PSL (private)

[perfectpower]

[It's a sleepy planet in the far off reaches of space, one that doesn't even have an official designation yet due to its recent discovery. The people of that planet haven't even developed wide-use electricity yet, much less space travel, so until recently they had been largely ignorant of the politics of space. Aeons, paths, the different factions, it's all very new to the residents of this world. And given their own internal politics, many are reluctant to embrace the stars.

On its own, this planet is rather unassuming. One large continent broken up into 5 distinct countries, along with several chains of islands spread out in the water. There are a few small religions worshipping various gods, but most people just respect the spirits of nature and have a healthy fear of the magic-users that live among them. Thanks to all the magic, technological advancements are slower than usual. Why develop lighting systems when someone can just summon a ball of light? Of course, 'slower' doesn't mean 'stopped'. Eventually this planet would have developed into a more modern society, given a few more centuries. But the sudden appearance of the IPC is sure to jumpstart that.

Why are the IPC here? Well at first it was just a small task force making contact with a previously-dark planet. They do probes like this often, trying to find out if there's anything useful on the planet or if the people are worth bringing into the modern galaxy. It was pretty close to being a write-off, just a stamp of "wait a couple centuries and see what they do", and the planet would have been left alone entirely. But on the last day of evaluation, one of the members of the task force made a discovery that shook the team to its core.

Mana stones.

They didn't know where they came from. Any witch or wizard who they talked to wouldn't reveal their sources for these stones. But mana stones were used to boost the magical ability of a witch or wizard, and to a frightening degree.

One of the task force members put a mana stone the size of their thumb into their ship's energy source. It powered the entire ship for a month.

The promise of a new, compact energy source is too tempting. How could the IPC not jump at this chance? After all, the only ones even using the mana stones were witches and wizards, and they were outnumbered by humans a thousand to one. Powerful as they may be, it would be easy to get the people of this backwater planet to make a deal that would benefit the IPC greatly.

Which is why, at the current time, Aventurine has been sent to this planet. For diplomatic purposes, of course, these things go better if a contract is signed and people agree willingly. Who else would be better to sweet-talk the king and the wizard-prince into making this deal than the IPC's very own gambler?]

Comments

[perfectpower]

[Oh, how that makes Bradley grin.]

Ya hear that, Sage? He wants to see the Great Calamity.

"I don't think that's such a good idea-"

Now c'mon. He's reportin' to some big group, right? Maybe they'll know a thing or two about how to deal with the Great Calamity. 'sides, we're only about a month away from the next one, right? He wouldn't even have to wait long.

[He's rather cheerful while talking up this idea, despite everyone else sounding or looking apprehensive. He does have a point though: it would be faster to just show Aventurine how things work around here than it would be to tell it to him. He would get a more accurate image of the world in the process too.

The Prince seems to realize that this is true, and he will cut in here to speak:]

"It would be unwise to sign any treaties before we deal with the next Calamity anyway, there's too much instability around that time. Mr. Bradley is right, the best possible choice would be to let thim and his men stay for now."

[Bradley is absolutely beaming at being told he's right. Because he is right, and he's getting the recognition he deserves.]

's not like I'm doin' anything important 'till the Great Calamity shows up anyway. I could keep an eye on him. What do ya think, Peacock? I bet you and I could get along real well.

[Given how Bradley looks right at Aventurine when he says that, it's pretty clear that 'Peacock' is how he's addressing Aventurine.]

[sorte]

[ So it's like that, is it?

Not exactly the swift conclusion Aventurine was looking for—he's certainly seen better places to waste his time especially as he doesn't even get phone service on this damn rock, afterall— but this does beat having to listen to them all fumble words and attempt to tiptoe around their explanations, and the further headache of trying to pick apart the fact from fiction. ]

The IPC also can't continue negotiations without more information on this matter, especially if it's a recurring incident. I appreciate the opportunity.

[ he offers a small nod of respect towards the prince . ] I'll be sending my men back rather than cause further unrest with the civilians with their loitering as I imagine they wouldn't enjoy the suspense, anyway.

[ Turning his gaze to Bradley, Aventurine's charming smile becomes suddenly razor sharp, playing with his sleeve cuff idly. ]

...As for me, it appears I'll be in your capable hands, Mr. Bradley. I just ask you to be gentle, my feathers ruffle so easily~. [ Aventurine doesn't even give the prince or the sage a chance to suggest other arrangements: Aventurine's already found the most interesting person in this room, and he won't settle for anyone else. If he's going to be stuck here for a month or so, then he's going to get the most of out of it every way he can.

