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A Handful of Dust Session 100

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Jan 11th, 2019
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  1. [20:29.41] <DM> So we begin.
  2. [20:31.09] * akvan (IceChat9@73.124.109.255) has joined channel #nesdnd
  3. [20:31.41] <DM> Repriever collapses on the large, plush bed of Penumbra's cabin.
  4. [20:32.18] <DM> As Penumbra and Melchior go on their errand to retrieve the Essence of Air from Akvan, the Reme begins to settle into the rhythms of sleep.
  5. [20:33.10] <DM> The Knights have already bedded down at the order of interim commander Rylia, exhausted from a day of battle and a night of grieving.
  6. [20:33.47] <DM> One by one, they drift off, into worlds of their own.
  7. [20:34.02] * DM changes topic to: A Handful of Dust Session 100: Sweet Dreams +https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFVyvGmwlmk,
  8. [20:34.27] * DM sets mode +v akvan for #nesdnd
  9. [20:34.52] <DM> Kir tinkers in his room, oblivious to all, as Carcephon flies through a portal to prepare her further plans.
  10. [20:35.12] <DM> The world goes on, as it always has, and always will, until it doesn't.
  11. [20:35.43] <+Mel> [And even then it usually still does]
  12. [20:36.07] <DM> Repriever is on his way, as well, despite his many wounds.
  13. [20:36.20] * Kir (6c1413b4@ircip2.mibbit.com) has joined channel #nesdnd
  14. [20:36.35] <DM> Until something happens that he does not even remotely expect.
  15. [20:36.45] <+Repriever> [._.]
  16. [20:37.02] * You are now known as Azri
  17. [20:37.12] <Azri> "How did you think this would go, exactly?"
  18. [20:37.35] <Azri> The High Athtar sits in the corner of Penumbra's stateroom in a red leather armchair that looks as if it has always been there.
  19. [20:38.08] <+Penumbra> [False high athtar]
  20. [20:38.21] * Repriever is drowsy on the muscle relaxants Melchior pumped into him, but stirs.
  21. [20:38.24] <+Shala> [high fart-tar]
  22. [20:38.38] <Azri> "Sleepy?"
  23. [20:38.40] * Repriever has a long, deliberate moment of thinking to figure out what the fuck is happening.
  24. [20:38.52] <Azri> "I really want you alert for this."
  25. [20:38.56] <+Repriever> "A dream."
  26. [20:39.18] * Azri flicks his hand upwards, and the force of his telekinesis compels you to sit up, unless you choose to resist.
  27. [20:39.26] <Azri> "Something rather more involved, in fact."
  28. [20:39.28] * Repriever hasn't the energy to resist.
  29. [20:39.35] <Azri> "A time stop."
  30. [20:39.37] * Mel doesn't bother putting energy into resisting, she'll save it for later.
  31. [20:39.40] * Repriever is snapped upright.
  32. [20:40.02] <Azri> "You know, it really takes a lot to piss me off, Repriever."
  33. [20:40.19] <Azri> "Perhaps you should feel a sense of accomplishment."
  34. [20:40.20] * Repriever thinks before speaking.
  35. [20:40.29] <+Repriever> "I don't know what you mean."
  36. [20:41.16] * Azri flings his hand to the side, and Repriever flies sideways to slam into the wall and down to the ground.
  37. [20:41.34] <+Repriever> "GUH!"
  38. [20:41.40] <Azri> "But I swear, officer Warden, he just tripped and fell sideways!"
  39. [20:41.47] * Azri stands.
  40. [20:41.54] * Kir (6c1413b4@ircip2.mibbit.com) Quit (Quit: +http://www.mibbit.com, ajax IRC Client)
  41. [20:41.55] * Repriever checks his head for blood.
  42. [20:41.58] <Azri> "Gravity really isn't what She used to be."
  43. [20:42.19] * Mel sits and listens.
  44. [20:42.33] <Azri> [technically, Mel, you're frozen, this is just Repriever]
  45. [20:42.58] <Azri> "Are we done playing games?"
  46. [20:43.04] <Azri> "We had a deal."
  47. [20:43.04] <+Mel> [oh I didn't realize I was timefrozen too]
  48. [20:43.24] <+Repriever> "A deal you had no intention of seeing through."
  49. [20:43.51] * Azri sits on the edge of the bed, smirking down at Repriever.
  50. [20:43.56] <Azri> "You can't prove that."
  51. [20:44.00] * Repriever lacks all ability to clear his head of Mel's touch, but staggers up, using the wall to stand.
  52. [20:44.21] <Azri> No blood, but there will be a nasty bruise.
  53. [20:44.33] <+Repriever> "What the fuck did you expect?"
  54. [20:44.52] <Azri> "Well, certainly not for you to rip a hole through half a dozen planes and access my pocket dimension."
  55. [20:45.03] * Repriever seeks wherever he laid his sword.
  56. [20:45.23] <Azri> In the corner, on the other side of the room, most likely carried here after you.
  57. [20:45.38] <Azri> "But pain...that won't mean anything to you."
  58. [20:45.44] * Repriever sluggishly rakes his hair.
  59. [20:45.48] <Azri> "It's not an appropriate punishment."
  60. [20:46.00] <Azri> "What about..."
  61. [20:46.10] * Kir (6c1413b4@ircip1.mibbit.com) has joined channel #nesdnd
  62. [20:46.11] <Azri> "I sell her true name to Carcephon?"
  63. [20:46.12] <+Repriever> "Hold your tongue."
  64. [20:46.19] <Azri> "Do you think she'd perhaps have better use for it?"
  65. [20:46.45] * Repriever darts his eyes to his sword, then dashes for it, awkwardly.
  66. [20:47.04] * Azri laughs, and trips him up with an entangling buffet of air directed to the ankles.
  67. [20:47.21] <Azri> "All this, and you still believe in the power of a straight edge of metal."
  68. [20:47.22] * Repriever smacks into the hardwood, huffing.
  69. [20:47.39] * Kir watches, waiting
  70. [20:47.56] <Azri> [technically you're time stopped at the moment]
  71. [20:48.12] <Azri> "You've humiliated me, and broken our contract, Repriever."
  72. [20:48.23] <+Repriever> "So fucking what?!"
  73. [20:48.28] <Azri> "Under any Tower law, your very soul would be forfeit."
  74. [20:48.34] <Azri> "So nothing."
  75. [20:48.52] <Azri> "You're in the catbird seat, actually, and you know I need you to execute my plans."
  76. [20:48.54] * Repriever crawls on to the sword.
  77. [20:49.04] <Azri> "And I'm not stupid enough to beat you until you're unusable, not entirely..."
  78. [20:49.20] <Azri> "You couldn't even hold for an hour what I possessed for a decade."
  79. [20:49.44] <+Repriever> "You played with it! I put it use!"
  80. [20:49.59] <Azri> "Played, you say."
  81. [20:50.19] <+Repriever> "I MADE A DIFFERENCE!"
  82. [20:50.33] * Azri changes topic to: A Handful of Dust Session 100: Sweet Dreams +https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT0JkPQzVA0,
  83. [20:50.43] <Azri> "You made the difference you were capable of making."
  84. [20:50.47] <Azri> "And what a mess."
  85. [20:51.03] <Azri> "One of my promising young students murdered at your ineptitude."
  86. [20:51.07] <Azri> "Will Shala be next? Hm?"
  87. [20:51.20] <Azri> "The next consequence of your mediocrity?"
  88. [20:51.37] <Azri> "That, ultimately, is why I am here, not your pathetic imitation goddess."
  89. [20:51.48] * Repriever really wants that sword now.
  90. [20:52.03] <Azri> You grasp your hand around Nameless' hilt.
  91. [20:52.23] * Repriever uses the scabbarded blade as a crutch to stand, then draws it.
  92. [20:52.56] * Azri looks at you with a mixture of pity and contempt.
  93. [20:53.17] <+Repriever> "Are we dancing, mancer?"
  94. [20:53.23] * Repriever does look pitiful.
  95. [20:53.30] <Azri> "Very few dances have only one step."
  96. [20:53.45] * Repriever has nothing left in him even if that were the case.
  97. [20:54.00] <+Repriever> "Make it."
  98. [20:54.19] * Azri sighs, long and slow.
  99. [20:54.31] <Azri> "The only reason I have left you alive this far is because Shala holds you in some passing esteem."
  100. [20:54.40] <Azri> "And because your noble soul is required for this Ritual."
  101. [20:54.43] <Azri> "So."
  102. [20:54.57] <Azri> "Since you have now forced my hand, there are some things that you must know."
  103. [20:55.49] <+Repriever> "And what's that?"
  104. [20:55.59] <Azri> "There's an alternative to Shala's sacrifice."
  105. [20:56.02] * Repriever doublehands his humming blade.
  106. [20:56.28] <Azri> "To anyone's."
  107. [20:57.24] <Azri> "You don't understand, not yet."
  108. [20:57.28] <Azri> "What the Key truly is."
  109. [20:57.31] <Azri> "And what Bel is."
  110. [20:57.42] <+Repriever> "There's a lot I don't fucking understand."
  111. [20:57.51] <+Repriever> "But I know what I am."
  112. [20:57.59] <+Repriever> "And what you are."
  113. [20:58.25] <Azri> "You were right about one thing."
  114. [20:58.32] <Azri> "Shala wouldn't have survived to our duel."
  115. [20:58.47] <Azri> "Defeating Bel will require a soul."
  116. [20:58.59] <Azri> "Shala is chosen, yes."
  117. [20:59.09] <Azri> "The proper blood, planar alignment."
  118. [20:59.27] <Azri> "But so are you, Repriever."
  119. [20:59.42] <Azri> "Perhaps not by descent, but association..."
  120. [20:59.53] <+Repriever> "How noble of you."
  121. [21:00.00] <Azri> "It may have been Astara's plan all along."
  122. [21:00.03] * Azri smirks.
  123. [21:00.07] <Azri> "Or perhaps you were a spare."
  124. [21:00.17] <Azri> "Either way, I wanted to let you know that you have the power to save her."
  125. [21:00.53] * Repriever shrugs, then clutches the blade tighter.
  126. [21:01.02] <+Repriever> "Let's find out."
  127. [21:01.21] <Azri> "If you do it, Nefareesi's name dies with me."
  128. [21:01.25] <Azri> "If not..."
