Kartakass : Chapter Five
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BigBadQDaddy
- Champion of the Maiden
- Posts: 1751
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 5:47 pm
- Location: The Dread Realm of Minnesota
William seems not to notice his friends glance in his direction. Otherwise he seems rather normal in appearance, if not somewhat less agitated and more comfortable. Every now and again the aging sailor steals a nip from his flask as he listens to the recap.lostboy wrote:He casts a quick glance at William to see how he's fairing this morning, throwing a watery grin in the sailors direction.
Next morning you are woken by Tarlyn bright and early. "If we wish to make it ro Pel soon enough, we should leave this morning early and get a good pace there. It will take a few days and with no stops in between, it might be a little dangerous. I think Jacob can cast us that spell which makes us a cottage again. So we won't need to worry about shelter. As for food, well we can do like we did the last time, hunt and gather and cook. Jacob is a mighty fine cook, I'm sure you'll agree."
After eating rations, you get your horses and depart from Kuhl. You travel most of the day through thick lustrous woods. Nothing like you've never seen before. The wildife is out and about but tame to what you'd normally hear and see. You get the impression you are being watched and Tarlyn does scout ahead. He comes back more than once stating that there's a pack of wolves about. "Not sure if they're following us or just about. They seem to be paralelling our course though. I'm off to scout again and I'll come back a bit later. As always I'll not be far in case." Tarlyn rides off again.
By nightfall, nothing has happened. Jacob does in fact create the cottage and again you cook and eat well due to the gathering of vegetables and herbs and Tarlyns hunting. Thanks to the somewhat insulation of the cottage you don't hear the howling of the wolves too much. The night passes without incident. Over the next few days, you travel wth no interruptions. The same pack of wolves accompanies you, yet leaves you alone. Tarlyn feels uncomfortable but accepts the rea;lity of the wolfish escort. By the time you reach the outskirts of Pel, the wolves are gone.
It's early evening just before the evening meal.
"That is Pel. See that cottage there?" Tarlyn points to a small log cabin on the ourskirts of Pel. "That's Pietro's home. There's a light in the window! He's home, we're in luck." With that, Tarlyn urges his tired horse forward to the cabin. He pulls up to the side of the home and disembarks from his horse. HE ties the reins to a tree and knocks on the door. A muffled voice from inside and Tarlyn responds in Vaasi(Kartakan dialect). The door opens and bear of a man opens the door and grips Tarlyn in a huge bearhug. "Who are these people you bring to my home, Tarlyn?"
"Some friends from Darkon and beyond. Here come meet them."
"Everyone, this is Pietro. Pietro, everyone! Introduce yourselves." Tarlyn claps the huge man on the back and smiles.
After eating rations, you get your horses and depart from Kuhl. You travel most of the day through thick lustrous woods. Nothing like you've never seen before. The wildife is out and about but tame to what you'd normally hear and see. You get the impression you are being watched and Tarlyn does scout ahead. He comes back more than once stating that there's a pack of wolves about. "Not sure if they're following us or just about. They seem to be paralelling our course though. I'm off to scout again and I'll come back a bit later. As always I'll not be far in case." Tarlyn rides off again.
By nightfall, nothing has happened. Jacob does in fact create the cottage and again you cook and eat well due to the gathering of vegetables and herbs and Tarlyns hunting. Thanks to the somewhat insulation of the cottage you don't hear the howling of the wolves too much. The night passes without incident. Over the next few days, you travel wth no interruptions. The same pack of wolves accompanies you, yet leaves you alone. Tarlyn feels uncomfortable but accepts the rea;lity of the wolfish escort. By the time you reach the outskirts of Pel, the wolves are gone.
It's early evening just before the evening meal.
