[Nexus] The Black Dragon's Den III

[Artemis97]

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h107/sjunderw/Other/Den.png

A thin plank of wood hangs beneath the old grey sign:

Under New Management

This old warehouse by the docks and on the edge of the city slums has numerous secret passageways and tunnels leading to it. When you walk in, either from the street or below, you see a freshly cleaned interior that actually looks somewhat welcoming, however, as a seedy hive of smugglers, pirates, and home of the local wererat assassin guild; this is a rough place to have a drink.

The back half of the building has been converted into a set of rooms, used by those who need a bit of privacy, whether to have a private card game, hold a secret meeting, or just to get away from the world while enjoying a dose of some of the more exotic items the Den serves. We don't care what you do here, just don't leave a mess. Just keep in mind, the walls are a little thin back there, and can be listened through (or busted through), so be careful.

The gambling scene is lively here, with craps, three-dragon ante, and darts, among other things. There are certainly not knife-fights held in the ring in the basement. Come early for a ringside seat. Gambling is permitted. Anyone caught betting against themselves will be killed, or worse. So don't do it.

The servers are all NPC goblins. They are: Blackeye, Hooktooth, and Daggernose.
The cook is a goblin woman named Sicklewort.
The NPC bouncer is Gnarl, the orc.

The menu is as follows:

Drinks

Common Drinks
All the common drinks are available in an extremely wide range of qualities, brands, and prices. Just remember- you pay for what you get.

Absinthe
Ale
Beer
Brandy
Coffee
Hard Cider
Kumis (Fermented milk)
Mead
Rum
Tea
Tequila
Vodka
Whiskey
Wine

Specialty Drinks
The specialty drinks are either crafted here or ordered specially from other sources. Normally they are higher class and more palatable, but that is not always the case...
Black Shadow-
A strong concoction guaranteed to send a chill down your spine at any temperature.
Damned Soul Nectar-
Yummy. Damned souls. Perfect for demons, devils, or anyone else lacking a conscience.
Devil Brew-
It tastes good, though drinking it will gradually corrupt your soul to evil.
Drow Spiderblood Wine-
A specialty drow wine with a strong bite, and a hint of spider venom. Alcohol isn't the only thing you have to worry about when drinking it... but it does taste good.
Firewine-
This wine is created in a way that literally leaves the top simmering and flaming. Only recommended to those who have a good fire resistance. However, it is extremely warm and has a fairly sweet taste.
Frenzywater-
You want to know what it is like to see red? Frenzywater will having you raging like a barbarian.
Goblin Thudrud Beer-
A favorite of goblins... but described by others as smelling like a rotten, flaming cow.
Hearth Brew Mead
This is a sweet mead with raspberries, rhubarb and some kind of ingredient that makes you feel warm when you drink it.
Ichor Liquor-
A mixture of blood and alcohol made especially for our vampiric friends. It can be served neat, on the rocks, or specially heated to 98.6 F.
Liquid Agony-
A drink brewed and distilled from the agony of victims, and quite sweet and tasty, but very addictive.
Mindflayer Mead-
A special brew for those squid-headed fellows. Also appropriate for Zombies, or anyoen else who likes the taste of brains.
Mushroom Wine
An Underdark drink fermented from mushrooms. It has a good deal of sugar added to it and tastes sweet, but may cause hallucinations...
Orc Kragg Liquor-
Strong. Disgusting. Manly.
Poisonbite Cocktail-
This brew is mixed of several poisons and rum. It induces extreme euphoria, and will drain the drinker's strength and mental capacities for a day or so.
Rat Mead-
This foul concoction is meant more for drinking games, and less for taste. You'll need a strong stomach to keep it down.

Aesa's Mixes
These are only available when Aesa is in, and beware if you order them... everytime it changes, and it is always dangerous.
Crazy Cocktail-
Whatever Aesa feels like putting in. Not normally fatal.
Death by Aesa-
Almost exactly like what it sounds. It has enough poisons, diseases, and energies to kill anyone with immunities to them.
Ingredients:

Essence of Disintegrate-
A clear liquid that has no taste. It gives you a pleasant tingling sensation that means your mouth, throat, and vital organs are being dissolved. Please clean up after yourself.
False Valhalla-
A drink that uses a combination of frenzywater, titan's blood (poison similar to frenzywater), happy juice, and the Wonder Trip additive. Causes insane, joyful rages that normally end in mass destruction.

Other

Food
Like the drinks, the food ranges in quality and price... the menu is currently under improvement.
Bread-
Crusty, burnt, soggy, or rotten. It's not your choice. A better bakery is "under construction" in the back. Thanks to a newly built brick oven, the bread is actually quite good now, baked fresh daily.
Dragon Steak-
This tender, extremely tasty steak is excellently prepared, but its source is undisclosed...
Fish of the Day-
The catch of the day, or yesterday... be sure to specify "fresh."
Puffer fish liver-
Tetrodotoxin, anyone? Extreme poison is ahead.
Soup-
Most common soups are available, but pay for what you want, or you'll get something else. Served in a bread bowl.

Mushrooms
Our mushrooms are well acclaimed for their taste and subtle poisons. If you have enemies, make sure they you didn't get something other than what you asked for...
Amanita-
A hallucinogenic mushroom that is fairly toxic. May cause nausea, sensory distortions, mood changes, and loss of equilibrium. Retrograde amnesia frequently results following recovery. Serious poisonings cause delirium, seizures, or comas.
Chanterelle-
An edible but unremarkable mushroom. Available pickled or dried.
Lorchel-
Also known as false morels (due to similarity in appearance), eating these raw results in extreme liver failure or death. Properly prepared, however, they are quite delicious. Available both raw and parboiled (properly prepared).
Morchella-
Also known as morels, these very prized and tasty mushrooms are available raw.
Omphalotus-
This mushroom looks the same as the Chanterelle. It is extremely appealing in smell and appearance, but has a mild toxicity that will lead to vomiting and cramps.
Oyster-
Unlike other mushrooms, this one has no confusing look alikes, and is prized for that quality alone. Served raw or stuffed.
Porcini-
Also known as Boletus ("superior"), the porcini is highly regarded and is served raw or sautéed with butter.
Portabello-
While edible, this is either described as plain or only slightly sweet. Available raw or stuffed.
Psilocybin-
This mushroom is famed for its hallucinogenic effects, while lacking dangerous toxins. Available raw and dried.
Shiitake-
These mushrooms are normally added to ordered soups. Available dried or raw.

Drink Additives
Buy them for your drink, or for someone else's drink... everything goes here.
Doze Pill-
A combination of magical energies and herbs guaranteed to put the drinker to sleep in a few minutes.
Hanger's Drop-
Ask for this in someone's drink to put them six feet under. Commonly means poison, though other methods can be bought depending on the target.
Happy Juice-
As seen in Malleo's shop. Turns the hair pink, and makes the drinker extremely happy.
Wonder Trip-
A mixture of magic and poison that causes extreme hallucinations and delirium which are not directly harmful or toxic.

Other Additives are available, you just have to ask.

Other Drugs
If it doesn't get you drunk, and it isn't a mushroom... we still sell it.
Arhtorvin
A gray powder made by different magic plants, Arthorvin is extremely calming. It is ingested, and numbs emotions and reactions.
Baccaran
A paste made of numerous, undisclosed substances, this is a mild hallucinogen that becomes more powerful as it is used in repetition and increased dosage.
Dreammist
This drug is formed into a tea, and then the vapors are inhaled. It causes incredibly beautiful and wonderful hallucinations that make the world seem dull in comparison. Overdose is extremely debilitating, as is directly drinking the substance.
Devilweed
A tobacco-like substance that is moderately addictive and makes the smoker skittish and more easily confused. Users enjoy it because it glazes over the memories of whatever happens during its effective.
Luhix
A powder made from plants grown in the abyss. It is sprinkled on self inflicted wounds- initially it causes intense pain, then numbs the body entirely. It is one of the most addictive substances known amongst the planes, but overdosing even a little may cause terrible, painful death.
Mertoran Leaf
This leaf is dried and treated. It is not very addictive, but it is cheap, popular, and boosts confidence. Ingested, not smoked.
Redflower Leaves
These leaves are only moderately addictive, but are known to give a boost to hand-eye coordination, making them popular among those who often engage in knife tossing or dart throwing. They are consumed raw and chewed.
Sannish
This blue liquid is made out of unknown ingredients and causes euphoria. It has a tendency to stain flesh and anything else it touches. Overdosing causes intense numbness.

This is by no means the limit of what we can get our hands on, just ask and we'll see what we can do.

Games
As a new addition to the Black Dragon's Den, there is a back room where all kinds of gaming take place. Goblins generally oversee the games and make sure things are fair... but everyone here can be bribed. Best to keep an eye on things yourself.

Card Games
-Coming Soon-

Dice Games
We provide all of the dice used here... unless you slip them out of our sleeve. "Better" dice can be bought with a quiet word and a few coin, though we don't provide protection from those who find out that you've used them.

Coin Pass
This is a simple dice game played with a pair of six sided dice, and is generally best with four or more players.
Each player puts out two coins (generally one type of coin is chosen, copper, silver, gold, or platinum) and then, in turn, each player rolls the dice.
If a player rolls a one, they take one of their coins and place it in the pot.
If a player rolls a six, they take one of their coins and pass it to the person on the left. This continues until only one player has coins, at which time they take the pot.
If a player has no coins left, they have one round to wait for someone to pass them a coin (by roll of a six), after which they can buy their way back in. You can only buy your way back into a game once.

Serpent's Eyes
This game is played with a pair of six sided dice, and a game board in the shape of the world serpent.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h107/sjunderw/Other/Serpenteye.png
Before the game begins, the number of rounds to play are determined, though the game may end ahead of time, or when one player runs out of coins/chips. Generally people play with a large number of rounds (double digits).
A round is completed once every player has rolled the dice once.
The dice start with the player closest to the seven on the board.
When a player rolls the dice, he does one of three things.
If he rolls any number 3-11, he places a coin on the corresponding number on the board, or, if the number is already filled with coins, they take the coins off of that number.
If he rolls a 2, he places a coin on every number on the board.
If he rolls a 12, he takes all coins from the board.


