Session Start: Tue Oct 31 18:06:55 2000 [18:06] *** Now talking in #rpg2 [18:08] *** alamark has joined #rpg2 [18:09] op me [18:09] *** kasin sets mode: +o alamark [18:09] *** alamark sets mode: +s [18:10] whats s? [18:10] secret [18:14] I'm going to try another server [18:14] *** Disconnected Session Close: Tue Oct 31 18:14:37 2000 Session Start: Tue Oct 31 18:15:58 2000 [18:15] *** Now talking in #rpg2 [18:16] want to get your dinner whiole waiting? [18:16] I'm going to try dreamnet [18:16] *** Disconnected Session Close: Tue Oct 31 18:16:30 2000 Session Start: Tue Oct 31 18:17:45 2000 [18:17] *** Now talking in #rpg2 [18:17] *** Disconnected Session Close: Tue Oct 31 18:18:18 2000 Session Start: Tue Oct 31 18:18:37 2000 [18:18] *** Now talking in #rpg2 [18:18] op me plase [18:18] chec my speling to [18:18] *** alamark sets mode: +o kasin [18:18] look at your email [18:19] there's a message re: procmail running out of space [18:19] but I don't know whether it refers to us or telstra [18:19] from paul watt, it's from telstra [18:19] try df -k on poohbear [18:19] the acccount paulw is sending from atm is a mobilenet one [18:20] sophie@poohbear[14]% df -k [18:20] Filesystem kbytes used avail capacity Mounted on [18:20] fd 0 0 0 0% /dev/fd [18:20] mnttab 0 0 0 0% /etc/mnttab [18:20] swap 499672 8 499664 1% /var/run [18:20] swap 499808 144 499664 1% /tmp [18:20] 408570 408570 0 100% /cdrom/sol_8_ia [18:20] [18:20] I know. Look for things 90%+ (there isn't any that matter) [18:21] slash home seems ok [18:21] sp what does the msg mean then? [18:22] note it says "npo space on device /export/home" [18:22] *** hannes has joined #rpg2 [18:22] Hi there. Sorry I'm late. [18:23] np [18:23] we don't have an /export/home [18:23] but various unixes do [18:23] no worries [18:23] Umm... ? [18:24] continuing conversation [18:24] error message from a user [18:24] BTW, when Glenn said np I immediately thought of NP - the class of non-polynomial time algorithms. I've been doing too much work... [18:24] *** alamark sets mode: +o hannes [18:24] Ah, OK. [18:24] :) [18:24] *** hannes changes topic to 'The wormie wyrm...' [18:25] * kasin sighs [18:25] hold on - gotta go heat my dinner [18:25] * hannes rubs his hands gleefully. [18:26] *** hannes is now known as GM [18:26] BTW, I've read Simon's diaries. Finally. [18:26] Ania is ill so I found some time. [18:26] opinion? [18:26] I wish I'd have been there. [18:27] any particular reason or just in general? [18:28] Mainly in general. [18:28] Do Thora and/or Remus get to ask for something BTW? [18:28] yep [18:29] and Garen, although you can stick with the "suggestion" in there [18:29] Zim and Gwen got a flying carpet and Leo got a floating cushion [18:29] (actually, might not be in there) [18:29] backson [18:29] (nope, I've already told you about it, thats right) [18:29] yeah, Leo loves his wide, comfy, floating cushion. Thinks it's grand :) [18:29] We talked about Garan, so that's fine. [18:29] :) [18:30] Safranna considered getting another quiver of E, or another set of bracers of archery, but decided against them :) [18:30] Garan must have gained a bit of status back in Karameikos as a result of that. :) [18:30] It certainly helps! [18:31] Yep. Remus would probably ask for something to make him fight better. [18:31] a magical blade perhaps? [18:31] He's got a sword and doesn't use armor, so probably a magical shield or device, I suppose. [18:31] they are unlikely to have a br sw, but you never know [18:31] Remus is not switching blades! [18:31] hey, 3rd ed. it doesn't need to be a br sw! [18:32] magical shield, sure they can do that [18:32] Oh yeah, I guess I'd better do the characters up. [18:32] Can the give him a shield with a chocolate rim? :) [18:33] sorry, all the berserkers already took them, they like to chew on the edges of their shields [18:33] Yeah, that's why. [18:33] the metal ruins their teeth :) [18:33] I guess the (surviving) berserkers had a great time. [18:33] yep [18:33] how is this for a shield: +2, can do heal [18:33] but... [18:33] COOL! [18:33] but? [18:33] each usage reduces the plus by 1 [18:34] permanently [18:34] Oh dear... [18:34] So it started as a shield +5? :) [18:34] yep :) [18:35] long ago. the owner died in the battle in Sayr Ulan, like most of the previous owners of the magic items the party was offered [18:35] he prob should have used those heals [18:35] Yeah. But you always want to save them. [18:35] exactly. just like the owner before him [18:36] :) [18:36] Hmm... Thora. Do they have anything druidic? [18:36] (hmmm, thinks of nasty shield which can do heal on demand, but reduces the owners hp by 1 permanently each time it is used) [18:36] maybe, unilikely [18:37] Any items that protect from missiles? [18:46] Tell us when you're back, Sophie. [18:53] *** alamark has quit IRC (bugger, gotta restart the app) [18:58] *** alamark has joined #rpg2 [18:58] *** GM sets mode: +o alamark [18:58] OK, shall we start? [19:00] yep [19:01] OK... I believe you were going to visit M's order... [19:01] We were still fighting the dragon? [19:01] Nope. [19:01] off to see M's order [19:01] The dragon is now an earthworm. [19:01] ah yes [19:02] I seem to recall that you were attacked by some demons, but escaped when some devils came to play as well. [19:03] we left them in the (metaphysical) dirt [19:04] and headed off, after trashing the weenies they sent against us [19:04] Yep. So you're at the colour pool leading to the plane of M's order. [19:04] ok [19:04] shall