Post by Insidius on Oct 24, 2006 22:24:19 GMT -7
A little something that will be a Knight's Errant exclusive. The story of how my other character, Usurper turned into the lich he will be.
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I woke up with the incessant pounding of sunlight invading my closed eyes, and for relief, I begged Chaos for a replay of the beating that put me to sleep to start with.
Beating? Oh yeah, da brawl in de pub. One o’ many. Too many. They ain’t gettin’ me anywherez. But what’s a homeless orphan to do. I have nothing I can call home, other than the local pub and they jus don’t care about someone who can’t pay for their rooms, ales and food. Because I have been orphaned since the age of 8 and having no patience for ‘regular’ work and also not being able to attend warrior school, I have no skills or training other than survival in the streets of Gloomy Vale, and even then, I think I am barely passing. Seems as soon as I get a toehold on a normal life, the scale tips back the other way, leaving me worse off than I was before.
For example, take a look at me now; wearing a tattered, nearly threadbare set of Mage Robes, a Helm of the Woodsmen, a wooden shield, and for a weapon, a Brazen Short Sword; 24 hours ago, I had a full set of Nightshade armor, a Mace of Justified Violence and a Bladed Staff of Kryyn. Bestowed by a unknown benefactor-unknown because I’m not quite sure whose house they were in when I ‘borrowed’ them-, I thought I might be able to finally make my way out of town and on to Byrendell, where no one knew me and I could start fresh. But before I got out of sight of town, I happened upon 2 other warriors of Shade. Warriors much stronger and more experienced in the ways of magic than I. After putting up a weak defense, I was killed and the gear I had rightfully stolen, was in turn stolen from me.
After Zanden transported me back to town, unceremoniously dumping me stark ass naked in the town fountain, in full view of the surprised and disgusted villagers, I scrounged up the Mage Robes to cover the scars of my many failures. Found the shield and helm in a garbage heap behind Shadrick’s Newb Gear Emporium. And a traveling hunter took pity on my gear deficient state and gave me the sword.
So as you can see, too much baggage here in Gloomy. The local constable usually had a cell reserved for me on the weekends, the shopkeepers were all too familiar with my version of window shopping, and all the ladies here had either been a recipient of, or heard of, my way with the ladies. Yeah, I wasn’t welcome anywhere I went, unless I had gold in my pocket and the constable was nearby, and then only as long as the gold lasted.
With no future here to look forward to and desperate to get out of town, I devised a plan. Since my rep with the residents of Gloomy wasn’t of the highest caliber, I would have to wait for a traveler. And they only hung out in the pubs for as long as they needed rest. I needed money to get into the pubs and since the two warriors had relieved me of even my last ‘lucky’ gold piece, I would have to resort to the old ways. Realizing that it was mid-day and the marks I was looking for wouldn’t be available til evening, I searched out my favorite daytime haunt, made sure I was unseen and dropped into a fitful sleep, kept company as always by my dreams of glory and the nightmares of my past.
Second
“NOOOOOOOOOO!” I screamed. Where am I?
I must be dreaming, ‘cause I can see a much younger version of myself, kicking and screaming, fighting and crying, as I am being carried away by....who? I can’t see their faces, but I can definitely see two men dragging me away from...what? My home? I have wisps of memories of home, feelings more than images, it’s been so long since I knew what a normal home was.
Then I snapped awake, my headache from earlier gone, replaced by the dreaded longing that always followed my nightmares. It was just now getting dark. I better move fast if I’m gonna do this tonight. Making sure my ‘gear’ was securely in place, I set out for the nearest pub. Gotta find me a rich, but inexperienced warrior. A cream puff, as I called them. New to the land, but their gear usually of fine quality, therefore given to them undeservingly. You had to be careful though, new to the land and good gear were only part of the profile. The third part you had to watch for was how they talked, what they talked about. How they carried themselves and how they wore their gear. For there were a fair number of the warriors of Shade who had traveled from other lands whose friends had come before. Also, there were a fair number who had chosen to remain in limbo for a long time, their original gear lost or re-claimed and their abilities diminished greatly by their stay in oblivion. I called these types restarts, for they truly were starting over in most ways. Yes, you had to choose your marks verycarefully nowadays in the land of Shade. For nothing was as it seemed at first glance, and a slight change in perspective could open new doors...or close others.
