Esharra
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 18:13:55 GMT -8
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Post by Esharra on Jun 30, 2017 11:07:43 GMT -8
Having gone their separate ways, for the moment at least, Iksuda led Madelena Winterscar around the corner from the main square and towards one of the many cantons before she abruptly stopped and demanded an explanation. Looking at her, the Esharran grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "I am neither burglar nor thief," he explained, though it was hard to tell whether he actually meant those words. "I am, however, many other things that require a few underhanded tricks here and there. Either way, you have nothing to worry about from me I can assure you." Though he had found her demands slightly amusing, as he continued to speak they seemed to be considerably less so. "Esharra is a place with as much danger as beauty. We have our own problems and our own way of dealing with them and if you are going to stay here, you should understand that there are very, VERY few of us who haven't stolen or told a lie to get where we are. If you wish to leave, then that would be a shame; if you wish to go on in your own company, then good luck Lady Madelena, though I would assure you that the tasks I complete as an agent are not for selfish reasons."
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Madelena Winterscar
Committed
Roleplay posts: 68
Age: 25
Physical Description: A fair young woman looking for the knowledge hidden in the world
Registered: May 7, 2016 3:29:10 GMT -8
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Post by Madelena Winterscar on Jul 1, 2017 6:43:01 GMT -8
The things he was telling him were worrysome to her. All this time Esharra had been a magic place to her that could never steep as low as thievery or anything like that. But she might need to step out of her fairytale and start to realize that maybe the truth was much more different then she could even understand.
"Then what are the evils? What is happening in this place that makes people need to stoop so low? All my book told me about was the beauty and the serenity of this place and so far you have only told me about things changing. The way you tell about Esharra makes it seem like a place noone should want to live." she paused a moment. "I came here to learn about this place. Even if it is not at all how I imagined it to be, I want to know. Maybe there is something us outsiders can do for you. Maybe that is the reason the doors were opened."
She had calmed down a bit and would continue to walk on with Iksuda, even taking his arm again in his. She was still very much confused, though her curiousity was higher then ever before.
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Mordane
Committed
Roleplay posts: 66
Age: 22
Physical Description: Stands at 6 feet and 4 inches tall
Green eyes pale skin and his hair is a dark shade of red, which eventually earned him a few nicknames as it beared slight resemblance to the blood he spilled.
Clothes and Equipment: Mordane is most commonly dressed in full plate adorned with only blue cloth. On occasions where he is not in his armor he wears simple clothes, brown pants and a white shirt with a splash of blue along the collar.
A pack with all of the traveling necessities is tied to his back along with his weapon, a plain steel claymore, weathered over years of use but maintained exceptionally well.
Player's online availability : Often
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 19:48:43 GMT -8
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Post by Mordane on Jul 1, 2017 10:58:49 GMT -8
"Hmm..." Mordane pondered Santiago's words for a moment, there was really no telling who this man was or how important he was, it was probably better for them to find a much less prominent target, like another outsider. But he knew he could pass the blame solely onto Santiago if anything did in fact happen and they were caught in the act so he opted to follow along. "Of course, I'll see what I can do."
Mordane approached their target and hailed him, lifting his hand in greeting before saying to the stranger "Hello, do you happen to know where I could find a cooked boar, or a good store for wine?"
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Santiago Sleeke
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Age: 31
Physical Description: Upon first glance, everything about Santiago appeared average and nondescript. Of average height and build, he was neither handsome nor ugly.
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Clothes and Equipment: Santiago almost exclusively wears a suit of light leather armour, both jacket and trousers made of a supple, well-fitted dark brown hide. A sabre and sickle hang sheathless from his belt.
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Registered: Jun 23, 2017 15:13:05 GMT -8
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Post by Santiago Sleeke on Jul 1, 2017 12:57:07 GMT -8
Santiago scanned the scene, making a mental map of the area and all of the guards visible as Mordane stepped toward the noble Esharran scholar. He suspected the warrior had misinterpreted the plan when instead of colliding with the book carrier, he had instead greeted him and begun to talk with the man. The large bulk of the plated warrior caused the busy crowd to condense as they had to move around him and the stationary book carrier, giving the would-be thief inspiration for a revised plan.
