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Post by Beistmild on Aug 12, 2023 7:31:38 GMT -5
The Summer Festival was in full swing as Beist made his way down the crowded streets full of festival goers and street vendors. Decorations and posters were everywhere he looked, some of which he remembered being suddenly tasked with handing out a while ago to help advertise for this very event. One of the reasons, he was sure, was because of how much he stood out in the crowd thanks to his massive size. Well not this time! Before he got close to the festivities, he'd decided to use some of his transformation tonic to take on a much less eye-catching form. Now, he just looked like a normal old human man with grey hair and beard. Granted, he was still a rather large man, with a very bulky build and standing at nearly seven feet tall, but that was a far cry away from the fifteen and a half he normally stood! He also still had an extra pair of arms, a reptilian-looking tail, and a pair of horns that was almost like a pair of antlers. These few features just seemed to refuse to go away no matter what he changed himself into with the tonic. He couldn't understand why for the life of him! Of course, also very noticeable, was the herd of creatures climbing on him or following along behind him. It felt like using the potion to try to blend in may have been a pointless endeavor. Quest Name: Enjoy the Festival! Participants: Two or more Location: Sol City Post Requirements: 4 posts per person, 150 words per post Reward: +1 Renown, +1 Mystical Archive Ticket Description: The festival is booming, and all that is required of you is to have fun! Stroll through Sol City partaking in any kind of festival-like activity. You can attend the joust, or participate in a sword duel. Maybe watch some jugglers or Bardic Virtuoso's perform in the city square. Enjoy some of the rare cuisines found across Charon at local vendors and markets. The choice is up to you, as long as you enjoy the festival! Bringing Pets: Griffon (Sleigh Bell) Woolful (My Best Friend) Mephit (Stables) Big Bee Raccoon-Dog
Beist's Transmutation Tonic
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Post by Shitakibo on Aug 13, 2023 7:06:45 GMT -5
Taki had been cleaning up the courtyard and tending to it's flowerboxes when the invitation to the Summer Festival arrived. She read it promptly, noting the royal seal and the fine quality of materials it had been crafted with. It took her a moment to process the idea, but it sounded like a fabulous experience. Making preparations, she had Kamina tell Hanehiko, Keiga, Rina and Shuna to all get ready to travel to the capital for a vacation. Yukina and Shion were still recovering from several adventures and weren't always keen on large crowds of strangers so Taki figured this would be a wonderful chance to get Rina out and about, plus... how dangerous could a Summer Festival be?
Having completed their preparations, the group loaded up and set out an hour or so later. Keiga and Hanehiko raced across the waves, carrying Taki and her other companions with practiced ease. It must have been a sight to see, Taki and Rina hopping the waves on Hanehiko's back, while Kamina sat on Shuna's back, riding her as she rode on Keiga's saddle as the Tidal Serpent skated atop the water. Arriving a few hours later, Taki couldn't help but chuckle to herself as several of the more proper and sociable folks scattered at the sight of the pair of large aquatic mounts and their less than couth occupants came slithering and floating ashore. Taki strode into town after packing up the various tackle and giving her companions leave to explore at their leisure. Rina came buzzing up to the shaman's shoulder and perched her tiny paws across, watching the world with a mix of wonder and caution as it wasn't often Rina left the sanctity of her hive and their home. As she wandered the streets, she waved to familiar faces when she spotted them. Turning a corner, she saw another sight that was fresh in her mind. A certain big green ball of fluff, and the many friends accompanying the Woolful. While in disguise, Taki recognized Beist's distinct horns and tail and came jogging up to him from across the street.
"Well now, it's wonderful to see you all doing well. How've you all been?"
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Post by Beistmild on Aug 13, 2023 19:39:01 GMT -5
Beist turned around at the sound of the familiar voice and gave a warm smile.
"Ah, Taki! You're also enjoying the festival? It's wonderful to see you too! We've been doing well. My potions have been selling well, especially my transmutation tonic. It's become surprisingly popular among adventurers." Beist replied, motioning with a hand to his own transmuted appearance.
Even with his form so different from usual, he was still very recognizable as himself. Even without the horns and tail, his face looked almost the same. His nose was still wide as it had been though not as animal-like, and his baggy eyes looked exactly the same. Even his arms and legs were nearly as hairy as they were normally, clear to see thanks to his outfit of a short sleeved buttoned shirt with a pattern of bees and flowers printed on it and khaki shorts with an overabundance of pockets on them. On his feet was both a pair of socks and a pair of sandals.
