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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Aethmud" data-source="post: 9654403" data-attributes="member: 6746292">They exit the tavern to find some cover for the transformation and, once Aric has finished his spell casting, they cross town in the snowy morning light, Jack's wings shimmering like ice, his breath puffing in the frigid air. Beside him bounds a large, thick-coated sled dog with intelligent eyes—Aric in his transformed state—bounding through the snow with practiced exuberance and a few artful spins.“Gooooooood doggie!” Jack coos, tossing a small stick for Aric to pounce on.  Jack is speaking loudly, trying to draw a crowd if possible. “Yes, that’s it! Smartest tail-wagger in Ten-Towns, I tell you!”As they approach the caravan stationed outside The Blue Clam, the sled dogs begin to bark and yap excitedly at the unfamiliar pair. The two nearby guards—one adjusting a bolt case, the other eyeing the snowy street with a half-lidded gaze—straighten with furrowed brows as Jack and his pup approach.Jack tips his head forward and gives them a dazzling grin. “Ho there, good sirs! You look like fine men of discerning taste and practical wisdom. Would you—by sheer chance of glorious fortune—be in the market for the best sled dog this side of the Reghed Glacier?”He pats Aric’s furry head with flourish. “I’ve been training this majestic creature for months. Picked him up as a stray—half-starved, frost-bitten, and friendless—and now? Why, he’s practically a noble in fur! Strong as a snow bear, nimble as a lynx, smarter than three tavern philosophers stacked in a coat.”  He leans in with a twinkle in his eye. “And if you’ll give us but a few minutes of your time, I’ll prove to you that he’s not just any sled dog—he’s the alpha your team didn’t know it was missing!”With that, Jack winks at Aric and gives a subtle hand signal, ready for the show to begin.“Behold, gentlemen! The Marvel of Midwinter, the Wonder of the Woofing Wilds—the one, the only, Snowfang, the natural alpha!”"Look'ee here, he responds to silent commands, just perfect for when you need to get things done without drawing any attention." Jack makes a quick motion with one hand, circling twice with finger pointed up and, sure enough, Aric begins to trot a wide circle around him—once, twice—his thick coat fluffed with just the right flourish of showmanship. Jack grins, nodding to the guards. “Oh yes, that’s coordination and style.”A flick of Jack’s fingers sends Aric facing the sled dog team, and with two flattened palms lowered slowly, Aric sits, spine straight, posture proud. Jack kneels next to him, gesturing flamboyantly toward the guards, and pointing out the dog's wide bushy tail. “Just look at Snowfang's tail curl—see it? Right at the base, just like we drilled it. You wouldn’t believe how long it took to get that perfect posture. Not too proud, not too submissive. Just enough to say, ‘I’m the top dog, and I’ve got business to bark.’”[SPOILER=OOC]Rolled a <a href="https://www.coyotecode.net/roll/lookup.php?rollid=297338" target="_blank">13 on persuasion / deception</a> (they are both +7 for Jack) to engage with the guards and convince them to let Jack and Aric show off a few tricks.  Even if Aric gives him benefit of a Help action, he <a href="https://www.coyotecode.net/roll/lookup.php?rollname=Aethmud" target="_blank">still gets 13 even with advantage</a>.  Will wait for a post from Aric describing his interaction with the sled dogs, attempting to calm them down and draw their disciplined attention, and DM post regarding the caravan guards' reactions, before proceeding. [USER=20323]@Quickleaf[/USER] I'll also leave it to you to describe how many passersby might have taken an interest in Jack and Aric's show.[/SPOILER]</blockquote>

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