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I gotta be honest with you; Tali asking those guys if they were Quarians was my first clue that they had hair inside those suits.
 
baofengyu said:
I will dispute this...you are supposed to joyously partake of a hot dog on Fridays, minus the bun...



HAIL ERIS!
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Way back in the early days of Bloom County (as in so far back Opus had a beak instead of resembling a puffin), one smiling grandmother apparently decided it was time to dish out the snark she'd been holding onto all her life as she ordered a Whopper one fine Sunday strip, then asked for certain things to be withheld (one at a time) explaining that she wasn't really all that hungry.
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Counter Guy: Now, just hold everything!
Grandma: Yes, that sounds perfect.
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Oh, Jormuungaand?
Jormuungaand said:
Are there rules to follow when worshiping a Chaos goddess? If so wouldn't following them be too orderly?
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There's only really one constant with Eris; change. So treat your daily life like a game of Calvinball and you'll do... something. Unless you don't.
 
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You know, i just read the last few posts, and the amount of ways a casual reader could misunderstand them... :D :D :ogles:

Or maybe i just have a somewhat grubby mind...
 
Jadesteele said:
You know, i just read the last few posts, and the amount of ways a casual reader could misunderstand them... :D :D :ogles:

Or maybe i just have a somewhat grubby mind...
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For you, this was the chance to misinterpret in ways few could misinterpret before. For us, it was a discussion of Tuesdays (among other things).

I apologise, but Dawnie would probably rip a hole into reality to dope slap me if I didn't bring "it happening on Tuesday" back around.
 
BlazeStryker said:
Way back in the early days of Bloom County (as in so far back Opus had a beak instead of resembling a puffin), one smiling grandmother apparently decided it was time to dish out the snark she'd been holding onto all her life as she ordered a Whopper one fine Sunday strip, then asked for certain things to be withheld (one at a time) explaining that she wasn't really all that hungry.
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Ah yes. That comic was one of the reasons I kept a newspaper subscription all through college, to make sure I got my fix without delay or breaks.
 
While it's true that tacos can be eaten (and enjoyed) on days other then Tuesday, I would like to point something out. Taco Tuesday is not just eating tacos on a Tuesday. It's an event, a tradition if you will. One that shouldn't be forgotten, in large part because Taco Tuesday is just so fun to say. It's also a callback to the surprisingly amazing Lego Movie, where Everything is Awesome.
 
FaerieKnight79 said:
While it's true that tacos can be eaten (and enjoyed) on days other then Tuesday, I would like to point something out. Taco Tuesday is not just eating tacos on a Tuesday. It's an event, a tradition if you will. One that shouldn't be forgotten, in large part because Taco Tuesday is just so fun to say. It's also a callback to the surprisingly amazing Lego Movie, where Everything is Awesome.
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Taco Tuesday was also embraced by Taco Bell for a significant period of time in the twenty-ohs, because, yes, it is incredibly fun to say.
 
I believe the Black Pants Legion, Tex at least, uses Taco Tuesday as a meme. When they send in a clip for their Christmas deals, it is started with a sign-in to Nanotrasen (of Space Station 13 and 14 infamy) with warnings of incorrect and unauthorized activity leading to penalties up to and including the loss of Taco Tuesday.
 
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𝕯 & 𝕯 08 - What's this do?
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    • The business being conducted at Mordenkainen and Ollivander's shop didn't take very long to conclude. Chris managed to get a pair of self-cocking hand crossbows and an adventurer's multi-tool, something that could become seemingly any hand held tool with a few twists, turns and pulls of the various parts. He was currently sitting in the reception area seeing what he could turn it into.

    "Unfortunately," Tasha admitted, "I don't have the keys to the vault where the magical weapons are stored. Also, I suspect you don't have enough cash on hand to afford what you want. For instance, an enchanted sword, even a minor one, is usually 500 gold or half a trade bar. Price varies based on what it actually does. Potions are a bit less expensive, and potions of healing are relatively inexpensive, but potions are also a consumable. Though with two of you being actual healers – and yes, Panacea's name is known here – you probably won't need to bother with the small stuff."

    "I actually agree," Colin stated. "As much as I would like to have an enchanted sword or halberd, I do not need one. Until we manage to sell our other trade goods, we need to watch our funds. Shopping for clothes and shoes has already made quite the dent in them."

    "Well," added Melissa, "we did buy our clothes at two of the more expensive shops. I think Shrisza was overjoyed to have another arachne to make outfits for, so we might have gotten a deal on things. I just needed something suitable for our party tomorrow night."

    "And of course my sister had a specific design in mind for her party dress," Amy snarked from where she was looking over various healing kits.

    "Of course, dear sister," Vicky responded. "Ever since that visit from Queen Mab and Prince Tuan, I've wanted a real version of that gown that Naurelin magicked up for me. What better place to get one than from a magical seamstress?"