Luckily he's quite used to 'Peacock,' and he's more than delighted by the idea that he'll be the one to remind Bradley that peacocks have rather nasty talons when trifled with once the time comes. ]

[perfectpower]

[It works perfectly for Bradley too. He loves and supports his Prince, but that kid really assumes the best all the time. With people from the stars who may or may not have bad intentions, a hand like Bradley's is needed. He can drip-feed information just enough to keep Aventurine interested, while also not revealing too much until he learns more about this mysterious man.

It's a gamble, to be sure. Aventurine could figure out what he is doing and just stab him in the back and go bully the Prince and Sage into bending to his demands. But Bradley is betting on the fact that Aventurine has to at least keep up appearances for now, until any contract is signed. All things considered, it's not the worst gamble he's made.

He's also gabling that, once Aventurine sees the Great Calamity, he'll understand why the witches and wizards of this world hold onto their mana stones tightly.

Grinning, Bradley goes to loop an arm around Aventurine's shoulder in an overly-friendly gesture.]

Don't worry, I'll take care of ya. Now c'mon, it's time to introduce you to the best place that this city has to offer.

[It's a bar. Bradley will absolutely be taking Aventurine to a bar if he lets him.]

[sorte]

[ it's a good gamble on Bradley's part—Aventurine does have to keep up appearances that the IPC is very much against taking anything by force and that this world has a great deal of control in what does or doesn't ultimately happen to it. Even if he catches on to the other's intentions, Aventurine indeed can't go bully the Sage and the Prince into anything unless someone drastic occurs.

As for his understanding in regards to the mana stones, also a fair and valid gamble, but whether that will matter much to Aventurine is going to be where the stakes truly matter. So Bradley has one high risk bet outstanding of two, which really, is not bad in terms of the general odds at this point. ]

Oh? Nice, lead the way. [ he's totally letting him take him, and this better be an amazing bar that isn't going to get his coat filthy. ]

[perfectpower]

[It's probably not as extravagant as some of the places Aventurine has been, but by the standards of this world it's pretty nice. Pristine wood furniture and countertops meet the pair as they enter. The flickering lights above may look like electric bulbs at first, but a second glance reveals no wiring, and instead a soft hum of magic. If Aventurine can sense it because I honestly have no idea if path striders count as 'magical' or not, the magic feels in line with the 'magic' of the aeons. Though picking out which aeon is responsible for all of this will be difficult.

The bartender is there, polishing some glasses and setting out common drink ingredients. It's a bit too early for an evening rush, but he is clearly preparing for it. He does perk up when he sees who walks in through.]

"Oh? It's a bit early isn't it, Bradley? And who's this here with you?"

[Grinning, Bradley uses the hand already draped over Aventurines's shoulder to pat said shoulder.]

This guy's gonna be stayin' with us for a little while! He's curious about wizards and the Great Calamity. Gotta treat him right an' give him the best booze, right? Western Barkeep.

[The barkeep smiles knowingly at that introduction.]

"If you're to be Bradley's companion for the time being, then I'm sure he gave you a ridiculous nickname as well. What shall I call you then?"

[sorte]

[ it's certainly more than good enough, and Aventurine is at least pleasantly surprised by it—and the bartender is quite easy on the eyes, too, which makes it better. Although Aventurine does briefly glance to the lights he doesn't have much time to assess them before he realizes he's being addressed.

Ah, good to know this guy is always like this, for starters, concerning the nicknames. Helps better understand the type of individual he's dealing with. ]

'Peacock' if you want to stick to his way of naming etiquette. [ is the good-natured response from the IPC employee. ] Aventurine if you don't.

[ Aventurine doesn't seem overly concerned one way or another, it rolls off his shoulders easily enough.

He's definitely interested to try whatever alcohol this world has to offer, though. There always a chance for something wildly unique, but more often than not it's also quite a good starting point to realize that worlds are often able to be quite similar despite the odds more than most care to admit.

Right now, either is welcome. Afterall, he's going to have to report to Diamond tomorrow about the results of the negotiations, so starting early on drinking?