we go through? [19:04] yep [19:04] ok, we go through [19:05] yep [19:05] OK... you wander through and arrive outside of the fortress. [19:05] A middle-aged woman and a youngish man will be waiting for you at the gates. [19:05] hello [19:06] No offence, but is there _anything- you people don't know? [19:06] Woman: Far too much, unfortunately. [19:06] The young man bows, doffing his hat. [19:07] Woman: Please come in. [19:07] * kasin rides in [19:07] Well, you know who we are. And you are...? [19:07] Woman: I'm Natalie, and this (gesturing to the man) is Dayne. [19:08] (Alamark goes in?) [19:08] yep [19:09] OK... you get led through the courtyard to the fortress itself, and eventually find yourself in one of their "interview rooms". [19:09] Basically a sitting room with comfy chairs. [19:09] Someone has left refreshments, including oats. [19:10] * alamark sighs [19:10] handy [19:10] The two will gesture you to some seats and then seat themselves. [19:10] lets get right down to business shall we? [19:11] yep [19:11] Dayne: That would be best, yes. [19:11] D: You came about Mitsumi? [19:11] yes [19:12] * alamark sighs [19:12] yes [19:12] D: (sighs softly) Let me tell you first that we have not yet found a way to bring her back. [19:12] * kasin nods [19:12] Alamark has the dragon [19:13] (hmmm, yummy dinner of spinoch and ricotta pasta bake) [19:13] D: (to K) Do you think that will help? [19:14] * kasin shrugs [19:14] The dragon indicated it had eaten Mitsumi [19:14] D: I have not been able to get much information about the event. Could you tell me what you know? [19:15] (Glenn dedges his memory) [19:15] we don't know. she dissapeared [19:15] My divination indicated she with taken by the dragon [19:16] the dragon said it would take a while to digest her, being a priest [19:16] D shudders delicately. [19:16] I missed most of what else happened [19:16] We have the wyrm polymorphed into a worm, an eartworm, in this bag here. [19:16] ooc; it was polymorh, wasn't it? [19:17] (shrug. I wasn't there) [19:17] (it wppars to be one, yes) [19:17] (a foot long worm) [19:17] (I don't remember the exact wording that was used. Might want to check the logs.) [19:17] (working on that) [19:18] D: Hmm... may I pass that to some people to take care of for now? [19:18] * kasin looks at A [19:18] (enquiringly) [19:19] Sure [19:19] * alamark hands over the sack [19:20] D will take it gingerly. [19:20] D: I'll be back soon. [19:20] He leaves. [19:20] N: What can you tell us about The Dragon? [19:21] quite little. [19:22] although it seems to have a bizarre personality. or it's not the same dragon [19:22] I can tell you quite a lot about black dragons and general [19:22] N smiles slightly. [19:22] How much applies to this dragon, I'm not sure [19:22] * kasin nods [19:22] N: I know about black dragons. [19:22] the first time it tried to flee. it also wished me luck. [19:22] I knew studying black dragons specifically would come in handy someday. [19:23] N: Why do you say it may not be the same dragon? [19:23] this time, it appears quite....rabid [19:23] N nods. [19:23] not to mention quite dead [19:23] don't know it seems so upset this time [19:24] also, I thought it was going to be leaving the plane [19:24] perhaps it didn't realise it could [19:24] I think there is something going on there that I don't know about, and it is colouring everything else [19:24] N nods slowly, looking thoughtful. [19:25] N: We have reason to believe that there may be an artifact or relic involved somewhere. [19:25] Someone impersonated to start a religious crusade against the "infidels" [19:25] impersonated kasin [19:26] * kasin nods [19:26] any idea which artifact or relic? [19:27] N: Unfortunately not. We think that it is linked with the dragon in some way, but haven't been able to find out more. [19:27] perhaps that is what imprisoned it [19:27] A phylactery maybe? [19:27] alamrk, what happened with Abi Dalzim? [19:28] N looks at A curiously. [19:28] D comes trotting back into the room and quietly takes his seat. [19:29] N: We considered the fact that the dragon might be some form of dracolich and it was using an artifact as it's phylcatery, but we had to discard the notion. [19:29] * kasin waits for A [19:29] why? [19:29] Ad popped out of nowhere and started engaging the dragon, then left [19:29] N: For a start, the magic used to create a dracolich is already unstable. Using an artifact or relic would make it far more dangerous. [19:29] ooc; IIRC [19:30] N: More impoetantly though, using an artifact or relic would almost certainly affect the dragon in some way, possible altering it's personality. No dragon would want something like that, being fierce individualists. [19:32] hmm [19:32] altering it's personality hey? [19:32] N: Yes. And it'd have to be voluntary of course. [19:33] well, the first time the dragon said something about moving on. it implied this was part of something it couldn't control, some kind of process that started after I survived the heart [19:33] perhaps if it couldn't move on, it went insane [19:33] N: The heart? [19:34] yes, the heart. haven't heard of it? [19:34] N: No. [19:34] it seems the dragon was trapped there, all that remained of it was the heart [19:34] it was a thing of pure evil [19:35] I went inside, and survived. simple as that. [19:35] N: That sounds ... unusual. [19:35] well, simple, but not easy [19:35] data dump of what we were told [19:35] it attacked..mentally I guess. [19:35] (Sorry, data dumps aren't good