Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 57, PP = 58, EP = 30/45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

I need you to get closer to her. There's some kind of interference. I think Bakh might have even created it herself. He sounded annoyed. She was always the most self-centered of my servants. Never as vicious as Ahael but she wanted everything and didn't like sharing. I'm not surprised to find this kind of place under her control.

Alira was lucky. Well, kind of. She didn't manage to blend in. However did she win a good amount of denarii. This wasn't too great as her winnings seemed to be attracting attention from the woman. She looked at Alira and smiled. Alira shivered. The expression seemed... hungry. She hadn't beckoned Alira over yet, so it was up to Alira to take the initiative... or not.


Rolls

Spoiler

Gambling Alira 17 vs 6
14 vs 10
8 vs 3

Alira wins 15 denarii

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Collecting her winnings, Alira mused over Astok's request.

Interference eh? So she might not be happy to see you around, even if you are in a box. Angering demonic gambling hall owners is pretty far down on my list of things to do today...but having a contact in touch with the seedier side of things could certainly be useful. You're lucky I'm feeling generous, I'll go and chat her up for you.

Alira began weaving her way through the gambling hall toward the woman, intent on speaking with her directly.

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 57, PP = 58, EP = 30/45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

The woman smiled as Alira approached, though the girl scowled and the bodyguards straightened up. The orc put his hand on his weapon, though he didn't draw it. The woman stepped forward, allowing Alira to stay out of range of the guard's first strike, if he intended to make one. "Hello lucky winner. You must have a god smiling down upon you."

Strangely, unlike Ahael and Kozen, the voice Astok was communicating with didn't sound anything like the voice that was coming out of the woman's mouth. Bak-! L-w-- th-t fie-d imme--at-ly! -stok, -hat - plea-a-t sur-rise. -'-- been --eping -u-y wit- D-n't gi-e -- t-at! Y-u'-- b-e- brea-ing -h- p-ct. B-nding -- would -e more -ccur-te. B-side-, I've b-en -u-y. -a-ing -t -- as a-wa-s? Of c-urse. -o-tals j-st don'- seem t- lea-n. I've -o-e some -tudyi--. App-r-ntly --er-'s so-e k-nd of me-tal m-chani-m tha- forc-s m-rtals -o j-st k-ep gam-li--. Astok's response was dripping with sarcasm. Fa-cinat-n-. N-w tel- me how -ou've a--omplis-ed th-s fea-. What f-at? D-n'- pla- d-mb. Fi-e, le-'s j-st let -hose -wo t-lk it o-t and -e'll -o so-ewhe-e -ore -riv-te.

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Alira nodded at the woman, as Astok started upbraiding Bakh. "Thanks, I.."

A new, unfamiliar "voice" broke in on her thoughts. Alira's eyes jumped between the woman and the girl by her side. Could it be her? Alira strained to follow the mental dialogue. Though a few details slipped by her, the overall meaning of the discussion was clear, and there was no mistaking the tone.

Fi-e, le-'s j-st let -hose -wo t-lk it o-t and -e'll -o so-ewhe-e -ore -riv-te.

Alira was getting tired of sitting on the sidelines of a conversation going on in her own mind. Yeah, he's not going anywhere without m-- actually if you can do something about that, feel free to take him somewhere private!

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 57, PP = 58, EP = 30/45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

Both the woman and the girl looked at Alira when she broke in. Astok was silent for some time. Then- I wasn't aware you could hear that, Alira. He sounded neutral, though she got the feeling he was extremely surprised. Then the surprise started shifting into anger. Before he could continue, the woman spoke. "Gretin, Terry, we're going into the back. Don't worry about this one." The guards both nodded. The woman led Alira to a back room. The girl followed on the woman's coattails. The door closed and Alira was in a small room with the two. with a table and a few chairs. Bakh, she knows. The girl narrowed her eyes and the woman slumped into one of the chairs, her eyes empty. The girl sat on the chair and looked at Alira, appearing to be a petulant child. However, a closer look revealed that her eyes held more than a child's eyes should.

