Anyhow. [ See these pretty brackets? These mean I am in charge now. Hahahaha. ] [ In any event. It's been, respectively, one day since Mark and Magellan's encounter in Heidelstrass, and three days since the Godspeed caravan picked up two stragglers at Della Springs. ] [ Mark's truck has made him very popular. Magellan's never-ending string of past acquaintances has made him very drunk, for free no less. Theodore's caravan has made him very rich. Maimun's suspiciousness has made him very suspicious. Khyra's musical talent has made her very well liked. ] (I win.) (>_> <_< Horsies. ;_;) [ In any event, it's day 2 (for the first two M's mentioned) and day 4 (for the rest). The Wells-Fargo... err, Godspeed caravan, for which a number of people have been waiting, is pulling into Heidelstrass as we speak. ] [ Heidelstrass is... basically, five narrow but long rows of buildings designed to be sturdy rather than pretty, and a central path leading up into the looming Swordedges in the distance. ] (*ponders actually finishing his character.) [ Right now, we find the caravan stopping in front of a local tavern, the Loose Screw, which is across from the local Godspeed company offices. ] [ So we know what Theo, Khyra, and Maimun are doing. Mark and Magellan can decide for themselves, they're adults now. ] [ Thus, game start! ] (Where were the horses relative to the caravan? Tied to the backs of some of the wagons?) * Magellan is somewhere! You have three guesses, and none of them count. So obviously, he's in the tavern, sucking down near-ale and tinkering. * Theodore is sitting at the front of making sure it comes in without any difficulty. All the involved people are professionals so his attention is largely redundant, and knowing this he doesn't really micromanage.... (Ask Theo, it's his caravan. ^_^) (Lesse. Tied to the back) * The caravan itself arrives and quickly begins offloading goods to the headquarters. Anyone taking deliveries is politely but insistently told by the caravan's attendents to wait until the unloading is done and then go to the office. * Khyra climbs out of the wagon she was riding in (because, let's face it, when it comes to horse vs. wagon, the wagon wins) and heads back to where her horses were tied. * Mark ...is also in the tavern, and is going to hold off on actual description untill people look in there. * Khyra is dressed very differently from her performance at the springs. Her dark, curly hair is pulled back and braided, and she's wearing simple traveling clothes: blouse, vest, breeches, boots. * Maimun , in contrast to Khyra, has been with his horse for pretty much the entire ride. He's not been the talkative sort, surprise, surprise... * Theodore steps off the caravan once it has halted and takes a moment to look over Heidelstrass, he seems to like what he sees. [ You see progress! Where 'progress' = 'OMG STEEL'. ] * Maimun steps off his horse and says to him, quietly, while leading, "Well, Imad, we are in Heidelstrass. It has been a while, has it not?" * Theodore is dressed in a now cleaned and ironed travelling suit and looks quite dapper if perhaps a little dusty. * Khyra checks over her horses. Some of her belongings are still in their saddlebags, but a few things she kept in a pack with her. [ The caravan starts to disperse. Khyra and Maimun don't have any problem retrieving their horses, and there's a hitching post outside the Screw for just such an occasion. Godspeed employees are taking the wagons to the company field. ] (A note for Mark and Magellan: Godspeed is a big name company in Mullenwald. Mostly deal with industrial concerns. Magellan's old enough to remember when they were more of a 'shipping company'.) * Theodore takes a quick moment to check in at the office itself. Report his arrival and drop off some journey notes. If he's not given any news he'll be out again in a minute. (There's nothing. Woo free time!) * Maimun says with a barely visible smile, as he is wearing his long brown cloak, "Khyra. Was the ride pleasant for you?" He will loosely tie Imad to the post. [ Imad bolts, taking the post with it! ] [ Just kidding. It's a horse. There's water. It drinks. Woo. ] * Khyra looks over the town. Her nose wrinkles very slightly, but then she decides that surely the folk who make their living here could probably use a bit of brightness and entertainment in their otherwise dreary lives. She leads her horses over to the post and smiles back at Maimun. "Oh yes, quite pleasant. A refreshing change, really." * Maimun chuckles and scratches Imad behind an ear. "I am sure they felt the same." * Theodore emerges a little later and walks over to Khyra and Maimun after satisfying himself once again that the unloading is well in hand. * Khyra frowns briefly. "I make sure to treat them well. They have been faithful travelling companions for quite some time. But I suppose everyone enjoys a change." * Theodore smiles. "I take it you have no complaints about the Godspeed hospitality?" (Mark, where are you keeping your truck?) * Maimun 's smile slips away. "I didn't say you didn't." He turns to Theodore and nods slightly. * Khyra turns to Theodore and smiles at him. "None whatsoever. Thank you again for your generosity." (he'd have moved it off the main road to keep anybody else from removing the wheels, so if it'll fit between the bar and the next building over it's there, if not it's parked on one of the lesser used roads) (Okay.) * Theodore nods. "Glad to hear it." He then takes an envelope out of his breast pocket and offers it to Khyra. "And this is in recompense for your delightful entertainment of the caravan staff." (Mags' handcart's next to it.) [ As you get closer to the Screw, you can see one of the alleys between in and the next building over -- a tailor's -- are parked a handcart, and a contraption of which the like has never been seen. Which I will leave it to Mags and Mark to describe. ] (It's uh, a handcart. Heaped with metal bits of what y'all think is junk because you're plebes. And stuff.) (and big wagon...made of metal, and piled even higher with junk, although there are lots of bits in there that look like they used to be parts of things.) (Can I get a mechanic