//As part of Cyprian's herald applicant tasks, he was told to interview three deities.//

Cyprian said: 'Well, I'm to perform some interviews...'
Brumblwitz said: 'I h-h-heard.'
Cyprian said: 'I'm going to approach it as though it were to be published.'
Brumblwitz said: 'I think V-V-Varliv would be a g-g-great one to start with.'
Cyprian said: 'Oh I already have my first candidate in mind. The second and third, not so much.'
Cyprian said: 'So maybe Varliv after that one...'
Cyprian said: 'Snort.'
Brumblwitz said: 'W-W-Well, he should be on that list s-s-somewhere.'
Brumblwitz said: 'Who's f-f-first?'
Cyprian said: 'Aside from the fact he's a shaman..'
Cyprian said: '..I may not even bother because of that.'
Cyprian said: 'The first will be Lady Vevier.'

//Later...//

<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'I think I'll draw up questions for Lord Ceridwel, following Lady Vevier.'
<HERALD> Vanisse gossips: 'What are you asking?'
<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'I st-st-still say you should i-i-interview Varliv...'
<HERALD> Vanisse gossips: 'I'm sure Varliv will have a lot of ...interesting things to say.'
<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'That's wh-wh-why I think he should d-d-do it!'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'The tone with Lord Ceridwel will likely be to do with absolutes, and how some of the dark of the lands warp wisdom on their own pate.'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'To their own folly.'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'But if I'm being encouraged to deal with a Shaman...by both of you, no less...'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'I may make him the third.'
<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'Y-Y-Yay!'
<HERALD> Vanisse gossips: 'Just don't make any sudden movements, he might panic and turn you into a toad.'
<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'Ask h-h-him about h-h-his affection for toads.'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'The majority of my reluctance was whether or not Vanisse would approve of the interaction at all.'
<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'HAHAHA.'
<HERALD> Vanisse gossips: 'You can ask him how much he loves Vikka.'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'Alright. I will. Making a mental note of that n-'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'REALLY, then.'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'That one too.'
<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'Easy never arrived, easy go.'

//Later still...//

Beside a large bar
You are by the bar of this inn. There is a lengthy polished oak counter
against one side of the room. A rack above it is laden with various
pitchers and glasses, and behind the bar is a giant keg of some dark ale. A
bartender is here to serve drinks to all patrons of the inn. To the north
is the entrance to the stage, and to the east you see a fancy-looking dining
room. There is a bin for returning used mugs and glasses to the west.

A sign on the wall depicts the winning hands of Whirlwind Poker.

[Exits: north east]
A tankard shaped like a lady beggar displays a bosom slot for tips.
A polished bar is here, with a row of brass taps at one end of it.
Soft velvet cloth has been draped over this mahogany table.
Varliv the Encyclopedia of the Ancients is here.
(Glowing) A will o' the wisp floats around here.
Jaloro the half-elf mans the poker table in colourful clothes.

Cyprian flies in.
Cyprian looks at Varliv.

Varliv says 'Whats yer excuse fer being late?'

You rub your hands together in greedy anticipation.

Varliv stops wielding a frozen mop.
Varliv wears an encyclopedia as a shield.
Varliv wields a crooked cane, worn by time.
Varliv sits down and rests.

Varliv says 'Ma was dancing wid a giant.'
Varliv says 'Yurs?'

Cyprian says 'My mother?'

Varliv says 'Ma asked dem questions?'

Cyprian says 'Or -you- danced with a giant?'

Varliv says 'Be yer mums a big dancing male giant?'

You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.

Cyprian winces in agony.
Cyprian says '...lovely visual.'
Cyprian says 'I can't thank you enough...'

Varliv says 'Well yus asked.'
Varliv says 'Ma answered.'

Cyprian smirks.

Varliv chuckles at his own joke, since none of you would.

Cyprian says 'Suppose I could've heard worse.'
Cyprian peers at you intently.

Varliv says 'Ma was dancing wid giants wat yus doing?'

Cyprian coughs loudly.
Cyprian says 'Feeding the hungry.'
Cyprian peers at you intently.

Varliv snorts derisively.

Cyprian says 'Cheerily.'

Varliv says 'No curing dem blind?'

Cyprian peers at you intently.

Yuck, try to cover your mouth next time!

Varliv smirks.

Cyprian says 'I have some gumption, but not enough right now to infer she's blind.'

