Trog's Tavern CXXXII

[McBish]

It helps me not run into stuff. She motions to her compleatly white eyes.

[Wukei]

He tilts his head, still not quite understanding. So...you're clumsy? Maybe I should get a stick!

[McBish]

Not clumsy, blind. I can't see.

[Wukei]

He blinks and brings his face right up to hers, looking into her eyes. Not moving back he speaks, Ooohhhhh....

[McBish]

Never meet a blind person before?

[Gorbad the Limb Rippa]

Tethost teleorts into the tavern
Waitress,your finest bottle of wine
He sits down at a table and waits for his order,
he glares about the tavern

[Wukei]

He steps back. Nope. Never heard of one, either. I'd assume shortly after one goes--what'd you call it? Blind?--that they'd be killed...

[Lord Iames Osari]

Nina brings Aerin and Iames their hot chocolate and sandwiches. Iames takes a sip from his mug, then bites into his sandwich.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin takes a bite of her sandwich, deciding to let her hot chocolate cool a bit before drinking it.

[Gorbad the Limb Rippa]

Paige brings tethost his wine,
he looks at the bottle and waves his hand and the cork uncorks itself,
he lets go of the bottle and it pours its self in to the wine glass,
he takes a sip

[McBish]

No. At least I didn't. She shrugs.

[Wukei]

He shrugs, chugging the rum. Ah, I suppose you're just lucky. Or unlucky. I mean...how are you supposed to fight without seeing? The stick?

[McBish]

I've been both unlucky and lucky, in the extreme. She rubs her wrists. And I try to stay out of fights.

[Wukei]

He tilts his head, again. You don't like fighting?

[McBish]

Not particulary, and even less lately.

[Wukei]

Well that's just silly, he says with a grin.

[McBish]

Yeah well what can I say. She shrugs again. She seems a bit distracted.

[Wukei]

If you don't mind me asking...what are you thinking of?

[McBish]

Trust me you don't want to know.

[Wukei]

He grins charmingly, I'm a very good listener...even if I am a bit hyper.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin sets down the remaining portion of her sandwich and picks up her mug, swallowing her mouthful before taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames sighs and sets down his own sandwich. It's refreshingly q- peaceful here tonight.

[McBish]

I'm sure you are, but really I'm not sure I really want to talk about it. She continues to rub her wrists.

[Wukei]

He fidgits. Uh...I'm also really nosy and can be quite persistant.

[Lord Iames Osari]

((hey, that sounds like Iames! :smallbiggrin:))

[McBish]

Listen I really don't want to talk about it. She seems slightly upset, not at you though.

[Wukei]

Ugh...and they wonder why I hate women! He turns away and takes another gulp of his rum.

[McBish]

Sorry, I'm trying to forget...

[Wukei]

No no...women always have something to whine over. If it's not something to forget, it's something to remember. If it's not something you wish did happen, it's something you wish didn't. I know all about it. There was only one woman I ever did listen to. And that was because she was my captain!

He turns and walks over to a different table.

[McBish]

I told you, you didn't want to hear. She says bitterly.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames sighs and sets down his own sandwich. It's refreshingly q- peaceful here tonight.

Aerin nods and takes another sip of her hot chocolate, watching Lillah sympathetically.

[McBish]

Lillah starts to order a DLB and then changes her order to a hot chocolate. She sits there staring foward at her table.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames starts to eat the rest of his sandwich.

[McBish]

Lillah sighs and continues to rub her wrists and takes sips of her hot chocolate.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin comes to a decision. Setting down her empty mmug, she goes over to Lillah. Hello, Lillah. It's Aerin. Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?

[McBish]

I... I just want to forget it, and talking about it won't help.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin nods. Alright, then. She goes back to the table she's sharing with Iames.

[McBish]

Lillah finishes off her hot chocolate and stands up and heads through the mirror to Inari's.

[Lord Magtok]

An android clearly incompatible with the various food and drink available comes into the bar.
It watches over the others with its sinister red eyes, as it leans its back against a wall.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Iames and Aerin get up and go through a gate to his planar realm.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk nearly knocks the door of it's hinges (as if it were even possible), opening it and slamming it behind him. He sits at the nearest empty table and angrily orders an Archon Ale.

[Wukei]

The demon sees Hawk and smiles, his tail twitching. Always did love a man in uniform...

[Nevrmore]

((Why do I have the distinct feeling that that's bad news for Hawk?))

Hawk leans back in his chair, downing the ale with gusto and just as quickly ordering another.

Despicable, really despicable. He laments.

[Wukei]

He approaches the man, his silver and red hair swirling as he moves with amazing speed. He seems to not know the meaning of "personal space." What's wrong?

[Nevrmore]

"Nothing a whole lot of alcohol and just as much memory loss won't fix." Hawk says bitterly, disregarding his usualy politeness.

[Wukei]

His tail swishes back and forth as he smiles. I'm great at memory altercations...but you gotta make it worth my while...

[Nevrmore]

"I was being sarcastic." The officer replies, finishing off another ale at what had to be record speeds.

[Wukei]

He pouts. Aw...no need to be grumpy...

[Nevrmore]

Hawk rubs his forehead, sighing. "Sorry, I'm just not in a very good mood right now."

