Michael Johnson 66 |
To help you visualize the scene a little better, the 6 PCs are in a loose line near the middle of a long queue of travelers, carts, and beasts of burden, all within about 30 feet of each other and no two more than 5 feet apart, in this order: Altin; Cardinal Lucius; the pickpocket; Zagathoth; Johann; The Ogon Fox; and Quinlan. A group of 6 gatehouse guards stands not more than 60 feet away, nearer the city gates at the front of the 150-ft-long queue...
Zagathoth |
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”Él dice gracias. Y espera que la dama que comparta sea feliz,” the orc relays to the priest.
Johann Kaltgeboren |
Johann growls and mutters to himself as he approaches the front of the line. He turns away from the Fox. Johann's thoughts go back to that day in the forest, by the river, many many years ago. The fox had the crumbs of his brother's body all over his face! But on the other hand... while all foxes are tricksters, not all of them were murderers. Best to just ignore this new one.
It is important to remember that customs are different here in the city than back home. And getting into a fight in front of the guards would not be wise. I'll have to be on my best behavior, maybe even try to talk quieter like good ol' ma used to say.
Cardinal Lucius d'Borja |
"Guardie!" Lucius calls as the orc's words make him look down again at the rising man. "Quest'uomo è un ladro, che ruba ai preti." Taking the man's wrist in a surprisingly firm grip for a sixty year old priest, Lucius looks to the guards for assistance.
"Deus, misereátur tibi."
"May god have mercy on you."
Arc Perdu le Rouge |
Arc freezes for a moment at the sight of the guards and offers a brief prayer to the Virgin Mary, though he subsequently reminds himself that lowly guards on the road to Rome would not be very well-versed in foreign affairs, even in nearby countries.
The debacle with the thief brings a small smirk onto his face, though he's not entirely sure about the context, seeing as how everyone's speaking Italian or Spanish.
Gatehouse guard |
The six guardsmen hustle over to the cardinal and the thief with a clank of chainmail hauberks and rattle of spears.
Veni con noi, ladro! barks one of them, pointing at the thief with the business end of his spear...
The guards haul the struggling and protesting thief to the gates and vanish through a side door in the right gatehouse tower...
Cardinal Lucius d'Borja |
"Un carterista, mi hijo. Desafortunadamente, muchas personas están desesperadas estos días. ¿Dijiste que deseabas hablar con el Papa? ¿Puedo preguntar por qué es esto? Soy un Cardenal de la Iglesia: tus razones estarán a salvo conmigo." Lucius responds to Zagathoth.
Depending on Zaga's responce Lucius will start actively trying to recruit the rest of the party - a bunch of people from out of town could be quite useful... :D
Johann Kaltgeboren |
Johann looks concerned as the thief is pulled away. He believes in law and order, of course, but compassion is also a virtue.
He says to the Cardinal, "Vielleicht war er nur hungrig. Solltest du ihn bewachen?"
Cardinal Lucius d'Borja |
"Ich werde die Wache später besuchen, um mit ihm zu sprechen. Ich kann keinen Mann allein halten, mein Sohn, und wir sollten es auch nicht. Diese Stadt hatte viele Jahre lang kein Recht und keine Führung - jetzt müssen wir als Gottes Befehle handeln." Lucius responds, switching between languages with an ease that can only come from long practise.
"Mitgefühl ist eine gute Sache. Ich bin froh, dass Sie das erkennen."
Compassion is a good thing. I am glad to see you recognise that.
Zagathoth |
”El Papa quiere matar cosas debajo de la ciudad. El padre Cortez me envió a ayudar,” Zagathoth answers as he watches the thief get taken away.
The Ogon Fox |
Hearing German now spoken, Ogon nods in understanding and agreement with Lucius d'Borja's comment about compassion, then he chimes in. "Ah! Du sprichst Deutsch," he says to the cardinal. "Gestatten Sie mir, mich richtig vorzustellen. Ich bin bekannt als Ogon Fox."
