Idran1701 (7:53:36 PM): ARE YOU HOME YET? >:
SongstressEnlil (7:53:42 PM): *YES*
Idran1701 (7:53:48 PM): GOOD >:
Idran1701 (7:53:57 PM): When you want to take care of Karl's deal?
SongstressEnlil (7:54:12 PM): *When youse good, I'm good*
Idran1701 (7:59:14 PM): *nod* Hour from now all right?
SongstressEnlil (7:59:27 PM): *Ort to be*
Idran1701 (9:11:20 PM): :O
SongstressEnlil (9:11:31 PM): * :]*
Idran1701 (9:12:05 PM): Good to go?
SongstressEnlil (9:12:17 PM): *Aye!*
Idran1701 (9:13:53 PM): *nod* Pick up just when Karl gets to the bar?
SongstressEnlil (9:14:13 PM): *Coitenly!*
Idran1701 (9:14:45 PM): Karl's not going to be a Stooge in this session, is he? >:
Idran1701 (9:15:42 PM): BECAUSE IF HE IS
SongstressEnlil (9:15:46 PM): *...Maybe.*
SongstressEnlil (9:15:52 PM): *I can't rule it out.*
SongstressEnlil (9:16:12 PM): *Factol: You just said the secret woid!*
Idran1701 (9:16:21 PM): >:
Idran1701 (9:16:29 PM): MARX BROTHER AT MOST.
Idran1701 (9:16:46 PM): He can be either Harpo or Zeppo.
Idran1701 (9:17:06 PM): (I'm the DM, I get Groucho.)
Idran1701 (9:19:11 PM): Deal?
SongstressEnlil (9:19:31 PM): *Kay*
Idran1701 (9:19:36 PM): :D
Idran1701 (9:19:43 PM): <WELL THEN>
SongstressEnlil (9:20:02 PM): <*Pulls an Apparatus of Kwalish out of his coat*>
Idran1701 (9:20:14 PM): (Hahaha. :D)
Idran1701 (9:23:18 PM): *Karl's had more than a few successes in his researches, and his efforts have pointed him towards Liberty Hall. Here, perhaps he'll have a chance at making his next step on the way back to Legunda.*
Idran1701 (9:24:15 PM): *Not a hard place to find, being right in the shadow of the City Barracks.*
Idran1701 (9:24:47 PM): *He spots the building easily enough, a few Hardheads heading in and out as he walks up.*
SongstressEnlil (9:26:06 PM): *Makes his way in, trying to seem more or less nonchalant. This is entirely an act, for there is a gnawing dread that someone is going to recognize him and everything will go to hell.*
Idran1701 (9:29:04 PM): *He walks in slowly, and all eyes are on him almost right away; he's the only one in here not dressed in the reds of the Harmonium, after all. There doesn't seem to be any recognition from anyone, but it's still a disorienting experience. A door on the far wall is labeled "Officer's Club"; seems to be the spot for the higher-ups, he figures. This front area, though, seems to be open enough for him to stay.*
SongstressEnlil (9:31:07 PM): *Looks around for someplace to sit that is not too crowded, but also not too far away from a decent number of people; trying to minimize standing out with forcing his way in*

IM: This feels like walking into a city guard barracks... Well, that is what they are. At least there are no zombies, this time.
Idran1701 (9:31:36 PM): (Bar or booth?)
SongstressEnlil (9:32:15 PM): (Bar, optimal for meeting people.)
Idran1701 (9:34:26 PM): *He heads over to the bar, taking a seat while the Hardheads watch him. Some drop their hands to their weapons out of reflex, but in general people seem to relax as they see he's harmless enough, going back to their own conversations.*
Idran1701 (9:34:52 PM): *The bartender heads over, a bit surprised; even he's in leathers right now* ...Well, you're a new face. What can I get you?
SongstressEnlil (9:35:49 PM): *Tries not to stare at the weapon-grabbers, and looks over toward the bartender.* I'd like a scotch, please. I hear its quite remarkable.
Idran1701 (9:37:35 PM): ...*nods* Right. *he heads back to the wall, throwing a glance back every so often to him as he pours a glass*
Idran1701 (9:38:40 PM): *one of his neighbors glances over, trying to sound friendly* ...Well, you're a brave sort. Looking to join, or just a thrillseeker?
SongstressEnlil (9:41:59 PM): Not quite, although I have been considering joining. I have a sort of business with the faction, and was hoping to get a little more comfortable before going to pursue it.
Idran1701 (9:45:00 PM): *nods* Well, certainly a straightforward way of going about it. *he holds out a hand as Karl is scotched* Trevor.
SongstressEnlil (9:45:27 PM): *Takes it* Karl.
Idran1701 (9:46:05 PM): *nods* So, you said you had some business? Mind if I ask what?
SongstressEnlil (9:47:17 PM): Ah, its a bit delicate to discuss in public. *Nervous grin which isn't quite so much acting as he wishes*
Idran1701 (9:53:27 PM): (Sorry, got distracted by silliness.)
Idran1701 (9:53:53 PM): Oh? Delicate in what way? A legal matter?
SongstressEnlil (9:56:33 PM): A matter of diplomacy, really.
Idran1701 (9:59:49 PM): Oh? Diplomacy with the Harmonium? Who'd you be representing? Or is that the delicate part?
SongstressEnlil (10:00:44 PM): *Nods* That it is.
SongstressEnlil (10:04:45 PM): But, I expect there is no harm in saying I represent a Prime Material world. I also expect you've puzzled it out for yourself.
Idran1701 (10:05:56 PM): *chuckles* It's not my job to puzzle things out. But I think I have a general idea.
SongstressEnlil (10:06:47 PM): What is your job, if I may? *samples the scotch! Calmed nerves is a good thing*
Idran1701 (10:09:47 PM): I keep the peace here in Sigil, same as most of my faction brothers here. You?
SongstressEnlil (10:12:16 PM): I was a scholar back home, mostly in the branch of historical research.
Idran1701 (10:12:31 PM): Oh? Interesting background for a diplomat.
SongstressEnlil (10:13:43 PM): Well, in my case, my position of diplomat is less from training and more from being able to reach Sigil. There is little in the way of known gates.
Idran1701 (10:14:49 PM): *gives a slightly suspicious look now* Oh? Why not go through the official channels back home?
SongstressEnlil (10:16:23 PM): Time is also an issue. Doing so would take far too long. I am hoping, however, to deal with that issue and let a more proper process take place at the pace it requires.
Idran1701 (10:17:54 PM): ...*after a pause, he nods, trying to look friendly again* Ah. I understand. As necessary as they are, the proper ways can take time.
Idran1701 (10:18:12 PM): You may be a bit out of luck, though. Prime matters aren't handled by the local branch.
Idran1701 (10:20:00 PM): You'll need to get authorization to head to the home office for that.
SongstressEnlil (10:21:53 PM): *Nods* I see.

