Session Start: Sat Mar 31 16:50:34 2018
Session Ident: #atthedisjointedcoginn
[16:50] * Now talking in #atthedisjointedcoginn
[16:51] * Harold (Toaster@B1260186.6915C585.BBF83A7B.IP) has joined #atthedisjointedcoginn
[16:52] * Spindles (63267828@sux-F0E655AE.clients.kiwiirc.com) has joined #atthedisjointedcoginn
[16:53] * Strahd_Zarov (IceChat9@sux-338B334D.washdc.fios.verizon.net) has joined #atthedisjointedcoginn
[17:00] <Alexandros> "Have at you, blaggard!" the clang of metal against metal almost drowning the man's loud, braying voice. The opponents swirl and twirl in a flurry of strikes and counterstrikes that would make a Estalian diestro blush at his own amateurism... or at least it would if you were at an actual theatre and not looking at the Disjointed Cog's latest attempt to draw more 'respectable' crowds: theatre.
[17:00] <Alexandros> By all means, the Disjointed Cog is a nice tavern, it might not be in the best part of town (or have the most affluent customers) but you can be sure the ale won't be made from effluvia collected from the College of Engineers of Nuln. It's more of a comfortable lower-middle and middle-class joint, where you are more likely to find the up-and-coming burghers of the city, at least before they...
[17:00] <Alexandros> ...realise there are better places to be.
[17:00] <Alexandros> Today, however, the owner has managed to erect a makeshift stage, clearing some tables, and now two 'knights' duel upon it. One a sweaty, almost comically obese man, the exertions of combat making his make-up run down his forehead and further staining the dyed dish-rag that passes for his 'chain'. His enemy quite the opposite, gaunt and thin, barely capable of lifting the chunk of iron...
[17:00] <Alexandros> ...passing as his 'sword'. The reason for their fight? A 'fair' maiden, another man dressed up in an old, out-dated dress that not even a grandmother would be caught in, blushing and swooning with every parry and thrust, calling out to her 'saviour' to display his skill at arms and 'rescue her' from her current plight.
[17:00] <Alexandros> Alas, it's not the quality entertainment that drew you here tonight but the chance to obtain a job and steady money: if the flyer posted upon the city's board was to be believed, he would meet you here today, at this hour, requesting 'men of strong arm and mettle' for 'protection against nature and the forces of evil'... or rather, more accurately, for a quick bodyguard job to Altdorf....
[17:00] <Alexandros> ...Either way he promised good, sound coin, and paid-for meals, which should be more than enough for anyone.
[17:00] <Alexandros> As it stands upon arrival to the tavern, and explaining your purpose, the good barman bade you to seat right in front of the stage, claiming the merchant had reserved it for such a purpose, and that you could wait until he got here himself.
[17:04] * Ragni certainly doesn't look like the tavern's usual clientele. Clad in rough breeches that seem to be made of sail canvas, scuffed boots, and a sleeveless, knobbly leather jerkin, the dwarf cuts a rustic and somewhat bizarre figure.
[17:07] <Ragni> The dwarf carries his things like a vagabond, bundled up in a sack that seems to be made from a tatty old cloak.  No vagabond ever used a dwarfen warhammer for a pole, however, nor wore a pair of axes on their hips.
[17:08] <Alexandros> The duel finishes promptly, the fat 'knight' slaying the thin one, who falls comically to the ground, exaggeratedly so by any definition of the world, spraying red ribbons all over the place in his death throes. The victor roars to the heavens (the tavern's ceiling) and runs to embrace his 'maiden', who can barely reach all the way around his body to offer a congratulatory hug. The knight,...
[17:08] <Alexandros> ...pleased as he is, appears to have other intentions and you see him whisper something in the maiden's ear. She blushes and swoons, like any respectable woman would do, but eventually relents to his advances and hikes her dress, revealing a bright pink pair of clay buttocks that wouldn't look out of place on a pig or a baboon (had you ever seen one). The crowd cheers their appreciation,...
[17:08] <Alexandros> ...their laughter filling the rafters as the owner looks on, seemingly pleased the result of his little idea.
[17:09] <Ragni> Bleary, bloodshot eyes take in the tavern with a mix of curiosity and vague distate, and Ragni Kazriksson gives a grunt that, to a dwarf, might be considered eloquent.  "Tavernkeep, I hope yer ale's better than that grobi-show!" he says with a crooked grin, "I have a thirst!"
[17:11] <Ragni> The dwarf holds up one hideously-scarred arm, jingling with thin metal rings, and breaks off a segment of silver, "I want you to keep my mug full for as long as this lasts."
[17:11] <Alexandros> The gruff, well-built man gives Ragni a side glance. "Can't promise it'll be Bugman's dwarf, but you'll find no better brew this side of the Empire," a lie, clearly, but what barman doesn't boast about his beer being the best? He's quick to serve, however, a dwarf's thirst is legendary after all, and so are their pockets.
