From tbutler@birch.net Tue Jul 24 22:35:15 2001 Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 21:16:42 -0500 From: Travis Butler To: Philip J. Moyer Subject: UnS Log 7/22 John asks, "Okay, Beowulf, what's yoru agenda?" Jacqueline says, "The flutings! the mad flutings! no, wait, that's four channels at once." Beowulf says, "So don't run three people at once. :) Seriously, while I have been heavily involved in the gaming, I miss the times when you could just chat. :)" Kanna twitches at the mention of the flutings, and shoots Beryllina at the mad frog-flautists. Beowulf says, "Get the sensor devices implanted for Saionji, go make the trade with Spellvis, talk with Bessie, and hopefully check out the castle trump. That enough to start with? :)" John asks, "So you're gonna plant the sensors first?" Beowulf says, "Yup." John says, "Okay, you spend a day placing the Sensors. It goes off without any trouble." John asks, "I assume you're going to trump to Graceland next, then head over to Spellvis' house?" Beowulf nods, checks them for proper functioning, then passes that info on to Saionji. Beowulf says, "OOC Yup." Beowulf goes up to Spellvis' house and knocks. You trump to Graceland and head on down the road to Spellvis' house. Oddly, the front yard is full of tiny little white plastic spikes sticking up among the grass. Although the walk up to the door is unblocked. Beowulf asks, "OOC The spikes look like anything nasty?" Careful examination reveals they aren't quite 'spikes', but instead they look like the handle of cheap ass plastic silverware. Beowulf says, "OOC Methinks Mr. Spellvis has been having trouble with visitors. o.o" You hear lots of shuffling about as you and Lily wait at the door. Finally, a grumpy looking Spellvis answers. "Ahh, hello, Beowulf," he says. "Come in." Beowulf bows politely and enters. "Thank you. It seems like you've had less polite visitors lately." He sighs. "Punk kids got drunk and forked my lawn. Better that than the werewolves, the vampires and the damnable wildebeasts, though." He takes you into the living room. "Pepsi?" he asks. Beowulf nods. "One of these days, I have to make hospitality less one-sided... any tea that you like in particular?" Spellvis says, "I only drink Pepsi." "Or sometimes Diet Pepsi. But if you ever wanted to bring some snacks, that would be nice." Lily says, "A Pepsi for me, please." Spellvis goes and gets himself and Lily some. "Do you want some hot water to make tea with?" he shouts from the kitchen. Beowulf says, "Gotcha. Garlic toast, coming up." He reaches into the bag and pulls out some garlic breadsticks with italian sauce. Beowulf says, "No, thank you, Pepsi's fine for me." Beowulf says, "OOC Pause for bathroom break. :(" Spellvis brings back three Pepsis. He's surprised by the breadsticks, but gratefully accepts some. Then we pause. Kanna OOCly heads to bed. G'night! Aerianne has disconnected. Beowulf says, "OOC Back." Beowulf takes his Pepsi. "Thanks." He glances back out at the yard. "Werewolves, vampires and wildebeasts? Things have been busy... I don't remember seeing any of them when I was here before." Spellvis says, "I am assuming that I didn't offend some monster generator in shadow, and that probably it's people after my key." Beowulf smiles wryly. "Somehow, I'd figured. Sorry it took so long to get back; got involved with fighting a couple of family rescue efforts, and a third wild-moose chase." He says, "Well, you got here before anything could get me, for which I am glad. So what are you offering in trade?" Beowulf brings out the item they picked up at CAFAM. Autolyca has connected. Lucien OOC Howdy John exclaims, "OOC Howdy, Jeff!" You hold out the ring. Spellvis calls up a spell to analyze it. He says, "Alright, that looks satisfactory." Beowulf nods. "Thank you." He fishes out a black key and trades it to you for the ring. "There you go. May it get you attacked less often than it has me. Beowulf nods. "Yes." He tries to think of a few nice things he can pass Spellvis' way to make up for the trouble. Lily sips her Pepsi. "Thank you for your being willing to trade it to us, Mr. Spellvis." He says, "If I'd