Since the barkeep at the pub knew my history, I couldn’t just waltz in and order me a fine ale. No, I had to choose my mark before I knew ANYTHING about him or her, making it all the more difficult. Then I had to befriend them, get them to buy me an pint or two and then tell the tale of a monster that would exponentially increase your abilities and strength, yet was easy enough to bring down. The rumors of just such a beast had been here for ages, so it was fairly easy to get a unsuspecting patron to chime in with a bit of support.
As I waited outside the pub with a group of acquaintances, chatting and just generally passing the time, I spied a couple of prospects coming down the way. One I ruled out straight away. He had the composure of a man who knew what he was doing, even though his face gave away his youth. The other, coming from the other direction looked about the same, but you could tell he was jus feelin’ his way around. As he walked, he was constantly looking around and he had a slightly confused look on his face. As soon as he recognized the pub though, his face brightened and his pace quickened.
Telling the fellas to hush with a glance in the newb’s direction, I waited for him to get nearer. As he drew closer, I said loudly, “Well, I usually charge 1000 gold to take people to this magical beast, but seeing as how you all don’t believe me, the price just went up! “
Sensing what I was about to do, and who I was going to do it to, they played along perfectly. Stick said, “Fine! Your loss. We just askin for some proof is all. You keep your secret. We’ll go find someone else to guide us to this ‘mountain of experience’ as you call it. We outta here! Later loser!”
Newb’s ears perked right up and I could see his head swivel over towards me, definitely interested in what he just heard. As he watched the others shuffle off, he approached me, and said, “Pardon me. I couldn’t help overhearing what you just said. Well, not all of it, but enough to be interested in your claim. What’s this about a ‘mountain of experience’?”
Not wanting to scare him away by being too eager, I said, “Beat it, kid. I aint no babysitter. It’s way outta your league.” If he left, he wasn’t the one I was lookin’ for. If he persisted, then I had my mark.
“Whoa! Testy, aren’t ya, pal? What if I said I was willing to pay 500 gold to hear your story and another 1500 to guide me if I feel it is a true story? Whaddya say, bro?” he said as he extended his hand in the clasp of friendship.
Ignoring his offer of a handshake, I replied, “First of all, I ain’t your BRO, so drop it, K?. Second of all, I could really use the gold, as you can see from my gear.”, as I gestured at my pitiful appearance. “Shall we go in and discuss it over a pint or two?”
“Why certainly! On me, of course. For if this tale is true, what need will I have for gold?” he proclaimed and motioned for me to go on in.
Turning and smiling tightly, I allowed a quiet chuckle to escape my throat.
“Did you say something?”, Newb asked.
“Oh, just commenting on how this is turning into a beautiful night. Let’s go get that ale, shall we?”
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“So where’s the 500 gold?” I ask, while I gestured to the serving wench for two ales to be delivered to the table in the back. The one in the back room, usually reserved for the local mayor when he wanted to talk about some shady deal. There were heavy curtains that could be drawn across the doorway to muffle the speech of the occupants.
“Right here!” he answered cheerily as we sat down. Drawing a bag out of his pack, he counted out five coins and stacked ‘em on the table. Man this guy was way too jolly for my liking. Grates on the nerves like a stone on a dull blade. I may give him a reason to tone it down a bit. That could wait for later, though. Business first, thenpleasure.
Right then, the wench brought our drinks. Leaning over to place them on the table, part of her womanly charms were on full display and she gave me a wink as she said, “Will there be anything else gentles?”
Raising an eyebrow, and meeting her gaze, I said, “You must be new here, cuz I know all the pretty gals, and I don’t remember you.”
“Name’s Melindrey, from Stumpy’s Outpost. More customers, better pay.” She said in a sultry, inviting tone. “The drinks cold enough, sirs?”
