Ieana d'Adora's page

"If it is any consolation," Ieana volunteered, " in spite of Sasha's shortcomings, she is quite the sneaky one when she wants to be. If nothing else, you could consider it a testament to how much she adores you both."

Whilst Sasha and Arion were enjoying the sunset, Amhranai was walking home, and Darvesch and Greasha were finding adventure in the sprawling metropolis, Isaac, Lureene and Alis had finally bid the bulk of their guests farewell, now finding themselves in more intimate company.

"I must say, even though I am the one sporting the serpentine extremities, you wrapped-up Lord Gallo quite nicely, Lureene."

"Oh I wouldn't say that," Ieana commented, either paying no mind to the dual-nature of the abjurer's criticism of both the stuffed boar and the pig who was getting handsy with Lureene. "Compared to the spectacles we have been a party to this past month, I rather imagine the sight of a bloated pig being split open could hardly phase any of us, least of all the Princess. I rather imagine Alissariel is becoming rather inured to such visceral displays by now..."

Ieana snickered at Lureene's commentary even as Elendreth gave the succubus a look that said, 'I told you so'. Lord Gallo merely scrunched up his face in confusion, clearly wondering what was going on.

"Ah," Ieana nodded as she put the pieces together, "so one of the individuals with whom Master Petronius is seated has a rivalry with Dafar's logging barons, do they? This reminds me of the social contortions needed to secure archaeology grants back at the Academy..."

"An excellent idea!" Ieana said with satisfaction.

"Perhaps Ladies Elendreth, Ourson, and I shall have formed a cabal of wizardesses before the day is through," she joked.

"Divine wrath... Divine wrath..." Ieana mused as the Princess joked with her cousin.

At length she straightened and wagged a finger at Arion to take notes. "Well be as we are talking about imbuing an existing weapon, it logically follows that it should be inscribed with verses and edicts of power. I would suggest an ink made from a magnetic liquid that shavings of blessed, cold iron might adhere to it. Naturally, the quill used to perform the inscription should be offered by a creature of surpassing virtue such as a Lammasu or a Couatl..."

Even as Professor d'Adora went on and on, the royal carriage drew to a stop in the roundabout outside Villa Sempronius' central manse. A few feet away, Major Hlokenar was standing by in his polished ceremonial armor, servants and guards bustling to make way for the Princess' entrance.

"Oh, and let's not forget, if the weapon was washed in a heated bath of nitric acid and pure quicksilver, that might help to empower it with the ability to act as a conduit between Heaven and Creation. Have you also given thought to what scriptures you might consult for the actual blessing itself?"

Ieana seemed to relax somewhat, the Princess' unnoticed ruse putting her at ease. "Why yes, I would be happy to, your Highness. Now then, exactly what are your intentions for that axe, Darvesch?"

In the carriage

"I never thought I'd have this much difficulty conquering this subject. Fiends, giants, and undead are one thing.. but romance?"

I wonder if it would be appropriate to point out to her Highness that the persistent tongues effect on my person renders the details of their private discourse plain. Well, perhaps better to play it off...

As the royal procession traveled alongside The Green for which this district of the city was named, Ieana squirmed uncomfortably. Although it was brief, the glance she exchanged with Arion that hinted that the conversation between the honorary cousins was not as private as they might have liked.

"I must confess a similar... apprehension involving social engagements lacking a clearly defined objective." She turned to look at Alis, "Perhaps an objective then is what's required?"

"Another possibility would be to build a monument while bards recite the ancestral lays of their clan. The issue with such traditions, however, is that Sir Hellhammer and Ms. Torwald are several thousand leagues from any locales with a suitable concentration of their people for such a celebrations to have the proper cultural significance."

"If the latter is as spirited as its name would suggest," the creamy-skinned professor commented as the procession exited the palace's northern gatehouse, "then that could make for an enjoyable outing. Isn't it just south of the palace grounds?" A pity we do not have a local riding with us presently."

Even as Darvesch's suggestion heralded a look of dawning realization on the Princess' face, the Professor frowned deeply. Dwarves weren't particularly renowned for their humor, but neither were they known for their tact. Doing her best to maintain a proper tone of respectfulness in the face of such gravitas, Ieana began, "Mr. Hellhammer, Lady Ourson, while that is a... heartwarming sentiment, I hardly think that this is the time or place for fairyboo–"

Consternation furrowed Ieana's brow. "Well this defies all logic! Amhranai successfully removed the maiar's curse, I dispelled the remaining enchantment upon him, yet there persists some manner of transmutation that binds him in stasis, one beyond mortal magic!"

