Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4704580" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Nine, “James’s Associates” September 1st, 1882, 4:00 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>A trio of individuals is sitting upon two of the several porch swings and they stand as the carriage approaches up the drive. Two are dark-haired human males dressed in suits, dress shirts, ties and hats. One appears to be a thin man with a short beard and mustache who appears to be in his late thirties or early forties. Lawrence, Mina, Roy and Thomas recognize him as their old friend Solomon Star, a man with great entrepreneural vision. The other man looks to be a few years older, slightly plump, with eyeglasses and a salt-and-pepper mid-length beard and a receding hairline. He is not known to anybody upon the coach except for the Parkers. </p><p></p><p>The third person is an attractive female elf who is the human equivalent of mid-thirties. She has long black hair tied back with a white-and-tan bow. She is attired in leather sandals, tan cotton pants, a leather belt with several belt pouches handing from it, a short-sleeved white cotton shirt and a buckskin vest. For jewelry she has bracelets on both wrists, both silver with small stone inlayed, a ring on her right hand, and a silver necklace with a locket. Mina smiles and waves at her friend. Although the elvan woman was never a member of the Civil War team Lawrence, Roy and Thomas have each met this member of the former Wampanoag tribe on several previous occasions. </p><p></p><p>The carriage comes to a stop in the driveway before the front porch steps as the trio descend and James Parker assists his wife down. Mina immediately rushes up to the elvan woman and they give each other a big hug. Mina asks her “Have you been keeping our James out of trouble Alsoomse?” “As if anybody could!” the elvan woman replies. </p><p></p><p>Ruby hopped over the others to get out of the coach after her grandmother. She stood behind her patiently, smoothing down the wrinkles on her travel dress while the woman and her grandmother greeted each other. They must be good friends to greet each other this way, Ruby mused. Once her grandmother stepped back, Ruby extended her hand and smiled. "Ruby West, it's a pleasure to meet you." </p><p></p><p>The elvan woman smiles and says, "And it is a pleasure to finally meet you as well. Mina's letters said that you two looked a lot alike, I see that is definitely the case. You are the spitting image of her when she was your age." "You knew my grandmother when she was my age? I'd love to hear all about that," Ruby laughed. "I've always wondered if I was much like her."</p><p></p><p>Alsoomse says, "We'll have plenty of time later to discuss it in detail. The short version is that I first met her back in the 1820's shortly after she, James and each of their mates returned from Egypt. The four of them were guests at mine and my husband's home on the island of Martha's Vineyard for the better part of a year." Ruby's eyes widen. "I would LOVE to hear those stories. I hope to get to Egypt myself one day too. Maybe I'll get in the same trouble as Nana did," she winked at her grandmother. </p><p></p><p>Mina turns to the group and says, “This is Alsoomse, she is originally from Plymouth, Massachusetts. As a girl she witnessed the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock and attened the First Thanksgiving.” James walks over and affectionately wraps his arm around the elvan woman while saying, “She has spent most of the last two centuries researching the history and culture of the various tribes of Native Americans Elves. Her work on this project has been of vital importance. She is also a linguistic expert, with resources at hand regarding nearly all of the languages of the world.” </p><p></p><p>James next introduces the man with the eyeglasses saying “This is Doctor Pedro Luiz Napoleao Chernoviz. He is a world renowned physician, scientific writer and publisher of medical texts. For the last forty years his ‘Prescription Vademecum and Medical Guide’ has been the worldwide standard for the mixing of medical elixers just as his two-volume ‘Popular Medicine and Complementary Sciences Dictionary for Family Use’ is regarded as the world’s best medical guide for non-physicans. His books are also works of art, with the beautiful illustrations and high-quality engravings.” </p><p></p><p>James adds “Doctor Chernoviz was originally from Poland and earned his medical degree from the University of Warsaw. For the last fifty years his residency has alternated between France and Brazil.” “And since April, the United States,” the Doctor adds. James says, “Yes, in fact it was Luiz here who first brought the archeological site to my attention and the two of us concocted together this idea of the AGELESS Corporation.” The Doctor shakes the hands of each person and says, “Please call me Luiz.” He has a rich baratone voice and voice that gives no hint at all of a foreign accent. </p><p></p><p>Thomas steps forward, extending his hand, to introduce himself to Dr. Chernoviz. I am Dr. Thomas Sapathwa-Crane -- it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Dr. Chernoviz. Your works are a treasured part of my library collection back in Bermuda." He replies, "A pleasure to meet you as well, James has spoken quite highly of you. And please, call me Luiz." </p><p></p><p>James then introduces the third man as “And this is Solomon Star. Like Lawrence, Mina, Roy and Thomas, Sol was also a participant with my special team back during the War of Succession. He is an entrepreneur and has spent the last six-years up in that mining boom town of Deadwood, South Dakota. He now co-owns a chain of retail stores throughout the whole Dakota Territories. We are very fortunate that I was able to persuade him to come and help us get this business venture off the ground.” </p><p></p><p>"Mr. Star," Abigail said, extending a hand, "Living in Deadwood is taking your life in your hands. I hope our times here are just as exciting if a bit less dangerous." He replies, "Deadwood has calmed over the years, when I first got there it was rather wild. My business partner and best friend became Deadwood's Law Enforcement Officer, after which things became much safer for the both of us. As for here, I'll make no promises. James Aloisio Parker and danger often go hand-in-hand."