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| Thread: Bloodmoon Rising (IC) |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 3 4 5 · NEXT» |
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted November 26, 2013 03:37 PM |
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Bloodmoon Rising (IC)
Ruins of Tullah
- This can't be true.- Said one of the expedition's leaders, a slim, bearded man wearing Yssian garb.- Tell me it isn't true.
- I'm sorry Arch-mage Sachmed.- Said the other, younger mage.- They really did went off with those tomes. The vault was where the destruction of Tullah began.
- I really wish that wasn't true Vladimir. They ran off with those manuscripts. If given enough time, those traitors will be able to call forth the largest monstrosities from the Void. Yssia was the first to feel it's wrath.
- Tullah was within the kingdom after all. they wanted to show their newfound powers. Although they summoned the lesser ones.
- It doesn't matter. lesser or greater. they pose a huge threat. We cannot stop them alone, as long as the rest of the kingdoms go to damn hells. Kithayian dead are rising from the graves, the Mad King of Dernhoolm is amassing his people into one last foolish march o Araraq, and Maskolvia is tearing itself apart from within. Something is behind this. I bet my beard on this.
Ivangrad
Zayl and Skar were walking towards the palace. Zayl was also carrying his guitar and playing a little tune, while Skar was looking at merchant stalls and people passing by. Some of the bearded noblemen were wearing a copper medal with a beard engraved in it.
- Hey, Zayl, what's with those medals?
Zayl stopped playing for a moment.
- Our Czar's newest way to gather income to the treasury. The beard tax. the noblemen pay 25 maskolvian rubles or their equal and may keep their beards for a year. peasants, mages and priests are not taxed.
Skar chuckled at this.
- What happens if they refuse to pay?
- Well, then you're summoned to the palace, where Czar's jester cuts your beard off in front of everyone. nowadays he's named the royal barber or so.
Skar laughed at this. The Czar was an inventive one when it came to taxes. Zayl continued to play the tune on their way to the palace. The two were to observe a meeting regarding the rebellion "threat". Zayl for a few years served as Czar's apotechary, with Skar as Zayl's apprentice and guard. their true assignment was to find out who is behind the rebellion.
word around Maskolvia was that General Olskjov was behind it. However, no one have any concrete proof about it. ad saying such things out loud could get you hanged. So the folk only whispered the rumors between themselves. and some drunken louts ussually spouting such speeches when they're dead drunk. Both sides were weary. The Regulars had difficult time finding the hideouts of the rebels and fighting their ambushes was difficult to them. Zayl was thinking how to end it without more men wasted is this idiotic conflict.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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War-overlord
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Presidente of Isla del Tropico
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posted November 26, 2013 07:19 PM |
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Skalf Varigsson sat quietly in the booth, puffing away on a long stemmed pipe. Long enough for the mouthpiece to reach below the cloth cover that dangled below his facemask, but to leave the bowl uncovered. Every now and again, smoke wafted from beneath the cloth.
The booth was in the backroom of a tavern in the rough part of town. The kind of tavern often frequented by the rough parts of society, the kind where illegal dealings were daily business. Especially in the backrooms which were blatantly more luxurious and usually reserved for high paying members of organised crime. No two-bit thugs here, unless they were well dressed bodyguards.
But these were the kind of rooms were Skalf met his clients and his kind of deals were made. The deals that ended with brains and blood spattered over walls, things and onlookers. Such a deal was scheduled today. Skalf did not know who his client would be, nor did he much care. He rarely knew his clients, only the targets and that was fine as long as he was paid. Of course the trusted middlemen who would guide the clients to him knew, and through them, he could trace the client if they failed to uphold their end of the deals. Fortunately, that had happened only once. The brutal way a non-paying client was found murdered later proved enough deterrant to have future clients pay and keep the deal.
But untill the client showed up, Skalf was content to sit there and smoke.
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Vote El Presidente! Or Else!
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JoonasTo
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
What if Elvin was female?
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posted November 26, 2013 08:17 PM |
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Edited by JoonasTo at 13:11, 29 Nov 2013.
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- Bartender! Give me the regular!
The barkeeper, a man in his 50s with glasses and a bald cut, looks over his glasses and snort.
- What are you paying with this time? I swear the last time I gave you a cup I only got an hour worth of stories about some far off land I don't give a piss about.
He starts pouring from a bottle regardless.
- Aah, let's not fret over the small stuff. Besides, you're forgetting that was only because I had to leave midway since that one braindead orc started pushing his tusks in my face before I could finish.
The man is about the pass a cup over but stops midway.
- So it was your fault that my bar got crashed last time!
- Aah, I couldn't help it. He kept insisting over a game of brakken. He even presented a ”brand new deck”, I think he called it, that I could see the markings on before he even pulled it out of his pocket. Now give me that cup!
