tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74778145386452737232024-02-19T22:46:42.149-08:00Torggil's WorldEEEEK! He's Cussing in his posts Again!Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-34424063762894661492013-08-18T00:04:00.000-07:002013-08-18T00:04:20.275-07:00Moving: On and On and On and...You get the idea...<br />
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This just doesn't end. And now I'm out of money for the remainder.<br />
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The series of disasters that have plagued this move is endless. <br />
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It begins with the bank having need of our house, this is due to a rather prolonged period of unemployment. Then my car's emergency brake failed, and rolled from a centre park, across one lane of traffic and into a post, bashing the front end of it. Not enough to kill it, but it did cost time and money to have it repaired.<br />
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Two of my dogs have come down with paralysis ticks. These ticks poison pets, and taking them to the vets costs hundreds of dollars per incident.<br />
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My favourite cat has vanished. he's been weeks gone now. I suspect he's dead from a tick. Another has been missing for several days. I fear she's gone too.<br />
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In returning fro the new house (In a trip fraught with trailer delays), the car my wife was in breaks down in a small town hundreds of ks from anywhere. It cost time and money, as she had to stay overnight in this small town.<br />
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Items have been broken, and things have gone to shit.<br />
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The latest is borrowing a ute (pickup for my American friends) and borrowing a trailer, in an attempt to move the stuff myself, and proceeding to damage both in a tragic jackknifing incident that happened when I tried to reverse the ute with the trailer still attached.<br />
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The whole thing is fucked.<br />
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I figure I'm about 20% moved. I can't hire a truck, and I can't seem to get out of this place. It may well be the last thing I ever do. I have to go. I don't have a choice. And I've got a job, but its hours away from here.<br />
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It's like I'm battling an evil spirit or something. Seriously, the place has got its teeth in me, and I'm not being permitted to leave. And every time I try, I bleed a little more.<br />
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The stress of it is taking its toll. Its effecting my decision making abilities. I'm tired all the time. I'm having trouble focusing, yet I know, the longer this goes on, the less likely I'll be financially, physically and emotionally capable of actually moving. Any moments of merriment are snatched away almost before I can laugh reflexively.<br />
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Moving sucks chocolate salty balls at best. And this move is the worst I've ever experienced, not only had it cost me time, its also cost me every cent I've got and its cost emotionally.<br />
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I can tell you I don't want to go on. But I must. As the Aussie band "The Angels" have said, "I've got to get out of this place, if its the last thing I ever do.."<br />
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Making it stop, I guess that's up to me.<br />
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Fuck me dead.Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-9551741568576475352013-08-11T06:48:00.001-07:002013-08-11T06:48:52.700-07:00It's Been a Long TimeI don't know if any of you still follow this blog, or even give rat's ass about anything I have to say. But I have had a disturbingly lot going on in the 7 months, including but not limited to, the loss of my crappy job, the loss of my house, severe depression, anger, fear and sadness. <br />
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Blogging does help me deal with depression, and while thought about it a dozen times, I couldn't bring myself to write about it. Indeed, thoughts of self destruction took precedence. I had it planned, even managed to get rid of the wife for a few days to do it. My plan was simple. A sharp knife across the throat would have take care of it.<br />
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So. Why didn't I do it?<br />
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I was watching tv, my inability to cope with my life had me try to find escape wherever I could. I descended into the tv and video games. Much to my wife's disgust. Anyways, while I was watching, I saw a commercial for mantherapy.org.au and I learnt a few things. I'm in the second most at risk age group in Australia. My circumstances are the common reasons within that demographic.<br />
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I spoke to people by phone, and got my shit straightened out, more or less, because I'm still here.<br />
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Still breathing; and yeah, still smoking. It helps me cope.<br />
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So I'm up late tonight, smoking too much and watching Die Welle (The Wave). The Wave is based, loosely, on a genuine experiment by a high school teacher about fascism. He used his class as a test group. This German film is scarier, and more disturbing than the original which ran as an after school special on tv when I was a kid. Its worth watching.<br />
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So, what's upcoming in Torggil's World?<br />
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I'm starting a new job in a few weeks. Followers of this blog will know I've done it before. I'm going back to taxi driving. This time in Townsville.<br />
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More than just the town the Powerpuff team rescues on that show, It's actually a real city, in tropical north Queensland. So I may change the name of the Blog to Torggil's Nights, or something. I'm going to try to do something on it every week. <br />
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When the Eddard game starts back up, I hope to post more adventures as well. <br />
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Also, the Australian Federal Election is coming up. I know I have a take or two on that.<br />
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So hang ten everyone. As soon as this move is over, I'll be back. Regularly, I hope.Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-40210454267580386832013-01-31T21:20:00.000-08:002013-01-31T21:20:54.123-08:00Eddard's Diary: Chapter 4<div align="center">
2: The Valley of Hobgoblins</div>
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Thoram did an inventory of the weapons found. As a gesture of thanks he offered each us what ever we wanted from the inventory. I took two finely made but plain daggers. These were the only weapons he had that I could use. But daggers were always handy, and I wasn't going to insult him by refusing his generous offer.</div>
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The next morning, we rode out, being competently led by the hunter.</div>
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It took us most of the day to reach Miklaus' valley. When the hunter told us his lodge was in the next valley, Wren did a little scouting.</div>
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There were a dozen hobgoblins in the valley, practising archery, possibly there as guards. There was no sign of Miklaus. Thinking he may simply be in the lodge set apart from the humanoids, we decided a direct attack was in the cards.</div>
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We set ourselves up. Logan and Garrus were taking point, lances at the ready. I took the right flank with Thoram. Azzarak and Ulf took the left.</div>
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We crept as close to the summit as possible, and then charged full speed down the hill.</div>
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We took them by surprise. We were halfway down the slope before the creatures opened fire with their bows. I fired back, wounding one and in turn, naturally, being wounded, but only slightly.</div>
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When we impacted their line, we swept it. The opening clash left 6 humanoids dead. I had some trouble taking mine out, wounded as he was. Short swords are not very good when fighting mounted.</div>
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When I killed mine, I leaped off my horse and ran for the house, concerned that we could be under attack from the dwelling, not knowing how many people were inside, or what weapons they had. I guarded the entry as the rest of the party finished off the hobgoblins. </div>
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It didn't take long, and during the rest of that fight, no one came out of the house. </div>
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With a short sword in either hand, I covered the locked door to the lodge. And shortly, the rest of the party joined me. </div>
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Thoram didn't hesitate and simply walked through it. His sheer strength has always left me in awe, and this occasion was no exception.</div>
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The house was empty of anyone save ourselves. We searched it thoroughly, there was little loot. We weren't gentle. I was sure that this man was the local source of many wrongs in the area. It was wren that drew my attention to something.</div>
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It the valley to the north, there seemed to be plenty of smoke rising into the air. My first thought was perhaps a forest fire. I asked he to go check it out. She headed up the slope quickly, and it wasn't long before she returned.</div>
