[2026/03/03 14:08] Sapphire: Alright, so I think last time we'd wrapped up a hunt for a dangerous monster? I should distribute adventure XP and lab time I think.
[2026/03/03 14:08] Sapphire: so you can study / research new spells and such
[2026/03/03 14:08] Sonja Bikergrrl: we didn't finish the adventure?
[2026/03/03 14:08] Sapphire: did you not?
[2026/03/03 14:08] Sapphire: I suppose we left off right after you'd slain the thing
[2026/03/03 14:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: idk, we killed something and there was blood everywhere and I walked away with my head on fire
[2026/03/03 14:09] Sapphire: is there more stuff you were planning to look into?
[2026/03/03 14:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: we didn't see the wagon to where they were going
[2026/03/03 14:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: we didn't get paid, and Mecha just turned up with her head fresh from a book
[2026/03/03 14:09] Sapphire: hmmmmmmm
[2026/03/03 14:12] Sapphire: that's a fair thing to continue wrapping up at least, sure,
[2026/03/03 14:12] Mecha: honestly this one thought it was we beat the baddie... skip ahead to end of job. we got paid and are now back or at the very least heading back
[2026/03/03 14:13] Sonja Bikergrrl: we don't know it was the baddie
[2026/03/03 14:18] Mecha: this one is easy. either way works
[2026/03/03 14:19] Sapphire: /me nods, gets notes together, reads through, flips to check other side
[2026/03/03 14:25] Sapphire: alright!
[2026/03/03 14:25] Sapphire: -☼- --☿-- -☼-
[2026/03/03 14:25] Sapphire: "Alright, I suppose you did save the caravan from that horrible monster," The merchant says with some exaggerated thanks, "But do we really have to strain the draft beasts with this pile of slag from it?"
[2026/03/03 14:25] Sapphire: "What does the city watch want with it anyway?" He asks.
[2026/03/03 14:25] Sapphire: Despite his protests, they have loaded it up onto the wagon to get it moving down the road, trying to make good time to the village perhaps an hour away this late in the morning.
[2026/03/03 14:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: Syra: "Watch business. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated, citizen."
[2026/03/03 14:29] Sapphire: He rubs his chin, regarding the lady who both claims to be in the watch and has also managed to burn away most of their sleeve, but decides not to press it while still on the road.
[2026/03/03 14:29] Mecha: As they move Sarah is going to try something. These folks know that the two of us use magic, right?
[2026/03/03 14:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me ignores the burnt sleeve and acts as if having bloody streaks on her face is perfectly normal
[2026/03/03 14:31] Sapphire: I do not think you have admitted to using magic to these people yet
[2026/03/03 14:32] Sapphire: not that Syra is *hiding* it persay
[2026/03/03 14:33] Mecha: well figure francois has told people by now
[2026/03/03 14:34] Sapphire: and the blue flames aren't exactly discrete
[2026/03/03 14:34] Sapphire: So.... you might reasonably expect them to have figured out something is up by now
[2026/03/03 14:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: much flammen was werfed
[2026/03/03 14:35] Mecha: okay then going to step a few feet away before standing still and try her idea to bring up some dirt, solidified under her feet to lift her in the air
[2026/03/03 14:35] Mecha: Staying a safe distance so if it fails and random dirt flies it is less chance to hurt anyone.
[2026/03/03 14:36] Sapphire: do you have a dedicated spell or freestyling a spontaneous one?
[2026/03/03 14:36] Mecha: freestyling but have been trying to create a spell for it and if it suceed s ready to take notes
[2026/03/03 14:39] Sapphire: So Creo Terram, making a big pillar to stand on. You might get better results with Stone due to your Focus in it
[2026/03/03 14:39] Sapphire: what's your Stamina, Creo, and Terram?
[2026/03/03 14:39] Mecha: Stone would work if a pair can be found within the area
[2026/03/03 14:40] Sapphire: ....a pair of what?
[2026/03/03 14:40] Sonja Bikergrrl: ....
