"I have a little experiment I'd like to try, involving ground chilli, molten sugar and persimmon seeds." Squeak explains to the others "Other than that, I suppose I'm fine." Squeak hesitated "Although I suggest he accompany us to ensure he does not warn others, and so we can ask him further questions that may occur later."
Squeak took the prisoner aside for a private conversation as they walked, the hulking 'Forged form looming over the man "Given you have an above average number of breeding partners, which suggests you have an above average expertise, I'd like to ask you for advice about women."
Squeak paused "Really? Typically organics ignore details. I have made detailed notes on the recipes I prepared and the resultant review." he pulled out a surprisingly thick notebook "Day 1, meal 1. Bronwyn has indicated a desire to try some of the local foods, but a concern that she might suffer gastric distress so I have..."
"Palisade: I noticed you note taking. Were they just notes for the spider-device?"
Action 1:
Bronwyn flipped her ponytail over her shoulder, "I told you he wouldn't know anything. And now I just feel disdain for him and sorry for the women that for some bizarre reason choose to procreate with him."
Can I go now?
Bronwyn asked a few more question, "So you never met the woman before today? Or knew that you were working for the Emerald Claw? Or did you know and just not care?"
"Although I suggest he accompany us to ensure he does not warn others, and so we can ask him further questions that may occur later."
Bronwyn looked doubtful, "I don't think he'll be able to answer any more questions but whatever. I guess we can turn him into whatever passes as authorities in Adderport."
Action 3:
Bronwyn couldn't keep the surprise off her face as they are met by Sur'Kil in Adderport. However, she quickly recovered and put a smile on her face. "How kind of you to come meet us here in Adderport."
When she found out they would be having dinner together on the Lyrandar ship, she politely excused herself to change out of her tattered clothing into something more appropriate.
“Everything is important to a researcher like me. Please leave no detail out.”
"Day 1, meal 1. Bronwyn has indicated a desire to try some of the local foods, but a concern that she might suffer gastric distress so I have..."
Bronwyn cleared her throat and placed her hand on Squeak's arm to give it a squeeze, "Now, now, Squeak. I don't think those are the kind of details that Sur'Kil was talking about. I think he's more interested in the Temple or the dragons or the lava dogs or the half-dragon mummy...those kind of details."
Before sharing anything more about their adventure, Bronwyn actually had a question for Sur'Kil, "So do you know where the crown may be? Why it wasn't with the other items? I mean, why take the crown but leave the sceptre and the amulet?"
Action 1
"No you can't just go," Vi said, her voice incredulous. "You can come with us, and be turned into the authorities, or be killed, at our pleasure."
As they rested, she saw Bronwyn studying their new treasure. "Any chance one of those things is actually called the Dragon's Eye, and we just didn't realize it?" she asked the wizard.
tag
Action 2
Dusk's touch on her leg sent goosebumps rippling across Vi's flesh. As if drawn to the touch, her new Mark swirled up her leg, glowing faintly through the torn clothes. With an effort, she pushed it away again, not caring where it was, as long as she didn't have to see it.
Catching Dusk's eye, she asked, "So...it doesn't bother you that I'm a changeling? Most people aren't...interested...in us, unless it's their kink." She'd was more than a little surprised that the tiefling's flirtation survived the revelation of her race.
tag
Running her finger along the edge of the pauldron, she saw Dusk flinch, rather than shiver. "Is yours bothering you?" she asked, clearly meaning the Mark.
Action 3
After they told their employer everything, Vi asked, "Who else knew that you hired us? Is it possible that there was a leak at your end, and that's why we were attacked?"
Dusk held Vi's gaze, then blinked slowly and nodded.
"It would be remiss of me, hypocritical in the extreme, to judge you simply on your race"
She reached up and touched one of the small horns jutting from her brow.
"However you deserve more of an explanation than that simple truism, I can sense…"
Her gaze flicked across Vi's face, searching.
"…there's a flip side of being who you are, with the prejudice against your race, being untrusted. It must be very difficult for you to trust in turn. So you merit more insight in to my mind than I was expecting to give right now, but that's ok. We've fought and lain bleeding to death in the same room together which is more than can be said for most!"
