Silyph lets out a soft giggle at hearing Suleyiel's aspirations "I'm sorry, I see you've thought this through quite well. It is a tiny bit more than grandiose, but I look forward to telling one of the mayflies how I once walked upon the streets of Korvosa chasing stray cats with the mighty vanquisher of the nascent demon lord Treerazer." she pokes jokingly miming an indication of tiny by squeezing with her thumb and index finger to hold an non existent object the size of a grain of rice. "I do suppose it's good to have a strong focus as one's goal in life."
She fiddles with her hair as she continues the conversation "I don't know much about Treerazer only know of things I've gleamed out of books. I do recall my mother telling me of the beast at least once, when I still knew her when I was still quite young, but the specifics escape my mind and the tale was quite lost on me as I had never even seen a tree till my sometime during my late mid 30th year." she ponders the subject briefly and adds "Your clever reasoning might not be exclusive to only, though. I know of a half elvish girl in our class who's aspirations where set just a bar lower with merely vanquishing the demon lords minions......you'll likely find her better company than well..myself." with a calm acknowledgment that finding a way to rid the world of Treerazer simply isn't a strong driving passion of hers.
She sighs momentarily taking in the scenery of the busy street along the walk to market before muttering "It seems we're both foreigners in this city, though. You know honestly, I'd have preferred to study in Egorian. However choice was unfortunately, removed."
Still idly talking as she walks Silyph muses "I fear if I continue such pattern of northern migration throughout my life I may well end up residing in the crown of the world within a few decades. And cold weather doesn't suit me."
A short time later in their walk together she mentions rather out of the blue "If you're well ever interested in seeking aid in a task that isn't scouring the streets for cats. And by that well I mean if you ever need anyone to aid you in your studies, at school of course, I wouldn't mind having someone to accomplish such things with I'm always free. Not that I'm having terrible trouble in class and need to or have tons of free time anything, but if you wished to accomplish such things with someone else, I wouldn't mind fulfilling such a request of course." as she manages stammer out quite poorly she adds "I'm particularly good at summons if that matters."
Class during this week for Silyph is ordinary except for the few days she brings in a few dead bugs caught by her bird and experiments with a cantrip on them. She seems to expend a lot of effort in the task, but by the end of the week one of the dead bug fizzles with a hiss when she shoots a white beam at it with her index finger. The bandages have since returned to her hands and she asks Vasile only the occasional question about magic missiles between class. The stress of the week bears on her and there are a few days this week she shows up to class a few minuets late with unkempt hair, but she seems to manage it quite well. As always she's quite polite and very sparingly chatty with everyone she knows.
While she had a bit of trouble with it earlier, persistence pays off as she learns the simple technique of creating orbs of acid.
Vasile gets back in a regular rhythm, handling her school work, job, and friendships in balance.
x4=> 20gp
Vasile gets a fairly steady stream of customers this week, even getting a few repeat customers to consult her on new matters.
During class, the first few days of the new week, Vasile sits up forcibly straighter in her seat, seemingly afraid to let her back touch the seat. If asked, she will explaining happily that she has recently acquired a tattoo, and, as an apparently unseen consequence, she can't sit back in chairs without pain. This seems to subside in a few days.
Week 10:
Hathin concentrates more upon what is known than what is unknown during his classes, seeking to consolidate rather than learn a new spell. He continues to work at Crazy Tendencies...
Spellcraft: no attempt
Craft (Tattoo): - failed for gp
Stress: - pass by 5 or more - back to Tangerine (1)
...though his focus is still lacking. Frustration setting him to not perform well enough - earning some harsh words from Rita... giving rise to an anger that is not easy to quell.
Towards the end of the week...
There is a heady scent of cheap alcohol on his breath and wafting from his skin.
Silyph sighs prettily, and an adolescent elf's brain fizzles. (Of course, correlation does not equal causation; but who would believe it to be a coincidence?) "Egorian? Uh... Never been there. Is it near the city of thorns? And why would you want to study --" You can practically see the "Ah ha!" moment. "Oh! Right, I remember now. There are older colleges in Cheliax, more established, longer traditions; but, uh, that's all I know. Wasn't really interested, once I found out about this one." Suleiyel shrugs apologetically.
