A New Day's A-Comin' (DM Kim) Tuesday August 6th, 2002 1:26:05 PM
Dawn breaks anew, sending horizontal fingers of light throughout the Fence level of the Floating City. The City awakens, its population stirs for the first time since the Cataclysm. Many are confused, befuddled. Some seem to remember some sort of nightmare. A few remember a battle and their part in it ... distant, as though it occurred in another age, in another lifetime. Why would grass cut into my feet? Dreams are strange. Some things are forgotten. Names of cities. Identities of certain people, certain creatures.
Nevertheless, the day at the Orphanage begins as it typically does, with the clamor of young ones rising from sleep with boundless energy, and needing breakfast.
"Pass the eggs," one boy requests. "They are so GOOD this morning!" a girl remarks. A man who drops off milk is overheard mentioning that no one can see any sign of Plateau City this morning. "Like it dropped off the Wold, or somethin', they're sayin'," he says as he heads out the door. "No, not lost in no fog. Tain't much fog out there, cross the water, just the little light mist for a foot or two where the sun hits the water in the mornin'. Just looks bigger, though, the lake, I mean. Sorry, gotta run!"
My, those eggs are tasty in particular. Are senses heightened somewhat?
Turin Tuesday August 6th, 2002 3:37:57 PM
Turin eats his food in silence. The earlier events were not pleasant, and he's doing his best to drive them from his mind.
Tiree True Tuesday August 6th, 2002 4:03:01 PM
Tiree eats breakfast with the rest of the family, enjoying the taste of food again. She's a bit quieter than she was before "everything" happened.
After eating, she helps clean up the table, leaving the dishes for whoever's turn it is before announcing, "I'm feeling restless Mama Faust. I'm going wandering. Need anything while I'm gone? Anyone want to go with me?"
Ubaerul Tuesday August 6th, 2002 5:54:09 PM
Being his first time at the orphanage, Ubaerul still hasn't met all the children yet. And as he sits and eats his breakfast, his first one since leaving the service of Louis, Ubaerul looks rather annoyed at all that is going on in the orphanage.
Looking around at the other adventurers the orphanage has produced, Ubaerul decides to speak his mind.
"Between exploring the city and helping the children here all the time I'm baffled that you are able to remain in such a crowded house. Granted I can understand your desires to aid them, but maybe we should think about getting our own house to act as a base of operations. And with all this news about the city no longer being where it once was maybe we should try to get out and see what's going on outside the city."
Jezebella Tuesday August 6th, 2002 6:03:47 PM
Jezebella seems a new girl this morning, laughing with the younger children, and mussing their hair. Her eyes are bright, and she practically leaps at the chance to get outside and enjoy the fantastic morning.
"I'll head out with you, 'Ree ... if you want the company."
Syr Wednesday August 7th, 2002 1:47:12 AM
Syr spends a few minutes introducing Ubaeral to the children of the house. At times, he points out the troublemakers to the newcomer. More often than not he smiles at the antics of the kids to impress the 'new guy'. After the introductions, he wolfs down his breakfast and joins in the chatter, "Drake, who did the cooking this morning? These eggs are amazing!"
Looking up at the invitation to wander, "Count me in! After the chaos going on here, a nice peaceful stroll sounds like a plan. Why don't we go to the docks? I hear the view there is bizarre."
Flaust & Drake (DM Kim) Wednesday August 7th, 2002 4:08:04 AM
Flaust nods to Tiree as she mentions going wandering. "After breakfast, after breakfast. Oh wait just a bit." Mother Flaust leaves the room.
"It's a secret recipe a druid just gave me," Drake answers Syr in a mock-conspiratorial tone. "He had pouches of herbs and spices. Said they'll make your eyes bright." We waits a beat, then adds, "Or fall out. I forget which." Before giving anyone a chance to groan too much, the ranking orphan adds, "Flaust told me to make sure you don't leave until she has a chance to talk to you. She'll be right back." As the dishes are cleared, and Drake breaks up a minor scuffle between young twin boys over the last piece of bacon by eating it himself, he asks, "Did you notice it's just a bit muggy this morning? That herb-crazed druid said the forest is moving in."
Flaust's proposal (DM Kim) Wednesday August 7th, 2002 4:19:15 AM
The now teary-eyed boys' expressions change for the better once Drake pulls from behind his back two halves of the last sweet roll. Propelling them on their way with a good departing pat on the fannies, Drake nods to Mother Flaust as she shuffles back in.
She beckons the older orphans together, indicating they should sit down at the table she takes. "You are each very dear to me. Each a star in a bright constellation. But now, young stars, with all these new children, we're severely short of space," she says with a sigh. "Now I hope you don't mind, and please don't take this the wrong way - but I was wondering if you older ones would mind moving across the street? There's a row of old shops - one of which is empty. The landlord said we could use it, well the downstairs part anyway. Someone already lives upstairs, apparently." She glances across the street. The rather run-down patched ediface is a familiar sight to all at the orphanage. "I love you all and I'm not throwing you out. You're more than welcome back here for your meals, and to be wholly honest, I still might need your help with the kids occasionally. Anyway - go take a look, see what you think."
