A Summons to Cormyr!
[20:46] <DM> Okay.. shall we get started?
[20:47] <Alanna> (I don’t even recall exactly where we were…a recap would be good!)
[20:47] <DM> Okay…recap.
[20:55] <DM> You all were in Halruaa, looking for Alwyn, Alanna’s little clanmate. You defeated an evil attempt to usurp the throne from the king, rescued Alwyn, and returned to Raven’s Bluff, where she was finally united with her mother.
[20:56] <Alanna> (oh yeah. Then we had a lovely rest!)
[20:56] <DM> The king provided one of his airships to take you back to Raven’s Bluff.
[20:57] <Hyacinth> [Sweeeeeet.]
[20:57] <DM> It has been over 3 months since you returned to Raven’s Bluff.
[20:57] <DM> Alanna is back working with the city guard…
[20:57] <DM> Kys is back at the Bard College…
[20:58] * Hyacinth is back at the Embassy.
[20:58] <DM> Obs is working at the orphanage…
[20:58] <DM> Phantom is spending most of her time at the Wizard’s Guild.
[20:58] <Phantom> Right.
[20:59] * Magnifico is working crowds wherever he goes…and not traveling very far from Alanna.
[20:59] <DM> You enjoy the routine of everyday life for awhile after such a long adventure.
[21:00] * Hyacinth pampers herself.
[21:01] * Alanna goes back to the Night Watch then!
[21:01] <DM> Then one day, one of your servants brings Magnifico a letter, bearing the Royal Seal of Cormyr.
[21:01] <Alanna> “Cormyr…wow.”
[21:02] <Magnifico> [wow...who has servants?]
[21:02] <DM> The group hired a few to maintain the house.
[21:02] <Hyacinth> [Hy would have chipped in for that, definitely]
[21:02] <Magnifico> [wow...a house]
[21:04] <Hyacinth> [Hy was willing to compromise on a mere house. ;)]
[21:04] <Magnifico> [lol]
[21:05] * Magnifico appears reluctant to open such a letter.
[21:06] <Hyacinth> “My word! Cormyr?”
[21:06] * Hyacinth reappraises Magnifico.
[21:06] * Hyacinth gets a speculative look on her face.
[21:06] * Magnifico holds the letter as if it might be poisoned.
[21:07] <Alanna> “Magnifico, if you don’t want to know what it says, burn it.”
[21:07] * Roamy looks on interestedly, puffing on a pipe with a very nice smelling tobacco in it
[21:07] * Magnifico looks at Hyacinth.
[21:07] * Alanna grabs something to eat.
[21:07] <Alanna> “If we have to go to Cormyr, I will need to tell my captain.”
[21:07] * Magnifico looks at Alanna.
[21:07] * Hyacinth cannot restrain her curiosity.
[21:07] * Magnifico blushes at Alanna’s words.
[21:08] * Alanna smiles at him, then sits down at the table.
[21:08] <Kys>” Maybe he is coming to see us here…”
[21:08] <Hyacinth> “I would very much like an excuse to visit Cormyr.”
[21:08] <Alanna> “Why? Isn’t one city the same as any other?”
[21:08] * Kys shrugs
[21:08] <Magnifico> “My lady is gracious. Yet I know not why I should be sent a letter.”
[21:08] * Magnifico lets a trace of anger cross his features.
[21:08] <Hyacinth> “You could know in mere moments.”
[21:08] <Kys> “Well, open it and find out.”
[21:09] <Magnifico> “When last I left that fair land, I was bound and gagged.”
[21:09] * Hyacinth looks at Alanna.
[21:09] <Hyacinth> “Certainly not. There are some cities which are jewels, by human reckoning. And others that are jewels by any reckoning.”
[21:09] * Magnifico grits his teeth, and opens the letter.
[21:09] * Hyacinth reappraises Magnifico again. Her eyes light up.
[21:09] <Hyacinth> “This should be fascinating.”
[21:09] <Alanna> “Oh…um, I was thinking that they’re mostly kind of crowded and smelly and filled with too many people.”
[21:10] * Roamy chuckles at Alanna.
[21:10] * Hyacinth laughs.
[21:08] <Hyacinth> “Perhaps. But there are those that smell pleasant.”
[21:10] <Alanna> “Cities that smell pleasant? I’ve not seen one yet.”
[21:11] * Magnifico scans the letter.
[21:11] <Hyacinth> “Perhaps you will.”
[21:11] * Roamy looks to Magnifico.
[21:11] <Roamy> “Well…”
[21:12] <Magnifico> “’Tis from the Court Wizard, one Vangerdahast…a crafty old fellow, indeed.”
[21:12] * Hyacinth makes no attempt to hide her attempt to read Magnifico’s face.
[21:12] * Magnifico’s face falls.
[21:13] <Hyacinth> “Shall we all die of suspense?”
[21:13] <Magnifico> “…And it is no idle communique…”
[21:13] <Alanna> “Well, you do move in la-di-da circles!”
[21:13] <Hyacinth> “Apparently so.”
