Adamant awakens in the middle of the night, the sleepy breathing of his companions clearly audible in the darkness of their room. No fire has been set, because of the warm season and the presence of so many bodies. Although he has been in bed but a few hours, Adamant is fully rested. He can go many days without sleep if necessary and has never needed more than three to four hours ever. It is, he is sure, a feature of his damnable heritage; another persistent reminder that he is not like others. After quietly doing his morning devotions he sneaks from the room so as not to disturb his companions.
As he leaves he hears Jaheira muttering in her sleep and a feeling of deep sympathy washes through him momentarily. He wonders how long it will be before she can begin to heal, if ever. In the many months he has known her, on the trail and at periods of rest, he has never known her to sleep without Khalid by her side. This night is doubtless a very difficult one.
Making his way down stairs Adamant finds that the taproom is still very active, even though dawn is but a few hours away. Most groups are down to the business end of the evening, with little conversation and steady drinking being the order of the day. One group however are deeply engrossed in some game of chance, for they talk with continual quiet conversation interspersed with boisterous shouts of sweet victory or bitter defeat and then metal clink of coin moving about the table. Watching from a chair near the unlit fireplace Adamant can see Yoshimo happily laughing with the crowd, and winning it seems.
There is one final explosion of noise and in the aftermath the game breaks up; mugs are drained and coins are swept from the table into pouches. The players shake hands and make promises to play again, then they leave the inn, telling each other drunken tales of well played hands and fickle twists of fate. Last of all is Yoshimo, happily taking pats upon the back and waving goodbye to firm friends he’d only met for the first time a few hours previously. It takes him many moments to count all his winnings and put them away safely. Rising from the table, he notices Adamant in his chair and makes his way over.
“Ah, the tiles were sweet tonight,” says Yoshimo, taking a seat next to Adamant.
“Tiles?” asks Adamant.
“Yes, kung low,” replies Yoshimo. “A game from my homeland. I have not played it in a long time.”
“Seems you remembered how well enough. Good thing no one figured out about your left bracer.”
Yoshimo casts a sidelong glance at Adamant. “You noticed that, did you?” he says. “You have very sharp eyes.”
With a deft movement of the fingers on his left hand, Yoshimo slips two ivory tiles out of a concealed space between seams sewn in the leather. He shows the two pieces to Adamant.
“The North Wind and Winter Sun. Neither is the highest piece in the game but each is just enough to swing a hand, if necessary,” he explains. “I’m impressed that you spotted it.”
“I didn’t,” says Adamant, much to Yoshimo’s surprise. “I made an educated guess.”
Yoshimo is stunned, both by the depth of Adamant’s cunning and by the fact that he has been tricked into confirming a suspicion, a mistake he knows better than to make. He shakes his head and laughs wryly.
“I have underestimated you, Adamant of the Sword Coast,” he says with respect in his voice.
“You’re not the first,” responds Adamant. “Speaking of sharp eyes and swift hands, what do you think is going on back there?”
Adamant nods in the direction of a barred door in the back wall of the tavern. In front of it stands a burly set man in a coat of chain, hefting a serious looking, iron-headed mace.
“The bouncer only lets people in if he gets the nod from that man behind the bar, next to the inn keeper,” Adamant explains. “From what I can tell he’s got the total say over who goes back there and the only ones who have been given permission that I can see have full purses and furtive, excited looks on their faces – men, with the look of illicit pleasure.”
Yoshimo ponders Adamant’s question.
“It can’t be gambling,” he muses, contemplating the situation. “There’s plenty of gold flowing out here. Whores, perhaps?”
“I don’t think so,” says Adamant, shaking his head thoughtfully. “Whoring is not unlawful here in Athkatla, so why hide it. More money to be had by advertising.”
Yoshimo nods in agreement. After a moment’s more thought he stands up and hefts his full purse of gold in one hand.
“Well,” he says. “I’m a man with a full purse and doubtless I can look furtive enough. Shall we see if I cannot get us in to see what illicit pleasures are behind that door?”