Varliv says 'So you worked dem kitchens?'

Cyprian shakes his head.

You say 'He was fetching me gnomes.'

Varliv says 'Well she mostly deaf so it ok.'

You glare around icily.

Cyprian lets out a hearty laugh.

Varliv chuckles politely.

Cyprian covers his mouth mid-laugh.

Varliv says 'Ma likes to collect dings.'

Cyprian says '...ironically...or appropriately just like someone else I've run into.'
Cyprian says 'Well!'
Cyprian sits down at a polished bar.

Varliv says 'Oh an who be dat?'

Cyprian says 'I've been told to refrain from sudden movements...'

You agree absolutely.

Vikka the serving girl walks in.
Vikka the serving girl must like Varliv a great deal to beam at him so broadly!

Cyprian alters the topic to answer.
Cyprian says 'Lady Vevier.'

Varliv chuckles politely.
Varliv says 'Yu mean Old Vevier?'

You let out a hearty laugh.

Cyprian agrees absolutely.

Varliv says 'Dem say me is ancient... but.'

Cyprian snickers softly.

Varliv peers around himself intently.
Varliv scans all around.
Varliv peers around himself intently.

Cyprian says 'I was going to say...'
Cyprian says '..we have a competition for ancient history, here.'
Cyprian peers intently at Varliv.

Varliv says to Cyprian 'She is really older dan me.'

Cyprian says 'By how much?'
Cyprian gets a notepad from a leather backpack.
Cyprian gets a quill from a leather backpack.

Varliv says 'A thousand years....'
Varliv says 'Ma be only a thousand she be at least two thousand.'

Cyprian looks at Varliv.
Cyprian says 'I want to know..'

Varliv says 'Yes..'
Varliv says 'Ma normally likes to as well.'

Cyprian says 'I've been told to refrain from sudden movements...'
Cyprian smirks at Varliv's saying.
Cyprian chuckles politely.

Varliv says 'Quick movement catches her eye.'
Varliv says 'She likes to pounce on dem dings.'

Cyprian says '..If you toad me, would this interview resume functionally?'

Varliv smirks.
Varliv says 'Ma no see why it would no...'

You say 'Ribbit.'

Varliv says 'Ribbbbbitttt.'

Cyprian peers at you intently.
Cyprian says 'Is that all I'd be able to say?'

You agree absolutely.

Cyprian sighs.

Varliv says 'Would yus like ta find out?'
Varliv is really crazy now! he cackles at himself.

You attempt to summon a familiar.
A tiny toad crawls out of the shadows and squats next to your foot.
A speckled toad now follows you.

Varliv says 'TOADY!!!'

Cyprian says 'Depends how quickly I can be reverted.'
Cyprian says 'WITHOUT being kissed.'

You put your toad in your pocket.
Vanisse pats her pocket.
You bat your eyelashes.

Varliv says 'Hmm what reward yus looking fer?'

Cyprian raises an eyebrow.
Cyprian says 'None. I was just interested if I'd croak.'
Cyprian says 'Or if I'd survive.'

Varliv says 'Der be a few ways to find out.'
Varliv smirks.

Cyprian says 'Alright. At our conclusion, I'll be sure to get up quick enough to trip in front of you.'
Cyprian nods quietly to himself. What a wacko.

Varliv says 'Ma no wanna trip.'

Cyprian says 'I may...'

Varliv says 'Movements like dat worry ma.'
Varliv says 'Toads be easy.'
Varliv pats his bulgy pocket.

Cyprian says 'Where did your love for toads start? I'm told you love them. As a dish? A friend? A pet? A plushie?'

Varliv says 'Hmmm frog legs.'
Varliv smiles and licks his lips.

Cyprian begins transcribing.
Cyprian says 'What's the taste reminiscent of?'

Varliv says 'Be yus dem next un fer turning?'

Cyprian says 'Not so you can eat me, no.'
Cyprian says 'Otherwise, yes.'

Varliv says 'Oh well dat be someding ma keep to ma self.'

Cyprian chortles mischieviously.
Cyprian shakes his head.

Varliv says 'Why so curious?'

Cyprian says 'So does this make Vikka a toad? I'm told you fancy her.'
Cyprian peers intently at Vikka the serving girl.
Cyprian says 'Curious?'
Cyprian says 'Of course I'm curious.'

Varliv says 'She more scary dan a toad.'

