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Post by hengest on Jan 16, 2022 23:42:45 GMT -5
BottletonAs you approach Bottleton, you see (approximately) this. Bean geese and black storks catch your eye as the city slowly grows larger in your vision.
( The Semi-Retired Gamer , here you are)
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Post by hengest on Jan 22, 2022 21:39:34 GMT -5
Taking the ramp up into Bottleton, you might wonder just why it has a wall at all when twelve horses could walk abreast up this unguarded access road.
Coming into the town proper, you are blasted left and right with smells. Fish, herbs, meat, sawdust, metal. The scents mix without mingling and it seems you could follow any one of them to its source. So far you see that a row of low structures extends ahead of you, although you could easily turn to your right and explore. The spires you could see from a distance are not here; they must be a little ways away.
It is mid-afternoon. The wind was in the east before you came up into the town. The sky is about half patched with fluffy gray clouds. You have a even more crisp feeling now that you are here.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 22, 2022 22:04:06 GMT -5
I pause at the first part of town. Looking around to take in the sights, sounds, and smells. After a few moments, I decide to take care of first things first and look for something to eat. Upon eating, I will look around Bottleton to see what it has to offer.
Maybe I could buy something?
Maybe I could look for some type of employment?
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Post by hengest on Jan 23, 2022 12:57:37 GMT -5
Looking around, your eyes light on a steaming cauldron. Seeing you, a woman of middle years gets to her feet and gestures in welcome, calling to you "Stew for newcomers! Takes the ache from your feet and peels the lids from your tired eyes!" If you decide to disregard the offer, you smell fresh bread from somewhere off to your left. In the same direction, you can already see a shop that sells some kind of metal wares. Again in the same direction, you see some sort of establishment with a crudely painted potion bottle on the sign. Who knows, you might be able to ask for some kind of work at any of these places. Before you can even turn to the right to get your bearings more, or think of what to do about the stew, a tiny dog darts by you and runs off to the right of the stew woman, disappearing into a wide alley that curves off more or less to the left. The Semi-Retired Gamer
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Post by hengest on Jan 23, 2022 13:03:15 GMT -5
"Stew! Fresh and hearty!" she cries again, but without any air of compulsion. You realize that the birds here, and there are many, are a touch more colorful than at home, although their kinds are familiar to you.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 23, 2022 13:21:27 GMT -5
I smile and take a moment to chuckle at the small dog running by. Finally, I turn towards the woman and walk over to her.
I dip my head in greeting and say, "Some warm stew would definitely off set my hunger. Thank you!".
I reach out and accept the bowl of stew in my hand and begin eating. I must be hangrier than I thought because I eat quickly. As my hunger is subsiding, I slow down on taking mouthfuls of stew.
I pause momentarily and ask the woman, "What do you know of these two shops? The one selling metal wares and the other one selling bottles of some kind. Perhaps they need a helper?"
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Post by hengest on Jan 23, 2022 13:35:08 GMT -5
Almost as soon as you swallow some of the stew, you feel strength seeping into your blood and your senses seem a touch sharper. When you speak to the woman, she gives you the unconscious smile of someone talking to an old friend. Her face is still youthful and you wonder if she might be younger than you thought. "Oh, we have many shops, many wares, many birds, come buy, come buy, that's what we say in Bottleton! As to these two...aye, the junk shop, that you call the metal shop...well, who knows if old Alura wants any help! No harm in asking! Everyone comes to Bottleton these days, you may have company if you're looking for work! But it's not bottles they sell over there," she gestures, "not really, it's teas they brew and sell chilled, just for you or those you like well enough. Lark's new enough as master there, you won't miss him. His beard's almost as big as the rest of him!" She laughs. "If you don't find what you need there, and you will find it, if you found your way to us, go on a little ways, you can't get lost, all the roads are the same here, and the rain rains on everyone alike!" Just during the woman's speech, the stew has soaked into your flesh and you feel perfectly well. You wonder what was in it but feel sure the contents were wholesome. (Edit: tagging The Semi-Retired Gamer, although I suppose you've bookmarked this thread)
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 23, 2022 14:41:38 GMT -5
Handing my empty bowl back to the woman I say, "That was a hearty stew! Much better than most I've ever had; you know a thing or two about serving a tasty dish.".
I pause momentarily to take in my surroundings and ponder on her instructions.
I wipe my mouth and turn towards Alura's junk shop and say, "I think I'll start there but, first, my manners have slipped away from me. I am Ethan Greyback. Who do I owe the compliments on the stew?".
