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Landra "It just...exploded, after you calmed the core and saved our lives. Like the ships, but all cold, not flame. Cold, even for me." Her tone was out of place with the celebration, and she still sounded oddly tentative about it, as if struggling to find the right words, with the sinking feeling that no words would ever be right. "I thought I'd bring back pieces for Tiandra's wizards to look at, but there's nothing larger than a strand of hair. Maybe they will find some residue, something to come close to understanding. I don't think this is just a matter of the gith. They are not of this world or its dim mirrors, but they live and they bleed. This...wasn't, didn't. This is a higher thing, fit to cast a shadow over gods." Shuddering slightly, she drank deep from Marianna's offered waterskin, and even that seemed to restore her a little. "But I will leave that for the mages. It's a long way back to Senaliesse, and I refuse to ruin the trip by forgetting that we won today."
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Apr 8, 2018 19:04
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Marianna "I'm glad you're alright. And yes, we absolutely did win! Still, that is... quite strange." Seeing that the drink provides Landra some small measure of comfort, Marianna's mind immediately moves to process this information before she can stop it. She is not quite as capable as Landra at delaying her mind's overwhelming urge to analyze. She has seen a lot, and if she puts the pieces together, perhaps she can use what she has seen to give them an edge, or even just a place to start. I'd like to make an roll, assuming Int, to see if Marianna knows what these things might be. Either the Mentored by the Holy Tome or Adrift on the Planes backgrounds could work, and both are +3, so: Lore roll on non-gith things: 1d20+16 20 Sorry if you've already told us, but I could not recall.
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Apr 10, 2018 19:15
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Marianna racks her brain, trying to find an explanation for whatever it was that Landra and she encountered. Cold even for one the Winter Fey…that brings to mind the plane of Elemental Chaos; some of its denizens are very much capable of projecting a coldness so dismal as to be beyond description. But fit to cast a shadow over gods? She has no reason to doubt the eladrin’s words, of course, even if it means she finds herself at a loss overall when it comes to the question at hand. The githyanki captain, such as he was, certainly didn’t remind her of the Plane Below, nor of anything else she has laid eyes on in her life, truthfully speaking. What could be greater than the gods? By the time the captured battleship has reached Senaliesse – or, rather, the landing field that has been established not far from the city – the sun has long set, and wondrous constellations twinkle in the cloudless night sky. The landing field is a vast area of magically cleared forest, big enough for the battleship itself and a number of structures besides: workshops, arcane laboratories, warehouses…everything required to maintain and work on a vessel of this size. It takes you a while to figure out how to land the ship, and even then it meets the ground with a resounding, less than graceful thump, but it remains quite intact. That, as they say, will do for the time being. The Moonlight lands nearby a few minutes later. Alauda will be pleased to find that her ship has survived the battle largely unscathed; some of the armour is blackened and dented, but it seems to have taken no significant damage. Kezyl Lornleaf, having acted as captain in Alauda’s absence, is looking fairly sanguine about the night’s events as well. “We were too busy keeping ourselves alive to watch you work, regrettably,” he tells the four of you the first chance he gets, “but you’ve accomplished your objectives and you didn’t die in the process – that’s a success even by our standards. Not to mention taking one of the githyanki battleships out of the picture is likely to make lifting the siege of Moonwatch Harbour that much easier.” He gives you a tiny, wry smile. “Perhaps I should petition for you to be named honorary marines.” That’s roughly where the night’s fun ends, though, as a number of the Summer Queen’s officers and specialists descend on you for debriefing purposes. After taking you to a nearby command post they ask all sorts of questions: about what happened aboard the ship, about the opposition you encountered, and so on. What Landra has to say about the incident on the bridge is met with perturbed looks, but taken quite seriously all the same. It is probably hard, in any case, to blame these people for their thoroughness and urgency; much hinges on learning more about the enemy, after all, particularly with ongoing battles like that above Moonwatch Harbour. Eventually, though, the debriefing comes to an end. You are dismissed and told to relax after tonight’s ordeal – everyone agrees that it was a tremendous achievement, and that having captured the battleship intact might well decide the outcome of the war in the long run. For now, though, you’re free to kick back and enjoy yourselves in Senaliesse until you are called to arms once more… ~ It is about one week later that Tiandra requests your presence again. You meet with her at the airfield, which at this point is bustling with activity centred on the captured githyanki ship. It is by now all but encased in scaffolding, with dozens of workers and engineers poring over the craft to mend the damage it took during the siege and make sure no hostiles or other unwelcome surprises remain aboard. In spite of all the hard work, though, the enthusiasm of everyone present is almost palpable in the air; this recent victory has been a subtle but decisive one and brought the end of the war that much closer, and all know it. The Summer Queen, attended by a small entourage, is dressed more regally than the last time you met her in Serestin Skyweaver’s laboratory, but also more casually than she was on the night of the ball. Most importantly, perhaps, you can tell she is in good spirits. It’s not just because Tiandra looks pleased, but rather because you yourselves feel subtly elated somehow – her own contentment seems to communicate itself to everybody near her simply because she is present. Such is the nature of the archfey, one imagines: for better and for worse, the raw emotions they experience are more than can be contained by their physical form. “You won a great victory, my friends,” she addresses you, looking at each of you in turn, “for the Summer Court and indeed for all free peoples and creatures of the Feywild. It is hoped that with this vessel under our control, we will be able to uncover the true cause of this war, and so put an end to it at last. Not simply for the sake of the Feywild, but the entire multiverse.” Tiandra smiles. “You will have guessed that there is something I am going to ask of you, an undertaking still more dangerous than what you achieved but a week ago…but at the same time, we will be seizing the initiative in a way that has hitherto been denied to us, and taking the fight to the githyanki and their allies on an unexpected front.” The Summer Queen pauses, again meeting and holding your eyes for a few moments. “That said, these are plans to be elaborated on at later. Right now it is past time your accomplishments be duly recognised and rewarded.” She then walks closer to speak to each of you in turn, gripping your hand and looking at you intently. It’s hard not to feel uplifted in Tiandra’s presence, no matter how you might feel about her or the Summer Court. Her Radiant Majesty is all but a goddess in her own right after all – and compared to the forces that