enough at the moment. I need to see how you tell her things. :( [19:36] N: A dragon's heart that attacks mentally. Where is it now? [19:36] (gone? still there? in a slush pile on the floor?) [19:36] more like waves of evil [19:37] if Morn hadn't been with me I couldn't have survived [19:37] (It looked like it'd collapsed and partially melted and been torn.) [19:37] N nods slowly. [19:37] N: Hmmm.... this sounds very bad. [19:37] any reason in particular? [19:38] N: Well, that sounds vaguely like a relic that I've heard legends of. Some differences, but also some similarities. [19:38] it was pretty scary stuff [19:38] Nathaniel was trapped inside a pentagram in the heart, wasn't he? [19:39] (Near the heart, not in it.) [19:39] no, nearby. Abi Dalzim said it was part of the bond keeping the dragon there, kind of like matching good and evil [19:39] what have you heard about it? [19:39] N frowns thoughtfully. [19:40] N: What can you tell me about Abi Dalzim? I haven't been able to find anything much out about him either. [19:40] N: Other than that he's a powerful mage. [19:40] He's been around that particular place for about 1000 years [19:40] I can describe one of his spells AD's Horrid wilting [19:40] At least, the name is the same as his [19:40] he said, after handing the worm to alamrk, that that was for impersonating him [19:40] N: Yes, we know that one. It does appear to be his. [19:41] N: Hmm... do you know who impersonated him? And when? [19:41] I remember he said that the evil of the heart was such that even an ordinary person could feel it. [19:41] the worm I assume [19:41] Anyoine who enetered it, it would try to slay, and failing that try to turn them towards evil [19:41] it was so evil I don't believe that any mortal could stand against it [19:42] N nods slowly. [19:42] well, it ceratinly tried, but it's offers had no power over me [19:42] AD said the heart had been in his custody for over a thousand years [19:42] N: (to K) I wouldn't normally do this, but would I be able to look at your memories of this? It may be important. [19:43] * kasin sighs [19:43] I wouldn't normally agree [19:43] AD said that several people had entered it over the years, claiming to be prophets, but none ever returned [19:43] Until Kasin, that is. [19:43] yes, some had [19:43] those that did required a great deal of effort to bring down [19:44] Sorry, one did come out of the heart but slew half their temple before they were able to take him down [19:44] since they appeared wantonly destroying the place [19:44] N nods slowly, her frown deepening. [19:44] So I guess one person was too hard for the heart to kill so they turned him towards evil instead [19:44] almost made it, poor fellow [19:45] AD said as far as he knew, there were no remains of the others. He thought the heart had absorbed them [19:45] (to N) why is it important? [19:45] I saw nothing of them [19:45] N: I have heard legends of an item such as you describe, although it's physical description was different. [19:45] * kasin nods [19:45] and? [19:46] N: This item had immense powers, one of which was to absorb souls in order to increase its own powers. [19:46] * kasin nods [19:46] The tmeple that houses the heart seems to have a rather lawful and neutral religion, btw [19:46] Well, I assume my soul is intact [19:46] I don't feel evil..... [19:47] * kasin detects evil on herself [19:47] N: (smiling grimly) You'd know if that item had taken you. Then again, the legends I have heard only mention one mortal standing against it. [19:47] (paranoia takes it's toll. please have exact change) [19:47] who was? [19:47] N: A direct emmisary of Morn. A paladin known as Karn the Fallen. [19:48] Hold on, remember that Elenil and Viv were affected by the heart, and Elenil still is? [19:48] why was he known as Karn the fallen? [19:48] And that the dracolich from the basement still seems to be residing in Elenil, but never showed itself til then? [19:48] yes, the thought has occured to me [19:48] What if the two dragons had a showdwon behind the scenes, so-to-speak? [19:48] show-down [19:49] since it hasn't mentioned anything that we haven't mentioned in it's presence, or couldn't guess [19:49] ooc: "had a shotan behind the scenes" :) [19:49] N: He was sent on a mission into the hells, and was turned to evil for some time. Morn forgave him, but according to legend he never forgave himself. [19:49] I can understand that [19:49] oh, I'm an emmisary too [19:49] * alamark pats Kasin on the back [19:49] N: Oh? [19:49] apparently anyway [19:49] N: Well, perhaps that is what saved you then, even if it's not the same item. [19:50] N: I can check if you like. [19:50] sure [19:50] Well, I do remember AD saying no mortal could survive the heart w/o divine aid.... [19:50] well, I am normally immune to that kind of attack [19:50] N (to A) The two dragon's thoery is interesting. Hmmm... [19:50] immune several times over [19:51] N nods to K and raises one hand, pointing the open palm at Kasin. [19:51] And I would have though that Viv at least would be immune to attack, being a relic [19:51] N's palm glows a shady grey, and immediately a pulse of white light starts over Kasin's chest. (The left side of her chest, even.) [19:51] so would I (looking at her chest with interest :) [19:52] N lowers her palm and both glows stop. [19:52] N: Yes, you are an emissary of Morn. [19:52] actually, I would have thought viv would have been immune and I would have been affected [19:52] oh. [19:52] N: (to A) And