In reply to Aerin of Damar (msg # 362):

Angel stiffened when she realized the dragon-lady recognized her, remembering what happened last time she had been confronted by the warrior. However she relaxed when the other woman merely nodded and allowed her presence with Tseran to go unopposed. Pulling the hood down over her face a little more, she climbed into the second cart with Tseran, Kaijn and that ugly elf called Slove ...

As the cart bumped along and Tseran attempted to explain her presence, Angel added a telepathic commentary to the elf wizard's spoken words... partly to show off her skills a bit, but mostly because she knew it annoyed Tseran when she popped her thoughts directly into his head...

OOC: I'm assuming that Aerin and Maelarra are riding in the other cart with Orophear, so I've only added Tseran, Kaijn and Slove to the private telepathy messages. [Private to GM: And since Aerin and Maelarra can read them anyway, I didn't really need to include them.   :) ]



[Private to Kaijn Tur'kin; Slove; Tseran Tal'chiar: Because I'm adorable? ]



[Private to Kaijn Tur'kin; Slove; Tseran Tal'chiar: Probably better than me running around on my own though. ]



[Private to Kaijn Tur'kin; Slove; Tseran Tal'chiar: Yeah! ]

Once at the temple and walking through the crowds, Angel noticed the reaction of the people to her presence, but had a slightly different explanation for it...


"It's probably the bloodstain," she whispered back to Tseran, deciding to be nice for a moment and give him a break from her intrusive telepathy. "Probably not wise to advertise that you've just put one of those wage-mages out of business. Too bad you don't know a spell that would clean out such a stain. That would be a most impressive display of magic... probably on par with throwing someone out a window," she dissembled, willing herself to keep a straight face as she teased the stuffy elf... but pointedly doing nothing to actually hide what she guessed was drawing attention to herself.

As they walked along the human wizard finally addressed the proverbial horse on the table...





At Tseran's explanation, Angel grinned broadly and seemed genuinely appreciative of the elf's appraisal of her person and skill. When he finished she stepped forward suddenly and wrapped Tseran in a hug. "Ahhh, you do love me!" she exclaimed playfully.

[Private to GM: If you'll allow it, I'd like to have Angel try and pick Tseran's pocket when she hugs him. What ever I end up taking I plan on givng back. Just doing so for some implusive fun.   :)
03:30, Today: Secret Roll: Angel rolled 27 using 1d20+11.  SoH check .]

The cart driver looked at the proffered platinum pieces in wide-eyed shock. In some quarters, it was the kind of money a man could get knifed for. He wasn't about to refuse it, however. Hurriedly, before anyone could see, he stuffed the coins deep into his pocket. 'No, sir; thank you, sirs, milady. If there's anything else you be needing...?' he offered hopefully, but since there wasn't anything, he tipped his cap at them, though without actually daring to meet the eyes of Angel under her grey hood.  Then he drove swiftly away, looking for some place to change his shiny platinum pieces for some of the grubby, mostly gold, well-clipped Calauntan coinage.

Maelarra's valet Tamae had less of a scene paying off the driver of the second cart.

In his testimonial, Tseran had left out "was briefly the avatar of the god of serenity and balance", possibly because no one would ever, ever, ever believe it. Except perhaps for the god of mischief and irony who'd manoeuvred her into it. She gave him a hug anyway.

[Private to Angel: Alright, it's a success. You win Tseran's precious coffee pouch. :)

Have you stolen the touch of idiocy effect yet?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:41, Fri 11 May 2018.

 In all fairness, Tseran left out the deity business because, having been technically (and actually) dead at the time, he's less than entirely confident of the acuity of his recollection - something of a quirk of his. He emphatically tolerates the kibbitzing in on his thoughts, his expression shifting from rueful to quietly offended patience but when he's embraced, his face - which is a picture - can only be seen as desperately stoic, as though he's hoping that this, too shall pass.

 This of course, while Angel is discovering that under his robes, the wiry elf is an assemblage of mostly elbows and bony extremities. Even by elven standards, someone ought to feed the guy a pie.

 There's a long, silent beat and the long-suffering Seer states glumly "And this is my point made.", waiting to be let go before straightening his things once more.

[Private to GM: And if course checking my pockets for things added and things missing. Because: Angel. ^_^]

PM
[Private to Tseran Tal'chiar: Tseran is fairly sure his coffee pouch has gone missing, and very recently too...]

