Scene Two
Scene Three
Scene Four
Scene Five
Scene Six
Scene Seven
Chapter Five: And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood...
Scene One: In the Hallway
mgrasso> It's about an hour before dawn.
mgrasso> Well, Artemisia and Solangia are in the door of their room, and everyone else is in the upstairs main hallway.
mgrasso> Since the loud oinking woke everyone. :)
mgrasso> Also in the hall are Onlas, the human man and wife, and Grimsley and his 3 daughters.
* Solangia peeks around Artemisia into the hall
* Kirby rubs his eyes.
mgrasso> "You! You stole my rings, you little thief!"
Solangia> Yes, I did. Guess where I hid them.
* Kirby walks slowly over to the pig.
Artemisia> She most certainly did not! She was in here with me all night.
Solangia> I'll give you a hint -- you probably haven't washed it in some time.
* Rolando squints at the pig and looks half asleep.
mgrasso> "Why you little!" He charges towards Solangia.
* Solangia makes a hasty retreat
* Rolando moves to intercept the pig.
Solangia> Settle down, Sir Porks.
* Artemisia draws herself up to full height and says commandingly, "Stop right there." to the pig.
mgrasso> The pig bristles in his nightdress and sleeping hat with the pom pom.
Kirby> Sir, if we can discuss this for a minute, I'm sure you'll see that this is a misunderstanding.
Kirby> It *is* an understanding, isn't it, Solangia?
* Kirby yawns and rubs his eyes again.
Solangia> Oh, who even cares?
* Solangia glares at the pig
Artemisia> !dice 4 9
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 4d10 at difficulty 9. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 6 1 6 2
mgrasso> "There's no misunderstanding! I was sleeping and saw the silhouette of that thing snatching my rings on my night table by the moonlight!"
Artemisia> wow, good thing I said WP
Rolando> And you assumed it was her? That's pretty far out there, pig.
mgrasso> "She had them in her mouth! She was prowling around as a cat!"
Kirby> Well, let's talk about this and see how we can rectify the situation. For now, I think sitting down to a cup of something hot would be a good idea.
Aranth> "that thing?" I wouldn't be talking there, porky...
Artemisia> That's inpossible. She was here.
mgrasso> "And my name," the pig says with pride, "is Mister Zee."
Solangia> I put nothing in my mouth. Ask anyone.
* Solangia eyes Aranth
mgrasso> "Sit down? Oh no. I want her light fingers cut off."
* Solangia balls her hands into fists
mgrasso> "All pookas are thieves, everyone knows that."
Aranth> uhu, and you can call me mr a, and as you can see i rank before you...so shut the furkup for a minute you pompus windbag.
Solangia> Pookas are NOT thieves! I object.
Aranth> and all pigs are fat... so?
Artemisia> me smooths her hair behind her neck.
mgrasso> "Give them back to me, you little cutpurse." He makes an advancing move on Solangia.
Solangia> What happend, Piggy-Zee? Were you let down by a pooka and now seek to soothe your masculine pridge by accusing *me* of stealing your guady and no doubt fake jewelry?
Kirby> God DAMMIT! Can't you two see that this is serious! You're not just going to stroll out of here if this guy thinks you're thieves.
* Rolando holds out an arm to keep Mr. Zee from getting to close to Sol.
Kirby> Mister Zee, can we *please* discuss this over whatever passes as coffe in this place?
* Solangia looks defiantly at the pig
Aranth> and maybe some bacon and eggs...
Artemisia> !dice 7 7
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 7d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 8 3 9 6 6 3 10
* Aranth looks thoughtfully at the pig
Kirby> If it turns out that this pooka *is* your thief, well, if finger cutting is what is called for, that's what you can do.
Solangia> Hey!
mgrasso> Mr. Zee barely glances at Kirby, and turns back to Solangia and Artemisia.
* Solangia glares at Kirby
Solangia> I'll cut off more than your finger, Kirby, if you let tht happen.
Aranth> worried sol?
* Aranth sneers a little
* Artemisia says quite clearly, "Everyone stop arguing now!"
Solangia> Should I be, Aranth?
mgrasso> Rolando holds Mr. Zee back.
Aranth> I don't know, are you a theif?
Artemisia> Nothing can be calmly decided in the heat of anger.
mgrasso> Everyone, give me WP rolls, diff. 8
Solangia> I don't know. Are you a petty prick?
Solangia> !dice 2 8
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 2d10 at difficulty 8. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 4 5
Aranth> !dice 2 8
* DiceWell Aranth rolls 2d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 10 8
Rolando> !dice 2 8
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 2d10 at difficulty 8. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 5 2
* Aranth makes the "catfight" motion and sound at solognia.
mgrasso> Hold on all?
Aranth> holding
Kirby> !dice 8 8
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 8d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 6 9 4 6 1 3 8 5
Kirby> !dice 8 8
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 8d10 at difficulty 8. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 3 6 4 1 10 2 1 2
Artemisia> (geez, Kirby)
mgrasso> Why two rolls, Joe?
Kirby> oops
Kirby> (didn't mean that)
mgrasso> OK, everyone's desire to argue fades... well, apparently, except Mister Zee's.
mgrasso> "That's it! Grimsley! Get out here, now! I want you to get me your cleaver so I can carve up this little minx's fingers!" Mr. Zee is literally frothing at the jowls.
* Kirby sits down on the stairs.
mgrasso> Grimsley walks up with great purpose. "Oho no, Zee. We'll find your gold. You leave that girl alone."
Aranth> You tell the porker Grims
Aranth> !
Rolando> Could we have some breakfast first...
Artemisia> Yes, please. Now that we're all up, how about some coffee or something?
mgrasso> Grimsley looks at Solangia and Artemisia askance. "No one leaves until we resolve this mess."
mgrasso> Grimsley tromps off downstairs.
Aranth> wait!
* Solangia glances at Artemisia
Aranth> Grims- do you or any of your patrons own a cat?
* Kirby heads back to his room.
Artemisia> Yes, but we can certainly resolve it over coffee, rather than in this drafty hall.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee backs out of the doorframe as Solangia and Artemisia make for the stairs.
mgrasso> Aranth chases Grimsley down the stairs.
mgrasso> What's everyone doing?
* Kirby reluctantly follows downstairs...dragging.
Solangia> Closely following Art down the stairs
* Rolando is getting some clothes and his dagger just in case.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee waits for the oathcircle and the other patrons and the daughters to go down to the common room.
* Solangia puts her hand on Artemisia's shoulder and loudly whispers, "They can't really chop off my hand, can they?"
mgrasso> Then he makes his way, ambling down the stairs on hooves.
Artemisia> They will NOT chop off your hand, Sol. Not while we're here with you.
Scene Two: Common Room
mgrasso> As you walk downstairs, you hear a plate shatter from the common room.
