033i

[6/15/2014 9:58:32 PM] Kali: Okay, let's start in the evening after a long, uneventful day (except arguably for Isk).

[6/15/2014 9:58:51 PM] Iskandar: Poor Isk.

[6/15/2014 9:59:31 PM] Wynn: Wynn has likely been in the training room for some time.

[6/15/2014 10:03:25 PM] Nilani: Nilani is up again. She is currently in the bubble, watching the stars. (or waiting for them to come out)

[6/15/2014 10:06:20 PM] Nilani: Nilani gets bored and wanders down from the lounge, roaming around the crew deck until she sees or hears soething interesting.

[6/15/2014 10:07:02 PM] Wynn: Wynn is still playing around in the training room.

[6/15/2014 10:09:30 PM] Wynn: Wynn is trying to figure out the best tactics to use when fighting with only a shield in the right hand and nothing in the left.

[6/15/2014 10:14:57 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar wanders into the training room, heaing the sound of clanging.

[6/15/2014 10:15:16 PM] Wynn: Evening, Iskandar.

[6/15/2014 10:15:27 PM] Iskandar: Wynn. You forgot your sword.

[6/15/2014 10:15:39 PM] Wynn: I don't *use* a sword.

[6/15/2014 10:15:48 PM] Iskandar: Not with that attitude.

[6/15/2014 10:15:49 PM] Wynn: Wynn uses the edge of her shield to hit the dummy in the face.

[6/15/2014 10:16:49 PM] Wynn: I typically use a mace, but my shoulder's still a little sore and I'd rather not have to use it to block an attack, so I'm changing my style a little for the time being.

[6/15/2014 10:17:38 PM] Iskandar: Do the dummies normally hit you back?

[6/15/2014 10:17:43 PM] Kali: Kali peeks in. He's a stranger to everyone here but Iskandar--a smallish human man, with dark skin and dark, curly close-cropped hair shot with gray throughout. He's wearing grey and black, very plain clothes, and he's carrying a short sword as well as a bow on his back.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:17:50 PM] Iskandar: Wait, forgot the horrible monstrosity. Question withdrawn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:18:03 PM] Wynn: Right.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:18:19 PM] Wynn: ....who are you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:18:29 PM] Iskandar: Oh, Wynn. This is Day.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:19:02 PM] Wynn: Ah.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:19:57 PM] Day: Good to meet you. I think.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:21:03 PM | Removed 10:22:32 PM] Iskandar: This message has been removed.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:21:29 PM] Nilani: Nilani drifts into the room, having found nothing of interest in the halls.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:21:53 PM] Wynn: You have an odd aura, Day.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:22:15 PM] Day: That's... good to know. Do you grope everyone's auras that you meet?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:22:21 PM] Wynn: I do.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:22:24 PM] Iskandar: Pretty sure she does.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:22:45 PM] Day: You don't find it invasive?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:22:57 PM] Wynn: I find it useful and currently necessary.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:23:31 PM] Nilani: It beats being turned into a meat-puppet.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:23:53 PM] Day: ... does that happen often around here?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:24:04 PM] Wynn: Do you know why you have an odd aura? An explanation for it, perhaps?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:24:40 PM] Nilani: Hopefully not. I'd rather stay de-puppetized.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:24:54 PM] Day: Day 's mouth tightens a little bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:25:07 PM] Day: I was a soldier. We've all done things we're not proud of.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:25:24 PM] Wynn: Who'd you fight for?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:26:18 PM] Day: ... long story.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:26:28 PM] Iskandar: Yeah, we had a horrible evil monstrositiy living in a dwarf not too long ago.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:27:05 PM] Day: I've never lived in a dwarf.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:27:08 PM] Day: I'd remember that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:27:47 PM] Wynn: Well, the things that come from those pods are usually just people, sometimes monsters, and now we have monsters that look like people. You'll have to excuse me if I get a little protective of the crew.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:28:00 PM] Day: I'm *not* a monster.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:28:09 PM] Wynn: I certainly hope not.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:29:17 PM] Iskandar: It is Wynn's sole responsibility to be completely responsible for all us little people. Oh! That reminds me. I talked to Quint. He might be leading a revolution against you. I don't know. I was only half listening.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:29:41 PM] Wynn: .... a...

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:29:56 PM] Wynn: Wynn sighs. "Pointless."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:29:57 PM] Day: Various factions in Tarkishi. Who is this Quint?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:30:15 PM] Wynn: You're Tarkishi then? We have two others aboard as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:30:53 PM] Nilani: Tell me when the actual conflict starts so I can go make a blanket fort to hide in and not come out for a day or so.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:30:54 PM] Iskandar: Well, Quint is a half-human who is concerned that Wynn is setting herself us as Dictator For Life Until She's Horrible Killed.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:31:39 PM] Wynn: Wynn shakes her head. "Where did he get *that* idea?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:32:06 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar shrugs. "You know him.  The chip on his shoulder has a chip on its shoulder.  And that one also has a chip on its shoulder.  Into infinity."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:32:16 PM] Wynn: Hmph.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:32:50 PM] Wynn: Have I, at any point, attempted to give orders or speak for the whole crew outside of tactical combat situations?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:33:02 PM] Wynn: Besides the given "don't hurt other crewmembers" speech, of course.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:33:04 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar shrugs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:33:39 PM] Day: I'm not Tarkishian. And Quint sounds... unpleasant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:33:40 PM] Iskandar: Don't know. Don't really care. He's talking about systems of governance and councils and so on and so forth. You may want to speak with him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:33:41 PM] Wynn: Wynn glances at Day. "Don't, by the way."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:33:51 PM] Day: I hadn't planned on it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:34:17 PM | Edited 10:34:41 PM] Iskandar: I already told Day the whole schpiel. And he showed up before the Infiltrator.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:34:34 PM] Wynn: Wynn sighs. "If I run into him, I will. I won't seek him out, though. He'd likely take it the wrong way."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:35:42 PM] Iskandar: Good. I'm fine with common sense rules. But I didn't become a highwayman because I love non-dragon systems of governance and law enforcement.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:35:46 PM] Wynn: Wynn unstraps her shield, sets it against a rack and stretches out her arm and shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:36:25 PM] Wynn: I've never suggested rules beyond thievery and murder.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:36:49 PM] Day: And I'm not a soldier anymore. If you want to hire me to do that work again I would consider it, but right now? I'm my own man.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:36:49 PM] Wynn: So. A mercenary, Day?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:37:11 PM] Day: I prefer to think of myself as someone who helps when it's needed, where it's needed.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:37:40 PM] Wynn: For the right price, I assume.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:37:57 PM] Day: It's a factor. It's not the only factor.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:38:40 PM] Wynn: I assume you have a room and have figured your way around?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:39:25 PM] Wynn: Don't open the doors if the light is blinking, don't go into the storage room with the hellhound, don't kiss the redhead, don't piss off the dryad... so on and so forth.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:39:29 PM] Day: Well enough. I've made some maps.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:39:38 PM] Day: Iskandar warned me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:39:50 PM] Day: ... I'm retired. Or I was, before I came here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:40:07 PM] Wynn: Just verifying. Don't want anyone getting killed because they slipped through the cracks the day they arrived.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:41:06 PM] Day: Day nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:41:12 PM] Day: I've been here for a day or so.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:41:22 PM] Wynn: So I hear.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:41:24 PM] Day: Any others I should avoid?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:42:09 PM] Wynn: Some are crankier than others, but the dryad, the hellhound, and the incubus are the only ones to be particularly careful around.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:42:16 PM] Wynn: And even they are not necessarily dangerous.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:43:35 PM] Day: Not *necessarily.* I suppose you could say the same of me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:44:13 PM] Wynn: Wynn raises an eyebrow. "Or anyone, but is there something in particular you're referencing?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:45:19 PM] Day: My attempt at a joke. I'm not very good at them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:45:50 PM] Wynn: I'm likely not good at getting them either.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:46:23 PM] Wynn: Anyway, my name is Wynn. Welcome to Nation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:46:34 PM] Day: Day peers at Nilani. "I don't think we've been introduced."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:46:54 PM] Day: I just go by Day. Saves time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:50:33 PM] Wynn: Your real name much longer?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:50:40 PM] Nilani: Nilani nods at him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Nilani."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:51:10 PM] Day: Day shrugs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:51:30 PM] Day: Too long for me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:51:43 PM] Wynn: Keep your secrets if you like. As long as they don't pose a danger, I don't care.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:52:02 PM] Day: Not all of them are mine.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:52:12 PM] Iskandar: Ooooh. Cryptic.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:52:32 PM] Wynn: Wynn jerks a thumb at Isk. "Iskandar's a dragon."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:52:38 PM] Day: Day smiles suddenly, and looks about 20 years younger!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:53:02 PM] Day: It's the plain truth. I take my promises seriously.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:53:10 PM] Day: And aren't you a little small for a dragon?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:53:24 PM] Iskandar: I got cursed by someone old and magical.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:53:25 PM] Day: ... and... pinkish?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:53:30 PM] Iskandar: So I'm stuck in this form.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:54:31 PM] Day: Ah. That must be aggravating.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:54:54 PM] Iskandar: It's not that bad.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:55:53 PM] Iskandar: I would find the halls rather cramped anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:55:55 PM | Edited 10:56:06 PM] Wynn: Wynn picks up one of the heavier training weapons and starts lifting it at weird angles with her left arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:56:01 PM] Day: That makes sense.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:56:08 PM] Day: ... you're going to sprain your wrist if you do it that way.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:57:01 PM] Wynn: My wrist is locked. I'm just stretching my chest muscles a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:58:28 PM] Day: All right. I just don't want to see anyone injured through improper technique. Though I'm no shield expert.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:58:51 PM] Wynn: Just a shortsword? Nothing else?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:59:19 PM] Wynn: Wynn puts the weapon back and uses the wall to press against.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 10:59:58 PM] Day: And the bow. A few other things as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:00:25 PM] Wynn: More to the point, I mean a single handed weapon with nothing in the other hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:00:33 PM] Wynn: Fencer's stance?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:00:59 PM] Day: Day nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:01:20 PM] Day: I've no doubt you could utterly destroy me in a fight. I'm out of shape.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:01:54 PM] Wynn: Wynn almost chuckles. Almost.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:02:28 PM] Wynn: I train in a few different styles, though generally mace and shield is my standard.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:02:58 PM] Day: I prefer the bow, honestly. It gives me a clearer view of the battlefield.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:03:15 PM] Wynn: You're the second person to tell me that in as many days.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:03:37 PM] Wynn: I've never been much for a bow, personally.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:04:45 PM] Day: It's harder to kill someone up close.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:04:56 PM] Wynn: Physically or mentally?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:05:13 PM] Day: Mentally.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:06:20 PM] Wynn: I've heard as much from some.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:06:40 PM] Day: You disagree?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:08:16 PM] Wynn: Perhaps. I suppose my real answer is complicated.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:08:29 PM] Wynn: But it likely boils down to: I don't fight unless I intend to kill.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:08:58 PM] Wynn: Well, no. Not always. But it is difficult sometimes to rein it in and go for non-lethal attacks.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:09:33 PM] Day: Then I hope we never have cause to fight.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:10:29 PM] Wynn: I've actually found it *more* difficult to stop myself the closer I am. My shield, my armor... they protect my foe as much as they protect me sometimes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:10:58 PM] Day: That could be a concern.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:11:32 PM] Iskandar: You could always fall on them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:12:24 PM] Wynn: We chased one of the Circle people through the shipyard a few days ago. I was unarmed and unarmored.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:12:53 PM] Wynn: I tackled him then nearly took his head off.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:14:10 PM] Day: ... have you considered counseling?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:14:11 PM] Wynn: ....of course then he exploded underneath me, so I didn't get the chance.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:14:29 PM] Wynn: For what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:16:01 PM] Day: Violent tendencies.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:16:20 PM] Wynn: ....violence is my calling.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:17:25 PM] Iskandar: ...creepy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:18:03 PM] Wynn: Wynn sighs and looks at Iskandar. "What else would you call it? I serve my god by killing those who defy the Law."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:18:06 PM] Day: I have to agree, that is a little disturbing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:18:17 PM] Day: However, there's still healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:20:16 PM] Wynn: Tarak may have issues with our responsibilities, but that doesn't mean I do as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:21:07 PM] Day: Day eyes Iskandar. "That sound healthy to you?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:21:38 PM] Wynn: Wynn rolls her eyes. "He likely thinks my entire personality is unhealthy."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:22:26 PM] Day: Is it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:22:59 PM] Iskandar: No. But I've made no secret that I think you're a bit high-strung and controlling.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:23:38 PM] Day: There's a question. How do you relax?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:24:17 PM] Wynn: Wynn grins wryly. "By shining my shield."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:24:42 PM] Day: Knew a fella liked to iron. Everybody's got something.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:25:41 PM] Wynn: Wynn shrugs. "It works for me."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:26:17 PM] Day: That and somebody to talk to--honestly--is enough.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:28:15 PM] Wynn: Then I suppose I'm all set.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:28:28 PM] Iskandar: Except for Quint's revolution.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:28:41 PM] Day: Right. How does an ex-dragon relax?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:28:51 PM] Wynn: How can one revolt against a non-authority?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:29:27 PM] Day: Tarkishians manage it pretty well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:30:13 PM] Iskandar: ... you're setting yourself up *as* authority. That's his issue. How do I relax? I read. I have sex. I sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:30:15 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar shrugs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:31:01 PM] Day: I saw the library.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:32:33 PM] Wynn: .....maybe I *should* go talk to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:32:57 PM] Day: Him who?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:33:05 PM] Wynn: Quintilian.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:33:58 PM] Day: Heading off potential problems seems like a wise idea to me. I'm going to go get something to eat, I think.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:34:46 PM] Wynn: Wynn nods. "It's about that time anyway."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:36:04 PM] Day: Indeed. I'll see you again sometime, I'm sure.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:36:09 PM] Wynn: Wynn nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:36:35 PM] Day: Day ponders her for a moment, then salutes, neatly, before turning and departing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:37:12 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar waves at Day.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:37:16 PM] Wynn: Wynn looks a little puzzled by that, but then straps her shield to her right arm again and takes the circuitous route to the bedrooms/bathrooms to clean up then to the galley, keeping an eye out for Quint if she sees him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:37:22 PM] Nilani: Nilani waves at him as he leaves.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/15/2014 11:37:41 PM] Day: Day waves at Nilani and Isk.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:49:01 PM] Josie: Wynn fails to find Quintilian in his quarters!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:49:43 PM] Wynn: Wynn continues walking around the main hall, peeking into places until she finds him or dinner. :D

