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Post by Thorn on Dec 31, 2019 3:54:33 GMT -5
Under four-and-a-half days until session 22! =D What will happen next? Probably many things...quite a lot came up last session, after all!!!!
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Post by Thorn on Jan 1, 2020 0:56:05 GMT -5
It's been 2020 for manymany hours in my timezone...so, here's part one of the Session 20 Recap! Big thanks to Gelquie for doing most of this! Session 20 Part 1 Tonight We’re Gonna PartyIt’s mid-sunset, the sky streaked with lovely pinks and golds. The party has just left Lyrelle’s residence and, outside the gates, bid farewell to their young companion Gem. Seabirds sing in the distance. A human lamplighter moves from streetlamp to streetlamp, preparing for nightfall, and the scent of smoked fish lingers on the cool evening breeze. Khamet and Tally notice that the makeup disguising Inima’s features has started wearing away.
Khamet: “Hey, Inima. You know, I think some of your makeup washed off. You know, I think your old bully friends might recognise you and beat you up and take your lunch money. So be careful.” Amani stops in their tracks and covers their face. “No. Nonononono, this can’t happen here. I-it’s nothing to do with that though, I mean that’s pretty...I-I mean…” They look around for a place to hide. Meallan pulls up the hood on Amani’s cloak. Tally offers to conjure a light mist to veil ‘Inima’s’ face. Amani: “That sounds amazing! Let’s do it!” And swoosh! Yay! Inima is happy with this plan! Because having your face concealed by mist totally won’t draw any kind of attention at all!
Anthony checks for a letter, but there’s nothing for him just yet. Meallan finds a scrollery and shops for ritual spells. He finds “Comprehend Languages,” “Speak with Animals,” “Silence,” and “Water Walk.” He buys a “Speak with Plants and Animals” scroll and a “Comprehend Languages” scroll. While Meallan is haggling and paying, Anthony invites the scrollery shopkeeper to a house party! Shopkeeper: “Yeah, sure, whatever.” Anthony: “Also there will be free drinks.” The shopkeeper, although seemingly quite bored, agrees so long as the party tells them the time and address. Meanwhile, Meallan pays 30 gold for each spell.
Khamet goes to the tavern the party visited on their first day in Shaan. He notices Katu there, as she said she would be; as well as a pale, almost ashen high-elf with shiny gold hair and a pink-and-white clad wood-elf with bright pink hair, and a gnome scribbling furiously at a large, large, stack of paper. Khamet introduces himself to these people and makes some small talk. The pink-haired wood-elf is obsessed with finding meaning in the shapes of clouds- they’ve spent an exciting day outside cloud-watching! The high-elf seems reserved, and the gnome tells Khamet to go away unless he intends to fund his next expedition. He says hi to Katu, who grins back at him.
“Hey Katu, what’s up? I thought about what you said and I wondered if you wanted to hang out? You seem pretty cool.” She thinks about this. “Why not? Where would you like to hang out?” Khamet: “I imagine that you live in the city, so you would probably know some pretty good places, right?” She nods. “Yeah, yeah, I can...show you some places.” “Yeah, awesome! You know, I got some reward money so I can probably pay for a few things and we can just hang out. Like friends.” Katu: “This is most excellent. It’s not like I work for these-” she raises her voice- “cheap losers, so, yeah. Let’s go!”
The duo set out in search of adventure! Meanwhile at the scrollery, Tally admires the pretty ribbons, shiny ink, and pretty little bits of decor (the latter aren’t for sale, but sure do look nice!) Amani briefly followed, but just just wants to get back to the house! Amani sets out there on their own, but gets distracted a few times. So, after a while Tally, Meallan and Anthony manage to catch up (even though the latter is busy inviting people to a house party!) Tally lightly mists their face every so often to help conceal their features.
Anthony lets the party know he’s going to throw a rager!!! Amani: “You’re going to what?” Anthony: “You know. A rager.” Tally: “Is that a spell you’re going to cast?” Anthony: “And I’m also going to be deejaying as well.” Meallan: “What- what- what are you talking about?” Anthony: “A party! We’re gonna have a party in our new house.” Meallan: “Well, I know what that is but...deejaying? Rager? What-?” Anthony: “Oh! I’m just gonna play some of my classic tunes. Everyone’s gonna love it. And it’s gonna be a rager!” Tally: “Why couldn’t you just say that?” Meallan: “Yes. You’re going to do a rager? That’s…” Anthony: “Well, the rager part is...I’m about to go get a keg.” Amani: “...I think I’m gonna...sleep outside.” Tally: “I have no idea what’s going on but I’d like to try it.”
Anthony: “Oh, come on, guys! We should throw a party at least! Everyone loves us around here! We fought the squid monster, we got our own house, we’re stacked also up with money, yeah, let’s have a little party! I’ll cover the expenses on booze, don’t worry about that! I’m a little flush!” Meallan: “Do you need… help with this party...?” Anthony: “Oh yeah, I’ll definitely need some help setting up decorations and getting the word out!” Meallan: “Oh, well I’m not good at either of those, but I’ll do my best.” Anthony: “Ah, thanks, Meallan!” Amani: “So, this is some sort of… congratulations to us for defeating the squid monster, sort of thing?” Anthony: “Yup!” Amani sounds torn.
As they walk, Amani is still glancing around to keep from being seen. Aytal runs up Amani to curl around their shoulder in an attempt to cover the marks. Immediately, Amani tries to get them away, to which Meallan poofs him back. Amani: “Please don’t.” Meallan: “I will keep him on my shoulder. He’s only wanting to help, though.” Amani: “I know, but. Just don’t cover the marks, actually.” Meallan: “Alright.” Do Dragonborn Lay Eggs?(Meanwhile, Hatar… is still in the city by himself! He’s chilling outside, minding his own business.)
Khamet and Katu go out to talk. Katu takes him to a nice champagne bar. It’s less of a tavern and more like plush red booths. Very sophisticated! Katu buys him a glass. Khamet: “Katu, you’re the first really approachable dragonborn I’ve met. Last dragonborn I met? She was kinda bitter because her entire village burned down. And she didn’t really wanna talk.” Katu: “Ahh, that’s… highly understandable.” Khamet: “Yeah, it is highly understandable. But like, I’ve always heard lots of things about dragonborn, and I don’t know if all of them are true.” Katu: “I will be happy to answer your questions, but first, do you know the clan of the southern dragonborn?” Khamet: “Yeah, she was Draechydian. I don’t know much about her, but she was really icy, cold.” Katu: “Yeah. They’re like that. They’re a strange, strange clan. But thank you for telling me. ...Did you have some questions?” Khamet: “Yeah, yeah. So I heard that dragonborn are hatched from an egg.” Katu: “Yes?” Khamet: “Were you hatched from an egg?” Katu: “I think that follows? From the initial description?” Khamet: *Super interested.* “How did that feel?” Katu: “I don’t know. I was a hatchling. I don’t remember.”
Khamet: “Ohh. That’s cool! Okay, this might be a stupid question, but like. Do dragonborn lay eggs, like chickens do, or…?” Katu: “What do you think?” Khamet: “I don’t really know how egg-laying works, come to think of it. I just know that chickens, birds sit for a while, and then eggs appear…” Katu: “It’s not something you talk about in polite company. But yes, we do lay eggs.” Khamet: “Okay.” He writes something down. Dragonborn are actually indeed hatched from eggs. “And what clan are you from?” Katu: “Riistrav.” Khamet: “So what are the differences between clans? Do clans fight each other?” Katu: “Sometimes.” Khamet: “Sometimes. So, where are you guys originally from?”
She answers. They go into more questions regarding her religion and society, and where she learned to play and some more personal questions. Clans are organized by different elements. She learned to play in Cai Shaan from a weird little halfling bard. Khamet thinks that’s cool!
He asks if she ever incorporated traditional dragonborn music into elf music. Katu: “That would be difficult, seeing as we don’t have much in the way of traditional dragonborn music.” Khamet: “Aww. Not even dragonborn poetry? That you can put to music?” Katu: “No, it just seems like a waste of time.” Khamet: “Oh. Well, that’s unfortunate. I mean, I think dragonborn are pretty good! I liked when you play music.” Katu: “Thank you. ...Do you know draconic?” Khamet: “No.” Katu: “Well, it’s just… Poetry would not sound good in draconic, let’s say that. Probably for the best that we don’t have our own poetry.” Khamet: “Aw, don’t say that! There are lots of languages! I’m sure that if you just play with words…” InvitationsThe most of the rest of the group prepares for the party. Meallan ends up carrying the keg. Anthony looks for Khamet so he can invite him. They invite so many NPCs. Including the crew of the Windblessed, for sure! Anthony gets the general word out. They look for Gem, but can’t find them. Even Tenacity is invited! Tally does it; she didn’t know about the…issues. Arim is the only one not invited because he is a child. The party eventually finds Khamet. Anthony: “Khamet! I invited the dragonborn, she’s coming to the party. We can be your wingmen.” Khamet: “...Thanks. I-I really appreciate your effort, Anthony…” Anthony: “Relaaax, you’ll do fine, don’t worry about it!” Khamet smiles through gritted teeth. “Yeaaah, I’m sure I will.”
Basil got back before the rest. And… he has been busy. There’s piles of questionably sourced junk all over, and he’s hanging questionably-acquired things over the window. It’s mostly interior-decorating stuff. Amani gets there first, as they weren’t really keen on the party anyway and just want to settle the issue with their makeup. They see the piles…
Amani: “...Maybe don’t display the stolen goods for all to see??” They inform Basil about the party that the others are throwing that Amani does not want. Basil is intrigued by the party, but agrees that he would need help hiding his questionably-acquired junk first.
As Amani helps, they get a good look around the house and the surrounding beach. It’s a single story, but quite long, with a front face facing over the beach. There’s a smaller half-story on the back, where there’s the broken skylight and another room. There’s a balcony at the front.
Amani thinks about taking a room, but decides against doing it until at least tomorrow, since they figure that any room they claim will probably be destroyed by the party anyway. Eventually, the others return and help Amani and Basil finish hiding stuff.
After they’re finished and after Amani fixes their makeup, Amani sits on the deck, looks up at the stars, and ponders. But they’re keeping an eye out for anyone approaching. When others start talking about guests arriving soon, they get up and start finding a place to hide. They choose… behind the couch. They peek out behind the couch. “I hope no one can see me,” they say with their face in full view.
Anthony makes some banners that say “Par-tay!” He also prepares a playlist. Before anything really kicks off, Tally has a question for the entire party! Tally: “Hey, everyone! I’ve been looking at this place. I didn’t expect to have a house here, but now that I see it, it’s kinda nice with all these rooms. Uh, nothing certain, but if in the future I invited people, like one or two guests at a time to stay here, would all of you be okay with that?” Meallan: “Yes” Anthony: “Are you trying to turn this place into an airBnB? I mean, I’m fine with it, but…” Amani: “What’s an airBnB…?” Tally: “I won’t bring any bees, don’t worry about it!” Anthony: “Sound financial decision, actually!” Meallan: “What… are you talking about?” Amani: “Yeah, what is that?” Anthony: “Oh, you know it’s like, you go on the internet, and you rent out a house, and they pay you to stay in it, and-”
Tally: “Anthony, please stop making fun of us!” Amani: “What? ...I don’t know what you mean.” (Amani is still hiding behind the couch and peering out during all of this.) Amani: “Um, it’s fine, I’m just concerned about who exactly…” Tally: “Uhh, I don’t know yet!” Amani: “I guess we’ll figure this out as we go.” Tally: “I just wanted to ask you all if, you know, the concept itself is alright at first, before I even start offering, of course.”
Amani: “Concept itself…? What concept are you referring to?” Tally: “Just the idea of having guests.” Khamet wants to know if they’re gonna stay permanently, or who are they…? Tally: “Just in case someone needs a relaxing seaside vacation.” Meallan: “Would these be other drow, by any chance…?” Tally: “No, why would they be?!!”
Cue everyone being suspicious. They just… stare at Tally, for a moment. She may as well have several flashing signs over her head saying “YES, I WANT TO INVITE OTHER DROW”. Meallan: “If you want to invite other drow, I’m not saying that you are, but it’ll be fine by me. I wouldn’t mind meeting other drow, .besides yourself.” Amani: I mean, if they’re like you, I don’t care if you bring them.” Meallan: “Yes.” Tally: *Speaking very quickly.* “W-well, I don’t know if there are any other drow like me in the area like me, of course, but, it’s nice to know that you’d be, um, alright with the possibility! If it were possible, in the event that it were possible. But you know, I’m talking about guests in general, though! Like maybe centaurs, or wood elves, or, you know, any of them-!” Amani: “Tally! Tally. You’re allowed to have friends.” Meallan: “Yes. Bring around whoever you like. As long as they are pleasant enough, or do not… cause trouble.” Tally: “You’re saying that like I’m not the kind of person who has friends!” Amani: “I-I’m just saying you don’t-- I mean, you can bring them. It’s fine, is all I’m saying.” Tally: “Alright, thanks a lot.” ”We’ve Got a Problem; They’re Too Shiny”As the party’s start grows closer and the others finish putting up decorations to the room, Amani’s busy paying attention to any potential party guests and what they might look like. They’re too busy looking out the windows and doors for anyone arriving.
The scrollery elf arrives first and stands around awkwardly for a bit.. Amani peers up from behind the couch. Amani: “Hi.” Scrollery elf: “AAAAH! What??!” Amani: “Don’t mind me! Don’t mind me! I’m just… peeking… I’m just doing something… don’t pay any attention to me, it doesn’t have anything to do with you.” Scrollery elf: “...Okay?!!”
While Amani’s distracted, Meallan brings the rest of the party into a room, where they cannot hear. Meallan: “Has anybody else noticed that Amani’s been acting incredibly strange lately, since we’ve arrived here? And they’re refusing to-” Tally: “Of course not! Who is this ‘Amani’ you speak of?” Anthony: “The whole name change thing’s a little off.” Khamet: “Yeah, I don’t know who Amani is!” Meallan: “The name change, the hiding of everything.. I’m… concerned.” Khamet: “Well, I think it’s pretty clear. They probably have been here before, and you know, you know that Amani is kinda spineless. So, I think they’re just afraid that their old friends will beat them up.” Meallan: “I… tried to speak to them about it, but I couldn't find any answers other than… Oh. I kind of want to-” Khamet: “Yeah, they’re probably too embarrassed to admit it.” Tally: “Or! They could simply be enjoying the attention by being mysterious!” Meallan: “...No, I do not think that is the case. They-” Tally: “I mean, if they keep on refusing help, do they really want it?”
Meallan: “What if they need it? And they’re refusing it because… pride, or… something else… I just want to try and find out, and I don’t know if any of you have any ideas or thoughts and helpful words? I’m concerned.” Tally: “Well, I suggest that we wait for their masquerade to get so ridiculous that they have to tell us about everything, because they’ll so embarrassed in public. I mean, have you seen the way they hide? It’s going to blow up sooner rather than later.” Meallan agrees it’s barely subtle. “Here’s what I’ve been thinking. Ever since they’ve come out of the woods with their cloak and their ring… Both of them are magical. I want to try and find out what they are. And I’m worried that that’s not a… good thing to do.”
Cordelia opens the door. “Hey, was I meant to knock?” Anthony: “Oh, hey, welcome to the party! Come in! We don’t have any red plastic cups, but we got some tankards over there, we’ve got some kegs, so help yourselves!” (Khamet: “What’s plastic?”) Cordelia: “Yes, it’s very exciting… I will leave you people alone to your scheming!” (Tally whispers. “Anthony! Hey, Anthony!” Anthony: “What?” Tally: “Is this going to be the kind of party where people pay to get private dances?” Party members: “Uhhh…” Anthony: “Mmm, uhhh… What you do is up to you! You do you!” Meallan just looks between them, confused. Anthony: “Uh, I-I’m taken! I’m not taking any scaley lap dances. ...I mean, if you want to go on one, Meallan!” Meallan: “No!”)
Khamet: “What’s plastic?” Anthony pulls out wikipedia. “Well! Plastic is a complex set of hydrocarbons arranged in stable form! That provides both long-lasting resilience to the elements, and is also easy to manufacture and disposable!” Meallan writes all this down. “Tell me more about this plastic.” Anthony: “Oh, we also keep dumping too much of it in the ocean, and uh, there’s a bunch of it in the Pacific!” Meallan gets angry. “I do not think that is a good idea!” Anthony: “Oh uh, they’re not doing it intentionally! I mean, every time I order a Starbucks, I don’t exactly hop on over to Hawaii and then chuck it off a beach!” Meallan: “It is still not a good thing. Do they not think about the balance or anything?” Anthony: “Nnnnnaah, yeah, you should see the kind of representatives we elect!” Meallan looks confused. “Representatives Elect… You keep using these words, but they make absolutely no sense…” Anthony: “You guys don’t even have universal suffrage here?!” Khamet: “Ah! Like a peasant republic, you mean!” Tally: “Uh, I don’t know about suffrage, but I know in the Underdark they have universal suffering!” Anthony: “Uhhh… close enough!”
Khamet writes all this down! He wants to know more about hydrocarbons. Good luck, Anthony! (Turns out he knows chemistry.) More people filter in, and Anthony starts getting some tunes going! Ke$sha! Baby shark! All the things! Meallan disguises self for an hour, then goes “this is boring” and goes to the beach. Amani was starting to calm down as time goes on; they even get up and start talking to some of the guests. But then they turn towards the door and see something or someone, stare… and then duck into the nearest room. Which has a window! So Amani climbs out the window and joins Meallan on the beach like a normal person. Time to…! MingleWhile Anthony is mingling with various individuals, up pops a familiar pink tiefling. Tenacity: “Hi! Um, so, you said you were gonna talk to your friends...” Anthony does the classic spit-take. Pffff! Tenacity: “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you. Uh. But it’s been a while, and...yeah. Can you at least gives me some kind of timeframe?” She sounds overly desperate.
Anthony: “Yeah, I’m gonna get the guys on board. We’re gonna go back to Deyn. We’re gonna confront him. I’m prepared to drop the dime on this guy now.” Tenacity: “That sounds awesome, but ah I don’t know if you should confront him on your own. That sounds like a really bad idea.” Anthony: “Well I mean, that’s...I’m not gonna confront him on my own. I’m gonna get the rest of the guys to help me with it.” Tenacity: “Okay, okay...maybe that will be a little better. I mean I don’t know much about your ‘guys’, but um...”
She looks around to see what members of the party she can actually spot. Meanwhile Tally is looking out for the crew of the Windblessed. She notices Gale very early on, some time before Amani’s grand escape through the window. Tally approaches Gale. Tally: “Hey, how you holding up?” He hesitates. “Not great, all things considered, but thank-you for asking.” Tally: “Okay. Do you have a nice place to stay at the moment?” Gale: “Oh, yeah. It’s lovely. I’ll be honest though, I will probably just sleep on your floor- I’m a very, uh, lightweight.” Tally: “I think we can find you a comfy patch of floor, yeah. We’ll tuck you in. I could read you a bedtime story if you want? But do you have people to stay with here in this town- city, excuse me- that you live in?” “Yeah, yeah-” Gale sighs. “Well, I live here? So I- yes, I have a place that I live in. Yes.” Tally: “Do you have people to talk to?” “Yeah…” he trails off. Tally: “Okay. Well if you want to do more talking, we’re here.” Gale: “Is there something you wanted to talk about, Tally?” Tally: “No, it’s just...I dunno, you’ve...we were with you, but you’ve lost quite a big thing that we didn’t, so…” Gale: “Yeaaaaah. Yeah it just takes time, Tally. But thank-you.” Tally: “Well, we’re here if you need us.”
