Trog's Tavern CCLII

[Morty]

[Upstairs]

"Nothing so pressing that I can't stay here like that for a while," Fayyaad says. "Who knows when I'll get the chance again."

[Nova_Eclipse]

[Upstairs]

"Who knows when we'll get the chance again, indeed," she says, smiling, before she shifts slightly and moves to kiss him. After all, if she decides to join MERC, she might need to go into hiding for a little while. Might as well have some fun before that happens.

[Rebonack]

Geneva gives a quick nod. "That's the colloquial name for them, yes. The Nexus is fraught with them. It, well... it has a tendency to sort of reach our and grab things. People, places, even whole regions sometimes. There's some speculation about the intent behind the abductions. If any. Some people even think that the Nexus might be self-aware in some capacity."

Geneva prefers not to give that concept much consideration.

It's just too weird.

Even for this place.

"The tricky part with creating a wormhole is that you have to make a hole in space to join the two distant locations together. I haven't quite got that part figured out yet... But I'm working on it!"

If only she knew movie Thor...

Maybe she could borrow their rainbow bridge.

[Ashen Lilies]

Fayyaad's interest is well and truly held now. Depending on how this goes, this might be an enjoyable finale to the adventure.

"My clothes may have been more practical, but this looks much better on you. If only reconciling style with utility was easier. And sometimes adventure just sneaks up on us, doesn't it?"

"I'll have to look into new wardrobe options," muses Cassandra. "If I'm committing to the adventuring lifestyle, I suppose finding a way to merge the two will just have to be one of my new priorities."

[Morty]

[Upstairs]

Fayyaad returns the kiss. They'll probably stay there like that for a while, maybe with another curtain even, until they do finally need to get up.

[Downstairs]

"I do my best, but my adventuring clothes still need to be pedestrian in some fashion," Fayyaad admits, with exaggerated sadness in his voice. He's currently wearing a thick vest with a long shirt underneath. "You're a sorceress, though. Maybe magic can be of help to look impressive while you adventure. That, and natural charm, of course."

[Nova_Eclipse]

[Upstairs]

Electra pulls the curtain as she holds the kiss. This time it doesn't stay down as long, mostly due to her not wanting to wear Fayyaad out at the start of the day. When it lifts, she's smiling at him, amusement in her eyes.

"Now that's a good way to wake up, isn't it?"

[Morty]

[Upstairs]

"The best," Fayyaad affirms, his eyes a little unfocused. But he manages to clear his head and moves to get up and get dressed. "We can't stay in bed all morning, though. Much as we'd like to."

[Nova_Eclipse]

[Upstairs]

"That sounds like a challenge," Electra says, grinning at him. She briefly considers pouncing on him before makes it out of bed and pinning him to it, but decides that she could probably use some food now, anyways and moves to get up and get dressed as well. "But one for another day, I suppose. One does need to eat after all."

[Ashen Lilies]

downstairs

Cassandra opens her mouth, no doubt intending to trade back some witty comment or other smooth quip, but whatever cunning response Cassandra had in mind is suddenly pushed out of mind by another flush as she processes the compliment she'd just been made.

Well, she'll get there eventually.

"I might have to recruit some advice on that front." She manages to eventually say.

[Morty]

[Upstairs]

"Indeed we do," Fayyaad says as he gets dressed. "Let me buy buy breakfast, this time. It's only fitting after last time."

[Downstairs]

Fayyaad is getting mixed signals here. Cassandra was clearly flirting with him, but she also seems awkward. Maybe she's just not used to flirting and courtship? Could be.

"Being charming, fashion magic, or fashion in general?" he asks. "You don't need help with the first and I can't help with the second one, but I do know a thing or two about the third option. Even if I haven't entirely familiarized myself with Nexus fashion just yet."

[Nova_Eclipse]

[Upstairs]

"Fair warning: I tend to eat a lot," Electra says, blushing slightly, "But I'll let you buy, if you're inclined." She smiles at him as she pulls her clothes on. She's a fast dresser, though her hair really needs a good brushing. Probably not time for that, though.

[Ashen Lilies]

[Downstairs]

Fayyaad's entirely too good at this. Damn.

"I'll take the help I can get." Says Cassandra, starting to regain her composure under Fayyaad's barrage of compliments.