She stared thoughtfully in to space
”A pretty face, smooth skin, flirting eyes, these things are an initial draw yes. Most of the exact form doesn’t really matter though, only that they've caught your eye. For some that's the only level they operate on. To go deeper than the skin though requires a meeting of minds, shared experiences develop what's there and form a bridge. But that bridge is mind to mind, then soul to soul. It's all about trust.”
She met Vi's eyes again.
"Trust was hard, maybe impossible to find where I grew up. It's part of the reason I now live in Sharn, mostly alone."
She let out a small sigh.
”We're getting ahead in leaps and bounds here, but if I were to try and put all this together in one phrase I'd say this…That you can take another form doesn’t matter to me, the most important thing is to be honest with me.”
She reached out and squeezed Vi's knee.
"I would never want you to change who you are, I understand the ability to do what you do isn't like a spell, it’s a part of who you are, like being born with adamantine support struts instead of bones."
She nodded at the 'Forged, thought for a moment, then reached out and took Vi's hand.
"This is as new to me as it is to you, and I just have one thing to ask of you. The desire for female company over male is as ingrained in my psyche as your ability to change your body is in yours. So, when we're enjoying each other's company, would it be alright with you to remain as you are? As a woman?"
*
A pained smile was Dusk's response when Vi reached up to her shoulder, to where the mark burned in her skin. She nodded.
"Have you ever had an infected wound? It's the closest thing I can think of to describe this"
She stared down at where the mark was, under her armor.
"Part of me, or what makes me me, is fighting it. The shadow against, well, whatever is causing these marks to appear. Like it's rejecting anything else trying to take a hold!"
She shook her head briskly and sighed
"It doesn’t appear to be lessening any time soon, so hopefully I can distract myself with other, nicer things until we find a solution."
She gestured at the swiftly fading mark on Vi's skin
"The others haven’t mentioned theirs causing pain, I take it yours doesn’t hurt so much as provoke some discomfort in you?"
"No you can't just go," Vi said, her voice incredulous. "You can come with us, and be turned into the authorities, or be killed, at our pleasure."
”Addendum. After which you shall be turned into sausages, cooked and served to dogs of questionable pedigree,” Palisade repeated the relevant parts of its earlier promise matter-of-factly.
"Any chance one of those things is actually called the Dragon's Eye, and we just didn't realize it?" she asked the wizard.
Bronwyn sighed and massaged the bridge of her nose, "I hadn't learned about anything in school called the Dragon's Eye. I was hoping that magic may provide some answers but it's slow going."
”Addendum. After which you shall be turned into sausages, cooked and served to dogs of questionable pedigree,” Palisade repeated the relevant parts of its earlier promise matter-of-factly.
Vi sighed, sounding tired. "It takes so much work to make sausages, Palisade. Can we just cut him into chunks and throw those to the dogs?"
"This is as new to me as it is to you, and I just have one thing to ask of you. The desire for female company over male is as ingrained in my psyche as your ability to change your body is in yours. So, when we're enjoying each other's company, would it be alright with you to remain as you are? As a woman?"
Vi listened to Dusk with a storm of emotions swirling through her. It took her a few moments to gather her thoughts into something coherent, and she appreciated that the tiefling patiently waited for her to be ready.
"If you'd spoken to me of trust a few years ago, I'd probably have laughed, or just been confused. Before I met Bronwyn, Squeak and Palisade, I never had a non-changeling friend who knew who I truly was. I was always taught to hide my nature, that the only way to be safe was to deceive. But through our adventures together, I have learned that love and trust are gifts, and we have to give them to receive them." She smiled over at the others, where the 'forged were currently discussing something that either had to do with sausage recipes or rat-training - she didn't want to know which.
Turning back to Dusk, her expression softened and she said, "For you to offer such a gift, after so short a time, speaks to the generosity of your soul. It is even more beautiful than your physical self. You inspire me to reciprocate in kind." Squeezing her hand, she said, "Whether in friendship, or whatever friendship evolves into, I will always give you the truth. And a female form."
Reaching up, she ran a finger along one of Dusk's horns, then gave it a gentle tug. Grinning, she added, "As for these, I'm excited to discover what advantages these love handles will give me!"
**
"The others haven’t mentioned theirs causing pain, I take it yours doesn’t hurt so much as provoke some discomfort in you?"
"I'm sorry to hear that yours hurts. Mine is only mentally annoying. Perhaps slightly warm, but I might only be imagining that - translating the light into heat. We must be able to find somebody in Sharn who can help you - help us - understand or even remove them."
