031.5.2 Andrea and Janson

[Corwin]

[20:59] <Janson> "She had some things she wanted to deal with privately, but said she'd be back shortly," Janson replies. "We were going to try baking something!"
[21:01] <Andria> "We'll ask her when she comes back then. I guess we can just brainstorm some ideas over the story in the meantime, unless you have anything else you have to do?" Andrea asks, not wanting to steal Janson's time either because of an assumption like she almost had with Sylvie and Aaeru.
[21:02] <Janson> "No, I'm just stuck around here either way," Janson shrugs amiably.
[21:05] <Andria> "Oh okay. Well, I wanted to try and make something slightly original, something Farzhad's guests aren't likely to have heard, but that limits some of my stories. I did consider using one of our adventures as a story, but I think it might be better to at best borrow elements from those to craft something new..."
[21:05] <Andria> Andrea starts rambling, making gestures and expressions as she starts going over the vortex with a woosh effect, or a growl to mimic the werewolf, etc.
[21:06] <Andria> "It's not like the things that have happened to us are likely to have happened to anyone else, right?"
[21:07] <Janson> "I guess, but it's a bit dry, isn't it?" Janson asks. "It needs romance, betrayal! Give it a real emotional punch, you know?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Right,"Noel nods along, "Something like that, where the guy gets the girl at the end? Despite it all?
[21:13] <Janson> "Like, maybe the werewolf is the hero's brother, and the hero is forced to tragically put him down? Have the werewolf save the hero's life earlier on to give it even more impact," Janson suggests. "Are we going to have a male or female lead, actually?" he pauses thoughtfully. "If the hero's a woman then maybe the werewolf would work better as the love interest?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Well if you're going fantastical, add some vampires," Josa suggests, "Something exotic like that to go with the werewolf."
[21:19] <Janson> "Oh! I just had the best idea ever!" Janson suddenly declares. "Get Silver to make up some candy men for it! The hero can do battle with the faceless horde, and afterwards the audience can eat them. How's that for audience participation?"
[21:22] <Kotono> "Ah yes, splendid!" Josa says, "A splendid idea!"
[21:23] <Andria> "I'm sure Simmer would enjoy burning up some candy men too," Andrea adds, oddly liking the idea. "Although not sure how we'd pull off the werewolf look...do we have a potion that can make someone sprout a lot of hair or something? Best I've got is a spell that makes me grow a beard..."
[21:24] <Andria> "And I don't think I make a good bearded lady..."
[21:25] <Janson> "We could just use a dog? Get me or Brana to play him when it's not the full moon then swap with a big dog for the terrifying transformation?" Janson suggests.
[21:25] <Janson> *Noel
[21:27] <Andria> Andrea blinks. "I...guess? But then we'd have to get a trained dog of some sort. Not that I doubt your ability to teach a dog how to behave, but we only have one day, too..."
[21:28] <Janson> "Even if it goes off script we could just say that's the wildness of the wolf coming out?"
[21:29] <Andria> "Well, it's an option, I guess. We just need to make sure it's trained enough so it doesn't jump on one of the guests at least though," Andrea replies after thinking on it a little.
[21:30] <Janson> "Well if not that we can probably just get a hairy costume?" Janson looks over to where they had all the clothes in theh corner from their last advertising show.
[21:31] <Kotono> "A hairy costume can be arrainged," Josa says, "So are we decided on this?"
[21:32] <Andria> Andrea nods. "It sounds like we have a basic plot and all. Just need to conscript Simmer into playing the leading lady who burns candy men, and we're good to go!"
[21:36] <Kotono> It's at this moment that Simmer wanders back in. She comes on up, "Oh, more of you are back. Did you burn anything?"
[21:37] <Janson> "Not yet, but we're going to set the stage alight!" Janson grins at Simmer. "Are you with us?"
[21:37] <Andria> "Not yet! We were making plans so you get to burn an army of candy men though! Interested?" Andrea turns to Simmer, going right for the tempting sounding explanation.
[21:39] <Kotono> "I'm in." Simmer says, "Sounds fun!"