[Rainspattered]

"Why is it every time I've come in here since I came back to life, two people seem to be on the verge of sex?" Ra'Tiel laments, ordering the brandy with the highest liquor by volume and a dragon-liver-buster to go with it.

[Wukei]

His tail swishes and he glances at Ra'Tiel. Actually...I think he's straight...

[Nevrmore]

((Hawk doesn't have much of a sex drive anyway, regardless of orientation.))

[Lord Magtok]

The android observes all of this with disgust.
Filthy meatbags. Their chaotic lives mean nothing. Must continue watching for magic-users and psions. When the time comes, I shall strike swiftly and fatally.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk orders another ale.

Damn my ability to hold alcohol... He said for about the hundredth or so time in his life.

[Lord Magtok]

The android shines and cleans its guns, while keeping a watchful eye on the other patrons.
He has a permanent frown on his face as he watches the others with hatred in his eyes.
Inner Monologue: The officer likely will soon be drunk. The others won't expect an attack.
I can be in and out in under a minute.

[Fenric]

Kazuki walks into the bar, by himself, with a darker-than-usual scowl on his face. He orders a martini and sits at the bar without looking around.

[Rainspattered]

(Ra'Tiel is both a magic user and a psion, and evidently of a very powerful nature, since he died, his body was destroyed, and he somehow came back in his original body with no trouble at all.)

"Hm, well, then my streak is broken. The sexual orientation of those around me always gets in the way of my boasts. Or, so I must assume, for what woman who wasn't attracted to men would deny my charms? Indeed, there are few who aren't attracted to men who could do so, even. Such is the beauty of a naturally effeminate build."

[Nevrmore]

The android shines and cleans its guns, while keeping a watchful eye on the other patrons.
He has a permanent frown on his face as he watches the others with hatred in his eyes.
Inner Monologue: The officer likely will soon be drunk. The others won't expect an attack.
I can be in and out in under a minute.
((He is seriously underestimating Hawk's ability to drink. He'll make a life-sized pyramid of beer mugs before he succumbs to drunkeness! Haha!))

[Fenric]

Kazuki finishes his first drink quickly, then orders another.

[Wukei]

Hm...no. I'm prettier.

I'll eventually finish colouring him...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/Wukei/Lucien001.jpg

[Rebonack]

Regiji steps into Trog's clad in his trademark blue tunic. He's not quite as upbeat as usually is, but he still seems cheery compared to some other patrons. Especially any mysterious dark stranger who happens to be seated in the tavern's poorly lit Dark Stranger Corner™.

Right away he spots Hawk's... company.

Oh by the Shepherds. I thought the furries and cat-girls were bad enough. They have bishōnen demons here too?

Regiji shakes his head as he approaches the table.

"Mind some... eerr... more company?"

[Nevrmore]

Hawk bores himself drinking. He leaves the last of his gold coins on the bar for whomever wants to take it and leans back in his chair.

If I want to change things, I'll have to do it myself...and stop putting so much faith in Iames. He's a damn god and he runs such a loose ship!

"Despicable."

[Fenric]

Kazuki looks at the second person to claim to be pretty in the last half hour, then turns back to his drink with a sigh. Finding it empty, he orders a third.

[Rainspattered]

"I just arose from the dead and haven't shaved in days, so it should be noted that I receive a handicap. That I am a mortal creature not spawned for seduction, despite what all my former lovers would tell you, is also in your favour, to be fair," Ra'Tiel counters with a well-intentioned grin. "Unless you're some other sort of demon, in which case I must concede on the grounds of looks. Without the fact that you were created this way to even the scales of natural beauty, I'm defeated."

[Wukei]

He smiles, swinging his tail back and forth. Actually, I am not an incubus. But thank you for the compliment.

[Lord Magtok]

Those filthy humans...
The android spots Regiji, and recognizes him as one of the enemies of his former master. He approaches Regiji.
You are the one who fought Lord Magtok, correct?

[Rainspattered]

Ra'Tiel laughs as he starts his "unless" at the same moment the demon explains he's not an incubus.

((sorry for the random magic-user psion note. I thought Magtok said he was looking for them, but can't find it now. Just as explanation for why that is there.))

[Wukei]

The demon smiles happily and takes another drink of his rum.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk's eyes shoot up to the android.

'Lord?' Regiji fought somebody this robot addresses as Lord...this doesn't feel like it'll end well.

[Lord Magtok]

((sorry for the random magic-user psion note. I thought Magtok said he was looking for them, but can't find it now. Just as explanation for why that is there.))

((The android's just watching for acts that would lean towards the theory that someone might have a great ability to interfere. He's watching for floating glasses, flashes of light, etc. And this is the android, not Magtok.))

[Fen3]

Krystal enters and sits by her brother. She notes the three glasses and tilts her head.

What's eating you, Kaz?

[Rainspattered]

((How sentient is he? Could a telepath read his thoughts? If so, Ra'Tiel will probably start making fun of internal monologues without thinking better of his actions considering that the robot is armed.))

[Rebonack]

Regiji quirks an eyebrow as he's addressed in the process of seating himself.

I'm scanning the Gear's equipment and combat capabilities now.

Get those screens up, Sal. I've got a bad feeling about this.

"I don't think 'fought' would be the correct verb," Regiji finishes seating himself. "More like 'kicked the crap out of the Dr. Doom wannabe after he attacked me unprovoked'," Regiji shrugs. "Though I can see how you would get the two confused."