yes, weapons shouldn't really be affected by soul-based attacks. [19:53] Ab: When the prophet came amongst us, Abi-Dalzam fought to defend this land against a dragon of great power. The prophet defeated the dragon, but even he could not kill it. [19:53] * kasin seems very un-reactive. a "thats nice" expression [19:53] Ab: The Heart is the heart of this dragon. It still lives, an evil life of its own. [19:53] GM: Ab: It is warded by the strongest spells that Abi-Dalzam can devise, but it still exists. [19:53] Ab: It is said that anyone partaking of the heart gains immense wisdom, but is defeated by the evil of the heart. According to legend, the prophet ate a piece. That legen is disputed however. [19:53] GM: Ab: Larger than a man, or so the legends say. [19:53] (lamark recites from his great memory) [19:54] * kasin norts [19:54] (snorts) [19:54] how is the heart evil? What does it do? anything? [19:54] GM: Ab: The heart is believe to contain the life essence of the dragon. And the dragon was evil incarnate. [19:54] I didn't eat it, just attacked it [19:54] N: Hmm... what exactly did this heart look like? [19:54] alamark€ Doesn't it bother the priests, to have such a concentrated essence of evil so close to the heart of the faith? [19:54] GM: Ab: The purity of God keeps the evil at bay. That is why the Heart is there, and not elsewhere. [19:55] on the inside or the outside?> [19:55] N: Both [19:56] (I don't recall as a player) [19:56] (It basically looked like a huge heart.) [19:57] (describe it as such) [19:58] N: Hmm... not at all as the legends tell of this relic. Perhaps they are different after all. [19:59] it did continue to beat [19:59] * kasin sighs [19:59] perhaps you should stop beating around the bush here? [19:59] N: Oh? [19:59] you keep mentioning "this relic". [20:00] N: It's called - or was called - the Heart of Bhaal. It was believed to actually be the heart of a dead god. [20:01] Bhaal. Hmmmmm. [20:01] Evil I assume? [20:02] the heart of a dead god. [20:02] nasty [20:02] N: According to legends Bhaal was the god of murder. [20:02] hey.... [20:02] N: Yes? [20:02] * kasin looks at A [20:02] I remember that god [20:03] N: (looks shocked) You do?!? [20:03] errrrr - in a manner of speaking [20:03] how is it said that Bhaal died? [20:04] N: I have heard various versions. In one he attempted to confront Nirgal, but his essence was disrupted by Nirgal's purity. [20:04] * kasin nods [20:04] N shrugs. [20:04] sounds like Nirgul fought, in a non-fighting way [20:05] perhaps it's a different god [20:05] * kasin shrugs [20:05] N: In all of the versions I've heard, Bhaal's final act was to put what remained of himself into his heart, so that even after his death he could still further his cause. [20:05] * kasin shakes herself [20:05] no, it can't be a conincidence [20:05] (that was quietly) [20:06] hmmm. so the heart being in bad shape may mean something [20:06] Such as? [20:06] N: Possibly, yes. [20:06] * kasin sighs [20:06] I don't know. Now I'm really confused. [20:06] N: Can you tell me what you know about Bhaal? [20:07] no, I can't really. [20:07] dead god of murder, thats about it. [20:07] although in the version I heard, I think it was another one of the gods of evil that did him in [20:08] N: Do you know which god? [20:08] trying to remember the name... [20:08] * kasin scratches her head [20:08] citrix? no, something like that [20:08] cyrix? [20:09] N: (frowns) I've never heard of a god with that name. [20:09] probably the story isn't really relavent any more [20:09] N: How so? [20:10] just isn't [20:10] N nods slowly. [20:10] N: Is this something you don't wish to tell me about? [20:11] sorry, yes, I can't. [20:11] cyril? No...arrghhh. [20:11] (Our sys-op is called Cyril!) [20:12] * kasin waits [20:12] well, it could be the heart of Bhaal [20:13] it didn't have to be the heart of a dragon [20:13] N: True. [20:13] N: The heart of Bhaal has a weakness, that is why it's so important to see if this is what we're dealing with. [20:13] what is the weakness? [20:14] N: According to legend, it cannot affect someone pure in any way. Pure in this case seems to mean someone who has never killed anyone, or possibly even hurt anyone. [20:14] N: And according to the legend such a person could destroy it. [20:15] kind of counts me out in a big way [20:15] N nods slowly. [20:16] N: In any case, getting back to the direct problem... [20:16] yes? [20:16] N: ...we have tried contacting Abi Dalzim, but are having a problem. [20:16] which is? [20:17] N: Some of our spells seem to indicate that he's dead. Not Undead mind you, just plain dead. Others contradict that. [20:18] N: We don't normally have our spells contradict each other, so it's causing us some problems. [20:18] * kasin nods [20:19] Well, I have no idea either [20:19] He may have set up spells to give confusing answers onm purpose [20:19] Mitsumi had a spell which allowed the recipient to recall information more clearly [20:20] N: No mortal spells should be able to make my divinations contradict each other. [20:20] I'm willing to have this spell cast on me about the Bhaal information [20:20] N nods to K. [20:20] * kasin looks at N in surprise [20:20] (before the nod) [20:20] Oh [20:20] N: (smiling faintly) I am the most powerful diviner of our order. [20:21] * kasin shakes her head [20:21] I was surprised you were assuming mortal magics at work here [20:21] N: If it was immortal magics, I would know that for sure. [20:21] would you? [20:21] actually, there