threaten the Feywild, possibly even all the planes, she is surely a power for good. Her handshake, simple gesture though it is, certainly leaves an impression on you, a faint but pleasant sensation in the depths of your very soul that seems to stay with you long after the Summer Queen has moved on. “The greatest gift of all you already possess,” she tells Alauda, giving her a small, conspiratorial smile, “and you earned it with your own blood and tears. But as that gift will sustain you, so do I hope will mine aid you a little in the trials to come,” Tiandra says as she takes a tiny box from one of her attendants and passes it to the elf. Crafted from dark mallorn wood that has been polished to an almost mirror-like sheen, it opens to reveal a sleek silver ring in which is set a round white gem; a tiny lightning storm seems to be forever raging in its milky depths. “There exists true darkness in the world, an entity in its own right, but most of the darkness folk think they perceive in others exists only in their own minds, born of fear or ignorance,” she then says in a low voice. “What some deem darkness is not necessarily so. Indeed it may not be darkness at all but light, a force virtuous and beneficent by its very nature. Never forget that those who do not see the light may yet learn to do so – but most importantly, remember always to recognise the light within your own self, and that the views of others can only darken it if you let them.” Next, the Summer Queen speaks to Landra. “I am betraying no one’s confidence when I tell you there are those at court who are…less than pleased with your presence here, Landra Tirsul. Some even believe you are acting as a spy for the Prince of Frost,” she says, and lets out a little chuckle to show what she thinks of that. “But we both know your life is not so simple, don’t we? Perhaps you would be happier if it were, yet it is what it is.” Tiandra shakes her head, smiling wryly, before presenting Landra with a slender scimitar sheathed in a scabbard of finest feyleather. “It goes without saying that balance is key in all things, and that such harmony as can be attained is a precious good indeed – for you, a woman of two worlds, but truly for any of us. Weapons, of course, more often than not threaten harmony rather than encourage it; all the same it is my hope that, guided by your hand, this blade will help you succeed in those pursuits that shall leave our world a better place.” “Your Majesty,” Tiandra says when she has reached Marianna, giving her a queenly little nod. “I am told the success of this mission depended in no small part on your actions. You frustrated the enemy’s efforts to deny us our grand prize and risked your life to do so. For that, and for everything else you’ve done, you have our thanks.” A few moments later Marianna finds herself the recipient of a ring box similar to the one given to Alauda, though this one is made from dream-ash wood, very light grey in colour and shot through with streaks of amber. The ring it contains is a reasonably ornate affair; wrought of white gold, it sports a single square sapphire as intensely blue as the summer sky. “While this is not to suggest a regent of your calibre requires any further royal trappings to underscore her natural charisma,” Her Radiant Majesty notes, smiling, “you may find that this gift can help you assert your will in other ways as well. A useful option to have, I think, given how obstinate certain entities may prove to be.” She pauses. “And with the means now at our disposal…why, I think that sometime in the none too distant future you will likely get to visit your kingdom again.” Finally, the Summer Queen addresses Taaliala. “You and Alauda shot down several other githyanki vessels, I heard,” she says, sounding appropriately impressed. “No small feat, that, considering how foreign the operation of such weaponry must have been. Less straightforward than simply punching something, yes?” She smiles. “That said, turning the enemy’s own guns on them was an inspired move, not to mention quite pertinent given the plans we have for the ship.” She beckons forward one of her attendants, who is carrying a package noticeably heavier than the gifts the others received. “You will like this, I think. The raw materials for it had been gathering dust in one of our vaults for a while – they came from abroad, you see, and we Summer Fey do tend to prefer to work with substances found in our native Feywild. It is somewhat wasteful of us, I admit, which is why I believe this is the best use of the materials in question they could possibly be put to.” Having spoken to each of you, Tiandra now steps back to let one of her attendants make the rounds, who furnishes you with four silken pouches that each contain a number of unspeakably brilliant gems. “Astral diamonds,” Her Radiant Majesty notes. “As valuable as they are beautiful. Consider them recompense for your troubles and pains.” She then falls silent, giving you another smile before turning to watch the work being done on the former githyanki ship for a while while you examine your gifts. If there’s anything anyone wishes to get up in Senaliesse (or elsewhere) during this week of downtime, let me know. I’ve run mini-adventures for a couple of people before via PM and don’t mind doing it again! Anyway, time for some gifts from the Summer Queen! First of all, everybody receives 130,000 gold (in the shape of 13 astral diamonds per individual). And in addition to that… Iira receives a Ring of the Radiant Storm! Landra receives a Harmony Scimitar +5! Marianna receives a Ring of Influence! Taaliala receives Brassburn Weavemail Armour +5! But wait, there’s more! Our four heroes gain a Legendary Boon, the Favour of the Summer Queen!  Its first property and the charm power apply to everyone (individually – i.e. the power’s daily activation isn’t “shared” across all four characters). As for the unique powers, we have Iira’s…  …and Landra’s…   …Marianna’s…  …and finally, Taaliala’s!   As might be obvious, these powers are intended to provide some flavourful out-of-combat utility, and aren’t intended to do much during a fight. (That’s what the rest of your gear is for.) If any of you are unhappy with what I cooked up for your character, talk to me. I’m sure we can work out something more agreeable if need be! MMAgCh fucked around with this message at 01:06 on Apr 12, 2018 |
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Apr 11, 2018 22:29
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Marianna Marianna has spent most of the week in prayer and meditation; since she is unable to deduce the nature of their foe, she instead tries to find comfort in her ignorance by trusting in the gods and in her allies. However, that certainly hasn't prevented her from going out to celebrate. In fact, Joclyn and Karle, her non-combatant companions on her journey who stayed behind in Senaliesse, insist on celebration, even as the queen attempts to explain everything she has just witnessed to them. Truth be told, Marianna is grateful for the distraction from the many questions troubling her, and joins them and anyone else who is interested in a very slightly un-royal amount of debauchery. ---------- At the audience with the Summer Queen, Marianna smirks inwardly at correctly deducing the unspoken dress code. She too is dressed at a level in between adventuring wear and her expensive ball regalia. Perhaps she is getting better at the nonviolent aspects of her duties as well? Her head is adorned with a small, practical tiara, and she has affixed her magical orb back onto her scepter of office, where it is held in the benevolent carved claw of Bahamut. Marianna takes careful note of the proceedings, hoping that she can one day offer a fraction of the support and peace to her subjects that Tiandra gives. She is