* Solangia curtly nods
* Kirby goes to investigate the noise.
mgrasso> When you walk into the common room, you see Aranth and Grimsley standing toe to toe.
mgrasso> Aranth holds his hands up in a "calm down" gesture.
Kirby> Christ, dude, can't you ever CHILL!
mgrasso> (heh, that's quotable)
* Aranth then licks his lip a little and looks at Grimsly- why does that question make you so nervous?
Artemisia> Aranth, stop it right now!
* Aranth raises an eyebrow
Aranth> (at grims)
mgrasso> Grimsley simply says, "There are no cats here in the inn, pooka or otherwise. If you'll excuse me." He walks off to the kitchen.
Artemisia> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 8 3 7 10 8
Solangia> Artemisia! Please, you don't know what he was doing.
Aranth> Some one wound the strings too tight on that one...
* Aranth indicates grims
Artemisia> I just didn't want them to start hitting each other.
Solangia> Aranth is more likely to hit on him.
* Solangia pushes a stray lock of hair out of her face
mgrasso> All the patrons are down in the common room.
Aranth> I came down after him to ask him a few simple questions- might I add to get you out of trouble miss priss.
Aranth> and he gets all threatening and defensive
* Rolando glowers at everybody. He's not what you'd call a "morning troll."
mgrasso> Mr. Zee stands in the middle of the room, looking at the assembled crowd. "So, if not her, which one of you is a shapechanging little thief?"
Kirby> Well throwing a plate at him is *sure* to help.
Artemisia> Sol, you stop it too.
Aranth> I think he's hiding something or protecting someone
Solangia> And HOW do you even know Aranth threw it?
Aranth> Furk you Kirby
* Kirby sits on the floor.
Solangia> Everyone is always so quick to judge around here. *I* stole the plate. Aranth threw the ring -- or whatever the fu --
* Solangia breaks off and mutters to herself.
mgrasso> The three daughters all fade into the kitchen.
Aranth> Does anyone want to know what went down out here?
mgrasso> Onlas the bard says, "You folks travel together?"
Artemisia> I would like to know why Mr. Zee is so sure it was a shapechanger.
Kirby> Not really...
Artemisia> And yes, Aranth, I would be very interested to know.
Aranth> I want to know if the sillouett he saw had a tail.
Aranth> Grimsley, clearing the tables, is not wanting to answer you. He grunts, "You mundane travellers are always trouble."
Kirby> Wellm this is our first trip together, and as you can see it's going *ever* so well.
Aranth> cange all tenses
Aranth> Oh most gracious host- answer the question- I can get her out of this with just your help on two simple questions I think
mgrasso> "Madame," Mr. Zee says, "there was an animal perched on my end table with my rings in its mouth. I chased it out of the room in the near-darkness, and it left through the half-open door."
Aranth> Grimsley says, "Do you know I was a champion boxer in your world? Do you want to test me?"
Aranth> He drops a plate.
Artemisia> Did you follow it into the hall?
* Rolando harrumphs at the tenuousness of the evidence.
Aranth> I'm not looking for a furking fight-- atleast not this time... does any one have a cat? do they have a long tail? that's all I want- then I'll go
Artemisia> Where did it go?
mgrasso> "I did, and it disappeared."
mgrasso> "Stealthy little thing, it was."
Artemisia> Disappeared where? This is important.
Aranth> Did the shadow have a tail?
mgrasso> The pig looks at Aranth. "Yes, it had a long tail."
Aranth> then it wasn't sol!!!
Solangia> Well, take a gander, pig.
Aranth> she's a Manx...
* Solangia turns around and wags her short, puffy tail at Zee
Kirby> Rol, don't you have some kind of investigative skills that might be of use?
* Rolando cracks a smile for the first time this morning.
Kirby> CAn't you dust for paw prints or something?
Artemisia> Thank you, Sol.
* Artemisia smiles too.
Rolando> I didn't bring my chimerical fingerprint kit with me, Kirby.
Kirby> !dice 7 9
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 7d10 at difficulty 9. S/He gets 1 success.
Rolando> But we could have a look at the crime scene.
* DiceWell 8 4 2 9 5 4 5
Aranth> guys- it's not our problem anymore.
Artemisia> I think it's pretty clear that it was not this kitty, Mr. Zee.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee looks at Solangia's tail for a bit, and says, squeakily and quietly, "Um, well... what was it then?"
Aranth> dunno- don care- good day.
Aranth> I think you might want to start by asking mr grimsley though mister piggy zee.
* Kirby lies back on the floor and reclines on one elbow.
mgrasso> Rolando: you heading up to the pig's room?
Artemisia> If he does, I'll go with him.
* Solangia crouches by Kirby
Rolando> Sure. Anyone coming?
* Kirby sits up.
Kirby> I'll go with.
Kirby> Carry me?
Solangia> You and I are talking later, buddy.
* Solangia glares at him, then stands up
mgrasso> (who did Sol direct that at?)
Solangia> (kirby)
* Aranth heads off to find some food, and whispers in sol's ear on the way by.
Solangia> (that's who she crouched by)
mgrasso> (thank you)
Artemisia> (wow, she gets around :D)
mgrasso> All right, Rolando, Kirby, go to #pigsroom
mgrasso> And leave here.
Scene Three: Mr. Zee's Chambers
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*** Artemisia (jsober@1cust165.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has left #Changeling-Tucson
*** Now talking in #pigsroom
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mgrasso> All righty. Mr. Zee accompanies you.
Kirby> So, if all three of us are up here, who's keeping an eye on the trouble twins downstairs?
mgrasso> He gesticulates his hooves in various directions as he directs you up to the room.
Artemisia> This time they'll have to take care of themselves.
* Rolando hums to himself and notes the pig's gesticulations.
mgrasso> "So, these gold rings are expensive, crafted by the best artisans of the Clockwork Provinces." He drones on about how much money in trading they cost.
Kirby> So where *were* they?
mgrasso> "Right here," he oinks, "on the night table."
* Kirby sits on the foot of the bed.
Rolando> Not a very secure place for your valuables, sir.
mgrasso> Artemisia? Rolando? Care to do your thing?
mgrasso> "My door was locked!"
mgrasso> "And yes, it was open when I woke up."
Rolando> Scan roll?
Artemisia> Investigation?
mgrasso> Sure, Rolando, you'll scan, Art will investigate.
Kirby> So either the lock was jimmied, or someone had a key, or there was some other way in, or they used some hocus pocus, or...aw hell, never mind.
mgrasso> Rol: Per + Scan, diff. 8
mgrasso> Art: Per + Inv, diff. 9
Artemisia> !dice 6 9
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 6d10 at difficulty 9. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 6 10 5 6 5 8
Rolando> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 7 3 10 9 2
* Kirby closes his eyes.
mgrasso> Heh.
* Rolando kneels down for a closer look at the wainscotting.
