030. "Aw shit, I'll have to talk to my boss..."

[Corwin]

[19:58] <Kotono> --------
[20:01] <Kotono> The walk to Whimisical Sweets is a pleasant one.  You encounter no trouble - oh sure, Simmer sees a few things and her hands twitch with sparks - but no incidents or great acts of pyromania occur as you work your way through the crowds. On returning you find the first floor full of children of all ages, enjoying candy and having fun. Sylvie goes back and forth, between this case and that, "...and
[20:01] <Kotono> this is honeyed..." she goes on. Watching all of this is a tall, muscular man. He is slender and with long hair, wearing a mail shirt with an open gauntlet painted onto it. Sylvie looks up from her position, "Hey, you're back!" She waves, "Josa's upstairs!"
[20:02] <Janson> "Hey, Sylvie," Janson waves at the blonde, not recognising any of the customers so not stopping to chat with any of them on his way upstairs.
[20:03] <Aaeru> "Great!" Aaeru calls back, waving to Sylvie as well while sidling up to Simmer. "Remember the man we told you about, Josa? Let's go meet him together!"
[20:04] <Kotono> Simmer looks about as she walks, "Okay, that's candy," Nodding to Aaeru as you go on up, voice a little bit slow. "I keep seeing unbelievable things away from my old tree."
[20:04] <Andria> "Enjoying the new experiences?" Andrea asks Simmer with a smile.
[20:05] <Aaeru> "Like candy? Or tall, muscular men?" Aaeru asks, voice lowered conspiratorially.
[20:08] <Andria> Andria giggles at Aaeru's question. "Wouldn't he count as eye-candy?" she whispers back.
[20:08] <Kotono> "Both?" Simmer giggles after a moment, "I am!" Upstairs you find Josa. He's pounding a cork board into the wall next to the supply closet, whistling away.
[20:09] <Aaeru> "Oh, certainly," Aaeru readily agrees. "We're back!" she calls over to Josa, raising her voice.
[20:10] <Janson> "Hey, boss!" Janson calls over to the half-elf. "We got the troll and a nice pile of gold, too."
[20:11] <Kotono> Josa turns, putting the hammer down. "Aaah, excellent! Superb!" Approaching now, "The venture of Whimisical Sweets continues to meet success after success!" A stop as he looks over Simmer, "Perchance, who is that young lady?"
[20:12] <Aaeru> "Simmer, a dryad whose tree was consumed by a mystical vortex of fire and earth from a wizard messing up the leylines," Aaeru helpfully explains. "She can work here too, can't she?"
[20:14] <Janson> "She'd make a great baker, I bet!" Janson adds supportively. "She might need someone to remind her to take stuff out of the oven before it burns, but she'll do the heating up part just fine!"
[20:15] <Aaeru> "In fact, anything having to do with fire, she'll handle just fine," Aaeru asserts. "Like catching criminals with fire, or freeing slaves with fire. It's very versatile."
[20:27] <Kotono> "A fey, eh?" Josa gives her another long look, "A firebug fey, no less?"
[20:28] <Aaeru> "She's very nice and convinced a firebear not to eat us?"
[20:30] <Kotono> "Young lady," Josa nods to Aaeru, "What do you feel about Pallanth?"
[20:31] <Aaeru> "Uh, it's where the elves live?" Aaeru concentrates. "It also has fey and blue people, and those two don't get along?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "No," Josa sahkes his head, "I asked Simmer." To this Simmer just shrugs, "Is it flammable? It doesn't matter to me, I'm not in the cycle anymore. A few pixies I knew talked about it, but I wasn't close to it and I couldn't go visit."
[20:33] <Aaeru> "You should have been more specific, then," Aaeru says quietly, pouting. "Simmer is probably older than us all."
[20:38] <Kotono> Crossing his arms to give Simmer a longer look, "Well, our business is booming. While you were away, Sylvie, Noel and Branna satisified the Gondsman and then each accomplished minor jobs on their own. Another hand would be entirely worthwhile. Ah, on that very subject!" Josa goes to the cork board, tapping his fingers on it, "I have procured several jobs. Come soon I will have job postings up
[20:38] <Kotono> for all of you to do."