"So you figured it out. Not bad, slave. Oh, sorry." She didn't look sorry. "Your people stopped doing that a while ago." She smiled wickedly. "We left a mark on your souls, though. I bet I could just play with you and-" Astok cut in "Bakh, you are trying to get me to forget the fact that you made sure we couldn't communicate." "Astok, that field was just to hide from others." Alira could feel Astok's skepticism.

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Mentally, Alira scoffed at Astok's anger. Yeah, well I'm full of surprises. Must be awfully invasive, having someone just eavesdrop on your private conversations like that...

Alira glanced at the woman who had collapsed in the chair, a look of pity in her eyes. I wonder who you used to be? The night elf turned to the girl in the chair. "Slave, is it? Such language from one so young, Bakh. Well, I'm not the one being chewed out by a bracer right now. How's that pact working out for you? Because I can imagine what Astok got from it, but you? You must really be eager to rejoin the old band, huh? Though I must admit, this whole "Anti-Astok" barrier thing tickles my fancy. Tell you what, you tell me how you did it, and I won't spank you. And who are these 'others' you're hiding from?"

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 47/57, PP = 58, EP = 30/45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

Well, if Alira wanted the ire of both of them, she sure got it. The girl growled and the woman rose up from the chair. She walked over to Alira and the girl's eyes flashed yellow. For a moment Alira felt her body freeze. Then the woman grabbed the dark elf's wrist and held strong. "Don't try my patience." The woman began tightening her grip. Despite the woman's looks, she was inhumanly strong. Strong enough that Alira began to hear her bones creaking. Then Alira stepped forward and twisted. Even with all her strength, the woman wasn't any heavier than a normal person her size and was forced to let go, lest she be thrown by Alira. The girl looked surprised.

Surprisingly, Alira felt... pride? Something like that coming from Astok. Satisfaction at the very least. The anger was gone. "Bakh, let's not get violent." The woman got up and began moving towards Alira when the girl held up her hand. "Fine." "By the pact, answer her question, then this one: How are you in that state?"

The girl's throat swelled. Alira wasn't quite sure how she could do that. Then the girl let the air out and began talking. "I was speaking of the people who destroyed your empire, plus the other five. I can't trust them to make a mess of things. Except Kozel, I suppose."

"As to how I am in this form? Well, it's some of my best work. I changed forms and impregnated... oh... I think it was an elf, when my power began to wane. I managed to posses the unborn and devour its soul. After that, I made sure I got impregnated and did the same thing. This one was my previous host." She gestured at the woman. "They're soulless but they make for good puppets."

Astok sounded impressed. "That's actually very clever." "Yes, the only problem is that I'm stuck in a weak vessel for some years."

Rolls

Spoiler

Resistance 12 + 20 vs 50 FAILURE
Alira Stunned
Grapple Damage 4 + 6 = 10

Grapple 17 + 40 vs 2 + 50 SUCCESS
Alira escapes grapple

Yeah, this one was pretty fucked up. I'm quite happy with her

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Alira tensed when the woman headed for her, and her hand went to the hilt of her sword. Astok's intervention caught her with the blade half drawn. As the Bakh backed off, Alira slid the sword back into its scabbard. One against two... and who knows what Astok would do? She straightened up, though still ready to defend herself if necessary. "What's the matter Bakh, that hit a little too close to home?"

Alira kept a close eye on the woman as Bakh began to speak. Her revulsion and horror grew as the demon offhandedly described her string of possessions. Still, she fought to keep her emotions from showing. Next time I see Ahael, I might have to tell him someone new took over the top spot on my hate list. Well, maybe not...

"...the only problem is that I'm stuck in a weak vessel for some years."

Alira's eyes flashed back to the girl, and she made sure to hold on to that useful piece of information. Stuck, huh? That's good to know...

"Yes, what a terrible inconvenience for you...a weak vessel, repeated trips through puberty, and still you've manged to rise all the way to... running a gambling den. How do you do it, Bakh?" Alira glanced at the bracer, more out of habit than anything at this point. "I've got places to be Astok, various expensive treasures to grab, and your servant doesn't seem like she has anything useful to contribute, so..."

