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Cards Reshuffled 262


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#1 Laufey

Posted 07 August 2005 - 10:00 AM

Cards Reshuffled 262 – No Skin Off My Rose

Surprisingly often, the skills of a rogue can be used to assist officers of the law. Not at all surprisingly, many officers of the law realize this, and take full if unofficial advantage of the fact. Personally I have no objections to doing a policeman’s job, not as long as they do not expect me to do it on a policeman’s salary.

Excerpt from ‘Interview With An Assassin’


It was good to be back on his feet again, Dekaras mused. True, technically he ought to remain in bed for one more day, according to the rather irate healer who had been seeing to him, but that was an idea he chose to dismiss.

After all, healers are always exaggeratedly cautious about what they say to their patients, just in case some clumsy fool trips and breaks his neck on his way to the privy. Clearly that doesn’t apply to me.

He did feel more or less himself. Yes, he was a little more weary than usual, but some air and mild exercise should be far better for him than being shut indoors. He had always hated being restricted to the house; after all, it made him feel like a caged animal. And I won’t go that far from the inn, just in case I’ve overestimated my own strength. Just a brief walk across the bridge and back, that is all. Besides, staying in bed for too long can be harmful to the circulation.

Comforted by the thought that his actions weren’t merely defendable, but even commendable, the assassin continued on his way. His current inn was situated just on the border of the Theatre District, though he supposed he ought to move as soon as he was strong enough. It wouldn’t do to remain in one place for too long, not with both Bodhi and Aerie after him. He had felt an itching sensation at the back of his mind for a while now, and knew what it meant.

Scrying, again. Well, I can keep it out, for now. But I should still be careful.

He deliberately strengthened his mental walls again, feeling the itch subside. Then, his thoughts shifted focus. Yoshimo would hopefully be along later this day, so they could probe at the Geas spell and try to determine just how limiting it was. In the meantime, there were the Spellhold maps to study. The place seemed to be huge, and not all of it had been built at the same time, so he couldn’t be sure if the maps were entirely accurate, but they were the best that could be had. He had determined where the different cellblocks were, and thought it likely that Imoen would be in the lower security one. Getting in and out would be tricky though, and he still hadn’t worked that part out.

Magical wards of some kind around the premises, that much is clear. I wish they would have specified what they do, but that is too much to ask for I suppose. We will have to learn that when we get there. And then there is the…

But here, Dekaras’ thoughts were interrupted as he nearly stepped on a corpse. He had just turned a corner, and the body was lying right out in the open, in the middle of the street. The assassin felt a small shiver down his back. He had seen, and for that matter caused death, oh so many times. He had seen quite a few repulsive things too. But this…this was something out of the ordinary as deaths went. The body seemed to belong to a human male, probably an adult, and a rather thin one. Apart from that not very much could be determined about the person’s identity. The reason for this was that somebody had completely flayed the corpse, removing every single square inch of skin from it. Muscles and sinews glistened wetly in the morning sun, displayed to the world in all their naked vulnerability, and lidless eyes stared in silent accusation.

It…looks like a display in a butcher’s store, Dekaras thought, and then he had to swallow briefly to regain his composure. Then the horrible sight was mercifully obscured as a guardsman stepped forward to spread a blanket over the corpse.

“You, good citizen!” a voice said at his shoulder. “My name is Lieutenant Aegisfield, and I feel it is my duty to warn you, there is an insane murderer on the loose, and we cannot guarantee your safety.”

Dekaras turned around, and saw that the person addressing him was another guardsman, this one with a Lieutenant’s short crest on his helmet. He was a fairly tall and stocky man, of middle age, with a squashed nose and a rather nasty scar across his left eye.

“Thank you,” the assassin politely said. “I can assure you that I will take all proper precautions. Might I ask what you know about this murderer?”

The other man’s mouth tightened. “Only that he must be a monster,” he said. “For some time now, he has been haunting the Bridge District, and his victims now number a dozen, if not more. He always takes the poor you see, beggars, thieves, and prostitutes. People few will miss, or ask around after. And then, once he has killed them, he…well, you saw for yourself.”

Dekaras nodded. “A nasty business,” he said. “And nobody has seen or heard anything?”

The guard hesitated. “Well,” he said, “old Rampah, the beggar, seems to know something. But he’s old, and not right in the head. I cold make no sense of his babbling. Apart from that, only vague tales of ‘mysterious cloaked figures’ and the sort. Nothing to make an arrest over.” He paused, and gave the assassin a considering look. “You know, you seem a fellow who can take care of himself,” he said. “Maybe you’d be interested to hear there is a reward out for anybody who tracks this killer down? Five hundred gold pieces, the last I heard. True, the high ups may not care too much if the odd beggar dies, but now it’s getting too much, and they’re afraid it will interfere with commerce.”

“I have on occasion tracked people down,” the assassin replied. “I might take an interest in this, I suppose. And I presume you need some form of evidence as well? For the…arrest?”

Aegisfield looked him straight in the eyes, and his voice was calm. “Of course, for any legal proceedings that would be necessary,” he said. “The reward might also be paid out if the killer is, shall we say, unable to attend trial, but proper evidence would still be necessary. We have to be certain it is the right person, after all.”

“Of course. Well, good luck to you then, Lieutenant. If I do happen to come across anything of interest, I’ll certainly let you know.”

He was smiling to himself as he walked off, despite the grim scene he had just witnessed. Of course he couldn’t spend a whole lot of time hunting down some insane killer, but it would be a nice way to exercise his mind, wouldn’t it? It would certainly help alleviate the boredom of his forced convalescence. One thing he had noticed about the corpse was just how skilled the skinner had been. The flesh itself was as unharmed as it could be under the circumstances; the cuts had been delicate and precise. So, he knows how to handle a knife, and is experienced with it. For killing certainly, but that is not all. I know I could not have flayed a body in that manner. So he probably does some kind of work that has given him this skill. A battle-surgeon perhaps…or a butcher. And he has kept his killings confined to the Bridge District, that is interesting. There are plenty of poor to prey on in the slums, or at the docks, yet he has remained here. That has to mean something. He could be killing far from home, to avoid suspicion. Or else he could be killing close to home, to make it easier to get away after each death. Well, we shall see. For now, let’s see what this ‘Rampah’ has to say.

