Jaz
Plebian
Posts: 28 
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Post by Jaz on Jan 27, 2016 21:02:14 GMT -5
A a raggedy street urchin pesters Olek incessantly, "That man back there said you are the one called Olek." He's not more than seven or eight thin as a rail, and very insistent--no choice but to let him tug you along. His excited jabbering is hard to follow, but it involves something about a talking box down at the docks that gave him a copper and promised him another if he found you and brought you there. He shows you the copper to prove it.
As you near the harbor, the urchins dashes ahead to the end of the pier to where there's a lone wooden crate. The kid is coming unglued by the time you arrive, pounding on the crate and yelling, "You promise. Box lie!" The crate is just over three feet long, two feet high and just as wide, and it has a number holes drilled in it just small enough so this angry kid can't manage to squeeze his grubby hands through. "Live animals--Do NOT open in the open" is painted across the top, and sure enough, your name is there as well as the intended recipient. The urchin turns to you tearful and pleads, "Please sir, tell the box you are the one called Olek. Pleeeease."
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Post by lloyd on Jan 28, 2016 14:00:14 GMT -5
Olek looks at the box first, and then at the urchin, eyebrows raised, and back at the box. "I am Olek, box-creature. What do you need?"
He was already pulling a crowbar from his pack to crack the box open-- and maybe a skull, if need be.
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Jaz
Plebian
Posts: 28
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Post by Jaz on Jan 28, 2016 17:13:07 GMT -5
"Thank Wollom I found you Master Olek!" says the box creature, "Please sir, I need you to take me home, for I am yours, but first... Pssst. Hey kid, this is for you with my sincerest gratitude," and a gold coin spills out of one of the crate's holes. The urchin snatches it up quick as a viper and dances with glee, "I'm rich! I'm rich!" His antics are noticed by a couple of sailors leaning on the gunwale of their nearby ship.
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Post by lloyd on Jan 29, 2016 13:39:19 GMT -5
Olek, seeing a gold coin produced by the box, immediately jams the crowbar into the lid, and with an experienced hand, pops the lid off, hoping to see more riches.
Upon seeing the gnome, the hopeful greed in his eyes turns into mild disappointment, followed by curiosity.
He takes the gnome by the armpits and lifts him out of the crate and pats the sawdust off of him.
"Master..? I am no Master. I am just Olek. I have place for you to stay, gold-giver, maybe Sir Weston will take you in. What are you good at? Does that big nose sniff out gold?"
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Jaz
Plebian
Posts: 28
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Post by Jaz on Jan 29, 2016 17:44:53 GMT -5
Jaz goes rigid with fear, eyes wide, "P-P-P_Please Sir Just Olek, d-d-d-do not hurt this gnome. There appears to have been a grave error, for this gnome is meant for another, Sir Olek of the Radiant. No need to kill this gnome." Jaz knows he's finished. This human is obviously bad news--skull symbol on the chest of his leathers, skull pommel. Jaz whispers a soft prayer, "Wollom, I beseech thee, please let this human not want a gnome skull."
He's a puny thing at just over 3' tall and not quite 40 pounds. but there's nothing puny about his nose. It's a monumental piece of work, and his straw-like hair appears to have a mind of it's own, striking out in all directions, yet his mustache and small patch of chin hair are neatly trimmed. All this contrasts with his tanned skin, as do his aquamarine eyes that gleam brightly with excited fear. He's dressed fancy. His form-fitting leathers have a sense of style, and the intricately tooled designs bordering the seams evidence fine craftsmanship. Atop his armor he sports a fine surcoat of hunter green velvet with shiny brass buttons accented with embroidery the color of goldenrod; his loose fitting trousers are silk in the same goldenrod hue with sky blue stripes, and his soft leather boots lace up below the knee
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Post by lloyd on Feb 1, 2016 2:09:39 GMT -5
Olek looks at the gnome quizzically, eyebrows raised. "I am Olek. Not Sir Olek. I do not plan on hurting you unless you plan on hurting me. You see? It is simple." Pausing for a bit to look at the timid creature, he sighs. "I am with the Radiant. So I am Olek of the Radiant. Here for gold and glory. Are you praying? A cleric perhaps? Strange god it is that puts his servants in boxes. Come, you're attracting eyes." He motioned for the gnome to follow, looking around cautiously at the now very interested sailors. Olek knew these kinds of men-- hard working, rough, and not above bullying coins out of people if they suspected the gain outweighed the repercussions.
Gnomes handing gold to children were certainly enticing targets, Olek knew-- he would've marked him on the spot back in the day.
"It all depends on your talents. What are your talents, gnome? The Radiant are a varied group, even just your size would be useful for some of the expeditions-- small spaces and what have you."
