Into the tavern walks a heavy-set warrior(?) with a brass breast plate and the red cape of the Khazan Fire Watch. His square, jowled face looks across the room as if looking for somebody. Finding the poor, downtroden (yet charmingly handsome) ork-sage (and the best character of this whole group), the watchman puffs his already massive frame into a posture of confidence and authority. He strides with a purpose towards our hapless hero. Kopfy looks at first into his swill then back up meeting the official's gaze directly though subdued for his fierce orkish manner.

"They told me I could find you here orc." Cpt. Huros spits. "I have come to collect my inspection fee for that tinderbox you call a home."

"Buy you a drink?" Kopfy asks meekly but seeing no changed in the fat man's expression answers directly. "I don't have enough silvers for your bribe you despicable sword rattler. But I have a plan to help you out with the goblins that have been keeping your boys busy on the full moons."

Huros squints, almost angered but has been serving in the gray areas of Khazan too many years to put haughtiness before a helpful offer.

"And what do you know about these troubles, orc scum?" He asks.

"Well I know they aren't climbing over your precious citywalls from the swamp." Kopfy states draining his goblet. "I think you know that too."

"What are you saying?" Huros pulls himself visbly back.

"That you don't want to send your watch lackeys into the sewers under the lower market district where the gobblins are coming from." Kopfy says. "Instead you send out patrols into the swamps to make it look like your doing something about it."

Before the captain can pull his long sword from its blue and red scabbard, the ork sage calmly turns his back and orders another drink. The river ork barmaid brings him two goblets.

(Not for you Shipy)

"But why should you endanger your well-trained and most experienced men," Kopfy continues, "when a drunken wretch like me can find a few capable and willing adventurers to scout out the warren for you?"

The ork turns and offers the second goblet to the watchman.

Huros laughs with his head thrown back. He takes his hand from the hilt of his sword and accepts the cup.

"Oh you are rich." He takes a drink, letting a bit slip down the side of his fat face. "But you are right. I could use a diversionary tactic on the small band in the sewers, while I concentrated my regular force on the greater threat posed to us from the swamp. But I assume this doesn't come free, and probably not just for my measely fee."

Kopfy scratches his stubble-covered green chin thoughtfuly for a second. "Let's say 60 gold to start for the party to assemble, 400 each after they bring back proof of their endeavors and no tax on any treasure they acquire."

"No tax?" Horus ask blank faced.

"Well, three percent for Fire and Safety Horde along with inspection exemption of all members for a year." Kopfy says.

"Ok sounds fair." Horus agrees and takes another swig.

The fat captain sits down on the barstool next to Kopfy, as Pnahk has gone to the lil ghoul's room. He slips in robe and breastplate onto the stoll beside him.

"Ah a good days work done. I can report some new pomise to my warlord tomorrow." Huros says. "SO Kopfhatt, who all did you have in mind?"

"Ah let me introduce Mikey the Mighty Murky..."

Kopf indicates Michael.

269 - jimship12 - 3/9/00 8:37 am

Listening to Kopfy and Cpt. Huros speak I just sit saying nothing, twiddling my thumbs, somewhat huffed. It seems very odd that Kopfy forgot to introduce me, being that I am the party leader and all.

The river ork barmaid brings two goblets and I hold my hand out to accept one. "Not for you Shipy," snaps Kopfy before I can take a hold of it. I flex my fingers acting as though I was just stretching, a scowl setting on my face.

Watching closely Kopfy eventually sets his drink on the bar, busy with his conversation. Taking his drink I pour half of it into mine and quickly return it, smiling. I notice Titania (our beautiful sprite) does not miss my action, but then again she doesn’t miss anything.

May day only gets worse as Kopfy says, "Ah let me introduce Mikey the Mighty Murky..." He seems to yet again overlook the party leader I think to myself.

270 - eickeric - 3/9/00 11:00 am

"What? Oh, yes, that would be me, more or less. Ah, good captain, besides the 60gp assemblage fee- I'll need one other thing- a saw, large enough to saw a person in a box in half. Or a goblin, as the case may be."

