The Half-Moon Inn and Fest Hall Part 4

Aylstra Illianniis · Post by **Aylstra Illianniis** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 4:00 am

The bard nods, and his eyes seem to go far away for a moment. "Yes, I think I understand your meaning. I'm not certain what photographic is, but my memory is like what you describe, as well." (OOC: Yup, he's got one, too. Perfect recall- which is how he taught himself to read and write from looking at words under the pictures in the books of his father's library. Also how he learned some of his spells- he once stole Morganna's spellbook and learned Alter Self from it in just a few minutes!)

He looks over at the other table for a moment, watching the strange-looking elf. "He's an odd one," he says softly, and chuckles a bit when the elf jokes about drinking someone else's ale. "I wonder if he'd think it tastes better if someone else buys?" He says, and motions over the server to order a mug of whatever the odd elf is drinking.

Then he turns to Onix again, while Vala sips silently at her wine and nibbles a bit of cheese from the platter on the table. "I share your feelings on having such a memory, abbil. It can be a blessing in good times, but a curse to remember so clearly the thinks we would prefer to forget." He has a look of pain on his face for a few moments, as if even mentioning it has brought a particularly dark memory back.

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:52 am

"I'll have to agree with you on that odd elf over there; besides is that not Zarae from our last adventure together?" the clone indicates the rogue sitting next to Luexena.

Looking up to the beautiful drow waitress, Onix ordered anther two bottles of the same wine had earlier, which was the strongest they had at the inn.
"Anything else to go with that?" she asked the clone, with a arched eyebrow and a small, but very impish smile on her face. Onix looked up at her right as she winked at him. The clone was genuinely puzzled, as his facial expression gave way.

Aylstra Illianniis · Post by **Aylstra Illianniis** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:22 am

The bard nods to Onix, looking over at the other table. "Yes, it is, but she seems preoccupied at the moment. But that pretty server seems to like you!" He snickers at the clone's confusion, and winks at Vala, who stifles a giggle.

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 7:44 am

Onix wasn't sure what to do, though he felt his cheeks going red with a hot flash, as what the bard had mentioned just struck him like a mallet.
As the waitress left, Onix looked towards the bard, who was very much enjoying the clone's confusion.
"Well, apparently I stand corrected, there's at least [b:2oym6u1h]one[/b:2oym6u1h] attractive female on this rock that finds me worthy of attention."

At this, Veraka shook his head, grinning all the while. "Onix, you must learn at least this, while the drow of Toril are mostly malicious and cynical, should you ever find yourself in the graces of one of Eilistraee's followers, or just a good-aligned drow, you'll find that most females well more than likely have the hots for you, and I don't say that lightly, even despite the fact that your skin is the paleness of my armor; and judging from that waitresses action and your [b:2oym6u1h]reaction[/b:2oym6u1h], I'd say you did just that."

"The longer I stay on this planet, the more confusing and odd it becomes to me," the clone admitted, not even sure he was sane anymore, judging from his expression of astonishment.

Aylstra Illianniis · Post by **Aylstra Illianniis** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:44 pm

"Ha! Welcome to the grand and complicated dance that is life, my friend!" Lothir says, a look of amusement and pure enjoyment on his young features. "Even those of us who have been here for a while have difficulty understanding it at times, but it is the steps that make it worth exploring. And sir Veraka is right. I'm sure many of the women of this world would find you worthy of attention, my friend, if they saw you without that armor. Hells, I've even heard of albino drow who are paler than you, so that is no detterant!"

He laughs, and gives Onix a mock salute. "In any case, just think about what we've said. If you stay here, you might eventually end up with a family in spite of your current status." He gets a look of a sudden flash of inspiration, and turns to grin at Onix. "Tell me, Onix, have your people considered a permanent base in this region? you know, to keep the ones who brought those bugs here from coming back? Why not suggest it? You could 'volunteer' to head it- purely for security reasons, of course," he tells him, with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. It's plain that such a suggestion is meant as an excuse for Onix to remain on Toril, and have at least a small amount of freedom to do as he wishes.

"In fact, you could put the base somewhere near an underdark entrance, or perhaps in some region that is beset by drow, and use it to 'recruit' new soldiers to your cause. For the greater good, naturally." He grins, as it is obvious that his real purpose has NOTHING to do with actually recruiting new members of the army Onix is part of.

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 8:38 pm

Onix looked at Lothir with a raised black brow; "an albino drow, well I guess I'll have to keep my eyes open then," he jested back, enjoying the moment for what it was.

"I believe that no matter what I do, I'll end up with a family, I just don't know if I'm qualified to raise one and protect them?" Onix asked with all seriousness; Veraka let out a resigned sigh.

The clone then gives the bard a quizzical look at his suggestion; "the idea has merit; but where would I get the weaponry afforded by my force to troops like me and the clones or the Marines? I really can't see bows and arrows. . . . " he stopped remembering how that sun elf, Lynx and her drow friend Ryltar, had shrunk the Leecher queen they'd fought against down to a size way more manageable; "nevermind."

