Side One, Ep.2 "Double Dog Dare"

[JRFLynn]

RIFF

“Oh my, you have a garden?! Do you have tulips, and daisies, and-and big fat mums?!” I muse, quivering with excitement. I haven’t been in a blasted garden since our sanctuary got smashed! They ripped up all our flowerbeds too! Those faerie-flower-murderers! Can’t hum to the gods without a nicely-tended garden...

“Yes, yes, I would love to, Miss Esmerelda. Though, I’m afraid my frazzled nerves have made a muck of this dojo...” I glance at Jei, expectantly. “It may have to wait.”

Phew, first thing is first! The procuring of lumber…and being less naked.

Taking up the leaf, I press it against my shoulder…

JEISERA

“Fine, Fine! You can go and have fun while I play around with hammers and nails.” I grumble, but just as well. Wouldn’t want her being meddlesome again! I consider this old woman, she looks trustworthy.

Well, I don’t mind splitting up for a while, so long as this garden-place isn’t too far. Riff probably wouldn’t want to. She’s always clinging to my braid, but a little time off may be just what she needs…seems to think everything’s out to get me.

Yeah, highly doubtful. That.

It’s the faeries they smote, after all.

But, I fling such thoughts away. This beach is perfectly safe...

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Vines sprout from the leaf and spread across the fairy's body. While not the most modest of outfits, being clad in a living plant is surprisingly comfortable.

"The leaf is symbiotic." Esmerelda explains, "Its roots are under your flesh. You keep the plant alive; it clothes you. When you revert to normal size, the plant will not overtake you. Most of the leaves will fall off, and I suspect the leaf outfit will pass for normal fairy attire. But I have never seen a fairy, so that's just a guess.

"If you remove the leaf, the vines will wither and fall off. The leaf will not last long without someone wearing it. It may last an hour or so. Two or three with soil and water. But the leaf craves human flesh… in a way that is harmless, I assure you.

"Oh! But you are not harmless to my garden. I want you to be a proper fairy before you head south." She holds a finger and thumb close together. "For now, you may wish to go the the lumber yard. I do not. Kindly let me down, and I'll ready some tea. I suspect you shan't be long. The lumberyard is a short walk for you, and the lumber itself, pretty much weightless in your hands."

 

[JRFLynn]

RIFF

“I thank you, I do, I do. This is a marvelous leaf, I’ve never heard of anything like it. I shall wear it fondly, as it’s very snuggly.” I laugh. The vines tickle me as its tendrils wrap about and bloom into lovely veils of leaves. Much better! Now I won’t be nearly as shocking! “Since it’s alright with Jei, I shall come visit you soon as I can.”

I let Esmerelda down and wave goodbye…Now, how to wiggle out of this dojo without destroying it further?

JEISERA

For a moment, I’m awed by the winding vines. What strange magic. At least now, Riff won’t be mooning people every time she steps on a blasted mushroom!

The old man leaning from the windowsill probably has a good idea what to do next, so I motion for Riff to take me up. We should probably talk in the attic, as it’s pretty windy and high…and I hate heights.

I don’t mind tangling with crocomids and ravenous skunky-munks, but heights are something else…

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Quick sketch of Riff with old man peering out of attic. Kate-Fox of DA gets credit for the pose. I meant to work in the dragonfly wings, but forgot. The real Riff will also have a less naturally-pale skin tone.))

The old man says, "Let's head west to the lumber yard." He points out the window. "Westward, hooooooo!" Then adds, "Sorry. I don't know why I felt compelled to say that."

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

An odd look comes into Ms. Bison's eyes as she speaks, and images flash into my mind unbidden -- some of which I do not want to see, and wish I could avert my mind's eye from. The woman is... intense, and she feels that her lover's wife should be the same.

The next images are not so disturbing as the first. I realize Ms. Bison is not a mentalist, though she does know a thing or two about magic. Telekinesis and pyrokinesis are an interesting combination with the unarmed combat of a fighting nun.

As fascinating as the latter images are, they answer only half of the questions I had been about to ask. I see the dojo where she trained her students, which something seems to have happened to a moment ago. But my real question is, what could that be? I follow her gaze, but can't see out of the window from my present position.

 

[JRFLynn]

((Wow that’s awesome! It’s a great look for her! Hope you don’t mind If I zip through this mucky stuff. The deal with Jei and the calm isn’t a special skill or anything (unless you think otherwise), I thought it may help with her anger management issues ))

RIFF

With the old man’s deft instruction, and Jei’s constant grumping, I carefully writhe out of Dan’s Dojo. The walls tremble and boards squeal, but somehow I manage to free myself without completely demolishing the building.