Ogon turns to Quinlan, then, speaking in English again. "As I was beginning to say earlier, my kind is called kitsune, at least in my mother's land."
Arc Perdu le Rouge |
"Kitsune, you say? I am called Arc." The lad in red nods cordially to the fox-man before regarding the rest of the group. "It would appear that our paths crossing on this day happens to be quite the auspicious occasion."
Michael Johnson 66 |
The queue moves along slowly, shuffling at intervals closer to the gates, until the six adventurers at last reach the shade of the gatehouse that towers above the cobblestone via (way or road)... A raised portcullis hangs in the great archway, and a pair of mighty oaken gates studded with iron spikes hang open, revealing the cobblestone plaza beyond...
Michael Johnson 66 |
Gatehouse guard |
A pair of guardsmen approaches the six adventurers to inspect and interrogate them each. One by one, they ask each traveler the same questions, in Italian: What is your name?... Where do you hail from?... What is your profession?... What brings you to Rome?... How long do you intend to stay?
After all these questions are answered to the guard's satisfaction, a gate toll of one silver piece is demanded from each traveler before entry to the city is granted...
Arc Perdu le Rouge |
More than a little bewildered by the rapid-fire questioning from the guards, Arc motions to the Cardinal and inquires, "Père, auriez-vous l'amabilité de traduire pour moi?" Of course, this is predicated on Arc's assumption that Lucius actually understands French, but he seems hopeful that it would be so.
Should Lucius be willing to aid him, he will offer the following answers, as well as paying the toll with a silver coin.
"Je suis Arc Perdu de Provence, un érudit itinérant. Je suis venu étudier dans votre belle ville et je resterai ici pour quelques semaines au maximum."
Johann Kaltgeboren |
Johann looks confused at the Italian language. Ignorant of traveling, he just figured English and German would be spoken everywhere! "ENGLISH?", he half yells to the guards.
The Ogon Fox |
Ogon follows up Arc's request with his own, "Und für mich auch, wenn es Ihnen nichts ausmacht, Kardinal."
"Ich heiße Ogon Fox. Ich übe kleine Magie, um zu unterhalten, und ich komme aus Belgien. Ich bin hier auf religiöser Pilgerfahrt und werde ein paar Wochen bleiben."
My name is Ogon Fox. I practice minor magics to entertain, and I hail from Belgium. I am here on religious pilgrimage, and will stay a few weeks.
Quinlan Ifrean |
Quinlan answers back as quickly as the guards can ask.
"Quinlan Ifrean. Irlanda. Suppongo di essere più uno studioso di qualsiasi altra cosa, e anche un guerriero credo. Intendo vedere quali informazioni possono essere raccolte nelle biblioteche. Non troppo lungo, anche se non posso dire con certezza esattamente quanti giorni."
After answering the guards questions Quinlan repeats them in english for Johann and Zagathoth. He quickly relays Arc and The Ogon Fox's answers into italian.
Johann Kaltgeboren |
" AH, THANK YOU SIR..." says Johann after Quinlan offers to translate. "MY NAME IS..."... Oh yes, just like ol' ma used to say... "...Johann Kaltegoren. I am a visitor from the Black Forest of the Holy Roman Empire- Germanic region, and am just here to see your fine city. I am a simple woodcutter, but that is unimportant to my visit, as I am here to see the great cities of the world! I will probably stay for a month and be on my way to Athens."
Zagathoth |
The orc looks over the priest at the skinny tattooed man. "My name is Zagathoth," he answers slowly, "from Spain. Father Cortez sended me to kill things for the Pope."
Quinlan Ifrean |
Quinlan nods and relays Johann and Zagathoth's answers to the guards.
Taking a break from translating between languages Quinlan's focus returns to the Ogon fox. "A kitsune you say? I don't think I've ever heard of one. Where is your mothers land? You speak German and English well but I don't think those are your mother tongue."
