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Dread Ilk - A Predatory Society
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<blockquote data-quote="papa_laz" data-source="post: 4681215" data-attributes="member: 7992"><p>Bercilac - Thanks for that, I've made corrections to the first chapter.</p><p></p><p><strong>Chapter 2 - An Urban Jaunt</strong></p><p></p><p>After exiting the bar the party members find themselves standing in the middle of a cobble stone street. “Nice performance,” comes a voice from behind them. “Though the Red Paw are nothing but street scum.” The three mercenaries turn and see a scaly hunch backed figure leering at them. He is draped in a loose fitting black cloak and wheezes heavily. “You should try your hand against some real fighters. Come down to the Dead Heart sometime, ask for Jerynn. Tell him Kobal sent you. You could make some decent coin, get yourself out of those rags.” He winks at them mischievously before disappearing back into the bar.</p><p></p><p>“Sounds like a promising venture” says Dalgrieve, but the other two disagree. “I'd rather not waste my time working for that bum?” Lucia counters. “I say we go and see Gunther, we know he pays well, and we're guaranteed action.” The Bagman nods in silent agreement, and the three of them wander off in the direction of the Core's guild hall.</p><p></p><p>They meander through the winding roads and alleyways of Talas-Ka, taking in the sights and sounds of life in the Ilk. Carlo the owl takes to the skies to stretch his wings, while Dalgrieve leads the less than obedient velociraptor on a thick leather leash. A light sandstorm is coming in from the north, and fine particles of red dust blow through the city streets. Shortly they arrive at the impressive grey stone guild hall. Two ogre guards stand outside the large wooden door, and they nod in respect as the mercenaries enter the hall. After ascending several flights of stairs they find themselves in the office of Gunther, the large bald headed ogre who commands the Core.</p><p></p><p>"Well, if it isn't my three favourite troublemaker." He slurs at them, breath reeking of wine. "Run out of money already eh? Well Gunthers gonna help you out. As you may know, I have friends in high places in the legions. They come to me when they require something done that they cannot do. Something that requires subtlety and finesse. So god knows why I'm talking to you." he belches loudly and leans back in his chair, exposing his massive hairy ogre gut.</p><p></p><p>"Lately strange things have been happening at the southern border. The main highway to Kirov has been cut off from the province by lava flows, and many of our spies have been eliminated. Contact with the Bay slavers outpost, our one secure position in the southern realm, has been lost, and foul play is suspected. We'll send you down to the outpost on a boat to so you can assess the situation. Report any military placement immediately using this." Gunther hands you a small wooden box. "Be careful with it, they aren't cheap." Lucia opens the box and reveals a tiny evil looking bat nestled inside. It chitters softly to itself. "There is a boat waiting for you at the docks, pier 19. Ask for Azar."</p><p></p><p>“Sounds fine, but what are you paying us?” asks Lucia. “2,000 gold between you, paid upon completion” replies Gunther. Lucia scowls “We're flat broke, we need the cash now.” “Gunther begins to shake his head wearily, then buries his face into his palms. “You guys, you are going to be the death of me.” “Hey, if you want the best you have to pay for them.” Lucia continues, sensing she has the flustered ogre on the ropes. “All right, all right!” yells Gunther, “1,000 gold up front, 1,000 on completion! But I'll tell you this, you're lucky I like you so much.” He reaches beneath his desk and pulls out a sack full of coins, then tosses it to Lucia who seems satisfied with the transaction. “I'd like my share now” says the Bagman sternly, “me too” adds Dalgrieve. Lucia sighs, then empties the sack on Gunther's desk and begins to divide the coins into three piles. Gunther smiles with amusement as the the money is divvied up. </p><p></p><p>With the money divided evenly between each mercenary, they decide that its time to leave. “Just one second” says Gunther as he staggers to his feet. He then grabs a huge cask of wine and power lifts it above his head. "Be a good lad and turn the tap on will you" Lucia obliges graciously, and hops up onto the desk.. She turns the tap on the cask and watches as a stream of dark red wine flows into Gunther's mouth. A minute later he is still drinking and his gut has swollen obscenely.