Unique

Tenebrae - Thursday, April 03, 2014, 12:01 PM

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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A07: Fernwood Pub *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The common room of the Fernwood Pub dominates the inn, spacious and airy because of the high, vaulted ceiling. Ornately carved beams of dark, polished wood form a lattice overhead, supporting the arched roof two storeys above the floor. To the right of the double-door entry is a spiral staircase, winding upwards to a balcony that rings and overlooks the main area. Large windows at this level grant an excellent view of the river to the west and colorful market stalls to the north and east. An air of coziness is salvaged by keeping the pub dimly lit; parchment-shrouded mana lanterns hang at intervals from the base of the balcony, nestled amongst lush, magically propagated ivy and ferns that grow over this false demi-ceiling and the struts that support it.

The bar is sleek and simple, comprised of meticulously polished black lacquer. Tables are set under the darker niches formed by the balcony floor as well as on the balcony itself. A few are deliberately sized to accommodate halflings and gnomes, but the majority are meant for human-sized individuals. A large common table is on the main floor, set before a semi-circular stage situated against the western wall. Beside it, with pipes mounted upon the wall and running up past the balcony and almost to the ceiling, is a refurbished pipe organ made to look like the one lost when the Fernwood was destroyed during the Merkabah Siege.

The afternoon is fairly brisk in the Fern. People coming in from all over the city to ease their hunger during the heat of the mid-day. The whole tavern is a buzz with conversations about the arrival of the 'Empress' of the Sith-Makar. Bar maids adding her own bit to the rumor mill and patrons trying to out compete each other with the 'secret information' they've heard from someone who heard it from someone who was there at hte procession. Amid the cacaphony of chitter a single table seems like an island of calm. Kyson, the novice mage, is seated at a small table with a leather-bound journal opened before him with a small plate of cheese and fruit and a mug of something near by. The journal has his complete attention as he appears to be sketching or painting something upon the page. (re)

Brianna got hungry and rather than just head to the artificer's hall and look for something that might be there. The young Cerenzan lass has made her way to the pub. She is wearing her titan armor, which is hard to miss as anything other than artifice armor given the mechanisms that seem to cover it and such. She glances around the pub for a moment and then she spies someone just sketching or something and it does draw her attention. She makes her way over there, "Hello, mind company?" there aren't many other places to sit.

Mikilos wanders his way in after a small crowd of half-orc, letting the rather hungrier fellows procedd by a good distance as the slender elf makes his way towards the bar proper. It's not often the wizard stops in for a meal, but the occasional glass is nice.

Kyson glances up at the sound of someone speaking to him rather than around him and peers curiously at the woman, "Uh...sure," he nods and pulls things off of a nearby chair to open a spot. The roughly triangular table, with its three seats, had his haversack on one just so it was within easy reach.

Brianna nods and smiles, "I give you my thanks," she says and nods her head, "I am Brianna, designer of artifice and the arcane." she says softly and does offer a hand. She might just be trying to make friends or something.

Mikilos takes a large glass of spiced wine from the bar, peering around a moment before heading to Kyson's table. The elf's own haversack ends up slung over the back of the chair as Mikilos crouches beside it. Which still puts him about at eye level to the average person. "Greetings and salutations." He offers his own hand to Brianna. "Mikilos Mithralla, Builder Arcane. Which is to say, I use magic to make things, and make things which are magic."

Kyson raises his head to the elf as he introduces himself and slowly pushes the chair out as a silent invitation to join he and Brianna. "Well, aren't we all a bunch of Arcanists..." he comments with a wry grin crawling across his face." Just to make sure he doesn't spill anything upon the sketch he's been working on he closes the journal but leaves the graphite point to mark the page. As he closes the page those nearby can see a detailed sketch of the empress of the Sith-Makar. The detail is extraordinary - as though he were drawing her own portrait. "Well met...both of you," he begins, "I'm Kyson of Blackbriar, Novice of the First Circle and Clerk to Master Evard of Dragonier."

Somewhat quietly walking in, a rather tall oruch woman ducks under the cross beam of the door and then stands up straight. She smiles a bit, but looks over to Mikilos and waves to him, obviously recognizing him. "Greetings Mikilos. Still putting up displays for advertisements?" She says with a bit of laughter. However, while she does glance to others in the bar, she doesn't recognize anyone immediately.

