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 Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:54 am
Sorry if I had to ask for permission. I just figured this kind of place was needed here and as far as I know guild management is not available often. I'm just trying to fill a vacant spot.
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Located somewhere along the course of the River of Blood, this is a formerly filthy place that went under new management. The reasons why the former owner, a bugbear, disappeared without a trace and left a wolf demon as sole proprietor, are unknown. Not that anybody asked. In fact, no one cares.
The new owner is more ambitious, he likes money (call him Mr. Krabs and he'll kick your a**); thus, he has turned this place into something worth of the more discerning Drow clientele. This tavern is also a clandestine hub for mercenary business within Ulorbbath. No mercenaries of lesser races are allowed however, except for the Wolf demon that never sleeps. Only condition is the aspiring mercs must pay a finder's fee to the bar's owner (a fee which, unbeknownst to the general public, goes straight to the sponsoring House's treasure). If you want a job or are seeking a temporary employee, this is the place.
This tavern operates under the mantle of House Auvrea'mitore, and it has been blessed by the House's priestesses of Lolth in a sacred ceremony. There is also a detachment of soldiers from the sponsoring House, watching over the tavern at all times.
On the wall behind the counter, at the side opposite the door to the backroom, there is a staircase leading to the available rooms. The accomodations, though not luxurious, are decent. A doorway at the right side (looking at the counter from the street) leads to the spa. Bathhouse at the bottom floor and massage services and other commodities at the top; you want it, we got it. The wing on the opposite side is windowless; its access is restricted, no door is seen at the corresponding wall of the tavern area.
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Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:55 am
CURRENT DESCRIPTION:
The symbol of the spider is engraved above the double-door entrance, and a plank of wood hangs from a pole protruding next to the sign of the spider, displaying the Drow term for tavern on both sides, similar to the trend followed in the human-run establishments. The interior boasts solid, duergar-made tables and chairs and some decoration. The place, however, keeps a sort of primal, modest look about it, for it is intended to cater to those Drow looking for a different atmosphere. Soldiers, merchants, students from Sorcere; also, several stalls have been placed along the walls flanking the bar, for private conversations; given their purpose, they have been warded against eavesdroppers and scrying. The tables are waited by several goblins -workers that can be bossed, humiliated and kicked around-, and the food and drink goes from soldier-grade grub to items slightly below the usual menu of a priestess. Only slightly. Within that range, you name it, we got it.
Behind the bar, in the wall opposite to the front double-door entrance, there is a small window of tinted glass which is not transparent when looked at from the front of the bar. The strong door by the side of the bar itself leads to the back section of the place. Few know what goes on beyond that door, it is only apparent that the owner and his personal slave have their living quarters in that area. It is reasonable to presume that the storage, kitchen and other facilities are also beyond that door.
STAFF:
Owner and barkeep - Naki. Wolf demon of few words and bad temper, though he is smart enough to not cross a (potential) paying customer or business partner. Black skin, raven black hair that falls down to past midback feral yellow eyes (one of which is crossed by a dark-pinkish scar, though both eyes remain perfectly healthy), fang-ridden mouth and a wolven tail. His build is rather brawny though still lean; his clothing is entirely black and of bizarre look to those who have never set foot in a human settlement. His torso is covered only by a tanktop, boasting two thoroughly muscled arms whose hands end in onyx-colored, sharp fingernails, as well as a well defined chest and abdomen. From the waist down, black slacks made of some sturdy fabric, and heavy boots apparently made from the hide of some black lizard. When he goes out he dons a black duster and gloves.
He tends to the bar, makes and hands out the drinks (bartending seems to calm his nerves) and simply runs the place. He also offers his services as a mercenary.
Assistant barkeep - Lyvesta. Naki's personal slave. She stands a bit less than half a head shorter than Naki, her light blue skin, ice blue eyes of serenely melancholic gaze and pointy ears (as well as her striking beauty) betray her moon elf ascent. Her body is slender, lithe, smoothly curvaceous; her physique is subtly toned. Her hair is silk-straight and falls down the sides of her face to chest height; however, for an unknown reason it has changed from silvery to jet-black, like Naki's.
