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Jodo Kast's Savage Tidings (Updated July 9, 2007)
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<blockquote data-quote="Jodo Kast" data-source="post: 3690210" data-attributes="member: 4810"><p><em>I'm the man before the mast</em></p><p><em>And on this simple subject</em></p><p><em>Will you please enlighten me</em></p><p><em>Common sailors we are called</em></p><p><em>Come tell me the reason why</em></p><p><em>And on this simple subject I'll reply</em></p><p><em>Don't you call us common sailors anymore</em></p><p><em>Good things to you we bring</em></p><p><em>Don't you call us common men</em></p><p><em>We're as good as anybody that's on shore....</em></p><p></p><p>"Oh goodie," sighed Zhandle. "Another sea shanty. Doesn't he know any songs about safe, dry, solid land?"</p><p></p><p>Rubb surveyed Jouko and frowned. The singing sailor's feet were up on the table, one of his big toes waggled through a hole in his boot, and he gulped fine wine from an ornate goblet as if he were swilling cheap ale from a mug. "I reckon not, dearheart. I reckon not."</p><p></p><p>Rubb, Zhandle, and Jouko had attended to their various errands, and waited anxiously at Vanderboren Manor for the return of Gauruloc so they could get down to the business of exacting revenge on Vanthus Vanderboren. However, it was not Gauruloc who followed a harried looking Kora Whistlegap into the dining hall that evening.</p><p></p><p>This new guest was a short and slender man, with long brown hair and beard to match. He was unkept, with dirt and other oddities stuck in his beard and beneath his fingernails. He moved rather lightly, although somewhat haphazardly. There was a roguish sparkle in his eye and a slight smile that spoke of mischief. His hands were in constant motion as he spoke. "Well, where be the Lady of the manor?"</p><p></p><p>"Sir, as I told you, the Lady has just returned from conducting important business. You can wait here with her retainers while I inquire as to her availability." Kora cast a furtive glance in Rubb's direction as she bustled away, her meaning as clear as if she had spoken the words aloud: "Please keep an eye on this one while I fetch the Lady."</p><p></p><p>"Hurry back, little one. I'm hear to speak of your Lady, but perhaps I've some business to discuss with you as well. I happen to know a brothel that would kill for a halfling lady of your buxom stature."</p><p></p><p>Rubbumba choked on his ale. Gasping and sputtering, he moaned, "Great! Just what we need around here. Another foul mouthed pirate."</p><p></p><p>Ta'Tarin Jin turned at the sound of Rubb's voice, but his lecherous gaze settled on Zhandle. "Ah, another wee one. An embarrassment of riches I've stumbled upon. May the gods strike me, ain't you a sweet thing! Forget that wrinkled old bag, a young prize like yourself will fetch more coin!"</p><p></p><p>Rubbumba placed his hand on his dagger and growled at the newcomer. Zhandle, attempting to simultaneously stand and straighten her robes, somehow managed to snag the hem of her garments under her chair. Fortunately, the ripping sound was masked by Rubb's loud challenge.</p><p>"That's my wife you are addressing, scoundrel!"</p><p></p><p>"Easy there, little one. I only be admiring what Olidammara saw fit to show me this fine day. I imagine the brothel would take you both, sort of a ... specialty act. What do you say?"</p><p></p><p>Jouko laughed happily as the scene unfolded. Rubb looked as if his head might explode, and Zhandle fussed over the tear in her robes, only managing to make the problem worse. She was contemplating making a clean rip that would leave her with a sort of mini-robe when Lavinia Vanderboren entered the room.</p><p></p><p>"Rubbumba, Zhandlegarrii, Jouko," she began. "It is good to have you back in my hall. Perhaps once Gauruloc and Verys arrive...."</p><p></p><p>"Beggin' yer pardon, Lady, but that's kind of why I'm here," interrupted the newcomer. "My Lady, may I present ... myself. Ta'Tarin Jin, master of all that there is to master, at your service."</p><p></p><p>"Great," Rubb mumbled beneath his breath. "Nothing screams adventure like a randomly placed apostrophe in one's name."</p><p></p><p>"Well, that is quite an impressive title," Lavinia replied.