"Are you his evil robot minion or something? The glowing red eyes usually give that away."

[Rainspattered]

"I object! I am neither evil nor a henchman! I am a morally questionable equal partner of less power than the other partner, there is, I'm sure, a difference!" Ra'Tiel howls in mock anger, pointing to the scarlet glow from his eyes.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk slowly rises from his chair, listening to Regiji.

You could be a little more tactful against some android who probably has a vendetta against you.

He unclips the buckle on his holster and watches the robot intently.

[Lord Magtok]

((The android has all the powers of Neo, minus the bullet stopping power. The android is also bulletproof, and equpped with an inhumanly powerful pair of pistols, and a jetpack.))

I once served under that spiteful little coward crossbreed cyborg freak, if that is what you ask.
I am the second model in a series of androids enginnered for the purpose of asssassination and defense. Do you believe I could aid you?
I will if you promise me an opportunity to slaughter some meatba... err... organics.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk looks at Regiji, hoping he'll glance up and see him. His face is painted with a don't believe that crap for a second look.

[Fenric]

Kazuki sighs

Dad meddles too much, sometimes. It was one thing to banish me... the other thing he did was going too far, and it's not working.

Kazuki glares at his empty glass and orders another.

[Rainspattered]

If he has a vendetta, I doubt he'd care much about manners one way or the other, Ra'Tiel argues back, picking up the surface thought.

((unless you have some kind of ward against that sort of thing. Then ignore this.))

[Fen3]

Krystal tilts her head

You mean Izumi? I thought you two were fine together...

[Rebonack]

Regiji blinks.

"Eerr... To be honest there isn't anyone around who I have any intentions of killing. Ending someone's life isn't something I really relish," he motions to Hawk to calm down a bit; he doesn't think this Gear is going to be a danger. At least not to him. "And as a bit of advise, don't say that you're an assassin. The last time I even implied that in jest I had a smite-evil happy paladin all over my ass."

Regiji shoots a glance at the demon.

"And no, not in that way."

[Lord Magtok]

Fine. The offer is still available. I do bodyguarding competently as well, too. If you need me, I'll find you.
The android leaves, and pauses for a moment on its way out to twirl a pistol in front of Hawk's face.
We will meet again, officer...

[Rainspattered]

"I think he means he wants to join the police force. From my experience, any organization given authority over anything slaughters a fair number of 'meatbags,' and with little less callous, if any, than he's showing," Ra'Tiel explains, voice thick with cynicism, only half in jest.
"I'd just like to point out, before you leave," Ra'Tiel says to the robot, "That it is. . . unwise. . . to mention that your employer was recently murdered before saying you'd be a good bodyguard. It's a detail I, personally, would leave off my resume."

[Fenric]

Kazuki shakes his head

You all assume too much. The Hand of Corruption...

Kazuki looks off into the distance.

[Carrion_Humanoid]

Eralin walks into the in, many burns on his skin. He walks up to the bar and yells "WATER!"

[Rainspattered]

"Is that one of those things that I fought at the temple a long time ago?" Ra'Tiel asks of the hand, interrupting with seemingly no hesitancy.

[Fenric]

Kazuki nods to Ra'Tiel

They are the avatars of the Dark Powers, and there are many of them. We had to wade through a series of them to rescue Mom and Dad. One of them - the Hand of Corruption - tried to tempt us with what turned out to be succubuses and incubuses...

[Rebonack]

"Creepy, arrogant, annoying, murderous, jackass," Regiji shakes his head. "Normally I would hope he would walk out into the street and get hit by a maglev train, but since there don't seem to be any of those around here I guess a horse and cart would have to do."

Regiji shrugs.

"But I don't think that would smash it quite as much as I would like."

[Rainspattered]

"I was never tempted by succubi. Beautiful creatures and all, but there's something about them that's totally unappealing. The ease of it, I suppose, detracts from some of the fun. Alas. I remember those hands were quite a foe, though, one of their allies took off Aercath's arm, a difficult task. He gave it a hellball down the throat for its trouble, and it all ended up okay, but it was nonetheless a terrible battle."

[Fen3]

Krystal tilts her head in confusion

I heard about that... but you weren't even one of the ones who fell for it. Why is that still bothering you?

[Nevrmore]

Hawk just watches the robot leave the tavern.

Sorry to disappoint, but that's not the first time I've had a gun in my face.

[Fenric]

Kazuki nods at Ra'Tiel, then looks back at his sister with a sorrowful look.

I didn't "not fall for it", I was too surprised to do anything. The demon attacked before I recovered.

[Fen3]

Krystal shakes her head

I still don't get it. What was so surprising...

Then her eyes go wide as she finally makes the connection

... you saw... the... wrong... kind...

[Wukei]

The demon's ears perk up as he hears Krystal and Kazuki. He looks Kazuki up and down interestedly, licking his lips.

[Carrion_Humanoid]

Cosmo hands Eralin a jug of water and He pours it all over himself "GYYYYAAHHHHH!" Eralin yells in comfort "THATS GOOD STUFF!!!" He yells some more. He then sinks into a seat, letting the water drip.

[Fenric]

Kazuki nods, rather miserably.

A lot of things made so much more sense after that.

[Fen3]

Krystal frowns

And how do you know that wasn't just part of his attempt to corrupt you? Just because he decided you would be susceptible to suggestions along those lines doesn't mean anything!

