • Fredericia nods.

[Marl] She has served the Empire for many years, she deserves a rest.

[Dominik] And her replacement in her other duties will be?

[Marl] Martan Olivier will be taking over the Hush, if that is what you're asking.

[Dominik] That was the question.

  • Marl nods.
  • Dominik smiles to himself

[Marl] He seems amenable to working cooperatively, I hope it will all go smoothly.

[Fredericia] Should I speak with him? Or wait...

[Marl] Wait until the official announcement, at least.

[Fredericia] Very well.

[Fredericia] Can I ask, is there a war coming? If I'm to be Warlord...

[Marl] I don't know yet. Possibly. Are you prepared for that eventuality?

[Fredericia] Oh yes.

  • Fredericia says with a smile.

[Marl] Good. Well, we can discuss details soon - I see no reason to continue to interrupt your meal.

[Marl] Good evening.

  • Marl will depart.
  • Fredericia turns to you, grinning.

[Dominik] Congratulations Warlord. It will be a pleasure to serve under you.

  • Fredericia laughs.

[Fredericia] Do you want a new title? Because I could probably give you one :)

[Dominik] Hmm... I'll have to think on that for a bit

  • Dominik smiles

[Fredericia] Don't think too long. The title of Lord High Fucktoy is going fast.

  • Fredericia teases.

[Dominik] I didn't realize I had rivals that I had to deal with.

[Dominik] Some past garbage yes, but nothing so recent.

[Fredericia] Well, now I'm going to be rich and powerful... well, richer and powerfuler... you might ;)

[Fredericia] But really... I will need generals. You might do well at that.

  • Fredericia says more seriously.

[Dominik] I suspected as much... and I was being serious about serving you in that capacity... even though I do like to feel closer to the fight.

[Fredericia] If he's right, then you might be closer soon enough.

[Dominik] The Black Rademacher, taking up arms against his own cousins and uncles...

  • Dominik muses

[Fredericia] Yes, well... family is family I suppose. But treason is also treason.

[Dominik] I'm sure they would expect nothing less of me.

  • Fredericia grins.

[Fredericia] I'm not hungry anymore.

[Dominik] Myself neither

[Dominik] What will do since dinner has ended so suddenly?

[Fredericia] I sort of feel like fighting something.

[Fredericia] But possibly I could be convinced to do something less violent.

[Dominik] Ah, but the eagerness to swing a sword should never be abated... we could throw on some armor and you could see if you could bruse me before I tire you.

  • Dominik teases

[Fredericia] Yes. Let's go.

  • Fredericia says eagerly.
  • Fredericia will proceed to attempt to beat the crap out of you, for fun :)

[Dominik] Should we make a wager then... winner gets to decide what we do afterward? anything they want?

[Fredericia] All right :)

  • Dominik smiles deviously

[Dominik] Then lets at it!

[DiablotinNarrator] (let's ... roll a d20 and add your respective level to see who wins ;)

  • Fredericia seems quite pleased with her victory.
  • Fredericia isn't too tired to exact the terms of her victory, fortunately.


Ilphere and Sanadhil

  • Ilphere is eager to meet with Sanadhil after reading the materials he shared with her...!!
  • Sanadhil will invite Ilphere over to his house @_@
  • Ilphere gladly accepts.
  • Ilphere teleports over as she is too impatient to sit through a carriage ride.
  • Ilphere then knocks on the door.
  • Sanadhil answers.

[Sanadhil] Good afternoon - that was quite prompt :)

[Ilphere] Good afternoon... I couldn't wait for the coachmen and grooms to ready a carriage...!

[Ilphere] This is too ... massive...!

[Sanadhil] well - I quite understand! please come in

[Sanadhil] yes.

  • Ilphere steps inside.

[Ilphere] He knew...! He must have...!

[Sanadhil] yes, he must have

[Sanadhil] well

[Sanadhil] he at least much have figured it out quite quickly

[Ilphere] I suspected, when I first heard of the thesis, but having read it...

[Ilphere] Indeed...

[Sanadhil] it is...entirely possible, however, that he coudl have engineered it, if he was ever able to track down the necklace, or realize it was not part of the treasury...

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] yes

[Ilphere] But why...? What is he playing at?

[Sanadhil] that I have no idea

[Sanadhil] really.... there is enough that we still don't know

[Sanadhil] I do find it interesting that it was so difficult to find his thesis.... *and* that D'Angremond's notes were missing

[Ilphere] Has anyone else seen this...? Phedre...?

[Ilphere] Yes, most suspicious.

[Sanadhil] I haven't shown anyone

[Sanadhil] other than yourself...

  • Ilphere nods...

[Ilphere] Who ... whose counsel could we trust?

[Sanadhil] I'm not sure.

[Sanadhil] I....

[Ilphere] In this, perhaps... Alma...?

[Sanadhil] You have heard about Mlle Chanuier, yes?

  • Sanadhil nods

[Ilphere] Heard what? What is it now...?

[Sanadhil] I was thinking of the Countess, yes

[Sanadhil] That she is ...involved with the Emperor? or , yes, of course, we discussed this, nevermind.

[Ilphere] Yes... and whether she is truly his mistress, or playing some game, she may be in great danger... :(

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] Should we warn her?

[Sanadhil] I admit, when I originally heard the stories I feared she may have been enchanted.....

[Ilphere] Yes...

[Sanadhil] we shoudl be able to tell if that is the case...

[Ilphere] although her actions of late confuse and somewhat dismay me...

  • Sanadhil nods

[Ilphere] I would be heartsore if she were to come to harm... :(

[Sanadhil] She has become much more expert in dissembling, also

[Sanadhil] perhaps we should cousel *all* the rest.

[Sanadhil] It seems prudent

[Ilphere] Yes, you may be right...

[Ilphere] I will speak to Ysabeau as soon as I can, though...

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] I will speak to the countess... I can see if we can't discretely distribute the notes I have taken on that section of his thesis among the group, as well

[Sanadhil] starting with her @_@

  • Ilphere nods.

[Sanadhil] there was something else I wanted top ask you...

[Ilphere] Oh...?

[Sanadhil] I want to speak to the Lord Marshall about his daughter

[Sanadhil] Even since the Countess's wedding, I've been thinking he must know something more, to explain his protectiveness of her....

  • Ilphere nods...

[Sanadhil] but it may require revealing what was in Theonee's journal

[Sanadhil] is that acceptable?

[Ilphere] I think at this late juncture, yes...

  • Sanadhil nods

[Ilphere] I would be most interested to know how that turns out...

[Sanadhil] alright, then, I will certainly tell you if I am able... I admit the man makes me somewhat nervous.

[Ilphere] You know, I have some... personal business to attend to with Maze Olivier; perhaps I could attempt to see if he does know something. Although I doubt he will be forthcoming.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] perhaps he knows something about what is going on with Mlle Chanuier as well, though he may be even less inclined to reveal that

[Ilphere] Indeed...

[Sanadhil] if he does have anything to say, of course I would be ost curious to hear it as well!

[Sanadhil] may I enquire about the personal business?

[Ilphere] I found some ... items in my grandmother's personal effects which suggest that there may be some connection between him and my family.

[Sanadhil] ahh, I see

[Ilphere] She lost two children when they were quite young...

[Ilphere] But upon some closer inspection it seems they were not lost so much as ... misplaced. Taken.

  • Ilphere sighs.

[Sanadhil] taken?

[Ilphere] I know not why, save that it involved Nouel Izzaguirre.

[Ilphere] He may have been their sire.

[Sanadhil] didn't he have smoething to do wth the necklace?

[Sanadhil] ahh

[Sanadhil] hmm

[Ilphere] Indeed he did...

  • Sanadhil shakes his head

[Ilphere] The names of Cordovera's children were Jessamine and Jeremaez.

[Sanadhil] ahhh, I see

[Sanadhil] its strange how everything seems connected somehow,..... you plan to tell him?

[Ilphere] I cannot believe that he does not know...

[Ilphere] If he is truly a master of secrets.

[Ilphere] But if he does not, then yes.

  • Sanadhil nods
  • Sanadhil looks thoughtful

[Sanadhil] I would be grateful for the confirmation... or corroboration, I suppose, even if I have other sources.

[Sanadhil] And if I didn't.... I would want to know. I know it isn't meaningful to everyont, though.

[Ilphere] Well... we will see how it goes.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] Good luck.

  • Sanadhil smiles

[Ilphere] Thank you...

  • Ilphere returns the smile.

