Reng's protestations of "you want me to go back out"turn swiftly into "you want me to go up there, with her?"as he warrior's eyes lock onto the princess, only barely allowing the guards to guide her up to the platform. She seems not to care about the state of her dress, and only reluctantly acquiesces to the offer to change into white linens.
Up on the platform, she waits until the princess finishes speaking, and then smoothly cuts into a brief space in the conversation. "I'm Reng O'Malley, not Wolf Lady, or whatever they were saying. And you may have doubted my worth, but my worth is known enough to Shagambi that I was able to do what you saw me do down in that pit of yours. And up here."
She takes a deep breath to center herself, and passes her hand across her face, using prestidigitation to instantly clean herself, and you begin to smell the bright, fresh aroma of a lemon tree ripe with fruit. She speaks again, a bit more calmly.
"As far as bets, and expeditions, well, I don't know anything about that, but I do know that I am not a cannibal, not a murderer. I was set up and nearly killed by someone who still goes free, and yet found myself jailed and sentenced to death. This may be entertaining for some of you, but it's certainly not justice."
She speaks easily -- which is likely a surprise to most of you. Shae's medicinal attentions, and the new linens, and the fade of adrenaline, and the chance to see her up close and personal, not riding or fighting a dinosaur... all combine to present to you a tall, slender woman whose limbs move easily with muscle and vein just visible under copper skin. Her hair, which had been a mess in the ring, is now clean, and black, and spiky, with a bright red stripe down the middle. Her deep brown eyes take in her surroundings, reading threats and opportunities and people, but perhaps lacking a bit of intuition.
"Still, my plans for the next few tendays no longer apply, and I'm willing to learn more. Has anyone seen my bag?"
Otto was glad for the sudden arrival of the guards, for it not only scattered the vultures scrabbling for loose coins, but also provided credible and authorized witnesses for his deal with the bookmaker. The fickle halfling had no wish to ruin the man, for the threat of bankruptcy had nullified large payouts on more than one occasion. But a bet is a bet, and the bookie was obligated to fulfil it in the future, so under the guards' authority Otto accepted the man's protestations and watched as he signed a legal bond to pay the debt in the future or end up in the Executioner's Run himself. Equipped with this document, Otto gladly accompanied the guards back to the Princess's pavilion. At the questioning glance from Shae regarding his empty-handedness, Otto whispers (somewhat un-reassuringly): It's okay. I have an IOU. It's as good as money!
After the Princess gives her speech, Otto whoops with excitement. All right! We're going on an adventure? And I get to go with the Swamp Beast?! This is the greatest day of my life! ... Where are we going?
It's not until the Wolf Lady starts speaking that Otto realises she is even there. He makes a loud scoffing pffft! noise as Reng uses magic to clean herself. Throughout her next tirade about injustice, Otto pantomines an eye-rubbing crying motion with both hands. And it doesn't take much intuition during Reng's final scan of the surroundings and its people to see what Otto thinks of her - his tongue is poking out as he blows a raspberry!
Shae would stand tall and regal as the group assembled in the balcony. Blue hues rest on the Merchant Princess as she addresses the crowd until a familiar magnetic presence returns to her side. “Fancy meeting you here, Meredith.” Lips twitch into a dimpled smirk before she’d pass a brief glance Mulligan’s way. A bit of a light teasing. He was fun to play with. Her brow would pop and a chuckle would slip her lips when he’d ask if ‘we’ were up for it. “Think you can keep up?” She’d wink.
When the Professor would begin to take steps back, Shae would then take firm strides forward, eyes locking back on Kwayothé. Though no words were exchanged, as it was not ‘her turn’. Shae would wait for the wild woman to finish her firm approach to her introduction. Feisty Miss Reng O’Malley. Not Wolf Lady, or Cannibal. Reng. Hmmm. A curious grin danced on her lips.
Catching Otto’s glance and whisper, Shae couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. She had almost forgot about the bet. With a bit of jest, she’d point to her eyes, then to him and back to playfully communicate she was keeping an eye on him. She’d wink. Again, she had decided that she trusted his efforts until otherwise affected.
As the conversation settled, and the warrior moved on looking for her bag, Shae would step forward. She’d give the princess a gracious bow of her head for her announcement of agreeing to outfit the expedition and reach a hand for her to shake. “Thank you for playing Princess.” Shae would wear a warm and inviting smile. “I look forward to coming by your personal villa for what I asked for.”
"Meredith? No, no... It's Mulli..." Mulligan starts, before groaning and tossing his hands up in surrender. Playing along? Deciding to change his name? Still too early to tell.
"Keep up? Well sure," he answers. "There's this old crone who stops by the boarding house. She has these little blue potions..." Mulligan then quickly clears his throat and decides he totally misunderstood. "Yes, of course. How tough can it be to wade through throngs of undead. In the jungle. Where's there's lions... and tigers... and bears?"
Oh my, Mulligan thinks. I may be in a bit over my head here... But he slowly looks around. He sees the nerdy professor, if that guy isn't worried then surely Mulligan needn't be. Then there is the lizard man who surely could wade through undead with no problem at all. The savage cannibal woman is looking far less savage now, but she's already shown that side and it would surely be useful if the did encounter zombies or skeletons or...
"Just how many types of undead are there anyway?" Mulligan asks aloud, not really even meaning to.
Then there is Otto. Mulligan knows him a bit from around town. Nice enough chap but a bumbling fumbler who is likely to cause as many issues as he solves. Still, he'll add to the entertainment value on the excursion and it's always good to have someone you're willing to toss overboard. Or maybe he's mixing his metaphors? And of course there was Shae... That woman has tricks up her sleeves he hasn't even seen yet! But it will be quite fun to discover them... and find out what else she is hiding. And where.
As the ruckus and brouhaha are starting to calm down, Mulligan will step up and command everyone's attention with a practiced clearing of his throat.
"Well it seems we have won the day and bravo to us all for that! We have defeated terrifying beasts, won extravagant and outrageous wagers, and we have looked damned good while doing it! Kudos to us all. We are a strange, misfit, vagabond collection of souls but working together we'll make a mess of whatever comes up and somehow call it a victory!! Now it seems like we've been appointed, recruited, drafted or otherwise strong-armed into yet another task... And I am sure we are all quite curious about the details! Thankfully, the professor here," Mulligan pauses just long enough to point out Professor Snively with a grand flourish. "The professor knows just about everything... And he has agreed to fill us in, as well as buy us a few rounds! So let's all gather up and a local establishment and take him up on his kind and generous offer. What do you say? To The Professor!!"
And with his little speech building up into a crescendo, Mulligan will take a step back, bow towards Professor Snively, and start the applause for his magnanimity!
After Mulligans grand speech, Fang leans in to either glasses or Shae’s ear (whomever he is closest to and whispers) “They still have my stuff. I should like it back.”
”Pardon me Prince Wakanga, I appear to have neglected the celebration portion of the festivities, as my proclivity towards discussing matters arcane and logistic often outweighs my social skills. Perhaps we should allow these victors to reclaim their property and join us in a smaller venue for some pleasant libations?” The Professor says as he excuses himself to address the others.
Looking up from his conversation with Prince Wakanga, the Professor responds, “I am sure all your possessions will be returned, as you will certainly need them on this expedition,” favoring the Princess with an appraising glance. Continuing, he smiles at Shae and inclines his head, saying, “As to who pays for the drinks, may I humbly suggest the lady who won such a sizable bet this afternoon may be so inclined.”