Completely acceptable. ] I'm going in blind here, so I'll take whatever is recommended by the handsome barkeep. Price is not a concern, I'm buying tonight.

[perfectpower]

[Flattery, is it? The bartender gives a sly smile before reaching for a couple bottles. He's run bars for a long time, he knows how to play this game.]

"That's a bold statement, Bradley will drink you broke before you know it."

[Bradley let's out a sharp, amused laugh as he let's go of Aventurine's shoulder and moves to sit at the bar.]

If I'm not payin' then I'll have my usual. Thanks Shylock.

[So Bradley can say names when he wants to, it seems. Shylock will mix up some kind of bubbly mixed drink that is layers of pink and light blue, and when drank it will taste of grenadine and blueberry syrup mixed with vodka and some kind of bubbly beverage.

Meanwhile, Bradley gets a glass of whiskey in ice, and it ends up as a bit of a show too because Shylock uses his magic to make a round ball of ice for Bradley's glass.]

[sorte]

[ Flattery will get you everywhere, is one of Aventurine's mottos, an honestly lost art as everyone is already expecting from everyone to be interacting with them something, anyway. Unfortunately, bartenders tend to be the most elite of the immune kind, but that's all the more reason to sweet talk them, in Aventurine's eyes.

Aventurine's eyebrows raise in mock surprise at this revelation, and even moreso at Bradley's order with him glancing from Shylock to Bradley. ] Your usual? Really? Is that your way of going easy on me?

[ With them sitting down, Aventurine watches with interest. The barkeep's stock seems to be old and new world classics, which is a rather nice feeling of familiar in an unfamiliar place& mdash; especially with things like that! pulling his rose-color glasses off now, his striking eyes watch the ball of ice with keen interest. It's a bit ludicrous to him, really, how only a handful minority of this world is capable of using magic, but it's used so fluidly by those that have its capability. ]

How fascinating ... [ They have machines that make ball ice where he comes from, but it's not as fancy or entertaining watching a machine spit one out as it is a good-looking individual that's already tending to one's drink. ]

We'd consider that a nice personal touch back where I'm from... is this just the norm here?

[perfectpower]

"It's the norm here at least. Bar Bennett is open for all, but a lot of magic-users come through here. The Sage's Wizards in particular make a habit of coming here on certain nights."

[Bradley pipes in here, adding a bit more context.]

Except for the tinies, they're all too young for the bottle. Could you imagine the Prince gettin' wasted in here?

[Shylock chuckles in response. It is indeed an amusing mental image.

After that, Bradley takes a sip of his drink and let's out a satisfied 'aaaah' afterwards. The drinks are always good, but after all the business today they're particularly satisfying.]

Tomorrow I'll show you a couple'a places that're important to this world. That should help you with that report of yours. But tonight, you can buy me another dozen drinks or so.

[His first drink is his usual, but who's to say what the next ones will be.]

[sorte]

The Sage's wizards? [ Aventurine implores, recalling that Bradley did seem have a particular connection to the Sage. The prince made sense by default, but there was reason for the other to defer towards the Sage rather than the prince directly. The Stoneheart listens attentively, taking a brief glance around the bar to take in the general atmosphere since there aren't many around to people watch at this time. If Shylock's commentary about Bradley's ability to drink is any indication, though, there should be plenty of time for that when the crowds arrive.

And speaking of, Aventurine cants his head back towards Bradley, the corners of his smile gaining that sharp edge again that's ever so slightly predatory. Challenging. ] By all means, Mr. Bradley, I encourage you to use me to your advantage and drink to your heart's content tonight. [ It's time for a crash course in just how easy (or hard) it is to get a wizard drunk, it looks like. Luckily, Aventurine's got deep enough pockets to be certain he'll get an exact number before he's cleaned out. ]

[perfectpower]

"You met the Prince, correct? Did you see the mark on the back of his hand? Anyone with that mark is a wizard who works with the Sage to fight the Great Calamity. The Sage leads us in that fight, and every year we save the world from destruction."

[There is no visible mark on Shylock, but the way he speaks about the Sage's Wizards is a good sign that he is also one.

Grinning, Bradley tilts his glass towards Aventurine in a cheers motion.]

Let's see who lasts the longest then.

