Curse of the Void story thread

[b]William Vaine's Intro, Installment 2:[/b]

Young Lady> "Yes, sir, I see you there. I must say I'm quite impressed."

William Vaine> "Why thankee."

Young Lady> "May I help you up, Sir... What is your name?"

William Vaine> "So... What is it you want? If this is purely social I suggest we take a walk out of town... If you catch my drift" *gives a nice wink*

Young Lady> "No need. I'm sure the merchant and others in the tavern will vouch for your innocence."

William Vaine> "The guards seem the kind to run a man through and then try to interrogate him afterwards" *makes a face* "Although... I didn't catch your name."

Young Lady> "'Tis because I didn't toss it yet. I watched you from the rooftops... I was sure you're going to see me... But then you happened to take that fall, and my cover was secure. By the way... Are you hurt?"

*William Vaine chuckles*

William Vaine> "Only a little, bruised pride mostly... You know how it is."

Young Lady> *nods* "Well, I'm sure this will help at least a little..."

*The young lady moves her right hand to her neck and holds a thin chain as she speaks a few whispered words. She then extends her left hand which is glowing a faint blue and touches your arm...*

Saber> You feel your wounds close... You feel a lot better.

Young Lady> "Better...?"

William Vaine> "Very much so, thank you... Thats quite the trick of yours, but... Why the hood?"

Young Lady> "The hood... Oh, nothing really. Keeps the ruffians away, is all. Don't know I'm a she, if you will." *she then reaches out a hand* "Let me help you up, so we can at least walk and talk."

William Vaine> "Can understand that, I appreciate the value of stealth too."

*William Vaine gladly accepts the hand, coming out from the shadows smiling*

William Vaine> "You want to talk? Sure, I like talking."

*The young lady starts walking down the cluttered alleyway, leaving you to walk tow. She pulls the cloak back over her head and continues talking, in only a more hushed tone.*

Young Lady> "So... What did those seadogs want with you, if you don't mind my inquisitions?"

William Vaine> "Oh nothing much. Jumped ship, stole some booty, generally shirking my duties to the seadog brethren. Don't know why they got so angry really..." *in an airy, amused tone*

*The young lady leads you down two bends in the alley way, turning left and then right.*

Young Lady> "Well, aren't you the scoundrel?" *she turns back to you and smirks*

William Vaine> "Still didn't catch your name, or what a pretty lady wants with a scoundrel like me" *grins...*

*The young lady kind of stops for a moment, right after the word-coincedence...*

William Vaine> *notes it too, and tries to supress a chuckle*

*The young lady then continues on, and you notice that you're coming out of the alleys to another avenue*

Young Lady> "Well, here you are. I've helped you avoid the guards..." *she points to her eyes*

*William Vaine looks towards them*

Young Lady> "I've got... Extra eyes, if you will. I'd recommend laying low for a day, to let this whole thing cool over."

William Vaine> "Yes, you must have, and for that you have my thanks... Do you know of a place to stay? Say... A retired lawyer's residence?"

*With that, the young lady turns abruptly and stalks back into the shaded alleyways, not answering your question*

*William Vaine strokes his beard in confusion for a second, allowing her her dramatic exit... And then goes into a different tavern, asking around for Edward Vealstens*

Saber> You enter cautiously... It's nearing sundown when you enter. Many labormen are off work now, and are getting themselves a drink. The bar wench spots you as you enter... She floats over to you hurriedly. "Anything I can get you, love?" she asks.

William Vaine> "Yeah, some water... Can't go losing my head tonight."

Bar Wench> "Ok, hun. A copper, please?"

*William Vaine hands a copper to the wench*

Bar Wench> "Thank'e."

Saber> She walks away, dodging a more rowdy man's grab for her rear. You then go sit down at the bar.

William Vaine> *thinks* "Rather low class this is..."

*William Vaine looks for someone who might know what a lawyer is...*

Saber> Your thoughts are correct... You don't think anyone save the barkeep would now what a law is, much less what a lawyer is.

William Vaine> Gotta ask the barkeep then, no matter how cliche that is...

Saber> He turns to you after you motion towards him.

Barkeep> "Yes, lad? What can I do ya for?"

William Vaine> "Hey there mate, gotta ask you a question."

Saber> At this point, the wench returns with your drink. "Don't drink too fast now, dear." she smiles jokingly, as she swings to the next patron.

William Vaine> "You wouldn't happen to know of a lawyer round these parts? You know, fancy smancy folk who draw up pretty documents" *takes the drink and gets a sip*

Saber> He nods and strokes his beard... "Think you're a smarty, huh? Yes, I know a few. What are ya lookin' for?"