“Yeah fine. We have some business to discuss, so we’d appreciate no interruptions, K?”
“Sure.” she said, pulling the heavy velvet drape down as she exited the room. “Let me know if you need anything else.” There was no mistaking that tone. Hmmmmm . . . ?
As I watched her depart, Newb spoke up, “She was nice, huh?” What a clueless dork.
Rolling my eyes, I said, “Yeah, sure. Let’s get back to business, huh? You sure you’re ready for this?”
“Definitely. I’m ready for anything. I just got Greater Heal and the Create Large Healing potion spells.”
Doing my best to restrain a hearty laugh, I replied, “OK then. Have you heard about a creature called the changeling or shape shifter?”
“Changeling. You mean, like from fairy tales?” he asked, sounding a bit skeptical.
“Just like. ‘Cept it ain’t no fairy tale. I’ve seen him. Barely escaped its devious trap too.”
“Trap? What trap?”
“It’s like this. The changeling starts out in its original form, whether that is elven, orcish or whatever. At first it can’t change into anything else. But with every deception that occurs in the land, its magic grows until it has the ability to morph into different versions of the same race. That’s when it becomes ‘a mountain of experience.’ Because it isn’t really a goblin, human or whatever shape it can become, the life force of that manifestation is very low. Strike it once with a blade, or cast a mid-level mage spell on it and it loses the ability to morph into that shape again. It changes to another of it’s learned shapes. Be careful though. Once all of its ability to morph has been stolen, it will become a brutal creature. One with all of the life force and abilities of ALL of it’s stolen shapes. If that happens, the person fighting it is almost certainly a dead man.”
“Whoa! How do you know when it is in that last phase?” he asked.
“The only way to know is to make sure every piece of armor or clothing it is wearing is from the race of the shape it has taken. Once that happens...., well I guess you get it. Whaddya say?”
I could read the pure disbelief on his face as he answered, “Sure. Riiight. You spin a good tale, sir. But I’ve been told about your kind. Charlatans, crooks, deceivers. You just want my gold. “ he said. I noticed his hand cover his fine leather pouch as he mentioned the gold
“Sure, I could use the gold. But I figured that of all the people I have met, you would be the one I would tell this to. You seem to be a person who is destined for great things. I can feel it. This could speed up the process. Don’t you want to take a small chance to see if at least my ‘tale’ is true in order to reach your greatness faster?” Flattery can have a powerful influence on the weak minded.
“Destined, huh? For great things, eh? You really think so?” he asked. I could see the flattery working on his pride.
“You bet. Last person that made me feel like this was a warrior by the name of G_3.” I lied. I had no idea what destiny of greatness felt like. “Perhaps you’ve heard of him?”
I could see the star-struck look in his eyes as what I said started to sink in. “You really think so? The great G_3? Me destined to be like him? Would be a great honor to be half as great as he.”
“You got it. I believe so strongly that you need to see this that you can keep the 1500 gold. You just owe me a favor, K?” I could see he was ready to pay any amount of gold for this chance, but I needed him to trust me and forgoing the payment would further that cause.
“You got it!! You look like you could have used a gear rescue once or twice.” he said, as he slapped me on the shoulder and started to laugh out loud.
“That’s for sure, man. My duds are a bit beneath my level, aren’t they? Deal?” I asked as I extended my hand. Taking my hand, he sealed the deal. And his doom.
“My name’s Andrue? What’s your’s?” he asked.
“Out of respect for the creature that stole my best friend, I go by Chngling.”
As we were leaving the room, I ‘accidentally’ bumped into Andrue. Swiftly reaching into his pouch, I pulled out a small book. In it’s various forms, the book was something that all warriors of Shade carried. It was a record of their experiences and served as an identity of sorts for those transactions at the local bank. Without it, one could not access their banked gear or gold in a town they didn’t frequent.
“Whoa. My fault,” I said. “Musta been a good ale, I usually don’t get tipsy from just one. You OK?”
“I’m fine. Watch what you’re doing, huh?” he said, a little annoyed.