"And please, let me introduce my apprentice, Shippo the burrower and my lovely assistant, Blossom the pixie."

"That's them there."

272 - misfitsprite - 3/9/00 11:24 am

I was watching Shipo with a small sly grin on my face (trying hard not to laugh) when Michael's statement took me by surprise. I regard him for a split second then turned to the Captain and gave him my sweetest girlie smile (which does include batting eyelashes).

"Greetings kind sire," I tell him repestfully "Would you care to see a show. Michael here is a wonder at illusion. Pleae say you stay and watch. It would be a GREAT honor to say that you graced us with your presence." (batting eyelashes again included)

273 - jaxdracon - 3/9/00 12:25 pm

Actually, had Jax the Orc been conscious to hear Michael refer to Lilac as "Titania," he would have enjoyed the allusion to the Fairie Queen from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream."

275 - jimship12 - 3/9/00 2:21 pm Noticing Lilac batting her eyelashes I say, "You got something in your eye Lilac? Because if you do I'd be happy to help you get it out!" Wondering to myself if she’s went and got some fairy dust in her eyes.

277 - eickeric - 3/9/00 3:46 pm

"Pick a card, any card..."

278 - misfitsprite - 3/9/00 4:55 pm

Still smiling at the captain I swiftly kick Shipy under the bar. A lock of hair fell over my shoulder and I toss it back causually.

'Pick a card good sire?' I ask the captain 'You will like this trick, I promise.' smiles sweetly (not batting her eyelashes).

280 - jimship12 - 3/9/00 7:05 pm

Still considering Lilac’s batting eye lash problem she delivers a sudden blow in one of my more sensitive area’s and I tumble under the bar like a discarded fruit. Lying face down beneath the bar my sensitive area suggest I should remain there for a moment longer. Who would have thought she was a violent sprite. Lilac certainly doesn’t sound like a violent name, Dandelion maybe, but not Lilac. Looking around under the bar I find a tin coin and smile widely. Maybe it was worth the pain after all I think to myself, grasping the tin coin with my chubby Hobbit fingers......

Who can understand women? They talk to you one time and karate chop you the next, I think to myself.

288 - Kopfy - 3/10/00 2:38 am

Huros looks at the assemble party in front of him. A violent pixie; a fairly unremarkable stage wizard; a hobbit w/o enough sense to wear a guard in the right areas; and a bar-stool philosopher, an ork (no less). The captain looks at Kopfy and smiles, "I'll get you the 60 in the morning." He says. "The full moon is tomorrow night, will you be ready?"

'ready as I'll ever be.' thinks the ork but he says, "Of course, we have been working together for sometime."

Huros turns to look at Michael of the Midnight Magic.

"Do I look like I sell hardware, guppy?"

292 - eickeric - 3/10/00 8:58 am

Of course not! I don't want you to SELL me a saw, I want you to PROCURE it for me! Don't worry, I'm sure you can handle the job. Brave heart, Tegan.

301 - tarandracon - 3/10/00 12:41 pm

Taran, witnessing the recruiting session a few seats down at the bar, pokes his brother in the arm. "Wake up, mug face!

Staying up half the night on watch isn't going to get you out of this adventure!"

"Hurumpgh? Ughnn-nuhgnn." Jax shakes his mug face from side to side repeatedly. "Uh-ee-uh-ee-uh-ee-uh-ee. Ok, I'm awake. What's going on over there?" He rubs his eyes.

Taran summarizes: "Goblins in the mist, big fat guy wants some help investigating. And he's paying. I'm thinking of crashing the party. Whattaya think, bro?"

Taran muses to his brother, "Of course, one cannot truly appreciate Shakespeare until it is heard in its original orcish."

311 - Kopfy - 3/11/00 12:11 am

Huros's brow wrinkles in conserntation, then pull aprt suddenly.

"Okay I have a halbeard that might do the trick." He says with a smile. "Swing by Watchpost Druxel and tell them Big 'Un said hook you up.'"

(GM to player-give yourself 120 gold weapons and armor. You made a 2nd ST.)

