NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: If you haven't applied at the sign up thread, I ask that you please do so before you post here so that I may evaluate your character choice.
This is COMPLETELY free-form, there is no plot line.

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http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=144602

IC:

The small tavern on the bride of Gregsburg was a hive of activity, with the comings & goings of common citizens, mages, warriors, gunmen, and everything in between. The tavern was a neutral zone, free of technology & magic, where people of both beliefs could gather to discuss matters of importance, or to simply chat over a pint of mead.

In a dark corner sat a lizard-like individual, clad in studded black leather. A revolver sat on each hip, and at the small of his back was a sword made from an iron/steel alloy for increased strength & decreased weight.
The individual was known as Jekel Slipstream, or 'Jek' to those who did & didn't know him. He was a secretive individual, having no real friends to speak of...

A pounding headache was beating like a drum in Alexei Bistron's head. He opened one blurred eye, preparing to shield his eyes from wicked sunlight, only to discover a thatch-work roof covered him. His black, cotton clothes were covered with loose hay and straw, and a strange, dark stain across his pant-leg. He took some of the strange substance on his fingers, and sniffed. Horse droppings...

He stood up and brushed a few strands of hay and red hair from his face. He staggered a bit, and then balanced himself against the wall. The weight of his guns around his back nearly knocked him over, as he glared out at the world. He didn't know whether the sun was rising or setting, for he had no sense of direction or time, and felt horribly sick. A horse wandered by as he turned over to vomit up some ingested alcohol.

Inside the structure next to him, the sounds of merry-making could be heard, and Alex turned to look. A door, a bit taller than he was, held a sign above it reading the tavern's name... he wandered over, and pushed it open, the strong reek of alcohol, sweat, and other delightful elements penetrating his nostrils.

In once of the numerous dark recesses of the Halfway Inn, a lone figure sat, sipping brandy. The other occupants tried to keep their eyes averted, sensing the malvolent aura of necrotic magics about her. Her exact clothing was unidentifiable, cloaked in a ragged black cape, full of holes and shredded cloth near the bottom from heavy use. Luxurious white hair cascaded down her back and over her shoulders, coupling with her jet black skin to give her an exotic flair. She was in the bloom of youth, but the attractive features of her supple body were marred by the coldness of her eyes.

Nesher Ilkarna was a regular at the Halfway Inn, though no one but the bartender knew who she really was. Commonly known as the Nightingale, she had never talked in the roughly two decades she habited the heavily trafficked Inn. The ironic nickname had been the butt of many a joke, but those who spoke of her in cruel tones had never uttered such words again the next night. The drow was also known for her ever present sadistic grin, pearly teeth standing out like a wall of pikes in contrast to her jet black skin.

The delicate hands natural to her race were covered by fingerless gloves, made from a fine black leather, and most likely stolen. These hands fiddled with a keenly honed knife, wickedly curved like her demeanor, that served to distract her in between subtle glances over at the lizardman a few booths over. He had arrived recently, and this similarly dark individual piqued her interest, partially because of the technological sense about him, and partially because of his reclusive nature. He caught her stare, and her eyes flicked away, turning back to the knife whirling in her hands.

Na'ansr could handle his drink, at least he thought so himself as he fowned another tankard of mead. He sat quietly by himself hoping that something intresting would catch his eye, but so far nothing did. His long hair had been tied back to prevent it from getting in his eyes, something that would be problematic in a fight. Black leather was the order of the day, after all it was the only thing that he would wear. Actually it was the only clothing he had but he would never admit to that.He sat back and watched as others entered the tavern. For those who couldn't tell the difference, Na'ansr was a drow elf.

Aschen Ko entered the establishment, trying not to get too near to the smelly Alexei Bistron near the entrance, and quietly headed over to a table. The human male was dressed quite plainly, in the earthen tones of the commonfolk that would not make him stick out. What may have been slightly unusual about him, however, was his slanted eyes, but that was about it. A sack hung over one shoulder, which he slid off to place at his feet as he sat down at a table, and he adjusted the sheathed katana at his waist so that it would not interfere with his sitting.

He glanced around the tavern once, not taking too much time to look at any one individual, yet managing to take a lot in. He ordered a light meal upon waving the serving wench over, and then casually looked over at the drow sitting at the next table over.

"Pardon me, good sir," he said to Na'ansr, "but I'm new around these parts, and can't seem to find a good trade market in town. I'm a merchant, you see, and was wondering about the prospects in this area. Would you happen to know about any markets or opportunities around here?"

"No use talking to me," Na-ansr scowled. "I am new here myself."

Having answered the question, he went back to drinking his mead. Not once did he look at the person asking the question.

*The door to the tavern opened again, slower this time, and there was no warrior, nor mage, but a simple looking dwarf, he had a long beard,dressed in normal clothes, he had a large pack slung over his shoulder,even though he was very small, avrage for a dwarf though, he walked inside, and found a nice quiet table, he climbed up on the seat, and before he sat down he adjusted his revolver, and patted his boot making sure his weapons were ready, just in case. he waved and orderd a pint of ale, when it arrived he placed a couple of gold coins on the table, and then reached in his pack and pulled out a book, which he then began reading intently.*

Alex looked around a bit, his vision adjusting to the new, darker area. As a familiar-looking tavern wench walked by, he stopped her. Staring her down, he finally popped the question.

"What time is it and why the hell was I out in the stables?"

"You were drunk, sir, and the sun is just starting to set. Do you require anything else?"

Many ideas raced through his mind, and he ignored them all, even the remotely dirty ones, and motioned her to get him a drink, and go back to her duties. He started to walk slowly across the small room. The people in the room looked rather contented to himself, but his current lacking in common decency led him to sit down at a nearby dwarf's table, a rather rude gesture in his culture. He eyed the little man from across the table.

"So, captain, how did you find your way here, and what might that be that you're reading?" he inquired, as the wench arrived with a pint. Alex slammed a few coins on the table, and motioned her off.

*The Dwarf put down his book, on the pages open were diagrams of herbs* "I am reading a book about Herbs and their effects, and i did not make my way here per se, i have been travelling, looking for assorted herbs."*The Dwarf said, not disrespectfully, but in a normal,gruff voice, as common to Dwarven folk.*
"Might i inquire as to what ills you, you do not seem well, and, to be honest, you have a bad stench about you, had a long day ?" *the Dwarf asked, not being diesrespectful, but more inquisitive, despite any other facts.*

"Oh, alright, then. Pardon the interruption," Ko said, and looked over at the bowl of radish stew that was none-too-gently placed on the table in front of him. "Thank you," he said with a smile as he paid for the watered down soup.

Taking slow spoonfuls of the liquid, which was not even hot, he took another look around the tavern, listening on the various conversations going on. An elf was singing to someone's instrument-playing, a trio of half-orc were playing a dice game, in the shadowy places were seedy-looking people that were unlikely to talk much, among whom included a female drow and a lizard man, and not too far off was the stinking human talking to a dwarf about...herbs? How odd. Ko's eyes returned to his meal, but his ears stayed attentive.

