Adventure Took Place on January 12, 2000

ORIGINALLY NAMED: Another Encounter, Same Result.

Vulcuran just finished talking with Nanny who confessed about dealing with some illegal artifacts, and the perpetrators were after some very old bowl.

Vulcuran: I will go back to my room, get in my newer dark armor. Gear myself up. Head out.

DMaster: The King spots you as you are leaving and double takes, gives you an odd look.

Vulcuran: Smile and walk over, talk quietly.
VUL: Going to see if I can shake loose any more information on Nanny. I am very intrigued with what we found out yesterday.

DMaster: He smirks and nods.
JER: Be careful, you’re not really the “duke” in that outfit.

Vulcuran: Nod my head, smile.
VUL: I’ll be ok.
Head out and through the inner walkways, out into the City. Keep my hood down for a good portion until I hit the Pit. I will enter the area at the other end, since that is where the market is closer.

DMaster: You enter the area, and the Market is almost directly in the entrance area to your right. You walk through seeing all types of vendors and little shops. Some scare you a bit while others intrigue you. You make it to the Gobbling Goblin. It is about 4:00 PM.

Vulcuran: Head inside, with my hood drawn.

DMaster: Definitely more busy than it was the last time, but still only half full. The smell of stale beer, sweat, some body odor and maybe mold to boot. A light beam shines through the bar from the front door being open, but the rest of the tavern is dim. There is the same barkeep, and the same weird bar wench who is serving a table of somewhat rowdy patrons. To the far corner, the same usual suspects, except they are busy talking to someone.

Vulcuran: Find a spot, sit a wait.

DMaster: WAIT: Wat ye be havin ya see? The day ticks moving, I need to keep slingin’…
She stops and looks at you, tilts her head.

Vulcuran: Chuckle hearing her talk.
VUL: Can I have a shot of dwarven spirits?

DMaster: WAIT: Familiar you seem, who ya be hooded one?
She puts her tray down, hand on her hips.

Vulcuran: VUL: Yes I have returned, because of the fine service and spirits you offer.
Say with the thickest of sarcasm.

DMaster: WAIT: Ahh high ye mighter, but coin ye flip is head be noddin’
She stands there looking at you.

Vulcuran: VUL: Well fine woman, I am going to predict that the Dwarven Spirits are not going to serve themselves…
Smile at her.

DMaster: She smiled, looked a little confused and headed for the bartender. By then the person left and the chair was free.

Vulcuran: Wait for the drink.

DMaster: WAIT: That is one gold.

Vulcuran: VUL: Excuse you? That will be no such thing.

DMaster: She is startled by your refusal and looks back. The Bartender kind of shakes her off, embarrassed at the attempt. The woman just shrugs her shoulders.
WAIT: 5 Copper ye be.

Vulcuran: VUL: That is more like it. Sorry that your boss, is setting you up to extort money out of paying customers.
Slide her a silver.
VUL: For the trouble, keep the rest.

DMaster: She smiles pretty big, nods her head.

Vulcuran: Get up and walk over to Rex and his goons.

DMaster: The one guard noticed you right away, but both stood up when you approached.
REX: Oh, it’s our friend with the nice colored coins. Please sit.

Vulcuran: Sit in the chair, lean back, take the spirit and down it.
VUL: Anything you can update me on, Rex is it?

DMaster: He smiles a bit from under the hood, a toothy smile and dark greenish lips.
REX: I might.

Vulcuran: Shake head.
VUL: Either you do or you don’t. At that point we can discuss cost.

DMaster: Nods his head.
REX: Wake up on the wrong side of the bed perhaps?
Chuckles, then sighs a bit.
REX: I do have information. So let’s see it.

Vulcuran: Take two platinum out, put them on the table. Slide one to Rex.