[17:13] * Strahd_Zarov has sharp features, dark hair. His clothing is a mishmash of colors and styles. With the play over, he goes over to the bar and orders a drink. "I'll have whatever is cold." He has a few rings on his fingers, a few bracelets about his wrists, a pair of necklaces, and single silver loop on his right ear. It's hard for the dwarf to place the accent, but all manling tongue is the same.
[17:13] <Ragni> "Good!" Ragni roars enthusiastically.  The dwarf lets his things drop to the floor of the bar with a massive clatter and mounts the seat he had been offered with an exaggerated grunt of relief.
[17:14] <Ragni> At Strahd's comment, he laughs, "Careful, umgi, or you'll be buying well-water!"
[17:15] * Harold sat in the front row as he was told to, and seemed to quite enjoy the show, whooping along with the crowd, cheering and laughing at all the appropriate times. He's wearing what looks like an imperial soldier's uniform, though the colours aren't those of any great family or city.
[17:16] <Harold> He did stand up on his seat to clap and cheer when the show ended, standing with all of his 4 feet stature.
[17:17] <Harold> He still stood lower than some of the men with their feet on the ground.
[17:20] <Alexandros> "Hmph," the barman doesn't look pleased with Zarov's presence, but coin is coin so he is also quickly, if begrudgingly, served. Whether the mug was clean or not beforehand is for the Gods to know.
[17:21] <Alexandros> (also roll perception at +10 if you'd like)
[17:22] * Ragni is far too busy with his ales to be paying much attention to anything; he's on his third and finishing that with alarming speed, throat bobbing as he finishes the dregs and belches eloquently, "Keep it coming!" he insists.
[17:24] * Harold checks on the other spectators in the front seats, already feeling boredom with the show's end.
[17:25] * Ragni polishes off his fourth ale, looking around greedily for the fifth, "What this place needs is an old-fashioned rorkaz!" he rumbles to no one in particular.
[17:26] <Alexandros> "Well, I don't know what a rorkaz is, master slayer, but hopefully we'll find a way to entertain you!" a new voice cries out from behind your seats.
[17:26] <Harold> "Are you a dwarf or a bottomless pit? You'd put my cousins to shame. What are you doing so far from the mountain-casa?"
[17:28] <Strahd_Zarov> "You shouldn't drink so fast, friend. You'll end up choking."
[17:29] * Ragni looks around, blinking blearily as he's addressed from multiple sides. He allows his brain time to work by starting on his fifth ale.
[17:29] * Harold abandons the dwarf to his ale and stands up at attention as a man walks up to the table.
[17:29] <Alexandros> The voice belongs, apparently, to a finely dressed man. He stands a few feet behind you, with an easygoing smile on his face, looking at you lot through a pair of fine spectacles. His hair is kept short and cropped, dark brown you note even in the dimness of the saloon. He offers a small bow, complete with a flourish. "Hugo Händler at your service, fitting name, I know," he chuckles. "I take...
[17:29] <Alexandros> ...it you are all here for the job offer?"
[17:29] <Ragni> "I walked!" he replies to Harold.  It's not clear if he's trying to be funny.  He waves off Strahd good-naturedly, "Nawt ever been a dawi who choked on his ale, least of all umgak like this!"
[17:30] <Strahd_Zarov> "You'll be the one paying for this little adventure?"
[17:30] <Ragni> Finally, he turns in his seat to look at the well-dressed, bespectacled man, "Ai, if there's like to be some fighting."
[17:31] <Alexandros> Hugo takes a seat, giving each of you a friendly lookover and a nod. "Oh my, a dwarf, a halfling, and an elf, did the barman say anything when you walked in?"
[17:32] * Ragni finishes the fifth ale and takes the sixth. He's a quick drinker, if nothing else. Hugo's joke passes over his head and he blinks, "Told us to take these seats here," he replies.
[17:32] <Harold> "He was about to but stopped when he saws this one's axes," he says, pointing at the dwarf. "And why else would we be there? It's a reservedtablepayedforinadvance, innit?"
[17:33] * Ragni looks to be getting properly soaked; his sixth ale goes as fast as the other five, and he reaches for a seventh...only to find he's drank to the limit of his coin for now. He gives a grunt, scratches his beard, and turns his attention on Hugo.
[17:33] <Strahd_Zarov> "Where do you see an elf?"
[17:33] <Alexandros> He pushes his spectacles further up his nose before continuing, this time addressing Zarov and Ragni, putting a hand over the latter's mug. "Karl serves a fine brew, I know, but I have to ask if he told you the expenses would be going into my tab and not to worry with payment?" he removes his hand. "If he didn't then please do tell me how much I owe you."
[17:36] * Ragni shoots an evil glare at the tavernkeep, then looks back to Hugo. He seems to cogitate. Actually, he can't remember of the tavernkeep told him. He'll have to keep an eye on him, just in case. The emotions pass across the slayer's face like a swift-moving cloud, and he promptly answers the man.
[17:36] <Ragni> "Precisely one of your Empire-shillings."