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet finds himself staring at Alsoomse and turns away in hopes that she doesn't notice. He takes a moment to gather himself before shaking hands with all three of the people who were introduced. He is warmly greeted by all three. When he is still meeting Alsoomse she gestures towards the still-invisible Maska and says with a smile, "I've always liked canines. Would you please introduce me to your companion?" Nanuet looks in the direction that she gestures, then looks back at Alsoomse, then repeats the gesture. He stammers a bit and says "Oh, uh sure. Perhaps a little later when things are settled down, not so many new folks around all at once. Her name's Maska"</p><p></p><p>Roy heads straight to Alsoomse and takes her hand, kissing it on top. "A pleasure to see you, Alsoomse, if I may be so bold." She lifts him up in the air and gives him a kiss on the cheek saying, "Welcome Roy, I think you'll like it here." As she puts Roy back down, he turns to everyone else. "Any of you ****ers try that and I'll kill you." Roy's face is beet red and it's obvious he was highly embarassed by the gesture. "If you can reach that high!" teases Fish. </p><p></p><p>He smoothes out his clothes and extends his hand to Solomon. "Good to see you again, sir. I trust all it well on the home front?" Sol says, "Oh, you heard about that then? Well, yes, the trial stretched on for six whole months but at least I was acquitted." "As I assumed you would be," Roy says with a nod. He holds his hand out to the doctor. "Good to meet you, sir." The man returns a firm handshake and says, "The pleasure is all mine, and please, call me Luiz." </p><p></p><p>Ruby asks Alsoomse, "Is your husband here too?" She replies, "No, I am afraid that he passed away twelve years ago." "Oh I am sorry," Ruby blushed, embarrassed. "Well, I hope you will tell some stories of him too, I'd like to hear about him. And I look forward to getting to know you too. Now, is this were we're staying? I'd love to see the inside of this gorgeous house! That porch looks perfect for a swing and a glass of bourbon to end an evening." </p><p></p><p>Roy lets his head hang. "'Twas a great shame when he died." His head then came up with a sly smile. "But I will do my best to comfort you in your time of need, Alsoomse." She smiles at Roy and says, "Thank you my friend, but my time of need was seven to twelve years ago as I observed a five-year mourning period after he was gone. He lived to a very old age for a human and our marriage lasted for more than a century. I have many fond memories as well as a wonderful daughter, grandson, great-grandson and great-granddaughter. And I now have a new and exciting job as the Secretary of the AGELESS Corporation to keep me busy." "Well then, by all means, tell me all about it..." he says as he offers her his arm and escorts her into the mansion. </p><p></p><p>James suggests that they head inside and leads them up to the porch. The front entrance consists of a pair of five-foot wide wooden doors with frosted glass windows and elaborate gold knobs and doorknockers. The north wall of the building continues for twenty-five feet to the left of the doors and fifteen feet to the right, so when adding in the additional ten-feet of porch also to the right the doors are exactly centered. Above the door is another white-and-red TIMUCUAN CONSERVANCY sign, with the exact same wording as the larger sign out by the main gate. </p><p></p><p>James and Solomon each open a door in unison and gesture for the party to enter. The room is a vast main lobby/living room, twenty-feet long north-to-south and thirty-feet-wide east-to-west. The room has a pair of fine leather couches with a matching loveseat and six matching chairs. The walls are paneled with a mahogany wood with matching mahogany coffee tables and end tables near the other furnishings. The room has a high ceiling eighteen-feet up as this room occupies this space in both the first and second floors. An elaborate chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling and illuminates the room. </p><p></p><p>The front doors are on the north wall of the room five feet in from the northeast corner. Five feet west of the main doors is a staircase that goes up a few steps to a landing in the northwest corner of the room then continues up along the western wall to a door to the second floor. There are exterior windows along the staircase but the drapes are currently drawn. In the space beneath the staircase is a wooden saloon-type bar with a hinged opening along the south wall and behind the bar is are multiple shelves of glasses of various sizes and assorted bottles of liquors. On the side wall of the staircase is an elaborate carved sign that reads: </p><p></p><p><strong>Adventurers Guild of Exemplary and Legendary Explorers, Scientists and Scholars</strong></p><p></p><p>The south wall has one door five feet in from the side wall below the staircase, which James gestures to and says, “That door leads to the side hallway, with a door out to the side porch. The hallway also has a pair of water closets in case any of you should need to use one after the long journey here.”