Warship
This game is played with five dice for each player. The person who rolls first is normally determined randomly.
The goal of the game is to create the best 'ship', where a 'ship' is a straight formed either forwards (1,2,3) or backwards (3,2,1). To create a straight, you roll the dice, and choose anywhere from 0-3 numbers from them. Your first chosen die is your starting number (IE, a number on either end of a straight), the second die chosen has to be the middle number of your straight, and the third die chosen is the last of your straight.
You have three rolls of the dice to form a straight. Whenever you choose one of these die, you remove it from the dice you roll to get the next number.
The game progresses like this:
1) Each player places an amount of money agreed on when the game starts.
2) Each player rolls the dice once, chooses any dice from their roll that they want, then either adds in the money first agreed on again, or passes from the game, but leaves any money they first bet in the pot (Note that everyone can see what die you have chosen, if you have chosen a die already).
3) Repeat the second step once more, then every player rolls the dice once more, and the person with the ship with the highest straight wins. If someone creates a ship one the first or second roll, they still bet, but do not have to roll until the last round (which is only done in case of ties).

If no one has a straight, the winner is based on the person with the highest number set aside (with only players with dice set aside competing). If there is a tie in highest numbers, they go to the second die set aside (with only players with two dice competing). If there is a tie between set aside die, they proceed with the same process into the dice they last rolled (excluding those set aside)

If two people have the same straight, they compare the numbers rolled on their last turn (not including the ones placed into their "ship"). The person with the highest numbers wins.

The winner takes all money in the pot. Generally, more than one game is played at once.

Other Games
These may be more or less 'games' as such... but are just as entertaining.

Darts
Bet on how well someone will throw, whether they can do it with their eyes closed... with their left hand... or if they can dodge a knife- it's all good. There are a few different dart boards, so any number of rings and scoring areas can be played with.

Knife Fights
We hold knife fights here every once in a while, down in the basement. To surrender or death. Place your bets, folks.
-No current list of PC fighters. Contact management to arrage something 'formal.'

Previous Threads

The Black Dragon's Den (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165827)
The b;ack Dragon's Den II (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171233)

[VampireRot]

Reinholdt's look is something along the lines of a mixture of :smallconfused: :smallyuk: :smallredface:.
It'd probably make more sense if the hangover wasn't interfering.
"I... umm... k, I guess..."
Reinholdt gingerly hops down and walks out.


Ermine grins as Reinholdt walks out. Then grimaces, clutches her head, pulls her poofy hat down over her eyes, and lies her chin on the table. The pirate mumbles curses to the god of hangovers.

[Artemis97]

Raril realizes what he's dong and quickly pulls his hand down. "Wrong?" The drow echoes, his voice a slightly higher pitch then usual. "No! Well... maybe." He sighs and gathers his thoughts. "Do you remember the two toddlers I was given before we reached the Underdark?"

Reposted from old thread.

[Rebonack]

Raril is provided with one of those looks.

No. No, not just one of those looks.

One of those looks.

No doubt you know the sort all too well.

"...what of them?" comes the rather cautious reply. Raril no doubt recalls that Zee wasn't very keen on the two little bundles of joy. Probably because she suspects that they're somehow serving as conduits for Cauliflower's eeeeeevil.

Because that would totally be the sort of thing the sick lich would do.

Zee wriggles atop her stool, somewhat uncomfortable now.

[Artemis97]

The drow shinks a bit under his wife's gaze and averts his eyes, unable to look at her for the moment.

"They've both grown up and have moved to the Nexus. And my family has it in for all three of us, because I've officially renounced all connection and loyalty to House Xar'Cha."

Zee may notice that the house Insignia that normally hangs around his neck is missing.

[Rebonack]

At first renouncing all ties might seem like a good thing. Until one remembers how much drow just love murdering people they don't like. And quite a few important people probably don't like Raril now.

Or...

At least less than they did previously.

Zee wrinkles her nose.

What a mess...

"Grew up and now they're here... of course... Well..." a sigh from the reluctant demoness. "I guess we can just hope that Cauliflower didn't implant his soul in one of his offspring or something..."

Because dealing with Cal is never much fun.

[Darkcomet]

Ah yes, the Den. The Nexus's current designated wretched hive, the seediest of the taverns around.

It certainly tends to magnetize more unsavory sorts.

And others.

Someone rather strange enters. This person isn't very strange in appearance, though, other than her oddly gray eyes.

http://public5.tektek.org/img/av/1011/d07/0011/58db975.png

In fact, other than that one detail, she looks rather average and unremarkable.

The strange part is that she seems to exude a strong 'aura' of sorts, one that tends to cause those unprotected from such effects to feel repulsed from her, to dislike her, or even hate her, for no reason other than it.

She stops just after entering, glancing around, probably expecting a poor reaction to her entrance.

After all, what else would someone with an aura like that expect in this place, which practically caters to those who would more often react extremely badly to it?

[Artemis97]

Raril shakes his head. "Not unless he's hidden it well. Ilpholin, my daughter, is Drow for certain, but not overly evil as far as I can tell. At the very least, she didn't kill me when she had the chance. Nadas, on the other hand, I have a lot of hope for." The drow pauses and glances around the room, before waving a hand and dropping a misty bubble around himself and Zee. No need to risk anyone eavesdropping, especially in a place like the Den. "He's staying at GLoG, the last I knew, which I take as a good sign. When I spoke with him, he didn't seem to want much to do with me. I can't really blame him for that. They both think I abandoned them for twenty years, when it was hardly a few months for me. Seems you weren't the only one experiencing slipping timestreams."

[The Bushranger]

Erin waves at the newcomer, giving her a somewhat curious look, after she gets done pouting at Raril's bubble spell.

She was having fun eavesdropping. :smalltongue:

[Shadow of the Sun]

Sunn attempts to pull on the ears of the badger, trying to use them as reins, and digs her heels into its rump. She's reasonably experience at riding.

Kara gets up and walks over towards Raril, being blocked out when the misty bubble pops up. She makes a little disappointed noise, and her ears droop a little in sadness.

[Project_Mayhem]

So vy team up vith AMEN? They do not vish to sawe the vorld, and do not care for the means

(deadtime for now)

r-r-r-repost.

Although if Scot is deadtimed, whoever wanted to do some manhood ritual with Alex/Titania totally can try

[Darkcomet]

The newcomer with the repulsive aura has evidently dodged getting attacked on arrival...for now.

She finds herself a seat, looking over the menu, seemingly ignorant to all the glares she's currently getting from NPC patrons.

"Hm."

[Gullara]

r-r-r-repost.

Although if Scot is deadtimed, whoever wanted to do some manhood ritual with Alex/Titania totally can try

((Couldn't get on forever))\

Nite leaves his place at the bar and takes a seat beside Alex/Titania.

Nite extends his hand, "My name is Nite. Could I borrow a moment of your time?"

EDIT: ((deadtime for a bit))

[Shadowcaller]

A young woman enters the 'Den' carefully. She is dressed in a very conservative black traveling dress, she got neatly combed shoulder-length raven black hair, blue expressive eyes. Her body shape is very lean and slightly hourglass shaped, with quite white skin.

"This looks pretty much the way you told me Kev..." She sigh "Very well, let's try have a pleasant dinner anyway." She says to the man entering behind her.

[Murska]

Kev enters after her, glancing around. "Yup. But there are places like this most everywhere. I suggest ordering something as ordinary as possible."

[Shadowcaller]

"Alright, I think I can can endure this." Cessie finds a place for them and waits around for any waitress or waiter to serve them.

[Morty]

The goblin waiter Daggernose arrives to take their order.

[Murska]

Kev sits next to her, hanging his coat on the chair. "I'll just have some bread."

[Shadowcaller]

"Oh... hi little guy." Cessie greets the goblin nervously "Err... do you have a menu of sort maybe...?"

[Morty]

Here ya go. Daggernose hands them both a menu. Not a very fancy one, but legible.

[Darkcomet]

The woman with the repulsive aura continues to be apparently oblivious to her surroundings, even as a large, burly man comes up behind her with a baseball bat, and...

Rather brutally brings it down on her head, repeatedly.

She is affected by this-or appears to be affected by it-as any normal person would, and seems to be either out cold or dead.

I wonder if anyone here will care...?

[VampireRot]

The woman with the repulsive aura continues to be apparently oblivious to her surroundings, even as a large, burly man comes up behind her with a baseball bat, and...

Rather brutally brings it down on her head, repeatedly.

She is affected by this-or appears to be affected by it-as any normal person would, and seems to be either out cold or dead.

I wonder if anyone here will care...?

Hey! Someone noticed!

A small and furry, yet hat-wearing, weasel-like mammal looks up and scampers over.

Ermine looks at the body, before looking at the man.

"Good work. 'Ated 'er."

The pirate scratches her chin.

"Senseless murder ain't really too good thou', mebe some o' dat first aidy stuff should be used."

Ermine takes off her hat and searches around in it for a basic first aid kit. Which she finds. In the hat. She tries to apply the first aid kit to the hate-aura woman. Oh yes, and search her pockets and such for cash.

[Darkcomet]

The NPC tries to kick Ermine away as she gets out the first aid kit. "Nah, let the bitch stay dead. We should just toss 'er in a trashcan somewhere and hope she doesn't get back up."

Ermine may noticed that, in one of the woman's limp hands, a black, swirling mist has appeared, and extends to a point fitting for a typical sword...

She'll probably also notice that the hand is clenching into a fist, or something close to it, like someone's grip on a sword hilt. Oh dear, Ms. Hate isn't dead.

The NPC, however, remains oblivious to this.

[VampireRot]

Ermine is kicked away!

...

"Oh 'ells no, ye did'nae just kick me! I'll blow yer leg off and then shove a peg-leg into yer bleedin' wound!"

