The Tavern

Schmall · The Tavern

Tavern Menu
While in the tavern you can order a large variety of drinks! Just name your poison and we are sure to have it!

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A blinding flash of lightning acompannied with an oustanding crash of thunder resounds as the door of the tavern swings open. Heads turn, blinking away after images of the lightning, to see the cloaked figured step in. With fluid grace that would make a panther envious, the figure unclasps the brooch holding the cloak and tosses the cloak on a peg next to the door.

Every man and women present instantly knew they were gazing upon a warrior. A warrior that has fought multitudes of battles despite only being 4' 7" and lean as a sword. However the warriors graceful movements spoke of controlled strength and power as his taunt muscles rippled across his short sleeved arms.

The warrior returns the gaze with his ice blue eyes, hardened by death of foes and friends alike. A smile suddenly burst on his face making all jump.

"What a sorry looking bunch. You there minstrel, strike up a cherry tune. Keep, fetch me something strong to wash out this blasted chill! While your at it, there's a cleaned and preped grangif boar by your kitchen door ready for the fire spit to feed all here."

Murmurs of awe break out since all know that the grangif boar is a dangerous game to hunt due to its temper, three foot tusks, and 1400 pound of power.

"While your at it good keep, break out a keg of ale for all here on me!" Called out the warrior.

Cheers broke out across the tavern at the idea of free food and drink.

None noticed that the warm and cheerful smile of the stranger never touched his eyes.

Koku

"hm, a new person here great. I have to go, some business to take care of..." With that I take my leave, prepare my scythe and rush outside to get rid of the annoying boar.

Beanbaker

"Well, I suppose getting a break from guard training was worth it after all. Near-death should give the right to be near-drunk afterwards. Probably shouldn't, but, can always get some food." *Walks over to stranger*

"So, stranger... why the generosity?"

Schmall

You notice no weapons on this man and start to wonder how he could have possibly have slain a grangif boar.

With a twinkle of mishchief in his cold eyes, the short warrior responds to the question asked of him, "Why, I was in the neighborhood with no money. Had to pay for my lodging and food some how. Any good keep should know that a 1400 pounds of meat should out do the costs of a keg of ale. He will make a killing tomorrow selling that rare meat seeing as it doesnt spoil for about 3 three weeks. Travelers pay good money for that meat. Come. Lets drink!"

Waves for the questioner to follow as he effortless moves through the crowd towards the bar without upsetting a single drink even jostling anyone without a speaking a word.

Beanbaker

*Thinks to himself* "Well, he seems harmless. Maybe he knows some things i could learn."

*Follows the man to the bar, keeping an eye on his silent movements.*

"So, stranger, where are you from? And moreover, how did you kill the hog?"

Schmall

With an aura of confidence, the small stranger fluidly sets himself at the bar. As his new friend sits beside him, he slides a mug of ale in front of him

"The name's Schmall. As for the grangif, they have a foul temper. The trick is putting that to use," as Schmall begins his story, the tavern quiets down to hear, for his voice was strong but mysterious quality to it that makes you listen. The patrons all listen, enthralled by the story, "Cant kill them like most boars with a spear. Thier hide is too think and turns the blade. Bolts and arrows are also no good. So, I found the thickest tree deep in the forest, fighting off canabil monkies, avoiding acid skunks, and living off of witle bugs only for they are the only safe thing to eat on the move. I then located my prey. I swiftly ran up and punched in the nose before it knew of my presence. Needless to say, it was quite mad then and charged after me. I ran full speed back to my selected tree, dodging poisonous vipers, man eating venus fly traps, and all the time shouring insults back at the boar. The boar was roaring mad and wanted me dead at all costs. As I approached the target tree, I slowed just enough so that the boar screamed in victory as it closed in on me, heedless of what was in front of me for its bloodlust was now in control! It knew it had me as its tusk tickled my back.

With a sudden spurt of speed, I closed the last three strides of the distance to the tree and simply ran up the tree. The boar was moving too fast and too focused on me to react. Its tusks pierced the tree and was driven a full 2 feet into the tree! With a cry of anger and pain, the boar attempted to yank its head free.

Onced I reached the first branch, which was a good thirty two feet up, I jumped straight up, leapt back down from the bottom of the branch, and struck a tremendous diving head butt at the base of the boar's skull. This stunned it long enough for me the grab a sharp rock and saw its jugglers to enable its blood to drain away.

That, my friend, is how you slay a grangif boar"

By the end of the story all the patrons are in complete awe. Whispers of spread like wild fire about the story. Schmall the Grangif Slayer could be heard amoung the whispers.

Beanbaker

"Da**. Thats all i can say. Ive learned to fight without a weapon, but nothing like that. What else have you outsmarted in the wild? I can use all the tactics for training."