</p><p></p><p>Next on the south wall is a pair of hinged swinging double doors five to eleven feet further east, then northwest chimney. Each of the four chimneys are five feet square but angled diagonal rather than parallel the house, thus two of the four sides of this chimney point into the room. There are metal grates along the chimney throughout the eighteen foot length to the ceiling to heat the room when needed. One side of the northeast chimney also points into the room in the corner, with a four-foot-wide door between the two chimneys on the south wall. </p><p></p><p>The east wall runs seventeen feet from the chimney to the north wall. Along these walls are two doors. The door closest to the north wall has a metal plaque that reads:</p><p></p><p><strong>AGELESS Corporation Chairman</strong></p><p><strong>Doctor Pedro Luiz Napoleao Chernoviz</strong></p><p></p><p>The other door has a metal plaque that reads:</p><p></p><p><strong>AGELESS Corporation President & Vice President</strong></p><p><strong>James A. Parker & Wilamina H. Parker </strong></p><p></p><p>Sol heads behind the bar and asks, "Would anybody care for a drink?" Fish gestures, "Yes please! Can you mix a Bourbon Street? I find that I'm longing for a bit of New Orleans." He casts a sly glance at Wilamina. "Three fingers of your best whiskey, chased with a little amaretto, over ice, wedge of lemon." Drink in hand, Ben makes his way to one of the couches.</p><p></p><p>"That sounds excellent, I'll have the same Mr. Star. A bit of home," Abby said in her thick accent. "I thought I would miss New Orleans here in Florida, but looking around this place I think I'm going to be too fascinated to be homesick. Beside being entertained by my new companions." </p><p></p><p>Roy does his best (worst) Southern accent. "Why ah do believe that, when in Florida, we should do as the Floridians do. Ah would like a mint julip, if you please sir. And for you madam?" he asks of Alsoomse. Sol says, "I know what she drinks." Moments later Sol hands Roy a silver platter with his mint julip and a glass of what looks like iced tea. " </p><p></p><p>Ruby says, I'll have some tea too, thank you Sol.” He asks, "Regular or Alsoomse blend?" "Um... I'll try Alsoomse's blend I guess, wouldn't want to insult the host," Ruby grinned. Ruby comments, “This place must be new, when was it built?" He replies, "We started early last month, we finished it on Tuesday." She says, "Looks like you got this house done just in time to fill it with people, but that sure seems fast to get this big house out." She says, "Well, I can't wait to see the rest of the house."</p><p></p><p>Sol replies, "I hired lots of builders, money wasn't an object, time was more important to our benefactor." He hands her the iced tea and says, "You many want to be seated before you sip it, the effect can be a bit disorienting to those who haven't tried it before." "Oh really?" Ruby says curiously, looking into the cup. "It can't be stronger than whiskey!" She takes a seat at the bar, "Cheers!" and takes a big sip of the tea. </p><p></p><p>Across the room, the gnome brings the platter back to their chairs. "Tea?" Roy asks Alsoomse. "You're not going soft on me, are you girlie?" She smiles and says, "Not exactly, it is my own special blend. A mix of chamomile, spearmint, birchroot and Elixer of Sense Heightening, with two spoonfuls of honey to sweeten it." Roy replies, "Sense heightening, huh? Sounds..... interesting." </p><p></p><p>Unlike most iced teas, which are made from Oriental black tea, this one tastes like a cross between mint and honey. Ruby takes several sips before she starts to feel different. The room suddenly becomes much brighter and the voices of the others in the room become much louder. She then begins to pick up variety of smells that she identifies as....the leather furniture....fresh paint.....body odors. Looking at her companions new details stick out, not just seeing their faces but the length of fresh beard growth and the pores of their skin. </p><p></p><p>She takes another sip and can now clearly differentiate other ingredients, also tasting chamomile and a birch taste like that from birch beer. The ice cubes in the glass seem to be much, much colder than they were a minute ago. </p><p>Alsoomse approaches her and says, "Perhaps I should take that and get you something else? "Oh no... I love it...," Ruby said with wide eyes, still taking in her surroundings. "It's so... different. How long does this last? Does it get... more... than this?" </p><p></p><p>Alsoomsee says, "Here, let me at least take it back to the bar and dilute it somewhat for you. There's a bit too much Elixer of Sense Heightening in that glass for somebody who has never had it before. Sol should have known better." "Alright, I trust your judgment." She hands the elf back the glass, practically hearing the drops of condensation falling from it as she did, the mint still tangy on her tongue. George wasn't too near to her yet she very keenly smelled him close by and she looked to him, the corner of her mouth upturning at her favorite scent in the world. "That's some GOOD tea!" </p><p></p><p>Furrowing his brows with almost burlesque concern, Fish speaks quietly to his shapely companion, "Miss Ruby, you're drooling!" He dabs at the corner of his own mouth to indicate where she is salivating. "Stop yelling, I HEAR YOU!" Ruby said in her own raised voice. She used her tongue to slowly lick her lips, they even tasted a little salty from the hello kisses on the cheeks she had given out