still processing the Skylark's anti-royal admonishments, but when she takes the Summer Queen's hand, all that doubt temporarily slinks back into the shadows. That's it, Marianna tells herself. That is why I accepted this crown- to be that radiance for others. She accepts the ring earnestly. "Your Radiant Majesty," she says, smiling and meeting the other royal's gaze, "I am truly grateful for this gift, and for your kind words. I miss my people dearly, and I know this will help me serve them even better. And, speaking of one's people, I hope our actions in the battle saved many of yours. If more innocents are safe because of us, then that is all I need to be satisfied." Marianna imagines her friends rolling their eyes at her words... In fact, if the context were slightly different, she imagines she would roll her eyes at herself too. But seeing and speaking to someone who embodies practically everything she wants to be, after such an important and consequential mission, her heart and mind both go, for lack of a better term, mushy. Of course, the logical part of her brain does eventually kick into gear and she realizes what Tiandra has just said. She suspected it might be the case, but confirmation that the Summer Queen expects them to personally make use of the prize they have won fills her with a lot of excitement, and a little apprehension. Will they really have time to go back to the material plane? To visit Mandala?
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Apr 12, 2018 01:23
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Landra The strange malaise that had taken hold of her in the wake of the confrontation aboard the battleship lingered for some time after their return to Senaliesse - she mostly kept to herself, seeing few and hardly being recognised by those she did see. After a few days, she did emerge from the winter of her discontent, renewed and awakened and newly determined - but the first expression of that determination was to revel in the atmosphere of the jubilant capital, while she could. It was only, she had come, by truly embracing the part of her that most essentially and elementally opposed their malign foe, reconnecting to her fey nature at its wildest, most wilful and passionate and mad, that she could hope to stand against what would surely come. ---------- And so, it came as she had known it would, in an audience at the royal airfield - but then, delightfully, it was put momentarily aside for speeches and rewards. Inclining her head slightly towards the approaching Summer Queen, she tried and failed to mask a smirk as Tiandra commented upon her reputation among some at the Court - or a slow smile as her uplifted hands accepted the beautiful weapon offered to her, and her gaze traced its lines. "I have never sought a simple life, Majesty." She could be that gracious, to begin. "It has saved me the disappointment of never finding one. But you can be certain that this delightful gift shall be saved for those who threaten the worlds we share." Mostly. Probably. Unless those gossips she mentions grow a spine sometime. Some things were best left unspoken, even here, even now.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:23
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Alauda 'Skylark' Songbird Battles, won or lost, demand certain rituals once over. Dirges for the dead, memorials for the lost, honouring the heroes, sombre reflections for the defeated. Celebrations for the victors. Skylark, had she taken part in the action or not, was a bard and her duty to the people was to lead such events. Morale was important, and a protracted siege like Moonwatch Harbour called for as much good news as possible. Such a win, even though the extent of it was hushed and covered by secrecy, was cause for people to cheer. The fact her own vessel survived was just a bonus. But the famed public persona of the Skylark, after her ebullient performances the night of her return with the Githyanki battlecruiser, was nowhere to be seen. Not by the adoring public. Nor by the Summer Court and their Queen. Not even her comrade sisters in arms encounter her. Inevitably there will be talk and rumour, cruel whispers about the Skylark and her many famed dalliances, but one must be of a low character to ever believe such muck. The answer, in truth, was far simpler. After a fight like Skylark had, after risking impossible odds and winning, after striking a blow not just for the Fey but for all Good in the multiverse, there were personal matters to tend to. Matters that really came into focus after imperilling her life so. Matters that make you glad you came home again. Not because the mission was a success, not because of the greater strategic value of your contributions; but because she finally for once got to come home to the smile of her lover. These were matters of the heart, and they must be tended to. ---------- For a royal audience, possibly the one single place outrageous costuming was permitted, Skylark appeared downright austere. No extravagance, little pomp, barely any ceremony. Partly it was the locale, an airfield was a dirty place for finery after all. Far more sensible for her to be in dark trousers and a modest blouse. But mostly, in Skylark's mind, it was that this wasn't for morale or for the sake of formality. They all knew each other by now, and this was taking place in a military installation. Huge dresses and coifed hair would just look out of place. In normal circumstances Skylark might object to such flagrant influence from an Archfey, but she couldn't deny that she felt a bit of a glow deep down herself. That warmth and happiness, well, it might just be well earned here today. Just this once. And in that spirit, Skylark also allows herself to skip arguing over the politics of the ruling class and just accept the gift in good grace. After that last missions, she was too tired to be arguing over such frivolities today. As much as the elf would like to grimace at the mention of gifts, she endures with cordiality. "Take it, perhaps, as good portent that such gifts exist still to be given, Your Radiance." Skylark nods, with both hands accepting the exceptionally small box. Though it would be gauche to jam the new ring right on a finger right here and new in front of Tiandra, Skylark keeps the box close at hand so that she could do just so as soon as he Archfey has taken her leave. "Most folk fear the darkness only for having seen the terrors that it can spew forth. I cannot blame them for that, and have long since made my peace with it." Skylark, matching the Queen's voice, assures her. "It is a duty I put on my own shoulders to teach such folk that even in the most deep, dark darkness one may find always a light can shine. Many thanks, Tiandra." She bows her head. Robodog fucked around with this message at 20:04 on Apr 23, 2018 |
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Apr 23, 2018 19:14
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Taali The downtime after battle was spent, as always, in the seediest taverns Taali could find. It was easier to lose herself to alcohol and fights than it was to sit and contemplate exactly what happened on that air ship, what it meant for existence and what her place in that whole mess might be. So, instead. She drank. She fought. She avoided her friends. There was too much not to think about. ------------------- When the time came for the royal audience, her one act of rebellion was wearing her burnt and battered armor instead of anything aproachng a gown, casual or not. She tried to maintain a proper, surly disposition but the sheer presence of the Summer Queen put a quick stop to that. Her gift was accepted with suspicion but, after melting a six foot hole in the ground, Taaliala only just managed to stop declaring her undying loyalty to the Queen.