[21:40] <Andria> "Excellent! On with the show then!" Andrea cheers.
[21:42] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, quickly give me an outline of your exact plan.
[21:46] <Andria> ooc: Get permission from Farzahd to set up stage/props, buy a hairy costume, host a play that's a fusion of Twilight and the Wizard of Oz, get paid or booed out by shocked audience?
[22:29] <Kotono> The next day comes. A furry costume has been procured by Josa, everyone gathering in Whimisical Sweets. "This is your show," Noel says, "So um...lead us along so we can go set up and do this then?"
[22:32] <Andria> "Sure. Oh and keep in mind, that even though I said you guys are silent actors...If you think it'll add impact to the story, feel free to add some dialogue in too, but keep it sparse too, that way it gives it more impact the few times you do it," Andrea advises. "Otherwise, just act out something that looks like it'll fit the narration."
[22:33] <Andria> "Who's going to be the vampire by the way? Noel or you?" she asks Janson.
[22:34] * Janson takes a look at the furry costume and quickly decides, "Yeah, I'll do it, sure."
[22:35] <Kotono> "Fine," Noel says, taking the costume, "Won't this be hot to wear?"
[22:37] <Andria> "You shouldn't be in the costume a lot of the time. If you think it's getting too hot, we can have some sort of signal that it's time for the werewolf to transform human for a while too," Andrea suggests.
[22:39] <Kotono> "Okay," Noel says, "I think I got it." Meanwhile Simmer watches, "So is that everything?"
[22:42] <Andria> "Can't think of anything else, unless we want to spend money on some scrolls for magic, but I think our story should be entertaining enough without it," Andrea says after thinking on it for a little bit, doing a mental tally.
[22:43] <Janson> "It's sad if you end up spending more money on a job than you earn, too," Janson nods sagely.
[22:44] <Andria> "A statement after Noel's own heart," Andrea jokes, grinning at Noel, remembering their conversation from yesterday.

[Corwin]

[20:10] <Kotono> Noel chuckles, "That's a fool's game, more money out than in. Got myself into trouble a few times with that."
[20:12] <Janson> "At least this thing should be cheap for us to do. So long as Silver doesn't get too into things and have her candymen actually hurt anyone," Janson shrugs, putting on an upbeat smile.
[20:17] <Andria> "Let's hope," Andrea agrees, as she stands up. "Anyway, let's go get set up and check out our working stage, and introduce the rest of you to Mr. Farzahd."
[20:19] <Janson> "Lead the way," Janson is more than happy to follow Andrea in putting on this theatrical extravaganza.
[20:20] <Andria> Andrea nods as she starts leading the way to the inn.
[20:23] <Kotono> The party follows back to Seira's inn. There you find Mr. Farzahd, drinking and waiting. He gives Andrea a look, as well as her compainions.
[20:26] <Andria> "Hello again," Andrea says cheerfully, hoping that look isn't anything negative.
[20:29] <Kotono> It's neutral enough, and after taking another pull, "Who are all your friends there?"
[20:30] <Janson> "Hi, I'm Janson!" said friend waves back.
[20:31] <Andria> "As he said, this is Janson, these are Simmer and Silver, and you met Noel before. As you requested, I looked for some people to help make sure the show is extraordinary," Andrea says with a confident look on her face.
[20:33] <Kotono> Noel just nods, while Simmer smiles. Silver crosses her arms and flutters in the air, watching. To all of this he says, "We'll see how this goes then. An interesting looking troupe, at least."
[20:57] <Andria> "Well, like you said, you hired Whimsical Sweets for a reason!" Andrea says, still confident about their show now that she's gotten some help. "Anyway, can you show us to the room where you'll be hosting your party? Also, how many guests do you expect to have at your party and how much space will we have to work with? That way we can set up and adjust accordingly."
[21:00] <Kotono> "About a dozen, perhaps more," Mr. Farzahd rises. You are lead back further, to a large, emptied out room on the first floor.  There's plenty of space here to work with. "Tables and chairs will go over here," he points at one side, "You'll have the other side to work with."