IM: Damn it! By the time I untangle this, they might as well let the Kazerian take over, he'll practically have it done anyways!

*Sips the scotch again and tries to put on a smile* I...was afraid that may be the case. Thank you for the warning.
Idran1701 (10:24:17 PM): *...If nothing else, at least he's getting a fairly well-made drink here. This is just what a good single malt should be.*

Just what sort of time issues are you looking at here?
SongstressEnlil (10:26:21 PM): Well...

*looks doubtful for a moment, trying to determine how much he should let slip in public for all and sundry to overhear.*

...in the sense of lives being lost as time goes on.
Idran1701 (10:28:14 PM): *confused* Lives lost? The only lives lost'd be...

...*his expression hardens as he takes a sip* I see.
SongstressEnlil (10:29:15 PM): *Does his hardening seem more along the line of sober realization or filing Karl away as The Enemy?*
Idran1701 (10:29:44 PM): *the latter, but he seems open for hearing the truth, at least*
SongstressEnlil (10:31:55 PM): I think you understand why this is delicate, now. The matter, however, is more dire.

*Finishes the drink* I need to get to work, thank you the conversation, I feel much better about things, now.
Idran1701 (10:33:29 PM): ...If you came in here, there has to be more to it. Any agent of...*lowers his voice so he's not overheard* ...Any agent of chaos that'd come here wouldn't just bother sitting quietly in conversation.
SongstressEnlil (10:37:07 PM): *lowers his own voice* I do not represent agents of chaos. But, the one who has involved the Harmonium has convinced your leaders otherwise. *Reaches for the glass again, before recalling he finished it.* I came because, honestly, I needed to settle my nerves. I am going to have to show your leaders what has happened, and I dread what will happen to me and my world if I fail.
Idran1701 (10:43:21 PM): ...*he nods and takes out a piece of parchment, ripping off a strip and scribbling down something* Apply for an emergency access pass, tell them you have an important correction to register involving a protection issue for your world. This is the form number, make sure they give you the right one. You should get what you need within 48 hours. Not immediate, but the waiting list for a standard access pass is two weeks. This is the fastest you could be sped through the system without being a Harmonium member yourself.
SongstressEnlil (10:45:44 PM): *Takes it* I deeply appreciate your help, Trevor. When this has been settled, I will make certain that your assitance is known.
Idran1701 (10:46:08 PM): *shakes his head* It's my duty.
Idran1701 (10:46:21 PM): If someone's been misleading the Harmonium, the truth will have to come out.
SongstressEnlil (10:48:02 PM): *A pause*

Having your surname would help with that. And it's your duty, being applied in a manner than best serves the truth, my world, and your faction. Recognition of such attentiveness to a small matter in the name of duty begs recognition.
SongstressEnlil (10:49:53 PM): *Stands, and motions to the barkeep*
Idran1701 (10:50:15 PM): ...Trevor Ullman.
Idran1701 (10:50:34 PM): *he nods, stepping over* Leaving? That'll be 4 silver.
Idran1701 (10:50:43 PM): I appreciate your thought, Karl.
SongstressEnlil (10:51:46 PM): *Fishes such out, or give him a gold if sufficient lesser coinage is unavailable*
Idran1701 (10:52:08 PM): *just enough*
SongstressEnlil (10:52:43 PM): I appreciate your assistance.