The pirate takes another thing out of her hat. It's a musket. Which she aims at the NPC, but she doesn't fire it quite yet.

"Now ye're gunna apologize and then buy every'un a round o' drinks, ain't you?"

Anger issues. Ermine barely notices the sword.

[Darkcomet]

The NPC laughs. "Hah! What is that, a peashoot-"

Ermine, and others around, may suddenly notice a few things.

The first is that the repulsive aura has disappeared. The second is that the woman who generated it has bolted up, the NPC not noticing due to his attention being focused on mocking the small furry mammal's choice in weaponry.

The third is that the woman is now holding a jet-black sword, and the fourth is that she impales the burly NPC through the heart with it.

He doesn't even have time to die in shock, as the sword suddenly warps, the blade extending out of his chest disappearing in a black mist, and the remaining portion of it apparently splitting and exploding out vertically in a solid, razor-sharp black circle from within the man's chest.

The NPC, needless to say, is very dead, and the area is now very messy.

The sword/circle vanishes in a black mist as well, now, which soon disappears entirely. The woman mutters to herself. "One less senseless murderer..."

[VampireRot]

"Oh. 'OLY %$@#!"

Ermine lowers the musket to look at the woman with surprise. And take a step or two back.

"Bwah?"

The pirate is, for once, speechless. She gropes about for a bottle of rum to drink.

[Darkcomet]

"That would be my own way of getting rid of those who would hurt or kill others for no reason. The aura doesn't give reasons for the emotions it encourages." The woman sounds...almost casual about this, and a familiar black swirly mist appears over areas most...messy from the NPC-explosion.

It seems to be collecting the, ah...blood and guts.

[VampireRot]

"Ooo...Kay..."

Ermine has found that rum now. Which she takes a long chug of.

"A bit... Messy. An' extreme."

The pirate puts her musket back in the hat.

"Are ye 'un o' dem an-thro-mor-phic per-son-ifi-cations?"

[Darkcomet]

The woman shrugs."A bit much on the messiness, yes, but it guarantees a very quick death and has more psychological impact on others who might try it. I know this place's reputation." The woman glances at a few NPCs who were glaring at her earlier. They're quite terrified. Into silence, in fact.

By this point, the mist has collected the worst of the mess from the NPC, and combined into a black ball in the air, with spots of red. :smallyuk:

"And no, I'm not one of those. I'm just making the most of a curse."

The identical text colors are probably getting annoying for everyone else by now.

[VampireRot]

"Ah. Ye got a name?"

Ermine takes a drink of rum.

"Mine be Ermine. It's also what I am, before ye start callin' me a weasel. Or worse."

"Worse" being, in this case, "Ferret". Which Ermine takes as a huge insult.

Sienna is a popular color. v.v

[Darkcomet]

"Altara. And out of curiosity..." She tilts her head at the ermine. "Wouldn't your small size mean you can't drink that much?"

She has a point.

While waiting for a reply, Altara glances over at the mess-orb, and waves a hand, the thing hovering over to a trashcan or other such waste container and dissipating, depositing the blood and guts in it.

[Rae Artemi]

A girl of eighteen walks into the bar. She has deep blue eyes and long black hair in a braid hanging down her back. She wears a short hat with a flat top and a thin brim. As she walks, her divided skirts swaying to and fro, she gives anyone who looks at her for too long a piercing stare, while resting a hand on the bottom of her wavy-bladed spear, which hangs on her back above an oddly cut black vest, which itself is above a tight, white, with sleeves that end in fingerless gloves.

She walks up to the bar, and says to the bartender, but loud enough for anyone to hear.

I'm looking for someone. Male, late twenties, wears a green coat and black hat. He carries two swords and an ocarina. Have you seen him?

[VampireRot]

Ermine glares, and chugs some more, as if to prove Altara wrong.

"Nah. Anyway, I can get bigger if'n I wanted to."

The mustlid looks down at her furry, and unclad, body.

"Though I can't magick clothes out'a thin air, so it ain't something I do often. Someting 'bout public decency, whatever 'dat is."

The girl gets a head shaken at her, as though Ermine actually has met who she's looking for, she has no clue where he is now. :smalltongue:

[Rae Artemi]

The girl gets a head shaken at her, as though Ermine actually has met who she's looking for, she has no clue where he is now. :smalltongue:

((I'm not even entirely sure where he is right now, and I'm his player!))
((I'm mostly joking about that, I know he's in Outside, probably on coconut bee island, but beyond that...))
The girl looks over at the ermine that is apparently shaking it's head at her.

You've seen him, haven't you, little ermine? I've always been good at reading animals, and judging by the fact that you've been talking, I'd say you're smarter than the average animal.

[Darkcomet]

Altara seems rather bemused at Ermine. "I see." Then she falls silent, waiting to see if the situation with the new girl merits her concern.

[VampireRot]

"Ah, ye've got me. This 'un, ya'see 'er? She's got true intuition. Read me like a book, knew I'm smarter than most animals. Loike a psychic she is."

Ermine waggles her ears and grins.

"I seened 'im, but it was a while ago, and'I dunno where he be."

[Rae Artemi]

Any information will help. I lost track of him almost two weeks ago, and I also have no idea where he might be. I can make it worth your while if you were to help me find him.

[VampireRot]

"Kay. But as I said, I only seened 'im once, and dat was a while ago too. Couldn't say where he is now, and I ain't no bluddhound."

Ermine looks skeptically at the girl, and drinks more rum.

[Rae Artemi]

You may not be a bloodhound, but ermines do have a fine sense of smell, and you are a fine specimen of your species. But that's not really what I meant. I just need to know where you saw him, and, if you can remember, who he was with.

The girl sits down, and produces a gold piece from her pocket, which she begins twirling between her fingers.

[VampireRot]

Ermine looks contemplative.

"Oh yea! It was in Trog's... He was fightin' some crazy guy... And he 'ad a girl wif 'im. An I may owe him money."

*More detailed descriptions of Riv and Emily? go here*

[Rae Artemi]

((Yeah, it was Emily))

Thanks, little Ermine.

She says, tossing the gold coin to Ermine.

And don't worry about owing him money, my brother may talk big, but he won't act on it.

[VampireRot]

"I dunno. He played up a really bad song on 'is doo-dad flute ting."

Ermine catches the coin, bites it, and puts it in her hat. Then more rum.

[Rae Artemi]

Oh, he'll do that, sure, I just meant that he wouldn't actually force you to give it back at knife point, which he probably said he would do, knowing him.

[VampireRot]

"'E might of."

Ermine drinks more rum.

"Course, I said "no" to him at gunpoint, so it evens it out, don't it?" :smalltongue:

[Rae Artemi]

Gunpoint? Are you sure? Len doesn't use or trust guns.

((Unless I was acting really out of character, which isn't impossible.))

[VampireRot]

"Was my gun."

Ermine nods. She may have worded that wrong. Stoopid pirate with'n havin' trubble with da talkin' words.

[Rae Artemi]

So, you had him at gunpoint, and then he tried to convince you to give him his money back?

A thin smile touches her lips.

Now that sounds like him.

[VampireRot]

Ermine shrugs.

"I suppose. He had some 'eird clone tings though."

[Rae Artemi]

You mean like this?

A projection says from behind Ermine.

Yeah, it's a family thing.

[VampireRot]

"Oh."

Ermine scowls at the projection. And drinks some more rum.

"I'm not a fan o' too much magic. Sure, it is awfully convenient ta carry all yer stuff inna hat, but..."

[Rae Artemi]

The projection fades, and the girl says.

That? That's not technically magic. If it was, my brother wouldn't be using it, that's for sure.

[VampireRot]

"Er... Naw, dat's magic. See, it's a solid ting randomly appearin' in mid-air. Magic."

Ermine shakes her head.

"Tings don't do dat normally."

[Rae Artemi]

Well, by that definition of the word, I suppose it is magic. But the way we were raised, we learned that if something doesn't actually require some sort of magical energy, mana, life force, or whatever, it isn't magic. So, the projections aren't magic, but something like this...

The girl holds out her hand, and a small fire appears in her palm, which she tosses to her other hand.

...is.

[Darkcomet]

Meanwhile, since things are going civilly, Altara has taken to quietly cleaning up the few remnants of that NPC's...remains. Can't really call that a corpse.

[VampireRot]

Ermine just gives the girl a strange look.

"Magic is magic. But whatever sails yer ship."

Floats your boat is lame when you're a pirate. ^.^

"So... Hate-lady, Altara, what do ye do fer fun? Besides explode people who you goad into killing you with magical powers?"

That's what the pirate saw. :smallannoyed:

[Rae Artemi]

The girl quirks an eyebrow at the exploding people comment, and then looks around and notices the goop on the floor. She :smalleek:'s and puts her feet on her chair, but otherwise stays silent.

[Darkcomet]

Altara frowns at Ermine. "Anyone who tries to kill me because of that effect is obviously dangerous to others as well, if they kill because of blatantly causeless hatred. Who knows what they'll do with a cause for it, however petty it is?" She stops, shaking her head and deciding to answer the question, frown deepening as she thinks about it. "But to be honest, I...don't really have that much to do. Didn't really have much of a choice in the matter, since I couldn't control that damn aura until recently. I haven't really thought that much about what I'm going to do now."

[VampireRot]

"I 'ave the same problem. Ain't got no boat 'r stuff ta steal 'ere. So I'm jus' drinkin' in taverns."

Ermine drinks! Rum!

[Darkcomet]

Altara raises an eyebrow. "Piracy, I'm guessing?"

[VampireRot]

"Nah. Tax-collectin'."

Ermine sticks out a cute little weasel tongue.

"Piracy."

[Darkcomet]

"I doubt that'd go well here with the high-tech military and all. Not to mention everything else." Altara actually sounds rather concerned. Huh.

[Gullara]

((Couldn't get on forever))\

Nite leaves his place at the bar and takes a seat beside Alex/Titania.

Nite extends his hand, "My name is Nite. Could I borrow a moment of your time?"