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:50:52 PM] Josie: She finds him at last in the Observation Room, with a banana in one hand and a book in the other. He seems like he's just settling in.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:51:10 PM] Wynn: Quintilian.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:51:36 PM] Josie: Fred pops up from behind the couch.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:51:43 PM] Wynn: ....Fred.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:51:44 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:51:48 PM] Josie: Fred: Fred!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:52:16 PM] Wynn: I heard there might be something we need to work out.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:52:24 PM] Josie: Fred: There is?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:52:35 PM] Wynn: ...not you. Quintilian.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:52:50 PM] Josie: Quintilian: ... that depends entirely on what your intentions are toward the people on this vessel.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:53:30 PM] Wynn: My "intentions" are to deliver as many people as possible to the safety of their home planes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:54:19 PM] Josie: Quintilian: As long as it doesn't involve denying people free will and the power to make their own decisions, even when it's not what *you* feel is best for them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:55:10 PM] Wynn: As long as those decisions don't affect the rest of the crew, I can't say I care much. Hypothetically, anyway. I suppose there might be certain situations that would be otherwise.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:55:30 PM] Wynn: Is there something specific on your mind?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:55:43 PM | Edited 6:56:00 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Democracy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:56:06 PM] Josie: Fred listens interestedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:56:09 PM] Wynn: Wynn takes a deep breath and motions toward a chair. "Do you mind if I sit?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:56:20 PM] Josie: Anybody can join in at any time, by the way.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:56:36 PM] Josie: Quintilian: It's a free ship. And I hope it remains so.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:56:47 PM] Josie: He gestures at a chair, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:57:05 PM] Wynn: Wynn removes her shield and props it up against the chair before sitting.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:57:54 PM] Wynn: The way I hear it, you think I'm setting myself up as some sort of...

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:58:27 PM] Wynn: ...dictator or tyrant or something.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:58:59 PM] Josie: Quintilian: ... are you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:59:34 PM] Wynn: Of course not.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 6:59:58 PM] Wynn: When have I ever said anything that makes you think that?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:00:58 PM] Nilani: Nilani opens the door and walks in, carrying a book on flying machines of the non-magical variety.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:01:15 PM] Josie: Quintilian: You set yourself up as the one making the rules.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:01:30 PM] Wynn: Rule.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:02:41 PM] Wynn: Giving people a Law to follow... a requirement that they not harm other crewmembers creates a community. It gives us a clear idea of who "us" is and thus who "them" is.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:03:11 PM] Nilani: Nilani mumbles "I swear, I walk out for five minutes and suddenly the lounge has turned into a debate hall."

<p class="MsoNormal">She finds a spot and sits down with her book.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:03:28 PM] Wynn: If someone fails to follow it, they aren't a part of the community. They're a threat, not because they don't listen, but because by breaking that rule, they've harmed a crewmember.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:04:18 PM] Josie: Quintilian: You don't *give* people laws.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:04:26 PM] Josie: Quintilian: People *make* laws themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:04:55 PM] Wynn: Someone has to start it. When we first woke up here, there were only a few of us. We didn't need a leader.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:05:19 PM] Josie: Quintilian: ... which is reasonable. But there's more than a few of us now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:05:48 PM] Wynn: True. And I've been thinking about how and when to transition to a better option.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:06:15 PM] Josie: Quintililan: That should be a discussion for everyone to have together.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:06:33 PM] Wynn: Of course it *should* be... but when have you ever seen the entire crew together?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:08:33 PM] Josie: Quint: Never. It'll take some organizational skills.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:09:07 PM] Wynn: I suspect it would take more than that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:09:19 PM] Wynn: Barring that, I do have an idea.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:11:08 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Yes?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:11:54 PM] Wynn: A small group, odd in number, made up of only persons who came from the pods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:12:21 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Disenfranchising the ones who didn't?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:12:24 PM] Josie: Fred: I didn't!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:13:00 PM] Wynn: People who didn't come from pods can come and go as they please. If they wish to leave, they can. Those of us who did, can't.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:14:39 PM] Josie: Quintilian: So they have to live with the rules but don't get any representation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:14:40 PM] Wynn: They are essentially our guests on Nation. They aren't cursed. They aren't *quite* "one of us," even if they are incredibly useful.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:15:21 PM] Wynn: That's just it. They don't *have* to live with the rules. They can leave.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:15:54 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Live with the rules or we exile you. That's civilized.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:15:56 PM] Josie: He snorts.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:17:04 PM] Wynn: .....ok. I had considered a five person coucil, but was having trouble thinking of an acceptable fifth. Perhaps that fifth could be a "hitch-hiker."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:19:07 PM] Wynn: But to be fair, that *is* kind of the concept of a society. You get the benefits of society in exchange for living within its rules. You break the rules, you are subject to penalties.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:19:52 PM] Josie: Quintilian: You can't be subject to penalties if you weren't involved with making the rules.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:20:03 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Government is by the consent of the governed.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:20:48 PM] Wynn: Of course it is. I believe in the Social Compact. It's something the Saint marched for when he was human.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:21:10 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Maybe there should be elections.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:22:00 PM] Wynn: ....maybe, although the Social Compact doesn't necessarily mean strict republics.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:23:11 PM] Josie: Quintilian: That or pure democracy. Though that can get... messy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:23:25 PM] Wynn: Especially with so many people who are never together.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:23:57 PM] Wynn: But the Compact works regardless of type of government. Kingdoms, Republics, it doesn't matter.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:24:11 PM] Josie: Quintilian: It matters.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:24:33 PM] Wynn: ...perhaps we are not speaking of the same thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:26:21 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Even if there were a legitimate king I wouldn't accept his rule. Kings are tyrants with a sheen of legitimacy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:26:55 PM] Josie: Fred wanders over to Nilani and watches her!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:26:57 PM] Wynn: *Tyrants* do not follow the Compact.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:27:37 PM] Nilani: Nilani is studying an illustration and does not seem to notice.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:27:51 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Tyrants, emperors, kings, dictators. It's all the same. One person has all the power.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:28:04 PM] Wynn: That doesn't make it bad.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:28:15 PM] Josie: Quintilian: It's inherently bad.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:28:27 PM] Wynn: There we disagree.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:28:36 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Even a good tyrant removes the right to choose from his or her subjects.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:29:05 PM] Wynn: ....no, not really.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:29:07 PM] Josie: Quintilian: You come from a human culture, it's to be expected you'd think that way.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:29:18 PM] Josie: Fred waves at Nilani. "Hi!"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:30:12 PM] Nilani: Nilani jumps a bit, tossing the book an inch or so into the air, then catching it.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Gah!"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:30:21 PM | Edited 7:31:23 PM] Wynn: Wynn speaks as though from a memorized script. "In return for service, allegiance, and payment of money, rulers and leaders must always act in good faith on the trust put in them and never break it."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:30:30 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar pokes his head up into the Observation Lounge.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:30:58 PM] Wynn: If the people think their interests are not being accomodated, then it is their right to address the ruler with those concerns.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:31:14 PM] Josie: Fred actually falls over in surprise as Nilani does.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:31:33 PM] Iskandar: We have a ruler already?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:31:39 PM] Josie: Quintilian: It's an inherently unequal relationship. Tyranny is inevitable.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:31:40 PM] Nilani: Sorry!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:31:53 PM] Josie: Fred: Are you okay?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:31:53 PM] Nilani: Nilani attempts to help Fred up.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:32:13 PM] Nilani: I'm fine. You just fell over!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:32:31 PM] Wynn: Perhaps I just have a little more faith in humanity than you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:32:39 PM] Wynn: ....which is a little hard to believe, actually.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:33:23 PM] Josie: Fred accepts the help.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:33:39 PM] Wynn: Regardless, I'm not suggesting a single ruler here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:33:41 PM] Josie: Fred: Things are different now. Everything is different.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:34:12 PM] Josie: Quintilian: I for one would never accept such a suggestion. Though in emergencies it might be good to have a designated... chain of authority.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:34:22 PM] Wynn: Wynn nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:34:57 PM] Josie: Quintilian: ... and I have very little faith in humanity.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:35:27 PM] Wynn: As do I... humans and non-humans alike.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:37:10 PM] Wynn: As I was saying though, I think five would be the best number. At least three must agree to make any decisions.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:37:17 PM] Wynn: One hitch-hiker would be acceptable.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:37:42 PM] Josie: Quintilian: ... why not make it representative?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:37:57 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Count how many of them there are, if there are 40 percent they get two representatives.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:38:44 PM] Wynn: ....it is representative.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:38:48 PM] Josie: Fred: I try not to remember the way it was before.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:39:00 PM] Josie: Quintilian: They compose 20 percent of the people here?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:39:08 PM] Wynn: Five of twenty-eight.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:39:31 PM] Wynn: ....six.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:40:33 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Close enough, then. Very well. I accept the proposal; we had best determine if everyone else does as well. Letters might work better than personal interviews for those not easily found.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:41:04 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar sits down and pulls out a book of his own. Its title is 'Heaving Zeppelin of Passion'. It is the third in the very popular 'Heaving Zeppelin' series of romantic fiction.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:41:17 PM] Iskandar: What qualifies you to accept any proposals?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:41:48 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Nothing, I'm not accepting it *on behalf of* anyone else. That's why it has to be proposed to everyone else.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:42:08 PM] Iskandar: Fair enough.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:42:16 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar reads his book.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:42:19 PM] Wynn: Wynn frowns a little in thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:42:25 PM] Josie: Quintilian As I said. Letters to everyone else.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:43:42 PM] Iskandar: Huh. There's a character named Wynn in this book.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:43:56 PM] Wynn: ...what book?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:44:12 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar holds it up so she can see the title.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:44:43 PM] Wynn: Wynn kind of just blinks at it, unsure what to say about it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:45:00 PM] Nilani: Welp. That's awkward.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:45:09 PM] Iskandar: Oh, she's not a paladin.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:45:20 PM] Wynn: That would be quite the coincidence.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:45:26 PM] Iskandar: She's a brilliant and buxom navigator.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:45:31 PM] Iskandar: On the zeppelin.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:45:35 PM] Iskandar: Of passion.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:45:42 PM] Wynn: ...right.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:45:59 PM] Josie: Quintilian eyes Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:46:05 PM] Wynn: ...what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:46:31 PM] Josie: Quintilian: ... I'm trying to decide if any of those descriptors fit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:46:51 PM] Josie: Fred: What's a zeppelin?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:47:00 PM] Iskandar: An airship. A blimp.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:47:41 PM] Wynn: Wynn starts to glare, but closes her eyes, shakes her head, and continues.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:47:55 PM] Josie: Quintilian: .... possibly brilliant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:48:06 PM] Josie: Fred: Like this one?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:48:24 PM] Wynn: You have to understand... I'm not *against* elections as a rule. I just have little faith in the ability of people to choose the best leaders.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:48:56 PM] Iskandar: Kind of. But they just fly through the air, not voidspace?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:50:26 PM] Josie: Quintilian: People are idiots.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:50:35 PM] Josie: Fred: I liked flying.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:51:05 PM] Nilani: Nilani flips to a page in her book and points out a picture to Fred. It looks like a watermelon-shaped balloony thing with a tiny box on the underside.

