041.1 "I learned... my head hurts,"

[Ebiris]

[17:45] <@Kotono> ----
[17:45] <@Kotono> OOC: What's on your agenda first? Info gathering on houses or mother meeting?
[17:46] <@Janson> OOC: the former is sure to be more fun, so I'll buy a bottle of wine and go visit Lysanne for advice on joining the upper crust
[17:47] <@Kotono> Ah, Lysanne. You go to meet her at her home, over a pleasant lunch. "Ah Janson," she greets you as the two of you settle in, "What do I owe this calling on?"
[17:54] <@Janson> "Well, it's nice to see you and see you're still doing well, of course," Janson smiles over at the older woman. "But really, we're looking for advice. Whimsical Sweets is doing well, at least money-wise, and so Sylvie and me were thinking of stepping up our living standards. I don't really know many high class people, though, or so much how to fit in there, so I hoped you could help out with things like getting a nice house," he gestures at their surroundings, since Lysanne seems qualified to offer expertise in that respect, "And how to go about hiring servants, that sort of stuff."
[17:56] <@Kotono> It's quite nice here, a servant coming by with wineglasses. He deftly uncorks it and pours, bowing therafter. With a little smile, "Oh, you mean THAT problem. Such a burden finding good help..thank you, Reginald." A nod to the servant as he works, "Well, you can do it yourself, but the best way is to buy membership into a guild that does it for you. The Guild of Dutiful Servitude, so very useful."
[17:58] <@Janson> "See!" Janson grins at Sylvie for a second, "I wouldn't have had any clue about that if we hadn't asked you, Lysanne. So where do you go for that and how much does it cost on top of the salaries themselves?"
[17:59] <@Kotono> Sylvie smiles and nods, "I've heard of them. I hear it's 100 marks for immediate dues?" She sips at her wine in the meantime, smiling a little bit. "Expensive, but not prohibitively so when you have so much more to your name."
[18:00] <@Janson> "That is expensive," Janson blinks, "I mean, we can afford it now easily, but that's still a lot. So what does it get you specifically?"
[18:01] <@Kotono> "That's right. A 100 marks admissions donation, and then 5 marks per month." Nodding along tothat, "You get servants provided to you at a discount, can change them out without penalty and they save you the wretched problem of finding good help. They take care of paying them as well, since for each one you pay a little extra in dues each month. You get them quite reasonably priced for the level
[18:01] <@Kotono> of skill."
[18:06] <@Janson> "That turns it into a bargain," Janson approves. "Speaking of that, though, is there any special way to behave around servants? I, uh, I remember talking to a guy who worked as a butler in a tavern one time and he said his boss doesn't talk to him or even act like he's there except when he's giving orders. Is that a rule? It seems kinda lonely thinking about it that way..."
[18:09] <@Kotono> To this Lysanne shrugs, "They're servants." She says as she considers it, "You can treat them how you want...I personally believe that being human to them gets you better service, but others prefer for them to be seen, not heard...and barely even seen."
[18:13] <@Janson> "Okay, that's alright then. Don't want to have some creepy house of whispering people walking around on tip-toes, y'know?" Janson nods agreeably, taking a long drink of his wine as he puts that issue to bed and thinks of what next. "So, as for houses? I like to haggle but I'm not the best at it, and I dunno what's the going rate - so say for example if you were selling this house, Lysanne, what would you ask for?"
[18:25] <@Kotono> "Well..." Drawling this out with a happy drink of her own, "I'd go for about 2,500 marks. You see, the market in Balmuria is rich, with property in the Commerce Quarter being red hot. The New City is spacier and less expensive yet. I'd put down 5,000 marks at least for a house this size in the Commerce Quarter, if not more. Of cuorse, if you're willing to live in the sticks past the western
[18:25] <@Kotono> gate, this can drop."
[18:26] <@Janson> "To be honest I could go either way on that. I kinda like living out in the Western Reaches already, and Aaeru said Lyris had a really nice house out that way, too. But there's something to be said for living in the heart of the city, too. What do you think, Sylvie?"
[18:27] <@Kotono> "Lyris?" Raising an eyebrow, "That mercenary tart? You consort with that type?"
[18:27] <@Kotono> Meanwhile Sylvie makes a show of thinking, "Well...oh, she's not bad. I like the city, mostly so we don't have a huge, long walk to work."
[18:29] <@Janson> "Well... we are kinda mercenaries, too," Janson blushes at Lysanne's disapproval. "And Lyris really helped us out on our last job! I'd have died if it wasn't for her!"
[18:30] <@Kotono> "Hmph. She's swill," With a distinct snort, "A few weeks ago I had my eye on a strapping young nobleman from Purinn...and that TART stole him right away!" Angrily drinking down wine, "No manners, no refinement at all!"
[18:33] <@Janson> "I... guess she's pretty brusque," Janson allows. "But, um, I still like to think of her as a friend, so I'd prefer if you two weren't on such bad terms."
[18:34] <@Kotono> Sylvie hids a smile around a sip of wine, "She's really not that bad. She's had a tough life getting to where she is now. You have to understand, she's still figuring out the finer points of proper etiquette. We've been starting to help her, but it's going to take some time. You can't make up for these deficiencies overnight."
[18:36] <@Janson> "She's probably more refined than I am, to be honest," Janson then admits with a blush hidden by another gulp of his drink.
[18:36] <@Kotono> "Mhph." With a distinct frown as she drinks again, "No matter, I won't let that curlish thing ruin my mood." She reaches out and po urs herself another glass this time, "Still, it's good to see you moving up in the world. You're good people."
[18:38] <@Janson> "Thanks!" Janson grins, relieved to move on. "We work hard for our money, so better to enjoy it than just spend it all on earning more money we'll never take the time to appreciate."
[18:39] <@Kotono> "Cheers to that," Sylvie raises her glass and takes a few more sips.
[18:42] <@Kotono> The next morning rises without incident. You're awoken early by the sensation of something against your shoulder, your head being shaken. "Wake up!" Her voice insists.
[18:43] <@Janson> "Bwah!" Janson jerks awake and tries to defend himself! When did his sister get here?!
[18:44] <@Kotono> It's not your sister. Silver leaps into the air and flies, "Morning," she calls in an entirely too sweet voice, "Josa's allergic to walking to anywhere but the kitchen, so he had me come get you. Come to Whimsical Sweets, something about the Crimson Guard."
[18:46] <@Janson> That's... that's probably worse than his sister visiting Balmuria, but only barely. "Sure, just lemme get dressed," he clambers out of bed, ignoring the fairy completely now as he goes about changing. It'll be nice when he has servants who can deal with people at the door before they get a chance to rudely wake him.
[18:48] <@Kotono> Soon enough you're dressed and heading to Whimsical Sweets. As youw alk through the New City, you see well dressed men going out to work, or women going about to brunches. Open air restaurants are busy, the smell of fresh seafood and breakfast foods all filling the air. "Fresh Tuna and poached eggs!" one restaurant calls, as you pass by. Silver gives this one in particular a look, "Here I thought
[18:48] <@Kotono> Josa had bad taste. Ick!"
[18:51] <@Janson> "I prefer shellfish myself, but not with eggs," Janson mutters, replying for form's sake. Though admittedly he feels a bit hungry now... hopefully whatever Josa needs him to do won't stand in the way of having breakfast soon.
[18:52] <@Kotono> As you fly along Silver eyes you, "Still sore, eh?" She flies along, "It's part of the cycle of life. Everyone dies sooner or later and feeds the soil. The soil feeds the plants, the plants feed the animals, the animals feed the humans. The humans mate with each other and new life is born, and the cycle repeats. Oh, and it means by that cycle you're all cannibals."
[18:54] <@Janson> "Yeah, I can see Senaril saying that to herself while chewing on Andrea's spleen," Janson retorts dryly.
[18:55] <@Kotono> "Oh yeah." Silver says with her own smile, "Naturally you humans didn't see all the ways she insulted you. Trust me, waht she did was even more insulting than you first realized."
[18:57] * @Janson looks askance at Silver, his pace undiminished. "Sure, share your insights into the minds of the murderously psychotic. You're the expert."
[18:57] * Quits: @Aaeru (corwin@bzq-79-176-1-181.red.bezeqint.net) (Quit: )
[19:00] <@Kotono> "I'm not that bad!" Silver gives you a death glare in retort, but it does silence her. Soon enough you reach Whimsical Sweets. Sylvie is already there, as is Josa. As well as another - Captain Xavier. He offers his hand out on your arrival, grip strong. "Congratulations on your triumph and my condolences on your losses. We understand all too well how miserable anything related to the Bitch is."
[19:02] <@Janson> It's nice to see that Silver does have standards, lax as they are, but it'll be a long time before he feels comfortable around her again. Suitably distracted by arriving, he shakes the captain's hand in return. "She sure is a popular enemy of all that lives."
[19:02] * Joins: TheNotCid (corwin@bzq-79-176-1-181.red.bezeqint.net)
[19:05] <@Kotono> "We make every effort to stamp her out," Captain Xavier replies, "I bring news and thanks. As a reward for your bravery above and beyond the call, the surviving members of Whimsical Sweets will be given the Medal of Crimson Swords."
