Date: Mon Nov 10, 1997 16:45:24 From: just john To: All Repl: 1920361, Nivek; 1920633, Spydah!; 1923513, FireOpal[Just when you thought it was safe to put away your Monster Manuals...]
(The caravan, just before dawn.)
Almost everybody's back asleep, when suddenly
. o `O o O .oOOOo. Oo oO OooOOo. . O o O o .O o. O O o o O `O . o O o O O o o o O O o O . O O OoOooOOo o O O Oo O O .o . o o o o O O o O o oOooOO' . O O O O o o O o O o . `o O o O' o o `o O' o O O . `OoO' `OoO' o O `OoooO' O o o'The whole place shakes with the blow. Horses whinny, dishware falls. Lamont can be heard, shouting "What in the name of --"
And you can hear, way under everything, a slithering, shhhhing sound, then another
. ::: ::: ::: ::: :::::::: :::: :::: ::::::::: . :+: :+: :+: :+: :+: :+: +:+:+: :+:+:+ :+: :+: . +:+ +:+ +:+ +:+ +:+ +:+ +:+ +:+:+ +:+ +:+ +:+ . +#+ +:+ +#+ +#++:++#++ +#+ +:+ +#+ +:+ +#+ +#++:++#+ . +#+ +#+#+ +#+ +#+ +#+ +#+ +#+ +#+ +#+ +#+ . #+#+# #+#+# #+# #+# #+# #+# #+# #+# #+# . ### ### ### ### ######## ### ### ###shakes the whole caravan.
Everybody who piles out of their wagons and looks down can see a wet, red smear on the other side of the glass beneath their feet. The glass itself shows no sign of cracking.
The slithering sound starts building again. What do you do?
Date: Tue Nov 11, 1997 22:12:09 From: Nivek To: just john Repl: 1923376, just john
Immediately, Nivek runs to get near Mistletoe. He isn't at all sure what this is, but he knows that he wants to have her nearby in any case.
"What is that?"
- Nivek
Date: Wed Nov 12, 1997 12:26:11 From: Spydah! To: just john
The gnome looks in amazement at the ground. "Something's trying to get out from the other side of the glass!" he hazards a guess, "And it looks really big!"
He then climbs to the top of the wagon and readies himself for the ground to swallow them all whole. He takes a few seconds to look around him from this vantage point, trying to think of what to do next.
-S
Date: Sun Nov 16, 1997 17:09:10 From: just john To: Nivek"What the tarnation is THAT?" screams Lamont, who's standing near Nivek, Mistletoe and the Grouse.
WHOMP!
The ground shakes, and another read smear appears on the other side of the glass. The glass shows absolutely no sign of being about to break.
"I'd say it's either a purple worm or a bulette," muses the Grouse. "... and a purple worm would have broken through by now, Lamont. Lamont?"
She spots Lamont's new position -- perched halfway up a wagon. knuckles whitely gripping some handles -- and continues, "Nah, it has to be a bulette. Only one of them is dumb enough to keep doing --"
WHOMP!
"-- this when it has no chance of getting through. Kind of like a sparrow and a thick window, but even a sparrow knows when to stop. This fella's going to kill himself, if he doesn't stop soon..."
WHOMP!
(The glass remains intact.)
Date: Sun Nov 16, 1997 21:33:12 From: FireOpal To: just john Repl: 1927407, just john
Waking up from the noise and shaking, the druid quickly ducks outside to see what's up. She makes sure to grab her staff as she exits. She feels the glass vibrating and looks down, noticed the blood smear. "What in the name of all the Gods is that from?!!" If the Grouse has been roused also, she directs that question to her, if not, then just general.
As she is standing there, she also does a check around ... moving away from the wagon and scans the distance by turning in a slow circle. Perhaps she will find some indication of what's going on.
Date: Sat Nov 22, 1997 13:05:03 From: just john To: FireOpal Repl: 1929695, FireOpalWhatever the critter is, the WHOMPs come more and more slowly.
"Gee, it'd be such a waste to let the desert get all that Experience," muses Lamont from his perch.
Date: Wed Nov 26, 1997 00:48:05 From: FireOpal To: just john Repl: 1930296, Nivek; 1932678, just john
<<Mistletoe>>
Turning to Nivek, she asks him if he'd like to investigate this occurrence more closely with her. (Assuming he complies..) She sets off in the direction of the WHOMPs, peering at the glass beneath her feet every other step and pausing to gauge the direction.
Date: Wed Nov 26, 1997 23:36:00 From: Nivek To: FireOpal
Somewhat warily he agrees to accompany the girl. He'd probably go anywhere she wanted, he just wasn't all that sure, that any of them should start wandering after these whomps.
He tread carefully on the so called soil, his footsteps light barely making a sound.
- Nivek
Date: Mon Dec 01, 1997 17:59:10 From: just john To: FireOpal Repl: 1933986, Spydah!WHOMP
She sets off in the direction of the WHOMPs, peering at the glass beneath her feet every other step and pausing to gauge the direction.Once she reaches the center of the camp, the direction is pretty much straight down. With each bang from below comes another smear of red. The first few might have been mistaken for the strokes of an immense calligrapher, but now it's just a bloody mess.
WHOMP
"Can't somebody just kill the thing?" asks the kid who hangs around the Grouse.
Somewhat rattled by all this, Ernest starts laying out breakfast. Just sausage, rolls and coffee.
Date: Wed Dec 03, 1997 12:49:11 From: Spydah! To: just john Repl: 1934199, just john
"I thinks it's probably going to kill itself," replies the gnome to the kid's question from atop his wagon.
"How does it know we're here, can it smell through all that glass?"
-S
Date: Wed Dec 03, 1997 18:19:12 From: just john To: Spydah! Repl: 1934355, Myth
>> "How does it know we're here, can it smell through all that glass?""I dunno," says the kid. "Maybe it heard the rain or something?"
Date: Wed Dec 03, 1997 23:22:00 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1934381, Bab; 1935520, Spydah!; 1935555, just john; 1938306, FireOpal[Appleby]
"Vibrations," says the mage, joining the two. "They sense vibrations in the ground, and track their food that way. We usually tried to lead them to a large tree, or rocky ground."
He looks curiously at the red-smeared glass.
"The clerics could finish it off with a 'cause light wounds,' if their god will let 'em. Or Finch might have a 'magic missile.' All my stuff needs line-of-fire. Or we could crack the glass, let it out, and finish it off, splitting the Experience."
He shrugs.
"Or we could move on. Nobody's getting hurt here but the monster, and facing it is a definite risk."
Date: Thu Dec 04, 1997 00:52:11 From: Bab To: Myth
The girl has remained quiet through the entire episode. She has gradually paled further with each ensuing Whomp. When breakfast is mentioned her complexion promptly shifts to the green and she dashes off to the outside of the ring of wagons. The sound of her choked retching is not well muffled.
--Bab
Date: Fri Dec 05, 1997 17:51:08 From: Spydah! To: Myth Repl: 1935593, Myth
The gnome, feeling safe atop his wagon is listening to Appleby when Lysandra makes a mad dash for the edge of the wagons and begins retching.
"What's the mater with her?" he asks, interrupting the mage's train of thought.
-S
Date: Fri Dec 05, 1997 18:37:03 From: just john To: Myth
>> The clerics could finish it off with a 'cause light wounds,' if their god will let 'em. ... Or we could crack the glass, let it out, and finish it off, splitting the Experience.Sir Courtly pipes up. "Hey, I could blast it!"
"Oh, no you couldn't!" counters his sister.
"No, really! That fireball thing that She ga--"
"Don't you dare!"
"Why not?" he pouts.
Dayna puts hands to (her) hips and begins to lecture. "Okay, let's say it works. Imagine a cat that you've raised on asparagus, onions and turnips for ten years. Imagine not changing the litter box, not even once. Now, cover that with glass and let stand in the sun for a loooong time. How do you think that would smell?"
"Awwww," the albino mutters and mopes, "Now you've made that nice girl sick, over there."
"Well, I'm sorry. Just let the beast kill itself, and you concentrate on breakfast. And speaking of smells, your Fish needs freshening."
Date: Fri Dec 05, 1997 20:56:07 From: Myth To: Spydah! Repl: 1936937, Spydah!
He looks up at the gnome, waiting a long moment before replying.
"Maybe she thinks creatures battering their brains out on the underside of a glass desert is disgusting," he comments at last.
Date: Mon Dec 08, 1997 01:54:04 From: Spydah! To: Myth Repl: 1937366, Myth
<<<Maybe she thinks creatures battering their brains out on the underside of a glass desert is disgusting," he comments at last.>>>
"Oh," the gnome replies.
Perry decides that everything is safe enough, and begins to climb down from atop the wagon.
-S
Date: Mon Dec 08, 1997 20:01:05 From: Myth To: Spydah!
Appleby would be more insulted by the abrupt end to the conversation were he not at that moment Struck by an Idea.