Old Rampah turned out to be an elderly beggar, with a dirty white beard that reached almost to his knees. He was so emaciated that he looked as if he might break in two at any moments, and there was only a small shred of sanity in his hollow eyes. “It’s not human skin, I tell you!” he nervously creaked, clutching his arms protectively across his narrow chest. He was holding something, Dekaras noticed. Something that looked like a piece of leather. “It’s not, it’s not, it’s not human skin! I found it, yes I did!”

“Very well, it’s not human skin,” the assassin said, casually dropping a few coins into the old man’s beggar bowl. “I believe you.” He wouldn’t have the strength to ambush a mouse, I think, far less a human being. “What is it then?”

“I…I don’t know! But I found it, I found it, afterwards.”

“Afterwards?” Dekaras frowned. “After what? Did you see something? Something of the recent murder?”

Rampah immediately started sobbing. “I can’t say!” he wept. “He’ll come for me, he will! And old Rampah needs his skin, so he does.”

“Well, how about if you give me that thing he dropped? Then at least he won’t be coming to get that back from you, will he?”

The beggar shrieked, immediately pressing the piece of thick, strongly smelling leather into Dekaras’ hands. “Take it, take it! Don’t let him take me! Please don’t let him take me, old Rampah needs his skin! Take…take…take her instead! The Rose, sweet Rose, she smells so sweet, not like him, no, not like him at all. She said so, Rose did, but they laughed at her and sent her away!”

“Rose?”

“She works in the theatre now,” Rampah said, and then giggled to himself. “But that won’t keep her safe, not from him. Might as well be out in the streets…least you see him coming faster! One two, he’ll come for you…three, four, better lock your door…five, six…”

“Which theatre?” Dekaras interrupted, not caring to listen to the mad chanting.

Rampah pointed at the Five Flagons. “In there,” he said. He grinned suddenly, and continued with his chanting. “Five, six…won’t be helped by tricks…seven, eight…have to face your fate…nine, ten…Skinner’s here again…”

A few more coins did mostly settle him down, but he was still muttering and occasionally sobbing to himself as Dekaras took off. Understandable, the assassin thought. He is quite right to be afraid. Upon examining the piece of leather, he agreed with Rampah on at least one thing. This couldn’t possibly be human skin, it was far too thick. What it actually was though, he couldn’t say. A leatherworker would know though. Perhaps I can find one around here. And then there is Rose…

An interesting coincidence that one possible witness to the murders should happen to work at that particular theatre. Or was it a coincidence? There certainly were enough people after a certain half-elf, could this be some plot directed at her? In that case he definitely had to find out all he could about it.

Rose, as it happened, was happy to see him once he had explained his errand. “I need a bit of a break from rehearsals anyway,” she said, smiling as she comfortably curled up on a puffy red couch backstage. “Viconia is a real slave driver.” However, she smiled fondly at the Drow cleric as she said that.

“If I am, it is because I have had practice,” Viconia replied with a small toss of her head. “And believe me, if that were truly the case, you would not dare to speak so.” She raised an elegant hand to her mouth, and yawned. “Now tell this male what he came to hear – I have met him before, and for a surfacer he is not a total incompetent. He might actually be able to do something about these murders, and then I will no longer be forced to provide escorts for the actors as they go home after rehearsal.”

“All right,” Rose said, now serious. “There’s not a whole lot to tell, really. I’d just gone home last night, and was about to go to bed, but wanted to open the window a moment to let in some air. And then I saw it.” She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed. “I saw the murder, and close by too since I’m on the first floor. I was close enough to the Skinner that I could have touched him, and if he’d noticed me, then…” Her lower lip trembled, but she gathered herself. “He didn’t, though. He was too busy. He cut some poor beggar down, and he dragged off the corpse. I guess he wanted to be undisturbed for…well, you know what he does. I never saw his face, he was wearing a hooded cloak, but I did notice something.”

“Yes?” Dekaras asked. “What was it?”

“A smell. A sharp smell…it reminded me of Gulik berries, only I’m not sure if that was it. Whatever it was, it came from him. So I tried to tell one of the guards later, but he just laughed at me.” She gave a faint smile. “Gulik berries are used for curing certain diseases. You know, like Crotch Fungus or Intimate Itch. I guess that’s why he didn’t take me seriously.”

Viconia smirked. “Think the killer might be a certain annoying halfling? He would be a likely candidate, it seems.”

“Oh no, it couldn’t be. The killer was quite tall, but there was something weird about the way he walked.” Rose paused, thinking before she went on. “He moved like there was something wrong with his legs, like their joints moved the wrong way. You know, I’m really not sure he was human at all.”

Well, Dekaras thought. This just keeps getting more interesting, doesn’t it? But human or not, this time around it will be the Skinner somebody is coming for.


Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?
Rogues do it from behind.

#2 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 07 August 2005 - 07:33 PM

Cards Reshuffled 262 – No Skin Off My Rose


I usually don’t notice the chapter titles, but this was a very good one. ;)

After all, healers are always exaggeratedly cautious about what they say to their patients, just in case some clumsy fool trips and breaks his neck on his way to the privy. Clearly that doesn’t apply to me.


:) No Dekkie, we all have seen how well you can take care of yourself.

Scrying, again. Well, I can keep it out, for now. But I should still be careful.


Hmm, I keep forgetting about the Bitches the whole time… as if Dekkie wouldn’t have enough enemies already. :)

Magical wards of some kind around the premises, that much is clear. I wish they would have specified what they do, but that is too much to ask for I suppose. We will have to learn that when we get there. And then there is the…


Of course, nothing in Spellhold would remain quite the same after the takeover of Irenicus – so I am not sure if the plans will do as much good as he hopes.

“You, good citizen!” a voice said at his shoulder. “My name is Lieutenant Aegisfield, and I feel it is my duty to warn you, there is an insane murderer on the loose, and we cannot guarantee your safety.”


Another annoying person who doesn’t believe Dekkie is well capable of taking care of himself. :)

“I have on occasion tracked people down,” the assassin replied. “I might take an interest in this, I suppose. And I presume you need some form of evidence as well? For the…arrest?”


I wonder if the monetary reward – nice one that it is – is the only motivation here. I reckon everyone would be disgusted by that kind of slaughter.

He was smiling to himself as he walked off, despite the grim scene he had just witnessed. Of course he couldn’t spend a whole lot of time hunting down some insane killer, but it would be a nice way to exercise his mind, wouldn’t it? It would certainly help alleviate the boredom of his forced convalescence. One thing he had noticed about the corpse was just how skilled the skinner had been. The flesh itself was as unharmed as it could be under the circumstances; the cuts had been delicate and precise. So, he knows how to handle a knife, and is experienced with it. For killing certainly, but that is not all. I know I could not have flayed a body in that manner. So he probably does some kind of work that has given him this skill. A battle-surgeon perhaps…or a butcher. And he has kept his killings confined to the Bridge District, that is interesting. There are plenty of poor to prey on in the slums, or at the docks, yet he has remained here. That has to mean something.


