Ashley Kusuma Na-ti's page

Stay classy, people.

H-... have you read these forums?!

/veryoldjoke

:D

Someone find that Pugwampi and smoosh it

Did the pugwampi make off with our GM?

Looks like it

H-hey! I'm a tactical lion, not a Pugwampi!

Please make four rolls for me in this order, when you have a chance:

Craft
Profession
Charisma/Diplomacy
Perception
These will be for starting the Exotic Delights weekend, which I will describe soon.
Feel free to add some character description/interaction for the preparation, but don't move on to the Evening with guests yet.
Thanks!

Craft (beverages): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Ashley continues to attempt to slave over his creations, all the while attempting to assist his fellows.

When the winners of the comfort foods are announced, despite it being the other team, Ashley holds a combination of beaming enthusiasm with self-satisfied smirk, though he tries (unsuccessfully) to hide it behind his fan.

After escaping the crowd, he - gently - half-collapses against the wall in a combination of relief and desperate breathing, fanning himself softly, as he turns and rests his back against it. It's been a long week - almost more like a month and a bit! - of work. And he was just getting started. A satisfied smile and focused look comes and he gently pushes himself off of the wall.

He startles a little when he is referenced.

Kehlysch nods. "I would be will to contribute as well. I do, however, need to visit my family in the morning. I will leave my recipe journal with my room mate." He nods to Ashley. "I trust that he will take care of it, and return it to my chest when you all have finished with it."

Ashley bows, fan firmly in place. "I am honored by your trust. I shall do as you say, my friend." he nods, deeply, toward Kehlysch.

As talk of a book forms, Ashley finds himself nodding, gently, but clearly enthusiastic for the idea. When he hears the master of chop fu say,

Mimi nods. "A functional kitchen is a collaborative one," she says, as if that is somehow a logical reply.

... and adds, "A sound philosophy, Chef Mimi, and one with which I wholeheartedly agree. But yes, a book for all of us would be ideal."

Looking around I grab some parchment and a quill and start writing down all of my recipes that I can remember right off the top of my head

Recipes of the tower chef's. hmm.. I think that has a nice ring to it what about you all?

"Is the title important?" Mimi asks Bahram blankly.

"It does have something of a ring to it, Bahram, but-" here he stops, glancing at Mimi, "-perhaps the final title could wait until we've a little more time to settle the idea some more. A title should be most captivating and intriguing, however. It will be more enjoyable for those who come after."

Dinte accepts the spotlight for the presentation with grace bowing to the crowd for his team, yet inwardly fuming at his mechanical creation, despite the exquisite results.

Once the awarding of the purses and the Lord Schmultzfeather has left, he turns to his group before cleaning up his area.

"I feel like I must apologize for not performing at my best tonight, I'm afraid it may have cost us that edge we needed. I will do better."

Ashley blinks at Dinte. "Chef Dinte... please do not apologize. You served a fine dish, and I, for one, am proud to have been your partner on this team. I am honored by your presence and skill." he bows.

Dinte spends several hours of each day of 'rest' carefully cutting and stuffing pears in preparation for the upcoming dessert, trying to get JUST the right set of angles, and density of the stuffing, so that his next performance will have a bit more flair to it.

... and Ashley would work to assist him as much as possible while keeping to his own work, as well as that of his friends. He wants his teammate to feel proud of his accomplishments!

Aid Another (Craft): 1d20 ⇒ 1 The bonus depends on what he's trying to do - a +3 to non-cheese craft, or +7 for cheese; He'll take 12 for a total of 17 for Profession checks.

EDIT: ...but mostly just seems to get in the way.

Apologies, on late posting, my primary hard drive fried (actual char/smoke) last night. Took a bit to repair everything....

Yikes, Dinte. I had a motherboard do that once... scary!

Oof! I'm sorry to hear that Dinte! Hope things go better! O.O

Anyway. Spent the last day thinking I'd made my perfect 20 Profession check. Some of the others were kind of lame, but had a great story post.

Anyway, posted rolls. Story later.

EDIT: Well, my rolls seem to have stayed the exact same (the bottom four are all shifted around, as I had my calligraphy above the other three in my previous, now-lost post.

Still going to post story elements later.