</p><p></p><p>Satisfied with this latest development, the mercenaries exit the fortified guild hall of The Core and meander through the city streets towards the southern docks. The stench of death and fear hangs thick in the air. The games are on, and the roaring of the Colosseum crowd resonates throughout the city. The slave markets are bustling today. By evening they will have become the meat markets, and all slaves unlucky enough to remain un-purchased will be butchered and sold by the pound to the vendors of the cities thriving street food industry. </p><p></p><p>As the mercenaries stroll past the huge iron fence that encloses the slave market they feel a twinge of pity, or is it hunger? No sooner had the thought of food crossed their mind, than the smell of charred flesh and exotic spices fills their nostrils. Some 50ft down the road a humanoid is cooking meat on a small portable grill that sits on a wheeled trolley. As he sees them approaching he smiles and yells loudly “Fresh iguana for you my friends, only the best iguanas from the far south, today for you I do special deal.” As they come closer they see that the vendor is a Kua Toa, a small scaly fish like creature with a large white gullet. “One silver piece for you my friends.”</p><p></p><p>“Shall we?” says the Bagman, licking his lips. “Why not? We're loaded” replies Lucia, pulling a gold coin out of her pocket. Dalgrieve looks suspicious and decides to save his money. “We'll take two” says the Bagman. They hand over the cash, and each receive a glistening cut of iguana meat impaled on a wooden skewer. The meat has been marinated in red liquid and grilled lightly, and as Lucia and the Bagman each take a bite their taste buds are overwhelmed with exquisite and invigorating flavours. As they continue to eat they feel themselves slide into a state of deep relaxation and contentment. “You done good, fish” says the Bagman to the kua toa as he finishes the last mouthful. </p><p></p><p>They continue onwards towards to the docks. The waterfront area is made up of several dozen rickety wooden jetties that jut in to the tumultuous waters of the western coast. Vessels of all shapes and sizes are docked here. The area is deserted aside from a handful of dock workers sitting around a large stack of crates. At the end of pier 19 they see a decrepit looking vessel tethered to the jetty. The boat is about 30 yards long and has a single mast. Standing at its helm is a lithe figure wearing a large cloak. He stares searchingly in to the dark water below the ships helm. </p><p></p><p>The mercenaries walk up the gang plank onto the filthy and head towards the figure who they assume to be Azar. As they approach he turns, and greets them with little enthusiasm. “I'm Azar. Gunther briefed me on our journey. We'll head south along the coast to the slavers outpost. The journey will take three days, I've been instructed to dock at the bay await for your return. Well then, I'd best show you below deck.” </p><p></p><p>Azar shows the mercenaries below deck to their cramped cabin. Several of the ships kua toa crew are lying on hammocks, chattering away to each other in their native dialect. A dim lantern hangs from the waterlogged ceiling, swinging slowly as the ship bobs from side to side. Azar yells at the crew in their language and they begin to make their way above deck. “We're casting off now.” he says, and walks up the rickety wooden stairs.</p><p></p><p>The passengers follow him above deck and watch as several of the kua toa crew climb nimbly up the mast and begin to hoist the sails. Azar stands at the wheel and begins to spin it with great effort. As wind fills the sails, the boat begins to move slowly out of the dock and in to the blackness of the western sea. From the rear of the boat you watch as the port of Tallas-Ka fades gradually in to the distance. Ahead lies the unknown. And the dark water, strangely still, stretches endlessly. </p><p></p><p>For three days they sail south along the Ilk's rocky coast. Little of the coastline is accessible, with much of it consisting of impossibly high cliffs and treacherous rock formations. Midway in to the second day they pass the southern peaks. Violent and majestic, this volcanic mountain range marks the southern border of the Ilk, and the mercenaries cannot help feeling excited and more than a little apprehensive about traveling this far from familiar territory. An eruption is currently taking place, and they watch in awe as a river of lava gushes down a rocky slope and in to the sea. A huge plume of steam rises high in to the air as the molten rock hits the water.</p><p></p><p>It is the third day of the voyage, and the three comrades sit hunched over in their small cabin. Outside a storm rages, sending wave after wave crashing in to the vessel. The lantern that hangs from the ceiling swings wildly and suddenly they are thrown violently from their seats. Frantic shouts can be heard from above deck as the crew struggle to maintain the vessels course, but they seem to be fighting a losing battle. Suddenly a colossal wave crashes over the boat, tipping it over into the water.</p><p></p><p>“Abandon ship!” Azar yells, and the mercenaries hurriedly grab their possessions and scurry out through the stairwell which is rapidly filling with water. Seeing that a swim is unavoidable Dalgrieve and Lucia plunge headlong in to the seething water, followed seconds later by the raptor. The Bagman hesitates for a second before hurriedly tearing off his chain mail armour and boots, and joining his companions in the water. </p><p></p><p>The waves are horrific in their size and the mercenaries paddle desperately towards the safety of the small cove. Finally they emerge from the swell, bedraggled and cold, and collapse exhausted on the soft yellow sand. After resting for a quarter of an hour they regain their composure, but it suddenly becomes apparent that they have absolutely no idea where they are.