<p class="MsoNormal">"They look like this."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:51:37 PM] Nilani: Probably not the type of flying you're used to.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:52:02 PM] Iskandar: I miss flying.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:54:27 PM] Nilani: Me too. I used to go on trips with my dad.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:56:19 PM] Josie: Fred examines it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:56:37 PM] Josie: Fred: ... people go into the box?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:56:51 PM] Nilani: Yep.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:56:59 PM] Josie: Quintilian: I've never been.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:57:13 PM] Iskandar: I miss having wings.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:58:34 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar sticks his nose back in his book!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 7:59:01 PM] Nilani: Maybe you can get Aziz to build you some.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:01:21 PM] Nilani: There are some drawings of a framework for appropriately-sized winglike apparatus, but they seem more like concept drawings than schematics, unfortunately.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:01:44 PM] Josie: Fred: I have wings! ... but I can't fly now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:02:18 PM] Nilani: Not enough room?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:02:27 PM] Josie: Fred: They're not strong anymore.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:02:38 PM] Josie: It's worth noting that Fred has very short hair now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:03:14 PM] Nilani: Ah. Atrophy. That happens when you go without eating for awhile.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:03:23 PM] Josie: Fred flinches.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:03:24 PM] Nilani: Nilani looks at her own arm for a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:05:33 PM] Josie: Fred: I don't want anybody to hurt anymore.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:06:28 PM] Nilani: Nilani facepalms.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh, that's right. Sorry."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:07:50 PM] Josie: Fred: It's bad.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:08:00 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Fairly unique opinion for a demon.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:09:32 PM] Nilani: It's not inherently bad, I don't think. What's bad is if you can't stop before causing irreparable damage.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:10:06 PM] Josie: Fred: ... they're not supposed to be frightened. Not of me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:13:05 PM] Nilani: It's ok, you'll never have to hurt people like that ever again. Not in the forseeable future, at least.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:13:28 PM] Wynn: ...how are you doing now, Fred? Aziz is making you a charm, but I don't know how long it will be before it'll work.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:13:38 PM] Josie: Fred: ... promise?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:14:12 PM] Nilani: I'll do whatever I can to make sure that was not a lie. ^_^

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:14:54 PM] Nilani: So yes. I promise.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:15:06 PM] Josie: Fred: Good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:15:12 PM] Josie: Fred: How am I doing?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:15:48 PM] Wynn: ...how do you feel? When do you think you'll need to eat again?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:16:12 PM] Josie: Fred: I feel... I don't know.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:16:19 PM] Josie: He frowns a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:18:14 PM] Wynn: ...I'm not really sure what I can do with that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:18:53 PM] Josie: Fred: I want to eat but I don't.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:19:23 PM] Wynn: You're hungry but you don't want to hurt anyone?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:20:32 PM] Josie: Fred nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:21:56 PM] Wynn: Tarak and Allys are fighting over who is going to feed you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:22:34 PM] Josie: Fred: ... why?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:23:16 PM] Wynn: Wynn shrugs. "Generally the consensus is that one of the three of us should do it, but it shouldn't be me."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:23:48 PM] Josie: Fred: I like you! You're not afraid.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:23:56 PM] Wynn: Neither are they.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:24:26 PM] Josie: Fred: Good. People used to like me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:25:07 PM] Wynn: People might still... but for the time being, it's probably best to separate out the feeling of being loved from the necessities of eating.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:27:19 PM] Josie: Fred: Separate. Like for humans.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:29:50 PM] Iskandar: Huh. Wynn has caught the eye of a wealthy count!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:30:49 PM] Wynn: Right.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:30:58 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Instead of a... whatever Valerian is.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:31:00 PM] Wynn: At least for now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:31:18 PM] Wynn: Once you have the charm, you won't have to eat, so you can do whatever you like.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:32:00 PM] Wynn: ...you did tell me once that you don't have to steal energy when you... kiss, right?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:32:12 PM] Iskandar: Ah. But the wealthy count is bretrothed to a Queen in a foreign nation. He will have to choose between passion and duty!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:32:49 PM] Josie: Fred: Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:34:02 PM] Wynn: So, once you get the charm, you'll be able to pursue romantic interests if you like without worrying about eating them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:34:39 PM] Josie: Fred: Romantic?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:35:35 PM] Iskandar: Sure. Romance. Courtship.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:36:00 PM] Josie: Fred: ... why?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:36:29 PM] Iskandar: Well, it's not always necessary. Or desired. Sometimes you can go right to sex.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:36:58 PM] Iskandar: Sometimes you want more than sex, though, so there's a path you have to take to get there.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:37:46 PM] Josie: Fred: ... what's the point?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:38:00 PM] Iskandar: It depends on if you want sex, or if you want a whole relationship thing. Companionship. Company, all of that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:39:33 PM] Josie: Fred: .... I like it when people like me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:40:17 PM] Iskandar: Well, there you go. You can't just make people like you. Wait, no, incubus. You *shouldn't* just make people like you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:42:16 PM] Iskandar: You show people how likable and charming you are and then they choose to like you. And if the process happens on both sides, it's friendship. And then from there you can go to romance.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:42:49 PM] Wynn: You *can* stop at friendship, you know.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:42:59 PM] Iskandar: Oh, sure.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:43:07 PM] Iskandar: Not saying you have to continue from there.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:43:11 PM] Josie: Fred: ... I just don't want them to scream. Like you! You're not screaming.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:43:16 PM] Josie: Fred: Not screaming is good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:43:44 PM] Wynn: We're all just talking. Nobody's in danger of being killed. Or at least we're not aware of it if we are.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:44:12 PM] Wynn: If people believe they're not in danger of being killed when they're with you, they tend to like you more.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:45:23 PM] Josie: Fred: I don't want to kill anybody. Ever again.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:45:35 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Good, because I would object to being killed. Strenously.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:45:50 PM] Wynn: I don't want you to kill anybody.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:46:30 PM] Wynn: That's why Tarak, Allys, and I are pretty much refusing to let you feed from anyone but the three of us.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:47:32 PM] Josie: Fred: Good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:47:34 PM] Josie: He shivers.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:48:14 PM] Josie: Bellami steps in--she's again wearing something suitable for a princess masquerading as a prostitute. Lots of gauze.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:48:48 PM] Nilani: Nilani waves at her, smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hi, Bellami."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:49:02 PM] Wynn: Evening, Mother.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:49:36 PM] Iskandar: ...Wynn is now fighting a duel on top of the blimp with the count's fiancee. Tops of blimps are great places for duels.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:49:46 PM] Josie: Bellami curtseys, deeply.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:49:56 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Except that you'd fall off if you tried it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:50:24 PM] Nilani: It's amazingly hard to get up there, too, usually.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:50:56 PM] Josie: Fred: I could fly there. When I could fly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:51:10 PM] Josie: Bellami sits down and opens a book!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:51:43 PM] Wynn: ...did you have any other misconceptions about me you'd like to clear up, Quintilian? Or have we settled this whole dictator issue?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:53:10 PM] Josie: Quintilian: I'm satisfied with the course of action we discussed. I intend to run for a council position. I hope you do as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:53:53 PM] Wynn: Had I my choice, I'd prefer to just appoint those that would be best suited.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:54:08 PM] Wynn: If we must continue down this path, though, it would be negligent of me not to.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:54:22 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Good. You seem to have the brains for it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:54:53 PM] Wynn: I was trained to be a leader. If we need a hunter, we call on Janis. If we need a diplomat, we call on Valerian.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:55:06 PM] Iskandar: I hearby refuse any appointment by my peers. Try to contain your disappointment.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:55:22 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... what about Tarak?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:55:44 PM] Wynn: What about him?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:56:16 PM] Josie: Bellami: If you're talking about some sort of governing body...