Tiree Wednesday August 7th, 2002 4:52:59 AM
Tiree waits around for Faust, her feet itching to go outside. When Mama Faust comes back she sits down to listen, but her legs keep jumping slightly. As Faust talks, Tiree nods her head. Looking outside, she gives the familiar building a better look.
Muttering to herself she stares a bit harder and stands up.
"It just might work at that. Y'know Mama Faust, I was thinking the same thing. About us moving out and all. In fact, while I was out, I was going to be looking for places. You've taken care of that for us. Thanks!"
Tiree kisses the older woman on the cheek and grins cheekily at her. "I guess we need to go take a look at it, hmm?"
Her happy feet carry her to the door, where she looks at her new home.
"It looks like it is going to need a lot of work, but I think we can do it. What do you say, guys?" she asks, looking over her shoulder at her family before heading across the street.
Turin Wednesday August 7th, 2002 2:52:42 PM
Turin looks across the street. "Better than the dump I was living in before I came here. We can work on it."
Jezebella Wednesday August 7th, 2002 6:38:08 PM
Jez smiles cheerily at Flaust's suggestion. "Anything to help, Momma Flaust, you know that. We'll head over and take a look-see."
With that, the gypsy girl gives Flaust a hug as well, and begins to cross the street to look at what is likely to be her new home.
Ubaerul Wednesday August 7th, 2002 7:31:48 PM
Giving a sigh of relief, and muttering to himself as to not offend anyone.
"Anything would be better than all the commotion at this place..."
Syr Thursday August 8th, 2002 3:01:55 AM
Syr looks at Drake in disbelief. Later, when he thinks no one else is watching, he pushes on his eyelids slightly just to make sure they stay in place.
Grinning a mother, "That's great! Maybe I can finally get a room far enough away from Drew's snoring!" Stepping outside he examines the building, "It's not on the Gold level but it's a start! Anyone want to meet our neighbor before we check out the place?"
New digs? DM Kim Thursday August 8th, 2002 3:44:41 AM
Flaust opens a pouch and removes a skeleton key. "This should get you inside. The landlord told me you can look around." She lays the key on the table for anyone to pick up.
Once across the street, as the key goes in the padlock - someone notes that the padlock is already open. The vacated shop's rickety glass-paned door makes a distinctive squeak-pop as the hinges complain, and the pop came from a rusty door spring - designed to pull closed the door. One of the small glass panes in the door is broken and will need fixing. Inside, everything looks to have been cleared out. There's a large room at the front taking up space widthways across the shop. Behind this there is an internal door and a central passage that leads to an extremely well fortified back door. On the left side of the passage there are two rooms - the first a kitchen with a ramshackle old wood stove which still seems to work, and a bathroom that looks serviceable, but badly in need of cleaning. To the right are two more rooms - both appear empty, perhaps once used for storage. Aside from the door, the only windows in the building are a large one at the front, and two smaller ones facing the back. The one in the bathroom is barred.
There's no sign of the upstairs resident as yet. A tiny door outside at the front, to the right of the shop, seems to be the access to upstairs, and out the back - rickety wooden stairs from the backstreet lead up to a small balcony and a door. Yup. No dearth of rickety on this first tour.
Drew Thursday August 8th, 2002 3:46:29 PM
"Ummmmm... looks like my old home."
Turin Thursday August 8th, 2002 8:06:37 PM
Turin looks around, carefully. "A decent enough place. Two rooms that can have bunks put in..." He stops, and does some mental counting. "I think one can be a guy's room, and the other a girl's room. The bathroom's bad, I've seen better kept ones in taverns, but it's nothing some cleaning won't fix." He looks around the front room again. "Heck, if we wanted to start up a business here, we possibly could." He nods to himself, thinking about how he would place things if he were to do it. Not that he's ever done it before...
Tiree d20+7=26 d20+1=20 Thursday August 8th, 2002 8:31:36 PM
Tiree wanders around their new place. At least that is how she is already thinking of it. She gives it a very close examination (Search 26, Spot 20) as she moves through it, cataloging what she sees and finds and thinking about the cost of fixing the place up.
First 'visitor'. Nesting time. (DM Kim) Friday August 9th, 2002 3:09:20 AM
Tiree finds in her look-about that there is a little door she can open behind the stove. It reveals a cylindrical metal chimney with a little handle affixed. When she moves the handle, a little puff of wood ash comes out, and it looks black within the small opening.
As the inspection continues, there is a gentle knock at the front door. Mother Flaust stands there. "May I come in?" she inquires with a smile.
After she steps in and looks up and around briefly at the entrance, she says, "Gather round. So it has possibilities, does it not? Well, as I said, it is available. Drew, I had something left outside. Why don't you and the other boys be good and bring it inside."
Outside, they find a heavy oak chest. Though Drew likely could handle it by himself, it is a bit easier with a couple helping on the other end.
"Set it down there," she says, then instructs, "Now, girls, open it up and see what is inside." A latch lifts. Inside is a complete service of china for twelve. Quite nice plates, saucers, cups, bowls, serving dishes, tureens, ceramic tea pots and coffee pots, ceramic ladles. Well, there are twelve of some things. Twelve saucers. Eleven plates. Ten intact cups, and one in which a portion was evidentally glued back together, unevenly. Fourteen bowls, but nine match the rest of the set, and five are from assorted patterns. Chips and nicks abound - but, if you don't get too close, it looks pretty nice. When all is inventoried, you do seem to have four perfect place settings, with hardly a nick or chip among them.
