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  1. [2018-08-07 08:26:02] <TWDuke|GM> ||||
  2. [2018-08-07 08:29:24] <TWDuke|GM> They say that city life is supposed to be fast-paced. Apparently, not today. The big clocktower ticks away above you, cleaving out minute after minute, seemingly glacially slowly. Sitting on your hands, waiting for someone to turn up, hoping they even got the message? It's miserable.
  3. [2018-08-07 08:31:39] <TWDuke|GM> The zephyr spirits would usually return to you to let you know if they couldn't deliver their message. Unless something actually captured them along the way (and they're very nimble), you can't imagine what might have held them up. You've got to conclude that your intended recipient at least received the message. Whether or not they intend to do anything about it is yet to be seen.
  4. [2018-08-07 08:34:58] <TWDuke|GM> You've already gone over the note a hundred times - maybe an exaggeration, maybe not. It's hard to tell.
  5. [2018-08-07 08:34:58] <TWDuke|GM> "See things more clearly: Glitter, to Lagoon and beyond. Alternatively, clocktower
  6. [2018-08-07 08:34:58] <TWDuke|GM> Direct answers: Shrouded Widow, family knows
  7. [2018-08-07 08:34:58] <TWDuke|GM> My condition: Jeremiah Harwood, Anyport Central Hospital"
  8. [2018-08-07 08:41:59] <TWDuke|GM> You've paced the square: stared into the face of the unnamed soldier, cast in bronze or the like; played with the water in the fountain; sat under the Flame Tree for a break from the sun's heat. You've people-watched, seeing tourists gawking at buildings you've known since you were born, locals bustling about their daily lives, the occasional glimpse of someone you went to school with.
  9. [2018-08-07 08:45:23] <TWDuke|GM> Your patience is already wearing paper-thin, when two people enter the square at almost the exact same time, from opposite ends. Neither of them is Glitter, the person you're hoping to meet. To your left, carrying what appears to be a bag full of bread rolls, is an Indigenous Australian woman that you recognise as Aunty - an old and powerful Other. To your right, your sister, Heidi. ||
  10. [2018-08-07 08:49:21] <Shade|Svend> The square had been chosen partially because if Glitter didn't show up, he could just walk over to the clocktower and try his luck there.
  11. [2018-08-07 08:50:30] <Shade|Svend> Svend had no business with Aunty, and he really didn't want to talk to his big sister, so he did his best to sink into the shadow of the tree and hope Heidi goes on her way. ||
  12. [2018-08-07 08:52:14] <TWDuke|GM> ((Roll Dex for me, to Stealth?))
  13. [2018-08-07 08:53:35] <Shade|Svend> $roll 1d6 Dex
  14. [2018-08-07 08:53:35] <[ATM]> Shade|Svend "Dex" [6] = 6
  15. [2018-08-07 08:58:49] <TWDuke|GM> You nestle down deep into the little patch of spotty darkness, and seem to avoid your sister's notice. Rather than making it through the square, she stops and takes a seat on the edge of the fountain, pulling out her phone.
  16. [2018-08-07 08:58:49] <TWDuke|GM> Aunty, on the other hand, makes a beeline for you - or at least, for where you are. The closer she gets, the less she seems to be taking any notice of you at all. ||
  17. [2018-08-07 09:06:06] <Shade|Svend> Auntie was always an odd one, so Svend had no idea what she might be doing here. He put one hand in his bag just in case things got hairy. ||
  18. [2018-08-07 09:08:36] <TWDuke|GM> The old woman is so close that she must see you by now. If she does, she makes no indication. She scooches up and takes a seat right next to you, so close that your elbows are almost touching. She rummages in her bag for a bread roll, and bites into one. ||
  19. [2018-08-07 09:11:57] <Shade|Svend> Might as well be polite.
  20. [2018-08-07 09:12:13] <Shade|Svend> "Good afternoon Aunty." ||
  21. [2018-08-07 09:15:25] <TWDuke|GM> She offers no reply. For a moment, you wonder whether you've done something completely wrong, hidden too well, and escaped all attention forever. Would you be reduced to a lost and lonely wanderer? What dark things might find you, where no-one can come to help you? What would become of your aspirations?