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 47/57, PP = 58, EP = 45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

Apparently, the demoness was quite easy to rile. "Why you little--" "That's enough, Bakh. I'm sure you've built up quite a nice little shadow kingdom. Our business is concluded. You will never again attempt to stop my communications or otherwise hinder me from giving you orders." Bakh winced but nodded.

Then something happened. Alira could almost see a link, form between the two of them. A kind of beam of light, connecting Astok and Bakh. She saw two similar beams going in different directions. The beam connecting Bakh was yellow, the other two were blood red and light blue. Wait... there was one more. It was faint but there was a green beam connected somewhere as well. Apparently Astok was able to keep some secrets from her.

Alira returned to her room. She noted something when she looked through the window. Though he was attempting to hide, she could see a figure leaning against a corner of a building across the way from the inn. For a moment he looked directly at the window of her room. She wouldn't have seen him at all if the moonlight hadn't lit up his gold badge for a moment. If Alira left the inn, the figure would disappear. She wouldn't see him again.

The next morning Alira purchased the requisite supplies and headed for the abandoned settlement. The problem was that the path hadn't been maintained for at least a year and the jungle was eager to reclaim what had been taken from it. The going was slow. However, Alira managed to keep her calm, despite the annoying insects, and even nearby animals didn't look up to see her. Which was good because she saw a giant between her and the village. It was strange seeing a giant in the jungle. Then again, she was nearer to Crolia. Maybe this young one was just adventurous. Regardless, the giant was having a snack. Looked like she had taken down a leopard.

Rolls

Spoiler

Perception 15 + 28 + 12 vs 16 + 32 Stealth ALIRA WINS

Stealth 3 + 40 vs 15 + 15 Perception ALIRA WINS

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Alira quietly observed the young giant, making sure her slight figure was well concealed by the dense vegetation. Haven't seen one of your kind before... The night elf watched as the monstrous humanoid figure casually handled the body of the jaguar, as the fearsome beast was no more than a house cat. And maybe that's a good thing... I thought all the stories were exaggerations... I guess not.

Deciding to leave the giant in peace, Alira resumed her progress to the settlement, taking care to step carefully around the treacherous roots and vines that stretched across the jungle floor.

As she walked on, she thought back to her encounter with Bakh and the other demonic servants of Astok. That green thread... The vague beginnings of a plan were coalescing in her mind. She glanced down at the bracer on her forearm. Well, let's see if we can make this work.

"So, Astok... quite a bit of luck running into Bakh back there. I imagine you are eager to find the rest of the old gang as well."

OOC:

Spoiler

I couldn't tell from the lore whether giants are generally open to conversation, or if they were of the kill on sight type, so decided to avoid the potential trouble for now.

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 47/57, PP = 58, EP = 45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

Alira easily managed to avoid the giant, who was much more interested in eating than anything else. Obviously he didn't think anything around here could bother him. He was probably right too. "Well of course. I need a power base. Once I get in contact with them again, I'll be able to start everything up again." I sti-l h-ven't d-c-de- what -o do -it- you, th-ugh.

A little bit more walking, a little more avoiding things that Alira thought might possible be ahead, and Alira found herself at the village. The wooden walls around it had been flattened a long time ago and many of the huts she saw were torn down but there was a decent number still up. There was one larger building that was made of strong wood and stone. There was also a large stone well. Alira could see that there was something strange about it but she'd have to get a closer look. As far as she could see, the settlement was deserted.