Fortunately, it is a glancing blow, and the damage is minimal. In a matter of moments, he has recovered, and is digging through his bag for the "Simon Tarnswell" book. Soon his is happily flipping pages and muttering to himself.
Date: Wed Dec 10, 1997 00:54:00 From: FireOpal To: Myth Repl: 1938567, just john
Gazing at the blood smeared glass, she gives a rueful shake of the head. "I don't really think that breaking the glass is a good idea. If this thing is under it, chances are some other nasty things are too. Any idea if magic will work through the glass anyway?" She ponders her magical arsenal and makes a moue. "I can always try to Tame it....."
Date: Wed Dec 10, 1997 13:56:05 From: just john To: FireOpal Repl: 1938760, Myth; 1943321, FireOpal
>> "I can always try to Tame it.....""I think they're too dumb and ornery to tame," mutters the Grouse, "But maybe something similar?"
[Normally I wouldn't think Animal Friendship would work on a monster, but I've always considered bulettes to be Just That Stupid. And anyway, this one's been busy beating itself up for the past few minutes, not to mention other factors which, well, I won't mention. In terms of sincerity, well, you know that your partymates aren't about to kill it as long as it stays under the glass. Go for it, if you want.]
Date: Wed Dec 10, 1997 19:02:02 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1938977, just john
"Rats!" he exclaims, slamming the books shut and shoving it back into his satchel.
"Everything's LOC. And I *really* don't want to break that glass."
Date: Thu Dec 11, 1997 00:14:02 From: just john To: Myth Repl: 1939507, Myth[One might be tempted to point out that those books of ancient knowledge were written by people who SURVIVED their experiments...]
Date: Thu Dec 11, 1997 18:31:05 From: Myth To: just john[Books of Ancient Knowledge? I'm not sure Appleby want to trade his Player's Handbook for one of those, but he'll gladly trade almost anything of Finch's...]
Date: Wed Dec 17, 1997 23:32:10 From: FireOpal To: just john Repl: 1943815, just john
The druid ponders the strangeness of the situation <befriending a monster under glass?!>, and decides to give it a try, in the interests of experimentation at least. She takes a moment to trace a glyph carved into her staff, breathes deeply and evenly and prepares herself to <cast Animal Friendship> the moment the bulette nears the glass. Ideally, she'll place her empty hand directly over the bulette as she casts.... (mutter, mumble whisper).
Date: Thu Dec 18, 1997 19:47:01 From: just john To: FireOpal Repl: 1943941, Myth; 1947121, FireOpal(whomp!)
>> Ideally, she'll place her empty hand directly over the bulette as she casts.... (mutter, mumble whisper).She feels a bit of a connection happen, to a violent and confused critter's mind. Not much more, but at least the whomping stops.
(For at least the next few hours, the bulette will follow under the surface wherever Mistletoe goes, unless she takes some evasive actions. The net effect is negligible, just a rumble here or there if one stops to listen.) [Play it as you see fit.]
"Well, that's better," observes Ernest. "C'mon and eat, everybody! Coffee's getting cold."
Date: Thu Dec 18, 1997 23:20:07 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1945666, Drax
"Eat the coffee?" he mutters, being presently with out a partner for repartee.
This fact, though tragic, does not seem to affect his appetite any, and he consumes a healthy share of whatever happens to be available.
Date: Mon Dec 22, 1997 05:36:14 From: Drax To: Myth
For some strange reason, Finch has trouble not listening to the beat of a different dumber animal like the thing under the glass. It is only when it stops making noise that he realizes he'd been tapping his foot to it.
"To be sure, eating the coffee would be an improvement over that place in Ranzoon. They served it in vapor form. Most annoying."
Date: Fri Dec 26, 1997 23:29:12 From: FireOpal To: just johnMessage text written by just john
>(For at least the next few hours, the bulette will follow under the surface wherever Mistletoe goes, unless she takes some evasive actions. The net effect is negligible, just a rumble here or there if one stops to listen.) [Play it as you see fit.]
"Well, that's better," observes Ernest. "C'mon and eat, everybody! Coffee's getting cold."<
<<Mistletoe>>
The druid walks over to the food/coffee and partakes. As she nibbles, she inquires whether the glass desert runs out anytime soon. "I sure hope this thing isn't able to get out. Even if it's 'friendly'......" The thought of the bulette on the loose churns her stomach momentarily.
Ashefelor flies over to land atop her shoulder, looking for a nibble or two himself, so she feeds him from the dried meat in her pouch and gives him a reassuring stroke along the back. "Don't worry, Ash. You'll always be my closest friend," she whispers to the hawk.
[Happy Holidays everyone!!!!]
Date: Sun Jan 04, 1998 17:43:13 From: just john To: Neil Cheyne Repl: 1951922, MixafixIn the desert city of Hotdamm, in the public room for human-sized people, Gilbert has been asking about the particulars of the coming Tourney.
The woman behind the counter smiles in a professionally reassuring way. "Oh, we'll have clerics and healers of many different disciplines on hand. We take the survival of the contestants very seriously."
"Wimps," mutters the female applicant.
The outside door flies open, and another armored figure enters. His splint armor is painted in black line patterns upon white, giving the appearance of very durable wicker. A two-handed sword hilt peeps over his left shoulder. He holds his painted metal helm in his hands, revealing a youthful face ringed by short blonde hair and beard. For some unknown reason, his upper lip sports no mustache.
His shoulders are broad and his movements are fluid. For a human, he looks like a promising warrior. Or at least, he usually does. Now, he just looks excited.
He nods to Gilbert and the female fighter, and tries to stand still. He fails, and in a moment, he's hopping from one foot to the other and doing a bad job of hiding a grin.
Finally, the woman behind the counter has had enough. "All right, Horzte, what IS it?"
Horzte says, "You know that beer wagon from Grutch that didn't make it here last month?"
"Of course. Simon was with it."
"Well, now we know what happened to it."
"They're safe?"
"No," replies the warrior, with something approaching glee, "They all died horribly --"
"-- oh, I can see how that would cheer you up, Simon being an old friend and all that. Humph. Has some spell slinger messed up your Alignment again?"
"No! No! Of course, the deaths are bad, but the great news is what killed them! It's a dragon!"
The woman behind the counter peers squintily at him and asks slowly, "WHICH dragon?"
"A new one! That's what's so great! A blue dragon, adult-aged or so, has taken up residence at the edge of the Desert, between here and Grutch!"
"Oh, I see. Experience on the hoof -- or talon. Well, don't expect me to postpone the Tourney while you tromp off and fight it --"
"No, that's what's so great! It's the prize we've been wanting! The Tourney champions can have first crack at this wyrm!"
His enthusiasm is such that it even affects the woman fighter, "Now, that's the kind of news I like!" She holds a hand out for Horzte to shake. "I'm V. Alnmoor, just signing in."
Horzte shakes the hand, and says, "I'm Horzte. I'm the Tourney organizer."
He looks at Gilbert, "And you?"
Date: Sun Jan 04, 1998 17:44:10 From: just john To: All Repl: 1951548, Myth; 1951565, NivekWith the critter under the glass desert floor quieted down, the whole caravan is able to eat breakfast in relative peace. Lamont uses this opportunity to remind everybody of the Plan.
"Remember, this whole plan will work because the people in town won't be associating you with me. So work on your cover stories."
After breakfast, the caravan takes off and rolls at high speed for two hours. It comes to a halt at a way station at a road. (On the hard glass surface, you can tell it's a road because it's dirtier.) A smaller road heads off to the east.
The wagons stop, and Lamont hustles Perry, Lysandra, Mistletoe, Appleby, Nivek, Finch and their luggage off and into the waiting area.
The way station's waiting area is an open-side brick building with benches and a pair of enclosed restrooms. Along a wall, some schedules are posted. There's also a well and a troth for horses. No people are about.
Appleby happens to be nearest, so Lamont gives him a pouch and says, "This is for everybody's tickets, rooms, meals and so on." The pouch contains 26 cp, 8 sp, and 2 gp.
"See you tonight," Lamont hollers, as he jumps up into his seat and leads the caravan off to the north and out of sight.
It's only a few minutes later that the group hears a wagon approaching from the south.
Date: Sun Jan 04, 1998 17:59:09 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1953204, Drax
Appleby stands patiently at the wagonstop, waiting for their ride to show up. The pouch from Lamont is juggled a few moments, hand to hand, before disappearing up one large, voluminous sleeve.. oops! Wrong outfit.
He settles for tucking it into an inside pocket of his coat.
Date: Sun Jan 04, 1998 18:27:13 From: Nivek To: just john Repl: 1954532, FireOpal
Never having been quite sure about any of this, the ranger is quite apprehensive about this trip to town. *My cover story? Not good, I've never been very good at lying to anyone.*
As a means to calm himself some and for her pleasant company in general, he moves alongside Mistletoe, wondering if she feels the same uneasiness about this mission.
"So Mistletoe, you ready for whatever we're getting ourselves into?"