</p><p></p><p>"Thanks fer noticin', Lady," Ta'Tarin said with a bow. "Now, where was I, oh yes -- I have news of an orc that worked for you."</p><p></p><p>Lavinia frowned at the man's use of the past tense. "Continue."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, the orc, where be he anyway, late as usual," called Jouko merrily.</p><p></p><p>Ta'Tarin Jin ignored Jouko. "Well, not news really, more of a story. Well, not so much of a story, perhaps, more of ... hmmm, what is the word I'm looking for? Update? No, status ... no. Ah, well, nevermind. To make a long story short, he be dead."</p><p></p><p>Rubbumba sat bolt upright. "Dead?!"</p><p></p><p>"Oh, that poor, dumb orc," Zhandle sighed.</p><p></p><p>Lavinia was pallid. "Dead? Gauruloc? Are you quite certain?"</p><p></p><p>"Well, by dead I mean his life not be with us anymore. You know, the check his pockets for loose change type o' dead. So yes, then, I'm quite certain, unless he be the kind of orc who might fancy another man diggin' through his trousers." Ta'Tarin seemed to quickly consider and then discard the last possibility.</p><p></p><p>Jouko poured a little bit of his wine on the floor, then stood and raised his goblet. "Poor chap, I liked the gruff bastard. A drink to honor the dead!"</p><p></p><p>Lavinia appeared to be in no mood for a toast. "How did he meet his end?"</p><p></p><p>"Well, with all due respect, he was a bit on the stupid side," offered Zhandle sadly. "That probably did him in. Maybe he took a long walk off a short pier, or jumped from the tower of Castle Teraknian fancying he could fly? Or forgot to breathe, perhaps?"</p><p></p><p>Ta'Tarin Jin offered a slightly more plausible explanation. "It was the Lotus Dragons, Lady. Ta'Tarin Jin knows them all too well. His last dying breath was to warn you, and bid me bring you this note. Oh, and that I should take his fine silver dagger, yes, he did say that, too."</p><p></p><p>Jouko drained a goblet, plopped back down in his chair and poured another, humming some melancholy dirge of the sea. Lavinia read Gauruloc's note aloud: "You are being watched by the Lotus Dragons. Your questions will bring you misery -- it's best to sit back and let things happen as they will. Further interference will only bring you tears."</p><p></p><p>Zhandlegarrii sobbed. "Oh that's so sad, he was going to bring us a letter that he couldn't even read. That poor dumb orc was a true friend."</p><p></p><p>Ta'Tarin Jin smoothly stepped around the table to Zhandle's side, slipping a comforting arm about her. "It's all right, dear, you can cry on me." With deft hands, Ta'Tarin fished several gold and silver pieces from Zhandle's coin purse. Zhandle blew her nose on Ta'Tarin's sleeve. Outraged at Jin's casual familiarity with his wife, Rubbumba leapt out of his chair, jumped up and grabbed the man's arm. Both of his hands wrapped about Ta'Tarin's forearm, and the little halfling swung back and forth uselessly some three inches off the ground.</p><p></p><p>Oblivious to the antics unfolding in her hall, Lavinia lamented Gauruloc's fate. "This is horrible. First Johari, and now Gauruloc -- I had no idea where this all would lead."</p><p></p><p>"Don't forget Tight-Britches," Zhandle said, but her remark was cut off by the boisterous Jouko.</p><p></p><p>"See m'lady," began Jouko opportunistically, "'tis dangerous business this. I be riskin' my neck for ye. All I ask is a fair wage for riskin' me life. I has four kids ta feed, ya know."</p><p></p><p>Lavinia ignored the drunken sailor. "What more can you tell us about these Lotus Dragons and the fate of Gauruloc of Corellon?"</p><p></p><p>Ta'Tarin Jin began his tale, using his arms dramatically. On one particularly exaggerated flourish, Rubb lost his grip on the man's arm and fell to the floor. "The Lotus Dragons be bad folk, my lady. Ta'Tarin Jin will be happy to tell you about them, but 'tis a long story. Perhaps you'd like to sit?" The man slipped an arm about the small of Lavinia's back and escorted her to a chair. Ta'Tarin managed to discreetly pocket an expensive looking bracelet, one of three Lavinia wore on her arm.</p><p></p><p>Jouko called out to Kora. "He says it's a long tale. We'll be needin' more wine!"</p><p></p><p>"Oh, a story!" squealed Zhandle, momentarily forgetting her struggle with her robes and her sadness over Guaruloc's death.