The sun has just reached its Peak over the City of Alkenstar. Just your standard day, People walk the streets, merchants peddle their wares, the Gunworks billows smoke hundreds of feet into the air. Being hard working citizens, you have just finished your jobs/duties/business etc, and have Decided to stop into the Local tavern on this side of town, The Angry Wizard
The Tavern's Wooden Sign has a a very Sterotypical wizard on it, he has a angery look on his face, with a Wand that is Broken in one hand. The place is very busy, lots of commoners, eating drinking, haveing a good time. Look like there is only one open table in the place when you arive
It had been a long but richly rewarding day, the kind you celebrate in a quiet way, but in a crowded place, bustling with friends. Taisper had started the day with his usual meditation on the Order of Numbers followed by a healthy workout and sparring match with a fellow cleric. He then spent the rest of his morning in the temple working as an Appraiser's Assistant, completing Writs of Valuation and performing other miscellaneous tasks as needed. During this time an old friend of his who worked as a manager at one of the firearms factories came to visit, and the two decided to take lunch together. Over the meal, this friend told him that firearms sales were through the roof, and his factory's owner had upped his tithe considerably as a result. This was wonderful news.
After lunch Taisper returned to his old neighborhood. Through his perseverance, the church had agreed to fund the construction of a new school, part of the price of which was that Taisper himself was required to oversee and assist with the work. Things had gone smoothly on the jobsite today; none of the usual bickering between the dwarves and humans this time, and when they were done, the progress looked marvelous.
So it is, as the sun begins its descent into late afternoon and evening, Taisper makes his way to the Angry Wizard. He isn't much of a drinker, feeling that ales interfere with his connection to the divine, but the staff at The Angry Wizard make a delicious spiced cider that he allows himself to have as an occasional indulgence.
Walking into the tavern, Taisper sees at least a dozen people he knows from around town, mostly in passing. He smiles and says hello to each in turn, being certain to stop and talk for a moment with everyone he knows as he makes his way to the only empty table left in the place. He pays for his drink and sits at the table, just savoring the aroma before taking the first sip, enjoying the drink, the people around him, and the fine day. A pleasantly satisfied smile lights up his face.
"Life is excellent," he says to himself. "Truly."
Belzakk steps to the door of the tavern in high spirits. He had one a few silvers at gambling last night, and had actually bathed and shaved for the day. He just felt lucky.
As he entered the door a large man put his hand on his chest to stop him. "Just a minute buddy...you're not allowed in here".
Belzakk his smile waning pushes the mans hand away, "Wrong you are a-hole". I was not to come back for 6 moons, and last night was the ending of this time". "Besides, you know the broken tables weren't really my fault". "Now move aside and let an honest man buy a drink".
He then enters the tavern, and sees a holy man headed for the only empty table. He catches the eye of Sybil, his favorite serving girl and rushes for the table intending to beat the man to the spot.
Having just finished his day work as an apprentice gunsmith Corben, on his way out of the north gate to spend a few hours hunting, decides to stop at the angry wizard after having caught a whiff of spiced cider and good food.
His eyes scan the crowd as he enters looking for trouble and a quiet seat where he can watch from the shadows.
Noticing the large barbaric looking chap rushing a padre of Abadar he moves to be of assistance in case things turn violent.
Isiron’s apprentice ambled toward the northern exit from Alkenstar, another body in the crushing press of workers leaving the belching factories for the solace of their families or the heady camaraderie of one of the city’s many taverns. Unlike many of his brethren, Dolum had never evoked the same sense of granite-like solidity in his frame or attitude. An observer following Dolum through the choked streets, would have quickly realized that Dolum instead moved through the crowd like a sprung cable, twisting between bodies and making steady progress towards the northern gate.
It had been an unpleasant three days since he had left Dongun Hold. In the few short days he had been thrown out of two merchant houses and the goldsmith’s guild house. It was quickly becoming apparent, even to Dolum, that this quest was not nearly going to be as simple as he had originally thought. Which , he mused as he rubbed the bruise courteously bestowed by a goldsmith apprentice, might explain the bit of a laugh he had thought that he had seen in the eye of Isiron as he had seen his apprentice off. Who knew that so many people would get upset when he opened their locks? Nobody seemed to understand that he had no interest in taking that which did not belong to him. Only diseased or deranged dwarves would ever consider taking another’s property. The people of Alkenstar were just too dense to realize this. Perhaps Nex would be more cosmopolitan?
