GM: Thistledown
Players: Thistledown, Molly.
Synopsis: Molly goes on an AQ, Thistledown makes a friend.
Halloween has come and gone and things are now getting back to normal. Molly is at the Bare Knuckle gym clinic working with Thistledown on her medical profile. They've gone over the basics and are now mostly chatting as the machines whir, gurgle and click. The conversation has turned to the magical realm, Thistledown expressing interest in Molly's take on her abilities and always willing to talk about himself.
As Molly looks at the machines she says, "I didn't know I had magic at first. It wasn't some big flashy awakening." She looks at the displays and she says, "Honestly I must have slept through it." Fidgeting a little as she lays there she says, "I just woke up one day and when I saw a trick I could do it. I saw some thrashers on their boards and I said, 'Oh thats easy,' and it was."
Thistledown chuckles, "Mine was…decidedly flashy, but I'd have been disappointed if it wasn't." He puts his hand on the bed near Molly being a warm and living presence but not touching, "Though I think my family sort of suspected I'd be gifted in some way, though I think I threw them a curveball choosing the hermetic path."
Eyes shift to Thistle and Molly says, "You're an interesting person Thistledown." Her eyes draw into focus on T's chin, she rarely makes eye contact with people. She furrows her brows and she says, "I haven't figured you out yet but there is more to you than you let on."
Thistledown shakes his head, "Transparent like glass, ask me a question, I'll tell you the truth."
With a soft mm-hmm, Molly says, "Alright then I'll give it a try." She turns and looks at the machine that goes ping and then back to Thistle. She asks, "Are you really just a shallow pretty boy or do you use that as a way of walling yourself off from people?" Her lips twitch a little, her approximation of a smile as she watches the expression of her companion.
Thistledown smiles, "Neither option is quite right, please phrase your questions more carefully. I'm a very deep pretty boy, and I do everything within my power to draw people to me." He looks down at her, "Do I seem shallow?"
"See," defends Molly, "I think you draw people to you, but you keep them at arms reach." She shakes her head and she says, "Maybe shallow wasn't the right word, but you know what I mean. You put on an image that you're overly obsessed with your appearance and it doesn't seem legit to me."
Thistledown chuckles, "Oh, no. I am overly obsessed with my appearance, though I prefer to think of it as presentation as It's not just how I look that I concern myself with. As for arms length, I've only one lover if that's what you mean, but I have countless friends…at least countless people I consider friends."
"Well for the first part, I hope I haven't offended you," says Molly, as she looks at the medical equipment. She gives a soft laugh as she says, "Not just because you're going to be carving into my skull and potentially having material links to me." She looks back to Thistle as she says, "The second part makes me feel better. Not too comfortable when people are serious and they flirt with me."
Thistledown laughs, "I'm always amused at that. People think that I'm more dangerous with the knife in my hand…" He looks over Molly, "…speaking of flirting though…Dust?!"
A blink and Molly asks, "Who is Dust?" She moves her feet to keep her legs from falling asleep. She rolls her shoulders and begins a slow wave of her body, her joints moving in ways that normal people are simply not able. "What are you talking about," she asks as her joints pop back into place.
You say "Doctor Hashimoto, his students call him Dust. I could have sworn I heard him throwing you lines."
"I didn't hear it," admits Molly. She shrugs and says, "I'm not interested in him, so hopefully he's not crushing on me or anything. She looks up at the ceiling and she says, "I don't think I'm really ready for anyone right now." She switches the conversation back to the subject of magic as she says, "I'm trying to meet up with a free spirit so I can begin the initiation process again. I found out the hard way that centering techniques for spell casters don't translate well to somatic adepts."
Thistledown nods, "Ahh, well that makes sense…what type of spirits do you get along with?" He starts turning off the machines as the process wraps up. "You can put your jacket back on, the scanners are done with you."
Sitting up and pulling on her jacket Molly says, "I really have no idea. Only times I've ever bumped into spirits are when they're being sent against me, or being sent against someone else." She doesn't bother zipping up her jacket as she's not planning to go out into the cold just yet. She continues her musings on spirits and she says, "Elemental spirits I don't think I'd understand they just seem alien to me. I think shaman spirits are a little more easy to work my mind around. A hearth spirit would be like a person sort of, they live in a house."
Thistledown gives a little hiss, "Never could tolerate hearth spirits, always nosing about. We could go find one for you though, there's a few about if you know where to look."
Zipping up her jacket, Molly laughs softly and says, "A city spirit wouldn't be so bad. I love Denver." She drops down off the bench and makes sure her clothes are properly situated. She walks over and grabs her satchel saying, "As I am getting my eyes replaced soon I've been thinking about them a lot. I think I am ready to be able to push myself a little more and try to see the astral plane."
Thistledown shrugs, "Mixed blessing, great for hide and seek, terrible on relationships." He grins, "It's rough when you can always tell when a girl is faking." He hands Molly a chip, "Don't lose this, it's got your medical profile information on it. If you do decide you want help finding a spirit just let me know."
Tucking the chip into her satchel, Molly says, "I'll put it in a box and hot glue the box somewhere no one will find it." She adds because she likes to cut off the peanut gallery, "In the bar." She nods her head once and she says, "I'd love for you to help me find one, if you have some time we could go whenever you like."
Thistledown looks over the computer which is happily running diagnostics and simulations about Molly, "Hmm, I've got some time now…" He looks her over again, "Normally I invite women to my place, then tell them to disrobe, but I don't mind flipping it for a bit. Care to join me at my place and we'll see about finding you a spirit?"
A soft laugh slides past Molly's lips as she says, "Sure, but you know how hearth spirits are, they're horrible gossips." She adjusts the weight of her bag across her chest and she stuffs her hands into the pockets of her jeans as she moves into position to follow Thistle.
Thistledown leads Molly out to a small sedan which takes them out of the Warrens, then they switch to an upscale sedan of the type on call for executives and drive into the heart of the FTZ. Thistle asks if there is any trouble with identification as they approach the border and if there is a concern uses some less well documented routes.
Tall buildings, throngs of people and lots of traffic are typical sights of the downtown area, here its a little more crowded due to the presence of the residential high-risers. Four of these high-rises are within a two to three minute walk of this intersection. In addition most have clubs or nightspots on their ground floors so the nighttime traffic, both foot and vehicle isnt much better. The most prominent of these residential buildings is the gleaming twin edifices known as McAffrey Towers.
The towers are a marvel of architectual genuis with the exterior created to resemble dark smoky glass with chrome accents and a walkway that spans between the two towers. Unlike a lot of the buildings that are squeezed into every inch of available space, the towers have a greenbelt plaza surrounding it with benches and a fountain in the middle that even flows in the dead of winter.
There is always an active presence of Knight-Errant Security, both in foot patrols and vehicle patrols being this is part of the UCAS's downtown sector. As a result most of the streets are equiped with survellance cameras, while some buildings have lasers and other advanced security measure. The streets are kept clean and tidy, and there are routine cleansings. Trees have been replanted and now dot along the streets to keep up the standards of the downtown area.
The car lets you both out at McAffrey Towers, Thistle looks puzzled for a moment, "I've never had you over before have I?"
The guards give you a quick glance as you enter.