"That is Pel. See that cottage there?" Tarlyn points to a small log cabin on the ourskirts of Pel. "That's Pietro's home. There's a light in the window! He's home, we're in luck." With that, Tarlyn urges his tired horse forward to the cabin. He pulls up to the side of the home and disembarks from his horse. HE ties the reins to a tree and knocks on the door. A muffled voice from inside and Tarlyn responds in Vaasi(Kartakan dialect). The door opens and bear of a man opens the door and grips Tarlyn in a huge bearhug. "Who are these people you bring to my home, Tarlyn?"
"Some friends from Darkon and beyond. Here come meet them."
"Everyone, this is Pietro. Pietro, everyone! Introduce yourselves." Tarlyn claps the huge man on the back and smiles.
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BigBadQDaddy
- Champion of the Maiden
- Posts: 1751
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 5:47 pm
- Location: The Dread Realm of Minnesota
William gives a slight nod in the large mans direction, looking him in the eye.
"Names William Tack. Originally from Paridon. Its a pleasure." He finishes with an uncomfortable smile.
The sailor then begins looking around the surrounding area, trying to get a general feel for the place.
"Say, you don't have wolf problems here do ya?"
"Names William Tack. Originally from Paridon. Its a pleasure." He finishes with an uncomfortable smile.
The sailor then begins looking around the surrounding area, trying to get a general feel for the place.
"Say, you don't have wolf problems here do ya?"
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ewancummins
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 28523
- Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:35 pm
...and is immitated by Lucius right after.ewancummins wrote: ''Cornelius Ordmann , at your service. ''
Cornelius extends his open hand towards Pietro.
Zumba d'Oxossi (A Stitch in Souragne)
Brother Eustace (The Devil's Dreams)
Robert de Moureaux (A New Barovia)
Brother Eustace (The Devil's Dreams)
Robert de Moureaux (A New Barovia)
Jacob steps forward as well. "I am Jacob Hun'ana. Well met friend Pietro."
Pietro sizes up Tarlyn's friends. A motley crew indeed. He greets each one in turn, then addresses Willliams question. "Friend William. As with any place in Kartakass, there are always wolf problems. Some of us chose to ignore them by hiding at night when they are out. I for one don't. I chose to eliminate them as well as the evil lycanthropes! Tarlyn can testify to how adequate I am in this endeavour. He is as well. Speaking of which, I still have that item you asked me to keep Tarlyn. It is still hidden at the same place you hid those years ago."
Tarlyn appears relieved at this revelation. "We can see to that tomorrow, Pietro. The men are tired and a good hot meal is in order for all. I know your cabin is rather inadequate to our needs but a new acquaintance, Jacob here can create a rather huge cottage in which we can all use. And he is quite the cook. Perhaps you and I can hunt and the rest will rest and prepare for our meal? Cornelius maybe you can find some vegetables?"
Pietro nods to Tarlyn. "Very well, let me get my gear and a hunt it shall be!"
Jacob doesn't wait. He begins utterinf and chanting in Draconic and once he is done, the same magical cottage appears next to Pietro's cabin. Jacob looks to the others "Shall we?"
Pietro sizes up Tarlyn's friends. A motley crew indeed. He greets each one in turn, then addresses Willliams question. "Friend William. As with any place in Kartakass, there are always wolf problems. Some of us chose to ignore them by hiding at night when they are out. I for one don't. I chose to eliminate them as well as the evil lycanthropes! Tarlyn can testify to how adequate I am in this endeavour. He is as well. Speaking of which, I still have that item you asked me to keep Tarlyn. It is still hidden at the same place you hid those years ago."
Tarlyn appears relieved at this revelation. "We can see to that tomorrow, Pietro. The men are tired and a good hot meal is in order for all. I know your cabin is rather inadequate to our needs but a new acquaintance, Jacob here can create a rather huge cottage in which we can all use. And he is quite the cook. Perhaps you and I can hunt and the rest will rest and prepare for our meal? Cornelius maybe you can find some vegetables?"
Pietro nods to Tarlyn. "Very well, let me get my gear and a hunt it shall be!"