    Tasha laughed. "You'll find fewer better than Shrisza and her shop full of arachne, jorogumo, and driders. They do excellent work, and do it quickly. And with them, silk is the cheaper choice. I have a question for the young arachne, if she would permit it?"

    "Sure," Dinah replied, "you can ask."

    "Indeed. Where did you get Galvayra, one of the greater spellbows?"

    "Sehanine Moonbow gave it to me," Dinah answered. "Partly as an apology for her sister's actions against me, and in the hopes I would put it to good use in the future."

    "Thank you for your honest answer, Miss Alcott," Tasha said before sighing, and looking a little less imposing. "If it was given to you, it was given to you for a purpose. I know summat of what they're capable of, and Lady Biron's patron would take it amiss if you were to use its power in the city."

    Dinah gave the witch a polite curtsy. "I thank you for the warning." Her mouth curled in a smirk. "So how much is that going to cost?"

    Tasha smiled, and then laughed. "Dear child, the first one is always free, especially if it keeps you coming back for more. Besides, I asked you first, and there is no love lost twixt Sehanine, Lolth and myself."

    - - - - - - - - - - - -​

    "I believe that went well," Madelynne said as they finally got done. "A few purchases made, a few startling revelations, and the information needed to obtain your ingredients."

    "What startling revelations?" Dean asked.

    "About Dinah's bow," Madelynne answered. "Lesser spellbows are fairly common amongst the various elves. A normal spellbow is an item of legend amongst the most ancient elven races.

    "No one has seen a greater spellbow, let alone a named greater spellbow, in an elf's age. You have been given an artifact of great power, Dinah. Fortunately, since it was given to you by Sehanine, called the Moonbow by some, she must have some purpose in mind for you."

    "I just hope it's for a different purpose than Lolth's," Dinah muttered.

    "With those two, who knows?" Maddy answered. "They've been going at it for a very, very long time. I also wouldn't put it past them to use that to hide them cooperating on ruining some common foe's plans.

    "Anyway, we're here. This is Yasmina's shop. If the rest of you want to look around the other shops nearby, there should be a couple places of interest, namely a weaponsmith and armorer. They don't have their forges here, those are in the Great Foundry, so only what you see is immediately available. Yasmina doesn't like a lot of people in her shop, especially ones just standing around, so only Taylor and I should go in."

    "I understand," Colin said, nodding. "We'll see what is for sale in the nearby vendors. How long will you be?"

    "Shouldn't take more than thirty minutes," Maddy answered before turning to Taylor. "After you, Taylor." And with that, they entered the small shop.

    "Let's see what's for sale nearby while they conduct business," Colin said to the rest of the group. "I suggest visiting the armorer first."

    - - - - - - - - - -​

    Once inside the door of the shop, Taylor looked around. Instead of being in a building, it appeared they were in a cave. A cave luxuriously appointed with finely crafted furnishings, glittering plants made of gems and finely carved jade, and expertly dressed stone.

    "I shall be there in a moment, honored customers," a deep female voice said from further in the shop. "How can I, the noble Yasmina Al-'Amili, be of service?" With that, the speaker rounded the corner.

    The woman was huge. Taylor was tall, Yasmina was taller. Her skin appeared to be like stone, the variegated pattern of onyx giving her an exotic look. She wore a head covering of some kind, so she couldn't see if Yasmina had any hair. Her massive form was covered by one of the most exquisite silk dresses Taylor'd seen, and was tastefully ornamented with jewelry.

    "We were told that you might have some clay from the Plane of Earth, your homeland," Madelynne said.

    "Really, who might have spun such a tale?" Yasmina answered. "And please, sit."

    "Thank you," Taylor said, choosing a pile of cushions to sit down on.

    Yasmina was staring at Taylor after she'd spoken. Turning to Madelynne, she leaned down and whispered into her ear. "OK, Greenleaves, where did you find a gold dragon? How did you find one?"

    "Yasmina, you do know she can hear you, and her amulet allows her to understand what you're saying, don't you?"

    The massive woman sighed. "My apologies," she said to Taylor. "I have not seen a dragon in several decades, not since the Dragon Queen wandered the Outlands."

    "Apology accepted," Taylor answered. "I found it more interesting that you were able to recognize I was a dragon; that hasn't happened very often.

    "Anyway, someone named Tasha, over at Mordenkainen and Ollivander's, sent us in your direction."

    "Ah, so you've met the Witch Queen of Oerth," Yasmina said as she settled her sizeable self on a pile of pillows opposite Madelynne and Taylor. "Might I have the honor of knowing your name?"

    "You may call me Taylor." Her books on magic and the arcane had warned her about the power of names and to tell someone your name could possibly give them some form of control over you. Especially with certain races, such as Yasmina's – Madelynne had described her as a Dao, basically an earth-based genie, and warned her of their reputation.