Meanwhile Khamet has found Sky! He asks him what’s up, and offers a high-five! Sky: “Mmm, I can’t do a high-five very well, but thank-you. It is good to see you too.” Khamet: “Very good. I’m glad you’re doing well. I don’t know if you like drinks, but y’know Anthony got a lot of drinks, so-” Sky: “Ah if you see- if you see the shape of my mouth? It is a bit difficult to use a regular tankard, but I will just probably go and get some uhh...fish at some point. That’s cool.” Khamet: “Okay, well, I hope you have fun. And talk to people. And all that kind of stuff.”
Sky thanks Khamet. Khamet goes around and greets the people he recognises. Eventually he gets to Cordelia. Khamet: “Hi! What’s up?” Cordelia is not impressed. “Do you remember. That I do not like you?” Khamet: “Well yeah, but that’s no reason for me not to say hi and wish you well.” Cordelia: “Thanks.” Khamet: “Awesome.”
Khamet leaves. He bumps into the pink-haired wood-elf he saw in the tavern earlier and asks them for cloud recommendations. Pink Elf: “See, the best cloudwatching places are on top of the...if you go to the high ground or, um, if you climb to the top of the Institute. Which is not recommended...but you can see some really good clouds from up there.” Khamet: “Oh. Well, actually, you know that aarakocra? His name is Sky.” He points to the guy in question. Elf: “Ooh!” Khamet: “You should go talk to him about clouds. He can fly and stuff, so maybe you have a lot in common?” Elf: “I absolutely will! Thank-you for the recommendation.”
Khamet next finds Katu! She is standing in the corner, drinking. Khamet: “Hey Katu, what’s up?” Katu: “Not a lot. It’s too crowded for me to. Play my music.” Khamet awws sympathetically. Katu: “There is that obnoxious other music that your friend is playing.” Khamet: “Yes...where he comes from has extremely weird, and oddly captivating, music. It’s definitely not to people’s regular taste. He taught us a song about boats.” He recites the lyrics to ‘I’m on a Boat.’ Katu: “I’m on a boat.” Khamet: “Yeah, yeah.” Katu: “It’s going fast. His homeland sounds very strange.” Khamet: “Yeah. It’s pretty strange, it’s pretty different than anything I have ever experienced. But uh, if you want to play music, do you want like a quiet place? I mean, I can probably just arrange some sort of room you could practice with or whatever? I mean drinking alone in the corner doesn’t sound particularly fun.”
Katu hisses ‘yes.’ “Uh...I mean I’m sort of scouting out my options as well, I’m not just standing here for no reason.” Khamet: “Ah. Who do you have eyes on?” Katu: “I..so…” She points out Tenacity. “The pink one.” Khamet recognises Tenacity. “Oh. Um...not a bad choice, I like her too. She’s very nice. I’ve met her before.” Katu: “She’s very nice...she seems very enthusiastic in her talking with your friend.” Khamet smiles like he wishes he was dead. “Yeah she’s very, very enthusiastic about her...career. Yeah! She’s very career-oriented.” Katu: “Ooh.” Khamet: “Yeah.”
Katu: “That’s okay because sometimes it’s better, because if they’re not career-oriented you know they expect all sorts of things from you.” Khamet: “Yeah...yeah...yes they do. They really do. Ah, well.” He gets a bit awkward. “I know she must be kind of stressed, you know, I’m sure she would probably like to listen to your music. Probably.” Katu seems encouraged. “Should I- should I ask her? Yes! I’m going to go and do that. Right now!” The gold dragonborn joins Anthony and Tenacity. “Hey! Could I just…take you aside for a moment, nice pink lady?” Anthony: “Yeah, uh, go right ahead.” Tenacity lets Katu lead her off to talk. A Quieter Part of the NightDown on the beach, ‘Inima’ looks a little nervous and guilty about ditching the party. Meallan: “Amani?” Amani: “Uh...what?” Meallan: “Are you alright?” Amani: “Yes. I’ll be at peace.” Meallan: “You don’t sound alright.” Amani: “Look, I’m just gonna ditch the party.” Meallan: “No, I understand. I’m doing the exact same thing. Do you want to sit with me?” Amani: “Maybe? Uh, okay. For a little while.”
They sit down in the sand together, Meallan petting Aytal. Meallan: “Would you like to stroke him?” “Sure,” Amani does, and the little fey jumps over onto their lap. He is very happy to have allllll the pats! Meallan: “If I may- and you do not have to agree to this- but may I cast a spell on your cloak? Just to see what it is?” Amani: “Ahhh...to see what it is?” Meallan: “I’ve been curious for a long time.” Amani: “It’s a cloak of protection.” Meallan: “Oh.” Amani: “It basically helps protect me while I’m out there.” Meallan: “That’s new. Where did you get that?” Amani: “I told you: it was a gift. A gift from magic. I will not elaborate!”
Meallan: “Have you seen Surati lately? I have not seen them for a long time.” Amani: “Uh… No. I haven’t.” Meallan: “It’s strange. I miss them, they were so interesting.” Amani: “They are. So...fascinating.” Meallan: “Yes.” Amani: “And so friendly.” Meallan: “They are very much. I’m actually thinking of going for a swim. You are welcome to join, but you don’t have to.”
Amani seems more nervous at the mention of swimming. “Ahh… you have fun.” The half-elf glances back at the house for a moment. Meallan opts to hang back with them. Meallan: “No-one will see us. They’re too busy with Anthony’s…’tunes’, or ‘rager’ or whatever it is.” Amani: “Y’know, I’m not so sure. There could be swimmers in there, who knows? They could take the party out here.” Meallan: “Well they’re not going to for...for now. And if they do we’ll see them, and we can hide away.” Amani: “Uhh… Look. I’m not a good swimmer.” Meallan: “You could have just said so.” Amani: “Look, I have a lot...I didn’t think of it at the moment. That’s all.” Meallan: “That’s alright. If you don’t want to swim, you don’t have to swim.” Amani: “Okay. You have fun though.” Meallan: “Thank-you, it’s...I’ve never actually swum in the ocean, I’d never even seen the ocean until a few months ago.”
Amani: “Oh. That’s alright.” Meallan: “Growing up in Varentar, you must have seen it a lot?” Amani: “Yeah, when I was in Varentar I did go to the shore a few times, and did see the ocean there.” Meallan: “And here? Of course.” Amani: “And here, yes. It’s just nothing new to me I guess.” Meallan: “It is new to me, so do forgive me if I indulge.” Amani: “Oh, no. You don’t have to apologise.”
Meallan goes in for a swim. Amani hangs back. They notice Gale crying on Cordelia further down the shore. Amani gingerly approaches, waving to let the duo know they’re there, and so they don’t interrupt or eavesdrop on anything.
Cordelia nods back at them. “Hello, Inima.” Amani: “Hi. I’m sorry if I’m intruding, I just...I’m sorry about your ship.” Cordelia: “Yeah. It was a shame. Um. We’ll be okay. Ignore him.” Amani persists. “I do feel bad about what happened. And I hope the lords come through with finding something for you, at least in the meantime.” Gale, shriekily: “I don’t think Lyrelle really cares either way!” Amani: “We asked Lyrelle to try to find something for you. For the meantime.” Cordelia: “Yeah, I know. Lyrelle does care, Gale is just being...Gale.” Amani: “It’s alright. I understand, really. It’s not an easy thing, especially when it’s your life.” Cordelia: “Thank-you, Inima. Um. Can I help you with anything?” Amani: “No, I...I just wanted to say that. If I could help in any way. I know it doesn’t do much, but I thought maybe I could be of some help.”
Gale, far less shriekily than before: “Uh. Can I ask you a question, Inima?” Inima: “Okay.” Gale: “So, I’ve been meaning to ask for a while if- you see, you’re very shiny. Um. And that’s not normal for a half-elf. And I was wondering if you know if you are, like me maybe. If there’s something in your blood.” Inima: “Uh...I’m a sorcerer? If that’s what you’re asking?” Gale: “Mmmm.” Inima: “I have a connection to magic.” Gale: “Aww, that’s cool. Thanks.” Inima: “Sorry I can’t be more help.” Gale: “Ah, it’s fine.”
When he returns from his swim, Meallan breaks off from Amani and goes looking for Surati, searching and using Detect Magic. He finds very small pieces of magic sand intermixed with regular sand. But neither he nor Aytal find Surati. Tally and Party Guests
Hatar is the doorman, ensuring the losers don’t get in the house. Does this loser nerd enter? Nay!! Tally overhears Sky mentioning not being able to drink from tankards. She goes to the kitchen and tries to find something more appropriate. She ends up rooting through others’ mess kits, and ends up with a bowl. Tally gives it to him and Sky tries not to spill it from his face. She slowly inches towards Sky and slowly hands over the drinking things.
Sky: “Thank you! You should not be scared of me.” Tally: “Oh no, I shouldn’t, sorry! Uh, thanks.” Sky: “Alright!” Tally: “Hi, yeah, we didn’t get to see each other on the Windblessed, so sorry about your loss… Heh. Uh, but yeah, that’s a really good job you did there.” Sky: “Thank you! And it’s okay, one ship is the same as another ship. I’ll be fine!” Tally continues to nervously laugh. “It’s really cool-” Sky: “You did really well too, fighting the monster! I just hid!”
Tally: “Uh.. did I fight the monster? Uh, I suppose I did! Thanks! It’s really cool the way you fly, though. I wonder what it’s like, how far, how high you can go?” Sky: “Mm. Well, until it gets tricky to breathe, it’s fine. Quite high!” Tally: “Do you know what the ground looks like when you get that high?” Sky: “Mmm! Depends. City. City looks very grey. Water is blue. In-between’s mostly green!” Tally: “‘Kay. Um, I’m really not used to, you know, people with feathers and wings and all, so it’s really cool to meet you up close. Your feathers are very pretty.” Sky: “Thank you! Most people here aren’t used to bird people, aarakocra, so it’s fine!” Tally: “Oh, I’m not used to birds either.”
Sky: “...That is very implausible! How can you not be used to birds?” Tally: “Uh… Well, I suppose I grew up without any of them around, and when I saw them for the first time, the flapping sort of scared me.” Sky: “Ohhh! You’re one of those elves that live underground! Yes! Oh, I can see-” Tally: “I live on the- I live on the surface!” Sky: “Oh! Then why were there no birds?” Tally: “Because I ran away from them.” Sky: “Ahh! Far be it from me to prod you about your history. But it was nice to meet you properly!” Tally: “You too. Thanks a lot.”
After Tally tiptoes away from Sky, she edges up to Katu. Katu did not have much luck with Tenacity, and is wandering again. Tally: “Uh, excuse me, uh… Was your name Katu?” Katu: “That’s me.” Tally: “Hii! Yeah. Are you, um, a songwriter?” Katu: “Sometimes.” Tally: “I was wondering if you like to write songs about heroes who do really cool hero things?” Katu grins. “You know I would love that.”
Tally: “How would you like to write a song about all of us, this group who is organizing this party in this house, because we just dealt with the sea monster there, and I thought it might be nice songwriting material?” Katu: “Hmm, there are quite a few of you. It might cost you a bit.” Tally mulls. “I think I can get the others to chip in. Or, um… we can discuss prices.” Katu: “That sounds fair! I will probably not be getting onto this anytime tonight, but yeah, sure, I can write you a song about your heroic deeds.” Tally: “I’d be really happy to listen to more of your music. Or, tonight, or you know, just talk about it some more to see how interested you are?” Katu: “Oh, I would love to play you some of my music. Should we go into somewhere that’s a bit less infused with awful, awful human music?” Tally: “And a bit more private?” Katu: “Yes, that sounds good to me!” Anthony's Recruitment Drive Anthony approaches individual members of his party at the party. Specifically, Khamet first. Anthony: “Khamet! Khamet, Khamet. Khamet.” Khamet: “Yeah?” Anthony: “Um. So. ...There’s another reason for this house party. Like… we gotta go. And uh… I need you guys all on board for this.” Khamet: “Uh, okay. I noticed that Tenacity is here. Uh-” Anthony: “So. You know I’m not from here, and Tenacity is like… after the guy that brought me here, right?” Khamet: “Yes.” Anthony: “Yeaah. Uh… Like, he might go after Tyzol, and she might be in danger. So… we gotta stop him. We gotta protec!” Khamet: “Uh, I see. Um… Uh, does she want to help you protect Tyzol?”
Anthony is interrupted by a delivery guy! Five Guys ahoy! When he returns and continues to try to get everyone on board. Khamet: “Will Tenacity help?” Anthony: “Yeah, Tenacity will help out as well. But this guy’s dangerous, though. He’s like… immortal? Like… he exists throughout time? And basically, he could make Tyzol, not exist, not exist, entirely, and we’d have no memory, which is honestly the worst thing ever.” Khamet seems very affected by this. “Um… Could I talk to Tenacity; would you mind?” Anthony: “Yeah yeah, sure, go ahead.” Khamet: “Great.” Distressing Silver, Seductive GoldAfter a while, Amani tries to slip to a private part of the beach. They manage to find some rocks away from prying eyes. Meallan notices Amani slipping off down the beach, and sends Aytal to follow. Some ways down, Amani notices Aytal. Amani turns. “Shoo. Shoo! I don’t- Go away! I’ll pet you tomorrow, okay?” Aytal hides by climbing up into the rocks, but doesn’t actually go away. Amani is more alert, but doesn’t notice him any further. Eventually, they assume he’s disappeared. They walk a bit further up, but eventually settle somewhere. Meallan observes through Aytal’s eyes. (Meanwhile, Meallan seems to be on the beach looking out towards the ocean.)
Amani eventually feels content at a secluded piece of beach “Finally!” They sit down. Only Aytal (and by extension Meallan) see the following worth noting… Amani settles in a rocky encirclement looking out on the beach, content now that they weren't followed. They're silent for a long while, just staring out at nothing. Then at some point, they bring their hand with the ring in front of them, bring themself close to it, and start adjusting the ring in some way. A short while after they do this, their appearance changes. The silver filigree on them grows significantly (though still not all over), and while their eyes are not visible yet, they seem significantly at peace if not more so. They go to sleep not long afterwards.
Katu continues to play music for Tally. Tally pays Katu the 5 gold for the song commission. Eventually after a few songs, Tally asks… Tally: “So, I saw you were talking to my… not my pet humans, but my friendly humans at the tavern the other day?” “Mm-hmm?” Katu smiles. Tally: “Yeah! They’re both really interested. One of them is… intimate with a dragonborn? But the other one is also really interested in scales?” Katu: “Yeah, so I heard! He wasn’t interested in my scales, but that’s…” Tally: “Well! They both seem interested in scales, but. I don’t know. What’s the big deal with scales? Do you know?”
Katu: “See, this is coming from a very biased perspective, being as I am someone who has scales. Um, I think they’re just shiny. They’re just pretty to look at. Probably.” Tally: “Really? I’m interested! Clearly, if the humans like it so much, I mean, humans are so interesting in their tastes, if the humans like scaley girls so much, I think…” Katu: “You’d think the chaffing thing would put them off. But apparently it doesn’t.” Tally: “I mean… I’m willing to try what they’re having!” Katu: “...Are you… are you being forward with me?” Tally: “Euuuh… Not very well. But I’m thinking of it! I dunno, I’m not sure, since you were going after those strapping lads…” She sighs. Katu: “It’s just easier, I think. I don’t find you unattractive, Tally.” Cue some awkwardness as Tally’s being a bit shy but curious, and Katu is confused by some of Tally’s approach and what she’s asking. But they eventually work things out!
Time for AnswersKhamet approaches Tenacity. “Yeah… Can you tell me what’s going on?” Tenacity asks for Khamet’s name. Khamet: “Oh. Well, I’m Khamet. We met in a tavern, back in Ur Zaihar. Remember?” Tenacity: “We did. I just don’t think I got your name.” Khamet: “Oh. Well, my name is Khamet, and if I remember correctly, you’re Tenacity--” Tenacity: “Yes I am.”
Khamet: “And you were with that goblin, Tevineri.” Tenacity: “Ooh. Uh, Tev’s not a goblin, but--” Khamet: “But he’s green!” Tenacity: “He’s not green right now. But…yeah. He’s not a goblin. I think he told you when I was there that he’s an eladrin?” Khamet: “Nnnn… no…?” Tenacity: “How could he possibly be a goblin? Goblins are so small! With big ears!” Khamet: “Yeah, but goblins are also green!” Tenacity: “So are some dragonborn, and uh... some other creatures you probably haven’t met!” Khamet: “Yeah, but dragonborn look like lizards!” Tenacity: “...And goblins look like not like elves. They don’t!” Khamet: “No! They look like tiny green elves!”
Tenacity: “Okay, let’s come back to this one. You wanted me to tell you what’s going on. In what respect?” Khamet: “Okay. So, you’ve got Anthony (“Yeah.”), you are pursuing Anthony (“No?”), there is an all-powerful guy (“Yeah...”)... I want to know how these puzzle pieces fit together.” Tenacity: “So, um, I’m really glad Anthony’s talked to his friends finally, because he said he would days ago. So! What happened… Maybe we should go somewhere…” She takes him out of the room. “So, I am from… somewhere, that takes great interest in uuuh...people who do criminal stuff with the timeline! And-” Khamet: “Yeah, the Extratemporal Bureau, yeah, I get that.”
Tenacity: “Oh! Extratemporal Bureau. That’s great that you know what it’s called. But yeah! I am here on my first real assignment, that’s gonna be how I’m gonna prove that I’m cool enough to get my timekeeper’s license. Anthony here was sent to here by this…” Sigh. “He calls him a wizard, he’s not exactly a wizard. Yeah. I lost track of what I was saying. What was your specific question? I’m sorry, I’m nervous when I talk about this stuff…” Khamet: “Oh, it’s fine. It seems like you’re part of a law enforcement organization?” Tenacity: “Kind of? Yeah.... I keep saying stuff I shouldn’t say on that…” Sigh.
Khamet: “Well. I mean… This guy, he’s messing with the timeline…” Tenacity: “Yeah, he’s a real jerk.” Khamet: “How is he doing that?” Tenacity: “...Magic. How does any magic work? I mean, his is particularly annoying and rare. Um... (“I see.”) Which is why it’s so hard to deal with him.” Khamet: “Yeah. Anthony wants to protect Tyzol. Will you and your, uh… h-he’s much too old, I figure he’s too old to be your sibling? Your… supervisor? Boss? The not-goblin?” Tenacity: “The eladrin? Yes, he’s my supervisor, kind of. Yeah. I mean… Kind of going behind his back a little bit here? So let’s not talk to him. But yes, that is our relation.” Khamet: “Okay. Got it. Your secret is safe with me. But you seem nervous. Do you want like a drink to calm down, or, like, uh…?”
Tenacity: “I’ve been drinking, it’s fine!” Khamet: “You’ve been drinking?” Tenacity: “I mean, everyone’s drinking here. I didn’t know I wasn’t meant to. Was I not meant to, until you told me to? I didn’t know it was a thing! Ohh!”
