Brand shrugs, and resorts to vagueness followed by distraction, "My experience is very different to Master Nathaniels, but we have similar interests." Then he smiles, "So he mentioned me did he? I hope he wasn't too rude about me?"

[[Fact check re Astral Travelling: In past incarnantions, travelling to known places along known paths was much easier and much faster. So,for example, doing the hard work to go a few Km one night meant that one could almost-but-not-quite start where you left off the other night. Is that still correct? You alluded in another post to having to concentrate for the whole journey, which would seem inconsistent with the olf model; which is fine, just checking how it works.]]

"No, no," says Eddard. "Not at all."

Then Eddard looks toward the administration building and then speaks in a quieter voice. "I'm supposed to show you out, but shall we go up and see the old man, I'm sure he'd like to see you, in the flesh as it were," he adds with a grin.

[[And that's me for the night. Cheers.]]

Brand smiles back, and nods, "That would be most agreeable. I don't think that harridan....Haneena was it? I'm terrible with names. I don't think she took a liking to me. And I suspect she doesn't really have great fondness for Minton either. Do you know who she does like? I should probably tread carefully around them."

[[What time of day is it?]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Brand smiles back, and nods, "That would be most agreeable. I don't think that harridan....Haneena was it? I'm terrible with names. I don't think she took a liking to me. And I suspect she doesn't really have great fondness for Minton either. Do you know who she does like? I should probably tread carefully around them."

[[What time of day is it?]]

[[It's about 4 hours after midday.]]

"Harridan?" says Eddard as he leads the way towards the stairs. "That's a bit harsh. I admit she can be brusque at times, but she's always done right by me."

He leads Brand up the stairs and through the shelves of books to the small back room that Nathaniel claims as his bedroom, where Brand sees a young woman sorting bed linen on a table near the door. The woman is wearing the bronze medallion of a student.

"Hello Lucinda," says Eddard. "How is he today?"

She puts a finger to her lips and says quietly, "He's asleep at the moment, and I wouldn't waken him, he's not been sleeping well these last couple of days."

Brand sighs, and speaks in hushed tones. "Lucinda is it? My name is Alaric. I was hoping to see Master Nathaniel today, but I certainly don't want to disturb him."

He glances at the door, back at the shelves of books, and considers for a moment, then continues.

[[Depending on his knowledge of the library he might look through the "Compendium of Beasts and Beings Magical, Mundanel and Diverse of all the Known Planes" for a set of eyes like those that haunt his dreams]]

"I did want to consult [[volume name, vaguely relevant to astral travel, if he knows one, but see above]] then visit Mistress Vodin, if she is present. If the Master wakes in the next hour or so, would you be able to send me a message? Otherwise, just let him know that I'm back and will visit again as soon as I can?"

"I'm supposed to escort you from the School," says Eddard to Brand before Lucinda can reply. "Nothing was said about using the library, or seeing one of the other masters, I was just doing you a favour because I knew Master Nathaniel might want to see you."

"Well. Then I guess I shall wait a little for Nathaniel to waken, should he choose to do so."

Brand settles on the floor and begins meditating, hoping to, by some miracle, succeed in leaving his body, if only to check on Nathaniel.

[[If this proves difficult because of Eddard then:

"What I was told was that I was not supposed to be unescorted. I am escorted. Or are you saying you were specifically ordered by that woman to eject me from the school forcefuly, and if so, under whose authority?"

When Brand settles on the floor, Eddard says, "Look, I'm sorry, but perhaps it would be better if you came back some other time."

From his position on the floor, Brand says, "What I was told was that I was not supposed to be unescorted. I am escorted. Or are you saying you were specifically ordered by that woman to eject me from the school forcefuly, and if so, under whose authority?"

Eddard—who is now looking decidedly uncomfortable—replies, saying, "Well, I suppose her authority is that of the archmagus himself. Things have changed over the last few days, since the avatar arrived."

"Isn't that the truth," mutters Lucinda.

Brand looks up at Lucinda and smiles, then turns to Eddard.

"Since the archmagis had already left by the time you were summoned, I doubt that very much." Then he shrugs, "Perhaps you should consult with Master Minton, the gate master, and ask him the best course of action.

"If Haneena had wanted me to leave, then I believe she would have said so to me directly, and I don't really think you should end up being the meat in the sandwich here. I can be escorted by.Lucinda here, and swear not to leave this spot unless ordered to do so by Lucinda. How does that sound?"

