<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=205751.msg10287431#msg10287431">Quote from: Skynet on 22-07-2014, 03:38:42</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Also, given that he won't be able to attack physically, he's likely going to go all-out with offensive magic," Zull said.  "You might want to brush up on counterspelling sometime.  It's really only part of Aegis classes, but the Dueling Club has practice runs for it."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>"Hmm, good idea.  Directly counterspelling any evocation would be difficult, but at least a<em>shield</em>would stop any<em>magic missiles</em>.  I'd be happy for any other pointers from the club."<br/><br/>"Wow, this inn is a lot nicer than I thought for the school.  It's certainly popular with a lot of fine-looking people, good suggestion Artaxes."  Kleris scanned over the menu, deciding to get something light and different than the cafeteria, ordering a locally-sourced salad of Midgardian greens, and some breaded fish with buttersauce.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"So, Kleris, you mentioned earlier about your time working at your mother's magic shop.  If you don't mind, exactly what does a person do in the exchange of goods in your society?  Centaurs tend to share resources and barter with outsiders, but the human and elven concept of a building stockpiled with goods only to be traded away is...interesting, to say the least."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>"Well, when we have a large supply of a certain good, like our magic shop of components, scrolls, and other materials, magic users know they can come to one place to get everything they need, so many of them can come a lot to buy.  It's certainly easier on us to have one central location that they come to buy at, rather than dealing with small amounts of anything that we'd have to travel to find a buyer for and negotiate.  I suppose that's one of the reasons cities build up, lots of people come together with their specializations, so you can just visit whomever you need."<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"So, what do you enjoy in life?  What hobbies do you pursue in your free time?  Back home I picked up a talent for woodcarving; I always had an easy time visualizing things in my head and them imbuing them into sculpture.  It's been a good way for me to earn some coin back in Tolkur; I figured that I'd put myself through school this way, but that wasn't enough.  Now I do it for fun, and people still ask me from time to time to carve something for them, even though I only have..."<br/><br/>He frowned as he looked over to where his left arm would be.  "Well, it's fortunate that I know <em>mage hand,</em> at least."  He laughed nervously.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>"Wow, that's so artistic.  I'd love to see some of your pieces."  He paused.  "I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but I guess there's a bit of a bulette in the room.  Did you want to talk about what happened?  I'd like to know more about you..." he prompted delicately.<br/>[Diplomacy 13+12=25]<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Success</div><div class="spoiler_body">"It's not a comfortable memory," he said.  "But I suppose I have to come to terms with it.  My people have for the most part been secure.  Everyone who isn't old or sick does their part to make sure that the rest of the Creesh can live a good life.  But there are dangers in the forest and under the ground, and sometimes we must fight against those who'd do us harm.  During our travels a group of worgs stalked us, hoping to pick off a few of the lame travelers.  I was part of the small detachment protecting them, and we picked up arms to drive them off.  It was the first time I've been in a real fight in my life, I was uncertain of what would happen.  I...erred, and the bodies of two of the beasts sunk into my arm, their weight tearing it off.  They were killed, but I bore this as a reminder."<br/><br/>Artaxes sighed.  "I regret my mistake, but I knew things would be far worse if I let those wolves slaughter any of our own.  I was glad that I prevented that, at least."</div></div><br/><div class="floatright">(http://www.cute-dresses.com/image/cache/data/52424_P_1349432003544-600x600.jpg)</div>Kleris was quiet for a moment, digesting that story.  "You're very brave, not many could go to a fight like that and survive at all.  Thank you," he leaned over and gate Artaxes a kiss.  Clearing his throat, he sat back, took a bite of fish and changed the subject.  "Well, I've always studied magic and the business, but I've had a side fascination with adventure and exploring old mysteries.  So sometimes I'd go listen to the bards tell their tall tales, or get the latest novelization of some adventurer.  And I like to dabble in making some stuff for the shop myself.  I made this myself!"  He showed off the sleeve of his uniform and robe.  With a wave of his arm, it shifted to a cute little black and cream lace dress.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">As their meal came to an end, Artaxes offered to pay the bill, even as he blanched at the price of 3 gold pieces.  "All this for that food?!" he exclaimed before regaining his composure.  "Don't worry, Kleris, it's not much; I invited you, meaning that it's my responsibility.  I'd rather keep my honor than my coin."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>Kleris tried to reach for his purse, but was dissuaded by Artaxes.  "Okay, you can be the gentleman tonight, but I'll pay you back somehow."<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The woodland at Redhurst's southwest was far smaller than any proper forest, but the height of the trees and the darkening glimmer of approaching night made it impossible to distinguish between it and the real thing.  The place was a scene of primordial beauty touched by the presence of wizardry: squirrels, bluebirds, and other woodland creatures flitted about the grass and trees as signs illuminated by <em>light</em> spells helped visitors navigate the woods.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>"Oh wow, it's very peaceful and nice.  I wonder if any animals escape to other planes, or get in..."<br/>[Nature 11+8=19]<br/>"Oh yeah, everything's been planted, like an orchard, heh.  I guess wizards automatically make their forests nice and orderly too...<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Knowledge Nature DC 13 or Perception DC 14</div><div class="spoiler_body">Most of the trees grow in rows.  If Kleris points this out, he nods his head in agreement.  "In the wilderness, their birthplace is at the mercy of the winds which carry the pollen.  Sometimes the Creesh cut stems from trees and plant them in soil in case we need to replenish a barren field, but otherwise have little need to do that."</div></div><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Why don't we go off the trail?  I promise I won't get us lost!  Let's break these tiny constraints and explore the forest beyond!"  Artaxes ventured into the flora with ease, his hard hooves unimpeded by the twigs and branches.  Realizing that Kleris might not be as suited, he offered his hand to him.  "Need a lift?  I don't do this for just anyone, but if you want you can ride on me.  Don't worry, I can support your weight easily."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>Kleris agreed, but was soon bogged down by delicate dress shoes and getting his dress caught by the foliage.  "Oh, are you sure?  I'm pretty certain centaurs hate that sort of thing.  But if you're offering, that would be very helpful..."  Kleris took his good hand and scrambled up his flank, throwing a leg up and squeezing against Artaxes until he was able to shimmy up onto his back.  Without a saddle or anything, he leaned forward to hug his belly, holding firmly with his thighs as they blazed a trail.