Diablotin 3 session 50

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Session

Session date: March 12, 2017

Diablotin date:

Hugo asks Eirini about Amanita's book

<DiablotinNarrator> All right, Hugo - you had wanted to talk to Eirini?

<Hugonel> sure

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - I'll say that you had tried to get in touch with her last session but hadn't been able to reach her. However, trying again now, you do manage to get in touch and arrange a time to meet with her. Where did you want to meet?

<Hugonel> (someplace private - my house perhaps?)

<DiablotinNarrator> okay, that's fine

• Eirini arrives at your house. Her hair has taken on a green tint for summer and she has it done up under a scarf, with sunglasses as well, perhaps to conceal her identity or at least make herself less noticable?
• Hugonel is dressed in a loose-fitting white shirt with a grey and gold scarf.

<Hugonel> Hello, Eirini. It's been too long.

• Hugonel smiles warmly.

<Eirini> Hello, Hugo... how have you been?

• Eirini seems a bit nervous/skittish

<Hugonel> I've been well. It's been quiet for the last little while.

<Hugonel> Come in, come in.

• Eirini enters your house

<Hugonel> How are you?

<Eirini> It's been a ... troubling time, I'm afraid.

<Hugonel> Oh, how so?

• Eirini takes off her sunglasses and has a seat.

<Eirini> Troubles at home.

• Eirini says vaguely

<Hugonel> Anything I can help with?

<Eirini> I don't know... Look, I don't mean to be rude, but what do you want?

<Hugonel> Are you in danger right now, Eirini?

<Eirini> That depends on what you want to talk about, and who finds out we talked.

<Eirini> I'm here because you've helped me in the past, but things are difficult right now, and I don't want to get into trouble.

<Hugonel> I need to ask you about the book that Amanita had.

• Eirini seems to relax a little at that

<Eirini> What about it?

<Hugonel> What do you know about its provenance and its powers?

<Eirini> Something about a Dark Tapestry...?

<Hugonel> Yes, yes, that's it. Is it the Codex of the Dark Tapestry?

<Eirini> I think so. I heard something about that...

<Hugonel> Hmm ... who did you hear it from?

<Eirini> Linthira >.>

<Hugonel> Right, of course.

<Hugonel> It was through ripping a page out of that book that Amanita sent us to the First World, or at least, so it seemed.

<Eirini> I heard that it can open a temporary passage between the planes, but it's very dangerous to do so.

<Hugonel> Right. Do you know where she got it?

<Eirini> I heard there was an elf woman who brought it to her.

<Hugonel> Hmm, interesting ... I don't suppose you know any more about her identity?

<Eirini> Not specifically, but I think she was part of the Circle.

<Hugonel> The Circle? What's that?

<Eirini> The Circle of Brethren... they're, ah, an alliance between the various branches of elven and fey kind.

<Hugonel> Has it existed a long time?

<Eirini> Yes, but for a long time it was ... I don't know - hidden?

<Hugonel> Is it centered here in Diablotin, or elsewhere?

<Eirini> I don't know if it's centered anywhere... members work towards greater unity between the divided peoples. I think they travel where they're needed, or where they think they might find support.

<Eirini> If they have a headquarters, I don't know where it is

<Hugonel> All right ... and they have an interest in what's going on in the city recently?

<Eirini> Yes, certainly.

<Eirini> Any passage between the First World and this would be of interest to them.

<Hugonel> So you think they provided Amanita with the Codex in order to help her in her efforts?

<Eirini> Yes...

• Eirini looks a bit more nervous

<Hugonel> And she still has it?

<Eirini> I'm not sure. I know Linthira wanted to take it from her. But I don't think she wanted to give it up, so... they were quarelling about it.

<Hugonel> Is that what you're nervous about, Linthira and Amanita quarrelling?

<Eirini> And Linthira and Eranthis... the only one she hasn't picked quarrels with is Eirlys, and Eirlys isn't speaking to anyone right now.

<Eirini> I think there's going to be a war at home :/

<Hugonel> After we got back from the First World I thought things would be better ... but they just seem to be quieter and more tense.

<Hugonel> Ohhh ... between the four groups?

• Eirini nods

<Eirini> And she wouldn't be happy to know I've told you this much.

<Hugonel> I'm sorry to pester you with these questions.

<Hugonel> If she asks, I'm sure you can make up some excuse as to what we were doing in here.

<Eirini> well... yes.

<Hugonel> Is Diablotin involved in this war? What's it all about anyway, at the heart of it?

<Eirini> Ostensibly it's about the Irminsul and who controls access to it from the First World... but it's more complicated than that.

• Eirini shrugs

<Hugonel> I'm sorry that it's complicated.

<Hugonel> I probably should stay out of your business entirely, except, well, Amanita pulled all of us into it.

<Eirini> I just want to stay here and not get involved... I went through a war too recently to want to join in another one.

• Hugonel nods.

<Hugonel> Is the codex still part of her plans, do you think?

<Eirini> Amanita's?

<Hugonel> Yes, hers, or Linthira's, or ... anyone's I suppose?

<Eirini> Well I can't imagine it's not part of someone's plans... Linthira wanted it, and Amanita refused to give it up. But I'm not sure why she wants it, other than so that Amanita doesn't have it.

<Hugonel> All right. Thank you. I know it can't have been easy for you to come here today with all that's going on.

