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
Play by Post
Dark Days in Sion - Act 3: Scene 2
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="narayan" data-source="post: 6928826" data-attributes="member: 6677509"><p><strong>Beneath the Red Sands Inn</strong></p><p></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>Kayote breathes deep, still angry, but resists landing further blows on the priest. Instead he steps past him to the door at the end of the corridor which is not locked. This door opens to reveal a large room, about twenty feet by thirty feet, well-illuminated with lanterns, smelling of freshly cut wood, cured hides and smelting iron.</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>One wall holds racks of wooden planks, posts and sheets of leather and hide. Before these materials are leatherworking frames and woodworking tools. One corner of the room has a small forge with crates of freshly-made weapons, iron-nails, hinges, grates, and manacles. The forge keeps this room uncomfortably hot as you step inside. Another corner has a large table for seating six and another corner has bunks for six, some chests for personal possessions and a bath. The final corner has another door. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>Inside the room are three dwarves and two rhats. One dwarf is busy at the forge (facing away from you) pounding away on an anvil with only a leather apron hanging over his broadly muscled torso, cord-like veins popping out of his neck and forearms. This one keeps his whole head clean-shaven with a thick, unkempt black beard, sans-mustache, swaying under his jaw. He looks to be nearly middle-aged by dwarven standards and clearly a master of his trade. Across his back a large tattoo is written in highly stylized dwarven script... which unfortunately you cannot read you don't speak dwarven. This dwarf doesn't seem to notice your entry at all, so concentrated he is on his craft. You are also curious how the sound of his hammering didn't carry into the corridor, perhaps a muting enchantment on the door or the threshold? </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>A second dwarf, younger than the smith, stands before a work bench crafting a chest out of wood and iron, a fine piece by the look of it... except for all the stiff coil-springs and sharpened steel spikes he looks to be fitting inside it. A trapped chest, very-deadly by the looks of it! This one is more handsome (not that an elf would usually call a dwarf handsome) with reddish-blonde locks and an elaborately-braided beard. Beside the chest is a small pile of apple-cores. He notes your appearance with a wave and a smile. Beside him the pair of rhats (which you gather must be helpers) are fitting a falchion's blade inside a wooden box for another trap capable of chopping through a skull as easily as a melon. Both rhats also note your entry immediately, staring curiously, whispering to each other without trying to be rude about it. Both are seemingly too well mannered, or well-trained, to speak up before their master does. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>The last dwarf is clearly the oldest of the three... seated at the far end of the table in a brown robe. Leaned against the wall beside his chair is an ornate staff topped with a perfect sphere of polished brown quartz. This elder is currently crouched over the pages of a thick spellbook laid out across the table, running his fingertips across the script revealing rings on every digit. He peers up from the pages as you enter, furrowing his wrinkled brow with annoyance. Atop his balding head, speckled with liver-spots, sits an ornate bronze skull-cap bearing intricate runes. His great grey-brown beard drapes all the way down to his waist, with at least a dozen bronze beads hung throughout. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Steps aside for you before he shuts the door and immediately introduces you. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"This is Aletia Moonborn, much like family to my dear friend Vallio. These dwarves hail from the home-of-my-birth, the Kingdom of Barossa. The craftsman working on the chest is Apstok, or 'Apple' to his friends..."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> Grins and makes a slight bow, sliding his hands behind his back producing two ripe apples out of thin air... one of which he lazily chomps into and the other he playfully tosses towards you while he says. <span style="color: #008000">"Pleased to meet you!"</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><span style="color: #008000"></span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><span style="color: #008000"></span><strong>Kayote:</strong> Continues </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"The smith at the anvil is Orric. Pardon his deep-concentration, he's deaf and hates to be disturbed..."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Elder-Dwarf:</strong> <span style="color: #000080">"He isn't the only one!"</span> The old wizard at the table cuts in with a rude tone. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Answers with a side-long stare towards the elder-dwarf. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"That crusty specimen over there is Broulgrune. He isn't long for this world, might not need to bother with introductions so far as he's concerned..."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Guffaws. <span style="color: #000080">"Smart words from a Kayote so long-in-the-tooth!"</span> He quips. <span style="color: #000080">"I'll outlive you yet, and you can bet the little elven lass there will also!"</span> </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"She'll outlive us both no doubt."</em></span><em> He states with resignation. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"How goes progress on tomorrow's contest?"</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Shakes his finger. <span style="color: #000080">"Hah! You come down here empty-handed and expect answers? Where's the Tejj?" </span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"I drank it all you old-goat! I've had some sad news."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Hmmphs <span style="color: #000080">"The hospitable thing would be to offer you something from my own cellars..."</span> He says reaching into his robe producing a bottle of fine rum from some sort of extra-dimensional storage space. <span style="color: #000080">"But I'm not that hospitable as you know... so we'll add the cost of this fine Barossan Rum to my next fee!"