Astrid returns to human form after sunset, having been sure to investigate what scents she could. Guillaume returns her clothes to her.
Guillaume casts some spells on the two of them (takes some time - probably 15 minutes - due to fatigue on the last bunch) and renews his Parma Magica, again sharing it with Astrid. (I'll make the few needed rolls, mostly MuVi sponts, later when I can check the numbers. I'm pretty sure I just need to avoid botching in each case, that a 0 without a botch is sufficient.)
Eyes of the Cat (on each of them) at D: Concentration (no fatigue spont) followed by Maintaining the Demanding Spell at D: Sun (no fatigue).
The Discerning Eye (on Guillaume) (loud/big gestures - no fatigue)
A level-15 ward against heat & flame (on each of them) at R: Touch, D: Concentration via Vague Shell of Obvious Mysteries (no fatigue) and MuVi (fatigue) followed by Maintaining the Demanding Spell at D: Sun (no fatigue).
A level-15 ward against cold (on each of them) at R: Touch, D: Concentration via Vague Shell of Obvious Mysteries (no fatigue) and MuVi (fatigue) followed by Maintaining the Demanding Spell at D: Sun (no fatigue).
A level-15 version of Gift of Bear's Fortitude (on each of them) at R: Touch, D: Concentration via Vague Shell of Obvious Mysteries (no fatigue) and MuVi (fatigue) followed by Maintaining the Demanding Spell at D: Sun (no fatigue).
Guillaume will warn the other magi about The Discerning Eye.
It emits visual species to essentially compare what is seen to what should be seen. That way it lets one identify illusions and the like. It also, in a sort of backward way, detects magic resistance since it's being cast with no penetration. (Not good enough to get penetration with it, so I didn't mention it being forceless.) See HoH:TL p.72 for a full description.
Maurice grubles. Three times now, it has interfered in our activities. One time, as a band of ogres was ambushing some goat hearders, we moved in to rescue and the Brute suddenly appeared and stole our prey. Another time as we planned a trap for some ogerlings, the creature attacked us! The third time was just a debacle.
Then Carmen voices her opinion.
If this creature is a faerie, as I suspect, then our hands are tied. We are sworn not to molest the fae. If it is a magical beast, then there is no ethical conflict and perhaps such a beast is to dangerous to allow to run wild. Either way, I want to investigate. If it is a faerie, I am sure we can come up with some innovative solution so that the drakes need not worry about conflict and antagonism and more.
Gardaitis quirks his head to one side, looking thoguhtfully at Maurice, but addresses Carmen first. "Sodalis, you weren't here for that discussion... From what I saw, I am fairly confident it's a spirit which can assume material form. I assumed it to be magic. I don't know a lot about the fae, however: it may be that there exist disembodied spirits which are faerie in nature."
He turns to the drake. "We haven't been properly introduced, but I believe I heard you addressed as Maurice? I am Gardaitis. I understand it's a painful subject, but could I perhaps ask you to describe this 'debacle' in more detail? It would be quite helpful to our tactical planning."
Gardaitis purses his lips. In the way of a meal, or attacking someone innocent. He didn't miss Maurice's line about "ogrelings", but he's not foolish enough to say that out loud within the drake's hearing.
Esteban says, "Even if it's a faerie, there may be something we can do. Within the Code, if you prefer." He flashes Carmen a rougish grin. "As I understand it, faeries' whole existence is some elaborate game. So we could join its game, learn its rules, and win. In fact when I put it that way it sounds more interesting than battle. Doesn't it, soldaes?"
(Timey-wimey stuff: Vulcanus would have introduced himself to Gardaitis as soon as he realized the other fellow was a Flambeau... before all the indecision and such. He'd cast his Parma at sunrise/sunset and has no other preparations to make beyond the enchantments in his gear.)
Vulcanus bristles as the discussion continues, and his boredom progresses to annoyance. "Madam Pontifex, you shrugged off a matter of utmost importance to our House so that I could stand about listening to bickering? This is nonsense; the time and effort of all the magi you have gathered here is better spent in the lab or in study than this indolence. I'm going to go find the creature and confront it." He mounts his greathorse and looks at Guillaume and Gardaitis. "Will either of my Flambeau brethren join me?" he asks, with only the slightest emphasis on brethren.
(Note that Vulcanus doesn't have any Area Lore or Hunt, so he'll be wandering about blindly unless Gardaitis or Astrid starts tracking.)
Gardaitis blinks up at Vulcanus mildly. "Certainly, sodalis. As soon as you let me know what your plan is for locating and confronting a creature that doesn't have to stay in material form. Besides, unless that horse is your familiar, it would likely..." His gaze is arrested by the steel glint of Egon's hooves in the moonlight. "Ah, I see that it is. Never mind."
[color=red]"Unless the game is a fight to the death, or some such," Vibria says. [color=red]"Either way, if we defeat it, we're bound to get a prize of some kind."
Vibria shrugs. [color=red]"Of course."
((Vibria's not much better, but at least she has Survival, so they probably won't starve to death while they're looking for El Gulio.))
"Locating it should be simple enough; Guillaume's familiar is a wolf, and if you can see the binding cords between a magus and familiar then you can also see creatures without form. If you'd prefer to stay and argue more about what you're not doing, though, I am sure I will make contact regardless because the creature clearly wants to be found. He's bored, and he's lonely. I have no doubt that he will find me. Now are you coming?"
(Note: Vulc isn't particularly sexist, he's just from the 13th century, and he's REALLY pissed at Carmen. Enough so that he doesn't particularly care that snubbing Carmen also meant snubbing Vibria... He will apologise to her later Should be easy enough, he saw her checking out his pecs.)
Esteban doesn't stir from the fireside, but he looks Vulcanus straight in the eye and says, "Sodales, I believe you owe your covenant, your Pontifex, and, frankly, me, more respect than to storm out of a council discussion because it bores you."
"This is not a council meeting. Nor is an individual's decision on how his time is best spent subject to peer review. You are welcome to ride with me if you wish, but if you choose to stay and argue indolently instead of taking action, then perhaps Jerbiton and hidalgo are as mutually exclusive as they seem." Egon prances agitatedly, mirroring his companion's mood. "Any who wish may follow." He then turns and rides off.
Gardaitis stares after Ryu (and whoever else has charged off after him), and just shakes his head, muttering something in Estonian under his breath. ( Something about 'decisions that the cockroaches in one's head greet with a standing ovation', in the extremely unlikely case that someone besides Maurice understands Estonian.)
You know, Ryu, I've really got no use for a Saga where a fellow player is choosing to play his character with an attitude problem, as a bad team player, and insult my character every time they interact.
I have other games going on, with players who enjoy playing together and make an effort to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. So I don't need this one.
I don't want to clog up the thread with too much out-of-character stuff, but Ryu sent me a PM and we're working out our differences like responsible adults. For now Esteban is feeling insulted and staying behind. Presumably we'll link up with Vulcanus later and get back into cooperative mode.
Oh c'mon, don't be that way. I am liking the drama and tension. Think more about how Estaban would react and do it in character. Carmen will defuse the situation if need be.
))
Should be easy enough, he saw her checking out his pecs.)