Koku

I return to the tavern with a crate filled with 12 boars. "who here wants free food." As I look at the new guy I start to laugh. "Sorry I just caught the end of your story, who are you? These boars were rather easy to kill. Oh and as for the other creatures, in the land of Nocte they do not exist, but then again many of the people here do not realize that. They do not leave the town much, they have no reason to. You can boast about power, but trust me, you are not that strong. I know many of these people look at awe partly because you got here with no weapon, and partly because you are a stranger. Be careful, you do not want to appear to be too strong. You might peak some unwanted curiosity." With that I go out and get the boars whose tusks have been removed. After giving them to the pub keep, I get handed my usual drink, strange elixer the barkeep created using fruit from the village.

Beanbaker

*Whispers* "Ah, dont always listen to him. He's an excellent warrior, commander, and a lot of other things, but I'm not even totally sure hes ever left this land."

Schmall

Bursting with laughter "you have a way of knocking a man down a peg or two mighty warrior. As for the grangif boars, it would be easy to slay one with a weapon like that," Schmall says to the warroir who has failed to introduce himself. With a pat on his back, "All look for a hero to worship and a story to hear. I mean no harm and do not seek to convert any of your worshippers."

With a burst of speed that made observers wonder about his story, he grabs a maid around the waist, places the mugs she was carrying to patrons, and begins to dance. The bard catchest on and begins a jolly tune for dancing.

Beanbaker

I walk over to Koku, ale in hand, slightly moving to the music.

"Don't be so hard on him sir, hes new. He'll be able to prove himself eventually. Heck, you might as well enjoy the happy mood. Its usually pretty dreary down here."

Schmall

after leaving three maids over three dances breathless, Schmall slams down three mugs of ale, waves to all a goodnight, and retires for the night.

Koku

"Hm, I liked the dreary mood, it was always when I was happiest. As for you drinking the ale, do not get carried away, it will just impair your reasoning abilities." With that I go back to drinking the mysterious mixture. "I go back to a poorly lit corner I look at a mission log that was handed to me. Very few people bother coming to this area, so it is good for privacy. As the people continue to talk gaily, I start to nod off.

Beanbaker

"Man, what a stick in the mud. Oh well, at least he has the ability to be happy. Yet he's right about the ale, maybe ill just stick with the free food...." I look over at the mysterious liquid in Koku's glass and ponder.

Koku

As I look up I see Beanbaker glancing at my drink. "Yeah this, it is the warriors drink. It is strong in taste and helps revitalize the body after a good training. "With that I finish drinking and leave the pub. Within three minutes I come back with another two boars in hand. I hand them to the pub keep in order to get two of the drinks. "Here drink up." with that I take one of the drinks and head back to the corner.

Koorlic

i take the other drink and sit casualy at the bar waiting for the slightest bit of excitement

Koku

Before you can drink that I go over to you. "That was not for you. Do not take things that do not belong to you go it." I make sure beanbaker gets the drink in his hands before turning back to koorlic. "I understand your curiosity though, it is pretty amazing. "
I decide that instead of staying in the pub I would hang out on the roof of it, giving me a good vantage point to the neighborhood.

Koorlic

i shrug my shoulders and order an ail and again casualy wait at the bar for some excitement

Beanbaker

I drink, shrug at the underestimated taste and texture, and finish it off. "Why are you here, Koorlic?"

Schmall

Schmall lightly descends the stairs with a loud yawn, rivaling the thunder from the previous night. Blinking in mild surpise at the fact people actually stayed up and drank the night away.

A mischievous grin breaks out across his face as he spots Koorlic. Using his short stature of 4' 7" to keep people, chairs, and tables between himself and Koorlic's back just in case he turns and spots him.

Darting forward, Schmall kicks the stool out from under Koorlic, causing him squawk in surprise as he falls to the floor, spilling his drink all over his face.

Before Koorlic has the chance to recover and regain his sense, Schmall sprints outside in search of his katana and retalliation.

Beanbaker

"What the heck is his problem?!?!" I help Koorlic up. "I dont think being drunk lasts this far into the morning after... Well, before you go absolutely ballistic on him, let me talk to him." I leave the tavern...

"What the f*** are you doing, Schmall?!?! You can't stand up to him!!! He'll tear you to pieces!!!"

Koku

As I see schmall sprint outside I quickly jump down from the roof, catch up to him, an trip him. Laughing I help him back up to show that I meant no hard feelings. "So, how why were you running away so fast... you didn't do anything too foolish did you?"
As I look as him, he can be seen that I knew exactly what he did to Koorlic. It is fun to mess with Koorlic, I fully understand, if you want to get away don't stay low, he would be able to spot you. With that I point up towards a tree that is easily climbable indistinguishable from the surroundings, and has a lot of cover. Just wait here till he runs by then head back."
With that I jump into the tree, then jump to a roof that was close by as to quickly, and quietly head back the the tavern's roof, which quickly became my new rete=reat area when not judging, or at my quaint house.

