Idran1701 (7:16:59 AM): Hey, Shaun.
CGNakibe (7:17:08 AM): Wassup Justin?
CGNakibe (7:17:15 AM): Also, have you played Grandia?
Idran1701 (7:17:21 AM): Not much. You?

And I have not!
CGNakibe (7:18:11 AM): *nods* Cool. And you can ask Pervy why I think you should avoid serving trays. >:P
Idran1701 (7:18:39 AM): Some sort of reference, I assume?
CGNakibe (7:18:46 AM): Yep.
Idran1701 (7:19:15 AM): Heh. *nod*
Idran1701 (7:19:41 AM): Oh! Finished transfering Arian's info over to the new character sheet style.
CGNakibe (7:19:50 AM): Awesome.
Idran1701 (7:19:56 AM): And while doing so, I discovered that I hadn't increased his spell slots when he leveled just recently.
CGNakibe (7:20:15 AM): Oh? Hm. I could use more firepower.
Idran1701 (7:20:25 AM): One extra 1st and 2nd level slot.
CGNakibe (7:20:40 AM): Cool.
CGNakibe (7:20:51 AM): Also: The Daily Show is amusing me highly.
CGNakibe (7:21:00 AM): Reruns of last night's show, but still.
Idran1701 (7:21:34 AM): (I also discovered he's actually 1 spell over the number of 1st level spells he should be allowed to know at his intelligence, but eh. :D)
Idran1701 (7:21:35 AM): Oh?
CGNakibe (7:22:31 AM): Yeah, although Colbert Report was even funnier, because the professor whose book he was talking about last night was... well.
CGNakibe (7:22:51 AM): Blessed by the gods of Snark. >:P He was perfect for that show, in a way.
Idran1701 (7:22:56 AM): Heh.
CGNakibe (7:23:06 AM): Taking pot shots at Colbert the whole time while Colbert does the same. >:P
Idran1701 (7:23:51 AM): :D
Idran1701 (7:24:00 AM): Wish we got Comedy Central at home.
CGNakibe is idle at 8:26:02 AM.
CGNakibe is no longer idle at 8:34:29 AM.
CGNakibe (9:30:04 AM): xkcd today amuses me.

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Auto response from Idran1701 (9:30:04 AM): I am away from my computer right now.

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CGNakibe is away at 11:35:50 AM.
CGNakibe signed on at 12:10:15 PM.
CGNakibe returned at 3:10:58 PM.
Idran1701 (3:11:25 PM): Hey.
Idran1701 (3:12:24 PM): Got Arian's new sheet done, if you want a copy.
CGNakibe (3:12:51 PM): Certainly.
Idran1701 wants to send file C:\Games\Dungeons and Dragons\My Other Campaign\Characters\Arian_Renfield.html (3:13:17 PM).
Idran1701 (3:13:27 PM): Should be much better, both up front and in the source.
CGNakibe received C:\Games\Dungeons and Dragons\My Other Campaign\Characters\Arian_Renfield.html (3:14:14 PM).
CGNakibe (3:14:18 PM): Hold on a sec.
Idran1701 (3:14:23 PM): *nod*
CGNakibe (3:16:59 PM): Send now.
Idran1701 wants to send file C:\Games\Dungeons and Dragons\My Other Campaign\Characters\Arian_Renfield.html (3:17:28 PM).
CGNakibe received C:\Games\Dungeons and Dragons\My Other Campaign\Characters\Arian_Renfield.html (3:17:37 PM).
Idran1701 (3:22:56 PM): Thoughts/opinions/suggestions? Tried to make it more helpful and informative than the old style in places as well.
CGNakibe (3:59:22 PM): A lot more useful for me, it is, what with everything being explained and where I'd need it.
Idran1701 (3:59:38 PM): *nod* Cool, glad to hear it.
CGNakibe (4:00:42 PM): Unidentified Cursed Potion. >:{{
Idran1701 (4:00:56 PM): OR IS IT? :O
CGNakibe (4:01:01 PM): Dun dun DUNNN.
Idran1701 (4:45:35 PM): Ah, when were you wanting to pick up the session today, by the way?
CGNakibe (4:46:03 PM): Good question. I suppose we could pick it up in a couple hours at most.
Idran1701 (4:46:11 PM): *nod*
Idran1701 (4:46:38 PM): Don't want to put it off too long, though. How about 7:30 your time? About 45 minutes from now, I think?
CGNakibe (4:55:04 PM): That's pretty cool. And yeah, 45 minutes from now.
Idran1701 (4:55:12 PM): *nod*
Idran1701 (5:44:10 PM): Well, a bit later than I'd planned, but I'm good to start if you are.
CGNakibe (5:44:57 PM): Hm. *nods* I should probably move around a bit.
Idran1701 (5:45:02 PM): Oh?
CGNakibe (5:45:10 PM): Yeah. Just feel like I need to move.
Idran1701 (5:45:14 PM): *nod* Kay.
