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Internet Message Format | 1995-07-07 | 20KB

Path: usenet.ee.pdx.edu!news.netins.net!solaris.cc.vt.edu!swiss.ans.net!europa.chnt.gtegsc.com!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!agate!tcsi.tcs.com!uunet!in1.uu.net!not-for-mail From: vallow@l14h13.jsc.nasa.gov (Thomas Vallow) Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.archives Subject: STORY: Counterparts #3 Followup-To: rec.games.frp.misc Date: 5 Jul 1995 08:48:39 -0400 Organization: UUNET Technologies Inc, Fairfax VA USA Lines: 420 Sender: smm@uunet.uu.net Approved: smm@uunet.uu.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <3te1n7$oq5@rodan.UU.NET> NNTP-Posting-Host: rodan.uu.net Sorry this has taken so long to get out.... COUNTERPARTS by Tom Vallow vallow@L14h13.jsc.nasa.gov (feedback encouraged) -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Variables ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode III : Orlane Place: On the road to Orlane Environment: The open road across plains.... Weather: Cold and wintery Date/Time: 20 December, 569 / Dawn -------------------------------------------------------------------- The adventurers had decided that they would leave at dawn for Orlane. It was a good four-day ride to the town, and the party saw no reason to wait any longer, now that they were equipped. Dawn came, and in no time, they bid the city farewell and hit the open road. The Realstream was quickly forded, and by midday, the party found themselves in a vast, grassy, snowcovered, uninhabited plain. Occasionally, the party would pass a small stand of cottonwood trees, but it was otherwise unwooded. Kron was in the lead, several yards ahead of the rest of the group. They rode in pairs, side by side. Dougal and Grael were in the first rank, followed by Tavish and Keaton, with the rear being held by Quince and Zed. They saw no one the remainder of the first day, nor the second. The party posted regular watches at night, a precaution urged by Zed, but nothing had bothered them. The caravan track seemed to be following a small stream. The track never crossed it, however, always keeping to the right of the water. The afternoon of the fourth day brought the first signs of an inhabited region nearby. The plains turned to lush fields and pastures, and farmhouses dotted the horizon. Soon, they saw a sign that read simply: "Orlane". A cluster of buildings appeared ahead of them, and a small grove of elms appeared to the north. Kron called a halt.... Kron: (to the rest of the group) It would appear that we have reached our destination. Grael: (rolls his eyes, then under his breath) _That_ seems fairly obvious... Kron: (ignoring Grael) The point is, what course of action will we take? Do we camp outside the town, making trips to and from, or do we attempt to find an inn? Zed: I vote for the inn. Camping outside the town might make the townsfolk suspicious of our motives. Quince: Yeah, besides, we _are_ here to investigate the goings-on IN town. Dougal: As much as I prefer to live off the land, the rogue and the elf have a point. Keaton: I am with the druid. Thor will protect us. Quince: (to himself) Yeah, riigght.... Keaton: I _heard_ that! Quince: Bah! Tavish: Seems to be settled then. A good thing too, I could use an ale.... All: Yeah. Here, here. Me too. And so with that, the party marched into town. A quaint little faring community, a stone temple could be seen in the distance, off to the northwest. A few farm houses were passed, and a mill appeared on the left. Two small girls were outside playing. Kron stopped, and leaving the party in the road, approached the two, who promptly giggled and ran into the house. Unperturbed, Kron strode to the porch, to be met by a portly gentleman before he could mount the steps... miller: What can I do for you. Kron: Kron D'Naar is the name, sir. I and my companions seek an inn to retire to for the evening. I was wondering if you might be able to tell us where we could find one. miller: Thats easily enough done. Straight up the road, across the footbridge, is an intersection. At this intersection sits the Golden Grain Inn. I would not recommend that one, though. Instead, take a left, and follow the road across the main creek to the Slumbering Serpent. Much better atmosphere, better clientele, nicer folk. Kron: I thank you sir. But what is wrong with the Golden Grain? miller: Nothing...if you dont mind rude stares, and rude proprietors. Trust me, friend, the Serpent's a much better inn. Kron: Again, sir, I thank you for your kindness. (turns and rejoins the party) miller: (watches Kron go) >From behind the screen door, in the shadows.... figure: What was that all about? miller: (over his shoulder, still watching the party) Nothing, love. Just some strangers