The door bangs open, and a lean young elf steps through. He moves with the strength and grace of a stalking leopard, and is studded leather armor is battered and battle-scarred. A bow on his back and a curved scimitar on his hip proclaim his talents, and he studies the sign on the door for a moment before he lets it swing closed behind him. He walks to the bar and perches on a stool, setting his pack at his feet and waiting with a blank expression to request food and ale, for the road from Mierani has been long.
Tiberiu scratches his head, running his eyes up and down the shoddy sign once more. "Well, I didn't really think word would have preceded me by quite so much. But hey, I guess that's the price of fame! ...Or notoriety. Anyway, let's see..."
He takes a deep breath and shakes out his arms, cracks his knuckles, loosens his neck and back. He unwinds the bright red scarf wrapped snuggly around his neck and breathes in and out, once, deeply.
Then he bursts through the door.
"Hellooooooooo Sandpoint! I'm so honored to be here! Yes, yes, hold your applause, though it is I, Tiberiu the Magnificent, Tiberiu the Extraordinary, Tiberiu the Peerless! I am the dancer for kings and the wizard for gods! Witness and stand amazed as the scarf dances, I dance, and the universe laughs with us in admiration. I'm dancing with the scarf now, but don't worry, ladies--there'll be plenty of time later for dancing with the rest of you!"
The scarf, which had been spinning in complex and dazzling patterns around his body as he whirled through the room, slowly stops as he takes in the lack of response. He looks around. He realizes that everyone is staring. He realizes that they are seated at tables and a bar.
He realizes that this is an inn, and not a theater at all.
"I, er...I may be...in the wrong...place." Tiberiu hastily wraps the scarf back around his neck, taking care not to cut himself on the blades concealed in its folds. "Er...exactly what was it YOU needed, again?"
Concept:
In the years since, Tiberiu has wandered the world, masking his deep sorrow and deeper anger and regret in a bright smile and frequently drowning it in women and wine. He and his sister plied their trade as Kapenia dancers--a skill they were taught in secret by their mother, to celebrate family events--for several years, but two years ago Tiberiu and Iolana had a falling out. Burning more ardently for revenge than he, she swore to become a paladin of Milani, to stand up for the defenseless, and to take down the House of Kozak--and if she could, all of Cheliax and the thrice-damned House of Thrune.
Since that day, Tiberiu has developed a solo act, and has picked up a great deal of magic to accentuate his dancing, finding he has a natural affinity for it. He's made his way to Sandpoint because he's heard that they have a good theater there, one that rivals Korvosa and Maginmar's in size but has (naturally) less competition. And although he would never admit it even to himself, he's been a bit bored lately...and Sandpoint is rumored to be a town in need of more than just entertainment...
As warm a welcome as one could expect, Qorinae thinks. Must be an early frost.
"Good cheer to you," he says, with a cold smile to the drunks. He turns to the bartender, and seeing that the man shows no inclination to stop wiping his mug, he tries a more direct approach. "If you do provide such luxuries as food and ale, both would be welcome. He looks at the man's hands and adds, as an afterthought. If you have a secret stash of clean dishes somewhere that you could trouble yourself to serve them on, there will be something extra in it for you."
He looks away, then, back towards the door, trying to make out the fine print under the first sign. If this was Sandpoint, he could think of many things it needed. Or maybe there was good reason for the gloom.
Entertainment didn't seem to be appreciated, but he watched Tiberiu the Unwelcome's entrance with a chuckle and caught the man's eye, nodding towards the stool beside him.
"I'm not sure they serve anything here yet, but I think you've gotten the best you'll get out of these lumps, conversationally."
Tiberiu makes his way, as quickly as possible while trying to appear unhurried, to the bar. He sits on the stool next to the elf and mutters, "I think I may have gotten...rather turned around on the road. This town is not NEARLY as charming as I was promised."
He turns to the innkeeper. "Er...where exactly am I, if I may inquire? If this is not Sandpoint, I mean? And could I perhaps have a mug of mulled wine? Or...ale...or...I'll take...whatever...you want to serve..."
He wilts slightly under the bartender's direct gaze.
"Ale. What a wonderful choice for a person who asked for ale. You've convinced me. I'll try some. As for the boar or the lamb, which is less rancid?" He leaned across the bar and whispered to the bartender. "How far is it to Sandpoint anyway? If it's not too far, I might just keep walking, rather than risk you disturbing your bedbugs."