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 2 for "How suspicious are the guards, will set TN for etiquette or stealth roll. Max tn 6":
3 11
"Not that you know of," says Molly with a light tease to her tone. Her head is lowered as she shuffles past the guard, looking down at the cuffs of her jeans as they scuff along the floor. Her hands remain in her jeans pockets as she walks along side Thistle, keeping him between herself and the guard.
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Give a Etiqutte or Stealth roll vs TN 6 to get by without flashing id/permits."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Stealth vs TN 6 for "Blending in, its what I do.":
2 3 3 4 5 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Stealth vs TN 6 for "Blending in, its what I do. KP 1/11":
1 1 4 4 7 14 = 2 Successes
The guard nods then turns away looking for more threatening people to hassle.
Thistledown chuckles, "Well if neither of us remember let's pretend it's the first time." He says, holding the door open for Molly to enter McAffrrey Towers.
Slipping past the guard, Molly keeps her head down and does her best to give off 'harmless.' feelings. She nods to Thistledown and she steps inside the building, not moving too much further than the indoors while she waits for him to lead the way.
McAffrey Towers - Main Lobby
The cavernous lobby of the McAffrey towers seems completely open to the elements, being glassed-over with a curving roof supported by steel framework girders and struts. Lights suspended from the superstructure illuminate the interior, and the brick flooring cause sounds to echo somewhat, but sound baffles set on the walls and sound-dampening electronic technology makes sure that loud noises don't interfere with the thoughts of the occupants.
The towers are divided by residence and work; Tower A is mainly office space and other businesses, and Tower B is high-class and luxury residences for the people of the sector. Elevators travel up and down, taking people where they want to go in each tower, one bank of elevators opening to either side of the lobby.
In the center of the lobby sits an enormous glass kinetic sculpture, with multicolored lights and foutaining water turning the sculpture into an endlessly fascinating work of art. Before the sculpture is a smaller dais before a sunken area of chairs and tables.
In front of the doors to the outside is a small kiosk at which sit three security guards, dressed reassuringly in blended security armor. One is jacked into what looks like a cyberterminal, but the other two are there to direct visitors to their destinations. Other places, discrete security measures can be spotted, from very unobtrusive monitoring devices to other guards at designated positions, and camouflaged drone mountings as well.
Thistledown smiles, "Personally, I think the sculpture is a bit understated."
Weeko enters from above, seeing Molly and Thistledown she stop, "Hoi there…", she greets both, "interesting to see ya here.", she says to Molly.
"I guess they don't get many kids with rocks in here," says Molly as she walks along beside Thistle. She nods her head once to Weeko, her bangs down in her face as she says, "I go a lot of places people don't expect me to be I guess."
Weeko shrugs, "Well, I was thinkin' a new bar would make a lotta work, but I guess I was wrong, then…"
Thistledown waves to Weeko, "She's like the spanish inquisition!" he grins. "I think she has employees."
"Yeah, Eddy has my number if something needs to be ordered," comments Molly as she examines the toes of her shoes. She shrugs her shoulders and she says, "The ones Gnash can't throw out, Sam has orders to shoot." Her shoulders bob in a little bit of a shrug as she says, "It'll be okay without me for now."
Weeko laughs, "No idea what corp that is, mus' be some Euro-layout, by da name…but I shure am the embodiment of the word curious.", she says. "But hey, if ya want ya quiet, I'll leave ya alone…", she says turning away from her two friends.
Thistledown laughs, "Really? I was kidding actually, it can't be what like 10:30 or so right?" He checks his poc-sec, "I mean trolls are known for drinking heavy, but they still sleep right?"
Weeko shrugs, "Well, I dunno…there's stuff like sleep regulators and I myself only need 4 hours of sleep or so…"
"You'd be surprised how well we do in water distribution," says Molly with another bit of a shrug. She brushes a few locks of her hair from her face as she watches a few of the security. She looks back down to her shoes and she says, "A lot of people just come there to get warm, which suits me fine."
Thistledown nods, "Well, that make sense." He gestures towards the elevators, "But if you can excuse me Weeko, I'm eager to get her up to my room before she realizes how foolish it is to follow me anywhere."
Weeko nods, "I damn missed a bad time for some contemplation it seems…tryin' ter git through another initiation, but it's been damn work to get into the right vibe. I had set some extra lessons for me lately. I really need to come over. What kinda defenses do ya have dis far? Magic wise?"
Thistledown points to himself, "Me?"
"None yet, but then I have nothing to hide yet," says Molly as she replies to Weeko. She scratches her shoulder as she shifts her weight from one foot to the other.
Weeko shrugs, "Well, if ya need a ward, gimme a call…I'll do it fer free. Fer friendship and a good start and stuff…"
Thistledown tilts his head slowly, "Bweah?"
"Sounds wiz," says Molly as she brushes a few locks of her hair around her right ear. She nods her head to Weeko and she says, "I'll set you up with free drinks if nothing else. I figure a good turn deserves another."
Thistledown looks between the two, "Out of curiousity, is there a reason you two don't work together more? You seem compatible."
Weeko shrugs, "Well, honestly I'm more concerned about my goblinized brothers…ya place sounds like it might attract quite some humanis attention…and the buggers use mages too." She grins towards
Thistledown, "Well … lets say, we do work together."
Weeko grins some more, "If the occasion arises."
Thistledown nods sagely, "Yeah, we should get rid of all the mages."
Its like a light switch clicks and Molly says, "Oh," to Weeko' explanation to her offer to help. Her shoulders lift and lower as she says, "If they do cause me trouble they're in for the makings of a bad day. I'm planning to add more security to the building. Sam feels a little silly with just the one drone." She eyes a security guard as he walks in their direction and even though she normally speaks in a soft tone she lets the conversation drop.
Thistledown smiles, "Why don't we head up to my place, if you two want to talk it'll be a little while as I get things ready, that way you won't be waiting on me, Molly."
Weeko ponders, "Ya work fer her?"
"I want to do a little meditation," says Molly as she kicks an imaginary rocks. She shifts her stance again and she turns to watch the security as he wanders past, she looks back to Weeko and she says,
"You can come along if you want."
Thistledown laughs, "I work for everybody…you should know that by now. I even work for my employees, no matter how much they protest."
Weeko ponders Thistles words, "Oh…?", she says. "I dunno. I say ya laugh at us all if yer alone and call us all kinda naughty and crazy if perfectly truthfull and fitting names." She seems a bit torn, "Well, I dunno, the only kinda meditation I usually do is my Fu. So it would prolly just disturbin' if I was with ya guys."
"It's up to you," says Molly as she looks back to Thistle saying, "Can we head up, these guards are starting to make me a little edgy." She adjusts the cloth that covers her hands as she stands there watching people move around the lobby.
Thistledown chuckles, "Ignore them and they'll ignore you." He gestures towards the elevators, "This way…"
Weeko ponders, "Well, who knows, maybe it helps…"
Tower B, Apt. Q18 - Main Room
The main room of the apartment is full of plant life. An almost invisible latticework covers each wall supporting countless flowering climbing vines and roses. The wall behind the plants is painted in a green vine motif creating the illusion that you are within a garden rather than a room. The room is warmly illuminated by lights hidden away behind hanging plants that climb down from boxes near the ceiling to meet the plants climbing up from below. The entire apartment is filled with the scents of flowers and earth.