[[Brand watches both closely, assessing reactions to his words.]]

"Don't look at me," say Lucinda, picking up the last item of linen. "I have to go to practice."

After hearing out Lucinda, Eddard states forthrightly, "I also have other other things that I have to do."

He then softens his tone and says, "I am sorry that Master Nathaniel is not available, but it really is time for you to go."

Brand stares at him for a moment. "First explain to me precisely what it is that Haneena said to you."

"What she said is irrelevant," says Eddard puffing out his chest. "I am telling you that it is time for you to leave."

Brand notices that Lucinda is no longer paying attention to her linen.

[[Where did this go:]]

[[Brand watches both closely, assessing reactions to his words.]]

[[Any persuasion rolls so far, and have I been failing? Or fumbling...thoughI think you said fumbles don't apply to skills]]

[[I'm assuming Eddard is shorter than Brand; if not will rewrite]]

Brand slowly stands up, and straightens to his full height, shakes out his cloak, and hangs it behind him, then looks down at Eddard. "Well, master Maclan, I'm glad that we have now established that everybodies time is being wasted, including my own. Because I think what the archmages assistant said is relevant, and because I have a good memory, I think it is important to mention that her relevant last words to me were 'I will get someone to come and sit you, as you shouldn't really be wandering around the school unattended''. Ignoring for a moment the offensive tone, I note that she did not request that I leave, but from her words I assume that you are my 'sitter'. Perhaps if you disagree with some aspect of this interpretation, Lucinda here should find either Master Minton or Haneena, -- or even Master Narim for that matter -- any of whom should be able to sort out this clear misunderstanding."

[[Guessing it's about 4:15 at this point. Is it still raining?]]

[[P.S. This is too stressful; I deal with officious nutters too often in real life ;-)]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[I'm assuming Eddard is shorter than Brand; if not will rewrite]]

[[Eddard is also a Sorian, but Brand is taller by about 2 inches.]]

Brand stands up, and straightens to his full height, looking down at Eddard. "Well, master Maclan, I'm glad that we have now established that everybodies time is being wasted, including my own. Because I think what the archmages assistant said is relevant, and because I have a good memory, I think it is important to mention that her last words to me were ' I will get someone to come and sit you, as you shouldn't really be wandering around the school unattended'. She did not request that I leave, and from her words I assume that you are my 'sitter'. Perhaps if you disagree with some aspect of this interpretation, Lucinda here should find either Master Minton or Haneena, -- or even Master Narim for that matter -- any of whom should be able to sort this out."

[[Guessing it's about 4:15 at this point. Is it still raining?]]

[[Brand cannot hear the rain, but it might still be raining softly.]]

[[If you want this to be an attempt at intimidation, make an Intimidation check.]]

[[If you want this to be an attempt at intimidation, make an Intimidation check.]]

[[I'm hanging out for persuasion rolls (several of them); for reference, do I need to specifically ask for rolls?]]

A base D20 roll (persuasion or whatever, add values (or not) as necessary): 1

[[OK -- do hero points get a reroll at all, or just add?]]

[[Can I also get a roll for Lucinda; if *she* is persuaded, she might speak up or take initiative and seek someone out...eg. isn't there also a librarian? pretty sure B has met her also]]

[[ Edit: my perception is that Eddard is behaving irrationally; obviously that interpretation is based on not knowing his instructions; does he seem irational to Lucinda? Obviously I think Brand's arguments are persuasive...]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

From an earlier post:

[[Where did this go:]]

[[Brand watches both closely, assessing reactions to his words.]]

[[Any persuasion rolls so far, and have I been failing? Or fumbling...thoughI think you said fumbles don't apply to skills]]

[[As referee, I decided that Eddard's increasing insistence needed no other notification of what he was feeling. Also, Brand's actions have been in no way persuasive to Eddard, considering his situation and what Brand has said.]] 

---

 

[[If you want this to be an attempt at intimidation, make an Intimidation check.]]

[[I'm hanging out for persuasion rolls (several of them); for reference, do I need to specifically ask for rolls?]]

[[From the point of view of the NPCs, Brand's actions have been in no way persuasive since reaching Master Nathaniel's bedroom, and from before that he was running on coincidence and a lucky roll on my part. Persuasion doesn't come into it. In fact, at the moment Brand is being very high-handed from the perspective of Eddard.]]

A base D20 roll (persuasion or whatever, add values (or not) as necessary): 3

[[OK -- do hero points get a reroll at all, or just add?]]

