Diablotin 3 session 13

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Session

Session date: April 19, 2015

Diablotin date:

Prologue

<DiablotinNarrator> It is the middle of Twelfth-Month. The holidays are approaching quickly, and the weather is now firmly in a cold snap that suggests it will be a harsh winter this year.

Hugo and Zola report their alarming experience to Loick Silveira

<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo and Zola, it's been only a few days since your strange experience, and you wanted to talk to Loick about it. Where do you want to track him down, Hugo?

<DiablotinNarrator> His home, work, phone and set up a meeting somewhere else, etc?

<Hugonel> (work - want this to be somewhat official)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, you can arrange to meet him at the Palace, then.

• Hugonel will pick up Zola at the cabaret and we'll head from there to the Palace. (I will have told him in advance that she's coming)

<DiablotinNarrator> Sounds good. Anything you need to talk about before you arrive?

<Zola> So what relation is the Court Sorcerer to you, again?

<Zola> (not really)

<DiablotinNarrator> (ah, that works - it's at least worth saying that :)

<Hugonel> He's my uncle.

<Zola> Oh yes... >_>

<Hugonel> Actually I suppose my second cousin once removed, or something like that, but to me he's Uncle Loick.

<Zola> Well, hopefully he knows something >_>

<Zola> Wait, are we going to tell him what happened, or just about the ... elements?

<Hugonel> He may not know anything directly, but he's the one person I know and trust well who is both connected to major Imperial goings-on and also about the possible arcane components of this mystery.

<Hugonel> I was assuming we would tell him what we know. Do you have another idea?

<Zola> Well, I was just thinking it might be embarassing if it was all a mistake and we accuse them all of being some sort of kabal of freaks.

<Hugonel> Well, no one is accusing anyone of anything.

• Zola doesn't seem terribly confident that's a possibility.
• Zola takes his arm and lets him lead the way

<Hugonel> (all right, off we go)

<DiablotinNarrator> You make your way to the Chief Sorcerer's office in the Imperial Palace, where a pretty young secretary will let him know that you've arrived.

• Loick welcomes you into his grand office, with a view that looks out over the river to the north.
• Hugonel will have tried not to dress too resplendently for this ... probably did though.

<Hugonel> Hello, Uncle. So good to see you.

• Loick is probably around 60 by now, and carries a few extra pounds, but still very handsome. Zola, you can imagine Hugo probably looking like him in another 20-30 years. He has short wavy silver hair, and striking green eyes, and is of course very elegantly dressed.

<Loick> Of course. And your lovely companion as well :)

• Loick says with a smile to Zola
• Zola smiles fetchingly. "Zola, Your Grace"
• Hugonel smiles warmly.

<Loick> So, what can I do for you?

• Loick asks, after you're seated in a pair of comfy overstuffed chairs.

<Hugonel> I know how busy you are, and we wouldn't dare bother you for something we thought was trivial. But there have been some unusual transpirations over the past several months of whose nature we thought you might be informative.

<Hugonel> It began ... well, it began on the night the Count of Radstock was killed, wouldn't we say, Zola? With that Psyrene singer, Eirini.

• Zola nods... "And possibly the creature in the basement..."

<Loick> Very unfortunate, yes. I don't know if I'm aware of all the details, though - what did the singer have to do with it?

<Hugonel> Possibly nothing, but she attempted or succeeded in some sort of enchantment, we think, on some of our staff, including myself. And then disappeared without a trace after the murder.

<Loick> hm

<Loick> Do you think it was some sort of Psyrene plot, then?

<Zola> It seemed possible she was simply spooked by the possibility of some sort of anti-Psyrene mob but...

<Zola> There was an awful lot of chaos that night. The imp thing in the basement, the boiler sabotaged, and the stage lights too... someone poisoned the wine...

<Hugonel> It's hard to say, but then ... I was struck, both with her and then with Mlle. Klara Dannan, about whom we'll come to in a moment, with some strange familiarity or resemblance that I can't quite place. Both striking redheads, and both ... unnaturally captivating.

<Hugonel> I'm not immune to the charms of a woman, but I like them to come by their charms honestly.

• Loick chuckles slightly at that

<Loick> Klara Dannan the music critic?

<Hugonel> Yes, the same.

<Hugonel> I met Mlle. Dannan at an event at the home of Dasra Neherin, and there was struck by this odd resemblance. I struck up a friendship with her, and also with M. Luc Berthillon, of whose death you may also have heard. Apparently at the time of his death he was involved with a woman who he had called his 'songbird'.

• Loick nods, listening

<Zola> Which is, perhaps not coincidentally, how Eirini suggested Hugo refer to her in her introductions.

<Loick> so you think she may also have been present, or implicated, in Berthillon's death?

<Zola> She was conspicuously absent from his funeral.

<Hugonel> Again, without wanting to accuse her without evidence, it seems suspicious.

<Hugonel> At M. Berthillon's funeral, Mlle. Dannan invited the two of us to dinner at her house, which we attended. And there ... well, there things take a strange turn indeed.

<Loick> oh?

• Zola shifts in her chair uncomfortably.

<Hugonel> Mlle. Dannan, and several companions we had not met before - a couple of whom were also redheads, I should add - for what seemed like an ordinary dinner.

<Zola> Then I saw the opera singer's hair move on its own.

<Loick> o_O

<Zola> Tiazi, a Cozovode fairly new to town... I thought perhaps it was my imagination, but I saw it move again. I thought it must be enchanted, some sort of style from their country. I asked, and she skirted the question completely, even joked that it had a mind of its own.

<Hugonel> And I saw another guest's visage turn feral, her hands into claws, and then she snarled at me and raked my arm.

<Hugonel> At the time I thought I might be drunk. I wasn't, but it was so odd that I thought that I must be imagining it.

<Hugonel> A ripped silk shirt says otherwise, though.

<Loick> I have to ask - please forgive the implication - but is it possible you had imbibed any unusual substances?

<Zola> Jaida Misain, it was her wine that seemed to make us more and more stupefied as the night went on.

<Zola> Even spiked wine won't tear a jacket to shreds.

<Hugonel> Mlle. Dannan calmed her, saying 'keep peace under my roof, handmaiden.'

<Hugonel> Which, you might agree, is an odd thing to say.

<Zola> And he's skipped the strange toast.

<Hugonel> And when we toasted, she offered up the following, or something much like it: "To those who can't be with us tonight. From the exiles, to the missing and the dead." I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.

<Zola> Except the rest of them knew. They repeated it in unison.

<Loick> that's .. odd. but perhaps it has some special meaning to this group of friends?

<Zola> And the blind seer seemed to know we were originally interested in Klara for less than social means. He asked me if I'd found answers to what we came for. And it seemed he could see perfectly fine throughout the night.

