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  1. - Top - End - #31
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Vadin's Avatar

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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Late evening
    Dibsy Street


    It had been a long day and a good day. Tabitha, one of the older girls, had taken the money Hem made "working" and found an excellent deal on some shark fins down at the market while buying the week's food. The stew smelled excellent. Really, just perfect.

    Hem reflected on how strange the children would find it if they knew he spent most of the day walking around the city in a tengu mask looking for a stranger's apartment. They wouldn't have thought it strange when he comforted the grieving guard, though. Each child was well acquainted with the feeling of peace and warmth that came from one of Uncle Hem's hugs. He didn't keep them hooked on it like he did his worshipers, instead using the power only when a situation called for it: night terrors, tantrums, the weepies. An angry or scared adult wouldn't have felt anything, but children were far more suggestible and sensitive to his most unusual ability. As long as they could trust him enough to compose themselves for just a moment he could always get them back to bed. They loved him, they really did. And it was so convenient. Children make the best spies.
    Avatar by Linguini


  2. - Top - End - #32
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    ForzaFiori's Avatar

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    4th of Bargenholt
    Claye-Potts Machinery
    One-ish
    Xavier de Forza


    "Thank you for the offer, but I'm fine. I just need to speak to Claye for a moment. Is there someplace private here?" Xavier asks, looking around the shop. Assuming there is, he'll follow Claye there before beginning. "I have just come from the Lord's Arena, where Mr. d'Milverton wants to rent a cooling machine I've created. There's a problem though... it's a prototype, and I have to finish the kinks and have 10 created in four days. to put it simply, I need some help. I'd be willing to split the profits 50-50 with you and Potts if you'd be willing to help. I'd even be willing to work together to sell the devices if they take off. he flashes his best smile. "So what do you say?"
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  3. - Top - End - #33
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    RogueGuy

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    One Day Ago
    3rd of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Noon
    Lord's Arena - Jameson's Office
    Jameson


    I couldn't agree with you more about men who claim to be honest, Jameson says, For every one you can trust, there are ten with daggers behind there back. No, this is why I recommend Rumplekin, he has a very high reputation in town and I have dealt with him personally.

    Yes, let us put business aside. Tell me, you must be hungry, the golden blade has some of the finest chef's in the city, why don't I have Ms. Twill bring us in something. If he agrees, Jameson will call Twill in and have her send in a large tray of assorted small dishes and he will join him for lunch. If he refuses, Jameson will not.

    I would be very interested to hear more about your homeland Jameson says. Most of my knowledge of Itoku is based on rumors and it can be hard to put fact from fiction. I have heard that you follow an emperor like ours and that he rides on the back of a tamed lizard the size of a horse, that couldn't be true could it?

    the conversation
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    Jameson will continue making small talk unless Mikado steers the conversation. Topics would include religion, government, games of chance they play (he does run a casino after all). And he is genuinely interested.

    Jameson will casually drop in questions including
    1. Will the city be seeing more merchants from Itoku
    2. Learning more about Mikado's trade goods.
    Annoying Gamer says - Hollywood is sooooooooo unoriginal. Hey, check out my dual wielding drow Drazzit!

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  4. - Top - End - #34
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    TheDarkDM's Avatar

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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Noon
    Claye-Potts Machinery


    Ghedim put down the clockwork bauble and placed his hands flat on the counter. He'd hoped for a more decisive reaction from the woman, but she was either an unfortunately named innocent or sufficiently experienced to quash any reaction to her own name.

    "Well, then let me be blunt madame. My government would be most interested in a meeting with a member of the Kilnmyr family, and I believe you to be just such a person. If you are not, then I have no more business here, but if you are Claye Kilnmyr then I believe I have a proposal that would be mutually beneficial for all involved."

    I was old when the pharaohs first mounted
    The jewel-decked throne by the Nile;
    I was old in those epochs uncounted
    When I, and I only, was vile;

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    ...one could possibly refer to you guys' elaborate dance of allies-to-enemies-to-suicide-of-the-universe as some sort of weird art form.

    If one were on drugs.
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  5. - Top - End - #35
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    4th of Bargenholt, Claye-Potts Machinery, Noon

    "Ah am Claye Kilnmyr, but Ah'd need t' hear the proposal first." Claye leans on the counter completely, and then switches to the common tongue of Rhetiz - although hearing it spoken with her accent is a new experience even for an ambassador, despite her effort to enunciate. "Or I could save you some time. Are you here about the armory?" Normally this would have been a prodigious logical leap, but Claye knew from experience that governments typically only wanted to talk to her about one thing...

    4th of Bargenholt, Claye-Potts Machinery, after 1 p.m.

    Claye takes Xavier directly to her little office in the back of the actual machine shop. It was no larger than a prison cell, but darn it, she was proud of it.

    Upon hearing his offer, Claye raises an eyebrow so high that it disappears under the headband. "50-50 for an Arena job? How could Ah refuse? Am Ah gonna be developin', testin', or just hammerin' 'em out?"
    Last edited by Jade_Tarem; 2011-09-01 at 04:21 AM.
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  6. - Top - End - #36
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    SamuraiGuy

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    One Day Ago
    3rd of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Noon
    Lord's Arena - Jameson's Office
    Mikado


    "Oh, thank you," Mikado raised a hand in a dismissive gesture, shaking his head. "But I'm afraid it'll take awhile before I can stomach regular food again. In all likelihood I should be resting in bed, but I've never let that stop me before."

    He laughed weakly, flexing his fingers as he briefly examined his current state in dismay. "I'd normally spend some time rehabilitating myself first, but I'm not one to let opportunities pass him by."

    The Ikoku native nodded as Jameson spoke about his country. "Yes, 'His August Personage, The Emperor of Ikoku' to roughly translate his title. The living incarnation of a god, or so it is said. Chosen by the four dragons of the winds -- north, west, south and east. I've never heard of him riding a lizard or dragon before, though. I suppose he could, since his position places him as head of the Celestial Bureaucracy."

    He briefly proceeded to explain that the various mystical creatures of Ikoku were all organized into the rigid structure of this Celestial Bureaucracy, ruled by ancient laws, binding agreements and oaths. Their culture is extremely formal and etiquette is pretty much required if one likes continued survival.

    All in all, Mikado didn't seem like the average native of Ikoku, with the nonchalant and rather charming demeanor he had exhibited once the first formalities had been exchanged. When Jameson mentioned the ship and trade goods, Mikado merely shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't know too much about the cargo itself, it certainly isn't mine. I was just a passenger. The ship itself belongs to a higher-ranking noble and, presumably, so does the cargo. They'll likely be spices, drapery, that sort of thing. Goods from Ikoku that you can't normally get around here -- criminally overpriced, I'm sure."

    The man leaned back, crossing his arms in front of his chest in thought. "I heard the captain talk about a special cargo he was keeping locked away in his own quarters, come to think of it. I wonder what it could be -- maybe some letters intended for local politicians? I suppose it could be something illegal." Mikado shrugged, clearly not very concerned. "Whatever they're doing, it's of little importance to me. I only brought a variety of gems, as a base investment to build upon."

    Looking up at the ceiling for a moment in thought, the Ikokuian then added. "If my memory doesn't fail me -- and it rarely does -- the Pearl was supposed to be a test run, to see if trade routes could be established. Looking at the state of the crew, most in a worse shape than myself, I'd say it could use some work. An agreement with the local sorcerer guild might help. I'm sure between them and Ikokuian mystics, they could faciliate the journey quite a bit."