</span> </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Smirks </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Nothing fine ever came out of your pockets, but of course I'll need to drink something to tolerate your company..."</em></span><em> He states with plain sarcasm, leading the way over to the table.</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>As you sit, Orric's peripheral vision finally takes note there are visitors as pauses mid-swing and turns to stare, panting and breathing heavily. Kayote looks in his direction and nods with acknowledgement. Orric glances at the elf, looks confused but unconcerned... and places his hammer beside the anvil strolling over to the living area to drunk his head into the bath, toweling himself off.</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Takes the offered bottle from Broulgrune and grabs a cup already on the table. As he pours Broulgrune speaks to Aletia.</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> </em><span style="color: #000080"><em>"Aletia is it? Forgive our manners. We aren't accustomed to a ladies presence here."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"How goes progress on tomorrow's contest?"</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Raises a pair of very bushy brows in surprise to your question. <span style="color: #000080">"You haven't heard of the contest?!"</span> He smirks, shifting his eyes to Kayote. <span style="color: #000080">"What kind of host are you not to tell your guests about your inns biggest attraction?!"</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><span style="color: #000080"></span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><span style="color: #000080"></span><strong>Kayote:</strong> Snorts. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"I take no pleasure from the contest, you know that. It's simply a means to an end."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong><span style="color: #008000">"And yet it's helped make your inn wildly popular and kept our pockets full of coin!"</span> He grins stretching his arms out to Broulgrune and Orric indicating how much they all appreciate the wealth. <span style="color: #008000">"Besides, there's still a gladiatorial arena in town last I checked. What's the difference between 'the contest' and what they do in the arena?"</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><span style="color: #008000"></span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Frowns at Apstock. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Gladiators are honorable warriors. Omar Drehd was the best of em. I've told you before how he..."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> Interrupts. <span style="color: #008000">"Aye you've spoken of Omar at least a hundred times! But even a great warrior such as he was helpless against a sharp dagger in his sleep!"</span> He exclaims. <span style="color: #008000">"His murderers didn't care about killing him honorably, why should we worry about how we kill them?"</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Suddenly slaps his hand on the table as he glares at the ginger-haired dwarf who jumps with a start. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"IT MATTERS!"</em></span><em> He says in a near-shout. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Don't speak as if you understand this contest just because you make traps."</em></span><em> He huffs. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"<u>You</u> didn't make the man in the iron mask. <strong>I</strong> did!"</em></span><em> He states jabbing his finger towards Apstock and himself for emphasis. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"What he is now, therefore, is a dark reflection of me."</em></span><em> He says disgustedly. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"His sins are now my sins... Every kill he makes, lessens the state of my soul!"</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Orric:</strong> Steps over to the table and sits across from the pair of you, completely oblivious to the nature of the conversation. His chair creaks under his great bulk of muscle. He looks to each of your faces in turn, expecting to see lips moving, but Kayote's last words brought an awkward silence to the table. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Clears his throat. <span style="color: #000080">"We've talked about this before old friend. We agreed to continue for as long as it takes until the master of the man in the iron mask comes to free him."</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Looks to Aletia, anger still simmering beneath the surface, but also embarrassment, even shame. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Forgive an old man his ranting. It's been a long night and I've drank too much..."</em></span><em> He says in low spirits.</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> Frowns. <span style="color: #008000">"It is my fault. My tongue often outwits my good sense."</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"No it is I who should apologize..."</em></span><em> He says hoarsely. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"As I said, I received some sad news tonight, it's put me in a dark mood. I am in no shape to keep good company."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Orric:</strong> Frowns and makes a gesture with one meaty arm apparently asking for more. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Looks to Orric and sighs. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"It is my dear old friend Vallio. Aletia here has informed me he died recently, of poison!"</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Orric:</strong> Clenches his jaw. He makes another gesture, chopping his hand down against his other hand. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Shakes his head. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"No friend, we are not seeking revenge. We wouldn't even know where to look to find it? Aletia suspects the dark elves are behind it."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Orric:</strong> Nods slowly in understanding, looking to Aletia now and makes a gesture of a question, pointing at the table. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"She's here because Vallio asked me to look after her. She wants to help us."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Orric:</strong> Seems to not like that. He makes another gesture of a question pointing around in a vague circle.</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"She doesn't have anywhere else to go Orric. She's lost her family too."