North by Northwest (storyline)/2024-08-07 - Blames, Games, and Names (log)

Phoenatos 7-8, 5124

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the TownCrier

Disclaimer

This log is purely intended as an archival record of spoken words and actions of characters within the game as could be witnessed by the character or characters who were present to record them. Leafiara's player and the TownCrier hold no position on the veracity, falsity, legitimacy, nor illegitimacy of any character dialogue, opinions, perspectives, interpretations, and stances presented herein.

Synopsis

The Blameless man from before returns to Helga's for a drink, but is interrupted by brick-wielding townspeople. Some local adventurers quell the dispute, then speak with him at Helga's for a bit about his past as a Landing orphan, his later past as a Blameless, and vague words about the current business he's almost finished with on his current trip to town.

Editing Protocol of this Log

• NPC dialogue, NPC actions, and PC dialogue or actions which NPCs react to are bolded.
• Actions are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria, or are within the first three of a PC's responses to an NPC who was directing actions or dialogue toward them.
• Greetings, farewells, dialogue on OOC ESP channels, and dialogue related to various services including but not limited to healing, resurrection, locksmithing, armor adjustments, and spellups are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are directed toward NPCs, or are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria.
• Dialogue in languages other than Common is presented from the perspective of a character who only knows Common so as not to give preferential treatment to languages which the logging character knows.
• IC group whispers are excluded so as not to give preferential treatment to the group which the logging character is in.
• OOC whispers that don't come from NPCs are excluded due to being OOC.
• Visible whispers are presented from the perspective of a third-party observer.
• Other dialogue not mentioned above is included.
• Travel between a starting room and destination room is excluded unless it shows off unique and newly created rooms.
• Combat is excluded.
• Rights are reserved to include anything that seems especially amusing, all of the above notwithstanding.

Log

Idle Chatter in the Rain

[General] Pukk thinks, "Weather in landing it seems."

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the black Bezzy disk, the Nucky disk, a spotted bulldog rat, the Sraven disk, a glinting stygian scarab beetle that is flying around, a large acorn, some wolifrew lichen, an iron wand, a trail of aster-wreathed silver hedgehogs leading southwest, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin and some wide stone benches with some stuff on it.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Urchin Gutstorm, Lord Oury, Town Councilor Kayse, Bezzy, Emissary Thrassus, Nucky, Lady Nairena, Renowned Lady Sraven, Pukk, Rezzi

Kayse glances down.

Kayse eyes Gutstorm with a stern expression, her dark sclera reduced to mere slits.

Kayse grabs Gutstorm and drags him east.

Urchin Gutstorm just stumbled in, flailing his arms wildly while trying to right himself!

Town Councilor Kayse just arrived.

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk exclaims, "I haven't seen you in forever!"

Leafiara says, "Guess some things never change."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "You're it."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Leafiara!"

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me hunged out in da Black Hand grotto tonite."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me like da root beer."

Speaking annoyedly to Gutstorm, Kayse asks, "How did you get in there?"

Silrav asks, "Anyone have a spare matchbox, with matches?"

Speaking drunkenly to Kayse, Gutstorm says, "Me na can tell ye, it secret."

Leafiara amusedly says, "...like I said, some things never change..."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "He is taking sneaky classes from rogues."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me got to look at Draccor sword."

Speaking to Sraven, Pukk says, "Join Leafiara for fun and adventure."

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara exclaims, "At least we can only hope!"

Speaking to Silrav, Kayse asks, "What do you need lit?"

[she gets him a match]

Mob at Helga's

Some angry voices erupt outside of Helga's Tavern.

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "It's always fun with you. Adventure which is mainly us running for our lives and trying to survive a disaster is part of being in Landing."

Speaking to Kayse, Silrav exclaims, "Yer a usefull person ter know!"

Leafiara muses, "Well, guess that can't be good."

Speaking wryly to Silrav, Kayse says, "In more ways than one."

Leafiara exclaims, "Which means it's time to see what's going on!"

Silrav says, "Ah'm Silrav."

[Wehnimer's, Stormarm St.]

This intersection links the bazaar routes with those bisecting and encircling the Landing. A few ruddyfaced sailors, loudmouthed dockworkers, and off-duty soldiers linger along the wall of a tavern, which is set back from the side of the road up a slight incline. A shaky wooden stairway, the bane of many an overimbiber's existence, leads up to the tavern door. You also see a few angry townspeople and a large painted sign.

Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Vargath

Gutstorm and Pukk followed.