Vikka the serving girl hugs Varliv.

Varliv winces in agony.
Varliv says 'NO!!'
Varliv swats at Vikka the serving girl furiously!

Vikka the serving girl blows a kiss at Varliv ... isn't she so CUTE?

Cyprian winces in agony.

Varliv winces in agony.

Cyprian says 'Looks like that should've hurt...'

Vikka the serving girl walks east.

Varliv says 'Infernal woman.'
Varliv says 'She worries ma.'
Varliv winces in agony.

You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.

Vikka the serving girl walks in.

Varliv peers around himself intently.
Varliv says 'No vikka.'

Vikka the serving girl says 'I'm right here!'
Vikka the serving girl sits down at a polished bar.

Cyprian says 'So it's a love-hate dynamic going on..'

Varliv says 'Shooo.'

Vikka the serving girl shakes her head.

Varliv swats at Vikka the serving girl furiously!
Vikka the serving girl says 'Ill-mannered imbecile.'

Cyprian agrees absolutely.

Varliv says 'Yep.'

Vikka the serving girl tickles Varliv.

Cyprian says 'Couldn't have been answered more clearly than that spectacle.'

Varliv laughs.
Varliv says 'Stop it.'
Varliv swats at Vikka the serving girl furiously!

Vikka the serving girl giggles.

Varliv peers intently at Cyprian.

Cyprian purses his lips, trying hard not to laugh and drop the quill.
Cyprian clears his throat.

Varliv stands up.
Varliv narrows his eyes.
<HERALD> Odile the Crier gossips 'Varliv has broken the peace code of the tavern!'
Cyprian yells 'Die! Varliv, you sorcerous dog!'
Cyprian suddenly sprouts warts and starts croaking.

Varliv hobbles away, leaning heavily on his cane as he walks home.

You bat your eyelashes.
You say 'Err.'

<MYSTIC> Varliv gossips: 'To much movement.'

You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.

Beside a large bar
S-*-F | You are by the bar of this inn. There is a lengthy polished
| | | oak counter against one side of the room. A rack above it
* *-* | is laden with various pitchers and glasses, and behind the
| | | | bar is a giant keg of some dark ale. A bartender is here
*>@-o | to serve drinks to all patrons of the inn. To the north
| is the entrance to the stage, and to the east you see a
| fancy-looking dining room. There is a bin for returning
| used mugs and glasses to the west. A sign on the wall
| depicts the winning hands of Whirlwind Poker.
---------+

[Exits: north east]
A tankard shaped like a lady beggar displays a bosom slot for tips.
A polished bar is here, with a row of brass taps at one end of it.
Soft velvet cloth has been draped over this mahogany table.
Vikka the serving girl is sitting at a polished bar.
A toad is here.
Jaloro the half-elf mans the poker table in colourful clothes.

<MYSTIC> Varliv gossips: 'Me got scared to much vikka.'

Vikka the serving girl sighs.
Vikka the serving girl stands up.
Vikka the serving girl walks east.

A toad peers around himself intently.

You poke him in the ribs.

A toad looks at you.
A toad says 'Ribbit.'

You let out a hearty laugh.

<MYSTIC> Varliv gossips: 'Oh wait ma forgot to grab dat toad fer eating.'

<MYSTIC> Vanisse gossips: 'You can't eat him! He's supposed to be a herald!'

A toad says 'Croak croak croak.'
<PATRON> A toad gossips: 'Grrrrrrak grok!'

You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.

A toad hops north.
A toad hops in.
A toad peers around himself intently.

<MYSTIC> Varliv gossips: 'Here toady...'

Vanisse wiggles her fingers.

A toad says to you 'Squeeeeeee!'

Varliv yells 'TOADY!!'

You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.
You say 'Run!!'

A toad yells 'Grrrrrrak grok!'
A toad hops north.

Varliv yells 'OH ANOTHER ONE WANTING BE A SNACK!!'

You yell 'Hands off that toad!!'

Varliv yells 'WAIT DER LUFERO!!'

Cyprian yells 'I'M NOT FOOD!'
Cyprian blinks.
Cyprian looks down at his hands.

Varliv walks in.

You say 'Whew!'

Varliv yells 'MA COMING!! FER YUS TO!!'
Varliv walks east.
Varliv walks in.
Varliv snaps his fingers.

Varliv says 'Hmmm.'