roll to determine if it's not actually junk? :P) (It's junk.) (Check!) (No roll required. Anybody with eyes can see it's junk.) * Maimun sees it, and hrms to himself. * Khyra accepts it and smiles brilliantly. "Well, thank you! This is most kind of you." She bows (curtsies, what have you) politely. (but if anybody goes to look at the front... there's nowhere to put the horses) (Perhaps "scrap" is more appropriate. It could clearly be used to build something *else*. But right now it's in chunks.) (If you people outside don't do something I'm going to come out. And THEN you'll be sorry.) * Maimun pets Imad one more time and walks into the Screw while Theo pays Khyra something good. (I'm waiting for someone else to do something before I make my next move. ;p) * Theodore gives a nod of acknowledge. "You quite earned it." He then glances around again, making sure all the Godspeed affairs are in proper order. He then looks to his two travelling companions. "I'll be staying at the Loose Screw for the now. Perhaps we may wish to..." He glances as Imad walks off. "Yes, that would be the idea." [ From behind where the caravan used to be, an honest-to-god stagecoach (which saw use before trains, but hardly ever anymore) makes an appearance and pulls around the group and then into the unoccupied alley. ] ( Ha. Haha. Maimun. Must remember to fix that in log. ) (Whinny.) ( Right. :P) (Unless Theo can actually control horses and just hates Maimun. "GOODBYE, HORSE.") (Sorry about that. :P) * Khyra nods and watches the stagecoach pull into the alley. "A good idea." She then glances down the other alley at the assorted machinery. "Good lord, what in the world is *that*?" * Theodore says a few quick words to one of the attendents to deliver his possessions to the tavern once the rest of the caravan is attended to and then walks there himself. He takes a moment to examine the handcart as it's made of metal and lacks an obvious means of motivation. [ Anyhow. The Loose Screw! It's midday and all the miners are back in the mine after their midday Not Quite Beer, so it's pretty empty. It is spacious, though, and well-cared-for hardwood despite the rough clientele. Two tables (maybe one) are occupied by mechanics getting drunk. Their names start with M. ] (No, not the hand cart, the thing BEHIND the handcart.) (Aah.) (Yeah. The handcart's in front of it, but it's just a handcart.) * Khyra adjusts the pack on her shoulder and watches Theodore investigate before shrugging and heading inside. She can probably find out later. For now, check the tavern. ( Change that to wagon then. ) * Magellan is inside the Screw, sitting at a table with likely a fair pile of steins beside it, assuming the barmaids got sick of clearing them. He's jawing away at the other person at his table. ('Barmaids'? There's not a woman under the age of 35 in this town, for sure.) I am not certain what it is. Although I do hope to find out. Curiosity in these matters can be quite rewarding. ("We're WENCHES. Get it right.") * Theodore then heads into the tavern. (Hmm.) * Dicesuke (akodomakot@ip68-13-166-245.om.om.cox.net) has joined #otherworld (No woman under 35? In all the town? Hoo boy.) * Maimun walks in. For the full description, he's wearing a big brown hooded robe, and you can't see much more than maybe his mouth. If you're peoplewatching, and all. (Khyra and Theo, hearing checks if you pass by the stagecoach, which you have to do to walk in.) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 9. (Nope) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6-2) and gets 5. (Yes.) * Magellan is a short, stocky man, with an immense beard, speckled with grey, with obscures a great deal of his face. What you can see is an immense brow, a slightly hawked immense nose, and between the two a pair of tiny glasses. * Khyra hesitates near the stagecoach. [ It does not attack. ] * Theodore glances at Khyra curiosly for a moment. (Obviously, it isn't paying attention. Sneak attack time!) * Magellan is wearing a pair of oilstained blue coveralls, has a blue stockingcap squeezed onto his head, and a bird nestled in his beard next to his ear. (*blinks*) (I just realized that Magellan is a very old Doremi Elf.) (*laughs*) (Click on him to change your system sounds!) (>_>) (... don't catch the reference?) (Anyone who sticks around to listen, you can make another check.) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 7. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6-2) and gets 8. (At the stagecoach, I mean) (Did not make.) * Mark is the other person at the table and his occasional nod twords the other side of the table would make it seem like he was paying attention...maybe, if he wasn't snoaring he could have pulled it off. There's a pile of gears and rods in front of him that he's staring at. He's best described as thin and scruffy and has a pair of round glasses pushed up onto his forehead. (Yes this time) ... and so, then, the damn fool takes his hands and stuffs 'em in the quenching oil! Ye could hear his screams fer miles! (- staring >.<#) * Maimun walks in and has a seat at one of the many many empty tables, possibly near the loud man with wildlife in his hair. He needs no listen checks! * Khyra shrugs and walks into the tavern. Let's see here. Young, attractive female entering tavern in town with no women under 35. Let's see what happens! (The barkeeper explodes.) (Of course, considering the large engineer population, possibly nothing will. ;p) (He used up all his blinks in that one short space of time!) (Geeks don't need women. They have, uh...) (...caffiene!) (Caffienated women?) * Theodore walks in after her. He's still wearing a quality traveling suit and is obviously a buisnessman. He's in his late twenties and has a well groomed black hair and a mustache. * Magellan laughs loudly and claps Mark on the back, then drains another stein. [ A few moments after Khyra and Theo enter the tavern you can hear the stagecoach door open, and the tail end of the argument. "I am going to follow her suggestion no matter what you think, Luca, and that's final." "Yes, Phillip." Both have excellent enunciation. ] (Translation: Clearly, they are city folk.) * Mark