The Winking Silverfish

Hey there, the name's Bethany, and I'll be your bartender today, everyday. Feel free to make yourself at home, sugar.

[bethanybeatree]

I got bored.

[bethanybeatree]

[bethanybeatree]

To succeed in business you need two things: a bar that’s open during normal business hours, and a customer who’s running from the rain.

Nicolas Cage

[bethanybeatree]

[bethanybeatree]

Visit Original Link

Dear Diary,

    I had a really weird dream of swimming in leaves. Green leaves. I don't see how a dream of swimming in leaves only last five minutes, but yet I've slept half the day away. I think I'm getting lazy again. I've been playing around with my drinks though! I've yet to come up with anything great, and most of the ideas turned into paste if not kept warm. Most drinks contain water, but I don't think a lot of us would enjoy pouring any down our throats. 

    I'm planning on making my way into the tundra in search of some kind of liquid that's cold, but NOT water. Maybe whatever I find could be added, implying it won't kill me first. Speaking of things killing me, I will need to properly equip myself. I've learned that snow and water are the same, just in a different physical state. Maybe in a week or two, when the weather heats up, I'll venture out there and attempt to find such a thing.

    In other news, I found myself a nice pool of lava in a local cave. It's a bit of a hike, but it sure was worth it! The next trip, I'll be sure to bring a bucket, for that will assist in all sorts of things. I would need a safe place to store it though...

   Well, I'm going back to sleep. Again. Sheish, am I prone to hibernation? Meh, I'll think about it when I'm not tired. Goodnight Diary~

[eperosfade-deactivated20160512]

Dear Bethany, I’d be happy to give you some help with your idea, just let me know when and where, and I’ll see what I can do. I look forward to seeing what you’ve come up with. -Eperos

[bethanybeatree]

Eperos, if you have received this, then that’s good! Not really sure if that familiar is what it’s all cracked up to be.  Now, all the parts that I found seem to go together in some form or fashion, but I’m no good at this. 

I aquired it from some humans a while back ago. This thing supposeably is able to launch “crystals” from the Cylinder. Guard Cylinder is what I’m calling it. The “crystals” I’ve mentioned before are made via encasing magical spells into a physical sphere, I’m assuming it’s an improved way of using throwable potions.  The book in the bag is the inventor’s notes. I already made a copy of them on MY end, so feel free to use it. Now, in OUR case, I have no flipping way to make these crystals, nor where to obtain them, but I have faith that you’ll figure out a way to load potion bottles into it. Speaking of bottles, there’s a bottle of fermented grapes in the bag as well; to get you started, of course~♫

[eperosfade-deactivated20160512]

Dear Bethany,

I hope this package makes it to you, i can’t be sure seeing as your familiar may or may not have suffered some brain damage. I’m not sure how, or when it happened, but i found it a far distance from my place of residence while going for a walk. The hit may be affecting it’s memory so i wouldn’t take anything it says with a grain of salt if i were you. Anyways, you’ll find the device included in the package along with the parts that were not needed for this modified version. I was unable to modify it launch potion bottles, however i was able to make it launch the potions themselves, saving you the bottle and allowing you to shoot helpful potions as well without injuring (or permanently blinding) your allies. Potions bottles are plugged into the back, and to fire you simply pull the trigger on the cylinder located behind the shield. I hope you enjoy your new device, it was a very enjoyable project.

Sincerely, Eperos.

P.s. The fermented grape stuff was very useful, thank you.

[bethanybeatree]

Dear Diary,

     Alas, this contraption has finally been pieced together! Eperos has done an excellent job of constructing and modifying this device. I'll make sure he gets a drink on the house on his next visit.  I like the feel of the Guard Cylinder; it's firm on my wrist and feels pretty durable, allowing me to deflect some light attacks. This can give me the upper hand in my next combat situation, but it sure is heavy. I'm not sure if I can use a weapon and this thing at the same time, my arm became weary after holding it up for a short time. Guess my puny arms can only do so much!

     Note to self, this artifact for summoning familiars is either broken or very weak. I can't tell. Either way, I should read more on using enchanted objects such as this. I even heard rumors that there are enchanters nearby! Maybe I could learn a thing or two from them, but until then, I'll study the ways of the bread. I'm almost as good as Mr.Apron when it comes to baking bread, just need a few more tweeks.

     I should also seek out Draykan again for some more arcane knowledge, maybe he could teach me more about this artifact, and even teach me something new. I should figure out a way hear more from the outdoors. I could defin- DUH, INFO BOARD. Thanks Diary, you're so thoughtful when I'm in need of insight. ☺  

[eperosfade-deactivated20160512]

Dear Bethany, I’d be happy to give you some help with your idea, just let me know when and where, and I’ll see what I can do. I look forward to seeing what you’ve come up with. -Eperos

[bethanybeatree]

Eperos, if you have received this, then that's good! Not really sure if that familiar is what it's all cracked up to be.  Now, all the parts that I found seem to go together in some form or fashion, but I'm no good at this. 