• Eirini nods

<Eirini> Some of our people have gone missing... I don't know if they're just laying low until things blow over, or if something worse has happened. But I don't really want to find out first-hand either.

<Hugonel> Missing from this world, or from the First World?

<Eirini> This world. Those of us who have chosen to live our lives here ... well, we tend not to be too involved in what's happening in the First World. But sometimes events have a way of drawing us in.

<Hugonel> Right, of course. And for better or worse, I appear to have been drawn in too.

<Eirini> I'm sorry for that.

<Hugonel> It's all right. I asked for it, I suppose. I certainly didn't run away from it, and I've had many chances.

<Hugonel> I'm starting to suspect that my days as a cabaret performer are numbered.

<Eirini> I hope your days as a whole aren't similarly numbered ;p

• Hugonel laughs.

<Hugonel> Well, let's hope not. Imagine the hordes of mourning young women at my funeral.

• Eirini smiles a little at that

<Eirini> Well... should we find another reason for me to visit you, so that I can tell the truth if asked? :)

<Hugonel> Ahhh ... if you like? I don't want to delay you.

<Eirini> Oh I'm sure it won't take long.

<Hugonel> You'd be surprised ... or at least, I hope you will be.

• Hugonel smiles.

Dorien and Misery go out to Lynwood to see if they can spot a tree

<DiablotinNarrator> Dorien, how much have you told Misery about what's going on? and your weird dream and so on?

<Dorien> (I would have told her everything, honestly. Everything I know.)

<DiablotinNarrator> okay

<Misery> Hey guess what I have?

• Misery says when she comes into the apartment one day after work

<Dorien> A great ass?

<Misery> Yes, you are.

<Dorien> ;P

<Misery> Come look outside.

<Dorien> Ok...

• Dorien will follow
• Misery brings you out to the street where there's a rather nice car parked.

<Dorien> ...

• Dorien looks at Misery quizzically.

<Dorien> Is it a friend's?

<Misery> I didn't buy it, don't worry. Mme. Severin loaned it to me for a couple of days, so I can do some running around for post-production work.

<Dorien> Wow... should you be parking it in this neighborhood?

<Misery> Probably not overnight anyway ;p

<Dorien> How long you have it for?

<Misery> As long as I need it, I guess. Practically, probably a week?

• Dorien runs a hand over it and whistles.

<Misery> Maybe I can park it at your office?

<Dorien> Probably safer there. Wanna go for a spin?

<Misery> I thought you'd never ask :)

• Misery hops into the driver's seat

<Dorien> Where we goin'?

<Misery> Wherever we want :D

• Misery pulls away from the apartment once you're in the car, with a squeal of tires and a cloud of dust.
• Dorien clutches the dashboard instinctively.

<Misery> IT'S FINE DON'T WORRY!

• Misery says loudly over the sound of the engine, and shouts from passers-by who jump out of the way to avoid getting run down

<Dorien> Aaaaaah!

<Dorien> Ok...

<Dorien> ummm...

<Dorien> Sweety...

• Misery makes liberal use of the horn

<Dorien> WATCH OUT FOR THE CABBAGE CART!!!!!

• Misery clips the edge of the cabbage cart and sends cabbages spilling across the street as she swerves to avoid it

<Misery> THIS IS THE BEST!

<Dorien> WE ARE GOING TO DIE!

• Misery swings onto a larger road, startling some horses pulling a carriage

<Misery> I think I'm getting the hang of this :)

<Dorien> Do you ummm.... have a license?

<Misery> Mme. Severin showed me which pedals do what, I'm fiiiiiine.

<Misery> This one's the go faster pedal :D

• Misery demonstrates

<Dorien> AHHHHHHHH!!!!

• Misery hurtles along cobbled roads not really meant for cars

<Dorien> Honey... sweetie... I love you to death, but I would prefer that not be literally!

• Misery grins and demonstrates the brakes, just for you
• Dorien slams into the dashboard, headfirst.

<Misery> Better?

<Dorien> Owwwwwwwwwww...

<Dorien> I thing I bwoke my node...

<Misery> Aww

• Dorien rubs his face and looks around.

<Misery> You'll live, and chicks dig scars ;)

<Dorien> (Where are we?)

<Misery> (probably somewhere in Rhenea at this point)

<Misery> Anyway, I was thinking...

• Misery says casually

<Dorien> ...yes?

• Dorien asks warily.

<Misery> Wellll, you don't even know what happened with that tree thing out at that creepy hospital place. We could take a drive that way and see if we can see it.

<Misery> And it'd be in the country, there's nothing to hit out there ;)

• Dorien considers.

<Dorien> I suppose it couldn't hurt just to drive by. I don't suppose... you'd let me drive?

<Misery> No way.

<Misery> What if you got in an accident? ;)

<Dorien> Right.

<Dorien> Silly me.

<Dorien> Just... try to stay on the paved roads...

<Misery> Okay - you'll have to tell me how to get there.

• Dorien will do so.
• Misery manages to get us out of the city with only a few more minor scrapes ;p Once out in the countryside, she seems happy to drive ridiculously fast and wave at sheep along the way.

<Dorien> (heeee)

• Dorien relaxes a bit once there are fewer cars and people on the road

<Misery> See, this is nice!

• Misery says over the wind blowing by

<Dorien> This I could get used to. We just need to keep you out of the city.