“Sorry man. Look, I got another piece of business I need to take care of before we leave. Meet at the west gates in 45 minutes, K?” I said, as I caught a glimpse of Melindrey at another table. Good, she’s not flirting with them. I had a hunch ‘bout her.
“Sure. Don’t be late. I need to get back to Byrendell for a clan meeting.” he said, with just a little bit of attitude. In Chaos’ name, I’m going to enjoy this.
“No prob, dude. Don’t sweat it. Just be prepared, K?”
“Oh, I will. Make no mistake.”
I didn’t intend to. I needed this to work or I might as well learn how to do drudge work like tending bar at the pub or making weapons for the true warriors of Shade. Even though they are honorable pursuits, I shuddered at the thought of it and took my leave of the pub and went searching for my ‘friend’, Argyle.
Argyle, or Shiv as he prefers, is a friendly sort, never means harm to anyone, but he has a slight problem with me. He seems to believe that when we go hunting, I end up getting more than my share of kill shots and therefore, get more than my share of the spoils. Well, he might be right about that. But it’s battle, what are you going to do, split everything equally?
Catching up with him at the north gates, where he always hung out, I called out, “Hey Shiv, mate. Whatcha doin’?”
“Whaddya think I doin’? Waiting for you to take me hunting. Since you always steal my kill shots, I’m still only level 5. It’s a little dangerous to be out there alone.”
“Well, I gotta plan that will get us outta here, to some easier hunting grounds for you, and some wider opportunities for me. You game?”
“Sure. Wait. This ain’t like the changeling deal you tried last month, is it?”
“Uh..., actually, just like it. But last time the mark was too experienced, he was a restart. This guy is a true newb, and gullible as hell. He’s waiting for us at the gates on the west side. I need you to go rustle up that changeling costume Sherryn made for you as a ‘present’.”
“OK, I’m not going to get hurt am I?” he asked nervously.
“As long as you don’t screw up, you won’t. Keep that thing wrapped tight against you and you’ll be fine. Now run!! Meet at the usual place southwest of the Boar, K?”
“I’m gone.”
Making my way back to the pub, I prepared my lines. I wanna bait the hook just enough that Melindrey is curiously suspect, but curious enough to follow where I’m going.
“Melindrey, I can’t follow up on your invitation at this time...”
Nah too formal.
“Hey babe, Wanna meet up later?”
Nah too Informal.
“Hey cutie, wanna pollinate with a real...”
Too botanical.
“Hey sweet thing. What ya doing for the rest of your life?”
Perfect.
Reaching the door of the pub, I pause, take a deep breath, steel my nerves, and fling the door open. Striding in with a confidence I didn’t feel, I spotted Melindrey serving drinks to a table of female warriors, all of them beautiful in a vicious sort of way. Waiting for her to be free, I sat down at a stool at the bar. Barkeep tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I wanted anything. Half turning I declined the offer, but tossed him a gold piece as thanks.
Seeing she was free of that potential entanglement of vicious beauty, I caught her eye. She seemed a little startled to see me, but came over anyway.
“Well, hello darlin’. I didn’t think I would see you again. What brings you back here? Can’t be lil ol’ me, can it?” she drawled.
“Well, as a matter of fact, it is. See I been... Well what I mean to say is... (cough) What you doing later?” I managed to spit out. So much for practicing.
“Well, I’m kinda new in town, so I don’t know my way around all that well. I was just planning on going up to my room after my shift was over here. Why you got somethin in mind, sweet cheeks?”
Whoa! Either I’m better than I thought, or she’s man-hungry. Either way, this is going good!! “Well, since you DID tell me you were new in town, I figgered I could show you around some. Whaddya say?”
0
“Ooooh, I can’t wait, sugar. Pick me up at 9 out front.” she cooed.
“9 on the dot. You got it. I shall count the seconds.” I said breathlessly.
As she walked away to get another order, she blew me a kiss, “As shall I. As shall I.”
Looking at the clock on the wall, I realized I needed to hurry to meet Andrue at the appointed time. In my haste to leave and the cloud of elation I was in, I failed to see the darkly hooded figure in the booth next to the door. The one that had been watching me since I walked back into the pub.