Beanbaker

I stop running to look around. "I swore I saw someone here... either Koku or Obagon. Oh well, i lost him, and whatever happens to Schmall I do not want to be apart of it. Maybe ill get more of that drink..." I head back to the tavern to get more of Koku's drink.

Schmall

Peering through the foliage of the recommended tree, Schmall watches the man return to the tavern. Taking the mighty warriors advice and then some, he climbs higher up the tree, relaxes in a crook of a branch, and admires the rainbow in the distance as the song birds fill thier air with music.

Beanbaker

Ignoring a strange shape on the roof, I walk back in the tavern, I grab another drink and flip a coin to the barkeep. I sit in the booth Koku was in, and dose off to the now dreary violin in the background. "Maybe Koorlic didnt see me come in... and maybe he wont get mad... oh well, why should i even care."

Koku

As I relax on the pub's roof, I finally sense that I am hungry. I enter the pub to get some food. I get some boar and start to head towards my booth which is being occupied. I grab beanbaker by the collar of his shirt and carry him to another seat. I then order a drink and head back to my booth. There I eat my food quietly.

Schmall

Silent as panther, Schmall works his way down the tree with one eye on the tavern. He walks swiftly to the weapon smith on the other side of town in order to pick up his Katana that he ordered yesterday. After snuggly strapping the sheathed sword to his back, he heads out.

"Looks like its gonna be a beautiful night," Schmall said to himself. "I think I will sleep under the stars up in the tree."

Whistling a cheerful tune, Schmall takes his time getting back to the tree. He stops to help a pretty lady carry a basket of groceries, talk to a couple of bored looking guards, and swapped jokes with a merchant, but the warmth of his actions never reaches his ice cold eyes.

Beanbaker

I left the bar with a bad combination of grogginess and indigestion. I mounted the saddle on my horse, and she instinctively started to slowly trot back to my bunk in the imperial barracks. I start to fall asleep in a drowsy stupor, not even grasping the reigns. "If you get us home... theres some carrots for... you..." A mile down the road, my horse lays down for the night and I slide off into the soft leaf floor for a little nap. "Ill get up a.... little.... later.... zzzzzzzzz....."

Archaic

*Archaic listening to headphones, snaps his finger and walks towards the bar in rhythm to the music. He can feel familiar presences in the bar, but ignores them and keeps up his act. The only thing he does to acknowledge this presence is to quickly give a serious look before walking into the bar and surveying the scene. A broken chair remains on the floor and the only people inside are beanbaker and Koorlic. Archaic proceeds to the bar and takes a seat away from most people.*

Sake please, and make it the good stuff so its fine at room temperature. Last time I had the cheap stuff I had a burn on my mouth and an hangover the next day.

Hey guys hows it going!

*continues listening to music and bobbing around like an idiot*

Beanbaker

"I fell asleep in the woods with my horse on my leg and I woke up to see a piglet laying on my stuff. And I have indigestion. Overall, pretty good. Here for the usual visit?"

Archaic

Yup yup gotta bring up the spirits one way right! Sorry about the horse, but more importantly. Where's the piglet, I need to give it a hug!

*The sake comes and Archaic takes a few sake cup worths of the liquid.*
This is some good stuff.

Koku

I merge from the shadowy corner looking at the bobbing idiot and the sickly guard candidate. "So the drink not holding up well in you. I am no surprised, it takes some time to get used to, and I honestly do not think that some of the fruit is meant to be ingested by humans. You will get used to it eventually if you drink enough of it."
With that I look at the bobbing idiot again and shake my head, I then leave, heading towards the imperial court.

Beanbaker

"Geez, thanks for the warning. Not for humans? That makes sense. Well, Archaic, nice seeing you, but it looks like I got more training to do. See ya guys around. Oh, and if you see Schmall... actually, nevermind. Later."

I leave the tavern, walking this time, for my horse has already gone back to the stables. I too, head to the Imperial Court.

Archaic

*Walks out of the bar with two sake cups and throws both of them at the same time towards the heads of beanbaker and Koku.*

You should stay and take it easy tonight. Maybe have some sake and whatnot.

Beanbaker

"Ah, fine. Ill go in a bit. You better have some antacids on you. So, what are you up too?" I jump on a stool and grab some water.

