Another day is done, and another paycheck made. The spring festival in full bloom.
All day you have heard various rumours, each wilder than the last. One about a strange cursed town far to the north, another about a magnificient crafter's hammer in a forgotten mine. The beautiful sands of Cralios lake, and the famed Ashkev horse handlers.
You have grown weary of hearing of the same rumours over and over, so you try to find a nice, quiet spot for a meal and drink.
Your journey this night finds you in the Rusty Dragon of Sandpoint, not quiet, perhaps, but good food and atmosphere. Ameiko brings out your drinks and food, and rushes off to serve some of the other guests.
Suddenly, a gnome jumps ontop of a table. "My name is Rodrick Bubblebottom, and I defeated the demonic dark lich Betherbaab. I challenge any of you to claim your life is half as interesting."
A mug flies and knocks the gnome of the table as a dwarf climbs up. "My name ish Thorick Ironshtic. I once seduced the evil king Yahct and defeated his three daughters, the nacht hags."
Some humans drag the drunk dwarf down laughing as another jumps up, "I snuck into the castle Sengir, and took riches, more than I could carry."
Ameiko looks on in good-natured amusement. She looks at you all saying, "Surely, you have some adventures of your own to boast about."
Sitting by the door is a short woman, who has a pale peach skin, with tribal engravings over her arms and the word "Arirai" engraved on her right forearm. She has a very feminine body and long flowing silver hair. Her ears long and pointed and her clothes seem to be made out of animal furs.
I watch on in amusement, while trying to get used to the level of the noise. I am eating a plate of fish, a smaller plate beside my feet, where an otter seems to be eating some fish too. I take a drink of water, from a mug that never seems to empty and look around, "Maybe if I join in then they will all quiet down? Well here goes ..." I stand up with a little elegance, look into the middle of the room and towards Ameiko, once the room has quietened enough for people to hear me, I speak up, "I have found and located many ancient ruins and unlocked their secrets." My voice is strange and it is obvious that this language is not my primary language, but my words flow into each other ... like running water.
I then sit back down, take another drink of water, stroke the Otter on the head, nodding and then get back to my fish, "I hope that worked, I couldn't say anything else".
Marcus looks around, looking for nice elements to add to the group.
After the mysterious girl's speech, he seems interested...
As he sees she is not a liar (not about this, at least) he takes note on her.
An artifact hunter? Nice... would be a nice addition to the Company...
After the Undine's speech and the ensuing pause, a short figure stands up from the dark back corner of the inn. Slowly, he steps into a lighted area and can be seen clearly. Old scars (both from weapons and fire) cover all visible skin, making a rather gruesome sight. His race is difficult to tell: he has the height and hair of a Dwarf but is thinner than you'd expect. In addition, he has no beard. He speaks out gruffly, with a hints of melancholy and anger in his voice.
"Boasting of adventures. Hah! Not everything ends in wealth and glory. You lot know nothing of the real world. So shut up! And let me drink in peace."
With that, he stomps back to his dark corner and resumes nursing his drink.
Lou wanders out of the kitchen of the Rusty Dragon listening to the tales being presented. each is answered with a snicker.
as Amieko comes by to get more drinks and gives Lou a few more food orders...
I think you know my adventures having survived ole Klump's so called rabbit stew was quite the heroic act.
Lou wipes his hands on his apron and grabs some bowls of his spicy chicken {extra, extra spicy)
order up for gnome and dwarf he calls out to be delivered.
this will be an adventure for ya Lou chuckles softly as the food is delivered.
I find my eyes lingering on the burned man and I listen to what he says intently, "Now why didn't I say something like that?! But what could I say, I wiped out an entire village, probably not the right way to go un-noticed, eh Arirai?" I watch the Burned man take a seat again, prying my eyes off of him, I then look around the room to see who will speak next ... or if the burned mans speech had finally given me the peace and quiet that I desired.
Just now a young human comes in, bow over his shoulder, sword at his side.
He can't suppress a small smirk Ah, adventurers, always boasting, boasting, boasting of their moment of glory. They never mention the weeks wading through mud and rain, eating only old rations and drinking brackish water.
He signals Ameiko "Good evening. I would like some of that delicious stew I'm smelling and some light ale."
Sitting at the shadiest side of the bar, a hooded man keeping to himself can be seen eating nuts, with a blackened tankard to his left, sporting leather armour and two semi concealed swords.