”Addendum. After which you shall be turned into sausages, cooked and served to dogs of questionable pedigree,” Palisade repeated the relevant parts of its earlier promise matter-of-factly.
Vi sighed, sounding tired. "It takes so much work to make sausages, Palisade. Can we just cut him into chunks and throw those to the dogs?"
Declaration. Such half-posteriored approach sounds unprofessional, companion Mei'Vi. This one has been told revenge is a serious business and should not be rushed."
OOC: Good back and forth RPing between Dusk and Vi; both of you take 'inspiration'.
Recapping now...
Game on!
Once the others had finished their meal, Fendir walked down the ganplank with his sack of loot and towards the city.
Dusk laughed at the comment on her horns.
"Your compliments humble me Vi, I'm not used to such... sincerity. Thank you"
Dusk smiled at Vi, the vulnerability of the two bathed in mutual reassurance.
"Then yes, to wherever our joint path meanders, we'll share the journey and its gifts together."
Her fingers lingered on Vi's thigh for a moment, then she stood and offered her hand to help the Changeling up.
"Shall we begin?"
*
"I'm glad yours is not painful, I would hate to think of you in discomfort. Let us hope we can find someone to help, perhaps Sur'Kil will know of something similar that has happened before, and how such curses could be lifted."
Before Fendir headed off, Dusk held up a palm
"Make sure you come back, don't get all 'I can sort this out by myself'. The whole group of us were affected, we stand a better chance of fixing it if we're together."
She stared at the barbarian for a moment
"And if you're going to get drunk and pass out in a brothel, at least try and send a messenger to let us know which one so we don't have to trawl half the red light district to find you..."
She flashed him a grin and moved out of his way.
"OK so do we think first see what the local establishments have to offer in the way of cuisine and high end shopping? I think maybe I'd prefer that over more nature right now, beautiful vacation spot or not..."
"Changing money." is all Fendir says.
Once the others had finished their meal, Fendir walked down the ganplank with his sack of loot and towards the city.
"Changing money." is all Fendir says.
Bronwyn watched the barbarian go with her hands on her hips, "Do you think it smart to try changing money at this hour? Anyone you find this late in this place willing to change money is probably not the most honest of business people."
"OK so do we think first see what the local establishments have to offer in the way of cuisine and high end shopping? I think maybe I'd prefer that over more nature right now, beautiful vacation spot or not..."
Bronwyn gave an unladylike snort, "This is Adderport. I shudder to think what passes for cuisine here and I highly doubt there's much shopping let alone high end shopping. But I guess there isn't much else to do but look."
Action 3
Squeak stopped, not sure if to continue or not, he asked, “Palisade: I noticed you note
taking. Were they just notes for the spider-device?”
"Partially. This one is struggling with the design, considering we have to incorporate touch plates sensitive enough to trigger under average household spider's weight and blades sharp and fast-moving enough to cut such a light foe rather than merely fling it away unharmed," Palisade replied. "But this time, this one was considering the matter of facial hair. Even though this one has already settled on the grand design, there are any number of minute details to decide on. Thus, this one has been observing the male mammals we encounter, trying to catalogue differences in style so it might end up with the final design most suggestive of patriarchal authority. Honest observation. This one has also found out its skills at sketching are sorely lacking." The 'forged showed Squeak one page filled with painstakingly delicate line drawings that didn't resemble anything much beyond a chaotic mess, until one took into account the lack of depth perception of someone with only a single eye and how it might affect the way it perceived the world.
Action 4
Bronwyn gave an unladylike snort, "This is Adderport. I shudder to think what passes for cuisine here and I highly doubt there's much shopping let alone high end shopping. But I guess there isn't much else to do but look."
"Observation. It is shame previous companion Lucina Mindragus is no longer with us," Palisade thought aloud. "If this town's level of available shopping is inferior, it would have served as a good trial run for the purpose we sought to construct for her. Suggestion. Perhaps we should buy her a souvenir? This one believes such action is considered appropriate when one is traveling while a companion remains behind."
Action 4:
If everything was as accessible as you described, then why not take everything.
Bronwyn forced herself to smile sweetly, "Thank you for rephrasing my question. I would have preferred an answer but understand if you don't have one."
He looked at Bronwyn, “Such an event would be rare enough, but one true dragonmarked among their number claimed to see her mark change in shape at the same time. What came of them, I do not know.”