</p><p></p><p>Ta'Tarin Jin grabbed a chair and jumped atop it. "The tale begins in Shadowshore, where many of my friends be working hard. Honest work for sure, my lady. I mean we may borrow an item or two, but it's always what we need."</p><p></p><p>While Ta'Tarin spun his tale, Rubb helpfully steadied the chair for him. With a little hop, the halfling managed to reach into Ta'Tarin's pockets, determined to find out what this shady character was hiding. For his effort, Rubb retrieved a small handful of coins -- unbeknownst to him, the very same ones that Ta'Tarin had just filched from Zhandle's purse.</p><p></p><p>Disappointed that he did not find something incriminating, Rubb muttered impatiently. "So, Shadowshore. Hard work, and all that. Where are you going with this, pirate?"</p><p></p><p>"Ah yes. Well, some of we honest folk have been running into trouble with these Lotus Dragons, as they have moved in on our turf. By trouble I mean having their innards removed in not so nice ways. The Lotus Dragons fancy themselves guild of all guilds, see. Take what they did to old Keltar Islaran, for example. Eviscerated the dottering bastard. I haven't heard o' that since my friend Same caught his favorite gal with a dwarf and he -- well, nevermind that."</p><p></p><p>"Nasty business, that!" called Jouko merrily. By now, Zhandlegarrii was snoring loudly, traces of drool dripping from her chin. Kora Whistlegap returned with a tray laden with cheese, exotic fruits and a special treat -- chocolate from the Amedio Jungle. She also brought several large carafes of wine and coffee grown on the plantations surrounding Sasserine. Rubbumba grabbed a piece of chocolate and waved it under Zhandle's nose.</p><p></p><p>Ta'Tarin Jin went on. "Well, rumors has it, these Lotus Dragons smuggle beasts, or animals, or something. Wait -- is a beast an animal, are they one in the same? Why anyone would want to smuggle an animal is beyond me. Me, I'd smuggle chaste halfling ladies I would."</p><p></p><p>Zhandlegarrii came to with a start and slapped the chocolate from Rubb's hand. It went soaring, splatting across the painting of Vanthus Vanderboren. Jouko laughed until wine poured out of his nose.</p><p></p><p>Lavinia pondered Jin's tale. "Animal smugglers, eh? I wonder if that scoundrel Soller Vark was involved with this villainous lot?" As Rubb considered the possible connection between the Lotus Dragons and Vark, Zhandle made short work of the Amedian chocolates.</p><p></p><p>"There was a nasty beastie aboard the <em>Blue Nixie</em>, all right," Jouko chimed.</p><p></p><p>"I don't know no Vark, but it is rumored the Dragons are in bed with a noble family," Jin said with a wink.</p><p></p><p>Lavinia appeared shocked. "I do not believe it!"</p><p></p><p>"You'd be surprised who gets into bed with who, my lady," Ta'Tarin said with a perverse gleam in his eye. "Why one night at the Last Ditch Lovers there was an orc and dwarf -- I mean, I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't paid -- I mean seen it myself."</p><p></p><p>Rubb guffawed, showing the first inkling of humor to creep into him all evening. Then, seeing an opportunity to seize the limelight from Ta'Tarin, he blurted out. "We have proof that the Lotus Dragons operate from the Taxidermist's Hall in Sunrise District!"</p><p></p><p>"Well," interrupted Ta'Tarin Jin, "it just so happens that the big orc was killed in Dead Dog Plaza, right by the Taxidermist's Hall. I remember it like 'twere yesterday. In fact, it were earlier this eve! Oldest trick in the book. A boy tries to take the orc's purse, but gets caught and runs, thus having the mark, your orc, give chase. Well, the urchin leads your fella right inta Dead Dog Alley. And there he's met by a volley of Lotus Dragon bolts...."</p><p></p><p>Rubbumba boldly cut Ta'Tarin off. "Have we all lost our nerve? Upon our escape from that zombie infested island, I thought we had committed ourselves to come here and tell the Lady that we are faced with the unfortunate task of hunting her brother down!"</p><p></p><p>Jouko scratched his chin. "Well, didn't seem the opportune time to tell her, what with her just gettin' back from business. And hearing o' yer own brother's murderous treachery, well, that's the sort of thing that might spoil one's supper."