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:56:53 PM] Wynn: We are. You think Tarak would *want* to be on it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:57:14 PM] Iskandar: Want? Probably not. But he'd probably be a good fit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:57:23 PM] Wynn: Of course he would.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:57:24 PM] Josie: Bellami nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:57:29 PM] Wynn: But I doubt he'd want it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:57:40 PM] Iskandar: Sounds perfect.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:57:55 PM] Wynn: Although I suppose there aren't many choices for that position.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:58:13 PM] Wynn: Allys likely wouldn't want it either. Neither would Shol.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:58:51 PM] Wynn: Of course I could be wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:59:10 PM] Wynn: Tarak, Allys, Grayson, Shol, Fred, and Arin. I think I'd go with Tarak myself.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 8:59:40 PM] Josie: Fred: Me! .... what are we talking about?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:00:04 PM] Wynn: A council for our little group. One of the seats will be for a 'hitch-hiker'.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:00:54 PM] Josie: Fred: I like seats. Chairs. Couches.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:01:10 PM] Iskandar: So a council of six for twenty eight people.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:01:15 PM] Wynn: Five.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:01:36 PM] Wynn: An odd number prevents ties.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:02:19 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Elections. And regularly held.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:02:51 PM] Wynn: ...how regular do you need? We'll all be dead or home within five years.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:03:49 PM] Wynn: Of course the first thing to do would be see who is even interested in *being* on the council. Iskandar may not be the only one who refuses.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:03:59 PM] Nilani: It means you'll have to go to meetings and decide what rules are followed, Fred. Meetings that may be long, boring, or both.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:04:02 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Monthly. We'll get enough people that we'll need to be sure to represent them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:04:08 PM] Josie: Fred: Oh, I don't like rules.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:05:13 PM | Edited 9:05:59 PM] Nilani: Well, which do you like better? Minor, likely easily-followed rules, or people stealing your socks and drawing on your face when you sleep?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:05:25 PM] Wynn: I'm not sure representation is so important in such a close space. If someone's unhappy, it's sure to be heard.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:06:03 PM] Wynn: I heard you weren't happy, didn't I?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:09:12 PM] Wynn: If I'm being quite honest, I'd prefer it if I *was* the leader with a group of different-minded people as advisors to help ensure that the greatest good is served.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:09:30 PM | Edited 9:09:34 PM] Wynn: Things are quite a bit simpler and easier to maintain that way, you know.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:09:37 PM] Josie: Fred: ... socks?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:09:54 PM] Josie: Quintilian: You could *be* the leader. If you're elected.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:10:12 PM] Nilani: Or other assorted easily-stolen items.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:12:57 PM] Josie: Fred shrugs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:15:00 PM] Wynn: How are you doing, Mother Bellami? We haven't spoken in some time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:15:22 PM] Josie: Bell shrugs. "I'm fine. I came here to get away from Tarak."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:17:20 PM] Iskandar: Hey, Wynn won. The queen cheated and was thrown over the side of the blimp. But they didn't find a body.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:17:37 PM] Josie: Quintilian: She'll be back.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:17:52 PM] Wynn: ....it really is quite odd that your heroine was named Wynn. It's not exactly a girl's name.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:18:45 PM] Josie: Bellami: I can't ever tell what he wants.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:19:24 PM] Wynn: ...he doesn't seem the sort to not be honest about what he wants. Perhaps you just need to take him literally.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:20:01 PM] Wynn: Or ask.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:20:57 PM] Josie: Bellami shakes her head. "He wants *me* to want things. It's aggravating."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:21:10 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Is *everyone* on this ship boffing someone else?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:21:42 PM] Nilani: I don't think Flamey is.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:21:44 PM] Wynn: ...boffing?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:23:10 PM] Wynn: Wynn gives Bellami a slight smile. "I'm only just starting to get there myself."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:23:48 PM] Iskandar: Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:24:12 PM | Edited 9:24:52 PM] Nilani: Nilani is apparently quite engrossed in her book!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:24:49 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Having sex with. And yes they are or yes they're getting there or... some other thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:24:53 PM] Josie: Fred: I'm not!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:25:34 PM] Wynn: ...I just meant wanting things for myself as opposed to only doing things for my god.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:26:17 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Everyone wants something.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:26:47 PM] Wynn: The only thing I wanted was to do as my god commands.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:26:55 PM] Iskandar: That sounds fun.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:27:02 PM] Wynn: I imagine it's much the same for Mother Bellami.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:27:52 PM] Josie: Bellami: I just want a baby. Spending time with him otherwise is superfluous. ... I don't mind it, I suppose.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:28:13 PM] Nilani: Nilani is mumbling again.

<p class="MsoNormal">"...how did these people even fit all those wings onto that thing? Why did they think it would fly with all that weight?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:28:44 PM] Josie: Fred: Magic?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:28:54 PM] Wynn: Perhaps you could just think of it as a trade?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:29:21 PM] Josie: Bellami: I suppose he's useful enough.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:29:22 PM] Wynn: ...but you shouldn't be dishonest about it. Don't act like you love him if you don't.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:29:39 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari stumbles onto the observation deck, clearly blurry with lack of sleep

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:29:52 PM] Nilani: Maybe, but these things are supposed to be explicitly nonmagical. Can't have them going all wonky if you get too close to a patch of wild magic.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:29:54 PM] Josie: Bellami: He can tell when I dissemble.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:31:02 PM] Wynn: Aziz.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:31:18 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...mrr? Yes hi, how can I help you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:31:30 PM] Wynn: Just... saying hello. Acknowledging your presence.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:31:39 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Ah, yes, social interactions. Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:31:42 PM] Wynn: How's the charm coming along?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:31:46 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is as jittery as the hand holding his coffee

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:31:50 PM] Nilani: You ok?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:32:04 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Charm is done, been done for awhile now. Working on... science.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:32:10 PM] Josie: Fred: Hi!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:32:21 PM] Wynn: This is Fred. The one the charm is for.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:32:35 PM] Josie: Fred: Please don't make me eat someone.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:32:45 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari passes Wynn a garish amulet wrought in gold leaf, depicting a cornucopia of hand-carved gemstones, each resembling a fruit or other edible

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:33:03 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Couldn't do a ring, but I figured amulet is second best.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:33:17 PM] Wynn: Wynn smiles slightly. "It should do."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:33:27 PM] Wynn: Fred? Would you like to put it on?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:33:48 PM] Josie: Fred: ... will it hurt?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:33:58 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: No, no pain. Is a very simple charm. Slow, but simple.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:34:19 PM] Wynn: It will just make it so you won't have to eat for sustenance. It might take some time to start working, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:34:30 PM] Josie: Fred nods, and sniffs it. Then sniffs at Aziz.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:34:41 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: The exacting nature of the energies of the spell are vagueries I leave to the academia, but as far as I can discern it draws its energy from -- yes can I help you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:35:07 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is unused to being sniffed at

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:35:12 PM | Edited 9:35:24 PM] Wynn: Wynn passes the amulet to Fred.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:35:27 PM] Josie: Fred: I don't know, can you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:35:30 PM] Josie: Fred takes it and puts it on.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:35:56 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I would certainly hope that I have already done so... otherwise that charm is a discretion of wasted hours.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:36:11 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari tends to babble when short on sleep. The caffeine probably doesn't help.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:37:21 PM] Josie: Fred: ... it feels the same?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:37:47 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Hmph.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:37:57 PM] Wynn: It'll probably just need to acclimate to you first.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:38:23 PM] Wynn: Problem, Quintilian?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:38:25 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Like I said, it's a very slow charm. It takes a week to learn what energies you need, and how to siphon them from everywhere else and recycle your own waste energies.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:38:35 PM] Josie: Quintilian: No. This book is unsatisfactory.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:39:31 PM] Wynn: ....There are a lot of people reading here. If you'd all prefer, I can take conversation elsewhere.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:39:51 PM] Josie: Quintilian: No need.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:39:56 PM] Josie: He sets the book aside.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:40:47 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... I've missed people. Having people around.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:41:17 PM] Wynn: ...you don't have to hide from us.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:44:57 PM] Josie: Bellami: Just the harridan.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:45:33 PM] Iskandar: Who is the harridan?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:45:36 PM | Edited 9:45:41 PM] Wynn: ...the what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:45:54 PM] Josie: Bellami: Allys.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:46:03 PM] Iskandar: Oh.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:46:14 PM] Wynn: ...what's a harridan?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:47:23 PM] Josie: Bellami: A termagant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:48:44 PM] Wynn: ........

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:48:55 PM] Iskandar: It is an unflattering term.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:49:47 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is still visibly confused

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:50:06 PM] Wynn: ....right. You know she's only trying to protect her brother, right?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:52:00 PM] Josie: Bellami: She has no reason to protect him from me!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:52:30 PM] Wynn: Maybe you two need to work it out.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:53:03 PM] Josie: Bell: She is too rude for civilized conversation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:54:04 PM] Wynn: Then continue hiding from her. The choice is yours.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:56:34 PM] Josie: Bellami: Hmph. It does not befit my dignity.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:56:53 PM] Wynn: Then *talk* to her. Can't hurt to try.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:57:03 PM] Wynn: ....actually, it really can't. She won't hurt you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:57:14 PM] Josie: Bellami: She humiliated me! *Me.*

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:57:40 PM] Wynn: Speak to her privately. Then she can't.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 9:58:21 PM] Wynn: You can only be upset by someone's words if you let them upset you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:00:28 PM] Wynn: I can't really say much more than that. If you want her to stop, you'll have to address the issue.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:00:39 PM] Josie: Bell: I cannot really expect you to understand. No one would have *dared* say such things to me at home.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:02:33 PM] Wynn: I'm sorry that things are so different for you, but you're not home anymore. None of us are. We all just have to try to fit together until we can get back home.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:03:34 PM] Josie: Bell: I expect to be treated with *respect.*