[19:06] <@Janson> "Aaeru's away in Erenholm... I dunno if she'd even accept a medal, to be honest, but I know it'd make her smile to be thanked," Janson smiles softly himself. "That's nice, though. Thanks."
[19:10] <@Kotono> "Your boss said no one was in the mood for an official ceremony," Captain Xavier reaches into his pocket, withdrawing a red lined silk box. "As a represenative of Balmuria and the Baronies, thank you." He takes Janson's hand again, pressing the box into it, "Were Shar to be left unchecked, all would be lost into darkness to saitiate her hunger for primal oblivion." He pauses a moment here, "I've
[19:10] <@Kotono> seen Shar's work before, things much like what you saw...and, Helm shield me, worse."
[19:10] <@Kotono> Josa merely nods to that reference of him, "It seemed to be unfitting to celebrate a mission where we lost so much as a great triumph."
[19:13] <@Janson> "Yeah, would've been in poor taste," Janson agrees, opening the box. "I dunno if you record these things for posterity or whatever, but even if it's just a symbolic gesture, Andrea, Wayland, and Simmer shouldn't be left out."
[19:14] <@Kotono> Within is a metal, red tinted gold. Lying on a red tinted oval of gold are two swords of crimson, crossed together. "Medals have been laid on their graves," Captain Xavier agrees. "There is another thing...without any doubt you are worthy of a reward."
[19:15] <@Janson> "We got a lot just from what was in the mansion... although, hey," he glances at Josa, "Did that Captain Hamilton guy ever pay us?"
[19:17] <@Kotono> Josa nods, "I've taken care of it," he says, "Submit your expenses and I'll compensate you." OOC: Feel free to post them in loot and I'll deal with them there. Also more.
[19:18] <@Kotono> "We recovered a Codex from Senaril's manor. It's..." He licks his lips thoughtfully a few moments, "Imagine if a child's riddlebook was mixed with about a half doen languages and stilted prose. However, within that endless book likes great knowledge, if you can puzzle it out. We'd like to offer you access to studying it."
[19:18] <@Kotono> *dozen
[19:20] <@Janson> "Well I only really know Gnomish and Sylvan, but wasn't it supposed to have any knowledge that's been written down, but it could also damage your mind?" Janson asks. "I know Sylvie was interested but we didn't have enough time to look at it," he looks over at the blonde there.
[19:20] <@Kotono> At that Sylvie perks up noticiably, hands twitching, "Well, it could be interesting!"
[19:21] <@Kotono> "It can leave one damaged, yes," Xavier agrees, "It's temporary, but it can take a week or more to fully recover. Those who have resisted it have gained sudden knowledge and skills they did not possess before."
[19:22] <@Janson> "Well we're sort of on vacation anyway, so not like there's much to lose in giving it a browse," Janson grins.
[19:22] <@Kotono> "You two go," Josa says agreeably, "I have matters to attend to in Pallanth for the next week or so." He offers his hand out to Xavier again, the two shaking. "To return Wayland and his possessions home and give his surviving family the news."
[19:25] <@Janson> "Like Aaeru said, tell them Ilmater himself was proud of how he died protecting the rest of us," Janson encourages Josa. "We'll see you when you get back."
[19:27] <@Kotono> Thus you are escorted along! The Crimson Guard garrison lies deep within the Old City. It is fenceless, an outer yard for sparring and practice empty save for two crimson clad men standing outside the main entrance. They look Xavier over carefully, before nodding.
[19:28] <@Janson> "You guys have problems with imposters trying to sneak in?" Janson asks Xavier, curious at the scrutiny being shown.
[19:28] <@Janson> roll 1d20+13 arcana
[19:28] * +Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+13 arcana and gets 24." [1d20=11]
[19:29] <@Kotono> "It's been tried before," he says, "Have you ever heard the tavern tales about what lies inside of here?"
[19:30] <@Janson> "Magic artifacts and cursed spellbooks and that sort of stuff?" Janson asks, "Also one of you guys is being scried on," he adds belatedly to the guards.
[19:31] <@Kotono> "Hah!" Xavier cracks a smile at that, "No, this location is constantly scried on." He opens the door, "You may want to close your eyes when you cross the treshold. The hallways may seem dizzying and confusing to you, but it's nothing dangerous."
[19:32] <@Janson> "Is it so anyone who does sneak in gets lost?" Janson asks, too curious not to keep his eyes open when he crosses now.
[19:35] <@Kotono> "Among other things," Xavier agrees! As you cross the threshold you feel a moment of dizziness! The edges of reality seem to crinkle like crumpled paper! You can see them for a moment - invisible things, flying through the air and all around you like ghosts, before they're gone. The hall is strangely long, decorated well and carpeted. You walk along it, taking one step at a time and yet seeming
[19:35] <@Kotono> like ten or going backwards each time. Sylvie walks slowly, "I can't...wooow..." she breathes, taking Janson's hand!
[19:36] <@Janson> "Oh yeah..." Janson squeezes Sylvie's hand, walking with a somewhat unsteady gait. "It's like being really drunk but without fogging up your head..."
[19:40] <@Kotono> How many doors od you pass? You don't know. But you do pass images...images of people. Images of a golden skinned angel with wings, wearing a breastplate with the symbol of Mystra, and carrying a flaming, jeweled sword. Of a blacked hair young woman is another, arcane forces dancing around her. Of a man built like a bear, ruddy red cheeks and shock of curly blonde hair, wearing fine armor and
[19:40] <@Kotono> carrying an impossibly well made blade. Yet another is of a flying angel more like the sun itself than anything else, and another yet is a elven noblewoman dressed to the nines. Yet others blur by you, until ou at last arrive at one door in particular. Xavier opens it...it's a sun dretched room. The Codex you saw before is suspended up by chains, elevated chairs around it.
[19:42] <@Janson> "So, do we have as long as we need to read it?" Janson asks, stepping into the room and looking for the source of the sunlight before focusing on the book.
[19:43] <@Kotono> One wall is mostly windows. It sheds plenty of sunshine, virtually gushing it out. It's not too bright, just a lot of it. "It takes roughly 8 hours for an effect," Captain Xavier says, "It's intensive, you'll be quite tired when it's done."
[19:44] <@Janson> "In that case anything to eat around here?" he asks, planning for the next sixteen hours of hardcore bibliomania. "I already skipped breakfast."
[19:45] <@Kotono> Xavier nods, "I'll have some food brought in here."
[19:47] <@Janson> "Thanks. You wanna go first, Sylvie?" Janson offers his girlfriend the honours, given her far stronger passion for literature. He can look over her shoulder to entertain himself in the meantime.
[19:49] <@Kotono> "I thought you'd neve rask!" With that Sylvie hops up, going to start ot read the book! Woof...it's like...everything requires multiple languages to read. It's complex and winding, hiding nuggets of information behind impossible references! OOC: Sylvie makes an int check, with various modifiers from her sheet. The total is +13.
[19:49] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[19:49] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 24." [1d20=11]
[19:50] <@Kotono> roll 1d21
[19:50] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d21 and gets 13." [1d21=13]
[19:52] <@Kotono> Hours and hours and hours pass by! Sylvie is utterly engrossed, studying and reading! Lunch comes and goes as she barely even looks at it! It feels like forever as she's absorbed, but at last she blinks and looks up. "Got it!" she announces, snapping her fingers, "So that's how you do it!"
[19:53] <@Janson> "Do what?!" Janson says, perhaps too loudly - he's just excited, having given way to tedium several hours ago.
[19:54] <@Kotono> "Concentrating! I was able to figure it out on reading it...the information was right there!" She nods quickly, "All sorts of ways to do it better. You know how you focus in battle to avoid being smacked around if you gesture around for a spell?"
[19:55] <@Janson> "Oh... yeah, I sort of know that. It's mostly just keeping your guard up, right?" Janson asks. It sounds pretty underwhelming for a deep arcane secret of the universe, really...
[20:04] <@Kotono> "Yeah. It's so much clearer now!" She nods, getting up and stretching. She yawns after, "Gaaah...so tired," she mutters, "That drained the life out of me."
[20:05] <@Janson> "You want to go home or just lie down and wait here while I read?" Janson offers, going behind her to offer a comforting shoulder-rub since she's surely built some aches from all that sitting.
[20:06] <@Kotono> Sylvie goes to curl up against a chair, yawning, "I'll stay...just napping...mmmm...." she closes her eyes as Janson rubs, "Really interesting. There's os much in there, I know I just scraped the surface of it!"
[20:07] <@Janson> "What were you trying to look up?" Janson asks, curious and wondering if her methodology might help him get the most from it.
[20:07] <@Kotono> "I just started reading and I followed what caught my eye," Another yawns as she settles in, "Lost track of the time, just had to try and chase it down."
[20:09] <@Janson> "Well, I'll take my go now. Don't stay up on my account if you're tired," he gives her shoulders a few more kneads before going to talke a seat before the book, scanning over the open pages for anything in a language he knows...