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"Hobgoblins." She said, out of breath. "Five hundred of them."</div>
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I think everyone in the party swore at the same time, to their own Gods. The number was direct threat to the baronies, and perhaps even the county.</div>
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We needed to get the Hells out of there.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-11020084885298883392013-01-28T02:03:00.001-08:002013-01-28T02:03:06.245-08:00Something to think about...<h3 align="center">
We Are People</h3>
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We are people.</div>
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We are not gay, straight, or bi. We are all these things, and so much more.</div>
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We are people. We are not black, white, Asian, or aboriginal. We are all of these things, and so much more.</div>
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We are people. We are not Jews, christian, Muslim, Shinto, Buddhist, atheist, or any other religion. We are all of these things, and so much more.</div>
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We are not rich or poor. We are not pretty or ugly. We are not old or young. We are not male nor female. We are all of these things, and much, much more.</div>
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Why we insist on narrow viewpoints, limiting perspectives, and closing our minds to new ideas is beyond me.</div>
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We are people. We need to be equal in standing, in rights, and in potential. Should we ever achieve this, humanity will leap forward.</div>
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We are weaker when any of us is thought of as just gay. Or just Muslim. Or just black. We all fail in our potential. That is our weakness. That is our critical flaw. It is why we fight, why we weaken ourselves, and why we deny recognition of others, and therefore, through that precedent, ourselves.</div>
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Our strength as homo sapiens lies in our diversity. Our willingness to adapt to new ideas, share new philosophies, and use them to change our perspective. We grow, we develop, and we improve as we change, progressing ever forward and these ideas and philosophies are applied.</div>
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We are all people, as different as we are from one another. But because we are people, we are also the same.</div>
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Copyright 2013 this blog.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-82667394117649226892013-01-11T18:06:00.000-08:002013-01-11T18:06:36.614-08:00Eddard's Diary: Chapter 4- Siege at Halfbrook<h3 align="center">
1. Smoking Inn</h3>
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Two more miles, and my worst fear was realised. The Troll and Maiden lay in ruins. There were men, the Duke's men by the look, poking through the still smouldering remains of the Inn.</div>
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My first thoughts were for Tia ad her child. I could see no others anywhere in the area.</div>
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With no sign of anyone else, I decided to go to the nearby temple of Chauntea, to see the priests. </div>
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That decision didn't help. The temple area was empty, though undamaged. A quick search of the area made it appear as though the priests simply abandoned it.</div>
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What happened to Tia? Where were the survivors? I was torn, I had a duty to those we had rescued in Scornubel. I also had a very strong need to find Tia. Duty won. It had to, though the question of her location would plague me for some time.</div>
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I went back to the ruins to converse with the soldiers there. Only Logan and I approached them, the others hid some distance off, though near enough if we needed them.</div>
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A conversation with them proved that they were there merely to investigate. We were told the in was attacked, by soldiers wearing cloaks in the colours of Baron Redhand. This was proved out when someone discovered a Redhand Knight's sword. Logan and I looked at each other. Someone was trying very hard to implicate Garrus' father in something. The whole thing smelled bad. I didn't believe the evidence, he definitely wasn't the type. So the question is, who was doing this and why?</div>
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We didn't dally. We had people to take home, safely, and night was coming, so we pushed on. </div>
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It took 2 days to get to Halfbrook, our final stop. There were only four people left. Two were the girls Wren rescued from the traders, and the last two were from village itself.</div>
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When we got to Halfbrook, we were greeted by the townsfolk, and an impromptu celebration was held at the Inn. Wren decided she would blend in as a rescued person, in an attempt to discover if the return of the girls was welcome by everyone.</div>
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Logan and I got to talking about the night of the raid. We decided to find out as much as we could about it, as a stepping stone to learning what was really going on.</div>
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As we interviewed everyone we could think of, the militia men involved in dealing with the raid, the parents of one of the girls- from the farm north of town, and staff members at the inn, we learnt many things.</div>
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The raid was clearly well planned. The door at the back of the stables was left unlocked. The militia were busy at the farm when the inn was hit, and Thoram's goods were a bonus and not the target. We knew the date was consistent with the information on our map from the bandit hideout,thus indicating the date was planned in advance, and wasn't changed because of the presence of Thoram's goods.</div>
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The unlocked gate gave the bandits free access to the inn. They had inside help.</div>
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By the time the investigation was concluded, day had turned to night. I wrote a quick note or Wren and slipped it into her hand, asking her to look check on the inn's employees. We narrowed it down to someone with a store room key. The owner and the night manager.</div>
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Wren did her thing. It was the night manager. She did a quick search of his room and Thoram's weapons were found.</div>
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We had the night manager arrested. Thoram was pleased to see his weapons. The armour, however had been taken by the bandits.</div>
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A hard interview with the night manager and we got a name. Miklaus. He was a hunter who had a lodge a ways north of town. A local hunter, eager to help, offered to lead us there. So, tomorrow, we would go.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-67183217040176018352013-01-10T00:03:00.001-08:002013-01-10T00:04:27.076-08:00Nature's Way...
Out my front window...
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In the bedroom...Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-11933721428133333052013-01-09T21:46:00.001-08:002013-01-09T21:52:26.860-08:00Eddard's Diary: Chapter 3<h3 style="text-align: center;">
They came, We saw, I Charged</h3>
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It was like that, As soon as the two wagons came into view, I spurred my horse forward.</div>
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I had one major concern, that the guards did not have time to react to the attack and kill the people being transported. </div>
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I stood high in my saddle, and leaped the distance from my horse to the wagon top. Even as the crossbow bolt stuck in my side, my swords impale the guardsman. I was hurt pretty bad, but I used the body of guardsman as cover from the crossbowman on the wagon.</div>
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An arrow appeardd in him, and he fell, from Ulf I think. Thoram took care of the guards flanking the wagon. Garrus and Ulf went after the other. </div>
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As quick as I could I got the body of the guardsman free of my blades, and he fell with a dull thud to the packed ground below. I swung into the wagon. The guard looked like he was going to fight until Thoram's appeared behind me. He dropped his weapons.</div>
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And just like that, it was over. I was bleeding from my side from the bolt, but one by one, sacks were untied and people appeared.</div>
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We created quite a commotion. There were people everywhere. Even the guard turned up before long. There wasn't that many involved that the city guard couldn't put a stop to it in reasonably short order.</div>
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We were asked questions. It was sort of undiscussed, but the party as a whole decided not to try and fight the watch. The freed people spoke for us, as both witness and evidence.</div>
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In the end, we were asked to leave town, but the guard captain in charge seemed a little worried. He asked us to stay in touch, and we'd use the Troll and Maiden as the message point.</div>
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We left the next morning, with out fanfare. We rode while our charges walked.</div>
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Well for the most part. Azzarak did catch up to us the following day. He had little explanation for his absence. He also had this idea that the freed people would be better on horseback while we, their protectors walked. </div>
