Episode 10 – That's Life in the Big City
| The Assassins |
Azareth - Wizard 1st Level LE (PC) Creighton - Fighter 1st level LE (PC) |
| Locale | Walking down the streets of Chathold, having just docked at port. |
| Date | 4th Readying 582 CY (Common Year) |
| Time | Late Afternoon. |
Azareth and Creighton had spent nearly two months at sea travelling from The Family’s base in The Olman Isles to The Prelacy of Almor. The sky was beginning to darken as the two assassins walked down the main street of Chathold en-route to the office of Don Lombard. The streets were wet, indicating an earlier downpour, and Creighton absent mindedly stood in every puddle in his path.
| Creighton | Feels pretty damn good to be on solid land again, hey Azz? |
| Azareth | How many times do I have to tell you? My name is Azareth - not Azz, buddy, chum, pal, or any other of your endearing nicknames. In answer to you question, Creighton, yes it does feel good to be on solid land - although the trip probably bothered me less than it clearly did you. |
| Creighton | Yeah, whatever. There’s a shit-load of people in this village. |
| Azareth | It is a city not a village, Creighton. (looks left and right) I believe the directions require us to proceed down this avenue. |
| Creighton | Yeah, whatever. Still, there’s a shit-load of people. Back in Three-Trees, the only time we got near this number of people was during Richfest. I remember once The Traveller’s Rest was packed to overflowing - so much so that Uncle Bray had to borrow chairs from Mrs McKillop’s pie shop. Heh! Even that wasn’t enough, people were sitting outside on the decking and one guy was forced to sit on his horse. Auntie Adai was so busy serving drinks that she actually served a beer to the horse. Speaking of horses, that reminds me of the time when - |
| Azareth | I’m sure this anecdote is fascinating, but after being sentenced to two months with you in a tiny cabin I have heard just about enough of your childhood memories. Give them, and me, a well earned rest. |
| Creighton | (shrugs) Whatever you say, Azz. |
The remainder of the walk was made in blissful silence; Creighton managed to avoid reporting every interesting detail to his companion. They arrived at their destination - the front doors of Don Lombard’s office. They entered the building and approached the clerk who was busy filing today’s papers.
| Azareth | My name is Vincent Harstvarn and I am here to speak with Mr Lombard. |
| Clerk | (in an annoyingly high pitched, nasally voice) To what is it pertaining? |
| Creighton | Per-what-ing? |
| Clerk | (raising his voice in annoyance and rolling his eyes) Pertaining! To what is the matter pertaining? |
| Azareth | Tell him that some family members have arrived. |
| Clerk | Certainly. Can I offer you a drink? |
| Azareth | (waves his hand) I’m fine. |
| Creighton | I’ll have a beer. |
| Clerk | We only serve tea. |
| Creighton | Tea! Blurgh, I'm not drinking that fish piss. |
| Clerk | Of course, sir. I will inform Mr Lombard of your arrival. |
After a brief wait the two assassins were ushered in to a adjoining office.
| Don Lombard | That will be all Serge, you may leave for the day. |
| Serge | (nods and leaves the room closing the door behind him) |
| Don Lombard | Welcome to the Prelacy of Almor, nephews. I trust the boat trip was uneventful. |
| Creighton | To say the least. |
| Azareth | I am Azareth and this (indicates Creighton) is Creighton. The trip was long and arduous and we are eager to begin our service. I understand you will arrange passage to Del Mord? |
| Don Lombard | That is correct. There will, however, be an unfortunate and unavoidable delay. You will need to find accommodations here in Chathold for two days while I organise the caravan. Report here first thing Earthday morning, be ready to leave immediately. Until then, you are free to amuse yourselves in this grand city. (addressing Azareth) May I suggest the Sun Spire Hostelry on Chapel Street, it’s a little more expensive than most but you might find the conversation stimulating. (looking at Creighton) I trust you have no objections? |
| Creighton | As long as the beer is cold I couldn’t give a crap where I stayed. |
| Don Lombard | (looks to Azareth) Eloquent isn’t he? |
| Azareth | (shakes his head) You have no idea. |
Don Lombard’s observations regarding the Sun Spire Hostelry proved accurate. Azareth was enjoying himself immensely and spent long hours in discussion with the resident intellectuals. They discussed a wide range of topics from advanced mathematic theorems to the vagaries of weather prediction. This of course bored Creighton tremendously, which meant he had to find solace in his liquor. As Creighton approached full intoxication he loosened up and soon had several patrons taking part in his many and varied drinking games. This bored Azareth and so the cycle continued.