[Morty]

[Upstairs ==> Breakfast]

Fayyaad leads Electra downstairs and will order whatever she wants, seemingly undaunted by her warning.

((I figure we can end the scene here, unless you have something you want Electra to bring up.))

[Downstairs]

Fayyaad gives Cassandra a good, long look.

"I think you've got a good idea when it comes to style," he says. "Subtle, but eye-catching. It should be easy to achieve the same thing with adventure-appropriate clothes. Especially since you're a sorceress, so you're not as likely to get directly into danger. I've been introduced to tuxedos recently, myself. As dashing and elegant as they look, they're not quite what I'd take out for an adventure."

[Nova_Eclipse]

[Upstairs ==> Breakfast]

Fayyaad will find Electra's warning completely fair, as she orders a good portion of the breakfast menu and proceeds to rapidly consume it, though she's not a messy eater by far, and does thank him several times for his generosity before they part ways. She does decide to head to Cassandra's after this, feeling suitably recharged.

((I don't have much else for this, so yeah, scene end.))

[Sniccups]

Geneva gives a quick nod. "That's the colloquial name for them, yes. The Nexus is fraught with them. It, well... it has a tendency to sort of reach our and grab things. People, places, even whole regions sometimes. There's some speculation about the intent behind the abductions. If any. Some people even think that the Nexus might be self-aware in some capacity."

Geneva prefers not to give that concept much consideration.

It's just too weird.

Even for this place.

"The tricky part with creating a wormhole is that you have to make a hole in space to join the two distant locations together. I haven't quite got that part figured out yet... But I'm working on it!"

If only she knew movie Thor...

Maybe she could borrow their rainbow bridge.

J looks at her thoughtfully, than says "I can probably help you with making one. Emphasis on probably. There's a spell to do it, so if we can find a wizard, or if someone here is a wizard, or can learn it without being a wizard, I can teach it to you. If I remember it correctly. It's complicated - takes two minutes and forty-eight seconds to cast, and it has to be done perfectly, but I think I remember it well enough that we have a chance of being able to make one."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Ah...? Okay, I guess I don't really need to question the whole Magical Spells thing..."

Changeling shrugs. "We have wizards."

"We have magicians who bind monsters to do magic for them, or who copy their moves with dust and potions. J, you're talking about some... some space-rending arcane ritual??"

"We have those too."

"No, we... ah, I guess we kind of do, but they're not really... useful? I mean, we don't hear anything about it unless there's a disaster, so..."

Leslie looks sheepish. She has enough trouble keeping track of how her own universe works, and she can tell that this one is not going to make things any easier. From his spot on the floor, Algernon whips her leg with his tail to get her back on target. He seems really curious about everything J and Gen have to say, and he's not going to let his owner derail it.

"Ah, right! So, where do we get started?"

[Shadowcaller]

Cursed Table

The Meddler seems inclined to just leave the two to their fate, considering how difficult it was to find a solution they would both find agreeable and that Libra wouldn't nitpick to death. But still, she was here for a reason and that gave her leave to do things, which was better than being discorporate and waiting until something required her presence, "I would be making them, yes. Though once they're made, it would be as if they had always existed. So they don't have a name yet, or a gender or an age or even any political beliefs. That all comes when and if you agree to the deal and we sit down and make them." She turns to the sinisterly powered paladin and his bardic compatriot, "And Steve, if it helps your anti-paladin self, think of it as a voodoo doll sucking up all the misery you would otherwise be experiencing. They're not, but it might help to think that way."

Steve says, after getting up (if getting up happens) "So they don't have real souls? Just flesh puppets similar to undead? If that's the case, I'm okay with it. It's a disturbing thought, but one I can live with."

"Go ahead and do it." Says Luvon again.

Cursed Table

"Just making a bunch of replacements?" Libra asks skeptically. "That's kinda..." She seems to hesitate. It only last for a moment though as the very next, she appear in a shadowy form. it is clearly her, but she appears to be made up of shadow-stuff. "Idea! If these two losers really want to be free of their curse, they have to make up the replacements for them!" She grins. "And I assure you, they will have souls and the whole shebang!" She claps her hands. "So spit them out. I want suggestions, but keep in mind, I will make the ultimate decisions so you can't try to worm yourself out of this one."

