Fallen Empire

[kurff]

Jul 31, 2013 6:46:58 GMT -5 albatross said:

Fakir and Beatrix have acquired various substances for Tesla to study. Along with the vial they brought him earlier they ask him to find out what they are, how they work and any potential counter.

Chemistry:(14:37:33) ChatBot: Shawn_Aster rolls 1d100 and gets (52)=52.
Chemistry:(14:38:18) ChatBot: Shawn_Aster rolls 1d100 and gets (54)=54.
Chemistry:(14:38:29) ChatBot: Shawn_Aster rolls 1d100 and gets (21)=21.


"Lets get a look at the basic constitutes and chemical properties...they should give us a good idea of how it works..As to counter...every element has a means of blocking it, EVERYTHING has a counter measure." he grinned, the catch is knowing what it is and how to make it." he looked for a few vials and some water. with a candle or other fire as heat source. hard pressed he could easily create a a coil to electrify and use as a heat source.

creating a bit of chemistry set to breakdown a sample of the substance he made note to not let Byron or Clemens to get there hands on this stuff.

[thorley]

Bellephoebe listens to Pike intently as she really likes her before asking "That's good to know I suppose, though Talon hasn't asked for any advice yet, so you still have time. Let me know if you do come up with some decent answers. Out of curiousity have you noticed anything unusual around the castle recently?" Bellephoebe hates to be that direct, but since her wanderings seem fruitless so far, it occurs to her that maybe a long term resident of the castle might have noticed something.

[albatross]

Most of the various substances Tesla is studying turn out to be harmless aphrodiasiacs, perfumes, and a couple of medicinal items that could be used in healing though large doses could be toxic.

Three of the substances are trickier. One appears to be a psychic enhancement drug. Taking it would boost psychic abilities.

Another one appears to be a regular perfume, but it can be psychically activated to trigger a powerful mind control response.

And the third is a truth serum.

[albatross]

Pike looks at Bellephoebe sidelong, because the most unusual event in the area is Talon's arrival, but she smiles and says, "Other than your visit everything seems fairly normal." She thinks for a while.

"How long do you think it will take for Sir Talon to reach a decision?" Pike asks.

[yendor]

"You can never test for kindness, at least not without certain circumstances. A wise king, Solomon, was his name, displayed how to do so in an extreme case. Two women approached him with a problem, both claimed the child as theirs, and only Solomon could settle the argument. He thought about it for a while, then called for the child to be cut in half, so both women could have the child. One of the women huffed and said that's fine, while the other pleaded for the child's life. Solomon, having forced them to show their hands, found the deserving woman in such a wise decision."

[thorley]

"To be honest I have no idea, Talon doesn't seem to be in a hurry, and I'm sure the prince has other advisors even if Talon's word will likely have great weight. As far as unusual behavior goes, what about your fellow trainee, the one with purple eyes, have you seen anything odd from her or her entourage?"

Assuming that doesn't pan out Bellephoebe will say

"Hmmm, well if you do spot anything odd, let me know. Otherwise, I'm kind of bored. Ever heard of a video game? Maybe we can go back to my quarters and I can show you..."

Bellephoebe isn't doing a good job investigating, and needs some time to think up a new approach. Since she likes Pike, she'll head back to her quarters and play video games with her (she'll doubtlessly need to be taught) for a while, and try and think up a new approach.

[albatross]

Miriam smiles, "I like this Solomon. A wise man to be sure. And I think I understand your kindness requirements better. Perhaps I can help you. I know each of the candidates well. I can devise tests like Solomon did and then you can observe the results."

"Whom would you like to test? Whose kindness shall we measure?"

[yendor]

"He's an old figure from history in some cultures, but glad it helps. As for who's first, lady's choice."

[kurff]

Aug 9, 2013 10:23:39 GMT -5 albatross said:

Most of the various substances Tesla is studying turn out to be harmless aphrodiasiacs, perfumes, and a couple of medicinal items that could be used in healing though large doses could be toxic.

Three of the substances are trickier. One appears to be a psychic enhancement drug. Taking it would boost psychic abilities.

Another one appears to be a regular perfume, but it can be psychically activated to trigger a powerful mind control response.

And the third is a truth serum.

"Psychic booster,a a mind altering perfume...Hmm certainly not going to let Byron find this little mix for sure." he thought, "And of course a truth serum..the truth serum I cn counter...the Enhancer and perfume...a tad more complex." he pondered a moment.

"A little expert help in alchemy would be nice..." he considered who to ask or whether he should risk going to library and getting a book there.

[albatross]

Miriam shrugs, "If its kindness you are after, let's begin with Pike. I doubt she is what you are looking for, but one never knows, and she should be relatively easy to devise a test for. Agreed?"

"Now let's see. Pike is probably the nicest princess, but Solomon's test exposed a selfless consideration. I'm not sure she has that. Ooh, I know! Let's invite her to a meal. We'll make her favorite dish. And we'll invite some of the other princesses along as well, pick any you like. We'll deliberately make one plate less than the number of princesses. And then we'll see if she will share her favorite food with the princess who ends up with none. What say you? Is it a sound plan?"

[yendor]

"...a very intelligent one, more so since it places no one at harm in any fashion, just a faux pas."

[albatross]

Miriam prepares invitations and leaves to give directions to the kitchens. The princess candidates are all invited, as are Malone, Tesla, Caterina, and Bellephoebe. Talon and Fakir seem to be elsewhere and occupied. Perhaps conducting investigations on their own.

The first three courses are merely drinks and tiny appetisers, dainty dishes that prepare the diners for the main course. The princesses make small talk. Claire sits next to Caterina and Tesla. Pike sits next to Bellephoebe. Miriam sits far from the guests, perhaps so no one will realize her plan.

Lily sits next to Malone and attempts to flirt with him. Celeste sits at the head of the table, she studies the guests with a curious expression.

[yendor]

Malone smiles, politely flirting back, keeping it from being too overt, dividing his attention between the guests and his flirting companion.

[thorley]

"Wow, do you have dinner like this all the time Pike? I haven't seen a meal properly served like this in ages. Courses, pre-meal drinks to set the palate. It's really very nice".

The only place Bellephoebe would have eaten like this would have been with her family (Descended from Elven high nobles) in Dweamor.

[albatross]

While Lily discretely rubs her foot against Malone's leg, Pike replies to Bellephoebe, "Oh, yes, we have formal dinners frequently." And it makes sense, one of their duties as aristocratic wives in the future will no doubt include fancy dinners.

Pike appears confused when third course arrives one short. Not only is it an unusual failure by the kitchen, but generally some shortage would have been communicated earlier. Pike's face falls, realizing she won't get any of her favorite dish.

Celeste looks about, suspicious perhaps but says nothing. Claire speaks up, "Pike, I know this is your favorite, have mine."

Celeste raises an eyebrow, "Why? Since it is Pike's favorite she has had it many times. Don't demean yourself in front of our guests like a servant." Claire looks down at her plate, perhaps afraid to challenge Celeste.