*Out he goes!*
Idran1701 (10:53:06 PM): *out!*
Idran1701 (10:53:16 PM): *To the Barracks, I assume?*
SongstressEnlil (10:53:53 PM): *Yes! Looking over the bit of parchment so he knows exactly what to ask for*
Idran1701 (10:54:41 PM): *he looks down, checking the strip he was given, as a voice comes up from behind him!*

A word, please.
Idran1701 (10:54:59 PM): *It's an odd-sounding monotone, skin-crawling to his ears*
SongstressEnlil (10:55:00 PM): *Looks back.*
Idran1701 (10:55:14 PM): *...One of those strange black-garbed fellows, staring at him.*
SongstressEnlil (10:55:30 PM): *Stares for a moment.*
SongstressEnlil (10:55:47 PM): *Then speaks* Have we met?
Idran1701 (10:55:54 PM): ...No.
Idran1701 (10:56:08 PM): But...you know something. Something we wish to know.
SongstressEnlil (10:57:11 PM): *Skincrawling sensation ahoy, as well as a fight or flight response fighting to the surface*

Who are you? I've seen someone in your garb before, I though it was a single person following me.
Idran1701 (10:58:18 PM): (If you need mental refreshment; a long black duster, tied closed, black leather pants, gloves, and boots. Opaque glasses held tight around his eyes, and a completely hairless skull. Slightly-pointed ears, about half-elf level.)
SongstressEnlil (10:58:38 PM): (...Aha)
Idran1701 (10:58:44 PM): ...Who I am is...not important. The knowledge you have is.
Idran1701 (10:59:09 PM): We saw the...aura about you. We wish to know where you obtained it.
Idran1701 (10:59:11 PM): (d20!)
SongstressEnlil (10:59:31 PM): (12)
Idran1701 (11:00:06 PM): (The first time he saw one of these fellows, he had the Comprehend Languages spell up as he listened in to Guy and Thorn's conversation.)
SongstressEnlil (11:00:45 PM): (Indeed, I recall. Second time, i think, was when leaving Elysium for Soax (pronounced Bell).)
Idran1701 (11:00:56 PM): (*nod* Wasn't sure if you did. And yep.)
Idran1701 (11:01:09 PM): (That one was standing outside the Sigil/Elysium gate as they flew past on the phoenix.)
SongstressEnlil (11:01:37 PM): Why?
Idran1701 (11:02:43 PM): It is a simple request. We wish...to know more of it. You will show us? We can...greatly reward you.

*he smiles slowly, almost as if he's not entirely sure how*
SongstressEnlil (11:03:39 PM): IM: What sort of reward, I wonder?
SongstressEnlil (11:04:06 PM): May we discuss this later? I have business to attend to with the Harmonium.
Idran1701 (11:04:08 PM): (Forgot to mention, but I grinned greatly at that "Aha". :D)
SongstressEnlil (11:04:21 PM): (It was the glasses what gave it away)
Idran1701 (11:04:37 PM): ...Yes...later. Where shall we meet?
SongstressEnlil (11:06:13 PM): (Still fighting the urge to run to MC2)

Hmmm.

*looks about for a good place to hold a fairly private discussion, far enough to prevent causal overhearing from the Harmonium, but close enough to flee toward the Harmonium if he's attacked and have a good chance of getting police protection.
Idran1701 (11:06:36 PM): *Out on the street or some sort of establishment?*
SongstressEnlil (11:07:08 PM): *Street, but an establishment if there is nothing good.*
Idran1701 (11:08:03 PM): *Things are fairly well-kept and well-watched over this close to the Barracks...but there's an alley off about a half-dozen blocks that looks nicely dark and secluded.*
SongstressEnlil (11:09:08 PM): IM: Nothing.

*Establishments, then*
Idran1701 (11:11:30 PM): *There's not much in the way of taverns here besides Liberty Hall...mostly residences here...ah, there's a tailor, they often have private fitting rooms.*
Idran1701 (11:12:03 PM): *And what looks like a small gallery down the other way. Not so private, but easier to get out of if he has to.*
SongstressEnlil (11:13:11 PM): IM: Yes, that will do.

Meet me at that gallery *points* in...three hours or so. Should I not be there yet, wait. Wait in front if it closes. Will that be alright?
Idran1701 (11:13:45 PM): It will be...*thinks*...exquisite. We shall speak again in three hours.
Idran1701 (11:14:00 PM): *and he walks off, a strange fluidity to his movements as he leaves*
SongstressEnlil (11:15:06 PM): *Watches. Really, staring*