  22. [2018-08-07 09:15:25] <TWDuke|GM> Aunty holds out a bread roll, offering it to you. "You want?" Apparently you hadn't vanished after all. ||
  23. [2018-08-07 09:17:46] <Shade|Svend> "No thank you," Svend deflected.
  24. [2018-08-07 09:18:08] <Shade|Svend> Don't trust Others bearing gifts unasked. ||
  25. [2018-08-07 09:19:28] <TWDuke|GM> She shrugs, and returns it to the bag. She munches away at her own roll.
  26. [2018-08-07 09:19:28] <TWDuke|GM> "Back again, so soon?" ||
  27. [2018-08-07 09:21:13] <Shade|Svend> "I haven't been here in quite some time Aunty, and I don't think I've ever actually had a conversation with you." ||
  28. [2018-08-07 09:23:27] <TWDuke|GM> She looks at you for the first time, and stares. "Hmm... You weren't trying to speak to the tree? No - that one had long, blonde hair. My mistake." She chews pensively, then swallows, all while maintaining eye contact.
  29. [2018-08-07 09:23:27] <TWDuke|GM> "What are you here for, then?" ||
  30. [2018-08-07 09:29:45] <Shade|Svend> "Trying to meet Glitter, but it doesn't look like she's going to show up." ||
  31. [2018-08-07 09:32:52] <TWDuke|GM> Aunty looks away, out into the square. "I know that one. She doesn't like daylight all that much. What did you want her for?"
  32. [2018-08-07 09:32:52] <TWDuke|GM> A blue-tongued lizard scuttles it's way a little closer. Aunty tears off a scrap of her bread roll and tosses it to the creature. It snaffles it up. ||
  33. [2018-08-07 09:34:36] <Shade|Svend> "Laurissa Harwood said I need to 'see things more clearly', and that Glitter could do it." ||
  34. [2018-08-07 09:37:14] <TWDuke|GM> "Huh. That makes sense. Well, she's probably not going to show up until nighttime, unless she /really/ likes you."
  35. [2018-08-07 09:37:14] <TWDuke|GM> You feel something on your shoulder. It's another lizard, climbing down the tree. ||
  36. [2018-08-07 09:39:43] <Shade|Svend> "Hmm, then it looks like I might have to try the clocktower instead," Svend sighed, resigned. ||
  37. [2018-08-07 09:42:56] <TWDuke|GM> The lizard gingerly steps back off your shoulder to continue down to the ground. It's joined by a few others, as Aunty scatters scraps of bread.
  38. [2018-08-07 09:42:56] <TWDuke|GM> "Hm. Good luck with him, then. He's older than her, but newer to this place than he admits." ||
  39. [2018-08-07 09:49:36] <Shade|Svend> “Any other tips Auntie? I appreciate the advice.” ||
  40. [2018-08-07 09:55:55] <TWDuke|GM> Another lizard crawls across your legs to get closer to Aunty. They're swarming now, crawling over one another to get closer to the source of bread. A small child in stares, slack-jawed, as she walks past with her mother.
  41. [2018-08-07 09:55:55] <TWDuke|GM> "Tips? For dealing with the Jack? Hmm..." She gets lost in thought. "He's the sort to keep a grudge, and his reach is quite long. So don't do anything dumb."
  42. [2018-08-07 09:55:55] <TWDuke|GM> A single, brightly-coloured rosella lands, a few feet away. ||
  43. [2018-08-07 10:01:40] <Shade|Svend> "Always a good philosophy, that," Svend mused, thinking of recent events.
  44. [2018-08-07 10:02:05] <Shade|Svend> "Well, I think I'll go try my luck. Thank you Auntie."
  45. [2018-08-07 10:02:49] <Shade|Svend> With that, Svend stood and adjusted his bag, getting ready to beeline for the clocktower before Heidi could see him. ||
  46. [2018-08-07 10:05:27] <TWDuke|GM> Aunty, her lower half now almost completely swallowed up by lizards, barely notices you leaving.
  47. [2018-08-07 10:05:27] <TWDuke|GM> The rosella hops a little closer, then flies away in a flurry of red feathers as you stand. ||
  48. [2018-08-07 10:06:27] <Shade|Svend> Definitely an odd one, although surprisingly helpful.