"As I have said, you are welcome to have your meals with us. But you may, on occasion, wish to prepare your own meals, or serve guests. It is part of growing up. Now, I'm sure you can think of many other things you'll need to fix up and furnish this place. Perhaps you can go on an expedition today, and see what things you might find. I know you are resourceful. Good day!"
The group has the opportunity at this point to go out and furnish the place. Might I suggest that each person look to bring back perhaps half a dozen items? What will you sleep on? How will you pay for what you find? Can you scrounge from neighbors, the trash level, the orphanage, in trade for scrubbing pots at the local pub? Wherever and however.
Be as realistic and imaginative as you can. Old chairs, lamps, an antique chest that was found on a back street, a rug, kettle, pots, etc. Have fun!
Kit the place out so it looks cool and how you'd like it. Presume in your next post that you've been out and somehow acquired what you want - post what you obtained and how you got it.
Syr Friday August 9th, 2002 3:10:10 AM
Syr bounds from room to room quickly, "Well, it's not the Dragon mansion but it's good enough for me. If it's okay with ya'll, I REALLY like the food at the orphange. I won't be eatting here much. Besides, I need an excuse to go pester Drake."
Syr goes to the back door, "I wonder if we have a porch?"
Drew Friday August 9th, 2002 1:55:24 PM
"Hey Syr, theres still a bunch of useful stuff at my old place.... if we want to go get it. It looks like crap but it works!!!"
DM Kim Friday August 9th, 2002 5:22:17 PM
[OOC: Between now and Monday morning, feel free to have multiple posts for your characters, if you wish, and detail your acquisitions, conversations, etc. I'll check in from time to time here should questions arise. -Kim]
Turin Friday August 9th, 2002 5:27:44 PM
Turin nods to himself. "There are a few beds I can get from where I used to live, it's locked up pretty good, so..." He thinks a bit. "I think we could get some bunks for the bedrooms. I've got two beds, and if we could get two double bunkbeds, we'd be set."
Ubaerul Saturday August 10th, 2002 6:11:50 PM
Raising one eyebrow in thought, Ubaerul suddenly comes up with an idea.
"Hey everyone, I'm going to go clean out my old apartment on the gold level, I have a bunch of little things we may be able to use. Let's see, I have a bed, a chest of drawers, a chest, a large oil lamp, a mirror, and a painting my former tutor created. I can also stop by Louis's shop and see if he has anything lying around he doesn't need anymore. Also, has anyone thought to check on Helena to see how she's doing? Maybe she'll even have some things lying around her house we might be able to use."
Tiree Monday August 12th, 2002 12:37:36 AM
After Flaust leaves, Tiree goes back to her discovery. Getting a candle, she lights it and uses it to look inside the opening, cleaning it out as she goes. She is completely oblivious to the dust and ash as it gets on her.
After she finishes with that, Tiree has a better look at the place. Deciding that it needs a good cleaning she makes her way over to Flausts and picks up a few extra cleaning supplies and runs them back over to the new place. She sets them down in the kitchen area and pauses to consider her next move.
When an idea pops into her head, Tiree smiles and heads back out, a wave at those still at the apartment. Heading down to the Trash level, she does her best to stay out of some of the worse areas and away from trouble spots as she makes her way to the boiler room where they met those workers who believed in Valdor and his cause. Hoping that they are working, she stops in to ask them where down there, on the Trash level, would be a good place to scavenge for some furniture. Didn't have to be good stuff, just servicable.
Jezebella Monday August 12th, 2002 9:34:46 AM
Jez returns to the older orphans new home late that evening, smudged with grime and soot, and carrying a large iron pot. She half staggers in under the weight of it, and sets it down in the small kitchen. The others, alerted to her arrival by the rusty squeal of the door hinges, watch her unload the contents of the pot carefully. On top of the pot, carefully wrapped in a worn floor covering, is a pane of glass to replace the broken one in the door. Under that, she reveals a flask of oil, protected from the rest of the contents of the pot by a thick winter blanket. Under the oil and blanket, is foodstuffs. Flour, dried meat, and sugar.
"I travelled the level, really." She explains. "Everyone here knows Flaust, and the orpanage... the kitchens were happy to help, after I worked a bit." She stretches, and winces as her sore muscles rebel.
Drew Monday August 12th, 2002 12:18:48 PM
Heads out to his old house and back, coming back with a table, three chairs, a chest, and one over-large easy chair that he clearly loves. It is all mismatched and not pretty but very sturdy and clean.
Turin Monday August 12th, 2002 2:58:22 PM
Turin asks Drew to help him bring over the beds. If Drew agrees, he brings over two somewhat ratty beds that could be fixed with some skill... of course, the same skill could probably make new better beds.
Decorating 101; New Neighbor (DM Kim) Tuesday August 13th, 2002 1:14:48 AM
With the beds, furniture, pots, pans, chest of drawers, mirror, blankets, cleaning supplies, and so on, pretty soon the old storefront dwelling begins to take shape. Tiree accidentally knocks a black beetle down into the stove pipe, just as it emerges from the flue. Other than that, soon she determines it is a way to help provide air flow for the exhaust fumes from the stove - itself which begins to look better with a little elbow grease.
