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Smee
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 Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 3:25 pm Post subject: Chapter 2: A new 'Home Sweet Home' |
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So far:
Gorin, having travelled a long way to get to Vlusos for the mages tournament and is now within sight of the walls. To announce his arrival he has put on an impressive display culminating with a big finale that has been decided in the first vote. We continue from where we left off...
Chapter 2...
Even as I began the final gesture I continued to survey my audience. Wide-eyed looks were following my every move, and I allowed myself a small smile – the finale we’d planned would be the last thing they’d expect; especially with the grandiose gesture I’d done for what was a simple act.
Swinging my arms extravagantly and unnecessarily over my head I brought them down with a cutting motion. Men, horses, moving tower – they all faded and disappeared. Knowing the cues as well as me, Jarad had gathered my retinue into a small column just behind the cart. Covered by a shield I’d concocted that would cause light to bend round it, they were effectively invisible.
Invisible myself, I looked at the astonished faces at the top of the wall. All that remained of the illuminated host of hundreds marching towards the city was a small cart with a desolate looking donkey attached. With timing that Jarad would be proud of I passed through the gate at that exact moment.
The Master of Illusion and Light had arrived in Vlusos.
Climbing down from my position on the roof I halted the proud stallion that actually pulled my carriage; rubbing his neck and whispering to him reassuringly as I watched the guard captain approach me, a slight look of consternation on his face – surely he was used to such things, living in Vlusos?
“Er.. Welcome sir, welcome to the great city of Vlusos, the shining star, the glimmering emerald…”
“Yes, thank-you Captain, I’m quite familiar with where I am,” I interrupted, before smiling to try and lessen the tone that my words had unwittingly set.
“Could you direct me to The Golden Palace please?” I added.
Before he could answer Jarad appeared by my side. The captain looked shocked again, a man having just appeared from nowhere, before stammering a response.
“Ce-ce-certainly sir, it would be my privilege to escort you there myself. If you'd just allow me a couple of minutes to call up an appropriate guard and we can proceed immediately.”
“That won’t be necessary,” I replied, waving my hand in the air causing all the illusions to die away, revealing not only my carriage and horse, but also my retinue of mounted guards waiting patiently behind me. “I have plenty of protection already, lead the way would you.”
Shocked for the third time in quick succession the Captain managed to compose himself much faster this time. He quickly bowed in acknowledgement and ran to mount his own horse.
“Show off” Jarad whispered to me.
“Lighten up” I whispered back “and get moving” I added, gesturing toward the rapidly disappearing Captain.
I climbed into the back of the carriage and sat back on the irritating cushions, having neither the inclination or the energy to do anything about them. Within seconds we were moving and I left the curtain open so I could view the streets as we past. They were pleasantly busy, as those watching made it back down from the top of the wall. A few were pointing at me and chattering away to the people next to them, but far more were busy with a vast array of stalls, taking advantage of the many visitors to Vlusos and the potential for profit.
Our destination, the Golden Palace, wasn’t as grand as it sounded. It wasn’t a palace, but an inn, however the name wasn’t totally misleading. Over 4 stories high it was one of the tallest building in the neighbourhood, and it’s gold leafed roof stood out from quite a distance. It was the finest inn in the city, and offered a great location for the tournament being just a short walk to the arena, and well within the shadow of the Lyceum. As we approached the ample stables at the back I noticed Luc standing by the backdoor staring all around him in awe. The rest of my retinue had obviously arrived before me.
Dismissing the details of organising everything to Jarad I walked over to Luc and proceeded inside. Dutifully Luc followed me, despite his obvious desire to go and explore. The landlord met me immediately, a thin, sallow looking man, made friendly only by the beaming smile on his face.
“Welcome, welcome, I’m so glad you’ve made it. I hope your journey was a comfortable one. I’m sure it was, my name is Sindor, please don’t hesitate to ask anything of me, I’m sure I can arrange it to your satisfaction. Would you be requiring anything to eat this evening?”
The barrage of speech and questions washed over me, weariness suddenly hitting me like a wave.