"Dresdale?!" Tiberiu stares around him in dismay. "Ah. Well, that does explain the...er...less-than-enthusiastic response to my appearance. Yes. Well." He clears his throat, and looks Zukan up and down.
"Would you happen to know, Mr. Zukan, whether there is a venue in this...um...municipality that could accommodate an artist of my stature? I'm interested in making some coin, and I've been known to draw something of a crowd."
Tiberiu edges slightly closer to Qorinae, away from Zukan.
A Dwarf with a large pack walks up to the sign in front of the tavern and looks at the inscription. That is odd, I was told SandPoint is further toward the coast. I was also told the town was clean and orderly, but I guess that is a matter of personal opinion. Then, he says aloud, "Angradd, plan my path. I don't go into this tavern seeking a battle but if one is to be found, help me prevail."
Taking a few more steps, he approaches the door, opens it, and walks into the building. He closes the door behind him and looks at the other patrons. From what he can tell, this looks like any one of the many run down taverns he has stumbled upon in the past few weeks. Seeing an empty seat, he moves to the chair, takes off his pack, and sits down. He spends a few moments trying to get the attention of the bartender or a serving maid. "Ale. In a dwarf-sized mug, if you have any. " he says.
Qorinae looks at the newcomers with curiosity. As it seems he got hold of the last ale on the premises, he slides his mug along the bar.
"He claims it's ale, but a look at the mug has quenched my thirst," he says to the others. "You're welcome to it, though I take no responsibility for the outcome."
To the other elf, he gives a nod of greeting.
"նրանք չեն ողջունում են օտար այստեղ, զգույշ լինել,"
Tiberiu eyes the soup queasily. "I think I'll be fine without any food here, actually," he mutters to Qorinae. Turning to the others, he says, "Welcome, though if you're looking for Sandpoint, my elf friend, you're bound for disappointment the same as I. This here, as I have just been informed, is the hamlet of Dresdale. Charming place. Inspiring prospects." He lowers his voice so only those immediately nearby can hear. "Though perhaps not the friendliest of people..."
He turns back to Zukan. "You said you had a friend in need of knife skills! I'm quite handy with a blade myself--one of the best barbers on the Gulf, though I say it myself. Perhaps he has need of my services? A soothing masseter massage, a light tonsorial pick-me-up?"
A peculiar-looking man starts playing a melancholy and sweeping melody in the back of tavern on his instrument, a small drum with singular features not commonly seen in Sandpoint. The music, some kind of tribal song, is deep and cosy.
It makes no difference how long he was in the tavern, unnoticed, only drunken for one more time.
His gaze is penetrating and transpires anguish and hope at the same time. Although his music is predominantly instrumental, gradually his voice echoing slightly out of his mouth. A sound clearly linked to Shoanti´s dialects.
♫ Light vorm middag ♪
♩ duisternis bo middernag ♬
♪ Hoop benadering in tye van wanhoop ♫
♬ Die maan en die stem wat aanklank vind ♪
♪ die horison om ons te lei in ons soek private ♫
♩Darkness above midnight♬
♪Hopes approach in times of despair♫
♬The moonlight and the voice that resonates♪
♪the horizon to guide us in our search private♫
Shortly time after he suddenly stops and resumes his alcoholic ritual.
|
Walking down a dirt road is not what I thought my grand mission would turn out to be... Saolin quickly mutters a prayer for forgiveness at his wayward thought as he raises his eyes from the wagon rut's he'd been following to the path ahead. In the distance he was able to make out what appeared to be buildings. "At last, civilization. Perhaps they can point me in the direction my goddess wishes me to go. Or at least have somewhere to rest for a bit," he says aloud and his speed increases in anticipation.
As Saolin approaches the town, his hopes begin to die down again. It's a rather small affair, a few small buildings scattered around one larger building. He approaches the larger building and spots the sign that says something about Sandport.
With a weary sigh, Saolin hangs his head at the dilapidated appearance of the town's seemingly only inn. "Sometimes I wonder if Iomedae is simply testing my resolve..." he mutters to himself as he slowly pushes the door open, curious about the odd sign pinned to it. Perhaps it was a group meeting of some sort?
Shrugging the curious sight aside the tall, pale skinned man walks inside to be greeted with the sights and sounds of a typical tavern, albeit slightly less...maintained than those he usually stays at. With another sigh he steps over to the counter top and sits down at an open stool, waiting for the bartender's attention.
