David "Dave" Stutler ϟ The Prime Merlinean (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dragonring) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
calling_logs2016-08-11 04:02 pm
dragonring) wrote in calling_logs2016-08-11 04:02 pm
[Open] Song lyrics go here
WHO: Dave and Speedwagon, Dave and you
WHAT: Visiting the Inverted Cathedral, weird classes at Kingsport University
WHEN: Wibbly wobbly timey wimey...
WHERE: Sorcery, Nightmare
1. [Closed to Speedwagon]
[Going to Sorcery is just another day for Dave, it's one of the parts of SFC that he spends most of his time at. So he puts one the cape he bought on top of his regular clothes, because he's that used to the deals of this city, and goes to the The Slaughtered Boar, which is the easiest meeting point he can think of, near the subway station and all.
After ordering some ale (he feels he'll need the drink today), he sits at a table and sends Speedwagon a selfie so the man knows how to find him. Hopefully this guy knows what he's getting into...]
2. [Open - Sorcery]
[Dave has experienced a lot of things, both at home and here in the SFC since he arrived. But the Inverted Cathedral still leaves him with wide eyes and mouth hanging open. Understanding of magic and physics doesn't help either, it's still quite a sight with its (now upside down) spirals and murals by the finest artists. Time has passed so the paint isn't as bright anymore, which doesn't make it any less beautiful, but there's an eerie feeling to it, he can't deny that.]
Don't touch anything and the Burning Man won't get you. Right.
[It's a reminder to himself but still loud enough for anyone around him to hear and see how nervous he is. That doesn't stop him from putting up the hood of his cape and walking inside, constantly watching around him, as if waiting for anyone to jump on him. A hand is opened to make a flame appear, telling himself it's for better light, not because he's worried or anything! And the inside may be creepy, but it's as amazing as the outside.]
...sweet.
[What? It is! It's a great place! Just ignore the idiot on the back who is about to take a candlestick and send an angry spirit on the visitors...]
3. [Open - Nightmare]
[Dave isn't the biggest fan of Nightmare, but he's been finding himself spending more and more time there since he discovered Kingsport University's library. There are professors he can have interesting talks with, too, so when he hears about free summer classes, he totally wants in.
Sadly, they aren't what he expects.
He sits at the front during the first one, all eager to learn. Esoteric Runes Through the Ages isn't that bad and he gets the hang of it quickly. Call him a nerd, stop him from making more questions so everyone can leave or try to copy his answers if you want!
But it's all downhill from there. Why does he keep going? Who knows, but you'll find Dave at the back of all the other classes, looking obviously bored and whispering sarcastic comments.]
I'm starting to think this teacher enjoys describing all those possible torture methods. [He sighs.] I should've brought coffee...
[He does bring coffee to the next class, The Undead and their Awakening Methods, and boy this time he's ready to debate. Mentions of Frankenstein get him going on Galvanism, and then there's the golden question...]
What happens if a vampire bites a werewolf?
[...what.]
WHAT: Visiting the Inverted Cathedral, weird classes at Kingsport University
WHEN: Wibbly wobbly timey wimey...
WHERE: Sorcery, Nightmare
1. [Closed to Speedwagon]
[Going to Sorcery is just another day for Dave, it's one of the parts of SFC that he spends most of his time at. So he puts one the cape he bought on top of his regular clothes, because he's that used to the deals of this city, and goes to the The Slaughtered Boar, which is the easiest meeting point he can think of, near the subway station and all.
After ordering some ale (he feels he'll need the drink today), he sits at a table and sends Speedwagon a selfie so the man knows how to find him. Hopefully this guy knows what he's getting into...]
2. [Open - Sorcery]
[Dave has experienced a lot of things, both at home and here in the SFC since he arrived. But the Inverted Cathedral still leaves him with wide eyes and mouth hanging open. Understanding of magic and physics doesn't help either, it's still quite a sight with its (now upside down) spirals and murals by the finest artists. Time has passed so the paint isn't as bright anymore, which doesn't make it any less beautiful, but there's an eerie feeling to it, he can't deny that.]
Don't touch anything and the Burning Man won't get you. Right.