//Following the leader//

The Eastern Common Room
| You are next to a large fireplace in the common room. This
| is the place where most of the patrons of the inn gather to
S-*-F | rest from their tedious travels. This is also the place where
| | | various artists can perform their trade. You see a few tables
* *-@ | around the fireplace and a small open area as a stage. You
| | | | see the common extend to the west and east. To the south you
*>*-F | can just make out the main stage.
|
|
---------+

[Exits: south west up]
Some very comfortable looking sofas have been placed around the room.
A makeshift stage has been set up for the performing mice.
Varliv the Encyclopedia of the Ancients is here.
(Invis) Lufero the Enchanter of the Sky is here.
A small deaf mouse wields Serin's tiniest violin.

Varliv narrows his eyes.
<HERALD> Odile the Crier gossips 'Varliv has broken the peace code of the tavern!'
Lufero suddenly sprouts warts and starts croaking.

Varliv hobbles away, leaning heavily on his cane as he walks home.

Varliv yells 'Wheres ma toad.'

A toad frowns.

<MYSTIC> Vanisse gossips: 'A plague of toads is upon Seringale!'

A toad hops west.

Cyprian yells 'ACK!'

A toad hops in.

Varliv yells 'NO RUNNING!!'

Cyprian yells 'THINK I HEARD VIKKA CALLING YOU!'

Varliv yells 'BAH DEM TRICKED MA!!'

A toad hops north.

Varliv yells 'WHAT!'
Varliv yells 'Haha no she not.'

Cyprian yells 'Y-YE...WAIT NO!'

Varliv yells 'Yus scared me der.'

Cyprian yells 'I'm SURE SHE DID!'
Cyprian walks in.

You peer around yourself intently.

//Vikka starts chasing Varliv around town.//

Cyprian yells 'I'm NOT repenting for all the gnomes I fed Vanisse!'
Cyprian yells 'You'll NEVER eat me ALIVE!'

Varliv yells 'SHE IS AFTER MA!!'
Varliv yells 'HELP ME!!!'

Cyprian yells 'HELP YOU!?'

Vikka the waitress yells 'Yoohoo!'

Varliv yells 'AHH!!'
Varliv yells 'HEH!'

Cyprian yells 'BRUMBLWITZ TASTES BETTER!'
Cyprian yells 'Wait..'

Vikka the waitress yells 'Get back here you delectable duergar!'

Cyprian yells 'NO!'
Cyprian yells 'I wouldn't know!'

Varliv yells 'NEVER!!'

Cyprian yells 'VANISSE DOESN'T HAVE A FLOCK OF CATTLE!'
Cyprian yells 'Waaahhhh!'

You yell 'Why do I need cattle?'

Cyprian yells 'So, I GUESS WE'LL HAVE AN INTERVIEW WHILE YOU CHASE ME!'
Cyprian yells '...maybe?'
Cyprian walks in.
Cyprian yells 'No!'
Cyprian walks south.
Cyprian yells 'VIKKA SIT ON HIM!'

Varliv yells 'NO!!!'

Vikka the waitress yells 'I'd rather sit on you!'

Varliv yells 'HAHA!!'

You yell 'Haha!'

Cyprian yells 'NO PROBLEM THERE, BUT MORE PRESSING MATTERS AT HAND!'
Cyprian yells 'CAN'T OBLIGE I'M AFRAID!'
Cyprian yells 'BAH! VARLIV IS A VENTRILOQUIST, TOO!'

Cyprian walks in.
Cyprian walks east.
Varliv walks in.
Varliv walks east.

Cyprian yells 'OFF-COLOR UNDERHANDED TRICKERY!'

Varliv yells 'CHASE HIM!!'
Varliv yells 'LEAVE ME ALONE INFERNAL WOMAN!!'

You yell 'I have no idea how an interview turned into headless chicken scramble.'

Cyprian yells 'NEITHER DO I!'

Vikka the waitress yells 'If he would just stop running!'

Varliv yells 'Will ifn yus would stop a momen.'

Cyprian yells 'WAIT!'

Varliv yells 'HMM!'

Cyprian yells '...why does Vikka want me to stop running..??'
Cyprian yells 'Another plot!?'
Cyprian yells 'Speaking of! Next question!'
Cyprian yells 'Who is that shadow she consorts with?'

Varliv yells 'MA GONNA EAT YUS!!'