 Tseran pauses and sighs heavily, then produces a complex platter of interlocking ivory plates inscribed with a myriad of tiny runes and sigils, picked it in various colours and styles.

 Flicking through it, he mutters something along the lines of 'locate object, locate object...' as he looks up the appropriate spell.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Mon 14 May 2018.

Kaijn pondered Angel's and Tseran's explanation and then nodded slightly.

"Welcome then, my name is Kaijn." Kaijn said to the newcomer in a tone that indicated he did not trust and she would have to work to earn it.

[Private to GM: Conceal Spellcasting skill trick ...
06:08, Today: Secret Roll: Angel rolled 23 using 1d20+11.  SoH check.]

[Private to GM: PM

Hi! I placed this in a PM to you so that you could approve it before the others see it. I don't think I've violated any PvP or god-moding conventions, but I'm pretty sure I've skirted the line, so I wanted to give you the chance to intervene if you needed to. If approved, go ahead and erase the PM stuff as needed, or shoot me a PM in 4 and I'll do it myself; either way works for me.  :)

-----
]
"Why thank you!" Angel replied to the human, offering him a charming smile in return and then suddenly waved away a flying insect from in front of her face while muttering a curse in an obscure language...

...  while beneath her new cloak her unseen hand slightly shifted the weight of the pouch she had suddenly found herself holding, and with one finger she touched a special place on a pouch she wore at her waist. ( <--- Italicized text is beyond character knowledge included for player enjoyment)

Discreetly peering over Tseran's shoulder while he searched, she spoke again as the mage turned one of the ivory tiles. "Aye, that's the one I need right there," she said, pointing at an inscription. "Pres-ti-di-gi-ta-tion, she read aloud, slowly pronouncing each syllable as if she were reading some new and strange word. "And look, there's that Locate Object spell you were looking for," she added, pointing to the other tile. "Oh! And that reminds me," she continued smoothly, producing the pouch and setting it in the middle of the open tiles. "I think you dropped this back in the cart. You really should be more careful," she chided the elf with mock seriousness. "It looks valuable... and I hear this city is full of thieves!" She concluded with a conspiratorial whisper.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Tue 15 May 2018.

 Even by the standards of a spellbook, the ivory plates that Tseran is manipulating are a hard read - depending upon their alignment and the way that they're interlocked, different formulae appear out of the symbols and sigils marked across them and there are numerous areas where absolutely no clear sense can be made of what's been painstakingly etched and coloured into them without the benefit of extended study, plentiful note-paper and a mind that can thread a curly straw without touching the sides.*

 "I had thought that storing it in an extra-dimensional space would have proven sufficient to discourage casual theft, but apparently that was not the case." he dryly, patiently remarks while taking one large step away from Angel, brushing himself off once more before putting the pouch back in the side-pocket of his pack where it was lifted from.

[Private to GM:  And checking my things again, because: Angel. It's probably safe to say that Tseran will be doing this every so often at random for the foreseeable future, which fortunately is fairly easy with a Handy Haversack and entails just putting your hand in it and thinking about the things you want. ^_^]

 ---

 * Tseran has Craft: Puzzles at +17, and amongst other things, applies this to his spellbook, which is therefore incredibly hard for anyone else to read. On the other hand, I don't imagine for a moment that would stop Angel from pointing at absolutely anything she felt like and using it to tease him. ^_^

Aerin didn't have time to wonder at the sights before her, mind focused on getting Orophear safely to where he could be treated. She felt a little like in a tunnel, nothing left or right from her was making it into her conscious. As the priest spoke and explained Orophear had to stay at the temple, the dragonkin's lips formed a thin line, obviously she wasn't too happy about it. Didn't priests have the power to bring back people from the dead and now they had problems curing sickness, poison and paralysis? She looked at Maelarra and wished a real priest was present.

Accepting the facts the Rashemi sighed "We will miss him dearly, but we have an urgent matter to attend to. What can we do to assist his recovery and make sure he is safe?" she asked, picking up her money pouch, knowing this was all that seemed to matter in this city. However, she would not hesitate parting with all she had, if it meant her friend would be treated the best possible way. She was sure he would do nothing less for her.