IM: Who is that?
Idran1701 (11:15:38 PM): (So, you want to get to the Barracks stuff, or jump right to the later meeting? Don't know how much there is that'd be interesting to RP there straight-out rather than just offscreen, but if you had something in mind there, I'm good. :D)
SongstressEnlil (11:15:56 PM): IM: How did they find me? Why do they want to know?
Idran1701 (11:16:16 PM): (On my end, it'd basically be "Karl goes to the DMV".)
SongstressEnlil (11:16:53 PM): (Hmmm. Nothing special planned, beyond taking Trevor's advice. He'll be willing to detail the problem if asked, and will honestly identify himself despite suspicion that he is wanted.)
Idran1701 (11:17:43 PM): (*nod* He would be, and they'd note that down on his form once it was turned in. They'd verify that he should come back in 48 hours for his escort to Ortho; would he have any guests?)
SongstressEnlil (11:19:07 PM): *(He doesn't know, but likely yes. Potentially up to <Party number including First>.)*
Idran1701 (11:19:40 PM): (*nod* That's fine, not everything can be predicted after all. (Unfortunately.))
Idran1701 (11:20:05 PM): (The whole deal'd probably be around an hour all together, with the waiting in line, the form filling out, the discussion, etc.)
SongstressEnlil (11:21:01 PM): *(Speedier than he hoped for! The rest of the time would be spent browsing the gallery, after a quick meal somewhere closeby that isn't Liberty Hall.)*
Idran1701 (11:22:54 PM): (*nod* Fortune's Wheel is close enough. Or if that's too high-priced for him, the Twelve Factols makes for a servicable second choice.)
SongstressEnlil (11:24:52 PM): *(Unless the exterior suggests the prices, the Wheel is it; otherwise he'll find out too late to leave without feeling like he's given everyone too much trouble. If he does divine this, Twelve Factols will be it.)*
Idran1701 (11:25:47 PM): (I imagine he would, yes. The Twelve Factols it is, and he's only down one gold after getting out. :D)
Idran1701 (11:27:32 PM): (On to the meeting? :O)
SongstressEnlil (11:27:51 PM): *(Da!)*
Idran1701 (11:28:34 PM): *time passes, Karl's hunger is well satiated, and he is on his way to the tailor's*
Idran1701 (11:28:56 PM): *inside, he spots the odd individual quickly, examining the curtains of a window as a customer might examine a silk shirt*
SongstressEnlil (11:29:04 PM): (*Gallery)
Idran1701 (11:29:14 PM): (...He said gallery? Bah, I misread.)
Idran1701 (11:29:20 PM): (Sorry, heh.)
Idran1701 (11:29:26 PM): (Was sure he said tailor's.)
SongstressEnlil (11:29:29 PM): (Salright, it happens)
Idran1701 (11:29:36 PM): (Scratch then!)
Idran1701 (11:30:02 PM): *Karl heads to the gallery, spotting the odd individual critically examining a load-bearing support*
Idran1701 (11:31:05 PM): *he turns as Karl heads towards him, staring him in the eye (he would assume) as he approaches*
SongstressEnlil (11:33:00 PM): *Nods to the Oddboy.* I see it's good that I'm early.

*Has a cursory look about. How crowded is it? And how bad's the echo?*
Idran1701 (11:33:59 PM): *It's fairly empty, and it looks like there's not much of one; seems to be designed to allow quiet conversations without disturbing one another.*
Idran1701 (11:34:11 PM): ...Your arts are...interesting.
SongstressEnlil (11:35:07 PM): *Does the pillar look particularly like it was meant to be art, or at least pleasing to the eye, or is it very utiliatarion?*
Idran1701 (11:35:22 PM): *The latter!*
SongstressEnlil (11:36:39 PM): IM: ...He thinks that is art? Well, I suppose that's just more proof he is not human.

Let us examine a few other exhibits while we talk. First, what shall I call you?
Idran1701 (11:37:15 PM): ...I am fifth of the Auraform.
SongstressEnlil (11:38:17 PM): *Another lookover, now comparing this guy to First*
Idran1701 (11:38:34 PM): *He doesn't resemble First at all, really.*
SongstressEnlil (11:39:11 PM): IM: Hmmm.

Fifth it is, then.
SongstressEnlil (11:39:26 PM): (May I C&P that to Zero, perhaps to mess with his head?)
Idran1701 (11:39:36 PM): (Sure. :D)
SongstressEnlil (11:40:04 PM): I am Karl Hendrick. *Walks toward the nearest empty exhibit while talking.* What is it that you wish from me, exactly?
Idran1701 (11:41:29 PM): We wish to know where your knowledge of this aura came from. We wish to...find it, to learn more.
SongstressEnlil (11:41:41 PM): Why is this?
Idran1701 (11:42:28 PM): ...We seek knowledge.
SongstressEnlil (11:44:29 PM): *Trying to get a sense of its sincerity from its tone. Something he is not necessarily tops at* For what purpose?

*Will also look over the exhibit when he reaches it.*
Idran1701 (11:46:16 PM): *It's a small sculpture on a pedestal of two elves facing away from one another, one female, one more ambiguously-gendered. Labelled "The Divide".*
Idran1701 (11:46:30 PM): *And Fifth's tone is still entirely flat and monotone.*
Idran1701 (11:48:05 PM): ...For...the purpose of learning more. About the multiverse.
SongstressEnlil (11:48:41 PM): *Nods* You have no plans to actually use this knowledge?
Idran1701 (11:49:36 PM): ...We do not use our knowledge, no. You will tell us where we can discover more of the Auraform.
SongstressEnlil (11:51:41 PM): *Looks at the statue for a moment, then continues on to the next exhibit.* Very well. I will tell you what I can. But first, you will have to tell me what you already know about it, so I may fill in the gaps more effectively.
Idran1701 (11:53:11 PM): ...You shall tell us all you know, and we shall...fill in the gaps more effectively that you possess. This is a fairer deal.
SongstressEnlil (11:54:29 PM): Very well.

