5.26.2005
Master Vrill Can't Go For That- No Can Do
Okay Cinder, you sneeze on Vrill. He kind of frowns, pulls out a hanky and wipes his face. A little piece of mucus- just a leeetle thin flaky one- still remains on his cheek. Your nose begins to bleed profusely. Nose blood running down the sides of your mouth, you excuse yourself. The usher helpfully points you towards the men's room.
On the way back, you notice that there seems to be a change... the demonstration of the UPM is over, and the auditorium is rapidly being prepared for the Apprentices' Social. The curtain has dropped back over that machine. Some people are filing into the room for the party, but a few others are leaving, heading back towards the posters. You head off with them towards the 'Cutting Edge' section, keeping in mind that there might be a chance once people get a bit more drunk to get back on stage and check out the device in more detail.
Section 7 has some of the craziest stuff in the whole faire. A lot of it is pretty technical and beyond you, such as Poster 7.26, "A Method for Reversing the Valence of Chtonium B". Some stuff is just out there though like Poster 7.2, "Towards the Philosopher's Ungent: New Findings on the Transmutation of Gold", Poster 7.23 "Alchemical Uses of Orphans", or Poster 7.10, "A Machine That Flies".
Then there's Poster 7.13:
Poster 7.13
Master Gregory Vrill, Grito Potion Guild
"The 'Growlbear', or Greater Owlbear"
It's Vrill's poster! You take in just a little before turning on your heel to leave. Apparently, Vrill is trying to produce "the better owlbear", a procedure that involves the standard owlbear method, whatever that is, plus a couple Potions of Heroism and a Potion of Crazy Business. You also see mention of something called the 'Arcanobear', an owlbear with rudimentary magic using abilities! You turn to split, but... right there in your face is Vrill himself!
"Oh, hello," he says. "Come to take a look at our latest research, I see." You ready another sneeze when he says "Well I'm excited about this work, and if you have a minute, I'd like to tell you about it." He smiles at you. "How's your nose, by the way? Not infectuous I hope! Heh heh."
Apparently, Vrill bought your disguise. He ignores your protests that you have to go, pointing out various aspects of his 'Growlbear' project. He tells you that a prototype has been developed, and is significantly more intelligent and versatile than previous owlbears. Also, on a successful Spot check, you'll notice that the booger is still on Vrill's cheek.
"Of course, you might be wondering 'Why would I want an owlbear in the first place?' That's a good question. Well, in these tough times, what if our peaceful, successful kingdom of Greyhelm was invaded by those jealous of our successes. There's a lot of destruction going on that's driven by jealousy and envy, both professional and personal." He says this with a lot of conviction, maybe speaking from personal experience.
Meanwhile, it sounds like the Social has started. It sounds like they've got a pretty good sound system in there:
Yeah, yeah! Yeah!
Usher Usher
I'm in the club with my homies...
Vrill rolls his eyes and continues, talking a little louder. "In case you didn't know, owlbears are powerful warriors, loyal friends, and easily trained. However, this work has, mm, unfortunately met some setbacks and I'm funding it partially out of my own pocket. Not that it doesn't have full Guild support!" he adds hastily, smiling. He points out a few more technical aspects of the work and returns to the topic of funding. "So maybe you'd be interested in purchasing, well, if not a Growlbe... excuse me, Greater Owlbear, because they're still being prototyped, we have a couple regular models for sale. Let me give you my card just in case." He pulls out a bizarre business card and hands it to you (see above).
Take that/rewind it back
Usher got the voice that make your booty go
He explains about the card. "You see, some of this work on training owlbears comes from my work training border collies. It's also to fund my research... as I'm sure you know, it can be difficult to secure funding for these more 'Cutting Edge' projects, heh heh. So just as a backup I raise and sell collies. They're great. We've got a little farm just outside town. You might be surprised, some people are just nuts for them. We used to sell homemade quivers, but mm... that didn't work out so well. Just not much of a market I guess. But those collies, I'll tell you, some people just love those guys. And I know about the typo, ha ha, don't worry, I do know how to spell 'friend', I am a Potion Guild Master you know, ha ha! It was a printer's error and they're sending me some more cards free of charge with the correction. So, collies, owlbears- I'm your guy."