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Otto certainly recognises a performance when he sees one, and helps augment Mulligan's punch line with some prestidigitation-enhanced applause and some mini fireworks. But the Professor's suggestion for Shae's use of her currently-non-existent winnings is a slightly awkward moment for the halfling, and he quickly volunteers to make himself scarce by retrieving Fang's personal effects (and Reng's if he must) or to run any other errands in preparation for the pending expedition.
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Soonly, Mulligan leads the nascent adventuring party, and indeed as much of the rowdy crowd as he can shepherd, to a local tavern which has seen much better times. The sign above the door named the place "Elixirs and Drafts" but Mulligan assured everyone in earshot that the regulars all just called it "ED's."
Otto, lost in conversation with someone amongst the crowd explaining his ill luck with the retrieval of his winnings, but his positivity that the IOU would be honored, grabbed the door handle and promptly walked right into the door. Otto "Oomphed!" and fell on his butt. Many amongst the immediate crowd giggled and laughed. Mulligan gave a rather theatrical gasp and immediately helped the halfling back to his feet, apologized profusely and he helped dust him off, and then swept his arms dramatically to one side and indicated a short stairwell leading down. The faded arrow pointing that way once indicated that indeed Drafts were served on the floor half below ground but that particular sign is unfortunately all but overlooked.
"Sorry my friend, a thousand apologies," Mulligan said again. "The tavern is a few steps down. Edwin, the proprietor, insists it's for quick access to the sub basement which keeps his kegs cool. But I'm pretty sure Edie, the proprietress of Elixirs, just prefers being above ground and cuts him a break on rent."
Leading the crowd down the seven steps that lead to the heavy, red oak door to Drafts, Mulligan started explaining that Edie was an ancient Elven spinster who read fortunes, sold luck charms, love potions, and other "restorative' concoctions to those who stumbled in and were easily fooled. Ushering in as much of the crowd as could possibly be crammed into the shady main bar room and it's couple of overflow (and barely used) meeting rooms, Mulligan winked and assured Otto that those who were on Edie's good side could find some real magical gems for sale for a decent price...
"EDWIN!" Mulligan cried out to the human behind the bar once he spotted him. Edwin, for his part, looked startled and a little bit afraid to see such a huge crowd pouring through his front door.
"Wha... Who... Where did..." Edwin started and faltered several times in his efforts to sew a thought together into a coherent sentence. "Mulligan? Mulligan?!?" Upon closer inspection, the ancient human was likely not quite human after all. They were scrawny and frail looking, their skin appeared paper thing but yet there did seem to be a stubborn strength to them despite it all. But as one got close enough to notice it was evident that they weren't just bald but rather there was dull grey scales which formed where a hairline perhaps should be and sweeping back over the rest of his head. And his eye were bright, yellow and slitted like a snake's.
"What part of never sshow yoursself here again do you not understand, Mulligan?" Edwin asked with narrowing eyes as his hand slipped off the bar to reach for something below it.
"Edwin! You wound me!" Mulligan says as he pulls his companions up to the bar with him and places his hands over his heart.
"I told you I would make you whole again, did I not? And surely," Mulligan paused to make a gesture which indicated the throng of thirsty revelers that he had brought with him. "Surely your profits from this crowd is enough to do that?"
Edwin tried to hold on to his anger but it was apparent that he couldn't help but see the profits to be made with such a crowd. Even if it was just one night. "Still, you know what you did was totally uncalled for..."
"Of course. Of course. And you know I am sorry that it blew back onto you like that..." Mulligan pleaded in his most apologetic tone.
"And I'm just one guy," Edwin pointed out. "How am I supposed to even handle a crowd like this?"
"Edwin... Edwin..." Mulligan said, his smile flashing and his hands going up in mock surrender. "Would I bring you more than you could handle?"
"Yes..."
"Would I bring a crowd like this here if you couldn't handle it?"
"Yes..."
"Do you or do you not still have miners in your basement?" Mulligan asked.
Edwin said nothing... Instead he looked away as if considering.
"Minors?" Shae asked, a touch of concern in her voice.
"Miners," Mulligan insisted with a smirk. "Just wait..."
Throughout the entire conversation the crowd had grown more and more restless. They were pressing towards the bar, those there already were trying to get the bartenders attention. The mob was getting antsy.
Edwin shrugged and walked a little further behind his bar. He stomped his foot. Once. Twice. He paused then stomped once more. With a groan he then bent over and lifted a small two by two metal grate. "Alrighty, we've got work!" he called down in a holler. There was immediate chitter and chatter below the floorboards and scratching and scratching growing louder and louder. The next thing anyone knew there was an explosion out of the metal grate.
"Miners," Mulligan told Shae with a wink.
"Kobolds!" Shae said in response with a laugh and amusement.
Up and down the bar there was Kobolds taking orders, making drinks, pulling draughts and yelling out orders. Other waded into the crowd, dodging between legs, dancing around the steps of others, to get back deep into the crowd and take their orders as well. It was a delightful mayhem or little dragon wannabes, rowdy revelers and one very happy barkeep.
"We even?" Mulligan shouted out over the growing cacophony.
"Yeah, yeah,' Edwin said, smiling for the first time since he saw the bard. "We're even."
"And our drinks are free tonight?" Mulligan pushed.
Edwin looked stricken as he looked out over the overpacked bar.
"No, no, no... Just ours," Mulligan soothed. "Just the six of us... Five if you count Otto and the gnome as one."
Edwin looked at the small knot that was immediately surrounding Mulligan and thought for a minute... then nodded reluctantly.
"See that, Professor? You're off the hook!"
Professor Snively smiled, coughed, took off his glasses and absently cleaned them. "Right. Yes. Very good," he replied, perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the pure throng of people and noise.
Overwhelmed seemed to apply to the Lizardfolk and Human who had been the spectacular combatants of the evening as well. Looking at them Mulligan feared one of both might revert to the more primal natures they exhibited in the arena if forced to endure such crowded conditions for long.
"We're going upstairs," Mulligan shouted over to the busy Edwin. "Send up a couple with some drinks?"
"They may be hungry as well," Shae prompted.
"And some food. Actually, lots of food..."
"Yeah, yeah," Edwin answered and waved them off.
Mulligan once more shepherded his new friends, this time cutting a path through the crowd and towards the back of the room. He led them directly to a totally ignored doorway between the two restrooms, for which there were already lines forming. Those in need likely ignored the third door thinking it was a janitor's closet. The words Janitor's Closet painted on the door was perhaps why. The bard ignored such and opened the door and directed his companions up the stairway behind it. At the top was a cozy but sizable room furnished with comfortable chairs and couches. The one wall was open to look out over the barroom and allow the noise and heat of it to drift up.
"Sit, sit," Mulligan said, topping the stairs behind them. "There'll be food and drink in a minute or three. We're here to celebrate... But it seems we also have a lot to discuss. If we're all being thrust into some kind of grand adventure together them at the very least we should get to know one another..."