not too long ago. "Better?" she asked him with a mischievous grin. </p><p></p><p>"Why, Miss Ruby," Roy continued in his bad Southern accent. "I do believe you've caught tha vapahs!" She replies, "The what? I don't speak Japanese Roy." "You know, the vapors." Abby produced a fan from some unseen pocket, fanned her face dramatically and sank gracefully into a chair as if she felt faint. "Alas, I left my smellin' salts at home," she laughed. </p><p></p><p>Nanuet had followed the others into the house and slowly takes in the details of the room. When Sol offers drinks he walks towards the bar and says "Your finest whiskey please good sir." He takes the drink and takes a generous sip. He hears the conversation concerning Ruby and the tea and makes his way towards her slowly, keeping an eye on her to make sure she's okay. </p><p></p><p>George walks up to the bar asks Sol for a scotch and intercepts the new, diluted tea from Alsoomse and offers his arm to Ruby. "Come my dear let me rescue you from this roy-bald conversation" say George smiling at his pun as he leads Ruby over to the love seat where they sit closely, enjoying their drinks. </p><p></p><p>Lawrence gets a glass of scotch from the bar. He casually watches the group, noting how they act with each other. He slaps Sol on the back, "How have you been? So, Deadwood, huh? Where have I heard that name before?" Sol answers, "Probably because that's where Wild Bill Hickock got himself killed." Lawrence snaps his fingers, "That must be it. A damn shame. But when you're number's up, it's up. Anyway, I hear you're quite the businessman." </p><p></p><p>Hardin takes the introductions in stride, gauging the meddle of each as he shakes hands and looks each person full in the face. His gaze isn't challenging, merely inquisitive. At Sol's mention of Hickok, he perks up. "So, Mr. Solomon, where you there when Wild Bill was killed and can you shed any light on what really happened? Most of what I have heard is innuendo and rumor. Mr. Hickok and I became acquainted in Abilene and I considered him a...friend. Did they do justice to that McCall bast...er, fellow? Terrible thing for a gunfighter to go down from a bullet in the back..." Hardin keeps his gaze on Sol, but his thoughts seem far away. </p><p></p><p>Solomon Star replies, "I was in town at the time but not in the saloon. I didn't really know him very well, having just been in town a short while myself. Near as I can tell the newspaper accounts were rather accurate. My business partner Seth Bullock knew him better. And Mr. Hickok and I did have a few other mutual friends." </p><p></p><p>Lawrence bows to the female elf saying, "And Alsoomse. You look as lovely as ever. I bet your new job as secretary keeps you busy." She smiles and says, "It has so far Lawrence, especially during the summer when this entire hill was crawling with teenage children. While I did enjoy playing 'mother' it is nice to be in the company of just adults again." "That's a nice thing. Sometimes youth rubs off on a person. I promise we won't be nearly as much trouble," Lawrence says with a wink.</p><p></p><p>James says, “Sol, why don’t you give all of our newcomers a tour of the house and they can each select their bedrooms." Sitting on the love seat with Ruby, George finishes his scotch and sets the glass down. "I suppose then James that you will make us all wait until after dinner for your reasoning for assembling such distinguished company here?" asks George. </p><p></p><p>James replies, "Oh no, we'll be having company for dinner who shouldn't know of our secrets. I also have some research to do with items and information that have only now arrived with some of you. We will be going over the project in detail tomorrow after lunch, although I imagine that you'll get an idea of some of it from Sol's tour." </p><p></p><p>Sol replies, "Okay everybody, last call for drinks, we'll start the tour in ten minutes." Lawrence tells the elvan woman, "Looks like we'll have to catch up later. It is good to see you again, Alsoomse." He makes an exaggerated motion to check his pocket watch and shouts to Sol. "It's not even evening and you're cutting us off? That's not good for business." He walks to the bar and says, "I'll have another scotch, if you please. It's pretty good, single malt?" </p><p></p><p>Roy holds up his glass, now only containing ice, and shakes it at Sol. "Boy, ah say boy, ah believe ah need a refill. And make it a little strongah this time, if you weel." Fish jests, "Sol, he'd like a maraschino cherry with it too -- with a little pink parasol, if you have one." Between the bourbon shared in the coach, and the double he just downed, Fish is feeling his liquor. He doesn't disguise this innuendo about cherries and Ruby nearly so well. Sol actually does, so is able to accommodate Fish's request for Roy's order. Sol then asks Fish "Would you care for one as well?" </p><p></p><p>Ruby finishes her tea quickly, by the time her cup is empty her face is flush. With her senses on overdrive, it's hard to keep still. Her eyes dart around to catch every light and her ears perk up at every noise. She could even feel the humidity in the air, every tiny drop of water on her skin. "Oh, I LOVE cherries, can I get one too?" She hops up from the couch and bounces over to the bar, where Sol laughs and hands her a bowl of cherries.