The World of Athema (IC)

[Sxoa]

Miyuki

Miyuki nods at thoughtfully at Hekesh's comment and is about to respond when Dominic arrives. She stands and bows in return to the man, replying in common, "My thanks, my lord. Your Shangtai is very well spoken good sir. I am Bayushi Miyuki, and these are Hekesh and Bresk.
She gestures at the two.
I shall speak common for the benefit of Bresk here. I would be honored if you would regale me sometime of your travels in Shangtai, and perhaps the wider world. At your leisure, I would like to speak with you of less happy events. Hekesh and I search for a kidnapped friend and perhaps you could give information helping with our quest.

Spoiler

Show

I'm presuming at some point during the performance Miyuki was polite enough to introduce herself to Bresk and learn his name Oh wait, she actually did...

Also, Shangtai? Shangtaiese? Shangtaian? etc?

[Zimmia]

Paggan

Paggan covers a grin at the exchange between Roderick and Daniel, so reminiscent of one that could have happened in the village outside the keep at home. She listens to Kilbain and looks down beside her stool to make sure her things are still there.

"Indeed master dwarf, perhaps you'd be interested in joining forces for a while - with two of us we could take on even larger foe."

[Proven_Paradox]

Sage laughs at Daniel's reaction and takes a sip of his ale while shaking his head. "Ah, Danny, was it? No need to be embarrassed, a little cut is nothing to the blunders I've done. Why, me and my father've blown the roof off our house three times! The best way to learn what not to do is to do it and learn to laugh at it afterwards. Don't take yourself so seriously, my friend!" He seems uninterested in the talk of joining forces for battles.

[TheMeanDM]

Hekesh/Bresk/Miyuki

"A kidnapped friend, eh?" Dominic says, his hand moving toward his beard. He strokes it lightly with his thumb and index finger. "That is unhappy news. What can you tell me about your friend?" he asks.

******
Sage:

Daniel's eyes shift off of Roderick's, and fall upon Sage's.

"You blew your house up?" he asks, a bit of amazement in his voice. "Why didn't you stop after the first time?"


Kilbain:
Roderick chuckles.


"Well, Master Kilbain, I can't say that there has been much call for heroes 'round these parts. Every now and again Hakeem's might have need of a few strong armed men to help guard a wagon or two, depending on where it's heading." he scratches at his head, as if he is trying to jog his memory. "Otherwise, it's been real quiet."

[Proven_Paradox]

Sage shakes his head as he says, "No, no, just the roof; the walls held together just fine. And each time we were doing something different." He gets a glazed over, nostalgic look in his eyes as he recalls the events fondly. "The first was a kind of test for any up-and-coming alchemist; my first batch of Alchemist's Fire. I added too much of the last reagent, and, well, things spiraled out of control. It took a minute or two, so everyone got out just fine." He shifts to look at Daniel a little more directly, shrugs, and adds, "Everyone screws up their first batch of Alchemist's Fire, though," with a silly grin. "The second one, father needed a rather large batch of sunrods for some contraption he was building, and in my haste I tried to make them all at once. Now I know better; one at time from now on. The last one... I honestly don't remember that much." Sage gets a confused expression and finishes with, "I think the fumes had me addled afterwards; I don't remember anything about that week very well."

[Seribro]

Bresk grips the forearm as the odd short man had done to him. He notices the female making the submissive bow again. Yet when the greetings are over, it is her that does most of the speaking. Even if it was in some very odd tongue. But this probably wasn't the best time to ask about female stature in human society right now so he remains quiet and does his best to follow what is being said once they return to common and he hears the mention of his name. Underwhile he listens his hands go over the chez-board returning the pieces to their start-positions. then he places white horse to H3
What was this about unhappy news? Happy was good and un- usually mend the opposite. Bad news thus. He turned to the half giant next to him and asked.
"What meanszz kidnapped ? It be othur wurd for dead?"

{table=head]|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8
A |Tb|Hb|Bb|Kb|Qb|Bb|Hb|Tb
B |Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb
C ||||||||
D ||||||||
E ||||||||
F |||Hw|||||
G |Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw
H |Tw||Bw|Kw|Qw|Bw|Hw|Tw
[/table]

[Sxoa]

Miyuki
"His full name is as long as my sword, but he usually goes by Khaldun. He too is one of Mu'Min Ghazi, the son of a sheik. He is of medium height and strong build with the dark hair and eyes of his people, slightly bowlegged from growing up in the saddle. I have not seen a finer horse archer in my travels. He is clever and great leader who draws men to him but perhaps too rash they say. He was born with some small sorcerous talent, but as I said he chose to follow the way of his tribe with the bow and saddle, though his ensorcelled arrows are frightening in their ability to find their mark. Hekesh here saw him last and has been following his trail. He may be able to tell you more."