[8BitNinja]

Cursed Table

"Just making a bunch of replacements?" Libra asks skeptically. "That's kinda..." She seems to hesitate. It only last for a moment though as the very next, she appear in a shadowy form. it is clearly her, but she appears to be made up of shadow-stuff. "Idea! If these two losers really want to be free of their curse, they have to make up the replacements for them!" She grins. "And I assure you, they will have souls and the whole shebang!" She claps her hands. "So spit them out. I want suggestions, but keep in mind, I will make the ultimate decisions so you can't try to worm yourself out of this one."

Steve says "What you're asking us to do is impossible! I can't create life and neither can Luvon. How in the world do you think I can fulfill your request?

[Ashen Lilies]

[Downstairs]

Fayyaad gives Cassandra a good, long look.

"I think you've got a good idea when it comes to style," he says. "Subtle, but eye-catching. It should be easy to achieve the same thing with adventure-appropriate clothes. Especially since you're a sorceress, so you're not as likely to get directly into danger. I've been introduced to tuxedos recently, myself. As dashing and elegant as they look, they're not quite what I'd take out for an adventure."

[Downstairs]

"You'd be surprised at how much armor you can hide in those layers, with the right fabrics and enchantments," says Cassandra seriously. "And even if you're committed to a more traditional outfit, the lines and styles can be mimicked...

[Morty]

[Downstairs]

Fayyaad's eyes sparkle with interest. Well, he was interested before. But now he's interested in an additional thing.

"Really, now? That would be quite useful to me. I did purchase a tuxedo recently, which is currently in my quarters. Seems like we can help each other, with fashion and practicality. And who knows what else."

[Green Elf]

Cursed Table

"Just making a bunch of replacements?" Libra asks skeptically. "That's kinda..." She seems to hesitate. It only last for a moment though as the very next, she appear in a shadowy form. it is clearly her, but she appears to be made up of shadow-stuff. "Idea! If these two losers really want to be free of their curse, they have to make up the replacements for them!" She grins. "And I assure you, they will have souls and the whole shebang!" She claps her hands. "So spit them out. I want suggestions, but keep in mind, I will make the ultimate decisions so you can't try to worm yourself out of this one."

Steve says "What you're asking us to do is impossible! I can't create life and neither can Luvon. How in the world do you think I can fulfill your request?

Luvon speaks up. "Unless we just make suggestions that would be impossible. But either way, when do you want us to meet back with you?" It should seem a little odd for Steve, knowing that the ranger can't perform the task, but he should also know he has some sort of plan.

[Slii Arhem]

Spoiler

Show

Steve says, after getting up (if getting up happens) "So they don't have real souls? Just flesh puppets similar to undead? If that's the case, I'm okay with it. It's a disturbing thought, but one I can live with."

"Go ahead and do it." Says Luvon again.

Cursed Table

"Just making a bunch of replacements?" Libra asks skeptically. "That's kinda..." She seems to hesitate. It only last for a moment though as the very next, she appear in a shadowy form. it is clearly her, but she appears to be made up of shadow-stuff. "Idea! If these two losers really want to be free of their curse, they have to make up the replacements for them!" She grins. "And I assure you, they will have souls and the whole shebang!" She claps her hands. "So spit them out. I want suggestions, but keep in mind, I will make the ultimate decisions so you can't try to worm yourself out of this one."

Steve says "What you're asking us to do is impossible! I can't create life and neither can Luvon. How in the world do you think I can fulfill your request?

Luvon speaks up. "Unless we just make suggestions that would be impossible. But either way, when do you want us to meet back with you?" It should seem a little odd for Steve, knowing that the ranger can't perform the task, but he should also know he has some sort of plan.

Cursed Table

"I gather that was rather the idea. Steve and Luvon design their replacements via suggestion, I craft them for Libra, and everyone has a satisfying conclusion. The two replacing you would not have existed without this deal, so they get life out of it. You two get your freedom from Libra's curses and attention, and Libra gets someone to have fun with that may provide her more entertainment than you. A symmetrical arrangement." The Meddler lays it out as plainly as possible, hoping everyone now understands and agrees.