“Alright,” agrees Adamant, smiling. “Let us see what’s to be seen.”
Yoshimo makes his way over to the bar and happily addresses the surly looking man sitting in the corner. “Hola, friend,” calls out happily. “Can we talk a moment?”
“I’m no friend of yours,” retorts the man, his eyes hidden in dark shadows.
“Well, I am Yoshimo, of Kara Tur! If you tell me your name then we’ll be well on the way to being bosom chums!” Yoshimo fairly beams at him, a smile on his face so broad it makes him seem a little simple in the mind.
“My name’s Lehtinan,” the man offers acidly. “Now what do you want, Yoshimo of Kara Tur? I’m a busy man.”
Yoshimo affects surprise at this remark and casts his eyes about at the now virtually empty taproom. There is no one near the two of them at all. He shrugs and continues his ruse.
“You may have noticed, I’ve had an exceedingly lucky night,” he explains, holding up the jingling pouch full of gold. “Now I find I’m all awake and excited and I was wondering if you might know of somewhere my friend and I could find some entertainment.”
“Why would I know something like that?”
“Well I just noticed that you seemed on good terms with that fellow over there.” Yoshimo indicates the bouncer at the barred door. “He seems to have a lot of guests going in there. I thought there might be a party or something.”
Lehtinan leans forward slightly, his eyes contracted to slits. He stares hard at Yoshimo for a moment, as if trying to look right into him. Cool and innocent, Yoshimo returns the stare with a look of hopeful optimism, giving a very convincing impression of a fool and his money.
“Alright,” Lehtinan says finally and he nods to the bouncer across the room. The bouncer receives the nod and nods in return. Yoshimo smiles even wider and heads to the mysterious door, diverting to collect Adamant on the way.
“We’re in,” he says quietly, making sure to keep his smile fixed for the bouncer. The burly guard pulls back the bar and opens the door for the two of them. Beyond is a dimly lit corridor leading further away behind the inn. The two adventurers step through the door and the bouncer bolts it behind them.
Unwilling to Acquiesce – Part 12
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, Mar 06 2003 08:03 AM
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#2
Guest_Hunter_*
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Posted 06 March 2003 - 08:13 AM
There is one final explosion of noise and in the aftermath the game breaks up; mugs are drained and coins are swept from the table into pouches. The players shake hands and make promises to play again, then they leave the inn, telling each other drunken tales of well played hands and fickle twists of fate. Last of all is Yoshimo, happily taking pats upon the back and waving goodbye to firm friends he’d only met for the first time a few hours previously. It takes him many moments to count all his winnings and put them away safely. Rising from the table, he notices Adamant in his chair and makes his way over.
he's a gambling man.
“Seems you remembered how well enough. Good thing no one figured out about your left bracer.”
Yoshimo casts a sidelong glance at Adamant. “You noticed that, did you?” he says. “You have very sharp eyes.”
CHEATER! but i somehow knew he would do that.
“Well,” he says. “I’m a man with a full purse and doubtless I can look furtive enough. Shall we see if I cannot get us in to see what illicit pleasures are behind that door?”
shouldn't be a problem.
Yoshimo makes his way over to the bar and happily addresses the surly looking man sitting in the corner. “Hola, friend,” calls out happily. “Can we talk a moment?”
“I’m no friend of yours,” retorts the man, his eyes hidden in dark shadows.
i don't think that he has any friends.
Good story
Hunter
#3
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Posted 06 March 2003 - 08:38 AM
There is one final explosion of noise and in the aftermath the game breaks up; mugs are drained and coins are swept from the table into pouches. The players shake hands and make promises to play again, then they leave the inn, telling each other drunken tales of well played hands and fickle twists of fate. Last of all is Yoshimo, happily taking pats upon the back and waving goodbye to firm friends he’d only met for the first time a few hours previously. It takes him many moments to count all his winnings and put them away safely. Rising from the table, he notices Adamant in his chair and makes his way over.
he's a gambling man.
Oh yes.
“Seems you remembered how well enough. Good thing no one figured out about your left bracer.”