Town Councilor Kayse just arrived.

You gaze thoughtfully at a few angry townspeople.

Some of the townspeople, the few gathered, grumble and shout and point at Vargath.

Leafiara curiously says, "What seems to be the tr--"

Leafiara scratches her head.

Thrassus asks, "What's going on here?"

[General] Pukk thinks, "Seems like something is going on. Come join Leafiara."

One townsperson shouts, "Bleed or leave Blameless scum!"

Vargath squints.

Gutstorm yells, "Call da Night Watchman!"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Well, that's normally your job."

One townsperson waves a brick around.

(Gutstorm agrees with the townsperson.)

Gutstorm slings a grandiose glittering gold gizmo etched with the word "Gutbuster" on it off from over his shoulder.

Vargath says, "I've come for a drink. Move. We've no business."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me came fully loaded."

Speaking to Vargath, Thrassus says, "That is a particulary singular scar you have there, friend."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh Guts got a bunch of bricks today. This is why!"

Thrassus nods at Vargath.

Vargath says, "I doubt we are friends."

Thrassus says, "Most likely."

Speaking drunkenly to Thrassus, Gutstorm says, "Dish da guy who knocked me over and call me a runt."

A bold and for the first time brave townsperson hurls a brick at Vargath. The large man doesn't flinch but catches it all the same, tightening his grip before he tosses it aside.

Leafiara adds, "...in all seriousness, though, the night watchman actually *is* liable to show up if this escalates into violence--"

Leafiara mutters, "Never mind, too late."

Pukk says, "Good catch."

Speaking to a few angry townspeople, Thrassus says, "Hold on now, we don't need to be beating anyone to death quite yet."

Pukk says, "That townsperson is probably training in throw weapons."

Speaking to a few angry townspeople, Kayse offers, "We have far worse running around the town. Perhaps we speak to him before throwing things?"

Speaking drunkenly to a few angry townspeople, Gutstorm says, "Me gotchoo back."

A townsperson shouts, "The only good Blameless is a dead Blameless!"

Kayse reasons, "Fair."

A townsperson shouts, "They killed some of my friends!" Another shouts, "They locked up my friend in a camp east of here! Tortured him!"

Thrassus asks, "Now, what exactly is one of your sort doing in the Landing?"

Speaking to a few angry townspeople, Pukk says, "Remember when they said that about us Rooks. Let's at least hear him out."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "What is your story?"

Vargath says, "I did none of this."

Thrassus asks, "None of what?"

Vargath says, "The blood on my hands washed away with Talador. If I had done crimes here, I could probably be Mayor."

Vargath asks, "My sort?"

Vargath peers quizzically at Thrassus.

Leafiara offhandedly says, "Or baron."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Da job ish filled."

Thrassus says, "Blameless."

Thrassus nods at Vargath.

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "You have to throw more chairs around first."

Vargath says, "Faendryl lecturing a Blameless. History is a lost art."

Thrassus says, "That crown scar indicates you are, or were at one time one."

Thrassus says, "I haven't even started to lecture, don't tempt me."

Thrassus snickers.

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Yeah dont git him goin."

Vargath moves towards the stairway leading to Helga's. A few of the townspeople back away. A few others stand their ground, but eyeball Kayse, then Leafiara, then Thrassus, then Elfren.

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "He on par wit Xorus."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I think he likes you."

Speaking bluntly to Vargath, Leafiara says, "Are you from here originally, even? You've made it seem like it."

Vargath says, "I am."

Leafiara nods.

Speaking to a few angry townspeople, Leafiara says, "You've heard it here, then. We've no quarrel with this man."

Speaking to a few angry townspeople, Kayse says, "We will watch him."

Speaking to a few angry townspeople, Pukk says, "You heard the ladies. They will take care of things."

Vargath says, "My convictions are rooted deeper than yours. I will stand here until dawn if I must."

Vargath nods to a few angry townspeople.

Thrassus asks, "Are you simply wanting to access the tavern?"

The townspeople mumble and mutter, about krolvin warlords, and Blameless, and birds. They slowly disperse.

Kayse rolls her eyes.

Pukk exclaims, "Hey wait!"

Vargath watches the crowd break apart, then moves to the tavern.

Vargath just went up a shaky wooden stairway.

Pukk asks, "What did birds ever do??"

Leafiara yells, "Next time you want to remember history, remember it when Elidal comes knocking again!"

Speaking quietly to himself, Thrassus asks, "Birds?"