I do not know exactly how I came to possess this, nor do I know what it looks like or does, exactly. I have never been able to see it as to examine it properly, or test it.
Idran1701 (11:55:32 PM): ...*he stares at Karl silently for now, waiting for more*
SongstressEnlil (11:56:51 PM): I know that it seems to have kept Acadian soldiers from reading into my being, as I cannot explain how else they could have failed.
SongstressEnlil (11:57:43 PM): I am not sure how long I've had it. Perhaps all of my life.
Idran1701 (11:58:14 PM): ...This is not a quality of the Auraform. And you do not possess it now.
SongstressEnlil (11:58:30 PM): Is this so?
Idran1701 (11:58:50 PM): A...magic, or item you possess. Its origins from the Auraform. Give them to us.
SongstressEnlil (12:00:03 AM): *Glances over toward Fifth now* I think you are mistaken. I have never heard of this Auraform, I doubt I could have gotten anything from it.
SongstressEnlil (12:00:30 AM): IM: Damn it, I thought he was talking of that obscuring the people in Mechanus were complaining about.
Idran1701 (12:02:27 AM): You lie. We saw its energies about you.
Idran1701 (12:02:51 AM): A spell or enchantment to any others. But our knowledge reveals the truth.
SongstressEnlil (12:03:35 AM): Hmm. Perhaps I am mistaken, then. Tell me of this Auraform? Perhaps I know of it by another name?
Idran1701 (12:05:42 AM): *stares*

*sounding reluctant to say even this much* ...A spell. Of a different origin than magics known to most.
SongstressEnlil (12:06:06 AM): *Nods, suddenly very interested* What does it do?
Idran1701 (12:06:31 AM): ...You will tell us where you learned of it first, so we may...see it for ourselves.
SongstressEnlil (12:08:53 AM): I learned of it from you, in the sense you are speaking of. Your reluctance to share knowledge while asking me to do the same is not very inspiring.
SongstressEnlil (12:10:02 AM): IM: Yes, it is very good that I've stay close to the Harmonium.

But it would be such a loss, if they get involved... He knows. There are too many coincidences.
Idran1701 (12:10:22 AM): (Is that all IM?)
SongstressEnlil (12:10:38 AM): (Yeah, my mistake)
Idran1701 (12:16:33 AM): ...You will share your knowledge with us, Karl Hendrick. If you cooperate, this will be much easier. If you do not, we shall find it on our own.
SongstressEnlil (12:19:10 AM): This also does not inspire confidence. I can see you were lying to me as well. Why?

*Slightly shifts, preparing to run out the doors.*
Idran1701 (12:21:56 AM): You will tell us how you gained knowledge of the Auraform! We must find this new source of knowledge!

*he raises his arm, a dagger in his hand; one Karl never saw him even draw*
SongstressEnlil (12:23:15 AM): (Making a charisma check to see if he can maintain composure in the face of this)
Idran1701 (12:23:25 AM): (*nod*)
SongstressEnlil (12:23:51 AM): (Actually, no. It'd be Willpower under this, wouldn't it?)
Idran1701 (12:24:30 AM): (Cha/Leadership could work.)
SongstressEnlil (12:24:39 AM): (Either way, got a six. I'll assume that'll give him an exchange or two.)
Idran1701 (12:25:06 AM): (*nod*)
SongstressEnlil (12:25:34 AM): *Brow furrows, clearly angry, but trying not to shout.* Kill me, and that dies with me. You wish to risk it?
Idran1701 (12:29:12 AM): ...You have allies. We have seen this.
SongstressEnlil (12:30:18 AM): *Is it still attack ready, or has it appeared to have calmed?*
Idran1701 (12:30:27 AM): *the former!*
SongstressEnlil (12:32:25 AM): Do you think they know everything I do? Or what I have done on my own? Now put that dagger away and start being honest with me, or I'll tell you less than nothing.
Idran1701 (12:32:52 AM): We do not care what you know, we care only from where.
SongstressEnlil (12:34:01 AM): *Dagger still up?*
Idran1701 (12:34:10 AM): *Yep!*
Idran1701 (12:34:40 AM): *Another browser walks by, spotting the two and staring; she doesn't seem to have seen the dagger yet, or at least she's not bolting*
SongstressEnlil (12:35:10 AM): No.
SongstressEnlil (12:35:23 AM): *Waiting for it...*
Idran1701 (12:36:13 AM): *Lunge! And with a shout, the other customer dashes off, assumedly to alert the guards.*
Idran1701 (12:36:39 AM): *It's a wide swipe, one Karl easily avoids*
SongstressEnlil (12:37:16 AM): *Turns and runs* HELP! HELP! MURDERER!
Idran1701 (12:37:46 AM): *he charges after Karl, knocking over one of the pedestals as he goes; luckily barely harming the small statuette upon it*
SongstressEnlil (12:37:48 AM): *Toward the front doors!*
Idran1701 (12:38:07 AM): *Karl gets out! And a pair of Harmonium officers with mancatchers are already charging towards the gallery*
SongstressEnlil (12:38:54 AM): *Gives himself a some time to dash closer to the barracks, before stopping; unless he still hears the footsteps behind him.*
Idran1701 (12:39:22 AM): *the guards dash past him, and he hears a snap as the jaws of the catchers close on, assumedly, his assailant*
Idran1701 (12:39:41 AM): *he can hear the captive struggling and grunting to escape*
SongstressEnlil (12:40:22 AM): *Looks over his shoulder. Assuming there is not a coated guy still running after him, he'll come to a stop and try to catch his breath.*
Idran1701 (12:40:51 AM): *There is not! Instead there is a coated guy trapped in the jaws of two mancatchers, trying to pull free; that dagger of his seems to be gone now.*
Idran1701 (12:41:11 AM): We will find your source, Karl Hendrick! We swear this! We shall be watching you!
Idran1701 (12:41:55 AM): *And as Karl watches, the man...melts, the catchers snapping closed on his now-empty coat and his glasses falling to the ground as some noxious fumes begin to rise from the former body*
SongstressEnlil (12:42:07 AM): IM: Don't say anything... don't- Dear Mauthe.
Idran1701 (12:42:27 AM): *one of the guards* ...What the...?
SongstressEnlil (12:42:33 AM): *Watches with fascinated horror*
Idran1701 (12:43:24 AM): Did he- No, he couldn't have, these are planar! Then what happened? I don't know, he's just...wait, that puddle... St. Cuthbert, he just dissolved! Ugh...don't get too close, that smells awful, might be toxic.
SongstressEnlil (12:44:10 AM): *Draws closer, despite himself. Has anything about this struck him as being Trakaini in nature?*
Idran1701 (12:45:15 AM): *...Not at all, no. He's never even heard of anything like this.*