CGNakibe (5:45:15 PM): Get more comfortable.
Idran1701 (5:45:18 PM): *nod*
Idran1701 (5:45:51 PM): Oh, and one note, a house rule I've decided on since noticing the slight mistake on my part in Arian's spell list. A mage can take more spells per level than his Intelligence allows, but there's a cumulative -5% penalty per spell over the limit on his Learn Spells check.
CGNakibe (5:46:14 PM): Ah. Hm.
Idran1701 (5:46:24 PM): Think it's too strict?
Idran1701 (5:46:59 PM): This doesn't really apply to spell research, mind.
CGNakibe (5:46:59 PM): To be honest I think its nice.
Idran1701 (5:47:02 PM): *nod*
Idran1701 (5:47:13 PM): Spell research uses a slightly different mechanic, though the penalty would still apply here.
Idran1701 (5:47:19 PM): But it's not a straight "learn spells" roll.
CGNakibe (5:47:23 PM): Maybe even a little too nice, but the Spell Learning %s are rather low, and a one shot per level.
Idran1701 (5:47:29 PM): *nod*
Idran1701 (5:49:18 PM): Anyway, Spell research is at its base 10% + relevant ability score + XP level - (2*spell level). You can increase this by spending more time on the research, which is at minimum a week. The more time you spend, the higher your bonus. You can also get modifiers if it's based on a similar spell you know or have access to.
Idran1701 (5:49:47 PM): This is slightly different from the by-the-book method; I compressed the time down some to better reflect this campaign, and added the latter modifier as a reasonable addition.
Idran1701 (5:50:36 PM): But basically that means that tonight would be just Arian starting in on his work.
CGNakibe (5:51:20 PM): Okay, NOW I'm ready.
Idran1701 (5:51:40 PM): Heh. *nod*
Idran1701 (5:53:50 PM): Anything I should know about Arian's preparations before the actual RP starts?
Idran1701 (5:54:03 PM): Materials, resources, anything like that that he'd have gathered already?
Idran1701 (5:54:34 PM): Or will we be starting clean slate?
CGNakibe (5:54:54 PM): Papers, writing materials, ink, and that's about all at the moment.
Idran1701 (5:55:09 PM): *nod*
Idran1701 (5:55:46 PM): <Then shall we begin? :O>
CGNakibe (5:56:08 PM): <Member of Assholes Anonymous>
Idran1701 (5:56:28 PM): (The one thing I dislike about RPing from home is I can never tell if I've actually got Karin's color on my laptop's screen.)
Idran1701 (5:56:59 PM): (There's just barely a difference from black that I'm never sure if it's just glare or not, heh.)
CGNakibe (5:57:19 PM): (Know that feeling.)
Idran1701 (5:58:01 PM): *It's late in the evening when Arian returns to the Sensate hall. Needing no directions this time, it's quite easy for him to find Karin's room again.*
CGNakibe (5:58:24 PM): *knocks politely once more*
Idran1701 (5:58:47 PM): Come in?
CGNakibe (5:59:10 PM): *opens the door and steps through. Certainly more confident this time than the last*
Idran1701 (6:00:59 PM): *Inside, things look mostly the same as before, though Karin's moved a table from against the wall to a more central position in the room. A few books and sheets of parchment are arranged on it in preparation for tonight, and Karin herself seems to be in the process of heating a teakettle on a flat stone in the near corner.*
Idran1701 (6:01:10 PM): *looks over, smiling* Well, just in time.
CGNakibe (6:01:39 PM): *nods* I didn't want to be late, so I hurried over as best I could.
Idran1701 (6:02:47 PM): *nods* You can go ahead and set your supplies on the table. I wasn't sure if you'd have any, so I set some out myself.
CGNakibe (6:06:50 PM): Wasn't entirely sure myself of what to bring... so... I just brought these. *lays out his supplies neatly*
Idran1701 (6:08:28 PM): *nodding, she sets out a pair of cups, and pours* I found a few books, myself...it has been a while since I've done any research myself, and I wasn't entirely sure what you had in mind, so I'm not sure how useful they'll be...
Idran1701 (6:08:50 PM): ...I guess that's the first thing to talk about, then? *small chuckle*
CGNakibe (6:10:25 PM): That's probably true. Perhaps some research into illusions to start? They've been rather useful lately. o.o
Idran1701 (6:11:56 PM): ...*snickers* Well, that's something I'd be able to help you with, at least. And I'm sure my being an illusionist hasn't influenced your decision, has it, Arian?
CGNakibe (6:13:02 PM): *grins slightly* Perhaps just a tad. Its just one of the few schools that makes sense to me. I don't often USE it, mind...
Idran1701 (6:14:05 PM): *chuckling, she carries the cups over to the table, and takes a seat* Well, it's somewhere to start from, then.
CGNakibe (6:15:51 PM): Indeed. *takes a seat as well* Hm.
Idran1701 (6:17:05 PM): It's certainly a fairly broad field...did you have any specific ideas?
