Corren & Rowan

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B> </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Corren & Rowan</B>   |   <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Corren Rowan II"><U>Corren & Rowan II</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id115.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Corren Rowan III"><U>Corren & Rowan III</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id116.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Corren Rowan IV"><U>Corren & Rowan IV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id117.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Corren Rowan V"><U>Corren & Rowan V</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Corren Rowan VI"><U>Corren & Rowan VI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id119.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Corren Rowan VII"><U>Corren & Rowan VII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id120.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Corren Rowan IIX"><U>Corren & Rowan IIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id187.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Corren Rowan IIIX"><U>Corren & Rowan IIIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id188.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Epilouge"><U>Epilouge</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Corren & Rowan</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Tis the time of the Harvest Festivals!   Throughout the Kingdom the towns and villages are at the peak of the harvest and with it the great week long festival that celebrates the harvest, gives thanks for its  fruits and provides the opportunity for the farmers to sell their surplus to the various merchants and caravans that travel from faire to faire looking  for the best deals and finest products. Of course this is not the only chance the farmers have to sell their produce, there are weekly farm markets in virtually every town and village of any size, but this is the last big </div> <div> chance of the year and there are more buyers now than at anytime in the growing season.  Even the desert </div> <div> barbarians time their caravans to coincide with this period. The stalls and stands are overflowing with fruits, vegetables, grains,  nuts, ciders, cheeses, eggs and all manner of  summer and fall produce. The stock pens are </div> <div> filled with fat hogs and plump sheep, born last spring and now ready to market. Beside the fresh produce are smoked hams, strings of sausage, sides of bacon and salted beef and mutton. With these are bundles of sheepskins and newly tanned leather, bales of flax to be processed into thread and cloth. The marketplace is also full of stalls peddling finished wares. Everything imaginable can be found for sale, from axes to yarn. Clothing,  tools, weapons, toys for the children, wines, beer, spices even slaves, sold by owners who </div> <div> don't want to feed them through the winter.  The farmers have already stocked up on the food stuffs they'll need for the winter, laid in a supply of seed for the spring and are now looking to turn the fruits of  their labors into some hard cash with which to buy a few luxuries to make the long winter a little more bearable. </div> <div> The next big market festival will be in the spring, that one will feature more finished products, the leather will have been turned into harness and shoes. The flax into cord and cloth, the fruit processed into wine. The spring is also the time of the great wool markets,  though a few bales of wool can still be had during the Harvest Festivals. </div> <bR> <div> For now though, it is Harvest time. The fields are alive with laborers, the roads crowded with laden farm carts and long, dusty caravans from all over Velitrium and the exotic desert cities. Around the towns and larger </div> <div> villages, virtual cities of tents and stalls spring up. Vast corrals are laid out, to hold the livestock for market and the horses, mules and oxen of the farmers and caravans. The air is alive with excitement as merchants,                  farmers and craftsmen hawk and haggle. The Jongeleurs sing and act, performing street magic and drawing crowds in odd corners and in the taverns. Every tavern in the town will have set up temporary quarters on the </div> <div>  fairegrounds, ranging in complexity from push carts with a barrel of beer, to full tents with tables, benches and a bar. Children run from stall to stall, gawking at the wares, clustering around the performers, sometimes selling </div> <div> apples or candied fruits from small wagons, often times doing nothing more than getting in the way. </div> <div> Not everyone is here to do buisness. Many come to browse, shop and socialize. There are games and contests to watch, gamble on and participate in. Archery and crossbow shoots are popular, as are wrestling, boxing, </div> <div> tournament fights, horseracing and animal fights. </div> <bR> <div> We are in the the town of Lendale in the County of Lendale in the Duchy of Argentas. The town is the Count's Seat, or palace and as such it has the largest faire in the county.  The faire will last three days and though set </div> <div> up began yesterday and a lot of buisness has already been transacted, today is the official first day. Count Dumain will announce the opening at eight o'clock. Everybody who is anybody in the County will be here today. </div> <div> The neighboring Counts and the Barons of those villages large enough to have their own faires, make a point of coordinating their faire dates so as not to give undo competition, its bad for buisness and it makes it possible to </div> <div> attend more than one in a season! </div> <bR> <bR> <div> 1st Game Session </div> <div>           Velitrium Campaign: Lendale Faire </div> <div>           PC: Corren </div> <bR> <div>           Missiledine: Greetings </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: so, do you want me to reply here or by e-mail </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: ? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Here is fine, unless you want to write up a more detailed response </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: hmmm.... well, corren will stay in the common tents that evening. are any of his family </div> <div>           around? i presume he traveled here by himself. Corren's plans are to enjoy the faire. drink some beer </div> <div>           and look at pretty girls. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Actual play will begin at 7:30 am, a half hour before the faire's offical opening. This is the </div> <div>           last chance for your character to get shit faced and pass out without unpleasant consequences!:-) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: lol </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: he can't afford to get TOO drunk. no friends to back him up and not that much cash. </div> <div>           Missiledine: As you are gathering your stuff from your flop spot, you can hear a rising excitement from </div> <div>           the crowds outside </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren shrugs on his backpack and stows his gear for travel, shield and spear slung on </div> <div>           his back. axe looped on belt. hands free. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: to continue. <pardon> Corren goes to see what the excitment is about </div> <div>           Missiledine: As you exit the tent you can see that the crowd is moving towards the center of the faire </div> <div>           grounds. From what you can overhear the Count, his family and a passel of notables are arriving in all their </div> <div>           finery Although it is not unusual to see any one of these notables out and about their daily buisness, it is </div> <div>           unusual to see so many together at once.</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay some event is going on. Corren will want to see that. Is there any high ground that </div> <div>           he could use to his advantage? If so, he makes for that. otherwise he joins the press, he is cautious </div> <div>           about pickpockets and doesn't jostle other people too much. </div> <div>           Missiledine: What they were wearing, who they talked to, how they acted will be a source of gossip </div> <div>           through the winter months, so everyone wants to see </div> <div>           Missiledine: No real high ground. The faire ground if level and mostly treeless. The only high points </div> <div>           are the stands for the nobility and wealthy merchants and the like </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Oh. well, corren is less interested in noble frippery, but he is interested in getting a look </div> <div>           at them for future reference. he listens to other peoples comments to match names to faces. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: and if he can snag a beer from a vender in the process, so mush the better.... </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: much </div> <div>           Missiledine: The "streets" through the tents are about thirty feet wide, but are crowded with vendor </div> <div>           carts and piles of merchandise spilling out of the tents </div> <div>           Missiledine: No problem about a beer. Name your poison </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: I liked the sound of that "brown beer" mentioned inthe food file. :-) Corren ambles toward</div> <bR> <div>           the nobles, trying to actt he part of a vetren who has seen it all before, and conciously not trying to be </div> <div>           too eager </div> <div>           Missiledine: Although the offical functions have yet to start most of the important people are already </div> <div>           milling about the upper stands. You easily recognize Count Dumain, he is your ruler. And Baron Luden</div> <bR> <div>           from the Barony of Ebon a part of the County </div> <div>           Missiledine: Listening to others around you, you can pick out Count Lysander of Auratas, a county to </div> <div>           the north and Count Varrius of Neus which lies north and west of Lendale </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. Corren finds a spot where he can stand easy and enjoy his beer. he watches the </div> <div>           crowd as much as the nobles. Any other armed types about? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Others up there include several Barons from Neuss and Auratas </div> <div>           Missiledine: A few. There are town watch and the Count's troops serving as police </div> <div>           Missiledine: There are some royal troops, both pressed into service (in full kit) and some that are out </div> <div>           of armor and clearly here for fun </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: <looking at map> </div> <div>           Missiledine: A few others that look like caravan guards and hired bodyguards </div> <div>           Missiledine: I need to work on the map situation. My original play map is 3' x 4' and highly detailed </div> <div>           Missiledine: It dosen't scan well </div> <div>           Missiledine: I'm working on smaller, scanable maps Missiledine: When they are ready I'll email and</div> <div>           post them </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: i bet. :-) this one is not bad though. there is something to be said for leaving the </div> <div>           geographic details a little fuzzy to it is easier for the GM to just be arbitrary. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Right now, County Lendale is North of the Palood, the great swamp, along the Lendale </div> <div>           river </div> <div>           Missiledine: Oh I know!:-) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. Lysander is the guy in charge of the Wall. I am matching the names you gave me </div> <div>           to the notes in the files. i don't see the Baron luden. but then there are a number of them </div> <div>           Missiledine: In addition the the above mentioned nobles, who are prominently to the front, you can </div> <div>           also see milling about up there, members of Count Dumian's family, several well known merchants </div> <div>           and several Priests of Mitra, one of whom is the Abbot of the Monastary here in town. Father Arlan </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: color is fine either way </div> <div>           Missiledine: No, different Lysander </div> <div>           Missiledine: Barren's Wall is several hundred miles north of here </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren makes note of who theya re so he can recognize them again. got it about </div> <div>           lysander. thanks </div> <div>           Missiledine: After awhile ya gotta reuse a few names! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: they could be cousins! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: :-) </div> <div>           Missiledine: True, a lot of the Velitar nobility is related </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: heh heh. klets not get into the Happy Hapsburg fiasco in europe.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: Not that bad! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: I should hope not, ot else Velitrium would be needing new nobles in a couple decades....</div> <bR> <div>           Missiledine: As the event begins to organise, the Abbot will step to the front to give a blessing and </div> <div>           open the ceremony </div> <div>           Missiledine: Just to confirm, your character is Mitraen, right? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren makes whatever appropriate gesture or obescience is required as he is a </div> <div>           follower of mitra </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: :-) </div> <div>           Missiledine: Right </div> <div>           Missiledine: The crowd quiets down as the Priest raises his hands. Even the Druidic followers settle </div> <div>           down respectfully </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good idea on their part </div> <div>           Missiledine: Father Arlan is well known in the community and well liked by most everyone, even the </div> <div>           non believers </div> <div>           Missiledine: The Priest begins the prayer, calling the Blessings of Mitra down on the Faithful and </div> <div>           giving thanks for the harvest </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren is respectful but cannot help but keep a wary eye out. Mitra will understand, he is </div> <div>           sure. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Though the harvest was pretty good in Lendale, that is not the case through all of </div> <div>           Velitrium. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great either. This is the third poor year in a row for the valley</div> <div>           Missiledine: There are dark rumors that the harvest was even worse in Khun Dhagra, which means </div> <div>           that the coming winter and spring could be bad for the outer settlements. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: or start a war as the the khun look for food. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good prospects for a merc. its a business, you know. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Lendale is a large county on the maps, stretching east all the way to the Monar Mts. Most</div> <bR> <div>           of the eastern area is sparsely populated </div> <div>           Missiledine: It is a common raiding route for Goblin bands and brigands out of Khun Dhagra. If you </div> <div>           head due east, past the chain of forts maintained by the Army, climb the trecherous passes, you will </div> <div>           eventually reach the Gates of Blood that guard the entrance to Khun Dhagra </div> <div>           Missiledine: By the way, please ignore my typos and misspellings, this is more typing then I am used </div> <div>           to!:-) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: ditto </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: I have a second language in typonese Missiledine: The father is a long winded speaker</div> <div>           and drones on for a full twenty minutes </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren listens with half an ear and looks around some. </div> <div>           Missiledine: As he finally winds down he bows to Count Umain and steps aside to let the Noble </div> <div>           speak. There is a hearty applause as the Count steps forward. He is regarded as a fair ruler, taxes </div> <div>           aren't too high and he is a popular war hero from the Rebellion </div> <div>           Missiledine: Count Dumain! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: got it. </div> <div>           Missiledine: The Count begins his speech by welcoming all and sundry, starting with his fellow nobles,</div> <bR> <div>           then the Priests, merchants and craftsmen. Last but not least he welcomes and thanks the peasants </div> <div>           and commone people </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: yay. :-) </div> <div>           Missiledine: He talks to great length about the last year and the accomplishments. A new granary, </div> <div>           rebuilding the bridges.... etc etc </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren is looking at the other nobles etc while this is going on. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Most of them look ploitely bored </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: heh heh. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Finally the ceremony begins winding down. The Count wishes one and all a happy and </div> <div>           prosperous faire </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, I'm back for a bit! Sorry about that </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k. Corren waits for the crowd to disburse a bit so it is easier to move about before </div> <div>           ambling on his way </div> <div>           Missiledine: As the speeches wind out and the real buisness gets started, the crowd begins </div> <div>           dispersing in different directions throughout the faire grounds. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren grabs a roll or something and heads over to the craft stalls to look over weapons </div> <div>           and equipment. just browsing. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Some are heading towards the livestock pens for the first of many auctions, others are </div> <div>           going into the mid way to shop the stalls and booths, others are off to watch the opening of the various</div> <bR> <div>           contests </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: what knd of contests? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Although the vast majority of what is on display is locally produced, there are many items </div> <div>           imported by the desert caravans </div> <div>           Missiledine: There will be a series of eliminations in archery, crossbow, wrestling, boxing, </div> <div>           weightlifting, spear throwing, etc </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: ah. those Corren is interested in. he will watch the contests. </div> <div>           Missiledine: On the first day it is open to all comers, the second day only the winners from the first </div> <div>           day, the third day is the finals </div> <div>           Missiledine: Horse races will start at noon, dog fighting, bear baiting will be in the evening </div> <div>           Missiledine: The Faire judges are sorting out the applicants by specialty, age etc </div> <div>           Missiledine: There are youth contests in archery, cr0ossbow and sling as well as adult levels </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. If the applicants are sorted by age, he will apply for the fighting. there is little </div> <div>           chance of winning against a vet, so he was not going to fight, but I have changed my mind </div> <div>           Missiledine: Initial eliminations will consisit of dropping those who can't even hit the butts, later they </div> <div>           will start weaning out the good from the fair </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: having no missle weapons, corren is interested in the melee contests </div> <div>           Missiledine: When I say 'youth' I mean under fifteen for non combat encounters </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: i see, and I checked back, looks like the contests are not armed weapon. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: so he will watch. </div> <div>           Missiledine: There won't be many melee combats involving children! It may be a barbaric society by </div> <div>           our standards, but! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k </div> <div>           Missiledine: There are a lot of side bets being placed, though at this point the gambling isn't too </div> <div>           serious, too many incompetents still in the running </div> <div>           Missiledine: Later there will be some serious money changing hands! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: of course. funny thing about gambling. people expect to win big </div> <div>           Missiledine: The contests seem to be the primary point of interest for the nobles, along with the horse </div> <div>           auctions. </div> <div>           Missiledine: You can also spot some Army officers and NCOs in the crowd. Probably scouting for raw</div> <bR> <div>           material </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: hmmm... corren has a 13 in brawling.... , are the age categories basically youth and </div> <div>           adult? if corren signs up for them, would he be fighting a 30 something vetren? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: to heck with it. corren signs up for a boxing match. not wrestling,. he is skinny </div> <div>           Missiledine: The archery and crossbow contestds are run much the same way. The butts are placed </div> <div>           at 100 feet for the first shot, twelve shooters line up at once. Anyone who misses is eliminated. Next it </div> <div>           is moved to two hundred, same results, then three hundred. If everyone hits the butts they are judged </div> <div>           by where they hit in the target. </div> <div>           Missiledine: You would be in the adult section </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: he is over confident. i forgot. he goes for boxing. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: he doesn't expect to win, but to put up a good fight. especially with HPT </div> <div>           Missiledine: Hmm, you WERE Attractive... </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: heh heh. a couple bruises won't hurt. a life time of broken noses will. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Lot of women think a broken nose is sexy... </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good point. a couple bruises and a good fight might get him the attention of a woman </div> <div>           Missiledine: You will have to divest yourself of armor, weapons and strip to the waist when your time </div> <div>           comes. The judges will allow you to place your stuff under their table </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: that is cool. he does so </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren is skinny, but ripped. Fit and 13 str.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: INitial elimination rounds are by points. You only have two 3 minute rds to score. Later </div> <div>           fights will get longer and bloodier </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: I don't expect to get that far.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay. You find one of the Marshals who looks you over and put your name on a list. They </div> <div>           tell you to stay close and they'll call you when your time comes. You'll have a twenty minute wait, give </div> <div>           or take </div> <div>           Missiledine: What are you going to do while waiting? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Drink? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. corren strips off armour etc and packs it up. he waits with his shirt on until it is </div> <div>           time. he stands and watchs the others fight. noting their style etc for future reference in case he has</div> <div>           tofight them. he tries to act impassive. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Most of the men are farmers and laborers. They are all strong and in pretty good shpe, </div> <div>           as befits a lifetime of hard work, but they are untrained. What they are doing is brawling. Some of the </div> <div>           men clearly have training. One sticks out in particular, he really is boxing and though he makes no </div> <div>           effort to hurt his opponent he scores innumerable points against the farm boy </div> <div>           Missiledine: A few others display either some formal training, or years of barroom brawling </div> <div>           experience </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren watches his technique carefully. Corren really is looking for experience. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Finally you here the marshal call, "Corren of Soche!" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren strips off his shirts and stows it. he steps up immediately. </div> <div>           Missiledine: The man your matched against is about your height, but probably twenty pounds heavier. </div> <div>           He's a local farm boy, you don't recognize him but you hear his name "Kalek of Ebon" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: easy meat. :-) hey, he is overconfident..... </div> <div>           Missiledine: You move intop the center of rthe ring, about thirty by thirty and roped off, and salute each</div> <div>           other as is custom. The judge rings the bell and you start. Tell me how you intend to do this, all out</div> <div>           attack, feint, wait and see? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: well, this a contest of points so he doesn;t all out attack. he feints </div> <div>           Missiledine: I'm not planning on rolling out 360 rds of combat. We'll do three rolls per each rd of </div> <div>           fightind for a total of six contests. Your defenses are basicly Dodge </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: got a parry at 2/3rds my brawling skill.... </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: which is 8. a bit better than the dodege. </div> <div>           Missiledine: You will both be using Brawling skill, since neither of you are boxers </div> <div>           Missiledine: Right </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren may go all out attack if they are evenly matched trusting to his HPT to keep him </div> <div>           going and trying to land blows. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, where were we... You were about to get beat to a bloody pulp... </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: right. first bloody pulping, then getting chicks. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Right, 1st rd of combat, you will attempt a feint using your brawling skill? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: mmm.... lts do a regular attack/parry routine. </div> <div>           Missiledine: That or close and grapple. He is bigger than yo tho </div> <div>           Missiledine: Punch, dodge,or parry is the alternative </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: no grapple. he is using his arm stregnth and trying to land blows </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: punch and parry. </div> <div>           Missiledine: So will you open with an attack or a feint? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: attack </div> <div>           Missiledine: He is making a credible effort at bobbing and weaving, as tho someone had told him </div> <div>           what to do, but he is slower than you, both on his feet and with his hands. You will strike first, despite </div> <div>           his s;lower reflexes he still avoids your blow </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k. </div> <div>           Missiledine: (I hate reducing this to AD&D like combat, 1 attack per minute, but since it is non lethal </div> <div>           and non critical, itseems a better way to go, unless you want to actually try for a knockout?) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: no need. corren doesn;t pull any punched though. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay. Though Kalek seems to have been coached he still completely muffs his attack </div> <div>           and you don't even have to parry to avoid it </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren goesfor an all out attack next round. </div> <div>           Missiledine: You continue circling about, throwing jabs at each other </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: we will see what happens... </div> <div>           Missiledine: Ducking low, you come up swinging under his guard and land a powerful haymaker right </div> <div>           to the jaw (Striking for 9pts!) Kalek staggers backwards, fumbling his footing and lands heavily on his </div> <div>           ass. The Bell rings and the judges declare you a winner by knock down! </div> <div>           Missiledine: Of course that is not lethal damage </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: flashy ending. Corren extends a hand to help his honorable opponent to his feet. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Kalek is clearly stunned, though conscious, and he is helped from the ring by several </div> <div>           friends </div> <div>           Missiledine: He accepts your help with a rather dazed smile </div> <div>           Missiledine: As you climb out of the ring you are offered a "Victor's Cup" of ale by the marshal </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren says. "I got in a lucky hit" and nods to him as he turns leave </div> <div>           Missiledine: You are also told to come back around two o'clock for the next round of eliminations </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: allright. already this is worth it. corren accepts the ale </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: sure. corren gets his stuff and re-equips himself. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Your stuff is where you left it and appears untouched </div> <div>           Missiledine: The next match is already starting </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good enough. corren stays to watch the rest of the contests and observes the winners' </div> <div>           technique </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: oops. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: the dog was trying to get attention and closed the window </div> <div>           Missiledine: The matchs will continue, pretty much non stop until a noon break for the judges to eat. </div> <div>           The judges, for all the events. are all ex soldier types. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Eh? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: oh. i guess you didn't see any break, my dog came up for attention and put a paw onthe </div> <div>           keyboard, he closed my chat window </div> <div>           Missiledine: Didn't notice. Thought you meant the real window!:-) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: at noon, corren gets lunch and a beer. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: heh heh. he would if he had thumbs. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: i swea my dog could manipulate dorrknobs ifhe were given a thumb </div> <div>           Missiledine: You can hit one of the vendor carts or go into one of the tented taverns and sit down </div> <div>           Missiledine: Mine isn't that bright </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren goes to where the pretty girls are. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Tavern tents have waitresses (Serving Wenches!) Some of the carts also have pretty </div> <div>           little things tending them, some don't. Are you going to shop the food or the help? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: err..... tough decision. the help. he goes to a tent with a serving wench </div> <div>           Missiledine: Foods food... Eat the same shit every day, but the girls....! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good point. especially to a 16 year old </div> <div>           Missiledine: Well, the tents are pretty crowded, you waited till meal time! And getting a seat is going </div> <div>           to be tough. As you stand in the entry looking around you notice a well dressed, thirtish looking man </div> <div>           sitting alone at a table made for two. It is the only open seat </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: well, this is the middle type ages, customs were different. he takes that seat. </div> <div>           Missiledine: The man looks mildly surporised, but dosen't complain </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren introduces himself "Pardon, sir. there don't seem to be anu other seats.... my </div> <div>           name is corren." he offers a hand if the man has his fre. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: free </div> <div>           Missiledine: He is wearing well made light leather over an expensive looking silk tunic. You can't see </div> <div>           his legs , he's sitting down, but he has an expensive looking cloak draped over the back of his chair </div> <div>           Missiledine: He regards you for a second and smiles and says, by way of introduction "Talbon. And </div> <div>           you are welcome.". </div> <div>           Missiledine: The name rings a bell, but you can't quite place it </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "thank you. much appreciated.... m'lord." corren guesses that he might have level or </div> <div>           status or two, so he plays it safe. </div> <div>           Missiledine: That seems a good bet, considering his clothing, bearing and manners. There is </div> <div>           something about that name tho.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: The serving girl, an attractive brunette of about your age comes over. Talbon has a </div> <div>           goblet of wine in front of him already. She looks at you expectently. </div> <div>           Missiledine: It does not escape you that the service is quicker at this table than most </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: heh heh. a clue! Corren is on his best behavior. he orders an ale and a good meal. he </div> <div>           buys Talbon his next drink to thank him for his courtesy </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: another clue. lol </div> <div>           Missiledine: The girls takes the order, cutseys to Talbon and leaves </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren also admires the brunette as she leaves </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: hmmm... curiouser and curiouser. Corren raises an eyebrow but refrains from prying. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Talbon is drinking "Oaken Nectar" an expensive rasberry liquor </div> <div>           Missiledine: He has apparently ordered his meal and is waiting for it. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: <sigh> well, i expect the pinch will be hard, but unless it is more than he has in cash. he </div> <div>           manfully owns up to it. </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Are you from these parts young man?"\ </div> <div>           Missiledine: Talbon talking here </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "I am from Soche, m'Lord. I am here to see the fair before taking another contract." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Soche, eh? Hmm... Are you a blank shield?" (Common name for a mercenary, no </div> <div>           heraldry device on your shield) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Aye. m'Lord. Katalla. I take up my father's trade." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren is obviously a bit proud of his heritage. </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Hmm, do you know your way around the Palood?" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: I am presuming corren doesn't </div> <div>           Missiledine: Now you have been there, Soche is only a mile or two from the swamps, but to say you </div> <div>           know your way is an exageration </div> <div>           Missiledine: What you know is that there are many, many ways to die in there! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "I have been there, m'lord, but I cannot say that I know my waty around. dangerous </div> <div>           ground, that" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: waty = way </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Hmm, I'm in the market for someone with guts enough to take a little trip into the Palood.</div> <bR> <div>           Do you have the courage?" </div> <div>           Missiledine: You have spent enough time on the edge of the Palood to appreciate the dangers. Aside</div> <bR> <div>           from the Coolhari (Giant croc like lizards) there are giant snapping turtles, swamp cats, huge, blood </div> <div>           thirsty weasels, venomous snakes.... etc etc </div> <div>           Missiledine: Makes the Everglades seem like a theme park </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: what is standard proceedure for taking a contract? I imagine that there is some kind of </div> <div>           formal ritual of a sort. sorta like. "Standard term of service is <x amount>" then something about an </div> <div>           oath. I am trying to accept while being in charactor </div> <div>           Missiledine: Well, the Katallan code of conduct does not allow you to abandon a contract or client as </div> <div>           long as he or she is living up to his end of the deal, ie: your getting paid on time and treated properly. </div> <div>           There is not ritual wording, but it is accepted that a Katallan's word is good. Basicly your word is the </div> <div>           only thing that seperates you from the rest of the sell swords. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. one moment. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "I am free of prior obligation and will accept such a contract, my Lord. When you wish </div> <div>           the contract to begin and length of term?" </div> <div>           Missiledine: He smiles slightly and says, "Immediately, and until we return from our journey." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren raises an eyebrow at such a fuzzy term length. and then shrugs. This sounds like </div> <div>           it may be promising. He offers his oath. </div> <div>           Missiledine: (My you are easy! Don't you want to know how much your getting paid?) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: heh heh. i thought of that. Corren expects standard mercenary wages plus five percent </div> <div>           or he takes a hike. :-) I assumed that this was fairly standard and understood. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: but if not we can go over it. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Since you are young and clearly inexperienced (Simply because of your age) He'll go </div> <div>           $375 a month plus 5% </div> <div>           Missiledine: This is the low end if merc work </div> <div>           Missiledine: of merc work </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. actually, that is fair. and spoils? </div> <div>           Missiledine: 10% of spoils </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: how many in the party? </div> <div>           Missiledine: (When did you switch to green text! I thought my eyes were going!) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: some time ago. actually. </div> <div>           Missiledine: "At the moment, two." He smiles briefly "I want this kept a private affair." </div> <div>           Missiledine: (Gotta clean my glasses!) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren nods. "sleep will be a luxery." but he agrees. </div> <div>           Missiledine: "I will give you the neccessary details once we are underway. Until then you can find me </div> <div>           at the 'Silver Boar' Inn." </div> <div>           Missiledine: Your meals will arrive and he will stop talking buisness while the wench is present </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren smiles at her. </div> <div>           Missiledine: She smiles back </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: this might have more to do with the company he is keeping.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: After she leaves he will begin questioning you about your knowledge of the Palood </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: still, corren likes it. he eats and drinks his ale. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren tells him what he knows. does he know of anyone in soche who would know more</div> <bR> <div>           or make a good guide? </div> <div>           Missiledine: (You might want to specify your survival skill for Corren. Swamp would be useful, and </div> <div>           appropriate considering where you hail from.) </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: true. but it is a defaultfrom naturalism. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Still, it needs to be terrain specific </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: i assume that his naturalist skill is familiarized with the swamp area since it is around </div> <div>           there. okay . swamp it is for survival </div> <div>           Missiledine: Low but better than nothing </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: yep. any guides corren would know about? </div> <div>           Missiledine: And yes, there are a couple people in Soche that might be suitable guides </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren mentions them as knowing more. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Your father is not unfamiliar with the swamp, tho hardly an expert, but he'd probably like </div> <div>           the money. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. corren is truthful about this. he tells his employer that there are better guides, but </div> <div>           his father is merc and is familiar with the swamp if not expert. </div> <div>           Missiledine: He nods his appreciation and continues eating </div> <div>           Missiledine: This would probably be a good place to break, since it is 1:30 am here </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good idea. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: this was a fun session. thanks </div> <div>           Missiledine: We'll leave you two eating your meal then </div> <div>           Missiledine: Glad you enjoyed it! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k. we will set something up later? </div> <div>           Missiledine: One thing, it was my intention to edit thise sessions and post them on the site. Is that ok </div> <div>           with you? And, do you want me to remove your screen ID? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Yeah, I'll email you with a time this week </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: no problem with that at all. no need to change my name. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. goodnight then. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Ok, good night! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1 signed off at 1:26:41 AM. </div> <bR> <div>           2nd Game Session </div> <div>           Velitrium Campaign: Lendale Faire </div> <div>           PC: Corren </div> <bR> <bR> <div>           Missiledine: Good evening! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Dude. watching X-files. what's new? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Not much, just gathering some notes and junk. Be with you in a sec </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: weapons file was interesting. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, think I'm set </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: we left off eating. right? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Yep, your still sitting at the table. The food has been served, you are due back at the ring </div> <div>           in about an hour and a half </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. well, Corren eats his food and drinks a beer. does his employer have anyo other </div> <div>           questionms for him? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Although Talbon doesn't come right out and ask about how many fights you've been in, or</div> <bR> <div>           how many men you've killed, he is clearly interested in your </div> <div>           experience and background. He probes with a number of questions in this area </div> <div>           Missiledine: Ok </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: well, Corren is forthright about it. I presume that you accept the charactor history that </div> <div>           Corren has had one contract chasing bandits for a baron. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: no kills I assume </div> <div>           Missiledine: The history is fine, I forgot to fill in the blanks as to where and for whom, I'll try and get that</div> <bR> <div>           to you this week </div> <div>           Missiledine: No, no kills, yet </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: if it is important, that is fine </div> <div>           Missiledine: Never know when it might be important </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: true true. </div> <div>           Missiledine: For tonight we'll assume you are able to answer the questions with accuracy </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren answers all Talbon's questons and anticipates that he wants to be fully imformed </div> <div>           so he holds nothing back </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: I hope that corren's new employer is not too disappointed </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Well," Talbon pauses to sip his liquor. "All that I am prepared to say regarding the future </div> <div>           is this. I have obtained, uhm, directions, to something of </div> <div>           value. We will enter the Palood, locate the site and recover the item. The item itself is mine. And I will </div> <div>           brook no arguement over it. However, I anticipate a fair </div> <div>           amount of supplementry treasure, and I am prepared to be, uhm, generous." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Of course, my Lord. Most generous. I will remain discrete about your property. When do</div> <div>           you anticipate on leaving?" </div> <div>           Missiledine: I appreciate your frankness Corren, concerning your experience. So I will be frank about </div> <div>           mine, you deserve to know a bit about me since you are </div> <div>           trusting me with your life as I am trusting you with mine..." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren nods </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Fun with fonts....:-) </div> <div>           Missiledine: "I am a bit more experienced than you," He says with a smile. "My experience is in fields </div> <div>           beyond mere cpombat and I am not unfamiliar with the </div> <div>           arcane arts." </div> <div>           Missiledine: I noticed! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren says nothing. having a mage along is of great value. </div> <div>           Missiledine: "My plans call for us to leave here in two days, by boat, which I will procure." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "We will travel down river some miles and enter the Palood east of the Varsol river." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: </div> <div>           Missiledine: Hang on a sec, </div> <div>           Missiledine: Sorry about that </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: np. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, the town of Lendale is situated on the Lendale river, north bank, almost across </div> <div>           from the Palood. The Varsol River is the N to S river that runs </div> <div>           from the Lake to the Palood </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: If Talbon pauses and expects an answer or question. Corren says "Very well, m'Lord. </div> <div>           will you be requiring my services while here in town?" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k. thx </div> <div>           Missiledine: He is propsing traveling West, towards the Varsol, which is also the direction of your </div> <div>           home </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Got it </div> <div>           Missiledine: "No, I do not anticipate a need for you until the night before we leave." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "At that time we will secure the boat and make ready our gear. I do not expect our travels </div> <div>           to take much more than four, maybe five days. I will </div> <div>           arrange food for a week." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren nods. sounds like he has it planned out </div> <div>           Missiledine: "It may come to pass that I will engage additional help between now and then. Be that as </div> <div>           it may, do not, under any circumstances speak to anyone </div> <div>           about our arrangement. If you hear of any inquiries about me, my activities or whereabouts, report it to</div> <bR> <div>           me immediately." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren nods decisively at that. acknowledging the order </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Yes, mLord" </div> <div>           Missiledine: "As I indicated, I am residing at the Silver Boar Inn if you need to seek me out. Otherwise</div> <bR> <div>           I will look for you about supper time, two days from now." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren can take orders. its his job. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren yes milords him again. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Talbon has finished his meal and puts sufficent coins on the table to cove both bills. </div> <div>           Standing up he nods, "Until then." </div> <div>           Missiledine: cover </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren likes this guy. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren stays for a bit to fnish his beer and see if he can chat up the girl </div> <div>           Missiledine: We'll see how much you like him in a few days! </div> <div>           Missiledine: She'll be over shortly to collect the money and platters and see if you want anything else </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: heh heh. oh, yeah. the violet death potential is high,. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren will finish his beer and wande about a bit before heading over for his match </div> <div>           Missiledine: How long do you plan to sit... never mind </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, well the faire is hopping, buisness seems brisk and the weather is good. You </div> <div>           couldn't ask for a better start to the faire </div> <div>           Missiledine: Are you looking for anything in particular? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: ummm.. not really. coren can;'t afford much. he will peruse the weapons briefly, but is </div> <div>           concious of time. and will get back to the fights early. he looks </div> <div>           around a bit and tris to notice if he is being followed or anything..... because of his new contract </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: pardon my spelli g </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: :-0 </div> <div>           Missiledine: Hmm, well its funny you should mention that... Your not a hundred percent certain, but you </div> <div>           think, that just maybe, someone is watching you </div> <div>           Missiledine: There are several possible suspects, so your not really sure who </div> <div>           Missiledine: Don't mind your spelling if you can ignore mine! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: well, if she is cute,. then he talks to her. but if not, he goes to his match... and will see </div> <div>           narrow the list of canidates by furtur observation </div> <div>           Missiledine: Unfortunately none of the 'suspects' are even female, much less cute </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: just his luck </div> <div>           Missiledine: Arriving back at ringside, you cannot see any of the people you were suspiscious of </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: he browses a bit, and since their is not hurry on IDing a suspect, he simply continues as </div> <div>           normal, with hieghtened suspician] </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Sorry, too fast in my response! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: np. leeme know when he fights, </div> <div>           Missiledine: It'll be about a half hour before the Marshal calls your name. You have noticed that the </div> <div>           fights are a little more serious now that they are into the </div> <div>           eliminations. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: this is like Fight Club.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: Still not real knock down drag outs </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good movie </div> <div>           Missiledine: Don't know it </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren waits eagerly. he makes sure to secure his stuff carefully. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Fight Club is really good, unexpectedly so </div> <div>           Missiledine: By now there are no new applicants, everyone is in the first rematch </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Helena Bonham Carter is a babe too. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay,. Coren limbers up and waits patiently </div> <div>           Missiledine: It's finally your turn. Your opponent is a small, wiry guy who looks pretty fit. When he strips </div> <div>           off his shirt you can see some scars that are probably </div> <div>           battle related. He has the dark features of a Katallan, though that is not always a reliable guide. He </div> <div>           appears to be in his early thirties, his clothing is that of a </div> <div>           commoner, but is clean and well kept </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: hmmm.. this won;t be easy. </div> <div>           Missiledine: As you watch he goes through a series of stretching and limbering moves </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren is a bit more cautious this time. he meets him with the parry/punch routine. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, you are both in the ring, you salute one another and the bell rings... </div> <div>           Missiledine: He comes on fast, throwing jabs and punches. He's faster than you, both on his feet and </div> <div>           with his hands. You would guesstemate that your the stronger </div> <div>           of the two and you definately have the weight and reach </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: lets hope for a connection then, </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Do I need to do anything? </div> <div>           Missiledine: You circle each other for some time, both of you punching and parrying. He scores </div> <div>           several light jabs against you, nothing that does more than sting. </div> <div>           You fail to land anything tho </div> <div>           Missiledine: No, I roll all the dice unless you tell me your trying a special move or something. Puching </div> <div>           and parrying is pretty straight forward </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. corren all out attacks for one round, hoping to get in a solid hit, else this guy is </div> <div>           going to win by points. </div> <div>           Missiledine: You open your attack just before the bell and... roll a critical success! (3) </div> <div>           Missiledine: Damn </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: heh heh </div> <div>           Missiledine: You land a good solid blow along side the head, he almost dodged it but couldn't get out </div> <div>           of the way in time </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren gets lucky again </div> <div>           Missiledine: He is staggered back several feet, clearlly dazed. But before you can follow it up the bell </div> <div>           rings. End of the round, you have a ten second break. You </div> <div>           can see him visibly shaking his head to clear it </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren backs off. waits as impassively as he can </div> <div>           Missiledine: He grins at you and says, "That was a good one! Think you can do it again?" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren replies "You are more skilled than I, but I think I can stil ltake you" </div> <div>           Missiledine: The bell rings and he laughs, "well then, come and try laddie!" </div> <div>           Missiledine: He comes out to meet you, launching his own all out attack! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren all out defends the first round, then all out attacks the second </div> <div>           Missiledine: Ok </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good timing.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: You parry his attack </div> <div>           Missiledine: and score a light countere punch of your own </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. my buddy xxxxx who is thinking about playing is online do you want me to invite </div> <div>           him to observe? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Sure, we can switch to a chat room. I'll set one up </div> <div>           You have just entered room "Missiledine Chat22." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1 has entered the room. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Ok </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: greets </div> <div>           Missiledine: This one is fine, if it works </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k. i will close other, unlesss you need to copy it for archive </div> <div>           Missiledine: Already did </div> <div>           Missiledine: Haven't seen xxxx </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: he hasn;t recieved invites. keep going i will sort it out </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay </div> <div>           Missiledine: As mentioned, you scored a counter punch </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: yay </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren all out attacks again </div> <div>           Missiledine: Didn't seem to have much effect, but it was a hit </div> <div>           Missiledine: No joy this time and instead he rocks you a good one... </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: oops </div> <div>           Missiledine: You took a solid punch, not enough to do real damage, but a good score </div> <div>           Missiledine: It is your action, whats your pleasure? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: all out attack again./ </div> <div>           Missiledine: He parries the attack and your guard is down... Hang on, dropped the dice! </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, I'm back </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: i shopuld have specified two attacks for the all out attack, no matter </div> <div>           Missiledine: Again he scores with a blow to the body </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, next rd, two attacks it is. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Your first punch is way off, so far off it actually draws him into the second, which scores </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: under View, there is chat room preferences. there you can edit buddy chat room sounds.</div> <div>           yes, cash reister and cows are options. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Its a body shot and drives him back a bit, but dosen't stop him </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: well, Corren all out attacks for two attacks again. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Okay, you've eached scored several good shots and your not sure how the fight is going </div> <div>           Missiledine: Two hits, he fails to parry either one! </div> <div>           Missiledine: Damn </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: woooohooo! </div> <div>           Missiledine: The first punch was pretty heavy and sent him reeling backwards, robbing the second </div> <div>           blow of much of its power </div> <div>           Missiledine: His guard is down, time to press him if you want </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: yes. presss him with one all out attack for extra damage </div> <div>           Missiledine: Got him good! </div> <div>           Missiledine: Knocked him right off his feet </div> <div>           Missiledine: He's not out, but he's down </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren waits for him to regain his feet. in battle he would thrust the spear home.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: The fight is over. Judges award it to you </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: oh. even better.Corren helps him to his feet. </div> <div>           Missiledine: "That was a good set to laddie!" He says as he gets up, "But I think you had a bit of luck!"</div> <bR> <bR> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren nods in agreement. "Next time." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Aye, well it shan't be this faire any how." </div> <div>           Missiledine: He extends a hand, "My name is Rolb" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Corren" if there is any time before the next fight corren wants to buy him a beer </div> <div>           Missiledine: Well, your done for today. They tell you to be here again early tomorrow morning </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Good. in that case. beer. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren says "Beer?" </div> <div>           Missiledine: Rolb gathers a bundle of stuff, you can see a bow and what looks like a shortsword </div> <div>           peeking out from under the cloak </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Sounds like a grand idea!" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: /Corren gets his gear on. </div> <div>           Missiledine: <Hmm, lost my color for a bit> </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren suggests the place where he ate lunch, unless there is someplace Rolb </div> <div>           suggests </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: that happens ocasionally </div> <div>           Missiledine: No, thats fine by him </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool. Corren wants to see the waitress again </div> <div>           Missiledine: Rolb puts on his shirt, slings his sword, wears it on a baldric, and bundles the rest of his </div> <div>           stuff </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Lets go get us a wee bit of brew." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. together they head to the tavern/bar/inn/whatever </div> <div>           Missiledine: The crowd has thinned out quite a bit, so getting a table is not a problem </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good. grab a table hopefully in the same wench's area and Corren orders a round for </div> <div>           both. </div> <div>           Missiledine: What are you ordering? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren asks Rolb what he prefers and orders two </div> <div>           Missiledine: Your lucky, the same girl is serving you. She seems pleased to see you </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren is pleased to see her.... </div> <div>           Missiledine: "A bit of brown maybe" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: sounds good to Corren "Two Brown, please." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "So laddie, you handle yourself well" He smiles at the wench as well </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Thanks. You are better. I am Katalla." Coren expects that answers most questions. </div> <div>           Missiledine: From his accent you would judge Rolb to be from the Frontier, not that you've met many </div> <div>           from up there, but it is your understanding that they talk a bit </div> <div>           funny </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Aye, I fugured as much, ya got the look." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "yourself? you have the look of a veteran" </div> <div>           Missiledine: "ah well, I've knocked a few heads in my time. Nuttin all that excitin." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "my muther, she was a Katallan, but my Pa was pure Velitar." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "What brings you to the faire? Other than boxin and wenchin?" </div> <div>           Missiledine: "And beer..." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren chuckles. "Mostly exactly that. Boxing is hjust hte bonus." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "You are from the frontier? </div> <div>           Missiledine: "I know what ya mean, nuthin like a bit of fist u cuffs to arouse the, er, appetite, shall we </div> <div>           say!" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: lol. Corren orders food. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: is it dinner time yet? </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Aye, that is where I call home, when I get up there." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Which ain't often." </div> <div>           Missiledine: A bit early, but not unreasonably so. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren orders a small bitet o eat. bread and chees which he shares with Rolb </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Why thank ya lad, you from these parts?" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Aye. grw up in this area. my career just started. I have not been out of the area. Is it true </div> <div>           what is said of the drought in other parts? </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Aye, tit hasn't been a good year fer the dirt farmers. Course, it could be a better year for </div> <div>           us sword swingers!" </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Still, the price of food, and drink, is bound to go up this winter." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren nods. "Aye. Good for the mercenary business." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Of course ya canna always be sure, but its bound to stir the nasties out of the woods." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Have you fought many?" </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Up the Frontier we'd be looking to shore up our defenses, lest the Jhensari come </div> <div>           skulkin about." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Fought my first skirmish against the head hunters back when I was but a pup of fourteen </div> <div>           or so... Been doing it ever since." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren grunts. I have heard drought is worse there." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: GM question. who are the head hunters? the Jhensari? </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Hard to say what is worse. The valley, specially here abouts the center, is well watered. </div> <div>           But there ain't as many farms on the fringes." </div> <div>           Missiledine: Yes, the Jhensari are known for taking the heads of their enemies. Use them to make </div> <div>           magic, supposedly. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay that answers my second question </div> <div>           Missiledine: Why? </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: yup! </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren asks "Why did you travel here? CAn you expect more jhensari attack this year?" </div> <div>           Missiledine: "So what are yer plans Corren? For after the faire. I'm meanderin on down Alfan way." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Well, I haven't been north of Rannoch (capital of Frontier) fer some time. But I hear tell </div> <div>           that the damn fool prospectors up in the Salient are a stirrin </div> <div>           up trouble in the tribes. So even without a drought, I'd expect more raids." </div> <div>           Missiledine: The Saliant is an area north of Barren's Wall, outside the recognized Kingdom, where </div> <div>           Gold has been found. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Corren says "I have an obligation to discharge. I may travel to Aflan later. Funny how </div> <div>           gold stirs up trouble." </div> <div>           Missiledine: A number of unauthorized tent cities have grown around the placer deposits. The army </div> <div>           has worked hard to keep the peace, but it is said that war is in </div> <div>           the offing... </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "and pays for mercs" </div> <div>           Missiledine: Alfan is south of here, in the Duchy of Drunmore. It is famous for the Giant Bees that </div> <div>           provide the finest honey for mead </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "I suppose I shouldn;t be too judgemental about, considering gold is what I fight for as </div> <div>           well. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: giant bees sound like fun </div> <div>           Missiledine: "I've a bit of a fancy to see the Bees everyone talks about." </div> <div>           Missiledine: They say they're bigger than a chicken. Thought it would be worth seein fer myself." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren grins. and orders another round. </div> <div>           Missiledine: You have seen a few in your lifetime. Though the main hives are in Alfan they can be </div> <div>           found throughout the Palood. It is said they feed on certain </div> <div>           funguses and algaes that grow there... </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Of course, your not a sage in these matters </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: if domesticated, they could make good defenses as well </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "well, I will likely travel to where the fighting is." </div> <div>           Missiledine: "so lad, do you have a contract? Heres to the poor hapless fools who have to hire their </div> <div>           killin done!" He raises his drink in a toast </div> <div>           Missiledine: Domesticate bees? Hmm, tricky </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren toasts him. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren replies "I am currently under contract" he says shortly. not being unfriend;ym but </div> <div>           he clearly is not willing to discuss it/ </div> <div>           Missiledine: "They say the barons here about will be lookin to sign on some blank shields through the </div> <div>           season. Any truth in that? Youre close enough to wilds here </div> <div>           about to spit." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "that is true. i was contracted to Baron X, rooting out bandits.: </div> <div>           Missiledine: "well, mebbe after I see the big bugs I'll look about fer a bit of brass" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren nods. dos corren know of anyone whoi is hiring? </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Round these parts they say you have them Troll things. Never fought one myself. Hear </div> <div>           they regrow their arms and legs almost as soon as ya prune em </div> <div>           off. That would be summathin ta see!" </div> <div>           Missiledine: No, otherwise you'd have gone to see him </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "Sounds like a pain in the ass to me!" corren chuckles. </div> <div>           Missiledine: You've never seen one either, thank Mitra! But they are found in the Palood </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: yhhh,... great </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: <stay dead, dammit!