</p><p></p><p>Lavinia turned on Rubb and Jouko. "What are you talking about? I know Vanthus has fallen in with a bad crowd, but you speak as if you mean him dead."</p><p></p><p>Rubb summoned all his resolve. "Yes, I'm afraid I do mean him dead, Lady. He has done more than fall in with a bad crowd. He is evil, that brother of yours. An opportunist and a murderer of the worst sort, I'm afraid. Jouko, show her the note from Penkus. Tell her what we endured at the hands of her brother! Tell her about Verys, and the -- you know, the elf guts!"</p><p></p><p>Jouko pulled Penkus' parchment from his vest pocket and tosses it onto the table. Realizing no one was paying attention to his story, Ta'Tarin Jin plopped down in his chair and snatched a nearby goblet of wine.</p><p></p><p>Lavinia's expression turned from shock to despair as she read Penkus' damning indictment of her brother. "This is horrible. If this is all true -- yet, I cannot admit to myself that Vanthus is beyond redemption. Follow every lead. Work with this man, Mister Jin, he seems to know much of these Lotus Dragons. Crush them, and bring my brother back alive. If he makes this impossible, though -- I only ask that his death be merciful and quick."</p><p></p><p>Rubbumba nodded. "It is all true. The blood of Verys is on Vanthus' hands, Lady Lavinia. And, if not for -- uh, well, for the uh -- 'heroics' of the pirate here, the rest of us would be dead or dying now as well."</p><p></p><p>Ta'Tarin Jin smiled slyly at Lavinia. "I accept yer offer, lady. I recall hearing something about a retainer...." Then, with a sideways glance at Zhandle, he whispered, "Whatever she's payin', we could make ten times that at the brothel, my dear." Zhandle displayed uncanny accuracy in spite of her usual clumsiness. In her trembling hands, a salad fork became a deadly instrument, flying unerringly across the table and striking Ta'Tarin Jin, tines first, right in the tender man-parts. Ta'Tarin doubled over in pain, and Jouko roared with laughter.</p><p></p><p>"Deserved, wee lady, deserved, but perhaps you would be so kind," Ta'Tarin hissed through clenched teeth, "as to kiss it and make it better?"</p><p></p><p>Lavinia surprised everyone with the severity of her voice. "Enough! There will be no more fighting, solicitation, brawling, boozing, or scandalous talk in my hall this night!"</p><p></p><p>"Well then," hiccupped Jouko, "I must bid you good evening."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, the hour grows late, Lady," said Rubbumba grimly. "We know our task. We'll find your brother. Dead or alive, we'll bring him back to you."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Jodo Kast, post: 3690210, member: 4810"] [I]I'm the man before the mast And on this simple subject Will you please enlighten me Common sailors we are called Come tell me the reason why And on this simple subject I'll reply Don't you call us common sailors anymore Good things to you we bring Don't you call us common men We're as good as anybody that's on shore....[/I] "Oh goodie," sighed Zhandle. "Another sea shanty. Doesn't he know any songs about safe, dry, solid land?" Rubb surveyed Jouko and frowned. The singing sailor's feet were up on the table, one of his big toes waggled through a hole in his boot, and he gulped fine wine from an ornate goblet as if he were swilling cheap ale from a mug. "I reckon not, dearheart. I reckon not." Rubb, Zhandle, and Jouko had attended to their various errands, and waited anxiously at Vanderboren Manor for the return of Gauruloc so they could get down to the business of exacting revenge on Vanthus Vanderboren. However, it was not Gauruloc who followed a harried looking Kora Whistlegap into the dining hall that evening. This new guest was a short and slender man, with long brown hair and beard to match. He was unkept, with dirt and other oddities stuck in his beard and beneath his fingernails. He moved rather lightly, although somewhat haphazardly. There was a roguish sparkle in his eye and a slight smile that spoke of mischief. His hands were in constant motion as he spoke. "Well, where be the Lady of the manor?" "Sir, as I told you, the Lady has just returned from conducting important business. You can wait here with her retainers