Tales of the Old World 11

<Tales_GM> The year is 2512 on the Imperial Calendar...
<Tales_GM> The coach rocks as it travels over the uneven road, the sun hidden behind the Grey Mountains. A cool breeze caresses the trees as evening begins to settle when the coachman says in a conversational tone, "The Coach and Horses. First stop, chance to eat and rest." As the road before you curves to accommodate a large oak atop a flat-top hillock, the coaching inn appears before you.
<Tales_GM> A coach is just leaving as yours approaches the outer wall.
<Thorek> "Quite the original name." Thorek chuckles.
<Seig> "Looks like quite the establishment."
* Far_Foririan reads over his notes from his time training during the few weeks on the spells he has been able to learn.
<Tales_GM> The courtyard is bustling with activity as you pass through the gates, the smell of fresh manure is heavy in the air. A couple of ostlers can be seen outside the stables busily rubbing down a team of four horses. From the inn itself comes the delicious smell of cooking and the sound of merry laughter.
<Tales_GM> There is a coach in the yard by the coach house, bearing the livery of Ratchett Lines of Altdorf - an old, established coaching house that is struggling to survive in the face of competition; recently forced to shut down operations in Ubersreik.
<Tales_GM> The coach comes to a stop under the archway, as the coachman waits for you to step off and make your way inside.
<Roderick> "Let us secure lodging for the evening."
<Afrock> "Yes."
* Roderick opens the coach door and steps out and down with his gear in hand.
* Seig sweats nervously.
* Far_Foririan folds up his notes and puts them away, "Agreed." He then step out of the coach his bow over his shoulder and his staff in his right hand.
<Shivva_Runna> "Some food would be nice as well."
* Shivva_Runna hops out of the coach
<Roderick> "Agreed Shivva."
<Seig> "So remember how I mentioned being bed-bound and sick since we last saw each other..."
<Seig> "Anyone able to spot me till we get to a bank, sick sailors don't get hired."
* Tales_GM has quit (Ping timeout)
* Tales_GM (Tales_GM@sux-441255D.res.spectrum.com) has joined
* Thorek steps out last stretching to get all the kinks out. "Oi, I wonder if I'll survive the whole trip."
<Tales_GM> The inn's barroom is a bright and cheerful place. On opening the door, you can smell fine foods cooking and hear the laughter of those drinking and joking together.
<Thorek> He looks to Seig. "Aye, we'll make sure you've a bed and some food for ya, dawri. What are comrades for. Just be mindful." He joins the others as they head inside.
* Afrock follows along.
<Seig> "Don't worry I intend to pull my weight, thanks."
* Seig heads in with the group.
<Tales_GM> From across the room you notice the icy stare of a finely dressed young woman. At her table sit two other women; one tall and heavily-built, the other a small and mousey-looking lass.
* Far_Foririan makes his way in with the others.
<Tales_GM> At a nearby table, two coachmen drink merrily, behind them a young man sits, absorbed in a book he's reading.
<Tales_GM> Leaning on the bar is a foppish gentleman who stares closely at you before returning his gaze back to the bar.
<Tales_GM> A thin-looking barman and the plump inkeeper are behind the bar at this hour, tending to the guests. Above the bar, standing on a guano-stained wooden beam, is the landlord's pet crow, "Blackie", whose name you learn as the large landlord calls out for the bird to welcome you.
<Tales_GM> To your surprise, the crow vocalizes in perfect Reikspiel, "Welcome."
* Roderick is surprised by the at of a bird speaking and his hand drops to his flintlock. "Witchcraft or chicanery do you think?" Roderick asks his companions.
<Thorek> "Hah, nice trick." Thorek tips his leather cap at the bird as it welcomes them in.
* Roderick looks at Thorek doubtfully.
<Seig> "Never seen a talking bird before? Popular with captains who sail foreign lands, can't say I've seen one."
<Thorek> "No need to be so tense, umgi. I've heard stories from the riverfolk of birds that can mimic speech."