316 - Kopfy - 3/11/00 12:45 am

"Whether it is noble to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune? Or to sleep, per chance to dream?" says the note on the bar napkin sent by Kopfy to the brothers, in Yithan (an orc trading language.)

323 - jimship12 - 3/11/00 10:18 am

Crawling out from under the bar I hit my head, causing a loud thump, and the bar to rattle. Taking my drink with me I move down the bar away from the violent sprite. Note to self, 'Keep out of sprite's reach Shipy!' I rub the new lump on my head and sip from my filled mug (re-filled from Kopfy's mug), eyeing the sprite.

326 - Kopfy - 3/11/00 7:33 pm

Kopfy goes to sip his swill and realizes in all the excitement he drank it all in one swig.

"Uh Captian," He asks meekly, "Could I get 20 on that 60 tonight?"

334 - eickeric - 3/12/00 2:35 pm

"A most generous offer CPT Huros. I'm sure this minor investment will go a long way in making the city's problem disappear. Tallyho! Ever onwards, ever upwards! Bricka bracka firecracka sis boom bah! Ahem, I'm ready to go."

To the hobbit...Pssst- Shipshape, is there a good pawn shop in town?*

337 - hobbit_king - 3/12/00 4:30 pm

Looking around I hear the sound... "Pssst" emanating from Mikey the Mighty Murky. At first I think he as sprung a leak, but then I understand he is attempting to gain my attention.

Looking at me with his usual stupid expression Mikey the Mighty Murky says, "Shipshape, is there a good pawn shop in town?"

Pausing for a moment I say, "Yes!"

"Where?" he asks, viewing me sternly.

"Two blocks south of here, next to the alley, on the left. ‘Demeral’s Pawns and More.’ I’ve been there many times. If you would, don’t mention my name though. I believe I still owe Demeral some money. He does have an guard Ogre named Brunt who works for him who has promised to smash me like an over-rip grape if he ever finds me." I try to force a smile, making it appear as to not worry me.

338 - Kopfy - 3/12/00 7:11 pm

Kopfy sits back and realizes its a bit late.

"Well all." He states "It is late. And I want to be well rested before our sojourn. Meet me tomorrow night before the eleventh bell at the lamplight on Guhler's Footpath and Wild Horse Roadway."

Staggering a bit more than he wants to, the ork hits the doorframe with his shoulder as he exits.

339 - Kopfy - 3/12/00 9:43 pm

Captain Huros begins putting on his breast plate and looks at the hobbit and Michael of the Midnight Magic. He focuses in on Shipy. He speaks in whispered tones below the clammer of the tavern.

"You must be the ork's connection to the thieves guild." He states with a slight slur. "I hear you are the master assassin but don't think that I go down easily. Just remember to tell your bosses that I went ahead and didn't have the flee-ridden tinder-box torn to the ground, so we're even. And don't let this party of yours get out of line."

With that he begins to pull on his red cape and adjust himself into an officious pose. He takes his still half full drink, that no one bothered, and toast the human, hobbit, and fairy.

"Here's to success in our joint efforts to rid this fair city of the monthly goblin attacks." He gulps down the last of his swill, then turns to the rest of the humanoids at the bar. "And remember only you can inform on an arsonist before he burns down your house. And don't drop matches in the forest because only you can prevent forest fires."

"Now if you all will excuse me, I have to go see to the placing of some heads on pikes at the South Gate." He says as he turns to leave.

341 - hobbit_king - 3/12/00 10:53 pm

Ending my humorous act, my mood suddenly turns serious, as does my expression. "I admit to nothing," I whisper, "but remember this, that ork you speak of so casually has very important friends. Friends who would do ‘ANYTHING’ he asked." I touch Captain Huros breast plate with my finger as if were a dirk. "I see you understand that. Our party will stay within the boundaries of the law."

I notice Kopfy staggering a bit more than he wants to, the ork hits the doorframe with his shoulder as he exits. Waiting a moment I follow him at a discreet distance, using the shadows as my cover. Also wondering if Kopfy ever wonders why he never gets mugged in the lowliest section of Khazan.