    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Afternoon
    The Clockwork Griffin
    Mikado


    The well-dressed form of Mikado walked through the entrance door that had, quite clearly, been marked 'open'. He was luxuriously-dressed, if still somewhat tired-looking, with clearly foreign features. His clothes consisted of a coat of red brocade with buttons of gold, accompanied by black pants and rather fine shoes, his raven-colored hair bound together into a ponytail by a thick red string.

    There was a measure of handsomeness to the native of Ikoku, but it was very underplayed due to his current bad state of health, but his suave smile and piercing eyes belied that sickly state.

    "Good afternoon," he offered to whomever he would find behind a counter or a similar structure. "I'm here to see the master of this place, Xavier de Forza."


  7. - Top - End - #37
    Troll in the Playground
     
    ForzaFiori's Avatar

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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Claye-Potts Machinery
    Oneish
    Xavier de Forza


    "All of the above most likely, though mostly just helping me hammer them out twice as fast. If you can come by after you close tonight, I can show you the prototype. It's mostly working. Right now, however, I need to get back to my shop. I've been 'Out to lunch' for almost two hours." Xavier shakes Claye's hand before heading out the door, where he takes the nearest taxi back to the Griffin.

    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Clockwork Griffin
    Afternoon
    Xavier de Forza


    Xavier was in the back when the door opened, but at the sound of the bell he hooked to it, he came out to the front. "I'm Xavier de Forza. How may I help you today sir?" he asks, wiping his hand on a leather apron. Once it's (possibly) less dirty than it was, he extends it to the man.
    Last edited by ForzaFiori; 2011-09-01 at 06:01 AM.
    Avatar by Lycunadari

    Go Tigers!

  8. - Top - End - #38
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    SamuraiGuy

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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Afternoon
    The Clockwork Griffin
    Mikado


    The man examined Xavier briefly as he introduced himself and accepted the handshake without protest. His grip was firm despite his obviously weakened state.

    "I heard that you are the man to speak to regarding these wonderful steam devices, that you are quite a skilled craftsman," he explained. His eyes quickly focused on one of the devices visible from where he stood, examining it with great interest, before his attention snapped back to de Forza.

    "Allow me to introduce myself," the Ikokuian began, "I am Tatsudoshi-no-Mikado, recently arrived by ship from Ikoku. But, please, call me Mikado -- it's probably easier on your tongue." Briefly brushing a loose strand of his black hair back, the man offered a friendly smile. "I was hoping you might be available for some business."


  9. - Top - End - #39
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kasanip's Avatar

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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Evening
    Streets near Lord's Arena
    Blue Pine Inn & Tavern


    At last Eris pushed open the door to an inn, whose tavern was busy and bright with songs and the smell of alcohol and sweat. She wrinkled her nose at that, but stepped purposefully through towards the innkeeper's counter.
    "Excuse me." She called loudly, trying to be heard over the noise of the tavern. The large, fat and cherry faced innkeeper waddled over, still drying a cup.
    "Good evening young lady. What can I do for you this fine night? Here alone?" He asked, looking her over quickly. Eris forced a tired smile to her face.
    "Good evening innkeeper. I would like a room, if there is one to spare. A bath as well, with warm water- I'll pay well." The innkeeper set his towel and cup down and flipped through his record book hastily.
    "Yes, indeed... I can put you in for a room, miss....?"
    "Eris. Just Eris." She replied.
    "Miss Eris... Very good. It will be the first room at the top of the stairs. I'll send one of my daughters up when the bath is prepared. It may take a while, we're busy tonight." The innkeeper looked distractedly back at the tavern, where there was laughing and a game of knife throwing.
    "I am patient." She replied. "Thank you."
    "Will you be wanting supper?" The innkeeper asked, looking back. But Eris was already turning to go.
    "No, it's ok. I will require breakfast in the morning." She responded over her shoulder. She would go out again now. More searching for now. Even if it was not safe.
    Kasanip's Sketchbook 2 Thread
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  10. - Top - End - #40
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    RogueGuy

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    One Day Ago
    3rd of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Noon
    Lord's Arena - Jameson's Office
    Jameson


    Jameson listens nodding, clearly interested in learning about Itoku.

    Such a different place. Here we have hierarchys and what would look like rigid structures, but knowing the right person or where to palce a bribe throws a gear in the works. What of your criminal worlds, are they as organized?

    Jameson pauses for a moment Look at me grilling you, please I have been rude, you are new to this city, you must have questions on our culture and business. Please feel free to ask.




    One Day Ago
    3rd of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Late afterNoon
    Lord's Arena - Jameson's Office
    Jameson


    After his conversation with Mikado, Jameson sits at his desk, his left hand drumming its fingers on the desk top. Open before him is a large book with names and sums listed. His right hand slowly slides down the names until it and the drumming stops.

    He flicks a small switch on his desk, ringing a bell in Ms. Twill's office. She opens the door.

    Yes Lord Jameson? she says.

    I need you to send Bursop after two men for me. Jameson jots down two names. Talpst works for the customs department that would have inspected that ships cargo . . . the parts of it they put on paper at least and he has had a bad streak at the card table recently, owes us a few marks. Tell Bursop he can be rough if he needs too. This other man, Webble, he's a historian who has actually been to Ikoku, or at least so he claims. I'd like an audience with him to learn of his travels, Bursop may have to negotiate a fee. I want to know whats on that damn boat and I want to know more about my new . . . . friend.
    Last edited by DJDeMiko; 2011-09-01 at 10:13 AM.
    Annoying Gamer says - Hollywood is sooooooooo unoriginal. Hey, check out my dual wielding drow Drazzit!

    Annoying Gamer says - My level 1 character's background is pretty complex. After fighting in the three great wars, he was forced to return home and kill an elder dragon single handily.

  11. - Top - End - #41
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    ForzaFiori's Avatar

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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Afternoon
    The Clockwork Griffin
    Xavier De Forza


    "Mikado it is then. I've never been to Ikoku, though I've always wanted to. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Xavier says. When Mikado mentions orders, he explains: "I'm currently accepting orders, but its likely that I won't be able to actually get the device to you, or even start on it in any major way, for at least a couple days due to a rather large order I wasn't expecting coming in today. however, any products out on the sales floor here are fully functional already, and for sale. In fact, in honor of the recent arrest of a member of the Crimson Cult, We're having a small sale. If you'd like to look around, feel free. there's a bell on the counter you can ring if you need me, or feel free to just come into the workshop. Just be careful of the machines. They'll take a hand if your not careful." he says the last with a laugh, raising his own metal hand as an example.
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  12. - Top - End - #42
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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Mid-Morning
    Merchant District


    As the carriage jolted through cobblestone streets, Tarin sat lost in thought. A little over two years ago, he had been involved in some of the most delicate and complex business he’d ever undertaken as an Inquisitor. The civil war then ongoing between Devin Fawkes and the Arch Magister had demanded his utmost cunning, and every day had been a whirlwind trip between Halls of Truth, his spies’ hideout and Saryx’s war room in an effort to keep things moving in the right direction. Tarin had managed some of the best work of his life during Fawkes’ rebellion, but he had begun to think that he might have been too successful.

    Although threats to the House still lurked in the background, very few really interesting targets had dared to rear their heads after Fawkes’ execution. As a result, most of the day-to-day activity of the Inquisitors dealt with upstart slaves and beggars who thought themselves demagogues; the Inquisitors under Tarin’s supervision were more than capable of dealing with such nuisances by themselves, and the Grand Inquisitor had started to worry that two years filled with administrative work had made him soft.

