The World of Layonara

Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: cbnicholson on November 06, 2006, 08:05:30 AM

Title: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on November 06, 2006, 08:05:30 AM

//pasting from submission

“Gods curse you , Benjamin, get out!” my brothers drunken tirade is almost a full fledged shout, “You have brought shame on me and the Poetr name for the last time, you.. you.. thief!” His anger obviously rising, Stephen, my eldest brother by almost a decade, stands from behind the old mahogany desk and jabs a finger in my direction. “You hear me, GET OUT and don't come back! Or by the Provider, I'll call for the watch and have them arrest you! You have taken from me for the last time.” I smirk at him and attempt to look at him closely in the only light of a dim homemade candle in the shabby study. His nose is largish and red and his eyes reveal his weakness for his favorite drink, Hammer Bock. From the reek of his breath, my 'dear' brother, Stephen must have polished off a bottle before my arrival some half and hour ago. The vapors of it make even me, a veteran of more than few taverns, feel queasy. I regard him cooly, waiting for his spirit induced rant to play itself out. His great bulk is all fat, and I know I can take him if he tries anything ..funny.

The object of questionable ownership being a simple golden statuette of a dragon that our father had hidden in a bookshelf. This 'precious' momento found by me some days ago fetched a paltry 40 trues from the creepy man who gave no name, but expressed an interest in it when I showed to him. In the bartering that followed his interest, the man showed me the order of the Knights of Wyrm official embossed seal on the bottom, but informed me that despite its gold appearance, the statuette was merely brass. Times being what they were and Stephan's drinking habit having depleted the Poetr family fortune, I sold that statue for the 40 trues willingly and returned home to face my brother's wrath. A low chuckle unwittingly escapes my throat as Stephan begins to choke and sputter in his fury. His entire face has began to turn a queer purplish color and I step back fearing the fat lout will fall on me in his distress. I note with a little interest that this time instead of calming himself with another drink, my brother has brought his hands to his throat and is no longer making the required raspings of respiration. “Oh ...!” I mutter as as I step behind him and place a solid whack to the middle of back. My quick intervention has the desired effect and Stephan's ragged inhalation confirms the windbag isn't empty just yet. He collapses into the tattered remains of a once fine oaken chair and glances back at me with a look of pure.. hatred. “Get out.” he gasps one more time reaching for one of the ever present bottle of bock. My anger starts to rise at this unfair treatment and I eye the soft tender spot on the back of his head – the perfect target for a knock out blow from my sap, tucked into my tunic. Before the thought finishes itself, I've acted on that impulse and my dear brothers breathing settles into a easy rhythm for the first time that evening. I check the life's pulse in his neck and a thready thump thump is felt in my fingers.

Quickly, I search his clothes and strike it lucky. Inside his tunic are some three dozen trues and key. Seizing both trues and key, I make my way to the back room of the study where the family safe is kept, some deft movements of the key in the lock and the safe swings open. I let out a harsh laugh as I see what treasures my brother has kept- some half dozen bottles of hammer bock ale. That figures. Sweeping them into my pack, I'm surprised to discover a lone letter parchment behind them. Returning to the dim light of the candle, I see its a letter to mother and father from of all people – Daniel. From its apparent age and the date it arrived some months ago before the sickness took mom and dad from us. Swallowing hard to relieve the lump in my throat, I tuck the letter inside my tunic noting its stamped from Hlint. If Stephan hated anyone more than me, it was Daniel. “The golden fool” he called him. Seems Stephen and Father agreed on one thing at least, Daniel was a fool but had somehow gained the good graces of a guild in Krandor. “hmm” I ponder the possibilities as Stephen naps peacefully next to me. I've worn out my welcome in Luck, best the move on to greener pastures. Patting my 'dear brother' on the back, I remove the last item of any value from his person, his lambswool cloak, one of the last made in our fathers shop, and walk out the door.

Benjamin sits in a cubby behind the forge writing down a few thoughts in a book he lifted from the general store's garbage bin.  Its missing a few pages, but still has enough left to get a good start in.  He has dug a small hole under a rock and lined with a bit of leather and cloth to keep it dry.
 
I suppose I should start a journal, I've spied several other new arrivals here in Hlint writing in such books here and there.  Can't keep it on my person , too much evidence in it already. *scans the first few pages* Yep, enough to get me tried and hung for armed robbery. *chuckles low*  oh well its my neck to gamble with.  Ever since Dad got sick and Stephan blew all the family fortune on booze, I've given up on magic and focused instead on survival skills, of course, I wish life had turned out different, but If my luck holds maybe I can score it big here..somehow.  *uneasily eyes Garent walking his beat and mutters * "swine, yeah keep walking tin can".  Anyway, my first few days were anything but pleasant, folks here just don't trust someone like me.  *smiles slyly* and for good reason.  Guess I blew big time when I accosted that cutie Rofie priestess, Mylindra.  I tried the old Poetr charm, but she wasn't buying it, in fact I think she tattled me out to that fool brother of mine, Daniel, about our exchange. *rubs a bruise on his left cheek as his tongue finds the hole where a tooth used to be*  yeah, he may be an idiot, but he's a strong idiot and he beat me pretty bad for that bit of indiscretion.  So I did what any survivor does  I improvised and changed my tactics.  Yeah, meet the new , better mannered Benjamim *snickers to himself*.  At least that's what they will see, no sense alienating all that help out there.  Speaking of help, I'd love to help that Melanna out of that tight armor.  oops there I go again.  Anyway that fiery redhead can really swing that iron she's packing.  She did this one manuever in the sewers ahat was like ..wow.  Made me forget all about her tight armor let me tell you. *chuckles in admiration*  Well, she helped me so maybe the new me, is a bit better off than the guy who arrived here.  *shrugs* time will tell I guess.  The best part, other than the gorgeous warrioress redhead, was the payoff!  That clerk gave me 200 trues, that more score than I've held -ever.  Can't wait to sleep in a real bed, even if its only for a night.  "Indeed", she sure likes that word.  Guess maybe I'd better see about that room and maybe a bite to eat, I'm famished!

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on November 08, 2006, 07:24:45 AM

I've been giving some thought to full time employment so I'd thought I might take up the job of a tailor.  Turns out the system has a few surprises for us entrepeneurs.  Can't use the tables in the public crafting house unless you have a certificate from Semli, that greedy bugger.  I tried several ties to start sewing and each time, Johan would come up and ask to see my certificate.  I think he's in on that scam too, I wonder what his cut is?  Anyway, Semli wants 850 trues for the certificate - 850!  Damn his eyes, that's more coin then I've ever seen and the bugger's more casual about asking for it then than a tavern wench asking to see the color of your trues before pouring a beer.  So I did what I always do - I reassessed my position and went down to the bank to check it out some more.  I think there might be able to scale the back wall and get roof access.  Never pulled a second story job, but I'm not afraid of heights and I just know that place is loaded, despite what Jser says.  

Oh yeah, met a couple of fellows by the Bank - Jser and Uilliam.  Nice fellows too, just like me. *chuckles to himself*.  Spoke the lingo anyway.  I asked about jobs in the area, Jser told me through the cant that Hlint was a poor town, no good places to try.  I think the bugger holding out on me, don't trust him.  Then again, I wouldn't trust me either so all's good.  Uilliam was decent enough, offered to knock off a few gobbies outside of town, split the spoils.  I followed him out after growing bored with the ramblings of some red bearded dwarf.  That Jser, he's a real sneaky sort, I didn't even see him till he popped up in that cave with the red lights.  Kind of glad he did, because he took an arrow for me right before stabbing one of the gobbie guards right in the throat.  That had to hurt.  The gobbie anyway, Jser seemed fine with the prick he got - never even flinched.  If he's a rival, I'll have to learn to spot him sooner, before the blade enters my back.  No honor among us thieves, that's for sure.  Anyway turnes out Uilliam just wanted someone to watch his back while he banged away at some rocks down there.  Said he needed them to make traps.  That's a new one to me, I usually just buy them or disarm and keep the one I found.  Him being a halfling, maybe he likes making things.  I don't really know, nor do I really care.  Point is, he demonstrated one of those traps for me and Jser.  Led an entire party of 8 gobbies right into it - Bam, a few well placed arrows later from Jser and myself, gobbies were toast. Nice, real nice.  Learned a bit about skulking from both of them that day.  We make a good team, them taking the hits and me picking up the coin.  Uiliiam got the rocks he wanted and we made our way out.  I got stupid though and tried to take out a gobbie patrol by myself.  Had to run for it, let Jser and Uilliam take the heat off me.  I looked like a gods be damned pin cushion by the time I got out of that cave.  Used my last potion on Uilliam too, lil bugger provided good cover, plus I knew I wouldn't make it of thier alive without a front man.  Anyway, I survived and that's the important part. Live to steal another day.  

Speaking of living and dying, curiousity got the better of me and I made my way to Krandor to see if 'dear brother' dan was still kicking.  The only sounds I heard were some muffled explosions from Jako's room, dead silence from Dan's.  My guess is unless he gets some help soon, Dan's worm food.  I say let him rot.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on November 12, 2006, 06:06:16 AM

I have to make this quick, Daniel is up and about and according to the the word on the the street, he's looking for me.  Time for a trip to the city.. maybe Leilon. *stuffs his journal back into his hidey hole and carefully makes his way out of Hlint using the shadows*.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on December 07, 2006, 09:57:13 AM

