Navero 08

From: dparsons@jarthur.claremont.edu (Daniel Parsons)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp
Subject: Navero VIII
Reply-To: dparsons@jarthur.UUCP (Daniel Parsons)
Distribution: world
Organization: Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA
Keywords: Navero, of the Correct and Unalterable Way

Last time, we explored the Orc caverns, Rizudo died in an idiot trap, (such traps turned out to be very effective against our party), and we found a dwarven prisoner and about 500gp in assorted loose change. There were also various weapons, armors, all in fair condition, but nothing we didn't already have enough of. Somewhat disappointed, we went back to the great hall, and stared over the east barrier; beyond, we could see a little bit of a large cavern, which seemed utterly devoid of life. However, we were not about to go over and start exploring; first, we would have to go back to Swamp Keep, report that the Orcs were gone, and claim the rewards that we so richly deserved.

Guard 1: "Aw, shit, its them again."

Dania: "Will you PLEASE just open the goddamned gate for once? You know who we are."

Guard 2: "Look, yu. Yu go' a might big fa' hed there, l'il lady. Now, be nice, an' maybe I'll le' ya in."

Rourk: "We are not amused at your attempts at humor. And our patience is wearing quite thin. This ill-treatment of those who should be your honoured guests speaks volumes of this pitiful place. I demand that you open the gates at once!"

Guard 2: "Say please."

Kortul: Punches Guard 2. Guard 2 drops unconscious.

Guard 1: "Oh, good. He's been especially crass this morning. Roger! Could you open the gate for these lovely people, and put Mungo to bed?"

Roger: (From above) "Is he out cold?"

Guard 1: (Checks guard 2) "Yes, he is. Lovely, isn't it?"

Roger: "Quite."

And so we entered the keep. Naturally, the first thing did was get ourselves healed to full strength (We use a spell-point based magic system, and Navero had just enough spell points for everyone.) We then went to go see the official we had spoken to the previous day, to report on our success and see to our reward (A reward had been promised; I forgot to mention it.)

Official: "You succeeded? Wonderful! I really can't tell you how happy we all are to hear that. They came about every couple of months; they used to stay away from the keep completely, but since all the caravans started traveling on the North road, they have given us their attentions. The lord of the Keep will naturally wish to see you."

Rourk: "Think nothing of it. It was child's play."

Official: "Ah. Well: did you bring the Chief's head with you?"

Rourk: "The coward fled into the swamp, and so I was unable to obtain it for you. Rest assured that if we meet again, the oversight shall be corrected."

Official: "Did you bring any heads back? Or hands, or ears...?"

Navero: "That's... kind of barbaric, I mean, mutilation of the bodies?"

Official: "...So you have no actual proof that you ever went near the Orcs?"

Dead silence.

Kortul: "Stupid."

Rourk: "You doubt my word? Those who do learn not to."

Kortul: "Real stupid."

Official: "I, of course, believe every word you say. However, the Lord of the Keep is a hard man to please. He will want to be certain. I must say, that under these circumstances, seeing his Lordship would be out of the question. And, of course, the status of your reward money is placed somewhat in jeopardy..."

Navero: "Well, there's the money we found in the ow! (Dania drives her staff into Navero's foot.)

Official: "What's this?"

Dania: "My young friend here was just saying how short on cash we were. Would it please you if we were to go back and get battle tokens?"

Rourk: "We may find a few more, if you absolutely insist upon this matter."

Navero: "oww..."

Official: "Yes, I think that would be the best thing for you to do. A word, children; 'foresight makes all matters go to your advantage.' Now please go finish your task."

We did spot one other Orc out in the marshes; it was not the Chief. Kortul killed it with arrow shots. We collected all the right ears we could still find, even the females and children. It was a very unpleasant task, and accomplished hurriedly. The total came to 32; not bad. We arrived back at the Keep that night.

Guard 1: "Oi, this lot. Fuck it, le' 'em in."

As even officials need to sleep, we decided to be nice and not bother the government people until morning. Instead, Kortul, Rourk, and Dania went to the only tavern, where they saw a few familiar faces. The first was that of the rescued Dwarf, whom they had dropped off at the inn; he had recovered enough to go down to the common room, and wished to thank his rescuers. His name was Arlor. The second was a mercenary-looking type who rather resembled the late and largely unlamented Rizudo; this worthy turned out to be his twin brother Razudi, who wished to hear of his brothers death.

Rourk: "So, Dwarf, you were captured by the Orcs while trying to steal from them. Being naturally incompetent, you were unable to fight them off or escape."

Arlor: "I, um, was jus' trying to earn a liven', yup."

Dania: "God, that guy looks familiar. Unpleasantly so."

Razudi: "Hi there, kids! Say, you look like those idiots who were hanging around with my brother!"

Rourk: "Oh, no... Please leave us at once."

Razudi: "Not 'til you tell me what happened. Say, are you the little..."

Dania: "Shove it, asshole."

Razudi: "I see you are. Well, kids; wanna have some fun?"

The remainder of their evening is best left to the imagination. Navero did not go to the tavern. While he did not approve of the others going to that place, he didn't know what to say without offending, and he desperately didn't want to offend anyone. Especially so soon after his failure in trying to protect his friend Dania. She had been so very angry, and rightly so; he had done so very much harm. They all must think so badly of him. It was very late at night. Most everyone else was indoors, asleep or otherwise, like good people should be. Navero wandered through the streets for a little while, but found nothing that required his aid, nothing for him to help. Once a patrol of night watchmen passed by, and eyed him with obvious suspicion. He went to the only temple in the town, which was consecrated to some Defender goddess he did not recognize. He apologized to the goddess, as she was not of The Order and he had no right to be in her place, found a prayer alcove, and curled up and went to sleep.

Dan Parsons

"Forgive me, Lords, for I have tried and failed. Again."