"Long day? No, just a little too many spirits for me to have handled last night, I think... think I fell asleep in the stable, and if you're on the ground, a horse will make ya miserable." He said this, pointing to the smear on his pantleg. "God... I smell like an orc... In all honesty, I'm nowhere's near as offensive smelling, thank all that be."

The man flushed a bit in his cheeks, embarassed to admit to what happened, but it felt better that he got it off his chest. Then he looked at the book on the table and slid it over, scanning the page. His vision was a bit foggy, and he couldn't distinctly make out the words, but the image was clear enough.

"Herbs, eh? We have a few of those around here... I'm really skilled in anything with a poisonous quality, though. I use it a bit in my trapping for coatings on crossbow bolts. Unfortunately, I left that somewhere at my home. I could show you some native variations if you'd be interested. I also have a few serums from herbs as well. The snakes around here are a vicious problem to handle if you get bit, friend."

Na'ansr was bored. He downed the last of the mead and stood up. Looking around the tavern, the drow elf decided to walk over to the bar to get another mead. Having already drunk plenty of the stuff, his feet felt light and his head began spinning. As he marched over, he stumbled a bit and tripped over an empty chair.

"I can handle my drink," he yelled as he quickly gathered himself up.

Nesher smiled thinnly with a sigh at the bumbling drow. She lifted herself up from the dingy seat and sauntered over to the bar where the other drow was steadying himself through the mead-induced haze. She produced a number of coins and dropped them one by one onto the wooden bar, catching the bartend's attention. She motioned to Na'ansr for him to order what he pleased, and leaned on the bar with her elbows, letting her cloak fall open to show more of her feline form.

"It's not often another drow shows himself in here, much less a drunk one." She whispered low enough only he could hear. "What's your story?"

"Story?" Na'ansr muttered rubbing his eyes. "I am not drunk, just tired. Took a long journey to get here but alas no story to it."

He rubbed his eyes one last time before shaking his head, the drow stayed on his feet. Although those feet didn't look too steady.

"Barman, another mead if you please," he then said.

The barman nodded and slid a fresh mug of mead down the bar. Nesher tapped the wood softly and a shot of whiskey slid down to her.

"Nothing?" She asked in a silky voice. "That's unfortunate, there should always be some excitement in your life. Go ahead and sit down, it'll be good for those tired feet of yours. So you're just a wayward traveller, looking for work?"

Na'ansr did as suggested and sat down. "More or less," he nodded. "So what is your story then?"

--Double--

"My story? I work in...discreet fields for a local mage guild. They've taught me a few things in return, and they pay well. A kind of volitile bunch, but good people once you get your foot in the door. If you're looking for work, they're looking for someone else with my skills...as a secondary, I guess." She told the drow, flashing him a smile.

Na'ansr managed a weak smile. "I do not really have many skills," he admitted, before taking a gulp of mead.

--Double--

"You can learn." She reassured him with a hint of distant friendliness. "And the guild won't give you anything you couldn't accomplish. They're not stupid, that's for certain."

She downed the whiskey in a swift swallow, and let it burn through her system before continuing.

"Plus," the drow added, "it's not like there's anyone else shooting for the job."

Na'ansr raised an eyebrow at the mention that no one was after the job. That sounded somewhat suspicious to him. He took a gulp of mead before asking, "Why is there no one else going for the job?"

Nesher's friendly smile turned into a smirk. "The mages only let magically-inclined species work for them. More specifically, they prefer Drow over all others. We are more closely related to them than 'lighter' species."

Na'ansr nodded, "Aye, that would explain it then," he said, taking another gulp of mead. "I do not think you mentioned your name."

(ooc-very sorry for my inactivity, the forums were working.)
ic-
*the Dwarf thought for a moment, and nodded.*
"if you could show me the local herbs, and snakes, their treatments and so on, i would be much obliged."
*the Dwarf reached over, and pulled his book closer to him, he put a small piece of parchment,dyed red, on the page he was studying, and then he closed the book and put it in his pack. the Dwarf then took a small sack out of his pack and put it on the table.*
"That is a herbal mixture ive tested it a few times, it seems to work,and it.... sorry, i got carried away, this mixture i use to, cure people of the after effects of to many spirits, the headache mainly, and with me and some smaller folk it turns down their temper, it wont do nothing to yer breath, it'll still smell as rum,or mead, or whatever you drank, if you want to take it, feel free,treat it as a gift."
*the Dwarf said willingly,unlike some others from his kin, the Dwarf thought no differance in the tall folk, just taller than his kin.*

Nesher's smirk faded and she became more serious. "For now, you can call me Nightengale."

The Drow propped her head up on her paired hands to look at Na'ansr, and blew a silvery strand of hair out of her dark eyes.

"I don't believe you've given your name either." Her smile returned. "I can show you to the guild now, or you can drink the rest of the night away. It's up to you."

"You can call me Na'ansr," said with a nod. He then drank the last of his mead and put the tankard down before saying, "I would be interested to see this guild, if it is of no bother to you then there is no time like the present."

Nesher nodded and rose, the common after effects of a significant amount of whiskey invisible on her fair frame.

"Good, Na'ansr. We'll go there now." She walked briskly out of the Halfway Inn and down the wide road, the other Drow in tow.

She spoke as she walked, glancing from time to time at the rooftops around them. "Tell me, do you have a place to stay?"

Nesher nodded and rose, the common after effects of a significant amount of whiskey invisible on her fair frame.

"Good, Na'ansr. We'll go there now." She walked briskly out of the Halfway Inn and down the wide road, the other Drow in tow.

She spoke as she walked, glancing from time to time at the rooftops around them. "Tell me, do you have a place to stay?"

"Actually no," Na'ansr admitted, it wasn't his native city after all. "I have been staying at the tavern since I arrived a couple of days ago."

"Hmm." The Drow pondered. "Well, if all else fails, you can always stay at my place, the tavern will start getting really expensive after a while, they tend to hike up their prices if people don't have a place to stay. Devilish place."

Na'ansr got a better look at Nesher as they passed through a splotch of light on the road: her cloak hung off of one shoulder, exposing her delicate frame. She wore a leather tunic, dyed black, from which the sleeves had been removed. Pants of some dark cloth clung to her legs, outlining the curves of her hips well. The dim light shined off of the Drow's dark skin, giving it a silky purple sheen. A faint smile, cynical through experience, marked her thin lips.

"Thank you," he smiled. "This is not a friendly city if you are new."

The Drow's smile curved upwards, showing bright teeth.

"You're right, and a quick learner. Most of the unfortunate victims the guild has me 'talk to' haven't been in the city for more than a week, and have already managed to tick someone big off. I figured I might as well do as much as I can for another Drow." She said, glancing over at him.

