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Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Posted by GMFor group archive 5
GM
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Fri 19 Jan 2018
at 15:04
  • msg #3

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Trevor stops at a few more vendors before looking at his near empty cart. Turning to Eri, he gestures to the rest of the fair. "An early day today. Take your silver for the day," he said as he handed you a pair of coins for your wage, "...and enjoy the rest of the festival. I won't be going back for another load today. be sure you are ready at the same time tomorrow, however."

Trevor totters off, in a good mood due to the unusually productive morning. With a few coin in hand, there is much you could do. The carnival was always an interesting pull, though rumor had it that many strange and unnatural creatures were part of the side show. The fair also had many contests and tournament, from strength and combat to archery and knife throwing. Games of skill and chance also abounded as much as food vendors selling delicacies from all over the world. Rumor had it that a Draaken armorer had set a stall up somewhere and moved it each day to force people to fin him.

Right now, Eri was free to do as she would.
Eri Sato
Player, 4 posts
Fri 19 Jan 2018
at 21:50
  • msg #4

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Eri's knee jerk reaction was to go buy some new clothes. She hated to admit it, but it was one of the few things that brought her pleasure. Still, when one had to cart around one's belongings, the fewer there were the better. No, she shouldn't waste the money.

With an inward sigh of disappointment for succumbing so quickly to logic, she pocketed the coin quickly, well knowing the prevalence of thieves. Her thoughts turned to the side show. Pure morbid curiosity nearly drove her there at a run but then she had heard rumors that onlookers had a habit of sicking up everywhere. In the case of curiosity versus avoiding vomit, the latter always won.

Combat contests it was. She could learn a thing or two and see some egos demolished while she was at it; as a spectator of course. She was not inclined to show off, better to be underestimated in her book. Besides, there were enough puff chested idiots eager to prove their superiority that she would never forgive herself if she actually lost to one.
GM
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Sun 21 Jan 2018
at 06:51
  • msg #5

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

It was not hard for Eri to find the grounds where a majority of the contests were being held. Loud cheers erupted from this area occasionally as different men and women vied to be the best at various contests. Many were simple martial contests, often to first solid blow that could be counted, though a few were to first blood. Knights of many different orders, big and small alike, were in abundance. Sellswords tested their mettle as well and a few even looked competent.

One ring catches your eye, however. A large ogre, even by ogre standard, is squaring off against a Dwarf. Why this catches your eye is that the Dwarf appears to be a Draaken citizen and is wearing a traditional aikidogi uniform. In the short time that you watch, it is clear that he has earned his black belt. With deft movements, the ogre is on the ground and in a painful looking lock until tapping out. The Draaken stands and bows to many groans. Money exchanges hands and the Draaken dwarf returns to the edge of the ring to retrieve some water.
Eri Sato
Player, 5 posts
Tue 23 Jan 2018
at 13:42
  • msg #6

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Eri watches with fascination. Seeing a Draaken dwarf always gives her a pang of emotions; anger, guilt, and a desperate yearning for a home that would never be the same again. When her brothers' deaths were fresh, she'd fiercely resented the dwarves but as time and logic softened her mind she'd put those hostilities away. It was still a knee jerk reaction though at times, to resent the people who had taken her family from her...

No. She'd not step backward when she'd come so far! This man had nothing to do with any of that! As if to prove it to herself, Eri approaches the dwarf, wishing suddenly that she'd not worn the clothes of her homeland. A human in Draaken garb might spark questions and the last thing she wanted was to admit where she was from to a fellow Draaken. The messy business in Hamatai had not gone unnoticed by the rest of the country.

Pushing her doubts away, she instead addresses the man, tucking her neck length black hair behind her ears, a nervous habit of hers. That was very impressive. Where did you learn to fight like that? she wills her voice to sound steady.
GM
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Wed 24 Jan 2018
at 05:59
  • msg #7

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

The dwarf stopped drinking from the waterskin he had procured from somewhere as Eri approached. He gave her a look over and then set the his shoulders square with hers. "It is aikido. I did not fight him, he fought himself. The Master of Ravens, Himai Tsogugi, taught that technique to me. Who are you and why do wear the garb of my people?", he said in a tone that would brook no lies.
Eri Sato
Player, 6 posts
Wed 24 Jan 2018
at 14:10
  • msg #8