((Sorry Shae, Professor and Otto if I misused your characters. I tried to use a light touch and keep their actions / words appropriate. And sorry Reng and Fang - I only know you two from the arena so didn't really want to do anything with you two since I don't know their non-combat personalities at all! Mainly I just felt like doing a little Mulligan writing and I figured I could put is in a spot where we could so some RP if we so desired, some stuff with the crowd or the kobolds or whatever... ))
Happy the celebration was continuing and it seemed their expedition was going to be well-stocked on both provisions and adventurers, the Professor was a bit downcast that Shae's bet didn't pan out as she had hoped, and he is about to offer to pay for their drinks and food himself when Mulligan works his own brand of magic. Smiling at the capabilities of his new companions, Snively summons an Unseen Servant to provide him a buffer in the sea of humanity and help with a bit of the serving. As they are shown to the private room, he directs the servant to wait on them and bring the food and drink once it is ready.
Settling in a comfortable chair and reaching for his pipe out of habit, the Professor frowns slightly when he realizes that the item is in the possession of the Merchant Prince, being prepared for Whiff's *extraction*. Smiling at the thought of the steam mephit getting his freedom, Glasses turns to his friends and new acquaintances and says, "Well, I suppose that could have gone worse--It is good to see you alive and more or less healthy, Fang. How did you get yourself entered into the Executioner's Run anyhow?"
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
As the kobolds make their entrance Fang instinctively reaches towards his back, a bow and quiver that’s not there. (I’m assuming that my equipment wouldn’t have been returned yet.) He then scoops up a very distressed Mushu and hides him from the kobolds view as best he can.
Once in the private room...
Fang moves to a corner of the room. Feeling very out of place amidst such comfortable furnishings. He’s looking forward to being out in the wilderness again. To say nothing of being a touch homesick. Fang is lost in thoughts of home and all he’s left behind in Palebank when he hears glasses mention his name.
His attention shifts to the small gnome just in time to hear his question. Giving a small shrug of his shoulders Fang looks at him, “Something about fishing where I shouldn’t or selling it when I shouldn’t have” to his former companions it’s clear his use of common has gotten better with his time in such a large city. But there’s still a stiffness with how he speaks.
Reng very nearly tries to escape from the party as they head to ED's, still partially disbelieving that she could be free to go. But she follows this magnetic personality leading the way, partially because she's not sure if guards would set upon her if she fled as part of some elaborate judicial practical joke, and partially because of the thirsty, excited crowd helping to push her along. She barely has a chance for a thought about whether her few possessions had been found and returned to her. As they enter and witness first the awkward, but admittedly hilarious conversation between this Mulligan and Edwin, and the explosion of kobold waitstaff, her hand also reflexively goes to call her weapon to her hand like Fang, but she pauses after she realizes the threat is nonexistent beyond a chipped tooth from an overly-enthusiastic server shoving a tankard at someone's mouth.
In the private room, she turns to whoever is next to her and says, "no but really what is the deal with the bet? You bet on our lives? How much? Do we get a cut?"
(Realize I haven't posted for a while... Sorry in advance...)
Balcony Although Shae may not have responded verbally to Mulligan while back at the balcony, her growing smirk was enough proof she heard every word and enjoyed letting him fill the air with some of his passing thoughts. Truthfully she had also remained quiet to hang on for any of the Princess' parting words, acquiring the address should no one else have it and it weren't an obvious one. Perhaps a part of her was also stalling from overhearing the Professor to the Prince, he was right, they'd probably need porters to pick up and transport their new supplies. And they also should discuss if they require Hope and it's crew. The actuality of leaving on a new adventure came with it's own excitement of course, sure. This is what she was itching to go do after all, but as the reality of their actual departure in a few days nudged in, so did the aches in her chest. She'd fidget with a hand crafted bracelet around her wrist as Mulligan commanded everyone's attention for first of what feels like what will be many, encouraging speeches.
Of most important before being swept off to pass the time prior to their next meet with Kwayothé, the medic would set out to retrieve Fang and Reng's equipment. Taking advantage of the remainder of her flying magic for the day, she'd inhale a deep breath and whisk off above the crowd to search. With Mulligan leading the group, it wouldn't be hard for Shae to find and catch up with them. Humming to herself she'd maneuver her way, following the logical path of where they would have confiscated the personal items of the contestants. Finding a pair of guards, the violet haired woman would come to a stop at their post. With a sweet smile to calm their surprised looks, she'd hold her hands out expectantly. "As the winning warriors' personal medic, I, on my own accord, take responsibility for my patients and their well being. I'm here to collect their personal belongings." Her words were firm, laced with full sincerity. To some the items may be materialistic things, but being all they may have left, Shae knew these items were an extension of themselves and their individuality. It would be like returning a piece of themselves and would be good for their mental health. They deserved these items returned. After a few wide eyed blinks from the guards, they'd gather the equipment and hand it over.
Shae may have forgot to account for the extra weight she'd have to carry back with her. After struggling for a few feet, she'd stop to distribute the weight evenly amongst herself, and on either end of her staff. Thankful for her recent efforts in training, she didn't give up immediately. Although she was still encumbered and moving much slower than she would without all the equipment, Shae methodically made her way back to the group. Elixirs and Drafts... She reached them just in time to catch Otto get knocked down and get back up again. ED's... Merging in with the crowd, she'd be funneled inside the establishment.
Bar Scene Ushered to the front and swept up in the hubub, Shae was indeed still focused on the well-being of others. Once clarification was had about the miner's and food was promised, she relaxed a little more. Even she was a little peckish, she couldn't imagine Feng and Reng.
After the exchange, Shae would think back to the beginning. "EDs." She'd start to muse out loud with a familiar smirk. "Make yourself memorable. The little blue potion supplier that can." Blue hues would cast a glance to Mulligan. She'd then once again allow him to shepherd her off to yet another change in social experience without much protest. She was comfortable to continue on to a private room as long as she had the company of some familiar faces joining her.
Private Room Shae would hang back to allow others to settle in first. She'd observe the area prior to stepping further into the room. Finally, she'd be able to unload the gear she had been hauling. Straightening her posture to finally catch a breath, she'd dab a bit of sweat from her brow. That's when she'd realize she had a bit of layer from the exercise. So while the others continued to get comfortable and started the conversation, Shae would take a moment to use her magic to freshen herself up before looking for a seat.
A pained expression would rest on her face when Feng would share the reason he was put in the pit. It didn't sound like a just reason to her. Shae was terribly sorry he was dealt that injustice and she couldn't blame him for being wary. There was even more of a reason to set out on their adventure so her friend could thrive in his environment and do what he's motivated to do. And thinking back to what she could remember from Reng's share, she was done the same injustice and more than deserved a freedom she hoped for.
Shae would hand Feng back his items first. Then when Reng's questions would hang in the air, Shae would break her silence after retrieving the warriors gear. "Hi." She'd clear her throat and reach out, offering Reng her gear. "I'm Shae." Should she accept, the medic would take a seat with her. "A friend of the Professor and Feng. We have a bit of history together and stories of our own of how that even came to be. Much like now, we find ourselves together once again. Our paths now crossing with new ones. New individuals with their own stories on how they got here." Her expression would soften. "I'm grateful to find myself amongst 'strangers' who have supported those who supported me. If it means anything, you have my full respect." With a bow of her head, the purple haired woman would offer a small smile.
Blue hues would eventually break away to pan the others. "I see you as new allies." She'd say honestly. "We have an opportunity to venture away from this place, and I welcome your company for the excursion, even if you have other reasons beyond our task." Everyone did. Even her.