known what I was getting into, I'd have stayed home." Moriya wakes up. Beowulf says, "Well, you helped my cousin out in the process, for which I'm thankful." Motoko has arrived. Kima has left. Beowulf digs in the bag and pulls out a set of late Golden Age radio recordings, of proto Rock 'n Roll. "You might like these, too. Thanks again." Spellvis laughs and takes them. "Thank you." He puts them on the end table for now. Beowulf asks, "What else have you been up to, besides fighting off thieves? We ran into Kuonji while we were out on that wild moose chase... I don't remember him *that* well from Panopticon, but was he always that supercilious?" He says, "I've just been home, doing research, relaxing, and constantly improving my house defenses." Beowulf grins. "Able to withstand a magical nuke by now, eh?" He says, "Kuonji has always been an asshole to anyone he didn't want something from." Beowulf asks, "Uh-huh. I take it he was on his best behavior when he was with Kanna?" He says, "He was on fairly good behavior. And I have to say that the man definitely knows what he is doing. Well, what she is doing. And that you really ought to sit your cousin down and teach her how not to fall for con jobs." Beowulf grins nastily. "I think she's picked that up; you should have seen her once she realized that he wasn't on the level. Though I think part of what she was doing was playing along to try and get him to reveal himself. Herself. Whatever." He looks rueful. "Doesn't work too well, though." Beowulf says, "Not with Kuonji, anyway." Spellvis says, "Kuonji plays his own games. And I don't think he likes you, though I frankly have no clue why." Beowulf shrugs. "I got that impression, though I don't understand it either. Oh, well, I suppose no one can be liked by everyone." Spellvis nods and munches on Garlic Bread. "So where are you off to next?" he asks. Beowulf asks, "Going to talk a little with Bessie, check out a mysterious trump I found, and... I suppose I'm going to need to go back down to Chaos again. Have you heard much of what's been happening down there?" Spellvis asks, "Who is Bessie? And no, I don't keep tabs on Chaos much." Lily says, "Bessie is a magical cow." "That serves the House of Amber." Spellvis grins and tries not to laugh at that. Beowulf says, "The Giant Cow of the Atlan Tepes. I think. She's certainly 'giant', at least." Beowulf smiles. "But a very sweet lady, nonetheless." Beowulf asks, "What are you going to be up to, once you lift the siege?" He says, "Probably listen to all these records." He laughs a little. "Probably go test this ring some, as well." Beowulf grins. "Enjoy them, then." Beowulf sighs. "I suppose I'd better be about things, at least." Lucien OOC Well, g'night all! Spellvis nods. "Good luck on your journeys. And thank you for the additional presents. Autolyca has disconnected. Beowulf says, "You're very welcome." Beowulf gets up to leave. Lily finishes her Pepsi. "Good day, Mr. Spellvis." "Good day to both of you." He shows you to the door. You walk out the door and down towards the walk. What's next? Beowulf OOCly says, "About what time is it?" John says, "OOC Late afternoon." Beowulf says, "OOC Probably head back to Amber, actually, and catch up on things there and see what I can find out about Bessie before going to talk to her." John asks, "OOC Trumping back to Amber, I assume?" Beowulf says, "OOC Yup." Blink, you're in Amber. Who do you want to go see? Beowulf asks, "OOC Actually, would Tylor have a moment free? He's the only one who's remarked on her that I can remember... or can I ICly think of anyone else who might know about Bessie?" John says, "OOC Miki, who isn't here, Hiko, who is captive in Chaos..." John says, "OOC Tylor's your best bet." John says, "OOC The Royal Librarian could probably dig up info as well." Beowulf says, "OOC Let's talk to Tylor first, and then the Librarian." You're able to catch Tylor before Dinner. He smiles at the two of you as you reach his Parlor. "Good day, Beowulf." Beowulf smiles. "Hello, Uncle. How have things been going lately?" Tylor says, "It's been busy as usual. Kozue is gearing up to assist the Isle of