Their employer piqued Bronwyn's interest with this last piece of information. "Where did you uncover this report? Could there be more information available that you may have overlooked at the time? It would be nice to know what happened to that group of explorers."
She fixed Sur'Kil with a hard stare, "Did you know of this risk when you sent us to collect these artifacts? The fact that you know of this tale suggests that you did." The wizard's eyes sparked with anger, "I do not appreciate you taking such liberties with my identity. Needless to say, I am displeased."
Let’s meet back here in three days time.
Bronwyn sighed and rolled her eyes, "Three days? Beautiful islands aside, the intensity of the sun here is not good for my skin. Although that will give me more than enough time to study the artifacts. It could give us more information. I assume that you'll have no trouble leaving them in my capable hands for three days."
"And the Dragon's Eye?" Vi asked. "Do you know what they were referring to?"
tag
Sur'kil's admission that he knew of a previous group who'd experienced the same phenomenon put Vi into alarm mode. Perhaps this was the true purpose of this trip!
"What do you want to stay here for 3 more days? What are you hoping to find?"
"Observation. It is shame previous companion Lucina Mindragus is no longer with us," Palisade thought aloud. "If this town's level of available shopping is inferior, it would have served as a good trial run for the purpose we sought to construct for her. Suggestion. Perhaps we should buy her a souvenir? This one believes such action is considered appropriate when one is traveling while a companion remains behind."
***
Vi watched Fendir head out with his money. She agreed with Bronwyn - she wasn't going to risk changing her money here. It should be safe enough on the ship, especially if 152 consented to watch it for them.
Speaking of... Moving to Squeak, she said, "Have you spoken to 152, to see what she wants to do, now that we're back? Is she going to continue to travel with us? Or would she rather go her own way?" It didn't occur to Vi to ask the 'forged herself - 152 seemed barely sentient, especially compared to Squeak and Palisade.
Bronwyn gave an unladylike snort, "This is Adderport. I shudder to think what passes for cuisine here and I highly doubt there's much shopping let alone high end shopping. But I guess there isn't much else to do but look."
Mei'Vi slung an arm around Dusk and Bronwyn's shoulders. "Rest assured, if there is high end anything in this town, we're the three to find it. Come, let us find clothes without holes! And food without bugs! And alcohol! Definitely lots of that."
"This is Adderport. I shudder to think what passes for cuisine here and I highly doubt there's much shopping let alone high end shopping. But I guess there isn't much else to do but look."
Dusk nodded
"I have to admit there was much optimism in my suggestion, I too fear that options to spend coin on the nicer things will be scant, still I'm sure we can make our own fun!"
"Observation. It is shame previous companion Lucina Mindragus is no longer with us"
"Palisade. It has come to my attention through several mentions of 'previous companions' that traveling with this group may be hazardous to one's health. Exactly how many 'previous companions' have you entertained in the course of this contract!?"
"Rest assured, if there is high end anything in this town, we're the three to find it. Come, let us find clothes without holes! And food without bugs! And alcohol! Definitely lots of that."
Dusk grinned
"Now the key to all of that is alcohol! With sufficiently good spirits or wine I've found that the enjoyment of most activities is improved upon, and in support of Vi's words, it's the company that matters really and not the activity!"
She draped an arm nonchalantly around Vi's waist.
"I think it's time to paint the town whatever shade of crimson your fashion sense dictates!"
"Palisade. It has come to my attention through several mentions of 'previous companions' that traveling with this group may be hazardous to one's health. Exactly how many 'previous companions' have you entertained in the course of this contract!?"
”Request acknowledged. There have been three previous companions who are no longer with us. Number one. Precious companion Rathan Two-Tribes whose bodily odor could make women swoon,” Palisade replied matter-of-factly. ”He parted ways with us to join our employer of the time on another mission. Number two. Precious companion Rokko, the heretical follower of the Silver Flame. He left us after our mission to the Mournland. Third, Precious companion Lucina Mindragus. She was with us until the beginning of this mission, and is presumably still in Sharn, learning the intricacies of shopping.”
Squeak stood straighter "I am known for my intelligence. I had not considered going so far as friendship... but that is a possibility. I have noted that Bronwyn is worried she may not be accepted by her family, or others, given... recent events."