With that said, Shae would then look back to Reng to finally respond to her questions. "Yes. We bet on your lives." She'd admit. "The Princess enjoys gambling." She'd continue to explain how they worked together to use that to their advantage. Shae initiated monetary bets to get the conversation started, and to potentially have a back up in case the Merchant Princess didn't follow through. Overall, they did it for medical and survival supplies. "I bet 200 on Feng, 150 on you Reng. Offered Otto 25% to handle the funds, place and manage the bet." She'd cast a glance to Otto. "And get me BBQ scallions..." Then she'd smile and look back. "He made a suggestion to improve our winnings on our bet. Unfortunately, Otto hasn't been able to collect." Shae would wait for the IOU to make an appearance again. A bit of an awkward chuckle would leave her lips. "If it is a part of the share you want, fair." She'd agree, not arguing that they more than deserve a cut if they wanted.
(Realize I haven't posted for a while... Sorry in advance...)
((Nono... None of us had posted, I just decided we didn't need a DM to RP a little bit and revived it :)
As for EDs - Nice callback but TOTALLY accidental. Honestly. I swear!!
Concept comes from a map I saw someone on another forum do of such a bar/magic shop, I enjoyed the concept of the bar being a few steps down like on Cheers. Was going to be Elixirs and Brews to keep the magic theme to the establishments name but last minute named the proprietors Edie and Edwin so adjusted the name.))
The crowd gathered, moved into place and refreshments being distributed, Mulligan felt his job was done and found a comfortable chair to just slump into. He listened to the chat of the others but, for a change, felt no need to step into the center of things. He did summon a few of the kobolds and give some specific drink and food orders. One in particular he tipped a few gold to go run down the street to a place that server BBQ Scallions...
Other than that, Mulligan soaked in the atmosphere, happy as a king on his throne watching his court run itself...
"Hey hey hey!" Mulligan calls out gently at one point and one particular kobold near the Professor was suddenly still as a stone. "You know the rules, none of that upstairs..."
"YesYes, SorrySorry," the kobold in questions pushed out of himself. "JustDustingOffHisClothes!" The kobold indeed patted some fluff off the Professor's clothes and then gave a little shrug.
"SorryAgain," he said, then scampered off.
"They mostly live in the sewers and around the garbage heaps, scavenging off the goods others throw out," Mulligan offered by way of explanation. "Some of the more enlightened business people use them as temporary labor when needed. They're cheap, hard working and eager to make a coin or two. But sometimes they try to take advantage where it's not allowed..." Mulligan offered a smirk to suggest that such things had to be forgiven from time to time.
"If Otto knows who he placed the wager with then perhaps we could track them down? Depending on who it was and such, we may be able to recoup some or all of it?" Mulligan asked, looking over to Otto.
"As for the adventure, I don't honestly know how I got swept up into it. I'm merely an innocent bystander in it all. I'm surely not the adventuring type...," he insisted. "But if I live through it I assure you I will turn it into quite an epic tale and all of you heroes of renown!"
Most of the night, evidence to the contrary, Mulligan was quite reserved and quiet. He'd step up and perform some casual hosting duties from time to time, ensuring drinks were poured, foods plentiful, everyone included... But the idea of the adventure was beginning to weigh upon the fast talker a bit. Sure he'd been in scapes and tough spots time a plenty. He'd risked his life over cards, over women, over misunderstandings mostly... But to deliberately head into danger? For the good of others? Were they sure they had the right man, he desperately wanted to ask.
Yet they seemed like decent folk. Fun folk. In their ways. Even the professor. Perhaps. And, of course, there was the girl....
Mulligan sighed and took a shot of whiskey with a grimace and told a nearby kobold to bring another round.
Otto is in his element with the crowd and the festivities, and the sound of his horn punctuating his latest joke is heard regularly through the evening. He joins Mulligan and the others in the private room at first, but the smaller crowd offers less opportunity for the antics he is known for, plus the lizardman that he is so interested in seems to have more than enough attention at the moment, and the easily-distracted halfling soon loses interest in the more subdued atmosphere. He spends most of the evening in the common room, telling jokes and performing amusing acrobatics based on common children's street games with the help of the kobolds ('Tower-o-Grungs' being a particular crowd favourite). Later, as the crowd begins to dissipate, Otto appears beside Shae and hands her a small pouch which jingles with coin. Here! This is for you, he states in his typically flat nasal tone. At Shae's querying look he adds matter-of-factly: A few tips I collected tonight. Just in case you're a bit short. I know I am!Honk Honk!Otto wanders off again without any further explanation, but Shae doesn't fail to observe that the usually-forgetful halfling seems to be conscious of his responsibility for the uncollected debt, and is trying - in his way - to make up for it.
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
As she'd politely wait for Reng's reply, Shae would lean forward on the table and rest her chin in her hand. A soft chuckle would leave her lips when she could hear the sound of the crowd in the other room reacting to Otto's performances. There was even a point in this room's silence that she'd let out a bit of a longing sigh wondering if she should go join for a little fun. But along with enjoying the new company, she was most comfortable and happy being back in the presence of both the Professor and Fang. That made her smile.
Shae would continue to quietly listen to the other conversations happening around her, blue hues occasionally straying to take in her surroundings. Her smile would curl into a smirk. Catching Mulligan all cozy and smug in his seat, she'd drum her fingers, sneaking in a little wiggle to cast a spell. Hoping to time it just right, she'd see if she could manipulate condensation from the glass to freeze over the whiskey, trapping it at the bottom when he'd try to swig it back.
Here! This is for you, Not expecting Otto to pop over so suddenly, it surprised Shae. "Oh." She'd release her spell, turning her attention to the halfling. When he'd explain they were his tips for the night, her facial expression would soften. She didn't hold him responsible for it, and her quip was more directed towards the missing snack. That was really what she 'cared' about, besides the safety of her companions of course. The jokester however, did collect a soft laugh from his pun and signature honk prior to wandering off once again. Shae definitely appreciated and recognized his efforts and would secure the tips on her person. Any funds she carried always were reinvested back into taking care of 'her crew', the crew, whoever that came to be.
It was at that time one of the Kobold servers would arrive with a serving of BBQ scallions she's been playfully fussing about. Shae's eyes would dilate in excitement and a warm dimpled smile would appear on her face as she'd sit back and correct her posture. She'd stop the server before he'd step away. Leaning in to whisper in his ear, she'd make a polite request. With a nod, he'd be off.
Turning her attention back to the plate, there was definitely too much for her alone, though she'd definitely help herself to the 'best' skewer. Without skipping another beat Shae would take a take bite, letting out a little hum of delight. Satisfied with the flavours, she'd nudge the plate to encourage other's to help themselves. Shae would spin the plate a little and point out the most undercooked one she plucked out and set aside for Fang. It definitely wouldn't be his favourite, but it could be something to hold him over until the server could perhaps return with her request for something more fresh and uncooked for him.
Fang found the aroma of the BBQ scallions a little bit enticing and cautiously took a few nibbles from it. He stands there for a few moments carefully considering the taste... before chucking the whole thing in his mouth. Despite this exuberance however he doesn’t go back for more.
Meanwhile a thin trail of smoke can be seen emanating from a pouch near Fangs midsection where Mushu is happily sleeping.
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Reng's protestations of "you want me to go back out" turn swiftly into "you want me to go up there, with her?" as he warrior's eyes lock onto the princess, only barely allowing the guards to guide her up to the platform. She seems not to care about the state of her dress, and only reluctantly acquiesces to the offer to change into white linens.
