IC Event(s) one day on Classic

[berylgreen]

On Mulrok...

The greasy dwarf pops his head out of his chambers and readies his dingy.

Duergar Master Blacksmith: *paddles across the water*

Argramash Runelore: So no one would be interested in a fine axe of the sentinel? One that allows to see invisible things?
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *shakes his head* never was one for the axe.
Argramash Runelore: It's more for its unique power really.
Skye Melody: No, thank you, sir.

Duergar Master Blacksmith: *lights the forge*

Argramash Runelore: Tell me master blacksmith...
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Can't you see I'm busy right now? *looks cross*
Argramash Runelore: Would you be able reforge such an axe into a staff?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *blows on fire*
Argramash Runelore: Oh, sorry.

Duergar Master Blacksmith: *blows on fire*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *checks chest, then looks back suspiciously at the group*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *looks to one side of the tree, then the other* DAMN!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *looks around*
Argramash Runelore: Something is wrong master dwarf?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *clears throat and then spits something gray and clumpy out*
Duke Draconis : *raises a brow*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Alright, which of ye are first, eh?
Simon Fayne: First fer what?
Argramash Runelore: I think he is here to craft on demand.
Slurgmount Murkypool: I like goin' thirdly or fourthly meself.
Skye Melody: I'll be second!
Duergar Master Blacksmith: To place yer orders. I'kin oopgrade yer stoof slightly fer slight coin.

Argramash Runelore: Well here. I have acquired this fine axe. But not being one for such items I was wondering if it could be reforged into a staff while keeping its properties.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Drop the staff, son.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Axe, scuse me.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *looks quickly* Nope!
Duergar Master Blacksmith: I'kin take yer slightly magicky stoof an' oopgrade it a bit.
Simon Fayne: You only work with weapons, though?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Bah! I'kin werk wit yer ammies an' fingerins too.
Argramash Runelore: All I have is this dagger and 4500 gold pieces. What is the best you can make with that?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Fer that amount, nuthin, lad.
Argramash Runelore: How about ugrading the knife in exchange of the axe? Such axe is worth at least 50000 gold pieces on resell.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Soo, youll be givin me tha axe fer a wee bit o'werk on tha dagger? *thinks* Alright, ye got a deal, son.
Argramash Runelore: *gives the Blacksmith a +1 dagger*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *hammers on the dagger for a few short moments*
Argramash Runelore: *looks intrigued, wondering what he will get out of that deal*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: It be a bit dull, like yerself, orc.
Argramash Runelore: *smiles* Oh you would be surprised master dwarf. I am after all a wizard...
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Tar ye go. *gives Argramash a +2 dagger*
Argramash Runelore: Hey this blade is not worth the axe. *grumbles and goes away*

Duergar Master Blacksmith: who be next?
Skye Melody: Me?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Wat ye wants oopgraded, miss?
Skye Melody: I have a shield, a potion, and 13000 golders...*sets down a large shield +1*
Skye Melody: Could you do something with that?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: I don't want no potion, miss.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: But I'll oopgrade ye fer the gold.
Skye Melody: Okay!
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *lays shield out and bangs on it*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Thar ye goes. *hands back a large shield +2*
Skye Melody: Thanks!
Argramash Runelore: *Will think twice before dealing with a duergar again*

Simon Fayne: You work with belts, dwarf?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Les see tha belt, son.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Bah, I can't werk with that! (Belt of Guiding Light)
Duergar Master Blacksmith: It's practically rags!
Argramash Runelore: He's a blacksmith, a worker of metal.
Simon Fayne: *shrugs* Don't seem like I can use yer services, then. Good luck to ye.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Get ye gone, then.

Slurgmount Murkypool: Slurgmount will be havin' his turn now, if no one is objectin'.
Slurgmount Murkypool: I need somethin' fer an associate o' mine.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Les see it.
Slurgmount Murkypool: Can ye do anything wit' this? (Exceptional Verdicite Dagger)
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Bah, it's already been hammered as much as it kin take.
Slurgmount Murkypool: Alright then, I'll see what else I might have. Next!

Duergar Master Blacksmith: *grumbles* They wer right about froo froos....hmph.

