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 In the Empire, no city shines as bright as Altdorf, Imperial capital, home to Emperor Karl-Franz, the great temple of Sigmar, the colleges of magic, the most powerful guilds etc. etc. And like everything that shines brightly, it also attracts all sorts of... people. They come for all different kinds of reasons. Sure, most because the hope to make money, one way or another, but some come to see the grand sights of the grandest cities, and some come because they call Altdorf home. Among those currently capital-bound are the following seven:
 The Quickest Tankard, a coaching inn about two days' march from Altdorf It is a chilly early spring day that is slowly nearing its end. There may still be an hour, maybe two before the sun sets, but The Quickest Tankard is almost guaranteed to be the last safe quarter you'll find for the night as the road up ahead enters a thick strip of forest separating you from your destination, Altdorf. Reidar and Leopold Reidar has arrived first and already made the acquaintance of the innkeeper Gustav, a man as talkative as he is fat. "Welcome! Welcome to The Quickest Tankard! Hartwig, prove our good name true and draw one for the fellow. You look thirsty, you must be! You've come to the right place. We good drink and food and rooms for the night. Have a seat, here by the fireplace, nice and warm after a day out in the cold, right? Is the beer ready, Hartwig?" In the bar room some other guests have already arrived as well as some that seem to be about to leave, no doubt in the coach in the front courtyard that had several men repairing one of its wheels. And indeed, soon after Reidar has sat down, they are asked outside by the two coachmen. Before leaving, the two walk to two other men in the barroom, warning them not to drink too much, but it already seems to be too late for their colleagues who are well drunk already. After the group leaves, the bar room suddenly is rather empty. Then, the door opens and at first it seems like a stablehand is entering, but it is Leopold who had spent the last couple of hours trying to catch up to the person up ahead on the road, but failed to do so before Reidar had reached the inn. Leopold is greeted just as warmly and verbosely as Reidar (and anyone else, in fact) and quickly sat next to the dwarf. "He needs some company and to you he'll be better than the others, I'm sure", Gustav whispers jokingly to them. He might be right about the others, though. The two coachmen are speaking almost to the alcohol level where they speak a language only the two of them understand. In the corner, near a window sits a young man with a long aquiline nose that is stuck deep into a heavy tome who answers to Gustav's inquiries only with "hmm" and "nngh". At a table close to the stairs up to the balcony above the bar sits an incredibly tall woman, her blond mane bursting in all different direction where not contained by her leather cap. She's dressed in black leather and unsmilingly seems to scan the room again and again. At least she's more talkative than the other fellow, humoring Gustav with "yes", "no" and "noneofyerbusiness" for answers. Then another man enters the bar room, appearing through a door on the balcony above the bar and coming down the stairs. He wears a lace-trimmed shirt and embroidered, colorful jacket and trousers. His blond curls are well-kempt and trimmed precisely to just brush his shoulders. A blond twirled mustache on his upper lip looks stylish to Leopold, but like a puny attempt to Reidar. "Oho! Some new faces", he exclaims at the sight of Leopold and Reidar with a thick Breton accent. "Mesamis, you don't mind? I long for someone more bavard. Besided I think I already got everything out of them on the coach", he continues as he joins you at your table. "Michel is my nom. You en route to Altdorf as well?" Sathren and Yavandir Not long ago, Yavandir had come up to Sathren on his ride towards Altdorf. After travelling all day without company, he was welcome company, especially since he was a fellow elf, even if it meant to slow down to a pace the student could keep up with on foot. You just arrived in the inn's courtyard where a stablehand asks to take care of Yavandir's horse and guides you away from the crowd loading and boarding a big coach. "You're going to Altdorf, right?", the stablehand asks as he helps Yavandir off his horse. "They's going the other way or you could have asked if they have room for you", he tells Sathren before catching himself and suddenly speaking in a far more resolute voice: "Of course you're better off here at The Quickest Tankard! We have the best drink, food, and rooms this side of Altdorf!" He's taking the horse's reins from Yavandir holding an open palm out towards him. Aishe, Sarvesh and Alane Alane and Sarvesh had met earlier in the day. The heiress had caught up to the dwarf and decided it was better not to overtake him and travel together. They initially had not much to say to one another until a small road joined the one they were on and the sound of song came from further down that road. Stopping out of curiosity, they soon saw Aishe and joined with her on the road to Altdorf. The storyteller made for good company and better conversation and entertainment than Alane and Sarvesh had on their own. Now that the day is nearing its end, an inn has come into sight. You approach the open gate as you hear yelling. "Alright, let's go! About time we got going again!" You hear the cracking of a whip or something similar and the sound of hooves. As you get closer to the gate, you see a big coach accelerating right towards you. Welcome everyone! Please post your character sheet or a link to it in your first post and keep that updated! Put your character's name in bold at the top of your post. Whether or not you want to follow me in bolding speech is up to you. frankenfreak fucked around with this message at 23:48 on Sep 19, 2017 |
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Sep 19, 2017 23:16
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reserved just in case
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Sep 20, 2017 07:47
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Aishe of the River "-and that's how I found out that rhubarb's no joke to a Halfling." Aishe claps her hands together. "And let me tell you, it was worth learning. The rhubarb pies alone-" Oh poo poo, carriage. Her eyes widen for an instant, and then she dives out of the way, hoping that the dirt and grass will be softer than being hit by a carriage. She may be used to riverboats, but any time at all on the roads has taught her a healthy respect and fear for coaches, and an intuitive understanding of one of the basic facts of momentum: a big coach doesn't stop on a Guilder. quote:WS 24, BS 41, S 32, T 39, Ag 44, Int 41, WP 35, Fel 50
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Sep 20, 2017 14:58
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 Reidar "Ah, the pleasure is all mine, friend! Please join us!" Reidar cried out, flashing a toothy smile at the newcomer. "I am, of course, Reidar. You seem to be from far afield, so perhaps you've not heard of my exploits! Yes, I am indeed travelling to Altdorf. I've some business there, you see." Reidar gestures to Leopold. "And this is, er, Fritz, was it? I believe he is a purveyor of land. Our drinks will be on his tab, I'm sure."