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Apr 29, 2018 04:28
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Alauda 'Skylark' Songbird Evidently, Skylark wasn't the only one awed into silence by the generous gift. Each of them had been rewarded greatly and given what seemed to be great boons. Not one to be left without a word to say, Alauda takes it upon herself to put her gift to one side and go on the offensive. "Your Radiance," She steps towards the Queen, offering all respect. "On behalf of us all, may I give you our dearest thanks for the support you have shown us here today and indeed throughout our stay in your domain. It is only with your leave that we were able to achieve what we have." She bows to Tiandra, a rather gracious curtsy. "As outsiders to your realm, during wartime no less, you had every right to deny us entry, support, and indeed our freedom. It is a credit to both your kindness and foresight that you instead embraced us. And I would like to assure you that absolutely nothing shall stop us from freeing the gods, restoring the planes, and seeing that Senaliesse not only stands but pushes back the dark forces and wins this damnable war." She finishes with typical aplomb.
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May 14, 2018 23:46
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With the gifts bestowed and the Summer Court’s gratitude duly expressed, the gathering takes on a more serious note. “There is another favour I would ask of you all,” Tiandra tells you. “You successfully captured one of the Enemy’s battleships, and in so doing dealt their naval strength a blow even they cannot ignore…but for our purposes, too, this ship is merely a means to an end.” She gestures at the huge vessel behind her. “Grand Magus Skyweaver and Fabricator-Marshal Twinsen both are confident that the craft will be fully operational again within a matter of weeks – meaning it’ll be ready for combat as well as planar travel.” The Summer Queen pauses briefly, looking at each of you in turn. “Plainly put,” she then says, “I would like you to take the ship, travel to the Astral Sea, and locate the goddess Avandra. I understand that the whereabouts of the other deities are no less important,” she notes, her eyes flicking ever so briefly toward Alauda, “but the fact is that Avandra actually spoke to some of you, after a fashion, which suggests that her…prison may be less secure than the others’. It is our hope that rescuing Avandra will enable her to shed some light on what happened to the gods, and hopefully make locating and freeing them a less difficult matter.” Tiandra again glances at the battleship. “We will be providing a crew for the vessel itself, of course, as well as a company of marines to defend it – and, if you so desire, to deploy beside you once you take the fight to Avandra’s gaolers,” she says, and smiles. “A number of…specialists will also be joining you to assist in ascertaining the goddess’s whereabouts and setting her free, whatever the form of her imprisonment.” The favour asked, Her Radiant Majesty gives you an expectant look. “I need not tell you that this task is sure to be dangerous in the extreme. Whatever the shape or manner of Avandra’s confinement, her liberation will be no simple matter…and yet I wholeheartedly feel that if anyone is capable of bringing it about, you are the ones to do it.” She smiles again. “Do you have any questions?” I know the various side story PM arcs are ongoing, but for the benefit of those among you not involved in them I felt I really should keep the game proper moving as well! 
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May 19, 2018 04:35
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Alauda 'Skylark' Songbird Evidently, this was not all just for gifts and congratulations. Far more serious matters than just how best to patch up spoils of war had to be discussed. So, ever dutiful, Skylark puts away all her gifts and boons and such and listens intently to the real reason the Summer Queen wished to talk to them all. And indeed, it was a serious matter. Nothing less than the preservation of the planes and the rescue of a goddess. Were Alauda humble, she might balk at such a grand task. But while she may be many things, the Skylark is nothing if not effusive in her own praise. "The Astral Sea…" Alauda says somewhat wistfully, recalling trips out on perhaps less than legal spelljammers in her time. She makes no outward expression when the specific goddess is named, but quietly she lets her heart break if just for a moment. She could not argue with the reasoning, and after freeing Avandra one could then move on to another goddess. But who could tell when that might even be? "Avandra put a shard of herself away, no? And that is what allowed her to communicate? If that single drop of her essence is enough to track then… we have no better leads." She does graciously concede. It was not especially attractive to sit around hoping for another way of finding her preferred deities when they had an option on the table right now. "But…" Skylark does continue upon invitations for questions. "Time is somewhat unhinged between the planes now, correct?" She ventures to ascertain. "Between the Feywild and the Prime, decades had passed. Let alone what this githyanki technology and the Astral Sea might bring into the matter." Her gaze alternates between her comrades and Tiandra. "I'm afraid that to save the Gods, only to see Senaliesse herself under siege or worse, would be too great a sorrow for my heart to bear." She admits in a rare showing of genuine worry from the performer. "This mission is of paramount importance. And we will see it succeed, of that I have no doubt. I am sure these specialists our gracious Radiance has attached to the mission will only further guarantee Avandra will be rescued." Her voice leaves no room for hesitation, loud and brash and bold as she is. "But the Skylark must stay to defend her roost." A gaze is shared with the Summer Queen, such a powerful and politically deft archfey no doubt doing little more than playing coy to her machinations. But to her friends, her comrades, her blood sister, surely this was not the right tenor to leave them with. Even if it were but a moment. "Besides! One cannot be captain of two ships at once, can she?" She flashes her ever-confident smile.