I raise my eyebrows waiting for an answer from the lady.
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Post by hengest on Jan 23, 2022 16:51:46 GMT -5
"Oh, the stew is from the town, really, ev-erything is from the town, you know! But if you mean me," she says with a look of surprise, laughing a clear laugh, showing solid white teeth, "then well-brought-up young men like you can call me Pearl, just Pearl."
As she takes the bowl back from you, it vanishes when it touches her hand. You see this in your lower peripheral vision (if you steal a glance down there to check, she is already dishing up more into a similar bowl). "And see that you don't miss Massey, now that you're here and were so well-spoken to me!"
As you prepare to take leave, you find that you can see this place a little better now. Perhaps your eyes were more tired than you knew. You are more aware of the light foot traffic in both directions and see outfits colorful and drab. You feel a jostle, but when you turn to look, no one is near you. No one seems to be paying any particular attention to you.
You feel a hint of chill as the wind kicks up a bit.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 23, 2022 18:23:07 GMT -5
"Pearl! Nice to meet you.", I respond as I notice the bowl disappear. I wonder if she is just skilled with her hands from years of serving up bowls of stew or if something else is going on - maybe a little bit of magic?
I turn to walk to Alura's shop and say, "Pearl, I will take my leave now, but I hope to converse with you again. Is there a particular place I need to seek Miss Massey?".
As I wait for Pearl to answer I think about the wind. Some say if it's at your back then it's a good omen pushing you towards your goal. Others say if it's blowing against you then it's a sign to change your course. Then again, maybe it's just the wind?
I take a step towards Alura's shop as I wait my answer about Miss Massey...
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Post by hengest on Jan 23, 2022 19:19:25 GMT -5
"Not Miss Massey! I said see that you don't miss talking to Massey!" She smiles as if at a private joke. "You never can tell where he'll be nosing around. You'll find him if you do as you should, I expect!" She lowers her eyes, letting you go.
As you turn toward Alura's shop, you find yourself moving with the foot traffic. Strange, it almost feels like home.
Approaching the shop, you hear an unfamiliar bird scream. The sound is not in harmony with what you have seen of Bottleton.
Do you enter?
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 23, 2022 19:27:00 GMT -5
"My goodness, my apologies.". Chuckling nervously, I quickly scan the area.
I think on the bird scream for a moment but decided not to bother Pearl with any more of my nonsense. Maybe I'll ask about it inside the shop, I think to myself as I grab the handle and open the door to enter.
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Post by hengest on Jan 23, 2022 19:34:58 GMT -5
You step into a dimly lit...area. Your eyes take longer to adjust. As you grow used to the darkness, you begin to make out some of what is in here. The places looks abandoned and well-lived in at the same time. Every surface, and there are many, is covered with metallic objects. Some look like trinkets, some like parodies of weapons, and some are almost impossible to imagine a use for. Your color vision is subdued.
A voice speaks to you. It sounds like a woman, but has a strange quality that you cannot put your finger on at this moment. It sounds a little ragged but also a little excited. "Combat or riddle?"
You hear a touch of wind from the street and feel it sucking at the seams in whatever this place is.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 23, 2022 19:42:57 GMT -5
I focus on where the voice seems to be emanating from with a puzzled look on my face.
"Uhhh....what exactly do you mean?", I ask.
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Post by hengest on Jan 23, 2022 19:57:56 GMT -5
You cannot place the voice at all, although you can see now. All you could say if pressed is that it isn't coming from outside the shop.
There is an intake of breath and then a beat of silence. "What's your business here if you don't want combat or riddle? Every item costs combat or riddle. The dead are looted for their metal. Those that riddle wrong pay another way."
There is just the briefest pause. "There is also task, I suppose...but really, young man, did you want an item or not? Why did you come in here?"
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 24, 2022 17:25:28 GMT -5
Glancing from side to side I say, "Well, this was unexpected. I didn't come looking for combat so a riddle it is I would assume.".
I pause briefly for a moment before continuing, "I must admit I'm new in town. I came in trying to get a feel for what this place has to offer. You mentioned a task maybe?".
I squeeze my hands together and then let them rest at my side waiting for an answer.
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Post by hengest on Jan 24, 2022 20:27:57 GMT -5
You can almost hear the voice soften a little. "You will forgive my...somewhat harsh tone. Some come in here and expect everything in stock to be handed to them on a platter!"
A young woman appears in the dimness of the place, her face as round and shining as you could wish. Her hair is tied up but uncovered and her long hands show white against her dirt-brown robe.