I reach for the cup from behind the counter and snatch it before the man is able to pull it back. As I do I hear a grunt from behind my back.
- When was this, game of brakken?
I down the cup and hit it to the table.
- Eh, don't ask me. I can hardly remember where I was yesterday.
I can feel a hand grab my hat and lift it off my head. I sigh.
- An elf! Shrack sends his regards!
I take a step to the left and a big fist goes flying past me.
- You don't mess with people's hats man, that's not proper. Can I have it back?
I duck forward under repeated fist and jump up, ramming my shoulder into the orc's chin. I grab my hat from his other hand and jump back from him. I dust my hat and put it back on, hiding my ears in the furs again.
- Okay, so where's your-
I skip to the left as another, even bigger orc flies right past me, unintentionally tackling the other one.
- Right, need to start thinking things-
I duck and dodge a third orc rushing at me from the left. He crashes right through the counter into the bar itself.
- through. Right, Sven, why do you let these people into your establishment to begin with?
- They actually pay for their drinks! Unlike some!
- Ah, about that.
I grab a bottle from behind the counter and break it against the first orc's nose. He stumbles a few steps back.
- I've got that covered now. Just-
I jump up to the counter and heel the second orc with my boot.
- wait a while. There's this organisation-
- Even the gods are tired of waiting for you by now! I heard you say the exact same thing years ago when I started this place!
- How was I supposed to know the old-
The third orc grabs my leg and pulls me down from the counter. I curl and spring my boot right into the left scarred eye.
- You know, I once met a guy like you. He didn't have a scar like that though.
- Do you absolutely HAVE to piss them off even more?
- Stop whining, I don't' see you doing anything!
I kick up a chair and crash it over the first orc's' head.
- Could you at least stop destroying MY PROPERTY!
- Come on, you have to pay something for the show. Isn't this why you-
The largest orc's fist catches my left shoulder as I try to dive under his left. I spin with it and hit the counter. Hard.
- GRORG!
A huge ogre steps out from the corner and grabs the large orc from the neck.
- Throw them out.
The ogre flings the orc through the revolving doors like a rag-doll. Seeing their companion's flight over the whole bar the two other orcs quickly decide to escape the same predicament and escape before the ogre has time to focus on them.
- That's enough Grorg.
The man pauses and picks me up from the ground where I stayed to evade the ogre's, surely quite firm, grip.
- and you, if you pull a stunt like that again, it will be you flying out of the doors.
- Tsk, I didn't do anything.
- That's bull, I saw your hand. You might be able to leave and wait till it cools down but I have a family to feed here. There will be no death in my fair establishment.
- I wasn't going to kill him, I thought you knew me better than that.
The man sighs and reaches to his pocket.
- The last room on the left is empty upstairs. Is your side going to be okay?
- Thanks Sven, I appreciate it.
I take the offered key and head for the stairs.
- I meant what I said earlier. I can take care of that tap. Both of them.
- Don't worry about it. What's a few more years between friends?
- Hey, coming from that old face of yours, that hurts my pride. Has it really been that long?
- 27 years Fraige, 27 years.
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DON'T BE A NOOB, JOIN A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted November 27, 2013 02:25 PM |
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When the two arrived to the Czar's court, the session was about to begin. Zayl took a seat in front Skar standing besides him.
One of the military supporters began to talk.
- The metezniki are getting out of hand! and the chalopi started to shelter them!
- Says the chalop who bought his way here by contraband and thievery- Zayl calmly said.
The Bajorin has flipped.
- You can't talk to me like this beakface!
- Well, I believe I can. I just did didn't I? besides, if you're so innocent, why such sudden anger? Is your hat on fire, thief?
- I won't tolerate any of this! I didn't come here to be mocked by a fraud alchemist!
- Enough of you.- The Czar said.- Zayl, what do you have to say on the matter?
- The matter is simple. this war is a fools errand. all of these gifted their lands to their serfs, but somehow someone still was upset, this doesn't make any sense at all. I blame the Hanger for all of this. his uniformed thugs concur "searches" for the "rebels", which in truth are robberies of the goods your good folk grew or made, rapes and murder. You're wasting time and soldiers on that old fart's lust for war my liege.
The Czar looked silently at the masked apothecary. The other Bajorins didn't aid a word either.
- Very well.- Said The Czar.- I will take this into consideration. Bring me proof of it. witnesses, perhaps even photographs. then if the acusation is true, I will see that the general and his acomplises will lose their heads. Zayl, you are dismissed.
- Thank you my liege.- Zayl and Skar bowed and exited the palace.
- That went well.- Skar said.- For a moment I thought you'd be done for.