[17:36] <Ragni> "Or as precise as those ever get."
[17:36] <Ragni> On matters of money, the dwarf seems confident.
[17:38] * Harold shakes his head at the dwarf's display. There won't be jokes in Altdorf's taverns if they're short a dwarf.
[17:38] <Alexandros> "Fair enough," Hugo produces a small book, makes an annotation on one of its pages before handing over a shilling. "I had it tested by one of your colleagues at the School, as pure silver as it can get, you are free to perform your own tests if you'd like." The coin in question is, indeed, very shiny and looks recently minted. "Now that that's settled, and before we talk business I suppose...
[17:38] <Alexandros> ...you gentlemen could introduce yourselves?" he smiles genially.
[17:40] * Spindles (63267828@sux-F0E655AE.clients.kiwiirc.com) Quit (Client exited)
[17:41] * Ragni spins the coin between his fingers, bites it, and nods, seeming satisfied. He stuffs the coin into his breeches. The slayer grunts, stands, and fists his forehead, "Ragni Kazriksson, Clan Sulfurbeard, late of Karak Norn."
[17:43] <Strahd_Zarov> "Strahd Zarov. Coachman." He leaves it at that.
[17:44] <Alexandros> "Oh, are you from Sylvania?"
[17:44] * Vortor (Vorto@sux-1AE6DFCB.tc.ph.cox.net) has joined #atthedisjointedcoginn
[17:44] <Strahd_Zarov> "... and if I was?"
[17:45] <Ragni> "I've heard of Sylvania!" Ragni interjects, looking at Strahd with an inquiring eye, "Not a vampire, are ye?"  He sounds almost hopeful.
[17:45] <Harold> "Harold Whiteflower, sir," he salutes, fingers spread wide, palms open before splaying them out to the sides.
[17:45] * Strahd_Zarov looks over to the dwarf. "No. Nor do I work for the von Carsteins."
[17:45] <Alexandros> "I've never been to Sylvania myself, I have a friend who went there once and didn't want to come back home, his letters do say the place is lovely so I might visit myself someday..." Hugo muses.
[17:46] <Alexandros> "As for Herr Harold here, late from the Moot then?"
[17:46] <Strahd_Zarov> "Sylvania isn't that bad. If you don't mind the ghouls, the zombies, and the vampires."
[17:47] <Alexandros> "Really now? Lorenz was much more insistent on the women being 'pale godesses' or somesuch, you know how some folk get about love and whatnot."
[17:47] <Harold> "No, no. I come from Santa Magritta, far from here in the New World."
[17:48] <Alexandros> "He's happily married, last I heard from him... hm... I should write back soon..."
[17:48] <Strahd_Zarov> "Yes, well, I'm sure Lorenz is very happy."
[17:48] <Alexandros> "Ah, the Land of Gold, is it? You must tell me about it some day, I do enjoy travelling."
[17:48] <Harold> "We have our fair share of vampires there too. Evenundeadarmies."
[17:48] <Ragni> The dwarf's expression is a comical thing to behold at all this discussion, though it's not sure if he likes the talk of pale beauties or ravening ghouls most, "Do you have business in this Sylvania, then?"
[17:49] * Harold laughs. "The land of gold. Yes. Not that we ever get it."
[17:50] <Ragni> "You need some dawi there," Ragni rumbles.
[17:50] <Ragni> "Where there's gold to be had, we can get it."
[17:50] <Alexandros> "Oh no, not all, at least not for the time being. My business is much more simple, I deal in firearms, you see, Nuln is the finest provider of this product so I buy several lots here and then sell them over the Empire. Many a garrison and watch while pay a handsome price for Nuln steel and shot," the merchant declares proudly before rapidly deflating. "However there were some... err......
[17:50] <Alexandros> ...delays and I missed the latest caravan out to Altdorf, I could wait a couple of days for the next one but then I'd be late for the next Altdorf caravan and that one would take weeks. Can't say I can afford that much waiting as it stands."
[17:52] <Alexandros> "The roads are supposed to be safe that time of the year and the roadwardens are more efficient than ever, but a man always feel safer in armed company, it doesn't pay to gamble with my life or coin you see, besides I do enjoy the company and a good chat on the road. Sterling might be a fine horse but he's not much of a conversationalist."
[17:52] <Ragni> Ragni is paying attention now, listening to Hugo explain the situation and nodding reasonably.  "Altdorf's a fair trek, too," he comments, though it almost sounds like a question.
[17:53] <Harold> "A fair trek? And then see Altdorf, imperial capital? That all sounds just fu--fantastic."
[17:53] <Strahd_Zarov> "What's the pay?"
[17:53] <Alexandros> "Not as far as most people think, besides I know the odd shortcut or two," Hugo concedes. "Regardless, I'm willing to offer each of you 5 crowns plus travelling expenses. We won't be staying at the Altdorf Imperial, naturally, but it'll beat sleeping under a bush."
[17:54] <Harold> "This old world is really interesting, makes one wonder why would people ever leave it."
