001. The Cursed Candymancer

[Corwin]

[18:50] <Kotono> --
[18:52] <Kotono> Morning. Andrea rises and heads out to the common room of the house. It's going to be a warm day, the air only lightly cool at this hour. Cador sits at the living room table. In one hand is a colorful sheet of paper, as he reads it with a faint scowl playing on his face.
[18:56] <Andria> "Good morning, uncle," Andrea greets Cador as she passes behind him and peeks at what he's reading. "What are you reading?"
[18:58] <Kotono> Cador shakes his head and puts the paper down. It's a colorful thing, decorated red and green. Emblazoned in white letters is 'WHIMSICAL SWEETS', with decorations of dancing honey, pixies and other such things. 'GRAND OPENING!' is also written below it. "These posters went up all over this morning. Some fool put one on the front door."
[19:01] <Andria> "Oh. A bit rude of them to use your home like that, yes," Andrea agrees, as she restrains a bit of laughter, and a bit of faint interest/curiosity at the idea of sweets. "Do you want me to go to their shop and reprimand them?"
[19:04] <Kotono> That gets a long look from Cador, then he shakes his head, "There was a fool of a girl outside talking about free samples. No reason for you not to go. Girls like sweets, don't they?"
[19:10] <Andria> "Hmm, well, I'll go check them out. I'll ask them not to go around posting their posters on people's homes at the very least, but maybe I'll buy something for you too. And maybe for instructor Olan. I bet you old men like sweets too." She starts to pull away from Cador, only to pause and bend down to give him a light peck on the cheek. "Uhm...I'll see you later today, uncle," she says awkwardly as she turns towards the door and moves to leave.
[19:14] <Kotono> "Yeah," Cador's reply is short as he watches he go, Andrea heading out! OOC: I'll merge you into #dunes in a moment.

[Corwin]

[19:04] <Kotono> -----
[19:05] <Kotono> Coming into the city from the west is normal enough. Aaeru heads through the Western Reaches without incident, reaching into the New City. At the gates to it are a pair of guardsmen, the two paying more attention to what looks to be a poster in hand than Aaeru approaching.
[19:06] * Aaeru gives the guards a friendly wave as she proceeds into the city-proper.
[19:08] <Kotono> As you do one of the guards laughs. He's a younger man with a shock of blonde hair. "Hey girl," he says, holding the poster out, "What's your name?"
[19:10] <Aaeru> "Aaeru," she responds brightly, pausing before the pair. "You say it with an Ah, then Eh, and finally a pleasant Roo at the end! How may I be of service?"
[19:12] <Kotono> "Right," The guardsman smiles, "This is something you'd like, right?" He hands her the poster. "Take a look."
[19:14] <Aaeru> Returning the smile, Aaeru accepts the poster, glancing over it.
[19:15] <Kotono> It's a colorful thing, decorated red and green. Emblazoned in white letters is 'WHIMSICAL SWEETS', with decorations of dancing honey, pixies and other such things. 'GRAND OPENING!' is also written below it. In smaller print at the bottom, he can notice that it says, 'Say Sylvie sent you and get free samples all day!' "Sounds like fun, doesn't it?"
[19:16] * Aaeru tilts her head in consideration. "Well, I can't deny that it would make the kids happy to get some sweets."
[19:17] <Kotono> "Oh, you're married?" The guardsman's face falls a little bit, "Well, I can't go anyway since I'm on duty all morning."
[19:18] <Aaeru> "At the temple," Aaeru adds, as her mind makes the connection. "The kids at the temple. Of Ilmater." Feeling awkward, she glances at the poster once more. "I better go and see about bringing them something, yes."
[19:20] <Kotono> "Oh..." The guardsman coughs quickly, stepping aside, "Off you go!"
[19:21] * Aaeru does not quite rush past the guards, but her pace does pick up until the embarrassing situation is well behind her.

[Corwin]

[19:00] <Kotono> ----
[19:02] <Kotono> The morning dawns cool. Standing outside of the Seadragon Inn, Wayland can see the ships at the harbor. From the harbor comes a lively, cool breeze. One that blows through him like an elixir, washing away the morning's fatigue. As he savors it, lives it, breathes it...one can notice something. Several walls now have colorful posters on them, ones that weren't there yesterday. A few barechested
[19:02] <Kotono> sailors are studying one such, a group of city guardsmen another.
[19:05] <Wayland> Make a curious noise, Wayland steps toward one of the posters to see what the commotion is abut.
[19:06] <Kotono> It's a colorful thing, decorated red and green. Emblazoned in white letters is 'WHIMSICAL SWEETS', with decorations of dancing honey, pixies and other such things. 'GRAND OPENING!' is also written below it. In smaller print at the bottom, he can notice that it says, 'Say Sylvie sent you and get free samples all day!'
[19:10] <Wayland> "Hmm," he rumbles to himself. "sweets eh? It might be interesting to see if they can match themselves with what I remember from home." He checks the poster for more information.
[19:13] <Kotono> At the bottom is an address: 48 Valman Avenue.
[19:14] <Wayland> Having nothing pressing to do at the immediate moment, Wayland decides to jog to the address. Why walk when you can jog, after all.
[19:16] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, I'll merge you into #dunes in a moment.

[Corwin]

[18:45] <Kotono> ---
[18:49] <Kotono> The early summer brings with it the mellow warmth of summer. Cool winds carry in off the Bay of Sparkling Stars, staving off the worst of summer's ravages. Rising with the morning, Janson can smell the promise of a brand new day. Should be a nice one by all reports. As he leaves his little rented freestanding house, tucked away in a corner of the Western Reaches? He can see farmers at work,
[18:49] <Kotono> carts going to the east towards the market, people coming and going. There is one thing astray - a young woman. A pretty blonde thing, wearing white facepaint. She wears a fantastical, airy green dress. She's currently plastering a poster to a nearby tree.
[18:57] <Janson> That reminds him a bit of the facepaint worn by the women of the village for ceremony and war, ornate swirls and stripes of woad, chalk, or blood... they never wore dresses like that, though! Strolling over to investigate, he focuses on the lady before the poster, "Good morning," he opens with brightly, standing in a loosely relaxed manner a few feet from her, but lowering his head slightly in
[18:57] <Janson> deference to her smaller height. Overall he doesn't look particularly striking, dressed in simple homespun and wool clothes much as most people in this part of the city, sturdy but bland, his freckled face showing cheerful openness. "Haven't seen many people as well dressed as you since I arrived here, good lady."