Anybody who manages a glimpse of her belly (which is normally an instant death warrant, since Naki does not tolerate anybody trespassing his slave's personal space -except himself-) will notice a tattoo depicting a giant black spider of crimson eyes. The bug's legs spread from one flank to the opposite, the 'fore limbs stretching into the elf's chest area and the hind ones reaching down to her navel. Her attire usually reveals a blackened mark on her arm, perfectly shaped like a wolf's paw. That is the brand that identifies her as Naki's personal property, made in such a way that a bit of the demon's blood now runs through her veins, slightly altering her scent, her aura... her very essence.
Lyvesta cooks the meals in the tavern and tends to Naki's personal needs, including (but by no means limited to) the rutinary housekeeping of his chambers. She also runs the place when Naki is out.
Waiters - a bunch of goblins. The multipurpose workforce. The kobolds were disposed off because they wre annoying, and replaced with more goblins.
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Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:55 am
DRINKS
Ale: The drow drink strong ale. Commonly served in a drinking horn.
Death’s Head: a powerful wine, brewed from a poisonous mushroom found in the underdark. It is black, has a slightly earthy smell, and is one of the most sought after beverages in the world. Death’s Head is a strong intoxicant and extremely addictive to non-drow, it acts more like a drug than an alcoholic beverage for them, however, for drow Death’s Head acts like any other strong wine. One of the priciest drinks available here.
Bazi tea: This is an herbal tea that comes in many different varieties. Bazi tea is a common Drow drink, enjoyed by High and Low Castes. It is commonly served hot and heavily sugared. It may be served in either of two fashions. First, there is a more traditional and formal serve. This serve does not reach the level of a Japanese tea ceremony; it is simply a more formal serve. The tea is carefully measured into three tiny cups, which are drunk in rapid succession. Various sugars and milks may be added. It is more likely to be done in one's own home while entertaining. Second, Bazi tea is also drank informally, in regular-sized cups, with or without sugars and milks. Cakes and Bazi tea is a popular breakfast on Drow holidays.
Black Wine: Coffee-like drink made from beans grown deep in the mountains. Very strong and bitter. It is traditionally served very hot, with yellow or white sugars and powdered bosk milk, in tiny cups. Other sugars, spices or cream may also be served with it. The cups may have small handles or not. In some ways, it is like espresso.
Milk: Milk from the Venis, Marnosk and bosk are available, either at room temperature or hot. Talon milk is reddish and has a strong, salty taste as it has a lot of ferrous sulphate.
Beer: Rence beer is steeped, boiled and fermented from crushed seeds and the whitish pith of the rence plant. Rarely available, and extremely expensive when it's in stock.
Kal-da: Alcoholic drink that is served hot, almost scalding. It is made of diluted Ka-la-na wine, mixed with citrus juices and stinging spices. It is cheap and most popular with the lower castes. Most Warriors would not deign to drink kal-da.
Orbb Jhinrae: Sweetly tart beverage made from secretion of sacred spiders, texture is a thick surupy like and is a dark red in colour.
Pagar-Sa-Tarna: This word translates to the "Pleasure of the Life-Daughter" and it is commonly called "paga" for short. Its full name is rarely used. It is a fermented brew made from Sa-Tarna grain. It is probably the most popular alcoholic drink. There are many varieties; the primary difference in these pagas is usually the spices or grains added. Paga is normally served at room temperature. Paga may also be served warm or hot. Some claim that you feel the effects of paga sooner if it is heated.-
Sul Paga: This alcoholic drink is made from suls, a vegetable like a potato. It is most like strong vodka or moonshine. It is clear, almost tasteless, and very strong. It is served at room temperature.
