|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 9, 2019 18:02:11 GMT -5
The sound of laughter hits you like a wave as you push through the double doors and enter into the Wayfarer's Rest. The thick, musky and slightly sweet smell of pipe smoke seems right at home with the smell of ale and well cooked food. Guardsman Jackson at the Harbour gate into Clifton proper suggested this inn, saying, "If you need a place to stay, the Wayfarer's Rest is a great place to find a bed. Tell old Borris that Guardsman Jackson sent you, and he will give you a free ale."
A few steps into the common room and the cooking smells coming from the kitchen overwhelm the pipe smoke and make your mouth water. The inn itself is a fairly large three story rectangle, the exterior recently white washed, and the windows and doors are bordered in chestnut stained wood. The common room is quite large, with twin fire places set in opposite walls, though only one is lit at the moment. A dozen round tables cover the center of the room, with several long tables with benches along the outside. A few more private booths line the back wall.
Groups of men, and women sit at all the round tables, laughing, dicing, and listening to a fellow play the dulcimer. A clearly pregnant woman is enjoying a meal with a man that's wearing a pristine white apron over top of simple white cotton shirt, and brown common pants. A thick leather belt strains to contain his considerable girth. The front half of the man's head is bald, and the rest is graying. One of men shouts out, "Innkeep!" and the man at the table turns toward the shout, holding up a hand to say that he will be there in a minute. He must be the Old Borris, the one that Guardsman Jackson was talking about.
As you enter several people look up at you for a moment before going back to what they were doing before. One fellow even nods a greeting. The closest server brushes past you with a laden tray, "Find a spot where you can M'deary, we will be with you shortly." Another server finds you almost immediately after you find a spot, "What can I get you hun?"
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 9, 2019 18:15:52 GMT -5
As she pushes into the busy inn, Dahila smiles to herself. She politely gives the man a nod back and she gives the soon-to-be mother an adoring look, sweetly smiling at her before going back to looking for a seat.
As the server approaches her again, she takes a seat near the bar, crossing her legs and smoothing out her skirt.
"Well, I was told by a very handsome gentleman that this was the spot to be, so I thought I'd come take a look. And I'd love that free ale, darling." She gives them a little wink as she says that, chuckling softly to herself.
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 9, 2019 18:21:54 GMT -5
She smiles warmly, and calls out to the man in the apron, "Old Borris, your guardsman is at it again." Old Borris laughs, slipping a coin from one pocket to another, "That fellow is better than the sign out front for bringing me custom." You hear him announce, and watch as the server mouths the words right along with him. Clearly he has said that a thousand times before. Your ale is brought before you a short time later, "Would you be wanting a meal? Perhaps a room? If you're new to town, maybe a bath? I can have one drawn up for you quick as can be." She seems embarrassed suddenly, realizing that she just inundated you with questions all at once.
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 9, 2019 18:31:43 GMT -5
She can't help but to chuckle amusedly as the flustered server, already enjoying this inn. She takes a slow sip of her ale, sighing happily afterwards.
"Actually, my dear, I'm fairly new here. So I just have a few questions about the area," She leans her elbow on the table, resting her chin in her hand. Her tail slowly moves absentmindedly as she continues.
"I was just wondering what kind of sights this city has to offer. Any theaters or dance halls here? Oh, I'd just love to see them!"
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 10, 2019 11:43:04 GMT -5
She flips her now empty tray up under her arm, and switches her stance so her weight is all on one foot, “Welcome to Clifton m’dear. I’d be happy to answer your questions.” He listens carefully, before responding, “If you’re looking for sights to see, I’d suggest visiting the High District. The girls and I go sometimes to look at all the fancy folk, and the beautiful properties. I think they might even have a theater up there. If you’re looking for work, a lot of the taverns and inns hire entertainment.”
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 10, 2019 13:42:44 GMT -5
Dahlia nods slowly as she listens to her, leaning a little closer as she does. Her tail lifts up, gently resting on her leg now.