The music changes up a little bit:
Do the Hustle!... do the hustle...
When things couldn't get any more awkward, your nose begins to bleed again. Vrill's about to offer you his hanky, but that's not what I wanted to tell you about. Just when things couldn't get any more awkward, you see some more people approach! It's the midget Master Guildmaster Master Parsifal Meeks! And with him are a nice man and woman- the two people that Dave and Brogg met outside. Man, banded mail, sword, tabard with a brown oval. Woman in a nice dress, also brown oval on cloak clasp.
Vrill says "Well, it's been nice chatting with you. I have to run though. Anyway, I hope you like the Grow.. the Greater Owlbear project, especially if you happen to be one of the secret judges, hah hah! Just kidding."
Cinder, make a save vs. spell.
Vrill walks off and joins the others about six paces away. You pretend to look at his poster critically, while actually using your superb thief hearing to listen in on their conversation!
Master P: "Well it looks like someone is actually interested in your work."
Vrill: "Mm, I think so. Nice to see you, Lord Rupert, Lady Sarah!"
The man and woman smile back.
Rupert: (Smiling) "We're not keeping you from any important guild business or- sales- now are we?"
All: "Ha ha!"
Vrill: (Shakes head) "Oh no, it's quite alright. As they say- the work stands alone. I simply do my part to bring it into the world."
You're about to stop listening to this rather insipid small talk, when they start to talk about something more interesting.
Master P: "So I won't be joining you tonight. Too much work and such," and that little midget voice... there's just something about it that grates on you, "but don't... Wait, you've got a little something on your cheek. No, the other cheek. Mm, not quite, there you go. Anyway, don't let me keep you from the task at hand. You are ready, right? Right Greg?"
Vrill: "Well, I thought that, because it's so late and all, we'd take a late supper at the farm and get going in the morning. Besides, I left the key there, and..."
P: "You WHAT?"
Vrill: "Hey, don't worry, it's not like I left it in the house itself. It's, you know, well guarded." With that, he makes a gesture back towards his poster!
P: (Sarcastically) "Great. This owlbear thing, Greg..." He looks at Rupert and Sarah, who look at each other and then look away uncomfortably. "Well, we'll talk about it later. Right now, it's time for 'Plan B'. Which will go off without a hitch."
Vrill: "Of course."
P: "Note that that wasn't a question. Don't screw this one up. Fetch your damn key, get to the station, do the thing."
Vrill: "That's the plan."
P: (Sighing) "I guess it won't make much difference if you leave tonight or leave in the morning." (To everyone) "Do be careful." (To Rupert and Sarah) "And I'm sure Master Vrill greatly appreciates your help with his project. Say 'hi' to Lord Antonio for me."
Rupert and Sarah, together: "The glory of God go with you." They look at each other and make cute faces: "Jinx!" Ugh, how nauseating.
Master Parsifal walks off, but first... he looks back at you, catching your eye. For just like half a second, he pauses, opens his mouth to say something... then turns and stalks off into the halls. 'Lord Rupert' claps Vrill hard on the shoulder and says "Now let's wrap up here and go see some of these famous collies!"
From the party:
But I can't go for that... noooo...
No can do...
Cinder, the game is yours. Try to get back stage to examine the machine? Leave and find your friends? Rate the poster? Clean up your nose blood? All of the above?
...
Meanwhile, outside, Mike shakes hands with his new zombie pal and introduces him to the other zombie. Brogg and Dave, you hear some loud sounds within the Guild! At first you get worried, but then... no, wait... it starts to sound kind of like a party. It sounds like they're probably having some fun in there. It starts to rain on you guys a little bit.