EDIT: ((deadtime for a bit))

Nite undeadtimes, and awaits Alex/Titania's response.

[VampireRot]

Ermine waves her hands. Which includes her rum.

"Exactly! Can't get a good job over 'ere, and I'm an outlaw of outlaws where I'm from!"

[Darkcomet]

Altara raises an eyebrow, and points at Ermine's rum. "You do realize that you're going to run out of money for that and more important things eventually if you don't find something to do, right?"

[VampireRot]

Ermine looks horrified. Horrified.

"Ye're right!" :smalleek:

She looks around, as if hoping a job might pop up randomly in the tavern.

"What can I do?"

[Rae Artemi]

Help me find my brother, and then scam more money off of him?

[Darkcomet]

Altara shrugs. "I wouldn't know, these things aren't as concerning to me. Being a total freak has its advantages sometimes." What she means is that she does not need to eat or drink.

[VampireRot]

"As I said, I ain't a bluddhound. I can't track week-old scents, specially in a tavern."

Ermine looks worried. Wait... An idea! She... drinks more rum! Yeah, Ermine, that'll work. :smallsigh:

[Rae Artemi]

No, but two heads are better than one, as they say. And I can always do with a little help. There's more gold in it, if you accept.

[Darkcomet]

"Could always go for the typical adventuring route or something." Altara's really not very helpful here. When it's not a lack of suggestions, it's a terrible idea!

Adventuring is dangerous and all. *nodnod* :smalltongue:

[VampireRot]

"Mebe..."

Ermine turns to her drink once more, before raising an ear at Altara's suggestion.

"Hm... An adventuring is... Breakin' into people's 'ouses an' takin' stuff? Er, people who are unliked by da community as a whole?"

:smalltongue:

[Darkcomet]

"Or going into forbidden dungeons and such and looking for hidden treasure. Anything like that, really. It's a...rather broad field, but also a rather dangerous one." Altara's hand suddenly collides with her face as she realizes she just mentioned treasure to a pirate.

[VampireRot]

"Forbidden dungeons are usually da homes to tings. Adventurers kill dose tings and take dere stuff. Dis is okay cuz no'un likes da tings."

Ermine clarifies her previous statement. Then rubs her paws together.

"I like treasure. An' danger's never bothered me before."

[Darkcomet]

Altara is a lot less calm now. "Nonononono that's a terrible idea! Besides I don't actually know of any forbidden dungeons around here!" She's reeeeeally regretting saying that...

[ThePhantom]

A man in a purple hat, after checking that Raril isn't around, goes and nails a flier to a beam.

Adventure is clearly visible on it.

[VampireRot]

"Bah. If'n everyone didn't go out on a limb wit' dangerous ideas every now an' again, would any of us be 'ere? No. I say it'sa good idea."

Ermine quaffs some more rum.

"Anyway, I thought you'd be da adventurin' type yerself. I mean, most of da beasties 'n such you'll find in forbidden dungeons'll attack you wit'out good reason, like dat guy you exploded. Cept they don't even need hate auras!"

Logic-trap! Run!

The ninja-flier is looked at!

[ThePhantom]

Adventure

Need to have cave cleared of slimes.
Will pay well.
See the guy in the purple hat at Trog's for more details.

The flier has this on it.

[Rae Artemi]

I'm sure Len would know of at least one. He's drawn to trouble like a pirate to treasure, as I'm sure you noticed, and forbidden almost always means trouble.

The ninja flier is also glared at.

[Darkcomet]

"Because they stay in their little lairs and don't bother actively harassing people so they only kill anyone stupid enough to go there!" Altara is so caught up in flipping out she doesn't notice the flier.

Whoops.

((deadtime))

[Project_Mayhem]

Nite undeadtimes, and awaits Alex/Titania's response.

Titania's player is very sorry, but is using horrendously unreliable internet.

Seeing as how Scot is deadtimed, she turns to Nite and looks him up and down swiftly.

She smiles, with a lascivious edge to it.

Yes of course. Vhat do you require? My name is Titania

[Rebonack]

Raril shakes his head. "Not unless he's hidden it well. Ilpholin, my daughter, is Drow for certain, but not overly evil as far as I can tell. At the very least, she didn't kill me when she had the chance. Nadas, on the other hand, I have a lot of hope for." The drow pauses and glances around the room, before waving a hand and dropping a misty bubble around himself and Zee. No need to risk anyone eavesdropping, especially in a place like the Den. "He's staying at GLoG, the last I knew, which I take as a good sign. When I spoke with him, he didn't seem to want much to do with me. I can't really blame him for that. They both think I abandoned them for twenty years, when it was hardly a few months for me. Seems you weren't the only one experiencing slipping timestreams."

It sure is useful to be able to set up a nice shell of silence whenever the need arises. Though... it kinda leaves people wondering what's going on. Because after all, who would bother to use magical eavesdropping defense if something important isn't being said?

Anywho...

Zee wrinkles her nose at all of this.

"He's certainly good at hiding things. Or was good at hiding things. Hopefully he'll remain past-tense," she comments, a rather distasteful look on her face at the mere memory of Cal. The icky look steadily morphs into one that's a little more... hopeful. "He was... the demon-y looking one, right? We know he's at GLoG, what about your daughter? Do we know where she is?"

Now badger time!

Sunn's attempt at riding results in a rather disgruntled sound from the animal. It refuses to budge.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Kara keeps looking sad as she looks at Raril through the bubble of silence. A sort of "let me in, please?" look.

Sunn looks a bit nonplussed. In her mind, it should be kicking and bucking. But she's not all bothered.

[Artemis97]

"Ilpholin is staying at AMEN, which I honestly don't like, but she wouldn't accept my offer to stay with me. I've been meaning to talk to Magtok, see if he can keep an eye on her. That is if he has any pull over there anymore. The place is being run by this big blue dragon now, called Gordon. I can't say I like him very much. I'm afraid he'll hurt Illy some day. She hasn't learned yet to not mouth off at things that can eat you whole. I've been meaning to get her something to protect her against scrying. I should probably get one for Nadas too. I wonder if I could find some dragon's bane... Need to talk to an alchemist too." Despite having fatherhood forced upon him, and having no need to be responsible for the children, Raril was honestly concerned about them.

The drow sat back and sighed. "I have a lot of things to do, and not a lot of time to do them in. Not since the bar blew up and my nephew decided he wanted to try to kill me again, after pretending to kidnap Ilpholin. Fortunately I was able to see through that one. And then he tried to use my own tricks against me! Honestly, I didn't see that coming, but I knew he would try to attack me. He won't be threatening the twins anymore, at least. Not while I still draw breath."

As for Kara and the bubble... it's mist. she could walk right through it if she wanted too. It's only purpose is to obscure voices and to keep people from lip-reading.

[Morty]

Wenomir's (another)plot clone enters the Den, treading heavily. He heads to the bar and orders some cheap wine. No point in buying good alcohol if it doesn't affect him anymore.

[Gullara]

Titania's player is very sorry, but is using horrendously unreliable internet.

Seeing as how Scot is deadtimed, she turns to Nite and looks him up and down swiftly.

She smiles, with a lascivious edge to it.

Yes of course. Vhat do you require? My name is Titania

Nite looks around to be sure no one is eavesdropping. "My people have a rite of passage, and I hope you can assist me with it. I'm assuming that you are a vampire."

[Rebonack]

The badger continues clinging to the top of the barstool.

It's going to stay there until someone serves it! Rawr!

The mention of AMEN results in a slight giggle from Zee.

Then a pause.

Then a concerned look.

"Wait... Those are the silly people that do slap-stick comedy while sitting around and talking about how evil they are, right? Or... Are they actually threatening now?"

She really isn't sure.

Has been gone for quite a while after all.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Raril will thus find that Kara has walked through the bubble and is hugging him.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*A fuzzy nose pushes open the door, and a camelid head holding a basket in its teeth pokes itself in, and peeks around. Not seeing a fight, a llama wearing a mask and hold symbol trots into the tavern, still holding a woven basket in its teeth, and looks around the tavern. It non-chalantly gives a wave to anyone who gives him a strange look.*

[Morty]

Wenomir(who looks like his player's avatar, only he wears his hair in a ponytail now) watches the llama with a blank expression.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*The llama sets the basket down, sniffs the air, and looks over at the badger with a very perplexed look. A small serpentine head can be seen trying to peek out of the basket with a DC 24 spot check. With a forehoof, he scratches his head.* Okay, I can smell the mushrooms, and can see the other two spell components. So umm.....how do I complete the ritual?

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/wolfshonor/llamas/inari.gif
(Its me)

[Morty]

Wenomir blinks. He's not sure if the... hooved talking animal adressed him or noone in particular. Those other people are in some sort of soundproof bubble, after all.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Sunn, who was attempting to ride the badger like a rodeo bull, beams at the llama and jumps off of the badger onto Atreyu's back.

"Llama! It's been quite a while!"

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*The llama seems rather confused and more just mumbling to himself more than anything. He pokes the basket with a hoof a few times, as if trying to get it to start.* Turn on, you stupid thing. *Finally, he sighs and slumps down to the ground, resting on his stomach, staring at his basket.*

Then he looks up at Wenomir* Know anything about pseudo-archaic post-modern rituals designed to summon a Narwhal?

OOOOOF! Errr...hiya! He says, looking back to his new rider with a smile.*

[Shadow of the Sun]

Sunn smiles at him, waving. She is, at the moment, 10 inches tall.

"How've you been, llama? I've been pretty good!"

[Morty]

Who's on the what now? Wenomir is thoroughly confused. A 10 inch tall someone jumping on the llama's back doesn't help.

[VampireRot]

Wenomir may find his table joined by a weasel-like creature wearing a hat, standing on its hind legs on the table-top. Or counter-top, if he's not at a table.

"Yar, it be a mystery. Ain't nevar seen a beastie loik dat in me life."

