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Story Hour
Memoirs of a Lawyer turned Dungeoncrawler (Updated May 13, 2008)
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<blockquote data-quote="Altalazar" data-source="post: 3535842" data-attributes="member: 939"><p>Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Four – Preparations</p><p></p><p>The Demonskar ball was a week away. I spent a little time asking around Cauldron about the celebration, and discovered that it involved celebrating the defeat of a demon army by a hero and his army. I did not learn much else. I probably ought to have dug further, but I had other things on my mind.</p><p>Tuvstarr. Or her twin. Or her non-twin twin. I found out on the night of the ball that someone who looked like Tuvstarr but was not Tuvstarr paid a social call on Kyrnyn a week before the ball. He discovered she wasn’t Tuvstarr when he asked her to again join him for breakfast and discovered that she had never had breakfast with him in the first instance. </p><p>This only put further urgency on my plans. Higgins explained to me some things about our last encounter with the Tuvstarr twin. Then I gave him a large purse of platinum and then sent him shopping. I also talked to Kyrnyn and Morwen and gave them a few “presents.” </p><p>I had my own shopping trip to the costume shop. Apparently they sell out quickly. I was to dress as a “founder” of Cauldron. Then I received another note. This note indicated that I was actually to secretly dress as Nabthatoron, the demon leader of the demon army. Immediately, I was suspicious. Would this be a trick to turn me into a demon and then kill me? It must be. I mentally told Kyrnyn, Ee, and Morwen of my secret costume, so they would be prepared. And so they wouldn’t kill Nabthatoron at the ball. </p><p>Partway through the week, I took my companions on a day trip to the Capitol. There was better shopping there and it would also give me a chance to talk to the King and his niece. They apparently don’t let her out much. From the King and his court, I learned that the traitorous baron was ambitious. And so there were rumors that his Ambition might be as high as can be set. It was also said of him that he was not a nice person, but that he pretends well. His barony is the furthest one, which gives him the most autonomy, but also gives him the least influence. That sounded like a good deal for me. I’d rather be free to run my affairs than have constant royal meddling. In an age of magic, distance does not need to lessens one influence. It was also known that he likes to fox hunt and his yearly gathering typically includes a fox hunt. I set out to find the two best fox-hunting dogs in the whole Capitol and then I purchased them. Now I had an appropriate gift for the good baron. And something for myself as well. </p><p>Our shopping complete, we returned to Cauldron, denying a few coins to Poseidon in the process (as we need not use his teleportation circle service anymore). And then I spoke with Poseidon and received the information from his agent sent to the barony that would allow me to teleport there as well when the time comes. </p><p></p><p>Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Five – Coy Nixie </p><p></p><p>The night of the ball arrived. I was still busy trying to figure out what evil demons were behind this ball and how many people were going to die. I also could not help but wonder if this was another event where a small girl would turn out to be a demon who would feast on noble blood. Fifty to seventy of the elite of Cauldron would be in attendance. I would think that would qualify as quite a buffet for the discriminating noble-blood-eating demon. </p><p>The Coy Nixie was the largest, nicest venue in town. It was owned by the hosts of the ball, the Aslaxions. Also present would be the Tuskerhills and the Venderborns, two other powerful families. Of interest to me were the two adventuring companies involved. The Noble Five were invited, of course, but then there was also the Stormblades. I did not know much about them, but I was immediately suspicious of them. </p><p>Morwen dressed as a Naga Demon. Kyrnyn dressed as a general, a founder wearing a winged helm and en extravagant costume. Ee was dressed as a big red-horned demon with small black leather wings. And I came dressed as a noble general, though that costume would not remain for the final festivities as I already mentioned. </p><p>As I saw all these nobles dressed as soldiers and demons, I wondered what others would think. “Don’t worry,” I was assured by another guest, “just because we play a game where people pretend to be or kill demons doesn’t mean anyone is actually worshipping them.” </p><p>“Well truly, who would ever think we would?” I asked. </p><p>“You’d be amazed at the stupidity of some people,” this noble guest replied. Given my mind-reading talents, I actually would not be, but I did not say this aloud. </p><p>The entrance to the Coy Nixie was the site of a great spectacle as the noble guests arrived. Most came in carriages, apparently a tradition I had missed. No matter. Protecting us from death by demons is more important than silly entrances. Besides, my companions and I teleported in with a flash of smoke and fire (courtesy of Higgins). Beat that for an entrance! </p><p>As if hearing my taunt, a flying carpet drawn by