“Yes, thank-you, no” I replied after a few seconds thought, a wry smile forced on my face.
Realising his over enthusiasm Sindor looked relieved I hadn’t been offended by his speech and nodded to himself.
“Thank you sir, your rooms are all ready, and breakfast will be brought up at 9 tomorrow morning.”
“Excellent Sindor, you’ve been most helpful.” I gestured to Luc and he gave the landlord some coins for his help. “I’m afraid I’m most tired from my travels I’ll see you on the morrow.”
Accepting the tip with another nod and a small bow he led the way to the rooms and left to serve other customers. The room was in fact a small suite, with several rooms all extravagantly furnished. It was far more than I was used to and not to my taste, but it was the impression I needed to give and resigned myself to it. Noticing all my belongings were already unpacked around the room I made a mental note to increase Jarad’s wages, he was far too efficient. I dismissed Luc and got ready for bed.
As I was about to close the bedroom door I heard a knock at the main door, and Jarad walked in.
“Is everything sorted?” I asked him, knowing full well that it would be otherwise he wouldn’t be here.
“Yep, the men all have comfortable barracks across from the stable, with enough beer to drown a mule. They will be fine.” He replied grinning.
“Received any reports yet?”
Jarad knew what I meant. Information was power and I meant to have lots of it.
“I arranged for four to scout around and they came back a few minutes ago. The whole city is geared up for the tournament and is about full to capacity. Most of the competitors are in the various inns and hostels around the city – the usual we see each time.”
“Any new ones?”
“Plenty of hedge mages hoping to make their fortune. None that seem too promising, although there was one that stood out. Not a new one, but one that didn’t seem so wet behind the ears. Came from a rumour of a fight at one of the seedier bars the other side of the city. Apparently a group of local thugs were sorted out by this mystery mage, made a mess of the place in the progress. He seemed to know his stuff.”
“Keep an eye on him would you.”
“Already done – I sent young Tokes to tail him. Seems our mystery mage feels guilty for the damage he caused, but strangely isn't using magic to clean. I'm told he is currently on hands and knees scrubbing the place.
“Excellent work, I think we both know what a mage that is reluctant to use magic means. Keep a extra close eye on him. Any news of my first contestant?”
Before Jarad could answer a crash caused us to both snap round toward the window. A rock had hurtled through, sending glass everywhere, and was heading straight for Jarad's unprotected head. I reacted instinctively, my weariness disappearing with a flash, my hands a blur as they moved without thought. The rocked hit a glowing shield that appeared just in front of him, almost passing through the weak force I’d managed to manifest before dropping to the floor.
“Thanks” Jarad responded simply, whilst bending to pick up the rock. It was then I noticed something wrapped around it.
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It’s that time again folks – I need to know what the rock is all about. What is wrapped around it?
Is it just some random kid making threats to ‘rich folk’, a mage that saw our entrance and wants revenge from some past deed, a secret ally trying to get my attention – lets have some ideas.
We’ll bounce the ideas around for a while and then I’ll put up a poll.
Don’t forget the usual checking for mistakes, inconsistencies etc.
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Last edited by Smee on Sun Jun 19, 2005 9:52 am; edited 4 times in total
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Muaddib
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| Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 4:59 pm Post subject: |
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On first read, a very well written chapter, certain use of words made Gorin truly look like a rich lord.
I'd say the rock was thrown by a contestants hoodlum to intimidate him.
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| Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 5:26 pm Post subject: |
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| I'd make it a threat from his first opponent, you know, mind games O_O. :p
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sparta12
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| Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 3:22 pm Post subject: |
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Very good chapter Smee.
A threat would be good but too typical.
What if it is a trap and the thing wrapped around the rock is opened, it releases a large amount of fire and enflames Gorin's room?
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Smee
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| Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:17 pm Post subject: |
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Got some good ideas - keep them coming. 
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Last edited by Smee on Wed May 11, 2005 12:44 pm; edited 1 time in total
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| Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 6:36 am Post subject: |
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| Wow sparta, that was pretty much my next suggestion :p.
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Smee
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| Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 12:42 am Post subject: |
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Where are you Phang, and Idea Master? 