She picks up a twisted metal trinket about the width of her palm and takes a step towards you. "I see now you came honestly, as honestly as anyone does. But there are those who expect something like to be handed over for a few grubby coins!" She tosses the strange object into the air, where it hovers for a moment before unfurling inexplicably and becoming a kind of window onto a bright and colorful countryside with dark clouds coming in. You have barely the time to wonder at it before she folds the window back into the metal object and sets it down where it lies looking crude and drab.
"You said riddle or task. Well enough. Task is too much for you, I can see. Riddle will do for now, I think.
Great heart, green hands, Old king of men's lands.
How does that sound to you?"
You hear the wind whistling behind you as it cuts against the front of the shop.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 24, 2022 22:53:53 GMT -5
I tilt my head slightly and mumble, "The wind...those bird sounds from earlier....," pausing briefly and then continuing in a normal tone, "Is that wind always like that?" as I point at the door.
Before she can answer I say, "Oh. Let's see. You said Great heart, green hands, Old king of men's lands. Hmmmm.....". I pause and glance at the ceiling and then lift to right.
I look up and say, "Ma'am. I have to admit I'm stumped. If that's all there is to your riddle, I'm not sure I made the right choice.".
I turn my palms face up at my side in a somewhat defeated look waiting for a reply...
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Post by hengest on Jan 25, 2022 8:54:13 GMT -5
"No answer at all? You're supposed to pay for answering wrong...but no answer?" She shakes her head, a little displeased. "So TASK it will have to be. Find out what's drawing people like you to Bottleton! Return and report!" she exclaims, vanishing.
You stare into the shop. The sunlight seems to be failing. The place seems dead. You hear the voice again: "And no, the wind isn't always like that! It changes every day! Don't they have wind where you come from?"
The glints of light on metal are rapidly fading. You are alone but the wind is still squealing behind you.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 25, 2022 9:16:06 GMT -5
"Well, of course they have wind in....", I mumble before pausing to collect my thoughts.
I could go ask Pearl. She seems to greet everyone that enters Bottleton. She will probably know some place to rest. I didn't bring a lot of coins, but I do have enough for a few nights in a room.
"I'll find your answer and return.", I declare as I turn and exit the shop.
Seeing Pearl a short distance away I jog over to her.
"Pearl, two quick questions if don't mind?". I ask as I stand in the street before her.
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Post by hengest on Jan 25, 2022 11:30:58 GMT -5
As you dash out into the street, you notice that something is different. The light is fading quickly and the sounds themselves are sinking between the cobblestones like rainwater. There are fewer colorful figures in the street, far fewer. You notice that you cannot see the way by which you entered the town. The wall of Bottleton is still there, although of course you cannot see over it from here. You can already see the brighter stars, although they look a bit strange to your eyes.
Running up to Pearl, you find that she is different, too. She seems faded and wind-blown, gathering her things. The cauldron looks empty and cold. She smiles tightly and runs her thumb down her cheek toward her mouth, shaking her head a bit. She heads off in the direction opposite the junk shop. You can see structures over there, but it is already too dark to make anything out at this distance. She begins to fade into the darkness in that direction
You hear the screech of something you cannot identify, followed by a shout from the way the little dog ran off earlier.
The wind is not gusting now, but is steadily stronger. It is much colder than it was when you arrived here.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 25, 2022 11:51:10 GMT -5
I look around in a state of confusion as I wonder what is going on in Bottleton? What have I gotten myself into?
This place is looking very different as night approaches.
I watch the sight of Pearl fade away into the darkness. I wonder what is going on in this place? I HAVE to find a place to rest for the night and try to figure things out.
Unsure of how to proceed I slowly advance in the direction the little dog ran earlier.
As I am moving, I enquire of any passerby that may answer, "What is this foul wind upon this city? Where is a room?".
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Post by hengest on Jan 25, 2022 16:22:13 GMT -5
No passers-by reply to you and most do not even look at you.
Trotting in that direction, you find yourself in an alley. There is no sign of the dog. The buildings that form it look both more urban and more ancient than the structures you are used to. Along both sides, to your left and right, there are several stories of windows: some with glass, some boarded up, some simply open holes in the wall. A few of them glow with a lively light.
As you look up and try to get your bearings, the atmosphere suddenly changes. The shift to night ends. Deep night has fallen on Bottleton. This night is as dark and full as any in the woods when there is no moon. There is nearly no sound and even your own breath sounds faint in your ears.
From the street where you just were, you feel, rather than hear, a slow rhythmical pounding.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 25, 2022 19:13:39 GMT -5
I wonder why no one will answer.