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Sep 20, 2017 16:04
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Alane of House Norovir Alane nods, responding to her fellow elf, "Mm, indeed. For all of their... less savory foolishness, I will admit that the Halflings possess some measure of skill when it comes to the baking and consumption of pies. I must admit some affection to their—" A scant moment slower to act than Aishe, Alane still manages to gracefully spin to the side of the road to avoid the charging coach and even dance out of the way of the brunt of the road muck that was kicked up by its passage. What else would one expect from an elf of such breeding and consummate skill? Levelling a withering stare at the vehicle as it passes by, she says indignantly, "Have some care, you fool!"
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Sep 20, 2017 21:03
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Leopold von Bek At the mention of his name, Fritz looks up and barks, hopeful for a table scrap or a pat on the head. Leopold gestures at him to settle down before turning to Reidar. "I'm sure he'd buy you a beer if he could, but he never carries much coin on him." As Leopold speaks to the dwarf, he gives him a quick once-over, paying particular attention to the obvious finery of his clothes. "I'll cover the first round on his behalf, though. I'm Leopold, come from Talabecland." Leopold turns his seat to face the newcomer. "And yes, I'm travelling to Altdorf, if that's what you mean, seeking my fortune and all that." Leopold thinks back to his past travels, trying to work out where Michel's odd way of speaking mark him as coming from. This inn is the furthest he's ever travelled from Talabecland, though, so that doesn't really help him. "But what about you? I'm sure you must have quite a story, to have come so far from, uh, your home."
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Sep 20, 2017 22:17
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Yavandir Sirah After rummaging for a moment he pulls out a silver piece and gives it to the man. "Hopefully this will be enough to ensure you take good care of her." He takes a moment to point at the slightly ragged appearance of his horse. "I fear I have may have pushed her too hard on the way here and would like to make sure that she is all ready for tomorrow." Assuming that was all he needed to do in regards to stabling he turned back to Sathren. "Considering just how dangerous the next stretch of road is you may want to look into getting a horse or something. I am sure a man driven carriage will get you there eventually but I am sure having grown up in the wilderness you would be able to more easily master a horse."
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Sep 21, 2017 01:19
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Sarvesh Ironbaker Sarvesh plodded along the road with the two elves, listening to their stories with rapt attention. How lucky he was, to find such people so knowledgeable about the empire. And then... they were gone. He saw the coach barreling towards him as well and he followed them into the ditch by the side of the road. Once the coach was safely by, he stood up, offering the elves a hand. "You alright? Those idiots are gonna break an axle or wheel if'n they ain't careful. And I ain't sure I'm gonna help them."
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Sep 21, 2017 02:00
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The Gate You get out of the way as the coach barrels by mercilessly. Even over the rumbling of its wheels you can hear the coachmen cursing you for almost getting in the way. At least you can now safely enter the inn's courtyard. The Courtyard The stablehand's eye grow big at the sight of a whole silver piece put into his hands. "I will make sure to take the best care of your horse, sir", he says with a big smile, "I will even feed her some of the special hay and grasses mix usually reserved for the horses of the Four Seasons coaches. Oh, but don't tell anyone." He bows before Yavandir and takes the horse away to the stable where you can see four horses already being taken care of. Next to the stable another coach is parked that looks rather well-traveled, its coat of paint that shows the insignia of the Ratchett coaching company weathered, dull and cracked. The Bar Room "Moi, I come from Bretonnia. I used to travel the realm nord to sud for money, fighting for this or that lord. Did a good enough job to make good enough money to quit. Since then I travel for pleasure, not business", Michel explains, "but I feel like I've seen all Bretonnia has to offer, but the Empire is new and exciting to me. You, of course, might disagree, but if we were in Bretonnia, I would just be the other way around." He laughs as he pulls out a deck of cards. "It's a generous offer to buy this round and I thank you. Now we could take turns buying or could make things a bit more... exciting!", he continues as he starts shuffling the cards, "a simple card game, loser pays the next round. Interested? Or would you prefer to play for coin instead of drink?"