Seeing Kopfy home I continue on. The next night I stand in the shadows leaning against the Ice House across the street from the lamp near Guhler's Footpath and Wild Horse Roadway. Few probably knew the cold emanating from the Ice House wall's cloaked my heat signature from those who could truly see in the dark. I continued to wait for the others leaning against the cold stone wall.

342 - Kopfy - 3/13/00 8:03 am

At the Watchpost Druxel, our interpid hero, Mikey, finds a tall scarred elf with dark brown hair, sitting on a stool, reading the daily rag. He is drinking strong coffee with his feet propped up on the small table at the center of the stable-like building. Seeing the youth at the doorway he reluctantly swings his boots back onto the floor and folds up the news parchment.

"Kann' ich, ihnen helfen Junge?" The elf asks in Black Wood Forest Trade tongue of gnomes, dwarves,porkers, and elves.

...there Michael of the Midnight Magics gets to speak German and gets his armor and weapons. The veteran warrior shows the Stage Magician how to wear his armor and get two times the protection a non-warrior type would.

344 - eickeric - 3/13/00 10:28 am

"Shipshape, is there a good pawnshop in town?"

It takes him a while to understand the question because there is a long pause before he finally answers "Yes!"

My curiousity satisfied, I turn from him, but he continues to ramble on, mimicking different voices "Where?" and a whole babble of words I'm completely disinterested in, and ignoring completely. Perhaps he was hit too hard by the fairy?

Sigh, you can't get good help these days. Perhaps that's why I keep involuntarily staring at him in such a superior manner.

345 - eickeric - 3/13/00 11:54 am

Youth? I've aged well.

"Thanks for the gear, I'm sure Big 'Un'll be happy with all the friendly service- do you have a customer survey card I could fill out? Thanks for the armor lessons too, to say nothing of the language... Next time I'm studying for Balrog. They aren't much for communication- but it's a great language for swearing in."

(Although some of it seemed slightly repetitive- I suppose I must have learned something to attain the experience I have, unless lousy Stage Magician is a more rewarding endeavor than I suspected).

Presumably, he gives me the armor and two dirks. Forget the halberd, I haven't got nearly the strength for it anyway.

If so, I'll head on my way to the lamppost to meet with the others. As I turn to leave, I'll look at the elf conspiratorily and say "Remember, only forest fires prevent bears."

Off to the lamppost.

346 - tarandracon - 3/13/00 12:17 pm

Taran finished his mug slowly as he watched the red cape-billowing solicitor of kindreds-for-hire, and his exchange with the orc, fairy, hobbit, and, curiously enough, familiar-looking mummy. After they all leave, he speaks softly such that only his brother can hear him.

"Brother, I say we sign up for this job. I've heard enough to know that the pay will be good, and we have yet to really get a good stash of gold under our hay-pallet. Wouldn't it be nice to establish a new Dracon warren in this new dimension? Arahk only knows when or if we'll ever get back to Khazan again."

Jax ponders, thoughtfully. His enhanced intelligence sizes up the situation. "Why don't we introduce ourselves, our services, and a smattering of our credentials," he begins, pointing to the handle of his vorpal blade. "Tell them that Pnakh used to be our colleague. Of course, that is not entirely true, since our association as Agents of Arahk Gnahk did not offer us the chance to meet the mummy. We know what happened to the Pnakh from our dimension from the reports, and if this incarnation of Pnakh is as honorable as his counterpart from our world, it would be an honor to serve at his side."

"Alrighty, bro. Finish your drink. We should go talk to that noisy orc fellow. He seems to think he is in charge."

And with that, the brothers Dracon rose, and headed out the door.

347 - Kopfy - 3/13/00 12:47 pm

(Taran I haven't been able to find your stat's posted. I do have Jax's though.

[Editor's note: Jax's stats were never posted. Schade!]

Jax- about the vorp'ed scimitar (18d)...hmmm, I can deal with it but will alter a couple of things that may make things really tough on everybody. If we could modify this to one time during daylight another at night?.)

349 - Kopfy - 3/13/00 1:06 pm

Seing how busy you are here is a preconsturcted Fairy... If you like it I will continue to use this one, if not feel free to post another.