Santiago spotted a suitable mark then, an outsider dressed in fine merchant garb strolling arrogantly into view, a rich cloak whipping in the wind revealing a gold pouch pinned to his belt beneath. The merchant was heading toward the warrior, and Santiago quickly moved into position.
As the merchant approached Mordane, Santiago feigned a trip and fell hard into the merchant. With lightning speed his right hand swung behind the cloak, lightly grabbing the pouch while his left hand went to the handle of the sickle at his waist, twisting so the blade tip fit between the pouch and the belt of the merchant, cutting the leather ties with the inside of the curved edge.
The merchant continued his tumble straight into the noble scholar as he was halfway through giving Mordane an answer to his question. Books flew into the air as the merchant and nobleman both went crashing to the ground, closely followed by a half dozen heavy tomes.
By the time the mark had chance to see who might of tripped him, Santiago was well away from the area, crossing behind the statue to break any line of sight as the merchant stared around confused, trying to understand what had occurred. The nobleman was furious with the outsider, and berated the merchant loudly as he scrambled to retrieve his books.
Santiago stepped to within eyeshot of Mordane, and subtly motioned for the warrior to follow him as he tucked the gold pouch beneath his armour.
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Esharra
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 18:13:55 GMT -8
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Post by Esharra on Jul 2, 2017 14:05:29 GMT -8
Iksuda slowly shook his head as they walked alongside Madelena Winterscar , offering little in terms of a satisfying answer. "You're much better off not knowing, especially while I know so little about you or if you are someone who can be trusted," he explained, walking her through the narrow pathways between cantons and sometimes through one. "For now, focus on doing what you came here to do! As much as I may have dampened your perfect image of Esharra, you will soon see that that what others describe in books and poetry as a 'utopia' is for us a reality." He gestured around them, smiling. "People do not want for anything here. There's no homelessness here, no poverty, no hunger, just a deep thirst for further knowledge and pleasantries! You'll soon see for yourself, the library is close." As they turned another corner, a large opening in the wall of a canton revealed a strange courtyard that was roofed over by the gigantic structure around it. Inside, several benches lined cobbled 'paths' and 'roads' that would curve and turn in such a way as to create circles. As they looked around, Madelena would see a structure in the centre, with this 'outdoor' area stretching around to surround it. From above, if the rest of the canton wasn't blocking the view, one would realise that the paths created a pattern known as 'the flower of life'. The areas that were unpaved were the same as much of the rest of the city; solid, featureless stone of a white-gold hue and Iksuda led Madelena across this so as to save the time it would take them to follow the paths themselves. When they reached the main double doors of the library, Iksuda grinned and pointed out the image of a small winged man flying upwards towards the sun that had been carved into the left door. "This is one of the main libraries in Esharra, colloquially known as The Flower but officially titled The Library of the Flower of Knowledge. It is said the founder of Esharra, who had since left the city, returned to carve this image into the library door when it opened. It symbolises how the pursuit of knowledge is like flight, and that enlightenment comes from it," he revealed happily.
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Madelena Winterscar
Committed
Roleplay posts: 68
Age: 25
Physical Description: A fair young woman looking for the knowledge hidden in the world
Registered: May 7, 2016 3:29:10 GMT -8
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Post by Madelena Winterscar on Jul 3, 2017 2:24:03 GMT -8
A smile would appear on Madelena's face as they talked on the way there. "You really are a funny guy Iksuda. You talk about not knowing whether to trust me, yet you had no trouble actually letting me withness your talk to those other two man. What is stopping me from going to the nearest guard and tell them about it? I might be just an outsider, but i am also just an innocent scholar. 'Ooh sir, I just overheard such a strange conversation! I know it isn't my place to question an Esharran, but I feel like it was my duty to protect the city from such horrible man. I have always wanted to come here! And now my views have been blotched.' Would be a funny conversation wouldn't it?" she laughed a bit before she continued. "Not that that is a threat. Not a single piece of my mind is thinking of doing that. It's just really funny to me. So cautious, yet not cautious at all."