  129. [21:01.39] * Azri turns his back to you.
  130. [21:01.53] <Azri> "No promises."
  131. [21:02.08] * Repriever swings the blade backwards, into the wall of the room, into the wood of the Reme, in attempt to break the time stop.
  132. [21:02.33] <Azri> Make a will save.
  133. [21:02.41] <Azri> With a -4 circumstance penalty from your condition.
  134. [21:02.54] <+Repriever> ?roll 1d20+9
  135. [21:02.55] <%tBot> Repriever: 10 ([1] +9)
  136. [21:02.57] <+Repriever> [lmao]
  137. [21:03.17] * Azri smirks over his shoulder, immobilizing you with a pointer finger.
  138. [21:03.24] <Azri> "Oh, and one more thing."
  139. [21:03.34] <Azri> "Bel knows when you think about him."
  140. [21:03.41] <Azri> "When anyone thinks about him."
  141. [21:03.46] <Azri> "So do what you're best at and don't."
  142. [21:03.50] * Repriever is caught mid-swing, frozen.
  143. [21:03.58] * Azri snaps his fingers, and vanishes.
  144. [21:04.09] <Azri> When Azri leaves, the time stop breaks, and all of your frozen momentum returns to you.
  145. [21:04.13] * You are now known as DM
  146. [21:04.20] * Repriever crashes the blade into the wall, gouging a chunk of wood.
  147. [21:04.46] <DM> The massive crash likely notifies Penumbra and Mel, who are just in the midst of walking down the outside hallway before the time stop began.
  148. [21:04.57] * Repriever slumps to the floor, heavily exhausted.
  149. [21:05.10] * Penumbra whirls around, steps, then rushes to the door
  150. [21:05.13] <DM> And anyone else who is on the same floor who cares to investigate.
  151. [21:05.16] * Mel follows.
  152. [21:05.19] <+Mel> "Preev?"
  153. [21:05.24] <+Penumbra> "What's going on?"
  154. [21:05.32] * Repriever is near the wall, blade in hand, on his knees.
  155. [21:05.32] * Penumbra opens the door, spear in a guarded position, scanning the room
  156. [21:05.46] <+Repriever> "Azri was here. Frozen the room."
  157. [21:05.55] * You are now known as Hin
  158. [21:06.03] <Hin> "I...detected no intrusion, my lady."
  159. [21:06.05] * Mel does not notice the temperature, then understands.
  160. [21:06.17] <+Mel> "What did he do? What did he say?"
  161. [21:06.31] <+Penumbra> "Azri."
  162. [21:06.47] * Penumbra considers the significance of this
  163. [21:06.53] <+Repriever> "He threatened me."
  164. [21:07.09] * Kir (6c1413b4@ircip1.mibbit.com) Quit (Quit: +http://www.mibbit.com, ajax IRC Client)
  165. [21:07.12] <+Repriever> "He threatened Astara."
  166. [21:07.49] * Repriever pulls himself to the bed.
  167. [21:07.51] * You are now known as DM
  168. [21:08.11] <+Repriever> "He's unhappy, but he's still a coward."
  169. [21:08.25] <+Mel> "He arrived, or sent an image, just to tell you he's pissed off?"
  170. [21:08.31] <+Repriever> "He was here."
  171. [21:08.33] <+Mel> "...we could have guessed that."
  172. [21:08.39] <+Mel> "In the flesh. Hmm."
  173. [21:08.43] <+Repriever> "I could have touched him, if I wasn't so fucking slow."
  174. [21:08.47] <+Mel> "Need to drop more dimensional anchor traps."
  175. [21:08.51] * Kir (6c1413b4@ircip3.mibbit.com) has joined channel #nesdnd
  176. [21:08.52] * Penumbra nods
  177. [21:09.03] * DM sets mode +v Kir for #nesdnd
  178. [21:09.15] <+Penumbra> "We will work with Hin to improve our defenses."
  179. [21:09.18] * Repriever is so intoxicated on the combination of Mel and the effects of withdrawal he slurs his words.
  180. [21:09.22] <+Mel> "Hin, what sort of defenses does the Reme have against powerful magi who feel like harassing our crew?"
  181. [21:10.01] <DM> "I have defenses against scrying of all types, and our physical presence is typically erased from traditional detect magic spells."
  182. [21:10.04] * You are now known as Hin
  183. [21:10.23] <Hin> "That he could come here personally...either speaks to exceptional skill...or that he already has a tracking device here, somewhere."
  184. [21:10.40] <+Penumbra> "Or perhaps, someone."
  185. [21:10.53] <Hin> Hin murmurs assent.
  186. [21:11.37] <Hin> "I am sorry, my lady."
  187. [21:11.39] * Repriever stares at the scar in the wall.
  188. [21:11.54] * Penumbra kneels so she's at the same level as Preev
  189. [21:12.01] <+Repriever> "I tried to break out of it."
  190. [21:12.27] <+Repriever> "He... paralyzed me with a gesture."
  191. [21:12.31] <+Shala> [ >: | ]
  192. [21:12.33] <+Penumbra> "It's alright." she says, directed at both Hin and Repriever, "We could not have expected this."
  193. [21:12.41] <+Penumbra> "But we can be prepared for next time."
  194. [21:13.07] <+Mel> "I'll look into countermeasures."
  195. [21:13.24] <+Mel> "Will you be able to sleep again, Repriever?"
  196. [21:13.25] <+Repriever> "Has Carcephon left?"
  197. [21:13.30] * Repriever asks Mel.
  198. [21:13.30] <+Mel> "I'm sure you will."
  199. [21:13.35] * Mel checks for her aura.
  200. [21:13.37] <+Penumbra> "Also, perhaps look into ways to mask the signature of the essenses."
  201. [21:13.41] <+Mel> "I think she's gone..."
  202. [21:14.03] <Hin> She is.
  203. [21:14.05] * You are now known as DM
  204. [21:14.07] <+Mel> "Yep."
  205. [21:14.10] <+Penumbra> "We have been sloppy, we've said it before."
  206. [21:14.39] * Repriever just stomps his foot in anger.
  207. [21:15.03] <DM> "A blanket teleport trap I always considered unwise, since we must ourselves mass teleport on occasion."
  208. [21:15.07] <DM> says Hin.
  209. [21:15.20] <DM> "But now that we know this is possible, we will have to consider the tradeoffs."
  210. [21:15.42] <DM> "Perhaps a gated system can be enabled, Melchior? That is more your area of expertise."
  211. [21:16.06] <+Penumbra> "Perhaps something that requires some kind of key?"
  212. [21:16.08] * Repriever thumbs up his sleeve, at the draconic torc on his left bicep, but remains quiet.
  213. [21:16.24] <+Mel> "Knock and answer..."
  214. [21:16.59] <+Mel> "We'll look into this. I'm already looking at a backlog of magical projects I need to get- but incidentally my plans for an essence container might help with its magical visibility."
  215. [21:17.09] <+Mel> "Speaking of which."
  216. [21:17.14] * Mel gives a small nod to Penny.
  217. [21:17.26] * Penumbra offers Repriever a hand
  218. [21:17.36] <+Penumbra> "I don't suppose he'll torment you twice in one night."
  219. [21:17.54] * Repriever stands, but seems lost in his thoughts.
  220. [21:18.18] * Penumbra helps walk Repriever back to bed
  221. [21:18.55] <+Penumbra> "I'll be back."
  222. [21:19.14] * Penumbra nods to Mel and goes with her (if not interrupted)
  223. [21:19.38] <DM> You are not.
  224. [21:19.52] * Repriever is way out of it.
  225. [21:21.14] <DM> Azri's telekinetic toss has given you a new blossoming shoulder bruise to go with the others.
  226. [21:22.05] * Penumbra and Mel make their way to Akvan's room again
  227. [21:22.22] * akvan is asleep
  228. [21:22.34] * Mel checks for the essence.
  229. [21:22.56] * Penumbra stands nearby, watchfully
  230. [21:22.58] <DM> It is lying on a side table in its armillary, glowing like a nightlight as Akvan dozes.
  231. [21:23.00] * akvan is curled up on a pile of furs. Some bones are piled in the corner, two longbones half carved, a third complete. A half finished string instrument is there
  232. [21:24.06] * akvan 's arm is lazily reaching, a finger lightly resting on the armillary
  233. [21:24.50] * akvan snores
  234. [21:24.57] * Penumbra blinks, checking if he's passively drawing from it while he's asleep
  235. [21:25.03] * Mel reads aura.
  236. [21:25.28] <DM> He was dreaming OF it, but...
  237. [21:25.41] <DM> Not drawing from it, as far as you can tell, Mel.
  238. [21:25.58] <DM> and Penny.
  239. [21:26.08] <DM> He has interacted with it, perhaps.
  240. [21:26.15] <+Penumbra> Any... defenses around him?
  241. [21:26.19] <DM> But its aura isn't deep inside him like Repriever.
  242. [21:26.40] <DM> Akvan's skin pulses with a skein of divinatory blue flame under aura sight.
  243. [21:26.55] <DM> His defenses are likely not his own, but the ones Carcephon has laid over him.
  244. [21:27.01] * Mel reaches out with her gauntlet and uses future gaze.
  245. [21:27.08] <+Mel> Any immediate negative outcomes of picking it up?
  246. [21:28.32] * Mel picks it up if she does not foresee immediate disaster from doing so.
  247. [21:28.51] <DM> No immediate disaster, no.
  248. [21:29.01] <DM> The main threat is over-drawing, as Repriever did during the battle.
  249. [21:29.03] <+Repriever> [except seeing an old friend]
  250. [21:29.10] <DM> Yes, except that.
  251. [21:29.34] * akvan blinks a few times
  252. [21:29.39] * akvan sits up
  253. [21:29.41] * Penumbra nods to Mel silently signalling her to go ahead, meanwhile she prepares a shadow shield to absorb any bursts of fire
  254. [21:29.41] * akvan rolls over
  255. [21:29.50] * akvan falls back asleep
  256. [21:30.05] * Mel picks it up and gently withdraws it, and steps back out of the room.
  257. [21:30.15] * Penumbra follows her out
  258. [21:30.53] <+Mel> "The issue with this thing is that it's in a case engineered to allow for its safe use."
  259. [21:31.10] <+Mel> "And there's no safe use when it comes to mortal life and powers like this."