Wow, our Sherlock has basically figured him out already, even without speaking to the witnesses!

Rampah immediately started sobbing. “I can’t say!” he wept. “He’ll come for me, he will! And old Rampah needs his skin, so he does.”


Well, now you’ve found another one you could use. :twisted:

An interesting coincidence that one possible witness to the murders should happen to work at that particular theatre. Or was it a coincidence? There certainly were enough people after a certain half-elf, could this be some plot directed at her? In that case he definitely had to find out all he could about it.


I think this must be one of the very few plots that aren’t directed at the Bhaalspawn – I understand that it might come as a shock to Dekkie. :)

“If I am, it is because I have had practice,” Viconia replied with a small toss of her head. “And believe me, if that were truly the case, you would not dare to speak so.” She raised an elegant hand to her mouth, and yawned. “Now tell this male what he came to hear – I have met him before, and for a surfacer he is not a total incompetent. He might actually be able to do something about these murders, and then I will no longer be forced to provide escorts for the actors as they go home after rehearsal.”


Can I actually see Viconia caring enough to do that? :)

I’m not going to answer that question. :)

“A smell. A sharp smell…it reminded me of Gulik berries, only I’m not sure if that was it. Whatever it was, it came from him. So I tried to tell one of the guards later, but he just laughed at me.” She gave a faint smile. “Gulik berries are used for curing certain diseases. You know, like Crotch Fungus or Intimate Itch. I guess that’s why he didn’t take me seriously.”


Hey, it’s possible – those diseases are nasty, they could have driven someone to become homicidal! :D

Well, Dekaras thought. This just keeps getting more interesting, doesn’t it? But human or not, this time around it will be the Skinner somebody is coming for.


Dekkie certainly is back and on a roll. :wink:

Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


A little interlude with the feral halflings having their meal? Can’t wait! :D

#3 Guest_Q'alooaith_*

Posted 07 August 2005 - 07:39 PM

Nice "Distraction" chapter, it'll be interesting to see how this one plays out.

Like the description of the body, well no it was icky and stuff, but you really gave the impression of an icky sticky, nasty looking dead body, which is why I like the description.

#4 Guest_AlphaMonkey_*

Posted 07 August 2005 - 08:28 PM

Personally I have no objections to doing a policeman’s job, not as long as they do not expect me to do it on a policeman’s salary.


Yeah, 47K ain't exactly a whole lot, there.

After all, healers are always exaggeratedly cautious about what they say to their patients, just in case some clumsy fool trips and breaks his neck on his way to the privy.


Yeah, I hate doctors, too. Hate 'em!

...

:) :twisted:

Besides, staying in bed for too long can be harmful to the circulation.


Somehow, I get the feeling that bed sores and blood clots in the legs are the least of his worries.

The place seemed to be huge, and not all of it had been built at the same time, so he couldn’t be sure if the maps were entirely accurate, but they were the best that could be had.


Sounds like Alcatraz... part of what made it so hard to escape was that they kept building and rebuilding parts of it, so it was impossible to get a set of hard blueprints.

He had determined where the different cellblocks were, and thought it likely that Imoen would be in the lower security one.


Harlequin: "Well, that's just silly... why bother locking her up at all if you're gonna make it so easy for her to break out?"

Raven: "She's got no 'magic.' She probably won't be able to break out. It's like if we took away your gadgets..."

Harlequin: "Please. Give me some kerosene and a canister vacuum, and I could build you a jet engine... I'd make my own gadgets."

Raven: "Sure. Riiiiiight."

A battle-surgeon perhaps…or a butcher.


I don't know too many field medics that can wield -that- kind of a scalpel... (Shrug)

One two, he’ll come for you…three, four, better lock your door…five, six…


Isn't that from a movie? It seems vaguely familiar... know I've heard it somewhere. Buffy episode?

Anybody fancy a curry?


Too hot for spicy food. :)

Edit: I just noticed the chapter title, myself. I agree with Theo. Nice one. :)

#5 Guest_Kulyok_*

Posted 08 August 2005 - 07:21 AM

It was good to be back on his feet again, Dekaras mused. True, technically he ought to remain in bed for one more day, according to the rather irate healer who had been seeing to him, but that was an idea he chose to dismiss.


Well, even Dex of 18 does not give a full reassurance, so Dekkie might be in for a surpriiiiise! :)

Scrying, again. Well, I can keep it out, for now. But I should still be careful.


Careful is the word for Dekkie, all right. :)

But here, Dekaras’ thoughts were interrupted as he nearly stepped on a corpse. He had just turned a corner, and the body was lying right out in the open, in the middle of the street. The assassin felt a small shiver down his back. He had seen, and for that matter caused death, oh so many times. He had seen quite a few repulsive things too. But this…this was something out of the ordinary as deaths went. The body seemed to belong to a human male, probably an adult, and a rather thin one. Apart from that not very much could be determined about the person’s identity. The reason for this was that somebody had completely flayed the corpse, removing every single square inch of skin from it. Muscles and sinews glistened wetly in the morning sun, displayed to the world in all their naked vulnerability, and lidless eyes stared in silent accusation.


Wow, good description! Short and accurate! :twisted:

“I have on occasion tracked people down,” the assassin replied. “I might take an interest in this, I suppose. And I presume you need some form of evidence as well? For the…arrest?”


Knowing Dekkie, it'll be the tanner's head.

“She works in the theatre now,” Rampah said, and then giggled to himself. “But that won’t keep her safe, not from him. Might as well be out in the streets…least you see him coming faster! One two, he’ll come for you…three, four, better lock your door…five, six…”

“Which theatre?” Dekaras interrupted, not caring to listen to the mad chanting.

Rampah pointed at the Five Flagons. “In there,” he said. He grinned suddenly, and continued with his chanting. “Five, six…won’t be helped by tricks…seven, eight…have to face your fate…nine, ten…Skinner’s here again…”


Aww, a very sweet chant! Got to tell it to my little bro, sounds the sort of thing he'll like. :)

“If I am, it is because I have had practice,” Viconia replied with a small toss of her head. “And believe me, if that were truly the case, you would not dare to speak so.” She raised an elegant hand to her mouth, and yawned. “Now tell this male what he came to hear – I have met him before, and for a surfacer he is not a total incompetent. He might actually be able to do something about these murders, and then I will no longer be forced to provide escorts for the actors as they go home after rehearsal.”