Brianna nods, "A pleasure." she says and smiles, "I am an armor specialist. Well focusing on my own armor mostly at the moment." She cocks her head to the side and then smiles at the pair of them and then decides to order something to drink.

Mikilos frowns thoughtfully at Kyson's book, or more accurately, the drawing within, but rouses form his thought at Moonshadow's greeting. Grabbing a fourth chair, he invites the newcommer over. Might be a triangular table, but plenty of room for all. Shruging lightly, he nods to Brianna. "I consider myself a swordsmith, but can't say as I really specialize over much. I've tried my hand at a little of everything."

Kyson smiles at the other two people's specialities and then confesses, "I just write letters...deliver packages...occasionally get a moment to inscribe a scroll here and there." Yeah - he's still the noob. The sight of the tall oruch woman sends a wave of nervous anxiety through him. Not, necessarily, that she's an Oruch or that she's a woman...but probably because she's so tall - yeah, go with tall. "But...I get to deliver a message to the Dragon Knight tomorrow - so it's not all bad."

Moonshadow inclines her head towards Kyson, then turns towards the barkeep for a moment. He slides her a cup of hot water, and she places a small bag inside of it before she makes her way towards the table, sitting down upon a chair. "Greetings to you all." She says softly to them all. "I guess I'm the only non-crafter here." She says with a bit of a laugh. She then swirls her tea a bit with the cord of the teabag.

Brianna cocks her head to the side for a moment and then smiles, "Well almost all artificers are crafters. Its part of what we are. I have gotten pretty good with my armor and have modified the gauntlets that let me do massive attacks with them as well as shoot them some distance as well." she smiles, "Not everyone needs to be a crafter."

Mikilos quirks a brow at Kyson. "What sort of message are you delivering? I keep meaning to visit, myself, but don't want to intrude." The elf chuckles softly, eyeing Moonshadow. "And you say that while -making- yourself some tea. Everyone builds, some just make a bigger production out of it."

Moonshadow says, "There's a difference between crafting something unique, and making a cup of tea, Mikilos." She says with a chuckle. She then looks to Brianna. "Focusing upon your own armor? Artificer?" She says softly as she looks at her for a little bit. Not glaring, or giving her the stink eye, but looking at the clothes and perhaps the armor, if she has it on."

Brianna nods her head a bit and then smiles and nods, "Yes." and she is wearing her armor. "Just really like the designs and I have some ideas for when I get more accomplished."

Mikilos grins at MoonShadow. "Something unique? How often does that happen? An enchanted sword is much like any other. Protective cloaks, flying boots, magic rings; the details may change, but when you come down to it, they're really all the same. But that said, a good cup of tea, the subtle blend of herbs, the specific curve of the mug used, all different from any other."

Moonshadow shakes her head to Mikilos. "Does that mean you are exactly like every other Llyranesi out there? Or that this lady here is just like any other human?" She says picking up her tea and sipping. "Every sword is unique. Every armor is unique. You create it, you're making something unique. There is no way you can make a weapon EXACTLY the same as another weapon. Perhaps one person is carrying two flaming longswords. Both have blue jewels in the pommel and equal six in number. However, one accidentally loses one of the jewels. Now instead of RED flames, it produces a BLUE flame." She says holding her palms up. Just because it's something you created, doesn't mean it's not unique."

Brianna stretches a little and gets her food. She takes a few bites and is listening to the conversation as she eats.

Mikilos grins, and nods, but tries to frown a moment. "I take your meaning... but if you find a blade which effects change when a jewel pops out, don't use it. That sort of unstable magic is dangerous." Turning focus to Brianna, he inquires. "So just where is it you're from, miss Armor Maker?"

Moonshadow says, "It's a thought, Mikilos." She then looks to Brianna and listens as well. "Before you get started, I am Moonshadow of the Burning Blade clan, member of the Order of the Thinning Veil. It is a pleasure to meet you.""

Brianna smiles a little, "Here and there. My parents were merchants. Though mostly I grew up here after they passed." she says and shrugs a bit. She does add, "I am Brianna Reddinager, Artificer."