Idran1701 (6:17:21 PM): *setting a cup in front of Arian, she takes her own and sips*
CGNakibe (6:17:59 PM): I was wondering when we were in that town how much better things might've gone if I was able to make it actually sound like there was a decent sized army there.
CGNakibe (6:18:04 PM): Instead of one or two whispers in the dark.
Idran1701 (6:20:06 PM): *nods* That certainly would have been more helpful. Hmm...something still generally like a basic ventriloquism spell? Though I'm not sure how you could get that same effect without just repeating the same words again and again...
CGNakibe (6:20:46 PM): That's a good question. Would you have to concentrate on each person individually? Or would it require thinking of some sort of background noise...
Idran1701 (6:21:24 PM): *nods*
Idran1701 (6:22:51 PM): One of my illusion spells work that way, creating the sounds of multiple people. But the trouble is making it believable.
Idran1701 (6:23:24 PM): And it doesn't quite work for voices as well as general noise.
CGNakibe (6:23:34 PM): Its usually easier to make one or two people voices, yes. And more practical when you can make all their whisperings unique.
Idran1701 (6:23:48 PM): *nods* True.
Idran1701 (6:24:47 PM): But I can't imagine the amount of mental strength someone would need to concentrate on that many distinct voices and their separate words.
Idran1701 (6:24:52 PM): Let alone layering them atop one another.
CGNakibe (6:25:07 PM): It would probably be easier if you had a focus of some sort. Perhaps a stone which was enchanted with words.
Idran1701 (6:26:38 PM): Hmm...that's an interesting idea. I've done a bit with that, placing enchantments into stones.
CGNakibe (6:26:39 PM): Or... Hmm... *seems to be in thought*
Idran1701 (6:26:43 PM): Hmm?
CGNakibe (6:26:51 PM): You have? Because I haven't seemed too good at that myself.
Idran1701 (6:27:39 PM): *nods* I had to develop a special spell to do it, though.
Idran1701 (6:28:07 PM): The idea's based on the sensory stones, but...*standing, she heads to her bookcase* You remember my illusory sculpting?
CGNakibe (6:28:16 PM): *nods* Somewhat.
Idran1701 (6:29:05 PM): Well, this was the best way I could think to...to keep something I'd finished. *she picks up one of the stones, which very lightly glows as she handles it, and heads back to the table*
CGNakibe (6:29:21 PM): Hm? *studies this intently*
Idran1701 (6:30:55 PM): Placing it within the stone, so it can be sent out later. *he can see her focus just a bit more, and an image appears floating above the jewel; it appears to be a bust of a young man, no more than perhaps 18, though the quality's honestly not as great as he may expect from her*
CGNakibe (6:31:57 PM): Interesting.... though it seems a little different from your normal quality.
Idran1701 (6:33:33 PM): ...Ah...*chuckles a little, just slightly blushing* Yes, this was one of my first ones. I think I did this one...oh, maybe 2 months after I'd come to Sigil.
Idran1701 (6:34:06 PM): And almost a month and a half of that was spent making this spell, off and on. *chuckles*
CGNakibe (6:34:28 PM): The spell has held that long? o.o Definitely better than my creations to date, then.
Idran1701 (6:34:58 PM): Well, it's...a really simple spell, honestly.
Idran1701 (6:35:22 PM): It's about as complicated as a spell to write words on paper, only...only it writes the illusion into the gemstone, you could say.
Idran1701 (6:36:01 PM): Then a permanent spell of light inside allows it to glow out.
CGNakibe (6:36:07 PM): Ah. o.o
Idran1701 (6:36:28 PM): The hardest part was finding a way to make that more controllable, really. *She sets the gemstone down, letting the illusion remain hovering*
Idran1701 (6:37:44 PM): ...But maybe something similar to this?
CGNakibe (6:37:58 PM): Perhaps. It could probably work well as a focus for the idea anyway.
Idran1701 (6:38:00 PM): *nod*
Idran1701 (6:38:08 PM): Recording the sounds would probably be difficult, though...
CGNakibe (6:38:10 PM): Something to perhaps shortcut the process of creating new and differing sounds.
CGNakibe (6:38:18 PM): *frowns* yes, it probably would.
Idran1701 (6:40:01 PM): ...Hmm.
Idran1701 (6:40:36 PM): ...And even if they were, that could only create the same sounds that had been recorded by the focus. That would make it a bit more limited.
CGNakibe (6:41:14 PM): Perhaps, but most people when they hear a crowd coming don't stop to notice individual voices. Usually, anyway.
Idran1701 (6:41:19 PM): *nods*
Idran1701 (6:41:43 PM): ...Well, with that being the case...why do they have to be different words?
Idran1701 (6:41:55 PM): Maybe a spell that works like your ventriloquism spell...but it echoes itself?
CGNakibe (6:41:57 PM): ... Hm.
CGNakibe (6:42:05 PM): That's an excellent idea. o.o
CGNakibe (6:42:13 PM): ... wait.