I think I've worked out Dan's routine and can slip into Hlint from time to time without him catching me.  I saw him heading down the road south of Llast so maybe now's a good time.  I've been scoping out possible locations to 'set up shop' in Lielon and think I might have found a good one in a newly set up inn.  It has a lot of good points about it.  First, its near the city gate so if the law shows up I can make a hasty exit.  Second, lots of different people coming and going all the time, so hopefully my skulking about won't attract as much attention.  Third, I was able to scale a shadowed corner and jimmy the lock on an attic window, its a bit of tight fit, but I think I can wiggle into it.  From what I could see of the interior, I'm betting there's some passages the inhabitants don't know about either.  Usually in these big buildings there a lot of dead space a guy like me can..take advantage of.    Finally, the cute Rofie priestess, Myl, she lives there!!  Gods, I can wait to case this place further and find what room she sleeps in!  Eyecandy galore that one.  She's a bit too soft for my tastes though, what I really liked was that fiesty Red head, Melanna, Now theres a gal that can set your heart on fire, rip it outa of your chest and stomp it out but good!*daydreams for a moment then smiles*  Right,  back to business,   Gotta be careful though, there's two tin can holier than thou types and another sneaker like me.  I think the sneaker owns the place, she looks like one cool cat and tough too, better watch it for now, at least until I get the household patterns down.  It was a few weeks since I last dug this diary up here in Hlint, a few new faces, a lot of old ones.    
  I managed to recruit a scary looking fighter, named Brut.  Good muscle on that one, knocked those gobbies on thier arses again and again, Some do gooder priest came along too, a Lex'or something or another.  I was freezing and starving so didn't pay much attention.  Was glad just to get moving.  Snow flying all over the place, I'm out of tinder, and nobody seems to notice its freezing! Stupid people anyway.  Lex, he kept Brut on his feet and I volunteered to loot the corpses. Don't mind that really, get my fair share for sure that way.  Halfway down, pansy boy I call him shows up, talking about a rescue.  I think pansy boys name might be Karn.    Looks to me like he needed to be rescued from that awful hat her wore.  He, mr pansy, kept making this gods awful screeching sound that hurt my ears.  The Gobbies just did the proper thing and died from it, so maybe screech has his place.  As we finished, I noticed I could hide a bit better and keep my feet from flapping on the stone a little better.  We went back to Hlint, when I spotted a real Looker!  Blonde, moved like a dancer.  As I expressed my admiration, she cooly walked over and slapped me right off of my feet. *rubs a woman's handprint on his cheek and grins* yep, still got it.  Anyway, A bit later, I recruited  mr muscles again and we hit seilwood. Seems the bard at the inn needed her necklace back.  Lynx, this crazy human gal who must think she's an elf, came along and kept Brut on his feet again. I played collector again. *grins , the light of avarice in his eyes*  a nice haul indeed.  Over a thousand trues on my person.  Not sure what to do with it, If I could get my nerve up, I might see if this gods for saken hamlet has some merchants in it somewhere.
  One of the people I remember from last time I was here, was Ferrit.  I saw her coming from the bank and an 'oh crap' slipped from my lips.  I was trying to put the moves on this  really cute , can you believe its a dwarf, gal, when it happened.  She knows what I'm about, and I don't fancy her telling everybody.  On top of that,  the creepy elf in green showed up and starting calling me Daniel.  Damn his eyes, why'd he have to do that?  I bugged out real quick before too many questions could be raised.  I slipped back in the east gate into the shadows behind the bank to write this.  I can hear that creepy elf talking like some kind of idiot about how this funny looking human smells like eyebeast, what in the nine hells is an eyebeast?.  Speaking of which, Dan just showed up.  Time to make myself scarce.  *hurriedly reburies his journal and slips out the gate*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on December 21, 2006, 08:26:29 AM

It’s been a while since I’ve written in this thing, mostly because I’ve settled into my new hideout in the attic of the independent. It’s great! I’ve unlimited access for leering at that cute Rofie priestess, Mylindra and I was right about those spaces between the walls. It’s taken a bit of doing, but I’ve managed carve some very small spy holes in most of the rooms. The conversations, affairs, and other assorted gossip one can hear are amazing. I’m working on removing a couple of stone from the big fireplace in the main room so I can access the inside of the building easily. It has been slow going since I must wait until everyone leaves before I start scraping at the mortar. I think it will take me at least another three months to work my way through, providing I’m not caught. I’d like to be able to use that portal by the door instead of making the long cold walk to Hlint on foot.
 
  Speaking of a trip to Hlint, I did make it down to that mud hole recently; I scouted the bank area as I usually do, not seeing any sign of Dan or his cohorts from the guild, I sat for a time on the benches making fun of the locals. I got bored with it after a while and checked out the tavern’s board. There’s a witch in the swamp? Might be a good opportunity for some easy coin, I’ll have to check her out. Then I went to that bugger, Semli and asked about a certificate for crafting. Turns out I was a bit short after buying some supplies and couldn’t get one. Gods damn it! So, I thought a true collecting foray might be just the thing. I noticed a smallish group with two cute looking elves in it and a meat shield named Nathan leaving the gate together so I tagged along. Putting my best face forward, I actually asked nicely if I could come along. The leader, some woman named Jil, said sure if I didn’t mind a trip to Fort  Himlad. As that idiot Postmaster had given me a letter for there I was actually glad to go. We walked the whole way to Velensk. Man, my feet were sore. Then a boat trip to Point Harbor and then more walking. There were some points of interest, one being a dark tower near Krandor, and I thought the Rangers of Wolfwood looked pretty tough. Before Fort  Himlad, we had to cross these plains. Jil said it was home to a fierce gryphon and I believed her. I put my sneaking skills to good use and stayed in the tall grass until I reached the fort. Good thing I did. As it turns out, that fool Johan lost his cow, Elsie and we had to go look for her. We didn’t find her but her collar in the belly of a gryphon. Nathan and Jil took some wicked hits, but survived. I got in a few shots from the grass with my bow. I bet Elsie tasted yummy. Hehe. Johan was sad but grateful to us for finding out what happened to his cow. We continued on, deeper into Rilara to hunt bear for the other cutie in the party, Cim. Did I mention she called me Mr. Rude? ((chuckles to himself)) We found some bears all right, three of them next to some giants. I had a tense moment when I clumsily stumbled near a broken bridge and thought they had heard me. I managed to give it the slip, but not before he gave me a good scare. We shot those bears like fish in a barrel, skinned out right quick and left in a hurry.
 
  We sailed from Point  Harbor back to Port Hampshire. Sailing is the most boring bit of business - nothing but water, more water, and crappy food. Despite objections, we started the long walk back to Hlint. We never made it. At Llast, Jil asked if we would like to visit some place called Harmony Grove. Of course everyone said ok so we made our way north towards Leilon. At a place called Lake Palden, we took the right path and entered the forest. I noticed right away how creepy the place was and it got creepier as we approached a strand of Oak. “Oh crap” slipped out when I saw the Pandorns and that wack job druid, Drogo. It looked like they were having a nice little party right in the midst of those oak trees. I skirted to the right, hugging the cliff face and staying in the shadows. My little party got ahead of me in the next bunch of woods and I thought I’d have to break cover to catch up. Just as I did, a big brown bear broke from the cover of trees and charge me. I did what any self respecting sneak would do, I yelled for help and ran. I made it twenty steps before that bear had me. My last memory of it was the snap of my lower legs as that bear chomped down on them. ((Shudders))
 
  I came to myself in Hlint, totally disgusted and more than a little angry at Jil and the rest for leaving me to die in those woods; I trudged north, feeling sick and tired. I cursed bears, I cursed cute Elvin women, I cursed the trees, but most of all I cursed my own stupidity for thinking it mattered whether or not I caught up to the group and getting spotted. Finally I entered the forest again.
 
  Damn his eyes. Drogo and the Pandorns were just coming out and spotted me before I could hide. I sulked, I sneered, I told them to leave me alone. Cole, Kyle and Ferrit’s son, called me Uncle Daniel. I scowled at the brat and Kyle told me I’d better watch it. I was just about to open my mouth to tell him to stick where the sun don’t ever shine when Ferrit offered to help. ((Pauses, reflecting)) Nobody has offered me help for nothing before, I didn’t know what to say except where my stone was and that a bear had eaten me. That nature freak show, Drogo, said he’d go ahead and calm the bear. Ferrit smiled and said he should look for one with indigestion. Haha, real funny. Well he found the bear and I found my stone. I still don’t like Drogo, regardless of what he thought he did for me, but I did thank the Pandorns..sortof. I suppose I could buy some equipment from them once I get some more trues. Gods know I need some help. ((stops writing and looks over what’s he’s written so far)) sappy crap. I’m gonna go see if Myl’s home yet, maybe this time she’ll leave a light on and I can get a peek at her bodice. ((snickering he makes his way to a small opening in the floor of the attic))

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on February 22, 2007, 12:34:49 PM

A small bit of shadow detaches itself from the corner Leilon Arms and quietly makes its way to the waterfront.  A broken smile and intense eyes stare at the golden plated figure as it lays down what appears to be large package wrapped in a second cloak.  A freak cold wind draws the end of the cloak away for a split second and reddish hair spills forth and Benjamin lets in a hiss of breath through clenched teeth.

“Melanna,” He hoarsely whispers to himself, noting the name of the ship –“Destiny’s Ride”, one of the standard two masted schooners that usually run the coastal waters of Mistone.  “Gods, No” he finishes, trying to reconcile the corpse laid at the feet of the captain and the vibrant, living woman whom helped in the sewers of Hlint.  His eyes narrow dangerously as his quick mind adroitly figures the quickest route to board the ship.  

Across the cold waters of the bay, a deep baritone of voice that he recognizes pleads with the Captain for haste and a new course.  Trues are exchanged and the Captain barks orders to his crew and quickly the ship takes on the charge of a vessel readying for sale.

 “Well, well, dear brother, it would seem you have finally shown your true idiotic colors and someone we both know has been killed as a result,” Benjamin finishes the thought as he slides into the freezing waters of the bay with a soft hiss.  He knows he has at most minutes if not seconds before the freezing waters numb him to the point where he will not be able to move.  Working his arms and feet swiftly he swims the 20 yards to the ships docking anchor as sailors work inside the hold to raise it to the stowed position.  His hands nearly numb, he manages to grasp it as it clears the water and the crank mechanism easily lifts it and him clear of the frigid water.  As the anchor comes to rest in it berth in the underside of the bow, Benjamin establishes his balance and begins to gently contract all his muscles starting with his forearms, fighting the urge to chatter his teeth and shiver uncontrollably.  The skins of his trousers and cloak, treated to repel water, quickly dry in the cold breeze.  As he wills himself warm, he assesses further possibilities to enter the ship.  The easiest would be to reach up and pull himself aloft over the side rail, just mere two feet above him, but he knows that would draw the attention of the sailors and boatswain, making ready to steer the ships great wheel in the back.  

Looking about, Benjamin spies a small portal some 3 feet to his left, obviously some sort of waste hole, judging my the pungent smells emanating from it,  but possibly large enough to squeeze through and make the lower deck without arousing suspicion.  Taking several deep breathes, Benjamin leans out, stretching his acrobatic body out to its fullest extent and grips the lip of the opening.  Releasing his stance upon the anchor, he leans and plunges one arm and his head into the opening, quickly contracting his shoulder muscles, while bracing his outside hand against the hull.  His inside arm reaches and grasps something wooden and fairly solid and he pulls with all his might to put more of his torso inside the hole.  Limited success brings him into a position with his right shoulder and head inside the hole to his right nipple, the rest of his body hanging precariously outside the hole.  Wriggling furiously, he clears his left shoulder through the portal and snakes out his left arm to start bracing himself for a fall to the floor of what appears to be the mid hold.  

As his legs the clear the opening, sudden light from a lantern shines down on a spot on the floor some ten feet in front of him.  Cursing to himself softly, he curls and accepts the soft thud of his shoulders and back as they make contact with the floor and he comes to a standing position using the momentum of his fall to propel himself forward then up.  Hand inside his tunic, grasping the ever present sap, Benjamin scans the hold for a place to hide.  A large block of ice sits in the middle of the ten by twenty foot hold, surrounded by fresh hay and grass and covered by tarps.  He spies more tarps tucked into a far dark corner and darts across the space and ducks under them.  They smell of stale fish and ocean salt, but the bulk of them cover his body.  Carefully, he clears the tarps away from a small portion of his face so he can see and hear.  

As the Sailor’s approach, the lead one with a curious air, turns to the other says, “Did you hear that Jasper?”