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Jaz
Plebian
Posts: 28
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Post by Jaz on Feb 1, 2016 6:40:33 GMT -5
Upon being released, relieved, Jaz hits the deck, nose and palms to the planks of the dock, "Yes, m'lord. Jaz is a good gno..." His patron is walking away! Jaz snatches his gear from the crate, and dashes after him. "M'lord! m'lord! I am to give you this." Jaz hands him a roll of parchment, he almost has to jog to keep up with Olek's long stride, "This gnome can be quiet as a mouse m'lord, and can handle a hand cross-bow. You will like to have me around. I can play you a tune, sing you a ballad, even write a ballad of your noble deeds. I can do a tap-dancing goblin that m'lord would find amusing. Does m'lord like blonde drow jokes?"
Without missing a beat, he chatters on, "Two blonde drows are standing on opposite sides of a river. One yells to the other, she says, "How do you get to the other side of the river?" The other responds, 'You're on the other side of the river." Is Sir Weston hosting a masquerade m'lord? If this gnome may be so bold m'lord, that is a fantabulous costume. At first Jaz thought he had just sailed around and landed back in the west, snatched up by one of Barrack's psyco-killer marauders. This gnome knows disguises *touching his distinguished nose* and m'lord's is superb, m'lord looks positively scummy and contemptible." Jaz settles into a skipping gait, content, thinking things are turning out splendidly.
((Should Olek break the wax seal, he'll find a letter. If he can read *rolls eyes*, this it what it says:))
Dear Olek,
If you are reading this, I have gone to that final battlefield in the heavens. You are my only living relative and heir. It is unlikely you have heard of me, for I am a distant great uncle, thrice removed, on your father's side. I headed west in my youth looking for adventure. I found that and more, but as I enter the twilight of my years, I must get my affairs in order. I hereby bequeath to you my most valuable possession, Phliperrino Jazzowillowitz, but he will respond to "Jaz."
He is a good gnome, housebroken, comes when you call, and has served me faithfully for years. He pretty much takes care of himself, just try to keep anyone from killing him. He can entertain you for years to come, along with your children, your children's children, and more. He has saved my life on more than one occasion, by watching my back so to speak. I must admit, I have become rather fond of him over the years, and I do worry for his welfare, if left to fend for himself here in the west. Please accept this gnome as my heartfelt bequest.
With Fond Regard,
Your Uncle Rolouf, the Western Wanderer
PS He can also heel should Mynos have a leash law.
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Post by lloyd on Feb 3, 2016 18:23:17 GMT -5
Olek takes the roll of parchment, looks at it without unrolling it, and puts it in a small scroll case on his belt, "I will read later. There is no masquerade-- hand crossbow is good to be good with. This is not costume, this is my normal clothes and armor. I am relatively new to the Radiant myself, have not been provided any additional equipment. You see, gnome, Sir Weston is a collector of things, of different kinds. Right now he is collecting talents of different kinds. Soon he will send us to collect valuable things of different kinds. He will be happy I bring back capable addition at no cost."
As they walk through town, Olek explains, in his peculiar accent, how he is indebted to Weston, and it soon becomes quite clear that he is not "masquerading" as anything-- this is just the way he is. Something about the way he moves through the streets keeps thieves at bay and fast-talkers away, and at a stopping point, it's made perfectly clear why; he's one of their kind, revealed by his casual lean against a building, his pulling out of a coin, and carefully shaving its edges into a separate pouch as he waits for Jaz to take a breather from the rigorous walk.
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Jaz
Plebian
Posts: 28
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Post by Jaz on Feb 4, 2016 6:13:49 GMT -5
Jaz stops in his tracks as the hoodlum's words sink in--he's the real deal, He doesn't stop for long though, as there is one particularly nasty looking fellow picking at his fingernails with a stilletto giving Jaz a hard look. The gnome dashes to catch up with Olek, half listening to his ramblings as a thousand thoughts flash through his mind--this is a strange and troublesome turn of events...although this Olek looks deadly dangerous, he hasn't hurt me...he didn't read my letter...wonder if he can even read...I should run...nobody on the streets looks safe or trustworthy...where would I go?...the soothsayer did say Mynos and Olek, even Radiant...wonder who this Sir Weston is... Jaz resigns himself to trust in fate foretold.
The streets of Mynos near the harbor are frequented by all kinds of miscreants, but as that's all Jax has seen of this land, he wonders about the strange culture here in the east. While Olek whittles a coin, Jaz inquires, "M'lord?" nodding at the morbid motif on the chest of Olek's leathers, "Is that the sigil of Sir Weston's house m'lord?"
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Post by lloyd on Feb 5, 2016 16:09:18 GMT -5
Olek parses the words for a moment, and bursts out into uproarious laughter. "No," Olek almost gasps out between laughs. "This? This is my old symbol. The Drinking Dead. You see, Jaz, In my culture, we accept death as an inevitability, so we celebrate as much as we can before it comes for us." He pauses, looks over the coin to make sure he didn't shave off too much, and puts it back in the coin bag with the rest. "My friends and I were the Drinking Dead-- very successful! We laughed in the face of the law by going out to Blackdawn City to drink and revel after good days, right under their noses. We had a strict policy; never hurt anyone that doesn't want to hurt you. We shared the wealth-- bought rounds for everyone--" Seeing the gnome's expression get more and more distraught, he stopped.