The following morning, Azareth woke early intent on spending the day alone. After a light breakfast and a short walk he found himself in a cul-de-sac which was home to no less than five local mages. He admired the aesthetic beauty of the towers and manicured gardens before entering an establishment displaying a blue and gold sign that read: Bluckboster Vid’eo - Resident Mage.
Once inside he was confronted by rows and rows of shelves, each lined with small, thin black boxes with colourful labels. Curious, he picked one of the mysterious items up and began to examine it. Suddenly, as though appearing from thin air, a young pimply faced boy tapped Azareth on the shoulder.
| Boy | (looking at the box in Azareth’s hand) Ahh! Militia Academy Seven, a popular choice. I preferred number two myself, the guy who does the noises really cracks me up. (as if noticing Azareth for the first time) I haven’t seen you around here before; are you a member? |
| Azareth | I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. |
| Boy | (looking at Azareth as if he was a simpleton) The Vid’eo! (tapping the box in Azareth's hand) That thing in your hand. |
| Azareth | (looks bemused and examines the box. He notices a small metal clasp and resists the temptation to open it) What do these things do? |
| Boy | First time, hey? (looks around the room) It’s quiet at the moment, so I’ll take you out back and let you experience the Vid’eo first hand. |
| Azareth | Thanks. I think |
Azareth guessed the lad was an apprentice mage, judging by the small pouch of components which dangled from his belt and the white oversized robe he wore. He put the boy’s age at fifteen years which meant that his apprenticeship had only just begun. Azareth decided to put his theory to the test.
| Azareth | So boy, who is your master? |
| Boy | (looks behind and speaks with some pride) I’m apprenticed to Bluckboster himself. One day I will be a powerful illusionist - just like my master. |
| Azareth | I’m sure you will. What is your name? |
| Boy | Kwentin Tarranteeno. What’s yours? |
| Azareth | Vincent. |
Kwentin lead him to the rear of the shop, opened a door and lead a wary Azareth into a darkened room. The boy fumbled with an elaborate device and soon the room was bathed in a warm light. Against one wall was comfortable couch. Approximately ten feet in front of the couch stood a knee high table, upon which sat a black velvet cushion. Against another wall was a single shelf holding five more of the black boxes. The room had no windows and only one exit, the walls were lined with full length black, velvet curtains. Kwentin directed Azareth to the shelf containing the Vid’eos.
| Kwentin | Choose one of these, open it and place it on the velvet cushion. Take a seat and, when you’re comfortable, say play. (holds out both his hands non-threateningly) Don’t be alarmed, the lights will dim when the show begins. I’ll leave you to it. |
| Azareth | (nervously) What about the door? |
| Kwentin | It’ll be closed but not locked. When you’ve seen enough just give me a yell. If you’re a member of the Chathold Academy I can sign you up today. Enjoy. (smiles and leaves the room) |
| Azareth |
(inspecting the vid’eos, reading the titles out loud) "The Abyss". Hmm, that sounds
interesting. (looks at the hellish scene on the cover) Perhaps not.
(examines the next vid'eo) "Conan the Frutzii" My - he’s a big fellow! I think that's more Creighton’s scene. (picks up the third box and examines the cover) "Indiana Bones and the Temple of Elemental Evil". Why on Oerth would anyone choose to use a whip? (replaces the box on the shelf and selects the next vid'eo.) "Debbie does Del Mord" - well at least it’s topical. (tries to comprehend the image on the cover) Heavens, that girl must be a contortionist. I must remember to look her up when I get into town. (reluctantly replaces the vid’eo on the shelf and chooses the last black box) "The Wizard of Aus". Never heard of him. (reading the finely scripted text on the back of the box) ("Fiction. Dorothy, a young farm girl from Keoland is caught in a magical vortex and teleported [with her trusty dog Toto] to a magical realm called Aus. Once there she is befriended by a group of very well equipped and highly magical gnomes called Munchikins. She is told that the only way she can return home is to follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City and speak to the all-powerful Arch-mage of Aus. Along the way she is accompanied by three special friends - The Tinnyman [a drunken woodcutter], the scarecrow and a cowardly were-lion. There is danger aplenty as the group are harried by the wicked Greenhag of the west and must battle to overcome the vile, winged marsupials.") |
| Azareth | Sounds interesting. I’ll give that a look. |
Azareth carefully opened the latch on the vid’eo, placed it on the cushion and sat on the couch. As a precaution he recalled the words to his most offensive spell before uttering the command word.