demon horses came down from the sky, bearing the Noble Five. “Scene stealers,” I thought to myself. They all apparently had dates, with the possible exception of Tuvstarr. I could have sworn I heard a thought from Kyrnyn that he wanted to bring her for a date, but I shifted my focus back to important matters. Which of the guests were evil demon-vampires who were going to simultaneously hire us and betray us and then feast on the corpses of the elite? </p><p>Inside, we showed our invitations. Then we had an hour of drinks and mingling with other guests. I spent my time scanning the room for the ambush. I also made small talk with Ophelia, a noblewoman of some beauty. She seemed smitten with me, and whispered to me a nugget of information. “Don’t drink the bubbly Cauldron drink except for a mouthful for the official toast. It is very good, but extremely potent.” Ah-ha! So that’s where they would poison us all. I sent a mental message to all of my companions, passing on the warning. Even Higgins heard it. He was waiting outside in case there was trouble. I kept mentally updating him as to what was going on so he could dimension door inside at a moment’s notice. I looked around the room of bored-looking nobles for the inevitable ambush. </p><p>Then it was time for the ballroom. </p><p></p><p>Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Six – Ballroom Dancing I</p><p></p><p>Something else missing from my information was the importance of learning special dance steps. Though my small research put me well ahead of my companions, who did not research the ball at all. </p><p>We all lined up to go to the ballroom. We gave our invitations to the herald, who would then announce us to the room. The ballroom was certainly grand. The ceilings were high arches. Stained glass windows provided illumination from both sides. In between the windows on the right side were red banners standing for the demon armies. On the lft were gold banners standing for the knights, commoners, and robed wizards that fought for the founders. </p><p>I went through the receiving line, greeting Zachary and Margaret Aslaxion and their son, Zachary II. I only slightly winced when my name was announced. “Sir Cordozo, Knight of the Realm, of the Dragonslayers.” I was ready to kill Ee. At least the name for our group was accurate, if incomplete. </p><p> I was suitably charming when I spoke to the Aslaxions. They were apparently unimpressed with my other companions. Margaret in particular was taken with me. “At least not all of you Dragonslayers are orcs – some of you are cultured and refined.” I accepted her compliment gracefully. </p><p> Zachary II was not impressed, whispering to me, “I hope you have a fine time at the ball. I’m sure the nobles will see your true colors shining through before you depart.” So he must be the one who will try and trick everyone to attacking “Nabthatoron the demon” later tonight. I whispered back to him, “when will you be changing costumes?” I was sure he would be the one playing the leader of the founders. Of course the hosts would save that for their son. He looked at me quizzically and marched off. I found out later that the Aslaxions are not quite so generous, even with their own son. </p><p> Once we were all inside, the “demons” were sent to the demon side and the “founders” to the founder side and then the dance began. The winner of this dance was to be named “Mayor of Haunted Village.” We all danced in a figure eight. The goal was to be in the center when the music finally stopped. We all danced badly, not having had any lessons. I did the best, but I still did not win. Some noble pair I had not heard of and never saw before one. At least I was fortunate enough to have the Mayor of Cauldron as my dance partner. Jenya was even a decent dancer. </p><p> During the dance, one of the others slipped and almost fell. I caught her, but not before she damaged my costume. Thankfully, later Tuvstarr danced on by and touched my shoulder, fixing the tear with some magic. Always good to do when one’s costume is rented. </p><p> The next contest was one of singing. Needless to say, none of my companions won that one either. Someone named Anna won, as she apparently does every year. She was also a Stormblade. I would deal with her later. </p><p> Then it was time to eat. </p><p></p><p> Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Seven – Fine Dining, Pick your Poison, Our Foe Exposed</p><p></p><p> There were eight round tables in the dining area in the lower level. There was a ninth long table for the guests of honor. Mostly that was for the Aslaxions to “honor” themselves for throwing the party. At our own table, the furthest one back, sat the four Dragonslayers and five others. </p><p> Vordinex Wier was a retired wizard who did not say much during the meal. </p><p> Bolar Westbeg was a mapmaker. He was shy and modest and quiet for a gnome. </p><p> Gendeh Talaarna was an elderly dwarf who claimed to be an art and furniture dealer, though his conversation revealed that he knew little about either. Definitely evil, then. I watched him closely. </p><p> Delmar Blandershend was a half-orc. He looked very uncomfortable. He was also very rude. He challenged all of us to a contest of strength, but then demurred on arm wrestling and instead insisted on lifting carts of garbage in the alley. So THERE’S the demon