[21:04] <Andria> "Good," she says as she looks over that space. "It's pretty big, everyone will have room to move around. You guys think we should close off a small section to work as a backstage of sorts?"
[21:05] <Janson> "It'll give us a place to stand when we're not on scene, or do any costume changes," Janson nods, thinking it makes sense.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Sure," Noel says, as...OOC: Okay, go ahead and do any set up you feel you need ot, then I'll move you on.
[21:11] <Andria> "Do you guys want to use your normal names for your roles, or make something up?" Andrea asks.
[21:14] <Janson> "Make names up?" Janson shrugs, looking at his fellow actors. "Easier to get in character that way, I think."
[21:17] <Andria> "Alright, figure out what names you want to use. I'll go check with the innkeeper if he has any screens or curtains, something we can use to set-up our backstage area. Besides that, I think we'll just need our audience since the key here is to improvise while sticking close to your characters' personalities. I'll try to keep it interesting so you all have fun as well," Andrea says with a grin as she leaves the room to hunt for the innke
[21:19] <Andria> Andrea says with a grin as she leaves the room to hunt for the innkeeper.
[21:19] <Janson> "Okay, if I'm a vampire... I'll be Victor," Janson nods as he settles for alliteration.
[21:23] <Kotono> "I'll be Harold," Noel says, "It sounds like hair."
[21:25] <Kotono> "What's a good name for me...oh, how abuot Cinder?" Simmer suggests.
[21:26] * Janson would've preferred a more heroic sounding name, but he's not about to quibble. "Sure, why not."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Then we're ready," Noel asks, as...
[21:32] <Kotono> Preparations are done! Soon enough showtime comes, people filing in to watch...OOC: Ba'll sin your court, go ahead and get yourself rolling.
[21:35] <Andria> Andrea takes a peek through the backstage's screen to see all the guests, quickly ducking back in after checking things out. "Alright, everyone ready?" she asks the rest of her companions, somehow looking both nervous and excited.
[21:37] * Janson gives Andrea a supportive smile. "Just tell your story and we'll bring it to life!" he swears.
[21:38] <Andria> Andrea nods, though she stacks the odds in their favor by cheating a bit, quickly casting a few spells to make her words sound more impressive. It wouldn't carry throughout the entire show, but it'd at least give them a good starting impression!
[21:40] <Kotono> Silver nods, "Yeah, ready to raise some candy hell!"
[21:40] <Kotono> Noel nods, "Right. Let's do this."
[21:40] <Andria> Spells cast, Andrea takes a deep breath and steps outside of their backstage as she waves at all of the guests. "Hello everyone! Welcome to Whimsical Sweets' show, graciously hosted by Mr. Farzahd for your entertainment! We promise to dazzle and amaze you, and to present to you a story like no other!" she exclaims.
[21:47] <Andria> "Our story begins in the vast forests of the barbarian lands. Untamed lands, full of mysteries and wild unbelieavable creatures, the likes of which you have never seen or heard. It begins with a dryad like no others, Cinder!"
[21:47] * Andria looks towards the backstage, hoping Simmer gets the cue to come out.
[21:56] <Kotono> At this Cinder comes right on out! OOC: To set the stage make a performance check, Andrea?
[21:58] <Andria> roll d20+18 performance
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+18 performance and gets 19." [d20=1]
[22:04] <Kotono> The crowd seems a little bit into it, but not much. 'Cinder' indeed comes out on command, pretty and fiery.
[22:09] <Andria> Andrea pauses as she looks at the crowd, and tries to draw them more into the start of the story, not wanting to lose them so early on, and hoping to fascinate them. "Now, now, dear audience, cheer for our heroine! Make her feel welcome! It won't be much of a story if you just sit there! For those of you who do not know of them, dryads are fey with a strong (ooc: more)
[22:10] <Andria> connection to nature, beings born from the soul of trees! Trees, ladies and gentlemen! I ask you, dear audience, can you not see why my friend Cinder is a dryad LIKE NO OTHER?" she asks, gesturing to the audience and then towards Simmer.
[22:13] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and make another check, Andrea?
