Graded [Osun City] Fowl Enigma

[Novama]

Mentions: Uasal Eccentric_Undead gmimperfecti Tellussoil Qu-Ce Kenju Law
OOC: We will be keeping a 3 day post frequency per round. The rp is expected to last a month. Ask any and all questions. At present it is a free for all as far as who posts when so long as it is done within the post period. First round may be stretched a bit as folks sort out what they are doing and how they are coming in. Out of combat, action economy will be ignored, but be mindful to play within character limits otherwise. Some abilities are better for ignoring cooldowns than others. I repeat: ask any and all questions. Multiple posts per round are possible and acceptable when not waiting on something from the world (me). Do not wait on others to post unless you have directly told them you are waiting on them and they have told you they will post. Anyone getting skipped is no one's fault but their own.
Time: Late morning near noon
Weather: pleasantly warm with a slight breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: Opening narration. Characters are gathered in the guild hall of a small city, each for their own reasons. There is much to do in the guild hall. Find it out for yourselves.
Post Listening:

Osun Adventurer's Guild Hall

​

In the midst of a balmy summer morning, Osun’s Adventurer’s Guild was a hive of activity. The sun was already high, casting vibrant beams of light through the stained-glass windows. These brilliant rays brought the guild hall to life, painting the room in warm, vivid hues, while outside, the city of Osun bustled with the same vibrant energy.

Amanda sat at the counter, her brow furrowed in concentration under the stern tutelage of Griswold, the guild's stalwart official. Despite the heat outside, the room was kept cool by thick stone walls and a steady current of air that rushed in whenever the guild doors swung open. Griswold’s instructions, equally cool and steady, echoed over the steady murmur of the guild members.

To her left, the notice board teemed with opportunities; parchment upon parchment brimming with tales of intrigue, danger, and reward. To her right, the hearth lay dormant, its flames unnecessary in the summer warmth, but the area around it was alive with guild members sharing tales and swapping strategies over the clink of breakfast cutlery.

Behind them, the guild hall’s robust wooden doors were a ceaseless flurry of movement. Adventurers sauntered in with the smell of the sun on their clothes, their faces alive with anticipation, while others ventured out to a world rife with challenges, their hearts ablaze with courage.

Among the throng, 5 other individuals were at the guild that day. Each carried their own purpose, an undercurrent that swirled beneath the surface of the bustling guild.

As mid-morning turned into high noon, each of them stood at the edge of a precipice of a day that was poised to test their skills and their resolve. A challenge loomed on the horizon, and as the day's light brightened, so did the tension, promising to shape their paths in ways they could hardly foresee.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Amidst the crowd, Lucian Fortuna, resplendent in his finery, made his grand entrance into Osun’s Adventurer’s Guild. The heavy oak doors swung open as if parting for royalty, and Lucian strolled in with all the grace and flair of a king. The subtle scent of expensive cologne wafted through the air, mingling with the smell of sun on adventuring attire. His lustrous black hair cascaded perfectly, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the room. The numerous rings on his fingers gleamed in the sunlight pouring through the stained glass.

As he moved through the guild, the murmur of conversations dimmed slightly; eyes followed him. Lucian offered charming smiles and courteous nods to those he passed.

A table near the dormant hearth caught his attention. Guild members gathered there, exchanging tales and strategies. Lucian deftly procured a chair and sat down, crossing one leg over the other. He pulled a set of cards from his pocket, reaching into his pocket dimension when he did, and began shuffling them casually. The shuffle of the cards made a satisfying crackle sound as one card interleaved with another.

"Good folks!" Lucian exclaimed with an enthusiastic smile, "How about a friendly game of cards? High stakes, higher rewards!"

 

[Kenju Law]

Hathaway​

Hathaway Peacecraft was currently residing in the Adventurer's Guild Hall within Osun. The reason he was in the city at all, had to do with an assignment given by the Church to help with the healing of some adventurers. Not only that, but Hathaway had taken over this assignment from a colleague of his who would have come instead. Naturally, the assignment was already completed hours ago, so Hathaway had no further reason to stay here. So why had he taken the assignment in the first place, and why was he still here?

Hathaway was someone that aimed to learn of arcane in order to combat and heal it. So he figured that coming out to somewhere he was unfamiliar with would help him expand his knowledge of the world around him. That was why he came out here. It was also why he came out here personally to the guild hall. He wanted to gather whatever he could from the Adventurers's tales within these halls.

This after all, was an assemblage of individuals that faced the unknown and the strange constantly. Now surely a library would be a more suitable place for this kind of endeavor, but a book couldn't fully convey the emotions and experience that was there. So he wanted to hear it for himself. Here in Osun's Adventurer's Guild, Hathaway sat at a square wooden table near the center of the hall. With a quill in hand and parchment in front of him, he listened carefully to the conversations of the Adventurer's around him. His attention most keen on the strange phenomenon that they conveyed to one another in their escapades.

Every so often his quill would dance along the parchment, taking notes on the events that interested him. His eavesdropping would continue on through the day. A small smirk or an inquisitive raise of his eyebrow being his reactions to some of the tales being passed around.

It was until the guild hall doors came flying open that his focus was broken. Curious of the entrant, Hathaway saw a flashy-looking man in black attire strolling his way through the hall like he owned it. The energy and confidence the man brought was almost radiating off him. So it was hard not to pay attention to the loud fellow that obviously came from money. From the sounds of him, he was a gambler. Hathaway thought it odd. Didn't one normally go to bars and pubs for gambling? Well, the fervor of a guild hall and a bar weren't too different he supposed. After all, Hathaway himself wasn't exactly at a guild hall for a normal reason either. In fact, maybe what Hathaway was doing was even weirder.

Still, this gentleman is certainly an odd one, but that also made him interesting to watch.

Mentions: gmimperfecti

 

[saxon]

Kasumi Kagu
​

Kasumi sat at the back of the guild hall, talking with other rogues. She didn't often leave the city; there was still a lot to do. The Lord Constable was still in his position, and the Brothers Arkanine. But for the time, she was looking to keep her skills fresh and do other jobs. Plus, the air here was much fresher, which even she could appreciate. Grabbing the mug on the table, she took a sip of its contents as she laughed at one of the tales the rogues were talking about.

I wonder if there is anything good on the board; maybe a group needs a thief for something. Kasumi thought to herself as she stood up from her chair and walked toward the request board. She grabbed her mug as she walked over as she got closer to the counter, she saw Amanda, to which she almost spit out the wine that she had in her mouth. Of all the bad luck, I had to run into the woman from the party. How am I going to explain this? Wait, I don't have to! Kasumi thought to herself as she used her stealth skill to fade into the background as she reached the request board.

She started to scan through the requests when the doors were shoved open, which caused her to stop what she was doing and turn to see what was going on. When she saw it was a man she rolled her eyes, she didn't recognize him so he didn't seem all that important. "Well, someone seems to think they are important," Kasumi muttered as she watched the individual approach a table.

She returned to what she was doing when the man asked very loudly if anyone wanted to play a game of cards. Which caused her to return her attention to the new arrival once again. Letting out a sigh, she sauntered over toward the table, "You certainly look green; what was with the entrance?" Kasumi inquired as she rested her hands on her hips, glaring.

Spoiler: Cooldown/Abilities Used

• Stealth - Undetected E (Sight, Smell), Stealth E,- The nature of her trade had taught her to hide in plain sight from those around her and to move. She becomes harder to notice by sight and blends into the shadows. The skill is effective 1 post variable depending on combat and exploration. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

mentions: Novama Eccentric_Undead gmimperfecti Tellussoil Uasal Qu-Ce Kenju Law

 

[Uasal]

~Amanda Steelhaven~

Spoiler: Equipped Titles

Human, Business Expert, Warfare Expert, Agriculture Expert, Architecture Expert, Engineering Expert, Law Expert, Investigation Expert, Mining Expert, Expert Tinkerer, Expert Artificer, Advisor of Caelia, Ambitious, Strategist, Girl on Fire, Flatterer

With all her urgent work in the Barony completed and all other tasks carefully delegated Amanda had cleared up her schedule long enough to do as she had promised. That being to work a stint in the Osun Adventurers guild. The Count had been kind enough to recommend her the job as a form of crisis management training, so really she had no choice but to indulge him. Well, that wasn't exactly true, she probably could have but given he had personally went out of his way to offer Amanda such an opportunity, well it would have been terribly rude. Not to mention likely bad for future bossiness.

So, with her bag backed and her new weapon 'Geneva' in tow, Amanda quickly made for Osun after sending word to Griswold ahead of time, as was only polite. It wasn't long after her arrival that she was thrown into work. The Osun adventurers guild far busier than she had imagined. Of course she had heard tales of the guild from those adventurers in her hometown but they most certainly had been trivialized as this place was nothing short of packed.