[2026/03/03 14:40] Sonja Bikergrrl: I won't say a -word-
[2026/03/03 14:40] Mecha: a pair of rocks
[2026/03/03 14:41] Sapphire: i seem to recall you carry at least one on your belt for exactly this sort of purpose
[2026/03/03 14:42] Mecha: true, well will use that
[2026/03/03 14:43] Sapphire: making stone is about magnitude 3, plus touch range... for overage do you want it taller or to last longer?
[2026/03/03 14:43] Sapphire: base duration would be "Momentary"
[2026/03/03 14:44] Mecha: last longer. Try for at the least 4 seconds to start
[2026/03/03 14:44] Sapphire: it works in steps but sure. roll it, and tell me what bonus you have?
[2026/03/03 14:45] D10: Mecha rolls 3
[2026/03/03 14:47] Mecha: Let's see Terram of 12+3, with Concentration of 3 and figure intelligenge of +3 the stamina can be for next time oh and cre of 8 *Think Cre is right* So 3+15+3+3+8 so 32?
[2026/03/03 14:47] Sapphire: it's Stamina rather than int for casting
[2026/03/03 14:48] Mecha: then +4 for stamina so 33
[2026/03/03 14:48] Sapphire: i think your focus of Stone also doubles the creo, but this being a Spontaneous spell will be half your result...
[2026/03/03 14:49] Sapphire: ok, that ends up being a level 15 spell overall....
[2026/03/03 14:50] Sapphire: A pillar of stone rises up beneath Sarah's legs, lifting her up several of her own body lengths. You can sense this spell should last until sunset, and I imagine you wanted this for visibility?
[2026/03/03 14:50] Mecha: no no not a piller of stone think a flat piece of stone to float in the air under her
[2026/03/03 14:51] Sapphire: if you also want it *floating* that'll require Rego as well
[2026/03/03 14:51] Mecha: If she wanted just a pillar she could have done wall of protecting stone and tried to shape it
[2026/03/03 14:51] Mecha: Rego give +5
[2026/03/03 14:51] Sapphire: so close enough to still be around level 15 then
[2026/03/03 14:51] Mecha: /me nods
[2026/03/03 14:52] Sapphire: is this just practicing or she trying to accomplish something?
[2026/03/03 14:53] Mecha: Trying to accomplish it then she can practice to make it better. Mainly trying to see if she can make it work
[2026/03/03 14:54] Mecha: Sorry about taking up the game time for this
[2026/03/03 14:54] Sapphire: oh, it's a cool thing to be inventing, but you're also liable to panic the merchants
[2026/03/03 14:55] Mecha: that's the other reason for the distance
[2026/03/03 14:55] Sapphire: how much distance?
[2026/03/03 14:55] Mecha: figure 15 yards
[2026/03/03 14:55] Sapphire: so still in shouting range, roughly, but not speaking distance
[2026/03/03 14:57] Mecha: yes
[2026/03/03 14:58] Sapphire: ok, but in any case, Sarah is practicing a version of *Ominous Levitation of the Weighty Stone* on the walk, which bids the draft beasts in particular to start hurrying their way to the next town. You can tell you're close as the forest gives way to what seem to be cultivated fields of some short, leafy plant that is probably edible and already attracting bees.
[2026/03/03 14:59] Mecha: So it does succeed?
[2026/03/03 15:00] Sapphire: ah! yes indeed it does, and barely even breaking a sweat this time. With practice, and maybe some reference notes from the mages at the castle, you'll be able to learn it as a proper formula with a couple months practice
[2026/03/03 15:01] Mecha: Sarah shows a moment of excitement at this and continues wlaking with the group jotting down notes
[2026/03/03 15:03] Mecha: "Syra did you see it? It worked."
[2026/03/03 15:03] Sapphire: "Ah, your payments," the merchant says as they come down the home stretch of the road towards the cluster of perhaps a dozen wooden houses clumped up together and surrounded by barns at a slight remove. They don't seem to have walls, but they do have a distinctive church building and one creaky looking watch tower that is about two feet shorter than the church spire.