  260. [21:31.29] * Kir (6c1413b4@ircip3.mibbit.com) Quit (Quit: +http://www.mibbit.com, ajax IRC Client)
  261. [21:31.44] * Penumbra nods in understanding
  262. [21:32.54] <+Penumbra> "A failsafe may be inconvenient, but necessary if we are to use them until we reach the Ritual."
  263. [21:33.39] <+Mel> "I'll see if I can put it in a more secure magical seal, and see if I can use the energy transmutation I worked on earlier to diffuse the energy safely in ambient forms that are less easy to scry."
  264. [21:34.22] <+Penumbra> "At the very least, the current container can be a stable foundation to build off of."
  265. [21:34.24] <+Mel> "If we were going to the Citadel I'd spend a few days in the armoury with Amutat and Vy and see if we could work out a proper armature, but it seems I'll have to field-rig something."
  266. [21:34.42] <+Mel> "Yes, I trust it well enough, a second layer of protection would be wise though."
  267. [21:34.45] <+Penumbra> "Are you planning to work on this overnight?"
  268. [21:35.08] <+Mel> "Just a simple circle for tonight. I'll get to work on a more permanent solution when we reach Carcephon's den."
  269. [21:35.33] * Penumbra nods
  270. [21:35.47] <+Mel> "Odds are Vy will be there and we can work something out, it's not like I'm going to keep this secret from the dragons anyways."
  271. [21:35.56] * Penumbra chuckles
  272. [21:36.02] <+Mel> "The technique, that is."
  273. [21:37.10] <+Penumbra> "Yes, we'll need their expertise and resources."
  274. [21:37.31] * You are now known as Hin
  275. [21:37.39] <Hin> "It may be wise to eventually visit the Citadel for other reasons."
  276. [21:38.01] <Hin> "I was able to extract Queen Tercis and Father Martin Kallias from the wreckage of Tetraea."
  277. [21:38.09] <+Mel> "I was the vote in favour of going there first."
  278. [21:38.17] <+Mel> [I am trying to remember, did we know about that yet?]
  279. [21:38.17] * Kir (6c1413b4@ircip2.mibbit.com) has joined channel #nesdnd
  280. [21:38.20] <Hin> "They are now safe, guarded by the Wardens."
  281. [21:38.26] <Hin> [I don't think it was brought up]
  282. [21:38.38] <Hin> "My apologies in the confusion for not mentioning it earlier."
  283. [21:39.07] <+Mel> "I'm glad to hear of that. And no worries Hin, it has been a rather alarmingly fraught day. I suspect we'll be dissecting it for weeks to come."
  284. [21:39.17] <+Penumbra> "Assuming we'll have weeks..."
  285. [21:39.30] <+Mel> "Hmm."
  286. [21:39.49] <+Penumbra> "Depending on what tomorrow brings, maybe we should spend more time in that bowl of yours?"
  287. [21:39.59] <+Mel> "It'd probably be safer to set up a secure circle in the room actually intended for rituals, rather than setting that up in my cabin."
  288. [21:40.36] <+Mel> "We have to budget our time in there carefully- we must allow the amount of time we spent in there to pass before we enter it again."
  289. [21:40.54] <+Penumbra> [You mean the ritual mat in the quarterdeck?]
  290. [21:40.59] * Penumbra nods
  291. [21:41.27] <+Penumbra> "Not weeks, likely." said with a touch of humor
  292. [21:41.57] <+Penumbra> "Still, having some time on our side is truly a luxury."
  293. [21:42.16] <+Mel> [correct Penumbra]
  294. [21:42.52] <+Mel> "Hin, I will keep the essence in the ritual deck tonight, and stay nearby for safekeeping."
  295. [21:42.56] <+Shala> [brb bathroom, taco bell is never a good idea]
  296. [21:43.28] <+Penumbra> "I'll bid you good night, Mel."
  297. [21:43.39] <+Mel> "Good night Penny. Until the next day."
  298. [21:43.47] <+Penumbra> "Until the next day."
  299. [21:44.18] * Penumbra returns to the bedroom
  300. [21:44.40] <Hin> Repriever is utterly unconscious when you do, Penumbra.
  301. [21:44.43] * Repriever lays aslant, on his back, feet on the floor, sword clutched across his chest. Sleeping.
  302. [21:44.55] * Mel brings the essence to the ritual area, and begins to sketch out a preplanned circle.
  303. [21:45.35] <Hin> For the security of the Air armillary?
  304. [21:45.39] <+Repriever> [pls no spider attacks]
  305. [21:45.50] <+Penumbra> [lets take this to sidechat/jk]
  306. [21:45.55] <+Mel> "Yes Hin."
  307. [21:46.08] <Hin> [we can pretend that was in quotes]
  308. [21:46.15] <+Mel> This is similar in basic structure to the 'harvester' placed around the essence of water, albeit in a temporary form. It collects the ley energy constantly emitted from the essence (even through the armillary) and conducts a transmutation.
  309. [21:46.51] <Hin> "The quantity of energy one can capture from this will be less than the extractor you conceived at the Citadel."
  310. [21:46.55] * Hin observes.
  311. [21:47.13] <Hin> "But I take it that is not the goal."
  312. [21:47.14] <+Mel> However, instead of transmuting water to earth, this one is more akin to a steam governor or a waste heat radiator, spending energy on useless work.
  313. [21:47.26] * Penumbra breathes out, shoulders sagging a bit. She carefully attempts to remove the cloak from her shoulders to secure for the night.
  314. [21:47.32] <+Mel> "I do not intend to capture any energy, merely safely convert and disperse it."
  315. [21:47.57] <+Mel> "You can't seal something that powerful with a brute force container, it'll pressurize and blast its way out."
  316. [21:48.28] <+Mel> "There was this one time Shala and I were experimenting with one of Azri's lesser stones, and I sealed it up... there was quite the explosion, and that thing was scarcely a pebble."
  317. [21:49.11] <+Mel> "This is just a waste flare of sorts, venting the energy after masking it."
  318. [21:49.40] * Hin hmms.
  319. [21:50.14] <Hin> "What if it wasn't simply a waste?"
  320. [21:50.26] <Hin> "That is to say..."
  321. [21:50.54] <Hin> "What if you created a mount for the holder, and prevented interaction between the user and the Essence itself."
  322. [21:51.10] <+Mel> "Like a torch..."
  323. [21:51.24] <Hin> "Like...a trigger spell for a wand, or a staff, with the Essence its core."
  324. [21:51.43] <+Mel> "An inert interface... that's a fascinating thought.
  325. [21:51.44] <Hin> "The venting of waste energy could make a potent weapon without risking the user's life."
  326. [21:51.55] <+Mel> "I see your thought."
  327. [21:52.12] <+Mel> "That said, I do not think it is wise to try and engineer a prototype of that on board a flying wooden ship."
  328. [21:53.16] <Hin> "Now now."
  329. [21:53.28] <Hin> "I'm not just any flying wooden ship."
  330. [21:53.34] <Hin> "And currently, we happen to be landed."
  331. [21:53.36] * Hin winks.
  332. [21:55.09] <+Repriever> [are you suggesting making a rocket?]
  333. [21:55.24] <+Mel> "I'm sure there's a language where there is a distinction between a ship that is flying and a ship that can fly."
  334. [21:55.29] <+Penumbra> [He was interested in the void ship power sources]
  335. [21:56.47] <Hin> "I agree, however, in principle."
  336. [21:56.48] <+Mel> "For tonight, I'll simply let this waste energy vent as proof of concept. I'll look into safe harnesses for it tomorrow, if I can ever resist the tempting debauchery of drinking with Carcy-dearest."
  337. [21:57.06] <+Repriever> [you cannot]
  338. [21:57.10] <+Repriever> [fun is mandatory]
  339. [21:57.15] <Hin> "A metal housing is ideal, also, especially for something that generates lightning."
  340. [21:57.17] * Kir walks in from the deck
  341. [21:57.31] <+Mel> [Do you KNOW how much fun Mel had plotting magical mad science with Vy and Amutat? Highlight of the trip.]
  342. [21:57.37] <Hin> "The Citadel forges could assist."
  343. [21:57.47] <Kir> "What you discuss?"
  344. [21:57.49] <+Mel> "With an insulator."
  345. [21:57.57] <Hin> "Ah, well come young master Kir."
  346. [21:57.58] <+Mel> "You're up late Kir!"
  347. [21:58.03] <Hin> welcome*
  348. [21:58.08] <+Repriever> [if only preev's job was fun, he doesn't enjoy it]
  349. [21:58.09] <+Mel> "Securing the essence of air."
  350. [21:58.25] <Kir> "Mm"
  351. [21:58.45] <Kir> "How you propose?"
  352. [21:58.48] <Hin> "Kir, you have taken some interest in elementalist invocation, have you not?"
  353. [21:58.55] <Kir> "Yes"
  354. [21:59.02] <Kir> "In manner of speaking"
  355. [21:59.31] <Hin> "Then, can you summon shadow?"
  356. [21:59.38] <Hin> "Even a tiny quantity."
  357. [22:00.13] <Hin> "If so, we can demonstrate some of the principles at work."
  358. [22:02.22] <+Shala> [back]
  359. [22:02.32] <Kir> "Yes, I can summon"
  360. [22:02.47] * Mel is drawing the circle, focusing on the specific runes of transmutation.
  361. [22:03.07] <Hin> "Show us."
  362. [22:03.44] * Kir has summoned water, air, and fire in the past
  363. [22:03.51] * Kir now tries to draw on shadow
  364. [22:04.42] <Hin> free, like flame, or air
  365. [22:04.52] <Hin> but deeper, deeper.
  366. [22:05.14] <Hin> A black spark incarnates.
  367. [22:05.33] <Hin> "Excellent, Kir!"
  368. [22:05.52] <Hin> "In this case, the source is your own life energy, transmuted through thaumatic alignment into shade energy."
  369. [22:06.01] <Hin> "You seem to have quite an affinity."
  370. [22:06.13] * Kir raises an eyebrow
  371. [22:06.17] <Kir> "Hm."
  372. [22:06.26] * Hin draws a shining black circle on the ground.
  373. [22:06.27] * Kir snuffs the spark with a flourish
  374. [22:06.48] <Hin> "Now, if we incarnate that same energy within a binding circle, we prevent the dissipation."
  375. [22:06.56] <Hin> "We can amplify it, as well."