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:04:15 PM] Wynn: Then talk to her and earn it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:05:50 PM] Josie: Bell: I have *already earned* my due.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:05:53 PM] Iskandar: Nobody takes me terribly seriously. And I was a damn dragon. But it doesn't bother me. Dragons are naturally resistant to criticism.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:07:07 PM] Wynn: You've earned a title, but if that title means nothing to the person at hand, then you still have to earn the respect as an individual.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:07:24 PM] Josie: Bellami: The person at hand should *learn*!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:07:48 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Are you certain the disrespect was intentional? Perhaps her lack of knowledge stems from a deeper lack of knowledge. She may simply not be from a cultured area.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:08:07 PM] Josie: Bellami grinds her teeth. "It was *extremely* intentional."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:08:15 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: We are all drawn from many quarters, aboard this ship... this "Allys" person may simply not know the trappings of urbanite life.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:08:33 PM] Wynn: Wynn tries to hide a grin behind her hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:09:00 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Forgive me, but, what precisely happened?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:09:36 PM] Josie: Bellami: She exposed my... shortcomings.... to a group of people.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:11:00 PM] Wynn: It was likely started by miscommunication, but she wanted to discourage Mother Bellami from approaching Tarak.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:11:43 PM] Josie: Bellami: Tarak is civil enough. If somewhat too plain on blasphemous matters.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:13:11 PM] Wynn: ......If you speak to her, you might want to keep disparaging comments about her brother out of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:13:25 PM] Josie: Bellami: That was not a disparaging comment.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:13:34 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I think there is more to this story than a simple unprovoked slandering. I wish I knew more of the specifics.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:13:35 PM] Josie: Bellami: He blasphemes. It occurs. It is a fact.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:13:36 PM] Iskandar: I think she means he swears a lot.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:13:38 PM] Wynn: Tarak is not blasphemous.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:14:20 PM] Josie: Bellami: Swears? Verbal cursing means nothing. I mean his *deliberate* attempt to avoid having children. ... and now I am treating it nearly as casually as he does. My apologies.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:14:59 PM] Iskandar: Oh.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:15:01 PM] Wynn: He does not follow your goddess.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:15:10 PM] Josie: Bellami: Not relevant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:15:33 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... and he's stopped mentioning such... aberrant behavior... when I am in his presence, at least.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:15:45 PM] Iskandar: It's not aberrant for us.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:15:52 PM] Wynn: Wynn is starting to look a bit peeved by now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:16:02 PM] Wynn: Not at all.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:16:22 PM] Josie: Bellami: Apart from his other strange predllections, which are quite harmless, his most irritating habit is his attachment to that notebook. And that too is quite harmless.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:16:37 PM] Josie: Bellami: I prefer not to speak of such vulgar things.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:16:41 PM] Wynn: ...notebook?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:17:02 PM] Josie: Bellami: Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:17:33 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...this feels more like a culture clash than anything else, in which case they may truly be irreconcilable. Wars have been started over less, after all.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:17:47 PM] Wynn: Of course it is, Aziz.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:17:54 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari shrugs to Wynn and goes back to his coffee, then scowls at the now-cold brew

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:18:04 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...anyone have a fresh brew I could purloin a mug of?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:18:29 PM | Edited 10:18:33 PM] Iskandar: Not here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:18:48 PM] Wynn: We've all been sitting here longer than you have.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:19:32 PM] Wynn: Mother Bellami is from a culture where priestesses give birth to ensure the survival of the population.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:20:05 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Is it... a small population, then?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:21:07 PM] Wynn: Birth control is a sin because they need all the babies they can get. It is not as much a problem where we are from.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:21:27 PM] Josie: Bellami: It is as large as it needs to be. We do our best.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:22:10 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I... see. I did not mean to offend.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:22:21 PM | Edited 10:22:27 PM] Wynn: There are several circumstances in our world where having a child would not be the blessing she believes it to be.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:22:51 PM | Edited 10:23:03 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Where you come from, Mother Bellami, a group of people come together to share the joys and burdens of raising a child, am I correct?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:23:15 PM] Josie: Bellami: The temple does not *keep* the children.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:23:37 PM] Josie: Bellami: They are given to those who want them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:24:02 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I see. On our world, that is not always the case. We have no system to ensure a child is given to a home that desires them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:24:24 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: It is an unorganized system that controls the distribution of "unintentional children", in the places where such a system exists at all.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:24:36 PM] Josie: Bellami: Your priests are poor managers, then.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:24:42 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: In that, we are in agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:25:19 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: But you can understand, then, why Tarak may feel the way he does. Since he cannot control the dedication of his priests, he instead opts to protect his future children by waiting until he knows he, himself, can take care of them to the best of his ability.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:25:27 PM] Wynn: ....our priests do not have children for the sake of population control.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:25:56 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Rather than doom them to a life forgotten and abandoned, or worse, malcared-for.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:26:06 PM] Josie: Bellami: He'll have nothing to do with it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:26:37 PM] Wynn: ...Tarak is trying to give Mother Bellami a child. He does not want to be a father and she does not want him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:26:57 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...hold on, back up a bit. I thought Mother Bellami was the one who wanted to approach /him/?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:27:02 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari is now thoroughly confused

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:27:25 PM] Wynn: In our world, childbearing is part of marriage and family.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:27:33 PM] Wynn: She wants the child without the man.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:27:58 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: And Tarak wants to remain involved in the child's life?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:28:00 PM] Josie: Bellami: I don't require a man.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:28:02 PM] Wynn: No.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:28:23 PM] Wynn: Tarak does not believe he would be a good father and thus prevents pregnancy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:28:27 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... and ideally, childbearing is part of family, but not all are so blessed. We try our best to provide for as many as we can.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:28:57 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...let me be certain I have this correctly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:29:29 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: You want a child with no strings attached. Tarak does not want to have a child because he fears he is unprepared for the strings.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:29:35 PM] Wynn: No.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:29:56 PM] Wynn: Tarak is trying to get her pregnant so she can have a child, then he'll back away.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:30:04 PM | Edited 10:30:07 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Then... where is the problem?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:30:17 PM] Wynn: Because he *used* to take herbs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:30:22 PM] Wynn: And doesn't have a problem with it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:30:57 PM] Josie: Bellami: His *sister* objects.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:31:02 PM] Wynn: She is wholly against the concept of birth control.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:31:37 PM] Wynn: Do you know why? Have you asked?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:31:50 PM] Josie: Bellami flinches. "You are nearly as blasphemous as he is."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:31:55 PM] Josie: Bellami: No, I haven't asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:32:12 PM] Wynn: ...I won't have children.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:32:57 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... I am so sorry. Perhaps you could make a request of my temple--I would give you a reference.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:33:04 PM] Wynn: I do not wish to have one.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:33:33 PM] Josie: Bellami: There are a few who do feel that way. I am sorry.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:34:06 PM] Wynn: For what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:35:42 PM] Josie: Bellami: Your .... lack.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:35:55 PM] Wynn: ....my what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:36:36 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: This... is why I never wanted to be an adventurer. All I wanted was to stay at home, tend a shop, was that so much to ask...

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:36:37 PM] Josie: Bellami: Incapability?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:36:48 PM] Josie: Quintilian: What kind of shop?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:37:07 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari goes to kick a wall, then seems to think better of the act and simply scowls at it instead

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:37:14 PM] Wynn: Wynn frowns.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:37:39 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...I am a tailor by trade, friend. I do some jeweling on the side, mostly adornments for high-end outfits. I've recently picked up metalworking as a hobby.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:37:47 PM] Iskandar: Oh, man, Wynn died. Too bad. I really liked her.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:38:25 PM] Wynn: I am not incapable. ...well, not that I kinow of anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:39:17 PM] Wynn: I think you misunderstand me. I am not currently doing anything that could get me pregnant, but if I do, I will certainly be preventing said pregnancy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:40:26 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I just bought a small shopfront in Khelekhurro before fate saw fit to whisk me away to... however I should describe wherever we are now. Nation's gullet, the space between the worlds, that black columnar pod, however you see fit to see our bindings.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:41:23 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... what is *wrong* with people on this *ship*.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:41:44 PM] Wynn: Your goddess serves a local need.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:41:45 PM] Josie: Quintilian: We have many unwanted children, that's what.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:42:03 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: This entire debate feels an act of inanity. We are trapped in the gullet of a massive sentient artifact who wants us here as little as we want to be here, and people are bickering like old housewives over /lifestyle choices/. Do we not have more pressing concerns?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:43:03 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Nation says we are going to /die/ in /five years/ if we cannot break the binds that tie us here. I know little about your world, but on mine, a five year old child is little more than a helpless whelp. I think childbearing is not one of our current concerns!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:43:31 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... Tarak has vowed to find the child a suitable parent.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:43:41 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I see not how, if he cannot leave here!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:43:48 PM] Wynn: Tarak did not come from a pod.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:43:53 PM] Wynn: He is free to leave when he chooses.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:43:55 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...wait, he what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:44:07 PM] Wynn: There are six people on board who are... guests.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:44:13 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: That's a possibility?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:44:28 PM] Wynn: If you aren't from a pod, yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:44:38 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: So the curse is not tied to Nation, then, but to us... or rather to that pod-room.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:44:52 PM] Wynn: Yes, we've had a mage tell us as much.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:45:07 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Well forgive me for my lack of precognition and omniscience, I just got here yesterday.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:45:11 PM] Wynn: The pod room is apparently the key.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:45:36 PM] Wynn: Allys, Tarak, Grayson, Fred, Shol, and Arin are all free to leave as they wish.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:45:42 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Lucky them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:45:50 PM] Wynn: As are any children born to a pod person.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:45:58 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Are we certain on that last bit?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:46:07 PM] Wynn: It has apparently happened on a previous crew.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:46:27 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Do we know this from writings, or from Nation himself? I'd trust the word more from his mouth than from a book.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:46:31 PM] Wynn: Nation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:46:32 PM] Josie: Quintilian: You're almost as ill-mannered as I am.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:46:34 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Alright then.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:46:40 PM] Josie: Quintilian: I'm going to have to try harder.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:47:09 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Forgive me, I am exhausted, and more than slightly flustered. See, two days ago, I was a shopkeep.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:47:23 PM] Wynn: The plan, apparently, is to have the child and try to get them back to her home plane. If she should succumb to the curse, Tarak will take the child and find a home for it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:47:25 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Now apparently I'm an adventurer, sailing the stars between planes on a ship that doesn't want me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:48:21 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari settles into a chair with a harrumph.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:48:57 PM] Josie: Bellami: Correct. And it is none of his *sister's* business.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:49:18 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...so the fear is still Tarak's, since he fears in five years he'll be stuck with a five-year-old as a single father. In that case it would also be his sister's business, as she is likely who he would rely on for help raising the child.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:49:31 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: At least until he found a suitable home.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:49:46 PM] Wynn: ...Tarak doesn't *fear* anything.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:50:15 PM] Wynn: He's trying to help her.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:50:34 PM] Wynn: He's putting aside his *personal feelings* to try to help someone in need.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:51:03 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... what personal feelings?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:51:13 PM] Wynn: About not wanting to be a father for one.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:53:24 PM] Josie: Bellami: He has no need to become involved.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:54:07 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: The child exists in time and space. He cannot simply scoop up a five-year-old whose mother is freshly deceased without interacting with the child.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:54:42 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Likewise, home-finding is not an instantaneous process. Unless you advise keeping the child in a kennel like a dog, he will have to interact with the child.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:54:50 PM] Wynn: Hopefully it never gets to that point and the point is moot.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:55:39 PM] Josie: Bellami: He would do that for *any* child.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:55:45 PM] Wynn: Wynn nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:56:49 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: So perhaps you can understand why he would harbor a reluctance against /creating/ this very situation. We can hope and pray 'til our dying day, but we cannot prevent what we cannot prevent, and if the curse is immutable, then this is exactly the future Tarak has to look forward to.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:57:08 PM] Wynn: He's not reluctant!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:57:13 PM] Wynn: I think you're missing the point here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:57:19 PM] Josie: Bellami: I don't know what you're talking about! He *agreed* to our arrangement.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:57:23 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I think I am as well! What precisely is the problem then?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:57:35 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Why are we having this fight if both parties are willing and aware of the dangers?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:57:44 PM] Wynn: She doesn't believe in birth control. He regularly uses it when not attempting to create a child for Bellami.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:57:56 PM] Wynn: She thinks it's blasphemous.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:57:58 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...is that really the entire extent of the dilemma?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:58:01 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: There is /nothing/ else?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:58:11 PM] Josie: Bellami: And he is physically strong, reasonably intelligent--not everyone is a wizard, of course, gentle enough and blessed by a deity. He will be perfectly adequate for my purposes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:58:14 PM] Wynn: Between Tarak and Mother Bellami? Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:58:25 PM] Wynn: Between her and Allys, I can't say.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:58:31 PM] Wynn: They haven't spoken, apparently.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:58:47 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Various and sundry gods, we are having an argument over a confrontation that hasn't even happened yet?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:59:07 PM] Wynn: No, we're having an argument over the validity of birth control.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:59:11 PM] Wynn: Wynn smiles slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:59:34 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: This topic hasn't even been about birth control in the entirety of the time I have been here! Birth control has been said four times total, counting these past two sentences!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 10:59:49 PM] Wynn: I've already said if she wants to stop hiding from Allys, she needs to talk to her. That part's already been figured.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:00:10 PM] Iskandar: Now apparently you're arguing about arguing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:00:54 PM] Josie: Bellami: Please! Can we stop mentioning *that.*