[17:54] <Strahd_Zarov> "If you know a short cut or two, you won't mind sharing on a map, will you? I don't drive during the night and I prefer to be at a coaching inn just as the sun goes down."
[17:55] * Ragni furrows his heavy brow, "How long a trip do you reckon, manling?"
[17:56] <Alexandros> "If we move at a fair pace and the weather permits it shouldn't take more than a week, I suppose."
[17:57] <Alexandros> "It takes longer in a caravan, since you are moving more people and merchandise, but with just us it should be a quick jaunt."
[17:59] <Ragni> The dwarf thinks for a moment then nods, mollified.
[17:59] * Harold shrugs. "When are we leaving then? Anyone else coming?"
[18:03] <Alexandros> Hugo looks around and at the door before returning to you. "I don't think anyone else is coming, so no?"
[18:05] <Strahd_Zarov> "How fun."
[18:05] <Alexandros> "And if all is well then we can leave tomorrow first thing in the morning, I can arrange for some rooms for you here tonight if you want or don't have your own, I take it that means you are in?" he asks hopefully.
[18:07] <Harold> "Yes. Travel sounds good, sounds fun. Already have a room some place myself."
[18:08] <Strahd_Zarov> "I could use a room..."
[18:10] <Ragni> "Gold and danger?  Ai, manling, I'll take the job."
[18:10] <Ragni> He sniffs, "A spot by the fire will do for me.  That and a spot of ale."
[18:11] <Ragni> "Maybe some mutton stew..." he muses.
[18:11] <Alexandros> "Wonderful," Hugo claps to himself before pulling out a mess of sheets. "Here are the contracts then, pretty standard stuff, I'll pay you each 5 crowns upon reaching Altdorf, and I'll also cover travelling expenses, burial costs, and so on and so forth."
[18:12] <Alexandros> "Did you know you can get copies of these at the Merchant's Guild? It saves you a lot of writing time, I'll tell you."
[18:12] * Harold palms a copy of the contract and studies it. He's holding it upside-down.
[18:12] <Alexandros> "Just sign here, here, and here, one copy for me, one copy for you, they'll be recognised and enforced by any member of the Imperial judiciary should it come to that."
[18:13] <Alexandros> "But if there's one thing I can assure you is that my coin is good and sound."
[18:13] <Alexandros> "And extremely jingly, if you can believe it," he produces a small leather pouch. It jingles. A lot. "Apparently my grandfather once had an argument with a wizard and he cursed this bag to be extremely jingly so all the pickpockets would know it has coin in it. It's something of an heirloom now."
[18:14] * Ragni reads the contract in detail, making sure it squares with what Hugo has said.
[18:15] <Ragni> "If it brings you any trouble, manling, I'll sort them out," Ragni says with some relish.
[18:16] * Strahd_Zarov places his mark on both copies of the contract.
[18:17] <Ragni> "I did never understand why you manlings insist on this umgak," the dwarf says of the contracts, finally making his signature - in Reikspiel, one notes, "A dwarf's word needs no piece of paper to be kept!"
[18:17] <Harold> Wit hthe dwarf, who can apparently read, satisfied, Harold signs. His signature is just a poorly written and ugly HW.
[18:20] <Alexandros> Hugo shrugs. "It's a requisite, and it does make keeping accurate paperwork so much easier," he pushes the spectacle up his nose. "Oh, but before we finish let me show you what you'll be guarding," the merchant adds excitedly. "The Guild's warehouse is not too far away from here and I'm sure Karl will guard our spot until we come back."
[18:21] <Ragni> "I could stand to stretch my legs," Ragni agrees, snatching up his hammer and rolling massive, tattooed shoulders.
[18:22] <Ragni> "Glad I misplaced my pipe," the dwarf says, elbowing Harold companionably, "Powder and flame go together like elgi and honesty!"
[18:23] <Alexandros> "Oh good, follow me then," he stands up, leading you to the door.
[18:23] * Harold silently points at the equally silent elf.
[18:24] <Harold> "I'll get my things. A walk out sounds better than staying here," he looks at the empty improvised scene.
[18:25] <Harold> Before leaving, the weapons and shield he left in the good care of the barman. One of which being a halfberd the same size as those men use.
[18:26] <Harold> *he retrieves the
[18:29] * Ragni seems to notice the elf for the first time. He stares, squints, and concludes with a start, "An elf!"
[18:30] <Ragni> Hugo's bid that he be followed cuts off any chance for inquiry, and he does as asked, casting doubtful glances back at her.
[18:31] <Alexandros> Hugo leads you out of the Disjointed Cog and into the glum night. The streets are illuminated by many a lamp, the night watchmen going about their duties, and with some foot traffic still. Händler leads you with practised ease, tipping his hat here and there at a passing acquaintance or just out of reflex. He soon has you in a small warehouse and, after chatting with the guards, has you step...
