Machinations and Monsters (Game Thread-Fantasy Adventure-Open-See inside for Details)

[Cybele]

Royce at Gorse, Level 1, Strangled Serpent

"You can call me Royce," the thief said, shaking Gale's hand. "My previous business with a merchant turned sour and now I'm looking for some work," he continued, glancing over at the food when the bartender brought it out. His stomach growled hungrily when the smell reached him. "Uhh and some food, I mean new, some new from nearby towns would be greatly appreciated."

 

[Terratina.]

Astor, Gorse, Descending from Level 4, Elevator


The elevator started its descend as the ropes suddenly became animated, creating a chorus of creaks and groans. The conversation took a strange turn, from wordplay and jests to motherly advice and yet another epithet for Astor. With her words of warning, Geniah has thrown the gauntlet, as Astor was eager to prove her wrong. He would achieve feats worthy of that title, for a Great Journey had to be truly great, in deeds as well as length. Journeymen set off and never returned until about ten or even twenty years since their departure. He turned to Geniah to respond.

"...Perhaps Astor of the Air for now? It suits all who are born of it."

"It is a good name," Astor gave a slight nod, "But, spirits willing, hopefully I will be worthy of that title - Of Audarg - in time."

Astor played with a stray lock of his mane. Silver was an auspicious colour for his tribe, for the younglings with white downy feathers about to take their rite of passage and the old, with feathers streaked with silver about to start their journey into the realm of the spirits. Their whole was defined by journeys, not surprising for a migrant people. With that thought, he took in sights of the majesty of the cliff face as the elevator continued its journey downwards.

 

[Ohlawdylawdy]

Since one of the players hasn't posted in a while i'm just going to continue...
Krieger, level 1, Strangled Serpent

"SON OF A WHORE!" screamed Krieger, having just lost 50 gold pieces on a bet. "Looks like i'm going to need that job more than I thought..." he left the dice table and began walking over to the bar. He noticed that the half-man he meet earlier was talking to someone. "Excuse me half-man, but i'd like to know more about the beast we will be hunting." Krieger looked at the man he did not know and offered him a hand "Pleasure to meet you, my name is Krieger."

 

[Yokillernick]

Spoiler: OOC

Yes sorry about that. Didn't know what to post as Ray said that he had a system which would decide who wins the game.

Daryas' face was filled with happiness. He let a large grin and followed the dwarf to the bar. On the way he heard the dwarf inquiring about some beasts and hunting. Hmm, hunting beasts sounds like it could make me a lot of money. More than what this pitiful gambling makes. He thought to himself. As he reached the Dwarf, he called after him.

"Krieger, that's a good name. Mine's Daryas. You shouldn't be so angry that you lost against me. I was playing since I was a little boy. Here." he threw the pouch of coins Krieger had handed him. "You can keep your money, it was a fun game. But I couldn't help overhearing about some hunt. Perhaps I can be of assistance?"

Daryas wanted to make sure that he did not sound too desperate. He thought that if he handed the money back he seemed like a decent fellow and that he was not out to get rich so perhaps they would consider taking him on the Hunt.

 

[Raynoson]

Kabal, between level 4 and 5, Grand Stairs.

"Excellent then." Looking at the crowd still watching and a few of the smarter fellows leaving in a hurry, "What are you all Gawking at? Move before you are turned to ice!" The Crowd dispersed and the mages left.

Soon the hustle and bustle began again.

Venik, Strangled Serpent

(Teleportation? You were at the market and still need to make a deal with said Merchant, I'll allow a freebie if you just wanted the cash and left the ring well enough alone, but this seems rather concerning.

If your eager to join the others, then don't worry.)

Hendrik, level 4, Armed Amorous.

"Follow quickly and keep quite." Walking fast and silently for him, Hendrik had to jog to catch up, his breath barely open for words as they kept twisting and turning. Turning the corner of a building on the edge of the cliff Hendrik had to pause lest he fall off.

"Come this way." It was a narrow ledge leading to a wider cliff in view, by all means only small amounts of time had passed, but the distance seemed much greater. It would be unlikely for Hendrik to head back from the ledge quickly, so perhaps this was the point if he truly wanted to follow the Snake, or slip back to the crowds and others.

Royce at Gorse, Level 1, Strangled Serpent

(News* I think you meant, I got it.)

"Yess-s-s-s, there is some news from outside, though what are you interested in? Guilds, Hunts, criminals and such? There is much that I hear, and few things that are important unless I know what." Gale replied, keeping it simple and sufficient.

"As for jobs, I am planning a True Hunt for a legendary beast, unless that is not to your liking, I have other work."