Frobo Ashe: Can ya make anythin' with this ring? (Malachite ring)
Frobo Ashe: Eh? What's this? And this too! (Malachite stone)
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *looks at ring* I kin make gravel and a bent circle.
Frobo Ashe: Oohh! How would it look after that trick?
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: squished.... *grins*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *thinks* Like gravel and a bent circle...ye been out in tha sun too long?
Frobo Ashe: Ya!

Duergar Master Blacksmith: Any more oopgrades needed?
Lord Selkirk: Yes...I have a weapon here.
Lord Selkirk: Its rather ..high end. I can pay. *bows humbly*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Les see it.
Lord Selkirk: It lacks...elemental damage of a sort. *grins*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *spits something gray and clumpy* Ye all aren' tha brightest fires in the oonderdark, are ye? Ain't ye been watchin wat I do?
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *raises his hand*
Astromè: Well, sir, I am a bit confused as well...
Lord Selkirk: *scratches his head*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: It ain' rooket science!
Simon Fayne: He takes your worthless weapons and makes 'em slightly less worthless.
Slurgmount Murkypool: Now if ye e'er need weapons or tools or bolts or arrows, come lookn' fer me, and I'll be givin' ye a good deal.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: I kin oopgrade slightly magicky stoof to better magicky stoof.
Lord Selkirk: Alright. *takes off his shield*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: I ain' aboot addin no fire or cold or makin ye toothpicks keen.
Lord Selkirk: Can you upgrade this? *sets down a Tower Shield +2*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *grins* Now yer catchin on, son.
Lord Selkirk: It's not too powerful. But I'm very fond of it.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: How much hammerin ye want me to do?
Lord Selkirk: I'll offer say...50,000 gold pieces. *emphasizes amount* And you do your best?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Lay it down then.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *lays out shield and hammers on it*
Lord Selkirk: *eyes widen*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *counts gold, then hammers a wee bit more*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Thar ye go. *hands over a Tower Shield +4*
Lord Selkirk: My kind thanks. *bows* Most excellent. *examines his new shield smiling brightly*

Professor Finnigan Wake: Intriguing proceedings.
Argramash Runelore: Yes, the duergar dwarf upgrades slightly magical items to slightly better ones.
Professor Finnigan Wake: Fascinating! For a fair price I would assume.
Argramash Runelore: Not worth it I say. For a fine axe of the sentinel all I got was a moderately enchanted dagger.

Astromè: Might I be next?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Ye might.
Astromè: I am not sure if my proposition falls under your line of work...May I try and explain it first?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: If yer explainin, my gess is it ain' werkin. But go ahead and waste yer breth.
Astromè: Could I try at least?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *laces fingers under his sooty beard and tilts head dramatically*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *bats eyes* Ah'm allllll ears.....
Astromè: *nods* Well, I have a very, very sharp weapon, it can cut through steel like butter, however, such a thing offsets my form...When I cut through an enemy, I will often lose my balance and be left totally vulnerable.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Ooooh, say it ain' so!
Astromè: I was wondering, If you could dullen it, make it less sharp....but add a form of bludgeoning to it...not any superb bludgeoning like a mighty hammer, just something to bash in the skull of a badger.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Soo, ye wants me to dullen oop yer blade?
Astromè: *nods* And add a small bit of hammering force to it. I would pay quite well for such a work.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Couldn't he just hit it on a rock a few times...
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Howa aboot this: I dullen it oop and tell yoo the "secret" that will add soom bludgeoning to it.
Astromè: I am not quite convinced...
Argramash Runelore: *Is curious to see how the vile duergar will warp his wishes*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *holds up piece of paper* It's troo....
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Ye can add tha bludgeon when ye wants too.
Astromè: May I see the paper?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Not until ye pay.
Astromè: Would this paper ever stop working?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Not unless ye loses it.
Astromè: Is it a scroll of some sort?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *shakes head* But I kinna tell ye anymore.
Astromè: Well, what would it cost me to do as I first asked?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: I kin dullen yer blade fer 20,000. Tha paper will cost 30,000.
Astromè: And I can't see the paper first?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: No.
Astromè: Mmm, give me some time to think about it then...
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Lemme know when yer ready for a dull blade, son.

Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: What about hammering this one really hard?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Ye wants me to crush a helm or soomtin?
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *sets down Hastsezini's Shield (+5)*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: I kin hammer it all ye want, but it ain' getting better.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *nods* One more question then,
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Though it probably falls outside of your skills... seeing as how you're not all that amazing. *grins*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *narrows eyes* I'll show YOU, gimme tha' shield and I'll hammer it good!
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Gimme tha shield son, I'll show yoo wat a dwarf kin do!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *nods*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: An' i do it fer FREE! Ha! "Not that good"!
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *hammers hard and breaks a sweat*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *looks back* I'll show YOU!
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *adds some powder and folds the metal intensely*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *looks back angrily*
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *stands resolute*
Argramash Runelore: Bad idea that is to enrage a dwarf.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *hammers some more and grumbles*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *takes shield off the anvil and tosses it on the ground in front of the man*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Yer right, ah'm no good. *smirks* It broke. *sets down a plain tower shield*
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *sighs* I'm surprised he didn't break it.

Astromè: When you say dullen, you would make it completely dull? or still a bit sharp...
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Don't trust this dwarf!
Lord Selkirk: *eyes widen*
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: He's no blacksmith!
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *grins* Soory bout that pal...gess'n you were right about me. Ah'm no good afferall. *belly laughs*
Slurgmount Murkypool: Now ye have an item he can upgrade!
Argramash Runelore: You should have understood the moment he gave me only a slightly more powerful blade for a fine axe of the sentinel.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *nods and walks off, face contorted*
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *looks around*
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: I'll not watch anymore of this pathetic show. *straightens posture*

Astromè: My question?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *laces fingers under chin* Yoo go right ahed, son, an' tell me.

Astromè: When you would dullen my blade, would it be completely dull, or still bear some sharpness?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *shrugs* Wat do ye want?
Astromè: Well, I would want it completely dull, depending on what this paper does...
Astromè: It isn't a note that says "GET A HAMMER!!" is it?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Compleetly dull it is, fer 20,000....the secret to bludgeoning fer 30,000.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *looks at paper* No, it doesn' say that.
Astromè: Doesn't say "GET A MACE!!"?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *looks at paper* Nope.
Astromè: Anything close to that?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *look at paper* Nope.
Astromè: And it totally impossible to do the first thing I mentioned, which was to dullen it completely and add a little bit of hammering to it?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Son, yer beginnin to get on my nerves.
Argramash Runelore: He's a bit odd for a duergar. Usually they are always stoic.
Professor Finnigan Wake: *looks up* Ah, but to take sail to Mulrok I would envision would take a more personable dwarf. Thus this one. *chuckles ironically*
Astromè: *nods* Seeing what you did to that shield, I'd rather not take my chances.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Git ye gone.

Then:
Astromè: What could you do to this armor?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Lemme see it.
Astromè: *sets down Chainmail of Speed*
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Now that was foolish...
Duergar Master Blacksmith: *turns it over in his hands*
Astromè: Well, I change my mind.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Ah kin do a lot of things, son...wat ye want? Some resistence?
Astromè: I was just hoping for any small benefit, a little resistance, lighter weight, maybe....I dunno. But keeping EVERY ONE OF ITS EXISTING PROPERTIES.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Some magicky protection?
Astromè: *nods* That might be nice.
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Well, first I'm gonna need some ingredients...
Astromè: Like what exactly?
Duergar Master Blacksmith: Go on over thar an' grab the elly-mental resistance powder from my chest.

And:

Duergar Master Blacksmith: Thisshopisnowclosedseeyalatersuckerrs!

Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: He's stealing it! Ha! What a cheat!
Frobo Ashe: A naked 'uman!

After skillfully obtaining a lovely set of hasted armor, the duergar craftsman quickly closes his shop and flees into the cave.

Argramash Runelore: He fled?
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Didn't I tell ya?
Argramash Runelore: Gray dwarves... ne'er trust em
Professor Finnigan Wake: It appears the grey dwarf got the best of the transaction!

Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Once great shield for sale!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Once great!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Many warriors used it in great battles!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: It was once great!

Somewhere, on another plane, while the greasy dwarf smirks and relives the experience, he is trampled by a dragon.

Slurgmount Murkypool: Well?
Simon Fayne: Should we pursue?

A dejected human wanders about, hoping others will offer to help him retrieve his armor from the crooked craftsman. The cheated human finally manages to gather a few friends to help him out…

In a Dark Cave, Betheal Gavarre The Disciple, Delik Bouldershoulder, Inomakani, Jacho Scarlet, Argramash Runelore, Astromè, Frobo Ashe, Skye Melody and Rulinus Amerin face a pile of rubble. They can tell that the Duergar Smith went through here, but they cannot find a way through themselves.

Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Perhaps it is an illusion.
Astromè : Yes, Perhaps we can think it away.
'Inomakani : Yeah, run through it then...*mumbles* illusion...

They continue to search for a way around, over or over the rubble, until finally a mage casts some spells.

Argramash Runelore: Well look at that!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Ha HA!!
Astromè : Genius!

After the dust settles and the air clears, a portal is seen.

Argramash Runelore: Hmmm, that portal appears to be sealed. Or wait... hold…
Astromè : Yes?
Argramash Runelore: Ah, my mistake! I was not reading the runes properly.
Argramash Runelore: Oh, dear…(as he disappears into the portal)

Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: That idea is just plain bad.
Jacho Scarlet: Any one going after him?
Skye Melody: *blinks*
Delik Bouldershoulder: *eyebrows lift* Och!

On another plane (Rage):

Argramash Runelore: Oh, hello…I think I did something foolish…

In the cave:

Astromè : No one else enter. Everyone rest.

One by one, each of the group entered the portal, after most rested. We found Argramash immediately.

Argramash Runelore: Kind of hot in here, isn’t it? Let’s try to see what is ahead.
Frobo Ashe: Yes, though I wouldn't spend my holidays in here.
Argramash Runelore: Oh, dear – demons! And to say my spell powers are depleted for the day... we may be in mortal peril.
Frobo Ashe: Can ya rest in 'ere?
Argramash Runelore: Who would want to rest in here! It’s way too hot... and that demon there frightens me!
'Inomakani : *peers through the heat waves*
Delik Bouldershoulder: . . .sweet flames o' Moradin's Forge!
Astromè : Everyone, prepare yourself for battle.
'Inomakani : I see a devourer...a human...and a half orc looking.
Skye Melody: And fires...lots of cook-fires...
Argramash Runelore: Another half-orc?
Astromè : Prepare for battle, we must have every man hitting everything.
Frobo Ashe: Ya, like big barbeque party!

Several papers from a large pile drift into the lava and disappear. Blood, once fresh, is now blackened and baked onto the surface.

Delik Bouldershoulder: . . .why do yer figgur 'nyone needs ter be fightin' 'nythin'? I thought yer jus' lookin' fer yer armor.
Argramash Runelore: You think the duergar escaped here and got killed by the demon?
'Inomakani : *watches the paper burn*
Jacho Scarlet: No way he could've slipped through them.

Duergar handwriting vanishes as the parchments burn quickly...

Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Well, we've got a duergar needing to be taught a lesson.
Astromè : I think I just saw the Dark Dwarf sink into the lava over there.
'Inomakani : *stands fascinated by burning parchment*
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: What?
Argramash Runelore: Or is it the way around we got a duergar that taught us a lesson?
Astromè : Ah, only his papers…
Delik Bouldershoulder: *flips an ingot into the bubbling heat, watching it quickly melt, the dross separate, then be soon consumed*
Astromè : Is everyone ready for a charge?
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: I'm not charging anything.
Frobo Ashe: Nope.
Argramash Runelore: Not really but I'll try to be of help.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: And I dont recommend you charge anything either.
Astromè : What is your plan?
Jacho Scarlet: There's no way out now.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: A slow advance makes more sense, does it not?
Frobo Ashe: Maybe we are ready to charge ya for this trip?
Astromè : Fine, but prepare yourself all the same.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *laughs*
Astromè : Hush, Halfling.

Astromè : Fine, a slow advance luring them one by one?
Argramash Runelore: *holds his wand of frost*
'Inomakani : Go ahead sir...lure away.
Delik Bouldershoulder: *rolls his eyes*
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *nods* Slow advance. We know not what we stand against.

'Inomakani : One down
Skye Melody: ...800 to go...
'Inomakani : Ohhh crap...a balor!
Delik Bouldershoulder: *braces a line*

Argramash Runelore: Wait!
Delik Bouldershoulder: *plants his feet*
Argramash Runelore: Can’t do anything in here.
Jacho Scarlet: *holds his wounds*
Delik Bouldershoulder: *braces his shield against the floor and leans into it*
Argramash Runelore: These black tentacles I cannot pass.
Astromè : I see the armor…
Frobo Ashe: Good they can’t grab things this small!