The two elves finally arrive at the market; and sure enough, there's someone with a basket of kittens, eager to give them away. Suleiyel is at first delighted with the cute little tabbies, petting them and cooing at them for a little while before taking a closer look at the woman and her small kids.
"But where is the kittens' mother?" Of course she's at home, they explain. Not with anyone, just at home. Suleiyel looks crestfallen. "Ah. I understand now; it's just not the same." The lanky elf straightens and walks away toward the Academae, looking back at the basket sadly, not much caring about the puzzled look he receives from the lady that had just watched him playing with her kittens like they were the most darling things on Golarion.
On the way back, Silyph breaks the awkwardly solemn silence with mention of studying together. "Of course! I really learn so much more when I have someone to explore a subject with. Bouncing ideas off each other, asking questions when stuck -- even knowing the answer, but then having to figure out how to put it into words. I miss it." Suleiyel looks over at the oft-confusing elfgirl and grins brightly, his focus brought back to the present and future, and away from the disappointment of a fruitless search for a familiar-like pet.
Realizing that there could be other people on the street who know Elven, and that magic could provide the means for a more private conversation, Suleiyel buckles down and works hard at channeling a whisper. Practicing with Rogar and Silyph, he easily masters the useful cantrip.
Accustomed to better weapons, and wishing to take more classes, Suleiyel continues to work hard fixing books for Gabi (and for others when she doesn't have enough work). However, in taking on more clients, he has to spend more resources to keep them all satisfied -- and although he does fine, he actually comes out with less profit than in previous weeks.
Throughout the week, Suleiyel can be seen chatting animatedly (or occasionally whispering) with the tanned, tattooed elf girl -- that is, when he isn't fixing books for one person or another. He appears a bit frantic at times, but manages to get everything done, looking tired yet satisfied by the end.
WEEK 10
In addition to helping Cezar (if he wants help), Pakak studies Detect Poison. Probably a good idea for someone who works with food.
(EDIT:
Pakak continues to cook at his work place. His confidence in that area is getting quite a beating but he perseveres.
At school, he feels a bit aimless. He realizes his earlier anti social nature has worked against him somewhat, so he doesn't have friends there. He keeps up his appearance as instructed by the good folk at the shine, which he does visit from time to time for a quick prayer. Shelyn wasn't his main goddess, but it can't hurt.
You all continue your diligent work on and off the school grounds, keeping up with school as well as your jobs as best you can.
As the school week draws to a close and the weekend draws near, you all hear rumors fluttering around about a very interesting reward being offered at a shop called Pestico's Dolls and Figurines. Apparently one of his life-sized figurines has escaped, and he's offering a sum for its safe return.
Pakak hears about the trouble at the shop and grows curious. He's been feeling a bit aimless of late. Maybe this employer will be a little less repugnant.
After hearing of the rumours, Hathin seeks Vasile's council. "I have been faring poorly and need for more money if I am to pay for tuition. Would you come with me? - merely to see what he needs of us, I would not force you to step where you do not wish"
Of course I'll come with you. I'd been thinking of asking you if you wanted to check it out, in fact. And if you ever need help, you can ask me. You know that, right?
Hathin nods at Vasile's question "Should we see if your brother would also come?"
No reason not to, I suppose.
When you first enter the room, Cezar is sleeping in bed, though he's sitting up and a book lies open in his lap atop a snoring Reem. It isn't until your fall and curse that he awakens with a start, sending the book and pig combo flopping about. "I'm sorry professor, I wasn't asleep!" he mumbles loudly as he struggles to stand up in bed, falling back onto his rear before rubbing his eyes free of sleep. Now noticing you on the ground, he perks up quickly.
"Hiya Hathin, comfy down there?"
