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19:27, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 1: Taxes and Death.

Posted by GMFor group 0
Titus Blackwell
player, 531 posts
Taken to Oz
Titus + Uldaf = BFF!
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 04:50
  • msg #677

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to GM (msg # 676):

The miller steps onto the stage to raucous applause and he can't help himself but to smile all of those adoring faces staring at him beaming.  He is completely unaware of the fact that he is truly basquing in the reflected glow from Titus, he is the moon and Titus the sun.

If you were ever a child you'll know your part.

quote:
Titus' endearing smile turns serious and he readopts his storytelling pose.

Long ago... but not very far from this spot I'd say by the look of it there was a stream...

As he says this a meadow suddenly blooms on stage, complete with a stream running under the bridge they hastily knocked together... which is suddenly made of stone.  The Miller goes to touch the grass startled at the sudden transformation but Titus slaps his hand and says admonishingly...

Stay in character.  Remember, illusion.


The miller glares a little venom at Titus but not much he can do at this point, Titus points him offstage instructing him to await his queue.

And over that stream there was a bridge, and over that bridge there was a town, and in that town there was a market (and a run-on sentence), on the far side of the bridge there was a family... and under that bridge, there lived a demon.

At this out pops Uldaf, wearing his wolfskin, emanating an aura of shadow and flame.  One of the children that stayed for the performance begins to cry; Titus shoots the child's mother an 'I told you so' look as she trundles him home. 

The family consisted of an old crone, a mother, and their strapping young son.  The grandmother left early in the morning to get the best spot for the market; the mother followed soon after with the bread for the market; and the son followed much later with the pigs to sell at the market.

At this point Titus runs off stage and comes back looking waaay too much like an old crone for the short time he spent off stage.  he totters over to the bridge with a walking stick and Uldaf springs out roaring

WHO IS MAKING ALL THAT NOISE ON MY BRIDGE?!

It is just me, going to the market to get the table for my family.

Titus says in a weak and reedy voice

You mentioned a market, and markets have food, and that makes me hungry.  I think I am going to eat you.

Uldaf does quite a fair show of bearing his teeth and playing the part of a dull witted demon.

You do not want to eat my, I'm old and tough.  My daughter is coming soon and she will be much more to your liking.

Very Well, then you may pass....

But I will eat you on your way home


he adds to himself.

Titus exits one side of the stage and enters back on the other, as an actually pretty woman.  The two of them have much the same exchange with the exception that she says her son is coming and that he has two pigs with him.  The greedy demon agrees to allow her to pass planning to eat her when she comes back home.

Then the Miller confidently strides on stage, two pigs trailing behind him, a wooden sword at his hip, he looks slightly taller, slightly stronger, slightly younger than he did earlier.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Wed 24 June 2015.
Titus Blackwell
player, 532 posts
Taken to Oz
Titus + Uldaf = BFF!
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 12:59
  • msg #678

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 677):

Titus exits the stage and emerges back from the far side of the stage back in his narrator's garb.
quote:
As the pigs step up onto the bridge Uldaf Jumps out with his typical roar.

WHO IS MAKING ALL THAT NOISE ON MY BRIDGE.

The miller sneers and says

It is I, Praxis, demon; and I shall pass!

Uldaf looms even larger as his nimbus of fire and shadow swells

You shall not pass!  This is my bridge and I have been promised to eat you... and your pigs. 

With little more ceremony the miller draws his wooden sword and strikes Uldaf a solid blow in the chest.  Not necessarily enough to grievously injure him but certainly enough to hurt like hell, cause a bruise and show his full disdain for the hermit.

The illusion falls to peices and Titus stammers and breaks character as his friend lays out on the ground.  Titus looks wide eyed at the miller.

Theater is supposed to be non-contact he hisses.  That was also a REALLY bad idea.  Uldaf can be... titchy.  Those watching the background notice a fog coalesce around Uldaf.

Titus flaunts to the front of the stage and says grandly

And thus was the lesson taught that no matter how big you are there is always someone bigger. 