  376. [22:07.26] <Hin> "But always, the energies contained press against the energies of containment, as well as the ports that may be present within the circle to admit new energy and other inputs."
  377. [22:07.53] * Kir nods
  378. [22:08.00] <Hin> "Ultimately, this is how magical items and spells have been crafted for millenia, with new innovations gradually being developed over the scholastic record."
  379. [22:08.04] <Kir> "If they exceed strength of bound..
  380. [22:08.05] <Kir> "
  381. [22:08.09] * Kir snaps
  382. [22:08.25] <Hin> "Yes, OR if the binding strength overpowers the structural energy of the contained item."
  383. [22:08.36] <Hin> "A common apprentice mistake is to make a binding too strong."
  384. [22:08.50] <Kir> "Then implosion, and following explosion?"
  385. [22:08.58] <+Mel> "Oh hooooo."
  386. [22:09.01] <Hin> "In many cases, yes."
  387. [22:09.09] * Mel chuckles at the mention of overly strong bindings.
  388. [22:09.27] <Hin> "Of course, there is an entire sub-field dedicated to binding sentient magical beings..."
  389. [22:09.38] <Hin> "In which this becomes immeasurably more complex."
  390. [22:10.02] <Hin> "But that is rather more your belle's field of learning."
  391. [22:10.04] <Kir> "Hmm"
  392. [22:10.07] * Hin chuckles.
  393. [22:10.11] <+Mel> "Usually not a problem if you put in a few basic protections ensuring a limit to contraction, but if you're just putting in a binding that has as much strenght as it can muster..."
  394. [22:10.15] <Kir> "So essence..."
  395. [22:10.31] <+Mel> "Right here."
  396. [22:10.36] <Kir> "This non sentient, yes?"
  397. [22:10.44] <Kir> "Constant strength required for binding?"
  398. [22:10.48] <+Mel> "It's got a sentient passenger."
  399. [22:11.20] <+Mel> "I am not sure if it has a consciousness of its own."
  400. [22:11.47] <+Mel> "I suspect not, but strange things tend to happen to sufficiently powerful objects."
  401. [22:11.59] <+Mel> "Or they're Amutat, where it's by design."
  402. [22:12.17] <Hin> "One might think the Essences are simply the bodies of the divines."
  403. [22:12.25] <Kir> "So... fluctuating requirements?
  404. [22:12.26] <Kir> "
  405. [22:12.34] <Kir> "How would you solve this problem?"
  406. [22:12.51] <Hin> "But they seem to not be limited to those bodies alone...at least in terms of astral projection..."
  407. [22:13.43] <+Mel> "Anyways, here we go. Fixed strength barrier, no routes for energy input, transmutation of the power of air to non-arcane, liminal energy... so, uh, pressure and heat."
  408. [22:14.31] <+Mel> "Just need to... hmm."
  409. [22:14.39] * Mel does some thinking.
  410. [22:14.41] <Hin> "One might think this is a bit redundant, if one isn't going to draw on it."
  411. [22:14.53] <Hin> "Technically, doesn't the armillary already serve as an energy regulator?"
  412. [22:15.05] <Hin> "Or is the goal here to regulate further downward, in the event someone does draw on it?"
  413. [22:15.10] * Kir paces a moment, then looks up
  414. [22:15.58] <+Mel> "This is a test of concept for one of several ways to make handling this object safe. Repriever's going through some severe withdrawal right now."
  415. [22:16.15] <+Mel> "Just passively holding it is a concerning influence."
  416. [22:16.20] <+Mel> "Even with Azri's mechanism."
  417. [22:16.36] <+Mel> "I'm keeping it in this little circle for safekeeping as a very temporary solution."
  418. [22:16.49] <+Mel> "So the goal is temporary downregulation and masking of its presence."
  419. [22:17.10] <Hin> "Ah, I see."
  420. [22:17.23] <+Mel> "I'm looking at a 'box' model and a 'torch' model."
  421. [22:18.04] <+Mel> "Basically a way of safely keeping it as inert as possible, and a way of transforming and redirecting its energy like you suggested: for some particular output that did not channel directly through its wielder."
  422. [22:18.23] * Mel places the essence in its armillary and closes the circle, confident in her calculations.
  423. [22:18.23] <Kir> "What about other possibility?"
  424. [22:18.34] * Hin sets mode +v Kir for #nesdnd
  425. [22:19.58] <+Mel> "Many possibilities. What are you thinking?"
  426. [22:20.21] <+Kir> [can hin understand gora miri?]
  427. [22:21.01] <Hin> [no]
  428. [22:21.28] * Kir looks at Hin, then looks back to Mel
  429. [22:22.45] <+Mel> "Mm?"
  430. [22:22.52] <+Kir> "We make dynamic venting"
  431. [22:23.42] <+Mel> "Dynamic in what ways?"
  432. [22:23.44] <+Kir> "Kallosi liquid metal for venting"
  433. [22:24.06] <Hin> "Hm."
  434. [22:24.06] <+Kir> "Responds to commands, and changes shape and strength of bonds according to contained pressure"
  435. [22:24.17] <+Kir> "But not controlled by mind"
  436. [22:24.29] <+Kir> "Instead, I make closed controller unit"
  437. [22:24.55] <Hin> "One argument in favor would be that a prison of elementally purified earth would be effective against the Air Essence.
  438. [22:24.55] <+Kir> "Sends commands to metal, according to input signals"
  439. [22:25.06] <Hin> "*
  440. [22:25.34] <+Kir> "Nonmagical, so resistant to mages"
  441. [22:25.54] <+Kir> "I can make this myself, so not Kallosi either"
  442. [22:25.55] <+Mel> "How would you make a mechanism that could do that nonmagically?"
  443. [22:26.13] <+Mel> "Does sound Kallosi- but that is what you first learned from, in a way I suppose."
  444. [22:26.24] <+Mel> "A bunch of small regulatory systems."
  445. [22:26.29] <+Kir> "Alchemy"
  446. [22:26.33] <+Kir> "Metallurgy"
  447. [22:26.39] <+Kir> "Not Kallosi per se"
  448. [22:26.56] <+Mel> "We'll talk more of this in the future though. I am getting tired, and I suspect we will have time in the next few days."
  449. [22:27.20] <Hin> "Kir, you should attempt to craft your control unit."
  450. [22:27.28] <+Kir> "Will prototype'
  451. [22:27.33] <Hin> "It can be field tested on lower-grade energy sources first."
  452. [22:27.38] <Hin> "Such as an air gem."
  453. [22:28.08] <Hin> "It is always encouraging to see young people pursuing the arts and magics with such vigor.'
  454. [22:28.54] <+Kir> "Hmm."
  455. [22:29.05] <+Kir> "I will start, then"
  456. [22:29.17] * Kir smiles at the mannequin
  457. [22:29.25] <Hin> "I will try to render any encouragement, though I am only a middling alchemist."
  458. [22:29.26] <+Kir> "Look forward to working together"
  459. [22:29.34] <Hin> "It is my pleasure, Kir."
  460. [22:29.53] * You are now known as D
  461. [22:29.56] * You are now known as DM
  462. [22:29.56] * Mel briefly departs, then returns to the room with her blankets.
  463. [22:29.59] <DM> Alright.
  464. [22:30.11] <DM> I'm going to skip ahead a bit here.
  465. [22:30.19] * Mel checks on her incredibly powerful magical night-light and goes to sleep.
  466. [22:30.28] <+Repriever> Assume Repriever has a miserable following morning.
  467. [22:30.29] <DM> The rest of the evening passes relatively uneventfully.
  468. [22:31.04] <DM> Kir begins to experiment with the mechanics needed to jury-rig a control unit, especially impulse wires, button mechanisms and other strange alchemical cantrips.
  469. [22:31.59] <DM> Mel sleeps after checking that her binding has neutralized the passive energy leaking from Azri's armillary.
  470. [22:32.31] * akvan stumbles into the mess in the morning, looking for mel
  471. [22:32.35] <DM> Penumbra sinks into the bliss of meditation, and dwells in places of serenity.
  472. [22:32.39] <DM> And then, yes, the morning comes.
  473. [22:33.38] <DM> Repriever awakens in intense pain and sickness, withdrawal and wounds from his fight with Zathindra and Azri's extra love tap really sinking in
  474. [22:33.52] <DM> Akvan is the first to awaken.
  475. [22:33.56] <DM> The rest soon follow.
  476. [22:34.13] <DM> Feel free to go about your mornings as you please.
  477. [22:34.21] <+akvan> "mel!?"
  478. [22:34.22] * akvan calls
  479. [22:34.23] <+Repriever> "Gaahauh," he moans, in the worst way.
  480. [22:34.27] <+Mel> "Yello."
  481. [22:34.37] <+Mel> "Sleep well Akvan?"
  482. [22:34.51] <+Penumbra> "How are you feeling?"
  483. [22:34.52] <+akvan> "Ummm... I don't know if... Umm... the air essence is gone."
  484. [22:34.55] <+akvan> "Did you take it?
  485. [22:34.56] <+akvan> "
  486. [22:35.18] * Repriever rolls out of bed and to the floor, then dry heaves for a minute in answer.
  487. [22:35.37] <DM> "Oh, good morning sunshine," says the tiny blue dragon unwinding from your arm, Repriever.
  488. [22:35.48] * Penumbra winces and kneels next to Repriever, supporting him
  489. [22:36.12] <+Penumbra> "When are we moving out?"
  490. [22:36.31] <DM> "Whenever you are ready!"
  491. [22:36.35] * You are now known as Carcephon
  492. [22:36.47] <Carcephon> "Although...perhaps I should cancel the parade, and the more aggressive feasting?"
  493. [22:37.05] <Carcephon> "Repriever won't take any medicine! I told you you should wean him off it..."
  494. [22:37.16] * Shala eventually crawls out of bed after a night of fitful sleep
  495. [22:37.31] <+Repriever> "Nevermind it."
  496. [22:37.52] * Repriever signals that he wants Penumbra's help in walking to the mess.
  497. [22:38.02] * Penumbra does so, while Carce snipes
  498. [22:38.26] <+Mel> "It's in a circle right now."
  499. [22:38.28] <+Repriever> "No visitors in the night?" he asks Carcejewel.
