wierdw

[Closed] Lost RPG

Ember looked around the room with a pout.

He had been so happy working on that dress, and now it was like somebody had let all the air out. How had that man gotten in?

Ember gripped the handle of his wand in a mix of agitation, fury, and morose anxiety, then started waving it around the room, looking for how he had gotten in. He wasn't sure what he was looking for exactly-- it could have been anything. A secret door to let dirty perverts like him in maybe? Perhaps some other way? Regardless, the hair on the back of his neck bristled as he traipsed over the gossamer fibers scattered about from the errant magic just moments earlier, checking for drafts, errant magic, anything.

Then he noted the odd after-wash of magic he was not entirely familiar with. 2 vertical bars of it, in fact, following the wall, and up to a "sposh" on the ceiling.

"So THAT's how that pervert got in!" he fumed.

Well, he wouldn't have it. Furiously, he began weaving wards all over the walls, floors, the ceiling and the door.

"The captain is sure to hear about this, you had better believe it beloved-- Oh, the CHEEK! But he won't get in here again, that's for damned sure! Thank goodness we were still dressed!"

He would have to perform this ritual pretty much daily from now on, and it irritated him to no end that a passenger could NOT be secure in their cabin without such onerous obligations, but apparently some people just dont comprehend the notion of privacy. With worry, the realization that the dirty peep had been able to pull off a very complicated bit of magic settled in, along with the realization of needing to cast wards before bed every night. 'Filthy perverts..' he muttered angrily. He would need to find some way to discretely warn the noble woman and anyone else sleeping in cabins about the intrusion, and the need for greater security it required.

Completing the task, he set about cleaning up the gossamer fibers strewn about the room, skillfully amending them to the frame, still hanging limply in the air where he had left it, before deciding it was time to take a break. The creative mood had completely left him, and it would take time for it to return. Oh, how furious he was!

Gently, he guided the unfinished frame to the empty bed and laid it out like a craftsman would lay a project on a table, before adjusting his hair and gown uneasily, then heading for the door.

He hoped that ... MAN ... was no longer out there still.

[Closed] Lost RPG

muffled sobs are heard through the closed door.

(THAT --PERVERT-- WAS IN MY ROOM!)

Rails the still insensed mage from behind the locked edifice.

(Oooooh... look at the mess!)

[Closed] Lost RPG

@Grade

There was a sudden, terrible, and immensely girly shriek, as Ember came to the startled conclusion that there was a MAN in his room. (Specifically, an UNINVITED one.)

The magic he was using shot up and away from the suspended framework he was producing like a bottle rocket with a ZINNG!, and a loud Pop!, as it burst like a cross between a firework and an exploding spider, making a floofy rain of tiny fibers as it sputtered out, which floated on the air and slowly fluttered to the floor.

WHO ARE YOU, AND HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE!?

Shrieked ember in a glass shattering falsetto.

DONT YOU KNOW NOT TO ENTER PEOPLES ROOMS UNINVITED, YOU FILTHY PERVERT!?

OUT WITH YOU! GET OUT AT ONCE! LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE! THE CAPTAIN WILL HEAR OF THIS!

and with that, the flustered and angry mage waved his wand at the door, which unlocked and flew open with a crash, before he trained it on Wheelo.

I SAID GET OUT, YOU... DIRTY MAN!

A massive cloud of luminous vapor billowed up around wheelo, then forcibly shoved him through the now open door into the commons and bunks just outside.

AND STAY OUT!

Shrieked the magician, just before the door closed with a violent slam, and the lock re-engaged with audible authority.

[Closed] Lost RPG

Slowly strolling through the scene of the unobserved commotion, he could find no further hints of it. That unnerved him.

Additionally, that gauche little man in the turban was doing his best to discretely follow him. How delicious. Was he going to ask for a suit? The thought brought a wicked smile to his lips, as he confidently strode down the stairs, flicked his wand, and vanished the parasol, before putting it away again.