[There aren't many people present currently. A couple people are milling about, finishing a conversation before they decide what to drink. A couple more walk in, see Bradley sitting at the bar, and quickly move into a booth to avoid the man. But there is also a man with longer purple hair, sitting at a table and looking pleased with himself as he scribbles something on some paper. It might be a bit more difficult to see, but this man has one of those marks on his right palm.]

[sorte]

[ Aventurine pauses a moment. Every year?

He can't help but make a face at that. It'll certainly make the IPC have reevaluate if this place is worth the hassle, although despite them calling it the 'Great Calamity', if they deal with it every year maybe there's a huge discrepancy in what these people consider both great and a calamity compared to what the IPC would?
Only time will tell. ]

How many of there are of you Sage's Wizards?

[ Aventurine tilts his glass in response to Bradley before taking a drink from with a very polite bitchslap of a side comment added for... fun. ] Mhm, but you're going to lose.

[perfectpower]

[In about a month he'll find out for himself just how great the calamity is.]

Twenty-one. There's twenty spots, which is four from each of the five countries, but we got a pair of twins takin' up one spot in the North. I'm from the North, and the Barkeep here is from the West. The Prince is a Central wizard too. You'll see 'em all around here, we've got a manor we stay in nearby.

There's a couple'a extra rooms, so you'll be able to stay there for now too. Just don't piss off the wrong guy, Or else you'll be a burn mark on the ground before you know it.

[He means the other Northern wizards there. Aventurine will soon find out just how violent they are. Bradley is pretty tame in comparison to them.

He will finish his drink in one long drink, and then set the glass down on the table somewhat roughly.]

Gimme somethin' special this time, got it?

"Of course."

[Shylock makes him some kind of red drink, which Bradley will take and sip on.]

[sorte]

[ Aventurine lets a sound of disbelief escape. ] Ha—? You got a lot of assumptions about me in these warnings of yours, my friend!

What are you saying? Do I look like the type of guy who regularly pisses people off? I know I'm out of my league. [ he says, folding his arms in an overall bit of what looks like a mild pout, actually.

He gestures at Shylock. ] Why can't I stay with him, instead? I bruise easy, and I paid a lot for this coat, I don't know if I like the idea of staying with a bunch of people who get mad for no reason and have access to anything resembling fire magic.

[ He really doesn't want any of them knowing he's a pathstrider—it'd just complicate things. It's best they just think he's a useless pencil pusher, so the less chance of butting heads with other people the better.

Yeah, he'd like some sympathy for his plight here. ]

[perfectpower]

[The smile on Shylock's face is both polite and also says 'suffer'.]

"Your out of luck there, sir. I also live in the manor."

[Bradley also chimes in there, leaning in close to fake-whisper to Aventurine:]

His boyfriend can be kinda scary too, best not get too close.

[At that, Shylock sighs and shakes his head, with a 'what can you do?' vibe.]

"Oh hush, Murr is perfectly nice and also not my boyfriend."

[sorte]

[ Aventurine nods knowingly at the not-so-subtle whisper seemingly to be in complete understanding. The not-my-boyfriend comments goes right through the window without it even being sure Aventurine heard it. Boyfriends are very troublesome and need to be watched out for.

Pushing his shoulder against Bradley, he sighs dramatically. ] Hey, on second thought, maybe you can't drink that much, afterall. I need you to make sure I don't get squashed by your friends on my first night here. Don't forget I gotta survive for a month!

[ It seems like it will be a rather run-of the-mill evening for this place, Aventurine concludes, judging by the state of things. That's fine and good he supposes, he has no need to rush things and even if he doesn't really care, it would be with at least getting to better understand what makes this planet's heart beat.

The only truly unfortunate thing here is he has to wait an entire month before he can do much of anything. A month is a long time, well enough to turn the tables against him if he's not careful as much as for him to stack the scales irrevocably in his favor. Finishing his drink, he nods before gently pushing his empty glass away. ]

Anyway, I might as well keep pace if I'm stuck with him all night—I'll have whatever you gave him, too.

[perfectpower]

"Very well."

[The bartender makes Aventurine a whiskey on the rocks and the red drink Bradley currently has. He is still smiling politely. He absolutely did that on purpose.]

"Enjoy."

[Bradley, now leaning against Aventurine's shoulder, starts snickering. Good luck not drinking too much tonight.]

[sorte]

[ Ah ...

w e l l

t h e n .