  500. [22:38.53] * akvan breaths a sigh of relief
  501. [22:39.06] <+akvan> "I'm glad it wasn't stolen... Why didn't you wait for morning to ask me for it?"
  502. [22:39.11] <+akvan> "Instead of just taking it in the night?"
  503. [22:39.40] <+Mel> "I don't know for certain what influence it can have- you know that as well as I."
  504. [22:39.59] <+akvan> "Haven't I... we... earned some trust?"
  505. [22:40.02] <+Mel> "Also I needed to test something out before we set out, regarding safely containing and using an essence."
  506. [22:40.02] <+Shala> [everyone's going to the mess?]
  507. [22:40.06] <Carcephon> "Any you were expecting?"
  508. [22:40.13] <+Repriever> [seems so]
  509. [22:40.20] <Carcephon> "None of the wizardly sort, no."
  510. [22:40.28] <+Mel> "It's not about trust, don't worry about that Akvan. I simply left you sleeping."
  511. [22:40.37] <+akvan> "Hmmmph"
  512. [22:40.37] * Repriever sucks his teeth at Carcephon.
  513. [22:40.38] * akvan sits
  514. [22:40.40] * Kir walks into the mess, seeming a little tired. Almost as if he was up half the night tinkering...
  515. [22:40.48] <+Kir> "Will anyone eat?"
  516. [22:40.50] * akvan gets back up to get a mug of something hot.
  517. [22:40.55] * akvan sits back down to nurse it
  518. [22:41.04] * akvan KNOWS how ridiculous that looked, and is trying to play it cool
  519. [22:41.07] * Repriever arrives on Penumbra's arm to the mess.
  520. [22:41.17] * Shala tussles her hair as she stumbles into the mess room
  521. [22:41.23] <Carcephon> Currently, mulled hot cider is available as well as large chunks of cold salted ham and warm bread and porridge.
  522. [22:41.25] <+Mel> "If you're concerned, I'll leave the set up in your protection in the future- I think I've found a safe solution, I'll work on a mobile version in the future."
  523. [22:41.27] <+Repriever> The little blue jewel dragon perched on his shoulder.
  524. [22:41.42] * akvan shrugs
  525. [22:41.58] <+Mel> "Well, we might as well have good food for all, since we'll be getting a full resupply soon enough."
  526. [22:42.02] <Carcephon> "My physical form will be arriving shortly. Until then, enjoy breakfast!"
  527. [22:42.14] <+Repriever> "Looking forward to it."
  528. [22:42.17] * Repriever sounds like he isn't.
  529. [22:42.20] * Carcephon squiggles back into the torc on Repriever's arm.
  530. [22:42.38] * Kir sets to cooking, heating, or prepping what there is to be cooked, heated, or prepped
  531. [22:43.20] * Repriever pokes at some cold salted ham in disgust.
  532. [22:43.46] * Mel sits next to Repriever.
  533. [22:43.49] <+Penumbra> "You need some food." Penny says to Preev, then sees Kir putzing around in the kitchen
  534. [22:43.55] <+Mel> "Feeling bad... but feeling better?"
  535. [22:44.07] <+Repriever> "Temporary relief."
  536. [22:44.59] <+Repriever> Bruises cover his arms, and, presumably, the rest of him.
  537. [22:45.09] <+Shala> "Kir, make extra for me."
  538. [22:45.10] <+Penumbra> "He was stirring in his sleep all night."
  539. [22:45.14] * Shala yawns
  540. [22:45.50] * Penumbra looks at Preev and tightens her lips a bit, then she takes the plate of cold ham
  541. [22:45.59] * Kir nods
  542. [22:46.02] <+Repriever> "Plainchant's torture."
  543. [22:46.09] * Repriever informs Penumbra.
  544. [22:46.20] <+Repriever> "Over and over... over again."
  545. [22:46.31] * Mel has an upset look on her face.
  546. [22:46.34] * Penumbra pauses and sits back down and breaths out
  547. [22:46.50] <+Mel> "I'm sorry."
  548. [22:47.07] * Shala considers that Eshkob was the last in possession of her body
  549. [22:47.29] <+Repriever> "The price we pay, nothing more."
  550. [22:47.42] <+Repriever> "It'll fade into something new with time."
  551. [22:48.32] <+Penumbra> "The list never stops growing."
  552. [22:48.58] <+Repriever> "My condition isn't helping, but some relief is better than none at all."
  553. [22:49.21] <+Repriever> "Shala."
  554. [22:49.33] <+Repriever> "Your master attacked me in the night."
  555. [22:49.44] * You are now known as Hin
  556. [22:50.03] <Hin> "You should be pleased to know that not all is grim from the Calcissi front, Repriever. Both Tercis and Kallias survived to reach the Citadel."
  557. [22:50.14] <+Repriever> "That is good."
  558. [22:50.16] * Shala pauses with her hand in her hair, blinking
  559. [22:50.18] <Hin> "And initial reports from Tetraea indicate the city is not completely destroyed, only severely damaged."
  560. [22:50.19] <+Repriever> "They have a queen, still."
  561. [22:50.31] <+Shala> "Did you not think to wake me?"
  562. [22:50.45] * You are now known as DM
  563. [22:50.55] <+Repriever> "He isolated me in a bubble, frozen time."
  564. [22:50.55] <DM> Repriever would have had trouble making it to Shala's room even had he wanted to.
  565. [22:51.13] <+Shala> "Yes I would guess as much, but afterwards!"
  566. [22:51.23] <+Shala> "Did...well, everyone is still here."
  567. [22:51.27] <+Shala> "It must have went well"
  568. [22:51.27] <+Repriever> "I could not stand after."
  569. [22:51.41] * Shala scoffs
  570. [22:51.47] <+Repriever> "I can scarcely stand now."
  571. [22:51.57] <+Repriever> "He's pissed, of course. Mancers."
  572. [22:52.07] * Repriever gestures the normalcy of that.
  573. [22:53.10] * You are now known as Carcephon
  574. [22:53.32] * Mel leans over to Repriever and squeezes his hand.
  575. [22:53.35] <+Mel> ?roll 8d6
  576. [22:53.35] <%tBot> Mel: 35 [2 5 3 5 6 4 4 6]
  577. [22:53.47] <+Repriever> "Guh."
  578. [22:54.00] * Shala exhales
  579. [22:54.01] * Repriever sighs, eyes drooping.
  580. [22:54.03] * Carcephon strides through the entrance to the galley, golden hair braided like a crown with blue flowers and little sapphire snakes.
  581. [22:54.09] <+Shala> "Fine, it's not important. He came and went."
  582. [22:54.09] <+Mel> "Eat your food. It will help."
  583. [22:54.19] <Carcephon> "Well, don't my little birds look beautiful this morning."
  584. [22:54.25] <+Mel> "It all happened when time was frozen- I didn't hear anything until the moment he left."
  585. [22:54.29] * akvan waves
  586. [22:54.32] <Carcephon> "All fresh and plump in their nests."
  587. [22:54.35] <Carcephon> "Akvan!"
  588. [22:54.37] <+Mel> "Morning blue."
  589. [22:54.40] * Carcephon glides over to him.
  590. [22:55.11] <Carcephon> "Wonderful to see you, my flame."
  591. [22:55.38] <+Repriever> "So... you return."
  592. [22:55.48] <Carcephon> "Do I ever leave?"
  593. [22:55.48] * Repriever speaks much calmer.
  594. [22:55.53] * Carcephon smiles slightly.
  595. [22:56.14] * Repriever fingers some food.
  596. [22:56.28] <Carcephon> "Sorry to hear you had some Tower trouble last evening."
  597. [22:56.45] <Carcephon> "Those annoying wizards, always sticking their long noses where they don't belong."
  598. [22:56.53] <Carcephon> "Present company excluded of course, Shala."
  599. [22:57.32] <+Shala> "I don't see why, but continue"
  600. [22:58.17] * akvan raises a hand to touch carcephone's arm, reinvigorated at that moer than the sleep and the warm drink ever did
  601. [22:58.31] <Carcephon> "Mm, well, the main question is that I've prepared two of my smaller palaces for you to use during your stay of relaxation in Sapphis."
  602. [22:58.44] <Carcephon> "I was coming to inquire which palace you would prefer."
  603. [22:59.17] <+Repriever> "Does that matter?"
  604. [22:59.32] <Carcephon> "The Palace of Blue Water, naturally, has a beautiful bath complex, but the Palace of Songs is a bit more airy, I did that during my architectural phase about a century ago...the acoustics are really perfect for the bronze harp."
  605. [22:59.51] <+Mel> "A bath is always welcome."
  606. [23:00.08] <+Repriever> "I don't think I can handle airy."
  607. [23:00.15] <+Repriever> "Drown me in a tub."
  608. [23:00.19] <Carcephon> "Not to say that any of my palaces lack baths, but the Palace of Blue Water has truly majestic baths."
  609. [23:00.45] <+Repriever> "If someone plays a harp around me now I might break it."
  610. [23:01.09] <Carcephon> "Oh, Repriever, I hope to change your mind eventually."
  611. [23:01.38] <Carcephon> "But we have much to celebrate!"
  612. [23:01.50] <+Shala> "Ohh a bath...oils...big leafy fans...."
  613. [23:02.03] <Carcephon> "Our victory over my treacherous siblings, and a beautiful new world for us all to enjoy together."
  614. [23:02.53] <Carcephon> "Of course, you may explore the city as you please. Each ward has its own scion of diviners to prevent crime before it occurs, and all of the people have been ordered to treat you naturally, as they would their own."
  615. [23:03.08] <Carcephon> "I've learned you all prefer those sorts of fun little egalitarian concessions."
  616. [23:03.18] <+Repriever> "Slaves."
  617. [23:03.33] <Carcephon> "Repriever!"
  618. [23:03.52] <Carcephon> "Do you think that I would stoop to something so crude as slavery?"
  619. [23:03.55] * Repriever shrugs.
  620. [23:04.12] <Carcephon> "All the children born in my empire are carefully educated, and assigned a role that fits their desires and aptitudes perfectly."
  621. [23:04.26] <Carcephon> "It is Seen what they will enjoy and do best."
  622. [23:04.41] <Carcephon> "Consequently, they are happy, and naturally they have everything they could need."
  623. [23:04.41] <+Penumbra> [using divination to find their future aptitudes? do they also get a butt mark?]
  624. [23:04.41] <+Repriever> "And what is Seen that I will enjoy?"
