CH. 11: The Show Must Go On

[JadedDM]

Haahqae (Masked Dragon Inn, Ismene's Room)
Ismene shifts her weight from foot to foot when Haahqae insists on going up to her room. "Umm...alright, I guess," she says as Haahqae leads her upstairs. "I don't know what Ismene means. But it sounded nice. I heard it in a play about the Blood Sea Isles shortly after I first left Nevermind," she admits.

She opens the door to her room and steps inside, Haahqae right behind her. It's much nicer than Haahqae's room. It doesn't smell, there are no dubious stains and the windows aren't so badly warped that they're letting in the outside cold air. Miriam sits at a desk, scribbling on some parchment with an ink quill.

"Maybe you just need to properly vet anyone who wants to work with you," Ismene suggests as she closes the door.

Miriam glances over her shoulder, frowns when she sees Haahqae, and finishes up her letter. She sprinkles salt on the wet ink, then furls up the scroll. "Or perhaps if you lie down with dogs, you rise with fleas," the warrior woman adds.

Kendra Synclair (Prefect's Mansion)
"And how much mercy should I show them?" Tethys asks. "If you were in my place, how much would you show them? You were a Holy Guard during the Seekers' time. You saw for yourself what happens to a city that suffers from weak leadership. Riots in the streets, religious cults springing up left and right, thousands of homeless wandering the streets...when you were patrolling the city, arresting troublemakers, did you show them mercy? Did you wag your finger at them and ask them politely not to cause any more trouble before letting them go? Do you think that would have worked?"

He shakes his head. "Only a fool lets terrorists and rebels off with a warning. If I were to just let them go, it wouldn't make the people see me as a hero. It would make them see me as weak. And those who see weakness will inevitably attempt to exploit it for their personal gain. Would you argue otherwise, after all you have seen?"

Tulbas Erogund (Mageware Shop)
"Traditionally, yes," Magnus answers. "But it isn't unheard of for a student to bring a companion. There was a Test about five years back I remember where a young man brought his twin brother, a warrior, with him. But few are willing to put their own lives at risk like that. If the student fails, their companions are killed along with them. And the Test is made more difficult to compensate for whatever aid they might offer. So there is no real advantage."

He continues, "You simply ask for how much of a challenge you want. But the graver the risk, the greater the reward. And once you have finished, and assuming you pass, you will then be inducted into one of the three orders. Each order has its own secrets and powers it will teach you that are completely different from each other. There are also various tripartisan factions within the orders, as well, that you may have an interest in joining once you prove yourself. Such as the War Mages, the Dreamshapers, the Griffon Wizards, the Renegade Hunters, the Sea Mages, the Spell Brokers, the Sylvan Mages, and the Winternorns."

Arulia Seroth (Seven Centaurs, Private Bathing Room)
Camilla decides to accompany Cassilda, so the two head out. After paying the innkeeper 6 more copper, she has a servant escort Arulia and Niniva upstairs. They are brought to a pair of bathing rooms next door to each other, with each woman choosing one.

After stepping inside and closing and locking the door, Arulia looks around. Although this room exists solely for bathing, it's about as big as her entire bedroom. In the center of the room is a large, copper tub that is presently filled with steaming hot water. Next to the tub, within arm distance, is a small wooden stand on which rests a couple of towels and washrags (both folded and freshly clean), some soap, and a sponge. There is also a full sized mirror against the wall, presumably so one can check for any spots they might have missed while cleaning.

Felran, Ne-Chanz and Shima (Steel Tankard Inn, Common Room)
The innkeeper replies, "He said it was in the grand market, at Tenth Watch." That's about six hours from now, as it's nearly Fourth Watch now.

(OOC: As far as I know, Shima doesn't know about what's happening in the dwarflands to the south. He tried eavesdropping on Gobax and Delharn talking about it and failed.)

[Chris1234]

"Thanks, Innkeeper," replies Shima.
"Ok, shopping for torches," the dwarf leaves and leads the other pair towards the market yo get some torches for Ne-Chanz.

[Haahque]

Miriam’s statement confuses Haahqae, he hasn’t even seen a dog in the steel tankard recently, he certainly hasn’t let any in to his room while he was sleeping, and he doesn’t have fleas. Furthermore what did that have to do with anything? Was she commenting on how unwashed he was when he arrived this morning? Well, he certainly is glad that he had a bath today.

“Hmm, maybe I should vet them better, but sometimes someone seems so genuine and useful and even earns your trust by helping out on multiple adventures, then when you ask them to help you with a performance, they don’t even show up to practice.”