A veil of hanging plants separates the main room into two sections. The area closer to the entrance has a large semi-circular sofa facing a trid unit set into the wall framed in honeysuckle. A table sits encircled by the couch, a raised cushion around the edge of the table prevents spills from reaching the floor while inviting tired legs to be put up for a while.
The further section is devoted to a large round table that could easily seat 8. The table top appears to be a cross section of an enormous tree trunk, and an ingenious series of bearings allow the center and several rings to rotate independently to make passing food and drinks easier, it also constantly changes the look of the table by subtly changing the grain. This area has an opening to the left leading to the kitchen, and the far wall leads to the veranza.
Framing the entrance to the kitchen are beautiful wooden boxes full of fragrant and flavorful herbs. The kitchen itself is well appointed with all the modern conveniences to suit the most demanding of chefs, the wooden cabinets and drawers are carved with a flowering plant motif. An entire wall of the kitchen is dedicated to a large cabinet with easily one hundred drawers and compartments each bearing a small engraved plaque with the name of the herb or spice contained within.
Thistledown wanders into his apartment, dropping off his satchel and coat in a hidden closet by the front door, then offering to take the women's coats and stow them as well.
Accepting the offer, Molly lets Thistle take her coat. Her Yamaha taser is strapped behind her back. She takes it off and places it inside her bag and she moves further into the apartment looking around. She shakes her head and she says, "I think I should become a doctor if the pay is this good."
A nightingale chirps curiously at the arrivals, then ducks back into the plants. A small blue rabbit disappears into the leaves near the base of one of the walls. Thistle glances towards the rabbit, then back at Molly, "Actually, I make most of my money just being nice to people."
You say "I am a very deep pretty boy after all…"
Weeko hands her old armored leather Jacket over, smiling, "I got me quite a few new toys but I still have this old Jacket…Hmmm…I mus' be more offa nostalgic then I thought…"
Thistledown tucks the jacket away.
Pulling off her stocking cap, Molly thrusts it into the pocket of her jeans. She takes a few moments adjusting her hair and she pulls it back into a loose ponytail. Wrapping it with a black scrunchy she says, "I'll never get used to long hair." She pulls it over her left shoulder and she says, "Good for hiding your face though."
Weeko blinks, "Ummm…well…", she does her best to not look at her own hair, which falls down to her rear as she looks around to find a place to sit down on.
Thistledown laughs, "It looks good on you. Help yourself to anything you'd like to eat or drink. If there's something you shouldn't touch, you'll know it when it bites you." He steps out of his boots leaving them by the door and is a good inch and a half shorter than he was a second ago. "Don't mind the imps, they think this is their personal playroom."
Weeko nods, "No worry… a lil touch an that problem is solved, she says with a little wink, manifesting her killing hands, though her expression shows the ones knowing her that she is not really serious, just playing this for the sake of those imps.
"I'm good," says Molly in as far as refreshment goes. She settles down onto the floor and she folds her legs into a lotus position. Her head lowers a little as she closes her eyes. Taking a few deep breaths she holds them and slowly releases them following the timing of the inhalation.
The male imps scatter, the females applaud. Thistle looks over at Weeko, "Actually, Weeko. You know a few spirits don't you…I was just about to send out my elementals to find one but you might be able to save me a fair bit of time with that."
Weeko blinks, "I know what?", she asks Thistledown a bit unshure what he means.
You say "Spirits, specifically sentient ones, free floaters, unbound."
For Molly there's no sound to her meditation, its focused breathing. Her head tilted forward and her hands resting on her knees she sits there. She closes herself off, adding a wall of concentration to the things going on around her as she sits there on the floor.
Weeko chuckles, softly, "Well, I dunno if ya kin call knowin' one spirit is called plural nowadays. I only know Ariel. 'n she's kinda shy if men are involved. She only bore ya las' time cause I asked her due to Winona. She strangely loves my babies."
Thistledown laughs, "Well, it'd be more for Molly than me, but if it'd cause trouble I'll just send out the brute squad."
Thistledown looks over to Molly his fingers twitching slightly, there's something in his look that is reminiscent of the way a cat looks when preparing to pounce a nicely made ball of yarn, an instinctual need to play with an object till it's all unwound and fantastically messy. His eyes glitter for a bit then he looks back over at Weeko.
Weeko ponders, "Hmmm…well, ya didn't tell me ya wanted it fer Molly. If she is willin'. I kin try ter introduce her. I jus' kinna promise she'll like 'er…"
Stress from the day flows from Molly as she sits silently, focused on her center. She remains still as her expression calms, she gives out a slow sigh the only change from the timed breathing. Were it not for the gentle rise and fall of her chest she could easily be mistaken for a lifelike statue.
Thistledown shrugs, "Can't ask for much more…" He looks at Molly, "I…need to go in the other room for a minute…" He turns on his socked heel and walks towards the kitchen area. "Soda…" There's a hiss as the can-top pops, "Do I need to go hide, Weeko?"
The little blue bunny makes its way over to sniff at Molly, eventually it hops into her lap.
Weeko ponders, "Hide? Why? I can't do it now. I'm no finger wiggler that can conjure up spirits to call on spirit friends. I need to meet them in person and I'm not gonna do it now if Molly just started to meditate."
Thistledown laughs, "Oh, well that's inconvenient."
Thistledown considers, "Well let me see what the imps can do while we wait."
"Only if you let it be," says Molly as she ruffles the bunny's ears. She opens her eyes and she says, "I get my important meditations in the mornings, I just wanted to calm myself a little before I met a spirit."
Thistledown looks over at Molly and the rabbit, "If you hold it down so I can catch it I'll split it with you, 50/50 you can pick whether we split it down the middle or front and back.”
Weeko ponders, "Ummmm…ya were goin' ter introduce her to a spirit ya didn't even know? Or what is it we talk about here…", she asks Thistledown. "I mean…this kinds sounds like it."
"I have a better split," suggests Molly as she holds the bunny in her hands gently, "I'll keep the rabbit, you keep the pellets." She lifts her brows as she looks down to the bunny and she says, "I think that's fair, don't you Blu?"
Thistledown chuckles, "It's name is Dinner." He looks over at Weeko, "I was going to find a spirit for her, the one's I know now wouldn't be helpful for what she needs."
You say "She needs to find one that can escort her to the astral realms, the ones I know now, can't do that."
"I can see it now, your door gets kicked in and a team swarms in. Full tactical support," says Molly with a soft laugh as she scratches the bunny's ears. She says, "I think the trick will be getting the team not to laugh when I tell them the high threat extraction is a small blue rabbit."
Thistledown looks over at the rabbit, "Don't let it fool you, that thing is a terror, it has kicked my ass on any number of occasions. He's a damn ninja bunny."
Weeko ponders, "Hmmm, well … as you quite well know Ariel can provide that. And if Molly is willing, I'll introduce the two. I dun think you'll be a problem. Yer more a girl then a man anyway…", she says with a wink.
Thistledown looks over at Weeko, "It's the bunny isn't it…you can't be manly with a bunny kicking your ass."
Weeko laughs, "I wasn't really thinking about bunny's…"
"It will make things a lot more easy if she's willing to," says Molly. She places the bunny on the floor and she stands up saying, "I was already working out the web I'd have to weave to even get to meet a free spirit." She touches her index finger and counts from there as she says, "Fixer to talismonger, talismonger to conjurer, conjurer to free spirit."
