This is the fifth gods-blasted tavern today, Narciso thinks irritably to himself as he pushes the door open. And still not a single sign of-- The half-elf stops short, gaping slightly, as he takes in the motley crew inside.
At one side, a half-orc wearing, of all things, glasses, and perusing a book; then, at the bar, a crazily diverse assortment of people all clustered together in...conversation? That must be what it is. At the center is a strange man with a bizarre-looking device in one hand, chatting with a young woman with a raccoon on her shoulder. Behind the man stands a tiefling who appears to be hanging on his every word, while behind the woman a young man sits, listening in, and another snores on the bar. An elf is hovering around the outside of the group.
What the hell sort of clandestine meeting have I walked into? Narciso wonders. Still...perhaps one of these people will know...but do I approach that gal, or try to keep a low profile with the half-orc? Glancing down at his rather flamboyant (if mud-stained) clothes, he sighs. I suppose that option's shot, anyway.
Confidently, the handsome young man strides across the common room. On the way, he accidentally (on purpose) bumps into a serving wench carrying an empty tray, nearly sending her careening down the low stairs that separate the kitchen from the common area before catching her around the waist and spinning her to face him. "Careful there, sweetheart. A pretty thing like you shouldn't go taking any tumbles--not down stairs, anyway!" he says to her with a wink. He leaves the girl thanking him, giggling and blushing, as he proceeds to the bar. Rule 27: Always be in good with the wait staff.
Gently shifting the snoring boy's arm out of the way, Narciso leans up against the bar and flashes Natilie a dazzling smile. "Good afternoon, O beauteous one. Under any other circumstances, I'd be asking some very different questions, but for now, I must ask you...have you seen a beautiful, red-haired woman, half-elven like myself? Also..." he stares at the gun. "What the hell is that thing, anyway?"
Well, at least you have the cool gun. What about your father, what did he do?
"My father was a blacksmith. Hes the one who taught me how to make and use guns.
Jack sighs at the Half-elf's question."Its a gun and I'm a gunslinger. The names jack." he extends his hand.
Narciso chuckles at Jack's sigh. "I suppose you get that question a lot, eh, friend?" He reaches around Natilie to shake the gunslinger's hand. "Never heard of a gun or a gunslinger before, which makes me think I maybe don't want to know the exact details...but feel free to fill me in if they're not too scary." He winks.
"My name's Blaise, Blaise Longacre. I'm just a traveler--heard King Darren, the gods bless his reign, was holding a festival, so I figured I'd come by Kel Fair and enjoy the atmosphere. I don't suppose you heard my question to this beauty here? I'm looking for an old friend who's supposed to live in this area, a red-headed woman about my age with elven ancestry. Very beautiful, striking figure. Any luck?"
"Ah yeah i did hear and im sorry to say i cant help you. I've only recently arrived in this town myself and the only half-elfs i know are myself and you."
Narciso sighs. "Ah, well. I suppose I'll run into her on some street corner when I least expect it." Actually, that wouldn't be at all unlike her...I should start frequenting street corners.
"Barkeep!" he calls. "A stiff one, if you please!"
Xiakon stood outside the rustic tavern his clothes well worn from travel the lone Tengu sought a nights respite in this place. He had stabled his simple donkey Thunder and made sure his gear was placed securely in the stable masters hold. Once sure his tools of the trade were firmly secure he had headed to the tavern.
Xiakon pushed himself through the well loved wooden door into the tap room beyond. he took in the sights and smells of human squalor mixed with the pungent aroma of ale.He cared little for the stench of the featherless as they tended to think his people little more than gnats that fed upon the outskirts of civilized society. So with that thought he headed to a simple and quiet table waiting for some dolled up maid to ask for his order.
As she came over the tengu chef thought of the various possible entrees this quaint tavern offered hoping it held a house delicacy that he could order and dissect. After all the lone tengu sought not only to perfect the skills with his sword but also become one of the worlds greatest chefs.
As the tavern maid stood at his table the swordmaster pulled off his straw hat and adjusted his gray and earth tone clothes to look at the maid.He saw the look of surprise in her eyes and smiled. Granted few humans could tell when a tengu smiled but to the few who knew he was quite amused.
"What will you have er...um...Sir?" Asked the maid awkwardly not wanting to offend him as she did not know if he was in fact a he or if the bird man before her was a female. Xiakon just took it in and answered her in a polite manner.