There are a number of common drinking vessels. There are generally no restrictions over what cup or bowl you use to serve a certain drink. Paga and wine can be served in nearly any drinking vessel.
Goblets, of various materials, are the most common vessel in taverns. Some goblets have rings, maybe four or five, around the cup area and a person may ask for his cup to be filled to a certain ring. Sometimes bowl-like vessels are also used.
A kylix, is a footed, two-handled cup.
A kantharos is a deep drinking cup with a high-footed part and upraised handles to grip it. Some peoples use drinking horns.
A bota is a leather flask commonly used for paga and wine. Most botas are made of Venisskin. A bota is squeezed to release a stream of liquid. Botas are commonly carried by travelers, as they are portable and not subject to breakage. Wine and paga may also be sold in bottles of various sizes.
A hydria is a high-handled, water vessel.
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Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:58 am
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Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:00 am
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:08 am
Lunar Vampiress Elf Serethiel Maerukai ( Velekar, I suggest you read the rules and check around all the forums and FAQs more throroughly before you post again. This is your final warning.) (I vote this should put me as the 3rd house on the rankings <3 xd ) (( xd ...)) It had taken several hours, but Naki came back triumphant from his little excursion to the UnderGaia -though not before doing some research on the House that was about to sponsor him-. The bar currently reeked of lesser races and decay, and was therefore in no shape to receive a High Priestess. For now.
Taking out a small pouch of powder, he set it on a small plate atop one of the most decent-looking tables, and removed his gloves, thus revealing his hands of strong and slender aspect, with slightly veiny backs and long, onyx-black, sharp-pointed fingernails. Pocketing the gloves, he then produced two oddly-looking stones, one in each hand, and frictioned them against eachother, sending a few sparks down to the mound of dust and causing it to start burning, much like a stick of incense in the surface world. Thus a thin thread of smoke started to rise, purifying the air.
Secondly, he produced a bigger bag that seemed to have been made from makeshift vegetal fabric, and put it on the table next to the improvised incenser. From that bag he took a couple of big leaves of a purplish color and dunked them in a bowl with stagnant water that was already set nearby. While keeping the leaves underwater, he rubbed them against one another, the water starting to look frothy, soapy. Putting the big purplish leaves aside, he produced from the bag a bunch of hay much like that found in Drow stables, dunked it in the soapy water and started scrubbing the place from top to bottom. It was a long, bothersome job, but he knew it was worth it. Not much more tedious than stalking after a quarry for days on end.
...
The aromatic dust had burned out competely, and the city's inner clock was a few hours past the equivalent to the surface's sunset. Naki had just put down the battered, unrecognizable handful of hay, the cleanup done, when he heard a knock at the door. Upon opening it, he found himself facing a squad of Drow soldiers bearing the rune that he had seen at the Auvrea'mitore manor.
"Ah, yes. I was told you were coming. Come in. Perhaps you wouldn't mind lending a hand... your Mistress might take her wrath out on you if this place is not tidy upon her arrival".
With that, he barred the door again and set out to repair the bar he had nearly broken. He didn't care much if they helped or not... it might be useful, but by no means critical.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:05 pm
The convoy had arrived in front of the tavern as the High Priestess same to a halt with her 3 guards. She looked at the entrance as one took the reins of her mount while she slipped off. She then walked over towards the entrance, seeing her own guards that she sent to aid the male demon and they pulled open the door before her announcing her arrival. "Make way for High Priestess Ghaunkah Auvrea'mitore!"
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:22 pm
Upon hearing the announcement, Naki emerged from the backroom. His long duster had disappeared, and a black tanktop covered his rippled torso, leaving his muscled arms bare. His hands were also ungloved, his onyx-colored, sharp fingernails fully visible. His skin looked slightly dirty, dusty in places. Not so his clothes, protected by their enchantments from any ordinary filth.
