Fantasy RPG Forum - Standing Trials

Thread Chain

This is one of the following chain of previous threads:

• I Prefer to be Called "Evil Genius"
• [Sweetsong] Pillows can kill!
• [Isonomia HQ] Relocation plans
• [Village Hall] Shielding the cause

Migrants and Devices

Winston is the leader of Isonomia and he and Kas are traveling to Etzos.

He has also saved slaves and run campaigns to offer people a new life in Etzos, etc.

He has also been organising things with

Alex

for establishing Isonomia in the foreign land.

This thread is far from 'job done', but the people and resources being described here do have some grounding in threads already completed

It was a brave new trial and with great delight he loaded a selection of tools into the box. New horizons were no better crystalised by litterally traveling to new lands in the blink of an eye. He used the gifts Saoire gave him as sparingly as he could. Of them all however, the ability to travel great distances was one he both prizes and used greatly... But always for good causes. He knew she would soon let me know if she ever decided he was abusing it and as he tucked the final Hoe into place, its pacifistic energies causing him to grin. He decided that she would be delighted by his most recent creations.

He ran over to the door to , that lead out into the Inn at which he had agreed to meet the Etzos expedition.

Leaping out of the construct and into the Inn, he was greeted by the Administrator of Isonomia. "Oh! 'ello

Alex

, gud tuh see yuh."

The man replied with a kurt, but friendly nod. "All packed and ready to go! The volunteers looking for relocation are also ready to go, though are a little nervous." He knew the ferret would be keen to smooth the mood of thoes coming with them. They had spent some time gathering volunteers and building the team they would use to establish the Faction in Etzos, but now they were on the literal doorstep of discovery, it was all quite exciting.

"I must say Winston, we've not had a new outpost formed since Rharne reached out to Scalvaris." He said with a proud not of appreciation towards the Ferret. "If this pans out, it's a big deal." He was of course complimenting the ferret, but he was not taking it before they'd even set foot in said new land.

"Let's nat count our chickens befar dem 'atch." He advised brightly as he checked over the final preparations.

"The representatives from Etzos arrive soon. I have the paperwork all ready and some funds for the new outpost."

The ferret nodded. "Great stoff. Me gat de prototypes ready for de Etzos." He had spent the trials leading up to their leaving working on the new devices. One Hoe, a Spade and a bucket. They were simple devices by their design, though of course of masterwork quality and all made of steal for durability and lightened for convenience. Each one, of course was charged with the Animate technique from his own Sovereign-rich blood and could, by commend, dig, till and irrigate a field without a single finger being lifted. "We will need tuh make mar once we get to Etzos, bot dat will be 'ow we introduce dem tuh de concept."

Walking together, they went out to meet with the dozen or so individuals that were joining them on their expedition. There were two representatives of Isonomia in itself that had volunteered to take on the role of forming and managing the branch over on Etzos and there were the various immigrants wishing to build a new life. They were an eclectic bunch, but no better could be a group of people to make a new home then a bread spread... Slaves, captives and poverty aside.

The room was filled with the surrusation of a bussy trial not yet even begun, packed with potential and creaking at the seams with anticipation.

Until the Diplomat and his entourage arrived, Winston spent some time socialising with the volunteers. His goal was not, in any way at all, to convince them to go. Quite the opposite. The main remit for their having been included was predicated specifically on their desire to do it in the first place. What he offered was reassurance that despite being a long way from what they know, they were not a single moment's notice from help and support. "...soh don't worry. Ef yuh need anyt'ing, we es 'ere and yuh cun cantact us via de representative any time yuh need, oh-key? His words were like a salve, washing away their doubts as they waited for their journey to begin.

In the hot tavern, within the city of Scalvoris, thanks to the efforts of one tiny ferret Cadouri the laws of physics were more like polite suggestions and common sense was about as common as a teetotal Rhanian, one Winston Miller shone brightly at the arrival of his comrades.

Now, Scalvoris was the kind of place where you might find a Immortal running a fish and chips shop or a fairy teaching ballet, so a ferret alchemist wasn't particularly out of the ordinary these trial. What was out of the ordinary, however, was this ferret's unique talent for taking magic - already a discipline about as straightforward as a corkscrew in a labyrinth - and making it so convoluted that it gave even the most learned wizards a headache.

On this particular trial, Winston had decided to "simplify" a spell for animating his tools. The fact that he chose to do this by involving seventeen types of cheese, a slightly damp sock, and the left whisker of a cat who had seen a ghost was, for the alchemist, perfectly logical.

After all, it was just another trial in the life of Winston Miller and the citizens had learned long ago that when it came to this particular ferret, expecting the unexpected was like expecting water to be wet - it was simply the natural order of things.