Emeralds against the Sea Peoples, and Saionji is on his way to Ashante. Miki's mission to Chaos is going well despite an assassination attempt." Tylor says, "Oh, did you hear about what happened with Morgan and Hiko?" He sounds more serious than usual when he turns to that topic. Beowulf nods at the mention of Saionji. "Hopefully the sensors we got for him will help." He blinks. "Assassanitation attempt?" Rimmer falls asleep. Rimmer wakes up. Beowulf says, "No... the last I heard from Morgan was when I gave her the trump back to Amber, after she killed Lord Alars." He sighs. Tylor says, "Some Chaosians tried to assassinate Mikie, but Motoko took them out of commission." Motoko asks, "OOC: But did Mikie like it?" Beowulf says, "She did? Good for her. With style, too, I'm sure." Tylor says, "Well, Morgan and Hiko apparently have settled their feud with House Alars by swearing service to them." Tylor says, "So I am now looking for a new Warden for Arden." Beowulf sighs and facepalms. "Ouch." He sits lost in thought for a moment. "Still, that's better than it could have gone; I was imagining an endless chain of retribution. I'm glad they were able to settle it without anyone else getting killed." Tylor says, "It is a very good thing, because apparently, we're about to be invaded from another universe ruled by Hel, Queen of the Dead." Beowulf thinks again. "Perhaps... Nagisa for a new Warden? We probably won't need the Lighthouse any more, now that Rebma's back." He says, "Hmm, that might work. I'll consider that, Beowulf." Beowulf asks, "What?" He boggles for a moment. "Joy. What's going on with that?" He says, "Well, as I understand it, the Serpent told Motoko about all this , and Juri also mentioned it to Morgan as well." He continues, "In an alternate universe, even the Unicorn and the Serpent bow to the Queen of the Dead." Beowulf nods. "I think I'd heard bits of that around, but not the whole story." "She apparently rules over a court made up of all of our family born up to Makoto." Beowulf says, "Even they bow... hm. The Outsiders would probably want to just destroy the two of them..." He pauses at that last bit. Tylor says, "Her armies seem to be lead by the five daughters of Gendo and Haruka. Apparently, we can expect them on High Summer, but don't know where" Beowulf asks, "Up through Makoto... thinking of what happened around that time, I wonder if it's that universe's version of Queen Sakura, who succeeded in a plan to kill Grandfather?" Beowulf asks, "OOC When is High Summer?" John says, "OOC Day 93, the Summer Solstice." Beowulf asks, "OOC And we are on day?" Tylor says, "It's quite possible. We believe she may have the Jewel of Judgement in her forehead as a third eye. Though she may be a 'Sanjiyan' a sort of soul-stealer from the Abyss." Beowulf says, "Whatever she is, she sounds nasty. And with the daughters of Harad leading her army, she will be quite formidable indeed." John says, "OOC Day 56" Tylor nods. "It will indeed be a great battle." Beowulf hmms. "Still, we do have some time... about a month? to prepare." Beowulf says, "I'd been planning on talking to Bessie again, to see if I could figure out anything more about Juri's situation; if Morgan and Hiko are now in servitude in Chaos, that makes it all the more important." Tylor says, "As I understand it, Juri now serves Cathuria, which in some way defends the borders of our universe. She will need Merehallow to defeat Hel." Beowulf sighs. "And Merehallow is now in the hands of House Alars, if I remember what Morgan said correctly." Beowulf asks, "D'you think... well, I don't want to put myself forward, but it sounded like there was some good feeling from Lord Alars before he was killed, since I'd returned their stolen art to them. Do you think I should go down and try to negotiate with her for Merehallow, or is someone else already doing so?" He nods. "Yes. And Hiko's spikard as well." Tylor says, "I believe that Miki will be addressing that." Beowulf nods with relief. "Good. I still... owe them an appointment for tea, I believe, after I bowed out on one when I returned the art and promised to come back when things