</p><p></p><p>Ruby could not believe the vibrant red color or the luscious smell coming from that bowl. She drew a cherry to her full lips and popped it in her waiting mouth. She closed her eyes, savoring the most delicious and tasty cherry she had ever had. "Oh my gods, I am in heaven." She slumped against the bar with a huge grin. "And I don't want to share these! Alsoomse, that tea is so fabulous!!" She finished the small bowl of fruit. "Now THAT was a tasty snack.” </p><p></p><p>Thomas kept mostly to himself at the gathering of old friends, engaging in light conversation or banter as the circumstance arose, declining Sol's offer of awareness enhancement potions or the like, preferring to keep British custom of having tea only in the late afternoon.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 4704580, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Nine, “James’s Associates” September 1st, 1882, 4:00 P.M.[/B] A trio of individuals is sitting upon two of the several porch swings and they stand as the carriage approaches up the drive. Two are dark-haired human males dressed in suits, dress shirts, ties and hats. One appears to be a thin man with a short beard and mustache who appears to be in his late thirties or early forties. Lawrence, Mina, Roy and Thomas recognize him as their old friend Solomon Star, a man with great entrepreneural vision. The other man looks to be a few years older, slightly plump, with eyeglasses and a salt-and-pepper mid-length beard and a receding hairline. He is not known to anybody upon the coach except for the Parkers. The third person is an attractive female elf who is the human equivalent of mid-thirties. She has long black hair tied back with a white-and-tan bow. She is attired in leather sandals, tan cotton pants, a leather belt with several belt pouches handing from it, a short-sleeved white cotton shirt and a buckskin vest. For jewelry she has bracelets on both wrists, both silver with small stone inlayed, a ring on her right hand, and a silver necklace with a locket. Mina smiles and waves at her friend. Although the elvan woman was never a member of the Civil War team Lawrence, Roy and Thomas have each met this member of the former Wampanoag tribe on several previous occasions. The carriage comes to a stop in the driveway before the front porch steps as the trio descend and James Parker assists his wife down. Mina immediately rushes up to the elvan woman and they give each other a big hug. Mina asks her “Have you been keeping our James out of trouble Alsoomse?” “As if anybody could!” the elvan woman replies. Ruby hopped over the others to get out of the coach after her grandmother. She stood behind her patiently, smoothing down the wrinkles on her travel dress while the woman and her grandmother greeted each other. They must be good friends to greet each other this way, Ruby mused. Once her grandmother stepped back, Ruby extended her hand and smiled. "Ruby West, it's a pleasure to meet you." The elvan woman smiles and says, "And it is a pleasure to finally meet you as well. Mina's letters said that you two looked a lot alike, I see that is definitely the case. You are the spitting image of her when she was your age." "You knew my grandmother when she was my age? I'd love to hear all about that," Ruby laughed. "I've always wondered if I was much like her." Alsoomse says, "We'll have plenty of time later to discuss it in detail. The short version is that I first met her back in the 1820's shortly after she, James and each of their mates returned from Egypt. The four of them were guests at mine and my husband's home on the island of Martha's Vineyard for the better part of a year." Ruby's eyes widen. "I would LOVE to hear those stories. I hope to get to Egypt myself one day too. Maybe I'll get in the same trouble as Nana did," she winked at her grandmother. Mina turns to the group and says, “This is Alsoomse, she is originally from Plymouth, Massachusetts. As a girl she witnessed the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock and attened the First Thanksgiving.” James walks over and affectionately wraps his arm around the elvan woman while saying, “She has spent most of the last two centuries researching the history and culture of the various tribes of Native Americans Elves. Her work on this project has been of vital importance. She is also a linguistic expert, with resources at hand regarding nearly all of the languages of the world.” James next introduces the man with the eyeglasses saying “This is Doctor Pedro Luiz Napoleao Chernoviz. He is a world renowned physician, scientific writer and publisher of medical texts. For the last forty years his ‘Prescription Vademecum and Medical Guide’ has been the worldwide standard for the mixing of medical elixers just as his two-volume ‘Popular Medicine and Complementary Sciences Dictionary for Family Use’ is regarded as the world’s best medical guide for non-physicans. His books are also works of art, with the beautiful illustrations and high-quality engravings.” James adds “Doctor Chernoviz was originally from Poland and earned his medical degree from the University of Warsaw. For the last fifty years his residency has alternated between France and Brazil.” “And since April, the United States,” the Doctor adds. James says, “Yes, in fact it was Luiz here who first brought the archeological site to my attention and the two of us concocted together this idea of the AGELESS Corporation.” The Doctor shakes the hands of each person and says, “Please call me Luiz.” He has a rich baratone voice and voice that gives no hint at all of a foreign accent. Thomas steps forward, extending his hand, to introduce himself to Dr. Chernoviz. I am Dr. Thomas Sapathwa-Crane -- it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Dr. Chernoviz. Your works are a treasured part of my library collection back in Bermuda." He replies, "A pleasure to meet you as well, James has spoken quite highly of you. And please, call me Luiz." James then introduces the third man as “And this is Solomon Star. Like Lawrence, Mina, Roy