Magnus the Magnificent's page

As Gheri feels a tap on her shoulder and turns, her face brightens in genuine glee at the sight of the lovely older gent. "Magnus, my handsome dance partner! Please, take a seat right here by me. I'll happily introduce you, but I do plan to hog most of your delightful company myself," she says, giving him a wink. With that, she proceeds to go around and share everyone's names and a detail or two sprinkled in here and there about some of the members of the impromptu lunch crew (mentioning Emerik as the cook and Izomandakus' delightful pig, for example).

Of course, it never occurs to her to get a bowl of soup for him as she's so accustomed to being served, not to serving others, so hopefully he gets himself a bowl or someone else gets it for him.

Introductions finished, she turns her attention back to Magnus and leans closer to him, almost snuggling, and says, "So, what are your favorite places in Sandpoint, or more to the point, which sights would it be downright sinful for me to miss out on?" and she bats her lashes as she smiles up at him.

Back at lunch...

As Gheri quickly becomes his favorite person in the caravan--her flattery seems to go a long way with him--Magnus beams. "Well, I'm glad my dance partner is also able to introduce me around. Perhaps there will be festivities with all once we reach Sandpoint. Pleased to meet the rest of you," the old man says.

"As for what to see, trust me that the Rusty Dragon is the best place to visit. Well, so long as you enjoy spicy and exotic food, which I do. But it has some of the finest food and drink in all of Sandpoint. You can rent a room full-price, or at a discount if you have an exciting adventure story! Ha!"

He steers her away from Fatman's Feedbag, and notes there is a new cathedral being built, along with some festivities. He beams in excitement as he describes them. "I'll buy you your first spiced ale, on me! Or maybe three!"

When Gheri mentions exploring ruins may be a little boring for him, he says "On the contrary--I just enjoy parties and mischief much more! But I am looking for any new experience. It counteracts the Bleaching, you see."

Goblins!

The venerable man seems distracted by the anticipation of arriving in Sandpoint, and notices nothing out of place. At least until someone yells "Goblins!"

What?! Where?!" he asks, adjusting his spectacles and preparing to put them to sleep.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Magnus thanks Gheri for the lively dance and conversation, having had a grand time with her. He promises to look her up again in Sandpoint once they arrive. The dance does seem to have sapped his energy, and he sits near the fire to watch the rest of the festivities.

An entertaining companion, that one. I should like to know her better. For one thing, she didn't scold me, and for another...zzzzz.

The old man begins snoring in his chair, his head resting on one hand.

At lunch...

Magnus taps Gheri on the shoulder with his staff. "You thought you were rid of me, but I didn't die in my sleep. Introduce me to your friends, will you?"

Previously at the inn:

At the inn The older fellow seems delighted by the invitation to dance and Gheri finds herself being led about the dance floor by a very energetic and talented dance partner. "Well, it seems I was correct in thinking I'd spied the best dance partner in the room," she says with a laugh. "I'm Gherix Vainglory, but you're absolutely welcome to call me Gheri," she says, giving the older man a smile, "and no, I've never been to Sandpoint. I'm hoping to explore the ruins and gather more information on ancient Thassilon. Of course, that will wait until after I enjoy the festival. And what about you, you old charmer, what's your name and have you been to Sandpoint before?"

With Gheri heaping compliments on him, Magnus beams. "You are keeping up just fine, young Gheri, and I dare say you are the most entertaining companion I've found on a pretty boring trip! This dance alone will reverse years of Bleaching!"

When she questions him about Sandpoint, he responds mid-dance, saying "I'm from Sandpoint, originally, but I've only just recently returned after a hundred years away!" he exclaims.

"Though exploring ruins and long-dead empires could be fun, why do that if we could have dances and parties every night!?"

Currently, during the sparring:

@Titania: Unless you're super opposed to having a spell cast on you, let's say YES! I cast daze on you just when you're about to win a sparring match!

Previous evening...

She approaches Magnus with a smile and says,"I don't suppose you know where a gal could find a good dance partner, do you?" and throws him a wink.

Magnus raises his arms wide as the young human offers to dance.

"Well, I don't mind if I do!" he exclaims, casting off his staff he had been leaning on. He takes her by the hand and begins an energetic jig, leading the way.

"You know, the fey are quite the dancers. I was usually the worst at the grand ball, but they taught me a trick or three!" he exclaims.

His agility seems to indicate that he doesn't need the staff as much as first impressions imply.

Holding her hand, he begins a simple one-two-three, two-two-three, all the way up to eight and performed in 6/8 time. His soft shoes bounce more up and down more than back and forth, and though he does not travel around the floor as much as some other dances, he seems lively and excited.