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:01:09 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: That... is exactly what is happening. This is arguing for the sake of arguing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:01:10 PM] Josie: Bellami: Perhaps *your* deities do not particularly care about such things but *mine* does.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:01:54 PM] Wynn: As I've said. Your deity is concerned with local problems. Your local problems do not extend out here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:02:45 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... I have not insulted *your* god.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:03:02 PM] Wynn: I am not insulting yours.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:03:34 PM] Wynn: ...though to be quite frank, the reason I'd choose not to have children is to better serve my god. That's why I get defensive about it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:03:40 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: On the contrary. Many deities respect and encourage the use of birth control as a method of culling an overproductive population. They would be insulted by a deity who told them that such methods were sinful and should be avoided.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:03:55 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: For all you know, I could follow such a deity myself.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:04:12 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: You never stopped to ask, did you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:04:30 PM | Edited 11:04:32 PM] Wynn: ...you and Quintilian will likely get along just fine, Aziz.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:04:57 PM] Josie: Bellami: ... very well. Since you refuse to honor a *polite* request for a change of topic, I will leave.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:05:01 PM] Josie: She stands up and sweeps out!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:05:29 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Gods be praised, now I can ask meaningful questions.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:05:35 PM] Wynn: Wynn takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:05:54 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Wynn, may I ask you a few questions about the phantasms aboard this ship?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:06:08 PM] Josie: Quintilian: To be fair, that *was* pretty rude. I think he's ruder than me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:06:15 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: You seem to be the only one who takes careful notes on our situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:06:16 PM] Wynn: ... you can, but I don't know much about them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:06:43 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Have any divine magick-users attempted to speak with them, via Speak with Dead or any of the other sundry spells available to them?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:06:56 PM] Wynn: Not that I'm aware of.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:07:19 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...that's something I should work on, then. They are an untapped resource.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:07:57 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: You said a mage has determined that the pod-room is the source of our curse? Did they have any other details to impart?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:08:56 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: And for the record, Quinn, I actually was offended by the entire line of conversation. My statements were not false in that regard.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:09:08 PM] Wynn: He said that we are cursed to die here, bind our souls here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:09:21 PM] Josie: Quint: Which one, ours? If I offend you, say so. I don't read minds.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:09:28 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: No. Hers.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:09:31 PM] Josie: Fred: I do! ... but they're not very interesting!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:09:36 PM] Josie: Quint: Well, you didn't tell her either.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:09:53 PM] Wynn: The only way he could think of to dispel the curse is to kill the ship, and that something more powerful than a mortal cast it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:10:02 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: No, I did. Just then. Her response was, like most brainwashed sycophants, to find a reason to excuse herself from confrontation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:10:11 PM] Wynn: ... Wait, you read minds, Fred?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:10:32 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...that makes no sense, Wynn. We just said the curse is not tied to Nation but to the pod-room.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:10:41 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Would it not make more sense to simply destroy the pod-room?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:11:09 PM] Wynn: He said the curse binds us to the ship, and if there is no ship, there is no curse.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:11:21 PM] Wynn: All I can tell you is what he said. I don't know more than that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:11:25 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: But the curse binds us to the pods, does it not? We reappear there, not on Nation's decks?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:11:26 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Maybe if you'd been polite instead of ramming everything down her throat it would've helped.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:11:47 PM] Josie: Fred: All the little thoughts in their pretty little heads.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:11:47 PM] Wynn: The pod room is the key, and the curse is both strongest and weakest there.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:12:00 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Have I mentioned the part where I was a shopkeep two days ago? I don't pretend to be in full control of my emotions right now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:12:21 PM] Wynn: Fred, it would be considered polite *not* to read people's minds without asking first.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:13:07 PM] Wynn: Wynn frowns in thought, looking at Fred.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:13:25 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: To be completely frank, my sanity strains against this entire construction. I have five years, give or take, to find a cure for a curse cast by a demi-god that binds us to a sentient planebound starship that wants me here as little as I want to be here. You can forgive me for being a little snippy considering that knowledge was given to me over breakfast!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:14:17 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Maybe you should get counseling.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:14:31 PM] Josie: Fred: Sometimes they just pop right out!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:14:33 PM] Iskandar: Did I miss the part where everyone told you that it was your responsibility and yours alone to cure the curse?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:15:05 PM] Wynn: ...hey you guys found a new person to harp on.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:15:12 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Well, Dragon, everyone else here seems to be too preoccupied with everyone else's lifestyle choices and the daily gossip! I figure you most of all would rail against this, considering your milennia of life have been shortened to an eyeblink!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:15:18 PM] Wynn: Fred, I might ask you a favor.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:16:10 PM] Wynn: Aziz, there are more problems to solve than just the curse. Some of us try to help where we can.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:16:26 PM] Iskandar: Seriously. You and Wynn should have a martyr contest to see who can take more onto their shoulders and save all us lower beings from ourselves and our situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:16:38 PM] Wynn: Spoiler alert: I'll win.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:16:56 PM] Iskandar: ... my god, that was a joke, Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:17:02 PM] Iskandar: Aziz takes the lead.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:17:05 PM] Josie: Quintilian laughs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:17:17 PM] Wynn: Wynn grins at Iskandar.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:17:32 PM] Josie: Fred: I like her, she tastes good.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:17:43 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: On an unrelated note, I might borrow some of you later for a science experiment. Related to the work I was doing with Nation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:17:51 PM] Wynn: ..........are you feeling ok, Fred?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:17:56 PM] Wynn: You seem a little.... addled.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:18:16 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: He may be growing... hungry. You had expressed that that may be a concern soon.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:18:45 PM] Wynn: Oh I know why he said I taste good. I'm just worried about some of the other things he said and the way he said them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:19:08 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I know, but the statement remains. Have you never found yourself so hungry you began to feel delirious?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:19:23 PM] Nilani: Yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:19:28 PM] Wynn: Of course. It was part of my training.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:19:52 PM] Josie: Fred: ... I'm not pretending to be a person now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:20:02 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...gesundheit?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:20:07 PM] Wynn: Are you usually like this, then?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:20:21 PM] Josie: Fred: I don't know. I don't remember.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:20:55 PM] Wynn: I think I'll wait a bit, but.... when you read minds, can you find deep, hidden secrets?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:21:11 PM] Wynn: Like the kind the person can't even remember?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:22:50 PM] Josie: Fred: No,  don't think so.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:22:56 PM] Josie: Fred: Just the shiny big thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:23:09 PM] Wynn: Oh. Ok.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:23:53 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: That being said, there are spells for that. I do not have the grasp of arcane theory to cast such a spell now, but... given time, I could research a means.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:24:36 PM] Josie: Quintilian: ... stay out of my head, please.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:25:08 PM] Wynn: Stay out of *everyone's* heads... unless you get permission first.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:25:43 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Of course. Last I checked, I do not look the part of a thief, do I?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:25:50 PM] Wynn: I was not speaking to you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:26:04 PM] Wynn: Although the sentiment stands for anyone.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:27:28 PM] Wynn: I will likely find another avenue before you are able to completely research the spell, but thank you anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:27:46 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari shrugs and nods

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:28:10 PM] Josie: Fred: I will.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:29:14 PM | Edited 11:30:00 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Mine is a very fluid arcana, since it sacrifices the immediacy of a proper spell. Do not hesitate to ask if there is a magical solution to your problems; otherwise, my skills will remain woefully underutilized.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:30:10 PM] Wynn: Wynn sort of shrugs. "There's no rush or anything. I can deal with it."

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:32:00 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: That depends on your definition of time. Five years may be an eternity to a goblin, but dragons count their years by the century. I prefer their clock to the goblin's.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:32:33 PM] Wynn: You don't live by the dragon's clock though.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:32:55 PM] Wynn: I am likely already past my halfway-mark myself.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:33:28 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: None of us will live to count in dragonyears if we're dead in five mundane ones; I'd like to make this less of a moot argument, if I can.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:33:51 PM] Wynn: Of course. I think I'll live ten more years, not five.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:34:33 PM] Iskandar: I fully intend to live for another millenia.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:35:12 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: What manner of dragon were you, before your shape became so constrained?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:35:16 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: If you don't mind my asking.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:35:21 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Goblins have a fairly sophisticated and interesting culture.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:35:30 PM] Josie: Quintilian: Not that anyone ever cares.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:35:56 PM] Iskandar: Me? I was blue. Very blue. Super-blue.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:36:56 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Have you retained any of your previous predilections? Penchant for sunbathing, preference for dry spaces? Affinity for electricity?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:37:12 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...do we even have a desert onboard? Apparently we have a forest...