DMaster: He snaps it up.
REX: The contract is complex. As we thought it was not for an Assassination, it was for intimidation and retrieval. The weird thing is, this contract was not to any guild, but a freelancer that is from, hell if I know, somewhere far from here most likely. But he is known realm wide for his success rate. So it’s a good thing it is not an assassination contract…

Vulcuran: VUL: …She would be dead.
Give him a look and distort my mouth.
VUL: Are you sure that is correct information? Do you know who put out the contract? Who is this freelancer?

DMaster: He smiles, shakes his head.
REX: You know how this works,
The half beast eyes up the other platinum.

Vulcuran: VUL: I do know how this works, and you have nothing more than a few gold right now. I need you to work for it.

DMaster: Rex chuckles a bit, then looks back at you.
REX: Rumor has it the Duke, has been in conflict with him, and got the wrong end of a fist.
Started to laugh a bit. Then gives you an unusual look.

Vulcuran: VUL: Heard that as well. But I didn’t ask anything to warrant that information, so why bring it up?

DMaster: The half goblin, orc has a sly grin, and you notice, though subtly, makes a motion for the barkeep. Then turns back to you.
REX: True, true. I do not know who this freelancer is. Nor do I know what they are looking to get from ol’ Nanny.

Vulcuran: Shake head
VUL: Just wasted a platinum it appears. You have less information than what I already know. I will go elsewhere for information from now on.
Stand up, pocket my platinum. Grab a few gold. Then pause a moment, call him out.
VUL: Alerting the barkeep? Really? For what?
Give him a look, shaking my head. Toss the gold on the table.

DMaster: He looks a little stunned and shrugs his shoulders.
REX: What?
Both the guards stand up, hand on weapons.

Vulcuran: VUL: Ahh I see, the old fail safe. When you are called out, you call your goons in. I’m not an idiot like probably all your other clientele. Very well then.
Turn and walk out the door.

DMaster: You walk out and to the left of you, you can see movement. Time to roll for initiative.

Battle Written Out

Vulcuran saw movement and a glint of a weapon to his left. Without blinking an eye, he reaches out, grabs the attacker by the back of the head and slams it into the door post of the bar known as the Gobblin Goblin. A muffled groan sound as the individual jumps back and grabs for his head, falling on his ass.

The Duke has his sword pulled already and at the throat of another thug, dagger twirling in his other hand. He slowly walks a bit to get a better idea of what he is facing.

Three thugs stand there, a bit wide eyed at the speed, size and precision of this hooded figure. They are also looking at their compatriot on the ground, bloody nose and having a hard time standing up.

“You really don’t want any part of this, I am pissed off and I am cranky,” the Duke says in a half yell, half joke like tone, “it looks like you have bit off a bit more than you can chew today.”

They exchange glances and scoff. The area has been essentially cleared of people, they all back up and look on. Rex has stuck his head out, a smile on his face.

Looks like the thugs are about to make their move.

Vulcuran shakes his head, “warned you,” he says as he slashes across the neck of the one thug, digging right through. His head slides off his body and lands on the dirt underfoot, blood splatters everywhere. The body slumps to the ground as the other 3 thugs have a mix of shock and anger wash over them. The large, agile and very fast man then slashes backwards and it digs deep into the man who he gave a bloody nose to. Again the man stumbles, lands hard against the outside wall of the Gobblin Goblin, grabbing at his now practically severed arm.

The first thug slashes at the Duke, and he parries it with his sword. The thug then brings up a dagger to counter and he side steps that attack. The man thought it was going to dig deep, so he gave the dagger thrust so much force he stumbles forward and almost falls over. Vulcuran than rolls to one side, and stands up very quickly.

This gave an opportunity for the last thug to slash with his sword and it strikes Vulcuran right across the cheek, digging only half as deep as the man wanted. He tried to follow up with a dagger thrust, but the initial hit alerted the Duke, and he swung his hand around to hit the man’s hand, and the dagger went flying.