"That's very interesting, my dear. I'm just such a fan of the arts." She chuckles as she says that, giving her another smile.
"And you seem like a lady of class as Well, might I add. Can I get your name, dear?"
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 10, 2019 13:53:30 GMT -5
The bar maid shifts the tray in front of herself, crossing her arms so that the tray blocks most of her torso, "Thank-you Mistress, but I'm hardly anyone of note." She blushes, looking down at her feet for a moment, adding, "My name is Sarah." She scans the room briefly, checking on her other tables. Looking back to you she smiles sheepishly, but doesn't say anything else. You can see Old Borris at the back craning his neck to watch your table, the pregnant lady he's sitting with is almost done her meal. The doors open up and a Dwarf that bristles grisliness steps into the room. He slides one of the higher chairs over to a spot beside the door and takes a seat, his eyes scanning the room back and forth in a slow but steady motion. Without stopping by to take his order one of the other servers, a very busty woman, drops a tankard of ale off to him moments later. He's clearly here often enough. Sarah speaks up again, "Was there anything else you needed M'dear?"
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 10, 2019 16:03:38 GMT -5
She nods again, giving Sarah a sweet smile as she leans back.
"Yes, actually. I need a room while I'm in the city. I'm willing to pay of course, but I wouldn't mind performing at this wonderful establishment. I'm quite the dancer, you know!" A soft chuckle escapes her as she says that, a devious smirk on her face. She slowly uncrosses her legs and crosses them again with the opposite leg, revealing a bit of her porcelain pale skin.
"I'm quite good at grabbing people's attentions..."
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 10, 2019 17:09:38 GMT -5
Sarah smiles brightly when you ask for a room, "Fantastic. Our standard private rooms are eight silver Protectors a night. We have some high quality rooms that will only cost your two Gold Phoenix. Or if you're interested in being pampered like royalty, you could stay in our suite for four Gold Phoenix." She flips the tray around behind her back, holding it carefully with both hands, "Oh, you're a dancer?" Her eyes drift down to your recently exposed pale thigh flesh, and then they snap back up to your face. Crimson flooding her cheeks once again. "You could ask Old Borris if you can perform. He's usually alright with trying out new acts."
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 10, 2019 18:11:13 GMT -5
Dahlia places two gold onto the table and sides it across to Sarah, giving her a flirty wink. "Thank you, sweetheart. I really appreciate it"
She then leans to the side a bit, smiling at Borris and giving him a little wave, as if to tell him to come over and talk to her.
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 10, 2019 20:40:10 GMT -5
She takes the coins and slips them into a pouch at her hip, “Thank-you, I’ll get your key for you shortly.” She bobs a curtsy, and darts off toward the bar. Old Borris helps the pregnant lady to her feet, and supports her arm as they cross the room to the door. Before they part, she leans up and kisses him, just a quick peck on the cheek but you read “I love you” on her lips from here. He takes both her hands in his and kisses them. You can’t see his face, but you play out the return I love you in your mind, and see her face light up in a smile.
Old Borris makes his way over to your table just as Sarah places a key on its edge. Old Borris smiles down at you like a proud father, “I see you will be staying with us. Welcome to the Wayfarer’s Rest.” He gestures to the seat opposite yours, and takes a seat unless you decline. “You wanted to speak with me?”
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 10, 2019 21:01:51 GMT -5
As she watches Borris and the woman have their moment, a sad smile slowly appearing on her face. She takes another sip from her ale as he approches, giving Sarah a small nod as she takes the key.
"I did actually. I must say, you run a pretty impressive establishment here, it's wonderful. I just thought I'd let you know that I'm willing to offer my skills as an entertainer. I'm sure it would be excellent for business!" Dahila gives him a smug smile, clearly very confident in her abilities.
Her eyes dart to where the woman just left from before she turns back to him. "Care for a baby is rather expensive, you know. It would be good to have a few extra coins on you."