[20:10] <@Kotono> You see a bit in Sylvan. It's talking in ryhme about how forests grow...and connects to some in common, talking about city life....and then you follow it, reading more and more, finding yourself drawn in! OOC: More. Int check for Janson. Checking his sheet he qualifies for a +6 bonus to the check.
[20:11] <@Janson> roll 1d20+2 base int
[20:11] * +Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+2 base int and gets 10." [1d20=8]
[20:12] <@Kotono> OOC: 16 total then?
[20:14] <@Janson> OOC: if +6 added, sure
[20:15] <@Kotono> Janson studies and studies and studies! It's like chasing a book that constantly changes shift and language, always self referencing and building on itself in new directions! You get glimpses of knowledge great and small, a vast fortune of it! You pursue it more, trying to find more of it! OOC: PM.
[20:20] <@Kotono> In the end it comes down to rocks. Rocks. Carving. He studies and studies, burning this knowledge into his brain! In the words of Sylvan, Gnomish and Common he finds great secrets of the stone-arts, knowledge of years learned in hours! At last...with a strange feeling that far more awaits, Janson looks up. His fatigue is enormous. Sylvie is asleep on the chair next to him, softly snoring. But
[20:20] <@Kotono> the knowledge he's gained stays, hardwon and pressed into him.
[20:22] <@Janson> "Uhhh..." Janson leans back and spaces out for several long moments, before rubbing his eyes tiredly. He'd rather sleep in bed than here, and though he's loathe to wake Sylvie surely she would as well, so a small shake is given. "Sylvie?" he utters softly, coaxing her to wakefulness.
[20:22] <@Kotono> "Mmm...Janson?" Rubbing her eyes and yawning, "How'd...how'd it go? Aaaaah..." Another yawn follows as she sits up.
[20:25] <@Janson> "I kinda want to try my hand at sculpting, now," he admits with a blush. "But before that I really want to sleep. You wanna go home, now?"
[20:25] <@Kotono> "Mmm...wanna...but comfy," she says, leaning back, "Wanna sleep."
[20:28] <@Janson> "C'mon, it'll be nighttime already - your mom and Calley will be worried," Janson encourages further, not wanting to relent too easily.
[20:28] * Joins: Noriko_powersavermode (~Melanchth@pool-71-191-28-94.washdc.east.verizon.net)
[20:28] * Noriko_powersavermode is now known as Cidward
[20:29] <@Kotono> "Okay..." Sylvie mutters, the two heading out! The hallway seems to be one big blurry step, and then you're ouside, just like that. Stumbling home is a daze, sleep coming the moment you fall into bed. You awaken the next...morning? Maybe. It's quite sunny and your stomach is rumbling. Fortunately, there is some respite. Sylvie is at your bedside, reading a book with a tray of fruit awaiting.
[20:29] <@Kotono> "Morning, sunshine," she says, "Or afternoon, as it is."
[20:31] <@Janson> "It is?" Janson makes a face. "Bleargh... guess yesterday really threw me off. You at least get up reasonably?" he asks, propping himself up and reaching over to grab a pear.
[20:32] <@Kotono> "'bout 10?" She shrugs, "I overslept a lot, too." She puts her book down and away, "That was an incredible book, wasn't it? I kept finding more as I read, and everything was useful that I figured out! But it was so tiring to read...I slept like the dead."
[20:34] <@Janson> "Yeah, me too," Janson bites and chews for a bit, now sitting up properly. "Thing is, now I really want to go buy some stone and tools to see if it's as easy as the book made it sound..."
[20:34] <@Kotono> "Mmm-hmm. I've been practicing my concentration and it's so much easier now," Sylvie confesses, "I want to do that...and read more of the book if we can."
[20:36] * Merc is now known as Merc-school
[20:37] <@Janson> "Think it'd still work?" Janson blinks, "I wonder... if it did, couldn't you just keep reading it and become infinitely skilled at everything eventually?"
[20:37] <@Kotono> "I have no idea," Sylvie admits, "I really don't." With a bit of a blush, "But I say it's worth trying or at least reading more."
[20:39] <@Janson> "Might as well ask, I guess. Worst they can do is say no?" Janson wonders, putting the pear husk on the plate and now grabbing a peach and having several bites before he gets up and starts dressing. "On the other hand, if reading it once made you tired, maybe reading it more times does worse things and you end up like Senaril?"
[20:40] <@Kotono> As you discuss this you move along. Eventually you manage to talk to Captain Xavier again, outside of the old garrison. "You want to read it some more?" he asks.
[20:42] <@Janson> "The first time was so productive! But only so long as it's safe, that is, not if it has worse effects the more you read it."
[20:44] <@Kotono> "There's been no sign of that - the usefulness tends to diminish after several readings, but it's not directly harmful," Captain Xavier says, "You're welcome to take another read at it."
[20:45] <@Janson> "Great!" Janson hefts up his bag, "We brought food and pillows this time!"
[20:46] <@Kotono> With a laugh Captain Xavier escorts you back. "You want to go first this time, Janson," Sylvie offers.
[20:48] <@Janson> "Sure, if you don't mind waiting. I wonder if that'll fix my sleep pattern?" Janson muses aloud, taking a seat by the book and looking for something interesting to start his voyage of discovery!
[20:48] <@Kotono> OOC: Int check, same +6 bonus applies.
[20:50] <@Janson> roll 1d20+8
[20:50] * +Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+8 and gets 11." [1d20=3]
[20:51] <@Kotono> This time Janson reads and reads and reads! It's an endless assault of coded knowledge and brain straining information! Hours zip by as he concentrates...but slowly...slowly he loses himself in it! It's like a neverending whirlwind of knowledge, twisting and tossing him about! He's lost in it, dazed, confused! It's too much, his brain throbbing as he feels it overload!
[20:51] <@Kotono> roll 2d4 int and wis damage.
[20:51] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4 int and wis damage. and gets 4." [2d4=3, 1]
[20:51] <@Kotono> At last Janson looks up, a massive headache and little of true use retained.
[20:52] <@Janson> "Unng...uhhhf...mwwwwaah..." Janson concludes eloquently, slumping bonelessly in his seat. "Mmmdone."
[20:52] <@Kotono> Sylvie is at his side, rubbing his shoulders, "You alright? Did you learn anything?"
[20:54] <@Janson> "I learned... my head hurts," Janson leans against her, feeling like his head was just put through a cheese grater. "I guess it's no good for me anymore... nothing stuck."
[20:55] <@Kotono> "Maybe you just tried again too soon?" Sylvie says, "Just relax a bit."
[20:56] <@Janson> "I dunno, think I'm done with it," Janson shakes his head, slowly getting up and going to sit over on the pillows. "You want to give it a shot and see if you do better?"
[20:57] <@Kotono> "I will," Sylvie says, "There's nothing that a good application of knowledge and persistance can't fix. Or at least persistance, if Aaeru means anything."
[20:58] <@Janson> "Be nice," Janson smiles back tiredly. "And good luck."
[20:59] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[20:59] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 23." [1d20=10]
[20:59] <@Kotono> The hours pass as Janson's headache slowly lessons. He dozes in and out as Sylvie works! At last she looks up, "Mgh," she mutters without really saying anything.
[21:00] <@Janson> "Mmmn!" Janson jerks up from his doze at the first sound from Sylvie in hours. Standing up, he walks over behind her to once more rub her shoulders. "No luck either?" he asks sympathetically.
[21:02] <@Kotono> "Nothing I can pin. I still feel like there's more, but..." She shrugs eloquently.
[21:03] <@Janson> "I think we've used up our good graces with it now," Janson declares. "C'mon, I'll walk you home?"

[Ebiris]

[18:15] <@Kotono> It's late afternoon. Sylvie comes by your house, wearing a pretty pink dress and with her hair loose. With an all to pleasant smile after you exchange a brief kiss, "So Mom thought you should come over to dinner, so she can meet you and hear about these houses."
[18:19] <@Janson> "That's a good idea. If we're going to be living together I really ought to get to know her and Calley," Janson agrees eagerly. "Just lemme get changed?" he asks, starting to take his clothes off and then get into a nice dark blue suit. "I mean, I don't even know the woman's name!"
[18:20] <@Kotono> Once done Sylvie rises, "Do you have a cloak or cape to go with it?" As she goes to fiddle in Janson's closet, "Her name's Anna." With a twitch of her lips, "Well, it's only natural for me to call her Mom."
[18:23] <@Janson> "I've got my work cloak," Janson takes that off where he's left it draped over a chair and holds up its mottled green, brown, and black fabric. "Doesn't really match, though... um, I think I got a red silk one with that outfit I bought a couple weeks ago, too... never worn it yet," he goes to help Sylvie in rooting around, eventually finding said short cape near the back and holding it up. "Hmmm..."
[18:24] <@Kotono> "Are you kidding? Red with blue? UGH!" Sylvie takes it out of Janson's hand and puts it back, "You'll just have to go as is."
[18:25] <@Janson> "Well we can just buy one on the way? Is it important?" Janson asks uncertainly.