Tiberiu eyes the soup queasily. "I think I'll be fine without any food here, actually," he mutters to Qorinae. Turning to the others, he says, "Welcome, though if you're looking for Sandpoint, my elf friend, you're bound for disappointment the same as I. This here, as I have just been informed, is the hamlet of Dresdale. Charming place. Inspiring prospects."
Hearing the conversation near him, Uuli adds his voice. "Not Sandpoint you say, well that explains a lot. Have you any idea of how much farther down the road I will need to go before I arrive there?" With hospitality like this, the stars may be better company.
While the conversation is going on Uuli fidgets noticeably, trying to figure out who is the innkeeper. "At least we had some music. I wonder how often he will play."
Uuli accepts the mug.
"Much better! You must be a great wizard, able to remove the invisibility curse I seem to have picked up during my travels," Uuli says with a wink and a laugh.
He raises the mug in a salute to the Elf who brought it and the rest of the small group gathered around. He takes a large gulp out of the mug and wipes his mouth on the back of his hand. He says with a flourish "Uuli Stonejaw, at your service. Who do I have to thank for this tankard?"
Qorinae looks around at the group that was gathering around him at the bar. Another elf, a dwarf, a drunk Shoanti and a peculiar human with a scarf. And Zukan the Quick, who seemed to know his way around a bit. If only that made him seem in any way trustworthy.
"I'm called Qorinae," he said, to the other strangers. The locals seemed to range from indifferent to hostile, so he ignored them, for the most part. "An archer and a scout, down from Mierani. It seems we're all - or almost all - on our way to Sandpoint."
He lowers his voice and adds, "We might have a better chance of reaching there alive if we travel together, and find somewhere else to pass the night."
|
the barkeep had come around front again, with a bowl of...soup... and offered a drink called 'Scumble' to a patron at the bar.the barkeep has long stringy hair that is pulled into a tight, though not very neat, ponytail
"Erm...thank you for your...hospitality. I'm sure it's just as delicious as it looks." Saolin says as a mug of...some form of drink is pushed in front of him. Taking out a few copper pieces he places them on the counter as he turns to look out at the other patrons.
A small group seems to be a few seats down from himself and he catches a few mentions of traveling to a place called "Sandpoint." Curious, he takes his mug and walks over to the group. "Excuse me but I can't help but over hear that you plan on traveling to a place called Sandpoint. Is that not what this place is? The sign outside the door seems to imply the name of this...town if you can call it that, is in fact Sandpoint."
"It seems that this is not Sandpoint, but that Sandpoint needs ... well, someone," Qorinae says to the latest arrival. As he looks around at the locals, he sighs. "As far as Dresdale is concerned...." He shakes his head, leaving the thought hanging.
|
|
Azoth, a short, but young and attractive, Varisian man enters the bar. Adorning his scale armor are many colors of cloth, typical of people, including a violet karpenia, and a turquoise and orange armband around each bicep. He also wears a holy symbol of Iomedae around his neck. His violet eyes scan the room briefly as he enters.
As he approaches the bar, he seems mildly distracted, as though lost in some deep thought. After a moment, he realizes the barkeep is waiting for him to order. "Oh! Oh, yes, sorry about that. Um, I will have one ale, if you please." Upon receiving said drink, "Thank you. Oh, yes, I was wondering about that sign over the door just outside?"
Shortly after the paladin, Caladral, a middle aged Varisian with missing teeth and dirty clothes enters, a bottle of rum already in his hand; and a chicken perched on his shoulder like a parrot. The man smells of rum, and the sea, and has beads braided into his dingy hair. He wears the clothing of both a sailor and a chef. "Barkeep! A drink, if I may! Argh, this bottle has gone stale it seem! Say, what can ye tell this old Jack Tar about that sign on the door over yonder?"
Kamak gets up and sit with the strangers at the tavern "Thanks elf", and continues to drink, "Want to hear a song?" question looking for those around him.
Tiberiu glances nervously around at the assembled patrons. "I'm sure that's not necessary, my good, good man. I'm sure everyone here had a rollicking good time with the last one and now they want to enjoy their drinks in peace. Nice, quiet peace."
He turns to the barkeep. "I have to say, your town--ha ha!--it's really not well known, is it? I mean, this place is a veritable zoo of people thinking they've found Sandpoint. Perhaps you could...clue the lot of us in on that sign's origins?"
He attempts (probably with only moderate rates of success) to bring the drunk drummer's focus onto the barkeep, and to get the attention of Qorinae, the other elf, Uuli, and the newcomers. Zukan, he tries to ignore.
The elf smiles at the shoanti and nods.