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Orric:</strong> Huffs and glares towards Kayote, making a gesture towards everyone and shaking his head drawing his finger across his throat.</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote: </strong></em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"He thinks its a bad idea to be with us because bad people want us dead."</em></span><em> He explains to you before he answers back. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"She's not as weak as she looks Orric. Her father was Athias-the-drow-slayer, a great warrior. She also learned sorcery from Vallio himself."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Orric:</strong> Seems to ponder that and shrugs, making another gesture to one of his eyes.</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><span style="color: #222222"><strong>Kayote:</strong> </span></em><span style="color: #660000"><em><span style="color: #222222">"He says he'll have to wait and see before he's convinced."</span> He translates and smirks. <span style="color: #222222">"Why do you think I brought her down here?"</span> He states back to Orric. </em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><span style="color: #222222"><strong>Apstock:</strong> Speaks up. </span><span style="color: #008000">"Enough of this talk, the poor girl is mortified!"</span><span style="color: #222222"> He says with empathy taking note of your expression. </span><span style="color: #008000">"If she's here to help, at least explain what we're up too."</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> gestures to the second door at the corner of the workshop. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"That door enters an underground maze originally designed by the mayor as a private spectacle for other debaucherous merchant lords. When this building became the town hall, no one else had any use for it. When I took possession of the building, I had half a mind to remove the maze and expand the wine-cellar, but it turns out my sons enjoyed it so much I didn't have the heart to destroy it."</em></span><em> He states. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Now that my sons are dead, we use it for an entirely different purpose, pitting challengers against the man in the iron mask."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> <span style="color: #008000">"And there's no shortage of those!"</span> He quips. <span style="color: #008000">"Each week we accept two new challengers, modifying the layout of the maze each time, creating new traps and chests-of-items for whatever unfortunate fools dare to enter. We only have two rules about challengers. First they can't be spellcasters, second, they can't bring in their own equipment. At first _we_ had to pay to bring challengers into the contest. Then after an audience built up we started asking for a 10gp fee... that quickly doubled into 20, then 40, and now it's up to 400! Even so, we are booked weeks in advance."</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Adds. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Most of the money generated from the contest actually happens in betting, handled upstairs by Rhea herself. By the time a contest has ended we've usually netted anywhere from several hundred to several thousand gp... much of which is lost in taxes of course."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> <span style="color: #008000">"Yet thanks to Broulgrune, no one up there has any idea who we are or what we do behind the scenes to make the contest happen."</span> He says with a smile. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> <span style="color: #000080">"That's because my magic allows them to spectate the contest remotely. Allow me to demonstrate..."</span> The old wizard says grasping his staff and muttering incantations until the quartz sphere at the top begins to glow. He then reaches up one hand to grasp it, a rainbow of light escaping between his fingers before he seemingly absorbs the magic, transferring it into his body as he closes his eyes and reaches his hand across the table, opening his palm, facing upwards, revealing a glowing sphere of pure magic. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>The elder dwarf continues to mutter causing the sphere to enlarge until it's an opaque glowing orb easily thrice the size of the quartz sphere on his staff. You feel its light as much as see it, feelings its rays tingle against your skin, but it is false light and thus has no warmth. A myriad of colors and shapeless blobs seem to ebb and flow across its surface as the dwarf's bushy brows knit tighter in concentration. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>Suddenly you see yourself, watching yourself in the orb, and then you see yourself at the table seated with the others as if you were a fly on the wall. Apstock takes the opportunity to make a face at Broulgrune who grumbles something in between the words of his spell. Orric yawns, apparently bored with a demonstration he's likely seen at least a dozen times before. The fly-on-the-wall perspective inside the orb maintains while the vision moves over to the door and passes through it. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>You blink inadvertently as the tone and distance of what you see suddenly changes to mimic that of darkvision revealing a strange maze constructed of posts and planks that stretch from floor-to-ceiling. As you watch the vision moves through the maze, turning around dozens of corners until you're thoroughly lost and somewhat dizzy. </em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> <span style="color: #008000">"Much of it is freshly constructed, and you'll note the presence of random chests and secret chambers..."</span> He says as the orb takes you through a false wall into a hidden chamber. <span style="color: #008000">"Challengers begin with nothing, as does their foe. They must find whatever they can use to defeat him from within the maze. The contest continues until only one survives. Yet the man in the iron mask remains undefeated after several years and dozens of battles."</span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Mutters. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Winning battles is the only way he earns his next meal. So long as he wants to eat he'll keep fighting."</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>Meanwhile the vision moves through the maze to another door leading into the rear of the same cell the priest was standing before just minutes ago. Yet just when it would seem you would glimpse inside...</em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Growls. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Enough!"</em></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune: </strong>Dispels the clairvoyance, opening his eyes again. <span style="color: #000080">"Each table upstairs has a polished stone sphere like this one."</span> He gestures to his staff <span style="color: #000080">"Through those they can tap into my clairvoyance. They even have the ability to manipulate their own viewing angles, though of course I limit their range of vision to just the maze." </span></em></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"We'll have to wait and see before we're convinced."</em></span><em> He remarks plainly.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Accepts your compliment with dignity. <span style="color: #000080">"I was a head-wizard to chief Oslock Stonebones for neigh a century! My magics helped defeat the duergar menace from below that threatened to destroy our stronghold of Brolforge."</span></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> Rolls his eyes. <span style="color: #008000">"Oh no, not this story again!"</span> </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Glares at Apstock. <span style="color: #000080">"You weren't even a twinkle in your papa's eye back then Apstock! Just because you grew up in relatively peaceful and prosperous years doesn't mean it was the same for myself and my generation!"</span></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> <span style="color: #008000">"I am well aware of your heroics old one... if you can call staring into one of your magic visions heroic..."</span> He snickers <span style="color: #008000">"...but if you were half as great as you think you are, you'd still be a head-wizard would you not?"</span></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Waves his hand dismissively in annoyance. <span style="color: #000080">"That has nothing to do with my talents, it's politics! This upstart general who elected himself chief, Korag Foeslayer, is no ally of mine! I advised Oslock many times not to go along with his plans and now Korag is having his revenge casting me out! Oslock was the last chief carrying the bloodline of Halgrat the founder when his own nephew, Grath 'The Builder', died. The fact they both passed without an heir is a sad chapter of our history."</span> </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> <span style="color: #008000">"Oslock was not the last descendent of Halgrat the founder. Grath's sister Rega had twins, Rogal and Ragar. They are already of age to rule and likely to supplant Korag before long."</span></em> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Snorts <span style="color: #000080">"Rogal and Ragar are not _direct_ descendents. The line of Halgrat is broken, Oslock said so himself on his very deathbed! If you ever spoke at length to Rega like I have, you'd agree we'd all be better off well away from her offspring!"</span> He snorts.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> Sighs. <span style="color: #008000">"I care not for the woes and worries of the rulers. I am but a humble craftsman, yearning for the days when all dwarves return to the ways of simple-living..."</span> </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em><em><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> <span style="color: #000080">"You have the right of that at least... you <u>are</u> simple-minded!"</span> </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em><em><strong>Orric:</strong> Chuckles loudly, amused at the remark at Apstock's expense.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Downs his cup and speaks up again. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"I tire of too much idle talk. Aletia and I will return in the morning to check on final preparations. That is enough work for one day, see that you get some rest yourselves."</em></span><em><strong>Apstock:</strong> Addresses Kayote. <span style="color: #008000">"We mean no offense for your loss."</span> He says to Kayote and Aletia both. <span style="color: #008000">"I apologize for my long-winded friend here..."</span> he says with a glance at Broulgrune. <span style="color: #008000">"There will be more time for serious talk on the morrow."</span> </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><span style="color: #212121"><strong>Broulgrune:</strong> Ignores Apstock and addresses Aletia directly. </span><span style="color: #000080">"You are a brave soul, your yearning to be useful does you credit. If Kayote says you will join us, that is enough for me. Kayote is as good a judge of talent as anyone."</span></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><span style="color: #212121"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><span style="color: #212121"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><span style="color: #212121"></span><em>Kayote roughly stands, weariness evident in his bones and unsteady posture as he leans heavily on his cane, turning from the table without a word, holding the door open for Aletia before he leads her down the hall. The priest he struck in the gut with his cane has gone, replaced by another, sleepy-eyed and none-too-happyy looking.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Carst, keep the prayers loud and repetitive tonight. I want the prisoner especially anxious and restless the night before the contest!"</em></span><em> Kayote barks at the second priest. The barossan-priest nods curtly, respectfuly but none-too-friendly.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>From the number of doors here in the hall, it seems likely there are three cells and and three private rooms for priests employed by Kayote. As you near the end of the hall you hear the priests words pick up a fervor and cadence appropriate to prayer as he starts to recite verses from the Book of Pentos in the background that echo around you as you start to ascend the stairs. </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>Kayote:</strong> Mutters at you. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"I keep three priests here reciting prayers day and night in shifts. The Man in the Iron Mask deserves no peace!"</em></span><em> He growls, stomping up the stairs with angry purpose before breathing deep and coughing to catch his breath at the top of the steep steps. He pauses before the door touching a magical stone inset into the bracing which projects a fish-eye's view of the area outside, ensuring no chance of ambush. All you see in the lee of the looming outer wall is a buffeting wind and the wet spray of rain as the storm picks up strength.