<Tales_GM> Before you can fully take in the scene, or react to the curious corvid, the fat and effusive landlord comes waddling towards you. He smiles warmly and greets you with a hail of chatter. "Greetings weary travelers! Welcome to the Coach and Horses. Do have a seat. Take this one by the fire where you'll be nice and warm, will you? Would you like drinks and food? Yes? Of course, drink first.
<Roderick> "Heard of them sure, even seen a few in Ubersreik..but never a crow."
<Tales_GM> How foolish of me," As the landlord prattles, Blackie struts around on his beam above the bar, repeating the innkeeper's tones almost perfectly, but mixing his words up: "Welcome to the seat? Take a nice by the foolish? Would you drinks by the Horses?"
<Roderick> At the imperfect mimicry Roderick relaxes several degrees and removes his hand from his sidearm and moves to the suggested seating.
<Thorek> "Thank you master umgi. Glad to meet someone of good humors on the road." He follows Roderick to the offered table.
<Seig> "Close enough." laughs Seig as he walks to the seats indicated.
* Shivva_Runna follows behind Roderick.
* Afrock takes a seat.
<Tales_GM> As he waddles back around the bar, the landlord continues. "Call me Gustav! Me and my establishment are at your service! The roads treat you well? Pray not too well, never a good sign to travel a dull mile in the Reikland!"
* Far_Foririan follows and takes a seat as well, placing his sack down under the table in front of his feet.
<Tales_GM> "Call me Gustav!" you hear again from the ceiling.
<Thorek> "Gustav then! Glad to make your acquaintance, I am Thorek. And so far it has been quiet. Who knows when that might change." He looks up at the corvid as it repeats the landlord again. "Does your little friend, Blackie, only repeat what you say?"
<Tales_GM> "Aye," he says pouring your drinks, "but he's a clever one, with a great mischievous memory!"
<Tales_GM> As you settle in, you can't help but notice the man at the bar watching you intensely.
<Thorek> Thorke lowers his voice as Gustav pours their drinks. "You always get patrons who stare at new arrivals?" He slightly nods at the man at the bar.
<Roderick> "Gustav, I'd like to know what vittles you have on the menu this evening, as well as the rates for your rooms." Roderick reaches out and takes a long pull from one of the drinks, before setting the pint down with an appreciative nod.
<Tales_GM> When he is called out, the man at the bar quickly looks down into his wine.
* Seig takes his drink after it is poured and nods in thanks. "Seig for what its worth."
* Far_Foririan takes one of the drinks and begins to drink.
<Seig> "I'm going to see if those fellows over there have come from where we are heading, might be able to learn some goings on."
<Tales_GM> "For you, sirs, I will make options available to fit your mood!" Gustav says as he comes to your table holding a tray with your drinks.
<Tales_GM> "Light apetite - or purse? Gustav will provide boiled eggs, layed in fresh greens. Something more hearty? Sausages, showered in white wine, on a bed of herbs," he continues as he places the drinks down.
<Tales_GM> "And for the discerning man, I will have fresh quail breast boiled in garlic, a wedge of goat's cheese, and a small cup of Parravon wine to cleanse the palate!"
<Shivva_Runna> "Sausages sound good right about now."
<Afrock> "Sausage and eggs" and put's down 2 shillings.
<Tales_GM> "And proper sausages they are! No finer butcher in this side of the Grey Mountains!"
<Seig> "Just the eggs for me." nudges Shivva sat next to him "psst can you spot me for that?"
<Far_Foririan> "I will takes the Sausages." He gives the man a gold coin as ask for 18 shillings, telling him to keep two shillings for the meal.
* Shivva_Runna stares at Seig and drops 2 shillings on the table.
<Shivva_Runna> "Sausages for me and eggs for my friend."
<Roderick> "I agree with the slayer, eggs and sausage for myself as well." Roderick also slides over two shillings.
<Thorek> "Sausages for me as well if you please. The quail sounds a bit too rich for my taste tonight. Have you any strongers spirits as well by chance?"
<Tales_GM> "There are no poor choices. Not in Gustav's establishment!" he says with a wide smile as he collects the coin and turns back to the bar.
* Thorek Thorke of course pays the man just as he's leaving.
<Tales_GM> "Come, Stiggerwurt, give us a hand, we can't keep our guests waiting."
