Jibbom-s-
Tenebrae - Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 6:16 PM
-=--=--=--=--=--<* A05: Lower Alexandrian Gardens District *>=--=--=--=--=--=-
The city is divided, unofficially, into Upper Alexandria and Lower Alexandria. The Upper resides further up on the slope of the mountain, and rests to the east of the great river. The Lower resides to the west of it, and if the Lower could be said to have a heart, this verdant park might be its center.
Amid all the bustle of the Lower City, its Gardens District provides a peaceful respite. The warmth of Althea holds sway here, and though Daeus receives the occasional nod, this is clearly Her domain. She shares it with Dana, in the verdant green of this area. Vines and trees, remain green no matter the season and numerous flowers bloom along the park's walkways. Faerie-light lanterns hang from branches and along hedgerows.
A number of shops may be found here, most notably the city hospital, for which the park was originally built. Though now open to the public, the gardens by and large, remain underneath the hospital's care. However, in the Althean tradition, much of the work is provided by volunteers.
Jibbom has arrived.
As the chill wind blows, leaves and small branches blow with it, tumbeling in the wind... Wait, no, correction... The chill wind blows, and the leaves, twigs, and other assorted things are pushed against it by unseen forces, swept into neat little piles, then picked up and placed into a large bin for later disposal. The active forces may themselves be unseen, but the tall elven wizard guideing them is pretty easy to pick out. The small arcane light hovering near Mikilos' shoulder rather cinches the matter.
"Yer kickin' up a mess there, son." Ormarr grump-squints at the sildanyari, through the thickness of his bushy brows. The oruch sits on a garden stump, and is smoking a pipe of some kind. A thick, sweet smoke rises out of the end of it. He's wearing an old hide that looks half made from stone.
Mikilos glances over at the oruch and grins. "No no, it's a 'p' sound, 'pah'. 'Pah-icking'. 'Picking up a mess'."
Ormarr narrows his eyes, at that. Under those bushy-brows, you see. "Pickin, eh? You sure it's not puttin? Now, puttin, there's a story. Sort of sounds like puddin, puddin, pickin..." he fades off after a moment, then takes his pipe from his mouth.
Jibbom marches down the street with his usual swagger of misplaced confidence, wings outstretched to take up an entirely unnecessary amount of the street. "Do not be alarmed, citizens! It is I, your hero, Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night! Please go about your daily business and tend to any maidens who may swoon at my presence. All is well."
Vuk has arrived.
Mikilos snorts softly, but smiles, his attention, naturally enough, shifting to Jibbom. "Greetings Nightbane. I am sort of curious... do you really think citizens will be alarmed if you don't anounce yourself? Surely the common man now knows the Consort of the Quarry Queen by sight."
Ormarr squints at the pipe a moment, then looks up with a too-wide smile. "'Ey, Steel! Come on an' sit down a while. I went and uh...hah!" The oruch coughs, breaking into a laugh. "Haha. This young man was just cleanin th' street for us. Nice of him, don't you think?"
"Ah, magical associate! And badgery associate!" Jibbom apparently means Mikilos and Ormarr, respectively. He retracts his wings to a somewhat more reasonable span as he waddles in their direction, shooting Mikilos a wide grin. "Well, you see, my presence often means that great heroics or amazing feats are afoot. I must reassure the good citizens of my beloved city that all is well." He does as Ormarr suggests and helps himself to a seat, grinning widely. "Indeed! Steel Von Ironblood is always pleased to see initiative taken by the citizenry. Well done!"
Solemn is the Avatar Priest of Jibbom as it walks in it's priestly robes, extolling what are likely..rather made up things Jibbom did, for Vuk has decided if the city insists he is Jibbom, he will fill the role, for if this Jibbom is well known, he MUST be a grand Adventurer Extradionare, and being confused with him can not possibly be an insult, but a great honor and compliment. "Children of Alexendria! The Lost! The Fearful! Do you not know the words of the Great Jibbom? That it is by his will alone that the drowning man is saved by the destruction of the furnace? That the air is cleansed by the breaking of the cursed mirror!?" He shouts at those who..probably really would rather he didn't do this act of insanity. "Do you know not, the power of his love to the Lady elf? She whom is blessed? She who has been given such motherly hips that artists stare and entire muses spend their existence in her praise, all envious of the Jibbom!?"