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A quick lesson in battlefield tactics will tell you that the armed people needed to be mounted, as we can respond to better to threats. We can see further, and react faster to potential problems then someone on foot. In fact the first lesson I learnt in fighting mounted opponents was "be the mounted opponent."</div>
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He got his back up and insisted he was right. </div>
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I realised that Azzarrak was a moron. I offered to demonstrate this principle. I told him to start at 150 paces. If he could reach me before I could put 3 arrows in the ground, he was right. I knew that I could put 5. He also refused to take me up on it.</div>
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I wanted him out of the party. I can abide many things. Except constant stupidity on behalf of the guy that should know better.</div>
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Logan soothed us. Azzarrak walked. I got over it. For now at least.</div>
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It took us nearly a week to return to the Troll and Maiden. As we drew close, we saw smoke on the horizon. This wasn't going to be good. I could tell.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-86626049622085164792013-01-06T01:58:00.001-08:002013-01-06T01:58:19.744-08:00Eddard's Diary Chapter 3 <h3 align="center">
Inciting the Riot</h3>
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As the afternoon wore on, I made my back to Garrus and Logan. I told them of the riot I was setting up that night. They agreed that it would be useful in keeping the city watch off our backs while we ade a play for the captives. With little information in how they would actually be moved, we did work out the most likely route Denthos' men would use. We would be ready.</div>
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At te appointed time, I made my way to the market square. Using all of my oratory skill, I made the already angry crowd, angrier. I used the evil lurinking in the neighbourhood line to great effect. I played on their sympathetic emotions to the orphans by claiming," These unfortunates, who have already lost an incalcuable amount, who have already suffered at life's injustice should have those wrongs compounded by being betrayed by the very people that are supposed to protect them.</div>
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"These poor children are being sold into slavery, prostitution and worse by the headmaster.</div>
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"The law does nothing. They do not care about the fate a few children.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"The only people that care are standing here. The only people with the strength and will to do something stand before me, here, tonight.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"We will act when no else will. We will provide justice to these children. We will step forward and say 'No! Not anymore."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The crowd starting chanting. "No more! No more!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My own voice was rising in pith of righteous anger," Let's end this! To the orphanage!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And like water behind a broken dam, the crowd surged in the direction of the orphanage. I could already see the town guard arriving in force. Some tried to stop the crowd from moving on the building. Others engaged the crowd directly with clubs. Fights were breaking out.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had to be somewhere else, and made my way quickly to where the party waited. I worried that I could be identified for inciting the riot, and needed to make a fast getaway.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was told that the captives were being transported in 2 wagons. Each one had guards flanki g either side, a driver, a guard on the roof and one riding inside the wagon to watch captives themselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We set up an order of battle. Only Wren and Azzarak were missing. Wren was to enter the last wagon by stealth. No one had heard from or seen Azzarrak in 2 days. He couldn't be bothered to report in. As we waited, I wondered if I wanted to continue to work with someone as stupid as Azzarrak seemed to be. After all, anyone with a brain would check in once in a while. He should be here, waiting for them with us.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And then we saw them, coming down the street. We readied ourselves and then charged,</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-50423820273761420722013-01-01T21:10:00.001-08:002013-01-02T08:29:29.592-08:00Eddard's Diary Chapter 3 (Con't)<h3 align="center">
Eddard's Really Bad Day Part 2</h3>
<h3 align="center">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hushed the girls as I crouched low, bow at the ready. I could hear rummaging around and then I heard the ladder creak. I waited. Just a little longer, I thought, wait for it...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A head appeared at the the top of the ladder, I kicked at it, knocking him off the ladder. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"There they are! Get him!."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I lined up one with my bow, determined that I meant business. I let the arrow go, and managed to wing one them in the leg. By the tears of Mystra, first clouting a little girl, then shooting an unarmed individual. Would this day never end?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"The next one what comes up here, dies!" I called down to them. That paused the four men. "I will not permit these children to become slaves."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"What?" That from the one I wounded.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"These girls were sold as slaves by the headmaster at the orphanage!" I drew upon my oratory skills for all they worth. I was at a cross roads here. If they didn't believe me, they would be back with more people. I couldn't hold off all of them, though I was confident I could against these four. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get them all, and I didn't want to. They were just trying to find a murderer, and a thief. But maybe they could help us. We had to prove slavery in a town where those in the trade are established citizens, and even wealthy merchants, important for the economy of the town.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I have been investigating a case of slave taking for some months. With the help of some my friends, we have already managed to rescue a handful from certain slavery in Amn and returned them to the their homes. We tracked more slaves, taken from their homes, from their loved ones, by bandits and sent here."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The men listened, disbelief slowly being replaced by anger.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Sergeant Rogan was killed in the act of procuring a 12 year old girl for the pleasure of his Amnite master."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The men were visibly angry now.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"She was obtained, for monetary consideration, from the headmaster of the local orphanage."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They became really angry with that last line. Wren appeared behind the men and made her way forward.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of the men remembered the money, but before he could say anything, I forestalled him. "She works with me, and has been crucial in the gathering of this information. The girls trust her, even as I do."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
None of the men moved towards her. She climbed the ladder. When she got the top, she told me three things. She learnt that the remaining slaves were going to be moved soon, most likely that night. She also said that Denthos was behind the slavery operation. She believed the people would be taken out of Scornubel by river.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Good people, I have just been given some important information. The Amnite Denthos is behind the local slave operation. I have been told that the remaining slaves from the baronies will be moved to the river tonight."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Kill the Amnite! Free the slaves!" came the call from the floor of the warehouse. It wasn't long before it turned into a chant. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"My friends, please," I said, gesturing to lower the noise from the building. As they calmed down I said," Do not throw away your lives attacking the Amnite. His men would kill you without a second thought. Leave freeing the slaves to us. We have friends and are getting quite used to this kind of thing."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They looked disappointed, but still angry.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"But we, as outsiders, can't do anything about the headmaster. That's what I need you to do. Go to your favourite hangouts. Tell your friends and anyone else what has been happening there, gather them," I said a seed of a plan forming in my mind,"and meet me at the merchant square ear the orphanage, one hour after sunset."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Do this and we can put a stop to the evil that has taken root in your neighbourhood. Do this and we can bring justice to people who have operated without it for far too long.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"One hour after sunset. I will update you all then."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The men left. Talking among themselves. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I think they were looking forward to the coming night.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was happy, too. I was going to use the riot that I would incite to draw the guard away from the people transporting the slaves, taking the city guard out of the equation. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Inciting a riot. Should a paladin be doing that?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I couldn't let that thought stop me, there was still a lot to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-58985577765533860442012-12-31T02:46:00.001-08:002012-12-31T19:47:31.610-08:00Eddard's Diary: Chapter 3 (Con't)<h3 align="center">