  49. [2018-08-07 10:07:27] <Shade|Svend> With that interaction under his belt, Svend put his head down and walked over to the clocktower, trying to act natural so as to not draw attention. ||
  50. [2018-08-07 10:12:02] <TWDuke|GM> You manage to avoid Heidi's attention, as you approach the foot of the clocktower. The building itself is a warm sandstone, without windows. The ground floor has been set up as an info booth, with racks full of pamphlets for both the clocktower itself and Anyport in general, including maps, recommendations for food and entertainment, and some hazard information for bushwalks and the beach.
  51. [2018-08-07 10:12:02] <TWDuke|GM> A suspicious door has a tidy sign, reading "Employees Only". It seems to be the only way up. ||
  52. [2018-08-07 10:15:25] <Shade|Svend> Can't have the secret magic entrance open to innocents now can we? Svend confidently walked up to the door and walked through. ||
  53. [2018-08-07 10:16:57] <TWDuke|GM> Unfortunately, the door is locked. ||
  54. [2018-08-07 10:17:50] <Shade|Svend> Or him apparently.
  55. [2018-08-07 10:18:44] <Shade|Svend> Considering his options, it occurs to Svend that he might actually have something that functions as a skeleton key, if an unconventional one.
  56. [2018-08-07 10:19:22] <Shade|Svend> He pulls out the steel cylinder and flipping off the cap, he directs it at the door.
  57. [2018-08-07 10:20:37] <Shade|Svend> "Wind abhors that which stands still," he whispered quietly. ||
  58. [2018-08-07 10:23:49] <TWDuke|GM> The blast which emanates from the end of the tube whips through the enclosed space, setting everything into motion. The "Employees Only" sign flutters away, lost to the breeze. Pamphlet racks shift across the floor, or fall and send their contents flying. Paper fills the air.
  59. [2018-08-07 10:23:49] <TWDuke|GM> A bypasser looks in briefly, sees all the flying papers, and looks at you. "Huh, weird, right?" He's gone before you can even reply. ||
  60. [2018-08-07 10:25:41] ⇐ Druza quit (uid209687@stonehaven.irccloud.com): Quit: Connection closed for inactivity
  61. [2018-08-07 10:27:32] <Shade|Svend> Svend tries the door again, this time tossing his weight behind it to maybe force the lock. ||
  62. [2018-08-07 10:29:10] <TWDuke|GM> With a thud and a click, the door comes free.
  63. [2018-08-07 10:29:10] <TWDuke|GM> The corridor beyond is dusty and dim, travelling a short way before turning into a set of stairs that spirals around the inside of the square tower. ||
  64. [2018-08-07 10:32:06] <Shade|Svend> Svend stepped inside. He was going to be at top if he was going to be anywhere, so Svend started his climb upward, keeping Austral Bluster handy just in case. ||
  65. [2018-08-07 10:36:10] <TWDuke|GM> One side-door close to the top of the tower contains an almost-empty closet, spiderwebbed and choked with dust. A first aid kit that you imagine is for regulation purposes but has never been opened, a broom, dustpan, and a red toolbox. This is not your destination.
  66. [2018-08-07 10:36:10] <TWDuke|GM> Another door bars your entry to the upper room. You can hear the low grumble of creaking machinery, even through the door. This one bears no sign, nor lock. ||
  67. [2018-08-07 10:38:59] <Shade|Svend> Svend tentatively opens the door, wary of what might be on the other side. ||
  68. [2018-08-07 10:48:13] <TWDuke|GM> A strange, sepia light filters into the dusty space through the yellowed, grimy glass of the clock face. The sound of the great, weighted pendulum swinging back and forth sets a gentle, slow heartbeat thrumming through the gloom into your bones. Otherwise, the air is very still here.
  69. [2018-08-07 10:48:13] <TWDuke|GM> You can see the elaborate clockwork mechanism that drives the hands of the clock. Great, old gears grind against one another, with shafts extending through the clock face. Otherwise, the room is very plain - wooden struts that support the ceiling and compose the floor.