    The lurch of the carriage as it came to a stop brought Tarin back to the present, and as he looked up at the facade of the large warehouse the Inquisitors often used as a temporary holding cell, the gray-haired man smiled. Today at least, he would be able to get his hands dirty.

    The warehouse itself was largely empty, save for a few stacks of boxes and barrels in the far corner, and as Tarin strode in, he was met by Inquisitor Valeris. Tarin greeted him warmly, giving free reign to his good mood. “So where is this Defiant rat you’re having trouble with, Valeris?”

    A puzzled expression appeared for a moment on the younger Inquisitor’s face, but it quickly passed. “Ah, I think there may have been some miscommunication in that regard.”

    “Oh? So you aren’t having any trouble?” Tarin’s voice remained even, but his heart sank a bit; news to that effect would be extremely disappointing.

    “No, he's certainly being difficult. Thing is, he’s not actually one of those thugs.” Here Valeris paused and gestured to a scribe, who brought over a handful of parchment. “He’s actually a noble. A couple of men brought him in early this morning, and requested that we procure a confession. In exchange for our assistance, they provided us with detailed information about a Defiant safehouse we’ve been working hard to crack.”

    The Grand Inquisitor’s brow furrowed as he reviewed the documents briefly. “Was the information any good?”

    “My men confirmed it a few minutes ago. They’re setting up for a raid as we speak.”

    “Excellent.” The ghost of a smile returned to Tarin’s face. Perhaps today was going to be a good day after all. “Since they’ve done us a favor, I suppose it’s only right that we reciprocate.” The Grand Inquisitor began to look over his prisoner’s documents in earnest now. “Hmm, noble family...ex-military, accused of...heresy, sedition, crimes against nature... Quite the set of charges, no?”

    “It certainly is. The confession is all drawn up though; all we have to do is get him to sign it.” Valeris handed the older man another official-looking document, still bearing a blank signature line at the bottom. “They also stressed this point quite a bit,” as he spoke, the Inquisitor pointed to a certain paragraph in the official orders attached to the confession.

    “They want him alive and intact? What does that mean?”

    “I believe it means they want him to look presentable at his trial. No missing fingers or eyes; that sort of thing.” A black sarcasm lurked in the junior Inquisitor’s voice.

    “They really think we’re monsters, don’t they?” Tarin felt himself sigh involuntarily. “Whatever anyone may think, I do understand the difference between eliciting a confession and inflicting punishment.” He let the anger pass with a shake of his head, and then handed the prisoner’s file back to Valeris’ scribe. The younger Inquisitor joined in step with him as headed for the maintenance room at the back of the warehouse where their guest, Davis d’Lupil, was waiting.

    Leaving Inquisitor Valeris at the door to the little room, Tarin stepped inside, and took a good look at the accused man, who was currently sitting bound in a heavy hardwood chair. Although some bruises were showing from his capture and he was only clad in an undershirt and trousers, the man still possessed his former noble bearing, refusing to look at the Grand Inquisitor who studied him intently.

    Without a word, Tarin crossed the room to a small table, and quickly removed his topcoat, cravat and waistcoat, replacing them with an old leather apron hanging from a peg nearby. He also slid on a pair of soft leather gloves, which might have been fashionable had they not been covered in deep crimson stains. At last, the Grand Inquisitor turned to face Davis, a stern expression set on his features.

    “I take it you are the Lord d’Lupil?”

    No response. Tarin hadn’t expected one, so he continued. “I am Tarin Ardalion, Grand Inquisitor of House Levant.” Davis’ jaw tightened a bit at the name. Clearly Tarin’s reputation had preceded him. That was good news. “You stand accused, among other things, of belonging to a cult which has been proscribed by the Emperor himself. I must admit, that makes you interesting; it’s been a very long time since I’ve dealt with a genuine heretic.” The Inquisitor permitted himself a quick smirk before continuing.

    “The fact that this cult supposedly worships demons is even more interesting.” Tarin began to move away from his captive again, crossing to the other side of the room where a small boiler sat. “My mother used to tell me that people who made a pact with the Devil got a mark on them. She said he used hellfire to do it, and as a result, the marked man was almost immune to earthly fire from then on.” As he spoke, Tarin opened the boiler’s door and scraped the glowing coals around with a long iron poker. When the end had begun to glow a dull red, he moved back to where Davis sat.

    “I’ve always wanted to learn if that story was true. What say we find out together?”
    Last edited by the_druid_droid; 2011-09-01 at 01:07 PM.
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  13. - Top - End - #43
    Orc in the Playground
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    Default Re: The Playground: Whispers of Taelarys IC

    It rang hollowly in the corridor for each step he took upon the water. The arched corridor, a sewer passage leading water away went on straight ahead, there was nothing but darkness to be seen in front and back of him. He did not know where he was going or why, yet he kept walking down upon the water step by step. At each of his sides by the walls there was a pathway that followed the water and now shadowy forms started to appear as he walked. They took the form of humans, pale people with dead eyes steering at him as he walked by, they seemed familiar to him, some forms where unclear and some had terrible wounds. Why where they here looking at him, judging him, he felt that he knew but the knowledge kept eluding him. He looked down into the water, there were people there too, floating downward with their faces and dead steering eyes upward. And his hands, he looked upon his hands and they were covered in blood, blood poured down from them and into the water, the water became colored crimson and he remembered. He wanted to scream but could not manage to. A hand grabbed his leg and the water he stood upon would no longer support him, he feel into the cold red water, he tried to keep a float but dozens of hands pulled him under and he sunk downward while he franticly waved with his hand trying to stay afloat but it was no use, he went down into the abyss.

    5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Too early
    Darran manor, Amandre’s room
    Amandre Nightheaven


    He awoke with a gasp, sitting up in his bed. His heart was pounding and he was drained with sweat. He looked around the dark room, there were no windows but a big cloak in the corner told the time. It was very early, yet he knew he would not get anymore sleep tonight. He stood up, the room was in the basement with passageways leading further down into the under city trough a secret passage so he could easily leave and enter the manor without anyone taking notice of it. Around the room lay books of varying nature, building schematics and a large array of weapons and equipment. His closet contained a large number of cloths as well, clothes for any situation he would find. On the table lay a crossbow, partly dismantled, he knew he should get that oiled down and ready. Although he did not use it much, he had yet to need for anything that a short bow would not server just as well. He dressed up in green simple but well made clothes, he left his room and made his way up the stairs from the basement, maybe there was food to be found in the kitchen even at this early hour.

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    Story element(4/6):
    Darran Manor: A sizable manor located at the outskirts of the noble district.

  14. - Top - End - #44
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    Default Re: The Playground: Whispers of Taelarys IC

    At precisely 11:23 in the morning of the 4th day of Bargenholt, two, and only two, things happened in the city of Taelarys that were worthy of note.

    Well, only two if you discount the fact that the immensely talented patissier of Dibsy Street Sweets burned a batch of orange creme rolls for the first time in thirty years of preparing artisanale baked goods. Though, this was only of interest to anyone on Dibsy street in desperate search of a sweet bun at the time. The baker, one Mortimer Right, was far too busy gawking out of his window at that moment and far too concerned with what he thought he saw to even care about his buns. His wife was meanwhile giggling fiendishly three doors down as the butcher sucked on her toes. And no, she didn't feel particularly guilty about cheating on Mortimer; he hadn't paid any attention to her toes or parts beyond in years. Honestly, what baker is still in the kitchen at eleven in the morning?