Yes, she probably feels them as her property (or Rini's property) and therefore, feels it essential to warrant their safety.

“A smell. A sharp smell…it reminded me of Gulik berries, only I’m not sure if that was it. Whatever it was, it came from him. So I tried to tell one of the guards later, but he just laughed at me.” She gave a faint smile. “Gulik berries are used for curing certain diseases. You know, like Crotch Fungus or Intimate Itch. I guess that’s why he didn’t take me seriously.”


Are you sure you got the name right? It was Guril or Solik (Solic?) berries in the game, I think.

Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


Just re-read Pratchett's "Jingo"... after it, probably not. Oh, she'll meet these evil halflings, won't she? :D

#6 Guest_Melle_*

Posted 08 August 2005 - 01:58 PM

“You, good citizen!” a voice said at his shoulder. “My name is Lieutenant Aegisfield, and I feel it is my duty to warn you, there is an insane murderer on the loose, and we cannot guarantee your safety.”


*Looks at skinless corpse* You don't say.

He was smiling to himself as he walked off, despite the grim scene he had just witnessed. Of course he couldn’t spend a whole lot of time hunting down some insane killer, but it would be a nice way to exercise his mind, wouldn’t it? It would certainly help alleviate the boredom of his forced convalescence.


Oh yes, nothing says 'pleasant leisure activity' like hunting a serial killer.

An interesting coincidence that one possible witness to the murders should happen to work at that particular theatre. Or was it a coincidence? There certainly were enough people after a certain half-elf, could this be some plot directed at her? In that case he definitely had to find out all he could about it.


No, it's just that the PC aura has this strange magnetic effect on plot... :oops:

“Oh no, it couldn’t be. The killer was quite tall, but there was something weird about the way he walked.” Rose paused, thinking before she went on. “He moved like there was something wrong with his legs, like their joints moved the wrong way. You know, I’m really not sure he was human at all.”


Mmm, skin dancer goodness. ;)

Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


Cannibalistic halfling curry?

#7 Laufey

Posted 08 August 2005 - 03:59 PM

Cards Reshuffled 262 – No Skin Off My Rose


I usually don’t notice the chapter titles, but this was a very good one. :D


Thanks! :P

After all, healers are always exaggeratedly cautious about what they say to their patients, just in case some clumsy fool trips and breaks his neck on his way to the privy. Clearly that doesn’t apply to me.


:D No Dekkie, we all have seen how well you can take care of yourself.


It's just those obstinate people who refuse to listen, you know that. :P


Scrying, again. Well, I can keep it out, for now. But I should still be careful.


Hmm, I keep forgetting about the Bitches the whole time… as if Dekkie wouldn’t have enough enemies already. ;)


Well, he hasn't forgotten about them, but there's not a whole lot he can do about them at the moment.

Magical wards of some kind around the premises, that much is clear. I wish they would have specified what they do, but that is too much to ask for I suppose. We will have to learn that when we get there. And then there is the…


Of course, nothing in Spellhold would remain quite the same after the takeover of Irenicus – so I am not sure if the plans will do as much good as he hopes.


Well, the basic architecture will remain the same, but I'm sure Irenicus will add a little thing or two of his own.


“You, good citizen!” a voice said at his shoulder. “My name is Lieutenant Aegisfield, and I feel it is my duty to warn you, there is an insane murderer on the loose, and we cannot guarantee your safety.”


Another annoying person who doesn’t believe Dekkie is well capable of taking care of himself. :D


He's quite miffed about that, really. :P


“I have on occasion tracked people down,” the assassin replied. “I might take an interest in this, I suppose. And I presume you need some form of evidence as well? For the…arrest?”


I wonder if the monetary reward – nice one that it is – is the only motivation here. I reckon everyone would be disgusted by that kind of slaughter.


No, he's mostly doing it because he's disgusted by the Skinner's activities. However, he is about as enthusiastic as Edwin about being called a 'hero'. Which is why, when I eventually buy City of Heroes, there's going to be one very disgruntled superhero wearing all black out there. :lol:


He was smiling to himself as he walked off, despite the grim scene he had just witnessed. Of course he couldn’t spend a whole lot of time hunting down some insane killer, but it would be a nice way to exercise his mind, wouldn’t it? It would certainly help alleviate the boredom of his forced convalescence. One thing he had noticed about the corpse was just how skilled the skinner had been. The flesh itself was as unharmed as it could be under the circumstances; the cuts had been delicate and precise. So, he knows how to handle a knife, and is experienced with it. For killing certainly, but that is not all. I know I could not have flayed a body in that manner. So he probably does some kind of work that has given him this skill. A battle-surgeon perhaps…or a butcher. And he has kept his killings confined to the Bridge District, that is interesting. There are plenty of poor to prey on in the slums, or at the docks, yet he has remained here. That has to mean something.


Wow, our Sherlock has basically figured him out already, even without speaking to the witnesses!


It is a bit quick perhaps, but I didn't want to drag this out for too long, since it's only a subplot.



An interesting coincidence that one possible witness to the murders should happen to work at that particular theatre. Or was it a coincidence? There certainly were enough people after a certain half-elf, could this be some plot directed at her? In that case he definitely had to find out all he could about it.


I think this must be one of the very few plots that aren’t directed at the Bhaalspawn – I understand that it might come as a shock to Dekkie. :lol:


Most of the others are, after all. :D

“If I am, it is because I have had practice,” Viconia replied with a small toss of her head. “And believe me, if that were truly the case, you would not dare to speak so.” She raised an elegant hand to her mouth, and yawned. “Now tell this male what he came to hear – I have met him before, and for a surfacer he is not a total incompetent. He might actually be able to do something about these murders, and then I will no longer be forced to provide escorts for the actors as they go home after rehearsal.”


Can I actually see Viconia caring enough to do that? :oops:


I’m not going to answer that question. :D


She has a good reason for it. She owes Rini a favour, and that favour is to take care of the theatre, which includes making sure the actors don't get slaughtered.



Well
, Dekaras thought. This just keeps getting more interesting, doesn’t it? But human or not, this time around it will be the Skinner somebody is coming for.


Dekkie certainly is back and on a roll. :D


For now, at least. :lol:


Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


A little interlude with the feral halflings having their meal? Can’t wait! :D


Actually, they'll meet some even odder people before they meet the halflings. :D
Rogues do it from behind.