> </div> <div>           Missiledine: "Aye, that would make for an interestin bit of work." </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: BTRW. Corren is likely to mention Rolb's availability to Talbon, but is under orders to </div> <div>           say niothing, so he doesn;t mention it to Rolb </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "So, you are staying for the rest of the faire, then" </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: ? </div> <div>           Missiledine: Gee, thats a shame. Rolb might be able to answer all your questions about Talbon!</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: lol.</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: I will just have to suffer.</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Aye, I suppose."</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Not much else a doin at the moment"</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "well, you can watch me get beaten in boxing tomorrow</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Aye, I just might do that! And I'll buy ya a drink after. You'll probably need it!"</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren laughs.</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Somethin more potent than beer at that!"</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "HAve you entered the archery contests?"</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Remember lad, tomorrow a knock down won't end the fight. Ya gotta make sure he dunna               </div> <div>           want to get up again."</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "So, I have to kick them when they are down..."</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Me? Nah, I'm not that good! i don't have anytrouble stickin the things in a man, but hittin them  </div> <div>           wee little bits od cloth... Hah!"</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Just hit em harder than ye were hittin me!"</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren grunts. "Did you see the boxer this morning?"</div> <div>           Missiledine: "How about another round? Ya gotta give that arm some exercise!" He waves to the girl.   </div> <div>           "Which one would that be?"</div> <div>           Missiledine: The girl comes over, "Get my friend what ever he wants, and bring me a bit of the double V.  </div> <div>           The real stuff mind ya. lass."</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren acceptsanother ale. but drinks slowly. he is about at his limit. he doesn't want his  </div> <div>           tongue to lossen. Corren then describes the boxer hs say. the one who used the actual boxing skill</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Hmm, neh, I dunno recall that one. But don't let that bother ya none. If your man seems  </div> <div>           inclined to box, really box mind ya, get in close and climb all</div> <div>           over him. They won't be given points fer style as the matches progress, all that counts is winning!"</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren nods. "good advice"</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren watches to see what this double V stuff is</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Remember lad, playin fair and by the rules is all well an good with the matches, but when it </div> <div>           counts ya nail the bastards anyway ya can! Dunno worry about it bein fair."</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: "aye"</div> <div>           Missiledine: Double V is the name for a single malt whiskey brewed by the Vorchen family of Varsol. They </div> <div>           have been making it for almost 200 years</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool.</div> <div>           Missiledine: It comes in a distinctive white jug with two red Vs</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: sorta like saying "Glenmorangie"</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Glenmorangie rocks</div> <div>           Missiledine: It is considered the best in the valley.</div> <div>           Missiledine: I've always liked Glenlivet</div> <div>           Missiledine: There are those who would dispute the Double V being the best, but not many</div> <div>           Missiledine: Tain't cheap either</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. well, unless there is more of interest to be said. I guess Corren chats with Rolb a little </div> <div>           while longer. </div> <div>           Missiledine: You come to realize that Rolb is capable of drinking massive amounts with no appreciable  </div> <div>           effect. His accent gets a bit stronger, but thats all. As long as your willing to sit there, he'll regale you with  </div> <div>           tales of battles, Jhensari customs, Goblin trivia, etc, etc</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool. corren nurses his beer and listens.</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: He listens avidly, never know when this info will come in handy</div> <div>           Missiledine: Rolb tells a story well, even though he's not wearing the wrist band of a Jongalure</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: neat. what are the other patrons doing?</div> <div>           Missiledine: He seems to have traveled extensively, all through the valley, north of the Wall, even to the  </div> <div>           Rivermarch</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: corren looks around to see f he recognizes "watchers"</div> <div>           Missiledine: No one seems to be paying much attention to you, they are preoccupied with their own </div> <div>           busness</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: k</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: well, Corren is willing to listen as long and rolb wants to talk.</div> <div>           Missiledine: Rolb has nowhere else to go, but he does insist on you drinking with him</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. corren drinks, but not as heavily. if called on it, he simply explains that he simply doesn't       </div> <div>           have Rolb's capacity</div> <div>           Missiledine: You won't be able to nurse that beer forever!</div> <div>           Missiledine: You can't imagine that many do!</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Sure. he will continue drinking, but will not even try to match Rolb</div> <div>           Missiledine: Everytime the serving wench passes by, Rolb orders another round and tosses her a coin or </div> <div>           two</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: wow</div> <div>           Missiledine: The tavern is beginning to fill up with dinner patrons.</div> <div>           Missiledine: Rolb appears to be the classic merc, fight till your flush then drink, gamble and whore it away</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool. Corren enjoys his time with him. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Eventually Rolb will order some supper for the two of you... Beef, bread, and a pudding. Only </div> <div>           after the meal is finished will he show any inclination towards leaving.</div> <div>           Missiledine: and of course, more drinks to wash it down!</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. corren does insist on contributing his share. if Rolb insists on paying, the wench </div> <div>           recieves a big tip.</div> <div>           Missiledine: Rolf waves it away. "Nah laddy, you keep your bit o silver till ya get paid. I've enjoyed our time </div> <div>           together!" The girl is most appreciative</div> <div>           Missiledine: "Next time you can buy, when your flush and fat."</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren agrees.</div> <div>           Missiledine: Rolb stands up, "Well lad, I'm gonna toddle along for a bit. I'll be lookin fer ya in the morning. </div> <div>           You have good luck, ya hear."</div> <div>           Missiledine: He offers you his hand</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: Corren thanks him for his company.</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: coren shakes</div> <div>           Missiledine: "g'night lad. mebbe that lass will keep ya warm."</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: good idea.</div> <div>           Missiledine: With a wave Rolb leaves</div> <div>           Missiledine: You'll need somewhere to take her, Romeo</div> <div>           Missiledine: The flop tent ain't gonna cut it</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: lol. good point. </div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: well, how are the funds holding out? and are there any open rooms... <unlikely></div> <div>           Missiledine: Hmm, well your funds should be in fair shape, you haven't spent much. But a room? Good </div> <div>           luck! Unless... she has one!</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: we'll have to find out.....</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: maybe she will have a room-mate....</div> <div>           Missiledine: Or parents</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: did I say that?</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: oh. well. Corren will chat her up anyway</div> <div>           Missiledine: go for it Lover boy! She's local, probably has a bedroom somewhere. Might be willing to </div> <div>           sneak you in, even if it is her parents house. </div> <div>           Missiledine: Wonder how big a crossbow Daddy has?</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: well, do you wnt to go on to other things or is it getting late?</div> <div>           Missiledine: Its getting late, 12:30 hereabouts. And tomorrow is a school day!</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay. well, thanks for the game. I wouldn;t mind getting some sleep either</div> <div>           Missiledine: Lets call it quits for now</div> <div>           Missiledine: Catch you later in the week?</div> <div>           Missiledine: See if you can lure tacit in</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: cool. allright. i work thurs night, but I am otherwise free.</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: okay.</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: night</div> <div>           Missiledine: Tell him I won't bite, much</div> <div>           Missiledine: night</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1: lol</div> <div>           DukeJrsub1 has left the room.</div> <bR> <div>            </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U>Back to Archives</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>