Khamet: “No no no no no! No no no no no! It’s just that, uh… I mean, Everyone’s free to drink and everything, you just seemed really anxious, and I’m sure this is big for you, and it’s big for a lot of people involved, um, like uh, Anthony told me that you know, this person can wipe people out of existence, and (“Yeah…”), essentially, I don’t want that to happen, uh, he said something about being deported?” Tenacity: “...That, yeah. Don’t listen to the weird things he’s said, a lot of it’s not relevant to what we’re doing right now. I think I know what he meant by ‘deport’, send him back to his… admittedly really boring homeland? Uh… Yeah, this guy can technically wipe people out of existence…Yes, technically he can wipe people out of existence. But I’m not too worried about it.”
Khamet: “Take care of yourself, I guess? Sorry I set the dragonborn on you; my bad. Bye; I’ll figure something out.” She wasn’t bothered by the dragonborn, just not her type. She will be in touch anyway.
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Post by Gelquie on Jan 1, 2020 18:19:12 GMT -5
And it's 2020 here! Session 20 for 2020! Session 20 Part 2 Round Up Those Who Don’t Like ExecutionThe sun rises over the next morning. A few people crashed at the party, literally all over. Gale is half-curled, Sky’s in a corner, the scrollery dude is upside-down on the couch, a drapery is askew, and Katu has claimed a bedroom. There’s trash all over. Meallan ended up sleeping on the beach. Anthony is hung over, a little rough around the edges, and had a great time last night.
Meallan returns to find the others, with a thought in mind. First, he finds Tally. Meallan: “Tally?” Tally: “Mm-hmm?” Meallan: “I had a thought last night, about… Lyrelle mentioned the bandits that were coming… Some of them were coming here, and… If one of them was Vaan, or perhaps any of them, do you think it would be a good thing to ask Lyrelle to… at least save them from execution. Because… Well, you know what I did with Volan. I kept thinking that maybe, it would be… not so good if both brothers died, but I was wondering if Vaan could be saved somehow. Do you think that’s a good idea?” Tally: “...Sure, go ahead?”
Meallan’s ears perk up. “Would you like to come with me and try to persuade Lyrelle? I think you’re someone who… has a lot of help, and I think you would help a lot.” Tally had kinda lost track of what he was saying. “...The bandits? Are they here?” Meallan: “They might be. Well, at least they’re coming here. I wanted to see if I could spare at least some of them from execution. I think it might be a good thing to do, I don’t know if… Do you agree, or…?” Tally: “Uhh… I mean, I doubt we have a role in the local legal system, but if you want to go tell the lord not to murder people, that would be nice?” Meallan: “Would you like to come with me?” Tally: “Uh… I have other things to tell him. Sure.”
Meallan: “Alright. And… I know that Amani probably wouldn’t be good to get involved in this, but I don’t know about the others. Khamet, perhaps? He seems very into… saving people, I suppose? He helped save Crezonis?” Tally: “Uh… round up all those among us who don’t like execution, and that’s good, right?” Meallan: “Well, except Amani, I know what their opinion on bandits is, I don’t think they would very much enjoy this.” Tally: “Uh… I don’t know why you’re doing this, but I’ve got other things to tell Lyrelle anyway, so if you’d feel better if I go, then yeah, let’s go.”
Meallan: “I just think it’d be a good thing to do. I don’t know if you think so. But since I’m trying to do good, it… might be good to save one of the brothers from execution at least, since Volan’s dead.” Tally: “I can’t tell you if that’s good or not. I really can’t. I don’t know though.” Meallan seems hesitant now. “I… I guess I can try, at least.” Tally: “What would you do with them instead? Think of that before you meet with the lord.” Meallan: “I don’t know. I guess it depends on what they’ve done, and whether they want to change. Like Crezonis did. Just… Just want to see if things can… If someone like that can find redemption.” Tally: “Well, we can ask the lord what the options are and see if there’s an option that would be, uh… less harsh on them.” Meallan: “I think that’d be good. I just think it’d be a shame. I already caused Volan’s death, you know that. I don’t know if I want to be responsible for murdering his brother, indirectly.” Tally: “Well, you have been thinking.” Meallan: “I’ve been thinking a lot. I’ve been thinking a lot since I told you everything, all of you. You all forced me to confront that, and I do think that might be a good thing.” Tally: “I don’t know how the meeting with the lord is going to go. Just, uh, keep thinking that way. Let’s go to Lyrelle’s!”
Meallan asks the others if they want to go. Anthony: “Yeah, sure!” Though he’s feeling rough. “This is a great rager!” Meallan hesitantly and awkwardly approaches Khamet if he wants to go. Khamet is suspicious. But they all end up agreeing to go. They waffle for a while on whether or not they want to tell Amani. Meallan: “I know Inima doesn’t like bandits much, and I understand why. But do you think it’s worth asking them?” Tally: “I mean, if you can find Inima anywhere, you can ask them.” Meallan: “That’s… Hm. …Can we find Inima?”
They waffle about this silently for a long time. Eventually, Meallan decides fine, they’ll find ‘Inima’. Meallan sends Aytal after them, and Inima appears, having followed the same path as last night. Eventually, they see Amani wandering back, looking peaceful as ever, if not more so. The filigree has grown, and their eyes now have a dark-grey colored dark sclera.
Meallan’s taken aback. “You look… different.” Amani: “Do you like it?” Tally: “Did you get a new haircut?” Amani: “No, but I should!” Party: “...” Amani: “What else do you see? I haven’t had a chance to look at myself yet!”
Meallan: “... ...Listen. I was thinking of going to the lords to petition them about something. The rest of the party are coming. Would you like to come?” Amani: *Serene.* “What’s it about?” Meallan: “The bandits.” Amani: “What about them?” Meallan: “I… Don’t want them to be executed.” Amani: “Okay.” Meallan: “Enough of them- ...You-you’re fine with this?!” Amani: “I don’t care. You can petition them if you want.” “...Alright…” Meallan is suspicious, but secretly glad that Amani isn’t arguing about this. “Okay!” Amani returns to staring at the ocean.
And then they all set out. Amani… sorta still tries to be stealthy? But they do a poor job anyway. They get more double-takes from others. But that’s about it. Amani is unconcerned. MercyThe guards are outside the front gate of Lyrelle’s, and ask what they want. Meallan: “I want to speak with Lyrelle about the bandits that they are going to bring back.” Guard: “He’s a little busy right now. I can take you to Cai’a Merethi, if you’d like? He should be around somewhere.” Meallan: “With all due respect, I would like to speak with someone high-up who can actually influence this decision regarding what to do with these people.” Guard: “I mean, I would think he’s quite high up? If you can’t talk to Lyrelle, this is the next best person to talk to.” Meallan: “Please. We do have a working relationship with Lyrelle already, we have met him before. So I would think it would be most advantageous if we go to him.” Guard: “Oh yeah, you’re those adventurers. We know who you are, you just… can’t just go in there.” Meallan manages to persuade the guards with time. Guard: “Yeah, we’re going to take you to Merethi anyway, but we think he can take you to Lyrelle if it’s really so urgent.” Meallan agrees, and they’re let inside.
Merethi is a sea elf. He asks what business they’re here for. Meallan: “It’s regarding the bandits. We got a reward for them yesterday, and some of them were apparently being transferred to Cai Shaan. And I was wondering, do you know which ones they are yet?” Merethi: “They came in this morning. I believe Cai Lyrelle would know their names.” Meallan: “May we speak to Lyrelle, please, just so that we know who it is that has been brought in?” Merethi looks around. “Is it just the five of you today?” Meallan: “Yes. One of our companions is… he’s not well. And he has also been put on cleaning duty of our house last night.” Anthony: “He lost the chugging contest.” Merethi: “What about the genasi?” Meallan: “Oh, we tried to find them, but we weren’t sure where they went.” Merethi: “Ah.”
Merethi leads them up the staircase to Lyrelle. There sits Lyrelle, Rynn, and a priest of the Everqueen. They’re arranged around a table, and they look up as the party enters.
Meallan: “I apologize for interrupting. But I was thinking about what you said last night with the bandits you’re bringing back to Cai Shaan, and it… Well, at least one of them I know for a fact has already… That family has already lost one of their children. I think it would be a shame for them to lose another. Their name is Vaan.” Priest: “Yes, Rasylvaan was among the three we brought back here.” Meallan: “Who were the other two?” Priest: “Solaemis and Ovinrei.” “Ovinrei.” Meallan looks to Khamet at this.
Rynn, Lyrelle’s teenage child, flicks back a strand of pink hair. “Yeah, did you have questions? Do you know these people?” Meallan: “We do. Well, I met them. Well, Vaan in particular, I… spoke to him… I know for a fact that his brother is dead, and… I was hoping that perhaps that… I know that they have done terrible things, but I was still hoping… Many of my comrades think that no one is unworthy of redemption, and we were hoping we could at least get their execution commuted to something else if that is alright.” Lyrelle: “With all due respect, Meallan, who said anything about execution?” Meallan: “...I assumed that is how you do things. That is… entirely my fault.” Lyrelle: “Typically, yes, but we’re still making this decision.” Meallan: “Oh. ...If you could… Not execute them.” Anthony: “There are far worse punishments than death. You guys ever heard of a song called ‘Baby Shark’?” Lyrelle: “No? Baby sharks are not very threatening.” Anthony: “Ohhhh, this one is!” Meallan: “I do not… Anthony, we’re trying to make their sentence better, not worse.” Anthony: “Awww! Well, maybe they’ll still be alive, and then they’ll think twice about committing crime if they listen to THIS!” And then he plays Baby Shark.
Meallan facepalms. Rynn: “What was that?! That was awful!!” Aytal tries to steal the phone. Anthony: “No!!” Anthony tries to stop it, but Aytal manages to take the phone and scuttle off with the phone. Anthony freaks out!! Anthony: “Gimmebackmyphone!! GimmebackmyPHONE!!” Priest (over Anthony): “Why do you care about these people?” Aytal gives the phone back to Anthony. Meallan looks apologetic. “Can we please not play that song?” Anthony: “Don’t steal my phone, man, I don’t want you reading my cringey poetry about Tyzol!” Meallan: “I do not want to do that even if I could.” Lyrelle: “Look, do you want me to throw you out?” Meallan: “No, please, if you could, listen-”
Lyrelle: “Then you should probably answer her question. Why do you care about these people?” Meallan: “Because I… know that Vaan’s brother is dead, and I feel like it would be a shame if the other brother died. And as for the others, well, my party have helped them, they seem to have an attachment to them, and they care about them. And I don’t…” Lyrelle sighs. “I’ll consider it, Meallan. But you have to consider that because of these people, lots of other people have lost siblings.” Meallan: “I know. I just know that those who have done bad must be redeemed. We did that with Meallan: Crezonis… At least, we tried.” Lyrelle: “I would hardly call him redeemed from what he told us.” Meallan: “We tried.”
Anthony: “An eye for an eye makes us all blind.” Meallan: “Hey, you said some wise words!” Lyrelle: “You’d still have one eye left, we wouldn’t be blind.” Meallan: “Is there anything we could do to make you definitely…”
Lyrelle looks at the priest and Rynn. Then back to the party. “Maybe if one of you could stay here and help us decide, since you were so pointedly involved with…” Meallan: “I do not think I should be the one deciding.” He looks to Tally and Khamet. “They are better people than I am.” Khamet decides to stay. Meallan gives a quick ‘Thank you.’
Tally waves at the Cai’a; the advisors. “Hey, are any of you important people still available for another question?” Lyrelle: “Is the question related to the present topic?” Tally: “Absolutely not.” Lyrelle: “Okay, it’s not like we’re going anywhere. What’s your question?” Tally says that she only wants to ask after the rest of the party have gone. But she describes a little further. Tally: “Well, I was going to ask you, um, you see, there’s something… ah… so… you can see what I am, right?” Lyrelle: “Of course.”
Tally: “Yeah. I mean, you’ve been polite enough to not mention it, which I guess is kinda nice. You see, I’ve been going in and out of Ur Zaihar, but there’s a bit of an understanding with the lords of Ur to avoid diplomatic incidents, and the lords of Ur are rather good with me moving in and out of the city, and I was going to ask you, considering your city’s security and the people’ mindsets, if it would be advisable... to also allow me to come and go. But ah, you know, you just mentioned your position on redemption of the bandits, I mean, is there still any point in asking?” She laughs nervously. Lyrelle: “In asking what?”
Tally: “You know, if you’d be opposed to a surface drow walking in and out of your city occasionally.” Lyrelle: “I don’t have an issue with that, no. We used to have a drow living here for a while. ...Look, would you like to come back this evening? If you’re clearly uncomfortable with so many people around, I can speak with you in more depth.” Tally: “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d be so open after I heard what you said about the others. Yeah, I’d be thankful if we could talk about this later, yeah.” Tally makes an appointment to talk to Lyrelle in the evening. For now, she’s given a temporary wooden pass, to get into the city and the city hall easier. Not as shiny as her diplomat one, but she has it!! Yay!! She briefly holds it above her head for a moment. A Very Handy BookshopAnthony continues to convince more people that “We gotta go back to Deyn!!” Amani: “Okay, we can go to Deyn. Why not.” Meallan: “Of course we can go to Deyn, I’d be glad to, but there’s still so much we need here, we’ve hardly explored any of this!” Amani: “What do we need to do here?” Tally: “I just need to talk again to the kid who’s not my kid, and write a letter to my bae, and then we can go to Deyn.” Meallan: “I’d like to buy some ink to transcribe one of these spells, and then see if I can get some books.” Amani: “Okay?”
Amani just follows Meallan and helps him get to the right shops as fast as possible, and also help with haggling. Anthony comes along to try to convince him further. Tally goes to see Arim, though at some point she gets sidetracked by a bookstore.
Meallan needs 100gp worth of components. With Amani’s help and skill with haggling, Meallan haggles it down to 85gp. Meallan has… 55 gp. Meallan: “...Anthony, you know that favor you owe me?” Anthony: “Ahhh, I was worried about that! ...Fine, yup.” Meallan: “I could’ve asked you for so much worse.” Anthony: “Yeah, sure, I’ll spot you.” Meallan has no more money, but has acquired Comprehend Languages and Speak with Animals. Meallan: “It’ll help with Tyzol and getting her messages.” Anthony: “Works for me! That’s all you had to say.” Meallan: “I didn’t even have to call in that favor…” Anthony laughs. Meallan: “Too late now.”
And then… They go to the Book Shop!! In a city, there’s more than one book shop. Shock! They go to the first one Amani sees. It’s a cute little shop, and the bell jingles as they enter. There’s a room full of books attached to another room full of books to the left, and there’s a smiley human at the counter.
Human Cashier: “Hello!! Welcome!!” Meallan (in high elf disguise): “H-hello.” Human Cashier: “Can I help you find anything in particular?” Meallan: “Uh, we’ll just have a look for now.”
Amani grabs a completely random book. Meallan looks for magic books; specifically books that teach him spells or books about magic items. Anthony just peruses the selection.
Amani grabbed a book on… Sheep farming. Amani puts it back before Thorn can finish the description.
The bookstore is unlikely to hold books on how to do spells, but there are books about the different schools of magic and books about magic items, but nothing about how to make them. He also finds a book on… the forbidden love between a tiefling and an aasimar. There’s lots of shirtlessness. He starts reading it, then realizes what he’s reading and puts it back. Amani: “What did you find?” Meallan: “Uh… You should be careful with some of these books. They are rather… embarrassing.” Amani: “Oh that’s okay. Nothing can disturb my peace.” Anthony: “Uh, ah ha, yeah!!” He’s reading a book called The Lusty Dragonborn Maid.
Amani eventually looks at the books Meallan’s looking at, not looking at anything in particular. Then something occurs to them… and they start looking for books on the foreign archfey, Vystris. Amani: “Do you have any books on archfey?” Human Cashier: “On archfey? A few.” Amani: “Okay, where are they?” She directs them to a little corner with a little shelf. Amani: “Uggh, it’s too little. But thank you! I’ll look.” Human Cashier: “We do also have, you know, we have forbidden archfey romance as well! That’s a different section. That’s where our romance is.” Amani: “Whaa? Uh--nevermind.” They look through the shelves. Meallan’s ears perk up, and Meallan and Tally sneaks right into that section!! Meallan starts looking for archfey-mortal romance.
Amani sees the name Vystris pop up in one book, but it’s in passing. It mentions his element, however, which is air dynamics. Amani takes out a piece of paper and writes this down. They then go to look up one more thing… Privately.
Tally (who happened to arrive at the same bookshop) searches for books on how to get out of a contract with an archfey, how to break up from a bad relationship, and how to communicate secrets better. Varied books generally talk about breaking a contract with an archfey, but they imply it’s not easy. Nothing really self-help, though. So she looks for guidance on mortals and how to get out of a toxic relationship, and their signs. She finds a leaflet on it, and then she jumps like a basketball player and wordlessly dunks it into Meallan’s face.
Meallan: “Uh, yes? This… Uh, Tally, Tally, you’re going to give my eyes a papercut, what are you doing?” Tally: “Giving you this. With emphasis.” “Uhh… Thank you…?” Meallan looks through it. “I’m not sure why? But thank you?” He’s meanwhile awkwardly hiding a cute archfey-mortal romance book he’s looking at.
Anthony looks over his book. “Uhhhhh… Uh, yeah, yeah, this seems like an interesting technique over on page 69!” He’s taking in all the pointer. Amani, meanwhile, is paying pure attention to their own research, partially for their own interests and partially to completely ignore all the smut conversations. Tally is sorta disappointed in the books, but then she has the brilliant realization that maybe one day she can write one of them!!
Meallan wants to buy his cute romance, which costs 3 gold… Which Meallan doesn’t have. =< *Sad violin.* Human Cashier: “You don’t have 3 gold? You poor creature!” Amani: “He just spent it all on spells.” Human Cashier: “Ohh! He’s a wizard, is he?” Meallan: “I spent it mostly on transcribing spells.” Human Cashier: “Still. That’s pretty cool. I was never much good at magic.” Meallan: “I… thought I wasn’t, until I… picked some up.” Amani: “It’s not too late.” Human Cashier: “Oh, don’t get me wrong! I don’t wanna do the weird things those people do, and the weird clothes they have to wear, I’m not into that, but I still (admire?) people who are good at it.” Amani: “Weird things that we do?” Meallan: “Weird… clothes…?” Human Cashier: “The Institute of the Third Eye. I assumed you were from there, but if you’re not, that’s…” Meallan: “Oh, no. I’m a traveler.” Human Cashier: “That would make sense, with your acting.”
Amani: “...What do you have against magic?” Human Cashier: “I have nothing against magic, it’s just not something I want to do!” “Why not? Who wouldn’t want to do with magic?” Human Cashier: “People who like to run bookstores, and not invite evil dark forces to try to take advantage of their magic? I don’t know! Why are you giving me a hard time about this?” “I-I just… don’t… get it!” They walk off. Human Cashier: “Cool. Bye!” Meallan sadly puts his book back on the shelf.
Anthony decides not to buy the book because he doesn’t know how Tyzol would feel about him buying dragonborn smut even though it would give him… bardic inspiration. Tally buys the book on getting out of a bad relationship, for 5 gold. How to Meet a DrowTally goes to find Arim, around where he was last time. Tally also hopes to meet the dad. She has an easy time of it, as Arim is fairly distinctive. He’s carrying some boxes. Right now, he’s staring at the water with a few friends, and not actually doing his alleged job.