Eddard's Really Bad Day part 1</h3>
<div align="center">
<em>Punching an Innocent</em></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the morning, after an uncomfortable night spent sleeping in the loft area of the warehouse, Wren asked me to go keep an eye on the orphanage while she and her charge lay low in the warehouse. After what I saw last night, I knew that sending Wren out today would be extremely dangerous as it seemed half the city was looking for her. I knew that, by now, there would be a bounty out on her.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I changed my appearance slightly from the body guard persona. I wore one short sword, instead of the pair, and carried the short bow. I muddied my cloak and wore it with the hood up to conceal my identity. Not being an expert in disguise, I didn't know what else to do, so I left it at that.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I made my way to the orphanage, by a round about route. I didn't dare take a direct route for fear that I was already being followed. I found a wall to lean against a little ways up from the street entrance of the orphanage. It wasn't long before I saw a mercenary type- someone I thought I recognised from Minx's the night before- walk into the place. I waited outside, and when he came out, I followed him. He went out to one of the caravan holding yards outside the city proper. The area he went into was obviously rich, likely Amnite, and extremely well guarded. I noted where this camp was. It wasn't long, though, before the mercenary I'd been following came out of the camp and made his way back to the orphanage. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This time, when he came out of the orphanage, he wasn't alone. With him, was a very young girl that bore more than a passing resemblance to the girl in Wren's care. I didn't believe the girl was a relative of his. I believed the headmaster had sold another one, because the first had yet to be found. This belief forced me to do something about it. I can't stand by and allow a young girl, whose only crime was having no parents, be collected for slavery or prostitution. I had to act.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The problem was, how? I was alone. No back up. No way of getting back up. If I merely followed, and he made it back to the Amnite Merchant's camp, I'd lose any opportunity.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I saw where they were going, into a market square. I moved down a street, confident of their travel path and ran to get in front of them. I came to the entrance of an alley that led back onto the main road. I waited, catching my breath, preparing mentally. And then they appeared, walking together up the street. I walked out of the alley mouth, headed for the mercenary. As I came within half a metre of him, I shoulder charged him, knocking him off his feet. I scooped up the girl and ran.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Behind me, he was calling for help, saying I had taken his daughter. The girl's shock at being taken was quickly wearing off and she started to fight me. I dodged with her down side streets, I tried to tell her she was safe. She wasn't buying it. When I could see one else around, I clocked her one, hard enough to knock her out, if I didn't do something, the mercenary or city watch would catch me for sure, and the girl would be at the mercy of whatever fate awaited her at the hand of these slavers. I had no choice. I also wasn't happy about it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I ducked into a small one room hut, grabbed an old blanket, wrapped her up in it, and took her, again by circuitous means, back to the warehouse.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wasn't followed. I entered the place and took her up to the loft. I gently placed her in the blanket on the straw. Wren was no where to be seen, but the first girl was still there. I started to explain the situation to her, telling her what happened, when there was sound of a search party in the building. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All I heard was," I bet the bitch we're looking for is in here."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Terrific. </em>I got my bow ready.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-87994510119104944782012-12-29T22:30:00.003-08:002012-12-29T22:30:31.277-08:00Quick Notes on Eddard's DiaryThere are a few things followers of Eddard's Diary need to know. <br />
<br />
The most important is the idea that I'm four or five posts away catching up to the current game timeline.<br />
<br />
The other thing to note is that Chapter 4 ends with a massive fight, and I suspect that combat will take two posts by itself to write. I am going to try to describe it as much as is practical- but there were large portions of the fight that my character couldn't see.<br />
<br />
I hope you are enjoying Eddard's Diary as much as I am enjoying bringing it to you.<br />
<br />
If any of you have ideas on how Eddard's might be better presented, feel free to email or comment.Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-37236525053143819982012-12-29T22:14:00.000-08:002012-12-29T22:14:23.751-08:00Eddard: Chapter 3 (Con't)<h3 align="center">
On The Run</h3>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="left">
As soon as that thought entered my head, I knew it was the right one. <em>Mystra's Tears, what did you do Wren?</em></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I knew I had to get out of there. But instead of leaving right away, I pretended like I found her when I entered an empty room. I stayed there for about a minute- long enough to check in on my client. Then I walked down the stairs, and straight out of the building, taking only a quick detour to walk past Ulf, who looked completely unaware something was up. All I said to him was "trouble."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I walked out of Minx's. It took a heap of effort to keep from running, but I knew that would only draw attention to me. It wasn't long, however, before the city watch was headed past me to the festhall. I had made my getaway. I headed straight back to the Inn where the party was supposed to be staying. Garrus and Logan were in the taproom with Thoram. Of Azzarak, Wren, or Ulf there was no sign.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I did what I could to alter my appearance, and then sat with the others. Ulf did arrive very shortly later. No one knew where Azzarak was. As we sat there debating our best option, a street urchin arrived and gave a note to Garrus.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"It's from Wren," he said," it's directions to a warehouse."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"Let's go," I said rising immediately.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
We walked through the streets, trying not to make ourselves conspicuous because of the late hour. As we neared the place, we were stopped by the city watch. </div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"We're looking for a young half-elf female. You seen her?"</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I let Garrus do the talking. I suspected that my presence as her bodyguard would have been noted, and the watch may soon come looking for me.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"No, we haven't," Garrus replied.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"Do be careful," the guard said,"she is a murderer and a thief. She is extremely dangerous."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Garrus nodded, "we will."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
The guard called over to his comrades,"C'mon boys, lets try over here."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
As the guards moved away, Garrus said, "We need to get in here,"</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I didn't see how we were going to get in, without Wren to pick the lock, but Garrus produced a key and unlocked the door. I never asked. but the key must have arrived with the note. </div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
We went inside the warehouse. It looked disused, almost derelict from the inside, but once the door shut behind us, she told us what happened.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
She came across a deal being made for a 12 year old girl- being sold by a guard Sergeant named Rogan, all happening on the second floor of Mother Minx's. She felt she had to act, to spare someone from the life she had in Amn as a slave. Rogan was killed, and the girl taken into Wren's protective care. According to Wren, the girl was sold by the headmaster of a local orphanage.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Committing murder to save someone from slavery, it seemed a fair trade to me, somehow. I was just happy I got out of Minx's before they got onto me. It was because of this, that I was nominated to stay with Wren and the child. </div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I felt obligated to try to save them all from slavery, but I wondered if it was possible.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I also wondered how this little escapade of Wren's would affect our chances of rescuing the others.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-38932817412863901812012-12-29T03:56:00.000-08:002012-12-29T03:56:11.087-08:00Eddard: Chapter 3 (Con't)<h3 align="center">
Mother Minx's Part 2</h3>
<div align="center">
