Lovely 003

Hunter, 6:22 PM

When last we left, everybody was babysitting Ulisse d'Amici, the drunken playboy, after he'd consumed an unknown quantity and quality of unknown drug(s).

Hunter, 6:22 PM

Pharolvir was busily analyzing the wolf lake-water as well.

Hunter, 6:24 PM

All of you have been hired by a Mysterious assassin called Vittorio to slay lake-monsters as they come out of the lake so that they don't reach and tamper with the lake entrance to Lovely Creatures, a restaurant/bar/brothel/hotel that is heavily bespelled and has entrances in multiple locations. The place is owned by seven brothers, two of whom you've met, and employees include a smart Drow sex worker named Lola and a foul-mouthed tressym named Vargas.

Hunter, 6:25 PM

But I think you probably remembered that. Anyway.

Hunter, 6:26 PM

The rest of the night passes rather uneventfully, apart from Ulisse spending a lot of time in the palatial restroom. The walls and floor seem to be largely soundproofed, so upon reflection it's a little strange that you heard that odd little bird person last night. A mystery! The bird person seems to have absconded, although they're pretty quiet so it's entirely possible they're somewhere in the room snoozling.

Hunter, 6:27 PM

You take turns resting; two of you are elves so Chance gets to skip taking a watch to sleep a full 8 hours, which is nice.

Chance, 6:27 PM

Chance sleeps 12.

Hunter, 6:27 PM

Oh, right. Cat.

Pharolvir, 6:27 PM

(( :D ))

Hunter, 6:29 PM

Well, anyway, when you wake up, Ulisse is gone again. Ann, who took the second watch, knows he's back in the restroom again.

Chance, 6:29 PM

Is he dead?

Pharolvir, 6:29 PM

"Likely wishes he was."

Ann, 6:31 PM

In the bathroom again.

Chance, 6:31 PM

Well! He survived the night! Good for him.

Chance, 6:31 PM

Chance goes to the door and pounds on it. "Alive, yes?"

Chance, 6:31 PM

Chance is yelling.

Pharolvir, 6:32 PM

Pharolvir changed into a nightgown at some point and undid his braid.

Ann, 6:33 PM

Ann Nesia is still dressed the same as the night before but has cleaned up a bit and washed the blood off from the wolf bite.

Hunter, 6:34 PM

Ulisse opens the door! He looks awake, alert, and very clean. He's also wearing an immaculate suit, not flashy, but clearly expensive. Whether he is a werewolf or not, his hair is perfect--just tousled enough to look like he just woke up that way and didn't spend any time on his hair at all, even though pretty much everyone with that hairstyle does.

Greenwich, 6:34 PM

Greenwich has made a nest of blankets.

Hunter, 6:34 PM

Ulisse: Alive, yes. Good morning.

Pharolvir, 6:35 PM

Pharolvir stares in disbelief. "When did you have time to do that?"

Hunter, 6:35 PM

Ulisse: Do what?

Chance, 6:36 PM

Chance pats him on the head. "You made it through your vision quest.  This demands mackerel."

Chance, 6:37 PM

Chance leaves the room and goes downstairs immediately, without waiting for a reply.

Pharolvir, 6:37 PM

Pharolvir signals to the hair, the clothes, the...everything. "All that!  It takes me at least an hour to get ready in the morning and I'm not nearly as invested as most men.  I understand men aren't held to the same expectations of beauty, but even so, you look so much...you've cleaned up considerably."

Hunter, 6:37 PM

Ulisse: … bit early for fish, isn't it?

Hunter, 6:37 PM

Ulisse: An hour, really? I wouldn't think you'd have to do a damned thing.

Pharolvir, 6:38 PM

"...you're flirting again, aren't you?"

Hunter, 6:39 PM

Ulisse: … Am I? If so, I do apologize. I had been given to understand that you were not interested.

Hunter, 6:39 PM

He checks his silver cufflinks.

Hunter, 6:39 PM

Roll perception, if you would.

Pharolvir, 6:39 PM

((4!))

Pharolvir, 6:40 PM

"I appreciate that you remember."

Hunter, 6:41 PM

((Caleb, Nilani, let me know if you're having trouble and I can roll for ya.))

Ann, 6:42 PM

((12))

Greenwich, 6:42 PM

[2]

Hunter, 6:45 PM

Ulisse: You, I remember. … and you, and you, and the Tabaxi gentleman who was here before. Ah, I have forgotten some of the context, however?

Pharolvir, 6:46 PM

"You were blitzed out of your mind and we took up babysitting duties."

Greenwich, 6:46 PM

"I am helping!"

Greenwich, 6:47 PM

"Or so one would hope." Bobbin adds, in a voice like stone on stone.

Hunter, 6:47 PM

Ulisse: … so nothing terribly unusual, then. Alas.

Pharolvir, 6:47 PM

"Your friend Lola did stop by, but you were not really conscious enough for your regular game of Spider Chase."

Hunter, 6:50 PM

Ulisse: Damn! That's too bad. I hope you had a good time with her. Lola's rather good at an impressive array of activities. Very... practiced, I find.

Pharolvir, 6:51 PM

"I found her a most skilled Spider Chase opponent, yes.  ...nothing more."

Pharolvir, 6:51 PM

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I do not think I should spend all day in my night dress."

Hunter, 6:52 PM

Ulisse: Is that what that is? Hmm. No, not appropriate attire.

Hunter, 6:52 PM

He scrutinizes Pharolvir intently!

Pharolvir, 6:52 PM

((In a sexy way or a fashionista way?))

Hunter, 6:53 PM

((It's probably too serious to be sexy, but it's very focused, so.))

Pharolvir, 6:53 PM

Pharolvir turns to leave

Chance, 6:53 PM

((Makeover montage.))

Pharolvir, 6:54 PM

".........what?  What is it?"

Hunter, 6:54 PM

Ulisse: You're not from around here, are you?

Pharolvir, 6:55 PM

"No, I am not.  I am aware it is very obvious."

Hunter, 6:55 PM

Ulisse folds his arms. "No need to be defensive. Travel is not a character flaw."

Hunter, 6:56 PM

Ulisse: Are you constitutionally opposed to fun, or just sex? Or gods forbid, sex workers.

Pharolvir, 6:57 PM

Pharolvir turns a decided darker shade of dark blue. "I can have fun and have nothing against sex.  I just have the good sense to not hand it out to everyone.  Some comportment isn't a flaw, either."

Hunter, 6:59 PM

Ulisse eyes him seriously, and then laughs. "Relax, relax. I'm not pondering anything nefarious. Well. Certainly less nefarious than usual. You've all done me a kindness."

Pharolvir, 7:00 PM

"And you're quite welcome.  ...I'm going to go get dressed now.  I am glad you're feeling better."

Pharolvir, 7:00 PM

Pharolvir leaves

Hunter, 7:00 PM

Plenty of other rooms in the suite where he can get dressed and ready and such.

Pharolvir, 7:01 PM

Pharolvir will claim one and do so.

Hunter, 7:01 PM

Ulisse looks to Ann. "You're quiet this morning. I hope I didn't say something ghastly to you last night?"

Ann, 7:04 PM

No you didnt

Hunter, 7:05 PM

Ulisse: And what would you like?

Ann, 7:06 PM

In what sense?

Hunter, 7:06 PM

Ulisse: Well, as I said. I feel I owe you all a debt, and I do always pay my debts.

Ann, 7:08 PM

You would be better off asking the others

Greenwich, 7:09 PM

Greenwich shrugs. "Just got here."

Pharolvir, 7:12 PM

Pharolvir re-enters wearing a somewhat more casual look than what he arrived in. He has on a skirt that reaches to about mid-thigh but is wearing very thick leggings underneath to fight the "cold". He also has on a nice clean blouse with poofy shoulder things (I don't know what they're called) and his long hair just hanging down past his back. "Long shot, but does anyone here know how to tie a braid?  I've never had to do it by myself before."

Hunter, 7:13 PM

Ulisse: Of course. What sort?