ambush, finally. Only it turned out he couldn’t even lift the lightest cart, which Kyrnyn lifted easily, so he sheepishly came back inside and seemed to respect us more, even as he continued to boast. </p><p> Finally, there was Gwendoly and Sabastian, two semi-nobles from the outer villages who were about as snobbish as one can get without actually being banished to the elemental plane of boorishness. Morwen told me that she overheard them talking about how they were worried us unwashed masses might actually touch them and get our germs on them. Then Morwen leaned over and told Ee that they would appreciate it if he would kiss their hands. Ee, in between wiping food off his face and down his chin, grinned and eagerly did so. I’ve never heard such mental screams. I needed to clean my ears out with a napkin after that. </p><p> Our next test was the dip. Apparently there was dip in five colors. There was some sort of etiquette in which dip to eat first. Figuring that all were poisoned, I took the blue dip first, and did not eat any of it. Apparently black was first. I was too busy looking for the ambush to figure out what colors came next. </p><p> Then came the toast. Out came the bubbly red drink with white smoke. I pretended to drink that as well, using a subtle disintegrate to remove the liquid from my glass. Morwen told me it was quite tasty. I hope the poison won’t act too fast on her system. </p><p> After the toast, we noticed the Stormblades talking amongst themselves, and then two of them, Todd and Anna, left the table and headed toward the privvys. Morwen and I jumped up from the table and followed them, sure this would lead to the ambush. I got there just in time to see Anna use a scroll and make Todd vanish. Quickly, I concentrated and made my vision see true. Sure enough, Todd was still there. Even more sure, he walked back into the room and poured liquid on the food headed to our table. Then he went right up to my place and poured more liquid right over the food on my plate. Ah-ha! Demon ambush!</p><p> I quickly told the others what I saw over our mindlink. Kyrnyn was livid, and immediately told those at the table to stop eating! I had to act fast, before Kyrnyn totally spoiled my fun. Quickly, I grabbed onto Todd’s mind, utterly crushing his will with my own. </p><p> As Kyrnyn purified the food at the table and the poison in the guests there, I sent Todd a few mental commands. By the time Morwen stripped his invisibility from him with her goggles of invisibility purge, the entire room got to see Todd stripping himself of his attire. The noble guests were snickering and pointing. Kyrnyn took the opportunity to take the (now empty) vials from his person and accused him of poisoning our table. The Major escorted him off (after he dressed) and we returned to our meal. Anna was nowhere to be seen, but we told the Mayor about her complicity. </p><p> Then came the main course, a large pig on a tray carried by four servants. Then one tripped, almost spilling the boar on the ground. But never fear, Alstalster grabbed the tray in one hand and held it aloft, saving them. Surely, a distraction from another ambush waiting in the wings. </p><p> The last competition before the final showdown was a riddle, where apparently “longbow” does not suffice as an answer when “bow” will do more then well. It might as well have been for a violin. Then we moved back to the dance floor.</p><p></p><p> Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Eight – Final Demon Dance</p><p></p><p> The two armies of guests converged on the ballroom. Now I’m told to switch into my “other” costume. I tell my companions to be ready. Surely we’ll all be transported to the abyss to do battle with a real army of demons, fighting for our very lives and for the existence of Cauldron itself!</p><p> But no, it is just another silly dance, the steps of which I don’t know, so apparently the “demon lord” Nabthatoron is “defeated” again by the nimble dancing feet of, you guessed it, Zachary the elder. I guess he did not want to give any glory to his son. No wonder he was so unhappy to be here. </p><p> The party over, we dispersed. Apparently we made a few friends. The mapmaker told us about some secret treasure maps he would be willing to sell us. Not much else happened of note. Apparently there were no demons ready to ambush us. It was just the nobility getting to feel all superior about itself. I should have known that anything involving the elite would never involve any actual danger. Even the poison used by the Stormblades wasn’t fatal. It was just to make me clumsier for the dance competition (and to upset my stomach). What a bunch of pansies. At least Anna had the decency to slink away after the whole episode. I’ll deal with her later. </p><p> I’ve come to the conclusion that the only worthy nobles are the adventuring nobles, the nobles who have seen the world and who claw their way to their position with skill and risk of life and limb. These soft nobles know nothing of the real world. I also have learned that my adventuring days have forever altered my perceptions. I see demons and ambush around every corner. When I hear metal clanging in the streets, I turn and look for battle. I see it even in my sleep. These soft nobles, these elites, they do not know what it is to truly feel fear and face danger. They are weak. They play games with dances and clumsy potions while the real nobles are out traveling the planes, conquering real demons (after first being hired by them) and rescuing the meek. </p><p> Enough play time. It is time to claim my Barony.