[19:00] <Kotono> "Good morning!" She turns and smiles broadly, a spinning that nearly has her fall straight over! She rebalances and flashes a hot smile at Janson, "Good morning, good morning, good morning!" She reaches into a sack on her side, taking out another sheet of paper! "Here! Did you know that there's an exciting new place in town opening?"
[19:01] <Janson> "I guess I do, now?" Janson laughs a little at her enthusiasm, accepting the sheet and taking a look at it.
[19:03] <Kotono> It's a colorful thing, decorated red and green. Emblazoned in white letters is 'WHIMSICAL SWEETS', with decorations of dancing honey, pixies and other such things. 'GRAND OPENING!' is also written below it. "If you take this in and tell them that Sylvie sent you, you'll get free samples! So won't you go visit? The address is at the bottom!"
[19:05] <Janson> "Oooh," Janson is suitably impressed. "I've really gotten a hankering for sweet things ever since I came to the city. Jam and honey were real luxuries out in Aralla. Oh, nice to meet you, Sylvie, I'm Janson," he offers her his free hand belatedly.
[19:07] <Kotono> The hand is taken as the blonde gives Janson a wink, "So go and enjoy!" she steps back, "See you there!"
[19:09] <Janson> "Hope I do," the redhead blushes a little at her wink, walking away happily to see to a few of his other morning errands before heading to the address specified for some free samples, and maybe a purchase if he can afford it.
[19:12] <Kotono> Thus Janson heads to the address. It's in the Commerce Quarter. Here everything is bright and new, Merchant's Way. It's at 48 Valway Avenue, tucked into the western side of the quarter. Here a bright two story building has been decorated with glass-fruit decorations over the windows. A small crowd is outside, the door inside shut and barred with a red ribbon.
[19:12] * Janson goes to join the crowd. "It's not open yet?" he asks generally, assuming someone will volunteer an answer as he double-checks the paper to see if it said an opening time.
[19:15] <Kotono> "Not yet," A scruffy young man says, scratching at a four day beard. "But hey, free's free. We're just waiting now." Meanwhile Andrea approaches down the well kept streets of the Commerce Quarter. She can see the crowd as well, gathering and waiting.
[19:15] <Janson> "You got offered free samples as well?" Janson asks, his face falling slightly.
[19:16] <Kotono> "Oh yeah," He smiles, "I got up before dawn and there was this hot blonde number putting posters up,"  He smiles, "I like the cut of that advertising."
[19:18] <Janson> "I guess... but if they give free samples to everyone how will they make a profit?" Janson asks, scratching his stubbly chin.
[19:21] <Andria> "Free samples? Really?" Andrea pipes in as she joins the group waiting in line. "Don't recall seeing anything about free samples, but I admittedly only took a small look at the posters."
[19:22] <Kotono> "Yeah," Glancing back at Andrea and smiling, "Hi there," the scruffy young man says. Meanwhile from one direction Aaeru approaches, seeing the crowd. From the other Wayland approaches, seeing the crowd as well.
[19:22] <Janson> "Well, she did offer them especially to me," Janson asserts, turning deferentially towards Andria as she enters the conversation. "But I suppose she's just generous to everyone."
[19:23] <Wayland> Wayland slows to a stop at the edge of the crowd, the sound of a light breeze dying around him. "Huh, looks like sweets are popular in this town."
[19:23] <Andria> Andrea laughs lightly. "Well, with a crowd like this, they'll probably end up saying something like free sweets only to the first fifty customers, or some such I bet."
[19:24] <Janson> "Very popular," Janson mutters as the crowd keeps growing. His eyes widen at Andria's words, however. "Really, you think so?" He then starts looking around to try and count the crowd and work out if he's positioned safely enough towards the front to be in with a chance.
[19:25] <Andria> "Well, like you said, can't be good for business if they give away too many sweets. Oh, you said you met the person putting up posters? What's she look like? I wanted to request something from her," Andrea asks Janson, having joined the conversation after the other person mentioned her, and only noting Janson as having met her.
[19:26] <Kotono> There's about 30 people, with a few more people approaching, so far.
[19:27] <Janson> "She's a bit shorter than you, petite and blonde," Janson replies, reassured now and turning back to Andria. "She had on white facepaint earlier, but it wasn't much like what the women in the village wore, and she had this really fancy green dress - which is definitely not like anything they wore in the village," he smiles happily at that last. "The city's so nice, isn't it?"
[19:27] <Wayland> Overhearing Andria, Wayland comments to her, "Well, perhaps they simply have an excess?"
[19:27] <Kotono> "Anything free is popular," The young man glances back further to Wayland.
[19:29] * Aaeru stays at the edge of the crowd, waiting for the grand opening with ever-mounting excitement.
[19:29] * Janson blinks in surprise at the blue man, unable to keep from staring.
[19:30] * Wayland politely ignores Janson's staring.
[19:31] <Kotono> As everyone chats, the door opens! Before the red ribbon stands a plump man. His face is well fed and smooth, pink as pigskin. He wears a black shirt and pants, decorated with images of candy all over. A rapier hangs at his side as he claps his hands together. His hair is a green tinted blonde, his ears somewhat pointed in the elven style. In a loud, delicate voice, "Welcome one and welcome all!
[19:31] <Kotono> May I have your attention?"
[19:31] <Andria> "Ah, thanks. And yes Balmuria is a nice place. It's definitely home," Andrea agrees with Janson's assessment. Turning to Wayland, she's very briefly startled at his skin's color, before recovering. "Possible, but kind of unl...oh, they're opening!"
[19:31] * Andria starts paying attention to the man.
[19:32] * Janson is mercifully saved from further rude staring by a far more important event capturing his attention!
[19:32] * Aaeru is not one to miss a spectacle such as this!
[19:32] * Wayland turns his attention to the man at the door.
[19:33] <Kotono> "Thank you, everyone!" He calls out, "Today is a special day, one you will tell your children of fondly in your later years! For today is the day that Whimsical Sweets opens! The premier confectionary in Balmuria! From honeyed treats to rare sugar to things beyond your imagination lie within! For I possess Mystra's gift of magic, and I weave magic itself with the confectionary arts!"
[19:33] <Kotono> The crowd grows quiet, listening to the plump elven-kin.
[19:35] <Aaeru> Not just sweets, but magical sweets? Such decadence! Aaeru is firmly convinced the children will be overjoyed.
[19:35] * Janson is respectfully quiet before the speecifying, although the mention of magic makes him curious enough to try and discern if any is present in the shop... assuming the mythal doesn't blind him.