The other, apparently Jasper, and somewhat engaged with keeping Melanna’s torso from hitting the floor in front of a very much agitated gold plated Knight of the Wyrm,  simply shrugs and replies, “Naw, must have been rats!”  The two quickly finish their work by laying the corpse on the ice and turn to leave with a nod from the Knight.  

“And so now we wait together, Dear sister, for our deliverance unto the docks of Velensk,” Daniel mutters and he pulls a stool over to sit next to her.  Settling in, Daniel bows his head in prayer, moments pass, then minutes and finally a quarter hour and soft snores come from the side of the makeshift shroud.  Benjamin gathers his nerve and carefully removes the now slightly warm sails from his person.  

Turning his head slightly he sees by the failing lantern that Daniel has fallen asleep his head resting on a bit of the cloak that once shielded Melanna’s face.  Gathering his feet under him as silent as the shadow he can be, Benjamin takes a few tentative steps in their direction, pausing frequently to see if the tempo of his Daniel’s soft snoring changes or ceases.  As the soft snores grow stronger, so does Benjamin’s courage and he advances to the opposite side of his resting brother.  Running his tongue nervously over his front teeth, he pauses and a look of brief anger flashes as his tongue settles into a gap.  “Damn your eyes, brother, why did you have to do this?”  Benjamin whispers into the hold to sleeping and dead ears.  

A collide scope of  emotions cross his face, anger, hatred, disgust,  lust,  and even love as he views the two of them.   His brother’s face exhausted and worn, hers locked in the mask of death, beyond all concerns at last but still with a stubborn set to the jaw somehow.  Drawing his skinning knife, Benjamin carefully pulls a small lock of her red hair from the back and expertly shears it away.  Placing it into a bit of sailcloth, he tucks inside his on tunic and turns back to his pile of spare sails.   Turning abruptly, Benjamin contemplates driving knife into his brother’s neck and leaving the two together, but decides against it.  Ship board murders are always too easy to solve with limited suspects and it would guarantee a ship wide search for the murderer.  Besides, judging from the look on his brother’s face, Daniel looked to be punishing himself plenty without opening new ventilation holes in his neck.  With a soft low laugh, Benjamin makes his under the sails once more and settles in for a nap.  He awakens to cries of “land ho” from up top and the sound of seabirds.  Remaining calm, he waits until the ship is quiet at dock before slipping up and out under the cover of night into Velensk.  

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:40:48 PM

The soft glow of flames from a small depression cast shadows across the slightly scarred face of Benjamin as he carefully feeds the flames his crude journal one page at a time. He glances nervously about him, listening for the shift of feet upon the platform where the law sits with her torch or the nearly incoherent mumblings of the town crier, bespeaking events and places that have long since past. When the journal is completely consumed by the flames, Ben adds the contents of an acid flash and quickly fills in the hole with loose soil. Taking the time to carefully patch the sod back over the hole he whispers to himself, “There, no evidence of my past crimes exists except in the minds of my victims, and they are all dead now”.

Pulling his pack off, he checks its contents. Nestled inside are various tools along with a growing number of acid and fire flasks, his latest hobby. “Ferrit was right,” he mutters to himself, “I have a liking for this alchemy. It lacks the power of true wizardry, but it will do for my purposes nicely. I don't think she would approve of the why however.”

Ben gingerly takes several poison sacks from various spiders and examines them in the moonlight, “Shame I lack the skill yet to turn these into something truly useful.” He laments, then chuckles and draws forth a vial of very potent poison, “But Ferrit doesn't. I had better save this one for something very important, I can't afford to get caught taking these, one she might not miss, but several and she will get suspicious. Still, she told me to leave the sacks for her to work on. Don't want to disappoint her, now do I.”, He puts the sacks back into his pack and carefully wraps the poison vial up in dark cloth.

Turning to the shadows, Ben sits down on a nearby bench and thinks about the half scripted lines he's had to utter, the carefully planned fawning, the Misters and the yes maams he has had to speak to get those close to his brother, Daniel to accept him. “I even confessed to a paladin my sins” he smirks, half whispering to himself in the darkness. “I wonder is she really believed my lies or just wanted to. Still all have their usefulness in the pursuit of coin. A paladin's good word may stay the executioners blade someday.”

Benjamin pulls out another item stolen from the guild hall in Hempstead, a book. To the common eye it appears a simple instruction manual on trap springing, but to those trained in the finer points of stealth it reveals secrets. Secrets on how to quickly slay a man by stabbing, or poison his wine, or by choking. Benjamin reads what he can by the dim light of moon and torches, his adroit mind working through the possibilities. After several hours of reading, he comes to the final page and piece of thin parchment, white as blanched bone falls to the ground and stares at him like a pupiless eye. He smirks and picks it up, noting it feels ice cold. Opening it, he sees runes that swim before his eyes before settling into the phrase, “Seek the Black Sun for your answers” “Yes” , he mutters to the night, successfully blocking out the disapproving frown of another in gold colored armor in his mind.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:43:13 PM

I was approached by a man today while practicing Alchemy at the Hall of the weave in Hempstead. Approached may be too lax of a word, he appeared in front on me like some jack in the box toy by fool brother Dan used to play with. Bugger seriously disrupted my calm, but then told me he'd been following me since I left the sewers and that he thought I did a fair job evading the rats down there and could I do the same for Humans? I asked him outright if this was a job offer in the cant, he said maybe, but it was more of a permanent position.

He said others had been tried, but had failed and so wouldn't be asked again. He asked me what he should call me. After a few moments I replied with a smirk - surly I told him. He left suddenly after that leaving a note half stuffed into my ox pack.. it was a map to a spot close to the Thorn River. I destroyed the map with an acid flask and mentally noted the location. I've scouted it out.

The only real structure of note is the wizard's tower and maybe Farmer parts. I didn't see any other people there. I'll return another time and check again later.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:44:39 PM

That sneaky bugger left a note in my pack this time! Said I was to make my way to the location I had scouted out earlier.

Upon my arrival a cloaked and hood figure approached me and offered a list and a warning. "If you do this, your reputation as a law abiding citizen is done."

I had to smirk at that and replied, "Like I care."

"Don't get caught, my operatives will be following your progress. Also, don't read the list until back at Hempstead."

"Right," I replied grinning crookedly, "whatever you say."

Upon returning to Hempstead I tore open the letter. Procure an iron dagger, short sword, and three malar skins it read. "Nothing in this life is easy ." I told myself, tucking the note away. "Time to earn someone's favor it seems."

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:45:21 PM

Curse him to the hells! Turn against my own family? I couldn't do it, no matter the reward. Was I suppose to be the inside man? To rob my own guild? *shakes his head, then stops and grins crookedly* Besides, I've got 20,000 jink in the bank now, more than double what he promised the thief we caught. Just have to be on my toes now, I'm a marked man.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:46:30 PM

No sign of trouble lately, well not the murdering kind. Tar and I; however, *chuckles to himself thinking about chicken feed, feathers, and a kiss in the Scamps mug*. I've been going soft, gods curse it, but maybe..*thinks about the look in the Rofie Paladins eyes and sighs softly* I'll have to give up some of my ways, maybe, or *smirks* get better at covering my tracks. *seems to think seriously about something* Maybe Tar can give me some lesson on how to carry a shield and fight better. I'll ask her after I hear her answer to my first question. *rushes off to find Ferrit to see if a certain ring he's paid dear jink for is ready yet*.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:47:28 PM

I'm either cursed or blessed, not sure yet. Tariana said yes! She'll marry me, but there's a catch, there's always a gods cursed catch. She drug it out of me, the whole story of my brother, Stephen's death and possible murder, but that stuffed shirt, Reus, he gave me an idea when we went to see him. I think now that it wasn't my knockout blow that killed Stephen, but someone else, so Tar and I are investigating and we start with my brother's body, which conveniently is suppose to be in the crypts at Vehl. *grumbles a bit* I hate deaders - its impossible to stick em properly.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:48:17 PM

*leans back by the guild door, hidden in the shadows deep in thought* Some progress finally in regards to my brother and Tariana. I found his body, well what was left of it after the rats gnawed his bones..Interesting enough, there were even dead rats around the buggers corpse. Whatever poison got him, its was still potent enough to kill after it took him. I think I have an answer for his honor, Reus *snickers* It should be enough to clear my name with those Rofie snobs anyway.
Tar has been great, she keeps telling me to salute my opponent before combat and bunch of other honorable actions to a foe..yeah right . Just stick em where it hurts most I tell her, but she just smiles at me and ..well I don't feel like what she's suggesting is so bad..of course in actual combat..old habits die hard. She is helping me to fight better though..I might actually learn to handle myself decently in a toe to toe fight..if I'm ever crazy enough to try such a thing..Leave it to her to do the honorable thing..Me..I'll take the cheap shot anyway I can.

I'm running a date by Tar for our wedding..hope it works out for her. The soul mother just can't seem to leave Tar alone. If only there was some way to cheat death..I wonder..

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:50:03 PM

ts done, She is a beauty my new bride, but she seems unresistable to the soul mother too..As I lay dying in the mountains I heard the wail..and I just knew..my Tariana had another part of her taken away. *sighs* This is my punishment to watch all that I love fade or die..while I am left..alone.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 28, 2007, 12:55:55 PM

*chuckles to himself, looking around the once bare room at 148 Krandor, Ben notes the two chairs a plain double bed, some chests and a bathtub in the corner* Nice work decorating the place Tariana, it looks great, especially the bed. *he waggles his eyebrows* So why are ya still in yer armor?  What do ya mean more temple duty? *he grumbles* Fine, I'm heading to Hempstead *he stops turns and gives her a kiss* Yeah, I'll behave myself..no worries.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on July 12, 2007, 03:25:53 PM

Gods! *Benjamin curses softly* What a thing to happen now.  I'm jest getting going in the guild and now I gotta make some deals and get a house. She's got yer baby, wisearse, time to grow up and show her ya mean what ya said. *he mutters and grumbles to himself*.  *Settling into a half crouch in the nearby shadow of a wall, Benjamin starts to think, after a bit he snaps his fingers loudly and springs to his feet* It's time to make a deal. *he mumbles as he sprints for the bank to withdraw his meager fortune*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on January 30, 2008, 02:10:50 PM

*Benjamin digs outs a ratty journal with loose pages tucked into it.  Finding a relatively clean sheet, he pulls it out and starts writing with a charcoal pencil*

Dearest Tariana *crosses it out with a smirk* too sappy * and puts right below it*

Tar,

Jest wanted ya to know yer spendin way too much time in the Temple..Lil Daniel needs ya and so do I.  For eight years we stayed at my relatives in Luck and you seemed happy.  We returned to Hemp and the guild and yer spending all your time moping..yeah I said moping in Vehl.  Ya think yer Dragon expects ya to forsake your family to pray or whatever it is ya do in that place?  I jest need yer help with Daniel..the boy's too serious for cryin out loud.  I try to show him some tricks or teach him some street lingo and he jest looks at me, his eyes - your eyes all somber like I'm crazy..and guilty of something.  Maybe you can take him with ya to that temple?  He'd like that.  He asks me all the time about ya, and I don't know what to tell him, its like he's forgettin who you are, maybe you're forgettin who you are?  I don't know.  I jest want ya to come home, Tar..I'm gettin lost in the dark again.