<Misery> I need a hat ;p My hair is going to be a mess.

• Dorien opens his mouth and then wisely closes it.

<Dorien> Pretty sure it would have blown off several miles back

<Misery> So, once we get close to this place, do you think there'll be guards? Do we need to be stealthy?

<Dorien> We're not going in. Just driving by. See what we can from the road.

<Dorien> I'm pretty sure if there's a giant tree we can't miss it.

<Misery> Okay.

• Misery sounds slightly disappointed at not getting to sneak ;)

<Dorien> (She can be dissapointed and alive ;) )

• Misery slows down as we near the turn-off for Lynwood Manor and Evil Research Facility

<Misery> So it's down that way?

<Dorien> Yeah, if anyone asks, we just got lost on the back roads.

• Misery stands up somewhat, trying to see better
• Dorien holds on to the dashboard again.

<Misery> I don't see a creepy tree, do you?

<Dorien> slow down a sec...

• Dorien will likewise try to stand up... carefully

<DiablotinNarrator> You can make out the roof/upper storey of the house from there, but you don't see a big glowing blue tree, or indeed any tree that doesn't just look like a regular tree. Certainly not growing out of the house - the damage to the roof looks like it's been repaired as well.

<Dorien> Yeah, nothin.

• Dorien sits back down.

<Dorien> Weird. I wonder if they got rid of it somehow.

<Misery> Maybe.

<Misery> Or made it invisible or something...

<Dorien> Possible, I suppose. Wouldn't be that complicated to throw up an illusion.

• Misery nods

<Dorien> Well, that was a bust.

<Misery> Well, it was a fun drive :) And we learned something, anyway.

<Dorien> True.

<Dorien> What say we go get food and then maybe cruise around some more?

<Misery> All right, sounds good to me. We could stop for a picnic somewhere :)

<Dorien> How much gas do we have, anyway?

<Misery> Uh... some?

• Dorien sighs.

<Dorien> Ok, well... that first then, I suppose.

• Misery nods
• Misery will whisk us off to the nearby village to hopefully find gas and food ;)

<Dorien> :3

Ander and Aubrienne are questioned by the Vjestaci; Denise accompanies them

• Ander has put on his big boy pants to go to have a friendly chat with the Vjestaci. He'll bring Denise definitely not because he's half-expecting them to jump him, and Janelle for moral support and as a witness ;p Aubrienne, you are there to help mediate the meeting.

<DiablotinNarrator> (and so that they'll get off your back ;)

<Aubrienne> (I have other things going on Vjestaci, jeez)

<Denise> (who doesn't, jeez!)

• Ander is unusually a bit nervous about this - or at least, a bit visibly nervous.

<Denise> I got your back, boss

<Aubrienne> It'll be all right.

<Aubrienne> They just want in the loop.

<Ander> They wanna be in charge of the loop >.>

<Aubrienne> They can go suck an egg.

<Denise> yeah

<Janelle> Well it isn't like they can force you to work for them or something. Even if they tried to mind-control you, I'm pretty sure they can't make you give people the gift.

<Ander> ... thanks, that's reassuring.

• Aubrienne smiles brightly.

<Aubrienne> About that...

<Aubrienne> How long does that take?

<Ander> Hmm?

<Ander> Oh, like a minute. It's fast.

<Denise> maybe not even that

• Ander nods

<Aubrienne> How does it work?

<Denise> you gotta really want it, mostly, is how it works

<Ander> Well, I ask if you know what you're gettin' into, you say yeah, I touch you, an' then it just kinda ... happens.

<Aubrienne> Huh.

<Ander> At least so far - it's never not worked.

<Aubrienne> Could you do it now?

<Ander> For you? Sure.

<Denise> yeah, the knowin' what you're gettin' into part... Like, knowin' its dangerous, an stuff, I guess. We didn't know, like, the silver part before >.>

<Aubrienne> I'd been thinking, and I think I want the gift. I want some more skin in the game, and, though I'm still sort of leery about Rat, I trust you guys.

• Denise nods

<Aubrienne> Silver part?

<Ander> Yeah, I guess it makes us vulnerable to silver, like were-creatures.

<Denise> yeah

• Denise nods

<Ander> But if you're still good with that, then I can do it whenever.

<Aubrienne> What does that mean? It hurts us more when we're injured, or, like, it hurts to touch it?

<Denise> just if it hurts us

<Aubrienne> Well, getting stabbed or shot is already something I try to avoid, so that seems like a small tradeoff.

<Ander> heh

• Aubrienne straightens and takes a breath.

<Aubrienne> Okay, yeah, I'd like the gift.

<Ander> Okay.

<Aubrienne> Please. ;)

• Denise grins

<Denise> it's 'cause you saw me an' hettie, ain't it ^-6

<Denise> ^-^

<Ander> <r> Aubrienne, d'you accept the gift of goin' on four feet?

• Aubrienne grins at Denise, then turns back to Ander with a serious face.

<Aubrienne> Yes, I do.

<Ander> <r> Knowin' that it might be a danger to you as well as a blessing...

• Aubrienne closes her mouth with a guilty look at interrupting.
• Ander nods to show he's done ;)

<Aubrienne> I accept.

• Ander nods and reaches out his hand to touch your shoulder. You feel a little zing pass between you and suddenly you are transformed into a rat.

<Denise> :3

• Aubrienne makes an "eeeeeeeeeeeeeee" noise that I think translates fine.