[18:31] <Alexandros> ...in into the courtyard. The place is mostly empty at this hour, and the only cargo currently being held consists of a few crates. With another satisfied flourish he stops next to the topmost one, using a lamp to show the seal of the College of Engineers. "Master slayer, if you'd be as kind as to take that crowbar over there, do try to keep it and the lid in one piece, we'll be needing it later."
[18:32] <Ragni> "Ai, ai," Ragni says, picking up the crowbar and stepping up to offer his services, such that they are.
[18:33] <Ragni> "Ah, steel and oil.  Brings back memories," the dwarf grins crookedly.
[18:35] <Strahd_Zarov> "Hnnn." Having left the disjointed cog, Strahd has his coachman blunderbuss back on his hip. "This all seems... peculiar."
[18:37] * Harold inspects the content of the crate too.
[18:38] <Alexandros> The crate opens to reveal a pile of carefully and lovingly packaged handguns, the metal shining under the lamplight. Hugo hands the lamp over to Zarov and produces one of them, removing the waxed paper enveloping it. The weapon is revealed to be a musket, perhaps not the finest, richest musket, a nobleman would surely not even glance at it, but if there's one thing that it looks like it's...
[18:38] <Alexandros> ...practical. This is a tool, a weapon of war, and you are sure that were it to be loaded and pointed at someone, that someone would have a very bad (and short day). "Here, hold it, you can see the markings and serial number."
[18:42] <Alexandros> "See the polished wood? It's straight off the Reikwald, and then steel is from Nuln's own forges. You won't find a finer firearm this side of the Empire... or any side, really, the College employs only the best and brightest at their production line."
[18:43] * Harold whistles appreciatively. "Nice. Nice. Got a lot of them to move then? Already got a buyer for the lot?"
[18:43] <Alexandros> "As I told you before, it's bound to fetch a high price anywhere you try to sell... except Bretonnia, I guess, there you'll just get hanged."
[18:44] * Ragni sets the crowbar aside and examines a weapon, "Deb, ai, but they don't seem total umgak. I wot it'd kill a grobi, at least, heh!"
[18:44] * Strahd_Zarov (IceChat9@sux-338B334D.washdc.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:44] <Alexandros> "I try to serve some untapped markets, usually small towns and guards that can't afford large orders of weapons or that bigger merchants just don't bother with. I'm more of a travelling salesman as it stands."
[18:44] * Ragni meticulously replaces the weapon.
[18:50] <Alexandros> "Good, good," he replaces the lid back onto the crate. "So we'll reconvene here tomorrow after the first bell goes off, and we can be in our way and in Altdorf in a week."
[18:51] <Ragni> "Bright and early then, manling," Ragni grins and nods.
[18:52] <Ragni> He hops down and ambles off, "Mutton stew or a haunch of beef?  Hmm..."
[18:53] * Harold follows the dwarf. "Why not both?"
[18:54] <Ragni> A grin splits Ragni's face, "NOW you're talking sense!  What did you say your name was?  Harold, was it?"
[18:54] * Antonio (IceChat9@sux-338B334D.washdc.fios.verizon.net) has joined #atthedisjointedcoginn
[18:55] <Ragni> "A big bleedin' haunch of beef and a nice big bowl of stew, ai!  That's the ticket!  And some ale to wash it down!"
[18:55] <Harold> "Harold! Whiteflower!" he'll start singing his genealogy on twenty generations if nobody stops him.
[18:56] * Emo_Duck (Emo_Duck@Baron.Mc.NoFun) has joined #atthedisjointedcoginn
[18:56] <Harold> The tune sounds more like that of a drinking song than anything else.
[18:57] * Antonio is now known as Strahd_Zarov
[18:58] <Strahd_Zarov> "You already drank before this meeting... now you want to drink more?
[18:58] <Harold> "Well, you'd know, a man's gotta eat."
[18:58] <Ragni> "Of course, manling, of course!" Ragni says, sounding scandalized, "I was just thirsty before, now I've cause to drink for fun!"
[18:59] <Ragni> "We'll all get properly soaked, Harold Whiteflower, and see if we don't!  Maybe split some knuckles on some umgi teeth if the night goes well, heh!"
[19:00] * TXTypewriter (Mutter@AF65559C.EB440313.8633422E.IP) has joined #atthedisjointedcoginn
[19:00] * Harold shakes his head. "I'll leave their teeth to you."
[19:00] * TXTypewriter is now known as Lennelle
[19:01] <Ragni> The thought seems to so-please the dwarf that as he meanders back to the inn, he takes up a warbling tune in his deep voice.
[19:01] <Ragni> "Ten little grobi standin' in a line, me ranger pal fired and then there was nine..."
[19:03] <Ragni> "Nine little grobi, shriekin' at the gate, dropped a big rock an' then there were eight!"
[19:08] <Ragni> "Seven little grobi, in a nasty fix, snapped one's neck and then there were six!"
[19:09] <Ragni> Ragni continues in that vein, apparently having forgotten the seventh goblin entirely.