    Yasmina laughed at Taylor's answer, a great booming laugh. "Ah, you have some wisdom," their host complimented her. "Yes, I do have what you're looking for. In fact, I have enough to make a life size statue of myself. However, as I am sure Tasha has told you, and Lady Greenleaves here knows, I do not deal with coin, but only in services traded.

    "And as you have treated me with courtesy and honesty, I shall deal likewise with you. Several days ago, I had something stolen from my shop. It was a delicate silver necklace set with moonstones, and it is meant to be a gift for my youngest daughter, who is spending some time with her father. I suspect that the thieves have left the city with it. If you would recover it, I would gladly give you all the elemental clay you need."

    "Is there a time frame on this?" Taylor asked.

    "There is no hurry on my end," Yasmina admitted. "So you'll do it?"

    "I cannot speak for the others in my group," Taylor admitted, "but if there is no hurry, and if we can track it down? I'm amenable to a trade. If that proves impractical, I'll make sure to tell you why."

    "Excellent! I shall tell you what I know!'

    Taylor pulled out her phone, turned on the sound recorder, and listened as the genie gave them what information she had on the thieves, the item, and where it might have gone afterwards.

    "I have one last question," Taylor said at the end of the tale, "one that I ask out of curiosity. Since you know so much, why didn't you go after them?"

    "Child," Yasmina said, "I am a creature of the Plane of Earth. I am uneasy under open skies, with mere soil under my feet. Here in the city, I go out occasionally because the solid construction of the streets and buildings allows me to feel the bones of the earth. Outside the city, I do not last more than an hour."

    Taylor nodded. "I understand." She stood, and gave her host a slight bow. "I'd like to thank you for your time, and your hospitality."

    Yasmina rose from her seat with remarkable grace for her size and looked at Taylor. "You are very welcome, Taylor. I look forward to hearing your answer."

    And with that, they left the shop.

    - - - - - - - - - - - -​

    Colin was watching his charges as they browsed the selections at the various stalls around Yasmina's shop. Chris had procured a substantial number of darts for his hand crossbows. Dean was looking at rapiers, trying to find one that was just the right length for him to use; he had some idea of what he was looking for due to participating in a fencing program last year, but these were fighting weapons instead of sports equipment. Takara had selected something between a long knife and a short sword and a pair of kote to protect her arms and the back of her hands. Dennis was looking at both a blade and a bow, but not having much luck finding a bow the young man could actually draw.

    While it wasn't something he'd concern himself about, he made a note to work on upper body strength with both Dennis and Dean, since it would only help them as they moved to the Protectorate.

    Dinah had decided to tag along with Melissa, Vicky and Amy, not needing anything resembling a knife. She wore her shortsword like she would on patrol. It was a tossup of whether it was her monstrous nature or the visible weapon that kept people from bothering her.

    Others weren't so fortunate.

    "Hey, bub, watch the hands!" The shout had come from Vicky, and he could easily see what was going on. A large man, who would be called a thug back in Brockton Bay, had groped her.

    "Whatcha gonna do about it," the man sneered. "Little thing like you couldn't hit very hard."

    "Appearances can be deceiving," Vicky warned.

    "Nah. I'll let you take the first swing," her opponent drawled. "After I beat you, I'll have you begging for it…"

    In what appeared to be a practiced move, the mace Taylor had given her was in hand as she spun around using both her strength and her flight for extra power. She caught him on the back of his head which spun him around for a half turn before launching him into the air and down the street.

    There were shouts of alarm, shock and anger (as well as terror from the thug) as he proceeded to ricochet off of structures and the road, eventually impacting a bell and lodging him in a belfry some distance away.

    "I'll go get him," Vicky said after seeing where he eventually wound up. She took to the air to retrieve the idiot.

    "I hope Madelynne was right about what that mace does," Amy grumped. "Otherwise, I'm cleaning up after my sister. Again."

    "He's fine!" Vicky's shout came back as she extricated the thug from the bell and belfry. There was more amusement than outrage from the bystanders on her return flight. Soon, the letch was back on the ground and Amy was going over him.

    "Surprisingly, he's just unconscious. No signs of any injury at all," she reported.

    Colin sighed in relief. "That's for the best." He came over and quickly used a pair of zip cuffs to restrain the still insensate thug. "I suspect we're going to have to deal with the authorities."

    "I'll handle that," Melissa said from where she was watching and trying very hard not to laugh.

    "Thank you."
     
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    • A small green goblin pops up out of a shadow. "Hey, I'm Gobta. The Author's a bit busy with things, so they asked me to announce this week's post, give credit to McClaw for editing in the middle of two blizzards, and give wishes for a nice whatever-part-of-the-day it is in your area of the world." Hey looks at the slip of paper in hand. "Huh, looks like I'm done!"

    And with that, he disappears back into another shadow.
     
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