Kirby> Ommmmmmmmmmmmm....
Artemisia> Find something, Rolando?
Rolando> Just a mousehole. It's something, though.
* Kirby teeters nearly falling off the bed and jerks awake.
Artemisia> Kirby, you okay?
Kirby> Yeah...I just need some coffee...or something.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee glares at Kirby in disbelief.
mgrasso> "I trust the troll and the noble. But that one... better suited for a traveling troupe of clowns."
Kirby> Whatever, dude.
Artemisia> Your assumptions have been proven wrong before, Mr. Zrr.
Artemisia> Zee.
mgrasso> "You have found nothing, though?"
Rolando> Just this mousehole.
Artemisia> Why don't you recreate the scene and tell us what you saw.
mgrasso> The pig gets up on tippy-hooves and flumphs onto his bed.
Kirby> Well, if whatever it was could change into a cat, it could probably change into a mouse.
* Kirby hops *quickly* off the bed to avoid his massive girth.
mgrasso> "I was laying here, asleep. And... well, the moon was coming through that window," he indicates with his foreleg, "and I saw an... animal in silhouette."
Kirby> Let me have a look at that mousehole.
* Kirby squats down and puts his eye up close to the hole.
Artemisia> Coming from which direction?
mgrasso> "It did have a long tail, you're right. The silhouette was against the door, because the animal was on the nightstand."
Artemisia> Did it jump down in the direction of the mouse hole?
Kirby> !dice 4 7
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 4d10 at difficulty 7. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 1 6 2 4
mgrasso> It looked like it left through the door.
Artemisia> (where are those in relation to one another?)
Rolando> Could have come from the mousehole though.
mgrasso> Bed, nightstand, door. Off the right side of the bed.
mgrasso> Windows on the left side of the bed.
Artemisia> mousehole?
* Kirby falls asleep on the floor.
mgrasso> Artemisia looks down behind the nightstand and sees a rather good-sized mousehole.
Artemisia> Yes, I think it could have come from here, Rolando.
Rolando> That would support its being a shapechanger, not a pooka.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee looks upset. "This doesn't help us."
mgrasso> "It still could be anyone in the inn."
mgrasso> "If you find them for me, I will offer..." he hesitates, "a reward."
* Kirby gets up and wipes a small bit of drool off the floor.
Artemisia> Exactly, Rolando. A pooka can't change shape with another in the room.
Kirby> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 6 2
Rolando> Or assume more than one animal form, if I'm not mistaken.
Artemisia> But Mr. Zee does have a point. Who is it then?
mgrasso> The pig hmps satisfiedly.
Kirby> I'll catch you guys in a bit...
* Kirby heads out the door.
mgrasso> "As I said, if you are the ones to find the rings, I shall reward you."
Rolando> We're already on a quest, Mr. Zee, one not motivated by personal gain.
Artemisia> It would be reward enough for you to stop accusing before gathering all the facts.
mgrasso> (what goody-two-shoes! :D)
mgrasso> Mr. Zee grunts, and says, "Well, that's done, and there's nothing I can do to take it back."
Rolando> (they sent the wrong fae up here, boy )
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mgrasso> Shall we regroup?
Rolando> Sounds good.
*** Rolando (sewood@ava36.drizzle.com) has left #pigsroom
*** Artemisia (jsober@1cust165.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has left #pigsroom
Scene Four: Common Room
mgrasso> Ok, guys, do you want a private room so this won't be in the log?
Aranth> nope- they're done talking for now I think... mike, did you get the msg?
mgrasso> Nope. Try again.
mgrasso> I guess Aranth will eat flapjacks. :)
Aranth> anranth will eat anything that doesn't move
Solangia> Sol should go to the dining room, too. She didn't eat last night, after all.
mgrasso> You're in there! Would you like yogurt or flapjacks?
Solangia> Oh! I thought this was the lobby or whatever.
Solangia> Yogurt.
Solangia> Kitties and their milk, you know. Or milk by-products.
Aranth> lol
mgrasso> Sure, and what kind of berry in there?
mgrasso> blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry?
Solangia> Blackberry.
mgrasso> Excellent.
Solangia> !dice 2 8
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 2d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 9 7
* Solangia stirs her bowl of yogurt with her spoon
mgrasso> Berthe, the middle daughter, drops flapjacks in front of Aranth.
* Aranth grabs his collar in mock severity
Aranth> these arn't "special order" are they?
Aranth> (gulp)
mgrasso> The boggan girl whispers in his ear.
mgrasso> She leaves to go back to the kitchen.
* Solangia eyes the boggan girl
mgrasso> The pancakes look just fine.
Aranth> mike- can we move to a private room?
mgrasso> #commonroom
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mgrasso> Kirby comes down to the common room after refreshing himself to see Aranth and Solangia sitting very close to each other.
* Kirby is now wearing his hair back in a wet ponytail. His face seems freshly scrubbed.
*** Artemisia (jsober@1cust165.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
Kirby> That's much better. And how are you two this morning?
mgrasso> Artemisia and Rolando follow about five minutes later, with Mr. Zee in tow.
* Rolando is surprised and a bit relieved to see Aranth and Sol sitting together.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee goes to his corner table and commences eating his daily gruel.
mgrasso> Shall we share info over the rest of breakfast?
Kirby> Can I get something hot to drink? Anyone?
mgrasso> It's tea, pretty much.
Rolando> Coffee would be great, Kirby. Or tea.
Aranth> hard to get the coffey to percolate in the dreaming?
mgrasso> Not the right climate for coffee.
Kirby> That's great. Tea will do fine. Is it self serve or what?
mgrasso> We'll get a pot for the table.
Artemisia> Tea sounds very good.
mgrasso> (so... ::GM prods::)
Kirby> Well, what did you guys find out...anyone?
* Kirby pours himself a cup of tea.
Artemisia> There was a mousehole behind the night table.
Rolando> Our culprit is quite certainly not a pooka.
Artemisia> It looks like a shapechanger must have gained access there, then escaped out the door.
Aranth> I had my brilliant flash of insight for today... I'm done.
Rolando> Intelligent or guided by intelligence, I'd say.
Artemisia> Good job, Aranth.
* Artemisia smiles amusedly.
Kirby> Great, so how do we find out who's a shapeshifter?
* Solangia eats a bit of her yogurt
Aranth> are there any cantips that do that?
mgrasso> Btw, it's yogurt with berries or flapjacks for breakfast.
Rolando> And do we allow ourselves to be diverted from our quest any more than we already have?
* Kirby throws back a whole cup of tea, practically scalding his throat and pours another.
Kirby> This seems pretty important to me.
Solangia> Why?
Aranth> why what?
Solangia> Do you need to cover your mistaken belief that it was me? Or have you just not had your fill of Grimsley's girls' cleavage?
Rolando> The quest is on your behalf, Kirby, but what seems important about this theft to you?