She stopped before a boxy building, build for practicality and not show, scrunched in between two other structures of similiar archtecture. An arch curved over double hardwood doors with burnished brass handles, the peak adorned with two iron ravens clashing. Nesher smiled and motioned at one of the handles. With a flick of her fingers, the door gave way and she stepped in. There was a great fumbling in the doorway and a figure in a dark blue cloak, not yet weathered by use, whirled around with a sinister-looking bow strung with a duo of arrows pointed at them.

"Woah, woah, Revai." Nesher yelped, flinging up her arms. "It's just me."

The cloaked figure coughed and abashedly put the arrows back in the quiver hanging from his back. "Sorry 'Gale. There's been a couple of guys hassling us lately who shouldn't be, and I wanted to be ready this time."

"Hey, whatever, just don't put arrows in my chest. I value it." She said with a wink, brushing past him.

"New guy?" He asked before the pair of Drow were out of earshot.

"Aye." She responded, nodding at Na'ansr. "He's green, but I can teach him a few tricks and he'll be good to go."

"Well, that's part of your job. Go easy on him," he dropped his tone before continuing. "ghoster."

Nesher just smirked at him coyly, clucking like a disappointed mother and tapping one of her pointed ears. Revai chuckled and the Drow walked on deeper into the guild hall.

Na'ansr listened with interest to what they said. He did become unsure as to what he was letting himself in for. The drow also wondered what exactly her job was, he stayed silent as he followed her.

"We try to keep a light attitude around here, it's better for morale. Except for Y'sung, who's in charge here, we're all pretty good people. Y'sung, well, nobody really knows much about him, which I guess helps him remain in control. He's a very dark man, with no sense of humor whatsoever. I learned that the hard way." She told him, still walking through the guild's long cramped corridors.

The building was in a mild state of disrepair, with cracks in the walls at some parts, and in other sections walls remained a dull unpainted gray or only half-painted. The air in the guild halls was so thick that it felt nearly tangible. They made their way to a single door, hardwood like the outside doors, but the latest staining had recently begun to wear away. The two Drow stopped before the door, and Nesher turned to Na'ansr.

"Before we go in, I have to ask, what are your skills?" She asked him in a friendly tone.

Na'ansr looked around at his surroundings, the place looked like it needed some care and attantion. "Oh just some sword fighting skills is all," he said. "Not much other then that."

Nesher nodded with a sage air. "Alright, you have a lot to learn, but since you're Drow it shouldn't be too difficult. Y'sung is behind this door, chances are he'll give you the job. Our coffers aren't exactly swelling at the moment, so you'll probably start on reduced pay. But you'll be set for a while, and it's better than laying face down in a ditch with a dagger buried in your back."

She pushed open the door with a shove, and it swung open grudgingly. The Drow entered, beckoning Na'ansr to follow.

"Hrumph. Who is that there?" Came a rasping voice from within the dark room, barely lit by a few candles. "Oh, it's you, Nightengale. Who is that with you?"

"This would be the...new assassin you wanted trained." She responded softly.

The source of the other voice hobbled out into the circles of light created by the low quality candles. He was an old man, not the heroic figure that lead most guilds, but he had the persistiant aura of great wisdom about him. His face was crumpled by age, and milky, soul-less eyes peered out from under great white eyebrows. The hair had left his head long ago, and he had the complexion of a man who might have been a stone statue. A great white cloak, intricate black glyphs embroidered into the fabric, adorned his frail body.

"Let him talk for himself." Y'sung said, his overbearing eyebrows furrowing. "Tell me, new one, who are you? Where do you hail from? Why are you here?"

The drow stepped forward, "I am Na'ansr, originally from Stillwater," he replied. "I came here looking for work."

Y'sung grunted. "Work, eh? Well you've come to the right place. Tell me, what can you do? Mastery of the magiks? An expert swordfighter?"

The old man made a show of swirling his ancient walking stick around, as if he were fending off a myriad of stabbing blades, a grin painted on his face that wrinkled it further.

Nesher forced herself to supress a gasp. 'Did...did he just crack a joke? No one could make him do that before.'

The old man resumed in a lighter tone. "Ah, sorry about that. You're a Drow, yes? I can sense it. I used to have a very close Drow friend. I may not have my sight anymore, but you remind me of him in some arcane way." He let out a long sigh. "In any case, you do have some skills, yes?"

Na'ansr nodded, "Yes I do have some swordfighting skills," he said. "Not much but it is enough to get by with."

"Alright, some skill with swords is better than none." Y'sung went on in his gruff voice. "I'm sure you've predicted we need another assassin for our operations. Do you have any of those necessary skills? Poisons, stealth, and most importantly, clarity of mind?"

"I can teach him what he doesn't know." Nesher interjected, smiling over at Na'ansr.

The aged man waved her comment off and continued to look at Na'ansr, awaiting his answer.

"Out of that I only know stealth since I use it to hunt," he said, brushing a hand through his hair.

The door of the tavern burst open, producing the ragged and flaying form of Xzar, commonly entitled "Xzar the Mad" due to of such occourances which he was about to speak of.

Xzar, hadding bursting open the door, producing a large bang which draw a few people's attention, he proceeded to bellow in a biblical tone, "He came again! That creature came again!"

Most of the regulars ignored the babbling mage, who's rampant outbursts of some crisis were as regular as night and day.

Xzar was a thin man, one who wore robes larger than what he should. They were mostly grey, tattered in many places, a mark of living where he could and being tossed around, mostly through his ravings or being thrown out of the tavern. He hands were rarely seen, only when he brought his arms in great sweeping motions when he spoke or was illustrating the size of a creature, or pointing the heavens in protest did they show.

He had pale skin, and large orbs for eyes, ones which often bulged in excitement of the moment of his recalling of a story. He had whispy black hair, which was sparse in content, and sometimes draped over his eyes very lightly.

Filled with his usual zeal, he ran over to the owner, his robes flayling and he fell over in the process, and caught himself on the actual bar.

"What now Xzar? Pigs flying again?" The owner said sarcasticly, continuing to clean a glass mug with a rag.

"No! No no no no no no!" Xzar said in a high pitched fever, his words coming out in a passion of insanity.

"No....that was last week, and they were only the begining! I saw something else today!" Xzar said, grabbing the owner's shirt and putting his head to the owner's head, staring at him.

Now Xzar, although disregarded as the town raving lunitic, he could still shock people from the suddeness of his actions, and the way he spoke. Now was one of these moments, when the owner's eyes suddenly snapped from cleaning a glass, to staring at the huge bulging eyes of Xzar, in all thier dispropotionate sizes and different colours. One was a brown, the other flaring green, the green one larger than the brown one.