"Bronwyn's intellect surpasses even my own, and therefore I must assume that her worries are well founded. I am unable to prevent possible rejection, so I am starting on a plan to create a backup family for her. As part of this I need a better understanding of human mating habits." He looks around "I understand it is something to do with chocolates, flower and underwear."
Speaking of... Moving to Squeak, she said, "Have you spoken to 152, to see what she wants to do, now that we're back? Is she going to continue to travel with us? Or would she rather go her own way?" It didn't occur to Vi to ask the 'forged herself - 152 seemed barely sentient, especially compared to Squeak and Palisade
Squeak looked confused for a moment. "162. I very much think she should come with us. She would be quite the celebrity in Sharn, and we could refurbish her chassis. I'd love to see her properly restored. Those sleek lines, and smooth curves..." he trails off. "Palisade? What do you think?"
Bronwyn gave an unladylike snort, "This is Adderport. I shudder to think what passes for cuisine here and I highly doubt there's much shopping let alone high end shopping. But I guess there isn't much else to do but look."
"I do need supplies. I'm completely out of powdered sugar, my cooking oil is in desperate need of replacement, and I need more crossbow bolts and poison." Squeak pointed out.
”Request acknowledged. There have been three previous companions who are no longer with us. Number one. Precious companion Rathan Two-Tribes whose bodily odor could make women swoon,” Palisade replied matter-of-factly. ”He parted ways with us to join our employer of the time on another mission. Number two. Precious companion Rokko, the heretical follower of the Silver Flame. He left us after our mission to the Mournland. Third, Precious companion Lucina Mindragus. She was with us until the beginning of this mission, and is presumably still in Sharn, learning the intricacies of shopping.”
"That seems a very anthropocentric list." Squeak mumbled a complaint. More loudly he continued "I think that a gift for Lucina sounds like a wonderful idea. Food is probably not appropriate, given it will rot. Maybe clothes? I've noted humans seem to like clothes a lot. Further, it should be possible to choose this easily, as their soft bodies stretch around clothes."
"I am known for my intelligence. I had not considered going so far as friendship... but that is a possibility. I have noted that Bronwyn is worried she may not be accepted by her family, or others, given... recent events."
"Bronwyn's intellect surpasses even my own, and therefore I must assume that her worries are well founded. I am unable to prevent possible rejection, so I am starting on a plan to create a backup family for her. As part of this I need a better understanding of human mating habits." He looks around "I understand it is something to do with chocolates, flower and underwear."
"I do need supplies. I'm completely out of powdered sugar, my cooking oil is in desperate need of replacement, and I need more crossbow bolts and poison." Squeak pointed out.
Bronwyn smiled, "I think we can all agree that you need more cooking oil and powdered sugar to make those fantastic doughnuts of yours but I think it'll have to wait until tomorrow. This isn't Sharn, I don't think shops will be open now. We can all go in to do some shopping tomorrow."
"I think that a gift for Lucina sounds like a wonderful idea. Food is probably not appropriate, given it will rot. Maybe clothes? I've noted humans seem to like clothes a lot. Further, it should be possible to choose this easily, as their soft bodies stretch around clothes."
Bronwyn shook her head, "As much as Lucina needs a new wardrobe, I don't think that's something she wants. You may do better to find her a book of some sort as a gift. Maybe something about Q'barra."
She draped an arm nonchalantly around Vi's waist.
"I think it's time to paint the town whatever shade of crimson your fashion sense dictates!"
Bronwyn quickened her pace so that she was ahead of Dusk and Vi, wondering if she really wanted to be a third wheel. But truth be told, she'd rather be a third wheel than drink by herself. "Last one there buys the first three rounds."
I intend to recap later tonight.
Questions?
Game on!
Fendir first finds a money changer who can convert the large sack of coins into much more manageable ones. He will wake one up if he has to.
Once his coin is less...conspicuous, he will find a tattoo artist and have them attempt to remove the tattoo.
Action 4
Squeak looked confused for a moment, “162. I very much think she should come with us. She would be quite the celebrity in Sharn, and we could refurbish her chassis. I'd love to see her properly restored. Those sleek lines, and smooth curves...” he trailed off. “Palisade? What do you think?”
"Enthusiastic agreement. Unit 162's dedication to her duty is an example for us all. It is only proper for her to be restored to peak physical efficiency. Suggestion. It is, of course, her own prerogative to choose a new Purpose for herself, but this one is sure the Church of the Creator-Goddess could use her services as we seek to save the souls of the heathens of Sharn."