  70. [2018-08-07 10:48:13] <TWDuke|GM> "Entering without knocking? That's no way to make an impression." The wry male voice comes from within the mechanism... no, beyond. You can just see the shadow of a figure on the far side. ||
  71. [2018-08-07 10:50:43] ⇐ Ryneron quit (uid277227@ealing.irccloud.com): Quit: Connection closed for inactivity
  72. [2018-08-07 10:53:22] <Shade|Svend> "I'm sorry, I'm not terribly familiar with the proper protocol for the tower. We've never met, my name is Svend Jansen." ||
  73. [2018-08-07 10:59:51] <TWDuke|GM> The figure that steps out from behind the strange beast of gears and cogs is dressed as a harlequin, from his pointy-toed shoes to the ruff of his collar. The entire getup is black and white - strangely crisp, for such a dusty space - down to the gloves. His handsome face is strangely familiar, though you're not quite sure where from.
  74. [2018-08-07 10:59:51] <TWDuke|GM> He tilts his chin upwards, highlighting an imperious expression. "Knocking before entering is polite anywhere, Svend Jansen." ||
  75. [2018-08-07 11:04:20] <Shade|Svend> "The place I spent most of my childhood was loud to the point where you couldn't hear a knock, so you just walked in. I'm sorry, it was an oversight on my part." ||
  76. [2018-08-07 11:09:25] <TWDuke|GM> "Ignorance is no excuse for poor manners. But I shall forgive you - this time." The harlequin approaches, and begins a slow and steady circle around you. As he moves, his face stays strangely flat, straight-on, as though it's drawn rather than something 3D.
  77. [2018-08-07 11:09:25] <TWDuke|GM> "I don't get many visitors to my tower. What brings you here, Svend Jansen?" ||
  78. [2018-08-07 11:13:01] * Nick → Nick|GM
  79. [2018-08-07 11:13:05] * Camtist → Camtist|Daisy
  80. [2018-08-07 11:13:09] <Shade|Svend> "Laurissa Harwood directed me to the clocktower, and I presume you. She says I 'need to open my eyes' and pointed me at a few entities that could do so. You were one of them." ||
  81. [2018-08-07 11:19:40] <TWDuke|GM> With something between a sigh and a huff he looks to the side. His face in profile, you finally remember where you've seen him. He's the spitting image of a playing card - from the unerring symmetry of his features to the curly blonde hair, he's either the model for the original or a card come to life. You're not sure you could pick which one exactly, though you now recall Aunty referred to him as 'the Jack'.
  82. [2018-08-07 11:19:40] <TWDuke|GM> "Always, these days, it's about my role in things. I suppose one doesn't go to the bakery to ask the baker about his wife and children." He turns and looks at you once again; you're not sure whether he moved too fast for your eye to catch, or whether it's just in his nature, but it looked like he skipped every angle between profile and straight-on.
  83. [2018-08-07 11:19:40] <TWDuke|GM> "I owe nothing to either Harwood or Jansen. Why should I assist you?" ||
  84. [2018-08-07 11:27:01] <Shade|Svend> "I /can/ owe you something. I'm resourceful and strong, there aren't many problems or tasks that can't be solved by that combination. We could also talk about the metaphorical wife and children if you'd like. I'm not in a huge rush here." ||
  85. [2018-08-07 11:33:40] <TWDuke|GM> "Ugh, please. Prying into my private life as /pity/ is even worse than indifference." He circuits back towards the clock-face. His movements are graceful and lithe, like an acrobat or dancer.
  86. [2018-08-07 11:33:40] <TWDuke|GM> "Favours are fickle things to trade. Never too easy to judge whether you're the one with the sickly cow, or the magic beans." He stares through the grubby glass, though you can't be sure how much he can actually see. He turns, sharply, to face you once more.
  87. [2018-08-07 11:33:40] <TWDuke|GM> "I haven't spied you much, in town. Are you a blow-in, or a sneak?" ||
  88. [2018-08-07 11:40:07] <Shade|Svend> "I'm a local, but I stay out of the wider town's business because of bad blood with my family." ||
  89. [2018-08-07 11:47:04] <TWDuke|GM> He makes a non-comital, flippant gesture with one gloved hand.