The gist: he's in everyone's business, constantly trying to help out their crafts and professionalism, and generally meddling all over the place. He's a bit colder than his normal mein and kind of feverishly focused on his work and professionalism.

Craft (beverages): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Profession (chef): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

edit: oops; skill modifiers left

Aid Another <Craft>: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 +4 more, if Craft (cheese)
Aid Another <Profession (chef)>: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Aid Another <Diplomacy>: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Craft (calligraphy): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

edit: fixed/added roll I'd left out. Story later.

Chef Ashley, any suggestions for exotic drinks or something more homey?

Ashley holds his fan, thoughtfully.

"Indeed. One supposes that a more 'homey' style will once again fall toward that which seems more readily available locally, while exotic would be further afield from the neighboring area... at least what is common here. For the latter, I have always found that saki is an excellent source of entertainment, both in style and taste for those seeking unusual tastes."

He seems a bit lost in thought, "However, such a thing is not easy nor swift to make properly... thus it would be best if something homey were simple for me, to better free my time up for the latter, though of course, I must make the simple as exquisite as the complex."

He smiles, looking back at Gastone. "Fortunately for me, I find that both segue quite well together in one of my specialties: tea. Locally procured dark teas can easily be crafted both sweetened and lacking such. This is the height of local comfort drinks, as it were. It is especially nice as they can be easily altered to taste with two sets of brews, and on-hand juices to change the flavor."

His head turns to the side, looking back with a smile. "That, then, is what I will do. These should both go well with the dishes I've heard proposed so far."

Looking at the lists in that format, I'm thinking that Stuffed Pear is probably more exotic than the different Apple Pie, unless someone insists otherwise, using one for one meal, and the other for the second.

I'd love to have some of that Pear!

Sorry, I've been slammed this weekend. It's my older son's birthday. I'll try to post a substantial entry in the gameplay thread when I get home tonight.

Hey! That's awesome! Happy birthday to him from some weird guy on the internet he's never met or heard of before! :D

When their time is finally accomplished, and Sunday has finished, with Monday rolled around, Ashley rises and leaves early in the morning, hopefully quietly. He attempts to avoid drawing attention to himself by using prestidigitation to dull the colors of his clothes, and by moving quietly and furtively.

Stealth, Untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Perform (magic): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Thus, he skulks around the tower...

... and then out of it.

At a ridiculously late - or some would say "early" - hour, Ashley skulks back in, and collapses, hiding his bags and bundles in his chest. He repeats the pattern on Tuesday, though he returns much earlier... enough to get more than an hour of sleep, at least. Though, still, he skulks around the tower for a time, first.

Craft (Beverage): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Profession (Chef): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Charisma: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Chef Ashley works to continue his previous success as much as he can.

At one point, he pulls Chef Sali aside*, and discusses things with her in a low voice.

"Chef Sali, a word, if I may." he says, gently inviting her to the side with a tug on her sleeve.

Ashley also makes sure assist his fellow chefs with anything that he can as well.**

Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 6 Well, he succeeds at Aiding in your Charisma checks and Profession (chef) checks. That's about all... though if anyone seems to be doing poorly, he grants Inspire Courage with his Tea Ceremony, if it could help.

* I understand it may be a couple of days before she responds, but considering I'm on the same trip... >.>
** See the Bluff/Sense Motive below.
Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Ashley, having taken everything in careful silence this whole time - unable to get to Tessara (or lift her if he had), beaten to brewing her tea, and unable to come up with anything more than a conciliatory half-shrug at Chef Sali - he seems genuinely surprised at Lord Schmultzfeather's implied rebuke and follow-up compliments, even dropping his fan for a moment.

Ashley nods at Tessara's words, but turns to Chef Sali. "Indeed." he adds at last to her, and then, simmering with a bit of fury, "What happened was not, however, your fault." he agrees with Tessara.

He turns to her. "Nor was it yours." he adds. "I understand all too well the pressures of being able to 'be' on-command, and in front of so many. It is not easy in the slightest. As difficult as it was, I wish to encourage: if you practice, you will improve. It can be terrifying, but slow exposure can limit the terror somewhat. Careful mental discipline, perhaps fortified by ritual, can handle the rest. For the inexperienced, such things are not uncommon. If you would like, it would be my pleasure to help you with ritual and routine in the future." he says, gently. "From experience, I can assure you: it helps."