[Wukei]

He clears his throat. I would just like to state that it is not "the wrong kind" of demon. A person's preference is neither right nor wrong. Just because girls are rather confusing and useless doesn't mean I think they're wrong for someone else.

[Fenric]

Kazuki sighs at his sister, then sighs again at the stranger.

[Rebonack]

Regiji turns his attention back to Hawk.

He figures conversation might help get his mind off of the roiling chaos that is the Town.

"So, I don't really know much about you. Where're you from and why you came here and so on."

He leans back in his chair a bit.

"I guess I'll go first. I'm a Scout from Alearis. Probably haven't heard of the place. It's... well... a very long way from here. It's basically my job to make friends and alliances and learn about everything here," he motions around the tavern. "What about you? What did you do before coming here?"

[Fen3]

Krystal turns to look

But... I mean... he can't possibly be...

[Fenric]

Kazuki chuckles at Krystal

It's not that uncommon among Mom's people, you know.

[Wukei]

His tail twitches and he grins. We could always test it with a kiss.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk looks at Regiji, who doesn't seem to have pinned down the art of repartee yet.

"I used to be in the military." He said, as if his full-blown military garb didn't immediately give that away, "And I hunted down criminals and monsters on the side. The end."

[Rainspattered]

"I, too, fail to see the great corruption and 'big deal' inherent in this turn of events. Perhaps we come from different cultures or I am missing a part of the story," Ra'Tiel said, "But I really don't see this as a point for shame or angst."

[Fen3]

Krystal tilts her head at Kazuki

You are only half Kitsune, though.

She looks at the stranger again for a moment, then back at Kazuki

Did you inherit the ability to charm people, too?

[Fenric]

Kazuki flat out laughs at his sister, but doesn't actually answer her question. He looks at the stranger with a mischevious grin

My sister is uncertain about my life, not me... Not that I mind a free kiss now and then.

[Wukei]

The demon grins, Ohhh...and I thought we had a closet case...

[Rainspattered]

"If you are, would you mind tellign me whether I, a beauty with blue-black skin and perfect bone structure, or that boring, run-of-the-mill grey-haired demon is prettier," Ra'Tiel asks, trying to make it as clear as possible that the slanted question is a joke.

[Wukei]

The demon's tail twitches much like a cat as he narrows his two-toned eyes at Ra'Tiel. You know....some people like those with meat on their bones.

[Fen3]

It is now Krystal's turn to order a martini, which she promptly does. Two, in fact.

[Rainspattered]

"Is that a threat, or are you just jealous of my hourglass figure?" the dark elf retorts with a disarming grin.

[Fenric]

Kazuki pretends to chew on his right index-claw while in deep contemplation of the two.

My my my, what a difficult decision to make.

[Wukei]

The demon grins darkly, Oh no, it's very shapely. But one might mistake you for a female, and I don't date girls.

[Rainspattered]

"My mannerisms do not help matters, either," Ra'Tiel concedes, "I blame the lack of a proper female role-model. I had to become my own. Tragedy. Speaking of tragedies, this bottle of brandy is empty, I'll need another."

[McBish]

Shea wanders inside Trog's and looks around.

[Rebonack]

Regiji looks down at the table, afraid that he had offended Hawk. He still isn't very good at this interpersonal stuff. Especially with those who aren't members of his family. He decides to simply be silent for the time being and begins to absently munch on some peanuts.

[Wukei]

The demon seems to think he has won and chirrups happily, drinking his rum.

[Fenric]

Kazuki turns to his sister, once again never having answered directly

And which one do you like better?

[Nevrmore]

Regiji looks down at the table, afraid that he had offended the Hawk.
((Dammit, I AM NOT A WINGED HALFLING!))


He still isn't very good at this interpersonal stuff. Especially with those who aren't members of his family. He decides to simply be silent for the time being and begins to absently munch on some peanuts.
Hawk sits at the table next to him.

"I just want to say, thanks for sticking through with me since I arrived here. I don't think I can handle most of this crap on my own." He says, ordering another ale.

[Fen3]

Krystal finishes her second martini and glares at Kazuki

You leave me out of this.

[Wukei]

He looks between Krystal and Kazuki and grins. Well I know which I like better.

[McBish]

Shea looks around the Tavern.

[Fenric]

Kazuki chuckles, obviously enjoying the opportunity to discomfit his older sister.

Aww... The mighty Krystal finally at a loss for words?

Well... they're both immune to being charmed, though our demon-friend wouldn't have to worry about being drained. But Ra'Tiel more closely resembles the color scheme back home...

[Rebonack]

One edge of Regiji's mouth creeps up slightly.

"Not a problem. I was honestly pleasantly surprised to find someone with a regard for order and personal responsibility here. All the 'free-spirits' were grating on me slightly," he chuckles. "You actually remind me of one of my brothers. I think it's the ram-rod straight disciple and the constant hat adjustments."

Suddenly, as if to ruin the dramatic moment, the probe comes bursting into Trog's.

"Regiji! Regiji!" it bounces about the room like the penultimate avatar of sugar filled children. "I finished my secret mission! There were-"

"No!" Regiji holds up a hand for silence. "You can't tell anyone. Not even me. Now get in," he points at his pack.

"Yay! I helped save the day!" the probe enthuses and then darts into the pack.