Standing upright, my aching limbs could’ve sighed with relief. A crowd of people watch at a safe distance, as I spot some artists hastily scrawling renditions of this crazy scenario. I suppose not many have seen a giant fairy before, in naught but their skiddies, wearing a roof for a hat. Sounds ludicrous, yes, even to me.

Cheerful, I wave to Master Dan the Fourth and Fifth, and assure them that I’ll be back with the lumber. Heading west with Master Dan the Third and Jei rumbling upstairs as I stomp away, I have to keep the attic steady with all this tromping around the countryside.

I spot the lumberyard nestled between a thick forest and a mountain that towers over the wilds, accessible from a side road not two miles out. Phew! Nearly scare the lumberjacks to death, but luckily they recognize Master Dan.

Whilst they stare, The old man hops into my hand and speaks with the foreman. Has the order filled nice and speedy. I think it has something to do with me looming over, in the meantime.

“Ah Jei, isn’t this exciting? I’m the biggest pixy in the world!” I beam, unless there’s someone else that’s made the mistake of stepping on a gold mushroom. Nope, don’t think I’ll try this again for a looong while!

JEISERA

“You’re the biggest pain in my—OOOH.” I groan, feeling another urge coming on. Definitely a bad idea, the attic doffs as bad as a wind-tossed ship! Grimacing with a squint, I slap a hand over my mouth.

Once the lumber is ready, Master Dan climbs back into the attic like a giddy youngster. Apparently, this is the best nip of excitement he’s had in years. Sudden as that we’re on the move, but things aren't right. Unsteady, I stumble around the swaying attic…EH?! Riff's hands are full!

Being the wise fist-foo master of perfect serenity and stuff, Master Dan the Third stands erect over certain places, holding a firm stance…directing where I should go, and that I do the same. The key is finding an inner calm. Eh? Nothing could shatter his wrinkled smile, though we could go tumbling off the pixy’s head at any moment!

Well fine! I do, and strangely my movements begin to mimic his. Easing into it, mind clear, It’s like we’re connected. The Woodsman knows I’m not the calmest person, but something about this certainly helps…the attic steadies as we follow the kinks and balance the floor.

Fear gets in the way, I guess…maybe that’s what the old master wanted to show me. Or, maybe he didn’t want to croak just yet? I am somewhat of a blockhead at times.

Slowing to an abrupt halt, lurching as the roof suddenly pitches forward, Master Dan hops from on spot to the next, whilst from the window, I hear a loud crashing KER-THUNK.

Too slow, or bungling, or both…my feet chuck in the air as I go skidding on my back! I hear something like a rumbling squeak, as colossal hands catch the roof before it flies to the ground below. Thunderous gasps leap from hundreds of people. Oh great, we’re back in town…thumping the attic back up, I then go rolling in the other direction…and, much to my chagrin, I barf all over the old man’s bed-mat.

Hope he doesn’t charge me for that.

Skin crawls as we seem to fall, only to quake as Riff clumsily fix us back on top of the ramshackle dojo.

“UUUUGH.” Kill. I will so…stuff in a jar…shake, shake, shake…Dazed, I’m mildly aware that I’m covered in chunky bufadillo. Yet, somehow Master Dan comes out perfectly in one piece.

Inner calm my ass. He’s some kind of mythic old codger!

 

[Philip Overby]

Meanwhile...

Pale Jackal needs food badly. I stroll down the street searching for some scrumptious snacks. I don't know where my other companions went, but I assume they're getting into trouble. I'll hunt them down once I get some food in my pale belly.

Snap! I learned a new skill not long ago. I wonder if I should buy some kind of new weapon? Maybe I can find a weapon/food stand. If those don't exist, they should. I whistle something off-tune and seek a strong food and a delicious weapon.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Dojo (what's left of it)

Dan V tells Jeisera, "I think your friend will be busy for a while. Maybe she did me a favor. I was planning to remodel anyway. Having a giant should sped things up." To Pidge, he says, "Give her that blue mushroom when she's done. Your side of the dojo is still intact, I think. She's welcome to stay there. I don't think she'll use the gold mushroom indoors now that she knows what it does."

Dan V puts a sign on a post, hoping the renovation and the spectacle won't slow business down in case any samurai or samurai wannabes pass by.

Seitei Quickdraw Attacks

Brown's

Soon enough, Vincent can't help but see the image coming from every patron by the window. A fifty-foot tall fairy rises from the broken dojo and heads west wearing the attic as a hat. She is fully clothed. Most find that odd, and some, a little disappointing.