Aventurine supposes he walked right into that one and smirks almost helplessly. He did get exactly what he asked for, so no backing out. ]


Touché. [ he says as he lifts the whiskey in a gentle cheers manner towards Shylock for his stunt before drinking it. While he's still sure his wallet is going to outlast even the both of them, he admittedly can't say he's so sure about his own sobriety is going to come even close.

...Oh well, it's time to fuck around and find out. Bottoms up and all that. What could possibly go wrong here. ]

[perfectpower]

[Take the gamble, Aventurine.

But no, they all taste great but they're just normal drinks with a normal alcohol content. No alcohol bombs meant to get him wasted quick. So if he can hold 3 normal alcoholic drinks he'll be fine.

Bradley is also finishing up his own drink while Aventurine drinks his own. He'll give the blond a cheers in return before drinking from it.]

There's an extra room on the 5th floor, directly opposite of mine. It's at the end of the hall so you'll only have one obnoxious neighbor. It should have a bed at least, dunno about anything else in it.

[sorte]

[ Three normal drinks he can do!

Twelve or so might be a stretch if Bradley makes it there, though. If is a strong word currently, of course. There's still ten to go to get there for the wizard.

At least they taste nice. And as much as Aventurine likes high stakes, if he has to, he'll call off his drinking well before he reaches the indignity of getting sick. He knows how to pick his battles, especially having already picked up on that these individuals are way way older than he is. He can't pinpoint a number on either of them, exactly but he's putting them both well over the average human lifespan for starters. That's a lot of time to hone your drinking skills and alcohol tolerance.

( How lucky it is that Aventurine prefers older men. )

He hums for a moment, taking quick mental note. That's convenient for being a pain in Bradley's ass when he feels like it, at least. And he has every intention of making himself a pain in the ass when it suits him. A little less so if he wants to go snooping around on his own, but hey maybe his appointed chaperone won't care much if Aventurine pretends to keep his nose clean. He hasn't really been able to make a good judgement yet on what kind of person he's dealing with. ]

You sure know how to sell it, Mr. Bradley. Remind me not have your name listed as a contact for opinions on best local advertising pitches.

Are there any rules I should know about at this place? Curfews, restrictions, compliances, social obligations, unique etiquette—the usual basics.

[perfectpower]

Hmm...

[Bradley swirls his drink around in his hand as he considers this. There's quite a lot of social obligations and etiquette, it's true, and Bradley knows them decently well. The primary reason why being that he often breaks social norms on purpose to get a reaction out of people. But it's hard to adequately describe them all on demand like that, he's sure he'll miss something important without realizing.

Still, he'll try, if only to keep the conversation going.]

The biggest restriction is gonna be on me. As we get closer to the Great Calamity, I gotta stay close to the others to be ready for a fight at a moment's notice. Beyond that, don't go tellin' people you're associatin' with wizards if you're not in the company of one. There's a whole lotta people who don't like wizards and who'll give you shit for stayin' with us. If I'm there I can protect you from it, but dependin' on the country they can be pretty awful.

[He takes a sip of his drink, and then he suddenly remembers:]

Oh yeah! I'm on work release so we gotta clear any travel plans with the Sage, since they're the one holdin' my leash until my time is served. Takin' off unannounced is just gonna get me thrown back behind bars.

[sorte]

Oya? So you aren't seen as protectors of this world by the common folk necessarily. Interesting. [ completely unsurprising and he can guess why and that it has nothing to do with the Sage's wizards. Still, it's worth confirming since it's quite impressive that they would harm people associated with wizards that are quite dangerous to their own well-being arguably. ]

Annndddd... you're a criminal! [ Aventurine says it with such a happy wonderous childelike understanding kind of tone, as if suddenly everything in the universe now makes sense. ] You're on some kind of community service probation, then?

[perfectpower]

It's a weird situation. They know it's up to us to save their asses every year, but they're afraid of us for our power.

[He will not mention how many witches and wizards of the past have given the humans a very valid reason to be afraid of magic-users.

Speaking of which, he just sighs and waves off Aventurine's amusement.]

Yeah, yeah. 's not too exciting, some rich bastards just got upset when I took their riches from 'em. That's probably why they let me out on work release anyway.

[He can't imagine that he would have been released at all if he had been a mass-murderer or something. At least petty crimes like felony theft can be forgiven if you're the savior of a world.]