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May 31, 2018 03:53
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Marianna "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty," she says. She had hoped the Summer Queen would give them this task, and she is equal parts excited and anxious to accept it. "I agree with you, in that I wholeheartedly believe we can do this. I, for one, accept. My only question is if these specialists you mention will know more about the Astral Sea? I must admit my knowledge of it is limited, so I would like some idea what to expect." Marianna favors each of those who have fought by her side with a strong smile, perhaps not as confident as Skylark's, but hopefully at least as reassuring and inspiring. But her heart falls when she hears that Alauda will not be joining them. Oblivious to the hidden machinations going on, Marianna turns to her. "Perhaps not captain, but what about a different title?" she asks. "Admiral Skylark. Or perhaps Commodore Skylark? I just... It would be a shame not to see this through with you. You're a powerful ally, and our friend besides. Surely you agree that no mere 'specialist' could replace you!"
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May 31, 2018 18:30
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Alauda 'Skylark' Songbird Not wanting her comrade to lose heart, Alauda offers Marianna her stoutest smile. "Admirals and Commodores serve from behind desks, Your Majesty. A life suited for some, but I hardly need to tell you that some have lives that are more ruled by wanderlust." The Skylark jokes, a hearty smirk upon her lips. "Besides, the Summer Queen has already granted us healthy boons. Asking to be commissioned in her navy may be a step too far, I fear." While openness and full discretion is usually the best policy, the greater situation demanded some degree of subterfuge. As such, all Alauda can offer the Queen is a good natured laugh. "Oh I agree, no mere specialist could. But I doubt that Avandra's first wish will be song, dance, and drink. As such, my talents may be somewhat under-appreciated." Skylark casts a quick glance to the archfey. "And with some degree of seriousness. Considering life and all that is good in the planes relies on the Goddess of Freedom to once again embrace her domain, I doubt that the specialists Tiandra is attaching to the mission with be 'mere'." She firmly grabs Marianna by the arms, and pulls her in for a strong hug. "Fear not, Your Majesty. When you return with Avandra, I shall be here to celebrate."
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Jun 1, 2018 13:00
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Landra When do we leave? She had meant to answer with bravado and excitement. She even almost felt it. But the Skylark had been faster, and her "cousin"'s pronouncement threw her off-stride. But as Alauda explained herself, Landra could only nod grimly. The Skylark's relationship with the Feywild had always seemed closer, less...complex than her own, and hers had only recently begun to change. If their next plane shift set them adrift in time again...well, some plans might be disrupted but she would regret little, as long as they succeeded. I had not thought of that possibility. I should warn Chionn. For Alauda....even she could tell it would be different. "I...think I understand, cousin. I think that the invaders and their devices cannot but have a better control over the timing of their shifts than we did. But I am certainly no expert, and it is surely a risk to take. I will...regret your choice but I will not gainsay you. And we will prevail for you."
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Jun 2, 2018 19:36
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Alauda 'Skylark' Songbird They had been through so much together. If there ever was one who deserved to know, it was Landra. Hells, if there ever was one who might just understand it all, Landra might just be her. Just maybe. But given the mixed company and multiple royals, it simply was not the time. "Landra." Skylark says plainly, dropping the theatrics from her voice and with a warm familial smile upon her lips. "I truly envy your strength to persevere no matter the struggle. To stand so tall and proud. Permafrost which refuses to melt. I dearly wish I had but a fraction of your strength." Quick hands see Skylark take hold of Lady Landra in but a flash, planting a kiss on both of her cheeks in turn. "Being by your side, seeing you in full flight, leaves me utterly convinced that I can take such an absence and be certain this quest will be seen through to the end, cuz."
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Jun 3, 2018 17:46
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Marianna Marianna returns the Skylark's hug tightly. The queen does her best to mimic the singer's brave smile, and replies simply, "I'll be looking forward to it."
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Jun 11, 2018 20:46
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Landra That tall, proud, unmelting stance, that ice queen mien, does waver slightly in the face of her "cousin"'s fierce and affectionate farewell, and she smiles and nods sharply as the Skylark pulls slightly away from her buss, her response teasing. "Yes, we'll just have to go save the world without you. I expect your song to reflect that when we're done, cousin." And I expect to live to hear it. And with that she took a deep breath, and picked up her answer to Tiandra's request where she left it off. "So, Majesty, when do we start?"