[20:39] * Janson ambles over to the board to have a looksee.
[20:39] * Aaeru gives Simmer a thumbs up sign while Josa isn't looking.
[20:39] * Wayland nods and has a look as well.
[20:40] <Kotono> It's a plain cork board. Nothing's pinned on it right now. "Soon," he says to Janson, "The day after tomorrow, most likely. Take the rest of today and tomorrow to rest up and attend to personal business after your trip, then report here bright and early."
[20:41] <Janson> "Oh... okay," Janson retreats, disappointed. "Oh, well. What kind of place do you want to live in, Simmer? We could have a look around for you if you want?" he asks the pyrodryad.
[20:42] <Kotono> "Are there firehouses?" SImmer asks brightly.
[20:43] <Aaeru> "Since we all have this time, how about we go look up that... that fire mage?" Aaeru suggests, unable to recall the name at the time. "The one who deals with the fire elementals and can get them between the city and the Furnace?"
[20:43] <Janson> "Well, there's steambaths, that's sort of like the same thing?" Janson considers, thoughtfully.
[20:44] <Andria> "Well, they'd certainly appreciate a 'hot girl' over there," Andrea muses as she looks at Simmer with amusement.
[20:45] <Aaeru> "And if you don't like it, I'm sure we could find a better place, too!"
[20:46] <Janson> "Blythe, wasn't it? I guess we'd want to go to the fortress to find out where he is?" Janson asks, shrugging. "It sounds like once you're down there they don't let you out easily, though, like a prison..."
[20:47] <Aaeru> "But that was for those who work there. What if someone actually wanted to stay for the night?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "Well, we can find out. Besides, there's so much to see!" Simmer says, "The world's so huge! So much bigger than a dryad's grove!"
[20:47] <Kotono> "Wayland," Josa raises his voice amid this, "I need to talk to you. Come with me."
[20:48] * Wayland nods and goes with Josa.

[Corwin]

[20:48] <Kotono> ----------
[20:49] <Kotono> Josa leads Wayland into the back of the first floor, past the candies. Here is a great kitchen, and to the side of these are several small rooms. In one is a desk with papers strewn about, scrolls and books and all manner of inkpots. Josa sits at it, "Sit down if you want to."
[20:50] * Wayland takes a seat.
[20:50] <Wayland> "What can I do for you, Josa?"
[20:53] <Kotono> "Noel and Branna," He begins without any windup, "What is your opinion of them, these men that have fallen into my employ?"
[20:54] <Wayland> "Branna has potential. He's got fire and I think he can be a genuine force for good in the future. Noel's cowardice in the face of death is understandable, but no less troubling. He'll take a bit more work to get into shape. More to the point, though, is why are you paying them?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "Essentially my opinion," Josa agrees, sitting back and putting his feet up. "To the most salient matter presented, I've found Branna to be quite agreeable to dangerous work. He and Sylvie did quite well in a situation that degenerated into violence. They subdued the uncouth shopkeep and ensured no serious harm, be it financial or physical."
[20:59] * Wayland nods.
[21:00] <Wayland> "I had fully intended to make them my own responsibility. If you wish to take them on as full-time employees, you are welcome to. If not, I had planned to pay them each 50 gold per month. No doubt much better than they had earned before."
[21:03] <Kotono> "A test period, certainly," Josa agrees, "Though speaking of new employment, this dryad. What do you think of her?"
[21:09] <Wayland> "Simmer? She's a bit odd, though that's no surprise really. Allow me to explain her situation. I assume that originally she was a dryad like any other.As part of our investigations with Aralla, there were elemental vortices that errupted from time to time in the forest. These seem to have been where two raw elemental forces met and clashed. We assume that Simmer's tree got caught at the
[21:09] <Wayland> center of one that involved fire. She was thus changed. We spent some time with her, trying to help her get control of her ability over fire, and I think that she has made some progress. Regardless, I do not feel that she has enough self control to be allowed out on her own."