[Sanadhil] I suppose it is noce to have something a littl less overwhelming on your plate :p

[Ilphere] That is so...!


Sanadhil and Butler

[DiablotinNarrator] Sanadhil, how do you want to approach Butler?

[Sanadhil] Ummmm :3

[Sanadhil] Sneakily :3

[DiablotinNarrator] Well, you could either do it in the context of a cult meeting, or try to arrange to speak with him elsewhere, or just approach him spontaneously at his house or something.

[Sanadhil] I want to try and arrange a meeting elsewhwere, for sure

[Sanadhil] I can get kell to send him messages to arrange it, I suppose ^-^

[DiablotinNarrator] Sure. Arrange a meeting at a tavern or something?

[Sanadhil] perfect

[DiablotinNarrator] Go to the Dreaming Demon, it's close ;)

  • Sanadhil can disguise himself for coming and going, at least :V

[Sanadhil] if it seems secure, sure :p

[DiablotinNarrator] It has some private rooms upstairs, as well as reasonably quiet booths downstairs.

[Sanadhil] private room for sure

[Sanadhil] brb

  • Butler will meet you at the appointed time, then. He looks moderately put out, but then, he kind of always looks like that.
  • Sanadhil will have cast glibness for sure @_@

[Sanadhil] (and heroism)

[Sanadhil] Thank you for coming... I realize it may seem a bit of a strange request

  • Butler takes off his cloak, which was all he wore in the way of disguise.

[Butler] Just a little. What's this about?

[Sanadhil] Well... it is about the matters of our circle of acquaintances, shall we say, and your child.

  • Butler looks puzzled.

[Butler] What about her? she doesn't have anything to do with that.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] I admit i had developed a possibly misplaced suspicion after speaking with the both of you at Countes Alma's wedding that you may have thought her to be The One.

  • Sanadhil SMs D:
  • Butler frowns.

[DiablotinNarrator] (what's your roll?)

[Sanadhil] (38)

  • Butler looks uncertain.

[Butler] I... she might be. I've taken precautions to ensure that she's not.

  • Butler admits.

[Sanadhil] I agree - I'm quite certain it isn't your daughter. But why did you think it might be her?

[Butler] Why should I tell you?

  • Sanadhil smiles

[Butler] If she's not, then everything I did was worth it, and it doesn't matter anymore.

[Sanadhil] Everything you did?

[Butler] To her... keeping her safe.

  • Sanadhil nods.

[Sanadhil] Well.

[Sanadhil] I was trying to figure out what drew you to your involvement with Phedre

[Sanadhil] Where it was honest interest, a desire to try and protect your daughter, or ....something else.

[Butler] What sort of something else?

  • Butler says defensively.

[Sanadhil] but if you ever thought she ws the one, it means that you have to have known that *before* the rituals

[Sanadhil] Some greater connection, with the Serpent, or some other power using the Arch.

[Butler] I never had the dreams. Not the way ... some do.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] but something else?

[Butler] I think my father... what he was... maybe that shelters me from it.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] that is possible.

[Sanadhil] hmm

[Sanadhil] but why did you join, then?

[Sanadhil] what do you want?

[Butler] ...I want an end to the gods. The gods who demand impossible things of mortals and expect them to jump when they say jump, and promise things they don't deliver, and tear people apart...

[Sanadhil] (is he being honest as far as I can tell?)

  • Butler is, you believe.

[Sanadhil] I can understand that.

[Sanadhil] :|

  • Sanadhil wonders if anyone elever told him about his mother D:

[Sanadhil] Hmm.

[Sanadhil] I... know some things, that may be of interest to you, though I can promise you won't like to hear them.

[Butler] There isn't much I like to hear these days. Go ahead, if you want.

[Sanadhil] ...Alright

[Sanadhil] There are two things..... one if about your mother, and the second concerns yourself andf Theonee Deverara

[Butler] ...

[Butler] I'm listening.

  • Sanadhil waits for some kind of signal that Bulter hasn't changed his mind

[Sanadhil] Then... your mother first

[Sanadhil] The reason she hasn't returned, as she was supposed to.

[Sanadhil] Part of her spirit is trapped in the Arch.

[Butler] I know.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] Alright.

[Butler] They're keeping her there in reserve.

[Sanadhil] in reserve?

[Sanadhil] I suppose, that is one way to look at it.

[Butler] As if she was a ... a weapon, not a human being's soul.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] how long have you known?

[Butler] I've long suspected... I just had a feeling, I guess. But my aunt confirmed it a few months ago.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] alright

[Butler] It doesn't surprise me. Nothing horrible they do surprises me anymore.

[Sanadhil] That's...understandable.

  • Sanadhil kind of wants to derail and ask why he because a spokeman :3

[Sanadhil] ...and they still show you favour?

[Butler] No.

[Butler] My powers are gone... I don't know what finally pushed them over the edge, but they did eventually take them.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] but you maintain your position - does anyone suspect?

[Butler] No... I've worked hard to keep it quiet, obviously. And there's rarely a reason I would need to use them most days.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Butler] But I intend to retire soon. I'm tired of the charade.

[Sanadhil] Well... on to the other matter then.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] I have an associate who was asked to retrieve a book from the imperial library by the Hush

  • Butler listens, trying to figure out where this is going.

[Sanadhil] it turned out to be a diary, written by the Althea Deverara.

[Sanadhil] it revealed that her daughter had chad a child...in Greywatch...

[Butler] ...

  • Sanadhil watches to see if he makes the connection

[Butler] When?

  • Sanadhil tells him the date

[Butler] ........

[Sanadhil] -_-

[Butler] It couldn't be...

[Sanadhil] I am afraid so.

[Butler] She wouldn't... why wouldn't she tell me, if it was true?

[Sanadhil] though the diary has ben destroyed, and there's nothig else I can tell you.

[Sanadhil] I can't say. Presumably you were about to be married, at the time.

[Butler] The child... it lived?

[Sanadhil] The diary implies that pains were taked to conceal it, but Althea seems to have thought so.

  • Butler sits down heavily on the bed.

[Butler] It can't be...

[Butler] Was it a boy or a girl?

[Sanadhil] A girl, I think.

  • Butler looks in shock, more or less.
  • Sanadhil will gve him a minute to process

[Butler] So... there's another child... and it might not be Marrith... and everything I did to her might have been for... nothing.

[Sanadhil] ...Would you like somethig to drink?

[Butler] Yes.

  • Sanadhil will pour him soe whiskey because he thought it might be necessary :3
  • Butler takes it without really looking at it.
  • Sanadhil pours him a big drink :p

[Sanadhil] but you *did* know something, before?

  • Butler nods.

[Sanadhil] what was it?

[Butler] "Your child and the child of another who passed through the Arch will give you a grandchild on the 5th of Second-month in your 52nd year. And the birth of that child will herald the death of your faith and the rebirth of another, the death of your love and the rebirth of another, the death of your child and the rebirth of another."

  • Butler recites blankly.

[Sanadhil] ...what is that from?

  • Butler takes a drink.

[Butler] Legend Lore. By the gods, I hate that spell.

[Sanadhil] Understandably.

[Sanadhil] -_-

[Sanadhil] On who was it cast?

[Butler] On me.

[Sanadhil] on yourself?

[Sanadhil] ahh, yes

[Sanadhil] Hmm.

[Butler] So I had to keep Marrith away from Kalman. I .. I thought I had to anyway. Until next year, when it'll be all right... if they still want to ...

[Butler] She's going to hate me -_-

[Sanadhil] She might understand...

[Sanadhil] she might understand better than if you'd done it for no reason at all -_-

[Butler] I should have known better.

[Butler] I should have know that those bastards would have it the way they want, no matter what I tried to do.

[Sanadhil] Do you hate the Serpent as well?

  • Sanadhil asks mainly out of curiousity

[Butler] I don't know. I don't know what it wants, or what it would do if it came back to power.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Butler] I don't think it could be worse.

[Sanadhil] No....

[Sanadhil] This is why my people foreswore the Gods.

[Butler] Smart.

[Butler] I don't suppose they welcome immigrants, though.

[Sanadhil] ...No.

[Sanadhil] :/

[Butler] ... I need to talk to Theonee.

[Butler] Maybe she understands. She always was more... in touch with that sort of thing.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] Will you tell Phedre?

[Butler] Not yet.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Butler] Not until I've talked to Theonee, at least, and ... see what she has to say.

[Sanadhil] Princess Ilphere knows, as well... I've been leaving the matter of telling Phedre to her.