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="papa_laz, post: 4681215, member: 7992"] Bercilac - Thanks for that, I've made corrections to the first chapter. [B]Chapter 2 - An Urban Jaunt[/B] After exiting the bar the party members find themselves standing in the middle of a cobble stone street. “Nice performance,” comes a voice from behind them. “Though the Red Paw are nothing but street scum.” The three mercenaries turn and see a scaly hunch backed figure leering at them. He is draped in a loose fitting black cloak and wheezes heavily. “You should try your hand against some real fighters. Come down to the Dead Heart sometime, ask for Jerynn. Tell him Kobal sent you. You could make some decent coin, get yourself out of those rags.” He winks at them mischievously before disappearing back into the bar. “Sounds like a promising venture” says Dalgrieve, but the other two disagree. “I'd rather not waste my time working for that bum?” Lucia counters. “I say we go and see Gunther, we know he pays well, and we're guaranteed action.” The Bagman nods in silent agreement, and the three of them wander off in the direction of the Core's guild hall. They meander through the winding roads and alleyways of Talas-Ka, taking in the sights and sounds of life in the Ilk. Carlo the owl takes to the skies to stretch his wings, while Dalgrieve leads the less than obedient velociraptor on a thick leather leash. A light sandstorm is coming in from the north, and fine particles of red dust blow through the city streets. Shortly they arrive at the impressive grey stone guild hall. Two ogre guards stand outside the large wooden door, and they nod in respect as the mercenaries enter the hall. After ascending several flights of stairs they find themselves in the office of Gunther, the large bald headed ogre who commands the Core. "Well, if it isn't my three favourite troublemaker." He slurs at them, breath reeking of wine. "Run out of money already eh? Well Gunthers gonna help you out. As you may know, I have friends in high places in the legions. They come to me when they require something done that they cannot do. Something that requires subtlety and finesse. So god knows why I'm talking to you." he belches loudly and leans back in his chair, exposing his massive hairy ogre gut. "Lately strange things have been happening at the southern border. The main highway to Kirov has been cut off from the province by lava flows, and many of our spies have been eliminated. Contact with the Bay slavers outpost, our one secure position in the southern realm, has been lost, and foul play is suspected. We'll send you down to the outpost on a boat to so you can assess the situation. Report any military placement immediately using this." Gunther hands you a small wooden box. "Be careful with it, they aren't cheap." Lucia opens the box and reveals a tiny evil looking bat nestled inside. It chitters softly to itself. "There is a boat waiting for you at the docks, pier 19. Ask for Azar." “Sounds fine, but what are you paying us?” asks Lucia. “2,000 gold between you, paid upon completion” replies Gunther. Lucia scowls “We're flat broke, we need the cash now.” “Gunther begins to shake his head wearily, then buries his face into his palms. “You guys, you are going to be the death of me.” “Hey, if you want the best you have to pay for them.” Lucia continues, sensing she has the flustered ogre on the ropes. “All right, all right!” yells Gunther, “1,000 gold up front, 1,000 on completion! But I'll tell you this, you're lucky I like you so much.” He reaches beneath his desk and pulls out a sack full of coins, then tosses it to Lucia who seems satisfied with the transaction. “I'd like my share now” says the Bagman sternly, “me too” adds Dalgrieve. Lucia sighs, then empties the sack on Gunther's desk and begins to divide the coins into three piles. Gunther smiles with amusement as the the money is divvied up. With the money divided evenly between each mercenary, they decide that its time to leave. “Just one second” says Gunther as he staggers to his feet. He then grabs a huge cask of wine and power lifts it above his head. "Be a good lad and turn the tap on will you" Lucia obliges graciously, and hops up onto the desk.. She turns the tap on the cask and watches as a stream of dark red wine flows into Gunther's mouth. A minute later he is still drinking and his gut has swollen obscenely. Satisfied with this latest development, the mercenaries exit the fortified guild hall of The Core and meander through the city streets towards the southern docks. The stench of death and fear hangs thick in the air. The games are on, and the roaring of the Colosseum crowd resonates throughout the city. The slave markets are bustling today. By evening they will have become the meat markets, and all slaves unlucky enough to remain un-purchased will be butchered and sold by the pound to the vendors of the cities thriving street food industry. As the mercenaries stroll past the huge iron fence that encloses the slave market they feel a twinge