[19:36] <Kotono> He turns and gestures, the ribbon falling in twain! "Come inside, free samples for all! Further..." He looks about, "I shall show a handful of you the premier confectionary magical arts! If you desire to see this exciting new art first hand, raise your hand!"
[19:36] * Wayland raises an eyebrow. Magical sweets?
[19:36] <Andria> Andrea mimics Wayland's gesture, but raises her hand, going along with the man's show.
[19:36] * Janson raises his hand and even stands on his tiptoes a little, using his height to try and make his raised hand most prominent in the crowd.
[19:37] <Aaeru> Aaeru's hand raises instantly!
[19:38] <Kotono> The man's gaze sweeps the crowd! After a moment it settles on Andrea! "Young lady, approach!"
[19:39] <Andria> Andrea smiles, amused at having been picked and slowly moves through the crowd, until she's at the front. "Well, hello," she greets the...owner?
[19:40] <Kotono> "Hello there! I am Josa Confector! You are, m'lady?" he makes a slightly awkward bow to her, "Honor us by telling us your name!"
[19:42] <Andria> Andrea returns the gesture with a curtsey (or as best as she can pull one off in her outfit). "Andrea Redfall, mister Confector."
[19:42] <Kotono> "A lovely name!" He reaches to pat her shoulder before he looks out. His gaze travels about, settling on Aaeru! "Young lady, the one in the simple clothes! Come forth!"
[19:43] * Wayland raises his hand, knowing that he'll likely stand out quite a bit.
[19:43] * Janson sees that in some respects the city isn't so different than the village, after all...
[19:44] * Aaeru approaches the confectioner, bowing before him. "Thank you for the opportunity to see a unique new magic!" she greets him. "I'm Aaeru!"
[19:45] <Kotono> "Figures, he goes for all the chicks," The scruffy young man mutters.
[19:45] <Kotono> "A truly divine name," Josa says brightly, gesturing out the crowd! His eyes sweep, then settles on Janson! "You there! The young man right there!"
[19:47] * Janson brightens in vindication! "Not all," he smiles at the other young man, squeezing his way past to reach the front of the shop. "Morning, I'm Janson," he introduces himself, offering a hand out to shake.
[19:47] <Kotono> "A fine name, a fine name!" He goes on, looking about! This time he settles on Wayland, pointing! "Of course! You who have been gifted with blood beyond the mundane, step forward!"
[19:49] <Wayland> Nodding and accepting it as a matter of course, Wayland steps lightly through the crowd toward the portly elf.
[19:49] <Kotono> "You are, young man," He asks as Wayland steps forward.
[19:50] <Andria> "Nice to see you two again," Andrea whispers quietly at the two semi-familiar faces of Wayland and Janson.
[19:50] <Wayland> "A pleasure, master shopkeep. I am Wayland of Chillander." he says with a grin.
[19:51] <Kotono> "Oh, from the faraway lands of glorious Pallanth?" With a grin of his own, "Oh, you are truly a blessed soul!" He now takes a step back, "The four of you, come with me! The rest of you, my assistants inside will see to the free samples! Wayland, Aaeru, Andrea, Janson, with me!"
[19:51] * Janson gives Andria a smile in reply. "Likewise," he nods, following the confectioner.
[19:52] * Wayland nods and falls into step with the elf.
[19:52] * Aaeru follows, a spring in her step.
[19:55] <Kotono> Inside is are several rows of glass cases! Under each case are myriad sweets! From the familiar - fruits, honey, elf bread, pies and cookies - to the exotic - brown bars of something, colored liquids, hard candies and more - are all about. In the far back is an elegant, rising stairway, made of leaves dotted with glass fruits hanging from them. "With me, with me!" Josa calls, heading to the
[19:55] <Kotono> stair.
[19:56] * Andria keeps up in step behind Josa, though she does glance around at all the sweets, vaguely considering what to get for the people she knows.
[19:56] * Aaeru never knew so many kinds of sweets existed, but the promise of seeing their magical origins is far more interesting, and she doesn't stop to gawk.
[19:56] <Janson> "Reminds me of home," Janson comments at the leafy stairway as he starts up it. "Well, except for the sweets..."
[19:57] * Wayland nods at Janson. "Me as well, a bit. Not quite so grand there, though."
[19:58] <Kotono> Upstairs is a large room. Besides the stairs are ten chairs. Each one is made of hardwood and delicate looking, so curved and well made that they look ready to fall apart into wood and air in a moment. 50 feet ahead lies a raised platform, 5ft of stairs leading to a red and white striped cauldron. "Be seated!" Josa commands, "Watch as I will draw forth the perfect candy with magic for all of
[19:58] <Kotono> you, a mighty demonstration of a Candymancer!"
[19:59] * Janson tries so very hard not to giggle at the word Candymancer, although his face reddens with the effort of keeping it in as he averts his eyes for a moment and takes a seat.
[19:59] <Aaeru> "A... candymancer?" Aaeru repeats, sitting down. "I suppose it makes perfect sense."
[20:00] <Wayland> Fighting back laughter, Wayland takes his seat.
[20:01] * Andria just continues watching, though her lips twitch upwards at his title.
[20:02] <Kotono> If Josa finds offense, he does not show it! No, he strides to the cauldron, climbing up the steps and standing behind it! "Now watch and observe!"
[20:03] <Janson> With his skill at detecting magic, Janson composes himself and observes properly!
[20:03] * Aaeru does more than merely watch with the untrained eye, invoking her own meager magic to observe the Candymancer's art!
[20:03] <Janson> roll 1d20+9 presumptive spellcraft
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+9 presumptive spellcraft and gets 15." [1d20=6]
[20:04] <Janson> As the blonde girl suddenly starts casting, Janson tries to figure out what she's doing and if he should duck before she completes her spell.
[20:04] <Janson> roll 1d20+9 spellcraft on that
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+9 spellcraft on that and gets 18." [1d20=9]
[20:06] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3 okay
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 okay and gets 17." [1d20=14]
[20:07] * Janson relaxes as he figures out it's an inoffensive spell. "It's just detect magic," he gestures at Aaeru in case anyone else was concerned.
[20:07] <Kotono> At this, Josa takes to the cauldron! He raises his hands, beginning to chant in Elven! "Oh great spirits of candy, images of sweetness! Answer me as I chant in your name!" The cauldron begins to steam up, a sweet smelling steam wafting up.
[20:08] <Janson> Inhaling happily, Janson watches the master at his craft!