Weeko grins, "Well, I can shorten that to crazy adept to free spirit. I'll introduce ya if ya want."
Thistledown laughs, looking at Molly with much the same slightly silly grin that he threw at an archeology student not so long ago. "Introduction to free spirit, check." he channels Peter Pan for a moment hands on hips. "Damn, I'm good."
Unfortunately Weeko's spirit isn't availabel for an introduction, Weeko heads out while Thistledown prepares option two…
Thistledown returns from his workroom with all manner of silly looking magical props, dribbly candles, a big wizard hat, a stuffed toad in a cage, "Pity that Ariel wasn't availabe, ahh well, worse things have happened in life." He looks at the implements in his hand, "So, Molly. Moment of truth, would you rather see the show or the reality?"
Looking back over, Molly eyes Thistledown and she shrugs her shoulders. She stands from the sofa, Weeko having left and she says, "Reality, naturally."
Thistledown sighs, "That is so much less fun…" He puts down all the stuff, "C'mere."
Tower B, Apt. Q18 - Hallway
This short hallway leads from the main room of the apartment to the bedrooms and office and bathroom. Designed to look like an arbor the walls have a white lattice covering that curves together to meet at the top the an abundance of Japanese Wisteria bloom over head and as you move through the hallway a shower of blossoms fall to be caught and guided down along the walls by transparent wires running a few inches off the wall.
Following along behind Thistle, Molly shrugs her shoulders and she says, "Well I think its best so you can see what you're working with." She stuffs her hands into her pockets as she shuffles along looking at the thick carpeting that she's treading on.
Thistledown chuckles, "You're working with a fool, good luck."
A number of boxes, tools and shelving units are scattered about this room, it is obvious the owner has not yet worked on this room and is using it as a storage space and workroom.
"No, I doubt that," says Molly as she enters the workspace. She looks around and pulls down her goggles over her eyes. She shrugs her shoulders and she says, "Though you did worry me the day you fell into the pool and said drugs. I was thinking, 'Okay, he is on drugs, time to motor'."
Thistledown shoves a bunch of stuff out of the way till he clears a large area in the center of the floor which unlike the rest of floor is poured concrete. "I avoid them when I can, but it happens sometimes." He lays a large metal hoop down on the floor, "You're not scared of fire are you?" He traces the hoop in black powder and then clicks on a large air filtering system that hums filling the room.
"No, not scared of fire," says Molly as she watches the materials being arranged. She steps back and leans against one of the walls saying, "Little afraid of water, as in drowning, not bathing." She rubs her cloth covered hands together as she observes the set up.
Thistledown nods, "Fair enough, the bathroom is out the door and make two lefts, if you catch fire, there's water in there…"
Nodding her head to that, Molly says, "I'll keep that in mind." She eyes the circle with a new interest as she asks, "Is it likely I will be set on fire?"
Thistledown waggles his hand, "Probably not…maybe…you asked for the reality."
Thistledown sets a large brazier in the center of the floor, fills it with chunks of a sparkling black rock and lights it, the flames spark brightly as he steps outside the circle. "You owe me a cherry coke." He says as he turns back to the fire, "Oh, and please be very careful what you say for the next few minutes."
Pulling her stocking cap from her pocket, Molly pulls it on over her hair. She says, "If you set me on fire with this I am going to feed you to the bunny." She laughs and brushes the tip of her nsoe saying, "Okay," to the last part.
«Plot» Thistledown says, "Conjuring 2 force 5 Air elementals"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) uses 1 of item 2: Air Elemental Conjuring Material (F5) from Presents (#9638).
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) uses 1 of item 2: Air Elemental Conjuring Material (F5) from Presents (#9638).
«Voucher System» Destroying item number 2 on Presents (#9638) since its quantity is now zero.
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls Conjuring + 6 (power foci) + 3 (6 karma dice) vs TN 5 for "Services.":
1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls Conjuring + 6 (power foci) + 3 (6 karma dice) - 2 (Successes) vs TN 5 for "Services. 1kp":
1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 8 = 2 Successes
«OOC» Thistledown says, "I suck today."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls Conjuring + 6 (power foci) + 3 (6 karma dice) - 4 (Successes) vs TN 5 for "Services. 3kp reroll":
1 2 3 3 5 5 8 10 11 11 = 6 Successes
«OOC» Thistledown says, "better."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls Charisma - 1 (cyber) vs TN 4 for "Soaky soak.":
1 1 1 2 2 4 4 5 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls Charisma - 1 (cyber) - 3 (successes) vs TN 4 for "Soaky soak. 1kp reroll":
2 2 2 3 5 = 1 Success
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Soaked and has 10 services."
«OOC» Thistledown says, "10kp used"
«Plot» Molly says, "Wow :)"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls Conjuring + 6 (power foci) + 3 (6 karma dice) vs TN 5 for "Services. Elemental 2":
1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 16 = 4 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls Conjuring + 6 (power foci) + 3 (6 karma dice) - 4 (successes) vs TN 5 for "Services. Elemental 2 1kp reroll":
1 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 8 9 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls Charisma - 1 vs TN 4 for "Soaky.":
3 3 3 4 5 9 11 11 = 5 Successes
«OOC» Thistledown says, "soaked."
«OOC» Thistledown says, "7 services."
«OOC» Molly says, "Good, I'd hate to meet an impromptu free spirit."
Thistledown leans casually against the wall, his hair sparkling as first one elemental then as second are called into being. He looks over the pair, "That should do…" He then calls forth his imps.
The Air elementals swirl around in the smoky confines of the circle. They're awesome, if you're into the raw power of nature in condensed form, Thistle however seems to be playing it off as nothing.
Nodding her head, Molly leans up from the wall and she looks around the room. Her fingers flex a little at her sides as she tries to get a feel for any changes. That's when she sees the elementals appear and her eyebrows lift, but she remains silent until they leave.
Thistledown looks at the crowd of astral beings, "Go, and find me a free spirit, one which is willing to bargain with a mortal and has the power to send a mortal to the astral realm."
The crowd vanishes soundlessly.
You paged Molly with 'Molly give me an etiqutte roll vs TN8. Successes equal the force of the spirit that we'll be able to find and convince to barter with you. We'll RP it out but I need to know success or not.'.
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Etiquette vs TN 8:
4 4 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Etiquette vs TN 8 for "KP 2/12":
1 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Etiquette vs TN 8 for "KP 4/12":
4 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Etiquette vs TN 8 for "KP 8/12":
1 8 = 1 Success
The area inside the circle flickers a number of time as forms appear then dissipate, after a minute or two Thistledown looks over at you, "It's really a lot cooler with the effects, big streamy ribbons all sorts of things."
Lifting her brows a little, Molly asks, "How long does it take for them to find someone?" She hmns and asks, "Do we even call them someone?" She moves across the room, careful to avoid the circle as she says, "Never really talked to a spirit before."
Thistledown shrugs, "A few minutes, a few hours, it depends on how lucky we are really."
Nodding her head once, Molly sits down on the floor and she looks at the circle through her bug-eyes goggles. She props her chin on her open palms and drums her fingertips on her cheeks.