<em>Murder by Death</em></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Eventually their conversation came to end, mainly because it was time for to take the stage again.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When she took the stage and began her dance, I glanced around the room to check out the crowd. As the evening wore on, I saw more and more Amnites enter the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A funny thing about Amnites, their society seems to favour ostentatious displays of wealth, and the more ostentatious, the more wealthy, generally speaking. Where a wealthy man in Waterdeep might wander the streets merely in clothes of good quality, an Amnite will wear piles of jewellery, use expensive perfumes, and surround themselves with bodyguards.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I saw one such Amnite begin to make the approach to my table. Of his six bodyguards, only two approached with him. I didn't rise from the table, despite his station. He was being a supplicant to me, for something he believed I had, and I wanted him to know I knew it. Its business, not a social meeting.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Still, he had more questions than the last. Took far more interest in her history than I thought was necessary. I knew Wren was an escaped slave from Amn, and I knew better than to tell him the truth. I told him she hired me as protection. That her last contract ended, and she left Waterdeep, believing the city had no others that would be interested in her abilities, hiring me just before leaving the city. That's all I knew, I told him. Other questions would have to be asked of her, for I knew not the answers.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He was a gruff, arrogant man, one used to commanding power simply because he commanded wealth. The more I spoke to him, the less I liked him. But I could not turn him away, or aggravate him, that would blow my cover. He eventually left, sliding me another piece of paper for Wren to look at.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The first merchant stopped back at my table, he asked me,"Do you know what my chances are?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I said,"That might depend on what you could tell me of the Amnites in Scornubel."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He smiled, and told me a little of the gentleman that just my table. He said that he was in weapons as well as rarities, but that his tastes in certain things tended towards Sadism. I nodded, not quite believing him, but then I asked him about the slave trade in Scornubel.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He said "That's illegal." </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I said, "Okay hypothethically, if anyone traded in that commodity in town, who would it be?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He gave a name. "Denthos, without a doubt."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Denthos. I had the name. "Is he here?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"No. Not yet at least."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wren's dance came to an end, and I asked him to leave me so that Wren and I could converse in private.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well she didn't come down. And soon I noticed bouncers making for the stairway. As soon as I saw that, I leaped from my chair and ran to stairwell. I asked the bouncer,"What's happening?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"There's been a murder."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I am a bodyguard of the dancer Shara," that was Wren's alias,"I must check to see she is okay."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He nodded slightly. I ran up the stairs. I didn't see her with the crowd in the hallway. Nor did my calls of Shara get an answer. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was then I realized that Wren had committed the murder- most likely at least. If I stayed much longer, I would likely be arrested as an accomplice. Mystra's Breath!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-25695972507794667072012-12-28T07:02:00.003-08:002012-12-28T07:02:28.336-08:00Eddard Chapter 3 (Con't)<h3 align="center">
Mother Minx's Part 1</h3>
<div align="center">
<em>The Game Begins</em></div>
<h3 align="center">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wren and I started by going to a dockside establishment that had a seedy reputation, but apparently too seedy. When we approached the operator about our routine, we were told we could, but the place for us was Mother Minx's. We wanted to appeal to wealthy Amnites, because we needed to know who of them was in the slave trade. Minx's was where they went for entertainment, so Minx's was where we went.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The place was big, especially for Scornubel. In Waterdeep, the place would be considered sizable. I was somewhat taken aback by the place, but Wren was suddenly all business. She approached the owner. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I want to dance here," she said to him with a smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"You any good?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She gave him a two minute display, and was hired on the spot.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She told me I was to act as a filter. She knew she would get offers from wealthy Amnites for temporary employment. I was to select the offers that would require her attention. As her bodyguard, my role was also to intimidate those who would approach her with other intentions. I didn't know if I could pull that off, I mean I suppose at six feet I was tall, and fairly well muscled. I also knew that the two swords I carried made me look dangerous, but I also knew that I was not the biggest man in the world, hells, I wasn't the biggest man in the party. Still, maybe I was the best choice. Certainly Ulf couldn't entirely be trusted, Garrus would give himself away- not to mention die before he was seen in a place like this- but me? I was smart enough to pull this off, and capable enough to operate here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We went to the main room, she told me to find a table near the front, while she would go and prepare herself for her performance. She told me before she went upstairs that once her performance began, I wouldn't be waiting long.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She was right. I tried to do the right thing when she was on the stage, but I have to admit, her moves and timing was exquisite. And she was beautiful, sexy, and alluring. I had never seen anything like it. In the end, I could hardly take my eyes off her.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Excuse me," said a voice that drew my attention back to the table.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I started at the sound as a very obvious Amnite came to the table. I quickly recovered.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He continued,"Are you handling her?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I am not, exactly. I'm her body bodyguard. I handle initial contact with clients, she makes the decision as to what, if any contracts she accepts."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I see. I would like to hire her for a week. I'm sure she will find the pay more that acceptable."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I'm sure she would," he was finely dressed, and obviously wealthy, but it was early in the evening, and I suspected his would not be the only offer on the table before long.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As she danced we talked some more, he even bought me a drink- a fine, expensive spirit, but I merely sipped it, being careful not to get drunk. The conversation turned away from the immediate business, as I enquired as to the nature of his business. If he balked, I would merely explain that as a bodyguard, it was my duty to understand somethings about the client. I didn't have to explain, he seemed to grasp that.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I have a good reputation in the town, and I am not known violence or hurting those I hire. My business is largely in weapons, and as the Goblin war draws to an end, I suspect I'll only be here for a few more weeks, I am hopeful that she may ascent to my contract so those last weeks pass pleasantly."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Indeed, we did have a great conversation, and as her dance came to an end, he rose from the table, passing his offer on a folded piece of paper across the table to me. But by the end of the conversation, I also knew he was not the one I wished to meet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When she came down for her break, I briefed her on him. She agreed with me, but met with him anyway. That would enhance her reputation as someone for hire. I thought about the conversation I had with him, and resolved to enquire a bit more about the Amnites in general, maybe find out who was known by them to be in the slave trade. If I could get them talking about it, I may well learn a name or two that would bear checking.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-724554436305334262012-12-26T23:35:00.001-08:002012-12-28T05:46:41.213-08:00Eddard: Chapter 3 (Con't)<h3 align="center">
The Weapons Shop</h3>