Ermine holds (and drinks from) a bottle of rum, if that's any help. :smalltongue:

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

I've been okay. Just wandering around, trying to fulfill various prophecies. None of the world destroying ones or stuff like that. Just the smaller ones that no one really thinks about. *he says to the 10 inch tall lass*

Then he turns to Wenomir apparently, if you get a badger, some mushrooms, and a snake all together, it will make a Narwhal appear.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Sunn nods at the llama, smiling. "I'm glad to hear you've been having fun occupying your time." She hugs his neck.

Sunn loves the llama.

[The Bushranger]

Erin, meanwhile, undeadtimes.

Blinks.

Then grins, and waves.

"Atreyu! I never thought I'd see you h-here," she says, her stammer returning a bit in her excitement at seeing another old friend.

She looks much like she did in her old days in a certain other town, except now her hair is almost all black, instead of pure white. Still has a white stripe, Rogue-style, though.

[Morty]

Then he turns to Wenomir apparently, if you get a badger, some mushrooms, and a snake all together, it will make a Narwhal appear.

And what's a Narwhal? Asks the demonhunter, glancing at the rodent.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*He nuzzles Sunn and gives her a little lick, then giggles*

*he waves to Erin* Yeah, I stopped in to try to fulfill a prophecy. There aren't many badgers in Town these days. Its great to see ya.

*Then he turns to Wenomir and explains his master plan.* I don't know. I've heard rumors, they are the Jedi of the Sea, but apparently just about anything CAN be a Jedi. So I thought I'd summon one and see what it looked like, and then I'd know.

[VampireRot]

"Narwhals are ruddy dolphins wit' horns." :smallannoyed:

Ermine grins though. She's actually heard the song before. IC. Some bards are so cool. :smallbiggrin:

[Morty]

Uh... okay. I hope it works well. And that this Narwhal doesn't turn out to be some destructive monster or something.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Sunn giggles and hugs Atreyu, smiling back.

"Life's been good on my end. Just living with the husband and the kids, you know. A nice quite life."

[The Bushranger]

"A narwhal?"
Erin wrinkles her nose a bit.
"W-wouldn't a Walrus be more in keeping with magical critters?"

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

I'm glad to hear it. Sunn

Ummm...well...they might, Miss Erin, but ummm....I haven't heard any prophecies about Walruses...ummm...Walri?

*He turns to the demonhunter. Well, they are Jedi, so they can't be big and evil and destroy everything. I trained to be a Jedi once. I wasn't allowed to be evil.

Thanks He says to the newcomer to the conversation. Hmmmm.....that sounds kind of bad to summon in a non-watery area, though.

[The Bushranger]

Erin blinks.

...it seems the concept of Jedi Narwhals is threatening to melt down her brain...

"Ummm, well, I always heard that the Walrus would come looking for his Bukkit," she finally manages to say.

[VampireRot]

"Well Narwhals are dolphins, and dey got dis great big horn stickin' out o' dere nose."

Ermine waves her rum around and mimes a narwhal's tusk.

"Dey can use it fer breakin' ice an swordfightin'. And lemme tell ya, dey're gurt swordfighters. Ain't met no'un better wit' a blade dan a narwhal."

She could be a fibbing pirate, or she could be an anthropomorphic ermine who has dashing sword-fights with horned whales. I dunno. :smallsigh::smalltongue:

[Morty]

Wenomir blinks. He feels he's losing track of the conversation.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Sunn is grinning.

It's almost like she can spot the joke and is enjoying herself while she waits for everyone else to get it.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

ERIN! *He gasps* That's a prophecy we dare not mention lest the Wal....err...creature hear us!

(Dang, I'd forgotten all about that.)

Oooooh, He says, listening to the pirate's tale of narwhal encounters.

[VampireRot]

"Aye. It was in da good ol' days of merry poirate songs and plunderburninan'rape when I met me first Narwhal. Me pap, for it was 'is ship in dos days, set a smart course to da north. But it wasn't a smart course, cuz we all dranked alot o' rum an' felled asleep. When we awoke, dere was ice everywhere, trappin' da ship. The ocean madness 'ad almost set in when dos horned dolphins came."

Ermine takes a large swig of rum, and takes a scimitar out of her hat.

"Dem whales thought it wus a gud laugh dat we were stuck, and didn't fink ta help us non-used ta da icey waters. So I leaped down from the ship, swingin' mah cutless! Course, dem narwhals fended off me attacks wit' ease, as so, and soon I was cournered. But dem're nice ol beasties, and we all 'ad a good laugh and feasted on da flesh o' polar bears apleanty that night. Cuz narwhals' natural prey is polar bears, ya'see?"

After some swashbuckling sword-narwhal fighting demonstrations, Ermine sits down for another drink of rum.

"Dey let us out wit dere great big 'orns, and swam off to fight some giant squids 'r someting."

100% truth, I'm sure. >.>

[The Bushranger]

Erin covers her mouth in shock at the Llama's admonition!

"Oops. Um, s-sorry?" she stammers shyly.

...then listens to Ermine's tale with a rather doubtful expression.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

It's okay, Erin. I'm just paranoid. I've spent the last 3 months fulfilling all sorts of small prophecies and a medium one and accidently caused a city to be infested by wererats, but they were really understanding about the mix-up.

*He listens with rapt attention to the pirate's tale, his stubby tail wagging happily.*

Then with a frown he stands up. I gotta go. Its probably for the best, since I don't think a narwhal would be happy to be summoned here. It was nice to see everyone again. *Then he picks up the basket with the snake in it and heads out. Those with a DC 18 listen check with hear a voice coming from the basket as it leaves.Grrrr...he forgot about me after 3 posts.

[The Bushranger]

Erin shudders at the mention of wererats.
"Awww. Bye Atreyu!" she calls, waving sadly as the llama departs.

Then decides she'll order a Black Shadow to celebrate.

[Artemis97]

The badger continues clinging to the top of the barstool.

It's going to stay there until someone serves it! Rawr!

The mention of AMEN results in a slight giggle from Zee.

Then a pause.

Then a concerned look.

"Wait... Those are the silly people that do slap-stick comedy while sitting around and talking about how evil they are, right? Or... Are they actually threatening now?"

She really isn't sure.

Has been gone for quite a while after all.

"I don't know about slap-stick, but I certainly don't take them very seriously. Still, there were some things going on over there I didn't like. That Gordon... I owe him a thing or two." Judging from Raril's tone, they won't be very nice things, either. "Too arogant for his own good, if you ask me. Of course, most dragons are. Then add in the evil, and it's a real mess."

[Rebonack]

"Bye llama!" comes a rather belated greeting from Zee as the quadruped departs. Seems like he's always away whenever Zee's player is on!

How sad.

At Raril's comment Zee wrinkles her nose a bit. "Did you borrow money from him or something?" she inquires. Apparently the intent of the comment managed to sail right over her head. "'cuz dragons seem like the sort of critters that wouldn't be very keen on giving out gold. Y'know, because of the hoarding and stuff."

A pause.

A blink.

"Ooooooh! You mean repay him for misdeeds! That makes more sense."

[Project_Mayhem]

Nite looks around to be sure no one is eavesdropping. "My people have a rite of passage, and I hope you can assist me with it. I'm assuming that you are a vampire."

Yes I am. Vat do you require?

She seems unconcerened, and friendly. In a femme faatly way.

[The Bushranger]

Erin might comment, but, mist-bubble.

Becky might comment, but, not-here.

So Erin just quietly sips her Black Shadow, and shivers pleasantly.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Sunn jumped off of the llama when he was about to leave, so she's sitting on the edge of the bar and swinging her legs.

[Artemis97]

Raril chuckles a bit. "Yeah. Exactly. Ah!" and it suddenly hits him that he's being hugged. "Oh... hello again, Kara. Zee, you've met Kara before, haven't you?" The drow asks, waving away the misty bubble.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Kara smiles up at Raril, nuzzling her face into his chest.

She likes Raril.

[Gullara]

Yes I am. Vat do you require?

She seems unconcerened, and friendly. In a femme faatly way.

Nite takes off his helmet and places it on the table. His skin is a rusty red colour and he has no hair, save for his beard. His is ruggedly handsome, but has vaguely elf-like features. A gnarled scar crosses vertically over his right eye, completely consuming it.

"I need to to make me a vampire."

[Reinholdt]

Sniper Kitty Reinholdt returns here. Seems like a good as place as any to think.

He finds himself a seat and looks around.

[Murkus]

A boy, or really a young man, wanders inside. He appears to have antlers shooting from his head, curving in odd ways. He has a wide, charming smile. Though it doesn't look like a tattoo, a series of brown stripes runs curves through the center of his face, stretching out across his forehead and cheeks.

He takes a seat, sighing pleasurably and enjoying the soft booth. The man sounds tired, as if he hasn't sat on anything remotely soft in a long time. He talks fast, ordering a simple ale and then quietly turning back to the menu.

[Project_Mayhem]

Nite takes off his helmet and places it on the table. His skin is a rusty red colour and he has no hair, save for his beard. His is ruggedly handsome, but has vaguely elf-like features. A gnarled scar crosses vertically over his right eye, completely consuming it.

"I need to to make me a vampire."

Titania pauses.

And laughs. Hard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr0xHf4yu1o&feature=related).

OK, not as hard or as crazy as Alucard, but I really wanted to link that.

After a while, she stops, and composes herself

You know that's the first time I've laughed in 300 years? I forgot how amusing mortals can be. Anyvay ...

...

Why I'm I still this ridiculous parody?

The final sentence is said without the ridiculous accent.

She suddenly shifts form into a pale, beautiful, androgynous shape, with a bald, and ridged elongated head.

It looks at Nite again

Now. Tell my why you are worthy of joining the Tzimisce clan, and I may consider your request

[Gullara]

((Now that is an evil laugh))

Nite scowls at the laugh, but his anger is quickly replaced with a stunned expression. None of his people looked anything like her.

"I admit, being worthy of vampirism is a lofty goal. I've trained my entire life in combat and magic in preparation. For my people there are two options, become a vampire or die, and I am not ready to die." Nite's expression hardens at that last statement.