and Thomas, Sol was also a participant with my special team back during the War of Succession. He is an entrepreneur and has spent the last six-years up in that mining boom town of Deadwood, South Dakota. He now co-owns a chain of retail stores throughout the whole Dakota Territories. We are very fortunate that I was able to persuade him to come and help us get this business venture off the ground.” "Mr. Star," Abigail said, extending a hand, "Living in Deadwood is taking your life in your hands. I hope our times here are just as exciting if a bit less dangerous." He replies, "Deadwood has calmed over the years, when I first got there it was rather wild. My business partner and best friend became Deadwood's Law Enforcement Officer, after which things became much safer for the both of us. As for here, I'll make no promises. James Aloisio Parker and danger often go hand-in-hand." Nanuet finds himself staring at Alsoomse and turns away in hopes that she doesn't notice. He takes a moment to gather himself before shaking hands with all three of the people who were introduced. He is warmly greeted by all three. When he is still meeting Alsoomse she gestures towards the still-invisible Maska and says with a smile, "I've always liked canines. Would you please introduce me to your companion?" Nanuet looks in the direction that she gestures, then looks back at Alsoomse, then repeats the gesture. He stammers a bit and says "Oh, uh sure. Perhaps a little later when things are settled down, not so many new folks around all at once. Her name's Maska" Roy heads straight to Alsoomse and takes her hand, kissing it on top. "A pleasure to see you, Alsoomse, if I may be so bold." She lifts him up in the air and gives him a kiss on the cheek saying, "Welcome Roy, I think you'll like it here." As she puts Roy back down, he turns to everyone else. "Any of you ****ers try that and I'll kill you." Roy's face is beet red and it's obvious he was highly embarassed by the gesture. "If you can reach that high!" teases Fish. He smoothes out his clothes and extends his hand to Solomon. "Good to see you again, sir. I trust all it well on the home front?" Sol says, "Oh, you heard about that then? Well, yes, the trial stretched on for six whole months but at least I was acquitted." "As I assumed you would be," Roy says with a nod. He holds his hand out to the doctor. "Good to meet you, sir." The man returns a firm handshake and says, "The pleasure is all mine, and please, call me Luiz." Ruby asks Alsoomse, "Is your husband here too?" She replies, "No, I am afraid that he passed away twelve years ago." "Oh I am sorry," Ruby blushed, embarrassed. "Well, I hope you will tell some stories of him too, I'd like to hear about him. And I look forward to getting to know you too. Now, is this were we're staying? I'd love to see the inside of this gorgeous house! That porch looks perfect for a swing and a glass of bourbon to end an evening." Roy lets his head hang. "'Twas a great shame when he died." His head then came up with a sly smile. "But I will do my best to comfort you in your time of need, Alsoomse." She smiles at Roy and says, "Thank you my friend, but my time of need was seven to twelve years ago as I observed a five-year mourning period after he was gone. He lived to a very old age for a human and our marriage lasted for more than a century. I have many fond memories as well as a wonderful daughter, grandson, great-grandson and great-granddaughter. And I now have a new and exciting job as the Secretary of the AGELESS Corporation to keep me busy." "Well then, by all means, tell me all about it..." he says as he offers her his arm and escorts her into the mansion. James suggests that they head inside and leads them up to the porch. The front entrance consists of a pair of five-foot wide wooden doors with frosted glass windows and elaborate gold knobs and doorknockers. The north wall of the building continues for twenty-five feet to the left of the doors and fifteen feet to the right, so when adding in the additional ten-feet of porch also to the right the doors are exactly centered. Above the door is another white-and-red TIMUCUAN CONSERVANCY sign, with the exact same wording as the larger sign out by the main gate. James and Solomon each open a door in unison and gesture for the party to enter. The room is a vast main lobby/living room, twenty-feet long north-to-south and thirty-feet-wide east-to-west. The room has a pair of fine leather couches with a matching loveseat and six matching chairs. The walls are paneled with a mahogany wood with matching mahogany coffee tables and end tables near the other furnishings. The room has a high ceiling eighteen-feet up as this room occupies this space in both the first and second floors. An elaborate chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling and illuminates the room. The front doors are on the north wall of the room five feet in from the northeast corner. Five feet west of the main doors is a staircase that goes up a few steps to a landing in the northwest corner of the room then continues up along the western wall to a door to the second floor. There are exterior windows along the staircase but the drapes are currently drawn. In the space beneath the staircase is a wooden saloon-type bar with a hinged opening along the south wall and behind the bar is are multiple shelves of glasses of various sizes and assorted bottles of liquors. On the side wall of the staircase is an elaborate carved sign that reads: [B]Adventurers Guild of Exemplary and Legendary Explorers, Scientists and Scholars[/B] The south wall has one door five feet in from the side wall below the staircase, which James gestures to and