of pity, or is it hunger? No sooner had the thought of food crossed their mind, than the smell of charred flesh and exotic spices fills their nostrils. Some 50ft down the road a humanoid is cooking meat on a small portable grill that sits on a wheeled trolley. As he sees them approaching he smiles and yells loudly “Fresh iguana for you my friends, only the best iguanas from the far south, today for you I do special deal.” As they come closer they see that the vendor is a Kua Toa, a small scaly fish like creature with a large white gullet. “One silver piece for you my friends.” “Shall we?” says the Bagman, licking his lips. “Why not? We're loaded” replies Lucia, pulling a gold coin out of her pocket. Dalgrieve looks suspicious and decides to save his money. “We'll take two” says the Bagman. They hand over the cash, and each receive a glistening cut of iguana meat impaled on a wooden skewer. The meat has been marinated in red liquid and grilled lightly, and as Lucia and the Bagman each take a bite their taste buds are overwhelmed with exquisite and invigorating flavours. As they continue to eat they feel themselves slide into a state of deep relaxation and contentment. “You done good, fish” says the Bagman to the kua toa as he finishes the last mouthful. They continue onwards towards to the docks. The waterfront area is made up of several dozen rickety wooden jetties that jut in to the tumultuous waters of the western coast. Vessels of all shapes and sizes are docked here. The area is deserted aside from a handful of dock workers sitting around a large stack of crates. At the end of pier 19 they see a decrepit looking vessel tethered to the jetty. The boat is about 30 yards long and has a single mast. Standing at its helm is a lithe figure wearing a large cloak. He stares searchingly in to the dark water below the ships helm. The mercenaries walk up the gang plank onto the filthy and head towards the figure who they assume to be Azar. As they approach he turns, and greets them with little enthusiasm. “I'm Azar. Gunther briefed me on our journey. We'll head south along the coast to the slavers outpost. The journey will take three days, I've been instructed to dock at the bay await for your return. Well then, I'd best show you below deck.” Azar shows the mercenaries below deck to their cramped cabin. Several of the ships kua toa crew are lying on hammocks, chattering away to each other in their native dialect. A dim lantern hangs from the waterlogged ceiling, swinging slowly as the ship bobs from side to side. Azar yells at the crew in their language and they begin to make their way above deck. “We're casting off now.” he says, and walks up the rickety wooden stairs. The passengers follow him above deck and watch as several of the kua toa crew climb nimbly up the mast and begin to hoist the sails. Azar stands at the wheel and begins to spin it with great effort. As wind fills the sails, the boat begins to move slowly out of the dock and in to the blackness of the western sea. From the rear of the boat you watch as the port of Tallas-Ka fades gradually in to the distance. Ahead lies the unknown. And the dark water, strangely still, stretches endlessly. For three days they sail south along the Ilk's rocky coast. Little of the coastline is accessible, with much of it consisting of impossibly high cliffs and treacherous rock formations. Midway in to the second day they pass the southern peaks. Violent and majestic, this volcanic mountain range marks the southern border of the Ilk, and the mercenaries cannot help feeling excited and more than a little apprehensive about traveling this far from familiar territory. An eruption is currently taking place, and they watch in awe as a river of lava gushes down a rocky slope and in to the sea. A huge plume of steam rises high in to the air as the molten rock hits the water. It is the third day of the voyage, and the three comrades sit hunched over in their small cabin. Outside a storm rages, sending wave after wave crashing in to the vessel. The lantern that hangs from the ceiling swings wildly and suddenly they are thrown violently from their seats. Frantic shouts can be heard from above deck as the crew struggle to maintain the vessels course, but they seem to be fighting a losing battle. Suddenly a colossal wave crashes over the boat, tipping it over into the water. “Abandon ship!” Azar yells, and the mercenaries hurriedly grab their possessions and scurry out through the stairwell which is rapidly filling with water. Seeing that a swim is unavoidable Dalgrieve and Lucia plunge headlong in to the seething water, followed seconds later by the raptor. The Bagman hesitates for a second before hurriedly tearing off his chain mail armour and boots, and joining his companions in the water. The waves are horrific in their size and the mercenaries paddle desperately towards the safety of the small cove. Finally they emerge from the swell, bedraggled and cold, and collapse exhausted on the soft yellow sand. After resting for a quarter of an hour they regain their composure, but it suddenly becomes apparent that they have absolutely no idea where they are. [/QUOTE]
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