in town looking for an inn. I sent them to the Serpent. figure: I heard him ask about the Golden Grain.... miller: I know, dear. They arent from around here, thats obvious. Back on the road... Zed: What was all that about? Kron: I have endeavored to find us suitable lodgings from which to launch our investigation. Dougal: And...? Kron: I have succeeded. Yon miller recommends the Slumbering Serpent Inn, and kindly gave me directions. Quince: Did he tell you anything else? Kron: Indeed. He also spoke of a place called the Golden Grain, and spoke against it. Quince: Sounds like a place for the talents of the great Peter Quince! Grael: (muttering) Must have called it a dungheap then.... Tavish: (chuckles) Aye.... Quince: Laugh if you will, but sooner or later, you will be glad I am on this journey. Keaton: I doubt that. Thor has no use for your prattle. Quince: Thor, Shmor! Keaton: Grrr..... In short order, they came to the intersection. They found the Golden Grain, just as the miller said they would. It was a weather-beaten structure, with all the windows shuttered, and badly in need of a whitewash. A sign outside depicted a sheaf of wheat in full bloom. As they passed it, Zed motioned to Quince to hang back. Unnoticed, the two trailed a bit... Zed: (to Quince, in low tones, and in Thieves Cant) Tonight, we should check this out. Quince: (nods, smiling) Agreed. So you _are_ a thief... Zed: Yes. Quince: I suspected as much. Zed: How? Quince: I am Peter Quince. I notice all. Zed: (shakes his head) Lets just keep this between you and me for now, ok? Quince: Fine with me, brother. Zed: Time to catch back up... As they crossed the main stream, they discovered a few things about the town. First, the center seemed to be a small lake around which the town was built. The temple was on the far side, and apparently could be reached if one just continued around the lake. Second, the grove of elms was much thicker on this side of the stream, and a small trail led into it. This place was kept up much better kept up. A woman was sweeping the porch when as they rode, and waved to them as they approached... woman: Hello! Welcome to the Slumbering Serpent Inn! I'm Bella. Come in, take a load off. Can I offer you some wine? An ale? Kron: (dismounting) Hail, and well met! Indeed, a glass of wine sounds just the thing to take away the aches of a day's ride. Tavish: (dismounting also) Nay...ale! That's the ticket, laddie! Grael: Ale...to cure what ails you. Quince: Assuming you suffer some sort of AILment... Grael: Of course. Aches and pains, though, are not ALIen to those who travel a lot. Dougal: (dismounts, as does the rest of the party) Tell me, do you a place where we might stable our mounts? Bella: Sure, right around back. I can have one of the boys... Dougal: No need. I'll see to it. Bella: Suit yourself. Soon, everyone but Dougal was inside. Going around to the stables, the druid found them to be neatly kept...for stables, that is. The boy inside took the mounts, and Dougal gave him an extra silver piece to take special care of the horses, then rejoined the others. Elsewhere... man #1: Did you see them? man #2: Yup. man #1: What should we do? man #2: Tell the boss, I suppose... man #1: Aye...(the two move from the window of a nearby house, and head towards the Golden Grain) Meanwhile, the interior of the inn was quite homey. There was a hearth at one end, and a long bar nearby. While not filled anywhere near capacity, there was a decent crowd inside. Bella had the barmaid show the party to a corner booth big enough to accommodate all of them. A set of stairs led to rooms above, and Tavish took the liberty of securing two rooms for a week's time. In short order, they were enjoying dinner. Afterwards, they discussed what to do next... Kron: I think it is fairly obvious that the first place to start is the Golden Grain. Keaton: I disagree. I think that temple is a place to start. Who knows what heinous practices go on there. Dougal: Well, there is also the grove of elms. I seem to remember a trail going into the woods near where we crossed the stream. Tavish: Oi, why na start 'ere? Watch who comes an' goes. Grael: Possible, but this place seems like a hangout for the local farmers. Zed: Looks can be deceiving. Quince: That they can. Zed: (shoots Quince a look) Quince: (ignoring the look) Hey, we've been on the road all day. Why not turn in and discuss further actions in the morning. Grael: (gives an inquisitive look to Quince, which no one seems to catch) Bella: (coming over with a glass-laden tray, overhears this last comment) Not before you try this. Its the house vintage, our compliments. Kron: Thank you, good lady (proceeds to distribute the glasses) Dougal: (raises his glass) To your health and happiness, Bella. All: (raise their glasses and repeat