Quests coming in, quests going out. Rewards being listed, rewards being checked. Monster parts being bought, parts being sold. Applications to join, promotion applications. Reports, complaints, maps, documentation! It was a nightmare! At least as advisor Amanda only really had two areas she needed to deal with, architecture and finance. This, this was everything, everywhere all at the one time! Crisis training! This wasn't a crisis! This was torture! Well, at least they had a nice filing system... But torture!

How did the staff manage to do this day in and out with such a genuine smile! Demons! They had to be super human! That or you know they just had a higher Vitality than that of F grade or a Strength of higher than G. But hey! It could be the other too!

Regardless, Amanda was coping at least somewhat better than she had yesterday, her first day being a real trial by fire. Still, she was struggling to keep up. Though meeting the mark, it was just barely though still a vast improvement from the day before what with her [Attentive Student E] skill helping her learn much faster than normal. Well that and Griswold was an excellent teacher, stern but excellent.

Looking to the document Griswold had left her to check over, Amanda's brow furrowed. Her concentration was sure and true, so much so she likely wouldn't have noticed Kasumi even without the ability the rogue used. The document in question was a quest report, one she was looking at to figure out what had been done wrong as a task. [Insight C] [Investigation C] "So, in short three E grade adventurers completed a C grade subjugation quest. Well clearly the issue lies in the fact such a feat should be impossible right? So? False reporting? Someone else, like, aided them in the quest in order to boost their ranks right? Leaving themselves off the participant list. But isn't that a bit too obvious? Perhaps they're hiding something else with the obvious bait as a mask... hmm. Did someone maybe die?" That was the best guess Amanda could come up with, hopefully it would satisfy Griswold.

Looking up from the document Amanda would notice the flamboyant adventurers arrival but would ultimately brush it aside to remain on task. Looking to Griswold for an answer.

Novama saxon Kenju Law gmimperfecti

 

[Qu-Ce]

Adrian Bosco​

​

A soft thud of a book quickly being closed shut, followed by sharp footfalls. These sounds would normally go unnoticed in the boisterous guildhall, yet the spectacle of Lucian's entrance, and the subsequent tension of Kasumi's confrontation, left the area around the hearth quiet enough to hear Adrian Bosco's approach. "A high stakes game won't stay friendly for long," he says, seating himself at a nearby table and reopening his notebook. Bosco's tone is as reticent as his expression; his words aren't intended to invite friendly discussion, only to convey his own thoughts in a decidedly one-sided manner. "I'll be observing."

Observing is, after all, what Bosco had come to this hall to do. With quill in hand, he notes down anything of import in the stories swapped between proud adventurers. Their braggodocio may have prevented him from taking them seriously, but their experience far outstripped Bosco's own, and there was a slow, steady stream of information that could be useful to him at some point. Well, hopefully.

Of course, that stream of information has dried up with Lucian's arrival. Between the ostentatious way he presents himself and his easy confidence, even someone as taciturn as Bosco can understand why he was able to draw the attention he has. Faced with the choice of moving elsewhere or observing him, Bosco felt compelled to choose the latter. Hopefully, it will at least serve as an interesting change of pace from the braggery he had been subjecting himself to.

 

[Tellussoil]

Noelle Nichi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With: Qu-Ce Uasal saxon Kenju Law gmimperfecti Novama
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

It was a beautiful summer morning. Noelle had found herself at the Adventurers Guild in Osun. She was standing near the dormant hearth playing a tune on her lyre. Some of the patrons were listening to her. Not the great audience that she might have wanted to play for someday. But one must start somewhere. In the short time she was travelling, Noelle figured out that the adventure guilds in town were a great place to hang around during the day. There were nearly always people there. And generally, they can appreciate a little bit of music to set the mood and bring a bit of joy to their day. And at the same time, she could listen in on some of the adventurers who tell about their adventures. Those are always fun to hear.

It was not hard to figure out she was not from around here as her dress more than betrays that she originated from the republic. And although the legs she has now made her look almost human, her fin-like ears showed that she was an aquatic being. But that didn’t bother the little mermaid. She found some people found that interesting about her. Which as nice

When Lucian made his grand entrance Noelle got startled when the doors suddenly opened. She followed the gambler with her gaze as he strolled through the hall. Such confidence, Such charm. Noelle thought the stranger looked so cool. Fortunately, the stranger sat down at a table not too far from where Noelle was. Curious, she walked over to the stranger to see what he was doing. It seemed that he was shuffling a deck of cards.

When the stranger loudly gave the invitation for a “Friendly game of cards” Noelle wondered what kind of game he wanted to play. She was staring at the gambler with curiosity to see what he was going to do. Her staring was suddenly interrupted when the rogue girl walked over to the gambler and questioned him. The girl was rather rude in Noelle’s opinion to question the gambler in such a manner without a proper introduction. "I thought his entrance was cool" Noelle said without thinking. She looked between the rogue and the gambler for a moment before scratching the back of her head "Sorry… didn’t mean to be rude or anything" she said with a slightly awkward smile.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Lucian "Lucky Bastard" Fortuna.

​

Every so often his quill would dance along the parchment, taking notes on the events that interested him. His eavesdropping would continue on through the day. A small smirk or an inquisitive raise of his eyebrow being his reactions to some of the tales being passed around.

It was until the guild hall doors came flying open that his focus was broken. Curious of the entrant, Hathaway saw a flashy-looking man in black attire strolling his way through the hall like he owned it. The energy and confidence the man brought was almost radiating off him. So it was hard not to pay attention to the loud fellow that obviously came from money. From the sounds of him, he was a gambler. Hathaway thought it odd. Didn't one normally go to bars and pubs for gambling? Well, the fervor of a guild hall and a bar weren't too different he supposed. After all, Hathaway himself wasn't exactly at a guild hall for a normal reason either. In fact, maybe what Hathaway was doing was even weirder.

Still, this gentleman is certainly an odd one, but that also made him interesting to watch.

As Lucian awaited the table's response, his insight, keen as ever, picked up on the subtle yet unwavering gaze of another individual amidst the bustling crowd. While he was a man that relished the crowd's attention, he was not a man to ignore when heavy gazes laden with intent. Subtly, without breaking conversation, Lucian let his gaze wander and found the source – a man sitting at a square wooden table near the center of the hall, with a quill and parchment before him. The man had looked out of place. Guild halls usually don't have chroniclers, but then again they probably did, what did he know? Other than he'd like his own personal chronicler, someone to give story to his deeds, and leave his mark on the history of this world.

The man appeared scholarly, and his intent observation of the guild hall's activities indicated that he was not here solely for adventure. Intrigued, Lucian pondered how to acquire a chronicler as part of his entourage. Then again, his entourage was Bill his buggy driver, but still had to start somewhere right? Like the avid card player he was, he didn't let his hand show. This chronicler looked like someone you slow played, let the momentum build and see when the river turned your way. Then again, this world didn't really do Texas Hold'em, but the analogy still stuck in his head. How did someone convince a chronicler to follow them? Maybe he could introduce something like Ryke Hold'em or Noble's Hug'em?

Kasumi Kagu started to scan through the requests when the doors were shoved open, which caused her to stop what she was doing and turn to see what was going on. When she saw it was a man she rolled her eyes, she didn't recognize him so he didn't seem all that important. "Well, someone seems to think they are important," Kasumi muttered as she watched the individual approach a table.

She returned to what she was doing when the man asked very loudly if anyone wanted to play a game of cards. Which caused her to return her attention to the new arrival once again. Letting out a sigh, she sauntered over toward the table, "You certainly look green; what was with the entrance?" Kasumi inquired as she rested her hands on her hips, glaring.

Lucian perked up, letting the cards play through his hands, his fingers moved over each rectangle making them dance. He moved them around his fingers and shuffled them, making a wave and letting the wave of cards wash over the back of his hands and then shuffle back together. He grinned like a mad fool. "Red, I see nothing but." He winked, sending some of the cards to turn from the unassuming back to the face side. As he did each card came up hearts [Card Shark]. "Are you the queen of hearts?" He pursed his lips, "Somehow you strike me more like the queen of spades." He grinned showing two rows of gleaming white teeth.

"If you can't make an entrance, what's the point?" He paused, winked and continued, "It served its point, though didn't it? It brought you to me, wouldn't you say?"

He pursed his lips, a twinkle in his eye, "Say let's have ourselves a bet, what do you say brave heroes?" He turned to the others at the table, his eyes wide and inviting, "This lady thinks me green, a frog perhaps in her eyes? Yet I wonder if she's up for a real challenge?" He wagged his eyebrows before turning back to Kasumi, "If I win, you tell me your name, if I lose then I'll do you a favor while we are in this hall."