Dora and Leon stepped forward to greet Taki while Awd stayed lazily draped over one of Beist's shoulders. On the other shoulder was a fluffy bumblebee that was as large as a housecat.
"Ah, allow me to introduce this little fellow here. This is Ned, a big bee. You haven't met him yet since he didn't come with me to be part of our research." Beist introduced the bee, motioning a hand to the oversized insect on his shoulder. Ned gave a buzz of hello and waved a front leg at Taki.
"Speaking of the research, I'm happy to say I was allowed into the Mage's Guild thanks to it! How have you been? You must be happy to have gotten in as well, yes? It's very exciting, especially with all of the reemergence of that old arcanatech. Are you also interested in arcanatech?"
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Post by Shitakibo on Aug 19, 2023 11:27:29 GMT -5
"I am enjoying the festival thus far, though I've only been here briefly. This is of course Rina, who most of you've met. A few of the others are about but enjoying the festival in their own ways. It's good to hear your potions are selling well, it sounds interesting though I don't have much understanding of alchemical works. Our research was quite well received and even updated some of the out of date volumes within the guild at large, so my admittance was as smooth as your own. I was recently at the Arcane Academy studying some of the findings that have been published in preparation for my own foray into Arcanatek. Fascinating subject, and I'm hoping to be able to incorporate my own flavor of magics into the Formulae when it's finally time. Are you visiting all the attractions today or something specific?" She answered, then inquired of Beist. It'd be nice to have more company and the idea of it being someone she shared a joy of creatures and magic with was quite pleasant.
Rina wiggled free of Taki's shoulder, buzzing about to each of Beist's companions and greeting them in her own way. The Flitten was overjoyed to see others she had met, darting about excitedly having been distracted from the crowd and sensation overload that was the Festival. There had been no expense spared, performers of every variety danced about the city and filled the air with song. Food vendors from across Charon sold their delights by the dozen, ranging from the simple to the dazzling. Decorations of summer colors and motif accented every shop, stall and vendor, while the Royal Crest was flown on banners about the city to signal their sponsorship of the event.
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Post by Beistmild on Aug 20, 2023 9:29:04 GMT -5
Beist nodded along as he listened to Taki speak. He was glad her entry into the Mage's Guild had been smooth as well and was proud that their research had been so well received. Updating older volumes of books was truly an achievement for a scholar.
"Oh, I don't know if we're going to see every attraction. It seems they really went all out this year, so there's quite a lot of them! Too many for me, I think. No, my companions and I just wanted to enjoy walking around and visiting whatever attractions interest us most. Though, more than one visitor has assumed my companions and I are one of the attractions..." Beist said, looking back to see a group of children excitedly coming up to try and pet some of his companions.
Leon didn't mind, letting the children feel how soft his fluffy wool was. Dora looked like she was annoyed, but putting up with it while she received similar treatment. Moe climbed up onto Dora's back to get away from their grubby hands, and Awd and Ned were glad they were safe up high on Beist's shoulders.
"Please, don't touch them, we're not one of the attractions." Beist explained, but of course, children weren't the best when it came to listening. At least their parents understood and pulled the children away. Beist sighed and looked back to Taki.
"Are you here to visit something specific? Perhaps we could join you. If you're here just for something in particular, it must be interesting."
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Post by Shitakibo on Aug 20, 2023 9:40:34 GMT -5
"Two things have piqued my own curiosity I would like to visit. One are the food vendors from other places and cultures, the other is the market. More specifically, I'm in the market for certain Astronomy instruments and books on both the cosmos and Space Domain." She answered, seeing Hanehiko come swooping over the the crowd like an ominous shadow. Several young kids were upon her back, some clad in beach attire, others nicer clothing. They all seemed to be enjoying the Celestial Manta's gentle gliding, banking gently over the area before returning to the area she'd come from.
"Seems you're not the only one entertaining the younglings, I can only imagine the procession of swimmers riding on Keiga right now." She chuckled softly, knowing her companions were often far better at socializing than the shaman could hope to be. Rina buzzed over to Leon and settled atop the Woolful's fur, her bright patterns contrasting the vivid green. The kids pet her head and her little body thrummed happily at the attention.
"Shall we grab a bite and peruse the market?" Taki inquired.