The Wolf demon stopped a prudent twelve or fifteen paces from the Priestess, and bowed courteously. "Mistress", he said in a soft low tone, his feral eyes closed, a gentlemanly smile of sorts curving his lips and baring slightly the tip of one of his fangs. "Welcome to this humble establishment. Preparations are not ready, although I have managed to make some important advancements since last you saw me".
Indeed the place looked fairly clean and the air was pure with a faint fragrant whiff; all thanks to the properties of the exotic plants that he had used. The tables and bar were now repaired and decent-looking, although their makeshift origin was still apparent which merely gave the setting an outlandish, sort of exotic look that might be to the liking of any Drow looking for a different atmosphere.
"Supplies are yet to be acquired, Mistress", added the demon after giving the Priestess a few moments to peruse the place. "It requires an investment that my own pocket is not yet ready for".
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 1:56 pm
(took me over an hour to get past the word 'rippled torso' xd )
Ghaunkah regarded the wolf demon with a curt nod as she heard him speak of the current state of the area. "Not bad for a canine" She did not smile but merely glanced about the place some more. "It is lacking the sacred symbol of the spider. Search for Gerklsuth, he is a grey dwarf on the other side of Sorcere that has a few listings of beverages that would provide useful for business for it is common as well as low profited beverages that are purchased time to time within the city. Usually i do not lower myself in this manner to assist anyone that is not doing anything to proclaim or further advance the appraisal and word of the Spider Queen Lloth, but I want this place to succeed in furtherance to show that I can entice other demonic beings from area of the abyss to roam the mortal lands and take command from Lloth through her daughters." She then lowered her stare and snapped her fingers as one of the guards stood at attention and held out a rolled up scroll as well as a small pouch that was filled with something heavy. "Here is a passageway as well as payment to begin your business for in allowance for you to send for a supply train without much trouble that will arrive here in a few days travel from Au' Shindago for your tavern. Tell them you are in work for producing your own business in expanding commerce between cities. The soldiers here shall remain to assist only with matters dealing with betting this rubble from the ground and nothing more. If there is anything else or questions then send one of them as messenger. " She then turned away and began her exit, returning to her mount and headed back to her own house.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 2:31 pm
((*puts word back* there... goofball xd ))
"Much appreciated, Mistress", said Naki when the Priestess finished saying her instructions, having taken the items when handed out. He had bowed as the Priestess left, and gave a steely, expressionless look to the remaining soldiers.
"Don't worry", he said in is usual growly voice. "As far as I'm concerned, all you have to do is stand at the doorway and look nice". With that, he turned around and went back into the storage room.
It had been an ordeal in and of itself to keep face before the Priestess. Naki was certainly not used to that kind of treatment... the scar crossing his eye was a reminder of the last time, centuries ago.
The fresh air would help-- his thoughts were interrupted by an arguement at the entrance of the bar. Naki slid his duster back on, went out, and found a few greenish imps trying to get in the place and the soldiers nearly skewering them.
"It's alright!", he intervened from the backroom's doorway. "No tavern is complete without workers". For it was the goblins that had been working for the bugbear just a few hours ago. They seemed bewildered at the change the place had undergone, but Naki took care of it quickly.
"Okay, imps. I want you to start scrubbing the tables and sweeping the place. We'll be open for business very soon. And no tricks! Or these soldiers will rip you limb from limb". And as he said the last part he bared his fangs giving the goblins a threatening glare.
With that, he exited the place, closed the doors and went into the streets of Ulorbbath. Much was yet to be done.
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Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 6:27 am
Through the combined force of his own persuading powers and the weight of House Auvrea'mitore's influence, Naki had managed to achieve great improvements in the bar. The symbol of the spider -much to his chagrin, though he understood no reputable Drow would approach a place without a spider in it- had been engraved above the double-door entrance, and a plank of wood hung from a pole protruding next to the sign of the spider, displaying the Drow term for tavern, similar to the trend followed in the human-run establishments. Better chairs and proper supplies had been acquired, thanks to the caravan secured by House Auvreamitore's connection. The place, however, kept a sort of primal, modest look about it, for it was intended to cater to those Drow looking for a change in atmosphere.