The area inside the circle fills suddenly with smoke, as it fades you see that a small creature sits in the middle of the circle, about a foot long and lizardlike it has a small tuft of fur near it's head. It looks bedraggled and dim. It's scales lacking luster it's eyes dim. It strongly resembles pictures of oriental dragons, but also has the look of a drowned rat. The little creature circles once slowly then slumps to the ground crawling into a tighter circle till it can rest it's head on it's own haunches watching you cautiously.
As the spirit arrives, Molly stands from her seat and she brushes her clothes down a little. She eyes the little dragon carefully, she pulls the goggles up and rests them on her forehead. She takes a deep breath and she slides her hands down into her pockets.
Thistledown looks between the creature and Molly, he then motions Molly forward.
Stepping forward as indicated Molly lifts her hand and she says, "Uh..hoi," not sure exactly what to say. She looks back over her shoulder and she asks, "They speak English, right? Not reading my mind talk like a dragon?"
Thistledown shrugs, "You should ask it, not me. I don't deal with spirits, only elementals, imps and demons."
The little creature watches Molly, it's eyes blinking out of time with eachother.
Looking back to the spirit, Molly says, "So, do you speak English?" She brushes her fingers across the tip of her nose as she says, "I'm looking to work out a deal with you. If you're interested we might be able to set up a long term relationship."
The little creature looks up at Molly, "I speak." It looks to be struggling to breathe. "I hunger." It's body shivers slightly and you can see that it is spined, small quills lining it's back rising slightly to rattle as it watches you.
Thistledown watches carefully, the air around him flickering as his own creatures settle about him.
Lifting her brows Molly says, "Exactly what do you hunger for?" She's not too worried just yet. She eyes the little creature not moving away and not moving towards, waiting to see what the answer is.
The little creature looks up, "Essence." It changes color slightly, shifting from a dusty red to mottled green, "I hunger." It draws a hissing breath, "For you."
Shaking her head, Molly says, "I don't understand what you're talking about." She looks back to Thistledown and she says, "It sounds like some sort of vampire. Are they like that?"
Thistledown nods, "They feed off your essence, your…being. You give up something of yourself, your life, your experiences to feed them."
"Like I'll forget stuff and get sick," asks Molly. She looks back to the little creature and she says, "Well lets see what happens if you take a little. We'll call it an initial offer."
«Plot» Thistledown says, "Spirits feed on karma, how much karma are you offering it, must be whole numbers."
«Plot» Molly says, "I know OOCly, ICly I don't. I am offering it 2."
The little creature drifts forward it's body carving an S path into the dust and ash that has settled on the metal plate, it comes to a stop just before the metal ring. It settles back into a curved ball, "Pet me." it hisses.
Leaning down, Molly kneels on one knee and she extends a cloth covered hand to stroke the little creature. She moves her hand slowly, making sure to watch out for those spines. She wrinkles her nose and she feels the spines slice into her skin.
The drops of blood slide down the spines slowly, when the strike the creatures body it shudders and grows just a hair larger, it's coloring becoming just a touch more vibrant. "For what." It exhales, "Do you hunger?"
"I want to go into the astral plane, I want to try to develop my abilities," begins Molly. "I want to learn new metamagic techniques and I can't find a teacher," she contiues. She says finally, "And if I go into the astral plane, I want to be brought back and not left there."
The snakelike creature shudders again, its spines slicing fine lines into the flesh of your palm, "I will send you." It turns slowly licking its spines of the last drops of blood, "The return, is yours to navigate."
"Well sounds fair enough to me," says Molly as she looks at the little creature. She lifts her brows and she says, "You can find me if I need you again, right?"
The creature shakes it's head, "I cannot." It looks up at her, "I have, no home."
A soft laugh comes from Molly as she says, "We can work on that, I might know a place you can stay." She rubs her bloody hand into a cloth she pulls from her bag and she says, "We'll talk about that when I get back if you want."
Thistledown watches the exchange curiously, but silently.
The spirit shakes its head again, "I will have, no master." The spines on it's back rattle. "Never again."
"I'm not looking to -be- anyone's Mistress," says Molly as she looks at the spirit. She says, "I like helping people when I can, and even though you're not flesh and blood like I am you're still an intelligent being."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 1 for "Setting TN to be convinced.":
4
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Etiquette vs TN 4 for "Giving it a shot.":
1 5 = 1 Success
"I spent a lot of my time without a home, and I've dealt with people trying to push me around," says Molly as she looks at the spirit. She says, "You can hang out at my bar if you want in my office and if anyone messes with you, I'll personally shoot them." The spirit curls up and looks at Molly, nodding its head once.
The spirit nods slowly, it's head bobbing with the same slow rythym seen in snakes that mesmerize their prey, "Abide there, I will…perhaps" he looks at Molly with unabashed hunger. "If it suits me."
"We'll work out the arrangements," says Molly as she looks at the creature, "You treat my people right, we'll treat you right." She dusts off her hands and she says, "Alright let's see about this astral trip?"
The little serpent spins in a small circle then settles again looking at Thistledown, "Release me." it hisses. Thistledown shrugs reaching out slowly just before he lifts the metal hoop off the ground he murmmers, "If I were you, I'd be more polite…" he lifts the hoop and the lizard vanishes. "You'll want to go lie down, these things can take time, and you don't want to spend it unconscious in my hallway." He points "Out the door, take a left, you can use the master bedroom. Lock both doors once you're inside."
Tower B, Apt. Q18 - Master Bedroom
The singular stand out feature of the master bedroom is a hanging bed. The bed is suspended about 4 feet about the floor by what looks to be actually foliage and vines. The bottom is an engraved box, stained in greens and golds. It is covered with beautiful satin and down comforter and four times as many pillows than anyone would ever need. Initials embroidered in tasteful places like the corners of the blankets and pillows where you only see as a gentle accent read T&M
Hanging between the four chains is a fluid filled globe illuminated from within that cast a softly swirling golden light onto the walls of the room. Each wall has been coated with polychromatic paint and shifts color slowly from a deep forest green to an azure blue, the colors swirl and play. On the floor a deep thick carpet provides luxurious padding to bare feet.
Hidden behind color changing doors are the closets, one nearly full with a man's wardrobe, the other only a quarter full with a woman's clothing. A door leads to the hallway, and another leads to the master bathroom.
Thistledown chuckles and walks into the living room, settling down onto the couch and getting comfortable as Molly heads into the bedroom.
Heading into the bedroom, Molly lays down on the floor next to the bed. She places her satchel under her head and she makes herself comfortable. She crosses her legs at the ankle and takes a deep breath.
Spine the spirit appears nearby settling onto your chest it's claws prickling even through your clothing. "Breathe Deeply" it says, then exhales and a wisp of green vapor escapes it.
Looking at the little spirit, Molly pulls down her goggles and she takes a deep breath of the vapor. She's made the deal, and as far as she knows Thistle won't let her kill herself. She relaxes and remains still on the floor.
The world fades away quickly into a green mist, which then fades to a deep blackness that seems to go on forever.
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Roll magic vs tn3 for keeper test."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Magic vs TN 3:
3 4 5 5 9 10 11 14 = 8 Successes
As she tumbles through the darkness, Molly tries her best to get herself oriented. The lack of … everything makes this impossible for her. She keeps her eyes open despite any urges to do otherwise just in case something comes up for her to mentally grapple to understand what is happening.