He sheathed the dirk back in his boot, and waved the gnome over, kneeling to eye level. "In this world, little man, few can be as good a friend or as terrifying an enemy as criminal. You are friend right now. I am friend right now. Together we work for Sir Weston, and nobody touch us." With a grin, he stood up. "Do not worry, I am sure there are more reputable people in the Radiant, thought I think since I bring you in, you will be with me for a while-- call it a probationary responsibility."
Olek liked the gnome. People often underestimated the small of stature, and that was an advantage. Whistling an old drinking tune, he proceeded down the streets with Jaz at his side towards the Radiant Few's headquarters. "Oh, and do not call me a lord, gnome. It is unsettling, just call me Olek."
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Jaz
Plebian
Posts: 28
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Post by Jaz on Feb 7, 2016 6:27:30 GMT -5
"Thank you m'lord," and Jaz trots after Olek, considering his words--his villainous associations...his values, twisted as they may be...thought he was going to clout me in the ear for a second there...then says he's a friend...never got to know big person, much less befriend one...a fearsome fellow for sure, formidable, yet friendly. Jaz is startled back from his thoughts, and now he wants to be on a first name basis!
"But Master Olek," he stops tugging on the hem of Olek's leathers, catching him grimace at that title as well. "Sorry Your Grace," Jaz sees him actually flinch at that form of address, but prattles on, "Would it not appear impertinent for a mere gnome such as myself to address one of your stature with such familiarity, as one might a mere pot-boy? Oh most Radiant One?" Olek shakes his head at that one, and Jaz pinches his prodigious nose, trying to come up with something. He taps the side of that stupendous snout as he comes to a solution to this dilemma, "How about "Boss?" Jaz grins from ear to ear, and does his best imitation of a street-thug, "Whatcha think there boss?"
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Post by lloyd on Feb 7, 2016 15:40:53 GMT -5
"Boss", Olek says the word, pondering. "Bosssssss. Hmmm. Maybe, if you cannot bring yourself to just call me Olek. Informal enough, and a friend used to call me that." He looked at the gnome with a wry smile, and slapped the small creature on the back with a force meant for a grown Man, "Boss it is, gnome Jaz. But then, I get to call you Smalls."
With nary a skipped beat he whirled and delivered a knee into the ribcage of someone behind him.
A coin purse whirled through the air, and Olek's hand snatched it. He spit on the thief and muttered something obscene.
He turned to Jaz, smiling. "Come on, Smalls, the dogs are getting nippy," he directed a look at the groaning figure on the ground. "We should go before they start biting."
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Jaz
Plebian
Posts: 28
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Post by Jaz on Feb 8, 2016 6:43:24 GMT -5
*cough, cough* It takes Jaz two steps to regain his balance. "Right with ya boss," and he skirts around the groaning thief out of arm's reach to catch up with Olek. A few paces away, Jaz reaches in the open flap of his fancy surcoat and stealthily slips out his shekere. He half turns and covertly gives the shekere a clockwise twist towards the would be cutpurse wiping spittle from his eye. Out of literally nowhere, there's a sudden "Grrr, BARK, BARK, BARK," as if there were a big angry dog behind the thief. The barking stops as suddenly as it started, as Jaz gives his shekere a twist in the opposite direction and slips it back in his surcoat.
Olek turns to see his clumsy cutpurse crawling frantically across the road to get away from...nothing. The gnome is running to catch up to his side, and already prattling on, "A cur for a cur." He grins, "Do you think there will be gems? Have you pulled jobs for Sir Weston before boss?". Jaz rattles when he runs.
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Post by lloyd on Feb 8, 2016 17:01:24 GMT -5
"Gems? I do not know. This will be my first job with Sir Weston. Though, since we are going hunting for antiques and artifacts, I wager we will stumble across a gem or two-- compensation for our troubles," he says with a wink. "I have not personally met the other members of our crew yet, but I believe," and he leans down to whisper, "there will be a Drow among us." He returns to normal height, and lets the words sink in. "Neat, eh? I've never seen one until a few days ago. Beautiful, actually, but in a frightening way, like a sea storm; you don't know what to expect, but you can admire it from distance." He walks in silence for a bit, listening to Jaz's rattling. "I think there is a religious man coming with us as well-- saw his letter of recommendation on Sir Weston's desk while I was, erm, 'getting a feel for the place' as these Southerners say, yes. Good, in case of those demons or ghosts the older members talked about."
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Jaz
Plebian
Posts: 28
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Post by Jaz on Feb 10, 2016 5:14:35 GMT -5
"A drow? That does sound dangerous. This gnome has never seen a drow." About every fifth pace, Jaz has to take a couple of quick steps to keep up with Olek. "Hey boss, did you hear the one about the blonde drow, the brunette and redhead lost in the desert? They’d just about given up hope of making it out alive when they found an old oil lamp and rubbed it. Surprise, a genie popped out and said they could each have one wish which would come true. The redhead wished to be back home and poof! She was back home. The brunette wished to be at home with her family. Poof! She was back home with her family. Then you know what the blonde drow says?" he pauses for effect, "Awwww, I wish my friends were here."
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