Solangia> Why is it so important to him.
Kirby> Well, the one thing the big guy neglected to mention is that piggy's offering a reward.
Aranth> (brb!!!!)
* Rolando glowers.
Solangia> A reward? Of what? a toothbrush made from his back hair?
Kirby> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 7 3 2 8 10
mgrasso> (ok, hold on while Mandy's away)
Rolando> Do we really need to discuss this.
Rolando> (sure, Mike)
Kirby> I'm not sure what the reward is, but he actually seems to be a good guy now that he's calmed down.
Artemisia> Or at least not as much a raving lunatic.
Kirby> He also seems fairly well off. I'm pretty positive that the reward will be worthwhile.
Aranth> I'm back
Rolando> Hmph.
Kirby> If we know we're looking for a shapeshifter, that helps.
* Rolando shrugs.
Artemisia> Kirby, since this is your quest, I'd like you to know that I'm here to support you. If you think it's important, then I'll help you any way I can.
Rolando> Kirby, if you really feel the need to pursue this there's nothing I can say.
Aranth> are there any cantrips that allow someone to change shape?
Kirby> Well, how positive are you that that's what we're looking for?
Rolando> But I feel we shouldn't lose sight of our original goal..
Solangia> Rolando, you *could* say you refuse to find his meth seeds when you're done. I would say that.
mgrasso> Aranth: Int + Gremayre, diff. 10.
Artemisia> But it is Kirby's goal.
Kirby> But, what I'm saying is that piggy, whatever he's offering, night be able to help us out.
Aranth> !dice 3 10
* DiceWell Aranth rolls 3d10 at difficulty 10. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 8 7 10
Rolando> Hmmm...you mean a reward of aid, rather than money?
Kirby> Whatever it is, he's a trader. He's bound to be able to help us out.
Kirby> And it never helps to have a local, especially a rich one, in your debt.
Kirby> hurts, that is.
Artemisia> Dude, drink some more tea.
mgrasso> (Kirby slipped into pooka-ese there)
Kirby> Dude, I will...
* Kirby throws back another tea and purs another.
* Rolando leans back in his chair with a "okay, that's settled" gesture.
* Artemisia sips at hers.
Solangia> Dude, my lady? Such coarse slang from a tongue so delicate.
Artemisia> All right then. Where to start our investigation?
Artemisia> Ah, you know, Sol. When in Rome...
Kirby> So, what next, my fine law enforcement friend. Do we round up everyone for questioning "Clue" style?
Solangia> Trying to visit my arena, Artemisia?
Artemisia> Jack? What do you think?
Artemisia> Er, Rolando?
Artemisia> (sorry, was thinking of Jack the cop. :)
Rolando> I doubt the thief is still in the inn . . . it might not hurt to question the other guests though.
Aranth> (what time is it there?
Aranth> )
Artemisia> I think you would be an ideal person to do that.
Kirby> Do you think they'll "return to the scene of the crime"?
Aranth> Mr. G spazed out- I think he's connected- not that anyone cares what I think.
Aranth> Kirby, nobody furking does that
Artemisia> He would be a good place to start, then.
Kirby> Dude, they do all the time in the movies...
Rolando> Fair enough. But let's go easy on him. Aranth has already done the "bad cop" part...
Aranth> I didn't furking do anything to that bad ass
Kirby> Well, let's not be too harsh with him. He is our host and can put us out on our asses if he wants to.
Aranth> why am I always the offending party?
mgrasso> Remember, all the map you have shows is the inn. That's the end of the line.
Kirby> I don't know...why are you?
* Artemisia goes to find Mr. G.
Aranth> and nobody listens to me either.
* Solangia slips her hand onto Aranth's shoulder and gives it a little squeeze
mgrasso> He's in the kitchen, Art.
Aranth> I asked the furker a question- he droped a plate and threatedns to hit me... what did I do wrong here?
Kirby> What did yo uask?
* Artemisia heads into the kitchen.
Aranth> DO you or any of your patrons own a cat, and if so, how long is their tail?
Kirby> Hmmm....
Solangia> Truly an offensive question.
Kirby> Maybe his father was killed by a cat.
Rolando> Interesting that he would react so strongly.
Kirby> Well, we'll find out when he returns with Artemisia.
Aranth> that's what I was furking trying to tell you.
Aranth> if she returns at all (dum dum dum...)
Kirby> Where the heck are they?
Solangia> And she might not. There might be a studly kitchen lad keeping her back there. Let's all bow our heads and pray for that possibility.
* Aranth bows his head and clasps his hands
Kirby> Rol, would you care to find out what's taking so long?
Artemisia> !dice 6 8
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 6d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 10 10 4 1 2 6
* Rolando heads for the kitchen.
Kirby> Solangia, I'd also like to apologize for my behavior this morning. I just wasn't feeling like myself.
Solangia> Stud of Kitchens, you take away the Artemisia from this table.. Keep her in your rutting embrace and grant her color in her cheeks.
mgrasso> As Rolando walks toward the kitchen, Grimsley comes out.
* Solangia crosses herself
Solangia> Amen.
Solangia> Kirby: Oh?
mgrasso> Artemisia is leading him out of the kitchen.
Scene Five: Grimsley's Interrogation
mgrasso> Grimsley says, "All right, make it quick." He keeps an eye on Zee the whole time.
Kirby> Yeah, sorry, I'll tell you about it later. For now, let me just say that your boyfriend snores like a damn buzzsaw.
Artemisia> Rolando? Do you care to ask Mr. Grimsley a few questions?
Solangia> Surely not Aranth?
Rolando> Certainly. Sir, if you'll just have a seat. This will only take a minute.
Aranth> I don't recall me snoring, do you suger?
mgrasso> Grimsley sits next to Rolando.
Solangia> I only recall the warmth of your body and the screams of the subs in the closet.
Aranth> atleast not like a buzz saw... maybe more like a jack hammer...
Rolando> Now, have you ever had problems like this at the inn before?
Aranth> "screams of te subs..."
* Aranth looks confused
* Solangia laughs a little
mgrasso> "Never," Grimsley says firmly.
Solangia> It's, uh... we'll talk later.
* Solangia gets up and saunters over to Grimsely
* Aranth makes the "over my head" jesture
* Kirby looks at Aranth's confusion.
Kirby> Ha
* Solangia gives Aranth a saucy little grin
Rolando> Not once? In all the years you've been running this place, you've never had any thefts?
mgrasso> "Never. To be honest..." he says, "we don't get a whole lot of guests. It hasn't been this full, well, ever, really."
Kirby> How about any rumors of strange cats with long tails?
mgrasso> Rolando: Man + Interr, diff. 6.
mgrasso> Grimsley looks at Kirby. "No."
Rolando> !dice 1 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 1d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 10
Kirby> !dice 7 6
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 7d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 3 7 10 3 10 3 2
* Artemisia sips her tea, watching.
mgrasso> Wait, Rol, you can't just have one die.