Ben.

*he seals it with candle wax and imprints it with a bloody coin emblem and goes to find Reus in Vehl*

"Yer honor, would ya see that Tariana get's this?  Thanks."

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on February 07, 2008, 02:28:40 PM

*curls up in his double bed at 181 Haven with a ratty book and begins writing*

I think I've worked out a few things with Tariana.  We seemed to be getting along better at least.  Of course, I still think she needs to put that danged stick down and quit smacking me with it everytime she thinks I've said something bad.  Its just disrepectful it is.  

I took her advice and took lil Dan out to Glass Lake for a week, just me and him.  I think he liked it, its kind of hard to tell.  I'm not much for fishing so I snuck off leaving him with his line in the water and his nose in some book.  My goal was to see if there was some fun to be had in harassin some giants, but I got spotted and had to kill one of em.  The rest of them seemed to get angry about that and chased me back towards the Lake so I had to ambush the lead one.  In the process of doing that I tripped on a root and cut my leg wide open.  I wound up lying there, bleeding and clotting fer a few breaths when along comes Dan..Luckily I stuck that giant first, but his eyes sure got big when he saw that dead giant!  They got even bigger when he saw my wound.  "Can I help you, Dad?" is all he said.  
"How in the hells ya gonna do that son?" I asked him, scrounging in my pack for a bandage.  No luck there.
He just gave me this little smile of his and muttered a few words over my leg. I heard a couple of em, one was "please" and the other "dragon" It felt like when Tariana does it sort of..but different and pretty soon it stopped hurtin altogether.  "That's it, yer goin with yer mother to Vehl ..next week!" I said trying to hide my curiosity and apprehension.  

Testing my nearly healed leg I then told him "Now let's get outa here before the rest of those lugs show up and smash us ta dogmeat."  We made our way back ta Mariners Hold that very day.  Daniel just kept smiling at me.  Gods, ya can't be serious, I kept thinking,  no boy of mine's gonna be a rofie cleric..it just can't be.  I hope a week with those stuffed shirts will show the boy what he's in fer.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on February 19, 2008, 11:05:22 AM

Benjamin looks down the bar in Leringard noting the various regular then back at his cup of juice,  "", he mutters into it and takes a drink, keeping half an ear on the conversations around him.  Noting nothing past the ordinary complaints of merchants and farmers alike, he finishes his drink and heads for the room he's rented there.  Curling up into his bed, he pulls a ratty journal from his pack and finds a fairly fresh page and starts writing.

Sunra, Febra 1, 1429

Still no word of Vamps other than the old stories the merchants tell bout the massacre the other week.  I'll stick it out here fer another few days tryin to find out some real information, but it looks like the've moved on.  Gods I need a  drink, but I gotta keep my wits around me fer this job.  I even *pauses with the pencil over the paper briefly* miss Tar's lectures.  Wonder how's she's doin with Dan in Vehl too?  *sighs* Yep, one more week, then I'm headin home.  Now I remember why I hate this place so much..lousy food.  

Bejamin closes the book with a smirk and sets a small trap on the door and window to keep out unwanted visitors.  Setting his swords by his bedside, he drifts off.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on February 23, 2008, 09:40:51 AM

She's gone!  Of all the people ta tell me , it hasta be Dan to tell me  too.  I didn't believe it until I saw her laid out at the guild hall.  They cleaned her up, but somehow it didn't seem like it was her.  I'm not feelin much, jest numb, but I do remember she said she wanted to be burned up in her armor on a pyre, she called it.  I'll let her friends see her fer a week, then take her home to Haven.  I still haven't told the boy yet, I can't get up the nerve ta do it jest yet.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on February 26, 2008, 03:02:27 PM

Its done.  I feel so empty inside..dunno what I'll do now, Ferrit and Hanna insisted on me eatin and gettin some sleep.  I woke up to an empty bed and house and remembered..my outburst at Tar's wake, makin lil Daniel watch the whole thing, finally makin the trip to Haven to lay down Tar's ashes in her own bed.  Its good the boy ain't here, I wonder iffn he misses her like I do?  What comfort does his instructors give him at that temple I wonder..Same nonesense all those rofies tried ta tell me..she's in a better place, be glad of her while she was here..celebrate her life.  *clenches his jaw*  What do they know, those smug bastards.. *fresh tears stream down his cheek and he wipes them away angrily* I'm gonna go see her now in our place.  Oh Tar..why'd ya hafta leave?  *Benjamin leaves his bed and climbs the hill and sits among the flowers for a time*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on March 10, 2008, 01:52:32 PM

Its been a coupla months now since Tar left and I guess life goes on.  I met someone the other day in Hemp,  a local girl with red hair named Natalie.  She seems  sweet iffn she is a bit niave.  We worked out a business arrangement, me and her, but it kinda started funny doin somethin I never thought I'd stoop ta doin.  We ran inta each other in Vehl.  I was poking  around the temple  tryin to see if DB was alright livin there, when I spotted her goin inta Marrent's house.  Her bein a tall red head and me not bein dead, I snuck in after her.  

As I tailed her in I was kinda shocked and excited ...this quiet lil thing was gonna do some grave robbin fer Marrent!  That did it fer me, I came out from behind the cupboard by the door and snickered so she could hear me.  I told her and Marrent that what they were plannin was jest a bit illegal..and that they better deal me in or else.  I wasn't surprised when she said sure..poor Marrent was pretty much speechless, but I got that bugger to agree to a price per stiff that I could live with.  

We decided ta do our dirty little job at night, less chance ta get caught and were makin our way to Krandor when Miss Treana caught up with us.  I sorta coughed and winked at Lee to let her know that in no way should she tell Miss Treana what we were up ta.  Took forever ta get rid of that nosy woman!  After that it was a piece of cake diggin up them stiffs..other than the ghosts givin us some trouble.  The real  hard part was luggin em back to Vehl..longest walk of my life, Lee's too.  After that we did some talkin at the One Eyed Harpy..seems Lee was smitten with me..*shrugs then keeps writing*  She's a sweet kid, well..other than diggin up stiffs fer true anyway.  I'm not so sure we'll work out, but since we're partners in crime, I gave her a key ta the house in Haven.  She's stayin in DB's room since he's always gone.    I figure it'll give her a somewhere and havin a woman round the place won't hurt either.  She did make me promise her somethin.  Not ta play with her heart.  I did so with a straight face, which leads me to my bigger problem...

Hedessa Tanario, priestess of Xeen..*snickers and shakes his head* Man, that lady can party.  I dunno if it was the two bottles of whiskey or the backrub that did it..Its kinda a blur ta me now, but I do know I woke up at home with her and at least six empty bottles of xeenite wine layin around  by the fire.   She ain't interested in jest one man though..typical Xeenie, but I ain't complainin.  My real problem is how do I spin it so I ain't lyin to Lee when I tell her, iffn I tell her..hmm *grins slyly*  It ain't like me and Essa are serious..*thinks on it for a while then grimaces* I gots me a big headache..yep. *closes the ratty journal, hides it, and goes off to find a cure for his headache.*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on March 28, 2008, 12:12:47 PM

*Benjamin kicks back in his favorite chair at 181 Haven, sipping whiskey from the bottle.  

Rubbing a hand over his stubble, he thinks back to the last few weeks then pulls a ratty journal

from a secret compartment in the chair and begins writing with a stubby charcoal pencil*

Some of my mess has resolved itself, but more jest keeps comin.  First off, In what musta been a

brush with stupidity..I asked Lee ta marry me..and she said yes.  I love her sure,  What's not ta

like, she's okay with me drinkin..jest not with Essa in the house here and she's got the red

hair,legs,  easy ta get along with and she calls me Boss..I like that.  *snickers* but I'm not

sure what got ta me ta ask right then.  *shrugs and keeps writing*  So now we're jest tryin ta

figure the hows and when.  I got told two things fer sure..Hedessa won't be marryin us She made

that plenty clear, so I'll be askin Miss Sala or maybe Miss Ranewin.  Seems neither of us have

much in the way of religion so it don't really matter who marries us I guess.  Lee suggested the

magistrate of Haven even.   She also said  I need ta talk ta lil Dan by myself and tell him

myself.  

Who am I foolin, I'm scared ta go ta Vehl and tell him..He reminds me of Tar too much only

somehow..less approachable.  Boys almost fifteen now, He told Miss Jennara he was mad at me fer

not visitin so I better go face him tell him he's gonna have a new ma.  *grumbles*  Wonder how'll

he'll take it?

I found out somethin a bit peculiar bout Lee.  She's got herself an adopted brother, turns out

its that Elf, Fianon.  Can't say I'm thrilled bout it, but as far as elves go, This Elf's

alright.  Him and I made an agreement, he's gonna teach me some of that elf tongue of his, so

I'll know when those buggers are talkin bad bout me.  So far all I got is Hello..Iracce and

Goodbye..Veewfaa, but its  a start.

I'm tired of writin..so I'm gonna leave this alone fer a while.

*closes and hides the journal and goes back to drinking, staring into the fire*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on April 02, 2008, 09:59:30 AM

Gotta write this down else I'll ferget.  Fianon gave me another quick lesson today, says I'm a fast learner.  Two names he gave me..my own Falquilsel and Lee's, Lilanilceea.  I'm startin ta like the sound of it. *frowns and takes another pull of his flask*  Also got a phrase outa of that elf.  Iream ilmacey?  Meaning..how the hells are ya?

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on April 04, 2008, 04:19:42 PM

Freas, Febra 6, 1431

Its been a busy week fer me.  Always craftin lately tryin ta get a better understandin of how ta make oak shafts and bows and also workin metal some.  Mister Kyle's gonna whip my arse fer sure when he sees all the iron I've snitched from the guild chests, but I managed ta make a whole five quivers of stout iron tipped oak arrows fer my improved bow, Mis Jil made me, so hells with it..I'll take that arse whippin with a grin. Them arrows go through gobbie throats like a hot knife through butter..nothin better.   My tailorin improves all the time too, I'm makin bandages now fairly easily along with a mess of lion leather fer Ferrit ta work.

The elvish Fianon is givin me is causin some problems fer me though..only managed a few words in our last lesson.  He said I outa try singin em, but truth is I don't feel much like singin since Tar left.  I suppose I should write the words I got down fer lookin at later.

le -no
aala - yes
Oema - fire
Vmaaanelva - Greetins, sorta the polite way ta say Iracce..ta strangers.

I still ain't worked up the courage ta see lil Dan yet, but I'm gonna..*grumbles to himself*  I will dangit.  Well..that's all I got fer now other than guild business and collectin payments.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on April 16, 2008, 06:20:56 PM

Finally made it ta Vehl and that temple..No sign of Dan, one less pain the arse ta worry about, so I went in bold as brass, look his honor Reus in the eye and said I wanted ta see my boy.  It was strange seein lil Dan again.  He's grown some, his hair turnin blonde like his mother's was.  He had this silly little thing on his lip and I couldn't help but smirk a  bit at it.  