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I woke up with the incessant pounding of sunlight invading my closed eyes, and for relief, I begged Chaos for a replay of the beating that put me to sleep to start with.
Beating? Oh yeah, da brawl in de pub. One o’ many. Too many. They ain’t gettin’ me anywherez. But what’s a homeless orphan to do. I have nothing I can call home, other than the local pub and they jus don’t care about someone who can’t pay for their rooms, ales and food. Because I have been orphaned since the age of 8 and having no patience for ‘regular’ work and also not being able to attend warrior school, I have no skills or training other than survival in the streets of Gloomy Vale, and even then, I think I am barely passing. Seems as soon as I get a toehold on a normal life, the scale tips back the other way, leaving me worse off than I was before.
For example, take a look at me now; wearing a tattered, nearly threadbare set of Mage Robes, a Helm of the Woodsmen, a wooden shield, and for a weapon, a Brazen Short Sword; 24 hours ago, I had a full set of Nightshade armor, a Mace of Justified Violence and a Bladed Staff of Kryyn. Bestowed by a unknown benefactor-unknown because I’m not quite sure whose house they were in when I ‘borrowed’ them-, I thought I might be able to finally make my way out of town and on to Byrendell, where no one knew me and I could start fresh. But before I got out of sight of town, I happened upon 2 other warriors of Shade. Warriors much stronger and more experienced in the ways of magic than I. After putting up a weak defense, I was killed and the gear I had rightfully stolen, was in turn stolen from me.
After Zanden transported me back to town, unceremoniously dumping me stark ass naked in the town fountain, in full view of the surprised and disgusted villagers, I scrounged up the Mage Robes to cover the scars of my many failures. Found the shield and helm in a garbage heap behind Shadrick’s Newb Gear Emporium. And a traveling hunter took pity on my gear deficient state and gave me the sword.
So as you can see, too much baggage here in Gloomy. The local constable usually had a cell reserved for me on the weekends, the shopkeepers were all too familiar with my version of window shopping, and all the ladies here had either been a recipient of, or heard of, my way with the ladies. Yeah, I wasn’t welcome anywhere I went, unless I had gold in my pocket and the constable was nearby, and then only as long as the gold lasted.
With no future here to look forward to and desperate to get out of town, I devised a plan. Since my rep with the residents of Gloomy wasn’t of the highest caliber, I would have to wait for a traveler. And they only hung out in the pubs for as long as they needed rest. I needed money to get into the pubs and since the two warriors had relieved me of even my last ‘lucky’ gold piece, I would have to resort to the old ways. Realizing that it was mid-day and the marks I was looking for wouldn’t be available til evening, I searched out my favorite daytime haunt, made sure I was unseen and dropped into a fitful sleep, kept company as always by my dreams of glory and the nightmares of my past.
Second
“NOOOOOOOOOO!” I screamed. Where am I?
I must be dreaming, ‘cause I can see a much younger version of myself, kicking and screaming, fighting and crying, as I am being carried away by....who? I can’t see their faces, but I can definitely see two men dragging me away from...what? My home? I have wisps of memories of home, feelings more than images, it’s been so long since I knew what a normal home was.
Then I snapped awake, my headache from earlier gone, replaced by the dreaded longing that always followed my nightmares. It was just now getting dark. I better move fast if I’m gonna do this tonight. Making sure my ‘gear’ was securely in place, I set out for the nearest pub. Gotta find me a rich, but inexperienced warrior. A cream puff, as I called them. New to the land, but their gear usually of fine quality, therefore given to them undeservingly. You had to be careful though, new to the land and good gear were only part of the profile. The third part you had to watch for was how they talked, what they talked about. How they carried themselves and how they wore their gear. For there were a fair number of the warriors of Shade who had traveled from other lands whose friends had come before. Also, there were a fair number who had chosen to remain in limbo for a long time, their original gear lost or re-claimed and their abilities diminished greatly by their stay in oblivion. I called these types restarts, for they truly were starting over in most ways. Yes, you had to choose your marks verycarefully nowadays in the land of Shade. For nothing was as it seemed at first glance, and a slight change in perspective could open new doors...or close others.