Kirby> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 2 5
mgrasso> Manipulation + Interrogation?
Rolando> I can't find my character sheet. The page keeps 404ing on me.
mgrasso> It's two dots.
mgrasso> Try again.
Rolando> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 2 2
Rolando> Curses.
* Solangia stands behind Grimsley and whispers in his ear
Artemisia> !5 6
Artemisia> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 9 1 6 5 3
mgrasso> Grimsley gives Solangia the oddest look. "You people are all insane, right?"
* Solangia smiles sweetly at him
* Solangia pats his shoulder
Artemisia> Mr. Grimsley, why would there be so many guests - not to mention so many *tyoes* of guests... just no, tonight?
Artemisia> no=now
Solangia> The queerest of the queer, my dear inn keeper.
Aranth> tyoes...
Artemisia> types
Solangia> !dice 6 7
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 6d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 2 2 7 9 8 1
Artemisia> (proofreading is your friend.)
Kirby> Look Grimsley. Here's what we know. Something that looked like a cat with a long tail and can apparently change shape stole something from one of your guests.
mgrasso> Grimsley says, "Do ye not know the nature of the Dreaming? Stories attract each other, like iron to a magnet. Or sheep to the slaughter."
Aranth> do ye not know how to answer anything directly
Aranth> ?
Aranth> what the furk is that supposed to mean.
Rolando> Let's get back on track. Why the reaction to Aranth's questioning you about a possible cat in the inn?
* Aranth alternates between being intent on the conversation and looking at his wrist only to find he has no watch.
Solangia> It means he hasn't had a pussy in these parts in a great long while.
mgrasso> "I was on edge. I felt angered at his persistence. I was only trying to get breakfast ready for you people!"
* Solangia looks disgusted and flops down next ot Aranth
Kirby> !dice 7 4
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 7d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 6 successes.
* DiceWell 4 9 10 6 4 6 2
Artemisia> Mr. Grimsley, it doesn't help us clear you at all unless you tell us the truth.
* Aranth mutters "BS"
Rolando> Yes, Aranth can be a little exasperating, I know. Still, it seems very odd to me that you should . . . lose control in such a fashion.
mgrasso> "Lady," he says with scorn dripping from every word, "you have no right to question my truthfulness. Or my honor."
Kirby> CAn I talk to him alone, guys. Just for a minute?
* Solangia tugs on Aranth's sleeve to get his attention
* Aranth does a "joe peshe" impersonation... "you wanna go Rol? am I here for your amusement?"
mgrasso> "Such behavior is likely to put you back on the trod with not a morsel in your pocket."
Aranth> yah?
Kirby> Give us a moment.
* Solangia whispers something to Aranth
Kirby> Grimsley, can we go somewhere that you're more comfortable. Maybe the kitchen?
mgrasso> "Very well."
Artemisia> go ahead, Kirby.
mgrasso> Kirby and Grimsley go off to the kitchen.
Artemisia> Aranth, can you NOT provoke someone, just once?
Aranth> What the furk. I am not the bad guy here.
* Aranth gets up and storms away
* Rolando sighs and puts his hands flat on the table.
Rolando> I hope Kirby can get something out of him.
* Solangia watches him leave
Solangia> Poor Aranth.
Artemisia> Poor Aranth indeed.
* Artemisia sighs
* Solangia heaves an exagerrated sigh
Solangia> And you, Miss Angst. What uselessness have you for us now?
Solangia> And you, Rolando?
* Solangia says Rol's name slowly, ennunciating every syllable with exaggerated Spanish accents
* Rolando just looks at her.
Solangia> Did you spend last night frantically oiling that sword or yours?
Solangia> (of)
Rolando> Is that all you can think about, Solangia?
* Solangia shoves her half-eaten yogurt aside
Solangia> Your sword? You flatter it. I could care less about it. I just can't imagine what else you'd spend your nights doing.
Rolando> No, you probably couldn't.
* Solangia smoothes her hair back
Solangia> Probably. Did you sleep?
* Solangia leans forward and asks with great seriousness, "Did you dream of cats, young troll?"
Rolando> Is that a foreign concept to you?
Solangia> I bet you did. And that cat poofed up here and caused these problems.
Aranth> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell Aranth rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 3 6
Solangia> Is what foreign? Swords? Oh, yes.
* Artemisia goes to peek into the kitchen.
mgrasso> Art: Dex + Stealth, diff. 6
Solangia> And away goes Madam Nosey
* Solangia watches Artemisia
Artemisia> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 7 2 4 3
Rolando> At least she's trying to help, Sol.
Solangia> Are you hot for her, Rol?
Solangia> Does she make your blood run like fire and your horns tingle when you look at her?
Solangia> Like just about everyother vaguely female thing you look at?
* Rolando ignores Solangia and walks out into the common room of the inn.
mgrasso> (You're in the common room. Do you mean the sitting room?)
* Solangia follows Rolando
Kirby> !dice 7 5
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 7d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 6 7 10 1 5 1
Rolando> (yeah)
Kirby> !dice 1 5
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 1d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 7
Solangia> Rol, wait. You didn't answer me, mijo.
mgrasso> Rolando heads through the foyer into the sitting room. Sol follows.
mgrasso> OK, hold on all.
mgrasso> Let's reoganize.
mgrasso> Kirby, Art: in this room, the common room. Rol, Sol, go to #sittingroom. Aranth, I'll keep doing msg.
* Kirby shouts out through the door. "I'm coming out now. Anyone listening at the door should step back to avoid injury"!
mgrasso> Rol and Sol should leave here.
*** Solangia (postillionage@pool-209-138-167-230-phnx.grid.net) has left #Changeling-Tucson
*** Rolando (sewood@ava36.drizzle.com) has left #Changeling-Tucson
* Artemisia steps away from the door quickly.
mgrasso> (heh)
* Kirby opens the door and enters the room
Kirby> Where is everyone?
Artemisia> Solangia chased Rolando into the other room.
Kirby> That can't be good.
Artemisia> What's going on wiht Mr. G?
Kirby> Nothing. Nothing at all.
Artemisia> Did you find anything out?
Kirby> Aranth startled him and made him drop a plate. Another amazing discovery by the boy genius.
Kirby> I found out that, as far as I'm concerned, he truly has no idea about what went on.
Artemisia> That's it? That's certainly disappointing.
Kirby> I do have a question for Rol, though...
Kirby> Well, at least we know we were on the complete wrong track before we pursued it any farther.
Kirby> We should probably go get him. I need to ask him something.
Artemisia> Good point. Good luck getting past Solangia.
Kirby> Well, you know what they say, "strength in numbers". Care to lead the way?
* Artemisia leads the way into the other room
* Kirby follows right behind.
mgrasso> #sittingroom, guys.