<h3 align="center">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Being from Waterdeep, I was used to large settlements, all the hustle and bustle. People moving this way and that all on mysterious errands, conducting their business in the secrecy that only large crowds can give. Being from rural areas, others were more taken aback.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was astonished to note, Scornubel being what it is, how simple it was to enter and leave the town. With merchant camps surrounding the place on three sides, and the river on the last, there was so much coming and going that we weren't spare a second glance upon entering the town proper. Even though we were heavily armed, and on horseback, we entered the town without incident.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thoram's business friend had his shop near the riverfront. We went straight there. The shop, naturally, was run by a dwarf, and after greetings, we questioned him about any Dwarven weapons making an appearance in town. He hadn't seen a thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I gave the shopkeeper the armour we took off the bodyguard of the slave merchant, asking if it could be modified to fit Ulf. This was relatively simple, but as there other orders, the refit and repair was expected to take up to two weeks. This was acceptable, and he was paid in advance for the work, largely by trading the jewelled dagger I was using.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was looking for a better set of short swords, given that one had already broken in combat. All of the swords on display, while of decent quality, didn't seem to be an improvement on the one I already owned. And then he showed me a blade, somewhat shorter than I was accustomed, with metal that seemed to shimmer in the light. He told me it was a vermin slayer's weapon, but that the metal cold be forged for a more standard sized weapon. I lifted it off the counter. The balance was exquisite, and metal felt marginally lighter. And its ethereal beauty. I wanted them. I thought that those weapons would definitely be for me. He told me 120 gold. I didn't have it, but I did give him a 40 gold deposit. He even asked me if I wanted them inscribed. I gave him the holy symbol of Mystra, to put both on the pommel and on the blade.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the meantime, I purchased a serviceable short sword to replace the dagger. I felt better fully armed.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Everyone had a good poke around his shop. Azzarrak wanted to use his services as an armourer to reduce the cost of whatever he bought. The shopkeep, unsurprisingly, wasn't interested.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We left the shop and went to nearby inexpensive inn, so we could plan this leg of the investigation. Clearly, the party was going to have to split up. Thoram and Azzarak would try to find work using their "talents," I suspected that would mean working the docks as labourers, certainly in Azzarak's case. Wren and I would work as a team. She was playing the of a high cost dancer, and I was to be her bodyguard.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But what we would learn would set everything everything spinning out of control.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-83175645450243005792012-12-25T05:58:00.003-08:002012-12-25T05:58:19.448-08:00How the Klutz Killed ChristmasOr.. Slaughtering the Spirit of the Season<br />
Or.. What Not to do at Christmas<br />
<br />
There's a lesson here I'm sure. Too bad I'm an idiot.<br />
<br />
You see. it started yesterday, with an accident. I wasn't the one who caused it, but I made the situation worse.<br />
<br />
We were using a somewhat iffy table to have our Christmas tree in the window shining out over the driveway. Near the table was a fridge and freezer. In searching for the Christmas ham in the freezer, my wife bumped the table and the leg gave way. This smashed a couple of porcelain cookie jars, but it didn't collapse the table.<br />
<br />
I decided to help. I noticed the power cords for the tree slung over the curtain rod. I thought this was a bad thing, so I went to grab the tree. I lifted it off the half collapsed table, not realising there were gifts under it. These were more porcelain cookie jars to complete the collection and were for my wife. Naturally, the tree was only thing holding them up, removing the tree meant they too smashed to the floor.<br />
<br />
Well, it went to shit from there.<br />
<br />
To make matters worse, on an extremely limited budget, I bought her a gift that I thought she would both appreciate and use, completely forgetting that we had already obtained one several months back. I had forgot because I rarely ever see it. <br />
<br />
She did extremely well. Gave me a gift that I will always treasure, and one I am proud to call mine. If I ever get another desk job, its going to occupy a prominent place on my desk.<br />
<br />
I singlehandedly destroyed the Christmas spirit at my house, as completely as if I'd shot it repeatedly with a tommy gun.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I wonder why my wife still stays with me, and I'll wager she's wondering why too if the silence tonight is any indication.<br />
<br />
She's been with me ten years. Christmas and I have never really gotten along, and I have never learnt from my Christmas mistakes. I suck at it. I always have; its my worst holiday. I'm much better at national holidays, where independence or nationhood is celebrated. Or Halloween. Or Thanksgiving- though I moved to a country that doesn't celebrate it. If I have a bit of cash, I'm even good at Valentines day.<br />
<br />
But Christmas?<br />
<br />
Bah, Humbug.<br />
<br />
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-71387913207164480802012-12-24T05:40:00.003-08:002012-12-24T05:40:41.477-08:00Eddard: Chapter 3 (con't)<h3 align="center">
Rude Awakening</h3>
<h3 align="center">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Whatever was going on, it was serious. After explaining to us that she was forced to kill the garrison commander, she showed us the documents.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They showed clearly that Garrus' father, the Baron Redhand, was involved in the slavery ring.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Garrus was the first to voice his disbelief. I was quick to follow. These papers ran opposite to everything I knew about how Redhand ran his territory. His followers and even is people loved the man too much They were too loyal to him. This had to be a fabrication. The question was, why?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We decided there and then to make or next stop Castle Redhand. We marched as quick as we could to his castle. It was more of a fortified manor house. His was a minor holding. A full castle was too much to expect.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When we arrived, we discovered that we were just ahead of the Count's Sheriff. He had come to seek evidence of the Baron's involvement. We attended the meeting in the Baron's hall. It was clear that they already suspected him, and were going to pin the slavery on him, true or not.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We met with his father immediately following that meeting. We showed him the evidence we collected at the depot, and told him of everything else we had accomplished. We even showed him the map with the dates on it that we had acquired at the bandit camp.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Someone was determined to divide the baronies and destabilise the area. Again, we didn't know why. I suspected that the people who organised the goblin war, that mysterious cabal of evil mages was behind it. Wren believed the Amnites organised it all to conceal the slavery operation. Whatever the reason, Garrus believed that his father would not surrender his holding to anyone. It meant war.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wanted to prevent that, at all costs. Whatever was going on, I became more determined that ever to put a stop to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
His manner grew serious during the meeting. He asked us to keep everything we had on us. Garrus told him about our intention to go to Scornubel, to free more of the people taken from the area and he agreed. We even managed to get horses from him. Half trained and bit wild, but good quality. Someone o the Baron's staff knows his horseflesh.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We left the manor without further adieu, knowing that the Sheriff would soon be marking everyone coming and going from the house. We needed to be gone. Our time was limited, we believed that the slaves would eventually be shipped downriver to Baldur's gate and then onwards to Amn. We still had to discover how and when they'd be moved. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Scornubel wasn't Waterdeep. Even so, the traffic going through the town made it one of the richest in Faerun, and finding them in that movement would be akin to getting the needle out of the haystack. A tall order.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We weren't going into the city completely blind. Thoram knew a Dwarf who ran a weapons shop down near the waterfront, and since we also wanted to locate his weapons and armour, we thought we may as well start there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a three day ride to Scornubel, and despite all the warnings, it was an uneventful trip.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-59177329587664391462012-12-20T19:18:00.003-08:002012-12-20T19:18:55.390-08:00Surviving the Apocalypse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXczh4m1h4jPBV1NSRjtQ6kredIXJagRVFq1agZiZl6jd2ZjCbNt9TKIbJK4ZPGXXX6Y-0wFUE2S_4sdDhUBldgi-w4QEIPCQDsAT34A_fw5jYMNYXhknoJGJjF5aj4gCcCqxIbFih9sU/s1600/apocalypse2b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_wood78="2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXczh4m1h4jPBV1NSRjtQ6kredIXJagRVFq1agZiZl6jd2ZjCbNt9TKIbJK4ZPGXXX6Y-0wFUE2S_4sdDhUBldgi-w4QEIPCQDsAT34A_fw5jYMNYXhknoJGJjF5aj4gCcCqxIbFih9sU/s1600/apocalypse2b.png" /></a><br />
<br />
My <em>Choose Your Own Apocalypse Blogfest</em> entry<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So what have I done to ensure my survival to fast coming apocalypse? <br />
<br />
I uprooted myself from my homeland to move to the most geologically stable continent on the Planet. I have, therefore put myself out of harms reach of earthquakes. I reside in the lightly populated area of North Queensland in Australia, a full two hours drive from the largest city in the area, Cairns.<br />
<br />
I have put myself behind the great barrier reef and live 900m above sea level (about 3000ft), 60 km inland, limitng the impact of both flood and tsunami.<br />
<br />
I live in a tropical area thereby bypassing the need for heating my home, and keeping myself out of harms way for any sudden beginning to a new ice age.<br />
<br />
Also, by living in the southern hemisphere, the trade winds will keep the bulk of the nuclear radiation away from my house, should the northern hemisphere self destruct in a series of nuclear fireballs.<br />
<br />
