A Tunnels and Trolls® play-by-post adventure run by khara_khang
(An interlude caused by The Great Website Holocaust™ of '00)
Walking over to the door Cobalt locks it from the inside and then returns to his position. A moment later Shipy the Hobbit pulls on the door but can't get in. Looking at Tosal (who is still holding the map), Cobalt says, "Compensation will come in the form of 300 platinum dragons to each person who returns to collect it. That is the attitude we are striving for Jack. I'm glad we are in agreement."
Cobalt scans the message again and then gives it to Tosal. The message reads: "Khazan we do not wish to destroy thee as time only seeks to gain. The Lizardmen In Red Water Bay intend to reclaim what is due us in the form of a time storm. Let a wise man fly away and a knave fool run away! Red Water Shaman Ralathor."
"No Desuma, I do not understand the message, but the wizard Grutoss believes it to have a double meaning. Ralathor is a powerful Lizardman Shaman who united the Lizardman clans several years ago and he has been consolidating his power ever since. Not much else is known about him."
"If you go down the street four buildings on your left you will find a place called Toads Supply Store. There you each have a 75 gp line of credit. Mr. Toad himself will be expecting you."
"More questions?"
"Yes, I have a couple more. What is that odd little mark on the bottom line of Ralathor's note? His mark, perhaps?"
(After receiving a reply) "I notice that there is no 'Red Water Bay' on our map of the area---is it another name for Khazan Bay or something else perhaps?"
"I suppose that I should welcome you back, Shipy---it's been entirely too ... nice ... around here with you gone. Ah well, time to settle up my bar tab. (Looks at the bill.) HEY, WHO'S THE GARGOYLE WANNABE THAT'S BEEN RUNNING UP MY TAB??!!! SHIPY..."
Hiding behind the bar in the glass cabinet I look up at Jack (i.e. the bartender) and cover my lips with one finger. When Jack frowns I put both hands together like I am praying and put on my best innocent Hobbit face, as only a frightened Hobbit can. I don't want to be a lawn ornament.
"Good question Desuma. That mark on the map is in Lizardman tongue and stands for both "Time" and "Dagger" depending how it is used. If you were from the rural Khazan country side you would know "Red Water Swamp" and "Red Water Bay" are one in the same. (GM: Think Florida Everglades.) More questions? I need to leave soon."
Taran considers his question carefully. Any more questions? Yes. "Where is Grutoss, and how do we know you speak for him, and ultimately, for the Death Goddess herself?" Taran glances at his brother with a small helping of uncertainty. "Last time we went on a mission for one of the locals, it turned out to be a big set up." He tries to act bigger and mightier than he is, for he doesn't want to insult Cobalt, but at the same time, wants to get his point across with resolve.
"The wizard Grutoss is elsewhere. We both work for the Death Goddess, so we are both on call at any time. If told you where he was someone would have to kill you Mr. Taran." Cobalt suddenly becomes very serious for a moment. "Heh, heh... just kidding," chuckles Cobalt. Rolling up his sleeve Cobalt shows you a flame red tattoo of a Phoenix on his arm. The tattoo moves on his arm as if it is alive. Many of you have heard of the Death Goddesses tattoo's her wizards, but you have never seen it. Cobalt rolls his sleeve back into place, "Or you can verify my employment at the City Building Of Magical Urban Development if you need more proof."
"I am very familiar with The Goblins In The Mists adventure, and I hope we will not repeat those same problems again."
Shipy having somehow unlocked the door, peeks his fat Hobbit mug inside. Anyone looking at the Hobbit causes him to smile deviously. Seeing Desuma, and seeing Desuma looking back at him, his eyes get big and he slams the door shut, causing Cobalt to jump with fright, and then grumble inwardly.
Tosal Thoth nods, listening to everyone else asking the questions, "Alright, I think we have enough information to go on. I can not speak for the others, but I for one accept the proposal. If I am to reclaim my rightful place and power, this is as good a starting point as any."
Desuma thinks to herself that she will definitely confirm his [Cobalt's -- ed.] identity before embarking.
Desuma approaches Cobalt and whispers, "Please continue talking for a little while longer. It appears we have a spy outside our door." She then quietly makes her way to the door and listens, ready to open it and grab the hobbit when he decides to snoop again.
Jax notes Desuma tensing at the door to the bar like the well-oiled sinew of a taut crossbow string. Fearing for the Hobbit's well-being, he moves over to the hooded gorgon, "Say, Desuma, he's OK. Shipy's harmless, maybe a little sticky-fingered, but harmless all the same. In fact, the little bugger's good luck, if we can get him to join us. May be a bit overwhelmed by all the curves and leather in here."
To the group, the burly Orc adds, "So if we're done playing twenty questions with Cobalt here, why don't we head off to Toad's and get equipped? There we can decide which lizardmen party to crash."