Titus strikes a grand gesture and silent rockets and firworks explode in the air behind him.

/ooc I have something after responses from Uldaf.  /ooc

The audience breaks into reflexive applause at the lightshow and the grand gesture.  However, the applause gives way to gasps as something lurches in the background.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Wed 24 June 2015.
Enrei Omal'i
player, 352 posts
Killing bad
Wrestling good
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 14:11
  • msg #679

Re: Chapter 1

"You should have used bigger stick!" rings out toward the stage from somewhere down the table.
Brennan Otthild
player, 401 posts
Heed this simple truth:
You've never been awake
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 14:27
  • msg #680

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 679):

Brennan furrows his brow, attempting to discern how much of this is real, and how much is part of the act.

This miller styles himself as the absolute monarch of his tiny domain. If we make him look a fool in front of his servants and hirelings, he will resent it...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Wed 24 June 2015.
Uldaf Asbjorn
player, 387 posts
Situational Cannibal
Ally to Animals
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 16:12
  • msg #681

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 680):

Finally.

Uldaf makes a show of allowing his body to convulse, emanating load roars and guttural grumbles as his visage slowly changes form.

I SAID I WAS GOING TO EAT YOU, AND I MEANT IT.

An uneasy laughter washes over the audience and the miller, but forced smiles quickly turn to terror as Uldaf's form gives way to Ulbear, Lord of the Woods and Bringer of Comeuppance.


ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ulbear stands well over 10 feet tall on his hind legs, and begins slowly approaching the miller.

Saliva slathers from the seemingly ravenous bear's mouth, with only furtive glances toward Titus to serve as notice that the man was still in control of the beast.

Let's hope Titus knows how to sell that it's time to pay taxes. I really don't need to eat him..
Titus Blackwell
player, 534 posts
Taken to Oz
Titus + Uldaf = BFF!
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 17:45
  • msg #682

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 681):

The miller screams and cowers in response to the bear's appearance, suddenly he turns heel and runs off stage.


Titus leaps nimbly up to the shoulder of the bear and strikes a dramatic pose

... and thus was reinforced the lesson that no matter how big you are... there is always someone bigger!