Jacob doesn't wait. He begins utterinf and chanting in Draconic and once he is done, the same magical cottage appears next to Pietro's cabin. Jacob looks to the others "Shall we?"
As before, Jacob cooks a rather nice meal. Tarlyn and Pietro were successful in their hunt, reporting that the wolves are about but again, didn't bother Tarlyn, nor Pietro for that matter. During the evening meal, you discuss along with Pietro your mission. He listens but can't offer any help to you. "In Harmonia, try looking for the legendary bard of Kartakass, a Mr Harkon Lukas. If anyone might help you on your quest or at least have information, he is the one. Sorry I can't help you more than that."
After the evening meal, Pietro leaves only to return later with a pouch which he hands to Tarlyn. "This is it, Tarlyn. Well as much as I'd like to stay and chat I rise early so, I'll see you off tomorrow. Good night everyone." Pietro takes his leave. The evening passes without incident and you all sleep well. The next morning you awaken to the smell of food again! Jacob has cooked you a nice breakfast yet again. Once breakfast is over, you pack you belongings. Leaving the cottage, you spy Pietro outside his cabin, chopping wood. He stopps and waves, then approaches you. "Well I see you are off for Harmonia. It was nice to meet you all and nice to see you again, Tarlyn." He shakes the dark elf's hand warmly and stands back. "Good luck to you all!"
"Good bye Pietro, and keep well, friend." Tarlyn nods to the others. "Ok let's get going." Heading south youtravel from Pel heading southwest for many days. As was the case since you've been in Kartakass, wolves are apparent in the thick lustrous forest. But they leave you alone, which is a good thing. Finally nearly a week later you arrive at the outskirts of Harmonia. It is near supper time as you enter the town. The homes are all the same in Kartakass, pretty modest affairs, as well as the shops. But what really stands out is what you see from atop a cliff in the center of the town.
From atop a high cliff, twin waterfalls plunge downwards and shatter a peaceful pond. The roar is almost deafening and a cloud of mists fills the air at all times. In the center of the bubbling, churning lake (Known as the Cauldron) stands a natural stone island. Long ago polished to a smooth, rounded form by the raging water it now supports a proud stately structure: The Old Kartakan Inn.
The perpetual fog of the Cauldron’s waters hangs heavy about the inn, giving the place an almost supernatural look. Here and there, moving bodies can be seen in the mists. The obscuring properties of this shroud, however, make it difficult to tell if they are human or some form of ghostly apparition. You head for the stables. The setting sun makes the sight you've just seen even more breathtaking. Once you've set your horses away, you head for the Inn itself.
Pushing aside the heavy oak doors of the Inn releases a shuddering creaking noise and reveals an entrance chamber. Set back on either side is a hat rack next to a bench. Alcoves jut off on both sides of the benches where various coats and garments hang. He leaves his cloak here The room is unusually dark and the odor of wet leather hangs in the air. At the far end of the room is another set of heavy looking doors.
The thick oak doors from the entrance open into a long hallway. The odor of sweet cooking fills the air. The décor is elegant but in a modest and unassuming way. Light is provided by a series of fine lamps secured high on walls. There is a small alcove in which several shawls and other delicate garments hang.
Too the East is an arched hallway leading down some steps and ending in a thick, heavy curtain of some dark brown fabric. You can hear several low voices coming from beyond it and the inviting smell of fine spirits is strong. To the North, a clerk works behind a desk, obviously handling the affairs of the Inn. Behind him, a hallway runs into the heart of the building. To the West, is a busy dining section with a number of tables set out for the guests. The smell of cooking clearly comes from this area.
You head for the clerk and Tarlyn addresses him. “Pardon me, sir. We'd each like rooms and after that a table for dinner.” The clerk eyes each of you up and down and it’s almost as if his nostrils flare. “Yes. That is 10 Silver per room and silver per meal.” He seems to be scrutinizing each of you for some reason as if almost asking you a question but refraining. Tarlyn pays then each and everyone of you pay. Once that is taken care of, you each get a key. "Have a pleasant stay at the Inn."