Emma Bison says, "It is most shameful to see Master Dan's place in ruin. But the man is a fighter in every sense of the word. He will come out on top. And what of you, Mr. Hawk? What brings you and your lovely ladies to Asahi?"


On the Street

PJ sees a man standing outside Buck's. He's juggling throwing hatchets as if his cigar isn't enough entertainment.

He's pretty decent at it for a pot-bellied smoker.

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

The spectacle I glimpse through others' heads is distinctly odd. How could a fairy grow so tall? I hope it's reversible, whatever the cause. I'm sure she doesn't want to make a spectacle of herself.

I smile at Ms. Bison's question. "We arrived here on the Black and Blue Oyster this morning, from Roku-Roku. We just dropped my daughter Ariel off for her Huntress training there. It was rather an eventful trip, I must say." That's a bit of an understatement.

"Our destination here is Mount Neverest. Bee here is incredibly devoted to the Maiden, and she wanted to see the shrine for herself." I ruffle Beatrice's hair affectionately. "Diana also wanted to return for nostalgia's sake." The emotion is apparent in her thoughts when I mention the mountain and the shrine. I wonder if those there will recognize their 'big sister'. Or maybe those she trained with have all gone their separate ways by now. That would be disappointing.

 

[JRFLynn]

JEISERA

“Today has been quite a day.†I sigh, having washed the last bits of buffadillo out of my hair. “I’m off, apparently they need your help more than mine. It’s better that way, you know? After all, you’re the one that wrecked the place!†Riff rolled her eyes whilst holding the roof for Master Dan’s hired carpenters. They’re pretty speedy, but it’ll likely take another hour or so to nail it down nice and proper.

I lighten up, mainly cause I suspect Riff is feeling homesick. Heck, I am.

“Why so quiet? Hey, you can go frolic around Esmerelda’s garden anytime, it’s not like we have any leads or what not. I’m just dropping in cause I’m bored…and, I kinda feel like going for a prowl.â€

RIFF

“I don’t like this idea. Splitting up.†I grumble, but yes, mainly I’m dying to go frolicking. Although, like this I’ll probably trample all of Esmerelda’s flowers…so maybe later, when I’m less trample-y and more myself.

Seeing that Jei isn't going to change her mind, I relent.

“Give Ms. Esmerelda my regards, Jei. You better keep your promise! I want to go frolicking…and soon.†The thought brings a pixy blush to my face, but I’m pretty serious. She hasn’t seen me go stark nutters in a long time. We faeries need to frolic!

 

[SeverinR]

Shan Mai:
Enters the remains of the dojo looking at the sign.
"Honorable Sir, I am interested in learning Urshiro and Ukenagashi."
"I also have found the need for an additional sword. I was thinking of completing the daisho,
I have a katana, I need a Wakizashi for when a second fighting blade is needed. Might you have one for sale or know of somone that has one for sale?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Master Dan V
"I would be honored to train you," Dan V says with a bow. "The total will be five hundred silver." ($500)

He gestures toward a weapons rack, which had been move outside to avoid damage.

"There is a katana and wakizashi set I am willing to part with for $1000. One of the scabbards was scratched when the ceiling collapsed." The scratch is hardly noticeable, even after being pointed out. "Your scabbard is worse for wear than mine, but... in Asahi, appearances matter. A master with a nicked scabbard? I shall use my spare until I can place another order to the master smith of Roku-Roku. This very set is crafted by the man. You will find $1000 is a generous offer. Even used, it is worth thrice the price."

He draws a line in the sand.

"Buck has a wakizashi for just under $100 if your strapped for coins. Think on it while we practice. We practice now. Hammers and nails are not the tools of a master. What if I bang my thumb? Then what kind of a master would I be?"

He bows. When he draws his blade, he does so with a speed and grace that suggests his swordsmanship is more serious than his demeanor.

"Let me tell you the importance of the thumb..."


((Note: I haven't explained the strong body/quick limbs/sharp mind thing in detail, but the short version is that melee + quick limbs are required for dual wield. Therefore, Shan Mai can dual wield, and Severin's got it exactly right--one blade must be a short sword or small weapon.

I have no personal experience with katana-wakizashi techniques, but if I find any real ones that work in-game as well as the seitei katta, I'll add to the samurai skill list.))

 

[SeverinR]

I pull out the money given by the captain and set out for the Master Dan V.

Then follow his intructions.