- Nivek
Date: Mon Jan 05, 1998 10:37:11 From: Mixafix To: just john Repl: 1952789, just john
He looks at Gilbert, "And you?"
Listening carefully to the conversation Gilbert is quick to extend his hand when introductions are made "Pleased to meet you I am Gilbert Gallant, late of ... well to the south really ." He offers before adding "I am interested in this tourney of yours but I was just trying to clarify some of the rules and things." Thumbing in the direction of the others he adds "I am told that the health plan keeps injuries to a minimum."
Date: Tue Jan 06, 1998 18:42:13 From: just john To: Mixafix Repl: 1953290, Mixafix
>> "I am interested in this tourney of yours but I was just trying to clarify some of the rules and things." Thumbing in the direction of the others he adds "I am told that the health plan keeps injuries to a minimum.""If you're worried about getting your good looks messed up, your fears are misplaced," mutters V. Alnmoor.
Horzte heartily shakes hands with Gilbert. "Well met, young Gilbert! Yes, we will have clerics and healers around, and one of our sponsors is Mother Gristle's Potion of Reliable Healing. We've got cases of the stuff. Show him a bottle, eh?"
The woman behind the counter reaches under it and comes up with a glass bottle labeled "Mother Gristle's Potion of Reliable Healing -- 'As long as you've got a mouth to pour it into, you'll be just dandy!'"
Horzte continues, "So what's your specialty? Ever fight a dragon?" (He's still pretty psyched.)
Date: Wed Jan 07, 1998 05:38:09 From: Drax To: Myth Repl: 1953748, Myth; 1954550, just john
Finch considers the situation. He turns to Appleby and inquires, "How about Cover Story #5 - The Tourist and His Servant? You can be the tourist this time."
Date: Wed Jan 07, 1998 10:36:13 From: Mixafix To: just john Repl: 1962530, just johnMessage text written by just john
Horzte continues, "So what's your specialty? Ever fight a dragon?" <"Fight a dragon that's a good one " Gilbert guffaws, adding "I've traveled far and wide serving many a cause but I ain't never seen a dragon fight." Looking to some distant point, perhaps in the past, he quietens a little "Don't know that I want too...." He claps his hands in returned boisterous good spirits "So the tourney it is then put me down for some good honest fun, what choices do I have if any ?"<Gilbert>
Date: Wed Jan 07, 1998 22:33:14 From: Myth To: Drax
He looks around at the rest of the party.
"That leaves the others out, Finch. Impolite, to say the least. And hard to explain when I pay for their passage. How about 5b - A Group of Travelers and Their Agent?"
Date: Thu Jan 08, 1998 23:35:12 From: FireOpal To: Nivek Repl: 1954562, just johnMessage text written by Nivek
<<Nivek>>
Never having been quite sure about any of this, the ranger is quite apprehensive about this trip to town. *My cover story? Not good, I've never been very good at lying to anyone.*
As a means to calm himself some and for her pleasant company in general, he moves alongside Mistletoe, wondering if she feels the same uneasiness about this mission.
"So Mistletoe, you ready for whatever we're getting ourselves into?"
<<Mistletoe>>
(and Ashefelor!)
After looking around the surrounding area, she settles in to wait for the wagon. In response to the question from Nivek, "I certainly hope so. I've never been entirely comfortable in towns, but the thought of a hot bath helps a great deal! What do think of this 'cover story' idea? Is there anything wrong with just being the travelers we are?" She shoots him a look of hopefulness ... she doesn't like subterfuge either.
Date: Thu Jan 08, 1998 23:49:12 From: just john To: Drax
>> "How about Cover Story #5 - The Tourist and His Servant?[What, with ladies and gnomes present? Yikes!]
The wagon coming in from the South looks a lot smaller than the ones Finch & co. have been riding lately, but it looks pretty solid nonetheless. It's enclosed, with two drivers up top. They're wearing matching outfits, and their demeanor show no hostility, just boredom.
One driver starts slowing down the horses. Evidently, this is your ride.
Date: Fri Jan 09, 1998 00:13:07 From: just john To: FireOpal Repl: 1955487, FireOpal; 1957080, Nivek; 1960489, Judge Roy BeanThe wagon comes to a halt. A driver jumps off, opens the doors into the wagon's cabin and says, "More passengers."
He then tends to the horses. "Only a few miles more," he soothes one.
The other driver stays seated up top. "Hotdamm Coach," he announces.
(As has been mentioned elsewhere, the coach's cabin is laid out in two sections, each with a door. Each section has seating for three or four along its back and front walls each, plus space for one, facing the door. Sort of a U-space. There's no barrier between the sections, so people can converse.)
Already in the coach are a curious-looking pair.
One is off it and hustling -- maybe to the facilities?
The other follows for a moment, but then turns towards the awaiting passengers.
"Greetings to you fine folk. I am Tuubyts. A talker, a tumbler, a tosser, and talented elseways as well."
Date: Sat Jan 10, 1998 13:50:08 From: FireOpal To: just john
As the coach draws up, the red-tressed woman soothes a smallish hawk (hooded and jessed at this time) that is perched upon her leather clad right shoulder. "I believe that is our ride into town, " she states while keeping curious eyes upon the new arrival(s).
She introduces herself to Tuubyts when he greets them. "Hello. I'm Mistletoe, ranger and Druid. This is my friend, Ashfelor. " She indicates the hawk. The woman appears to be of elvish descent (in part), with waist length, fiery red hair held partially in check by a braid. Her piercing emerald green eyes reflect the greens of the woods as does her travel-worn leathers - tunic, breeches, thigh high boots. Glimpsed around her neck is a leather thong which suspends a carving of what seems to be a sprig of mistletoe. At her slim waist hangs a small wooden shield (well used), a couple of pouches, hawking glove and a sheathed dagger on the braided leather belt. She confidently grips a rune-etched ashen staff in her left hand. Her pack and water/wine skin are at her feet.
[Hi Judge! Glad to have you with us! ---- jj: I was just looking over old notes and realized - we've been playing since 94!!! heh :) ]
Date: Mon Jan 12, 1998 17:42:07 From: Nivek To: just john Repl: 1962524, just john
After offering a hand into the coach, Nivek enters also, hearing the tail end of Tubbyts' introduction. He bows awkwardly, and smiles genuinely.
"Hello to you, my name is Nivek, traveler of the lands"
Other than the ornate staff in his left hand, sword on his hip, and bow across his back, he seems like a simple traveler. 6 feet tall, like Mistletoe of elvish descent, but his build is stockier than that of most elves. His hair is brown and getting longer than he is used to. His blue eyes shine with an innocence that is seldom seems these days. He wears a plain traveling cloak covering some possible leather armor beneath it.
He is young looking, and he seems a bit nervous entering the coach, his sharp eyes taking in everything in a couple of quick glances. If possible, he will take a seat beside Mistletoe, distracting himself by petting gently the bird on her shoulder.
- Nivek
Date: Sat Jan 17, 1998 20:59:02 From: Judge Roy Bean To: just john Repl: 1962526, just john[Character Descriptions:
Tuubyts, size-wise, could easily be mistaken for a young, teenage human. However, his face and especially his eyes give away the fact that he has seen a lot of years. He is pale of skin with white hair. He is dressed in blue leathers. Fashionable yet practical for ease of movement.
The one hustling away (to be named when the PC comes back) is huge on the other hand. Easily around 6 1/2 feet tall. The cloak flowing back outlines broad shoulders. The head is covered with long auburn hair.]
Date: Tue Jan 20, 1998 18:05:06 From: just john To: NivekThe driver still atop this wagon says, "Let's hurry it up, people. Three copper pieces fare to the City of Hotdamm."
Date: Tue Jan 20, 1998 18:06:12 From: just john To: Judge Roy BeanAmong the other graffiti in the stop's ladies' room:
DRUIDS TONGUE. THIEVES CANT.
Date: Tue Jan 20, 1998 18:15:08 From: just john To: Mixafix Repl: 1962999, MixafixGilbert, Horzte and the two women talk about the tourney. Some sound starts filtering in from the other public room, the dwarf-sized one. There's some clanking of mugs and maybe a shuffle of cards and such. It's a warm early afternoon, and some who don't share Gilbert's dedication might consider it a good time for a siesta.
>> "Fight a dragon that's a good one " Gilbert guffaws, adding "I've traveled far and wide serving many a cause but I ain't never seen a dragon fight."Ms. Alnmoor chuckles darkly and says, "Not being there is the best way to survive one, but the notion of a bunch of rag-tag game winners going against a young adult Blue does have a naively romantic sound to it."
"Hey!" objects the counter girl.
"Anyway," Horzte continues, "We'll have standard sword combat, rapier fencing, Roaming Gekko Wrestling, jousting and free-for-all. Maybe archery, if enough want it."