He glanced at the cards still playing in his hands as if his hands had a mind of their own. With a magician's flare, he shuffled them back up into a deck, turned them perpendicular to the table and slammed his right hand down on them hard enough to drive them through the table, whereupon they disappeared [Dimensional Fingers]. Instead as he moved his right hand away from where the cards should be a golden coin gleamed and danced across his knuckles. "This one is simple, call it in the air. Your choice." He flicked it up as if he assumed she'd play along.

Of course, that stream of information has dried up with Lucian's arrival. Between the ostentatious way he presents himself and his easy confidence, even someone as taciturn as Bosco can understand why he was able to draw the attention he has. Faced with the choice of moving elsewhere or observing him, Bosco felt compelled to choose the latter. Hopefully, it will at least serve as an interesting change of pace from the braggery he had been subjecting himself to.

Even as the coin sailed into the air, flipping end of end, Lucian was show man enough to flash a grin towards Bosco. Just like a showman, trying to drawing everyone in.

When the stranger loudly gave the invitation for a “Friendly game of cards” Noelle wondered what kind of game he wanted to play. She was staring at the gambler with curiosity to see what he was going to do. Her staring was suddenly interrupted when the rogue girl walked over to the gambler and questioned him. The girl was rather rude in Noelle’s opinion to question the gambler in such a manner without a proper introduction. "I thought his entrance was cool" Noelle said without thinking. She looked between the rogue and the gambler for a moment before scratching the back of her head "Sorry… didn’t mean to be rude or anything" she said with a slightly awkward smile.

"Ha ha!" He grinned, snatching the coin from the air and slapping it down on the back of his hand looking first at Kasumi before getting distracted at Noelle's blushing complements. He winked at her and nodded his head, but he was a gambler and not so easy distracted from his mark. Even as his hand slowly pulled away from the coin, he added, "I welcome addition to the games." But his eyes lingered on Kasumi.

Spoiler: Game Master Coin Flip

Game Master: Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (Effectiveness 5; Intelligence D, Wealth F, Gaming F). Insight F, Gaming F, Sleight of Hand F. He has keen insight into all games and excels at those games of chance most of all; however, no games are purely chance. Reading ones opponents is a key part of success. Able to see and understand his opponent, predict their next moves, and excel at games.

 

[saxon]

Kasumi Kagu
​

Kasumi looked over her shoulder at the girl with fish-like ears as she spoke, there was a hint of wanting to pet the girl's head, but she ignored the urge as she cracked her knuckles behind her back. Flashy or not, many people had better things to do than be interrupted by someone swinging the doors open, not to mention the potential damage it could cause. When the girl spoke again, Kasumi gave her a casual fine hand gesture as she returned her attention to the gambler that was Lucion. She crossed her arms across her chest as he flipped the card over and spoke.

She rolled her eyes for a moment, "Maybe, but maybe not; one can never be too sure when cards in the equation," Kasumi replied with a simple shrug of her shoulders at the coin that appeared on the table. Could be a double tails or head coin, though that would be risky to play here. She thought to herself as the challenge was then issued. She simply smirked as she took a step closer to the table. "Fine, but I will throw in a surprise on top of it should you win," Kasumi concluded as the coin was then tossed up into the air and started to flip over and over again.

She watched the coin go up into the air and then locked her eyes with Lucion as the coin came down to her eyes level [Inteligence C, Heightened Sense E (Sight and Hearing), Investigation E] as the coin was snatched, making her assumptions based on the way it was grabbed "Head." Then he slapped it on his hand as he started to move his hand and spoke again she placed her hand over his and leaned in, "I know the coin is going to say tails, I think stroking that ego will be fun to watch," Kasumi whispered low enough for only Lucion to hear as the side was revealed rather badly acting like she had lost the bet. "I will be back in a few moments with the surprise," Kasumi smirked as she walked off to get the surprise ready.

mentions: Novama Eccentric_Undead gmimperfecti Tellussoil Uasal Qu-Ce Kenju Law

 

[Eccentric_Undead]

Stellaria Apus


Mentions: Novama saxon gmimperfecti Tellussoil Uasal Qu-Ce Kenju Law
​

The guild was not someplace she ever thought she would go, but to be honest it sounded like a bit of fun at the moment. Looking around in the crowded area, even among the odd people here, she stood out. Stellaria wasn't exactly inconspicuous. Her armor was incredibly ornate, her movements almost seemed as though they were practiced. She moved moved through the crowd as though there was nothing blocking her way. Every movement was graceful and elegant. She oozed a certain regal position. Almost as though she was naturally more elegant than everyone. Her hands politely folded in front of her until she found herself a spot in the corner. Much rather being secluded then the center of attention. An odd stands to take considering her choice of such exquisitely ornate armor.

She stood there, watching everything around her. Of course, she still felt a bit out of place. Much like she did in her old life. However, at least this time she wasn't completely alone. She turned to the side, moving her hand up and waving it a little bit and a single one of her battleships appeared. Connecting together with its magitech. A wonderful smile appeared upon her face as she watched the ship start to circle her. She didn't need all of them out at once, but just one made her feel so much better. She watched it circle, controlled its movements by holding her hand under it, much like someone would treat a bird. When the ship stopped in front of her she gave it a little stroke, smiling at it as though it were her pet. She knew it wasn't actually there, since it was just the way her magic manifested, but it still brought her ceaseless Joy. Something she never really felt beforehand. This magic was her blessing. Whatever powers that be certainly knew what she liked.

Action: Summon a single battleship.

Mechanic: Magic School [Mothership] Grade F

 

[Qu-Ce]

Adrian Bosco​

​

Bosco watches intently as Lucian works the crowd. Outwardly, he's easygoing, with his flamboyantly emotive expressions, his quick banter, his shameless flirtation. But his awareness and proactivity betray the deliberate nature of the show he's made of himself. With a wink and a nod in one direction and a flashing grin in another, with his flashy card tricks, and with his calling out to the crowd, he draws everyone into his own pace and transfixes them. It's impressive, but...

It's something Bosco wants to challenge.

However, what can he do? Bosco saw the card trick Lucian had performed; that kind of sleight of hand isn't something the likes of Bosco can spot in play. He's not inclined to trust any dice or coins this man brought to the table, either. So, what does Bosco need to do to stack the deck?

After a moment of deliberation, Bosco closes his notebook and deposits it in his satchel, then strides purposefully to the table where Lucian is seated. "Excuse me," he says to Noelle as he passes by her and stands before the gambler. "Your idea of a "real challenge" is a coin flip? That is disappointing. How about this - let's get some drinks lined up and take turns downing them. Some of them will be strong, some weak, we won't be told which. First one to stop loses, and pays for the drinks and gives a favor to the winner. As for the rest of the drinks..." He turns to the crowd meaningfully and then back to Lucian. "I think they'd take them. What do you say?" Bosco's stern, unwavering gaze falls squarely on Lucian. If this spectacle is a source of pride for this man, he thinks, it should be nearly impossible for him to back out of this.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Uasal Eccentric_Undead gmimperfecti Tellussoil Qu-Ce Kenju Law saxon
OOC: Good round. Please spoiler quote posts of others if you must use them (i'd rather you didn't).
Time: Late morning near noon
Weather: pleasantly warm with a slight breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: guild patrons observe the pc's actions with interest. meanwhile the guild business goes on.
Post Listening:

Osun Adventurer's Guild Hall

The low murmur of the guild hall had quieted as Lucian had initiated the gambit, all eyes drawn in by the spectacle. Now, with Kasumi's whispered retort and promise of a surprise, an anticipatory hush had settled over the crowd. Their collective gaze followed Kasumi as she slipped away, leaving Lucian at the table with the coin.

Bosco, hitherto a silent observer, had chosen this moment to step up to the plate. His challenge, a departure from the subtle manipulation of chance and wit, was met with a ripple of surprised laughter from the crowd. A drinking game, of all things, in the middle of the guild hall. They watched as Bosco's steady gaze met Lucian's twinkling eyes, a silent challenge hanging in the air.

In the shadows, the scholars who had been observing the spectacle furrowed their brows, their quills scratching quickly on their parchment. They muttered to each other, debating the odds of Bosco's challenge, and their discourse stirred up an undercurrent of anxiety. After all, a drinking game held risks far beyond a simple coin toss.

While all this unfolded, Stellaria's armor glistened in the low light, drawing more than a few curious glances. Her silent elegance, however, contrasted sharply with the noisy events at the center of the hall. The crowd respected her space, giving her a wide berth as her magical battleship circled her.

Just as attention began to wane, wandering eyes looked back to Lucian and Bosco. Lucian's response to Bosco's challenge was pending, and the hall awaited his decision with bated breath.

The collective pulse of the guild hall quickened. The tension was a living thing now, a palpable force that held the crowd in thrall. In the hushed silence, they waited for Lucian's response to Bosco, for Kasumi's return with her promised surprise, and for the next move in this high-stakes game. In the background, guild members completely oblivious to what was going on still carried on, shattering most of the tension building up.