[19:18] * Ragni swaggers back into the inn, announcing his desires loudly, "ALE! STEW! SOME BLOODY BEEF! AND WHATEVER HE WANTS!" he slaps Harold on the shoulder and takes his seat back.
[19:18] * Strahd_Zarov shakes his head, as he joins his comrades. "Tell me, friends. Have either of you had the cards read for you?"
[19:18] * Lennelle is in Ragni’s seat already.
[19:19] * Strahd_Zarov orders a meat pie and some ale.
[19:19] * Harold half bends down from the blow. "Oof," he clears he throat. "Just give me the same!"
[19:20] * Ragni notices this as he's about to sit, "Oi! You! I was sittin' there!"
[19:20] * Lennelle wasn’t there before he’d left, obviously, having apparently slipped into the inn while the dwarf had been out for the moment, along with his new acquaintences.
[19:20] <Harold> "Shame this isn't a halfling inn... The pies would be just... fantasticas."
[19:21] * Lennelle turns about in the seat, ever so smoothly, as the dwarf approaches.  The exceptionally tall individual peers at him over the rim of a wooden tankard with alien, solid black eyes.
[19:21] <Harold> "Oh, you're going to knock some  teeth of the... the elgi's mouth, aren't you?"
[19:22] <Lennelle> “Was. I’m sitting here now.”
[19:24] <Strahd_Zarov> "... ... ... she's got you there, Ragni." He was hesitant on what to use, before settling on the female pronoun. With elves? Who can tell.
[19:24] * Ragni looks startled, squints, then exclaims, "An elf!" He grins at Harold and winks one bloodshot eye, thumping one hideously scarred, ham-hock fist into the other palm. "Ai, so I see, elgi. You want I should help you out of it?"
[19:27] <Harold> "Well, do you want to bet on a winner?" he asks Strahd.
[19:27] <Strahd_Zarov> "Not particularly."
[19:27] <Lennelle> She is, indeed, an Elf, it seems.  Even seated, she’s head and shoulders taller than most human men, and much thinner. Her solid black eyes look disconcertingly like she’s both peering past and making eye contact with everyone simultaneously. Even the way she moves, which is reminicent of leaves blowing on the breeze, is distinct.
[19:28] * Strahd_Zarov is unimpressed with the eyes. It's easier to ignore lesser horrors.
[19:29] <Lennelle> “A dwarf!” She responds in kind, having recognized him for what he is.  She is clearly feigning surprise.
[19:29] * Ragni looks rather curious, despite himself. One gets a distinct impression this is the first elf he's ever seen.
[19:29] <Ragni> Ragni completely misses the sarcasm, "Ragni Kazriksson!" he announces.
[19:30] <Harold> "At least," he hesitates for a beat on the pronoun, "she doesn't look like one of those bloody pirate maniacs."
[19:30] <Lennelle> “Lennelle!” She announces in kind.  Her enthusiasm is feigned as well.
[19:32] <Strahd_Zarov> "... I'm a Strig and we don't go shouting it out like that. Is that a particular to dwarf and elf kind?"
[19:33] * Lennelle takes a sip of the drink she’d apparently just ordered.  She frowns at it, seemingly displeased, but she doesn’t voice that out loud.
[19:33] <Ragni> "Well, Lennelle, then!  I'll know the name of bundle 'o leaves and twigs I'm about to dump out of MY CHAIR!"
[19:33] <Harold> "When they meet each other, it seems. He didn't do that earlier, alone."
[19:34] <Lennelle> “Isn’t this the innkeep’s chair?”
[19:34] <Lennelle> “I’m just borrowing it.”
[19:36] <Ragni> The dwarf seems briefly stumped by that, "Well, I was borrowing it first, elf!"
[19:37] <Harold> "Oh, how rude of me!"
[19:37] <Harold> "I'm a halfling!" he half-shouts to both the dwarf and elf.
[19:38] <Lennelle> “Ech.  I was wondering what that uncomfortable feeling was.”
[19:39] <Ragni> "Wait, are you saying a dwarf chair isn't good enough for your elf arse?  Is that it, eh?"
[19:39] <Lennelle> “It was the feeling of sitting in a seat that’d been warmed by a dwarf’s bottom. “
[19:39] <Lennelle> “Worry not, the feeling’s passed.”
[19:41] <Harold> "You should have this little discussion up there," he points at the improvised scene that earlier hosted the play with the knights and the maiden, "that way, everyone can enjoy it."
[19:42] <Strahd_Zarov> "Agreed!"
[19:42] <Ragni> "Well, I'm glad your dainty elf sensibilities have not been too offended!" Ragni scoffs.
[19:43] <Lennelle> “Only moderately offended.  How offended are you?”
[19:44] * Ragni throws up his hands, "Do you want to fight or not, elf?!?"
[19:45] <Lennelle> “Do you?”
[19:45] <Strahd_Zarov> "Alright, friends. Let's not have any blood spill. Dwarf, elf. Have either of you had a card reading?"
[19:46] * Harold takes his plates and ale from the barmaid, and keeps on watching the dwarf and the elf's display intently.