  90. [2018-08-07 11:47:04] <TWDuke|GM> He sighs. "If you want to see things as they are, you'll need to be playing with the whole deck. So far, you have but one suit - and a fairly weak grasp on that, by the sounds of things. Shall we say, for the sake of example, that suit is Clubs. I can guess that Harwood might have pointed you to The Thin Man for Spades, or Glitter for Diamonds?" His lilt, along with the twitch of a perfectly delineated eyebrow, makes it a question. ||
  91. [2018-08-07 11:51:21] <Shade|Svend> "Glitter yes, but I wasn't specifically directed to the Thin Man, unless he could be accessed through the lagoon, which I was supposed to ask Glitter to take me beyond. I was also pointed at the Shrouded Widow, but I would need to ask my family for that." ||
  92. [2018-08-07 11:58:14] <TWDuke|GM> He lets out a little laugh. "Ha. A full house after all. No, Lagoon is of diamonds, like Glitter. The Shrouded Widow is Hearts, in this case. You'd closer find the Thin Man somewhere of Spades - Northgate Cemetery, perhaps. Or simply whenever a Harwood snaps their fingers." He punctuates the curiously derisive comment with a snap of his own - it echoes in the relative quiet of the room, punctuating the low grumbling of the machine.
  93. [2018-08-07 11:58:14] <TWDuke|GM> "But we're getting waylaid. It is curious to me that your Harwood would name me before the Thin Man. What manner of Jansen are you, then, that would turn to a Harwood before your own kin? What manner of... bad blood is there?" ||
  94. [2018-08-07 12:02:11] ⇐ Teruzi quit (uid43982@ealing.irccloud.com): Quit: sleeeepy
  95. [2018-08-07 12:03:15] ⇐ Olivebirdy quit (uid68046@charlton.irccloud.com): Quit: Connection closed for inactivity
  96. [2018-08-07 12:03:25] <Shade|Svend> "A disagreement over the importance of history and tradition. They abandoned ours, and I refused to let hundreds of years of practice be thrown out like old bathwater." ||
  97. [2018-08-07 12:04:08] <TWDuke|GM> His eyes sparkle, and he leans in conspiratorially. "Do go on." ||
  98. [2018-08-07 12:16:38] <Shade|Svend> "My family has been masters of the elements for as long as our history tells, and probably far beyond that. When the family hit a rough patch, my aunt convince our branch to abandon our mastery of the elements for servitude. They now serve their respective powers as shamans, something I almost followed them into before I learned of our history." ||
  99. [2018-08-07 12:19:18] <TWDuke|GM> He nods. "Indeed, I see. But you chose a different path? And what, they, threw you out?" ||
  100. [2018-08-07 12:21:35] → Druza joined (uid209687@stonehaven.irccloud.com)
  101. [2018-08-07 12:24:16] <Shade|Svend> "The record is a bit fuzzy on if I was thrown out or if I left. I'm not entirely sure myself. But yes, I stuck to the path my family has walked for generations." ||
  102. [2018-08-07 12:26:19] <TWDuke|GM> He smiles - a long, luxuriating expression. Apparently, your family drama is like candy for him. "And now? Hurt and hurtful glances as you pass one another in the street?" ||
  103. [2018-08-07 12:32:10] <Shade|Svend> "I did just avoid my sister to get up here, so I guess you could say that." ||
  104. [2018-08-07 12:38:34] <TWDuke|GM> He sighs. "Ah, the noble outcast. A fine, if difficult, role to play."
  105. [2018-08-07 12:43:12] <TWDuke|GM> He remains contemplative for a moment. You're not sure whether he's reminiscing about the past, or thinking about his next step. He seems to come to some kind of conclusion.