[20:09] <Kotono> After a few moments the cauldron sputters out steam and goes quiet! "I said," Josa repeats, "In the name of the great spirits of candy!"
[20:09] <Andria> '...spirits of candy,' Andrea repeats inside her head, and she gives a very short snort of laughter before composing herself.
[20:10] * Aaeru once more wishes she did not have quite so poor an education, but maintains a polite smile, as if she perfectly understands the Candymancer's spell.
[20:10] <Janson> "Oh..." Janson looks disappointed at the lack of results. "Does it not work often?"
[20:10] * Wayland watches amused, but concerned as the spell does not seem to be having its desired effects.
[20:11] <Andria> ooc: scratch last line.
[20:12] <Kotono> This time the cauldron sputters out a great belch of steam and then...woosh! A great blob of honey erupts out! It slams into Josa, pinning him against the back wall, covering him from neck to feet! A moment later they erupt out! Six of them - men of fruited bread, of elf bread. They stand in a 2 by 3 formation before the stairs to the cauldron. Each has a sword of the same material, as well as
[20:12] <Kotono> ornamental candy-armor!  At each flank is a large blob of honey, oozing ahead! From within the cauldron tinkling music can be heard, as well as faint giggles! A moment later the entire building shakes, like an earthquake! From within..."Get them!" The giggling voices instruct in Sylvan!
[20:12] <Aaeru> "Wha-wha-what?" Aaeru squeaks, jumping to her feet.
[20:13] <Andria> "...You have got to be kidding," Andrea mutters, shock, amusement, disbelief all cycling in her face as she stares at the creatures.
[20:13] <Janson> "Ahh!" Janson gets up, calling back in Sylvan, "Who are you and why are you setting... candymen, on us?!"
[20:15] <Wayland> His expression quickly ranging from amused to shocked to serious, Wayland stands up and pulls himself into a fighting stance. "Fey!"
[20:15] <Kotono> OOC: Initiative. The first line of candy-men are 40ft away, the second 45ft in front of the stairs. The blobs are 40ft away, both of them. Answers to that will happen once I have that sorted, Janson.
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 6#1d20+2
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 6#1d20+2 and gets 82." [6#1d20+2 = 3, 16, 8, 12, 21, 22]
[20:15] <Janson> roll 1d20+3
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 2#1d20-5
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2#1d20-5 and gets 23." [2#1d20-5 = 8, 15]
[20:15] <Andria> roll d20+4
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+4 and gets 5." [d20=1]
[20:15] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18." [1d20=16]
[20:15] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 5." [1d20=2]
[20:17] * Kotono changes topic to 'Candyman 6(22)>Candyman 5(21)>Aaeru(18)>Candyman 2(16)>Honeyblob 2(15)>Janson=Candyman 4(12)>Candyman 3=Honeyblob 1(8)>Wayland=Andrea(5)>Candyman 1(3)>Cauldron(-999, auto goes last)'
[20:17] <Kotono> OOC: Candymen open.
[20:17] <Kotono> From within the cauldron you hear laughter, "Oooh, some big windbag out there!" They laugh back! Meanwhile Josa struggles, "Stop! Help! HELP!" he cries at the top of his lungs!
[20:18] <Kotono> The sixth and fifth candymen are in the back row of three and both hold! OOC: Holding. Go Aaeru.
[20:18] * [20:20] <Aaeru> That, at least, she can understand. She would even understand the plea for help if it were in another language, and Aaeru advances towards the candied creations, growing in size as she does so! "Don't worry, Mister Josa!" she calls to the Candymancer. "I'll save you!"
[20:21] <Aaeru> OOC: 30ft closer, enlarge person
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC: Right-o.
[20:22] <Kotono> As Aaeru charge sin, the second candyman charges ahead! It goes right at Aaeru, sword out for her! OOC: You're large and have reach, you can AoO if you like.
[20:22] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+5 of course!
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+5 of course! and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[20:22] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[20:22] <Kotono> OOC: +2 damage.
[20:23] * Aaeru smashes her fist straight into the candy soldier's head, intent on knocking it back!
[20:23] <Aaeru> roll 1d8+5
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d8+5 and gets 9." [1d8=4]
[20:23] <Kotono> WHAM! The candyman's head is half gone, crumbling deliciously to the ground! But it continues to exist, sword going for Aaeru!
[20:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 AC?
[20:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 AC? and gets 24." [1d20=19]
[20:24] <Aaeru> OOC: 14
[20:24] <Kotono> roll 1d6+2 ow.
[20:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+2 ow. and gets 6." [1d6=4]
[20:25] <Kotono> Aaeru gets a swording in her side, a fleck of blood unleashed as the bread-blade proves to be as sharp as worked iron! The second honeyblob oozes 10 feet forward! OOC: Janson and the fourth candyman, the fourth is holding. Go Janson.
[20:26] * Aaeru stares down at her wound in disbelief, before facing her assailant once more.
[20:26] * Janson hurries forward but stays behind Aaeru to hide in her shadow, gesturing at the formation of candymen with a call of "Supper time!" as a swarm or ravenous rodents suddenly pops into existence atop them, instantly setting to devouring the delicious sweet candy!
[20:27] <Kotono> OOC: How many of them does it get?
[20:27] <Janson> roll 1d6 for 3 or possibly 4 candymen depending on candyman 2's original position, since it's a 10x10 square
[20:27] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d6 for 3 or possibly 4 candymen depending on candyman 2's original position, since it's a 10x10 square and gets 6." [1d6=6]
[20:27] <Kotono> OOC: Say 4, they're close enough together.
[20:28] <Kotono> The rodents so appear, tearing into the candymen with a vicious, all consuming hunger! Bits of them are eaten down, all but the sixth nearly eaten alive! But they endure despite it! The third candyman half crumbles but advances on Aaeru! OOC: Do you have another AoO with CR or anything, Aaeru? You get one if so.
[20:29] <Aaeru> OOC: Sadly no
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 vs AC 14
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 vs AC 14 and gets 18." [1d20=13]
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d6+2 ow
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+2 ow and gets 5." [1d6=3]
[20:30] <Kotono> This candyman is unerring! Aaeru's stomach gets bruised and cut by a candy-sword blow, staggering Aaeru back! Her wind is gone, chest aching! The first honeyblob advances 10 feet as well, oozing forward! OOC: Wayland and Andrea, go.
[20:32] <Wayland> Wayland moves to flank one of the candymen harassing Aaeru!
[20:33] <Andria> "I can't believe I'm going to be fighting candy," Andrea mutters in disbelief as she heads towards one of the closer candymen, drawing her weapon along the way and slashing at it.