[19:47] <Harold> "Oh, do me, do me first!" he says, mouth half full of meat.
[19:47] <Harold> "I mean, a card reading, nothing else."
[19:47] <Ragni> "Of course!  A proper runk goes well with an ale or twelve and a - what is it then with these cards, manling?" he asks, exhasperated, as Strahd interjects.
[19:48] <Harold> "Aw, now you've stopped them!" he looks as exasperated as the dwarf.
[19:49] <Strahd_Zarov> "My grandmother taught me how to read cards. The minor and major arcana. She explained to me that the cards have meaning, but they're things that we already know. We just need a little perspective. Something from the outside for us to notice them."
[19:50] <Ragni> "What rot!" Ragni says good-naturedly, "How could a card know anything about a dawi?"
[19:50] * Lennelle only breaks away from her attention towards the dwarf after he’s turned his own attention to the human and his talk of cards. She takes another swig of whatever she’d gotten.
[19:50] <Strahd_Zarov> "Then there's nothing to be afraid of, friend."
[19:50] <Lennelle> “How could a card know anything about anyone, for that matter?”
[19:51] <Strahd_Zarov> "There's more magic in the world then just the winds, my friend."
[19:52] <Ragni> "Well, then let's see, manling!" the dwarf grabs another chair and sits.
[19:52] <Harold> "Is this the kind of magic where my purse disappears while you read me the cards?"
[19:57] <Strahd_Zarov> "That's a stereotype." He takes a seat and produces a deck of cards. "This is my grandmother's deck. The minor arcana are alright, but they're not useful in perdicting the past, the present, and the future." He shuffles the cards, his hands moving in a near blur, before dealing out three cards. "The first card is the past. The chariot, in the reversed position, symbolizing a lack of control or aggression. The third
[19:58] <Strahd_Zarov> He pauses before doing the last card. This one...features as it's artwork a wight, mounted on a skeleton horse, leading armies of the undead. "And Death is in your future." He looks the dwarf in the eye. "When you were younger, your lack of control lead to something happening, and the traditions of your people led you here... as you seek Death, no?"
[20:04] * Ragni 's smug facade vanishes as Strahd finishes his reading, and for a brief moment a different sort of dwarf altogether is visible under the bluster: grim, cold-eyed, violent...and just drunk enough. The dwarf picks up Death with one hand and examines the card before muttering something in Khazalid and letting it fall.
[20:04] <Ragni> "...Well, even a manling must've seen a slayer before," he grumbles, "Do the elf!"
[20:04] <Harold> "Sounds like a lot of mierda to me."
[20:05] * Harold laughs. "Yes! Do the elf! I'd pay to see that!"
[20:06] <Strahd_Zarov> "If I have her permission."
[20:07] * Lennelle looks to the human.  “Very well, do your card reading.”
[20:12] * Strahd_Zarov shrugs, and takes the first three cards and shuffles the deck again. Placing three cards face down, before flipping them over. One after the other. The first, is the upright wheel of fortune. "You were a turning point, some time in the past." The second, the hermit, upright. "Leading to some much needed soul searching." And finally, the third, the tower in the reverse position. "To avoid some disaster in th
[20:14] <Strahd_Zarov> The strigany male shrugs. "Of course, it's all bunk." He motions to the dwarf. "The cards only have meaning because we give them meaning. Truths that we know are true in our heart, yet do not recognize them as such."
[20:14] * Lennelle studies the cards and listens to the man’s words.  “... Hrm.  I suppose there may be something to this.”
[20:15] * Harold pouts for a short moment from behind his plate.
[20:17] <Harold> "Did you come here for the job then?" he asks the elf. "Protectionagainstnatureandtheforcesofevil?"
[20:17] <Strahd_Zarov> "I could do a reading just the same, if you want."
[20:19] <Lennelle> “I came for my own reasons, though I suspect this ‘job’ may be a stepping stone.”
[20:19] <Harold> "Now that you've said yourself it's all bunk, you've ruined the magic of the moment... Still, do go for it."
[20:19] <Harold> "You've missed the merchant by not much. He wants us to escort him all the way to Altdorf. He's got a shipment of guns, looked like good stuff."
[20:22] <Harold> "We're to meet him tomorrow at his warehouse, first bell. Ragni here will have to lead you way, I suppose?"
[20:22] <Lennelle> “I suppose so.”
[20:22] * Strahd_Zarov nods, and does the cards once more. "The past, is the Fool. Representing a free spirit. The second is the reversed Magician. Poor planning on your part, and finally... the third." He flips the last card, a detailed painting of a map of the old world. "The World. Accomplishment."
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[20:22] <Strahd_Zarov> The man ponders. "While your beginnings were innocent, your planning was poor, but in the end... you will accomplish your goals."
[20:25] <Harold> "Glad to know I will succeed in dying old, in my bed, surrounded by lusty, busty young women."
