>have her pop her top during her song
>really inspiring bard

>>11438494
Swing by the Arena, then get Newt
Milo's will be long gone so that's low priority.

>>11438521
Janice doesn't really inspire so much as manage.

>>11438494
We go pick up newt. Zanne, Faral go get food, Tabby, Grue, Ruby go to sign up. Everyone else does whatever. They are big girls and don't need to be babysat.

>>11438598
I just realized we can look at it anyway through the scope. Awesome.

>>11438640
>>11438598
According to the clocks around town, classes are almost over for the day, so picking up Newt seems prudent.
Once again you are not allowed into the building proper, so you and the Party sit outside. Zanne had offered to to pick up provisions, so you send her and Faral off to go do that. Tanot, Kithri, and Ta'Kal go with them, as you still need to pick your stuff up from the Silver Dragon.
Leaving Ruby, Tabby, Grue, and yourself to wait for Newt. Shortly after the rest of the party goes off, you see her familiar face come out of the large double doors. "Newt Wizard Lady! Over here!" Grue waves her over, and Newt hides her face with her hat, slowly making her way to you. "What are you guys doing here?"

>>11438742
And today's 'Embarrassing Newt' quota has been filled! YAY!

>>11438742
Was she talking to her new friends? Introduce yourself!

>>11438742
Why, is there a stable boy you're hitting on?

>>11438770
>>11438796
>>11438803
You looks around, seeing if she was talking to someone. You tease her about being worried and wanting to see if her first day went well. "Yes, MOM, is did, thank you. Now can we go? People are staring!" You know, you're not sure how old Newt is. Teasing her a little more, you head out. "So, show me where you saw this weird shop."
You take Newt through the market district. You weave through a few alleys you remember, Ruby backing you up on the details. Going down the alley that the both of you are certain had Milo's, you predictably don't see it. In it's place is a mineral shop, selling crystals and interesting rocks, though to be fair the mineral shop is equally as dusty as Milo's was. "And you're SURE it was here you two?"

>>11438878
Check with our pastscope.
She hurts my feelings.

>>11438878
Yeah we're sure, but we expected this.
show her through the Past scope.

Thirding on the Past-Scope


Also, captcha was Clericals prepared. Kinda fitting for /tg/ board.

>>11438878
Little does she realize that soon association with us will be very valuable for schoolyard cred.

>>11438938
>>11438940
>>11438972
Yes we're sure, and we can prove it too! You take out your Pastscope and peer through it at the building. Through the lenses you see a dusty covered shop with no sign, which is exactly what you see without the Pastscope. It's only when you look closely that you see the items in the windows are different. The bizarre rocking horse sits in one of the window instead of rocks, and you show this to Newt. "Well alright, so it was here, but where could it have gone? The shop looks too old, no way the rocks could have been moved in last night."
"Grue like pretty rocks. Can Grue have them?"

>>11439013
D'aww buy Grue the prettiest rock.

>>11439036
>>11439013
We pay him a portion of our earnings right? Time to teach him about responsible money handling.

>>11439013
>>11439036
He has his own money, a LOT of his own money. He can go buy his rocks.

>>11439063
im not sue Grue even CAN handle money responsibly... maybe instead of paying him we should make a budget for him? we set aside X for his food/shelter/etc. then tell him he can only buy so much? just a thought, which probably doesnt help at all.

>>11439086
Let's have Grue go in and buy his own "pretty rocks". Depending on how well he does will determine whether he keeps his own money, or we set it aside to spend for him. We don't want him getting fleeced, after all.

>>11439036
>>11439063
>>11439070
>>11439086
You tell Grue he has his own money, and he can buy whatever he wants with it, just make sure he has enough for food and shelter. Grue ponders this for a moment, face screwed up in effort. His face brightens. "Grue give money to Tanot. Tanot say he keep it safe for Grue. Say it like... piggy bank. But that silly, money doesn't go in piggies! Too much stuff in there. But Grue kept this much!" Reaching into his huge pockets, he takes out seven silver. "Can Grue get pretty rock with this? Grue never get money before." His face falls and his eyes start to water. "Grue not have enough, does he?" The most expensive rock you can see only costs one silver.

>>11439180
It's a really good thing that we're with him.

Help him buy a pretty geode or something.

>>11439180
POOR GRUE! Assure him he can get some pretty rocks. Also, if Tanot spends Grue's money, we castrate him.