'Inomakani : Yep, there is the dragon!
Delik Bouldershoulder: *wiggles his feet, trying to kick the tentacles away*
Argramash Runelore: BY THE STARS...

'Inomakani : Speak with it.
Astromè : We cannot slay the dragons, I must fetch my armor and run.
Jacho Scarlet: I bet they are more vicious here than on the ground.
'Inomakani : Yeah, go have a chat with it. *shakes head*
Argramash Runelore: You think it will listen?
Astromè : Speak to the dragon?
Frobo Ashe: I always chat with all dragons I see, they are good company!
Argramash Runelore: Perhaps if someone has an offering to appease it?
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Dragons do speak do they not?
Astromè : Galdor does.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Maybe we should go get Galdor. Tell him a duergar's causing a ruckus.
Astromè : Perhaps…
'Inomakani : Galdor does not do the bidding of us mere humans.
Astromè : I will try, brace yourselves for a fight though.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: But he sure likes having humans do his.
'Inomakani : As is his right. *chuckles*

Astromè : GREAT WYRM!!
Jacho Scarlet: The pedestal there might help us out, in a tough situation.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Oh gods....
Astromè: DRAGON, WE COME IN PEACE!!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: No we dont! Kill it!
Delik Bouldershoulder: *replants his shield, and scuffs his boots, looking for purchase*
Astromè: DRAGON!! , PLEASE!!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Attack!
Astromè: WE MEAN NO HARM!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: I'll get the duergar! You all have fun!

Jacho Scarlet: The armor! Keep the dragon there!
'Inomakani : Anyone help me out?
Jacho Scarlet: Get the armor!
Delik Bouldershoulder: Soddit! Yer a damn big piker! C'mere!
Jacho Scarlet: Guess the Duergar wasn't that smart after all..!
Argramash Runelore: I have it! How do we get out?

Argramash Runelore: AAAAAAAAAAH!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: It runs!
Argramash Runelore: *cowers in foetal position*
Delik Bouldershoulder: Leave 'im! 'e'll eat yer in 'is nest!
Argramash Runelore: *And cries like a baby*
Delik Bouldershoulder: *grits his teeth*
'Inomakani : Yeah, not a fight for me.
Argramash Runelore: This is it? We did it?
Delik Bouldershoulder: Yer a bunch o' loony tits!
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Azuth...
Delik Bouldershoulder: Run yer sods! Run! *braces again, trying to make a way out for the others* Git oot!
Jacho Scarlet: Crazy..!
Delik Bouldershoulder: Yer on yer own, loony! *runs*
Astromè: EVERYONE, RETREAT INTO THE CAVE!
Delik Bouldershoulder: *guts get sprayed all over the cobblestones*

Back through the portal:

'Inomakani : *breathes the cool fresh air*
Argramash Runelore: *takes deep breaths of fresh air*
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Lesson learned...... don’t trust duergar... and don’t trust those who walk with you to find the duergar.
Jacho Scarlet: And we actually tried to speak with it?!
Argramash Runelore: *holds the armor outside the cave waiting for survivors*
Jacho Scarlet: What's with these papers? *still catching his breath*
Frobo Ashe: Ya got it?
Argramash Runelore: I do. It was the only thing I could do. Retrieve it and flee. *hands the armor to Astromè*
Astromè : As I promised, 50,000 for all.
Delik Bouldershoulder: *lifts a brow, and takes the coin without question -- but had missed the whole offer of reward on Mulrock*

The human's armor and the duergar's secret papers are retrieved from the lava plane.

Jacho Scarlet: *reads the papers* And you really undressed in front of him..?
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: So...uh…why don’t you let me see that armor of yours, I can make it better, really.
Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: Ok, so go get me some ingredients from that there chest. *points across the room*
Astromè : [Party] I’m about to cleave your skull open.
Bishop of Life: No threats in here.
[Betheal Gavarre The Disciple: *huffs*
Astromè : My apologies, Priest..
Bishop of Life: That's some fine armor, good sir. Pray, may I see it? Perhaps I can bestow some prayers upon it.
Bishop of Life: *crumples something up and puts it in his pocket*
Astromè : Of course
Bishop of Life: *chuckles*

Skye Melody: [Party] Sir?
Frobo Ashe: [Party] Aye?!
Skye Melody: *hands Frobo 25000 gold*
Frobo Ashe: [Party] What was that for?
Skye Melody: [Party] I split up the gold that was on the floor in there.
Astromè : [Party] There was gold on floor?
Skye Melody: [Party] A little...
------