"I suppose I could raise the question with my superiors about; I'm sure the captain of my mother-ship would agree to such an idea; but what of contact between this base idea of yours, Lothir, and my main army? They're not the type to like a base with no up-to-date communication with the main forces. Though the idea has merit."

Veraka crossed his arms, smirking and shook his head at Lothir.

Aylstra Illianniis · Post by **Aylstra Illianniis** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:14 pm

He ponders that for a moment, and then grins. "Surely they could spare enough equipment to keep in touch? Or, perhaps we may have a means here of communicating that would be as effective- at least over a short distance. How do you feel about scrying crystals?" He says, chuckling. Vala turns away with a grin, knowing exactly what he has in mind.

"Let's see- you'd need a small armory, communications relay, and a small barracks. Most of it could be built or replicated here. I'm sure we can find some gnomes who would love to work on that kind of tech. In fact, I already know of at least one who would be fascinated by your people's advances. I'm sure he would get along with Pyro, anyway."

"Oh, surely you don't mean Beznik?!" Vala says, slightly horrified. "Have you lost your MIND?!"

He grins, and nods slowly. "Oh, yes. I certainly do." He looks back at Onix. "What do you think?"

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:47 pm

Onix did a mental rundown of the necessary equipment he'd need to put such a project together, plus the supplies, mostly medical and ammo was what was on his mind. The numbers he came up with for even a year were going to make the captain of the [i:1vas0f5b]Nighthammer[/i:1vas0f5b] raise an eyebrow.

"Scrying what?" the clone asked the bard, utterly confused; "what sorta of magic are you referring to now Lothir?" While Onix was well-versed in magic and its uses, he had much to learn about the subtleties of such things.
Though the idea of even having Pyro back with him was very nice, but if the entire squad came back; a lump formed in the back of his throat.

"Wait, someone who can get along with Pyro AND is a gnome, how exactly, Lothir, would you suggest paying for this kinda project; my forces may be vast, but what you use for currency on Toril, we have none of, and if we do it's used in our circuitry, which we cannot get rid of."

"Well I could get in contact with my ship, then we'd be good, since Edge sent me a long-range communique saying that the engineers and wizards on the [i:1vas0f5b]Nighthammer[/i:1vas0f5b] have finally figured out a way to open up a dimensional doorway into our galaxy and back on command; the one problem is that doing so requires so much power that it drains the ship's reactants to near zero, so it has to refuel somewhere, usually within a nearby nebula or something like that."

"Wait so who's this 'Beznik' you're referring to that Lady Vala looks somewhat afraid of?"

Aylstra Illianniis · Post by **Aylstra Illianniis** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 10:07 pm

The bard snickers. "Let's just say he's possibly Pyro's long lost twin," he says with a smirk. "Which is a bit frightening, in itself. But he IS a rather knowledgable wizard, and well-versed in things alchemical and technical, as well. Just make sure you keep him away from anything flammable or combustable, and everything should be alright."

He thinks for a few seconds on Onix's questions, and finally pulls out a small book and quill, and begins scribbling in it. He makes no effort to hide what he's doing, and it soon becomes apparent that he is drawing several objects. One is a globe-shaped object set in a small open stand that is little more than a ring with legs. "A scrying crystal," he says absently, "is a ball made of clear crystal which can be enchanted to show one a person or object far away. Some are even capable of transmitting sound to communicate with other such balls, or simply to watch what goes on in a distant place. Some people use them to talk over distances, or to spy."

The second object is a mirror, with strange symbols carved around the frame. "A magic mirror can be used for similar purposes, but is less portable. however, it offers a larger view, and is easier to activate." He continues sketching, and soon has a strange-looking arch with more of the symbols on it. "Then there are gates that can go to various places- like the portal you mentioned. They are smaller, but can be keyed to open only under certain conditions, like the one that brought Vala and her brother here- it opens only if a certain song is sung that is known only to the three of us, as it is from our world, and no one here has ever heard it."

"what sort of power does it require? There mayy be something here that would suffice. Or if a gate could be set up, you would not even require a ship to come and go. Much like the one i blundered through to get here. Unfortunately, that one was one-way, so I could not use it to go back, which is why we required help to find each other again. I had no way of telling them where I was. It was purely fortune that I found someone willing to help in that endeavor. but I see no reason why you could not have a similar gate made. And it is likely far less expensive than trying to use your ship to do everything."

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Sat Sep 18, 2010 12:23 am

The clone looked at the bards drawings and listened to his explanations, still trying to wrap his head around the ideas.

"A magic scrying crystal, hmm? While I don't doubt the effectiveness of it, how are you telling me, that it can transmit between galaxies, even between realms?"

"Also, a magic mirror," the clone snickers, "forgive my rudeness, for I do not intend to be, but I am somewhat curious how I'd sell that to my superiors. Though for viewing purposes, it does have a tactical advantage; can multiple mirrors be slaved to one master, and then that master can transmit to another mirror or can multiple mirrors contact one, like a big network, if you will?"
The clone was starting to think seriously about how this could work, albeit not knowing Lothir's [b:1y8dpufm]real[/b:1y8dpufm] objective.