[20:33] <Andria> roll d20+8
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+8 and gets 10." [d20=2]
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Candymen 2 and 3 are closest. Choose which one each of you is attacking.
[20:33] <Andria> OOC: I miss either one, but let's say 2
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: You miss 2, yes.
[20:34] <Wayland> roll 1d20+6 for candyman 3
[20:34] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+6 for candyman 3 and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: That be a hit.
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: +2 damage.
[20:35] <Wayland> roll 1d6+5 head asplode?
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d6+5 head asplode? and gets 7." [1d6=2]
[20:35] * Kotono changes topic to 'Candyman 6(22)>Candyman 5(21)>Aaeru(18)>Candyman 2(16)>Honeyblob 2(15)>Janson=Candyman 4(12)>Honeyblob 1(8)>Wayland=Andrea(5)>Candyman 1(3)>Cauldron(-999, auto goes last)'
[20:35] <Kotono> As Andrea closes in and misses, slashing too soon, Wayland closes in! He gets to the side of the third candyman, fist caving in its head! The entire thing crumbles apart, become a broken up candy
corpse! OOC: Candyman 1 is up.
[20:36] <Kotono> The first candyman advances, going for the presented Andrea and taking a charging hack at her!
[20:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 AC?
[20:36] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 AC? and gets 16." [1d20=11]
[20:37] <Andria> OOC: 16
[20:37] <Kotono> roll 1d6+2
[20:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+2  and gets 5." [1d6=3]
[20:38] <Kotono> Andrea finds its counter-attack to be far too accurate! It cuts into her arm, delicious candy claiming her sweet blood! At this the cauldron steams! Giggles erupt out, "You're not gonna stop us! Run, run, run unless you wanna get it! Hey, genasi!" They carol along, "CATCH!" From the cauldron a great blob of honey flies out at Wayland!
[20:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 touch AC, Wayland?
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 touch AC, Wayland? and gets 14." [1d20=13]
[20:38] <Kotono> "Listen!" Josa calls as he vainly struggles, "Stop the cauldron! Get to it and stop it! Knock it over or something!"
[20:39] <Aaeru> "Right!"
[20:39] <Wayland> OOC: AC 16
[20:39] <Kotono> But Wayland steps aside! In front of him it appears - another honeyblob, missing him at least! OOC: Candyman 6 and 5 are still holding. Aaeru is up.
[20:39] * Kotono changes topic to 'Candyman 6(22)>Candyman 5(21)>Aaeru(18)>Candyman 2(16)>Honeyblob 2(15)>Janson=Candyman 4(12)>Honeyblob 1(8)>Wayland=Andrea(5)>Candyman 1(3)>Honeyblob 3=Cauldron(-999, auto goes last)'
[20:41] * Aaeru decides to first deal with the nuisance that wounded her! Once she manages to take it out, she could attempt to open a path towards the cauldron for the others!
[20:41] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[20:41] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 and gets 14." [1d20=11]
[20:41] <Kotono> OOC: One hit.
[20:41] <Kotono> OOC: +2 damage, shouldn't matter.
[20:41] <Aaeru> roll 1d8+5
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d8+5 and gets 10." [1d8=5]
[20:41] * Kotono changes topic to 'Candyman 6(22)>Candyman 5(21)>Aaeru(18)>Honeyblob 2(15)>Janson=Candyman 4(12)>Honeyblob 1(8)>Wayland=Andrea(5)>Candyman 1(3)>Honeyblob 3=Cauldron(-999, auto goes last)'
[20:42] <Kotono> Aaeru is able to dodge and slam the second candyman into a candy coffin! It crumbles apart and leaves behind a delicious memory, taking some heat off her! The second honeyblob oozes ahead...OOC: It's in your range as it's moving towards you Aaeru, you can AoO it.
[20:43] <Aaeru> OOC: No thanks
[20:43] <Kotono> The ooze reaches Aaeru, a sticky fist forming to hit at her!
[20:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 AC?
[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 AC? and gets 11." [1d20=7]
[20:43] <Aaeru> OOC: 14
[20:44] <Kotono> But the honey-fist is parried, knocked back cleanly! OOC: Janson.
[20:45] <Janson> "Alright, laughing girls!" Janson calls across in Sylvan as the rats vanish with another pop, "Call off your goons and maybe I'll call off mine!" as another pop heralds a seething mass of vicious biting poisonous spiders appearing above the cauldron and flowing into it to devour whatever lies inside!
[20:45] <Janson> roll 1d6 DC 11 fort vs poison
[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d6 DC 11 fort vs poison and gets 4." [1d6=4]
[20:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 15." [1d20=12]
[20:47] <Kotono> "OW! OW! OW! OW!" You hear cries from inside the cauldron! "Stop it, stop it, stop it!" AT this the candymen and honeyblobs go still! OOC: Wayland and Andrea, you're up. They're not immediately attacking.
[20:48] <Wayland> Sensing weakness, Wayland moves toward the cauldron!
[20:48] <Janson> "They're surrendering," Janson helpfully translates in common for everyone else. "Spider allergy."
[20:48] <Kotono> Wayland is able to go past the still candymen and reach the cauldron! Inside you see a swarm of spiders, filling it! You can see something thrashing in there, something hidden by the spiders.
[20:50] <Wayland> With a frown on his face, Wayland upends the cauldron, spilling spiders and assailant to the ground!
[20:50] <Kotono> OOC: Make a str check, Wayland? The cauldron is secured enough to require one to move it.
[20:50] <Andria> Andrea also starts to head towards the cauldron, but pauses at Janson's mention of surrender, and returns to Aaeru, placing her hands on the large monk and sending some divine energy into her body to mend her wounds. (OOC: Lay on Hands, 6 HP)
[20:51] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 16." [1d20=13]
[20:52] <Andria> "Thanks for err, 'killing' that candyman that struck me," Andrea tells Aaeru.
[20:52] <Kotono> The cauldron is knocked over! Spiders come flying out as well as another! It's small and silver haired, a woman clad in a dainty, bright red dress. It's a foot tall or so, with gossamer wings. It's stung and bitten all over, whimpering! Meanwhile the candymen crumble, the honeyblobs melting down into nothingness! OOC: Any of you can make an K:N check if you have ranks. free act.
[20:52] <Aaeru> "This is utterly ridiculous," Aaeru confides in Andrea. "No thanks are necessary."