The Duke then goes after the man in front of him, that dug into his cheek. He lunges forward only to have him dodge the attack. Face to face, the man has wide eyes and a smirk is growing on his face thinking he has this monster of a man where he wants him. But suddenly a sharp pain washes over his face as Vulcuran punches him with all the strength he has, sending him stumbling backwards and into a set up tent stall. He crashes into it, sending the awning down on him, products flying all about and a cloud of dust.

Looking around, the final thug sees this is not going well, turns to leave. But the duke had him in the corner of his eye. He drives his sword deep into the back of the man, blood spurting everywhere. “I don’t think you are going anywhere…” he whispers to the man, who is now gurgling blood and collapsing to the ground.

With a flash, the Duke was then standing over the man with a bloody nose, and a gouged arm, up against the wall. His sword at the throat.

“Care to tell me why you are attacking people in broad daylight?” Vulcuran starts, then looks to the doorway to see a slowly retreating Rex back into the pub. “Or do I have to decapitate you as well?”

He is looking up to the large man, dressed in black, hood still drawn, blood splattered across all his outfit, dirt, debris mingled in from the melee and now blood trickling down the side of his cheek and along his neck. The thug takes one look into the pub, and swallows hard.

“All I needed to know, ” Vulcuran says loudly and with purpose, then slams the pommel of his sword on the top of the head, sending the man sprawling farther against the wall, knocked out.

The Duke then turns and heads into the pub, looks to his left to see an empty table with a few chairs overturned. A wide eyed barkeep and some patrons slowly trying to leave the establishment.

“All of you out, NOW!” Vulcuran says very loudly and with authority.

No one second guesses and they head for the door with haste.

He points at the bar keep who was also trying to leave, but a different way, “except you. Stand fast barkeep!”

The man stiffens up, turns and looks at the Duke approaching him. His eyes widened.

“Between trying to extort me, to making googly eyes at old Rex over there, I think we need to talk a little,” the large dark foreboding man says approaching the thin, now shaking with fear, man.

Suddenly out from the bar the waitress jumps out and slams a metal serving tray against the Dukes face. He backs up just a little, not really flinching.

He turns slowly to her, eyes turning to slits, a scowl across his face.

Her eyes grow wide and backs up, stumbles over something and lands hard against the back of the bar. She just sits there in fear, hoping there are no repercussions.

Vulcuran turns back to the Keep, “Where is your back exit, I am sure that is where Rex went to…”

The man points down a short hallway and a door to the left. The Duke grabs the man’s arm and walks him there, gets him to open the door and they go in. It is a small utility type room, bench on one side, the other hanging broom, mop, and bucket on the floor. At the opposite side there is a door, slightly ajar, leading outside.

The Barkeep who was practically shitting himself now, is forced to sit on the bench. He watched as this large dangerous man placed in front of him, mumbling to himself.

“You can guess I am not some common person. I am with Camerondale and you are aiding a known underground criminal, which could mean a dungeon visit… a long one,” The big man says, turning to him, eyes turning to slits. “Where is Stubbs other hideouts?”

The man is as wide eyed as one could be, having a difficult time breathing and he is visibly shaking. He shakes his head, “I don’t know, I really don’t. I never had anything official with him, he just shows up. Does his business and leaves for the most part. I get a nice residual drink sales and the occasional kick back.”

Vulcuran almost growls and grabs the man by the shirt and lifts him up, “like the nod he gave you? To have some thugs rob and beat me? Yeah. They are dead, and you are lucky I am a man of honor otherwise you would be dead too,” he finishes spitting with anger.

Turn Based Starts Again

Vulcuran: VUL: Just sit here for now, ok?
Drop him hard on the bench. Point at the keep and head back out the front.

DMaster: By now guards have started rushing into the Market area, everyone is either leaving, closing up shop or standing around gawking. A few guards stop seeing the carnage in front of them, then looking at you. All five of the guards have their weapons drawn.
GUARD: Unarm yourself, to your knees!