while I inquire as to her availability." Kora cast a furtive glance in Rubb's direction as she bustled away, her meaning as clear as if she had spoken the words aloud: "Please keep an eye on this one while I fetch the Lady." "Hurry back, little one. I'm hear to speak of your Lady, but perhaps I've some business to discuss with you as well. I happen to know a brothel that would kill for a halfling lady of your buxom stature." Rubbumba choked on his ale. Gasping and sputtering, he moaned, "Great! Just what we need around here. Another foul mouthed pirate." Ta'Tarin Jin turned at the sound of Rubb's voice, but his lecherous gaze settled on Zhandle. "Ah, another wee one. An embarrassment of riches I've stumbled upon. May the gods strike me, ain't you a sweet thing! Forget that wrinkled old bag, a young prize like yourself will fetch more coin!" Rubbumba placed his hand on his dagger and growled at the newcomer. Zhandle, attempting to simultaneously stand and straighten her robes, somehow managed to snag the hem of her garments under her chair. Fortunately, the ripping sound was masked by Rubb's loud challenge. "That's my wife you are addressing, scoundrel!" "Easy there, little one. I only be admiring what Olidammara saw fit to show me this fine day. I imagine the brothel would take you both, sort of a ... specialty act. What do you say?" Jouko laughed happily as the scene unfolded. Rubb looked as if his head might explode, and Zhandle fussed over the tear in her robes, only managing to make the problem worse. She was contemplating making a clean rip that would leave her with a sort of mini-robe when Lavinia Vanderboren entered the room. "Rubbumba, Zhandlegarrii, Jouko," she began. "It is good to have you back in my hall. Perhaps once Gauruloc and Verys arrive...." "Beggin' yer pardon, Lady, but that's kind of why I'm here," interrupted the newcomer. "My Lady, may I present ... myself. Ta'Tarin Jin, master of all that there is to master, at your service." "Great," Rubb mumbled beneath his breath. "Nothing screams adventure like a randomly placed apostrophe in one's name." "Well, that is quite an impressive title," Lavinia replied. "Thanks fer noticin', Lady," Ta'Tarin said with a bow. "Now, where was I, oh yes -- I have news of an orc that worked for you." Lavinia frowned at the man's use of the past tense. "Continue." "Ah, the orc, where be he anyway, late as usual," called Jouko merrily. Ta'Tarin Jin ignored Jouko. "Well, not news really, more of a story. Well, not so much of a story, perhaps, more of ... hmmm, what is the word I'm looking for? Update? No, status ... no. Ah, well, nevermind. To make a long story short, he be dead." Rubbumba sat bolt upright. "Dead?!" "Oh, that poor, dumb orc," Zhandle sighed. Lavinia was pallid. "Dead? Gauruloc? Are you quite certain?" "Well, by dead I mean his life not be with us anymore. You know, the check his pockets for loose change type o' dead. So yes, then, I'm quite certain, unless he be the kind of orc who might fancy another man diggin' through his trousers." Ta'Tarin seemed to quickly consider and then discard the last possibility. Jouko poured a little bit of his wine on the floor, then stood and raised his goblet. "Poor chap, I liked the gruff bastard. A drink to honor the dead!" Lavinia appeared to be in no mood for a toast. "How did he meet his end?" "Well, with all due respect, he was a bit on the stupid side," offered Zhandle sadly. "That probably did him in. Maybe he took a long walk off a short pier, or jumped from the tower of Castle Teraknian fancying he could fly? Or forgot to breathe, perhaps?" Ta'Tarin Jin offered a slightly more plausible explanation. "It was the Lotus Dragons, Lady. Ta'Tarin Jin knows them all too well. His last dying breath was to warn you, and bid me bring you this note. Oh, and that I should take his fine silver dagger, yes, he did say that, too." Jouko drained a goblet, plopped back down in his chair and poured another, humming some melancholy dirge of the sea. Lavinia read Gauruloc's note aloud: "You are being watched by the Lotus Dragons. Your questions will bring you misery -- it's best to sit back and let things happen as they will. Further interference will only bring you tears." Zhandlegarrii sobbed. "Oh that's so sad, he was going to bring us a