<Zola> Yes, certainly it did... but all together... it has all come out quite ... unsettling.

• Loick nods

<Loick> I can see that it's certainly worrying you.

<Loick> Do you have any ideas of what it might mean? or are you at a loss?

<Zola> Well, we were going to look into some things at the Castalia library... the only thing I could think of is that there might have been handmaidens in the old faith before the Church came to Psyra.

<Hugonel> I have wondered whether perhaps we were dealing with a Psyrene conspiracy, at first. But I don't know how that would explain what happened to us.

<Loick> I feel I need to ask - were they all Psyrene? the 'exiles' could refer to having left their homeland.

<Hugonel> No, Tiazi, the opera singer, is from Cozovode, at least. Peladan Allais doesn't sound like a Psyrene name, either.

<Zola> He's the seer.

<DiablotinNarrator> (and at least Klara claims to come from Wray, which is in that area, but not actually part of the broader 'Psyra')

<Hugonel> Mlle. Dannan is from Wray, or claims to be.

<DiablotinNarrator> (Jaida did have vineyards there but not sure if that is where she's from, or just owned land)

<Hugonel> I do think that Mlle. Misain owns vineyards in Psyra.

<Zola> Yes, Klara said quite a few were damaged in the war.

<Loick> well...

<Loick> if it's a Psyrene conspiracy, it's a very unusual one, by the sounds of things.

<Hugonel> Yes, I think this may be something else.

<Hugonel> But what it is, I can't say. We were hoping you might know something or be able to point us in a useful direction.

<Zola> Why invite the two of us in the first place, if it was merely a political conspiracy?

<Zola> To scare us away?

<Loick> Yes, that is peculiar - inviting outsiders into their gathering would seem at odds with ensuring secrecy.

<Loick> Well, let's pay a visit to the library, shall we?

• Loick says, standing up

<Loick> Maybe we can come up with some information there.

<Zola> Oh!

• Zola looks a little surprised at how hands on he is

<Loick> (yeah baby, wanna find out? ;)

<Zola> (...maybe? :P)

<Hugonel> That would be excellent.

• Loick will let his secretary know he's going to be at the library if she needs to contact him
• Loick will lead you to the Imperial Library, then, since it's just down the hall.

<DiablotinNarrator> When you enter into the room, crowded with shelves of books and scrolls, a shadar-kai woman with some rather interesting facial scars looks up from her desk

<Loick> Dozilva, we need some information.

• Zola is not exactly bookish, but admires the shiny new-to-her library nonetheless

<Dozilva> Of course you dol.

<Dozilva> (do)

• Dozilva says dryly

<Dozilva> What are you looking for?

• Loick runs down a list of topics - Psyra, red hair, handmaidens, mind-affecting magics, exiles...
• Dozilva gives him a Look.

<Zola> Oh, and ... maybe gaunt white haired men?

<Zola> ... it might be nothing...

• Dozilva sighs a little, but nods.

<Loick> oh and wine?

<Dozilva> Are you planning a party? ;p

<Zola> Wine that calms and confuses?

<Zola> We attended one :/

<Dozilva> I'll see what I can come up with...

• Dozilva looks through her card catalogue <3
• Loick makes a few notes
• Dozilva hmmms over a few things

<Hugonel> I think if there were some branch of arcane magic with some of these properties I would know about it. But if there were some foreign or nonhuman capacity of the sort, perhaps not.

• Dozilva will go to the shelves

<Zola> Well, the seer's power could be divine in source... as could whatever it was that the handmaiden seemed to manifest...

• Dozilva returns with a couple books about the pre-Wheel religious traditions of Psyra, but also with a frown.
• Dozilva hands those to Loick

<Dozilva> There were a few books on Psyrene folklore I was going to include here, but ...they're checked out.

<Loick> Checked out? by who?

• Loick seems mildly surprised that anyone but him checks books out of here :p

<Dozilva> ... me.

• Zola blinks

<Dozilva> Technically, my son is using them >.>

<Loick> Well, at least you know where they are.

<Loick> ...do I need to ask which son? It's not the one on the Shadow Plane, right?

<Dozilva> no, no. He has his own library :p Xan was using them for some clients' research.

<Zola> I suppose Psyra's still a fairly popular topic.

<Loick> Politics, military, sure. Folklore... less common.

<Loick> So someone else is looking into this subject? or something related, perhaps?

<Dozilva> You'd have to ask Xan, I suppose.

<Zola> Would he object? Maybe we could read through them when he's not using them?

• Zola looks at Hugo

<Hugonel> Maybe we should just go talk to him.

<Hugonel> (I'm presuming I know who they're talking about here)

<DiablotinNarrator> (well, you weren't at the Castalia as the same time as him, but you probably had classes with his father? ;)

<DiablotinNarrator> (you could make a k:local check)

<Hugonel> (and I have an unearthly K: local)

• Zola rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 25 ]

<Zola> (25 for Xan)

• Zola rolls [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 19 ]

<Hugonel> !roll 1d20+15

• Zola rolls for Hugonel: [ 1d20+15 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 15 ] totals [ 18 ].

<Zola> (Dozilva)

<Zola> (19 for Dozilva)

• Zola does read the society pages or what have you.

<DiablotinNarrator> (Yes, that name is familiar - for both of you, in fact)

<DiablotinNarrator> (the Orecalo family are pretty well-known, for a number of reasons)

<DiablotinNarrator> (Hugo, you know Emkathon Orecalo from church, and I'm sure Zola has seen things in the papers)

<DiablotinNarrator> (Xan's amazing discoveries, etc)

<Hugonel> Well, this gives us something to start with, at any rate.

<DiablotinNarrator> (Hugo, you probably have read about those too, since you have an interest in magicy stuff, and you know Sirris, who knows Xan, etc)

<Loick> All right.

<Loick> I'll continue to see what I can find about the matter - in the meanwhile, if you want to read over these books, of course that's fine.

<Hugonel> As always, thank you, Uncle.

<Loick> And if you go to speak with my troublesome librarian's son, tell him, I told him to let you use the books he's borrowed ;)

<Zola> Thank you very much!

<Hugonel> Presuming of course that it is the son and not the librarian who is troublesome, I shall indeed.

• Hugonel says with a smirk.

<Loick> Either, really.

• Loick says with a smirk back
• Dozilva rolls her eyes and goes back to work :p

Dorien and Aubrienne continue their conversation about the weird plants in The Shade

(Continued from a forum thread.)

• Aubrienne frowns, looking worried

<Aubrienne> Where in the Shade did you find these trees?

<Dorien_Voclain> Near where Misery... my apprentice... lives. It's not too far from here if you want me to take you there.