" My dear I would have your house specialty and a nice ale to wash it down if and please I take no offense as few know much about my kind" Xiakon replied in a clear crisp tone. The words just flowed out as if he bore lips instead of a beak. Once he ordered the bird man finally took a long look at the room about him seeking to know the capabilities of his fellow diners.
Cassius looked quite intrigued to see the feathered individual enter the tavern and take a table next to his own in the rapidly-filling establishment.
He leaned over and cleared his throat. "Might I suggest the beef stew with the root vegetables? I'm quite enjoying it, myself-- along with a hunk of their bread. If, of course, such foodstuffs are agreeable to your... avian? biology..."
The half-orc would be quite tall if he were standing, but as it is, he's just a lanky pile of limbs wearing a scholar's gray robes (somewhat threadbare in places, it's true). A walking staff leans against his table, and there is a simple dagger at his belt, but beyond that he is not visibly armed. A battered brown leather pack hangs over the back of his chair, and he has a book on the table that he is reading, through half-moon spectacles.
Kiernan sees the tengu enter, and approaches him...Wow...you've got FEATHERS! That's just...so...amazing! Mom used to tell me about people like you...
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Narciso chuckles at Jack's sigh. "I suppose you get that question a lot, eh, friend?" He reaches around Natilie to shake the gunslinger's hand. "Never heard of a gun or a gunslinger before, which makes me think I maybe don't want to know the exact details...but feel free to fill me in if they're not too scary." He winks.
"My name's Blaise, Blaise Longacre. I'm just a traveler--heard King Darren, the gods bless his reign, was holding a festival, so I figured I'd come by Kel Fair and enjoy the atmosphere. I don't suppose you heard my question to this beauty here? I'm looking for an old friend who's supposed to live in this area, a red-headed woman about my age with elven ancestry. Very beautiful, striking figure. Any luck?"
[dice=Bluff check]1d20+8
** spoiler omitted **
Rakdon turns to Blaise
I can fill you in there. A gun is like a bow/crossbow, only in can pierce through steel, and it isn't magical. I've seen one before. But I can't tell you much about gunslingers, as the person I've seen that was in my group wasn't a pure gunslinger, he was multiclassed, he was a rogue before he was a gunslinger.This woman, is she and elf or half-elf or just elf like, you know some similar race that is neither? I haven't seen anyone that fits that description, but I will help you look for her.
Strangely he once again garnered attention. It was strange having others talk to him but yet his master told him he had a strange ability to make friends. He looked to them and responded in kind.
"My stomachs constitution is quite hardy" he says as he pulls out a journal, ink and his ink pen." Besides my scholarly friend how does one not become a versatile chef without a little danger to the palate!"Xiakon said as he then noticed a kitsune. He seriously knew a kitsune form a human.
It was nice seeing another exotic creature here amongst the featherless. He smiled and than gave the weird throaty squawk that doubled as a laugh." I hope my dear kitsune that is was all good things"
Narciso blinks at the jumble of words that come out of the elf's mouth.
"Not sure what you're talking about with your friend there, but...thanks for the explanation on the 'gun.' As for my friend, she's half-elven. And good looking--though I suppose perhaps not to your taste. I've certainly had little enough success with the elven ladies I've met. I appreciate your offer of help; maybe I'll even take you up on it. For now, though, I'm going to hang here for a moment and see if she turns up."
As he chuckles, the barkeep brings him a small glass of whiskey. "Thanks, love. Cheers!" he adds to Rakdon, as he tips the glass back. "Phoo! Good stuff," he says with a cough. "If you'll excuse me," he nods to the elf and the gunslinger, "I'm just going to inquire with the other patrons."
Walking over to the bird-man and half-orc, as well as the excitable (and now awake) young man, Narciso flashes them a dazzling smile. "Good afternoon, friends. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but...I'm wondering if you've seen a beautiful, red-haired, half-elven lass? About this tall, beautiful?"
I didn't really acquire him, he kinda just found me. He's, my, um, familiar, I guess if you know that term. He helps me with my magic.
Smiles at him and offers her hand.
I'm Natalie by the way. From your stride and your equipment you look like a guard or a mercenary. Did you serve in an army?
Stops talking for a second and listens to the Raccoon as it appears to be whispering something to her.
You're right, please tell me if I'm asking to many questions. Wine always did make me chatty.
"Helps you with your magic, you say... And did he just whisper something to you? Would he be able to talk to me as well? Where did yo--"
Rodger cuts himself off mid sentence, a bit embarrassed by his sudden burst of questions, and looks down.