Astor, Gorse, Descending from Level 4, Elevator

Geniah merely nodded in reply, and gained a distant almost sad expression, like a memory filled her with remorse and sorrow.
Soon the Elevator past the 3rd and 2nd level and quickly approached the 1st.
"The one we seek will be at a Tavern, the Strangled Serpent, not one that I take any pride in, but he finds it funny." Her mood bouncing back in to pleasant waters, Geniah disembarked and looked ready to lead the way.

Krieger, level 1, Strangled Serpent

Daryas, level 1, Strangled Serpent

(It was up to you guys to choose the game of dice, I was just going to punch in the numbers and see the results. I was about to send a message if neither of you opened up with something but, hey roll with it.)

Gale was in the midst of a conversation and briefly glanced to the dice game, waving for either to approach offhandedly.

 

[Terratina.]

Astor, Gorse, Level 1, Harbour


Geniah simply nodded. Seeing her retreat into a distant, but almost sad expression, Astor felt a twinge of guilt. Had he brought up a sorrowful memory? Had he said the wrong things? Had he given the wrong answer? Astor felt like his master had scolded him again. His heart sank as the elevator finally reached the Harbour. His previous mood of optimism was torn away, Astor was in no mood to enjoy the sight of the sea. Glimpses of it could be seen through gaps in the crowd of people and ships, but the glimpse of sadness from Geniah had a deeper impact on him. Astor was about to apologise, nevertheless, a smile soon spread across her face again.

"The one we seek will be at a Tavern, the Strangled Serpent, not one that I take any pride in, but he finds it funny."

As she stepped out of the elevator, Astor soon followed. As always, the Harbour was bustling with traffic, the sun shone on the comers and goers, the mixture of colours turning the Harbour into a rainbow. The sheer variety of people made the place look like a strange menagerie. Gorse was a melting pot of peoples, there were dwarfs, lacking in height but not in personality; men, a thoroughly diverse race; and all sorts of Beast Kinds.The sign of the Strangled Serpent hung in the distance. Astor quickly replied to Geniah, changing the conversation to a different topic as they continued onward through the crowds.

"Strangled Serpent, huh," Astor mused, "With a name like that, I wonder if there's a story to match..."

 

[Raynoson]

Astor, Gorse, Level 1, Harbour

"It is not a pleasant one, but yes there is. It involved the slaying of a great Sea Folk gone mad, the last of his kind truly, he terrorized Gorse out of rage and sorrow." A voice of a story teller true and true, it held an air of mysticism and emotion.

"He was a serpent of the sea, smart as you or me, whose very body could encircled the tower. His people had slowly lost the ability to bear children much like my own, and slowly they dwindled in their depths. Until he was the last one and he cursed Gorse, for when it was founded was when the decline began. He raged and destroyed much, until a single Captain stood to oppose, a founder and pirate it was Gregory Gorse. A Man of the sea and land itself, he was a cripple, losing hand, leg, eye, and some say his very heart to the ocean." Pausing Geniah seemed to blush in a scaly way.

"I apologize, I'm a Keeper of Tales and tend to be long winded, I'm told at least."

 

[Terratina.]

Astor, Gorse, Level 1, Harbour

Astor solemnly nodded as she announced that the tale was one of blood. However, as she when on to tell the tale, Astor found himself captivated, he almost bumped into a dwarf carrying a case containing numerous bottles and ointment that was bigger than he was. The way Geniah told the tale... Astor could picture it vividly. Until she paused, breaking the illusion. Her face ablush, the red showing through the scales.

"...I apologize, I'm a Keeper of Tales and tend to be long winded, I'm told at least."

Long winded? She hadn't seen Raban speak of the spirits of their tales. Many a night Astor would find himself dozing off as the old Bird droned on about some famous ancestor who performed great feats centuries ago or repeated the stories about some whimsical character and his adventures in a grand garden whose sole purpose was to aid in remembrance of herbs and their uses. Astor had clearly stumbled about Geniah's passion and that love for stories shone through, unlike Raban who repeated stories in a dreary monotone. Not content in letting Geniah stop in a bout of embarrassment, he protested to this immediately.

"No at all, please continue, if you don't mind." Astor replied, with muted eagerness.

 

[Raynoson]

Astor, Gorse, Level 1, Harbour

"Thank you." There was subtle magic in the air as simple words began to weave images that the mind filled easily.

"Gregory stood alone on the shore, his boat long destroyed, his crew lost or departed, and him standing on one leg of flesh, the other of stone. What magic gave him limbs of stone is beyond history, but he could swim just as well. Gregory called to the Serpent tattered and worn with no blades in hand, claiming he brought the curse upon the Serpent and his kin. Swallowed whole he was in one bite, and many who saw thought him for dead. For if the outside of the Serpent was nigh impossible to cut or strike, what did one man have hope for the inside of the beast? As it turned out everything, the Serpent soon began to twist and turn, writhing in pain, until it let out a death rattle and fell dead on the shore. The Captain emerged slicing open the very mouth with its own tooth, he had done the impossible and actually strangled it from the inside."