>>11439180
"No, Grue dont cry! you have enough... And stop giving your money to Tanot." We'll probably need to talk to Tanot to make sure he's not trying to rob Grue and is genuinely just keeping it safe for him, though i doubt it

>>11439180
"That's right, Grue. Money doesn't go in piggies. We'll get your money from Tanot for you, so he doesn't put them in any piggies. And yes, I'm sure you can get some pretty rocks with that."

And then we get Grue's money from Tanot at first opportunity.

>>11439180
shit does Grue even understand numbers? Can he count? this could seriously affect his money-spending...

>>11439228
We should probably ask him.

>>11439241
This. He said he's never had money before. At some point we need to teach him how to count out money. We can make it a game to make it more fun to learn.

>>11439200
>>11439207
>>11439217
>>11439225
>>11439228
>>11439241
You quickly hug Grue, assuring him he has more then enough. With a big sniffle, he wipes his eyes. "Really?" You nod, and everyone else nods too. Grue brightens up immediately. "YAY! Grue want that one!" He points to a geode, rough and rocky on the outside, pretty purple crystals on the inside, about the size of a human head with both halves. It's the one silver rock you saw. Since Grue can't fit in the door, you head inside. The place looks empty, like it no ones been in for years. Although it feels a little awkward, you take the geode, and leave one silver, along with the price tag, on the counter.
As you step outside, a thought occurs to you. You make a note to get Grue's money from Tanot at the first opportunity, then you ask Grue is he can read or count. Grue nods energetically. "Grue can count! Grue can count to lots!" he starts counting his fingers. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, lots! See? Grue can count to lots." His brow furrows again. "But Grue can't read. Is Grue in trouble?"

>>11439329
"No, Grue's not in trouble. But, how would Grue like to learn to read!"

>>11439329
Well... at least he can count to ten. It doesn't help if he can;t recognize numbers when he sees them though.

>>11439329
"no Grue, you're not in trouble. It's good that you know numbers... is ten the highest you know? And how would you feel about learning to read? we could make a game out of it." Also, give Grue his Geode, an tell him to be careful with it, because his immense strength might break it... maybe tell him to hold it like he would hold a young animal?

>>11439352
>>11439358
>>11439370
You pat Grues giant hand, reassuring him the isn't in trouble. You ask Grue if ten is the highest he can count. He shakes his head, "No, Grue can count to lots! Want grue to show you again?" No, that's ok. So he can count to eleven, but doesn't know what eleven is then. You ask him if he would liek to learn how to read. Thinking for a moment, Grue nods again. "Ok." You urge him to be careful with the Geode as you hand it too him, it could be fragile. Grue holds it almost reverently in his hand. "So pretty... and I get both halves? For keeps?"

>>11439434
...DAAAAAAAAAW! Ye sit is Grue!

>>11439434
For keeps. Promise. Just be careful with them.

>>11439434
Check the back room or something. Is it filled with anything other than rocks?

>>11439434
For keeps Grue.
Now lets get to the Arena.

>>11439462
>>11439482
>>11439489
>>11439485
Yes Grue, it's for you. You bought it with your money, so you don't have to share. Just be careful with it. "Grue promise." He carefully puts it in a pouch at his belt. You know he still has that cow skull in his other one.
Taking a chance to do a little snooping, you go back into the shop and take a peak int he back room. More dusty rock covered shelves, and a little old lady. She sits snoozing in an ancient looking rocking chair, covered by a blanket. The woman herself looks older then the chair. An equally ancient crossbow sits on the floor near her feet. Not wanting to wake her, you leave.
"Well Janice, I can sense a residual magic int he area... but that COULD just be from the Pastscope. This Milo must be pretty powerful to make a whole shop vanish..." Newt looks around, rubbing her arms. "Well, to the Arena then?"

>>11439556
yup. And we'll need to check out the rules when we get there.

might as well. And find out her age.

>>11439556
Milo can is transgender it seems. Ride on Grue's shoulders.

>>11439586
>>11439591
>>11439636
Feeling like a kid again, you get Grue to hoist you up on his shoulders. You haven't done this since you were little and you would ride on you Papa's shoulders. Grue is a lot bigger then your dad though, and you only need to sit on one.
About time to yeah to the Arena, yes. As you leave the alley, you turn to Newt. You ask her how old she is anyway. She seems Surprised. "I'm 18, why?" Well that's younger then you expected...
"KEBABS! GET YOUR KEBABS HERE! JANICE AND FRIENDS! HELLO! Enjoying the view from up there?" Oh yeah, Ralph's stall is here in the market district too! "How are you my friends? Can I interest you in some Kebabs? Cheap and delicious, with secret sauce! So, what is the word? Are you staying in the Silver Dragon, or will I need to set up my cart somewhere else tonight? That is, if you are preforming tonight."