[[My original idea for Hero points was just points that could be added to die rolls, but I am now thinking they should be like Inspiration die in the original rules (i.e., add a d6 to a roll). I will amend the world site page shortly.]]

[[Can I also get a roll for Lucinda; if *she* is persuaded, she might speak up or take initiative and seek someone out...eg. isn't there also a librarian? pretty sure B has met her also]]

[[At the moment, Brand is not interacting with Lucinda, he is staring down Eddard, so no. Also, Brand does not know who the current librarian is because they were chosen since the last time he was here.]]

[[ Edit: my perception is that Eddard is behaving irrationally; obviously that interpretation is based on not knowing his instructions; does he seem irational to Lucinda? Obviously I think Brand's arguments are persuasive...]]

[[Eddard's perception of these events (and Lucinda's) are unknown to Brand. And, at the moment, he doesn't know what Lucinda is doing because he is starring down at Eddard. Do you still want to make the Intimidation check?]]

[[very high-handed]]

[[I'd go with arrogant, but rational; he's offered numerous options that have uniformly been met by rejection from Eddard. The last "what were your instructions" was, I thought, pretty reasonable, given he was unaware of any such instruction]]

[[Do you still want to make the Intimidation check?]]

[[Not really where he would want to go; persuasion yes, intimidation, not here]]

"It seems we are at an impasse. I've told you what I was told by Haneena. You don't want to tell me what she told you to do for some reason. That's fine. I have suggested getting a master to resolve this. I have suggested Lucinda get a master for the same purpose. I have suggested we wait quietly for a little while to see if Nathaniel wakes. I have suggested quietly reading, or visiting another master. This all seem reasonable suggestions to me. Do you have a better suggestion than demanding for no obvious reason that I leave?"

[[I take it back. Connected dialog; I'd say Brand was pretty decent until Eddard said he was too busy wo wait...]]

"I'm sorry, sir," says the man trying vainly to stop the occasional drop that gets through the thick foliage overhead, "but things have indeed changed in the School... Did you say that Master Nathaniel was your mentor?"

When Brand nods in reply, he says, "Could you tell me your name please?"

"I said friend and mentor. And today I discovered he may be the only one of each remaining, so I really would appreciate seeing him...though Minton did recommend waiting until the rain had finished. Never asked why, probably should have. But...to answer your question...Alaric Brand is my name. And you are?"

At the mention of Brand's name, the fellow stands up straighter and bows. Then he says, "Koric Brand's son. I'm sorry, I didn't know it was you. I am Eddard Maclan."

He then shows you a signet ring on his finger, the siIver of which matches the School journeyman medallion resting on the front of his shirt.

"I went to your family's estate once for a party," he says, "and I must say I have taken quite a liking to the vintages your family produces there."

A particularly large drop of water lands on his head, at which he curses and then says, "Let us get out of this damn rain, shall we?"

He then sprints towards the library.

Brand follows cautiously at a safe distance, and when they reach the library entrance takes off his cloak and shakes it. He glances at Maclan, trying to place the name, face, or mannerisms. "Well Eddard, aside from having excellent taste in wine, what else can you tell me about yourself. Obviously a journeyman, which is no small feat. Are you also a student of Nathaniel's?"

"No," Eddard replies, trying to brush water from his hair, "but I've spent some time talking with the old man. That's how I knew he was your mentor. He mentioned the name Alaric several times to me, I just didn't know he meant Alaric Brand."

"Can you really do what Nathaniel can do?" he then asks. "Project yourself through walls, and all that?"

Brand shrugs, and resorts to vagueness followed by distraction, "My experience is very different to Master Nathaniels, but we have similar interests." Then he smiles, "So he mentioned me did he? I hope he wasn't too rude about me?"

"No, no," says Eddard. "Not at all."

Then Eddard looks toward the administration building and then speaks in a quieter voice. "I'm supposed to show you out, but shall we go up and see the old man, I'm sure he'd like to see you, in the flesh as it were," he adds with a grin.

Brand smiles back, and nods, "That would be most agreeable. I don't think that harridan....Haneena was it? I'm terrible with names. I don't think she took a liking to me. And I suspect she doesn't really have great fondness for Minton either. Do you know who she does like? I should probably tread carefully around them."

Harridan?" says Eddard as he leads the way towards the stairs. "That's a bit harsh. I admit she can be brusque at times, but she's always done right by me."