Griswold​

Griswold stood a little way off, his weathered eyes on Amanda as she furrowed her brow over the document he'd handed her. The old Guild official had seen countless eager new recruits in his time, but there was something about Amanda's way of operating that caught his attention. His normally impassive features softened just a fraction as she wrestled with the conundrum he'd presented.

The buzz of the Guild hall seemed to swirl around them, its bustling energy a backdrop to their quiet consultation. Even as the raucous laughter and the cheers from Bosco's challenge echoed around the hall, Griswold remained focused on Amanda.

Amanda's analysis of the quest report was solid. The young advisor had already shown an impressive level of insight in her short time with the Guild, a testament to her [Attentive Student E] skill. And yet, her last question seemed to hang in the air between them, an invitation for him to either confirm or correct her conclusion.

Griswold rubbed at his grizzled chin thoughtfully, his gaze once again returning to the report in Amanda's hands. He'd seen his share of oddities over his many years at the Guild. Heroes who had emerged triumphant against impossible odds, tales spun to cover up more sinister deeds - he'd seen it all. But each case required careful scrutiny, a discerning eye to sift the truth from the fiction.

"Well now, that's quite the theory," he rumbled, his voice the texture of gravel. His steady gaze met hers, the blue of his eyes a stark contrast against his weathered skin. "But remember, not all that seems impossible is deceit. And not all deceit is a mask for a darker truth."

He let his words hang in the air for a moment, a challenging glint in his eye. "Now, consider again - is the problem truly with the adventurers who completed the quest, or with the quest itself?" The hint of a smile played at the corners of his lips, giving nothing away. It was another piece in the puzzle for Amanda to mull over. A good teacher, Griswold knew, led the student to the answers, rather than handing them over.

 

[Uasal]

~Amanda Steelhaven~

Spoiler: Equipped Titles

Human, Business Expert, Warfare Expert, Agriculture Expert, Architecture Expert, Engineering Expert, Law Expert, Investigation Expert, Mining Expert, Expert Tinkerer, Expert Artificer, Advisor of Caelia, Ambitious, Strategist, Girl on Fire, Flatterer

Like the majority of the guild Amanda's curiosity was beginning to grow quite rapidly. That being said, unlike the rest of the guild hall, Amanda's curiosity was in no way directed towards the game of chance about to take place between those members gathered. No, Amanda's curiosity was directed toward the document she held firmly in hand.

Amanda's question was answered with another from Griswold, one that made Amanda very quickly look back to the document. An issue with the quest itself? Amanda hadn't even considered such. But something about what Griswold had said bothered her,
'But remember, not all that seems impossible is deceit. And not all deceit is a mask for a darker truth.'.
What Griswold had said was true but what bothered Amanda was the fact he had said so before mentioning the fact there might be an issue with the quest. In other words there was far more to this issue then Amanda had initially thought. How embarrassing!

Looking through the document again Amanda took her time going through the report. Flipping the document over Amanda tilted her had and thought deeply for a few moments. Repeating Griswold's words to herself quietly a few times. Placing the document down on the desk Amanda folded her arms and looked to the ceiling, her brow furrowing once again. What a conundrum. "Hmm, hmmmm, hmmmmmmm."

With a soft sigh, Amanda straightened her posture and looked toward the growing crowd near and around Bosco and Lucian "It's getting rather loud..."

Looking back to the document Amanda offered another thought to Griswold "The quest itself huh. The grade seems appropriate on the surface. Subjugating that many monsters is definitely well within the grade requirements set out... Maybe... Hmm." Looking to Griswold, Amanda would offer another idea forward "Was the quest possibly already completed before it began? Perhaps the person who issued the quest did so after the fact it was completed, you know to sell the monsters gear and parts... wait..."

Looking to the sheet Amanda focused on the report once more "Is it possible the person who completed and issued this quest is an ex adventurer who lost their membership? If so the adventurers listed here would stand gain the renown of completing a near impossible quest. Where as the ex member would benefit from the tax deductions those members then get upon selling the gathered parts and such. It would explain why the reward was listed as the minimum amount too. Hmm, no, though possible its a bit too wild an idea... hmm. Am I hot or cold?" [Investigation Expert]
Novama

 

[saxon]

Kasumi Kagu
​

Kasumi returned to her room and quickly changed out of her usual outfit and into her formal one. Stopping in front of the mirror in her room, she ran her hand through her hair. She spun around, looked over her shoulder, and smirked as she slipped her daggers into the dress. Looking back at the door, she walked out and then returned to the main floor of the guildhall. She glanced back over at the quest board that was along the wall as she weaved her way through the tables. As she walked past an empty table there was drink that was left untouched she scooped it up along the way.

"Well, when life gives you lemons, and people leave things around might as well use them," Kasumi took a sip of the drink to find out it was ale. The scrunching of her face made it apparent to everyone paying attention that the ale was not good. Upon her return to the table she took a seat next to Lucion. "Kasumi," Kasumi stated as she set the ale down on the table, using her skills to attract more to the table. [Seduction E, Kunoichi] She then glanced back to the group gathered around the table. Scanning the room her eye wandered from table to table and then finally to the counter for a moment and returned to the group at the table.

"So what will the game be?" Kasumi inquired as she took another sip of the ale, this time prepared for the taste. The whole thing was bitter and had her wishing she didn't pick it up in the first place. But there wasn't much else she could do at this point. For the moment at least she was content to sit and watch the others discuss what was going on. Is that a space ship flying around a person? Well that is a magic I haven't seen before. Probably something to look into. Kasumi thought to herself as she crossed her legs and stretched them out under the table.

mentions: Novama Eccentric_Undead gmimperfecti Tellussoil Uasal Qu-Ce Kenju Law

Spoiler: abilities/cooldowns/Actions

[Kunoichi] - character portrays themselves and is perceived as a ninja girl. They are considered exotically hott, but they will find it difficult to gain the trust and confidence of anyone. Characters are prone to leave their valuables behind when they know they will be interacting with character.

 

[gmimperfecti]

Spoiler: Nova-Round1-Crowd-Reaction

The low murmur of the guild hall had quieted as Lucian had initiated the gambit, all eyes drawn in by the spectacle. Now, with Kasumi's whispered retort and promise of a surprise, an anticipatory hush had settled over the crowd. Their collective gaze followed Kasumi as she slipped away, leaving Lucian at the table with the coin.

Lucian couldn’t help but savor the attention that enveloped him as the room fell into silence. The murmurs had ceased when he had made his grand entrance and introduction to Kasumi, a well-known member of the guild. Now, as she whispered something about a surprise and disappeared into the crowd, he felt the weight of anticipation settle over him.

A roguish smile played at the corners of Lucian’s lips as he eyed the coin left at the table. His piercing blue eyes swept across the faces of the adventurers around him, knowing that he held their attention. The thrill of such moments was a siren song to his very being.

“My fellow patrons of adventure,” Lucian’s voice resonated across the hall, “as we eagerly await what surprises Lady Kasumi has in store for us, I propose a game to whet our appetites!” His hand deftly rolled the coin across his knuckles. “A simple wager, if you will - predict the outcome of the surprise, and you may find your fortunes favoring you this fine day!” The crowd erupted into excited chatter as they eagerly debated and placed their guesses, the energy in the room palpable. Lucian's heart raced with the exhilaration; he lived for moments like these.

Spoiler: Bosco+Nova

Bosco, hitherto a silent observer, had chosen this moment to step up to the plate. His challenge, a departure from the subtle manipulation of chance and wit, was met with a ripple of surprised laughter from the crowd. A drinking game, of all things, in the middle of the guild hall. They watched as Bosco's steady gaze met Lucian's twinkling eyes, a silent challenge hanging in the air.

However, what can he do? Bosco saw the card trick Lucian had performed; that kind of sleight of hand isn't something the likes of Bosco can spot in play. He's not inclined to trust any dice or coins this man brought to the table, either. So, what does Bosco need to do to stack the deck?

After a moment of deliberation, Bosco closes his notebook and deposits it in his satchel, then strides purposefully to the table where Lucian is seated. "Excuse me," he says to Noelle as he passes by her and stands before the gambler. "Your idea of a "real challenge" is a coin flip? That is disappointing. How about this - let's get some drinks lined up and take turns downing them. Some of them will be strong, some weak, we won't be told which. First one to stop loses, and pays for the drinks and gives a favor to the winner. As for the rest of the drinks..." He turns to the crowd meaningfully and then back to Lucian. "I think they'd take them. What do you say?" Bosco's stern, unwavering gaze falls squarely on Lucian. If this spectacle is a source of pride for this man, he thinks, it should be nearly impossible for him to back out of this.

Just as attention began to wane, wandering eyes looked back to Lucian and Bosco. Lucian's response to Bosco's challenge was pending, and the hall awaited his decision with bated breath.

