Mar 19 16:48:36 109 PA - Rolling With Mages

From Chronicles

Mar 19 16:48:36 109 PA.

TRADEWINDS COFFEE SHOP

Bernard is spending the evening in the coffee house, sitting at one of the empty tables and sipping away at a cup of coffee sitting on a saucer in front of him, a little coffee cake on a small plate beside it and he has a partially folded up newspaper in hand.

Caffeine is a necessity at any hour for some. Leonard definitely belongs to said group and enters from the plaza to acquire himself a cup of heated, flavored stimulants. His initial destination is the counter so that he can order.

Bernard glances up as Leonard makes his way into the coffee house, he offers a polite little nod towards the fellow, though doesn't interrupt the man and his ordering. He lifts his coffee cup up to his lips, taking a little sip from it.

Leonard makes note of the nod, but it isn't until after he has his drink that it is returned. "Ah. I see that I'm not the only one nursing extra energy for continued reading?"

Bernard offers a bit of a chuckle, "Well, I've taken a bit of a break from studying, to be frank." He replies, "Though I've a few more scrolls I should be catching up on I suppose." He says. "How have things been going at the school?" he asks curiously.

"Very slowly in the academic sense," Leonard admits. "I've been there very little lately, given that the other third of the faculty is still recovering."

Bernard nods his head at that, "That would explain why I haven't seen her about." He says after a sip of coffee, "Not much in the way of Recovery magics, however."

Leonard rolls his shoulders. "There are several, in fact. Unfortunately, the damage was more than merely physical." He leaves it at that, taking a sip before noting, "On a brighter note, she is recovering well."

Bernard huhs a bit, "Well, that's unfortunate." He comments, "But good that she's recovering." he nods, "The Dwarf, I believe had been inquiring about the school and the entrance fee as well. I told him to speak with Val, but if she's out you may want to talk with him perhaps." He adds.

"Rasputin?" Leonard is somewhat rhetorical in confirming this; he knows few magically-inclined dwarves. "I can speak with him, but I will forward his interest to Valeriya."

Bernard nods his head, "Yeah, Rasputin." He agrees, "I've traded a few spells with him as of late, it's what sparked his questions actually. I've no clue what sort of magic he practices, but he claims interest in healing spells."

Leonard nods. "He does have an interest, and some knowledge, in such things. I've also exchanged an invocation or two with him." More coffee is consumed. "If he decides to contribute, it would be an excellent time for us to rekindle the original intent. I'm in the process of expanding the library, and expect to resume my own studies in full quite soon."

Bernard nods his head slightly, "I'll have a few new spells I might be able to contribute before long, though nothing terribly fancy for the moment. I'm not one to spend much time researching and whatnot. I am lookin to get my hands on a flight spell though, you happen to know anyone I could talk to about that?"

"Flight?" Leonard considers this while nursing his cup. "No one comes to mind, though I'm sure that you could find someone knowledgeable easily enough. There are many devices, enchanted and mundane, to fly, after all."

"I'd hoped to barter rather then purchase, but you're right, I'm sure I could find it easy enough if I wished to. I'd like to fatten my purse a bit more before spending on scrolls though. They're not exactly cheap." He chuckles. "Perhaps I should sell a couple of my pouches."

Leonard chuckles dryly. "Knowledge is not cheap. If it were, everyone would be tossing about such power that none would be safe." His smirk is much more mirthful. "A sneeze could demolish the city."

Bernard laughs, "I could probably make a mint selling some of my knowledge, but it's probably not worth giving that stuff away." He grins, "But, if you happen to study Fly like the Eagle scroll, I'd be willing to trade for it, something more then fair." He says.

"I'll keep that in mind," a nod is made before Leonard admits, "Though I recently made inquiries into a replacement jet pack. One of the few pieces of technology that I've shown much aptitude with."

Bernard nods, "I've considered learnin to use one of those, but having a spell to do the job is always handy, I've found. But, technology can be quite handy too. Especially when it comes to weaponry."

The door opens quietly, and Gabriel steps in, dressed in warm weather gear in complete defiance of Mother Nature's downpour. He seems to be banking that even in 109 PA, Missouri's winter can't last forever. Although some quick steps take him to the counter, his eyes take in the room - and he seems to be happy with what - or who - he sees.

Leonard disagrees on that point, shaking his head. "I find most weaponry to be clumsy, at least in my hands. While useful, raw destructive potential isn't terribly efficient. There are better ways to an end than blowing the hells out of everything."

Bernard laughs, "Well, there's a time and place for it. I like having it for that time, and place." he says, "I also like having tools to avoid conflict and fighting as well. I've got plenty of those tools as well."

"Hello, Tiffany. Stefanie," Gabriel greets the two barista sisters in a friendly tone. "Gimme a coffee, cream please. Have those two gentleman been here for very long? I was supposed to meet one of them and I'm -" he glances at his ancient watch "- only late by about two hours." After than, he simply waits for his beverage, and looks to see if there is any chair open by Bernard and Leonard.