He makes a dazzling smile and a bow

The audience laughs appreciatively, a bright light fills everyone's eyes.  It explodes into swirls of color and when their vision returns, the bleary eyed audience sees an empty stage and no sign of the miller or actors.


~~~~~~~OFFSTAGE OUT OF SITE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

/ooc this is too good to leave you guys out of /ooc

Ulbear runs down the miller knocking him to the ground and pinning him under his front two feet. Titus' face appears in his vision a thundercloud of anger.

If you shut the fuck up and don't say a word I will offer you a way out of this.  With everything intact and maybe even some additional reputation for your troubles.  If you scream or say anything more it will entirely botch the plan and you will be at best a laughing stock.

Mummer indeed.  Any child knows that mummery is derived from Mun, and a minstrel is derived from Minh.  Also any idiot knows that calling one the other is some kind of sleight.  I promised you that you had never seen a performer the likes of me.  Do you see me in motley?


Titus visibly composes himself.

And in a far more real sense thus was there a lesson learned in humility.  That being the cocksure swaggering lordling of a half a horse mill does not grant him autonomy to insult peaceful agents of their sworn Lord's peace.  My companions and I arrived here merely to collect the Lord's due and you obfuscate, insult and attempt to embarrass our people.

That being said, you are going to gather the tax money... all of the tax money that is owed, and don't bullshit me and tell me you don't have I bet it and more is stashed in a mattress or under a floorboard; and you are going to give it to Godrick with a smile bright and early tomorrow after you have fed us a hearty breakfast.  You will thank him and our party for being so helpful to your mill.  You will allow Brennan unlimited access to anyone he wants to speak to and give him his penny back.  I also want you to think long and hard of your duties as a FATHER and not as a pimp. 


Nod your head if you agree and I will tell you the way out of this situation.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Wed 24 June 2015.
GM
GM, 547 posts
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 17:54
  • msg #683

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 682):

While Titus speaks, the Miller goes from red to white.  His breath rasps in his throat and his mouth hangs open wide, allowing several disgustingly large dollops of bear slather to drip into his mouth.

"Please, I'll give you anything you want," he wheezes.  "Just get this beast off of me!  Call it off!  I swear I'll give you anything!"

The acrid whiff of fresh urine cuts through the autumn breezes.
Titus Blackwell
player, 536 posts
Taken to Oz
Titus + Uldaf = BFF!
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 19:41
  • msg #684

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to GM (msg # 683):

Titus smiles brightly.

Good!  I'm glad we are agreed. 

He nudges the Ulbear's shoulder.

Its ok you can let him up. 

Titus offers a hand to the miller who looks at it as if it was about to turn into a viper.  Slowly he takes his hand and Titus helps him up.  He quickly whips off his cloak and wraps it around the main.

Take those piss stained pants off.  quickly.  Here's how we are going to do this...

Right now the people outside think that was all part of the show.  You have just given them the best performance they have or will ever see their entire lives.  You Uldaf and myself are going to out there laughing and talking and take a bow.  You will remind your people to tip their performer in my lute case out front.

In future they will make fun of you for the scene, but you need to own it.  If you can laugh at the scene tell them they would not believe the size of the puppet we had backstage and you can't believe how much it startled you.  Over time they will remember the performance and they will think fondly on you for this most amazing moment you have given them.


You will never speak of this conversation we had back here, just act on it.

Titus smiles with a toothy grin and tells a wildly inappropriate joke as they are walking out onto the stage.  The miller laughs, albeit a bit manically and Uldaf laughs at his discomfort.  Titus goes out on stage accompanied by frenzied cheering and gestures to the wings where he bows to Uldaf and the miller as the walk on stage smiling and laughing.  He claps the miller affectionately on the shoulder and the three take a deep bow towards the audience.  Titus steps upstage and says

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR ATTENTION THIS NIGHT!  YOU HAVE BEEN A MAGNIFICENT AUDIENCE AND I WILL MISS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!  ADDITIONALLY THANK YOU TO THE LORD OF THE MILL FOR ALLOWING US TO PERFORM AND FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD SPORT!

the audience laughs good naturedly along with Titus.

MY SERVICES HAVE BEEN RENDERED TO YOU ON BEHALF OF LORD GENT AS A SMALL TOKEN OF HIS APPRECIATION.  I AM TITUS BLACKWELL AND I WISH YOU A GOOD NIGHT!

The audience quiets down and the wolf whistles stop as Titus walks offstage.  The lord of mill hesitates for a moment and Titus arches an eyebrow severely at him.

Ladies and Gentleman, if you enjoyed tonights performance as much as I did then I might remind you to tip your performer generously.

He makes a gesture towards Titus' open lute case.

Titus quickly changes out of stage attire and makes his way to Enrei and Brennan.

If you would be so good as to keep an eye on my case and make sure that things go into the box not out of it?  Thank you so much.