| Azareth | (tentatively) Play. |
The lights dimmed and there was silence. Suddenly the black box came to life and an incredibly complex programmed illusion sprung into being. A full musical score accompanied what turned out to be an enthralling, three-dimensional viewing experience. Three of the five senses were expertly catered for; sight, sound and smell. The only thing that convinced him that what he was witnessing an illusion was that no matter what he tried he could not interact with the characters. Azareth lost all track of time but as suddenly as it had begun the black box closed and fell silent. The room once again illuminated in a dull magical glow.
Humming an inane tune, Azareth opened the door and re-entered the front room. Kwentin stood before him, a wide smile on his face.
| Kwentin | So? |
| Azareth | Amazing. Simply amazing. The detail in your master's illusions is nothing short of spectacular. I am - well - speechless. He has not only managed to include sounds and amazing visuals in his illusion but also a thermal feel and a sense of smell. Hell, I almost fell asleep myself when Dorothy walked across the field of flowers... Amazing. |
| Kwentin | (bursting with pride) My master is the authority on illusions in these parts. I am his only apprentice in over ten years. |
| Azareth | You are a very lucky boy. |
| Kwentin | Um, do you want to purchase a membership? If you do you'll be able to loan the vid'eos overnight. Bluckboster is working on a complex, interactive, programmed illusion that is bound to revolutionise the sex trade... .. |
| Azareth | No, unfortunately I'm only passing through town. But have no fear I shall return. Thank you for your time. (turns and leaves the tower, singing softly under his breath) Somewhere ... over the rainbow... |
Creighton was bored. He had spent most of last night drinking himself into oblivion and had tried to make the thoroughly boring crowd at the Sun Spire seem a little more interesting. It didn’t work; even drunk out of their minds Azareth's friends were boring. He woke to find Azareth gone.
| Creighton | (talking to himself) Good! Don't worry Azareth, I have no intention on making the same mistake twice. There's no way in Hades that I'm gonna get stuck with your boring friends when the whole of Chathold lies at my feet. This is a big village and I'm going exploring. (looking at Azareth's empty bed) Don't wait up, little buddy. |
Creighton dressed and demolished a large breakfast. He left the tavern fully armoured and equipped and eager for some adventure. He had no systematic plan to explore the "village" and it wasn't long before he was completely lost.
| Creighton | I turned left at the fountain and then made a right turn. How the hell did I end up back here again? |
| Boy | (looking nervously at the big ugly man and casting furtive glances to his friends standing in a huddle some distance behind him) Hey... mister? Are... you lost? |
| Creighton | (noticing the boy for the first time) What business of that is yours, little boy? |
| Boy | (preparing to sprint) I can help you find your way... for a small... fee? |
| Creighton | (scowls) What places can you show me? |
| Boy | I can show you anything you want... but it aint free. |
| Creighton | (digs into his pocket and withdraws a copper coin) You're a brave lad - I like that. But remember; I can break you in half faster than you can break wind. Now (handing him the money) I want the best tour you can give me. |
The boy led Creighton through the streets of Chathold pointing out places and people of interest, and answering any questions that Creighton asked him. The early morning traffic was light and they were able to maneouver easily through the many streets. While they were walking, Creighton spotted a street vendor who was moving three cups around on a table. A small crowd had gathered to watch as the man mercilessly stripped his the public of their money. Creighton and the boy stopped and Creighton watched closely, studying the rapid movement of the man’s hands. The young lad noticed Creighton’s scrutiny and spoke.