Scene Six: Sitting Room
*** Solangia (postillionage@pool-209-138-167-230-phnx.grid.net) has joined #sittingroom
*** DiceWell (mg@h000094b622e2.ne.mediaone.net) has joined #sittingroom
*** Rolando (sewood@ava36.drizzle.com) has joined #sittingroom
mgrasso> All right. The sitting room is still full of big chairs, a central table, and the grandfather clock ticking away in the corner. Windows let the bright sunlight into the room.
* Rolando stands looking out the window.
* Solangia flops into a big chair and practically lounges as she looks at Rolando
mgrasso> Rol: Per + Scan, diff. 8. Sol: Per + kenning, diff. 10.
Solangia> !dice 6 10
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 6d10 at difficulty 10. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 6 7 6 2 4 3
Rolando> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 9 1 3 9 8
Solangia> See anything worthwhile out that window, Rollies?
* Rolando looks sharply at the grandfather clock in the corner.
Rolando> Hmmm, that's odd.
* Rolando walks over to the clock for a closer look.
* Solangia rolls the R in Rolando's name, dragging the sound out like an odd purr. "What is, Rrrrrolando?"
* Solangia 's gaze follows Rol
Rolando> Did you notice anything unusual about this clock when you came in, Solangia?
mgrasso> As Rolando walks over to the clock, he sees a tiny mousehole near it in the wall.
Solangia> It's ugly. That's about it.
* Solangia slides onto her feet and walks over
Solangia> Why? What do you see?
Rolando> I thought I saw a face on it for a second. And look, here's another mousehole.
mgrasso> The clock is about 7 feet tall. It has a face about 18 inches wide, with silver-trimmed hands. The cabinet is made of a dark, hard wood, perhaps mahogany.
Solangia> Uh, yeah. Clocks have faces, dear.
mgrasso> The door is polished to a high shine, and ticking can be heard from within.
Rolando> A _real_ face, Sol.
* Solangia pats Rol on his mid-back, which is about all she can reach without stretching
*** Artemisia (jsober@1cust165.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has joined #sittingroom
Solangia> A real face?
*** Kirby (spudboy@216-40-2-74.novia.net) has joined #sittingroom
* Solangia examines the clock
* Rolando examines the clock closely, poking and prodding a bit.
mgrasso> You see Sol and Rol standing bythe grandfather clock in the corner of the room.
mgrasso> Hold please.
mgrasso> And now, everyone, Wits + Alertness, diff 8
mgrasso> No WP allowed.
Solangia> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 8 1 8 8 2
Artemisia> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 6 5 2 4 8
Rolando> !dice 4 8
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 4d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 4 7 10 4
Kirby> !dice 2 8
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 2d10 at difficulty 8. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 1 5
mgrasso> All right.
mgrasso> The girls notice something odd: there's a mouse perched on top of the clock.
Rolando> (eeeek! a mouse!)
* Solangia eyes the mouse
Solangia> Well, well, well...
Artemisia> Well look at this. Hickory Dickory Dock...
Rolando> Huh?
Solangia> Look up, tall boy.
Artemisia> There's a little mouse up here.
* Artemisia moves closer.
Kirby> Care to grab it kitty?
Rolando> Ah...
Rolando> Try not to EAT it, Sol.
* Solangia gives Rolando an amused look
mgrasso> It's more like "look down" :)
* Artemisia laughs.
* Kirby sits down again with my back to the wall.
*** Aranth (ioianthe@98a85f83.ipt.aol.com) has joined #sittingroom
Solangia> You always deprive me of whatever small pleasures I can get, Rol.
Solangia> You're going to have to pick me up if you want me to ge tit.
mgrasso> Aranth comes in, and sees the whole 'circle gathered around the grandfather clock.
* Solangia eyes the high top of the clock
mgrasso> There's a small white animal perches on top of the clokc.
Aranth> You know that feeling- you know
* Solangia looks over at Aranth
* Rolando scoops up Sol and hoists her level with the top of the clock.
mgrasso> Wow!
Aranth> the one where you walk in at the wrong point in the conversation
mgrasso> Solangia, quick! Dex + Melee, diff. 6!
Solangia> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 9 3 1
mgrasso> To swipe at it!
Solangia> wp?
mgrasso> Sure!
Solangia> wp, me, then :)
mgrasso> The mouse evades Solangia's feline grasp.
mgrasso> It scuttles down the back of the clock.
* Solangia 's tail bristles in disappointment
Aranth> "hickory dickory dock"
Rolando> Quick, block the hole!
Kirby> Can you try and move the clock without busting it, Rol?
Aranth> "the mouse ran up the clock"
Rolando> I can try, Kirby.
Aranth> "the clock struck one"
Solangia> Put me down, damn it.
mgrasso> Wits + alertness, Rolando, to block the hole, diff. 6.
Aranth> "and down he run"
Rolando> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 10 2 5 6
Aranth> "hickory dickory dock!"
mgrasso> Rolando SLAMS to the ground, and the ground thunders.
mgrasso> He blocks the hole with one huge copper-blue hand.
* Solangia wanders off
mgrasso> The mouse has got to be in this room somewhere.
* Aranth followes her, and whispers to her
mgrasso> Aranth: she's gone REALLY quickly.
Aranth> wow... somebody "wanders" fast
* Solangia runs in, now in her cat form
mgrasso> Solangia: Perception + Alertness, diff. 5
mgrasso> The rest of the 'circle is looking around frantically for the mouse.
Solangia> !dice 6 5
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 6d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 10 10 1 9 10 3
* Artemisia scans the room
mgrasso> Solangia tracks down the mouse's scent to behind a liquor cabiner in the corner.
* Kirby leans against the wall, bored.
mgrasso> Artemisia, PEr + Scan diff. 6
Artemisia> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 5 7 5 10
mgrasso> Rolando's still belly-down on the floor with his hand over the hole. :)
mgrasso> Artemisia: you notice there's only one way out for the mouse: the main door.
mgrasso> Solangia as a cat is poised right near the liquor cabinet, near the door.
* Artemisia runs to shut the door.
* Solangia crouches down in that "cat about to strike" pose and scans the liquor cabinent and the area around it. Her tail is sticking straight up and puffed up into a little ball.
* Kirby stands up and heads to the kitchen
mgrasso> Door's shut, Kirby.
mgrasso> The mouse is officially trapped.
Solangia> !dice 6 4
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 6d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 3 2 2 1 6 10
Kirby> Mouse, dude, give it up. What the hell is your problem?
* Solangia reaches behind the cabinent, making a grab for the mouse
mgrasso> (Poor Rolando, the valiant troll... guarding a mousehole)
Rolando> (All in a day's work, friends)
Solangia> !dice 3 5
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 3d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 6 2 7
mgrasso> (How humble)
Artemisia> (Mike "Chuck" Jones, everyone. :)
mgrasso> Solangia swipes behind the cabinet, and comes up with the mouse in her claw.