Ann, 7:13 PM

I don’t know, probably not

Pharolvir, 7:13 PM

"Just a simple three tiered would be nice, thank you.  Helps keep it out of my face.  I have this flower here I've been using to tie it."

Pharolvir, 7:14 PM

Pharolvir turns his back towards Ulisee. "Thank you."

Hunter, 7:15 PM

Ulisse: Interested at all in tying something new?

Pharolvir, 7:15 PM

"...I suppose so.  The flower has some purpose, though.  I just saw it as a good way to keep it close."

Hunter, 7:16 PM

Ulisse: Do you trust me?

Pharolvir, 7:16 PM

"..................I did until you said that.  You're not gonna put a snake in my hair or something, are you?"

Hunter, 7:17 PM

Ulisse: Now why would I do that? No, I was just going to do something you'll think is absurd.

Pharolvir, 7:18 PM

"..........very well.  I can be *fun*."

Hunter, 7:19 PM

Ulisse: Mmm. The style for men, here, is largely to look as if they don't care. Of course they do care, but you can't look like you spend any effort on it.

Hunter, 7:20 PM

He uses the brush and gives Pharolvir sort of a messy manbun type of arrangement, taking care to add just the right amount of dishevelment so that it looks careless.

Pharolvir, 7:21 PM

Pharolvir goes to a mirror and look at it. His look is...not impressed. "...this is an appropriate look for men up here?"

Hunter, 7:22 PM

Ulisse: For informal occasions. Elves tend more towards three or four loose braids in the front so that they don't get hair in their face, and then loose everywhere else.

Hunter, 7:22 PM

((What is Ann's hairstyle, by the way?))

Ann, 7:25 PM

(( probably fairly messy but shoulder length  and just hanging loose))

Pharolvir, 7:25 PM

"...women appreciate this...lack of care?"

Hunter, 7:26 PM

Ulisse: And some men. And remember, it's only the illusion of lack of care.

Hunter, 7:27 PM

He motions Ann over to him.

Greenwich, 7:27 PM

"It is not enough to be magnificent, these days. One must be effortlessly magnificent." The moth-wing voice, again, tinged with annoyance.

Pharolvir, 7:27 PM

"...bird-person, do you have a name?"

Ann, 7:28 PM

Ann Nesia heads over a little cautiously

Greenwich, 7:28 PM

"Bobbin!"

Hunter, 7:29 PM

Ulisse stands behind Ann and does her hair as well. It ends up being a no-nonsense braided updo, very practical, and he manages it with no hairpins or fasteners whatsoever.

Pharolvir, 7:29 PM

"...wow...you're...actually quite good at this hair thing."

Pharolvir, 7:30 PM

"Bobbin, that one voice you keep doing.  Where did you hear it?"

Greenwich, 7:31 PM

"Someone important"

Greenwich, 7:31 PM

Greenwich is being quite unhelpful.

Hunter, 7:32 PM

Ulisse: We idle rich have quite a bit of time on our hands.

Hunter, 7:32 PM

Ulisse: I have a number of cultivated talents, each less likely than the last.

Pharolvir, 7:33 PM

"Such as Spider Chase and a fascination with angellic beings."

Pharolvir, 7:35 PM

"...well...frankly, I think it looks like I have built a nest on my head...but if this is how men do it, I may want to blend in.  ...I also take it men don't bother to add color to their face up here."

Hunter, 7:37 PM

Ulisse: Some do, most don't, and the ones who do try to make it subtle, to cover flaws and emphasize positive traits. You don't need it.

Pharolvir, 7:38 PM

"Ha, yeah right.  I have my cheekbones hidden under all this fat and my skin is covered in blemishes.  Look here, two moles on my face!  TWO!"

Pharolvir, 7:39 PM

"But I can deal with it as we go.  I want breakfast AND I actually have some findings I'd like to share with the owner.  Or, at least, the brother with some magical know how.  I may have something interesting to share."

Hunter, 7:40 PM

Ulisse: … there is virtually nothing I could say at this juncture that could not incorrectly be interpreted as flirting. I'll be down in a few minutes; I believe you're looking for Tython, though Verandis has some arcanic knowledge as well.

Pharolvir, 7:41 PM

"Thank you.  You've been a great help, Mr. d'Amici."

Hunter, 7:42 PM

Ulisse: Just Ulisse, I don't stand on titles and ceremonies.

Pharolvir, 7:42 PM

"Very well.  Have a good day, Ulisee."

Pharolvir, 7:43 PM

Pharolvir is about to curtsey, then remembers Lola's advice and just bows before exiting to head to the bar area.

Ann, 7:43 PM

Ann Nesia follows him out

Hunter, 7:46 PM

You find Chance sitting at the bar next to a neatly-dressed human man with dark brown skin, very short black hair, a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles, and also a pair of gray pants and a matching vest, over a white shirt.

Chance, 7:46 PM

Chance is finishing breakfast.

Hunter, 7:47 PM

It's kind of hard to pin down why--it might be his the tension in his shoulders or the way he holds himself--but the stocky black man looks a little bit irritated.

Hunter, 7:48 PM

Human: It's good practice for the grand opening.

Pharolvir, 7:48 PM

Pharolvir will approach.

Hunter, 7:49 PM

Verandis returns from the kitchen with a plate for the human.

Hunter, 7:49 PM

Verandis: Good morning.

Pharolvir, 7:50 PM

"Verandis, hello.  How are you?"

Pharolvir, 7:51 PM

"I have some insights on your lake issue, I was wondering if we could talk about it."

Chance, 7:51 PM

Pharo! This is Kiroth. He's one of the owners.

Hunter, 7:52 PM

Verandis: Of course. Should I get Ylyndar?

Hunter, 7:52 PM

Kiroth, the human in the vest, waves. "The responsible one."

Hunter, 7:52 PM

Verandis: Surely I qualify as somewhat responsible.

Pharolvir, 7:52 PM

"Ah, pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kiroth."

Hunter, 7:53 PM

Kiroth rolls his eyes. "Yes, as long as nobody wants anything in a hurry."

Pharolvir, 7:53 PM

"Ylyndar may be of help.  I am not sure who would be best to discuss this situation with."

Hunter, 7:54 PM

Kiroth: Does it involve fucking or punching people in the face? If not you should probably talk to someone else.

Pharolvir, 7:54 PM

"...I don't think it does, no."

Hunter, 7:54 PM

Verandis: You got up on the wrong side of bed. Let me get you some coffee.

Pharolvir, 7:55 PM

"...Chance, please tell me you're not irritating the owners."

Chance, 7:55 PM

How dare you.

Hunter, 7:55 PM

Kiroth: … ugh, sorry. You're right. I'm cranky as an owlbear in the city this morning. Clearly I didn't get enough sleep.

Hunter, 7:55 PM

Verandis toddles off into the kitchen to fetch coffee.

Hunter, 7:56 PM

Kiroth: What do you want to talk to one of us about? If you can tell me I can suggest someone. I hope it's Shihan, with all the ruckus he made last night he deserves to have a whole brass band come in and wake him up.

Pharolvir, 7:56 PM

Pharolvir will pull up a seat across from Kiroth.

Hunter, 7:56 PM

You're all at the bar right now, but you can sit cornerwise from him.

Pharolvir, 7:57 PM

"Yesterday, Chance, myself and the woman over there (points at Ann) went to investigate the lake when we were all attacked by a giant dog that came out of it.  We fought it off and it melted, allowing me to get a sample."

Pharolvir, 7:58 PM

Pharolvir pulls the vial from the wolf-lake out of his bag. "I was able to run some tests on it the previous night, and it's all just water."

Pharolvir, 7:58 PM

Pharolvir pauses to let it sink in.

Hunter, 7:59 PM

Kiroth: … water?

Ann, 7:59 PM

Well I still say it didn’t feel like water when it bit into me.

Hunter, 7:59 PM

Kiroth: The water bit you? … Tython, it's Tython you want.

Pharolvir, 8:00 PM

"Tython, excellent.  Ulisee suggested that as well."