Sven, go report this,we...Hells, I don't even know how to report this. Just tell them something. Right. *runs off, releasing the coat and shouldering the catcher*
Idran1701 (12:45:34 AM): *looks to Karl* ...He was shouting to you, you're Karl Hendrick? Did he know you?
SongstressEnlil (12:48:12 AM): We just recently met, sir. He said that he wanted to discuss a metaphysical aspect with me. I was curious, despite my misgivings, and agreed to do so. He gave me the impression he was a scholar, like myself, interested in freely exchanging lore. So I entertained him, staying close to here just i case... Dear Lilia, I didn't think he would get so violent, officers!
SongstressEnlil (12:48:17 AM): *in case
SongstressEnlil (12:50:00 AM): *Takes a few more breathes* I...I tried to reason with him in a very base sense, telling him that if he slew me, he'd not learn anything. But this did not seem to phase him and he lunged at me with the dagger when I refused to tell him anything. I couldn't trust him, sir, not after he kept insisting on being so secretive...
SongstressEnlil (12:50:39 AM): IM: Oh thank the gods I stayed close to the Barracks, instead of meeting him back at the Hive!
Idran1701 (12:50:42 AM): *nods, copying this down*
SongstressEnlil (12:51:45 AM): I flat out refused because I knew he was up to no good, sir. I was hoping it was a bluff, but I knew that if he truly insisted on it, I could trust you to deal with him in an appropriate manner.
Idran1701 (12:51:59 AM): You did the right thing.
SongstressEnlil (12:52:19 AM): Well, I didn't know he was up to no good, but I could feel it.
Idran1701 (12:52:35 AM): *what little remains of the body already begins to evaporate, soon leaving only a few stained cobblestones to mark its presence*
SongstressEnlil (12:53:05 AM): IM: Last thing I need is to trip some sort of detection spell. The way Sigil oozes magic...
SongstressEnlil (12:53:36 AM): *Looks at the remainents. Are the clothes still there?*
Idran1701 (12:54:15 AM): *They are; it's only the body itself and the dagger that're missing, the clothing and glasses are still just fine. Not even stained themselves, somehow.*
SongstressEnlil (12:55:19 AM): ...Sir, am I right in believing you are not aware of who this person was?
Idran1701 (12:55:56 AM): *shakes his head* In my 7 years here, I've never seen anything like this before.
Idran1701 (12:56:14 AM): I'll file your statement with my superiors, but I'm not sure what else there is to do now...is there somewhere we can contact you if we need something more?
SongstressEnlil (12:59:13 AM): I am staying at the <Dragon name> Inn, at the moment, to stay close to some friends and conserve funds at the moment, sir.

May I be permitted to go through its personal effects, sir? He threatened he was part of an organization of some kind, and I'd like to try to learn more about it so I can recognize them before they strike at me again, if such is a true threat.
Idran1701 (12:59:28 AM): (Dragon's Vault. :D)
Idran1701 (1:00:24 AM): ...*nods* Go ahead. He's dead anyway, and I'm not sure if there's even any evidence to collect here.
Idran1701 (1:00:25 AM): (brb)
SongstressEnlil (1:02:40 AM): *Does so. Kneeling down and poking through the clothes, footwear, and such. He'll quietly cast Detect Magic over the lot, too, making no big deal of this in front of the Hardhead officer, though he is privately quite nervous the guy will suspect something is amiss. But better that than casting in secret, which would cast aspersions on him if he were caught.*
Idran1701 (1:02:43 AM): (Back.)
Idran1701 (1:03:55 AM): *No magic to be noted in what remains here. And there's not any personal effects to speak of besides what he was wearing. No money, no possessions, even the dagger he was holding isn't anywhere here.*
SongstressEnlil (1:04:59 AM): *Any Oddboy ooze remaining at all?*
Idran1701 (1:05:22 AM): *Only a few clumps buried in the boots, the rest is all evaporated away*
SongstressEnlil (1:05:46 AM): *Do they react to detect magic at all?*
Idran1701 (1:06:35 AM): *Nope.*
SongstressEnlil (1:07:44 AM): IM: Hmmm.