starts, "I'm awake, it's five! ....wait sorry." * Mark rubs his eyes and blinks at Mags, "Oh, it's you for a second there I though I was still at home." * Khyra scans the room, making note of the clientele. Her attention happens to be caught by the pair of engineers. Then the city folk enter and she glances back at them. * Theodore looks at the two apparent eccentric engineer types for a moment with a sizing-up expression. You get the feeling he may look similarly at a mineral vein. He glances briefly at the entering city folk without as much interest and makes sure not to block their entrance. * Magellan shoots Theodore a glance when he's not looking, as he smiles and says "Ach, lad, home is where yer wrenches are." * Khyra makes a note of the positioning of things in the room - the bar, the tables. [ Said city folk enter single file. The one in front is a youth with dark black hair and dressed entirely in a black tunic, black slacks, and black shoes. A belt with daggers on each side, almost like gun holsters, is the only color in it. ] * Magellan looks up at the city people, then looks around at all the newcomers and just generally nods at them. * Mark shakes his head, "Not nearly enough beds or kitchens in the truck....hmmm." [ Behind him is a youth with a pale complexion and sandy blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. *He* is wearing burgundy robes with the royal crest on the clasp, marking him unmistakably to any Mullenwald citizen as a Magister. ] * Maimun might be looking at the city folk. He might not. Who can tell? He's an amorphous mass of robe. (I've covered Magisters in both intros so far, yes?) (Yes.) * Magellan 's bushy eyebrows shoot upwards as the Magister enters. * Atom (Atom@pool-151-197-162-75.phil.east.verizon.net) has joined #otherworld * Mark looks thoughtfull for a second, "Nah, not enough room." * Khyra heads over to the bar to speak with the barkeep. Her attention is caught on the way by the Magister, and she stops in her tracks for a moment, an expression of surprise on her face. * Theodore pays a bit more attention to the Magister, but makes sure not to stare. He then walks over towards the tavern keeper if he can see them and probably eavesdrops on the engieneers but doesn't show any sign of it. * Magellan nudges Mark. "D'ye see that, lad?" [ Khyra hears, as she nears the barkeep, him mutter quickly: "Oh god, not another one." He turns and gives her a smile. "Well, aren't you a pretty lass. What can I get for ye?" ] Two in a week, less this be the same one. [ The pair of city folk move over to a table among the crescent of tables facing the fireplace (of which Magellan and Mark's table is one), sitting down and deciding to look anywhere but at each other. ] * Mark nods slowly, "Maybe it is real." Faith, I almost wish it were. Hunk of that stuff'd have us both set with parts fer life. * Khyra smiles back. "A mug of cider, please. Also, I have a proposal for you. I am Khyra Westwind, singer and performer of some renown, and I wish the honor of entertaining your guests. You would, of course, receive some share of any donations people might decide to give me. Would that be agreeable to you?" * Theodore waits as the barkeep deals with Khyra. He smiles thinly at something, but not entirely clear what. * Magellan waves at the barkeep, totally ignoring the line. "Barkeep! 'nother round!" [ The barkeep nods and pulls a stein full of cider out of one of the casks behind the bar and hands it to her. "Oh, performer... well, you've probably spent a pretty penny comin' to a godforsaken rock like this as is. Ye don't need to cut me in, just buy a few mugs of that stuff every night and pay your bill, and we'll call it even." He grins a little. "Speaking of which, that'll be one mark." ] [ He mutters. "Ye'll have to wait, ye daft bastard, I've got other customers." His eye turns Theoward. "Can I help ye, sir?" ] (Since Khyra asked: cider's a mark, and beer's a mark and 50 pence. Prices are a little higher than average out here but you're also in the middle of nowhere, so it's not so high as to be absurd.) * Theodore nods and looks to the barkeep. "I'd like to rent a room, ideally one large enough to provide a work space. A desk would be preferable, but not necessary." * Khyra reaches into her coin pouch and produces a mark. "We have a deal, then." She hands it to the barkeep (when she has his attention again). "I'll also be requiring a room for the next few days. Simple is fine, and I can pay now if that is your preferred method." [ At the table of the silent city folk, the man in black suddenly meets the Magister's gaze. "Phillip, please reconsider one final time. She was just a mad Lockrider hag!" Despite his agitation his voice has a sort of... dull quality to it. Even a shout is a semi-monotone. Phillip looks annoyed. "Please, Luca, the subject is dropped. If it bothers you so much, go back to Stromgarde with the carriage. ] (Should we know the term lockrider?) [ The barkeep makes a sound that might be a snort. "Well, I can give ye the double-wide, but there's no such desk in these parts. Most of these jackals can't read. I might be able to find you someat, though." ] (Yes. Lockriders are Solarian bandits that live in the wastes southwest of Iselia, across the Swordedges.) * Magellan waits impatiently for the beer, and keeps a careful eye on the city folk. * Mark doesn't wait impatiently...he's still got most of his third...unless Mags drank it while he was asleep. (You laugh, but he probably did.) * Maimun sits at his table. He finally shifts, visibly frowning as the hood looks towards Theo and Khyra. * Theodore hmms for a moment. Apparently at the room. "No, that won't be necessary. A double-wide room alone will suit me well. Oh, and within two hours some men will be buy to bring my luggage." He then smile slightly and offers his hand. Oh, and I haven't introduced myself. "Theodore Godspeed." (First double " should be at Oh) (When you said it was his caravan...you wern't kidding o_o) (Heh.) * Magellan raises an eyebrow. Again. [ "Ah, one of them, I see. Well, it's a pleasure, Mr. Godspeed, and I'll make sure they have it all placed accordingly. But if ye'll