Upon hearing these speeches and claims to fame, the man effortlessly and unenthusiastically speaks aloud; "If it's adventure you're after, look no further. But challenge me and breathe no more."
His face remains hidden as he continues to stare down at the bar, crunching away his nuts.
Ameiko walks back collecting the dishes with a raised eyebrow and grin. "One of these days, Lou..." She walks out and hands the two outspoken members their dishes while going around listening with half an ear.
Ameiko perks her ear at hearing of the artifacts and adventure, wistful for days gone by. She nods slightly at River, knowing the courage it takes to stand up in a crowd like this.
Rogar's statement draws a wince from her, as she hears the trouble, both past and future, those words provoke. She quickly looks around to notice how much trouble is likely, and walks to her bar to grab her sap. Just in case.
Always keeping a wary eye out, she walks over to Desnold. "If you are sure, it'll be jus a sec." She delivers the order back, and upon hearing the hooded man make his claim begins cursing under her breath. "Tell me, why does the festival always do this?"
At the claim, Thorick jumps up. "Laddie, I defeated the king hacht nagsh, you woul be no probleem." And he throws his bowl of soup, and misses horribly, hitting another patron with the bowl. Taking exception to being splashed with soup and bowl, he turned and swung a fist at the dwarf. Slipping in the soup a little, he managed to hit Sir Bubblebottom and so this year's Dragon Brawl was on again.
In the midst of all the bustle, Marcus' calculations seem to have eluded the notice of Ameiko, who was currently busy trying to quell the mob with judicious use of her blackjack.
I watch on in horror as the fight breaks out and the otter by my feet climbs onto my lap, where it goes into a defensive posture.
Seeing the brawl before him, Marcus tries to find the young artifact's retriever amidst the chaos.
Upon see her, Marcus walks firmly towards her and tries to put her out of harm's way.
"Don't worry, young lady. No harm will happen to you today..."
In all the chaos I try to hide into my chair, when I see a man walking towards me with a firm look on his face and I obviously get scared, stand and try to back out of the door, but when he stops in front of me and offers to protect me a sigh of relief escapes my lips, "Thank-you Ser. Should we not leave?"
Rogar remains in his seat, seemingly not even noticing the brawl erupting around him. The barroom has become quite noisy, so it's unlikely that anyone would hear his faint sobs as the memories return.
seeing a brawl about to begin Lou immediately shutters any windows and closes any doors to the kitchen. here we go again. least its not a nightly event like the Feedbag he mutters to himself.
Lou then starts to manuever amid the chaos dodgeing and weaving trying to avoid blows as he attempts to gather the breakables off the various tables and reduce the damages to the tavern.
Lou moves about the combatants with grace but not delivering any offensive attacks. holding a mug of half finished ale in one hand and a bowl in the other having just cleared off a hastily vacated table, Lou manages to dodge some thrown food without spilling a drop of either.
Lou then finishes the half full ale no point in wasting it
With gentle voice tries to calm down the girl,
"Let's see first if I can do something about this mayhem..."
And then tries to call the attention of the people around:
"Gentlemen! Brave warriors and skilled adventurers! Just hear me out!"
While Ameiko is trying to slow the brawl (or just to have fun), Lou seems like he certainly has done this before as he sways, dodges and trips other people to save the valuables.
Marcus successfully calls out to a few people, causing them to look his way as his force of personality draws their attention. For better or worse, this also causes them to lose focus against their opponents and quickly get knocked out, leading to some cheering for the victors. Some of them wave at Marcus, while others slug those that wave.
Turning his head to look at Thorick, Vironus begins to laugh.
"Hahaha! The only thing this King you speak of is good at, is creating ridiculous names for himself!"
Downing his ale and turning on his stall to watch as the fight breaks out, Vironus grabs a handful of nuts and leans back against the wall he sits next to, with a huge grin now spread across his face.
"It looks like I have my entertainment!" says Vironus loudly, with jolly cheer in his voice, as he then holds his Tankard to the side, tilting his head toward the woman from behind the bar and speaks; "Barkeep, bring me another ale and one for yourself!"
Seeing that there are no good opportunities to cast my spell, I continue to ready my action to heal this brave knight who is protecting me. I watch the barman evade all blows with fascination and then glare at the man who has started this brawl. I whisper to the knight, "Why would he laugh at all this?"