Avoiding the crowd on the harbor as the sun rose, the gulls and small birds seemed to stop and listen, while a few passing by paused and watched her go.

"Covered in blood he ordered a barrel of drink be brought, and washed himself of the beasts blood, and drank it in its memory. Those who remember still tell of its taste. Like the tears of the ocean itself it would drown anyone with its intoxication, in bitter sweet memories, and storm driven fury as it went down their throat, many tears were shed from a single drought. Building first an inn and tavern, they took the Serpent and honored him in name, and in brew, so all could know the sorrow that it had felt. Rumors still float of a cask or bottles of the fabled drink, for the serpent was used for all it was to build the City once more."

Her tale finished they were soon approaching the tavern well within sight, a small crowd loitered nearby, and a few gave them casual glances. Some drank, others ate, but it seemed to be waiting for something.

 

[Cybele]

Royce at Gorse, Level 1, Strangled Serpent

"Pleasure to meet you, my name is Krieger."

"I'm Royce. Nice to meet you," the thief said, shaking the dwarfs hand and putting on one of his best fake smiles. People tended to be easier to steal from when you treated them nicely beforehand and this Krieger fellow seemed to have enough gold to be forth stealing from. "I take it that you also have business with Gale? In that case I shall try to be brief," Royce said and turned back to snake.

"You seem to be quite popular. Anyway, about the news I'm interested in. I have a cousin who, to put it mildly, deals in things that most common people would frown upon," Royce lied, "and recently he got himself into some trouble by getting caught. Usually I wouldn't care a rat's ass about him but it would be very inconvenient for me if he decided to come to me for help."

Was I too vague? the thief thought after finishing his little lie. He didn't dare give out too many details lest Gale realize he was lying. And it wasn't a complete lie. He may have cousins or even sibling he didn't know of and if he did know of any he definitely wouldn't care about them.

"As for work," Royce continued, "I must admit I have never really taken part in a hunt, much less a great one, but the idea seems rather appealing."

 

[Raynoson]

Royce at Gorse, Level 1, Strangled Serpent

Krieger, level 1, Strangled Serpent

Daryas, level 1, Strangled Serpent

(Bit of a goof, but Daryas thought Krieger was introducing himself to him, rather it was Kriger talking to Royce, I'll just assume that he did that at the same time instead, if you have better suggestions then by all means. Also Krieger resumed his chat with Daryas leaving Gale to his own.)

Gale nodded as Kriger introduced himself to the two newcomers, and turned his attention back as Royce explained the situation.

"Ah, I hear much, but you are thinking of the guilds, a minor dispute with the Thieves and the Assassins over not using each others official skills and hiring outside of their circles. Along with something or another about the usual bounties and such, they both hold little power here while the Council is in place, so your Cousin should be just fine." His tone was calm and perfect for a merchant and otherwise, but the cousin was stretched out in a hiss as if to signify something, or just a simple hiss.


Facing front to all three, "Now I assume you are all here for the same thing as that is work, and the Hunt will truly be worth your while. All three of you have given me something to show your worth, even if you did not mean to, so you may sit aside. All will be explained shortly, and feel free to wait across the bar, order whatever you like, on me. For now, any quick questions before things begin?"

 

[Terratina.]

Astor, Gorse, Level 1, Harbour

He listened, enraptured by the yarn Geniah had spun. A tale of decline and rises, of humans and beasts and of sadness and joy. A fine tale, Astor had to stop for a moment before the scene of an early Grose and its sea serpent troubles faded from his mind. This would be a fine story to bring back to his tribe, Astor only hopped that he would be able to tell it as well as she. The Strangled Serpent was but a few steps away now, the destination of both, but soon they would spilt up onto their different paths, best make the most of it. Astor turned and gave an applause to Geniah.

"A fine tale," He said as he slowly stopped clapping, "Shall we continue onward?"

 

[Shadowstar38]

Kabal. Level 4. The Wall.

Kabal found himself swept back into the flow of foot traffic that lead down to the wall. As he walked on he felt a pain in his stomach. In his rush to find the magic guild, he had forgotten that the hunger would hit him soon. His mind lingered on the meat in his bag, but he couldnt bare to feast in public.

He got in line for the cranes to the harbor, hoping he would find a quite place to eat away from prying eyes. The size of the line made it seem as the the wait would last an eternity.