They will hardly look in my direction.
I should have looked around more during the day so I wouldn't STILL be looking for a place to stay the night.
What is that noise?
I immediately rush to the windows to see if I can spot anyone inside or a nearby door to knock on.
Maybe I can pay somebody for some information or for a warm bed for the night?
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Post by hengest on Jan 25, 2022 19:17:34 GMT -5
[ What kind of window do you approach? One near ground level, I assume. Glass, boarded up, open hole.] The thudding you can feel continues, at present it seems like it is just about where you saw the dog. If its source continues as it is going, it will pass you by very shortly (that is, you expect it will pass by and keep going in the direction you didn't explore, not that it will be approaching you where you are here.) You could reach, taking no more than twenty strides, a glowing window, a glass one, one with either wooden shutters or boards, and one that looks like there is a light behind glass. The light from the lit windows is the only reason you can see anything in here. ( The Semi-Retired Gamer edited this)
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 25, 2022 20:03:00 GMT -5
[Ahh...good catch!]
I look around somewhat worried about my current circumstance.
That noise...I must find out what is going on here.
I walked over to the glowing window to see if the illumination spreads to a door. If I cannot see a door, I will try to look into the window to see if I can get someone's attention.
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Post by hengest on Jan 25, 2022 20:50:36 GMT -5
The ground-noise slows down roughly where you saw the dog. You wonder in the back of youy mind if it has stopped or might somehow come down the alley after you. As you approach the window, it seems to move down its original path.
You run up to the nearest glowing window, the one with no shutters and no glass. It is low enough for you to look into without standing on tiptoe. You peer in without peeking, as you are planning to attract attention.
Through the window you see into a room that seems fairly bright after the dark your eyes have been getting used to. It is lit by a warmly burning lantern hanging from the ceiling and a light carried by the young woman who seems to have walked into the chamber just now. Her right side is towards you and you can see that her hair, whose color is not obvious to you, falls over one shoulder in a simple braid. Her eyes flick over in the direction of the window and she sees you peering in and waving. Her surprise and alarm are conveyed to the other young woman facing towards her and away from you. She has less kempt hair but generally resembles the girl with the light. She turns to follow her companion's gaze and sees you as well. Glancing back, she meets the eyes of the candle girl as the latter sets her light down on a holder. They both rush toward you, their eyes filled with concern and hurry. Immediately they extend their hands to you through the window, silently but obviously trying to help you crawl in to them. As they are both in the window now, most of the light from behind them is blocked and their faces are deeply shadowed.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 26, 2022 11:34:53 GMT -5
I notice their concern and I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up!
I reach up to take their arms and try to time my leap so it will make it easier to get over the window ledge.
If they look this concerned, then I better get out of the alley way.
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Post by hengest on Jan 26, 2022 15:31:58 GMT -5
[It's not as difficult as you imagine. With two able-bodied people on the inside and your basic good health, it takes a minute but isn't a major event.]
Once the bulk of your weight is supported by the stone of the sill, the women step back, staring, and let you crawl the rest of the way in yourself. You notice the candle girl looks away from you in the apparent direction of the footsteps as they fade. If you pay attention, you notice that they are both breathing a little harder than is warranted by aiding you. They must have been really frightened for you or of the situation overall. You can't tell which. Both are wearing simple nightclothes sashed at the waist for waking activities.
As you hop in and get to your feet, the loose-haired girl's expression changes from hurry and concern to incredulity. "Are you mad?" she whispers. "What were you doing out there?" She sounds much more concerned with the fact that you were out in the alley than about your being present here in her chamber.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 26, 2022 18:41:21 GMT -5
I reflexively brush off the front of my clothes, more out of habit than necessity. Quickly glancing around the room and taking everything in while I get a grasp on the situation at hand.
I think it's time to try to get some answers about what's going on here in Bottleton.
"Ladies, thank you for the assistance," I pause before continuing, "But can you tell me what is going on out there?".
I pause only so slightly before continuing with my questions.
"I'm new to Bottleton. This is my first trip here. I met Pearl and Alura and neither one of them mentioned anything strange going on. The two of you seem relieved that I am no longer in the alleyway and are perfectly fine with me being inside your residence...at night...and...the birds...the thudding noise...and".
I stop myself from continuing and hold my hands in front of me with my palms facing the two women.
"Forgive my excited ramblings and my lack of manners. I am Ethan Greyback. This is my first visit to Bottleton. Excuse my interruption into your night but can you please tell me what is going on?".
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