Onix then looked to Lothir with a dumbfounded look on his face.
"You've never heard of hydrogen, or any elements, like iron, or carbon, and I'm not talking about water, earth, fire, or air. The [i:1y8dpufm]Nighthammer[/i:1y8dpufm] uses basic hydrogen and it's isotopes, or its cousins, if you will, to fuel its thermonuclear fusion annihilation reactors, which supply the power the ship uses to make its weapons, shields and life-support systems function properly. Any nebula, or giant cloud of these elements and many more, are fuel sources for my mothership." The clone hoped he made sense, explaining what he took to be relatively easy information to grasp, and said it to Lothir and Vala.

Aylstra Illianniis · Post by **Aylstra Illianniis** » Sat Sep 18, 2010 11:23 pm

"I'm not sure, to be honest, but it might be possible. I know that they can be used over long distances, though not between different planes. The balls can certainly be connected to others, provided they are all made by the same mage. Mirrors I'm not so certain of, but the concept is the same."

He pauses, and listens to Onix explain about elements. "What? Of COURSE we know about such things. Iron? I do not know all of the names you speak, and I may be no master of alchemy, but even I understand a little of that field. Sulfur, saltpeter, coal, lodestone- even lead and quicksilver- I know they can be used for many things, such as strengthening metal, or making flame. But all of these 'elements' as you call them are made of the four primary elements. I learned that much from my magic and alchemy tutor when I was a child- well, before my mother turned him into a drider," he says, with a brief look of unease and discomfort.

"The point is, I'm fairly certain we can find some means of powering you ship. Perhaps a spelljamming helm? I understand they are powered by arcane energies- is that anything like this hydrogen of yours? And the most powerful helms create their own atmospheres and winds to move a ship and support their crews." He pauses again, deep in thought, then brightens. Then again perhaps we don't even need all of that! All you truly need is a way to keep in touch with YOUR ship, correct? It surely has a way to communicate with the rest of your people, so it could easily relay any news you need to send. All you would need are two such crystals- one here, and one on the ship. That could easily be done. And we could equip your fellows here with weapons, armor, and anything else you need."

He seems to be getting into the idea, as if the more he ponders it, the more enthusiastic he gets. He starts to dig through his pack, and pulls out several old books, two of which are inscribed with strange runes and symbols. "I'm fairly sure Master Jezdin's books on alchemy and planar magic might have something that could be useful..." he mutters, flipping through one.

Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar · Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:15 am

cutting a piece of the fish and tasting it, it was rather good. after a few bites, she finally asked, "so how do yall know each other?"

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:32 am

Onix found himself heavily resisting the urge to go on a tangent about what the science he knew was true, but he remembered that he was on a very different world, and as such, was also [b:3e5do9wb]very[/b:3e5do9wb] outnumbered, so he let the issue slide, knowing he would be fighting an uphill battle all the way; though the smirk on his face said that he was more than willing to fight that battle.

When the bard brought up someway of powering his ship, Onix shook his head; "Lothir, do you know how much time it would take to do a complete overhaul of a [i:3e5do9wb]Depraedor[/i:3e5do9wb] assault carrier? Suffice to say that it'd be longer than a couple of years. I need not remind you that our technologies are very differing as well as our applications of magic; where you're realms, it is all around and as such, can be harnessed willingly and without limit, aside from that of the user, our magics are very different, which my forces are just barely learning about."

When the bard stops, Onix gives him a quizzical look, then listens to Lothir explain his idea of just two crystals.
"That sounds much more applicable, given my present situation, though how would it work, wouldn't a mage need to be there to activate it?"

The clone then watches with a bemused look as the bard goes about through his books.

Aylstra Illianniis · Post by **Aylstra Illianniis** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 8:40 pm

"Overhaul? Ah, you misunderstand. I was thinking merely of a supplement to your power. And it's not as difficult as you think. All it takes is one such helm to move an entire ship through the void- well, perhaps a few linked ones, in the case of your Nighthammer. But why go that far? A helm on one of those gunships would suffice if it's just a matter of simple transport. You did say that was their purpose, yes?"

He shrugs, and taps his chin, thinking for a few beats. "As to what you said about elements, perhaps you do not understand the relationships of alchemy. Let me explain a bit more. You say that these elements of yours are not the same as the four we know as basic. This is true only to a point. Take iron for instance. It is of elemental earth, while quicksilver, though a metal, is from the element of water. Do you follow? Sulfur is a mineral of the fire element, and so on. Each has properties of one - or sometimes more- of those four, whatever their simple form may be." He chuckles at Onix's disbelief, realizing that while the clone's civilization may be far more advanced in some ways, they have neglected other disciplines.

"And there's no need for a wizard to activate those crystals. Anyone can learn to do it, so long as they know the command."

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:32 am

"The gunships are meant primarily for troop transport, yes, but also for assault in space depending on the situation. So I suppose that you're idea would work there."

Onix couldn't help but gape at the bards statement; Onix knew what the elements were, but he also knew that water was composed of oxygen, like he breathed, and hydrogen, which powered his mothership. As air was oxygen, fire was merely a byproduct of combustibility. However, the clone saw fit not to press the issue with the bard; "I suppose that each of our ways of acquiring knowledge is through the means we've been given."