Closing in on the door to his cabin, the man in the turban was still shadowing him from a discrete distance.

'Is he really going to waste time watching little old me?' he muttered to himself. 'Well.. Better give the man his money's worth. Assuming he likes to see a sexy tailor work that is, darling....'

Abruptly, he closed the door, then locked it.

Working without supplies was "Theoretically doable" but would require a LOT of time and effort. There was no shortage of moisture in the air, and it was quite stuffy down here in the dreary 'below decks.' While hardly 'ideal', much like he had done with the card, it would be sufficient to simulate cotton or linen. It would just take hours, or perhaps days to finish the project. Given so precious little time before that little dove would fly the coop when they landed at he next port, he knew she needed a better disguise than those provincial rags she had on. Unless she was aiming to suggest herself a school mistress, or a new advent to a convent, there was no way her cover fit the costume-- and neither of those bring retainers.

No, it would take something much nicer.

Ember popped his neck, then limbered up his arms, before once more extracting his wand, and setting to work...

[Closed] Lost RPG

Ember straightened momentarily, but suppressed most of the movement.

There was definite commotion going on behind him. Instead, he gripped the "handle" of his parasol very tightly for a moment, then forced calm composure.

The man beside him clearly had not noticed much. Either he was more concerned that he would harm the lovely lady-- who by now had thoroughly betrayed her noble status despite her attestations contrary-- or he was not as attentive as he presented himself to be. Regardless, this meeting needed to be concluded quickly. He continued with his original plan of action, simply because a situation like this demanded it. Who knows what manner of trouble this young noble woman had gotten herself into. Despite the intensity of the looming situation behind him, he continued to administer his 'test' of the lady. Class heirarchy in circles of power are ALWAYS contentious; those at the top, want it to stay that way, while those on the middle rungs are ever eager to climb. The reactions they make to statements that threaten the status quo, were a fine, and usually quite harmless, way to easily winnow one from the other.

"Forgive me Madam-- It was my mistake; However, I feel that people of .. distinction.. should get to enjoy being treated like royalty every now and again-- wouldn't you agree?"

The twitch and further furrowing of the brow before the woman could properly respond told him all he needed to know. She was definitely a noble woman, 'attempting' (and quite badly-- this was clearly her first time) to be incognito as one of the lower classes. He did not know the particulars of her reasons for doing so; he had learned long ago not to try to find out. All the same, his .. 'Political Opinions', required him to assist the lady, even if she attempted to refuse. Discretion. That was the watch word. He was a "simple tailor", after all.

"All the same darling-- It is clear that you desire some privacy. While it might not seem like it, 'discretion' is a very important part of my business."

Ember risked losing track of the magic being employed behind him, and the tense situation brewing back there, to continue his "unawares" performance, and continue as he had initially planned. Gripping the handle of his wand tightly, he held out his other hand in front of him, and made a stern expression as he struggled with the complex magic required.

Water vapor and burned carbon from the air were gathered quickly, compressed, and forced to take on a new form--

Shhhh--- VVIIIIP--- POP

The resulting tiny slip of folded paper was uncomfortably warm from the expedited process, and a subtle hint of charred paper wafted from it. With a flourish, he gave it a sharp wave, then extended it gracefully to the lady's over-zealous attendant.

"-- Do give this to the lady, wont' you darling? -- It's just my card, dear."

The sharp eyed man radiated an aura of danger and warning which Ember conspicuously ignored. At this range, the man, however skilled, was simply not a match for him. He could have this man turned wrong-side out through his butt-hole before he could so much as draw his weapon-- but such displays were certainly *NOT* on his itinerary today. Instead, the return of the icy aura of danger, with a reprisal of "Dont give a fuck darling. Not scared of you." would suffice. Between those who have seen battle, such impressions were as clear as talking anyway.

The message was clearly received from what Ember could tell of his body language, as his stern demeanor crackled with 'dont test me bitch.', while he gruffly accepted the paper and examined it. The magic woven inside would not activate for him anyway, so he once again returned the "Don't care, not worried." poise.