<Ander> :)

<Denise> you can just turn back whenever

<Denise> but you're real cute ^-^

• Aubrienne will take a few moments to examine her rat self and then change back.

<Aubrienne> I think I could ride Prizrak when I'm that size. :)

<Aubrienne> (Seriously) Thank you, Ander. I appreciate this a lot.

<Aubrienne> (Less seriously) To think, I studied forever to learn how to cast a spell for that.

<Ander> Hey, it's my honour. I'm glad I could do it for you.

<Aubrienne> Okay, lets go face the music with the Vjestaci, hmm?

<Ander> Yeah, let's get it over with.

• Denise nods

<Janelle> It'll be fine...and if it isn't, we'll deal with it.

• Janelle says firmly
• Aubrienne nods
• Ander will head with you to the Vjestaci's headquarters, then, i.e. the back rooms of the Ratte social club :)

<DiablotinNarrator> Your aunt Svara is there, Aubrienne, along with the other members

• Aubrienne will approach her if she's not otherwise occupied.

<Svara> oh, hi Aubrienne :)

<Aubrienne> Hi, Auntie Svara :)

<Aubrienne> How're things looking?

<Svara> Better now that you're here :)

<Aubrienne> That's nice of you to say, but I thought we were kind of doorstep darkening here.

<Svara> Well, I really hope this will help smooth things over.

<Aubrienne> Me too. I'm hoping we can placate folks enough to leave us alone.

• Svara nods
• Svara will gather people together and let them know we're here and ready to proceed with the friendly chat that is not an interrogation.

<Aubrienne> (heh)

• Janelle and Denise can wait nearby but I need her window ;)
• Aubrienne nods reassuringly to Denise
• Lyth du Champe will call things to order, as the head of the Vjestaci
• Denise just sticks close-ish to Ander unless he tells her not to

<Lyth> (assume everything is in Rat, from here on)

<Aubrienne> (I figured it had been since we walked in ;))

<Lyth> (yeah)

<Lyth> Thank you for coming to speak with us.

<Ander> Sure thing.

• Ander tries to keep his tone neutral and non-annoyed ;p

<Lyth> There have been quite a few recent issues of concern to us, and we're hoping you can help us to settle them.

• Lyth says to the group of you in general

<Lyth> At the insistence of several of our members, we agree to accept your answers as truthful, rather than using magic to compel the truth. We want to show that we trust you, as we hope you can also trust us.

<Aubrienne> -_-

• Lyth smiles warmly

<Ander> Okay...

<Ander> That's real big of you.

• Ander says with a smile in return

<Lyth> Hmrph, indeed, well. Let us hope this marks the start of a fruitful relationship. We are on the same side, after all.

<Ander> Mm.

• Ander makes a noncommittal noise.

<Lyth> Let's get the big question out of the way right at the beginning: we have reason to believe you are the Wastelord. Is this true?

<Ander> Yeah, I guess I am.

• Aubrienne resists the urge to magic up some fanfare and sparkles for that 'revelation'.

<Lyth> This is remarkable news, I'm sure you can appreciate how amazed we are to hear it.

<Ander> Sure, I appreciate the hell out of it.

<Ander> It's pretty amazing to me too.

<Svara> Can you tell us how you became aware of this?

• Svara inquires curiously

<Ander> It's kinda a long story, but the short version is, I had a vision where I talked to Rat, an' he told me as much.

<Ander> So I guess he's got his reasons.

• Aubrienne scans the crowd to read their reactions.

<DiablotinNarrator> (some murmuring, gasps of surprise, etc.)

<Lyth> I hope you won't take it amiss if we inquire further about that... "vision"

<Ander> I don't mind talkin' about it, but maybe just with one or two folks. I wouldn't wanna bore the whole council with the story ;p

<Lyth> I'm sure we would not find it boring, but we accept that.

<Lyth> Can you tell us what your new role entails? At least, to the best of your knowledge?

<Ander> It entails givin' folks tails. An' four feet, an' whiskers.

• Aubrienne stifles a laugh.

<Lyth> You can give the gift of four feet?

• Lyth leans forward with interest

<Ander> Yeah. To them as truly wants it, an' knows what they're gettin' into.

<DiablotinNarrator> There is a good deal of loud muttering at that

• Aubrienne narrows her eyes at Lyth after hearing her phrasing.
• Denise watches the crowd
• Lyth gestures for quiet

<Lyth> This is... a momentous development.

<Lyth> We will need to discuss how this affects our people, and how best to proceed from this point.

<Ander> With all due respect, you can decide how you proceed for sure, but my own proceedins ain't up to you. I know what I'm here to do an' I'm gonna keep on doin' it.

<Lyth> Of course, but we may be able to assist you in your ...mission. Keep that in mind.

• Lyth leaves unsaid the bit where they might also be able to NOT assist, and what that could mean.

<Ander> Believe me, I'm keepin' it there.

• Lyth turns to Aubrienne

<Lyth> There's also the matter of the Deck, which concerns us greatly. As you know, we would greatly wish to examine it, and be sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. What can you tell us about it?

<Aubrienne> Honestly? I doubt I can tell you anything you don't already know. I have seen and handled the deck, but I'm not some kind of arrogant idiot who might try to use it.