>>11439676
Might as well pick up lunch. And let him know we've moved, and where to.
THEN get to the Arena.

>>11439676
We should probably keep performing at the silver dragon. We don't need to draw a rowdy crowd back to our house. And buy a kebab for us, one for Newt, and 2 for Grue.

>>11439710
We keep getting distracted. At least we have until sun set though.

We hadn't picked a new venue...And we hadn't even planned on a show. Oh well. That is a task for later.

>>11439735
What about Ruby and Tabby? They get to starve?

>>11439735
Ultimately we will want to start playing for the wealthy higher society, right? So we will want to move over to the most expensive inn.

>>11439747
Theyr'e not with us... are they? If they are, get Tabby a kebab. Ruby can share ours.

Captcha: Granny whistlers

>>11439710
>>11439735
>>11439743
>>11439747
You let him know about the move, and were you're at now, but you haven't planned on a show yet. He lets out a low whistle. "That is a nice part of the city. I could never afford there. Of course, I'd start a real restaurant before then!" He laughs and gestures to his stall. "Here, have a free kebab, as a house warming gift... but without the house in this case." He hands each of you a kebab, and you pay for a few more for Grue, who chomps on them happily. "Taking a few days off after a move is a good thing. When you decide where and when to play again, let me know. I will help spread the word, and you know where to find me."
After your meal you head out. The Arena is actually fairly close to you new house. You can;t see it from there, because of buildings in the way, but its only about ten minutes away. As you approach, you see a notice board. On it are the rules and regulations of the events.
There's a 5 silver entrance fee, which allows you to enter up to three events. A cash prize will be awarded to the three best in any given event. Any magical aid used to give you an unfair advantage will result in immediate disqualification, participants will be separated into weight classes, and so on.
The events themselves seem pretty standard track and field. From running, to pole vaulting, javelin to archery, wrestling and hurdles, etcetera.

>>11439759
but not until we have made a name for ourselves so that the upperclass inns will consider us.

>>11439874
are participants allowed to have a coach? Grue might need a coach depending on what we sign him up for.

>>11439874
What events should we sign the crew up for?
Grue for wrestling, maybe he's good at javelin, and weightlifting.
Tabby for weights (obviously, she can pick up COWS!) and I'm not sure what else...
Ruby for Archery, and how i she at running track?

>>11439920
Coaching is OK, but no magic or steroids.

>>11439874
Ruby should sign up for javelin and archery. Also suggest she sign up for hurdles, imply that we'd like to watch her butt as she jumps and runs.

Tabby for wrestling and whatever else she thinks she'd be good at.

Grue for wrestling and Javelin toss third contest is his choice. Javelin toss because as far as I know it's based on distance thrown, not accuracy.

Is Zanne here? I'd bet she'd be good at pole vault and hurdles.

>>11439944
No, shes getting food... dang. oh well, the house isn't far. We can ask her when she gets back. We'll still probably have time before sunset.

You'd think them all able to pick what they'd be good at themselves.

>>11440004
I highly doubt grue knows what he's good at. Besides being a toll booth and counting to "Lots".

Other than that. Let them choose what they want to do. Suggest hurdles to Ruby and imply we want to watch her rear as she runs and jumps.

I suddenly want to buy Grue a pad of paper and whatever the equivalent to crayons are. And have him draw/paint us pictures. We could have Newt use some kind of magic to make them water proof and hang them from the wagon!

>>11439932
>>11439944
>>11440083
Thinking a moment about everyone's strengths and weaknesses... You'll sign up Grue for Wrestling and Javelin, but the third option is his. Grue thinks a moment. "Shot put is just throwing heavy ball? Grue do that." So shot put for his third.
For Tabby, weightlifting is a given, as well as wrestling. "I like wrestling, its a good way to put the cattle in its place. And for my third... how about the high jump? I've been leaping over fences all my life."
For Ruby, of course archery. "I'll try the hurdles and hundred meter dash. Can't be too much different then jumping around the woods all day and running." Plus you tell her you'll get a great look at her backside as she does it. "Oh, like you don't get an eyeful at night." Out of the corner of your eye you notice Newt blushing again.
Getting to the registration table, Tabby and Ruby sign themselves up, and you help Grue. You also make a note to ask Zanne is shes any good at pole vaulting or hurdles herself. Paying the attendant your 15 silver total registration, he hands Grue, Tabby, and Ruby gold colored wristbands. The wristbands attach themselves to each of them. "The wristbands mark you as athletes. They'll turn color is any magic is attempted on them or you, so don't even think about it. OH! Almost forgot, you'll need to participate in the parade. It'll be going from the Southern gate to the Arena, be there by sunrise."

