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
Redbadge's Solo Skull and Shackles (IC)
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="Redbadge" data-source="post: 6002640" data-attributes="member: 61463"><p><strong>The Third Tale</strong></p><p></p><p><em>Moonday, 23 Desnus, 4712 AR (20:12:06)</em></p><p><em>Lower Hold, The Wormwood</em>, <em>Unknown Waters, Off the Coast of Garund, Inner Sea Region, Golarion</em></p><p> </p><p> The next teller of tales to step up is a grinning, bedraggled gnome woman, who leers creepily out of one good eye. The audience gives her a berth, and recognizes her as she sets up to provide another story. You’ve found Giffer Tibbs to be eccentric, capricious, and if not quite fey-like, certainly imitative of them. Her story should prove to be entertaining, at the very least.</p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“Just a second,”</span></span></span></strong></em> she says, motioning to someone in the crowd. <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"><em><strong>“Give me another drink of that to wet my lips.”</strong></em></span></span></span> The person hands her a ration of rum, which she downs like water. <span style="color: DarkOrchid"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px">“There, that is better.”</span></span></strong></em></span></p><p> </p><p> As she begins her tale, you can tell she is obviously excited, as she speaks much quicker and with more energy than most. <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“We’ve had some tales tonight, but I’m in the mood for a different sort. Tales of hidden treasure and sea nymphs are best saved for sunny days and soft breezes methinks.”</span></span></span></strong></em> She chuckles to herself. <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“At least Jhiv had the good graces to provide a yarn befitting the current weather.”</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“My tale is an eerie one, about a peculiar woman named Poxy “Peg” Pearls. Peg was an arts-and-crafts woman; you know the sort, painting and carving and needlework and such. A number of oddities surrounded this woman, not the least of which was the fact that she had a large, well-maintained shop kept stocked with dolls and quilts and trinkets… a shop that saw very few customers, despite being located in a pristine spot in the city of Ollo, out on Shark Island.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“You see, Poxy Pearls was not one to make nice with other folk, and other folk certainly weren’t warm to her. Her eccentricities and her oddities, from the way she moved to her persistent pox, generally turned people off. It was said that she had a look that could melt butter, and I mean that in the most literal sense. Though she often displayed a vicious sense of humor, the only thing that kept her truly happy was the delicate and creative works she made with her hands.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“She made many fine things, items to put some of the greatest craftsmen to shame. After spending weeks or months perfecting a carved lantern or beautiful footstool, she would put it on the shelf for display. On display only, because it was inevitably never sold. Oh sure, some people, perhaps some sailor from out of town or some aristocrat out for a stroll, would browse her shop, and even offer to make a purchase or two. But Peg would always find an excuse not to sell it to them. Maybe it was because they weren’t delicate enough in the handling of it, or she set it at a price only the wealthiest and most generous of patrons could afford. Perhaps she just didn’t like the look of them and threw them out of the shop. More than once, potential customers fled the store, calling her a witch, a bitch, or worse. Once she even brought a girl to tears, shrieking that her dolls were not toys. So, in addition to not endearing herself to the Ollo populace, Poxy “Peg” Pearls never sold any of her fine things at her fine shop. It wasn’t entirely clear how the woman continued her living, and certainly puzzled all the other merchants along the popular boulevard.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"></span></span></span></strong></em> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“Now word of this odd craftswoman’s shop made it to the ears of a very wealthy merchant prince out of Ollo. The story piqued the interest of the man, Prince Harand, who had always been given to collecting numerous curiosities. Certainly, he was keen to see the supposedly fine crafts of Poxy Pearls, but he was also eager to experience the rumored eccentricities of the woman herself. So he made a plan to visit Peg’s Fine Arts and Crafts. He gathered up a very large purse of gold, enough that even this recalcitrant woman couldn’t possibly refuse. Despite having a personal guard, he decided to head into the merchant district alone, so not to startle the woman when he visited her store. He would just be another unassuming potential customer, except that he was determined to make some sort of purchase.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“Harand had heard that Peg’s greatest talent was for crafting ships-in-a-bottle, a hobby the prince himself fancied. On top of this though, one of Peg’s specialties was crafting intricate and very detailed shipwrecks-in-a-bottle. This is what Harand had settled on purchasing. A new flagship was being constructed for his merchant fleet to replace the Purple Prince, his pride and joy, recognizable for its large horizontal purple stripe running down the hold, but mysteriously lost at sea not long before while carrying a haul of newly minted silver and gold coins. </span></span></span></strong><span style="color: Purple"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px">‘What better way to decorate the Captain’s cabin of the Purple Prince II,’</span></span></strong></span></em> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">he thought,</span></span></strong></em></span> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple">‘Than a shipwreck-in-a-bottle.’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Already a unique concept, this piece of work would be even more special, having been made by the stubborn Poxy Pearls herself.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“He entered her shop with confidence late one afternoon, just as Pegs was getting ready to shut down for the day, her hands and back aching from a long day of working on her newest piece.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple">“ ’Are you the proprietor,'</span></span></span></em></strong> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">the haughty prince said.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">“ ’Do ye see anyone else?'