Not everything has its place yet, but it is a work in progress. There is still plenty of work to do, things to hang on the walls. The bathroom does not yet pass muster after a first cleaning, but perhaps some more vigorous scrubbing...
As people come into and go out of the youngsters' new 'home', some notice a man occasionally looking out a window directly above the door.
Later in the day, and standing by the narrow front side door, stands the tall young man. His blond hair is tightly pulled back from his high forehead into a pony tail. His gray eyes crinkle up on his clean-shaven face when he smiles as a couple of youngsters navigate a tattered couch through the doorway. "Figuring out how to get things in, eh? You all look like hard workers. Couldn't help but notice. From good woman Flaust's, aren't you all? Welcome. Welcome to the other side of the street," he says. He is clothed in worn, yet well-tailored robes such as scholars wear.
Syr Tuesday August 13th, 2002 4:37:55 AM
Looking up with his arms covered in dust and dirt, Syr eyes the Stranger. The elf decides to take a break and walks over to meeting the stranger. He holds out a hand in greeting and only then realizes the grime on it. With a quick wipe down on his pants, he holds his hand forth for the stranger to shake, "I'm Syr, you are right. We decided to move out on our own. Is that you we saw in the upstairs window?"
Drew Tuesday August 13th, 2002 9:14:48 AM
Drew watches the newcomer carefuly, even after all he's been through with his new family he is still slow to trust outsiders.
Turin Tuesday August 13th, 2002 2:54:13 PM
Turin looks at the new neighbor. "Um, yeah, other side of the street," he says, not sure what to make of this guy.
Jezebella Tuesday August 13th, 2002 5:55:48 PM
The gypsy girl brushes a stray lock of her raven hair away from her face. She smiles to the young man. "Hello! I'm Jezebella." She does a small curtsy, the effect diminished by her current state, covered in hard work dirt. "We noticed you upstairs. We forgot to ask, what exactly you DO upstairs?"
Ubaerul Wednesday August 14th, 2002 12:05:05 AM
Poking his head out of one of the new bedrooms where he's been storing away some of the stuff he's brought over, Ubaerul welcomes the newcomer.
"Good day, My name is Ubaerul Vestrati. I have just joined up with these people from the orphanage but I'm eager to see more of the city and surrounding areas with them. By any chance have you heard of what is going on outside the city?"
DM Kim Wednesday August 14th, 2002 6:39:04 AM
The man goes to shake Syr's proferred hand, then laughs as he wipes it off. He shakes. "Pleased to meet you, Syr. Um, yes, I believe that was I. You see, my study is next the window. Occasionally, as I pause to think about what I have read, I find just looking outside to be refreshing, and to give my eyes entertainment as my mind considers things."
He nods to Turin, and gives a bow to Jezebella in return for her curtsy. "Do? Why I eat, read, think, sleep."
Those near the man, roll a spot check, DC 16.
"Yes, good day to you, too, Ubaerul Vestrati. Oh, pardon me. Here so many have given their names. Mine is Torl, at your service."
He considers Ubaerul's question. "Well, that is the question of the day, is it not? I am trying to learn that, myself. The lake we are on seems quite large, and things are warm here. Other than that - well, when I find out more, I may let you know!"
Ubaerul Wednesday August 14th, 2002 9:15:06 AM
Walking all the way into the room to properly greet Torl.
"Hmm, that's odd... So we must have moved far away from where the Floating City once was. Maybe we can get an idea where we are from the stars in the sky, perhaps we should check next time it gets dark. Also, maybe the Storm Dragons know where we are, if we were to contact them we could find out if they've found anything yet and if they need are help to look around. Hell, maybe we could even find some decent things to take back for the house while looking around."
DM Kim Wednesday August 14th, 2002 10:36:48 AM
[OOC Note: Torl is outside, next to the doorway to the stairs going up to the second story. -Kim]
Drew d20=6 Wednesday August 14th, 2002 2:55:59 PM
While eyeing the man suspiciously he spots nothing...
Turin d20+4=17 Wednesday August 14th, 2002 3:12:28 PM
Turin looks at Torl, curiously. "So, you're a bit of a recluse, then?"
DM Kim Wednesday August 14th, 2002 6:38:27 PM
Turin notices a tatoo on the back of Torl's neck.
Tiree d20+1=18 d20+4=22 Wednesday August 14th, 2002 10:45:28 PM
Tiree moves outside when she hears talking. She can see her family talking to a man. Moving toward them, she takes a good look at him (Spot 18) and listens closely to what he has to say (Sense Motive 22). She doesn't smile at him, neither does frown. Her face is blank, and she doesn't introduce herself, either.
Syr Thursday August 15th, 2002 2:06:20 AM
The elf chuckles at Ubaeral's idea, "Stars? I have enough trouble finding out what street I'm on. It's not for me to tell where dots in the sky are..."
Gazing up he says quietly, "I'm all for going out and exploring this 'new' place. I've had it up to here in cleaning and settling down."