The paper was impossibly smooth, and brilliant white. It was neatly folded in half, and emblazoned with a stylized image of a burning rectangle of charcoal, with flames coming from it, over the word "Ember". The steely eyes of the man darted to the side, taking in Ember's reactions to his reading the card. Once more "Don't care darling." was his response.

Inside the card, a standard solicitation for business was emblazoned in the same charring of the paper.

Smouldering Ember
Fashion, Finery, and Frivolity

Let this tiny ember ignite your passions!
Fashion, Finery, and Frivolity at your whim and fancy!
Garments and styles to suit every need, occasion or pleasure.
Male and Female fashion and accessories, with 'while you wait' alterations.

"It is our pleasure to attend to your every need. Discretion guaranteed."

--EMBER, Proprietor.

"I also do male attire, darling." cooed Ember to the man as he read the card.
The man sneered and sniffed in disdain at the barbed offer, as he handed the card to the noble woman.

She took the card irritably, and glanced inside.

To her astonishment, a momentary swirl of black appeared on the blank portion of the pamphlet.

"I dont know what manner of trouble you have gotten into my dear, and I won't inquire further.
However, it is quite clear you are hiding from something, or some-one. It is also clear this is
your first time at this darling. No merchant's daughter would dress this plainly, and your escort
is too attentive. Whatever your business may be, rest assured I am not a threat to you."

The lady boggled for a moment, as the swirl of black faded, and a new message momentarily appeared.

"I have decided to offer you my services on temporary retainer should you desire them darling."
"Should you choose to accept, or-- are just in the mood for a lovely dress-- Please come see me in my cabin."

--Ember

She sucked in an irritated breath as the 'ink' practically blew off the paper, leaving no traces it had ever been there.

Ember did not give her time to respond. With a short bow of a curtsy, he made plain his intent to depart.

"My lady." he intoned demurely, then turned and walked away confidently and leisurely, gripping the handle on his wand tightly. Should this insufferable tension escalate, he would be ready to prevent any mischief from heading this direction. It would certainly not reflect well on him, should his potential client suffer any mishap from the foolishness of other guests. Given the demeanor of the woman, it was entirely possible that agents of an unsavory nature were on board, and this was what he was picking up on.

[Closed] Lost RPG

Strolling up into the sun on deck, Ember flicked his wand downward and away from himself. An 'attached' illusion of a gold embroidered black silk parasol erupted and unfolded from the tip, which he then daintily laid over his left shoulder, before coolly and confidently, but also leisurely, strolled to the side of the ship where the affluent lady was, taking a perch bent over the railing in close proximity, but a discrete distance from her.

He looked out at the bright sky over the lovely blue ocean. Faint wisps of clouds clung to the horizon like lost sheep, while a subtle saline breath of wind fluttered at his face.

It was quite lovely.

After a few more moments, he addressed the lady.

"It is a beautiful day, is it not, highness?"

[Closed] Lost RPG

Wasting no time at all, Ember found his cabin, in which the crew had delightfully stowed his "day kit" in the foot locker (Which consisted of his deluxe makeup kit and silver mirror).

Gingerly, he locked the door, whipped out his wand, then practically danced his way out of his gown, leaving it suspended in the air like a disembodied dance partner. He had long ago discarded the use of dress making dummies, and just worked with magic straight up.

"We dont have time to go digging in the cargo hold darling--" he purred to himself "So, let's get you all gussied up for a meeting with 'her majesty.'"

From flicks of the wrist here and there, showers of light and sparkles, slight hissing and crackling sounds, and other odd occurrences followed, as the gown was skillfully transformed from what was clearly an avant-garde mermaid costume, into a sleek dress of fine black silks and gold embroidered trim, with a deep V neck, slit legs, long sleeves, and a pleated bodice.

Once again, the limber, and milky white skinned gentleman whirled about, and danced back into his clothing, making a wide flourish.