«Plot» Thistledown says, "You carry an extra 4 KP into the AQ from your successes."
Slowly the world resolves itself a man leans against an overlarge doorway, blocking your way as you find yourself floating, or perhaps walking towards it. He looks over you with a grimmace of disdain, "So…"
Looking down at herself for a moment, Molly looks back towards the large man and she eyes him suspiciously. She folds her arms across her chest, she's dealt with people looking down their nose at her before. She waits for him to continue with what he was leading up to.
The man spits, "You want to go into the astral realms to pursue power, ehh? Not content with what you can do on your own you've got to come rape the spirit world for all it's worth…"
"I come looking for knowledge, I look to broaden myself and better myself," says Molly as she looks at the man. She shrugs her shoulders and she says, "I can't think of a more pure place to do that."
The man curses, "Bah, you're no more interested in knowledge than the rest of 'em. Knowledge is power is the motto of your useless breed." He steps aside, "Get, I can't keep ya here but it doesn't mean I like letting you through."
Stepping past the man, Molly pulls the door and she steps through. She blinks a few times and looks over her shoulder suggesting, "Maybe you need a nice trid to watch," but the doorway is already gone and she is in a new realm.
It's a thrill like few others, the point at the apex of a jump, when gravity seems to let go for just an instant, and you float. Your board floats nearby, your clothing rustles gently and the cheers of your friends are drowned out by the one thud of your heatbeat. An instant of nirvana gone all too soon. Gravity seeking to punish you for it's laxity ripping you back towards the lip of the ramp, your board starting to spin away from you, the adrenal rush as you realize you've got just a bit further than ever before, things a fingernails width away from disaster you stretch….
<OOC» Thistledown says, "Atheletics vs TN3 you are soaking D stun damage."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Athletics vs TN 3:
1 1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 9 = 8 Successes
When you're falling and you can't catch hold of anything to slow yourself, all you can do is position yourself for a landing. Molly tumbles backwards and she curls her body, twisting her hips. She thrusts her arms out and her legs orient themselves towards the ground. She keeps her knees relaxed and lands on the balls of her feet. She lowers down to her heels with the impact the long muscles soaking up the landing like well developed shock absorbers.
The board comes down with a crack on the lip of the ramp with a crack, then slides down to rest at the buttom of the halfpipe. The world slowly catches back up the crowd turning on you as they see you bail out of a trick. A quick glance shows the "judges" of this contest muttering amongst themselves.
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Resist M stun with Etiquette at TN3 related skill at TN5 or charisma at TN7"
"Oh please don't let any of them be from the Czech Replublic," mutters Molly as she looks at the judges. She stomps down on her board and places it under her right arm. She takes a deep breath and steadies herself for the results.
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Negotiation + 2 vs TN 5 for "Vote High Guys!":
2 4 5 5 7 9 = 4 Successes
The judges put up good scores, the difficulty of the run overcoming the miss on the final trick. The crowd goes quiet as the next skater moves into position.
Stepping off the ramp, Molly tucks her plank under her arm and she looks up to watch the next skater's set. She brushes her fingers through her hair with her free hand and she nods to herself, approving of her own performance.
The next skater to steps into place is a young man, with a compact body style, as he drops into the ramp to pick up speed the crowd goes hushed as they await the first air, when he launches skyward his movements and trick choice are so similar to the run they saw just a moment before the crowd murmers instead of cheers.
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) has the Active Skill Athletics with the value '11'.
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) has the Knowledge Skill Skateboarding Background with the value '4'.
Just because he lacked originality doesn't mean that he didn't pull off some tricks. Molly, if no one else, applauds the next skater. Her elbow holding the board in place as she awkwardly slaps her hands together. She twitches her lips into a smile as she watches him.
«OOC» Thistledown says, "The opponent will have 2 karma (the rating of the AQ) This will be contested rolls (4) Sets. If you do not win a round you will take an L damage for each round."
«OOC» Molly says, "I roll what?"
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Athletics with Skating as Complementary dice, TN 4"
«OOC» Thistledown says, "He will roll first so you know your goal to beat."
«OOC» Molly says, "OK :)"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 11 (Athletics) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" First trick.":
1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 4 7 8 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 3 (Skating) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" First trick. Comp dice":
1 4 5 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Thistledown says, "4 Successes total."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Athletics vs TN 4 for "The real deal":
1 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 10 = 4 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Skateboarding Background vs TN 4 for "The real deal, comp dice":
1 1 2 5 = 1 Success
«OOC» Molly says, "KP the last."
«OOC» Molly says, "How many do I have left?"
«OOC» Thistledown says, "You had used 7"
«OOC» Thistledown says, "I think you have 11 plus 4 extra from the gatekeeper."
«OOC» Molly says, "OK :)"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Skateboarding Background - 1 vs TN 4 for "The real deal, comp dice KP":
1 4 5 = 2 Successes
«OOC» Molly says, "5 successes."
The technowizards quickly whip up a trid display of Molly's run, projecting it life size onto the ramp a meter or so down from where the poser is doing his run, Molly's image moving almost in tandem with the new boarder, he attempts to mimic her first trick, but the landing isn't nearly as clean.
Calling over Molly says, "Nose down next time," her words teasing as she heads over to the freestyle platform. She places her board down and she waves the guy over, she gestures and says, "How about you go first this time?"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 11 (Athletics) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" Second trick.":
2 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 11 13 = 8 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 3 (Skating) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" Second trick. Comp dice":
1 2 11 = 1 Success
«Plot» Thistledown says, "8 Successes Total."
«OOC» Molly chokes :)
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Athletics vs TN 4 for "Next time I am going first!":
1 1 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 11 = 7 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Skateboarding Background vs TN 4 for "Wow":
1 1 8 17 = 2 Successes
«OOC» Molly says, "I guess I take a light wound on that?"
The Poser looks over at Molly with a sly grin and drops in again this time a long rail ride, he kicks off the board into a flip, leaving the board spinning mid air he snags it riding back down the pipe in a handstand his muscles trembling as he returns and manages the dismount, that was obviously pushing his limits.
Driving hard down the pipe, Molly bends her knees and she slides along the rails, keeping her balance placed between the two ends of her board. She tucks her foot under the side of the plank and hops a little, flipping it over on the top before she lands still sliding. She twists her hips and she exchanges the position of the nose for the tail before she re-flips the board wheels down. She steps off her board and she rubs her eyes as she staggers a bit.
The poser chuckles as Molly pops back up, the crowd having obviously awarded him the point on that run, he gestures for her to make the next trick in their impromptu game of horse.
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 11 (Athletics) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" Second trick.":
1 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 20 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 3 (Skating) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" Third trick. Comp dice":
1 3 21 = 1 Success
«Plot» Thistledown says, "5 Successes."
«OOC» Thistledown says, "You are at +1 TN for wound."
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Unless otherwise comped for."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Athletics vs TN 5 for "Getting a little harder":
3 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 7 9 9 = 8 Successes
On her game again, Molly has this down, she hates ramps anyway. Keeping up on the side of the pipe she flips her board over on its wheels and she stands atop it. She tucks her foot under the back and she hops, flipping it on its side. She lands, balanced perfectly on the edge of the board. She then tucks her foot under one of the trucks and snaps up into another hop. The board spins like a maniac before she lands on it again, balancing her weight on the front of the board and the rear truck. She keeps herself balanced, the board resting against her thigh to keep it from falling.