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

I am Eri Sato she gives the slightest bow of her head. I'm actually Draaken too; from a little fishing city by the ports. There are many humans there. I'm learning from my own master, though I fear he cannot give me everything I'm looking for she adds with a touch of wistfulness. She deftly avoids telling him the name of the city, considering its past. Hopefully he's not as perceptive as she suspects he is. Instead she pushes on, trying not to give him a chance to put it together. There were many human settlements on the outskirts, he couldn't be certain hers was Himatai right? How did you come by your master of ravens? Do his talents extend to more spiritual matters too? In truth she was looking for someone as adept with matters of the mind as they were with the body. After all, it was her mind that raged and tormented her these days. Or perhaps it was her heart.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Wed 24 Jan 2018.
GM
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Thu 25 Jan 2018
at 06:50
  • msg #9

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

The dwarf scoffed. "You are one of the humans that live on the edge of our cities. It is rare to see one so far from her village. I doubt you will be able to make it to the Master of Ravens. He lives near Mount Fuji, communing with the Goddess for enlightenment. If you wish to learn, you must travel there," he said. His face sifted as he looked at Eri for a moment. "Tell me. What troubles you, young one?"
Eri Sato
Player, 7 posts
Thu 25 Jan 2018
at 14:04
  • msg #10

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Eri's first reaction to the dwarf's words is to become irritated. She had a particular lack of patience for those who told her where she could or could not go. She'd left the empire because she'd wanted to, if she wanted to go back nothing would stop her from doing that either! Of course, the idea of returning, even just to the empire itself, was not something she was ready for yet.

His question, however, strikes any anger from her face, replaced by surprise. Oh... she blinks, unsure how to respond to such a blunt question. Just the usual matters of a young traveler she tries to say with lightness. Still trying to find my place in the world. But you are one to talk of far travel eh? What takes you so far from home? Surely more than putting orcs in their place?
[Private to GM: Is the country itself called Draaka? I've always heard it in reference to Draaken so I want to be sure I use it correctly]
GM
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Thu 25 Jan 2018
at 20:04
  • msg #11

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

The dwarf chuckles. "I forget how long you humans live. Such worry about what you will do with your life. I hope you find why you are travelling. As for me, I am here to guard one of the runesmiths that travel from the Empire to this primitive land. Many here will buy runed items and my lord will make a full purse each day," he says and looks past you. The ogre is just beginning to rise from the place where he had been felled. The brute looked at the Draaken warrior for a moment before turning away with a grunt. "That one is big and smart," he says sourly. "If he had any training, he might be dangerous."

[Private to Eri Sato: Draaken is the proper name for both the empire and the dwarf citizens that live there.]
Eri Sato
Player, 8 posts
Thu 25 Jan 2018
at 20:22
  • msg #12

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Runesmith? I'm sure he can afford to pay you well then. That is both a stressful task and a long way to go, as you've said. I've been making a bit of coin guarding a merchant's wares myself. I'm sure your own duties are considerably less boring she allows herself a rare smile. The action momentarily transforms her face and a trace of a happier person reveals itself only to disappear a moment later into her usual serious expression.

At the mention of the orc her eyes flick to him warily. Yes. A bad combination she murmurs. Do you worry he might go after you for beating him? Or if not him I'm sure there are many others you've bested judging by what I saw.
GM
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Fri 26 Jan 2018
at 13:37
  • msg #13

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

The Draaken shrugged. "It is not for me to decide what he will do. I can only act within the bounds of the local laws and orders of my lord. In any case, like you said, we have duties that will occupy our respective times. Farewell, human, I must return to my post. May the Goddess favor you in your journey," he says as the dwarf dons the lacquered armor of the Draaken Empire soldiers. Though made from leather and small bands of bamboo, runes can make them as hard as any steel counterpart.

It is at this time, another figure approached. Cloaked and covered, it is hard to tell what race or even gender the figure is. A pink and teal harlequin mask hides her features, but the voice is distinctly female. "Greetings upon you, stranger. How did you come to know Master Jurgato Tosashi? It is rare for the Master of Cranes to converse with anyone so long while he is at the festival."
Eri Sato
Player, 9 posts
Fri 26 Jan 2018
at 14:12
  • msg #14

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

And in yours she returns with a small bow to the dwarf, watching him go with a sense of satisfaction. She'd been civil to a dwarf and overcome her resentment. Again. Perhaps someday she could look upon another Draaken without an inward wince. Someday.