"Please stop this useless fighting! I came to this town because I was told that great warriors and unparalleled skilled adventurers will come to this very tavern... and I acknowledge your expertise in the field of battle...
But true greatness is proved inside AND outside the battlefield.
If your claims of martial prowess and cunning are true, we could know it out there. If you insist in proving your worth, we can held a tournament right now, across the street, without breaking the law or destroying this place.
Just think about it, who don't like this place's stew or this fine mead?"
Marcus takes a mug of ale and takes a long drink.
"Seeing me surrounded by so many heroes and with this fine company *a glance to nearest good-looking waitress* make me feel like a king! Please, behave like the champions you are and not like a bunch of troublesome kids."
Marcus smiles and wait for an answer, while slowly his hand reaches the sword's hilt... just in case.
I hope this would be enough to avoid some unnecesary violence...
Turning his head to look at Thorick, Vironus begins to laugh.
"Hahaha! The only thing this King you speak of is good at, is creating ridiculous names for himself!"
Downing his ale and turning on his stall to watch as the fight breaks out, Vironus grabs a handful of nuts and leans back against the wall he sits next to, with a huge grin now spread across his face.
"It looks like I have my entertainment!" says Vironus loudly, with jolly cheer in his voice, as he then holds his Tankard to the side, tilting his head toward the woman from behind the bar and speaks; "Barkeep, bring me another ale and one for yourself!"
Lou, as he manuvers around the combat almost looking drunk himself acknowledges the order one ale, got it.
Lou works his way to the bar and drops off the empties and grabs two ales moving out of the way just as another patron flies across the bar and head first into a pickle barrel.
Lou "dances" his way to Vironus almost slipping on some spilled stew.
Lou manages to avoid the stew but is barely able to hold both mugs. spilling half of one of them.
Lou reaches the customer and hands him the full mug, apparently upset he spilled some of his ale. what a waste, little rougher tonight, I seldom ever spill Lou seems disappointed in his service.
Vironus awaits reaction from the crowd, in response to the man's speech, whilst continuing to laugh.
"You don't end a bar brawl. You wait for it to end. The fight between these drunken oafs has only just begun!"
Marcus' comment about not destroying the palce draws a voice of agreement from the "dancing cook" well said and stay out of my kitchen too!
Watching as the bar tender almost drops his mug, Vironus chuckles; "Is it always this crazy in here, friend?"
Vironus takes the ale and nods with gratitude, before turning back to look at the fight once more, keeping the bar tender in ear shot.
Upon hearing the girl's request, Marcus turn around.
"Sadly, some men did not know anything but violence. That poor souls live deluded, thinking that strenght is a joy and not a burden that must be carried with responsability."
I look into the knights eyes, "Should we lead by example and head outside? Or stay in here to make sure that no damage is done to the tavern?"
All that can be seen are flailing bodies, with a man and woman in conversation with one another.
Watching as the bar tender almost drops his mug, Vironus chuckles; "Is it always this crazy in here, friend?"
Vironus takes the ale and nods with gratitude, before turning back to look at the fight once more, keeping the bar tender in ear shot.
not normally, This place is usually quiet, except when there is a festival or big event that draws travellers. Now the Feedbag down by the docks, that's another story this is tame compared to that place. If you decide to go there say hi to my sister she usually hangs out down there, except when she's in the sheriff's jail cell
Lou chugs the half mug of ale he originally brought for himself. you can tell Lou is looking slightly tipsy. which only seems to improve his avoidance of the brawlers fists and various flying objects.
Upon hearing the commotion, being louder inside than out, another group walks into the bar and sees the fight. Some of the entrants turn around, but a few walk in, either gearing for food, or a fight.
Amelia glares at some of the newcomers, and works towards getting closer to them.
Still in conversation with Lou, Vironus responds; "As to be expected of any social gathering."
"You say you have a sister? Would she appreciate the company of one such as I, or is she a little more dignified?"
I look into the knights eyes, "Should we lead by example and head outside? Or stay in here to make sure that no damage is done to the tavern?"
"I think we should wait outside, this is getting...
As the other group enters, Marcus stops and grabs the sword's pommel.
"Wait. Maybe we won't have time for that."
Still in conversation with Lou, Vironus responds; "As to be expected of any social gathering."
"You say you have a sister? Would she appreciate the company of one such as I, or is she a little more dignified?"