So? How does the crowd react to Tessara's collapse?

Ah!

The crowd, of course:

... working late.
... nursing baby.
... falling asleep while trying to make an update.
... looking really cute while doing so.

:3

This guy can't seem to tell the difference...

Charisma: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
See below for reason for the extra +2 (Tap Inner Beauty)

Upon hearing Chef Sali's instructions, Ashley moves over to a corner, and sits on a stool. There, he weaves his hands almost like a dance, and sings a small song. A swirl of something, and suddenly he's as clean as if the rod were used.

The whole of his uniform is crisp, white, and somehow play with light and shadows to be pleasing to the eye.

Perform (Magic): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

He then waits, holds his fan, and, shortly before its his and Dinte's time to step forward, stands next to the half-elf, sings a song that seems to almost cause him to (figuratively) glow.

As they head out into the stage, he carefully looks around the crowd and examines their reactions to things and the cooks.

Perform: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

It was not! The recruitment schpiel was!

I distinctly recall the GM (in person) mentioning she should change it, but when I checked a couple times after that, she had not. Hmmmmmm... SUSPICIOUS!

Hee hee.

Õ - õ

Dinte's right. It's been there quite a while now.

I was wondering when someone would mention it. :)

ò.O

Update coming tonight or tomorrow, most likely...

Exciting!

Also, I noticed the new tag line you've put on the game under the campaigns tab.... CRE-epy.....

O.O

... good catch, Mimi. Good. Catch.

Okay, after thinking about it, I'd like to revise my intent (after clarification with the GM).

I'd like to place everything in a shallow bowl like this on the plate. In this way, it can both be dipped more easily or drunk from the dish more easily, as preferred by the couple.

Thank you, GM.

"Of course, the soup or drink portions of a course may be poured into a small bowl or cup placed on the plate ... but the expectation is that they will be served on the plate."

Wow. I really misunderstood this line.

Hm.

Hah! (Just PM'd him, but was ninja'd by you, apparently. Nevermind. XD)

[dice=Profession (Chef) with Inspiration]1d20+1d6+5

WHO IS THAT?!

Profession (chef): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Ashley would situation himself in the welcoming area to serve specially-brewed tea for those who arrive early.

Craft (beverage): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Perform (magic): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

He works to engage them, assure their pleasant stay, and generally make the experience exquisite with simple magic tricks, and temporary baubles, though mostly by stimulating conversation.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Amiable Blunder, if I fail: Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

EDIT: Craft (calligraphy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Once several sets of guests arrive, or it is time to start, Ashley takes his leave.

EDIT: Accidental early-submission. Sorry.

Thereafter, Ashley works to ensure the rest of the night goes smoothly, thanking Kelysch for his congratulations, and working with everyone to fix any last-minute problems that might arise.

He also attempts to finesse any tensions or fears his fellows have.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Amiable Blunder, if I fail: Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Ashley gets to work, building his primary drink with the hops gathered by Chef Sali.

He spends much of his time attempting to quickly and thoroughly create a fruity, lightly alcoholic, and exceptionally mild dark ale to compliment and enhance the flavor of Dinte's work, he calls "Ashbrown Haste (mild)" for effect.

During this process, he begins working on creating a low-proof kind of yellow chartreuse - a mild, sweet alcohol - over the course of eight hours that day.

Finally, he also brews a thick "head foam" from some black tea-infused elderflower, using eggwhites and mild lemons (plus some purified water to thin the flavor a bit), to create a cream foam - light to the stomach, but weighty on top of the ale - that he shakes and charges thoroughly, and chills over night (aiding cooling the process along with prestidigitation); he titles the red-brown resultant foam "Ashcloud Blossom".

He places a thin (though moderately thick for the depth of the plate) layer of Ashcloud Blossom at the base of each of the plates, and carefully pours his Ashbrown Haste over top, allowing the foam to rise and infuse the drink.

When Dinte and Ashley are almost finished, he uses an unseen servant to create a spray-mist of the chartreuse which he touches in the air with with a few flashes of spark to create a pleasant, enthralling aromatic blend that would hopefully strike the senses without overwhelming them - entice and speak of interest without drowning out the actual flavors they were about to consume.