He was plenty mad at me too, I told him I'd been busy workin my tail off fer the guild and that I got married ta Lee.  That set him back a bit, said he wanted ta meet her.  I said sure, jest come visit us anytime at the house in Haven.  Lil Dan said he would, but that he needed to start his trainin in earnest first since he was almost sixteen.  Despite him choosin ta be a rofie, I'm proud of him and I'll only admit it here, jest a bit scared of him too..Hope he ain't too judgemental bout the choices I've made.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on April 24, 2008, 11:43:29 AM

Mulnari, Decilar 23, 1431

I've taken ta tryin ta puzzle out elf words from others that I hear round me.  Take Mister Kyle and Ferrit, always lookin at each other with mooneyes and sayin 'ceela' this and 'ceela' that.  I'm pretty sure it means love but I'll hafta ask Fianon ta be sure.  I also keep an ear on conversations round me in elvish..I can't puzzle out most of the words but occasionally I ken make out one or two.  Hidin like I do, its easy ta listen in.  Maybe I ken borrow an elvish book from Ferrit or somethin an try learn some words on my own.  Fianon's been so busy with his woodworking all I ever see of him anymore is a wave and his backend runnin off.  

My own craftin is comin along fine, I got almost enough true ta pay the license fer workin in the better craftin house up the street.  I'm sure I could put tagether a lion bag iffn I had access to the right equipment they got in there.  My own woodworkin and tinkerin is coming along nicely too.  Got Ferrit a whole stack of platty gears and wire in my chest at the guild, jest can't do anything with em just yet..too difficult. I'm blowin up the lab less too, made a whole mess of enchantin oil fer Miss Sala in echange fer some wands of stoneskin.  Handy thing ta have on ya when there ain't a true mage around.  

Might be awhile till I get back ta workin on my own projects though, Essa's gotten herself scribin crazy and I'm under orders ta help her best I can.  Spendin most of my time pickin corn fer eggs, raiding bees nests, and make oak parchments.  Word I got was Miss Hanna's lookin fer some backup in the guild.  I'm really hopin its the priestess.  She's my friend, even iffn we go at each other some days.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 07, 2008, 09:26:32 AM

Tunar, Decilar 10, 1433

Benjamin pulls a somewhat dusty journal from underneath his favorite chair and puts charcoal pencil to use.

Shadon's bollocks!  Hard ta believe two years have gone by already.  First off, business has been good.  Ferrit took Muhk under her wing at the Angels and I gotta say from lookin at the ledgers, that ugly mug ken sell almost as good as he fights.  I'm lookin forward ta payday soon, course with the disasters in Leringard and the Hold, I suppose everyone will be wantin to hand over their true ta help out.  Me, I say we jest donate some materials and be done with it.  Figure I got bout twenty oak planking and several sets of boots inta the foundations chests without anyone seein me do it..that's good enough.  

The boy's doin good too.  I haven't been able ta visit, cuz he's in solitude.  Somethin bout preparin ta become a priest.  I'm proud of my boy, even if he does seem like a stranger to me, bein a Rofie and all.  Lee's finally with child, mabe even two, Essa couldn't say fer sure despite dumping a whole bottle of wine on Lee and Marcus only hinted.  She's due in a few months, looks like I'm gonna be a daddy again..Wonder iffn spending more time at the hall ain't such a bad idea.

Them buggered elves givin me a turn of thought too.  Fianon's taken off fer parts unknown it seems..nobody's seen him in over a year, so I went lookin fer a new Anrillan, that means teacher in that silly tongue.  Turns out Miss Alatriel is willin ta teach a scoundrel such as myself in exchange fer arrows.  I managed one lesson so far, A response ta "Iream ilmacey?", "how are you? "Miss Alatriel told me ta say this "E's oela, anirilln aey" meaning "I'm fine, thank ya, but I doubt I'll ever say the whole thing, I ain't that polite.  In fact, I need ta ask her how ta say "bugger off, ya irritate me some!"   Point is,  I'm keeping ears open when I'm around other elves.  Sometimes I ken make out what their saying..sometimes not.  

Benjamin re-hides his journal in the chair as Lee enters.  "Why don't we take a walk, Ceela?", he asks, "Ya ken bring yer axe along and work out some of yer frustrations on some gobbies, I'll get my blades."

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on June 17, 2008, 01:25:46 PM

Sunra, Mai 22, 1434

Lee's about ready ta pop..literally..Them two inside her are kickin her ribs somethin fierce when she had me feel fer em the other day-which explains the funny look on Lee's face when seein the goofy one on mine.  I think they both got thier mother's fightin spirit in em which is good, the're gonna need every bit of it ta survive. I ain't sure, but I'm ready ta be a better father this time, I think. *shrugs*

Business has been good, even great since Muhk's been doin sales.  I don't know how he does it, but that big lug is always coming up with deals and showin me gear I never knew existed..I wonder iffn he's got enough brains ta realized what a natural he is at sellin and deal makin. *shrugs and puts his pencil down thinking hard* Probably does..Ferrit's tryin ta culture him some.  I almost laughed right in his face seein him in his new blue suit with that ridiculous hat, but a quick look at his his arms and scars made me shut up right quick.  

I've been pushin ta get Essa in the guild too..seems like we're relyin too much on Miss Sala ta get raw materials and she ain't even an angel..even if she is nice enough ta help out.  It ain't right.  Mister Rain want's Miss Galathea ta be in the guild too, which all things considered, I'm for too..Can't hurt my luck at minin gems ta have one of his priestess' lookin over my shoulder some.

My elf learnin is draggin along.  I managed ta find some books with both common and elf in em, even puzzled out a few more words with the help of Miss Alatriel and a sad moon elf named Sun..Sun lost her hubby in the mines, but despite all that she still seemed willin ta talk to the like of me.  She even gave me a quick lesson..an answer in Elf ta How the hells are ya? Fine thanks.  *carefully pencils the elf words for fine thanks* E's oela, anrillnlin.  I figured out a few words from readin some elf poetry too,  That stuff ken make yer eyes bleed!   I really can't say em yet..not without hearin em spoken, but here's what I got so far.

understanding -ylwmlaanillwelv
patience - tyilanealnya
hate - irilana
fear - oailm
anger - illvam
babies - filfeala
mother - seaniram
father - oilamram
brother - fmeaniram
sister - laelaanam

*reads them over several times and tries to sound them out, mostly unsuccessfully, keeps writing*

I did figure out how ta tell someone ta bugger off in elf though *snickers* Its ve fyvvam aamlaaco!   Probably not somethin ya'd hear an elf say though.  Not unless they got real mad at me, like Miss Jaelle was. *smirks and closes his ratty journal*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on July 06, 2008, 08:32:28 AM

*A weary yet happy Benjamin scribbles in his ratty journal as Natalie sleeps with two baby boys*

Tunar, Mar 24, 1435

Lee did it, two healthy baby boys - Fianon and Stephan Poetr.  Fianon came first.  Not identical twins either, but fraternal.  Fianon takes after his ma with scattering of red hair and light blue eyes already turnin ta green. He was about six stone and not quite the length of my forearm.   Lee found a birthmark on the right side of his ribs.  

Stephan was a bit heavier with a lots of brown hair and dark eyes, he was just longer then my forearm and about eight stone, his birthmark was found on his left shoulder.  Both boys seem ta have the skin of their mother and I'm guessin they'll have freckles soon enough. *grins tiredly*  

I near panicked when Lee said it was time and sent out a bird ta the only person I thought might get it in time, Aerimor.  Him and Miss Alatriel met us at the door of the house and the silly elf then tells me he's never delivered human babies before-only lots of animal ones!  Guess that's what I get when I ask a druid fer help.   I jest told him to do his best.  My Lee, Ceela, kept havin this silly notion that everyone must have pie before she'd relax enough ta let the birthin pains start. *simply shakes his head in amusement*  So everyone had apple pie..whether they wanted to or not.

Anrillan, Miss Alatriel,  looked near sick the whole time and the two of em kept arguin bout somethin, I couldn't follow much of it, but I overheard a few elf words I know - child and baby.  Dunno iffn they was referin to my own or someone elses.  The way they kept carryin on, not sure if I want ta know.  

Elgon and Miss Ysaline showed up after Fianon was born and finished the delivery.  I felt much better with the two of them in charge and I couldn't help but notice, both Aerimor and Alatriel seemed relieved ta be leavin as well.  I sent word off ta Dan soon as I could figurin he'd want ta come round and see his nephews and also that he might get word ta my boy in Vehl.

Miss Ysaline left Illsare's blessin on the babies and I got a start when I when I left the house this mornin as her and Elgon left a wardin mark on the front door for protection.  They really didn't have ta do that.  *looks deeply thoughtful and closes the book*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on July 07, 2008, 10:25:17 AM

*Benjamin carefully removes the twins from a papoose rig inside his pack and sets them down on his cloak in the shade of an oak.  Making sure nothing threatens, he pulls out a ratty journal and begins writing*

Threas, Apreal 12, 1435
Lee and I have worked out an arrangement fer caring fer these youngins.  I've decided ta take a more active role..well, she's told me I'm in charge of diaper duty since I ain't afraid of dirty jobs.  *sniffs the air, then resumes writing*  

I've taken some steps ta ease the burden some and enable myself and Lee ta take up adventuring again by hiring a live in Nanny.  Works for the both of us, since Shorty, that's what I call Keppli, needed a someplace and we needed someone ta watch the twins.  Fer now, I'm keepin em with me and stayin close ta Hemp or home in Haven.  

Dan paid me a visit too, and in his usual way blessed the children with a kiss.  I ain't much for sentiment, but I was glad ta see he's carryin on that family tradition.  He seemed both sad and happy fer me and Lee.  I think he's wantin a child of his own, but takin things real slow with Treana.  Probably fer the best as she was near losin her mind after her experience in the dark.

I found yet another instructor ta teach me a few more words in elf.  Miss Galathea knows the tongue and we startin working together more ta gather materials fer the guild.  

mailwa -ready
llananilnyn - attack
waoalw -defend

Kinda a game we'd play as we worked our way through that bugbear temple off alindor..Here yellin commands and me tryin ta keep up.  She's a tricky one in her fightin and I admire that some.

I've been workin on another project fer both Galathea and Essa..Seems the both of em are packin old iron shields and in need of somethin a bit better.  My woodworkins come ta the point that with a little help, I figure I ken make em both some maho shields..so that's what I'm gonna do since addy seems ta be in such short supply.

*Ben finishes his entry and puts the journal away.  Sitting for a time under the oak tree, he watches as Stephan, the quieter of the two rolls himself over and Ben grins* Atta boy..*he mutters*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on September 05, 2008, 10:32:55 AM

*Benjamin takes a moment and blows the dust off his ratty journal, now filled with more financial entries then personal notes*

Mulnari, Decilar 16, 1437

A bit of surprise, Mister Rain resignin as Guild Leader.  Its been a few months since it happened, but ta be honest the new arrangement seems ta be workin fine.  Guild actually made an addy run ta firesteep and everyone came out alive.  Course we had three different priests ta heal us as we went.  Miss Sala, Essa, and Miss Jil's hubby, Erik all joined us.  Steel's connections with some dwarf that lives there didn't hurt either.  Made fer a pleasant place ta rest in between forays inta the mine.  Mister Kyle has taken up leadership of the guild and I was a bit surprised when Ferrit pushed fer me ta be his second, Guild Captain. *pauses and looks thoughtful*  I never asked fer the job, fact is, I'm probably the most reluctant leader there will ever be.  Its one thing ta risk yer own neck, its quite another ta tell other folks ta risk thiers.  