"Oh! Oh my..." Ieana looked to scene above then back to those who were still standing, and quickly flew down to Darvesch. "This would appear to be a matter better-suited to an individual of your expertise, now wouldn't you agree?"

With a nod to his now flaming axe, she touched his armor, and the dwarf once again beheld the power of flight!

"Fooor-tuuunee-eee. Fooor-tu-na ee-eequis. Aaad pugnatoo-ooris ii-iin veritaaa-aaee-e-eee..."

While Ieana had read many a text written in ancient tongues, she could not say that she had ever heard such a piece performed. Of course, such scholarly field work as hers seldom afforded one the opportunity to engage in the same recreations as her more cosmopolitan colleagues, but then again encountering living hazards was also a rather new experience for her as well.

This certainly is exciting, I dare wonder what the good folk in the city deem of our spectacle...

Turning to regard the other golem that had just stepped over the firing arm of he trebuchet, the Malatestan wizardess pointed a finger and repeated her last spell. At least I am well acquainted with how to handle problems of this sort...

As the second golem also slowed to a crawl, she took a deep breath, smiling in satisfaction at her contrribution. And my over-sized countrymen deign that they perfected constructs before all other civilizations — the arrogance!

Lureene's missile struck the villain without fail, leaving white scorch marks on his dark skin. Yet what she did not notice were the matching impacts on the two golems nearby.

Not too far behind and above her, she heard Ieana begin casting a spell followed, by a seemingly weary groan from the golem closest to the stairs.

"Your Highness?" Ieana offered, "I believe the best-use of my capabilities would be in keeping the golems from bring their force to bear against our strike-force."

Ieana gives a bemused chuckle and comments, "If if these are shield guardians then the wearer's death would cause them to continue carrying out their last command. Otherwise, if destroyed, they would cease to function until a new one was crafted..."

She gives the dwarf a wink and says, "I suspect if we sold all of your armaments that might cover the costs of constructing a new amulet. As for the trebuchet's control rod, I really have no idea, but it does sound rather expensive."

Ieana did not respond but instead maintained the utmost focus as she cast some manner of spell upon the pedestal. Before you could tell if it worked or not, she gave a loud, "HA!" and caught the skull as the energy stream abated.

Looking to the Princess with a well-pleased smirk on her face, the half-serpentine wizardess answered, "Yes, and I must admit I am rather looking forward to something more than the pittance normally afforded to scholars of my station by The Academy. Honestly, it's a wonder they can retain talent in such a competitive field!"

"Mmm..." Ieana nodded slowly. "It was a rhetorical question actually. If you had witnessed such a strike you would either be some manner of incorporeal undead, or we would be having this conversation on another plane of existence." She looked up and winked, "Probably not one either of us would fancy visiting, either..."

"Yeees, be patient, my dear. Frankly I am rather astounded at how robust these wards are. Typically when I happen across a ruin wherein such works were employed, the ruins are decrepit precisely because some foolhardy and long-dead tomb raider deigned to simply smash apart what they failed to comprehend. Tell me, have you ever witnessed a retributive strike upon a Staff of the Magi?"

Ieana nodded at Darvesch's inquiry. "Well this is interesting. I've witnessed comparable devices employed to safeguard less expansive crypts, yet never anything on such a grand scale as we have here. It would seem that the local Temple of Dalus must have used this device to immobilize any grave robbers foolish enough to plumb the depth of their vault unbidden. Naturally that begs the question, 'How would a thief have been able to abscond with such a site's very anti-theft system in the first place?' No doubt there's quite the fascinating mystery to be puzzled there."

From down the western hallway, the sound of clanking armor was followed by a familiar voice. "I for one am in favor of not provoking the ire of agencies of supernatural origin — particularly ones that I and my associate cannot personally overcome."

"Not easy indeed," Ieana commented, "nevertheless, we shall be at the ready, your Highness."

"I'm sorry. I've lived here long enough that their presence goes unnoticed, so I haven't been questioned about them in some time. As you can guess, there was a time where that wasn't the case, but in light of the events now unfolding, that story will have to wait for later. Which I'll share with you, if you'd like, over some ale or wine."

Ieana gives a wry smirk and tips her head towards her long tail. "I suspect that I too shall be subject to more than a fair bit of curiosity myself. After this has all been resolved then."