could be another answer... [20:21] oh no [20:21] N: Yes. That would put the problem into another realm and I'd be informed. [20:22] N (to K) Oh? [20:22] they could all be correct [20:22] in which case there is a very serious problem [20:22] * kasin eyes A [20:22] N: That doesn't make sense. [20:22] N watches K carefully. [20:22] it does, oh it does [20:22] N: Would you like to speak in private for a while? [20:23] Should I leave? [20:23] no [20:23] you can stay [20:23] you know this as well as I do [20:23] I thought Phylak was going fix this, if it is what I think it is [20:24] N: Hmm... I think I see what you mean. I don't believe it would be a case of ... umm ... another version. [20:24] you're sure? [20:24] N: That sort of thing is watched for. [20:24] N: The Gods are quite paranoid about such things. So yes, I'm sure. [20:25] that doesn't stop it happening [20:25] N: True. But I'd be told. [20:25] D looks confused. [20:25] ok. do you know about the books? [20:26] N: Books? Ah, which books? [20:26] (roll perception, both of you) [20:26] make by 4 [20:27] ooc; hold on,I'm not on dicerolls [20:27] fail [20:28] (OK, keep going then...) [20:28] What is the matter? [20:29] * kasin face sets [20:29] N: Quite a few things. [20:30] such as? [20:30] N: Well, this whole business for a start. [20:30] * kasin nods [20:31] but there is something in particular that is bothering you [20:31] To cut to the chase, we do know quite a few things thta mortals aren't meant to know, so you don't really have to skirt the issue so much. [20:32] N: (smiling wrily at A) I see. [20:32] N (to D) You'd best leave. [20:32] D nods and leaves. [20:33] N: You seem to know quite a few things indeed. Did Mitsumi know them as well? [20:33] yes [20:33] N nods, frowning slightly. [20:33] N: I see. And this involves some books? [20:34] not really. at least i hope not [20:34] N: Can you tell me anything about the books? [20:35] not really [20:35] mortals aren't meant to know kind of stuff again [20:36] thats what the books contained [20:36] N: Hmm... I see. [20:36] what do _you_ know about the books? [20:36] N: Only what you have told me now. [20:36] ok. whew! [20:36] N: And that is exactly the problem. [20:36] why is that? [20:37] N: Because Mitsumi didn't report anything to me about any books. [20:37] * alamark looks puzzled [20:37] good. she shouldn't have [20:37] oh [20:37] N: Yes, she should have. [20:37] she probably thought you might try and get your hands on them [20:37] Well, we uh.. gave them to a deity [20:37] And not one of yours [20:38] N shakes her head slowly. [20:38] * kasin sighs [20:38] spit it out [20:38] N: It seems that Mitsumi has been putting other priorities ahead of her loyalty to us. [20:38] I don't think you understand. [20:39] N: No. I don't. [20:39] these books are pretty serious stuff. Stuff the gods don't know. [20:39] N: Things that the .... are you sure? [20:39] Pretty sure [20:40] not 100%, but pretty sure [20:40] N: Hmm... the matter still remains that she made a decision not to trust us with even the information that these books existed. [20:40] N: I may as well tell you that she was about to be recalled. [20:40] I was prepared to disoey a direct order from Morn about these books. [20:41] N: Hmm... [20:41] N: That important? May I ask who you gave them to? [20:41] I'm quite sorry I ever brought them up at all [20:41] why? [20:42] N: Let me be blunt. Our divinations told us that M has not been reporting certain things. [20:42] N: If we get her back she will have a chance to explain. If we don't accept the explanation she will be expelled from the order. [20:43] N: This will mean removing rather alot of her memories. [20:43] N: I would like to try to avoid that if I can. Very much so. [20:43] well, we will cross that bridge when we come to it [20:43] this is assuming er can get M back at all [20:43] N nods slowly, looking unhappy. [20:44] N: If it can be done, we'll do it. And if it can't be done then maybe you lot will. [20:44] * alamark sighs [20:44] we specialise in the impossible [20:44] It is possible she was under outside influence [20:44] Was it likelt, though? [20:44] likely [20:44] N: I don't know. First, let's get her back. That is the most important thing. [20:45] yes [20:46] N: I don't know any way of doing it. And the dragon is refusing to communicate at the moment. [20:46] * kasin nods [20:46] perhaps some meta-divinations? have you tried that? [20:47] (Kasin has switched to english. easier to express ceratin concepts) [20:47] N: I have, yes. That hasn't gotten us much either. [20:48] nothing, or contradictory answers? [20:48] (back to Let) [20:49] N: Not nothing. Just not much. [20:49] Hmm [20:49] not much being? [20:49] I remember AD said to leave the dragon, and not kill it, or it would come back [20:49] N: What I've told you so far. [20:49] ok [20:49] Don't think he said why though [20:50] he could have been lying, since we have no idea who that actually was [20:50] N: There is one more thing though, that I have't told you yet. [20:50] yes? [20:50] N: I have the authority to ask a question of the gods, and they are permitted to answer. Not matter what restrictions would otherwise apply. [20:51] _A_ question? [20:51] N: However they must make the answer cryptic, in proportion to the protections involved. [20:51] N: (smiles thinly) Well, I don't do it often. [20:51] How to kill the dragon or how to get Mitsumi back? [20:52] Mitsumi back [20:52] N: Trying to ask for instructions doesn't work