"Test me as you will. I assure you I am ready, and I am worthy."

[Murkus]

Adir watches the conversation with disinterest, ordering himself a thick cheese soup to start. He digs in with gusto, occasionally glancing around with a dripping mouth to watch the remainder of the bar.

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt orders some... rum and shifts into a flaming hawt human. For greater tolerance.
I think Ermine's a bad influence on him.

He slowly sips at it while listening in on whatever conversations he can.

[VampireRot]

Speaking of Ermine, she's sleeping on a table. The pirate is curled up around an empty bottle of rum, all cute and weasely under her large hat.

The table is left alone and crept around by the NPCs.

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt can't help but D'awww a little and smile at the mischievous little thing. Reminds him of his better days treasure hunting and generally looking cute while causing trouble. The lesser kind. Few and far in between they may have been.

He buys another full bottle of rum and sneaks over to put it gently on Ermine's table before trying to sneak back to his seat. A present you could say.

[VampireRot]

Ermine snuffles a bit as Reinholdt approaches, but doesn't wake up.

She'll be very grateful upon waking, I'm sure. Rum!

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt just leans back in his seat, paying attention to various going ons, though occasionally eying Ermine. Sooo cute.

But he'll probably deadtime there unless something of interest happens.

[Shadow of the Sun]

The door to the Den opens. Gently. Perhaps uncharacteristically for it's clientele.

A fellow wanders in. He's reasonably old- or at least old looking. He could be a young sixty of a very beaten forty. Some might estimate in the middle.

He's wearing a rather ragged and patched suit, but over the top of it is a rather well knitted poncho. To top the lot off, he has a shallow, broad brimmed hat on his head.

He takes a seat and looks over the menu, grumbling softly before beginning to cough.

It sounds like a cement mixer.

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt notes the Cement Mixer guy, for that is his name until another name is given and decides to give him a tentative wave and "Hello." Out of politeness of course.

[Shadow of the Sun]

The fellow looks up at him, and smiles, before lowering his head.

Reinholdt might see his lips move for a moment before hearing, as if it was being whispered right into his ear: "And the same, lad."

[The Bushranger]

Erin looks up, blinking in surprise as she both undeadtimes, and somebody walks in!

And she waves, smiling politely. "G-good evening."

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt grins a little. Ventriloquism. Very nice.
Of course his player knows a little better from the clues given.

But he didn't look interested in a conversation proper, so Reinholdt just deadtimes for real.

[Shadow of the Sun]

As Reinholdt deadtimes, the fellow will snort.

And then, as Erin gives her pleasantries, his head still down, his lips move. And Erin will hear, in her ear: "Y'think so?"

His voice sounds very soft. And amazingly gravely.

[The Bushranger]

Erin jumps!
And eeps!

"Um, w-well, yeah. At least in the sense t-that it could be worse," she stammers hesitantly. "I'm Erin. And you?"

[Shadow of the Sun]

She'll hear the voice again- except this time, his statement is stopped halfway between by the sound of a painful coughing. Which isn't like his whispers. Funny, that.

"Could be worse. Could be a damn sight better, too."

[The Bushranger]

Erin winces a bit.
"Oh. Um, I'm kinda with a temple here in town, I could maybe, like, t-try to help with that cough if you w-wanted?" she asks.

[Shadow of the Sun]

"Don't even try it. Gotta die of something."

He lifts his head and grins. Before spitting up some blood.

"Damn thing. Anyway. I'm Marcos."

[The Bushranger]

"Wellllll...I guess most people do. Most people want their death to be of old age, though."
The immortal Erin frowns a bit, but nods.
"Well, um, it's good to meet you, Marcos. W-what brings you to the Nexus?"

[Shadow of the Sun]

The definitely mortal Marcos shrugs as he reaches for a pouch on his belt.

He pulls out some green leaves and pops them into his mouth, beginning to chew.

"I came here to stay the hell away from where I WAS."

[The Bushranger]

"Oh."
Erin nods slowly.
"Well, um, I'm glad you got away from wherever that was, then," she says, having noticed Marcos' appearance and such. "This place can be pretty dangerous sometimes, though."

[Shadow of the Sun]

"I'll be fine. All they can do is kill me, and these will do that just as fast anyway."

While he's said that in his odd little whisper he's pulled a cigar out from another pouch on his belt.

He gestures with it when he says 'these', before biting the end off and putting it into his mouth, lighting it with a match.

His first draw is somewhat fancy: instead of breathing out, he opens his mouth and inhales with his nostrils, sucking the smoke out of his mouth and into his lungs.

[The Bushranger]

Erin...coughs a bit.
Before remembering she doesn't have to breathe. :smalltongue:

"Oh. Well, um, most people would be trying to have n-neither kill 'em. So, um, like, who's trying to kill you, then?"

[Shadow of the Sun]

"Got away from folk who doin' worse than trying to kill me. So that I can relax and have the luxury of killing myself with cigars at my leisure."

He takes another deep draw.
He really does seem to enjoy it.

[The Bushranger]

"Oh, well, I guess when you put it that way it does kinda make sense."
Erin nods, feeling happy that she doesn't have to breath. She isn't allergic to tobacco smoke, but prefers other scents.

And that line of thought makes her sigh heavily, and look down.

[Murkus]

Adir undeadtimes, listening to the conversation nearby. He finishes his soup, looking like a slob until he cleans his face up. He seems to eat rather sloppily.

The stag watches Erin and Marcos with bright, curious eyes. Not staring, but definitely paying attention.

[Project_Mayhem]

((Now that is an evil laugh))

Nite scowls at the laugh, but his anger is quickly replaced with a stunned expression. None of his people looked anything like her.

"I admit, being worthy of vampirism is a lofty goal. I've trained my entire life in combat and magic in preparation. For my people there are two options, become a vampire or die, and I am not ready to die." Nite's expression hardens at that last statement.

"Test me as you will. I assure you I am ready, and I am worthy."

Alex looks at him hard.

Then suddenly comes out with 'Tell me your true motives here', using all of her formidable mind control to force an answer. Now Nite has his helmet off, he should answer as truthfully and directly as possible without realizing.

As added hilarity, anyone nearby who's not mind shielded or very mentally strong might do the same thing

[Gullara]

Nite has no resistance against the compulsion. "I have told you my motives. Nothing more, nothing less. I wish, no I need, to become a vampire."

This is, of course, completely true.

[Reinholdt]

"To get very drunk and spend time with Ermine so I don't have to think too much about all the people in the video whose lives I ruined."
...
Reinholdt covers his mouth and glares daggers at Alex. DAGGERS. OF DEADLY HATEFUL DOOM.
Unfortunately, it's figurative.

[Morty]

Wenomir's plot clone undeadtimes in the Den. Alex' command bounces off his mind since, well, he is rather strong-willed.

[VampireRot]

Sleeping Ermine twitches an ear and mumbles something, subconsciously answering the vampire.

Rum and sex and booze and rum and gold are mentioned. :smallconfused:

The pirate blinks open her eyes after this, confused as to what woke her up. Did so- Hey! Free booze!

Ermine snatches at the rum that Reinholdt left there with a grin on her weasel-y face. She has not yet noticed the actual hawt human though, or anyone else in the tavern. Rum!

[Morty]

Wenomir sits back, trying not to pay attention to Reinholdt. He doesn't feel like dealing with him. He can't help but smirk a little at Ermine.

[Reinholdt]

"Oh hey. Wenomir. Watchtower's an absolute ass. Just thought I'd let you know." Reinholdt gives a faux smile before turning back to his drink.
*chug chug*

[Morty]

Hey Reinholdt. I don't give a hobgoblin's arse about what you think about us. Happy drinking. Wenomir nods without changing his expression.

[VampireRot]

Ermine glances up from her rum-present at Reinholdt's voice, and glances at the person he was talking to. Hm. Doesn't know him, but the pirate concludes from the words and the tone that it was a jab at him. So she sniggers.

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt just smirks and drinks some more, muttering just loud enough to be heard.
"And I used to think AMEN was evil." Watchtower's got them beat by a long shot.

[Morty]

Wenomir would be angry... but again, he doesn't care about what Reinholdt thinks. In his experience, Reinholdt lashes out at everyone who crosses him somehow and calls them evil. So he's not very riled up. He keeps drinking.

[Reinholdt]

:smallconfused: Lash out perhaps, but usually not call them evil. Wenomir earned that fair and square. :smallsmile:

Reinholdt stands. "I don't much like the company here." He starts to head towards the door. Of course, he usually picks the corner opposite from the door so that he can watch the door for incomers, so he'll invariably passes by Wenomir's table.

[Morty]

Which is still Reinholdt's judgement and as such, meaningless for Wenomir.
He makes no move when the flaming hawt human passes by his table. He won't start a brawl over some petty insults.

[ThirdEmperor]

A man stumbles into The Black Dragon, his face, which is covered in dirt and blood yet still somewhat handsome, and arms covered in shallow gashes, wearing a torn and faded business suit. Any people with exceptional eyesight may notice his shadow is longer than it should be, and anyone capable of piercing powerfull illusions will see that he is certainly not human. In his true form his face and body are completely obscured by shadows that are not cast by any visible object, and his own shadow is not human by any means at all, but distinctly predatory. I need help.

[VampireRot]

Ermine starts to comment on Wenomir and Reinholdt's insults, but then the man stumbles in. The hat-wearing ermine gives him a look of surprise.

"Ay. Ye do need help."

The pirate doesn't exactly rush to his side though. Instead, she takes a quaff of rum.

[Reinholdt]

Of course not.
The fact that Reinholdt just summoned a bucket of water form his hammer space and whirls back around to splash it on Wenomir might though. It's not ice cold of course, but still. hammerspaces it again, hopefully before anyone could see, when someone comes in asking for help. Curse their interference. CURSE THEM! :mad:

Reinholdt heads over to help the wounded man, knowledgeable in the matter of first aid.
"What happened?"