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Altalazar, post: 3535842, member: 939"] Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Four – Preparations The Demonskar ball was a week away. I spent a little time asking around Cauldron about the celebration, and discovered that it involved celebrating the defeat of a demon army by a hero and his army. I did not learn much else. I probably ought to have dug further, but I had other things on my mind. Tuvstarr. Or her twin. Or her non-twin twin. I found out on the night of the ball that someone who looked like Tuvstarr but was not Tuvstarr paid a social call on Kyrnyn a week before the ball. He discovered she wasn’t Tuvstarr when he asked her to again join him for breakfast and discovered that she had never had breakfast with him in the first instance. This only put further urgency on my plans. Higgins explained to me some things about our last encounter with the Tuvstarr twin. Then I gave him a large purse of platinum and then sent him shopping. I also talked to Kyrnyn and Morwen and gave them a few “presents.” I had my own shopping trip to the costume shop. Apparently they sell out quickly. I was to dress as a “founder” of Cauldron. Then I received another note. This note indicated that I was actually to secretly dress as Nabthatoron, the demon leader of the demon army. Immediately, I was suspicious. Would this be a trick to turn me into a demon and then kill me? It must be. I mentally told Kyrnyn, Ee, and Morwen of my secret costume, so they would be prepared. And so they wouldn’t kill Nabthatoron at the ball. Partway through the week, I took my companions on a day trip to the Capitol. There was better shopping there and it would also give me a chance to talk to the King and his niece. They apparently don’t let her out much. From the King and his court, I learned that the traitorous baron was ambitious. And so there were rumors that his Ambition might be as high as can be set. It was also said of him that he was not a nice person, but that he pretends well. His barony is the furthest one, which gives him the most autonomy, but also gives him the least influence. That sounded like a good deal for me. I’d rather be free to run my affairs than have constant royal meddling. In an age of magic, distance does not need to lessens one influence. It was also known that he likes to fox hunt and his yearly gathering typically includes a fox hunt. I set out to find the two best fox-hunting dogs in the whole Capitol and then I purchased them. Now I had an appropriate gift for the good baron. And something for myself as well. Our shopping complete, we returned to Cauldron, denying a few coins to Poseidon in the process (as we need not use his teleportation circle service anymore). And then I spoke with Poseidon and received the information from his agent sent to the barony that would allow me to teleport there as well when the time comes. Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Five – Coy Nixie The night of the ball arrived. I was still busy trying to figure out what evil demons were behind this ball and how many people were going to die. I also could not help but wonder if this was another event where a small girl would turn out to be a demon who would feast on noble blood. Fifty to seventy of the elite of Cauldron would be in attendance. I would think that would qualify as quite a buffet for the discriminating noble-blood-eating demon. The Coy Nixie was the largest, nicest venue in town. It was owned by the hosts of the ball, the Aslaxions. Also present would be the Tuskerhills and the Venderborns, two other powerful families. Of interest to me were the two adventuring companies involved. The Noble Five were invited, of course, but then there was also the Stormblades. I did not know much about them, but I was immediately suspicious of them. Morwen dressed as a Naga Demon. Kyrnyn dressed as a general, a founder wearing a winged helm and en extravagant costume. Ee was dressed as a big red-horned demon with small black leather wings. And I came dressed as a noble general, though that costume would not remain for the final festivities as I already mentioned. As I saw all these nobles dressed as soldiers and demons, I wondered what others would think. “Don’t worry,” I was assured by another guest, “just because we play a game where people pretend to be or kill demons doesn’t mean anyone is actually worshipping them.” “Well truly, who would ever think we would?” I asked. “You’d be amazed at the stupidity of some people,” this noble guest replied. Given my mind-reading talents, I actually would not be, but I did not say this aloud. The entrance to the Coy Nixie was the site of a great spectacle as the noble guests arrived. Most came in carriages, apparently a tradition I had missed. No matter. Protecting us from death by demons is more important than silly entrances. Besides, my companions and I teleported in with a flash of smoke and fire (courtesy of Higgins). Beat that for an entrance! As if hearing my taunt, a flying carpet drawn by demon horses came down from the sky, bearing the Noble Five. “Scene stealers,” I thought to myself. They