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 Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:08 pm
 A profitable mine with many natural resources to be found inside. At the base of the hills lies the town of Baldeau, well known across Lockheed for its smiths and the refined minerals that come from it. Despite their wealth, the Baldeau Company treats its workers poorly with less than ideal living conditions, low pay, and a hazardous work environment. As miners delve deeper into the earth, whispers of ancient things awakening have become more and more rampant, despite the Company's efforts to control the rumor mill.
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 1:24 pm
The bitter wind tore at Marah's clothes and she shivered from its cold force. Pulling her cloak a bit tighter around herself, she coudn't help but wish to have been in a warmer climate, no matter how far away. But here, there might be answers. Answers to a name. But from what she had seen so far was nothing but a cold, desolate wasteland with a few patches of civilization here and there. She was about to enter one of them: Baldeau.
The wind died down to a whisper as she entered the mining community. The Kindre's face had been solemn, but now it brightened a bit as she could for a moment stop clinging to herself to defy the terrible cold. Her fur helped make it bearable, but still she was unable to defy logic and act comfortable. She strode like this, glancing here and there, taking in the buildings, so foreign and strange compared to her own home.
By now, a drink of anything was tempting enough, but her canteens were but freezing water. She wandered a bit before coming to what she hoped was a tavern. She entered, assured that being indoors might warm her up, unconcerned if her appearance would concern any of the patrons. The prospect of a fresh, hot meal was too tempting to avoid.
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Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 4:21 pm
Inside, the tavern was warm and cozy. A sputtering machine on the building's exterior was to thank for that. It looked to be held together by clumsy repairs, but it was working. The patrons of the bar, all miners, had just got off their shifts and were taking a break before heading home. It was far from a rowdy scene - more like a simple group hard-nosed people either keeping to themselves or having quiet conversations with one another as they drank the pain of another day away.
The bartender looked up from his conversation as the Kindre entered. Most of the townsfolk were men or Dwarves, but Kindre weren't an uncommon sight on Lockheed. "Welcome," he said, walking over. "Hot meal and a hot drink to warm you up?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:33 pm
The mention of a hot meal had an positive effect on Marah as she strode towards the bar. Her shoulders heaved forward as she took a seat and grinned up at the barman, "What else would someone come in here for, hm?" She said in a casual manner. She waited to see what the man would bring up, pay, and then find the nearest inn. It was a mystery to how long she would stay here, but she would dig for whatever may be a lead, or for anything to earn a good wage for awhile.
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Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:08 am
The bartender shrugged and answered. "Don't really know why anyone would come to this town to begin with." He turned around and stuck his head into the kitchen. "Boy!" he called out in a much more hostile tone. "One pie and a flack of warm coffee!" He turned back to his patrons, the sweet smile back on his face. A few moments later, a young Drow who looked to be just exiting his boyhood years and entering adolescence emerged from the back carrying a smoking pie and a large cup of black coffee. The tender pointed at Marah and the boy set her food down in front of her. The pie was slightly burned. Noticing this, the bartender grabbed his young ward fiercely by the ear and scolded him. "What's this?! You burned another pie? Do you know how much those cost us each time we have to replace them?" The Drow didn't fight back or protest. An expression of pain didn't even register on his face. The bartender shook him for a moment, struck him on the ear (causing him to bleed) and released him before turning back to Marah as though nothing had just happened. "Sorry about the pie," he said kindly. "I'll get you another one."
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Lord Of The Forest rolled 1 20-sided dice:
16
Total: 16 (1-20)
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Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:03 pm
At the sight of the Drow boy, Marah was unable to stifle the shivers going down her back. Even at the sight of them, she tensed up for no reason. The beating of the boy wasn't particularly disturbing from Marah's point of view. A bit harsh, but all children had to recieve the hand sometimes. The way the man handled it so casually yet so violently was different however. She could have commented on this, but instantly refused. She was a stranger here, and questioning how they handled things would only bring trouble.
When he kindly apologized and made a move for the pie, she reluctantly pulled it back, "Its fine, I'd rather not have it go to waste. You really don't begin to care how bad something might taste after a few uncertain days outside of civilization. Besides, its a pie for Gods sake," She offered a kind smile and suddenly thought of something. Her curiosity peaked, she began to probe his recent thoughts. He was most likely still fumed over the Drow, but depending if it was just due to the actual pie or the lad himself she would find out.
((Action: Casting Probe
Movement: None
Modifier is +5.))