Date: Wed Jan 21, 1998 10:57:14 From: Mixafix To: just john Repl: 1963367, just john
Gilbert signs up for the tourney and tries to establish where and when he needs to turn up before departing to arrange accommodation for himself and his horse. If all goes well he will explore the town, heading for Virner`s Inn for refreshments.
Date: Wed Jan 21, 1998 18:56:05 From: just john To: Mixafix Repl: 1963874, Mixafix
>> Gilbert signs up for the tourney and tries to establish where and when he needs to turn up before departing to arrange accommodation for himself and his horse."Ha!" snorts V. Alnmoor.
"B-b-but, we have rooms! Really nice ones, and registered Tourney participants get a special rate," says the woman behind the counter.
(This is exactly the argument/negotiation that she and V. Alnmoor were going through when Gilbert walked in.)
Date: Thu Jan 22, 1998 12:37:11 From: Mixafix To: just john Repl: 1964132, just john
"Well book me in my good lady of course I`ll be delighted to stay." Gilbert replies before booking himself in, parking his belongings in his room, and ensuring his horse is sorted before departing for the Inn.
Date: Thu Jan 22, 1998 18:39:02 From: just john To: Mixafix Repl: 1964380, Michael Durant
"Well book me in my good lady of course I`ll be delighted to stay." Gilbert replies before booking himself in, parking his belongings in his room, and ensuring his horse is sorted before departing for the Inn."Great!" say Horzte and the woman behind the bar.
Signing in goes well. Horzte leaves on some errand, still humming to himself, "a dragon! a dragon!"
V. Alnmoor stays at the bar and orders a water, probably just to annoy the bartender woman.
Gilbert gets his luggage and horse in order, and on his last trip from his room, he sees somebody new has entered the public room. It's a dwarf, all in armor and such.
The bartender woman (whose name Gilbert still hasn't asked) is saying to the dwarf, "Hello, stranger! Are you here to sign up for our little tournament?"
[Finally, you run into another Player Character! Welcome Michael Durant!]
Date: Thu Jan 22, 1998 23:21:03 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1964612, Mixafix
Feeling a bit self conscious entering through the large door, he pauses just inside the door way as his eyes adjust to the dimmer interior. Looking beneath the dust of travel you can see a glint from a breastplate over chain. On the breast, peeking from behind the long braided beard is the emblazoned image of an anvil being struck by a hammer. Across his back is a smallish shield and a pack.
He quickly scans the room, *Ah the bar would seem to be the place to start*. He removes his helm as he approaches the bar. Just barely cresting the top of the bar, slate gray eyes are set deep in the cliff of his craggy face. Black, or maybe just dark brown hair and beard are both neatly braided.
"Good day to you," he replies to the barkeep. His voice, though seemingly quiet is a deep bass that seems to rumble with power ready when needed. "Yes, I was hoping to challenge myself in your tournament, if that is possible." His speech is slow and measured, holding little accent of any type. "Oh and a tankard of something cool and stout would be greatly appreciated." His eyes seem to twinkle just a bit as he says that, then his head disappears below the bar for a moment as he bows, "My given name is Tufin [TOOF-en] Dungur [DOON-gar] Mormain [MARMmm-een] but most folks just call me Hammer."
MikeD
Date: Fri Jan 23, 1998 10:32:12 From: Mixafix To: Michael Durant Repl: 1966533, Michael Durant
Gilbert is about 6`4" tall and slightly awkward with it, he is of proportionate build and currently dressed in simple shirt and trousers. He appears to be armed only with a dagger tucked into his belt and sports a prominent amulet of Athena around his neck. He is tugging at his large mustache by the counter as Hammer arrives and immediately turns to the dwarf "I hope you don't mind me being so forward but I heard you ask about this tourney thing, well I'm down for that myself you know - eh sorry Gilbert Gallant's the name." This said he offers his hand.
Date: Sun Jan 25, 1998 22:53:14 From: Michael Durant To: Mixafix Repl: 1966780, Mixafix; 1968896, just john
Reaching up to take the hand, he replies in a deep bass voice full of gruff, but also warmth. "Pleased to meet you Sir Gallant!" And there is obvious strength in the hand is it squeezes just a bit and shakes.
Releasing Gilbert's hand, "I will be but a moment." he turns back to the bar maid. What can you tell me about this tournament and perhaps some lodgings?"
MikeD
Date: Mon Jan 26, 1998 10:40:02 From: Mixafix To: Michael Durant Repl: 1967368, Michael Durant; 1968895, just john
Retrieving his crushed hand Gilbert is still smiling and in apparent good spirits. "That's the stuff sign yourself up I`ll wait here." He produces and starts to pack a a pipe as he wanders about admiring the decor.
Date: Mon Jan 26, 1998 22:48:03 From: Michael Durant To: Mixafix"Ah a bowl of tobac to relax and a tankard or two to cut the dust!" he replies with enthusiasm, refrains from a hearty slap on the back *seeing how the fellow is cradling his hand* He continues, but maybe more to himself, "yes, I believe that I would enjoy that." as he returns hi attention to the bar maid.
"So how does this registration work?"
MikeD
Date: Wed Jan 28, 1998 21:54:08 From: just john To: Mixafix
>> He produces and starts to pack a a pipe as he wanders about admiring the decor.Whitish stucco'd arches, a few potted plants. (No ferns.) Ceiling is dark wood. (As was the floor of the bunkroom upstairs.)
From the sound of it, a large wagon has come to a stop outside, and a couple voices call out "Hotdamm!" ..
Date: Wed Jan 28, 1998 21:54:09 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1968902, Michael Durant
he turns back to the bar maid. What can you tell me about this tournament and perhaps some lodgings?"The bar maid's happy to comply, especially when it takes her away from that woman in the red armor.
The bar maid says, "Well, it's our first," clasping her hands in a way that affirms that impression, "And we're going to have swordplay, wrestling and free-style fighting ... And participants get a special discount on staying here, both food and drink! We have a bunk area and rooms designed with dwarves in mind."
Date: Wed Jan 28, 1998 22:03:01 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1971255, just john
"Well congratulations! It seems as though you have done a fair job getting the word out. The dwarven hall sounds grand. It has been some time since I have been able to catch up on doin's." His boisterous joviality becomes a bit quieter though as he continues, "I'd like to know, well, about the rates and all."
MikeD
Date: Sun Feb 01, 1998 13:10:10 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1971336, Michael Durant; 1974037, Bab; 1976345, Judge Roy Bean
"I'd like to know, well, about the rates and all."The barmaid says, "Well, normally, it's ten silvers a night, for the bunks, and hot baths are extra --"
"That explains a lot," sneers the female fighter in red.
"-- one gold piece. The fee for the bunk does include use of facilities, including lots of cold water."
"Anyway, the Tourney fee is three gold pieces, and that includes stable fees, a free hot bath per day, free breakfast each morning and three free drinks each night. Oh! More people!"
She says that last bit as the door swings open from the outside.
Date: Sun Feb 01, 1998 15:21:07 From: Michael Durant To: just john
"Well that sounds a reasonable deal, but I have no steed to stable." He begins to pull some coins from a pouch at his side. "Perhaps I could exchange that for an extra tankard or two of an evening?" he asks as he lays the coins upon the bar.
His gaze is likewise drawn by the sound of the opening door. *This seems to be a busy place. Perhaps this will be a good sized tournament after all!*
MikeD
Date: Thu Feb 05, 1998 09:58:04 From: Bab To: just john Repl: 1974445, Michael Durant; 1976073, just john; 1976344, Judge Roy Bean
The girl that enters is dusty, worn and slightly cooked. Apparently she's been on a long journey across the dessert. Regardless of the dirt and wear it is easy to see that she's rather young, she stands less than 5 feet tall in her soft, low boots and her stance is jaunty rather than tired and worn as her appearance would suggest.
Her sharp blue eyes glance about the room from underneath a short mop of dark brown hair. The hair seems to have been highlighted by the dust of the trail. She is also well armed, a dagger hangs comfortably, almost forgotten, from each hip. In sharp contrast, she seems to adjust the hang of a short sword on her right hip a couple of times each second.
If not for the dust, the leather jacket she wore would be bright red. It hangs wide open to allow some ventilation and exposing a woolen tunic and cotton shirt, both undyed. Her pants appear of the same wool and also undyed. If not for the jacket, her clothing would poses almost no color at all.
As the barmaid looks toward her, the young girl smiles broadly and approaches slowly.
--Bab
Date: Thu Feb 05, 1998 20:25:02 From: Michael Durant To: Bab Repl: 1974675, Mixafix
Standing at the bar by the barmaid you see the short but broad expanse of chain and breast plate. A thick braid of brown hair spits the broad expanse down to the belted waist. A large hammer hangs from the belt, a pack crowned by a helm leans against his leg. He seems to be pushing some coins towards the barmaid.