The poser watches the move, then when it is his tern to drop in attemps to land a pogo balance on the lip, the board edge slips down and he comes down hard on the trucks he pitches forward having to run down the ramp, dropping to his knees to slide to a stop, he recovers his board and climbs back up to the top of the ramp.
The crowd is obviously siding with Molly at this point.
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 11 (Athletics) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" fourth trick.":
2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 15 = 6 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 11 (Athletics) - 6 (successes) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" fourth trick. 1kp reroll":
2 10 10 11 16 = 4 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 3 (Skating) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" Fourth trick. Comp dice":
2 3 3 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Thistledown (#9317) rolls 3 (Skating) vs TN 4 for "The "Poser" Fourth trick. Comp dice 1kp reroll (final kp.)":
2 3 3 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Thistledown says, "Ten Successes"
«OOC» Molly says, "Eeesh, glad this is the last one!"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Athletics vs TN 5 for "Here we goooo.":
1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 9 15 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Athletics - 3 vs TN 5 for "Here we goooo KP that, ow ow ow.":
1 2 3 3 4 4 5 9 = 2 Successes
«OOC» Molly says, "Not sure how many KP I am at, its hard to keep up with."
«OOC» Thistledown says, "You have 5 total remaining. 1 standard 4 AQ"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Athletics - 5 vs TN 5 for "This is going to hurt.. KP again":
2 4 4 9 10 16 = 3 Successes
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Down to 3 remaining KP"
«OOC» Thistledown says, "You can reroll once more or take the L."
«OOC» Molly says, "This is the last test?"
«OOC» Thistledown says, "You don't know."
«OOC» Thistledown says, "One of the wonderful mysteries of AQs…am I done yet?"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Athletics - 8 vs TN 5 for "This is going to hurt.. KP again":
1 4 10 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Skateboarding Background vs TN 5 for "Comp Dice":
1 2 16 23 = 2 Successes
«OOC» Thistledown says, "You take the L and are at L+1 Stun"
The poser drops in for the last run, starting at the far end of the ramp he traverses the ramp twice picking up speed and height pumping hard. He hits the final trick a long high jump, he puts himself into a spin his arms tucked in the board held between his feet he spins like a drill in the air traveling the length of the ramp coming down within inches of the edge landing in a crouch hard, the board wobbles and one wheel comes off the edge of the ramp as the poser crosses the flats. He recovers with a pop hop bringing the board back into the flat just in time to come up the side jumping off to land beside Molly snagging his board out of the air then flinging it off into the crowd he turns to Molly with a grin offering gesturing for her to take her final run.
Pushing off from the edge of the pipe, Molly slides down it at breakneck speed. Bending her knees to absorb the shock from hitting the bottom she flies up the other side. She launches off the top and she's airborne, she shifts her hips and places her hand on her board. Turning she spins around three times before the wheels slap plywood again and down she goes. Moving at a crazy speed she reaches the other lip and she plants her hand on it, holding her board in place. Shifting her spine she lands wheels down and stands easy.
The crowd goes wild cheering on the two skaters, the balance of the crowd favor shifting between them and settling on even. The poser slides down off the ramp walking onto the flat with style heading towards the awards area a judge runs forward you can see he has a quick conversation with the poser then shakes his head heading towards you.
Wiggling the fingers of her left hand, Molly pops the knuckles and she slides down the ramp on her board. When she reaches the bottom she hops off the board as opposed to sliding to a stop. The board glides back and forth until it stops and she picks it up waiting patiently for her opponent to reach her. She looks around at the crowd before her eyes settle on him.
The judge makes his way over, "Miss, we've got a problem…as much as the crowd loved that you both broke the format and should be disqualified from the competition." He looks around, "Would you be willing to concede the match so we don't have to disqualify you, our feeling is that the crowd won't appreciate seeing their favorites pulled from the ranking for what was really just harmless fun, but…we're stuck."
Thinking about it a few moments, Molly shrugs her shoulders and she says, "Well, I think it would be better that I concede the match than we both lose out." She nods her head and she says, "It's better to loose a little than lose a lot." She extends her hand to her competitor and she says, "Good run."
The Poser rolls his eyes at Molly snubbing her then brushes past her towards the awards podium. As soon as she agrees to it though the judge gives a signal and the display board registers the withdrawl.
Not at all worried she was snubbed, Molly waits until he fully passes before she lowers her hand. She looks towards the crowd and she lifts her board over her head and once she lowers it she takes a bow before doing a front flip and landing on her feet. She looks then towards the poser and she applauds him once he takes his place on the podium.
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Give me a willpower, resisting M physical damage tN2"
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Willpower vs TN 2 for "Soaking!":
1 2 3 3 3 = 4 Successes
[Public] Templeton takes a silver coin off Silk's head, "There… that should be better."
«OOC» Thistledown says, "Pardon that should have been tn3 for the wounds."
«OOC» Thistledown says, "L+1 stun L phys."
As Molly chokes back her pride and applauds several people in the crowd make their way over to her, "Look, that was a bum deal and all, but there's a party afterwards, we'd like you to come." They hand Molly a scrap of flimsy with an address on it.
"Wiz, thanks," says Molly as she takes the flimsy, she looks over the address and she tucks it into one of the pockets of her roadrasher. She places her plank across her back and she works her way into the people that have made their way over to her. She shakes hands with those that wish to shake and she bumps knuckles with those that offer a pound.
The crowd is appreciative of her performance but most of their attention goes towards the winner.
Rubbing her hands together Molly makes her way out of the crowd and she takes a seat to watch the winner wallow in his victory, such as it is. She doesn't seem to mind so much that she's not the winner it was either concede or lose and at least this way she's still in the game.
The crowd moves on to watch the events over at the street courses but Molly's participation in the events are done, all she's got left today is some R&R and the party. Looking at the invite you realize it's done in the old Rave fashion with a riddle on the invite. Of course most of the folks going already know the location by the time they get the invite but Molly doesn't have that luxury.
«OOC» Thistledown says, "To decipher, any sort of knowledge skill for games/riddles at tn 2 or default to int at tn6, soaking an L physical."
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Intelligence vs TN 6 for "Where is it?":
1 2 4 4 4 17 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[thorn]» Molly (#4181) rolls Willpower vs TN 3:
2 4 4 7 14 = 4 Successes
It takes her a few moments, but Molly goes over the riddle. She nods her head and she stands up from her seat. Placing her skateboard down on the ground she kicks her foot and starts rolling in the direction she needs to head to get to the party.
«OOC» Thistledown says, "The directions send you through the wrong field into some barbed wire, give a pose, the 'party' is the entrance to the citadel."
Drawing to a stop at the barbed wire, Molly looks it over as she places her hands on her hips. Kicking down at the tail of her board she catches the nose when it pops up. Placing it across her back she takes off running towards the wire. As she nears the coils of metal she leaps into the air, her muscles and agility leading her into a graceful arc that should carry her over it.