[Shadowcaller]

Cursed Table

"Yeah! Do you think I'd believe two losers like you could create life? Don't fool yourself dumb-dumb's!" Libra exclaims. "So go head, come up with your best suggestions. I won't remove the curse if they're real people though, keep that in mind!"

[8BitNinja]

Cursed Table

"Yeah! Do you think I'd believe two losers like you could create life? Don't fool yourself dumb-dumb's!" Libra exclaims. "So go head, come up with your best suggestions. I won't remove the curse if they're real people though, keep that in mind!"

Steve says "Fine, if this is the only way, then may The Benevolent One forgive me." He ponders for a while, and then says "Make them chaotic and evil." Maybe if they were evil, it wouldn't be as bad. Besides, if they act up, Steve can go after them.

[Green Elf]

Cursed Table

"Yeah! Do you think I'd believe two losers like you could create life? Don't fool yourself dumb-dumb's!" Libra exclaims. "So go head, come up with your best suggestions. I won't remove the curse if they're real people though, keep that in mind!"

"Let's see... Make them bald, have a perfect build, and being liked by everyone despite being evil. Also, give this person an extremely high ego and make the person rich if possible. I assume that would be fun to curse."

[Zefir]

A new man arrives at Trogs, properbly through the door. He wears shirt and jeans and looks like he is going out or something, but there is a conspicuity about him. Instead of skin he got scales like a lizard or snake, which are currently in a dark green. He still looks like a human, but he only grows hair on his head and not over his scaled arms. He appears trained, but the muscles barly show when he justst stands there.

He turns to the bar and orders a long island Ice tea. As he waits he looks around in the Tavern. Looking For some girls he might talk to.

[Earl of Purple]

Well, sitting at a table and drinking lemonade is Jack, she's a girl. Though it's also hard to tell; she's young, possibly twenty, probably younger, with short black hair and a skinny, androgynous frame and large grey eyes. She's wearing a red chequered shirt, a pair of denim jeans and black steel-toed boots. Sat on the floor next to her, her leg through the strap to deter thieves, is a brown leather satchel with a stylised crow embossed onto the flap.

[Sniccups]

"Ah...? Okay, I guess I don't really need to question the whole Magical Spells thing..."

Changeling shrugs. "We have wizards."

"We have magicians who bind monsters to do magic for them, or who copy their moves with dust and potions. J, you're talking about some... some space-rending arcane ritual??"

"We have those too."

"No, we... ah, I guess we kind of do, but they're not really... useful? I mean, we don't hear anything about it unless there's a disaster, so..."

Leslie looks sheepish. She has enough trouble keeping track of how her own universe works, and she can tell that this one is not going to make things any easier. From his spot on the floor, Algernon whips her leg with his tail to get her back on target. He seems really curious about everything J and Gen have to say, and he's not going to let his owner derail it.

"Ah, right! So, where do we get started?"

"First step is finding someone who we know can do this. Second is making sure that I know it correctly. Third would be... figuring out how to make the spell point to the Nexus." J sighs. "I'm not confident that I know how to do that third step, but I feel like we could figure it out with the... how many of us are there, anyway?"

[Celticbear]

In the doorway walks in a very tall lean man in a black jacket and skinny jeans. He has lean facial features and pale white blonde hair. His eyes are gray, and crawling all over his body are hundreds of bugs. The man is obviously in pain, as huge red slices strike all over his exposed chest, but his face lies a smile. He walks to the bar, and says:

You wouldn't happen to have a potion of cure mod laying about? I *cough* am in need of some-

The man doubles over and vomits some flies.

[Recaiden]

A barcultist points the bug-covered newcomer to the portals by the stairs; there is a reason they've arranged to have hospitals and temple healers so quickly available. Possibly some other patron will care to help him, or maybe he'll collapse on the floor. But they (mostly) serve alcohol here, not medicine.

Someone looking to pick up girls might (but probably won't) notice the supernaturally hidden half-demon Ein who once came here looking for adventurers. Right now she's sitting not-quite in a corner of the room, watching the room with bright orange eyes. No sandwich-board sign to announce her presence today.

They would be more likely to notice a gaggle of people at the bar: a fox-tailed blind girl, an oil-fire elemental, and a hunched figure wrapped up in scarves, jackets, and other winter clothes.