[21:14] <Magnifico> “He fears for my…for Her Highness. Ever valorous, She is…taking risks.”
[21:14] * Magnifico looks up at the rest of the group.
[21:15] * Hyacinth twitches her eyebrow, perhaps unconsciously.
[21:15] <Hyacinth>”Every appearance at court carries some risk. What is at stake, if I may dare to ask?”
[21:15] <Magnifico> “There is something fey in her manner. As though she cares not for her own safety.”
[21:15] <Alanna> “No one wants to live forever.”
[21:16] <Hyacinth> “Although we fey do live for some time.”
[21:16] * Alanna grabs another apple and begins eating it, too.
[21:16] <Magnifico> “The High Magus invites us all to court.”
[21:16] <Alanna> “That would be funny, me in court!”
[21:16] * Alanna laughs loudly.
[21:16] <Hyacinth> “It would be refreshing.”
[21:16] * Hyacinth arches an eyebrow at Alanna.
[21:17] <Alanna> “I’m not so ladylike as all that. But Hy and Kys will fit right in!”
[21:17] * Magnifico skims the rest of the letter.
[21:17] <Hyacinth> “So he knows that you have company. Scrying, perhaps?”
[21:17] <Magnifico>” Indeed, madam, the Magus seems well-informed.”
[21:17] <Alanna> “Or spies. We tend to leave a trail of death behind us. Word gets around.”
[21:18] <Magnifico> “He has dispatched the Royal Apothecary to Raven’s Bluff, who awaits our answer at the sign of the Black Crow.”
[21:18] * Magnifico looks up.
[21:18] <Alanna> (no pink hair bows for this character!)
[21:18] <Magnifico> “Even now.”
[21:18] * Hyacinth nods to Alanna.
[21:18] * Hyacinth looks thoughtful.
[21:18] <Hyacinth> “I hope this does not come across the wrong way, but perhaps it would help us to know some of what happened to you last time you were at that Court.”
[21:18] * Magnifico turns to Hyacinth.
[21:18] <Hyacinth> “At your leisure, of course.”
[21:18] <Alanna> “Well, Magnifico, do you want to go?”
[21:19] * Magnifico looks around.
[21:19] <Roamy> “Is this a for-hire invitation or for social cause?”
[21:20] <Magnifico> “There is no mention of payment here. But the great ones will rarely talk of money with the lesser. Surely you would all be well compensated. He asks your assistance in ridding the kingdom of some troublesome beasts.”
[21:20] *** Amalie is now known as Obsidian
[21:20] * Hyacinth smirks.
[21:20] <Hyacinth> “Our reputation precedes us.”
[21:20] <Roamy> “Well, that sounds more like a job offer.”
[21:21] <Alanna> “Oh, killing things. Count me in. I’m growing tired of rousting drunks and cutpurses.”
[21:21] * Roamy chuckles.
[21:21] <Magnifico> “Her Highness has taken to the field herself, when prudence and propriety would keep her at Court.”
[21:21] <Alanna> “She’s probably bored silly by all that prancing courtly stuff. No offense, Hy.”
[21:22] <Hyacinth> “None taken. Why do you think I’m here?”
[21:22] <Alanna> “Certainly not for lessons in needlework.”
[21:22] * Hyacinth smiles at Alanna.
[21:21] * Magnifico speaks more softly.
[21:22] <Magnifico> “Her Highness has a mighty arm, to be sure, but to risk herself like this can only mean…”
[21:22] * Magnifico shakes his head.
[21:22] <Roamy> “Mean what, Magnifico?”
[21:22] * Magnifico faces Roamy, and his manner is serious.
[21:22] <Hyacinth> “That she has gone mad, or that the risk to the kingdom is worth the risk to her own person.”
[21:22] * Alanna turns to look at Magnifico too.
[21:23] * Hyacinth looks to Magnifico for confirmation.
[21:23] <Magnifico> “To tell you might endanger you. Might I ask, madam, that you take care with what I impart?”
[21:23] * Hyacinth nods.
[21:23] * Roamy returns his seriousness.
[21:23] <Roamy> “Of course.”
[21:23] <Alanna> “Magnifico, you seem to know, or have known this woman. Is she likely to have gone mad?”
[21:23] * Magnifico winces at Alanna’s words.
[21:24] <Magnifico> “I fear so, my lady. It is no ordinary madness, but a deeper one…her heart was broken years ago, and I have often feared…The Magus says not so, yet my own heart tells me that she pines still…”
[21:25] * Hyacinth taps her full lips with her finger.
[21:25] * Alanna listens intently.
[21:26] <Alanna> “So, she’s willing to die because a man left her?”
[21:26] <Roamy> “Perhaps you should begin with some history of the matter, then.”
[21:26] * Magnifico grimaces.
[21:27] <Magnifico> “His name was Cuthric, a young knight in the service of the lady Alasalynn of Tilverton. He was handsome, and brave, and not the husband the lords would have picked. He it was who first approached me, and I relayed some epistles of love between him and Her Highness.”
[21:28] * Hyacinth smiles.