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Jul 10, 2018 23:58
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“As soon as the stolen vessel is deemed ready for action,” Tiandra responds to Landra’s enquiry. “I am told there is perhaps slightly more than one week’s work to be done before you may cast off from these hither shores.” She smiles, her expression a little wry and almost melancholy at once. “I need not warn you that there is no way of knowing for how long you will be gone – or perhaps I ought rather to say, at which point in the future you will emerge again from the Astral Sea –, so I would recommend spending such time as remains to you all here wisely.” ~ And indeed, ten days later you are summoned to the airfield again, which at this time is bustling with activity as final preparations for the launch of the battleship are made. Supplies are stowed away, the last few members of Kezyl Lornleaf’s marine detachment are climbing aboard, and a number of gnomish engineers give the vessel one last, visual inspection before pronouncing it combat-ready. Waiting next to Tiandra is an eladrin woman you recall having seen at the grand ball of the Summer Court. Her hair as dark as night and her skin the perfect white of exquisite alabaster, she stands tall and resplendent in a suit of mithral mail armour, over which she wears a silver tabard bearing a faint depiction of a gem-studded crescent moon. “The Lady of the White Well,” Tiandra introduces the woman, who gives you a solemn nod in response. “She is one of the specialists I mentioned. As the daughter of the goddess Sehanine, she possesses a degree of insight into the ways of the divine that we expect to prove useful ere long.” The eladrin smiles, reaching up to adjust the mithral circlet adorning her head. “I am happy to make your acquaintance properly at last – the Skylark spoke quite highly of you all. And, please, just call me ‘Lady’. There is no longer a White Well for me to be the lady of, in any case,” she adds, not completely able to mask the wistfulness in her voice. I think we are good to move on! (Dallan, you may assume that Landra informed Chionn off-screen in whatever way she deems most appropriate about her impending absence.) If there’s anything any of you want to buy/do in Senaliesse ere you depart, now is your last chance to announce it! Otherwise you can talk to Tiandra or the Lady if there are any questions that need answering. If there aren’t, post something to the extent and we’ll be off to the Astral Sea!
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Jul 11, 2018 05:17
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Marianna "It's a pleasure and an honor to meet you, Lady," she says, inclining her head. "I assume you've been told something of our mission, but how much do you know of us? I recall seeing you at the grand ball, but alas, I was too busy to talk then." I would like to buy a lot of scrolls and residuum for rituals, but can I ask again how much money I have, if you've been keeping track? Between all the different versions and levels I have I'm not sure anymore. My most recent sheet says 7730 gold, which could be right but I don't know. Sorry.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FxVZXd0iKtEv-AEYtB2jAadFl82vzxGd/view?usp=sharing
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Jul 24, 2018 18:22
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Landra Smiling cordially, she shook her head at the coroneted and mailed new arrival. "Nonsense, milady. Who would we be if we abandoned our pretended titles at the first minor setback like the place no longer existing? Half of Senaliesse would be nameless. At least. No, I shall be honoured to make the acquaintance of the Lady of the White Well, as I could not at the ball. And perhaps if we triumph over the invaders much that has been lost might yet be returned to us." A nod of acknowledgement and a languid shrug capped off her comment as she glided towards the foot of the battleship's gangway, awaiting whatever last words were needed before their voyage began.
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Aug 10, 2018 07:37
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Mother Errant Ode Amadi Wedraogo In amongst the engineers, technical staff, and royal bodyguards there was a figure that stood out. Not too many humans were in the Feywild to begin with, but there couldn't be many at all important enough to be in an area forbidden to all by royal decree. And yet, she was walking towards the gangway without any problems from the surrounding guards. It quickly becomes apparent that this woman was expected, as no stranger would just be allowed to approach the Summer Queen in this way. She joins Landra, Marianna and Taalia in front of the archfeys, holding her hands together reverently. "Your Majesty." She bows her head respectfully to Tiandra. "Your Radiance." She follows, bowing to the Lady. "It is a pleasure to serve." Many dock workers follow in her wake, working to haul a collection of shrines and holy objects onboard. With her purpose already being known to the demigoddess and the Summer Queen, the newcomer turns to address her soon to be fellow travellers. "I am Mother Errant Wedraogo." She quickly greets everybody, nodding her head in a short bow to each in turn. "It took some time but it is clear my path taking me to the Feywild all those years ago was for quite the just reason indeed. We transient ecclesiasts do not lend ourselves to easy summons, but nonetheless I am here like you all to heed the call of my Goddess at the behest of Her Majesty. May Avandra bless your travels." Maintaining a respectful facade, the wandering nun's excitement at having a new place to travel was clear to see underneath as she hurried to join the crew onboard. Hello strangers this game looks fun may I join??? Iira is being looking like this now BTW -> 
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Aug 11, 2018 04:20
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Marianna Shocked to see another human here, and a religious one too, Marianna almost loses her composure. She definitely cannot help but smile. "Honor and respect to you, Mother Errant! I am Marianna, as you may know. I have been telling myself much the same thing about my arrival here. It is absolutely for a reason that we are both here! I would love to hear all about how you wound up all the way in the Feywild, but that seems like a tale best told on the journey, over a good meal. I won't trouble you now." While there is clearly a draconic motif to Marianna's platinum-hued scale armor and white robes, with small, crest-like protrusions and scaly textures, she does carry some symbol or token of nearly every non-evil god, not just Bahamut. Ever since their encounter with Avandra, one of Marianna's packs has been embossed with the goddess's winds of change symbol. "May Avandra continue blessing your travels, as well!" Orbs fucked around with this message at 17:45 on Aug 13, 2018 |
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Aug 13, 2018 17:39
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Mother Errant Ode Amadi Wedraogo With good cheer being ever contagious, the Mother Errant returns Marianna's smile. "Your Majesty." She bows her head respectfully. "I must admit, I am not used to being in the presence of royalty. Let alone this many! But if anyone has Avandra's favour, surely it's the Rebel Queen of Mandala."
