The Vulgar Swan

[oldtoby]

Located just outside the red light district within the city of Khosht is the famous (or is it the infamous?) Vulgar Swan tavern. A favorite haunt of adventurers and ne’er-do-wells from all corners of the world, it is here in this nondescript dwelling that legends are born. Fresh rushes have been laid on the floor while smiling, buxom wenches deftly carrying trays ladened with frothy tankards of ale and beer navigate the raucous crowds of both adventurers, merchants, and tradesmen.

There’s a dice game going on in earnest in one corner, an arm wrestling match between two Warrior types at one end of a trestle. A trio of dwarves seem to be a long ways into a drinking game. A number are puffing at clay tavern pipes filled with Hobb leaf, the air filling with hazy yet aromatic smoke. There’s a crackling, glowing fire going on within the great stone hearth and one can hear the hissing of fat dripping from a large pig on a spit.

There’s the sound of mirth and merriment, of muted discussions in far corners, loud arguments and insults. Stories are being told of bravery and derring-do, of lucky scrapes and deadly mishaps. Some are new while others are being told for the umpteenth time.  A name is dropped, always of an adventurer that met his or her untimely demise, and drinks are raised and drank with reverence. Metal plate, coils of chain and oiled leather gleam in the warm glow from both the hearth and lamplight. The hilts of weapons are peace-knotted, some loosely to effect a quick draw of steel while others less inclined to break the rules are intricately knotted and braided while others add copper, silver or gold fittings.

It is here, within the walls of the Vulgar Swan that finds the characters either carousing or keeping quietly to themselves.

Go ahead and start posting here ICC...

And unless otherwise indicated, I’m going to assume the characters know each other.

[zanshin]

Ceorl slips through the crowd watching out for any debt collectors and notices his comrade Asterix. Ceorl is dressed for comfort in warm brown and black clothing, with no obvious weapons, and a bulging backpack.

He climbs onto a bar stool next to him 'Hello Asterix, how are you doing? It's your old friend Ceorl, you remember? From that time? When we did the thing? Got on any leads on work?'

Ceorl then surveys the room for anyone who seems to be observing rather than socialising.

[oldtoby]

Deftly moving through the knots of customers, it's hard not to miss the statuesque figure of Glasha coming your way. One of the tavern wenches and a favorite one at that, Glasha possesses all of the best traits of her human and uruk blood. Taller than most women, Glasha with her tinted skin is big boned and painfully attractive with ample, generous curves where it matters.

One of the inebriated dwarves reached out and groped a buttock as she passed. Fire flashed in her eyes as she whirled around and punched him square in the face. The sound of such a hard punch laced with a rare quality of venom'd gutter profanity that would make a hardened pimp blush shot through the tavern and resulted in a chorus of howling laughter and table slapping. The dwarf blinked hard, spit out a tooth and joined the laughter himself.

Collecting herself, Glasha ran a hand through her wild mane of long dark hair as she approached your table. Flirtatious as always, she gives you all a saucy smile and a glint in her eye.

"Ooh, look 'ere! I haven't seen you boyos in some time. Glad t' see you all alive and hale still. What can I get you tonight?"

[nebless]

'Small beer, Glasha' Asterix replies. Nodding towards the dwarf 'I see you can still take care of yourself, good to know' as he gives her a wink.

'So Ceorl, How many are after you this time?' Asterix asks while giving Ceorl the stink eye. 'We're not going to have to rush out again before we find work I hope'.

[zanshin]

Ceorl blinks and then smiles broadly at Glasha 'Charmed my lady. A spiced mead would hit the spot' He bows to her and sweeps an arm gracefully towards her. He turns to Asterix;

'I am very popular 'tis true, with many admirers eager to solicit my opinion. However should opportunities arise elsewhere I am not one to let the grass grow under my feet. I am sure that we will attract the attention of some patron needing our particular combination of ,mmm, skills.'

[ProfGremlin]

A deep voice, reminiscent of a bull frog gargling gravel, rumbles from behind the imposing Amazon, "A pint of ale, Glasha. And a plate of whatever's hot."   As Glasha turns, the figure steps around and reveals himself.  Significantly shorter than the flirtatious Glasha, the individual is as wide as he is tall, shoulders threatening to tear through the simple workman's shirt. Coal dark hair and beard appear as some mage's unholy merging of a horses tail and a dandelion puff.  What can be seen of his face is skin both weathered and scarred.  Unexpectedly, the bright blue eyes crinkle.