He turns to Johann and speaks quietly in German so that the guards won't understand. "Und du bist auch eine Art Hautwandler? Was für eine interessante kleine Gruppe sind wir gestolpert."
Johann Kaltgeboren |
Johann talks as quiet as he knows how... a loud rumble. "Nicht genau, woher es kam ... aber ja. Ich kann diese menschliche Form nicht ertragen, eigentlich ... Ich laufe gerne frei, wenn du weißt, was ich meine."
Feeling a little bad about his spontaneous reaction to the Fox, Johann decides to make amends, if possible."Es tut mir leid für meine Reaktion früher. Meine alte Ma wäre so wütend gewesen. Mein alter Tag hätte wahrscheinlich meine Haut gebräunt. Wir sind wahrscheinlich ähnlicher, als mir klar wurde, beide sind Bestien in einer Welt von Menschen."
Cardinal Lucius d'Borja |
Lucius will translate whatever is required.
"Entschuldigung, ich spreche kein Englisch aber I spreche Deutsch. Kannst du fur mich sprechen?" He asks Quinlan, who seems the most fluent apart from himself.
Getting past the guards is a matter of simplicity. Lucius shows his crucifix and blesses both guards. Once the party is through the gate he gestures for them all to follow him and leads them to one of the nearby taverns, a small place with acceptable food and no more dirt than normal.
"Meine Herren, Wilkommen nach Rom gekommen, ich weiß nicht warum, aber da Sie hier sind, habe ich vielleicht eine Aufgabe für Sie. Wenn du akzeptierst, wird es Gott und unserer heiligen Kirche dienen." He repeats the speech in spanish and waits for the reaction amongst the others, waving the landlord over and ordering wine.
"Gentlemen welcome to Rome, I do not know why but since you are here I may have a task for you. If you accept it will serve God and our holy church."
Quinlan Ifrean |
"Natürlich Vater"
Quinlan translates for the Cardinal.
"Gentlemen welcome to Rome, I do not know why but since you are here I may have a task for you. If you accept it will serve God and our holy church."
Having relayed the message he responds to it himself. "
Von welcher Art von Aufgabe reden wir?"
Zagathoth |
”I comed to kill things for the Pope...” Zagathoth repeats as if it were an answer, ”the priest sayed he will take me to the Pope, when will he take me to the Pope?”
Michael Johnson 66 |
Cardinal Lucius leads the others to a small tavern in the city, squatting on the riverside of the Tiber, with an excellent view of the impressive boat-shaped architecture and lighthouse on the Isola Tiberina, the little island in the bend of the river.
The sign hanging over the door depicts a weasel in jester garb, apparently dancing to the music of a harp played by three blindfolded mice. This place is the Taverna Della Donnola Danzante (Tavern of the Dancing Weasel).
Inside, the adventurers are seated together at a large round table lit by a white tallow in a brass candlestick. The table has a scent like fresh herbs. The floor is covered with a layer of relatively fresh rushes. Oil lamps hang from rafters overhead, and the noonday sun pouring in through several open windows further illuminates the smoky common room, which is filled with patrons enjoying lunch and drinks, as well as a few lovely young wenches and hustling potboys. A portly, red-faced, balding man tends a long wooden bar along the west wall.
Once the adventurers are all seated, Cardinal Lucius calls over one of the wenches...
Wench Anabelle |
With her golden blond hair worn in a bun atop her head, green and flirtatious eyes, the olive complexion of the Mediterranean, and a comely face and shapely figure, the wench approaches the motley crew seated at the big round table with the window view of Isola Tiberina, smiling to conceal her curiosity... Apparently, she is not accustomed to serving bear-men or fox-men... Or perhaps the tall, lanky figure with slightly glowing eyes and what might be ram horns barely hidden under a cowl is what piques her curiosity...
In Italian: Um... Welcome to the Dancing Weasel, goodly sirs! I am Anabelle, at your service! What can I bring for you?
Johann Kaltgeboren |
That hair... golden like the sun. Ah, Rapunzel, will I ever see your hair blowing in the wind again?