Mikilos blinks, sighs, and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Oh gods... it's spreading..."
"Hah! You see there?" Ormarr points to the lucht, then--he seems to lose track of whatever it was he was saying, then. No matter. His vague features turn into a smile again, a smile that freezes, FREEZES as the gobber wanders onto the scene.
He squints at him over the pipe. "You high on somethin, son?" he asks him. Ormarr leans over (and farts, by accident) and scrounges something out of his pocket in the meantime.
It takes Jibbom a surprising long time to react to Vuk's declarations. People shouting his praises randomly in the street just seems like the natural order of things to Jibbom. But it does get his attention eventually, and the halfling leans to peer at the goblin. "What is this? Has another bard undertaken the task of informing the populace of my many great heroic actions?"
Vuk raises his hands like he has a great profoundness for the masses, in actuality, he has entirely no idea who Jibbom is, except probably some how, a grand adventurer, much like him self. "I am neither on any form of druidic herbs, nor am I not! Behold for I come as the Avatar Priest of the Jibbom! It is through his will that I be! Did not the Jibbom say he was one of many names? Perhaps it is you who shall be the Avatar Priest! For The Jibbom is a grand Adventurer, a being of many names and faces! It is he who inspires many!" Vuk chitters.
Azog has arrived.
Mikilos sighs, and looks to the Winged One. "Stop it. You're getting ideas. I can tell. Just stop now, while you're still ahead. This can't possibally end well, and anything you're about to do will only make it worse."
Leisel meanders out from behind the green vines and trees within the garden, that remains green year round. She looks back to where she has come from and touches the vines that cling to her, "I'll be back... I've a report of a shrub in distress over in the west part of the city. I can't not answer..." she detatches the vines from her, to leave the area, but stops seeing quite a few that have come to the garden. She smiles and gives the others a nod in greeting. On the top of her head rides a small beetle, as she glances upwards, "Yes... they want you to bring some of your collection, they said to tell you they like the vintage stuff."
Ormarr squints at the gobber, just keeps SQUINTING. In fact, he is in danger of squintus eyebrowus. It is totally a thing. With that in mind, he reaches into the pouch he'd just fetched. "You seein this, Badger? Ole Steel, since when'd you get a twin?" he squints again, "Cuz I'm seein two of ya--oh, hey, lass," he says. He smiles widely.
"I have priests now, eh?" Jibbom seems a little surprised by this, though really not nearly as surprised as someone should be. He strokes at his chin as he eyes Vuk. "... He does seem to have an accurate understanding of my powers and deeds. Hm." He ponders this development for a moment, but then gives Mikilos and Ormarr each a grin. "Never fear, magical and badgery associates. There is no challenge too mighty for Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night. Even if it is a mysterious doppleganger."
Mikilos sighs. "No, just someone driven over the edge. Though I suppose are worse possible results. Anyway..." The elf stands, and moves between the two, motions to each in turn. "Steel Von Ironblood, allow me to introduce... erm... damn... Rick? Mike? Something that ends with a 'ka' sound..."
Vuk may or may not be aware, this is actually Jibbom, but he has to play the role as he causes those ..less then epic wings to flutter. "But which of us is truly The Jibbom? Could not this man, whom you speak to as Steel Von Ironblood, Bane Of The Night, be known as ..Vuk Aleksy? Adventurer Extradionare? Slayer of the Undead? Protector of paths better untrodden? Are they not so often considered the same?" He says in a cryptic fashion..or well, Vuk sure hopes it is.
Azog has just arrived, out for a ride, in time to catch the confrontation. Perhaps the two will annihilate when they touch? He rides up and watches quietly.
"Well...now as I look atcha, ya do look a bit different. ...ya got bigger ears," Ormarr replies cheerfully, as he leans back against the stump. Somewhere, somewhen, he'd fallen against it. He mashes the whatever-it-is into the pipe bowl. "Hah! I bet ya flap those enough times ya could fly, couldn't ya?"