"I'm always up for a little music," he says. He takes another sniff at the mug of ale in front of him and nods. It's definitely undrinkable. Better to stay sober and hungry for the night, he thinks, than to spend the next day sick or worse. Besides, it looks as though they might not be staying much longer.
Tiberiu winces. "Did you have to tell him that?" he mutters to himself. "So far these people have proven hostile to even the most high-quality entertainment..."
A gnome Rides into the in jumps off his riding dog and smiles at the gents and lady's as his dog heads over to the warm fire side to flop down and fall asleep.
He walks with small fast steps to the bar.
Smiling at the bar man he asks in a clear lilting voice that
Oddly seems to reach the whole room.
"a small white wine if you please my good fellow, and some water for me dog"
He places a gold coin on the bar
Then looks around for a place to put up a small sign he has with him.
It reads
"Doctor Norbat Gribbs, dentist, No tooth to big no tooth to small, Gribbs can fix them all"
He hangs it up so all can see.
"Well, as most want to hear good music I play one. A song that tells stories of voices coming from nowhere. Of looks that observe at the night. About a world in which judgments and wills mingle and take shape."
Touching lightly, very low, that song inspires and reminds a discomfort situation at night, a feeling that we´re never alone arouses in listeners. Gradually Kamak pronounces husky and strange words, with a deep, penetrating voice.
"סעגוינדאָ וואָקê, קווערענדאָ וואָק
אָלהאַרעס עסטãאָ לאַ
אַנטראַ ווי לאַבאַרעדאַס דאַס טשאַמאַס דאַ פאָגועיראַ
אָלהאַרעס עסטãאָ לאַ
דעסעספּעראַדאָס
ענעבריאַנדאָ
עסטאַדזשאַם אַטענטאָס, פּאָיס
אָלהאַרעס עסטãאָ לאַ
עסטאַ געשיכטע קאָנטאַ יססאָ
..."
Following you, wanting you
Looks are there
Among the flames on campfire
Looks are there
desperate
Inebriant
Be alert, because
Looks are there
's Story tells it
..."
He continues, with his voice low and hoarse, leaving space for others hear and speak to each other.
Uuli reaches up and tries to reassure Tiberiu.
"At this point, I think we are safe. I doubt that this tavern has seen so many strange faces in recent memory and I don't think that the locals will want to try to cause a problem with all of us at the same time."
Uuli then turns to the newcomer () and says, "We have been asking ourselves that very question for a while now. Nobody wants to say anything it seems. In the meantime, enjoy the music. I think we may hear some interesting tales." He then raises his mug to the crowd.
"Really well how sad, O well Ill have a glass of mead then if not mead ale, but no dwarf Ale, I may have a taker tonight and working on Teeth needs steady hands, one Dwarf Ale and I'm flat on my back Sir I tell you, flat on my back"
he Strokes hes red beard and looks around to see if any one needs their teeth seen to. He nods to the board as a few look on.
He takes out some pliers and snaps them
"Am fast and good, take out that bad tooth in no time flat"
Then he looks a bit dejected as no one seems to want teeth pulled.
|
|
"Sing Bard. Sing. Along this road I have travelled, Songs help to chase away the darkness of the heart. Even if you sing badly or if others take offence, sing for it is but a measure of life. I Slaynn of the Timberwolves will like to hear your song."
The elf roars out suddenly, "This tavern here seems too quiet!!! Come everyone a toast!!! Be it to those lost, those to be found or even to Sandpoint, Let us all share a mug or 2"
I would trade stories of the North if some here would trade some about sandpoint though my stories do not happy endings. I am Slaynn of the Timberwolves, a Barbarian and sometime alchemical dabbler and I come from the far North where Great Giant Linnorms Roam. Death always follows in my footsteps."
Slaynn nods to the group gathered.
"Maybe We should all share stories, I at least am interested."
Azoth seems to come out of some deep thought. "Well, uh, I am a paladin of Iomedae, the son of a noble family in Korvosa. I am well-versed in things relating to the ancient Thassilonians, and I came here hoping to serve the community in whatever fashion I may, while perhaps learning more about that ancient civilization."
Caladral chuckles and takes a swig from both his glass and his bottle. "I be a sailor, meself. Clucky and me," he nods to his chicken. "We seen our fair share, we have. Now we wants to travel with the landlubbers, and see what use our skills can be. I was a ship's cook, I was, and can make a fine meal! 'Cept I don't cook chicken. Personal reasons, savvy? Oh, and we hail from Riddleport, that's what some of my tattoos are fer."