Carson blinked a bit, making Kleris hopeful, but it was just the sand.<em>Oh crap...</em>he thought, trying to brace himself against the column.  Another bust of evoked elements came to blast Kleris, and instead of painful impact, it simply picked him out of the air to fall without anything to grab purchase on.  He had, in the back of his mind, been afraid that once Carson knocked him out he'd crack his head open on the floor; now it was approaching quite dizzyingly, until he was deposited in Carson's arms with a flop.  Kleris automatically wrapped his arms around his neck for stability, and when he heard his opponent's pronouncement, he knew he had to agree.  It was either that or be throttled unconscious anyway.  And Kleris wasn't certain if he wanted to lose anyway.  Being held in Carson's arms felt good, so losing didn't seem too bad.<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Carson's Bedroom</span></span></div><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Wow," he gasped, wiping the sweat from his brow.  "That was...amazing."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>Kleris was stunned and twitching as well.  Carson had been inside him before, but it was so alien and strange like this, though good in an inverted way.  He had stripped down for Carson first, showing off his cute underwear, then went to the closet to transform, coming out with the little bra overflowing and the panties fitting much more closely.  And then Carson took over with lust, and they had a new sparring match grappling in bed, though everyone won then.  It was so good to lay on his back as Carson took him, kissing and mauling his breasts as Kleris wrapped his legs around.  He definitely needed to try this again, though he did enjoy it the first time as well.  Still, he didn't plan on losing to Carson every time just to have a date.  Next time he'd win, and make Carson have sex with him without the<em>alter self</em>, he smiled to himself.  The experience on the whole just made him feel he'd have to grow more adept and underhanded with his enchantments; not evil, but operating off the grid and outside the box, since he obviously couldn't compete in a straight up brawl.<br/><br/>[Level up, finish studies of enchantment techniques to stay innocuous, learn Silent and Still metamagic]<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"That's Lankyframe Metalminder, a renowned gnome warrior and duelist.  When the Dragonarmies came, he challenged one of the commanders to combat.  He was about to win, but then a blue dragon intervened and electrified him with her breath.  I was there when it happened, and it taught me something important.  That even if you act like a good, obedient person, try to stay out of trouble, there are some folk in this world who will try beating you down anyway.  So you've got to learn to stand up for yourself.  That's why I'm here."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>"He sounds like quite a hero, I'm sorry for his loss, and yours.  I know you'll do good like him.  I think you just need to learn to make allies to back you up, and one of the first steps to that is making friends.  With them supporting you, I know you can made a difference."<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Day 48, Night</span></span></div><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"You know, a lot of things happened this past week which took up our time, but tomorrow, after class, I'd like to begin our date if that's alright with you.  Hey, ummm...it's just...some things have happened recently, which helped me be more true to myself.  I know that I asked at an awkward time last, but I don't want to keep beating myself up over it.  Kleris, I really like you as a friend.  But I want to see if we have something...more."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>"Oh!  Well... that sounds nice.  I'd like to see that too, Rensha.  And hey, no need to feel sorry for the circumstances, I kind of like it when you sweep me off my feet, heh.  So its a date!"<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Oh that's so cute!" the tattooed mage exclaimed.  "You know, there's a Redhurst tradition that if you kiss someone under the archway of Nammor's front door, then your love will become stronger!"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>Kleris had to blush at that too, but grinned when the big orc had to run away in embarrassment.<em>Well you'd better kiss me under the archway then, Rensha.</em><br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"But, I would still like it...to know, at least..."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>Kleris was snuggled up in bed, and didn't move as he listened to Rensha's confession.  She seemed lonely, and he was determined to help her.  Though it was certainly unusual in his case to attempt to settle any questions of her heart.  It might just open up more, but hopefully she'd be comfortable with some ambiguity.<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Day 49</span></span></div><br/><strong>Note:</strong>As Kleris helped narrow down the results of likely suspects, he gains a +4 circumstance bonus on Diplomacy checks for the pic hunt side-quest.<br/>[Will 18+6 = 24, pass<br/>Gather information 13+15+4 = 32, pass, find images<br/>Diplomacy 8+15 = 23, pass, recover images<br/>Perception 20+6 = 26, pass, 10 merits]<br/>Kleris managed to push away the enticing dreams of demons and succubi, not even remembering them as he woke up in the morning.  Asking around the illusionist students, Kleris managed to find the photography club aficionados who had the expertise to create and distribute the well framed and colored images.  While appreciating their craft, he managed to convince them that their subjects were not quite in their right mind to consent, and that if they wanted to get any legitimate credit for their skills, they should stick to volunteers and models.  