Since the barkeep at the pub knew my history, I couldn’t just waltz in and order me a fine ale. No, I had to choose my mark before I knew ANYTHING about him or her, making it all the more difficult. Then I had to befriend them, get them to buy me an pint or two and then tell the tale of a monster that would exponentially increase your abilities and strength, yet was easy enough to bring down. The rumors of just such a beast had been here for ages, so it was fairly easy to get a unsuspecting patron to chime in with a bit of support.
As I waited outside the pub with a group of acquaintances, chatting and just generally passing the time, I spied a couple of prospects coming down the way. One I ruled out straight away. He had the composure of a man who knew what he was doing, even though his face gave away his youth. The other, coming from the other direction looked about the same, but you could tell he was jus feelin’ his way around. As he walked, he was constantly looking around and he had a slightly confused look on his face. As soon as he recognized the pub though, his face brightened and his pace quickened.
Telling the fellas to hush with a glance in the newb’s direction, I waited for him to get nearer. As he drew closer, I said loudly, “Well, I usually charge 1000 gold to take people to this magical beast, but seeing as how you all don’t believe me, the price just went up! “
Sensing what I was about to do, and who I was going to do it to, they played along perfectly. Stick said, “Fine! Your loss. We just askin for some proof is all. You keep your secret. We’ll go find someone else to guide us to this ‘mountain of experience’ as you call it. We outta here! Later loser!”
Newb’s ears perked right up and I could see his head swivel over towards me, definitely interested in what he just heard. As he watched the others shuffle off, he approached me, and said, “Pardon me. I couldn’t help overhearing what you just said. Well, not all of it, but enough to be interested in your claim. What’s this about a ‘mountain of experience’?”
Not wanting to scare him away by being too eager, I said, “Beat it, kid. I aint no babysitter. It’s way outta your league.” If he left, he wasn’t the one I was lookin’ for. If he persisted, then I had my mark.
“Whoa! Testy, aren’t ya, pal? What if I said I was willing to pay 500 gold to hear your story and another 1500 to guide me if I feel it is a true story? Whaddya say, bro?” he said as he extended his hand in the clasp of friendship.
Ignoring his offer of a handshake, I replied, “First of all, I ain’t your BRO, so drop it, K?. Second of all, I could really use the gold, as you can see from my gear.”, as I gestured at my pitiful appearance. “Shall we go in and discuss it over a pint or two?”
“Why certainly! On me, of course. For if this tale is true, what need will I have for gold?” he proclaimed and motioned for me to go on in.
Turning and smiling tightly, I allowed a quiet chuckle to escape my throat.
“Did you say something?”, Newb asked.
“Oh, just commenting on how this is turning into a beautiful night. Let’s go get that ale, shall we?”
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“So where’s the 500 gold?” I ask, while I gestured to the serving wench for two ales to be delivered to the table in the back. The one in the back room, usually reserved for the local mayor when he wanted to talk about some shady deal. There were heavy curtains that could be drawn across the doorway to muffle the speech of the occupants.
“Right here!” he answered cheerily as we sat down. Drawing a bag out of his pack, he counted out five coins and stacked ‘em on the table. Man this guy was way too jolly for my liking. Grates on the nerves like a stone on a dull blade. I may give him a reason to tone it down a bit. That could wait for later, though. Business first, thenpleasure.
Right then, the wench brought our drinks. Leaning over to place them on the table, part of her womanly charms were on full display and she gave me a wink as she said, “Will there be anything else gentles?”
Raising an eyebrow, and meeting her gaze, I said, “You must be new here, cuz I know all the pretty gals, and I don’t remember you.”
“Name’s Melindrey, from Stumpy’s Outpost. More customers, better pay.” She said in a sultry, inviting tone. “The drinks cold enough, sirs?”
“Yeah fine. We have some business to discuss, so we’d appreciate no interruptions, K?”