[fendrin]

Hekesh

"Well, no, you described him well. All I can add is that he's pretty good on foot with a scimitar and shield, too."

He absentmindedly moves a pawn.

{table]|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H
8 |Tb|Hb|Bb|Kb|Qb|Bb|Hb|Tb
7 |Pb|Pb|Pb||Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb
6 ||||||||
5 ||||Pb||||
4 ||||||||
3 |||Hw|||||
2 |Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw
1 |Tw||Bw|Kw|Qw|Bw|Hw|Tw
[/table]

OOC: Seribro, I fixed your chess board notations... they were turned about.

[Sxoa]

Miyuki
As she turns to Bresk she thinks to herself "I really need to start studying Draconic again," "Kidnapped means captured or imprisoned. If an enemy tribe raided your tribe and took some of your people prisoner, you could say they had been kidnapped. There are connotations to each word, but it's probably too complex to get into right now."

[Seribro]

Bresk was just overthinking his next step and had allready grasped a pawn when the lady explains it in the giants place. The Lizardman visably freezes for a moment with his eyes opened maliciously staring into nothingness.
Then he continues moving the piece forward and the stare dissipates.
If you need ssstrength with weapon, let me know and I be to join you. No-one ish allowed to sssteal another puhrson, like he wasssome object to bargain.

{table]|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H
8 |Tb|Hb|Bb|Kb|Qb|Bb|Hb|Tb
7 |Pb|Pb|Pb||Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb
6 ||||||||
5 ||||Pb||||
4 |Pw|||||||
3 |||Hw|||||
2 ||Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw
1 |Tw||Bw|Kw|Qw|Bw|Hw|Tw
[/table]

[fendrin]

Hekesh

"Where I am from there are many who do not agree with you. I myself spent ten years as property. I appreciate your offer. I hope it doesn't come to weaponry, but it likely will."

Practically without looking, Hekesh nudges the pawn forward one more square, pressing the attack.

{table]|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H
8 |Tb|Hb|Bb|Kb|Qb|Bb|Hb|Tb
7 |Pb|Pb|Pb||Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb
6 ||||||||
5 ||||||||
4 |Pw|||Pb||||
3 |||Hw|||||
2 ||Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw
1 |Tw||Bw|Kw|Qw|Bw|Hw|Tw
[/table]

[Seribro]

Bresk, remembering the odd way the pawn attacks its foes, replaces the horse to a safer position.
Do I need horse to ride or will you hunt by foot like pawn does? All I brought is bow and club. Sometimes one needs horse. Sometimes club will do just fine. What it be?

{table]|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H
8 |Tb|Hb|Bb|Kb|Qb|Bb|Hb|Tb
7 |Pb|Pb|Pb||Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb
6 ||||||||
5 ||Hw||||||
4 |Pw|||Pb||||
3 ||||||||
2 ||Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw
1 |Tw||Bw|Kw|Qw|Bw|Hw|Tw
[/table][/QUOTE]

[Sxoa]

"Your offer is much appreciated Bresk and I would gladly have someone such as you by my side. I do not know where are travels will take us, but if we need a horse for you I can get one.

[Threeshades]

Kilbain smiles at Paggan: "Dinnae anyone tell ye that it ain't the size tha be matterin'. It be tha width!"
He stretches out his elbows to the sides to emphasize his dwarven physique.
"But I agree, it be always better travellin' in numbers. Always good ta have someone watchin' yer back an' drinkin' on victory with ye!"
He turns to the gnome: "What d'ye say, lad? Would ye be interested on joinin' us on our way? I'm there be much new fer ye ta see.", he hesitates for a moment, "Of course only if we can find somethin' worth the travel 'round 'ere."

[Zimmia]

Paggan

Paggan laughs good naturedly at Kilbain and toasts him with her wine glass.

[Proven_Paradox]

Sage bobbs his head back and forth at the offer and frowns a bit. "Not that I wouldn't mind the company, but I'm no fighter. Most of the spells I've prepared are for helping me run away and make sure no one follows. A little gnome alone on the road looks tempting for any brigands, I'm sure, so I try to be careful. I suppose traveling with you would depend on where we'd be going and what we'd be doing. Truly, the last thing I'm looking for is a fight."

[Zimmia]

Paggan

Paggan nods appreciatively as she reaches into her clothing to pull out a holy symbol to show the gnome. "Indeed Forseti teaches us to look for cooperative and diplomatic solutions to differences and difficulties. Fighting is certainly not the only option."