    Now, far more important than a batch of burnt pastries was what happened far away at the Levant Children's Hospital. Though, sadly, fewer people took any notice at all.

    At 11:23, little Cynthia Fairchild took her last few shuddering breaths and died alone. She had been a miserable two years in a near constant state of pain and this morning was no different spare the fact that she lacked the strength to climb out of bed today. She'd suffered from terrible burns over most of her body and had spent almost the entirety of ages six and seven in the confines of a small room with a single barred window and no mirrors.

    Very fortunately for Cynthia, she had also spent the last two years in a continual state of delusion, completely immersed in a fantasy world. Like most little girls, she was a princess in her own imagination. Now, most children make decrees and condemn broccoli or throw lovely balls in their minds when they play at being royalty. Not Princess Cynthia, she was simply loved. Though, curiously, it was not the king and queen who cared for her; it was the dutiful steward of the castle. The steward was a man with kind eyes who was forbidden to ever lie. Every day, Princess Cynthia would ask the steward if she was beautiful, and, of course, the steward would say that she was. And every day she would ask if he loved her, and he would reply that he did. And every day she would ask if he would do anything for this love. He always spoke true. In this world of make believe, it was the steward who had been burned, not her. He was the one all wrapped up in bandages and it was his flesh, not hers, that cracked and rotted and bled. And he did this, he took her pain away, because he loved her.

    Cruelly aware of her condition for the first time in memory, Cynthia choked out a sob, gasped her last, pained lung fulls of air and passed from this world, alone in her room. Her filthy sackcloth doll fell from her grasp and sat dutifully at her bedside. The doll, faithful and kind, had been loved far more these last two years than she had.

    It was also at this moment that Anselme realized he was falling. You see, a lucky man hits the ground first and then knows that he has fallen. A less lucky fellow meets the ground and knows nothing at all because he's broken his neck. A very unlucky man, however, falls, continues falling, and then realizes this and comes to grips with his fate. All of this happens rather quickly of course, and you may be surprised to learn just how rapidly your faculties operate when you're falling to your death.

    The second thought that crossed Anselme's mind was, "What did I do to deserve this?" He had no answer to that. The third thought was, "Haven't I done this before?" And he knew the answer to be yes, though he couldn't recall the circumstances, nor the outcome. As you might imagine, almost no one has occasion to repeat such an act.

    He had only enough time to begin to ponder what he had been doing immediately before his current predicament before impacting the river, feet first. The tremendous splash could be seen from the corner of Dibsy street. And, by some miracle or just dumb luck, Anselme did not die at that moment, though he certainly thought he had. Several seconds after the splash, his unconscious form bobbed back to the surface and began to float unceremoniously downriver.
    Last edited by Nefarion Xid; 2011-09-02 at 12:46 AM.

  15. - Top - End - #45
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    SamuraiGuy

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    One Day Ago
    3rd of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Noon
    Lord's Arena - Jameson's Office
    Mikado


    Mikado blinked in surprise at the rather specific question regarding the organized crime of Ikoku. So far Jameson had been very discrete, but it was still somewhat obvious that he held quite a bit of interest in the trade ship the foreigner had arrived in.

    Perhaps Jameson had suspicions that the riches he had arrived with had been acquired through illicit means and was gouging his reaction? It was a reasonable conclusion, after all, with some random person suddenly showing up in the man's office, throwing around precious gems left and right. A slightly exaggerated, but apt way of viewing it. But the former Dragon Emperor remained calm, not particularly bothered by the question, crossing one leg over the other as he allowed a brief smile to surface.

    "Oh," he said, "I wouldn't want to hold you up with questions about the local culture. I'm sure you have more important things to do, and I don't mean to be so rude as to take up more of your time than necessary. You have been a very gracious host."

    Mikado pursed his lips, as if something suddenly occurred to him. "Actually, yes, I believe there is something I want to ask you, after all." A slightly sad smile. "It's not as if appropriate housings are advertised in the streets."

    He inclined his head to the side briefly, looking curious, though he absolutely expected the response to the following question to the positive and the slight sarcasm in his voice said as much. "You wouldn't happen to be acquainted with someone who might wish to part with, say, a small mansion or something similar? I would, of course, pay your fee for such a favor -- once the transaction is complete, of course. I'd pay in advance, but at the moment I could only offer you a ruby in return, and you did say you don't deal in precious stones."

    Naturally, there were many ways Mikado could find and acquire appropriate housing, particularly if he resorted to less savory means to do so. But it never hurt to form some business relations early on and he didn't really want to appear too capable and knowledgeable about local customs and geography to the man before him. He had studied Taelarys quite a bit before he arrived, after all.

    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Afternoon
    The Clockwork Griffin
    Mikado


    "I see," the visitor replied with a small smile. "It is a rather difficult journey there. And, I fear, foreigners rarely get a very warm welcome." He looked somewhat apologetic, as if that didn't sit quite right with him, but there was little he could do about it.

    An understanding nod followed De Forza's elaboration regarding orders, but when Xavier raised his own prosthetic hand, Mikado look at it with peaked interest. "Fascinating," he noted, transfixed by the device. "May I?" he asked, raising his own hand to indicate that he would like to have a closer look. "I assume you made some sort of improvements beyond ordinary functionality?"


  16. - Top - End - #46
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    Fourth day of Bargenholt, 11:25 a.m., Claye-Potts Machinery

    Claye managed not to jump as Julian burst through the door. “Miss Kilnmyr! There’s a man in the river – he’s right across the street from the shop!”

    Claye snorted, not even looking up from the contraption she was working on or removing her goggles. “Lot’s of ‘em head upstream this time of year t’ spawn.”

    “This isn’t the time to joke! He’s going to drown!”

    “Why, is he flailin’ around?”

    “No, he’s just floating there.”

    Claye turned to her assistant and gave him a long, hard look, hoping the contradiction would sink in.

    “I’m serious! He’s in trouble! A huge crowd has gathered.”

    “Of course they have. Better go save ‘im, hero.” Claye rolled her eyes, though the goggles hid the effect, and turned back to her work, she heard Potts leaving the shop. He won’t do anything rash.

    She paused and looked up, remembering that this was the young man who, upon learning that she was from the backwaters of the empire, asked her directly if she had ever kissed a cousin and if she knew how to play banjo. Common sense and discretion weren’t his strong suits – but on the other hand, he was too timid to actually go and do it, which mostly meant that he was going to go make a fool of himself. While she would normally be fine with that, she had responsibilities to him as the senior business partner/master Machinst.

    “Dammit.” Claye got up and ran out the door.

    ****

    Exentia Street, Riverside

    The crowd had gathered much further up the river, and had migrated down Exentia Street as the man had drifted. Certainly, not everyone had stayed with it – a floating man is only interesting for so long, and watching him won’t put food on the table, after all. But some, through either pity, curiosity, or morbid interest, stayed with him. And then there was Potts.

    Contrary to his claim, he was not "right across the street from the shop" - he was actually a good distance down the road, out over the next available bridge, and perched on a sturdy wooden box. “Alright. This time I’m really going to do it.” He would have jumped in sooner, but the distance from the railing along the riverside to the water was much greater than he remembered, despite the spring thaw raising the water level. He gathered up his courage and dropped…

    …about two and a half feet. He lost his balance and hit the walk backside-first, looking up at Claye – a novel experience, to be sure – as she held up the box he’d been standing on, having yanked it out from under him. “I would have done it!”