</span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid"> the annoyed woman replied.”</span></span></span></strong></em> You note that Giffer Tibbs does wonderful voice acting here, accurately mimicking the sounds of both an arrogant prince and an obstinate old woman.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“The prince pressed on regardless,”</span></span></strong></em></span> continues the gnome. <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple">“ ‘I am here to make a purchase.’ ”</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">“ ’Are you now?’ ”</span></span></span></strong></em> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">the woman chuckled.</span></span></strong></em></span></p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple"></span></span></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple"> “ ’Well certainly. I would like to look at your ships-in-a-bottle. Particularly, the finest of your shipwrecks-in-a-bottle.'</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">The prince glanced about, not seeing any signs of such.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“The woman glared at him, before relenting.</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">‘Very well, they’re on the shelves in that storeroom, there,’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">she said, pointing towards a side room containing shelf upon shelf of beautiful and highly detailed miniature ships in corked, glass bottles. As the prince made his way quickly into the room, Peg resumed closing up her shop, putting up her sign, drawing the curtains, and locking the front door.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“Harand walked amongst the rows of ships, awed. Not only were these specimens vastly superior to anything he himself had ever attempted, they were the finest products of the craft he had ever witnessed. From the ropes to the grain in the wood to the hinges on the hatches and doors, everything looked so realistic, as if an actual sailing ship had been shrunk down to miniature size. He heard the woman coming up behind him, and asked,</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple">‘Why do you keep such beautiful art hidden in this pitiful closet?’</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">“’Tis’ none of your business, man. What is it specifically you’d like to look at?’</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“The prince was highly offended, but the draw of the ships made him ignore the words of this rude woman in favor of her talents.</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple">‘I’d like to see the finest examples of shipwrecks you’ve created. It is a very unique concept, even from regular ships-in-a-bottle, and I’d like to own one to display in my new flagship.’</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">“’New flagship, you say?’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">The woman’s eyes gleamed maliciously, though the prince did not notice, not being one to look into the eyes of lesser folks.”</span></span></span></strong></em> Even as she says this, Giffer Tibbs’ one good eye gleams almost evilly, mimicking her story. <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">“’What be her name?’”</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><em><strong><span style="color: Purple">“’She is named after the one I recently lost. She is called the Purple Prince II.’</span></strong></em></span></span></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">“The woman’s grin grew wider.</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">‘Is she now? In that case, I have just the one for you.’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Peg moves to the back and opens up a special cabinet.</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">‘She is the pride of my collection, though she isn’t quite complete.’</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple">“ ’Oh really,’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Prince Harand moved eagerly to peer over the woman’s shoulder into the display cabinet. The sight that greeted him surprised him.</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple">‘You’ve made a replica of the Purple Prince...’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">He looked on in wonder.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">“ ’Yes, yes. Here, have a closer look.’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">The old woman stepped aside so the man could move in and really examine the incredible item. Harand saw that every detail was perfect, from the number of jolly boats to the silver knobs on the officers’ quarters, and of course the wide purple stripe running down the hull. The ship was run aground atop a miniature island, with miniature palm trees growing amongst sand and rock. Everything looked so <u>real</u>.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple">“ ’How did you…’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">began the prince, before saying with intent curiosity,</span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple"> ‘You said she is missing something?’</span></span></span></strong></em> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Before the woman could respond, Harand noticed something else,</span></span></strong></em></span><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Purple"> ‘This is very curious. What is…’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Suddenly, Harand realized with horror what he was seeing. Real gold and silver was spilling out of the hull, and there on the island next to the ship, was a miniature crew desperately signaling for help.</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color: DarkOrchid"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px">“Such was the prince’s stunned disbelief, he did not hear the witch behind him say,</span></span></strong></em></span> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: Plum">‘Yes… a prince,’</span></span></span></strong></em> <em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: DarkOrchid">before casting her spell.”</span></span></span></strong></em></p><p> </p><p> The audience sits silently for a moment, even as Giffer chuckles and returns to her seat. Eventually, Sandara shudders and turns to you, <span style="font-size: 12px"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span style="color: MediumTurquoise">“That one always gives me the chills.”</span></span></strong></em></span></p><p> </p><p> [sblock=Shipwreck-in-a-Bottle]<img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/scalbums/1346169258_shipwreck-in-a-bottle.