He however, came here with purpose of explaining himself about his involvement with the army. Ismene is Ismene, and she deserves to know a little about what Haahqae is thinking. Haahqae has been keeping secrets for so long from so many people, he almost feels like he needs someone to explain himself to. After all, he’s always right, but it’s far too rare that others notice this. Miriam is in the room, but that doesn’t stop him, for he has reason to suspect she’s no fan of the army.

“I need money. So do you, well, right now we all need money. These blasted taxes seem to be straining everyone right now and the threat of running out of money is something we all face. Except the army and the church. They’re exempt from taxes, they’re being paid well and they don’t even pay for drinks, so what the heck are the soldiers paying money for? They must be stockpiling it somewhere, when it would do much more help in the pockets of me, or you, or the people of this city who are struggling to survive. I came up with the idea of a show targeting Baaz so that I could get those filthy slobs that are stockpiling money to pay for something, get some money back into circulation. All my jokes about how awesome Baaz are, are planned so that they’ll be willing and happy to give me money that I can get back into circulation. There’s thousands of Baaz with a lot of money and the ability to take whatever weapons they want anywhere and bully people with them. There’s only one of me and the only weapon I can carry around is a simple sling. If they notice me trying to get money from them and they don’t enjoy it… things won’t go well for me. I am even considering trying more juristic means if I can earn a little trust with the soldiers.”

[BishGada]

Tulbas raises a brow at the mention of all the factions. Of course he knew about the orders, and he knew that each individual may specialize in some aspect of the Art. He also caught few of these factions names in his uncle and his father conversations, but didn't even know it has to do with mages. Of course he knew about Renegade Hunters, after all Magnus had used this concept to deceive him just few weeks ago, but he considered it a job title and not a faction. He takes few moments to digest the information and then starts with a series of questions, "Who decides if you fail or succeed in a challenge? Are there judges? Have you been such a judge in the past? Could such challenge require the usage of several spells? Does the challenges continue until the student used all the spells he knows? What about reversible spells, would one have to use both the direct and the reverse spells? Are the perils part of the challenges or additional tasks for the mage?" Tulbas realizes he had bombarded Magnus with questions and stops to hear the answers.

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(OOC:

"but sometimes someone seems so genuine and useful and even earns your trust by helping out on multiple adventures, then when you ask them to help you with a performance, they don’t even show up to practice."

Ha ha it was funny to read it.

JadedDM, About the factions I'd be happy to read more although I think it will be relevant only after The Test, right? Also, I have some questions Tulbas will ask Magnus after finishing with the general Test info, but they are secondary in importance to the current course of discussion so I didn't want to change the subject. I care to ask about non orthodox usage of most of the spells but especially 'Ray of Enfeeblement' and 'Spectral Hand'.
* Edit: Oh and Tulbas will asks about his chances to try the different levels of risks, since he doesn't have a clue what to expect to.
)

[TristenC]

I only have the one prepared... if we can make more, that will help. Otherwise we could just throw lamp oil vessels at them and wait for them to catch from the other fires, or simply stuff lit rags in the mouth of the bottles. We could use them to hem-in the crowd once the attack starts, preventing them frrom fleeing in all directions as quickly... I have some hold-person spells ready for our withdrawal. What prayers do you have prepared for the day?

[HorizonsDream]

~There really is no convincing him that they aren't rebels,~ Kendra thinks to herself. "All right. I concede," she says.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae (Masked Dragon Inn, Ismene's Room)
"Oh, I see," Ismene responds noncommittally.

Miriam, though, has something to add. Standing up, she places the furled scroll into her satchel. "What a load of shite," she says, approaching. ""Getting money back into circulation? You mean lining your own pouches with steel. Or would you have us believe you intend to give away that money to those who need it most? The only people benefiting from this little scheme of yours are the soldiers getting entertained and yourself. If you want to sell out to the enemy to make yourself richer, so be it. But don't insult us by trying to make it sound like you're somehow doing the city any favors."

Kendra Synclair (Prefect's Mansion)
Tethys smiles. "I'm glad you see reason. That is what I like about you, Kendra." He walks over to the window and leans against the wall, looking out at the city. "You're one of the few people who can actually understand the difficult decisions I must make every day to keep this city safe."

Tulbas Erogund (Mageware Shop)
"The Test is judged by the heads of the three orders," Magnus replies. "Currently they are Par-Salian who is the Head of the Order of Solinari as well as the Master of Wayreth Tower, Justarius who is the Head of the Order of Lunitari, and Ladonna who is Head of the Order of Nuitari. As I am not, nor have I ever been, a head of any order, I have not judged any Tests personally."

He adds, "Yes, the challenges require numerous spells often. Both direct and reversed ones. The student is tested on every spell he knows, backwards and forwards, to make sure they understand how to use and be respectful of, the Art. And the perils are very much part of the challenge."