There could easily be several available seats. Leonard is currently standing near Bernard, who is the only occupant of the table. "Yes," Leonard nods, "They are useful tools... though that's not precisely what I'd meant."

"Perhaps it's a matter of schooling, I've a particular focus in my background that's different then most." Bernard says with a grin, "But, I don't always resort to violence or weapons though, if you suggested finding other means of conflict resolution?" he offers. His attention shifts over towards Gabriel as he makes his arrival, "So got yourself a new club, huh?"

The man can't help but chuckle as he approaches the other two men. Gabriel laughs out a quiet, "Apparently, yes. Technically not mine, but I suppose mine in all but name. I guess good things come to people every once in a while." He stops and apologizes deeply to Bernard. "I'm very, very sorry for arriving so late. I had some problems at the club that just couldn't be helped. There was some damage done, and people weren't quite sure what do to with it. But... I'm glad to see that you found good conversation, which brings me to - good to see you again, Leonard." He extends a hand in greeting. "I'd talk your ear off a little, if the two of your are up for me butting in."

"Evening, Gabriel." Leonard greets the other man neutrally, complete with a pause to sip more caffeine from his cup. "What did you wish to discuss? I'll do my best to keep my ears and other appendages attached throughout."

Bernard grins, "Good to hear your little hit netted you some real-estate. You've got the makings of an underworld boss in you yet, eh? And feel free to sit." He says, gesturing.

Leonard's own greeting is tossed aside, as Gabriel continues his regular good mood. At least, regular most of the time. Bernard's comment elicits another chuckle. "Yeah, well. It's not going to be underworld for very long. But I'm hoping that you might give me a bit of a boost on that, Bernard. With one of those pock... ah, Leonard, are you going to take this chair, or do you mind if I claim it?"

Leonard shakes his head and moves a stride or two to one side. "No, please." He gestures to the seat before taking one, himself. It just happens to be to Bernard's other side.

Bernard laughs, "Well, it sounds like you're giving up quite the opportunity then, hmmn?" he shrugs a bit to Gabriel, casting a little glance towards Leonard before looking back to Gabriel, "What was it you were wanting?" he asks.

"I'm asking about another one of those large portals of yours. Or, not a portal I guess, but a pocket. That's the correct word, I believe," Gabriel says before taking a moment to sip at his coffee. "When you were being considered for the raid, we were discussing pockets that would have been stashed in the bathroom, big enough to hold a person. Would one of these pockets - or better, a smaller one, be invisible to people who don't know that they're there?"

"An ally hidden in a pocket could be useful," Leonard opines, "So long as your ally survives their stay. They would be trapped, I'd imagine." While the topic was not directed at him, specifically, it doesn't keep him from sharing his knowledge of the subject.

"They're virtually undetectable unless the person has extensive knowledge of dimensional anomalies, and the abilities to sense them. The most likely sort of mage that could locate it would be a shifter." Bernard explains, "And then he'd still need to be near, and take some time to pinpoint it. Though, you would never find it, even if you knew where you were looking." He adds, indicating Gabriel with a gesture.

Gabriel nods, taking in the information. "Could you create one that was only large enough to hold a few rifles? Energy and otherwise? Something that people who were told was there, would know where to find and access it, but no one else would? Or does it not work that way?"

Leonard is not so familiar as to be capable of crafting such things as Gabriel seeks, so doesn't comment for now. He still has coffee to drink before it cools, also.

Bernard shakes his head, "I can make something that any mage, or particularly strong willed Psychic could access, but I don't know that it's exactly what you'd want." He says, "I could do something else for you though. If you had a concealed compartment, or the likes, I could make it accessible to only you, and a select few of your choice. Even make the weapons only work for you, and a few others."

"A concealed compartment would work just fine," Gabriel accepts. "That is, the accessible-only part. I'm just hoping for somewhere to keep relatively heavy weapons without them actually riding blatantly out in the open. I think that's entirely... well, unnecessary. Gives people too much of a sense of oppression." He then chuckles. "I know you don't work for free, though. How much would you want for me to create the compartment, and for you to seal it to hold maybe -" he pauses to think "- let's say four energy rifles and two NTI pulse rifles?"

"It could also give the vaunted KDPD reason to dislike you, having contraband visible," Leonard notes after emptying much of his cup. "Did you have anything to ask of me?" Gabriel did imply as much, at the least, so he feels justified in clarifying.

"For just the magical locking on your compartment door?" Bernard hmmns a bit then shrugs, "2500. And I won't charge you anything for you having it made either." He says with a little smirk. "If you want the rifles done as well it'll cost more, though."