CGNakibe (6:42:38 PM): Hm.
Idran1701 (6:43:01 PM): What is it?
CGNakibe (6:43:48 PM): I was just thinking... usually when I hear an echo I don't normally mistake it as a different person. But I've only heard them a few times.
Idran1701 (6:44:39 PM): ...Hmm. *frowns* That's a good point.
CGNakibe (6:46:55 PM): Hm.
CGNakibe (6:47:14 PM): The only solution I can think of is more recordings, which would put even more strain on the spell.
Idran1701 (6:47:33 PM): *nods*
Idran1701 (6:48:27 PM): ...Oh!
CGNakibe (6:49:01 PM): What is it? o.o You have something?
Idran1701 (6:49:20 PM): *smiles just short of a grin* What if the spell made each echo slightly different?
Idran1701 (6:49:54 PM): Not just repeating the voice, but...making it sound louder, or quieter, or deeper, or higher...altering it differently everytime it makes the same noise?
CGNakibe (6:50:10 PM): ... now THAT would work. o.o
CGNakibe (6:52:21 PM): Perhaps induce a small element of chaos could be used for that...
Idran1701 (6:52:44 PM): *nods*
Idran1701 (6:53:37 PM): I don't know much of that sort of magic myself, but I'm sure we could find some resource for that.
CGNakibe (6:55:00 PM): *nods* Its worth a try, at least.
Idran1701 (6:55:27 PM): *nod* It still might be tricky, though...it'd have to repeat things quite a bit for people to not tell that it's the same words again and again...
Idran1701 (6:55:43 PM): ...though of course, that'd give it more credibility as a crowd, I suppose. *smiles*
CGNakibe (6:56:59 PM): Excellent.
Idran1701 (6:59:50 PM): The repetition might be a little tricky...even for meaningless noise, with my own enchantments I'd be pushing myself with a spell that was more than perhaps a dozen people or so.
CGNakibe (7:01:52 PM): Is there anyone else about who might be able to help us with this? Because it seems more than a bit taxing.
Idran1701 (7:04:40 PM): ...Actually, there is a friend of mine around who might be able to help. She's working today, but this late I'd imagine she'd have finished by now.
CGNakibe (7:05:06 PM): Ah. Rather convenient for us, I should think. Not that I'm complaining.
Idran1701 (7:06:36 PM): *chuckles* Well, not quite that convienant. She's a mage, but she's far from an illusionist. Most Sensates generally shy away from illusions.
CGNakibe (7:07:12 PM): That's... actually somewhat odd, perhaps. o.o I... think I may see why, but still it strikes me as strange.
Idran1701 (7:09:56 PM): *grins* I actually feel the same way about it. The ones I've talked to have tried to explain it, but I find it just as strange. As far as I can tell, it's the idea of cloaking the truth of an experience, for oneself and others.
Idran1701 (7:10:28 PM): Personally, though? I just see it as an experience in itself. And it's certainly useful for recording a true experience just as well as creating a false one.
CGNakibe (7:11:04 PM): Well, if you're experiencing the illusion, isn't it real enough to you for the moment?
CGNakibe (7:11:21 PM): For however long it seems to function for you, since these things are often variable.
Idran1701 (7:11:58 PM): *nods* That's exactly how I feel about it.
Idran1701 (7:12:50 PM): It's like that silly question about how you can tell if you're dreaming or awake. If it feels real to you and you can't tell the difference, it's as good as real, isn't it?
CGNakibe (7:13:10 PM): That's how I've always thought, myself.
Idran1701 (7:14:28 PM): *nods* And if enough people believe something's real, eventually it comes about anyway, so what's the problem?
Idran1701 (7:14:41 PM): ...Oh, right, you probably aren't familiar with that yet?
CGNakibe (7:14:58 PM): Perhaps it has something to do with wanting to cate.. eventually becomes real? o.o How does that work out, exactly?
Idran1701 (7:15:22 PM): *smiles, chuckling softly* Sorry. Sometimes I forget you're a Prime, Arian.
Idran1701 (7:15:36 PM): It's the power of belief here on the planes. The Outer Planes, at least.
CGNakibe (7:15:41 PM): *nods* That's quite alright.
Idran1701 (7:15:44 PM): There's a reason most gods choose to dwell here.
CGNakibe (7:15:55 PM): So.... if enough people believe in something... it becomes real? o.o
Idran1701 (7:16:21 PM): *nods* Do you remember those wrecked towns in Avernus?
CGNakibe (7:16:35 PM): Somewhat. o.o
Idran1701 (7:16:54 PM): Those used to be gate-towns to Baator.
Idran1701 (7:17:04 PM): Gate-towns are always a little like their planes, but if they become close enough...
CGNakibe (7:17:06 PM): .... *DEEP frown at that*
CGNakibe (7:17:17 PM): And I assume many of the people there were taken.