"Was wondering when I'd see either of you around again."

[zanshin]

'ThreeBee! Are you ever the answer to a young Hobb's prayers!' exclaims Ceorl. 'The three amigos are back together, I foresee derring do, high adventure, chests brimming with gold, grateful citizens and defeated foes!'

[ProfGremlin]

"Never answered a prayer before," croaks ThreeBee as he carefully lowers his bulk upon a hapless stool, his dusty boot nudging it a little further away from the table first. The stool groans at its fate for a moment but holds the line against the gravitic onslaught. "Sounds a mite better than lugging stones for the city." ThreeBee's eye is caught by the arm-wrestling match across the common room. "Looks like someone else could be buying drinks tonight."  The hint of a smile is seen as his mustache twitches upward on one side. He turns back to Ceorl quizically, "Who is this Ahmeego? Sounds elven."

[zanshin]

'Amigo, it's Hobb for friend , chum, buddy, mate, comrade, PARTY MEMBER' says Ceorl, the words tumbling out of his mouth with excited enthusiasm. 'Us, the A, B & C of adventuring ,Asterix, BBB and Ceorl!'

[nebless]

'A, B & C' of adventuring huh' Asterix mummbles, 'My old teacher would die of a heart attack, only A I've ever got'.

'ThreeBee, long time no see' Asterix greets him. 'So any good rumors floating around?'

[oldtoby]

It is not long into your discussions when an older man wearing the clothes of a Khosht bureaucrat approaches your table. Yet it is apparent by the fine thread thread of his clothes that this man is more than what he seems. Of ordinary height and weight with a bald pate, a hook nose, and a short pointed beard, the man makes the standard Khosht gesture of greeting. “Good evening, gentlemen. It would appear that we share a mutual friend. I am looking for a few men of eclectic disposition and not quite familiar with those who frequent the Vulgar Swan, I inquired with the delightful creature we both know as Glasha. She was kind enough to point the way to your table. No, I need not a libation but I thank you nonetheless.

“Forgive my manners, I am but the humble Leamas. I am here on the behalf of my friend and client, “ to which he lowers his voice, “the mage Grappan Voltuz. I am his solicitor, of the firm Grabbim, Stabbem, and Robbem. My client is looking for a few stalwart hands to help him collect an item of great import to him. The job is however not without some risk to life and limb, yet my client will pay a handsome sum to those who would collect and bring him said item. This is all that I’m able to provide. If you are interested, please arrive at this address where my client will see you in person.” At this last, there’s a certain look of disgust that crosses his features as he places a small piece of embossed paper with the address scrawled on it.

With that, he does the gesture of friendly farewell and takes his leave.

[zanshin]

'What do you say friends?' Ceorl chirps 'Sounds like exactly what we have been waiting for!' He muses for a moment 'A powerful wizard , represented by a reputable firm of lawyers needs our help. What could possibly go wrong?'

[nebless]

'Hmmmm, I wonder if we should wait for .... oh heck, you know, ....... what's his name'. ''Bout so high' as Asterix vaguely waves his hand above his head', 'You know, he said the next time he was in town he'd look for us'.

[khaboom]

Asterix hears the sound of a bar stool falling over and then a cheery voice addresses him. "Now I'll not say that I've always deserve the name o' gentleman but I have manners when I want to use them." At this the gaudily dressed leprechaun picks up the bar stool and smoothes the coattails and feelings of an elderly drinker next to it. "However, I swear I heard that shark fella say he wanted electric fellas, so here I am, so I am - Dinkleptrick McAloon at your service, lads. Adventuring we go, is it? Off like a brookstick down life's highways and byways."

[nebless]

Looking over Dinkle 'could have sworn he was bigger. Oh well'. 'Well lads it looks like the gangs all here, so I guess we shouldn't keep the mighty wiz waiting' Asterix says as he slides off his barstool and heads for the door. 'Come on, who knows the way?'.