Regiji sighs and shakes his head.

[Wukei]

The demon's ears actually seem to droop as Kazuki mentions that he likes the elf's 'color scheme.' At least I don't have to dye my hair to look hot...

[Nevrmore]

"Do I even want to know?" Hawk poses as the little robot disappears. He adjusts his peak cap, thinking What constant hat adjustments??

[Fen3]

Krystal glares at her brother

Sorry to rock your boat, but what about your wife?

[Fenric]

Kazuki laughs

What about her? She doesn't care... she hardly ever even bothers with a material body anymore. She joined in a couple of times for the novelty of it, but got bored.

Kazuki turns back to the demon

There is that, to be sure. And even drow often find the Plane of Shadows unpleasant.

[Rebonack]

"I suppose," Regiji begins with a grin. "That I had best explain so you aren't left wondering. During the fight with the parasite the other day my little buddy there popped out and distracted me at a... most inopportune moment. The brain-slug got away as a result. So I told the hyper little orb I had a mission for it this morning."

Regiji pops another peanut in his mouth and chews thoughtfully.

"A very very secret mission. To count all the sand grains at the beach. Kept it busy all day."

[Nevrmore]

"And you didn't even get into a fight." Hawk adds, downing another ale.

[Wukei]

The demon shrugs. I'm not normally into married men...they don't seem as fun. And for some reason they always think I want the wife to join in on the fun...

[Rebonack]

"No, I didn't. Which is fortunate as far as I'm concerned," Regiji responds. "But if I had it wouldn't have been popping into my face moments before I get targeted with some huge Force Push that flings me across the street. I'll have to see about thinking up another suitable mission for it tomorrow."

[Nevrmore]

"Tell him to write down all the numbers in Pi."

[Rainspattered]

"I don't mind any plane of existance, really. There was a plane of hell very, very, far away I wasn't too fond of, but its inhabitants murdered virtually the entirety of my species and every other on the world I lived on, so I don't think it's all-together fair to say I didn't like that plane itself. And my hair is the same colour as yours, sans dye, unless that is dyed its current, silvery shade."

[Fenric]

Kazuki yawns

It was arranged, and like I said: she spends all her time as a shadow these days.

[Rebonack]

Regiji laughs. "I'm sure that would work if he had arms," he thinks for a moment. "Maybe I could tell him to chase down the moon."

[Nevrmore]

"Tell him to divide by zero." Hawk thinks for a moment, "That wouldn't make him explode or anything, would it?"

[Wukei]

His tail swishes, Perhaps I'll try you out. After all, you wouldn't want me buying a new cart without taking it for a test drive...

He sweeps down dramatically in a bow. The name is Mikhail...though I go by many others.

[Fenric]

Kazuki grins

No, no, of course not.

Kazuki then bows formally in return

I am Kazuki NorZilliar

[Fen3]

Krystal rolls her eyes, stands up, and stomps out to the temple.

[Wukei]

He grins as he watches Krystal go then turns back to her brother. So, are you truly of an alternate persuasion, or were you just trying to upset your sister that much? Either way, I'm game.

[Rainspattered]

"Your sister would do well to loosen up," Ra'Tiel says with a raise of his eyebrows, "She seems awfully upset about something this minute."

[Rebonack]

"No, he's got enough sense to realize what it means," Regiji responds.

Regiji ponders for a moment.

"I wonder where that murderous little head-squid was today. Laying low I would suspect. I don't suppose anyone has figured out what the parasite is yet?"

[Nevrmore]

"If they have, they haven't told me." Hawk shrugs, leaning back in his chair.

[Fenric]

Kazuki looks at Ra'Tiel

The werefoxes have never been particularly happy about that particular facet of kitsune life. She was from my father's first wife, and is a full werefox. I'm half kitsune...

Kazuki turns to Mikhail

I know better than many, having had the opportunity to live both ways.

[Wukei]

His tail shifts behind his back lazily. Sounds like you're well versed in life then. He grins a fanged grin, Good.

[Rebonack]

"I got a good look at it, but in all honesty I've never seen anything like it before," he munches another salted legume. "Though it's odd. I can't get a bead on him. The only time I've been able to identify him was because I recognized his host or something he said. Like 'thrall' or 'meatbag'."

He considers this.

"The only other thing I can think of that my people have trouble detecting are Star-spawn. They're kind of squid-like too, but they have limbs and stuff."

[Fenric]

Kazuki grins

You could say that

His grin melts away as he actually thinks of the things he has gone through.

Being one of Fenric's children has never been boring.

[Nevrmore]

"'Star-spawn?' I have never heard that term before, but your description sounds like an illithid.."

[Wukei]

No no! No sad stories on a first date!

[Rebonack]

"Never heard of an illithid before, but the Star-spawn have roughly humanoid bodies with these weird heads like someone plopped a bloated octopus on top of their neck. And they have five mouths. Haven't ever been able to figure that part out. Throw in a pair of big bat wings and you've got a Star-spawn. They're semi-material offspring of Cthulhu and other such eldritch beings. They can weather more damage than anything their size should be able to."

He seems to be recalling something.

"My family has gotten into some pretty major conflicts with them before. Fighting Star-spawn isn't ever fun what with the madness and all." He waves one hand dismissivly. "So what's an illithid like?"