>>11440113
fantastic! Hmm... will uniforms be provided? Because I can;t wait to see Ruby in little gym shorts.

>>11440113
I say we join the parade while riding on Grue's shoulder.

Also, nudge Newt in the ribs with our elbow, and ask if she wants to watch sometime.

>>11440141
We aren't THAT mean... are we?

... my captcha: immorally legendary

>>11440113
You know, teaching Grue to wrestle, and control people without being lethal, could keep us out of a lot of trouble. He should be coached in this beyond just winning the contest.

>>11440186
yes, we are.

>>11440186
Not that mean, no. But Janice is nothing if not an exhibitionist.

>>11440141
>>11440186
>>11440211
>>11440137
>>11440214
You've always wanted to be in a parade! And the thought of Ruby in track clothes is exciting. "Sorry miss, but athletes only in the Parade. Unless you sign up yourself, you can;t participate. Coaches have to meet them here at the Arena. This IS a celebration of Kord after all. And yes, uniforms will be handed out at the South Gate. Part of some ritual or another." DAMN! Oh well, you make your self feel better by nudging Newt and playfully asking if she wants to watch next time. She goes bright red, and you see that Ruby is blushing as well. Tabby laughs out loud and Grue looks around, not getting it. "Janice! No! That's... NO!"
"I'm going to have to agree with Ruby!" Newt slowly turns and, still blushing, runs off. "I'll meet you at the house!"

>>11440261
Great, we finally scared off Newt. AND now we have to apologize to Ruby.
DAMN OUR SPONTANEOUS-NESS!

>>11440297
She'll punish us later. Might as well mosey on home.

>>11440308
Can't think of anything else to do. Wait, didn't we need to buy stuff for the stables?

So, dinner party with our new neighbors?

>>11440336
give us time to settle. Tomorrow

>>11440321
Get our stuff from the inn.

>>11440347
>>11440321
These.

>>11440297
>>11440321
>>11440308
Well that could have gone better.You turn to Ruby and apologize to her. You didn't mean to embarrass her, you were only kidding. Tabby backs you up. "She didn't really mean it Ruby. Heck, whenever you're around, Janice here only has eyes for you. Makes me kinda jealous!" Tabby laughs again and starts heading home with Grue. Ruby grumbles for a few moments, but eventually takes your offered hand. "You're going to get it tonight. I want you to know that, and you won't be able to talk your way out of it."
Getting back to the house, you're pleasantly surprised to see your horses and wagons in the stable, which has straw and hay. Ta'Kal walks out of the stable, straw still clinging to him. "I remembered tabby saying that we needed some things for the stable, so I picked some up on the way back. We already got everything unpacked. Although most of the bedrooms have been taken. I saved the master bedroom for you and Ruby, almost had to fight Tanot off with a stick. Oh, and is Newt alright? She rushed in here and ran into Zanne's room."

>>11440382
go Ta'Kal! And Newt's fine, we were teasing her again.

>>11440382
Everyone feels better after they've eaten. Talk to her after dinner. Or consult Ruby/Tabby.

>>11440382
Why did she go to Zanne's room?

According to captcha, to lookout

>>11440436
Because she was really upset and they are friends? She's been off all day. Something happened at school I spose.

>>11440445
or we finally teased her TOO much.

>>11440382
Ta'Kal: A bro. Thank him muchly.

>>11440413
>>11440445
>>11440451
>>11440426
You thank Ta'Kal for that, and tell him that you were teasing her again, and maybe went too far. "You should probably apologize then. Sooner rather then later, resentment is like a wound, it festers if left untreated." Following his advice, you go to find Newt.
You aren't sure which one is Zanne's room, but after some searching, and asking Kithri, you knock on her door. Zanne opens it. "Oh, hello Janice... maybe now is not a good time?" You see Newt sitting on the bed, she looks red faced. You tell Zanne you would like to apologize. Stepping into the room, Newt looks up at you, she might have been crying recently. Plopping down next to her, you apologize to her for teasing her. "It's not that Janice. I don't mind the teasing much. But you do it so often and it looks like my classes are going to be really hard and I think I like sex too much. It's all I ever think about now! I'm... I'm just confused right now, ok?"