You head up to your rooms, have a much needed bath and change of clothing. You reconvene together at the dining room. Though the room is large, it is kept fairly dark to promote a sense of intimacy. Well constructed tables are scattered about in an orderly manner. Despite the fact that that they are modernly set, a short, thick candle burns inside a sphere of red glass at the center of each table. At first glance, it is easy to mistake these pinpoints of light for the burning eyes of feral creatures.
The smell of good food, while present throughout the Inn, is overwhelming here. It is easy to see why the Old Kartakan Inn has acquired such a reputation for fine dining.
Through the window you see that the sun has already set. The patrons here appear to be Kartakans, the only non inhabitants are you. Most are men in their early 20’s, appearing to have been drinking a while and acting a little rowdy. Once you've sat at your table, Tarlyn tells you "I asked the clerk if this Lukas fellow comes here, and was told that yes he dines here almost every night. He should be here soon and will be advised that we wish an audience with him." The waiter brings you all ale. Five minutes later a very well dressed man in his early thirties entered the dining room. He is tall, standing over six feet, with a neatly trimmed goatee and a marvelous hat. He wears a monocle on one eye. He smiles at the patrons and approaches your table, stopping before it and addresses you.
After the evening meal, Pietro leaves only to return later with a pouch which he hands to Tarlyn. "This is it, Tarlyn. Well as much as I'd like to stay and chat I rise early so, I'll see you off tomorrow. Good night everyone." Pietro takes his leave. The evening passes without incident and you all sleep well. The next morning you awaken to the smell of food again! Jacob has cooked you a nice breakfast yet again. Once breakfast is over, you pack you belongings. Leaving the cottage, you spy Pietro outside his cabin, chopping wood. He stopps and waves, then approaches you. "Well I see you are off for Harmonia. It was nice to meet you all and nice to see you again, Tarlyn." He shakes the dark elf's hand warmly and stands back. "Good luck to you all!"
"Good bye Pietro, and keep well, friend." Tarlyn nods to the others. "Ok let's get going." Heading south youtravel from Pel heading southwest for many days. As was the case since you've been in Kartakass, wolves are apparent in the thick lustrous forest. But they leave you alone, which is a good thing. Finally nearly a week later you arrive at the outskirts of Harmonia. It is near supper time as you enter the town. The homes are all the same in Kartakass, pretty modest affairs, as well as the shops. But what really stands out is what you see from atop a cliff in the center of the town.
From atop a high cliff, twin waterfalls plunge downwards and shatter a peaceful pond. The roar is almost deafening and a cloud of mists fills the air at all times. In the center of the bubbling, churning lake (Known as the Cauldron) stands a natural stone island. Long ago polished to a smooth, rounded form by the raging water it now supports a proud stately structure: The Old Kartakan Inn.
The perpetual fog of the Cauldron’s waters hangs heavy about the inn, giving the place an almost supernatural look. Here and there, moving bodies can be seen in the mists. The obscuring properties of this shroud, however, make it difficult to tell if they are human or some form of ghostly apparition. You head for the stables. The setting sun makes the sight you've just seen even more breathtaking. Once you've set your horses away, you head for the Inn itself.
Pushing aside the heavy oak doors of the Inn releases a shuddering creaking noise and reveals an entrance chamber. Set back on either side is a hat rack next to a bench. Alcoves jut off on both sides of the benches where various coats and garments hang. He leaves his cloak here The room is unusually dark and the odor of wet leather hangs in the air. At the far end of the room is another set of heavy looking doors.
The thick oak doors from the entrance open into a long hallway. The odor of sweet cooking fills the air. The décor is elegant but in a modest and unassuming way. Light is provided by a series of fine lamps secured high on walls. There is a small alcove in which several shawls and other delicate garments hang.