Up on the platform, she waits until the princess finishes speaking, and then smoothly cuts into a brief space in the conversation. "I'm Reng O'Malley, not Wolf Lady, or whatever they were saying. And you may have doubted my worth, but my worth is known enough to Shagambi that I was able to do what you saw me do down in that pit of yours. And up here."
She takes a deep breath to center herself, and passes her hand across her face, using prestidigitation to instantly clean herself, and you begin to smell the bright, fresh aroma of a lemon tree ripe with fruit. She speaks again, a bit more calmly.
"As far as bets, and expeditions, well, I don't know anything about that, but I do know that I am not a cannibal, not a murderer. I was set up and nearly killed by someone who still goes free, and yet found myself jailed and sentenced to death. This may be entertaining for some of you, but it's certainly not justice."
She speaks easily -- which is likely a surprise to most of you. Shae's medicinal attentions, and the new linens, and the fade of adrenaline, and the chance to see her up close and personal, not riding or fighting a dinosaur... all combine to present to you a tall, slender woman whose limbs move easily with muscle and vein just visible under copper skin. Her hair, which had been a mess in the ring, is now clean, and black, and spiky, with a bright red stripe down the middle. Her deep brown eyes take in her surroundings, reading threats and opportunities and people, but perhaps lacking a bit of intuition.
"Still, my plans for the next few tendays no longer apply, and I'm willing to learn more. Has anyone seen my bag?"
Otto was glad for the sudden arrival of the guards, for it not only scattered the vultures scrabbling for loose coins, but also provided credible and authorized witnesses for his deal with the bookmaker. The fickle halfling had no wish to ruin the man, for the threat of bankruptcy had nullified large payouts on more than one occasion. But a bet is a bet, and the bookie was obligated to fulfil it in the future, so under the guards' authority Otto accepted the man's protestations and watched as he signed a legal bond to pay the debt in the future or end up in the Executioner's Run himself. Equipped with this document, Otto gladly accompanied the guards back to the Princess's pavilion. At the questioning glance from Shae regarding his empty-handedness, Otto whispers (somewhat un-reassuringly): It's okay. I have an IOU. It's as good as money!
After the Princess gives her speech, Otto whoops with excitement. All right! We're going on an adventure? And I get to go with the Swamp Beast?! This is the greatest day of my life! ... Where are we going?
It's not until the Wolf Lady starts speaking that Otto realises she is even there. He makes a loud scoffing pffft! noise as Reng uses magic to clean herself. Throughout her next tirade about injustice, Otto pantomines an eye-rubbing crying motion with both hands. And it doesn't take much intuition during Reng's final scan of the surroundings and its people to see what Otto thinks of her - his tongue is poking out as he blows a raspberry!
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Reng belatedly realizes the halfling is there, spares a glance for her lizardfolk co-combatant, and casts withering stare at Otto.
Intimidation: 11
Otto bites his thumb at Reng.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
((Is it wise to taunt cannibals?))
(Especially murderer cannibals)
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Shae would stand tall and regal as the group assembled in the balcony. Blue hues rest on the Merchant Princess as she addresses the crowd until a familiar magnetic presence returns to her side. “Fancy meeting you here, Meredith.” Lips twitch into a dimpled smirk before she’d pass a brief glance Mulligan’s way. A bit of a light teasing. He was fun to play with. Her brow would pop and a chuckle would slip her lips when he’d ask if ‘we’ were up for it. “Think you can keep up?” She’d wink.
When the Professor would begin to take steps back, Shae would then take firm strides forward, eyes locking back on Kwayothé. Though no words were exchanged, as it was not ‘her turn’. Shae would wait for the wild woman to finish her firm approach to her introduction. Feisty Miss Reng O’Malley. Not Wolf Lady, or Cannibal. Reng. Hmmm. A curious grin danced on her lips.
Catching Otto’s glance and whisper, Shae couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. She had almost forgot about the bet. With a bit of jest, she’d point to her eyes, then to him and back to playfully communicate she was keeping an eye on him. She’d wink. Again, she had decided that she trusted his efforts until otherwise affected.
As the conversation settled, and the warrior moved on looking for her bag, Shae would step forward. She’d give the princess a gracious bow of her head for her announcement of agreeing to outfit the expedition and reach a hand for her to shake. “Thank you for playing Princess.” Shae would wear a warm and inviting smile. “I look forward to coming by your personal villa for what I asked for.”
just an unstable unicorn.
"Meredith? No, no... It's Mulli..." Mulligan starts, before groaning and tossing his hands up in surrender. Playing along? Deciding to change his name? Still too early to tell.
"Keep up? Well sure," he answers. "There's this old crone who stops by the boarding house. She has these little blue potions..." Mulligan then quickly clears his throat and decides he totally misunderstood. "Yes, of course. How tough can it be to wade through throngs of undead. In the jungle. Where's there's lions... and tigers... and bears?"
Oh my, Mulligan thinks. I may be in a bit over my head here... But he slowly looks around. He sees the nerdy professor, if that guy isn't worried then surely Mulligan needn't be. Then there is the lizard man who surely could wade through undead with no problem at all. The savage cannibal woman is looking far less savage now, but she's already shown that side and it would surely be useful if the did encounter zombies or skeletons or...
"Just how many types of undead are there anyway?" Mulligan asks aloud, not really even meaning to.
Then there is Otto. Mulligan knows him a bit from around town. Nice enough chap but a bumbling fumbler who is likely to cause as many issues as he solves. Still, he'll add to the entertainment value on the excursion and it's always good to have someone you're willing to toss overboard. Or maybe he's mixing his metaphors? And of course there was Shae... That woman has tricks up her sleeves he hasn't even seen yet! But it will be quite fun to discover them... and find out what else she is hiding. And where.
As the ruckus and brouhaha are starting to calm down, Mulligan will step up and command everyone's attention with a practiced clearing of his throat.
"Well it seems we have won the day and bravo to us all for that! We have defeated terrifying beasts, won extravagant and outrageous wagers, and we have looked damned good while doing it! Kudos to us all. We are a strange, misfit, vagabond collection of souls but working together we'll make a mess of whatever comes up and somehow call it a victory!! Now it seems like we've been appointed, recruited, drafted or otherwise strong-armed into yet another task... And I am sure we are all quite curious about the details! Thankfully, the professor here," Mulligan pauses just long enough to point out Professor Snively with a grand flourish. "The professor knows just about everything... And he has agreed to fill us in, as well as buy us a few rounds! So let's all gather up and a local establishment and take him up on his kind and generous offer. What do you say? To The Professor!!"
And with his little speech building up into a crescendo, Mulligan will take a step back, bow towards Professor Snively, and start the applause for his magnanimity!
After Mulligans grand speech, Fang leans in to either glasses or Shae’s ear (whomever he is closest to and whispers) “They still have my stuff. I should like it back.”
Glasses:
”Pardon me Prince Wakanga, I appear to have neglected the celebration portion of the festivities, as my proclivity towards discussing matters arcane and logistic often outweighs my social skills. Perhaps we should allow these victors to reclaim their property and join us in a smaller venue for some pleasant libations?” The Professor says as he excuses himself to address the others.