Guild business has been good.  Miss Galathea has taken a shine ta makin diamond rings and we're selling quite a few fer a tidy profit.  Hard ta think that at one time I was thinkin of knockin off a bank fer a big score ta retire on.  

Lee and boys are doin great. We had ta recruit more help ta watch em. Keppli still does from time ta time and I'd be hard pressed ta let her go as our nanny since I'm sure both boys would be heartbroken if she left.   A kind old lady, Lee calls Grams has agreed ta watch em on occasion.  At two, both Fianon and Stephen are full of questions which I do my best ta answer.  

This buggered book of elvish poetry..I ken read it jest fine , not that I'm keen too, but the sayin of the words remains a bit of struggle fer me.  Still needin a regular teacher ta help me since Alatriel seems ta be preoccupied with a human boy and buildin a home with Aerimor.  One of the guild's contracts is ta supply the nails fer it.

My oldest boy, Daniel, has started makin a name fer hisself as well.  I'm hearin from folks like Miss Daniella what a fine, well mannered boy he is.  Sendin him ta the temple in Vehl seems ta have worked out I guess. I'm proud of my boy and what he made of himself.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on January 12, 2009, 04:19:03 PM

*slams a ratty journal on the table in his modest kitchen and waves away the dust, flips to a page and starts writing*

Tunar, Seplar 24, 1443

Fool woman has run off with my kids! *curses in a mix of crude elvish, dwarvish, and common* Said she's had enough of me always workin, never here..so she up and left and is stayin with her folks in Hemp.  Good riddance I say.  Leaves more time ta get the important stuff done, like makin true and tavern running with Essa.

Speakin of true, the guilds doin quite well from the looks of the ledgers.  I wouldn't know first hand since I spent the last few years sortin things out in Leringard. *shrugs and chews on the end of the charcoal pencil*  Important part is ..I'm back..Although Snagnor made mention of wantin my spot as Guild Captain, which all things considered I suppose he'd have rights too.  After a friendly challenge ta arm wrestle him fer it, he wisely declined.  

Aerimor and Alatriel have done well.  The Elves gemwork is a boon fer us Angels and she's picked up teachin me elvish.  I ken near understand all of it now, even if I can't speak it other than few choice phrases worth a dang.  Ima a bit concerned about Alatriel though..She's gotten herself with a wee elf baby and is marked somehow..She's scared cuz this mark of hers was given by a dragon fer some kind of betrayal and the buggered dragon keeps sendin out shadows after her.  Me, Aerimor, her, and Miss Gal fought one off and the buggered thing left me so drained it took me near a full day ta feel better.  Alatriel tells me everytime one of them shadows attacks it takes somethin from her and the baby..She's lost one before and is afeared she'll loose this one too.  I told her ta try ginger fer vigor and ta get her skinny arse inta see Miss Sala.  I may not believe in much, but I'd bet my last true iffn anyone ken help that skinny elf have this baby, its Miss Sala.

My oldest boy,Daniel,  I heard tell, has taken a fancy ta Paladins in tight armor. *smirks then laughs out loud* Miss Daniella seemed flattered by his attention, but I gotta wonder iffn he's goin astray by such thoughts.  Heck with it, iffn he wants ta abandon his dragon an chase after tight armor, I'll be the first one ta buy him an ale and talk about it some.

Otherwise, lifes about the same, folk needin gear, gettin inta passels of trouble, and me avoidin the whole icky mess of it.  

*With that, Ben shuts the ratty journal and rehides it in a special cubby*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on January 29, 2009, 02:32:18 PM

Threas, Junar 26, 1444

I've been workin hard, mabe too hard lately.  My needleworks gettin much better as a result, but I've been spendin so much time tannin hides and makin patterns my eyes are goin fuzzy.  

I say that cuz I saw Lee in her armor the other day outside the guild hall and had ta do a double take.  We ain't spoken in over five years.  I decided what the hells, and snuck up on her.  Tapping her shoulder, I ducked just in time ta avoid the head of the axe on her shoulder as she she swung around.  She still looked good ta me after all this time, and I quickly fergot how I angry I was fer her leavin me with the boys.  The look on her face told me she felt about the same.  I asked her iffn she was back fer good and what her plans were, she seemed a bit uncertain, kinda confused, so I told her I was ready ta start over if she was.  She kissed me by way of an answer and filled me in on how the boys were an said how much they missed me.  She also said she didn't know if her key fer the Hall worked anymore so I grinned and told her lets go see.  It did jest fine.

We spent several hours jest talking in the Hall about little things, but mostly how it was good ta be with each other again.  I still had work ta do fer the guild, so I had ta cut it short, but she said she'd come again real soon.

I noticed a sign in Hemp today, it offers trainin in the Al'Noth an one of the instructors is Miss Sala.  I think its time I renewed my interest in magic, or at least see iffn I have any skill with it.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on February 02, 2009, 10:29:39 AM

*Ben scribbles a quick entry into his journal


Freas, Augra 27, 1444

Miss Alatriel has her wee elf baby the othe day, I was glad Miss Sala was there ta help as the elf kept whinin and carryin on about how much it hurt.  *smirks* I do recall Tar and Lee both callin me everything but my proper name when they were birthin, but nothin like the carryin on Alatriel did.  Still, she's not called 'sticks' fer nothin.  I reckon even given birth to that wisp of an elf baby had ta hurt some.  Lee and I didn't stick around long after either as Miss Sala made it pretty darn clear everyone needed ta clear out and give the elf and her daughter time ta rest.  I'll hafta make a visit soon as I ken.  I'm a godfather ta an elf. *snickers* Who'd a thunk that?

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on March 13, 2009, 01:44:03 PM

Wedlar, Mai 25, 1446

*Ben finds a clear space amongst guild reciept of goods, true deposits and payouts and writes a paragraph*

Its been a coupla years since I've written anythin personal like in here.  First off, Lee's stayin was short lived.  She decided I hadn't changed and she wasn't gonna put up with me conductin business all the time so off ta her folks she went again. The boys are nearin eleven years now and are changin fast.  I got ta visit em briefly during thier birthday a coupla months ago.  I'm worried fer em, Both of em are talkin bout joinin the Hemp militia when they get old enough.  Fianon the scouts and Stephen the the mages.  Seems Stephen has a bit more talent with the Al'Noth then I ever did.  I let him play with a minor wand I hand and he actually managed ta trigger it properly, encasin his brother in a skin of bark!  It made us all laugh which felt pretty good.  I let him keep the wand as his birthday gift.  Fianon asked me ta make him a hickory bow, which I did.

Bumpkin, as I call her much ta her mothers irritation, is doin fine..still an infant at two years, but then elves change so very slowly. Meralea or Mera fer short, is cute as a button, Alatriel tells me she's blowin spit bubbles at folks ta say heya..me, I think its jest gas.

Speakin of the Elf, she asked me how old I was the other day..an I couldn't rightly recall..I remember a time before the darkness an famine so I reckon I must be nearin fifty.

Guild news..well..we now seem ta have more wizards than we need, as we recruited Lareth and Miss Hanna came back ta us.  I'm tickled myself.  More wizards is never a bad thing iffn ya ask me.  My craftin is steadily gettin better, I strung a yew bow the other day and I've been makin lion bags real easy like.  My glasswork still needs..work, but I did manage a few of them third circle rods so Its gettin there as well.  Come ta think of it, I ain't blown up the lab in a long long time and healin potions are a snap, so I guess all that work is payin off.  Hells, did I jest write work pays?  *frowns at his letters and sighs* Rats..I'm gettin ta be a respectable citizen. *grumbles and closes his journal*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on May 14, 2009, 01:44:04 PM

*Benjamin sits in a small patch of yellow roses close to a pond and pens a letter*
 
Tunar, Mar 3, 1449
 
 Dear Tar,
 
 Its been twenty years since ya fell and sometimes I wonder iffn yer lookin on me from time ta time.
  Angels got a statue of ya in the entryway and I wonder if that buggered things channelin yer
 spirit an smirkin at me as I walk by.  Maybe Im jest getting jumpy in my middlin years, but I
 coulda swore it raised its sword at me the other day..right creepy it was.  Not bein much of a
 religious fella, I really dont know how yer doin up there in the sky with yer dragon, but iffn yer
 doin half as well as ya did by me here, Im sure yer fine.
 
 Our boy, Daniel, youd be proud of him, Tar.  Hes a full fledged priest now of yer dragon.  I may
 not see ya ever again, but at least part of me will   someday.  Iffn ya get this letter, let him
 know hes done me proud.
 
 I doubt yad recognize me much, Tar..Ive taken ta respectable business mostly and hardly ever
 misbehave anymore.  I guess Ive gotten ta the point where chasin women and carousing jest aint as
 much fun as it used ta be, but  there is this elf girl, Zari.  She wants ta have a picnic, an I did
 promise her some eats, but Im thinkin that will be it, as Im thinkin the right thing ta do is ta
 simply tell her I aint much fer her and that maybe she should find an elf fella, and let this old
 street rat ta his work and memories.
 
 Mostly, I miss ya Tar..I miss the times we spent fightin pirates tagether an the laughs.  Ya bein
 all mad at me all the time fer one fool thing I'd say or another.  I never meant all them nasty
 things bout yer dragon..guess I was jealous and wantin more of ya.  Sides, that was how we got
 along werent it? One jibe after another?  Anyways..might be Ill see ya soon or might be Ill see ya
 never..Im still rememberin and thats a good thing ta my mind.
 
 Ben.
 
 *carefully folds the page in half, pressing a yellow rose in the middle and tucking it into his
 journal*

Title: Benjamin carefully folds a
Post by: cbnicholson on September 17, 2015, 12:56:39 PM

Benjamin carefully folds a newly acquired robe and sets in a chest along with several scrolls. Taking out his ratty journal he frowns at its beat up appearance and sets it aside. Pulling a newly leather bound journal from the chest, he runs his calloused fingers over the cover which reads "Ben's Spellbook". Setting this book aside as well, Benjamin takes out a third newly bound book and opens it to the first page, dipping his quill into ink, he begins to write very carefully.