Grubnick (Grand Market)
Delharn chuckles. "I like it. As for me, let's see...I got Fire Trap, Flame Blade, Heat Metal, Produce Flame, Flame Walk and Pyrotechnics. Oh, got some fear and holding spells, too. As well as some minor healing and spells to boost fighting ability. All in all, should have plenty to do when the time comes."

Felran, Ne-Chanz and Shima (Grand Market)
The trio depart the Steel Tankard and head back into the cold, making their way to the grand market. A large section of the market has been cleared away, and an impromptu stage has been built there. As usual, there aren't many people in the market, due to the increase in taxes.

They find a vendor selling torches for 2 coppers each.

[Chris1234]

"There you go, Ne-Chanz. Guess you might want to buy about 10 of them, so presumably 2SP total. The we can carry on where we left off," prompts Shima.

[Haahque]

Haahqae almost forgets that Ismene is in the room when Miriam tears into his scheme. Her accusations are totally off mark, or perhaps they're too close to being true, either way Haahqae is infuriated by them and replies angrily;

"I've spent years of my life helping out the less fortunate. I've found lost pets, I've delivered letters, I've protected merchants. I perform daily performances at the Steel Tankard where anyone, no matter how poor they are can be entertained for free, and I get paid next to nothing for it. I've risked my life on multiple occasions to help clear out an infested cellar or mine, rescuing prisoners from malicious cults and taking on terrors too great for tavern goers or merchants to deal with. And what do I get for it? Instead of getting any recognition for doing good works, I get betrayed, stolen from, assassins hired against me for who knows what reason. While I help others out, I search for knowledge, and that knowledge is constantly kept from me or destroyed. I try to live comfortably, but I'm given a small, poorly maintained inn room that I have to fear is going to disappear any day because the army came and arrested my innkeeper. Can you blame me if I want to do one show for the soldiers to try and get me back on my feet? To help me get the money I need to actually accomplish something for my life quest? Who are you to lay such accusations on me? You barely even know me."

Having had his outburst, Haahqae adds a little quieter "When I planned the show, I tried to help out the local inns by letting them sell drinks at the show. But the Baaz don't pay for drinks, so they refused. I tried convincing the baaz to start paying for drinks, but they were too thick and stupid to understand why they had to do so. The innkeepers need the help as much as anyone else, even if some of them can be infuriating sometimes."

[BishGada]

"I see." Tulbas say. "So? Are we going to practice now? I'm curious about what we will learn today. I get great satisfaction from finding new ways to use magic. Can we also practice a different difficulty levels so I can get the measure of things, Master?" he says genuinely. Its difficult to admit to himself, but he enjoys the practice with Magnus. Even though Magnus keeps mocking his mistakes at any opportunity, Tulbas does learn a lot and his instincts cause him enjoy these moments when his mind expends and he understands a new aspect of the Art.

[HorizonsDream]

"It isn't a job that I would want," Kendra admits. "Making difficult decisions every day would only age me," she says with a light teasing tone. "Though, did you have anything you wished me to do today?"

[TristenC]

I have flame blade and heat metal as well... We should plot a route for escape. A cloth sack to lug the stuff in might be good, we could ditch it if we have to... I wonder if we'd be able to stash supplies here an hour or so beforehand... damn, I need a hood too. I should have gotten one before today, they might remember me...

[djhyland]

Arulia disrobes hurriedly and sinks herself into the water as soon as she can. The...the bathing room is far, far beyond what she'd expected: she's been to bathe at the other inns before, but never this one, and none of the other baths had been like this! In such an opulent inn, she can't help but feel out-of-place and slightly...unworthy. Assuming that she finds enough money to both stay in the city and to afford to bathe in the future, she decides that she'll go back to one of the other inns even if William is still at this one.

Even so, the luxurious feeling of the warm water soothes Arulia's body, and she allows herself to relax for a long while with only her head poking out of the tub. When it comes time to wash up, though, she does so quickly and without looking in the mirror. No matter how clean or beautiful she may be, she just doesn't look like she belongs in such an extravagant mirror. Likewise, she dries herself off and dresses hastily before returning to the common room to wait uncomfortably for Niniva to finish her own bath.

[spyguy1503]

Ne-Chanz buys the recommended amount of torches, then makes sure he has a way to light them, then leaves.

[Chris1234]

Unless anyone says otherwise, we make our way back to the sewers, Ne-chanz can light a torch presumably, then (not using the dodgy bridge) recurse where we've already explored just to make sure it hasn't re-populated.
If nothing untoward shows up, we head for the door with the difficult lock.
Shima then examines the door for traps, and if none are detected, Shima will try to pick the lock.