<Seig> Seig stands as the landlord leaves "Right with food ordered I'm gunna see what I can learn before it arrives."
<Afrock> "And a ale also.", put's down 4 pennies.
* Far_Foririan also give 4 pennies for the ale.
<Roderick> "An extra for myself as well!" Adding 4 more pennies to pile.
<Shivva_Runna> "I also forgot." He puts down 16 pennies. "For the ale and I'd like another two cups."
<Tales_GM> "Pay up! No charity!"
<Tales_GM> Before you can make out who's crying out, Blackie swoops down, landing on the coins on the table.
<Thorek> "Oi!" Thorek starts as the corvid swoods down in a blizzard of feathers.
<Afrock> "Oi!!"
<Tales_GM> "Claws off, thief!" Gustav calls out with a hearty laugh, bringing over plates with the egg meals.
<Tales_GM> "Rest of it coming right up, lads. Drinks, too," he says with a nod of the head as he collects the coin left on the table.
* Seig returns in fairly short order noticing the food arriving, with much of his first drink finished.
<Seig> "Nothing too exciting, apparently the roads aren't getting maintained as well as they should due to the happenings in Ubersreik, might be less safe than normal."
<Far_Foririan> "Well this bird is friendly." he saws after the bird had landed on the coins a moment ago.
* Afrock begins eating his eggs.
<Thorek> "So thing's will get more interesting." He says while gulping down some of his ale.
* Seig begins to dig into the eggs enjoying the novelty of the food.
<Afrock> "Sure is an interesting bird"
<Tales_GM> Right behind Gustav, his barman arrives carrying the rest of the food with masterful balance on a long tray.
<Seig> "Other than that the Altdorf Zoo is shut so I hope you didn't want to visit."
<Afrock> "Ah a hearty meal and drink,"
* Afrock begins eating and drinking steadily.
<Roderick> "It certainly wasn't on the agenda Seig."
* Shivva_Runna starting eating and drinking
<Seig> "Not sure I fancy it anyways if the Emperors Griffon is prone to rampages like the one that shut it this time."
* Far_Foririan begins eating his food as its placed on the table.
<Seig> "And don't get any ideas Afrock."
<Thorek> "Pah a zoo? Don't see much sense in such a thing. Plenty of wildlife, dangerous or otherwise in the woods and rivers. As I'm sure you all recall."
<Tales_GM> With the second round of drinks, Gustav approaches. "Satisfying meal, I hope?"
* Roderick receives his plate of sausages and begins alternating between the flavorful sausage, boiled eggs and greens, before washing it all down with the first pint of ale, leaving the second to be used more slowly as required by thirst.
<Afrock> "Aye."
<Roderick> "Best I've had in awhile Gustav! Compliments to your cook and your establishment!"
<Far_Foririan> "Yes it is quite delicious."
<Seig> "Plenty satisfying!"
<Thorek> "Aye you'd put some of my cousins to shame back home." He says after he partakes of another slice of sausage.
<Tales_GM> "Pay it no mind, enjoy the meal," he says while placing a sheet of parchment face-down. "But I'm obliged by the Wardens to present it to any guests. Review it on your own time, and please call I can provide you anything else. Fire warm enough? I can throw in another log if you wish it."
* Seig flips the paper, but being unable to read and seeing no pictures leaves it on the table.
<Roderick> "It's plenty warm Gustav, we will call if we need anything." Roderick slides it over to him after Seig is finished looking at it.
* Far_Foririan takes a look at the parchment.
* Roderick begins reading it aloud to the group around the table.
* Roderick folds up the paper and tucks it into his pouch.
<Seig> "Haha, not this group of 'adventurers' then."
<Seig> "Think we might fail on at least 2 out of 3 of the applicant clauses."
<Roderick> "We may be able to sway them if need be. I'll keep it on me just in case."
<Tales_GM> You notice, then, the well-dressed man has left his place at the bar coming to a stop by your table. "If I may approach, gentlemen," he says with a courteous bow, and the accent of a foreigner.
* Far_Foririan looks up at the man, he raises a eyebrow as he speaks to them.
<Seig> "You are surely welcome, it is always a pleasure to revel with other travellers."