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:37:53 PM] Iskandar: I'm still me, if that's what you're asking. Just flightless, pink, and squishier.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:38:04 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: And with significantly less sorcery.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:38:38 PM] Wynn: ...blues are in the deserts? Not much camouflage in that, is there?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:38:49 PM] Wynn: I'd have thought you'd be ocean-goers.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:38:58 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Water and electricity don't mix well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:39:24 PM] Iskandar: We're not animals, no matter what the old stories say. A dragon can live any-damn-where we want.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:39:37 PM] Wynn: ......fair point. Apologies.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:40:30 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: That being said, Her Ladyship gave each dragon a predilection based on affinities and synergies with their own abilities. Similarly to how our own creators built mountain-men to enjoy the mountains more than the seas.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:40:49 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Some choose to overcome said predilections, but others embrace them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:41:06 PM] Iskandar: 'Her Ladyship'?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:41:06 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...actually, nevermind, Tiamat wasn't involved in creation of the dragons. That was Io wasn't it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:41:13 PM] Wynn: Don't say that name.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:41:30 PM] Josie: A woman peers into the room! At least, you *think* it's a woman. She's wearing a short blue skirt, a midriff-baring blue tank top and lots of blue makeup and she... appears to have blue hair sticking straight up down the center of her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:42:00 PM] Iskandar: Elder Sister had nothing to do with our creation. Neither did Elder Brother.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:42:10 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Forgive me, my dragonlore is at least two years rusty.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:42:22 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: And she's not my elder sister. Thus the more respectful title.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:42:30 PM] Nilani: Nilani smiles and waves at the person.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:42:34 PM] Wynn: Do not speak the goddess's name. She's got an ear out for us apparently.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:42:48 PM] Iskandar: Iskandar catches sight of the newcomer and smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:43:21 PM] Josie: Woman: ... am I interrupting something?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:43:37 PM] Josie: It's worth noting she also has more piercings than your average punk bartender.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:44:09 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Just a brief discussion on dragons, madam. Or at least, a bit of reeducation for myself, courtesy of someone who actually used to be one.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:44:28 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari jerks a thumb at Iskandar in lieu of further explanation

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:44:51 PM] Iskandar: I still *am* a dragon.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:45:10 PM] Iskandar: Some old wizened human isn't going to stop that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:45:15 PM] Josie: Woman: He's a rather sweet dragon at that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:45:38 PM] Wynn: ....you look quite different.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:45:40 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: My experience with dragons is too insufficient to make any judgements like that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:46:05 PM] Josie: Woman: I know. I thought I'd try a more traditional look. I'm Arin by the way, I don't think I've met quite everyone here...?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:46:09 PM] Josie: Fred: I'm Fred!

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:46:24 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari, merchant of magical means.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:46:41 PM] Wynn: I'm not sure I really introduced myself the last time we met. I am Wynn.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:47:39 PM] Wynn: How have you been settling in?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:48:16 PM] Josie: Arin: Pretty well, actually. Isk's been helping quite a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:48:46 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Hence your colorful ensemble, I assume?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:49:23 PM] Iskandar: Actually, she liked blue before she met me. Which is a good indication of character.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:49:41 PM] Wynn: Wynn rolls her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:49:49 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Indeed. Where I hail from, blue is one of the colors previously reserved for royalty.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:49:59 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: They call it Royal Blue for a reason.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:50:28 PM] Iskandar: Yep.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:51:03 PM] Josie: Arin: Blue is my professional name.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:51:23 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Professional name?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:51:33 PM] Josie: Arin nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:51:44 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Like a nom de plume, then? Are you an artist?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:53:27 PM] Josie: Arin: ... not exactly, though I suppose you *could* put it that way.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:53:31 PM] Josie: Arin: I was a prostitute.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:53:53 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...by choice, or through lack of other options?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:54:56 PM] Josie: Arin: Oh, by choice. We were very upscale.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:55:55 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: I see. I was confused at first; where I come from, prostitution is usually a medium-of-last-resort, yet your outfit does not reflect such desperation.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:56:18 PM] Josie: Arin: Oh, I didn't dress like this when I worked.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:56:32 PM] Josie: Arin: It was more of a professional escort type of situation. We'd go to parties and the like.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:56:33 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Forgive the terrible pun, but is that not part of the job?

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:56:38 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: Ah, I see.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:56:55 PM] Josie: Arin: It was all very elegant. This is more traditional.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:57:14 PM] Wynn: Rafangia, right? Iskandar mentioned it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:58:22 PM] Aziz al-Awlari: If you find your wardrobe choices limited, please do not hesitate to enquire. I am a tailor by trade, and chance saw fit to keep most of my tailoring supplies with me; I would be happy to exercise my expertise for once.

<p class="MsoNormal">[6/21/2014 11:59:51 PM] Josie: Arin: I certainly shall! Thank you. And yes, Rafangia.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:00:08 AM] Iskandar: She's really good at destroying combat dummies with axes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:00:41 AM] Wynn: So you said.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:01:05 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Should you need, I can make those as well... though I think Nation may already have a supply of those.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:01:08 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: The axes, I mean.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:01:31 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: I wouldn't really know where to begin with a combat dummy.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:02:25 AM] Wynn: I've heard that Rafangians are little more than barbarians, but what I've heard turns out to be wrong much of the time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:02:26 AM] Josie: Arin: I'm quite interested in a better pair of axes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:03:01 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: I would be interested in making them for you, if I could get ahold of a forge. Thankfully Nation says he is creating one for us.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:03:17 AM] Iskandar: Yeah, there were some hatchets in the training room, but they weren't up to her exacting standards.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:03:23 AM] Josie: Arin beams. "That's so kind of you, thank you so much."

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:03:31 AM] Josie: Arin: And yes, I prefer something a bit lighter and better matched.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:03:50 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Of course. Proper supply will be integral to our success, no matter what endeavour we embark on.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:04:21 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Lighter and better matched, hm? Tell me what you're looking for.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:04:43 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari breaks out a sketchpad and quill

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:04:58 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Single-bladed, double-bladed?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:06:20 AM] Josie: Arin: Single. And small, elegant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:07:23 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: A narrower blade, then? Relatively long and flat, broad at the head, but the steel itself maintains a narrowness so as to keep weight down?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:08:39 AM] Josie: Arin nods. "It's kind of a... dance."

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:08:55 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari nods, sketching in broad strokes

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:09:43 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: The handle itself would need to lend itself to that. Light and long, with a strong connection-point to the blade.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:10:00 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Yours is more of a slashing style, then, not a bludgeoning one.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:10:14 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: More work with the tip of the blade than with the weight of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:11:43 AM] Josie: Arin smiles. "Yes, that's it exactly."

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:11:49 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Aziz al-Awlari deliberately distends the sketched axe's blade vertically, producing a longer cutting-edge

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:12:01 AM] Josie: Arin: There's a lot of spinning and whirling.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:13:12 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...finally, a project I can get my head around without needing eight books in Draconic. I would happily smith these for you, as soon as Nation finishes his arts and crafts room.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:13:55 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Let's talk aesthetics. I could produce an alloy of aluminum that would be lighter than wood, yet more durable. Would you allow a handle made of that, or would you prefer the aesthetic of a wooden handle?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:14:15 AM] Josie: Arin: That's terribly sweet of you! Oh, not wood, if possible.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:14:42 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Excellent. My woodcraft is limited, anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:15:33 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Do you wear gloves during combat? I learned recently of a wrap for the handle using braided metal cord... it's much more durable than leather wrapping, but it digs into the flesh a bit, necessitating gloves.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:18:37 AM] Josie: Arin: Fingerless ones, but yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:18:53 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: So long as they cover the palms, they will do quite nicely.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:21:19 AM] Josie: Arin nods.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:21:30 AM] Josie: Fred: I like my necklace.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:21:33 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Pommelstones in sapphire, crushed lazuli in the braiding for color... I wonder if I couldn't get a bluer hint in the blade as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:21:46 AM] Josie: Arin: ... now I'm wondering how I'm going to pay you back.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:21:48 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: I'm glad you do, Fred. Hopefully it functions as designed.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:22:53 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: If you feel a need to pay me back, we can discuss it later. I was willing to simply craft these as a method of staying sane.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:23:05 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Gods know I didn't charge Fred for his jewelry.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:23:19 AM] Josie: Fred: I don't have any money!

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:24:07 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Money is useless on this ship anyway. What am I going to do with coin, save melt it down for gold leaf?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:24:20 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Last I checked there's no merchant demiplane

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:24:38 AM] Iskandar: There have been merchants on just about every inhabited plane we've gone to.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:24:50 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...hold on, roll that back. We can /leave/?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:06 AM] Iskandar: Yeah. For short periods of time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:07 AM] Josie: Quintilian grunts. "Of course we can leave."

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:11 AM] Wynn: We do stop and go to stores.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:13 AM] Josie: Quint: The problem is we'll come back here.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:22 AM] Josie: Quint: ... if you consider it a problem.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:37 AM] Iskandar: Yeah. If we're off the ship for too long, we get pulled back into a pod.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:37 AM] Josie: Quint: So far, this place has been relatively congenial, and if nothing else, at least it's equitable.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:42 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: I figured if we attempted to walk off the ship, we'd get bounced back to the pods immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:52 AM] Iskandar: No. It takes time.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:25:59 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: How much time? Days, weeks?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:26:05 AM] Iskandar: A couple weeks, I think.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:26:17 AM] Wynn: I think it's related to when Nation jumps.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:26:28 AM] Wynn: I know Raven tried a couple times.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:26:29 AM] Iskandar: As with everything related to the curse, though, it's pretty inconsistant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:26:39 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...then perhaps we can arrange payment in more supplies, from one of these stopovers.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:26:41 AM] Iskandar: I think we get pulled back immediately when nation jumps.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:27:03 AM] Wynn: That's the impression I had.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:27:11 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: If you can replace the materials I put in, I'll gladly make anything you want.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:27:15 AM] Wynn: Although I haven't exactly asked details from Raven.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:27:52 AM] Josie: Arin: I still have my savings. And the things I accumulated when I was an adventurer.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:28:14 AM] Wynn: ...you were an adventurer.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:28:48 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: She had a fighting-style, opulent outfits, and has a taste in axes. You were expecting a noble, perhaps?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:29:31 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Of course she's an adventurer. Most of my customers are adventurers! Adventurers are good business! Especially where I come from.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:29:32 AM] Josie: Arin: I don't think I have noble blood.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:30:19 AM] Wynn: Don't most Rafangians fight?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:30:39 AM] Josie: Arin: A lot of them. I didn't grow up there, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:30:49 AM] Wynn: ...I mean most *people* do, but I'd think Rafangians more than that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:32:05 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Her sources of income are irrelevant. She's a paying customer and a decent human being with a taste for well-made goods. She's perfectly fine in my books, I don't care where she came from.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:32:15 AM] Wynn: Besides... Valerian has a style and outfits... and I think he's some sort of noble.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:33:02 AM] Josie: Arin: I've done a lot of things; I'm not quite as young as I look.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:33:05 AM | Edited 12:33:18 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Nobles are good business too. Only adventurers have higher demand for defensive charms than nobles.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:33:47 AM] Wynn: Come to think of it, he might be interested in your tailoring skills.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:33:59 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: I certainly welcome the business.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:34:35 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Right now the only person who's letting me craft for them is Nation, and even then only reluctantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:34:43 AM] Iskandar: You never hunted any dragons, did you?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:34:48 AM] Wynn: Wynn shrugs. "I have no need."