She would say no more of it on their way to the library. Once again the architecture of the place was trying to overwhelm her with its beauty in white and gold. It was only until they reached the actual library that she couldn't help but sigh of its beauty. "Why would anyone leave this place? I could spend a lifetime reading the books inside of there. It must be at least three times as big as the library at the university."
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Mordane
Committed
Roleplay posts: 66
Age: 22
Physical Description: Stands at 6 feet and 4 inches tall
Green eyes pale skin and his hair is a dark shade of red, which eventually earned him a few nicknames as it beared slight resemblance to the blood he spilled.
Clothes and Equipment: Mordane is most commonly dressed in full plate adorned with only blue cloth. On occasions where he is not in his armor he wears simple clothes, brown pants and a white shirt with a splash of blue along the collar.
A pack with all of the traveling necessities is tied to his back along with his weapon, a plain steel claymore, weathered over years of use but maintained exceptionally well.
Player's online availability : Often
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 19:48:43 GMT -8
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Post by Mordane on Jul 3, 2017 14:33:58 GMT -8
It seemed he had taken Mordanes distraction and used it for a different purpose. It was better that way though, Mordane had though to himself it would be better to steal from someone that would arouse less suspicion and santiago had though so as well. Now they would have enough money to buy what they needed and the noble had been helpful enough to give them at least some directions.
He followed Santiagos lead, leaving at his signal and giving a short farewell to the Esharran he had conversed with. Once they met up he would tell his partner in crime what he had garnered and where they would go next to purchase what they needed for Iksuda.
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Esharra
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 18:13:55 GMT -8
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Post by Esharra on Jul 3, 2017 18:45:02 GMT -8
"And what would they do, Dear Madelena?" Iksuda asked the scholar, a smile growing. "Arrest three men for conspiracy to go shopping?" The look he gave her was one of silly banter, but rather than continue the exchange on the legality of what she witnessed he instead made to open the library door, only for another to do so before him from within and step outside. The woman who left the library gave the pair of them an odd look, but soon went on her way to leave Iksuda free to catch the door behind her and open it again. With that he stepped inside. The library was surprisingly organised and well kept. Though circular in shape, it was large, had multiple floors and the bookshelves reached the ceiling and required special ladders for the top shelves. Madelena Winterscar would notice the library had different areas devoted to different subjects as was common, but no book looked particularly old or worn on account of the bookkeepers who patrolled virulently to ensure their status. Each section must have had at least two-three dedicated men and women whose job was to bore over every detail of their assigned stations and ensure both the library and its contents remained in perfect condition. "There are books here for every subject you can imagine, though I'm sure the histories of Esharra are what interests you most right now?" Iksuda guessed. "Come to think of it, I assume there are many books in this library that you have never seen down on your surface world." (After a little more time has passed I will post something for Santiago Sleeke and Mordane. )
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Santiago Sleeke
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Age: 31
Physical Description: Upon first glance, everything about Santiago appeared average and nondescript. Of average height and build, he was neither handsome nor ugly.
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Clothes and Equipment: Santiago almost exclusively wears a suit of light leather armour, both jacket and trousers made of a supple, well-fitted dark brown hide. A sabre and sickle hang sheathless from his belt.
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Registered: Jun 23, 2017 15:13:05 GMT -8
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Post by Santiago Sleeke on Jul 4, 2017 4:34:04 GMT -8
Santiago and Mordane strolled amongst the stalls and stores, acquiring the items Iksuda had requested. They had managed to acquire the pouch of sleeping powder and potion of Cat's Eye from the local apothecary, a swarthy man who talked too much. Santiago had managed to haggle the price, and happily paid him from the gold pouch before moving on to buy the wine and cooked boar from a street vendor. With rope purchased from a general purpose store, they only had the masks left to buy.