Throughout this time, he also works with the general acquisition of a bland pale lager, which he infuses with a thin mass-produced green rooibos tea to compliment the rest of the dishes used throughout the night.

Craft (beverages): 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 31
Masterwork tools +2, Propitiation trait +2, take 12 by trait

Though he tastes it to be sure, he believes he was a success - neither tastes over-proofed, soured, or spoiled. He names it, "Naughty is Nice" (if anyone asks).

I heart our group of chefs. :)

Holy Pete... 26 new messages....

Half of 'em are probably me.

Speaking of: huzzah! My post went through half an hour ago! Woo~!

(It's been hard with those pesky goblins...)

Ashley takes a moment to acknowledge Kehlysch's departure. "I look forward to hear what you have in mind, later." he notes to his roommate. He then nods to himself and others in the brainstorming.

To Chef Vincent, he adds, "Actually, sir, perhaps Chef Tessara could be of assistance." Looking at the rotund elf, he asks, "I wonder if you and Dinte could somehow create a glazed crust or bread to hold liquids as part of the presentation?" he asks, pleasantly.

He continues, fan partially concealing his smile, "I don't know - but would it be possible to create something like a solid shell of some sort to hold or absorb the soup or beverage?"

To Bahram, he nods. "Indeed, a nice wine of that sort would go with such, and would be excellent for stimulating romance, socially, but I would not be able to produce such as quickly as needed, and it would need to be in specific yet limited quantities, lest the romance be drowned. Until such a time as I have an advanced schedule, I will have to rely on tea, non-alcoholic beverages, or the current stores of Lord Schmulzfeather."

He looks at the present company. "At present, though I spent time down there this morning, I simply am uncertain of all the vintages and brands available, though I doubt much of anything is beyond our new employer's reach, unless it is too outlandish or new. That said, in addition to whichever special drink I serve for my course, I'd recommend something small, light, and slightly bland to maintain throughout in order to prevent a clutter of flavor, but not too bland in order to permit enjoyment. Hm." He smiles, glancing down for a moment, in thought.

He looks up again, wryly. "Chef Mimi, Chef Tessara, Chef Bahram: do the three of you think you could come up with a minor side for the dishes - a bland cheese, and some sort of cleansing vegetable paste or bread, perhaps? Served in very limited quantities, these might be ideal. I might add a pale lager, though with as little characterization from the hops as possible - negligible is best in this case. This should be easily available."

Suddenly, he stops, looking to the side with an obvious expression forming across his face, causing a different smile. "Actually..." he ponders, "I'd imagine that there are a few local brewers. Perhaps I could acquire the hops from them, and use higher temperatures to craft a rapid ale, though my options for continuing such would be limited over time. It would tend to be fruitier as well, and probably relatively low gravity... which is actually perfect in this particular instance." He looks at Dinte. "Though it would tend to be fruity, and, if handled improperly, could be undrinkable entirely." He breathes. "I wonder if, perhaps, the wand could handle that, however. Certainly would be a... unique taste, and not something I'd ever normally do on purpose. Hm, hm." he ponders, looking amused and excited.

Ashley smiles.

"Bahram, Dinte, Kehlysch, Vincent: if I may, my lords, I would like to coordinate with you."

He looks first at Bahram and Vincent.

"Bahram, I have some experience with cheeses. If you give me some idea of what you're going for, I can either assist you directly, or work out a flavor of drink to complement. Similarly, Vincent, I think we should work on a singular expression - a singular way of serving drink and soup for a more homogeneous and enticing experience on all accounts, more appealing as a result."

Turning to his roommate, "Kehlysch, you and I can discuss our own things later this evening when we have more information - you can coordinate with Chef Phillip more thoroughly now, and I will tweak our own recipes and give you what we have to work with."

He looks at Dinte. "And you and I might be able to do so together, now, yes?" he asks the sweets chef.

"Of course, even throughout the day, it would be advantageous for us to communicate, regardless. But we can fine tune ideas and elements during those times." he looks at the others. "And those who share rooms or are stationed with you can work with you as well."