"Something far more HIIIIIIDDDDEOUS!" Xzar said, his voice wheezing and his yellow, inperfect teeth showing. His breath smelt of turnips oddly, and many of his teeth were missing.

He then, in a sudden action let go of the owner of the tavern, who was rather glad to be free from the lunitics grip so he could get one of the bouncers to remove the idiot, Xzar then ran over to a table where some people were sitting, playing cards.

Now, Xzar, standing procariously upon the table, began to tell the tale of what he had just seen. What Xzar had not counted on, was the table's unwillingness to his presance upon the table.

"The thing was large! A thing of shadow and it had just done something utterly UNSPEAKABLE! It had-"

Xzar, in midsentance, produced a high pitched wail, as the table tipped over from Xzar's wild movements. The table went down, creating a loud crash, mingled with the laughter of the customers.

Xzar fell face first onto the floor, as he groaned in more of annoyance than pain.

"You win again gravity!" Xzar muttered as he tried to get up, but failed miserably, flopping like a fish out of water.

Everyone got back to their conversations and drinks, and let the doddering man be. It was pretty usual that he did something like this, and then went all quiet and mumbled to himself in the corner.

"Urgggh, damned robes!" Xzar said as he tried to get up again, infuriated by his robes. He tugged at his robes, and then heard a rip as one of his sleeves ripped down the side. It had been caught under the table.

Now freed, Xzar went off into his own little corner, mumbling as he did so, putting his shapeless hat back on, brushing it as he did. It has a small green feather in it, which had few feathers remaining.

He corssed his arms and muttered to himself.

((Is anybody else around anymore? WA seems to have forsaken his own thread.))

"Hum." Y'sung muttered to himself. "As Nightengale said, you can learn. I believe you will improve upon yourself greatly in the time you are here. You will have some time before your first assignment. Use that time wisely."

Nesher motions to Na'ansr to follow her.

Before they leave, Y'sung held up a gnarled hand. "And Na'ansr – I am always here if you need anything. The guild is always here."

He smiled and ushered them out with a casual wave of his hand.

Nesher grinned at the other Drow after the door clicked grumpily behind them. "Well, that was a spectacular response as far as Y'sung goes."

"Ah," Na'anser nodded. "So what now?"

He was glad to be out of there as it had made him somewhat nervous, but he had soon realised that he hadn't needed to be.

The young Drow's smile blossomed into a grin. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to see what you can do as far as swordfighting goes."

OOC: I have not forgotten this thread, my work ISP is horrible with NS, and I cannot post during the week because of this.

IC:

Jekel exited the bar, slipping out after the deranged man in the tattered robe. On his way home, he stopped by a seedy-looking establishment. A few minutes later, he exited with a slip of paper & a fatter pocket. Jekel's profession was that of a gunsmith by day, but that of a hitman by night. Jekel was also something of an inventor, adding to & making his weapons a bit better than the other, more traditional firearms dealers.

Jekel unlocked his store, Slipstream's Sidearms & Exotic Weaponry then slipped into the back room, taking his 'Looking-Glass Rifle' down from the wall rack. The weapon had a telescope attatched to the top, allowing for more accurate distance shots. It was a personal favorite of Jekel for hits like these, when the target would be standing in a crowded room in full view of a window...

((Hehe, I was hoping that comment would spark you into posting. I shall no longer assume that you've forgotten this thread, as I know exactly what you're talking about. I have the same problem with the supposedly T1 line at school.))

Na'ansr raised an eyebrow. "That would be fine with me," he replied, for the first time he smiled.

"Alright, come on and follow me. Oh, and now that you have the job, feel free to call me by my real name, Nesher." The Drow spun on her heel before walking off, her hips swaying.

---

Her young hands held a scimitar before her a few minutes later in the training area, lit brightly by countless candles, and she jerked her head to signal Na'ansr to bring on his attack.

The scimitar had a fire-blackened blade and a handle of lacqured ebony. The blade dripped with bright green acid, the product of a magical enchantment by one of the guild mages.

"A gift." Nesher had remarked to Na'ansr simply when she unsheathed the fine blade.

"An interesting blade," He remarked. "Enchanted too."

"An interesting blade," He remarked. "Enchanted too."

"Aye, it is." Nesher responded, giving him a quick nod. "Now let's see what you can do."

She brought the curved blade to point downwards in a defensive stance, her legs set far apart. With one hand she unclasped the cloak and tossed it to the side.

"Aye, it is." Nesher responded, giving him a quick nod. "Now let's see what you can do."

She brought the curved blade to point downwards in a defensive stance, her legs set far apart. With one hand she unclasped the cloak and tossed it to the side.

"Aye, it is." Nesher responded, giving him a quick nod. "Now let's see what you can do."

She brought the curved blade to point downwards in a defensive stance, her legs set far apart. With one hand she unclasped the cloak and tossed it to the side.

Na'ansr grabbed his sword and unsheathed it. It was a dull katana, a cheap one at that. "Afraid it was all I could afford at the time," he said.

Na'ansr grabbed his sword and unsheathed it. It was a dull katana, a cheap one at that. "Afraid it was all I could afford at the time," he said.

"Aye, it is." Nesher responded, giving him a quick nod. "Now let's see what you can do."

She brought the curved blade to point downwards in a defensive stance, her legs set far apart. With one hand she unclasped the cloak and tossed it to the side.

Jekel lined up his target, a short gnome in a nice suit, standing near a table filled with food. Guests milled around the room, chatting & enjoying themselves. Jekel then pulled the trigger, nearly blowing the small humanoid's head completely off. Shattered glass littered the plush carpet & the once happy guests screamed in horror.

His hit completed, Jekel returned to his store, hung up his items, and went to bed...

OOC: you already said that :?
It double posted and I don't remember posting that quickly.

((Meh, the forums go insane periodically, I'm sure you know that, so just ignore it.))

The muffled crack of a longarm rifle sounded through night and into the thinnly walled guild halls.

Nesher gave a crooked grin. "Ah, the dead of night, the breaking of the dawn for assassins."

(OOC Wait, did that gnome get shot inside the tavern where we all started?)

*the Dwarf looked around at the mage who seemed a bit off,he just shook his head, and then when the rifle was shoot the dwarf sighed, happily he was to short sitting down, he couldnt be seen since the booth was so tall, to him at least.*

(OOC Wait, did that gnome get shot inside the tavern where we all started?)

OOC: He was shot in his living room, across the bridge where the tavern stands, on the technolocial side of the river.

I apologize for lack of detail in that post, I had written a longer one, but the forum, or my ISP, erased it.

"Disagreement between foes I would expect," Na'ansr commented.

"Maybe you're right, it happens occasionally." Nesher said with a shrug. "Now am I going to get you to use that sword, or will I just have to imagine?"

The Drow smirked a bit and twirled the scimitar absentmindedly while she waited for Na'ansr.

Na'ansr held up his sword and prepared for a fight. "Well if you wish, you'll get to see me use my sword," he replied.