- Don't be silly my friend. I saved the heir of our beloved Czar. He is in my debt. Besides, Czar Nikolai is a wise lad. He seen the peasantry after the Regulars raided them. He wants to stop it. trust me.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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War-overlord
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Presidente of Isla del Tropico
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posted November 28, 2013 08:54 PM |
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After sitting in the booth for a while longer, the owner of the tavern opened the heavy curtain to the backroom and escorted a person to Varigssons booth. Skalf set his pipe on the table. The owner was instructed to only show the person who handed him a certain token and gave the correct reply to Skalf.
The person was dressed in a long hooded cloak, obviously wanting to hide his or her real identity and features as much as Skalf did. But from the cut of the cloak and the shoes the person wore, he'd guess this person was a nobleman.
The "nobleman" sat down and shortly afterward, the owner brought the "nobleman" a drink. The drink being in a reasonably clean container and wouldn't stick to the table of the booth, unlike the most of the rest of the tavern.
Skalfs sightgems that were embedded in his facemask stared holes into the cloaked "nobleman". Not that the gems were capable of such things, but the dual gems gave people an uncomfortable feeling.
"Are you..eh...Varigsson?" the "nobleman" asked, for his voice made it clear he was a man at the least.
"If I wasn't, you wouldn't be sitting here," Skalf replied, his voice muffled by the cloth in front of his face.
"I....eh.....I would like to have someone...eh....killed,"
Skalf just nodded.
"Eh...he...eh...won't be easy to...eh...get to. He's a high ranking...general, you know," the "nobleman" just about whispered.
"If people got arrested for speaking treason here, the owner would have no business," Skalf replied offhandedly.
The "nobleman" took a swig of his drink. Despite not being anywhere near Ivangrad, he was nervous.
"Oh.....Very well. It's General Olskjov. He needs to be killed, the whole madness he started needs to be ended. The head of the serpent needs to be cut off," the "nobleman" replied with more confidence.
"You know my price," Skalf said.
"Yes..Yes, eh, here," The "nobleman" slid a pouch filled with coins across. By the size and the thud it made, it must have been a small fortune. Skalf opened the pouch, stole a glance, closed it and shoved it back contemptuously.
"You have been told I don't accept masklovian rubles. Dwarf sovereigns or araqi crowns or no deal," Skalf replied coldly.
"But....but...how am I supposed to get that amount of sovereigns or crowns here of all places? This..is the province. And..and I was only told no dernholm florins or kithay akche..." the "nobleman" excused himself.
Skalf said nothing. But the distinct sound of a Dwarf Pistol being cocked could be heard despite the "noblemans" frantic excusing himself.
The nobleman swallowed audibly, took another gulp of the drink and slid another pouch of coins across the table.
Skalf caught it and upended the contents onto the table. Another small fortune in araqi crowns spilled over the table. With practiced precision, Skalf counted the coins as he put them back into the pouch. All with one hand.
He could feel the nobleman watching his every count. "You wouldn't be the first that tried to cheat me," Skalf said dismissively.
When the counting was done, Skalf spirited the pouch away.
"Twice this when the deed is done. You will be contacted," the Dwarf said and jerked his head, indicating the "nobleman" should leave. Which he did, gulping down his drink as he did so.
After the "nobleman" passed through the curtain, Skalf sat in the booth a while longer.
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Vote El Presidente! Or Else!
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted November 29, 2013 01:56 PM |
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There was a commotion at the market, where Zayl and Skar stopped by to buy some food. A crowd has acused a butcher for selling fouled meat.
- What is the comotion here?- Zayl asked
- The bast@rd sells plagued meat!- replied a commoner- Three people are ill because of that!
Zayl noticed a mutt walking nearby. he came up the butcher's stall and tossed a piece of meat to the mutt. The dog sniffed it , but did not ate it.
- Skar, do you still have that slab of salted bacon?
- Yea. what about it?
- Give me a slice.
Skar handed him a piece of meat. Zayl tossed it to the mutt, who ate it within seconds, and now was begging for more.
- Even the dogs won't eat it, it seems. You- He adressed the commoner who spoke to him.- Get the guards.
The guards arrived relatively quickly, and now their captain was questioning Zayl.
- What Is the meaning of this?
- Well,- Zayl began- I'm sorry for having distracted you for whatever it was you're loiterers were doing, but it appears that this so called butcher is selling diseased meats. Take him into the black cells, and take a slab of meat to my apothecarium. I want to examine it and perhaps prepare a cure for the plague it spreads. Off you go now.- Zayl waved towards the guards.
- Ahh, the problems of a big city... Let's go back home, to Bogarsburgh. I'm sure my sweet sister and her family is waiting for us.
Bogarsburgh was Zayls place of birth, a small town a few leagues away from the capital. It was about an hour and a half travel on a carriage.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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JoonasTo
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
What if Elvin was female?