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[20:33] * Harold stands up, leaving a few empty plates, tankard and a some coin on the table. "Well, lads, lass, it was a real pleasure meeting you and I definitely look forward to the comingweek. But I have arrangements for tonight, and I'd rather not wake up the host by coming back in too late."
[20:36] * Ragni , who has been in a meditative fugue, seems to snap back to attention. "Ai, well, don't be late, Harold Whiteflower."
[20:37] * Lennelle simply nods to the halfling wordlessly.
[20:38] <Harold> "Ah well, no guarantees, Ragni Kazriksson of Clan Sulfurbeard," he winks before turning.
[20:39] <Ragni> "I like that one," Ragni says, with a sage nod.
[20:39] <Strahd_Zarov> "Well, master dwarf, master elf... there's your readings. My grandmother typically charged a silver coin."
[20:40] <Ragni> "You did nai mention no price," the dwarf grumbles...but all the same, fishes up the shiny shilling given to him earlier in the evening and slaps it on the table with a nod.
[20:40] <Strahd_Zarov> "But I'm not her. Keep your coin. Besides, she believed in it more then I ever did."
[20:40] <Lennelle> “People pay for information they already know?”
[20:41] <Strahd_Zarov> "Information you refuse to accept."
[20:42] <Lennelle> “And a card convinces them.”
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[20:43] <Strahd_Zarov> "You seemed convinced by it." He hooks his thumb at the dwarf. "The good master dwarf certainly saw something."
[20:44] <Ragni> "Don't push it, umgi," Ragni growls.
[20:44] <Lennelle> “We already knew our fates.  Perhaps Elves and Dwarves are less uncertain than men.”
[20:45] * Harold (Toaster@B1260186.6915C585.BBF83A7B.IP) Quit (Quit: Leaving)
[20:45] <Strahd_Zarov> "Or perhaps their better liars." Strahd replies. "The greatest lies, of course, are the ones we tell ourselves."
[20:46] <Ragni> "Dawi don't lie," Ragni says emphatically.
[20:47] <Strahd_Zarov> "Don't they?"
[20:48] <Strahd_Zarov> "Are you willing to say that every dwarf who has ever lived, from you back down to the first of your people that saw a mountain and said: Hey, let's carve a city in it's heart, has never lied in the entirety of history?"
[20:50] <Ragni> "Not without paying for it, umgi."
[20:52] <Strahd_Zarov> "Paying for what?"
[20:55] <Ragni> "Oathbreaking, manling.  To be an oathbreaker - an unbaraki - there is no crime worse."
[20:55] * Lennelle leans towards the man.  “Take it from me, human. I’ve been taught many things about dwarves.  Not all of them are good.  But one thing I know is that they’re honest to a fault.”
[20:56] <Strahd_Zarov> "Be that as it may, I can't imagine that there exists a people without any skeletons in their closet."
[20:57] <Ragni> Ragni grunts eloquently.
[20:58] <Lennelle> “Men are deceitful creatures. Little wonder you think everyone is just as deceitful.”
[21:06] <Strahd_Zarov> "Oh, yes. I go to a coaching inn and they ask where I'm from, I say I'm from Stirland, then I start telling rude jokes about Strigany." he demonstrates, standing up and loudly asking. "Can anyone tell me how you get the Strigany out of a tree!?" He barely has to wait when some drunk replies: "Cut the Rope!"
[21:11] <Ragni> Ragni snorts and shakes his head, "You manlings ought to have a high king."
[21:14] * Strahd_Zarov sits back down. "It's funny you should mention that. The Strigany used to have a high king."
[21:17] <Ragni> "Used to?  Well, what of his kin then?  You umgi breed like gobbos, or even raki.  Don't tell me he had no sons."
[21:19] <Strahd_Zarov> "Of course he did. There are strigany clans that still follow the sons of Ushoran. We don't talk with them anymore."
[21:19] * Strahd_Zarov is whisper quiet as he says that.
[21:21] <Ragni> The dwarf furrows his brow, not recognizing the name, "It's a terrible thing to forsake your rightful king."
[21:22] <Strahd_Zarov> "You're... ignorant, so that's fine. But let me explain. There are two different types of strigany in this world. Those that still follow the fierce lords of Old Strigos, thinking that eventually, the empire of the Mourkain will once again rise and we'll have the our glory again."
[21:25] <Strahd_Zarov> He brushes his nose, his lip curling in disgust. "Then there's the other type, like my clan." He leans in, very close. "Ushoran's sons... are monsters that don't even remember what it's like to be men, and all of them mad."
[21:25] <Ragni> Ragni frowns and grunts, "Well," he says, "I see."
[21:37] <Ragni> Having finished his food and drink, the dwarf stands with a grunt, "Well, I'm not tired yet, and this tavern bores me to tears.  I'm going to see if I can't find some umgi to thump."
[21:37] <Ragni> "Can't end a night of food and drink and profitable business without a proper runk!"
[21:37] * Ragni is now known as Commissar_Cornflakes
[22:06] * Strahd_Zarov is now known as Bennie
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