[Fenric]

Kazuki chuckles

Of course not. All this vodka makes me hungry, though

Kazuki's eyes go red and the color drains from his fur. With a grin, he whispers

quiet, quiet, quiet, quiet, quiet

[Wukei]

He raises an eyebrow, not "in" on the q-word curse.

[Nevrmore]

"Let's see...I remember back when me and my men fought evil for hire we got rid of a village of Illithids who were kidnapping humans . These things are pretty humanoid, except, like a Star-Spawn, they have an octopus for a head...Only one mouth though." Hawk sits back, trying to recall the reason the Illithids were kidnapping humans in the first place.

"...Wait." He said, straightening.

[Fenric]

Evil black tentacles sprout from the floor and twist gropingly toward Kazuki. The first tentacle to encounter him abruptly switches tactics to escaping as the powerful shadow drains the tentacle's strength.

[Wukei]

The demon sees the tentacles and his eyes light up like a child at Christmas. It reminds me of my first time...

[Rebonack]

Regiji sighs as the high caster level Evard's Black Tentacles is triggered by the Q-ward. As one of the rubbery members approaches him he jabs it with a shimmering, opalescent elbow. The tentacle bursts at the point of impact and then continues to explode in a series of blasts from one end to the other until it is reduced to little more than dissipating debris.

"Something come to mind?"

[Fenric]

Kazuki drops the first strengthless tentacle limp on the floor and stalks another.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk draws his swords, slightly any tentacles that come toward him in twain, thinking. He looks at Regiji.

"I just remembered...When Illithids are immature, they remain in a larval state, which is like a small, every day octopus. To grow into an adult Illithid, they are placed inside the head of a captured humanoid. The Illithid baby eats the brain and assumes control of the body and, soon enough, the body transforms into a mature Illithid."

He looks at his glass, then back at Regiji, "And the word they used for humanoids that they had captured and were planning to use to grow one of their children was called a thrall - A slave."

[Rebonack]

((Come on Hawk! You can make your Knowledge (Dungeoneering) check!))

[Nevrmore]

((Come on Hawk! You can make your Knowledge (Dungeoneering) check!))
((You're too slow for my editting skills, son.))

[Ryohoshi]

Angelus quietly walks in to Trog's, giving off a strong demonic aura. He sits down and smokes a cigarette, while ordering ale from Cosmo.

[Wukei]

He watches Kazuki track tentacles, looking a bit disappointed that they weren't being used as toys.

[Fenric]

Kazuki drains another tentacle into calamari, then looks around. Going incorporeal also relieved him of his alcohol and made him sleepy.

He turns his red-eyed glance on Mikhail

Your place or mine?

[Wukei]

Actually, I just came into Town today...so, if you like ships, we can do my place. Otherwise, it's best if we do yours.

[Fenric]

Kazuki shakes his head

Sorry... don't like ships.

Kazuki concentrates, and a portal opens to the Plane of Shadows.

Besides, my mansion is rather nicely equipped.

Kazuki drifts to the portal.

(( And will go through after Mikhail... goodnight ))

[Rebonack]

Regiji considers this new information.

"So you're thinking the parasite is an illithid larva? I guess that would make sense of the octopus look and the brain eating. But shouldn't the murderous little bugger be transforming his host bodies into squid-headed things?"

He pauses for a moment.

"I wonder if these 'illithid' are Star-spawn that have mingled with humans or elves or something. That would explain why I have so much trouble tracking him. And the appearance..."

[Wukei]

Mikhail whistles. Mansion? He steps through the portal, grinning madly.

[Nevrmore]

"Not just any human can morph it's physiology to become an Illithid." Hawk informs, "The humans they capture are conditioned to be exactly the type of enviroment an illithid larva needs so that they can survive inside of it indefinately. That would be why this thing keeps body hopping (aside from getting its ass beat over and over)."

[Rebonack]

"Well... I certainly hope these illithid things are easier to kill than Star-spawn. Damaging them is hard enough and the fact that they constantly pull new mass from the ether to repair themselves doesn't help," Regiji pauses and ends the existence of another salted legume. "Do you know of a way to track these illithid things besides the obvious strategy of following the trail of brainless bodies?"

[Nevrmore]

Hawk sighs, "No, that was the problem back then, too. Unless there's somebody who is really adept at tracing Psionic magic, then we're pretty much flying on a wing and a prayer." He sighs, no pun intended towards Alena.

[McBish]

Shea looks up at the mention of Psionics.

[Rebonack]

Regiji nods.

"Well, there are plenty of powerful psions in Town. Iames included. I can't imagine it would be that hard to find one willing to stop some head-squid's murderous rampage."

Regiji smiles and waves at Shea.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk scoffs, "I'm beginning to quickly lose my faith in Iames' capacity as a captain."

((So, how do you like the nifty character pic Vael made me?))

[wxdruid]

((I really like it, it looks like Hawk :-) (and not the other hawk))

[Rainspattered]

"I'm skilled in Psionics, and in magic. I've had little experience with these illithid creatures, aside from the Alhoon who live inside Aercath's castle. As illithiliches, not to mention mages, they are outcasts from their society, so not much help in terms of psychological knowledge, but I might be able to track him down. The Alhoon could probably help even more, if he's not in one of his century long meditations," Ra'Tiel offers. "I'm not exactly happy about having to cooperate with any form of law enforcement, but I have less disdain for you than creatures which view others as worthless because they have some perception of superiority." Wondering to himself if that was any different a description than most leaders of any sort, Ra'Tiel bit his lip to keep from saying it aloud. These two might not be bad, after all. There are exceptions to every rule.