"Sir Manny! Masta Kassie Sir!" He proclaimed with a cheeky grin, quite sure his read of Kasoria was both correct and in affirmation that such a nickname would likely not be something he would be fond of, but not something he'd kill the Cadouri over... Yet. Whatever the prospects for the ferret's future, the words were delivered with an interesting and complex cocktail of genuine respect and playful mirth. The ferret was very excited. "Welcum tuh de Unix Hall!

Drinks are ah de 'ouse tuhday

." The ferret owned the Hall in which they found themselves, but every drink was being paid for by him for the time being. The Inn would not be out of pocket and neither would his delegation.

He nodded in reply to the diplomat's assessment of the trial. "Oh yes. De best kind af trial far a trip. May Cassion be wid os." He said with an excitable grin and a hop from one foot to the other. "Oh, a walk acrass the realm cun be shart an' a step across a stream cun be lang... Et all depends an 'ow distant yuh feel wen yuh get dere. An' me NEVER been tuh Etzan befar." He beamed brightly. "Soh a new place es always a lang way tuh goh." He gestured towards the bar as tray containing several drinks came floating out towards a few of the patrons.

One of the many things the ferret had created recently was a floating tray for serving patrons. It was a simple item, no different from the shovels and buckets he had made for Etzos, only these ones were hard as Embersteel and shaped underneath (for anyone familiar with the design of such things and an eye likely to notice) the shape of a shield. On command of the user, they could defend people in a bar fight, which, quite frankly, were more common then the ferret would like. He'd spent several trials working the alchemy into them and the intricately embossed pattern of his circular magic could still be seen emblazoned across its surface..

The ferret had a knack of connecting with people. That connection didn't always work out, was not always even friendly, but it was usually there. On this (and most other) occasions, it was invested in ensuring that there were no 'superiors'. Winston recognised many people as senior... but very rarely 'superior' and he waved at the bodyguard happily as he scanned the area for signs of trouble.

Surrounding them was a range of people, all looking eagar, all enjoying a drink and all readying to leave. There were bags, create, supplies and everyone was chatting amongst themselves harmlessly enough.

"Please, let me introduce yuh tuh some af de peepal comin' wid os tuh Etzos..."

Without further ado, he gestured for them to follow, always include Kas and his crew in the invitation, whether it was really his intention to remain 'invisible' or not. "Dese are de people lookin' far new 'omes a new start. Dem are all skilled in different tings an' very eagar tuh get started wid yuh farms and trades. Dem 'ave all been trained in 'ow tuh command de tools far yuh." In truth, it took no training as such, but those that could focus their minds with a little meditation might manage to control more of them at once.

Continuing into the bar, where they would make their departure, he gestured towards two gentlemen, both dressed more formally then the other migrants. "Dis es

Alex

, Isonomia's Administrator. Yuh may already 'ave met? And dis es

Mr Flanders

, 'oo will be stashuned at Etzos at our new Isonomia outpost as et's administrata."

Both the men bowed, showing due respect to the diplomat. "Greetings. Please, call me Lime. I'm looking forward to working with you very closely in Etzos." Said the lanky man destined to run the outpost in their hometown. He was making an effort to hide his nerves, but those with an astute eye might see them come through in his manner nonetheless. "I took the liberty of arranging a few local delicacies be delivered with us, for you to take home with you." He gestured towards a few creates, .

Winston grinned, approving greatly of the gifting before looking at Alex for a moment with a curious expression. "Es everyone ready?"

The man nodded. "Yes, Sir, everyone is prepared as soon as our guests have refreshed themselves."

The ferret's expression made it clear that the use of the word 'sir' was something he'd been trying to work out of his assistant, but in present company, the man was clearly sticking to his guns. It didn't annoy him, he was very fond of the man and his respect, but he was always in favour of a casual affair and refused to see himself in the light of a person 'above' the rest. Nonetheless, he smiled and nodded. "Great!"

If they did, Winston took a moment while the diplomats, Etzosian and Sclavarian, got to know one another a little and scuttled over to the mage, Kas. "Sup." He said, in an unassuming and friendly way. "Me can't tell yuh 'ow excited me es tuh start learning fram yuh. Me gat all de stoff me need tuh get started. Any time. Any place. Yuh say jomp. Me jomp." Winston will have explained before now, very briefly, what was involved in unlocking his magic. It was sparkless, needed a Well and some chanting (apparently). He assured the mage that he could handle that bit, if the mage could help with the actual magical skill.

"Yuh still share yuh don't want some aumor ar sometin', Masta?" He glanced, appraisingly at what the mage was currently wearing, one eyebrow raised slightly. "Me shar me cud jost 'opgrade' yuh outfit a littal ef yuh liked?" His tone was somewhere between pleading and curious, but was entirely eager to please.