Looking up from his conversation with Prince Wakanga, the Professor responds, “I am sure all your possessions will be returned, as you will certainly need them on this expedition,” favoring the Princess with an appraising glance. Continuing, he smiles at Shae and inclines his head, saying, “As to who pays for the drinks, may I humbly suggest the lady who won such a sizable bet this afternoon may be so inclined.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Otto certainly recognises a performance when he sees one, and helps augment Mulligan's punch line with some prestidigitation-enhanced applause and some mini fireworks. But the Professor's suggestion for Shae's use of her currently-non-existent winnings is a slightly awkward moment for the halfling, and he quickly volunteers to make himself scarce by retrieving Fang's personal effects (and Reng's if he must) or to run any other errands in preparation for the pending expedition.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Soonly, Mulligan leads the nascent adventuring party, and indeed as much of the rowdy crowd as he can shepherd, to a local tavern which has seen much better times. The sign above the door named the place "Elixirs and Drafts" but Mulligan assured everyone in earshot that the regulars all just called it "ED's."
Otto, lost in conversation with someone amongst the crowd explaining his ill luck with the retrieval of his winnings, but his positivity that the IOU would be honored, grabbed the door handle and promptly walked right into the door. Otto "Oomphed!" and fell on his butt. Many amongst the immediate crowd giggled and laughed. Mulligan gave a rather theatrical gasp and immediately helped the halfling back to his feet, apologized profusely and he helped dust him off, and then swept his arms dramatically to one side and indicated a short stairwell leading down. The faded arrow pointing that way once indicated that indeed Drafts were served on the floor half below ground but that particular sign is unfortunately all but overlooked.
"Sorry my friend, a thousand apologies," Mulligan said again. "The tavern is a few steps down. Edwin, the proprietor, insists it's for quick access to the sub basement which keeps his kegs cool. But I'm pretty sure Edie, the proprietress of Elixirs, just prefers being above ground and cuts him a break on rent."
Leading the crowd down the seven steps that lead to the heavy, red oak door to Drafts, Mulligan started explaining that Edie was an ancient Elven spinster who read fortunes, sold luck charms, love potions, and other "restorative' concoctions to those who stumbled in and were easily fooled. Ushering in as much of the crowd as could possibly be crammed into the shady main bar room and it's couple of overflow (and barely used) meeting rooms, Mulligan winked and assured Otto that those who were on Edie's good side could find some real magical gems for sale for a decent price...
"EDWIN!" Mulligan cried out to the human behind the bar once he spotted him. Edwin, for his part, looked startled and a little bit afraid to see such a huge crowd pouring through his front door.
"Wha... Who... Where did..." Edwin started and faltered several times in his efforts to sew a thought together into a coherent sentence. "Mulligan? Mulligan?!?" Upon closer inspection, the ancient human was likely not quite human after all. They were scrawny and frail looking, their skin appeared paper thing but yet there did seem to be a stubborn strength to them despite it all. But as one got close enough to notice it was evident that they weren't just bald but rather there was dull grey scales which formed where a hairline perhaps should be and sweeping back over the rest of his head. And his eye were bright, yellow and slitted like a snake's.
"What part of never sshow yoursself here again do you not understand, Mulligan?" Edwin asked with narrowing eyes as his hand slipped off the bar to reach for something below it.
"Edwin! You wound me!" Mulligan says as he pulls his companions up to the bar with him and places his hands over his heart.
"I told you I would make you whole again, did I not? And surely," Mulligan paused to make a gesture which indicated the throng of thirsty revelers that he had brought with him. "Surely your profits from this crowd is enough to do that?"
Edwin tried to hold on to his anger but it was apparent that he couldn't help but see the profits to be made with such a crowd. Even if it was just one night. "Still, you know what you did was totally uncalled for..."
"Of course. Of course. And you know I am sorry that it blew back onto you like that..." Mulligan pleaded in his most apologetic tone.
"And I'm just one guy," Edwin pointed out. "How am I supposed to even handle a crowd like this?"
"Edwin... Edwin..." Mulligan said, his smile flashing and his hands going up in mock surrender. "Would I bring you more than you could handle?"
"Yes..."
"Would I bring a crowd like this here if you couldn't handle it?"
"Yes..."
"Do you or do you not still have miners in your basement?" Mulligan asked.
Edwin said nothing... Instead he looked away as if considering.
"Minors?" Shae asked, a touch of concern in her voice.
"Miners," Mulligan insisted with a smirk. "Just wait..."
Throughout the entire conversation the crowd had grown more and more restless. They were pressing towards the bar, those there already were trying to get the bartenders attention. The mob was getting antsy.
Edwin shrugged and walked a little further behind his bar. He stomped his foot. Once. Twice. He paused then stomped once more. With a groan he then bent over and lifted a small two by two metal grate. "Alrighty, we've got work!" he called down in a holler. There was immediate chitter and chatter below the floorboards and scratching and scratching growing louder and louder. The next thing anyone knew there was an explosion out of the metal grate.
"Miners," Mulligan told Shae with a wink.
"Kobolds!" Shae said in response with a laugh and amusement.
Up and down the bar there was Kobolds taking orders, making drinks, pulling draughts and yelling out orders. Other waded into the crowd, dodging between legs, dancing around the steps of others, to get back deep into the crowd and take their orders as well. It was a delightful mayhem or little dragon wannabes, rowdy revelers and one very happy barkeep.
"We even?" Mulligan shouted out over the growing cacophony.
"Yeah, yeah,' Edwin said, smiling for the first time since he saw the bard. "We're even."
"And our drinks are free tonight?" Mulligan pushed.
Edwin looked stricken as he looked out over the overpacked bar.
"No, no, no... Just ours," Mulligan soothed. "Just the six of us... Five if you count Otto and the gnome as one."
Edwin looked at the small knot that was immediately surrounding Mulligan and thought for a minute... then nodded reluctantly.
"See that, Professor? You're off the hook!"
Professor Snively smiled, coughed, took off his glasses and absently cleaned them. "Right. Yes. Very good," he replied, perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the pure throng of people and noise.
Overwhelmed seemed to apply to the Lizardfolk and Human who had been the spectacular combatants of the evening as well. Looking at them Mulligan feared one of both might revert to the more primal natures they exhibited in the arena if forced to endure such crowded conditions for long.
"We're going upstairs," Mulligan shouted over to the busy Edwin. "Send up a couple with some drinks?"
"They may be hungry as well," Shae prompted.
"And some food. Actually, lots of food..."
"Yeah, yeah," Edwin answered and waved them off.
Mulligan once more shepherded his new friends, this time cutting a path through the crowd and towards the back of the room. He led them directly to a totally ignored doorway between the two restrooms, for which there were already lines forming. Those in need likely ignored the third door thinking it was a janitor's closet. The words Janitor's Closet painted on the door was perhaps why. The bard ignored such and opened the door and directed his companions up the stairway behind it. At the top was a cozy but sizable room furnished with comfortable chairs and couches. The one wall was open to look out over the barroom and allow the noise and heat of it to drift up.
"Sit, sit," Mulligan said, topping the stairs behind them. "There'll be food and drink in a minute or three. We're here to celebrate... But it seems we also have a lot to discuss. If we're all being thrust into some kind of grand adventure together them at the very least we should get to know one another..."