I aquired it from some humans a while back ago. This thing supposeably is able to launch "crystals" from the Cylinder. Guard Cylinder is what I'm calling it. The "crystals" I've mentioned before are made via encasing magical spells into a physical sphere, I'm assuming it's an improved way of using throwable potions.  The book in the bag is the inventor's notes. I already made a copy of them on MY end, so feel free to use it. Now, in OUR case, I have no flipping way to make these crystals, nor where to obtain them, but I have faith that you'll figure out a way to load potion bottles into it. Speaking of bottles, there's a bottle of fermented grapes in the bag as well; to get you started, of course~♫

[eperosfade-deactivated20160512]

Dear Bethany, I’d be happy to give you some help with your idea, just let me know when and where, and I’ll see what I can do. I look forward to seeing what you’ve come up with. -Eperos

[bethanybeatree]

Visit Original Link

    Everyday is a new day, complimented with its own set of challenges.  As long as I keep about my wits and play smart, I can tackle anything that comes my way!

                  INTELLIGENCE HAS INCREASED BY ONE POINT 

APPRAISE SKILL RANK UP

CRAFT SKILL RANK UP

ARCANE KNOWLEDGE SKILL RANK UP

SPELLCRAFT SKILL RANK UP

                                     NEW FEAT UNLOCKED

                                            COMBAT CASTING

     Gains a bonus on "concentration" checks for casting defensively equal to their INTELLIGENCE bonus. May cast a pre-channeled spell in place of their finishing combo.

[bethanybeatree]

Reality

A common word to describe the  world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic idea of them. A reasonable definition of the word, but what exactly dictates what, or even whom, is linked to reality, versus being a fragment of one's imagination?

Dear Diary,

I'm finally home.  I am so sorry I vanished for so long.  I only wanted a small bite of adventure that day, but it seems that I had bitten off more than I could chew. I was...captured. Imprisoned by bandits that were looting from other wandering adventurers.  They kept me in holding for such a long time, probably to sell me off at some market far away.  Day after day, they would gather around me, for if it wasn't treasure they lacked, it was entertainment.  "Say something funny!", "do a trick!", they were VERY bored to hover around time and time again. Of course, their watching eyes made escaping a chore, but alas, my patience vails me when I had a means of liberating myself. The chase seemed endless; snatching what I could use in a time of need.  The fact that they possessed an artifact that nullifies mystical properties is the only reason I was locked in their clammy cell for so long, and their pursuit, even longer.  I did not come back empty handed, that's for sure! Though I feel I have obtained some rather resourceful gear, I don't really understand its purpose, let alone how to operate most of it.  I do feel that I will make use of it all in due time though.

Time. Time. Time. I'm pretty sure I was only gone for a few days. It's snowing now. Everywhere. How long was I gone for? Does it have something to do with the door I found earlier today? That "place"? I don't even know what to call it, but this time, it was different. Not like the dream from before. I was only there for a brief moment, but still, I feel so...withered? It's hard to put into detail. I need to find someone who understands those gates. Portals. Those...whatevers. If they were not such a spontaneous anomaly, I could show someone. 

As for now, I am fatigued. I'm in need of food and rest. Lots of it. I'll tell you more of my little misadventure tomorrow. I don't plan on heading out anytime soon, that's for damn sure. I love you Diary, sleep well.

+372 EXP was gained in this session

[bethanybeatree]

Visit Original Link

    "I'm here again. In this void, this empty domain from before. I was right. There are more of those "doors" out there. They have not followed me here. I think I've finally escaped from their grasp. Do they dare not enter? If so, is it fear of the unknown? Or fear of knowing?! I'm scared. I felt so lost last time I was here, but now...now I feel I'm in control. I don't even know where I am, nor see another way out like last time, but I feel as though I control the flow here. I can't feel myself; skin, bones, breath...it's not there. I can feel other things though-    -sounds of someone, or something. Am I feeling sounds?! No....no, I feel sick, that's it. I really want to get out of here. I don't belong here. I don't need to be here! I just want to go back home."

[bethanybeatree]

After doing some frustrated troubleshooting, I broke my tablet. A few pinched nerves later, I've fixed it! Time to draw again! :D

[bethanybeatree]

                                     -CURRENT SITUATION-

     While exploring the shifting sands of the southern desert, Bethany came across what seemed to be abandoned ruins. Curiosity getting the best of her, she made her way through the fallen pillars and offset stones. Unaware of her surroundings, she had stumbled into an ambush. Flat-footed and unprepared, she was incapacitated with little trouble. Human scavengers discovered that she shows signs of intelligence, and decided to keep her in their camp, bunkered deep within the ruins.

     After awaking in her new prison, Bethany wastes no time making an escape. Magic veils her not, for some form of field negates her spells and teleportation ability. With a bit of time and cunning, Bethany has liberated herself, and now makes a desperate escape for the surface. How deep within these old corridors is she? What lurks the gloomy, dry halls of this place? With just her clothes and few tools, she must make do with what she comes across, if she looks forward to seeing the light of day again.