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posted November 29, 2013 03:59 PM |
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Edited by JoonasTo at 17:49, 29 Nov 2013.
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- Heard they’re going to be dragging down old Swindalf’s forge. That true?
- Yeah, with the industrial sector expanding as fast as it does, they need all the space for new residential areas. Going to pay your last respects?
- I made sure that nothing of value was left behind when I left.
- Still, home is home, even after 30 years.
- Hmm.
I swirl the mead in my mug.
- And it is legally yours, you could at least go shout at the committee, even if they won’t pay you a dime for it.
- Heh, wouldn’t that be something. A crazy half shouting at the committee for tearing down a 200 year old building. I think they’d just arrest me for public disobedience or something. But you’re right, I owe it to the old fool.
I chug my drink and grab my jacket.
- Where you off to this time?
- Maskolvia, tell your wife and kids I said hi. Take care Sven.
I head out of the door to the direction of the old town.
Soon I’m standing in front of an old smithy made of red brick. One of the six chimneys has collapsed and two have bird nests on them. The walls are overgrown with ivy and the yard is covered in sorrel and hay. I walk up to the old oaken double doors, reinforced with iron lacings. The hinges creak under the weight of the heavy doors as I pull them open. Light shines in to an empty hall. There’s a large forge that fills the left side of the wall. Six pillars support the weight of the roof beams. There are swallow nests alongside the cobwebs in the ceiling beams and the floor is littered with bird feces. I take a couple of steps into the dim of the hall when I hear a scraping sound. I quickly hide behind a pillar close to the right wall.
- The doors open! Something came. We tell Cyth.
- Nooo! We kill. Eat more. Tell Cyth after.
The two goblins walk toward the door with their clubs in hand. The smaller one is walking slightly in front of the other. Thump. The bigger one falls down with an axe lodged in its head.
- Gaaaaaah!
The goblin left alive screams and starts running towards the back of the hall. I dislodge my axe and drop it back to my hip. I pull my revolver as I start walking after the goblin. It runs to the corner of the hall and enters the stairs going down. I check all the percussion caps to see that they are properly in place and the chambers are dry and cock the hammer. I advance slowly in the dim light of the stairs that lead down to the workshop, or inventory, as he used to call it. As I see down to the workshop I stop to listen for a quick moment.
- Man come. Kill Scraws. I run.
- All get. All kill. All eat.
- EAT! EAT! KILL! EAT!
I walk down.
BANG!
The sound of the gunshot reverberates in the stone and the goblins pause as the one in the middle falls down. Only five left now. I flip my revolver, let the percussion cap fall out and recock the hammer.
BANG!
The one next to the wall on the left stumbles and falls. As I flip and recock my revolver again they charge.
BANG!
The one on the front twitches and falls down. The second one stumbles on it as the two others go around them while I flip and pull the hammer back again.
BANG!
As the one on the front falls down I pull my other revolver.
BANG!
Now the only one left is the one getting up. I put the revolver from my right hand back to the holster and ready my other one.
BANG!
The last gunshot echoes of the walls and faints out. I check the revolver in my hand, roll the cylinder back one spot and holster it. Then I pull my other one out and do the same. I check quickly but I can’t see any of the bullets rolling around on the ground. Must have all been lodged inside the bodies. I walk back upstairs and out of the double doors.
- HALT! Identify yourself! This is the Town Guard!
Eight men dressed in Light green uniforms, wielding batons and flintlock pistols have the doorway surrounded. I raise my hands and walk out of the hall.
- Fraige.
A man with a top hat takes one step forward.
- What business do you have here?
- I took care of some vermin.
- We got report of gunfire. Are you alone?
- Yes. There are some dead rats inside though.
- Jonnqvist! Randalf! Check it out!
- Aye, sir!
Two men from the left walk past me and into the building.
- There’s one dead here!
- Can I go now, officer?
- The people reported multiple gunshots, I can only see two guns on you. You sure there weren’t more people in there?
- The halls echo, officer.
- Hmm, I guess you’re right. You can go.
I walk past the men towards the gate.
- One more thing. You wouldn’t happen to know who owns this smithy? We’ve been looking for the owner for some time now.
I stop but quickly continue my stride.
- Not a clue officer.
I walk out of the gate and to my motorcycle.
- Sir! Sir!
I kick my motorcycle to life as the two men come running out of the hall.
- There was six more dead in the basement!
- Hey! You!
I kick it into gear and twist the throttle leaving the guardsmen behind. Now to Maskolvia.
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DON'T BE A NOOB, JOIN A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.