[20:52] <Janson> roll 1d20+11
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+11 and gets 31." [1d20=20]
[20:53] <Aaeru> With the candy troops losing their fighting spirit, Aaeru proceeds to free the Candymancer from his entrapment.
[20:54] <Kotono> A few knocks loosen the honey on thew all! Josa falls to the ground, shuddering, "Oooow!" When he rises it's slowly, "What have you done, Silver?!" he sputters, "This is a disaster on the opening day! A fiasco! A nightmare!"
[20:54] <Janson> The spiders vanish with another pop as Janson stops maintaining the spell. "That was a really dangerous prank, miss, you know," he chastises the spiderbitten pixie while stepping out from behind the shelter of Aaeru. "Oh... you're his familiar?" his eyes widen and he glances at Josa.
[20:55] * Aaeru returns to her regular size, and gives her clothes a mournful look. But her attention quickly shifts to Josa. "Does this mean you are tricking people by pretending to make your candy yourself?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "Something like that," Silver flies up, shivering! She shoots a dirty look at Josa and then alights on Andrea's head.
[20:56] <Kotono> "No, it's my magic." Josa looks at his honeyed clothes, muttering a word tomake the honey vanish. He fluffs his shirt out and then. "All my magic! Silver is my assistant!"
[20:57] <Andria> "I'm suddenly not very hungry for your candy, mister Confector. Just so you know," Andrea says regarding the matter.
[20:57] <Janson> "A very naughty assistant, then," Janson puts in, looking sadly down at the candy crumbs, nothing substantial enough left to eat where before there was enough candy to live for a month on...
[20:58] <Wayland> Wayland is busily glaring at the pixie. "What was the point of bewitching sweets, of all things, to attack us?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "Nooo!" Josa shivers, "I'll give you plenty of free samples! This is a mistake! A nightmare from Baator!" There are quite some chunks left behind, crumbled but edible if Janson wishes. Meanwhile a pretty blonde comes up, dressed as the one Janson met. "Sir?" she says, "Um...whatever caused that earthquake...um...everyone's sort of gone, okay?"
[20:59] <Janson> "Hi, Sylvie!" Janson brightens and waves at the familiar girl, surreptitiously grabbing a hunk of sweetbread from the floor.
[20:59] <Kotono> "I was bored!" Silver retorts, arms crossed as she stands on Andrea's head. "We could be wandering, finding the sweets of all the land! But nooooo, we're making a shop and in this stupid boring city! No trees, no streams, nothing!"
[21:00] <Kotono> "Nooo!" Josa whimpers and hurries ahead, "Sylvie, you stay here with them! Fetch them some healing nectars for their injuries! I'll be downstairs, I have to salvage this! Silver, just stay here and don't do anything!" The plump elf hurries downstairs at a hustle!
[21:00] * Wayland shakes his head, scowling. "Of course you were bored. When are the fey not bored? Dangerous creatures, the lot of you."
[21:00] * Andria turns to the new girl and remembers what she'd told her uncle she'd do. "...this is probably a bad time to bring this up, but I wanted to ask that you be more careful where you're putting up all your posters. It's kind of rude to put it on people's homes, you know," Andrea says.
[21:00] * Aaeru sighs. "I don't suppose you have a private room I could borrow to fix my outfit?" she asks Sylvie.
[21:01] <Kotono> "I'll have you know that was fun! All of you had fun too!" Silver grumps.
[21:01] <Janson> "Oh, don't be like that," Janson tells Wayland, "The ones out in the forest near here are really nice and friendly. Much nicer than the giants, especially!"
[21:02] <Kotono> "Hi!" Sylvie smiles winsomely, hands behind her back. "Sorry, boss said you should stay up here. Um, I don't really want to get in trouble. And...okay, sure," With a nice smile at Andrea, "Boss said to put them everywhere."
[21:02] <Janson> Shrugging at Silver, Janson stuffs some of the floor candy in his mouth, putting aside his judgement on 'fun' until he's taste tested it.
[21:02] <Kotono> It's pretty good! Sweet and fruity and altogether quite tasty. Tender and crumbly, melting in his mouth.
[21:03] <Aaeru> Sighing once more, Aaeru merely puts some distance between herself and the others, turns around and takes her shirt off, calling upon Mending as needed.
[21:03] <Wayland> Turning a gimlet eye on Janson, Wayland says, "My people are nearly at the cusp of civil war because of these creatures. I have no love for any of them."
[21:03] <Andria> "...ew. I can't believe you put something you fought into your mouth," Andrea mutters, making a face at Janson.
[21:03] <Kotono> "That's because a lot of the elves in Pallanth are boooooring!" Silver grumps again, pacing on Andrea's head. Back and forth she goes, "All the elves are like humans with pointy ears now!"
[21:03] * Janson smiles and eats some more. "I dunno how much fun the two ladies who got breadcuts had, but the candy makes up for it by tasting great!" he tells Silver, then gives Wayland and Andrea shrug, "Your loss, to both."
[21:04] <Kotono> "So, why don't all of you just stay here and I get you that nectar?" Sylvie flashes all of them a smile, "I'll be right back!"
[21:05] * Wayland glares at the thing on Andrea's head, looking very much like he wants to hit it. "Whether or not we are boring gives you no right to interfere in our society."
[21:06] * Aaeru finishes off with Prestidigitation to rid herself of any honey remnants still clinging to her body, before slipping her shirt back on with a happy sigh, for a change.
[21:07] <Janson> "You can't paint them all with the same brush," Janson shakes a hunk of candy at Wayland, before promptly devouring it. "The fey who live around here have never even been to Pallanth, and get on peacefully and happily with the daughters of Jannath."
[21:07] <Kotono> This gets Silver to stick her tongue out, "Pfaaaaah! You'll have fun once you stop being wet blankets!" She alights from Andrea's head, going to fly to the cauldron and sit atop it.
[21:09] <Andria> Andrea wasn't really sure how to react to the little fey, and relaxes a bit when she flies off her head. "Having fun isn't a bad thing, but not when your idea of fun involves hurting others. You didn't find the spiders fun, did you, little Silver?"
[21:09] <Aaeru> "If not having fun at another's expense means you are a wet blanket, well then, sign me right up," Aaeru voices, returning.
[21:10] <Kotono> Silver grumps and looks away, not answering. However, it's not long for Sylvie to return. She comes carrying two bottles full of clear liquid, "You two, come here. Drink this and you'll feel better."
[21:10] <Aaeru> "Thank you," Aaeru responds, but waits to see Andrea restored to proper health first.