too well. [20:52] N: Mainly because instructions get lost easily in riddles. [20:53] N: I could have asked if it was possible, but that would be wasting the question. [20:53] N: Generally I ask for a key to certain patterns of information. A hint on how to unravel a puzzel. Such things. [20:54] * kasin nods [20:54] have you asked? [20:54] N: Yes. I asked yesterday. [20:54] and? [20:56] N: I was told "All the gone are one, but for the returned. He was before and will be again." [20:56] was beofer and will be again... [20:56] N: Divinations about this seem to indicate that it refers to your experiences on this last trip. [20:56] which trip are you referring to? [20:57] N: You're trip to the plane where you met the dragon. [20:57] perhaps all of the gone have merged somehow [20:58] I'm not very good with puzzles. Mitumsi was the one for that. [20:58] N: Yes, she was very clever. [20:59] So all those who tried to go through the heart are now one? [20:59] But who is the returned? [20:59] N: It is normally best to do things systematically. Who and what would you consider could be classified as 'gone' on your last trip? [20:59] the returned from the heart [20:59] N: In that interpretation, the returned would be Kasin. [21:00] Misumi, perhaps the marid and the castaway [21:00] maybe Phadi Abdin, but probably not [21:00] N: Is it possible that all of them have merged somehow? Perhaps inside the dragon? [21:00] * kasin nods [21:00] I agree with your and Alamark's interpretation [21:01] I was not the only returned from the heart [21:01] as last time I checked I was female, it would imply the other guy [21:01] maybe the 'he was before and will be again" refers to their prophet? [21:02] N: There is that. But the divinations did indicate that the riddle referred specifically to your last trip. [21:02] Not necessarily Kasin but [21:02] but? [21:03] well, AD was gone and returned [21:03] as did the dragon [21:03] N: True. So that could be either of them. [21:04] perhaps both at the same time [21:04] N: A common 'gone' would seem to be killed by the dragon. [21:04] * kasin nods [21:04] absorbed [21:04] N: Although that applies to neither Kasin nor the dragon itself. [21:04] N nods. [21:05] So perhaps Mitsumi has also been absorbed? [21:05] * kasin nods [21:05] Or is in the proces of being absorbed? [21:05] perhaps she messed with the heart? she was not reported to have left her room [21:05] N: Possibly, yes. [21:05] Can we make the worm regurgitate? [21:05] urk [21:06] well, I suppose [21:06] hey, I have something which might work [21:06] N: It wouldn't help. The dragon has been affected by a True Shaping. Unless we reverse it... [21:06] N: Yes? [21:06] nope, at home. probably not any good anymore anyway [21:06] reversing it might be a bad move [21:07] N: We are aware of that. But we don't see any other option. [21:07] well, it might hestitate to attack again [21:07] on the other hand, it might not. Nathaniel isn't with us anymore [21:08] I'd perfer other options for the moment [21:08] N: We can defeat the dragon. We can't destroy it, however. [21:08] would it help if we brought Nathaniel here so you could talk to him? [21:09] * kasin nods [21:09] defeating it is the easy bit [21:09] the first time, assuming this is the same dragon, it seemed to want to talk for a bit [21:09] N: We have contacted him. Unfortuantely he cannot really help us in this at this point. [21:09] after I bashed it around first [21:09] perhaps the dragon is possessed? [21:11] * kasin wonders if someone has unleashed a wand of paralysation in the room [21:12] N: It seems to us that the only bargaining point we have with the dragon is that we can release him. If we actually release him, we have nothing much left to offer. [21:12] * kasin nods [21:12] exactly [21:12] well...I don't know [21:12] I hate this stuff [21:14] I guess we just have to try harder to communicate with the dragon [21:14] Alamark, what happened during the battle with it last trip? [21:16] hold on [21:16] *** GM has quit IRC ([x]chat) [21:17] hmnm [21:17] * kasin waits [21:18] My machine is becoming flaky, I may need to reboot [21:18] ok [21:19] AD appeared as the dragon was casting a spell [21:19] *** hannes has joined #rpg2 [21:19] When D saw AD appear, he directed the Meteor Swarm at AD, instead of me\ [21:19] AD appeared as the dragon was casting a spell [21:19] When D saw AD appear, he directed the Meteor Swarm at AD, instead of me [21:19] I'm back. [21:19] AD was unaffected by the MS [21:19] ( My machine is becoming flaky, I may need to reboot) [21:19] *** alamark sets mode: +o hannes [21:19] *** hannes is now known as GM [21:19] * kasin nods [21:19] no clue there [21:20] what did he do in response [21:20] the D threw a black ray at AD, which didn't seem to do anythoing [21:20] I'm going through europe, which is slower, but the US doesn't respond anymore. [21:20] * kasin nods [21:21] Then AD finished his spell and a wall of darkness appeared and started moving towards D very fast and making quite a bit of noise [21:21] screaming? [21:21] when the wall touched TD, he screamed and disappeared, then reappeared some distance away as the wall swept over that area [21:22] yep [21:22] no, the wall was crackling, not screaming [21:22] TD screamed [21:22] * kasin nods [21:22] TD looked -very- annoyed when he reappeared [21:23] * kasin nods [21:23] then TD cast some kind of power word, that echoed for a bit, but to no obvious effect [21:23] AD spoke two words, similar to each other and