[21:29] <Magnifico> “The lords would have her pick from among themselves, and when she would not, they settled among themselves that she should have none.”
[21:30] * Alanna raises an eyebrow.
[21:30] <Alanna> “What do you mean, have none?”
[21:30] <Magnifico> “I might serve her to this day, were my part in the affair not uncovered…”
[21:30] * Magnifico hangs his head.
[21:31] <Magnifico> “I know not what became of the knight, but I know that my…that Her Highness warned me away almost in time.”
[21:31] <Roamy> “Almost …?”
[21:31] <Magnifico> “And so she shall have no husband, that the lords might better rule her, and there will be no Queen or King in Suzail. I was ta’en from the streets when I fled, and put aboard a ship with dire threats, which sufficed to keep me in exile to this day.”
[21:32] <Alanna> “They can make that decision? Sounds like those are the beasts that need killing.”
[21:32] <Hyacinth> “Intrigue is the air that courtiers breathe, Alanna.”
[21:33] <Alanna> “Prissy lords are fun to kill. They squeal when you skewer them.”
[21:33] * Hyacinth smiles, imagining Alanna’s scenario.
[21:33] <Magnifico> “Her Highness has a mighty heart, like enough to your own, my lady…and yet she is alone among them.”
[21:34] * Phantom is listening attentively to the conversation, and feels very sad for the princess.
[21:34] <Alanna> “Well, then, let’s go and help her out.”
[21:34] * Magnifico looks taken aback.
[21:34] <Magnifico> “My lady…?”
[21:34] <Alanna> “What?”
[21:34] * Magnifico smiles faintly.
[21:34] <Magnifico> “You astonish me.”
[21:34] <Alanna> “She’s alone. We’re not. I know what it is to be alone in the world.”
[21:35] <Obsidian> “She’s speaking of the evil ones, Magnifico.”
[21:35] <Alanna> “And to have those you love taken from you.”
[21:35] * Magnifico nods.
[21:35] <Roamy> “How is it that they come to control her thusly, that they should have such power over her? Is she not their queen and ruler–not they hers?”
[21:36] <Magnifico> “She is but a princess, madam, and rules only as regent. The lords hold power in the usual way—gold reigns in Cormyr, and will brook no other crown.”
[21:36] <Alanna> “Princess, queen, milkmaid–it matters not at all. No one should be treated like that.”
[21:36] <Magnifico> “Were you to take to the field in her name, my lady, Her Highness could retire. I might at least soothe the heartache with song, as I have done since before she could speak.”
[21:36] <Alanna> “I’ll bet she misses you something terrible, too.”
[21:37] <Hyacinth> “Everyone at court wields whatever power they command to acquire more power. The rulership of a king must be asserted at all times, and there is not an eyebrow raised but it is examined sixteen ways to determine what advantage the owner of the eyebrow seeks to gain from the act. A toxic environment in the best case.”
[21:40] <Magnifico> “Indeed, madam. Kisses are as bastinados at court. Every glance is a weapon.”
[21:39] * Hyacinth gets a wistful look nevertheless, but only for a moment.
[21:39] <Alanna> “Hy, you are passing strange if you miss that.”
[21:40] * Magnifico nods at Hyacinth.
[21:40] * Hyacinth sighs.
[21:40] <Hyacinth> “I don’t miss that, but there are other things. The court also has its pleasures.”
[21:41] <Roamy> “If she needs your help, Magnifico, then we will gladly accompany you in her aid.”
[21:41] * Magnifico smiles.
[21:41] <Magnifico> “Mistress Hyacinth, I trust, will tell you that you might name your price. The High Magus would arrange to pay very well, for discreet aid.”
[21:42] * Hyacinth smiles.
[21:44] * Roamy chuckles.
[21:42] <Roamy> “Discretion is our middle name, you know.”
[21:42] <Hyacinth> “Of course. I admire the confidence with which we will overturn the will of the entire court of Cormyr.”
[21:42] <Alanna> “This isn’t going to involve a boat, is it?”
[21:42] <Magnifico> “I fear, my lady, that salt breezes sing your name once again.”
[21:42] <Alanna> “Have I ever mentioned that bad things always happen when we get on a boat?”
[21:42] * Phantom shudders and agrees.
[21:42] <Phantom> “Where is the High Magus now?”
[21:43] * Magnifico checks the letter.
[21:44] <Magnifico> “I daresay he will ever be in his tower, searching the skies for omens, or with his nose in a book. He has dispatched the Royal Apothecary to our very gates. A bold move.”
[21:45] <Alanna> “If we have to go on a boat, I’m not going to be very happy about it. Well, shall we go meet with the man, then?”
[21:45] * Hyacinth finishes her feywine. “I suppose so.”
[21:45] <Alanna> “Just fair warning.”
[21:45] * Hyacinth smiles at Alanna.
[21:45] <Hyacinth> “I cannot imagine why.”
[21:46] * Magnifico grins.
[21:45] <Magnifico> “The learned doctor is but half a man, my lady.”
[21:46] * Roamy raises an eyebrow.