  625. [23:05.05] <+Repriever> "Because right now, I don't know."
  626. [23:05.07] <Carcephon> "What you will enjoy and what you will allow are two very different divinations, Repriever."
  627. [23:05.17] <Carcephon> "But I believe, what you are searching for..."
  628. [23:05.19] <Carcephon> "Is to forget."
  629. [23:05.55] <+Repriever> "Can you?"
  630. [23:06.52] <Carcephon> "Oh yes."
  631. [23:06.57] * Carcephon smiles.
  632. [23:07.54] <+Repriever> "Between the two of you, you should be able to See the end of this curse upon my body."
  633. [23:08.01] * Repriever looks between Mel and Carcephon.
  634. [23:08.05] <+Repriever> "If there is one."
  635. [23:08.30] <Carcephon> "A little air poisoning never hurt anyone."
  636. [23:08.40] <Carcephon> "Well, actually, it killed many, many people."
  637. [23:08.43] <+Mel> "You are looking at a very clear counterexample."
  638. [23:09.03] <Carcephon> "Well, yes, Repriever would be dead if he were fully mortal, alright."
  639. [23:09.10] <+Repriever> "Maybe I haven't had enough of you yet, Mel."
  640. [23:09.36] <Carcephon> "But we need to clear his mind before we can act upon the toxins of his body."
  641. [23:09.49] <Carcephon> "I believe his natural regenerative abilities will assist us."
  642. [23:10.09] <Carcephon> "Do you mind if I have Vyriscine join us this evening? We would like to test our theory on your body."
  643. [23:10.14] <+Repriever> "Do whatever you want to me."
  644. [23:10.22] <+Mel> "Particularly if we do not leave his body dependent on some external power source."
  645. [23:10.37] <+Mel> "Repriever's strength comes from within."
  646. [23:10.37] <+Repriever> "You have no idea how loud the thunder is."
  647. [23:11.43] <+Repriever> "I'm open to whatever treatments the divines have in store."
  648. [23:12.04] <+Repriever> "Anything besides taking that essence again."
  649. [23:12.06] <Carcephon> "Whatever I want..."
  650. [23:12.26] <Carcephon> "Yes, well, I'm confident we have a spell that will lead you to full health soon."
  651. [23:12.45] <Carcephon> "In the meantime, I want you to enjoy Sapphis."
  652. [23:12.57] <Carcephon> "Are we ready to go there now?"
  653. [23:13.17] <+Mel> "That has been the decision of the party."
  654. [23:13.21] <+Repriever> "Be sure there is no method for Azri's entrance into the city."
  655. [23:13.45] <+Shala> "There's always a method"
  656. [23:13.49] <Carcephon> "Several hundred of my children are constantly on duty looking for threats to my city."
  657. [23:14.10] <+Penumbra> "We should address the troops before they are dispersed."
  658. [23:14.15] <Carcephon> "I review their reports every morning, attempting to guide us towards the best possible future."
  659. [23:14.42] <+Repriever> "They shouldn't see me like this."
  660. [23:14.51] <+Penumbra> "Additionally, I would like to ask if you have or would be able to procure a supply of Shade Steel."
  661. [23:14.53] <+Repriever> "It won't improve their morale."
  662. [23:15.02] * Penumbra looks towards Akvan
  663. [23:15.10] <Carcephon> "Shadesteel, you say."
  664. [23:15.26] <+Penumbra> "We need to make it clear that we are retreating with victory."
  665. [23:15.28] * akvan doesn't meets penumbra's eyes
  666. [23:15.52] <Carcephon> "Small caches exist, although most of it remains under the ice."
  667. [23:16.10] <Carcephon> "I suspect Vyriscine will have enough for you to work with. I'll ask her."
  668. [23:16.44] <+Penumbra> "Thank you."
  669. [23:17.01] <Carcephon> "But your captain's advice is right, Akvan."
  670. [23:17.07] <Carcephon> "It's time for you to speak to our soldiers."
  671. [23:17.11] <Carcephon> "As for you, Repriever..."
  672. [23:17.23] <Carcephon> "A little bit of glamour and you'll be a regular Aridai."
  673. [23:17.31] * akvan looks around
  674. [23:17.50] <+Mel> "Or Repriever could appear as he is."
  675. [23:17.52] <+akvan> "we've been motionless for a while... what of the fallen fire-angels?"
  676. [23:18.00] <Carcephon> The Reme, outside, is surrounded by soldiers, who have taken over this small village of Lakhmul's outer domain.
  677. [23:18.03] <+Mel> "Many of the victorious are wounded and weathered as well."
  678. [23:18.14] <Carcephon> "Oh yes, the rebels."
  679. [23:18.25] <+Mel> "Even the greatest among us are staggered by our struggles and efforts."
  680. [23:18.28] <+akvan> "Might they not track us?"
  681. [23:18.40] * Repriever nods to Mel's words.
  682. [23:18.41] <Carcephon> "Potentially. But I do not see them attacking."
  683. [23:18.42] <+Mel> "And similarly bear these wounds and pains."
  684. [23:18.45] <+Penumbra> "We have all made sacrifices over the past day."
  685. [23:18.54] <Carcephon> "It seems your encounter with Tariel at the Tower of Illusion may have altered their strategy."
  686. [23:18.58] <+Mel> "Let them know that we fight and bleed together."
  687. [23:19.04] <Carcephon> "For the moment, it seems they are waiting."
  688. [23:19.11] <+Repriever> "Had you given me another moment there would not be a Tariel."
  689. [23:19.18] <Carcephon> "We will discuss this at greater length in private, Akvan."
  690. [23:19.22] <+Penumbra> "All of us, Elydian, Dragon, Wardens."
  691. [23:19.39] <Carcephon> "Even the Calcissi are on our side, now!"
  692. [23:19.49] <Carcephon> "And Calcis was my mortal enemy."
  693. [23:20.00] * Penumbra nods to that smoothly and turns to Akvan again
  694. [23:20.06] * Repriever stands.
  695. [23:20.13] <Carcephon> Fort save, Repriever.
  696. [23:20.16] <+Repriever> "I've forgotten something."
  697. [23:20.22] <+Repriever> ?roll 1d20+13
  698. [23:20.22] <%tBot> Repriever: 16 ([3] +13)
  699. [23:20.37] <+Repriever> [+17*]
  700. [23:21.03] <Carcephon> You stagger, and stand.
  701. [23:21.11] * You are now known as DM
  702. [23:21.13] <DM> [ayooo]
  703. [23:22.12] * Repriever wobbles his way out of the room.
  704. [23:22.23] <+Repriever> "Keep eating, please."
  705. [23:22.43] <+Shala> "Don't have to tell me twice"
  706. [23:22.54] <DM> Carcephon leads Akvan onto the deck of the Reme, which makes an excellent podium, now surrounded by thousands upon thousands of blue, white, purple, and even a few gold ssethkar, velcirath, and tarcirath.
  707. [23:23.06] * Penumbra looks back to Akvan, then Repriever, then gets up as well
  708. [23:23.25] <DM> Some of the tarcirath are in their draconic forms, and smaller draconics are sitting on their backs and shoulders to try and see from the back.
  709. [23:23.36] * akvan looks at repreiver as he is getting pulled out
  710. [23:24.15] <+akvan> ?roll 1d20+20
  711. [23:24.15] <%tBot> akvan: 21 ([1] +20)
  712. [23:24.18] <+akvan> (Diplomacy)
  713. [23:24.21] <+akvan> Oh, well
  714. [23:24.26] * akvan stutters a bit
  715. [23:24.37] <DM> Dead silence from the crowd of soldiers.
  716. [23:24.42] <+akvan> "Um, well...."
  717. [23:24.45] * You are now known as Carcephon
  718. [23:24.46] * akvan coughs
  719. [23:24.49] <Carcephon> "All of you!"
  720. [23:24.55] <+akvan> "You all are brave, right?"
  721. [23:25.00] <+akvan> "Yeah, I think so?"
  722. [23:25.09] <+akvan> "Ummm... "
  723. [23:25.11] <Carcephon> "Heed!"
  724. [23:25.13] <+akvan> "Good Job?"
  725. [23:25.33] * akvan turns away
  726. [23:25.33] <Carcephon> "Shush, let me introduce you."
  727. [23:25.54] * Carcephon magically enhances her voice, and then Akvan's.
  728. [23:26.07] <Carcephon> "In our world," says Carcephon.
  729. [23:26.12] <Carcephon> "We are known by our presence."
  730. [23:26.18] <Carcephon> "Our aura."
  731. [23:26.22] <Carcephon> "And our majesty."
  732. [23:26.30] * akvan nods vigorously
  733. [23:26.32] <Carcephon> "The god of fire HIMSELF."
  734. [23:26.34] * Repriever stumbles out onto the deck holding a potted plant.
  735. [23:26.44] <Carcephon> "Was split, in ancient times."
  736. [23:26.52] <Carcephon> "The root of the heresy that gave wound to our world."
  737. [23:27.09] <Carcephon> "A heresy we are driven to cure."
  738. [23:27.22] <Carcephon> "And that god is wounded."
  739. [23:27.28] <Carcephon> "But he made a plan."
  740. [23:27.35] <Carcephon> "A plan to cure himself."
  741. [23:27.42] <Carcephon> "Kharvalath the great."
  742. [23:27.52] <Carcephon> "WILL, be healed, by his own claw."
  743. [23:27.57] <Carcephon> "By a secret flame."
  744. [23:28.05] <Carcephon> "A flame we call Ameshar."
  745. [23:28.14] <Carcephon> "Hidden through the ages."
  746. [23:28.16] * Repriever gently sets the potted plant down by the door to the quarterdeck and joins the blue-gowned dragon and Akvan.
  747. [23:28.23] <Carcephon> "It is revealed now to you."
  748. [23:28.28] <Carcephon> "THIS, is for what you fight."
  749. [23:28.31] * akvan nods again
  750. [23:28.36] <Carcephon> "THIS, is for what Illian died!"
  751. [23:28.50] <Carcephon> "Now hail, the hidden flame made bright!"
  752. [23:29.00] * Repriever considers the crowd.
  753. [23:29.02] <Carcephon> "Prince Akvan!"
  754. [23:29.08] * akvan waves
  755. [23:29.10] * You are now known as DM
  756. [23:29.31] <DM> Carcephon's aura blazes out and wraps around the Reme like a draconic pyre of majestic blue sparks.