He nods, "Does this sound acceptable?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"It seems to me," says Ashley, "that it would be in the best interests of everyone to cooperate as much as possible, bonus or no. Is that permitted?"

Mouth quirked, he adds, "I find that such expenditures of time are, in fact, important for us all." says Ashley. "You are welcome on all accounts, and I shall, spirits be willing, do so."
He cleans her cup as well, and brings the tea set back to the kitchen, preparing for a day of work and learning.

"Mm." he states simply to her question.

Fortitude: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

He clearly fights... something that attempts to draw all of his strength out of him, but seems to succeed this time. He sits, seemingly fine, though somewhat tired, even from basic breathing techniques.

Carefully, he sips his tea, and watches the day outside.

"There was once an infant discovered in a ditch. With him was what could only be the mother. One might imagine it was rain or snow for drama's sake, but the reality was worse, or so it is said: sleet and hail descending from the sky. The woman was dead by the time she was discovered - or by the time she was discovered by anyone who cared enough to do anything, at any rate. The child, miraculously, was not."

He carefully sips tea again. "Who she was is a mystery. It is believed that she was a Geisha, though what one of such an august station would be doing in a gutter having died after giving birth therein is anyone's guess." He breathes hard a moment, the air seeming to come hard, as if his chest was suddenly slammed by an outside force.

"Nonetheless, she did give birth, and arranged her body to protect her newborn as much as possible from the elements, even as she passed on. It seemed that none disturbed the grisly scene before the old woman passed by. A woman who was, as fate and the fortunes would have it, a witch."

He sips his tea, thinking for a moment. "The child was a mess, as might be expected. Broken bones. Nearly frozen to death. Left for some time in filth that I shan't sully a place such as this in the describing. Still, the old woman was a witch, and they are known as nothing if not stubborn." he sips, pondering the day.

"And so, she picked up the child, and brought him with her, away from that place and those people. And a second miracle arrived: the infant lived." Ashley takes a moment to look at her. "Can you imagine? A child of filth, disease, crushed and frozen, alone? Alive." he shakes his head at the thought. "A bizarre and difficult-to-fathom idea." he shrugs again, heavily, returning his gaze to the window, his lips paused just above his cup.

"Still, it couldn't have been easy. Miracles are never without their price. What sort of sacrifices might have been needed to accomplish these goals? What sort of trades or negotiations? With what or with whom? To what depths would one stoop - and what if all of one's power is based in the depths of darkness, yet you move for the sake of light? Is it good? Evil? Something else? It is impossible to judge the choices made when one isn't there - whatever that might be taken mean."

He sets his tea - not quite having sipped it - back down, a wry grin on his face, as he stares out into the morning. "Judging others is an obvious thing to do, natural. Fury is so... normal. It is peace and understanding that are hard to come by." Grin still on his lips, he takes his sip, and, after, continues, "A hard lesson to learn for some."

A deep breath, and, with the same wry expression, he moves on. "Whatever the sacrifices, trades, or bargains were necessary to make, seem to have been made: at least, to get the child half-way across the world alive. Through bitter frozen lands, mountains, valleys, under the depths of the earth, through caverns, across bandit-and-barbarian lands, the child was moved. The woman taught the youngling what she could. An infant does grow, it must be said, and those unused to such demands - or, perhaps, even those used to them - can be caught by surprise at the speed with which they occur."

His grin goes bigger, but then, his expression slowly turns wistful. "Regardless of her success, however, the old woman knew that such a life was impossible to keep. Hiding secret rituals and contacting dark powers while an infant isn't watching is one thing, but the curious toddlers, ah, well, they will sneak up on you, and listen, and absorb things like a sponge, whether they should or not."

A deep breath, a sip, and then continuing, "And so the woman made a decision. Or perhaps, it had been her intent all along. Holmton held within it a rather prestigious Geisha House, a place where refugees from a world far removed were taught, refined, and presented to the public for exotic delights and consumption. Whether she agreed with such a lifestyle or not, none can truly say. Certainly she felt that a child being raised by people like unto itself was important. In any event, the child was delivered, dire prophecies spoken over the little one - indicating that if any ill befell the child, the same would befall the 'House - and she vanished, out of the little one's life like she'd never been in it."