Pharolvir, 8:00 PM

Pharolvir will also look Kiroth up and down and try to take in his outfit.

Pharolvir, 8:02 PM

"Is Mr. Tython in today?"

Hunter, 8:03 PM

Kiroth is very neatly and precisely dressed, cloth of good quality, but very plain and not ostentatious. He has a very short afro hairstyle.

Hunter, 8:04 PM

Kiroth: Oh gods, that arsehole isn't here, is he? Tython is probably up in his room tinkering.

Pharolvir, 8:04 PM

Pharolvir holds back a snicker.

Ann, 8:05 PM

He came in last night shihan asked us to keep an eye on him.

Pharolvir, 8:06 PM

"Mr. d'Amici was not in a state to be alone.  He was most vulnerable."

Hunter, 8:07 PM

Kiroth: Great. Great. Well, if there's another duel make sure you make them go outside. All of this furniture is custom-made.

Pharolvir, 8:08 PM

"...this may be an awkward question, but...your state of dress seems quite nice.  How much are such clothes here and where could I acquire them?"

Chance, 8:09 PM

Chance has skeletonized his fish.

Greenwich, 8:09 PM

Greenwich perks up. "I make clothes. Maybe not the best, but good clothes."

Hunter, 8:10 PM

Kiroth: What, this? I don't know, Shihan does all that kind of thing for me.

Hunter, 8:10 PM

Kiroth: I haven't got time to worry about what I look like.

Pharolvir, 8:10 PM

"...Shihan?  ...the drowish man?"

Hunter, 8:10 PM

Verandis returns with coffee and breakfast sandwiches for you guys and more coffee for his cranky brother.

Hunter, 8:11 PM

Kiroth: Oh, you've met him? Yes, my brother Shihan. Who is, I hope, sleeping off a very nasty hangover this morning. If there is any justice.

Greenwich, 8:12 PM

Greenwich is somewhat amusing to watch with both, on account of the beak.

Hunter, 8:13 PM

Ulisse, from behind you: Or you could leave it to me.

Hunter, 8:14 PM

Kiroth: Oh gods, why are you here? Do you want to start trouble?

Pharolvir, 8:14 PM

Pharolvir jumps a bit in his seat. "By Lolth...where did you come from?"

Hunter, 8:14 PM

Ulisse: Upstairs, of course. And I wouldn't dream of it. I'm not the one who started it in the first place.

Hunter, 8:15 PM

Kiroth:. Oh, didn't you. You might not have thrown the first punch but you knew what you were saying.

Chance, 8:15 PM

I hope you all like mackerel!

Hunter, 8:16 PM

Ulisse: Water under the dam. Besides, we settled it, it's over. I'm sure we can all... play nice.

Hunter, 8:16 PM

There is indeed mackerel for everybody.

Pharolvir, 8:17 PM

"................is there, by any chance, some fruit and sweet mold?"

Hunter, 8:17 PM

Verandis sighs. "If you're not going to leave, or if you're planning on coming back, do you mind if I at least warn Ylyndar so that he can punch a hole in the wall instead of through your face?"

Hunter, 8:18 PM

Ulisse: I would be most grateful.

Pharolvir, 8:18 PM

".............What happened between you two?"

Hunter, 8:18 PM

Verandis: … I'm not sure about the mold, but I know we've got fruit.

Hunter, 8:18 PM

Verandis disappears into the kitchen again.

Hunter, 8:19 PM

Ulisse: It's a long story.

Hunter, 8:19 PM

Kiroth: It is not.

Hunter, 8:19 PM

Ulisse: It's a very long story.

Hunter, 8:19 PM

Kiroth: "Blasphemy." Story over. See? Short. A very short story.

Pharolvir, 8:20 PM

"...I think I do require a slightly longer version.  I am familiar with duels, but...these circumstances are not what I am used to."

Hunter, 8:20 PM

Ulisse: Well, if you put it that way. I would say I said something offensive, Ylyndar was offended and a duel ensued.

Pharolvir, 8:20 PM

"...how offensive?"

Hunter, 8:21 PM

Ulisse: Not that offensive.

Hunter, 8:21 PM

Kiroth: Very offensive.

Ann, 8:21 PM

Offensive enough to attack you over

Hunter, 8:21 PM

Kiroth: And you knew it, too. You deliberately provoked him.

Pharolvir, 8:22 PM

"That's not very telling, Ann.  The last duel I saw between two young men was over flower arrangement."

Hunter, 8:22 PM

Ulisse: Ridiculous. Besides, that was all a very long time ago.

Hunter, 8:22 PM

Kiroth: Flower arrangement? What happened, did one of them have allergies? I have allergies.

Hunter, 8:24 PM

Verandis returns with a bowl of fruit and sweetmold (?) for Pharolvir.

Pharolvir, 8:24 PM

"It was about power.  Who got to design the flower arrangements for their brother's wedding."

Hunter, 8:24 PM

Verandis: Bastion knew what you meant. I hope it's good. He's very rarely wrong, though.

Pharolvir, 8:25 PM

Pharolvir tries some.

Hunter, 8:25 PM

Ulisse: Some people would say everything is about power.

Pharolvir, 8:25 PM

"That's very true."

Hunter, 8:26 PM

Kiroth: Some people like clichés. Well, stay here if you want, but don't blame me if you get a mace to the head. And don't break anything.

Hunter, 8:26 PM

Ulisse: I can't promise that. I can promise to pay for anything I break.

Hunter, 8:26 PM

Kiroth: Can you? Can you, Ulisse? Because I don't think hearts are something you can pay for.

Hunter, 8:27 PM

Kiroth glowers a bit, stands up and stalks away.

Pharolvir, 8:27 PM

"This mold is delicious.  Thank you Mr. Verandis and send a thanks to this Bastion as well."

Hunter, 8:27 PM

Ulisse: … touche.

Hunter, 8:28 PM

Verandis: I'll tell my little brother. And you don't need to call me Mr., that just sounds... odd.

Pharolvir, 8:29 PM

"Very well, Verandis."

Pharolvir, 8:29 PM

"...were you and Ylyndar...um...intimate, Ulisee?"

Pharolvir, 8:29 PM

"The "breaking hearts" indication there strikes me as...well..."

Hunter, 8:30 PM

Ulisse: … not in the sense you mean, no. We were friends, that's all.

Pharolvir, 8:30 PM

"Ah, ok then."

Hunter, 8:30 PM

Verandis eyes Ulisse but says nothing.

Hunter, 8:31 PM

Ulisse: … it was entirely my fault.

Chance, 8:31 PM

Chance is completely oblivious to any tension.

Pharolvir, 8:31 PM

"...no offense, Ulisee...but I can believe that."

Hunter, 8:31 PM

Roll Insight!

Hunter, 8:31 PM

Then roll Perception.

Pharolvir, 8:32 PM

((8 insight and 7 perception. Pharol's dump stat is Wisdom.))

Ann, 8:33 PM

((11 insight 26 perception))

Pharolvir, 8:34 PM

"...Verandis, which room would your brother Tython's lab be in?"

Hunter, 8:35 PM

Ulisse: None taken.

Hunter, 8:36 PM

Verandis: Room 501.

Hunter, 8:36 PM

He motions. "That way."

Hunter, 8:36 PM

Verandis: Take the stairs up to the fifth floor and then take a left. You can't miss it.

Chance, 8:37 PM

Chance takes Pharo's fish since he doesn't seem to be eating it.

Pharolvir, 8:38 PM

Pharolvir lets Chance.

Pharolvir, 8:39 PM

"Thank you.  Ulisee, if you were offering to help me find clothes earlier, perhaps I can take you up on that.  In a not creepy way.  Maybe Bobbin can help.  They seem to know clothing."

Pharolvir, 8:39 PM

Pharolvir stands up, smoothing out his skirt as he does so. "In the meantime, I may need to see this Tython.  He sounds...most fascinating."

Hunter, 8:40 PM

Ulisse: It's the least I can do.

Hunter, 8:40 PM

Ulisse: … and I certainly hope I'm not creepy.