   1. CHARACTER NAME: (your name here), TYPE: Rogue, SEX: Female,
   LEVEL: 3rd, KINDRED: Fairy ST: 2, IQ:
   14, LK: 16, CON: 3, DEX: 22, CHR: 7, PERSONAL ADDS: 7
   (with missile weapon 17.) 
   SAVING ROLLS (2D6) (Must roll 5 or up.)
   lst Level: 5 5th Level:24
   2nd Level: 9 6th Level: 29
   3rd Level: 14 7th Level: 34
   4th Level- 19 8th Level- 39
   PERSONAL ADDS: -7 + 4 + 10 = 7 (with missile weapon 17.)
   ADVENTURE POINTS: 6,435 WEIGHT
   POSSIBLE: 200 weight units (equal to 20 pounds.)
   WEIGHT CARRIED: 100 units (equal to 10 pounds.)
   LANGUAGES: Common Tongue, Elven, Feline, Fairy.
   NATIONALITY & PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Mistywood
   ARMOR / SHIELD: None WEAPONS: (3)
   Dirk (it does 2d6+1+your Personal Adds) 2 dice+1+7
     (Weight 16, Cost 18, Range 10 yards.)
   Fairy Bow (it does ld6+3+your Personal Adds + x2 for DEX)
     1 dice+3+17 (Weight 15, Cost 25, Range 30 yards.)

   EQUIPMENT: Clothing, Backpack, provisions 4 days,
   water skin 2 days, dirk, fairy bow, 1 quiver of arrows
   (40 arrows).
   TREASURE: 11 Gold
   FAIRY ABILITIES / HINDRANCES: Infravision 60',
   Detect Magic (4 times per day, Range 30', ST cost 0),
   Mind Blast ( 3 times per day, Range 250', ST cost 0). 
   

350 - jaxdracon - 3/13/00 1:26 pm

"To be in the quest or not to be in the quest.... That, ever-stinkin' bro, is the question," Jax Blurblade Dracon offers to the Yithan scribbled on the napkin, amidst gulps of his mug's dregs, and a truly monstrous yawn, of which his old buddy Forckum would be proud.

He crumples the napkin and stuffs it in his pack, then wipes his tusks between the studs on his mead-stained shoulder armor. Turning to Taran, he nods, and they exit the bar.

"I'll take that as a 'to be,' dude."

The orcish duo join the growing congregation at the lightpost as the sky starts to brighten.

352 - Character update:

As of now there are seven party members!

• Shipy the Cunning (party leader, Hobbit)
• Kopfy (Ork-sage/fountain of knowledge)
• Lilac (Sprite-wizard)
• Pankh (Mummy, but not mine.)
• Michael of the Midnight Magic's (Human, and a would-be-wizard)
• Tar & Jax (The two orks.)

355 - misfitsprite - 3/14/00 5:07 pm

Long after the others have left, I sit and ponder what has occured this nite.Sighing to myself, I fly out the tavern door to find what sleep I can before the meeting time. I toss and turn and finally deceide to give up hope on a few shut eyes.

Gathering my gear, I fly to the roof top of a house where I can cleary see the street below and wait for the others to arrive.

357 - Kopfy - 3/15/00 1:49 am

Well, where is your character posts then? In anycase, here is a rework. About the magical items post them to me by Yapper (Yahoo Messenger) and we'll work them out. (hrumph)
*******************8888888888888888888*************************

   CHARACTER NAME: Misfitsprite, the DEMANDING TYPE: Rogue,
   SEX: Female, LEVEL: 3rd, KINDRED: Fairy
   ST: 2, IQ: 14, LK: 16, CON: 3, DEX: 22, CHR: 47,
   PERSONAL ADDS: 7 (with missile weapon 17.) 
   SAVING ROLLS (2D6) (Must roll 5 or up.)
   lst Level: 5 5th Level:24
   2nd Level: 9 6th Level: 29
   3rd Level: 14 7th Level: 34
   4th Level- 19 8th Level- 39
   PERSONAL ADDS: -7 + 4 + 10 = 7 (with missile weapon 17.)
   ADVENTURE POINTS: 6,435 WEIGHT
   POSSIBLE: 200 weight units (equal to 20 pounds.)
   WEIGHT CARRIED: 100 units (equal to 10 pounds.)
   LANGUAGES: Common Tongue, Elven, Feline, Fairy.
   NATIONALITY & PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Mistywood
   ARMOR / SHIELD: None WEAPONS: (3)
   Dirk (it does 2d6+1+your Personal Adds) 2 dice+1+7
     (Weight 16, Cost 18, Range 10 yards.)
   Fairy Bow (it does ld6+3+your Personal Adds+x2 for DEX)
     1 dice+3+17 (Weight 15, Cost 25, Range 30 yards.)