Upon hearing of the escaped doll, Cezar ponders a while on if and how inanimate objects could be given life and free will. Stranger things have certainly happened, he assures himself, and he continues on with his day at school pleased with himself at his 'confirmation' that such a thing could actually happen.
Can I have a homonculus this go-around too? :D
EDIT:
When his sister shows him the tattoo, Cezar stands there staring and stammering in a mixture of disbelief, surprise, and a bit of awe.
"You...When did you get that? Why did you? It looks...Nice..." He continues staring, silently appraising the art, his opinion not in either positive or negative extreme.
In his typical rush of speech, Cezar steps up to you, looking up at you in your height. "I want to help people, to protect them, but we still have months before the school will help me learn. Is there anything you can teach me? Maybe we can..trade notes or something?" he holds out a tiny journal-esque book, the wooden covers plastered in silly bright doodles that depict strange machines with no obvious purposes.
After his conversation Pakak, Cezar decides to again try to learn that which avoided him the previous week, and spends a moment one day balancing books on his head. When they fall, he tries to catch them in his hands. Though the method isn't perfect, his first attempt at it is accompanied by a feint, but noticeable nudge of magic as his hands catch every book. He tries this again, but without putting the magic into his chest, hands and mind, and he ends the encounter as every single book whack into his body in their downwards flight.
Cezar spends this week studying (With Pakak, Hathin and Vasile?) for his classes. Easy though they may be, he is determined to continue to learn, after his 'mastery' of the weakest of Abjurations.
His time spent with friends and family halts his mood from souring further, and the boy spends the remainder of the week more chipper than he has recently.
Suleiyel finds the rumors equal parts intriguing and disturbing. What if... No, it couldn't be. Could it? Not yet knowing many people on campus, he approaches his study buddy Silyph. "You've heard about the doll shop, right? I can't even decide which interests me more, the money or the mystery. Would you like to check it out?"
Hathin nods to Vasile, and beckons her follow back to his room to see if Cezar would also come to the doll house.
Vasile will indeed come back to his room to see if Cezar would be interested.
Hathin approaches Cezar with the same question "I have been faring poorly. While I know the last job did not go well, would you come with me? - merely to see what he needs of us, I would not force you to step where you do not wish"
Pakak will head straight to Pesticos... though if he sees Cezar or Hathin he'll certainly invite them along, and share what he knows
During class, the first few days of the new week, Vasile sits up forcibly straighter in her seat, seemingly afraid to let her back touch the seat. If asked, she will explaining happily that she has recently acquired a tattoo, and, as an apparently unseen consequence, she can't sit back in chairs without pain.
Silyph takes notice of the unusual posture of Vasile earlier in the week. 'Strange I haven't seen such a thing except among the more insolent halflings among my stay.....' she thinks to herself briefly.
Inbetween class she approaches Vasile "Forgive me for being nosy, but I've noticed you're do not favor resting your back against a chair. Have you suffered injury or do you have some sort of back problem?"
hours.
Upon first hearing the rumors Silyph takes some time to ask around campus, a few taverns, and the markets about Pestico's Dolls and Figurines taking note of rumors and where it might be located...ect...
OOC question: Is it fine if Silyph purchases a wooden holy symbol of Asmodeus and Nethys? The price should be a simple 2gp for both. She won't be wearing them over her robes, but it's something she might feel inclined to buy and wear.
Silyph grins upon Sulyiel's mention of the doll shop "Why of course rumors have lit like a fire and the inferno seems to have consumed the campus somewhat..."
"While the mystery is intriguing the reward draws my interest. Mystery often unfortunately holds the gravity of the unknown which throws one off balance and can lead to surprises and misfortune born of ignorance. I do not care for it, but the allure of the reward is worth the risks as wealth will see our goals in life to easier completion." she muses clarifying her own motives. "Plus I'm a little bored anyways"
"If you would like to accomplish this task together as we have with our studies I would find it agreeable." she mentions candidly before adding, "However, a duo might has less strength than a group.....I know of a few sort who I performed a well...interesting task with earlier this semester. Perhaps their aid may see task to easier accomplishment; would you care to accompany me in locating them and I shall make introduction. I warn you some of them are a bit strange."