Tally: “Hey! Arim! You busy?” Arim: “Oh, not very; hi Tally!” Tally: “Hi! I’m alive.” Arim: “I’m so glad. I did hear that you guys came back, and you were all good and no one died, and that was awesome.” Tally: “Oh, the squid monster died, but yeah, we’re okay.” Arim: “Oh, we don’t care about the squid monster!” Tally: “Okay. Uh, I would like to continue our talk from before, or… I’d also be interested in meeting your father and exchanging information if that’s a thing if that’s a thing that you think-” Arim: “Oh, yeah yeah yeah! Yeah. He should probably know if I’m gonna go with you to… do the stuff that I’m not going to talk about in front of these people because I shouldn’t! But yeah! Yeah.” Tally: “Well, I kinda forgot what I told you already anyway, so…” Arim: “That’s okay! Maybe if we go somewhere, I can remind you what you told me?” Tally: “Okay! Uh, yeah, whenever your dad is available, I mean, I’m available for you anyway, so you can set up an appointment if you’d like.” Arim: “Aww, thanks! I don’t imagine he’s terribly, horribly busy. We can go talk to him now if you’d like? Or late is fine too. I’m not busy right now, maybe tomorrow, but not right now.” Tally: “Yeah, we can do it now!” Arim: “Yeah, okay! Let’s go!” Arim says goodbye to his friends and goes with Tally to meet his dad.
Arim takes Tally to a little house and knocks on the door. It’s opened by a wood elf, with one brown eye and one gold eye. Arim-Dad: “You must be Tally.” Tally: “Oh, yeah, I am! Arim mentioned me. Um, hi! You must be, uh…” Arim: “Oh yeah! I didn’t give a name. Uh…” The wood elf introduces himself as Asmiros. Tally: “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Asmiros?” Asmiros: “Did you want to come inside?” Tally: “Uhh, yes please! I mean, if you’re available right now, yeah?” They go in with Arim trotting after. Arim: “Yeah, this is where I live! It’s pretty cool! You can see the sea out one of the windows if you can crane your neck! Pretty cool! Pre-tty cool! Yeah!” Tally: “Ah yeah, makes me happy to have a house by the sea too, yeah.” Arim rocks on his heels.
Asmiros asks why Tally is here. Tally: “I was wondering, ah, so… Let’s just get right into it. Arim mentioned his mother…” Asmiros: “Savorai, yes.” Tally: “Yeah, and I had no idea that might’ve been a drow in Cai Shaan at some point?” Asmiros “...There was, but not for some time.” Tally: “Ahh…” Asmiros: “Did you know her? Is that why you’re here?” Tally: “I’ve been trying to see if a name rings any bells, see if I could’ve met her before or after.. It doesn’t, but maybe you would’ve known something else? Maybe she would’ve had another name at some point, or had another identity, or maybe you would know anything about her background that would maybe help me figure out her situation?” Asmiros: “She didn’t like talking about her background much, I’m sure you understand.” Tally: “Yeah, I do.” Asmiros: “No, I’m sorry, I can’t help you.” Tally: “Nothing at all?”
Asmiros: “I mean, if your… distinguishing features or something? I know she came from the Underdark, at some stage?” Tally: “Do you know how many years ago?” Asmiros: “It would’ve been… at least… 50 years ago. It wasn’t specific. It wasn't something she liked to talk about.” Tally: “I get that. 50 years ago… And then… Can I ask what happened to her after?” Arim had previously mentioned that they don’t know. They had access to some shipping manifests and couldn’t find her. Asmiros assumed she used a different name, if she left and didn’t just get killed. Tally: “Yeah… Well, um… there’s a place. I don’t know if I should tell you yet, because it’s really up to them, but there’s a place where if Arim is interested, he could learn quite a bit more? Sounds a bit creepy when I put it that way. There’s more, cool nice surface drow, the ones who are not creepy. We’ve got a place. It’s slightly outside Ur territory though, near there, where they have all the trees, and it would take several days of travel, which is why I have to tell you, Mr. Asmiros.”
Asmiros: “Yes. Um. I wouldn’t feel overly comfortable sending Arim out on his own with you. Would only be beneficial for him to meet more drow…” Tally: “Yeah, I’m not sure how beneficial it would be for him either, unless it was just to sate his curiosity. I mean, he does have a right to learn more about them, but it’s… well-” Arim: “I don’t know very much at all! I could learn, uh, if everyone has the same colored eyes, or if they know good places to get mushrooms, or how to cook more mushrooms, um, it would just be cool!”
Tally: “Um. I’d have to write to them first to make sure it’s okay, but… Agh, come on, I think they’d be okay with you visiting, really, and if they’re not, I’ll just be a bit pushier about it, because they’ve got to get the stake out of their… y’know. If at any point later on, you need to communicate, you can always write to me through the Lords of Ur. They know how to forward it.” Arim: “That’s so much further though!!” Tally: “Uhh, sorry, we didn’t pop out closer to the sea. We popped out near there.” Arim: “Yeah, I mean, that’s fine. But it would be so much easier if it was just… my lord would tell you stuff? The Lords of Ur are a bit scary. But-”
Tally: “Okay, well, my other plan is to ask those other drow to get those stakes out of their you-know-where’s, and to maybe come here by the sea? And get some vacation time? And I absolutely can’t guarantee that any of them would accept, but if they do, you could get more of them here, and you could visit them right in the house that Lyrelle offered my party.”
Asmiros voices that he’s more confident with this plan. He doesn’t particularly want Arim to go off alone with Tally, and the drow will probably not be okay with a wood elf traveling with the drow to visit. Tally: “Well, there’s only one way to find out, and it takes mail…” Asmiros: “Oh, yeah.” Tally: “And the other plan is just safer.” And she’s kinda bummed at not finding more info about Savorai. So the plan is Tally will send some more letters, and will hopefully get some of the drow to come to Cai Shaan.
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Post by Thorn on Jan 2, 2020 0:08:29 GMT -5
Session 21 was a wild ride, guys. A couple low-context highlights in advance of the actual recap...and of session 22 in just a few days now! (thanks for the massive amount of time you've put into recapping these past few, Gelquie! <3) In which the party try to secure a family discount:Anthony: “Can we get one of those family tickets for cheap? And we can pretend Basil’s our kid!” Basil: “Hmmmmm…” Sigh. “Well, I am all for penny-pinching.” Khamet: “Okay, Basil, um… well, whose son are you? Who do you want to be your parent, Basil?” Basil: “Don’t make me choose!!”
***
Amani: “Well, I can’t adopt him! I’m 21.” Meallan: “I do not think it’s a good idea for me to ‘adopt’ Basil.” Basil: “I’m 32…” Amani: “You’re older than me?? Oh right, halfling.” “Yes. Halfling…”
“O-okay! Well, I have to be older than Anthony, right??” Anthony: “I’m 32…”
(Basil: “Twins!”)
Anthony meets the runesmith (and is as out-of-place as ever): Falvarion the runesmith: “You’re planning to whack this evil wizard you’re yammering on about with a... what even is that, a bit of metal?” Anthony: “It’s a tire iron! It’s for um, it’s for changing the tires of-” “That’s a made up- That’s all made up words.” “I’m a mechanic! It’s my job to use this. I’m a professional! I know what I’m doing-” “You’re just making up words. I’m a professional, I know what I’m doing with these runes-” “No, no, honest!”
Anthony pulls out his wallet, showing his local Jiffy Lube employee ID card.
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Post by Gelquie on Jan 2, 2020 21:03:04 GMT -5
Session 21:
Part 1 Embarrassed in PublicIt’s early afternoon. The skies are clear, except for a few puffy clouds near the horizon, which might be an issue for Tally. Tally had just finished speaking with Arim and Asmiros. Meallan, Anthony, and Amani were at the book shop, the former two looking at smut. Khamet was last seen an hour-ish ago, when he opted to meet with Lyrelle about the bandits. Basil… cleaned up the house after the house party.
Khamet, after he’s done, walks through the streets with Hatar. He goes to a specific public garden to ask a specific favor. He asks that a magically-small sycamore tree be planted in Solaemis’s name.
Tally needs to buy pretty seaside souvenirs for two special ladies! She looks for artsy shops near the port, and finds a little shop with seashells on either side of the sign. She goes in, and around the walls, there’s ‘artwork’ of seashells arranged into different imagery. She can also purchase behind the counter, pretty shell jewelry or individual shells. She buys a shiny seashell hair comb for 2gp! This one’s for Yzzy. For Ivellios, she looks for something more painted, or a carving. She finds a large shell with nice carvings in it; wave patterns, flower patterns, etc. She buys one for 3gp. (She tries haggling, and one half-hearted haggling between them later, she buys it as is.)
Basil, in-between tidying up the house, ends up picking the pockets of the passed-out party guests! He gets 40gp and a malachite gemstone worth 10gp. Woo! Then he waits for the party to return.
Anthony, Amani, and Meallan are together figuring out a plan. Amani had previously stormed off from the rude bookkeeper who was talking smack about magic, but now they’re over it.
Meallan: “Let’s go, they clearly do not understand.” Amani: “Right. ...Where are we going now? Weren’t we supposed to meet with Basil at some point?” Meallan: “We were, yes. I was going to try and find the goat for him earlier.” Amani: “Oh right! Have you talked to him about it?” Meallan: “I asked him if he wanted it and he said yes.” Amani: “Hm. I guess we could find that, if nothing else to do.” Meallan: “Yes. And, well, I could test out my new spell.” Amani: “New spell? Which one?” Meallan: “I bought a few spells. One to understand all languages and one for me to be able to understand animals and for them to understand me. I can do it already, but-” Amani: “Oh. Nice!” Meallan: “I would like to try it out and see if my interpretation of the goat’s intentions were correct.” Amani: “Alright. Um. Where are we gonna find the goat?” Meallan: “I was thinking of meeting Basil first and then introducing him.” Amani: “Alright.”
It was days ago since Meallan met the goat, and closer to the entrance. He wants to go there and look around. But first, it’s time to go back and collect Basil.
Anthony: “Yeah, we’ll go back with Basil, absolutely!” Meallan: “And I was also thinking. Since you’re so worried about Tyzol, Anthony (“Yeah.”), perhaps we could send her a quicker message? We could ask- there’s a great school of wizards here. They may be able to send her a message via magic. It could be worth it to ask? I did want to go there anyway for other reasons.” Anthony: “Yeah. They might also have other stuff to check out. They could have some things to help us out! Since, this guy is a wizard. They would know how to fight other wizards.” Meallan: “And it might be a good place for magic as well, Amani, since the shopkeeper was so dismissive of it. Amani: “Yeaah, I’m not going.” Meallan: “Oh! I would’ve thought-” Amani: “No!” Meallan: “Is this-” Amani: “I’m done with schools! I’m done! I’m done.”
Amani: “I’m just… while you’re there, figuring out… It’s a good idea to send a message to Tyzol. I’m just gonna… um... do… something else…” Meallan (Sylvan): “Is this to do with… whatever troubles you’ve got in the city?” Amani just turns away. Meallan (Sylvan): “I will take that as a yes.” Amani inwardly curses themself, but keeps walking.
Amani… is actually doing pretty well at not drawing the wrong kind of attention this time, makin’ their way uptown, walking stealth, super secret! ...Well, except…
Voice from behind: “I’m not going to pry, but you should really speak to Naila.” Amani stops dead in their tracks. It’s the same tall guard half-elf from the other day, over 6 feet tall with freckles, just looking on.
Amani (deeper voice): “... ...Who are you?” ?: “...I know it’s you.” (Amani sighs...) “I think your new look’s really cool by the way. But yeah, you should speak to her. She has something for you.” Amani groans. “I… I… But…” Meallan tries to step between the elf and Amani, hovering between them. Amani (pained): “No. It’s okay… He caught me… There’s no going back now…”
Meallan turns to the elf. “Who are you? What do you have in connection to them?” ?: “I don’t think it’s my place to say the second part anyway. My name’s Istarial. I live here. I’m not going to pry, I just want to let them know that she was looking for them.” Amani sighs. “Um… It’s not that I don’t want to see her, I just… I don’t know if I can, I mean… um…” Istarial: “Why not?” Amani: “I… I can’t say. Um… I am glad to see you again, I really am…” Istarial smiles. Amani: “And I… I’m glad to know… I’m glad to know my mom’s okay. I wanted to check on her.” Istarial: “She’s fine. I’m sure you understand that she’s worried about you. She hasn’t heard from you in so long.” Amani: “...Oh. Oh crap… Uhn. I… I…” Amani just kinda puts their face in their palm.
Meallan looks between Amani and Istarial, trying to determine if there’s a genetic connection between them. They’re a foot taller than Amani, and much older, but y’know, maybe?? Same nose?? All elves and humans seem to have the same weird nose?? Um… they’re both half elves??
Amani is completely at a loss. Meallan puts a hand on their shoulder.
Anthony is perplexed. “Uhhhh… Oh. You lived here?” Amani: “Uh, yeah. I… I actually moved here when I was a young teen.” Meallan: “And what made you leave?” Amani: “I, uh… ...Let’s just say I moved here with my mom when I was younger.” Meallan: “And your father?” Amani: “I don’t have a father.”
Istarial: “I’ll leave you to it.” Amani: “Wait! Where can I find you?” Istarial: “Um. Did you want to arrange to catch up. I mean, that would be nice.” Amani: “Um. Eh heh, um… Are you gonna be at your post, or…?” He shrugs. “Depends on what time?” He gives some times, and Amani picks one to meet with him later. Aytal scurries off Meallan’s shoulders and goes after Istarial.
Meallan: “You don’t have a father?” Amani: “No, I have a Ren.” ((Ren is a short word for a non-binary parent.)) Meallan: “I see. What made you leave Cai Shaan?” Amani: “Uh. I just wanted… to do… something else.” Meallan: “There was nothing that made you leave?” Amani: “Uh… I made myself leave?” Meallan: “I meant as in… trouble, that you got into, or…?” Amani: “No. ...I mean, it was more to get myself out of trouble I was already in, but… I mean, it’s not that kind of trouble.” Meallan: “Do you want to tell us about it?” Amani: “No. ...Basically, I was living a life that I didn’t really want to live. And now I don’t.” Meallan: “Well. I certainly understand that, but I guess that yours was much less… ...You know what I mean.” Amani: “Yeah, I know what you mean. Uh, no, it’s nothing like that.” Amani thinks. “I… I should talk to her, I just don’t know what to say.” Meallan: “Do you have a… good relationship with your mother, or…?” Amani: “Yeah. She’s done nothing but help me. It’s just she couldn’t… help with this… and…” They sound a lot more nervous. “In this case she might lead me into a lot more trouble! Without… knowing she is.” Meallan: “What can we help you with? Whatever it is?” Amani: “Uh… I don’t know yet. All I can think of is that I may need help writing a letter.”
Meallan looks to Anthony. “You’re good at writing letters.” Anthony: “Yeaah!...” Amani: “Although… Although if Istarial’s already seen me, he’ll probably tell her!” Meallan: “Who is he?” Amani: “Just a friend, actually. There aren’t a lot of half-elves around here, and… My mom thought it’d be good if I met some half-elves. So I got to know them through that.” Meallan: “Hmm. I see. Well… Is this connected to the reason you’re not going to the wizard school, or is it just because you’re done with school? Is there someone there you want to avoid?” Amani: “Uhh… I am done with school!!” Meallan: “Is there someone there I should look out for?” Amani: “Uhh… no!” Amani seems like they’re telling the truth here…??
Amani: “I… I need to think about this.” Meallan: “If you want any help, you can ask us.” Amani: “I don’t think you can help me. I just-” “Amani, we don’t even know what’s going on, how can you-?” Amani: “I can’t tell you what’s going on! Because… then you might do the same thing.” Meallan sighs. “I’m not leaving you.” Amani: “No, that’s not my concern.” Meallan: “Then what is it?” Amani: “I just… If they… ...If they. Find out. About a thing. That. Happened. While I was out. They might try to do something. That would take something. Valuable. Away from me. Under the guise of… helping me. And it would be. Terrible. If that happened.” Meallan can relate. “...I understand. ...Let’s talk about this in private sometime.” Amani: “Alright. I mean. There’s nothing more to say besides what I just said.” Meallan: “There’s everything to say. You haven’t told us the whole truth, and it’s not sitting righ-” Amani: “I’m not going to tell you the whole truth. I’m sorry.” Meallan: “Alright. ...Let’s go.” Amani: “Okay.” They walk on. Adopt a HalflingEventually, they reconvene with the whole party at the party house!
Khamet jots something down in his journal, puts it back, and then looks to Amani. Khamet: “Amani!! Guess what! I know you like magic stuff, so-” Amani: “Yes…?” Khamet: “I got a member of the council named Solstriana to agree to give us a tour of the academy, they’re very nice, they like sorcerers, and I feel like, just going on that tour, will help you get over your trauma of being bullied at school!” Amani looks like the just got hit in the face twice in a row. Eventually… Amani: “Ohhh! Um…! Thank… you…” Khamet: “It’ll be great!! She’s a super nice person!! She loves teacups-” Amani: “Yeah. I know. I’ve actually met her before…” Khamet: “Yeah! Yeah! And she’s like, so cool, and so stylish, and it’ll be fun!!” Amani: “Yeah…” Khamet: “Yeah!!”
Amani: “I wasn’t… planning on… going... to the academy. Um, I didn’t go there, by the way. Um, not that one.” Khamet: “Well, you know what? You seem to be very troubled with the idea of schools in general? So I feel like this is kind of exposure therapy.” Amani: “I’ve had plenty of exposure…” Khamet: “Well yeah! But like, you have the bad kind of exposure, you need the good kind of exposure. Right? (“Mmmmmm…”) Without any bullies.” Meallan: “Khamet--” Khamet: “Okay, they’re not gonna steal your lunch money anymore! It’ll be fine! No one’s gonna do anything!” Amani: “Yeah, they won’t, for… not the reasons you think…”
Meallan: “Khamet.” Khamet’s friendly demeanor drops. “Yeah, what do you want? ...Uh, by the way, I only said that-- I only asked that Amani and I could go, because Amani is the actual talented sorcerer with uh, natural talent? And, uh… not you. You can’t go on the tour.”
Amani: “Why can’t we… all go on the tour?? I think that’d be a fun idea!! All of us!!” Anthony: “Yeah, uh, we wanted--Meallan and I wanted to go see those wizards anyway as well.” Meallan: “Yes, I did want to go.” Khamet: “Well, I guess Solstriana knows that we are a party, and if Amani would go, then that is good.” Thumbs up!
Anthony: “Can we get one of those family tickets for cheap? And we can pretend Basil’s our kid!” Basil: “Hmmmmm…” Sigh. “Well, I am all for penny-pinching.” Khamet: “Okay, Basil, um… well, whose son are you? Who do you want to be your parent, Basil?” Basil: “Don’t make me choose!!” Khamet: “You have to choose! Okay, I recommend Tally, Tally is the best parent-=” Tally: “No no, I can’t be a father, I can’t be a father!” Khamet: “Okay, but you can be a mother!” Tally: “Don’t say the M-word, Khamet.” Amani: “It’s just pretending, Tally. Like you adopted!” Tally: “No.”
Amani: “O-kay? Well, I can’t adopt him! I’m 21.” Meallan: “I do not think it’s a good idea for me to ‘adopt’ Basil.” Basil: “I’m 32…” Amani: “You’re older than me?? Oh right, halfling.” Basil: “Yes. Halfling…” Amani: “O-okay! Well, I have to be older than Anthony, right??” Anthony: “I’m 32…” (Basil: “Twins!”) Amani: “Oh! Okay! Okay! And um, Khamet? Uh… You seem about my age, Khamet?”