<Tales_GM> Kruger respectfully puts down his drink, and stops eating.
<Roderick> "You don't sound like you're from around here, but you can speak your piece."
<Tales_GM> "A discerning group. Yet with sufficient outsider representation, that it cannot be a surprise," he says with a charming smile as he looks across the table at the elf and dwarves.
<Tales_GM> "Phillipe Descartes, at your service," he introduces himself. "And if you permit me," he says stroking the tip of his nose, "I will ask the good Gustav to bring another round to the table."
<Roderick> "If you're offering then be our guest."
<Seig> "Well you've traveled far to get to our table the least we can do is welcome your kindness, aller de l'avant"
<Tales_GM> "Mais, absolument," he nods, waving over the overheard order to the innkeeper.
<Tales_GM> He takes a seat at your table, mindful of the space he's taking.
* Seig pushes his empty plate towards the middle of the table to make more room.
* Far_Foririan puts his empty plates near the middle of the table and his first drink and begins to drink from the ale.
* Afrock finishes his meal and nurses the rest of his drink.
* Thorek says nothing but he accepts the offered round. He continues to eat his sausages as the foreign man takes a seat at the table.
<Tales_GM> "What, pray tell, brings such an interesting troupe to these roads?" Phillipe asks as the drinks are set.
<Tales_GM> "Merci, Gustav," he nods.
<Afrock> "Battle."
<Roderick> "Business. What brings a stranger in this land, such as yourself, to our table?"
<Thorek> "Hah! Every day is a battle in one way, cousin."
<Afrock> "Aye."
<Seig> "Personally? Traveling to hopefully find work."
* Far_Foririan says nothing, not sure what to make of this man yet.
<Tales_GM> "You are warriors, then? For hire, perhaps? Fascinating! How many stories you must have! The story of my journey, unfortunately, is much more... dull? Dull is the word, non?" he pauses for a moment, looking into the fire.
<Seig> "Dull? as in Terne?"
<Tales_GM> "I travel to your Empire's illustrious capital. I meet an old friend there," he says nodding to Roderick. "Business, as you Reiklanders say, non?"
<Roderick> "That explains why you travel these roads. Not why you approached our table."
<Tales_GM> "A fellow traveler in seek of company," Kruger says with a polite smile.
<Thorek> "Safety in numbers then, stranger?"
<Seig> "I can't say I'd begrudge an opportunity to practice my Bretonnian."
<Tales_GM> "A wise monk for a travel companion is a true blessing."
<Tales_GM> "Avec tout mon plaisir, monsieur," Phillipe replies to Seig with a smile.
<Tales_GM> "Now. Would you join me in a game of Scarlet Empress? You do play this game in the Empire, yes?"
<Roderick> "If you're trying to hire us to protect you on your way to the Capital that would need to be negotiated. If you're otherwise wishing to join us on our journey then my next question is what do you bring to our band? I think the cards can wait until business is settled one way or another."
* Seig leans back in his chair, distancing himself from the conversation while it plays out.
<Roderick> "If neither business or comradeship is your aim then I ask you say say that much plainly."
<Tales_GM> "Monsieur, I offer and seek only company. Here, and now. A future rendezvous or ongoing companionship can need not be decided in this very minute, would you not agree?"
* Afrock continues and drinking at a slow pace.
<Tales_GM> He reveals a deck of cards from within his laced jacket.
<Tales_GM> "Welcome," you hear the crow speak, as your coachman enters the barroom.
* Roderick shakes his head in exasperation. "We disagree on this, however I will not stop you from passing the time with the others."
* Thorek continues to sip from his flagon of Ale, finishing it soon and starting on the new one brought by the round their stranger offered.
<Tales_GM> "At any moment, you may change your mind, monsieur. No shame in a game of cards," he removes the deck from their pack. "Who will join me?"
* Seig shrugs, "Can't say I've got anything I'm willing to gamble on me here."
<Thorek> "I'd have to decline, I'm not one for gambling my coin away."
<Afrock> "I'm with Thorek on this one."
<Seig> "Désolé je suis fauché heh"
* Far_Foririan eyes the cards but is unsure of this game, he has only heard of it from his time in travels with Afrock but never seen it played or played it himself.