"I can make a concealed compartment myself, that's not an issue. Just build it into the wall. Only the sealing is necessary. If the rifles need to be locked, then the battle is already lost. Twenty-five hundred sounds fair." Gabriel's conversation then jumps to Leonard. "Oh, definitely, Leonard. Can you follow a portal? Track it from one point to another, even after it's been closed? I'm sure it's a long shot, but it can't hurt to ask. As for the KDPD, as you say... I'm not concerned about them. If they didn't care about a massive vampire problem in their own backyard, they're not going to care about one club holding a few moderately powerful weapons that never leave the premises. Bastards barely ever even walk through, if I've been told right. Still - concealed compartment."

Leonard ahs and nods. "True. They avoid some areas as if their lives depended on it. I imagine that's because they do... and to answer your question, yes. I can re-open portals to their original destinations so that can be traced. I would need to know where it was originally opened, of course, and time is also a factor."

Bernard nods to Gabriel, "You'll need everyone who you'll want to open the door there for the invocation when we do it then. And it will last a couple of years as well before you need to renew it." He adds, then settles back to sip his coffee as he listens to the two talk about portal opening.

"That's fine. It may be a few weeks, depending on whether or not my suppliers ever get their act together. But I'll contact you, Bernard. I appreciate it," Gabriel says after blowing across his coffee to cool it down a little more. Leonard receives an unfortunate look. "The portal has been closed for... oh, a few weeks now. If time is a factor, I'd guess the trail has probably gone cold at this point. Still, if I could have you available when another man opened a new portal, you'd be able to follow that one back? I don't actually want to *go* where it ends up yet, I only want to know *where* it goes. I can pay you for your services as well, to an extent."

"If you know who opened the portal," Leonard offers a possible alternative, "You do realize that the individual could /tell/ you the destination, yes? If not, I could determine where an open portal led, and without traveling through it."

Bernard grins a bit at that, "That would be the easiest yeah. Maybe he doesn't trust the person though, I suppose?" he says, "And let me know whenever. There is very little specific preparation I'll need to do for the work."

Gabriel nods to both. "Very little preparation is perfect. As for telling me? First I'd have you try the portal that I do not know who opened it. Then I would ask the person whom I do know opened it. Then I'd have you follow it, because I don't trust him. Trust is an earned commodity, and he hasn't gotten it yet. How much money would you want to do these things, Leonard?"

Leonard's brows arch and his expression turns dubious. "So... you do not know who opened the portal, but know another that will open a portal to the same location? I'm afraid that I don't entirely follow. As for trust," his shoulders roll, "I never implied that it was necessary. I could have the individual tell you everything they knew, had done, or ever planned to do, and possibly far easier than leaping through tears in space."

Bernard continues to lounge quietly for now as he curiously listens to the exchange between Leo and Gabriel.

The new club owner shakes his head politely. "I have one portal, I don't know who opened it. I do know that a new portal will be opened. I would like to have both traced, and the point is to do it without the two people knowing that they're being tracked. That would defeat the purpose. Like firing up a star shell when you're trying to track a bunch of guerrillas through Laos." Gabriel stops again to sip what is now a mostly empty mug of coffee.

"Ah," Leonard nods, now that more explanation is forthcoming. "Five thousand to re-open or study either portal. To do so requires some time and no small amount of effort."

"Five thousand for both portals or just one?" Gabriel doesn't argue the price, just the price per action. "I don't want to re-open them, as I assume that would be pretty obvious. Maybe later, but not yet. Right now, I just need to know where they end up. If you could nail the end down on a map of some sort, that would be perfect."

Leonard shakes his head. "It doesn't work that way. A portal is a doorway. If the door is closed, there is no telling what lies on the other side. When open, I could discern what realm it opens to, and most probably what continent if it opens to this world. Traveling through it would possibly give a better idea simply by observation. Landmarks, for example."

"Oh. I hoped that you could use it more as a peephole," are words that escape Gabriel's lips with slight disappointment. "I suppose if you can try that first opening - the one that's long since gone - that would be the best. Five-grand for the look, right?"

"Yes," now Leonard nods. "If you are concerned of dangers on the other side, they should be minimal. I could re-close the portal at any time, and most are not powerful enough to be fully stable in both directions, regardless."

Gabriel gives a hard nod. "Very well. Stop by the club one of these days. As soon as you can, actually. I'll be there, I'm spending almost all of my time there these days supervising the reconstruction and redecorating. That's where the important one is. Stick your head in, get your bearings, put it on a map for me... I'll be happy and five-grand lighter in my wallet." He offers Leonard a smile, hoping to seal the deal.

Leonard returns the gesture, brief but firm. "I will go there as soon as possible, and determine all that I can." Possibly to help with preparations, he finishes the last remnants of his coffee and rises. "After a refill."

The old fellow looks into his mug and chuckles. "Mine's empty and... I think I'll skip the refill. I have a genuine home to go to, with my own genuine percolating coffee maker. I'll catch you guys around," Gabriel says, offering nods to both Leonard and Bernard as he prepares to leave.