[18:28] <@Kotono> "Well, you're good enough and it's not worth buying a cloak over. Really, you'll just need to expand your wardrobe later," Checking Janson over a few times, "C'mon. Mom's waiting. So's Calley."
[18:30] * @Janson delays just long enough to grab an unopened bottle of wine he has handy and then deems himself ready, departing with Sylvie. "So what do you think about the four houses we've seen on offer?"
[18:36] <@Kotono> "I like Mouton," she answers, "Though Ali isn't bad either. Hm...do you like gardening at all?"
[18:37] <@Janson> "That's pretty much exactly how I'm ranking them," Janson agrees, "We only had a little herb garden outside the house in Aralla, so I've never done it seriously. Could be nice, but nothing to stop us hiring a gardener either way."
[18:39] <@Kotono> Nodding to that and thinking as you walk, the trip passes pleasantly enough. Soon enough you're at Sylvie's. You find her mother awaiting - she smiles as she opens the door, wearing a pretty green dress of her own. "Oh Janson!" she says, all smiles, "Come in!"
[18:40] <@Janson> "Hello, Anna," Janson smiles, inordinately pleased to finally have a name to apply to her, and offering over the bottle of wine as he enters. "Hope we're not late, are we?"
[18:42] <@Kotono> "Oh no, you're right on time. Sylvie said you two would be along about now." She takes the bottle and leads the two of you inside. The dining room is pleasant enough, a meal revolving around a large salad bowl already out. Calley sits at a chair, playing with a spoon. "Calley!" Sylvie's mother says, Sylvie saying the same thing a few seconds later.
[18:45] * @Janson doesn't really see what the fuss is about, and overall he feels kinda sorry for the kid, so makes a point to be nice. "Hello there, Calley!" he gives a big friendly smile, leaning towards the little boy. "That you practicing your sword moves?"
[18:46] <@Kotono> "Yaaah!" Calley does just that, spoon cutting through the air! But then Sylvie is there, gently holding his wrist and taking the spoon out. "Calley, what have I told you? Silverware is to eat with, not to play with! You could hurt someone!"
[18:51] <@Janson> "He's feisty," Janson approves, though doesn't get in the way of Sylvie disciplining him. "We probably better get the food out quick to distract him."
[18:51] <@Kotono> Sylvie's mother meanwhile gets dinner, starting to make plates. Over all of that, "So Janson, you work with my daughter? It's dangerous work, isn't it?"
[18:52] <@Kotono> "Yeah," Sylvie nods to Janson, sitting besides Calley and making him up a plate of greens and potatoes. Turning over to see the two adults in the room, "Yeah, we know it's dangerous work..." she trails off a moment, giving Janson a long look.
[18:53] <@Janson> "Oh, yeah, it's..." Janson was about to expound quite heavily on just how terribly frighteningly dangerous it is, but perhaps terrifying her mother and son isn't a great idea? "It's dangerous, we have to deal with some really unpleasant characters doing what we do. That's why you've always got to be careful, and tread softly." Advice Andrea should have heeded, he sadly reflects upon taking a seat around the corner from Sylvie.
[18:57] <@Kotono> "Now," Sylvie goes on, "We always have to. It's also why I'm spending so much time training, mom." As she speaks Calley spears a leaf of lettuce and sniffs it. Sylvie meanwhile goe son, "After what happened to Andrea, Simmer and Wayland..." Her words are cut off, as lettuce meets face! Calley throws it right in Sylvie's face, "No! Want honey!"
[19:00] <@Janson> He can't really laugh at childish rambunctiousness when that subject is raised, so Janson just covers his awkwardness by gently reaching over and plucking the lettuce off Sylvie's nose, placing it back on Calley's plate and letting the women handle actual discipline.
[19:01] <@Kotono> "Thank you, Janson." Sylvie says with restrained politeness, "Calley, no! No!" Shaking a finger in front of his face, "Bad! You eat lettuce, not throw it! There are starving dwarves in Kesse that would kill to have lettuce!"
[19:02] <@Kotono> "Don't want lettuce!" Calley insists, looking away from the plate. "Want honey or bread!"
[19:03] <@Janson> "But lettuce is good!" Janson insists, helping out in his own way, taking a big bite of his own and showing every appearance of exaggerated contentment as he chews. "Mmmm! It tastes great and it makes you grow big and strong!"
[19:04] <@Kotono> "No!" Calley insists as Sylvie sighs and rubs her forehead. Anna just smiles and comes forward, "C'mon then," she says, taking his hand and leading him away. She whispers something to him, leading him on back. To this Sylvie sighs again and rubs her forehead all over again. "Sorry, he's at the age where he just wants to be contrary for the sake of it."
[19:07] <@Janson> "Yeah, my mom has stories about me," Janson sighs and nods understandingly. "Still... you should try tricking him sometime," he suggests in a whisper. "Use that cantrip to change the flavours of stuff? Give him some lettuce tasting honey and honey tasting lettuce? Since half the time you eat with your eyes it might help make him more open minded about food."
[19:09] * Yuthirin is now known as Orval
[19:09] <@Kotono> "I probably should," she admits, rubbing her forehead, "I haven't been really thinking about it lately." After that she smiles, as Anna returns. She sits and serves everyone, before joining you. "Calley's going to take a nap. He'll eat later."
[19:12] <@Janson> "Maybe I can meet him properly some other time," Janson offers diplomatically. "So, how's your own job, Anna? Sylvie told me you help run a shop?"
[19:14] <@Kotono> "Oh yes, I help out part time," she says, "I do work as well as study all sorts of things. Plants, trees, forest, elves, natural things."
[19:16] * Merc is now known as Whurric
[19:17] <@Janson> "I can see where Sylvie gets her own studiousness from," Janson grins at said girl, taking a moment to start in on the food. "I used to love exploring the forest before I came to Balmuria. So many old mysteries and interesting creatures out there..."
[19:18] * Whurric is now known as Merc
[19:18] * Joins: Whurric (~k@c-98-197-243-233.hsd1.tx.comcast.net)
[19:19] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Whurric
[19:19] <@Kotono> The two match grins as they eat. It's a light salad with oil, pleasant enough food. "I keep telling Sylvie that," Anna says, "But she's usually took deep in a book to do much about it."
[19:19] <@Kotono> "Well, you can learn plenty if you read without going out," Sylvie immediately retorts.
[19:20] <@Janson> "But you've learned a lot since you have been going out on jobs with Whimsical Sweets too, haven't you?" Janson placates.
[19:21] <@Kotono> "Well yes..." Sylvie admits, "But I could've read to learn it, too."
[19:21] <@Kotono> Chuckling, "Sylvie, it's okay. I'm glad to see you up and doing more...despite the risks." she pauses a that, "I'm so sorry about your friends, Janson."
[19:22] <@Janson> "All of it?" Janson needles teasingly. Though going back to that topic sobers him. "It really was horrible... I wonder if maybe we'd gotten cocky, overcoming everything else. It really drives home what a dangerous world this is, that people can get so far with such monstrous plots, too."
[19:24] <@Kotono> "Mmm-hmm. I remember back when the Crimson Guard was just starting. There were some terrifying days...there was going to be war with Malmuth, undead traveled the streets, dragons extorted the city..." Pausing to eat some lettuce, "Balmuria's peaceful and safe now, mostly. But once you go past the city walls..."
[19:25] <@Kotono> Anna says that as Sylvie listens, "Well, you can add murderous fey to the list, and it wasn't the Crimson Guard that did it," she pauses to eat and half-frowns, "For better and for worse."
[19:28] <@Janson> "It feels good to protect yourself rather than relying on them for it... but it's easier when the ones being sacrificed are people you don't know," Janson adds, melancholy before he makes an effort to go past that. "These vegetables are great. What sort of oil are you using for dressing?"
[19:29] <@Kotono> "Olive oil and spices," she answers, "Do you like it? I can give you the recipe."
[19:29] <@Kotono> Sylvie smiles amoment, "So mom, we've been looking at and talking about houses the last few days."
[19:30] <@Janson> "Please," Janson nods, more to be polite before he defers to Sylvie's topic. "I've just rented this tiny little cottage since I came to Balmuria, but with the money Whimsical Sweets makes, buying a proper house is hardly anything at all. Even a mansion seems cheap."
[19:33] <@Kotono> "I can hardly believe the money Sylvie brings home," Anna admits, a blush growing, "Or how fast she spends it!
[19:33] <@Kotono> "
[19:34] <@Kotono> "Yes well..." Sylvie reddens again, "Mom! JAnson, just tell her about the two we're really looking at."
[19:36] <@Janson> "It's like there's a whole seperate economy for magic items - basically a huge mansion costs the same as the cheapest magical sword, so you can see how that goes," Janson agrees. "And yeah, there were two nice ones on the market. One's in the New Town, it's got four bedrooms, and its own private sauna and fruit garden. But the one out in the Western Reaches is probably even better, it's got six bedrooms and a huge garden - even has its own hedge maze, not to mention a massive swimming pool as well."
[19:42] <@Kotono> "I heard about it once. I heard the Crimson Guard spends hundres of thousands of gold coins on magical equipment," Anna goes on, while Sylvie picks up, "I like either of them, but we haven't decided yet."