A wry grin appeared again. Sip. "And so, the child was raised and trained by the best in the 'House. Not that they believed the crazy old demon-woman, what with her talk of malevolent spirits or untold horrors. No. These were enlightened folk, who knew hooey when they heard such. None truly believed the superstitions of their homeland anymore, for instance, for they'd lived in this part of the world, where nothing like that existed, though it made for a good show. Still, better safe than sorry, yes? And besides - the child did seem almost preternaturally gifted, despite any infirmities that wouldn't exactly heal, no matter the treatments or training." his smile grew. "In fact, it almost seemed to get worse - the harder the push, the greater the push-back... almost as if it were a purposeful theft of vitality in exchange for the gifts displayed. Though they were determined to defeat it."

Ashley shrugs, gently, delicately, but with a smile. "In the end, it mattered little. The child, now grown, found that life there did not appeal as the only life, and continuing to burden those who were so kind and patient would be... unhelpful. And so, packing, searching for something both more and less, the young adult left, seeking a living elsewhere. And found it." Ashley concludes.

He carefully drinks the last of his tea. "Perhaps a dark tale, but one with much light in it as well. I thank you for hearing it. You may take out of it what you will. And, believe it or not... that is the short one."

He carefully cleans his cup with a song, whirlwind, and flare. Perform (magic): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Ashley shrugs (though it's clearly slightly laborious under the strain of the exercise), unable to get a read on her. "Fair enough. As our supervisor, I'll leave it to your judgement. Besides, it may be considered unfair for me to keep such."

He stops for a moment to catch his breath, and considers his words very carefully. "If we may, I would request a break for breath, tea, and a story." he asks.

"You may, of course. The question is, however, do you truly wish to know?" a flush has taken his face, as a sheen of sweat builds. "I have found that giving others such a burden unasked is, in fact asking, but not for what it seems. That said, there is no danger."

Bluff, DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"I have not, and perhaps it would. I certainly would not be averse to such teachings. Be warned, however, that the 'House in which I was raised was highly accommodating to many different kinds training for me. None have fully worked. Though I am loathe to speak of it, the reasons for my frailty, while partially due to my body, are an affliction of a... different nature."

He sips his tea. "Nonetheless, I will work to learn what you teach. I simply request that no promise is extracted or guarantee given. My unique situation may well prevent any change."

"Accepted, though there was no way I could have known such at the time - I'd never met you before the tour, after all. My 'dramatic attempt' however was never intended to be such. It was, in fact, a failure of my body to supply air due to excessive climbing of stairs, and an exhaustion-based collapse after intense near-hostilities. Besides - it wasn't just you, but everyone I was hoping to sway. Some others seem less... generous."

He shrugs. "Mostly, I simply desired that he cease whatever his trick was before he got hurt... and then I collapsed. Any distraction that it may have been was naught more than a fortunate by-product of my own physical failures."

He looks at her for the first time, "Though, again, normally, given enough time to ascend or descend and rest, you shouldn't worry about such things." he returns to looking at the sunset. "It was something I had to learn in the 'House - how to pace myself against collapse."

"Indeed. My unusually... weak constitution does cause issues on occasion, though mostly I recover from them with simple rest. I must confess, I've not feinted in such a manner in quite some time. My apologies." His fan partially covers his soft grin as he watches the sunrise.

He carefully sips his tea. "And I trust that you, too, are... recovered... from yesterday's strangeness?"

EDIT: Oh, and you all avoided these armors because they're expensive and suck massively compared to any other option possible.

Before sunrise.

Two hours prior to dawn, Ashley wakes. Careful in his new surroundings, he quietly sings a song of spark to light his candle, and uses the dim light to dress in his new uniform as quietly as he can, hoping not to wake his new bunk-mate.

Stealth (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

A swift, hopefully quiet song and his new uniform, old clothes, and self are all clean.

He acquires his fan, and places his robes within the chest.

Ashley spends half an hour familiarizing himself with the basement, and - after a long walk up, and a solid rest in the common area - another hour exploring the kitchen, and making tea for two with some of the finer - though not the finest or rarest - ingredients.

Craft (beverages): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

As dawn nears, or even just passes, he begins the (for him) arduous climb up to the restaurant above, bearing his tray with two cups and a pitcher. He spends several minutes, just outside the door, recovering his breath and composure, and pouring tea into both cups before finally stepping through the door to see a glorious just-post-sunrise morning.