Cyprian yells 'WHAAATTT!?'
Cyprian yells 'I THOUGHT WE WERE AT PEACE FINALLY!'
Cyprian yells 'YOU DON'T SIT VERY WELL, VIKKA!'

//wander//

South Square
S-+-* | You are at the South Square of Seringale. It is gloomy
| | and dim here. The square is a tiny opening in between a
S S-+-S | few broken down buildings. The air is stuffy and pungent
| | | from the various trash lying all over the ground. You see
+-+-@-+-+| the Main Street to the north and the south, the South Road
| || to the east and west.
S-+-S +|
| |
+-+-o |
---------+

[Exits: north east south west]
Vikka is standing here looking pissed.

Vikka the waitress walks north.

//wander//

The Western Common Room
[Exits: north east south]
Some very comfortable looking sofas have been placed around the room.
A sparkling new bookcase covered in carved portraits rests here containing the Serin Mystiques: Volume 3.
An untidy bookcase with a sign reading 'Serin Mystiques: Volume two' is propped up against a wall.
A neat bookcase with a sign reading 'Serin Mystiques: Volume one' rests against a wall.
Varliv the Encyclopedia of the Ancients is here.
Cyprian the Healer of Blindness is here.

Vikka the waitress walks in.
Varliv winces in agony.
Varliv walks east.
Varliv yells 'No!!'

Cyprian grins evilly.

Vikka the waitress says 'I haven't run that much in months!'

Cyprian says '...yet..'

Vikka the waitress wheezes.

Cyprian looks at Vikka the waitress.
Cyprian says 'Hm.'

//meanwhile...//

South Square
S-+-* | You are at the South Square of Seringale. It is gloomy
| | and dim here. The square is a tiny opening in between a
S S-+-S | few broken down buildings. The air is stuffy and pungent
| | | from the various trash lying all over the ground. You see
+-+-@-+-+| the Main Street to the north and the south, the South Road
| || to the east and west.
S-+-S +|
| |
+-+-o |
---------+

[Exits: north east south west]
A filthy beggar is here asking for your spare gold.
A filthy beggar is here asking for your spare gold.
Gardof the Berserker of Strife is here.
Varliv the Encyclopedia of the Ancients is here.

Varliv says 'She is trying to tame me.'
Varliv says 'It will no happen.'
Varliv yells 'NEVER!!!'

Gardof says 'Mes wantses to see how fars minotaurs launches.'

Varliv beams broadly!

Cyprian walks in.

Varliv says 'Well den.'

Cyprian looks at Varliv.

Gardof looks at Cyprian.

Cyprian tip-toes..cautiously.

Varliv says 'Him wanna see how far minotaurs launch.'
Varliv beams broadly!

Gardof yells 'Cyprian no tips toe!'

You say 'Ooh.'

Cyprian mutters something quietly to himself.

Gardof pokes Cyprian in the ribs.

Cyprian blinks at Gardof.

Varliv agrees absolutely.

Cyprian says '..why is this about me??'

You say 'Well, if it can take a storm giant, I'm sure it can take a minotaur.'

Varliv nods in enthusiastic agreement with you.

Cyprian peers at you intently.
Cyprian peers intently at Varliv.

Gardof says 'Minotaurs horns adds to flights.'

Cyprian peers intently at Gardof.

Varliv says to Cyprian 'Toad?'

You say 'Do they?'

Cyprian says 'NO!'
Cyprian walks south.

Varliv snickers softly.

Gardof says 'Air-o-dinimic.'

Varliv yells 'OK OK COME BACK!!'

You let out a hearty laugh.

Cyprian yells 'You can toad me just don't eat me!'

Varliv yells 'No toad fer dem moment.'

Cyprian walks in.
Cyprian mutters something quietly to himself.

Varliv says 'Sorry quick movements make me nervous.'
Varliv says 'Old age.'
Varliv shrugs helplessly.

Cyprian says '...'

Slowly, Gardof looks at Cyprian, chews his cud, and muh-OOOOs!

Cyprian says '...all that...'

Varliv chuckles politely.
Varliv says 'Happens.'
Varliv says 'Bad knees an such.'

Cyprian says 'I'd hate to make you truly angry, then.'
Cyprian says 'I don't think anyone could stop you.'

Varliv says 'Oh well der be a couple.'
Varliv mutters something quietly to himself.
Varliv says 'Vikka.'