[It's a reminder to himself but still loud enough for anyone around him to hear and see how nervous he is. That doesn't stop him from putting up the hood of his cape and walking inside, constantly watching around him, as if waiting for anyone to jump on him. A hand is opened to make a flame appear, telling himself it's for better light, not because he's worried or anything! And the inside may be creepy, but it's as amazing as the outside.]
...sweet.
[What? It is! It's a great place! Just ignore the idiot on the back who is about to take a candlestick and send an angry spirit on the visitors...]
3. [Open - Nightmare]
[Dave isn't the biggest fan of Nightmare, but he's been finding himself spending more and more time there since he discovered Kingsport University's library. There are professors he can have interesting talks with, too, so when he hears about free summer classes, he totally wants in.
Sadly, they aren't what he expects.
He sits at the front during the first one, all eager to learn. Esoteric Runes Through the Ages isn't that bad and he gets the hang of it quickly. Call him a nerd, stop him from making more questions so everyone can leave or try to copy his answers if you want!
But it's all downhill from there. Why does he keep going? Who knows, but you'll find Dave at the back of all the other classes, looking obviously bored and whispering sarcastic comments.]
I'm starting to think this teacher enjoys describing all those possible torture methods. [He sighs.] I should've brought coffee...
[He does bring coffee to the next class, The Undead and their Awakening Methods, and boy this time he's ready to debate. Mentions of Frankenstein get him going on Galvanism, and then there's the golden question...]
What happens if a vampire bites a werewolf?
[...what.]
1;
So, when he arrives to their decided meeting place, it's with a look of extreme triumph that doesn't really fit the situation. Actually, his appearance is a mess of contradictions in and of itself: he's dressed simply, but with a ridiculously extravagant checkered silk hat; he has a hard face with a deep scar ruining the right side, but a wide grin as he locates Dave at his table.]
Ah! You must be who I'm looking for!
[He sits down, still smiling broadly. One of his front teeth is slightly chipped.]
That was kind of you to send a picture, really. It's rather crowded in here!
no subject
Ah, yeah. Speedwagon, right? [The name still sounds weird whenever he mentions it. It matches the clothes though! A nod and a little smile in return.] I'm David Stutler. Welcome to Sorcery? [A shrug.] Not exactly the best introduction to a city of magic and dragons but hey! You found the place, right? Want some ale before we leave for the Cathedral?
no subject
The one and only Speedwagon, yes! Well...er, I think there might be another one, but I'm the one you're looking for, alright! This is a fine city you've got here...though, ah, a bit confusing to navigate, so I wholly apologize for my tardiness.
[Casually, he scans the room, looking for anyone that might be a potential threat. While this is largely unnecessary, years of near-constant danger and aggression have taught him that no setting is as safe as it seems. Even as he speaks, his hands twist around the handle of his ever-present hammer, suggesting that he really does see the situation as more grave than it is.]
Some ale would be marvelous, David.
no subject
[He makes a gesture to a waiter for more ale before taking a sip of his own. The scanning of the room and the twisting of the hammer make him less worried, he has to admit, this man may be a good adventure companion after all.
So it's obvious Dave is a bit more relaxed when he speaks again.]
No problem. I'm used to big labyrinth-like cities, sooo... [He pauses when the second ale mug arrives, the waiter giving Dave a smile and a nod he returns. It seems people see his face often around here.] There's a map on the CALL device that can help you with that - you'll need it. Especially in Laughter.
[That place runs with its very own special, wacky rules. Dave pulls a frustrated face and takes another sip, he doesn't feel like returning to Laughter any time soon.]
The Cathedral we're visiting today though, that's... its own thing. Are you aware or what we're getting into?
[Even if the man can defend himself, Dave would rather just... check.]
no subject
[Speedwagon's eyes track the waiter across the room, but his open posture and loud tone indicate that he's still very much involved in the conversation at hand, even as he looks elsewhere--he would rather be safe than try to unlearn his often-rude habits.]
Perhaps I'll have to take a gander at that map the next time I find myself in a bind! I must admit, though, I haven't any experience in mapreading, but I suppose it's a skill one can learn with ease. Particularly on such a device...yes, I believe that's going to be the least of my trials in this place.
[When his drink arrives, he immediately picks it up, taking a long drink. This is not a man who wastes a chance to ditch his sobriety.]