Action 5
Bronwyn shook her head, “As much as Lucina needs a new wardrobe, I don't think that's
something she wants. You may do better to find her a book of some sort as a gift. Maybe something about Q'barra.”
Palisade nodded its agreement at Lady d'Deneith's superior knowledge of the subject, herself being a female approximately of age with previous companion Lucina Mindragus, even though it had been rather impressed with unit Squeak's suggestion of the suitability of clothes as gifts, considering his theory had been so well based on physical realities.
"A reasonable suggestion, Lady d'Deneith. Query. Do you have an idea what kind of a book previous companion Lucina Mindragus might enjoy? This one was thinking of a romantic novel of some sort, since it seemed her quest for a wealthy mate had not advanced much when this one last met her to query her progress."
"No." Squeak answered honestly, his mind on 162 "Should I have? Most of us lack taste and smell receptors. I understood they are one of the most primal of human senses." Inspiration struck "Aha! Both chocolates and flowers make a strong impact. Also: this is why human lovers taste each other! And why they use cullinary referenced for attractiveness!"
Squeak cursed his decision to give up on his pheremone experiments after the Incident.
"Interesting" Squeak allowed 'The facial hair problem is one I had not anticipated, but humans do dislike having hair removed. Your research into human status hairstyles bears unexpected fruit."
"Perhaps a..." Squeak took a leap of faith "Spicy book? With a sweet hero and a bitter heroine?"
Action 5
"Perhaps a..." Squeak took a leap of faith "Spicy book? With a sweet hero and a bitter heroine?"
Palisade hesitated at this new concept. It lacked the sense of taste and smell, so such concept were quite alien to the ‘forged, but it felt compelled to participate in the conversation nevertheless.
”Perplexed. This one was not aware books were flavored. Query. Would sprinkling sugar and powdered pepper on the pages help achieve the required result?”
"Thank you for the run down Palisade, I am reassured to hear that all three prior companions left rather than died!"
She nodded at Sur'Kil
"I'm not sure on our sliding scale of favors owed between us as to where being infected with this faux Dragonmark comes..."
Dusk raised an eyebrow but there was at least some humour to her words.
"Perhaps if you have a nice bottle of something to help start off our night of rest and recuperation that would be good!?"
She tapped Vi playfully on the hip and broke in to a jog, as she caught up to Bronwyn she shook her head.
"Three rounds!? Pah!"
She held up a dangerous looking bottle with slightly cloudy liquid in.
"How about the last three there have to split this between them!?"
Hear ye, hear ye! Quite unlike the clearly superior Finnish language
That. Is. Not. Real!! Seriously? No wonder you're such a good writer - English has set you free!!! :)
"A reasonable suggestion, Lady d'Deneith. Query. Do you have an idea what kind of a book previous companion Lucina Mindragus might enjoy? This one was thinking of a romantic novel of some sort, since it seemed her quest for a wealthy mate had not advanced much when this one last met her to query her progress."
Vi stifled a laugh. She'd forgotten that the ill-gotten mission to find Lucinda a husband had started because of the Warforged's insight that shopping would be a suitable hobby for the bored druid.
”Perplexed. This one was not aware books were flavored. Query. Would sprinkling sugar and powdered pepper on the pages help achieve the required result?”
The changeling raised her hand to interrupt the machinations of the machines, then subsided. Whatever the two of them managed to cook up between them would certainly entertain, and probably annoy, their glum friend. She made a mental note to find Lucinda a book on the plants of the region, and leave it at that.
Action 5
As they settled themselves around what passed for a "high end" restaurant in these parts, Vi leaned forward and asked softly, "So, what do you make of Sur'kil wanting 3 days here? It makes me suspicious. Should we be following him, see what he's up to?"
Action 3:
Squeak looked confused for a moment, “162. I very much think she should come with us. She would be quite the celebrity in Sharn, and we could refurbish her chassis. I'd love to see her properly restored. Those sleek lines, and smooth curves...” he trailed off. “Palisade? What do you think?”
“Perhaps a...,” Squeak took a leap of faith, “Spicy book? With a sweet hero and a bitter heroine?”