[Rebonack]

"Unfortunately I don't think the proscribed lackadaisical punishment for heinous crimes is up to him that would be something to bring up with the mayor of Town. Oddly enough, she's a druid. I never thought druids to be much of the type for living in and running the municipal business of large fortified cities."

Regiji shrugs.

"I dunno. I'm new here. Maybe it works different in this country."

He thinks for a moment.

"As far as paying 'bail' where ever I can't really say much about that. We don't have 'bail' back home," he sighs and shakes his head. "It all seems really strange to me. If someone back home killed another person in cold blood they would have their soul pulled out of their body and destroyed. I just can't fathom how a few days in jail and a paltry fine could be considered justice..."

((The avatar needs its peak hat adjusted.))

[Nevrmore]

"I remember times when people went by the edict an eye for an eye." He scoffs, "Where is fairness in the world?"

[Rainspattered]

"That edict went away when people made up laws so that they could take eyes without losing their own; it wasn't murder of a man who disagreed with me, it was the execution of a traitor," Ra'Tiel snorts derisively, "Justice died with codified law."

[Rebonack]

"I imagine it has to do with how common powerful magic users are around here," Regiji comments. "You break someone's nose, you pay a cleric to heal them. You kill your neighbor because he pisses you off, just pay to get him raised. Magic fixes any problem in this chaotic place, so there's no sense of responsibility for wrong doing."

Regiji glances up at Ra'Tiel.

"Are you offering your help to find our fugitive illithid larva?"

[Nevrmore]

Hawk glances at Ra'Tiel, "Codified law did nothing to this world. Lawlessness masquerading as law is what is destroying it." He thinks inwardly Something the mayor of this town obviously does not know.

[Rainspattered]

"It is a codified law that states how someone may be punished, as well," Ra'Tiel points out to Hawk, "In a lawless society, they'd just be killed, as you advocate. Then again, I suppose you could just wait for them to serve their day in prison, kill them, and spend your own day in prison and achieve the eye-for-an-eye thing at the cost of a mere twenty-four hours of your life. Ah, well, for now it matters not. Magic can, indeed, right most of the wrongs of this place. As for the illithid," Ra'tiel says, turning to Regiji "I'll help, although I have little experience with the things, personally. Actually, I think I'll go see what I can find out from the Alhoon now, to see if I have more to offer you." With that, Ra'Tiel disappears from the tavern.

((Have to go. I will help you guys. I think we're looking for a PC, right?))

[Nevrmore]

((Not just any PC, you're looking for my alt, Descartes. I do so love this whole narrative reacharound thing I'm making with myself.))

Hawk rubs his eyes, "He does make a good point." He sighs, standing. "I've drunk too much tonight. I'm going to bed. See you later, Regiji."

((I have school tomorrow so I got to go. Peace out, y'all.))

[McBish]

Shea gets up and leaves Trog's.

[Rebonack]

Regiji waves to the departing officer, then leans back in his chair.

"I'll see you tomorrow then, Hawk."

He sighs.

"Magic may solve the problems here but a murderer is still a murderer, even if their victim can just be raised."

Regiji glances around the emptying tavern, noting those few patrons who still remain then exits himself.

((Later))

[purple gelatinous cube o' Doom]

A well dressed illithid with a purple gelatinous cube in tow step into the tavern. He then proceeds to walk up to the bar and asks the barkeep "My friend and I just arrived in town, and I would like to see a what you have to eat and drink for myself and my friend here." After recieving a menu from the nearest bartender, he orders a mind flayer mead and a velvet elfish. After glancing over at the cube he then says If you could spare a whole hog, live or dead for my friend Benny here, that would be nice as well." The cube then speaks saying "Hog sound good, me want some." Cid then asks the barkeep Also, if you could direct me to the nearest inn, that would be much appreciated."

[Gorbad the Limb Rippa]

A tiefling wizard sitting at a table looks at the ooze with a look of amazment,he shaakes his head and says,
No,impossible,oozes cant talk,too much wine i think
He drains his glass and calls for his bill

[wxdruid]

Gwen, Rain and Aramir walk into the Tavern. She sits down at the bar and orders her hot chocolate. Rain and Aramir lie down at her feet. Her hot chocolate comes and she stirs in her favorite dark chocolate chips and slowly sips it while she enjoys the peace in the Tavern.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Gwen finishes her hot chocolate in peace and leaves with the cats.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Svadris comes into Trogs and orders an Ichor Liquor.

[wxdruid]

Alena comes down and sits on a barstool, she arches her wings out to stretch them.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Svadris drains his Ichor Liquor and orders another one.

[McBish]

Lillah walks inside and sits at the bar. You may notice that she is blind.

[wxdruid]

Alena lightly rustles her wings as she furls them against her back, settling all the feathers into place.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Svadris ignores the blind and the winged women and goes upstairs after knocking back his second Ichor Liquor.

[McBish]

Lillah orders a hot chocolate.

[wxdruid]

Alena considers whether she wants to go outside or not, she turns, Ma'am, how was it outside?

[McBish]

Well it was snowing a bit so I guess it was cloudy.