Kirby> Hang on to that little bastard.
Aranth> careful with the "perp"
mgrasso> "Nooooooooo! Don't eat me!"
mgrasso> It squeaks.
* Solangia keeps the mouse pinned with her front paws
* Solangia pokes it with her nose
Kirby> We're going to do a lot worse than that you little rat-bastard.
mgrasso> "It was the clock! I'm just a mouse!"
Aranth> Impressive... are you the mouse I saw with Gitano?
Rolando> Didn't think we'd bring a _cat_ to the party, did you mousey?
mgrasso> "Yes, he gives me cheese... I can't eat otherwise."
Aranth> and you "do" things for him?
mgrasso> "The larders in the kitchen are locked up tight."
mgrasso> "No, it's the clock, I'm telling you! He's the one!"
Kirby> Rol, can you get up and grab the clock?
* Solangia eyes the mouse and licks her chops
Artemisia> The clock? Weren't you and Solangia looknig at the grandfather clock earlier, Rol?
Rolando> Um, right. Someone care to watch the mousehole.
Kirby> Don;t let it go anywhere.
Aranth> sol- eating chimerical creatures is a big no-no.
* Solangia lightly pats it on the head with one paw
* Rolando gets up and taps the clock with his finger. "Hello?"
* Kirby opens the door and heads to the kitchen.
* Kirby closes the door behind me.
mgrasso> A booming voice echoes through the sitting room. "DO NOT TOUCH ME LIKE THAT."
Rolando> Do you all see the face? It's visible--same one I saw earlier.
Rolando> Whoa!
mgrasso> Chimes and gears resound throught the toom.
Artemisia> (bad touch!)
mgrasso> The face is now evident to all of you.
Solangia> (har!)
mgrasso> It lies on the face of the clock. Rolando gazes in the eyes of this clock-creature.
* Kirby returns and closes the door behind.
mgrasso> "LET MY VASSAL GO."
* Solangia meows loudly at the clock
Aranth> and what are you going to do? tick tock us to death?
Kirby> Guys, this may be a guess. But we might be barking up the wrong tree...or clock...or whatever.
Artemisia> And why should we let Time tell us what to do?
mgrasso> "PERHAPS, TINKERER. PERHAPS."
Aranth> does the face swing oppen?
Aranth> (the glass clock face?)
mgrasso> Not apparently, no.
*** Rolando has quit IRC (Connection reset by peer)
mgrasso> It's just porcelain, the face of the clock.
Aranth> hmmm... is it grand father style
Aranth> ?
mgrasso> Yes, it is.
Kirby> !dice 7 8
* DiceWell Kirby rolls 7d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 4 8 1 3 9 2 2
Aranth> does the pendulum part open?
mgrasso> Yes, there's a solid mahogany door.
*** sewood (sewood@216.162.193.67) has joined #sittingroom
* Solangia rubs her muzzle against the mouse
sewood> Whoa.
Aranth> let's open that bad-boy up
*** sewood is now known as Rolando
mgrasso> Is Aranth going over to the clock?
Aranth> yup
Kirby> Dude, do *not* open that can of works until you're sure you're ready to deal with what comes out.
Rolando> (did you guys get the part where I need to bail in about 5?)
Aranth> worms "dude"
Kirby> whatevah
mgrasso> Aranth opens up the clock and sees a wealth of items inside: lost socks, hairbrushes, book clasps, buttons, and, yes, gold rings and medallions!
Aranth> mhm...
* Solangia picks the mouse up in her mouth by the scruff of his neck and walks over to Artemisia
mgrasso> "Aw," the clock says, "you opened me."
mgrasso> "Darn."
* Artemisia eyes the kitty warily.
Aranth> so are you going to repent harlequin? (said the tick tock man)
* Solangia lets the mouse fall on Artemisia's feet
mgrasso> "Game's over, Herbert. They caught us."
Aranth> (aww, a gift for the lady)
mgrasso> The mouse, named Herbert, apparently, zips across Art's feet and near the clock.
mgrasso> "Aw," the mouse squeaks, "we was just playin' hide and seek!"
Aranth> and look at that- I won.
mgrasso> "They never noticed any of the shinies before when we took 'em!"
* Artemisia jumps back a bit, trying to look unafraid.
mgrasso> (Heh. We can end here tonight, guys.)
mgrasso> (One more session, and we're home)
Artemisia> (What, no seeds in the clock? :D)
Kirby> (All right :) )
mgrasso> (Nope! But we'll be on our way to the seeds next game! Thanks to piggy!)
Aranth> does he need special seeds? or just chim ones?
*** Artemisia is now known as Julia
mgrasso> You'd have to ask him. :)
Scene Seven: A Meeting With Mr. Zee
mgrasso> OK, if you remember from last time...
mgrasso> We'd just retrieved Mr. Zee the pig's rings and the other pilfered items.
mgrasso> It was a mouse, working for a clock, who'd snatched them.
mgrasso> With his gold back in his hoofs, Mr. Zee is quite a friendly porker.
mgrasso> That afternoon, he sits down with you in the sitting room.
mgrasso> To speak of.. reward.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee sits down with a good big mug of ale and invites you all to join him.
* Kirby sits down
Solangia> (Sol's not a cat anymore, right?)
mgrasso> Rolando is off upstairs.
* Artemisia sits down also.
mgrasso> Nope, she is not. This is a few hours after the discovery of the mouse.
mgrasso> "I'd like to offer you folks something in the way of reward. I have much in the way of trading goods, and I also have a great knowledge of this area."
* Solangia glances at the others
Aranth> I believe this is Kirbys department...
Kirby> Well thank you, sir. Now that you mention it, there is something we've been looking for.
mgrasso> The pig sips from his cup. "Oh? Do tell." *oink*
Kirby> We're actually here on a quest. We have been sent into the Dreaming looking for some seeds to take back with us.
Kirby> Would you happen to be familiar with the horticultre of this region?
mgrasso> The pig slowly nods his head. "Yes, very well, seeds of what plant?"
Kirby> It seems that the seed we are looking for are...
Kirby> Let's see...
mgrasso> "Somewhat familiar. I know much of the flora, edible and otherwise of the area."
* Kirby fishes around in his pocket and produces a crumpled note.
* Kirby peers at the note.
Kirby> It seems that the name of this plant is "Reverie". Are you familiar with the plant, sir?
Kirby> I think no one in this group is acquainted with the plant in question.
mgrasso> The pig laughs, for a long long time, gasping for air as he honks his porcine nose.
* Artemisia looks puzzledly at Kirby.
mgrasso> "Oh, my goodness, man. Are you trying to tell me you are a practitioner of that... particular weed?"