Jibbom continues stroking his chin. "... It is true, I am a man of many monikers. Jibbom Taribree. Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night, Alexandrian Hero. Infernus the Mutilator, Pirate Captain. The Winged Savior of Glory. King Steel the First of the Kingdom of Ironbloodia. Consort to the Queen of the Quarry Nymphs. Dragonslayer. Giantslayer. Oozeslayer..." This goes on. For a while. Quite a while. "... and, of course, Vanquisher of the Lich Beetle King. But, anyone can /claim/ these monikers. Do you also have my..." He raises his hands and conjures a collection of spinning, brightly colored lights. "... Fantastical magical powers?"
Mikilos glances at the Winged One. "Well, -I- have fanatstical magical powers. But I'm not you." For which the elf is more than slightly thankful.
Leisel shares a gentle smile at what seems to be going on in the garden, then with a flutter of feathers, the druidess shape-shifts into an eagle and soars upwards, a small beetle on its head.
"Hah! Ya /could/ fly! That's good, man. That's good...oh, man. ...oh, hey. When'd you get wings?" The older oruch squints at the lucht. Then mutters... "I'm probably thinkin' too much..." Smoke hazes around his ears and the pipe as he lights it afire. Some of it wanders and twists, following the eagle upwards into the air.
Vuk has to wait for a moment, and then in response to Jibbom, the head of the hood and the arms of the robe seem to be on fire! Un natural burning! "For the Great Jibbom giveth his gift of arcana and thus he can taketh away!" The Avatar Priest says and the blazing stops quickly, no harm done. "Does not the Great Jibbom know of such things children of the city!? Do you not heed his words of wisdom? Will you not set fire to the town hall to save the suffocating butterfly!?"
GAME: Ormarr casts Quench. Caster Level: 8 DC: 16
"...laaad..." and that's when a torrent of water rushes down from the heavens, and covers the burning Vuk!
Azog watches Vuk and Jibbom, and for a moment, he's not sure which is which. "This is another of Coyote's tricks you have for us, yes?" And then *splash*. "That is powerful magic, to be in two places at once," he agrees. "Ah, and now a flood in the middle of winter. More magic." He looks impressed.
Mikilos blinks, looks between Vuk and Jibbom, sighs, and starts off. "I am -way- too sober to deal with this. I'll be back later."
Jibbom eyes the flaming, and then soaked Vuk, continuing to stroke his chin and ponder the display. "... Impressive." He declares. "Perhaps you /are/ me after all." It's as logical a conclusion as any. "But wait!" He points skyward. "Do you have my... glorious golden wings?" The wings in question are stretched wide in a dramatic gesture, nearly toppling some poor passerby. He grins at Ormarr as he answers the question put to him. "The Coyote rewarded me with them for spreading laughter far and wide. He is generous in his mirth."
Ormarr squints at the besodden Vuk, then takes out his own pipe. He gives it a good tap before popping it in again. "Just see ya don't catch yerself on fire again, lad." Grumpy old nod.
Zaxx has arrived.
Vuk would you know, do his normal cheerful good bye to Mikilos, but that would give him away, instead, despite the water, the flames reappear as he speaks! "The Avatar Priest of Jibbom, whom may be Jibbom! Or May be another can not behold such wings! For out of respect and love to the fair Lady Sandiel, he has hid them in this form until she announces that he is her only true love!" Then one hand moves to hold forth the effigy of her about the Priestly one's neck. "The Great Jibbom's Wife shall grant him that true benefice when she accepts their union!"
"Eh?" Ormarr jerks, then sits up somewhat.
GAME: Ormarr casts Create Water. Caster Level: 8 DC: -87
The comparatively squat mul'niessa paused by a nearby rainwater barrel that is magically kept warm. Zaxx thus briefly checked his freshly shorn skull. He cast a galnce at two dwarven carpenter-smiths -wood that is not ironbound is worthless, after all!- and heard their banter..
"G'day!"
"Worldsmith's song to ye!"
"Later, maybe! Have you heard of this pretentious store?"
"There's many, friend. There's lots, even!"
"I mean that elven.."