With an air of caution in her voice she tells Sulyiel "When dealing with the unexpected it's best to be well armed..." She'll make a brief stop to her dormitory and put on her armored kilt and spring loaded wrist sheath with sharpened dagger under her robes. She'll strap a quiver of bolts to her hip and tuck away the scroll of magic missile in her pocket before seeking out a few of her classmates.
-----
Silyph approaches you with armed with a smile quiver of bolts and a crossbow strapped to her waist accompanied by a lanky looking brown haired elf.
With a halfhearted bow she greets the half-orc "Greetings dear Pakak. This is my friend Sulyiel; Elf of the 'Eska'Taure' (Elven for home-forest or homeland), Koyin, and future destroyer of nascent demon lords."
"Sulyiel, this finely groomed orckin is Pakak. He's a most reliable sort."
After introductions are made she gets to business "Surely you've heard of the rumors surrounding the toymaker and his reward? I know you're a rather independent sort, but both Sulyiel and myself are interested in perusing his trinkets return on his behalf. Are you interested in working together I'm sure such a task would be easier with your aid?"
"Oh and by the way, I like the hair-cut."
After any conversing: If he's interested she'll causally suggest meeting up at the shop.
Silyph approaches Eudomia with armed with a smile quiver of bolts and a crossbow strapped to her waist accompanied by a lanky looking brown haired elf.
With a curt bow she greets her "Hello again Eudomia, might I introduce you to a friend of mine. His name is Sulyiel and he hails from Koyin. I think you'll find his shared interest in weakening Treerazers reign of terror to your liking."
"Sulyiel, this was the half-blood I told you of. She's a deft shot with a bow."
After introductions are made she'll ask Eudomia "Have you heard of the rumors spreading it's way through campus? I figured the talk of reward might peek your interest. I believe Sulyiel and myself are interested in retrieving the toy-maker's trinket, but to do so by ourselves would be foolish. Would you be interested in working together perhaps with others as well? I wouldn't mind Mael coming along if you'd want, but I don't much care for rash nature to warrant any desire to work with."
After any conversing: If she's interested she'll causally suggest meeting up at the shop.
Silyph approaches Eudomia with armed with a smile quiver of bolts and a crossbow strapped to her waist accompanied by a lanky looking brown haired elf.
She bows deeply a little more than you're comfortable with upon greeting her "Greetings miss Vasile. Have you met my friend yet? He's in our class his name is Suyliel. I have it on good authority he will vanquish a nascant demon lord one day."
"Sulyiel this is Vasile Liviu her skill at evocation magic is astounding if not a bit frightening."
After introductions are made she'll ask her "Have you heard of the rumors surrounding the toymaker? Both Sulyiel and myself where interested in recovering his doll. With others the task should prove easier would you be interested in working together on such a thing? It might be fun."
After any conversing: If she's interested she'll causally suggest meeting up at the shop.
It's a pleasure, Suleiyel. You've got quite a job ahead of you then, eh? She doesn't intend to seem insulting, if you take it that way.
Well, I wouldn't say astounding, but I'm pretty good, I guess.
As a matter of fact, I had heard of the rumors. I'm actually going to be working with some others, in fact, so I won't be able to meet up with you.
She says to Suleiyel, "You are from Kyonin as well? I would like very much to talk with you some other time." She leaves it at that for now, turning her attention to you as you outline your plan to go to Pestico's. At the invitation, she nervously pushes a lock of hair behind her ear as she says, "Ah... Sorry, but I don't think I can make that... I've got arrangements already... You understand..." She looks over to Suleiyel apologetically before saying, "Anyways, it's nice seeing you. Both of you," before walking off casually.