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Aug 15, 2018 19:21
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Marianna In the presence of the Summer Queen, Marianna struggles to maintain an air of stately dignity and gravitas where she might otherwise be tempted to let her hair down, so to speak. Even then, her short burst of laughter is a little too loud and non-twinkling to truly be considered regal. She clears her throat, also in a distinctly common fashion to a trained ear. "Perhaps!" she says. "I hope I do carry her blessing with me. Though honestly, my rebelling days are quite far behind me at this point." Marianna leans in, and her voice becomes lower, almost conspiratorial. "If it makes you feel better, since I am, as you noted, rebel royalty, you're only in the presence of one and a half royals at most."
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Aug 27, 2018 17:10
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Landra Tiandra's commentary about additional specialists meant that Wedraogo's arrival earned only a raised eyebrow - she would scarcely have expected one of them to be human, but, of course, the sealing of the planes had caught all manner of people in all manner of places, and if any manner of person would be in all manner of places, it would be a nun of Avandra. "Mother Errant, a joy." She smiles and nods slightly in greeting. "I suppose I should have expected someone like you to be joining us on a mission like this. Though in truth I am surprised you are unused to royalty if you have been stranded here long. If nothing else, this city is lousy with princes and princesses of the fey, or so they will all tell you."
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Sep 6, 2018 18:21
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Mother Errant Ode Amadi Wedraogo The Mother Errant smiles and nods in reply, very respectful. "Oh! You know what I mean, Milady." She cries, waving a hand in Landra's direction. "A princeling of some sticky bog isn't the same as the Summer Queen! And godkin I've met few if any. And it's been so long since I've even heard of human royalty, let alone such a famous Queen!"
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Sep 8, 2018 06:03
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Landra "Oh, of course you're right, Mother, but they do get so touchy if you mention that. Every bog a palace and every denizen putting on airs, balloons begging for a pinprick." She laughs, and shakes her head. "Ah, but my dueling days are behind me. Mostly. So much more to worry about these days, for everyone."
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Sep 22, 2018 22:53
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Mother Errant Ode Amadi Wedraogo The religious Mother smiles broadly. "Pardon, Milady. Dueling days? Involving self-important princelings?" She laughs to herself, just quietly enough to not totally appear improper. "That sounds like quite some adventurous days! On board, over a tankard, you must fill in the details sometime."
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Sep 23, 2018 09:15
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Suddenly the air overhead is rent apart with a blinding light and the howling of eldritch winds, disgorging a body to fall roughly upon the earth below. The tear seals itself as swiftly as it opened and the figure rises as if on puppet-strings, ticking and pinging from the heat of its transit. As the dust settles, it is revealed to be a golem of unnervingly exquisite construction. Like a sailing ship the movements of its body are stately and sedate, and yet also the backdrop for frenzied marches of activity. A hand spins upon its wrist-joint. Vents along its abdomen open and close with a soft hiss. Various intricate little components detach and float into the air, tracing perfect geometric shapes around the golem or hovering like curious fish near persons and items of interest before settling into different places upon its skin. At last, seemingly ignorant of any disturbance she may be causing, she speaks.  Cipher "I see. A severe temporal distortion. Attempting a portal was even more hazardous than predictions indicated. Nevertheless this is indeed where I should be, if not when." She turns toward the onlookers. "I am Cipher. You are seeking to investigate and counteract a planar anomaly you call 'The Eclipse.' My maker, Zoltan Thule, entrusted me with the same mission. Please allow me to aid you." Hwurmp fucked around with this message at 04:05 on Sep 24, 2018 |
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Sep 24, 2018 04:01
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Mother Errant Ode Amadi Wedraogo Her eyes not breaking off the scene, the Mother Errant slowly draws out some parchment and ink from her belongings and notes the strange happening down as some sort of portent.
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Sep 24, 2018 05:49
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 Sariel From the shadows in a corner of the airfield, a figure emerges. They are tall, though their posture is unassuming, and their face is unremarkable, much as their robe, while of clearly quality craftsmanship, is plain and covers most of their body. Approaching the Summer Queen, the figure bows smoothly, then proceeds to talk, though their voice is barely a whisper. After Tiandra gives them a short reply, and a gesture to the party, the figure approaches with a few steps. "Hail, heroes. My Queen bids me to join your quest, to assist you in any manner of covert operation you might need to attempt in your rescue of Lady Luck. Know that I am called by many names, but you may address me as Duke, or Sariel, or a combination thereof, if it please you. My powers are at your disposal." Sariel's voice is soft, but clear enough to be heard by all. Despite their relaxed posture, their eyes are intently trained on each of those present, studying them like a tiger might another.
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Sep 24, 2018 09:27
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Mother Errant Ode Amadi Wedraogo …Ode is quick to append an addendum about the approaching void fey. And makes no move to re-iterate her stance on prissy princelings.
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Sep 24, 2018 11:51
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The bustling airfield and passing sleds of cargo screen the arrival of an errant raccoon, who waddles brazenly towards the expanding circle of adventurers. A pair of antlers follow in close pursuit, hurdling over passing crates and pushing through crowds to catch their quarry. Their every stride is announced by the familiar jangling of chainmail and pounding of boots, betraying their crimson robes as a facade to heavier armor. A misplaced step finds them stumbling over a sloppily placed pile of damage control equipment, and with one last desperate stride they manage to bend over and catch the pesky animal before it can trundle into the midst of a crowd. They realize their folly as they attempt to stand; the antlers of their mask have caught on the white robes of the priestess beside them. "Oh, terribly sorry!" A muffled woman's voice responds. She attempts to disentangle one of her antlers without letting go of the raccoon, and while her venture is successful, she accidentally pokes through the parchment in the holy woman's hands with the other. "Sorry!" The paper is torn through as she stands. The mask does well in hiding whatever horrified expression might be on her face as she considers each of her present company. She remains awkward and silent, presenting the raccoon at arm's length towards the others as if she were handing off an unwanted baby. This continues for several beats too long. She clears her throat. "This is Vihn." Vihn He remains limp and unmoving in her hands.