#8 Laufey

Posted 08 August 2005 - 04:00 PM

Nice "Distraction" chapter, it'll be interesting to see how this one plays out.


Like the description of the body, well no it was icky and stuff, but you really gave the impression of an icky sticky, nasty looking dead body, which is why I like the description.


Thank you, on both counts. :oops:
Rogues do it from behind.

#9 Laufey

Posted 08 August 2005 - 04:03 PM

After all, healers are always exaggeratedly cautious about what they say to their patients, just in case some clumsy fool trips and breaks his neck on his way to the privy.


Yeah, I hate doctors, too. Hate 'em!


...


:lol: ;)


Well, thank you so much. I'll remember that if you ever request that I flush out your sinuses or give you a few stitches. :oops: :lol: :lol:

Besides, staying in bed for too long can be harmful to the circulation.


Somehow, I get the feeling that bed sores and blood clots in the legs are the least of his worries.


And you're quite right.

The place seemed to be huge, and not all of it had been built at the same time, so he couldn’t be sure if the maps were entirely accurate, but they were the best that could be had.


Sounds like Alcatraz... part of what made it so hard to escape was that they kept building and rebuilding parts of it, so it was impossible to get a set of hard blueprints.


I didn't know that, but yes, that's very true!


A battle-surgeon perhaps…or a butcher.


I don't know too many field medics that can wield -that- kind of a scalpel... (Shrug)


I don't know, part of being a surgeon in medieval times meant that you could cut off a leg in under a minute and stop the bleeding. Granted, that doesn't actually require finesse with a knife, but still...

One two, he’ll come for you…three, four, better lock your door…five, six…


Isn't that from a movie? It seems vaguely familiar... know I've heard it somewhere. Buffy episode?


The Elm Street movies. :D Got to love that Freddy - he'll kick Jason's butt any day.


Edit: I just noticed the chapter title, myself. I agree with Theo. Nice one. :P


Thanks! :P
Rogues do it from behind.

#10 Laufey

Posted 08 August 2005 - 04:06 PM

[quote][quote]It was good to be back on his feet again, Dekaras mused. True, technically he ought to remain in bed for one more day, according to the rather irate healer who had been seeing to him, but that was an idea he chose to dismiss. [/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Well, even Dex of 18 does not give a full reassurance, so Dekkie might be in for a surpriiiiise! :lol:
[/quote]

Might, might not...we'll see. ;)

[quote]
[quote]Scrying, again. Well, I can keep it out, for now. But I should still be careful. [/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Careful is the word for Dekkie, all right. :lol:
[/quote]

He is - it's just that his definition of the word differs a bit from the normal one.

[quote]
[quote]But here, Dekaras’ thoughts were interrupted as he nearly stepped on a corpse. He had just turned a corner, and the body was lying right out in the open, in the middle of the street. The assassin felt a small shiver down his back. He had seen, and for that matter caused death, oh so many times. He had seen quite a few repulsive things too. But this…this was something out of the ordinary as deaths went. The body seemed to belong to a human male, probably an adult, and a rather thin one. Apart from that not very much could be determined about the person’s identity. The reason for this was that somebody had completely flayed the corpse, removing every single square inch of skin from it. Muscles and sinews glistened wetly in the morning sun, displayed to the world in all their naked vulnerability, and lidless eyes stared in silent accusation. [/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Wow, good description! Short and accurate! :oops:
[/quote]

Thanks! :lol:

[quote]
[quote]“I have on occasion tracked people down,” the assassin replied. “I might take an interest in this, I suppose. And I presume you need some form of evidence as well? For the…arrest?”[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Knowing Dekkie, it'll be the tanner's head.
[/quote]

That's kind of what he had in mind, yes.

[quote]
Rampah pointed at the Five Flagons. “In there,” he said. He grinned suddenly, and continued with his chanting. “Five, six…won’t be helped by tricks…seven, eight…have to face your fate…nine, ten…Skinner’s here again…” [/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Aww, a very sweet chant! Got to tell it to my little bro, sounds the sort of thing he'll like. :D
[/quote]

Can't take credit for it, I'm afraid. It was in the Terror on Elm Street movies, I've just reworked it a bit. Always loved it myself, it's very eerie. :P

[quote]
[quote]“If I am, it is because I have had practice,” Viconia replied with a small toss of her head. “And believe me, if that were truly the case, you would not dare to speak so.” She raised an elegant hand to her mouth, and yawned. “Now tell this male what he came to hear – I have met him before, and for a surfacer he is not a total incompetent. He might actually be able to do something about these murders, and then I will no longer be forced to provide escorts for the actors as they go home after rehearsal.”[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Yes, she probably feels them as her property (or Rini's property) and therefore, feels it essential to warrant their safety.
[/quote]

Got it in one!

[quote]
[quote]“A smell. A sharp smell…it reminded me of Gulik berries, only I’m not sure if that was it. Whatever it was, it came from him. So I tried to tell one of the guards later, but he just laughed at me.” She gave a faint smile. “Gulik berries are used for curing certain diseases. You know, like Crotch Fungus or Intimate Itch. I guess that’s why he didn’t take me seriously.” [/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Are you sure you got the name right? It was Guril or Solik (Solic?) berries in the game, I think.
[/quote]

Hm...You could be right.

[quote]
[quote]Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?[/quote]
[/quote]

[quote]
Just re-read Pratchett's "Jingo"... after it, probably not. Oh, she'll meet these evil halflings, won't she? :P[/quote]

Eventually, yes. But first she'll meet some other, even odder people.
Rogues do it from behind.

#11 Laufey

Posted 08 August 2005 - 04:08 PM


“You, good citizen!” a voice said at his shoulder. “My name is Lieutenant Aegisfield, and I feel it is my duty to warn you, there is an insane murderer on the loose, and we cannot guarantee your safety.”


*Looks at skinless corpse* You don't say.


;)


He was smiling to himself as he walked off, despite the grim scene he had just witnessed. Of course he couldn’t spend a whole lot of time hunting down some insane killer, but it would be a nice way to exercise his mind, wouldn’t it? It would certainly help alleviate the boredom of his forced convalescence.


Oh yes, nothing says 'pleasant leisure activity' like hunting a serial killer.


This is Dekkie we're talking about. I'm afraid that's exactly what he's thinking.