says, “That door leads to the side hallway, with a door out to the side porch. The hallway also has a pair of water closets in case any of you should need to use one after the long journey here.” Next on the south wall is a pair of hinged swinging double doors five to eleven feet further east, then northwest chimney. Each of the four chimneys are five feet square but angled diagonal rather than parallel the house, thus two of the four sides of this chimney point into the room. There are metal grates along the chimney throughout the eighteen foot length to the ceiling to heat the room when needed. One side of the northeast chimney also points into the room in the corner, with a four-foot-wide door between the two chimneys on the south wall. The east wall runs seventeen feet from the chimney to the north wall. Along these walls are two doors. The door closest to the north wall has a metal plaque that reads: [B]AGELESS Corporation Chairman Doctor Pedro Luiz Napoleao Chernoviz[/B] The other door has a metal plaque that reads: [B]AGELESS Corporation President & Vice President James A. Parker & Wilamina H. Parker [/B] Sol heads behind the bar and asks, "Would anybody care for a drink?" Fish gestures, "Yes please! Can you mix a Bourbon Street? I find that I'm longing for a bit of New Orleans." He casts a sly glance at Wilamina. "Three fingers of your best whiskey, chased with a little amaretto, over ice, wedge of lemon." Drink in hand, Ben makes his way to one of the couches. "That sounds excellent, I'll have the same Mr. Star. A bit of home," Abby said in her thick accent. "I thought I would miss New Orleans here in Florida, but looking around this place I think I'm going to be too fascinated to be homesick. Beside being entertained by my new companions." Roy does his best (worst) Southern accent. "Why ah do believe that, when in Florida, we should do as the Floridians do. Ah would like a mint julip, if you please sir. And for you madam?" he asks of Alsoomse. Sol says, "I know what she drinks." Moments later Sol hands Roy a silver platter with his mint julip and a glass of what looks like iced tea. " Ruby says, I'll have some tea too, thank you Sol.” He asks, "Regular or Alsoomse blend?" "Um... I'll try Alsoomse's blend I guess, wouldn't want to insult the host," Ruby grinned. Ruby comments, “This place must be new, when was it built?" He replies, "We started early last month, we finished it on Tuesday." She says, "Looks like you got this house done just in time to fill it with people, but that sure seems fast to get this big house out." She says, "Well, I can't wait to see the rest of the house." Sol replies, "I hired lots of builders, money wasn't an object, time was more important to our benefactor." He hands her the iced tea and says, "You many want to be seated before you sip it, the effect can be a bit disorienting to those who haven't tried it before." "Oh really?" Ruby says curiously, looking into the cup. "It can't be stronger than whiskey!" She takes a seat at the bar, "Cheers!" and takes a big sip of the tea. Across the room, the gnome brings the platter back to their chairs. "Tea?" Roy asks Alsoomse. "You're not going soft on me, are you girlie?" She smiles and says, "Not exactly, it is my own special blend. A mix of chamomile, spearmint, birchroot and Elixer of Sense Heightening, with two spoonfuls of honey to sweeten it." Roy replies, "Sense heightening, huh? Sounds..... interesting." Unlike most iced teas, which are made from Oriental black tea, this one tastes like a cross between mint and honey. Ruby takes several sips before she starts to feel different. The room suddenly becomes much brighter and the voices of the others in the room become much louder. She then begins to pick up variety of smells that she identifies as....the leather furniture....fresh paint.....body odors. Looking at her companions new details stick out, not just seeing their faces but the length of fresh beard growth and the pores of their skin. She takes another sip and can now clearly differentiate other ingredients, also tasting chamomile and a birch taste like that from birch beer. The ice cubes in the glass seem to be much, much colder than they were a minute ago. Alsoomse approaches her and says, "Perhaps I should take that and get you something else? "Oh no... I love it...," Ruby said with wide eyes, still taking in her surroundings. "It's so... different. How long does this last? Does it get... more... than this?" Alsoomsee says, "Here, let me at least take it back to the bar and dilute it somewhat for you. There's a bit too much Elixer of Sense Heightening in that glass for somebody who has never had it before. Sol should have known better." "Alright, I trust your judgment." She hands the elf back the glass, practically hearing the drops of condensation falling from it as she did, the mint still tangy on her tongue. George wasn't too near to her yet she very keenly smelled him close by and she looked to him, the corner of her mouth upturning at her favorite scent in the world. "That's some GOOD tea!" Furrowing his brows with almost burlesque concern, Fish speaks quietly to his shapely companion, "Miss Ruby, you're drooling!" He dabs at the corner of his own mouth to indicate where she is salivating. "Stop yelling, I HEAR YOU!" Ruby said in her own raised voice. She used her tongue to slowly lick her lips, they even tasted a little salty from the hello kisses on the cheeks she had given out not too long ago. "Better?" she asked him with a mischievous grin. "Why, Miss Ruby," Roy continued in his bad Southern accent. "I do believe you've caught tha vapahs!" She replies, "The what? I don't speak Japanese Roy." "You know, the vapors." Abby produced a