William Vaine> "Older, more experienced ones... Hell, even the old, retired codgers would work."

Barkeep> "You be looking in the wrong place, son... There'd be no lawyers retiring in here slums, that's for sure."

William Vaine> "Ah, I mean in the town... You seem a learned man..."

Barkeep> "I'd suggest the higher parts of town. Try more near the center... 'S a big town... I don't know even a little of people here."

William Vaine> "Ah... Know a person who could help?"

Barkeep> "Durrl has a nice place near Urast Street. Distant relation of mine... Might want to ask him if you can."

William Vaine> "Thanks mate, you are good people." *finishes his water*

Barkeep> "He closes up, though, around sunset. No business up there after then. Those rich 'uns don't trust the dark."

Saber> It's nearing fullblown evening, by the way... Around an hour past sunset.

William Vaine> Well damn... Time to find someplace to crash.

Barkeep> "Hey, can't spare something for my knowledge?" he yells as you go to leave.

William Vaine> "Ah, yeah chap... Almost forgot. Give my regards." *flips a gold coin to him*

Barkeep> He smiles, "Pleasure, m'boy. See you around."

*William Vaine leaves the place with a jaunty walk, looking for somewhere to stay*

Saber> Arighty... What kind of place you looking for?

William Vaine> Somewhere quiet, middle class-ish.

Saber> You walk through town for about an hour 'till you reach a slightly more upper class area of town and find a nice inn. Two silver a night for a nice single room.

William Vaine> That'll do.

Saber> You pay at the front and then enter your room to see a nice, down filled mattress, complete with fresh linens and two large, fluffy pillows.

*William Vaine grins and puts down his stuff within easy reach, relaxing after a very hard day*

Saber> There's even a large, lockable dresser (the key is in the lock) for your things and a small fireplace that could be lit if it weren't the heat of summer out right now. The mist from the nearby sea keeps the place reasonably cool, though.

William Vaine> Ah nice, the salt breeze for salty dogs...

Saber> Arighty, so... You give way to night and fall asleep in the fresh bed?

William Vaine> Yep, after locking my door.

Saber> It was already locked by one of the maids. You don't get a key for the room, as all the rooms have the same key. You then fall asleep quickly.

[b]William Vaine's Intro, Installment 3:[/b]

Saber> You wake up in the morning after one of the best sleeps you've ever had. Outside your window, you hear a small rumble of people talking... Something apparently is quite the buzz.

*William Vaine grabs his stuff, opens the window, and peers out...*

Saber> You see a small number of people gathering about 100 yards down the road... You're not sure what is going on.

William Vaine> "Curiousity is going to get me into trouble..." *gets his stuff and heads out of the room to see what it is*

Saber> You head out of the inn and down the road into the group of people. You make your way to the front-ish part of the crowd... You see a flat, cleared area of land, with a few small buildings and stands scattered at the outermost reaches of the clearing. The clearing is about 200-300' in diameter, from what you can tell... Quite a large clearing, to be in the center of town. The people seem to be whispering amongst themselves as they stand there.

William Vaine> "What in the blazes is that thing?" *says to a peasant*

Saber> "That's the landing area. What, you're here and you don't know what the landing area is?"

William Vaine> "Just came here from across the sea... What's to be landing here?"

Saber> "Some airship... Supposedly one of the new, balloonless ones. A pretty penny, those must cost..." He then turns his head to the sky again.

William Vaine> "An airship, eh mate..."

*William Vaine looks up at the sky, intrigued, as his mind floats with visions of being an 'air pirate'...*

Saber> As you're sitting there day dreaming and sky gazing, someone shouts and points to the distance. Off in the distance, only a speck right now, you can see something in the sky. You watch as it gets closer, fairly quickly, to be true.

*William Vaine is grinning now, wondering just how much a 'pretty penny' is...*

Saber> Eventually you can make out its shape... It's not all that large, about the size of a keelboat, which, for those not in the know, is about 20' wide by about 60' long. It's bottom is flattened, most obviously for easy landing. As it nears closer still, you see four large, slowly moving vertical turbins moving... That might be what's keeping this thing afloat.

William Vaine> "Simply amazing..."

Saber> Along the craft's sides are colored etchings and markings... This air vessel is designed in the likeness of a small silver dragon. From what you can see, while it is not armed with any large weaponry, it could likely be modifed to include weapons of war, making it a formidable war machine.

*William Vaine simply adores it already, wishing he could obtain one... Somehow...*

Saber> The vessel lands at the side edge of the clearing, allowing other such vehicles to land in the clearing as well if need-be. After the landing, most villagers leave.