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em>Kayote turns to glance at you with an idea. </em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"Since you are so eager to prove your worth, and yet-young-enough to endure this in-climate weather without complaint, would you do an old man a favor and deliver an invitation for me?"</em></span><em> He asks, pulling a small scroll from his robe sealed with wax and a red-ribbon. </em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em></em><span style="color: #660000"><em>"This is for Jabbar Najafi, the smuggler I mentioned before and a very old friend. I'd wish very much to share his company at The Contest tomorrow. It would do you some good as well to meet him, he is the only other soul who understands the evil nature of the black network as much as I do. Jabbar lives above his Trade Shop near the East Market. Take your time and familiarize yourself with the streets of this town, but be on your guard. There is so much yet for you to learn."</em></span><em> He states with the challenging tone of a mentor, handing over the scroll.</em></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'verdana'"><em><strong>[Aletia:</strong> what do you do?<strong>]</strong></em></span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="narayan, post: 6928826, member: 6677509"] [b]Beneath the Red Sands Inn[/b] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I]Kayote breathes deep, still angry, but resists landing further blows on the priest. Instead he steps past him to the door at the end of the corridor which is not locked. This door opens to reveal a large room, about twenty feet by thirty feet, well-illuminated with lanterns, smelling of freshly cut wood, cured hides and smelting iron. One wall holds racks of wooden planks, posts and sheets of leather and hide. Before these materials are leatherworking frames and woodworking tools. One corner of the room has a small forge with crates of freshly-made weapons, iron-nails, hinges, grates, and manacles. The forge keeps this room uncomfortably hot as you step inside. Another corner has a large table for seating six and another corner has bunks for six, some chests for personal possessions and a bath. The final corner has another door. Inside the room are three dwarves and two rhats. One dwarf is busy at the forge (facing away from you) pounding away on an anvil with only a leather apron hanging over his broadly muscled torso, cord-like veins popping out of his neck and forearms. This one keeps his whole head clean-shaven with a thick, unkempt black beard, sans-mustache, swaying under his jaw. He looks to be nearly middle-aged by dwarven standards and clearly a master of his trade. Across his back a large tattoo is written in highly stylized dwarven script... which unfortunately you cannot read you don't speak dwarven. This dwarf doesn't seem to notice your entry at all, so concentrated he is on his craft. You are also curious how the sound of his hammering didn't carry into the corridor, perhaps a muting enchantment on the door or the threshold? A second dwarf, younger than the smith, stands before a work bench crafting a chest out of wood and iron, a fine piece by the look of it... except for all the stiff coil-springs and sharpened steel spikes he looks to be fitting inside it. A trapped chest, very-deadly by the looks of it! This one is more handsome (not that an elf would usually call a dwarf handsome) with reddish-blonde locks and an elaborately-braided beard. Beside the chest is a small pile of apple-cores. He notes your appearance with a wave and a smile. Beside him the pair of rhats (which you gather must be helpers) are fitting a falchion's blade inside a wooden box for another trap capable of chopping through a skull as easily as a melon. Both rhats also note your entry immediately, staring curiously, whispering to each other without trying to be rude about it. Both are seemingly too well mannered, or well-trained, to speak up before their master does. The last dwarf is clearly the oldest of the three... seated at the far end of the table in a brown robe. Leaned against the wall beside his chair is an ornate staff topped with a perfect sphere of polished brown quartz. This elder is currently crouched over the pages of a thick spellbook laid out across the table, running his fingertips across the script revealing rings on every digit. He peers up from the pages as you enter, furrowing his wrinkled brow with annoyance. Atop his balding head, speckled with liver-spots, sits an ornate bronze skull-cap bearing intricate runes. His great grey-brown beard drapes all the way down to his waist, with at least a dozen bronze beads hung throughout. [B]Kayote:[/B] Steps aside for you before he shuts the door and immediately introduces you. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"This is Aletia Moonborn, much like family to my dear friend Vallio. These dwarves hail from the home-of-my-birth, the Kingdom of Barossa. The craftsman working on the chest is Apstok, or 'Apple' to his friends..."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT][INDENT][FONT=verdana][/FONT][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [I][B]Apstock:[/B] Grins and makes a slight bow, sliding his hands behind his back producing two ripe apples out of thin air... one of which he lazily chomps into and the other he playfully tosses towards you while he says. [COLOR=#008000]"Pleased to meet you!" [/COLOR][B]Kayote:[/B] Continues [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"The smith at the anvil is Orric. Pardon his deep-concentration, he's deaf and hates to be disturbed..."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I][B]Elder-Dwarf:[/B] [COLOR=#000080]"He isn't the only one!"[/COLOR] The old wizard at the table cuts in with a rude tone. [B]Kayote:[/B] Answers with a side-long stare towards the elder-dwarf. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"That crusty specimen over there is Broulgrune. He isn't long for this world, might not need to bother with introductions so far as he's concerned..."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Broulgrune:[/B] Guffaws. [COLOR=#000080]"Smart words from a Kayote so long-in-the-tooth!"[/COLOR] He quips. [COLOR=#000080]"I'll outlive you yet, and you can bet the little elven lass there will also!"[/COLOR] [B]Kayote:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"She'll outlive us both no doubt."[/I][/COLOR][I] He states with resignation. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"How goes progress on tomorrow's contest?"