    “Ah know. Cripes, we’re downstream from the Machinist’s Guild! D’yeh know what’s in that water? Take a dip in that and yeh’ll glow in th’ dark for weeks.” Claye emptied the box and carefully closed it, then tied it shut. “There, that should help ‘im stay afloat when ‘e wakes up, if ‘e knows enough to hang on to it.” Leaning over the rail, she shouts down, “Hey! Hey, soggy! Grab this! Claye then hurls the box into the river as hard as she can, making it most of the distance to the floating man. A small splash of water reaches as far as the unconscious figure. “C’mon… wake up…” If he didn't regain consciousness before reaching the docks, then he really would be in serious trouble.
    Last edited by Jade_Tarem; 2011-09-02 at 05:02 PM.
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  17. - Top - End - #47
    Troll in the Playground
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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Late Morning
    Exentia Street, Riverside




    Fetch the custom lightbulbs order, bring the box safely, replace old lightbulbs in the Guild's main hall. Fetch the custom lightbulbs order, bring the box safely, replace old lightbulbs in the Guild's main hall. Fetch the custom lightbulbs, drowning man, bring the box... hey wait why am I thinking about drowning oh lords
    Eiko's monotonous train of thought was interrupted as soon as she glanced in the same direction as everyone else.
    She stared intensely at the shape. Then she took a few steps on the right to follow the man better. Then, she walked a bit again, pushing a couple she hadn't even noticed, by virtue of being already focused on the unfortunate guy (“Sorry sir ma'am excuse me”), and eventually found herself trotting steadily to keep watching.
    No, she didn't know the guy, but it was a lot like watching a carriage wreck in slow motion. When she was a little girl, she'd witnessed one before; horses could get incredibly messy when magic was also involved. That, and she'd forgotten her task already.

    Suddenly, her bony hand clung on to the railing. She couldn't just watch, she had to do something (and maybe get a reward), she, she...
    … she remembered pebbles floated better than she did, and she wasn't strong enough to fly with an unconscious grown man. Well, not that Eiko had ever tried, but she wasn't eager to try, what with the river coming in the equation.
    As she released the railing, she stepped back, and saw that someone else was trying to save the human through clever applications of a box. Well, she wouldn't get any reward, but she intended to watch that incident right through the end.
    Quote Originally Posted by on Dwarf Fortress succession games
    I have no idea where anything is. I have no idea what anything does. This is not merely a madhouse designed by a madman, but a madhouse designed by many madmen, each with an intense hatred for the previous madman's unique flavour of madness.
    Quote Originally Posted by Dwarf Fortress 0.40.01 bugs
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  18. - Top - End - #48
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    SamuraiGuy

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    Fourth day of Bargenholt, 11:28 a.m.
    Exentia Street, Riverside
    Mikado


    The commotion had attracted the attention of one Tatsudoshi-no-Mikado, who was just on the way to the shop of Xavier de Forza.

    "What's going on?", he asked curiously, as he tried to get closer, trying to get a proper look at the river as he carefully navigated through the crowd that had gathered.

    "There's a bloke floating in t'water! I think 'e's dead!" An ugly little man with a big wart on his nose whispered to the Ikokuian with the morbid glee that only the overly frustrated and those who enjoyed watching misery ever exhibited.

    Raising a delicate eyebrow at the local, Mikado moved closer until he, too, stood at the railing of the river, the one that usually kept people from falling into the damn thing.

    As Mikado finally spotted the floating man, his eyes widened slightly. Was there any chance this man could still be alive? He wasn't sure, but as he watched the man floating with a very neutral expression on his face, an idea formed in his head. A small smile appeared on his face when it had fully formed -- his eyes quickly darted around as he looked for a rope. Luckily, it wasn't that hard to fine one in a busy street full of shops, and he quickly grabbed it, ignoring the protests of the stocky man from whose shop he had taken in as he darted towards the railing again.

    While doing so, his eyes briefly fell on Eiko. "A tengu?", he wondered aloud, speaking in the tongue of Ikoku. He quickly moved closer until he stood next to her, trying the rope to the railing.

    "Well met! I'd appreciate some help should the tie get loose, friend," he said, suddenly addressing Eiko in his native tongue, not having a clue that she likely didn't understand a single word he had said.

    "Oh, and would you mind keeping an eye on my coat?" he quickly added as he pulled it off, threw it carelessly to the ground despite its obvious worth,and tied the rope to his right leg.

    Without a moment of hesitation, he leapt onto and then over the railing, trying to get as close to the floating man as he could before hitting the water.


  19. - Top - End - #49
    Troll in the Playground
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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    11:28 a.m.
    Exentia Street, Riverside




    Eiko turned her head toward the complete and utter gibberish she just heard. As expected, after two generations of mandatory integration in the local culture, the only Ikokuian words this Tengu knew were “yes”, “no”, “please”, “goodbye”, and twice as many swears.
    “ 'scuse me, sir?” she asked, eyes wide with surprise. The man's feature, for reasons she didn't entirely grasp, distinguished him from the rest of the populace. Most probably a foreigner.
    While she was opening her mouth to ask him to repeat himself in Common, he'd already jumped over the railing and thrown the coat at her feet. Reflexively, she took it, and looked at it, then at its owner, then at it again, and one last time at him.
    Oh. He wants to rescue the human in distress, too? Good for them. The spectacle became a lot more interesting. “If I find out you've insulted my mother or something, funny man, you're toast”, she grumbled. With a little luck, after finding out who drowns in the end, she'll be able to get away with the fancy garment before he remembers her existence.
    Quote Originally Posted by on Dwarf Fortress succession games
    I have no idea where anything is. I have no idea what anything does. This is not merely a madhouse designed by a madman, but a madhouse designed by many madmen, each with an intense hatred for the previous madman's unique flavour of madness.
    Quote Originally Posted by Dwarf Fortress 0.40.01 bugs
    - If an adventurer shouts and nobody is around to hear it, the game crashes
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  20. - Top - End - #50
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    RogueGuy

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    One Day Ago
    3rd of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Noon
    Lord's Arena - Jameson's Office
    Mikado


    Jameson scratches his chin and stands up.

    I think I might have a few ideas, let me show you.

    Jameson will lead Mikado over to a door set into a large sliding door set into the wall. He reaches over and unlatches it, sliding it to the side and revealing a room whose only feature is a large wooden table, roughly 6 foot by 6 foot. Set across the table, in what Mikado quickly judges to be fully accurate scale modeling, is a model of the city.

    Jameson smiles and sweeps his hand across the table. With the planning and marketing that goes into promoting Lord's Arena, I find it helpful.

    Mikado scans the model city and notes numerous small colored flags, of a variety of shapes, are stuck into the city. In other places small figurines stand. It is far too complex to be a business diagram, no not at all. Mikado looks up from the table and sees that Jameson is studying him carefully, his thoughts hard to read.

    Jameson nods slightly when Mikado looks back up and takes a short stick off the wall, he points it towards a building on the northern side of town.

    A residence here, a lovely mansion that I happen to know has sat unused for a year or so. The owner would likely part with it. Lovely neighborhood, very very safe, in fact there are guard patrols every 30 minutes all night long. He looks up at Mikado briefly. Of course, that has its downsides too. They ring these bells and call out all night "alls well" or some such.