The small elf hood down seemed to enjoy the effect he was having on the local crowd.
Partly because the elf would never do this unless he had a reason.
Normally he stay in the shadows and be forgotten.  But standing out and getting Orophear the help he needed was fitted into Slove sense of honor.

At the moment Slove understood why he was still alive and what thepoint was.
He would become a hunt master.  A hunt master does his best make sure all his hunting party come back alive and well.  Maybe a little battered and broused but still alive and well.

He took the sight of human temple in.
This place really could do with few trees the thought.
He was not impressed.

Slove did not say much but at end he added looking at Maelarra Hlartrym  and Aerin of Damar.
We will return to see how his doing when we can and provide any more assistant he needs but we must finish what we stated.  I know you feel that way as I would if I was Orophear.
His words echoing Aerin but put in different way.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:00, Mon 14 May 2018.

OOC: Hmm, yeah, Angel probably wouldn't be able to read the spellbook over Tseran's shoulder then, but I don't think anything needs to be changed.
[Private to Tseran Tal'chiar: Nothing more is stolen, thus far.]

The big priest Talgen humphed and scratched his beard, somewhat embarrassed to talk money around the patient. He led the adventurers out of the ward. 'Since you're not in service to the faith, I'm afraid there's a small fee... Quite generous rates with a sliding scale, mind you.'

'Fear not, Procampur will provide.' Maelarra promised, waving back Aerin's purse and indicating her own.

'I'm afraid the slider just went up...'

She nodded, as if expecting this. 'I thought it might.'

'As for your friend, I should tell you to pray to the Night White Lady every moon-rise, but to be honest a donation goes further. More charity for the poor frees up clerics and healers, does more in the long run.'

'As a follower of Waukeen I understand completely. I shall handle the prayers and make the donation.' Maelarra agreed. 'In fact, I would like to discuss a business proposition with your Moon Mistress later. For one, I am a scholar of comparative theology and would love to study your rites and beliefs here, even participate if I may. Furthermore, as a freelance priestess, I provide proselytising services for undecided non-faithful folk located away from the major temples, who might not be reached by standard means. For example, how do you preach to farmers deep in the countryside? With the high priestess's approval and a contract, I can do such for your temple, taking a small commission for converts gained.'

Talgen was confused. 'Eh? How does that work?'

'That will take some explaining...'

Talgen shook his head, muttering 'Madder than the boy...'

The priestess healer meanwhile looked at Slove's scarred face without a trace of revulsion. 'Have you also come for treatment, sir? I know of cosmetic healing techniques for such scarring, and although yours is an extreme case, it may be possible to reduce it.'

OOC: I edited my previous post to reflect not being able to read the spellbook while keeping all the actions the same. Hope that helps.   :)

Angel's smile deepened on seeing Tseran's reaction to her ruse, but if the silly boy couldn't at least answer her query about desiring a certain cantrip, well what choice did she have but to make her wishes known in a more direct manner? She was slightly disappointed that her own cantrip hadn't actually worked to allow her to read the elf-wizard's spellbook herself, but in retrospect she really wasn't surprised that Tseran had fashioned his personal arcane tome into an eye-crossing, brain-twisting cypher.

He definitely has too much time on his hands. She thought to herself. Maybe I should see about getting him laid. She mused, recalling from experience that most males seemed to lighten up once they... released some tension. She briefly thought about about do the deed herself, but quickly dismissed the idea. Nah, too weird. Besides, he is sooo not my type.

"Oh, don't worry Tseran," Angel purred, edging closer to him as she spoke. "I'm here to help. I'll personally make sure you get back any and every thing that those deceitful rogues happen to take from you," she added, holding up one hand as if taking a solemn vow. "Angel's honor."

 OOC: Oh, it was fine either way. I couldn't see reading or not reading the book stopping Angel from teasing Tseran. ^_^
[Private to GM:  Stolen or added boss. She's a sneaky minx. ^_^]

 ---

 In fairness to Angel's arcane skills, the cantrip worked perfectly - there were definitely sigils and stretches of arcane notation that made sense, the difficulty was that they were capable of being slid around to match up with different segments of writing and they were picked out in different colours, fonts, styles and even languages... Because of course they were, because yes, Tseran does indeed have too much time on his hands.

 Time that has almost certainly has never been invested in attempting to separate some suitable young man or woman from their virtue... Blazes, the average mind recoils from trying to picture just what sort of young man or woman the dust-dry stick of an arcanist might actually consider fits into that category (although perhaps there are clues in his private papers - which surely can't all be as complicated and incomprehensible as his research notes).