• Aubrienne pauses for a moment while keeping Lyth's gaze before continuing.
• Denise stifles a smirk at that

<Aubrienne> It's powerful, and certainly an artifact of our people, but it is dangerous. Monumentally so.

<Aubrienne> I personally believe it is in the best interests of the Vjestaci and House Rat to keep the deck hidden.

<Lyth> We should consider the possibility that it came into your hands for a reason. That in fact it may not be unconnected with the Wastelord's reappearance as well. Our people are at a turning point - and we have these tools available to us to help us.

<DiablotinNarrator> (more murmuring from the crowd)

<Aubrienne> I would think of it more as a tipping point, and the deck pushes both ways. Using should only be considered under the most dire circumstances.

<Aubrienne> (Using it, rather)

<Aubrienne> The Wastelord was specifically empowered, and is able to exercise his own free will and judgement in the use of his gift. The deck, even if related, remains too unpredictable. It could ruin our people as easily as elevate them.

<Svara> I agree. We are not at the point where using it becomes worth the risks it would entail.

• Aubrienne gives Svara a grateful look.

<Lyth> How can we be certain that the Deck is being stored safely? That no one else will make use of it?

• Lyth asks stubbornly

<Aubrienne> Perhaps the fact that it hasn't been used thus far might lend some weight to our claim that it is safe and secure.

<Lyth> Very well. I suppose that will have to suffice for now.

• Lyth doesn't seem entirely happy with that answer, but seems to realize badgering you about it isn't going to help
• Lyth turns his attention back to Ander for a moment

<Lyth> Who have you given this gift to thus far?

<Ander> Now that definitely ain't my place to say.

<Aubrienne> You can't possibly expect him to answer that.

<Denise> :|

<Denise> >:|

<Lyth> My concern is merely to ensure that it's being used prudently and ethically.

• Denise wonders if his is where things go bad?
• Ander frowns at that

<Ander> It's been real swell chattin' with you, but I think I'm done with questions now.

<DiablotinNarrator> The assembly erupts into clamour as people call out to Ander for more questions, or shout in disapproval or dismay at his refusal to speak further, or just yell at each other ;p

<Denise> come on boss, lets' go >.>

• Ander nods and will let you escort him out before they can mob him

<Aubrienne> Go, I'll try to calm them down some.

• Janelle will also leave with you and Ander, Denise
• Denise get Ander out, then

<DiablotinNarrator> (make a Str. check to shove your way through the crowd)

<Denise> !roll 1d20+4

<Denise> (oh wait I can't roll on myself, sec)

<Lan-cloud> !Roll 1d20+4

<Denise> (or at all because wrong comeputer argh, sec)

<Denise> (16)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - you manage to push your way through them since they're wussy sorcs ;)

<Aubrienne> (Heh)

<Denise> (should be 17 anyway)

<DiablotinNarrator> Okay

<DiablotinNarrator> You can get Ander and Janelle back out to the car and make your getaway, then.

<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, things seem to be pretty chaotic at the moment, but you can try to get to your aunt and help calm things down

• Aubrienne is going to try to make the point to people that they probably wouldn't want all the Vjestaci's dealings public, so maybe they can cut Ander some slack.

<DiablotinNarrator> (legit)

<DiablotinNarrator> I'll assume eventually people will settle down and talk more reasonably again

<Aubrienne> (She'll probably also try to take down names for folks that want to meet with him and say she'll see what she can manage.)

<DiablotinNarrator> okay

<DiablotinNarrator> sounds good!

<Aubrienne> (Ander, you have a two o'clock enrattening.)

Genevriel is hired by Veronise Calondres

<DiablotinNarrator> Gen, you've arranged with Polly for a time for you to go out to the experimental farm and have a job interview

• Genevriel dreads the day, but spends some time boning up on knowledge they might quiz her about.
• Polly will meet you when you arrive at the farm
• Genevriel pulls up in Madds' car? ;)

<DiablotinNarrator> Yeah, that works :)

<Polly> Hi Gen, glad you could make it :)

<Genevriel> Hi Pol, it's nice to be out of the city.

• Genevriel is dressed in a fashionable and professional-looking ladies' pants suit.

<Polly> Here, let me show you around a little, and then I'll take you to meet the boss.

<Genevriel> Extra time for me to get more nervous. Sounds good.

• Genevriel cracks a smile.
• Polly smiles back

<Polly> She really isn't scary, I promise :)

• Genevriel chuckles and wishes there was an unobtrusive way to cast Magic Circle of Protection Against Evil.
• Genevriel follows Pol around for the tour and will try to commit to memory everything she sees, in case this is the only chance she has of seeing any of it.

<Genevriel> (Anything worth noting?)

• Polly brings you around the side of the building to see a few of the outside gardens, but doesn't spend a lot of time on them, just a brief tour, and pointing out a few things of interest - a plant that is being grown to produce an anti-burn lotion, another that they hope will improve crop yields when planted in fallow fields between seasons.
• Genevriel curses herself for not having learned "Detect Evil"
• Polly does not take you into the orchard with the weird trees with the blue sap however ;)
• Polly 's tour seems very benign, anyway - nothing that seems suspicious from your point of view

<Genevriel> . o O (This is probably what everyone gets to see if they get a tour at all.)

• Polly then brings you inside the building, leading you past some offices and lab spaces to a larger corner office where she knocks on the door.

<Polly> Mlle. Calondre? My friend that I mentioned to you is here - Genevriel Doucette.