[Butler] -_-

[Sanadhil] But.... for now, I'd rather you not tell anyone you heard it from me.

[Sanadhil] She was the one who deciphered the diary

  • Sanadhil says, somewhat apologetically

[Butler] ...wait, the Hush wanted this book?

[Sanadhil] Yes.

[Butler] Why on earth would they...

[Butler] ...

[Sanadhil] I'm not certain

[Sanadhil] if the child was born in greywatch, the certainly coudl have known about it

[Sanadhil] but as to why they thought it was important to conceal *now*, I can't say

  • Butler finishes his drink.
  • Sanadhil pushes him over the bottle :p

[Butler] I... appreciate you telling me this. Since no one else would.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] I felt it was.... important.

  • Butler nods without really looking at you.

[Butler] I have to go now.

  • Sanadhil nods as well.

[Sanadhil] Take care.

  • Butler stands and leaves, looking kind of dazed.
  • Sanadhil will wait awhile before leaving himself :p


Ilphere and Maze

[DiablotinNarrator] Ilphere, you wished to go and speak with Maze Olivier... are you going to his home, or going to send a message for him to meet you somewhere else?

[Ilphere] Hmmm... I could go to his house I guess?

[Ilphere] he mght be more likely to talk to me there

[DiablotinNarrator] sure

[Ilphere] (Do I have to make an appointment?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (well, probably pulling up in an imperial carriage is enough of an appointment :)

[Ilphere] (Or can I just say I'm the Princess and I'm coming to talk to you)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yep)

[Ilphere] (okie dokie then :V)

  • Ilphere pulls up to M. Olivier's home.
  • Maze will graciously welcome you in, your highness.

[Ilphere] It is good of you to receive me, ser...

[Maze] Of course, Princess. How can I be of service?

  • Ilphere scans his face, looking for some resemblance to the boy in her drawing, or to her grandmother...

[DiablotinNarrator] (possibly yes to the boy in the drawing, at least...)

[Ilphere] Is there somewhere we might speak privately?

[Maze] Certainly.

  • Maze will escort you into a drawing room.
  • Maze shuts the door.

[Ilphere] I am told you are a great keeper of secrets...

  • Ilphere begins once settled.

[Maze] I can be.

[Ilphere] It seems my family has some as well...

  • Maze listens.

[Ilphere] I had hoped perhaps you could shed some light on one.

[Maze] I can try...

[Ilphere] My grand-mere recently passed on; you may have heard...

[Maze] I did - my condolences.

[Ilphere] (Sm, is there any reaction?)

  • Maze seems sympathetic for your loss, but not otherwise affected.

[Ilphere] (I suspect 27 is not enough to beat his bluff anyway)

[Ilphere] I found this among her effects.

  • Ilphere withdraws the old picture.
  • Maze looks at it.

[Ilphere] Do you... do you know who these children are?

  • Ilphere watches him.

[Maze] It's a charming portrait. I assume they are relatives of yours?

[Ilphere] (do I need to roll sm again or am I still going on that first poo roll?)

  • Maze turns it over and sees the names on the back.

[DiablotinNarrator] (first roll)

[Ilphere] (ok)

[Ilphere] Indeed they are...

[Maze] ... It's lovely.

[Ilphere] Jacobin was my father's father. The other two...

[Maze] My sister and myself.

[Ilphere] So you did know...

  • Maze says quietly.

[Maze] Not for many years.

[Ilphere] When did you discover the truth...?

[Maze] I suspect much the same way you did.

[Maze] I found notes when I was going through his things after he died.

  • Maze seems to assume you know who 'he' is.

[Ilphere] She spoke of you on her deathbed... She was confused, she thought it was another time.

[Ilphere] She was begging my grandfather not to take you away.

  • Maze nods.

[Maze] I'm sorry ...

[Maze] If I had known I might have... spoken to her, to let her know I was alive and well.

[Maze] I thought it was her own decision to send us away.

[Ilphere] What happened?

[Maze] I'm not entirely certain. She had an affair, I know that much. And at some point the affair ended, and .. my father wanted his children. I think there would have been some considerable scandal, so they tried to keep it quiet by sending us away.

[Ilphere] Do you remember her at all...?

[Maze] I don't know how much her husband was involved. Maybe more than I thought, apparently.

  • Maze smiles slightly.

[Maze] I have a memory from when I was very small. A woman in a garden, with roses all around. But I don't know if it was her or not. It could have been a nurse, for all I know.

[Maze] Jess remembers a little more, I think.

[Ilphere] (does that sound like anywhere i know?)

[Maze] (well, there is a garden at your family's house.. it was all overgrown when you lived there, but it did have roses)

[Ilphere] That could have been the garden at my father's house...

[Maze] I'd like to see that.

  • Maze says with a smile.

[Ilphere] It's somewhat overgrown now... but I would be happy to show you some time.

[Maze] Thank you, your highness.

[Maze] I should have more time soon enough.

[Ilphere] Oh...?

[Maze] Maybe I can make gardening a retirement project.

[Ilphere] You are leaving the Emperor's service...?

[Maze] I'm leaving this post, at any rate. I'll always be at the Emeperor's service, should he need me.

[Ilphere] That reminds me...

[Ilphere] My friend, Ysabeau Chanuier... you know her, do you not?

[Maze] Yes, indeed.

[Ilphere] Is it true that you sent her to play at spies with Marl...?

[Maze] Oh no... that's all her own initiative, I believe.

[Ilphere] So that is what she is doing, hmm...

[Maze] She's quite industrious.

[Ilphere] She is in terrible danger...

[Maze] From what source?

[Ilphere] The Emperor...

[Ilphere] He is a monster...

  • Maze seems surprised to hear this.

[Maze] Do you wish me to let her know?

[Ilphere] I had told her as much before...

[Ilphere] But now there is more...

[Ilphere] He knew, he knew that the necklace held Kavreshar bound.

[Maze] Well, maybe hearing it from a different source would be ...

[Maze] Hm.

[Maze] I'll speak with her. Thank you, your highness.

[Ilphere] I hope you have more luck with her than I did, then.

  • Maze nods.


Ysabeau and Alma

  • Ysabeau climbs into the carriage; the pregnancy's starting to show but she isn't super awkward yet.

[Ysabeau] Good morning, Sister.

  • Alma has arranged for us to meet with the Duke of Corcyra, and has offered to drive you.

[Alma] Good morning, Ysabeau :)

[Alma] You're looking well.

  • Ysabeau settles herself down on the bench across from you and folds her hands in her lap.

[Ysabeau] Thank you. :)

[Alma] It won't be too long before you need help getting in and out of these things :)

[Ysabeau] I'm about halfway there! I can feel the baby moving, but Martan can't yet.

[Alma] That's always the exciting point isn't it? When you know *for sure* it's not just overeating.

[Alma] :)

[Ysabeau] It's such a strange feeling, feeling something moving inside. But it makes it all so real!

  • Ysabeau agrees.
  • Ysabeau is very happy and excited about it, plainly. ^-^

[Alma] Murienne ought to take a look at some of your pregnancy literature. It can only help when it comes time for such things in her healing classes.

[Ysabeau] It's not like I'm locking what the midwife gave me up. ;)

[Alma] Also, I always found some of the more technical ones were quite useful at discouraging me from making uh... mistakes.

[Ysabeau] She can read it if she wants.

[Alma] Well maybe I'll have to nag her for you then :)

[Alma] "Your sister is too nice, get to reading."

[Alma] She's doing well, yes?

[Ysabeau] Murienne is very sensible, Sister - she's not likely to make mistakes after seeing what I have gone through.

[Ysabeau] She is very well, yes.

[Alma] That's good.

[Alma] Anything else new and exciting, or should I just get into what I learned?

[Ysabeau] Nothing worth mentioning, no. Do go on, Sister.

[Alma] Well, I learned a few more things about Moncaire. It seems that he was either never a real person, or was replaced by the babau before he acquired the items, possibly before he became Ms. Hartzell's assistant.

[Ysabeau] Huh

  • Alma will relay what she's learned about them from researching them specifically:

[Alma] ("they are normally used as assassins, being able to polymorph themselves to look human and having some skills that are beneficial in combat - they can fly, teleport, weaken people with a gaze attack, wrack targets with pain, and are coated with a 'protective slime' (mmm) that makes them harder to attack with weapons.")

[Alma] I'm hoping that I'll be able to borrow the cloak to attempt further scrying with the benefits of its anonymity.

[Ysabeau] Lovely.