Then you notice a couple other guys, just kind of casually hanging outside like yourselves. Dave... one of those guys is the thief who tried to come in your inn room window at Drexel's! You're sure of it! (Well, 80% sure. It was dark then and dark now.)
On the way back, you notice that there seems to be a change... the demonstration of the UPM is over, and the auditorium is rapidly being prepared for the Apprentices' Social. The curtain has dropped back over that machine. Some people are filing into the room for the party, but a few others are leaving, heading back towards the posters. You head off with them towards the 'Cutting Edge' section, keeping in mind that there might be a chance once people get a bit more drunk to get back on stage and check out the device in more detail.
Section 7 has some of the craziest stuff in the whole faire. A lot of it is pretty technical and beyond you, such as Poster 7.26, "A Method for Reversing the Valence of Chtonium B". Some stuff is just out there though like Poster 7.2, "Towards the Philosopher's Ungent: New Findings on the Transmutation of Gold", Poster 7.23 "Alchemical Uses of Orphans", or Poster 7.10, "A Machine That Flies".
Then there's Poster 7.13:
Poster 7.13
Master Gregory Vrill, Grito Potion Guild
"The 'Growlbear', or Greater Owlbear"
It's Vrill's poster! You take in just a little before turning on your heel to leave. Apparently, Vrill is trying to produce "the better owlbear", a procedure that involves the standard owlbear method, whatever that is, plus a couple Potions of Heroism and a Potion of Crazy Business. You also see mention of something called the 'Arcanobear', an owlbear with rudimentary magic using abilities! You turn to split, but... right there in your face is Vrill himself!
"Oh, hello," he says. "Come to take a look at our latest research, I see." You ready another sneeze when he says "Well I'm excited about this work, and if you have a minute, I'd like to tell you about it." He smiles at you. "How's your nose, by the way? Not infectuous I hope! Heh heh."
Apparently, Vrill bought your disguise. He ignores your protests that you have to go, pointing out various aspects of his 'Growlbear' project. He tells you that a prototype has been developed, and is significantly more intelligent and versatile than previous owlbears. Also, on a successful Spot check, you'll notice that the booger is still on Vrill's cheek.
"Of course, you might be wondering 'Why would I want an owlbear in the first place?' That's a good question. Well, in these tough times, what if our peaceful, successful kingdom of Greyhelm was invaded by those jealous of our successes. There's a lot of destruction going on that's driven by jealousy and envy, both professional and personal." He says this with a lot of conviction, maybe speaking from personal experience.
Meanwhile, it sounds like the Social has started. It sounds like they've got a pretty good sound system in there:
Yeah, yeah! Yeah!
Usher Usher
I'm in the club with my homies...
Vrill rolls his eyes and continues, talking a little louder. "In case you didn't know, owlbears are powerful warriors, loyal friends, and easily trained. However, this work has, mm, unfortunately met some setbacks and I'm funding it partially out of my own pocket. Not that it doesn't have full Guild support!" he adds hastily, smiling. He points out a few more technical aspects of the work and returns to the topic of funding. "So maybe you'd be interested in purchasing, well, if not a Growlbe... excuse me, Greater Owlbear, because they're still being prototyped, we have a couple regular models for sale. Let me give you my card just in case." He pulls out a bizarre business card and hands it to you (see above).
Take that/rewind it back
Usher got the voice that make your booty go
He explains about the card. "You see, some of this work on training owlbears comes from my work training border collies. It's also to fund my research... as I'm sure you know, it can be difficult to secure funding for these more 'Cutting Edge' projects, heh heh. So just as a backup I raise and sell collies. They're great. We've got a little farm just outside town. You might be surprised, some people are just nuts for them. We used to sell homemade quivers, but mm... that didn't work out so well. Just not much of a market I guess. But those collies, I'll tell you, some people just love those guys. And I know about the typo, ha ha, don't worry, I do know how to spell 'friend', I am a Potion Guild Master you know, ha ha! It was a printer's error and they're sending me some more cards free of charge with the correction. So, collies, owlbears- I'm your guy."