[21:11] <Kotono> "You make it sound as if you feel reponsible for keeping up on her," Josa says.
[21:16] * Wayland taps his chin. "I suppose it does. I feel that way because we do have a responsibility toward her. She's a mildly pyromaniac fey in a city of wood and stone. We brought her here willingly. If she causes any damage, we are directly responsible for it."
[21:17] <Kotono> "Yes." Josa says, thoughts overtaking him into quiet. "Can all of you keep her in check? Arson would devastate our reputation, blackening it faster than even the Bitch Queen can drag sailors to the briny depths."
[21:19] <Wayland> "As long as one of us stays with her, I don't see a problem. We've already established with her that people don't burn well, so she's extremely unlikely to attack someone unprovoked. She could be a valuable asset once she has control over herself."
[21:25] <Kotono> "Mmmhmmm," Josa murmurs, "So what exactly happened on this trip?"
[21:28] <Wayland> "Well, we went to Aralla to see Janson's family. We were going to continue on to see the giants to acquire a troll for a job when they told us about a prophecy that Janson was involved in. They offered a docile troll as payment for the deed. So we went and drained a lake, dealt with a dead mage's mad desire to harness ley line energy directly from the source, freed another fey he'd captured,
[21:28] <Wayland> and got ourselves a troll."
[21:28] <Wayland> "That's the gist of it, really."
[21:31] <Kotono> "So that means you dind't have to spend the customer's money to get a troll?" he asks, "Did you refund it or keep it?"
[21:32] * Wayland shakes his head. "You'll have to ask Janson about that. I didn't take part in any of the negotiations."
[21:34] <Kotono> "Interesting..." Josa steeples his hands together, "I will then. As for you, go rest and get ready for the day after tomorrow."
[21:34] <Wayland> "Sure. Good to be back." Wayland says as he leaves.

[Corwin]

[20:52] <Kotono> Going up to Highwatch Fortress leaves Simmer rapt. She stares about at everything, watching the marching soldiers and the pennants snapping in the wind. You are escorted to a waiting room. Aftera bout a half hour, it's not Blythe who comes. Instead it is Captain Wedge. "Afternoon," he nods once, "Whimsical Sweets is busy again, I see."
[20:53] <Aaeru> "My, how did you know?" Aaeru asks curiously.
[20:55] <Kotono> "I keep an ear open," He says with a slight smile, "Two of your coworkers were in an official report yesterday. I'd been meaning to talk to all of you again."
[20:55] <Aaeru> "Well, no time like the present! I heard that saying and it's a very good one! Does it mean we can be of service to you all again?"
[20:56] <Janson> "Which two, and what for?" Janson asks curiously. "We just got back from a long trip into the forest today."
[21:01] <Kotono> "A Sylvie and a Branna," Going on from that, "They were involved in a minor aldrication in the Old City. So far you have given the impression of being nothing but professional."
[21:03] <Janson> "I'd like to think that's an accurate impression," Janson replies, shifting in his seat slightly.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Good. I came to praise all of you for your professionalism and ask that you continue it," Captain Wedge says, "When you're dealing in the manner of things you are..."
[21:08] <Janson> Seeing that no other shoes are dropping, Janson relaxes. "We're not some fly by night operation. We take pride in our work!" he grins.
[21:09] <Aaeru> "And it makes perfect sense for us all to work well together," Aaeru adds. "Like now, we came here because you might help us, and tomorrow it could be the other way around. Isn't that right?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "Yes." Captain Wedge offers his hand out to the party, "As long as you keep your noses clean, it's fine. It's when troubleshooters or mercenaries get in over there head that tragedies can happen."
[21:14] * Aaeru shakes it. "I agree! Not in so many words, but it's all true."
[21:15] * Janson accepts the captain's hand. "That aside, we were actually here hoping to find out how to get into the Inferno. Simmer here," he indicates the dryad, "Wants to see it... she won't be trapped there or anything if she goes, right?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Aaah," Captain Wedge takes one look at her and then another, for a moment cracking a big smile. "Reminds me..." he murmurs quietly, and then aloud, "Blythe is on his way. It takes a bit of time to get up from down there, so sit tight." He turns to go at that.