[Alma] Yes. If there was ever really a doubt about demons, they're certainly repulsive creatures on the whole.

[Ysabeau] Do you suppose he assassinated our former chief sorceress?

[Ysabeau] And if so, to what end?

[Ysabeau] Did she know something she shouldn't have?

[Ysabeau] Did she tell anyone else about it - are their lives in danger?

[Ysabeau] Is the new chief sorceror safe?

[Alma] I do indeed. The office of the Chief Sorceror is in part responsible for dealing with the issue of Kavreshar, and it's likely the babau is the one that Earric told Sanadhil is working directly with Kavreshar.

[Alma] I do not think he's safe in the slightest, but he's at least aware of his danger. Someone was already spreading rumours that he's out to assassinate the Emperor, and now I've confirmed for him that Moncaire was a demon.

[Ysabeau] Someone was trying to spread rumours that the chief sorceror wants to kill Marl?

[Alma] Yes indeed.

[Alma] Which sounds very much like the babau is continuing its work elsewhere, or perhaps that Kavreshar itself is propagating this dischord.

  • Ysabeau sighs.

[Ysabeau] I wonder how much the Emperor knows.

[Alma] It's a good question, but ... well considering I suspected he might have been replaced by the demon masquerading as Moncaire, I took the liberty of touching the Duke of Brissarthe's sleeve.

[Alma] He seems to be a good man... and a man, not a demon. So unless I am to be overtaken completely be paranoia, I must assume he has passed this information on to the Emperor as is his duty.

[Ysabeau] Oh so you visited with him? That's good. :)

[Alma] Yes, I spoke with him at the wedding... I could not resist completely the opportunity to speak with people such as he and the Lady Chancellor.

[Ysabeau] How is she?

[Alma] Oh, I was sure we spoke of this just after I returned to the city...

[Alma] Yes, I wanted to mention how ... distant she was, in case he should chose to speak with her and ... find that unsettling or disappointing.

[Ysabeau] Oh...

[Ysabeau] I'm not sure that he wants to, anyway.

[Ysabeau] Although I've sort of been thinking about it.

[Ysabeau] But I don't know if I want to, either.

[Alma] Well, it may bring him closure, as long as he's not expecting... warmth? Which I expect is some part of what he desires. Don't we all?

[Alma] Perhaps that is something better given by the Lord Marshall, in time.

[Alma] ... of course I am not familiar with the Lady Chancellor, it is merely my impression from one short meeting.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] I don't know either of them so you have an advantage over me. ;)

[Alma] The Lord Marshall seems like a lovely, if perhaps stiff man ;)

[Alma] Oh, I forgot to return the comb...

  • Alma pulls that from her things and hands it to you.

[Alma] I hope it looks the same as when you gave it to me, but I imagine it should be easily changed :)

[Ysabeau] It's fine. Thank you. I hope it was useful?

[Alma] Well, it seems you were somewhat prescient, Ysabeau @_@

[Ysabeau] I was?

  • Alma will tell you everything that happened, including how completely nervous she was, and how foolish she felt, sneaking around like a spy.

[Alma] ... and who came out of the house but the Duke of Friaul!

[Alma] He was talking with Livianne, who I eventually recognised from Andusk.

[Alma] I confirmed the Duke's address and rode by, by carriage, in order to confirm it is indeed his house.

[Ysabeau] I can't say I'm surprised, honestly.

[Alma] Well the question is, then, what does Thea want from Leonien Kizer?

[Ysabeau] I would be curious to know what they plan, though -

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] Thea or her invisible friend.

[Ysabeau] I wonder if Marl ever visits his grandfather?

[Alma] I assume he does at some point. After all he came to my wedding :)

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] Maybe it would be easier to harm him at his grandfather than at the palace, who knows?

[Alma] Yes, possibly.

[Ysabeau] Hopefully it's not Marl trying to off his grandfather like Marel was.

[Alma] While Thea is not particularly evil spirited, she does seem to be quite erratic. I imagine she's completely unpredictable. If Phelix is the invisible one, or if Phelix is Kavreshar, I imagine she could be convinced to do anything.

[Ysabeau] That's just too disturbing to think on it, really.

[Ysabeau] I suppose so, Sister, especially if she thinks she loves him.

[Ysabeau] Do you suppose the baby is his?

[Alma] Oh I do not at all think it's anything involving Marl's will. I think she quite hates nobles. I got the impression from watching her that she's waiting for something to "wipe the slate clean", possibly some sort of revolt, or in the case of Kavreshar, worse.

[Alma] I think the question for us to decide is whether we go directly to the Duke of Friaul and warn him, or whether we should try to determine first what her plan is. I don't think it's likely, if Leonien is anything like his dream counterpart I imagine he's crafty and not particularly forthcoming. We might not know if Thea wants something he has for Kavreshar.

[Ysabeau] :/

[Ysabeau] I wish I were better at this stuff.

[Alma] So do I.

  • Alma shakes her head.

[Alma] It's so... huge.

  • Ysabeau nods.
  • Ysabeau will be pensive for the rest of the ride to Guillame's house.


Alma, Ysabeau and Guillame

  • Alma arrives with Ysabeau by carriage at the appointed time.
  • Ysabeau steps out gracefully.
  • Alma will walk with Ysabeau to the door and knock, or whatever us rich nobles do.

[Alma] (* Alma nobles at the door until a servant opens it.)

[Ysabeau] (bellpull? ;) )

  • Guillame will receive his guests in the study he now endlessly inhabits

[Alma] Good afternoon, Your Grace :)

[Ysabeau] Good afternoon, Your Grace!

  • Ysabeau curtseys.

[Guillame] Good afternoon

[Alma] How have you been?

  • Guillame directs the greeting generally, pauses, and then bows to Alma

[Guillame] Your excellency.

[Guillame] I've been... busy, I suppose.

  • Alma has been appropriately deferent to you since you became a Duke.

[Alma] Yes, I imagine that would be the case. I hope you've been well aside.

[Guillame] Yes, well enough, I suppose.

[Alma] Glad to hear.

[Alma] I've been busy since we met last, and we thought we should consult with you on the matter of Thea Vermillion.

  • Alma will describe what she learned via the scrying.
  • Ysabeau listens in to what the two nobs have to say to one another.

[Alma] I decided it was best to determine immediately in whose home she was working, and so I teleported there...

  • Guillame listens
  • Alma describes that adventure in a slightly less embarassing manner than she was willing to tell Ysabeau.
  • Ysabeau keeps a very straight face, no hint that she knows anything other than what you're telling him.

[Alma] I drove by in carriage to determine that it was indeed the home of Leonien Kizer.

[Guillame] [perplexedly] Leonien Kizer's house...

[Alma] Yes... Ysabeau actually predicted it might be him, oddly enough.

[Alma] The question is, what does she want?

[Ysabeau] It isn't that difficult. He's the Emperor's grandfather.

[Ysabeau] You want to stir up trouble? Mess with the Imperial family.

[Ysabeau] The Kizers were a pretty obvious target, I should think.

[Alma] I took her conversation to mean that she is waiting to put something into action, whether it's to steal something or bring harm to the household, I don't know.

[Alma] And at the end... when she spoke of everything being "washed away"... well I found that quite ominous.

[Guillame] Yes...

[Alma] So the question is... what do we do?

[Ysabeau] There was a flood in the dream, wasn't there?

[Alma] Yes, there was...

[Ysabeau] Flood or fire, neither is something I'm looking forward to.

[Alma] If the invisible entity is Phelix, or Kavreshar in masquerade... then we really ought to learn what Thea wants from the Duke of Friaul.

  • Guillame nods, looking concerned

[Alma] As well, we must warn the household soon.

[Ysabeau] You know, I was thinking on the carriage ride...

  • Alma turns to Ysabeau

[Ysabeau] M. Argo works for the Kizers, doesn't he?

[Alma] Oh... why yes he does. He might be the perfect person to carry the warning.

[Ysabeau] Maybe we should bring him in. But then he also works for Nash, and I have reason to believe she is not to be trusted.

[Ysabeau] So we'll have to think about this carefully.

[Ysabeau] The other advantage with M. Argo is he could spy on Thea with greater ease than we could.

[Guillame] For that matter, is it prudent to assume that there are no Kizers plotting against the Duke?

[Guillame] It's less likely, but I don't feel comfortable ruling them out.

  • Ysabeau nods.
  • Guillame shakes his head.