[Morty]

What kind of help? Wenomir steps over to the man. He looks like his player's avatar, only his hair is now long and worn in a ponytail.

[Rae Artemi]

Alex looks at him hard.

Then suddenly comes out with 'Tell me your true motives here', using all of her formidable mind control to force an answer. Now Nite has his helmet off, he should answer as truthfully and directly as possible without realizing.

As added hilarity, anyone nearby who's not mind shielded or very mentally strong might do the same thing

((I'm a little late to this party, but Rinna was here when this happened, so...))

To find my brother so that I can kick his ass and take him back home.

She says, to nobody in particular, seeing as she's sitting alone.

[ThirdEmperor]

A gaint... Thing, got me. Trapped me in a cave, tried to eat me. I spent ten years in there, hiding in the dark. Every time I tried to escape it would be there, waiting. I finally got away just now, but the thorns got me, tore me up. I need medical help... And a drink, haven't had a drink for ten years. The man says, collapsing into a chair.

[Morty]

Where were you imprisioned, exactly? Wenomir asks sharply.

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt's water throwing on Wenomir was interrupted for this? Guy seemed well enough to be long winded. :smallannoyed:

Reinholdt says nothing though, instead pulling out bandages and treating to the guy's wounds if the guy will let him. He's no doctor, but if thorns were the severeness of his injuries, it should be plenty.

[VampireRot]

Ermine gasps dramatically.

"Aven't 'ad a drink in ten years? By'gawd, ye're in a sorry state, landlubber."

The pirate looks down at the rum in her paws.

...

And drinks some of it. She's worried about herself having a ten-year period of sobriety now. :smalleek::smalltongue: The other guy? Eh. Too bad for him.

[ThirdEmperor]

The man doesn't stop Reinholdt, and he honestly couldn't if he wanted to. Thank you. I don't know where it was, it was just a cave. The Thing kidnapped me, dragged me there, I didn't wake up until I was there. And I didn't have time to make a map on the way back. It was just a forest of endless thorns, then here.

[Reinholdt]

"Well you're not going to bleed out at the very least. But you'll get your alcohol." Course, it's going to be used on the wounds to prevent infection, but he'll get it. Technically.

[Morty]

Wenomir glances at Reinholdt. He can guess the real purpose of the alcohol, so he doesn't pry. Can you describe this... thing? He doubts that, but it won't hurt to ask.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Marcos the grizzled elderly poncho'd man keeps smoking his cigar.

It seems that the 'tell me your motives' thing hasn't actually affected him. Must have a strong will in there.

[Murkus]

"Haven't had a decent dragon steak in years." Adir suddenly blurts out, wondering why he just did that at all.

Then he glances towards Wenomir. "Scuse me, sorry to interrupt. Did you say something about Watchtower?"

[Morty]

Wenomir glances back. Yes I did. That's the group I belong to.

[ThirdEmperor]

Wenomir glances at Reinholdt. He can guess the real purpose of the alcohol, so he doesn't pry. Can you describe this... thing? He doubts that, but it won't hurt to ask.

It was kind of.. Halfway between a giant and beast. I couldn't really see because of the shadows, it wasn't just covered by them, more made of them. When it came for me, all the shadows around me around kind of..... Combined. They all wove together into it's shape, and suddenly it was there. More than once in the cave I got within an inch of it before I realized it was there. The man says, shuddering, his voice filled with fear.

[Morty]

Looks like this thing will be hard to track. Doesn't mean I'm not going to try.

[ThirdEmperor]

I don't think you can. It just appears and disappears, don't think I ever saw it move more than a foot. It just appeared where it wanted and pounced. The worst thing though.... When you see it, no matter how much you don't fear it, even if you know it can't harm you... It's the most terrifying thing you've ever seen. I saw other people try and fight it..... You can imagine, or rather, you can get a decent idea. The man continues, shivering convulsively and looking around.

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt finishes up his work. "Why'd it hold you for so long?"

[Morty]

Wenomir sighs and rolls his eyes. Well, I'm not going to let it wander around willy-nilly. Even if it is horrifying and untrackable.

[ThirdEmperor]

It wanted to eat me, but I was too clever. I don't think it can touch anything real, just their shadows. So as long as I hid in perfect darkness, in the cave, it couldn't even see me. So it waited. And it's your choice if you want to fight it, good luck to you. There's nothing more I would like to see than it dead.

[Murkus]

Adir smiles at Wenomir. "Excellent! I was going to go there and apply after I finished here. Tell me, how is it? Working there, I mean?"

[Morty]

Adir smiles at Wenomir. "Excellent! I was going to go there and apply after I finished here. Tell me, how is it? Working there, I mean?"

Wenomir shrugs. Not bad. You go out and stop apocalypses and other big threats. And when there're no big threats, you train and squash smaller ones. To the wounded man, he says: Yes I am going to fight it. As I just told this man here, it's what I do.

[VampireRot]

Ermine listens with faked interest. The pirate isn't really into nasty beasties. She's already tired of sea serpents and krakens, no land beasts are going to scare her. Or at least, that's what she believes.

Instead, she drinks rum and definitely doesn't ogle Reinholt. :smalltongue:

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt notices no ogling cause none is occurring!
That and this guy's story just doesn't hold up.

"You hid... in perfect darkness... for ten years?" :smallconfused:
"How did you survive? Why aren't your pupils big and round like that guy who keeps saying 'my preciousssss'?"

[ThirdEmperor]

I don't know, I'm not even sure I'm still human. And I don't want to talk about how I survived. Ever. THe man says, before turning to Wenomir. If you want to kill it, I'll show you where I got here from and point you in the right direction. But after that I'm running and if you have any sense and aren't a god or something, you will too.

[Murkus]

Adir nods, his antlers bobbing. "Sounds just like it was described. What's your name? Maybe I'll see you there later."

[Morty]

Wenomir narrows his eyes. Although he'll never admit it out loud, Reinholdt has a point. He'll be watching this guy, closely. To Adir, he says: Wenomir Rawicz. I'd lead you there, but I have a monster to track down... lead on.
((Deadtime.))

[Gullara]

Nite picks up his helmet and places it back on his head. Something was off about Alex's last statement.

As soon as his helmet is on the newcomer catches his eye. There's definately wrong about him. His shadow maybe? It seems... long.

[Murkus]

"It's alright. I've seen it before. Just never gone inside." Adir nods to Wenomir, turning back to his food and drink. Finishing the cheese soup, he orders that dragon steak.

[ThirdEmperor]

The man shakily gets to his feet and with painful slowness makes his way out of the Black Dragon. He walks over to a building three houses down, and points at the door. That's where I found myself when I broke free of the thorns.

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt considers following, but has had more than his share of shadow creatures lately and figures Wenomir can handle himself. He goes back to his table to sit down with a sigh and gulp some more booze.

[VampireRot]

Ermine takes her bottle of rum and bounds across tables to Reinholdt's! She quivers her whiskers and grins.

"Ey dere. Ow ya doin'?"

Still mopey as ever? The pirate takes a swig of booze. Yum. Rum.

[Murkus]

Reinholdt considers following, but has had more than his share of shadow creatures lately and figures Wenomir can handle himself. He goes back to his table to sit down with a sigh and gulp some more booze.

The young man with the antlers glances at Reinholdt. He launches into that quick speech of his again. "Hey, were you saying something about spending time with 'ermine'? Isn't that a kind of weasel?" He would know. Hunter n'all.

[Reinholdt]

Still mopey as ever. Probably. Like anyone, he has good days and bad days. He gives Ermine a small smile though. And is about to respond until the young man with antlers speaks up. Reinholdt can feel undesired redness coming to his cheeks and not due to using his will-o-wisp powers. Stoopid people talking too much. :smallannoyed:

Reinholdt motions to Ermine. "This is Ermine."

[VampireRot]

"Ay. Dat's me."

Ermine wiggles her tail. It may be noted that she is in ermine form, so is pretty much a weasel with a hat and rum. Recognition should be immediate for a hunter. :smalltongue:

"Ermine's ain't a kind o' weasel. We jus' related to em." :smallmad:

[Murkus]

"In the same family, right. I think you would know best though." He doesn't seem surprised by the talking animal. The stag glances at Reinholdt, smiling. Is he in animal form as well? "Nice to meet you guys. What's your name, sir?"

[Reinholdt]

"I am Reinholdt, Treasure Hunter Extraordinaire." Reinholdt gives his flourish.
"And you?"

More rum! *drink drink*

[VampireRot]

Ermine giggles at Reinholtd's flourish. I think he's in hawt human form right now.

Oh right! Rum! *chug chug*

[Reinholdt]

Indeed, human right now. And Murkus is deadtimed it seems.

"I get the itching feeling in the back of my head that somewhere, someplace else, a bunch of people are fighting over treasure at this very moment."
...
"Granted, that's probably happening all the time."
*shrugs*

[VampireRot]

"Do'ye fink da treasure is gold n' shiny?"

Ermine ponders, her eyes lighting up at the thought of shinies.

"Or mebe its 'un o' dos metaphorical treasures, loike knowledge 'r a girl."

The last word is said almost teasingly.

[Reinholdt]

"Or maybe... maybe... Maybe it's a magical hat." Reinholdt motions at Ermine's hat with a grin.

[VampireRot]

Ermine takes off her hat.

"A 'at? Oh, I've already got a 'at. See, this is it right 'ere."

Just in case Reinholdt didn't notice. :smalltongue:

"Gurt magic. I cin put anyting in da hat dat'll fit, it'll store it. I've put meself in dere once r' twice, but it cin be 'ard gettin' out."

Ermine nods again, drinks some rum, then thinks of all the stuff Reinholdt (in kitty form) and her could do with her hat. :smalleek::smallamused:

>.>

[Reinholdt]

What, you mean get trapped? :smalltongue:

Reinholdt drinks some more rum himself. "Yeah, I have something similar. Though I can't go in myself without taking a long route. Perhaps the most useful magic I was able to learn. Most of the rest I can't do." Reinholdt shrugs. He doesn't much care.