 

[JRFLynn]

JEISERA

Now on my own for a change, I spend some time walking around the beach. I pick a couple of seashells that Riff might like…she’ll probably be expecting some souvenirs. Riff can make jewelry out of anything, so maybe having her mind preoccupied on something else will help ease the pain. That was the whole point of coming here, right? To start a new life…yet, somehow we haven’t managed to leave the continent, nor all those troublesome memories behind.

Stuffing the shells in my pocket, I straighten and gaze out at the distant mountain peak. Neverest.

Growing up, often looking to Neverest from my old perch in the trees, I’d ponder what the world was like. It’s nothing like the faerie stories. People don’t bounce around on magic pumpkins, and they certainly don’t live inside worn old boots…but, one thing that is a true, somewhere on Neverest there’s a sanctuary like the one our clan protected.

A slanted frown finds my face. Thinking too hard, again.

My blood’s on fire, I want to hunt. Kill.

The feeling grates on me, but for now I must ignore the urge. What I miss most is the solitude. Never had to worry about money, or how I might look. Amidst the chase, I could plunge into reverie, lose myself in the verdant eternity…be what I truly am. A huntress.

At the far end of the beach, I see a little cottage resting upon the gentle slopes of hillside. It’s rather quaint up close, as if the walls themselves sprouted from the ground. Like bark, the shingles curl upward and away, as though they might catch the wind and fly. The window’s are lovely, oval and rustic, latticed with stained glass. Very peculiar, and familiar too. I already feel at home.

Glancing around, I spy a nice shrubbery of various…shrubs. Well, mostly herbs for medicines and such. Erh. Riff knows more than I do when it comes to plants.

There’s a great ruckus going on amid a colorful hedge of mums. Butterflies were lazily flitting about, oblivious to the noise. A boy and girl were fighting over something odd, though I couldn’t make out what. It’s small, and wriggled in the little girl’s hands. The boy seemed to want to play with it, or smash it. Probably both.

Well, they tumbled, and it went flying…this little flower doll. I hear a cry. Noo! My ballerina!

I catch the oddity as it falls, fearing it was a hapless pixy.

No, not a pixy. Too small. Maybe half the height. It had arms and legs made of stems and leaves, with a bulbous pink mum for a head. I raise a brow. Must be more of Esmerelda’s strange magic.

What exactly does a herbalist do? Sheesh…that is my occupation. It wasn't really my choice, more something I got pushed into as I grew taller. I used to help my sisters move their faerie homes, decorate, and tend the old sanctuary, but the monstrous clouds of pollen always had me sneezing and sniffling. So, after it got to be too much, they had to chase me down at the very mention of gardening.

I don’t know the first thing about plants, durn it…but I’m willing to learn. I have a feeling a skill like that might be useful after all.

Smiling as the charming flower began to dance in my palm, the befuddled children eye me from afar. Suppose they don’t have many guests.

The cottage doors open, as I’m greeted by Esmerelda.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Shan Mai is instructed to pivot and turn toward the sound of Dan's voice. When he turns, Dan holds out a bokken for the samurai to strike. When Shan Mai sheathes his blade, Dan bonks him lightly on the head…?

((@Severin, an agility check says he doesn't…))



Pale Jackal can choose from a variety of throwing weapons at Buck's.

• $10 per throwing hatchet
• $60 for a dozen throwing knives
• $70 for a boomerang
• $700 for a ka-boomerang
• $100 per ka-boomerang powder packet

Vincent and Diana continue talking to Emma Bison.

"Nostalgia?" she asks. "Oh… I never heard of a shield maiden who marries. I mean, I assume you are… it's not my business to know. Asahi Beach is all about high society and appearances. If you are what you appear to be, you're better off at the shrine."

She looks at Beatrice.

"Be sure to tell your dress-maker about your trip. She's rather devoted to Her. Lara keeps trying to convert me, but… I'm not The Maiden's type."

Beatrice looks at her. Pity. She smiles pleasantly. She says to Emma, "You teach them to defend themselves. I don't think The Maiden would have a problem with that." Do you want to know?

A waitress interrupts, "Mr. Brown suggests the filet. That would be $600, but he says thank you for the music." Guess that means no tip. $#!%@$$! "Choice of sides would be spicy potato wedges, house salad, or peppercorn salad. Sorbet for dessert and for the wine, also on the house—" Godsdammit! "—might I suggest—" Beetjuice, freeloader! "—the merlot? Tea for the little lady?"


((@Ireth, unless you'd rather see the menu, pick a side and roll the d20 for each character.))