An interesting coincidence that one possible witness to the murders should happen to work at that particular theatre. Or was it a coincidence? There certainly were enough people after a certain half-elf, could this be some plot directed at her? In that case he definitely had to find out all he could about it.


No, it's just that the PC aura has this strange magnetic effect on plot... :oops:


:lol:


“Oh no, it couldn’t be. The killer was quite tall, but there was something weird about the way he walked.” Rose paused, thinking before she went on. “He moved like there was something wrong with his legs, like their joints moved the wrong way. You know, I’m really not sure he was human at all.”


Mmm, skin dancer goodness. :lol:


Soon, yes!


Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


Cannibalistic halfling curry?


More like Big Fat Red Dwarf References. :lol:
Rogues do it from behind.

#12 Arcalian

Posted 09 August 2005 - 02:23 AM

*cuddles the cute kitty*

You know, I must admit, the powergamer in me has never done this quest the "Sherlock Holmes" way. :oops:

And of coruse, Dekaras is ideally suited. Good stuff.
The road to the abyss may be paved with good intentions, but it is those with bad intentions that race down that road as fast as they can.

#13 Laufey

Posted 09 August 2005 - 06:48 AM

*cuddles the cute kitty*


*purrs* ;)

You know, I must admit, the powergamer in me has never done this quest the "Sherlock Holmes" way. :shock:


No? I always do it that way, do you just go directly to the tanner and kill him then? I would have thought this way gave you more xp?

And of coruse, Dekaras is ideally suited. Good stuff.


Thanks very much! ;)
Rogues do it from behind.

#14 Weyoun

Posted 09 August 2005 - 10:16 PM

Cards Reshuffled 262 – No Skin Off My Rose


Laska : I bloody well hope so! *draws blades and looks at everybody with suspicion*

Just a brief walk across the bridge and back, that is all. Besides, staying in bed for too long can be harmful to the circulation.


Laska : That depends what you're doing in bed, though. *winks*

But here, Dekaras’ thoughts were interrupted as he nearly stepped on a corpse. He had just turned a corner, and the body was lying right out in the open, in the middle of the street. The assassin felt a small shiver down his back. He had seen, and for that matter caused death, oh so many times. He had seen quite a few repulsive things too. But this…this was something out of the ordinary as deaths went. The body seemed to belong to a human male, probably an adult, and a rather thin one. Apart from that not very much could be determined about the person’s identity. The reason for this was that somebody had completely flayed the corpse, removing every single square inch of skin from it. Muscles and sinews glistened wetly in the morning sun, displayed to the world in all their naked vulnerability, and lidless eyes stared in silent accusation.


Only a doctor could describe such a scene in such a disturbing accuracy. :D

Well, either doctor or Clive Barker, in any case. :)

It…looks like a display in a butcher’s store,


Ahahah! Fresh meat!

Uh, sorry. Diablo reference. :cry:

He was smiling to himself as he walked off, despite the grim scene he had just witnessed. Of course he couldn’t spend a whole lot of time hunting down some insane killer, but it would be a nice way to exercise his mind, wouldn’t it? It would certainly help alleviate the boredom of his forced convalescence. One thing he had noticed about the corpse was just how skilled the skinner had been. The flesh itself was as unharmed as it could be under the circumstances; the cuts had been delicate and precise. So, he knows how to handle a knife, and is experienced with it. For killing certainly, but that is not all. I know I could not have flayed a body in that manner. So he probably does some kind of work that has given him this skill. A battle-surgeon perhaps…or a butcher. And he has kept his killings confined to the Bridge District, that is interesting. There are plenty of poor to prey on in the slums, or at the docks, yet he has remained here. That has to mean something. He could be killing far from home, to avoid suspicion. Or else he could be killing close to home, to make it easier to get away after each death. Well, we shall see. For now, let’s see what this ‘Rampah’ has to say.


Well, the wheels are turning, it seems.

The beggar shrieked, immediately pressing the piece of thick, strongly smelling leather into Dekaras’ hands. “Take it, take it! Don’t let him take me! Please don’t let him take me, old Rampah needs his skin! Take…take…take her instead! The Rose, sweet Rose, she smells so sweet, not like him, no, not like him at all. She said so, Rose did, but they laughed at her and sent her away!”


Laska : *growls* How does this fool knows how Rose smells? He ain't skinning her, that's for sure! *draws swords*

“Rose?”


“She works in the theatre now,” Rampah said, and then giggled to himself. “But that won’t keep her safe, not from him. Might as well be out in the streets…least you see him coming faster! One two, he’ll come for you…three, four, better lock your door…five, six…”


The theatre is on Elm Street? :oops:

Rose, as it happened, was happy to see him once he had explained his errand. “I need a bit of a break from rehearsals anyway,” she said, smiling as she comfortably curled up on a puffy red couch backstage. “Viconia is a real slave driver.” However, she smiled fondly at the Drow cleric as she said that.


:) Ah, Vicky... :lol:

“If I am, it is because I have had practice,” Viconia replied with a small toss of her head. “And believe me, if that were truly the case, you would not dare to speak so.” She raised an elegant hand to her mouth, and yawned. “Now tell this male what he came to hear – I have met him before, and for a surfacer he is not a total incompetent. He might actually be able to do something about these murders, and then I will no longer be forced to provide escorts for the actors as they go home after rehearsal.”


Superb organizing skill and forsight.

Laska : *snickers* Wanker. ;)

“A smell. A sharp smell…it reminded me of Gulik berries, only I’m not sure if that was it. Whatever it was, it came from him. So I tried to tell one of the guards later, but he just laughed at me.” She gave a faint smile. “Gulik berries are used for curing certain diseases. You know, like Crotch Fungus or Intimate Itch. I guess that’s why he didn’t take me seriously.”


Viconia smirked. “Think the killer might be a certain annoying halfling? He would be a likely candidate, it seems.”


Nah, he's too stupid for that. ;) Mister 'I'm not a playwright, but I play on TV' never could have pulled that one off.

Well, Dekaras thought. This just keeps getting more interesting, doesn’t it? But human or not, this time around it will be the Skinner somebody is coming for.


Nice. Maybe I'll coax some spoilers from you soon. :wink:

Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


Chicken Vindaloo! ;)
TnT Enhanced Edition: http://www.fanfictio...rds-and-Tempers

---
Sith Warrior - Master, I can sense your anger.

Darth Baras - A blind, comotose lobotomy-patient could sense my anger!