"Sorry, madam, that was a bit rude of me. The name is Rodger, pleased to meet you. And to answer your question, yes I am in the army."A shocked expression breaks on his face" Err, was in the army."
Rodger takes her hand as gently as he can and gives it a good shake. It makes Natalie bounce up and down a bit in her chair, and Rodger blushes.
"Heh, guess I don't know my own strength. "
Rodger turns around and sees a flock of men headed towards the table. Well, so much for the tactical approach then.
Rodger sits down at the table Natalie is at, pulls his hood over his head and blends in (), listening to the conversation these new strangers have with Natalie, each approaching and having a complete conversation in turn. Rodger is even able to take a few tokes from his pipe as he waits there patiently. Interesting folk indeed, though the things they speak have no meaning to me.
I need to go outside for some air, it's getting crowded in here
Walks out
Rodger is going to stand up as well, seeing Natalie leave, and walk up to the bartender.
"Yes, how may I help you?" The bartender asks.
"Do you have any pipeweed? The stronger the better in my case."
"As a matter of fact, we do. Best weed this side of Kel Fair, this. Take a good bit of pride in it myself, I do. Its from my own personal stash. 1 gold piece for an ounce."
Gah, that is highway robbery! But where else am I supposed to go? I have only just arrived here.
"Fine, I'll take it."
He trades the 'keep, then steps outside to join Natalie.
Care to finish our conversation? Rodger asks before lighting his newfound pipeweed.
Seeing Natilie leave and the young man slumped on the bar jack takes his ale and returns to his table with the orc and an new feathery stranger.
Natalie is whispering quickly to the Raccoon on her shoulder as you walk up to her, she jumps a little as you speak.
Oh, I'm sorry you startled me. What subject we're we on before?
Her Raccoon seems more agitated than normal.
Natalie is whispering quickly to the Raccoon on her shoulder as you walk up to her, she jumps a little as you speak.
Oh, I'm sorry you startled me. What subject we're we on before?
Her Raccoon seems more agitated than normal.
Rodger leans back against the wooden wall of the tavern, looking up into the sky. He doesn't talk for a long moment, just blowing smoke rings into the air with cool confidence. He obviously doesn't do this very often.
Sorry if I scared you. I was just curious about your familiar. See, I am trying to get one as well, and I was wondering if there was anything you could tell me that could help? I have always fantasized about prowling through the forest, hood up and bow in hand, tracking a deer with my trusty tiger friend right next to me, ready to help. Sounds ridiculous, right? I mean, what am I thinking. How am I supposed to get a tiger to like me?
I don't know how much of a help I can be. Ricky here just came to me one day. I didn't do anything special, at least I don't think I did. I'm still wondering myself why he chose me.
"Hmm... Have you met any others like you?"
Laughs
It's funny because I came here to see if there were more casters like me. So far I haven't seen any with familiars. Come to think of it, I haven't seen any priests ethier.
"So gents what brings you to this city if you don't mind me asking?" Jack leans back in the chair making himself comfortable.
@ Narciso--
The scholarly half-orc looks up at the young half-elf's approach, listening, then shaking his head sadly.
"I'm sorry to say I may not be of assistance. I do hope you find her. A lover, if I'm not being presumptive...?"
"Well, uhm, the thing is..." Gregory started, having arrived at the table when he noticed Jack was no longer at the bar. "...I've just sort of been moving from one place to the next for a few years now. And, well, every now and then, people notice how I'm different. And when that happens, sometimes, my vocabulary fails me and they wont believe the lie I give them." All the while he was speaking, he was wringing his hands nervously, eyes shifting around the table, looking for signs of realization from the others of what he really was. He laughed nervously. "Hehe, I really blundered this most recent time, tried to tell the man I had "the scalies" from eating too much fish...just my luck I was talking to a sailor...in a tavern...full of more sailors."
He sighed loudly, sagging in his chair to such an extent he almost slid right out of his seat. "Had to set fire to the place to escape, not proud of that. Anyway, this was the second town over..." At this point he lowered his voice to an almost inaudible level, apparently speaking to himself. Second town over, never the first, news travels fast, yes it does..." He stopped, looking up at everyone looking at him. "...Aaaanyway, didnt even know there was a festival going on, but its a nice surprise. So many travellers with open minds."