After Sunrise

He notices Chef Sali meditating on a mat. He walks, carefully, over towards the other mat. At her greeting, he give a nod-bow himself. "Greetings, Chef Sali. You honor me."

He sits, knees forward, feet behind, as is proper.

"Please, I have prepared this." he states, offering.

Kehlysch: I just spent something akin to half an hour figuring out the fact that you went hunting dire shark with 111 first level warriors and what each of your equipment was, how you did it, and why you handled it that way. Just so you could serve Lord Schmulzfeather that fillet.

Niiiiiiiii~iiiice.

EDIT: Oh, hey. It was totally worth it. (Monetarily.)

"That is both wise and fair." Ashley acknowledges.

Shifting, he adds, "For my own part, unless it actively endangers others, I will do all that is within my ability to avoid prying. I seek to give no insult and apply no pressure, but rather to offer as sincerely and simply as possible."

His head cocks sideways. "And, should you feel the interest, as my roommate, I will offer you a piece of information about me that I tell few. I have many - it will not be a full explanation - but it may encourage the opening steps toward the establishment of trust. But again, rest assured, I am not pressuring you to ask, nor will I thrust information upon you that is not desired. It is merely an offer of courtesy and friendship, sir, and nothing more."

More wryly, "... and if it helps, it is, in fact, an important part of my profession that I listen to, tend, and keep the secrets of others. Should you wish what is told, if anything, remain un-shared, it will, in fact, remain un-shared."

With that, he nods once - a slow, measured, and stately gesture - and then reclines.

"And now, my hopefully-future friend, I must rest. I am afraid that..." he begins to drift, before stirring himself, "erm, apologies, afraid that today has been... most taxing. Though, perhaps, tomorrow, I can coordinate dishes or ideas between you, myself, Dinte - whom I share a station with -, and Bahram - with whom I share some skills. Perhaps... perhaps... a... grand... presen-presentation..." and Ashley seems very, very fast asleep.

Ashley nods, impressed. "Indeed. Words of hard-earned wisdom-of-experience, though only true in certain contexts. 'Home' is only where you think it should be, want it to be. It is, in fact, where your heart is - thus you can often or always 'return' there, depending on your definition of 'return'."

He smiles, kindly.

"However, what is true, and absolutely so, what you cannot return to, which the accepted wisdom often conflates as, indeed, we are all prone, is the past." he shifts his head slightly to the side. "And the past, while often important, can be overemphasized in the face of the present, or the ever-coming future. It often takes a romanticized ideal, I think - something that we hold in higher esteem than we should."

He shrugs, elegantly, his mouth making a small, temporary frown of acknowledgement, before returning to his more usual smile, this one filled with empathy, and understanding. "It is in this way that the past becomes an anchor, a chain, a weight, and a stumbling block all at the same time, instead of what it should be: a guide post, a climbing rope," he smiles wryly, "an 'elevator'" he adds amused, then more seriously, but kindly "and a stepping stone. Instead of being a method of moving forward and guiding, too often we allow it to hold us back. It is a... difficult burden to bear, and a very difficult task transitioning from one - the burden - to the other - the enabler."

His head shifts to the other side, his eyes gazing deep into your own. "But true beauty is finding those who would help share those burdens. Who do not turn away simply because others would be offended for no reason. In fact, I think that finding that intimacy with a true friend, one who is willing to, however briefly, walk with you and assist you in transforming those burdens into tools is one of the higher ideals to master and strive for."

He looks down, smiling... but wistfully. "I, myself, could never have come here, otherwise. Without those who were there to support me, and help me build instead of be held back, I would be a shallow wreck of a youth, broken in soul as much as I am body."