Mikilos nods, ands frowns thoughtfully, seated at a table near the center of the bar with the others. "Did any of you happen to witness the arrival of this 'Empress'? I'd hoped to attend, but was unfortunately detained elsewhere."

Vuk is out and about, which mostly means coming here for a drink! The cheerful gobber whistling as he comes in, greeting any one he almost blunders into, which is slightly better then usual! <He only gets underfoot a few times instead of a dozen!>

Moonshadow shakes her head. "No. I was in training and couldn't attend. Why?"

Brianna shakes her head, "I couldn't either." she says softly. She stands, "Well if you will excuse me." she says softl,y "I have an appointment at the hall."

Mikilos nods, waving to Brianna. "Fare well, miss." Waving to the gobber, Mikilos indicates a seat. "Vuk! Greetings and salutations. How are you today?" Turning back to Moonshadow, he shrugs. "Several years ago I journied thought the Portal with a hunting expedition. We met a Sith woman of some importance, and I wonder if is the same person."

Moonshadow ponders. "I've heard rumors. You mean the empress from am'shere?"

Vuk will shift his goggles and mask down, every one seems to know him even in 'disguise'! "Hello Master Mikilos!" He says, angling his way towards the man, trying to get his order for a glass of berry brandy in as he does so. Hopefully the girl tells the inn keeper. "Empress? Oh my! I do hope Mister Jibbom remembered how to properly greet royalty with out my advice.."

Mikilos nods to Moonshadow. "That's the one. I don't recall much of the organization of the tribes over there. I rather doubt was called an Empress a year ago. The term is local, but might be similar to the reality. I'd hoped to ask Svarshan, but he's been scarce. Unsusprisingly." Nodding to Vuk, Mikilos shrugs. "I havn't heard of things going seriously wrong, so I choose to believe they went fairly well."

Moonshadow says, "More than likely, if she is an empress, Svarshan's been by her side then." She says before nodding her head to VUk."

Vuk has little idea of what people are really on about, given the whole he isn't very important. "Do you think she's here because of the war then?" He asks the two, whilst trying to find a place to settle down, so he can pay for his brandy.

Mikilos nods, frowning thoughtfully. "Alexandros and the tribes have gotten along and aided each other for years. But I think this is the first offical visit of a ranking dignitary. The war with Heth is certainly a major factor, but I get the impression of subtext to it all."

Moonshadow says, "It's very possible. It's also possible she could've been around and just didn't decide to make herself known as Empress." She says with a shrug. "The title of Empress comes with a lot of prestige, honor, descipline, stress and attempted assassinations.""

Vuk cocks his head to one side as his Brandy arrives and he exchanges money, taking small sips of it. "Well, I certainly hope she has plenty of loyal guardsmen! Maybe the Irregulars could be employed to keep her safe! We could show any of those blackguards who try to hurt an Empress what for!" He says, in an animated tone.

Mikilos nods, and ponders a moment. "Not sure the requirements of the position, but I'd be quite susprised if the Empress lacks fangs of her own. And while I'm certain she's some sort of guard, the threats of the jungle lands, and local threats, are quite different. Likely be some Irregulars to help show them what they need to look for."

Moonshadow says, "I don't know of these irregulars, but I can assure you that if Svarshan is guardian the empress, she's safe." She says with a smile, but then downs the rest of her tea. "I'd better get back to my exercises.""

Vuk sticks his chest out a bit when Moonshadow admits to not knowing who the irregulars are. "I believe any who belong to the Exploration and Adventuring guild are now part of the irregulars! We'll be ready to fight Heth!" He says and looks at Mikilos to see if he knows more. Vuk certainly didn't!

Mikilos frowns mildly, and shrugs. "Not every Guild Member is an Irregular, but the vast majority have been enlisted. Sort of the Guild's answer to a formal war. I was still signed up form teh busniess in Sendor."

Moonshadow stands up and chuckles. "That would make me an irregular too it seems." She says as she nods to Mikilos, then heads on out. "away I go."

Vuk blinks his eyes a few times as Moonshadow does to depart and sips his brandy again. "I thought we all sort of got made into Irregulars after the town council!"

Mikilos nods. "The vast majority, but are some in the Guild who opt out for various reasons. Mostly the older or injured members who tend to deal with the paperwork side of things."