RPGWW

by **Idran1701** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:36 am

Automata - Vault

With a harumph, Öringr turns back to Asp. "Call off your filth. I'll pay your music. One year. But you'll see me again, kender." His eyes flick briefly towards Nora, still in Zant's arms, as he grins. "And who knows if that animal'll be so lucky next time."

by **Kelne** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:13 am

Asp resisted the temptation to grin. He'd always wanted a nemesis, but revenge was nothing to go around devoting your life to. Plus, he didn't really want that revenge spilling over to Nora. Unfortunately, anything he might say was only going to make Oringr more determined.

Oh well, "I'll take the win, Oringr," he said seriously, "But I hope you're not going to devote yourself to revenge on my account. It's no kind of life. I knew this one person who devoted years to her revenge, becoming a great swordswoman, cultivating contacts to help her out, and then the guy choked to death on a fishbone. She got really upset about it." Maybe dissuading Oringr was a lost cause, but at least he'd made the effort.

by **Jak Snide** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:23 am

Zant smiled at Öringr, a half-dozen different gibes on the tip of his tongue. He had to remind himself that dwarf was already disgraced and that insults would only increase the enmity between their group and him. No sense in making waves in an already stormy sea.

by **darkknight61189** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:56 am

Garick was more than satisfied with the dwarf's response, and so let go, still keeping an eye on the stout humanoid in case he decided to still just book it.

by **ChristianC** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:33 pm

Magpie stood up as Öringr declared himself the loser. The warforged looked over at Asp, then at the others, and then simply stepped back, its face (always drawn in an expression something like the greek masks of tragedy, except for the warm glow in its eyes) turning to look out at the crowd.

"Very well." it said with a tone of finality, "That would be the end of it, then."

by **Idran1701** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:04 am

Automata - Vault

Keeping a silent look of disgust, Öringr rips his arm away from Garick and heads off through the door, without even a glance back at the party. Once he' out of sight, Mona speaks up, stepping forward for the others. "...I guess that could have gone a lot worse, huh? Do you think he'll honor your agreement, leave town and all?"

by **Jak Snide** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:40 am

"His appearance of pride indicates that he will, though one can never be certain when dealing with a trickster priest. I, however, do not see how he could subvert the matter."

by **Kelne** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 7:10 am

Asp nodded, "I think he'll stay away. We can always stick around for a few days just to be sure, though." Asp certainly didn't mind sticking around for a while; there were always bound to be new things to experience.

by **Idran1701** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 8:03 am

Since it seems that folks are pretty much done here, I'll give things another few hours for any last-minute stuff people had, and then skip ahead a couple hours to later that day.

by **darkknight61189** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 9:09 am

Garick nodded when Asp suggested they stay. "Probably a good idea. Wouldn't want him causing any mayhem if he decides not to leave." Garick then smiled and rubbed his stomach. "Where can I get some grub?"

(OOC: I'm good for now.)

by **ChristianC** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:37 pm

"I... would agree with that sentiment, it would be wise to remain in this location for an indefinite, but relatively few more days." it looked at the others with its eyes back to the soft, dark glow it usually had, "[color=green]I regretfully have bound myself to a few obligations I am required to fulfill before I can leave, but these matters should be resolved within a number of days most likely fewer than the amount we plan to stay."

((OOC - Good to go here too))

by **Idran1701** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 4:56 am

Automata

Flowing out from the vaults, the Planewalkers leave the contest behind for now, as certainly Garick isn't the only one that might be in mood for a meal. As the building empties, the vault caretakers and their men move in to clean up the last of the triggered traps, and the small crowd finally disperses back into the city. Mona leaves them behind, heading back to store, and the rest walk the short trip to the eatery of their choice. Over the next couple hours, the party catches up with one another, and Garick is properly introduced around. And though they get few looks of recognition, approving nods, and congratulatory grins from the locals, for the most part it seems the city is unaware of the recent contest. Disappointing from one perspective, perhaps, but at least they're spared the trouble fame, even fleeting fame, can bring.

Of course, trouble can come in many forms. Near the end of the meal, while they enjoy their dessert, an official Automata courier arrives, a light-haired human in his mid-twenties with a small lapel pin bearing the symbol of the Fraternity of Order. He looks over the five, examining their sashes and noting Garick's lack. "I believe this is the party of...Asp, Lorraine, Magpie, and Zant? Welcome to Automata. I have two official deliveries for you, direct from the Council of Order. First, I am afraid there was a small delay in processing of your paperwork, and as such, you were not issued your official civil and criminal legislation handbook upon receipt of your traveler's passes, a free gift from the city to you." He hands out a small card to each of the four. "You may pick up your copy at the Council of Order's main building in the Order Complex at your leisure. I see you have a fifth, assumedly unreported companion; newly arrived, I'm sure." He smiles ingratiatingly at the group. "We can issue him a pass and a handbook upon submission of an Addendum to Itinerant Body Form at the Central Office, adjacent to the main building.