Cyprian says '..other than Vikka. Who was hardly all that effective.'

Varliv mutters something quietly to himself.
Varliv s
Varliv says 'Ta yus maybe.'

Cyprian says 'You were still slipping out from under her!'

Gardof says 'Dems machines comin back to launches Gardof.'

Varliv says 'But ma no hab much time fer else.'
Varliv says 'She be quick.'

Cyprian sighs.
Cyprian nods.

Gardof puts on a flight suit and helmet.

Cyprian says 'Speaking of this coil..'

Gardof tucks his tail into flight suit.

*Yay!* Go Gardof!!! Varliv cheers him on.

Cyprian says 'How does your story start? How did it end?'

//A long interview ensues. You can read about it in The Serin Mystique, Volume 12, Issue 3!//

Gardof removes a helmet and flight suit with dejected sorrow.
Gardof unkinks his tail.
Gardof walks north.

//Another day...//

Cyprian says 'Lady Vevier is next.'
Cyprian says 'After her, one more.'

You rub your hands together in greedy anticipation.

Cyprian says 'By the way.'

You peer around yourself intently.

Cyprian says '..where on Thera did rumor of progeny start?'
Cyprian boggles at the concept.

<MYSTIC> Glorwinda the Psi-Ascetic: 'Welcome back, Kaeam the Grand Oracle of Spectres.'

<HERALD> Vanisse gossips: 'Uh oh. NO NOTE. Someone's getting toaded.'

Cyprian blinks.

You say 'I told Brumblwitz to write a note to Mystics before one appeared.'

<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'M-M-ME!?'

<HERALD> Vanisse gossips: 'I'll let you finish first.'

<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'I am a-a-almost finished!'

Cyprian says 'So will he really be toaded?'

You say 'Of course!'
You say 'I can't wait.'
Vanisse wiggles her fingers.

Cyprian says 'Would it bother you to toad me in his pl-..'
Cyprian says '..I suppose it would.'

You peer intently at Cyprian.
You say 'You want to be a toad??'

Cyprian smirks.
Cyprian says 'Of course not.'
Cyprian shakes his head.
Cyprian says 'Never again. But why would I think seeing a friend toaded would be any better?'

You say 'I'll turn you into a toad if you write an ode as a toad.'
You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.

Cyprian says 'Oooh. Ode as a Toad?'

You agree absolutely.

Cyprian says 'I'll seriously consider it.'

You rub your hands together in greedy anticipation.

You say 'You have until Brumblwitz finishes his note to decide.'

A messenger arrives and hands you a NOTE.

Cyprian blinks.

You say 'And there it is!'

Cyprian says 'W-what?'

<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'O-O-Ok! Toady t-t-time!'

You say 'Will you save the poor gnome from being a toad?'

Brumblwitz arrives from a puff of smoke.

You rub your hands together in greedy anticipation.

Brumblwitz snickers softly.

Cyprian says '...'

Vanisse rolls up her sleeves.

Cyprian says 'Oh. I see. You didn't say to ink it now.'

Brumblwitz licks his mouth and smiles.

You peer intently at Cyprian.

Cyprian says 'Just to seal the promise now.'

You agree absolutely.
You say 'Obviously you can't write the ode until after being a toad!'

Cyprian says '..well..'
Cyprian mutters something quietly to himself.
Cyprian says '...actually you're right.'

Vanisse wiggles her fingers.

Brumblwitz says 'O-O-Of course she i-i-is.'
Brumblwitz snickers softly.

Well, aren't you special?

Cyprian rolls his eyes at himself.
Cyprian nods.

Brumblwitz pokes Cyprian in the ribs.

Cyprian says 'Alright.'

You say 'You must declare it!'

Cyprian looks at you.

*Yay!* Go Cyprian!!! Brumblwitz cheers him on.

<PATRON> Cyprian gossips: 'I hereby declare that I'll ink an toad ode, under the condition Brumblwitz will be spared from toading.'

You cheer Cyprian on and wish him good luck!

Cyprian yells 'Die! Vanisse, you sorcerous dog!'
Cyprian suddenly sprouts warts and starts croaking.

<PATRON> A toad gossips: 'Ribbit.'

You cackle gleefully.

A toad says to you 'Krrrrrrrrrikkit!'

You dazzle a toad with your smile.

<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'Y-Y-You are saving me from toading!? I w-w-was kind of looking f-f-forward to it...'