Pharolvir, 8:40 PM

"You are significantly less creepy now than last night."

Hunter, 8:41 PM

Ulisse: … but still a little creepy? I shall certainly have to try harder.

Pharolvir, 8:41 PM

"If it helps, I am finding most people here a little creepy.  I am used to words meaning something other than what they seem to mean here.  Usually they mean less here."

Chance, 8:42 PM

What does creepy mean?

Chance, 8:42 PM

Chance is carrying the fish in a napkin and eating it like a turkey leg.

Hunter, 8:43 PM

Ulisse: I could try to be more straightforward.

Pharolvir, 8:44 PM

"You're fine.  In this case, it's probably me."

Hunter, 8:45 PM

Ulisse: Or more oblique, if you'd prefer.

Hunter, 8:45 PM

Roll Perception again!

Ann, 8:45 PM

((13))

Pharolvir, 8:45 PM

((10, one of these days, I will see what you want me to.))

Pharolvir, 8:47 PM

"I am going to go tell Tython about the water.  I didn't even get to the weirdest part about it, yet."

Chance, 8:48 PM

Which is what?

Ann, 8:48 PM

You got to no weird bits about it

Hunter, 8:48 PM

Ulisse: Now you intrigue me.

Pharolvir, 8:48 PM

"It's ALL only water."

Ann, 8:49 PM

And?

Pharolvir, 8:49 PM

"Nothing else.  No algae.  No pond scum.  No signs of life.  No sedintary minerals from the lake's base.  No external contamination from rain or snow.  You have likely drunk water less pure than this water."

Pharolvir, 8:50 PM

"No water existing in nature should be this clean."

Hunter, 8:51 PM

Ulisse frowns. "I have heard of pure snow being used to create magical simulacra before."

Hunter, 8:52 PM

He follows you guys up to Tython's room.

Hunter, 8:52 PM

But when you get there, he leans on the wall outside, out of view of the room's occupant.

Pharolvir, 8:53 PM

((What would I know about this pure snow?))

Chance, 8:54 PM

Chance looks for a trash barrel to put a fish skeleton into. If he can't find one, he finds a decorative urn of potpourrie and buries it in there.

Hunter, 8:54 PM

No urns, but there is a nice potted plant.

Hunter, 8:54 PM

And then hey, fertilizer!

Pharolvir, 8:55 PM

Pharolvir watches his compatriot hide trash in a potted plant and sighs.

Pharolvir, 8:55 PM

Pharolvir will knock on Tython's door.

Chance, 8:55 PM

Good for soil!

Hunter, 8:55 PM

Ulisse says nothing, but looks amused.

Hunter, 8:55 PM

Voice from inside: Uh, hi! Just a second!

Hunter, 8:56 PM

After a minute or two, the voice says: Right, well. Come on in!

Pharolvir, 8:56 PM

Pharolvir does so.

Ann, 8:57 PM

Ann Nesia follows

Hunter, 8:59 PM

All of you head in; Ulisse stays out.

Pharolvir, 8:59 PM

Pharolvir notes this

Hunter, 9:00 PM

The room you enter is very cluttered, with tables and desks and cupboards, all absolutely chock-full of stuff: glassware, books, skulls, intricate wooden boxes, cages with animals inside of them, and all other manner of bric-a-brac.

Hunter, 9:01 PM

There's an entire desk of glassware set up to be doing... something, with oddly-colored liquids simmering away and one or two emitting pale green smoke.

Hunter, 9:01 PM

There's no sign of anyone there.

Pharolvir, 9:02 PM

"...this is a very impressive dilution set-up."

Pharolvir, 9:02 PM

"It's all so very intricate and precise."

Pharolvir, 9:03 PM

Pharolvir tries to get a close look at the two simmering liquids to see what he can deduce about them.

Chance, 9:03 PM

Chance lookks at some glasswear.

Chance, 9:03 PM

Is he invisible?

Ann, 9:03 PM

Ann Nesia looks at the caged animals

Chance, 9:04 PM

Chance pokes at an empty glass beaker on a desk.

Chance, 9:04 PM

Chance pokes it closer to the edge.

Pharolvir, 9:05 PM

Pharolvir stops him. "NO!"

Pharolvir, 9:05 PM

"No."

Hunter, 9:05 PM

There's a growl from the next room!

Hunter, 9:05 PM

And out walks a largish tiger! Initiative!

Pharolvir, 9:05 PM

((18))

Chance, 9:05 PM

I think this is the wrong room. We didn't want the tiger room.

Pharolvir, 9:06 PM

"...I don't suppose you speak tiger?"

Chance, 9:06 PM

I feel like that is racist.

Chance, 9:06 PM

((7))

Ann, 9:06 PM

((11))

Pharolvir, 9:06 PM

"Sorry.  Might be panicking just a bit."

Hunter, 9:07 PM

Round 1: Pharol, Ann, Chance!

Hunter, 9:07 PM

** Pharolvir **

Pharolvir, 9:09 PM

Pharolvir will start digging through his bag and pull out a vial of acid, which he chucks in front of the tiger in the hopes that will deter it from getting closer.

Pharolvir, 9:09 PM

((I cast acid splash, really, cause I don't get my own potions yet)

Hunter, 9:10 PM

The floor sizzles and the acid starts to eat away at it! Roll damage!

Pharolvir, 9:10 PM

((But I wanna flavor it as potions.))

Hunter, 9:10 PM

Sounds good!

Pharolvir, 9:10 PM

((3 dam))

Hunter, 9:10 PM

** Ann **

Hunter, 9:10 PM

The floor is sizzling!

Ann, 9:13 PM

Ann Nesia will run up to the tiger bonus action cast shillegah on staff and then wait to see what the tiger does

Hunter, 9:13 PM

** Chance **

Hunter, 9:15 PM

** Chance ** ?

Chance, 9:15 PM

((Sorry!))

Chance, 9:15 PM

Chance puts Hexblade's Curse on the Tiger, then pulls out a hand crossbow and takes a shot.

Hunter, 9:16 PM

Roll!

Chance, 9:16 PM

((8, so we'll call it a warning shot.))

Hunter, 9:16 PM

You miss!

Hunter, 9:16 PM

** Tiger **

Hunter, 9:17 PM

The tiger sits back on its haunches and yowls. Then it says "You shot at me. You can't shoot things in here, this is an alchemy lab. Do you know how dangerous that is?"

Hunter, 9:17 PM

End initiative.

Chance, 9:18 PM

You said we could come in!

Ann, 9:18 PM

... you’re upset about the arrow but not the floor?

Hunter, 9:18 PM

Tiger: Yes, but I didn't say you could shoot things all over the place!

Hunter, 9:18 PM

Tiger: If you're going to shoot things, the floor is less dangerous. Besides, I drop things on the floor all the time.

Hunter, 9:19 PM

Tiger: After I burned a hole into the basement Shihan found me some more resilient flooring.

Pharolvir, 9:19 PM

"...I am terribly sorry.  We thought you were a loosed test subject."

Hunter, 9:19 PM

Tiger: I reinforced it with some... well, you probably don't want to know.

Pharolvir, 9:20 PM

"...or...I did, at least."

Ann, 9:20 PM

Did we I just figured we were getting attacked with big cats today since wolves was yesterday

Hunter, 9:20 PM

Tiger: … well, I was testing a ring I made, but it doesn't seem to be working quite as well as it should.

Chance, 9:20 PM

Is it a tiger ring?

Pharolvir, 9:21 PM

"Oh, I do!  Is it a magic resistance, or are you using the excrements of a plant with strongly resistant dew?  ...or could it be some sort of animal casing, like a modified beetle exterior?"

Hunter, 9:21 PM

Tiger: It is. I thought it would be useful in battle. You know, you're set upon by thieves and then all of a sudden rrarrr, rarr.

Hunter, 9:21 PM

The tiger paws the air in front of him vaguely.

Pharolvir, 9:22 PM

"...could be useful, but could leave you somewhat vulnerable.  Tigers cannot handle wands or crossbows."