He leads Brand up the stairs and through the shelves of books to the small back room that Nathaniel claims as his bedroom, where Brand sees a young woman sorting bed linen on a table near the door. The woman is wearing the bronze medallion of a student.

"Hello Lucinda," says Eddard. "How is he today?"

She puts a finger to her lips and says quietly, "He's asleep at the moment, and I wouldn't waken him, he's not been sleeping well these last couple of days."

Brand sighs, and speaks in hushed tones. "Lucinda is it? My name is Alaric. I was hoping to see Master Nathaniel today, but I certainly don't want to disturb him."

He glances at the door, back at the shelves of books, and considers for a moment, then continues.

"I did want to consult [[volume name, vaguely relevant to astral travel, if he knows one, but see above]] then visit Mistress Vodin, if she is present. If the Master wakes in the next hour or so, would you be able to send me a message? Otherwise, just let him know that I'm back and will visit again as soon as I can?"

"I'm supposed to escort you from the School," says Eddard to Brand before Lucinda can reply. "Nothing was said about using the library, or seeing one of the other masters, I was just doing you a favour because I knew Master Nathaniel might want to see you."


"Well. Then I guess I shall wait a little for Nathaniel to waken, should he choose to do so."

Brand settles on the floor and begins meditating, hoping to, by some miracle, succeed in leaving his body, if only to check on Nathaniel.

When Brand settles on the floor, Eddard says, "Look, I'm sorry, but perhaps it would be better if you came back some other time."

From his position on the floor, Brand says, "What I was told was that I was not supposed to be unescorted. I am escorted. Or are you saying you were specifically ordered by that woman to eject me from the school forcefuly, and if so, under whose authority?"

Eddard—who is now looking decidedly uncomfortable—replies, saying, "Well, I suppose her authority is that of the archmagus himself. Things have changed over the last few days, since the avatar arrived."

"Isn't that the truth," mutters Lucinda.

Brand looks up at Lucinda and smiles, then turns to Eddard.

"Since the archmagis had already left by the time you were summoned, I doubt that very much." Then he shrugs, "Perhaps you should consult with Master Minton, the gate master, and ask him the best course of action.

"If Haneena had wanted me to leave, then I believe she would have said so to me directly, and I don't really think you should end up being the meat in the sandwich here. I can be escorted by.Lucinda here, and swear not to leave this spot unless ordered to do so by Lucinda. How does that sound?"


"Don't look at me," say Lucinda, picking up the last item of linen. "I have to go to practice."

After hearing out Lucinda, Eddard states forthrightly, "I also have other other things that I have to do."

He then softens his tone and says, "I am sorry that Master Nathaniel is not available, but it really is time for you to go."

Brand stares at him for a moment. "First explain to me precisely what it is that Haneena said to you."


"What she said is irrelevant," says Eddard puffing out his chest. "I am telling you that it is time for you to leave."

Brand notices that Lucinda is no longer paying attention to her linen.

Brand slowly stands up, and straightens to his full height, shakes out his cloak, and hangs it behind him, then looks down at Eddard. "Well, master Maclan, I'm glad that we have now established that everybodies time is being wasted, including my own. Because I think what the archmages assistant said is relevant, and because I have a good memory, I think it is important to mention that her relevant last words to me were 'I will get someone to come and sit you, as you shouldn't really be wandering around the school unattended''. Ignoring for a moment the offensive tone, I note that she did not request that I leave, but from her words I assume that you are my 'sitter'. Perhaps if you disagree with some aspect of this interpretation, Lucinda here should find either Master Minton or Haneena, -- or even Master Narim for that matter -- any of whom should be able to sort out this clear misunderstanding."

"It seems we are at an impasse. I've told you what I was told by Haneena. You don't want to tell me what she told you to do for some reason. That's fine. I have suggested getting a master to resolve this. I have suggested Lucinda get a master for the same purpose. I have suggested we wait quietly for a little while to see if Nathaniel wakes. I have suggested quietly reading, or visiting another master. This all seem reasonable suggestions to me. Do you have a better suggestion than demanding for no obvious reason that I leave?"

"Enough of your talking," says Eddard, flicking a quick glance at Lucinda. "As one of the guardians of this School, I am asking you to leave. Are you going to do so?"

Briefly following Eddard's glance, Brand sees Lucinda standing back against the wall, looking very concerned.

Looking back at Eddard, Brand sees he is looking very determined and is now well past any attempt at Persuasion.