*William Vaine sticks around, obviously looking over the vessel in admiration and moving forward... Just a little*

Saber> The vehicle stands an impressive 20' high when landed. Scribed into the 'dragons' scales, in golden lettering, is the word "Archerion", followed by what seems to be a wizard's personal trademark.

*William Vaine remembers the name, making sure to check back on it later... Such a pretty boat, er... Ship*

Saber> The side facing you opens, granting access to the inside... Four heavily armored guards exit the vessel and take up watch around it. Shortly thereafter, a man in flowing purple robes exits the craft, flanked by two more such guards. They walk around the craft and dissappear from sight, behind the vehicle.

*William Vaine wonders who the chap in the purple is*

Saber> The side door of the ship closes shortly thereafter, and one of the guards stands post right in front of it.

*William Vaine finishes looking over the ship, promising to find one of those... One day... And goes to look for the chap in purple*

Saber> He's long gone already. As you're sitting and oogling, you feel a mailed hand on your shoulder.

Man's Voice> "You, what are you doing here?"

*William Vaine turns around slowly...*

William Vaine> "Just looking, its such a pretty boat... Ship. Such a fine ship. ...But I don't want any trouble sir, I'll just mosey on along my self-respecting citizen's business..."

Town Guard> "Well... Do you have a permit to be here? The landing zone is a private location."

William Vaine> "Is it now? Fancy that... I had no idea. I just came to look, what with the crowd and all."

Town Guard> "The crowd is way back at the edge of the field..."

William Vaine> "Well yes, like I said... It's a very pretty ship."

Town Guard> "Just looking, hmmm? I'll be upfront with you; I suspect you're a vagrant."

William Vaine> "Why thank you, I never did like settling down, but I do take baths" *waggles his finger, smiling*

Town Guard> "I don't take kindly to your jokes, sir. You weren't, say... Planning to sneak aboard this pretty ship, were you?"

William Vaine> "Me? 'Course not. Look at all the armed guards... I'm a self respectin' citizen here; no need to cause trouble."

Town Guard> "Well, to make sure that you STAY a good citizen, I'm going to have to charge you a fine for trespassing. One silver piece, for vangrancy." *he holds out his hand*

William Vaine> "Alright mate, let me dig it out for ya" *makes a big show of looking through his clothes, finally pulling out a silver* "Here you go, I'll be on my way then, shall I?"

Town Guard> "Surely." *The man looks at the silver and pockets it... Bored guardsmen... What can you do?*

Saber> He then walks away, whistling as he wonders which bar he's gonna spend it at.

William Vaine> Turn to piracy and villainy mate : )

*William Vaine shrugs at the guard and takes off towards the higher class areas, looking for the bar he was told to go*

William Vaine> ...And then I adjust my hat so it's jaunty, as befits these high fancy to-do sops.

Saber> On your way to the bar, you come across a small calico cat. It seems to be following you... It rubs its side against your leg as you walk, and it meows every so often.

William Vaine> "'Ello mate, ya hungry? Don't blame you... Hmmm... Ye can be my ratcatcher when I find a boat. Come along." *smiling, giving elaborate 'how do you do's to a few of the noble ladies*

Saber> The cat purrs and claws playfully on your leg... Apparently, it IS hungry. Although, the ladies blow you off accordingly.

William Vaine> I expected nothing less.

*William Vaine still gives it his all, thoroughly enjoying himself on the way to the bar, with the cat tailing him*

Saber> You make it to the place that fits the description... It IS a much higher class place, as you've been told.

*William Vaine makes a little face and looks over his attire, straightening his hat before proceeding to go in*

Saber> The atmoshpere here is almost choking to you, as the talk is proper, and the dress is fancy. There's a musician on the stage, playing some slow melody.

*William Vaine makes a particularly weird face and jaunts on in, dressed in his 'unusual' attire going up to the bartender*

Saber> Two ladies are working, serving people their overpriced dinners, and a well-to-do man is tending bar. There are a few older men (50's) sitting at the bar. One man at the bar almost winces as he sees you. One of the older men looks over to you and 'tsks' in disgust.

*William Vaine smiles to the older men at the bar, greeting them in a parody of their own stodginess, letting their disgust roll off him*

William Vaine> "Hello chap, I got a proposal for you..." *to the 'keep*

Barkeep> "Why... Hello there... What can I do for you...?"

Old Man> "You know, rats aren't allowed in here."

William Vaine> "Just need some information mate, and then I promise to stroll on out of here. I wouldn't dream of imposing on your 'fine' establishment here."

*The bartender just stares at you... And the cat, which has since jumped on top of the bar's counter*

Saber> The cat actually moves to drink some of the mouthy old man's drink.