[21:17] <Janson> "Great, thanks," Janson nods and smiles. "To be honest it sounds pretty boring down there," he adds to Simmer in an aside, "But it'll probably be nice to at least take a look while it's fresh."
[21:18] <Aaeru> "The company might be to your liking, though," Aaeru tells Simmer. "And I'm sure they'll all adore you!"
[21:18] <Kotono> "Fire isn't boring," Simmer retorts, "It just...isn't!" She then looks around, "Everything's been so exciting."
[21:20] * Janson shrugs, glad at least that she's come to terms with her fire-lust. "Well, I suppose picking one fire to stay with forever won't be much different than how you used to have your own tree?"
[21:21] <Aaeru> "I wonder if it would give you special powers. Having a single fire to call your own, I mean. Would you be able to travel through fires, or teleport to and from it like that nice fey we met in the wizard's lair?"
[21:22] <Andria> "We'll just have to wait and see, right? Would be kind of neat if Simmer gets those sorts of abilities though."
[21:23] <Janson> "It's also more risky since if she did have a bond like that and the fire ever went out..." Janson trails off, shrugging again.
[21:23] <Aaeru> "All the fire in the Inferno? Isn't it filled with lava?"
[21:25] <Janson> "The forest is filled with trees, too. But that's no comfort to a dryad who loses her very own," Janson replies delicately, unsure how big of a sore spot this still is with Simmer.
[21:26] <Kotono> As the party converses, Blythe quietly enters. He doesn't say  much, face sooty and clothes scorched. He goes to sit down in a chair and lean back, clothing dark-stained and rumpled. "Oh, it's you three again," he says casually, "Another mephit didn't get out, did it?"
[21:26] <Kotono> Simmer shakes her head back and forth, "The other dryads just don't understand fire...besides, I'm not one of the now. They're in the cycle, I'm not." A break at Blythe entering the room, "Mephit?"
[21:26] <Andria> "No, not at all. Or if one did, we don't know about it," Andrea answers.
[21:28] <Janson> "We've actually got someone who wants to visit the Inferno," Janson indicates Simmer. "Visiting's alright, right? She won't get chased like Falis after she leaves?"
[21:29] * Aaeru nods. "It would actually be great if Simmer here could stay there once in a while."
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 30." [1d20=15]
[21:30] <Kotono> Blythe gives Simmer another look, "A pyro-dryad?" he says slowly, "First of all, a dryad couldn't be here. There's no dryad trees for miles. Second of all, fire and a dryad is like Kossuth and Auril - they don't mix."
[21:31] <Andria> "A normal dryad, perhaps, but Simmer is special!"
[21:31] <Aaeru> "You don't see it every day, right? So you'll help?" Aaeru asks expectantly, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.
[21:32] <Kotono> Blythe rubs the back of his head, "Aw shit, I'll have to talk to my boss..." he trails off, looking at Simmer. Simmer smiles ear to ear, eyes flickering with flame. He shakes his head, "Yeah, if nothing else, a fire-dryad will be unusual enough." He stands up, "C'mon you...Simmer, isn't it?"
[21:35] <Kotono> "It is," Simmer stands right up, "I want to see the Inferno. All that fire, lava, heat...!"
[21:36] <Janson> "We'll come along as far as the entrance, I suppose? Since we're flammable," Janson offers. "That way we'll know where to go in future to pick you up."
[21:36] <Aaeru> "Unless it's another teleport or something...."
[21:37] <Kotono> "Yeah, all the elementals think it's a chip off the old Fire," Blythe shrugs, "Got it in one. The one to Highwatch is a teleport, 'case something happens to the normal exits."
[21:39] <Andria> "How long do you want to be there, Simmer?" Andrea asks.
[21:40] <Kotono> "Until the day after tomorrow, I guess?" Simmer says, "It'll be fun!"
[21:41] <Aaeru> "Tell us all about it next time!"
[21:41] <Kotono> "You can pick her up at the gates of the Fortress," Blythe says.