"I believe the good Marshal said it was a large stone golem, Ms. Nevah. Think of a statue at least 9 feet tall made of granite, now imagine it has come to life yet never grows tired and has no emotions to play off of. That is a golem."

When she sees that Amhranai has no intention of returning her gesture and indeed seems offended, the professor withdraws her hand. "I assure you, I intended no disrespect..."

With a sigh, she acknowledges the sentiment shared by the three more adversarial women, "Yes, I suppose that we should proceed. Have any of you formulated a stratagem? If I can draw nigh to the battlements, that should be close enough to analyze the dweomers with which we must contend."

"A diplomatic if not prudent intention," another woman's voice said in the authoritative tone of a Malatestan. "History can provide numerous examples of failed and hated rulers who surrounded themselves with only sycophants and yes-men. I should certainly hope Dafar's new Governor is sufficiently self-assured so as not to fall prey to such... boot-lickers, to borrow the colloquial term."

As the woman speaks, Amhranai notes her creamy complexion and long, dark brown hair worn in a tidy ponytail. While not unattractive, her scholarly robes and spectacles presented a mousy, unassuming presence. What was truly surprising then was the long serpentine tail that emerged from the base of her robes where her feet should be. Though the woman looked like she should perhaps only be the same height as the succubus, she had to be nearly thrice that length.

"Of course," she noted with the faintest hint of mirth as Alis' sidelong gaze met hers, "from what I have seen of you and your compatriots thus far, your Highness, I should rather enjoy the opportunity to observe such attempts at tomfoolery. I imagine it would prove... entertaining."

Even as Alis smirked at the blatantly ironic flattery and shook her head, the snake-woman extended her hand in greeting to the black-haired elf. "Professor d'Adora, archaeologist, recently escaped from Reaver's Shiv. No doubt being my senior, however, you may call me Ieana. I must say, the markings you bear are quite fascinating, I should like to document their origin and proscribed purpose when time permits, Ms. Amhranai."

"Closer than I should feel is comfortable at any rate. Oh! It would appear that Alis signals the all-clear. Follow my l er... towards the water at a 30° angle of descent bearing north east."

When she heard only crickets, the professor continued with a sigh, "Ooor just follow the sound of my voice. Sasha, no stabbing, are we clear?"

"Difficult to say for certain without first examining whatever wards are present. It may well be possible, but the true question is if that is the optimal or only option at our disposal. Even so," she muses, "given the enormity of that siege weapon, I can safely conclude that the abilities of those who animated it far outstrip my own."

"Well clearly he had no intention of being taken prisoner when he targeted the penitentiary. I– Hold on a moment... is someone running out to that naval base from the piers?"

The rest of you look down towards the harbor, but if there's someone there you can't see them.

"Ye gods," Ieana said with distaste, "he sounds like a dumb brute! His enunciation is ter–"

"A thoughtful gesture, and appreciated, Captain." Taken by an unexpected yawn, the mage continues, "Oh pardon me! I fear that I shall have to accept that offer forthwith... this evening's repast seems intent upon rending me comatose!"

The professor shakes her head from where she stands looking out at the lighthouse. "My, but everyone behaves as if we should expect to never see one another again!"

Turning around, the half serpentine woman shakes her head, a bemused expression on her olive-toned face. "I shall not say good bye, but rather farewell for now. No doubt research into the history of this island shall require my personal attention. Until then, you have my utmost gratitude for facilitating my liberation from Yarzoth's undesired influence. Perhaps upon our next rendezvous, I shall once more stand upon my own two feet. Providence keep you."

"That is a diamond?" Ieana asks in disbelief. "Why... it should be priceless!"

"Oh, why yes, you may have something there." She slithers closer and points to a small statuette of what appears to be a cat-headed woman. "Actually I was myself preoccupied with this curiosity. Prior hi-jinx notwithstanding, it is at once fascinating and disturbing the preponderance of imagery one finds dedicated to the maternal function of the female archetype. Eight teats, really! So much for the notion of the 'noble' savage!"

"I–" Ieana's face falls and her shoulders slump. With a grumble she admits, "Such an inelegant solution would almost certainly have to produce results, wouldn't it?"

There is a sudden commotion outside the door, a cry of pain and the shrill voice of a woman scolding someone using excessively verbose vocabulary. Eyebrow raised, Mal opens the door just in time for Professor d'Adora to enter — all 15 feet of her.