excuse me, there's some city folk not as acclimated as ye." He puts on an apron and comes out from behind the bar, walking toward Phillip and Luca's table. ] 'struth, a horde of people wi' more money'n sense. (That was not precisely whispered, either.) (Is Mags physically capable of whispering?) * Mark nods and reaches for his beer...only to discover it's not where he left it anymore. (If you punched him in the gut really hard first.) ... whoops, lad, sorry. That'n twas yers, I think. Yeah...just have to wait out the rush and get another one. * Khyra heads over to the tables nearest the fireplace, which appear to be a good spot for performing. To get there, however, she's going to have to walk right past Mark and Magellan's table. And so, she heads in that direction! (Argh. Department of Redundancy Department.) * Theodore glances over at Magellan for a second. The look seems meant to say. "I'll let that one go." He then walks over to Maimun. (I can't see the first part of what I type by the time I get to the later part. ^^;) [ The barkeep thuds two steins down off a tray at M&M's table (covered in milk oil! I mean chocolate). He sounds slightly annoyed. "This is the LAST time, ye daft old man. Next time come to the bar like every other respectable person." As he says this, Phillip's face, two tables away, reddens slightly. ] Aye, aye, I will. Sure thing. [ Phillip and Luca have been quiet, because I can't do three simultaneous conversations at once. ] * Khyra heads along, glancing at Mark and Magellan as she passes by. Then she stops, blinking at Magellan. "Excuse me, but... is that a bird?" * Magellan looks up at Khyra. "Aye, 'tis, sort of." * Mark takes Mags other stein while he's distracted. (You're doomed, Mark.) (yes.) What is it, then, if it's only sort of a bird? (One was for Mark, actually.) (The barkeep's got damned good vision. It's a trade requirement.) (No, it's Mags by virtue of being full and near him.) (Ha.) * Theodore comments rather quietly to Maimun. "It appears our fortune telling friend has delivered a been visiting others as well." [ The barkeep stops at the city folks' table and leans over, smiling, toward Phillip. "Sorry, young master. Sudden rush of customers. What can I get ye?" Phillip looks properly embarrassed. "It's fine. I didn't know the rule here. Please forgive me. Do you have any wine?" ] * Magellan plucks it out of his ear, a small stalk trails out of it, which was apparently stuck into his ear. "'Tis a device that lets me hear better." * Khyra eyes it curiously. "How cleverly designed!" * Maimun looks up at Theodore, replying quietly as well, "You thought so as well? I am glad to know we are in agreement." eH? (Since Theodore asked: Cider is a viable manly alternative to beer for people who aren't looking to get drunk. Wine is prissy unless you're in the deep city. Water is probably asking for the worst case scenario unless you KNOW they have a well.) * Mark leans across the table and speaks loudly into Mags other ear, "She thinks it's clever!" * Khyra stifles a laugh. Ah, yes! * Magellan crams it back into his ear. "Thankee kindly, miss." (Ha.) You're quite welcome, sir...? * Khyra hesitates as she does not know his name. * Maimun continues, "And a magister besides, as the rumors said." Magellan Drogg. * Magellan offers his hand for shaking, and takes a drink with his other. [ The barkeep looks flummoxed. It's possible he's never even SEEN wine. "I dunno that we have any wine, good master, but a good cider is supposedly just as good. We've also got cold well water, if you're of the mind." This seems to please Phillip, who nods. "Water is fine, thank you." He glances to Luca, who simply shakes his head. "Nothing for me." ] * Theodore glances over at the bird for a moment. Taking a moment to look closely before looking back to Maimun. He also gets out his notepad and jots a few things down while speaking quietly again to Maimun. "Yes, although I'm quite surprised that their source of information is the same as ours." * Khyra shakes Magellan's hand. "Khyra Westwind." Nice te meet ye, miss Westwind. Care fer a seat? * Maimun smiles slightly. "It is as the people in your caravan said. A seat?" He gestures at a seat! (I was going to ask earlier, but you distracted me with your 'words'. ;_;) Yes, thank you. * Theodore nods. "Thank you." And sits. * Khyra sits and turns to Mark. "And you are?" [ The barkeep nods, and seems about to walk away, then pauses. "Lord Magister, may I offer a bit of advice?" Phillip tilts his head. "Certainly, sir." The barkeep nods. "If'n the crazy Teros woman told ye about the mine, it's best to give it up. A number of your brothers have gone up and ain't none come back. It's not safe." ] * Mark pushes some of Mags steins out from in front of Khrya, "Mark Stephensen, nice to meet you." (I am trying to remember what figure I quoted Mark.) * Khyra shakes Mark's hand as well. * Theodore jots a few more notes and seems a tad disappointed he keeps speaking quietly to Maimun. "If we're to investigate this further, we may need more manpower." (card? I got the fool. If you're asking for the prices on something I've forgotten.) * Khyra raises an eyebrow at the mention of the "crazy Teros woman." (No, the number of Magisters who went up to the mine and haven't returned.) (Oh, which table is Maimun at. Does he have his own or are we at someone elses?) (Maimun's table is away from the crescent by two tables toward the front door.) (three? ::opens the log to look it up.::) (I just picked a table, possibly near Mags. He wasn't looking anywhere in particular.) [ Phillip looks dismayed, but at least politely dismayed. "I am aware, sir, and I appreciate your concern. I will take it under consideration." This seems to mollify the barkeep, who goes back to his duties. Of him, we shall say little more. ] * Maimun smiles slightly and replies, "That is what I would call your department, leader of men. I do not gather manpower." (I only see mention of one) (So do I.) (There's sort of a triangle thing going between the three occupied tables. Mark/Mags/Khyra at one, two tables to the left is Phil and Luca, two down from that's Maimun and Theo, and two upright of that is