Hunter, 9:22 PM

Tiger: It's beaten dragonscale, actually, thinly layered.

Hunter, 9:22 PM

Tiger: True, but they can jump. I don't know, maybe it's less useful for combat and more useful for hunting, or jumping long distances. Or... finding a sunbeam. I don't know.

Hunter, 9:23 PM

Tiger: Personally I'm feeling very short and much hairier than usual, and having a tail is just... odd.

Ann, 9:23 PM

You have claws and teeth who needs a crossbow?

Pharolvir, 9:23 PM

"OH!  Oh, that's brilliant.  Not just durable, but resistant to most harmful effects.  Let me guess, black?  That'd make the most sense, as it would resist acids.  Let me see how my burn's doing.  Did it eat through?  Could be greenforpoison,butthenthat'd--"

Hunter, 9:23 PM

Tiger: Wughhh, I'm not going to bite someone.

Hunter, 9:23 PM

Tiger: I don't know where they've been.

Chance, 9:24 PM

Chance nods. "That's how you get germs."

Hunter, 9:24 PM

Tiger: Silver and gold layered, mostly.

Hunter, 9:24 PM

The burn made it through most of the wood, but it did indeed stop for the thin layer of iridescent scaling material underneath.

Hunter, 9:24 PM

Tiger: Exactly.

Hunter, 9:25 PM

Tiger: I'm not saying I'd never do it, but that's definitely a last resort.

Pharolvir, 9:25 PM

"OH!  Could you maybe reduce the initial effect and leave the wearer a sort of mix.  Could likely make it more unstable, but with a stronger enchantment, you'd have a much more effective pairing."

Hunter, 9:25 PM

Tiger: Like a weretiger? That might work. I'll have to figure out what to do about the pants, though.

Hunter, 9:26 PM

Tiger: When you're all tiger you don't have to worry about pants.

Pharolvir, 9:26 PM

Pharolvir beams at the encouragement.

Hunter, 9:26 PM

Tiger: … although I feel weirdly naked now.

Pharolvir, 9:26 PM

"...did your clothes morph with you when you transformed?"

Hunter, 9:26 PM

Tiger: … they're supposed to do that?

Hunter, 9:27 PM

There's a feeling of increased pressure in the room, suddenly, and then an odd pop.

Pharolvir, 9:27 PM

"I don't know, but it'd be more efficient if that were an option."

Hunter, 9:27 PM

Suddenly there's a nude green man standing in front of you.

Hunter, 9:27 PM

Tiger: Aaaaand now I am naked. Right. Great.

Pharolvir, 9:27 PM

Pharolvir turns absolutely violet and turns away to not look.

Hunter, 9:27 PM

He steps behind some of the glassware. Which is, unfortunately, mostly made of glass and totally see-through.

Hunter, 9:28 PM

Naked Guy: … right, I'm just going to get my robes.

Pharolvir, 9:28 PM

"Soundsgoodwellbeherekthanks."

Hunter, 9:28 PM

He flees back into the other room, and returns in about 20 seconds.

Hunter, 9:30 PM

He's actually a tallish, rather large orcish man, with green skin and untidy dark hair. When he returns he's wearing a set of dark robes, underneath a heavy leather apron with a lot of stains and scratches on it. He's also grabbed a pair of safety goggles and put them on his head.

Hunter, 9:30 PM

Tython: Right. Well. That was awkward! Sorry.

Pharolvir, 9:31 PM

"...you're much bigger than I was expecting."

Chance, 9:31 PM

I am sorry about the arrow.

Chance, 9:31 PM

Chance withdraws his curse.

Hunter, 9:31 PM

Tython: I know. Dad said I ate too much beef as a kid.

Hunter, 9:32 PM

Tython: Oh, don't worry about it. I'm sure we'll find it eventually.

Pharolvir, 9:32 PM

Pharolvir is looking on Tython with a look of very strong admiration.

Chance, 9:32 PM

Pharo wants to talk to you about water.

Ann, 9:33 PM

Water from the lake that attacked us

Hunter, 9:33 PM

Tython: … water?

Pharolvir, 9:34 PM

"Yes!  It's really fascinating stuff.  ...I think...I've uh...I've only been able to run a couple tests so far."

Hunter, 9:34 PM

Tython: Well, water is often considered an unusually malleable substance, vis a vis alchemy, and as such it can serve as a carrier for a number of things. It's also very versatile, given that you can fairly easily turn it into a gas or a solid. Lots of uses for water.

Hunter, 9:34 PM

Tython: Are you trying to dig a well, or something?

Ann, 9:34 PM

Like turning into a wolf and trying to eat you?

Pharolvir, 9:34 PM

"No, this relates to the lake behind your property."

Hunter, 9:34 PM

Tython: … what?

Pharolvir, 9:35 PM

Pharolvir takes out the vial of water. "I was able to get this sample off of what was, at the time, a rather largish wolf.  After fighting it off, it melted or detransmogrified back to its original state.  Water."

Pharolvir, 9:36 PM

"And I do mean water.  This is the truly incredible part, it's completely uncontaminated.  Water from a lake out in nature and yet there is literally nothing in this sample that is neither hydrogen or oxygen at a 2-1 ratio."

Hunter, 9:37 PM

Tython: … huh. Well, that's weird.

Hunter, 9:37 PM

Tython: Is someone constructing simulacra or something?

Pharolvir, 9:38 PM

"That's what Ulisee suggested.  It's possible the whole plane in your backyard is crafted to manufacture these simulacra."

Hunter, 9:39 PM

Tython: The whole plane?

Hunter, 9:40 PM

Tython: But I checked … hmm.

Pharolvir, 9:40 PM

"It's the only way I can see the environment being this controlled.  Either that or it's under some kind of containment field.  This did not occur naturally, is all I can tell you."

Hunter, 9:41 PM

Tython: All the places we put entrances are supposed to lead to locations in our own plane, though.

Pharolvir, 9:43 PM

"...is it possible someone has tampered with your entrance?"

Hunter, 9:43 PM

Tython: Maybe. I can't see someone making distilled water in a lake.

Hunter, 9:43 PM

Tython: Merpeople or something, that kind of thing.

Chance, 9:43 PM

Perhaps there is an evil temple under the lake.

Chance, 9:43 PM

Or a good temple.

Chance, 9:44 PM

Either way, it's haunted.

Ann, 9:44 PM

So what we should go check the lake again?

Pharolvir, 9:44 PM

"I'm not sure it is haunted."

Pharolvir, 9:45 PM

"If these were specters, the lake would have ectoplasmic traces, I believe."

Hunter, 9:45 PM

Tython: … if it happens again, you'll get more samples, right?

Pharolvir, 9:45 PM

"I would love to!"

Hunter, 9:45 PM

Tython: I have some connections to the university, if we had some more, enough to establish a pattern, we could bring it there.

Hunter, 9:46 PM

A rat rattles the door of its cage.

Chance, 9:47 PM

Chance stares the rat down.

Ann, 9:47 PM

So we need to get more water from the lake

Pharolvir, 9:48 PM

"...what about your lab here?  Maybe we could find something here I couldn't on my own."

Hunter, 9:49 PM

Tython: I don't have the equipment for that. I'm hoping to get an arcanospectrometer eventually, but, well... they're not exactly cheap.

Hunter, 9:49 PM

The rat squeaks defiantly at Chance!

Hunter, 9:49 PM

Roll intimidate!

Hunter, 9:49 PM

Or... Persuasion or whatever it is now.

Pharolvir, 9:50 PM

Pharolvir nods. "Ok.  We can investigate the lake more, then."

Chance, 9:50 PM

((16.  There's Intimidate, Persuasion, and Deception still.))

Ann, 9:50 PM

Maybe the lake won’t be angry this time

Hunter, 9:50 PM

The rat is totally unimpressed, and chitters scoldingly at Chance.

Hunter, 9:51 PM

Tython: Just be careful, all right? And if you get hurt see if you can find Ylyndar.