Lucian, still basking in the thrill of the crowd’s energy, turned his attention to the man who had approached him with a bold challenge. Bosco, a stern-looking man with an air of seriousness, had thrown down the gauntlet with a proposition of a drinking game. Lucian's twinkling eyes roamed over Bosco's face and settled on his stern gaze.

Inside, Lucian was delighted. A challenge! And one that involved revelry and spirits no less! His heart skipped with joy; the prospect of matching wits and endurance against a fellow patron of the Adventurer's Guild was an exhilarating one. His roguish charm turned up a notch as he stood up from his seat, giving a flourishing bow to Bosco.

“A drinking game you say, my good sir? My, my, you certainly know how to entice a gentleman into an affair of honor and spirits!” Lucian exclaimed, his voice rich with enthusiasm. “Very well, I accept your challenge! Let the libations flow, and may the best man stand tall at the end!” The crowd’s energy was electric as they eagerly gathered around the table where the drinking game was to take place. Lucian's heart raced with exhilaration, as he readied himself for what was to come. He reveled in the knowledge that whatever the outcome, this day was proving to be an adventure in itself.

Spoiler: Stellaria's Battle Ship

While all this unfolded, Stellaria's armor glistened in the low light, drawing more than a few curious glances. Her silent elegance, however, contrasted sharply with the noisy events at the center of the hall. The crowd respected her space, giving her a wide berth as her magical battleship circled her.

As Lucian prepared himself for the impending drinking contest with Bosco, his attention was momentarily diverted by a glimpse of something magnificent circling around a silent armored figure – Stellaria. A battleship, reminiscent of something he would have seen in an anime during his past life, was floating around her. His mind raced – the very fabric of this world he had been reborn into continued to amaze him.

But the distraction was fleeting. Lucian's senses were once again ensnared by the magnetic presence of Kasumi. Speaking of Anime, Kasumi had somehow made herself mysterious and enchanting, returning to the table with a pint of ale. Lucian gulped at Kasumi's surprise. She was the perfect partner for such an enterprise if she was on his side, but as another player of the game, she was monsterous!

Even the senuous way she sipped the ale, the play of her lips, the movement of the dark fluid into her mouth and down her delicate throat was incredibly hard not to thinnk about. It was the kind of distraction he that would wreck his game, and it was a game he would willingly wreck just to...Lucian took a deep breath and plastered an even bigger smile on his face even as Lucian’s heart quickened as did other things.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Kasumi," Lucian said, his voice smooth as he gave his a grin dialed down to rakish. “It appears that today, the guild hall is blessed with an assembly of both courage and charm.” His words, though spoken to Kasumi, carried a flair meant for the entire room. Lucian was now in his element, balancing the thrill of the challenge with Bosco and the enigmatic presence of Kasumi. The adventurer within him thrilled at the unknown variables they represented, and the rogue relished the game that was unfolding around him.

"So what will the game be?" Kasumi inquired as she took another sip of the ale, this time prepared for the taste. Kasumi crossed her legs and stretched them out under the table."

An Lucian couldn't stop thinking about those legs and the dress, such terrible distractions! Still, the game must go on and he'd been thrown many curveballs before. Curved knives seemed more apt here.

He clapped his hands together. "The game!"

Looking around at everyone. "Since Bosco isn't one for coin flips," looking Kasumi up and down for a second, "Which is his loss, let us drink!"

"This game is really a series of coin flips all laid out in advance, and whom better to lay the drinks out for us that the incredibly alluring Kasumi! Seems fair since she lost to me, I'm sure she won't take it easy on me." Lucian grinned, eyes panning around the crowd, drawing them in while using [Game Master F]. I mean who could say no to Kasumi at this point? She was exotically hott and untrustworthy, so the perfect foil for the game.

"To make it more fun, each round we will take turns picking which drink Bosco and I drink. Bosco can pick first. We will go back and forth until one of us drops or gives up. Loser buys drinks for everyone and a favor to paid out while in the hall, but nothing too naughty." He winked at Bosco.

He flipped the gold coin he'd been dancing over his knuckles since the coin flip game with Kasumi to the waitress. "A pitcher of watered down apple juice if you please to match the whiskey in color if not taste unless someone is adapt at illusion magic?"

He produced several more gold coins, "And some of your finest whisky."

Spoiler: OOC

OOC: ​

I think watered down apple juice and whiskey look decently enough like each other for this to work. Although perceptively I think it's hard to create two identical looking and smelling drinks to drink from. Without some element of chance and luck, it's not much of game. But this scenario should work for us.

Lucian will use [Game Master F] to setup the game and make sure the rules are fairish and acceptable to the crowd, etc.

Game Master: Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown (Effectiveness 5; Intelligence D, Wealth F, Gaming F). Insight F, Gaming F, Sleight of Hand F. He has keen insight into all games and excels at those games of chance most of all; however, no games are purely chance. Reading ones opponents is a key part of success. Able to see and understand his opponent, predict their next moves, and excel at games.

 

[Kenju Law]

Hathaway​

Hathaway had been watching the confrontations between the parties for awhile now. Because the flashy gambler had walked toward him, the commotion was rather close nearby. It was a particularly interesting show to watch, so the priest watched the fiery clashes of personalities with amusement. There was no need to insert himself, considering that a stiff looking clergyman like him would only dampen the mood. So he let the professionals handle the entertainment.

While relaxing, Hathaway took notice that the music had stopped. The melody had been so soothing that he had almost forgotten it was the work of an actual person. Seeing the lyre-player move about, he saw that it was an aquatic-being that had a lot of energy. A flash of inspiration caught him. His interest being perked along with the building momentum of the guild hall, Hathaway stood from his seat, leaving the parchment at the table. He shuffled his way along toward the girl. "Sorry to interrupt you while you're watching the show. Would you mind if I ask you about something?" the holyman approached Noelle with an open palm to shake her hand. "My name is Hathaway Peacecraft. I'm no musician myself, but even I can tell you're talented with your instrument." he drew his eyes back towards the lyre that was responsible for that harmonic tune, before once again turning his attention back to Noelle.

"I don't mean to get in the way of your fun. I simply wanted to ask if you would hopefully display your talents for me aswell. Well, myself and my church in the capital that is. It's always so dull and quiet there. I think your tunes would make it more bearable." Hathaway had hoped she'd agree. He'd notice that simply having such heartening music around made the time pass-by effortlessly. It would also more than likely help sooth the souls of the churchgoers. With a sudden raise of his head, the priest spoke up once more, "Oh, right. I didn't catch your name?"

Mentions: Tellussoil

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Uasal Eccentric_Undead gmimperfecti Tellussoil Qu-Ce Kenju Law saxon
OOC: Tellussoil skip 1. fantasy skip 1. quce skip 1. Be sure to post even if it is just stating your character is doing the same thing they were. Let's people know you are still active.
Time: Late morning near noon
Weather: pleasantly warm with a slight breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: Griswold directs amanda back to her primary duty at the guild in fielding desk requests. The rest of the group continue to mingle in the hall.
Post Listening:

Osun Adventurer's Guild Hall

Griswold​

Griswold's gaze held steady as Amanda navigated the labyrinth of thoughts that he had set her on. He could see her dedication to understanding the perplexities of the document, and it brought a twinkle to his eyes. The hall around them was growing louder, the noise a swirling whirlpool of distractions, but Amanda was a ship on the stormy seas, staying her course.

Her words, delivered with a mixture of hesitation and confidence, cut through the din, pulling Griswold back from his musings. He appreciated the way she mused out loud, her theories unfurling before him like the petals of a blooming flower. An ex-adventurer, a conspiracy of benefits, an impossible task achieved - it was a web of intrigue, spun from her vivid imagination and sharp intellect.

Griswold gave a low chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he nodded. "Ah, a conspiracy, is it? You've certainly got a mind for intrigue," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. His gaze fell on the document again, his thumb gently rubbing along the edges. "And yet, each possibility you've laid out could indeed be true. That's the complex nature of our Guild's workings."

He paused, letting the words sink in. His gaze returned to Amanda, the corners of his mouth tugging upwards in a half-smile. "But let's not stray too far into the realms of what might be. Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the truth. And sometimes, it's the other way around."

His fingers tapped lightly on the document as he looked at her, a silent reminder of the challenge. "Is it the adventurers or the quest? Or perhaps, is it something else entirely? As to your query, I'd say you're warm. But not quite there yet." His smile broadened, encouraging her to delve deeper into the enigma. "Keep going, Amanda. You're closer than you think. But, it is at times like these that the guild investigators can and should be called in. While seeing the truth of the matter, immediately, would be more ideal, it is good to remember it is not actually your role to solve mysteries while you are here." Griswold then eyed the growing line of adventurers waiting for desk service.