"The second is intended specifically for Mister Zant." He hands over a letter, sealed in wax and embossed with the city's sigil. Written across the front in cramped handwriting is Zant's name, followed by the office of origin - Automata Town Militia. Upon delivery, he nods to each in turn. "Good day, and may your time in Automata be well." And at that, he leaves as promptly as he entered.

Let's say the meal's around five silver per person; slightly more expensive than usual, but hey, they're celebrating. Unless someone offers to pay for the group, I'll assume everyone's paying their own way. Also, I've realized that I haven't been deducting people's costs as they've been in town. One gold a night for two weeks comes to around 20 gold spent so far on room and food, unless someone is specifically spending more or less; that much gets them a better than average, but not extravagant, room, and reasonable meals. 14 for Magpie, since it doesn't eat.

Zant:

Spoiler:

by **Jak Snide** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:00 am

Zant read the missive with curiosity, frowning ever so slightly and mentally counting the days until the date written on the parchment.

"The consequences of faith seem to have caught up with her." he thought aloud.

by **Idran1701** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:34 am

It's today

by **Jak Snide** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 2:18 pm

The frown only deepened as the realisation struck him.

"Excuse me, but it appears that I am required to me somewhere right now."

Zant stood up and left, heading towards where the letter indicated he should go.

by **Idran1701** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 1:38 am

Automata - Vault

With little explanation, Zant leaves the restaurant, leaving the others behind and possibly befuddled.

If there's anything people want to do after their own meals, or if you just want to CI amongst yourselves, speak up. Otherwise I'm probably going to push ahead again as soon as I can take care of Jak's stuff.

by **darkknight61189** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 7:07 am

As the group sat there eating and talking about their recent exploits, the eventual questions pointed at Garick began. He answered truthfully and honestly, not finding any reason to lie. Any questions about where he was from was responded to with the answer "Originally from the material plane, but I haven't been there in a very long time." Any questions about his recent travels would have illicited a hearty laugh and the answer, "Well, I've been to a good handful of planes, though not by choice, I'll tell you that."

When the courier came in, Garick had made it through about half of his meal. As the courier spat bureaucratic garble at Garick, he continued to eat, ignoring the man. Once he realized that the man was talking about him, which was about halfway through the phrase "Addendum to Itinerant Body", he realized he was being talked at, put down his spoon, and looked up, a bit confused. While Zant was mulling over the letter, Garick asked, "What the hell does that mean? I gotta register around here?"

by **Kelne** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 7:40 am

Asp had made sure that Shade got the money for his potion. Truly shocking behaviour, really. He'd been quite happy to lead the questioning of Garick, to the point where he managed to let Zant go off on his own in his distraction. Oh well, hopefully he wouldn't get into too much trouble.

"Oh yeah, they're kinda big on rules and paperwork. Comes from living next door to the plane of Law," Asp said sagely, "I'm not quite sure what happens if you don't play along. Probably they throw you out," he said philosophically, as one quite used to being thrown out of town for no good reason and correcting this flagrant injustice without further bothering the busy authorities.

by **darkknight61189** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:47 am

"Oh, wonderful. And how am I supposed to do that?" Garick was now visibly upset. "I gotta do paperwork? Dammit. And how the heck am I supposed to do that? Damn, makes me kinda want to just leave this place. Way too many rules this close to the plane of Law."

by **ChristianC** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 12:29 am

Magpie took the small card in its hands and examined it very carefully, looking up only as Zant left. For a moment it seemed as if the construct was going to offer to go with him, but then it turned to Garick and the soft glow in its eyes brightened a little.

"Garick, I have been to the administrative offices once before. I would be willing to assist you in these manners if you wish, as I intend to retrieve these handbooks once the meal is done."

by **darkknight61189** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:01 am

"Nah," Garick waved his hand, "Don't bother. I figure, if they really wanna toss me out of the city, they'll have to catch me first. And if they do catch me, well, then I'll be out of this prim and proper place that much faster. Yeesh, the only fun I've had here was watching that stupid dwarf try and squelch on our deal." At this Garick guffawed, "And how amazing was that? Little bastard tried running right past me." Garick laughed a bit more, "You'd think a meaty little dwarf would put up a bit more of a fight." Garick then drained the rest of the soup he'd been drinking.

by **ChristianC** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:00 pm

"If you are certain." the warforged nodded calmly and then turned to the others. "I will be retrieving these manuals shortly... shall I retrieve more than my own issue?"

by **Besyanteo** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:05 pm

Lorraine nodded to Magpie. She wanted to at least flip through one of them, although... This was a good chance to learn more about Magpie. She was convinced by this point that he was probably sapient, and he seemed to even have emotional responses to stimuli. The best way she knew to learn more about him, from that standpoint, was the same means she would have exercised with anyone else: Getting to know him.