[21:46] * Hyacinth gives Magnifico another speculative look.
[21:46] * Alanna gets her cloak and prepares to go out.
[21:46] <Magnifico> “Half of him is dwarven, and only the gods know which is which.”
[21:46] <Hyacinth> “Fascinating.”
[21:47] * Hyacinth frowns. “I had not even known that to be possible.”
[21:47] * Roamy grins
[21:47] <Magnifico> “I would imagine, my lady, that it could not happen…quietly.”
[21:47] <Alanna> “At least.”
[21:48] * Hyacinth laughs out loud.
[21:47] * Obsidian tells Magnifico the story of the glorious Paladin that gave his life and saved us all from a watery grave (on our next ride out) so he knows a least part of the reason why we don’t trust the water.
[21:48] * Magnifico blushes, then listens to Obsidian’s tale.
[21:48] * Roamy chuckles heartily.
[21:48] <Alanna> “Oh, and I talked to Eormenoth.”
[21:48] <Obsidian> “What did Eormenoth say?”
[21:48] <Alanna> “That the Age of Man is ending and the Age of Dragons is beginning. Sounds kind of dire. They’re having a meeting.”
[21:49] * Hyacinth shudders.
[21:49] * Kys grins at the image that conjures, imagining Jela with a human man bound, gagged and smiling oh-so-broadly.
[21:49] <Alanna> “Sometime next year.”
[21:49] <Hyacinth> “Perhaps if I protest that I am otherwise engaged, they will postpone the event?”
[21:50] <Alanna> “The age of dragons or dwarven mating rituals?
[21:50] * Hyacinth fastens her dust cloak.
[21:50] <Hyacinth> “Either.”
[21:50] <Roamy> “Did he mention any details?”
[21:50] <Alanna> “No, not really, just that he head that through the dragon grapevine. He was also beating me at cards at the time.”
[21:50] <Hyacinth> “Fascinating. Is he a dragon?”
[21:50] <Roamy> “He is quite good at them.”
[21:50] <Alanna> “So, off to meet this apothecary?”
[21:50] <Magnifico> “At the sign of the Black Crow he awaits your pleasure, my lady.”
[21:52] * Magnifico glances at his worn motley, suddenly mindful of his appearance.
[21:52] * Hyacinth pats herself in a few places, nods, straightens herself out, fixes her hair in a mirror, and then looks around.
[21:53] <Hyacinth> “Shall we? We can buy you some new… clothes…en route, good Magnifico.”
[21:53] * Hyacinth is, of course, turned out beautifully.
[21:53] * Magnifico raises his eyebrows.
[21:53] <Alanna> “Exactly. You and Kys can even match if you want to!”
[21:53] * Hyacinth giggles. “Splendid!”
[21:53] * Magnifico glances at Hyacinth, then turns to Alanna.
[21:53] * Roamy nods in agreement with Hy and Alanna.
[21:53] * Alanna is dressed in her usual mismatched assortment of clothing. She doesn’t even seem to look at what she is putting on in the morning.
[21:54] <Magnifico> “If it were not too much trouble, my lady…a smart appearance might be best.”
[21:54] * Magnifico is flustered.
[21:54] <Alanna> “You’ve done plenty to earn your keep and then some. And you ask for nothing.”
[21:55] <Magnifico> “Not for yourself, my lady…you are the picture of the mighty warrior-maiden. But as for your servant, new trappings might be best.”
[21:55] * Kys grins broadly and takes Magnifico by the arm.
[21:55] <Kys> “We shall work up a special duo for Her Highness.”
[21:56] * Magnifico relaxes, and smiles at Kys.
[21:56] <Magnifico> “And strike fear into all hearts, madam!”
[21:56] <Hyacinth> “Image counts at court, so we should be mindful that we will be judged by our appearances. Any investment in clothing will pay dividends–not that you should all dress like courtiers, only that you should be aware that your appearance will speak volumes, and plan accordingly”.
[21:57] * Magnifico nods at Hyacinth, fascinated.
[21:57] <Magnifico> “Aye, madam–as though we were costumed for a play.”
[21:57] * Obsidian chuckles.
[21:57] <Hyacinth> “Precisely that, yes.”
[21:57] <Obsidian> “We’ve done that before…”
[21:57] <Roamy> “We should shop when we get there and save on carrying it all along with us.”
[21:58] <Hyacinth> “Also, if we shop there, we may outfit ourselves in the local fashions.”
[21:58] * Roamy nods
[21:58] * Magnifico pauses.
[21:58] <Kys> “And fashions change regularly.”
[21:58] <Magnifico> “We are only meeting an emissary, it is true. Cormyr is far away still.”
[21:59] <Roamy> “Why not accompany the emissary home? What better way to say ‘yes, we will come’ than to show up?”
[21:59] <Magnifico> “If the Apothecary hints that we should make an entrance, there is time to plan it accordingly. If discretion is paramount, then image matters not.”
[22:00] * Hyacinth nods.
[22:00] <Alanna> “As long as no one tries to make me wear girly stuff, we’re fine.”