His words were like stepping stones across a stream, each one leading further into the mystery only to scoop her up at the end and put her on another course. And while the bustling energy of the guildhall carried on around them, Griswold and Amanda were a world unto themselves, lost in the intricate dance of questions and revelations. But then some adventurers in line started to get rowdy and push each other making claims of cutting. Amanda had other duties to attend to other than that of detective.

Meanwhile,

Atmosphere hummed in the guild, under the spell of anticipation and speculation. The air, laced with laughter, friendly banter, and the unique smell of untouched ale, filled the cavernous space. The collection of adventurers, a motley crew of characters, created a patchwork of colors and chatter in the hall. As eyes darted back and forth, following the unfolding drama, the spectacles of the day were etched in the room's very essence.

Around a circular table, Bosco and Lucian held the room's captive attention, their challenge a magnet pulling the spectators toward them. An aura of defiance and excitement enveloped them as an unspoken tension hung between the two men, crackling with energy. A coin, a simple metallic object, became a symbol of their forthcoming face-off, dancing across knuckles in a show of nimble dexterity.

And there was Kasumi. The seemingly mundane act of her crossing her legs and sipping her drink turned into a performance that commanded the room. Her presence was like a delicate veil draped across the guild hall, a hushed whisper amongst the clamor. Her movements created ripples that flowed outward, leaving a trail of awe and curiosity in her wake.

The silent armored figure, Stellaria, bore an enchanting spectacle - a battleship circled around her like a celestial body orbiting a planet, adding to the enchantment of the scene.

The guild was more than a simple room, it was a stage, the scene unfurling with each new exchange, each unspoken challenge, and each secret revealed. The audience, the spectators, absorbed in the unfolding drama, were also actors, their reactions and interactions fueling the dynamic narrative. The morning in the hall was not unlike most mornings, but it remained unaware of the news fast approaching its grand doors that would demand the attention of all present..

​

 

[Qu-Ce]

​

Adrian Bosco​

When Lucian agreed to the challenge, Bosco could hear the whisperings around their table magnify in intensity, and he could feel the discerning gazes of his fellow patrons settled firmly on his back. A tenseness and anticipation filled the air, and it all centered on him and his opponent. Bosco felt as though these emotions were being drawn into him, sinking deep into his stomach, and he couldn’t imagine himself ever getting used to this. The mind of Lucian, who meets these feelings head-on with a smile and cheer, is completely foreign to Bosco.

However, he will not allow that to be a distraction to him. The only one in the room that matters is his opponent. His eyes are as a predator’s, tuning out everything except Lucian as he magnificently springs Bosco’s trap. “I agree to the rules. As for any stipulations regarding the favor,” he says, looking Lucian up and down, “you don’t have anything to worry about.”

With the terms of the challenge agreed upon, Lucian sends the waitress off to fetch the apple juice and whiskey. Their finest whiskey. A difficult expression flashes across Bosco’s face. He’s ordering top shelf? For a drinking contest? With the money Bosco had saved up to travel here and get by while he finds work, he was confident he could afford a handful of drinks, but if they’re not pouring from the well, that changes things. Worst case scenario, he might have to ask the man a favor even if he loses. Did he order them deliberately, knowing that? But it’s too late to back out with the drinks already ordered. Bosco just has to win.

It isn’t long before the drinks are brought out. A pitcher of apple juice, an expensive-looking bottle of whiskey, and ten large glasses are arranged on the table. Bosco and Lucian exit the circle formed around the table and wait as the drinks are being poured, and are soon ushered, almost pushed, back to the center by the rowdy adventurers eagerly awaiting the outcome of the match.

In a straight drinking contest, Bosco is confident he could beat the average person. He has made it a point to maintain an excellent nutrition and exercise plan since being reborn in this world, and his understanding of alcohol’s effects should help him prepare mentally for them. He knew, however, that an ordinary drinking competition isn’t what Lucian was looking for. It needed to be a game of chance, or at least appear to be so. Therefore, choices with unknown consequences were needed. The best Bosco could do is make his guesswork more reliable than his opponent’s, and the rules Lucian himself proposed worked perfectly to that end.

Bosco walks up to the table and tries to make a show of himself looking at a few of the glasses, but he’s really only focused on one. The time he’s spent studying alchemy and medicine gradually developed within him an intuitive sense of what effects some substances might have on a person’s body, and the ubiquity of alcohol in civilized life ensured he’d have more experience with that particular substance than most others. This one is weak [Appraisal E]. Bosco grabs the glass and steadily chugs its contents, emptying it before gently placing it down. A little less than half a shot, maybe? He turns to Lucian and nods to the glasses on the table. “Your turn.”

Spoiler: OOC

Let me know if you want to work out how to do the game OOC. I used a random number generator with 1-10 as the options and got 3, which Bosco drank. If I got a high number, I would've rerolled and taken the second number as the mechanic for his Appraisal.

Appraisal E (Alchemy E, Medicine E, Domestic Arts F) - 1 post cooldown

 

[saxon]

Kasumi Kagu
​

Kasumi noticed as the crowd continued to get larger and larger; taking another sip of the ale, she set the mug down; she slowly licked her lips as she leaned forward against the table. "You know what they say, it's rather rude to ask for someone's name and not give your own," Kasumi retorted with a small grin on her face resting her chin on her hand while looking at Lucian. The whole bet that seemed to only get larger and larger by the moment seemed like it would explode soon enough.

As Lucian brought them back to the matter of the game, she saw him glance her over to which her smirk turned into a gentle smile. I think this will be fun to watch, will he win his game, or will he get too distracted? That is the real question. Kasumi thought to herself. She shifted her gaze to the competitor that wanted something other than a coin flip game. Which even Kasumi couldn't fault him for; coins were too much of a game of chance and were much more straightforward. A coin game, for the most part, was hard to rig in your favor.

Glancing over at her cup of ale she picked up the mug again as they announced what the drinks would be. She didn't want it getting confused with the others; even if she hated the taste she wouldn't admit it to them. She had to admit that Lucian seemed to be pretty full of himself, which wasn't a bad trait but when the tower would have to crumble sooner or later. She took another small sip as he kept her head resting in the palm of her hand.

All the while Kasumi slowly moved her eyes between the two of them. "Well then boys what will it be? I mean you can both drink til the end I suppose but who will be able to hold their alcohol hmmmm?" Kasumi inquired as she gently and slowly brushed her foot against Lucian's leg [Seduction E, Kunoichi]. Whatever she could do to get him to mess up she was going to do. Even if it meant playing off a little bit of jealousy. She then shifted her gaze to Bosco as he seemed to be contemplating something. "Has anyone ever told you those glasses look really, really good?" She smirked as she smiled and looked him directly in the eyes for a split second before returning her eyes to the table [Seduction E, Kunoichi].

mentions: Novama Eccentric_Undead gmimperfecti Tellussoil Uasal Qu-Ce Kenju Law

Spoiler: abilities/cooldowns/Actions

[Kunoichi] - character portrays themselves and is perceived as a ninja girl. They are considered exotically hott, but they will find it difficult to gain the trust and confidence of anyone. Characters are prone to leave their valuables behind when they know they will be interacting with character.

 

[gmimperfecti]

The whole idea was to establish himself as a brash, boisterous gambler who took big risks and lost as often as we won. Lucian felt like he was close to accomplishing his goals, still, he had a hard time losing even when it was the best tactic in the local situation to accomplish larger more lucrative objectives. He watched the waitress approach with the drinks only to have Kasumi flash her baby blue eyes at him, a smile that hinted at more danger than a knife could bring, and he slowly licked her lips as she leaned forward against the table. She would either be a great asset or his achilles heel, which they didn’t seem to have an achilles heel here as far as he could tell.

"You know what they say, it's rather rude to ask for someone's name and not give your own," Kasumi retorted with a small grin on her face resting her chin on her hand while looking at Lucian.

“And here I thought girls like tall, mysterious strangers?” He flashed a large smile back at her, gulping a little as she rested her delicate chin on her hands and looked up at him. “Fortuna.” He extended his hand, then thought better of it and finished, “Lucian Fortuna.”

When the waitress brought the whiskey over, mixed with the apple juice and Kasumi did her thing as well to mix things up, Lucian deposited a pile of coins on the tray not even counting. Well that wasn’t true. He always knew how many coins danced through his fingers, he couldn’t pick up a game piece and not know how it fit into the game. Perhaps it was better to say that Lucian tried extremely hard APPEAR like he was causally dropping a pile of coins on the tray like he didn’t give a care. Like his whole goal in coming here wasn’t to bilk as many adventures out of coin during the night in card games the allowed for rather large pot sizes. It was always a good look when your opponents didn’t know what you were really offer. Keep them looking at the pretty lady and the rows of apple-whiskey lined up.

He smiled at Bosco, “This should be fun, mate. You first!”