Mulnari, Jenra 9, 1450 Its taken me nearly thirty years, but the other day I finally got myself accepted as a wizard's apprentice! Miss Hanna accepted me as her student in the Practice of Al'Noth during the opening of the Wizard's Tower here in Hempstead. I found it strange that the only other interested student was Tod, but I'm sure the two of us will make the most of our new assignments. I fully intend to put all my energy inta being the best wizard I can. My first task is ta *crosses out ta and replaces it with to* work on my writing. If I'm to be able to work magic, I must be disciplined enough to overcome all my street talk and write as a true scholar should. I've also taken the liberty of acquiring a new wizards robe from the guild, hopefully the rest will understand my need of it.  To date, my lessons from Miss Hanna have been sparse, but she did recommend a few lessor spells for me to study in preparation. Daze and resistance, she told me we crucial to all beggining practitioners of the Al'Noth. I've studied these spells and tried to focus my mind on retaining the symbols but I still lack something to finish the casting. I will ask Miss Hanna as soon as I ken *grumbles and crosses out ken neatly and replaces it with can* about it, hopefully she will have some idea. Benjamin Poetr, Wizard's Apprentice *Bejamin sprinkles some fine sand on his writing and gently blows it off*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on July 06, 2009, 12:09:22 PM

Freas, Jular 13, 1451

I can feel it, inside me, this sense of ..something, an energy that requires me to focus and channel it.  The Al'Noth, it excites me , but still it remains out of reach.  The mental exercises and the demonstrations of magic both Ely and Omer call to that part inside of me, but I can't reach it just yet.  I am frustrated but hopeful.  My work consumes me, folks comment on it, how I am always in a hurry.  They don't understand how I feel my years now more than ever and that tingle, deep in my chest of power- I must find a way to release it as wizards do or it will consume me. I do not have many seasons left, certainly not as the elven do.  I have redoubled my effort to strengthen my mind so when the time comes the words and gestures will flow smoothly. The Al'Noth will be mine to control- Even if it is a small part.

I watched with mixed emotions as Elohanna rushed the bugbears and my limbs moved of their own accord to block, thrust, and parry the double bladed axes away from her as she fell into her casting trance, not a blade touched her, but still I worried.  "You don't trust me!" She said quietly after, to which I could only reply with a nod.  The truth is more, I love this elf, despite her skinny legs, her Krys, even my own...distaste of the elven form.  She is troubled, Elohanna, she told me she is tired of living a lie.  A lie of the heart, she said.  I parried her feelings as I did the bugbears weapons,  redirected them to Omer, who I know loves her beyond what he says. The lie is she feels the same about him, that silly elf..that lucky elf. She told me that openly in a meeting.  She doesn't know my true feelings nor will she, for I will never tell her and give no hint other than to listen, and to offer a brotherly shoulder.  I can do that much at least with the time I have left.

Benjamin Poetr, wizards apprentice.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on July 14, 2009, 10:44:49 AM

Satari, Novlar 21, 1451

I've finally done it, I managed to tap that energy inside myself.  Odd thing occurred when I did though, a raven flew down from the trees in Silkwood and wouldn't let me be.  First thing the bugger did was poop on my cloak and look at me funny.  I tried to shoo him off an as I did so, I felt a connection, like I could understand what it was feeling, sorta.  I decided ta call him Fletch and was gonna pluck a feather, but the smart devil seemed ta know my intentions and flew out arms reach.  He's still close, I ken feel him, hovering out there watching me.  

Fletch even trailed me ta Fort Hurix, where me and few other heroes *smirks* Helped the folks there fight off a force of drachs and cultists.  We lost quite a few of our number, but thanks ta Miss Galathea, we held the gate.  Earlier in the fight, the gates got smashed in, so we built a barricade of dead bodies and timbers I took from the walls.  Miss Gal prayed and a miracle happened - one of the barricades turned ta solid stone!  Now the  soldiers are calling us heroes.  That feels kinda good, but its misplaced iffn ya ask me.  I simply went to help defend my home area
round Luck.  Lots of good folks died to hold that fort, they are the true heroes, not me.

After the battle, I helped rebuilt a new gate and then went scouting, I didn't see much, but I'm hoping the other scouts will report soon ta the commander, he's a cool customer and will know what ta do.  More work ta be done in Hemp, so I took off fer home.  I know the forts in good hands, as a force of Rofies, Tories, and Voraxians showed up as the battle was getting over.  Better late than
never I guess.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on August 07, 2009, 12:44:41 PM

*Benjamin tucks a poster carefully into his newly bound journal after reading it a few times with a slight smirk* This outa be good fer a few free drinks I think. I think the first one will be ta those that fell.  The second fer those that stood.

Quote

This Crown has learned the details of our stricken fort, Hurix. It grieves Us to know so many lives were lost, so many of our brothers, husbands an sons lay beneath the soil of Our fair kingdom. We honor those lost, all names collected will be recorded in the History for all time.
 
 We honor those, too, that stood by our innocents and devoted. Brave knights of Toran, of Rofirien and of Vorax arrived to drive off and hunt down Our attackers. For this We are ever grateful. It is, though, our highest praise that we wish to offer to the following, whom stood by the People of Hurix in their darkest hour, defending and enduring.
 
Benjamin Poetr
Tod Fellow
 Amanda
 Rodlin Serim
Galathea Arnaduillae
Chakar Achmed El'Mujahir
Shiff Dragonheart
Daniella Stormhaven
Aesthir Stargazer
Angela Swann
 Storold Doesscha
Pallena
 Maelverik Reznar
 
 Trelania offers a day of celebration to honor all of those who fought for Our People.
 
 *the stamp and seal of Trelania follows as well as the complex signature of Queen Mouring. The announcement is also read over the kingdom by traveling heralds under the banner of Trelania for the few months it takes to travel to all Trelania's major cities (and stopping at the small ones along the way)*

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on September 15, 2009, 10:23:36 AM

Freas, Seplar 13, 1454

Of all the things that puzzle me most, I way me guildmates look ta me sometimes fer leadership puzzles me the most.  Iffn I'm ta be honest at least with myself, I never wanted such a thing to happen.  But, as with all things, it seems to have occurred on its own.  No point complainin bout it, I'll simply do what I've been doin, put me head down and feet forward and get what needs doin done. Sometimes that means I gotta give orders.  Of course, Essa and Elly seem ta take great fun in callin me Capt'n or Sir, the wisearses.

Like defendin Hurix, I went because it needed doing.  Them soldiers and the folk of the countryside needed other folks ta help. *touches a medallion on his cloak and grins* I never figured ta get more outa it then the satisfaction that my homeland would survive, but I gotta admit it feels pretty good ta be looked upon in a better light. Its a shame so many died, but at least thier children will grow up as they did.

My studies of the Al'Noth continue.  I've learned to focus my power a wee bit more, not much, but enough that the magical shield I conjure lasts more than a few moments which is useful fer a variety of tasks..mostly charging them fool kobbies that inhabit the northern caves.  I've taken to
some intense study of spells and their uses as well.  I find myself recognizing more of the castings by Essa, Sala, and Elly.

Might be I'm a fool, but Aylana and I seem ta have more than friendship.  She's got a set of pipes that don't quit, that woman, an she's nice nuff. *pauses in his writing* I guess I'm toyin with the idear of askin her ta marry me, but I ain't suren if its fair ta her.  I don't look it jest yet, but I ain't a young man anymore.  Guess I'll hafta think bout it some more.

As usual, there's work ta be done and here I sit wastin time.  I'd best see it done.

Benjamin Poetr.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on September 17, 2009, 03:09:36 PM

Wedlar, Oclar 18, 1454

Dang that woman anyways!! Why'd she hafta test me like this?!  I wasn't lying bout telling Ferrit me interest in Aylana and yet she had ta bring it up on a guild run.  Mister Kyle was a bit taken back and there were a few awkward moments fer me, but his position was the same as Ferrit's..keep Lana happy.  

Essa though..well..it was her lie that gave her away..she said "I wish you well," but it was the way she said it..a slight widening of the eyes and a quiver in her lip that told me she was both hurt and angry bout it.  She never could lie ta me worth nothin.  Could it be she feels more fer me that she does bout the other fellows in her life?  We do gone on an on, me and the priestess..fact is I never gave it much thought until Missus Sonya mentioned we quarrel as well as any married couple.  Maybe I'll hafta rethink these feelings I have fer Aylana..fer my own safety and hers.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on October 01, 2009, 10:18:22 AM

Sunra, Junar 1, 1455

I've gone and done it.  I asked Aylana ta marry me and she said yes.  I mulled and debated on it fer a long while and was even surprised when she offered to simply live together, but I pointed out her Da would never condone such a thing and she agreed.  She asked me if I loved her and I had to explain how I felt.  While no one ken take the place Tar held inside of me, I do care a great deal bout Lana, lots of little love I explained.  She said she understood which eases me mind considerably.

We've got a bit of work to do, but we've had a stroke of luck, Tod's offered us the upstairs of his little halfling home in Wayfare.  I'll be spending some time fixin the place up proper fer a lady of Aylana's standin, but I don't really mind.  The Weddin will be at Essa's party and I even got the priestess to agree to officiate.  Her only words ta me were "Won't you ever learn?"  I guess the answer ta that is a big nope.  Once again I owe Essa more than words ken say.

Elly's been right moody lately and more than a bit withdrawn so my studies of the Al'Noth have suffered slightly.  I continue to simply observe folks more knowledgeable than meself like Sala and Chakar.  Its slow goin and ta be honest, I struggle with it.  I've had thoughts of giving up altogether, but then something will come along to renew my interest like the magical portal beneath Nel.  We spent several fruitless days down there tryin ta figure a way to close a one way portal without dropping a barrier.  Allgo and meself evern searched the ruins we could get to for more clues.  The only one we found was a fresco depicting humans building the site under the watchful eyes of a demon.  Me spell book, a meager thing will soon have a new set of second circle spells I think.

Guild business continues apace.  Mister Kyle has expressed a desire and willingness to assume more of a leadership role.  At first I was angry as I've been coverin fer him fer a long time, but then I realized iffn he wants to do more organizing and leading, it's less work fer me.

I asked Sonya's daughter, Hunte,  a question the other day -- How would she feel bout taking over fer her mother in the guild as Sonya has made it fairly clear she's ready to retire.  She said she'd think bout it.  I ain't fond of most of Rain's brats, but Hunte seems ta have a good head on her shoulders and no chip beside said head to cause the guild grief.  She'd be a fine fit if she accepts, I hope she does.

Ben Poetr.

Hempstead, Mistone

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on October 08, 2009, 11:21:46 AM

Mulnari, Seplar 23, 1455

Tunar, Junar 10, 1456 is the day Lana becomes me wife.  She told me something that made my jaw drop the other day as we sat relaxing at the home in Wayfare.  She told me that Essa doesn't have a jealous bone in her body and that because she loves Essa as well, she's willing to allow our foolishness as long as we're discrete.  I ain't sure what I've done to deserve that bit of understanding, but after I closed my mouth and simply agreed pointing out that I was willing to forgo that particular part if she ever changed her mind.  It seemed the wisest action I could take at the time.

Essa has the party mostly set up, but she's asked fer some help in organizing a treasure hunt.  I've been thinking about her idea of the party goers asking each guild member fer a clue as ta the final location of the grand door prize and have a few ideas to share.  I'd write them here, but I need ta speak to Essa first.