Yoshimo casts a sidelong glance at Adamant. “You noticed that, did you?” he says. “You have very sharp eyes.”
CHEATER! but i somehow knew he would do that.
Of course - luck is for people who don't have a better plan.
“Well,” he says. “I’m a man with a full purse and doubtless I can look furtive enough. Shall we see if I cannot get us in to see what illicit pleasures are behind that door?”
shouldn't be a problem.
I don't know, with Anomen in the party, the proprietor might think that they're too uptight.
Yoshimo makes his way over to the bar and happily addresses the surly looking man sitting in the corner. “Hola, friend,” calls out happily. “Can we talk a moment?”
“I’m no friend of yours,” retorts the man, his eyes hidden in dark shadows.
i don't think that he has any friends.
You may be right!
Good story
Hunter
Thanks
#4
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Posted 06 March 2003 - 08:52 AM
As he leaves he hears Jaheira muttering in her sleep and a feeling of deep sympathy washes through him momentarily. He wonders how long it will be before she can begin to heal, if ever. In the many months he has known her, on the trail and at periods of rest, he has never known her to sleep without Khalid by her side. This night is doubtless a very difficult one.
Aww... she's hurting badly
There is one final explosion of noise and in the aftermath the game breaks up; mugs are drained and coins are swept from the table into pouches. The players shake hands and make promises to play again, then they leave the inn, telling each other drunken tales of well played hands and fickle twists of fate. Last of all is Yoshimo, happily taking pats upon the back and waving goodbye to firm friends he’d only met for the first time a few hours previously. It takes him many moments to count all his winnings and put them away safely. Rising from the table, he notices Adamant in his chair and makes his way over.
Usually such games tend to end with a fight, with the losers accusing the winner in cheating. Yoshimo's charm probably worked there as well...
“Seems you remembered how well enough. Good thing no one figured out about your left bracer.”
Hahahaha
Yoshimo casts a sidelong glance at Adamant. “You noticed that, did you?” he says. “You have very sharp eyes.”
I suspect that Yoshimo will feel very uneasy alongside Adamant. With his talent of spotting the tiniest details, he probably would be able to notice Yoshi's secret.
Yoshimo is stunned, both by the depth of Adamant’s cunning and by the fact that he has been tricked into confirming a suspicion, a mistake he knows better than to make. He shakes his head and laughs wryly.
“I have underestimated you, Adamant of the Sword Coast,” he says with respect in his voice.
Yes, and you may pay for it dearly, if not careful.
“I’m no friend of yours,” retorts the man, his eyes hidden in dark shadows.
Lehtinan is amongst my top 3 of the most despicable NPC's in the game, the other two being Ployer and Isea...
“We’re in,” he says quietly, making sure to keep his smile fixed for the bouncer. The burly guard pulls back the bar and opens the door for the two of them. Beyond is a dimly lit corridor leading further away behind the inn. The two adventurers step through the door and the bouncer bolts it behind them.
Nice. Very nice. Time to terminate some filthy slavers, methinks
#5
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Posted 06 March 2003 - 09:00 AM
As he leaves he hears Jaheira muttering in her sleep and a feeling of deep sympathy washes through him momentarily. He wonders how long it will be before she can begin to heal, if ever. In the many months he has known her, on the trail and at periods of rest, he has never known her to sleep without Khalid by her side. This night is doubtless a very difficult one.
Aww... she's hurting badly
For a while yet, I think. The loss of a spouse is no small thing.
There is one final explosion of noise and in the aftermath the game breaks up; mugs are drained and coins are swept from the table into pouches. The players shake hands and make promises to play again, then they leave the inn, telling each other drunken tales of well played hands and fickle twists of fate. Last of all is Yoshimo, happily taking pats upon the back and waving goodbye to firm friends he’d only met for the first time a few hours previously. It takes him many moments to count all his winnings and put them away safely. Rising from the table, he notices Adamant in his chair and makes his way over.
Usually such games tend to end with a fight, with the losers accusing the winner in cheating. Yoshimo's charm probably worked there as well...