Bronwyn hid a smile by ducking her head as the 'forged discussed their souvenir choice for Lucina. For not the first time, she couldn't help thinking that it was extremely entertaining when it was happening to someone else. But there was also something very touching about the 'forged wanting to get something for Lucina to make her happy. They were a lot more thoughtful than most fleshies. Bronwyn straightened up and patted both Palisade and Squeak on the arm, "I'm sure Lucina will love whatever you get her. The fact that you thought of her enough to bring her back something is a gift in itself."
As they settled themselves around what passed for a ‘high end’ restaurant in these parts, Vi leaned forward and asked softly, “So, what do you make of Sur'kil wanting three days here? It makes me suspicious. Should we be following him, see what he's up to?”
Bronwyn shrugged, "It's not like Adderport has tons of places to research information. He probably needs the time to get the information we need. Now, the more important question is what's good to eat here?"
She flagged down a server and ordered a tankard of ale to drink while they decided on food.
Action 4:
Bronwyn crossed her arms, "This Jheamast seems not too bright if he got so far as to take the crown but then leaves the other two artifacts. I also find it curious that he manages to take this supposedly great weapon so long ago and have it just disappear from common knowledge."
Fendir returns to the ship the next morning, looking even more dejected than before, but no longer carrying a massive sack.
Action 2
“Interesting,” Squeak allowed, “The facial hair problem is one I had not anticipated, but
humans do dislike having hair removed. Your research into human status hairstyles bears
unexpected fruit.”
Palisade was perplexed. What did beard and fruit have to do with each other. Unless... as it thought about the matter, it did recall seeing some decidedly hairy fruits on sale on certain market stalls in Sharn. Not needing to eat it had not paid any particular attention on such things, but perhaps its squad-mate, much more world-wise of the two, was onto something with his subtle hints...
Action 3
Bronwyn straightened up and patted both Palisade and Squeak on the arm, "I'm sure Lucina will love whatever you get her. The fact that you thought of her enough to bring her back something is a gift in itself."
"It may well be as you say, Lady d'Deneith, but careful planning does help ensure success," Palisade said, then cocked its head to one side as a thought occurred to it.
"Unit Squeak... this one has just realized something. It may be that not many people have drawn a connection between books and flavors like you just did. Perhaps, at a later date, you might seek to employ this new concept and extend it to your dietary establishment. This one is considering themed evenings, built around a particular popular book. You could ride the success of the author by enhancing the experience, engaging multiple senses of the patrons. Foods to entice their palate, odors to tease their sense of smell, illusions to conjure colored mood lightning and shapes of light and shadow on the walls, music or at least ambient sounds. All suited to the current chapter of the book. Perhaps a narrator reading the book aloud so your patrons would have their hands free to more efficiently enjoy your cooking."
"Indeed, you might call it Extra-Sensory Partaking," the 'forged suggested, enjoying its rare moment of creativity.
OOC:
@Bronwyn:
100 gp per person per week is a very good deal. You came here on an offer of 50 gp per person per week.
I'll divulge info on the Lhazaar Principalities in the turn recap.
@Fendir: you feel like Sur'kil is uneasy about something, like he's reluctant to share all the information with the group.
Questions?
Game on!
"You should tell us what you're hiding. You reek of fear." Fendir says to Sur'kil.
Action 3
Bronwyn straightened up and patted both Palisade and Squeak on the arm, "I'm sure Lucina will love whatever you get her. The fact that you thought of her enough to bring her back something is a gift in itself.""It may well be as you say, Lady d'Deneith, but careful planning does help ensure success," Palisade said, then cocked its head to one side as a thought occurred to it.
The wizard's smile widened, "And may I remind you that I also like gifts."
"Unit Squeak... this one has just realized something. It may be that not many people have drawn a connection between books and flavors like you just did. Perhaps, at a later date, you might seek to employ this new concept and extend it to your dietary establishment. This one is considering themed evenings, built around a particular popular book. You could ride the success of the author by enhancing the experience, engaging multiple senses of the patrons. Foods to entice their palate, odors to tease their sense of smell, illusions to conjure colored mood lightning and shapes of light and shadow on the walls, music or at least ambient sounds. All suited to the current chapter of the book. Perhaps a narrator reading the book aloud so your patrons would have their hands free to more efficiently enjoy your cooking."
"Indeed, you might call it Extra-Sensory Partaking," the 'forged suggested, enjoying its rare moment of...