MikeD
Date: Fri Feb 06, 1998 05:14:03 From: Mixafix To: Michael Durant Repl: 1975753, Bab; 1976077, just john
Standing near the bar, pipe in hand, apparently admiring the simple decor you see Gilbert Gallant
He is about 6`4" tall, about 30 and of medium build, and carries himself well, He is of reasonable rugged good looks sporting blondish tousled hair and a lively mustache. He is currently simply dressed in shirt and trousers with an ornate dagger at his waistband.
Gilbert turns and introduces himself to one and all "Ah look everyone my name is Gilbert Gallant, I'm here for this tourney as well perhaps you might join me for a pre tourney drink as it were.." Ushering them to the bar he hails the barmaid "Ah my good lady perhaps I could trouble you for whatever everyone is drinking, I`ll have an ale thanks...."
Date: Sat Feb 07, 1998 22:18:02 From: Bab To: Mixafix Repl: 1975759, Michael Durant; 1978550, just john; 1978878, BabThe young girl smiles and squeezes up to the bar. From the bar maid she inquires about room and board and also the possibility of a bath. When the man with the pipe says drinks all around, the girl asks for the largest mug of water that they serve.
--Bab
Date: Sat Feb 07, 1998 22:26:11 From: Michael Durant To: Bab
The dwarf standing there sputters into his mug of ale. *water? did she order a water?* He turns slightly in an attempt to get a bit of a look ... out of the corner of his eye, of course ... at such a one as would order a water when the round is bought elsewhere.
MikeD
Date: Sun Feb 08, 1998 13:27:14 From: just john To: Bab Repl: 1982862, FireOpal
As the barmaid looks toward her, the young girl smiles broadly and approaches slowly."Why, hello!" says the barmaid. "What can I do for you?"
[Appleby, Finch, Nivek, Mistletoe, Gluftraz, Tuubyts and Perry: You're here too, unless you have some specific errand somewhere else in Hotdamm.]
Date: Sun Feb 08, 1998 13:28:10 From: just john To: Mixafix
"Ah my good lady perhaps I could trouble you for whatever everyone is drinking, I`ll have an ale thanks....""Certainly," she calls happily, and after noting Tufin's payment in the ledgers, she pulls herself away from the others to pull a mugful of ale and give it to Gilbert.
"I'm Suzzi, by the way," she says, then turns back to her other customers.
The ale's pretty good. It's cool but not frosty.
Date: Sun Feb 08, 1998 19:24:04 From: Judge Roy Bean To: Bab
Mixed in among the other travelers is truly an odd couple. The short one is obviously male. A scrawny little thing with white hair. He is dressed in blue leathers, designed more for comfort than for battle.
The other is huge. A hooded blue cloak hides most but stocky fur-clad legs and long red hair. A glimpse of the face that scans the room and its occupants suggests feminine qualities.
Neither appears to be armed.
JRB
Date: Sun Feb 08, 1998 19:24:04 From: Judge Roy Bean To: just john Repl: 1978551, just john
Both enter through the large door. Gluftraz heads for a corner table or at least one that will put the fewest possible people behind her. Tuubyts heads for the bar to order drinks. After depositing drinks at the table he will examine the wall containing the doors. If the dwarf-sized door obviously leads to somewhere else, Tuubyts will announce in a loud voice
"I gotta know!"
He will then scurry back out the large door and back in through the small.
Otherwise he will sit down beside Gluftraz and wait for the entertainment.
JRB
Date: Wed Feb 11, 1998 19:08:11 From: just john To: Bab
From the bar maid she inquires about room and board and also the possibility of a bath."Well," says Suzzi the barmaid, "Cold water for washing comes with a night's stay, but if it's a nice, hot bath you're looking for, it'll set you back a gold piece."
When the man with the pipe says drinks all around, the girl asks for the largest mug of water that they serve.It comes with a lemon wedge and, yes, that's an ice cube floating there! Just one, but it is real ice.
Date: Wed Feb 11, 1998 19:08:11 From: just john To: Judge Roy Bean Repl: 1981790, Judge Roy BeanTuubyts leaves for the other room, leaving Gluftraz with their drinks, sitting in the reflected light of the warm afternoon sun. The chair is comfortable, for light wicker. Probably not very useful for bashing anybody over the head, but maybe the table would serve for that, if it came to it ...
Date: Wed Feb 11, 1998 19:09:10 From: just john To: Judge Roy Bean Repl: 1981791, Judge Roy Bean(Tuubyts can get to it either through the aforementioned small door or by the hallway beyond the Poolside Room's bar.)
In here, it's less wicker-y and bright. The furniture is heavy wood and scaled to dwarf size. There are maybe three customers at the bar. Another dwarf is sitting in a corner table, facing the room, and shuffling a deck of cards.
Along one wall is a large board with circles and numbers. An axe is lodged in it, near the bullseye.
The bartender is also a dwarf. He spots Tuubyts and says, "Hey, there! I'm Sammi. What can I getcha?"
Date: Thu Feb 12, 1998 10:06:02 From: Bab To: Bab Repl: 1979820, just john
She ponders the costs while sipping an unusually cool drink of water. After the Flashpan, any water would have been great, this is almost heaven.
"How much is a room?" She asks of the barmaid. A cold bath may be all she could afford.
Bab
Date: Fri Feb 13, 1998 17:30:01 From: just john To: Bab Repl: 1984098, Myth
"How much is a room?" She asks of the barmaid. A cold bath may be all she could afford.(She may remember Lamont gave Appleby money for this..)
Date: Tue Feb 17, 1998 09:41:08 From: Judge Roy Bean To: just john Repl: 1981835, Bab
Tuubyts leaves...//....but maybe the table would serve for that, if it came to it...Gluftraz sighs as Tuubyts heads for the exit, then hunkers a little deeper into her cloak. She sips at her drink while trying to figure out the odds that she will not get to finish the drink in peace.
Date: Tue Feb 17, 1998 09:41:08 From: Judge Roy Bean To: just john Repl: 1983690, just john
>>The bartender is also a dwarf...//... What can I getcha?"<<[Tuubyts]
Greetings, Sammi. I'm Tuubyts. I have a drink waiting for me in the other section so pour me me something quick. Are you guys separated for better customer compatibility or is there something else going on?
And can you tell me something about this tournament?"
[end]
JRB
Date: Tue Feb 17, 1998 12:08:01 From: Bab To: Judge Roy Bean Repl: 1983763, Judge Roy Bean
*smack*
The young girl slaps her palm against her head as she remembers that the boss gave them some cash. And Appleby's carrying it. She half drops the cloak and dagger / loner routine and turns to the others who've entered behind her. She's about to rush her companion and beg for the bath money when she hears what sounds like a frustrated sigh from the person left next to her.
She turns with some concern in her eyes, "Excuse me. It's none of my business, but are you okay?"
Date: Thu Feb 19, 1998 00:21:10 From: FireOpal To: just john Repl: 1983010, Bab; 1983021, Mixafix; 1986105, just john; 1987332, Nivek
The elven-looking woman enters the inn along with the rest of the coach's occupants and gazes around curiously. Her bright green eyes miss little as she looks over the people already there. A smallish hawk is perched on her dark green leather-clad shoulder, alertly moving his head from side to side, trying to sense through the hood encasing his head. The woman moves up closer to Lysandra to hear the exchange about rooms and baths. "Oh, a hot bath would be wonderful after this desert journey!", she remarks, fingering one of her dusty, dirty but still very red-haired braids.
Leaning on her rune carved staff, she awaits the rest of the members (especially the one with their room money!).
Date: Thu Feb 19, 1998 12:15:01 From: Bab To: FireOpal
The young girl grins and half nods at the comment. Though her attention is still focused on a cloaked individual seated at a table near the bar.
--Bab
Date: Thu Feb 19, 1998 12:18:02 From: Mixafix To: FireOpal Repl: 1983340, Michael Durant; 1984527, just john
Gilbert will stand at the bar drinking his ale, generally being polite, and try to order up some food. Once done he will retire for the night unless anything else occurs.
Date: Thu Feb 19, 1998 22:17:11 From: Michael Durant To: Mixafix
The dwarf, idly sipping his ale and watching the growing crowd, *well certainly looks like there is going to be a good crowd at the tournament* Downing the remainder, *but I don't need so many tall folk right now* he deposits the mug on the bar and heads to the Dwarven side to check out the fare there.
MikeD
Date: Fri Feb 20, 1998 17:33:07 From: just john To: Judge Roy Bean Repl: 1983764, Judge Roy Bean; 1984170, Michael Durant
.. I have a drink waiting for me in the other section so pour me something quick.Sammi's brow furrows at the odd logic of that request, but he manages to pour an ale for Tuubyts.
Are you guys separated for better customer compatibility or is there something else going on?"Oh, this place has always had two public rooms it's one reason we get to call it a 'resort.' So when Suzzi and I took over, it was perfect for us. You see, life's not always easy for couples when they're as different as me and Suzzi."
And can you tell me something about this tournament?"That's Horzte's bailiwick odd word, that." He calls out to the dwarf with the cards, "Hey, Zootz! What the heck is a bailiwick, anyway?"