M/M/K again.) (Ah. There's been more, close to five, and Mark/Mags would have heard that since their intro) (nods) (... Jesus. That sounds like a lot of manpower lost. @_@) (Everybody with them gone too? or just the magisters?) * Magellan stretches. "I couldnae help but overhear ye at the bar. A musician, are ye?" (::scrolls up to see if Khyra is carring an insturment::) (Well, the first two went alone. The third and fourth brought a bodyguard. The fifth brought 10.) * Khyra nods. "That I am. And a wanderer by nature." Ach, a kindred spirit ye are, then. (Khyra has a fairly large pack with her, but her instruments are in it, so you can't see what she has.) Where have your travels taken you recently? [ Luca gives Phillip a piercing glance as the barkeep returns with the water and then leaves with all due haste. Phillip frowns, taking something out of his robes and looking at it. "Don't give me that expression." ] (Visual rolls!) * Magellan taps his finger on the table. "Here." He grins. (Well, if you're looking at their table in any way) Quite so. That aquiring help is within my abilities. ::he then switches to a quiet mutter:: Although my abilities are not unlimited, I'd certainly buy a beer for a man who could help my poor nigh deaf grandfather * Khyra laughs. "I suppose I should have been more specific in my question. Before here, then." * Khyra glances briefly out of the corner of her eye at Phillip's table. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6-2) and gets 4. (Made.) * Mark shakes his head and takes another drink. (Lemme remember. mags = The Hermit, Mark = The Fool, Theo = The Emperor, Khyra = The Lovers...) (I'm Pat Sajak.) (*punches Maimun in the face*) (Ow.) (ANy other takersbefore I fill Khyra in?) (Nope) * Maimun was too busy looking at Theo to see anything, but he does raise an eyebrow in the darkness of his hood. "Your grandfather?" (Mark's not looking in the right direction) Ach, before here I was down south, though in truth I've been all over. * Khyra hmms distractedly for a second before answering Magellan. "I have also recently come from the south, though our paths must not have crossed before. I'm certain that I would have remembered you had we met." * Theodore waits a moment, seems satified, and waves a hand and speaks quietly. "Think nothing off it. In any case we seek two of the earth. Perhaps our Magister and friend." He's not the sort to be forgotten. 'd love to say I'd remember a lovely lass like ye, but in me auld age, me memory's nae what it used to be. Then I shall have to sing well enough tonight that you *will* remember me. * Maimun nods slightly. "Perhaps. I am no fortuneteller." He taps his finger on the table a little. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Todd (2d6-2) and gets 8. * Magellan chuckles. "Aye, thant might do it." Well, if the fortune is accurate, the answer will likely reveal itself soon enough if we just act naturally. * Khyra smiles brightly, then takes another glance out of the corner of her eye in Phillip's direction. 2d6+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Khyra (2d6+2) and gets 5. (Also made.) * Maimun looks over at Khyra and smiles faintly. "She is certainly making progress in acting naturally." He turns a little more to face the fireplace in general, giving him a view of just about everything. [ Phillip and Luca aren't talking much. Luca, however, fixes his grey-eyed stare directly at Khyra. ] * Mark raises his stein to Khyra, "I look forward to it" * Theodore glances over himself. "I believe I'll speak to those gentleman myself in a moment. They may prove good for business." Good! Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe that gentleman over there is requesting my attention. I shall return shortly. * Khyra gets up and walks over to Luca, eyeing him briefly before smiling charmingly. "Is there something I might do for you, sir?" [ "There's no need to get up," Luca says in his creepy monotone-ish voice, and Phillip turns and follows his gaze. "Is there something you want from us?" ] (Whups. Two ships, foggy night.) (Yes.) * Maimun nods slightly but does not respond. Now he's facing over towards the impending conversation. (Shall I retcon?) (If you don't mind.) * Khyra starts to get up and walk over to Luca, but halts and shakes her head, sitting back down. "No, sir." [ "Good. Please keep your--" He starts, but is cut off by Phillip. "Luca!" Phil then turns to Khyra and smiles, holding the object he took from his robes -- a large, lacquered card -- and holding it up. "Were you noticing this?" ] (Visual! 2-point penalty, since he's actually holding it UP.) (Can I take a shot, since I'm looking that way now?) (I'm assuming I don't need to roll for that one? ^_~) * Theodore frowns slightly. "Perhaps I can't afford to wait until..." He then glances over at the conversation. "It seems my guess may have been right." (Anyone looking, yeah. Khyra doesn't need to roll, no.) 2d6+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6+2) and gets 12. (nope) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Maimun (2d6-2) and gets 3. (That looks yes-y!) 2d6+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (2d6+2) and gets 7. * Khyra nods. "It was most unusual. It caught my eye, and I could not help but wish a better look at it. I apologize, though, for my forwardness, as I was not intending to pry or make you uncomfortable." (Made.) 2d6+4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d6+4) and gets 13. * Maimun hrms. "It certainly seems the same make, but a tower struck by lightning? No less odd than mine, I guess." (I'm still being quietish! We're so quiet.) * Mark frowns and pulls his glasses down over his eyes. 2d6+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mark (2d6+2) and gets 10. [ Luca sulks, insofar as he can appear to sulk. Phillip smiles genuinely. He's got the kind of face for it. "It was most unusual. A fortuneteller gave it to me, although I don't really know what it means." ] (I love you too dicy!) (Ha.) (Too bad. I was saving the hello Kitty deck for critfails!) (Awwwww.) ("You see an adorable cartoon cat. It's holding a scythe." "...") Sadly, I have very little experience with such things as well. Did she say anything about it when she gave it to you? * Theodore glances away. "Is it? Interesting. To be perfectly honust I was hoping they may not be directly involved. Although perhaps the government would be willing to offer some sort of finders-fee." His frowns indicates that he doesn't think it would be very large. * Magellan is delicately negotiating with his beer. [ Phillip tilts his head. "She mentioned a little poem, and of course the rumors of selenium in the abandoned mine vein..." ] (Did I cover selenium in the second intro? I doubt it.) (Those who made rolls got it) (Nope, i did cover it.) (okay, no need to go over it again.) What sort of poem? Selenium's nigh-on to a myth, lads. * Khyra is far more interested in poetry than metal. Go figure! * Theodore jots a few more notes. Huntin' it's a fool's errand. 