[22:01] * Hyacinth giggles at the idea of Alanna in ribbons.
[22:00] <Magnifico> “To the Crow, then?”
[22:01] <Roamy> “Aye.”
[22:01] <Alanna> “Lead on!”
[22:01] * Phantom nods
[22:01] <DM> The time of year is early summer. It is a pleasant day, although the breeze hints of possible rain later in the evening.
[22:01] <Magnifico> [do we know the way to the Black Crow?]
[22:01] <DM> (the black crow is just a block away)
[22:02] <Roamy> (i should think we likely know every nook and cranny of the place by now — giggles)
[22:01] * Obsidian checks in with Fluff, coos a bit, and then follows.
[22:02] * Hyacinth packs an oiled cloak.
[22:02] * Phantom walks along with Obs
[22:05] <DM> You arrive at the tavern. It is fairly crowded, but you see what appears to be a close-to-human-sized dwarf?!? Sitting alone at a table, a few vials sit on the table, the man seems to be studying them or labeling them, or something.
[22:06] * Phantom looks carefully at the vials, wondering.
[22:06] * Hyacinth leaves her hood up, sneaking a look at the vials as well.
[22:06] * Magnifico slinks toward the half-dwarf, rather than making a grand entrance.
[22:07] * halfdwarf looks up with the corner of one eye at the tiny slinking man.
[22:08] * Magnifico approaches, clearing his throat politely.
[22:08] <halfdwarf> “Yes?”
[22:08] <Magnifico> “Doctor Faust, I presume?”
[22:08] * halfdwarf is a VERY LARGE half-dwarf…surprisingly large…tree trunk large… boulder large…traveling circus side show freak large. He looks a little over 6 feet, but his boots are so large and the soles so thick he can easily only be 5′10″…his legs are encased in pelts, and from his sitting position it is as if two large wolves are propping him up. Most men weighing in around 260 lbs would be portly or just plain grotesquely obese, but this man-dwarf doesn’t jiggle from fat—he’s meaty. His hands could easily palm Magnifico’s head as one would hold an egg. His feet surely leave small hidey holes for foxes to burrow in wherever he travels, certainly the patchwork of animals that gave their lives to make up his vest could have filled a menagerie, his reddish beard and hair frays out as if it has not been shorn since he was in knickers, and the bulb of his nose spreads fleshily over his cheeks. Yet, there is a kindness and sharp-wittedness to his keen eyes. Someone that could be approached as a friend, but feared as an enemy.
[22:09] * Phantom tries not to stare.
[22:09] * Hyacinth finds the bar to be remarkably interesting.
[22:10] <halfdwarf> “Court Jester Magnifico, I presume?”
[22:10] * Magnifico bows.
[22:11] * Alanna stares at the strangely large dwarf.
[22:11] <Magnifico> “I had the honor to receive a letter through you, I think, sir.”
[22:11] <halfdwarf> “If we are to stand on formality you may call me Doctor Karoath. If not, then you shall be invited to call me just Faust.”
[22:12] *** halfdwarf is now known as Faust
[22:12] * Magnifico bows and scrapes again.
[22:12] <Magnifico> “Of course, Doctor, of course.”
[22:12] <Faust> “Yes, I was the bearer of the letter from Royal Court Advisor Vanderghast.”
[22:13] <Magnifico> “The learned Magus was kind enough to extend an invitation to certain of my companions, whom I should like to introduce.”
[22:14] <Faust> “My errand will be accomplished shortly, and I will be accompanying you to Suzail should you wish to go, so might your people actually introduce themselves?”
[22:15] * Alanna laughs.
[22:15] * Faust gives Hyacinth a look, and his eyes twinkle.
[22:15] <Hyacinth> “Since I have your attention…”
[22:15] <Magnifico> “Of course, Doctor, of course.”
[22:15] * Hyacinth peels back her hood and curtsies.
[22:15] <Hyacinth> “I am Hyacinth. An honor to meet you.”
[22:16] <Faust> “Thank you, my lady.”
[22:15] * Obsidian grins with glee, claps her hands and bows.
[22:15] <Alanna> (fancy pants elf princess!)
[22:16] * Hyacinth steps aside, and puts her hood back up.
[22:17] * Faust stands, and drops down over Hyacinth’s hand to kiss the air above it.
[22:17] * Hyacinth holds her hand out for the courtesy.
[22:18] <Hyacinth> [at least, not in public ;)]
[22:17] * Obsidian says “Greetings, earthfriend” in Dwarven.
[22:18] * Faust gives Obsidian a strange look.
[22:18] * Alanna tries to get the barmaid’s attention to order some ale.
[22:18] <DM> the barmaid comes over to your table to take your order
[22:19] * Phantom orders mulled wine.
[22:19] * Hyacinth orders their finest white wine.
[22:19] <Alanna> “Ale, and keep it coming.”
[22:19] <Faust> “Please, Miss, bring my companions anything they wish, and add it to my bill.”
[22:20] <Hyacinth> [Should I order a pitcher?]
[22:20] <DM> The barmaid pats Faust on the shoulder, saying “Your tab is almost as big as you are!”