Winston was not a great politician. It might be that while in the throws of hosting an event, or meeting people for the first time, or even convincing people that were mortal enemies only moments prior to have children together that the great and powerful grease he could add to the wheels to move mountains would make him the perfect candidate... The truth was though, he was subject to a complete lack of deceptional, clandestined motivational maneuvering. As such, if he was told a lemon will be green, the lemon is green.

As such, when he asked the question that came next, the diplomat's words would shape the ferret's perception of Etzos and its people that he would hold as true without doubt... "Soh. Es dere any advice you 'ave far me ova dere? En Etzos? Anythin' me need tuh be aware af?" The nature of how open this left him to the steering of a skilled diplomat very firmly in the centre of what they were best at was lost on the ferret, even if it was not lost on everyone else.

As they spoke, food came and the atmosphere, despite his lack of prowess in the political forum, was kept up-beat and full of anticipation.

When the mage (the ferret's newly found and already revered master) said the word 'jump' the ferret smiled and jumped. It was obvious to the ferret that this was either a test or some misunderstanding... but he was taking no chances and refused to fail such a simple test so early in the process.

He nodded in reference to starting lessons once back in Etzos, he was clearly eagar, but didn't for a moment second-guess the man's decision on the matter. "Raja dat bass!" He said with a playful salute. "Me es lookin' farward tuh seein' yuh 'ome. Yuh mot be keen tuh return." He offered, reading the fondness with which he spoke of the place from his manner.

Then things changed as the deminor of the ferret transformed. There was a cloud that fell over him as Kas asked what he had in mind. It was something so obvious and stark to the mage mid conversation with the Cadouri, it might seem stark. His manor took on one of abject mischief, just for a moment, almost impish as he grinned. "Heavy? Slow? Abviouse? Hehe." He leaned in towards the bodyguard and for a moment spoke to the Raggedy Man (whether the ferret knew the title or not) with a quiet challenge in his tone. "Yuh never seen ferret-armour en akshon 'ave yuh?" The cadouri had a talent for managing his relationships, even with a single person, salesman, friend, business partner, it might always seem clear which one he was playing in a conversation and right now, it was show-man promoting his wears... with perhaps a pinch of a game at foot.

Without further ado, he stepped backwards. The mage could follow him easily, but as he dropped from his chair unassumingly, and were it not for the fact he had watched him do it, the ferret might well have become invisible as he scurried off into the room. It might be that the mage could follow him, perhaps he had 'tricks' that would help him, but it was not from him the ferret was hiding anyway.

With silent glee, the ghostlike Cadouri moved towards the diplomat... Was Winston playing with fire? Would the bodyguard (whom he was not showing off to, he was showing off to the Raggedy Man) take exception to the invasion of this privacy? Would he consider the fact the ferret was approaching the Bodygard's ward unseen to do god knows what an unacceptable challenge? All of these things MIGHT have ran through the mind of a less whimsical individual, but to Winston, it did not occur at all that such a game would be anything but entertaining for all involved.

Creeping up to the diplomat, he took a clothes peg and with exacting care, choose his moment deliberately. Waiting for Fagan to adjust his stance for some unrelated reason or to move off, he attached the peg to his belt with a little hop from under a table, before vanishing once again into the unseen. It might be that the ferret's agility and aptitude for hiding made up for his rudimentary skills as a thief, but whatever the case, 'the target' went on none the wiser.

A short time later, the ferret literally appeared beside the Mage with an expression that the very definition of smug could use in the dictionary to paint a picture of what it looked like.

with one eyebrow raised. "'ard as steal. Flexible as Cloth. Light as a feather. An' cun be silent and gives af no scent tuh be tracked... Pffft... Ef yuh slow en DIS aumor, den yuh jost slooow." He chided playfully as they watched someone politely point at the peg as the Diplomatic party moved around the room, doing their work. If the the 'victim' looked their way, they would be met with an innocent grin.

Assuming the mage didn't kill him for assaulting his ward, the ferret concluded. "Me cun do dat tuh a cloak far yuh, tuh cover yuh whole head an', uh, oddities. Are de clothes yuh are wearing right naw. Tink an et. Winstaaan's Works are always open."

In a world so driven by war, greed and strife, there must always be time for a little joy, or what was the point? As such, the response from Raand made the ferret grin in a kind and entertained fashion. He was indeed much in favour of a good prank, an attribute practically essential to someone that spent so long in the presence of Fairies, but oblivious to the suitability of such a thing at a diplomatic meeting such as this.

"Yup." He agreed plainly. it was a ting that on more than one occasion had very genuinely saved his life.

The ferret was half expecting the bodyguard to test the suit's claims any moment, but given he was on his 'best behaviour', he decided he was safe.