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Sep 21, 2017 17:45
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Alane of House Norovir After a few moments of indignant elvish patter — Didn't they know who she was? How dare they! She'd refer the matter to her father's legal counsel! — Alane regains her cool and favors her companions with a winning smile. She continues, as if none of the prior events had happened at all, "Well then! It seems that this is as fine an establishment as any that we can hope to find after a dusty day of travel. Perhaps we can share a toast? To chance meetings and safe travels, among any others you may wish to make."
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Sep 21, 2017 18:16
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Reidar Riedar chuckles. "I'd be delighted to have you buy us drinks, my friend!"
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Sep 21, 2017 22:44
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Sarvesh Ironbaker "Aye, a long drink of cold water'd do much to wash away the troubles of the road. And mebbe some fresh bread and roasted... anything really." Sarvesh makes a futile attempt to brush the dust off his travel-stained clothing and heads into the courtyard of the inn, looking for a well.
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Sep 21, 2017 23:10
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Leopold von Bek "Sorry, I'm not much of a gambler. So, is there anywhere in particular either of you're headed to in Altdorf?"
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Sep 21, 2017 23:53
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Aishe Aishe brushes herself off, taking special care to get all the dust off her apparently endless, ridiculous and ornate ouroboros of scarves and bells, tinkling faintly as she does. "A toast sounds more than fine to me - especially if someone else will pay for it. Well, we'll see if I can't make some friends that'll handle that part for us." Aishe hasn't paid for a drink in several months now. She flourishes her scarf and heads into the courtyard, entirely unconcerned with the ditch-dive now that it's over. She's already planning her new mystique to go with the dust. A little dust on clothes as fine as hers can be made to work.
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Sep 22, 2017 01:57
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Sathren Birdsong Sathren smiles warmly at Yavandir, speaking to the genuine fondness the student has for the outrider, despite knowing each other only briefly. "Horses have their uses, of which travel is but one. You spend enough time with animals, however, it becomes more difficult to see them as just beasts of burden." He raises his hands and spreads them wide, his smile growing a bit wider. "Of course, my attitude may change if I ever get the wealth to afford something like that." He motions his head to the well-weathered coach beside the stable, along with the insignia on it he doesn't quite recognize. He does his best to catch up to the stable-hand. "Pardon, boy, but whose coach is that? I've been trying to learn the signs and symbols of the fair Empire, but that one eludes me."
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Sep 23, 2017 04:39
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Yavandir Sirah After nodding in appreciation at the stablehand his attention turned back to Sathren. "I never said you shouldn't value your mount as more often then not they will be the one who helps keep you alive." With that said he turns his attention to the slowly darkening sky. "Anyway I will be heading inside to grab something to eat before turning in for the night. Since I know no one here I would be more then happy to eat with you tonight." With nothing else to do he made his way into the inn. He was surprised to see that among the crowd were a few elves, one of which looked vaguely familiar. Brushing off that sense of deja vu as just a sign of fatigue he went to the counter to order himself something quick to eat as well as a room so that he could just focus on enjoying himself rather then worrying about accommodations.
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Sep 25, 2017 19:06
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Sathren Birdsong "I would like that," Sathren says with a smile, and he follows the fellow elf into the inn. Although it was good to be traveling with one of his kinfolk, he still felt like a stranger in a strange land. This Yavandir fellow seemed much more experienced and seasoned in the world and knew what he was talking about; it would be wise to heed his advice. It was a bit like having a guide to Altdorf. They would probably part ways eventually once they arrived in the Imperial capital, but until then it was best not to travel alone. The Human world was not Sathren's, and he was far from his home in Laurelorn Forest. He had already seen more of the world in the last few days and ventured farther than the great majority of his people. The one truth he had learned was that life was harsh in these lands, and full of danger. He follows Yavandir's lead for the lack of any other idea of what to do, all the while gawking at otherwise mundane objects. "How far do you reckon it is to Altdorf?" he asks Yavandir when he gets a chance. "Have you been there before? What's it like?" His curiosity has no subtlety about it.