"Where'd you get the hat?"

[VampireRot]

Ermine's eyes dart from side to side at the question. But she sees nothing that she could use to avoid it, so takes a swig of rum.

"Well... It was, a, me mums. I... pinched it off 'er."

Lies. Was a gift. v.v

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Awfully daring and cold of you to steal from your own mother. Didn't like her much?"

[VampireRot]

"Naw. She was a <explicative censored>. Fancy nob wit a lot o' arrogance an' haughtiness, nutin' like me'r me dad."

Ermine shifts uncomfortably and drinks more rum.

[Murkus]

Adir undeadtimes, glancing between Ermine and Reinholdt. "Adir Frescot." Then he pauses. "You're lucky you can wear a hat at all. It's hard to find one that'll fit with out, ah, tearing holes." He gestures in a roundabout way at the antlers.

[Reinholdt]

"Don't worry about it. I didn't much like my family either." Reinholdt frowns before turning to Adir.

"Ah yes. I figured it somewhat rude to ask about those. I've never really worn a hat myself though." Reinholdt's somewhat surprised Ermine's hat can handle the shifting back and forth like that. But not really cause he shifts with his clothes on. Just doesn't seem to be the same.

[VampireRot]

"Dislikin' yer folks is a key part o' life."

Ermine's hat is a mystery. Her other clothes don't shift, that's for sure. :smalltongue:

"Ah. Yer 'un o' dem deer tings."

Ermine says the word with distaste. You don't find deer in the ocean.

[Murkus]

"Not all people do. My parents were alright, but they weren't around as much as I would've liked." Adir comments, taking a sip of his... I forgot what he bought now. He nods to Ermine.

The stag frowns, confused. "Rude? Why would that be rude?" He almost manages to keep a straight face. Almost. "I've got a great rack."

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt... just sort of stares for a bit.
*blink blink*
"I... umm... err... suppose you do."

[VampireRot]

"Eh. I suppose me dad was alright. Not all families 'ave'ta be dysfunctional wrecks."

Ermine shrugs, then raises an eyebrow.

"Ay...? I've also got a great ra- oh! Ye're talking'bout yer horns. Roight."

>.>
<.<
:smalltongue:

Not in ermine form though. :smallyuk:

[Murkus]

Adir breaks out into a grin, but is confused at Ermine's comment. He doesn't know she can shapeshift. "But... how...? I mean, unless you have horns and I didn't notice. As for the other use of the word..." He looks closely at the tiny creature's head.

Then the stag glances at Reinholdt. "It was... um. Never mind." He quirks a brow at the member of the weasel family. "Was your dad a... talking ermine, too?"

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt buries his head a bit, shaking it, before grabbing his drink and swallowing some more gulps. How awkward.

[VampireRot]

Ermine just grins knowingly up at Adir. Who should also really know that deer have antlers, not horns. :smalltongue: Ermine's just stupid.

"Ay. An' me mudder, <muttered curseword> that she was."

*rum!*

[Murkus]

He doesn't seem to care about the semantics. And he did say antlers before, too. "I see." Then he thinks about her comment before last. "But I don't get that. What rack are you talking about?"

[Reinholdt]

"So Adir! What do you do around here?"
Change the awkward, awkward subject!

[VampireRot]

Ermine giggles, and takes another swig of rum. The pirate ignores Reinholdt's feeble attempts to change the subject.

"Da human female kind. Imma shapeshifter."

[Murkus]

Adir opens his mouth in a silent 'ah'. Fortunately for Reinholdt, he asks no more about it. "Oh, I can do that too! Were your parents shapeshifters? Or is there magic involved?"

Is Reinholdt in cat form? Or human form? Or human with cat ears form?

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt is in human form. He does not have a human with cat ears form. That was privileged to Reinholdt Prime only.

"What do you shapeshift into?"

[VampireRot]

"Dey're shapeshifters too. It's da norm where I'm from."

Ermine nods. And drinks more rum.

"Only hooman an ermine. Natural shapeshiftin', not wizardly."

[Murkus]

"White-tailed deer." Adir says, finishing off his drink. He sits back contentedly, having finished that big slab of steak, soup, and the giant mug of... whatever he ordered before. I still can't remember.

"Really? The norm? Me and my family were some of the only ones who could do that on my planet. But I think it has something to do with magic."

He turns to Reinholdt again. "To answer your other question, I'm here to join Watchtower."

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt frowns. But it was this man's choice. If he didn't like the going ons that occurred there, he would leave, simple as that.

"I don't think there'll be any more apocalypses for a very long time. Just a feeling."

As for the other topic... Reinholdt leaves it be for now.
*grab booze*
*drink booze*
*repeat*
???
*profit*

[VampireRot]

"Apocalypses?"

Ermine looks a bit startled by the thought. Not the norm where she comes from.

Hey! Ermine totally stole Reinholdt's master drinking plan! :smalltongue: Glug glug.

[Reinholdt]

"Just a, ummm..." Hmm... how does Reinholdt explain this?

"It's Watchtower's supposed creedo. To take any and all steps to protect against such an occurrence."

[VampireRot]

"But how do ye stop tha end o' tha world?"

Ermine suspects nothing. Why should she? Hawt! Rum!

[Reinholdt]

"By... ummm... killing prophetic babies for one..."
Reinholdt frowns deeply now and looks down.

[VampireRot]

Ermine's eyes widen a bit. Oh. Killing babies. That's not very fun at all. And it looks like that's tied to Reinholdt's Dark and Mysterious Past(TM). The ermine drinks some rum and thinks a bit before answering.

"Ah. I see."

[Reinholdt]

Awkward silence time!



"So..."
Hmm...
He's out of topics.
And he's not sure he wants to lose more money playing poker again.

[VampireRot]

Ermine shifts again, and drinks more rum.

Hmm...

More rum? *Glug*

"Shiny things are nice. Treasure."

>.>

[Reinholdt]

"Shiny things are great. Shiny treasure." :smallcool:

Reinholdt does a flick of his fingers and there's a ring in his hand suddenly. "Picked this one up on one of my treasure hunts."

[VampireRot]

Is...

Is...

Is the ring shiny? :smalleek:

Ermine peers at the ring, ooooohing.

"Nifty! Does it do anyting?"

Rings are usually magical. Maybe its one of those rings that turns you invisible to everyone but a group of extremely aggressive ring-fanciers. Those were cool.

[Reinholdt]

Very shiny.

"Sure does."
Reinholdt puts it on!
I don't really understand how a salivatingly flaming hawt person could get any hawter, but that seems to be what happens. Attractive enough to put Ilpholin to shame and get even hardcore lesbians to reconsider.

It seems the ring boosts your Charisma in common speak. :smalltongue:
Reinholdt doesn't leave it on for very long before taking it off again though. He's never found much need for it.

[VampireRot]

Ermine stares at Teh Hawtness. The weasel will continue to stare until Reinholdt takes it off, in which case she looks down very quickly.

"Dat's... Dat's a kewl ring."

She takes another swig of beer.

"What would'ye think'd happen if I put it on?"

Ermine gives a sly grin and slight puppy dog eyes.

[Reinholdt]

"Your cuteness would probably cause the bar to implode." Since you know... Ermine form and all.

"I've never actually tried it on as a cat before..." :smallconfused:
Reinholdt says before flicking the ring over to her.
"That's a loan, not a freebie." Gotta be clear sometimes. Pirate.

[VampireRot]

Ermine grins.

"Ya fink so?"

The little mustlid grabs at the ring, stares at the shiny for a second, then slips it on a front arm, like a bracelet.

The universe collapses in on itself, unable to handle the cuteness. The D'awwwwwcolypse has come, and everyone dies.

She's very cute now, or sexeh for any viewers closely related to ermines.

[Reinholdt]

"D'awwww..." A genuine grin comes over Reinholdt's face. Sooo cute. :smallbiggrin:

"And you can be grateful the bar didn't implode or there would be no more rum." Reinholdt drinks some more just to prove his point.

[VampireRot]

Ermine matches the grin with a sly smile, and takes a drink of her own rub. Then she flicks an ear and makes a cute little noise similar to purring. Pet and snuggle teh fuzzy little animal, scritch its ears! You know you want to! :smallbiggrin:

[Reinholdt]

But... but...
>>
Reinholdt looks around to make sure no one's watching before reaching out to tentatively skritch Ermine's ear. It's not full out pets and snuggles, but it's something.

[VampireRot]

Ermine continues the cute purring/cooing noise. She clearly appreciates the scritches.

And if anyone sees, they better not comment. Ermine has poor judgment skills even when not slightly drunk, and easy access to many weapons. :smalltongue:

[Reinholdt]

Reinholdt goes for a few more skritches, then one single pet, stroking along the back before pulling back just as quickly as it began.

"And now you know what that ring does to critters." So hand it back. Or something.

[VampireRot]

Ermine purrs in bliss for a second, before getting a hold of herself and pulling herself up quite fast.

"Ah, yeah. 'Course."

She takes the ring off, and is now just plain cute. With the tentativeness of someone trained, nay, bred not to give "shiny" things back to those they're taken from, the pirate hands over the magical ring.

"Me'likes it. Dis place has a lot more magic than back home."

[Reinholdt]

At least it was just in cute critter form.
Reinholdt takes the ring back and hammerspaces it.

"That just means everything's harder to steal and everyone who wants to kill you is really powerful." One of these days, a completely normal, average Joe wanting revenge for something is going to shoot and kill Reinholdt. Just wait and see.

"Course, there's also a lot to steal too, so that's an upside I suppose."

[VampireRot]

"Ah. I did notice a lot more powerful people than I'm used to seein'. Like wizards on da streets, in taverns."

In Ermine's vaguely defined homeworld, you definitely wouldn't find magic-users hanging around in pubs.

More rum!

[Reinholdt]

"Not many magic users back home for you, huh? We didn't hardly have any where I grew up. Didn't even see magic until... until about when I left really..."
Reinholdt tapers off a bit there at the end.
Might be getting tired.