Zootz thinks for a moment, then fires back, "Maybe like a basilisk, only less sibilant?"
"Hmmm... Anyway, Horzte is in charge of the tournament. It's Hotdamm's first, so we've got our fingers crossed. Figuratively, that is."
Tufin comes in at this point, and Sammi calls out to him, "Hi! I'm Sammi! What can I get for you," he looks Tufin up and down, "Padre?"
Date: Fri Feb 20, 1998 19:42:10 From: Judge Roy Bean To: Bab Repl: 1985089, Bab
"Excuse me. It's none of my business, but are you okay?"[Gluftraz]
The cloaked figure stiffens visibly.
"huh.....ff.....um.......f-fine......um..........thanks."
[end]
JRB
Date: Fri Feb 20, 1998 19:42:10 From: Judge Roy Bean To: just john Repl: 1984530, just john
"You see, life's not always easy for couples when they're as different as me and Suzzi"
[Tuubyts]
"I know exactly where you're coming from. I about have to stand on my own shoulders to dance proper with my lady. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. She more lady than any man deserves, both literally and figuratively and I'm about the luckiest man on earth to have her looking at me. It would nice, just once, to be able to look her straight in the eye rather than the navel."
Tuubyts looks over to scope out the priest, then heads over towards Zootz.
"Good day to you, Sir. Would you mind filling me in on the particulars of this tournament?"
[end]
JRB
Date: Sat Feb 21, 1998 09:26:01 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1986106, just john
(She may remember Lamont gave Appleby money for this..)
The money-holder in question is standing barely in the room, having stepped to one side just after entering. He is either surveying the room, lost in thought, or looking at something only he can see. At least he's not blocking traffic, but that's the only thing remotely good about his actions, or lack thereof.
In this environment, he looks much younger than he did in the desert; somewhere in his twenties, perhaps. His six-foot frame is clad in rugged blue pants and the moon-and-stars shirt that seems to be a favorite. He has removed his brown leather hat, revealing longish black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a pleasant (though immobile) face in moderate need of a shave.
Date: Sat Feb 21, 1998 11:25:00 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1984529, just john
The newly arrived dwarf chuckles merrily, his eyes dancing in mirth, "Hard for me to believe too!" He finishes his trip to the bar, and extends a well calloused hand, "Tufin [[pronounced 'TOOF-en' BTW]] will do just fine. He," he taps the image of Hammer and Anvil on his still slightly dusty breast plate, "he may have picked me, but we try not to stand on ceremony ... unless I am needed to perform on, that is!" he scratches his chin, sets his pack and help by his feet. "Say you wouldn't have something more to the dwarven taste on this side ... Would you?"
MikeD
Date: Sat Feb 21, 1998 23:23:01 From: just john To: Mixafix Repl: 1984600, Mixafix
Gilbert will stand at the bar drinking his ale, generally being polite, and try to order up some food.Behind the bar, a menu reads
|
Chef's Salad -- 20 c.p. Chili w/meat -- 10 c.p. Chili no/meat -- 9 c.p. Bread -- 2 c.p. Beer -- 4 c.p. Ale -- 6 c.p. Mead -- 6 c.p. Wine -- 8 c.p. Coffee - 2 c.p. Tea - 1 c.p. |
Date: Sat Feb 21, 1998 23:23:02 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1985078, Michael Durant
"Say you wouldn't have something more to the dwarven taste on this side ... Would you?""Well..." says Sammi, "We use solider dishes and mugs, but it's the same food and drink. What did you have in mind?"
Date: Sat Feb 21, 1998 23:23:04 From: just john To: Judge Roy Bean Repl: 1985044, Judge Roy Bean
Tuubyts looks over to scope out the priest, then heads over towards Zootz. "Good day to you, Sir. Would you mind filling me in on the particulars of this tournament?"Zootz stops shuffling and mutters, "All I know is that Horzte promised he'd break each and every of my fingers individually if I messed with anybody involved in it."
He pauses and gives Tuubyts a look from under his bushy gray brows.
"... but about this trick where you stand on your own shoulders to dance ... I gotta admit I'm curious."
Date: Sun Feb 22, 1998 05:27:01 From: Mixafix To: just john Repl: 1984845, just john
Chef`s salad, bread and an ale it is then........
Date: Sun Feb 22, 1998 16:01:10 From: just john To: Mixafix
Chef`s salad, bread and an ale it is then........Suzzi takes the order and hands the note back through an opening into the kitchen. As she's chatting with the others at the bar, she pulls another ale and sets out a place setting for the knight.
A few minutes later, the door to the kitchen opens and Gilbert can see the top of a head bobbing toward him. When it gets right in front of him, it rises (there must be a ladder or something for this very purpose) to reveal the sunny face of a young dwarf carrying Gilbert's order.
"'Ere ya go, then!"
The salad has lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, mushrooms, garbonzo beans, some chopped peppers and cabbage, plus bite-sized chunks of salt beef, ham and two or three different sorts of cheese. The bread is a whole loaf of dark bread, and when Gilbert breaks it open, its hearty aroma spreads through the room like good news from home.
From down the bar, Gilbert hears a "Grrr..." then "Oh, all right. I'm not made of stone! I'll have some of what he's having." It's V. Alnmoor.
"As you wish," responds Suzzi smugly, as if she's won some important debating point.
Date: Sun Feb 22, 1998 21:05:00 From: Judge Roy Bean To: just john Repl: 1986107, just john"...but about this trick where you stand on your own shoulders to dance... I gotta admit I'm curious"
[Tuubyts]
"Merely a figure of speech, my friend. You see, my lady is 6 and a half feet tall whereas I'm not even five. Whispering sweetthings in her belly button just doesn't have a great effect. And speaking of my lady, I really should get back to her. Please have a round on me."
Tuubyts hands the empty mug and coins to pay for Zoot's next round and back to the "big" side of the bar
[end]
JRB
Date: Sun Feb 22, 1998 22:30:01 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1986108, just john
"Well a bit of dwarven stout would certainly go a ways to clearing the road dust from my throat!"
MikeD
Date: Sun Feb 22, 1998 22:52:01 From: Bab To: Judge Roy Bean Repl: 1986109, just john
The girl smiles brightly at the mumbled response and nods. "Right then. just checking." She turns back to the barmaid, Suzzi (?), and inquires about food prices and choices.
"Miss, what is there to eat that might not set a body back too much?"
--Bab
Date: Tue Feb 24, 1998 18:37:12 From: just john To: FireOpal Repl: 1988101, FireOpal"Well, the tub room's available right now," says Suzzi. "During the day, by policy we only let one gender at a time in there, otherwise the town elders might think people were enjoying themselves TOO much."
"But even so, it's one of the best luxuries we have to offer, and only a gold piece per person. That includes towels, soaps, oils and .. um ..," she pauses to gather courage, ".. use of a rubber squeeze toy in the shape of a duck."
Date: Tue Feb 24, 1998 18:37:13 From: just john To: MythThe room is large and well lit. The furniture is white wicker, and the large windows that make up the far wall let in the afternoon sun, both from above and reflected on the water of the oasis itself.
Besides the group he came with, Appleby sees a blonde woman behind the bar, hustling about to serve and explain things to her customers. She smiles at Appleby briefly as she hustles. At the bar are two strangers who are each evidently fighters by profession, but who seem to have nothing else in common. At least not until the woman fighter says, "I'll have some of what he's having."
She's in glossy red armor, and after hearing her talk a bit, Appleby might place her accent as being similar to a certain child he met on a beach recently.
The other stranger at the bar is a man, Gilbert.
Date: Tue Feb 24, 1998 18:37:14 From: just john To: Judge Roy BeanZootz seems disappointed with Tuubyts' explanation.
"Oh, well. I was thinking a fellow able to do stunts and with a gift for patter might be able to make a bit of cash, what with people coming to watch the games and all. That wouldn't be interfering, would it? No harm done, eh?"
"Thanks for the beer."
Date: Tue Feb 24, 1998 18:38:00 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1986202, Michael Durant
"Well a bit of dwarven stout would certainly go a ways to clearing the road dust from my throat!""Coming up!"
Sammi sets it in front of Tufin.
"So, you in town for the Tournament, or are you looking out for your flock? Mind you, most of your sect hang out over at Virnir's, on the other side of town. Sometimes they drop by here on holidays, but Virnir's is closer for them."
Date: Tue Feb 24, 1998 18:38:01 From: just john To: Bab Repl: 1987026, Bab
"Miss, what is there to eat that might not set a body back too much?"Suzzi replies, "That bread you're smelling is only a couple coppers a loaf, and the chili's always good -- that's nine or ten coppers. Nine for the extra hot meatless or ten for the less hot meaty variety."
Date: Tue Feb 24, 1998 21:05:08 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1991493, just john
"Just finished signing up for your tournament," He lifts the mug, takes a tentative sniff, then a long pull followed by a contented sigh. "Been a while I can tell you. Thanks." then returns to the previous thought, "But if there are any needing tending to, I am certainly available to do His work!" he taps the symbol on his breast plate. "I think I'll be needing another one of these," he says then empties the mug in a second long pull.