OOC and Rolls

Spoiler

I'm going to go by the D&D lore that there a few who might want to just chat but most would rather kill you or kill you then eat you.
Alira Stealth 15 + 40 v2 17 + 15 Perception ALIRA WINS

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Ducking under a particularly thick vine, Alira moved on toward her goal. After a minutes consideration, she said "Well.. to be honest with you, I'm not as excited about the prospect of meeting more of your band. Why? I'm really not nearly as into the whole "Evil World Conquest" thing as you, but in addition...Well, you saw what happened back there with Bakh... one look from a little girl, and I'm frozen. And what about that spirit user? Being turned to stone, even partially, wasn't a picnic, let me tell you. And if Bakh was willing to hide from you and attack me... are you sure the others aren't working on weaseling out of your pact even now?" Alira sighed and continued,"Look, point is, I don't like feeling helpless. And dealing with this magic stuff.. not my strong suit apparently. So maybe you can understand how I'd be hesitant." Alira glanced down at Astok. "But maybe there is a way we can help each other. You teach me how to fight demons and magic, point me to some nice protective magic trinkets and such, and maybe I'll see about helping you reconnect with your roots." And maybe we'll see about cutting some of them off...

***
Alira stayed on the outskirts of the abandoned town for a little while, not eager to rush into the unknown. In many places, the jungle had already started reclaiming what had been taken from it, and Alira could see vines and other vegetation bursting forth from the ruins of old huts. The thief couldn't see anything dangerous lurking in the ruins, but then, any lurking thing worth it's salt wouldn't be spotted so easily.

Finally, the thief moved into the town, staying in cover almost out of habit and instinct. Alira spotted the larger stone and timber structure and began to move toward it, before the strange well caught her eye. A well.. seems familiar... but there doesn't seem to be a bunch of them... Changing her path, Alira made her way over to the well, intending to examine it.

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 47/57, PP = 58, EP = 45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

"Hmmm... that's true." Astok thought for a while. "I've got something. Long ago, I had access to a vast library. I read about everything I could. I remember, now, I ran into some techniques from some kind of witch hunter. Practicing them would have been disastrous but I may be able to feed you some information on the techniques. They should help you defend yourself against magical spells and spiritual powers. They shouldn't affect our connection, it is too subtle. Maybe if you had fifty years of practice you could try something." Astok sounded smug. (Alira gains a new ability!)

***

The well looked normal. Then she got a closer look. There were grooves in the stone, as if something had been scraping it over and over again. Probably something metal. Odd. The well was bone dry as well. That was strange too, especially in a place such as this. She could barely see the bottom from where she was. Despite that, she felt like part of the well wall was missing. In fact, the more she looked at the setup, the less she felt it was an actual well. It was too shallow for one.

If she examined the structure, she found that it had been sealed by a wooden bar. The thing was huge! She wasn't going to be able to lift it by herself, that's for sure. Maybe if she was willing to take some time, she could wiggle the bar off.



OOC and Rolls

Spoiler

Alira may now purchase Mage-Hunter, Spirit-Oppressor, and Spell Resistance for 2 exp each. As opposed to the 8 exp it would cost in total to buy Skilled and get those skills.

Perception 3 + 28 vs ?? ???
Perception 4 + 28 vs ?? ???

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Alira stared at the huge wooden beam blocking the door in front of her. If this place was abandoned... who put that thing here? And what were they trying to keep inside? Well, whatever is on the other side, I'm not looking forward to trying to shift that...

Alira began to walk around the building, hoping to find an alternate route in - some window she could climb to, a secondary entrance, anything. If her search failed, she was resigned to walking back to the front door and attempting to lever the beam out of the way.

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 47/57, PP = 58, EP = 45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

Unfortunately, unlike the crypt, there wasn't another way in. Alira began the arduous process of removing the bar, only pausing to hide in the shadows when a herd of wild boar came striding through the village. One of them, a huge specimen with red fur, looked around, as if it noticed something. However, it snorted after a moment and kept pace with the rest of the group. It wasn't too long until she had finished removing the bar. The door was opened to reveal... a small shrine. There was a statue of a female human, completely in the nude. She was carved out of black-green stone and she had a foot placed on the skull of some creature. In her stomach was placed a ring with a green gem that glowed invitingly. Alira could tell Astok was looking at the statue. "That's odd... she looks sort of familiar."

Rolls:

Spoiler

Perception 20 + 28 vs 30 SUCCESS
Stealth 13 + 34 vs 1 + 25 ALIRA WINS

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

"Does she? You know, I'm not sure if I should be reassured by that... Actually, what am I saying, of course I shouldn't be." Alira was still catching her breath, the heavy beam lying on the ground behind her. The glint of the ring caught her eye right away, but Astok's comment held her back momentarily. "Are you getting anything from the ring? What about the statue?"