[21:41] <Andria> Andrea nods to Blythe. "Alright, hope you make some new friends too, Simmer!"
[21:42] <Janson> "Good luck," Janson smiles supportively, wondering if she'll even want to leave. The mephit made it sound dull, but she seems so excited and eager.
[21:49] <Kotono> ---
[21:51] <Kotono> The party gathers to ask about the werewolf! You find yourself meeting Captain Wedge again, handshakes all around. "As of a week ago, a hunting party was dispatched. Ideally they'll defeat any werewolf problems."
[21:51] <Aaeru> "Do you know any more than we do?" Aaeru inquires. "Is it just one stray werewolf, or a whole pack of them?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "Not yet. There's been no word from the party yet, but these things take time," the captain says.
[21:55] <Aaeru> "If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know," Aaeru tells him. "And the temple of Ilmater would aid in the curing of any inflicted without a second thought, it goes without saying!"
[21:59] <Kotono> ---
[22:01] <Kotono> The day after tomorrow brings everyone in early. Sylvie is there, drinking a steaming mug of something or another and yawning. Noel and Branna stand off to a side, whilst Josa stands before the board. "Aaaah, good tidings, good tidings," he greets all as they enter, his eyes dropping and bloodshoot, "It has been a long night but I do believe I have struck proverbial gold!"
[22:02] <Janson> "What happened?" Janson looks worriedly at the deathly looking figure before him.
[22:02] <Kotono> "I cracked the arcane natterings on those scrolls," he announces, "Truly so, a method to siphon the very vital blood of the forest is contained within!"
[22:02] <Aaeru> "Your mouth says good tidings but your body is really, really scary!"
[22:03] <Janson> "That sounds horrible!" Janson gasps, drawing aback.
[22:03] * Aaeru takes a step back. "Now what you're saying is scary, too!"
[22:03] <Andria> Andrea raises an eyebrow, giving Josa the benefit of the doubt and waiting to see what else he has to say.
[22:04] <Kotono> "Abominable," Josa agrees with a heavy yawn, placing a scroll down. "The details are here...you siphon the life of the land, in exchange for temporary power. The effects are powerful but damaging to nature."
[22:05] <Janson> "Lets burn them!" Janson insists. "Such knowledge is not meant to ever be used, and is better not even known."
[22:05] <Kotono> "We saw what happened with that mad mage," Simmer speaks up, "That sounds like what he was trying to do."
[22:08] <Kotono> "That would be wise," Josa's agreement comes with another yawn, thick and long. "It's a barbaric ritual, not to mention unpolished. Using it too much could render an area akin to the endless wastes."
[22:09] <Aaeru> "Can you reverse it? You know, sacrifice some of yourself to restore nature to what it was?" Aaeru asks, suddenly interested. "Because Ilmater would approve of that!"
[22:09] <Janson> "And for only a boon, at that. If it was made up by the same wizard then the world's well rid of him," Janson nods sternly.
[22:09] <Janson> *temporary boon
[22:10] <Kotono> "I don't know," Josa admits as he goes to sit, smothering a yawn again, "The author was a brilliant theoreticist, but his application of theory was lacking. This isn't my field of study, I can only conclude and guess on his work without much more time to learn it."
[22:11] <Janson> "He did blow his own ley line ritual, so that's about what I figured. Eyes saw more than his hands could grasp or however you say it."
[22:12] <Aaeru> "If it's a possibility, do you think you could study it from time to time?" Aaeru asks respectfully. "If we had been a few days too late, the forest might really have turned into a wasteland. This way, at least, there would be a way to help nature after a disaster like that."
[22:13] <Andria> "I don't know. Since it involves temporary boons right now, would the reverse be anything other than temporary as well?" Andrea asks with a frown.
[22:13] <Kotono> "This brand of magic doesn't use the Weave," Josa goes on, "But raw natural power. It's not meant to be siphoned and used like that..." A trail off as he rubs his eyes, "If left unchecked it truly could lead to arid, lifeless lands. Yes, I do think I will. It's fascinating material, if only the author had been content to write and not practice."