echoing, and TD disappeared [21:24] N: That would have been the True Shaping. [21:24] * kasin nods [21:24] well.... [21:24] I don't know [21:25] how have you tried talking to the dragon? [21:25] N: Yes. It appears to be aware of our attempts but blocks them. [21:26] are you sure you are communicating with the worm? [21:26] N: Relatively. [21:26] * alamark thinks [21:27] then AD told me to go grab the wyrm, so I did [21:27] then we got me out of the mud presumably [21:28] he did say it would be perm until dispelled and that a normal DM wouldn't do it [21:28] N: Well, that much is true. [21:28] * kasin sighs and slumps in her chair [21:30] * kasin waits, slumped [21:30] N: Essentially, we can't get Mitsumi back without the dragon's co-operation. We're not sure that we can even with its co-operation. [21:30] N: And we're fairly sure it won't even talk to us unless we change it back, at which point we won't be able to bargain. [21:30] yep [21:31] perhaps there is something we are missing [21:31] then he said that he asked for only one thing, that it knew not to impersonate him again [21:31] I'm willing to let you read my about the heart [21:31] (mind about) [21:32] When we asked what happened to Abi-Dalzim, he just smiled and started to blur and disappear, like mist [21:32] Highly annoying [21:32] N: (nods to K) I'm not sure it will help, but at the moment I really don't know anything better. [21:32] Agreed [21:32] neither do I. I don't like it, but... [21:32] no peeking anywhere else [21:32] N: (to A) Did AD act in a similar manner previously? [21:32] N: (to K) You will know what I look at. [21:32] * kasin nods [21:33] Not that I'm aware of [21:33] well, ready when you are [21:34] N nods and rises, moving over to K. [21:34] N will cast a brief spell and then touch K's forehead. [21:35] * kasin blinks [21:35] ooc: Glenn, truly is spelt incorrectly in your .sig btw. [21:35] N: Hmm... interesting. Very interesting. [21:36] well, you could call it that [21:37] N: There is something there that ... I'll need to do some divinations on this. Will you wait? [21:37] yes [21:38] N glances at A and Shotan. [21:38] Shotan will nod. [21:39] OK [21:39] N: OK. I'll send Dayne back in. He can perhaps answer some questions or otherwise entertain you. [21:40] * kasin nods [21:40] N leaves. D will come back in after a little while. [21:40] D: I've been told to answer questions if you have them. But first, would you like some refreshments? [21:41] thank you [21:41] * kasin goes to the vending machine for a coke [21:41] D will have some things brought in. [21:42] Sure [21:42] D: Is there anything you'd like to know? [21:42] Do you personally know Mitsumi? [21:42] D: Not really, although I've met her a few times. I know Natalie fairly well though. [21:43] Out of your entire order, who do you believe knows Mitsumi the best? [21:43] * kasin waits [21:44] D: Hmm... probably Natalie understands her the best. Kelvor was closest to her before she left though. [21:45] I hope she will be ok [21:46] D: So do I. N is doing everything she can. Probably more than she really should. [21:46] What do you mean by close/ [21:46] ? [21:47] D: They were very good friends. Maybe they would have gotten ... involved if M had stayed. I'd say they're much like brother and sister currently. Or at least, before... [21:48] D: Let's just stay with the present tense. Much more optimistic. [21:48] _more_ optomistic? [21:49] D: Well, anything is more optimistic than pessimism. [21:49] Before what? [21:49] D (to A) Before the current circumstances. [21:50] (any more questions or will time pass?) [21:51] I assume Kelvor is part of your order? [21:51] D: Yes. [21:51] (no q from Kasin)( [21:51] How many of your people are in/assigned to alandir? [21:51] ooc: i still have qs [21:52] D: I don't know the exact number. Most of them are acolytes who haven't yet had too much to do with the order, as such. [21:52] D: You should know most of them though. The temple is in your country, isn't it? [21:53] Yes, but any outside that? [21:53] D: Ah, the roaming agents? [21:53] D: There are three that I know of. [21:55] * kasin quietly listens with interest [21:55] * alamark nods [21:55] AFAIK, your order seems really big on information [21:55] D: (smiling) True. [21:55] Is it really that big a deal to hold anything back? [21:56] D: Yes. If worse comes to worse you can ask for a tribunal to decide whether the information should be given to the order. If the tribunal decide no, they all undergo a memory erasure of the events. [21:56] what do they gernerally decide? [21:57] D: There have only been three cases that the tribunal did not decide that the information should be kept. In many cases information has been kept secret however. That means they record the information and then do the memory wipe anyway. [21:58] D: The idea is that if the gods ever want us to know they can say something like, vlume 15, page 12. [21:58] (volume) [21:58] * kasin nods [21:59] How many volumes have you guys got? [21:59] D: Are you talking in the closed section or in general? [22:00] Both [22:01] D: Hmm... tens of thousands I'd guess, if you include all books, scrolls and tablets. [22:01] ooc: gonna trun the light on, my mouse is playing up [22:01] ok [22:03] (we wait then?) [22:04] yep [22:04] (N returns?) [22:04] N returns, frowning. [22:05] whats up? [22:05] N: I've been able to confirm that what you saw was not the heart. And it was definitely the Heart of Bhaal that you fought. [22:05] N: My guess