Alira moved cautiously forward, not wanting to get caught unaware by any surprises. She began to examine the shrine in more detail, focusing on the statue, but also looking for any inscriptions or other clues. She resisted the urge to grab the ring for now, though her eyes darted back to it's inviting glow.

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 47/57, PP = 58, EP = 45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

"Hmmm... I know I've seen her. It's just been a long time." There's a silence for a few minutes. Then "No, I can't remember. It'll come to me eventually. As for the ring." More silence. "Seems to be some kind of protective enchantment. The statue is connected to... something. I'm thinking if you take the ring, the statue will tell someone. Of course, with this place being as it is, that person may be dead."

Alira's inquisitiveness pays off. She finds different versions of the statue to her right and left. Both were dull, compared to the bright statue, which was probably the reason she had missed them. To her left, there was the same woman, though smaller and less muscular. To the right was an armored figure, about the same size of the figure in the middle. It held a huge hammer, almost as tall as the figure was. Both of the statues also had holes in their stomachs but they were empty. "See, if those two were looted, there's probably nothing left to stop you from taking that last one."

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

"Yeah, or whatever is protecting this particular statue is just much better at its job. Still, how can I be a thief if I'm afraid of touching treasure? I swear, our little meeting of the minds has really damaged by confidence..." Alira examined the three statues with a critical eye. "The stonework is nice. Wait a minute... we've got a human woman transforming into an armored warrior thing. Sounds a bit like your old pal Invidia, don't you think?"

Giving the statue a last lingering look, Alira sighed. "Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing stolen." Approaching, she reached for the woman's stone belly, and drew out the shining ring..

 

[dragoon93041]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Spoiler

Alira: HP = 47/57, PP = 58, EP = 45 CP: 149 CL: 1 Status: Fine

Just as Alira drew out the ring, she felt a shock of realization, then slowly dawning horror. "Oh, that's who... she... is..." There was a few seconds of silence. "In my defense, I had only seen her once while she was still human and she had been very beat up."

"Yeah, thas right ye bas!" Alira heard a woman shouting from behind her. "She only talks like that when she's upset." "Where ta tur Ahael!?" "He's not here at the moment so if you'll just calm dow-" "Well brin him ou! I kin smell his stenk!" Turning, Alira found the woman depicted in the statue. She wasn't wearing the armor the other statue had depicted her wearing but she didn't act like she needed any. The woman was a true Amazon. Taller by Alira by a head at least, arms thicker than some women's waists, and a weapon almost as big as she was. Her skin was tanned and her hair blonde. Her dark green eyes glared at Alira and the bracer she wore. Oddly, the woman looked completely human. Alira could feel Astok's confusion which neatly confirmed her suspicions. "An whos this waif? His new toy?"

 

[orcha]

Re: Seeker of the Lost (orcha) GMed by dragoon93041

Alira's initial shock and apprehension at the Amazon's sudden appearance gave way to a growing amusement. As Astok's confusion and seeming abashment grew, Alira could barely hold back a smirk.

"He's not here at the moment so if you'll just calm dow-"
"Well brin him ou! I kin smell his stenk!"

Oh Astok, who knew that it was possible for a bracer to squirm. Maybe I should just let you two catch up for a while...

The woman's eyes roamed over Alira's figure, and she mentally prepared herself for the seemingly inevitable abuse. Clearly the Invidia was not one to fret over her words. "An whos this waif? His new toy?" The woman's voice clearly carried a challenge, but Alira couldn't detect a malicious intent aimed at her. Still, the elf kept an eye on Invidia's massive weapon as she answered.

"Oh, opinion's vary as the 'toy' thing, but since mine is the one that counts, I'll just say it - no. My name's Alira, and your old friend strapped himself to my arm a while back. Rudely." Alira gave the other woman a pointed look. "I take it you're Invidia herself. Astok's told me a bit about you... have to say you're looking far less... demon-y than I expected."