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Post by Beistmild on Aug 23, 2023 9:32:13 GMT -5
Beist chuckled at the mental image of children clinging to a swimming sea serpent. He wondered if any of his own companions would enjoy going for a swim while they were here, but they probably wouldn't. Leon and Dora weren't fans of baths. With his wool, it was understandable, and the big griffon was basically half cat. It seemed he had a knack for picking up animals that didn't really like water. Maybe one day he'd take in a critter who actually would enjoy a dip in the ocean with him.
"Oh, astronomy? That's quite the interest! Not my particular field of study, but I can understand why anyone would want to study it. It is fascinating, trying to see whatever's up there. Out there. I'd be happy to lead you to a good book store I know of around here. Their selection of scholarly subjects is wonderful. I often shop there myself when I come visit the city. The selection of alchemy books they have... Ah, never mind. I'm not sure they'll have any astronomy instruments, but they likely have some books on the subject, and we can stop at the different food vendors on the way there. How does that sound?"
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Post by Shitakibo on Aug 24, 2023 5:50:04 GMT -5
"That sounds lovely indeed, please lead on Beist." Replied the shaman, following Beist through the bustling streets of the Festival. Scents, sights and sounds of the varied cultures of Charon lined the streets in a myriad of color and sensation. Taki would occasionally get distracted by a performance, bump into someone and have to apologize before catching up. This kind of thing was fascinating to her, but encompassed much of her social discomfort as well.
She pressed on, trying to keep the emotional storm in check as the pair pushed further into the Festival towards their destination. They stopped to occasionally sample foods along the way, often prompting a comment about flavors and ingredients from the shaman. She would spend a few moments enthusiastically discussing recipes and cooking methods with the vendors whose wares she liked most. Street by street, they worked their way deeper into an ever pressing throng of peoples.
Taki did her best to keep centered, the comforting voices of her Spirit Guardians helping stave off her encroaching discomfort. Never had Taki seen so many beings gathered in such closeness, and the glittering lights of the market stalls trying to dazzle the masses amplified the effect. With steady breaths, she waded through the crowd in Beist's wake. The cadre of companions and the pair of adventurers managed to draw enough attention they were given way without much fuss, though it was a tight squeeze for all. Hoping for a break in the crowd soon, she pushed on and watched over the throng of companions to distract herself.
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Post by Beistmild on Aug 29, 2023 11:42:47 GMT -5
Beist was also usually very uncomfortable making his way through such dense crowds. He didn't like being the center of attention, but it was hard not to be when the rest of the crowd didn't even reach his waist. It was a good thing he had drank the potion today and reduced his size to much more normal proportions, though he was still quite a bit taller than most. His companions walking along behind him drew far more attention than he did himself, as well as Taki's animal companions. He considered storing Dora and Leon away in the special pocket spaces he had for them, but he didn't want to deprive them of being able to enjoy the festival just because he was a little uncomfortable with the attention.
The food they tried on their way was delicious, and Beist also listened closely as Taki started conversations with the stall owners about their recipes. He enjoyed learning new recipes as well and tried to remember some of the ones he had found the most enjoyable, especially those made with fruits and vegetables. Those would be much easier for him to attempt to reproduce later. He tended to try and be frugal, with most of the food he ate being what he could magically conjure or grow himself. It was nice to splurge a little sometimes though, and he certainly did as they went by trying so many foods. It wasn't enough to actually fill him up, considering his size, but it was more for the enjoyment than actually providing a meal. He also bought some for his companions when they told him they wanted to try a dish too. This trip to the city would put more of a dent in his wallet than usual... but it was alright.
They finally stopped in front of a building with glass windows that displayed an assortment of beautifully bound books. Above the door was a sign that read "The Book Hoard" with a painting of a book on the left and a painting of a dragon on the right.
"Ah, we've arrived. This is the book shop I told you about. Good, it looks like they're still open despite the festival. I expected it. The owner isn't quite the type to enjoy festivals. He likes it quiet." Beist stated, looking at Taki. He hoped she'd take the hint and not try to have a long conversation with the rather grumpy man like she had with the stall owners.
"Dora, Leon, would you rather wait out here or go into your pocket spaces?" Beist asked, looking at the two large creatures that wouldn't fit into the shop. Leon laid down and Dora sat next to him, silently giving their answers. Beist just nodded and motioned for Taki to enter the shop with him.