[22:20] * Faust orders two of everything for the table, giving the maid a knowing wink.
[22:20] <DM> The barmaid smiles at Faust, winks, and runs off to the kitchen.
[22:21] * Roamy chuckles, and greets him with introduction of herself.
[22:21] <Faust> (rich doctor… don’t sweat it)
[22:21] <Roamy> “We thank you for your hospitality.”
[22:21] <Hyacinth> “You are a generous host.”
[22:22] * Faust smiles broadly at everyone.
[22:22] <Faust> “I am on the Royal Court’s business! I will be greatly compensated!”
[22:22] * Kys beams, and introduces herself, proudly puffing out her chest to display her bardic emblem.
[22:23] <Faust> “It is a rare pleasure to meet you, Kys, and I hope that you can give us many stories on our voyage.”
[22:23] * Phantom shyly identifies herself, waiting to see if the dwarf has anything against a half-elf.
[22:24] <Kys> “Oh, indeed, I shall be most pleased to.”
[22:24] * Kys bows with a flourish.
[22:22] * Obsidian introduces herself formally (in Common).
[22:25] <Faust> “Ahh, Obsidian! So glad to have you here! Have you tried the reserve wine from the cellar? I will order you your own bottle.”
[22:25] * Obsidian chuckles.
[22:25] * Faust gives Phantom a very warm smile, imploring everyone to eat, drink, and rest weary bones, please!
[22:26] * Phantom smiles back in relief.
[22:26] <Faust> (Faust may have already had a drink or two…he is always so red of cheek it is hard to tell.)
[22:27] * Hyacinth holds a goblet of wine idly in one hand and takes a seat.
[22:27] <Hyacinth> “Thank you.”
[22:27] <Roamy> “Apothecary seems a unique choice of profession for one of your size, sir. If I may be so bold as to ask, how did you manage not to be recruited into some other line of work? You need not answer if it is too bold of me to ask.”
[22:28] * Faust cannot help but look at the beautiful Hyacinth with admiration.
[22:28] <Faust> “Um.”
[22:28] * Faust looks at Roamy, then sneaks another glance at Hyacinth.
[22:29] * Hyacinth tastes her wine.
[22:29] <Faust> “Well, madam it so happens that I came about it rather late in life. Healer of animals was my first choice of profession.”
[22:30] <Obsidian> “Another healer?”
[22:30] * Obsidian grins, and looks quite delighted
[22:30] * Phantom also nods in approval.
[22:30] <Faust> “Not by magic, but by knowledge.”
[22:30] * Hyacinth grins.
[22:31] <Faust> “A knowledge gained both as an intern and on the battlefield.”
[22:30] <Obsidian> “Ah. A noble profession, but perhaps one that doesn’t pay the bills as well?”
[22:32] <Faust> “Well, if the pedigree of my stallion is any sign of doing well in life, only a king may aspire to do better.”
[22:32] * Obsidian winks at Alanna.
[22:32] <DM> (oooo…Alanna will want a close look at that horse for sure)
[22:33] * Hyacinth also perks up at the mention of a horse.
[22:33] * Phantom thinks it must be the biggest horse she has ever seen, to be this man’s mount.
[22:33] * Faust blushes and lowers his head slightly at the sight of Hyacinth’s attention.
[22:34] <Faust> “Once we have supped, I will gladly take your for an introduction to my equine companion?”
[22:34] <Hyacinth> “Certainly. What is his name?”
[22:35] <Faust> “Zephyr, for he is like the wind…the mist on the wind. He carries me as if I were but a wee lad.”
[22:35] * Hyacinth nods.
[22:35] <Hyacinth> “A fine stallion.”
[22:36] <Faust> “Thank you, my lady.”
[22:36] <Phantom> “Where did you find such an animal?”
[22:37] <Faust> “On the battlefield I met a man covered in blood. I almost walked by, but saw the slightest of mist coming from his mouth in the chilled air. I carried him back to camp, operated on him three times, and nursed him back to health…”
[22:38] * Phantom listens raptly
[22:39] <Faust> “…Not knowing who this man was. His clothes gave no indication of his place in life, and of course he was in no state to speak.”
[22:39] <Magnifico> “And to repay you, sir, he serves as your mount?”
[22:39] * Roamy sniggers.
[22:39] * Faust gives Magnifico a very droll look.
[22:40] * Magnifico looks abashed.
[22:39] <Faust> “I only knew he was ill. He happened to be the only son of a great emperor in a foreign land I had never heard of–before or since. The horse was sent via a party of nobles, along with many other presents, almost a year after we parted ways. I assume it is very far to his land.”
[22:41] * Hyacinth grins slyly at Magnifico.
[22:42] <Faust> “Is the interrogation almost at an end, and may I ask a question or two?”
[22:43] * Hyacinth laughs softly. “I suppose you may.”
[22:43] * Phantom blushes and nods.
[22:44] * Roamy chuckles.
[22:44] * Kys smiles.