There are still a few clumps of its slime left in the boots, sir.
Idran1701 (1:08:08 AM): *nods* We'll have our men take a look at that.
SongstressEnlil (1:10:28 AM): *Checks the clothing over now, looking for obvious things, like marks identifying the tailor, and lesser things like skill or sloppiness in their make and possible places of origin (as he can tell with his limited pool of knowledge in regards to Planar Appraisal).*
Idran1701 (1:11:12 AM): *Nothing at all in terms of identifying marks. They're skillfully made, but with no style. Utterly generic, they could have come from just about anywhere.*
Idran1701 (1:12:32 AM): *A perfect example of form following function, these.*
SongstressEnlil (1:12:50 AM): IM: Who makes glasses like this?

*Peers through them for a moment, trying to see if they're corrective in some way.*
Idran1701 (1:13:40 AM): *He can hardly see through them at all, they're only barely transparent. They're like no spectacles he's seen; they wrap around the head with leather straps, holding the lenses tightly against the eyes.*
SongstressEnlil (1:15:49 AM): I think these glasses weren't made for vision at all, they're barely even see-through.

*Examines the glass, trying to see if they're justing crappy glass, or if they seem to be designed that way.*
Idran1701 (1:16:13 AM): *Designed that way.*
SongstressEnlil (1:17:43 AM): *Tries putting them on, without tying them, to see if there's some trick to them. If these Planars invented the glory of Calculus, who knows what they could do with optics!*
Idran1701 (1:18:59 AM): *...He can hardly see at all, even like this. Maybe they're especially light-sensitive?*

And they stink. Fumes left from the ooze, apparantly.*
Idran1701 (1:19:03 AM): *-*
SongstressEnlil (1:19:58 AM): *Puts them down, and stands up.*

Thank you for indulging my curiosity, sir. I feel a little better now.
Idran1701 (1:20:27 AM): *nods* Head on home, you should rest after an incident like this. If we need you, we'll get in contact with you.
Idran1701 (1:21:00 AM): *A few rubberneckers are starting to mill around, but not too many; not much to gape at with a death like this.*
SongstressEnlil (1:21:53 AM): Alright. Would it be possible for me to check in in a couple days and see what you've managed to find about the attacker?
Idran1701 (1:22:04 AM): *nod* Of course.
SongstressEnlil (1:22:46 AM): Thank you, sir.
SongstressEnlil (1:23:04 AM): Wait. He did give me a name. I forgot to mention it.
SongstressEnlil (1:23:36 AM): Fifth of the Auraform.
SongstressEnlil (1:23:48 AM): I know not of what he talks about.
Idran1701 (1:24:03 AM): *nods, noting that down* Thank you.
SongstressEnlil (1:24:33 AM): *Nods, and makes to leave.*
Idran1701 (1:24:53 AM): *The guard takes up "move along now" position as Karl heads off.*
Idran1701 (1:25:02 AM): *What's he doing now? Heading back to the inn, or something else? :O*
SongstressEnlil (1:26:59 AM): *Making a general way toward the inn.*

IM: Would Fell know anything about these? Or Melissa, perhaps? Perhaps someone at the Civic Festhall recorded an experience with one? I'll have to check with <Wossname the Winged Sensate>, too.
Idran1701 (1:27:23 AM): (Karinska. :D)
SongstressEnlil (1:28:25 AM): *Keeping more toward the middle of the road than might be otherwise intelligent with carts and stuff about. But this would be countered by a fair helping on paranoia on Karl's part. Which will involve jumping at shadows and such often.*
Idran1701 (1:29:03 AM): *He spots a few darker-garbed folks in the crowds as he goes...a few jumps, but each time, it's just a normal person that happens to be wearing blacks or dark browns*
SongstressEnlil (1:29:34 AM): *Can he recall if all the Oddboys that he saw had the glasses?*
Idran1701 (1:29:55 AM): *They did!*
SongstressEnlil (1:30:25 AM): *Those will soon become the confirming factor; so he doesn't jump too much when say Lilium comes about*
Idran1701 (1:31:11 AM): (And unless there's more on your part, that's about it for me. :D)
SongstressEnlil (1:31:47 AM): (Will the group be getting together before two days are up?)
Idran1701 (1:32:14 AM): (*nod* Yep. Next session'll be almost immediately after this, actually.)
SongstressEnlil (1:32:46 AM): (Okay. Time to ask Melissa about things? Content to summarize that.)
Idran1701 (1:33:30 AM): (Yeah, there is. But Melissa doesn't know anything about them either. She looks a bit horrified at the description of the melting, and glad Karl's all right, but she doesn't have any helpful information.)
SongstressEnlil (1:35:29 AM): (He'll suggest if anyone not a Harmonium asks about him, say that he's painfully secretive. And if they must know where he is, tell him he went to Krynn.