[19:42] <@Kotono> "Well, don't choose something until you're sure. Then again, normal people don't buy mansions after a few months in Balmuria." To this Anna just smiles, "I like the sound of the second one more. Rustic."
[19:44] <@Janson> "I'm leaning more towards the one out in the Reaches, too - the guy in the new town wants a quick sale, and is even throwing in furniture, but I like the space of the second one, and it looks classier, too," Janson offers.
[19:47] <@Kotono> "Eeeh..." Sylvie hedges, "It's not bad. So...go talk to them tomorrow?"
[19:49] <@Janson> "We can have a look around the one in the New Town as well, if you want. Maybe it'll be really nice inside or be in a fantastic area and that could tip the scales," Janson suggests since Sylvie seems hesitant on his preference.
[19:52] <@Kotono> Dinner passes along as you chat, finished away. "Okay," she says, as Anna puts dinner away. She brings back cups of tea, and over them, "Will you be staying much longeR?"
[19:54] <@Janson> roll 1d20+10 sense motive to figure out if Sylvie would prefer I stay or cut this short before I commit!
[19:54] -castleheck.tx.us.lunarnet.org:@#dunes- Janson invited Hatbot into the channel.
[19:54] * Joins: Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-24-28-0-36.austin.res.rr.com)
[19:54] <@Janson> roll 1d20+10 sense motive to figure out if Sylvie would prefer I stay or cut this short before I commit!
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+10 sense motive to figure out if Sylvie would prefer I stay or cut this short before I commit! and gets 16." [1d20=6]
[19:56] <@Janson> "Ah, I'd love to, but I promised Josa I'd help with sorting out our case files tonight," Janson takes the hint from Sylvie's demeanour and excuses himself. Otherwise he really would have liked to stay! It'll be so awkward living together under this sort of atmosphere...
[19:59] <@Kotono> "Oh nonsense!" ANna says, "Why don't you stay awhile. Tell Josa something came up!"
[20:00] * @Janson can't really muster much more argument now that his opening gambit is shot down. "Well, it's not like I have to go right now," he allows.
[20:01] <@Kotono> Sylvie smiles nicely to that, "So Janson, why don't you tell usa bout Aralla some more?"
[20:05] <@Janson> "Oh, you two would love it there, I bet," Janson grins as he takes a long drink of tea. What woman wouldn't, after all? "It's a lot smaller than Balmuria, but there's always something going on since we don't have trade or farming, everyone's always busy hunting or foraging, making the things we need, patrolling to make sure the giants don't get any ideas and watching out for wanderers coming nearby..."
[20:09] <@Kotono> "Could you tell me about those giants?" Anna asks, "I saw them in Balmuria once when they came to trade."
[20:14] <@Janson> "They're unpredictable. We'd never let any near the village but sometimes you'd see them, especially if you went far out. Sometimes they'd be really friendly, stop and have a chat - we'd send people out to trade with them when things were peaceful. Other times they'd ignore you and get really annoyed unless you went away... and sometimes they were violent and we'd fight them for real. It wasn't really all out war... more like raiding and hostage-taking. But a few people still died anyway over the years."
[20:15] <@Kotono> "Mmm-hmm, I've read the giants are unstable and unpredictable," Sylvie adds, "Though we haven't had to deal with any.
[20:15] <@Kotono> "
[20:16] <@Janson> "Yeah, we expected we would on that job to get a troll, but we were able to get one in Aralla instead which was convenient," Janson smiles.
[20:21] <@Kotono> "Saved us some trouble," Sylvie seconds, wincing, "I won't want to fight an evil giant. A nymph was bad enough!"
[20:21] <@Kotono> "You told me about that nymph," Sylvie's mom tsk-tsks, "I thought nymphs were shy and loving."
[20:23] <@Janson> "I never knew any near Aralla, just dryads and pixies, but yeah all I heard said that too, that you'd be super lucky if you ever actually did encounter one," Janson agrees. "But now I've met two... the first was an easily manipulated and vindictive..." he stops himself, remembering company and concludes, "Bad person. And the less said about the second the better."

[Ebiris]

[17:09] <@Kotono> "The normal ones must be too busy being normal and shy to bother us," Sylvie concludes, "Just like how most of the people in Balmuria never get our attention, just the dangers and the freaks."
[17:10] <@Kotono> "The exceptions that prove the rule often do stand out all the taller for waht they are," Sylvie's mother agrees, "Which is rather depressing."
[17:12] <@Janson> "Maybe one day we'll meet a properly heroic exception, then?" Janson posits hopefully. "Would be nice, at least... I mean, we have met a lot of nice people in Balmuria that've got our attention, too."
[17:14] <@Kotono> "Maybe one will join Whimsical Sweets?" Sylvie's tone is light, "Say, do you think Josa will be recruiting?"
[17:15] <@Janson> "We might have to," Janson admits with a wince. "Just three of us is barely enough to do one job at a time except for the really simple stuff. But knowing what happened to the others might scare away all but the foolish or desperate."
[17:17] <@Kotono> To this Sylvie hums, "Well, we do have friends we can ask for help and advice with. Balyss owes us some favors, there's Silver Star Books for you...though she'll be upset about 'dear' Wayland. Hm."
[17:18] * Merc is now known as Whurric
[17:19] <@Janson> "Oh, Lady Moongall really liked him... damn, I forgot. We should tell her before she hears it somewhere else," Janson agrees sollemnly. "Balyss would be nice to have around, but she seems pretty busy running Moonholm. Lyris would really be an asset, on that note, but I figure looking after Marianne will be her full time job for a long time."
[17:21] <@Kotono> "Mmm-hmmm." Nodding along to that and thoughtfully sipping her tea, before staring out over it's steam, "If we go for anyone, it's Balyss. Lyris is too important to preventing that entire Destroyer affair from coming up again. Maybe we can find a way to talk her into it? Plus she'd strengthen our ties with the Lunatics, and theyc ould be usefula llies."
[17:23] <@Janson> "If nothing else we should go to their next revel, the last one was lots of fun," Janson grins and takes a gulp of  his tea. "Maybe we can convince her after she's had a few to drink?"
[17:24] <@Kotono> "Right," Nodding to that, "Plus we can promise she gets to smash evil around!" Sylvie grins at that and puts her tea down, "If Senaril isn't enough to get a do gooder wanting to help us, we're doing something wrong."
[17:25] <@Janson> "Hey, that's right! That's two evil Sharrans we've beaten - any self respecting Moon worshipper would want to get in on that action," Janson perks up.
[17:46] <@Kotono> "Exactly!" Sylvie reaches out to pat Janson's shoulder, "So how about once this house stuff is wrapped up, we get Balyss and we work her over?"
[17:48] <@Janson> "Sounds like a solid plan to me," Janson agrees eagerly. "If we can get the new partnership arrangement established with Josa it should be an easy sell."
[17:50] <@Kotono> "See?" Sylvie's Mom smiles herself now, "Sylvie dear, you see how much better things go when you apply yourself a little bit?"
[17:52] <@Janson> "It's more than just a little bit," Janson sets down his finished tea, "This stuff is hard work. But we've gotten pretty good at it - no choice but to, really."
[17:53] <@Kotono> "Yes Mom," Sylvie doesn't quite roll her eyes, but the tone says it all. "We have to, I've been studying and practicing much harder." At this she pauses with a little, melancholy smile, "I guess you were right, Mom. It may not be Lord Salman's Academy, but I ended up wrapped up in these things anyway."
[17:55] <@Janson> "The Crimson Guard probably have it easy compared to us with all the support they get, but at least we've got more freedom to do what we want," Janson adds.
[17:57] <@Kotono> To this Anna merely gives Sylvie a look, not a word said. For a moment they lock eyes, before Sylvie rolls her eyes. "Yes Mother, I'm sure I can draw the right conclusions. But feel free to say something instead of trying that again!"
[17:58] <@Janson> "Uh... am I missing something?" the redheaded warlock asks, glancing between the two blondes.
[17:58] <@Kotono> "Mom's just being Mom." Sylvie sighs, rubbing her temples, "She likes to make me thinka nd figure out what she thinks. AS if I can't tell already."
[18:00] <@Kotono> With a ghost of a smile, "There's a theory that's been popular in the last twenty years. It has a few names, but casually it's known as Hero theory. A few heroes or great men control destiny and history, not armies and temporal power. Great heroes are meant to be, and nothing can stop them from coming to their destiny. Now I don't know about all of that, it sounds too fatalistic for me. But
[18:00] <@Kotono> there is one part that's dead on - you rise to your potential no matter if you like it or not."
[18:00] <@Janson> "Right..." Awkwardness rising! "Oh, well, anyway! I don't think those files will wait forever, so I probably ought to get going. Dinner was lovely! And it was really nice to properly meet you, Anna!"
[18:01] <@Kotono> "IT was charming," Anna rises, "You're welcome to come by any time."
[18:03] <@Janson> "Thank you," Janson leans over to give her a kiss on the cheek, before bending down to give her daughter a kiss on the lips. "I'll see you tomorrow when we go look at those houses, Sylvie?"