“Sure.” she said, pulling the heavy velvet drape down as she exited the room. “Let me know if you need anything else.” There was no mistaking that tone. Hmmmmm . . . ?
As I watched her depart, Newb spoke up, “She was nice, huh?” What a clueless dork.
Rolling my eyes, I said, “Yeah, sure. Let’s get back to business, huh? You sure you’re ready for this?”
“Definitely. I’m ready for anything. I just got Greater Heal and the Create Large Healing potion spells.”
Doing my best to restrain a hearty laugh, I replied, “OK then. Have you heard about a creature called the changeling or shape shifter?”
“Changeling. You mean, like from fairy tales?” he asked, sounding a bit skeptical.
“Just like. ‘Cept it ain’t no fairy tale. I’ve seen him. Barely escaped its devious trap too.”
“Trap? What trap?”
“It’s like this. The changeling starts out in its original form, whether that is elven, orcish or whatever. At first it can’t change into anything else. But with every deception that occurs in the land, its magic grows until it has the ability to morph into different versions of the same race. That’s when it becomes ‘a mountain of experience.’ Because it isn’t really a goblin, human or whatever shape it can become, the life force of that manifestation is very low. Strike it once with a blade, or cast a mid-level mage spell on it and it loses the ability to morph into that shape again. It changes to another of it’s learned shapes. Be careful though. Once all of its ability to morph has been stolen, it will become a brutal creature. One with all of the life force and abilities of ALL of it’s stolen shapes. If that happens, the person fighting it is almost certainly a dead man.”
“Whoa! How do you know when it is in that last phase?” he asked.
“The only way to know is to make sure every piece of armor or clothing it is wearing is from the race of the shape it has taken. Once that happens...., well I guess you get it. Whaddya say?”
I could read the pure disbelief on his face as he answered, “Sure. Riiight. You spin a good tale, sir. But I’ve been told about your kind. Charlatans, crooks, deceivers. You just want my gold. “ he said. I noticed his hand cover his fine leather pouch as he mentioned the gold
“Sure, I could use the gold. But I figured that of all the people I have met, you would be the one I would tell this to. You seem to be a person who is destined for great things. I can feel it. This could speed up the process. Don’t you want to take a small chance to see if at least my ‘tale’ is true in order to reach your greatness faster?” Flattery can have a powerful influence on the weak minded.
“Destined, huh? For great things, eh? You really think so?” he asked. I could see the flattery working on his pride.
“You bet. Last person that made me feel like this was a warrior by the name of G_3.” I lied. I had no idea what destiny of greatness felt like. “Perhaps you’ve heard of him?”
I could see the star-struck look in his eyes as what I said started to sink in. “You really think so? The great G_3? Me destined to be like him? Would be a great honor to be half as great as he.”
“You got it. I believe so strongly that you need to see this that you can keep the 1500 gold. You just owe me a favor, K?” I could see he was ready to pay any amount of gold for this chance, but I needed him to trust me and forgoing the payment would further that cause.
“You got it!! You look like you could have used a gear rescue once or twice.” he said, as he slapped me on the shoulder and started to laugh out loud.
“That’s for sure, man. My duds are a bit beneath my level, aren’t they? Deal?” I asked as I extended my hand. Taking my hand, he sealed the deal. And his doom.
“My name’s Andrue? What’s your’s?” he asked.
“Out of respect for the creature that stole my best friend, I go by Chngling.”
As we were leaving the room, I ‘accidentally’ bumped into Andrue. Swiftly reaching into his pouch, I pulled out a small book. In it’s various forms, the book was something that all warriors of Shade carried. It was a record of their experiences and served as an identity of sorts for those transactions at the local bank. Without it, one could not access their banked gear or gold in a town they didn’t frequent.
“Whoa. My fault,” I said. “Musta been a good ale, I usually don’t get tipsy from just one. You OK?”
“I’m fine. Watch what you’re doing, huh?” he said, a little annoyed.
“Sorry man. Look, I got another piece of business I need to take care of before we leave. Meet at the west gates in 45 minutes, K?” I said, as I caught a glimpse of Melindrey at another table. Good, she’s not flirting with them. I had a hunch ‘bout her.