[2026/03/03 15:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: "Yes, very good!"
[2026/03/03 15:04] Sapphire: He's rifling through his pockets and pulling out some silver coins, thinking for a moment. "As agreed, a coin a day for each of you, and an additional one for helping us with the beast. I expect you'll be making your way to Langon after this."
[2026/03/03 15:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: How many coins?
[2026/03/03 15:05] Sonja Bikergrrl: "I was thinking we'd travel with you to the next town along, actually."
[2026/03/03 15:06] Sapphire: he's pulled out six silvers, and pales a bit at the suggestion that you're continueing with him. "Oh, I'm sure that won't be needed, the next stretch of road is well patrolled."
[2026/03/03 15:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me counts out six matching coins and passes the total twelve to him. "Half for Francois, half for your team. They're a good bunch."
[2026/03/03 15:07] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me smiles to him. "Do I take it you're not keen on our company?"
[2026/03/03 15:09] Sapphire: He blinks, very confused at having the money returned to him, looking up."Ah, well, I was thinking this to be a sharp expense beyond what I was prepared for on the outset of this journey. It is not quite usual that the Langdon watch would travel this far away..."
[2026/03/03 15:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me chuckles. "You're a good man. Sell your wares for a good price, and it's been a pleasure travelling with you. Sarah! Let's haul ass."
[2026/03/03 15:10] Sapphire: ( You would also be... at least loosely aware that mundanes do not like the company of wizards in general, tending to expect the worst of things to happen, and the social effects of the gift in general )
[2026/03/03 15:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: what gift?
[2026/03/03 15:11] Sapphire: *The * Gift, the one that lets you work magic in the first place
[2026/03/03 15:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: oh, that gift
[2026/03/03 15:12] Sapphire: with other hermetic wizards it's muted... by your magical protection rituals.
[2026/03/03 15:13] Sapphire: "Ah hah, thank you for the aid and have a good travel back to Langdon. We can set this metal shell on the ground and you'll handle it from here?" He glances over to Sarah, wondering if she might simply levitate it around on the way back.
[2026/03/03 15:13] Mecha: Sarah smiles and then looks at Syra. "You can have my share I do need to return though."
[2026/03/03 15:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me passes the other six coins to the guy. "These are for you."
[2026/03/03 15:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: Is that metal shell useful at all?
[2026/03/03 15:14] Sapphire: "I... if you insist," he accepts the money back.
[2026/03/03 15:15] Sonja Bikergrrl: I'm afraid i do!
[2026/03/03 15:16] Sapphire: the metal shell holds the concentrated magical power of a slain magical beast! It'll be useful in crafting magical items. You haven't yet determined the amount or form of power, but earlier detected it was there and can process it at your lab back at Castra Solis
[2026/03/03 15:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: eh, we can lash it to the horses
[2026/03/03 15:16] Sapphire: *nods*
[2026/03/03 15:17] Sapphire: Alright, heading back then?
[2026/03/03 15:17] Sonja Bikergrrl: that'll do, then.
[2026/03/03 15:17] Sonja Bikergrrl: Anyone we pass on the way back?
[2026/03/03 15:20] Sapphire: hmmmm
[2026/03/03 15:20] D10: Sapphire rolls 8
[2026/03/03 15:22] Sapphire: You do! There's a quartet of armored knights on horseback, with another six attendants behind them guiding a half dozen spare horses. Their tabards are blue and silver, and would need a Heraldry or Area Lore check to recognize
[2026/03/03 15:23] Sonja Bikergrrl: eh, jarheads, fuck'em. They can go stick their lances in something. Onward!
[2026/03/03 15:23] Sapphire: going around off the side of the road to avoid?
[2026/03/03 15:23] Sonja Bikergrrl: Are knights so unchivalrous they'll run straight into a lady?
[2026/03/03 15:23] Mecha: Since this isn't a mountain trail Sarahs area lore isn't gonna do much
[2026/03/03 15:24] Sapphire: ah, but are you blocking the road so they have to interact with you?