<Aubrienne> I would, but let's see what we have at hand.

• Aubrienne stands up, gesturing for Dorien to show her the fungus
• Dorien_Voclain hands it over
• Aubrienne casts Detect Magic, first off

<DiablotinNarrator> (The fungus radiates a mild transmutation and necromantic magic)

<Aubrienne> Well, I'm sensing a bit of transmutative and necromantic aura...

<Aubrienne> (bit of a, rather)

<Dorien_Voclain> Transmutation, huh... well maybe it is a growth accelerator, then. Or possibly it's just residual energy from whatever is causing the effect.

<Aubrienne> Could be either, though, for the effect you mentioned, I would think the latter.

<Dorien_Voclain> Yeah, especially if it's not that strong.

<Dorien_Voclain> Anyway, sorry to bug you with it. I just thought it was weird that a whole grove just suddenly sprang up in a vacant lot like that.

<Aubrienne> No, it's not a bother. It's actually rather concerning.

<Aubrienne> You said it seemed as if something were bleeding into the area?

• Dorien_Voclain shrugs. "Possibly. The area is right above a shadar kai mushroom farm. I'm wondering if they're using some kind of magics down there that might be effecting the local fauna."

<Aubrienne> Oh, hmm.

<Dorien_Voclain> (Flora :P )

<Aubrienne> (What would it be to know if that's at all likely? Likewise, what would the roll be to examine the fungus further?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (k:nature I guess?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (k:arcana on the question of magic 'bleeding' into other areas)

<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+10

• Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 24 ].

<Aubrienne> (for the k:arcana. I have no Nature. :p

<DiablotinNarrator> (it's theoretically possible that if they were using growth magics to aid the farming, it could also have affected other plant life in the area? but growing large trees seemingly overnight is still pretty extreme.)

<Aubrienne> I think it's unlikely the magic is related to farm...it would take a monumental effort to grow full trees that quickly.

<Dorien_Voclain> Huh... so what do you think might be doing it?

<Aubrienne> I...have a suspicion, but at this point it would just be jumping to conclusions. It'd be all to easy to let my imagination get the better of me.

• Aubrienne sighs, the gives a little growl of frustration
• Dorien_Voclain raises an eyebrow

<Aubrienne> And here I thought it would be a blissfully mindless morning.

<Aubrienne> You said the 'grove' wasn't far from here?

<Dorien_Voclain> Yeah, it's a mile or two, in the Shade.

<Dorien_Voclain> Sorry, if you want to get on with your trip, by all means. This was just a professional curiosity thing.

<Aubrienne> Well, I certainly didn't have anything else planned for the next few hours. If you wouldn't mind a stroll, I'd like to see it.

<Dorien_Voclain> I wouldn't mind, if you're sure you want to.

• Aubrienne looks worried, but nods

<Aubrienne> If you'd be so kind.

• Dorien_Voclain smiles. "Of course. Though... if you're wanting to do any rooting around in the farms themselves, I'd like to see if Denise would accompany us. From what I understand, her skillset is more in line with that sort of... covert reconaissance. And it might not hurt if we get Misery as well, since she knows the area.

<DiablotinNarrator> (and you could pick up Lathra too! ;)

<DiablotinNarrator> (for additional SK backup ^-^)

<Dorien_Voclain> (hee)

<Aubrienne> Can I use your phone. I think Lathra might want to take a look as well, if you don't mind.

<Aubrienne> (Ack, insert ? where necessary)

<Dorien_Voclain> Of course. the more the merrier, I suppose.

• Aubrienne will go to do that, then

<Aubrienne> (Does Hettie have a phone? For getting in touch with Denise, I mean.)

<Dorien_Voclain> (It may make more sense if we go the next day, so we have time to round up everyone and prepare.)

<Dorien_Voclain> (I can see Denise at the cabaret that night)

<Aubrienne> (Yeah, sounds like a plan)

<Dorien_Voclain> (Cool)

<Aubrienne> Well, if we're going to arrange for tomorrow, then I have some time to kill...

<DiablotinNarrator> (then Aubrienne can still get high today, yay! :)

• Aubrienne grins

<Dorien_Voclain> (Plus, I don't have to bug Misery on her day off and probably get punched.)

<Denise> (punching is my job :V)

<Dorien_Voclain> (heee)

<Denise> (also what exactly are you offering me for this? ;p)

• Dorien_Voclain tosses Aubrienne her weekly supply with a grin. "Have a good trip."

<Dorien_Voclain> (My eternal gratitude?)

<Aubrienne> (Make-up tips? ;))

<DiablotinNarrator> (all the mushrooms you can steal)

<Dorien_Voclain> (Some Cherry Nectar for your next date? >.>)

<Denise> (but seriously)

<Dorien_Voclain> (Uhhh.... I guess I could give you whatever money I have. It's probably not much, after buying Misery her My Little Junkie™ chemistry set.)

<Aubrienne> (Aubrienne would be happy to pitch in, if necessary)

<Aubrienne> (Though certainly she can be more convincing than Dorien)

<Dorien_Voclain> (I don't think Denise swings that way, dear ;) )

<Aubrienne> (I didn't mean using sex)

<Dorien_Voclain> (Lol, I know.)

<Dorien_Voclain> (That, I say, that was a joke, son.)

<Aubrienne> (I just meant she's got a +11 Diplomacy and a +14 Bluff :p)

<Aubrienne> (By the by, how much fungus does Dorien have? Aubrienne would probably like to run this by Gelin, if possible.)

<Dorien_Voclain> (He probably has enough you can take a small sample.)

Dorien asks Denise for her assistance in a B & E

<Dorien_Voclain> That night, at the cabaret...

• Denise chills with her rattemob peeps, mostly, but can certainly be caught alone
• Dorien_Voclain takes a break from his counter during a slow point and heads over to her.

<Dorien_Voclain> Hey there kid, how's tricks?

<Denise> oh, hey Dorien!

<Dorien_Voclain> (If I can catch Aubrienne's eye on the way over, I will do so, if she's not on stage.)

<Denise> I'm a'right - you?

<Dorien_Voclain> Not too bad. Busy, lately. Lots to do.

<Denise> yeah, I hear ya

<Dorien_Voclain> Speaking of which, I was wondering if you might be interested in a little side work.

<Denise> oh?

<Denise> what kinda work?

<Aubrienne> (I'll honestly let Dorien handle it, unless otherwise necessary)

<Dorien_Voclain> Nothing too bad, but maybe not quite aboveboard. Aubrienne and Lathra and I were gonna go investigate some weird happenings in the Shade, and we might could use someone who knows how to get into places, if you know what I mean.

<Denise> uh

<Denise> like

<Denise> unless you mean like *break*....