letter that he couldn't even read. That poor dumb orc was a true friend." Ta'Tarin Jin smoothly stepped around the table to Zhandle's side, slipping a comforting arm about her. "It's all right, dear, you can cry on me." With deft hands, Ta'Tarin fished several gold and silver pieces from Zhandle's coin purse. Zhandle blew her nose on Ta'Tarin's sleeve. Outraged at Jin's casual familiarity with his wife, Rubbumba leapt out of his chair, jumped up and grabbed the man's arm. Both of his hands wrapped about Ta'Tarin's forearm, and the little halfling swung back and forth uselessly some three inches off the ground. Oblivious to the antics unfolding in her hall, Lavinia lamented Gauruloc's fate. "This is horrible. First Johari, and now Gauruloc -- I had no idea where this all would lead." "Don't forget Tight-Britches," Zhandle said, but her remark was cut off by the boisterous Jouko. "See m'lady," began Jouko opportunistically, "'tis dangerous business this. I be riskin' my neck for ye. All I ask is a fair wage for riskin' me life. I has four kids ta feed, ya know." Lavinia ignored the drunken sailor. "What more can you tell us about these Lotus Dragons and the fate of Gauruloc of Corellon?" Ta'Tarin Jin began his tale, using his arms dramatically. On one particularly exaggerated flourish, Rubb lost his grip on the man's arm and fell to the floor. "The Lotus Dragons be bad folk, my lady. Ta'Tarin Jin will be happy to tell you about them, but 'tis a long story. Perhaps you'd like to sit?" The man slipped an arm about the small of Lavinia's back and escorted her to a chair. Ta'Tarin managed to discreetly pocket an expensive looking bracelet, one of three Lavinia wore on her arm. Jouko called out to Kora. "He says it's a long tale. We'll be needin' more wine!" "Oh, a story!" squealed Zhandle, momentarily forgetting her struggle with her robes and her sadness over Guaruloc's death. Ta'Tarin Jin grabbed a chair and jumped atop it. "The tale begins in Shadowshore, where many of my friends be working hard. Honest work for sure, my lady. I mean we may borrow an item or two, but it's always what we need." While Ta'Tarin spun his tale, Rubb helpfully steadied the chair for him. With a little hop, the halfling managed to reach into Ta'Tarin's pockets, determined to find out what this shady character was hiding. For his effort, Rubb retrieved a small handful of coins -- unbeknownst to him, the very same ones that Ta'Tarin had just filched from Zhandle's purse. Disappointed that he did not find something incriminating, Rubb muttered impatiently. "So, Shadowshore. Hard work, and all that. Where are you going with this, pirate?" "Ah yes. Well, some of we honest folk have been running into trouble with these Lotus Dragons, as they have moved in on our turf. By trouble I mean having their innards removed in not so nice ways. The Lotus Dragons fancy themselves guild of all guilds, see. Take what they did to old Keltar Islaran, for example. Eviscerated the dottering bastard. I haven't heard o' that since my friend Same caught his favorite gal with a dwarf and he -- well, nevermind that." "Nasty business, that!" called Jouko merrily. By now, Zhandlegarrii was snoring loudly, traces of drool dripping from her chin. Kora Whistlegap returned with a tray laden with cheese, exotic fruits and a special treat -- chocolate from the Amedio Jungle. She also brought several large carafes of wine and coffee grown on the plantations surrounding Sasserine. Rubbumba grabbed a piece of chocolate and waved it under Zhandle's nose. Ta'Tarin Jin went on. "Well, rumors has it, these Lotus Dragons smuggle beasts, or animals, or something. Wait -- is a beast an animal, are they one in the same? Why anyone would want to smuggle an animal is beyond me. Me, I'd smuggle chaste halfling ladies I would." Zhandlegarrii came to with a start and slapped the chocolate from Rubb's hand. It went soaring, splatting across the painting of Vanthus Vanderboren. Jouko laughed until wine poured out of his nose. Lavinia pondered Jin's tale. "Animal smugglers, eh? I wonder if that scoundrel Soller Vark was involved with this villainous lot?" As Rubb considered the possible connection between the Lotus Dragons and Vark, Zhandle made short work of the Amedian chocolates. "There was a nasty beastie aboard the [I]Blue Nixie[/I], all right," Jouko chimed. "I don't know no Vark, but it is rumored the Dragons are in bed with a noble family," Jin said with a wink. Lavinia appeared shocked. "I do not believe it!" "You'd be surprised who gets into bed with who, my lady," Ta'Tarin said with a perverse gleam in his eye. "Why one night at the Last Ditch Lovers there was an orc and dwarf -- I mean, I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't paid -- I mean seen it myself." Rubb guffawed, showing the first inkling of humor to creep into him all evening. Then, seeing an opportunity to seize the limelight from Ta'Tarin, he blurted out. "We have proof that the Lotus Dragons operate from the Taxidermist's Hall in Sunrise District!" "Well," interrupted Ta'Tarin Jin, "it just so happens that the big orc was killed in Dead Dog Plaza, right by the Taxidermist's Hall. I remember it like 'twere yesterday. In fact, it were earlier this eve! Oldest trick in the book. A boy tries to take the orc's purse, but gets caught and runs, thus having the mark, your orc, give chase. Well, the urchin leads your fella right inta Dead Dog Alley. And there he's met by a volley of Lotus Dragon bolts...." Rubbumba boldly cut Ta'Tarin off. "Have we all lost our nerve? Upon our escape from that zombie infested island, I thought we had committed ourselves to come here and tell the Lady that we are faced with the unfortunate task of hunting her brother down!" Jouko scratched his chin. "Well, didn't seem the opportune time to tell her, what with her just gettin' back from business. And hearing o' yer own brother's murderous treachery, well, that's the sort of thing that might spoil one's supper." Lavinia turned on Rubb and Jouko. "What are you talking about? I know Vanthus has fallen in with a bad crowd, but you speak as if you mean him dead." Rubb summoned all his resolve. "Yes, I'm afraid I do mean him dead, Lady. He has done more than fall in with a bad crowd. He is evil, that brother of yours. An opportunist and a murderer of the worst sort, I'm afraid. Jouko, show her the note from Penkus. Tell her what we endured at the hands of her brother! Tell her about Verys, and the -- you know, the elf guts!" Jouko pulled Penkus' parchment from his vest pocket and tosses it onto the table. Realizing no one was paying attention to his story, Ta'Tarin Jin plopped down in his chair and snatched a nearby goblet of wine. Lavinia's expression turned from shock to despair as she read Penkus' damning indictment of her brother. "This is horrible. If this is all true -- yet, I cannot admit to myself that Vanthus is beyond redemption. Follow every lead. Work with this man, Mister Jin, he seems to know much of these Lotus Dragons. Crush them, and bring my brother back alive. If he makes this impossible, though -- I only ask that his death be merciful and quick." Rubbumba nodded. "It is all true. The blood of Verys is on Vanthus' hands, Lady Lavinia. And, if not for -- uh, well, for the uh -- 'heroics' of the pirate here, the rest of us would be dead or dying now as well." Ta'Tarin Jin smiled slyly at Lavinia. "I accept yer offer, lady. I recall hearing something about a retainer...." Then, with a sideways glance at Zhandle, he whispered, "Whatever she's payin', we could make ten times that at the brothel, my dear." Zhandle displayed uncanny accuracy in spite of her usual clumsiness. In her trembling hands, a salad fork became a deadly instrument, flying unerringly across the table and striking Ta'Tarin Jin, tines first, right in the tender man-parts. Ta'Tarin doubled over in pain, and Jouko roared with laughter. "Deserved, wee lady, deserved, but perhaps you would be so kind," Ta'Tarin hissed through clenched teeth, "as to kiss it and make it better?" Lavinia surprised everyone with the severity of her voice. "Enough! There will be no more fighting, solicitation, brawling, boozing, or scandalous talk in my hall this night!" "Well then," hiccupped Jouko, "I must bid you good evening." "Yes, the hour grows late, Lady," said Rubbumba grimly. "We know our task. We'll find your brother. Dead or alive, we'll bring him back to you." [/QUOTE]
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Jodo Kast's Savage Tidings (Updated July 9, 2007)
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