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 10, 2019 21:51:47 GMT -5
The ale is good, strong flavour without being overpowering, and not watered down like you often find in dive bars. Sarah smiles past Old Borris, laying a hand on his shoulder as she passes onto another table. Old Borris lays his hand on hers without looking up from you. You feel the weighing eyes of a father upon you, and you’re not sure yet whether he is proud or disappointed in what he sees before him.
“I thank you for your complement, we do try to run things smoothly.” Those paternal eyes are still weighing, “An entertainer you say? I already have Herald over there on the dulcimer.” He gestures vaguely toward where a man gently hammers out the music that you’ve been hearing in the background since you arrived.
Old Borris smiles at the mention of the baby, “You’re clever, that will serve you well in this place. My children are all grown now.” He takes a moment to let that process before he continues, “You flashed one of them some leg and a smile earlier.” His smile never faltered, but you can see the disappointment hidden there as if he was scowling, “my sister will soon be having her second child, and I can’t wait to meet him or her.” He stands up, moving to the end of the table beside you, “I’m sorry, but I have no need of your services.” He reaches out toward your dress, indicating three of the hidden snaps that hold things together,, “Perhaps in my youth your style of show would have been welcome here, but now we run a different kind of establishment. Try the Harbour District.” He smiles then to soften what he said, and turns to leave. He pauses, turning back and leaning in closer, “Unless you can carry a tune with your clothes on?” He says in a voice that won’t carry far.
You get the feeling that Old Borris has nothing against you, in fact you believe he turned back to offer you work just to help you out. Whether you take him up on his offer or not, he smiles and says, “Enjoy your stay Mistress.”
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 11, 2019 12:17:34 GMT -5
Dahlia looks a little disappointed from his response, but the smiles again when he turns back to her. She shrugs slightly, tapping her fingers against the table.
"I can sing, if you'd find that more appropriate. I'd like to keep a good reputation with this place anyways, you run a respectable business and I can't find fault in that practice."
Her tail sways a bit as she chats with him, absentmindedly moving.
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 11, 2019 16:46:36 GMT -5
Old Borris shrugs at your disappointment, "There was a time when I would have gone out of my way to see your whole act, but those years are a behind me now." He smiles somewhat sadly there, a little reluctant to give up the past. His smile changes then, a proud happy smile. He glances around at the Wayfarer's Rest, specifically glancing to each member of his staff. "Show me what you can do then." He slides back into your table, and turns his body to face the more open area around the fellow playing the dulcimer. "If you do well here, I'll have you back tonight when the crowd is bigger."
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 12, 2019 9:08:13 GMT -5
She nods as she stands up, not seeming to hold an ill intent towards him. As she walks towards the more open area, she quietly says "I promise you won't be disappointed."
Dahlia struts over to the man playing the instrument, leaning down a little to give him a smile. "Do you mind playing a song for me, sweetheart?"
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 12, 2019 9:19:41 GMT -5
You and the musician have a brief conversation about what to play, it's quick and to the point. He inquires as to the key you want to sing in, the tempo you want to keep and the style of music you want to sing along with. With the details figured out he taps out a couple samples, and once you've picked the one you want, he sets to work building the background for you. He plays well, but not so well as to overshadow you as the performer. You notice while you're talking with him, and he has stopped playing that some of the crowd has turned their attention your way to see what is about to happen. Once he starts actually playing your request a few more turn their attention toward you, but about half the room is still focused on their food, drinks, smoking and gambling. Time to show them what you're made of, performance check please.
(Describe your performance based on your results. 10 is passable, but uninspired, 15 is a solid performance, 20 has all eyes on you, and 25+ gets that standing ovation you've always wanted.)
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 12, 2019 14:25:23 GMT -5
18 roll + 5 performance skill= 23
As Dahlia clears her throat, she take a look around the room. It doesn't take her long to start, her voice filling the room like a lazy smoke. There's a slight rumble to her voice, but it pairs well with her odd accent.