 "As of a few moments ago, I appear to be in possession of all the objects that I began with this morning." he replies, taking a smooth pace back to maintain a distance between himself and Angel of at least one good arm's length and closing his puzzle-coded spell-plaques back up, one over another before putting them away once more.

[Private to Tseran Tal'chiar: Now, how would you know if something's been added to the handy haversack if you don't know what it is to think about it and make it appear in hand? ;)]

Indeed, the only man-and/or-woman to get close to Tseran had been the naga Naja, and they had been constricting him at the time.

Leaving that aside, before being forced to exit the antiques shop by the thugs' arrival, Aerin had scavenged some minor magical trinkets that had glittered to her arcane sight. A pair of dusty and much-creased magical scrolls, two strange chunks of crystal, and a nice cloak pin, with outstretched porcelain wings. She'd left them with Tseran and Kaijn before going into the temple.

Angel had also found two unmarked potions on the slain illusionist.

*

At Slove's hesitance, the priestess removed her hood, showing she was not human, but tiefling, with a sharp face, horns on her forehead, and strange and unnatural red scars revealed on her neck, head, and hands. She was about forty, of average height and sturdy build, with wavy, auburn hair cropped short about her horns and brown eyes. 'All are welcome under the light of the moon.' she promised with a knowing smile.

Slove smiled at the priestess.  Which was not a pretty sight.
However for once it was not sarcastic in nature like usual.
I have noted your wisdom lady. For you have not been foolish enough to believe that everything can be healed. The artifact that did this was powerful and either chaotic or evil in nature. It has in past undone any magic applied to it.
There are a few great healers, some of your faith and many of the elven panthon that shudder at my name.
They remember the feeling of failure and shame that their efforts and arrogance have only added to the pain I have experience as there healing spells backfire, making me re-live what happen to me when the artifact exploded.

I am called Slove. Hunter and follower of Solonor Thelandira.
I also see you are no stranger to living with the effects of what happened to me.
You have my respect. Not that that is worth much.
However nobody has ever thought to use cosmetic healing techniques on me and I would be a fool if I did not listen to you and your ideas.
I am However but a vagabond and dought I could afford your costs.
He then looks sideways.
This time an amused sarcastic smiles does cover his face.
He shoots the next set of sentences for Talgen to hear just to add to Talgen confusion.
If Maelarra is agreeable I will aid her on her missionary drive.
For a small cut of her take.  That way some of my cut can pay for your work until I have enough money to pay for it outright myself.
The rest of the money will be left as a credit so any elf or half elf that cannot pay may gain aid and healing.
Solonor Thelandira wishes a balance between human civilization and the wilds.
He is not that interested in human followers only elves and half elves.
However while I help Maelarra we can put forward the idea that as part of your new followers belief is a added respect for wild lands beyond the farms.
Encourage a balance between civilization and the wilds.
One the benefits all.
I cannot see a conflict with a priestess of Waukeen and priest of Solonor Thelandira helping our dear lady of the Moon spread freedom and kindness among the races around here that are not elf or half-elf.
Slove winks at the tiefling healer as he keeps an eye on Talgen reaction.
The elf is enjoying the new added layer of complication and confusion he now adds to Maelarra proposal.
He then looks at Mealarra with a neutral face.  This is subject to your agreement Mealarra and I am not being flippant as I usually am but being straight forward.  You know I am useful guard and hunter which would help you in that environment.  Also my cut would be small and I leave negotiations in your hand totally.

Aerin did not intervene the discussion between the priests, raising an eyebrow every now and then when she learned some new aspect of Maelarra or Slove. She did set her jaw firmly when the priestess revealed her own heavily marred face, not because it disgusted her, but because she had not expected that. Her view on Selune and her followers changed with this new facet. Then again, she was no overly religious person.

Patiently she waited for the pious people to resolve their business.

The priestess made the sign of the moon and greeted him with a friendly smile. 'Oloré, Slove of Solonor. You're welcome in the house of Selûne. Call me Glarin. I wouldn't claim to know everything, but I do know there's always a second opinion, or another technique somewhere. As for the cost, that depends on the treatment, but an examination is free. I can do it after I've seen to your friend, if you like? I think I'd refer also you to a specialist here in the city.'