fan from some unseen pocket, fanned her face dramatically and sank gracefully into a chair as if she felt faint. "Alas, I left my smellin' salts at home," she laughed. Nanuet had followed the others into the house and slowly takes in the details of the room. When Sol offers drinks he walks towards the bar and says "Your finest whiskey please good sir." He takes the drink and takes a generous sip. He hears the conversation concerning Ruby and the tea and makes his way towards her slowly, keeping an eye on her to make sure she's okay. George walks up to the bar asks Sol for a scotch and intercepts the new, diluted tea from Alsoomse and offers his arm to Ruby. "Come my dear let me rescue you from this roy-bald conversation" say George smiling at his pun as he leads Ruby over to the love seat where they sit closely, enjoying their drinks. Lawrence gets a glass of scotch from the bar. He casually watches the group, noting how they act with each other. He slaps Sol on the back, "How have you been? So, Deadwood, huh? Where have I heard that name before?" Sol answers, "Probably because that's where Wild Bill Hickock got himself killed." Lawrence snaps his fingers, "That must be it. A damn shame. But when you're number's up, it's up. Anyway, I hear you're quite the businessman." Hardin takes the introductions in stride, gauging the meddle of each as he shakes hands and looks each person full in the face. His gaze isn't challenging, merely inquisitive. At Sol's mention of Hickok, he perks up. "So, Mr. Solomon, where you there when Wild Bill was killed and can you shed any light on what really happened? Most of what I have heard is innuendo and rumor. Mr. Hickok and I became acquainted in Abilene and I considered him a...friend. Did they do justice to that McCall bast...er, fellow? Terrible thing for a gunfighter to go down from a bullet in the back..." Hardin keeps his gaze on Sol, but his thoughts seem far away. Solomon Star replies, "I was in town at the time but not in the saloon. I didn't really know him very well, having just been in town a short while myself. Near as I can tell the newspaper accounts were rather accurate. My business partner Seth Bullock knew him better. And Mr. Hickok and I did have a few other mutual friends." Lawrence bows to the female elf saying, "And Alsoomse. You look as lovely as ever. I bet your new job as secretary keeps you busy." She smiles and says, "It has so far Lawrence, especially during the summer when this entire hill was crawling with teenage children. While I did enjoy playing 'mother' it is nice to be in the company of just adults again." "That's a nice thing. Sometimes youth rubs off on a person. I promise we won't be nearly as much trouble," Lawrence says with a wink. James says, “Sol, why don’t you give all of our newcomers a tour of the house and they can each select their bedrooms." Sitting on the love seat with Ruby, George finishes his scotch and sets the glass down. "I suppose then James that you will make us all wait until after dinner for your reasoning for assembling such distinguished company here?" asks George. James replies, "Oh no, we'll be having company for dinner who shouldn't know of our secrets. I also have some research to do with items and information that have only now arrived with some of you. We will be going over the project in detail tomorrow after lunch, although I imagine that you'll get an idea of some of it from Sol's tour." Sol replies, "Okay everybody, last call for drinks, we'll start the tour in ten minutes." Lawrence tells the elvan woman, "Looks like we'll have to catch up later. It is good to see you again, Alsoomse." He makes an exaggerated motion to check his pocket watch and shouts to Sol. "It's not even evening and you're cutting us off? That's not good for business." He walks to the bar and says, "I'll have another scotch, if you please. It's pretty good, single malt?" Roy holds up his glass, now only containing ice, and shakes it at Sol. "Boy, ah say boy, ah believe ah need a refill. And make it a little strongah this time, if you weel." Fish jests, "Sol, he'd like a maraschino cherry with it too -- with a little pink parasol, if you have one." Between the bourbon shared in the coach, and the double he just downed, Fish is feeling his liquor. He doesn't disguise this innuendo about cherries and Ruby nearly so well. Sol actually does, so is able to accommodate Fish's request for Roy's order. Sol then asks Fish "Would you care for one as well?" Ruby finishes her tea quickly, by the time her cup is empty her face is flush. With her senses on overdrive, it's hard to keep still. Her eyes dart around to catch every light and her ears perk up at every noise. She could even feel the humidity in the air, every tiny drop of water on her skin. "Oh, I LOVE cherries, can I get one too?" She hops up from the couch and bounces over to the bar, where Sol laughs and hands her a bowl of cherries. Ruby could not believe the vibrant red color or the luscious smell coming from that bowl. She drew a cherry to her full lips and popped it in her waiting mouth. She closed her eyes, savoring the most delicious and tasty cherry she had ever had. "Oh my gods, I am in heaven." She slumped against the bar with a huge grin. "And I don't want to share these! Alsoomse, that tea is so fabulous!!" She finished the small bowl of fruit. "Now THAT was a tasty snack.” Thomas kept mostly to himself at the gathering of old friends, engaging in light conversation or banter as the circumstance arose, declining Sol's offer of awareness enhancement potions or the like, preferring to keep British custom of having tea only in the late afternoon. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
Top