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Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:37 pm
((Actually the Modifier is 6 - your Will + Psychomancy rank. Still, a success by any other name... smile ))
"Blasted boy," the man thought. "I should have never taken him in off the streets. He's turned out to be more trouble than he's worth. Babbling in the middle of the night and burning pies...I ought to sell him to the slavers next time they come through." He shrugged as she refused to let him replaced the burnt pie. "Suit yourself," he said. "Let me know if there's anything else you need. Again, I apologize for the pie." He turned away to deal with his other guests.
From the door leading into the kitchen, however, Marah could see the Drow boy watching her from the doorframe, crouched down as though he were trying to hide, but curious at the same time.
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Lord Of The Forest rolled 1 20-sided dice:
13
Total: 13 (1-20)
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Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:14 am
As the man's thought breezed through her own mind, Marah began to stab her fork into the pie. As the layers, came off, the steam rose and the scent of meat hit her nose and soon she was lost in devouring it. The coffee was a tad strong, never the less, hit the spot and kept her awake. By now, she could catch sight of the Drob boy staring at her. She did not return the stare, but once again was prompted to check the lads thoughts. She glanced up finally made eye contact, taking whatever thinks he was having.
((Action: Cast Probe
Movement: None
It makes so much sense now!))
[[Signature Removed]]
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:08 pm
His thoughts were scattered and strange...wildly frantic and difficult to perceive. It was like listening to a radio station through static...the occasional word or thought came through clearly, but the message was jumbled and indiscernable. He continued to stare at her with his intense purple eyes.
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:49 pm
((An important change in the gaming system has just been published. Check Bless this Mess for all the gorey details.))
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:23 pm
There was a delicate pause in the Kindre's breathing as she stared indifferently at the plate before her. Very rarely had something like this occurred. As far as Marah was concerned, something like these boy's thoughts only came as so for a specific reason. She had speculated that such distortion was caused by some kind of force repelling her probing. The only reason was that it was most possible for others with abilities like hers were able to block their attempt to read them. This, of course, hadn't been well thought out by Marah because she rarely ever came across someone like that. Either way, it was worth pursuing.
But how? One option was to just ask to talk to him, but he was obviously working, so that would begrudge on the owner on his business. She decided it would be best to do anything when the night had moved on, possibly close to closing time and pay for her meal. Less patrons made it so much easier to focus. Interrogate the man, learn what she could about the boy, and most important, ask a question she had asked thousands of times.
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:15 am
The night wore on and the patrons of the bar slowly dispersed, heading to their homes for the night. Eventually, only Marah was left. The bartender approached her with the tab and asked, "Going to be staying with us tonight? I assumed so...your room is included on the tab. The boy will show you up when you're ready." He turned away, bringing a broom and rag with him for some light cleaning of the main room. The young Drow continued watching Marah from the doorframe as he had for the past hour or so.
((The cost for the room + meal is 1 silver, 50 copper. Stuff is cheap on Lockheed because of the poor economy.))
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:35 am
(Jeez, guy had a point...)
Change clittered onto the bar as Marah nodded thanks to the bartender. As he was cleaning, she glanced back at the Drow boy, slightly amused and curious as to why she was suddenly so interesting. She turned away, inclined to believe there was a more important work to be done at the moment. She approached the barkeep, dutifly at work, "You told me there was no good reason for someone to come to this town at all," She paused, as she always had when this same circumstance came up, that one moment to cling to hope for the right answer, "I'm looking for a someone called Desmond and I have think he could be in this town," That wasn't really a question, but it said everything she had been doing for years now. She let the silence in between wash over her, waiting for the reply.
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 11:25 am
The tender took a short break from his work, thinking for a few moments before responding. "Now that you mention it..." he began thoughtfully. "There is a Desmond that's been frequenting the mine lately. He's in contact with Baldeau Company, though I don't know whether he works with or for them or what...but yeah. He even stopped in here once. If you need to get in contact with him, you should probably see the Charter boss at the mine tomorrow morning...he might could get you in touch with the right people. He's an Orc that goes by the name Pit." He looked over at the young Drow who was still watching Marah. "Boy!" he called out to him. "Show this lady to her room!" The Drow stood up and walked past Marah, casting a look at her before stopping at the edge of the stairs and waiting for her.
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Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:26 pm
Marah's eyes turned back on the barkeep, wide and almost fearful. She was honestly speechless, unbelieving at what the man had just uttered. If she had any sense left, she would have remembered to keep her mouth closed. She was used to being let down and completely unprepared for an actual match. The Kindre went to the counter where her payment was still sitting and tipped four more silver coins, "I'd think it best if I went to bed now, thank you." As she hastily went to follow the Drow, she laid a hand on her head and laughed uncomfortably, "I'll see you in the morning I suppose...isn't that funny, I haven't asked your name. I am Marah." She halted for a moment to catch the barman's name before taking a well needed rest.
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