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War-overlord
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Presidente of Isla del Tropico
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posted December 03, 2013 01:48 PM |
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{Trains and dirigibles, they are the future of travel} Skalf thought to himself as het stared out the window. {Unfortunately, it is not yet the future.}
Untill then, Skalf Varigsson would have to make due with coaches. As bumpy as riding one was and how disproportional they were to a Dwarf. A small consolation was that his high fee allowed him to travel and live in relative luxury.
When he traveled or wasn't otherwise occupied with his true profession, Skalf lived under the pseudonym Snorri Boreksson, Merchant Banker. True it was little less than a guise and a hobby, but it provided Skalf/Snorri with a face he could present the world.
Skalf opened the window and poked his head out.
"Coachman!" he shouted into the wind. "How far to the next stop?"
"Bogarsburgh is an hour or two travel yet, sir." the coachman replied. "We'll stop there for the night."
Skalf thanked the coachman and closed the window again. He poked up the small brazier of smoldering coals a bit more. The future could not come fast enough as far as Skalf was concerned.
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Vote El Presidente! Or Else!
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted December 03, 2013 03:20 PM |
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Bogarsburgh was a quiet town. At least was. Now there were Regulars patroling and if you believe the rumors, the rebels turned to banditism. The turmoil in the kingdom was the perfect cover for outlaws of all kinds. The peasants even went as far as arming themselves with makeshift weapons such as war-schytes and spears when they went to tend the fields.
Zayl was talking to the local priest, an old man with a graying beard.
- This elixir should help the ill orphans. Add a tablespoon to their tea. Any other non alcoholic beverage should work as well.
- ah, thank you so much Zayl. May Jareel guide you and Parkun keep you safe.
- Thank you, may the gods watch over you as well.- he bid the priest farewell. Skar was waiting by the message board, listening to the town cryer.
- Anything interesting?- Zayl asked.
- there's a bounty on some bandits. Otherwise, nothing else worth attention.
- well, if that's the case, let's go have our supper, and later on we'll head to the tavern. I've a pick up pending.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted December 08, 2013 08:01 PM |
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Zayl's family farmstead was on the outskirts of the town. Zayl and Skar walked there, while Zayl playing his guitar. Elven made, this musical instrument was bought by Zayl when he studied in Vendigr from a passing trade caravan.
AS they neared the farmstead two boys, about the age of 10 saw Zayl and Skar approaching.
- Uncle! Skar!- they shouted. Zayl stopped playing and crouched to hug his nephews.
- How are you rascals doing?- He asked as he reached for a small paper bag full of sweets.
- Now remember,- Zayl said before handing them the bag- no sweets before dinner, or your mother will have my head.
With that said ,they went in the house, where a smell of warm food greeted them. Zayl's sister was near the stove, taking the large clay pot from the stove to the table.
- Oh' hey there. We weren't expecting you tonight. We thought that with all the commotion, you'll be staying in the capital- She said as she put the pot down on the table.
- The general's days are counted. rumor is that some of the Bajorins piled some of their wealth together and aim to hire that dwarf gunman, Varrigson or what's his name was. And besides, the castle chef doesn't even know how to bake decent bread, let alone a normal meal. I still wonder why the Czar tolerates him. Irina, tell me, has anyone else been here while we were gone?
- Except for the priest collecting charity to the orphanage there were none.
- and where's Aleksej?
- Down the bravor. they should have finished the next batch.
- He and his samogonchiki...- Zayl chuckled. although his Brother-in-law brewed a mean vodka, called somogon by the maskolvians and it was locals' favourite, Zayl still didn't managed to approve his side job, despite loving to raise a glass or two after a long day.
- Think of it as alchemy brother.
- My potions, salves and elixirs cure people, not make them drunk. but no matter. It's extra income ,and the thing sells like hot cakes in Kithay and Araraq, so I don't have anything to complain about. Still, I wish he could turn to the Czar and get his permit. That is all.
- So you and Skar have any plans for tonight?- She asked while pouring hot soup to the bowls and handing them to the family.
- Might go to the tavern later. the owner and some of the regular customers asked me to play there. can't say no to them. they're good folk, and most of decent bards are gone away to Ivangrad.- He didn't tell her about the true important business however. Zayl was also there to meet one of his fellow members from the Brotherhood and they'll have to discuss on how to take down The Hanger. if the rumor of the hired hitman is true, then their plans will go awry. there's no need for the general to be found with a bullet in his head. H must go down silent. to fall asleep and never wake up again.
The door of the house opened and a tall, broadshouldered bearded man entered, he smiled at everyone and ent to hug Zayl
- Bratan! Ho are you? we weren't expecting you here tonight!
Zayl smiled behind his mask.
- I grew tired of the city and the junk they serve for food at the palace and the inns. There's nothing like good home cooked meals to end my day.
Aleksej slammed down a large clay bottle on the table.