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Phang
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| Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 12:47 am Post subject: |
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*ahem* I do have other things to do you know! Honestly...
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sparta12
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| Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 3:40 pm Post subject: |
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she has a point.
I mean after all she is the princess of darkness
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Phang
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| Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 12:38 am Post subject: |
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You only need to post once Sparta.
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Smee
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| Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 1:32 am Post subject: |
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So do you Phang - just post one more time, preferably with some useful ideas in it. :wink:
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sparta12
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| Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 4:29 am Post subject: |
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not to bother but:
BURNED
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| Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 2:14 pm Post subject: |
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Me? I've been thinking about Thadius' finale. Now if you'd like to integrate him into the secret ally thingy, that's fine. Let's say he's dazed and confuzed about this world, saw the impressive display, and would like a tidbit of help and plans to return the favor.
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Smee
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| Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 3:41 pm Post subject: |
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I'm confused - who's Thadius?
Are you suggesting he threw the brick to ask for help, in return for some favour?
Good to see you back. 
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| Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 5:00 pm Post subject: |
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My story is A Vampire's Quest. Main character, Thadius, got banished, so let us say he wanted to get the guy's attention, but not out in the open. So he throws the rock with a little message wrapped around it...and take it from there.
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Smee
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| Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 9:17 am Post subject: |
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Ok - I'm going to get a poll together.
IM: I will add the suggestion of Thadius throwing the brick, but I'm not sure at this stage whether it will work or not. I'll see how it goes on the poll.
If it wins, I'll discuss it with you and see if it will work. If it turns out it can't then I'll take second place.
Phang - hope you find time to vote even if your ideas are a little sparse these days. :wink:
My Self, Sparta and Muaddib - thanks for your great ideas.
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Muaddib
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| Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 3:23 am Post subject: |
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| I chose option 1, because we simply cannot have something fantastic happening every time.
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Phang
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| Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 7:24 am Post subject: |
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1
Yay! This must be the shortest post ever! Oh wait, now I've just typed this it isn't...damn.
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| Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:30 am Post subject: |
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lol. We have a tie people. Where's Key when you need him?
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Smee
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| Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 1:38 am Post subject: |
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I still have a vote if the tie isn't sorted, although that shouldn't be required.
The Powers That Be has requested to join the team, and will hopefully be joining in before the end of this vote.
Once we have the final vote I'll get writing.
Happy Voting.
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| Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 6:35 am Post subject: |
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| Muaddib wrote: | | I chose option 1, because we simply cannot have something fantastic happening every time. |
Oh yeah? Sez who?
I voted for 3, which in my mind can be taken as both an attack and an attempt at intimidation.
Is a note written by some thug going to intimidate Gorin? Of course not, and Gorin's enemies would know that. Is a magical attack tied to a rock going to kill Gorin? Well, it might, but even if it doesn't, it will surely be a more effective form of intimidation.
The tie is broken, Smee, so finish the tea, put down the crumpet (link included to avoid misinterpretation), and start writing.
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Muaddib
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| Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 6:49 am Post subject: |
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| *sigh* another curious incident occurs. And Muaddib is powerless to stop it.
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Phang
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| Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 7:01 am Post subject: |
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English bread?! Crumpets are classed as bread? Pah! Bread, my bumcrack!
And everyone knows Smee's drink of choice is Red Bull. There's so much of the stuff now coursing through his veins sleep has become a distant memory.
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Smee
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| Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 8:33 am Post subject: |
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Hey Powers,
I'm with Phang (although make no comment towards my bumcrack) and question your understanding of British bread, and crumpets. Crumpets are strange round things, with holes - bread is bread.
I would hope the trap doesn't kill Gorin, would kinda end the show a little early, but who knows. I guess I have no excuse now, and must set about writing.
Happy Waiting.
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| Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 9:14 am Post subject: |
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Crumpets also taste nice raw-except for the bottom bit which is usually burnt. Just eat the top bit with the holes, lovely.
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| Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 8:29 pm Post subject: |
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| WOOT WE WIN! :p GO MAGICAL SPELL!
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