Ko silently consumed his stew, thinking over his mission objective and of how to execute it. There was a certain man he was supposed to track down. Killing him was a bonus, but by no means required as part of the deal. The man's name was Y'sung, a notorious person who had rich and powerful enemies. Ko came to find out that Y'sung's "day job" was as a merchant, mostly a ruse to keep people from interfering with his true vocation at the guild. And so a merchant Ko would become, using Y'sung's own guise to try to get close to him and learn about him. The drow that was at the next table over and who had now left with a drow woman was certainly of no help at all.

Then the rowdy Xzar came in, causing a stir that had Ko alarmed for a moment before the reactions of most of the other people present indicated that his words were not to be trusted. Yet, watching the man stalk off to a corner, Ko decided that the man just might have some useful information. At least he seemed more talkative than the drow did.

So Ko picked up his bowl of half-finished turnip soup and headed over to Xzar. "Excuse me, but what was the hideous thing that you saw?"

He suddenly looked toward the bridge as a loud bang swept across his ears.

Y'sung's eyes snapped open, shook out of their meditative glaze. The ancient man sighed and grinned crookedly.

"There's malice afoot, and for once, it's not mine." He mumbled to himself. "A war this way comes."

---

Nesher smiled voraciously and sliced horizontally at her opponent, an easy swing to counter. The swing was low and wide, lacking the power needed to penetrate his defense.

Na'ansr easily brushed the attack away and began his counter-attack. He brought his sword sideways, also lacking the power to break through her defence.

Nesher flicked away the blow and carried on the slice, bringing the scimitar under her opponent's blade and thrusting upwards and out to knock the katana out of line. Taking advantage the imbalance this simple manuver caused, she let her momentum carry to the side and pulling a quarter twist. She thrust forwards, but pulled the lethal blade from her attack before it hit his exposed side, leaving a few specks of acid on his armor. She flashed him a half-grin and pulled her sword back into a defensive position.

((Bump.))

'She is good,' Na'ansr thought to himself.

He ignored the flecks of acid on his armour and looked over at her. Quickly he made a plan and executed his move. He move forward, letting his moment thrust his sword toawrd her midsection.

The young Drow sideslipped and turned so her back was to Na'ansr with incredible speed, and slapped down his katana with the flat of her scimitar, and slammed backwards with her elbow into his solar plexis.

"You can fight, but you're just using generic moves. Free yourself up a bit, explore your style." She whispered to him, throwing him a wink.

"I know," Na'ansr nodded. "I am just more comfortable using them."

He stepped back and waited for her to attack him.

Nesher gave a shrug before sprinting up to him. She made to attack from above with her scimitar, but slid downwards into a low kick aimed at his ankles.

Na'ansr was ready, he quickly avoided both the kick and the sword, holding up his own sword he knocked it away. He grabbed a breath before going back and launching a counter attack, this time he aimed for her left side.

Again Nesher was ready for him, but he managed to cut a slit in the leather tunic she wore.

She coughed lightly. "Better."

Now the Drow advanced forwards, twirling her sword in a figure eight before her to create a shield of steel. As she forced Na'ansr backwards, she broke from her defense and slipped to the side, evading the inevitable jab that the feint provoked, and brought the blunt edge of her scimitar down on his wrist.

**The peculiar man slowly worked his way through town, bypassing some curious locals on his way to the. The appearance indeed was a bit deceiving, for though he was clad in long duster, wide brim hat and the like, over his shoulder was an obviously well-crafted and unusual looking rifle. The barrel itself was highly polished, reflecting the meticulous care going into it. Yet, the top itself seemed to have a system of refracting lenses in place, almost as if a sighting mechanism of some sort. At his sides lay two holstered revolvers, both showing the same level of ingenuity and skill that went into the rifle. No doubt various other implements of battle lay strewn about his body. William "Killshot" Keldorn had arrived to Gregsburg.**

**His whole aura bred an air of genteel sophistication, coupled with a knack for technology and craftsmanship. Yet, underneath the fine clothing, beyond the long duster, and maybe underneath the strange goggles the man wore, the appearance of a hunter would be evident to those who came close. If all this was not enough, the various bones and appendages of his quarry hung from his belt as gruesome tokens of his prowess. Monsters, human and otherwise, beware.**

Na'ansr winced, but didn't let go of his sword. Instead he stepped sideways to began an attack, he aimed at her sword in the hope of knocking it from her grasp.

Jekel awoke a few hours later, and began to clean his rifle from the night before.

When this was done, he turned the 'CLOSED' sign on his storefront to the 'OPEN' side, then settled back into his workshop to add an automatic loading chamber on a repeater rifle a customer had brought in...

**Spotted a bit of an out of a way tech shop along the winding roads of this city. Smiling, despite himself, he heads over to it, ignoring the almost sinister look of the fore. The best equipment was not the flashy stuff, but the stuff people were reluctant to sell to any hack or hatchet-man, only true practicioners of the art of war. He slowly pushed the door open as he came into Jekel's shop, gazing about for yt more parts he can use to upgrade the equipment he already had. He took off his goggles, blinking a bit at the light as he looked around. Just in case, he took his flow spektrometer and ran it about the room, careful to make sure no magical items or traps were present. He had found other supposedly "technological" shops over the years.**

"A decent establishment....but tell me..where do you keep the more...exotic...artillery? That perhaps, or other fine technological accoutrements, my good sir." he asked the proprieter. He unslung his unusual rifle over his shoulder, instead of his back, the two revolvers only shifting slightly in his pockets. "That...or the tools or schematics to do it myself." The gaze in his eyes were kindly, but unerneath, they held the glare of the bounty hunter, the pursuer of beasts and men.**

Nesher backpedaled as her opponent pressed his attack. Na'ansr's assault was more powerful than her strikes, and she evaded most of his slashes easily. Before long, she found herself backed up against the wall. A strong swing from the Drow sent her scimitar thudding into the wall. Nesher grinned sheepishly and slowly raised her arms.

"You're a lot better than I expected. I'm glad to see you can fight well. But keep in mind I was holding back!" She told him.

**Spotted a bit of an out of a way tech shop along the winding roads of this city. Smiling, despite himself, he heads over to it, ignoring the almost sinister look of the fore. The best equipment was not the flashy stuff, but the stuff people were reluctant to sell to any hack or hatchet-man, only true practicioners of the art of war. He slowly pushed the door open as he came into Jekel's shop, gazing about for yt more parts he can use to upgrade the equipment he already had. He took off his goggles, blinking a bit at the light as he looked around. Just in case, he took his flow spektrometer and ran it about the room, careful to make sure no magical items or traps were present. He had found other supposedly "technological" shops over the years.**

"A decent establishment....but tell me..where do you keep the more...exotic...artillery? That perhaps, or other fine technological accoutrements, my good sir." he asked the proprieter. He unslung his unusual rifle over his shoulder, instead of his back, the two revolvers only shifting slightly in his pockets. "That...or the tools or schematics to do it myself." The gaze in his eyes were kindly, but un(d)erneath, they held the glare of the bounty hunter, the pursuer of beasts and men.**

Jekel comes out of his backroom workshop, wiping grease from his clawed hands with a dirty rag...