all apparently had dates, with the possible exception of Tuvstarr. I could have sworn I heard a thought from Kyrnyn that he wanted to bring her for a date, but I shifted my focus back to important matters. Which of the guests were evil demon-vampires who were going to simultaneously hire us and betray us and then feast on the corpses of the elite? Inside, we showed our invitations. Then we had an hour of drinks and mingling with other guests. I spent my time scanning the room for the ambush. I also made small talk with Ophelia, a noblewoman of some beauty. She seemed smitten with me, and whispered to me a nugget of information. “Don’t drink the bubbly Cauldron drink except for a mouthful for the official toast. It is very good, but extremely potent.” Ah-ha! So that’s where they would poison us all. I sent a mental message to all of my companions, passing on the warning. Even Higgins heard it. He was waiting outside in case there was trouble. I kept mentally updating him as to what was going on so he could dimension door inside at a moment’s notice. I looked around the room of bored-looking nobles for the inevitable ambush. Then it was time for the ballroom. Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Six – Ballroom Dancing I Something else missing from my information was the importance of learning special dance steps. Though my small research put me well ahead of my companions, who did not research the ball at all. We all lined up to go to the ballroom. We gave our invitations to the herald, who would then announce us to the room. The ballroom was certainly grand. The ceilings were high arches. Stained glass windows provided illumination from both sides. In between the windows on the right side were red banners standing for the demon armies. On the lft were gold banners standing for the knights, commoners, and robed wizards that fought for the founders. I went through the receiving line, greeting Zachary and Margaret Aslaxion and their son, Zachary II. I only slightly winced when my name was announced. “Sir Cordozo, Knight of the Realm, of the Dragonslayers.” I was ready to kill Ee. At least the name for our group was accurate, if incomplete. I was suitably charming when I spoke to the Aslaxions. They were apparently unimpressed with my other companions. Margaret in particular was taken with me. “At least not all of you Dragonslayers are orcs – some of you are cultured and refined.” I accepted her compliment gracefully. Zachary II was not impressed, whispering to me, “I hope you have a fine time at the ball. I’m sure the nobles will see your true colors shining through before you depart.” So he must be the one who will try and trick everyone to attacking “Nabthatoron the demon” later tonight. I whispered back to him, “when will you be changing costumes?” I was sure he would be the one playing the leader of the founders. Of course the hosts would save that for their son. He looked at me quizzically and marched off. I found out later that the Aslaxions are not quite so generous, even with their own son. Once we were all inside, the “demons” were sent to the demon side and the “founders” to the founder side and then the dance began. The winner of this dance was to be named “Mayor of Haunted Village.” We all danced in a figure eight. The goal was to be in the center when the music finally stopped. We all danced badly, not having had any lessons. I did the best, but I still did not win. Some noble pair I had not heard of and never saw before one. At least I was fortunate enough to have the Mayor of Cauldron as my dance partner. Jenya was even a decent dancer. During the dance, one of the others slipped and almost fell. I caught her, but not before she damaged my costume. Thankfully, later Tuvstarr danced on by and touched my shoulder, fixing the tear with some magic. Always good to do when one’s costume is rented. The next contest was one of singing. Needless to say, none of my companions won that one either. Someone named Anna won, as she apparently does every year. She was also a Stormblade. I would deal with her later. Then it was time to eat. Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Seven – Fine Dining, Pick your Poison, Our Foe Exposed There were eight round tables in the dining area in the lower level. There was a ninth long table for the guests of honor. Mostly that was for the Aslaxions to “honor” themselves for throwing the party. At our own table, the furthest one back, sat the four Dragonslayers and five others. Vordinex Wier was a retired wizard who did not say much during the meal. Bolar Westbeg was a mapmaker. He was shy and modest and quiet for a gnome. Gendeh Talaarna was an elderly dwarf who claimed to be an art and furniture dealer, though his conversation revealed that he knew little about either. Definitely evil, then. I watched him closely. Delmar Blandershend was a half-orc. He looked very uncomfortable. He was also very rude. He challenged all of us to a contest of strength, but then demurred on arm wrestling and instead insisted on lifting carts of garbage in the alley. So THERE’S the demon ambush, finally. Only it turned out he couldn’t even lift the lightest cart, which Kyrnyn lifted easily, so he sheepishly came back inside and seemed to respect us more, even as he continued to boast. Finally, there was Gwendoly and Sabastian, two semi-nobles from the