Khamet: “Hmmmmm… I think...” He squints at Amani. “You act like an 18-year-old.” Amani: “I’m an adult, thankyouverymuch!” Khamet: “Well yeah, I mean, in most places 18 is an adult. Except in like, elf-y places? Because they take 100 years to be an adult for some reason-?” Amani: “Yeah, I know, I’m well aware. I grew up in elf places.” Khamet: “Man! Dude, imagine if you had to wait 100 years, like, you’d be old and wrinkly, and they’d be like, ‘Congratulations, you have earned your rite of passage.’ That’s insane, isn’t it?” Amani: “It’s a good thing that that’s not entirely how it works. We- It varies by elf society, but it actually depends on the one becoming an adult. For an elf, yes, it’s more like 100, but for a half-elf, it’s more like around 20.” Khamet: “Ah! So you are older than 20.” Amani: “Yes. And I have declared my adulthood, so.” Khamet: “Ahh, I see, I see. Okay, then I think you are… uh… under twenty….. Five.” Amani: “I just said I was 21!” Khamet: “Ohhh! Yeah. You are 21.” Tally: “What does your age have to do with visiting the school?” Amani: “I--it doesn’t. I was just, kind of… thinking…” (quickly) “wondering if I was really the youngest one in the group and also trying to distract from the conversation for a bit!”
Meallan: “If we are only pretending, it doesn’t matter who is the parent.” Khamet: “Well no, it matters, because you need a consistent story.” Amani: “It does. I just can’t do it. I’m too young.” Meallan: “I think Basil- does it matter?” Basil: “I would just like to stay far far away from magic stuff, because… no offense, but… yeah.”
Solstriana had said she was happy to give a tour of the academy for Khamet and Co.; tickets were never mentioned and thus really there’s no need for sneaking in. But Khamet’s caught up in this!
Meallan: “It doesn’t matter. ...Mm. I actually do have a question for you, Khamet. How did things go with the lord and the bandits?” Khamet: “Oh! It went better than I expected it to go.” Meallan: “What did they say?” Khamet: “Oh! Okay! Well uh… Well, they agreed to run an experimental rehabilitation program for two of them, and uh… One of them is, gonna be… dead. But that’s okay. Two out of three? Not bad!” Amani: “Experimental how…?” Meallan: “Which one are they going to execute?” Khamet: “Oh, the girl one! Which is Solaemis.” Meallan: “I see… Alright.”
Amani: “What kind of experiments are they talking about?” Khamet: “Oh! An experiment! They are going to see if it is indeed viable to rehabilitate criminals instead of just executing them! I’m going to help escort them to the Evertemple so they can learn how to be functioning members of society.” Meallan looks relieved. “Thank you, Khamet… That’s good of you.” Khamet: “Uhhh… I didn’t do this for you.” Meallan: “I still think it’s very good of you to do.” Khamet: “Thaaaanksssss…?” Meallan: “Well, I am grateful that you did it, even if you certainly don’t feel right.” Khamet: “Thaaaanksss… Yeah, thanks, I guess, Meallan.” He slinks away with Basil and pretends he is talking about stuff. Meallan looks hurt at Khamet’s rejection.
Amani turns to Meallan. “Well… It’s worth a try, if nothing else. I mean, why not?” Meallan sighs. “I’m trying to be good. I just… think it’d be good to be acknowledged.” Amani: “Well, I… ...Yeah, I know.” They got nothing. Call Your MomAs they’re walking out, Amani tells the others what they discussed with Meallan and Anthony just so that the others don’t play telephone, so they may as well just say it. Like, they have a mom, and they can’t visit her, but someone caught them, so now they maybe have to visit her, so that’s a thing.
Tally: “You don’t have to visit your mom.” Amani sighs. Meallan: “I think you should.” Amani looks torn. Meallan: “You should. If you have a good relationship with her.” Amani: “It’s not that simple…” Meallan: “I still think you should value your parents.”
Khamet: “Yes! One of my best friends, best friends! Has a really bad relationship with his dad. And uh, you know. But just, you know, just for the sake of keeping up appearances, he does go to family reunions and stuff? Uh, you know, if you have a bad relationship with your parents, there’s no better revenge than to show them that you’re living well.” Amani: “...But I like my mom.” Khamet: “Oh. Well… You know, then she’ll be happy that you’re living well!”
Amani: “Uhh… Like I said. It’s more complicated than that.” They also explain that they can’t visit mom because she might do something they don’t want her to do. Khamet: “Ahh, I see.” He goes on a tangent on how one time, he BSed his mom because she really wanted him to stop seeing this girl that he thought was completely fine, and he goes on for several minutes. The others listen in regardless. Either for story value or to fill in the awkward silences; depends on how each of them value this! (Amani does listen.)
Meallan: “I still think you should go see your mother. Even if… She only…” Meallan stops as he remembers something. He looks to Basil. “Do you want to see the goat that I found?” Basil: ”Yes please!!” And so they head that way.
Amani: “Meallan, I just don’t… know.” They look off and stare at nothing. Meallan (Sylvan; slowly): “With my fathers… They… they told the elders about what I was doing. And I saw that as betrayal. But now with everything that happened, I… I miss them. A lot. And I… know that… I suppose they just wanted what was best for me, and they didn’t… realize how much they hurt me. And… perhaps your mother wants the same.” Amani sighs. “It’s… a bit different in this case. A bit more complicated than that...”
Tally: “Inima. Is your mum aware that you’re done with school, or is she expecting you to be in school somewhere, and you know, she expecting you to be doing well, and you’re afraid of letting her know that you’re not, in fact, still in school?” Amani: “I’ve been done with school for years. Well before I left Cai.” Tally: “Buuuut that doesn’t answer my question...” Amani: “Your question had to do with school?” Tally: “Is your mum aware that you’re done with school?” Amani: “Oh, well, yeah! Well aware.” Tally: “Okay, that’s fine with her?” Amani: “Yeah. It was… Uh… Yeah! She’s aware.” Tally: “Well, no problem that side then.”
Meallan: “Amani, you keep saying that everything’s more complicated than that, and…” Huffed sigh. “I’m only trying to help you!” Amani: “I told you, I can’t tell you why it’s more complicated.” Meallan: “...It’s your Great Big Secret, isn’t it?” Amani: “I don’t have any secrets.” Meallan: “Then why can’t you tell us?” Amani: “...Because then you might do the same thing she might!” Meallan: “What do I have to gain by that?” Amani: “Well, that would involve telling you what it’s about, and I’m not going to do that.” ShenanigoatThey get to the vicinity where they saw the goat last time. (They pass the scrollery, which is not open today.) They can’t find a goat; they find a couple of chickens pecking around. They search for evidence of the goat. With their ability and Basil’s help, they find evidence of goats, chickens, etc. There’s just a bunch of random animals together in a proper fenced-in animal pen. Whoever penned them doesn’t know you shouldn’t pen some of those animals together, but there you go.
Meallan ritual-casts Speak with Animals, which takes 10 minutes, while the party wait around. Now he can speak to the goat! Or the cow, or the chicken.
Meallan: “Hello, it’s me again. I brought the person that I thought might be a good friend for you.” Goat (bleating): “Gooooood!” Meallan: “Would you like to meet him?” Goat: “Yes.” Meallan calls Basil over. Meallan: “This is Basil. He is very good. Basil, introduce yourself to...what’s your name?” Basil: “Hi.” Goat: “Goat.” Meallan translates. “Its name is Goat.” Basil: “Hi Goat! I’m Basil.” Goat: “Hel-lo Ba-sil!” Meallan: “It says hello. Or- he? She?” Goat: “I’m a goat. I don’t care.”
Meallan: “The goat does not care.” Basil: “You go, little buddy.” Basil shyly moves over and hugs the goat. Goat: “Basil-friend. Frieeeeend!” Basil looks like he’s going to cry. Meallan: “Now, Goat. Do you have an owner by any chance? Someone who’s keeping you in this pen for a reason?” Goat: “Yes.” Meallan: “Can we speak to your owner?” Goat: “Yes.” Meallan: “Where is your owner right now?” Goat: “Inside.”
The goat indicates one of a little row of terraced houses. Meallan goes over to the building and knocks on the door. There is no response at first but, after he tries again, the door is answered by a human woman blinking sleep from her eyes. Goat Lady: “Huh? Yeah, what?” Meallan: “Pardon me. We found some animals wandering about a few days ago. (“Mmm.”) They seemed to belong to you?” Goat Lady: “Yep. The goat. Gets out. Sometimes.” Meallan: “Is the goat quite a lot of trouble?” Goat Lady: “I wouldn’t say it’s trouble, it’s not like I have to clean up after its shenanigans.” Meallan: “What kind of shenanigans does it get in to?” Goat Lady: “Eating things it shouldn’t. Biting people. Mmm.” Basil: “It’s just like me!” Meallan: “Seems like a lot of trouble. Shall we...take this goat off your hands?” She shrugs. “M’yeah. You gonna pay me? I’m not just giving you my goat.”
Meallan: “How much are you asking for this goat?” Goat Lady: “How much will you pay for this goat? I don’t-” She sighs. “This goat is, uh...is almost family! Mmmm. So, um...do not be undervaluing my goat.” There is a moment’s silence before goat-lady realises something. Goat Lady: “Also is that person silver? I’m not sure what’s going on here.” Amani (serenely): “Yes.” Meallan: “Yes, they are.” Goat Lady: “You look like a street lamp.” Amani: “Thank-you! I feel I’m more like something...shinier than that.”
Meallan steers the conversation back on track. “Perhaps we could offer you services in exchange? Your shack looks rather...well, rustic. Anything we can do for you to help in exchange for this goat? To help you?”
Goat Lady: “No, I just want the money, and then I’m gonna go back to sleep. My house is fine.” Meallan mulls it over. Goat Lady: “Is this what you people do? You just go around buying up people’s goats? Fine, like...a gold, a gold piece would be pretty good for a goat.” Meallan: “We do require a goat.”
Meallan has 100 copper pieces, which equates to one gold piece! He now has no money left but...hooray, Basil has his goat-friend! Goatless Lady: “So now I’m going to be one of those annoying people who pays for everything in copper. Mmm, thanks. Take your goat. Don’t take the chickens. I’m watching you.” Meallan: “Why would we take the chickens?” Goatless Lady: “I don’t know. I mean, strangers come here, ask for my goat? Who knows what the goat wants.”
Basil whispers: “Why would we not take the chickens?” Meallan: “I in fact do know what your goat wants. I spoke to him. Or her. The goat does not care for pronouns, so I’m not sure what to call it.” Goatless Lady: “It’s a goat...yep. She’s a good goat. But do you want to take the goat and leave me alone? Or do you have some other questions about goats?” Meallan: “No I think- no, thank-you very much.” The party retrieve Basil’s new goat friend. Its former owner watches them the whole time, suspicious of this strange group of people and their street lamp.
Meallan: “Your owner says you can come with us.” Goat: “Freeee-dom!” It immediately goes to Basil. Basil: “Yay!” Meallan: “Now, he is going to want to ride you. I hope that’s alright?” Goat: “What does that mean? Ride? Like horse?” Meallan: “Basil, do you want to...yes, like horse. You are going to be a fantastic horse.” Basil: “I don’t have to if you don’t want to...but also, I would like to ride the goat.” The goat isn’t comfortable, but Basil now has a noble goat steed, whom he names ‘Shenanigoat.’ Meallan watches this happy pairing, very pleased. Basil: “Thank-you Meallan!” Shenanigoat: “Basil-friend!” Basil: “Goat-friend!”
Shenanigoat gets lots of attention and pats. The goat may have bit people in past but, with how nice the party are being to her, is not in a bitey mood. She loves her new friends!!! The Institute of the Third Eye The party makes their way to the academy to meet Solstriana, the Master of Arcana. To keep themself incognito, Amani concocts a plan… to make themself even more shiny to cover themself up more.
Khamet: “Just go to a jeweler!” Amani: “No? ...My mom’s a jeweler.” Khamet: “Oh.” Amani: “Remember? ...Er, no, wait, I didn’t say that.” Meallan: “I can cast Frost Form on you, but it might hurt you.” Amani: “Uhh… I don’t think that’d work. She’d suspect. ...I just need to-” Khamet: “Dude! We should go to your mom to get free jewels!! Perfect!” Amani: “If I see my mom, I wanna do it by myself. ...And I’m not getting free jewels. She’s running a business.” Meallan: “Tally has Fairy Fire.” Amani: “Oh yeah, that’s true!” Tally tries to bring it up. “If you want more shiny, I have shiny that can stick to you, if you let it.” Amani: “Oh! Like when we were fighting Crezonis-Arcaito!” Tally… does not remember. “Maybe? Sure. It’s something I do with my bae sometimes, but I can do it with you too.” Amani: “Okay! Um, maybe when we get closer there. I just… I know I’ve kinda been caught. But if I am going to see Solstriana, I’m still Inima. Very much so.” Meallan: “Alright.” Amani: “Please stick to this.”
And then… they remember that it lasts 1 minute. Womp womp. Meallan suggests Frost Form again. Amani… then remembers they have spells!
Amani: “I guess I have nothing else…”
Amani then remembers that oh! In this area, they should particularly be stealthy! They… actually manage it? Though Khamet and Tally notice that they’re being stealthy about it after passing a particular location. (A non-exciting area; just a few shops and things.)
Tally guesses that these shops have things within that are very expensive and very tempting to Inima and they’re very nervous about wasting too much money in there.
Khamet leans over. “Inima! Don’t worry! They’re not hiding there, they can’t take your lunch money anymore! It’s okay!” Amani: “Khamet, I’m really not worried about that. But thanks.”
They get near the Institute, and they see the grey spires over the houses.
Amani gets an idea! “Anthony, can I borrow your sunglasses?” Anthony: “Uhhhh… Sure, but you gotta bring ‘em back to me, it’s my only pair!” Amani: “Sure thing! Thanks!” Amani dons a pair of sunglasses! Anthony blinks around because he’s never taken the sunglasses off. Tally is a little put off that she’s been squinting the entire time, but Amani asks for sunglasses for aesthetics and just gets them??
(Amani is also, as usual, hiding the necklace they’re wearing under their cloak or scarf. Gelquie didn’t mention it earlier, but they were definitely hiding it.)
They arrive. There are spires and thin grey turrets like an austere Disneyland castle. Like that but if it’s compressed. There’s a wizard standing at the entrance, looking bored, wearing blue robes with silver 8-pointed stars on each arm and on the peak of the hood.
Meallan goes into high elf disguise. Khamet confidently strides forward. “Hello! Wizard… wizard, you are a wizard, right? You’re not a guard trying to blend in and trick us into thinking you’re a student, you’re actually a wizard?” Guard: “Yeah, I’m a wizard.” Khamet: “Great! Well. I talked to Solstriana earlier in the day and she told me that she would love to give us a tour through the school, and we kinda really wanna see it, so-” Guard: “Ohh! You must be the bearded foreign human man! Yes! Of course! I can get her for you. Are these people all with you?”
Khamet: “Oh yes, these are my friends. Um, the tall guy is a bit of a pervert, so you need to watch out for him. The drow is very nice. This is Inima, they really like magic. Uh, the un-sunglasses’d guy is really good at singing, or dancing, y’know, whatever, he can entertain the kids. And Basil is, um, he’s… he’s, uh… ...Ah, yes! He is the elf’s, uh, adopted son! Yes! Indeed!” Basil: “Uh… Uh… Yeah!!” Meallan: “Yes, yes! Uh… yes.” Basil: “I love you, dad!” Meallan: “I, love you, too… son.” Aytal slinks down from Meallan’s head and curls up around Basil.
Guard: “What about this goat and this horse? Are you planning on bringing them in?” Basil: “Uh, yes!” Khamet: “Uh, well, I mean, I don’t know about your animal policy, but y’know. Hatar here, he’s pretty good at behaving himself. He likes waiting outside.” Guard: “Yeah, that’s good. We have a nice place you can leave the horse and the goat.” Meallan: “Perhaps we can leave the goat here… son??” Basil gives out a long, drawn sigh… “...Yes sir…” (Amani (admonishing): “Is that any way to call your dad?”)
The guard tells them they can wait inside for Solstriana. They say goodbye to Hatar and Shenanigoat. Hatar nods at Shenanigoat, “what’s up?”. Shenanigoat nods at Hatar, “yeahh”. They’re bonding.
They enter the Institute. They arrive in the entrance hall, where there’s a golden-brown tiled mosaic floor, depicting a regal leonine creature with its face turned towards the viewer, and a pair of broad feathered wings half drawn-in against its sides. (Thorn takes a moment to reiterate that this is a mosaic, and the creature is not actually in the room.) The elf disappears, then returns a few minutes later with the Master of Arcana. She’s a wood elf, in the same blue robes with the silver stars on the shoulders, except she has silver embroidery as well. ((Basically stealing Amani’s aesthetic; so rude!!)) She has bright gold nails and a raven on her shoulder. Behold: Solstriana, the Master of Arcana.
Solstriana greets Khamet first, as they’ve met before. Khamet introduces the party in the exact same way he introduced them to the wizard.
Solstriana is immediately taken with Aytal. “Aww! Isn’t he a dear wee thing??” The raven on her shoulder pointedly looks away. Aytal looks up at the raven, chirps at it, then scuttles up onto Solstriana’s other shoulder. If a raven can huff, they huff, and takes to the air and lands on a pillar. Solstriana happily scratches Aytal’s chin. He does a few scurries then runs back to Meallan.
Meallan: “I… Pardon me for asking, but is your raven also a familiar creature?” Solstriana: “Oh yes. Quain is a fey. He is my fey. He’s a little bit pretentious.” Meallan: “This is Aytal.” Solstriana: “Hello Aytal.” Meallan: “He is also a fey, from my own native land.” Solstriana: “Oh yes, I know that, I could tell he wasn’t a celestial.” Meallan (sighed): “...Yes!”
Solstriana: “So I suppose you wanted to see the Institute?” Khamet: “Yes! Thank you for graciously allowing us to have a tour.” Solstriana: “Absolutely my pleasure. Which of your friends is the sorcerer you mentioned, from Varentar?” Khamet: “Oh, there they are!” He gestures to Inima. “Yup, they’re a sorcerer from Varentar, they have a real natural knack for magic, and also, they are afraid of schools, so hopefully! Hopefully this experience will make them less afraid of schools.” Amani (afraid): “I’m not that afraid of schools...! Um, hi, I’m… Inima!” Solstriana: “Hello Inima. I am Master Solstriana of the Institute of the Third Eye. And I wouldn’t blame you if you were a bit afraid of schools. I am aware that Varentar is not very nice to its sorcerers.” Amani: “Oh, you… do know…” Solstriana: “I figured everyone knows that.” Amani: “They’re very much… wizard… focused.” Meallan: “Indeed.”
Solstriana: “Unless you have anything immediate to do here, I’ll show you around the Institute!”
And so the tour begins. She doesn’t take them to every area because of course not. Exciting things include! Below-ground, she doesn’t take them there, but that’s where the students who live on the premises hang out. On the upper floors, there’s a great library that’s so impressive, that a Varentari archmage--that Solstriana knows--thinks is pretty great! Which is cool, because Varentar is usually all “if it’s not Varentari magic, it’s not great!”. There’s a swimming pool on the 5th floor. On the ground floor, there’s a natural saltwater pool that they use for cleansing before particular ceremonies and spells. There are other things; it’s all impressive.