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:35:35 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: You wouldn't welcome some bespoke plate, then? Something that moved with you, made it easier to keep between your target and your allies?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:35:51 AM] Wynn: ...some what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:36:00 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Bespoke. Tailormade specifically for you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:36:15 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: You've never had anyone make gear with your form in mind? Your fighting-style?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:36:25 AM] Wynn: No.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:36:42 AM] Josie: Arin: ... you should let him, it's amazing.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:36:43 AM] Wynn: My armor was a gift from Nation, actually.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:36:49 AM] Josie: Arin: It makes such a difference.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:37:13 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: It really does. Training is a wonderful thing, but fighting is an entirely different experience when you work /with/ the gear instead of /against/ it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:37:18 AM] Josie: Arin: I had a trumpet archon friend who swore by it. Or would have, if he'd sworn, which he didn't.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:37:34 AM] Wynn: Wynn sort of eyes Arin at that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:38:16 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: And bespoke armaments go one step further - they are gear made to work /with you/, to lend aid by dint of design and material, catered specifically to your own needs.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:38:31 AM] Josie: Arin: And it feels so much *better.*

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:41:13 AM] Wynn: ...perhaps. I will think about it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:42:12 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Please do. For my sake. Keeping busy will keep my mind off things.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:43:43 AM] Josie: Arin: I'd offer to help with that, but I think I've got my hands full with the two I have.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:44:08 AM] Wynn: ....what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:44:13 AM] Iskandar: Heh.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:44:35 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Isk shares? I figured dragons were notoriously possessive.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:44:56 AM] Josie: Arin: Paramours.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:45:05 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:45:11 AM] Wynn: ....oh.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:45:36 AM] Josie: Arin: ... sorry, do you object to being called Isk? You've never said anything...

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:45:53 AM] Iskandar: No. You can call me Isk.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:45:58 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Ah. I see.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:46:07 AM] Iskandar: But Iskandar is already shortened.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:46:21 AM] Josie: Arin: What is it really?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:46:45 AM] Iskandar: Very long, and my not-dragon tongue would mangle it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:47:15 AM] Wynn: Wynn smiles slightly. "The beauty of a short name."

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:47:52 AM] Wynn: Wynn frowns a little. "That character's name was *really* Wynn?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:48:06 AM] Iskandar: Iskandar nods. "Yep."

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:48:29 AM] Iskandar: He tosses the book over to Wynn. "It's pretty good.  Kind of dull at the beginning but it really picks up."

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:49:01 AM] Wynn: Wynn flips to the middle to see if she can see "Wynn" but tosses it back to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:49:38 AM] Wynn: Not my kind of book, thanks.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:49:46 AM] Josie: Quint: What is, then?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:50:16 AM] Wynn: Lately, religious analysis and the like.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:50:33 AM] Iskandar: Let me guess, you hate zeppelins.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:50:44 AM] Wynn: Don't have an opinion of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:51:08 AM] Josie: Quint: She obviously hates romance.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:51:36 AM] Wynn: I have a collection of children's tales, morality tales and the like. My father gave me a copy when I was a child. But other than that, I don't really read "for fun".

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:52:05 AM] Wynn: ...why do you think I hate romance?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:53:14 AM] Josie: Quint: You seem the type.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:54:01 AM] Wynn: ...not sure if I should be offended or not.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:55:04 AM] Wynn: I don't *hate* it. It depends on the specifics, as anything.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:58:18 AM] Josie: Quint: Indeed?

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:59:08 AM] Wynn: Of course. It depends on who, what, why... all of that.

<p class="MsoNormal">[12:59:19 AM] Wynn: And it is low on the priority list.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:03:12 AM] Josie: Quint: Better things to do.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:03:20 AM] Wynn: Indeed.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:03:53 AM] Wynn: Anyway, I only asked about the character because I've never heard of anyone else using that name... and it's not even *my* given name.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:04:25 AM] Josie: Quint: ... what *is* your given name?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:04:52 AM] Wynn: ....I suppose that's what I get for mentioning it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:05:01 AM] Wynn: It's Sarah.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:05:20 AM] Iskandar: I like Wynn better.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:05:27 AM] Wynn: When I took my oath, I took the name Wynn. It's my family name.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:06:09 AM] Josie: Arin: It changes how people see you, doesn't it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:06:21 AM] Wynn: That's part of the point.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:07:36 AM | Edited 1:07:40 AM] Wynn: Sarah's soft. Wynn is, among other things, gender-ambiguous. With my faceplate down, you can't tell if I'm a man or a woman, elf or human, old or young.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:08:27 AM] Iskandar: And it sounds like 'Win'.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:08:47 AM] Wynn: Wynn smiles. "Can't say that was part of my decision process."

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:09:44 AM] Wynn: Of course... once I speak it all goes out the window.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:10:53 AM] Josie: Arin: It's silly that it makes a difference that you're female, isn't it?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:11:24 AM] Wynn: I don't know that it *always* does, but yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:12:03 AM] Wynn: I think most of the... disrespect I get is from my youth.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:12:20 AM] Wynn: People don't like it when they're told to do something by someone who looks like a child.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:14:05 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: There are spells for that, you know. People already regularly put glamours on their armor to turn it into a tuxedo. Why not an auditory figment on your helmet to make your voice more gender-neutral?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:14:35 AM] Wynn: Wynn smiles slightly. "There are spells for just about everything, aren't there?"

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:15:12 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Well, that is kind of why spells were /invented/. Dragons got bored of doing everything by hand and decided to break physics. Once the novelty wore off, they decided "why stop there?" and wizardry was born.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:15:33 AM] Wynn: Actually... if you want to be of great use... Allys has been unsuccessful thus far, but if you could find a way to rid Tarak of the need to drink, that would be incredibly useful. His body is too accustomed to it to stop now.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:15:37 AM] Josie: Quint: Some people just don't like being told to do things. By anyone.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:16:11 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: I could, but does he /want/ to stop?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:16:29 AM] Wynn: He's tried before.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:16:39 AM] Wynn: And if the answer to that is no, then I can make him anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:16:39 AM | Edited 1:16:46 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Alright. That's the important part.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:17:01 AM] Josie: Arin: Allys thinks he does, anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:17:07 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: No... if you force him to stop when he doesn't want to, he'll just take up drinking in secret.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:17:13 AM] Wynn: No he won't.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:17:27 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: If he earnestly wants to stop, then I can work on a purgative spell for the rest.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:17:49 AM] Josie: Arin: ... as long as it's safe.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:18:13 AM] Wynn: For one, he's honorable. For the other, we've made an agreement for retribution. Whatever punishment I decide, he'll do.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:18:29 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: I have no interest in killing anyone. Ever.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:19:18 AM] Wynn: He's *supposed* to be thinking of one for me as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:19:34 AM] Josie: Quint: And he's not?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:19:47 AM] Wynn: I don't know, but it's been some time since the agreement was made.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:19:59 AM] Josie: Quint: Maybe he can't think of anything.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:20:06 AM] Wynn: Maybe.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:20:59 AM] Wynn: It is difficult to punish someone who already punishes themselves.... especially when most punishments would also impact the job.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:21:19 AM] Wynn: I'm having a lot of trouble coming up with anything besides alcohol for his.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:22:11 AM] Josie: Quint: ... what would he consider a punishment, is the question.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:22:25 AM] Wynn: Something that matters.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:23:06 AM] Josie: Quint: Tell him to get married.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:23:25 AM] Wynn: Heh. I'm supposed to punish *him*.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:23:39 AM] Josie: Quint: It's the fate worse than death, or so I hear.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:24:42 AM] Wynn: Oh well. I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:25:42 AM] Wynn: Truth be told, I don't think I could even come up with something for me if we were switched.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:26:41 AM] Josie: Quint: Well, what do you hate?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:26:54 AM] Wynn: Wynn grins. "Evil."

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:27:05 AM] Josie: Quint: And vulnerability.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:27:13 AM] Wynn: Wynn stops grinning.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:27:24 AM] Josie: Quint: So there's your answer.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:27:25 AM] Wynn: .......point.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:28:01 AM] Wynn: But that would affect my ability to perform my duties.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:28:47 AM] Josie: Quint: Emotional vulnerability? Maybe.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:28:50 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Not if he restricted it to emotional vulnerability. He could punish you by telling embarrassing stories about your childhood at the monastery.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:29:04 AM] Wynn: I have no secrets.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:30:30 AM] Josie: Quint: Still. That's the way to go with it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:30:55 AM] Wynn: Perhaps.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:33:29 AM] Wynn: You're an observant one, Quintilian.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:33:46 AM] Josie: Quintilian: With people, yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:33:51 AM] Wynn: Though I suppose it wouldn't be hard to see that in me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:34:17 AM] Josie: Quint looks up from his book. "You have my vote."

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:34:46 AM] Wynn: You wouldn't vote for yourself?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:37:00 AM] Josie: Quint: I'd assume we'd get multiple votes for multiple positions.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:37:13 AM] Wynn: ...Likely.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:37:35 AM] Wynn: For what it's worth, I'd have appointed you to my council.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:38:12 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: ...what are we voting for?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:38:21 AM] Wynn: A council.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:38:37 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: Count me out. A politician is the only thing I wanted to be even less than an adventurer.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:39:15 AM] Wynn: We'll be informing the crew of the intent and taking names of people who would like to run before actual voting.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:39:33 AM] Josie: Quint: And ensuring everyone agrees to it.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:39:53 AM] Wynn: ...what made you say that, anyway?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:40:45 AM] Josie: Quint: Say what?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:40:52 AM] Wynn: That you'd vote for me.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:41:04 AM] Josie: Quint: Because it's true. Obviously.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:41:10 AM] Wynn: But why?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:41:30 AM | Edited 1:41:33 AM] Wynn: Obviously not my love of the Law.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:42:12 AM] Aziz al-Awlari: What precisely do we need a council for, anyway?

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:42:25 AM] Wynn: Apparently to prevent me from becoming some sort of tyrant.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:42:35 AM] Josie: Quint: Any governing body needs multiple points of view in order to be effective.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:42:54 AM] Wynn: Agreed. Which is why I'd have had you on my council.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:43:15 AM] Josie: Quint: And you have an interest, which is more than most will have. And I like you.

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:44:39 AM] Wynn: Wynn shrugs. "Like I said. I was trained for it. You want a tailor, call Aziz. You want someone to make tough decisions and be an arbiter for Law and the foundation of a community, that's me."

<p class="MsoNormal">[1:46:31 AM] Josie: Quint nods.