[21:11] * Andria looks at the liquid with a bit of distrust, but since it did seem this whole incident was Silver's idea and not Confector's, decides to give them the benefit of the doubt as she grabs one of the bottles and drinks. "Thank you."
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d8+1 healing
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+1 healing and gets 4." [1d8=3]
[21:11] <Kotono> Andrea's wound mostly vanishes. She feels energy returnt o her from the sweet drink.
[21:12] <Aaeru> "Please, have the other as well," Aaeru requests, gestruing towards it with a smile. "I'll be fine!"
[21:13] <Andria> "I'm alright," Andrea defers on the matter. "You're worse off, so please."
[21:14] <Aaeru> "It's quite alright! I don't foresee fighting candy soldiers or any other kinds of soldiers, so I'll just sleep it off!"
[21:15] <Janson> "So, can you conjure up candy monsters that aren't murderous?" Janson asks Silver curiously, grabbing some more floor candy. "Or anything else fun?"
[21:16] <Kotono> Silver tosses her hair and preens, "If I really want to. Josa's learning how to be a candymancer...or making it up, more like." With a pfft as she sticks out her tongue, "He can turn almost anything into candy."
[21:17] <Andria> "Why sleep it off when you don't have to?" Andrea asks, raising an eyebrow. "I really am fine. In fact..."
[21:17] <Andria> OOC: using cure minor wounds!
[21:17] <Kotono> Calling on her magic, Andrea heals the last of her wounds.
[21:17] <Andria> "There, see, I'm perfectly fine now, so please, I insist," Andrea notes cheerfully.
[21:17] <Aaeru> "Ah! In that case--" Aaeru bows before Sylvie and takes the other potion.
[21:17] <Aaeru> roll 1d8+1
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d8+1 and gets 6." [1d8=5]
[21:18] <Aaeru> "Thank you for your generosity."
[21:18] <Kotono> Aaeru's wounds heal! Sylvie smiles, "So, let's just wait here for the boss. Um, I think I saw the city guard rushing to him outside so it may be a little bit."
[21:18] <Andria> "And it looks like we're all fine now, then! Excellent!."
[21:19] <Janson> "So, hey," Janson turns back to the human sized people, "Nice work on fighting the deadly delicious horde everyone," he mumbles around a mouthful, munching and swallowing away. "Who needs the guard, eh?"
[21:19] <Wayland> "Perhaps we should go down and help him, then. It's obvious that he meant us no harm. We wouldn't want him to be arrested for attempting to start an uprising of some sort just for trying to treat us." says Wayland, heading for the stairs.
[21:20] <Kotono> "Um..." Sylvie hurries along with Wayland, "Please stay up here, I don't want to get in trouble! The boss is going to be in a bad mood after this and I really need the job."
[21:20] <Aaeru> "I do hope it won't take too long. I have to get going soon," Aaeru muses. At Janson's words, she shrugs. "I hope the Guard has better things to do with their time than fighting candied constructs."
[21:21] * Janson nods commiseratingly with Sylvie. "City life is expensive," he agrees.
[21:21] * Wayland looks kindly at Sylvie. "And if your boss is arrested, you likely won't have a job either way."
[21:21] * Andria nods. "They keep the city safe, really. And they'd have dealt with the candy menace sooner or later if we hadn't, anyhow."
[21:22] <Kotono> "That is a good point..." Sylvie considers, "Okay, go ahead. Please make sure my boss isn't jailed for years and years!"
[21:22] <Wayland> Nodding, Wayland heads down to see if the shopkeeper is alright.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Pfft," Silver rolls her eyes, "That fat old half elf wouldn't last two days in the gaol."
[21:23] <Janson> "Should we care if his familiar is the one who gets jailed instead?" Janson asks with a glance back at the surly pixie.
[21:24] <Aaeru> "We really shouldn't discriminate," Aaeru responds. "If we start holding back because someone is surly and cruel, however could we ever give them a chance to better their ways?"
[21:25] <Janson> "Well, yeah, but I mean it *was* her fault entirely," the freckled man points out. "Her master was just an innocent bystander."
[21:25] <Andria> "We can inform the guard of the facts, just to clear any confusion," Andrea says as she starts heading down the stairs.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Yeah, yeah, who will blame the cute pixie?" Smiling winsomely, "You all go downstairs and have fun!"
[21:26] <Aaeru> "That's certainly true," Aaeru agrees. "Once her guilt has been established, we can plead on her behalf." Heading down to help seems to be the order of the day, and so that is what she does.
[21:27] * Janson shrugs and follows everyone else downstairs.
[21:28] <Kotono> The party heads downstairs! You can see the glass cases are mostly intact, though a few have fallen over and broken. Outside you find Josa talking quickly to a four guardsmen. As you emerge, "...and nothing was meant by it, only a genuine mistake. I'll be sure to talk to the City Guard whenever they need me in the future! You see, even the best enterprising sort has a mistake happen! Surely even Waukeen's shortchanged someone or slipped? Or the golden dragon's lost count of her hoard?"
[21:28] <Janson> He seems to have things under control, so Janson doesn't see any need to chime in.
[21:29] <Kotono> "Uh huh," A plain-faced, dutiful guardsmen nods back, "So you're saying this entire stampede of people was just a magical mistake and the aftermath?"
[21:29] <Aaeru> "Yes, that is exactly right!" Aaeru agrees, stepping forward. "We have witnessed this as well!"
[21:29] <Wayland> Speaking up, Wayland says, "Yes, that's exactly right."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Absolutely! Nothing malicious! Why, I'd stake a magical detection on it if I have to!" He smiles, "Gentlemen, it was nothing more than a hiccup!"
[21:30] <Kotono> The guardsman looks to each of them and nods without his expression changing, "48 Valman Avenue, right? Well, we'll pass it onto Captain Wedge so he can deal with it. If he has more to say, he'll be in touch."
[21:30] <Janson> "The world just wasn't ready for such incredible magical confectionary," Janson adds in sagely, since it's the done thing.
[21:31] <Aaeru> "It may never be ready for it."
[21:31] <Kotono> Josa turns as the guard leaves, deflating, "Ah, thank you for your kind words," he says, shooting a momentary glare at Aaeru. "Let us return inside to talk?"
[21:33] <Aaeru> "It is doubtful that animated candy soldiers will ever catch on, if they keep on attacking the people trying to eat them," Aaeru elaborates as she follows him back in. "In fact, please don't try to recreate them, Mister Josa."
[21:34] <Kotono> "That wasn't quite as planned," Josa says quickly, heading inside and shooing people along with him, "This way, this way, please."