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />[/sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Redbadge, post: 6002640, member: 61463"] [b]The Third Tale[/b] [I]Moonday, 23 Desnus, 4712 AR (20:12:06)[/I] [I]Lower Hold, The Wormwood[/I], [I]Unknown Waters, Off the Coast of Garund, Inner Sea Region, Golarion[/I] The next teller of tales to step up is a grinning, bedraggled gnome woman, who leers creepily out of one good eye. The audience gives her a berth, and recognizes her as she sets up to provide another story. You’ve found Giffer Tibbs to be eccentric, capricious, and if not quite fey-like, certainly imitative of them. Her story should prove to be entertaining, at the very least. [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“Just a second,”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] she says, motioning to someone in the crowd. [FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid][I][B]“Give me another drink of that to wet my lips.”[/B][/I][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] The person hands her a ration of rum, which she downs like water. [COLOR=DarkOrchid][I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]“There, that is better.”[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I][/COLOR] As she begins her tale, you can tell she is obviously excited, as she speaks much quicker and with more energy than most. [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“We’ve had some tales tonight, but I’m in the mood for a different sort. Tales of hidden treasure and sea nymphs are best saved for sunny days and soft breezes methinks.”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] She chuckles to herself. [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“At least Jhiv had the good graces to provide a yarn befitting the current weather.”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“My tale is an eerie one, about a peculiar woman named Poxy “Peg” Pearls. Peg was an arts-and-crafts woman; you know the sort, painting and carving and needlework and such. A number of oddities surrounded this woman, not the least of which was the fact that she had a large, well-maintained shop kept stocked with dolls and quilts and trinkets… a shop that saw very few customers, despite being located in a pristine spot in the city of Ollo, out on Shark Island.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“You see, Poxy Pearls was not one to make nice with other folk, and other folk certainly weren’t warm to her. Her eccentricities and her oddities, from the way she moved to her persistent pox, generally turned people off. It was said that she had a look that could melt butter, and I mean that in the most literal sense. Though she often displayed a vicious sense of humor, the only thing that kept her truly happy was the delicate and creative works she made with her hands.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“She made many fine things, items to put some of the greatest craftsmen to shame. After spending weeks or months perfecting a carved lantern or beautiful footstool, she would put it on the shelf for display. On display only, because it was inevitably never sold. Oh sure, some people, perhaps some sailor from out of town or some aristocrat out for a stroll, would browse her shop, and even offer to make a purchase or two. But Peg would always find an excuse not to sell it to them. Maybe it was because they weren’t delicate enough in the handling of it, or she set it at a price only the wealthiest and most generous of patrons could afford. Perhaps she just didn’t like the look of them and threw them out of the shop. More than once, potential customers fled the store, calling her a witch, a bitch, or worse. Once she even brought a girl to tears, shrieking that her dolls were not toys. So, in addition to not endearing herself to the Ollo populace, Poxy “Peg” Pearls never sold any of her fine things at her fine shop. It wasn’t entirely clear how the woman continued her living, and certainly puzzled all the other merchants along the popular boulevard. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“Now word of this odd craftswoman’s shop made it to the ears of a very wealthy merchant prince out of Ollo. The story piqued the interest of the man, Prince Harand, who had always been given to collecting numerous curiosities. Certainly, he was keen to see the supposedly fine crafts of Poxy Pearls, but he was also eager to experience the rumored eccentricities of the woman herself. So he made a plan to visit Peg’s Fine Arts and Crafts. He gathered up a very large purse of gold, enough that even this recalcitrant woman couldn’t possibly refuse. Despite having a personal guard, he decided to head into the merchant district alone, so not to startle the woman when he visited her store. He would just be another unassuming potential customer, except that he was determined to make some sort of purchase.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“Harand had heard that Peg’s greatest talent was for crafting ships-in-a-bottle, a hobby the prince himself fancied. On top of this though, one of Peg’s specialties was crafting intricate and very detailed shipwrecks-in-a-bottle. This is what Harand had settled on purchasing. A new flagship was being constructed for his merchant fleet to replace the Purple Prince, his pride and joy, recognizable for its large horizontal purple stripe running down the hold, but mysteriously lost at sea not long before while carrying a haul of newly minted silver and gold coins. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][COLOR=Purple][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]‘What better way to decorate the Captain’s cabin of the Purple Prince II,’[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/I] [SIZE=3][I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=DarkOrchid]he thought,[/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/I][/SIZE] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple]‘Than a shipwreck-in-a-bottle.’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Already a unique concept, this piece of work would be even more special, having been made by the stubborn Poxy Pearls herself.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“He entered her shop with confidence late one afternoon, just as Pegs was getting ready to shut down for the day, her hands and back aching from a long day of working on her newest piece.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [B][I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple]“ ’Are you the proprietor,'[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/B] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]the haughty prince said.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]“ ’Do ye see anyone else?'