[22:13] <Andria> roll d20+11
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+11 and gets 17." [d20=6]
[22:14] <Kotono> The crowd still doesn't look that drawn in, but at least they have a bit of interest. Simmer turns 'round, a little bit of fire sparkling around her.
[22:16] <Andria> "Tough crowd!" Andrea says in jest, though she keeps the disappointment she's feeling inside, even as she continues to smile. "Well, I can only hope to draw you in with the rest of this tale, so onward with the show!"
[22:18] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, each of you do a post with how you're performing for this and what you're aiming for? Go into as much or as little depth as you like.
[22:21] * Janson has the cunning idea of using his spiderwalking in order to hang from the ceiling for his dramatic reveal as a vampire. Throughout the entire performance he hams it up and chews enough scenery to give himself indigestion, often breaking into loud "Ah ah ah!" laughter whenever making a point, enunciating everything very carefully so that the big fake vampire teeth in his mouth don't upset his diction too much.
[22:21] <Andria> OOC: I was just going to try to tell a story about Simmer going in a journey, searching for herself and such, sort of following the elements of wizard of oz's journey where she meets her companions and seeks someone to tell her what she is meant to do with life, and climax with a fight against candymen and silver, and being accepted by everyone and stuff? I was just going to wing it outside of that if we went through it all.
[22:24] <Kotono> Noel plays along, performing as the big bad werewolf and growling at the crowd! Cinder plays along, using fire relatively judiciously! Meanwhile Silver plays the part to the hilt - she goes nuts, overacting and laughing and going for it all! OOC: Go ahead and make aid another checks for Andrea, using performance, all?
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC: Except Andrea, obviously.
[22:25] <Janson> roll 1d20+2
[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18." [1d20=16]
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20-1 Noel is not good at this performing thing.
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-1 Noel is not good at this performing thing. and gets 8." [1d20=9]
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 Simmer is.
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 Simmer is. and gets 18." [1d20=13]
[22:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 so is Silver
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 so is Silver and gets 20." [1d20=16]
[22:27] <Kotono> OOC: +6 to your roll. Make a performance check, Andrea?
[22:27] <Andria> roll d20+17
[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+17 and gets 32." [d20=15]
[22:28] <Kotono> Soon enough the crowd is drawn into it! They listen and cheer to Victor's work, as they begin to boo the furry werewolf! Soon enough the climax comes, fire and burning candymen everywhere! At last the day is saved, the last of Andrea's narration coming to an end! What follows is thunderous applause, like a storm breaking on the horizon!
[22:29] * Janson takes Simmer and Silver's hands as the cast lines up on stage for their bows, before retreating on the high of the crowd's approval!
[22:30] <Kotono> Simmer makes a deep bow of her own, Silver waving out to the crowd! Noel stands and waves a few times, before following the others back. As they go, "See, now that was fun!" Silver says, "Better than that codpiece Josa sometimes," she mutters.
[22:31] <Janson> "Yeah, I had a great time!" Janson agrees as he thankfully removes the fake vampire teeth. "And they really loved us out there, didn't they?"
[22:33] <Kotono> AS you can still hear the cheers, Noel just grins, "Wow, I didn't think I was cut out to be an actor, but hidden depths!"
[22:33] <Kotono> "Yeah," Simmer says, going to sit down on the floor. "All eyes on you, performing...it's so strange. In the forest you rarely see that many creatures together, let alone for a show. At least for dryads..."
[22:35] <Andria> "I hope you all enjoyed that, folks! Remember, this work was possible thanks to the effort of your host, Mr. Farzahd! Give him a hand as well!" Andrea exclaims as she gestures towards the man in question after their group has had time to bow and accept their recognition.
[22:36] <Andria> With that said, Andrea also goes join the rest of her companions backstage, giving a quick bow before vanishing.
[22:38] <Kotono> More claping and cheering! Once Andrea comes back, "I think that worked out," Simmer says, "How about we wait for them to be done then go talk to him? I could use a break after that."
[22:39] <Janson> "Can we go back into the common room so we can have a drink rather than hiding behind here?" Janson asks. "We should celebrate our first show, after all!"