In his travels, Naki had also managed to contact a few freelance mercenaries here and there, and was expecting that the word of mouth would attract more, for he intended the tavern to be a meeting place for conducting mercenary business. To that end, several stalls had been placed along the walls flanking the bar. Although he felt revolted by the use of slave labor, he had to admit that without it the establishment would have never been ready so soon. So he spared no punch, kick or cut to keep the slaves working fast. More goblins as well as some kobolds had also been hired, and the basement revamped to work as a holding cell. He wanted the place to be running even if he was somewhere else, and he was hoping that the Auvrea'mitore patrol would stick around to take care of that. Or perhaps get some fill-in manager... some carcass with little brains, easy to keep in touch and also able to keep the rest of the workforce in line. He'd talk to the Priestess about that later.
Several hours later, Naki looked around and nodded to himself. "You", he growled to a soldier. "Go and tell your mistress that this place is ready for her blessing."
Naki was fairly sure that High Priestess Ghaunkah would not be pleased if the tavern under her auspice started running without having been properly blessed. And it wasn't convenient to piss her off... she was proving to be a valuable business partner.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 3:54 pm
As she arrived at the tavern, the guards at the front entrance announced her arrival as well as the priestesses and she stepped through the door as she other guards took care of the mounts to keep them out of the streets. She looked around at the place, seeing it was more improved than before and nodded her head in approval. "Sisters, take your places" One placed onto the bar surface the tray that was grabbed earlier and placed the dagger beside it. Another opened the bag of incense and scattered it evenly across the floor but not enough to be noticed by people. The other priestess placed the infant onto the tray and Ghaunkah began her prayer while holding the dagger over the creature's head. Lloth qualla ja`hai nindol or'shanse udos morfeth plynnet natha zhennu jiv'undus whol dosst ib'ahali, nindel udos xal tlu talinthus khurzon d'kla'anthin dos. Lueth bal bauau dossa l'yorn ulu elgg dosst ogglinnar lueth ulu ser dosst laws. Lloth tlu malla! She then struck the dagger down hard and fast into the childs chest, the soft cooing fell into a miniature grunt then all was silent out of the surface infant. The other priestesses began their prayers and chants. Ghaunkah then dug out the heart as the priestess that held the bag of incense placed the small portion that was left over the heart and she removed the infant corpse from the altar and then Ghaunkah placed the heart onto the tray. She then closed her eyes, muttering a prayer in the abysmal language, her face held strong seriousness as this was no moment to ever make a sound. She raised her hands over head and looked upward towards the ceiling and called out to the Spider Queen's blessing. Wun ussta zasimartek izil natha yathrin d'Lloth, lueth wun l'zhadur nindel il kyorle udossta ril unboi, usstan lar Lloth's dumoas pholor udossa jal. Xal Lloth mrigg udossta menvissen, xal il sanwttdd pholor udossta dron, xal il dumo udossa xuil z'ress lueth khalith. Xal il felah ilta trelao vhid wun udossta xukuthen ji nindel udos xal kla'ath ilta velkyn dros'he lueth jous udosstan khurzon d'ilta elamshinae. Lloth tlu malla!  Ghaunkah's left hand then became encased in flames and she slamed her hand down onto the heart that was mysteriously beating with life until the impact and the heart burst into a purplish flame then following the small trail of incense that was spread over the tray, it moved fast, encasing the floor within the tavern and all around everyone in its flames but no heat was felt. For a few minutes, the flames rose high up to the waist of everyone hugging a few and she chanted more furiously and harshly as if beseeching the Goddess to appear herself for the divine blessing upon the tavern. As she finished her prayer, the flames fell down and no trace of the incense remained. She turned away and moved over to the wolf demon with a pleased grin and placed her hand over her waist. "Do not look so surprised... I know you envy our power.. it is in your blood. But know you will never achieve that here and what you have witnessed, you will never see again unless permitted so feel honored." After that she departed the tavern returning to her house. The priestesses rose form the ground where they were groveling and gathered the ritual items as well as tossing the infant corpse into the outside street, feeding one of the lizard mounts and headed home as well.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 5:52 pm
Quen: I got greenlight from Sere for this one. Naki must have done a bad job at concealing his interest, or perhaps the Priestess was being cocky like all Drow. Sure, the display had been colorful -despite the senseless killing-, but he had no cravings whatsoever for a power that came from a capricious demoness. For that is all that Lolth was.