    He moves the pointer towards the west side of town to a building on the side of the river.

    This is a nice place as well. Its on the smaller side, but it is waterfront and even has a small dock in case you feel like boating.

    He moves the pointer to one more building, to the southern side of town.

    Now, this one is a little different. Its located in an ok neighborhood thats started to go a tad downhill. Guards don't patrol it as often, but a small security force would be all you need. Its a large place, decadent and has some really unique features. For instance, it was built with a number of secret exits including a tunnel into a nearby building and one that leads into the sewers.

    Jameson pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts. It's technically not available, but I happen to know that the current owner Davis d'Lupil has been arrested for treason. I expect him to be found guilty within a few days at which point the court will likely seize his holdings. He lived alone and his house won't fight it, due to the embarrassment. They will pretend he never existed and not fight for any of his property. Best of all, it will come furnished and with staff on hand while you find your own. I know the man who would be selling the home and I can make sure you get a fair deal without all that bothersome paperwork. I think you could move in by the evening of the 5th.
    Annoying Gamer says - Hollywood is sooooooooo unoriginal. Hey, check out my dual wielding drow Drazzit!

    Annoying Gamer says - My level 1 character's background is pretty complex. After fighting in the three great wars, he was forced to return home and kill an elder dragon single handily.

  21. - Top - End - #51
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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Clockwork Griffin
    Afternoon
    Xavier de Forza


    Xavier seems taken aback by Mikado's question at first. "I uh...Yea sure. Can't say I've ever had the pleasure of explaining it to a customer." he says, unhooking a few wires from his arm. He braces himself and pulls on it gently. "This is always the hardest part. Do you take it off slow or fast? fast is more painful, slow takes longer. Of course, since you no doubt have a schedule, as we all do..." He pulls. Hard. The hand pops off with a small burst of steam (and a large grimace from Xavier), and he lays it on the counter. "Now, I haven't done all that much to it recently, due to some money costs, but it's built of the hardest alloy I could afford, mainly because it would be a waste if I just crushed it again, not to mention terribly ironic. It has a small hollow space in the palm as well, to lower the weight." He motions to a few circular indention on it. "These are a specialty. They allow my creations to link to the same engine, or modify each other. For instance..." Xavier walks over to one of his shelves, peruses it, and comes back with a whistle that has the reverse of the indention. "You put the two together and *SNAP* they're connected. Now I can sound the whistle though a part of the hand. Not very useful with whistles, I'll grant you, but there are countless other creations out there."
    Last edited by ForzaFiori; 2011-09-02 at 05:20 PM.
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  22. - Top - End - #52
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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Late Morning
    Exentia Street, Riverside


    Amid the subdued cacophony of altogether nonplussed onlookers and things being thrown in to the river and some things throwing themselves in, Anselme murmured, "... do over." And as the last of the air left his lungs and his head sank beneath the filthy water his senses flooded back to him and he felt an arm take hold of him about the waist. More or less rescued by Mikado (despite a brief struggle to stay afloat without aid) Anselme resigned himself to being saved by the guy with the rope. Always defer to the guy with the rope.

    Still coughing up unnaturally greenish water and wholly drained of strength, Anselme consented to be towed ashore while in the rather compromising grasp of a stranger. Clutching wearily about Mikado's shoulders, he cleared his throat to say, "This hardly counts as a first date. You'll have to buy me dinner before you get any further with me."

    Before having a bewildered look around, he rolled his good eye in a way that said, only joking and please don't let me drown out of spite. Catching view of the crowded waterfront buildings he blinked and asked, "Where the nether are we anyway?"
    Last edited by Nefarion Xid; 2011-09-02 at 04:11 PM.

  23. - Top - End - #53
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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Mid-Afternoon
    Merchant District


    A thin stream of gray smoke drifted upward from the tip of a long black cigarillo. Tarin inhaled, and the stream was broken as the tip glowed bright red. Currently, the Grand Inquisitor was sitting in a private room at Renault’s, one of the finer restaurants the merchant district had to offer, finishing his dessert. Marcos stood by the room’s small door, silent but vigilant, and a man in a loose-fitting gray cloak sat across the table from Tarin.

    “Did the interrogation go well?” The gray-cloaked man toyed with a fork in an oddly calculating way as he spoke.

    Tarin exhaled and a puff of smoke diffused out to join the general haze of the room. “He confessed rather quickly once I hit on the proper method of motivation. I was almost disappointed; I expected more from a military man.”

    “Knowing the nobility, he probably only served as an officer to please Daddy and get in on the will. I could find out if you like.” The last part was certainly true, since the man in the cloak was in fact Jarik Revin, the head of Tarin’s personal army of spies and informants.

    “That won’t be necessary. I’ve learned everything I needed to from him already, and soon he’ll be back in the custody of his original captors; once he is, I have little interest in his ultimate fate.” The Grand Inquisitor shifted in his seat and gazed intently at Revin. “I am interested, however, in hearing what bits of news you’ve been able to collect.”

    The spy ceased playing with his fork and smiled; fancy restaurants and public appearances made him slightly uneasy, but laying out Taelarys’ secrets was his specialty, and it was supremely comforting. “There’s quite a bit to report. Do you want to know the gruesome or the exotic first?”

    “The gruesome.”

    Revin struggled to stifle a laugh; he should have expected as much. “Well, more guards have turned up dead. One of them was in the Bloodguard. All of them have a piece of parchment with the same message nailed into their foreheads; it looks like the Bronze Crusader is back in business.”

    Another drag on the cigarillo. “Any first-hand reports?”

    “There are some rumors floating around, but they seem far-fetched. Something about a mechanical giant fleeing the scene; we’ll keep an eye on things and let you know if anything more definite appears.”

    “Good. I’m sure the Arch Magister would love to be able to assist the Emperor in eliminating a threat to his elite guards. Quid pro quo and all that.” A wicked gleam flashed in Tarin’s eyes at the suggestion; there was no love lost between Alistair Saryx and the Emperor, but the Arch Magister would never pass up a chance to assist the throne, in the hopes of calling in the favor later. “Also, if these rumors of a clockwork giant persist, it might be appropriate to suggest that the authorities take steps to reign in the dangerous excesses of the Machinists’ Guild.”

    This time it was Revin’s turn to grin wickedly. “Of course; I’ll have a word with my contacts about it.” The spy made a quick note in a pocket-book that disappeared just as quickly. “I think that’s it for the gruesome. In more exotic news, an unusual ship put into the harbor this morning. The construction and sail markings identify it as hailing from Ikoku, and I believe it, considering that the crew looked half-dead from travel.”

    “Ikoku...how interesting. I haven’t heard anything about them in years, aside from the occasional Tengu Defiant members that Valeris and the others have dealt with.”

    “It gets better.” Revin leaned forward conspiratorially. “There’s word that the ship’s cargo is unusual too; most likely drugs, possibly Varish. In addition, I’ve personally confirmed reports that one of the passengers has been traveling around the city, paying his debts with precious stones.”

    “A drug smuggler, then? The decision to travel so far in search of a market would be unconventional to say the least. In any case, keep me abreast of the situation with the ship, and get me samples of any novel drug if you can; there’s no telling what applications they might have in interrogations if we don’t experiment.” Tarin stubbed out his cigarillo before tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Honestly though, the city guard can worry about enforcing the drug regulations; I’m more interested in this mysterious passenger. He’s obviously wealthy, and he’ll no doubt attract the attention of more refined society soon enough; I want to have some idea of whether he’ll make a better ally or enemy by the time he does.”