---

"The New Age? It's just the old age stuck in a microwave oven for fifteen seconds" - James Randi

#15 Laufey

Posted 10 August 2005 - 05:40 AM

Cards Reshuffled 262 – No Skin Off My Rose


Laska : I bloody well hope so! *draws blades and looks at everybody with suspicion*


Don't worry, Rose is safe. ;)


Just a brief walk across the bridge and back, that is all. Besides, staying in bed for too long can be harmful to the circulation.


Laska : That depends what you're doing in bed, though. *winks*


Indeed, but I'm afraid Dekkie doesn't have anybody around to do any interesting things in bed with. ;)


But here, Dekaras’ thoughts were interrupted as he nearly stepped on a corpse. He had just turned a corner, and the body was lying right out in the open, in the middle of the street. The assassin felt a small shiver down his back. He had seen, and for that matter caused death, oh so many times. He had seen quite a few repulsive things too. But this…this was something out of the ordinary as deaths went. The body seemed to belong to a human male, probably an adult, and a rather thin one. Apart from that not very much could be determined about the person’s identity. The reason for this was that somebody had completely flayed the corpse, removing every single square inch of skin from it. Muscles and sinews glistened wetly in the morning sun, displayed to the world in all their naked vulnerability, and lidless eyes stared in silent accusation.


Only a doctor could describe such a scene in such a disturbing accuracy. :D


Well, either doctor or Clive Barker, in any case. :)


*grin* Why, thank you! :)



He was smiling to himself as he walked off, despite the grim scene he had just witnessed. Of course he couldn’t spend a whole lot of time hunting down some insane killer, but it would be a nice way to exercise his mind, wouldn’t it? It would certainly help alleviate the boredom of his forced convalescence. One thing he had noticed about the corpse was just how skilled the skinner had been. The flesh itself was as unharmed as it could be under the circumstances; the cuts had been delicate and precise. So, he knows how to handle a knife, and is experienced with it. For killing certainly, but that is not all. I know I could not have flayed a body in that manner. So he probably does some kind of work that has given him this skill. A battle-surgeon perhaps…or a butcher. And he has kept his killings confined to the Bridge District, that is interesting. There are plenty of poor to prey on in the slums, or at the docks, yet he has remained here. That has to mean something. He could be killing far from home, to avoid suspicion. Or else he could be killing close to home, to make it easier to get away after each death. Well, we shall see. For now, let’s see what this ‘Rampah’ has to say.


Well, the wheels are turning, it seems.


Oh yes.


The beggar shrieked, immediately pressing the piece of thick, strongly smelling leather into Dekaras’ hands. “Take it, take it! Don’t let him take me! Please don’t let him take me, old Rampah needs his skin! Take…take…take her instead! The Rose, sweet Rose, she smells so sweet, not like him, no, not like him at all. She said so, Rose did, but they laughed at her and sent her away!”


Laska : *growls* How does this fool knows how Rose smells? He ain't skinning her, that's for sure! *draws swords*


Ssssh, she's safe, don't worry!


“She works in the theatre now,” Rampah said, and then giggled to himself. “But that won’t keep her safe, not from him. Might as well be out in the streets…least you see him coming faster! One two, he’ll come for you…three, four, better lock your door…five, six…”


The theatre is on Elm Street? :oops:


No, but the Tanner's shop is. :wink:


Rose, as it happened, was happy to see him once he had explained his errand. “I need a bit of a break from rehearsals anyway,” she said, smiling as she comfortably curled up on a puffy red couch backstage. “Viconia is a real slave driver.” However, she smiled fondly at the Drow cleric as she said that.


:) Ah, Vicky... :lol:


You'll see a little more of her soon. ;)



Viconia smirked. “Think the killer might be a certain annoying halfling? He would be a likely candidate, it seems.”


Nah, he's too stupid for that. :) Mister 'I'm not a playwright, but I play on TV' never could have pulled that one off.


Nah. Ashley's innocent of this, at least. :)


Well, Dekaras thought. This just keeps getting more interesting, doesn’t it? But human or not, this time around it will be the Skinner somebody is coming for.


Nice. Maybe I'll coax some spoilers from you soon. :cry:


Sure, any time. :)


Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


Chicken Vindaloo! :)


My favorite! :?
Rogues do it from behind.

#16 Arcalian

Posted 10 August 2005 - 07:49 PM

It doesnt give you more XP. And you dont get part of the reward, either. I just have no patience. :)
The road to the abyss may be paved with good intentions, but it is those with bad intentions that race down that road as fast as they can.

#17 Guest_Userunfriendly_*

Posted 17 August 2005 - 12:35 AM

Cards Reshuffled 262 – No Skin Off My Rose


now that i've finally posted chapter seven, i can try to catch up on commenting...try... :D

Surprisingly often, the skills of a rogue can be used to assist officers of the law. Not at all surprisingly, many officers of the law realize this, and take full if unofficial advantage of the fact. Personally I have no objections to doing a policeman’s job, not as long as they do not expect me to do it on a policeman’s salary.


how about sherlock holmese's salary? :twisted: (he often did cases for free, for the sheer challenge...but occasionally he pocketed huge sums like in "the scandal in bohemia"

After all, healers are always exaggeratedly cautious about what they say to their patients, just in case some clumsy fool trips and breaks his neck on his way to the privy. Clearly that doesn’t apply to me.


why do i get the feeling that you eventually plan to write dekkie's epilog that when he is 90 years old, he trips on his way to the privy... :twisted:

He did feel more or less himself. Yes, he was a little more weary than usual, but some air and mild exercise should be far better for him than being shut indoors. He had always hated being restricted to the house; after all, it made him feel like a caged animal. And I won’t go that far from the inn, just in case I’ve overestimated my own strength. Just a brief walk across the bridge and back, that is all. Besides, staying in bed for too long can be harmful to the circulation.


yar...i became cyotic after a long hospital stay...sucked... :D luckily the medicine to cure it worked... :D

Comforted by the thought that his actions weren’t merely defendable, but even commendable, the assassin continued on his way. His current inn was situated just on the border of the Theatre District, though he supposed he ought to move as soon as he was strong enough. It wouldn’t do to remain in one place for too long, not with both Bodhi and Aerie after him. He had felt an itching sensation at the back of his mind for a while now, and knew what it meant.