* Solangia raises an eyebrow
Aranth> /me laughs
Aranth> (grrr)
Kirby> No, sir. I am not trying to tell you that I am a "practitioner of that weed..." I am telling you that we are looking for the seeds for that plant.
Aranth> "practitioner" well well well.
mgrasso> He sips long from his draught. "That stuff'll kill you. You'll be living in the past... or the future... all the time. I used to smoke it myself. Gave it up for a clear head."
Aranth> and you're sure there was no meth lab in your garden?
Kirby> Well, Aranth, did *you* see one?
mgrasso> "So, are you planning on cultivating it in the mundane realm? It's notoriously tough to keep alive in the midst of Banality."
Aranth> well- when we got there there was nothing left-
* Aranth simles
Kirby> Yes, I am. That is why we're here, The plants we had been growing in the mundane realms were killed by that same Banality you speak of.
Kirby> If you have any hints, they would be greatly appreciated...
mgrasso> "Well, yes, I suppose, if you'd like a guidebook to the area where the stuff grows wild, I can let that be your boon."
mgrasso> "It's a pretty... strange realm, though."
mgrasso> "Strange for the Dreaming, even."
Artemisia> In what way, sir?
mgrasso> "Well, it seems it's the place where the dreams of toys go when they die."
Artemisia> Dreams of... toys?
mgrasso> "And every time I venture through there, there's a different assortment of toys and games."
Aranth> dead toy dreams... monster under the bed land?
* Solangia suddenly shudders
Solangia> Oh, please say no.
mgrasso> "Yes, lady. When the child becomes an adult, he or she leaves their dreams of their toys behind. They have to live somewhere."
mgrasso> "They all collect in this realm."
Solangia> Are these happy toys? Loved toys? Or will they be bitter and wanting to lash out at our little junkies?
mgrasso> Mr. Zee laughs, and says, "A little from column A, a little from column B."
* Solangia wrinkles her nose
* Kirby sips from a cup of hot tea.
Solangia> Great.
Aranth> (i had a friend who wrote poetry from the perspective of forgotten toys- that was disturbing )
Artemisia> Yes, lovely.
mgrasso> "It's honestly not that dangerous a Realm. Just... confusing."
Kirby> Well, thank you. I'll take the guidebook, then. Along with any other advice you may have before we set out upon our way.
Solangia> Oh. Well. Confusion. That's doable.
Artemisia> Mister Zee, might I also suggest that some sort of personal reward may be due Solangia as well?
mgrasso> Mr. Zee does a double-take. "Hmm?"
Solangia> Just how personal, Artie?
Artemisia> After all, she was kind enough to catch the mouse even after you accused her of the crime.
Artemisia> I believe you might have something a frisky young cat like Solangia might like.
Aranth> catnip mouse?
Artemisia> With all your babules and shiny things..
mgrasso> Mr. Zee reaches into a satchel at his feet and says, as he digs in there, "Hmm, catnip then? Just kidding."
mgrasso> (damn you Mandy! ;-) )
Solangia> Cats certainly enjoy shiny things.
Artemisia> (Kirby, get some of those catnip seeds later. :)
Aranth> (catnip- opiate of the feline)
Solangia> (Gasp! Sol would *never* ... take more than a pound.)
mgrasso> Mr. Zee brings out a glittering bracelet. It's apparently made of a delicate wire, wound hundreds of times around itself. Its latch is accented by a bright blue sapphire.
Aranth> (in a sitting)
Artemisia> Ah, lovely!
* Artemisia looks interestedly to see Sol's reaction.
mgrasso> "This was given to me by a blind gypsy peddler woman. She said I should give it to the first woman I met with a heroic countenance. Well, you're the first woman I've met who's even come close to that description."
Aranth> cheauvenist pig.
mgrasso> (hah!)
* Artemisia raises an eyebrow at Mr. Zee.
Solangia> Crude, but nice.
* Solangia stretches a bit and yawns
Solangia> Excuse me. I'm so tired.
* Artemisia smiles.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee dangles the bracelet in front of Solangia. "Do you like it?"
* Solangia smiles at Zee
Aranth> (sol bats at it with her hands)
Solangia> (ha!)
* Solangia plucks the bracelet from Zee's hand and tries it on in one swoop
mgrasso> Fits like a charm.
* Solangia moves her wrist around, turning it to see how the bracelet moves and glitters
mgrasso> It's not silver. It might be platinum.
mgrasso> (You'd better watch out when James needs chimerical platinum wire for a doodad) :D
Solangia> (He'll have to do *much* sweet talking for that. :) )
Aranth> (sleep with your hand in a safe... your more likely to wake up with it on)
mgrasso> (Heh)
* Solangia pats Zee on the shoulder. "You're a doll."
Aranth> no he's a pig- the dolls are all where we're going.
mgrasso> Mr. Zee makes an aw-shucks head-gesture.
Artemisia> Thank you, Mister Zee.
mgrasso> "You're quite welcome."
Kirby> Yes, thank you for everything...ummm...where *is* that guidebook, by the way?
mgrasso> "Ah!" Mr. Zee digs into the pack again and grabs the guidebook, which is about 16 pages bound in a leather cover.
* Kirby accepts the guidebook and starts leafing throug it.
Kirby> Thank you very much, sir.
mgrasso> There are 16 different maps in there. Mr. Zee says, "Well, of course, the geography shifts every time you visit... I just kept the best maps I could under the circumstances."
mgrasso> "Sometimes it even shifts *while* you're in there."
Kirby> hmmmm....
Artemisia> Interesting...
Solangia> Interesting, hell.
Aranth> nature of the beast
* Kirby giggles to himself.
* Kirby folds up the nook and tucks it into a pocket.
Solangia> What's so funny, boggan boy?
Aranth> is the shit that good kirby, you're getting giddy just thinking about it?
* Kirby sips his tea again, studiosly ignoring Aranth.
* Solangia goes over to Kirby and sticks her face right up to his. She inhales deeply.
Solangia> I don't think I smell booze.
Kirby> No...it's funny...you'll see.
Solangia> But the halitosis could be messing with me.
Aranth> ha!
* Kirby chuckles again.
Aranth> but sol, I think you're sniffing for the wrong poison...
* Artemisia looks quizzically at Kirby.
Kirby> Well, thank you again. This should prove to be most interesting, sir.
Solangia> Maybe you can help me sniff for the right one?
* Solangia goes over to Aranth and scritches his chin. "I bet you know what to look for. Or can guess."
Kirby> Yes, Aranth...perhaps you'd like to come over here and "sniff me".
Aranth> i think I'll pass thanks.
Aranth> Although if you're willing to share later.
Kirby> Well, the offer's good any time, big boy.
* Aranth chuckles a little
* Kirby winks at Aranth.
mgrasso> (yagh)
mgrasso> I think that'll do it tonight.
Kirby> OK, if that's it.
Artemisia> all right.
mgrasso> Yeah, we can't do much more without Sammy boy.