<Dorien_Voclain> Well... I was hoping for a little more subtle than that...

<Denise> I dunno if I'm your girl for that sorta thing, 'less you think there's gonna be some kinda trouble

• Denise looks thoughtful

<Denise> what's this for?

<Denise> like, you say weird stuff, what kinda weird stuff?

<Denise> is it like.... "not above board" weird stuff or just plain ol' weird?

<Dorien_Voclain> Well, Misery and I found some weird trees and fungus growing in a lot down in the Shade. Stuff that really shouldn't be there. Magical stuff. I showed Aubrienne and neither of us know why it's there. The whole thing is sitting on top of some underground mushroom farms, so we figure it might be related to whatever they're doing in there and we want to go check

<Denise> huh... *weird*

<Denise> well look

<Denise> that sounds cool weird

<Denise> so, like, I'd totally go!

<Denise> but

<Denise> if you need you know... access

<Denise> you oughtta talk to Aunt hettie >.>

<Dorien_Voclain> Hettie? The costume lady? Why? I don't need new pants.

<Denise> an then like, I can come too in case there' like... magic trouble ^-^

<Denise> no, man, like

<Aubrienne> (Man, my car only fits so many people...:p)

<Denise> Well Aubrienne oughtta know

<Denise> they worked together

<Dorien_Voclain> (hee)

<Dorien_Voclain> worked together on what?

<Denise> at that theatre

<Dorien_Voclain> huh...

<Dorien_Voclain> Well I guess I should see if Aubrienne will have a word with her, then.

<Denise> they canned Aunt hettie for some suff what weren't her fault, but she still gots friends from there, like Mrs Korisse and Mrs lealia

<Dorien_Voclain> Jeez, this whole thing is getting complicated. All I wanted to do was look at fungus. >.>

<Dorien_Voclain> (Sorry, that shoulda been in parenthesis )

<Denise> anyway

<Denise> you need in somewhere, you talk to her :3

<Dorien_Voclain> Ok, well, if you wanna come with, we're going tomorrow morning. I'll have Aubrienne talk to your aunt, see if she's in.

<Denise> okay! :D

<Dorien_Voclain> Thanks for the help. I gotta get back to work.

<Denise> see you tomorrow :D

• Denise excites for Adventures!

Aubrienne asks Hettienne for her assistance in a B & E

<Aubrienne> (Okay, correct me if I'm wrong, but Hettie was innocent of the crime that got her fired from the Hesperange, right?)

<Dorien_Voclain> (I will take Aubrienne aside on the way back and quickly explain what Denise said)

<Hettienne> (yes but not the ones that got me sent to jail :v)

<Denise> (yes, nbut you probably knew that she *does* have a crimminal record for various crimes)

<Aubrienne> (This seems like it will be an awkward conversation...)

<Denise> (just blame it on me :V)

• Aubrienne will track down Hettie backstage at some point, probably ask her to meet in Aubrienne's dressing room, 'if she has a spare moment'
• Hettienne will drop by later on then.

<Hettienne> Whatcha want, Bree? Bust a girdle?

<Aubrienne> Heh, not at the moment, but if Jed keeps cooking the way he does...no, I had something else I wanted to talk to you about.

• Aubrienne will close the door

<Hettienne> What's up?

<Aubrienne> It's, ah, it's a little delicate.

• Hettienne arches an eyebrow.

<Hettienne> You're not knocked up are ya?

<Hettienne> 'Cause that's gonna be hard to hide in them outfits...

• Aubrienne arches an eyebrow in return

<Dorien_Voclain> (LOL)

<Aubrienne> ...You know I like ladies, right? Pregnancy would be something of a miracle.

<Hettienne> Praise Rat!

<Hettienne> ;)

• Aubrienne laughs

<Hettienne> So what is it?

<Aubrienne> Well, if I said 'Praise Serpent,' that might have other meanings.

<Aubrienne> No, uh, I might need your help with something.

<Hettienne> Uh-huh...

<Aubrienne> Dorien, Lathra, and apparently your niece, are going to go investigate something strange in the Shade tomorrow, and Denise said you might be of help.

<Hettienne> Me? In the Shade?

<Aubrienne> (Dorien, Lathra, your niece, and I, rather)

<Hettienne> How?

<Aubrienne> Well, it might be related to some of the weirdness that's been going on lately. A grove of trees appearing seemingly overnight.

<Hettienne> I ain't a gardener...

<Aubrienne> But it happens to be on private property, and Denise said you might be helpful in, ah, getting access.

• Aubrienne looks sheepish

<Hettienne> Oh. Heh.

<Hettienne> How private, and whose property?

<Aubrienne> A mushroom farm, so I don't think terribly harsh security, and I'm not sure. I can check.

<Hettienne> a... mushroom farm. O_o

<Hettienne> Wait, did you say Dorien?

<Hettienne> That slinger kid?

• Hettienne frowns.

<Aubrienne> Yeah, his, uh, his new apprentice is the one that noticed the trees.

<Hettienne> This ain't to do with his... business, is it?

<Aubrienne> Not so far as I know. I think it's just curiosity on his part.

<Hettienne> About trees an' mushrooms.

<Hettienne> And why is the sn-.. Why is Lathra comin'?

<Aubrienne> None of this seems to have any application for his work...they don't possess any qualities that would make them useful-

• Aubrienne babbles slightly, but seizes on the Lathra question

<Aubrienne> Oh, well, there's been a lot of strangeness lately, with the fey in the club, and with some of her clients.

<Hettienne> Fey?

<Aubrienne> We've been looking into it, trying to help people.

<Hettienne> LIke that midget elf?

• Hettienne frowns quizzically?

<Aubrienne> Yeah, the little ugly fast things that were here the night all the strangeness went down. When the light fell, and Dorien got stabbed, and that nobleman was killed.

<Hettienne> So the trees and mushrooms have... something to do with that?

<Aubrienne> It's possible. That's my concern. There seems to be something...bleeding through to our world from somewhere else.

<Aubrienne> And it could be dangerous.

<Hettienne> This is all pretty... weird.

<Hettienne> O_o

<Aubrienne> You're telling me.

<Hettienne> And you need someone to break y'all into a mushroom farm.

<Hettienne> Ohhhhkay.

<Aubrienne> I've been looking into it for a while now, and, honestly, it's pretty scary.

<Aubrienne> If you'd prefer not to be involved, I understand.

<Hettienne> So that thing with the elf was part of something more, huh

<Aubrienne> It is odd, and it might be for nothing, and I don't want to get you into trouble.

<Hettienne> Well, you got Denise involved.

<Aubrienne> Actually, Dorien did.

• Hettienne snorts.

<Hettienne> Figures.