"I'll do you one better; I'll join you to pick them up."

by **ChristianC** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:44 pm

The construct looked at Lorraine and gave a little nod, its eyes flaring brightly green for a few moments before settling down. "Understood, Lorraine. When you are ready to leave, I would be happy to have you accompany me." the tone in its voice didn't much differ from how it usually spoke, but there was the slight nuance of... well, of emotion that indicated something more might be going on under the cold, emotionless face of the warforged.

by **Idran1701** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:04 pm

All right, looks like we're free to skip ahead a few hours. Kelne and Darkknight, go ahead and get back to me with what you're doing over that time, either here or in IM. Bes and Christian, we'll take care of the stuff for Lorraine and Magpie when we get the chance. And once everything's taken care of, I'll jump ahead.

by **Idran1701** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:30 am

Automata

A couple of hours pass before Lorraine and Magpie return from the town center. Asp returns to the Underground, perusing the arcanist stores and selecting a small selection of scrolls. His strength slowly returns to him as the poison works its way out of his system, something that Nora seems quite grateful for. She herself is still somewhat sore despite Zant's healing, but Asp can feel most of her concern directed towards him instead. He'd better not take any risks like that again any time soon if she has any say.

Garick explores the town, doing his best to keep his lack of papers from the guards. His appearance seems to distract people enough on its own that that doesn't seem to be an issue, thankfully, and so most of his attention can be paid to the city itself. Even for what few cities he's spent time in, it's an odd place, and the somewhat odd legal strictures in place here show unexpected signs of their presence every so often. For the most part, though, the citizenry here looks happy, perhaps surprisingly so. While more than a few travelers within the city (easily identified by the small sashes hanging from their belts, tied around their arms, or the like) grumble about licensing concerns, bureaucratic hoops, and unexpected taxation, the locals are much more appreciative, and they seem to chafe little under the heavy hand of Law. And yet for the most part, though Garick does receive a glance or two, he's still well-accepted and warmly greeted now and again by the locals. Despite his odd appearance and attitude, they seem little bothered by his presence in the city.

Eventually, the group reunites, with Lorraine and Magpie returning with a pair of books in hand - two large, heavily bound tomes a little larger than a spellbook - just a few minutes before Zant returns from his own errand.

Meanwhile, somewhere the party is not

"What happened?"

"I don't know, it just stopped."

"Stopped? What do you mean? It never stops."

"Well, it's sodding stopped now."

"...Go get Valyn. He knows this better than any of us."

by **Kelne** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:34 am

"So, what's next on the agenda?" Asp asked brightly, "We've got a couple of days to kill yet." He hadn't given the matter much thought yet, but he was sure he could come up with something given a bit of thought.

by **ChristianC** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:01 pm

Magpie greeted the others with its usual, calm demeanor, and showed the incredibly fascinating book to any of the others showing some interest, and then put it down in one of its belt-pouches.

"Asp, is your cat Nora alright?" Magpie's eyes faded to a dark green glow for a brief while as it looked around to see if it could spot the pet. "As for what to do, I am not sure... Perhaps there is a library or some such nearby? I am certain this city must have an extensive archive..."

by **Kelne** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 5:45 am

"Nora's okay," Asp said, "Still a bit tender, but it should pass." He gave her an affectionate scritch behind the ears, "So why the library? Is there something you're wanting to research?"

by **ChristianC** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:13 pm

Magpie seemed to light up at the show of interest from Asp and it nodded, "I was merely interested in the laws of this city, and it could be an interesting topic of study to compare former issues of this book to the latest one."

by **Jak Snide** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:38 am

Zant had slipped in without a word, inclining his head in greeting, and remained silent until the subject of the library came up.

"I too wish to research the laws of this place."

by **darkknight61189** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:39 am

Garick had reunited with the group after a bit of exploring, but was not too fond of the idea of spending the next few days in a library. He folded his arms and his forehead wrinkled. "Bah, research? The hell is that gonna do for us? Reading about crap in musty old books written by old geezers high on smokeweed. Probably won't learn squat from all that. Now, if you want to learn about the rules of a place, the best way is to break a few of them." At this, he smiled a bit mischievously, "Then you get to learn about the laws and how they deal with those who break these laws." Garick laughed a bit at the thought of the group going around breaking laws just for the heck of it. "I wonder if they've got more fun ways to pass the time."

by **Besyanteo** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:45 am

Lorraine raised an eyebrow at Garrick.