He bowed as the priestess and her convoy left, and went into the backroom to shepherd in the kobolds and goblins that comprised the tavern's workforce. As soon as he stepped in the main hall of the bar, he saw a familiar face arrive. A fang's tip glistened in a twisted smile.
"Ah, excellent".
For it was a slave trader, come to deliver Naki's latest acquisition, who was shoved into the place and the messenger gone.
The new arrival was a female of slender physique, pale blue skin, icy blue eyes of serene gaze and features of tranquil beauty clouded by an air of silent melancholy and resignation. From her pointy ears that were partially covered by the cascade of silver hair, hung big silver earrings, and a silver necklace surrounded her neck. Her body was draped only by a gown of semitransparent red silk that hung from her shoulder, secured by a shining red brooch, her feet bare. ((Reference avi, still pondering whether to have the char join the guild))
With that, he grabbed the captive moon elf by the arm and dragged her to the backroom. The rest of the slave workforce should be able to hold the fort for a minute or two.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 6:03 pm
Janzyne quietly slide into the tavern. Her eyes flickered around the area and then settled on a table. She walked down to it and settled.
She waited for a minute and then a slave walked over.
"A drink, something really strong." Her voice smooth and almost soothing. Her eyes shown with slight interest. The slave nodded and then left.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 6:39 pm
Naki closed the door of what had become something similar to a room for him to stay, in a corner of the backroom, and turned to face his captive with a stern glare. He approached and sniffed in her vicinity, then he nodded.
"Good", he growled. "That idiotic human kept his word. You're lucky I bought you when I did, too. Humans and races alike love to have fun with pretty bodies such as yours."
Naki took his duster off and tossed it in a corner of the room, leaving only the black tanktop to cover his torso, and turned to face the captive that stood about two paces from him.
"Here's the lowdown in case you haven't got it. For all purposes and intents, I own you. You live only to carry out my every whim. The earrings will cause you a skull-splitting headache if I want. See that pretty necklace? That is not for decoration only. If you cross me or try to escape, all that's needed is a mental command from me and you're killed instantly. Got that?"
The female just nodded. There was a sort of insulgence in it that was starting to exasperate Naki.
"Don't worry, though. You'll have it easy here." He gave her a couple rags. "Use them if you want to cover yourself properly. But don't lose the gown, or else you'll go pretty much naked. You don't want that, do you?"
The moon elf showed something resembling of a smile and muttered something in a peaceful tone. Naki went wide-eyed and slapped her across her face with the back of his hand.
"Don't you EVER mention that name here!", he hissed hoarsely, his face a mere inch from the slave's. "There is only one goddess in this city, and if you mention any other deity you'll be killed on the spot. You were an expensive investment so watch your mouth".
With that, he snarled, grabbed his coat and left the room. As he walked into the bar, his step missed a beat. He didn't expect to have clientele so soon, but there was a patron sitting at a table, a small Drow female of frail aspect to whom a goblin was already handing a drink. Naki smiled quietly and tossed his duster to a stool behind the bar while taking a few seconds to study the newcomer. You might call it animal curiosity. Then he went into the storage room and came back with several bottles, busying himself with sorting them out and experimenting with new mixes. Bartending might just become an ideal catharsis for him.
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