“Sure. Don’t be late. I need to get back to Byrendell for a clan meeting.” he said, with just a little bit of attitude. In Chaos’ name, I’m going to enjoy this.
“No prob, dude. Don’t sweat it. Just be prepared, K?”
“Oh, I will. Make no mistake.”
I didn’t intend to. I needed this to work or I might as well learn how to do drudge work like tending bar at the pub or making weapons for the true warriors of Shade. Even though they are honorable pursuits, I shuddered at the thought of it and took my leave of the pub and went searching for my ‘friend’, Argyle.
Argyle, or Shiv as he prefers, is a friendly sort, never means harm to anyone, but he has a slight problem with me. He seems to believe that when we go hunting, I end up getting more than my share of kill shots and therefore, get more than my share of the spoils. Well, he might be right about that. But it’s battle, what are you going to do, split everything equally?
Catching up with him at the north gates, where he always hung out, I called out, “Hey Shiv, mate. Whatcha doin’?”
“Whaddya think I doin’? Waiting for you to take me hunting. Since you always steal my kill shots, I’m still only level 5. It’s a little dangerous to be out there alone.”
“Well, I gotta plan that will get us outta here, to some easier hunting grounds for you, and some wider opportunities for me. You game?”
“Sure. Wait. This ain’t like the changeling deal you tried last month, is it?”
“Uh..., actually, just like it. But last time the mark was too experienced, he was a restart. This guy is a true newb, and gullible as hell. He’s waiting for us at the gates on the west side. I need you to go rustle up that changeling costume Sherryn made for you as a ‘present’.”
“OK, I’m not going to get hurt am I?” he asked nervously.
“As long as you don’t screw up, you won’t. Keep that thing wrapped tight against you and you’ll be fine. Now run!! Meet at the usual place southwest of the Boar, K?”
“I’m gone.”
Making my way back to the pub, I prepared my lines. I wanna bait the hook just enough that Melindrey is curiously suspect, but curious enough to follow where I’m going.
“Melindrey, I can’t follow up on your invitation at this time...”
Nah too formal.
“Hey babe, Wanna meet up later?”
Nah too Informal.
“Hey cutie, wanna pollinate with a real...”
Too botanical.
“Hey sweet thing. What ya doing for the rest of your life?”
Perfect.
Reaching the door of the pub, I pause, take a deep breath, steel my nerves, and fling the door open. Striding in with a confidence I didn’t feel, I spotted Melindrey serving drinks to a table of female warriors, all of them beautiful in a vicious sort of way. Waiting for her to be free, I sat down at a stool at the bar. Barkeep tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I wanted anything. Half turning I declined the offer, but tossed him a gold piece as thanks.
Seeing she was free of that potential entanglement of vicious beauty, I caught her eye. She seemed a little startled to see me, but came over anyway.
“Well, hello darlin’. I didn’t think I would see you again. What brings you back here? Can’t be lil ol’ me, can it?” she drawled.
“Well, as a matter of fact, it is. See I been... Well what I mean to say is... (cough) What you doing later?” I managed to spit out. So much for practicing.
“Well, I’m kinda new in town, so I don’t know my way around all that well. I was just planning on going up to my room after my shift was over here. Why you got somethin in mind, sweet cheeks?”
Whoa! Either I’m better than I thought, or she’s man-hungry. Either way, this is going good!! “Well, since you DID tell me you were new in town, I figgered I could show you around some. Whaddya say?”
0
“Ooooh, I can’t wait, sugar. Pick me up at 9 out front.” she cooed.
“9 on the dot. You got it. I shall count the seconds.” I said breathlessly.
As she walked away to get another order, she blew me a kiss, “As shall I. As shall I.”
Looking at the clock on the wall, I realized I needed to hurry to meet Andrue at the appointed time. In my haste to leave and the cloud of elation I was in, I failed to see the darkly hooded figure in the booth next to the door. The one that had been watching me since I walked back into the pub.