Later, the same day, at the Inn in Sholo Village…

Wester Aseph: I am Wester, owner of this fine establishment. Can I get you two something to eat?
Morgan Ostara: Sure! What do you have?
Astromè: Perhaps, what is it you serve?
Wester Aseph: Oh, niblets, vittles, the usual.
Morgan Ostara: Stew?
Astromè: Grilled Shrimp Alfredo?
Wester Aseph: *look at man* Saaaay, that's some fine armor sir. *leans in* If you want, I can have the mage upstairs cast protections on it...
Astromè: *grins widely* Really? Give it to him, let him have a look, I would very much so like some improvements on my armor.
Wester Aseph: Just let me take it upstairs real quick and I'll be back down in a jiffy.
Astromè: *nods*
Wester Aseph: But don't tell anyone, ok?
: There you go.
Wester Aseph: *looks down* I don't understand.
Astromè: Magically enhance that, you stupid waiter.
Wester Aseph: If you're not interested sir, I can just bring you some vittles.
Astromè: *nods* I'll have some vittles.
Wester Aseph: *mumbles about immunity to critical hits and walks away*
Wester Aseph: *gathers some plates*
Wester Aseph: *puts plates down* Here you go. If you ever change your mind sir, I'll be here.
Astromè: *mumbles about how he is already immune to critical hits because his ac far exceeds 20 more than the strongest foe in Nordock*
Astromè: Thank you Sir.
Astromè: *nibbles on his vittles*
Morgan Ostara: Thanks, Wester.