A toad says to Brumblwitz 'Ribbit.'

Brumblwitz smiles happily.

A toad yells 'Wheeeeeeeaaaaaaawwwwww!'
A toad glares at Brumblwitz.

You say 'Now you tell him.
You let out a hearty laugh.

<HERALD> Brumblwitz gossips: 'W-W-Well he didn't ask!'

A toad says 'Squeeeeeee!'

You roll on the floor, laughing hysterically.
You say 'Now he can't ask!'

A toad says 'Ribbit.'

Brumblwitz chortles mischieviously.

A toad hops east.
A toad hops in.
A toad hops up.
A toad hops in.
A toad hops down.
A toad hops in.
You pounce on a toad and send him sprawling. **OOF**

Brumblwitz snickers softly.

You say 'Well, you can be a toad too. But he still owes me an ode.'

A toad says 'Wheeeeeeeaaaaaaawwwwww!'
A toad peers at you intently.

You peer intently at a toad.

A toad says 'Krrrrrrrrrikkit!'

Heh.

<PATRON> A toad gossips: 'Krrrrrrrrrikkit!'

A toad grumbles and growls. You wonder what's wrong...

Brumblwitz says 'I don't h-h-have to be a toad... It w-w-was just offered, and I'm not one to turn down an o-o-offer.'
Brumblwitz smiles happily.

A toad yells 'Grrrrrrak grok!'
A toad reverts to his normal form.

Cyprian says to Brumblwitz 'You're odd.'

You say 'Kaeam didn't even bat an eye or ask.'
You let out a hearty laugh.

Cyprian stretches luxuriously. Kinda makes you want to doesn't it?
Cyprian winces in agony.
Cyprian says '...that..'

You say to Cyprian 'Looked a little warty there.'

Cyprian says '..really feels painful at a level higher than that felt as a toad.'
Cyprian rubs his lower back.

You let out a hearty laugh.

Brumblwitz pats Cyprian on his head.
Brumblwitz says 'It w-w-will feel better soon.'

//A note of reminder//

From: SUP <HERALD> Vanisse
To: Cyprian
Subject: TOAD
Content:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't forget what I'm owed.
In three moons: an ode.
I'm sure thoughts flowed
When you were bestowed
The form of the iniquitable Toad.

If muse ever sowed
Inspiration, it showed
In the hops you trode
Through the crossroad
Of the lounge where we were stowed.

//The next day...//

Cyprian: Ode to a Toad
Sun Jul 10 06:24:26 2016
To: Vanisse

Memory recalls I've a tail to the skull.
Weren't it for a gnome, it'd be null.
A tadpole? Thought I used to be a man?
Now aspirations suddenly sink to lilypads!?

Minding my own business, I swim to algae.
Thanks Brumblwitz, my dishes are slimy.
Before I can graze, I look to the rear.
The beak of a bird just scraped my ear!

Oh cruel world, what a farce! What a lot.
I'm just trying to eat! Another Vikka plot?
Once held a staff. Soon wartier than frogs!
What other misery awaits when I hop logs?

Still alive, I'm at the mercy of beetles!
This is Luck only dead men would steal..
Spare me, I know it beats dying on the wheel.
I'll find Vanisse, ask this curse be repealed!

Nine weeks of horror, now nearing twelve.
The fish! The birds! Details I can't delve..
I'm ready to leave water as legs thicken.
Avoid plates whereon they're like chicken!

Life in the dark, what would vampires know?
I have it worse! I avoid even the moon's glow!
I hide under leaves, my shelter are rocks..
My cutaneous secretions are worse than socks!

Timaran, finally. Oh, an Ivory Tower!
I'll hop over there, seek Vanisse's power.
Entering with angst, I see Her first.
Then I hear Varliv. Heart may as well burst.

I see them laugh, the butt of every joke.
I try to plead but all I can do is croak..
What have I done for this?? Woe to life, alas!
Varliv has a fork. Make "Ribbit" my epitaph.

Vikka enters giggling, Brumblwitz brought stew.
This toad blinks back tears, they're "funny" too.
Hopping madly, I panic. Vanisse plows into me!
I awoke in a cold sweat, what's it all mean?
I move a limb and see a hand. Horrible dream.


NO! IT WASN'T!
VARLIV GRINS RIGHT NEXT TO ME!

"SQUEEEEEEE!"