By moving to an underpopulated area of the globe, I also don't expect the Aliens to bother targeting this area, they'll be after the military and nuclear powers. Australia doesn't rank.<br />
<br />
Geographically, I have done well.<br />
<br />
However, the Apocalypse won't be any of those. The way my luck runs I'll be attacked by an army of starving man eating zombies. <br />
<br />
If that's the case, and I'm facing down such a horde, I suspect, to quote one of the post WWIII films to come out of the eighties, the survivors will envy the dead. In order to ensure that I do not suffer long from such unfortunate envy, I have kept myself nice and fat, to be an attractive feast for such an army.<br />
<br />
I also hope to meet a vampire first, so that instead, I'll be commanding the horde instead of being eaten by it. To that end, I'm using my blog to advertise for such a meeting.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">If you are a vampire and are in need of a reasonably smart, problem solving lackey, be sure to contact me through this blog, so that a meeting can be arranged at your earliest convenience.</span></em></div>
<br />
The truth is, this end of days will be probably be marked by the birth of the antichrist, or peraps its creation- either through genetic maipulation, natural evolution or even the construction of the first true computer AI. Which means we still have time to do something about it.Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-17561693758276576492012-12-19T22:12:00.000-08:002012-12-19T22:12:01.015-08:00Eddard Chapter Three: Raid at the DepotWe struck, as usual, at night. Logan and I approached the depot weaving and staggering a bit, speaking with slurred words.<br />
<br />
"Thish ya place?" Logan asked me with some pseudo-drunken trepidation.<br />
<br />
"I don't undershtand," I said, "My housh was here this morning.."<br />
<br />
A Hobgoblin poked his headabove the gate.<br />
<br />
"That your wife?"<br />
<br />
"Nahh.. my wife's uglier. Hey!" I said staggering around a little,"who are you and what have you done with my wife?"<br />
<br />
"You!" A human called down from the walls,"Get out of here."<br />
<br />
"Waffor? This is my house."<br />
<br />
"Yeah," Logan said," Who are you and what have you done with his house?"<br />
<br />
"I want into my house! I want to speak with my wife." I said that with all the inane billigerence of a drunken man.<br />
<br />
"Go away," the human guard said, "you don't live here."<br />
<br />
"Oh but I do," I said stumbling closer to the wall, "its my house." And then I urinated against the wall.<br />
<br />
"Get out of here! Now!" and then the gate opened.<br />
<br />
I drew my swords and jumped to the attack. My concern was the gate. I wanted to secure it before they could close it. As the gate opening was the prearranged signal, the archers let fly with fire arrows.<br />
<br />
Logan cut his man down, and I took care of the hobgoblin on the battlements. But we had made a critical error. We estimated about 20 enemy were here, but there was more like thirty. Still, we carried the attack.<br />
<br />
Garrus and Ulf charged in horseback even as the hobgoblins in the yard formed a first line. Thoram and Azzarrak came running as fast as the could to join the fight. Once I secured the gate, I poured oil across the front. I didn't light it yet.<br />
<br />
Garrus rode in and smashed the first line, I charged after him, with Ulf and Logan. But arrows began to fall on us, as a second line was forming. I then saw horsemen riding from the stables on the other side of the compound.<br />
<br />
We cut down the first seven or eight quickly, but a second line of 15 was forming, egged on by human sergeants. I took a bad arrow in the side, and fought on, hurting, and I must say not very successfully. <br />
<br />
About 2 minutes or so since the battle started, and 3 of us were wounded. The battle was not going our way. with more hobgoblins joining the archers second rank, we sounded the retreat. And all of us pulled out of the compound. Miracle of miracles, we didn't lose anyone during the combat. I was the last to clear the gate, and lit the area on fire.<br />
<br />
The party scattered, all heading back to the rendezvous point by their own ways. It was better that way as we figured if they caught one or two of us, the others would at least get away.<br />
<br />
And we all did eventually meet there. No one from our side was killed. Wren was the last to meet, but the papers she found on the leader of the fort implicated Sir Garrus' father.<br />
<br />Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-27233618362456649872012-12-17T19:11:00.004-08:002012-12-17T19:11:58.906-08:00Eddard Chapter 3: Adventures in Scornubel<h3 align="center">
The Depot</h3>
<br />
The morning confirmed my belief. We were leaving to investigate the depot we spied upon earlier. Garrus thought that we may be able to obtain evidence about the destination of the unaccounted for slaves. I wanted to put that place out of action. I thought that with the addition of our mercenary friends, we had a good chance of doing just that.<br />
<br />
Tia wasn't working that morning, but I tracked her down at her room behind the Inn.<br />
<br />
"I have to leave again," I said," we're going after the others who were taken."<br />
<br />
"Please take care of yourself," she replied.<br />
<br />
"I will. I am coming back, I promise you."<br />
<br />
"How long will you be gone?"<br />
<br />
"I may be back in a few days, but I suspect it won't be for very long. I'll have to leave again."<br />
<br />
She nodded slowly, and we kissed again, but it was lacking the raw passion of the previous night. I think neither of us were really looking forward to being apart again.<br />
<br />
I bought some pies for the road and we marched out. Garrus and Logan in the lead, on horseback.<br />
<br />
When we returned to the depot in hills, we had to devise a plan.<br />
<br />
After much debate, and Garrus and Logan doing most of the planning, we devised a way to draw their forces to fight us. The archers would should over the low wall with fire arrows, setting the grass and hay on fire, forcing the livestock kept there to panic. Logan and I would approach the front gate, pretending to be drunks on our way home. I was to mistake the depot for my house. As part of the lure, I'd flash that jewelled dagger around a bit, hoping to get them interested in a foray. All of this was so that Wren could slip over the wall on the opposite side of the depot, to take the boss alive, or failing that, obtaining any documents that may shed light on the who and why.<br />
<br />
If it all went south, I devised a retreat that involved laying oil at the gate and setting it alight after the last of our people got out. This would frustrate any pursuit, hopefully long enough to make our getaway into the night. We set a rendezvous point a few miles away.<br />
<br />
Despite the opposition numbers, we believed that we would win.Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-6287527529236457272012-12-17T01:42:00.001-08:002012-12-17T01:42:44.353-08:00Eddard Chapter 2: Conclusion<h2 align="center">
Celebration</h2>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="left">
We returned to the temple, taking those we freed from the Amnite slaver. When the high priest learnt of what we accomplished, a celebration was the order of the night. I wanted to mark the occasion with someone special, so I returned to the Troll and Maiden.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I approached the innkeeper, as when I entered the taproom, Tia was hard at work serving.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"Is there anyway I could arrange the night off for Tia?" I asked him.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
The Innkeep was pleasant in his response. "As you can see, the bar is rather busy tonight, I don't think I can afford to be without her."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"There is a special celebration at the local temple, as many thought taken as slaves have been returned."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"That's good news, but we are so busy." He said, perhaps a little annoyed that I was still talking to him.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
This was going to be difficult, but I thought I had an ace in the hole. "As you know, my friends and I have been staying here quite often in recent days, and as we need base of operations in the area. We were thinking the Troll and Maiden would be ideal. Letting Tia have the night off, might help convince us."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
The Innkeep looked unsure.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"Remember, Thoram travels with us."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
He considered for a moment, but not for very long. "I think we manage without her tonight. "</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Tia was surprised when she was called over, and given the night off. We strolled arm and arm back to the temple.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
In my absence, they had gotten the feast ready. They sacrificed a cow, and prepared vegetable dishes of amazing complexity and variety. Bread, beer, and wine were served with the feast, and nearly every local resident attended.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
We were treated like heroes. Thoram ate everything they put in front of him, and the more he ate, the more was placed in front of him. Ulf bailed early, preferring to chase the wenches at the inn, but the rest of us stayed.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
But before the night broke up, I walked Tia back to the Inn.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
In the light of the lamp at the taproom entrance we stopped, Contented and happy, I looked into her eyes and she in mine.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
"Freeing slaves," she said, voice dancing across my consciousness like a song of intense beauty," I hadn't realised your work was so dangerous."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I nodded, "Its what I do, but, Tia," I said with emotion than ran from my heart," You've come to mean so much to me in such a short space of time, I don't know why, but, no matter the danger or the situation, I still find a moment to think about you. I will do the things I must do, but I need to know you are here."</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Her answer was a kiss, long and hard in the lamplight.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