"That'd depend on what you're looking for. As the sign says, I deal in exotic weapons. I can usually find or make whatever a customer needs... for a fee..."

Jekel's blue, slit-pupiled eyes flashed slightly. His glare was that of an assassin, a cold-blooded & methodical killer with a creative flare when it came to weaponry...

**Spotted a bit of an out of a way tech shop along the winding roads of this city. Smiling, despite himself, he heads over to it, ignoring the almost sinister look of the fore. The best equipment was not the flashy stuff, but the stuff people were reluctant to sell to any hack or hatchet-man, only true practicioners of the art of war. He slowly pushed the door open as he came into Jekel's shop, gazing about for yt more parts he can use to upgrade the equipment he already had. He took off his goggles, blinking a bit at the light as he looked around. Just in case, he took his flow spektrometer and ran it about the room, careful to make sure no magical items or traps were present. He had found other supposedly "technological" shops over the years.**

"A decent establishment....but tell me..where do you keep the more...exotic...artillery? That perhaps, or other fine technological accoutrements, my good sir." he asked the proprieter. He unslung his unusual rifle over his shoulder, instead of his back, the two revolvers only shifting slightly in his pockets. "That...or the tools or schematics to do it myself." The gaze in his eyes were kindly, but un(d)erneath, they held the glare of the bounty hunter, the pursuer of beasts and men.**

Jekel comes out of his backroom workshop, wiping grease from his clawed hands with a dirty rag...

"That'd depend on what you're looking for. As the sign says, I deal in exotic weapons. I can usually find or make whatever a customer needs... for a fee..."

Jekel's blue, slit-pupiled eyes flashed slightly. His glare was that of an assassin, a cold-blooded & methodical killer with a creative flare when it came to weaponry...

OOC: Sorry for the long inactivity. Been ground, bad grades. Hey, dwarf man, are you still in the tavern, because I don't have too much patience to read a lot of that. (Mucho homework-o)

Nesher backpedaled as her opponent pressed his attack. Na'ansr's assault was more powerful than her strikes, and she evaded most of his slashes easily. Before long, she found herself backed up against the wall. A strong swing from the Drow sent her scimitar thudding into the wall. Nesher grinned sheepishly and slowly raised her arms.

"You're a lot better than I expected. I'm glad to see you can fight well. But keep in mind I was holding back!" She told him.

Na'ansr lowered his katana and nodded. "I know you were," he said. "So I held back a little as well. Fighting comes naturally to me"

**Appraised the man carefully, examining his capabilities within the span of a few moments as he stared ahead, eyes returning the same look. He was no stranger to death-dealing either.**

"I wish to purchase the schematics and material for what is rumored as a "mechanized gun". In addition, an even rarer weapon known as the "Tesla gun". I will pay well, for honest craftsmanship and skill. Finally, I would like to see your technological accoutrements, specifically for defense against 'magick'. I can pay either in gold, pure ore, or gems, whichever is preferable."

*He looked the man over once again*

"On the side.....I am looking for some...work...in town. I specialize in dealing with problems of a...magickal nature. My card." *flips his business card onto the table as he awaits the man's replay, William was a bit direct and to the point, devoid of his usual graces among more reputable people.**

Nesher's embarrassed grin became one of delighted malice.

"I suspected so. Fighting always comes to Drow, it's ingrained in our blood." She said, her smile becoming softer. "But I still need to show you –"

She was cut off by the sound of a heavy wooden door slamming open against the wall. She spun around, eyes afire and alert.

"What is it?" She asked impatiently, thoroughly alarmed.

"Ah, Y'sung's had one of his premonitions. Someone's coming for him, he thinks. An' you know...he's never been wrong before. He thinks this all will spark up a new violence, too. I hate to think about it, but I suspect he's right." Revai told her, panting in exertion.

"Ok...and how does this concern me?" The Drow inquired.

"Well, you're our only...er...most experienced assassin. Y'sung trusts you, so he wants you to do reconnisance to find out who the potential spark plug is. Um, and he says that your other Drow friend can come, too." The cloaked human responded.

Nesher sighed.

"Well, alright, he should tag along." She looked over at him. "That alright? We'll probably be out all night."

"No problem," Na'ansr said with a nod. This should prove interesting.

Nesher gave him a short nod and lead the way out. Within a few minutes, they were back on the street.

"And I was looking forward to actually getting sleep tonight." She remarked wryly.

She whirled the cloak around her and stalked off into the murky night, her apprentice following closely. The night was a bitter one, and the wind howled through the slim streets, amplifiying itself against the shoddy buildings. Braving the gale, the two pushed out of the corridor of buildings and onto the wide bridge where the powerful winds were more subdued. The Drow stopped and motioned for Na'ansr to do the same. She closed her eyes and moved in a trance for a few seconds, hands to the sky, before slowly bringing her arms down. To the outside world, they were no more than a glimmer of dark light when they moved. The two, only smudges against the water, moved on to the Halfway Inn.

"Wait here. If something happens I can't take care of, give me a hand. Otherwise, stay out of my way." She whispered harshly against the wind.

Moving to the side of the Inn, she peered in a window to see who was within. She caught a glance of a man with a bowl of soup talking to that crazed Xzar. The assassin studied him for a moment longer before confirming he was most likely a foreigner.

'Could be out for us, he's got the demeanor of a determined assassin, that's for sure.' She pondered to herself, moving back out of sight and causing a slight glimmer to show where the Drow once stood.

"Right," Na'ansr nodded and waited. He didn't like the idea of waiting around.

(ooc:yeah, my charecter is still in the tavern.)

OOC: Ah, good. Just making sure. :P

IC: Alex eyed the drink, considered, and then snatched it from the table. He swallowed it one gulp, and he reeled a bit. The drink was strong for something to cure his intoxication, and it brought tears to his eyes which were rapidly becoming bloodshot... and then in a moment, the sensation faded.

"That's like a kick to the head... anyways, shall we leave? I have a rather small shack on the edge of town, just bordering some woods. It's not that far of a walk. It might prove useful for your general work."

Alex stood up and pushed in his chair. He offered a hand to the dwarf to pull him up out of his seat. As he did so, a question sprung into his mind.

"Isn't it a bit strange that a dwarven man would be curious in herb lore?"