[bethanybeatree]

Dear Diary,

     I'm finally done with expanding the dining area! It looks good so far, but it can always use some improvements. I finally figured out how to get the heated glass to then out, and yet be sturdy. No small pebbles will break those panels any time soon! The few folks who came during the past seemed uncomfortable sitting on the hardwood floor, so I made some nice soft pillows out of wool and cotton. Now their tushies won't be as square as my head is!  I have already jotted down plans for the lodging up top. I need to find some form of sound insulator so the noise doesn't bother people who are trying to sleep.  Once I have figured that out, I can begin that project as well. 

     Speaking of projects, I have found some beans out in a jungle section.  I can't put my finger on it, but I have collected a good handful of them. While I try to identify them, I have some sitting in hot water. If they soften up, maybe I can do something with them. I also figured that sealing water would be for the best. If I spill that stuff anywhere, well that would just suck for me. Now that I have more space to play with, I also expanded my bar! I now have more storage, and even more work space! I improved the oven as well, since harden clay retains heat a LOT better than cobblestone does. Shaping them into bricks does pretty well for the bread!

     I want to get out there more. The world is so vast and full of life! I know I keep burrowing in my pub, which is MUCH safer than out in the wild, but I'm not really looking forward to danger. I need to better prepare myself for those drastic moments. If I'm REALLY caught off guard, I will have more trouble than I can handle, and the wolves proved to me that I can't outrun ALL my problems.  I should go scouting for some friends, maybe drag some customers this way. Who knows...

    Well, I'm done rambling; it's not good for my ink reserves. Until next time Diary, take care and don't collect any dust.

[bethanybeatree]

Dear Diary,

     It has been a few weeks since I've been able to do much as far as exploring, but all seems to be coming together nicely. I'm still having really awkward dreams that seem as if I'm being drawn out somewhere else.  I've been doing my best to track whenever I have these dreams, but they can range from a mere two seconds, to what almost seems to be forever. I really hope I'm not losing my sanity.

   On a side note, I have been meditating on controlling my mana. After Draykan's display of manipulating his spells, I see where I was lacking. If I am to sustain a spell, I must have handle it in some form. What better form than in a ball? I took SO LONG to get it down, but I can finally channel small sparks to the palms of my hands. With this, I have been able to compress the Lightning Bolt spell; which now I can hold onto until I need it, instead of immediately as before. I can only keep it compress for so long, for its mana slowly leaks from the sphere, therefore diminishing into the air. Practice makes perfect!

    Since I have obtained enough building supplies, I'm working on expanding the dining room of the Winking Silverfish. With that in place, I can also build the living quarters I've been planning as well! Building and stacking takes some time, but I get it done, eventually! If this turns out nicely, I'll see to modeling the place as well! It sure is empty. Maybe it would bring more folks around as well.

     Well, that's all I have for you tonight. The sun is down, as I should be as well. Maybe I shall wake early and tend to the garden, before the rain beats me to it! And then I shall continue frying my food with my magic. It's still weak, but it leaves a good burn. Goodnight Diary~

[bethanybeatree]

Dear Diary,

     I just finished the last touches for some decent lodging. Now travelers can spend the night. I'm really happy that I finally came around to getting this done. No more people sleeping on my tables!

       I thought it was best to keep the lodge separate from the pub, so noisy drinkers won't keep everyone else awake. I built into the mountain, just like I did with my living quarters. The solid rock nullifies the sounds of outside, so even the lightest of sleepers can have their peace and quiet.

    The rooms are not super fancy, but contain some of the necessities that any general adventurer would need. I know the rooms get chilly at night, so a furnace should keep them warm. I'm more than happy to let others utilize the rooms, for a small fee of course. Upkeep is top priority around here. Overnight stays should be nice and comfy for all. 

     Well, I'm really tired myself. Time for me to get into my OWN warm bed. Must go out and gather materials for a new set of clothing. Goodnight Diary~

[draykan]

The blue-haired man chuckled but nodded, standing up and stretching a bit. “Fine by me. Thank you for letting me stay here tonight, and I do apologize for the cave mishap.” Thinking for a minute, Draykan shrugged and then reached seemingly into thin air, his hand disappearing for a minute while he rooted around his pocket.

"Ah, here we go." His hand came out holding about half the minerals he’d collected while mining, placing them on the nearest surface he could that wasn’t the bed. "As one small part of my apology."

[bethanybeatree]

"Ok ok, I accept your apology, now go on before you pass out AT the door, silly!", said Bethany with a chuckle. She continued to 'shoo' Draykan out with her hands as she gently closed her door. She took a glimpse of her room and decided to make her way to the desk. After taking some time to situate herself, she cleared a small portion of space in front of her.

Her fingers danced around in her drawer, slipping out her diary once within her grasp. Turning each page with fragile pinches of her finger, she rest the palm of her hand upon the next available blank page. Reaching for her quill, she daps it within her ink veil; tapping out the excess, and proceeds to write words upon the page.

                                                Dear Diary...