MikeD
Date: Thu Feb 26, 1998 08:41:00 From: Bab To: just john Repl: 1987300, just john
As Suzzi tells her of the options, Lysandra glances at the bread being mentioned and nods. "I'll take some of that bread. What's chili?"
--Bab
Date: Thu Feb 26, 1998 17:35:08 From: just john To: Bab Repl: 1987324, Myth
"I'll take some of that bread. What's chili?"Suzzi smiles and nods until she's hit with that question.
"What's chili?" she repeats, "Why, it's ... it's ..."
She moves her hand in a circular motion -- the international sign for "I'm trying to come up with words for it" -- and she looks from one customer to the next, her eyes pleading for some help in the explanation.
Date: Thu Feb 26, 1998 18:17:01 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1988381, just john
"Chili is a thick, spicy stew, built on a base of tomatoes and beans, with a liberal attention to pepper of various stripes. Recipes vary, but where I've encountered the dish, it has been served with cheese and toasted bread."
He steps forward, eyes still fixed on Suzzi, wishing he had a cloak to swirl mysteriously.
"I would be honored to partake of your chili, Lady."
Date: Thu Feb 26, 1998 18:26:13 From: Nivek To: FireOpal
Entering behind the others, the cloaked elven looking man peers at those inside the inn. He is very quiet now (not that he was real noisy before), but he seems almost shy here, as if he feels very out of place, perhaps thoughts of their questionable mission. Wherever the others sit, he will join quietly, his eyes darting between his friends and the strangers.
- Nivek
Date: Sat Feb 28, 1998 00:19:13 From: FireOpal To: just john Repl: 1991497, just john
The druid moves nonchalantly up next to Appleby (if he's not already close by) and asks sotto voce if there is any possibility of the gold piece for a hot bath... once their accomodations are seen to, of course. Turning back to Suzzi she asks, "How long will the bath be open? Are the bunk rooms mixed gender? Will it be okay if my feathered companion stays in the inn? What's this I heard about a tournament?" She is full of questions and curious about this new town and its inhabitants.
Date: Sat Feb 28, 1998 14:22:07 From: just john To: Myth Repl: 1988890, Myth; 1989175, Bab
Chili is a thick, spicy stew, built on a base of tomatoes and beans, with a liberal attention to pepper of various stripes."There. What he said," Suzzi says to Lysandra.
To Appleby, she says, "With or without meat? The meatless is something the recipe calls 'three alarum,' whatever that means.. Anyway, it's hotter than the chili with meat. The meat's pemmican, by the way -- fresh meat's hard to come by 'round here."
[Assuming Appleby orders one or the other:]
"Okay, sir, right away."
"And we'll bring a little sample for you," she says to Lysandra.
Date: Sun Mar 01, 1998 13:45:14 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1991107, FireOpal; 1991496, just john
Appleby has his chili with meat, not being one of those mages who refused perfectly good food just because it had once been able to walk. Though, to be fair, he tried not to eat food that had once been able to talk-- one had to draw the line somewhere.
The druid's question, however, forced him into a more prominent position than consumer of food and philosopher as to its origins.
"Is the tub policy different at night, then?" he asked, that being politer than wondering how restricting the gender of bathers was supposed to curb excessive fun.
"And might it be possible to get some sort of discount for a group of bathers?"
Date: Sun Mar 01, 1998 21:58:14 From: Bab To: just john Repl: 1989712, just john
The girl smiles widely at Appleby's description. Stew is something she's familiar with. She begins to make an order when Suzzi says that she'll bring a little sample. Lysandra's not sure about the tone and a small grimace creeps into her expression. She wonders if Suzzi is now patronizing her.
After a moment she decides she's probably being over sensitive and has forgotten the issue completely.
--Bab
Date: Mon Mar 02, 1998 21:28:14 From: just john To: Bab(When the food arrives, Lysandra might notice that this "chili" stuff is quite similar to what Ernest served for dinner last night. Of course, Ernest's stuff featured the last of the griffon meat.)
Date: Wed Mar 04, 1998 23:21:10 From: FireOpal To: Myth Repl: 1991875, Nivek
<<Mistletoe>>
The elven woman will listen with interest to the answers regarding the bathing, rooms and board (with hawk hopefully). She has no qualms about bathing with the women. She would feel awkward with the men, and especially Nivek <grin>. A bowl of chili sounds good with a small helping of ale if 'Mr. Moneybags Appleby' is buying. Once the logistics are handled (bath etc), the woman will decidedly take a chair next to Nivek settling Ashfelor onto the back, making comfortable small talk until food arrives.
[jj: I will be out of town from Thur-Sat so play her if you see fit in order to move things along :) Will probably pick up messages on Sun.]
**FireOpal**
Date: Thu Mar 05, 1998 17:25:00 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1991681, Michael Durant
"But if there are any needing tending to, I am certainly available to do His work!" he taps the symbol on his breast plate.Sammi says, "Ah. That's good. For a bit, I was thinking you might've been sent by your main Temple to put some muscle behind the academics' arguments at Virnir's and out at the site."
Some more customers wander in. Zootz continues shuffling cards in the corner.
Date: Thu Mar 05, 1998 17:26:12 From: just john To: Myth
"Is the tub policy different at night, then?""You betcha," Suzzi confirms, "For instance, there's an outstanding reservation on full moon nights from midnight to dawn, signed out to - and I quote - 'Bruno and five of his best wenches.' Not my choice of phrasing, but there you go."
"And might it be possible to get some sort of discount for a group of bathers?""Water's one thing we don't discount," says Suzzi.
V. Alnmoor, the woman in the glazed red armor, wipes her mouth and speaks up. "With one exception..."
Suzzi blinks, nonplused.
V. continues, "You know, the ournament-tay?"
Suzzi gets it. "Oooh.."
She turns back to Appleby. "That's right. If you sign up for the Tournament, you get one free hot bath per day."
Date: Thu Mar 05, 1998 17:27:08 From: just john To: FireOpal Repl: 1991639, Myth
How long will the bath be open? Are the bunk rooms mixed gender? Will it be okay if my feathered companion stays in the inn? What's this I heard about a tournament?Suzzi gets around to the questions, one by one.
"The baths are open all day and all night - they're one of our more in-demand features. It's just that we generally schedule their use. The bunk rooms are mixed gender, and we do also have private rooms for singles or more. Does your feathered companion also have a bird? Oh, it is the bird? Well, sure, as long as it's polite. Otherwise, we can set something up in the stable areas. The Tournament is our town's first. We'll have various forms of fighting and jousting, depending on the skills of the participants. We have lots of healing potions and such on hand, so it should be good, clean, violent fun!"
She takes Mistletoe's food order and puts it on the tab she starts for Appleby.
Date: Thu Mar 05, 1998 21:08:13 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1992554, just john
"I think we might all be interested in hearing more about this tournament, then," the dark-haired mage replies. "I had though such things were reserved for fighters and paladins and such, not open to simple travelers such as ourselves."
Date: Thu Mar 05, 1998 21:47:04 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1992555, just john
The dwarf raises an eyebrow over that last comment, "oh? I had not heard." Takes a goodly pull on his mug, removing a bit of head from his mustache before continuing, "If you don't mind my asking, is there a story waiting to be told there?"
MikeD
Date: Fri Mar 06, 1998 09:06:09 From: Nivek To: FireOpal Repl: 1993214, just john
Quiet as ever, the ranger listened to the talk of baths and such. At Mistletoe's comments about group baths, he blushed a remarkable shade of red. Quickly he bends down, to tighten the laces on his traveling boots.
When Suzzi approaches him, he smiles innocently to her. "I'll have an ale and whatever you've recommended to the others to eat, please".
With his order placed, he looks around, eyeing each patron, wondering how many others here were thieves like they were about to be.
- Nivek
Date: Sat Mar 07, 1998 13:56:08 From: just john To: Myth Repl: 1993251, Myth
"I had though such things were reserved for fighters and paladins and such, not open to simple travelers such as ourselves.""Simple travelers are usually less well armed," Suzzi says, eyeing Appleby's staff, "Unless they've been out adventuring .. ?"
Date: Sat Mar 07, 1998 13:56:09 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1992750, Michael Durant
>> "If you don't mind my asking, is there a story waiting to be told there?""Oh, I'm not privy to your church's local politics, so perhaps I should hold my tongue," says Sammi as he polishes an already clean bit of bar, "Especially when talking to one who probably already knows more than I do."
Date: Sat Mar 07, 1998 22:10:00 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1993213, just john
"Well I will not pry. But I am not from this area and would certainly not be disturbed to learn of the local ... ahh ... shall we say situation as you see it." He drinks deeply once more from the mug, "Save me from walking 'into it', ya might say," he winks suggestivly at Sammi. "By the way, what sort of sustenance might be available, if I might ask."