((@JRFLynn, and anyone else who eats, do the same.))

((-1 damage from enemy, +1 to value of agility roll, immune to heat))



Mariya and Muziko see Pidge working on a strange contraption. It looks like a little ship with a pixie-size bicycle on it. Muziko shrugs, then says, "Sorry. I was… distracted by… whatever just happened. I really want to teach you what, I believe, comes straight from your mom. Then maybe we can get something to eat?"

Pidge stops what she's doing. She listens to Muziko hum the Bubble Bath Party! tune, biting her lip to keep herself from interrupting. When Muziko's done, Pidge squeaks, "Eat, you say? I have some sweetmeats, bubbly-tea and peppermint pie! Lemon-leaf salad, if you're vegetarians." She grumbles, "Seems to be a fad amongst island pixies. I mean, really! What're we supposed to do with the rats after we torch them?"



Jeisera is greeted by the elderly woman. She seems surprised. "Oh, dear. I thought your little friend would be here. Or is she not so little?" She peeks out her window, where Riff is hard to miss, even from such a distance. "Oh, I must be getting used to her blocking the view. Well, make yourself at home."

Jei sees a woman whose clothing is made of plants. Other than that, she is very much like her. A Huntress.

"Addison and I were just about to have some tea. Addison, this is…" She scratches her head. "…Jei, if my memory's to be believed. She tames giants for a living, I suppose. And, what is it that you do, Addison?"

Addison replies. "I kill'em."

 

[Noma Galway]

I nod to Pidge. "Thank you for your offer," I say, smiling. "My name is Mariya. And you must be Pidge?" I turn to Muziko and try to hum the tune as well.
((is there some sort of roll to learn this stuff?))

 

[Ireth]

Diana

I nod, pulling out some parchment and a pen to write a reply.

Some Shieldmaidens marry, but it's uncommon that we remain fighters in that instance. 'Trading one's shield for a husband', the saying is. For me, I couldn't bear to just give up on years of training and effort, even after I met Vincent. We've fought side by side since even before we married.

I reflect darkly on that first battle. The things I had to resort to in order to win... not exactly nice dinner conversation. Since then, I have never made the mistake of being caught off-guard and unarmed.

Vincent

Diana's thoughts drift back in time to our first battle. If the memories are unpleasant for her, they are likely worse for me. The madman wasn't pinning her to the floor, about to rip out her throat. Then again, Diana -- valiant she-wolf that she is -- gave the would-be killer as good as he would have given me, fighting literally tooth and nail to defend me. A few scars on my face are nothing in comparison to what happened to him. And Ariel got away shaken but unscathed, for which I am eternally thankful.

I push the memories away. No need to spoil our meal with that.

A waitress comes up to take our order. Her thoughts ring in my head as clearly as her spoken words. I simply smile and nod. "The filet and merlot sounds delicious. I'll have the potato wedges with that. Thank you very much."

Temptation to withhold a tip on account of her less-than-polite thoughts nags at the back of my mind, but I shove it away. That would only prove her right, and that won't do at all. I have money to spare, a tip is no trouble.

Diana

I smile as I read the waitress' lips, and write on a spare bit of parchment, I'll have the peppercorn salad, please and thank you.

 

[JRFLynn]

RIFF

“La-dee-daaah.” I pleasantly hum, concentrating on holding a hammer between my fingernails. It’s rather hard, but I’m getting the hang of it! I’ve managed to hammer one board! The carpenters eye me surreptitiously, but when I look they zip around.

Oh…Oh my. My tummy grumbles, eye’s narrowing.

JEISERA

“HEH.” I muse at this Addison. So, we finally meet. “Don’t lick your chops just yet, she won’t be one for much longer.”

Suddenly, I feel strange.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((FOOD BONUSES:
Vincent: -1 damage from enemies, can make a full move through a group of enemies
Diana: -1 damage from enemies, strong attacks cause enemies to bleed @ -1HP/turn
Jei and Riff: +1 agility))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Jeisera

Addison looks at Jei like she's a three-headed hound. "She won't…? What're talking about? Breel's ain't got no gender!"

Esmerelda says, "I don't think she means the giant that you do, my dear."



Riff

A construction worker shouts, "Who gave that fairy a hammer'n'nail?"

Another says, "Well, I thought… er…"

"She just lifts the boards, dummy! Don't make her do delicate work if she ain't delicate!"

"But… aren't all fairies delicate?"

"No!"

To the west, Riff sees something move. It's very far away. At that distance, whatever it is must be big. Very big…