<Aubrienne> I'm still...I'm not sure about that part.

<Aubrienne> I know she works with some rough types, but she is just a kid.

<Hettienne> I gotta keep her out of trouble.

<Hettienne> Rough types, heh.

<Hettienne> Sweetie, our whole family is rough types. ;)

• Aubrienne smirks

<Hettienne> Well I'll tag along.

<Hettienne> You got my interest.

<Aubrienne> Thanks, Hettie, I appreciate it.

<Aubrienne> (not sure if Hettie is the hugging type, but Aubrienne would probably give her a quick hug at that point)

• Hettienne grudgingly accepts the hug

An expedition is mounted to The Shade

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, so can I get a rundown on the plan for this excursion? Dorien, Misery, Aubrienne, Lathra, Denise, and Hettie are going - did I forget anyone? :)

<Denise> We could bring Argent :3

<DiablotinNarrator> if you want!

<Denise> I don't think it would be a hard sell once everyone else showed up at his house :V

<DiablotinNarrator> heh

<Denise> come ooooon Argent :D

<Denise> Lets go look at weird treees :D

<Aubrienne> He's a busboy. What does he know from breaking and entering? o.O

<Denise> he's a *waiter*, please!

<Dorien_Voclain> Hettie's a seemstress.

<Denise> anyway, Argen used to run with the Swarm too

<Aubrienne> (Would I know that term?)

<Aubrienne> No, Hettie's a seamstress. I'm more of a seemstress.

<DiablotinNarrator> (you could make a k:local check to see if it's familiar to you)

<Dorien_Voclain> (:P)

<Aubrienne> (Yeah, no, I have no ranks in k:local, but I am from the area *shrug*)

<DiablotinNarrator> (it's probably a local gang, you don't know it specifically though)

<Denise> Anyway

<Denise> Argent knows all kinds of weird stuff

<Aubrienne> (Everyone is a criminal. People are right about our House! :p)

<Denise> 'caise he's always *reading*

<Denise> like

<Hettienne> I'm retired!

<Hettienne> mostly

<Dorien_Voclain> Void, who knew it takes this many people to look at some fungus.

<Hettienne> I know right

<Hettienne> (Ahem)

<Denise> (shall we actually be properly in character? ;p)

<Aubrienne> Okay, but at this point we're walking. My car can't fit one, two, three...Void, 6 people.

<Aubrienne> (Or is it seven? Is Misery with us?)

<Hettienne> Why *are* there so many of you?

<DiablotinNarrator> (seven with Misery there)

<Dorien_Voclain> It's only a mile or so

<Argent> what is going on?

<Dorien_Voclain> Well... I started with Aubrienne and it kinda... snowballed.

• Argent is confused by all of this

<Denise> gonna go look at some weirdo stuff in the Shade ;3

<Aubrienne> I feel like we lose some of the element of stealth with, you know, a posse.

<Argent> what weirdo stuff?

<Denise> uh

<Aubrienne> Dorien, care to explain?

<Denise> some weird trees and fungus?

<Dorien_Voclain> Trees. Mushrooms.

• Denise waves at Misery

<Dorien_Voclain> You know, weird stuff

<Aubrienne> Brilliant.

<Hettienne> Yeah I don't need to get into any trouble 'cause someone decided this was gonna be gods damned work outing

• Aubrienne rolls her eyes

<Argent> is this those smelly mushrooms Dorien has been playing with for a week? I thought they were for his... you know...

<Dorien_Voclain> Yes and no. In that order.

<Aubrienne> Argent, there's been some strange goings-on recently. Those strange mushrooms came from some trees that might have grown overnight, and be related to the weirdness.

<Aubrienne> We're planning to look into it.

<Aubrienne> Denise here says you might be helpful in that.

<Hettienne> This is *not* how you do subtle, kids,

• Aubrienne looks imploringly at Hettie

<Hettienne> You told me you wanted discreet.

<Aubrienne> Well, you are the expert here, I'm given to understand.

<Hettienne> Discreet this ain't

<Denise> well

<Denise> like

<Aubrienne> You ain't kiddin'.

<Aubrienne> So what do we do?

<Denise> are the *trees* actually anywhere we gotta be hush hush about?

<Denise> I thought that was just the farm part?

<Dorien_Voclain> No, they're just in a vacant lot.

<Misery> The trees are just out on the street where anyone can walk by them.

<Aubrienne> Oh, well, that part is easy, then.

<Dorien_Voclain> Yeah, it's the farm we need to be subtle about

<Denise> so like

<Argent> lets just go look at the trees then... if its boring, I'll just go visit Mireva and the walk wont be wasted.

<Denise> if you wanna get in there, you take less folks, right

<Hettienne> So why am I here exactly?

• Denise grins at Argent

<Dorien_Voclain> For the subtle part.

<Hettienne> I think you can probably manage walking into a parking lot

• Hettienne eyes him.

<Hettienne> Probably.

<Argent> so who here has "actually" snuck into a place they're not supposed to be?

• Hettienne snorts.

<Hettienne> Are you kidding me, kid?

• Denise just gives him a Look

<Dorien_Voclain> Does Aubrienne's dreswsing room count?

<Argent> I wan't refering to you.

• Aubrienne looks askance at Dorien

<Dorien_Voclain> that was a joke.

• Aubrienne still looks suspicious

<Aubrienne> I'm no expert at trespass or anything, but I've got a little bit of illusion that can help.

<Dorien_Voclain> Look, maybe it'll be nothing and there won't even be a lock on the door. I'd just rather we have someone who can get in if we need to.

<Aubrienne> I thought that's why we have Hettie.

<Argent> Lets just go look at the strange trees and then Hettie and who needs to can sneak into whatever the other place is and the rest just leave.

<Dorien_Voclain> That's what I'm saying.

<Hettienne> Fine.

<Dorien_Voclain> Excellent! Great plan! I'm proud to be a part of it.

<Aubrienne> ...This may be out of nowhere, but did anyone think to, you know, ask the farmer's about it?

• Hettienne scowls.

<Dorien_Voclain> Not... as such.

<Aubrienne> Dorien!

<Denise> Well if you ask 'em first it'll be harder to get in

• Denise says because duh

<Aubrienne> Yes, but it might also not be necessary to sneak in.

<Dorien_Voclain> Better to get forgiveness than permission.

• Argent will get his jacket and start heading out the door.

<Denise> yeah

<Dorien_Voclain> Right behind you, good buddy.

<Aubrienne> Is there a particular reason to do this, well, criminally, rather than upfront?

<Aubrienne> Ugh.

• Aubrienne casts a worried look at Hettie and Lathra and stands to follow

<Hettienne> If you didn't want to do this criminally, you shouldn'ta asked criminals, girlie.