William Vaine> "Oh don't mind him, he eats rats. Look I could cause some high scene here but I just want some info." *goes to grab the cat*

Saber> You grab the cat just before the old man's hand connects with the animal's head.

William Vaine> "I was told by a good friend that you knew where to find a good lawyer is, an older, more distinguished chap. From the looks of it, you would be the best bet" *gives a little glare at the man

Bartender> "Yes... What is it that you want...?" He extends his palm, something you've almost grown accustomed to...*

*William Vaine hands him a few gold coins surreptitiously "You know where I can find Edward Vealstens? Oh..and a little spot of meat for the cat."*

Bartender> *nods* "Right away... As for the person... I'm afraid I don't know 'im."

*The old man snickers as the bartender says that.*

Saber> One of the ladies brings over some warm grouse. She pets the cat a few strokes, and continues on her way.

William Vaine> "Let me in on the joke mate" *smiles, seething within at the high fancy smegs... Wishing he could rob the place blind.*

Bartender> "What joke, sire? I don't know the man."

Mysterious Voice> "Ah HA! There you are, you little rascal!"

William Vaine> "Perhaps you can direct me to a fellow law man? ...Eh?" *turns at the mysterious voice*

Saber> The cat leaps off the bar's counter, and runs over to the door.

William Vaine> "Cat!" *looks to where he's going*

Saber> In the doorway is a tall, noble-looking fellow. He's decked out in thick, blue robes with gold trimming.

Saber> The cat leaps up into the man's arms, and climbs to his shoulder and curls up to sleep...

William Vaine> "Excuse me sir, is that your cat? He was wandering and I figured he could use a spot to eat..."

Bartender> "Hey, there's your lawman... Now if you could, please leave. Thanks."

*William Vaine curses the loss of his 3 gold to the rich bastard.*

Mysterious Man> "He is. Also, I'd like for you to follow me. You've got... Some explaining to do."

*William Vaine nods, happy to leave the bar*

William Vaine> "Some explaining? Well, sure... I love explaining..." *walks with him*

Mysterious Man> "So... Just curious, but what were you doing, oh, around mid-afternoon yesterday?"

William Vaine> "Oh nothing... Just got into a little disagreement with a few of me old messmates... Who are you?" *asks, curious*

Mysterious Man> "Someone. This disagreement... What happened, and why?"

William Vaine> "Well you see, I was dissatisfied with my lot in life you know? Soo... I jumped ship, stole some plunder, abandoned me old messmates and went to make a better life for myself." *all in complete seriousness*

*The mysterious man nods, and stops, leaning against a wall.* "What happened, though, in the tavern yesterday?"

Saber> ...You never mentioned anything about a tavern...

*William Vaine smiles*

William Vaine> "Why ask me? You saw the whole thing mate"

Mysterious Man> "Ah, clever one. This, I did not. I may have heard a thing or two, however."

William Vaine> "Ah, my exploits are carrying already; splendid! Well, if you must know, I was minding my own business when my old mates come looking to hang me from the mast, so to speak. So I had to bash their ugly heads in and high tail it out of there before they clapped me in irons."

Mysterious Man> "Hmmm... Yes, that's what I heard... Kill them, did you?"

William Vaine> "Complete self defense though, and no... I didn't. Didn't have the heart to dispatch them, with the whole 'to do' about killing in town."

Mysterious Man> *nods* "Would you have, were you not in town?"

William Vaine> *scratches his beard* "You know I couldn't tell you... Probably not though. They're doing whats right by them, I reckon, and they are my old messmates... Next time though, I won't be so lenient."

Mysterious Man> "Ahhh... Well... By the way you treated Curasso..." *he pets his cat slowly* "I figured you a good man at heart. My men said that you had accosted two men in the tavern. I wanted to investigate myself, as the evidence wasn't there. Never before convicted, people claiming your innocence, etc etc."

William Vaine> "Aye, its good to know that still counts for something in this day and age. I thank you Mr..." *waits for his name...*

Mysterious Man> "My name is Duraen. I'm the head of the town guard." *he extends his hand* "You know, my dweomer wasn't even needed. That's what I like to see, an honest man."

*William Vaine takes his hand and smiles*

William Vaine> "Well not quite completely honest, but honest enough; nice to meet you, Duraen... I have to apologize for fleeing from the guards."

Duraen> "No big deal, really. Although... Curasso says you are looking for Edward. I'll take you to him..."

William Vaine> "Wait... ...Curasso says...?"

*William Vaine looks at the cat with a critical and inquisitive eye*

Saber> And with that, the scene would fade, were this a movie. Your intro is finished; you completed all of your objectives. You get exactly 500 exp.