The music changes up a little bit:
Do the Hustle!... do the hustle...
When things couldn't get any more awkward, your nose begins to bleed again. Vrill's about to offer you his hanky, but that's not what I wanted to tell you about. Just when things couldn't get any more awkward, you see some more people approach! It's the midget Master Guildmaster Master Parsifal Meeks! And with him are a nice man and woman- the two people that Dave and Brogg met outside. Man, banded mail, sword, tabard with a brown oval. Woman in a nice dress, also brown oval on cloak clasp.
Vrill says "Well, it's been nice chatting with you. I have to run though. Anyway, I hope you like the Grow.. the Greater Owlbear project, especially if you happen to be one of the secret judges, hah hah! Just kidding."
Cinder, make a save vs. spell.
Vrill walks off and joins the others about six paces away. You pretend to look at his poster critically, while actually using your superb thief hearing to listen in on their conversation!
Master P: "Well it looks like someone is actually interested in your work."
Vrill: "Mm, I think so. Nice to see you, Lord Rupert, Lady Sarah!"
The man and woman smile back.
Rupert: (Smiling) "We're not keeping you from any important guild business or- sales- now are we?"
All: "Ha ha!"
Vrill: (Shakes head) "Oh no, it's quite alright. As they say- the work stands alone. I simply do my part to bring it into the world."
You're about to stop listening to this rather insipid small talk, when they start to talk about something more interesting.
Master P: "So I won't be joining you tonight. Too much work and such," and that little midget voice... there's just something about it that grates on you, "but don't... Wait, you've got a little something on your cheek. No, the other cheek. Mm, not quite, there you go. Anyway, don't let me keep you from the task at hand. You are ready, right? Right Greg?"
Vrill: "Well, I thought that, because it's so late and all, we'd take a late supper at the farm and get going in the morning. Besides, I left the key there, and..."
P: "You WHAT?"
Vrill: "Hey, don't worry, it's not like I left it in the house itself. It's, you know, well guarded." With that, he makes a gesture back towards his poster!
P: (Sarcastically) "Great. This owlbear thing, Greg..." He looks at Rupert and Sarah, who look at each other and then look away uncomfortably. "Well, we'll talk about it later. Right now, it's time for 'Plan B'. Which will go off without a hitch."
Vrill: "Of course."
P: "Note that that wasn't a question. Don't screw this one up. Fetch your damn key, get to the station, do the thing."
Vrill: "That's the plan."
P: (Sighing) "I guess it won't make much difference if you leave tonight or leave in the morning." (To everyone) "Do be careful." (To Rupert and Sarah) "And I'm sure Master Vrill greatly appreciates your help with his project. Say 'hi' to Lord Antonio for me."
Rupert and Sarah, together: "The glory of God go with you." They look at each other and make cute faces: "Jinx!" Ugh, how nauseating.
Master Parsifal walks off, but first... he looks back at you, catching your eye. For just like half a second, he pauses, opens his mouth to say something... then turns and stalks off into the halls. 'Lord Rupert' claps Vrill hard on the shoulder and says "Now let's wrap up here and go see some of these famous collies!"
From the party:
But I can't go for that... noooo...
No can do...
Cinder, the game is yours. Try to get back stage to examine the machine? Leave and find your friends? Rate the poster? Clean up your nose blood? All of the above?
...
Meanwhile, outside, Mike shakes hands with his new zombie pal and introduces him to the other zombie. Brogg and Dave, you hear some loud sounds within the Guild! At first you get worried, but then... no, wait... it starts to sound kind of like a party. It sounds like they're probably having some fun in there. It starts to rain on you guys a little bit.
Then you notice a couple other guys, just kind of casually hanging outside like yourselves. Dave... one of those guys is the thief who tried to come in your inn room window at Drexel's! You're sure of it! (Well, 80% sure. It was dark then and dark now.)