"Remember, you each have a 75 gp line of credit at Toads Supply Store. If you need me I can be found at the City Building Of Magical Urban Development room 131. The wizard Grutoss can be found in room 132 or 133." Turning away Cobalt exits the backdoor of the Common Room and disappears into the alley at a quick pace.
Leaving the Common Room and the Tavern itself your group heads out into the busy streets of Khazan. Vendors of all types hawk their wares as you pass by. All races of folk are out and about this morning. A large Troll in the company of three Human city guards takes particular notice of your group as they watch you from across the street. Minutes later you see the sign, Toad's Supply Store and enter. Inside you find a supply store filled with a wide assortment of thousands of items. A white-haired Dwarf can be seen behind the low counter.
Tosal Thoth walks into the store, "My main interest in terms of supplies at the moment would be to aquire a new staff, but as the line of credit offered is insufficient to purchase such, I think better armor would be in order."
I am going to purchase a suit of leather armor, as well as 2 more days of provisions. Would it be possible for me to sell my quilted armor to the owner of the store?
The younger Dracon brother follows his companions to the store, but does not enter. His provisions full and his stash of gear to his liking, Taran "SniperOrc" Dracon considers the troll and humans giving him and his adventuring companions the curious stares. He wonders if any of them are from the semi-late Captaion Huros' troupe of guards.
"You comin', bro?" his brother says to him as he steps into the store, intent on refilling his pouch of sun-dried lizards.
"Nope. I'll save my credit for bandages on the way back from this gig."
"Your credit is good here Mr. Tosal," says the storekeeper, somehow knowing your name. Finding a staff along the back wall the Dwarf rubs the dust off of it and gives it to you. It appears to be made of black ironwood, with the upper most part of it carved into the shape of a sea serpent. Taking your quilted armor the storekeeper gives you a brand new suit of leather armor after measuring your size. He also gives you one week of provisions. "I assume we are now even Mr. Tosal Thoth."
Digging into his barrel of sun-dried lizards, the storekeeper fills a good-sized pouch to the brim. Taking two large bunches of bandages from the self he hands everything to Jax. "Anything else Mr. Jax Dracon?"
Weaving skillfully between two moving horses and several other people a bare-chested green-skinned Gremlin stops in front of you (Taran), wearing nothing but a simple cloth. "Cum, cum, with wee quickly. Wee show Taran, only Taran somethin!" Crossing the street in a trot the Gremlin pauses at the mouth of an alley and motions to you. You don't see the troll or the human guards who had been giving you and your companions the curious stares anywhere. What do you do Taran?
Tosal Thoth takes the purchases, "My thanks. It is pleasing to know that the name of Tosal Thoth still carries its effect, though the owner of the name might be rendered powerless. Whenever the rest of you are ready, I'd suggest we be off in short order."
"Suit yourself, bro. I'll get you some bandages on my tab all the same, bolt-magnet." Jax jabs Taran in the gut where once protruded the shaft of Taran's own crossbow bolt.
"Thanks dude! Mmmf. Lilac's special recipie! Dukin'!" Jax munches on a lizard. With the special herbs and spices tingling his tastebuds, he remembers another item he'd always wanted. "Say, there is, my jolly Mr. Toad. You got a pair of bich'was and some new calf-high boots to hide 'em in? These guys are starting to crack from all the water they took on in the sewers." Jax lifts up a leg and slams a crusted, peeling boot on the counter in demonstration.
"You are never forgotten, Mr. Tosal Thoth." The storekeeper bows to you.
Taking his measuring tape Toad checks the size of Jax's boot and then pushes it off his clean counter top. A minute later he returns with a new pair of leather boots and a pair of new bich'was. "There you go Mr. Jax Dracon. Anything else?" says the dour dwarf. He looks toward the other party members to see if they need anything.
Sidling up to Jax, Desuma says, "I normally wouldn't presume to tell a warrior about his stock-in-trade, but have you considered getting a bich'wa/bagh nakh combination instead? It's not very widely known, but it's a truly evil weapon for infighting. A little too heavy for a mage, though (sniff, sniff)."
Turning to Desuma, Domina smiles and says, "Well, dear, does this mean it's my turn to give you some pointers on spells?"
"Please do, dearie," Desuma replies, "after all, you *are* everybody's favorite ... summonable."
Turning to Mr. Toad, she says, "At any rate, I would like a black garrotte with handles that aren't too obvious. Something that I can hide in my ... hair. Also a compass, a spare change of clothes, delver's kit, calf high boots, 10 torches, and four days' provisions, please."
Ignoring Desuma's reply, Domina wanders through the store, picking out a few trinkets that seem useful. "Hmm..., a magnetic compass, yes, that might come in handy". A small bronze mirror is picked up, and after checking out her reflection critically, she places it with the compass, along with a tube of lipstick in a truly amazing shade of red. An extra five days' provisions, also. "Those sun dried lizards do look rather tasty---would you happen to have any in extra spicy?"