 

[Ohlawdylawdy]

Krieger, Level 1, Strangled Serpent

"If any of you need me before we discuss the hunt I will be enjoying this kind gentlemen's offer." With a smile he goes over to the other side of the bar and starts ordering 3 glasses of the strongest alcohol they serve at the Strangled Serpent.

 

[Raynoson]

Astor, Gorse, Level 1, Harbor, Strangled Serpent

"Of course, and as always pleasant to have a kind ear." Slithering forward and through the doors, the small crowd naturally moved out of the way, some looking wary, others expecting.

Within the bar itself was a colorful array of people, and the only Snake Kind there was busy with two others and a dwarf departing to enjoy some fine drinks.
Meeting eyes with Geniah, he seemed to be waiting on a reply from the two already with him, and signaled almost just by look, "Wait."

"He is busy, but perhaps you'd care for something to drink or eat? The chef here tends to have a little bit of everything." Moving slowly and talking casually, she was clearly in no rush, or rushing Astor.

Kabal. Level 4. The Wall.

The line crawled like the sun rising, and it was by no means moving fast. Walking down the stairs for a lone traveler tended to be faster, and other means could be found to get down, if one knew where to look.
As luck would have it a large crane came up from delivering a large load of goods, and with no present large order, a call was let out by a leather clad crane manager, "3 Gold to get down to the Harbor!"

 

[Terratina.]

Astor, Gorse, Level 1, Harbor, Strangled Serpent

The sea of people parted, the entry to the Strangled Serpent here. It was no grand establishment but with knowledge of its name, Astor appreciated the surrounding more. It was dull and drab but was a key player in the town of Gorse, even from the town's founding. He looked at the bar, there was a Snake Kind which flashed a look at Geniah, Astor guessed this must be the Hunter Merchant Chief Gale she had mentioned. The staff and the brooch showed his status and Geniah's words to be true. There was also a dwarf, dwarfed by his equipment asking for more drinks and two humans - one tall and the other. Astor didn't know what to make of them but they were clearly taking up Gale's time.

"...He is busy, but perhaps you'd care for something to drink or eat? The chef here tends to have a little bit of everything."

On hearing these words, Astor thought deeply on what to request or not to request at all. But his stomach quickly resolved the matter. He regraded alcohol as a poison first and foremost, especially as Astor was something of a lightweight. But people in pubs judge others by what drink they had ordered and Astor wanted to make a good impression. Astor decided on a barely alcoholic drink, hoping to not look silly by ordering something like fruit juice. As for food, he quickly saw that the 'Serpent wasn't a place for fine dining and settled by something simple.

"My thanks," He said, putting his hand on his chest again, "Some shandy and some soup would do nicely."

 

[Cybele]

Royce at Gorse, Level 1, Strangled Serpent

Royce thanked the snake man for the news and went back to where his food was waiting for him.

I have either gotten worse at lying or he's sharper than he looks, he thought as he took a bite out of one of the crabs. He would need a few more things if he was going to take part in the hunt but to get those things he'd need more coin than he had right now. Maybe he could pull off a little theft before the hunt. He made a mental note to ask Gale when the hunt would start.

The dwarf, Krieger, had meanwhile sat down nearby and seemed to intend to get drunk. "Is it true what they say about dwarves?" Royce asked.

 

[Raynoson]

Astor, Gorse, Level 1, Harbor, Strangled Serpent

Beckoning over to a small table a little bit away fit for four, Geniah quickly ordered for the two of them. Soon two glasses of shandy faintly colored orange, a bread bowl of chowder, and by looks of it a fish soup with bits of green herbs and such, along with a small loaf of bread on a plate.

Soon more people began to flow in to the Tavern, most from the crowd outside, many took up places nearby, and most looked towards Gale.

"Many are coming for the Hunt, and they will be tested..." She spoke as she curled up and sat on her tail to enjoy drink and food.

Royce at Gorse, Level 1, Strangled Serpent

Krieger, Level 1, Strangled Serpent

Krieger in the mean while was quickly served three drinks, (the real TOP stuff) after the bartender got word from Gale. Royce asking his question as well of ""Is it true what they say about dwarves?"

 

[Shadowstar38]

Kabal. Level 4. The Wall.

The wait for the crane felt far too sluggish. With the line merely inching forward as it was, Kabal wouldn't be able to contain his urge for long. Luckily for him, the larger crane came up not too long after he began to despair.

"3 Gold to get down to the Harbor!"

"I will take you up on that"

Kabal edged forward towards the crane and produced 3 gold pieces from the sack of coins around his neck.

 

[Raynoson]

Kabal. Level 4. The Wall.

Quickly filling out the cramped crane began its slow descent, the smell and press of people surrounded Kabal like a school of fish. The smells lingering from them all quite evident, some of sweat, others of flesh, bone, and blood.