Lou burst out laughing at the dignified comment. HA, I'd be willing to bet her idea of courtship would be a head lock and a busted nose. She always told me any man after her better last three rounds in the ring against her first, needless to say she remains single
Lou glances toward the newcomers If you will excuse me seems some people decided to bring some weapons to a fist fight, and really hate unfair advantages
Lou gets up to head twoard the newcomers (back up to his boss) staggering and bit tipsy.
I look up at my knight, nod my head and turn to look at the door, where I see the men and the knife, prompting me to let out a little scream of fear, before mumbling some strange and complex incantation and performing some equally strange hand gestures, then all of a sudden a cloud of bubbles floats around the door and the newcomers, especially the guy with the knife. "Lirill ndu llie dol, nurt llie elee ent lav lisse' seere nae teshuel llie."
Lou burst out laughing at the dignified comment. HA, I'd be willing to bet her idea of courtship would be a head lock and a busted nose. She always told me any man after her better last three rounds in the ring against her first, needless to say she remains singleLou glances toward the newcomers If you will excuse me seems some people decided to bring some weapons to a fist fight, and really hate unfair advantages
"Sounds like my kind of girl! Tell me, do her looks rival that of the gods, for there must be reason men are prepared to fight for her."
Following the Bar man's comment, Vironus looks toward the commotion, placing one hand on hilt, whilst continuing to laugh while eating nuts.
"Very well. I knew someone would have to spoil my entertainment sooner or later. Cowards are easy to deal with, so I'm sure you can handle it."
As the sand flies out from your hand, a couple of the people entering sneeze, but some of them stumble and collapse on the floor.
Ameiko looks confused as the people fall down, but quickly gathers herself and continues trying to swim to the other side of the tavern.
Lou burst out laughing at the dignified comment. HA, I'd be willing to bet her idea of courtship would be a head lock and a busted nose. She always told me any man after her better last three rounds in the ring against her first, needless to say she remains singleLou glances toward the newcomers If you will excuse me seems some people decided to bring some weapons to a fist fight, and really hate unfair advantages
"Sounds like my kind of girl! Tell me, do her looks rival that of the gods, for there must be reason men are prepared to fight for her."
Following the Bar man's comment, Vironus looks toward the commotion, placing one hand on hilt, whilst continuing to laugh while eating nuts.
"Very well. I knew someone would have to spoil my entertainment sooner or later. Cowards are easy to deal with, so I'm sure you can handle it."
before Lou can even get far the ones in question are out cold on the floor. problem solved Lou takes a seat again looks, you ask? men are only fighting her because there's money to be made.
Lou leans a little closer she helps run a local "fight club" I really never approved, and I'd suggest you stay clear unless you want to have a mountain of debt to the local Sczarni family
The Sczarni? I've not been here long, so the name's unfamiliar to me.
Perhaps I could one day tempt her into courtship with me, leading her away from a life full of debt, and instead, one that offers adventure.
Vironus looks around and laughs at the fight ending before it has even begun.
It seems you have things handled well here. My name's Vironus. I travel from Katapesh as a free man, seeking adventure and companionship.
He raises his Tankard to the bar tender, before drinking once more.
The Sczarni? I've not been here long, so the name's unfamiliar to me.
Perhaps I could one day tempt her into courtship with me, leading her away from a life full of debt, and instead, one that offers adventure.
Vironus looks around and laughs at the fight ending before it has even begun.
It seems you have things handled well here. My name's Vironus. I travel from Katapesh as a free man, seeking adventure and companionship.
He raises his Tankard to the bar tender, before drinking once more.
Lou offers his hand Lou, Lou Kasuri, cook and artist
after the intro the Sczarni is the thorn in the community around here, the local crime family, lots of connections and money, they own lots of property, and apparently people. She would love to get away from that life but she would be worried about what the Sczarni would do to me and the rest of our family. besides I can tell you may not be her type.
Lou glances about the barroom at the brawlers I should be getting back to work Amieko needs me to serve and cook not chat away.
Lou glances toward Amieko as he says this it doesn't take much ti guess who Lou has eyes for, if she would just take the time to notice.
I look up at the knight and smile, "I think we can leave now ... maybe we should take that knife away from him and get the sheriff? Is there anyone else who wants to leave with us, do you think?"
Can I see Rogar through all the fighting, not hear ... just see and notice he isn't fighting ... Desnold too?
So far Desnold just sat at his seat, watching the chaos come and wane. Some people just can't hold themselves together.