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Sep 26, 2017 21:00
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The Courtyard "Ah! That's the great Four Seasons line of Altdorf, sir", the stableboy absentmindedly answers Sathren's question about the coach before catching his mistake, "No, wait. The Four Seasons coach just left. This one over here belongs to the Ratchett line, also of Altdorf and headed to Altdorf tomorrow. Apologies, sir, hectic day today, hard to keep up with what's going on." With that he leaves to finally do something he knows and is comfortable with: taking care of horses. The Bar Room "I'm en route to Altdorf with the beautiful coach you can see in the courtyard and these wonderful people", Michel tells Leopold, gesturing to the studious fellow by the window, the mean-looking lady near the stairs and the two drunk coachmen who seem to notice and raise their cups to him, "I'll be honest, it's good to have some other company." "Now let's get playing, shall we?", he says to Reidar before turning to Leopold again, "It's your loss if you'd rather pay for your drinks." He laughs. "You can still join if you change your mind." Then he begins to explain the rules of his card game. It's simple enough and in Reidar's estimation involves more luck than skill. Meanwhile as the others enter the inn from the courtyard, they are greeted by the innkeeper Gustav just as enthusiastically and verbosely as everyone else. "Good choice stopping here, best ale and best stew this side of Altdorf! Hartwig! Pour another pint! Here, have a seat! If it's conversation you seek, you'll best sit with these fine people!" He herds you towards the table Reidar, Leopold and Michel are sitting at and pulls another one next to it, so everbody has a place. Even the two coachmen start to get interested in all the new arrivals and join you. Michel is delighted. "Ah, a good day to you all! We were just about to play a card game here. Loser to buy the next round for everyone who's playing. If you want to save some money, there's no better way to do it! Or maybe you're just in it for the fun and excitement? It doesn't matter, everyone's invited to play!" As you settle in, a young woman in very plain grey clothes, a shirt, a skirt, an apron, comes down the stairs. Over the commotion, you can barely hear her quiet voice tell Gustav: "Lady Isolde will be ready to dine in a few minutes. Please be ready to serve as soon as she comes down." The woman sits down at the same table as the tall, strong lady dressed in black leather, making for quite a contrast between the two. "The Lady shall will have the finest my house has to offer", Gustav replies with his unyielding enthusiasm, "and the quickest and best service you'll find within a league up or down this road!" He turns to waddle towards the door behind the bar, then stops and exclaims into the room: "So do all of you, of course. By my honor, I treat all my guests as if they were the Emperor himself!" He lets out a raucous laugh as he disappears through the door. As mentioned above, the game is largely luck. Everybody who wants to play should roll 1d100 and include it their post. Whether each player chooses to drink ale or watered wine, both costs 2 pennies per. (reminder: 12 pennies are 1 silver and 20 silver shillings a gold piece) While Gustav suggest you join the group assembling around Michel, you're of course free to choose elsewise.
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Sep 26, 2017 22:06
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Aishe Aishe never pays for her own drinks, as a point of principle. She happily pulls up a chair, keeping one pointed ear out for interesting discussions (such as the knowledge of one Lady Isolde being present) but focuses on the group at hand, smiling widely. "I'm Aishe of the River, and it's a pleasure to meet you all! I bring you news from across the Empire and beyond, if you care to listen! Tales from my journeys from far Ulthuan's fair shores to the wonders of Araby! All of it true, seen by these two eyes!" She shifts slightly to flutter her scarves and draw the eye. "Listen now, because in Stirland, the wine has begun to turn! Wurtbad's grapes, they say, have been souring! I heard it myself from a vintner in that city, who swore to me that the Von Carsteins are behind it! I believe him, too, for he took me to the vineyards, and there we witnessed something that will chill you to your bones." She lowers her voice to a husky whisper, leaning in closer. "Ghouls! The eaters-of-the-dead! We saw them flee the vineyard, heading for the gardens of Morr, beyond the hot springs! Why, naturally, we gave chase, being brave - and fortified by wine, I must say. But we lost sight of them as they ran. So you have heard it now, and on my honor and birth, I do not lie! The accursed powers that lurk behind the Von Carstein walls have come for revenge on Stirland, and they would curse the very wine you drink! It would not be the last I saw of the terrors of death in Wurtbad, however! Why, the tales I could tell you of what I saw when I was graced with the chance to try the waters of the hot springs there..." She leans back, brushing a few strands of hair behind one ear. "But my throat is dry from the dust of the road, and it hurts to talk so as I watch you play!" Successful Common Knowledge (Empire) check to see if I know anything about Lady Isolde. Int 41, +10% from Seasoned Traveler. I could make Charm and/or Perform (Storyteller) checks to get free drinks, I guess??? Do I need to?
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Sep 26, 2017 22:44
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Sarvesh Ironbaker Sarvesh draws a bucket of water from the well and takes a long drink, to ease his thirst. Then he uses some of the water to wash away the dust of the road and his recent spill. After that, he draws a second bucket, and fills up his tankard with the cool water and heads in to the inn to find a some food. Seeing his travelling companions sitting at a crowded table, he moves nearby to join them. Just in time to hear the beginning of Aishe's story. "The dead walk? Here in the heart of the Empire?" he asks, horrified. "He slides his tankard over to Aishe. "Twas a long journey today, here, this will refresh you..."