Pharolvir, 9:51 PM

"I think the simulacrum explains the monsters, though.  It's making them from other animals in the woods."

Pharolvir, 9:52 PM

"...but again...that raises the question how that lake is able to be kept clean in this environment."

Hunter, 9:52 PM

Tython: The whole lake can't be clean. That's not possible, the second a twig fell in or... even contact with the sand or rocks.

Pharolvir, 9:53 PM

"That's what I thought, but any water you add into it would also become contaminated, wouldn't it?"

Hunter, 9:54 PM

Tython: Yes. … it's bizarre.

Hunter, 9:54 PM

The rat continues to scold Chance.

Pharolvir, 9:54 PM

"...is the rat someone wearing a rat ring, or just a rat?"

Chance, 9:54 PM

Chance turns the rat hot pink with Presti.

Hunter, 9:55 PM

The rat scolds! And then notices they're pink, grabs their tail in alarm, and then, agitated, runs back and forth a few times, squeaking in alarm.

Pharolvir, 9:55 PM

"Aw!  He's so cute now!"

Hunter, 9:56 PM

Tython: It's a rat, but I caught it near the mage's college. Odds are it's... enhanced.

Hunter, 9:56 PM

Tython: Originally I was just going to take some of its fur and let it go, but it kept coming back and eating holes in my socks.

Ann, 9:56 PM

Ann Nesia casts speak with animals ”calm down”

Pharolvir, 9:57 PM

"Ann, tell him he's super cute now if he wants to stay like that."

Chance, 10:00 PM

HE seems like a jerk.

Ann, 10:02 PM

Ann Nesia chitters are the rat for a bit

Ann, 10:03 PM

He thinks you are the jerk

Hunter, 10:03 PM

The rat talks back to her.

Hunter, 10:03 PM

Tython: Huh.

Chance, 10:03 PM

He is, in fact, the jerk.

Ann, 10:03 PM

If you unlock the cage he will come with me ,he was upset you shaved him

Ann, 10:04 PM

He is not and he doesn’t want to be pink.

Hunter, 10:04 PM

Tython: Huh. Fair enough. I needed the fur as a reagent.

Chance, 10:04 PM

Fine. I will be the bigger person.

Hunter, 10:04 PM

Tython, to the rat: Sorry.

Chance, 10:05 PM

Chance turns the rat his normal color.

Pharolvir, 10:05 PM

"That's still pretty cute."

Ann, 10:05 PM

If you don’t shave any more rats he accepts your apology

Hunter, 10:06 PM

The rat goes back to its usual color!

Hunter, 10:06 PM

Tython: … I suppose I could use mouse fur next time. Very well, done.

Pharolvir, 10:06 PM

Pharolvir will try and give the rat pets.

Hunter, 10:06 PM

The rat accepts this.

Hunter, 10:08 PM

Tython lets the rat out, and it climbs onto Ann's shoulder.

Pharolvir, 10:08 PM

"And now you have a cute rat bud."

Hunter, 10:09 PM

Tython: He's really smart. He kept picking the lock of his cage.

Ann, 10:11 PM

Ann Nesia lightly pets the rat

Hunter, 10:11 PM

The rat seems to enjoy this.

Hunter, 10:11 PM

Tython: Well, that's one less cage to clean out, I guess.

Pharolvir, 10:12 PM

"Thank you so much for your time, Tython."

Hunter, 10:13 PM

Tython: Oh, any time.

Pharolvir, 10:13 PM

"I...um...if you ever need help with a potion or an item or something...I tinker myself...could be fun to work together."

Hunter, 10:14 PM

Tython: Sure! It's always nice to talk to someone who doesn't fall asleep when I talk.

Pharolvir, 10:14 PM

"I wouldn't know.  ...men don't do any of this back home.  None I've met, anyway."

Pharolvir, 10:15 PM

"And the women I spoke to about it found it very dull.  They were really not interested."

Hunter, 10:16 PM

Tython: Really? I should introduce you to some of my coworkers some time.

Pharolvir, 10:16 PM

"...you have coworkers?!?"

Pharolvir, 10:17 PM

Pharolvir is beaming

Hunter, 10:17 PM

Tython: Well, I'm a part-time adjunct professor.

Pharolvir, 10:18 PM

"............................."

Hunter, 10:19 PM

Tython: … are you all right?

Pharolvir, 10:20 PM

Pharolvir is crying a little bit.

Pharolvir, 10:20 PM

"Y-yeah, I'm sorry.  I'm good.  I'm good."

Hunter, 10:21 PM

Tython: Hey, I'm sorry. I have no idea what I said but I'm very sorry.

Chance, 10:21 PM

Hmm. I will need better equipment if we are revisiting the lake. Do you know of any appropriate shops for... adventuring gear?

Hunter, 10:21 PM

Tython hands Pharol a very clean hanky from a stack in a cabinet.

Pharolvir, 10:22 PM

Pharolvir takes it, dabs and blows and hands it back. "Thank you."

Hunter, 10:22 PM

Tython: Hmm, you should talk to Shihan. He can find anything.

Hunter, 10:22 PM

Tython prestis the hanky clean and sets it down.

Pharolvir, 10:24 PM

"...ok, I think we're good.  Shihan for supplies, you for knowledge, and...I uh...I'm gonna go."

Chance, 10:24 PM

Who is Vittorio to all of you?

Hunter, 10:26 PM

Tython: Who?

Ann, 10:26 PM

Drinks tea here, hired us to check out the lake

Hunter, 10:27 PM

Tython: Never heard of him.

Pharolvir, 10:27 PM

"Yeah, I figured he worked for you."

Ann, 10:27 PM

Ann Nesia pulls out the ring “this is maybe a symbol of his”

Chance, 10:27 PM

The only one who knows him so far is Verandis.

Chance, 10:28 PM

Oh right! The rings, I forgot those.

Hunter, 10:29 PM

Tython: … oh, that's the d'Amici family crest, isn't it?

Hunter, 10:29 PM

Tython: The cup and dagger.

Pharolvir, 10:30 PM

"...wait...he's a d'Amici too?"

Hunter, 10:30 PM

Tython: As far as I know we don't have any d'Amicis working for us. They're dangerous people.

Pharolvir, 10:30 PM

"...but this does mean that Ulisee would know who he is."

Hunter, 10:30 PM

Tython: Ulisse? Is he a friend of yours?

Pharolvir, 10:31 PM

"...um...I guess?  He seems to have a room here."

Ann, 10:31 PM

Ann Nesia goes out into the hall to see if ulisse is still there

Hunter, 10:31 PM

Tython: He does? Hoo boy, well. I'm not gonna be the one to tell Ylyndar.

Hunter, 10:31 PM

Ulisse is not.

Ann, 10:32 PM

Ann Nesia comes back in moving a little carefully to not bounce the rat around

Hunter, 10:33 PM

The rat seems pretty chill up there!

Hunter, 10:33 PM

Tython: I like not being smote. Smitten. Whatever. I like to not be hit by large weapons and angry magic.

Pharolvir, 10:34 PM

"Ylyndar's a priest, I take it?"

Pharolvir, 10:35 PM

"When Kiroth mentioned blasphemy, he meant literal blasphemy."

Hunter, 10:35 PM

Tython: Yeah. What blasphemy are we talking about now?

Ann, 10:36 PM

whatever caused the duel

Hunter, 10:37 PM

Tython: Ohhhh. Yeah, that was... not good.

Hunter, 10:38 PM

Tython sighs. "It was a whole thing. They were really close for a while, and then they tried to kill each other. So that went well."

Pharolvir, 10:39 PM

"It was a duel to the death?"

Hunter, 10:41 PM

Tython: I don't know. It wasn't good. It wasn't... good.

Pharolvir, 10:41 PM

"...I think we should go talk to him."

Chance, 10:42 PM

It sounds like we're going to have to.

Pharolvir, 10:42 PM

Pharolvir nods.

Pharolvir, 10:42 PM

"Think he might've gone back to his room?"

Hunter, 10:42 PM

Tython: Ylyndar?

Pharolvir, 10:43 PM

"Oh, him too."