Idran1701 (7:17:50 PM): ...*frowns* More than likely. The only way for the town to return to the Outlands would be for enough people to believe in a manner far enough from the plane, but by the time they've shifted...
Idran1701 (7:17:58 PM): ...Especially with a plane as...tyrannical as Baator.
Idran1701 (7:20:08 PM): It's sad, but...truth be told, it wouldn't occur if most of the citizens of the town didn't have that sort of darkness in their hearts already.
CGNakibe (7:20:39 PM): So... what does that mean for Sigil, persay? Just curious.
Idran1701 (7:21:02 PM): ...I'm...not sure. I never considered it.
CGNakibe (7:21:14 PM): o.o Hmm..
Idran1701 (7:21:29 PM): ...If anyone did try to influence Sigil in that way, though, I'm certain She'd remove them before it managed to have any effect, though.
CGNakibe (7:21:44 PM): She? o.o
Idran1701 (7:21:54 PM): ...The...*quick glance to the window*
Idran1701 (7:22:02 PM): ...The Lady of Pain. The ruler of Sigil.
CGNakibe (7:22:17 PM): ... o.o *curious curious* Hm. First I've heard of this... and I assume that this is for a reason.
Idran1701 (7:22:46 PM): ...*nods* Not many like to talk of her...worry that even mentioning her will bring her wrath.
Idran1701 (7:23:02 PM): She's to thank for the prohibition on deities existing within the Cage.
Idran1701 (7:24:13 PM): They say she controls the portals of the city, and her Dabus are the ones that build and repair the buildings and streets.
Idran1701 (7:27:42 PM): ...She might sound like a tyrant herself, but she rarely acts. The only ones to truly suffer are the ones that draw her attention for one reason or another...usually people trying to use Sigil for their own purposes.
CGNakibe (7:28:05 PM): *nods* So.... she's keeping this place a neutral territory of sorts. o.o
Idran1701 (7:28:12 PM): *nods*
CGNakibe (7:28:16 PM): That actually may be handy to some of the Gods, I'd imagine.
Idran1701 (7:28:22 PM): They aren't allowed entry.
Idran1701 (7:28:26 PM): She keeps them out.
CGNakibe (7:28:34 PM): And their servants? o.o
Idran1701 (7:28:48 PM): Oh. *nods* They're allowed, yes.
Idran1701 (7:29:32 PM): They just can't try to claim Sigil as their territory. Not without being Mazed, at least.
CGNakibe (7:29:58 PM): As a neutral territory it would be most handy for any Gods willing to resolve differences.
Idran1701 (7:30:06 PM): *nods* I imagine so.
Idran1701 (7:31:20 PM): I know some fiends use it for that as well. Somewhere beyond the Blood War where they can discuss things when necessary.

*chuckles humorlessly* Of course, that usually ends up in violence itself, from what I hear, but not nearly as bad as actual warfare, at least.
CGNakibe (7:32:05 PM): Some small comforts.
Idran1701 (7:32:14 PM): *nods*
Idran1701 (7:32:48 PM): ...*chuckles* I pulled us a little off track, didn't I?
CGNakibe (7:33:53 PM): Not to worry. Its good to know all of this. At the very least it's best to know more about where I am right now.
Idran1701 (7:35:23 PM): *nods, smiling* Maybe I'll find a guidebook for you. Something a little better than tracking down some random tout and asking them about Sigil and the planes.
CGNakibe (7:36:00 PM): *chuckles* Something that makes me feel less like I'm allowing myself to be robbed WOULD be nice.
Idran1701 (7:37:33 PM): *chuckles back* I remember that feeling. It can be rough, your first time here, even for a Planar.
Idran1701 (7:37:51 PM): If you're a...*snickers* "Clueless"? That just makes things even worse, I imagine.
CGNakibe (7:40:02 PM): Indeed.
Idran1701 (7:41:00 PM): *stands* Do you want me to go track down that friend of mine? Her room's a ways down, but I shouldn't be too long.
CGNakibe (7:42:23 PM): Oh, yes. Certainly. Do you think I should come iwth you, or stay here?
Idran1701 (7:42:50 PM): Oh, you can stay here if you'd like. I don't especially mind either way.
CGNakibe (7:44:04 PM): *nods* I'll go with you, if you please.
Idran1701 (7:45:27 PM): *smiling a bit, she nods* All right, then.
CGNakibe (7:45:39 PM): *stands*
Idran1701 (7:46:07 PM): *and Karin heads for the door, holding it open* After you?
CGNakibe (7:46:20 PM): Why thank you.
Idran1701 (7:47:55 PM): *and the two head out, Karin leading the way down the hall*
Idran1701 (7:49:58 PM): *Each door seems its own small piece of creativity as they walk; for each, the details differ in some slight way. The wood of the door, the material of the knob, the design of the panel. And even more impressively, none clash, each seeming to flow into the adjacent rooms' doors with a key sense of aesthetic.*
Idran1701 (7:50:16 PM): *And even better, not much chance of mistakenly arriving at the wrong room.*
CGNakibe (7:50:52 PM): IM: Interesting design indeed.