Me magic and studies of the Al'Noth continue.  Insights I've gained are mastery of second circle spells and a furthering of my overall understanding of spell casting in general.  Elly suggested some studies in the art of dispelling, the cancellation of some magical effects by enemy wizards with spells of my own.  I look forward to learning more.  I am beginning to see that magic is a tool much like my bow or lock picks.  Careful and thoughtful application is needed for it to be most effective.

Benjamin.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on October 26, 2009, 10:47:40 AM

Benjamin tucks a light blanket around Aylana's neck, giving her a kiss and stands back, letting her sleep, and "Poor things still tuckered after that party and wedding," He murmurs with a slight snicker, "Guess she ain't got me stamina, not bad fer an old man."  With that, Benjamin steps lightly to his favorite chair and dusts off a journal, his usual irrepressible energy showing in a crooked grin.

Threas, Jular 12, 1456

Where ta start..I guess I should mention what Jennara shared with Elohanna and meself in the troll caves.  She suspects one of the leaders of the Dragon Cult completed the Path of the Claw and for reasons of his own remains at large in Mistone.  Disturbin news ta say the least.  Miss Jennara described him as white haired man with a white small beard, but said if he completed the path, he could be almost any shape or creature he chooses.  

Our wedding went off with nary a hitch and was well attended.  I gotta hand it ta Sallaron fer a fun game of cards.  Lana won both hands and the prizes, which makes me happy, at least one of us is lucky.  Essa outdid herself once again with the party, much to everyone's enjoyment.  Its her gift.

My studies of the Al'Noth continue.  I attended one of the Tower's meetings and learned a fair bit, but its seems ta my mind most of the wizards and sorceresses there are more intent on positions and titles than learnin.  I've seen orcs cooperate better at times.  Hard thing ta say, but true.  Elohanna has her work set fer her is all I ken say bout it.  I was out with Essa, Elohanna, and that crazy elf, Razeriem and we discovered a place in the Dead Marches where the Al'noth was simply..gone..no spells of any sort worked.  It was on the last stretch of the marches before the Great Spike Mountains.  It unnerved me and Essa to the point where we turned back.  We dutifully reported our observations ta Elohanna and she confirmed the strangeness of it personally.

Guild business has been slow, but steady.  We agreed at our last meetin to set aside funds and materials fer a center of learning.  Its purpose is to help crafters and their ilk.  To date there's about ten thousand trues saved so far.  Its my hope that Mister Kyle or Steel will approach the city council soon with our plan.  We have yet to hire an architect to draw plans.

Benjamin.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on November 13, 2009, 01:42:18 PM

A very tired looking Benjamin drops a heavy pack next to the door and drags himself to his chair.  Opening a ratty journal, he writes by lamplight, the days light long since fled.

Threas, Mai 5, 1457

Me Da used ta say If you lived long enough troubles will find you, so why go looking.  I surely think what he said then is true now.  Hemp lies underwater; some four feet of it or deeper in spots.  The Guild is in shambles, crates of once finely crafted goods now contain mold and rotting materials.  Most , if not all of the leather work and clothing smells of rot and will have to be burned to prevent disease.  Iffn we are very lucky, looters will miss the jewelry and non iron weapons and armor.  I did note the law out in some force to prevent looting.   All this on me return to Wayfare from the far north. //lingering shadows.

Still, there may be some room for hope here, if I dare write such a thing.  Fer example, Lana holds some feelings of being cheated out of children -- with these troubles, I'm sure there will be many children who will need a home.  I will hafta bring the idea to her.  Another area may be we rebuild a better Guild Hall.  I have a few ideas fer creating a counter and drop off area for raw materials much like the Bashers do.  If we are to incur rebuilding costs, we should improve not just rebuild.  

Whatever the guild does, we'll be needing a meeting to sort things out, but first..I need ta make sure all of us survived.

Benjamin.


Benjamin falls asleep in his chair; his soft snores fill the room.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on November 25, 2009, 01:54:43 PM

Benjamin rubs his eyes tiredly and dips his quill into the ink on his desk,



Tunar, Novlar 17, 1457


The list of projects grows, most everywhere I turn I see work needin ta be done, but where ta start.  The guild hall in Hempstead is as ready fer the next wave as meself and other guild members ken make it -- sandbags reinforce the other walls along with what planking could be spared.  More importantly the majority if not all the salvageable materials and finished goods are move to the Half Lake house, which Ferrit has set up and organized ta act as our new guild hall until this storm plays itself out.  Ferrit, poor lady, is besides herself at times with organizing.  I hope me good news of adoptin a wee one helped ta cheer her some, we all could use a bit of good news.  What remains ta be done is helping Mister Kyle and Ferrit rebuild their home in Krandor, Steele's Arms, and the numerous projects around Hempstead, including a remodel of the Guild Hall itself.

My skills with the Al'Noth continue to grow, I've achieved mastery of third circle spells, but ta me honest as much as I love magic, its allure is startin ta feel..flat.  I seem ta be at a crossroads, do I resume practicing me former skills or continue on this path?  With the strange absence of my teacher, Miss Elohanna, I'm leanin toward the former, but remain undecided.

Despite me doubts about pursuing me studies, I remain committed ta Hempstead and its folks, they're my people and I mean ta do right by em.

~Benjamin Poetr

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on December 28, 2009, 01:23:40 PM

Sunra, Mai 8, 1459

I've made me decision, a poor wizard I may be, but a wizard I remain.  I made a recent discovery, it seems all me time spent mixing potions has had a curious side effect, it seems the skin on me hands and arms has hardened to an almost leather consistency.   Its either that or the multiple abrasions and wounds I've suffered have finally made me skin tougher to the point of worked hide.  With all the dangers I expose meself to, I reckon its a good thing.  No new revelations in regards ta me magic workin other than an increase in me ability to concentrate, I ken now hold my focus for a longer time, keeping the formula's active in the Al'Noth around me for a few moments longer.  

Business at the Guild continues, but at a slower pace, much of the guild's energy has been in helping the folks of Hempstead in recoverin still.  By me count close ta two hunnerd thousand in materials has been donated so far.  

Home life is good.  Lana an the girls, Bria and Katelyn seem settled in.  Lana's been makin em both dresses.  Got their room organized and set up.  Bria is still occasionally troubled by nightmares and there's been more than once Lana or meself have slept by the side of her bed, but she's growin again despite missin her wing.  Speakin of, I managed ta carve an arm fer her outa mahogany with a few leather attachments.  Its not much, but it lets her hold small things close to her belly and use her good arm more.  I might be biased, but I'm bettin both me girls turn out ta be lookers.  I'll be keepin Essa an her idears away from the two of them fer a bit yet.

~Benjamin Poetr
Wayfare, Mistone.

Title: Wedlar, Mai 18, 1460 I've
Post by: cbnicholson on September 17, 2015, 12:52:21 PM

Wedlar, Mai 18, 1460 I've made me decision. I'll see the new guild hall built and running then I'll retire and spend the years remaining to me with Lana and the girls. I've asked me boy to look over a will written by me own hand and he says its legal. I'll leave a copy of it with the priests of Deliar in Hemp and me boy has a copy in his personal effects. If there should be any questions regarding this letter, I leave all final decisions to me songbird, Aylana Poetr.

 

Iffn yer reading this, I'm dead. Depending if there is enough of me left to bury, I wish to be buried near Hurix on my family's ancestral land. However I went, I want no party or last hurrah to be held, unless Essa insists and everyone gets fallin down drunk. If this is the case, may you all suffer the hangovers of ten ogres each fer being stupid enough ta drink so much. As most of the property I possess is in co-ownership with various individuals and the Angels Guild, it's a simple matter to revert said property back to those individuals and groups. First, 181 Haven, of which I own the upstairs half I wish to go ta Keppli Quickhands, Ranger and halfling lass. I've always seen her as me first daughter and wish for her to be able to call the place her own home fer as long as she wishes. I have a small note from Sala granting this from several years ago and trust her to hold to her promise. 225 Haft Lake house -- Purchased as a guild house, it returns to guild hands, I leave the decision as to the specific who in my other guild family's hands. Finally, the apartment upstairs at 189 Wayfare I leave to my friend and wife, Aylana. All materials and furniture are to be hers along with the full amount of me bank account-after any outstanding guild funds have been turned over to Ferrit Pandorn. Her songs have always been a great comfort to me and It is my wish that she be provided for in this way. In me younger years, I sought true as a means of wealth, but as I got older, I realized the true wealth ta be had was in one's friends. I hope ya thought of me the same despite me usual gruffness. This will is written by my hand on Mai 5, 1460. (signed) ~Benjamin Poetr

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on February 02, 2010, 09:33:52 AM

The rising sun finds Benjamin and Aylana fast asleep on a couch by the statue of Allurial in Hempstead.  Carefully, Benjamin recovers Aylana with his cloak and pulls a small spellbook from a larger pouch.  Putting quill to the back pages he writes...

Freas, Decilar 13, 1460

I think me Songbird has the knack fer elvish..she understands most everything I tell her in me poor barely passable Elvish and she's able ta recite the words back ta me well nuff with very little in the way of reminders.  Most likely its her younger memories helping her overcome me own bad diction as both Aerimor and Alatriel are quick ta point out..I speak lousy elf. smirks. I ain't told Lana, but I asked as many of the elves I know ta help her by speaking elvish round her as much as possible.  Its me last gift ta this woman that I ken give. Furrows his brow deep in thought.


Adventurers..heh, we call ourselves this because we dare ta go where most sane folk won't and fight things most would run screaming from.  There's a price ta be paid fer this adventure especially with those that ya care about. Glances at Aylana and sighs That price is in the leaving, taking that final step beyond the blackness between the bindstones.  A few have come back, but not many..and none that I've talk ta recall what they found there.  I won't be coming back. Rubs his right knee to work some stiffness there then continues writing.  

I've never been a brave man.  Being a hero is somethin I've always thought is being the person that gets other folks killed and ta that end I've never proclaimed meself a hero, even when they gave me this medal fer fightin in Hurix.  Me songbird thinks different, she told me last night its because I'm scared but still do what needs doin that makes me brave.  I don't know if I hold ta that, but I could see it in her pretty green eyes she thinks it so.  Gazes at the statue in the morning light for a few moments, pausing to pat Ayalana's shoulder as she murmurs in her sleep he turns back to the statue and whispers. Lucinda, Lady of Spells, ya've showed me more wonders in me latter years than I've a right ta see, now I'm askin fer jest one thing..Help me ta die well.

Title: Re: a street rat's life
Post by: cbnicholson on February 07, 2010, 10:19:37 AM

Evening finds Benjamin carefully preparing his pack in his apartment at 189 Wayfare.  With a tenderness not usually seen he kisses Ayalana on the cheek and pads softly into his adopted daughter's room and gives each of them a kiss.  Squaring his shoulders he slips into the night using the shadows to conceal himself from the merchants and guards outside and makes his way out the gate into foothills of the Dark Peaks.  Summoning his magic, he shrouds himself and conjures wards against the cool night air and magic and continues past the satyrs into the darkness beyond.  He is not seen again in the lands...