[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Broulgrune:[/B] Shakes his finger. [COLOR=#000080]"Hah! You come down here empty-handed and expect answers? Where's the Tejj?" [/COLOR] [B]Kayote:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"I drank it all you old-goat! I've had some sad news."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Broulgrune:[/B] Hmmphs [COLOR=#000080]"The hospitable thing would be to offer you something from my own cellars..."[/COLOR] He says reaching into his robe producing a bottle of fine rum from some sort of extra-dimensional storage space. [COLOR=#000080]"But I'm not that hospitable as you know... so we'll add the cost of this fine Barossan Rum to my next fee!"[/COLOR] [B]Kayote:[/B] Smirks [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Nothing fine ever came out of your pockets, but of course I'll need to drink something to tolerate your company..."[/I][/COLOR][I] He states with plain sarcasm, leading the way over to the table.[/I][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] As you sit, Orric's peripheral vision finally takes note there are visitors as pauses mid-swing and turns to stare, panting and breathing heavily. Kayote looks in his direction and nods with acknowledgement. Orric glances at the elf, looks confused but unconcerned... and places his hammer beside the anvil strolling over to the living area to drunk his head into the bath, toweling himself off. [B]Kayote:[/B] Takes the offered bottle from Broulgrune and grabs a cup already on the table. As he pours Broulgrune speaks to Aletia. [B]Broulgrune:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#000080][I]"Aletia is it? Forgive our manners. We aren't accustomed to a ladies presence here."[/I][/COLOR] [/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [I][B]Kayote:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"How goes progress on tomorrow's contest?"[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT][INDENT][FONT=verdana][/FONT][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [I][B]Broulgrune:[/B] Raises a pair of very bushy brows in surprise to your question. [COLOR=#000080]"You haven't heard of the contest?!"[/COLOR] He smirks, shifting his eyes to Kayote. [COLOR=#000080]"What kind of host are you not to tell your guests about your inns biggest attraction?!" [/COLOR][B]Kayote:[/B] Snorts. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"I take no pleasure from the contest, you know that. It's simply a means to an end."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Apstock:[/B][COLOR=#008000]"And yet it's helped make your inn wildly popular and kept our pockets full of coin!"[/COLOR] He grins stretching his arms out to Broulgrune and Orric indicating how much they all appreciate the wealth. [COLOR=#008000]"Besides, there's still a gladiatorial arena in town last I checked. What's the difference between 'the contest' and what they do in the arena?" [/COLOR][/I] [/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I][B]Kayote:[/B] Frowns at Apstock. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Gladiators are honorable warriors. Omar Drehd was the best of em. I've told you before how he..."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Apstock:[/B] Interrupts. [COLOR=#008000]"Aye you've spoken of Omar at least a hundred times! But even a great warrior such as he was helpless against a sharp dagger in his sleep!"[/COLOR] He exclaims. [COLOR=#008000]"His murderers didn't care about killing him honorably, why should we worry about how we kill them?"[/COLOR][/I] [I][B]Kayote:[/B] Suddenly slaps his hand on the table as he glares at the ginger-haired dwarf who jumps with a start. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"IT MATTERS!"[/I][/COLOR][I] He says in a near-shout. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Don't speak as if you understand this contest just because you make traps."[/I][/COLOR][I] He huffs. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"[U]You[/U] didn't make the man in the iron mask. [B]I[/B] did!"[/I][/COLOR][I] He states jabbing his finger towards Apstock and himself for emphasis. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"What he is now, therefore, is a dark reflection of me."[/I][/COLOR][I] He says disgustedly. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"His sins are now my sins... Every kill he makes, lessens the state of my soul!"[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Orric:[/B] Steps over to the table and sits across from the pair of you, completely oblivious to the nature of the conversation. His chair creaks under his great bulk of muscle. He looks to each of your faces in turn, expecting to see lips moving, but Kayote's last words brought an awkward silence to the table. [B]Broulgrune:[/B] Clears his throat. [COLOR=#000080]"We've talked about this before old friend. We agreed to continue for as long as it takes until the master of the man in the iron mask comes to free him."[/COLOR] [B]Kayote:[/B] Looks to Aletia, anger still simmering beneath the surface, but also embarrassment, even shame. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Forgive an old man his ranting. It's been a long night and I've drank too much..."[/I][/COLOR][I] He says in low spirits.[/I][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [I][B]Apstock:[/B] Frowns. [COLOR=#008000]"It is my fault. My tongue often outwits my good sense."[/COLOR] [B]Kayote:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"No it is I who should apologize..."[/I][/COLOR][I] He says hoarsely. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"As I said, I received some sad news tonight, it's put me in a dark mood. I am in no shape to keep good company."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Orric:[/B] Frowns and makes a gesture with one meaty arm apparently asking for more. [B]Kayote:[/B] Looks to Orric and sighs. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"It is my dear old friend Vallio. Aletia here has informed me he died recently, of poison!"[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Orric:[/B] Clenches his jaw. He makes another gesture, chopping his hand down against his other hand. [B]Kayote:[/B] Shakes his head. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"No friend, we are not seeking revenge. We wouldn't even know where to look to find it? Aletia suspects the dark elves are behind it."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Orric:[/B] Nods slowly in understanding, looking to Aletia now and makes a gesture of a question, pointing at the table. [B]Kayote:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"She's here because Vallio asked me to look after her. She wants to help us."