[wxdruid]

*sigh* I'm not fond of getting my wings wet. My name is Alena.

[McBish]

Hi, my name is Lillah.

[wxdruid]

Pleasure to meet you Lillah, do you live here in Town?

[McBish]

I do, are you just passing through?

[wxdruid]

Alena looks down *sigh* No, I got stuck here, I don't know how or where home is.

[McBish]

You might find it hard to belive, but I know how you feel.

[wxdruid]

Alena smiles over at Lillah and rustles her wings. Yes, I feel sad and very lonely. I miss my friends at Cedar Hills.

[McBish]

Well maybe we can find someone to help you get home.

[wxdruid]

I don't even know where home is from here. Alena looks down at the bartop and her wings droop a little.

[McBish]

Hm... that would make it difficult. I'm sorry to hear that, is there anything I can do to help?

[wxdruid]

I would like to make friends, have someone to talk to. Some of the people around here are very strange.

[McBish]

I know the feeling, there are lot's of odd people in the town. But there are also some very nice people. I'm sure you will make a lot of friends.

[wxdruid]

You're one of the nicer people I've met Lillah.

[McBish]

Well like I said, I know what it is like to be dropped into this town not knowing anyone.

[wxdruid]

What kind of things do you enjoy doing?

[McBish]

Well I like to perform.

[wxdruid]

Alena's eyes light up and her voice brightens, what do you like to perform?

[McBish]

Well I play the flute and lute and sing and dance, I also juggle and do some slight of hand.

[wxdruid]

Alena smiles, I play the concert harp and quite a few other instruments. I only have the harp with me though. It's in a special bag. I also sing, what do you like to play and sing?

[Deadly]

Aeri steps in and looks around, smiling at those present, before going to the bar and ordering a cup of tea.

[McBish]

Well I play several types, I don't really have a favorite type. I have learned many types of music.

[wxdruid]

I know all of the prayers to Jovah, the classical pieces and some modern music (meaning new age type)

[McBish]

Jovah, who's that?

[Deadly]

Aeri pays for her tea and sits down, sipping it thoughtfully.

[wxdruid]

Jovah is my god, the one that I pray to. He brings the rain or the sun when I sing the correct prayer.

[McBish]

I see. Lillah smiles at Alena.

[Hawkeye]

Hawkeye enters the tavern and walks to the bar, sitting at it and orders a lager.

[wxdruid]

But...but I don't think he can hear me anymore. I sing but nothing happens.

[McBish]

Just because nothing happens doesn't mean he can't hear you.

[wxdruid]

Something should happen, he has always heard my voice in the past.

[McBish]

Maybe his power just can't reach this place.

[wxdruid]

That's what I'm forced to think, he hasn't heard me since I've been here. *sigh* as her voice sounds very sad.

[McBish]

Just because he can't hear you doesn't mean you are forgotten. Try to remember that.

[wxdruid]

Alena draws her wings in tighter, as she stares down at the bar. I'll..I'll try to remember that Lillah. It's really hard.

[McBish]

Lillah smiles, It will turn out ok, or so I have been told.

[wxdruid]

Thank you Lillah, I think I'm going back upstairs. See you around?

[McBish]

Hopefully.

[wxdruid]

Later then, Alena gets up and goes upstairs.

[McBish]

Lillah sits at the bar rubbing her wrists.

[Lord Magtok]

SASO takes a seat at the bar, and orders a drink.
Hopefully, he won't have to involve himself with any random criminal today.

[Deadly]

Aeri sighs and goes through some notes while sipping her tea

[Rebonack]

Several men dressed in black and white striped jump suits with matching hats and black eye masks tiptoe into the tavern in a not so stealthful manner. They begins gathering all the coins from behind the counter into large sacks with dollar signs on the side.

Random Criminal 1: "Hurry up boys, we gotta finish here before the cops come."

Random Criminals 2-6: "Duh, ok boss."

[Hawkeye]

Hawkeye glances at the criminals and shrugs. He then goes back to his drink

[Lord Magtok]

Heck, not more random crime.

SASO flies over to the random criminals, and attempts to swiftly handcuff them all so he can get them quickly to the station, and so he can get back to his drink.

[Deadly]

Aeri looks up and raises an eyebrow. If only all criminals where that stupid. she thinks to herself, but stays, seeing that an officer is taking care of it.

[McBish]

Lillah sighs and gets up and goes through the mirror to Inari's.

[Rebonack]

Random Criminal 1: "It's the fuzz! Let's scram!"

The random criminals scatter, heading for random windows around the tavern.

[Lord Magtok]

SASO tries to telekinetically yank all the criminals into a pile on the ground by his feet.

He thinks: Can't I just have one drink without having to worry about a random encounter or sub-plot? One Drink! That's it! Just One!

[Rebonack]

The random criminals are all hurled into a heap at Omega's feet. One of them shakes a fist at him.

Random Criminal 1: "You'll pay for this, you dirty rat!"

[Lord Magtok]

SASO tries to telekinetically yanks away the loot they stole, and then attempts to manacle them while keeping them at gunpoint.

You should talk about dirty. You're the lowest of the low, criminal.

[Gemini]

Gemini walks in and sits down at an empty table. He yawns.

[AmberVael]

Aesa comes in and raises an eyebrow at the criminals, then sits next to Gemini and summons herself a drink. So why would the temple hire us?