  757. [23:29.40] * DM gently pushes Akvan forward, as the crowd roars.
  758. [23:29.43] <DM> Carcephon*
  759. [23:29.44] * Repriever has a headache.
  760. [23:29.47] * akvan flares the brand on his forehead, as he is pushed forward
  761. [23:29.52] * Repriever rubs at the bridge of his nose.
  762. [23:29.55] <DM> (You can take a new roll now Akvan)
  763. [23:30.00] <+akvan> ?roll 1d20+20
  764. [23:30.00] <%tBot> akvan: 23 ([3] +20)
  765. [23:30.09] * akvan coughs once, twice.
  766. [23:30.11] <+akvan> and then speaks
  767. [23:30.12] <DM> (well, better! and with the mod it's still above 20)
  768. [23:30.34] <+akvan> "You have fought hard, these past few days. Many of you have fought against the forces of ice and despair for even longer."
  769. [23:30.47] <+akvan> "You have fought hard, and lost hard."
  770. [23:30.57] <+akvan> "But that is not all you are.
  771. [23:30.59] <+akvan> "
  772. [23:31.22] <+akvan> "You are people, with desires, with loves and losses and kindnesses and angers all of your own."
  773. [23:31.30] <+akvan> "And that is why we ALL fight."
  774. [23:31.43] <+akvan> "because there are things that we can lose, that we don't want to lose."
  775. [23:32.15] <+akvan> "Look to either side, look around you. These are all people who have given their all, just as you have, to save those who cannot."
  776. [23:33.03] <DM> A proud golden tarcirath gazes at a shy purple ssethkar.
  777. [23:33.20] <+akvan> "That is what I see when I look out at you. Heroes. Because for every Penumbra or Repriever or Melkir or Calcis or Illian"
  778. [23:33.51] <+akvan> "There are a thousand heroes of have given their all so that they could be remembered. And I say that that's even more heroic."
  779. [23:34.20] <DM> A heartbroken white velcirath clutching an old halberd passed down from generations paths the back of a blue velcirath.
  780. [23:34.22] <+akvan> "Fighting KNOWING that you are giving yourself to a greater good, building a foundation for a better world"
  781. [23:34.26] <DM> pats*
  782. [23:34.42] <+akvan> "Even if your name is forgotten by time."
  783. [23:34.52] <+akvan> "You will have built something great. ANd I count myself proud to fight alongside you."
  784. [23:34.56] <+akvan> "Thank you."
  785. [23:35.44] * Mel applauds.
  786. [23:35.53] <DM> There is silence.
  787. [23:35.59] * Shala begins a small clap but stops
  788. [23:36.01] <+akvan> (except for mel applause.)
  789. [23:36.05] * akvan steps back
  790. [23:36.05] * Mel continues.
  791. [23:36.06] <DM> Then a slow wave of rolling applause, which builds into a cheer.
  792. [23:36.16] <DM> Then finally, gouts of many-colored flame shooting out into the sky.
  793. [23:36.20] * Repriever winces at the noise.
  794. [23:36.47] <DM> And repeated, booming shouts, from dragonkind soaring in the sky above or hanging out of every window or even crowded on the rooves.
  795. [23:36.55] <DM> "A-me-shar, a-me-shar"
  796. [23:37.02] <DM> "Which eventually just becomes "AKVAN! AKVAN!"
  797. [23:37.52] <DM> Carcephon steps forward again.
  798. [23:37.55] * You are now known as Carcephon
  799. [23:38.19] <Carcephon> "Soon, you will all be called upon for the final assault, to liberate our Father from his captors, heretics and rebels."
  800. [23:38.49] <Carcephon> "I know you will serve dutifully and well, in the knowledge that every step forward will build the better world that Akvan imagines."
  801. [23:39.25] <Carcephon> "Good hunting to you all!"
  802. [23:39.47] <Carcephon> She shouts something in Draconic that they repeat, something to the tune of "Kharvalath etha iii"
  803. [23:39.58] <Carcephon> And then the gathering disperses.
  804. [23:40.04] * Mel knows Draconic.
  805. [23:40.08] * Repriever is fluent.
  806. [23:40.18] <Carcephon> Technically, the whole conversation was in Draconic.
  807. [23:40.35] <+Repriever> [so we must use the tags]
  808. [23:40.46] <+Repriever> {{Well put, divine.}}
  809. [23:40.47] <+akvan> (Oh, sorry)
  810. [23:40.48] <+akvan> D:
  811. [23:40.56] <Carcephon> [no problem, it was on me too]
  812. [23:41.06] * Repriever is sarcastic.
  813. [23:41.26] <Carcephon> "Now now Repriever, you are part of the better world too."
  814. [23:41.42] <+Repriever> "You're not the first long-legged woman to tell me that."
  815. [23:41.51] * Repriever returns to his potted plant.
  816. [23:42.31] * Carcephon draws a hole in the sky with a sapphire wand, through which gentle blue petals drift to fall on the deck of the Reme.
  817. [23:42.40] * Repriever has a seat on the deck with the odd shrub before him.
  818. [23:42.51] <Carcephon> "When you are ready, simply step through my gate."
  819. [23:43.13] <Carcephon> "The city is yours to explore as you please."
  820. [23:43.25] <Carcephon> "Until then!"
  821. [23:43.53] * Penumbra nods farewell to Carcephon
  822. [23:44.14] <Carcephon> "Goodbye, Akvan. Excellent speech."
  823. [23:44.28] <+akvan> "If you say so."
  824. [23:44.31] * Carcephon kisses him gently on the forehead and then disappears through her gate, which remains open.
  825. [23:44.32] <+akvan> "Thank you.
  826. [23:44.33] <+akvan> "
  827. [23:44.37] * Repriever considers the plant, then picks it back up again.
  828. [23:44.52] <+Repriever> "She's spying on me either way, and I want to soak."
  829. [23:45.20] * Repriever walks through the gate first.
  830. [23:46.42] <Carcephon> Repriever, as you step through, you land on soft, but yielding ground.
  831. [23:46.53] <Carcephon> Some sort of flying tapestry, floating in the air.
  832. [23:46.55] * Mel convenes briefly with Hin.
  833. [23:47.14] <+Repriever> [so a flying red carpet?]
  834. [23:47.15] <+Mel> "So will you set flight to the dragon's den, or will I see you next at the Citadel?"
  835. [23:47.41] * Carcephon changes topic to: A Handful of Dust Session 100: Sweet Dreams +https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8zsE5zdlsQ,
  836. [23:47.58] <Carcephon> "I will return to the Citadel, Melchior."
  837. [23:48.01] <Carcephon> says Hin.
  838. [23:48.03] * You are now known as Hin
  839. [23:48.24] <Hin> "Forgive me, but I know she will pick apart what few secrets I have preserved if I enter there."
  840. [23:48.33] <Hin> "And for us Luvanashi, some secrets are sacred."
  841. [23:48.49] <Hin> "However, I can begin initiating your designs in the Citadel while you are away."
  842. [23:48.55] <+Mel> "Until we meet again. I will take your advice regarding the essence. May shadows continue to shroud you."
  843. [23:49.24] <Hin> "May the lightless moon shine her true face upon you, Master Melchior Boone."
  844. [23:49.37] * Repriever doesn't find this soft footing easy to deal, but manages to keep walking.
  845. [23:49.49] <Hin> Repriever.
  846. [23:49.56] * You are now known as DM
  847. [23:50.04] <DM> A blue carpet, in fact.
  848. [23:50.09] <DM> And it looks out...
  849. [23:50.17] <DM> over domes.
  850. [23:50.23] * akvan follows through as well
  851. [23:50.38] * Repriever speaks to Akvan as he enters.
  852. [23:50.44] <+Repriever> "I wasn't aware I'd have to do much walking."
  853. [23:50.50] <DM> Vast, blue-tiled domes, rising like the humps of a great leviathan from the sea.
  854. [23:51.01] <DM> Beneath them, long rows of elegant tiled houses.
  855. [23:51.33] <DM> And everywhere, bright blue silks, shrouding the streets from the heat of the sun which beats down over white puffy clouds, as warm updrafts bring petals and scents to your nostrils.
  856. [23:51.41] <DM> Flower and spice.
  857. [23:52.11] <+Repriever> "Almost Elydian."
  858. [23:52.12] * Mel gives a farewell for a brief departure her Knights, with hope that those who remain missing are found alive, and departs.
  859. [23:52.20] <+Penumbra> [any lavender?]
  860. [23:52.26] <DM> There are no walls here, the city sprawls, interspersed with gardens, parks, and rivers.
  861. [23:52.27] <+Repriever> [that would be a sin]
  862. [23:52.53] <DM> But here and there, great towers emblazoned with the Eye loom over smaller neighborhoods, Carcephon's human form on one side, and draconic on the other.
  863. [23:53.29] <DM> Over all, around lampposts, from banners, and stretched from roof to roof, the city of blue silk guides, softens, enshrouds its people.
  864. [23:53.48] <DM> Sapphis, the city of met desires, the city of Carcephon's design.
  865. [23:53.59] * Repriever hugs his potted plant.
  866. [23:54.03] <+Repriever> "So now what?"
  867. [23:54.09] * Penumbra joins them after making her own farewell with Hin
  868. [23:54.23] <DM> Once you are all standing on the giant blue carpet, it slowly begins to glide forward through the air.
  869. [23:55.19] * Mel joins with Penumbra.
  870. [23:55.24] <DM> You see the shapes of many things.
  871. [23:55.33] <DM> Amphitheatres, where audiences regard plays.
  872. [23:56.10] <DM> Strung lights under the silk illuminating food stalls, and what seems to be a special festival underway.
  873. [23:57.03] <+Repriever> "Did you speak with Cal?" he asks Mel on the carpet ride.
  874. [23:57.07] <DM> Well-proportioned gardens and family homes, with humans and ssethkar walking in the streets without much distinction between them.
  875. [23:57.35] <+Mel> "Yes I did."
  876. [23:57.50] <+Mel> "She seems to be doing well and is not in dampened spirits."
  877. [23:57.58] <+Repriever> "Is she aware of what's happening to me?"
  878. [23:58.47] * akvan is now known as thomasberubeg
  879. [23:58.49] <+Mel> "She did not say either way."