Backstage Titus greets Uldaf with a big smile and a hug.

I haven't had that much fun... in a very long time.  There are few things better after a performance like that than a drink.  Care to join me?

This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Wed 24 June 2015.
GM
GM, 549 posts
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 19:56
  • msg #685

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 684):

The townsfolk eat the performance up, though it's clear that they are more amazed and startled than amused.  Titus soon finds himself in a small crowd of people asking to see this or that trick again, asking how the tricks of the light were accomplished and wanting to see the 'costume' Uldaf had been wearing.  Several toss coins into the lute case

Behind this all, the Miller smiles an unnaturally large smile and carefully extracts himself from the bustle to retreat into his cottage.

He reappears several beats later with a largish sack of coin which he thrusts into Godrick's hands.  The Miller then pulls back his own digits as if he were afraid Godrick might bite him.

The man then hurries back into his cottage and closes the door slowly but firmly.

The festivities break up fairly quickly a women take apart the tables and clear things away and the men light more torches and prepare for the night.  Several mention that they will be on watch around the mill "keeping an eye for bandits".

(OOC:  Well done, it's unlikely anyone will forget THAT performance!  The Miller had arranged for you to sleep in the cottage of one of his workers, but you are free to do what you like by the cover of darkness.  Only the Miller's daughters are allowed into the cottage itself.  Though Brennan is technically contracted to stand guard, the Miller will not enforce this claim at this point...)
Titus Blackwell
player, 537 posts
Taken to Oz
Titus + Uldaf = BFF!
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 20:16
  • msg #686

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to GM (msg # 685):

Titus waves off any requests for information by claiming they are trade secrets.  He says he will not be moved on the point.  Even after the performance while spending time with the townsfolk before they turn in he tells them the story of the raven and scarecrow ridden town not too far down the street.  He decides to tell the humorous version of the story instead of the epic adventure version... they have had enough for one day.

Titus accepts every drink that is given to him, but he surreptitiously dumps them whenever he can.  He acts sloppier as the night goes on.
Brennan Otthild
player, 403 posts
Heed this simple truth:
You've never been awake
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 21:21
  • msg #687

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 686):

Brennan watches the tip box for a little while, but takes care to note how people are acting. He raises his eyebrow when the miller bowls Godrick over with a sack of coins, then walks over to the tax collector.

"What's all that about?"

If the miller attempts to return the penny, Brennan will accept it only with hesitation.

"The bargain was made, though I learned little. Thank you."

He will still keep watch, as promised, though more out of self-preservation than charity. To facilitate this, he turns in a bit early to rest up for the night of watchfulness.
Uldaf Asbjorn
player, 388 posts
Situational Cannibal
Ally to Animals
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 22:13
  • msg #688

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 687):

Uldaf seems in the best spirits you've seen him in for quite some time.

How I hate Lords and Ladies and their assumptions of what is deserved and what is owed.

I concur we should sleep in shift's tonight. The miller is unlikely to forget what he's seen here.

I'll take first watch. He's unlikely to have too many ideas involving retribution if I'm the first face he sees..

Perhaps there's more to the boy than meets the eye. That was one hell of a play..

Enrei Omal'i
player, 353 posts
Killing bad
Wrestling good
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 01:36
  • msg #689

Re: Chapter 1

Enrei minds Titus's case like a hawk, having finished dinner.  When the party dies down he doesn't leave his post until Titus collects the case.  However there is a brief moment when Titus has to explain that he meant no one else was to take anything out of it before the islander abandons his task.  His duty done Enrei finds his way to the first cottage he is invited to, then sleeps like a man who worked most of the day in a mill and ate a hearty meal after. He has little concern for the miller or plans of keeping watch.
GM
GM, 551 posts
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 14:49
  • msg #690

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 689):

The Miller and his daughters being already locked up in their large cottage, the rest of the villagers turn in when their cleanup is through.

Two stout men are left to patrol the town, though they accomplish little more than keeping the torches lit about the Mill itself and chatting between themselves and anyone else on watch who will listen.

Mostly, speculation on the war.

/OOC:  Uldaf has first watch, Titus second, are you doing 2, 3 or 4 watches?  Only 2 will leave you exhausted the next day.  Brennan, are you staying up the whole time or just taking a watch?/
Brennan Otthild
player, 404 posts
Heed this simple truth:
You've never been awake
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 14:57
  • msg #691