Koorlic

after finaly standing i casualy wipe my face off and stand at the bar waiting for schmall to come back

Schmall

Schmall, still relaxing up in his tree, wipes his new katana down with an oil rag. He then turns his attention to the scabbard to ensure that 300 GC

the blade will slide silently out for max stealth and speed.

He continues to keep an eye on the tavern, knowing that Koorlic would be waiting for vengance...

Koku

Going to the tavern with my hood still up. I go in and start to walk towards the pub keep. I hand him a skinned, strange animal to be roasted. It can be seen that my hands are a little bloodied. I tell him "Missions, I never know what they are going to bring." With that I look around at the other people in here. Noticing no one of extreme importance to me right now, I go up on the roof after getting handed my typical drink.

Archaic

*Archaic finishes the bottle of sake after sharing a few cups of the liquor with beanbaker and heads outside. The air strikes him like a wall. It was humid out and rather uncomfortable, but Archaic continues along the way. He can feel two presences up above him now, one he knows and an other that seems foreign. Continuing along while acting drunk he moves through the forest. Stumbling along he takes out his kusarigama and wips the chain up the tree schmall is at and takes down a few branches.*

Careful up there, we wouldn't want any violence here.

Beanbaker

(Thinks to himself) "Geez, the guy goes through some pretty serious stuff... I wonder what these "missions" are... and I wonder if he ever takes reinforcements with him..."

I drink more water, and in desperation, ground up some leftover chunks of chalk to counteract the stomach acid. I wince in disgust.

Schmall

Upon noticing the approaching stumbling figure who ever so casually pulls out a magnificent, but deadly looking kusarigama, Schmall leaps up into higher branches for safety. Once the figure takes a few swipes at branches he declares "Careful up there, we wouldn't want any violence here," Schmall descends and offers a greeting.

"Hi, the name is Schmall. As for Koorlic, I can understand that you seek no trouble and wish to prevent that, but Koorlic was the one who saved me from bandits after they killed my family. He has since taken me under his wing and is a sort of mentor of mine. So no worries, it was all in fun and jest. He will get back at me later without a doubt to show me who's boss, so he thinks..."

Koku

Looking up at the stary sky I look over towards the imperial court where water can be seen surrounding it. I then look over at the town people and notice them minding their own business. Listening below I can tell that everyone inside is still having a good time. I figure there is no reason for me to be here. I decide enough is enough and I head back to my house, a little, shabby building, but still better than nothing.

Beanbaker

Sitting at the bar, I stare into my drink, watching the reflection stare back at me. I place the glass down, and look over at the happy crowd Schmall has roused up again. I look back at the biting iguana I befriended. I finish my drink, stroke the iguana's spines, extended my arm in invitation to perch, and walk off to the vip booths. They have been curtained off, and maybe nobody will see me sleeping on the bench. The barracks weren't much better anyways.

Schmall

Schmall once again enters the tavern with the appearance of joy, however the sharp eyed ones will notice the lack of warmth in his eyes. A clear sign of a hard and terrible life. Downing a mug of ale he calls out to all "Lets have a little fun my follow drinkers!"

With that he works himself into the center of the room, signaling the tables, benches, and chairs to be cleared a bit. "Its quite simple really, lets see who can pull off the best steps," Schmall says as he breaks into an Irish jig. The bard quickly strikes up a tune to match his pace and everyone starts to clap with the beat.

Suddenly he breaks step, does a back-flip, lands on his hands, walks forward for 3 paces, and then pushes up into the air to flip back onto his feet.

"Figured I'd make it easy to start off with," Schmall says with a cocky smile. "Any one else?"

Beanbaker

Under my breath, "Doesn't this guy ever sleep... its like midnight and all he does is party... doesn't he realize some people are trying to sleep here..."

Schmall

Noticing that none are stepping up right away, Schmall goes for a double back flip and lands right on his face. The few late nighters still present point and laugh as a perfect impression of the floor reddens on my face.

"Guess its time for bed," with that he picks himself up and walks out of the tavern in search of his tree not too far away.

Schmall

After lounging in the tree all morning and most of the afternoon, Schmall decides its time to get to know his Katana a bit. He stretches out his taunt, tone, wirey body out and then processes to go through the motions with the blade among the branches. Lunging, slashing, slicing, jumping, tumbling, and so forth can be seen as Schmall goes through the motions, learning how the Katana feels.

After a full hour of intense excersise, Schmall halts, sweating dripping down out of his short brown hair, and leaps down to the ground. From there he begins his 10 mile run with sword in hand seeing as the a warrior's weapon never leaves his hands at all costs in a fight. So this must stay true in all excersises in Schmall's mind.