Chance, 10:43 PM

Yeah, I figured we were going to have to talk to Ylyndar about gear. Not meddle in personal lives.

Pharolvir, 10:43 PM

"No, he said Shihan's who we talk to about gear."

Hunter, 10:43 PM

Tython: Yeah, I wouldn't. Not about Ulisse, anyway.

Chance, 10:43 PM

OH, right!

Chance, 10:44 PM

Shihan.

Pharolvir, 10:44 PM

"Shihan seems...weird."

Hunter, 10:44 PM

Tython: Well, we're all weird, really. What makes you say that, though?

Pharolvir, 10:45 PM

"He just seems very...open.  I'm not used to it."

Pharolvir, 10:45 PM

"Especially from another drow."

Pharolvir, 10:45 PM

"Has he ever been to the Underdark?"

Hunter, 10:46 PM

Tython: Not that I know of. We were all pretty little when we were adopted.

Chance, 10:47 PM

You're adopted?

Pharolvir, 10:47 PM

"...I feel that part was very obvious."

Hunter, 10:47 PM

Tython: Yeah, all of us are. Well, not Verandis.

Chance, 10:47 PM

Why?

Hunter, 10:47 PM

Tython: Why what?

Chance, 10:47 PM

Why would it be obvious, I mean.

Pharolvir, 10:48 PM

"Cause they're all completely different peoples."

Pharolvir, 10:48 PM

"Elves, drow, orc."

Pharolvir, 10:48 PM

"Human."

Hunter, 10:49 PM

Tython: We all grew up together, though. Dad had to pull some serious magic for that to work out.

Chance, 10:49 PM

They smell like brothers. And everyone looks weird when you shave them.

Pharolvir, 10:51 PM

"I am not shaved, thank you very much."

Chance, 10:51 PM

It is a metaphor.

Hunter, 10:51 PM

Tython: I shave, or I'd have a beard in like, a day and a half.

Chance, 10:52 PM

A very profound one.

Chance, 10:52 PM

If you don't get it, then that's sad for you.

Pharolvir, 10:52 PM

"I can't grow a beard.  Thank goodness.  I imagine it'd look horrible."

Pharolvir, 10:53 PM

"I think talking to Ulisee again could be useful, as well as Shihan."

Hunter, 10:54 PM

Tython: All right. I mean, you can definitely talk to Ylyndar too, just... probably don't mention Ulisse.

Pharolvir, 10:54 PM

"I understand.  I won't bring it up."

Hunter, 10:55 PM

Tython: Okay. Well, thanks for taking the rat off my hands. See you later!

Pharolvir, 10:55 PM

Pharolvir nods and leaves.

Ann, 10:55 PM

Ann Nesia follows

Hunter, 10:56 PM

You guys wanna keep going or should we stop there for the night?

Pharolvir, 10:56 PM

((I do!))

Chance, 10:57 PM

(I'm down to keep going.))

Pharolvir, 10:59 PM

Pharolvir will go and try to find Ulisee in his room.

Hunter, 11:02 PM

Ulisse is right outside in the hallway, leaning against the wall as if he was there the whole time.

Chance, 11:02 PM

Chance reluctantly goes with Pharo.

Pharolvir, 11:02 PM

"Oh.  Hello."

Pharolvir, 11:02 PM

"I'm amazed you waited."

Hunter, 11:03 PM

Ulisse: I didn't. I had to talk to someone.

Pharolvir, 11:03 PM

"Vittorio?"

Hunter, 11:03 PM

Ulisse blinks. "Who?"

Pharolvir, 11:03 PM

((INSIGHT CHECK!))

Hunter, 11:03 PM

Roll for it!

Pharolvir, 11:04 PM

((8!  ...Pharo's bad for this sort of thing! :) ))

Chance, 11:04 PM

((Me neither!))

Pharolvir, 11:05 PM

"Nobody important I guess."

Pharolvir, 11:06 PM

"You said you could hook me up with new clothes, help me fit in better.  Can we do that now?"

Hunter, 11:06 PM

Ulisse: I already made arrangements. They'll be here in an hour or so.

Pharolvir, 11:07 PM

Pharolvir nods. "Quake check, then."

Hunter, 11:08 PM

Ulisse: … quake?

Pharolvir, 11:09 PM

"Yeah, you know, when you had plans, but have to reschedule cause a quake hit and ruined it."

Hunter, 11:10 PM

Ulisse: Oh, I see. No, you misunderstand. I mean I made arrangements for the shops to send people here as soon as they could.

Pharolvir, 11:10 PM

"...oh.  ...uh...wow, ok."

Hunter, 11:12 PM

Ulisse: … of course if you'd rather go to them, that can also be arranged.

Pharolvir, 11:12 PM

"No, this is fine...just...unexpected.  Even my family couldn't pull that with all the stores."

Hunter, 11:13 PM

Ulisse: I didn't ask all of them. Only the good ones.

Pharolvir, 11:14 PM

"...I see...I think I can spare some time.  Can I just stop and see Shihan with Chance real quick?  We wanted to get some new gear before we go back out to the lake."

Hunter, 11:14 PM

Ulisse: Of course.

Chance, 11:15 PM

Chance nods.

Pharolvir, 11:15 PM

"...thank you this is...very generous."

Pharolvir, 11:16 PM

"Um...when I'm done maybe we can meet back at your room, since I know where it is--WE both know where it is."

Hunter, 11:17 PM

Ulisse nods. "It's a suite and there's plenty of rooms in it. You can all stay there if you like. There's a private kitchen and dining room."

Pharolvir, 11:19 PM

"...Chance, that doesn't seem necessary, does it?  We do have our own rooms here from Verandis."

Chance, 11:19 PM

Chance nods. "Thanks for the offer, but yes, we do have our own rooms."

Pharolvir, 11:21 PM

"...I think we should get going.  We'll see you later."

Hunter, 11:21 PM

Ulisse: Of course.

Pharolvir, 11:21 PM

Pharolvir goes with Chance to find Shihan.

Chance, 11:22 PM

So apparently he might be hung over.

Pharolvir, 11:22 PM

"Shihan?  Likely.  He seemed to be only a couple drinks behind Ulisee."

Hunter, 11:22 PM

You ask around until you find someone who knows where Shihan's room is, and it turns out it's near Tython's. Pretty soon you're out there waiting.

Pharolvir, 11:23 PM

"...I'm not wrong, right?  Ulisee gives off a vaguely creepy vibe?"

Pharolvir, 11:24 PM

((Asking Chance ))

Chance, 11:25 PM

I do not have a good barometer for that. I have mostly known criminals.

Pharolvir, 11:25 PM

"...................what?!?"

Hunter, 11:25 PM

You can knock or whatever on Shihan's door if you want, btw. Or not. Up to you.

Chance, 11:26 PM

Chance knocks!

Chance, 11:26 PM

Oh yes. Pirates and thieves.

Hunter, 11:26 PM

No answer!

Pharolvir, 11:27 PM

"...Shihan!  You awake?!?"

Hunter, 11:28 PM

There's a muffled curse, and Shihan opens the door, red-eyed (more so than usual even for a Drow) and shirtless. "I'm awake *now.*"

Chance, 11:29 PM

Maybe we should have not yelled!

Pharolvir, 11:29 PM

"You're the one who wanted to see him."

Hunter, 11:29 PM

Shihan winces. "Yes, if you could keep it down that would be lovely."

Chance, 11:30 PM

WE were told to talk to you about getting kitted out.

Hunter, 11:30 PM

Shihan rubs his eyes. "... for what?"

Chance, 11:31 PM

Adventure! …. adventure.

Pharolvir, 11:31 PM

"Fighting water simulacrae."

Pharolvir, 11:31 PM

"But also adventure."

Chance, 11:31 PM

Chance says the second word quieter.

Hunter, 11:32 PM

Shihan: Fighting water what now?

Hunter, 11:32 PM

Shihan: … look, why don't you come in and we can sit down and I can turn the lights back off.

Pharolvir, 11:33 PM

"Sounds good to me."