    Revin made another quick note before looking up to meet Tarin’s gaze. “Very well. I think that I’ve told you everything of major interest. There are of course the political stirrings of the other Houses and the movements of the Defiant, but nothing major has appeared in that regard, so I won’t bore you with the details. My full report will be in by the end of the day.”

    “Excellent. You are free then, Mr. Revin.” Tarin inclined his head to the other man, then gestured to have Marcos show him out as he lit another cigarillo and began to contemplate all that he’d just heard.
    Last edited by the_druid_droid; 2011-09-03 at 01:38 AM.
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  24. - Top - End - #54
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    RogueGuy

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    5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Lords Arena - Jameson's Office
    Early Morning
    Jameson


    Jameson stands in the center of his office and says to Ms. Twill Let them in.

    She seems reluctant, but nods and walks out the door. A few moments later his two well dressed men walk in, his personal slave Bursop and Slave Trader Adworth Harper, each holding a chain, leading a barely dressed man in irons. Both men look tense.

    The barely dressed man is huge, standing almost 7 feet tall and muscled to boot. The scars on his body tell a various obvious tale to Jameson. Old scars, small ones, show a very dangerous weapon training in his youth, no practice weapons for this man. The newer scars though, lash marks and full sized sword and spear wounds, a gladiator and a defiant one at that. His skin was caucation, but his hair a dark red color. His face is passive, shows no emotion.

    Jameson examines him carefully, noting the mans eyes and face and then says to Adworth This is the slave you told me about?

    Adworth nods "Yep M'lord, this here is Ralcious He grips the chain in his hand and gives it a small rude tug Say ello Ralcious.

    The slave says nothing, his face remaining passive.

    Jameson looks the slave in the eye and says Take off his chains and leave us, I would like to have a conversation with him man to man.

    Neither Adworth nor Bursop look surprised but bursop speaks up Sir . . . are you sure about this . . . he has killed at least 4 guards at the Gerpolt Ludus.

    Jameson turns to Bursop and gives him a pointed stare, Bursop returns the stare in a very unslavelike manor and begins to unchain the giant. Jameson moves and sits at his desk while the two men work and exit, leaving the half-dressed slave standing.

    Please sit Jameson says to Ralcious. Ralcious doesn't move at first, but then slowly takes a seat. Even sitting in front of the desk, seats designed to be lower than Jameson, he towers above him.

    You have quite the record in the Arena Jameson says 6 games won and 1 draw, one of your wins was against 4 opponents? 4 really? I hear they were well trained as well, not the normal riff raff you throw out. No these were the sort of men that your owner expected you to lose against. But I suspect you knew that.

    Ralcious says nothing.

    Ok, this is the game you want to play. Fine, I understand you are planning an escape attempt.

    This gets the reaction. Ralcious' eyes harden, flick around the room and land back on Jameson. Jameson can tell the man is considering a lunge across the desk and wondering how high up the window is from the ground.

    The fall wouldn't kill you, but you would probably break a leg. Hear me out first though. Your current master is planning to throw you up against harder and harder fights until you die, you will never win your 30 games. You know this, its why you are trying to escape. If you do escape though, the first thing the inquisition will do is take your wife and child and torture them.

    Ralcious speaks for the first time, his voice is deep with inflections of the Barbarian accent of those to the north. Tell mah where mah wife an child are?

    Jameson shrugs and flips open a file on your desk. Your wife is a slave at a large laundry in the northwest side of town, she has been well treated so far and your son is a slave at one of the large textiles, they take children there because they are small enough to fit inside the machinery to replace ribbon and such. He is fine right now, but those children rarely live more than a few years.

    Jameson sees color begining to enter Ralcious's cheeks, rage.

    Damnit Ralcious calm down, I had you brought here to offer you a deal. I want to buy your contract.

    Ralcious interups him I dunno want teh fight for yeh either. There is no honor in killin men in the ring while my wife and child are held in irons.

    You really have to stop judging me like that. I want to buy your contract, your wifes and child. I will then allow you to buy your contracts from me, purchasing against your future earnings. You can live within the servants quarters, a small room but its a room. Your wife can work in the kitchens or if she is attractive she could be a serving girl. Your boy can run fliers for my company.

    And me?

    You . . . a man like you is wasted in the Arena. You are not a gladiator at heart, you are a warrior and a protector. I want you to be one of my personal guards. It would probably take 10 years to pay me back, but that's ten years of freedom for your family and honest work. When you have paid me off you can stay in my employ or move on your choice.

    An hour later

    Ms. Twill and Jameson are alone in his office.

    Ms. Twill speaks quietly, I am always amazed at that. You turned an incredibly dangerous man into . . . an employee.

    Jameson nods, You just have to understand how to give a person what they want most. The barbarian tribes he hails from, being a slave is probably the worst disgrace they can imagine, for him to have known his wife and child were slaves was killing the man. I think he wanted to escape so that all three would be killed. Now I have given his family freedom and won his loyalty. He will always remember me as the man that saved his world.

    Just like you did for me . . . .

    Yes Ms. Twill, but I really hate to see talent being wasted.

    Mrs. Twill blushes and then says on that note sir, d'lupil confessed and everything is going to plan. You have received the winning bid to host his execution and his house is available if that man wants it.

    Excelent, get the fliers and invitations printed. Have Bursop find out who got the confession and make sure he or she is invited. Also have an invitation sent to the man who captured him. And last but not least have an invitation sent to our new foreign friend and let him know the mansion is ready if he wants it.
    Annoying Gamer says - Hollywood is sooooooooo unoriginal. Hey, check out my dual wielding drow Drazzit!

    Annoying Gamer says - My level 1 character's background is pretty complex. After fighting in the three great wars, he was forced to return home and kill an elder dragon single handily.

  25. - Top - End - #55
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Nefarion Xid's Avatar

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    Default Re: The Playground: Whispers of Taelarys IC

    3815 AoT

    "You come in so rarely. Shouldn't you buy more than one book? I won't see you again for a month or two. Surely you must read more than one book a month?"

    Suddenly emboldened enough to speak candidly with the handsome patron, even tease him, Emily shifted her weight nervously behind the desk and her protective barrier of loose books. Her thoughts turned straight away to the barely audible quiver in her voice. Whatever caricature of a man she'd drawn up in her mind over the last few months would have caught it in an instant and produced a debonair and off the cuff remark about it, perhaps to assuage her insecurities.

    He said only that he had too little time to read nearly as much as he should have liked. She beamed visibly and sunk a rounded canine tooth into her flush bottom lip in spite of herself, and chastised herself for it a second later. The novella was for his fiancee, he continued. Though he went on to say how perfectly lovely and intelligent and well read she was, Emily had stopped listening. Instead, she desperately wished she could steal a glance at the clock on the wall; only a few hours more to endure before she could slink home and hide under her quilt... possibly until she died.

    Two tickets had landed on the counter between them. Emily blinked, and read the emerald lettering to herself. She wasn't familiar with the title, The Count of Ordan.

    Again, the customer asked if she'd attend the opera. Without waiting for an answer, he proceeded to inform her that it was the leading soprano's final performance before they went to summer in the countryside. You must have a boyfriend, he asked quite suddenly.

    "No," she answered, slightly more sullen than a moment before.