[2026/03/03 15:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: They can go round.
[2026/03/03 15:26] Sapphire: "Hail, travelers," the lead knight shouts, slowing down and moving to the left side of the road, while his fellows move to the right hand side. "What events transpired, that two ladies such as yourselves are traveling unescorted?"
[2026/03/03 15:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: "Well met, good sir knight. There was a slight incident involving some monster or other, but we just about managed to deal with it. Luckily you were nearby, so, we were in no great danger. It's good to know there's brave and noble knights travelling the realm, righting wrongs."
[2026/03/03 15:28] Mecha: Sarah looks curious. "Are we ladies? thought lady was married to a lord or something?"
[2026/03/03 15:29] Sapphire: you ain't menfolk, you're on horseback
[2026/03/03 15:29] Sapphire: who else would you be?
[2026/03/03 15:30] Mecha: Sarah blinks."I guess you have a point... I think."
[2026/03/03 15:30] Sapphire: "Of course, milady. We're simply answering our leige's summon of our banners." He takes another look across the two of you. "Oh, you're injured! You said this was a beast? Did your escorts perish protecting you?"
[2026/03/03 15:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me bites back a laugh, remembering Francois' flight. "Nay, nay injury suffered, no perished escorts! It was a tough fight for us, for you, a trivial bout of fisticuffs, but we prevailed."
[2026/03/03 15:35] Mecha: "I am sorry but we faced the beast and defeated it." As Sarah gets off the horse and stands at her full height, petting the horse."Sorry to put full weight on you."
[2026/03/03 15:36] Sapphire: "Well, that's good to hear. I'd be honored to escort you to... where are you heading? " One of the other knights, visor down but bushy beard escaping their helmet regardless, coughs impatiently, getting an annoyed glance from the one speaking. Behind them, the attendants and/or squires are leaning to get a look at the strange ladies, some marveling at the sheer size of Sarah, and the stoutness of her horse to carry her, others seemingly fascinated and whispering about Syra's bared arm and scorch damage.
[2026/03/03 15:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: "Not far. I'm sure any evil has fled or fallen before you, so the way back is clear."
[2026/03/03 15:38] Mecha: Thank you for your offer but we are fine. Did you not say your liege has summoned your banners. Since we are heading in the opposite direction it would not do for you to keep them waiting.
[2026/03/03 15:39] Sapphire: "Indeed so," the bushy bearded one interjects over the talkative one. "The path back is safe, and our leige requires our presence without delay."
[2026/03/03 15:39] Sapphire: "....alas. In that case, fair ladies, I wish you the safest of travels."
[2026/03/03 15:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: am I wearing a hat?
[2026/03/03 15:40] Mecha: "And to you as well."Before Sarah begins walking, leading the horse out of kindness to the poor animal.
[2026/03/03 15:40] Sapphire: I don't recall you mentioning such
[2026/03/03 15:40] Sonja Bikergrrl: I guess it got burnt. I'll nod and brush back my hair.
[2026/03/03 15:41] Sapphire: though a hat suited to your station would indeed probably simplify interactions going forwards
[2026/03/03 15:41] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me makes a note. Get a hat. Also a number of sticks, dowels, screws, nuts & bolts
[2026/03/03 15:43] Mecha: So we are back on our merry way.
[2026/03/03 15:44] Sapphire: After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the knights proceed onwards. The trip back to Castra Solis proceeds without further trouble, getting back late into the evening, but the castle is quite happy to open their gates to let in returning wizards
[2026/03/03 15:45] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me needs to find a familiar too
[2026/03/03 15:45] Sapphire: Adventure XP: 6, and you can take 2 or 3 seasons of downtime to get labwork (research, item crafting, such done)
[2026/03/03 15:45] Sapphire: oooh! Finding a familiar sounds like a lovely next adventure
[2026/03/03 15:46] Sapphire: I don't think we've talked about how Labwork goes
[2026/03/03 15:46] Sonja Bikergrrl: I need sticks and nuts and bolts
[2026/03/03 15:46] Sapphire: The basic plan, is you can do one thing during a given season from a list in chapter.... 8
[2026/03/03 15:47] Sapphire: note that the nuts and bolts would be hand crafted, not standardized, but the castle does have a blacksmith to hand
[2026/03/03 15:48] Sonja Bikergrrl: he should be able to fashion some simple nuts and bolts
[2026/03/03 15:48] Sapphire: i am unsure if screw threading is yet known but he can arrange for some fasteners. Do you have a plan of what sort of things you intend to be fastening?