• Hettienne shrugs and goes with Denise
• Denise shrugs and oes with the crowd to see creey magic treeees :D

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - what time of day is this, as you walk over to the Shade?

<Dorien_Voclain> I assume mid-morning

<Aubrienne> Wouldn't we want to do it sometime when it's dark?

<Dorien_Voclain> Fair

<Dorien_Voclain> So like, right after cabaret closing?

<Denise> isn't it under ground?

<Denise> not the trees

<Denise> but the other

<DiablotinNarrator> so like probably 4am by this point, after you've finished conversing?

<Dorien_Voclain> Yeah, the farm is underground.

<Denise> (then the dark won't matter - and I honestly don't know if there is less liely to be ppl around during the day or late at night in the shade >.>)

<DiablotinNarrator> Let's split the difference and say that you gathered after work, but by the time you're ready to go it's close to dawn anyway.

<Denise> (cool)

<DiablotinNarrator> You can make your way together to the Shade, where Misery can direct you to the no-longer-vacant lot

<Dorien_Voclain> (Has it grown more?)

<DiablotinNarrator> The trees sway slightly, although it's a bit breezy this morninh so that's not unusual. Dorien, you do think that they have grown even larger since the last time you were here.

<Dorien_Voclain> (w) Void... they're still growing, I think.

<Aubrienne> (What does Detect Magic turn up?)

<Denise> huh

• Hettienne will go case the farm.

<Argent> <w> well, this is odd.

<Dorien_Voclain> <w> Toldja. Weird stuff.

<DiablotinNarrator> Anyone casting Detect Magic will sense that these trees radiate strong magic - can make their k:arcana to figure out what school

<Denise> I should tell Mickie, I bet the Channels would wanna see it

<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+10

• Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 11 ].

<Aubrienne> (Oh come on!)

<Aubrienne> (I'll use my Inspired reroll)

<DiablotinNarrator> (okay)

<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+10

• Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 26 ].

<Aubrienne> (Much better :))

<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne - conjuration, which seems a bit odd, unless they were summoned from the demiplane of creepy trees or something?

<Aubrienne> (hee)

<Denise> an' they just came outta no where?

<Aubrienne> Okay, well, obviously they're magic. Seems like conjuration to me, which is strange.

• Denise asks Misery, since she apparenlty found them

<DiablotinNarrator> That is the strongest magical aura, but there could be weaker ones as well that are being overwhelmed by it

• Denise will also roll k' local to see if she remember what was here before

<Denise> !roll 1d20+6

• Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 12 ].
• Argent waits for Aubrienne to drop her concentration and then will Detect Evil.

<Misery> Yeah, pretty much - at least, they weren't here, and then a month later, they were.

<Denise> huh

<Aubrienne> (Is Detect Magic obvious?)

<Misery> Denise, you think just a vacant lot - if there was a building before that, you can't remember what it might have been

<Denise> (Dm is LoS isn't it? You could just stay behind her :p)

<Argent> (true)

<Argent> (and it is obvious...VS spell)

<Argent> (at least when you cast it)

<Aubrienne> (Then wouldn't Detect Evil be as well?)

<Aubrienne> (Or, I guess it's an ability. Does that make a difference?)

• Aubrienne will keep DM for the three rounds to get full info, then drop it.
• Denise will wander up for a closer look at the trees

<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you do detect evil here, coming from the vicinity of the trees.

• Argent will continue to focus to get a strength and location
• Denise isn't evil, but does have magic on her :p
• Denise willl.. climbs one?

<DiablotinNarrator> It's a bit weird, Argent... you're focusing in, trying to get more information. The number of auras is confusing, though. It's either a large number, or ... one? like a bunch of smaller things, that are part of one larger thing.

<Dorien_Voclain> Uhhh... hey kiddo, that may not be a great idea.

<Argent> Dorien may be right

<Denise> oh, 'kay

• Argent will approach the trees near Denis

<Denise> they just look like real big trees

<Argent> something is very not right here

<Aubrienne> Anyone have a knife?

<Aubrienne> I didn't think to bring anything to collect a sample with.

<Denise> I coudl break you off a branck :p

<Denise> (branch)

<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, the evil is strong, and emanating from the fungus that's growing on the trees. Which might explain the many-but-one you were detecting, if they are all part of some ... fungal colony or something?

• Dorien_Voclain breaks out his samplin' kit

<Argent> (k-planes help identify this stuff?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (you can roll it, sure. k: nature if you have it too?)

• Aubrienne will take more samples of the fungus, plus some bark from the tree, soil from around the tree, some leaves, etc.

<Argent> !roll 1d20+4

• Zola rolls for Argent: [ 1d20+4 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 9 ].

<Argent> (no clue)

<DiablotinNarrator> (nope)

<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, meanwhile, you're investigating the entrance to the farm itself, which is a trapdoor in the middle of the ... glade.

<DiablotinNarrator> It is locked with a simple-looking padlock - just intended to keep out animals or scroungers, probably, not really a deterrent for actual thieves.

• Lathra explores around the trees, looking for anything interesting and wondering whether they know we're here.

<Dorien_Voclain> <w> I wonder why whoever owns this farm never hacked all this stuff down. Unless they don't come out here very often...

<Misery> Or they're dead.

<Denise> maybe the trees are.... good for growin' mushrooms?

<Hettienne> . o O (seriously??)

<Denise> ...

<Dorien_Voclain> <w> Cheerful as always, misery, thank you.

<Denise> You an' your dad :p

• Denise sas to her

<Hettienne> (I assume no traps then :p)

<Denise> cheery, yeah

<DiablotinNarrator> (you can roll, but it seems unlikely?)

<Hettienne> (DD to open the 'lock')

<Hettienne> (I get 15... but if that doesn't work I'll just take 20)

<Hettienne> (oh the 15 is for trapfinding I guess. I'll roll again)

<Hettienne> (17 to open)

<Hettienne> (rolling like a champ as usual)

<DiablotinNarrator> (you can take 20 if you want, as nobody seems to be interrupting you)

<Hettienne> (kay)

<DiablotinNarrator> The trees do seem to whisper slightly in the breeze, but you can block that out, stupid trees, nobody's listening to you.

<DiablotinNarrator> You manage to get the lock opened after a while.

• Hettienne looks around to see what everyone else is doing.
• Dorien_Voclain is collecting samples

<Argent> Aubrienne, can you look for magic on the fungus seperate from the trees?

• Lathra tries to figure out if the trees are actually whispering something or if it's an illusion of the wind.

<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, you can make a perception check

• Hettienne will take a peek inside the trap door then...

<Lathra> !roll 1d20+8

• Zola rolls for Lathra: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 19 ].