mosquito? :D

But here, Dekaras’ thoughts were interrupted as he nearly stepped on a corpse. He had just turned a corner, and the body was lying right out in the open, in the middle of the street. The assassin felt a small shiver down his back. He had seen, and for that matter caused death, oh so many times. He had seen quite a few repulsive things too. But this…this was something out of the ordinary as deaths went. The body seemed to belong to a human male, probably an adult, and a rather thin one. Apart from that not very much could be determined about the person’s identity. The reason for this was that somebody had completely flayed the corpse, removing every single square inch of skin from it. Muscles and sinews glistened wetly in the morning sun, displayed to the world in all their naked vulnerability, and lidless eyes stared in silent accusation.


oh oh...the bridge district murders...you know, i really should write that whole mystery into my series...hmmmm... :P of course having a telepath should make solving the mystery a child's play...unless....hmmm...a telepath is only good if someone knows the information...hmmm... :shock:

The guard hesitated. “Well,” he said, “old Rampah, the beggar, seems to know something. But he’s old, and not right in the head. I cold make no sense of his babbling. Apart from that, only vague tales of ‘mysterious cloaked figures’ and the sort. Nothing to make an arrest over.” He paused, and gave the assassin a considering look. “You know, you seem a fellow who can take care of himself,” he said. “Maybe you’d be interested to hear there is a reward out for anybody who tracks this killer down? Five hundred gold pieces, the last I heard. True, the high ups may not care too much if the odd beggar dies, but now it’s getting too much, and they’re afraid it will interfere with commerce.”


they're such saints... :D

Rampah pointed at the Five Flagons. “In there,” he said. He grinned suddenly, and continued with his chanting. “Five, six…won’t be helped by tricks…seven, eight…have to face your fate…nine, ten…Skinner’s here again…”


eeriely effective description of someone who's schitzophrenic... :D

Rose, as it happened, was happy to see him once he had explained his errand. “I need a bit of a break from rehearsals anyway,” she said, smiling as she comfortably curled up on a puffy red couch backstage. “Viconia is a real slave driver.” However, she smiled fondly at the Drow cleric as she said that.


some rose and viccy slash??? :oops:

“If I am, it is because I have had practice,” Viconia replied with a small toss of her head. “And believe me, if that were truly the case, you would not dare to speak so.” She raised an elegant hand to her mouth, and yawned. “Now tell this male what he came to hear – I have met him before, and for a surfacer he is not a total incompetent. He might actually be able to do something about these murders, and then I will no longer be forced to provide escorts for the actors as they go home after rehearsal.”


what? a complement from viconia??? :D

“A smell. A sharp smell…it reminded me of Gulik berries, only I’m not sure if that was it. Whatever it was, it came from him. So I tried to tell one of the guards later, but he just laughed at me.” She gave a faint smile. “Gulik berries are used for curing certain diseases. You know, like Crotch Fungus or Intimate Itch. I guess that’s why he didn’t take me seriously.”


sounds painful and nasty... :D

Viconia smirked. “Think the killer might be a certain annoying halfling? He would be a likely candidate, it seems.”


or...dare we hope that a certain halfling will meet ridek? :oops: :oops: :lol:

Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


YAY!!! ;) :? :D

#18 Laufey

Posted 21 August 2005 - 05:41 PM

Cards Reshuffled 262 – No Skin Off My Rose


now that i've finally posted chapter seven, i can try to catch up on commenting...try... :)


Yeah, know the feeling...I got home today, to be faced with 11 new topics in the Serials alone. Oh well...


Surprisingly often, the skills of a rogue can be used to assist officers of the law. Not at all surprisingly, many officers of the law realize this, and take full if unofficial advantage of the fact. Personally I have no objections to doing a policeman’s job, not as long as they do not expect me to do it on a policeman’s salary.


how about sherlock holmese's salary? :twisted: (he often did cases for free, for the sheer challenge...but occasionally he pocketed huge sums like in "the scandal in bohemia"


Sounds far more appealing! :)


After all, healers are always exaggeratedly cautious about what they say to their patients, just in case some clumsy fool trips and breaks his neck on his way to the privy. Clearly that doesn’t apply to me.


why do i get the feeling that you eventually plan to write dekkie's epilog that when he is 90 years old, he trips on his way to the privy... :twisted:


Nah...wouldn't do that to him.


But here, Dekaras’ thoughts were interrupted as he nearly stepped on a corpse. He had just turned a corner, and the body was lying right out in the open, in the middle of the street. The assassin felt a small shiver down his back. He had seen, and for that matter caused death, oh so many times. He had seen quite a few repulsive things too. But this…this was something out of the ordinary as deaths went. The body seemed to belong to a human male, probably an adult, and a rather thin one. Apart from that not very much could be determined about the person’s identity. The reason for this was that somebody had completely flayed the corpse, removing every single square inch of skin from it. Muscles and sinews glistened wetly in the morning sun, displayed to the world in all their naked vulnerability, and lidless eyes stared in silent accusation.


oh oh...the bridge district murders...you know, i really should write that whole mystery into my series...hmmmm... :) of course having a telepath should make solving the mystery a child's play...unless....hmmm...a telepath is only good if someone knows the information...hmmm... :twisted:


I always like the mystery quests. :roll:


Rampah pointed at the Five Flagons. “In there,” he said. He grinned suddenly, and continued with his chanting. “Five, six…won’t be helped by tricks…seven, eight…have to face your fate…nine, ten…Skinner’s here again…”


eeriely effective description of someone who's schitzophrenic... :wink:


Thanks!


Rose, as it happened, was happy to see him once he had explained his errand. “I need a bit of a break from rehearsals anyway,” she said, smiling as she comfortably curled up on a puffy red couch backstage. “Viconia is a real slave driver.” However, she smiled fondly at the Drow cleric as she said that.


some rose and viccy slash??? :lol:


Or just a light flirtation. :lol:


“If I am, it is because I have had practice,” Viconia replied with a small toss of her head. “And believe me, if that were truly the case, you would not dare to speak so.” She raised an elegant hand to her mouth, and yawned. “Now tell this male what he came to hear – I have met him before, and for a surfacer he is not a total incompetent. He might actually be able to do something about these murders, and then I will no longer be forced to provide escorts for the actors as they go home after rehearsal.”


what? a complement from viconia??? :wink:


Well, they do have a sort of wary mutual respect for each other - they both rather like the other's ruthlessness.



Viconia smirked. “Think the killer might be a certain annoying halfling? He would be a likely candidate, it seems.”


or...dare we hope that a certain halfling will meet ridek? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:


Nope, got something else planned for him. :wink:


Next chapter: It's time for Rini's group to meet some very, very, very odd people. Anybody fancy a curry?


YAY!!! :wink: :wink: :wink:


Soon. :roll:
Rogues do it from behind.




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