is that the real heart was hidden in or near the fake heart. It would have to have been close to attack you. [22:06] * kasin nods [22:06] I see [22:06] perhaps inside it [22:06] N: Quite possibly. [22:06] * kasin shakes her head [22:06] N: I've also confirmed that you're only the second ever mortal to come out of an encounter with the Heart relatively unscathed. [22:06] can you cast that spell that helps remember things? [22:07] N: Gladly, but let me finish. [22:07] certainly [22:07] N: It's bad new I'm afraid. Bad news and worse news. [22:08] * kasin makes sure she is sitting [22:08] N: I have gotten two conflicting results about Mitsumi. I take this to mean that someone or something has assumed her form recently with a True Shaping. [22:09] * kasin nods [22:09] N: The conflict arises from having been able to determine that she was absorbed by the Heart around two days ago. [22:10] (Using Letnor time) [22:10] Dammit [22:10] * alamark clenches his fists [22:10] (Since I can't remember the conversion from there to here.) [22:10] I'm gonna kill that bastard [22:10] N nods slowly and takes a deep breath. [22:11] * kasin nods stiffly [22:11] N: I believe, although I can't confirm it, that either the dragon or AD 'fed' M to the heart and then took her place. [22:11] N: There is a chance of getting her back. If we managed to destroy the Heart. Unfortunately the chance is very slim, even if we do succeed. [22:12] I see. [22:12] It would seem the thing to do is return to there, and see if we can find the heart [22:12] N: Yes. That is of the utmost importance. [22:13] N: Within another day or two the slim chance changes to no chance. [22:13] so we have a day or two at most [22:13] N nods. [22:13] it's probably not in the same room anymore [22:13] N: Probably not, no. [22:13] and it could be anywhere [22:14] now, how can we tell where it is. [22:14] one, it's has to be either at a site of significance or it's on someone significant [22:14] N: My guess is that AD would probably know. At least I'd hope so. [22:14] so, we just have to find hm [22:15] N: Well yes. Find him and convince him to tell you. [22:15] any idea when Mitsumi was captured? [22:15] or why/ [22:15] N: About two days ago, I believe. [22:15] two days ago [22:15] N: Yes, I know why as well. [22:16] * alamark raises an eyebrow [22:16] N: One of the powers of the Heart is that it aborbs the souls of its victims. It also gains much of their knowledge, and can pass that on to those who use it. [22:16] D gasps softly. [22:16] This is going to be a problem [22:17] Now it seems fairly clear why they did Mitsumi [22:17] N: Yes. If it was AD that did this he will have to be elminated. [22:17] N nods. [22:17] she knew the most and was the worst able to defend herself [22:17] well, we shouldn't waste any time [22:17] please contact us if you find anything else out [22:17] N: Would you like some help? We have people we can send along. [22:18] yes, they can make enquiries [22:18] N: We can also send along firepower if you feel you need it. [22:18] although it would be wise to cast that spell first [22:19] yes, I think we will need it [22:19] N nods. [22:19] N: Very well. [22:19] N: What exactly do oyu wish recalled? [22:19] information about the heart of Bhaal [22:19] I don't remember exactly where I remember it from [22:20] N: I see. That makes it more difficult. [22:20] * alamark looks grim [22:20] I can guess though [22:20] N: That would help. [22:20] it's probably within a few hour eriod [22:21] N: OK. When? [22:21] * kasin smiles [22:21] define "when" [22:21] what do you need to know? [22:22] Could AD's comment About impersonation really been Bhaal referring to the dragonn impersonating him? [22:22] maybe [22:22] N: (to A) Has the dragon impersonated Bhaal? [22:24] (BTW, I'll have to go soon.) [22:24] * kasin waits [22:25] N waits for As's answer. [22:27] I don't knoew, it was just random speculation on my part [22:27] * kasin waits [22:28] N nods slowly. [22:28] Ok. Look, it's not really important anyway. lets just go [22:28] N: Very well. [22:29] (we go?) [22:29] OK [22:30] (Did you want her to send some people?) [22:30] 9yes [22:30] (How many? Lots? Few? Info only? Combat only?) [22:31] many as she wants to send, both [22:31] OK, in that case you've got a support team. [22:32] Around 30 information gatherers with people skills and minor magic. [22:32] great [22:32] now, off to the astral I guess [22:32] two mages, a mage/priest, a warrior/priest and a warrior. All skilled adventurers. [22:32] bst warn them of the minor wars that are likely to happen [22:32] they may want to reconsider [22:33] We just don't want anyone to get killed if possible [22:33] And a priest specialising in divninations. [22:33] yes, definitely not [22:33] :) [22:33] (oops) [22:34] This is probably about the best place to leave it that we're going to get to for a while... :( [22:34] ok [22:35] If Ania is still unwell tomorrow (she needs lots of sleep at the moment) I may be able to play. If not, we'll have to wait until next week. [22:35] tomorrow will be busy, soph's got to prepare for her campaign [22:35] Ah... next week then. [22:36] Have 17k XP. Kasin can have 3 favor. [22:36] See you two later. [22:36] how are things, btw? [22:36] Quite good. [22:36] good to hear [22:36] * kasin waves [22:36] I'm not getting enough work done, but apart from that... [22:36] * GM waves happily. [22:36] cya [22:37] *** GM has left #rpg2 [22:37] *** Disconnected Session Close: Tue Oct 31 22:37:06 2000