The pair stopped outside a large store that was filled with a range of party items and outfits. It seems the Esharrans took their revelry seriously, as this place appeared to be doing an excellent trade to the many noble-dressed Esharrans. Santiago stepped in and looked at the selection of masquerade masks on sale. He focused on a golden mask with a large, crooked nose, and collected it ready to purchase. Motioning for Mordane to pick one himself, they would buy these and then look to return to the Inn that Ikdusa had mentioned.
Santiago couldn't help but think about what he might find there, and wondered if this whole plan wasn't flawed. It was too late to worry now, and he resolved himself to follow through regardless of what may happen.
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Madelena Winterscar
Committed
Roleplay posts: 68
Age: 25
Physical Description: A fair young woman looking for the knowledge hidden in the world
Registered: May 7, 2016 3:29:10 GMT -8
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Post by Madelena Winterscar on Jul 4, 2017 9:31:09 GMT -8
She stepped inside, her heels softly clacking on the floor of the immense Library. There were indeed more books than she had ever witnessed in her life and more than she could wish to read even if she grew to be over 100 years old.
The shelved where high to the ground and more people were around them then she thought would ever work at a library. She did get some strange stares and she noticed quickly that there were almost no outsiders to be found. She figured most people came here to trade and no need for the knowledge stores here. Most farmers didn't even know how to read or write.
"Yes, Esharran history." she said with a big smile on her face, trying to keep herself from bouncing up and down.
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Esharra
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 18:13:55 GMT -8
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Post by Esharra on Jul 4, 2017 17:41:00 GMT -8
As Madelena Winterscar looked about the room, Iksuda left her to approach a bookkeeper and had a silent conversation with them. Though their words were hushed, it appeared as though Iksuda was trying to put to ease the bookkeeper's mind and after a minute or two he returned to Madelena successful. "Right, now that's done with you should be free to peruse at your leisure. Unfortunately I'm no scholar so it would be amiss of me to offer a recommendation, but there are some very basic books that are part of local education. All children tend to read 'The History of Esharra', or the first three volumes of it at least. It goes rather in depth, but who knows how much of it is hearsay and what isn't?" The Esharran explained, slowly moving towards the history section. "Unfortunately you won't find my name in there!"
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Mordane
Committed
Roleplay posts: 66
Age: 22
Physical Description: Stands at 6 feet and 4 inches tall
Green eyes pale skin and his hair is a dark shade of red, which eventually earned him a few nicknames as it beared slight resemblance to the blood he spilled.
Clothes and Equipment: Mordane is most commonly dressed in full plate adorned with only blue cloth. On occasions where he is not in his armor he wears simple clothes, brown pants and a white shirt with a splash of blue along the collar.
A pack with all of the traveling necessities is tied to his back along with his weapon, a plain steel claymore, weathered over years of use but maintained exceptionally well.
Player's online availability : Often
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 19:48:43 GMT -8
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Post by Mordane on Jul 4, 2017 20:53:44 GMT -8
Mordane himself chose a mask that resembled the face of a wolf, colored silver. They were making good progress towards their goal and once they had taken care of everything on the list they would head back carrying the goods requested.
Mordane would lead the way through the city streets this time, the tavern coming into sight not long after there shopping spree had ended. Once they arrived he would deliver the goods and Mordane would set about preparing for what they would be needed for next, as Iksuda had specified they would not be needed right away. Of course he had no way of knowing Santiago was not affiliated with Mr.Sun and if he was at the tavern his bluff might fall apart entirely.
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Santiago Sleeke
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Age: 31
Physical Description: Upon first glance, everything about Santiago appeared average and nondescript. Of average height and build, he was neither handsome nor ugly.