Winston sucked air in through his teeth when the topic of cost arose. He never used to be any good at this kind of thing. Value was in the eye of the beholder and for a ferret that liked shiny things, he had a habit of underselling his talents... Recently though, he'd grown more adept at it, honing his ability to focus on what he wanted vs. what his talents were actually worth. He had very little interest in Nel. It was a means to and end and so for this reason, he had acrewd a generous wealth of the stuff, but some things, like magic, skills or just help... These were often not something you could by with money. "Dere are a great many ways tuh pay far a ting. Such a garment dat me cud make yuh might be a once en a lifetime artical. Cud set yuh back de price af a small boat." His words were plain and simple, to the point and devoid of pride or boastfulness. Whether the man believed the ferret or not, Winston was beginning to wonder if there was an alchemist on Idalos that could rival his wares these trials and so the truth backed his cause no doubt. "Me usually es very 'appy tuh take payment en Magic, Wells are, in de case af soch a talented badygaurd as yuhself, services?" There was a glint in his eye. He had turned from gathering shinies, to nel and then wells... but most recently, he'd turned to persuasively collecting people. Useful people. "Ef yuh wud be soh kind as tuh take a jab far me some trial. Make share me ge somewhere safe, per'aps. Ar maybe get me out?" It was a gamble. What was to stop the man taking the offer then disappearing forever..? Winston hand a hunch this particular individual was both worth the gamble and unlikely to want to enter into a 'debt-based' arrangement anyway.

He would be happy with the coin if that was the shadowy man's preference, or an errant Well if he had any to spare. "Tink an et. Noh worries." He added finally as the diplomat approached with a slightly bemused look on his face.

The ferret grinned, content in the knowledge he'd be sneaking around in a little while to remove the pag soon enough.

"'ow goes et den?" The diplomat had offered no special warnings with regard to their visit and the ferret was eager to see his new companion's home. "'ere..." He said, picking up the handle of a full-size shovel he could not possibly hope to wield by himself. "...fallow 'im." He said plainly to the spade as he let a little ethar into the device to activate it.

Without a moment's hesitation, the shovel floated up off the floor and began to hover beside the diplomat. "Take et... Yuh cun give et new commands once yuh activate et as lang as it's within a few feet af yuh." He beamed, happy to have been able to fulfil his initially very lofty claims. "Jost rememba nat tuh use dem far violence, please." . "Me only made dis one far naw, bot once we get tuh yuh 'ome, me will be makin' a bonch mar." He beamed as he gestured towards a door on the far side of the room. "Shall we?"

Spoiler

Winston can use spirit domains in

his alchemy

and so is triggering the things described above by detecting the domain of pain.

The Cadouri eyed the man innocently as he watched him consider the offer, trying (and perhaps failing) to hide his attempt to weigh the mage's interest beneath a cloak of amiability. It was an advantage sometimes, being considered inconsequential and harmless. An advantage he was more than happy to exploit at his own discretion, though he doubted the keen-witted bodyguard was much fooled as he made his reply... and warning.

The ferret nodded happily, waving a hand at the suggestion that there was any attempt to exploit the man for more than he'd wish to offer. "Most excellent, yus! An' don't worry. Et's nat a blood aoth. Me nat tricking people intuh things dem would never want tuh do. Whatever me ask far would af cars be sometin' no mar den yuh wud narmally 'ave simply charged coin far." He winked in a cheeky fashion as if to suggest the warrior could trust in a ferret. "Noh prablem, mun. We'll get yuh mesured op en noh time, oh-key?"

As the band of hired hands spoke amongst themselves, Winston mostly made about his own business, making no effort to listen in on their conversation.

When the man asked about the experience in the portal, the ferret chuckled at Kasoria's response. "Hehe, don't worry mun. Et's jost like walkin' trough a dar..." He said as he turned to approach the door... "If de dar wus a collindar an' yuh was a length of spaghetti passing trough one af et's 'oles." There was no doubt in the ferret's tone that he was jovally teasing the man with no serious intent at all as he chuckled and hopped up onto a table.

"Cun me 'ave everyone's attenshun please!" .

The room fell silent as all attention was drawn to the charismatic creature. "Et's time tuh goh peepal!" He begun, raising his hands in a gesture that suggested it was reason to celebrate. "Please come trough swiftly an' en single file. Once yuh an de odda side, please don't stap an' simply move aside tuh allow oddas tuh fullow. Once we are all through, me will check everyone es gud befar we enter de city. Please defer tuh our gud friend Mr Manclin Sir far any mattas directly relatin' tus Etzas etself are tuh Mr Flanders Sir for any Isonomia mattas." Having laid out the plan and lines of communication, he agve a cheerful nod.

With that, he turned and gave a chipper call to all to follow. "Away we go!"

Placing a hand on the door, he nocked twice and then opened the door with the help of a stool placed beside its doorknob.

, standing tribute to its walls and the will of its people, in its far away lands... just within reach. "Jost a hap an' a skip away!.. An' maby a few sivs..." He added as he passed through the gateway with but a moment's glance at Kas' men for fun.