In English, Johann says, "LIKE MY OLD MA USED TO SAY..." Oops ... "...you never say no to a priest. I came here to see the City, but if God has other plans for me, I am His servant."
Michael Johnson 66 |
The Tavern of the Dancing Weasel sits on the riverside of the Tiber, with a fine view of the Isola Tiberina, the little island in the Tiber...
Arc Perdu le Rouge |
"Juste du pain et du vin pour moi," Arc dictates to the Cardinal for translation. He visibly relaxes once they've settled in at the tavern, and now that they're out of the guards' reach, he stops looking around and scrutinizing everyone nearby.
Johann's comment prompts him to respond in English, "I have great respect for your reverence toward your parents. They must have been an excellent influence upon you."
Michael Johnson 66 |
As Wench Anabelle is taking the adventurers' orders, the portly barkeep calls out, in Italian: The Taverna Della Donnola Danzante is proud to present... THE DANCING WEASEL AND THE THREE BLIND MICE!
The patrons cheer loudly, pounding the bartop and tables with their mugs or fists, and stomping their feet!
A weasel of unusual size, clad in red and yellow checkered jester garb, springs suddenly up onto the bar, near where the portly barkeep has placed a small harp! Three mice the size of healthy rats, each wearing a little black blindfold, also scurry onto the bar, and begin to pluck the strings of the harp, producing surprisingly melodic music! The dire weasel rears onto its hind legs and begins to dance with surprising grace to the harping of the three blind mice!
Wench Anabelle |
Wench Anabelle, well accustomed by now to the unusual spectacle of the dancing dire weasel and three blindfolded mouse minstrels, continues to take the adventurers' orders...
To Johann, she says in Italian: Oh, my! You are a very big fellow! I'd best bring your food quickly, and in goodly portions, lest you try to eat me! She winks playfully at the hulking skinwalker, adding: Not sure what it is, but I feel that I should also bring you a jar of honey...
Quinlan Ifrean |
To Anabelle "solo un po 'di birra annacquata per favore"
Quinlan stifles a laugh at the honey comment.
Cardinal Lucius d'Borja |
"Vino per tutti noi, con pane e formaggio, per favore, mia figlia." Lucius replies to Anabelle, with a nod of benediction.
"Amigo de la paz, los llevaré a todos al Papa a tiempo. Primero, come y bebe. Es lo menos que la Iglesia puede hacer por usted."
Lucius waits until Anabelle has come and gone again and then speaks again, more quietly this time - again in German and then in Spanish.
"Mein Freund hier ist richtig. Der Papst braucht tapfere Männer, um sich unter die Stadt zu wagen und sich mit den Monstern zu befassen, die dort zu finden sind. Sie alle scheinen fähige Männer und mutig - dafür erhalten Sie meine Schirmherrschaft und die Dankbarkeit des Papstes. Viele Türen in dieser Stadt können für Sie geöffnet werden. Das wird dir nicht nur helfen, sondern auch jeden Bürger dieser großen Stadt und den Heiligen Vater selbst beschützen. Wirst du zustimmen?"
"Peace friend, I will take you all to the Pope in time. First, eat and drink. It is the least the Church can do for you."
"My friend here is correct. The Pope has need of brave men to venture beneath the city and deal with the monsters which are found there. You all seem capable men and brave - in return for this you will receive my patronage and the gratitude of the Pope. Many doors in this city may be opened to you. This will not only help you, but protect every citizen of this great city and the Holy Father himself. Will you accept?"
Johann Kaltgeboren |
Earlier
Johann responds to Arc: "That is kind of you to say. It has been over 30 years, God rest their souls, but they did their best in raising me."
Later
Johann watches the weasel and blind mice with a big smile. More than anything else thus far, this sight reminds him of home. In the Black Forest, every other animal acts this way. And I was their protector.