He gave everyone a jagged smile, then motioned at them with his flask in toast, before taking a long swig.
Cassius glanced over at the words about 'open minds'. He offered the pale and burnt chap a wry, knowing smile. He would wager they both appreciated 'open minds'.
"It can be difficult to be judged by first impressions..."
Rodger smiles,
To be honest with you, I really don't care for priests or their bodyguard paladins. They ruin all of the fun with their whole "Holy Mission" attitude. They never have any time to relax, its always "Smite this!" and "We must save the peasants!" or "No, don't go into that bar!"
It seems that there are a surplus of magic users here in Kel Fair, maybe there is a Mages Guild where you could do some searching?
"Ah yes, you would likely know all about that wouldn't you." Gregory agreed with a nod. "Atleast my...condition, just as often makes people deadly afraid of me. From what I've seen, orcish blood only ever makes people angry." He took another quick swig. "Well, the people who don't understand the difference between a bad person and an unfortunate circumstance."
Having met no hostility yet, Gregory had slowly perked up a bit, although the increasing level of alcohol in his blood likely contributed its fair share. "What about you then, Cassius was it? Here for anything special, or running away from trouble as well?"
Cassius inclines his glass towards Gregory in a wry toast of acknowledgment for the fellow's words.
"It is regrettably common, yes. But all I can do is attempt to prove to the suspicious that their fears are unfounded. I suppose you are in the same boat, sir."
He smiles, still keeping it to a closed-mouth smile out of habit. "I am seeking the wonders of the world, new things to learn, the mysteries of magic... and a job," he adds on ruefully, with a little gesture at the patched elbows of his robe.
"There, ah-" he coughs lightly, "may have been an... indiscretion, on my part, at my last place of employment. I tried to reason with the man and to point out I can't help it if his wife was straying, but he seemed disinclined to respond to my logic."
Cassius shrugs.
"But you seem like an educated chap. You study chemistry? I know some of the theory, but I am but a rank amateur."
"Pfffft, "chemistry". No, I study Alchemy, a rather more impressive branch of science. Its got a magic all its own." He took another swig, which was cut short as the flask was suddenly empty. He held it up and peered into it, as if he would be able to find some content that gravity had failed to coerce from within.
"Chemistry is bland and boring, even if it is the basis of my work. You might say that I too am a sorcerer of sorts. That is one aspect of my condition that is atleast an advantage. I suspect that without my heritage, Alchemy would be beyond me. That's irony for you right there..." He looked surprised as noone seemed to agree. "Oh right, you don't know. For years I've tried to use alchemy to rid myself of this cursed ancestry. Become a regular old human...see? Irony!"
Rising from his seat, he swayed from side to side for a moment, getting accustomed to his altered sense of balance, then staggered to the bar. "Just a moment gentlemen." he called back over his shoulder, before engaging the barkeep in conversation about what manner of liquor was available to refill his flask.
"So gents what brings you to this city if you don't mind me asking?"
Geralt returns from begging another cup of lukewarm-soon-to-be-piping-hot wine in time to hear and respond.
"I came to learn more about magic. I thought I'd have to look around to find other people like me. Is it like this everywhere?"
"I've been traveling for a while now, but so far this is the most interesting and unique group of people I met so far." Jack takes a drink from his ale.
Cassius sipped at his wine as he listened. He can't fault the chap for the distinction he makes between 'chemistry' and 'alchemy'-- he's protective of his own field, such as it is, and would be off-put for someone to confuse him with some mere hedge witch.
He chuckled despite himself at the irony.
"What would you do if you succeeded?" he asked curiously. "If this has been your life's work, how would you proceed if your theory is correct, and it is your 'heritage' that powers your gift? You might cure an affliction, but find yourself without a vocation."
Rodger smiles,
To be honest with you, I really don't care for priests or their bodyguard paladins. They ruin all of the fun with their whole "Holy Mission" attitude. They never have any time to relax, its always "Smite this!" and "We must save the peasants!" or "No, don't go into that bar!"
It seems that there are a surplus of magic users here in Kel Fair, maybe there is a Mages Guild where you could do some searching?
I sympathize with you. They have such beautiful magic, being able to heal people. That is the most important power in my opinion. I'm glad I'm one of the few arcane casters capable of it
"I've been traveling for a while now, but so far this is the most interesting and unique group of people I met so far."
"It's the friendliest I've met. Seems like folk in most other places would as soon rob you as speak to you. Or worse. But my mom warned me about that part. She was traveled a lot when she was younger. I always figured I'd do the same."