Idran1701 (7:51:37 PM): *glances to Arian's faded, but still high-quality, robes, and snickers a bit* I almost feel a little underdressed next to you.
Idran1701 (7:56:12 PM): I hope you're not too embarassed to be seen out with me in this. *she gestures to her comparatively-simpler dress, looking to Arian with a spark of amusement in her eyes*
CGNakibe (7:56:49 PM): Why would I be embarassed to be seen with you, Karinska?
CGNakibe (7:57:01 PM): o.o I mean, you're beautiful, and I'm... well...
Idran1701 (7:59:12 PM): *chuckles* Oh, you're fairly handsome yourself, Arian. If there's one thing I'm glad that noble upbringing gave you, it's grooming.
CGNakibe (7:59:28 PM): *blushes* Well, I do try to keep up, at least...
Idran1701 (8:03:06 PM): *She snickers a little, continuing down the hall...though Arian thinks he can just barely make out the signs of some relief in her face, almost imperceptible, and something that by the rest of Karin's attitude, even she seems unaware of. As the two walk, Arian can just feel the slightest flutter of her wingtips on his far arm, though the semi-embrace looks to be a bit unconscious on her part.*
CGNakibe (8:03:35 PM): *says nothing, and continues walking*
Idran1701 (8:05:59 PM): I think you'll like Marina. She's been a close friend of mine almost since I first came to Sigil.
CGNakibe (8:06:46 PM): *nods* How did you two meet?
Idran1701 (8:07:42 PM): *chuckles* It was a bar, actually. Well, an inn with a bar below, where I was staying.
Idran1701 (8:08:08 PM): I was trying to find work, then. I was fairly lost, with the size of the city and all. She brought me into the Sensates.
CGNakibe (8:10:34 PM): Ah. Good time to find a friend, I must say.
Idran1701 (8:10:38 PM): *nods*
Idran1701 (8:12:30 PM): ...I should probably tell you before you see her...*looks a bit nervous, though a different sort than Arian's seen before between the two of them*
CGNakibe (8:12:58 PM): Tell me about what? o.o
CGNakibe (8:15:32 PM): Karinska... what is it? o.o
Idran1701 (8:19:03 PM): ...Well...I'm just not sure how you'll react. But...we were...involved for a short time, after I joined the Sensates. About two months. I was caught up in the faction ideal, and I thought there might be something there that wasn't. She understood, and things ended well enough between us...*smirks a bit awkwardly* She's actually engaged now to a painter herself, funny as it is. A Xaositect...Emily, I think her name is.

But that's beside the point...I thought I should tell you before you see her. Does that...bother you, that I'm friends with someone I was involved with before you?
CGNakibe (8:19:58 PM): ... I... um... No. I don't think so. o.o; IM: What am I supposed to SAY about that?
Idran1701 (8:21:22 PM): ...All right. *nods* I was just a little worried...that was one of the first things that went bad in my last relationship. He was upset that I was still friends with Marina...he actually thought I might end up cheating on him. Pft.
CGNakibe (8:21:24 PM): IM: *sighs* You'll just... eh. She's just a friend, right? A good friend.
CGNakibe (8:21:50 PM): *nods*
Idran1701 (8:22:41 PM): ...You're sure it doesn't bother you?
CGNakibe (8:23:06 PM): To be honest, it does a little... but.. she's your friend, yes?
Idran1701 (8:23:46 PM): *nods*
CGNakibe (8:23:50 PM): Well then, I'll just have to deal with it.
Idran1701 (8:25:05 PM): ...*smiles, brushing his shoulder* Thanks, Arian. And I promise you, you have nothing to worry about. I ended it for a reason.
CGNakibe (8:26:41 PM): *nods* Um. Okay, Karinska.
Idran1701 (8:29:43 PM): *Karin picks up along the hall, a little more slowly now, though. Smiling a little, she looks to Arian* ...I'll try to think of a way to make this up to you. I know I sprung this on you a little suddenly...I probably should have just trusted you'd understand.
CGNakibe (8:30:24 PM): *shakes his head* No no, don't worry about it...
Idran1701 (8:31:19 PM): *glancing ahead, she seems to spot a door, and starts heading towards it* No, I should.
Idran1701 (8:32:48 PM): Here's her room, though...we can talk about that later, I guess.
Idran1701 (8:35:43 PM): *she knocks, waiting pensively as she glances to Arian*
CGNakibe (8:37:50 PM): *gives Karinska a smile, and turns to wait*
Idran1701 (8:41:38 PM): *soon, the door is answered, and beyond is what appears to be the lone occupant; a human woman just slightly taller than Karin but still well under Arian's height, red-haired with twinkling black eyes, wearing a fairly well-designed, embroidered set of clothing.*

*She glances between the two of them, grinning to the winged woman* Karinska! I haven't seen you in days, where've you been?
CGNakibe (8:42:36 PM): IM: Huh.