"I DO so love a well fitting ensemble!" he cooed, before extracting the makeup kit and mirror.

"We simply MUST look JUST right darling... -- Not too flashy now-- A little more demure..."

Makeup brushes, pastels, pencils, creams, and other unguents moved about as if they had minds of their own in the air about his head, as he looked this way and that in the hand mirror held out in front of him. A dark palette was chosen, with dusky cheeks, a subdued maroon lipstick, a tight fitting asymmetrical twisted braid held in an illusory hair-net of dark netting, combined with similarly illusory black pearl earrings and pendant to create a masterpiece of simple but refined elegance.

He made a kissing face at the mirror, and smiled.

"Simply beautiful darling-- As always. Knock em dead."

Standing up from the small chair near the bunk he had been sitting in for his toilette, he once more flicked his wand, and the supplies eerily sailed to his foot locker, and put themselves away neatly once more, before he strolled to the door, opened it, and headed for the ascending staircase.

[Closed] Lost RPG

It will be alright, don't worry.

Right now we are basically introducing characters. It is "ok-ish" to monologue a bit in these opening posting periods, as it allows other players to get a "feel" for your character, and how to interact with them.

I know it can be frustrating to not get feedback immediately, but remember, players are from all different time zones, the GM has a life of his own, etc-- I waited a full 2 days to get a simple "Yes, everything is fine with your room" from an NPC.

This kind of thing tends to happen when there are a lot of players. Show us some of the "inner world" of your character. Who is he as a person? Why is he on board? What motivates him? What does he think about some of the actions/activities of other players so far? Etc. Before there can be good, meaningful interactions between characters, the players have to get an inkling of how to approach or interact with them.

In that respect, the shamelessly self-promoting nature of my character pays off-- A little show-boating, and everyone else is on the same page on exactly what kind of person he is-- I get some feedback on how their characters feel about his (mis)behaviors, and that sets things up for more meaningful interaction when they actually interact directly later.

It's easy to get discouraged by the timetable, and slow pacing, especially early on. I just ask that you be a little more patient, and try to enjoy yourself with the setting as much as possible, until we establish who the more active players are, their time-slots, and how the characters fit with each other.

[Closed] Lost RPG

As he reached midship portion of the upper deck, Ember casually snapped a finger, and the bubbles and sparkles abated. It was then he noticed the poor wheelchair bound fellow waving at what was most assuredly a very wealthy, if not noble patron-- if her attire and her escort were any indication.

Instinctually, he took in her (and her entourage's) clothing, sizing up the competition. It wasn't all together terrible, but it was your typical provincial seamster's fare, just with nicer fabrics.

The smug smile curled on Embers lips again. He would surely have to get this woman acquainted with his designer fashions.

Discretely, he made mental note of her approximate measurements about the waist, bodice, length of torso, how leggy she was, the style her hair was in, -- even her choice in colors and textures-- before hardly skipping a beat and continuing his glide toward the lower deck.

This would require some discretion; A change of clothing would be in order, then some light conversation to introduce himself and his business. Surely, they knew of him, even out this way. His panache was legend back home...

[Closed] Lost RPG

As if just to prove that it was possible, the continuous torrent of effervescent bubbles and sparkles surrounding Ember's legs and feet practically erupt in a dramatic, and thankfully momentary display in unison with the full-body reaction of their conjuror.

"OH SPLENDID!" he chirps, while doing a short hop on one leg, and kicking backward with the other, all while making 'jazz hands' overhead. (in addition to making a gyrating wiggle side to side in excitement)

"I shall be below deck, if you need me handsome!" he coos while making a kissing expression and a wink, as he regains his composure, and begins gliding once more for the main deck of the ship, the effervescent shower of bubbles and sparkles following in his wake.

"Be sure to come see me if you need ANYTHING at all~" he lilts over his shoulder, while stifling a titter, as he strolls out of sight and onto the deck.