Geralt's mouth twitched in a half-hearted grin.
"I just didn't figure I'd be doing it so soon. Anyways, how about you? Do you and that thing -" Geralt motioned to the 'gun' "- do shows? Like at the festival coming up?"
Waiting for Greg's return. "I recall earlier you stated our powders seems to be similar. Do you think you can help me mix up some more some time? I figure a alchemist and Gunslinger could make some great discoveries."
I sympathize with you. They have such beautiful magic, being able to heal people. That is the most important power in my opinion. I'm glad I'm one of the few arcane casters capable of itRodger smiles,
To be honest with you, I really don't care for priests or their bodyguard paladins. They ruin all of the fun with their whole "Holy Mission" attitude. They never have any time to relax, its always "Smite this!" and "We must save the peasants!" or "No, don't go into that bar!"
It seems that there are a surplus of magic users here in Kel Fair, maybe there is a Mages Guild where you could do some searching?
You are capable of healing magic? Have you trained in it much?
Jack smiles at Geralt. "Occasionally. but through my experience i found not many people like the idea of a single man using an unknown device in their town. Especially when it occasionally explodes."
Not really, it just comes naturally to me
Returning with his refilled flask to Cassius' question, Gregory fell into his seat rather heavily, removing his goggles to reveal a set of widely open reptilian eyes. He stared ahead of himself. "Woah...that's heavy." He took another swig, looking very confused by Cassius' question. "I guess I never thought of that. Come to think of it, I've hardly had any time to give it much of my time these past few years."
He held his head in his hands, eyes moving around the room, looking at nothing in particular. "Now I don't even know...But its really all I've had for so long." He looked up at Cassius, his mouth a thin line as he got a determined look in his eyes. "I think ill continue to try. If I ever have my breakthrough, ill decide then..."
Falling back into his own thoughts for a moment, once more staring ahead of himself, he was brought back to the table when Jack posed his idea. "Hmmmm?" he said, snapping back to reality. "Oh, yes, yes! Similar, yes, practically identical but for the ratios." He smiled widely, something he seemingly was not accustomed to. His jaw was apparently capable of opening quite a bit more than the average person, the smile displaying a maw filled with jagged, fang-like teeth. The distressed burn scars being stretched farther than they should didn't help the look any. "Seems fair enough. You let me follow along and I cook you up some more powder. It will help me learn to mix it properly to your specifications. Win win!"
He toasted Jack and took yet another swig. He was starting to look rather intoxicated, eyes blinking lazily out of rhythm.
As Gregory and Jack conversed, Geralt studies the strange-looking man's reptilian seeming features. They reminded him of... something. Somehow they were familiar. Fragmented memories of dreams swirled in his head as he stared almost blatantly at Gregory.
Continuing to make random small talk, mostly about the quality of the new liqour in his flask and black powder, Gregory paused, flask mid swig, as he noticed Geralt staring at him.
"What...?" he said, returning the mans stare, looking halfway worried. "...I uhm....I got something on my face...?" he asked, reaching up a hand and rubbing his chin.
Not really, it just comes naturally to me
Rodger nods
Yeah, I know what you mean. Tell me, do you know what is going on here at this town? I arrived here hoping to find rest and solace but instead I found the city packed with people. Is this normal?
Apparently there's a festival celebrating peace or something similar being thrown by the King
[dice=Arbitrary Perception]1d20 + 5 - 2
"What...?" he said, returning the mans stare, looking halfway worried. "...I uhm....I got something on my face...?" he asked, reaching up a hand and rubbing his chin.
Startled out of his memories, Geralt blushes bright red and stammers an apology.
"No no.... uh, it's just that you, uhm, remind me of someth... er, someone. Someone I... saw, once."
Jack was starting to feel the effect of the ale. "How do you guys feel about playing a little game i learned in my travels. its pretty fun and we can learn more about each other." Jack finishes his Ale and waves at the barmaid to bring him another.
Apparently there's a festival celebrating peace or something similar being thrown by the King
Ah good to know, now I think I will go back inside and grab another ale. If you are ever looking for an adventure, find me. Its always good to have a sword by your side, and I'm experienced with the outdoors. Goodbye for now.
Rodger stuffs his pipe back into the folds of his cloak and slowly leans off of the building, gathering himself. Then he checks around him for any danger and walks through the golden yellow light of the tavern door.