'struth. * Mark nods, "This year is good for wild goose chases." * Maimun isn't looking at Theodore. A small frown. He must be being reminded of how annoying she was. "Well, if the woman is to be believed, at least. Who can tell?" [ Luca throws a somewhat approving glance at Magellan, again, insofar as COMMANDER DATA FACE can manage. Phillip ignores him and nods to Khyra. "Hermit watching / the Fool march alone / the Lovers dancing / 'fore the Emperor's throne / the Wheel ever turning / the Tower thrown down." ] (Unlike the rest of you, Magellan computes.) (Is he compatable with objectivism?) (Clearly.) * Theodore nods and then drops the frown. "If she is to be believed." He then continues mostly to himself as he jots down the poem. "Well, racing against a Magister is likely a fools errand, but serving one's interest is long remembered." (Really, this party is highly compatible with Reason.) * Magellan blinks, then reaches into his jumpsuit and pulls out his card, setting it on the table. He taps it. "No hard task te' write a poem, when ye hand the cards out yerself." The card is the Hermit. The rhyme scheme is a bit questionable in the end, but... (Mags' card is easier to see, as it's brighter. It basically looks like the Hermit from Ogre Battle's cards because I am LAZY.) * Khyra blinks at Magellan's card. "What, you as well?" [ Luca actually raises an eyebrow. RAISES an EYEBROW. ] Aye. * Mark starts digging through pockets, "I've got one in here somewhere too, don't like it much, but it goes well with what I'm doing." [ Phillip's head swivels Magsward. "Amazing!" He turns to Luca. "Truly, this augurs well!" Luca lowers his eyebrow. His voice is dripping with sarcasm. Well, maybe slightly damp with sarcasm. "Truly." ] (A light misting of sarcasm. There we go. With a 50% chance of wry.) (Ha.) * Theodore glances over at Magellan's card. "More than two it would seem. I suppose my initial guess was wrong. Those two engineers would appear to be far more men of earth." * Maimun 's shadowed face smiles. "It seems so. Perhaps you should join them." What was it, lad... The Food? * Khyra considers things for a few moments, then sighs and produces her own card. "Let say first of all that I do *not* believe in fate, or destiny, or things like that. On the other hand, this is certainly interesting." (...yes. The Food. *punches Mags*) (Let me say, rather) (Haaaa ha ha ha ha.) * Theodore nods and walks over to the barkeep for a moment, ordering and paying for two beers and a cider. (Don't make me haul out the fiddlefuckers.) (You'll do it anyway and we both know it.) (>_> <_< Yes.) * Mark pulls out in no particular order, a small jar, a length of wire, several nuts and final a card, "No, she said it was the fool, not the food." And I would guess that you mean the Fool, if the poem is correct. (finaly) Aye, the Fool. Me stomach's gettin in the way of me brain again. (Although I'd be willing to be that there's a chicken on the fool card. :P) * Magellan eyes Khyra's card. (Khyra's card is a man and a woman standing back to back.) (The Fool card is a mean with a rucksack over his shoulder looking at the sky.) (And a dog nipping at his heels.) * Theodore walks over to the engineers's table after that, casually putting all three on the table. The cider near himself and the two beers part way to the engineers. "As I am also intertwined in this story perhaps I should introduce myself. My name's Theodore Godspeed and I was given the emperor card." * Maimun stands slowly and walks over towards Khyra, still in his robe. Once he gets there, he sits down at a more nearby table to all of the talkers. [ Phillip looks absolutely joyous. "I never expected to find... oh!" He smiles at Theodore. "Good day, Master Godspeed. I wonder if you remember me." ] (Theo! Mind check! No bonuses.) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6) and gets 6. (Unless you have an eidetic memory or something.) (Whoo!) * Magellan looks up a Theodore. "Of th' shipping company?" (at) (Hmm. Pause for just a LITTLE bit.) (Won't be long.) (Sorry! Please continue.) * Theodore nods to Magellan and then looks to Phillip with a smile. "Indeed I do Lord Magister. I see the Academy has sent a master of both geology and metals to investigate these rumors. I would be honored to assist your mission in any way, as would any Godspeed." * Theodore seems to have surpressed his dreams of immediate and fabulous wealth quite nicely. Gotta pay your dues. [ Luca frowns. "Master Godspeed, please don't encourage him." Phillip frowns. ] * Magellan mulls over the poem in his head. Only missin' the Wheel, 't seems. * Khyra suppresses the urge to look in Maimun's direction. [ Phillip turns to Luca and gives him a *look*, then turns back to Theo and smiles. "Please call me Phillip, Master Godspeed, I don't stand on formality. I'd be honored to accept your help." ] Oh no, that fell off two days ago. Remember? Ach, ye daft lad, I mean the one from the poem. I know damn well where the wheel off yer accursed horseless carriage be. * Theodore looks to Phillip and smiles and nods. "Certainly Phillip and I would be pleased if you would call me Theodore." * Maimun smiles a little at his nearby table. He's obviously looking in all their direction. * Theodore then looks to Luca. "Perhaps they are simply rumors, but if there is something