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Clothes and Equipment: Santiago almost exclusively wears a suit of light leather armour, both jacket and trousers made of a supple, well-fitted dark brown hide. A sabre and sickle hang sheathless from his belt.
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Registered: Jun 23, 2017 15:13:05 GMT -8
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Post by Santiago Sleeke on Jul 5, 2017 13:20:41 GMT -8
Santiago followed Mordane into the tavern, and headed for the bar to order himself a drink. He would find himself a seat that afforded him a good view of the place, and he'd happily sit back and listen, trying to get a gauge of the common room as he waited for Iksuda. He was relieved it may be a long wait, it would give him time to get a feel for the place.
He needed information. A criminal known as Kronoss had been tracked to Esharra, and was hiding out somewhere behind one of the many windows of the city. Kronoss had stolen a considerable amount of money from the coffers of The Crimson Candle, an organisation Santiago represented, and the powerful criminal had to be brought to justice.
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Esharra
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 18:13:55 GMT -8
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Post by Esharra on Jul 5, 2017 20:43:45 GMT -8
The tavern owner and the same barkeep who served Mordane the previous evening climbed up from the cellar, wearing robes that outsiders such as he and Santiago Sleeke might consider ceremonial in how well kept and adorned with such fine patterns they were. Yet unlike most other Esharran who seemed rather haughty, the barkeep was far more relaxed and prone to actual expression. "Welcome back, outsider," he greeted the captain, with a nod going towards Santiago. "I see you've brought back a friend. Very rare to see two outsiders in the same place, you know. I hope you're not going to bring any trouble here."
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Santiago Sleeke
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Age: 31
Physical Description: Upon first glance, everything about Santiago appeared average and nondescript. Of average height and build, he was neither handsome nor ugly.
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Clothes and Equipment: Santiago almost exclusively wears a suit of light leather armour, both jacket and trousers made of a supple, well-fitted dark brown hide. A sabre and sickle hang sheathless from his belt.
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Registered: Jun 23, 2017 15:13:05 GMT -8
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Post by Santiago Sleeke on Jul 6, 2017 4:44:41 GMT -8
Santiago waved his hand dismissively, a broad smile playing across his face. "Not at all my good man, my companion and myself were just waiting on a mutual friend of ours." He was keen to maintain a sense of mystery, whilst attempting to ingratiate himself as best he could into the scene. He had no idea if these men were even part of Iksuda's world, so while keen to suggest he belonged, the devil would be in the details, so he would be best served avoiding the subject as best he could for the time being.
"Could I trouble you for an ale barkeep, and whatever my companion here wants?" He perused the selection of kegs and bottles, hoping for a selection, or an ale he might recognise. Many taverns might just hold a single brand, while more esteemed establishments catered for varied tastes. "It's my first time to these parts, and I'm wondering if you might have the best of the local brews for me to sample?"
Most barkeeps he had met were aficionados of alcohol, and he hoped to get the man waxing lyrical about the local delicacies. There was nothing prouder than a barkeep of his local brew, and he hoped to pique the man's pride.
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Esharra
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 18:13:55 GMT -8
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Post by Esharra on Jul 8, 2017 12:07:52 GMT -8
(I'll give it another day and then I'll reply to keep things moving. Just been waiting so I didn't leave people behind.)
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Mordane
Committed
Roleplay posts: 66
Age: 22
Physical Description: Stands at 6 feet and 4 inches tall
Green eyes pale skin and his hair is a dark shade of red, which eventually earned him a few nicknames as it beared slight resemblance to the blood he spilled.
Clothes and Equipment: Mordane is most commonly dressed in full plate adorned with only blue cloth. On occasions where he is not in his armor he wears simple clothes, brown pants and a white shirt with a splash of blue along the collar.
A pack with all of the traveling necessities is tied to his back along with his weapon, a plain steel claymore, weathered over years of use but maintained exceptionally well.