[18:03] <@Kotono> "Right," Sylvie murmurs back as you part lips. OOC: Content to move along?
[18:04] <@Janson> OOC: yep
[18:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 98." [1d100=98]
[18:09] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 oh boy
[18:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 oh boy and gets 90." [1d100=90]
[18:11] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a spot check for me real quick?
[18:11] <@Janson> roll 1d20+10
[18:11] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+10 and gets 13." [1d20=3]
[18:13] <@Kotono> You head home. On reaching home you go to open the front door when - THUUUMP! A dagger slams into the door above your head, quivering in it!
[18:14] <@Janson> "Whaaah!" Janson jumps in alarm and spins around!
[18:15] <@Kotono> It is 20 feet behind you. A humanoid figure dressed in black shawls all over, blending into the night! In one hand is a executioner's axe, the head having a pair of wicked barbed balls. In a distorted voice, it calls, "Dog of my enemies, prepare yourself for the cold embrace of the grave!" OOC: Roll init, you managed to piss -someone- off.
[18:16] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8." [1d20=3]
[18:19] * Joins: Yuthirin (~Dis@h69-130-20-226.vnhlil.dedicated.static.tds.net)
[18:19] * Yuthirin is now known as Orval
[18:23] <@Janson> roll 1d20+4
[18:23] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+4 and gets 14." [1d20=10]
[18:23] * Kotono changes topic to 'Janson(14)>Mystery Man of Mystery(8)'
[18:23] <@Kotono> OOC: Open.
[18:25] <@Janson> "Oh, come on, I don't even know you!" Janson protests, climbing up onto the roof of his cottage and holding himself defensively. "What's your problem? Really?!"
[18:25] <@Janson> OOC: total defence
[18:28] <@Kotono> The humanoid quickly pull sout a stoppered canteen, drinking from it! It's feet float off the ground, as it rises up to be on the level of Janson's roof! "Your death shall be a step forward towards victory!" OOC: Janson, go.
[18:29] <@Janson> "How about we talk about this? reasonably? Please?" Janson pleads, glad he's outside the city proper and using the opportunity to twist the man's mind to a more favourable state.
[18:29] <@Janson> OOC: DC 16 charm monster
[18:30] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 (+5 in combat)
[18:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 (+5 in combat) and gets 21." [1d20=13]
[18:31] <@Kotono> The magic wraps around the man or woman, yet it does not seem to deter him! Instead he charges through the air on the wings of magic, axe seeking Janson's neck as he swings it with a deadly stroke!
[18:31] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+10 (+2 charge)
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 (+2 charge) and gets 19." [1d20=9]
[18:31] <@Kotono> OOC: CA?
[18:32] <@Janson> OOC: 17 assuming I also moved back which I would do once the charm failed
[18:34] <@Kotono> roll 1d12+6 and you're up.
[18:34] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d12+6 and you're up. and gets 18." [1d12=12]
[18:34] <@Kotono> The axe blow is a dreadful one, clipping right into Janson's side! The blood that is drawn is surprisingly quick to exit, a lucky shot gouging deeply within! OOC: Go.
[18:35] <@Janson> "Aaaah! Oh, you bastard!" Janson hisses, diving under the floating madman and back down off his house and away, gesturing back and willing him into the lull of sleep. "Take a nap!"
[18:35] <@Janson> OOC: DC 15 deeper slumber
[18:35] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[18:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22." [1d20=19]
[18:36] <@Janson> roll 1d20+12 belated tumble
[18:36] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+12 belated tumble and gets 16." [1d20=4]
[18:36] <@Janson> OOC: vs CMD now so that might fail
[18:37] <@Kotono> OOC: That does.
[18:37] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[18:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10." [1d20=2]
[18:37] <@Kotono> Janson flees back as the axe makes a great overhead swing, missing him by a few inches! He goes back and invokes his magic, crawling down! Yet the man does not fall asleep, instead pursuing to be over Janson and positioning again! OOC: Go.
[18:38] * @Janson continues to flee along the street, somersaulting away from danger...
[18:38] <@Janson> roll 1d20+12 tumble first
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+12 tumble first and gets 17." [1d20=5]
[18:40] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+8 ow
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 ow and gets 25." [1d20=17]
[18:40] <@Kotono> roll 1d12+6 the dice are not with you
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d12+6 the dice are not with you and gets 12." [1d12=6]
[18:41] <@Kotono> Janson tries to retreat, but gets an axestroke against his side for his troubles! It's a painful gouge, one that momentarily staggers him as he retreats back! OOC: Goa head and continue.
[18:41] <@Janson> Staggering back and bleeding freshly from that failed attempt at evasion, Janson nonetheless rises to his feet with a snarl. "Alright, you had your chance! Eat this!" and hurls a blast of eldritch fury at the assailant!
[18:41] <@Janson> roll 1d20+7
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12." [1d20=5]
[18:41] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[18:41] <@Janson> roll 3d6+4d6 surprise++
[18:41] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 3d6+4d6 surprise++ and gets 27." [3d6=2, 6, 5][4d6=4, 3, 5, 2]
[18:43] <@Kotono> Janson throws pure eldrtich fury at the assassin, catching him or her in the stomach! It's enough to make a garbled gasp sound, boring right into it! Nearly doubling over from it, the assass flies back the other way over Janson's roof, intoning a strange arcane word as it does so! OOC: Spellcraft here.
[18:43] <@Janson> roll 1d20+13
[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+13 and gets 32." [1d20=19]
[18:44] <@Kotono> roll 1d8+5
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+5 and gets 8." [1d8=3]
[18:47] <@Janson> "Don't tell me you're hurting already? Think you can survive another one of those blasts, or do you want to call it quits now?" Janson offers magmanimously, a glowing aura around the hand held behind his back ready in case his attacker refrains from taking the generous offer.
[18:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Holding?
[18:47] <@Janson> OOC: yes
[18:48] <@Kotono> In answer the assassin flees, booking through the air as fast as it can in the opposite direction of Janson!
[18:51] <@Janson> "And don't come back!" Janson yells, putting on a brave face in case anyone else is watching. Don't want to look like he's scared of having his throat slit in his sleep, right? Yeah! Although he's still just going to get his armour and bracers - and undamaged clothes - from inside and then go check into an inn under a false face and name for the night. It's only prudent! Oh, and he should probably talk to the guard first, yeah.
[18:54] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Are you going to tell the guard about anything in particular here or ask for anything, or more of just a crime report?
[18:56] <@Janson> OOC: Pretty much "So a masked guy with a huge barbed axe attacked me outsite my house last night. You should have more guards keep an eye out for that sort of thing. Still, they blew a 750 mark potion and got nothing out of it, so sucks to be them!"
[19:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Going to do anything unusual the next day or carry on as normal?
[19:02] <@Janson> OOC: I'll get up early, go see Sylvie and tell her about the excitement then we can see if my house burned down or not before we go looking at new houses!
[19:07] <@Kotono> Sylvie is dressed already when you arrive. She's clad in a white robe, only loosely belted. It flows around her and shows off quite a bit when the belt occasionally loosens, as she plummels several wooden posts in her backyard. She's utterly concentrating, working away in a virtual haze of activity!
[19:10] <@Janson> Sylvie's quite freaky in the early rising department, but Janson suddenly forgets to do much else but ogle her as she trains and strains the bounds of decency with her practice outfit. This would be a fine way to spend the day!
[19:15] <@Kotono> Oh, Sylvie does'nt seem to notice at all. She's lost in her practice, precise strikes slamming into the wood! Chips of wood go flying to her flurries, a sheen of sweat no her! AT last she makes a vicious six hit combo to the post, breaking it in half! AT the same time her robe gives way, tumbling around her feet. She's unclad beyond it, looking down, "Dammit, I really need to get abetter belt,"
[19:15] <@Kotono> she mutters, starting to grab it and put it back on, not even seeming to notice.
[19:16] * @Janson sneaks up behind the distracted blonde once she's only got her garment half on. "I like that one just fine," he opines, wrapping his arms around her bare stomach.
[19:17] <@Kotono> "Aa!" Janson starts to lurch forward, Sylvie managing to stop wiftly! It prevents him from being thrown over her shoulder, instead Sylvie falls back into it. "Morning. You're here early." She says with a little smile, "Ready to go hunting today?"
[19:18] <@Janson> "Woah!" Janson rights himself once she relaxes and leans forward to kiss her over her shoulder. "I was ready a while ago, but somehow I ended up getting distracted..."
[19:19] <@Kotono> Sylvie smiles, "Ever since...well...I've been training a lot harder. I didn'te ven notice you were there!"
[19:20] <@Janson> "No good being tough if you're not observant, too," Janson teases, giving her a playful pinch somewhere sensitive. "But hey, I learned that yesterday too when some joker tossed a knife at my door just before I got home."
[19:24] <@Kotono> "Aaa-what?" Sylvie's little approving noise turns into shock, whirling around as her robe falls away entirely! "Who was it and why?"