The ground on the far side is unforgiving as she lands but nothing that will slow her down much more than the sore muscles she already had from the match, the part looks to be happening in an overthrown warehouse, the doors thrown wide and most of the contents having been dumped out into the surrounding lot. Inside all manner of party goers are living it up. As Molly moves through the party it slowly becomes apparent that all the party-goers show signs of being adepts, some are lifting far more weight than they should moving the remaining contents of the warehouse outside, others are setting decorations running up walls and leaping from spot to spot. As you walk in one of the people you saw at the skate contest approaches smiling, "Oh good, I'm glad you made it, I figured you might like this party, it's for our type."
Patting the girl on the arm that welcomed her, Molly says, "Yeah, I think I could get into parties like this." She holds up her hands over her head in a Y and she yells, "Hoooooooo!" She smiles and her muscles relax as she makes her way through the crowd looking at the people gathered. She bobs her head to the music as her eyes close to half lids, at last she's managed to come home.
The party goes on, hours or days it's hard to tell. The adepts around are comfortable, sharing their thoughts on their abilities, giving Molly insight into her own. When she eventually crashes settling down in one of the makeshift chairs and closing her eyes 'for just a minute' she awakens on the floor of the bedroom where she started her journey, sore from exertion and bearing a few scrapes and bruises, but with a further understanding of her gifts.
Thistledown is settled on his couch whenever you make your way out of the room, a small nightengale flying to him the moment you open the door of your room, it perches on his shoulder chirping happily.
Thistle looks at it and laughs, "Yes, I can see she's up, thank you."
Walking from the bedroom, Molly says, "Frag, that was wild." She rubs her eyes and she says, "I can't believe you waited this long." Stretching she says, "Felt like I was gone for days. Had this skateboard contest, then I went to this giant block party." She pulls her skully cap from her pocket and she slips it on and pulls it down over her ears. Brushing the hair from her face she loops it back and she says, "I feel pretty good though."
Thistledown smiles, "I'm glad it worked out." He stands up and it's obvious is wearing different clothes and looks to he freshly showered, "It was hours, not days though. Seven or eight depending on how long you were in there before you actually started, hope the bed was alright for you, it's new so it's still a little firm for my tastes." He moves towards the kitchen glancing at his watch, "Would you like breakfast or lunch, it's close enough that it could be either."
"I don't know how the bed was, I didn't want to mess it up so I stretched out on the floor," admits Molly. Her lips twitch a little as she says, "The carpet was comfortable though." As to the meal she says, "Whichever you prefer it to be, food is food to me. I eat pancakes a midnight and soyburgers in the morning." She takes a seat and she says, "No meat though, I'm a vegan."
Thistledown starts laughing, "If I was worried about the bed, I wouldn't have sent you to the bedroom, but whatever." He moves into the kitchen, "Vegan…huh…are milk and eggs ok or should I stick with just soy?" He starts opening and closing several of the small drawers in the large spice rack and the floral aroma of his appartment is cut sharply by the smell of spices.
"Just soy if you don't mind," says Molly, "It's about the only good thing about the lack of real food for the general population, its really easy to be a vegan if you want to be." She scratches her left shoulder as she says, "That was my first time seeing the astral world, its pretty wiz."
Thistledown nods, "Yeah, I think it sort of depends what you bring with you when you go there though, my trips, were not all that pleasant." He puts a carton of eggs he had pulled out away and snags some eggs-a-soy, with the emblem of the sailing ship and nautical egg shapes on the front, the caption reads "We've pirated the taste of eggs!"
Nodding her head once, Molly says, "Well hopefully they get better for you." She shrugs her shoulders a little as she says, "Maybe next time you can come with me and you'll get to go to the party as opposed to having a bad trip."
Thistledown nods, "I'd like that, but I didn't want to interfere with your first time, plus I didn't want you to get surprised by the gatekeeper, he tends to spill secrets, I'm an open book, some people…aren't."
"Good idea," says Molly as she looks around the living room searching for the blue bunny. She says thoughtfully, "Yeah I'm not one of those open sorts."
Thistledown chuckles, "Yeah, generally if I'm going to go into the Astral with someone I start off by telling them everything I can think of about myself, that way the gatekeeper has to work for his fun."
The little blue bunny is currently eating several of the lower hanging plants, it looks particularly smug as it only takes a few nibbles from each leaf before moving to the next.
"Yeah, I think I saw him, rude guy if it was," says Molly as she wrinkles her nose. She shakes her head and she continues her thoughts, "Once I got past him it was pretty smooth."
Thistledown nods, "The more you try to take from the Astral plane, the harder it gets, and the more defensive he becomes. Though from what I understand it wasn't always like that." Breakfast begins assembling, though two aborted attempts make their way into the garbage shoot. "I'm glad you're hear for breakfast actually, Milly made me promise never to cook when I'm alone and never to cook when she's around, so I don't get to use the kitchen much anymore."
"Good thing she wasn't thinking enough of the kitchen to cover all the loopholes," says Molly as she watches the bunny. Her eyes drift towards the kitchen and she says, "I usually nuke all my food or go out to eat, I never learned how to cook."
It's painfully obvious to any onlooker but that doesn't stop Thistledown from saying, "Oh, neither did I…" thankfully there is something to be said for the ability of high grade ingredients and cookware to cover the errors of the cook and what makes it's way onto the table is definitely edible, if …interesting… in flavor choice.
Not one to sit and be served, Molly stands up and moves into the kitchen. Once the food is ready and on the plates she asks, "Which one is yours," as she points between the two. She looks back into the living room and she says, "So you were joking about eating the bunnies, right?"
Thistledown grins, "I can't answer that, it might hear you…but I have eaten rabbit in the past, and it's delicious…" he glances over his shoulder to make sure the rabbit is paying attention, the rabbit isn't of course, crafty varmit. He points towards one of the plates, "I made that one for you, it's not as spicey as mine."
Taking her plate, Molly says, "Thank you," and she places her silverware on top. She looks around and she asks, "Where do you usually sit and eat?" She laughs a little and she says, "Not used to places as nice as this."
Thistledown points a thumb over his shoulder at the big round table, "Generally at the table, though if you find me boring we could always eat on the couch." He fiddles with the dials on his drink flavor maker, "Bonk Blue right?" There's some whirring and ka-chunking noises, as the drink maker simulates the drink.
Sitting at the table, Molly looks at the drink maker and she says, "I need to get one of those." She pokes at he soy-egg and she takes a bite of it, nodding her head and saying, "You're a pretty good cook." She draws the plate near her and rests her arms at the side between bites.
Thistledown smiles, "And you're not a bad liar." He settles down with his own food after sliding the drink to Molly, he pulls a bottle of cherry cola out out for himself, "It's good for the basic stuff like Bonk, but it goes nuts when you try to get it to do anything complex, plus it only does the soy flavor mixes and I prefer what I fool myself into thinking is real cherry."
Laughing softly Molly says, "Come over sometime you can have some of the food I usually eat." She takes another bite of it and she washes it down with the pseudo-Bonk. She nods approvingly at the drink and she says, "The thing that's fun about real Bonk is it's a gel inside the can. You have to shake it to activate it."
Thistledown takes a bite of his food after swallowing he offers, "Well, if it makes you feel any better that stuff was powder and water a few minutes ago, probably not the same 'wheeee!' factor, but…" he shrugs, "…it's something."
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