The most important part of cheating - the hardest part - is making sure that everyone else is a happy loser.
Yoshimo casts a sidelong glance at Adamant. “You noticed that, did you?” he says. “You have very sharp eyes.”
I suspect that Yoshimo will feel very uneasy alongside Adamant. With his talent of spotting the tiniest details, he probably would be able to notice Yoshi's secret.
Maybe...maybe! We'll have to see. Sometimes, when you think you've got someone figured out, that's when they surprise you the most. Adamant's a bhaalspawn, but that doesn't make him infallible.
“I’m no friend of yours,” retorts the man, his eyes hidden in dark shadows.
Lehtinan is amongst my top 3 of the most despicable NPC's in the game, the other two being Ployer and Isea...
He's a genuine sleazebag alright.
“We’re in,” he says quietly, making sure to keep his smile fixed for the bouncer. The burly guard pulls back the bar and opens the door for the two of them. Beyond is a dimly lit corridor leading further away behind the inn. The two adventurers step through the door and the bouncer bolts it behind them.
Nice. Very nice. Time to terminate some filthy slavers, methinks
You know it!
#6
Guest_Lord E_*
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Posted 06 March 2003 - 03:50 PM
“Ah, the tiles were sweet tonight,” says Yoshimo, taking a seat next to Adamant.
Of course they were
“The bouncer only lets people in if he gets the nod from that man behind the bar, next to the inn keeper,” Adamant explains. “From what I can tell he’s got the total say over who goes back there and the only ones who have been given permission that I can see have full purses and furtive, excited looks on their faces – men, with the look of illicit pleasure.”
He's a regular Sherlock Holmes! You do a fine job with the 'detective paladin' idea. And so far he doesn't seem like a smug religious fanatic (which is something the kit description along with its name easily brings in mind).
“I don’t think so,” says Adamant, shaking his head thoughtfully. “Whoring is not unlawful here in Athkatla, so why hide it. More money to be had by advertising.”
Do you have a special reason to say 'unlawful' instead of 'illegal'?
“Well, I am Yoshimo, of Kara Tur! If you tell me your name then we’ll be well on the way to being bosom chums!” Yoshimo fairly beams at him, a smile on his face so broad it makes him seem a little simple in the mind.
Would he say Kara-Tur as it is a whole continent, instead of his homeland?
“We’re in,” he says quietly, making sure to keep his smile fixed for the bouncer. The burly guard pulls back the bar and opens the door for the two of them. Beyond is a dimly lit corridor leading further away behind the inn. The two adventurers step through the door and the bouncer bolts it behind them.
Ahh, now they no doubt will kick those cruel bastards' ass! I don't approve of cruelty even when the target is allegedly very evil, but can't deny that I get a certain pleasure out of it.
#7
Laufey
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Posted 06 March 2003 - 03:53 PM
Adamant awakens in the middle of the night, the sleepy breathing of his companions clearly audible in the darkness of their room. No fire has been set, because of the warm season and the presence of so many bodies. Although he has been in bed but a few hours, Adamant is fully rested. He can go many days without sleep if necessary and has never needed more than three to four hours ever. It is, he is sure, a feature of his damnable heritage; another persistent reminder that he is not like others. After quietly doing his morning devotions he sneaks from the room so as not to disturb his companions.
Lucky him...I can make do with a few hours sleep a night, but after a few days I need to catch up.
“The North Wind and Winter Sun. Neither is the highest piece in the game but each is just enough to swing a hand, if necessary,” he explains. “I’m impressed that you spotted it.”
“I didn’t,” says Adamant, much to Yoshimo’s surprise. “I made an educated guess.”
Clever!
“It can’t be gambling,” he muses, contemplating the situation. “There’s plenty of gold flowing out here. Whores, perhaps?”
“I don’t think so,” says Adamant, shaking his head thoughtfully. “Whoring is not unlawful here in Athkatla, so why hide it. More money to be had by advertising.”
Good point.
“We’re in,” he says quietly, making sure to keep his smile fixed for the bouncer. The burly guard pulls back the bar and opens the door for the two of them. Beyond is a dimly lit corridor leading further away behind the inn. The two adventurers step through the door and the bouncer bolts it behind them.