   EQUIPMENT: Clothing, Backpack, provisions 4 days,
   water skin 2 days, dirk, fairy bow, 1 quiver of arrows
   (40 arrows).

   TREASURE: 11 Gold

   FAIRY ABILITIES / HINDRANCES: Infravision 60',
   Detect Magic (4 times per day, Range 30', ST cost 0),
   Mind Blast ( 3 times per day, Range 250', ST cost 0). 
   

359 - tarandracon - 3/15/00 10:25 am

Ok, here's a re-presentation of Taran Dracon, now that we've established that he's post M!M! adventure.

   Taran "SniperOrc" Dracon (orc/warrior)
   --------------------------------------
   Strength: 18
   Constitution: 16
   Luck: 11
   Dexterity: 11
   Intelligence: 9
   Charisma: -15
   Combat Adds: +6 

   Size: 13
   Speed: 17
   Level: 2
   Points: 1153

   (Note, the level and points are current as of right before
   Taran's demise. After his resurrection, I assume that he will
   have gained more points. But I'm not really worried about this now.)

   Equipment:
   * crossbow + cranequin (5d6 damage)
   * enchanted quiver of 20 enchanted bolts
   -----
   Note on the quiver and bolts: Here is an excerpt from
   Taran's early adventures as an Agent of Arahk Gnahk. In this
   scene, Arahk Gnahk the great "orc" shaman has led Taran to his
   armory to get suited up for his first mission...

   "O Great One," [Taran] said, "as you see, I
   am a bowman, but it is often hard to get missiles for my weapon.
   Could you perhaps do something to help me with that?" 

   "Gladly, Lad," smiled the shaman. He took the quiver, stared
   at it intensely and red beams shot from his eyes to leave the
   quiver glowing with a red light, and each of the twenty
   bolts within it glowed as well. "I have enchanted the quiver
   and the bolts within it. As long as you take the bolts
   out of the quiver yourself, it will never be empty. If you
   let another take the last bolt, the enchantment will be broken.
   Oh, and I have placed a "seek" enchantment on the
   missiles--within range, they will almost never miss." 

   "What do you mean--almost never miss?" asked Taran. 

   "Well, nothing is 100 percent in this world," quipped Arahk
   Gnahk. "Even my sorcery may fail if it meets greater
   wizardry." [On any shot Taran makes, he must roll at least a
   5 on a Dexterity saving roll in order to hit. That's a
   Zero Level saving roll and is worth no adventure points.]

   And now we continue with your regularly scheduled inventory.
   ---
   * Uncle Dracon's bastard sword
   * eating knife
   * leather tunic/pants
   * backpack containing:
   -- * engraved hand axe

   ----
   Note on the axe: see
   http://www.geocities.com/~trollgod/taran_text1.html#4 for details.
   ----

   -- * crummy wizard's robe
   -- * 1 serpent power totem (50 uses, up to 20 STR pts per
        use for spellcasting)
   -- * pouch of cantrips
   -- * money pouch containing 4 silver serpents (coins)
        and some coins of this new land
   -- * magic staff (2d6 damage)

   For those keeping up with the adventure, I assume the
   following: 1) The sealed message to Captain Stonenose Glump
   which Taran was supposed to deliver was cracked open and
   burnt in the firery crash with the balrog. 2) Taran got his
   orc head back in addition to his life. 3) Taran and Jax
   were transported to this land/dimension and took up some kind of
   guard job to get a bit of fundage.
   

TD