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Sep 27, 2017 14:36
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Alane of House Norovir Alane likewise joins the table, but unlike her more performative companion, she chooses to stake her coin in the table's game of chance. As a representative of the Norovir Trading Company, she has oft had the opportunity to wine and dine with people of financial import, if not strictly political. Despite the evening's companions seeming less promising to develop positive relations with than, say, a prospective client, who can say what opportunities might open with their good cheer? Potentially shaky reasoning, she'd admit, but it was enough to justify dipping into her pouch of coin and filing a claim for reimbursement upon her return. It was, of course, simply the cost of doing business! She pays little heed to her fellow elf's wild tales, but, in a show of solidarity, says little to gainsay her stories. She was sure that any such developments in the vineyards would have reached the company's ears, so since she hadn't heard any such tales confirmed... Well, who cared so long as she put her talents to use exciting the humours of the lesser beings? Raising a frothy mug of the innkeep's ale, she said, "To chance encounters and new friends! Where do the roads take you all?" Turning her attention to the game, she looks intently at her cards, then at the table, then back at the cards. Her brow furrowed slightly with concentration as she analyzed her hands. The exact rules seemed somewhat unclear, but this was an excellent hand if she remembered the hasty explanation correctly. Or, perhaps, the worst. The complexities of this odd game were surprising. Gambling: 1d100 2
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Sep 27, 2017 18:24
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Reidar Reidar looks skeptically at the suddenly arriving elves, then smiles. "I, of course, am Reidar, and need no introduction, only drink! Gambling: 1d100 51 Human beer was nothing to be overly excited about, but cards were always worthwhile. The elf lass' story drew his attention, and when she stopped to beg for ale, he interjected with a story of his own. "When I was travelling Stirland, I heard tales of those monsters that dine on men, and for a time I thought to pay them no heed. It was not till I stopped at a particularly ill-omen inn that I was convinced otherwise. I came upon the small, darkened structure as the sun set behind me, and I could see the tiny flames of candles in the windows, but little more. The 'Flock of Sheep', she was called, and it seemed that few were patronizing it that particular evening, save some particularly unsavory sorts. Nevertheless, I had no fear, and resolved myself to a drink, a bath, and a good, long sleep. The barman was a hulking sort; pale, stiff, slow, and the furthest thing from verbose. I stepped up in my usual style, calling for my drink. Now, I am a dwarf used to stares, but I must say, the eyes that fell upon me in the silence of that moment came in many unnatural shades of yellows and reds, and I swear that I did see the glint of fang! I set towards the low fire, one hand on my drink, and the other upon my blade, every hair upon my face bristling. Well, I had hardly taken a sip of my drink when I felt a lady's fingernails brushing against my neck, and I nearly spat! I spun to find a voluptuous older woman, her fanged ivories glistening in the candlelight as she grinned. I thought as that moment I was assuredly dead, but well..." Reidar laughs hugely.
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Sep 27, 2017 19:06
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Sathren Birdsong Sathren is delighted by how inviting the barkeep is, not yet inured to the eagerness by which humans will seek to procure coin. He happily orders a pint of ale and settles in with Michel, Leopold, Reidar and the rest and listens intently to the tale related by Aishe, and then the one by Reidar. His eyes widen at the mention of ghouls and curvy vampires, all quite fantastic to his ears. He knew some things about the supernatural, but only through books, not direct experience -- even if his home was alien to the Empire, despite being within it. "No fair leaving us hanging," he says to Reidar, taking a sip of beer. "Is this 'Stir-Land' you speak of near to Altdorf? I would wager we're pretty safe here so close to the capital, yes?" Speaking of wagers, he decides to enter the card game, eager to enjoy some leisure after the long trip. He handles the cards awkwardly, holding each delicately between his fingers. Gambling: http://orokos.com/roll/554020
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Sep 28, 2017 18:52
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Waiting Joe Jostar and Hunt11 to check in before resolving the gambling. Speaking of, if you're trained in gambling, you can add +10 the roll; there is still a little skill involved. I'll add it to Reidar's rolls since he's he's got that skill. Aishe You pick up from the conversation that her full name is Isolde von Strudeldorf. You don't know anything about her in particular, but the Strudeldorfs are famously numerous, occupying low-ranking posts in the Imperial administration and armies seemingly everywhere despite the family holding little more than the eponymous village out in Wissenland. As for free drinks, Aishe could rely on Sarvesh to continue sharing his drink with her. Otherwise, she might get someone else to pay with a few well-placed words. Maybe not Michel - your instincts tell you he wouldn't go for it. A Charm check seems reasonable. The coachmen might be a possible target, but might not pick up on subtle prodding. You could try another PC, although then I'd leave it up to the respective player how to react but ask them to respect Aishe's Charm check, especially if she knocks it out of the park. As mentioned, Michel doesn't seem like the type to buy you a drink out of the goodness of his heart. The other guest don't seem to be interested in you anyway. Finally, there's Gustav who might be amenable to letting you have a free drink or two as long as you keep people in the bar room and drinking. The Bar Room And then Lady Isolde arrives on the scene. She gracefully descends the stairs, dressed in a fashionable green dress, embroidered with golden floral patterns, and with an outrageously tall hat decorated with a lot of flowers. Her face is unblemished and looks young, and quite possibly really is, with a sharp chin and jawline, thin lips, a small snub nose and narrow eyes. Halfway down the stairwell she stops and takes a look around the bar room with piercing eyes. She does not seem to like what she sees, her face turning into a disgusted scowl. The two women at the table nearest to the stairs rise to their feet and the young, mousy one pulls up a chair, offering Lady Isolde to sit down. Gustav bows as he spots Isolde and puts the pints he was about to serve back down and disappears into the kitchen behind the bar. Lady Isolde sits down quietly, her scowl turning into a curt smile as she seems to thank the young girl for helping her with the seat. Gustav returns from the kitchen with a big plate. "Milady, let me offer you today's treat, a pork roast, er... I can't dishonor myself by lying, no matter how insistent the cook is about telling you this was a roast with sauce. It is a pork and vegetable stew, but we had this big whole piece of pork that the cook specifically prepared for you. So with the best regards of Gustav Fundelburger, Martin Hammelkoch and everybody here at The Quickest Tankard, I am humbled to serve you dinner." The innkeeper places the plate in front of her and takes another bow. Isolde doesn't care for his words and courtesy and turns her interest to her dinner, starting to eat slowly and quietly.