- a fresh batch! Would you two join in the tasting?
- Sure.
- This one's the best one yet, the lads really worked hard for this- Aleksej said as he poured some of the somogon to Zayl and Skar.
- Say, bratan, can you vouch for me tommorow? I'm going to the Czar, to get a permit for a brewery. all this hiding and secrecy is getting under my nerves. all I want is to provide for my family. And I fear that you'll poison me when I'll fail to make Irina happy- He laughed at the last remark, with a soft, hearty laughter.
Zayl and skar also chuckled.
- Don't worry. the Czar may be a lad, but he's wise. and he owes me. Well, to your health brother- Zayl said as he emptied his glass. the bread smelling beverage was still warm, but it was good. great in fact. The next few hours went by the family eating, drinking and conversing, untill the time come to Zayl and Skar to go to the tavern for their meet up. Zayl had a feeling that this evening will lead on to something big.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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War-overlord
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Presidente of Isla del Tropico
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posted December 09, 2013 10:19 PM |
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Bogarsburgh was large enough, or well traveled enough being so near Ivangrad which ever the case may be, to have a tavern/inn that was well stocked enough for someone of Snorri's standing. It wasn't the first time he had been there, but it had been a while.
Unfortunately, it had started raining soon after Skalf had inquired how long it would take to get there. And the bad weather had slowed them down somewhat. Twilight was upon them as the coach rode into town, so they wasted no time and headed straight for the tavern.
The driver stopped the coach right before the door to let Skalf out, so he didn't bother to put on a coat for those few steps from the coach to the door.
As Skalf strode into the tavern, swaggering slightly with his cane that doubled as an ice-axe, heading straight for the bar.
"Your finest room for the night, my good man," Skalf said to the man who appeared to be the owner, "and an ale to slake my thirst."
The owner sized Snorri up as he hauled himself onto the humansized barstool and hung his cane from the bar beside him. He gave Snorri a tankard filled to the brim with ale.
"The room will be 10 rubles, guv'nor. Will you be wantin' something to eat with that? My wife got herself a fine piece of lamb this morning, she's making a fine stew with it as we speak."
Snorri tried the ale before he replied. For human brew it was decent enough. He then fished into his pocket and shoved the owner a neat stack of crowns.
"That should cover the cost of the room, the food and a few more drinks." Skalf said. Counting on the inn being worldy enough to accept the more valuable araqi currency. The owner practically beamed as he saw the coin.
"That'd buy you the two whole kegs an all the stew along with, guv'nor. Your room will be the first on the right at the top of the stairs. Thank you much." After that he shouted something in a local dialect towards what Skalf presumed to be the kitchen; the only thing he understood was something in the line of "fresh bedding".
Skalf then downed his tankard after that, he realy was thirsty.
"Top you off there, guv'nor?" The owner said, eager to please.
"Please do." Skalf replied, handing him the tankard again.
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Vote El Presidente! Or Else!
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted December 10, 2013 10:41 AM |
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Zayl was at the tavern playing a tune while some patrons sang a song about one of the maskolvian Vor V Zakonie, the so called lawful thieves, a caste of criminals with a strict code of honor, who had betrayed his partners in crime.
Skar was sharing a small keg of leaf bitter and talking with some other canians who were from his own clan. they were on a trading caravan to Ivangrad to sell various pelts, including the valuable sable ones.
As Zayl finished playing the tune, he saw a dwarf payed the innkeep in Ararqi shilings, more commonly reffered to as "crowns". well, not an uncommon sight, but most dwarves ussaully pay the sums in their own hexagonal coins which the people in the kingdoms refer to as "anvils" or in small gemstones.
Zayl's contact has arrived. He's currently been running the Czar's cossacks, and was tasked by the seniors of the Brotherhood to thwart the soldiers' advance on the rebellion. The old man sat down by Zayl ,ad handed him a large envelope.
- Here, I have it. Just as you asked. This should convince the Czar to hang the Hanger.- H said the last sentence in half his voice.
- Thank you. You've been of much help to me.
- No problem. The general's became more paranoied not by days but by hours. Godspeed Zayl. You're the one who can get closest to him. make him pay.- He said, put on his fur hat and exited the tavern
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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JoonasTo
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
What if Elvin was female?
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posted December 11, 2013 01:04 AM |
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The rain had turned into downpour about an hour down the road from Bogharsburgh. The roads had turned untraversable soon after. It was past midnight as the lone motorcycle and its rider approached the inn by the road. The motorcycle rumbled steadily as it went around the corner and stopped under the pentice. The rider got off the, detached the saddle bags and headed for the door.