Taking the images, though, Kleris managed to accidentally talk himself into volunteering for some glamour shots as replacement, being assured they would be "tasteful."  Whatever<em>that</em>alluded to...<br/><br/>Unfortunately, there were still images not in their possession, distributed to less adept fans and paying customers.  Apparently there was a black market for images of the popular girls, and the orgy had been a jackpot for these entrepreneurs.  Kleris was shocked to find there was a small niche market of his own images, apparently taken in public areas or from inside bushes.  Bewildered and a little flattered, he went on to classes with a start to his quest done.<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Ignes School of Illusion</span></span></div><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Good morning to you all, I am Krukht Flashblade of the Bisechen School of Conjuration.  Although illusion is not my specialty, Wrent and I decided to demonstrate the peculiarities of <em>shadow conjuration.</em>  The essence of the Plane of Shadow is a highly malleable energy, capable of replicating spells from other schools as well."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>[Spellcraft 9+12=21]<br/><br/>"Isn't that a pretty advanced and specialized form of magic, creating physical illusions rather than simply summoning their usual counterparts?"<br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Ah, you seem to know a fair bit about shadow magic!  Now, ordinarily you'd be unable to cast such a spell, but there exists a lesser form of it which can be taught.  It can replicate the effects of any apprentice-level creation or summoning spell, only the effects are partially real.  Considering that many of you are not conjurers, I figured that I'd demonstrate a few spells so you know how to properly mimic them with illusion.  Look closely, and tell me if the spell I cast is a genuine conjuration spell, or in fact an illusory deception."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>[Will 13+6 = 19, 75% right]<br/>He guessed the armor was real, but the horse, dagger, and cat were shadows.  Unfortunately he missed out on the very real dagger that shot across the room to sever a target.<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;">After Ignes Class</span></div><br/>Kleris was pleased to see the tiefling dancer, and that she seemed to be calling to him.  But when he saw the badge and she called him by name, that put him a little on the defensive.  He meekly followed her, though, to dissuade any indication of guilt; who knew what she wanted yet?  Though the authoritative "we" didn't bode well.  Walking behind her to the faculty building, he quietly gestured a<em>silent charm person</em>spell, hoping any explanations he might give would be taken with the most sympathy.<br/><br/><em>Silent charm person</em>DC 15<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"It's took some time, but I was able to find out that you were sneaking about disguised in Mordant earlier.  I believe you took something during the chaos which followed as Carson clashed with some prefects.  Does Nava ring a bell?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>[Bluff 8+15=23, fail, unless Kleris is<em>charming</em>enough to slide]<br/>Kleris thought that they might suspect something, but connecting him to Nava wasn't what he could have expected.  His eyes widened as he tried not to panic, coughing before answering.  "Um, no, I don't believe I know that person.  Were they an exchange student?  I'm afraid I'm not even familiar with all the students of Redhurst.  I certainly didn't go poking my nose into anyone else's business!"<em>It was entirely my </em>own<em>business...!</em><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Success</div><div class="spoiler_body">"No?  Well, how about that party in the <em>magnificent mansion?</em>  By my accounts you were there when some further chaos erupted.  The...festivities, I believe," she said with a look of embarrassment on her face, "were fueled by some powerful enchantment magic."</div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Failure</div><div class="spoiler_body">"Aha, so you do know!  And you were at the party in the <em>magnificent mansion</em> a week ago, too!  Where an enchantment-fueled orgy between Redhurst and Allainian students broke out!  Are you trying to sabotage the school?!"<br/><br/>At this point she realizes that Kleris is innocent of the latter accusation.  She sighs and calms down.</div></div><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I am Prefect Filomena, charged with looking into student affairs, especially ones which can cause discord.  Kleris, I fear that the recent set of events are not isolated.  Don't worry, this room's scry-proof; I need to know anything important that you might know, so I prevent further incidents of chaos from happening."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>"Well I--I'm a freshman!  I'm clearly not aware or capable of anything like what happened in any--alleged--unsanctioned parties!"  After genuinely denying that he could or would have anything to do with the orgy, Elgazia's orgy, he had to stop and think of what could actually be useful to the school.<br/><br/>"Okay, who knows why I know, but the source of that enchantment was a demon.  It, and apparently a few succubi, were manipulating the students.  I don't know how it got in, or who let it in, but it was dismissed back to its plane.  Or some plane at least.  So I'm pretty sure that direct threat is gone, but I don't know what was behind it.  I really don't know more than that, but I don't want anything bad to happen to the students and I'll help find out what or who brought a demon in."