Solo In for a Drink

[Alric Wilmot]

43rd of Summer 513 AV Alric walked into the inn with little fanfare, hoping not to attract attention despite the bandages about his head. Since his show, his ears had begun to bleed, as well as his eyes. He had a yellow handkerchief with him at the moment, occasionally wiping the blood out of his eyes. He had stayed up late last night thinking of ways to prove he knew what Ionu was about, ways that he might have neglected before. This was the best he could think of. He had intentionally avoided alcoholic beverages in the past, mostly because he had worshiped Eyris and did not want to hamper his mental functions. Yet, he had thought about it in detail last night, and realized that that view was wrong. Ionu didn’t care if you were in the right frame of mind, he probably did not even believe that such a thing existed. So, today, Alric would explore the effects of alcohol, that magical thing that made people go mad and forget their troubles. Honestly, when he realized that, he began to wonder why he had never sampled the drink before. Sure, madness might not be desirable, but it seemed small recompense for forgetting your problems. It was temporary, but it was close to his own ambitions. The inn was called the Stallion’s Rear, a droll place that was once the Sun and Stars Inn. Nowadays it did not provide lodging, but you could still wet your palette. He sat at the bar, on the seat nearest the door. The waiter was a nondescript person that Alric barely registered. He let his gaze fall on the patronage, finding the place was actually rather full. He counted 26 heads, and the place wasn’t really all that large to begin with. He called over the waiter and asked what they were selling and what the most popular drink was. Ale was the most sold drink, at 8 copper-rimmed miza a mug. Alric did a quick count in his head, and found that if he continued with his plan, he’d be short 2 gold miza and 8 copper miza. Still, that wasn’t a great amount, and from the looks on the other patrons’ faces they looked like they could use a good time. After wiping some blood from his eyes, he took a large breath and brought out 2 gold miza and 16 coppers. He plunked them down on the counter and gestured to the patrons in the establishment. “I’d like to see some smiles on these faces, give everyone a mug of Ale, on me.” That earned him a short round of applause, and everyone else a mug of ale. When his own came Alric gave it a sniff first. He had once tried wine, and it had not been so bad. But that had only been a small cup and he hadn’t learned until later its alcoholic properties. So this was a new experience for him. As he took a sip he began to gag. That tasted awful! Why did anyone drink this foul concoction? But then he got his answer as one of the other patrons falling out of his chair and giggling like a maniac. Some people obviously enjoyed being drunk. And, despite Alric’s own prejudices, Ionu most likely approved of it too. After all, Ionu was all about different perspectives, right? And as far as Alric could tell your perspectives changed dramatically when inebriated. As he came back to his own mug he curled his nose. He understood it was an acquired taste, but he really wished that it did not have to be so bitter. But as soon as he thought that, he realized it did not have to be. He pulled back his sleeve to uncover the blue triangle stamped on his wrist. He could affect one sense at a time, and last he checked, taste was a sense. He tapped the mark and grabbed hold of the mug. He decided he wanted it to taste sweet. He left the texture alone, and simply focused on getting rid of the bitterness. He took a swallow and was happy to find that it was if someone had dumped a jar of honey in to sweeten the drink. He took another drink, and then another, until eventually his cup was drained. As he looked about the place he found most of the other patrons were finishing their cups as well. Goodness they were so dead. These were citizens of Alvadas? Good Ionu above, why were they so pathetic? It was imperative to enjoy life, while you still had it! He pulled out a few more coins, and told the barkeep that everyone should have another round on him. The applause was better this time, but they still seemed rather subdued. Alric decided to change that. "All right everyone! I think we need to get a bit more lively!" Knowing he would have to sacrifice the sweet taste he was making, Alric tapped his mark anyway. It was time for a bit of merry-making. As he tapped the mark, a soft music began to play, seemingly from nowhere. The others in the place all gave him a look. The looks ranged from incredulous to annoyed, but not a single one was of gratitude. Well, if music and booze wasn't enough to cheer this sorry lot up, he would just have to use his trump card. His injuries would have to be ignored for the greater good. He closed his eyes and imagined a bubble, a bubble of his influence, that was tightly held against his form. He expanded the bubble, though, making it larger and larger until it enveloped the entire room. He opened his eyes, and focused on the few patrons who were still looking at him. He used the line of sight to strengthen the connection, entwining his djed with their own. He filled them with emotions of happiness, giddiness, and an urge to laugh. With a forced breath he sent a pulse of djed through his bubble to give the whole room an emotional surge. It was draining, but at the same time very powerful. But line of sight and indirect influence only worked so well, and no one had yet to act on what they were undoubtedly feeling. "Come on everyone cheer up! Sing a song! Get, drunk! This is Alvadas, and if any god ever encouraged a good time it was our Lord of Illusion! Let's be pious and have a good time, c'mon, doesn't anyone know a good song?" For a moment, everyone was silent. However, it didn't last long. A man with bright red hair and fine clothes began to sing, in a low voice. "The stars are bright, the night is long, so why not have a drinking song? We're all well and surely drunk, the man next to me has a mighty stench, I'm off my rocker, no longer sober, it time to call the servin' wench! The stars are bright, the night is long, so why not have a drinking song! The wench gets better looking by the mug, she's playin' with me wrong, So what if she's twice my age? She's looking fine and covers up your stench! I'm getting mighty thirsty, and I have a thirst to quench!" Alric had never heard the song before, but apparently the rest of the men had, and began to sing along. it was rather short, and easy to learn, so even Alric began to sing along. The men were clapping and dancing now, using Alric's illusory song to help keep tune. Alric changed the melody himself to better match the red man's song. Later on, when everyone moved onto a new song, he learned the name of the song was, "The Wench." if you asked one man, and "A Drinking Song" if you asked another. With continual suggestions to drink more, join in, or belch out a song, the Stallion's Rear soon became loud and rowdy. They were becoming well and truly drunk, buying their own drinks after the two rounds Alric provided. Alric sang along, happily learning the lyrics and keeping up with the slurred words of the others. Eventually Alric cut his connections and shrunk the bubble of his influence, it was no longer needed. The men danced on the tables, and laughed at nothing at all. One or two had a fight, but were too drunk to actually hit anything. Alric forced himself to drink the unaltered Ale, but soon found he did not have the power to extend the illusion indefinitely. He stopped after an hour and just let the patrons sing at their own pace. At this point however, there was no real tune to be had. As the night went on, and Alric finished his drink, he decided to leave the men to their revelry. He had done what he had set out to do. Ionu's creed was one of joy and merriment, and tonight he had fulfilled that. So, satisfied with himself he slipped out of the establishment.

[Fallacy]

XP Award! Name:Alric Wilmot XP Award: Hypnotism 2 Singing 1 Lore: The Allure of Drinking Bitter Taste of Ale Hypnotic Happiness Illusionary toon Drinking Song Lyrics Notes: Remove 5 GM from ledger please. Any questions or concerns about the rewards gained please send a PM