Vulcuran: Pull my hood back, scoff a little.
VUL: I don’t think so. Get Thorin for me, immediately.

DMaster: Four of the five guards shake their head and slowly creep in, while one is looking at you perplexed. He grabs the arm of another.
GUARD 2: That is Vulcuran, Duke of Camerondale.
They glance back at him, then back at you.

Vulcuran: Pull my bracers to show the official crest of Camerondale. No one can have this crest, it is unknown to any except Royalty.

DMaster: They glance over and looks up. All of them then sheath their swords.
GUARD: Our Apologies M’Lord, we will send for the Captain straight away.
You wait and it doesn’t take too long. Thorin shows up with Krinus. You exchange pleasantries, and explain what happened. After an hour, the investigation is all but wrapped up. Thorin walks with you out of the Pit. You head back to the Castle. It is about 6:30 PM

Vulcuran: Head back to the Castle, check to see if anyone is there in the Throne room or not.

DMaster: You see the King, with a few scribes and Carol going over things.

Vulcuran: Walk into the Throne room.

DMaster: You walk in. There is a pretty large wound on your cheek, blood has been trickling down as far as your neck. Blood splatters everywhere from the dead thugs. Dirt and debris in your hair and the chorus of scrapes and bruises. The King glances up, then double takes. Stands up immediately scaring the shit out of the Scribes and Carol.
JER: Vulc!!

Vulcuran: VUL: Easy, M’Lord. I am fine, just a few cuts and bruises.
Nod and bow a bit to him.

DMaster: Carol, wide eyes too, joins the King in walking over to you.
JER: Another run in with them?

Vulcuran: Chuckle a bit, looking down and shaking your head.
VUL: No, apparently I wore out my welcome over at the fine establishment called the Gobblin Goblin. Pinned me for an easy target…

DMaster: The King’s look of worry changes to a shit eating grin. Carol has wide eyes just looking at you douched in blood and dirt.

Vulcuran: VUL: Three dead thugs later, I think they might have misjudged me. I have a pretty good idea they know who I am now. So I will have to find a different way to get information.

DMaster: He nods to you, and still has the smirk.
JER: Have fun?
Raises his eyebrow a bit.

Vulcuran: Smirk as well, slowly look up to him.
VUL: A little bit.

DMaster: CAR: You men and your drinking, fornicating and fighting.
She shakes her head and walks back over to the table. The King pats you on the shoulders and also returns to the table.

Vulcuran: VUL: Wait, fornicating? When did I miss that one?
Chuckle, wink at Carol and turn to walk out the Throne room.

DMaster: She gives you a playful look. You are heading out, and at the entrance to the Castle, you see Meadow asking for your whereabouts.

Vulcuran: VUL: Great…
Look down at myself. Frown and then walk to the entrance.

DMaster: The guard is telling her that the information on any Royal’s whereabouts is strictly prohibited. She glances past the guard and smiles.
MEA: Never mind.
The guard looks behind and nods his head to you.

Vulcuran: VUL: Thank you, I’ll take it from here.
Invite her into the entrance way.

DMaster: Her eyes adjusted and then she saw your cheek torn open, blood everywhere on you, dirt, etc. She is very shocked and even takes a step back. She is dressed in a white blouse, her boobs popping out a bit, with a jean like material – undervest, a longer tighter fitting dress. Some really nice strappy footwear and a few compliments of jewelry.
MEA: I am sorry to have interrupted M’Lord.
She says in an odd voice, unlike her.

Vulcuran: VUL: No, you didn’t interrupt. I just had a disagreement with a few dagger toting fella’s. Nothing to worry about.
Look myself over again and then back to her.

DMaster: She nods.
MEA: I wasn’t sure I should have come looking, but I haven’t heard from you in two days since you had to deal with the “shit,” you know.
She gives you a half smile. Then double takes.
MEA: M’Lord you are bleeding pretty good.