Seeing the strange woman, Eri blinks in surprise. Is that his name? Oh! I confess I do not know him, but appreciated his skill and asked him of it. Perhaps he's even more admired than I realized... she shakes her head. Does he compete here often? Has anyone ever beaten him?
GM
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Fri 26 Jan 2018
at 14:47
  • msg #15

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

The woman gives a laugh and shakes her head. "That I cannot say. I only know of his reputation as a skilled fighter. He leads the Draaken warrior contingent here. It is actually you that I am more interested. Not many people choose to imitate the dress of the Draaken natives."
Eri Sato
Player, 11 posts
Fri 26 Jan 2018
at 21:27
  • msg #16

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Me? her lips twitch in amusement. I suppose I do make people curious don't I? she looks down at her attire. Actually I'm a Draaken myself. Not a dwarf of course, but there are more humans who live on the outskirts than people realize. I'm really not that interesting I'm afraid she shakes her head. And you? In those clothes you could be two halflings standing on each other's shoulders for all I can tell

Oh great hellions, hopefully that wasn't the case!
GM
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Sun 28 Jan 2018
at 06:39
  • msg #17

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

The woman chuckled and shook her head. "No, my dear. That is not the case. My name is Whisper and I am searching for a trainer. Not many people are familiar enough with Master Tosashi to converse with him. I was hoping that you might be one of his pupils that I could entice to train a recruit of mine."
Eri Sato
Player, 19 posts
Mon 29 Jan 2018
at 17:30
  • msg #18

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Oh! She seemed to be saying that a lot lately, she noted with self censure. You really need to start talking to people more Eri, if that's all you've got to say!

With a shake of her head she says aloud, I see. I'm sorry to disappoint. If his pupils are half so skilled as he I'm sure you'd have a good trainer indeed. I am not unschooled myself in the martial arts, though I do not know how I stack up against such a master. I may be too poor an imitation to offer my assistance.
she shrugs apologetically. In truth she had no idea if she were good enough, though she was wildly curious to know. How well had her own master trained her? No matter how good she was it never felt enough. Ambition had a way of skewing such things.
GM
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Mon 29 Jan 2018
at 18:41
  • msg #19

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

"Hmmmm," Whisper mumbled as she appraised Eri. "What would you say your skills are in? I have no need for a skilled blade or spell. My student is coming into his own as a practitioner of the spellsword. I need someone capable of teaching him to use every weapon at his disposal, from sword and spell to wit and fist."
Eri Sato
Player, 20 posts
Mon 29 Jan 2018
at 22:55
  • msg #20

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

How about fist and foot? she arches a black brow. Or spear for that matter? It is my specialty. Though I must remind you, I may not be advanced enough for what you want. I have no idea of knowing how I measure up to your expectations. I can always try and if I'm found wanting you can look elsewhere. I promise I won't be offended. she adds with a half teasing smile.
GM
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Tue 30 Jan 2018
at 07:32
  • msg #21

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

"Fortunately for you, I do not need a master of the craft. I require someone skilled enough to teach the basics of unarmed combat and self-discipline. My student has quite the flair for the dramatic. I take it that you are interested then?"
Eri Sato
Player, 21 posts
Tue 30 Jan 2018
at 13:15
  • msg #22

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

If you wish it of me she gives a nod of confirmation. Uh....not to be blunt, but I am assuming this position pays? She pauses for confirmation. Also I am currently working as a bodyguard for a merchant. I'm done for the day but tomorrow I've hired myself to his service. I will be happy to juggle both of you, just be aware that I have made commitments she adds.
GM
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Tue 30 Jan 2018
at 13:23
  • msg #23

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Whisper shook her head. "I am afraid I require exclusivity. You will be compensated at a gold piece per training session, provided he shows improvement."
Eri Sato
Player, 23 posts
Tue 30 Jan 2018
at 13:57
  • msg #24

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Eri blinks at the sum, trying not to react to the amount though inwardly she was tickled. If she earned enough perhaps she could find another master, travel to one who could actually help her. She had several in mind. Yes, this could be just the thing she wanted.

Well that's more than fair I'd say. I did make a promise for tomorrow though so allow me to give my notice to the merchant. I honor my commitments. How often will you need me to train him? I will soon be quite available.
GM
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Tue 30 Jan 2018
at 16:35
  • msg #25

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Whisper extends a gloved hand. "I believe that will work. We shall keep it to two sessions a week for now."
Eri Sato
Player, 24 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2018
at 13:49
  • msg #26

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Eri takes the hand and shakes it firmly. Sounds good to me. Just contact me when you are ready she then proceeds to give her the information of where she is staying.

If the woman chooses to chat further she will but she's pretty much sated her curiosity and will go to watch more matches, studying technique and style.
GM
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Thu 1 Feb 2018
at 14:50
  • msg #27

Time Enough (Eri's Intro)

Whisper nods. "There is a small house at the edge of town. Your student can be found there."

OOC: Go ahead and start posting in the Research Opportunities thread. Introduce yourself and we can get the ball rolling!
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