Oh dear...just the two of them? That could get interesting...
Rogues do it from behind.
#9
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Posted 07 March 2003 - 02:54 AM
“Ah, the tiles were sweet tonight,” says Yoshimo, taking a seat next to Adamant.
Of course they were
Yes, I have a vision of Yoshimo supporting himself through gambling, when the bounty contracts are sparse.
“The bouncer only lets people in if he gets the nod from that man behind the bar, next to the inn keeper,” Adamant explains. “From what I can tell he’s got the total say over who goes back there and the only ones who have been given permission that I can see have full purses and furtive, excited looks on their faces – men, with the look of illicit pleasure.”
He's a regular Sherlock Holmes! You do a fine job with the 'detective paladin' idea. And so far he doesn't seem like a smug religious fanatic (which is something the kit description along with its name easily brings in mind).
Yes, when the kit said that inquisitors specialise in fighting evil magic, which is often a secretive pursuit, I figured them a bit more like detectives than just "knights in over-polished armour". His purpose is to hunt out genuine evil and protect the innocent, not just slay things.
“I don’t think so,” says Adamant, shaking his head thoughtfully. “Whoring is not unlawful here in Athkatla, so why hide it. More money to be had by advertising.”
Do you have a special reason to say 'unlawful' instead of 'illegal'?
I thought it sounded more atmospheric.
“Well, I am Yoshimo, of Kara Tur! If you tell me your name then we’ll be well on the way to being bosom chums!” Yoshimo fairly beams at him, a smile on his face so broad it makes him seem a little simple in the mind.
Would he say Kara-Tur as it is a whole continent, instead of his homeland?
Good point - he may be saying it to hide his specific origin, or just because he doesn't expect Lehtinan to recognise the specific name of his homeland - like saying you're from "the Indies" in the eighteenth century when in fact you specifically came from Jamaica or Cuba.
“We’re in,” he says quietly, making sure to keep his smile fixed for the bouncer. The burly guard pulls back the bar and opens the door for the two of them. Beyond is a dimly lit corridor leading further away behind the inn. The two adventurers step through the door and the bouncer bolts it behind them.
Ahh, now they no doubt will kick those cruel bastards' ass! I don't approve of cruelty even when the target is allegedly very evil, but can't deny that I get a certain pleasure out of it.
While I can guarantee action, I'm pretty sure that Adamant won't be cruel about it.
Thanks for commenting.
#10
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Posted 07 March 2003 - 02:59 AM
Adamant awakens in the middle of the night, the sleepy breathing of his companions clearly audible in the darkness of their room. No fire has been set, because of the warm season and the presence of so many bodies. Although he has been in bed but a few hours, Adamant is fully rested. He can go many days without sleep if necessary and has never needed more than three to four hours ever. It is, he is sure, a feature of his damnable heritage; another persistent reminder that he is not like others. After quietly doing his morning devotions he sneaks from the room so as not to disturb his companions.
Lucky him...I can make do with a few hours sleep a night, but after a few days I need to catch up.
My son is now fourteen months and I realised the other day that I haven't had a full night's sleep in close to two years (my wife's pregnancy was a bit difficult). I figure, sometime in the next couple of years I'm absolutely going to have to catch up - my wife too.
“The North Wind and Winter Sun. Neither is the highest piece in the game but each is just enough to swing a hand, if necessary,” he explains. “I’m impressed that you spotted it.”
“I didn’t,” says Adamant, much to Yoshimo’s surprise. “I made an educated guess.”
Clever!
That's Adamant, the thinking man's paladin.
“We’re in,” he says quietly, making sure to keep his smile fixed for the bouncer. The burly guard pulls back the bar and opens the door for the two of them. Beyond is a dimly lit corridor leading further away behind the inn. The two adventurers step through the door and the bouncer bolts it behind them.
Oh dear...just the two of them? That could get interesting...
I suspect they may have to go back for reinforcements at some point.
Thanks for writing.
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