Pharolvir, 11:33 PM

Pharolvir enters.

Chance, 11:33 PM

Chance follows.

Hunter, 11:34 PM

The room is exactly the same as Tython's in size and shape, but this one's kitted out as a living room/sitting room style of thing. Shihan gestures to the couches, sits down and turns the lamp all the way down.

Pharolvir, 11:35 PM

Pharolvir sits down as well and is not at all bothered by the dark.

Hunter, 11:35 PM

Shihan: All right, what exactly do you need?

Hunter, 11:36 PM

Shihan: … and is Ulisse all right?

Chance, 11:36 PM

Oh, he's obnoxiously cheery.

Pharolvir, 11:36 PM

"Incredibly.  ...also...like...is he always like this?"

Hunter, 11:36 PM

Shihan: Like what?

Pharolvir, 11:37 PM

"Um...involved?  But like...I dunno.  He just offered to have us live with him in his suite."

Pharolvir, 11:37 PM

"It's like...a lot."

Hunter, 11:38 PM

Shihan: … he's planning on staying here? … that might present some complications.

Hunter, 11:38 PM

Shihan rubs his forehead, though I'm not sure if Chance can see that.

Pharolvir, 11:38 PM

...I guess?

Hunter, 11:39 PM

Shihan: He can be pretty impulsive. And likes to give people things.

Hunter, 11:40 PM

Shihan: … I don't think things mean much to him.

Pharolvir, 11:40 PM

"...just...give them things?  ...without anything back?"

Hunter, 11:41 PM

Shihan: Anything back such as?

Pharolvir, 11:42 PM

"Money, favors....certain kinds of favors......magic items?  Just...some form of leverage."

Hunter, 11:43 PM

Shihan: Oh, you mean sex. That would... not be one of the things he's lacking. If he wants to buy that this is literally a brothel, you know, albeit a temple brothel. Which is a whole different discussion.

Pharolvir, 11:44 PM

"Where I'm from, some women find it better to convince men with gifts and doting until they can make the male feel that their "owed"."

Pharolvir, 11:45 PM

"I am not saying Ulisee is like that, but the way he frames the offers feels...very familiar."

Hunter, 11:48 PM

Shihan: I doubt it. I once saw him give his house in the gilded quarter to a waiter because, and I quote, "he looked tired."

Pharolvir, 11:48 PM

"...ok...so he's not creepy...he's just insane."

Chance, 11:49 PM

Or constantly inebriated. Also rich.

Pharolvir, 11:49 PM

"My family is rich.  They would not do that."

Hunter, 11:49 PM

Shihan: … not constantly, but usually, yes. I can't keep up with that sort of thing, and honestly, I don't want to.

Hunter, 11:49 PM

Shihan: He wasn't always like this.

Hunter, 11:52 PM

Shihan: I probably shouldn't be telling you any of this.

Pharolvir, 11:52 PM

"Probably not."

Hunter, 11:53 PM

Shihan: I don't know what happened. When he was young we were all friends.

Hunter, 11:55 PM

Shihan: Back then he was a lot more... normal, I guess. He's always hated his family, mind you.

Hunter, 11:55 PM

Shihan: I don't remember him ever drinking to excess back then. I'm not even sure he drank at all. That was before the absentia, of course.

Pharolvir, 11:56 PM

Pharolvir looks over at Chance, suddenly very uncomfortable.

Chance, 11:56 PM

Chance thinks.

Hunter, 11:57 PM

Shihan: Before that he used to get in constant arguments with the family over money. He had all these projects.

Hunter, 11:58 PM

Shihan: Some of them were quite expensive, as I recall.

Chance, 11:58 PM

What kind of projects?

Hunter, 12:00 AM

Shihan: Oh, all sorts of things. A group dedicated to offering small loans, some charity that arranged excess restaurant food to go to food shelves. He donated a lot of funds to get the local temple of Sune renovated, that's how he met Ylyndar.

Hunter, 12:01 AM

Shihan: There were a couple of orphanages too.

Pharolvir, 12:02 AM

"So he was a philanthropist."

Hunter, 12:03 AM

Shihan: Yes. And not in a way that was particularly marketable.

Pharolvir, 12:04 AM

"...I can see why his family didn't like this."

Hunter, 12:05 AM

Shihan: The expense was an issue, the lack of public recognition was also an issue for them.

Hunter, 12:05 AM

Shihan: These days he probably puts almost as much money up his nose or down his throat, of course.

Pharolvir, 12:06 AM

"...I see."

Pharolvir, 12:07 AM

Pharolvir gets up. "I think I have what I need to face the water monsters.  Chance likely has a better idea what to ask for."

Hunter, 12:09 AM

Shihan: All right. … sorry, it's still hard to talk about it. We were very close friends at one point. I don't know if there's any of that Ulisse left. And I really don't know why he came here last night.

Pharolvir, 12:10 AM

"It's ok.  You miss your friend and worry about him.  That makes sense."

Pharolvir, 12:11 AM

"And he offered to buy me...like...multiple stores worth of clothing, so I guess I will have a lot of time to find out."

Hunter, 12:12 AM

Shihan: Did he? I'd suggest taking him up on it. I don't know what sort of things he spends time on now that he doesn't have any pet projects, but it's possible he's just bored.

Chance, 12:12 AM

Probably.

Hunter, 12:13 AM

Shihan: And boredom is one of the few problems that can go away if you throw enough money at it. Well. Anyway. Let me know what you need and I'll get it.

Pharolvir, 12:13 AM

"I will accept, but I am not going to become a pet project.  I think you can understand my apprehension there."

Hunter, 12:15 AM

Shihan: That's very sensible. Don't let him push you around. Or choose colors, really, or everything you own will be shades of red, silver and black. I bought him a blue shirt one time and he looked at me like I was a mad person.

Pharolvir, 12:16 AM

"Silver and black are nice, but I do prefer a wider array."

Pharolvir, 12:16 AM

"Ok, I'm gonna go meet with him."

Pharolvir, 12:16 AM

"I will see you both later."

Hunter, 12:16 AM

Shihan nods. "Good luck."

Pharolvir, 12:16 AM

Pharolvir gives him a thumbs up and leaves.

Chance, 12:17 AM

Chance waves.

Hunter, 12:19 AM

Shihan eyes Chance. "I feel like I've met you before. I might be wrong about that, though."

Chance, 12:19 AM

Last night. You had us babysit Ulisse.

Hunter, 12:19 AM

Shihan: I meant before that. Well, it's not that important. What do you need?

Chance, 12:20 AM

Well, gear, generally. I was told you were the one to talk to but I really just wanted to be pointed at a shop or something.

Hunter, 12:21 AM

Shihan: Ah. They might have thought you meant something that was... difficult to obtain.

Chance, 12:22 AM

…. are shields rare here?

Hunter, 12:22 AM

Shihan: Not at all. Then again, neither is most actual contraband. It's a big city.

Chance, 12:23 AM

I am definitely not looking for contraband!

Hunter, 12:23 AM

Shihan: Oh good, that always makes things harder.

Hunter, 12:23 AM

He smiles, though again, I'm not sure if Chance has darkvision or not.

Pharolvir, 12:24 AM

((Tabaxi have darkvision, I'm pretty sure))

Chance, 12:24 AM

((Yep!))

Hunter, 12:24 AM

((Oh good.))

Chance, 12:25 AM

I mean. What kind of contraband are we not talking about? Valuable?

Hunter, 12:26 AM

Shihan: It depends on what you need.

Chance, 12:30 AM

I don't need anything. But if we're going to be solving the mystery of the haunted lake, we might need things like potions, magical items. Where would I go for that?

Hunter, 12:32 AM

Shihan: Easy, and very legal. Kezetta's, at the corner of Fourth Avenue north and Farmer Street.

Chance, 12:34 AM

Perfect! What exit do I take for that, and also, can I go out your window?

Chance, 12:35 AM

((Freeze frame. Roll credits.))

Hunter, 12:35 AM

((Hahah, perfect.))