[19:25] * @Janson looks disappointed at her playfulness evaporating, but consoles himself by hugging her close once she's turned to face him. "Don't know, he was wearing a black shawl and mask, called me a dog of his enemies and attacked. I scared him off, though, so shouldn't see him again. I hope."
[19:29] <@Kotono> "God, who is it now?" Sylvie mutters, "Dog of his enemies...okay, any ideas at all? Who have we pissed off lately?"
[19:32] <@Janson> "Shar mostly, but I mean, c'mon. We work for whoever pays us, it's not like we're in the business of making enemies for our own sake," Janson reasons. "Anyway, he ran right the hell away even after I gave him a few free hits, so I bet we won't see him again. We've got more fun things to worry about anyway!" to emphasise that he gives her a friendly grope on her bare bottom and grins happily.
[19:34] <@Kotono> "You're in the mood after THAT?" Sylvie raises an eyebrow.
[19:36] <@Janson> "That was yesterday, this is today, and you just put on quite a show," Janson points out, before looking around. "But in all seriousness, your back yard probably isn't the place. Now, the secluded grounds of our huge spacious mansion on the other hand..."
[19:39] <@Kotono> "Yes," With a smile, "Let's go?" OOC: Which one did you want ot talk to?
[19:41] <@Janson> OOC: lets start with Mourat Manor
[19:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Moutan.
[19:43] <@Janson> OOC: that, sure. I'll change the name when I buy it!
[19:52] <@Kotono> Moutan Manor is as it was told. Just outside the main gate to the hedge maze he awaits. He's a tall man, dressed in dapper clothes to the nines. His silver hair is parted down the middle, bearing his age with grace. "Ah, are you the sir and madame interested in this residence?"
[19:53] <@Janson> "That's right, I'm Janson and this is Sylvie," Janson sticks his hand out to shake. "From what we heard it sounds nearly ideal, so we wanted to take a proper look around if that's alright."
[19:54] <@Kotono> His grip is quite strong, "This way," he says, "Allow me to show you around the hedge maze first of all."
[19:56] <@Janson> "So long as we don't get lost, right?" Janson grins, content to follow along for the tour but keeping a sharp eye out for anything that could be bad or strange about the place.
[19:58] <@Kotono> Thus you wander the hedge maze! It's a long thing, full of twists and turns! Your guide shows you through, "There's several dead ends," he says, "Though the main path is simplistic. For most it provides a good afternoon of adventure, and it's easy to add in other distractions." After a beat, "Maxwell, by the way."
[20:00] <@Janson> "Nice to meet you, Maxwell," Janson nods to the belated introduction. "Could be fun to add in puzzles or things like that if we make something of it, yeah," he muses.
[20:07] <@Kotono> "Oh yes. Sir Mouton was fond of many such things...or releasing intoxicated young maidens about for a maze 'hunt' of revelry and celebration." Wrinkling his nose, "HIs guests did seem to appreciate it."
[20:09] * @Janson coughs and looks away. "Of course, there won't be any of that happening here," he states sollemnly, not meeting anyone's eyes.
[20:11] <@Kotono> Sylvie coughs as well, "Naturally not!" She says, giving Janson a look.
[20:11] <@Janson> roll 1d20+10 sense motive, does she sound more convincing than I do?
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+10 sense motive, does she sound more convincing than I do? and gets 21." [1d20=11]
[20:12] <@Janson> "So, lets see the inside of the house?!" Janson quickly suggests in a brisk tone, looking up and clapping his hands.
[20:15] <@Kotono> Indeed you are lead out of the maze and inside! Ahead is a vast pool, marble sides and full of blue-clear water! It looks appealingly cool, as Maxwell stops, "The famous pool of house Moutan," he proclaims, "Always ready and approriate for the season.
[20:16] <@Janson> "Oh, I like this!" Janson enthuses, kneeling over by the water's edge and dipping his hand in, looking over the interior to make sure everything's clean and well maintained.
[20:18] <@Kotono> It's cool to the touch, as Sylvie whistles and comes up to Janson's side. It's quite clean inside - not a drop of dirty water. "You could swim like crazy in here," she observes.
[20:19] <@Janson> "Good for exercise and for fun," Janson nods, standing up. "I heard there was a water elemental in here as well?" He wonders if it's anything like Oolu...
[20:21] <@Kotono> "Right," Maxwell says, clapping his hands thrice! It emerges up and out - loosely humanoid shaped and of the same blue water as the pool. It's about four feet tall, bowing once and gargling in blurred Common, "How can I serve you today, sirs?"
[20:22] <@Janson> "Hello," Janson waves, disappointed it doesn't seem as animated or defined as Oolu, but he was a lot bigger too. "So you live in this pool? Do you need anything?"
[20:24] <@Kotono> "I am bound to this pool," The elemental replies, "I am happy here. I need nothing."
[20:25] <@Janson> "Fair enough, then," Janson nods. "I'm Janson and Sylvie, and we might be living here soon, so it's nice to meet you."
[20:27] <@Janson> *and this is Sylvie
[20:28] <@Kotono> "Nice to meet you," he returns. To this Sylvie smiles, "It's nice to meet you!"
[20:29] <@Kotono> Maxwell nods gravely, "He's well trained and obedient. He also maintains the pool, as I'm sure you were able ton conclude."
[20:30] <@Janson> "Seems like he knows what's what," Janson agrees. "Lets move on?"
[20:32] * Joins: Lucie_sleepingitoff (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-103-66.washdc.east.verizon.net)
[20:32] <@Kotono> Ahead lies the entrance - ag reat pair of pillars carved with images of dragons on one, majestic and proud. Another is of vampires, slinking and fanged. As you approach both come to life, whirling in beautiful, artful images! "These pillars were comissioned from Countess Elle Stronger," he goes on, "They show two mythical beasts - dragons and vampires, both which ahve been proven to exist."
[20:34] <@Janson> "Proven? There was ever any doubt?" Janson blinks. "I mean, I guess I've never seen a vampire myself..." that being the case, he takes a good look at that particular pillar for hints in case he ever does run into one!
[20:37] <@Kotono> Vampires are pale and sallow hunters of the night, dressed as nobles and with big fangs. They look quite scary!
[20:38] <@Janson> Big fangs? Okay, that seems noticable enough. "You don't think these might give Calley nightmares, though?" he asks Sylvie worriedly.
[20:40] * Lucie_sleepingitoff is now known as Cidward
[20:43] <@Kotono> "Nah, he's pretty resilient." Sylvie shrugs, "Besides, once he can see them a lot, it'll kill his fear of them."
[20:44] * @Janson trusts Sylvie's judgement and goes through the pillars, letting Maxwell guide them further through what could be their new home.
[20:45] <@Kotono> Beyond is a massive foyer. Bands of snow white and yellow stone alternate, ascending up a crystal decorated staircase. Maxwell continues as you see the case, light glinting off it in various directions, "This stairway was modeled after visions the Well of Souls, if you are familiar with your reformed theology. Sir Moutan demanded only the best."
[20:47] <@Janson> "That's pretty maudlin... but I guess it is pretty," Janson allows. Now he's all thinking of his dead friends...
[20:50] <@Kotono> "It is," Sylvie goes to it, looking up it's lenght. "How about we name it something else, Janson. Maybe the stairway of Lathander, since he at least brought someone back?"
[20:51] <@Janson> "Well they're stairs, we don't need to name them anything at all. But I guess we could remodel if we end up buying the place - lets go have a look at the other rooms, Maxwell?"
[20:53] <@Kotono> You are lead along. Several rooms are gorgeous - decorated well with art and murals and all manner of things. Going upstairs you come to the master bedroom! Here the ceiling is one great, giant fresco of the heavens. It is decorated with solar, lunar and astrological symbols, showing a grand dance of night and day. The painted stars sparkle with life. Below is a large canopied bed, as meanwhile
[20:53] <@Kotono> Sylvie wanders ot the side, "Oh Janson, there's a big walkin closet with benches and lots of space, too!"
[20:54] <@Janson> "You're already thinking of cramming it with books, aren't you?" Janson asks good naturedly, going over to join her.
[20:55] <@Kotono> "That, or maybe cramming me full if you're nice," With a coy bat of her eyes, "I like it. What do you think?" It's a big walk in closet, currently empty. A few padded benches are about, plenty of space to be had.
[20:57] <@Janson> "Looking forward to breaking in that bed?" Janson whispers back flirtatiously. "Honestly I'm pretty pleased with this place," he raises his voice back to normal. "I say we take it, then go visit that guild of dutiful servants to hire and start moving our stuff in - or just buying new stuff, not like we're short on gold."
[20:57] <@Kotono> "Agreed," Sylvie says, "Let's make this home...a really nice home, one we can look forward to!"
[20:58] * @Janson then nods and turns to Maxwell. "Alright, we've seen enough. How soon can we finalise the sale?" He'd originally planned to haggle, but considering how cheap it is compared to his expectations, he just can't bring himself to do so.
[21:00] <@Kotono> "Tomorrow," he says, "We'll go down to City Hall for the paperwork." Offering a hand out, "Congratulations!"