<Veronise> Oh, yes, come in!

<Genevriel> . o O (Game time.)

• Polly shows you inside, then.
• Genevriel smiles confidently for Mlle. Calondre's benefit, and will extend her hand for a firm (but not too firm) shake if that is practical.

<Genevriel> Good afternoon, Mlle. Calondre; thank you for seeing me.

• Veronise is quite young - probably only a few years older than you, Gen. She's tall, not as tall as you, but fairly tall for a woman, with frizzy dark brown hair tied back in a bun, and medium brown skin.

<Veronise> It's very nice to meet you - thank you for coming. I understand from Polly that you have some background in agricultural sciences?

<Genevriel> Yes. I can't claim any formal education, but my parents were both graduates of the Castalia horticulture and agricultural science programs.

• Veronise nods

<Veronise> Well, often hands-on experience is more important than classroom learning.

<Genevriel> We were some of the settlers in Psyra; we had an olive farm. They taught me everything they knew, and I practiced grafting and breeding for specialized traits to assist my parents with our livelihood.

<Veronise> I see... were their lands affected by the war?

• Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> My family's farm was one of the ones attacked in Sixth-month. I was away at market selling our products at the time, which is why I'm still alive.

<Veronise> I'm very sorry to hear that. The loss of their knowledge, and plants that had been carefully cultivated for years, is truly unfortunate.

• Genevriel is proud of herself for not breaking down.
• Veronise sounds genuinely sympathetic, although maybe equally sad about the plants as about your family ;p

<Genevriel> Olives are fire-resistant; there are shoots in the orchard, but I'm not certain whether they are the scions or the rootstock.

• Veronise nods

<Genevriel> In all likelihood they are the rootstock and so everything would have been lost.

<Veronise> Perhaps, but one never knows - maybe one day their work will come to fruition.

<Genevriel> I fear it would have to be started over from scratch.

<Genevriel> But one never knows.

• Veronise nods

<Veronise> Nature can often surprise us :)

• Genevriel might find out when the shoots she has planted in a pot in the apartment start bearing fruit in 10 or so years.

<Veronise> So, tell me - are you more interested in a position that would involve a lot of outdoor work, or something in the labs? We are somewhat short-staffed at the moment, so we have both positions available.

<Genevriel> I think I'd be capable of either type of work, but I'd find the lab work more challenging - in a good way.

• Genevriel smiles.
• Veronise nods, smiling baxck

<Veronise> I should say, even the lab positions do require some outdoor work, in taking samples or monitoring the existing plants

<Veronise> So we would not be keeping you penned up indoors all day :)

<Genevriel> That would be pleasant.

<Genevriel> May I ask what has caused the shortage of staff?

<Veronise> Oh, nothing out of the ordinary - several people recently left to take on other positions, which was fortunate for them, but less so for us.

• Genevriel nods.

<Veronise> Would you have any difficulty in working perhaps some odd hours? I know that Polly mentioned you were hoping for a more regular schedule, so we wouldn't be requiring all evenings or overnight shifts or the like, but there might be an occasion where you would be needed to come in on a day off, or to stay late if work is unable to be interrupted.

<Genevriel> I think I could accommodate odd hours on occasion.

<Veronise> I'm sure you know there are some times when we can't predict when a certain plant might flower, or when it needs to be monitored very closely.

<Genevriel> I'd have to let my partner know if I'll be late coming home, though; he does worry.

<Veronise> Of course.

<Veronise> I doubt it would be a frequent occurrence, but since I knew it was something that you were concerned about, I wanted to mention it.

<Veronise> Did you have any questions for me?

• Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> Is there any sort of non-disclosure agreement? I understand that research facilities sometimes find themselves competing with one another. Also a dress code of any type?

<Veronise> Dress code is simply whatever you are comfortable in that is safe for wear in the lab. Nothing that would be trailing in fluids or catching on fire or the like.

• Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> No dresses then. Good.

• Genevriel smiles.
• Veronise nods

<Veronise> And yes, we would require you to keep some aspects of your work here secret. Anything of that sort will be made clear at the outset of a project, if it is something that's not to be discussed outside work. Not all of our projects are of that sort, but certainly some are.

• Genevriel nods.

<Genevriel> What are some of the projects you're excited about now? The ones you can speak about, anyway?

• Veronise smiles at that

<Veronise> I'm very excited about some of our projects to develop and enhance the natural healing properties of certain plants. I feel there is great potential for medical advancement there. For just one example, some of our technicians are at work on developing plants as painkillers, which would be a great help for many people if they work as well as our early tests suggest.

<Veronise> We work closely with many other teams - medical professionals, the military, and researchers from the Castalia, among others.

<Genevriel> I've got some background in herbalism, too; I'll be interested in learning what plants you are using for their healing properties.

• Veronise nods

<Veronise> Then I think you would work out splendidly here :)

<Veronise> I don't mean to put you on the spot, but we'd be happy to have you.

<Genevriel> Really? That's wonderful. It'll be nice to work with Pol and meet others who share my interests

<Veronise> Great, I'll have the necessary papers drawn up and .. would you be able to start next week? or do you need a little longer to make arrangements?

<Genevriel> I would have to give notice at my current employers... usually they like to have two weeks' warning.

<Veronise> All right. Two weeks is fine.

<Genevriel> Excellent. I look forward to it.