[fendrin]

Hekesh

"If we need horses, I'll need one too."

He runs his finger along the side of his Queen, then shifts her into the gap in his pawn rank.

{table]|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H
8 |Tb|Hb|Bb|Kb||Bb|Hb|Tb
7 |Pb|Pb|Pb|Qb|Pb|Pb|Pb|Pb
6 ||||||||
5 ||Hw||||||
4 |Pw|||Pb||||
3 ||||||||
2 ||Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw|Pw
1 |Tw||Bw|Kw|Qw|Bw|Hw|Tw
[/table]

[TheMeanDM]

"I am not aware of anyone matching such a description, personally." Dominic says, with a twinge of regret in his voice. "However, Captain Stephenson may have some news. He's got his finger squarely on the pulse of Threshold. There isn't much that happens that he doesn't find out about. He is off duty currently, but will be back on tomorrow after noon lunch." he says. "Come to the town hall. It's the other large building in town, just a couple streets over to the east. You can't miss it."

He looks down at the chessboard. "I've some other matters to attend to, so I will leave you to your game. I hope you enjoy your evening." he bows slightly, as he makes his way toward the stage.

***

All:

The time has passed surprisingly quickly. It seems like you just entered The Old Boot...and now it is heading on toward mid night. Martin and his performers have been playing slower music as the evening has stretched itself toward close.

You see Dominic hand over a pouch to Martin, clapping him on the shoulder. He is obviously congratulating him on a job well done. The performers put away the last of their instruments, and they file past Roderick, the bartender. He hands them three keys, and they all disappear up the stairs, presumably heading to their rooms.

Dominic enters the room that he originally came from before introducing Martin.

Bresk/Miyuki/Hekesh:

The common room is mostly emptied now. At the bar is the off-duty guardsman speaking to a woman, a dwarf, and a gnome.

A man dressed in fairly simple clothing stands up from the table he was at, and goes over to the door Dominic entered. He knocks, and then enters, closing the door behind him.

Kilbain/Sage/Paggan

The common room is mostly emptied now. At a table near the far end of the bar opposite you sit a dark-skinned man, a woman with interesting facial features, and...is that a walking lizard?

A man dressed in fairly simple clothing stands up from the table he was at, and goes over to the door Dominic entered. He knocks, and then enters, closing the door behind him.

[Sxoa]

Losing interest in the game of chess, Miyuki stands, and goes to the bar.
Bartender, the next round is on me.
Laying down coin and then turning to the others gathered there she says in common,I am Bayushi Miyuki, and you are fellow travelers I presume? You don't seem like locals at any rate. What brings you to town?

Spoiler

Show

[...] a woman with interesting facial features[...]

and a mask!

[Seribro]

((to avoid having to go through the whole game of chez piece by piece and thereby clogging up over 10 or 20 pages, hers my intel check (1d20+2)[10]. If you do wish to continue the match however, I would be more then happy to do it by the PM-system))
((okay... a 10 could still go either way but the odds are in your favor so for now, I'm just going to guess your intel check will be higher))

Nice game that wazz. Did not know that ro roc rohcem.... that thing you did with your chief and tower, was possible. Your female killed her opponent so fast every time, I couldn't figure out all tha rulez by seeing. Perhapsz one day we play game again. It be interesting game. Perhaps I show to my folk one day.
Although his grammar was still off by long and his sentences far from flawless, Bresk felt like his pronunciation had become a lot better now that he had been able to perceive it from tongues that actually spoke it as their native language. Or close enough to it.
He leaned on the back of the seat and his tail wiggled left and right as he was growing a bit drowsy. Ale they had called the odd yellow water. But it seemed to have an intoxicating effect on him, which the big guy had warned him for thank the rivers, so he had kept his drinkings to a very slow pace. Still, he did have a hard time keeping eyes and ears at sharp and not giving into that oddly tempting sleep.
So... will we move out in thee morning or do hyou intend to gain information in village fihrst?

[TheMeanDM]

"What the lady wants, the lady gets!" Roderick says, smiling at Miyuki. He fills the dwarf's horn, the other woman's glass of wine, and the mug the gnome had in front of him. He also takes the mug from the off-duty guardsman, refilling it.

About that time, the door to Dominic's room opens, and both the man who entered and Dominic come out. Dominic motions to Roderick to come over.

"Master Edgar will be staying with us for awhile. Please give him a room key, and make sure he is awakened before first light."

Roderick nods, and produces a key from one of his pockets, handing it over to the man.