Bronwyn clapped her hands together in delight, "That sounds absolutely wonderful! I would much like to attend an Extra-Sensory Partaking. Squeak, Vi, you should definitely try that out in your restaurant. If you do, I'll be the first one there."
Action 4:
If you are amenable, I would like to procure your services for another few weeks. The pay is 600 gp per week.” Sur’kil added, “Seeking clues of Jheamast’s activities in the principalities will no doubt take some time. This galleon remains chartered for your use.”
Bronwyn contemplated his offer. The amount offered seemed fair but this business about the aberrant dragonmarks still weighed on the wizard's mind. She couldn't be subjected to the stigma of an aberrant dragonmark. "You seem to enjoy research. I would be willing to agree to the new deal with the new payment if...you also promise to find out whatever you can about removing these aberrant marks and returning mine to normal."
"Vi, I'm sure he has his secrets, don't we all? Perhaps it's simply that most of what he has heard is conjecture, rumour, nothing susbstantial. I'd be hesitant to offer up information so flimsy in source!"
She collected a round of drinks, tankards of ale with an accompanying small glass of something black tht smelt of aniseed.
"Never tried 'jungle-root juice', apparently it's a local delicacy, though the barmaid was smirking quite a lot..."
*
Dusk shook her head in disbelief as Sur'Kil recounted the history of the Dragon's Eye.
"A fair offer given the nature of the work pursuing the artifact, just somewhat nebulous in duration... especially given the nature of the Principalities and the thousand year old needle in a haystack we have to find. Guarantee the pay for at least two months..."
She inclined her head towards Bronwyn
"...and as the lady says, some time spent on researching these marks would be needed."
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"Extra Sensory Partaking is indeed an excellent idea." Squeak confessed "And one I wish I had thought of. As for the parallel, I consulted with an expert on human thought, and they explained to me that primitive senses such as taste and smell are fundamental to human emotions. Thus 'flavor' descriptions are used for alternate purposes. Some of the conversations we have overheard about Bronwyn make more sense in this context, and I now feel we can safely abandon our fears that a proportion of human males are secretly cannibals."
He looked to the others "For example, I believe that were I to refer to Lucina as 'sweet', 'juicy' and 'ripe' I believe this would indicate I am interested in a liason, not that I believe she is similar to an orange. If I additionally described her as 'bitter', 'spoiled' or 'umami', however, it would indiate that I believed she was already in a liason and/or not open to another one."
The 'Forged looked seriously at his companion "This means we may need to revise some of our other plans based on new information on the number of human males.." Squeak paused "Er, males..." another pause "Organics. Organics who are interested in a liason with Bronwyn." He shook his head "After all, childbirth is quite dangerous to human females, due to their inferior reproductive mechanisms. Bronwyn's delicate skin, fine bone structure and low body weight will render her especially vulnerable."
"So the mark may endanger Bronwyn?" Squeak asked, immediately seizing on the most salient point.
"So not only have I been cursed with dragon words, but they may kill me too?"
Action 1
Vi stared at Palisade, her mouth hanging open. "You know," she said, "that's actually a really good idea. Not unlike dinner theatre, but for the more educated crowd. If done right, it could be amazing."
Giving Palisade a careful hug, she said, "The Creator-Goddess really outdid herself with you. Just when I think I have you figured out, you go and surprise me again."
Action 2
Action 3
Vi quickly consulted her mental map, then sighed. "We have to take this boat to the Lhazaar Principalities? Home of all the pirates in the world? And find record of some guy almost a thousand years dead? Where would we even start? I thought you did the research. We do the fetching."
"We do the fetching."
She caught a look of disbelief from Bronwyn, and the full import of what Sur'kil had said finally registered. This thing could kill me?![i]
She pushed her billowy sleeve up, then concentrated on her Mark, coaxing it up onto her arm where she could see it better. The strange pattern glowed slightly, as it always seemed to on her, and her alone. Frowning, she noticed that it had "avoided" the scar on her arm...[i]did you do that on purpose? It was the only other mark she'd never been able to use her changeling abilities to cover up. The word ICE, carved so deeply into her flesh she'd hit the bone. Now a bumpy scar, with the strangely coloured Mark seeming to flow around it.
"Lethal? Really?" she asked, her voice quiet. She looked up at their benefactor and said, "I hope those relics are worth it."