[Alma] My concern is that if we do not investigate the matter personally, the Duke may deal with Thea, and we may not be able to determine what her goals were. I imagine he'll have no reason to confide in us if he knows what he goals might be.

[Ysabeau] true

[Guillame] Any suggestions of how to proceed?

[Alma] I think that within a matter of days, we should attempt to spy on Thea and determine who she lives with, and what she wants from the Kizers.

[Alma] The question is whether we can find out what she wants when she's not within the household.

[Ysabeau] How good are you at sneaking, M. Rionet?

[Ysabeau] I'm not. but I could cast sphere of invisibility on you, or on something you carry.

[Guillame] I'm reasonably competent...

[Ysabeau] Sister had originally thought we all could go... but I think we'd make too much noise.

[Alma] Well, I can cast Silence, and dispel it should we need to use magic.

[Alma] Unless the house has protections against teleportation, I can get us inside... and then we can attempt to read Thea's thoughts...

[Alma] But there's a lot of complications ...

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Guillame] There certainly are

[Ysabeau] One being if we get caught and they find out it's me.

[Alma] You?

[Ysabeau] It wouldn't look very good politically, I'm afraid.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Alma] Why is that?

[Ysabeau] It hasn't been officially announced yet, so please keep it quiet.

  • Alma looks perplexed.

[Ysabeau] [q] Lord Grey will be retiring, and Martan will be taking his place. Marl's orders.

[Alma] :o

[Alma] Well... if it isn't public yet, he can't be accused of having spied on Leonien Kizer via you, when you're accompanied by His Grace and myself.

[Guillame] Well, we all have reasons not to be caught, so we'd best not get caught.

[Ysabeau] I don't think it matters when it happens. Leonien Kizer will know, and it might bring Martan's loyalty into question.

[Ysabeau] Something which I have reason to be really quite anxious about.

[Ysabeau] So... I can help out by casting spells on you, but without knowing what sorts of protections Leonien Kizer might have in place - and if he is anything like his counterpart in the dream, he may have many - I think it would be wiser for me not to actually accompany you. I'm sorry.

  • Ysabeau does look unhappy about this.

[Alma] Well, we may chose instead to follow her outside the Kizer residence. She may think of what she wants on her way to or f rom...

[Ysabeau] That, I would be more comfortable with.

[Guillame] We could do one, then the other if necessary.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Guillame] It is more likely that she would think about her mission on the way to his house, I would imagine?

[Ysabeau] Quite possibly, Your Grace.

  • Ysabeau smiles.

[Alma] Yes, possibly. We could try to spy on the house, and then follow her surreptitiously somehow.

[Guillame] Rather than about town, or upon return?

[Guillame] I suppose we don't know how to find her on the way to, so maybe on return is best.

[Ysabeau] Sister, don't you know where she lives?

[Alma] Yes, I could teleport us close to the location.

[Ysabeau] Do you know approximately what time she must report to work each day?

[Alma] No, I have only scried her the once. She reported to duty at [!] o'clock on that day.

[Ysabeau] Well, your own servants, you two - do their shifts vary or are they required to report for duty the same time every day?

[Alma] I don't have as complex a household as I imagine the Duke does. He may have varying needs by varying days. Presumably she reports at the same time.

[Alma] We could arrive somewhat early at least.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Guillame] Their shifts are regular, excepting when something comes up - but some of them have shifts that vary by weekday.

[Alma] Yes, say if someone visits His Grace on a particular day.

  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] To eliminate some of the uncertainties, perhaps - we scryed her on the 24th.

[Ysabeau] That was a Fifth-day.

[Ysabeau] Why don't we try the next Fifth-day?

[Ysabeau] (That would be like in a day or two, probably, in game?)

  • Guillame nods

[Alma] Do we think it's safe enough to wait that long, with her within the Kizer household?

[Guillame] I couldn't hope to say.

[Alma] Well, I could teleport there to determine where it is, and then watch her routine?

[Guillame] And then we could meet you at the Kizer residence?

[Alma] Hmm... well I trust Ysabeau's ability to read her thoughts better than my own, I admit... so if I determine where it is, and study both locations, I could teleport us with greater ease.

[Guillame] Ah, I see.

[Alma] If you are both waiting at my home, I could return there when she leaves, and immediately teleport us back in order to follow her.

[Alma] Or here, for that matter.

[Alma] No, my home would be best... now that I think about it.

[Ysabeau] I can make my way over to your house, Sister.

[Alma] I can return there several times a day.

[Alma] Shall I study the location tomorrow, and then we can plan for the next day?

[Alma] Or for that matter, I could study the location today.

  • Alma plans out loud.
  • Guillame waits for the Sister to decide

[Alma] What do you suggest Your Grace?

  • Alma inadvertantly does not decide :P
  • Ysabeau twiddles her thumbs, waiting for the nobs to decide.

[Guillame] Well, if time is of the essence, then most probably you should begin your reconnaissance today; I am available for the rest of the day, although I do have this paperwork.

  • Guillame gestures at his desk.
  • Alma nods.

[Alma] Very well, I'll teleport nearby and study the area so that I can return without mishap.

[Guillame] Mmle Chanuier is welcome to make herself at home, of course

[Ysabeau] ...

  • Guillame nods to Ysabeau

[Ysabeau] Um, thank you. Is Silvia about?

[Guillame] Yes, I believe so...?

[Ysabeau] Perhaps I could go visit with her so I don't distract you from your paperwork.

[Alma] Well, I can investigate the location after our meeting, will arrange for you two to arrive at my home tomorrow.

  • Alma says, implying she's not going to run off and do that while Ysabeau and Guillame are waiting.

[Guillame] I was suggesting that we wait in case something of import came up... but I suppose that in that case, you will be able to retrieve us.

[Alma] Yes, teleporting here from that location would not allow me to teleport us back to follow her... it's a complication of the nature of priestly magic.

[DiablotinNarrator] The group of you who are gathered at Guillame's house - what time of day were you there, jooc?

[Alma] (We said good afternoon)

[DiablotinNarrator] It is late afternoon by now. Normally Silvia would be home from school by now, but ... she isn't.

[Guillame] (I guess she wasn't home after all!)

[DiablotinNarrator] (well, normally she would be :)

[Alma] If I run into any sort of trouble I will just teleport home :)

[Guillame] (I said that she was in the solo, but Guillame's stretched a bit thin, so it's ok)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yeah... he might have thought she was, and just been assuming she was back)

  • Guillame sends a servant to the school to look for her when he realizes that she's late.

[DiablotinNarrator] A servant arrives with a note just as the servant you are dispatching is leaving.

  • Guillame reads it

[Alma] Is everything alright?

[DiablotinNarrator] The note indicates that your sister apparently departed without permission from school at the lunch hour, along with several other students.

[Guillame] It would seem not... apparently Silvia, among other students, decided to absent herself from school as long ago as lunchtime...

[Ysabeau] ...

[Ysabeau] Does it say which students?

[Guillame] It seems remiss of the school to wait this long to inform me.

[Guillame] (does it?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (it doesn't name the others, no)

  • Ysabeau is thinking of Murienne and Amiel.
  • Guillame sighs

[Guillame] Now where can she have gotten to?

[Ysabeau] And who did she go with?

[Alma] I can send her a message if you'd like?

  • Ysabeau looks anxious.

[Guillame] I don't know Ysabeau, sorry.

[Guillame] I never know in this sort of situation whether to chase her down or just wait until she's done...

[Guillame] Would you get a response, Sister?

[Alma] She could if she wished.

[Alma] Perhaps I could simply ask her to confirm what time she's expected home?

[Alma] And you can deal with things when she returns?

[Guillame] In that case, yes... yes, ask if any help is required and what time she's expected to return.

[Alma] Otherwise I could scry for her :)

[Alma] Certainly. I will just need a few minutes.

[Guillame] Let's see if she has a message first.

  • Alma nods :)

[Alma] I'll adjourn to the parlour so I can concentrate, if you don't mind, Your Grace.

[Guillame] Certainly - I'll have the staff send some refreshments.

[Alma] Thank you :)

  • Alma leaves to cast Sending. "Silvia, Your Grace, it's Sister Alma. Your brother would like to know if you need help with anything, and when you are plan to come home."

[DiablotinNarrator] "We're fine, I'm having an adventure with Muri, Amiel, Reed and Thorn! We're exploring in the sewers and... what's that noise? It sounds like... singing..."

[Alma] The SEWERS.

[Alma] (Does singing in the sewers mean anything to me?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (other that creepy as fuck?)

[Alma] Oh dear.