Koku

Seeing a mad man go by my door, I get off my roof and head towards the pub. I start heading toward the pub to have a little fun. I first grab fresh fruit and meat from various locations (don't worry they were not stolen) and head towards the pub. Giving the bar keep all of the items, I look around at the people. Noticing only one or two of them are still ordering drinks I find that what I gave him was a good enough payment for what I was going to do. Without notice I quickly grab people and toss them into the street, including beanbaker. Leaving only the barkeep I manage to kick everyone out. I then lock all the windows and doors.
"You all need to gather your heads for a bit. The tavern is now closed until further notice."
I go over to the bar keep and look at him, "You have amazing stamina, but it is about time you got sleep." I go to my corner and relax, watching the bar keep think about it, nod his, head and head over to a booth to nod off.

Beanbaker

"Ah, what the h***!!!" I yell in a disgruntled mood. "I swear he abuses his power sometimes." I walk over to the door and begin banging, "Hey!!! Can I at least get one last drink!!!"

With no response, I walk into the woods. Seeing a rather ordinary tree with slash marks in it, I grasp the slashes and climb. Finding a branch that is warm from another sleeping body, possibly an eagle, I go to sleep, with the iguana still on my shoulder.

Koku

Waking up from a noise at the door I notice that the bar keep is still asleep. I go and look out the window, seeing no one there I decide it was nothing and go prepare myself my mixture. Keeping it mostly quiet the keep does not wake up. I sit down and look at the environment, noticing how dirty it looks. After taking a few sips I look around and notice an old broom and decide to put it to use. I go back and drink more realizing this will be a lot of work, but should be done.

Beanbaker

I get out of the tree, not being able to sleep, and the iguana looks hungry. Realizing that i did get sleep, or sparse doses of dozing, I see that it is a rather nice sunset. I head back to the bar to see if its open, and it isn't.

"Dang it Koku, open up!!! This lizard needs food and I'm bored as all h***!!!

Koku

Just finish cleaning I hear the knocking at the door. I look over to the bar keep who apparently has woken up and seems to refreshed. Realizing there is little reason to keep it closed any longer I open up the door, and open the windows for more fresh air. As I approach the door I se a few people waitning. "Welcome, try not to mess things up too bad ok."
The place now clean and the bar keep up and about, it quickly becomes business as usual. I go to my corner and decide it is about type I took my own nap.

Beanbaker

I go over to Koku's booth. "Okay, what the heck was that for?!?! I don't mean closing the bar, but I was sleeping good on that bench, and then I find myself two feet in the air and landing on some rocks!!!"

Koku

"sorry the place needed a good cleaning and the bar keep needed some place comfy to sleep. You were just in the best place. Nothing personal, but I needed everyone out to clean the most area. If you guys left every once in a while the bar keep could get sleep and or clean the place a little. It could have been worse you know. I could have tied you to a tree or put you on some roof for fun."
With that I put my head down and try to drift off, still feeling the presence of Beanbaker by me.

Beanbaker

I walk off to the bar then return with a drink for myself and a bowl of moiberries. I sit down and the iguana (which was still on my shoulder) scampered and started eating the fruit. I quickly realized I wasn't getting any booze. With Koorlic not showing up anytime soon, I figured a little rum imported from the docks would be a nice change of pace. I look at Koku, thinking hes asleep, and I look at his mission book sprawled open on the table. I think of when he was covered in blood a while back, and I reach for the book, using the iguana's loud chewing as a cover.

Koku

Thinking that the night is nice and cool for a summer night I feel I was wasting my time in the bar. I look up to see beanbaker in mid sip of rum. I get up and walk past him, and leave. While I was thinking about going onto the roof, I changed my mind and started to just wander.

Beanbaker

Almost relieved that I wasn't caught, I pull the mission book out from under the large lizard. Inside is a list of titles, subtitles, and bulleted items. Unfortunately, it was all either in a different language, or very illegible, for the words looked familiar. I notice too that there is red making checks and crossing out whole bullets in the book. Figuring how red ink was hard to come by and usually only reserved for expensive clothing, this didn't seem right. I turn to the last page. I use my finger to follow the mysterious text, then I look at my hand. This red ink wasn't dried yet, and was still warm...

Koku

I realize that I left my mission log back at the tavern after walking for a whilke. I quickly run back and see beanbaker trying to read it. "You know, you should not have done that."
With that I grab the book, then I grab beanbaker. I take some of the "red ink" and create a mustache on his face. I then walk out and seemingly disappear as I run to somewhere quickly.

Beanbaker

"Ah, what THE H***!!!" I wipe the red liquid off. Luckily it wasn't on long enough to stain. Before I knew it, I realized it was blood. "Cryptic..." I said, and thinking Koku could've done more to me... "Oh well, no harm done, I guess... Maybe I dreamed it all, and I need more rum to drink..." I go up to the bar and toss out a coin, and another glass methodically pops in view. I return to the booth, with blood still on my hand.