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Orric:[/B] Seems to not like that. He makes another gesture of a question pointing around in a vague circle.[/I] [I][B]Kayote:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"She doesn't have anywhere else to go Orric. She's lost her family too."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Orric:[/B] Huffs and glares towards Kayote, making a gesture towards everyone and shaking his head drawing his finger across his throat. [B]Kayote: [/B][/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"He thinks its a bad idea to be with us because bad people want us dead."[/I][/COLOR][I] He explains to you before he answers back. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"She's not as weak as she looks Orric. Her father was Athias-the-drow-slayer, a great warrior. She also learned sorcery from Vallio himself."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Orric:[/B] Seems to ponder that and shrugs, making another gesture to one of his eyes. [COLOR=#222222][B]Kayote:[/B] [/COLOR][/I][COLOR=#660000][I][COLOR=#222222]"He says he'll have to wait and see before he's convinced."[/COLOR] He translates and smirks. [COLOR=#222222]"Why do you think I brought her down here?"[/COLOR] He states back to Orric. [/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I][COLOR=#222222][B]Apstock:[/B] Speaks up. [/COLOR][COLOR=#008000]"Enough of this talk, the poor girl is mortified!"[/COLOR][COLOR=#222222] He says with empathy taking note of your expression. [/COLOR][COLOR=#008000]"If she's here to help, at least explain what we're up too."[/COLOR][/I] [/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [I][B]Kayote:[/B] gestures to the second door at the corner of the workshop. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"That door enters an underground maze originally designed by the mayor as a private spectacle for other debaucherous merchant lords. When this building became the town hall, no one else had any use for it. When I took possession of the building, I had half a mind to remove the maze and expand the wine-cellar, but it turns out my sons enjoyed it so much I didn't have the heart to destroy it."[/I][/COLOR][I] He states. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Now that my sons are dead, we use it for an entirely different purpose, pitting challengers against the man in the iron mask."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Apstock:[/B] [COLOR=#008000]"And there's no shortage of those!"[/COLOR] He quips. [COLOR=#008000]"Each week we accept two new challengers, modifying the layout of the maze each time, creating new traps and chests-of-items for whatever unfortunate fools dare to enter. We only have two rules about challengers. First they can't be spellcasters, second, they can't bring in their own equipment. At first _we_ had to pay to bring challengers into the contest. Then after an audience built up we started asking for a 10gp fee... that quickly doubled into 20, then 40, and now it's up to 400! Even so, we are booked weeks in advance."[/COLOR] [B]Kayote:[/B] Adds. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Most of the money generated from the contest actually happens in betting, handled upstairs by Rhea herself. By the time a contest has ended we've usually netted anywhere from several hundred to several thousand gp... much of which is lost in taxes of course."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Apstock:[/B] [COLOR=#008000]"Yet thanks to Broulgrune, no one up there has any idea who we are or what we do behind the scenes to make the contest happen."[/COLOR] He says with a smile. [/I] [I][B]Broulgrune:[/B] [COLOR=#000080]"That's because my magic allows them to spectate the contest remotely. Allow me to demonstrate..."[/COLOR] The old wizard says grasping his staff and muttering incantations until the quartz sphere at the top begins to glow. He then reaches up one hand to grasp it, a rainbow of light escaping between his fingers before he seemingly absorbs the magic, transferring it into his body as he closes his eyes and reaches his hand across the table, opening his palm, facing upwards, revealing a glowing sphere of pure magic. The elder dwarf continues to mutter causing the sphere to enlarge until it's an opaque glowing orb easily thrice the size of the quartz sphere on his staff. You feel its light as much as see it, feelings its rays tingle against your skin, but it is false light and thus has no warmth. A myriad of colors and shapeless blobs seem to ebb and flow across its surface as the dwarf's bushy brows knit tighter in concentration. Suddenly you see yourself, watching yourself in the orb, and then you see yourself at the table seated with the others as if you were a fly on the wall. Apstock takes the opportunity to make a face at Broulgrune who grumbles something in between the words of his spell. Orric yawns, apparently bored with a demonstration he's likely seen at least a dozen times before. The fly-on-the-wall perspective inside the orb maintains while the vision moves over to the door and passes through it. You blink inadvertently as the tone and distance of what you see suddenly changes to mimic that of darkvision revealing a strange maze constructed of posts and planks that stretch from floor-to-ceiling. As you watch the vision moves through the maze, turning around dozens of corners until you're thoroughly lost and somewhat dizzy. [/I] [I][B]Apstock:[/B] [COLOR=#008000]"Much of it is freshly constructed, and you'll note the presence of random chests and secret chambers..."[/COLOR] He says as the orb takes you through a false wall into a hidden chamber. [COLOR=#008000]"Challengers begin with nothing, as does their foe. They must find whatever they can use to defeat him from within the maze. The contest continues until only one survives. Yet the man in the iron mask remains undefeated after several years and dozens of battles."[/COLOR] [B]Kayote:[/B] Mutters. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Winning battles is the only way he earns his next meal. So long as he wants to eat he'll keep fighting."[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] Meanwhile the vision moves through the maze to another door leading into the rear of the same cell the priest was standing before just minutes ago. Yet just when it would seem you would glimpse inside... [B]Kayote:[/B] Growls. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Enough!"[/I][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [INDENT][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana][I] [B]Broulgrune: [/B]Dispels the clairvoyance, opening his eyes again. [COLOR=#000080]"Each table upstairs has a polished stone sphere like this one."