"Waaaait a few ticks on the clock!" He stretches his arms as wide as he can and wobbles, "The.." He lowers his voice, "Booooooooooooooty-que?"
"No, it's the.. Fullest Moon!"
They both laugh and go about their work. Zaxx puts his knitted cap back on, guild emblem and all while he carefully nears this strange happening of splashing in the middle of Winter.
Splash! "Damnit, lad. Watch yer hair! Yer gonna burn yer dress off!" And more water splashes over the gobber. Ormarr's leaning forward and squinting. He doesn't notice the arrival of Zaxx. Badger does. Badger snuffles and wriggles its nose before lying back down again.
Jibbom continues to ponder his doppleganger, a contemplative expression on his face. "Hmmm. There is a certain logic to that..." Jibbom logic is very different from regular logic. "... But in truth, my dearest former Maybe-Wife is just one of many maidens astounded by my heroic brilliance. After all, there was that magical prophecy that I would have children with the beautious dragon-riding knight visiting our city from Dragonier." That is not in any way what the prophecy said, but nevermind that.
Vuk, if the water is of such volumes to cause it, will some how kick and squirm through it, swimming mid downpour, it helps to be a gobber at these times and some how the fire just -won't- go out. "The Great Jibbom is the master of the elements! For the Jibbom him self named them in dreams brought on by the sacred Ale!" He says and makes a pseudo religious motion with the Sandy effigy before letting it reverently lay against the Priest's chest. "For the Great Jibbom has many names, and is known to many placs. This means surely, one of us Jibboms must remain ever faithful for the day the Maybe-Wife reveals her true love to the Jibbom, does it not?"
Azog considers, then reminds Jibbom, "Didn't you have some quest to do before you marry Lady Sandiel?" Or is he reminding Vuk? He looks back and forth between them again, unable to fathom Vuk's comment at all.
GAME: Ormarr casts Create Water. Caster Level: 8 DC: -87
"..." Ormarr's sitting up, now. He gestures, and gallons of water pour from the sky. "Lad...lad, your hair's on fire!" he calls out in alarm. He starts to get up, then grimaces, "Dadgum, damnit. ...old hip..."
Leisel has left.
"Well... I /am/ master of the elements..." Jibbom reluctantly admits as he eyes the burning hair, pouring water, and other nonsenses. "But I did have many heroic quests to attend to..." He nods in agreement with Azog. He crosses his arms and thinks hard for a moment. "... Very well! If one Steel Von Ironblood is a good thing for Alexandria, then surely multiple Steel Von Ironbloods must be a good thing as well! I approve of this!"
Zaxx slowly waves to the animal and sticks to its face side. He recalls the skunk training they both had. He quirks a silvery-white brow while his ears sink a little as they wander back. Jibbom_s_. No good. The sil lets his teeth shine, but it is dubious in more ways than him being a mul, "Greetings."
Vuk again does the swimming motion, though this time the light does not come back, for the Jibbom has spoken. "Behold Children of the City! Believers in the Jibbom! The Jibbom has spoken ad we are one! We shall spread the word of Jibbom across the expanses of the sky as cloth spreads across the expanse of Lady Sandiel's bottom!" he proclaims.
Ormarr grimaces. It lasts just a moment before he eases himself (carefully) to his feet. "That's how it's gonna be. Well, I'm off ta chase tha sun, Steel. Steel. ...Steel. ..." he nods to each in turn, then pauses at Azog. Squints for a momentas though doublechecking, yes, that is /still/ an...oruch. And a... "Steel. Well, now there are three of ya. Welp! When ya decide ya want ta go drinkin, lads. Just look me up!" He then raises his arms. They turn into wings, the rest of him into feathers as he lurches into the sky.
Azog ehs at Jibbom's logic. This makes sense to him also. Azog is very sensible. "I am not him," he says to Ormarr, who is then flying away also. "What is up with people flying?" he asks the world in general.
"It shall be so." Jibbom declares with a nod. "Forsooth and verily! Spread the word, and let the Coyote's wonderful gift go forth to all!" He's getting a little carried away here. Ormarr's flying departure is taken in stride as the halfling answers Azog. "Flying is cool. All the cool heroes are doing it."
Ormarr has left.