Bosco walked up to the table and tried to make a show of himself looking at a few of the glasses. Lucian wasn’t sure what to make of the man, as he didn’t have the busted capillaries of your typical drunk and leaned more towards the scholar or villain in an anime. Maybe more the sheltered, rich master type? Bosco appeared to be using some sort of ability, his eyes and especially his pupils were doing weird things and his nostrils flared, that sort of thing. That was the problem in this world, you never knew what was around the next corner. There were always unknown variables to account—

Lucian squeaked as Bosco chugged the contents of the drink he took. That was because all the while Kasumi slowly moved her eyes between the two of them. The ridiculously distracting, sultry eyes and the posture. "Well then boys what will it be? I mean you can both drink til the end I suppose but who will be able to hold their alcohol hmmmm?" Kasumi inquired as she gently and slowly brushed her foot against Lucian's leg [Seduction E, Kunoichi].

“Ah-“ Lucian said, trying to reclaim his concentration. [Game Master] blossomed in his head, fighting against the mind control attack from his other head, yin and yang warring with his mind. His keen insight into all games, including drinking ones, were veering into other types of games, mind games and others still. Oh now, not those games, focus on the drinking game! Wait, was he trying to win this one or lose it? He glanced at Kasumi, reading trying to read at least into her. Whatever she could do to get him to mess up she was going to do, he could figure that much out but to what end? Was she paired with Bosco? Was this favor Bosco wanted a three-way partnership?

Kasumi then shifted her gaze to Bosco as he seemed to be contemplating something. "Has anyone ever told you those glasses look really, really good?" She smirked as she smiled and looked him directly in the eyes for a split second before returning her eyes to the table [Seduction E, Kunoichi].

Bosco turned to Lucian and nods to the glasses on the table. “Your turn.”

”My turn?” Wait were those two playing an entirely different game than the one he thought they were playing?

He glanced between the pair then back at the rows of drinks. This was a whole new world, wasn’t it? [Probability Analysis] churned in his brain, probabilities and contingent probabilities flared out in web of possibility. His luck was there, something he could relay on, coast on the contrails of it to feel the way when logic failed him. He looked between Kasumi and Bosco one last time and grabbed the third drink, chugged it and felt an explosion of fire in his mouth burn all the way down his throat. This was not top shelf whiskey! His eyes flickered to the bar keep who must have added something special to one or two of these. Damn them all…well, he’d roll with the punches.

The next round went a little better, but Kasumi was too great a distraction and the hints of some conjoined partnership between the three of them. Bosco wanted a favor, Kasumi wanted to flirt with just the both of them. His eyes burned as in the third round he found another special that the bartender must have snuck in there. Well at least he gave him an excuse to do what he wanted. He as the alcohol pounded in his head and Lucian teetered between falling backwards or forwards, he instead let himself fall into Kasumi’s lap. At least he hoped it was her lap…

 

[Qu-Ce]

​

Adrian Bosco​

A little less than half a shot, maybe… hm? As Bosco sets the glass down, his attention is diverted - no, stolen - by the striking blue eyes of Kasumi, piercing him with a meaningful gaze. “Has anyone ever told you those glasses look really, really good?” When Bosco doesn’t respond immediately, his blank look is met with a playful smile before Kasumi’s attention is returned to the drinks sitting on the table.

It takes a couple seconds to register the meaning of Kasumi’s words. Bosco felt a warm glow rising through his face, and he knew that his complexion was quickly being dyed red. Huh? It’s too early for me to be getting drunk. Bosco discarded this thought the moment it came into his mind; there was no reason to second-guess the strength of the drink he just downed, and, more importantly, some things can have a much more immediate effect on a person’s capillaries than alcohol. Bosco was at a loss for words. How do you respond to a compliment, again?

Wait - what am I thinking? That’s not important. Bosco doesn’t respond, instead choosing to shake his head and return his gaze to the table. Kasumi has already turned away, it’s not like she’s expecting a conversation in the first place. At this point, Lucian had already stepped up to the table, somehow seeming more out of it than Bosco just was. Where is his usual swagger? His showmanship? He barely even looks at the glasses before grabbing one and chugging, and he only seems to remember where he is once the alcohol had already slid down his throat. His eyes flit over to the barkeep - it must have been stronger than he was expecting.

Bosco found it difficult to focus during the next couple of rounds. Every time he tries to analyze the drinks, his gaze somehow meets Kasumi’s own. The same playful smile, a small wave. Even when he looks away, he can’t tune out the rest of his surroundings anymore. The stares of those in the guild hall bore into his back. The cheers of the crowd pierce his ears. Annoying. This is the only word that comes to Bosco’s mind as he commits to taking his chances on a blind pick. Ugh, a strong one. Why am I letting this happen? Then another. This one’s strong too. Could be bad. I should sit down…

When Bosco sees Lucian walk up to the table for his third drink, he feels a little reassured. Whatever was distracting him in the first round only seemed to be getting worse, or maybe the drink was making it worse. Lucian staggers up to the table and blindly picks a glass, holds it unsteadily above his head, and lets the contents flow straight down into his throat without interruption. The effects hit him immediately. Lucian’s body sways back and forth, always seeming to be on the verge of collapsing, yet miraculously remaining upright. This miracle doesn’t last long, of course. Lucian’s balance shifts forwards, he staggers a few steps, and he falls - wait, that seems more like a dive - into… Bosco’s lap.

Huh? This is the second time Bosco’s mind went blank during this contest. He looks down at the man who dove face-first into his legs, then at the rest of the guild hall, then back down at Lucian. What? Bosco’s flushed face grows even redder as he nervously shakes Lucian’s shoulder. “Um… do you mind?” Bosco leans his upper body back, trying to put some distance between himself and the drunk on his legs. Unsure of what to do, he looks imploringly at the other patrons gathered around them.

 

[Uasal]

~Amanda Steelhaven~

Spoiler: Equipped Titles

Human, Business Expert, Warfare Expert, Agriculture Expert, Architecture Expert, Engineering Expert, Law Expert, Investigation Expert, Mining Expert, Expert Tinkerer, Expert Artificer, Advisor of Caelia, Ambitious, Strategist, Girl on Fire, Flatterer

Amanda lay back in her chair and gazed at the document as Griswold went on to elaborate further and offer counsel on the problem at hand. He was definitely getting a kick out of this, he had to be. Such vague points and reminders were clearly attempts to further fan the flames of Amanda's intrigue, after all every piece of advice he seemed to give was quickly tempered with an opposing piece of advice. What a shrewd old man! He reminded Amanda of her own late grandfather, wait... well that was complicated. Her current late grandfather? How does one word such a phenomenon having been reincarnated and all? Regardless, it was her current world's late grandfather that Griswold reminded her of. It was comforting in a way.

It was comforting up until he motioned to the growing line and practically tore her away from the problem! That, that was a low blow! But alas, it was very much the truth. Amanda was here to gain experience as a clerk, not an investigator. And so, taking a big red stamp Amanda would mark the document for later review by an official investigator and secure it alongside the others of it's kind.

With that out of the way she would bow politely to Griswold and smile before moving toward the reception desk to help. "Thank you for your time, I'll think on it later when I'm free."

Once at the desk, Amanda began handling the adventures in order, most wishing to either accept or turn in quests that had been listed. It took her an adventurer or two before she got into the swing of things but by the third, she was holding her own. Though somewhat slower than those clerks beside her, Amanda being an [Attentive Student] was very much picking up speed with every query she processed and demand she met.

Until of course, she was met with a rather rude Adventurer. The adventurer in question was a bulky Beastman who closely resembled a lion. Needless to say, he was giving off real Leo vibes and was not taking Amanda's decision to decline his request all too well. That being said throughout their encounter Amanda would smile sweetly at the man and respond in a calm and soft tone. Sure she might have been a temporary hire but she had to act the part!

"Listen here missy, I know you're new but I can't let that slide! Process the payment or there'll be trouble"
"Sir, as I said before. I cannot process your payment due to the fact your quest remains incomplete. My hands are tied, I do apologize"
"Tied! I brought all five boar skins in earlier, if one's missing it was you lot who lost it!"
"Sir, I've checked the records and it's written clearly that earlier today you arrived with four boar skins. If you insist you brought five skins along with you and wish to lodge a complaint and official accusation of malpractice then I'd be happy to assist you in such. If you don't wish to do so then I'm afraid there's nothing more I can do for you at this time."
"Forget it, I'll come back later when a real Clerk is working the desk, Noble my ass"
"Thank you for your time sir. I do so hope you have a wonderful day and of course, I wish you all the luck in finding your missing boar skin." [Flatterer]

Stomping off the man would leave the hall and soon Amanda would be back to processing the rest of the adventurer's requests and answering their queries. Though one thing bothered her a little. Did she really look like a Noble? What an odd thing to say.
Novama

 

[Tellussoil]

Noelle Nichi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With: Qu-Ce Uasal saxon Kenju Law gmimperfecti Novama Eccentric_Undead
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Noelle was enthralled with the Gambler’s tricks. How he played with the cards and then with the coin. He looked so cool doing that. He even beat that rogue girl in a game of coin flip after which the girl left.
Soon some scholarly guy came and challenged Mr cool to a drinking game. Like Mr cool would never lose to someone like him. Noelle was just side-glancing at the scholar when the rogue girl returned having changed her attire. Although the girl looks mysterious in this outfit she also had an air around her to distrust. The rogue quite literally threw herself onto the gambler. Noelle knew what this kind of person was. She has seen people like her before. A seller of the flesh.