the toast) Bella: (blushes) Aw, shucks.... Soon, the glasses were drained, and Kron commented that it was the best wine he had had in quite some time. As the party was going upstairs... Quince: I am going out for a walk. I'll be back shortly. Kron: Try to stay out of trouble (then, to himself) what am I saying? That one knows nothing BUT trouble.... Zed: (seeing Kron's concern, and siezing an opportunity) I'll go with him. Grael: (raises both eyebrows, again, unnoticed by the party in general) Biddingg the party goodnight, Zed and Quince went out to the road again. The walk to the Golden Grain was not far, and riders at night stood out more anyway, or so Quince told Zed. A light snow started to fall, so they bundled up and made there way to the Golden Grain. Unbeknownst to them.... silent figure: (watches them go from the inn, then follows shortly) In no time the two were at the Golden Grain, and they decided that, for this first encounter, a straight approach would be the best approach. Quince: (enters the inn) Zed: (follows) This in was definitely more shabby, but clean. There were a few rough-looking customers, a fire in a hearth, and a grubby barkeeper, but little else. A set of stairs went above. Quince: (to the barkeep) A chilly night. Ale, if you please. Zed: Likewise. barkeep: Here you go. At least there's no storm. Quince: Thats true enough. barkeep: Then I might have lots of work to do, and I dont want that. HAHAHA! Zed & Quince: (exchange glances) barkeep: (laughs) Just joking. Why dont you have a seat at the booth over there. I'll send the barmaid over to take care of you. Quince: Much obliged. However, as the two approached the booth, they saw a short figure already moving to sit down. He motioned the thieves over... Zed: What are you doing here, Grael. Grael: Someone's got to keep you two hooligans out of trouble. Quince: (sarcastically) Thanks, pa, but we can take care of ourselves. We're grown up now. Grael: Cut the chatter, yung'un. Besides, I wasnt tired anyway. And Tavish got only two rooms, and I am bunking with you two, and didnt want to have to come bail you out of whatever trouble you are destined to cause tonight. Quince: (innocently) Who, us? Grael: That would interrupt my beauty sleep. Zed: (laughs) While this exchange is going on, two things happen. First, unseen by the adventurers, a figure gets up from one of the tables, speaks in low tones to the barkeep who nods, and heads upstairs. Second, a cloaked figure entered the inn, and uncovered. There, stood a tall, voluptuous woman. Perhaps 5 ft, 10 in, with long, silky legs, and shoulder-length blonde hair. Under the cloak, which was fur-lined, was a _very_ definitive shape. Luscious curves accentuated the newcomer's obvious beauty. Besides the cloak, she was wearing a leather vest over a white top, exposing ample cleavage, and a skin-tight brown jerkin. She exuded the very essence of her fair gender. woman: Like, wow its cold out there. everyone in the inn: Siiiggghhhhh........ woman: Man, like, is there a chair here where a girl could, like, warm up? farmer #1: Va-va-VOOM! farmer #2: (offering up his seat next to the fire) Sure, sweetie, take my chair. farmer #3: Can I, uh, get you sumthin? woman: Like, suuure, sugar. Ale, please. farmer #4: (running to beat his mate) Coming right up miss! Across the room.... Quince: Now, THAT is a woman! Grael: (captivated as well) Your sense of the obvious is working overtime today. Maybe we should go talk to _her_. Zed: (trying, but failing miserably to avoid staring at the woman) In general, there was quiet pandemonium. Nearly every male in the Golden Grain was enthralled with the newcomer. Those who werent simply smiled. After a few minutes, she got up, and went to the bar.... woman: Could I, like, have a room, please...? barkeep: (undressing her with his eyes) Wow, would I like to.... woman: How about that room...is it nice and cozy? barkeep: Sure is. woman: I dont have lots of money, but I am sure I could compensate you somehow (bats her eyelashes).... barkeep: Joe, take the bar. I'm going upstairs for a bit. Joe: Aw, man... barkeep: Just _do_it! Joe: Okaay....(obviously disappointed) The barkeep and the woman headed upstairs, and there was a general sigh of despair. Everyone went back to drinking.... Grael: What do you make of that? Zed: Not from around here, thats for sure. Quince: Yeah, the way these guys carried on.... Grael: _These guys?