[21:34] * Janson ambles along after Josa. "It's a shame, really. You obviously put a ton of effort in."
[21:35] <Aaeru> "That's quite true. The art of Candymancy seems a truly wondrous one."
[21:35] * Wayland nods, following in step with Josa. "Perhaps if you involved the Fey a bit less in your endeavors...they are flighty and prone to dangerous trickery."
[21:36] <Kotono> "So much effort and love," Inside he sees the ruined cases and sighs. "But here lies the grave of my dream. Alas, after this fiasco none will willingly come to Whimsical Sweets. The dream is dead." His shoulders slump as he wipes away a single tear from almond slanted eyes. "But!" Looking up, "Truly, there is always a silver lining! In the flames of one disaster comes new life!" A moment to
[21:36] <Kotono> clear his throat, "Incidentally, I must concur, but the fey wasn't my idea. Beshaba's luck that she blundered into my familiar summoning ritual, nothing more."
[21:37] <Andria> "What do you think you'll be doing with yourself if not candy, then?" Andrea asks curiously.
[21:37] <Janson> "Should've gotten a cat," Janson agrees sombrely.
[21:38] <Aaeru> "Why would your dream die now?" Aaeru asks for her part, confused. "If you can ensure that your cauldron does not explode in any dangerous manner, you could display your art right before the store to draw people, and show everyone that it is perfectly safe."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Such a display is a fatal blow! Oh, the rumors already spread!" Throwing his arms up, "Whimisical Sweets is cursed! Josa Confector is a menace who can't control is power! The building is unstable!" He sighs dramatically, "No, fate has closed the curtain on this act of my life, but in it I see a new performace in the offing!" Now he looks to each of them, "Tell me, none of you know one another,
[21:39] <Kotono> correct?"
[21:39] <Wayland> "I agree. Perhaps perseverance is the key here."
[21:40] <Janson> "First time I met anyone here, but I only arrived in Balmuria a few days ago," Janson puts in, wondering where this is going.
[21:40] <Wayland> "Nay sir, before today, I don't beleieve I'd met any of these folk."
[21:40] <Andria> "We all met in front of your shop, yes," Andrea chips in.
[21:40] * Aaeru is sad at a man's dream being destroyed before her very eyes, but she knows very little about the actual running of a business. She opts to nod in response to his question, never having seen the others before today.
[21:42] <Kotono> "The way you fought together, such potential!" He goes on, "As Whimsical Sweets dies, another place opens!" He gestures grandly to them, "I would hire each of you and found a guild of problem solvers, hired help, adventurers. With the talent you have shown in saving me, surely each of you have the potential and skill to solve most problems with deceptive ease and grace!"
[21:43] <Janson> "Huh," Janson blinks. "Would you keep Sylvie hired?" he asks with a glance up the stairs.
[21:43] * Aaeru pauses, looking at Josa. For the life of her, she cannot see how his talents as a Candymancer translate to being the master of a guild.
[21:43] * Wayland eyes Janson with a grin. "Already sweet on the girl? You move fast."
[21:44] <Kotono> "I would need  asecretary and someone for odds and end...oh! Of course!" With a smile, "If that is your price, Janson, then I will keep her employed! Ah, the sweetness of young romance! Surely she will blossom like a rose in spring's dewy sunlight!"
[21:44] <Janson> "Not just that," Janson protests, "She was really worried about losing her job, after all. Wouldn't want her out on the street..." he trails off, starting to blush at Josa taking that ball and running with it.
[21:45] <Aaeru> "Ah, well, if you think my skills will come in handy, then the House of Suffering would accept your kind donation to its cause." Aaeru blinks, recalling a few unsavory types visiting them before. "Not that there is any actual suffering being caused there, just so there are no misunderstandings. It is but a humble temple to Ilmater."
[21:46] <Andria> "That's an...interesting transition in jobs," Andrea notes, not sure how she feels about the offer. On the one hand, she had been meaning to search for something to distract herself with...on the other hand, a candy shopkeeper as boss?
[21:46] <Kotono> "Of course, of course, she has a child to see after," Going on from that brightly, "So, what say all of you? This is a chance for destiny, to seize a chance that comes along only once in a lifetime! Ah, ah, ah! Of course! By your garb you are one of Ilmater's children! Gladly would I donate a salary to them if you desire, Aaeru! Isn't it interesting?" Going to Andrea, "How does a salary of 40
[21:46] <Kotono> gold per month sound, as well as half of any salvage or looting done in the course of the job?"
[21:46] * Wayland chuckles at Janson, clapping him on the shoulder. "Well my friend, perhaps she'll see it your way. You should ask of her dinner plans tonight."
[21:48] <Wayland> "I find that to be acceptable. So long as we do not come into conflict with the law of the land, I see no reason not to see where this could take us." he nods.
[21:48] <Janson> "I kinda need work myself, anyway, since living in the city's way more expensive than in the forest where you can live for free," Janson muses, flinching a bit at Wayland's shoulder clap. "If I can afford to buy dinner, anyway..." he admits.
[21:49] <Aaeru> "You can actually live for free!" Aaeru exclaims. "If you don't mind not actually staying in the city, that is."
[21:49] <Andria> "Hrm...well, I'll accept if you agree not to entirely discard your sweets shop. Scale it back, keep it as a side business. We'll do our best to improve your reputation, and give Whimsical Sweets a chance to live again," Andrea suggests. "And reputation spread by word of mouth is less annoying than posters plastered on people's homes, anyhow."
[21:50] <Janson> "Well, yeah, that's the thing," Janson tells Aaeru, "I grew up in the forest but now I want to live in the city, so that's why I need money."
[21:50] <Aaeru> "Well, if you ever change your mind...."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Now that's an idea...Whimsical Sweets and Troubleshooting," Josa considers, "Get something sweet and magical AND have any problems fixed? Oozes in the alleys? Gone! Giant Beetles running crazy? SMASHED! Undead rising? Dusted!" He claps his hands together, "I'll even give all of you an advance on your salary for the month."
[21:52] <Janson> "I like the sound of an advance!" Janson grins, dinner looking far more reasonable suddenly. "Guess I'm hired?" he steps forward to offer his hand to Josa.
[21:53] <Wayland> "I'm in as well. This sounds like great fun." Wayland says to Josa.
[21:54] <Andria> "I'll give it a shot, like I said," Andrea agrees.
[21:55] <Kotono> Hands are shaken all over! "Then we're agreed!" With a big smile, "We're in business! Truly Tymora smiles on us and will bless us!"
[21:55] <Kotono> ---