As Silyph leads you around the campus, she stops in a hallway and confronts a passing girl, saying, "Hello again Eudomia, might I introduce you to a friend of mine. His name is Sulyiel and he hails from Koyin. I think you'll find his shared interest in weakening Treerazers reign of terror to your liking." You can tell the girl she talks to is a half-elf. She's a bit taller than an average human girl, with long brown hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. She looks fair enough, though rather serious for her age; she looks you over shyly as Silyph talks. You detect a cute little smile.
Silyph introduces her as "the halfblood", and you can tell she doesn't enjoy that. However, she seems to put it out of her mind as she says to you, "You are from Kyonin as well? I would like very much to talk with you some other time."
Silyph then gets to outlining her wish to go to Pestico's. Eudomia seems bothered by something, and says, "Ah... Sorry, but I don't think I can make that... I've got arrangements already... You understand..." She looks to you, and you see regret in her eyes, but she continues, "Anyways, it's nice seeing you. Both of you," before walking off casually.
Silyph looks at her oddly for a moment "Oh...why? Who did such a thing to you."
Silyph adds "She's modest too, I saw her knock a charging half-orc flat on his back from 10 paces away with the force of her prowess."
She looks a little curious "Oh whom pray tell? I'm reckon joining forces and combining such groups would speed completion of task. I shall be heading there myself shortly."
Just my brother and a close friend. We were going to go alone, though. Who knows, we might see you if we decide to take the dollmaker up on his request. A little challenge might be fun.
With a strange look of surprise she follows up "....for you? Odd. It's interesting to know that Hathin has an artistic side to go along with his strong personality. How's he doing by the way, I've neglected opportunity to enjoy company."
Note of curiosity in her eye. "I don't suppose you would mind showing me the art he's painted with scar on your canvas? As long as it's healed not too private."
"Ah your brother is joining you? I adore him."
"I suppose competition breeds strength, but cooperation compounds it. Should our goals align I see little sense in splitting our efforts should they be towards the same end. Competition without purpose seems simply wasteful. If we are fated to be competitors I do wish you luck, though."
Upon noiticing the intent beyond the venomous gaze, '....Ah, halfblood is a pejorative. I must remember to cleanse such vocabulary picked up among the Infernal Imperium lest it draw unwanted offense...' she thinks to herself.
Sure, I can show you after classes today, I suppose. Come by my room, and I'll show you.
If you come to her room after classes that day, she'll show you the tattoo; it's an Ouroboros infinity loop, as has been described prior.
He seems a little surprised that you two want to go to the doll shop, but Cezar is obviously already curious about the place and is eager to go along with you.
"Nothing could go wrong as long as it's us, right? Wanna find Pakak too?" he says as he bounces out the door to his room, leaving a few damaged books on his desk where he had been working.
Silyph approaches you with armed with a smile quiver of bolts and a crossbow strapped to her waist accompanied by a lanky looking brown haired elf.
With a halfhearted bow she greets the half-orc "Greetings dear Pakak. This is my friend Sulyiel; Elf of the 'Eska'Taure' (Elven for home-forest or homeland), Koyin, and future destroyer of nascent demon lords."
"Sulyiel, this finely groomed orckin is Pakak. He's a most reliable sort."
After introductions are made she gets to business "Surely you've heard of the rumors surrounding the toymaker and his reward? I know you're a rather independent sort, but both Sulyiel and myself are interested in perusing his trinkets return on his behalf. Are you interested in working together I'm sure such a task would be easier with your aid?"
"Oh and by the way, I like the hair-cut."
After any conversing: If he's interested she'll causally suggest meeting up at the shop.
"Nice to meet you," Pakak says guardedly, more guarded about Silpyph than the new guy, though it might not be easy to tell"Thanks for the compliment... I'm seeing how being more social works out. And yeah, I'm going to the toymaker. I don't know about working together, Silyph. I think we think way differently on a lot of things... but I guess it won't hurt to at least check it out together and see what happens next."