But then Slove made his proposal for a payment plan, and Maelarra was, seemingly for once in her life, left utterly speechless. At last, she exclaimed 'You aren't my employee!' The impudence! She was fairly sure that Slove, if not for his face then for his general manner, would significantly hamper her interviews. He didn't exactly strike her as a charismatic, insightful counsellor.

Trying to regain her composure, she went on. 'Let's not cross contracts, especially in the always delicate matters of religion. Besides, I cannot proselytise outside the Faerûnian pantheon – there's too much risk of portfolio overlap and conflict of interest.'

'Alright, let's keep this simple.' Talgen interceded placatingly, 'Especially on, ah, these unfamiliar trails. Quests for the church are more traditional in these matters, anyway. Let's wait for the results of the examination to see if there's a possibility, before we discuss its cost.'

He turned to the healer 'Glarin, please see to the patient first.'

Back to Aerin, Slove, and Maelarra, he went on curiously 'I trust you adventurers have a mission some place?'
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:28, Sat 26 May 2018.

Slove bow slightly to Glarin.
I think I like you to examin me and see what can be done.  However that can wait.  Our friend Orophear is the reason we are here, not me.  Please do what you can.
He bows again to Glarin then turn to Maelarra Hlartrym and Talgen.

Slove openly grins at Maelarra Hlartrym. A way to happy smile for the normal sour looking slove.

He reflected he was sure since Maelarra became a preistess the number of creatures that could say they had stopped her in her tracks and made her speechless could be displayed on one person's hands.  Maybe even on a single hand.
That he had just become part of a very privilege club. For once he was enjoying his life, and maybe just a little to much.
He bows to her.
As you wish Lady Maelarra Hlartrym of Waukeen.
He then stands back, to let the others do the talking now.

[Private to GM:  The same way Angel nicked my coffee, I'm guessing. Magical knowledge of the inventory as a necessary secondary power? ^_^]

 To be fair, Tseran has interacted with a number of unusual creatures in fairly close confines - from the Kreen individual whom he refrained from eating in a polite and largely symbolic fashion to Miss Naja (whom it would have been impolite to intrude further upon, since she had patently been involved in a relationship at the time) to the Crone who tore his throat out that one time (to be fair here, she had met him and it's not unreasonable to say that more than one woman who knows Tseran has entertained the fantasy of doing that from time to time) and the just-emancipated Skum of the underworld whom he made something of a project of uplifting.

 He's even stayed more or less in contact with Vera of Nar'Vheen, writing her the odd letter when the opportunity arose - and even receiving the odd reply.

 But that's quite beside the point for the moment, as Tseran - still eyeing Angel suspiciously - leaves her with Kajin and moves over to observe the developing conversation between all and sundry, looking to see if some progress has been made.

Aerin nodded "There are a few things that need our attention and if you will excuse us, we shall be going." the dragonkin said. She wasn't happy leaving a friend behind, but they could do nothing for him here. It appeared he was receiving the best care and nobody would try anything foolish in a temple, the Rashemi argued to herself. Still the nagging feeling in the back of her head remained.

With a nod of her head she indicated they would go now.

Kaijn watched in hidden amusement the two outside while carefully checking that all his belongings were accounted for. Once sure he had it all he investigated the loot the group had picked up from the last fight.

"Really?" Angel called out toward the retreating Tseran, disappointed that the bookish-wizard either hadn't caught on to the subtlety of her asking if he could or would use a Prestidigitation on her behalf... or didn't care to. "Not even a Mending?" She added, turning her new cloak to show him she could put a finger through the hole her rapier had made. When Tseran didn't respond, she sighed ...



... and then caught the other wizard, the human one with the bright green eyes, inspecting her cloak. She smiled and batted her eyelashes in what she knew was a flirtatious gesture for humans. "So what about you, handsome?" She asked in a sultry voice, showing him the hole with her finger stuck through it, in what was simultaneously an innocent and obscene gesture. "Spare a girl a mending?"

The netherese mage chuckled softly as Angel approached him and the mentalist walked off "I take it your man doesn't fancy you as much as you want?"

After briefly inspecting the hole in the cloak "Indeed a mending will fix this, albeit my days a tailor are long gone, and I have not prepared such a spell. Maybe for the morrow?"