Calling out loud enough to be heard outside the door, "Torl! Any idea where we should start exploring this new ... forest?" Syr utters the word forest with a bit of apprehension. While being an elf, he has spent most of his life on the big float. He grows quiet as he thinks of his lost heritage.
Torl (DM Kim) Thursday August 15th, 2002 3:33:31 AM
To Turin's surmise that he is a recluse, Torl answers, "A recluse? Oh, perhaps a bit. I get out once in a while though."
"Well, one thing I heard," he answers Ubaerul, "- the forest - though some call it a jungle, has many mysteries. Someone who ventured only two or three minutes on the land spoke of a vine that came to wrap itself around his ankle. He pulled loose, losing only his shoe. If you go to the edge, you can see that the closest part of the forest is only a few hundred yards off. But the lake - no one yet knows how far off the far shore may be - no one can see it!"
Tiree notes at the base of Torl's neck a geometrical weaving of colors and shapes. He gives her a short nod. Regarding motives - she perceives he, at the moment, is simply interested in acquainting himself with the new neighbors. He seems very charming.
"Well, I trust you will make yourselves comfortable. I should not take up more of your time. Oh, and the water of the lake? It is fresh, and very clean. Good day!" He turns to open the door and ascend the stairs.
Turin Thursday August 15th, 2002 4:55:06 PM
Turin looks at Torl some more. "What is that tattoo for," he asks. Tattoos are nothing new to him, but tattoos that elaborate are.
Drew Thursday August 15th, 2002 5:37:26 PM
Drew waits.
Jezebella Thursday August 15th, 2002 6:05:03 PM
Jezebella says to the man... "Nice to meet you, Torl. Maybe I could visit someday, and see what it is you study." She smiles, friendly.
Syr Friday August 16th, 2002 1:05:09 AM
Looking around, "You heard the man, the water is clean. Look at yourselves! I say we go for a swim and see this new lake for ourselves."
Torl parts (DM Kim) Friday August 16th, 2002 4:09:34 AM
"My tatoo?" Torl's voice speaks as the door closes slowly behind him. Sounds of footfalls on the steps ascending change to descent. He catches the door just before it closes, sticking his head out. "Oh, that?" he looks around, trying to find Turin's face. "A youthful affectation, I'm afraid." Turning towards Jezebella, he says, "Yes, dear, perhaps you might. But for now, sorry, work presses!" He nods at the stern-visaged Drew, climbs the stairway, and the door closes behind.
Passersby (DM Kim) Friday August 16th, 2002 4:20:15 AM
Just as the door to the upstairs shuts, a pair of washerwomen, one with a scrub board, the other bearing a large cloth sack that looks to be full of clothing, walk by. The tall one with the board is heard to say, "... be a Mask Day soon. The Overlord hisself is a'comin' down. And not just here, she a-told us, but even to the bo'em. All the way down to the bo'em level. Ooo, heavens ta Salia! By the way, ... -san says, 'If I EVER see ... blew up!! Hee-hee-hee. ... Shirts - too many buttons, I says ..." As she gets farther away, it is harder to pick up what she says.
Drew Friday August 16th, 2002 3:24:22 PM
Drew enters the new building and begins to clean and straighten, tring his best to be helpfulf but getting underfoot more than anything. He tries his beast to be helpful but is more like a bull in a china shop than anything.
Turin Friday August 16th, 2002 3:24:45 PM
Turin shrugs, after his leaving. "That's a pretty elaborate youthful affectation."
Syr Monday August 19th, 2002 1:09:18 AM
Syr sits back down with a disappointred sigh as no one else seems interested in going out.
DM Kim Monday August 19th, 2002 2:34:29 AM
What with making the rounds of the city, finding furniture and such for the new place, meeting an upstairs neighbor, and having dinner at the orphanage, the day has been largely spent. Through other conversations overheard, it sounds as though the current Overlord is not just visiting, but actually moving to the bottom level of Floating City, and a new Overlord will take his place. There are different theories as to when this should occur.
Others are remarking about how good the water in this new lake tastes. Should it still be called Turtle Lake? Well, the turtles are here, are they not? But it's not the same lake, right? Different names are suggested - Jungle Lake, Big Lake, Tasty Waters, Chimera Sea (who knows where that one came from?) - but the consensus seems muddled somewhere between Turtle Lake and New Turtle Lake. A large, long-snounted fish is paraded through the streets. "The biggest esox masquinongy I've ever caught!" boasts the fellow who hauled it in. "Caught it over the side!" Town guards escort him, and a lieutenant states on every other street corner, "We need not worry about food, people. This is just a sample of the fish caught today!" The sergeant riding herd on the guards looks hard at folk, as though daring anyone to gainsay this sign of hope. Two soldiers share the burden of the 80-pound fish. One of the soldiers looks rather forlorn as he brings up the tail end.
Perhaps the next morning will be a good time to explore the city more, now that the old/new furniture and accoutrements have found a new home. As the youngsters begin to settle in, and figure out who is sleeping where, someone in the group asks, "So, what should we do in the morning?"
Turin Monday August 19th, 2002 1:54:13 PM
Turin looks out the front window. "Well... We could try to find out just where we are. With everyone else."
Drew Monday August 19th, 2002 2:33:16 PM
"I want to go down and see how big this lake is. Some people are saying hundreds of miles wide and it's supposed to be even longer. I bet we can't even see the Jungle."