Schmall

Schmall walks into the bar without making any eye contact or saying a word to anyone. He simply walks over to the bar, sits down beside, and says "Ale please." From there it is evident that something is on his mind but is keeping to himself. His body language for those that notice, shows he wishing to be left alone. When the mug slides in front of Schmall, he pays quickly, takes a long swallow, and then just stares into the mug, mulling over something thats obviously bothering him.

Koku

Coming back to the tavern I am a little wet with a smell of iron. Keeping my hood up I go and set down as the bar. I order one of my drinks and looks at Schmall. I look straight ahead again and get my drink. I take a sip then quietly say, "What i your problem? Do you really think you have anything to complain about?" With that I look straight ahead and wait for the answer.

Schmall

Without even looking over at Koku, Schmall quietly answers, "I may not be as powerful and experienced of the ways of the warrior as yourself, but have been around a few blocks when it comes to life. Seen things that I wish I have never seen. Witnessed events I wish never happened. But hey, there's really nothing I can do about it now." He takes another long pull from his mud. His eyes unfocus for a moment as horrors of the past replay in his mind. They refocus and he glumly says, "Guess thats why I have become a warrior. I wish to prevent such things from happening again."

He then downs the rest of the mug, gives Koku a friendly pat on the back (being sure not to spill his drink!!!), and then once again starts to dance with whatever maid or women will dance with him.

Koku

Thinking of his comments I start to laugh out loud. "If you think you have seen anything you are wrong. I have seen things that would make any normal man snap. I have seen my death, I have seen large groups of people die, many from my hands. I have seen fear, hatred, and resentment all aimed towards me. I have seen the deaths of friends and allies. What do you think was on my cloak when I came in here. It was drenched with blood of enemies who were trying to make their way in here. Just that one fight should have drove me mad, but I have become so desensitized to it all that it does not even phase me anymore, in fact I get angry at them for making me have to wash this cloak again. If you think that your life is so miserable now then you are right where you should be. You still have feelings, hold on to them."
After saying all of that I finish my drink the head off seemingly to the court.

Beanbaker

Right after Koku left, I chased after him holding a paper in hand. "Wait up Koku!!!" I run towards him, who he has seemed to have gained such a long distance in such a short time. "There is a new quest out. Some kind of infestation of lizards." I look towards the lizard on my shoulder, who was sleeping. "I was wondering if you were interested in making a team. Besides, you look like you could use a change in scenery."

Koku

Turning towards him I wield my scythe and quickly cut at the shoulder the lizard was sleeping on. Cutting the lizard in half I do not cut cut into beanbaker's shoulder. The pieces fall to the ground. "I had to kill that lizard it is one of the problems. I was told to kill all the wild ones. The only ones that are safe to have are those that are sold at the pet shop, which is being worked on right now coincidentally. However, as much as I would like to join you, I have other matters to attend to. Go chat with the others though, I am sure they would join you." With that I move even faster out of the presence of everyone.

Beanbaker

Wiping more blood off my shoulder, I study what I thought was an iguana. "You seemed so tame, but, still an enemy. Oh well, I might as well get you out of the road and give you somewhat of a burial." After covering the lizard in heavy rocks I return to the tavern, knowing Schmall was still there. Entering the fray of the wild drunken dancing, I pull Schmall to the side. "What do you think? Its an infestation of lizards. I'm trying to form a party, and you could use the experience of the fighting. Want to join?"

Schmall

"Well, well, well. An adventure! Sounds fun to me," exclaims Schmall. "Hey, is it my imagination, or does it take sometime before Koku warms to anyone? He had valid points, but there was one saying that was given to me by an old traveler. He told me 'hate your weapon. The day you start to love it, throw it away.' Took me a few hours of silent travel before I understood what he meant."

"Anyways, an infestation of lizards?" questions Schmall. "Sounds rather odd. Would be fun to look into and practice my skills as you pointed out. I'm in. I am assuming I get a share of any treasure found. Oh, is there any kind of reward? No harm in asking."

Schmall is obviously pleased with the idea of teaming up with Beanbaker on this adventure.

Beanbaker

"Well, Koku may seem rather cold, but hes got a personality. I would say he isn't too fond of the new guys, but he would know an underdog when he sees one. The reward is 220 to start and another 60 for every party member added, and everything will be divided accordingly.

Schmall

"Awesome. I am in. We should check to see if Koorlic would want in on this adventure. Its always nice to have a warrior thats been around for a while. Never know when we may need him...."

Beanbaker

"I don't know so much about Koorlic, he hasn't been around much lately. If we do get him, the reward will be 280, but just the two of us its only 220, yet we will get much larger dividends. Its your call, those lizards dont seem that hard to kill."