  • Alma will flag down the nearest servant.

[DiablotinNarrator] A servant can certainly be flagged down.

  • Ysabeau is quietly fretting in the room where Guillame is, then.

[Alma] Excuse me miss, but please fetch a portrait of the Duchess of Coindeliere, her used brush and another possession of hers, and bring them to the Duke of Corcyra's study.

[DiablotinNarrator] The servant will go off to do so.

[Alma] She's in the sewers with Murienne, Amiel, Reed and Thorn... !

[Alma] And she ... thought she heard singing.

  • Ysabeau jumps up, looking very pale.

[Ysabeau] Singing?

[Alma] Yes, singing.

[Ysabeau] She heard singing when we are at the Temple too.

[Alma] I took the liberty of asking a servant to bring things here to help me scry.

[Ysabeau] When we were reacting to Emkathon.

[Alma] I hope you don't mind Your Grace.

[Ysabeau] Reed and Thorn - the tosher children?

[Alma] Yes, I suppose that's why they all thought it was insufficiently stupid to avoid doing.

[Ysabeau] They may have been affected by that voided statue, or by witnessing the deaths of all the people closest to them.

[Guillame] Well, I'm sure that Silvia is perfectly adventurous enough to choose the sewers for herself... I did much the same when I was her age.

[Alma] They probably just thought they'd go on an adventure. Have Silvia and Murienne learned any spells?

[Alma] That's the sort of thing that'd prompt that... -_-

[Alma] .oO( Oh maybe it's a Rat thing? )

[Ysabeau] Only the most basic novice spells...

  • Alma nods.

[Alma] Well I'll see if they're alright once those items come.

[Guillame] Silvia also

  • Ysabeau is getting worked up.

[Ysabeau] Murienne hated the sewers, why would she go into them?

[Alma] I can take us there immediately, if we must.

[Alma] Oh, dear.

[Ysabeau] She isn't strong enough to fight the things that might be down there.

[Alma] My armour is in the carriage, I should make sure Marielle is handy.

[Alma] But I'm sure this is nothing -_-

[Ysabeau] Amiel, maybe, he's almost ready to be ordained.

[DiablotinNarrator] The servant returns with a small portrait of Silvia, her hairbrush, and one of her books.

[Ysabeau] But even so...

  • Alma immediately casts Greater Scrying on Silvia.

[Guillame] Jonnti, please prepare my adventuring gear now.

[DiablotinNarrator] The servant will go to do so.

[Ysabeau] I didn't bring mine...

[Alma] We'll be fine, I'm sure.

  • Ysabeau will need to go home to get her armour and weapons. Her eyes well up.

[Guillame] You're welcome to borrow anything that you need, although we likely don't have any parallels to your magic items?

[Alma] (DC is 25 and she gets a -16)

[Alma] (and another -5 if she's "familiar" to me.)

[Alma] (But probably isn't?)

[Ysabeau] I don't have any that are useful for combat, anyway... my crossbow is well-made, but not magical.

[Ysabeau] If anything happens to Murienne... or any of them, oh gods.

  • Ysabeau will lapse into silence, praying to the gods to keep them safe.
  • Guillame directs Ysabeau after Jonnti to gather the supplies that she needs, if desired
  • Ysabeau will stumble after him.

[DiablotinNarrator] You can see Silvia and Muri in a dark chamber, huddled together, with other figures moving about at the edges of your vision. You do hear a strange singing/crooning sort of sound 'off-screen', and then a piercing shriek. Muri and Silvia both cover their ears, and slump to the ground as if unconscious.

[Alma] We're going, now!

[Alma] Meet me at the carriage!

  • Alma flies, metaphorically, to the carriage.!

[Alma] Never mind the armour. (As she changes her mind...)

[Ysabeau] (I am not sure if I can hear Alma since I'm off in some other part of the house with Jonnti?)

[Guillame] Ysabeau, no time!

  • Guillame calls after her.

[DiablotinNarrator] (you probably didn't have time to get too far)

  • Ysabeau runs back to you guys then
  • Alma will follow Guillame and reach out to touch the two of you, casting Greater Teleport!

[Guillame] . o O (I hope Silvia brought a knife...)

  • Ysabeau is caught between fear for Murienne and fear for her unborn child, since she has no armour or weapons to protect herself.

[DiablotinNarrator] You find yourselves in an underground chamber, presumably somewhere in the sewers. The children are clustered in a corner, with the boys trying to defend the girls, who both seem to be unconscious. There is some sort of ...thing that looks like a large stone scorpion menacing them. That seems to be what is making the eerie singing sound.

  • Ysabeau will pull herself together and cast Shout... stone scorpion = brittle maybe crystalline?
  • Reed has a large knife in his hand and is trying to fend off the thing.
  • Alma will immediately Dimension Door in front of the Scorpion

[DiablotinNarrator] (so order will be Alma, Scorpiothing, Guillame, and Ysa)

  • Alma casts Dimension Door so that she is immediately in front of the scorpion.

[DiablotinNarrator] OK. The scorpion will attack you, then.

  • Alma is oddly enough expecting that.

[DiablotinNarrator] (does a 20 hit?)

[Alma] (Yup.)

[DiablotinNarrator] (14 damage, and make a Fort save DC 18 please)

[Alma] (31 :D)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok - just the bite damage, then)

  • Alma seems to take that well, all things considered.

[DiablotinNarrator] The 'tail' was what bit you - it's not actually a stinger, but it ends in a lamprey-like mouth with creepy teeth.

[Alma] .oO( Oh how awful. )

[DiablotinNarrator] Guillame's turn.

[Guillame] (Does it look like it has anatomy?)

[DiablotinNarrator] It looks like it's made of stone, or some stone-like substance, but yes, it has an anatomy

[Guillame] I will move to flank with Alma if possible, grabbing any stones that I pass.

[DiablotinNarrator] OK, you can flank with her.

[DiablotinNarrator] Ysa?

  • Ysabeau will cast Shout, projecting her voice so it will miss everyone but the scorpithing if possible.

[Ysabeau] (DC 20)

[DiablotinNarrator] !roll 1d20

  • Alma rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 13 ].

[Ysabeau] (fortitude partial or reflex negates)

[DiablotinNarrator] (it gets a 20)

[DiablotinNarrator] (reflex is only if it's an object)

[DiablotinNarrator] roll your damage, anyway

[DiablotinNarrator] (it's not crystalline, so 5d6)

[Ysabeau] (In ties the defender wins? So it won't be deaf or take full damage)

[Ysabeau] (18)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok)

[Ysabeau] (brittle also takes sonic damage)

[DiablotinNarrator] (it's made of 'flexible stone' I don't think it's brittle)

[Ysabeau] (ok)

[DiablotinNarrator] Alma's turn.

[Alma] (So Guillame is using a rock?)

[Guillame] (Some rocks, point blank shot was my plan)

  • Alma casts Harm on it.

[Alma] (AOO time :3)

[DiablotinNarrator] !roll 1d20+10

  • Alma rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 16 ].

[DiablotinNarrator] (does a 16 hit?)

[Alma] (Yup)

[DiablotinNarrator] !roll 2d6+5

  • Alma rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 2d6+5 ] getting [ 6 4 ] for a total of [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 15 ].

[DiablotinNarrator] 15 damage, and another Fort save DC 18.

[Alma] (20)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok)

[Alma] (Now I need a concentration DC 25 to keep the spell?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes)

[Alma] (33!)

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok, you got it :)

[Alma] (DC 23 Will save on the Harm)

[DiablotinNarrator] !roll 1d20+6

  • Alma rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 13 ].

[DiablotinNarrator] ok, roll damage

[DiablotinNarrator] oh right, Harm

[Alma] (No roll, it just takes 140 points :D)

[DiablotinNarrator] The creature collapses dead.

[Alma] Oh thank goodness.

  • Ysabeau runs to Silvia and Muri, triages them with a glance and will cast CMW as needed
  • Guillame dumps his rocks on it and walks over towards the kids
  • Alma will also see if there are any wounds.

[Guillame] Are you boys ok?

[Ysabeau] Muri? Silvia?

  • Guillame says, looking at Silvia

[DiablotinNarrator] Silvia and Muri seem unharmed, apart from being unconscious. Reed and Amiel are each bleeding from a bite.

[DiablotinNarrator] (And looking pretty ill)

  • Alma will begin to treat them. "Where's Thorn?"
  • Alma casts Detect Poison

[DiablotinNarrator] (he's there, he's uninjured so I didn't mention him ;)

[Alma] (ok)

[Reed] Stonesinger...