Now that the fight seems mostly over he stands up
"May I suggest that those still standing calm down now? If you want to fight that badly, I'm sure the Sheriff has some monster somewhere who need pacification." He glances at the damage already done to the tavern interior "And some loot seems better to me than a hefty repair bill."
"That might not be neccesary...
But it's better to remove the wood from the fire."
Marcus walks toward the fallen men and takes the knife. Then he goes towards Lou, as he recognize him as a member of the tavern's staff and offer him the knife.
"I think its better if you put this into safekeeping."
Lou offers his hand Lou, Lou Kasuri, cook and artist
after the intro the Sczarni is the thorn in the community around here, the local crime family, lots of connections and money, they own lots of property, and apparently people. She would love to get away from that life but she would be worried about what the Sczarni would do to me and the rest of our family. besides I can tell you may not be her type.
Lou glances about the barroom at the brawlers I should be getting back to work Amieko needs me to serve and cook not chat away.
Lou glances toward Amieko as he says this it doesn't take much ti guess who Lou has eyes for, if she would just take the time to notice.
Vironus brushes his hand, cleaning it of all broken nut fragments and shakes the bar tenders hand.
Well Lou, it sounds like you'd all have better lives if the Sczarni were to be removed.
Looking to the left towards Ameiko, then back at Lou once more; I've a way with women. I'll meet your sister one day, and whether or not we take a liking to each other is something for the gods to decide. But, I don't stand for the oppression of women or children, so if you ever want to take a stab at removing all posing threats from this place, I'd be happy to aid you and the citizens of Sandpoint. Can you fight?
As Lou says his goodbye, Vironus speaks one last time; Friend, make sure you express your true feelings to that woman over there. You're better off knowing than not.
Ameiko finally wades over to the body of the guy wielding the knife. She slaps his face a moment to wake him up, then looks at him with a feral grin. "Do not bring a bared weapon into my bar."
So proclaiming, she proceeds to smack the guy repeatedly with her sap until he passes out. She then rushes off to handle the other outbreaks with a much happier stride to her step.
Lou looks back a bit embarassed at Vironus' comment.
Lou takes the knife thanks he gives it a twirl feeling the balance. but finds it a little off. He goes to the kitchen to add the knife to his collection of kitchen utensils.
Lou comes back out with a couple bowls of his famous spicy chicken handing one to Marcus thanks for the help, on the house
The other bowl to Vironus thanks for the conversation, on the house, oh, and yes I can fight if the need arises but I prefer a less violent solution if possible.
Lou looks to Amieko don't worry just take it from my pay
As some of the more drunk patrons begin to tire out, Lou begins to "escort" them to the exit.
As Vironus receives the bowl of Spicy Chicken, he says My gratitude, friend. I admire your ideals, but find violence to be the only solution that solves anything, when faced with enemies wanting to claim your life.
I continue to look at Marcus, but sit down, offering him a seat beside me so he can eat his food.
Taking the seat besides River, Marcus proceeds to eat. At first, he take a small bite at the spicy chicken, following a sip of ale.
"Sorry if I keep using Taldan, but my dominion of the elven tongue is not nearly as fluid as yours..."
After a couple bites more, and seeing Calah doesn't eat anything, Marcus stops and offer some of his food to her.
"Do you want some of this or do you prefer I bought something for you? I'm not really fond of spicy food..."
Then, noticing the otter, Marcus left some of the chicken next to it.
"Ah, please forgive my rude manners. I'm Sir... Marcus suddenly stops and his face turns grim for a moment, then went back to normal Just call me Marcus, Marcus Cramont, at your service."
Thick smoke filling the air, obscuring vision and clogging the lungs. The mass of people struggling to get away. The screams of the wounded. The laughing of Orcs. Suddenly more figures appear, one holding a knife. The stink of death is on them and bloodshed is sure to follow. Words in a strange language. It sounds peaceful. The ominous figures collapse. The smoke clears. The battle sounds fade. Struggling, dying bodies are replaced by an almost empty inn....
"AAAHHHH!!!!" Rogar's eyes snap fully open as the memories die. After a minute of looking around wildly, his vision clears, and he remembers where he is.
Rogar looks slightly sheepish as he finally speaks, "My apologies if I startled you. How long was I out this time? Did I hurt anyone?"
Without moving, Vironus responds to the Dwarf with "I didn't notice." before finishing up the last of his ale.