**Appraised the man carefully, examining his capabilities within the span of a few moments as he stared ahead, eyes returning the same look. He was no stranger to death-dealing either.**

"I wish to purchase the schematics and material for what is rumored as a "mechanized gun". In addition, an even rarer weapon known as the "Tesla gun". I will pay well, for honest craftsmanship and skill. Finally, I would like to see your technological accoutrements, specifically for defense against 'magick'. I can pay either in gold, pure ore, or gems, whichever is preferable."

*He looked the man over once again*

"On the side.....I am looking for some...work...in town. I specialize in dealing with problems of a...magickal nature. My card." *flips his business card onto the table as he awaits the man's replay, William was a bit direct and to the point, devoid of his usual graces among more reputable people.**

Jekel was becoming annoyed with his customer's attitude...

"If it doesn't spray lead, I don't sell it. If it isn't firearm-related, I don't sell it. Do you want guns or not?"

Jekel's left hand toyed with the grip of his revolver, a double-action type of his own design...

(OOC: An assassin with the demeanor of an assassin usually doesn't stay an assassin for long. Those people usually end up dead really quickly. My guy isn't a rookie, he knows how to do his job. His demeanor would be like everyone else's. But oh well.)

IC:
Ko sensed someone watching him. Two someones, in particular. But he did nothing to give away that he realized it. He just kept chatting and eating. At least, he gave no physical indication of anything out of the ordinary.

Mentally, he lightly sent out a searching thought, keeping it passive enough to be nothing more than a featherweight of touch as it brushed against other minds.

Two drows.

((You're right, minor slip on my part. Then again, an experienced assassin is generally able to detect others involved in her trade. I don't believe Na'ansr is watching Ko, however...he's just waiting and cloaked in one of Nesher's spells, so I don't know if you'd be able to sense him.))

Nesher's alert mind tingled at the sensation of the passing thought.

'Damn, he knows I'm here. Why would he bother to probe my mind if he didn't have more of a reason to? If it's a reflex, it's a rather poor one.' She pondered, slumping against the side of the inn. 'I'm almost positive he's seen both our faces, as well. There will be no sneaking up on this one.'

She slipped up next to Na'ansr, silent and silky as water. "I'm going to see if I can get something out of a man in there, he might be the one we're looking for."

Shedding the cloak of dark magic, she walked into the Halfway Inn and settled into her usual spot, waiting for the man's conversation to end fruitlessly. Xzar did have good information, as most took him to be harmless and let slip interesting snippets, but anything worthwhile was wrapped in riddles and inane jabber. The Drow didn't expect the man to have that kind of patience, most didn't.

**Appraised the man carefully, examining his capabilities within the span of a few moments as he stared ahead, eyes returning the same look. He was no stranger to death-dealing either.**

"I wish to purchase the schematics and material for what is rumored as a "mechanized gun". In addition, an even rarer weapon known as the "Tesla gun". I will pay well, for honest craftsmanship and skill. Finally, I would like to see your technological accoutrements, specifically for defense against 'magick'. I can pay either in gold, pure ore, or gems, whichever is preferable."

*He looked the man over once again*

"On the side.....I am looking for some...work...in town. I specialize in dealing with problems of a...magickal nature. My card." *flips his business card onto the table as he awaits the man's replay, William was a bit direct and to the point, devoid of his usual graces among more reputable people.**

Jekel was becoming annoyed with his customer's attitude...

"If it doesn't spray lead, I don't sell it. If it isn't firearm-related, I don't sell it. Do you want guns or not?"

Jekel's left hand toyed with the grip of his revolver, a double-action type of his own design...

**Noticed the hand of the man went below his desk, his own resting on one of his revolvers**

"I want you to sell me an self-loading chamber for my rifle, as well as several hundred rounds of ammunition. Preferably, armor-piercing. If that isnt a.....problem." *He eyes the storeman, matching his gaze. Let him draw, and one would be dead. Both man seemed ready to die, it would only be which one fell first. Then again, maybe the man had sense after all and would actually bring the customer what he wished to be bought at a fair price.**

Na'ansr waited. He hadn't heard anything so far so he was taking that as a good sign. Should anything happen, he would be prepared.

*the Dwarven man took Alex's hand, and pulled himself otu of the booth, taking his bag and his book with him.*
"I guess my cure didnt work so well, when i have some spare time i will adjust it for bigger folks to drink. And sure, lets get going, the tavern isnt my place of choice anyway."
*the Dwarf streched his small legs and then looked at Alex again.*
I am not only studying herblore, but for youre information i find magical healing to actually cause harm to me, and i find a conventional bed hard to come by, when i need healing in the field a good healing salve is the only way to go. so, shall we leave to youre shack ?"

*edit double post.*

"Yes, let's go."

Alex started to walk, and watched the little man curiously. He held open the door, letting him pass out in front of himself. Outside, it was growing dark, and the trail appeared invisible beyond 40 feet. Several horses were trotting back and forth in the stables, accenting the night.

"I understand entirely about your problems with magicks... I find them untrustworthy which is why I avoided them. One of my friends was killed when a spell of his misfired and took a hole through his chest. But, you must realize, you wouldn't need to understand herb lore if you just stayed where you came from and never traveled. There must be a reason why you decided to leave and hit the road. What's your excuse, eh?"

*the Dwarf looked up at Alex and nodded solemnly*
"Firstly, i thank ye for getting the door" *The dWarf said polietly*
"As for my home....I was born in Tarant during a bad time, my parents were just visiting there, and somehow the train maulfuctioned and we were delayed again, and again, and again. Eventually me parents figured the ceniment want very anti-Dwarvish, so they set up a small humble shop by the sea and made a good living, eventually when i came along i took a liking to technology to try and find a way to venture back home, my parents were of the Iron clan, but my parents grew adept to city life, eventually i went there, and studying amongst the top Dwarven masters in the fields of Explosives, and a few other subjects, it was there i got my revolver that i still have to this day..." *the Dwarf looked at the revolver on his belt and shook his head.*
"Not this revolver, i made this one myself, and i have used it. As i was saying, when i was on my way back to Tarant i encounterd some heavy storms, i tried to navigate my way back there, but i went far, far of course, i was able to get shelter in a cave, eventually i got out again and went the direction i thought was south, eventually i found the city of Blackroot, i was far of course, eventually i got my barings and ventured to Tarant, i rested there while, having disliked my journey at first, but then i realized it was mor invigorating and you learn more out on the road, so i went travelling, colecting what i could, and on a trip to a small town, Shrouded hills i think it was, i saw someone with a mortar and pestle, grinding away at soem herbs, eventually i chaugt on, and i kept travelling the lands looking for adventure, and herbs and such things, and i found my way here. i would ask you the same question, but i belive that you tall folk like to travel."

**Appraised the man carefully, examining his capabilities within the span of a few moments as he stared ahead, eyes returning the same look. He was no stranger to death-dealing either.**

"I wish to purchase the schematics and material for what is rumored as a "mechanized gun". In addition, an even rarer weapon known as the "Tesla gun". I will pay well, for honest craftsmanship and skill. Finally, I would like to see your technological accoutrements, specifically for defense against 'magick'. I can pay either in gold, pure ore, or gems, whichever is preferable."