<Shivva_Runna> "I'll give it a shot."
<Afrock> "Don't lose too much."
<Tales_GM> "Vraiment? Excellent!" he says excitedly, shuffling the deck.
<Tales_GM> "A man who knows how to fight boredom the right way!"
<Tales_GM> This causes the noblewoman to shoot a disapproving look at your table from across the room.
<Shivva_Runna> "We putting down some coin or just passin' time."
<Tales_GM> "Say, two silver?"
<Shivva_Runna> "All I got is copper. I had to pay for someone's drink."
<Tales_GM> "Come now, Luck is a knight summoned by risk!" he places two silver coins on the table.
* Shivva_Runna puts down 2 silver and says "Fine."
<Tales_GM> "Good man, good man!" The Bretonnian says as he deals the cards.
* Far_Foririan watches as the game is played between Shivva and Phillipe.
<Tales_GM> With a stroke of luck, just two steps of the game later, Shivva takes the winning hand. "You are a fox, monsieur. Cunning, and sharp," he pushes the coin to his opponent, drawing out two more silver shillings from his pocket.
<Tales_GM> "Will anyone else join us?"
* Seig pays fairly close attention to the happenings but doesn't notice anything against the rules or underhanded.
<Shivva_Runna> "I thought you had me there. Haha."
* Shivva_Runna takes his coins
<Tales_GM> "I admit Luck rode on your side, monsieur. Another hand?"
* Far_Foririan draws out two shillings, "I'll give it a shot."
* Thorek denies the offer again, content to watch and sip his ale.
<Tales_GM> "An honor to have you join us, monsieur Elf," he nods dealing the hands.
<Tales_GM> Instantly, Phillipe drops the cards face-up. "It appears Luck wishes to teach me a lesson. The coin is yours, monsieur."
<Tales_GM> "Another hand? Anyone else wish to join?"
* Afrock nods no and continues drinking.
* Far_Foririan bows his head and takes his winning, leaving two of the shillings there for another round.
<Tales_GM> Phillipe nods, and deals the cards.
* Shivva_Runna walks up to the Barman and asks "Forget to ask, but how much do the rooms cost here? We got 8 that needs some bedding?"
<Tales_GM> He pauses for a moment, looking up at his opponent before turning over more cards. "Will you follow me, monsieur? Allow me to recover my silver?" he asks as he places four more coins on the table.
* Far_Foririan throws four more shillings in.
<Tales_GM> Phillipe grins, dealing the hands.
<Tales_GM> Several steps of the game later, tension following every move, Phillipe looks up over his cards.
<Tales_GM> "Monsieur. You have truly bested me," he says at last, reaching across the table with an open hand, his cards placed face-down in front of him.
<Seig> "Worse ways to use up all your bad luck."
<Afrock> "I can't tell if you're really bad at this game or if you're letting us just win."
* Afrock scratches his head in visible confusion.
<Tales_GM> The Bretonnian raises an eyebrow, his head tilting towards Afrock. "Surely, monsieur dwarf, you do not mean to insult my honor?"
<Afrock> "I'm not sure?"
<Far_Foririan> "Well it seems to be that way, a very interesting game." he then bow his head to the man in respect, he then reaches over and shakes the mans hand before taking the shillings.
<Tales_GM> Phillipe's hand is retracted, and he stands tall.
<Tales_GM> "Monsieur dwarf, I will ask that you answer my question plainly, if you please."
<Afrock> "No."
<Far_Foririan> "I am sure he didn't mean it that way."
<Tales_GM> "No? You refuse to speak directly to me, monsieur?"
<Afrock> "I was not insulting your honor Umgie."
<Tales_GM> The noblewoman, and everyone else in the room, have by now looked up at this exchange.
* Seig grabs his final ale and for a moment considers re-joining his new friends the coachmen.
<Tales_GM> Descartes ponders the answer for a moment. Everyone is silent. Even the horses can be heard through the windows.
<Afrock> "Is being bad at gambling considered dishonorable?"
<Seig> "I think it was the idea that he might of been sandbagging."