The scent of roasted meat and ale suddenly washed across the road, momentarily overpowering the normal mingled stench of rotting vegetation, manure and human waste. The dwarf’s stomach growled suddenly in response, and he peered around for the source of the arresting smell, quickly locating the sign of the Angry Wizard, swaying slightly. A toothy grin broke through the short brushy black beard at the thought of a haunch and a mug of ale.
Well, it won’t hurt anything to have a full belly before I head north, he thought as he elbowed and wove his way across the press to the tavern's door.
Unsurprisingly the interior of the tavern was full of humans as the streets outside. Dolum shrugged and made his way to an open bench, ordering a mug and a plate of meat from a passing serving human. Dolum noticed the glances and the sidelong looks and ignored them as he busied himself on his quickly delivered meal and mug.
Seeing the large, powerful-looking man charging towards the same table he himself is about to sit down at, Taisper pointedly remains standing, smiles his most winning smile and addresses him.
To Belzakk: "Hello, friend! Looks like we have the same idea. If you'd be so kind as to save me a seat, I'll gladly buy your first drink."
To Corban: "...and to you, sir! Were you also looking for a seat? Should be room enough for the three of us. I'll gladly spring for your beverage as well if you'd like.
Taisper sits down at the table, taking whatever seat is nearest at hand and appears to be untaken.
Seeing the padre has decided to avoid trouble with the large man Corban tips his hat to Taisper and replies
"Thank you padre a kind offer. Perhaps i can sweeten the pot with a platter of food?"
It has been quite a trip from the monestary of Irori in Abaslom and it had been longer than the giant of a man would have cared for, but so was life when on the road and the hardships one met along the way only served to hone one's soul to a finer edge. Alkenstar was quite a bit different from what the monk had expected to find, yet the people seemed courteous enough,though. (This had more to do with fact a man the size of a "small" giant wearing a strand of cannon balls for prayer beads around his torso was not someone to be discourteous to).
The rumble in the big man's stomach and parched lips soon sent him looking for a place to correct both. Having been lost in his thoughts about collecting information of firearms, traveling from his monestary, and how strange and wondorous a place Alkenstar was he failed to notice the a sign hanging right at face level. His sheer mass knocked the sign from its hinges causing it to hit the ground and make a rather embarrassing clatter. But, being shocked back into reality he was happy to note he was standing outside of a rather lively tavern, the Angry Wizard by name.
Ducking through the door, the monk began to scan the room for indviduals whom might make for interesting dinner companions.
Seeing a group of lively chaps in the corner, Adon begins moving their direction.
To Corban: Taisper laughs pleasantly, inclines his head respectfully, then says "A marvelous idea, friend, and I thank you for it. My name's Taisper, by the way, I'm from the old neighborhood not too far from here, born and raised in this city, and as you guessed, a cleric of the Master of the First Vault. May I ask your name and trade?
Taisper, while a friendly sort, is also nobody's fool. Noticing Adon, he says loudly enough for others to hear; "Goodness! There's a new face, a fellow holy man, and a traveler I'd wager. You there, sir! Master monk! Please, come join us. I'll buy you a drink by way of welcoming you to our fine city of Alkenstar, a few other fine citizens are gathered 'round as well and I'm sure would love to hear the tale of your journey, if you're inclined to tell it." His thinking is a spiritual master of such size may help cool Belzakk down a bit if such a thing is needed, though he sincerely hopes it isn't.
The Tavern is well lit, you each have no issues seeing each other. As Taisper, Corban and Belzakk Stand around the Table, A very Busty barmaid (Belzakk's favorite) comes to take your orders.
"Hello gents, and Hello Belzakk..
She then winks at him
"What can I do you for today?"
She turns her Head to the door as a massive Man enters, biggest Human you've ever seen. Her jaw drops, and she rushes over to him, without waiting on your orders. Its Easy to hear her flirting with him, since the bar went silent when he entered.
As the barmaid abandons us to flirt with Adon, Taisper gives Corban an amused look, as if to say "barmaids, whatchagonnado?" and then busies himself at the bar trying to procure drinks for the table.
Belzakk looks at the priest with a huge gap toothed smile. Hmm this is my lucky day. :"Well if you're buying, I'm saving he bellows", taking a sprawling seat in one of the chairs, and patting his knee with a look at Sybil.