    He assured her that she'd have no trouble procuring one before the show tomorrow night. Emily had her doubts, but the kind words gave her the courage to make herself up and go to the theater, even if she was going alone.
    Last edited by Nefarion Xid; 2011-09-03 at 07:32 PM.

  26. - Top - End - #56
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    TheDarkDM's Avatar

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    4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Noon
    Claye-Potts Machinery


    Ghedim's smile shifted from charming to rueful as Claye confronted him with the reason for his visit. That she was so willing to speak of the Armory meant she almost certainly did not know where it was, but the offer needed to be made either way.

    "Indeed madame, it seems I am not the first to inquire as to the location of your family's legacy. Should you have knowledge of its location, the Three Houses of Rhetiz would be most pleased to compensate you generously for sharing. After all, it would do no one any good to have the Armory fall back into Taelarian hands."

    Ghedim's eyes stared, piercing, into Claye's own. Though he hid it well, it was obvious he was weighing her reactions, trying to glean any hint of duplicity in her reply.

    I was old when the pharaohs first mounted
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    I was old in those epochs uncounted
    When I, and I only, was vile;

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    ...one could possibly refer to you guys' elaborate dance of allies-to-enemies-to-suicide-of-the-universe as some sort of weird art form.

    If one were on drugs.
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  27. - Top - End - #57
    Titan in the Playground
     
    HalfTangible's Avatar

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    5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Early Morning


    Bloodguard are usually very easy to recognize on official duty. They walk with a proud, strong gait to their step, and wear extremely striking blood red armor and/or clothing. They glare everywhere as if searching for an adversary they know to be there, and there isn't a single thing about them that doesn't scream deadly, from their scars to their occasional metal limbs. Even their breathing seems harsh and laboriously in control, as if trying to keep themselves from bowling over buildings by breathing too hard.

    Alair was not officially on duty.

    That probably explained why the three men now groaning on the ground thought he'd be an easy target. Though why exactly they thought an easy target would be walking away from palace grounds baffled him.

    He calmly reopened his original orders, kicking one of the men in the head.

    Gaspard d' Rivain, a mid-ranking noble, has fallen under suspiscion of heretical activities against the Emperor. Normally this scenario would fall under the jurisdiction of the ordinary guard due to his own ranking. However, we requested this assignment for training purposes for our new recruits.

    One of our Bloodguard is already within the noble's organization and will be monitoring your progress and technqiue. He will report back to us.


    He then looked to his second set, which had arrived shortly after he had woken up that day.

    Be advised: Your watcher is dead, as is Gaspard. While we have no one left to prosecute, the fact that the Bronze Crusader was after him means that there was something more to Gaspard's dealings.

    Continue to investigate Rivain's house for further corruption but DO NOT seek the Crusader.


    Alair calmly shut the documents. He then tore them to shreds, per protocol, before leaving palace grounds. He had some nobles to interrogate.
    Last edited by HalfTangible; 2011-09-03 at 10:09 PM.
    Hate me if you want. But that's your issue to fix, not mine.

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  28. - Top - End - #58
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kasanip's Avatar

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    5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Middle Morning
    Lord's Arena


    Eris stepped out of the inn with a happy stomach and a satisfied look to her. Sleeping in a bed after a warm bath was certainly a luxury, she had learned a long time ago. The morning breakfast of sausage and soup was greasy and delicious. Even if she did not need to eat, the taste of food was another luxury. Once she had traveled for two weeks without eating, and the meal she had at the end of it was was small, but delicious. Her pack she left in the inn room, she would stay here likely for several days. This morning, she intended to find this 'Jameson' person. So she left into the busy streets, searching for the location, or at least, someone who might give her directions.

    It was quickly becoming noon when she finally found the Lord's Arena Casino entrance. A good cover for an information gatherer. Gambling was money. Money was important. It made sense. The number of people already here by middle morning told Eris enough about it. She walked up to the entrance between the two guards. She wondered if it might be better to not announce her presence here. Inside there had to be a contact who would arrange the meeting.

    The guard's big gauntlet landed on her shoulder and stopped Eris immediately.
    "Hey there little lady. This is no place for children." The guard said in a deep voice. Eris turned quickly, trying to remove his hand from her arm.
    "I'm here on business!" She declared as forcefully as she could. The guard's grip was like a vice. With one motion he dragged her back out of the entrance, stumbling to keep his pace.
    "And I'm here to keep the peace. Now get out kid." The guard said with a laugh. Eris stumbled but didn't fall. She turned back to him.
    "I'm here to speak to Jameson." She declared again. The guards exchanged glances.
    "Do you have an appointment?" The guard asked. Eris grimaced and shook her head.
    "Didn't think so." The guard said, and immediately began to ignore her. Frustrated, Eris turned to leave.

    Yes, there were problems with immortality as a youth. She walked away down the street with as much dignity as she could. And at the edge, she turned down an alley.
    There had to be some other entrance. Maybe she could climb a wall to a window...

    There. She found a spot, and leaned against the wall, putting her boots up to make a brace.
    If she could get inside long enough to find the Jameson, then it would be ok. His information had better be good. She thought, carefully balancing. This was not easy. On the wall, she turned and jumped at the window, and caught it with her hands. Grimacing, she pulled herself up to the window and paused there to catch her breath. Then she pulled herself into the room and closed the window behind her. She was in. Now, she just had to avoid getting caught... No disguise would save her within. As long as she could avoid the guards though...

    ooc:
    Spoiler
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    Because it is Jameson's place, if you would rather her become confronted by guards or have other obstacles, it is a fun challenge.
    Kasanip's Sketchbook 2 Thread
    It is difficult to speak English, please excuse mistakes kindly m(_ _)m

  29. - Top - End - #59
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    Jade_Tarem's Avatar

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    4th of Bargenholt, Exentia Street Riverside, Late Morning

    "There, y'see? He's already rescued." Claye pointed to where the Ikoku man was dragging the first to safety.

    "Why didn't he care about the water?"

    Claye snickered. "Doesn't look like he's from around here... maybe no one told 'im about the river? Or maybe 'e just has a heroic constitution."

    "Alright." Julian sounded a bit disappointed. "Back to work, then?"

    "Yep." Clay took one last look - she could get a better view now that the pair in the water were closer to shore - and instantly regretted not jumping in after him anyway. The man in trouble was impossibly good looking in spite of the eye patch he wore, and appeared to already be joking with his rescuer. She crushed that line of thought as best she could - between the shop and her extra duties for the guild, she didn't have time to hang around any longer. She turned and left the crowd behind.
    Amazing Zealot avatar by Elder Tsofu.

  30. - Top - End - #60
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    RogueGuy

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    Default Re: The Playground: Whispers of Taelarys IC

    5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
    Middle Morning
    Lord's Arena - Jameson's office
    Jameson


    Jameson stood poised in his office as the doors opened and two large guards politely, but roughly, brought the young woman in.

    Her hair was white and she appeared to be roughly 14 years old . . . but something about her eyes. Her eyes where not that of a child, they spoke of intelligence and knowledge. He suppressed a shudder of unease.

    He smiled his best smile and said Not many children ask for me and even fewer try to break in after they are sent away. Tell me little one, how can I help you?
    Annoying Gamer says - Hollywood is sooooooooo unoriginal. Hey, check out my dual wielding drow Drazzit!

    Annoying Gamer says - My level 1 character's background is pretty complex. After fighting in the three great wars, he was forced to return home and kill an elder dragon single handily.

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