Meallan is eating this all up and really happy to be shown. Meallan: “Would it be possible to access this wonderful resource at some point? I have so much research both for myself and for others.” Solstriana: “Are you an aspiring wizard as well, perhaps? Your friend didn’t mention you.” Meallan: “Well, I… I would say I’m an aspiring wizard. I can do some magic.” Solstriana looks at Khamet. Khamet: “Oh, oh, yeah, uh. He’s like a… leech on society? He relies on someone else to cast magic through, so he doesn’t actually have magical talent.” Meallan: “Khamet, I learned all my magic fair and square. Please do not listen to my friend. He does not like me very much.” Solstriana: Sighs. “It’s obvious there are some tensions here. I won’t pry too deeply. But you are of course welcome to access the library-” Meallan: “I wish there was not. And I am doing my best to resolve it, but… it is not being particularly effective. But I am very curious about your school and I do wish to learn more; I am also keen to learn more.” Amani: “He’s very studious.” Meallan has access granted to the library.
Khamet: “Oh. Do they have any resources for divine magic stuff? Like-” Solstriana: “No, you’d want one of the temples for that one. (“Okay.”) We’re more about the arcane.” Khamet thanks her anyway.
Meallan: “Uh, Lady Solstriana? Do I just call you Solstriana?” Solstriana: “You can call me ‘Master Solstriana’. I would prefer that.” Meallan: “Master Solstriana. My apologies. I do have a question for you. There is… when we were out fighting the monster, we also… on the beaches, we also happened to encounter sand; transmutation sand. (“Yes?”) That was being transported and had been sunk. I actually took a sample from the ship.” He produces it. Solstriana: “I am aware of the presence of this sand, yes.” Meallan: “I am just very curious what it was for, and why it was being shipped here. Do you know?” Solstriana: “I can tell you what it does? As for why it was here, perhaps some others understand this better than I. But they’re not being particularly… open about it.” Meallan: “Mm. Would they… See, my concern is that… I know what it does. I have already identified it. But I am concerned, it does have some transmutation properties, and they’re littered on the beaches all over here. It’s… not quite right, is it?”
Solstriana: “Well… To give those involved some credit, it has… largely been cleared away by this stage. But of course, given that it is here because of a shipwreck, there is always going to be a little more that’s washed up, especially when those involved are not overly concerned with sending people to the shipwreck given that it could turn people into not-people.” Meallan: “Ah. I see. Well, that is certainly a concern. I did go down to that shipwreck, and I’m… fine.” Solstriana: “How long ago did you investigate the shipwreck…?” Meallan: “I think it was… yesterday.” Solstriana: “Okay, so if you haven’t started having particularly… unwelcome dreams yet, you’re probably fine.” Meallan: “Nothing out of the ordinary, no.” Solstriana: “Hmm. Well, I assume that given that you’re a person of magic, that you probably took acceptable precautions.” Meallan: “I did use my mage hand, yes.” He summons it with a flourish. Solstriana summons her own mage hand and gives him a high five.
Anthony: “I got two things I need. One, I gotta contact someone in Deyn through magic, if possible.” Solstriana: “Of course. And the second thing?” Anthony: “Second thing is… So if I were to be fighting a very powerful wizard, what kind of magic items do you recommend or have that would help fight them?” Meallan: “Yes, we are anticipating a rather… interesting confrontation with a rogue wizard. If you do have any magical items, or any spells you could teach us, that would be most helpful.” Solstriana: “Perhaps. Do you understand this wizard’s speciality?” Anthony: “Yes. He’s a time wizard.”
Solstriana is unconvinced. “That is… not a… school of magic. Um… I’m not sure what advice I can offer here. Perhaps… How are you planning, if I am understanding correctly, a wizard who can manipulate time, how are you planning to confront this individual?” Anthony: “I dunno, I was kinda hoping I’d get the drop on him and kick him swiftly in the nuts.” Solstriana sighs. “Yeah, that seems to be a very...human approach… Right. You could probably purchase- we have some magic items here, you could try… Falvarion? He used to be the head of this school. He’s a bit crazy these days, but he can enchant some weapons for you. (“Okay.”) You can try the Master of Trade, they sometimes hoard magic items?”
Anthony: “I’m trying to get this tire iron enchanted, would be a pretty good option. How much does it normally cost?” Solstriana: “You’ll have to talk with him, I haven’t talked with him in a very long time.” She directs Anthony to a place in the forest, not far from Shaan. It’s definitely not far from the road at all. Anthony:“Alright, that sounds good!”
Meallan: “This wizard is particularly dangerous. Are there any, perhaps, spells? I’m always looking for more spells to inscribe in my book.” Solstriana: “In your-- that’s a most unorthodox method of studying magic. Perhaps? What sort of spells are you looking for? We have a great many spells here, but I’m not sure which spells would be in your capabilities.”
She points out that they don’t usually teach spells for free, it’s not what the Institute is about?? Meallan: “For one thing, if we are going to be able to spellcast, we could use Silence?” It’s a second level spell. ...Would it be possible to exchange favors or knowledge?” Solstriana: “I mean, I’m not trying to be rude, Meallan, but what knowledge do you have that I could possibly want?” Meallan: “Well, for one thing, I’m not an elf.” Solstriana: “Oh?” Meallan drops Disguise Self. “Do you know what I am?” Solstriana: “You are a firbolg.” Meallan: “Yes. Indeed.” Solstriana: “...And this impresses me how?” Meallan: “I’d have thought that my kind don’t go outside Varentar much.” Solstriana: “Varentar is not the only place where firbolgs are to be found. You are correct that I haven’t seen many firbolgs.” Meallan: “Hm. Well, I could give you some knowledge?”
Basil (whispering): “Meallan, do you need a loan?” Meallan (whispering): “Yes, I would very much like some!” Meallan then looks up to Anthony. “This would help with fighting the wizard.” Anthony: “That’s true, but I already gave you some money!”
Solstriana offers to teach the spell for 50 gold. The party compares how much gold each of them have compared to the Completely Broke Meallan, and Basil ends up paying for it, because he’s rich and he was given a goat. Meallan thanks Basil.
Amani also asks for access to the library. They’re granted this along with Meallan. So they go to the library to nerd it up. Nerds.
Anthony wants to send his message. Solstriana is pretty drained for the day, so she asks another wizard to cast Sending for him.
Anthony’s message: “Dearest Tyzol. I fear you may be in danger, for someone I know is bad has threatened to hurt you to get to me. While I know that you’re perfectly capable of defending yourself, I can’t stand idly by. So myself and the others are coming back to Deyn by the fastest available route. I look forward to seeing you again.”
Which is… Way more than 25 words. Specifically, it’s 61 words. They spend some time whittling this message down to the general gist before the person actually sends the spell. He should’ve taken notes from Tyzol’s letter composition.
During all of this, Aytal tries to make friends with Quain the raven. Wherever they go, Quain is perched high, pointedly not looking at Aytal. Aytal tries to climb up to Quain, scrambling and sliding and not actually going up. Quain squawks and flies to another perch. Which encourages Aytal further. And this goes on until Meallan finally dismisses Aytal.
Khamet is happy about the tour! Tally goes swimming.
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Post by Thorn on Jan 3, 2020 4:57:33 GMT -5
Hello fellow adventurers! Remember, session 22 is under a day and a half away now. =0 See you on Saturday 4th January, 7:00pm GMT.
When last we saw the party, they were preparing to leave Cai Shaan and seek out a dangerous foe...but it's never too late to abandon all that for like five beach episodes and a lower chance of death!*
*please do not do this. Anthony wants bae back. ;-;
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Post by Gelquie on Jan 3, 2020 23:09:47 GMT -5
Session 21:
Part 2 Nerding, then Party Splitting Amani searches the library for information on Vystris with Meallan’s help. They know that during the course of the battle that killed Vystris, one of the party members died. What Amani learned is that that party member died because they used Vystris’ true name. So they can do that, but… it’s not always healthy. It was not clear if that was the only reason or if there were other reasons.
Meallan looks for details on dragons, and any information about the dragon that Yeet dealt with. Covertly, he also looks for information on Malka. Amani helps out, thus ensuring they spend a few hours in this library. They find out that the goblins were where Sureshelter used to be. The area was made uninhabitable after what happened up in the mountains, so it wasn’t feasible to live there anymore. The ones who didn’t die went somewhere else; it wasn’t clear what happened. And goblins were reticent to approach other races, so that didn’t help. This was 1000 years ago. Now halflings live there.
Meallan looks through archfey lists to look for information on Malka, while seemingly looking for info on Vystris. But he finds no information on her.
Khamet talks to Solstriana. “Okay, so I have a question. I need to one-up someone. And what he always does is, he does a little magic trick thing? That makes small things happen, like he can light a fire or make a tiny light. Do you know what that is?” She says that that’s prestidigitation. Khamet: “Hm. Is there a way I can pretend I can do that?” Solstriana: “To pretend you can do that?” Khamet: “Yes.” Solstriana: “I’m not particularly one for stage magic, Khamet.” Khamet: “Hmm. I see. Because I am not good at this whole real magic thing, but at the same time, I have a rivalry with this one particular guy that I’m mentioning.” Solstriana: “I do understand something about rivalry. Who is this particular guy who you are mentioning?” Khamet: “Uh… He is not anyone you might know. He is a guy that I know in my homeland. He’s, uh… Very very… He’s not like, a mage, but he can do like these small wizarding things. So I need to show him up someday.” Solstriana: “So he’s perhaps a sorcerer or something similar. Uh, okay, I assume it would be best to go talk to a stage magician or street magician, or someone more inclined towards tricks.” Khamet: “Who knows how to trick people.” Solstriana: “Yes.” Khamet: “Yes. Thank you, Solstriana.”
Khamet then spends time in the hot tub. Tally continues to swim, and asks people if they come here often. She also talks to Khamet for a while in the hot tub.
Tally is also interested in some books, and at some point she casually checks the library and if they have a section on drow and the Underdark, and what they say there, and if there’s something she might not know already. She wants to know if there are any entrances close to Cai Shaan, incidents in the history she wouldn’t know of; hidden history. She also tries to get a feel for the tone of the historians as they talk about this.
Tone varies as it’s not all local; it’s a collection of varied perspectives. As far as anyone knows, there are no incidents in the North; the incidents happened in the South. There are rumors of a surface village, but no one has been able to confirm that. There are no reported incidents in Cai Shaan.
She also checks for info on the Shadow Queen, her ways of doing things and influencing people, and if there’s people who’ve been communing with her in any way and have documents based on that.
Over time, there are people who take more interest in the SQ than others. Some people think she’s awful, some people think she’s an essential counterpart to the Everqueen, some people worship her. There are people who have issues with the idea that they’re so limited, as opposed to what they could’ve been if the Everqueen hadn’t taken them away from the fey. There are rumors of some kind of organization that worships the Shadow Queen within Cai Shaan, but there’s not much on this. Just enough info to give her nightmares!! She makes a rude hand gesture at whatever book mentioned the last part.
Basil… is somewhat terrified of magic, and so is just hanging with the goat.
Anthony wonders what he’ll be able to learn, and getting this weapon enchanted. He plans to find this guy Falvarion, who is technically a Runesmith and not an Enchanter because enchantment is a school of magic more to do with influencing others than making items magical.
A few hours later, they leave the Institute at around 4pm. Amani: “Oh crap, my meeting!”
Meallan stops Amani. “Do you want someone to come with you?” Amani: “No.” Meallan: “...Even for support?” Amani: “No.” Meallan: “...Alright.”
Khamet congratulates Amani on being so brave to face their fears of school! Amani: “Uh… Thanks… I think…” Khamet walks off, feeling completely proud of himself.
Goat nuzzles Basil, happy to be reunited. Basil: “Hello Goat! I missed you too.” Goat: “Baa!”
The party set off on separate ways. Anthony wants to get his weapon enchanted. Tally has a meeting with Lyrelle coming up. Amani has some friend and possibly family meetings to get to. The rest have a sort of free agenda to use as they please. Amani sets off first.
Meallan… sends Aytal after Amani. Meallan plans to pop in and out of looking through Aytal through Amani’s deal. He tells the group that he’s just going to a pub, saying that he just wants a drink and sit down because he’s not feeling well. Basil offers to join him. Anthony: “Normally I would, but I have to get my weapon enchanted.” Meallan: “We’ll save a drink for you.” He thanks Meallan. Not PersonalAytal sneaks after Amani with the roll of a 2 (plus modifiers). Amani glances around just before going into the meeting place… With the roll of a Nat 1. Istarial doesn’t notice Aytal, with his roll of a 3 including modifiers.
Amani enters, right into Istarial’s line of sight. Amani: “Um… Hi. Um… So, how did you… how did you know?” Istarial: “I mean, I don’t think it’s particularly difficult for people who know you, Amani.” Amani: “That’s… What I was afraid of. Um…” Istarial: “To your credit, I might’ve been thrown off by all the silver if you hadn’t kept glancing back at me.” Amani: “Mm. O-okay. Yeah, I worried about that after the fact. I really thought you hadn’t recognized… It’s nothing personal! Honestly.” Istarial: “I mean, I can’t help but be slightly offended that you are afraid of talking to me.” Amani: “I… I-I’m hiding from… I-it’s not personal, I-I promise. I’m sorry. I am glad to see you.”
Istarial: “I’m glad to see you too, if extremely confused. ...Did someone… do something to you?” Amani: “...N-no.” Istarial: “You hiding from someone?” Amani: “No. … ...I’m not. ...Um, well, I mean, I guess I am, my mom, because I don’t know how to tell her what’s been going on.” Istarial: “Then you haven’t… found yourself as you thought you would?” Amani (more confident): “No, I did. But, well, I mean… it’s a really, really complicated story. And… I’m. Not sure. If I can tell her. But I do want to see her!” Istarial: “Why did you want to talk to me, then?” Amani: “Uhn. I… To say I’m sorry, for stuff. And also, to ask, um… is… Mom alright?”
Istarial: “She’s fine. She has a letter from your sister, who is also fine.” Amani: “Isra?” Istarial: “Mm. Isra.” Amani: “Uh, okay. Um… I… I guess I should probably see that…” Istarial: “Yes… I don’t feel I should explain the contents to you? But it’s good news.” Amani: “Uhh, that’s good! Okay. U-uh, yeah… Uh, you’re not gonna… um… ...How much are you going to tell my mom?” Istarial: “Well I don’t think it’s my place to tell her anything; you should really be in charge of that.” Amani: “A-alright. Um… Thanks, uh… ...Thanks.” Tally’s Great SecretKhamet inquires if Tally is okay. She is! Khamet (stage whisper): “Tally! Tallyyy!” Tally: “Yes, that’s me.” Khamet: “I finally figured out why you’re an ambassador!” Tally: “Oh?” Khamet: “Yeah!! Yeah! Oh wow, you know, I thought these Ur people were like, a bunch of closed off hicks? But that’s really open of them to like, be friends with this surface drow! That’s really cool!!” Tally: “...Why am I an ambassador then…?” Khamet: “Y-you’re the ambassador of something!!” Tally: “Uhhh huhhhh?” Khamet: “I just figured out! You have a village!!”
Tally: “Uhh… Why would I have a village?” Khamet: “Because! Like. One, when the drow were running away, or like, how do you escape the underground? I think you bury yourself out of there. Like when they grab a shovel, and bury themselves out of the underground, and they need to live somewhere! And they live! In a village!” Tally: “...That makes a lot of sense!” Khamet: “I know!! I know! So you’re an ambassador of the village to the hicks in Ur!” ((Thorn: “They’re not hicks…”))
Tally: “What are hicks? ...I know there are hicks, but I don’t know about the hicks. Is that another title? The Grand Hicks?” Khamet: “It just means they’re ignorant and closed-minded.” Tally: “Oh, you mean like Brelian.” Khamet: “Yeah!” Tally: “I mean, I wasn’t ambassadoring to him. “ Khamet: “Well yeah, but you’re ambassadoring to his ruler. “
Tally pats Khamet on the head; ‘good boy’. “Well, if somebody guesses something, I didn’t spill a secret!” Khamet: “Yeah, don’t worry. I will keep it to myself!!” Tally: “...Uh oh.” Khamet: “Don’t worry! I am totally trustworthy! I have never ever broken anyone’s trust before!” Tally: “...I am going to be scared either way. Just accept it.” She sighs. “I know you’ll do your best to keep a secret. Thank you for being trustworthy.” Khamet gives Tally a thumbs up. Fool of an Absolute ToolMeallan is going in and out of consciousness, alternating looking through Aytal. Meallan has his head on his hand, pretending to be asleep. He and Basil are seated in a corner. On the other end of the inn, two halflings, whom Basil recognizes from childhood (“Oh dear god…”). One of them notices Basil, is startled, and nudges the other.
Basil starts kicking Meallan in the shin under the table. “Ow! Ow, ow!” He exits the Aytal-vision for a moment. “Basil! What’s wrong?” Basil (whispering): “We should probably go…” Meallan (whispering): “Why?” Basil (whispering): “...Yes.”
One halfling looks angry. The other looks nervous.
Meallan (whispering): “What’s wrong?” Basil (whispering): “Absolutely no-thing! Let’s be off…”
The angry halfling with three silver rings in one ear starts to approach their table.
Meallan: “Alright, we’ll go.” Basil: “WHY YES, I WILL GO CHECK ON THE GOAT, THAT’S A GOOD IDEA.” Meallan goes with Basil, trying to stay between him and the halfling.
Angry halfling: “Basil Greenpatch you absolute tool!! What are you doing here??” Basil: “Aaaaaah, aaaaagh…” Meallan leans down. “Is this someone that you stole something from?” Basil: “Is it? ...Maybe? ...At some point? ...Possibly? ...Look, I don’t know, I don’t keep a list! ...I should probably keep a list… But in his case...” Meallan turns around and kneels down to this halfling. “What issue do you have with Basil?” Basil: “BaSiL?? WhO’s BaSiL??”
The angry halfling introduces himself as Milo. Milo puts his hand on his head. “What issue don’t I have with Basil?” Meallan: “A perfectly valid response, but I would still like to know.” Milo still has one hand on his hip. “Well, Basil only almost killed one of my friends, and he left, and I hoped he was dead, but here he is again!” Meallan: “I see…” Basil: ”Nice to see you too.” The other halfling: “Hi Basil!” Basil: ”Hiii!” The other halfling: “Yeah! Uh… You shouldn’t be here!” Basil: “...I was literally just taking care of that! The other halfling introduces himself as Quinn to Meallan.
Basil reaches up to where Meallan is kneeling and yanks his ear. Meallan: “Ow, ow ow ow! Basil!” Basil (whispering): “Yes?” Meallan rubs his ear. “I have never given you permission to touch my ear!” Basil (whispering): “Sorry!”
Meallan: “Look, whatever your problem with Basil is, I’m sure we can sort it out.” Basil: “Yeah, cause we did so well at that last time…” Meallan: “Look… whatever your problem is with Basil… He almost killed your friend, he did not. ...Is there any way we can sort this out, without-” Basil: “Meallan, now is not a good time to do the ‘I wanna be a good guy when I grow up’ thing, let’s get out of here!!” Milo: “Yeah, you can just bugger off.” Basil: “Yes please, let’s bugger off!” Meallan: “Oh, I’m curious! I’m kinda curious. What happened between you two. In more detail?”