[Alma] Hmm?

[Guillame] The creature, I assume?

[Reed] That thing. A stonesinger.

  • Alma checks everyone for poison.
  • Ysabeau will try to wake the girls since unconsciousness is worse than bleeding
  • Reed has been poisoned, Amiel seems ok apart from the damage of the bite.
  • Alma will Neutralize Poison and then proceed to cast Mass Cure Moderate

[DiablotinNarrator] Ysa, you can wake up the girls after a bit with some shaking and shouting at them.

  • Guillame kneels down by Ysa and Silvia
  • Ysabeau will hug them both fiercely

[Ysabeau] (Muri and Silvia)

  • Guillame beams when Silvia comes to.

[Alma] (And everyone hurt heals 39 :P)

[DiablotinNarrator] Everyone looks healthy again.

  • Ysabeau feels like yelling at them all for being stupid, but holds her tongue.
  • Alma checks herself as well, pleased to find the spell took care of her wounds too

[Ysabeau] Thank the gods you're all okay.

[Silvia] It was such a pretty song...

  • Silvia says wistfully.

[Alma] So it's called a Stonesinger is it?

  • Silvia 's glasses broke when she fell, and she picks up the pieces.
  • Ysabeau will cast Mending on them, if she doesn't.
  • Reed nods.

[Reed] If you sing to them, they're supposed to go away - didn't work this time. Maybe we weren't good enough singers.

  • Alma checks over the boys one last time, if only to make them not feel left out with all the attention the girls are getting.

[Reed] It turns you into stone and then eats you.

[Ysabeau] ...

[Alma] D:

  • Ysabeau knows Muri is a good singer, so that seems strange.

[Guillame] Maybe this one was already pissed off

[Reed] Maybe...

[Reed] It does seem like this must be its lair.

  • Reed points to piles of debris and stone in the corners of the room.

[Alma] Well, I suppose we can't blame it then...

[Guillame] It would make sense that when they go away, they go to their lair, so maybe it was just cornered.

[Alma] It's just a creature.

  • Silvia hugs her brother.

[Ysabeau] Are they usually this close to the surface?

  • Ysabeau asks the tosher boys.

[Reed] I never saw one before.

[Reed] But I heard about 'em, so I guess someone's seen them.

  • Guillame hugs Silvia back
  • Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] I wonder if something deeper down might be chasing them up.

[Ysabeau] Why did you all come into the sewers, if we might ask?

[Alma] That's a terrifying thought, Ysabeau D:

[Murienne] For an adventure...

[Alma] Mmhmm.

[Silvia] It *was* fun.

[Guillame] Word of advice - if you're away from home in the middle of an adventure and you hear beautiful singing... something probably wants you dead. Or enslaved.

[Silvia] Until that happened.

  • Silvia nods.

[Alma] Indeed, until then.

[Ysabeau] Had you planned this in advance or was it something of a last minute decision?

[Murienne] We had talked about it before... but we just decided to go today.

[Ysabeau] What sort of preparations did you make?

[Murienne] Because... herbalism lessons this afternoon, bleh.

  • Ysabeau eyes them all for armour, weapons, etc... anything other than the knife Reed had?

[Silvia] We packed some food, and we had a lantern but I dropped it.

[Alma] You know what herbalism lessons are good for? Treating poisons. -_-

[Guillame] Hah, that's true, Sister.

[Ysabeau] Indeed.

[Guillame] Silvia, I'm sure your teacher would have me scold you and forbid you to come down here again, but you're old enough to know what's stupid and what isn't. Just try to be safer, ok?

  • Ysabeau nods.
  • Silvia nods.

[Ysabeau] You should have brought more weapons, some armour.

[Ysabeau] You should know how to use it.

[Alma] And don't forget telling someone where you're going...

[Ysabeau] I'm glad you had Reed and Thorn with you, they at least would have some idea of what might live down here.

[Guillame] . o O (Well that's no fun)

[Ysabeau] That came in handy.

  • Silvia smiles slightly at that.

[Ysabeau] Even if the singing didn't work.

[Ysabeau] But please, you must be careful. I was so worried, so were Alma and Guillame.

[Murienne] I think I'm ready to go home now. Enough adventure.

  • Alma checks around for other living things nearby (Deathwatch) and then looks for magic in case it has collected things.

[Ysabeau] Did you look for loot?

[Alma] Does anyone here know how to Detect Magic yet?

[Ysabeau] That's always an important part of an adventure, especially when you kill something.

[Guillame] Well, I suggest that those of us with the time head home on foot. After all, it's not like Sister Alma will always be handy to teleport you back.

[DiablotinNarrator] Silvia, Muri, Amiel, and Thorn all raise their hands to the 'can you detect magic' question.

[Alma] Well get to it.

[Guillame] (and it'll be an excellent reason not to document trade agreements today)

  • Alma looks at Thorn. (Where does he go to school again?)

[DiablotinNarrator] He doesn't, as far as you know.

[Alma] You can too, Thorn?

  • Thorn nods.
  • Alma looks mildly surprised...

[Thorn] I know a couple spells.

[Thorn] Prolly won't learn any more, though, since I can't go to the Castalia.

[Alma] What kind of magic?

[Ysabeau] Why can't you go to the Castalia?

[Thorn] No money.

  • Thorn shrugs.

[Ysabeau] Void, if that's all it is.

[Ysabeau] I can pay for you to go the Castalia.

[Ysabeau] But you must promise not to skip classes. :P

[Alma] At the very least we can look into what scholarships are available.

  • Thorn looks excited.

[Guillame] Indeed

  • Alma makes a note to remind Meg that she's here to help them succeed in the city ^_^

[Alma] (Or Lyndall ^_^)

[Ysabeau] Well, go see if there's any loot.

[Ysabeau] We'll head out after you're done.

[DiablotinNarrator] The kids go and collect the loot, then!

[Guillame] Yeah, be sure to look for any among those piles of rubble, especially.

  • Alma does check herself in case they miss :P
  • Alma will also check the schools on the items, since their Spellcraft probably won't be as good.
  • Guillame just watches them to see where they don't look.
  • Ysabeau supervises them and keeps ears and eyes open for more bad news.

[DiablotinNarrator] There are three magic items - a horn, a piece of amber shaped like a hand, and a light-weight sort of robe. And a few mundane but interesting items - a large beer stein with a bawdy tavern scene depicted on it that seems to amuse the boys, at least, a wooden ring carved to look like ivy leaves, a pearl necklace, a crystal hanging from a silver chain, and a pair of nice-looking knives.

[Alma] (Spellcrafts: 28, 19, 36)

  • Ysabeau will use Bardic Knowledge to learn what she can about objects

[Ysabeau] (25)

  • Ysabeau will tell them what she learns - want me to roll for each object?

[DiablotinNarrator] horn = faint conjuration. amber = moderate necromancy. robe = moderate transmutation.

[Alma] Some sort of naturalist might find value in the remains.

[Alma] We should make you all carry it out.

[DiablotinNarrator] It probably weighs like 1200 lbs... maybe you can get a chunk of it ;)

  • Alma prods it with her toes to see how heavy.

[Alma] Hrm, perhaps not.

[DiablotinNarrator] Ysa - none of these items are especially legendary :)

[Ysabeau] (Okay :) )

[Alma] We'll have everything identified and appraised at the Society.

[Ysabeau] Let's get out of here.

  • Ysabeau will walk out with the kids.
  • Alma will also walk, as it's polite.
  • Silvia and the others will accompany you guys out, then.

[DiablotinNarrator] And we'll end there.


Sanadhil and Seth

[Sanadhil] Good morning M. Argo... 

* Sanadhil smiles, pleasant but puzzled

[Seth] Ah, good morning, M. Orecalo. Have I arrived at a bad time?

[Sanadhil] no, not particularly... please come in

[Sanadhil] (it smells like delicious bread @_@)

[Sanadhil] (not that you eat ;p)

[Sanadhil] (freak)

[Seth] Is that an elven recipe?

[Sanadhil] Yes - they won't be ready for another few hours, or I would offer you some. Would you care for some tea?

  • Sanadhil takes off the apron when you enter

[Seth] Ah, certainly, that would be fine.

  • Sanadhil nods, and will fetch a fresh cup for Seth and bring his own hgalf drunk one to the parlour

[Seth] I was hoping to speak to you about our recent expeditions.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] of course

[Sanadhil] I have some news to share with yourself as well

[Seth] Oh? Well, please, go ahead.