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Sep 28, 2017 22:41
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Leopold von Bek As the first elf enters the tavern, Leopold can barely conceal his surprise. He remembered his brother Ulrich once telling him that he'd met an Elf in Talabheim, but he hardly expected to ever see one himself, especially not in a roadside tavern of all places. By the time the fourth elf had entered and sat down at the same table as him, he was frozen stiff from the shock, staring rigidly ahead of himself. This would be a story to tell his grandchildren, if he lived long enough to have any. When the well-dressed elf with the sword at her side joins the conversation, he can't avoid a stutter entering his voice. "I-I'm headed into Altdorf, same as most people here seem to be. You too?" When the wild-looking elf starts asking about the state of the Empire, Leopold relaxes slightly. At least this is something he knows a little about. "Stirland's one of the provinces - it borders on the Reikland, where Altdorf is. The way I've heard it, the walking dead mostly come to Stirland from Sylvania, which is far out to the east, but Wurtbad is pretty close to the Reikland border. If they've come that far west, that's not good." Leopold pauses, and shrugs. "But they won't get much further, I think. Reikland's the Emperor's own home, and he wouldn't stand for monsters like miss Aishe saw fouling it up." As the Lady Isolde's servant announces her arrival to the innkeeper, Leopold looks around at the table, counting the heads, and then down at his small bag of coins. Reluctantly, he pulls out a silver shilling and a few pennies. "I suppose one game won't hurt. Deal me in, Michel." Gambling: 1d100 14 As the lady Isolde descends the stairs, Leopold takes a swig of his beer, and looks up from his cards to Michel and the two coachmen. "So, what's the story with her ladyship? It's not often you see someone like her come into a country tavern like this." Sorry for the slow reply.
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Oct 1, 2017 15:45
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Alane of House Norovir Alane nods at the farmer, "I am indeed. It's been many weeks since I've been home. I'm on my way back from the depths of The Moot. I was..." Her face takes on a look of distaste for a moment, then her smile covers it once more as if nothing had happened. "It was to negotiate a trade agreement. Their hospitality is quite peculiar, I shall say, and I will speak no more of it." Her eyes drift down to the large beast at the man's feet. "Aha! What a large canine you have. Is he friendly?"
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Oct 2, 2017 18:00
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The Bar Room The card game is quite tense. If you were playing to see who wins, it wouldn't be - Reidar is pretty much coasting from the start. But since you want to find out the loser, it's still a tight affair. Leopold, Alane and Michel are caught in the race to the bottom. Leopold gets a good draw and is safe and it's down to Alane and Michel. The elf just has a streak of terrible luck. Michel's is almost as bad, but as he started from a slightly better position, Alane loses in the end. "Oh, ah, that is not supposed to happen!", Michel says with a laugh after staring at the cards with a stupefied look for a moment. "I am serious. I tried to be a gentleman and not let the beautiful lady lose her first game, but that's the cards for you. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, everytime unpredictable." He collects the cards and starts shuffling the deck. "Everytime a thrill, too, non? It'll be a while to finish this round of drinks, but how about a round of cards in the meantime? With a wager, of course. No wager, no thrill." Alane has to buy the next round for everyone that played. That's 10 pennies total. Michel suggest playing for money, 1 silver ante per player, winner takes the whole pot. If you're in, roll 1d100 again and if you're trained in Gamble, add 10. While even those not playing pay attention to the card game, there's still conversation going on. Leopold finds out that Lady Isolde is traveling to Altdorf with the same coach Michel and the lone fellow reading his book by the window (whose name is Hans, you learn) are travelling on which will be steered by the two fine coachmen present. The two coachmen complain about Lady Isolde's enormous luggage (and it seems they're talking about actual luggage) and her constant complaints. Despite their state, they're smart enough not to say this loud enough for Lady Isolde or her companions to overhear. You also learn that the young girl accompanying her is her servant Jette and the tough lady is her bodyguard Kristin. Michel offers that Lady Isolde is not a very talkative person, but seems to have enjoyed the stories and songs Michel had entertained her with. He says he didn't get much out of her himself. She's going to Altdorf to "take care of family affairs", he quotes.