Koorlic

ill join up if it wont cause to much trouble i say walking over and patting schlall on the shoulder

Beanbaker

"Alright!!! I'll go to the Imperial offices right now. You guys stay here, and I'll come back with any news and when we leave."

I walk out the door and head out into the night, hoping nobody else has taken the quest.

Billgar

The door quickly swings open a man i bright colored expensive looking attire half enters the doorway. Rapidly with his head in the door, he looks around. Spotting Koku, he retreats closing the door behind him.

Koku

I look around to find out where I am. Confused I realized that I am in the tavern. "What happened? I was coming back from a quick delivery I had to make and end up here." With that I feel the bump on my head and realized I was brought here. I shrug it off, get myself my mixture and go back to my corner to look at the next thing I need to do.

Schmall

Schmall heads out into the night to get himself ready for an adventure, muttering something about lizards under his breath.

Koku

Noticing that the other warriors are all on missions I decide that now would be a good time to give the bar keep a rest. I tap him on the shoulder and tell him to sleep. With that I take over behind the bar trying to stay entertained.

Schmall

"KER-PLUNK!!"

A 2 foot long lizard weighing about 20 lbs drops from the rafters and lands on the bar right in front of Koku. It slithers its long tongue at Koku as if daring him to do something about its presence.

Koku

No wild animals in the pub and besides, don't you have a mission to do? With that I quickly destroy the lizard humanely, and kick schmall out so that he goes back to his mission at hand to look for clues where the lizards may be hanging out.

Schmall

"Nope, no nest up there. Just some slimey fatty feasting on the flies up there. Guess I should hurry back out and help Beanbaker with that lizard fight. BLOOOOOD AND VINAGER!!" Schmall screams as he charges out of the tavern.

Drieton

Nobody has seemed to notice that a new stranger has wondered into the tavern. A short fellow roughly 3'6" carrying a staff and wearing the colors of a neighboring nation. He is different from the rest yet does not exactly stand out.

Nearly an hour has passed before he gets his first winces of recognition. He has joined the crowd and not a word need be spoken... The music carries on...

Beanbaker

The door slams open as a figure covered in dried blood walks in, almost sulkingly. He walks up to the bar, slams down some money, pulls some of Koku's drink out from behind the bar, and slouches in the corner booth, were it is dark. I mutter to myself, "D*** farming town, just a bunch of whiners. The place can rot for all I care. Me and a couple guys risk our heads and they do nothing to help. If its anyone who should be in the military, it should be them. Teach them a thing or two."

I look over slightly disoriented from the drinks potency to see this newcomer. Again, I mutter, "Who is this guy? Either a deserter or a spy. Eh, who cares anymore. Not like theres a war or anything." I drink more, and try to go to sleep, or at least drink my pain away.

Koku

Looking at everyone I realize the bartender is still asleep. After hearing what beanbaker thought was a muttering to himself, a small smirk comes on my face as I get a guy an ale. I do not look at anyone else in particular, I just take in the scene. There were a few normals, a couple who show up once in a while, a new guy, and one who shows up rarely. I realize this is a busy night and just wish the barkeep would come back already.

Drieton

a freak scream fills the air as I sip a small glass of strawberry mango juice and munch on a bowl of peanuts. Nobody seems to care or even move until a third shriek, slightly closer than the rest, rings out over the music. Something, or someone, was obviously slaughtering villagers just outside the tavern. It then hit me. It was not that the company of the tavern did not care or acknowledge the fact that these events were occurring. But they were waiting for the opportune moment to do something about it. I sip again...and wait...

Schmall

After screaming his lungs out in frustration, Schmall stumbles in, covered in scratches, gouges, what appears to be bite marks, and smeared blood that was vainly wiped off. Schmall, straightens his back, anger and frustration radiatinf from him, marches over to the bar and orders a bottle of whiskey. Yes, a whole bottle.

When Koku returns with the bottle and a cup, Schmall pays him and just start drinking right of the bottle. He stops, looks a Koku in surprise for he failed to noticed Koku behind the bar before. "Never seen anything like it. Over a dozen lizards suddenly burst out of Koorlic's body and then swarmed myself and Beanbaker. It was a miracle that we managed to get away. And to top it off, all the local farmers are willing to complain, moan, groan, and whine about the lizards, but wont do anything to help."

He then takes another swig and looks at Koku for some kind of response.

Koku

"Well the villagers have their problems now a days. They can not travel too far from the village, and possibly did not know where the infestation is the greatest. Kind of like these people. They are in here so often because they are experiencing problem they just don't want to handle in their real lives. They do not know where to start"
With that I make myself a mixture and go back to talking. "As for the lizard thing, that is very unusual. They must be getting vicious. I will inform the villagers here, thank you for the info."
Starting to nod off I finally see the bartender return. I finish off my drink, give the bartender the money from the night and head out to my room in the imperial court with a semi-comfy bed waiting for me in the guards lodge.

Schmall

Schmall gets up with his bottle and heads over to Beanbaker. Schmall, with a grin of mischief and ice cold eyes, heads over to him instead.

From behind, Schmall grabs the strangers shoulder, turns him around, and announces, "I hold the rank of shortest man around. You must leave before you become the shortest dead man around!"

The crowd goes silent. The stranger looks at Schmall in shock. Before anyone else has a chance to even whisper a bet, Schmall bursts out laughing. He pours a bit of whiskey into the strangers drink and walk off to find Beanbaker.

Beanbaker

"Geez, you know some of us here want the peace and quiet to heal their injuries. After that lizard problem I'm never going to eat anything farm-raised." I chug another quart of my drink down. "Those things live in the woods. Thats what I saw before I died. Someone brought us back and revived us, and I'm sure as s*** we're not going back."

Schmall

Schmall simply sits down on the other side of Beanbaker, saying nothing. Takes another swig, corks the bottle, hides the bottle out of site beside himself, and then simply falls asleep in record time.

To Beanbaker's pleasure, not a snore comes out of Schmall, and his sleeping body prevents others from sitting at the table.

Koku

I enter the tavern looking at the people. I head over to schmall and poke him.
"wakey wakey, I do not think that you want to be sleeping here too long. Some peopel will try to mug you you know."
I then turn to beanbaker. "Stop being so bitter and learn from your mistakes. Use your mistakes to improve." With that I go to my corner and keep an eye out.

Archaic

*Wakes up from his alcoholic slumber* oh wow whats going on here. *walking towards the sheet of quests Archaic reads of Evroul taxes needing collecting and decides to try to form a party.*

Does anybody here care to join me on this new quest? I have a feeling it will be fun, but I do ask that if people join, they do not try to start needless fights with these people, but instead try a route of diplomacy.

Beanbaker

"Hey, I'll join. Just don't fall asleep on the job like Koorlic, or I'll have your head. Or maybe those lizards will!" I laugh heartedly and gulp down he rest of my drink. "Let me go to the showers first, clean off this blood. I'll be back in fifteen minutes." I head out the door, running.

Koku

Seeing them about to leave I decide to make my exit too. I get up and leave quietly, no need to disturb anyone.

Archaic

Oh I shall not leave yet, but rather I shall give it an hour longer before I report to Billgar with this team. I want to give others a chance to join us, for the more the safer.

Schmall

At the mention of quest, fun, and money, Schmall wakes from his nap. Takes one last swig of his whiskey to wet his whistle and calls out, "I'll join you stranger."

He walks over to archaicmessiah and introduces himself "The name is Schmall. I think thats Beanbakers bloody back end. If he's coming, I am in. Dont bother with koorlic. He has a tendency of sleeping and having a dozen lizards burst out of his body. Waste of time and energy. grrrr. Anyways, I'm in. Meet you here first thing tomorrow morning."

Schmall trots out, dodging all tables and people with graceful ease, and heads out for a bath and sleep.

{ooc (out of character) I can not play till tomorrow morning for this RP. My character can be left behind till i manage to catch up}

Koku

As I make my appearance known I look around for anyone I know. I see that they must be on a mission, but I know that they come here often. I wait around as there is a quest that I want to do, but even I am not strong enough to go alone yet.

Beanbaker

I walk back into the tavern as usual, and grab a drink from behind the bar after flipping some money into the payment jar. I sit at one of the stools, and listen to the peaceful sorrowness of the atmosphere of the place. I count the reward money from the mission. "I just killed an old man for fifty dollars." I say to myself, and start drinking.

Archaic

*Archaic walks into the bar and starts to drink with Beanbaker.*

"Hey I just killed like 3 poachers for some dung."

Beanbaker

"Hey! Congratulations! I see you have weird tastes. Hope that old guy was worth your orb there. Sad he had to go..." I drink more, and sneak some peanuts from the guy next to me.

Koku

I go over to the two of them as they talk. "You guys are complaining about killing someone... hah funny that you still have emotions like that. It was probably unavoidable. From what I heard you had sympathy on them yet. Be happy about that, it could have been worse. At least some of them lived. Also, those droppings are gifts from a poor old man who had little to give you. I hear he sells those droppings too. I think he was just trying to be nice."

Archaic

*continues to drink and feels slightly remorseful about making out so well compared to the other two. He orders an other drink for Beanbaker and smiles at him as he goes back to his own drink*

I am sorry about your payout.