[22:40] <Andria> "Sure. It's not like we were expected to do more than one show, and I don't think Mr. Farzahd will really mind if we mingle for a bit or just move away from here. I can take care of the clean-up as well, if you guys want to just take off. Thanks for all of your help, all of you," Andrea responds, smiling and looking rather pleased with how things went.
[22:42] <Janson> "We'll disturb the party by tidying everything up right now," Janson argues, "Lets just leave it here until he's finished so we can all have some drinks at the bar together?" he smiles winsomely at Andrea, trying to cajole her into having fun with them.

[Corwin]

[20:42] <Kotono> The party sits back, rests and gets comfortable at the bar. Eating and drinking is pleasant. As you settle in a man slides up to the bar next to Andrea. He has russet brown hair and a hooded, droopy gaze. His ears have a point to them, wearing simple enough clothes. "I'll have water, barkeep," he says and then turning to them, "I saw your performance. Nicely done."
[20:45] * Janson had just been gushing over Andrea's well crafted narrative and flowing prose, but doesn't mind letting someone else compliment her as well. "See, everyone loved it," he grins at his fellow redhead.
[20:45] <Andria> "Thanks for the kind word," Andrea says, smiling at the man. "It was fun to do."
[20:49] <Kotono> "You're welcome," He smiles slightly, offering a hand out, "Grissard of Kelara."
[20:53] <Andria> "Nice to meet you," she says as she shakes his hand. "Interested in Whimsical Sweets performing for you or some such?" she adds with a small laugh.
[20:58] <Kotono> He then leans over, offering his hand to Janson, "I'd heard of you in town already. Your boss' name...is it Josa, by chance?"
[20:59] * Janson readily shakes the offered hand. "The one and only Candymancer," he laughs.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Well, well, well," Laughing himself, "So he didn't stick around after all." With a wistful shake of his head, "So how did Whimisical Sweets become troubleshooters?"
[21:05] <Janson> "You can blame this little minx," Janson half turns to gesture at Silver. "You know Josa, then?"
[21:06] <Andria> "Flight of fancy from Josa after a prank from Silver," Andrea agrees. "what did you mean by not sticking around, also?" she adds, curious.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Well, so Josa..." Eyeing Silver and then Simmer, he chuckles. "It's old history. Pallanth is in a good deal of internal turmoil, and not all of it's residents choose to stay or want to pick sides."
[21:09] <Janson> "Oh, yeah... Pallanth, we know all about that," Janson nods dourly, recalling Wayland's many many diatribes on the evils of fey.
[21:11] <Kotono> "Hmph, elves just need to loosen up," Silver mutters, crossing her arms as she sits on the bar. "Boy, there's a loaded question up there, though. Some of the elves up there act more like humans with pointy ears than proper fey-kin!"
[21:12] <Janson> "Hey, what's wrong with humans?" Janson asks self-consciously as his own race is brought into this.
[21:13] <Kotono> "Humans aren't bad," Simmer says idly, forgoing anything gauche as liquid. "I like a lot of the humans I've met so far! Especially the fiery ones!"
[21:15] <Kotono> "Humans aren't elves." Crossing her arms tighter, "Elves and fey are close. They're not supposed to be humans, that's now how nature works! Humans are supposed to be humans and elves are supposed to be elves!"
[21:17] <Kotono> Grissard has a bemused look as he smiles, "We are what we are. After all, humans and elves crossbreed so readily and can live in human society if they care to."
[21:17] <Janson> "Well, elves get to live for hundreds of years, so go them?" Janson pumps his fist unenthusiastically for elf superiority.
[21:17] <Kotono> Noel laughs, "Hundreds of years of forest prancing and ass humping?"
[21:20] <Janson> "Elves don't live in forests. They live in grand fantastic cities of splendour and magic that would bring tears to your eyes... or so I've heard," Janson shrugs.
[21:20] <Kotono> "Ahem." Grissard stops to clear his throat, "REGARDLESS, Andrea. You follow Saint Alicia?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Oh, I've heard the pixies talk of the Citadel of Light," Simmer perks up.
[21:20] <Andria> "I do," Andrea confirms. "Why do you ask?"