  106. [2018-08-07 12:43:12] <TWDuke|GM> "Well, my little outcast - you claim to be both strong and resourceful. I dare guess that you have fewer resources than I, and lack the strength of my enemies. However, if you wish to prove your mettle, there is something that I might have you do for me. I know for a fact that recently, a Cockatrice arrived in town. Do you know what a Cockatrice is, Svend Jansen?" ||
  107. [2018-08-07 12:45:11] <Shade|Svend> "Isn't that like a rooster, dragon thing?" Svend asked. ||
  108. [2018-08-07 12:48:11] <TWDuke|GM> He nods, examining one of his gloves nonchalantly. "Indeed. Specifics vary, but they can often kill with a glance, or a touch, or their breath. Very toxic, universally. If you will retrieve for me a sample of the Cockatrice's venom, I will not only make things clear to you that have been obscured, but I will also tell you how to find it." ||
  109. [2018-08-07 12:53:10] <Shade|Svend> "Do you know how I might carry such a sample without dying?" ||
  110. [2018-08-07 12:58:36] <TWDuke|GM> He makes a single-shoulder shrug. "I believe a vessel that is reflective on the inside, like polished silver, would sufficiently contain the poison. You might need to have someone custom-make one for you" ||
  111. [2018-08-07 13:01:23] <Shade|Svend> "Could it be diluted? Because I actually have such a vessel, but by it's nature it will always be filled with water." ||
  112. [2018-08-07 13:05:14] <TWDuke|GM> He pitches you a curious glance. "I believe I could make that work, though I hope you're planning to offer the container along with the poison. Failing to knock is one thing, but pouring out deadly toxins on the floor is certainly a breach of appropriate guest etiquette." ||
  113. [2018-08-07 13:12:01] <Shade|Svend> "Then I can make a separate container myself, I should have enough leftover scraps to make something suitable. So where can I find this thing?" ||
  114. [2018-08-07 13:18:55] <TWDuke|GM> He grins. "Then it is agreed." His pose is taut, like a predator posed to strike, his feet barely touching the ground.
  115. [2018-08-07 13:18:55] <TWDuke|GM> "You will go to the gate in the labyrinth to the North. If you do not know the path, I am sure you will be able to find one who does to guide you. Or cheat, it matters not. When you find the gate, offer milk, honey and an egg. Close your eyes, and step through - you will find yourself in a place of Diamonds." His eyes twinkle at the prospect.
  116. [2018-08-07 13:20:25] <TWDuke|GM> "Once there, go to the fountain. You will find a sea-witch there by the name of Calliope. Tell her that the Jack of Clubs has sent you for the cockatrice, and she will show you the way." ||
  117. [2018-08-07 13:24:28] <Shade|Svend> "That's... fairly involved, but I'll see what I can do. Thank you Jack. I think I'll take my leave, lots to do." ||
  118. [2018-08-07 13:27:38] <TWDuke|GM> He bows deeply, an extravagantly formal gesture. "Thank you for your tale of woe, and for the cockatrice venom. I am sure the journey will be eye-opening, and I am happy to reveal what is left unseen upon your successful return." ||
  119. [2018-08-07 13:34:26] <Shade|Svend> "Farewell Jack," Svend says before turning and walking out of the clocktower. Every problem being solved by tossing two more on top, this was growing to be a worrying trend. ||
  120. [2018-08-07 13:34:40] <Shade|Svend> ((Good time to end?))
  121. [2018-08-07 13:35:06] <TWDuke|GM> ((Can I get one last event in here?))
  122. [2018-08-07 13:35:32] <Shade|Svend> ((Go for it.))
  123. [2018-08-07 13:37:35] * Camtist|Daisy → Camtist
  124. [2018-08-07 13:37:35] * Nick|GM → Nick
  125. [2018-08-07 13:37:50] <TWDuke|GM> As you depart, mind laser-focussed on what preparations you may need to make, a voice catches you by surprise. "Svend?"
  126. [2018-08-07 13:37:50] <TWDuke|GM> Wide-eyed, Heidi is staring straight at you, phone still in hand, exactly where she was on the edge of the fountain. ||
  127. [2018-08-07 13:38:29] ⇐ Turncoat quit (uid185268@ealing.irccloud.com): Quit: Connection closed for inactivity
  128. [2018-08-07 13:40:14] <Shade|Svend> Fuck.
  129. [2018-08-07 13:42:02] <Shade|Svend> "Hey Heidi. I'd say it's good to see you, but I can't lie, so... I'm just going to go home and act like you didn't see me."
  130. [2018-08-07 13:42:24] <Shade|Svend> With that Svend turned and started walking briskly out of town. ||
  131. [2018-08-07 13:43:03] <TWDuke|GM> "Svend, I..." Heidi is left behind you.
  132. [2018-08-07 13:43:03] <TWDuke|GM> Your walk back to your shack is accompanied by birdsong. ||||
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