_ WE were part of these guys! Quince: All I know is that I would love to be part of... Zed: So would we all, friend, so would we all. To everyone's suprise, fifteen minutes later, she returned, barkeep in tow. The keeper had a HUGE smile on his face, and the woman had changed clothes. She now wore a very tight mini skirt, and a white blouse. Curves were in evidence everywhere, and a very small figurine hung from a necklace about her neck. Immediately, half the inn was at her beck and call. She wanted for nothing. She was pampered, primped, and generally held on a pedestal. After a time, the initial shock wore off, and things settled down closer to normal. She went upstairs at least five times that the adventurers had counted. It was after the last, that Quince went to the bar.... Quince: I'd like a room, please. barkeep: (still smiling) Sure, pal. 7 silvers. Quince: Ouch. OK. barkeep: (hands Quince the key, staring at the woman) Upstairs, second on the right. Quince: Thanks. C'mon guys.... Upstairs, they entered the room. The only thing remarkable about it was that it had no windows.... Grael: What was that all about? We already _have_ rooms. Quince: I wanted an excuse to come upstairs. Grael: Why? Quince: To look at her room, of course. Grael: Do not tell me you are thinking of robbing that creature of lovliness?!! Quince: Dont be vulgar! I just want to see what she's about. Zed: She _is_ the one unusual thing that's happened to us since we arrived. Grael: But.... Quince: (looks around the room) Waaaiit a minute. Something is wrong here. Zed: (now also looking around the room) Depth. Not the right depth. Quince: Thats what I was thinking. (starts examining the far wall) Zed: (likewise) Quince: (after a few minutes) Thats IT! With Quince pointing, and Zed tracing with his finger, the two outlined a small hidden door in the wall. But try as they might, they could not get it open. Grael: (now also examining the new-found door) What the hell? Zed: A one-way door? In an inn? Quince: Cleaning crew, maybe? Grael: From the looks of this place outside, I doubt it. Quince: What then? Zed: I dunno. I think we ought to leave it alone, and let the others know in the morning. Grael: Probably right.... Quince: What about _her_ room? Grael: Hmmm....hadnt thought of that. Though, from the looks of things below, no one would lay a finger on her unless they wanted to get beaten up by the mob. Quince: Thats not what I meant. Look, give me ten minutes, then we'll go. Grael: Watch yourself, rogue. I do not want you robbing her blind. Quince: (innocently) Who, me? With that, Quince went into the hall. No one was to be seen, so he moved to the first door on the right. In short order, he had picked the lock and was inside. It was obvious that he had picked the right room---there was a soft smell of roses inside. Going in, he looked around. The bed, naturally, was in a disarray. Looking around, he found her cloak, and saddlebag that was obviously ignored by most when she entered the inn. Inside, Quince found some perfume, a bag of rose petals, some rations, a few gems (of which he pocketed only one) a pen, some ink, a scroll tube with vellum inside, and some clothes. Most intriguing, though, was the figurine on the nightstand. Not part of the normal decor, that was certain, it was a nude figure of a beautiful woman in a very sensuous pose, not unlike the woman herself---yet, strangely, different--almost godlike. Suddenly, there was a cheer from below, and Quince hastened to make all as he had found it, shaking off feeling the figurine was giving him. Another shout meant no time to read the scrolls in the tube, so he just put them back, and left. He found Grael and Zed at the top of the stairs.... Grael: About time... Zed: Well? Quince: There's more to this chick than meets the eye, thats for sure. Grael: No time now, lets just go. With that, they left. When they reached the common room, the reason for the cheers was obvious: the woman was on a table, gyrating around, slowly taking off her clothing. The farmers were hooting, hollering, and cat-calling. No one noticed when they left. ------------------------------- Next time: More beauty... ------------------------------- The Party.... Kron D'Naar, half-elven, ranger Tavish McVeigh, human, mage Grael, gnome, fighter? Peter Quince, human, thief Dougal, human, druid of Frey Keaton Lucern, half-elf, cleric of Thor Zed Silverquick, elven, fighter/thief (thief only really known by Quince) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Many locations, spells, non-player characters, as well as various terms used in the writing of this story are copyrighted by TSR, Inc. This does NOT mean or imply that TSR in any way, shape or form authorizes or endorses their use, and any such items found within this story should in no way, shape, or form be considered representative of TSR. The player characters in this writing are copyright 1995 by Tom Vallow. Any resemblance to person or persons real or fictional is entirely a coincidence. Copying and distributing this story is allowed under the condition that it not be used or sold for profit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------