Noelle was watching as the game was set up when she was suddenly addressed. Noelle turned and looked up at the priest who was talking to her. "Oh! Sure, what you want to know" This man looked so serious. Noelle wondered what he wanted to ask. So far as she knew she hadn’t done anything noteworthy. The man complimented her on the music she played earlier. A wide smile appeared on the little mermaid’s face "Thank you" she said genuinely as she receive the compliment.
The man then gave her an offer to play her music at his church in the capital. "ar-are you serious!?" She said surprised "Yes yes. I would love to play in the capital" She then exclaimed as a sparkle was in her eyes suddenly and her ears started to twitch with excitement. This is all that she wanted. Playing in the capital was one of her goals on her road to stardom. If she can show her skill there, she'll make a name for herself soon enough. At least that is what she hoped for. Noelle was brought back to earth when the priest asked for her name "Oh right… I’m Noelle, Noelle Nichi… nice to meet you Mister Peacecraft" Noelle grabbed Hathaway’s hand and shook it while politely bowing her head. Her ears were still twitching indicating how happy she was.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Uasal Eccentric_Undead gmimperfecti Tellussoil Qu-Ce Kenju Law saxon
OOC: Tellussoil skip 1. fantasy skip 2. quce skip 1. Kenju skip 1. Time to see what you guys choose to do.
Time: noon
Weather: pleasantly warm with a slight breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: courier arrives with news of a village attack. the guild must decide how to answer the call.
Post Listening:

Osun Adventurer's Guild Hall

​

In the relentless pulse of the guild hall, all movement paused as a courier, breathless and frantic, burst through the door. Their chest heaved in a cadence of panic as the news spilled from his lips, echoing through the sudden silence: Adali, a nearby village, was threatened by an unusual griffon. The creature had long been a cunning adversary, slipping through the fingers of capture or deterrence with ease. Now, it had chosen the village's central square as its nesting ground, its presence a persistent nightmare for the hapless villagers.

The gravity of the situation fell upon the guild like a thunderous weight. The murmur of the hall grew louder at the epicenter of the impending crisis, a storm of speculation, concern, and curiosity swirling around. The adventurers traded glances, sizing up the situation, their usual bravado tested by the challenge of dealing with such an elusive foe, one known to killer lesser adventurers and peasants with ease and challenge unprepared veterans alike.

Unexpectedly, the courier's next words brought an audible gasp through the hall. The village elder of Adali had not requested an extermination; they sought a peaceful solution. Supposedly, the village had revered gryphons as their protectors for many generations despite some of the hardships imposed. Rumors of a legend fluttered on the edges of comprehension; an ancient puzzle, the "Fowl Enigma," that held the power to persuade griffons supposedly. It was a bizarre, near-mythical proposition, yet it offered a glimmer of hope to all parties involved.

The room hummed with electricity, casting Amanda in the harsh light of responsibility. Her task was monumental: to assign the appropriate adventurers, organize the necessary resources, and most dauntingly, sort out what to do with the inscrutable mystery of the Fowl Enigma. The weight of the crowd's expectations mirrored in their eyes for any who looked around the hall.

Among the sea of faces, five in particular came to the forefront. Lucian. Hathaway. Noelle. The somewhat familiar Kasumi. And finally, Bosco.

As the full weight of the crisis became apparent, the air in the guild hall grew thick with tension. All eyes were on Amanda, their gazes layered with unspoken questions. The scene was set, the stakes were high, and the players were poised at the edge of an unfolding drama. Their actions and choices, at this critical juncture, had the potential to alter the course of events in ways no one could predict. The guild reputation and the fate of a village and more than a few adventurers hung in the balance.

​

The courier, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, took a deep, stabilizing breath before reaching into the satchel slung over his shoulder. The silence in the guild hall was palpable as all eyes were riveted on the worn leather bag. With a trembling hand, the courier pulled out a small, carefully wrapped bundle.

As he unfolded the protective cloth, a gasp ran through the guild hall. Resting in his palms was an artifact of such rarity and antiquity, it commanded immediate reverence. It was the Fowl Enigma.

The relic was a cylindrical artifact, no longer than a foot and seemed to be made of ancient, weathered bronze. Its surface was embossed with an intricate labyrinth of winding paths and dead ends, forming a complex and beautiful pattern. Every inch of it seemed to be laden with symbols and inscriptions that, while faded with age, could still be discerned.

At its center, a carefully chiseled griffon figure sat majestically, its wings folded around a circular indentation. The griffon's eyes were made of vibrant emerald gemstones, which stood out on the puzzle. They appeared to watch the spectators, daring them to unravel the enigma within.

Beneath the griffon, a series of dials protruded. Each dial was adorned with cryptic symbols, resembling an archaic language, perhaps a code or a key to the riddle. The five dials, arranged concentrically, seemed independent yet interconnected, suggesting they could be rotated individually to align the symbols in a particular configuration.

On either end of the cylinder were what looked like movable rings, their outer edges engraved with more symbols. The rings seemed capable of turning, perhaps changing the alignment of the inner dials or revealing hidden compartments.

The Fowl Enigma was not just a relic; it was a testament to a bygone era, a physical embodiment of ancient wisdom and lore. As the courier held it out to Amanda, its complex design and the mysterious aura that surrounded it hinted at the challenge that lay ahead. Only by understanding and interacting with the relic's myriad components could one hope to solve the enigma and potentially pacify the griffon terrorizing Adali.

​

 

[Uasal]

~Amanda Steelhaven~

Spoiler: Equipped Titles

Human, Business Expert, Warfare Expert, Agriculture Expert, Architecture Expert, Engineering Expert, Law Expert, Investigation Expert, Mining Expert, Expert Tinkerer, Expert Artificer, Advisor of Caelia, Ambitious, Strategist, Girl on Fire, Flatterer

Amanda's work was proceeding quite well, or at least it seemed to be. That was until the panicked courier burst through the guild doors and made a B-line right for her desk. The man was exhausted and carried with him the weight of the guild hall's entire focus. A weight he was very swift to shift onto Amanda, a weight she had yet to bear. With everyone's eyes focused on her and silence hanging in the air Amanda began to feel uncomfortable very quickly. What was she supposed to do! This was her second day on the job! The Count had encouraged her to train for emergency situations here, but to think something would happen so soon! Were the gods themselves doing this out of some twisted hope of entertainment? It was all too coincidental!

Brushing the thought aside Amanda's eyes quickly fell to the cylindrical device the courier had passed her way. Taking it carefully Amanda noted its weight and intricate design. "Understood. Your message and delivery have been received. You've done well, please leave the rest to us here at the guild. You've been very brave, I thank you for your service.".

Turning to the receptionist beside her, Amanda noticed the woman was in no way interested in taking over the landmine of a situation Amanda had found herself in. How rude! Understandable but rude! Placing the device on the desk carefully, Amanda retrieved a document from beneath the desk and began scribbling on it immediately. It didn't take her long to finish and within a minute she would pass the document back to Griswold "Time is of the essence but formalities and protocol must be followed correct? This is a formal request for a guild investigator. Please see it's lodged. Once the request is made I can take control of the situation as a stand-in until such a time as the investigator arrives correct?" That was a rhetorical question. Amanda already knew that was the case. [Law Expert]

Looking to the cylinder Amanda would once again pick it up carefully. It was most certainly old but in surprisingly good shape. Running her fingers delicately and carefully along the device Amanda took note of each dial and button present before turning her gaze to the silent guildhall. "Those of you who poses skills in gaming, heightened hearing, and or appraisal, please make yourselves known and approach the desk promptly. As for the rest of you, this is not a circus performance. Please continue about your business. Thank you."

Looking to Griswold Amanda would smile softly "Would you mind seeing that a cart is made ready for departure as soon as possible Griswold? Time is of the essence, I shall see to the enigma and adventurer selection."

Turning back to the device, Amanda would assess it to the best of her abilities using her knowledge as both an [Expert Tinkerer] and [Engineering Expert] while she awaited those fitting her request to approach the desk. This was a dire situation indeed but it wasn't as if she could back down now. No, she had to see this through! [Girl on Fire] [Ambitious]

Novama Qu-Ce gmimperfecti saxon