[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid] the annoyed woman replied.”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] You note that Giffer Tibbs does wonderful voice acting here, accurately mimicking the sounds of both an arrogant prince and an obstinate old woman. [SIZE=3][I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“The prince pressed on regardless,”[/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/I][/SIZE] continues the gnome. [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple]“ ‘I am here to make a purchase.’ ”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]“ ’Are you now?’ ”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [SIZE=3][I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=DarkOrchid]the woman chuckled.[/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/I][/SIZE] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple] “ ’Well certainly. I would like to look at your ships-in-a-bottle. Particularly, the finest of your shipwrecks-in-a-bottle.'[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]The prince glanced about, not seeing any signs of such.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“The woman glared at him, before relenting.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]‘Very well, they’re on the shelves in that storeroom, there,’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]she said, pointing towards a side room containing shelf upon shelf of beautiful and highly detailed miniature ships in corked, glass bottles. As the prince made his way quickly into the room, Peg resumed closing up her shop, putting up her sign, drawing the curtains, and locking the front door.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“Harand walked amongst the rows of ships, awed. Not only were these specimens vastly superior to anything he himself had ever attempted, they were the finest products of the craft he had ever witnessed. From the ropes to the grain in the wood to the hinges on the hatches and doors, everything looked so realistic, as if an actual sailing ship had been shrunk down to miniature size. He heard the woman coming up behind him, and asked,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple]‘Why do you keep such beautiful art hidden in this pitiful closet?’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]“’Tis’ none of your business, man. What is it specifically you’d like to look at?’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“The prince was highly offended, but the draw of the ships made him ignore the words of this rude woman in favor of her talents.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple]‘I’d like to see the finest examples of shipwrecks you’ve created. It is a very unique concept, even from regular ships-in-a-bottle, and I’d like to own one to display in my new flagship.’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]“’New flagship, you say?’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]The woman’s eyes gleamed maliciously, though the prince did not notice, not being one to look into the eyes of lesser folks.”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] Even as she says this, Giffer Tibbs’ one good eye gleams almost evilly, mimicking her story. [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]“’What be her name?’”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][B][COLOR=Purple]“’She is named after the one I recently lost. She is called the Purple Prince II.’[/COLOR][/B][/I][/SIZE][/FONT] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]“The woman’s grin grew wider.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]‘Is she now? In that case, I have just the one for you.’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Peg moves to the back and opens up a special cabinet.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]‘She is the pride of my collection, though she isn’t quite complete.’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple]“ ’Oh really,’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Prince Harand moved eagerly to peer over the woman’s shoulder into the display cabinet. The sight that greeted him surprised him.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple]‘You’ve made a replica of the Purple Prince...’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]He looked on in wonder.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]“ ’Yes, yes. Here, have a closer look.’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]The old woman stepped aside so the man could move in and really examine the incredible item. Harand saw that every detail was perfect, from the number of jolly boats to the silver knobs on the officers’ quarters, and of course the wide purple stripe running down the hull. The ship was run aground atop a miniature island, with miniature palm trees growing amongst sand and rock. Everything looked so [U]real[/U].[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple]“ ’How did you…’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]began the prince, before saying with intent curiosity,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple] ‘You said she is missing something?’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [SIZE=3][I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Before the woman could respond, Harand noticed something else,[/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/I][/SIZE][I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Purple] ‘This is very curious. What is…’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Suddenly, Harand realized with horror what he was seeing. Real gold and silver was spilling out of the hull, and there on the island next to the ship, was a miniature crew desperately signaling for help.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [COLOR=DarkOrchid][I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]“Such was the prince’s stunned disbelief, he did not hear the witch behind him say,[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I][/COLOR] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=Plum]‘Yes… a prince,’[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=DarkOrchid]before casting her spell.”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] The audience sits silently for a moment, even as Giffer chuckles and returns to her seat. Eventually, Sandara shudders and turns to you, [SIZE=3][I][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=MediumTurquoise]“That one always gives me the chills.”[/COLOR][/FONT][/B][/I][/SIZE] [sblock=Shipwreck-in-a-Bottle][IMG]http://www.enworld.org/forum/scalbums/1346169258_shipwreck-in-a-bottle.jpg[/IMG][/sblock] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Play by Post
Redbadge's Solo Skull and Shackles (IC)
Top