in the mines that is a danger to Magisters, I'd certainly think the further progress of Heidelstrass may depending on learning what that danger is. Wouldn't you agree?" (Magellan: from old man to ASSHOLE in .5 seconds. He's fuel-injected!) (may depend) * Mark pushes his glasses back up, "I know that, it's just that it seems I'm going to get roped into this fools errend before I can get back to the one I'm supposed to be on, so I'd like to get it over with." * Khyra laughs softly at Mark and Magellan's exchange, though she's paying attention to Theo and the Magister. [ Luca keeps frowning. "The mine shaft in question was closed off. The only reason anyone's been able to go in at all is by a Magister's authority, which the mining company daren't countermand." ] (Which is true. In Mullenwald, if a Magister tells you to do something, you'd better damn well do it. Phillip is, Mullenwald natives know, intensely atypical of Magisters, judging only by his personality.) * Magellan finishes off his beer. "Dinnae ye believe in fate, Mark?" [ Phillip tilts his head to look around. "Are these employees of yours, Theodore?" ] Do I get a choice? An old woman seems to belive in me. (We're wrapping up shortly, Arcana people, so no need to panic too badly. ^_^) * Khyra gives Mark a level gaze. "You always get a choice. It's just up to you whether or not you wish to take it." (No panic here.) * Magellan chuckles. "True 'nough." * Theodore shakes his head. "No, although I employed the services of this Ms. Westwind on the journey over." I see, I'll have to keep an eye out for it. * Theodore then glances over to the engineers. "Although, of course, the Godspeeds are always interested in employing men of mechanical aptitude." He then glances at the two beers he brought over for them. (The beers attack! Init!) (Damn, should have gone with light beers. :P) (No way. Low-carb beers are even more evil. They backstab.) * Magellan is holding an empty mug, which appears to be the one Theo brought over. At Theo's comment, he gets a strange look. "Regular work? Been a long time since I even thought about that." I'll have to pass. * Theodore smiles slightly to Magellan. "If the standard daily workday is not to your taste, we could simply employ you on a commission, fund your research in exchange for rights to your inventions." He then smiles a bit broader. "With a generous bonus for the more profitable ones of course." * Magellan proffers his hand to Theo. "I'll think about it. Fer now, I'll introduce meself. Magellan Drogg." [ Phillip nods slowly. "I see." He pauses. "Luca doesn't want me to go. He thinks it's unnecessary danger. But... there's too many signs here not to investigate it." ] An hello to the rest of ye. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Todd (2d6-2) and gets 8. (That's cute. I've made two GM rolls tonight. They were both 10s.) * Maimun speaks up such that others can hear him for the first time. He speaks with a fairly obvious Solarian accent. "Your generosity is amazing, Theodore. Perhaps I should give you a prophecy that says that you should pay me amazing amounts of money, and see how well I fare." [ Luca seems about to say something, as does Phillip, but they both turn Maimunward. ] * Khyra almost-laughs. * Theodore shakes his hand. "It is a standing offer." He then looks over to Mark. "And you may speak to me later if you reconsider." He then looks to Maimun with a slight smirk. "That would rather depend on how detailed and practical your prophecy was." * Magellan chuckles into his beer. * Mark nods and drinks. * Maimun smiles visibly. "I will be sure to work on it in my spare time." * Theodore nods and smiles. "I shall look forward to it." He then looks to Luca and Phillip. "Do you know why the mine was closed in the first place?" * Maimun 's hooded little face turns to Luca and Phillip. [ Phillip looks between Maimun and Theodore, and seems about to ask something but gets cut off. He nods. "There were... how to put it. A few of the men in the deepest mines were found catatonic. They have yet to wake up. Most have died of starvation already." ] * Khyra looks startled. "How terrible..." * Maimun bows his head slightly. "Not a fate I would wish on anyone." [ For his part, Phillip looks a little sad as he nods. "It is. But all of them had one thing in common: on their hands were little flecks of an unidentified silver metal. Some was sent to the Academy in Stromgarde to find a way to wake them up, possibly with magic... we determined the metal was selenium." ] [ Luca clears his throat. "He says 'we', but it was Luca alone who did the work. His reward is being sent out here to die on a fool's errand." Phillip grits his teeth but says nothing. ] But... how can a *metal*, magic or no, do such a thing? * Magellan 's eyebrows shoot up. "Proof? But all ye have are flakes. Ye don't know there's a vein." * Mark stares at Phillip...and then pulles his glasses back down so he can actualy see, "That's..." (Anyone with Occult or Physical Sciences/Geology can roll with no specialty. If you don't have the skill, you can't make the check.) Nonetheless, I'm stupefied. (i.e., "no untrained check") (Damn. No geology specialty.) (Mark doesn't know rocks) (Er, I didn't know which skill there was, Geology or Phys Science) (Occult, then Physical) (I fyou have phys Science, you can check) 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Maimun (2d6-1) and gets 6. 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6-1) and gets 10. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Theodore (2d6-2) and gets 5. (Mere success!) (Makes physical) 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Magellan (2d6-3) and gets 5. * Theodore looks thoughtful. (If you can, mention how much you succeed by in /msg.) (Made it by 2.) (wups.) (Well, here's fine too. ^_^) (knew I forgot something, ohwell ^^;) (*checks* There is no Geology skill! SO Physical Science.) (Which means you can try, Mark. ^_^) (I think only Khyra's out of luck. Bt she's PRETTY!) (not unless you'll let let me spend SP in the middle of session I can't :P) (*preens*) (Ah.) * Theodore looks to Phillip. "Have there been any similar incidents in the past? Selenium is widely known of, but details are quite scarce." * Magellan 's eyebrows migrate down again, farther this time. ".... ach, ye must be joking. It cannae be..." * Mark blinks at Mags, "Why not?" [ Phillip tilts his head at Magellan, then shakes his head at Theodore. "Selenium is practically mythical as it is. But from what we know of it, there are rumors from many hundreds of years ago about it driving people in the Tötenschloss mad..." ] * Magellan downs the dregs of the ale, and looks quite paler than normal. "Ye hear lots o things in Smithstadt. Once I o'erheard two smithys talkin. Pure selenium can do... funny stuff." But it's rare enough te be like stumblin' onto a continent made o' nothin but gold. There's probably a good reason why it's rare and mostly unheard of, then. People likely aren't meant to tamper with it. [ This gets Phillip's attention. "...I've never heard such a thing." He almost looks eager. Luca has been sitting quietly alternating his LASER EYE BEAMS between the lot of you at seeming random. ] ...I see. Like trippin' over a rock and findin' it's a buried diamond the size of Smithstadt itself. Rarer than a sane man in a smithy. It is quite a shame, if that's true. Cel... Selenium is something I would wish to see. * Magellan drops the stein on the pile. "Tha' settles it. Proof of a vein or no, this I must see." * Theodore raps his fingers on the table. "I assume the flakes found on the men's hands were handled directly when delivered to and studied in the Academy?" * Khyra looks at Magellan. "Much luck to you then. I intend to stay far away from it." [ Phillip shakes his head. "Someone came here. Selenium can only be properly handled with magic... powerful magic. That is why Magisters have been coming here. But..." ] [ Luca takes the opportunity to pipe up. "The Academy handed down an order to stop the research, after the last one did not return." ] Then I intend to let them handle it...maybe I'll take a look from farther away. Academy be damned, I say. Bunch of fools sittin' in a tower. * Mark taps his card, "I'm not that much of the fool." [ Luca gives Magellan a glare, but Phillip puts up his hand without having to turn around. "I'm here against there orders, sir smith. I can never go back to the Academy again." ] * Maimun smiles a ltitle. "A rogue magister? That, unless I miss my guess, is as interesting as the Selenium." (Mullenwald people: THAT is a big deal. Most Magisters never leave the academy GROUNDS, let alone the actual Academy period.) * Khyra blinks again. "You... believe in it that much?" (Sadly, I can just guess. It sure sounds important, though!) * Theodore nods at Philip and Luca with an intrigued expression and then looks to Khyra. "Believe in fate or no, this would be a fast track to glory. The name's of any who discover the nature of Selenium will be known throught the kingdom." (I just popped Theo's balloon. But I did inflate another one for him.) * Magellan peers at Phillip. "I ceased bein' a sir long ago. Ye think there's enough proof there te leave the Academy, I aim ta be there to see this stuff." * Theodore then just listens for a moment as he processes Phillip's latest comment and its implications. * Mark shakes his head again, "Things people don't live long enough to ever see and all of them arn't the one I'm after...I think there is a fate...and it's giggling." If they don't die or go mad first. Thank you, but no thank you. [ Phillip nods earnestly at Khyra. "I do. I honestly believe in it. I have... a feeling." ] * Khyra looks at Phillip. "Well, much luck to you as well." (A... good feeling?) * Magellan claps his arm around Mark. "Think of it, Mark, steamless engines'll come and go. Selenium is once in a hundred thousand lifetimes." (KICKS MECHA) * Theodore nods and looks at Phillip thoughtfully. He then blinks and looks over to Magellan. "Steamless engines?" (I opened the selenium with SOUL!) And it seems to be an entire lifetimes worth of dead. (Inside was a ticket to the loony bin! This mission was a great success!) [ Phillip looks at Khyra with a little disappointment, but he nods. "I'm sorry we couldn't work together, Miss. My best wishes for the future, however." ] Thank you very much, Magister. When ye plan on leavin', Magister? [ Phillip waves his hands. "Please, just call me Phillip. And... I suspect in two days. I need to speak with the mining company tomorrow, hopefully before a messenger from the Academy about my credentials arrives." Luca looks QUITE upset there. ] Well, ye have my wrench if ye need it. * Theodore casually jots a few more notes in his notebook. Maybe even an explaintion point or two. "I would gladly come, and if you are in need of any additional men or resources, I will gather what is in my authority provide." [ Phillip smiles wide. "Thank you all. I promise I will give my utmost and not disappoint you." ] * Maimun speaks up from his table. "Does this strange... er, offer, extend to a Wheel of Fortune?" Took ye long enough. [ Luca speaks up before Phillip even has a chance. "Be it five or fifty, I am all he really needs. As long as you stay out of my way, do whatever you wish." ] (I wanted to point this out. It's important. We don't have a single, standard sword in this whole party.) (GLEE. Thank you.) (Ha.) * Theodore nods lifts the cider mug in front of him. "Well then, a toast to the success of us all, whether we pursue this mission or no." * Maimun frowns slightly at Luca's comment before saying, "Patience is one of the virtues I have... Magellan, was it?" * Khyra picks up her mug of cider. "To success." * Magellan lifts a half-full mug which apparently he grabbed from under Mark's nose. "Aye, it was. To success!" [ Phillip raises his glass. "Cheers." ] (How about we cut it after the toast?) (Well, after everyone's toasted. Haha. Ahem.) (*snerk* Seriously, though, it's fine by me.) * Mark is a second too slow in reaching for his drink, so he raises an empty mug, "To success." [ And so, Yugi found the heart of the cards, and everyone lived happily ever after. ] [ Okay, not so much. But six people with cards and one android came together and much discussing was made and in two days, it's off to the mines! End! ]