Remembering an old, nearly forgotten love song, she recounts the tale of a fisherman who fell in love with the sea herself. The song starts slow, picking up over time and Dahlia follows the tune perfectly. As the music gets faster, she starts to dance around the room, but she keeps it PG for the sake of Old Borris. She smiles cheerfully at the crowd, giving the room a wink as she keeps it up, her voice being so soothing and smooth.
When she finishes the song, she tosses her hands up with a bow, panting softly to regain her breath.
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 13, 2019 21:23:46 GMT -5
When you begin to sing some of the patrons that we’re not paying attention before look your way, and as the song continues you draw the attention of everyone present. Even the staff stop what they’re doing to watch your performance. When you stop at the end of the song, a roar of cheers and a round of clapping erupts around you.
Sarah raises a tankard she was delivering to salute your performance. A few patrons even offer you some coin, a paltry sum compared to a busy evening of work, but not bad considering the size of the crowd. A Sliver Protector and three Copper Pennies.
When you rejoin Old Borris at your table, he says, “Well done lass, I haven’t heard that song since I was a boy..” He slides a Silver Protector if his own across the table to you, “In addition to that coin, I’ll cover your room and board for the evening if you will perform for a few hours. How does that sound?”
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 13, 2019 21:44:27 GMT -5
As she steps away from the area where she preformed, she bows again and starts to blow kisses to the crowd. She gives Sarah a little wave as she walks by.
As she sits down again, she gathers her coins and places them into a hidden purse in the side of her dress, before she turns back to him.
"Oh I'd love to, darling!" She giggles a little bit as she says that, clearly very hyped up from the excellent performance.
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 14, 2019 6:12:47 GMT -5
Old Borris stands up, "Then it's settled. See you tonight." He heads of toward another table, and checks on the customers there. He gathers and empty glass and then meets up with Sarah while she takes a tray to another table. They exchange a few brief words and then go about their work. The door opens as a fellow with the look of a farmer enters, he nods to the fellow that nodded to you on your way in and makes his way to one of the tables to join some other folk with a similar look about them. Sarah stops by your table once again, "Seems Old Borris liked your performance, he told me to return these to you." She sets the money you paid for your room on the table. "So did I. I look forward to seeing you perform again tonight." She looks about, assessing her tables, then asks, "What are your plans now in the city?"
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 14, 2019 10:59:45 GMT -5
Dahlia gives her a sweet smile, clearly soaking up the attention like a sponge. She takes her coins back and puts them away with the others.
"I think for now I'm just going to have a little look around the area, see what this city had to offer. But, I promise I'll return before tonight."
With that, she finishes her drink and stands, brushing off her skirt a bit. She turns to leave, but she pauses for a moment, placing one of the gold coins back onto the table.
"A tip for your excellent service, my dear Sarah. Keep up the good work!" She gives her another wink before she turns, waving as she makes her way out the door.
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 14, 2019 11:22:38 GMT -5
Sarah takes the coin with a smile, slipping it into a different pouch then she did the last time you handed it to her. “Thank-you for this.” She says with a mixture of surprise and enthusiasm. “See you tonight.” She says as she turns away, getting right back into the swing of things with her other tables.
The city is divided into several districts. You’re currently in a middle class area of town, formally referred to as a district. Most just call this area the Commercial District, or simply town. It’s filled with middle class residential, shops and service providers.
The Harbour District is where you disembarked from the ship that brought you to Clifton. The area is well known for it’s rough and tumble atmosphere, many taverns and inns, and a sizable collection of warehouses. Some of the lower class call this district home.
The vast majority of the lower class live across the river in what would amount to the slums of Clifton. Although the slums here are much better off than the slums of any other city you have been in before. The Duchess does her best to keep the truly downtrodden from being crushed entirely.
The elite of Clifton call the High District home. Guild houses, high end shops, and the homes of the very wealthy can all be found here. If you’re looking for specialized work to be done, the master artisans that would provide those services also call this district home.