| Boy | That’s Peaknuckle Pete, he moves from corner to corner all over the city. Most people don’t like him staying in any one place for very long. |
| Creighton | Why doesn’t anyone complain? He is obviously cheating. |
| Boy | (looks around quickly) Don’t let anyone hear you say that. Most locals figure he’s cheating but he moves his hands so fast no-one can prove it. Besides, that big guy standing next him is his brother and he makes sure that there is no trouble. |
| Creighton | (snorts) We’ll see. Get back boy - things might get a little interesting. (He reaches into his belt pouch and removes two silver coins, holding them up for all to see) I’m in. |
The man behind the makeshift table looked up to assess the large, ugly man who approached his table, two silver coins in his hand. He cast a quick glance to his brother, who nodded almost imperceptably, and smiled grandly indicating that Creighton should place his money on the table. Creighton complied and instantly the game began. Peaknuckle Pete, lifted the middle cup and placed the white marker under it. He allowed Creighton to lift the cup to ensure that the marker was in place. Once Creighton was satisfied he began moving the cups. They moved slowly at first but eventually the cups were moving so swiftly that Creighton was having dificulty keeping his eye on the cup with the marker under it. Abruptly all movement ceased. Peaknuckle Pete smiled, seemingly confident.
| Pete | (spreading his hands) Make your choice. Which cup contains the token? |
| Creighton | (smiled and moved his hand out over the rightmost cup) Well it isn’t under this one (lifting the cup), and its not under this one either. (lifting a second cup) That means it must be under this one. (moving his hand slowly over the final cup) |
| Pete | (looks alarmed and quickly places the white marker on the table with his left hand while lifting the remaining cup with his right. Sweat began to bead on his brow) Um, congratulations big man. You have won... (looks to the crowd) Never let it be said that Peaknuckle Pete never pays his debts. (reaches down to the pouch by his feet and removes two silver coins, placing them next to Creighton’s) |
| Creighton | (grins broadly and and collects his winnings) You still need a little practice but you’re doing a fine job. |
| Pete | (scowls) Thanks for the advice. (begins to collect his things) Show’s over folks. I’ll be back this way after I’ve had a chance to practice. |
The crowd chuckled and began to disperse after Pete made his anouncement. Creighton turned and made his way to the corner where the boy was waiting. As Creighton approached the boy had a look of adoration on his young face.
| Boy | Wow! You actually won? I’ve not seen anyone take anything from Peaknuckle Pete. |
| Creighton | (grins) These city folk are a little slow. It must be all that close living and bad air, makes your mind turn to mush. I remember this one time when I was... |
Creighton and the boy walked for a few more hours, Creighton filling the boy with his wisdom, and the boy - happy to be in company with a real hero - listened, nodded and continued to show Creighton the city. Eventually, Creighton became hungry and he and the boy stopped at a tavern not far from the docks. Creighton ordered a meal and was most of the way through when he was slapped roughly on his back - causing a half-chewed piece of lamb to fly from his mouth across the table. Creighton turned to see a familiar face; Peaknuckle Pete’s big brother.
| Pete's Brother | I never would have guessed that someone as ugly as you could live for so long! In my village, anyone born that ugly would have been killed at birth. |
| Creighton | (takes a long swig of his ale then cracks his knuckles) You doing your brother’s bidding or is this something you thought of all by yourself? |
| Pete's Brother | I have no idea what you mean, ugly. (looks at the boy and smiles wickedly) What's with the runt? Personally, I prefer the company of women. |
| Boy | (shivers in fear) |
| Creighton | (slides his cup to the centre of the table then delivers a powerful blow to the man’s stomach) |
| Pete's Brother | (bends over and steps back a few paces - gulping for air he draws his sword) Nice fairy tap you pile of shit. But stand up and let's see what you are really made of. |
| Creighton | (draws his own sword and steps forward eagerly) |
| Pete's Brother | (swings his longsword in a wide arc, narrowly missing Creighton’s head) |
| Creighton | (ducks the blow aimed at his head and scores a savage cut across the man’s thigh. Having the initiative he stabs wildly but the blow is turned aside by his foe's leather armour) |
| Pete's Brother | (steps inside Creighton’s reach and lands a solid blow across his chest, the blade slicing between Creighton's chainmail.) |
| Creighton | Arghh. (falls back at the wound and misses with his backswing) |
| Pete's Brother | (grins) That woulda left an impressive scar big boy - it's a shame you won't live long enough to see it heal.(lunges forward but the blow is deflected by Creighton's bloodied blade) |
| Creighton | (grunts and delivers a massive cut nearly severing the man’s arm) |
| Pete's Brother | (stands and sways in the non-existant breeze - staring blankly at the fatal wound below his shoulder.) |
| Creighton | (smiles and winks at the boy who sits terrified at the table) Hey boy, watch this! (turns back to Pete's Brother who has somehow managed to remain upright, sucks in a deep breath, grasps his sword in both hands and brings the blade down on the dying man's exposed skull - cleaving it to the collarbone. The man's head falls away like a split melon) Whoa! Stand back everybody. This one's a bleeder. Heh! Who woulda thought he had that many brains? (looks around the tavern and sees that no one else is laughing) What's the matter? Never seen a man die before? |
Just as he finished his sentence, the door to the tavern burst open and three members of the Chathold Militia stepped in and immediately surrounded Creighton. One poked the huge warrior with is sword.