Jezebella Monday August 19th, 2002 4:27:02 PM
The gypsy girl adds her piece. "I'd definitely like to take a walk to the docks in the morning. Maybe we could borrow or rent a boat for a few hours. We did help out the dockworkers before, maybe they will remember us."
Syr Tuesday August 20th, 2002 4:09:50 AM
Syr's face brightens as the group begins to discuss leaving the city to do some exploring, "Those dock workers should be able to help! let's go down there."
Drew Tuesday August 20th, 2002 12:07:24 PM
"I'm up for anything Syr!!!"
In the morning (DM Kim) Wednesday August 21st, 2002 2:58:31 AM
The young adventurers head after breakfast through the streets, down to the dockside. A few hundred feet from the docks is a boat with several lines hanging off the sides, with morning mists of haze sometimes obscuring the boat.
Concern over food seems to be lessening as people see the good hauls of fish. "I want some fresh onion, though, Molly," says one stocky woman to another. "Where do we get fresh vegetables, when we have no one to trade with?"
Down one dock two men argue, as others stand around listening. It becomes apparent that one man wants to go out in the boat, and the other is steadfastly refusing to allow such.
A few boys weave through the crowds.
Jezebella Wednesday August 21st, 2002 12:03:35 PM
The gypsy girl watches the boys that dart and weave through the crowds, keeping a hand on her beltpouch. She knows enough to know these crowds would be prime targets for pickpockets.
She adds her voice to the argument the men are having. "Why shouldn't the boats go out, sir?"
Drew Wednesday August 21st, 2002 12:10:55 PM
Drew stands behind Jez protectively.
Turin Wednesday August 21st, 2002 2:36:37 PM
Turin also listens to the argument, and asks the one refusing, "Do you have the authority to refuse it? If so, why are you? If not, why are you acting like you are?"
Syr Thursday August 22nd, 2002 3:03:40 AM
Syr watches the two men arguing with a bemused smile. He stops one of the passersby that looks at home on the docks, "My sister wants to know if the water is safe to go into? Has anyone seen or heard anything besides these big fish that everyone seems to be catching?"
Drew Thursday August 22nd, 2002 12:04:52 PM
"Fish...."
Ubaerul Thursday August 22nd, 2002 12:32:31 PM
A little out of touch with what has been happening lately, Ubaerul brings up the rear to gaze upon the frightened fisherman.
"Hmm, something's fishy here... The lake we're on seems to be very expansive, and as far as we know the jungle is the same. The fish caught here have been extremely large and there seems to be no shortage. It would appear we are on virgin land, I almost wonder if no civilization has grazed this land for years. Not only that, it seems as if the land itself would be keeping people out, if the very plants rally to defend the land, and something has obviously been harrassing the local fisherman something must be out of the ordinary here. Perhaps we should question these fisherman more and then try to figure out what is wrong with the waters and make our way to land. But first remember we should stock up on some food and supplies if we plan to head out into the wilderness."
Capt Neekle (DM Kim) d20=15 d20=9 d20=1 d20=1 d20=12 d20=12 Thursday August 22nd, 2002 10:18:51 PM
The man refusing passage appears only lightly distracted by Jezebella's question, with just a flick of his eyes in her direction. Then Turin questions his authority, and he notices for the first time the large fellow looming behind Jezebella.
His face marked by years in the sun, he squints at the small group of youngsters. "Questionin' your elders, eh? I'm the captain of this rig. That's my authority. Cap' Neekle. As I'm tellin' this stubborn ox, here," he says, thrusting his chin toward the broad torsoed man who vainly seeks passage, "twice, yesterday, late in the day, a huge beast ran itself against my ship. Once on the starboard side, pushing us several feet ta port. And the next time along the keel, liftin' us almost inta the air, then droppin' us down. Since then, we got ourselves a few leaks. Nothin' huge, mind ya, but enough to warrant gettin' everything plugged and checked over." He occasionally takes a bit of his brown and gray beard in his mouth, and nibbles on the hair. "He seems ta' think that a few leaks should na stop us from takin' him ta shore. I want ta reinforce everything before I take her out again. Ain't no coward, like he's inferrin'. Just no fool, neither. Waitin' for my turn in drydock."
Sounds of muffled hammering can be heard emanating from within the ship, and sailors starboard empty buckets of water lifted up from belowdecks. As the captain speaks, two men work their way past the group with long planks of wood on their shoulders, climbing the ramp up on to the deck from the dock. A short, stout fellow carries a 10' long, rather thick beam, obviously well burdened by the weight, taking step after ponderous step.
The fellow Syr addressed looks at him. "Huh? Oh, I dunno. Seems safe, mostly. Except. Shh - I wanna hear this," he says of the conversation the captain is having.
Meanwhile, out of the corner of her eye, Jezebella sees a pair of boys, from among those running around, stop and hand something to a man aways off. Is that - ? She thinks for a moment she recognizes the man, but then feels a bit confused, as he disappears into the crowd. The feeling is as when one sees another, recognizing a degree of familiarity, but being not quite able to place the face. The boys, however, look quite a bit alike one another. They, too, head off out of sight.