[21:01] * @Janson happily shakes said hand. "Sold!" he agrees. "We'll see you there bright and early tomorrow."

[Ebiris]

[17:50] <@Kotono> While the walk in closet doesn't become a library - Sylvie does have clothes like any other woman - a room just off the master bedroom does. Shelf after shelf of books is slotted away, Sylvie staying in there for several days. Deep, comfortable chairs are about, Sylvie in one as you enter. She's absorbed in a tome, reading away. "Auril?" She asks back to your question, "The goddess of winter,
[17:50] <@Kotono> right?"
[17:52] <@Janson> "Yeah. I figure at worst someone back home might know since she's a nature goddess, but I'd rather save myself the trouble if we can find any priestesses around town," Janson nods, settling into one of the plush reading chairs opposite her.
[17:53] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[17:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 29." [1d20=14]
[17:55] <@Kotono> "I've heard of one. Selena Darkwinter. Hell of a name," Sylvie pauses to chuckle, "She hangs out in the Old City when she's in town." Closing her book - you can see the spine reads Lorefather - "Eternal winter this, cold snow that, all what you'd expect. She's apparently kept her nose clean enough not to get in trouble with the Guard."
[17:57] <@Janson> "She has to have made up that second name herself," Janson laughs. "Although I better keep a straight face when I see her since I want her help. Want to come help me hunt around for her this afternoon?"
[18:00] <@Kotono> "Sure." With a happy smile, "I need to stop by the Wonderworks first, I have something to pick up."
[18:01] <@Janson> "Oh? Nothing explosive, I hope?" Janson asks in mock-concern.
[18:02] <@Kotono> "No, not at all." Closing the book and putting it back on the shelf, "I'm picking up a holy symbol to Oghma there."
[18:03] <@Janson> "Huh. What do you want one of them for?"
[18:06] <@Kotono> "Well, I've been studying how Aaeru and Balyss can turn undead...Andrea, too..." Her voice turns a little melancholy there, "I have to pick up the slack for her. Second of all..." She trails away, starting to walk and her face hidden from you as she takes the lead, "Oghma is the father of all knowledge. I need to learn as much as I can, fast as I can, for everyone's sake. Who better to guide me
[18:06] <@Kotono> in that?"
[18:08] <@Janson> "Well, if you think it'll help," Janson nods supportively. It'll probably just be a fad like every other deity she's briefly flirted with, but it seems to work for her so why not? "Why don't we have a bite to eat and then head out, then?"
[18:10] <@Kotono> Lunch is quite good. Your new cook smiles and gathers up the dishes before she goes off. Cute little redheaded thing. After that it's off, off and away. A quick trip to the Wonderworks leaves Sylvie a little poorer, while thereafter you head to the Old City...OOC: Gonna try and find her?
[18:10] * Joins: Zeph (~zephisawe@65-119-133-149.dia.static.qwest.net)
[18:12] <@Janson> OOC: yeah. Gather info, I suppose?
[18:12] <@Kotono> OOC: Go for it. Do you want to take point for it and have Sylvie assist, or vice versa? I don't have your sheet open on if you have ranks.
[18:13] <@Janson> OOC: neither of us have ranks but her charisma is better so I'll aid her.
[18:13] <@Janson> roll 1d20+2 aiding
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+2 aiding and gets 21." [1d20=19]
[18:13] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+9 (+2 aid, +4 inspiration)
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 (+2 aid, +4 inspiration) and gets 24." [1d20=15]
[18:19] <@Kotono> Selena Darkwinter is found with a bit of seaching and information gathering. She's carrying several shopping backs down a street of the Old City, whistling. She wears warm looking furs even in the summer, as if winter was already here. From her neck hangs a white snowflake against a pure silver field, her hair the color of newfallen snow. It's hard to miss her, really, Sylvie stopping, "Speak
[18:19] <@Kotono> of the devil, there she is," she points!
[18:22] <@Janson> "Hah, she reminds me a bit of Balyss with that hair," Janson observes cheerily. "Come on, lets go say hello?" He quickens his pace to catch up with the priestess, speaking once close enough to get her attention. "Hello, frostsister. Do you need any help with your bags?" he offers guilessley to try and get off on a friendly footing.
[18:24] <@Kotono> She stops, "Why yes, I do," she says, passing several of them over to Janson! Ooof! Heavy! Despite her clothes her brow is dry, no sign of persperation. Getting closer you can feel cold radiating from her body, a respite from late summer's warmth. "You are?"
[18:26] <@Janson> "I'm Janson and this is Sylvie," Janson replies, taking a moment to adjust his grip on the bags to hold them in the most painless manner. "You're Selena Darkwinter, right? We were looking for you," he explains, moving closer to enjoy the cold as a respite from the warmth and effort of carrying her unexpectedly heavy bags.
[18:29] <@Kotono> Sylvie does the same, "It's a pleasure ot meet you!"
[18:29] <@Kotono> To this Selena is free of her bags, rubbing her hands a moment before replying, "You found me. What do you want?
[18:32] <@Janson> "Well, you see," Janson starts, walking along with her in whichever direction she was going, "I was asked by a dragon called Snowarul to find a diamond egg in the shadow of a great frozen mountain. But to actually find it I needed to find a roc feather and have it blessed by a priestess of Auril. Now I managed to get a feather from up in the Galkass mountains recently, so I figure you can probably see where I'm going with this?" he concludes with an earnest smile.
[18:34] <@Kotono> "Hmph." Selena mutters, "Come with me, we may as well discuss this in more tolerable climates."
[18:36] <@Janson> "Sure, of course," Janson nods agreeably, following along. "I know it's a favour I'm asking, so if you need anything done or a donation to the church that's fine, too."
[18:39] <@Kotono> Selena walks along a little further, turning into a quiet, run down inn. The Dancing Pebbleis the name. "Follow me," she says, leading you within to it's third floor. The entire third floor looks to be one suite of rooms, well kept compared to everything below. White and ice colored opulence is everywhere, and the air is cold, as if the tastes of winter have trickled in. Once there she gestures,
[18:39] <@Kotono> "Put the bags down." The front room has severe looking chairs, carved out of what looks to be blue ice. "Sit down and tell me more about this request of yours."
[18:42] <@Janson> "Nice place," Janson approves of the ambience, even if it'd be a bit chilly for long term occupation, one can't dispute it looks classy as hell. Setting the bags down beside a chair, he lowers himself into it and looks up at the snowy-haired priestess. "Really what it all comes down to is I have a roc feather that needs to be blessed by Auril so that it can act as a compass towards a place called Kal-Venna."
[18:45] <@Kotono> Brr! You find yourself shivering, as does Sylvie. These chairs are cold! "You seek the aid of the Frostmaiden. What can you offer to win her favor?"
[18:47] <@Janson> "Well, we can pay you," Janson suggests, making sure not to put any exposed skin on the armrests. "But if you'd rather we pay in trade, we're both from Whimsical Sweets - I dunno if you've heard about us but we're pretty good troubleshooters, and we can help you get your hands on really incredible candy."
[18:48] <@Kotono> "Whimsical Sweets!" HEr eyes narrow deeply, "You have an abomination in your employ!"
[18:50] <@Janson> "Oh, you mean Silver... no, wait," Janson's own eyes narrow. "If you love the cold you'd be talking about Simmer. Well in that case, I bet you'd be thrilled to know she died miserably in the cold to keep a crazed Sharran from drenching this entire city in red hot lava."
[18:50] <@Kotono> "Simmer is not an abomination!" Sylvie growls, her own eyes joining the two as a reddening comes to her cheeks. "She gave her life for ours, yorus and all of the city's!"
[18:58] <@Kotono> Selena Darkwinter's expression turns stormier, "She died in winter?" Her face twists to a smile, "Poetic. I'll do it for free, on one condition. You stand before me and renounce this Simmer before Auril. Things like her have no place in winter."
[19:01] * @Janson stands up. "If I was a lesser man, I'd kill you for that," he replies coldly, turning to leave. "Forget it, Darkwinter. All seasons have their place, and you've forgotten yours."
[19:02] <@Kotono> Sylvie rises, cheeks bloody red as she almost literally boils with fury. She stomps downstairs without a word, ahead of Janson.
[19:02] * @Janson certainly has nothing more to say, and likewise departs.
[19:03] <@Kotono> Once outside you see Sylvie. The inn wall has a hole in it as she withdraws her fist, "Get me out of here," she growls, "Or heavens help me..."
[19:04] <@Janson> "Forget her," Janson wraps his arms around the blonde, drawing her close. "Simmer's laughing it up in the reality of fire now, like you said. That idiot up there doesn't know anything."
[19:08] <@Kotono> Sylvie is tense in your arms, unsoftening. "Let's just go home," she says, "Let's find a better cleric of Auril, no matter what it takes. She can go die."
[19:10] <@Janson> "Forget the whole thing," Janson shakes his head, starting to walk back West with an arm around Sylvie's waist. "You think one we find out in the wild plotting the doom of civilisation would be better than a supposedly well adjusted one who lives here in the city? Snowarul will just have to live without his diamond egg, I'm not going to shame Simmer by asking anything from her kind."