| Militia Man | Drop your weapon. |
| Creighton | (wipes his blade on the dead man's cloak, then lays it at his feet.) What's up? |
| Militia Man | Is that supposed to be a joke? (seeing a blank stare on Creighton's pock marked face continues) You just killed a man. |
| Creighton | Yeah... and? |
| Militia Man | And? ... And you're under arrest - for murder! |
| Creighton | Oh, crap. (turns to the boy who is sitting motionless at the table - staring at what remains of Pete's Brother) Boy! (clicks his fingers) Boy! |
| Boy | (breaks away from the gore and looks at Creighton) Huh? |
| Creighton | (being handcuffed by the militia man) Go to the Sun Spire Hostelry and ask for Azareth. Tell him I've been arrested and to get me out. And don't worry boy, he'll pay you. |
| Boy | (nods, almost in tears, and runs out of the tavern) |
| Creighton | (looking to the militia men) Okay, let's go boys. Hey! Don't forget to bring my sword. |
Creighton spent the better part of two days in the local prison. He was given a cell to himself and as much slop as he could eat. He tried to strike up conversations with his neighbouring inmates but his attempts fell on deaf ears. In the end he resigned himself to total and utter boredom and simply waited. Just after Creighton's second meal of slop on the second day of his internment the door was opened and he was ordered out. He was lead down several stone passages, through a few heavy doors until he came to the front room. Standing in the foyer was Azareth, Don Lombard and a Captain of the watch. Both Azareth and Don Lombard looked less than impressed.
| Creighton | (trying to start things on a bright note) Hey guys, you gotta taste the food here. It's amazing, it's full of meat but you don't need to chew. (to the Captain) Is there any chance we could get the recipe? |
| Captain | (gritting his teeth) You have been pardonned. We have spoken to the tavern owner and it seems you were provoked into combat. There is an issue that you took matters a little too far, but (flashing a glance at Don Lombard) I agree we can overlook that for now. I don't want to see your face in Chathold again - or at least in my precinct. Now get out! Good day Mr Lombard and I trust that our little matter can now be considered closed. |
| Don Lombard | Of course, Captain Bell, of course. |
Creighton was handed back his equipment and the three men left the Mid-City prison. Before long they entered Don Lombard's office.
| Serge | (rushes forward and smoothes the creases from Don Lombard's jerkin) Mr. Lombard, you're a mess. You are covered in dust; it's going to take me a week to clea- |
| Don Lombard | Shutup Serge or I'll knock your block off. (pushes passed the startled servant and enters his office. When Azareth and Creighton had entered the room he ordered the door closed.) |
| Creighton | Thanks Mr Lombard, I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get out of that place. What day is it? |
| Don Lombard | (ignoring the question) That could have been very, very ugly. Murder is not tolerated in these parts; Arch Prelate Kevont frowns on such exploits. It is lucky for you that the Captain owed me a favour or two. (fixing his piercing gaze of Creighton) But I am rather annoyed that I had to cash it in because of your stupid actions. I trust when you get to Del Mord you'll be able to control you temper or at least your sword arm little better. The lesson from this little episode, Creighton, is to know when to kill and when to knock out. That oaf in the tavern didn't deserve to die, he just needed a severe beating. He certainly wasn't worth risking your career or your freedom over - let alone your life! Do you understand what I'm telling you, Creighton? |
| Creighton | Yeah, whatever. Don't kill - maim. Got it. |
| Azareth | (cutting in) Don't worry Mr Lombard, we'll manage. |
| Don Lombard | Good. Now gather your things; the caravan to Del Mord will be leaving within the hour. (hands Azareth a piece of parchment) This is your Vesper's address. He is a spice merchant and goes by the name of Saradock. He will introduce you to the others. Good luck. |
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| Italic Text | Character's thoughts or actions if surrounded by parenthesis |
| Bold Text | Character is shouting. |