Milo never saw the specifics, he only saw second hand, and saw that his friend had nearly been killed. Meallan: “Alright. Well, I’m sure Basil didn’t mean it; did you Basil?” Basil: “Ahhh… Euuuuuu...uuuUUUUUH?” Meallan: “I’m sure. He did not. Mean it!” Basil: “...Eaaaauuuuuuuh?” Meallan: “...He definitely didn’t mean it. Let’s go!”
They turn around to leave. Then Meallan turns to watch the halflings. Milo: “14 years is a long time to hold a grudge. I can hold one a little longer.” (Basil: “WHY YES, SHENANIGOAT, I HEAR YOU, I AM COMING!!” He leaves!)
Meallan towers over the halflings. “I would suggest you drop the grudges. Now Basil is a friend of mine, I appreciate him. I would rather not have anyone do anything that would harm him.” Meallan has his mage hand flick the light of the pub for ominous light flickering. Pub Owner: “Oi! Don’t do that!” Meallan just gives them a smile. Meallan: “Thank you, and do keep in mind what I said.” Meallan leaves to join Basil. The halflings watch him for a while, and then go back inside. Buff my IronIt takes some time for Anthony. He walks out of the city, takes a walk for a while, after a while takes a detour into the forest, and… he finds a little shack in the woods, and sitting outside (with a beam of sunlight shining through the trees) sits a wood elf, whose eyes are pale green and strangely reflective, with a subtle goldenness beneath his skin.
Anthony: “Hey! I heard that you’re the guy that does runesmithing. So, I’m gonna be fighting a crazy time wizard! So I need something to help me fight him. Luckily, I happen to have this!” He pulls out his tire iron. “Which is a weapon from the future. So I guess considering the time wizard, we could work something out here that’ll help?”
Falvarion: “Do you have a week?” Anthony: “A week? Hmm… Well, we kinda- we need it in a hurry. My girlfriend is in danger, and we need the weapon as fast as possible to go help her!” Falvarion sighs. “I don’t do rush jobs. I don’t want some idiots to go blowing themselves up with these runes.” Anthony: “Hey, look, you can trust me, I’m fine! I’ve only killed like, one bird-”
Falvarion: “You’re planning to whack this evil wizard you’re yammering on about with a... what even is that, a bit of metal?” Anthony: “It’s a tire iron! It’s for um, it’s for changing the tires of-” Falvarion: “That’s a made up- That’s all made up words.” Anthony: “I’m a mechanic! It’s my job to use this. I’m a professional! I know what I’m doing-” Falvarion: “You’re just making up words. I’m a professional, I know what I’m doing with these runes-” Anthony: “No, no, honest!” He pulls out his wallet, showing his local Jiffy Lube employee ID card. He hands it over.
Falvarion looks at it. “I’m 750 years old, and this is some [crap]. Or what. ...Are you willing to accept that you may blow yourself up with this rune?” Anthony: “Absolutely!” Falvarion: “...Fine. Fine.” Anthony: “Hey, thanks!” Falvarion: “If you’re gonna pay for it, what difference does it make? Idiot. Humans.”
The enchantment is about 300gp. He’ll take 150gp because Anthony is willing to blow himself up for a rush job. This leaves Anthony with 20gp. Anthony is given a number of options for runes, and ends up choosing the Rune of Resilience.
Description: “While carrying an object inscribed with this rune, you have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned, and you have resistance against poison damage.
In addition, you can invoke the rune as a bonus action, gaining resistance to nonmagical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage for 1 minute. Once you invoke the rune, you can’t do so again until you finish a short or long rest.”
In other words, the poison one. Because of course.
Some time later, the rush job with probably plenty of unintended effects is finished. Falvarion hands Anthony back the tire iron.
Falvarion: “If you don’t die, and you want the rune done properly later, you can come back and pay the rest and get it finished off properly.” Anthony (laughing): “Okay, alright!” A Changed Half-ElfAytal continues to follow Amani. Amani didn’t see them. Amani makes their way through town, back towards the area they passed on their way to the Institute earlier that day. Their destination is the house on the back of a jewelry shop. Amani is still wearing the sunglasses from Anthony, which they took off for the meeting with Istarial, but have put them back on. Amani’s trying a little harder to hide the filigree on them, but they can’t do much about the tattoo, freckles, and glow. By the time they get there, the shop is closed. So they go to the back of the house. They ponder getting in with their spare key, but decide that given the circumstances, they should really knock. They stand at the doorway, hesitate for a moment… And knock.
A middle-aged woman with black hair, dark skin, and dark brown eyes opens the door. For several moments, she doesn’t know what to say. Then…
“...Amani?” “...Hi mom.” … They hug.
Amani: “I-I came by. I, thought… maybe. I’d say… hi.” She squints at them. “Have you been eating properly?” Amani: “Yes? Uh, why do you ask?” Nervous chuckle. Naila: “You just look a little… ah, nevermind.”
Amani: “Well, I mean, I’ve. Kinda been, um… I’ve kinda been. Adventuring, a bit? So… I don’t each as much as I’ve been… here.” Naila: “I’d heard- I wasn’t sure it was you, but I’d heard there was a half-elf among the group that took on that horrible monster. Was that you?”
Amani: “Yes! Uh, there’s, uh… there’s something I need to tell you… um… b-besides the fact that I got a cool tattoo! Do you like it?” Naila: “I love it. I think your sister would love it too.” Amani: “I-I know she would.” Naila: “I have a letter from her, actually.” Amani: “Yeah. Istarial told me. Um… ...But first, I should tell you… … Amani: “Um… I… I… euh... okay! Um… It. Turns out… That... I have latent sorcerer powers.”
Naila stares. Amani: “I know! I, It… It really surprised me too!” They’re laughing nervously. Naila: “...Okay. That’s… that’s fine. I mean, we always did wonder why... you know, Isra’s style didn’t work for you.” Amani: “I-I… Yeah, I… I dunno. Um… I-I. Don’t know why I didn’t… couldn’t do anything until… like a couple months ago! But. I mean…” Naila: “...Have you… told? Anyone?” Amani: “Uh… Anyone… I haven’t told anyone else in the family, but I, uh… other people know. I mean, it’s kinda hard to hide.” Naila: “I suppose it must be. Oh dear. Uh… that’s excellent!” Amani (with relief and wonder): “I know, right?!”
Naila invites them in and goes to find the letter. She shuts the door behind them, leaving Aytal outside. Meallan tells Aytal to head back and leave them be. Then Meallan poofs him back on his shoulder. ”Forget the Crap, Let’s Have Some Fun”Khamet and Tally come and join the others in the tavern. Khamet feels like someone inside had just put something into one of his pockets. He turns to see who did this. A scrawny raggedy little 8 year old elf kid in an oversized tunic, jumps. “Oh cripes!”
Khamet (thinks): “If he did this secretly, there must be a reason…” Khamet (to Tally): “Okay, Tally, I need to go to the bathroom. Uh. Can you please get me like, a beer or something nice? I’ll pay you back.” Tally: “I think? But I don’t think we can have another horse around.” Khamet: “Oh! Uh, no, okay, I’m just peeing this time.” Taly: “Okay.”
Khamet goes to the bathroom, takes a stall, and opens the letter. It’s in a brown envelope. He starts reading it. Khamet can recognize the handwriting as it’s familiar, but can’t place from whom. Someone’s handwriting he’s seen, but not someone he corresponds with regularly...
When Meallan comes out of the familiar-sight and out of the inn, Basil is curled behind the goat, looking kind of shell-shocked. Meallan: “Basil, are you alright?” Basil: “...I’m AWESOME!!” Meallan: “You look… very… shaken.” Basil: “...We should probably go!” Meallan: “Do you want to talk about what happened there?” Basil inhales deeply. “... ...Maybe some other time when we are not here.” Meallan: “I can understand that. Let’s go. We’ll take the goat.” Basil: ”Yayy!”
Tally pokes her head out. “But Khamet asked for a beer!” Meallan: “We’ll come back, Tally. Just Basil needs a quick walk.” Tally: “Go for a walk if you want. I’m getting our paladin a beer.” Meallan: “Tell him that we’re going for a walk. Basil’s had some trouble with some old acquaintances.” Tally: “...Whatever.” Meallan: “...I’m sorry, Tally?” Meallan walks off.
Tally pays for a beer for 4 copper.
Meallan: “So… would you care to tell me what happened?” Basil: “Augh… nuugh... “ he sighs. Meallan: “I know… I’m pretty sure you know that I know all about running away from your own past.” Basil: “That’s… just… it. It’s like it’s… it’s not… ...Guaagh! It’s not as bad as your thing, it’s just… stupid!” Meallan: “Very few things were to be, I suppose… Look. Even if it’s stupid… Look, I know if you don’t want to tell me about it, I’m not the most trustworthy person, but… I would appreciate it-” Basil: “No no no! It’s just… uuugh! ...You’re all! Going through so much crap, and I just… It’s stupid.”
Meallan: “It’s bothering you, stupid or not. ...All of us have our own crap, as you put it. Including it seems, you. So at least you’re not alone in that.” Basil: “Yeaaah… big shocker, I guess.” Meallan: “Would you like to do something fun?” Basil: “...Yeah.”
Meallan: “I know a new spell.” Basil: “...Uh huh?” Meallan: “Get on your goat.” Basil: “U-uh, okay?” Meallan (with regular animal speak): “Goat. How do you feel about flying?” Goat takes a few steps back and bleats in alarm.
Meallan: “Goat does not feel like flying, so Basil, you’re gonna have to get off the goat. Do you want to fly around a bit on your own?” Basil (whispered): “Yes!”
Basil is hesitant and looks terrified for 5 seconds. Then he’s zipping around. There’s strange looks and comments about irresponsible wizards as this halfling takes to the skies.
Meallan: “What have I done.” Basil: “I didn’t know you could get into windows like this!!” Meallan: “If you try to rob anyone, I’ll dispel it.” Basil: “Okayyyy…” AttachedAmani sits in the living room of the house, reading the letter from their sister Isra, while their mother Naila waits for them to finish.
Amani looks a little overwhelmed when they finish. “...How. Long ago has this come in?” Naila: “Maybe two weeks?” Amani: “Two weeks. Not that long. I… I-I mean, I’m happy for her, but… Arentium… It’s… I… I guess she’s also finding her… own path. ...I’m sure she’ll do alright in the exams.” Naila: “Of course she will. I expect we’ll get the results from her before too long.” Amani: “I… I know she says she wants to visit, but… I… I’m pretty busy! Uh, with my coworkers. We’re supposed to… Go to Deyn pretty soon.” Naila: “Deyn? Isn’t that the village that got… burned?” Amani: “Burned down. Yes. (“Hmm.”) But some people still live there, and someone there is in danger. So... But, I mean… I don’t know-” Naila: “Oh dear.” Amani: “I- Yes. ...But, uh... “ Naila: “Well…” Amani: “I-I haven’t even been here for months. I don’t even know how to answer some of these questions!”
Naila: “...How long do you think you’ll be staying? Are you going to this Deyn… Immediately?” Amani: “Uh… We were… planning… on it… ...Sorry…” She gives them another hug. “Well, it was nice to see you. Thank you for checking in.” Amani (breaking a little): “I- Yeah. I… I just thought… I… should.” Naila: “I miss your letters, you know.” Amani (pulling themself together): “I-I’m sorry! I…’m so sorry. I… ...forgot!” Naila gives them a kiss on the cheek, and then backs up.
Amani: “Uh… we’re not leaving… immediately immediately, so… So…” Naila: “Do you… would you like to write to your sister and to Asariel, or would you like me to do this on your behalf? (“Uh…”) Just to let them know that you’re okay.” Amani: “I… I… I think… That’d be best. And… And… Uh… And the scarf… from my sister sounds nice.” Naila: *The scarf is news to her.* “Should be lovely.” Amani: “Yes.”
Amani lets Naila write the letter. They also say that it’s okay to tell them about the sorcerer thing, all risks in mind, because hey, Amani has magic, and they’ll probably find out anyway, and they’re tired of rumors. They decide to stay for a little while. SojournerAnthony’s on his way back to the city. Basil’s flying. Tally needs to meet with Lyrelle soon-ish.
Khamet thanks Tally for the beer, and makes a show of: “Man, I’m so glad my bladder is empty! It was really bad! Thank you Tally for sparing my bladder!” Tally: “Thank you for coming back because now I reallygottago!” Khamet: “Okay! Great! Awesome! Have fun-” Tally: “And seeing you so relieved is not helping! Bye!” Khamet: “Byee!” Tally’s bathroom break is much quicker. When she returns, Khamet fistbumps; Empty Bladder Pals!
Basil flies past the window. He’s going around scaring people. Meallan is proud of himself and feels he’s done good work.
Tally realizes that it’s time for her meeting with Lyrelle, and is taken to the same parlour room as before. It’s not Merethi the sea elf who leads her. It’s Aviina the high elf, with red hair and a glowing moth on her shoulder. She leads Tally there, and then leaves. The lanterns have been partially covered to reduce the light to a dim glow, and the curtains are drawn. It’s just Lyrelle there this time. He gestures for Tally to sit, to which she obliges.
He passes a letter across the table. “Before we begin, I have another letter for you.” Tally takes turns between speaking and glancing at the letter, trying to remember what she wanted to say.
Tally: “So! Thanks for having me here.” Lyrelle: “It’s not a problem… Tally, it was?” Tally: “Yes?” Lyrelle: “And you wanted to speak with me about some people potentially staying at your house?” Tally: “Y-yeah? Some people.” Lyrelle: “Okay. So… Let’s begin then-” Tally: “Not only staying in the house, but potentially… well, reaching the house involves going into the city, and later going out of it, and being visible in the city.” Lyrelle: “And since it’s just us here, we are speaking about drow, are we?” Tally: “Yyyyes.” Lyrelle: “...How many do you anticipate?” Tally: “I… See, I haven’t actually told them yet? Not without your permission? I imagine no more than 2 people would make the trip, or would dare to make the trip. And that would only be if I were there with them, perhaps, because I’m already familiar with the place.”
Lyrelle leans back. “You’ve heard about Savorai, have you?” Tally: “Yes.” Lyrelle: “Nobody… Don’t get me wrong. There’s all sorts of rumors and all sorts of fables about the drow. But to the best of my knowledge, Savorai was never assaulted for who she was. She was perhaps made to feel a little unwelcome? But you said you would always be with these people.” Tally: “...Mm.” Lyrelle: “Unless I’m misinterpreting.” Tally: “Yeah, I would offer it at least. They might be tired if I trailed them around too much, but… I’d be there for them.” Lyrelle says that he has no issue with this. But it’s more about making it work, and how it would be safe for these drow, and to make them not be so afraid.
Tally asks about the general political climate of the city and if it would make people panic at the moment, because you know… Lyrelle: “If we’re speaking of 2 or 3 drow, no, I don’t think people would panic. We get all sorts visiting through the port. Tieflings. All sorts of people that would usually be considered a bit… uncomfortable, I suppose? I don’t think 2 or 3 drow would alarm anyone, as such.” Tally: “Alright. Uh, Savorai, though, that story was so mysterious that, it’s… incredible how… I’m so sorry, I didn’t know anymore myself. I can’t imagine what happened to her.” Lyrelle: “So my best guess is that she left. Assumed name. I don’t know how she did it. But if you’re asking if I think she was killed, no?” Tally: “So no leads at all.” Lyrelle: “No… no particular leads. ...She did… I didn’t deal with her often. She did mention a cavern where you could hear the ocean. I don’t know how that would be relevant, but it seemed like a place she felt safe in.” Tally: “...It does sound very safe.”
Lyrelle: “Hm. Anyway, we’re not here to talk about Savorai.” Tally: “Mm. Ah, I was partly, but… yes. So, yes, so from what you said, so it’s alright if I message and offer for those visitors to perhaps come for vacation here?” Lyrelle: “Absolutely. If they understand that people won’t necessarily be friendly. They won’t be hostile, but obviously I can’t guarantee that people would be warm.” Tally: “Of course. We’re kind of used to dealing with that. Maybe I need to have a few more shows and bounce around here and dance around the streets a bit more, I’m sure our bard has dealt with these issues elsewhere. Lyrelle smiles. “Yeah. That might be nice.” When I See a Halfling FlyAfter Tally leaves, Khamet downs his beer as fast as possible. Then he looks for the kid, wondering where is this kid, who is this child? The kid is gone, but Khamet is really paranoid. He’s sitting there, being paranoid, then, “okay, you know what? I’m going to take a walk, I’m going to take a walk…”
He goes outside and sees the flying Basil. Khamet: “......Okay. Okay, that’s, that’s, y’know, I didn’t know Basil could fly.” Basil: “Wow, why didn’t you know that? You’re slow!” Khamet: “Ughh! Yeah. Yeah… Uh, why didn’t you fly before…?” Basil (shrugging): I’eu’oh! Meallan: “I made him fly, because, I thought it would (B: “Shhhhhh!”) cheer him up!” Khamet: “Well, he seems to be having… fun? (B: “Yes!”) Yes, he is having fun.” Meallan: “He is having lots of fun, yes.”
Khamet: “Well, I am happy for him-” Meallan: “Did I make a mistake?” Khamet: “No! No, it’s just… weird. That he’s flying around. I’m not used to seeing halflings fly.” Basil: “You’re weird!” Meallan: “If… I could cast the spell on you, Khamet, but Basil would stop flying by then.” Khamet: “Uhh, nnn… no thanks. I don’t want the spell cast on me.” Meallan: “Well, if you ever need it in combat, for example.” Khamet: “I… sure? I’m not going to pick fights with birds. You don’t need to worry about that.” Meallan: “I’m very glad for that.” Khamet: “Yeah, I-I’m not Anthony.” Meallan: “No, good.” Khamet: “No.”
Khamet smiles awkwardly, leans in, and nods with Hatar. They’re silently having a very important conversation. All He Has...Anthony makes his way back towards the general group, and to have a drink himself! He goes to a different pub, one where he has his mail sent, and where he’ll meet Tenacity.
As he enters the inn to look for his mail, Tenacity is there. She’s in the corner, scrawling some notes, wearing a yellow dress with a white Peter Pan collar. She looks up and waves. Then she returns to writing her notes.
Anthony goes to the front counter, and the barkeep passes a letter across the counter. He begins to read it.
“Dear Anthony, Love me? Very sweet-”
Then the letter is gone. Entirely.
A startled Tenacity jumps across the room towards Anthony, grabs his hands, and says: “Anthony, look at me!”
Anthony makes eye contact. As he does, his memories of Tyzol are beginning to get fuzzy. As she looks at him, a jolt runs through his hands, and he remembers. But the letter is still gone. Tenacity steps back, and a blue glow fades from her palms.
Anthony remembers, but everyone else has forgotten Tyzol.
The others remember going to Deyn, fighting Crezonis… no dragonborn. There’s a memory of Anthony reacting as if Katu was the first dragonborn he ever met. Anything anyone had ever written about Tyzol is gone, and written as if she were not there. All the old letters are gone. The dragonscale necklace is gone. Heck, Basil never stole a comb! Anthony remembers the old sequence of events; everyone else has the modified version without Tyzol. All Anthony has…are memories.
Tenacity: “Oh man, okay! Um… yeah, this isn’t good! For you! Uh, for me, it’s maybe less…!”
Anthony’s phone starts ringing. Caller ID is for the Wizard. Anthony looks at the phone and picks it up.
Anthony: “Hello…?” Time Wizard: “Hey Anthony!! Just checking in~” Anthony: “Is this your doing?” Time Wizard: “Oh. So the tiefling saved your memories. Hm.” Anthony: “Wh-wh- My memories? W-what’s going on? What have you done?!” Time Wizard: “I knew she wouldn’t be able to resist, and I know you won’t be able to resist meeting me in Ur Deyn. I look forward to it.” Anthony: “You’d better bring her back right now!!” Time Wizard: “...No. I don’t think I will.” And he hangs up.
Anthony: “Auuugh… This is bad.” Tenacity: “Yeah! I mean, in terms of grand temporal things happening, um, it’s not that bad, but in terms of the fact that, ummm, your friends might not want to help us if they don’t know what they’re helping you about, uh… that’s less good!” Anthony: “Yeah, no, how am I gonna get ‘em onboard if they… if they don’t even know...” Tenacity: “Just tell them what I always tell people. Just be like, ‘Oh, the fate of the universe lies in the balance,’ and then they’ll definitely want to help.”
Anthony (distressed): “Where is she? Where is she?! Is she dead?!” Tenacity: “Uh, no no! Okay, so I can like. I can track both timelines, because I am trained with this kind of thing? She’s fine! She just never met you. Um, she was led away from Deyn? And she wasn’t there.” Anthony: “So, she’s alive-? Wait-” Tenacity: “Oh, she’s alive!” Anthony: “Oh god my head hurts...”
Tenacity: “She’s alive-! Ugh, I shouldn’t have done that! It’s so confusing when you’re the only one who like, remembers, but I didn’t think! I was just… Agh… But we can fix it! We can, I dunno, we can make him fix it, or you can just go and introduce yourself again, and then meet Tyzol again, and I’m sure she might love you again, right? Because that’s how it works! That’s usually how it works.” Anthony: “I don’t know!! ...We gotta make him, like, we gotta reverse it!” Tenacity: “Absolutely-” Anthony: “I can’t go on; I can’t go on like this!”
Tenacity: “...Yeah! Okay! So! Yeah! I can definitely, definitely help you with this! We probably need to get your friends, and… I don’t know where we’re supposed to like, find him? Somewhere? Uh, remember only you heard the phone call, only you know he’s going to be in Ur Deyn. But, uh, we can start! Uh-” Anthony: “He says he wants to meet me in Ur Deyn.” Tenacity: “Oohkay. Tevineri will definitely notice if I’m gone that long. But uhhhh… mmm… I’ll just tell himmmmmm! Thaaaat! My aunt he’s never met just got sick! And I’m gonna go see her. Yeah, that’ll be fine! That’ll be fine, I’ll do that.”
Anthony: “So you’re gonna come with us and help us?” Tenacity: “Yeah! Absolutely! Uh, but we should go and get your friends, and we should, we should leave. (“Okay.”) We should sort this, because we know where he is! And uh, we can do this.” Anthony: “Yeah, yeah. As fast as possible.” Everything’s FineThe party (minus Tally) decides to check in on Amani. Meallan makes a show of asking around for directions. He decides to leave Aytal back at the tavern to wait for Tally. They figure out where Naila’s house is and make their way there.
Khamet knocks on the door. Naila answers the door. Naila: “Can I help you?” Khamet: “Ah, yes! We are looking for, uh, your name is Naila? We’re looking for your child.” Naila: “Ooh, are you-” Amani: “Khamet, what are you doing here?” Naila: “Oh! There we go! I will let you guys talk.” She walks off.
Amani approaches. “Khamet, what are you- what are you- what are you all doing?” Khamet: “I uhhh, well… we thought we would check up on you, because Meallan cares about you a lot…” Amani: “I thought I just said I wanted to do this alone.” Khamet: “Well, we’re not here to like, talk to your parents with you, we’re just here to check up on you. If you want us to be gone, we’ll be gone.” Amani: “Okay. Bye.” Khamet: “Okay! Bye!! Come on, guys!”
Meallan: “Amani! Hold on. Where shall we meet you when you’re done with this?” Amani: “Well, uh… I guess I’ll come back to the house later. Uh, why-?” Meallan: “Alright.” Amani decides to stay for a while longer because why not? It’s not like they’re in any hurry or anything~
Tally really has all the time in the world to stay in Cai Shaan and put on all her shows and ensure people have nice opinions of the drow. She really has nothing urgent or no urgent reason to return to the party~. She’s quite relaxed by the end of the meeting. Tally: “If of course if at any point there’s trouble in this city that’s related to my kind, of course you can take it up with me. And there we go. Thank you!” Lyrelle agrees this seems fair. And so, the meeting is concluded.
Aviina escorts Tally back out. Tally gives a more lavish thanks, and wonders why she didn’t take time to bring gifts for these people. Alas, it’s evening, and the gift shops are closed. But that’s okay, Tally knows she has several more weeks to give them gifts~
Tally still has nothing much else to do, so she goes to find the party. She finds Aytal, and Aytal leads them back to Meallan, who is with the group still in sight of Naila’s house.
Around the same time, Anthony and Tenacity show up in quite a hurry. They see Tally and Meallan first. Tenacity: “Oh! Uh! Where’s everyone else??” Anthony: “Guys, guys. We’ve got a problem! A great problem!” Tally: “There’s a problem?!” Gasp! “Aytal! What have you done!” Aytal looks very innocent. Tenacity: “This is so much more than just a mere weasel!” Aytal looks offended at being called a ‘weasel’. He fluffs up his tail. So intimidating.
The others see some commotion nearby, and start to walk towards the group. Amani glances out the window and see this, and tells their mother that hm, maybe they should check this out. Brb, mom. And so they step out.
Tally: “What’s wrong, Anthony? It’s not Arcaito coming after you, is it?” Anthony: “No, no, uh… Someone’s done… a wizard's done… with your memories… the timeline…” Tenacity smooths out her dress. “Yes, so. You can’t remember some stuff that actually happened because they changed it, and now, it didn’t happen! And oh man, I’m saying stuff I shouldn’t say again, but basically stuff’s changed, and it’s bad!”
Amani: “Can you… tell us what’s changed?” Anthony: “The wizard, like, made it… made it so you never met her, like, he went after my girlfriend, and now it’s personal!” Amani: “You have a girlfriend?” Meallan: “I… wasn’t aware of that either! That’s…!” Anthony: “Yeah, he messed with your memories! You don’t even-! You guys don’t even know her! But she’s really nice!” Tally: “I know I have a lot of blanks in my memories, but that doesn’t mean-” Anthony: “Meallan! You saved us from being poisoned!” Meallan: “...What?” Tally: “You were poisoned, but…” Amani: “Yeah, I remember you drank a bottle of poisoned wine for some reason.” Anthony: “No, that was with her!”
Amani: “Uh, can you describe her?” Anthony: “She’s a dragonborn! A white dragonborn!” Tally: “That sounds pretty!” Anthony: “She is, yes!” Meallan: Hmm! Your girlfriend is a... white dragonborn?” Anthony: “Yeah! See, this is what the wizard’s done! Like, he’s gone after her, and made it so now she doesn’t- it’s like she doesn’t exist! She never… We gotta take him out!” Khamet looks to Tenacity, wondering if she knows anything about this.
Tenacity holds out her hands and they flash blue. “I could try, but I think it’s been too long. I could try to make you remember.” Khamet takes her hands. “Okay, let’s… I’m gonna try.” He feels a little shock through his hands when he makes eye contact, but nothing changes. Still no Tyzol memories. Khamet: “Okay, wait wait… Okay, wait, it’s… Ten, what actually happened?”
Tenacity: “Um! Okay! So, uh, there’s this wiz-! Ugh, gosh, I’m not meant to tell you! If you see like, a blue eladrin, just tell me because he shouldn’t hear me saying this, but um, so, there’s a dragonborn!” Khamet: “The goblin?” Tenacity: “...No, no, not the goblin… The blue eladrin!” Siiiigh “Okay!” Khamet (stage whisper) “He’s a goblin!!” Tenacity: “He’s not a- I’m not arguing this with you right now! But Tevineri is not a goblin! He’s not!! Uh, and… A-anyway! There was a dragonborn! And the dragonborn met Anthony, and they fell in love and stuff. But, this um, there’s an evil, he’s… sorcerer! And he… made it so now… uh… no one can remember! Right? But I made Anthony remember.” She holds out her palms and they flash blue again. “But it’s been too long for me to make anyone else remember? But we need to stop the wizard before he changes more stuff? And he’s gonna be at Ur Deyn.”
Khamet: “Well, I-I believe you. If he can wipe out someone’s girlfriend, they can wipe out anyone. They can wipe out Yzzy! They could wipe out Malka! ...They can wipe out Malka…! Huhh…!” Basil: “Let’s calm down...” Meallan’s ears twitch. “I think it would be a little bit harder to wipe her out than a dragonborn? But keep wishing, Khamet.” Basil: “Can magic even do any of this?”
Tally examines her. Tenacity seems anxious, but not like she’s hiding anything. Anthony seems to be telling the truth as well. She’s pretty cool with this, and pretty mad. Tally: “Excuse me. No one. Messes. With. My. Memories. Let’s go destroy this man!” Anthony: “Yeah, absolutely, let’s get him!”
Amani: “So, but he only wipes memories if they know about us. That would put us at risk too. Or anyone else we know.” Anthony: “Everyone! This guy’s a danger to everyone!” Amani: “Right! And I-” Tenacity: “That’s kind of the whole point!” Amani: “-And I kinda don’t wanna go near him!”
Meallan: “And this is the man I overheard you speaking on your… contraption, with?” Anthony: “Yeah, that’s him! That’s him! He’s responsible… (He said it was a?) … prank… he just like, sent me back.” Meallan: “Hmmm. Well-” Amani: “How are we supposed to fight him and not get our memories wiped even further then?” Anthony: “I don’t know, but we gotta do something!”
Meallan: “I have a thought. I am able to cast a barrier of Silence. It is… not a large one. But it will stop spellcasting as long as it uses voices, which most spells do.” Amani: “Not if they’re-” Meallan: “If we can lure him in there, into that space, and trap him in there, we’ll be able to-” Amani: “The thing is. Some types of magic can be done without components and words, if they can do it subtly.”
Tenacity: “Um, I can also!” She holds out a device. “I got this- Colloquially, we call it a Time Lock, and it can make it so there’s like, no time? And he- well, it’s like, locked. And he won’t be able to, use the time stuff? If that would help? Um.” Khamet: “Yes! Please!” Tenacity: “So I’ve got that, and I’ve got some Dimensional Shackles, and they will take a while to set up. I think the Silence spell is a really cool idea too. But the main thing is that we actually do this, and that we stop talking about doing this, because who knows what he can get up to?” Anthony: “We gotta-”
Amani: “Uh, about the time lock…” Tenacity: “Yeah?” Amani: “Does it stop… anything else? While we’re using it? Or…?” Tenacity: “Anything that’s affected by time. It’s, um…” Amani: “So anything outside of us in the group would be… affected by this? And like, locked out of time?” Tenacity: “Anything within a specific range will be locked out of time. You might need to be more specific if you’re asking me about something beyond that?” Amani: “Um… uh… uh, uh, thanks! Um... thanks!” They still seem a bit concerned. Tenacity: “It’s a bit of a bad phrasing. I should rephrase that. So, where I work, that’s outside oh my gosh I shouldn’t be telling you this, but that’s outside time. What we would be doing is putting more of a temporary pause on time so that time wouldn’t progress until I unlocked it. Or until one of you unlocked it, but I’m not trusting you with my stuff, no offense. Maybe you can have the shackles, but I’m not giving you the time lock.”
Amani: “Uh, okay. Uh, I was just wondering… uh… Meallan. Has a connection. To someone. Would that be affected? Would he be able to use warlock spells?” Tenacity: “Oh, you mean like he’s a warlock! Um, yeah, so he should be able to use his spells fine.” Meallan gives Amani a little glare Amani: “Ah, opp! Sorry… I… I just can’t-” Tenacity: “Oh, I’m not judging! I’m a tiefling! I’m not judging you!” Meallan (sighing): “As long as you’re not judging, that’s fine…” Amani: “Right. I just thought it’d be important to consider. I don’t want… any of us to be without spells.” Tenacity: “Well, uh, if it’s just your warlock you’re worried about, your spells should be fine. If you have any other queries, you can always query me on the way there, as it will take a few days- Oh, actually I can make it take less than a few days. Uhhmmm… But I don’t know if I want to expend that much energy? Um…”
Tally: “Hey, let’s pack our stuff.” Tenacity: “Yes.” Meallan: “Yes, we should probably go. One more thing. I know how to dispel magic. Would that affect your time lock at all if I cast it on him?” Tenacity: “No. Uh, it won’t- The time lock is not specifically magic? It’s more… I don’t know. But we wouldn’t make these things if casting spells would break them,would we? That would be stupid.” Meallan: “Well, a spell specifically designed to dispel magic. So long as it’s not magical…” Tenacity: “Oh. Um… Nah, it’ll be fine! It should be fine.” Meallan: “Okay.” Tenacity: “If it does break ,that’s on me! And… it’ll be fine. I’ll can still… stop you from dying, if that happens.” Meallan: “Again, just asking, because if we’re going to fight a wizard, dispelling magic will be a very good thing to have.”
Tenacity: “Hmm. Yeah. Um... yeah. I should clarify that he’s not… specifically a wizard? I mean, mm… He’s more of a sorcerer? So it’s, uh, normally you couldn’t learn so much time magic. There’s a few spells, not a huge amount. But he’s more like… mm… got the timeline… infused… I’m not good at words. But he’s like… Uh, like… like got the timeline infused in his blood type of thing. More sorcery? Is that a better word?” ((Celes OOC: He’s a time lord!”))
Amani: “Wait, is it… is it too late to visit the library at the academy? I just had a thought.” Tenacity: “Um. What? Ugh!” Amani: “I-I just need a quick trip to the library, that’s all!” Tenacity: “Okay, sure but be quick!” Amani: “Okay! Um… and, um… A-and I also need to tell my mom I’m leaving town, I kinda told her I might be able to stay for a while!”
Tenacity reluctantly agrees. Meallan decides to go with Amani. Amani is actually glad to have Meallan along. Amani: “Can you look up stuff on time magic sorcery? I need to look up something else.” Meallan: “I… would be happy to!” Amani: “Thank you.”
The group needs time to gather resources and prepare, so they all split up to do so. Tenacity also needs time to decide if she’s going to expend the resources to get them all to Deyn quicker. They all need to decide whether to set out immediately and camp during the night, or spend the night in Cai Shaan, or any other means.
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Post by Gelquie on Jan 3, 2020 23:18:34 GMT -5
"Now wait a minute, I have a life or don't feel like reading a textwall!" Never fear! For I have a... Session 21 Brief Summary!(mega spoilers, in bite-sized form!) -Khamet has his meeting with the advisors on what to do with the bandits! More on that later! But first he plants a tree. -Tally also has an appointment for later! -Basil dutifully cleans up the house... and pickpockets the drunken passed-out house guests, with great results!
-Anthony, Meallan, and Amani talk about going to the magic school. The former two are onboard. The lattermost is DONE WITH SCHOOL, NO. NOT GOING. -They return back to the house... And Amani is caught! And told to talk to their mom, dangit. They figure that well, one person found me out, let's just tell everyone! -Amani is not a very communicative offspring and needs guidance counseling. "Okay, just tell me what's-" "No info! Only guide!" -Khamet and Solstriana invite Amani to a grand tour of the school! How wonderful!! Amani... casually invites everyone else. Even Meallan, who was definitely not invited by Khamet. -Amani: "What do you mean I'm the youngest one here?" -"Should I talk to my mom at all??" "You don't have to talk to parents you don't like." "But I do like her." "Oh." Cue awkward varied answers.
-Time to get a goatfriend! Oh, but the goat is owned by someone... -After some talking with an overtired goatherd, Basil now has a friend! Shenanigoat!! She's the bestest and Basil loves her very very much. She also bites people, but not Basil.
-To the wizard school-! Wait, the familiar's master is petting some other creature? No!! She can't!! #1 of Top 10 Anime Betrayals. -On with the tour! All the pools and baths and library! Post-tour, each person takes a detour for their own interests and curiosities for several hours. Meallan gets some spells.
-It's 4pm when they get out... Wait, 4pm?? Amani and Tally have gotta go! -Uh oh, it's Basil's old "friends!" He left someone who nearly died? Meallan: "I'm gonna talk them into getting along-" Everyone else: "SCREW THAT" -Tally speaks with Lyrelle about allowing for a drow-cation. -Khamet gets a mysterious letter! It's stressful! Also, when does Khamet read?? -Basil can fly! Did we not mention that before? Ignore the warlock; he can fly.
-Amani speaks with the guard who recognized them. "I'm sorry. D= How do talk to mom?" -Amani goes to talk to mom! At last! They're only partially shiny here! They still look like the kid who went away from home and came back with a new 'do and a rock band. -"Mom... I'm a sorcerer." -"Also, hibye, gotta save lives. ... =< "
-Anthony has a letter from Tyzol-! Oh, no? ...Wait, why does this entry exist? -Tenacity saves Anthony from the memory wipe. Tyzol no longer exists. Welcome to the new timeline. -The wizard challenges Anthony in Deyn. -"HEEELP TYZOL'S GONE" "Who's Tyzol?" "SHE WAS WARPED OUT BY A TIME MAGE" "Woah, that sounds dangerous to fight!" "JUST HELP" "Okay!" -But first, it's time to pack, decide when to go, and... more nerding! Nerds.
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Post by Thorn on Jan 4, 2020 3:57:25 GMT -5
I feel this (pulled from the short recap above) is an amazing depiction of the party as a whole. xD Someone gets asked to do a thing? Well, random NPC...you sign up for one, you sign up for the whole party!!
Less than twelve hours now, guys!
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Post by Thorn on Jan 4, 2020 22:51:03 GMT -5
Since we have a worldanvil, I'll now be using that for 'names learned!' whenever characters get a page. SteveEnmos, Bluebell and DewdropI think these are the only names that came up this session. I don't think I gave the name of the elf who almost shot Tally with a longbow, but if I did feel free to correct me and I'll add him too.
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Post by Liou on Jan 5, 2020 15:34:22 GMT -5
We had a whale ( ;D ) of a time last night with session 22!
There have been great recaps of the past few sessions, but for anyone scrolling past these posts who might not have the time to read, there's something I really, really want to let you know about the session before last:
Thorn voiced a goat! and it was perfect and adorable and beautiful!
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Post by Thorn on Jan 5, 2020 17:01:06 GMT -5
Aww thanks Liou! <3 I had a lot of fun with goatvoice, and was surprised but super happy that you guys liked it so much! May Basil and Shenanigoat go on to have lots of exciting adventures together. =D
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Post by Thorn on Jan 6, 2020 21:10:41 GMT -5
Our next session is on Saturday 25th January, 7:00pm GMT. We'll be down Moni, but hope to see the rest of you there! :-)
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Post by Thorn on Jan 12, 2020 14:22:07 GMT -5
Just under two weeks until our next session! We'll be down Moni and Thundy, but hope to see the rest of you there! :-D
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Post by Thorn on Jan 18, 2020 15:43:12 GMT -5
One week until session 23. With the party not yet decided on "where to next?", the world is your oyster! See you guys then!
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