weren't so busy -- but I'm glad I don't have to worry about negotiating with them." He chuckles ruefully. "My attempt to negotiate for Shizumaru's freedom didn't go so well." Tylor says, "The important thing is to just get up and keep going when you fall down." He pauses. "Oh, would you like some wine?" Beowulf smiles. "Thank you. And a small sip, if you don't mind." Lian wakes up. He pours you a shotglass of it. And passes it to you. He says, "It's very nice Kashfan wine. Queen Coral sends us a few dozen bottles each year with instructions to use the empty bottles to hit Kentaro in the head." He laughs. "I'm afraid we've not been following her instructions." Beowulf smiles. "I see. Well, he's mellowed a lot the last time I saw him, so maybe the forbearance helped." He takes a sip. Beowulf says, "Anyway, before I go talk to Bessie again, I wanted to see what I could find out about her -- especially if Hiko's now in Chaos and can't release her from that command to find Juri." He sighs. "And since you're the only one I can think of who's cared for her..." Tylor gulps his wine. "Well, I can't tell you the complete story of Bessie, or Miki would kill me, but I'll happily help you if I can. Bessie has served us well, and is quite kind to the extent a cow can be kind." Beowulf nods. "She seemed quite kind when I talked to her, and helped her across that abyss." Tylor says, "The thing I continue to wonder is how she survived going down the Rebma whirlpool." Beowulf looks struck. "That's a very good question. Presumably, the same way Aunt Juri survived... which may be relevant to how Juri ended up where she did." Tylor says, "Basically, I found Bessie a long time ago when Father gave me the control rod. It was one of his odd presents he gave when he was trying to prove he had a sense of humor." Tylor smiles. Beowulf says, "Grandfather had a sense of humor?" He raises an eyebrow and smiles back. He says, "Anyway, most of thje time, Bessie roams shadow grazing." "But during the first Keep raid, I gave the control statuette to Hiko. She evenually used Bessie to try to find and rescue Hiko, but Bessie got trapped in the whirlpool and sank." Beowulf says, "Ahh. And she's usually quite able to take care of herself?" He smiles. "Then again, standing on a flying carpet above a vista of endless clouds isn't the best place to defend herself." Beowulf sighs. "Right. And now Hiko's in Chaos... is there anything besides the control statuette that we could use to release Bessie from her task?" Tylor says, "I believe a sufficiently skilled sorceror or Pattern Master could do it." Lily asks, "How skilled is 'sufficiently'?" Tylor says, "I don't know. I don't think it could hurt to try." Beowulf nods. "Right, then. It's cruel to just leave her like this. And besides... she seems like she'd be happy to do things for people without the control statue, and it's cruel to hold that over her." Tylor nods. "Well, good luck in that." He has some more wine. "How are you?" Beowulf says, "I don't know if you'd heard about the wild goose chase in Mystara yet... Kuonji managed to irritate most of us with that little note that he left. Me... I don't know, but for some reason it didn't bother me that much. Maybe because I knew he was trying to make me mad, so I didn't get mad." Tylor says, "He seems quite the infuriating type from what I've heard, but then, that could describe many members of our family." He shrugs. "Prime Minister Nadia is quite unhappy with me at the moment for letting her son go off into danger." He sighs at that. "The boy's old enough to make his own decisions, but...well, mothers get protective of their children." Beowulf nods. "I can imagine. Mother's... been good to me, I think. She had some definite ideas for me when I was growing up, but she's been willing to let me lead my own life now that I'm... well, *fairly* grown-up." Beowulf grins and hugs Lily. "Even if she did point me in a certain direction once or twice." Tylor says sadly, "Mother was very protective of us in the good times." Lily smiles. "I think Mother secretly tears her hair out every night and shapeshifts it back over us at times." Beowulf