The door to the inn opens, and in walks a dwarf…

Dwarf Warrior: Arr, bless my beard! This be the place fer sure!
Astromè: Hello, dwarf.
Dwarf Warrior: Wester, gimme two helpins of niblets. All day forging armor and adding benefits to existing armor has really driven my appetite!
Dwarf Warrior: *looks surprised* Ho! Hullo there!
Astromè: *nods*
Dwarf Warrior: Mind if I sit with ye?
Astromè: No, not at all.
Morgan Ostara: Sure, sir...grab a chair.
Astromè: Please sit down, I'd love to hear about this armor you forged.
Dwarf Warrior: Ack, my arms are so sore! I tell ye, hammerin away on amazing, epic quality armor is work fer tha young, not old!
Astromè: From banging out all the protectiveness of paying customer's hard earned shields?
Dwarf Warrior: I don’t know what yer about, sir. I don't work on shields. Imma armor man, meself.
Astromè: *shakes head* Sorry, I go off on random tangets like that.
Astromè: Oh really, do you have any special magic powder to use on my armor?
Dwarf Warrior: Powder? What am I, an elf? I use INGOTS, sonny boy!
Astromè: *nods* Oh I see
Dwarf Warrior: Powder indeed... *eats a niblet*
Astromè: What could you do to my armor then for the right price?
Astromè: *eats a vittle*
Dwarf Warrior: *looks at armor* I’m eatin son, not workin.
Astromè: Ah, my mistake...please, finish.
Dwarf Warrior: *looks at armor, sighs, then puts niblet down* That armor has seen better days, I wager. Looks a little dented, and smells a bit bloody. Sulfur smelly, too.
Astromè: *nods* Really? This armor came straight outa the sky, though I had some armor like it that had experienced what you just mentioned....tragedy what happened to it, though.
Dwarf Warrior: My best advice, sonny boy, is to just fashion up some new armor with a sackful of adamantine ingots.
Dwarf Warrior: Toss in some magical ingredients and it could be worth something... *raises niblet to mouth again*
Astromè: *smacks the dwarf and takes his niblet*
Dwarf Warrior: ACK! What are ye about?!
Astromè: That’s for cheating.
Dwarf Warrior: Cheating? Blimey, what are you talking about?
Astromè: Oh, nothing, don’t mind me...I'm psychologically unstable.
Dwarf Warrior: Son, son, son...you got more needs than just armor.... *wiggles fingers at his temple*
Dwarf Warrior: Maybe someone should add a little permanent clarity to that armor of yours, to help you remain stable! *laughs and eats another niblet*
Astromè: *smacks the dwarf again*
Dwarf Warrior: ACK! Stop that!
Astromè: Oh geez, I really do apologize for that one. These hands have minds of their own.
Dwarf Warrior: What will it take fer you to stop smackin me?
Morgan Ostara: *intently watches the two*
Astromè: Glad you asked, I know exactly what it will take.
Dwarf Warrior: Hmph! What’s that?
Astromè: I want you to dullen my axe, and add a bit of hammer-like dynamicism to it.
Dwarf Warrior: Gah! I specialize in armor!........Fine, lemme see tha axe then! No promises though.
Morgan Ostara: *blinks*
] Astromè: What would you do with my axe if I laid it on the ground?
Dwarf Warrior: I'd look at it....then I'd bend over.....then I'd pick it up.....WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK?
Dwarf Warrior: I don't know how YOU hammer out blades, by watching it?!
Astromè: Sometimes. What would you use as your anvil?
Dwarf Warrior: You must watch yourself a lot then, cause yer awfully dull.
Astromè: *nods* I like it that way.
Dwarf Warrior: I’d use my anvil in my shop, of course.
Astromè: Where is your shop?
Dwarf Warrior: I don’t trust you sir. I won't tell ye that.
Astromè: *nods* Fair enough
Astromè: So, if I lay my axe down, and you pick it up, what would you do next?
Dwarf Warrior: I move one foot toward my shop, then another....repeat the process about 2353 times and viola, I'm there.
Astromè: *nods* How about we walk to your shop, and I can give you the axe while we are there?
Dwarf Warrior: There's no way I'm takin YOU to me shop, ye crazy fool! If you want yer axe dulled, I'll be bringing it back.
Astromè: You really will?
Dwarf Warrior: *scowls* Ye callin me a liar at me own trade?
Astromè: *shakes head* No, I’ve just recently had bad experiences with short, stubby, human-like people who claim to craft things.
Dwarf Warrior: Bah, no accountin fer honesty and integrity in these lands no more!
Dwarf Warrior: *finishes last niblet and belches*
Astromè: I suppose I can trust you.
Dwarf Warrior: *grunts and rubs cheek* Lemme see tha axe.
Dwarf Warrior: An' ye best tell me EXACTLY wat ye want done, cuz I won't shirk no more slappin!
Dwarf Warrior: *looks at Astromè’s blade* Tha ain’t no axe!
Astromè: Alright, I want to remove all the slashing capabilites, and add a small amount of bludgeoning capabilities.
Dwarf Warrior: So...dullen out the edge an' add some weight to tha ole shaft?
Astromè: Pretty much, yes.
Dwarf Warrior: *scratches jaw* Ye know, it’s gonna take some effort. How bout ye pay me a little coin?
Astromè: *nods and hands the dwarf a bag of gold* You can have more when the axe is in my hands. Understood?
Dwarf Warrior: *lifts bag* This'll be pretty good, if ye want a pretty good blade, but you sir look like ye wants a GREAT blade!
Astromè: Now, if this axe ends up anywhere but to your shop, and then back in my grasp....I will have something to say about it.
Dwarf Warrior: Ye want a pretty good blade, or a great blade?
Astromè: A great one...
Dwarf Warrior: *coughs and looks at your bags of gold*
Astromè: *nods* Very well.
Dwarf Warrior: *lifts* A worthy amount fer a worthy blade...
Astromè: *nods* Now where are you taking this axe? Just recap so I can hear it.
Dwarf Warrior: Takin it to muh workshop...ye just wait here fer aboot 15 minutes an' I'll be right back....
Astromè: *nods* And when the axe is safely in my hands again, I promise a small bonus of gold.
Dwarf Warrior: Oooh, a BONUS?! Music to muh ears!
Astromè: We shake on it.
Dwarf Warrior: Okay.
Astromè: *offers hand to shake with the dwarf*
Dwarf Warrior: *shakes hand*
Astromè: *nods* Very well. *finally sets out the axe*
Dwarf Warrior: *eyes widen* Ooooooh, a FINE axe!
Astromè: *nods*
Dwarf Warrior: Ye just sit here and Ah'ma gonna bang the HELL outta this axe fer ye!
Astromè: *nods* And you’ve shaken on it, so I will trust you, and await your return.
Dwarf Warrior: *nods and rubs cheek* Ye drive a hard bargain, sir....enjoy tha ale... Fare thee well!
Morgan Ostara: See you later.
Astromè: So, how are you today ma'am?
Morgan Ostara: Not too bad. And you?
Astromè: *nods* Good, that’s good.
Astromè: I'm alright, a bit nervous, and anxious I suppose
Astromè: But alright.
Morgan Ostara: Nervous and anxious? About that obelisk?
Astromè: A little bit, though right now, I am concerned for the safety of my axe.
Morgan Ostara: Yes...
Astromè: But I trust him, so it is alright...after all, he did shake on it.
Morgan Ostara: Odd, to just hand a stranger some coin, and your weapon...
Astromè: Yes, like I said, I am a bit nervous.
Morgan Ostara: *nods*
Astromè: Were you in Mulrok this morning during the Duergar smithy's shop?
Morgan Ostara: Me? No...
Astromè: Well, to make a long story short, I almost lost something dear to me in a similar fashion.
Morgan Ostara: Really?
Astromè: Though I have more faith in the dwarf race than those silly duergar. *nods*
Morgan Ostara: *nods* Yes...I hear that duergar can be cruel.
Astromè: And quite witty, in the cruelest of ways, too.
Morgan Ostara: So what are you hoping this dwarf does to your axe?
Astromè: I am hoping he makes it into more of a smashing weapon...before it was just too sharp, and I would slice through many things, and it would offset my balance.
Morgan Ostara: *nods*
Astromè: Imagine exerting a great deal of force with a regular, standard weapon.....that is how my skill with the axe was brought up, however now, when I swing with this just as hard, I fly to the ground with my stance.
Morgan Ostara: Had you considered a different axe, maybe?
Astromè: Thats the only axe I use.
Morgan Ostara: *nods*
Astromè: It’s the only one that matches my armor. Ya wont find another gold axe in the world.
Morgan Ostara: No?
Astromè: *nods* I seached far and wide for that thing.
Morgan Ostara: I see.
Astromè: But enough about my stupid axe, tell me about yourself. What were you doing down in the Gloomy Dark?
Morgan Ostara: Oh, we had gone down there to see the construction on Mak'a'nor...