[2026/03/03 15:49] Sapphire: link incoming....
[2026/03/03 15:49] Sonja Bikergrrl: they were being made in 400BC...
[2026/03/03 15:49] Sapphire: cool!
[2026/03/03 15:49] Sapphire: https://www.redcap.org/page/Ars_Magica_5E_Standard_Edition,_Chapter_Eight:_Laboratory
[2026/03/03 15:50] Mecha: Looking at it now.
[2026/03/03 15:50] Sonja Bikergrrl: failing that, he can rivet
[2026/03/03 15:51] Mecha: Sarah looks at Syra."This is why we are friends. I am earth and you are fire. it feels like we balance each other out."
[2026/03/03 15:51] Sapphire: the major things you can accomplish in the lab are Learning Spells (from book, teacher, or by fresh research, and you won a book with some spells in it during the tourney), Enchanting items, Binding a Familiar or Talismen.
[2026/03/03 15:52] Sonja Bikergrrl: Syra looks at Sarah, without the faintest idea what she's on about. "Shouldn't your nose be in a book?"
[2026/03/03 15:52] Sonja Bikergrrl: How do I go about to get a fireball spell?
[2026/03/03 15:53] Sapphire: three ways, Sarah
[2026/03/03 15:53] Sapphire: A: Find someone who knows such a spell and convince them to teach you, such us by a favor or payment
[2026/03/03 15:53] Sapphire: B: Find a book describing the spell, fortunately you live in a castle full of fire mages
[2026/03/03 15:53] Mecha: learning spells plus would not mind trying to in crease one or two things
[2026/03/03 15:54] Mecha: Sarah nods and goes back to her book, writing about the floating stone and trying to figure out propulsion next for it
[2026/03/03 15:54] Sapphire: and C: inventing one from scratch (around two or three times harder than A or B, but you get to define and experiment yourself )
[2026/03/03 15:55] Sapphire: also, Syra, you already know Ball of Abysmal Flame, though it's single target, as well as Arc of Firey Ribbons, which his an area
[2026/03/03 15:55] Sapphire: So, what feature of a fireball are you seeking to develop or learn?
[2026/03/03 15:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: the explodey firey part
[2026/03/03 15:58] Sapphire: so you're seeking a Detonation of some sort, cool. I think that should be possible. You primarily asking around for advice or checking the library?
[2026/03/03 15:58] Sapphire: Ah, we're close to time
[2026/03/03 15:59] Sonja Bikergrrl: yes, let's start with that
[2026/03/03 15:59] Sapphire: roll me a d10 for your best social skill before we wrap up?
[2026/03/03 15:59] Sapphire: and I'll ponder over the next couple days the results
[2026/03/03 16:00] D10: Sonja Bikergrrl rolls 10
[2026/03/03 16:00] Sonja Bikergrrl: \10/
[2026/03/03 16:01] Sapphire: ooooh
[2026/03/03 16:01] Sapphire: yeah, should be able to track down some of the Founders writings on such a topic
[2026/03/03 16:02] Sapphire: will figure out the details on my side for something that should work
[2026/03/03 16:03] Sapphire: alright, thank you both for playing ♥
[2026/03/03 16:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: right, got to go
[2026/03/03 16:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: love you both
[2026/03/03 16:03] Sapphire: rest well, Sonja
[2026/03/03 16:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: hugs, and stuff
[2026/03/03 16:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: & kisses