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Oct 3, 2017 16:10
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Aishe Aishe is not quite charming enough to get free drinks. Besides water, anyway. But she has a policy to never pay for drinks, so... While water is not wine, Aishe still drinks deeply. It's better than nothing. "I swear to you, I saw it with my own eyes! But worry not, things are not so grim as they may seem." Aishe gets into her story again. "The Sylvanians, you see, had their lands given largely to Stirland to manage, now that Sylvania is no longer a full province. It has the Von Carsteins very upset indeed. Oh yes. While I was taking my bath, in fact, in the wonderful waters of Wurtbad, I had the mischance to overhear a plot in the process. It seems the Von Carsteins had contracted a necromancer to manage their ghouls, and she, too, was taking her bath. With the great luck I had to overhear her giving orders to one of her creations - some kind of bat, I believe - I was able to work out much of the plan. You see, they had only weak forces in Wurtbad, but wanted to take out the vineyards...they were planning to bury corpses in the vineyard, animate ones. Zombies to destroy the grapes from the root! A very clever plan, indeed, but..." Aishe flourishes a scarf. "Of course, I, being a loyal citizen of the Empire, could not stand for this! Now, lovely as I may be, I am no warrior - so I went and found a vampire hunter! A honest to goodness vampire hunter! Ah, the battle between the necromancer and the hunter - such a sight! Would that I were a better singer, that I could write a song about it! He fell upon her zombies and ghouls like a hero of old, his crossbow and his blade each flashing bright in the darkness! I regret to say that the necromancer herself escaped, heading for the wilderness between Wurtbad and the Sylvanian border. The hunter, one Maximilian Voormann, gave chase after her before anyone could even thank him for saving the wine! I am sure the Von Carsteins will try again - you know how they are, yes? - but for now, the Wurtbad wines are safe from the taint of death."
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Oct 3, 2017 17:03
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Sathren Birdsong Sathren is delighted that he didn't lose the last round of gambling, even if he didn't win. He takes out one silver piece and antes up. Gambling: http://orokos.com/roll/555338 He hoped that he might win enough to get a free supper, but he also knew that he didn't have much experience as a gambler. He listens halfheartedly to the conversation around him, doing his best to concentrate on the game and track the rules. "This is quite different from the classic games of my people," he muses. "Pick-Up-Sticks is much less intense than this. We don't much do wagering, save for when we come across animals fighting in the wild. I lost quite a deal on that one bear..." He lets out a sigh as he watches the other players, looking for any tells. He raises an eyebrow at Michel, considering the dining Isolde with a side glance. "She looks quite rich, much richer than most of the humans here. She could probably join our game. Why doesn't she?"
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Oct 3, 2017 17:51
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Sarvesh. "Aye, why doesn't the Emperor come down and join us? Would be nice to see him as well." Sarvesh turns and yells over to the barkeep, "Oy, barman! We been on the road all day. How's about some o' that stew? And mebbe another mug o' yer finest water?"
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Oct 3, 2017 17:58
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Alane of House Norovir Alane waves the man's apologies away with a smile on her face, though she privately agreed with his words, "Nonsense! The cards land where they will and surely no man can command them... Is that not right?" Still, she was stubborn and could hardly refuse the challenge when her pride had been injured by her earlier loss. Surely luck would turn in her favor this time! Gambling: 1d100 41
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Oct 3, 2017 19:55
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The Bar Room Michel shakes his head at Sathren's question and smirks at Sarvesh's comment. "Lady Isolde seems to prefer keeping to herself. I like to think that my wit and tales kept her just entertained enough to keep her from telling the coachmen to strap me on top of the van with her luggage." He laughs at his own joke as he remembers to throw in his own ante. "Anyone else?"
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Oct 4, 2017 03:07
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Leopold von Bek "You mean Fritz? Oh, he's a good boy. The worst he's ever done is bite a thief or two, and he's a gentle soul otherwise. So, I take it you're a merchant? " By this point, Leopold has almost finished his second pint, and is beginning to feel it. When Michel suggests a second round of gambling, he downs the rest of his mug and tosses a silver coin into the centre of the table before taking his cards. "Well, it's only a shilling. Deal me in again, Michel." Gambling: 1d100 94 Michel looks up from his cards to Sathren. "Pick-Up-Sticks? Back in Talabecland, we had a game where we'd drop sticks off a bridge on the upstream side, then bet on who's stick would come out first from under the bridge. Is it anything like that?" Jo Joestar fucked around with this message at 03:35 on Oct 4, 2017 |
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Oct 4, 2017 03:24