If someone whose actually supposed to be asking for him comes, he'll give them a sort of password. For now, let it be Fire Seeds.)
Idran1701 (1:35:44 AM): (*nod*)
Idran1701 (1:35:48 AM): (Haha, Krynn. :D)
Idran1701 (1:36:16 AM): (XP, then! Because I loved Karl's interactions, 250 XP for this.)
SongstressEnlil (1:36:23 AM): (Wooo!)
Idran1701 (1:37:02 AM): (About 3-400 to next level now.)
SongstressEnlil (1:37:55 AM): *He would have told them a lot, too; they were tugging at his noble impulse pretty hard. But the refusal to share in turn convinced him that the Keeper wasn't being sincere.*
Idran1701 (1:38:45 AM): :D
Idran1701 (1:38:56 AM): I love Keepers, I've been waiting to actually use them like this for a while.
SongstressEnlil (1:41:04 AM): *Do I have your permission to go look 'em up, as I've forgotten their finer details? Or would you prefer to keep it a secret.

ALSO!

One of the things I comtemplated having Karl do was lead it into an alley, convince it to turn its back to him, then hold the short sword to its throat and turn the tables. But he never got far enough to find out they can be fooled like that more easily than most people.*
Idran1701 (1:41:21 AM): Nah, go ahead. :D
SongstressEnlil (1:41:28 AM): *As he is quite wanting to know what they do. But looking out for himself came first*
Idran1701 (1:41:34 AM): In fact!

http://www.rilmani.org/timaresh/Keeper
Idran1701 (1:42:07 AM): One of the reasons I didn't link this wiki sooner was for a while Keepers were the only monsters I had listed, and I didn't want anyone to catch on because of that. :D
SongstressEnlil (1:42:28 AM): *::Nods::*
Idran1701 (1:43:26 AM): But they're like a planar MIB, that's just too awesome for me to resist for long.
Idran1701 (1:43:31 AM): Especially with a plot like Karl's.
SongstressEnlil (1:43:38 AM): *Hee hee*
SongstressEnlil (1:43:54 AM): *He'll be trying to keep First, Arian, or Guy much closer now*
Idran1701 (1:44:17 AM): The three who are currently off on their own missions, of course. :D
Idran1701 (1:44:36 AM): (Arian left with Guy to Brux, and First went off for more money-making after they got back.)
SongstressEnlil (1:44:38 AM): *Indeed*
Idran1701 (1:44:47 AM): But he still has Marty and Lil, of course. :D
SongstressEnlil (1:45:15 AM): *Marty being an unknown. But he'll serve as a particularly useful meat shield*
Idran1701 (1:45:19 AM): *nod*
Idran1701 (1:46:10 AM): Minor spoiler for you, but I'm letting you know now to see if it'll work out: what I'm planning next session is a lead in for a mission to the Inner Planes, with the opportunity of a stop-over at the Bleak Abyss. Since he'll have to wait 2 days anyway, would Karl concede to that for the chance at checking the Abyss himself?
Idran1701 (1:46:23 AM): It is a Lil-related reason, but he's been wanting to go there for a while anyway.
SongstressEnlil (1:46:39 AM): *If it seems like it'll be quick enough for him to get back.*
Idran1701 (1:46:46 AM): *nod* Oh, it will be.
SongstressEnlil (1:47:07 AM): *::Notes Keepers are worth 1400 XP::

Do I get bonus XP for luring a Keeper to die in a combat situation? :D?*
Idran1701 (1:47:32 AM): Sorry, that wasn't exactly a combat encounter. More a "might have to buy new robes" encounter. :D
Idran1701 (1:48:02 AM): But that was part of the 250, actually. So technically yes!
Idran1701 (1:48:55 AM): Is Karl going to end up checking into them with some normal research, by the way? Or just asking about them?
SongstressEnlil (1:50:24 AM): *Until I recalled the Auraform bit, I didn't think he had enough to really pare it down to an effective search.

"Has pointed ears." ::Removes humans from the list:: ..."Well shit."*
SongstressEnlil (1:50:49 AM): *Soon, he'll look into that. How soon depends on the future events.*
Idran1701 (1:50:57 AM): *nod* True, I suppose. I guess "Melting people" isn't exactly a Dwewy category.
Idran1701 (1:50:59 AM): *Dewey
Idran1701 (1:51:02 AM): But it should be! >:
SongstressEnlil (1:51:37 AM): *Dwewy is the Guvner who invented the Sigilian Sorting System.*
Idran1701 (1:51:41 AM): It can go next to Philosophy.
Idran1701 (1:51:43 AM): Hahahaha. :D
SongstressEnlil (1:53:37 AM): *::Ponders if Karl may try to get the Keepers on the Harmonium's pogrom list.::*
Idran1701 (1:54:19 AM): Haha. :D
Idran1701 (1:54:27 AM): If not them, at least the Guvners.
Idran1701 (1:54:35 AM): Be right back, going to get some food. :O
SongstressEnlil (1:55:20 AM): *Somehow, a Guvner pogrom seems much less likely than a Harmonium one.*
SongstressEnlil (2:02:50 AM): *But much more amusing to watch*
Idran1701 (2:06:34 AM): I dunno, I think against a race specifically devoted to destroying otherwise-unknown knowledge they might have the wherewithal to do a little pogromming.
SongstressEnlil (2:06:51 AM): *True*
SongstressEnlil (2:08:31 AM): *Well, the two are in cahoots anyways*
Idran1701 (2:08:59 AM): Indeed. :D
SongstressEnlil (2:09:20 AM): *Furthermore: Is First dead yet?*
Idran1701 (2:09:53 AM): Haven't picked up since last time, actually. Was going to today, but I wanted to finally get around to Karl's deal first when I saw you come online. :O