Too the East is an arched hallway leading down some steps and ending in a thick, heavy curtain of some dark brown fabric. You can hear several low voices coming from beyond it and the inviting smell of fine spirits is strong. To the North, a clerk works behind a desk, obviously handling the affairs of the Inn. Behind him, a hallway runs into the heart of the building. To the West, is a busy dining section with a number of tables set out for the guests. The smell of cooking clearly comes from this area.
You head for the clerk and Tarlyn addresses him. “Pardon me, sir. We'd each like rooms and after that a table for dinner.” The clerk eyes each of you up and down and it’s almost as if his nostrils flare. “Yes. That is 10 Silver per room and silver per meal.” He seems to be scrutinizing each of you for some reason as if almost asking you a question but refraining. Tarlyn pays then each and everyone of you pay. Once that is taken care of, you each get a key. "Have a pleasant stay at the Inn."
You head up to your rooms, have a much needed bath and change of clothing. You reconvene together at the dining room. Though the room is large, it is kept fairly dark to promote a sense of intimacy. Well constructed tables are scattered about in an orderly manner. Despite the fact that that they are modernly set, a short, thick candle burns inside a sphere of red glass at the center of each table. At first glance, it is easy to mistake these pinpoints of light for the burning eyes of feral creatures.
The smell of good food, while present throughout the Inn, is overwhelming here. It is easy to see why the Old Kartakan Inn has acquired such a reputation for fine dining.
Through the window you see that the sun has already set. The patrons here appear to be Kartakans, the only non inhabitants are you. Most are men in their early 20’s, appearing to have been drinking a while and acting a little rowdy. Once you've sat at your table, Tarlyn tells you "I asked the clerk if this Lukas fellow comes here, and was told that yes he dines here almost every night. He should be here soon and will be advised that we wish an audience with him." The waiter brings you all ale. Five minutes later a very well dressed man in his early thirties entered the dining room. He is tall, standing over six feet, with a neatly trimmed goatee and a marvelous hat. He wears a monocle on one eye. He smiles at the patrons and approaches your table, stopping before it and addresses you.
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BigBadQDaddy
- Champion of the Maiden
- Posts: 1751
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 5:47 pm
- Location: The Dread Realm of Minnesota
William looks towards Draven and says in a low voice, "Bloody innkeepers...why are they all...bah!" He shakes his head in mock disbelief. Later on as the party sits awaiting the legendary bard, William orders himself a drink.
"The place is a bit moody...ya think?" He says out loud with what can only be a sincerely puzzled look.
"The place is a bit moody...ya think?" He says out loud with what can only be a sincerely puzzled look.
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ewancummins
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 28523
- Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:35 pm
Seeing the stranger wearing a monocle approach, Cornelius turns to Lucius and asks , in a subdued voice-
''Who's this? ''
''Who's this? ''
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.
-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
Draven sinks back in his seat, silently glad to be off the road, yet on edge, something was a little creepy about this place, maybe just the lighting but perhaps..... He sat pushing his ale mug between his hands without touching a drop, although Williams comment raises a brief smile to his thin lips.
"I had a dream, which was not all a dream.
The bright sun was extinguish'd, and the stars
Did wander darkling in the eternal space..."
The bright sun was extinguish'd, and the stars
Did wander darkling in the eternal space..."
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Nathan of the FoS
- Fiendish Enforcer
- Posts: 5246
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2003 3:39 pm
- Location: San Francisco CA
"Greeting, travelers!" the monocled man says, smiling broadly and bowing with a florid flourish of his half-cape. "Meistersinger Harkon Lukas, your humble and obedient servant. It's such a pleasure for us to get foreign visitors; I do hope you're enjoying your time here in Harmonia? Tarlyn, Jacob, a pleasure as always. Might I have the privilege of buying the next round?"
[b]FEAR JUSTICE.[/b] :elena: