Bee enters the chat 
<Hatch>  woooo! 
<Bee> Hehehe, woo : ) 
<Hatch> hold a moment, just have to save what I'm working on. :) I'm 
already about 2 months ahead of you. 
<Bee> okay 
<Hatch> oooooohkay. 
<Hatch> ack, hehe, have to open your file! 
B enters the chat 
<Hatch> *^_^* good to know what I'm supposed to be saying... 
<Bee> Hehehe all right 
<Bee> Well I'm all ready 
<Hatch> k 
<Bee> Oh wait, I should have my name changed .... : P 
<Bee> Invite me right back 
<Hatch> heh 
<Hatch> okay 
User Bee  has left the chat
Alexand Di'Mere enters the chat 
<Alexand Di'Mere> There : ) 
<Hatch> okey 
<Hatch> The starkness of your mundane life in Northwind behind you, you 
look into the future as you walk along the caravan road bordering the 
Villichi river. Walking along on this trek, for the first time in your 
life, you feel free. And cold. You decide it probably would have been 
better if you'd waited until it was warmer out. 
<Hatch> After nearly ten days of tedious and seemingly endless road, the 
road meets the Villichi lake. You stop and look out at the clear green 
waters, reflecting on what truthes lay ahead as you look into a place of 
a legend so old that few people even remember what it was. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *sagely hmm and nod* 
<Hatch> just like, yell something short if you want to interrupt. 
<Hatch> like 
<Hatch> ! 
<Hatch> or something, so I know to stop. 
<Hatch> You find yourself getting lost in the view when realize the light 
is starting to fade on yet another day. Somehow, you'd have expected more 
adventure. And less walking. 
<Hatch> Even the schools in Northwind were less tedious than this. Well, 
maybe. 
<Hatch> Early into the next day you see a group of people charging down the 
road at you, expressions of start terror on their faces.  
<Hatch> They look like a mix of merchants and other caravan travellers. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well terror means trouble, I'll prepare for a fight 
<Hatch> They seem to be screaming about a giant gooey square that's eaten 
three of their friends and all of their equipment. 
<Hatch> You look down the road as they tear past you. You watch for long 
minutes, seeing nothing. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm *recalls monsters 101* probbaly some sort of slime 
or such 
<Alexand Di'Mere> That's curious, hmm 
<Hatch> Where too now? 
<Hatch> :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I guess they are gone, so I can't ask where the thing is, 
darn 
<Alexand Di'Mere> My first big adventure in a while, and I'm stuck bored, 
how mundane 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *sigh* 
<Hatch> You can hear them screaming off into the distance, back in the way 
you just came from. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh my, Adventure ho ! *goes to the sound* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((okay that was just TOO cheesy)) 
<Hatch> No, I mean, they're still running. :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh, darn 
<Hatch> The thing they're running from is still apparently in front of you. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'll look back in front, and I'll be careful to check the 
ground for things being moved (i.e. assuming it's invisible) 
<Hatch> You see a worn road, and a lot of trees, and the lake off to your 
right. :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, darn 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well try the road, maybe the monster will be semi smart 
and attack me, but not to smart and not attack 
<Hatch> You're going to walk down the road? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yup 
<Hatch> okay 
<Hatch> Coming out of the trees, slowly, about a hundred feet down the road 
is a cube of pale greenish-grey goo about 5 feet tall. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ah ha, there you are 
<Hatch> (woo!) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *tries to remember training* now these things are immune 
to some magic, which one to use ... 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Perhaps I'll zap it with a magic missile, that's a good 
bet, and it's got the range I believe 
<Hatch> Lots of range. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yup, so magic missile away .... : ) 
<Hatch> okay 
<Hatch> Damage? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> whoho ! 5 : ) 
<Hatch> woo! 
<Hatch> The thing jiggles and continues slowly, inexorably towards you. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((when the GM cheers you on, either be reassured, or 
worried)) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Any effect from the missile ? 
<Hatch> You watch it jiggle along. Damn it's slow.. 
<Hatch> Yep. It jiggled and faint wisps of steam came from it. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yeah but I am damn sure I don't want it to touch me, so 
I'll be cautious 
<B> ((its evil lemon jellow))
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well more missiles away, ZAP 
<Hatch> how many? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((ROFL b )) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Umm 2 more, that's half my spells 
<Hatch> Damage? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 4 each missile (neat rolls) 
<Hatch> coooool 
<Hatch> It makes a loud sizzling hisss.. it seems a bit smaller, and 
there's a big dent in it's side, steaming profusely. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay cool, so it's hurt, maybe I'll get to kill it 
<Hatch> Yep 
<Hatch> (ack, Hatch can add REALLY good... hehe) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *ponders*  wonder why it gave the others so much trouble, 
perhaps magic is it's only major weakness 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (what happened hatch ?) 
<Hatch> heh, nothing, I just can't add 8+5. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Rofl 
<B> ((13))
<Hatch> *^_^* 
<Hatch> yep 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay, it's still a bit away, another missile away 
<Hatch> It's still coming at you...   
<Alexand Di'Mere> Whoho ! 5 more points 
<Hatch> It's like, 60 feet away.. 
<Hatch> and it bursts into a big cloud of steam, bits of jelly flying 
around. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> WHOHO ! : ) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (I am assuming I killed it) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Better avoid the bits to be sure tho 
<B> ((gets some peanut butter))
<Hatch> Little bits of jelly wiggle around, they don't look very 
threatening. 
<Hatch> You see a bunch of stuff that was within the creature spilled over 
the road. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yeah, but then I step in one and it grows real big 
feeding off my foot : P 
<Alexand Di'Mere> LOOT !!! 
<Hatch> Don't step on them. :) 
<Hatch> lute! 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay avoiding the bits, I'm gonna go check on the stuff 
<Hatch> :D 
<Hatch> okay 
<Hatch> You fiiiiind; 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ROFL, hey I'm not a  bard : ) 
<Hatch> dagger x2, short sword, 9 copper, 15 silver, 5 gold, 5 electrum, 2 
platinum, and one bright red potion. 
<Hatch> And several bits of clothing and bone. 
<Hatch> Tthey don't look very valuable.. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well take the first group of stuff, and leave the 
clothing, I have much better stuff on anyways : ) 
<Hatch> hehe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> More daggers, mmm : ) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay, wonder if I should check the stuff for magic 
<Hatch> okay. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well detect magic then ... 
<Hatch> okay 
<Alexand Di'Mere> And ? 
<Hatch> checking 
<Alexand Di'Mere> k 
<Hatch> roll percentile. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> k ... 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 73 
<Hatch> okay, the potion glows with magic. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Figured it might : ) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Anything else ? 
<Hatch> hehe 
<Hatch> nope 
<Alexand Di'Mere> oh well, I'll find out about the potion later, save my 
last spell for trouble, I'll stash the stuff and go back on my trek 
<Hatch> okay. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh wait, try and tell the caravan it's dead too 
<Hatch> Write down what color it is. :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Got it written down, bright red 
<Hatch> They're gone... 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh well, thier loss, back to walking 
<Hatch> heh 
<Hatch> The rest of the days to Coventry are quiet and thankfully, 
uneventful. This time, you're almost glad for the rest. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *Sigh* and it was interesting for a moment, how do these 
people live with such boredom 
<Hatch> Though you crossed the border into Harlech only a few days after 
leaving Northwind, this is the first of it's true cities you have seen. 
The towers looming over the halls of the Ordo Custodia Vitae, the giant 
fortress that is the ancient Drakken War Academy. The sheer number of 
people who likely don't even know someone who can summon magic... it's all 
too alien for you. 
<Hatch> (wooo, that always looks shorter in wordpad.) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yup, such .... simple people, no magic ... 
<Hatch> The city is big. :) Huge, and it looks like more than half the 
people are here as part of one military school or another. Uniforms abound. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh my, more military, and I just got out of being in a 
stupid uniform .. *sigh* 
<Hatch> (*giggle*) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((like my char so far ? ; )  )) 
<Hatch> Yep. many magics. 
<Hatch> :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> yup 
<Hatch> You can wander the city if you want. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Walking uzi boy 
<Hatch> Just wait until you get more than one missle per spell. ;) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Heheh, all right, I'll look around, should probbaly 
find a place to stay, etc .. 
<Hatch> okay 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh yeah : ), and that's when the 2nd level magic opens 
up too 
<Hatch> ack! :D  
<Alexand Di'Mere> It's like a male, magic, version of jane in a weird, odd 
way : ) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((enough qualifers on that one ya think ?)) 
<Hatch> hehe. :) Jane was more buff! 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yeah, but I get more attacks as I level : ) 
<Hatch> yep 
<Hatch> So you going to wander around Coventry? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yes 
<Hatch> Whatcha going to do? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Looking for a place to stay, and any magic shops, etc, 
anything interesting 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Have to fight off the dreadful boredom, of mundane life 
you know 
<Hatch> okay, it's a large city, you can find pretty much anything. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, like a "all spells 1 copper, everything goes" sale ??
<Alexand Di'Mere> Heheheh 
<Hatch> Not quite. :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I thought so 
<Hatch> Can you buy things like that? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well, hmm, didn't have a good idea of where to go when I 
left, now I'm paying for it 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh well, I'll look for something interesting to do then, 
since I assume I found a place to stay by now 
<Hatch> yep. okay. 
<Hatch> What sort of place are you looking for? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Job or stay ? 
<Hatch> wha? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Nevermind, someplace without a lot of bugs is a plus 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ahh, I don't mind roughing it ; ) 
<Hatch> You can find anythingg from hovels on up to a room in a grand hotel 
across from the Drakken fortress. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well, I'm not stupid, I can't expect to much money from 
the family if I ran away sort of, so something modest, but not a hole in 
the wall 
<Hatch> okay, you find a nice place on the edge of the open market called 
the Grand Oaks. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *nod* sounds good, I like the name 
<Hatch> heh 
<Hatch> Inside is a rather rotund looking bald man attending the front 
desk. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'll get a room, and then look for something to do so 
I'm not bored 
<Hatch> Off to the left  is a large bar and common room. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> How much for a room, my good man ? 
<Hatch> He looks up and belches, "4 silver a night, including dinner." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *eww, stinky breath* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Done, *hands him 4 silver*, I might rent it for longer, 
but tonight will do for now 
<Alexand Di'Mere> When is dinner ? 
<Hatch> He smiles wanly at you, sweeping the money into his hand. "Dinner 
is at 7." He h Your room is the third one on the right on the second
floor." *belch* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *oh god, what a barbarian, so uncultured, and he really 
stinks : P* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> thanks, *moves away slightly fast* 
<Hatch> hehe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> What time is it ? 
<Hatch> Mid afternoon. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ahh 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay, well time to look for something to do *yawn* this 
town already is boring me 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ho hum *off we go ...* 
<Hatch> okay, where to? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Anything interesting going on ? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Looking for anything interesting, strange jobs, fairs, 
performances, anything fun or interesting 
<Hatch> There's a fight in the street, looks like some drunk soldiers. 
There's a big market, and a group of 20 or so monks wandering in a line, 
chanting. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh my, such selection 
<Hatch> There's all sorts of other things going on.  
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well the fight is interesting, but I'm afraid I might 
kill them to easy 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'll go check out the monks for a second, maybe the 
market later 
<Hatch> You could go watch people train, wander over and look at signs on 
walls. 
<Hatch> The monks are chanting as they walk. They don't make much sense. 
(they do not smack their heads with boards.) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, interesting, but only for a moment 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *sigh* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well let's look at the market 
<Hatch> The market encompases nearly a full square kilometer of the city. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, now this might be entertaining 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'll look around some, keep a eye out for anything 
magical or just plain odd or interesting 
<Hatch> Most of the things in the booths and tables look pretty mundane. 
Some of it smells good... some of it, you wonder what it was they tore the
things out of it. Pe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yuck, perhaps something that smells good, I could just 
have a little before dinner maybe ... 
<Hatch> okay. 
<Hatch> Your nose leads you to a stall on the edge of the market, it 
something smells truly good. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Mmmm : ) 
<Hatch> A short lanky man works over a small fire. 
<Hatch> Hanging at the back of the booth is a flag of Harlech. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> What is it your selling, it smells good 
<Hatch> He looks up, smiling widely. "It's an ancient recipe from my 
family. Would you like some?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well it smells nice, I'll try a little 
<Hatch> He works quickly over the flame, tossing bits around, piling them 
into a wooden bowl. He places it on the counter in front of you. "Two 
copper, if it pleases you." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *hands him 2 copper* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *eats some* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> What is this made from ? 
<Hatch> It tastes wonderful, even better than it smells. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> mmmm : ) 
<Hatch> He looks up. "Eat first." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> yum 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *eats it* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well ? 
<Hatch> He smiles as you eat, "Ever been out to the coast?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((have I ?)) 
<Hatch> (nope) 
<Hatch> (Northwind is inland, on the Golden lake) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> No, I haven't 
<Hatch> (This riverver is the Villichi river, flows all the way out to the 
sea) 
<Hatch> "You should go, see the capital. It's an amazing city." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Maybe one day I will, but I don't understand what that 
has to do with the food 
<Hatch> "Nothing, really. I learned to cook in the service. I trained here, 
and settled after I got discharged." 
<Hatch> "The Guards learn to make great food out of nearly anything." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ahh, your amazingly good for a military cook, most aren't 
so great 
<Alexand Di'Mere> And what's this made out of ? 
<Hatch> He looks at you, grinning. "Giant toad." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles* how exotic, may I have more ? 
<Hatch> He smile even wider, "Of course, all you'd like." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Why thank you *hands 2 more copper over* 
<Hatch> He hands you another bowl, holding even more than the first one did.
<Alexand Di'Mere> *eats it*  Ahh, something for even the jaded of palate, 
*smiles*  If I pass by here again, I'll be sure to stop by for some more, 
but I have things to see, first day in this city after all 
<Hatch> He nods and waves. "Good travels to you, then." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Thank you *smiles* excellent food  *moves on* 
<Hatch> okay 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *mm, I'll have to go there again, I better remember the 
way* 
<Hatch> hehe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((hey, he's probbaly eatten weirder as a delicacsy* 
<Hatch> hehe. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((ugh spelling : P)) 
<Hatch> (maybe, but a wild giant toad?) ^_^ 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((Hey I like sushi, it can't be that bad, besides people 
eat frogs legs)) 
<Hatch> (But a 4' frog? hehehe) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((yeah then you get some damn big legs ; )  )) 
<Hatch> lol!! 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((more for your money then ; ) )) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Off to explore the city some more .. hmm ... * I do want 
to be back for dinner* 
<Hatch> Anything you feel like looking for now? 
<Hatch> Wandaaaaa 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Not sure, I guess I'll look for stuff to expand my magic 
knowledge 
<Hatch> *^_^* hehe, ignore tht. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (wandaa ??) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> okay 
<Hatch> Okay, there's not very many magic stores in the city. You find one, 
it has no sign, but a few people you asked directeed you to it. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> All right I'll go in 
<Hatch> You see an ancient looking man sitting on a stool, studying an 
ancient book. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> How ... ancient 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *looks around* 
<Hatch> yellowing books and loose paper are scattered all over the place. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, *begins to look through some of the stuff* 
<Hatch> Candles drip wax down and onto books, thin smoke rises from an 
incense burner. 
<Hatch> The old man looks up as you start to look around. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hello 
<Hatch> he coughs roughly. "Hello, young one." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Nice to meet you old on 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I thought I'd look around, this is one of my ... 
intrests, magic that is 
<Hatch> His face wrinkes even more, squinting his eyes. "What.. can I help 
you.. with?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((doh, lost b, oh well)) 
<Hatch> (she did? I still read her...) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((this is what happens when you leave the house and don't 
know what you want to do, ugh)) 
<Hatch> heh 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well, do you have anything a young mage might be 
interested in ? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((I lost her)) 
<Hatch> (okay) 
<Hatch> He looks around his shop, standing and stepping over to a stack
of things behind the counter, shuffling through it. Carrying a small 
silvered object in his hand, he returns to his stool. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *eyebrow raises* 
<Hatch> He stares into it, pulling a small stone bowl in front of him. A 
small fire bursts to life inside it. 
User B  has left the chat
<Hatch> He holds his hand over the bowl and drops the object into it. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *watches intently* 
<Hatch> A burst of blue smoke pours forth, he stares into the fire for long 
moments. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> hmm 
<Hatch> He looks up at you, tilting his head. "Your future... is clouded... 
I see distant lands, far to the east and then across a great ocean." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Sounds like a interesting journey  *what a strange old 
man ...* 
<Hatch> "I see a great family, guardians of life, and land." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *uh oh, hope I'm not in trouble ...* 
<Hatch> "These people seek you, even now... I see them happy to have found 
you." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Already ?  *sigh* 
<Hatch> He looks up, staring into your eyes. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well I kind of don't want my family to find me just yet, 
it is MY family right ? 
<Hatch> He smiles, his face looking about to crack. "No... a family older 
than yours." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh my 
<Alexand Di'Mere> They must be old then, could be interesting, well I hope 
they contact me soon then 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Where could I find them ? 
<Hatch> "You shall meet them soon, one of their messengers seeks you... I 
see her.. to the east, on the water" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *nods* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Facinating 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Should be a lot of fun, anything else ? 
<Hatch> "Trust not the sister." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Cryptic, but probbaly useful 
<Hatch> His eyes glow faintly white for a moment, then fade to brown 
again. "There is nothing more I can tell you now." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well thank you, that was certainly very interesting 
<Hatch> He nods at you, and the fire in  the stone bowl fades and dies. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I think I'll head east, towards the water than 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Seek and ye shall find ... ME : ) 
<Hatch> He nods, and looks down again at the ancient book. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *heads off in the above stated direction* 
<Hatch> okay... 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hey it should be fun, and after all what's life for ? 
<Hatch> Walking? 
<Hatch> Where to? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Nah, to boring 
<Hatch> okay. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'll umm ... well be bored for a bit and walk east, 
towards the water 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Durn strange old guy wasn't very specific ... 
<Hatch> Walking east through the city, you find yourself in a dirtier part 
of town, approaching the harbor. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well this looks like the place for strangers to certainly 
try and approach you *tries to be on guard a bit* 
<Hatch> You wander further into the harbor (suddenly, you realize you're 
standing in the river! ^_^), you see dozens of small trading ships loading 
and unloading cargo. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *hmm*  *ack I walk on water now, what a boost to my 
already large ego ; )* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Anyone just standing around ? 
<Hatch> (I waskidding) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (I know : )  ) 
<Hatch> Hundreds of people are around. 
<Hatch> Most look like ships crew or dock men. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hrm, well I guess all I can do is wander around and hope 
this girl sees me (he did say she didn't he ?) 
<Hatch> You also see numerous women of questionable morals... (he did say 
she.) 
<Hatch> Wandering, a flicker of light catches your eye. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh my ..., *sigh* no time to be polite ... wait 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *looks at the flicker of light* 
<Hatch> You see a large caravel. The light came from the sun reflecting 
off the polished metal of it's nameplate. It reads 'Destined Wanderer' 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, fate perhaps ?, I'll go towards it 
<Hatch> okay. 
<Hatch> Approaching the ship, you see it bustling with activity, they're 
loading crates into the hold. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (I don't see anyone else who's playing online) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, okay not unusual for a ship ... 
<Hatch> (nobody else is on...) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (yup, oh well) 
<Hatch> It looks like they're setting to leave in a day or so. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'll ask them where they are headed 
<Hatch> Ask who? 
<Hatch> :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I don't know, one of the people around 
<Hatch> okay. 
<Hatch> One of the crew stops and tells you they're setting sail downriver 
to Harlech at first light, with the tides. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Harlech, that's the capital isn't it ?, would that be to 
the east ? 
<Hatch> He looks at you like he's staring at a man with no head. "Of course 
it's the capital. Everybody knows that." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'm from .... a bit away 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Is it to the east ? 
<Hatch> He nods. "Well, yeah. It's our capital, east, down river on the 
shores of the Villichi sea." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, okay 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *ponders, maybe that's where this messenger is* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'll ask if they take passengers 
<Hatch> "You'll have to see the captain, she's ondecks." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> She ? *grins* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *goes and looks for the captain* 
<Hatch> You hear her long before you can see her. You find her yelling at 
two dock workers. The fury you hear in her voice seems to fit her firey 
red hair. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Red head : D 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles*  *walks calmly up to the captain* 
<Hatch> She angrily dismisses the two men and turns to you, anger still 
in her voice. "What'dya want?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well I was wondering if your willing to take any 
passengers, on your trip to Harlech 
<Hatch> She looks you over a moment, anger fading from her eyes. "Yes, we 
take passengers." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles*  I'm glad, it would be a shame to miss out on 
your company on my trip there 
<Hatch> She barks out a loud laugh. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *continues to smile* 
<Hatch> She turns and leans over the side of the ship, yelling at the 
workers to hurry. Turning back to you. "Two gold for a private room, or 
three silver to stay in the crew quarters." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Two gold it is, *smiles*  perhaps we could talk more, 
when your less ... busy ? 
<Hatch> She smiles. "Sure." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles back* well then lovely captain, may I have your 
permision to go aboard ? 
<Hatch> She nods. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *goes onboard* 
<Hatch> okey. 
<Hatch> You look blankly around the ship. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hrm ..., I wonder which way it is ... 
<Hatch> People move quickly across the decks, carrying various barrels and 
crates. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I guess I'll head to the inside of the ship, my quarters 
aren't going to be on deck .. 
<Hatch> okay. 
<Hatch> You head for the heavy doors on the cabin at the back of the ship. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((acually I know what that is, but my char might not so 
I'll go ahead)) 
<Hatch> okeh. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> heh 
<Hatch> The doors open onto a short hall, doors leading left and right. In 
front of you is stairs going up. At the far end of the hall are steps 
leading downwards. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, I'll try going up 
<Hatch> You see the upper decks, chart tables, the ship's wheel, and the 
captain. She's yelling at yet more crew. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> She likes to yell : ) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *grin* 
<Hatch> Yeps. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, well I guess I'll look around a bit for what might 
be my room 
<Hatch> Well, it's not up here. ;) Good thing too... 
<Alexand Di'Mere> hehehehe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well then I guess it's downstairs to look .... 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *stealing a quick stare at the captain* 
<Hatch> okay. ... she glares at you. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Sorry, captured by beauty for a moment  *smiles* 
<Hatch> Taking the stairs belowdecks, it opens to a large common room, two 
large doors lead forward, and a single door leads toward the rear of the 
ship. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, maybe the rear of the ship then .. 
<Hatch> You open the door and see a hall. Leading left, right, and a short 
distance straight, there's a door every 15 feet or so. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Probbaly cabins ... hmm did anyone mention to me which 
one was mine ? 
<Hatch> Nope :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh well, guess I'll just have to check them then ; ) 
<Hatch> erk.. okay. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Heheheh 
<Hatch> Which way? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'm a curious fellow, and the captain seemed busy 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I don't know, first door near me I guess 
<Hatch> okay. 
<Hatch> The closest door has a brass plate on the door. 
<Hatch> 'Harlan' 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, okay not mine, I'll check the next one 
<Hatch> There's nothing marking this door. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I'll open it 
<Hatch> It appears to be locked. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm, okay this is rapidly becoming pointless, I guess 
I'll ask the captain which one it is 
<Hatch> oaky. 
<Hatch> You head back up to the bridge deck. 
<Hatch> The captain looks up at you. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well, I'm not really familair with your ship, where 
exactly would my cabin be ? 
<Hatch> She looks at you and smiles slightly. "Downstairs, behind the 
crew's... nevermind, I'll show you."  
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles*  I'd like that 
<Hatch> She leads you down, through the crew quarters and turns left in 
the hall, stopping at the second door there. 
<Hatch> She opens the door and steps in. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *goes in and closes the door* 
<Hatch> She looks at the door. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *looks at her*  Should I lock it for some reason ? 
<Hatch> "Lock the door? Why, are you expecting trouble?" 
<Hatch> "People after you, perhaps?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> No, quite the oppisite, although I can handle trouble 
too  *smiles* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I just thought you would be more comfortable with to 
door closed, the locking depends on how comfortable you'd like to get 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Talking and all  *smiles* 
<Hatch> She looks at the door again. "This is your room for the voyage. I 
have work to do, if we're to sail in the morning." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well then, all you have to do is walk out the door, I 
sort of got the impression you wanted a break from having to look over your 
sailors
<Alexand Di'Mere> (err sailors 
<Hatch> "They're idiots, if nobody watches them, they start dropping 
things into the bay." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well surely even idiots can remember your orders, if just 
for a little while 
<Hatch> She looks around the room, and back at the door. "Do you need 
something? I have things to take care of before morning." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> No, it's all right, perhaps we could talk some other 
time then 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *shrugs and sits down* 
<Hatch> She looks at you and then quickly leaves. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Boy she was nervious 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh well  *relaxes* 
<Hatch> In the morning, the ship casts off and sets sail down river for 
Harlech. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *yawn*  Well a little boat ride is good to relax on I 
guess 
<Hatch> It'll take a bit under two weeks to reach Harlech. 
<Hatch> Aside from the trader and her crew, there's probably another dozen 
or so passengers on the boat, to be dropped at varying points along the 
trip in one village or another. 
<Hatch> Eleven days into your trip where you should be nearing the deltas 
at the last stretch of the river, you wake to loud screams coming from up 
decks. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh my, I'll head to the screaming 
<Hatch> You see crowds of people running, screaming towards the rear of 
the ship, a large, spiney bipedal fish with a spear standing near the bow, 
fighting with one of the crew.  
<Hatch> The crewman looks panicked and is retreating backwards, there's 
already two crew down on the deck. They look very still. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh darn, interupt my trip will you ?  *zAP* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Magic missile away 
<Hatch> damage? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ohh 5 again (I like this dice) 
<Hatch> okay 
<Hatch> The creature hisses and jams the spear into the crewman. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Darn would have thought it'd be distracted, "Run away"  
*zaps again* 
<Hatch> damage? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 3 this time 
<Hatch> okay, the big critter starts running towards you. he's about 50 
feet from you now. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay, I'll start throwing all my missiles as fast as I 
can 
<Hatch> You can get off two more before he's in range to hit you. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay *rolls* 
<Hatch> okay 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 3 and 5 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 16 dam total so far 
<Hatch> oookay... he looks -really- pissed.  
<Alexand Di'Mere> Shoot, why won't you die you darn thing 
<Hatch> Roll init. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (I may be outmatched, hmm) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> d10 right ? 
<Hatch> yep 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 6 
<Hatch> ouch.. uhm, you go WAY first. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay another zap, and I back up some, ready to dodge 
<Hatch> okeh. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 5 dam again ! whoo ! 
<Hatch> (soooo close) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Fish fry time ; ) 
<Hatch> He swings his spear at you with his last strength. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ack 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hope he misses 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *tries not to get hit* 
<Hatch> He hits you hard, his spear digging into your shoulder for uhm, 
dangit. 2 damage. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ouch, that still hurts  (dangit? you trying to kill me?)
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay is he dead or do I need to hit him again ? 
<Hatch> I was hoping for a BIT more. ^_^ 
<Hatch> One more hit. 
<Hatch> He's reeeeeally down there. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay, last blast then magic missile away ... 
<Hatch> *FWOMP!* 
<Hatch> His head bursts 
<Hatch> And he falls back 
<Alexand Di'Mere> hehehehe 
<Hatch> yayyyyy 
<Hatch> Well, it's dead. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Anyone want some fish for dinner ? *smiles* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Heheheh 
<Hatch> You notice the deck is abandoned. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *alex the blob and fish slayer* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh shoot, it wasn't that dangerous .... 
<Hatch> hehe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *goes to tell them he killed it* 
<Hatch> right it wasn't! That was a 4+2 monster 
<Hatch> Walking down to the rear of the ship, a tall slim woman approaches 
you and begins walking next to you. Dressed in a long, flowing silk dress 
and nearly as tall as you, with raven black hair making her fair skin and 
pale green eyes appear even lighter. She walks with an easy, regal step, 
her eyes darting out in front of her, catching everything.
 
<Hatch> "You did well against the creature." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *ohhh pretty* Why thank you, it was tough for a moment, 
but it wasn't the end of the world 
<Hatch> "It did manage to take down three of the crew. Seamen are generally 
accomplished bar fighters." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well I'm a bit more accomplished than a bar fighter 
*smiles* 
<Hatch> "So it seems. You're wounded, are you alright?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well he got off a jab at me, his spear wasn't something 
to laugh at 
<Hatch> "May I help you?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I make it a point not to refuse help from such a 
beautiful lady, usually anyways 
<Alexand Di'Mere> please do 
<Hatch> She stops and places her hand on your chest, over the tear the 
spear left in you. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *waits for it* 
<Hatch> Her eyes close, looking down you see a faint glow surround her arm 
and a etheral warmth fills you. 
<Hatch> You get both hp back. :) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hmm *healing spell* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Thank you, I am Alexand, what shall I call you ? 
<Hatch> She looks up, smiling, and shakes her head. 
<Hatch> "My name is Francesca Jenkins. I've been sent ... to ask you 
something." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I thought you might be looking for me *smiles* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> What is the question you have come to ask 
<Hatch> "There are ..people, in Harlech who require your help. I've been 
sent by them to find you." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Sounds interesting *smiles* and I was headed there 
anyways 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Would you like to join me in my room to discuss it ? 
<Hatch> She looks off down river, then smiles at you, taking your hand. "I 
would love to, Alexand." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles* *leads her to his room* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> My pleasure  
<Hatch> She smiles at you as you walk. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles back* 
<Hatch> She smiles, looking around your room. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *offers her a seat* 
<Hatch> She sits down, looking up at you. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *closes the door, and locks it*  So we won't be troubled,
*sits down* now you were saying ? 
<Hatch> "Saying...? About what?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles* About going to Harlech ?, or we could talk 
about other things if you would like 
<Hatch> "Yes, Harlech. What would you like to know?" 
<Alexand Di'Mere> What do the ... people need me to do ? 
<Hatch> She smiles, looking at you. "They need your help, to find someone 
that they can not." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Ahh, well my skills run to the more ... combative nature, 
but It sounds like something worthwhile to do 
<Hatch> "Do not worry, it is not a short, nor an easy task." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Good, if it was it would be rather boring, I hate to be 
bored 
<Hatch> "You seemed the adventuring sort." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Although boredom is a concept far away, in your wonderful 
company 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles* 
<Hatch> She smiles widely at you, reddening slightly. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Oh don't blush yet, there are much better compliments I 
could give *grin* 
<Hatch> She looks down at her feet 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Are you embarassed or something *walks over and gently 
tilts her head up* because it's a shame not to be able to look into your 
eyes *darn out of spells, or the seduction music cantrip would be going...*
<Hatch> (lol!!) 
<Hatch> "I'm sorry, I didn't expect..." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *bow wa bombow* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Didn't expect what my dear ? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Surely it can't be complimented on your beauty, someone 
as pretty as you must have heard such compliments before 
<Hatch> "Ryan.. he said that you were.. but I didn't truly expect... you to 
be so charming." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> It's only because I've been privleged to witness the 
wonder of nature before me right now *smiles* 
<Hatch> She reddens quite profusely. "Please, you're too kind Alexand." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles* not at all, how could someone ever be too kind 
to someone like you 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I would ask you to stop blushing so, and relax, if that
shade of red didn't become you so 
<Hatch> (you're just making it woooorse!) 
<Hatch> She smiles up at you, looknig into your eyes. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (oro ?) 
<Hatch> (oro??) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Please stay a while, grant a simple mortal the miricle 
of your company 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((oro - as in "surprised huh sound" in japanese)) 
<Hatch> "All of us are mortal, Alexand, but yes, I would like to stay." 
<Hatch> (ahhh... okay) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *smiles* Then I am glad 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *is it fade to black time with her walking out the next 
morning all flustered, and hair mussed ?*) 
<Hatch> (ROFL!! I need Claire if you want to get like, technical with it. 
hehe, she has all of this worked out, I don't understand it that well.) 
<Hatch> (hey... you're the first one to get sex!!) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (heheheh well, I'm just that damn good ; )  )) 
<Hatch> (hehe.) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((nah I don't need the technical details, it's just a 
game)) 
<Hatch> (CC has this bizarre obsession with knowing who lasts longest) 
<Hatch> *fade to black* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((needless to say with my con and dex scores, she had a 
good time, and I'm stronger than average)) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Whoho ! : ) 
<Hatch> hehe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *gets cantrip back and plays music late, bow bow chica 
bow bow, bom bow* 
<Hatch> (hehe, and you would have done even better, cause of her charisma) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((ROFL, Okay : ) )) 
<Hatch> *light fades back in* 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *happy smile* 
<Hatch> (I told Pixie you were doing your npc, she wants to watch now. ^_^) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ROFL !!!!! 
<Hatch> She's jsut mad because she didn't get to sleep with Dyona. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Bring her in 
 Cacti enters the chat 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Hahahah 
<Hatch> (Cacti???) 
<Hatch> (SO like, short and pokey?) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ROFL 
<Cacti>  {hey!  ;p} 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Well, I'm LONG and pokey, so it's not my name ; ) 
<Hatch> Francesca spends the final two days of the journey with you. When 
the caravel arrives in the harbor in Harlech, Francesca leads you through 
the docks and climbs into a waiting wagon. She calls to the driver and you 
set off through the streets, heading into the wealthier sections of the 
city. 