[22:14] * Janson deflates as he's overruled, almost wishing Simmer would suffer a sudden bout of pyromania...
[22:15] <Kotono> Sylvie yawns as well, "Mmmm. So all of you were busy over there? One mad mage down, came back in one piece?"
[22:16] <Aaeru> "Wayland was green for a while."
[22:16] <Janson> "We heard you were busy too," Janson looks over to Sylvie now that the scroll issue has been settled. "Some sort of altercation, the guard captain said?"
[22:18] <Kotono> "Oh yeah," Sylvie smiles at that, "Well, he got angry when we figured out what was going on and took a swing! I sorta flipped him over and pinned him down. I dodged it and did that just like I was shown...it wasn't that hard once I thought abouti t awhile, either."
[22:19] * Wayland blinks and looks over at Noel and Branna. "I heard you boys did well."
[22:19] <Janson> "What was going on? Who got angry?" Janson interestedly pries for details.
[22:19] <Kotono> Josa clears his throat, "That aside for the moment, we have tasks," he goes to the cork board, several bits of paper pinned ot it. "I'd like all of you to form three groups of two people and have each pair take a job."
[22:20] <Aaeru> "But I'd really like to hear who Sylvie pinned down!" Aaeru protests.
[22:20] <Andria> Andrea goes look at the board to see what jobs are available.
[22:21] <Kotono> "We're working right now. Gossip afterwards," Josa says, tapping the board with his plump fingers. "Work with her today if you want to gossip so much." Meanwhile Andrea can read the board...
[22:22] * Aaeru winks at Sylvie, intending to secure her cooperation for the day.
[22:23] <Aaeru> "How about this job here?" she asks Sylvie, peering at the board. "Tour guide and bodyguard. Between us two it would be an easy job!"
[22:24] * Janson shrugs apologetically to the blonde and goes to take a look... "Finding a cat should be easy, but it's a long trip to Purinn. I know at least one obscure language, but who knows if it's the one they need? Bodyguard and caravan both sound really simple..." he muses as he looks things over.
[22:24] <Kotono> "Oh no, no. She's FROM Purinn but in Balmuria," Josa clarifies. "Gads, that's a long trip for finding a cat!"
[22:25] <Janson> "Oh, got it," Janson nods. "Well, I could go for either the translation or the cat finding. Anyone feel like trying either of those with me?" he looks over the others.
[22:25] <Kotono> Sylvie rises and approaches, as do the others. "I could do it," she says, "It's a job and it doesn't sound that bad."
[22:27] * Aaeru nods. "It sounds pretty interesting to me, since it's a chance to see Balmuria as someone new to it would."
[22:28] <Andria> Andrea frowns a bit at the job regarding the caravan, a bit lost in thought. After a bit, she just shakes her head. "I'm open for any of them, honestly. What else are the rest of you interested in, since we have to pair up?"
[22:28] <Wayland> "Hmm...I could take the caravan job. It could be fun.
[22:28] <Wayland> "
[22:29] <Andria> "Anything grab your eye, Simmer?" she asks, curious to see what their newest member might be interested in.
[22:30] <Aaeru> "You're even more unusual than Wayland, but I'm not sure about this entertainment thing," Aaeru shares her own opinion.
[22:30] <Janson> "Finding a cat should be really easy between the two of us," Janson suggests to Simmer, figuring books won't be her thing.
[22:32] <Kotono> "A cat? Should be simple enough, though it lacks fire," Simmer says, "Maybe we could entertain with fire instead?"
[22:33] * Janson shrugs. He tried! "People don't like my singing, so I'll pass on that one."
[22:34] <Kotono> Branna comes up and takes a gander, "Shocker Lizard bounties...they were pretty nasty to fight before, is that really worth it?"
[22:34] <Aaeru> "No!"
[22:35] <Wayland> "Probably not, Branna."
[22:37] <Janson> "Anyway, I'll take the cat job. I have an idea of where it might have gotten to, and even if that doesn't pan out I can ask around. Anyone who wants to come with is welcome to," Janson decides to settle on one.