Anthony and Drew Friday August 23rd, 2002 12:01:58 PM
OOC: Kim did you mean that post to be private??? ----- [Anthony - Not for so long - was under construction - Kim] -----
Drew continues to stand behind his sister looking large.
Ubaerul Saturday August 24th, 2002 12:32:43 AM
Noticing Jezebella's sidelong glances, Ubaerul looks towards the boys.
"Who are you looking at Jez? Perhaps we should follow them, it would give us something to do until the Captain's ship is repaired to his satisfaction."
Jezebella Sunday August 25th, 2002 6:17:56 PM
Jez hesitates. ".. I thought I saw someone I recognized.. but he disappeared into the crowds."
She pauses again, something nagging at her, as she scans the crowd for the man. She adds, distractedly, "watch your moneypouches, I think there are pickpockets about."
Syr Monday August 26th, 2002 1:10:09 AM
The elf sees the stout man struggling and decides to act. He quickly moves to one end of the board and slowly takes on the weight of the beam. "I hope you don't mind, this log looks quite heavy." Assuming there is no objection, he helps get the beam up the gangplank and onto the deck of the ship. With an explosive exhale, he sets the beam down and straightens up, taking a look around the ship.
Turin Monday August 26th, 2002 3:48:46 AM
Turin nods at the Captain's answer. "Are there any ships here in good enough shape to go to shore?"
Drew Monday August 26th, 2002 11:34:33 AM
Drew, seeing his brother move into action, rushes to help with the beam. Silently helping to move the beam as if it were but a twig.
Bearing one another's burdens (DM Kim) d20=5 d20=17 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 2:52:34 AM
As Syr moves to take up the burden of the beam, the stout fellow stumbles, falling to one knee as his left arm moves to stop any further forward pitch. "Brace, that you?" a raspy voice spits out from the beam bearer. "Who's the ass behind me? Stib put you up to...?" He manages to turn his head just enough to discern that he has no idea who this person was who just took hold of the beam. "Just cost me..." he sputters.
A sailor up in the rigging laughs as he observes the unfolding scene next to the ship. "Ha! You lost the bet! Lost the bet! Knew you couldn't do it! Ha!"
The stout man sets his end down, with some care. He looks into Syr's face, reading something he didn't, apparently, expect there. "Eh. Tryin' ta help, eh, stranger?" He seems to ignore the taunts coming from the rigging above. His bushy eyebrow raises as big Drew approaches. "Watch out behind ya," he hoarsely whispers to the elf.
Syr stands, for the moment, with a very heavy beam on one shoulder, the opposite end slanting down to the deck.
Capt Neekle (DM Kim) Tuesday August 27th, 2002 3:16:43 AM
The broad-torsoed man glares at Turin and one or two of his companions. "Wharf rats. Pah!" He pushes his way through those gathered, and turns to shake a finger at the captain. "You had yer chance, Neekle. See if I throw any business your way again. Pah!"
The captain crosses his arms and shakes his head. "Go your way, Meddoc." Meddoc, indeed, turns and goes. And, in a whisper that only Turin and perhaps two or three other bystanders discern, the captain adds, "Idiot."
"Yes, there are other boats that can make shore," Capt Neekle answers Turin after a couple of beats. "There are turtles that can make shore. My ship's draft is too deep to set right on shore. That's what the longboat starboard and the rowboat aft are for. Now, I have work to oversee." He turns toward his ship, and bellows, "MATE! Report to my cabin." He steps around the beam and those gathered around it with nary a glance, briskly ascends the ramp, and heads to the open door in the forecastle. He descends past view. A few moments later, a tall and wirey man follows a member of the bucket brigade from belowdecks, and heads the same direction the captain went, shutting behind him the door.
Other sights (DM Kim) Tuesday August 27th, 2002 3:35:45 AM
Jezebella thinks the two boys were heading in the general direction of The Fish House (#56). She really can't place which way the man disappeared.
Drew Tuesday August 27th, 2002 9:34:12 AM
Drew stands behind his brother.
Turin Tuesday August 27th, 2002 8:55:53 PM
Turin, being 19, blinks at being called a 'Wharf Rat'. "So, you catch a glimpse of what brushed against your boat? Or was it too deep?" he asks the Captain.
Syr Wednesday August 28th, 2002 2:46:58 AM
Overhearing the comments around them, he sputters, "I-I-I'm sorry. I didn't know you had a bet going! You just looked like you needed help!"
Glancing back out of the corner of his eye, "Oh him? that's my brother." Lowering his voice, "If you really want to make some money, bet on him. He's a bit homely but he sure has a strong back!"
DM Kim d20=1 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 6:01:34 AM
Unfortunately, Turin's question to the captain was addressed to his retreating back, so he does not learn whether Neekle or any of his crew got a good glimpse at the beastie.
"Yer bro -- did you say he's your brother?" the short man asks Syr, with a look of incredulity.
"Ha! He DID need help, pointy ears! Woo-hoo - thanks for helping, chump!" The fellow up in the rigging gets to laughing so hard, he loses his grip for a moment on the ropes, and starts to fall. However, his left leg, wrapped firmly around the meeting of one line with another, halts his momentary descent. With a startled sound, the mocker resumes his laughter, holding his sides, upside down.