...To be frank, though, I don't know anything about this cathedral other than what you've told me.
no subject
[He isn't used to getting compliments, and he isn't sure names should be complimented anyway. Though it makes him feel a bit bad for having thought Speedwagon's name is weird before.]
Not a friend of technology? [He asks between sips of his drink, too used to this bar to pay any attention to other people.] I can teach you if you want, it's not hard. Once you get the applications going, the device will work on its own.
[It sounds like he's given this explanation before, because he has. Many travelers aren't familiar with machines and Dave often finds himself helping. He doesn't mind, he's a god nerd who enjoys the subject.
And talking about the device, Dave takes out his own to show Speedwagon the article on the cathedral.]
There isn't much about it, mostly legends. A place cursed for being "the height of man's disgrace". They say a violent spirit protects it, but we're supposed to be fine if we don't touch anything. [Supposed.]
no subject
[Yes, that's merely a sudden change to third person--he never said he was a normal man, just one who's unafraid of taking risks, even life-endangering ones...which, in this situation, is a fairly good attribute to have. He refocuses his attention on Dave, fixing him with a warm smile not befitting his hard face.]
I can tell you, I've certainly been in more places that have been more the disgrace of man than any ol' cathedral.
[He winks. What?]
I'm certain we can take this!
2
[ That is a familiar voice not too far behind him. Because of course Thomas came to check up on this. Of course Thomas came to see if Dave would show up. Thomas is, despite what some of his family might say, not an idiot. ]
no subject
Are you stalking me?
no subject
[ eeeeeeehh... ]
All right, sort of? But not in a 'want to kill you' kind of way. More of a 'you seem to have a death wish or something and I'm just not about that life' kind of way.
no subject
[A falling noise comes from the back, and when Dave turns around, the tourist from before isn't there any more. There's a smell too, like... scorched.]
What- what was that?
2
...Not to mention, he's just mentioned something that's probably relevant about this place.]
Excuse me... What's this about a "Burning Man"?
no subject
At the question, he pulls a face before looking around them, as if expecting the guy to appear at the mere mention of him.]
The Burning Man is the protector of this place. They say he appears if you try to steal anything... or even touch it? Legends are wild about it.
no subject
[Golems, spirits, traps, even puzzles, suggesting the treasure was intended to be retrievable should the need arise. In just about every case, especially ones as straightforward as guardians, the solution was the same: simply overcome the obstacle.
So, first, it's a matter of deciding what kind of guardian this Burning Man is.]
Is he able to be reasoned with in these legends?
no subject
[Excuse the sarcasm, but Dave thinks the answer is pretty obvious. Nobody would care about a man that just waves at the visitors. He doesn't plan on even touching anything, but that doesn't mean he isn't worried, especially when he hears steps coming from a back hallway.]
...did you hear that?
no subject
[She hears it too, survival training turning particularly useful here. A few gestures with the fingers of her free hand and the orb of light in her hand turns purple, a definite sense of energy to it if Dave is near enough to her. The tension in her arm suggests it's a missile ready to throw.]
...I hear it too. Did you see anyone go back there?
[She looks around to see how many innocents are between her and the noise, and positions herself so she has a clear shot if something comes charging out of that hallway. Her eyes narrow at the sight of someone having taken a candlestick from the wall. The least they could have done is warn everyone! Now who knows how difficult it will be to protect these people?]
no subject
Yeah, there was this tourist that entered first-- oh no.
[The Cathedral barely has any light, only some candles here and here, which is why Dave carries the flame on his hand. But now... not even that. An eerie woosh puts out all the candles, and even Dave's little magical fire. Shit, he curses under his breath.]
It put out my magic. That's not ordinary wind...
[He comments as he decides to follow her example and get ready to attack, a ball of plasma appearing between his hand and adding some light back.]
no subject
It's a precautionary measure; she can ably command a small group, but herding an entire room to safety is beyond her influential capabilities.]
Do the stories about this guardian say anything about that? Spell prevention, or something like it?
[She moves cautiously forward as she asks this, staff out and her dominant hand glowing with spellpower on its surface, listening for footsteps - the frantic run of someone being chased? Or something far more deliberate? Friend or foe? She doesn't want to throw an arcane bolt at an innocent who just so happened to have been lucky enough to survive his pursuer.]