>>11440515
hug time. Hugs fix almost everything.

>>11440532
broken bones aren't fixed by hugs... Unless you're a Paladin I guess.

>>11440515
Jeeze oh man am I lost on how to solve a problem like that. Hire a tutor?

>>11440515

"I wouldn't tease you if I didn't like you so much, you know. But I promise I'll cut back on the teasing while you're in class."

Also, offer to help study. We may not be wizards, but we're not stupid, and we do know a bit of magic.We should also find Newt a steady boyfriend. Then it won't matter if she likes sex too much.

>>11440515
I maintain my opinion of the healing powers of a good meal. Feed her.

>>11440532
>>11440562
>>11440564
>>11440585
Although you aren't sure how much help you'll be, you offer to help Newt study. And promise to tone back a little bit on the teasing. But only a little, you're a bard after all. This joke gets a chuckled out of Newt. "Thanks Janice. It was... it was just so much easier when it was just my Master and I. it was so much more personal. Now I'm just one out of a couple dozen in a class, the teacher doesn't really have much time for one on one." you hug Newt, and she hugs you back. "Thanks again Janice. I just need to get my head on straight. A long bath will do me good."
After figuring out the nozzles in the bath, you leave Newt to relax. As she does that, you collaborate with Zanne in your now fully stocked kitchen. Although Zanne does most of the work and you tend to get in the way, you help prepare a meal of roast, with potatoes and gravy. Apparently this is Newt's favorite meal. You don't have time for biscuits, but the meat just needs to be re-heated. You finish just before Newt comes out of the bathroom in a robe. "Oh that smells wonderful, thank you! Let me get dressed, I'll be right back."
"I hope you made enough for everybody, because I'm starving." Tanot wanders into the dining room.

>>11440630
Grab his collar, shake him, and yell incoherently about Grue's Money.

>>11440630
yeah, we need to talk to him about Grue's money.

>>11440650
HAHAHAHAHA YES!!!

>>11440630
Perhaps open a bottle of wine with dinner to celebrate the new house. And to pacify Newt as a side effect.

(What part of this post isn't allowed to be posted? How do they even determine that?)
>>11440650
>>11440655
>>11440669
As soon as you see Tanot, you stomp over to him. Glaring daggers, you grab him by the collar. "Hey, what are you-" Grue's money. Give it back to him, right now. And if Tanot has spent one copper... you give him a good shake. "HEY! Take it easy! I didn't spend any of it! I'm just holding on to it for him! He can only count to ten-"
"GRUE CAN COUNT TO LOTS!"

>>11440729
"Sorry, he can only count to lots. He isn't able to read either. If he walked around with that much money in his pocket, he'd be the target of ever thief and two-bit con in the city. Now if you'll please let go of me, you're a bit shorter then me and this display is rather more humerus then intimidating."

>>11440738
That sounds insulting. Let's see if we can get Ruby to sneak into his room later and cut the strings that hold his pants up.

>>11440738
should we trust him to keep Grue's money?

>>11440738
Why not Zanne? He likes Zanne. Storm out of the room and announce dinner for those not present.

>>11440757
Well, he did leave him with 10 coins, that is as high as Grue can count. It is possible he was only being helpful. So yeah, but don't tell him we approve.

>>11440748
>>11440757
>>11440777
>>11440802
Still glaring at him, this time for the short comment, you ask why he doesn't let Zanne handle Grue's money, he likes her. "Hey, if Zanne and Grue want it like that, then sure. But Last I checked, Zanne doesn't have a dwarven lockbox. I thought it was safer there. SPeakign of which, the painting on the boat in the master bedroom, which Ta'Kal insisted on being yours, had a wall safe behind it. A decent once, but I'm sure anyone of Zanne's skills or better could crack it. Maybe YOU could keep his money of you're so concerned."
Stomping away, you notify the rest of the Party that dinner is ready.

>>11440802
Grue can count to Lots, thank you very much.

Also, my captcha would make an awesome band name. Experimental Carousels.

Alright, time for bed. See you either tomorrow or the next day.

>>11440808
After a while, we should come back an apologize to Tanot. It seems like he really did have Grue's best interests in mind. We should apologize for jumping to the worst conclusion.

>>11440837
night
>>11440843
second. He isn't a TOTAL jerk. Most of the time.

>>11440843
>>11440848
Rodger, I'll pick up from here next time.