"Aw - shaddup, Goss," the short man grumbles, glancing in the direction of the one wrapped in his hilarity. "Sure," he says, turning back to Syr. "You'n yer, yer 'brother' there, can help, I guess. I gets to swab the deck the next three days, it looks like, anyways."
Assuming Drew steps in to help, the beam certainly is manageable by the large family protector. "Yeah - just lay it next the box there," the stout man says, indicating a teak box next to the opening into the hold. You might gauge his age in the mid twenties, though fairly scarred up on the left side of his face. He tells Syr and Drew, "Fedjo's my name. So, whadda you and yer brother call yerselves? You didn't have all the same folks, exactly, now didja?"
Meanwhile, Jezebella looks in vain for the man or two boys. A woman has a stack of large round fruit sitting atop a small, cloth-covered box. "Grapefruit, fresh from just outside Plateau City! Imported this mornin'. Getcher fruit - grapefruit! It's only a silver a fruit. Goin' ta go fast. Grapefruit! One silver!"
Jezebella Wednesday August 28th, 2002 7:27:59 AM
Not wanting to leave her family, the gypsy girl abandons her search for the supposed pickpockets, and the mysterious man. She hangs near the boat, listening to Syr's plight.
Drew Wednesday August 28th, 2002 12:05:36 PM
Drew helps with the beam and then looks about for a mop and bucket. Silently taking off his shirt people can see a new tatoo on his large arm. It is that of a plain shield and emblazened on that shield is a hand, open, palm out in warning, or maybe as if to hold off the wold. As Drew starts the work of swabbing the deck he is heard to mumble. "To make a man pay a debt for the kind misunderstanding of others is an unrighteous deed."
Turin Thursday August 29th, 2002 1:29:56 AM
Turin mutters a soft curse at the back of the captain, then turns around to see what the others are doing.
Ubaerul Thursday August 29th, 2002 3:10:39 AM
"Hmmm... did you guys hear that? A silver for a grapefruit is a bit pricy. I wonder what the city is doing about the food shortage."
Syr Thursday August 29th, 2002 3:43:01 AM
The elf sticks out his hand for a quick handshake, "Fedjo? I'm Syr and this is Drew. Now I don't mind being a good sport and helping out but three days of swabbing is a little much for an honest mistake don't you think?"
Looking about the ship to see what kind of condition it is in, "What are the chances of my brothers and sisters hitching a ride to the shore? We really want to see what all the fuss is about."
Drew Thursday August 29th, 2002 11:38:54 AM
Drew continues to swab the deck, muscles rippling.
Goss grumbles (DM Kim) d20=14 Friday August 30th, 2002 4:21:50 AM
"Hey. Hey! HEY! That's FEDJO'S job now! First you want to carry his beam - now you want to swab the decks. Fedjo - you gonna honor your bet, or what? You renegin'?"
The man Fedjo referred to as Goss climbs down from the lines above, and, swinging at the last minute, performs a flip in the air, and lands squarely on his feet before Drew. "Mop's for him," he says. "He bet he could bring that beam all by himself from the carpenter to the ship. Well, he almost made it, but there you are. A couple o' do-gooders some along, and figure they'll do wha' he's SUPPOSED to do himself." He stands before Drew, who outweighs him by a factor of two, maybe even three.
A couple of the deckhands who were emptying buckets just now seem to take an interest in the newcomers. They don't gather around, but certainly their attention is not on bailing water.
Fedjo (DM Kim) Friday August 30th, 2002 4:32:16 AM
"Sure, glad ta meet ya," Fedjo answers Syr. "Hitchin' a ride? Gotta wait for drydock, and the Cap's okay. Mebbe I can put in a word for ya. Drew, and Syr, huh?"
As the climber of rigging challenges Drew, Fedjo looks exasperated. "Goss, back off. These fellas are just tryin' ta help, and yer given' 'em lip."
Goss ignores Fedjo, and instead glares at Drew.
Drew d20+10=26 d20+10=27 Friday August 30th, 2002 9:38:30 AM
Drew stops swabbing and looks at the little man. "You're quick and agile, I'll give you that." Then Drew does a backflip and lands in a handstand and walks about on his hands for a while. (Tumble 26, Balance 27) then pushes up and flips back onto his feet. "But so am I. Now I agreed to settle this man's wager for my interference, as is my right, it is now my debt, but if you would like to come up with a fair wager for me I'll be happy to consider giving the debt back to him as well as settling one between you and I?"
Jezebella Friday August 30th, 2002 2:22:06 PM
The gypsy girl's eyes widen as Drew does acrobatics that would make her circusfolk blood relatives envious. Her eyes dance with mischief as she watches the men he speaks with, gauging their reactions to the performance.
Turin Friday August 30th, 2002 11:32:50 PM
Turin watches Drew's acrobatics, and smirks. Yeah, that's good, but you need to use your tools for a really good show.
Syr Sunday September 1st, 2002 8:37:09 AM
As Fedjo mentions the captain Syr grimmaces slightly and looks embarrassed, "Well... Actually there are more than just two of us that would like to go." He gestures towards the others with an off hand.
At Drew's showman like display, Syr grins at Goss. "I could be wrong but doesn't that sound like a challenge?"
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