  880. [23:58.53] <DM> One beautiful blue-domed palace complex the carpets now near.
  881. [23:58.55] <+Repriever> "So she is."
  882. [23:58.59] * thomasberubeg is now known as sleepberubeg
  883. [23:59.30] <+Mel> "She really did take after Elydian architecture, didn't she."
  884. [23:59.49] <+Repriever> "More than just that. Everything about her."
  885. [00:00.06] <DM> A vast network of trickling fountains fill sluices, stylized representations of Carcephon-as-water-serpent, Carcephon building fleets, establishing trade, in the tiled mosaics over which the water slides, to fill fragrant pools with beautiful trees shading pools in which lightly-dressed men and women rest or float.
  886. [00:00.08] <+Repriever> "But it will never match the old cities."
  887. [00:00.37] <DM> Indeed, as you saw at Tarcydia, Carcephon is fascinated with preserving architecture of previous times, but here she has adapted those designs to her needs.
  888. [00:00.39] * Repriever sounds bitter.
  889. [00:00.51] * Shala yawns
  890. [00:00.54] <+Shala> "Not enough bustle"
  891. [00:01.05] <+Repriever> "That's good."
  892. [00:01.39] <DM> Fountain-aqueducts coming from the palace slide through mosaiced channels, into pools, and then finally channel into a natural-looking river filled with lilypads and jeweled blue frogs, which then slides out through the palace walls to feed a larger park outside it.
  893. [00:01.45] <+Repriever> "This tranquility will be in ruins by the time we're through with it, I'm sure."
  894. [00:01.57] <+Repriever> "So it goes."
  895. [00:02.41] <DM> A beautiful, blonde haired, blue-eyed woman with an eye on her forehead awaits to greet you in a grassy field beside this river.
  896. [00:02.55] <+Repriever> "Hello."
  897. [00:03.06] <DM> "Welcome, great allies!"
  898. [00:03.19] <+Mel> "Elydia did have more people in rags on the streets."
  899. [00:03.22] * Mel says, quietly.
  900. [00:03.29] <DM> "I am Luteia, responsible for this palace and your hospitality."
  901. [00:03.31] * Repriever looks down himself at that.
  902. [00:03.46] <+Repriever> "Yes, we did," he says back to Mel.
  903. [00:04.03] * DM curtsies, sweeping a beautifully toned leg to the side as she bows, earrings dangling.
  904. [00:04.08] * Mel looks set to continue the conversation, but Luteia has just introduced herself.
  905. [00:04.08] <DM> Luteia*
  906. [00:04.14] <+Repriever> "Luteia."
  907. [00:04.15] <+Mel> "Good to meet you Luteia."
  908. [00:04.26] <DM> "If you prefer to confer, I am happy to await you at the gates."
  909. [00:04.34] <DM> "Your privacy is our first concern."
  910. [00:04.39] <+Repriever> "Tired of standing."
  911. [00:04.45] * You are now known as Luteia
  912. [00:05.05] <Luteia> "Sapphis is a distillation, and an innovation, of all of the greatest cities of history, we believe."
  913. [00:05.25] <Luteia> "Carcephon has taught us that in order to truly See the future, we must first preserve and understand the past."
  914. [00:05.45] * Repriever wonders how much of a mutt he must appear to be compared to these carefully crafted facades.
  915. [00:06.00] <Luteia> "I hope to help you explore all we have to offer in your time here."
  916. [00:06.22] <+Repriever> "I'm the past, and damn well need some preservation."
  917. [00:06.41] <Luteia> "Any desire, from intellectual curiosity, to food and drink, to companionship, will be satisfied, Count Palatine."
  918. [00:07.09] * Repriever eyes the party.
  919. [00:07.11] <+Mel> "I'd be happy to take a walk around. I've seen enough destruction and pain in the past days."
  920. [00:07.15] <Luteia> "I can guide you as directly as need be, or disappear and never sully your gaze again."
  921. [00:07.25] <+Repriever> "You're fine."
  922. [00:07.45] <+Repriever> "There are much worse things than you."
  923. [00:07.47] <Luteia> "It is a grace to be part of your story, noble heroes."
  924. [00:07.48] * Penumbra is in thought
  925. [00:07.49] <+Mel> "Show us around if you please, I'd be happy to follow along- I know nothing of this city, save reputation."
  926. [00:07.54] <Luteia> "Of course."
  927. [00:08.03] <Luteia> "Currently we are within the walls of the Palace of Blue Water."
  928. [00:08.46] <Luteia> "Those who have accumulated sufficient points may take their leave here, regardless of their station in society."
  929. [00:08.59] <+Repriever> "Points?"
  930. [00:09.31] <Luteia> "All immediate needs, such as food, drink, and housing, are supplied to Carcephon's population without payment, in return for doing their jobs."
  931. [00:09.54] <Luteia> "However, over time with adequate performance, and in return for excellent performance, subjects earn points which allow them to access more selective experiences."
  932. [00:10.21] <+Repriever> "And how many points do I have?"
  933. [00:10.24] <+Shala> "Why does every new city feel the need to defend it's customs to our face?"
  934. [00:10.26] <Luteia> "These include access to the palaces, entertainment, and other amenities that are not commonly provided."
  935. [00:10.26] * Shala mutters
  936. [00:11.00] <Luteia> "This is merely an explanation, High Athtar, although we are confident Carcephon has devised the most just system in history."
  937. [00:11.25] <+Repriever> "Do I have more than you?"
  938. [00:11.28] <Luteia> "And may I add, my congratulations on becoming the most powerful human mage."
  939. [00:11.35] * Shala straightens up
  940. [00:11.43] <+Shala> "Finally, some recognition!"
  941. [00:11.53] <Luteia> "Now, Repriever."
  942. [00:12.19] <+Repriever> "I'm curious."
  943. [00:12.20] <Luteia> "In response to your question, the palaces, while available to all, are reserved for the exclusive use of foreign dignitaries."
  944. [00:12.57] <Luteia> "These include those from other draconic princedoms, as well as those from the human Towers, and even occasionally extraplanar visitors!"
  945. [00:13.18] <Luteia> "Foreign dignitaries are exempt from the points system."
  946. [00:13.37] <+Repriever> "Unlimited points."
  947. [00:13.40] <Luteia> "However, normal foreign travellers such as merchants can accrue points through trade, in addition to standard currency exchange."
  948. [00:14.11] <Luteia> "Food and lodging to all travelers is free, as long as it is Seen that they bear no ill will."
  949. [00:14.24] <+Repriever> "Well, we cannot guarantee that, can we?"
  950. [00:14.38] <Luteia> "It has already been guaranteed."
  951. [00:14.48] <Luteia> "Carcephon would never admit a visitor who poses a threat to her people."
  952. [00:14.51] <+Penumbra> "What kind of amenities do the palaces and the city provide in regards to magical learning and practice?"
  953. [00:15.09] * Repriever snorts.
  954. [00:15.11] * Luteia turns to Penumbra
  955. [00:15.45] <Luteia> "Count Palatine Katadei, the standard primary and secondary education offers those of draconic birth training in the maintenance and use of their natural magics."
  956. [00:16.21] * Repriever 's gaze wanders to the lounging people in their garden pools as their hostess speaks.
  957. [00:16.21] <Luteia> "For those who are Seen to have aptitude for further study, Carcephon maintains a staff on retainer from several Towers to offer instruction in academic thaumaturgic arts."
  958. [00:16.58] <Luteia> "Furthermore, public libraries offer an extensive number of texts, depending on which texts one is Seen to have the capacity to appreciate."
  959. [00:17.27] * Repriever understands.
  960. [00:17.34] <+Penumbra> "What about facilities for practice and craft?"
  961. [00:17.46] <+Penumbra> [Repriever goes in on, they offer him picture books?]
  962. [00:18.29] <+Repriever> [preev can read books good]
  963. [00:18.34] <Luteia> "Magical artificing is considered to be a career pathway, and as such a variety of workshops exist to either enchant or ensorcel desired items. High value artifices are often imported and traded as well, especially with the Vyriscine Princedom."
  964. [00:18.47] * Penumbra nods, satisfied for now
  965. [00:18.57] <Luteia> "I must add, you truly display the Penumbra's legendary attention to detail."
  966. [00:19.11] <Luteia> "A number of historical commentaries have been written on your campaigns in this very city!"
  967. [00:19.36] <+Repriever> "I'd like those brought to me."
  968. [00:19.43] * Penumbra nods
  969. [00:20.01] <Luteia> "It would be our pleasure."
  970. [00:20.03] * You are now known as dM
  971. [00:20.05] * You are now known as DM
  972. [00:20.34] <DM> Some people are louging in the pools, while others are sitting at what appear to be some kind of cafe tables scattered across the flower-fields, drinking colored beverages or eating small desserts.
  973. [00:21.18] <+Repriever> "Where are the private baths?"
  974. [00:21.27] <DM> You pass up a stairway, whitewashed with pale blue paint on the rises between steps, elegant serpentine lamp-posts shading bronze-studded wooden doors which are wide open.
  975. [00:21.34] * You are now known as Luteia
  976. [00:21.52] <Luteia> "Private baths are within, Count Palatine Setadei."
  977. [00:22.13] <Luteia> As you enter the inner chamber, you see that in this area, billows of fragrant steam rise from the pools.
  978. [00:22.33] <Luteia> Servants glide by, carrying trays of bath oils and various chilled wines and other beverages.
  979. [00:23.00] <Luteia> And here, everyone, from the servants to the bathers, are stark naked in the warm steam.
  980. [00:23.15] <Luteia> All beautiful, and all moving according to Carcephon's design.
  981. [00:23.29] <+Repriever> "Do you have something other than wine? I've been told not to drink."
  982. [00:23.29] <+Mel> [bears the question of where the uggos are]
  983. [00:23.34] <Luteia> Luteia also removes her gown and folds it, leaving it by the door.
  984. [00:23.39] <+Repriever> [not allowed to be born]
  985. [00:24.00] <Luteia> She turns to you, and you can now see the perfection of her Carcephon-designed body in full.
  986. [00:24.11] <+Repriever> "Yep."
  987. [00:24.27] <Luteia> "Please, follow me deeper into the palace."
  988. [00:24.31] * You are now known as DM
  989. [00:24.42] <DM> And she smiles beautifully.
  990. [00:24.44] <DM> End session!
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