[Sanadhil] this is a magtter I think needs to be raised with the others as well.... I've discussed it with ilphere, and send word to the Countess but....

[Sanadhil] I know you count yourse a 'Kizer man', but to what extent do you loyaties lie with the emperor?

[Seth] The Emperor *is* a Kizer, of course.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Seth] I understand that the Emperor and Duke work differently, of course.

[Sanadhil] but if he was not acting in the best iterest of the family... or the empire....

  • Sanadhil nods

[Seth] If the Emperor were not acting in the best interest of the Empire?

[Sanadhil] yes

[Seth] That is almost paradoxical, but ... what exactly do you mean?

[Sanadhil] I have finally managed to track down a cpy of his thesis on magical binding

[Sanadhil] it discusses at length the original binding of Kavreshar in to the necklace.

[Seth] ...

  • Sanadhil can show you a copy (sec forwarding)

[Sanadhil] here...

  • Sanadhil fetches it from his giant pile of notes @_@
  • Seth furrows his brow.
  • Sanadhil sm's

[Sanadhil] (21)

[Seth] So he knew that Kavreshar was trapped in the necklace, before he was Emperor. Hmm.

[Seth] What are you implying?

[Sanadhil] I'm not certain, exactly.

[Sanadhil] But it is concerning

[Seth] Do you think that Marl arranged for Kavreshar's release? How would that advantage him?

[Sanadhil] That depends

[Sanadhil] perhaps nhe thought he could control it, or bind it again if necessary

[Sanadhil] perhaps nhe wanted the opportunity to appear heroic. perhaops there is some deeper plot we haven't yet uncovered....

[Seth] But releasing it in that manner? Knowing that it would cause such damage? That is ... I just don't understand.

[Sanadhil] we still don't know who *did* bring the necklace there

[Seth] Indeed.

[Sanadhil] the divinations indicated it was an accident

[Seth] And if it were in the Treasury, once emperor, he could release Kavreshar in safer circumstances.

[Sanadhil] it may not have been his intention to release it then

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] precisely

[Seth] Has your investigation revealed anything more about who exactly had the necklace and brought it?

[Sanadhil] no, unfortunatley not.

[Sanadhil] although....

[Sanadhil] do we know which faction of the Hush was vying for it?

[Sanadhil] perhaps we can learn what. or who,. they wanted it for, and retrace from there

[Seth] I would imagine Maze, since he was involved with its history.

[Seth] But I don't know.

[Sanadhil] perhaps Mlle Chanuier can find out :p

[Sanadhil] what did you want to discuss?

[Seth] Well ... I had hoped to discuss the stars. And Mme Belden's recent work on the star artifact.

[Seth] What do you make of it?

[Sanadhil] ahh, yes....

[Sanadhil] other than that is is powerful and shoul at all cost be kept from the wrong hands?

[Seth] Yes, obviously.

[Sanadhil] My people believe the stars to be the fundamental power of creation

[Sanadhil] Life, matter... all of it is formed by the substance of stars

[Sanadhil] in that respect, the 'power of the stars' seems quite vast

[Seth] Yes ... but obviously, the stars exist, leading to the question of just what is contained in the artifact. Particular stars - a constellation, like Rat prior to its restoration?

[Sanadhil] the implication is that it is the natual firmament of the shadowplan

[Seth] I suppose ... I am no expert on the planes.

[Seth] What do the Shadar-kai make of it?

[Sanadhil] of what? Their plane?

[Seth] Of the artifact.

[Seth] Of the stars.

[Seth] I don't know.

[Sanadhil] I don't think that they know of it specifically

[Sanadhil] as to the stars..... there are some very old texts that reference the stars, and the sun, but their scholars have apparently debated about wther they might date to the time of the occupation here, or to something else

[Sanadhil] I now suspect they date to a time when the plane had its own

[Sanadhil] The essence of creation is now imbued in the material of the plane itself, however.

[Seth] And the Legend Lore - what do you take from it?

[Sanadhil] Perhaps that is what happened when things started to die there and the essence could not return to the sky...

  • Sanadhil muses
  • Sanadhil makes a face at the mention of legend lore

[Sanadhil] it seems almost too straught forward in some respects....

[Sanadhil] if we coudl figure out how to taps its power, it could be limitles @_@

[Seth] Limitlessly dangerous.

[Sanadhil] limitless in all ways, absolutely

[Seth] Do you think it is connected to Emkathon, and if so, how? I admit to being unclear on the connection between the Shadow Plane and entities such as her.

[Sanadhil] I don't think it is directly connected

[Sanadhil] but possibly its power could be used to free her....

[Seth] Is that something you are planning to do?

[Sanadhil] it was the Serpent, Vrag, that the shadar-Kai antitheists sought to -hmm?

[Seth] I am asking if you are planning to free Emkathon.

[Sanadhil] I would like to see it done.

[Sanadhil] you?

[Seth] Despite the consequences?

  • Sanadhil sm's (if we're gong on earlier rolls I got a 21 ;p)

[Seth] (you succeed - I can't beat a 21; I am not trusting of you!)

[Sanadhil] It is already happening. Its only a matter of time. Would you see her bound?

[Seth] I don't know what I want of her ... I don't see that it is my decision alone to make. But I fear the consequences, either way.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Seth] I ask your word that you will not do anything with her, or to her, without consulting me.

[Seth] This city is ... it is to me, much more than my home. If it should suffer the fate of Am, I would die.

[Sanadhil] . o O (What is it with everyone and oaths :p)

[Sanadhil] You wouldn't be alone -_-

[Sanadhil] But I don't want that to happen

[Sanadhil] Emkathon is Mercy.

[Seth] I understand that ... I do not think you wish the death of us all. But I do think you might make decisions without speaking to me, or to the others, that might inadvertently cost us all dearly.

[Seth] So again, I ask your word.

[Sanadhil] very well - I give you my word, I won't do anything to, or with her, without consulting you ot the others.

[Seth] Thank you.

  • Seth relaxes visibly.
  • Sanadhil nods, but kind of sighs.

[Seth] So many things have happened lately ... I would have thought the dream-world was the strangest thing that could ever happen to me.

  • Sanadhil nods

[Sanadhil] And most people are so completely ignorant of everything going on....

[Seth] Yes, exactly.

[Seth] Which is stranger, to meet the queen of her own realm, to free a Founder from his prison, to touch Mercy herself, or to touch a star?

[Sanadhil] is that rhetorical?

[Seth] Indeed.

[Sanadhil] hmm.

[Seth] And on top of all of that, my own powers grow daily, my communion with this city.

[Sanadhil] I hadn't thought you'd touched her....

[Sanadhil] but yes.

[Seth] Well, yes, not ... not the way you did.

[Sanadhil] @_@

[Sanadhil] I would....not recommend it

[Seth] I suppose you want her to yourself?

[Sanadhil] No.

[Sanadhil] No, not at all

[Sanadhil] She's.... too much. She' not meant to be contained, or horded....

[Seth] Have no fear, M. Orecalo, I am already possessed of enough strangeness in my life.

  • Sanadhil shakes his head

[Sanadhil] Indeed.

  • Sanadhil says finally, never quite trusting what he will say when people get him talking about Emkathon @_@

[Seth] One wonders how much the Emperor has learned of what we are up to. Thankfully we have not told anyone outside our group about Emkathon.

[Sanadhil] indeed - I hope he doens't learn of her

[Seth] Is there something I can do, to help with that side of matters?

[Sanadhil] how do you mean?

[Seth] I don't know. I am well connected to the Kizer family, and to the Warlord.

[Sanadhil] I'm not certain at this point.

[Sanadhil] I've been too busy gathering information to have a chance to think of what to do with any of it, lately

[Seth] All right. If there is anything, I am available at most times at the Society.

[Seth] Who knew that the architecture of wells was such a fascinating subject?

  • Sanadhil smiles

[Sanadhil] Some more than others, I suspect....

[Sanadhil] I should prepare another presentation soon as well

[Seth] Indeed. I will be most interested to attend, in that case!

  • Sanadhil frowns trying to wrap his head arounjd something he could talk about bthat woudln't be completely world shattering :p

[Seth] I thank you for your time, M. Orecalo. I hope to speak with you again soon.

[Sanadhil] Likewise, M. Argo.

[Sanadhil] I'll come find you if I think of anything more concrete.

[Seth] I am greatly obliged.

  • Seth finishes his tea and leaves.

Solos

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