((Sorry Shae, Professor and Otto if I misused your characters. I tried to use a light touch and keep their actions / words appropriate. And sorry Reng and Fang - I only know you two from the arena so didn't really want to do anything with you two since I don't know their non-combat personalities at all! Mainly I just felt like doing a little Mulligan writing and I figured I could put is in a spot where we could so some RP if we so desired, some stuff with the crowd or the kobolds or whatever... ))
Glasses:
Happy the celebration was continuing and it seemed their expedition was going to be well-stocked on both provisions and adventurers, the Professor was a bit downcast that Shae's bet didn't pan out as she had hoped, and he is about to offer to pay for their drinks and food himself when Mulligan works his own brand of magic. Smiling at the capabilities of his new companions, Snively summons an Unseen Servant to provide him a buffer in the sea of humanity and help with a bit of the serving. As they are shown to the private room, he directs the servant to wait on them and bring the food and drink once it is ready.
Settling in a comfortable chair and reaching for his pipe out of habit, the Professor frowns slightly when he realizes that the item is in the possession of the Merchant Prince, being prepared for Whiff's *extraction*. Smiling at the thought of the steam mephit getting his freedom, Glasses turns to his friends and new acquaintances and says, "Well, I suppose that could have gone worse--It is good to see you alive and more or less healthy, Fang. How did you get yourself entered into the Executioner's Run anyhow?"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
During the bar scene...
As the kobolds make their entrance Fang instinctively reaches towards his back, a bow and quiver that’s not there. (I’m assuming that my equipment wouldn’t have been returned yet.) He then scoops up a very distressed Mushu and hides him from the kobolds view as best he can.
Once in the private room...
Fang moves to a corner of the room. Feeling very out of place amidst such comfortable furnishings. He’s looking forward to being out in the wilderness again. To say nothing of being a touch homesick. Fang is lost in thoughts of home and all he’s left behind in Palebank when he hears glasses mention his name.
His attention shifts to the small gnome just in time to hear his question. Giving a small shrug of his shoulders Fang looks at him, “Something about fishing where I shouldn’t or selling it when I shouldn’t have” to his former companions it’s clear his use of common has gotten better with his time in such a large city. But there’s still a stiffness with how he speaks.
Reng very nearly tries to escape from the party as they head to ED's, still partially disbelieving that she could be free to go. But she follows this magnetic personality leading the way, partially because she's not sure if guards would set upon her if she fled as part of some elaborate judicial practical joke, and partially because of the thirsty, excited crowd helping to push her along. She barely has a chance for a thought about whether her few possessions had been found and returned to her. As they enter and witness first the awkward, but admittedly hilarious conversation between this Mulligan and Edwin, and the explosion of kobold waitstaff, her hand also reflexively goes to call her weapon to her hand like Fang, but she pauses after she realizes the threat is nonexistent beyond a chipped tooth from an overly-enthusiastic server shoving a tankard at someone's mouth.
In the private room, she turns to whoever is next to her and says, "no but really what is the deal with the bet? You bet on our lives? How much? Do we get a cut?"
(Realize I haven't posted for a while... Sorry in advance...)
Balcony
Although Shae may not have responded verbally to Mulligan while back at the balcony, her growing smirk was enough proof she heard every word and enjoyed letting him fill the air with some of his passing thoughts. Truthfully she had also remained quiet to hang on for any of the Princess' parting words, acquiring the address should no one else have it and it weren't an obvious one. Perhaps a part of her was also stalling from overhearing the Professor to the Prince, he was right, they'd probably need porters to pick up and transport their new supplies. And they also should discuss if they require Hope and it's crew. The actuality of leaving on a new adventure came with it's own excitement of course, sure. This is what she was itching to go do after all, but as the reality of their actual departure in a few days nudged in, so did the aches in her chest. She'd fidget with a hand crafted bracelet around her wrist as Mulligan commanded everyone's attention for first of what feels like what will be many, encouraging speeches.
Of most important before being swept off to pass the time prior to their next meet with Kwayothé, the medic would set out to retrieve Fang and Reng's equipment. Taking advantage of the remainder of her flying magic for the day, she'd inhale a deep breath and whisk off above the crowd to search. With Mulligan leading the group, it wouldn't be hard for Shae to find and catch up with them. Humming to herself she'd maneuver her way, following the logical path of where they would have confiscated the personal items of the contestants. Finding a pair of guards, the violet haired woman would come to a stop at their post. With a sweet smile to calm their surprised looks, she'd hold her hands out expectantly. "As the winning warriors' personal medic, I, on my own accord, take responsibility for my patients and their well being. I'm here to collect their personal belongings." Her words were firm, laced with full sincerity. To some the items may be materialistic things, but being all they may have left, Shae knew these items were an extension of themselves and their individuality. It would be like returning a piece of themselves and would be good for their mental health. They deserved these items returned. After a few wide eyed blinks from the guards, they'd gather the equipment and hand it over.
Shae may have forgot to account for the extra weight she'd have to carry back with her. After struggling for a few feet, she'd stop to distribute the weight evenly amongst herself, and on either end of her staff. Thankful for her recent efforts in training, she didn't give up immediately. Although she was still encumbered and moving much slower than she would without all the equipment, Shae methodically made her way back to the group. Elixirs and Drafts... She reached them just in time to catch Otto get knocked down and get back up again. ED's... Merging in with the crowd, she'd be funneled inside the establishment.
Bar Scene
Ushered to the front and swept up in the hubub, Shae was indeed still focused on the well-being of others. Once clarification was had about the miner's and food was promised, she relaxed a little more. Even she was a little peckish, she couldn't imagine Feng and Reng.
After the exchange, Shae would think back to the beginning. "EDs." She'd start to muse out loud with a familiar smirk. "Make yourself memorable. The little blue potion supplier that can." Blue hues would cast a glance to Mulligan. She'd then once again allow him to shepherd her off to yet another change in social experience without much protest. She was comfortable to continue on to a private room as long as she had the company of some familiar faces joining her.
Private Room
Shae would hang back to allow others to settle in first. She'd observe the area prior to stepping further into the room. Finally, she'd be able to unload the gear she had been hauling. Straightening her posture to finally catch a breath, she'd dab a bit of sweat from her brow. That's when she'd realize she had a bit of layer from the exercise. So while the others continued to get comfortable and started the conversation, Shae would take a moment to use her magic to freshen herself up before looking for a seat.
A pained expression would rest on her face when Feng would share the reason he was put in the pit. It didn't sound like a just reason to her. Shae was terribly sorry he was dealt that injustice and she couldn't blame him for being wary. There was even more of a reason to set out on their adventure so her friend could thrive in his environment and do what he's motivated to do. And thinking back to what she could remember from Reng's share, she was done the same injustice and more than deserved a freedom she hoped for.
Shae would hand Feng back his items first. Then when Reng's questions would hang in the air, Shae would break her silence after retrieving the warriors gear. "Hi." She'd clear her throat and reach out, offering Reng her gear. "I'm Shae." Should she accept, the medic would take a seat with her. "A friend of the Professor and Feng. We have a bit of history together and stories of our own of how that even came to be. Much like now, we find ourselves together once again. Our paths now crossing with new ones. New individuals with their own stories on how they got here." Her expression would soften. "I'm grateful to find myself amongst 'strangers' who have supported those who supported me. If it means anything, you have my full respect." With a bow of her head, the purple haired woman would offer a small smile.
Blue hues would eventually break away to pan the others. "I see you as new allies." She'd say honestly. "We have an opportunity to venture away from this place, and I welcome your company for the excursion, even if you have other reasons beyond our task." Everyone did. Even her.