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Reidar Grinning over his drink and playing his cards with a flourish, Reidar continues his story. The dwarf actually appears to be blushing a bit on the little bit of face not covered in luxurious hair. "Ah well, that, shall we call her 'lady of the night'" the dwarf says, wiggling his eyebrows, "she was a fine lady, of course, but far stronger than I. She took be by the arm, and I had little choice but to follow. I found myself at a private table, set for the Baroness Filia von Geivar, who ruled a small town just across the border, and was in Stirland on business. The inn was a small project of hers. Well, I regaled her with all the tales of my journeys for some hours. Some, I admit, may have been slight exaggerations. She thought them very droll, and so I talked as though my life depended on it, which is most certainly did. Now, I've never been a dwarf known to be short on words, but that night put me to trial, and fatigue of the tongue nearly had overtook me, when i saw through the window that dawn had come. Well, the Baroness at that point decided that she was no longer... hungry, and that I was far too entertaining to put to inconvenience so, much to my surprise, she retired." Reidar is overcome by laughter a moment, "No sooner had she vanished up the stairs that I bolted from the place as fast as my legs would carry me, until my lack of sleep demanded that I stop. I took my respite in a copse of trees. I certainly wasn't going to try another town in that accursed part of the Empire!" "You know, camping like that reminds me of one of my early travelling companions. A large fellow. A... giant, you might say." More Gambling (Trained): 1d100 30
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Oct 4, 2017 04:58
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Yavandir Sirah Still feeling a bit tired from the ride Yavinder was quite content to just watch the other patrons gamble. (Sorry for the absence as I have been trying to catch up on some work and let this slip. I will make a more detailed post when I get back home tonight)
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Oct 6, 2017 12:58
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The Bar Room The two coachmen have been trying hard to follow the ongoing conversation and one of them, named Gunther, throws a silver into the pot. They whisper to each other during the game, seemingly joining their brainpower together to follow the game. Not that it helps, their hand is hopeless. It comes down to Leopold and Michel. It looks like Leopold is taking the pot, but miraculously, Michel's last card is just enough to draw with him. "Lady Luck is with me!", he smiles, "We split the money, Leopold, non?" Now that this tense round is over, conversation starts up again. While Michel is already urging everyone to play another round, the coachmen suddenly pipe up: "Hey, so you folksh are headed to Altdorf, right? Jusht happens we're going that-a way. Dangerous forest up ahead on that lasht shtresh when you're on foot." The other one, a little less slurring, adds: "Volker's right. We could take you to the capital in just one day, too. Might be a bit cramped if you all want in, but we can offer to take you for just - let's say 7 crowns per head." Leopold and Michel split the pot, 3 silver for each. As before, Michel offers another round, again 1 silver ante. The coachmen's offer of 7 gold crowns is generous, well below standard rate which would be at least double. Reidar: You don't believe for one second that Michel drawing Leopold on the last card had anything to do with luck. Alane, Leopold: You feel you could get an even better deal out of the coachmen.
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Oct 8, 2017 20:00
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Sathren Birdsong Sathren gives out a jeer as he loses the latest round of gambling, cursing his rotten luck. "I guess Ronald... Roland... Ranald wasn't with me," he says with a chuckle, trying to remember the local human deities. Undeterred, he throws in another single silver piece to buy his way into the newest round. Gambling: 1d100: 84 http://orokos.com/roll/556834 He casts a sideways glance at the coachmen, a skeptical look on his face. "Seven gold is pretty generous, my friends... I'm very interested." It was true; he was a student and therefore on a tight budget, and seven gold for a coach to Altdorf seemed too good a deal to pass up. "Would you be able to fit so many of us in your coach, however? There is quite a few of us here, and it's possible the two of you are seeing double as well.." He wasn't one to criticize the drinking habits of humans, but these coachmen seemed obviously drunk. It was good to take the edge off, but it was unusual for someone with duties among the Wood Elves to become so intoxicated. He could not help but wonder if the coachmen would be up to the task. He looks back to Michel and Leopold. "Pick-Up-Sticks is a classic children's game: you drop a pile of sticks and see which player can pick up the most the fastest, until none are left. It sounds pretty dull, I admit, but one must make do with what one has..." He shrugs and turns his attention to Reidar. "A giant of a man, you'd say? Aren't most of us giants next to you, dawi?" He says it with a smile, hoping the dwarf is as good-natured as he seems.
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Oct 9, 2017 20:13
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Sarvesh Sarvesh carefully counts his coins again. "Exactly how dangerous is this next stretch, would you say? If we all decide to walk together it might be safe enough... and I would like to save some money for when we reach Altdorf. Figure it might take a week or two to be able to get in to see the palace."
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Oct 9, 2017 22:57
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The Bar Room "Not that long", Gunther replies, "Three days, maybe four on foot. In Theory. It goes through the forest and that's been trouble lately. The roadwardens try their best to keep the route safe, but they can only do so much." Volker butts in: "You should really shink about shish. Coach is faster shan walking. You can get away better when shere'sh trouble brewing." Gunther nods emphatically: "A group of eight might be enough to keep petty bandits away, but you don't look dangerous enough for the serious ones. Let alone what else lurks in these forests that isn't after your coin."
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Oct 10, 2017 22:38
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Aishe "Either way, it's safest to travel together. How many can you fit in your coaches, anyway?" Aishe has no interest in being robbed. She pauses, then turns to Sarvesh. "Wait, you're planning to visit the palace?" She blinks. "Looking like that? Oh no, no, no! You'll need to save your money because you're going need to fancier clothing. Not that yours aren't functional, just - nobles, you know? Don't worry, though - I have seen the fashions at all the courts in the Empire, and beyond!" That's actually not far from being true.
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Oct 11, 2017 16:03
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