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to GM (msg # 690):

Brennan is grateful for the assistance of the others, and takes a watch for himself to make the total for everyone three.

"Wake me up if there's trouble," he says. "Not that you wouldn't, of course."
Uldaf Asbjorn
player, 392 posts
Situational Cannibal
Ally to Animals
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 15:33
  • msg #692

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 691):

Shortly after watch begins, Uldaf is greeted by a familiar scent on the wind.

Horses. People. To the South.

No one is travelling this late at night with good intentions. Better go get the ranger to get a better idea of what's going on.


Uldaf nudges Brennan from a recently begun slumber.

Riders and horses to the South. Do you want to scout ahead, or shall I take to the sky? Someone needs to be here to defend the camp, regardless.

Brennan Otthild
player, 405 posts
Heed this simple truth:
You've never been awake
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 16:02
  • msg #693

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 692):

Brennan is quickly roused and brought up-to-speed.

"A bird's-eye view is likely best," he says after a moment. "If they are mounted and mean us trouble, they will reach you before I am able to return. Whereas a bird is much faster, and my bow can make most horsemen think twice."
Uldaf Asbjorn
player, 393 posts
Situational Cannibal
Ally to Animals
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 16:22
  • msg #694

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 693):

So much for a restful evening.

With Brennan pulled into watch duty Ulgle takes to the sky and heads south.
GM
GM, 552 posts
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 19:18
  • msg #695

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 694):

The night air is cool and comforting to Uldaf's new-formed wings.  The ground falls away and Uldaf experiences a freedom he'd never thought possible, to move and rise and fall at the slightest whim, but also to know that to stop flapping, any misstep, would be instant death.

It is not long before he has crossed a vast distance that would have taken an hour or more by foot.  As expected, Uldaf makes out the sight of firelight long before the shapes of men and horses.

At a first pass, high above, Uldaf can see that there are at least a dozen men and a handful of horses.  Most are sprawled out or otherwise resting about a campfire.  A small group of them are off to one side doing something in a patch of bare earth.

Through eagle's eyes, Uldaf is able to see that one of these men seems to be standing in the middle of an elaborate series of drawings forming a circle around him.  Two others stand outside the circle watching, one of these glows with a shimmering red aura.
Uldaf Asbjorn
player, 395 posts
Situational Cannibal
Ally to Animals
Fri 26 Jun 2015
at 16:18
  • msg #696

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to GM (msg # 695):

Ulgle immediately heads back for the camp to alert his counterparts of the unholy ritual occurring in the southern hills.

Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop chewing dreamvine..
Uldaf Asbjorn
player, 398 posts
Situational Cannibal
Ally to Animals
Mon 29 Jun 2015
at 19:02
  • msg #697

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 696):

After a short time, Ulgle circles his way back toward the camp and lands at Brennan's side.

Moments later, Uldaf has materialized, albeit totally nude. The look on his face suggests the news will not be pleasant.

Uldaf describes the troop distribution and scene to Brennan, making sure to emphasize the apparent presence of magic and auras and unholy buggery.

The sooner we get there, the more likely we are to stop this before anyone else gets hurt. Come on! We've got to draw them away from the town

GM
GM, 559 posts
Mon 29 Jun 2015
at 19:04
  • msg #698

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 697):

As Uldaf tells it, it is but a few moments flight.

The terrain and landmarks he describes, however, indicate that it would be at least an hour of marching/sneaking in the dark.
Uldaf Asbjorn
player, 399 posts
Situational Cannibal
Ally to Animals
Mon 29 Jun 2015
at 19:08
  • msg #699

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to GM (msg # 698):

Ah. Right. Flight time is not the same as human time. Sorry. I'm still getting used to adjusting travel time during my out of body experiences.

If we make haste, we can likely be there within the hour. We should wake Enrei and Titus..

Brennan Otthild
player, 415 posts
Heed this simple truth:
You've never been awake
Mon 29 Jun 2015
at 20:37
  • msg #700

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 699):

"We definitely need to investigate, but we'd be leaving the mill entirely unguarded if we all go," he says warily. After a moment's thought, he shrugs. "You know what? That doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Let's go."

He wakes up Titus and Enrei, and (hopefully) is soon whisking away toward the strange supernatural tomfoolery.
Uldaf Asbjorn
player, 400 posts
Situational Cannibal
Ally to Animals
Tue 30 Jun 2015
at 00:21
  • msg #701

Re: Chapter 1

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 700):

This situation will not call for diplomacy. There numbers were many, but we have one advantage they do not. I have seen the terrain from above, and I know exactly from where our riposte will thrust.


[Survival 2x7]

But we take at least one alive, at all costs. I would know more of the story we have found ourselves written into.

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