[/COLOR] He gestures to his staff [COLOR=#000080]"Through those they can tap into my clairvoyance. They even have the ability to manipulate their own viewing angles, though of course I limit their range of vision to just the maze." [/COLOR][/I] [/FONT][/SIZE][/INDENT] [SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [I][B]Kayote:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"We'll have to wait and see before we're convinced."[/I][/COLOR][I] He remarks plainly.[/I] [/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=3][FONT=verdana] [I][B]Broulgrune:[/B] Accepts your compliment with dignity. [COLOR=#000080]"I was a head-wizard to chief Oslock Stonebones for neigh a century! My magics helped defeat the duergar menace from below that threatened to destroy our stronghold of Brolforge."[/COLOR] [B]Apstock:[/B] Rolls his eyes. [COLOR=#008000]"Oh no, not this story again!"[/COLOR] [B]Broulgrune:[/B] Glares at Apstock. [COLOR=#000080]"You weren't even a twinkle in your papa's eye back then Apstock! Just because you grew up in relatively peaceful and prosperous years doesn't mean it was the same for myself and my generation!"[/COLOR] [B]Apstock:[/B] [COLOR=#008000]"I am well aware of your heroics old one... if you can call staring into one of your magic visions heroic..."[/COLOR] He snickers [COLOR=#008000]"...but if you were half as great as you think you are, you'd still be a head-wizard would you not?"[/COLOR] [B]Broulgrune:[/B] Waves his hand dismissively in annoyance. [COLOR=#000080]"That has nothing to do with my talents, it's politics! This upstart general who elected himself chief, Korag Foeslayer, is no ally of mine! I advised Oslock many times not to go along with his plans and now Korag is having his revenge casting me out! Oslock was the last chief carrying the bloodline of Halgrat the founder when his own nephew, Grath 'The Builder', died. The fact they both passed without an heir is a sad chapter of our history."[/COLOR] [B]Apstock:[/B] [COLOR=#008000]"Oslock was not the last descendent of Halgrat the founder. Grath's sister Rega had twins, Rogal and Ragar. They are already of age to rule and likely to supplant Korag before long."[/COLOR][/I] [I][B]Broulgrune:[/B] Snorts [COLOR=#000080]"Rogal and Ragar are not _direct_ descendents. The line of Halgrat is broken, Oslock said so himself on his very deathbed! If you ever spoke at length to Rega like I have, you'd agree we'd all be better off well away from her offspring!"[/COLOR] He snorts. [/I][I] [B]Apstock:[/B] Sighs. [COLOR=#008000]"I care not for the woes and worries of the rulers. I am but a humble craftsman, yearning for the days when all dwarves return to the ways of simple-living..."[/COLOR] [/I][I][B]Broulgrune:[/B] [COLOR=#000080]"You have the right of that at least... you [U]are[/U] simple-minded!"[/COLOR] [/I][I][B]Orric:[/B] Chuckles loudly, amused at the remark at Apstock's expense. [/I][I][B]Kayote:[/B] Downs his cup and speaks up again. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"I tire of too much idle talk. Aletia and I will return in the morning to check on final preparations. That is enough work for one day, see that you get some rest yourselves."[/I][/COLOR][I][B]Apstock:[/B] Addresses Kayote. [COLOR=#008000]"We mean no offense for your loss."[/COLOR] He says to Kayote and Aletia both. [COLOR=#008000]"I apologize for my long-winded friend here..."[/COLOR] he says with a glance at Broulgrune. [COLOR=#008000]"There will be more time for serious talk on the morrow."[/COLOR] [COLOR=#212121][B]Broulgrune:[/B] Ignores Apstock and addresses Aletia directly. [/COLOR][COLOR=#000080]"You are a brave soul, your yearning to be useful does you credit. If Kayote says you will join us, that is enough for me. Kayote is as good a judge of talent as anyone."[/COLOR][/I] [COLOR=#212121] [/COLOR][I]Kayote roughly stands, weariness evident in his bones and unsteady posture as he leans heavily on his cane, turning from the table without a word, holding the door open for Aletia before he leads her down the hall. The priest he struck in the gut with his cane has gone, replaced by another, sleepy-eyed and none-too-happyy looking. [B]Kayote:[/B] [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Carst, keep the prayers loud and repetitive tonight. I want the prisoner especially anxious and restless the night before the contest!"[/I][/COLOR][I] Kayote barks at the second priest. The barossan-priest nods curtly, respectfuly but none-too-friendly.[/I] [I]From the number of doors here in the hall, it seems likely there are three cells and and three private rooms for priests employed by Kayote. As you near the end of the hall you hear the priests words pick up a fervor and cadence appropriate to prayer as he starts to recite verses from the Book of Pentos in the background that echo around you as you start to ascend the stairs. [B]Kayote:[/B] Mutters at you. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"I keep three priests here reciting prayers day and night in shifts. The Man in the Iron Mask deserves no peace!"[/I][/COLOR][I] He growls, stomping up the stairs with angry purpose before breathing deep and coughing to catch his breath at the top of the steep steps. He pauses before the door touching a magical stone inset into the bracing which projects a fish-eye's view of the area outside, ensuring no chance of ambush. All you see in the lee of the looming outer wall is a buffeting wind and the wet spray of rain as the storm picks up strength.[/I] [I]Kayote turns to glance at you with an idea. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"Since you are so eager to prove your worth, and yet-young-enough to endure this in-climate weather without complaint, would you do an old man a favor and deliver an invitation for me?"[/I][/COLOR][I] He asks, pulling a small scroll from his robe sealed with wax and a red-ribbon. [/I][COLOR=#660000][I]"This is for Jabbar Najafi, the smuggler I mentioned before and a very old friend. I'd wish very much to share his company at The Contest tomorrow. It would do you some good as well to meet him, he is the only other soul who understands the evil nature of the black network as much as I do. Jabbar lives above his Trade Shop near the East Market. Take your time and familiarize yourself with the streets of this town, but be on your guard. There is so much yet for you to learn."[/I][/COLOR][I] He states with the challenging tone of a mentor, handing over the scroll.[/I] [I][B][Aletia:[/B] what do you do?[B]][/B][/I][/FONT][/SIZE] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Play by Post
Dark Days in Sion - Act 3: Scene 2
Top