Vulcuran: Nod my head.
VUL: Wait one second.
Get a guard, ask for a cleric or monk to my quarters as soon as they can.
VUL: Care to take a walk with me. I have a plateful of things to do, and I don’t want to miss out on some time with you.

DMaster: She smiles and nods. You two head down a few corridors to your room, you let her in. You get a good wiff of her perfume and its this wonderful fresh smell. Close the door.

Vulcuran: Look around.
VUL: Hmm, didn’t think this one threw. Inviting you into my bedroom and all.

DMaster: She smiles and shakes her head.
MEA: It’s ok. So…
She is really looking at you.
MEA: If I can be so bold. I mean my dad was gushing about you the past few days. Saying how brave you are and all the things you accomplished, all the battles you have been in. Then the other day, you had to go out and face danger and now today, kicking some thug ass it appears…

Vulcuran: Nod head a bit, look down. Finish pulling off my armor.

DMaster: MEA: You should have the pick of the litter, any woman you wanted. Why… I mean, well, why am I here?

Vulcuran: Grab a towel, start to wipe my cheek off from the blood. Turn to her.
VUL: The everyday errands of the Kingdom, the inbetweens and the underbelly, the very safety of its citizens is my top priority. That does not allow me to go courting women too often, if at all. I was fortunate to be having lunch with you serving us, and I am thankful you accepted.

DMaster: She sits on the edge of your bed. Hands in between her thighs, thinking and nodding her head.
MEA: That makes sense.
A knock on your door.

Vulcuran: Walk over, open the door.

DMaster: You are surprised to see Alyndri standing there, giving you a look.

Vulcuran: Give her a big smile
VUL: M’Lady Alyndri, I am humbled that you would take the time to come heal me.

DMaster: She smirks and walks in, sees you have a guest.
ALY: Oh I am sorry, I did not know you had company.
Meadows’ eyes bulge out of her head and she stands up, looking a bit off put. She nods, bows and looks awkward.
MEA: High Priestess
The two of them exchange looks and a head nod.

Vulcuran: VUL: No, we are just talking. I have been far too busy and this is the only time we have had to converse in the past two days.

DMaster: Meadow nods in agreement to the statement. Alyndri walks over to you. Tilts your cheek.
ALY: What mess have you gotten yourself into this time?
She is holding her hand on your cheek. A warm, peaceful feeling emanating. The wound is now healed. Meadow has wide eyes, a slight smile seeing this.

Vulcuran: VUL: Oh you know the usual, underground factions and a few hired thugs needed to have a lobotomy.

DMaster: She scoffs with a chuckle, shaking her head.
ALY: You men and your violence.

Vulcuran: Take her hand, kiss it.
VUL: Thank you My Priestess, you, as always, are so kind.

DMaster: She smirks and gives you a look.
ALY: So formal, even after all these years.
The radiating woman leans and hugs you.

Vulcuran: Get a big smile across my face, give her a warm hug back.

DMaster: She nods to the now dumbstruck Meadow, turns, leaves and closes the door. The Fycon worker stands there, almost laughing a little.

Vulcuran: Turns to her and smile
VUL: Meadow?

DMaster: She is shaking her head, with a smile on her face.
MEA: To think of the difference. I work at a restaurant, live with my parents and my ideals of excitement is watching an argument between Chefs.
Meadow ends it with a scoff – giggle.

Vulcuran: Think: Hell, its been a shit day so far, might as well continue it.
VUL: Or creeping around in the middle of the night in the warehouse district…?

DMaster: Her head snaps to you, eyes huge.
MEA: Oh my… I… I told Cayson to keep quiet about that. Damn him.
Meadows face flushes.

Vulcuran: Chuckle a bit,
VUL: I was the one who originally saw you, he has kept your secret.