After shaking off most of the mud from my clothes and the bags I step into the building. Friendly chatter and the smell of lamp oil comes pouring over. I step aside to let an older man pass. I tip my hat halfheartedly as he passes me and survey the tavern while heading to the innkeeper. The man seems past his prime but his gaze has a certain sharpness in it.
"The road's gone, I take it?", he asks while pouring hot water into a mug.
I just nod my head and lean against the table. He adds some whiskey, honey and cinnamon into the mug and passes it to me.
"Here, on the house, you look like you could use it."
"Can't deny that.", I take the mug and wrap my hands around it. "How much for warm bath, room and supper?
"11 rubles"
I reach inside my coat and pull out a couple of coins. I count the eleven on to the table and push the rest into my coat pockets. The man sweeps them off the table and turns to shout to the kitchen. I take a chug of my mug and turn around to look for a place to sit down and eat.
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DON'T BE A NOOB, JOIN A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted December 11, 2013 09:28 AM |
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After some of the patrons asked Zayl to play a little more, he started another tune, one of the maskolvian dances. few of the patrons took the tavern maids for a dance. after the dance was over everyone gave a loud applause. Zayl stood up and bowed to the patrons. He then raised his glass, and saluted the people in the inn. Zayl then placed his guitar in it's case and opened the envelope. in it were some documents with the Hanger's orders, several photo's and a letter from his contact in the Czar's army. Boris, which was the old cossack's name, wrote:
"The rumors about Varigsson being hired are confirmed. He should be ariving shortly to Ivangrad. My sources said that he travels under a guise of a banker or a merchant named Snorri Boreksson. Seek him out. his skills should be able to help you. But, be prepared to empty your coin purse as he's expensive. The brotherhood will provide any expenses on this. Try to appeal to his greed, promise more than those stupid bajorins did. as of them, I'll deal with them shortly after you've read this letter.
Also, The brotherhood found a young half elf lad or lass for any other things that the operation will require. don't worry about his or her gender, it's quite confusing. I bet a thousand rubles that even your associate Skarrghus won't be able to tell what the heck he is. He should be also arriving shortly if not already arrived. that contraption of his is worth it's salt I'll tell you. I'll contact you again if something else comes up."
Zayl placed the letter in his coat's backpocket. Skar bid farewell to his kin and returned to Zayl with a half empty keg of leaf bitter.
- Puor me some of that- Zayl said as he handed the glass to Skar.
- So, what we're up to?
- First, finding Varigsson and making him an offer he can't refuse. Second, wait for this half-elf Boris mentioned.
- I think I saw some people like that entering the tavern.
- Varigsson goes under the name of- He looked at the letter again- Snorri Boreksson.
- Allright. I'll go get to see him now.- Skar left the table and approached the bar where the dwarf and the half-elf sat.
- Snorri Boreksson?- The canian asked.- My associate wishes to discuss business with you. urgently.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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War-overlord
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Presidente of Isla del Tropico
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posted December 11, 2013 02:02 PM |
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Skalf looked up at the Canian from his ale. He'd been drinking all night, but due to the weakness of Human alebrewing and the prodigious Dwarf resistance to alcohol, he was nowhere near tipsy yet.
"What kind of business would that be, friend?"
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Vote El Presidente! Or Else!
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted December 11, 2013 02:16 PM |
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Skar tried to sound as courteus as he could.
- The business maskolvian bajorins payed you for. My associate is sure that he can top over their any offer, but he'd like to talk to you face to face.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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War-overlord
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Presidente of Isla del Tropico
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posted December 11, 2013 03:05 PM |
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Skalf downed the contents of his tankard and handed it to the owner with the clear indication he wanted it refilled.
"I'm not quite sure I fully understand your regional terminology. But a banker who scoffs at businessoppertunities is soon out of them."
Skalf hopped off of the stool and grabbed his cane. By that time the owner had refilled his drink an stood it on the bar where he had been but a moment earlier.
"Would ye hand me my drink?" he asked the Canian.
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Vote El Presidente! Or Else!
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted December 11, 2013 04:00 PM |
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Skar did not liked the aditude of the dwarf towards him, but then again he's been on a higher step of society so he is probably used to boss people around like this, or made a quite good act about it. Never the less, Skar begrudgingly handed the dwarf his tankard of ale.
- Now if you'll follow me- Skar said and led the dwarf to Zayl's table. Zayl was just pouring himself some leaf bitter to his glass.