He quickly turns away in embarrassment as she turns her attention to the freak that just entered the room. Women...how quickly they turn...well just because he's giant, doesn't meet his wallet is, and that's all she's really interested in" , he whispers to whoever is setting closest.
"Belzakks the name...pleased to meet you fellows". "Are you guys ready to have some fun tonight"?
Taisper laughs and says to Belzakk: "I'm Taisper, sir, and well met. I'd say any night that starts with good company, good food, and good drink is off to a great start."
Noticing Dolum, Taisper says "Another at our table! This night is off to a good start! Hello friend, I'm Taisper, I don't believe we've met."
The professor sits at his own table, sulking. After losing his position in the Collegia Technologica due to "dangerous experimentation resulting in the death of a student". The barmaids and the bartender know the whole story, as Xane has been drowning his sorrows and running his mouth.
The professor sits at his own table, sulking. After losing his position in the Collegia Technologica due to "dangerous experimentation resulting in the death of a student". The barmaids and the bartender know the whole story, as Xane has been drowning his sorrows and running his mouth.
There was only 1 table open, but you do notice someone at the barr just passed out, and fell off their stool :-)
Giving Taisper somewhat irritated smile Corban says "It's Corban, Corban Tain, Father Taisper. Perhaps we should invite the giant over there to join us as it seems the only way we'll get service this evening."
Without waiting for an answer he stands up and calls "Hey big man there is a spare seat here it you'd care to join us!"
Belly full and belt loosened, Dolum settles back on the bench that he is occupying. The other occupants of the trestle table are both unremarkable and occupied with their own conversations. Then, into a brief moment of silence, a shout rings out across the tavern.
“Hey big man there is a spare seat here it you'd care to join us!"
Dolum quickly spies both the travelworn giant at the doorway and the threesome that had called for him to join them.
Interesting. Now why would such a motley group be drinking together?
Curiosity getting the better of him, Dolum gets up from his seat, and taking his mug with him, he makes his way as close as practical to the small group.
While getting drinks at the bar, Taisper sees a scholarly-looking fellow slide drunkenly off his barstool and crash to the floor. He sets drinks on the table for Corban, Belzakk, and Adon, then rushes over to help the man to his feet. He walks him to his seat at the table and stands behind him, keeping him upright, and pointed away from patrons.
He shouts over to the barkeep "Could we get some water over here, please? Think this fella's had a bit too much." Then, after taking a second look at the inebriated professor, he adds "Um, and maybe a bucket, too. You know, just in case."
Sybil Comes rushing over, a very angery look on her face..
"Oy! We'll have none that at' here! If he can'ot stand on es' own, then es' out of here!"
Turning back to the Giant man at the door, she bats her Eye lids at him
"Maaaaybe Mister big and strong 'ere can give wittle me a hand?"
"I'll keep my eye on him, Sybil, though again, if I could trouble you for the use of a bucket...? I promise I'll clean up any mess he might make. Won't say the same for anyone else here tonight, though." This last is said with a sideways, wry smile.
"O all right, I was opin' to see Mister big 'ere in action. I'll getcha a bucket"
She scurrys off to the basement, and comes back with two buckets, one filled with water, and the other empty.
" You'll keep an eye on 'em then? No funny business!
She then rushes back to the bar, where she leans against it, scrubbing the same 4 inches as she stares at the Monk, forgeting all about yuor orders.
Seeing the men that he was headed toward are now actively waving him over Adon hails in a booming, jovial voice, "Thank you for the invite, fellas" and continues on toward their table. In route to his dinner partner's table he scoops up Xane as child would a kitten saying Let me lend you a hand there,father." Glancing at the flirtatious, young lass who is obviously trying to get his attention he winks and says "We'll see to it that he'll not cause any problems we cannot makes amends for tonight." Gesturing for Taisper to lead to the way back to the table and wearing Xane over his shoulders like shawl.
When they arrive at the table Adon moves a chair aside,sets the professor in it, and gently rest the professor's head on the table. Opting to take a seat on the floor in order to be on eye level with his new companions, Adon rolls out a mat and takes a seat with his back to a wall. Glancing around the table,Adon flashes everyone a large grin and exclaims "An odder grouping of gentlemen I've never seen, but hopefully never better company either. Thank you for having me as a stranger in a strange land. Perhaps we should come know each other a bit better?"
"Hey Lass!"Corban calls to Sybil "Our guest here looks like he could eat a horse best you go fetch us a couple of platters of whatever is hot quick as you can."