nods soberly. "I... yes, I can see that. She obviously loved you and raised you very well. I suppose it's one of those things that makes you rage at the universe, when something happens to turn someone wrong like that." Beowulf says, "Oh, and what have you done to make her tear her hair out?" He grins a bit at Lily, thankful for the opportunity to lighten the air for a moment. "Mitsune, on the other hand..." Tylor sighs. "I cried my tears long ago." He seems rather melancholy. Beowulf pats Tylor on the shoulder. "Sometimes the universe loves to kick us in the head. Or has a nasty taste for irony." He looks melancholy for a moment himself. Beowulf says, "Still... I suppose the happy moments wouldn't be so happy if we didn't have the sad moments for contrast." He smiles crookedly. "Trite, I suppose, but true." Tylor says, "Indeed it does. But it's up to us to get the last laugh on it." He brightens a little. "Oh, did you hear about Drake's daughter being revealed?" Beowulf smiles and sweeps his arm around, taking in the castle and the family by implication. "And there is still family that loves you." Beowulf says, "Oh? No, I hadn't heard about that, even when he was travelling with us." He raises an eyebrow with a smile. Tylor says, "Sumire is Drake and Nabiki's daughter. Nabiki hid her away after Drake vanished. And now Drake and Nabiki are getting married, too." Beowulf grins. "Good for them, then!" Beowulf asks, "OOC he look any happier?" Tylor says, "Makoto and I are the only ones of our generation who haven't spawned yet." He has another sip of wine. Yep, he looks happier. Yuriko now comes in. "Are you ready for...oh, hello, Beowulf." Ramon trails in after her. Beowulf smiles. "Well, give it time." Beowulf looks up and smiles at Yuriko, then gives her a florid bow. "Your Majesty. It's good to see you again." He straightens up and winks at her. Beowulf asks, "OOC Can I make a subtle indication to her to suggest that Tylor could use a little cheering up?" John says, "OOC Yes" Motoko says, "OOC: You'd think after seventy years of marriage she'd recognize the signs of that herself. :)" Beowulf says, "OOC True. :) Still, it never hurts... :)" Yuriko smiles. "Good day, Prince Beowulf." She comes over to Tylor and puts a hand on his shoulder, "Tylor, the Ambassador from the Isle of Emeralds is waiting to bore us with his bad harp playing and the sagas we've already heard twenty times. So you need to come on." Tylor laughs. "I hope you aren't planning to say that to him." "I will merely be thinking it, dear." Beowulf shakes his head, chuckling a bit. "Oh, dear. I can't say that I envy either of you." Ramon says, "Hey, his harp playing beats Keiko's guitar skills." Tylor rises. "Anything else I can use as an excuse to delay this wonderful night of Emerald culture, Beowulf?" Beowulf hmms. "I wonder if one can create a magical set of earplugs, that let you hear the music as the player intended it, and not as any unfortunate deficiency of skills renders it?" Lily laughs. "That's a wonderful idea." Ramon says, "Put me down for a set." Beowulf sighs, chuckling a bit again. "No, I'm afraid not. I'd best leave you to it." Beowulf looks thoughtful for a moment. "Hmmm, it'd need that, and that..." Yuriko and Tylor both pause and wait, obviously hoping you can do it." Beowulf ducks into the bag for a fast-timed moment to try and come up with them. Beowulf pops back out. "They'll need to be tested, but this might work for you." Beowulf says, "If not, I'll have to see if Miki or Mutsumi can help me with the next version." He smiles. Beowulf hands a set of them to Tylor, Yuriko and Ramon. Tylor, Yuriko, and Ramon all take some. "Thank you," Yuriko says. "We'll let you know if they work." Rod has arrived. Rod has left. Beowulf smiles. "Good luck, and take care." Beowulf asks, "OOC And since it's 1 AM, cut here?" John says, "OOC Sounds good, I don't want to kill you." Beowulf OOCly nods. "Well, not much accomplished, but some interesting convos." Beowulf says, "OOC Anyway, time to call it a night. Seeya folks later..." Travis Butler tbutler@birch.net ...Cats are the proof of a higher purpose to the universe.