Turning to Cardinal Lucious, Johann says, "That is not why I came to Rome. But I see the people here, the weasel, the mice. If I am to be a protector again, perhaps that is what God has willed for my life, no matter the location. You have... " .... He whips out his right hand... "... MY CLAWS."
The Ogon Fox |
As Lucius begins to talk, the Ogon Fox is still staring wide-eyed at the spectacle of these minstrel animals. How did they get these animals to do that? I can't imagine a direct weasel being a very friendly creature...
His attention returns as Lucius says they would be dealing with monsters. He replies to Lucius, "Ich wünsche mir, dass dies erledigt ist. Die Kirche hat Feinde auf zu vielen Seiten, und wenn wir dabei helfen können, wird das viel Gutes bewirken."
Arc Perdu le Rouge |
Arc waits to have the Cardinal’s request translated and considers it for a few moments, looking over the tavern and all its happy patrons. He says nothing at first, fixated upon his thoughts for a moment. Then, he turns back to Lucius and slowly nods. “Peut-être est-il temps de redonner à l'Église. Je vais voyager avec vous et voir cette tâche accomplie.”
Cardinal Lucius d'Borja |
Turning to Cardinal Lu(s)cious
I'm not that kind of priest, my Son.
Michael Johnson 66 |
Johann Kaltgeboren wrote:Turning to Cardinal Lu(s)ciousI'm not that kind of priest, my Son.
Johann is exercising his right to bear arms... He's going to destroy the monsters in the catacombs with...his BEAR HANDS! LOL... Okay, I'm done... :-)
Wench Anabelle |
Wench Anabelle serves the adventurers their meals and drinks, favoring Johann with a wink and a smile as she sets down a large clay pot of honey before him, along with warm loaves of bread, a hunk of white cheese, a leg of lamb, and a frothy flagon of beer...
In Italian: Enjoy, good sirs! I will be right back to make sure all is to your liking!
The lovely lass dashes off to serve other patrons, leaving the adventurers to their repast...
Michael Johnson 66 |
It is about two hours past noon (on New Year's Day, 1437 AD) when the adventurers finish their meals at Taverna Della Donnola Danzante...
In the street outside the little tavern, a procession of priests wearing tall, pointed hoods and robes of white and purple, and swinging thurigibles that waft frankincense to sweeten the air, lead a chorus of chanting monks, in sombre celebration of the New Year...
Michael Johnson 66 |
To the west, across the River Tiber, lies the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, and the massive Colosseum, where gladiators and exotic beasts and monsters once fought and died for the glory of the Roman Empire, and where criminals and Christians were once publicly executed...
Johann Kaltgeboren |
Johann slurps his honey with gusto and enthusiasm. On the way out, he leaves a 5 silver tip and winks at the serving wench. Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let loose your golden hair...
Johann never saw Rapzunel's face. He wonders if she looked like Anabelle. Maybe some things in life, it is better to just not know.
Michael Johnson 66 |
Not far to the north lies the ruins of the ancient Pantheon, a temple that was dedicated to the pagan deities and demigods of Rome--Jupiter, Mars, Minerva, Apollo, Mercury, Pluto, Neptune, et al...
It is rumored that secret cults still worship and make sacrifices to these pagan gods, and that they in turn still watch over and intervene in the affairs of mortals...
Quite further to the north, near the northern city wall, lies the sprawling Gardens of Lucullus, formerly the site of an ancient villa belonging to a noble Roman of that name... In another 170 years or so, Cardinal Lucius D'Borja's descendants, the Borgias, will build another magnificent villa here, and future generations will know these gardens and buildings as Villa Borghese...
Zagathoth |
Satisfied with the priest's explanation, Zagathoth stops pressing for an answer about when they will see the Pope and answers, "Gracias, Padre."
When the food comes, he squints his eyes shut tightly and quickly mumbles, "Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen."* Then he picks up the leg of lamb and begins to gnaw on it the way most men would a turkey leg.
* most people would likely recognize this as the Our Father (in Latin, of course)