Nodding to the tall warrior, the half-serpentine wizardess exclaims, "Truly, were I a viper, or at the least possessed of the temperament of one, this vessel's physician should have an infirmary at capacity with louts who haven't the sense to watch where they tread!"

Ieana holds a finger up, "If I may? What orders are contingent should this exercise result in a rout?"

Swallowing with more than a hint of discomfort, the creamy hue of her cheeks growing flushed, Ieana offers, "If it would be useful to y– to our cause, your highness, then the trinket I am wearing should be... repurposed."

With that, she reaches up and removes the pin binding her long brown hair into a bun. Immediately, the wizardess' form shifts and her legs disappear, replaced instead by a thick, serpentine tail long as a grown man!

Nodding her head toward Prince Tyralor, she apologizes, "Suffice it to say that I was not always thus and that it is a story lacking brevity."

Seeing that a discussion has drawn nigh, Ieana approaches glancing with some concern at the mess on the paving stones of the courtyard before taking a deep breath. "The issues with swimming underwater are that is it slower, you will need a means to breath, and an invisible creature will leave a visible outline should any care to look for it. Of course, if an enemy is looking for invisible assailants then the point is moot and the spells wasted. In that case, shortening the window of opportunity our adversaries have to target us would be best."

"Regardless," she crosses her hands behind her back, face impassive, "any such spells we might cast would last only for a matter of minutes. Therefore, if we are to seize the initiative, necessity dictates any stratagem must be set into play when our adversary's vessel is close-at-hand."

Ieana flinches, the muscles in her neck standing out as she pulls up to keep from bowling Darvesch over (or possibly injuring herself). "My apologies, Master Hellhammer, her highness' request has me seeing stars this morning. Honestly dredging the tidal pool with just my spells and whatever labor you and Sergeant Malandraenas can provide would be an effort in futility."

She holds out a hand towards the doorway Alis just exited imploring, "Please, your people are masters of engineering and working stone. I am flattered that your cousin thinks so highly of my arcane talents, but I assure you the amount that could be accomplished would be insignificant compared to what a team of professionals could do. Furthermore, it would be an inefficient use of our time here when we stand a better chance of fortifying this location."

Exasperated Ieana clasps her hands together. "Would you please speak some sense to her, she will listen to you I'm certain of it."

"Ah," Ieana sighs, looking pleased with herself, "all done! Did you want to write a quick response on the back, princess?"

"Hmm," Ieana muses as she flips thru her spellbook to the correct page. "If you don't mind sleeping in for a few extra hours, Aerys, I should like to walk with you. I'm no engineer, but I've seen enough antique machinery to know a cog from a counterweight. Not to mention, I believe you still need an actual light source — something I can readily provide with my spells."

Ieana smiles and wave her hand. "Oh please, simply refer to me by my first name, Ieana. You're apt to make me feel old with such formality. You should definitely reserve such lofty titles for our rrresident rrroyal," she says with a wink, as she trills her R's.

Ieana looks up at the woman's last comment even as Darvesch excuses himself. "Oh, so it sounds like the machinery was much more decrepit than we had expected! Excellent however that you both show such ingenuity. Tell me, if you were having to use congealed ani– ah... lard of dubious origin, should we take that to mean that a viable fuel source for the lamp is still at large?"

"No, not quite" Ieana says, face growing grim, "she hoped to resurrect him..."

Ieana smiles slightly, genuinely pleased. "Yes, you've got it, well done!"

"Well, it seemed that Yarzoth had reason to believe that an ancient temple hidden beneath the surface of this selfsame isle contained a clue to the location of the lost city where her god, Qingu, whom modern historians equate with the titan Typhon, was defeated by Charelle — Tantyra-Në."

Even as Alis tries not to smirk at Aycenia's take on things, Ieana waves her hand in the air apologetically. "Unfortunately that would be an accurate assessment. Where Yarzoth was initially as interested in learning about our world as I was in educating myself on hers, a change occurred. I believe that she received a vision from what she believed to be her deity, Qingu. Yet as we have since learned, it was actually the demoness Charelle who emulated Yarzoth's deceased patron and enticed her to venture to Reaver's Shiv."

The verbose professor scratches the back of her head. With some embarrassment evident, she responds, "That... would be an... over-simplification of matters. You have to understand, this was an unprecedented find, the living mind of an entity that had transcended time itself, that might be communicated with, that might broaden our understanding of an era which even those scant few who know of its existence are woefully ill-informed!"