Upon witnessing Jax's crudity in plopping a smelly, disintegrating boot on the shopkeeper's counter, she wrinkles her nose. "Oh, Mr. Toad," she calls sweetly, "I also find myself in need of some sturdy boots. Just look!" Her foot is placed on top of a stool, deftly showing off an incredible length of leg. "See? These high heeled ones I have now are only meant for dancing---not hiking. Thigh high if you have them, knee high will do. As long as they don't clash with my armor, of course."
Quickly the storekeeper finds a black garrote with small handles, a compass, a change of clothes, delver's kit, calf high boots, 10 torches, and four days' provisions, and gives everything to Desuma.
He then turns his attention to Domina. Approaching closer Mr. Toad measures Domina's boot. Domina senses something odd about the shopkeeper. Call it a sparkle in his eye or a sudden pang of ill feeling in her gut. Domina removes her boot from the counter. Leaving the shopkeeper returns a moment later with everything as per Domina's request, even the extra spicy sun-dried lizards. Remaining behind the counter Mr. Toad crosses his arms looking especially hard at Domina. "Oh, please cum again dear Domina if you dare. We cater to everything... I mean one." says Toad, smiling for the first time.
"You gals never fail to impress me!" Jax says to the gorgon, nearly choking on a sun-dried lizard, its spice-encrusted tail flapping between his tusks like a snake tongue. He'd always wanted some bear claws, even if he didn't have the finesse to wield them. Maybe some day.... [The Revisionist has been here! Jax's 13 DEX doesn't allow him to attack effectively with a single bich'wa (4 DEX) and bagh nakh (10 DEX) combination, much less two, as calenril_i eventually points out. --ed.]
Swallowing, and trying not to stare at the leggy demoness, Jax addresses the ever-patient shopkeeper. "Mr. Toad! You give Dwarves a good name, my man! A pair of bagh nakh's if you have 'em!"
Jax takes his Haroouugh-soaked synapses for a brief spin, calculating the difference between his remaining credit and the cost of the bear claws in a matter of minutes. With a flash, he slaps down 30 gold pieces to cover the difference.
Then Jax reconsiders, and discretely slides another five gold into the pile while everyone is admiring Domina's new boots. "Here's another five, dude, for the mess," he whispers, winking, "Image is everything."
Curious, warrior Dracon the younger follows the gremlin to the mouth of the alley, dragging his feet intentionally deep into the dirt of the street as he crosses it. He recalls his father Oother's warning: "Reinforcements won't show up without an invitation." Taran, wary of the grimy creature, gazes past him into the alley to see what might be there; at the same time he holsters his crossbow in its strap on his back, and casually drops both of his hands to rest on the hilt of his bastard sword sleeping in its leather sheath.
"Curiosity killed the cat. But the Orc, now that's a tougher one to skin," he thinks to himself.
Tosal Thoth nods to the shopkeeper, then stands, "I am ready whenever the rest of you are. I personally reccomend we get underway shortly. The sooner we get this underway, the less complications may arise."
"Thank you Mr. Jax Dracon, you are too kind." Going in the back room the shopkeeper returns with two new bagh nakh's, handing them handle first to the large Orc. "Sorry, I can't take your money Mr. Jax Dracon. Everything has already been paid for. Please come again everyone."
(Lilac's interlude)
You see nothing down the darkened alley except the green-skinned Gremlin and stacked crates here and there. "Ya wants to knows about' Ralathorsss, great indeeeds, wee cum wiff uss." The Gremlin skips on down the alley until it disappears around the corner.
Approaching you (Taran) from the wooden sidewalk, the Hobbit stops beside you, looking down the alley as you are. "Didya' lose an Orc barmaid, Taran, or were you talking to Grimsteel the Gremlin? Grimsteel works for some old hag who tells fortunes, you know."
Jax bows in respect, takes his bagh nakhs and quickly finds they won't fit in his boots with the bich'was. "Fewmets!" He stuffs the bear claws in his pack instead.
Joining Tosal just outside the door to the store while the others finish their business inside, he notes his brother's absence. "Where'd Taran go?" he asks the human.
Turning his head down to his hairy halfling comrade-in-arms, Taran smiles at Shipy's witty remark. "He said he wanted to show something only to me," the Orc offered to his curious friend. "How about you shadow me while I take him up on his interesting offer?"
Taran encourages Shipy to trail him from a distance, and walks down the alley to follow the Gremlin. If there was something to be found out about Ralathor, Taran was eager to learn about it. He was also eager to find out how this Gremlin knew about his party's interest in Ralathor.
Tosal Thoth stands, "Is everyone ready? Time is of the utmost importance, and we should be underway."
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