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Post by Shitakibo on Aug 30, 2023 5:42:12 GMT -5
Taki stepped into the cool, shaded shop and blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dimmer building. A dry dusty smell filled the rows of shelves and flickering lanterns of the room, the setup designed to minimize humid areas and protect the many varied tomes. Subjects of many budding fields of study lined the walls in a roughly librarian arrangements. Sections about a given Domain of study had books of spells and ways to train one's mind and spirit to deal with the rigor of their drain. She strolled through the small, but well stocked shop tracing her hand over an occasional volume with an interesting title. While the Mage's Guild and it's associate Academy boasted a much larger collection, there were books here no Library in Charon currently possessed.
She stopped when she reached the section on geological and astronomical subjects. Many were high level and theoretical tomes, with terms that made Taki rub the ridges between her eyes in confusion. She continued looking until she found a tome by someone conducting studies on an isolated island for a time. It detailed the many routines and practices the author put in place to mitigate their own biases, schedules and calculations with easy to understand parts. Even a detailed list of the materials and construction of the instruments was included, something Taki knew she could make excellent use of with her own Workshop and connections to various smiths and suppliers. "This tome here seems to have much of the information I need to get started... Hopefully it isn't the only copy they have available, since it seems to be written towards up and coming researchers trying to start their own journey. The selection of books here is quite extensive, thank you for introducing me to this place Beist."
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Post by Beistmild on Aug 31, 2023 20:14:54 GMT -5
Beist held the door open for Taki to enter and then followed behind her. He was similarly impressed with the shop's selection. It was always great to see that some new books were added to the shelves. There were even a few new books on alchemy that piqued his interest, but he could wait until later to buy them.
"Oh, you're very welcome. I'm glad you found a book to suit your needs." Beist spoke in a quiet voice. He was happy to help, but now came the hard part. Buying the book.
He lead Taki to the counter toward the back of the store, behind which was standing a dark green scaled Draconynh with bright yellow eyes. A pair of horns that resembled a bull's stuck out of the sides of his draconic head and pointed forward. His clothing was a simple black buttoned vest over a white dress shirt with billowy sleeves and black pants. A small set of reading glasses rested on top of his snout. He stared ahead with an emotionless face as the two approached, eerily still. His tail was motionless behind him and his hands rested on the counter in front of him.
"One book." He said simply before Beist or Taki could speak a word.
He raised a hand and held it out, palm up, and looked at Taki expectantly.
That was the part of the shop Beist didn't like. The shopkeeper never actually named a price for any of the books, he just expected one to keep putting coins in his hand until they thought it was the right price for the book. If they stopped too early for his liking, he just kept staring at them with his hand out until they gave him more. If you gave him more than the book should have been worth, he kept the change.
Beist was half sure the man wasn't just a Draconynh, but an actual dragon. That wasn't exactly something one accused someone of without being one hundred percent certain though.
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 6, 2023 10:17:39 GMT -5
Taki looked up at the draconian shopkeeper, who held his hand out expectantly to the shaman. "One Book." He said with no introduction or indication of value. The interaction was peculiar in more than one way to the observant Orochi, much like the shop itself. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, centering her senses for a moment. That's when she noted the near complete silence and stillness of the shop, her senses spreading out along the ground to search for anomolies.
Along the perimeter of the room were strange arcane symbols carved into the slab beneath the well aged floors. With a knowing and sly smile, Taki pulled a small pouch with her spare solars clinking about inside. Alongside a small stack of coin the shaman placed a beautiful polished gemstone of bamboo green with brighter streaks lightly accenting it's surface. The piece of Jade was one Taki found while swimming along the river near her home and she suspected it's value would be far greater to the owner than herself.
She watched as his wizened and pragmatic gaze fell on the stone, it's greens dancing with flecks of orange and yellow from the firelight. He seemed entranced for a few moments, plucking it gingerly between two slightly clawed fingers and inspecting it. After a moment, he closed his hands around the coin and the jewel and stared hard at the shaman... she could feel the ages of his gaze, the aura of his magics was like a force of nature unto itself...
Taki held her ground in the maelstrom, rooted to the earth itself as if she and the stone below were parts of the same whole. Her eyes took on the blue misty glow of her spiritual magic for a moment before the pressure stopped. The owner smiled wide and laughed heartily.
"Who are you young reptile?"
"I am known as Shitakibo, or Taki if you prefer. You are?"
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