Dominic and 'Master Edgar' shake hands, and the man heads up the stairs to his room.

Dominic comes over to the group. "I apologize, good sirs and fine lady, but I must request a moment of Daniel's time." he asks politely.

"Oh, sure, Mayor." Daniel says, setting his mug on the bartop.

"We won't be more than a moment." Dominic says, leading the young man across the common room to stand in front of the north window. The two men speak for a few moments, and Dominic claps the young Daniel on the shoulder, smiling in approval.

They return, and Dominic says "Again, forgive me for stealing him away from you." then he stops, and frowns. "Curses, it must be my age. I neglected to introduce myself to you during my rounds. For that, I must apologize." he says, bowing low to Paggain, Kilbain, and Sage.

"I am Dominic Kjeldoran, mayor of Threshold and owner of this humble establishment. I hope that everything has been to your liking, and that you'll be staying with us for awhile."

"Yes" says Daniel softly, with a sideways look at Paggan. "I hope so too."

[fendrin]

Hekesh

((OOC: chess - (1d20+4)[13] We can continue via pm, if you'd like.))

"The move is called castling. It is supposed to represent the king, what you call the chief, seeking shelter. The queen, uh, female, is powerful, but simple to learn. She can move in any of the eight directions, any distance, though she cannot skip over squares."

He pauses, and when he continues he speaks slowly, as if thinking about something else.

"We will be seeking information here. I hope we will be successful soon..."

Suddenly he snaps back to the present.

"I'm sorry Bresk, I've been incredibly rude. We've been only talking about myself and my troubles. What brings you to this town? Where are you from, anyway?"

[Proven_Paradox]

Sage gives a small bow as Dominic introduces himself and says, "'Tis a excellent tavern you run; everything seems wonderful."

"While you're here, might I trouble you a moment? I'm known as Sage, and as I was about to say to this kind lady here--"he pauses to indicate the woman who had purchased their latest round "--I'm a traveling arcanist seeking inspiration for new spells or alchemical concoctions. Your barkeep has been using a rather intriguing device to cool our drinks. Would you be the one I might talk to for details on its function?"

[Seribro]

Bresk grins when the Hekesh explains the workings of the queen. When he is finished he corrects the little matter with a head nod in the right direction.
"When I said your female beats her opponent way to fast, I was talking about your mate."
He nods to Miyuki who has made her way to the bar to meet the other guests.

"I come from swamps of Barrozar, Dragrom-tribe. I left my home lands to bee-come great hunter warrior."
He takes the oddly curved bow from his back and shows it to Hekesh.
"This bow used to belong to one of the greatest hunters of our people. It was paszzed to me by him when he died. I can not return until I know how to wield it. But not only do I not know bow hunting myself, this bow is also to powerful to be draw by ordinary male. It would not even be suhrprisze if giant-man not be able to wield well. In our tribe, boy leaves home for time to become man. The further he go, the bigger the man. To become Morensk, one needs to go truly far and experience many things. That is why I travel human lands now."
The bow is smoothly waxed so it seems and crafted from a dark red wood. It looks a bit like the recurve bows you have seen in your own lands, but the arms are longer and the wood thicker. The hand grip seems to have carvings to form around the fingers, but to wide for any human hand to ever fill them perfectly. Odd rune-like figures are carved along the surface of the arms.

[TheMeanDM]

Sage:

Dominic chuckles "No, no..I have never been handy with a spell, I can assure you that. A business acquaintance of mine made that for me, actually."

Paggan:

Daniel pushes his half-empty mug toward Roderick. "Thanks , Roddy." he says.

He stands up. "I've got to get home, I need to be up early tomorrow. Mayor's orders." says to you as he grins at Dominic.

"Um...if you are going to be...uh..around...in a day or so, when I get back would you...uh...like to have some dinner?" he asks.

[Sxoa]

Miyuki ***** an eyebrow behind her mask, and looks between Daniel and the Mayor.

"Come Lord Mayor! Have a drink with us! We are your last customers tonight.", she says jovially.

[fendrin]

Hekesh

"Mate? Wha? Uh, no... she's, ah, she's not my, uh mate. Mayuki is, uh, just uh, a friend."

He continues on, changing the topic as quickly as possible.

"That's quite a bow. Many of my people great archers, but I never learned anything more than the basics."

[Threeshades]

The dwarf's concentration seems sto have slid off the company and now entirely fixed on the flow of the excellent ale.

[Zimmia]

Paggan

Paggan smiles patiently. "I don't really know what I'm going to be doing in the near future," she says, "but if I'm still here, I'd be happy to enjoy a dinner with you. May your task be uneventful."