[21:24] <Kotono> "I'm from Kelara...well, I was born there and my mother still lives there. There's a community of expatriate elves, mostly clustered around the Temple of Mystra. It's Alicia's homeland...I always wondered if any of it was true. It seems impossible, someone becoming a Goddess, but I've met people who sincerely believe that."
[21:30] <Andria> "It may be a bit hard to believe, but it does happen however rarely. Alicia simply happened to be one of those special few with the drive, companions and circumstances to succeed at it," Andrea replies.
[21:31] <Janson> "How *do* you do it, anyway?" Janson asks. "Is there some sort of test? Or a magic place or artifact that transforms mortals into deities? Or did she just get so powerful she called herself a goddess and no one could argue with her?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "Huh. I hear that line a lot." Grissard's reply is bland, "That's what I'm wondering. How? Her and Seira Aryn did the same thing, as well as Alicia's mate, I think."
[21:35] <Andria> "I can't say. I would imagine if it was some place or artifact, it'd be a very closely guarded secret by the gods, which does concur with circumstances. I doubt that all it takes is power, otherwise we'd have many more gods around than we do right now," Andrea says before shrugging.
[21:35] <Andria> "Some things are just taken in faith though. I choose to believe in Alicia having ascended. Someone else can choose to believe she is merely a very powerful person, and that is their right."
[21:43] <Kotono> "I wonder if it's about women," Grissard murmurs, "'tis a good thing to pass a slow night's conversation. Perhaps if one were a wizard they could divine the truth."
[21:46] <Janson> "In the end, what does it matter? Even if Alicia's a 'newer' goddess, she's had about as much impact on my life as Ilmater, and nobody questions his divinity," Janson shrugs, taking a pull of his drink.
[21:47] <Kotono> "...It means someone else could do it, too," Grissard says, "Imagine the power, the worship, being immortal. I'd say that's a pretty good reason for it to matter."
[21:50] <Janson> "Alicia gets all of that, doesn't she? So if you accept that then you accept that she is a goddess," Janson points out. "If you want to know how... pray real hard to her and see if she answers? And hope she doesn't just smite you to snuff out competition before it can become a problem later..." he trails off, adopting a thoughtful pose.
[21:52] <Kotono> "Yeah." His own thoughtful expression is farther away, "Might need protection from the competition, too."
[21:52] <Kotono> Simmer watches this with a bemused look, "There's nothing wrong with dying. It's the natural cycle of things. Life is born, it lives, it dies."
[21:53] <Janson> "So what'd you be the god of, anyway, Grissard?" Janson asks, carefully not smirking.
[21:56] <Kotono> "Living forever, surrounded by beautiful nymphs. Oh, that and good food," Grissard doesn't quite smirk either, but he does look amused.
[21:58] <Andria> "What about you, Janson? God of nature's men, perhaps?" Andrea jokes. "Give men back home something to strive for?"
[22:00] <Janson> "Nymphs are covered by the Seelie Court, so no luck there. I think good food might be Waukeen? Maybe Jannath's other aspect - Chauntea's supposed to be about farming and home and that stuff..." he blinks at Andrea's question. "Me? I dunno... I don't think I'm cut out for the divinity stuff," he chuckles. "Besides, there's already Silvanus and Malar."
[22:10] <Kotono> Noel grins at all of that, while Silver shakes his head, "Men."
[22:10] <Kotono> As Grissard laughs, Mr. Farzahd comes up. He takes Grissard's hand and gives it a firm squeeze, "Ah, a pleasure doing business with you and your friends," he says, "Things worked out."
[22:13] <Janson> "Sounds like everyone had a good time. You really know how to host a party, Mr Farzahd!" Janson raises his glass to their client.
[22:19] <Kotono> He goes to sit on the opposite side, ordering a drink. Once done, "Thanks to Whimisical Sweets, it was a success. I'll have payment sent over first thing in the morning."
[22:20] <Andria> "Pleasure doing business with you, then," Andrea says with a smile, raising her own glass to the client.
[22:28] <Kotono> He raises his own, "Cheers to that!"