"You're not boring at all!" he says with a wink. "Some on this trip have looked down on an old man having fun, but not you! I didn't catch your name--is this your first time to Sandpoint?" he asks while they dance.

During the sparring...

If any of the sparring contestants seem to get too far ahead, Magnus casts daze on the leading competitor. He does so with a mischievous grin, almost begging for someone to call him on it.

She nodded at the word ‘unrequited’ as it confirmed her suspicions. Likely the Lady had simply been her usual lovely self and the old timer had mistaken her kindness for interest. ”Yes, well… just remember that Ameiko is a Lady, not to mention a business owner and an adventurer in her own right. No one is more worthy of respect. You hope to attract her eye, you woo her honorably, Master Magnus. I don’t want to hear you describe her attributes like you’re recommending your favorite dish on the menu.” She nodded again, having said her piece and defended her Lady’s honor in her absence.

Rather than being offended, Magnus doubles over laughing at Qetsiyah, slapping his knee and nearly losing his breath. "Ha! Well aren't you a feisty one! And a splash of cold water in the face, at the same time! What fun is that?!" he exclaims.

He seems not to care that she scolded him, and responds in kind.

"First, I assure you that I am never up to any good and always in some kind of mischief, so you are not far off base on that account. At the same time, the concept of love and magic in the fey world is much different than what you are worried about. There, a hundred years of age difference matters little. And that's the kind of love I know about. Plus, I assure you that Ameiko can take good care of herself, thank you very much!"

With a twinkle in his eye, he says "But I admire your tenacity in putting your nose in the business of other people, whether they want you sniffing there or not. That's also one of my best qualities!"

Whether or not Qetsiyah is offended, he continues. "So, you're not from Sandpoint but have visited often enough--what brings you there on this occasion?"

”Here now! You be sure to keep a civil tongue in your mouth about the Lady Ameiko… uh, sir.” She said, faltering somewhat because she had not caught his name. Also her irritation was warring with her innate sense of respect for her elders ingrained by her raising. She narrowed her dark, hooded eyes, trying to judge how stern she should be with the old fellow. He might just be senile and the things he was saying were not precisely disrespectful… but too familiar all the same. ”She’s nobility. You can’t just say whatever you please about her.” She grumped, still scowling up at the old timer.

I don't think that Ameiko is considered royalty at this point, is she? I mean, that's the whole surprise of Jade Regent, isn't it?

Magnus considers this newcomer that mentions knowing Ameiko, as well.

He squints to get a better look and adjusts his spectacles. "You know Ameiko, do you? Then you will know that nothing I said about her was disrespectful, but flattering in the extreme."

He sighs. "I suppose you will also know that I have a massive, poorly-concealed crush on her that is--well, let's just say it is unreciprocated. At this point in time. I am Magnus, by the way."

He eyes the woman's armor and arms. "And you are? I don't recall seeing you in Sandpoint, and I usually try to involve myself in everyone's business, whether invited or not. However, I have been absent for a hundred years or so and just recently returned, so if I have yet to have met you, that is understandable. Tell me of yourself and how you know the lovely Ameiko."

Magnus smiles and turns his attention back to Vin.

"No, Ameiko is the not my wife--yet! She has artfully dodged many an advance from potential suitors, but she just does not know me well enough to say 'yes.'"

His eyes lose focus as he stares toward the distance.

"She is the owner of the Rusty Dragon--perhaps in her late twenties or so. A tremendously vital person, interested in everybody and everything, in contrast to my indifference toward anything but mischief. There is a warm understanding between us. She doesn't know it, but we are really crazy about each other, but undemonstrative and humorous in our current level of companionship. She is tolerant, easy-going, taking drink for drink, and we battle each other with dry humor."

The venerable man sighs. "She has a streak of white hair--as if from some youthful trauma-- and delicate-featured. Pretty in a flawed, accessible way. She doesn’t stop the party when she walks in, but you’d like to get to know her. Her vulnerable quality masks a strength even she doesn’t know exists. But what am I telling you this for!? I already have all the competition I could handle!"

"You may yet have a career in performance," Magnus claps. "Well said, especially made up on the spot. There's many a slip, 'twixt a cup and a lip, and inventing poems from whole cloth, especially ones that don't sound horrendous, takes a certain degree of skill."

The venerable man adjusts his spectacles and focuses on the young three-legged racer.

"Well, well. I am old enough to be able to flirt mercilessly with just about anyone, and you are certainly worthy of a poem. Are you from Sandpoint, or just visiting? If things don't work out between Ameiko and me--well--I'm keeping my options open!" he winks.