He looks up, intently gazing at the amphibious man's eyes again. "But they did. And I learned the lesson very well. There are few things that shock me, but what does could be... educational." he adds.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 quality of his possessions
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 to notice what they are (even hidden)
Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 to do so subtly
NO CIRCUMSTANCE BONUSES FOR ME. :/

Ashley examines his roommate for a short time before shrugging slightly - head nodded slightly to the side, and eyes closed for a moment in resignation. He holds his fan, and uses it to cover his face.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 Secret Message (if this and Sense Motive are successful)
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Finally, he shifts and prepares to answer. "The answer to such a simple question is unfortunately complex, sir." Ashley says in a friendly manner. He thinks for a bit, and says, "It is an interesting thing. Trust is something that is difficult to extend, but a powerful bond, once created. I, of all, understand the nature of distrust and caution, due to my own history. Communication without trust represents a difficult barrier to breach." he muses. "Still, one must start somewhere, as you have." he says. "As I said, I am Ashley Kusuma Na-ti. The... easiest answer, and, one supposes, technically correct to its limited extent, is to the nearest large city to the East, Holmton. It is from there that I came here."

Ashley tenderly lowers himself onto his bed, clearly exhausted. He smiles, appreciatively at the blankets. "A most... excellent touch, Lord Schmulzfeather. Well thought-out."

He carefully places many of this things in the chest, and closes and locks it, noticing his roommate.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Turning to look at Kehlysch when he speaks, he asks, amiably, "My apologies, I did not hear you. If you feel comfortable sharing, I would ask: are you speaking to me, yourself, or someone else?"

Chef Sali's brow furrows at Ashley's response, and a pained look crosses her face. She opens her mouth as if to respond, but then simply purses her lips.

Heh. Geisha only turn to weapons when their "real" weapons don't work.

#makingthatup
#malegeishaarelegit
#okaytheywere
#ireadthatonwikipedia
#toomanyhashtags

Ashley smiles, amused, and bowing at the neck, adds, "A most... straight-forward answer, Chef Sali. I thank you for both your candor and your sense of self-control with those you consider your lessers. Additionally, I appreciate you coming through on your offer to answer questions at this time - most gracious."

Ashley nods to his fellows, and retreats, carefully, unsteadily, to his room.

It is clearly both exhausting and painful, but Ashley continues the tour, and seems exceedingly relieved to be in the final rooms. That fan is definitely in place the whole time, though.

Upon hearing of their partnership, Ashley looks at Kehysch, and smiles, bowing his head. "It will be a pleasure." he says, sincerely.

He turns to Chef Sali.

"Thank you for your graciousness," he starts, bowing, before straightening and continuing, "and I look forward to it tomorrow. It seems, by implication, my duties are to be mass production? And what of the distilleries and breweries for the other drinks...?" he trails off, questioningly.

I banned the geisha bard. OP! Darn thing was disrupting all my plans with that amazing tea ceremony.

Hey! That's slander libel!

Any way cheese is great.

I happen to agree.

After a few moments, Ashley finally catches his breath enough to breathe more normally, though he's still clearly exhausted.

As the two men head to the restroom, Ashley speaks up. "I... I apologize." he explains. "My condition is not life-threatening, but, despite what some may think, it is not going to improve with training, I'm afraid." he smiles, wryly - it's clearly a bit sheepish, though amused at himself and the others.

After a moment, he starts again, a bit more seriously. "It is simply something I've lived with, and I will have to continue to do so. It is nothing contagious or able to be spread, but a function of myself. Grandmother... well," he cuts himself off, with a smile, "I'm sure you don't care. My apologies. The point is, if things get too... intense... between people, and I am involved, I can physically fall into fits of exhaustion, regardless of the amount of exertion used. Add that to the fact that my constitution isn't exactly the mightiest in the land, and these stairs had already done quite a number..." he smiles, amused at his own weakness and shrugs. "Fear not," he says, looking at Chef Sali, "cooking, even when intense and in front of many, will not trigger this. Only confrontation." he closes his eyes and nods, to himself as much as anything.

"Ah, well. In a minute or so, I should be restored to my previously merely 'really tired' state, instead of, 'unable to move'." he adds, wryly. "Ashley Kusuma Na-ti, by the way. And thank you all for your concern." he finishes, smiling at the others, if weakly.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 Remove attention from Bahram for now
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 Genuinely make friends
Profession (chef): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 He's a professional!
Charisma: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 Why not?

Diplomacy (Amiable Blunder): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 In case the first one fails!

Looking at Chef Sali, he says, "My earlier questions are still active, however. Mass-production? Breweries?" he prompts.

This kitchen is classy, that's for sure!