[22:44] <Faust> “Why was I asked to hand deliver a letter to a jester? And why will you be accompanying me back to the royal court, if I may be so bold as to ask?”
[22:45] * Kys nods with a grin.
[22:45] <Faust> “As traveling companions you already seem delightful, and I am very happy for the company, so please do not think me rude.”
[22:45] * Magnifico speaks shyly.
[22:45] <Magnifico> “Sir, might I ask how long you have been at court?”
[22:46] * Faust looks at Hy briefly when he says the word “delightful.”
[22:46] <Faust> “I haven’t been at court long, sir.”
[22:46] * Magnifico nods.
[22:46] * Hyacinth nurses her wine.
[22:46] <Faust> “I was appointed recently by the Regent’s Royal Advisor, Caladnei.”
[22:47] <Magnifico> “I have long since left fair Suzail, but once I had the favor of Her Highness, as I had of her late father, rest him.”
[22:48] * Faust turns red in the face. A horrible smell overtakes the whole tavern.
[22:48] * Hyacinth grimaces and covers her face with a perfumed kerchief.
[22:48] * Obsidian coughs.
[22:48] * Magnifico winces.
[22:48] <Magnifico> “This will be a short sea voyage, with such wind at our backs.”
[22:49] * Phantom holds her breath for as long as she can.
[22:49] * Roamy cannot help a snicker slipping out, and pretends not to notice the smell.
[22:50] <Faust> “So, anyone want dessert?”
[22:50] * Obsidian shakes her head.
[22:50] <DM> Several mages in the corner start casting.
[22:50] * Kys giggles at Magnifico, and nods for dessert.
[22:50] <DM> A wind blows across the room, taking the odiferous smell with it.
[22:51] * Magnifico recovers his composure.
[22:51] * Faust looks a little bright in the cheeks again at the clearing of the room.
[22:51] * Phantom is thankful that the mages took the initiative, as she didn’t want to insult Faust by casting at the table.
[22:51] * Hyacinth folds the kerchief into a perfect triangle and tucks it away, her face carefully neutral.
[22:52] <Faust> (he is RICH and NICE…there had to be a reason he is 48 and still single!!)
[22:52] * Magnifico clears his throat.
[22:52] <Phantom> (lol)
[22:52] <Hyacinth> [Hmmm]
[22:53] * Hyacinth looks at Magnifico.
[22:53] <Faust> “Let us take our wine outside, and I will introduce you to my stallion. My lady?
[22:53] * Faust offers his arm to Hy
[22:54] <Magnifico> “The High Magus supposes, in his wisdom, that I might soothe Her Highness’ heart, and that these ladies I serve might take her place in the fight against the invaders.”
[22:54] * Kys hops up to follow them, a great smile on her face.
[22:54] * Magnifico follows along as he speaks, ready to take a hint that he should leave.
[22:55] * Roamy brings her ale, and follows.
[22:55] * Hyacinth leaves her wine on the table.
[22:55] <Hyacinth> “I should like that.”
[22:55] * Hyacinth declines the arm with a smile, and tucks herself back into her cloak.
[22:55] * Faust winks at Kys.
[22:56] * Obsidian follows, wondering if even on her pony she’s as tall as this fellow.
[22:56] * Kys winks back, and grins broadly at Faust.
[22:57] * Phantom follows Obsidian outside.
[22:57] * Faust ‘s horse large is enough to carry him. The horse is huge, and yet graceful–a warhorse ballet dancer.
[22:58] <Faust> “This is Zephyr. Zephyr, these will be our traveling companions.”
[22:58] * Faust talks to the horse as if he understands, and the horse listens.
[22:58] * Hyacinth looks the huge stallion over, duly impressed.
[22:58] <Hyacinth> “What a marvelous specimen! Truly, you are blessed.”
[22:59] * Magnifico looks the huge horse up and down.
[22:59] <Faust> “Thank you, my lady.”
[22:59] * Hyacinth barely reaches the haunches.
[22:59] <Magnifico> “Not many of these to the pound, I think.”
[23:00] * Hyacinth nods to Magnifico.
[23:00] <Hyacinth> “I have not seen a horse so large that was not yoked for draft.”
[23:00] * Roamy offers the giant animal an apple from her cloak pocket.
[23:00] <Faust> “He is as docile as a lamb and as smart as fox, truly the best companion I have ever had…save Sloth, possibly.”
[23:00] <Roamy> “Sloth?”
[23:00] <Faust> “Sloth would be my wee bunny.”
[23:01] * Hyacinth reaches up to pat the horse.
[23:01] * Phantom slips her hand in her pocket to pet Houdini, thinking, “This huge man also loves small animals.”
[23:02] * Roamy grins widely, imagining those huge hands with a bunny in the palm.
[23:03] * Faust , seeing the eyes of the ladies light with interest, asks “Would you like to travel to the ship and meet Sloth?”
[23:03] <Hyacinth> “Certainly.”
[23:04] <Roamy> “Well, mostly all of us.”
[23:04] * Phantom glances at Alanna, biting her lip at the mention of the ship.
[23:04] * Hyacinth looks up at the stallion again, then turns around.