<Afrock> "I've never been good at it myself."
<Tales_GM> "Very well, monsieur. You leave me no choice. Retrieve your weapons of choice, and meet me by the oak."
<Tales_GM> At this, the noblewoman's attitude visibly changes.
<Tales_GM> To one of utter joy...
<Seig> "If you wish to travel The Empire you'll need to understand that the people here do not share your same sensibilities Phillipe"
<Thorek> [Khazalid] "Afrock, I think we need to work on your speaking skills. These Umgi don't take well to blunt talk."
<Tales_GM> "Then it is only out of the respect and good company you have shown me that I will permit monsieur one final opportunity to retract his insult."
* Far_Foririan looks to Afrock.
<Afrock> "I retract my statement."
<Seig> "C'est la vie."
<Tales_GM> "Then it is time," he turns to Gustav.
<Tales_GM> "Another round, Innkeeper."
<Tales_GM> The tension in the room suddenly dissolves... along with the noblewoman's interest.
<Seig> "No more for me thanks!"
<Afrock> [Khazalid] "I see cousin."
<Far_Foririan> "I am good as well sir, but thank you for the offer as well."
<Afrock> "I did not mean to insult Umgie."
<Tales_GM> "Monsieur, you will accompany me?" he says to Roderick?
<Tales_GM> Minus the question mark that doesn't fucking belong there^
<Thorek> "Pah! I'll not pass up free ale. Cheers to you, master umgi."
<Afrock> "I can drink to that!"
<Tales_GM> "Parfait, monsieur dwarf! We shall drink to... to linguistic misunderstanding!"
<Afrock> "Aye!"
<Roderick> "I'll take another drink, sure." Roderick stands.
<Tales_GM> The rounds arrive yet again, Gustav's face back to its cheeriness.
* Afrock lifts his drink in toast.
* Far_Foririan lifts his drink from before in toast as well.
<Afrock> "To the fancy Umgi!"
* Thorek lifts his third drink, quickly finishing the second, and clacks it with Afrock's in toast. "To diplomacy."
* Roderick raises the glass with the others and joins in the toast, if a bit halfheartedly.
<Roderick> More interested in the drink itself than the words involved.
<Seig> "Gustav if I may ask are the balcony's accessible to grab some air?"
<Seig> "I saw one on the way in they seem like a pleasant spot to finish a drink."
<Tales_GM> "Certainly, certainly! I can have your drinks taken up if you gentlemen prefer to relocate."
<Roderick> "Sounds like a fine idea Gustav!"
<Tales_GM> By now, your coachman has joined his counterparts, forming a rowdy trio of drunken singing on the far corner of the barroom.
* Roderick scoops up his pint and moves to the closest balcony.
<Seig> "I don't know about the rest but I just fancy 5 minutes" stands and takes his drink heading up the stairs.
* Thorek decides to join Roderick at the nearby balcony.
<Tales_GM> As evening gives to night, you learn more about the Bretonnian. Originally from Parravon, just across the Grey Mountains. His journey across was perilous, having to join in with a band of mercenaries just to make it safely across into the Empire. Though reluctant to speak much of family and home, you get the sense that he belongs to minor nobility, perhaps a house in social decline. As
<Tales_GM> the comfort level reaches an appropriate point, he at last makes inquiries about your willingness to become travel companions, telling you his horse is in the Inn's stables, and assuring you he is more than able to hold his own, and fight if need be.
<Seig> Once up the stairs seig takes a moment to get the layout of the galley before joining the others.
* Far_Foririan makes his way up to the balcony as well.
<Roderick> "Providing you can indeed hold your own in combat, and you're willing to take a minor detour to Eilhart, then you are welcome to join us on our journey as far as I'm concerned. Though we can put it to a vote. Give us your ayes or nays everyone."
<Seig> "Seems like plenty good company to me."
<Afrock> "Aye."
<Thorek> "It's as you say, Roderick. I agree with you assessment myself. Aye."
<Tales_GM> "Eilhart? Why, if there is any town in the Empire more well known to a Bretonnian than Altdorf, it is Eilhart. Home to Imperial wine of such quality as to compete with the vineyards of Bretonnia. I accept."