• Veronise will take your contact information and so forth

<Genevriel> (Likewise)

Lathra asks Princess Ilphere about her interest in dreams

<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, you wanted to talk more with Princess Ilphere. I'll say you can arrange for a time to meet her at the Antiquarian Society, since she seemed willing to show you around there.

<Lathra> (Right, that's what we said before)

<DiablotinNarrator> The Rhenean Antiquarian Society is a large and somewhat ramshackle building in, go figure, Rhenea. The Princess will meet you there and show you inside.

<Ilphere> This is the meeting hall, and over here is the library...!

<Lathra> It's very nice!

<Ilphere> The library is really quite good - of course, it's improved a lot since I joined ... for instance, look here - a very rare copy of Hats and Headgear of the Aethalian Plains :)

<Lathra> Ooooh...

• Lathra makes grabby hands, but reigns them in a little bit
• Ilphere pulls it off the shelf and shows you illustrations of fancy hats

<Ilphere> The society does some very interesting work... well, *some* of the members do... others are mere dabblers...!

<Ilphere> But you never know what you're going to hear about at one of the monthly talks.... Or actually, you do, if you read the schedule, but who does that?

<Ilphere> I prefer to be surprised...!

<Lathra> How is one to get anything done when one spends all of one's time reading schedules?

<Ilphere> Well indeed - there are so much more interesting things to read...

<Lathra> Case in point - the mechanism on this fascinator...

<Ilphere> Are you a hat scholar...?

<Lathra> Merely an aspiring enthusiast, I'm afraid

• Ilphere nods

<Ilphere> What sort of things do you like to study, then...?

<Lathra> I'm barely a scholar, I confess - I've studied the texts of my religeon, of course, and medicine a little... and I've some insights into the city as somewhat of a newcomer, but...

<Lathra> Any connections to academia are relatively recent, via aquaintances and, of course, interest in... recent events and experiences.

<Ilphere> Well, everyone must start somewhere...!

<Ilphere> And I'm sure there would be some interest in texts of your religion - the faith of Serpent is still poorly understood in many respects...!

<Lathra> Oh, I think perhaps that's as true within the churches as without

• Ilphere chuckles at that

<Ilphere> Well yes - some would ask if we can ever truly understand faith...!

• Lathra nods with a little more weariness than she'd like to show

<Ilphere> Oh dear, I hope I haven't insulted you...?

<Lathra> Not at all, not at all - it's something I've wrestled with a while, and while fascinating, I think we'd need a large bottle of Psyrene liquor to make any progress in furthering *that* research

• Ilphere nods sympathetically

<Lathra> So what of your own research? What keeps Ilphere's mind whirring?

<Ilphere> I do know what that's like... Some questions one can delve into so deeply that it becomes difficult to extricate oneself, or to put what one manages to learn into something comprehensible to those who haven't been so immersed...!

<Lathra> Yes! Yes, that's very much what it's like.

<Ilphere> Oh, my own research is primarily on dreams...! Travel through dreams, dream planes, the source of dreams, the creatures who populate the dream realms... there's so much to explore there...!

<Lathra> Why, no wonder you've been so invested in our tree-and-seed problems

• Ilphere nods excitedly

<Ilphere> Yes, it's one of the most fascinating puzzles I've come across in recent years...!

<Ilphere> An entity in the material world that spreads its seeds via dreams... fascinating...!

<Lathra> So... much as I hate to ask what must be the *most* common question... why dreams? I mean, I suppose some of the appeal is obvious, they're clearly a fascinating field, but do you have any specific reasons?

<Ilphere> Well, even as a child I had very strange, vivid dreams... I suppose they have guided my studies ever since...!

<Lathra> That sounds wonderful!

<Ilphere> Yes, wonderful but also sometimes far beyond a child's capability to grasp... Seeking to understand the things I saw and heard there has been my motivation ever since...!

<Lathra> I can barely imagine what secrets you might discover, as you unravel the truth of the dream worlds

• Lathra peers into a nearby room
• Ilphere turns to see what you're looking at

<Ilphere> Did you want to walk around a bit more...? There are some fascinating artifacts people have brought back from their travels...!

<Lathra> I'd love to!

• Ilphere will take you around to see some more of the society's treasures then
• Lathra will enjoy seeing them, and hearing the stories

Solos

Argent confesses his secret identity to Dorien

• Argent is lounging in the small living room

<Argent> Dorien, need to talk to you about somethin'. Got a minute?

• Dorien wanders into the small kitchen to grab a cup of tea.

<Dorien> "Hmmm? Oh, sure. What's up?"

• Argent pauses considering for a second...
• Dorien pours his tea into a cup and takes a sip.

<Argent> You ever wonder why I tried to rope everyone into going after Amanita?

• Dorien shrugs and takes his tea to his comfy chair. "I guess so. I figured you just wanted to set things right. Was there some sinister ulterior motive?"

<Argent> setting things right seems to be an odd motivation for a waiter with a possibly shady background don't you think?

• Dorien waves a hand noncomitally. "It's an odd motivation for a disgraced alchemist drug dealer too. I don't judge."

<Dorien> What's this about?

<Argent> ... I can see why you and Aubrienne are friends... what this is about is that I've been asking people to do some dangerous things for me, and I feel that I should come clean about why.

<Dorien> Ok.

<Dorien> Hit me.