Idran1701 (8:43:20 PM): *smiles a bit back* Hi, Marina. I've been...out of town. *snickers* I'll tell you about it later, though. Do you mind if we come in?
CGNakibe (8:43:53 PM): *gives a smile. Its kind of wavering, but no less a smile for that*
Idran1701 (8:44:14 PM): Oh, no, not at all. Sure, come on in. *looks back behind Karin* So, I'm guessing you're Arian?
CGNakibe (8:44:31 PM): Yes *nods* I'm pleased to meet you.
Idran1701 (8:45:13 PM): *chuckles* And I'm pleased to meet you too. Karin's told me quite a bit about you.
Idran1701 (8:45:50 PM): *Karin steps in, and Marina holds her hand out for Arian* Marina Sevrent.
CGNakibe (8:46:11 PM): *shakes hand eagerly* Oh? Hopefully she's told you good things.
Idran1701 (8:47:02 PM): *glancing back, she chuckles more while Karinska starts to blush a bit* Oh, don't worry, nothing but.
Idran1701 (8:48:00 PM): Go ahead and take a seat. What brings the two of you by here?
CGNakibe (8:48:24 PM): Well, we were actually looking for some help with a spell we were thinking up.
Idran1701 (8:48:48 PM): *inside looks vaguely the same as Karin's room, but the specifics vary greatly; it's reminiscent of the doors themselves, in fact. Different in details, but a style that still fits the room.* Oh? Getting back into research, Karin?
Idran1701 (8:49:33 PM): Well, it's mostly Arian's idea. He should be the one to tell you; it's only fair, Arian. *smiles towards him*
CGNakibe (8:49:52 PM): Well, considering the trouble we had while... well, out of town.
CGNakibe (8:50:19 PM): We were trying to create a spell that would sound like several people, perhaps even an army, all talking at once. Good distraction.
CGNakibe (8:52:06 PM): As we thought, we figured we'd be able to get it to work best using a focus of some sort. And what we ended up needing was something that would store a voice, and echo it.
Idran1701 (8:52:11 PM): *nods*
CGNakibe (8:52:14 PM): Varying the echoes enough to sound like different people.
Idran1701 (8:53:32 PM): Hmm. *a slight frown as she thinks it over a bit, but that soon fades, replaced with a more neutral expression, just short of cheerful* Well, nice idea. Creative, definitely. What's the trouble?
CGNakibe (8:54:22 PM): Well, the problem is that there's no way I could manage such a focus at the present. ^^;;;
Idran1701 (8:54:37 PM): Aha. *chuckles*
CGNakibe (8:54:45 PM): I'm sure Karinska could do better.
Idran1701 (8:55:33 PM): *snickers a bit herself* Oh, I'm not sure, Arian. I think both of us might have eyes a little bigger than our spellbooks right now.
CGNakibe (8:56:16 PM): Heh. Quite possible.
Idran1701 (8:57:44 PM): *thinking things over, looking off into the distance* Hmm. So, the way it is now, you'd need a spell to record a sound into a stone, then send it out over and over again later.
CGNakibe (8:57:56 PM): *nods* yes.
Idran1701 (8:58:28 PM): ...Hmm. The focus have to be a stone?
CGNakibe (8:59:19 PM): Don't think so at this point. Perhaps if a tuning fork or something similar were used it would be better.
Idran1701 (8:59:58 PM): *nods* That might be, yeah. But how about just use an area as the focus?
Idran1701 (9:00:09 PM): You know of the alarm spell? Fairly simple.
CGNakibe (9:00:30 PM): Hm. That's an excellent idea...
Idran1701 (9:00:41 PM): ...Alarm spell?
CGNakibe (9:01:20 PM): Although I only know the basic theory of it myself, as I've never seen it in action.
Idran1701 (9:01:54 PM): Um...*looks to Arian* I've heard the name, but I don't know the details.
Idran1701 (9:02:05 PM): Isn't it just a warding spell?
CGNakibe (9:08:19 PM): Something like that. Its designed so that it generates a sound when a specially prepared ward is broken.
Idran1701 (9:08:30 PM): Oh. *nod*
CGNakibe (9:08:32 PM): Enough to wake up most people.
CGNakibe (9:09:00 PM): IM: Although considering the ruckus a long while back, I'd not be surprised if Karl somehow slept through one anyway. >.<;;
Idran1701 (9:09:28 PM): It's not too complicated of a spell, but I'm not surprised you don't know it, Karin. Fairly far outside your specialty. *chuckles*
Idran1701 (9:09:55 PM): I've got a copy of it myself. I think the basic warding dwoemer could be adapted.
Idran1701 (9:10:18 PM): ...Hmm. Maybe have it timed instead, Arian?
CGNakibe (9:10:45 PM): *nods* That should work.
Idran1701 (9:14:09 PM): ...*glances to him quickly before looking back* Well, we might want to consult with you while the two of us research, then. Just now and again, I think the two of us can handle the worst of it. What do you think, Arian?