- Ah, mister Snorri, welcome. Or should I say mister Skalf? Your acts may convince the smallfolk and dumb bajorins alike, but The Brotherhood has eyes and ears everywhere. Have a seat, and let's discuss business. do not worry about anyone hearing us. the lads here drinking have just finished the rye harvest, so the only things interest them are tavern wenches and samogon. I hear that a small amount of Bajorins offered a hefty sum to take down the hanger. well, a noble intent indeed, but with the current political situation we just can't find the general dead with a gun wound in his old wretched body. also, the bajorins that promised the money, won't be able to pay you. they weren't intending to cheat you as far as I know, but as we speak, my good associate Boris leads a band of his cossacks to arrest and exile the bajorins who arranged the assassination, claiming that they were planning a coup. And with some convincing documents, this claim is true. If the young Czar is merciful, the bajorins will toll away in the taiga logging camps until their deaths. If he's not however, they will get a meeting with the headsman's axe.- Zayl smiled under his mask and downed the glass. as he poured himself another one he continued to speak- The deal is simple. I offer you to work for the Brotherhood for a while. for this operation we'll compensate the sum you were promised, and make it double. crowns, sovereigns or anvils as we call them, gems, gold ingots or whatever currency you'll ask for. I might even call in a few favors and we'll wipe your deed records if you'd wish to retire from your craft. And before you say anything, no, we won't betray or kill you. so far you have been useful to preserving the balance within the realms. we need people like you these days esspecially. But the general's death must not be from a bullet nor a sword or arrow. however, his liutenants may die anyway you please. Do you understand. we quell this rebellion, everybody wins and you walk off with a cart of gold. So, what is your answer sir dwarf?- Zayl said as he downed another glass.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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War-overlord
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Presidente of Isla del Tropico
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posted December 11, 2013 04:59 PM |
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"It seems I need a new alias." Skalf replied gruffly. Before making any further comments, Skalf took out his pipe and proceeded to light it. It was, without a doubt, a gesture to gain some time. He puffed a few times on it, smacking his lips behind his beard in the process.
"Would you have tried to simply buy me out, I would have refused you. A hired assassin who is known for contract breach has little business. But the imminent arrest of my clients, puts another light on the matter."
Skalf leaned back, took a large, slurping sip of his ale and puffed a on his pipe some more.
"If my person is implied in the arrest, in the documents or in the rumours that will inevitably start to surround the arrest, any deal we reach is off the table. Without refunds."
Skalf leaned back in.
"But before we discuss the terms of an agreement I must know what it is you require of me."
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Vote El Presidente! Or Else!
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kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted December 11, 2013 05:48 PM |
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Edited by kipshasz at 18:00, 11 Dec 2013.
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- As I said, no one in here will betray or kill you. For example If we wanted you dead, I'd personally would poison your food or drink without you even catching a glimpse of me. But this is not about making threats. Your persona will remain unnoticed in these events that are currently happening in Ivangrad, and even if the bajorins will testify that you are the one they hired, they will be brushed off as gibberish. we got that covered. The brotherhood has made as well as unmade kings, and no one even found out about it. And as I said, the general cannot be found murdered by any weapon, but his loyal bunch of ass kissers can. He's got about ten of them. If we want maskolvia's military to remain strong and not in dissarray, we need to remove those people and install new ones, innovative ones, loyal to the Czar and it's people. It's all political, and complicated. We're men of action, although our methods may differ.- Zayl paused for a moment and took a ate a slice of sausage with dark bread, before pouring himself and Skar some leaf bitter.
- You should try maskolvian starka or samogon. whichever. this ale is just water as you may have noticed- Zayl said- Well, back to business, all you need to do is to kill those ten liutenants of the Hanger. And you'll get all the money your little heart desires. a simple task with a man of your skill is it not?
Zayl nodded at an elf who eavesdropped on their conversation. Skar rose up, went to the man, padded him on the shoulder and said something in the old canian tongue.
- What did he said?- The scared man asked. some elves spread the rumor about canians who on certain moons go out to human settlements and feast on newborn babes and their blood.
- My associate says you pointy ears do not belong here. He doesn't like you and wishes to talk outside.
- I didn't do nothing wrong!
- To him, being an elf is a reason good enough. did you know that elves used to skin canians and wear their furs as cloaks during the Dark Ages? You'd rather go outside, 'cause my friend does not wish to disturb the festivities of the hard working lads here.
- But but but...
Zayl aimed his pistol at the elf
- Now.
The elf was shaking, but followed Skar outside.
- I'm sorry, there was someone listening to us. But he won't tell anyone. My associate will take care of it.- He spun the gun and placed it back in it's holster.- A dwarven made pepper box pistol. a nifty piece of weaponry, wouldn't you agree. I prefer it more over a revolver, but then again, guns aren't my preferred weapon. They give a big boom, and gives away your position. So as I said, your task, for this operation will be to kill off those liutenants. there's a catch though. You'll need to work with the Brotherhood for a little while longer. not to worry about it, you'll get payed, and as I mentioned you may retire someplace nice after that, without any records of your past. you may take up a new identity as wll if you wish. My colleagues can arrange that. so? Do you agree?
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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