However, as he's paying a bit more attention to Tot than to where he's walking, he almost walks right into an older gentleman and stops abruptly offering an apology of, "Oh, good gracious! I apologize. I almost stumbled right into you there, my good man. I'm Vin, " he says, extending a hand. "My traveling companion is Tot, but with apologies, I fear I've made her quite weary of chatting," he says, giving her a wink as if to say, "See? I've got you." "Perhaps you'd enjoy some conversation as we walk?"

I got you, Magnus!

Thanks for the rescue, Vindur!

Magnus draws his staff back from the Varisian man's path.

"Oh, salvation come at last!" he exclaims, a mischievous look in his eyes. "I've been nearly bored to tears by the lack of entertainment on this caravan! Every time I bump into someone, they fail to see that I'm the most entertaining one here! Ha!"

Squinting to get a better look at the newcomer and adjusting his spectacles, he says "But you'll realize that soon enough. Tell me--are you from Sandpoint, or simply visiting? Have you been to The Rusty Dragon?"

With his own travel companion a little less chatty, Magnus looks for others to speak with.

My charm spell worked--ha--like a charm! I've lulled him into permanent compliance!

The venerable arcanist sits in the wagon, bored. He adjusts his sitting position, groaning involuntarily as his back aches. Trying to entertain himself with cantrips again, he eventually sighs and gives up. However, he is abruptly distracted when Nichole passes to check on the wagon wheel repair.

"Say, pretty young lady,” he says. "Any guess when we'll be under way again? I understand there are grumpy old men around, who may be miserable, moody, rude, and forgetful. I want to make sure they don't cause any trouble."

@All: Anyone else feel their conversation is ending and would like a new partner or group member?

My charm spell worked--ha--like a charm! I've lulled him into permanent compliance!

The venerable arcanist sits in the wagon, bored. He adjusts his sitting position, groaning involuntarily as his back aches. Trying to entertain himself with cantrips again, he eventually sighs and gives up. However, he is abruptly distracted when Nichole passes to check on the wagon wheel repair.

"Say, pretty young lady,” he says. "Any guess when we'll be under way again? I understand there are grumpy old men around, who may be miserable, moody, rude, and forgetful. I want to make sure they don't cause any trouble."

Delighted to, my friend! Let me just load it up for you, and if you'd join me on this good man's transport, I'd be most delighted!" It is difficult to tell if Toblacane is truly ensorcelled, or merely trying his best to be friendly, or even if he knows that there was no warehouse. His constantly smiling face made him almost unreadable.

Thank you for your consideration! I'm acting as if Toblacane failed his will save, not that it really matters, and is unaware of the lack of a warehouse.

Magnus smiles in satisfaction. "Well, please take my backpack--it's not that heavy and will help an old man," he says, though he retains his staff. He sits next to the young swashbuckler and assumes a professorial tone, not realizing his spell hadn't worked.

"You see, magic is the greatest of the arts. Any impossibility turned into a possibility is magic--that is done through indigo, and azure, and stippling! And furthermore! ...I forgot what I was saying…" he trails off.

He observes his new friend for a moment. "What is your name, dear fellow? Mine is Magnus--Magnus the Magnificent, they call me!" he adds theatrically. "You're heading to Sandpoint? What are you doing there? You are welcome to come, so long as you are not there to court Ameiko Kaijitsu. She's spoken for!"

Turning over to Magnus the Magnificent, "I find your challenge intriguing old timer! But before I risk ensorcelment, I must inquire as to the nature of the prize!"

Magnus squints at the dashing swashbuckler, trying to size him up but having trouble focusing his eyes. The colored ball races up and down his hand one last time and disappears with a poof!

"Well-- you think I'm an old timer, eh? I'm only a hundred and six, and in the fey realm, that may as well be a suckling babe! Even so, I suppose I am an ancient compared to the tiny slice of life you've lived. Hmmmph."

The old man adjusts his spectacles and gestures for the young man to come closer.

That's a lovely hat--a few more feathers and perhaps I would consider wearing it.

"Well--stand still and--oh wait. You wanted to know the prize. Well--ahem--it's a decrepit warehouse in Magnimar, if you must know. But that's hardly the point. The point of this exercise is to see if you can withstand the combined might of art and magic! Which of course, you cannot!"

With the meticulous eye of a master painter, Magnus completes a spell to magically enchant the swashbuckler with the magnificent hat, almost as if he's putting the finishing touch on his opus.

"And with that, you'll carry my baggage to Sandpoint, won't you, my new best friend?!" he asks.

bluff (there's no warehouse): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

@Toblacane: Rather than actually rolling any save vs. an enchantment spell, I'm acting as if I've cast Charm Person on you, but the spell has failed (I don't want to take away any free will in this little RP exercise. So feel free to act as if you haven't been ensorcelled, but I tried and failed!