Player's online availability : Often
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 19:48:43 GMT -8
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Post by Mordane on Jul 8, 2017 21:28:46 GMT -8
Mordane did not need to do anything in particular while he was there. He took a seat along with Santiago and let him do the talking as he relaxed and waited for whoever was going to show up and ask for what they had acquired.
(Sorry about that work has been killer)
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Esharra
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Registered: Jun 20, 2017 18:13:55 GMT -8
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Post by Esharra on Jul 9, 2017 11:04:17 GMT -8
"Ah, indeed." The Barkeep replied to Santiago Sleeke, gesturing behind him to some of the bottles and kegs on display. "We have several types of beverage, including some rather similar to those found on the in the world below. You'll notice we have our own names for these things, in accordance with our ancient tongue, but you needn't worry yourself with learning them as the majority of us understand the common language enough to know what you're referring to. The vast majority of alcohol in Esharra is brewed by the priestesses of Alulu, for their sacred charter given to them by the goddess of drink is to provide Esharra and her people with a supply most holy and untouched by the corruption of lesser methods." "This inn serves mostly amber drink, neither too dark nor too light. The notable exception is what we refer to as ninkasa, a drink as sweet as honey syrup and only a quarter as thick; it's also light, but I wouldn't recommend drinking much of it." He spoke rather matter-of-fact, suggesting he either had no passion for his work or that he simply wasn't in the keenest of moods. He glanced over at Mordane and wondered why he had brought another stranger with him, but decided not to make a fuss of it. ( Madelena Winterscar are you still there?)
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Santiago Sleeke
Established
Roleplay posts: 17
Age: 31
Physical Description: Upon first glance, everything about Santiago appeared average and nondescript. Of average height and build, he was neither handsome nor ugly.
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Clothes and Equipment: Santiago almost exclusively wears a suit of light leather armour, both jacket and trousers made of a supple, well-fitted dark brown hide. A sabre and sickle hang sheathless from his belt.
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Registered: Jun 23, 2017 15:13:05 GMT -8
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Post by Santiago Sleeke on Jul 10, 2017 2:01:52 GMT -8
Santiago regarded the barkeep with interest. While the man had reeled off the information on the local beverages, he hardly seemed to care about the topic, and the rogue wondered if he was reading it from some previously prepared script hidden behind the bar. He'd encountered a few barkeeps who were disinterested in the product that they sold, but to a man, these had been plants, men who worked for secret organisations and used the role of barkeep as a means to spy on patrons. Santiago decided he would keep a close eye on the barkeep, as he may be just the man he was looking for.
"In that case, give me an Aluluan Amber Ale. I'd normally try some of this Ninkasa, but I need to keep my wits about me, and I tend to drink all alcohol as if it was ale." He actually cared little about the drink, seeing it purely as a means to getting the man talking, but with the dispassionate barkeep hardly seeming interested, he would simply get his ale and wouldn't waste time fawning over it in an attempt to ingratiate himself to the man.
With little to do but wait, Santiago would keep his ears and his eyes open on the off-chance he may overhear talk of a foreigner by the name of Kronoss, or that one of the two strangely dressed men behind the bar reveal more than intended about who they truly are.
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Madelena Winterscar
Committed
Roleplay posts: 68
Age: 25
Physical Description: A fair young woman looking for the knowledge hidden in the world
Registered: May 7, 2016 3:29:10 GMT -8
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Post by Madelena Winterscar on Jul 10, 2017 2:08:32 GMT -8
"Then I will listen to your recommendation. I have to start somewhere." she smiled at him and would soon be walking past the bookshelves and finding the three volumes that he had been talking about. She had to use a ladder to go up a small bit to carry then and the three big books filled her arms plenty, making it rough to climb back down.
She would plump them down on a near table with a hard thump and open up the first volume. Having a very good memory and having read her whole life she would get through the pages with incredible speed. It didn't take her very long to have scanned the first few pages and look back up at Iksuda. "This should do to get me started." she smiled at him
(I am sorry! xD)
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