outer villages who were about as snobbish as one can get without actually being banished to the elemental plane of boorishness. Morwen told me that she overheard them talking about how they were worried us unwashed masses might actually touch them and get our germs on them. Then Morwen leaned over and told Ee that they would appreciate it if he would kiss their hands. Ee, in between wiping food off his face and down his chin, grinned and eagerly did so. I’ve never heard such mental screams. I needed to clean my ears out with a napkin after that. Our next test was the dip. Apparently there was dip in five colors. There was some sort of etiquette in which dip to eat first. Figuring that all were poisoned, I took the blue dip first, and did not eat any of it. Apparently black was first. I was too busy looking for the ambush to figure out what colors came next. Then came the toast. Out came the bubbly red drink with white smoke. I pretended to drink that as well, using a subtle disintegrate to remove the liquid from my glass. Morwen told me it was quite tasty. I hope the poison won’t act too fast on her system. After the toast, we noticed the Stormblades talking amongst themselves, and then two of them, Todd and Anna, left the table and headed toward the privvys. Morwen and I jumped up from the table and followed them, sure this would lead to the ambush. I got there just in time to see Anna use a scroll and make Todd vanish. Quickly, I concentrated and made my vision see true. Sure enough, Todd was still there. Even more sure, he walked back into the room and poured liquid on the food headed to our table. Then he went right up to my place and poured more liquid right over the food on my plate. Ah-ha! Demon ambush! I quickly told the others what I saw over our mindlink. Kyrnyn was livid, and immediately told those at the table to stop eating! I had to act fast, before Kyrnyn totally spoiled my fun. Quickly, I grabbed onto Todd’s mind, utterly crushing his will with my own. As Kyrnyn purified the food at the table and the poison in the guests there, I sent Todd a few mental commands. By the time Morwen stripped his invisibility from him with her goggles of invisibility purge, the entire room got to see Todd stripping himself of his attire. The noble guests were snickering and pointing. Kyrnyn took the opportunity to take the (now empty) vials from his person and accused him of poisoning our table. The Major escorted him off (after he dressed) and we returned to our meal. Anna was nowhere to be seen, but we told the Mayor about her complicity. Then came the main course, a large pig on a tray carried by four servants. Then one tripped, almost spilling the boar on the ground. But never fear, Alstalster grabbed the tray in one hand and held it aloft, saving them. Surely, a distraction from another ambush waiting in the wings. The last competition before the final showdown was a riddle, where apparently “longbow” does not suffice as an answer when “bow” will do more then well. It might as well have been for a violin. Then we moved back to the dance floor. Sir Cordozo – Chapter One-Hundred Seventy-Eight – Final Demon Dance The two armies of guests converged on the ballroom. Now I’m told to switch into my “other” costume. I tell my companions to be ready. Surely we’ll all be transported to the abyss to do battle with a real army of demons, fighting for our very lives and for the existence of Cauldron itself! But no, it is just another silly dance, the steps of which I don’t know, so apparently the “demon lord” Nabthatoron is “defeated” again by the nimble dancing feet of, you guessed it, Zachary the elder. I guess he did not want to give any glory to his son. No wonder he was so unhappy to be here. The party over, we dispersed. Apparently we made a few friends. The mapmaker told us about some secret treasure maps he would be willing to sell us. Not much else happened of note. Apparently there were no demons ready to ambush us. It was just the nobility getting to feel all superior about itself. I should have known that anything involving the elite would never involve any actual danger. Even the poison used by the Stormblades wasn’t fatal. It was just to make me clumsier for the dance competition (and to upset my stomach). What a bunch of pansies. At least Anna had the decency to slink away after the whole episode. I’ll deal with her later. I’ve come to the conclusion that the only worthy nobles are the adventuring nobles, the nobles who have seen the world and who claw their way to their position with skill and risk of life and limb. These soft nobles know nothing of the real world. I also have learned that my adventuring days have forever altered my perceptions. I see demons and ambush around every corner. When I hear metal clanging in the streets, I turn and look for battle. I see it even in my sleep. These soft nobles, these elites, they do not know what it is to truly feel fear and face danger. They are weak. They play games with dances and clumsy potions while the real nobles are out traveling the planes, conquering real demons (after first being hired by them) and rescuing the meek. Enough play time. It is time to claim my Barony. [/QUOTE]
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Memoirs of a Lawyer turned Dungeoncrawler (Updated May 13, 2008)
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