[23:04] <Hyacinth> “We have had mixed luck with ships.”
[23:04] * Faust opens the stall to let out Zephyr, who *tip toes* around and over the crowd to lead the way with only a small whisper
[23:04] <DM> You travel to the docks, to a large caravel flying the flag of Cormyr (a rearing purple dragon).
[23:04] * Roamy looks at Alanna meaningfully, and grins.
[23:05] <Faust> “Please come on board. Sloth gets so antsy amongst crowds.”
[23:06] <DM> The ship’s name is the Morning Mist. As you ascend the gangplank, you see a creature tied to the mast with several half-eaten cabbage-heads in a crate next to it. The creature is white with some brown in it, and is the size of a bull mastiff. As Faust approaches, it gets up on its hind legs and sniffs, standing about 5 feet tall, with floppy ears all the way to the ground. It is a big bunny!
[23:07] <Faust> “SLOTH!!”
[23:07] <Roamy> “Oh, my.”
[23:07] * Hyacinth looks dumbstruck, and more than a little alarmed. She mutters a prayer to herself in Elven.
[23:07] * Faust bounds to scratch the area behind the ears of the bunny, as only a man with plates for hands could.
[23:07] * Kys squeals with delight at the huge bunny.
[23:08] <Magnifico> “I would hate to meet such a rabbit in a dark alley. I would fear to face the carrot.”
[23:08] <Faust> “Some say he is a dire bunny, but that sounds so, well, dire. He is just a wee bit overgrown.”
[23:08] <Hyacinth> “Just a wee bit.”
[23:08] * Obsidian just blinks, somewhat stunned.
[23:08] * Faust scratches and loves on the bunny with gusto.
[23:08] * Hyacinth fans herself.
[23:09] * Kys does her best to pet the animal without being mauled by it, giggling all the while.
[23:09] * Faust grabs the nine or so inches of buck teeth with both hands, and wrestles.
[23:09] <Kys> “Oh, he is wonderful!!”
[23:10] <DM> The rabbit is indeed docile in the extreme.
[23:10] * Phantom takes the time to look over the ship.
[23:10] <Faust> “He is a comfort to me on all my travels. I go nowhere without his company.”
[23:11] <Hyacinth> “And a half-tonne of cabbage.”
[23:11] * Phantom thinks the ship sound, but wishes they didn’t have to sail anyway.
[23:12] * Hyacinth excuses herself, still looking wide-eyed. She checks the ship for nooks and crannies, footholds for climbing, good nests for archery, and other tactical considerations.
[23:12] <Faust> “Are we ready to travel? I take it you have accepted the Court’s offer? Let us get under way!”
[23:12] <Hyacinth> “There is the matter of reward.”
[23:12] * Roamy nods.
[23:12] <Faust> “Ahhhh. That you must take up on the other side.
[23:12] * Roamy scowls at Hyacinth.
[23:12] <Faust> “I am afraid I know nothing of that matter.”
[23:13] * Hyacinth cocks an eyebrow.
[23:13] <Hyacinth> “When we are already in Cormyr. I see.”
[23:13] * Hyacinth nods to herself.
[23:13] * Faust turns his mouth down a little at the thought of losing such great company.
[23:13] <Faust> “I am afraid that I was only asked to give a letter on one of my many travels to procure herbs. I have no authority to offer or barter. I am sorry, my lady.”
[23:14] <Hyacinth> “I will accept the word of an emissary of Cormyr. ‘Tis a noble kingdom. Most of the time.”
[23:14] * Hyacinth grins.
[23:15] <Faust> “I can not give my word as to promises I know nothing about. I will only say that you will remain safe as you travel with me, and that I look forward to the trip. I truly have no power to speak for the Court.”
[23:15] <Obsidian> “I think we need just a little time to pack, and we’ll be ready.”
[23:15] * Hyacinth nods. “How long is the voyage by sea?”
[23:16] <Faust> “Ten days.”
[23:16] <DM> Yikes…11:15! Shall we call it here? The ship will leave the day after tomorrow, so you have time to procure any items you want to take with you. Just e-mail your requests, and we’ll pick it up next week?
[23:16] <Faust> OK
[23:16] <Hyacinth> [Cool.]
[23:16] <Faust> good night all
[23:17] <Hyacinth> [Night!]
[23:17] <Faust> I hope yall like Faust
[23:17] <DM> fun session guys!
[23:17] <Roamy> great sessoin all
[23:17] <Roamy> thanks scott
[23:17] <Hyacinth> [gg all!]
[23:17] <Phantom> Great character
[23:17] <Magnifico> Great, ya’ll!
[23:17] <Obsidian> looking forward to him
[23:17] <Phantom> LIke it!
[23:17] <Roamy> nighters all
[23:17] <DM> have a good week all 
[23:17] <Magnifico> Good night.
[23:17] <Phantom> Night all then
[23:17] *** Roamy has quit IRC
[23:17] <Faust> good night… going to put the real life bunny to bed
Session Close: Wed Jan 10 23:17:48 2007
