llf@houxz.UUCP (L.FENG) (03/16/84)
Subject: Destination Tark Cindel [Issue 4] Intro: The party had just returned to Blund after a few routine dungeon raids, during one of which they met the dungeon foreman, Toyota (alias Mr.T). As any adventurer knows, the first place to go upon returning to Blund from the harrowing activities in a dungeon, is Good Time Charlie's; this party followed the standard and went directly in for a few "beers". Charlie was there (as expected), but it was a different "Charlie" than they had come to know. Instead of the normal quietly aloof bartender, this Charlie was actually socializing with one of his patrons. In fact, Charlie was acting downright "chummy" with a youngish-looking bald man who had a small grey cat perched on his shoulder. It was this cat, more than the stranger, which caught Alexis' eye. As Charlie moved off to serve other customers, Alexis approached the newcomer. "Good Evening, my name is Alexis. I couldn't help admiring your companion. May I buy you another drink?" The stranger grinned. "Greetings! I am Heration, Guardian of Felines, Slayer of The Ten, One of the Seven, Devils Bane, Demon Bane, Savior of Zef and Lanissa, Ozymandeus Bane, Pern Friend, and Real Cool Guy. Sure, you're welcome to buy me some wine!" Whereupon Heration ordered the most expensive vintage in the house -- Blund '77. --Blund 77!-- Alexis swallowed hard as she paid for the wine. "...and this is Courageous." Heration said, as he gave the cat some of the wine. This average looking young man with a shaved head, a long sword at his side, and a fair amount of jewelry scattered about his person, was none other than the benefactor of Blund's Cat Sanctuary -- Alexis' favorite place in town. Somehow that made her empty pocket easier to stomach. A short conversation revealed that he was "just passing through". Alexis politely declined when he offered to buy another round, before Heration sauntered off into the night. When Alexis returned to the party's table, Odyssa recalled the rumors about Heration. "No one seems to know exactly what he is. He's allegedly a good swordsman, and able to cast a spell or two. It's said that if you harm a cat, Heration will come and beat the cr_p out of you! His cat is reputed to turn into a dragon when annoyed." Everyone agreed that for such an average looking individual, this Heration had a substantial reputation and high status in the kingdom. Alexis and Odyssa, having refreshed themselves after their travels, proceeded to their temple to worship and check in with the order. Minerva, head cleric of the Athenian temple in Blund, called them into her office. She had an assignment for them, an errand to run for the temple. They were to pick up some patterns for alter robes from the main temple in the capital, Tark Cindel, and have them back in Blund within three weeks. Dutiful servants of Athena that they were, Alexis & Odyssa accepted the assignment without question and immediately began working out plans for accomplishing the task. They had very little time to spare since a trip to Tark Cindel takes 10 days even in good weather and on horseback. Odyssa suggested they contact her friend, Alyosha, the head clerk for J.C.Penee (the richest merchant in town). She'd known Alyosha for several years, even before she had joined the order, and figured he might have some good ideas on how they could get to Tark Cindel as quickly as possible. As it turned out, Alyosha needed a few more guards and a cook, to accompany the caravan leaving for T.C. the next day. Arrangements were made, the other party members contacted, and all four were hired, Brunhilde and the clerics as guards, and Gary as the cook. On a last minute whim, Odyssa decided to visit Madame Zola to have her fortune told. Zola was an old lady who lived in the poorest section of town. Her habits of cackling, drooling, and cooking up all manner of nasty smelling concoctions in her pot, combined with her unsurpassed uglyness and fortune-telling trade to earn her the classification of Witch, by popular consensus. While she's never been seen casting any spells, she is known to own a black cat and people claim to have seen a variety of other animals around her place - including a bear! After haggling briefly with Odyssa over the price, Zola set to work, staring into a crystal ball, mumbling arcane phrases and putting on a fine fortune-telling act. In all, Zola made three "predictions" regarding Odyssa's future: Odyssa would soon be going on a trip that would end successfully; she would meet someone who she would meet again; and she would encounter a tall, dark, handsome stranger. Odyssa thanked Zola and left, with the distinct sensation that she had just been artfully taken. As party collected for their departure with the caravan, emotions were high. For all but Alexis, this would be their first visit to the capital, and their was a mixture of fear and anticipation as they set of on their dual mission. [Next Issue: Tark Cindel, Road Robbers and Intrigue] Edited by: Chris Sotinsky [houxe!chris] and Lynda Feng [houxz!llf]