"Anyway I'm Corban, he continues, "and this is Father Taisper and Belzakk who, until you arrived, had the honor of being the biggest man here. Still while i had not expected such a gathering tonight at least your presence would seem to have assured us of diverting conversations and perhaps some attentive service."
Bowing his head with a grin of approval to Corban in recognition of his uncanny knack for accents Adon says "You have a most keen ear, Mister Corban. I am, in fact, from the island of Abaslom and is indeed a very far trip, but I have come seeking knowledge to be preserved in our great library and Alkenstar is by far the best place in all of Glorian to procure such information. I am monk in the service of Irori and am extremely intrigued by a certain type of weapon which is found most readily here in your fine country." Reaching into his bag, Adon removes a scroll case bearing a brass cap emblazoned with a human head with closed eyes and an open third eye in the center of its forehead. Removing the cap from the case and setting it upon the table, Adon produces a piece of paper with several sketches of various types of firearms on it. "Perhaps one of you gentlemen could point me in the right direction as to whom in this wonderous city may be able to provide me with quality information on devices such as these?"
Taisper smiles and shakes hands with Adon "Well met, friend, and welcome! And actually it's just 'Taisper'. No honorifics for me, or at least not yet. Maybe someday." He then just hangs out by where the professor is seated, watching for telltale signs that hot lunch is comin' so he can point him at the bucket in time to avoid a mess.
Seeing that Taisper is intent on keeping good on his word to prevent Xane from making a mess of the bar Adon reaches into the satchel at his waist retrieving a small, green bottle filled with a fine powder. Taking one of the empty mugs from table and adding a small measure of powder and water to it, Adon hands the mug to Taisper as it begins to fizz and form a foamy head. "That'll fix 'im up or he'll lose his cookies,come think of it he may end up doing both. Either way you shouldn't have to babysit afterward," Adon says with thundering chuckle.
Leaning back against the wall still laughing at the thought of what happens to a person who isn't ready for his tonic, Adon pulls the white scarf that his been covering head up to this point down around his shoulders exposing a faintly irredescent,blue birth mark on his forehead which resembles a third open eye. Turning to the other men at his table he gestures to the drawings he has placed on the table and ask "So, is there anyone you gentlemen know who may have intimate knowledge of devices like these?"
While listening to his new friends introduce themselves and answer each other's questions, he scans the bar for possible trouble and points of interest.
The big one does look like a traveler. Dolum grunted to himself, and took another pull of ale from his mug. The group looked pretty occupied, it might be better to wait until later to talk to the giant...and besides, he might hear something interesting from the group before then.
Taisper watches as Adon pours the powder, then takes the medicinal from him and sniffs it.
"Should do the trick. Thanks, friend! As for the 'devices' you're asking about, those would be firearms. Corban here has one, I believe, and I have a friend who works at one of the factories who could answer more questions for you, depending on what others here at the table can tell you. The manufacture and sale of these weapons is a boon for our city, is all I know."
As yhr group gets to know each other, the Door opens to the tavern, 3 men dressed in red cloaks enter. They look around, and you catch a look of disgust on their faces. They move toward the bar, finding some empty seats in the back.
as you study the men, you notice a buldge under each of their cloaks
Perception
"Hmm! Wonder what they're hiding underneath those fancy red cloaks", Belzakk whispers to Corban, whom is sitting on his left side.
Looking more interested in his drink than events in the bar Corban distractedly says. "They're probably just travelers you get all sorts around here."
Taking note of the 3 men Adon laughs at Corban's travelers remark saying " THEY CERTAINLY DO!" slapping Blzakk on the back in that good natured, but somewhat annoying way people with big personalities seem to love.
Not really paying the men all that much attention due to the fact Taisper has mentioned that Corban actually has a firearm and that he has a friend who also knows about guns. "Irori be praised! What luck is this that I would find such learned individuals my first day in this grand city?" Adding, "Well, I'm sure if Irori saw fit to bring me to you so easily He won't mind us finishing his business later in more appropriate confines than the Angry Wizard," finishing his sentence with a warm chuckle.
Agreeing with Corban, Adon says,"I think Corban is right. Those men are no stranger than us or at least myself, haha. Leave them to their drinks and if anything comes up, I am sure we will attend to it properly." Turning back to Taisper and Xane to see if Xane has come around yet, Adon takes note of a somewhat skinny dwarf who seems intent on the going on at their table. Calling out to the eavesdropper, Adon says, "Hey there Skinny, if you would like to be part of our conversation, then by all means join us. We could always make room for one more at our table."