<Aubrienne> (Julie, can I do that? Angle it to get the trees rather than any of the fungus?)

<DiablotinNarrator> The fungus kind of covers the trees in many places... you'd have to try and... scrape some off to clear it, maybe?

<DiablotinNarrator> (Ian, what languages does Lathra have?)

<Lathra> (FFF I knew there'd be something I'd forgotten :/)

<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, under the trapdoor is a ladder leading down into the dark.

<DiablotinNarrator> (no worries, Ian)

<Hettienne> Door's open

<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra - you do think there are words, but they're not comprehensible to you. As if they were in an unfamiliar language, or just very garbled, maybe.

<Lathra> (ok, thanks)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, who if anyone are going into the trapdoor?

• Denise watches hettie but isn't sure we have sorted this all out

<Dorien_Voclain> (I will)

• Argent will look to Dorien/Aubrienne, the leaders of this expedition

<Dorien_Voclain> Is there any light down the tunnel?

• Argent looks back to Lathra with a different thought
• Hettienne shakes her head.

<Dorien_Voclain> (sorry, meant to put that in parens)

<DiablotinNarrator> (it's dark as far as you can see from here - you can't even see the bottom of the tunnel, if you don't have enhanced vision of some kind)

<Aubrienne> Hettie, do you need anyone to go with you?

<Hettienne> (I have low light vision)

<Hettienne> Who's got god night-eyes?

• Hettienne looks at Lathra.

<Hettienne> (good)

<Lathra> Well I'll come, in case anybody gets hurt, and I'll be able to see.

<Denise> I do

<Dorien_Voclain> Uhhhh... not me. too much reading.

<Denise> an Argent

<Hettienne> Right.

• Argent nods in agreement with Denise

<Misery> I can see, but uh... no offence, but I'm not going down there.

• Denise looks at Aubrienne 'cause you;re a rat, so hyou must, right?

<Hettienne> Let's go. But be quiet.

<Aubrienne> I'm not exactly stealthy.

• Aubrienne says in response to Denise's look.

<Denise> we just let the quiet folks go ahead

<Denise> they can wave for us if they need us

<Aubrienne> Well, I'm happy to tag along, if you think it's feasible.

<Lathra> I could make a light for somebody?

• Hettienne starts down the ladder.

<Hettienne> I got one.

<Dorien_Voclain> I have a few sunrods.

<Lathra> Oh splendid!

<Argent> flashlight is best

<Denise> thems too bright

<Denise> hard to hide if you need to

• Argent will switch his teamwork feat to stealth synergy

<Dorien_Voclain> fair enough.

<DiablotinNarrator> (okay - folks can get on roll20 then)

<Denise> I'm gonna go in case there's trouble, gotta back up my aunt :3

<Dorien_Voclain> (I'll stay in the back with Aubrienne)

Everyone but Misery went underground, where they fought some fungi, found a dead Shadar-kai mushroom farmer with fungi sprouting from his corpse, encountered a little mushroom man who ran away, and discovered a new form of alchemy.

Gen rescues (?) Raina

<DiablotinNarrator> Gen, you are heading home from the cabaret, very early in the morning. It was a pretty good night, all things considered - you were able to get almost a half-bottle of wine that one table didn't finish.

• Genevriel feels a little guilty about the wine... but only a little.

<DiablotinNarrator> As you are walking through the chilly streets a bit before dawn, a light snow is falling.

• Genevriel hates the cold, and pulls her thin coat around her more tightly.

<DiablotinNarrator> The streets are quiet and deserted at this time of night. But you spot some movement up ahead.

<DiablotinNarrator> A large catlike figure darts out from an alley, turns and pauses.

• Genevriel will be cautious since it is only drunks, bar workers, or troublemakers who are out at this time of night.
• Genevriel thinks of the crazy old lady's cat... is this a similar sized creature?

<DiablotinNarrator> You can see that it's too large to be a regular street cat. More the size of a lynx... and you've only seen one of those in the city before.

• Genevriel remembers she was supposed to look for that Sylvia person, but there's been so much else going on...

<DiablotinNarrator> It darts towards you, having apparently spotted you

• Genevriel is surprised and braces herself to fight or flee if it attacks her.

<DiablotinNarrator> The creature skids to a stop a few feet away from you, hesitating as if wary or afraid, but not fleeing either

• Genevriel stares at it blankly.

<DiablotinNarrator> It makes a sort of plaintive cry, turning to walk back in the direction that it came from, but looking over its shoulder at you

<Genevriel> You want me to follow you. Yeah, that's a good idea.

• Genevriel thinks for a while; thoughts are slow to percolate at the moment.

<Genevriel> I suppose your lady might be hurt or freezing. Fine.

• Genevriel feels obliged to follow in case the crazy lady needs her healing abilities.

<DiablotinNarrator> The lynx looks ... relieved, if such a thing is possible, when you begin to follow it.

<DiablotinNarrator> You follow it through the snowy streets, trying to keep up with it as it darts from building shadow to building shadow

• Genevriel used to not be so bad at darting from cover to cover herself, but then she usually wasn't plastered.

<DiablotinNarrator> It leads you to an alley maybe half a mile away, and waits to make sure you're following before heading back into the dark, narrow passage between buildings

• Genevriel does pause for a bit at the entrance to the alley to listen... Some self-preservation skills are still intact.

<DiablotinNarrator> (you can make a Perception check)

<Genevriel> !roll 1d20+1

• Zola rolls for Genevriel: [ 1d20+1 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 1 ] totals [ 12 ].

<DiablotinNarrator> (it's very quiet in there. no sounds at all, that you notice)

• Genevriel wanders into the alley... lets her eyes adjust to the darkness if it's even possible to see anything in there, then will head in.

<DiablotinNarrator> As your eyes are able to make out shadowy shapes, you see that the lynx is curled up atop the body of an old woman, which lies motionless on the freezing ground.

• Genevriel swears as she trips over some junk someone left behind as she tries to get close to the woman and do a heal check.

<Genevriel> !roll 1d20+10

• Zola rolls for Genevriel: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 22 ].

<DiablotinNarrator> She is still alive, but barely. You don't see any obvious signs of injury to her - no blood, anyway. Maybe she is ill, or suffering from the cold?

• Genevriel casts Stabilize to buy herself some time

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay

• Genevriel doesn't have anything to warm the woman up with, unless there is some wood here and she can... set it on fire. ;_;

<DiablotinNarrator> There is some rubbish in bins nearby, you could use that, perhaps

<DiablotinNarrator> (metal bins, like trashcans - should contain the fire at least, if you use one of those)

<Genevriel> (Do I need to roll for the Stabilize or do we just assume since she is unconscious that she isn't going to try to make a save against it?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (yeah, she isn't trying to save against it)

• Genevriel starts rooting through the trash bins to find something burnable, trying not to think about what she is about to do...