"Ok then. You go do that, and when you get back out of prison feel free to come say high to us again on the stairs. Personally, unless we have more business with Mona, her associates or the Priestess, I'm going to be spending most of my time at the arcane university."

by **darkknight61189** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:34 am

Garick laughed at Lorraine's comment. "Aaaah, I'm just looking for some fun in this boring little town. No need to be so uptight it all. You guys go and do your reading. I'm sure I can scare up something to do."

by **Kelne** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:31 pm

"Well, if you're looking up laws, you should probably remember that the undercity has a completely different set of laws to the overcity," Asp said sagely, "As for me, I think I'll stick with Lorraine. What wizard could pass up a visit to an arcane university?"

by **ChristianC** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:54 am

"...What is this Arcane University?" the construct looked between Lorraine and Asp curiously, "I assume from previous knowledge that it is related to the arts of magic, but I was not aware there was a locale as such in this city." It seemed to think for a moment and then nodded to Zant, both in welcome and agreement, "If there are any specific laws you want to investigate into, Zant, I would gladly help you."

by **Besyanteo** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:20 pm

"There is such a place here, yes. It's just a college that teaches arcane magic, generally to the gifted and financially well off. I found it not long after we arrived in Mechanus, and I've done all the paper work needed to access their resources during my stay."

She stopped to look at Asp.

"I -think- I can get a good word put in for you on that front, or at least ask to bring you along as my guest. I'm not familiar with all of their rules yet, though. I've mostly just been adding to my spell book where time and my wallet has allowed."

by **Jak Snide** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:08 am

Zant inclined his head once more, the manner in which he did so conveying his acknowledgement, appreciation and acceptance of Magpie's offer.

by **Kelne** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:46 am

"Always with the rules," Asp said sadly, "Oh well, can't be helped. The worst they can do is say no. And I'm sure I can find something else to do if they do."

by **Idran1701** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:28 am

Automata - University of Arcane Arts

Asp follows Lorraine to the university, one of the few non-governmental buildings in the city taking up an entire block of space. Passing a number of students and faculty in academic dress, Lorraine heads to the front desk, where after a short discussion with a clerk that seems to know Lorraine personally, she's granted permission to bring Asp along to the research facility she'd rented two weeks ago. While the entire collection of written works and arcane scribings isn't available to a non-student, most basic materials are for a fee. Whatever they may wish to pursue, they may find it here.

Automata - Public Law Library

Across town, Zant and Magpie enter Automata's public law library, a collection of resources on laws both social and physical. Though not extraordinarily well stocked, it does include a few hundred useful tomes on both legal matters (both of Automata and across the planes) and the sciences, precisely the sort of thing that may interest Magpie. Zant, meanwhile, heads directly to the section on the laws of Automata, focused on whatever task it is he's devoted himself to. It's a silent, peaceful place, and both are likely to find it perfect for pursuing their respective researches.

Automata - Underground

Seeking more entertaining past times, Garick pokes around the city. While there are a few playhouses, taverns, and clubs on the streets of Automata, they all seem a little...staid. Rigid. Thankfully for the elf, it doesn't take long for him to learn of the Underground, the community that dwells below the streets of Automata. Something of a haven for the moor untoward, it's this location that's prevented Automata from drifting from the Outlands into Mechanus proper. With enough of a chaotic influence to keep it from utterly encompass law, it's likely exactly what Garick is looking for.

Of course, it isn't entirely utopian, even for him. It's not even truly law-free, but rather it is in the odd position of most laws being completely contrary to what he may be used to in thinking on laws. Keeping to ones own business is a legislated requirement, and the laws of the Underground seem less devoted to the sake of the city and more towards the sake of the individual. Glancing at the occasional posted "regulations", it's even an explicit law here that "actions are only considered in violation of the law if witnessed by an individual with power granted by the Council of Anarchy"; strange indeed. And of course, while this does breed freedom - without the laws restricting artists and writers, the entertainment scene here appears to be flourishing - it also breeds numerous seedy places of business that even Garick may be disgusted by. Vendors of deadly poisons and virulent diseases operate opposite slave markets. Literal flesh-markets stand here and there selling fey blood, devil eyes, and other parts harvested from creatures both Upper and Lower. A pair of dwarves fight for their lives in a pit against a draconic hatchling, and not entirely successfully (or freely, from what he can figure). While the Underground holds much of the freedom that lack of strong government can provide, it also holds much of the horrors of same.

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