*He looked the man over once again*

"On the side.....I am looking for some...work...in town. I specialize in dealing with problems of a...magickal nature. My card." *flips his business card onto the table as he awaits the man's replay, William was a bit direct and to the point, devoid of his usual graces among more reputable people.**

Jekel was becoming annoyed with his customer's attitude...

"If it doesn't spray lead, I don't sell it. If it isn't firearm-related, I don't sell it. Do you want guns or not?"

Jekel's left hand toyed with the grip of his revolver, a double-action type of his own design...

**Noticed the hand of the man went below his desk, his own resting on one of his revolvers**

"I want you to sell me an self-loading chamber for my rifle, as well as several hundred rounds of ammunition. Preferably, armor-piercing. If that isnt a.....problem." *He eyes the storeman, matching his gaze. Let him draw, and one would be dead. Both man seemed ready to die, it would only be which one fell first. Then again, maybe the man had sense after all and would actually bring the customer what he wished to be bought at a fair price.**

Again, this man's attitude annoyed Jekel... He had not worked these many long years to be treated with disrespect by some outlander. His customers usually treated him with respect... Those who didn't usually where thrown out the front door, or where carried out with sheets over their bodies...

"I've got an auto-loader, but no special ammo. I only carry my own brand of hollow-point ammunition. It leaves a much bigger hole in whatever you shoot... I've only got five hundred rounds on hand at any time. Premium quality comes at the price of quantity."

Jekel's eyes betrayed his annoyance, their usual crystal-clear blue darkening to an angry sapphire hue...

"Let's see this rifle you keep going on about..."

"Feel free to inquire why I'm here. It wasn't really by choice with which I don't live near the town. I've been shunned from the locals, and a lot of them don't want anything to do with me, or at least those who know about me."

Alex shifted the weight of his rifle as he walked, and started up a brisk pace. When they were officially out of earshot, he slowed down a bit more, and started to explain, just above a whisper.

"I used to have a wife, maybe for 8 years that I can recall. She... wasn't exactly the ideal woman. All day, she would stay at home, and sleep and eat what I had to bring in to support her. She was a leech off my back, and this I was willing to deal with. I loved the woman, hell... but you know, I can only go so far.

"She had my only son maybe 2 years into the thing. And I could deal with this, too. I had two mouths to feed, I fed them well. But that woman who I slaved for day and night decided that it wouldn't be a problem if she found another man and went behind my back. At this time, we were living in the main town, and this person happened to be one of the local members of the, uh, governing council, if you will.

"I snapped. I came home, found the two together, and shot the official. She started to run, but in a fit of rage, I pulled out my knife, and stabbed her in the throat. My son comes in, sees this, and runs off. Later, I have a mob of angry villagers pounding at the door, and I managed to escape, luckily alive. I ran off into the forest, and they've... let's just say that it won't be good if I'm caught. I took the opportunity to restart my life, and so I've been hunting and gathering food in my little shack on the woods' edge for awhile now. I've wanted to return to the town to see if my son's doing well or not, but I can't do anything about it, so I just try to forget everything."

*the Dwarf listened, nodding as Alex's story went on.*
"I am no lawyer, but i would think you could claim that it was temporary rage, any woman that is commiting adultery, many years ago, was executed. now, murdering is wrong, but in that case it is okay i guess."
*the Dwarf looked around.*
"so, how long have you been wondering around ?"

*the Dwarf listened, nodding as Alex's story went on.*
"I am no lawyer, but i would think you could claim that it was temporary rage, any woman that is commiting adultery, many years ago, was executed. now, murdering is wrong, but in that case it is okay i guess."
*the Dwarf looked around.*
"so, how long have you been wondering around ?"

**Appraised the man carefully, examining his capabilities within the span of a few moments as he stared ahead, eyes returning the same look. He was no stranger to death-dealing either.**

"I wish to purchase the schematics and material for what is rumored as a "mechanized gun". In addition, an even rarer weapon known as the "Tesla gun". I will pay well, for honest craftsmanship and skill. Finally, I would like to see your technological accoutrements, specifically for defense against 'magick'. I can pay either in gold, pure ore, or gems, whichever is preferable."

*He looked the man over once again*

"On the side.....I am looking for some...work...in town. I specialize in dealing with problems of a...magickal nature. My card." *flips his business card onto the table as he awaits the man's replay, William was a bit direct and to the point, devoid of his usual graces among more reputable people.**

Jekel was becoming annoyed with his customer's attitude...

"If it doesn't spray lead, I don't sell it. If it isn't firearm-related, I don't sell it. Do you want guns or not?"

Jekel's left hand toyed with the grip of his revolver, a double-action type of his own design...

**Noticed the hand of the man went below his desk, his own resting on one of his revolvers**

"I want you to sell me an self-loading chamber for my rifle, as well as several hundred rounds of ammunition. Preferably, armor-piercing. If that isnt a.....problem." *He eyes the storeman, matching his gaze. Let him draw, and one would be dead. Both man seemed ready to die, it would only be which one fell first. Then again, maybe the man had sense after all and would actually bring the customer what he wished to be bought at a fair price.**

Again, this man's attitude annoyed Jekel... He had not worked these many long years to be treated with disrespect by some outlander. His customers usually treated him with respect... Those who didn't usually where thrown out the front door, or where carried out with sheets over their bodies...

"I've got an auto-loader, but no special ammo. I only carry my own brand of hollow-point ammunition. It leaves a much bigger hole in whatever you shoot... I've only got five hundred rounds on hand at any time. Premium quality comes at the price of quantity."

Jekel's eyes betrayed his annoyance, their usual crystal-clear blue darkening to an angry sapphire hue...

"Let's see this rifle you keep going on about..."

*Saw the man's gaze and slowly unslung his rifle, laying it on the table. The gun was a finely designed repeater rifle, modified to accept a telescopic sight upon the top, creating in effect a "semi-automatic hunting rifle". He eyes remained carefully neutral, his face grim but not threatening. He had little desire to fight, preferring to keep his death-dealings towards those who threatened people and rogue magick-users, not irate shopkeepers.*

He decided, "Very well, I shall be the better man" in his mind.

"Forgive my manner of earlier, the stress of recent days has somewhat....coloured my dealings with reputable businessmen. I have already seen two "technologists" I approached swindling others in this town, and was hesitant to try again."

((Bump while I wait for Rhinara to respond...))

(now i bump it, maybe we cna get this thing active again.)

(bump yet again)

OOC: While I am impressed by the response I recieved, I think any intrest that was once here has died.

*Sticks fork in thread... It's done...*

((Hrm, that's a shame. I guess Rhi just didn't get back in time to keep the story moving. *sigh* Sorry WA.))