"Hey there Skinny, if you would like to be part of our conversation, then by all means join us. We could always make room for one more at our table."
Dolum's beetle black eyebrows raise at this sudden invitation. Might as well listen close rather than listen far. At that, he hefts his mug and makes his way to lean against the wall that the giant is occupying.
"Dolum. Evening.", he says.
Taisper smiles at Adon."I'll certainly defer to Corban here, but if you desire still more knowledge after speaking with him, then I'll be glad to take you to the factory where my friend Gregory works tomorrow. They generally don't allow visitors around this time of day."
"Taisper, you are a most hospitable host. I will be quite thankful for any aid you may render on this issue of mine." Turning to Dolum,Adon bows his head and replys "And a fine evening to you, Mister Dwarf." Gesturing to the other members of the table he introduces each by name and then ask "What do they call you and where do you hail from, Mister Dwarf?"
"Mister....?" A perplexed look crosses Dolum's face for a moment. "No, no, I don't quench the gunsteel in the foundries. I am an apprentice locksmith. I am called Dolum, apprentice to Isiron of the Breaker clan of Dongun Hold." Dolum takes a swig of ale, then wipes the foam from his beard. "I am guessing you are a traveller, large ser, have you come from the north or the south?"
"Ahhh, Dolum it is then. And yes, I am a traveler hailing from Abaslom's Grand Library of Irori.",Adon concludes popping a piece of food from one the platters Corban ordered into his mouth.
"You say you are of the Breaker Clan.",Adon ask rubbing his chin with his thumb and forefinger while cocking his head a little to the side in thought. Continuing on, Adon says " I do believe I've read of your Clan in the library at some point. Your clan is famous for something mechanical,locks if I am recalling correctly. Breaker is just such an atypical clan name for people who's names tend to begin with iron or end in forge,haha" Upon further reflection Adon adds, " It would be most intriguing to discuss your trade if I am correct in my belief about your clan. I am sure the abbot would be quite happy to have documents on locks authored by such an expert on the shelves of the Grand Library.",Adon finishes, taking another bite of food and gesturing for everyone else to enjoy the meal with him.
"Our clan name was originally Breaker-of-the-Plunderers in the ancient tongue. So you can see how the rune-makers quickly got tired of such a laborious name when writing the histories, and...truncated it." Dolum tugs at his chin-whiskers in thought for a moment before continuing. "The library that you belong to...I am assuming it is extensive? Would it already have documents relating to the craft of my clan?"
Nodding his head at the history of Dolum's clan name, Adon responds "Alas, I cannot testify to the extent of our library's text on your clan or their craft. I came across the name while researching for my trip here. Though, if it is knowledge on the crafting of locks and numerous other devices you seek, I am sure my monestary is well equiped to handle such research." Reaching into a pocket in is robe, Adon produces a small coin bearing the same face with third eye that adorned his scroll cap and flips to Dolum saying "If ever you should find yourself in the vacinity of Abaslom, that coin will gain you entrance to our library. It bears my mark and will identify you as a seeker of knowledge." With that Adon turns his attention to Taisper and Xane asking,"The little fella finally comin' around?"
Time feels like it passes quickly in the Tavern, before you know it, the light from the Windows starts to wane. Suddenly, the noise of the tavern starts to lower. You look at your mugs and and see you're drinks start to ripple. The shaking gets more and more noticable untill one of the wall lamps falls and crashes into the ground.
At the sound of its impact, the Three strangers in red cloaks jump up, throwing their cloaks off, revealing tabards with this Symbol on it.
One of them Draws a crossbow, and the other two draw shortswords.
"FOR THE HAND!"You hear them shout, as the crossbow goes off, killing the bar keep. The other two cut down a pair of guests.
The patrons in the Tavern Scream, rushing for the Door, the windows, what they can do to get out of the building. it only takes a minute to clear out. The attackers seem shocked you did not flee with the rest of the tavern.
"Fools! you should have fled into the streets! Be ready to join the ranks of the Chattel!"
Please type your character sheet into your alias, or email it to me @
joshua [dot] shrader [at] gmail [dot] com
Geb spy
Party
dolum
Taisper
Xane
Corban
Belzakk
Taisper
Xane
Corban
Belzakk
dolum
Attackers
Adon
Corban will climb up on the table to get a clear shot at the crossbowman and shoot him using deadly shot if possible
damage