With that said, Shae would then look back to Reng to finally respond to her questions. "Yes. We bet on your lives." She'd admit. "The Princess enjoys gambling." She'd continue to explain how they worked together to use that to their advantage. Shae initiated monetary bets to get the conversation started, and to potentially have a back up in case the Merchant Princess didn't follow through. Overall, they did it for medical and survival supplies. "I bet 200 on Feng, 150 on you Reng. Offered Otto 25% to handle the funds, place and manage the bet." She'd cast a glance to Otto. "And get me BBQ scallions..." Then she'd smile and look back. "He made a suggestion to improve our winnings on our bet. Unfortunately, Otto hasn't been able to collect." Shae would wait for the IOU to make an appearance again. A bit of an awkward chuckle would leave her lips. "If it is a part of the share you want, fair." She'd agree, not arguing that they more than deserve a cut if they wanted.
just an unstable unicorn.
((Nono... None of us had posted, I just decided we didn't need a DM to RP a little bit and revived it :)
As for EDs - Nice callback but TOTALLY accidental. Honestly. I swear!!
Concept comes from a map I saw someone on another forum do of such a bar/magic shop, I enjoyed the concept of the bar being a few steps down like on Cheers. Was going to be Elixirs and Brews to keep the magic theme to the establishments name but last minute named the proprietors Edie and Edwin so adjusted the name.))
The crowd gathered, moved into place and refreshments being distributed, Mulligan felt his job was done and found a comfortable chair to just slump into. He listened to the chat of the others but, for a change, felt no need to step into the center of things. He did summon a few of the kobolds and give some specific drink and food orders. One in particular he tipped a few gold to go run down the street to a place that server BBQ Scallions...
Other than that, Mulligan soaked in the atmosphere, happy as a king on his throne watching his court run itself...
"Hey hey hey!" Mulligan calls out gently at one point and one particular kobold near the Professor was suddenly still as a stone. "You know the rules, none of that upstairs..."
"YesYes, SorrySorry," the kobold in questions pushed out of himself. "JustDustingOffHisClothes!" The kobold indeed patted some fluff off the Professor's clothes and then gave a little shrug.
"SorryAgain," he said, then scampered off.
"They mostly live in the sewers and around the garbage heaps, scavenging off the goods others throw out," Mulligan offered by way of explanation. "Some of the more enlightened business people use them as temporary labor when needed. They're cheap, hard working and eager to make a coin or two. But sometimes they try to take advantage where it's not allowed..." Mulligan offered a smirk to suggest that such things had to be forgiven from time to time.
"If Otto knows who he placed the wager with then perhaps we could track them down? Depending on who it was and such, we may be able to recoup some or all of it?" Mulligan asked, looking over to Otto.
"As for the adventure, I don't honestly know how I got swept up into it. I'm merely an innocent bystander in it all. I'm surely not the adventuring type...," he insisted. "But if I live through it I assure you I will turn it into quite an epic tale and all of you heroes of renown!"
Most of the night, evidence to the contrary, Mulligan was quite reserved and quiet. He'd step up and perform some casual hosting duties from time to time, ensuring drinks were poured, foods plentiful, everyone included... But the idea of the adventure was beginning to weigh upon the fast talker a bit. Sure he'd been in scapes and tough spots time a plenty. He'd risked his life over cards, over women, over misunderstandings mostly... But to deliberately head into danger? For the good of others? Were they sure they had the right man, he desperately wanted to ask.
Yet they seemed like decent folk. Fun folk. In their ways. Even the professor. Perhaps. And, of course, there was the girl....
Mulligan sighed and took a shot of whiskey with a grimace and told a nearby kobold to bring another round.
Otto is in his element with the crowd and the festivities, and the sound of his horn punctuating his latest joke is heard regularly through the evening. He joins Mulligan and the others in the private room at first, but the smaller crowd offers less opportunity for the antics he is known for, plus the lizardman that he is so interested in seems to have more than enough attention at the moment, and the easily-distracted halfling soon loses interest in the more subdued atmosphere. He spends most of the evening in the common room, telling jokes and performing amusing acrobatics based on common children's street games with the help of the kobolds ('Tower-o-Grungs' being a particular crowd favourite). Later, as the crowd begins to dissipate, Otto appears beside Shae and hands her a small pouch which jingles with coin. Here! This is for you, he states in his typically flat nasal tone. At Shae's querying look he adds matter-of-factly: A few tips I collected tonight. Just in case you're a bit short. I know I am! Honk Honk! Otto wanders off again without any further explanation, but Shae doesn't fail to observe that the usually-forgetful halfling seems to be conscious of his responsibility for the uncollected debt, and is trying - in his way - to make up for it.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
As she'd politely wait for Reng's reply, Shae would lean forward on the table and rest her chin in her hand. A soft chuckle would leave her lips when she could hear the sound of the crowd in the other room reacting to Otto's performances. There was even a point in this room's silence that she'd let out a bit of a longing sigh wondering if she should go join for a little fun. But along with enjoying the new company, she was most comfortable and happy being back in the presence of both the Professor and Fang. That made her smile.
Shae would continue to quietly listen to the other conversations happening around her, blue hues occasionally straying to take in her surroundings. Her smile would curl into a smirk. Catching Mulligan all cozy and smug in his seat, she'd drum her fingers, sneaking in a little wiggle to cast a spell. Hoping to time it just right, she'd see if she could manipulate condensation from the glass to freeze over the whiskey, trapping it at the bottom when he'd try to swig it back.
(Playing with Shape Water for some fun.)
Here! This is for you,
Not expecting Otto to pop over so suddenly, it surprised Shae. "Oh." She'd release her spell, turning her attention to the halfling. When he'd explain they were his tips for the night, her facial expression would soften. She didn't hold him responsible for it, and her quip was more directed towards the missing snack. That was really what she 'cared' about, besides the safety of her companions of course. The jokester however, did collect a soft laugh from his pun and signature honk prior to wandering off once again. Shae definitely appreciated and recognized his efforts and would secure the tips on her person. Any funds she carried always were reinvested back into taking care of 'her crew', the crew, whoever that came to be.
It was at that time one of the Kobold servers would arrive with a serving of BBQ scallions she's been playfully fussing about. Shae's eyes would dilate in excitement and a warm dimpled smile would appear on her face as she'd sit back and correct her posture. She'd stop the server before he'd step away. Leaning in to whisper in his ear, she'd make a polite request. With a nod, he'd be off.
Turning her attention back to the plate, there was definitely too much for her alone, though she'd definitely help herself to the 'best' skewer. Without skipping another beat Shae would take a take bite, letting out a little hum of delight. Satisfied with the flavours, she'd nudge the plate to encourage other's to help themselves. Shae would spin the plate a little and point out the most undercooked one she plucked out and set aside for Fang. It definitely wouldn't be his favourite, but it could be something to hold him over until the server could perhaps return with her request for something more fresh and uncooked for him.
just an unstable unicorn.
Fang found the aroma of the BBQ scallions a little bit enticing and cautiously took a few nibbles from it. He stands there for a few moments carefully considering the taste... before chucking the whole thing in his mouth. Despite this exuberance however he doesn’t go back for more.
Meanwhile a thin trail of smoke can be seen emanating from a pouch near Fangs midsection where Mushu is happily sleeping.