We said our goodnights, kissed again. Tomorrow, I knew, I would be off again. But I would tell her in the morning.</div>
Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-55661104512672800652012-12-12T16:38:00.001-08:002012-12-12T16:38:36.217-08:00Christmas Music OverkillIt's that time of year again, by now your ears will be overwhelmed by the continual assault of this "music" all month long.<br />
<br />
And must we start slipping Christmas music into the shops and malls as early as November? Is the 31 days of December not enough? I mean hell, that's 744 hours with which they can numb the mind, make us forget the meaning of Christmas, and turn us into shopping automatons.<br />
<br />
Look, I'm not trying to be a complete scrooge, but honestly people, there's 31 days and there are not that many Christmas Carols. How many times must one endure the tired strains of Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, or Silent Night? This last in particular sung by anyone who reckons they can sing, including TV stars.<br />
<br />
Thus far this year, I have been fortunate to avoid much of this mind numbing, desensitising assault by virtue of my job. Working outdoors hath its benefits, though not many, for my face looks like someone mistook it for lobster, but perhaps its a small price to pay.<br />
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I can point out, happily that all is not lost. There are a handful of people that have produced excellent Christmas albums, and or songs.<br />
<br />
Chris de Burgh wrote a song postulating that perhaps the star of Bethlehem was actually a UFO and it was an alien that marked his birth. I reckon that's believable.<br />
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Mr. Hanky's Christmas Album is worth a listen. There are a couple songs that do make me laugh. Laughing is good at Christmas. Take "Christmas Time in Hell", or the message from "Dead, Dead, Dead" or the slightly goofy "Carol of the Bells"... There are other songs on that album that make me laugh, but somehow they are not quite as Christmassy....<br />
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Twisted Sister made a Christmas album I genuinely like. Heavy metal music and Christmas go together surprisingly well.<br />
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And, last but not least, I must mention Sarah McLachan's Wintersong. A beautiful collection of songs, some favourites, some written specifically for the album. Including a song about death.Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-5402069806213585362012-11-06T01:43:00.002-08:002012-11-06T01:43:52.133-08:00Eddard: Chapter 2 (Con't)<h3 align="center">
Decisions, Decisions</h3>
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The knife he held to her throat was jewelled, and his sickly sweet perfume filled my nostrils. The girl trembled in his grip.</div>
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"I leave with the girl," he repeated.</div>
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I had to think quickly. I was never faced with this decision before. As a paladin, I knew that I could not go back on my word. I hoped he knew it, too.</div>
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"You leave. The girl stays. We let you live." I said in my most authoritative tone.</div>
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"You won't keep your word."</div>
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"I have to. I'm a paladin." I replied. He smiled slightly when I said 'paladin'. Though his very presence made my flesh crawl and my stomach nauseous, I could not have him kill the girl, or take her into slavery. I had to deal.</div>
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"I don't believe you. The girl stays with me."</div>
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This was bad. Stalemate. "Just leave the girl and go," I said.</div>
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"You won't sacrifice her to get me, you can't. You're a paladin." He sneered at me. "I am impressed though. You got through my guards. I honestly didn't think you could. Still, touch me, and you deal with him. I don't think you'll survive."</div>
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Through all of this, the big guy in the corner was still, waiting for orders.</div>
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I didn't know what to do. I couldn't make a move. His option was just as unacceptable as him killing her before we could kill him.. There had to be another option. But I didn't see it. I was bound by my word, and I would not give it.</div>
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Surprisingly, the other party members said nothing through all of this. Until Logan said,"Clear a path. You can go. But the big guy stays."</div>
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I sheathed my swords even as the fat man sneered in triumph. </div>
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We stepped aside, and he moved to the room's exit, the way we had come.</div>
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Logan must have given a signal, but I didn't see it. Two of our mercenaries released their arrows, and the fat man, with the arrows in his back, fell like a sack of meat.</div>
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His bodyguard went nuts. But I was mad, and my weapons quick. I leaped at him, ignoring my injury, drawing and striking simultaneously. My left blade snapped like a twig on his armour. But my right hand blade found a gap and sank into his side, to the hilt.</div>
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He stopped, mid draw. "Urk.." The others cut him to pieces. Literally.</div>
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We found 100 platinum pieces on the merchant's body along with that fancy dagger. We collected the armour off the Big Guy. And in a back room, we found 6 more people taken for slavery.</div>
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Logan saw the way out, and I didn't give my word. He saved the girl, and my honour. My respect for him grew immensely.</div>
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We took them back to the temple of Chauntea.</div>
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Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-26026578736114886512012-11-05T01:35:00.001-08:002012-11-05T01:39:02.579-08:00Eddard Chapter 2 (Con't)<h3 align="center">
The Slaver</h3>
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We exchanged shots for a bit. I was trying to give other members of our party cover while they too descended the ladder. Seeing what I was doing, Ulf grabbed his bow and did the same.</div>
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On my third shot, I took a bolt in the shoulder. Not a hard wound, but I was a little more cautious. I checked first before jumping out and firing.</div>
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Then Wren came off the ladder. When she saw what was happening she prepared her sleep spell. I also heard a grunt.</div>
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Checking behind me, Thoram had picked up the bench. How he managed this, I do not know. I knew he was strong, but this display of strength still surprised me. Wren cast her spell and three of the four hobgoblins fell. Thoram, using the bench as mobile cover, charged their improvised barricade. I threw my bow down and charged after him, drawing my blades.</div>
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Thoram single handedly knocked their cover over using the bench as a ram, and we were through to the next room. Five hobgoblins awaited us, though they were surprised at how quickly we broke their barricade. We ran over their barricade and smashed into their line. I had both shortswords drawn, attempting to overbear the hobgoblin in my path.</div>
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He withstood my charge and a desperate fight ensued. My wounded shoulder wasn't allowing me to swing my right blade properly, and the fight was my most difficult yet. I attacked and he parried, he attacked and I parried. Steel rang on steel all over this little cavern. </div>
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Only Thoram and Ulf made the melee look easy. A giant swing of his axe cleaved a hobgoblin in two, and Ulf's weapon was shortly covered in blood as he severed the head of the first he encountered. Those two overwhelmed their opponents easily. They took two apiece for every one the rest of us killed.</div>
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I did, after some time, manage down mine. I was breathing heavy, tired, and wounded.</div>
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Wren simply dispatched the sleeping humanoids.</div>
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With the hobgoblins dead, we charged into the next room. What we saw gave us pause.</div>
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My eyes were drawn to very large man in heavy armour. Heavily armed, he looked ready for us. And then I saw him. A rather fat man, dressed in the silks and style of an Amnite merchant, holding a knife to a girl's throat.</div>
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"I leave, with the girl," he said.</div>
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Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477814538645273723.post-88150318165651307152012-10-13T14:58:00.003-07:002012-10-13T14:58:50.117-07:00A Poem<br />
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No Respite</div>
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And what of Dreams?<br />
The kind when the lights are out,<br />
Feared images brought forth<br />
Twisted memories given life<br />
By the gnarled hand<br />
Of Decayed Innocence.Torggilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334950543060001029noreply@blogger.com1