<Argent> I'm an Inquisitor. I work for the Church hunting threats to Diabloton... monsters really.

• Dorien looks blank for a second, then laughs.

<Dorien> Ok, but seriously.

<Argent> I'm serious. I have been since I started at Titania's and we met.

<Argent> I didn't really like decieving you, but it was what I was required to do at the time.

• Dorien looks at Argent oddly.

<Dorien> You're an inquisitor.

• Argent nods

<Dorien> Look, man, I want to believe you.

<Argent> And these days I'm trying to deal with the threat the Cyste is and the annoyingly inconvenient apparent alliance taking place with it and members of the Church.

<Dorien> You're serious, aren't you?

<Argent> why would I make something like this up?

<Dorien> I... have no idea.

<Dorien> So why are you living here? Why work at the cabaret?

<Argent> As I said, after the events at Claar's facility, I just don't feel right about keeping this a secret

<Argent> The Cabaret is a convenient place to watch I wide swath of society, looking for things not of this world hiding in the crowd.

<Argent> This place...well... its not like I get much of a budget... and it helps preserve the cover

<Dorien> And the Inquisition is ok with you telling me this, is it?

<Argent> probably not, but its my choice. I'm the one facing the threats. I do have some leeway in what I choose to do and not do.

<Argent> Again, I'm sorry for decieving you.

• Dorien takes a sip of tea.

<Argent> and obviously I'm not some colour guard fanatic, if you were even worried about that

<Argent> I'm still me

<Dorien> So you're not going to report me to your superiors for "Unnatural acts" or something?

<Argent> from what I hear, they're more like, "just ok" or "good enough" acts, but why whould I report that to anyone? Its hard enough for me.

<Dorien> Because some of the things I've heard about the inquisition and their relationship with interplanars is... not good. And I won't lie, knowing that you're working with them is not exactly comforting to someone dating one.

• Argent drops the joking around

<Argent> I understand why you would be concerned, and I can't deny the stuff you've heard about the inquisition.

<Argent> I joined to fight monsters, evil things that were hiding amongst us.

<Argent> I've spotted them and they are dangerous

<Argent> Shadar-Kai are part of Diablotin and aren't hear to cause harm

• Dorien nods.

<Argent> that's not saying there are not bad apples in the bunch... but there are bad people too

<Argent> I've learned to keep an open mind and look for what people truely are

<Argent> I'm not some religious fanatic

<Dorien> I see.

<Dorien> You just work for them.

<Argent> The Church isn't as black and white as you're making it out to be... again its a group made up of individuals with thier own motivations and faults

<Argent> and I'm not trying to defend some of the bad things members who claim to be part of it have done.

<Argent> Look at the priests helping Claar

• Dorien sighs.

<Dorien> Argent... I think you're a good person. At least I thought I did. But I don't really know anything about you, do I?

<Argent> you know what I've done to try and stop the evils that have been going on... you just didn't have the whole reasons why.

• Dorien is quiet for a long few moments.

<Argent> I would understand if you don't want me around here any longer.

• Dorien sighs.

<Dorien> I don't want you gone.

<Dorien> If nothing else I could barely afford this place on my own and it's nice having someone around who doesn't mind occasional explosions.

<Dorien> I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt.

<Dorien> I'm sure if you wanted to do something like turn me in or hurt... someone... you've had plenty of opportunities.

<Dorien> And I do think you're a good person.

<Dorien> But... I have to tell Misery. And she may not feel the same. I can't guarantee anything.

• Argent nods

<Dorien> I suppose I should try to keep it under wraps otherwise, huh?

<Argent> I'm letting the others of our little expeditionary force know... again I feel its only fair to them.

<Dorien> That's decent of you.

• Dorien says sincerely.

<Argent> Denise has known for a while, and I recently discussed it with Aubrienne

<Dorien> How did she take it?

<Argent> she seemed fine with it... better than I was expecting.

<Argent> Although she'll be disappointed your jaw didn't drop or there wasn't any swear words when I broke it to you.

• Dorien grins slightly.

<Dorien> Sorry to disapoint.

• Argent shrugs

<Argent> I'm not out of the woods yet

<Dorien> Who are you going to tell next?

<Argent> I haven't exactly worked out an order, to be honest

<Argent> It isn't something I've been really looking forward to since I made the decision to talk about it.

<Dorien> I can imagine.

<Dorien> I know what it's like living a secret life.

<Dorien> I guess most people do to some extent.

• Argent nods

<Dorien> Maybe not... as extreme as you perhaps.

<Dorien> But you've always done right by me.

<Argent> I hope not... it can be kinda shitty at times

<Dorien> How's the pay?

• Argent laughs

<Argent> greater good doesn't exactly pay well... the holy powers help though.

<Dorien> Like curing people? Can you fix hangovers? Things like that?

<Argent> I know a healing prayer or two... alas nothing that can fix hangovers... just minor injuries

<Dorien> Good. If you'd been holding out on my I would've been pissed.

• Argent laughs

<Argent> you know Lathra can probably fix those

<Dorien> heh... well, until recently I'd barely talked to her honestly. If nothing else dimensional upheavals have been good for my social circle.

<Argent> and think of the stories for the kids.... "you think you want to be a bird, well I was a bird and let me tell you it aint all feathers and flyin'!"

<Dorien> Yeah. A lot of it is squawking and being hit in the head by a sentient beard.

<Argent> Hahaha!