The final district is the Palace district, where the Duchess herself resides. This district is like an entire other city onto itself, with everything it could need on hand.
Where to Dahlia?
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 14, 2019 11:40:36 GMT -5
She is going to take a look around the middle class district she's already in, seeing if she can find anything that catches her eye.
If she can't find anything there, she's going to try to scout out the high class district. She's going to take notes on where everything is, where guards are posted and what building attracts more of the kind of people she'd be willing to take things from.
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 14, 2019 12:27:33 GMT -5
The middle class district has shops and stalls selling a variety of merchandise. Most of the shops have samples of their work displayed proudly in the window. Butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. Cobblers, bowyers, and trinkets galore. Hawkers call out to you offering to sell you dried meats, fancy ribbons or fruit. Pins, small arms or baskets of vegetables.
You see people of all sorts making their way through the streets. Most of the people are middle class, but when you get closer to one of the three main streets you find a lot more of the lower class making their way between the districts. From time to time you see someone wearing the attire of higher station, but those people are usually accompanied by armsmen. One incredibly well dressed eccentric looking fellow with a plain platinum ring on his finger walks alone. He has a dozen pouches hanging from his waist and a few vials set into a sash slung diagonally across his chest.
Does any of that catch your attention? If not, what are you looking for?
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 14, 2019 13:03:38 GMT -5
Dahlia browses the items for sale, taking note of pins and ribbons that catch her eye to possibly come back to purchase later.
As she spots the wealthy looking man, she grins to herself and decides to move ahead of his path. She quickly rushes in front of him, "accidently" bumping into him.
"Oh goodness! Oh my apology good sir, I wasn't looking where I was going, you must forgive me!"
And as she says that, she's going to attempt to grab one of the pouches from him.
16 + 4 = 20 sleight of hand
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 14, 2019 21:29:25 GMT -5
One of the ribbons catches your eye, the perfect colour to match what you’re currently wearing. Both edges are trimmed with a complementary colour in small bumps like flower pedals. The slight young woman that carries the tray holds it up to your hair, and coos out complements. You detect a bit of sales pitch, but she’s not wrong either. That ribbon is perfect. She offers it to you for a silver..
When you collide with the fellow, he seems startled for a moment, knocked from whatever thoughts he was lost in, “No no good lady, I’m sure it was my fault. There is nothing to forgive on your part. Please accept my apologies. There’s a moment where he realizes something, then he adds, “and this.” With a murmured phrase and a strange gesture he hands you a rose that he pulled literally out of nowhere.
You manage to snag a pouch, and slip it into your belongings without him seeming to have noticed.
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 14, 2019 22:00:43 GMT -5
Before she strays away from the market place, she is going to toss the saleswoman a sliver for the ribbon and tie it to one of her horns.
When the man hands her the rose, a look of genuine surprise crosses her face for a moment. She takes it, turning it in her hand.
"Oh my... How goregous." She immediately gives him a little smile. "You must be awfully talented, good sir. I haven't seen anyone do that before."
|
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 15, 2019 5:15:37 GMT -5
He smiles down at you, “A trifle truly.” He extends his hand, “Guildmaster Weis Wickman, and you are my dear?” If you accept his handshake he pivots your hand and kisses the back of your knuckles.
A wagon driver curses at the pair of you, shouting, “Move it!” As he bears down on you with his team of horses. The Guildmaster holds up his hand without turning to face the wagon at all. You watch sunlight dance across that platinum band. The wagon driver yanks up on the reins, and his team skid to a stop, calling down in a much calmer voice, “Please forgive me Guildmaster.”
|
|
|
|
Post by kitteninaboxx on Apr 15, 2019 10:04:29 GMT -5
She lets him take her hand and gives him a sweet smile. "Dahlia, sir, like the flower"
She keeps smiling until he turns away and for a split second, her expression turns into a scowl. Her smile returns as he turns back to her though.
"Guildmaster, hm? Such a powerful position.. I must say, I'm surprised to see you wandering out here all by yourself."
|
|