<DiablotinNarrator> (There are some newspapers, some broken wooden crates you might be able to make something out of)

• Genevriel will attempt to cast Burning Hands once she has something combustible in a bin, but I might not be able to do it, due to my phobia. Willpower roll?

<DiablotinNarrator> (sure)

<Genevriel> !roll 1d20+3

• Zola rolls for Genevriel: [ 1d20+3 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 3 ] totals [ 16 ].

<DiablotinNarrator> (that should be fine)

• Genevriel breaks into a cold sweat and stifles an exclamation of fear as her hands light up. She holds them well away from herself, horrified and panicky as she touches the combustibles and leaps back once they catch.
• Genevriel will have a closer look at the woman by the firelight, once her burning hands goes out.

<DiablotinNarrator> The fire catches, illuminating the alley better, although it will take a little before the warmth catches up

• Raina_ looks pale and her face is drawn with pain, but she stirs slightly
• Genevriel keeps her patient between herself and the fire.
• Genevriel tries to focus on the woman and not on the fire, but it is hard, very hard.
• Raina_ mumbles something under her breath
• Genevriel will cast CLW since she is in pain. Could be internal bleeding...

<DiablotinNarrator> (okay, you can roll for HP)

<Genevriel> !roll 1d8+3

• Zola rolls for Genevriel: [ 1d8+3 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 3 ] totals [ 9 ].
• Raina_ looks slightly improved after that, still pale, but her mismatched eyes open and seem to focus on you
• Genevriel looks frightened and drawn; it's a strain just being this close to the fire.

<Raina_> <w> you again?

• Genevriel shrugs.

<Genevriel> Your... lynx brought me.

<Genevriel> I thought you might be hurt or freezing, and you were.

• Raina_ pets it

<Raina_> <w> take me to Silvia

<Genevriel> Where is that?

• Genevriel eyes the woman, trying to figure out if she thinks she can carry her or not.

<Raina_> <w> other side of the river.. in the Grand

<Genevriel> (How far is that from where I think we are now?)

• Genevriel tries to think if she has enough money to cover a cab, if she can even find one at this time of night. Being poor sucks.

<DiablotinNarrator> (that would be quite a ways... probably a couple hours of walking, even if you weren't carrying someone)

<Genevriel> (would I be able to cover a cab fare, if I can find a cab?)

<DiablotinNarrator> (well, you have your tips from tonight on you, as you haven't had a chance to spend those yet... it would mean pinching pennies for the rest of the week though probably)

• Genevriel thinks, a little panicky.

<Genevriel> (Does she still appear injured - ie, should I cast another CLW?)

• Raina_ still doesn't seem back in shape, no. another CLW could help, but she also isn't falling lower at the moment as far as you can tell.
• Genevriel will beg the One to heal the woman again.
• Genevriel needs to get her able to walk a little distance anyways, until we can find a cab.
• Raina_ seems a little better once more, and sits up cautiously

<Raina_> <w> here... make this easier on you.

<Genevriel> That's far. We'll have to find a cab. Can you walk?

• Raina_ gives you an address in the Grand, and then shifts her form into a sparrow.
• Genevriel blinks.

<Genevriel> Or... that... works.

• Raina_ is now tiny and pocket-sized.
• Genevriel handles the fragile creature carefully and glances at the lynx. She will then start traipsing towards the Grand.
• Genevriel will keep sparrow lady close so she doesn't get cold. It's a little awkward, probably.

<DiablotinNarrator> You make your way to the address she gave you. It's a lengthy walk but at least the sun up by the time you reach the house, so it's a little warmer. The lynx trails behind you.

• Genevriel will knock hesitantly on the door.

<DiablotinNarrator> A small girl, maybe about 6 or 7, with curly dark hair and a dark complexion, opens the door.

<Little_girl> ....

• Genevriel smiles and hopes she doesn't look scary.

<Little_girl> ... are you here to see Mama or Papa?

<Genevriel> Hello... May I speak with Sylvia, please?

<Genevriel> Uh... I guess that might be your Mama.

<Little_girl> MAAAAAAAMAAA!

• Little_girl yells for her
• Genevriel winces; hangover headache.
• Silvia appears in the doorway. She's pale, with red hair, glasses, and mismatched eyes like Raina's, and she's in a dressing gown.

<Genevriel> Good morning; I'm sorry it's so early. Only this woman asked me to bring her to you.

• Genevriel holds out the sparrow.

<Silvia> It's fine...

• Silvia accepts the sparrow as if this is totally normal

<Silvia> Is she hurt?

<Genevriel> She was hurt in an alley. Unconscious and cold.

<Silvia> :/

<Genevriel> I did what I could.

<Silvia> Thank you

• Genevriel shrugs.
• Silvia fumbles for her purse and passes you a handful of bills - probably about 20 Imps.

<Genevriel> Thank the One - oh, no. I can't. Thank you though.

<Silvia> At least let me offer you enough to get a cab home, and for your trouble...

• Genevriel refuses the money.
• Silvia will put it away then

<Silvia> ... the One? o_O

<Genevriel> ...

• Silvia says, with a slightly delayed reaction

<Silvia> Would you at least come in for some coffee? We were just going to have breakfast, but there's plenty to go around.

• Genevriel looks down at her threadbare clothes and laughs.

<Genevriel> I smell like garbage.

<Genevriel> So, probably best for me to graciously refuse.

<Silvia> I promise you, we've seen stranger :)

• Genevriel looks hesitant still, embarrassed and ashamed.

<Silvia> Can I ask your name?

<Genevriel> Oh... Genevriel. It's Genevriel Doucette.

<Silvia> It's a pleasure to meet you, Genevriel. I'm Silvia Rionet, and you've already met my daughter Iris.

• Genevriel smiles a little.

<Genevriel> How old is she?

<Silvia> She's six.

<Iris> You can have some of my hot chocolate instead of coffee if you think it's yucky.

• Genevriel squats down so she is at kid eye level.

<Genevriel> I actually don't think coffee is yucky, but thank you. Are you sure you want to drink your hot chocolate with a smelly stranger visiting, though?

<Iris> Aunt Raina is smelly too, an' I still haveta be polite to her. so I don't mind.

<Genevriel> Well, I guess. I am pretty cold. Psyra doesn't get like this.

• Genevriel glances up at Sylvia and smiles slightly.
• Silvia smiles back

<Silvia> Please, come inside. It's no trouble.

<Genevriel> Thanks.

• Genevriel will continue to be very self-conscious, though!
• Genevriel follows people in and politely doesn't gawk at how nobs live.