Two Brosna Guards entered the inn:

Brosna Guard 1: Tell you, Robert!
Brosna Guard 2: *claps the guard on the back and laughs* Let’s drink to that!
Brosna Guard 1: Have ne'er seen a dwarf run that fast.
Brosna Guard 2: *laughs*
Astromè: Is there a problem gentlemen?
Morgan Ostara: Err...
Brosna Guard 1: I never seen one spill so much gold--oh, hello, sir.
Astromè: What dwarf?
Brosna Guard 2: *looks to the other guard*
Brosna Guard 1: Oh no, no... just a weird dwarf outside running away laughing... I think he even dropped a few coins.
Astromè: Do you know which way he went?
Brosna Guard 2: *shakes head* I never seen a dwarf run so fast…
Brosna Guard 1: Ummm, West, I think...
Brosna Guard 2: West.
Brosna Guard 1: Yeah.
Brosna Guard 2: Let’s have a drink, Roger.
Astromè: Thank you gentlemen, I'll be going then.
Brosna Guard 1: *nods* For sure. Can’t miss his trail! AHAHAH, we could hear him miles away.
Brosna Guard 2: *wipes a tear* That was too funny!

Following a trail of gold, Astrome findsa hastily scribbled note in the woods...

I followed Astromè and the trail of gold, to the Common Wood.

Morgan Ostara: What happened?
Astromè: Thief...
Astromè: Thief!
Astromè: THIEF!!!!
Morgan Ostara: Where'd he go? What did this note say?
Astromè: *nods and hands her the note*
Morgan Ostara: *reads the note* Oh, no! (The dwarf appreciated the gift of a nice axe, the extra gold, and felt it was earned for having to put up with Astromè smacking him…)

For the second time in one day, a human warrior parts with his most valuable possession in the hopes of having it improved.

[raradra]

The first part looks familiar to me. I think I might have been there hehe. Either way, cool event

[Otherworldly]

LOL
Too funny, can't say I'm too surprised by the end xD
What's all that business about wanting a bludgeoning axe? I do not understand...

[Anslyn]

// Strange recognizing yourself being (briefly) involved in this by recognizing the style of speech of the character faster than remembering the events or even your own toon's name.

Even after only vaguely remembering this from reading it, it was that type of shenanigans that kept me playing for so long.
Thanks