CGNakibe (9:14:41 PM): Hm. I'm not sure, since I've done this so few times before. But.... Hm. Yeah. I think we can make it work.
Idran1701 (9:15:42 PM): ...*nods, with a very slight smile as she looks over the two* Sure, I'll be glad to help where I can.
Idran1701 (9:16:15 PM): Don't worry, though, I won't butt in too much. *slight chuckle*
Idran1701 (9:17:47 PM): So, anything else?
CGNakibe (9:19:06 PM): Nothing else that I can think of.
Idran1701 (9:20:08 PM): All right. Pleasure meeting you, Arian, even if it wasn't for long. Betting I'll see you around here more often, though? *small smirk*
CGNakibe (9:20:33 PM): *chuckles* I don't think I'd mind that.
Idran1701 (9:22:44 PM): *Marina nods, and turns to Karinska, grinning and giving her a hug, though a platonic-looking one* We'll have to meet up sometime, Karin, so you can tell me what happened.
Idran1701 (9:23:26 PM): *chuckles* Sure, soon. It was quite the story.

Well, should we head back, Arian?
CGNakibe (9:23:55 PM): *nods* Indeed. I'll see you later, Marina.
Idran1701 (9:25:40 PM): *Marina gets the door for the two of them, chuckling to the two of them as Karin steps out of the room* You two have fun with your research, all right?
Idran1701 (9:30:18 PM): *After Marina closes the door, Karin stands quietly in the hall for now, watching Arian's reaction before speaking herself*
CGNakibe (9:31:45 PM): ...*blushes* Um... Sure... Yeah. <.<;;;
Idran1701 (9:34:10 PM): *another light chuckling can be heard, and the two of them are left alone again*

...Well...that wasn't too uncomfortable, was it?
CGNakibe (9:34:20 PM): Not as much as expected...
Idran1701 (9:36:21 PM): ...*nods* I'm glad you weren't too bothered. I'll admit...I was a little worried about what might end up happening.
CGNakibe (9:36:39 PM): ... I kind of like her already.
Idran1701 (9:36:45 PM): ...Oh?
CGNakibe (9:37:09 PM): Seems nice enough, at least. And you are her friend, right? That's bound to bias my opinion a bit.
CGNakibe (9:37:14 PM): *smiles*
Idran1701 (9:38:50 PM): ...*chuckles a bit, blushing* All right.

Well...let's start in on the real research. I think I can make a bit of a meal for us, so we can stay in and work.
CGNakibe (9:40:12 PM): Need any help with that? Perhaps I could try just a bit...
Idran1701 (9:40:39 PM): Oh, sure, if you'd like. You cook?
CGNakibe (9:41:59 PM): Well, Um. I've TRIED to cook before... 9.9;;;
Idran1701 (9:42:07 PM): ...What happened?
CGNakibe (9:42:37 PM): Um.... *thinks* Perhaps... its best if I let you cook and I watch. 9.9;;
CGNakibe (9:43:05 PM): Or help. Or something else not involving the cooking of the food.
Idran1701 (9:43:37 PM): *snickers* How about I try to show you a bit?
CGNakibe (9:44:01 PM): That would be good. I mean, if you don't mind...
Idran1701 (9:44:47 PM): Oh, not at all. As long as you show me how to ride someday? *smiles, starting down the hall*
CGNakibe (9:45:44 PM): Certainly. Anytime you wish.
Idran1701 (9:46:34 PM): (And cut here?)
CGNakibe (9:46:59 PM): (Its a good place, say I.)
Idran1701 (9:47:01 PM): (*nod*)
Idran1701 (9:47:30 PM): (We can work out the mechanics-wise details of the planned spell later.

Have to say, though, this was the most fun DM/Player spell development interaction I've done. :D)
CGNakibe (9:48:04 PM): (Wish I could've been a good bit more technically-minded so I could make up enough theory and observation here. >:P)
CGNakibe (9:48:07 PM): (But I always wish that.)
Idran1701 (9:48:13 PM): (Heh.)
Idran1701 (9:48:49 PM): (I think it went well enough. Personally, I was trying to hint at mechanics ICly without going into too much detail, myself.)
Idran1701 (9:49:16 PM): (Don't know if you caught this minor part, but Abjuration's a barred school for Illusionists. :D)
CGNakibe (9:49:37 PM): (*nods* I vaguely remember this.)
Idran1701 (9:51:35 PM): (Anyway, it'll be a minimum of a week before Arian and Karinska will finish the spell, so it'll be a few sessions before we get the specific results of the attempt. If it fails, it'll be another week after that, and so on.)
Idran1701 (9:53:00 PM): (Also; Zero and Pervy's session's coming up in a few minutes. Want to lurk?)
CGNakibe (9:53:26 PM): Most definitely.
CGNakibe is away at 12:10:34 AM.
CGNakibe returned at 1:40:10 AM.
CGNakibe signed off at 1:47:24 AM.