DMaster: She looks at you in bewilderment. Then sits back down on the edge of the bed, heavily.
MEA: My father, he is ill.
Fidgets a bit, then looks back down.
MEA: Never mind, I shouldn’t burden you with…

Vulcuran: Interrupt her.
VUL: Poppycock. Talk to me, Meadow.
Grab a chair and line it up directly in front of her, far enough away to not intimidate.

DMaster: She looks slowly to you, a smile washing across her face.
MEA: My father has been ill for sometime. There is a way for him to stay healthy, for the most part, but…
Looking around the room a bit, her face flushing.
MEA: It requires, lets just say, some ingenuity.

Vulcuran: Tilt head, giving her a thoughtful look
VUL: Such as?

DMaster: MEA: There is an ingredient, that is well… not exactly legal, that I need to create the “tea” that father drinks. It helps slow down the illness, gives him a semblance of a normal life.
She looks up to you, puppy dog eyes.

Vulcuran: Nod head, think…
VUL: That is why you want to be an Alchemist Assistant then, now it makes sense and the reason you don’t want to talk about it.

DMaster: A soft smile across her face, she looks back down, fidgets with her cuff.

Vulcuran: VUL: Well if there is anything I can do for you, or your father, who apparently is my biggest fan.
Chuckle a bit, take her hand.

DMaster: She starts a little by the hand touch, then she takes it, puts her other hand on top, giving you a look.

Vulcuran: VUL: Well, we still have to find me a dress, right?
Wink at her, chuckle a little.

DMaster: She smiles big and lets out a laugh,
MEA: Oh yes, yes. Can’t wait to see your chest hair hanging out of the elegant gown.

Vulcuran: Let out a laugh, stand up.

DMaster: The two of you discuss things further, looks like tomorrow 5:00 PM would be a good time to meet up at her house. She gives you a kiss on the cheek again and leaves.

Vulcuran: Take a long bath, relax a bit. Head back to my room, get on some simple clothes. Go to the Kitchen grab a bite.

DMaster: As you leave, Thorin is heading down the hallway, full head of steam.

Vulcuran: Shake my head.
VUL: Nope, I am done for the day.

DMaster: He smirks and chuckles.
THOR: Ok, fair enough, but it appears there has been another event. This time for real, at Nannys new bank.

Vulcuran: Sag shoulders.
VUL: Give me a second.
Go back, get dressed in something simple, head back out.

DMaster: DM: Condensing a bit. Thorin and Vulcuran make their way to Nanny’s new, almost built bank. The foundation has been compromised, windows smashed and other vandalism.

Vulcuran: VUL: This is someone new. This is sloppy. Poor Nanny, she has more enemies she has to contend with.

DMaster: Thorin nods his head.
THOR: Sorry to take away from your night of rest. I wanted you to review this as soon as possible.

Vulcuran: Nod head.
VUL: Its ok. A week back from fighting for my life, I am back into the swing of things here in Camerondale.
Chuckle a little.
VUL: Double the guard, switch up the sweeps and patrols. The King said that, and it made sense. Once an hour have a capable guard climb a building and look around.

DMaster: Thorin nods his head, pats you on the shoulder.
THOR: Get. I will wrap this up, then I have to get home to dinner with Britney.

Vulcuran: Shake head.
VUL: No, you get. I have nothing more than a cold dinner and my hand waiting for me.
Smirk a bit.

DMaster: Thorin lets out a laugh, nods his head.
THOR: Thank you… Britney will be happy.

Vulcuran: Giggle
VUL: So will your wiener probably.

DMaster: Again he lets out a belly laugh as he heads out. You wrap up the investigation, assign different patrols and a building climber.

Vulcuran: Head back to the Castle. Finally get something to eat and head to bed.

DMaster: You get back to the Castle, it is late, a bit before High Moon. You wander in the Kitchen, find a few things to eat, listlessly… alone. Down it with some water. Head into your room.

Vulcuran: Take a glug of that Brandy, turn in.

DMaster: You take a glug, feels warm. You lay down and fall fast asleep.