<Hatch> (I could say something, but enough people know as it is.) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((O 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((err, okay)) 
<Hatch> The wagon stops in front of a truly remarkable structure. Sitting 
high at the top of a set of wide stairs, it's walls gleam brightly. A 
heavy archway in front of the giant doors supported by pillars carved of 
bright marble in the finest workmanship. You can see the detail that must 
have been spent working the form of the two great dragons into the stone. 
<Hatch> (don't ask.) 
<Hatch> Francesca steps out, looking up to the building and smiling. "This 
is the House of Avery. The building is more than seven hundred years old. 
The Star's cathedral here is yet older still, though. This building has 
been the home of the Avery family, and the seat of our government since 
the founding of this city. Of course, it wasn't always quite this big." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Impressive 
<Hatch> (Kopporu didn't find it as interesting) 
<Hatch> She looks at you and grins, pulling at your arm. "Come on, we're 
already a bit behind. You're to meet with Ryan and the others he's 
gathered at once, they'll be waiting already." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> (yeah but she isn't still seducing someone) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> All right *smiles happily* 
<Cacti> {heh heh  ;)} 
<Hatch> Entering through the main doors, the entrance hall of this 
building is massive, easily large enough to house a large family.
Seeming quite at home in the mammoth building, she strides confidently 
through the halls, leading you down the south hall, around a corner and 
up a long flight of stairs. A long hall of indentical doors line the long 
hallway at the top. Turning left and walking nearly to the end, she stops
at a set of double doors. 
<Hatch> (yep, she failed to get into Dyona's leather skirt. ;) ) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((well dresses are easier, if you know how ; D )) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I assume they are through these doors ? 
<Hatch> (not easier than short leather skirts) 
<Cacti> {*sniff*  Kopporu's not that kinda character!  ;)} 
<Hatch> Francesca turns and looks at you, brushing your cheek softly with 
her hand and bows to you. "This is where I must leave you. The others 
inside are also waiting for Ryan, who will explain in greater detail why 
you're all here. It was an honor and a great pleasure meeting you, I hope 
I shall get to see you again, Alexand." 
<Hatch> (yeahhhh right, miss *poke poke* does this hurt?) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I hope so as well, I have rarely been so happy 
<Hatch> (*poke opke* 
<Hatch> ) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((ROFLMAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!))) 
<Cacti> {....} 
<Hatch> (hehe) 
<Cacti> {that was innocent! ;)} 
<Hatch> "You are too kind, Alexand." 
<Alexand Di'Mere> *opens the doors and walks in, with a slightly cocky 
strut, but not too much* 
<Hatch> (If you didn't have your hand inside her shirt, I might believe 
that.) 
<Alexand Di'Mere> ((I wouldn't, I know better ; ) )) 
<Hatch> Okay, we have to fade and pause here, so we can wait until more 
of the others are here. 
<Hatch> This is where you meet most of them all. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay, well that was a neat intro 
<Cacti> we're a rowdy we are 
<Cacti> er.. bunch that is 
<Hatch> Hopefully most of the others will be on before long. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Mwahahahahahahah, and my background as a flirt and 
playboy is well established ; D 
<Hatch> Hehe. 
<Hatch> woooo... 
<Hatch> hold on, adding xp. 
<Hatch> 420 for the jello, 370 for the 4+2 HD Sahaugin... 
<Alexand Di'Mere> So how am I at being a silver tounged seducer, and 
monster slice-o-matic ? 
<Hatch> hehe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> : ) 
<Hatch> You kill stuff that's slow way to easy. :) 
<Cacti> jello? 
<Hatch> 860 XP, plus your bonus. 
<Cacti> mmm.. lime? 
<Alexand Di'Mere> So 790 total ? 
<Cacti> whoa! 
<Cacti> thatsa lot 
<Hatch> He fought a gelatious cube. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Do I get the 10% for high int ? 
<Cacti> ... 
<Cacti> a cube?? 
<Cacti> like... in a hall way? 
<Cacti> eeeeeeew 
<Hatch> He also needs more xp, and didn't get much stuff. :) 
<Hatch> Yep, one of those. 
<Hatch> Yep, +10% 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 860 PLUS my bonus ? 
<Hatch> yep. 946. woah. 
<Hatch> That jello was worth a lot. 
<Hatch> ^_^ 
<Alexand Di'Mere> That's 860 + 86, or .... 
<Alexand Di'Mere> 946 xp, .... cool : ) 
<Hatch> You'll need it. ^_^ I was trying to get Toe more too, but it's hard. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> I blew it away : ) 
<Hatch> You gooed it. 
<Hatch> hehe 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Yup 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Alexand, the walking machine gun 
<Cacti> ah well... Toe got lotsa cash! 
<Hatch> heh. 
<Hatch> Toe got lotsa cash. :) 
<Hatch> I gotta go off for a while, have to eat dinner. 
<Hatch> so sush for a sec, so I can save this. 
<Alexand Di'Mere> Okay