MikeD
Date: Sun Mar 08, 1998 16:45:10 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1993395, Michael Durant"Hmm... Virnir's is the best place to get the scoop on doings at the site."
Food's something Sammi is more than willing to talk about.
"Well, our bread's freshly baked and our chili is famous for its flavor. Today, we have roast bulette flank as the special. Oh, and there's our chef's salad, too."
Date: Sun Mar 08, 1998 16:46:05 From: just john To: Nivek Repl: 1993651, Nivek
With his order placed, he looks around, eyeing each patron, wondering how many others here were thieves like they were about to be.Besides the ranger's companions of the past few days, there's that pair that were in the mail wagon into town. The woman is quiet, but attired for combat rather than stealth.
Eating at the bar is a fellow in fighting gear (Gilbert) and that woman in the glossy red armor. So far, her every move and utterance have seemed to have been dipped in sarcasm, but she also doesn't seem dressed for sneaking about.
Her back's to Nivek, but he suddenly sees that while he's looking at her back, she's watching him by way of the bar's mirror.
Date: Sun Mar 08, 1998 18:01:12 From: Myth To: just john Repl: 1993972, just john
"It depends on where you travel, I suppose. Some places, a traveler unable to defend himself winds up traveling no more."
The mage shrugs.
"This tournament of yours sounds adventurous enough, though. Is there ought in the way of information about it, or shall I be forced to beg for information from your customers, perhaps plying them with ale?"
He sips from his mug, raising his eyebrows in surprise.
"Very good ale, too, I might add."
Date: Sun Mar 08, 1998 21:58:04 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1993953, just john
He is thoughtful for a moment as he considers the menu. "Well the bread sounds good ... and perhaps some cheese and maybe a bit of fruit, but what is 'chilly'?"
MikeD
Date: Mon Mar 09, 1998 13:44:05 From: Nivek To: just john
*Strange place*, he thinks to himself as eh looks at everyone.
He continues to try and look innocent, and continues to remind himself that he hasn't done anything yet. *At least Mistletoe and Ashfelor are here with me. I should be able to stay with them and get through this*.
His attention wanders to others in the room, the woman in the red armor getting a good share of it. He overhears here, and finds himself staring at her from behind. Unfortunately, much to his dismay, he catches her face in a mirror in front of her, realizing quickly that her eyes are looking right into his. He can feel the heat immediately, as an unusual shade of crimson spreads across his cheeks.
- Nivek
Date: Mon Mar 09, 1998 21:05:13 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1994074, Michael Durant
but what is 'chilly'?"Sammi stops and after a beat replies, "'What's chili?' Why it's .. it's .."
His hand starts moving, but before he can complete the International Sign, he thinks better of it and tugs at his beard briefly.
"Tell you what, padre. Why not give a bowl a try, on the house. If you don't like it, the chickens will take care of the leftovers."
Date: Mon Mar 09, 1998 21:27:07 From: just john To: Myth Repl: 1994099, Bab; 1994100, Drax
"This tournament of yours sounds adventurous enough, though. Is there ought in the way of information about it, or shall I be to beg for information from your customers, perhaps plying them with ale?""Sorry to be so long on that," Suzzi apologizes as she catches her breath and gets a gulp of water. "Horzte is running it, so he has the whole story. But the long and short of is if we get at least four practitioners of any sort of combat, we'll schedule some matches. As long as it's not hard core blood com..bat.."
The reason her exposition has ground to a halt is this: As she started saying "hard core," her glance naturally went to V. Alnmoor, expecting some flack. So when she sees the woman and Nivek staring at each other via the mirror, her speech sputters out.
A moment of silence follows.
Date: Mon Mar 09, 1998 23:28:06 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1996202, just john
"Well thank you. That sounds quite acceptable. But I do get to pay if I enjoy it, don't I?" he finishes with a sly smile splitting his beard.
"Might as well have one more mug to go with that" he adds as he drains the remains of the second *I'll have to watch my spending, though!*
MikeD
Date: Tue Mar 10, 1998 00:34:04 From: Bab To: just john Repl: 1998073, just john
The girl had demurely awaiting her food at the bar. Her diminutive size making her all but unnoticible. Even the red of her "new" leather jacket was subdued by the gleaming red armour of the large warrior woman.
A very intriguing looking sort. Lysandra had been glancing up at her occasionally, attempting to gauge her "type." Then Suzzi's speech sputtered to a halt and Lysandra realized where the large woman was staring. The young girl suddenly didn't care for the feel of the warrior woman's type. She'd felt that type of tension before. Even among "friends."
Suddenly Lysandra nudged the large warrior, gently, with her right elbow. "Hey," she piped in a voice even higher and more youthful than usual, "we have the same color armor!" She chirps loudly and with fiegned innocence. "Yers shure is shinnier, though. Can I touch it?" She bats her thick lashes in a way calculated to exude as much childish enthusiasm as possible.
--Bab
Date: Tue Mar 10, 1998 00:34:04 From: Drax To: just john Repl: 1996201, just john
"What does the winner of this tournament get? Anything?" Finch stands near Appleby, but did not bother to stop just inside the door as the other did at first.
Date: Fri Mar 13, 1998 13:25:10 From: just john To: Drax Repl: 1996631, Mixafix
>> "What does the winner of this tournament get? Anything?""Why, Experience! Trophies! Fame! And a shot at taking on a real dragon!"
This enthusiastic reply comes from the doorway, where a man in black and white enameled armor stands, helm tucked under one arm. His face is ringed by blonde hair and beard, but he has no mustache. A ludicrously large sword is strapped to his back. He's sweating from some exertion that he seems to have enjoyed mightily.
"Hello, guests! My name's Horzte!"
He steps into the room.
Date: Fri Mar 13, 1998 13:25:11 From: just john To: Michael Durant Repl: 1996541, Michael DurantIn a couple of minutes, a young dwarf comes with Tufin's chili, along with some bread, some cheese and an orange. The others in the bar are quiet for a bit, so Tufin can hear Tuubyts' offer of a story, and then Horzte's introduction from the next room.
Date: Fri Mar 13, 1998 22:37:06 From: Michael Durant To: just john Repl: 1998080, just john
Tufin sniff the bowl of chili *it seems warm not cold* and takes a taste. After smacking his lips appreciatively, "MMmm, yes! Very nice. Good spices in that, nice peppers too. I approve."
As the story seems about to begin, the dwarf finds a comfortable spot from which to enjoy ale, chili, bread and cheese *and a story! what could be better than this*
He does pause a moment to make a proper prayer of thanks to Moradin before beginning his meal.
MikeD
Date: Sat Mar 14, 1998 05:27:08 From: Mixafix To: just john Repl: 1998079, just john
Gilbert turns from the bar pushing aside his finished meal and ale as Horzte enters in all his splendor. Gilbert suddenly feels a little inadequate dressed in simple shirt and trousers. His dagger tucked at his waist is no competition for the master`s rather large, and come to think of it, rather odd looking sword. "Hello guests....." greets Gilbert who relaxes realizing who the newcomer is. He turns to the bar and orders another ale from Suzzi while he watches Horzte. "Well met Horzte I am Gilbert Gallant ....an ale perhaps ?" he offers
Date: Mon Mar 16, 1998 17:26:14 From: just john To: Bab Repl: 1998432, Myth; 1999006, Bab; 1999040, Nivek(V. Alnmoor's about as tall as Holli, and with much narrower shoulders. That still makes her larger than Lysandra, of course.)
Suddenly Lysandra nudged the large warrior, gently, with her right elbow. "Hey," she piped in a voice even higher and more youthful than usual, "we have the same color armor!"The woman tries to brush her aside and keep her eyes on Nivek. Her other hand goes to cover a coin pouch.
"Yers shure is shinnier, though. Can I touch it?" She bats her thick lashes in a way calculated to exude as much childish enthusiasm as possible."Hey!" she snaps, and her near hand goes to a sword hilt. She begins to stand. "Get your grubby little -"
She realizes where she is, and she clamps down on her rage. She sits back down and mutters, "Just back off, okay?"
Date: Mon Mar 16, 1998 17:29:00 From: just john To: Mixafix Repl: 1998558, Mixafix
"Well met Horzte I am Gilbert Gallant ....an ale perhaps ?""That would hit the spot exactly!" agrees Horzte, who steps behind the bar to help himself, and to refresh any glasses that have gone empty.
He pauses at one of the register books and crosses something out. "Hey, Suzzi, the Zeusian glee quartet can't make their bath appointment next hour. Something came up... Literally."
He chuckles to himself, then adds quietly, "And those fellows really love their hot baths together! Never heard such howling and giggling. Hmph. Singers." He shakes his head with fond amusement.
"So! Where was I? Let's see... Yes, you can rent or even borrow armor for the Tournament, if you need to. Judges will include the Mayor, clan chieftans and the town Elders."
Suzzi, on her way to Tuubyts' table, asks, "When did we get Elders?"