After Eudomia is gone, Suleiyel discreetly confronts Silyph. "ಆದರೆ 'halfblood' 'halfbreed' ಎಂದು ಜಿಗುಪ್ಸೆಹುಟ್ಟಿಸುತ್ತದೆ; ನೀವು Kyonin ರಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆಯಲಿಲ್ಲ ಮತ್ತು ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದ ಆ ಸಂವೇದನೆ ತರಬೇತಿ ಪಡೆಯಲು ಬರಲಿಲ್ಲ ನಾನು, ನೀವು ಕೇವಲ ತಿಳಿದಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ ಅನುಮಾನದ ಲಾಭ ನೀಡುವ ಬಾಗುತ್ತೇನೆ , ಇವುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅರ್ಧದಷ್ಟು ಸಹ ಲೆಕ್ಕಕ್ಕೆ ಎಂದು ಸೂಚಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ರಿಂದ. 'ಅರ್ಧ ತುಂಟ' ಇದೇ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕಾಗಿ, ಉತ್ತಮ ಅಲ್ಲ; ನಾವು ಉದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಆಕ್ರಮಣಕಾರಿ ಎಂದು ಬಯಸುವ ಹೊರತು ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ನಾವು ಕೂದಲ ಕಿನ್ 'ಬಳಸಿ." He looks up and to the left at a memory, and purses his mouth. "ವೆಲ್, ಅಭ್ಯಾಸ ಶತಮಾನಗಳ ಹಳೆಯ ಎಲ್ವೆಸ್, ಹೊರತುಪಡಿಸಿ; ಆದರೆ ಅದು ಏನು ಅರ್ಥೈಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ನನ್ನ. ಭಾವಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಯಾವುದೇ." He dismisses the thought with a wave of his hand.
The shop you step into is a little cramped, made even more so by the lively action of customers moving about. There seem to be quite a few today, most of them gawking at one of the life-sized figurines you've heard so much about.
The interior walls are lined with shelves of dolls, and there are waist-high island shelves as well sporting all sorts of little playtoys. The dolls are of all shapes and sizes; humanoid and animal, even a few beasts which are more menacing, though they look rather cute in their plush form. The shelves form walkways down the shop, which are wide enough to allow two people to stand abreast. The counter stands near the door at the front of the shop, and a very old man man you presume to be Pestico stands behind it with one of the figurines apparently running the shop's till. Three other such figurines stand about the room on raised pedestals, looking like eerily convincing triplets.
The shop you step into is a little cramped, made even more so by the lively action of customers moving about. There seem to be quite a few today, most of them gawking at one of the life-sized figurines you've heard so much about.
The interior walls are lined with shelves of dolls, and there are waist-high island shelves as well sporting all sorts of little playtoys. The dolls are of all shapes and sizes; humanoid and animal, even a few beasts which are more menacing, though they look rather cute in their plush form. The shelves form walkways down the shop, which are wide enough to allow two people to stand abreast. The counter stands near the door at the front of the shop, and a very old man man you presume to be Pestico stands behind it with one of the figurines apparently running the shop's till. Three other such figurines stand about the room on raised pedestals, looking like eerily convincing triplets.
When he and the two elves enter, he looks about then notices the old man, "You the owner? I'm Pakak, from the academy. This is silyph and Sully..." He makes introductions, "We heard you might be having problems and might be looking for help."
Hathin enters into the doll shop just before Pakak asks his first questions of the proprietor. His eyes narrow at the sight of the half-orc's companions, but he does not yet speak... preferring to await Pestico's answer.
Vasile enters next to Hathin, and, seeing Pakak, realizes why they couldn't find him.
Vasile, too, waits for Pestico's response.
Suleiyel looks around in interest as Pakak introduces them, then waves with a grin and a silent "Hi!" at Vasile when he notices her standing there with a strange orc and a tall halfling. Then he does a double-take, remembering how he mistook Pakak at first, and looking for a halfling's pointy ears; sure enough, the evoker's companions could very well be an orc-kin and a short human instead. The gawky elf's brow furrows in confusion before he turns his attention back to Pestico and Pakak's conversation.