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Sep 24, 2018 13:08
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Mother Errant Ode Amadi Wedraogo "…no, it's quite alright." With a heavy sigh, the Mother Errant puts her writing utensils back into her pack and attempts to commit this all to memory to record at a later time. She looks between the skull wearing robed woman and the outheld racoon quite a few times before saying anything further. "…the Summer Queen certainly is looking far and wide for this task, isn't she?"
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Sep 24, 2018 13:29
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Vihn Billowing smoke envelops the rodent and his assistant. The cloud is pushed to the ground by forces unseen, dissipating at the feet of a short, steely human.  "She is, indeed." He replies dryly, bowing slightly to the royalty among them. "Your graces. Now, before we manage to embarrass our queen any further, I would like to introduce my gracious assistant: Gavri, say hello." She begins to say something but Vihn continues speaking over her. "As much as I am loath to admit it considering our immediate behavior, we represent the party of Queen Avinica of The Everleaf. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and shall endeavor to assist you by any means possible." Atlatl fucked around with this message at 13:51 on Sep 24, 2018 |
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Sep 24, 2018 13:48
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Mother Errant Ode Amadi Wedraogo In her mind, Ode is furiously scribing down all of this as quickly as she is able.
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Sep 24, 2018 14:31
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Apis The last one to follow the group is a hulking mass of a man, whose imposing physical stature is matched only by the great glistening horns atop his bald head and the flowing white beard that he keeps carefully braided. Several scars and wounds cover his body, and he seems to be carrying a small barrel of dwarven ale in one hand, taking a few gulps from it as he approaches the airship. "Seems like this is a large party, ga ha ha ha!" The horned man bellows before throwing the empty barrel behind him, sending it flying into the distance. "I am Apis, and I can say I'm the best at my line of work. So you guys can rest safe as long as I'm getting my pay." Plutonis fucked around with this message at 16:00 on Sep 24, 2018 |
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Sep 24, 2018 15:57
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Marianna Note: official court portrait; real life version may have more wrinkles, messier hair, more muscle, and heavier armor Marianna is stunned into silence for a moment, but her agile mind recovers quickly enough that she can at least start speaking. "It is an honor for our noble quest to have generated this much attention," she says. Her body is still, except for one nervous tic of brushing her thumb along the orb of her scepter. "For that, and for the opportunity to talk to new and interesting... people, I am truly glad to meet you all. My name is Marianna, and I am the chosen Queen of the holy land of Mandala on the material plane." The queen favors each of the new arrivals with a long, appraising look. The strange yet beautiful golem, the stately, handsome Duke, the huge and boisterous mercenary, even the party with the... rodent? It will take a while to process even one of them fully, but Marianna is certain that she is in the presence of legends. "If you know anything about me," she continues, "then you know that I am no stranger to long odds. I'm not sure how much you've all been briefed, but our mission may be the longest that odds can get. The Far Realm is fundamentally alien to us, and its inhabitants have somehow succeeded in overcoming the gods. But they are not invincible. We have beaten them before, and with you on our side, I am certain that we can beat them again. I don't expect or demand faith from you, but I can promise you that if you trust in me, then the trust of both myself and the gods will be with you. Together, we can stand before all the armies of chaos and not falter." Marianna closes her softly shimmering violet eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath. When she opens them again, she crosses her arms and glares at Apis. But she is also smirking, because she is more amused than angry. "Now, why didn't you bring enough to share, Sir Apis?" she asks, glancing at where the empty ale barrel was thrown.
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Sep 24, 2018 17:06
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Apis "My apologies, Your Majesty. This might not be enough for someone of such royal stature, but yes, there is something else I brought." Apis says, a grin on his face as he pulls a smaller keg from his travel pack. "Lethean Mushroom Ale from the Underdark, a gift from a friend of mine who owed me some favors on his business with the Duergar. It packs too strong a punch for even me to take more than a few sips at a time."
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Sep 25, 2018 23:01
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Cipher "Do not operate heavy machinery or weave complex magicks while intoxicated."
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Sep 26, 2018 00:26
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Landra "I'm sure we will have the chance. One thing I will say for us - even our military deployments find what room they can to appreciate the finer things in life." She might have said more to the Mother Errant, had not so many of the Summer Queen's promised specialists so presently arrived at the airfield. And I thought the nun was a surprise. Marianna, ever the diplomat, had saved her the trouble of a welcoming speech - thankfully for...everyone, and quite a lot of everyone to boot. But it was the rebel queen's closing comment that truly won her over - and, not unrelatedly, gave her an opening to chime in, the wry flash of emerald eyes lending an air of almost-welcome to her wintry facade. "Well...Cipher, you say? Lucky for us, our royal hostess' excellent crew can handle the heavy machinery and complex magic keeping us aloft. Our relatively simple job is to unravel a mystery that's confounded multiple worlds, and gut anyone, mortal or not, who tries to keep us from freeing Lady Avandra. And one might argue you'd have to be intoxicated - or desperate - to even attempt such a thing! So, master Apis, I'm sure her Majesty, and his Grace, and everyone down to yours-baseborn-truly will appreciate a share of that mushroom ale and any supplies the Summer Court might have laid in. At least enough until we're too far out of port to let anyone off the ship." Dallan Invictus fucked around with this message at 03:31 on Sep 26, 2018 |
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Sep 26, 2018 03:25
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