Conversation at Helga's

[Helga's Tavern, Barroom]

The blended odors of ale, sweat, leather, perfume and hearty stew fill the stifling air of the tavern. Disheveled regulars and road-weary travelers rub elbows at the wooden bar, which looks recently varnished but already bears a variety of stains and grime. Helga, the ancient, obese proprietor, moves behind the bar, wiping glasses with a dirty towel as she keeps a beady eye on the patrons. A small fireplace in one corner burns feebly, adding little light or warmth to the room. You also see Helga, an overturned creel, a huge cast iron stewpot, a set of swinging doors and a tattered menu.

Kayse mutters, "People."

Elfren darkly says, "Good to be out of that rain at least."

Speaking drunkenly to Helga, Gutstorm says, "Dont mind wot me drinkin."

Speaking to Thrassus, Pukk exclaims, "Probably meant us rooks..but still...we've been good lately!"

Speaking to Pukk, Thrassus says, "At least you have gotten better at not getting caught."

Leafiara says, "I don't remember if any of us other than Guts and me were here last time our--visitor, former citizen, businessman?--came around to Helga's a few weeks back."

Helga nods to Vargath and says, "Here! And you better not spill it either!"

With a flurry of movements, Helga produces a mug of Blackdew grog and places it on the wooden bar.

Vargath removes a mug of Blackdew grog from on a stained wooden bar.

Pukk says, "Hey..."

Pukk says, "I've been good too."

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Speaking hesitantly to Vargath, Kayse says, "I'm not sure that even qualifies as alcohol."

Speaking reassuringly to Pukk, Thrassus says, "Of course, of course."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Vargath iffin ye pologize for assaultin me, am shore yoo shtay in da town will be lot more pheasant."

A large fly has the audacity to land on the newly painted bar near Helga. With surprising speed and force, the towel in Helga's hand *SNAPS* the fly out of existence.

Vargath says, "I grew up on worse."

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "I would say Gutstorm has the best drinks around...but he seems miffed at you so..don't count on him."

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Pukk says, "That fly is going to be part of the stew soon."

Speaking to Vargath, Thrassus asks, "Did you grow up here?"

Speaking incredulously to Vargath, Kayse asks, "There is something worse than that grog?"

Leafiara glances between Helga and a sunset orange keg painted with ivory musical notes.

Speaking to herself, Leafiara considers, "...no, better not take my chances."

Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Yeah, TEA!"

Leafiara put a sunset orange keg painted with ivory musical notes in her cherry red cloak.

Vargath says, "You would be surprised."

Vargath nods at Kayse.

Vargath nods at Thrassus.

Thrassus says, "Ah, so you are returning home then."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "How long have you been away?"

Vargath says, "No."

Speaking to a wooden bar stool, Gutstorm says, "Dunt lemme fall."

Vargath says, "I don't think I'll be here much longer."

Thrassus asks, "Passing through?"

Vargath says, "A lifetime it seems."

Vargath nods at Kayse.

Kayse dryly says, "After such a warm welcome? I am shocked you wouldn't want to stay..."

Leafiara absently agrees, "Things do change a great deal in a short time."

Vargath says, "I don't even recognize much of the town anymore, or its weakness."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "Why did you return then?"

Speaking laughingly to Leafiara, Pukk whispers aloud, "She made a joke."

Thrassus asks, "Weakness?"

Vargath says, "To tend to something personal."

Speaking casually to Vargath, Kayse asks, "Fair. Do you still know people around Wehnimer's? Friends, family?"

To the west, some occupants at tables stir and straighten in their chairs as a slender golden-haired woman enters into view, slowly moving onto the low wooden stage. Some men whistle, some grow silent as she begins to sing, her voice not as smooth as a siren, but melodic enough to garner the full attention of several tables.

Vargath says, "No. The orphanage is where my first trials began."

Vargath says, "Any I knew then are dead or should be."

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Thrassus says, "I see."

Leafiara ponders, "Mmm... I don't know about that. Many of our orphans grow up persistent and resilient."

Vargath shifts slightly at the bar, eyes drawn west, watching the stage as he drinks his grog, of which he has had worse.

Peggyanne pours herself a bottle of black cherry whiskey.

Peggyanne offers Vargath a bottle of black cherry whiskey.

Vargath accepts Peggyanne's black cherry whiskey.

Peggyanne says, "Bites better than that grog."

Vargath sniffs at his black cherry whiskey.

Kayse offers, "Should we move towards the entertainment?"

Peggyanne says, "And its a BIG bottle."

Vargath shrugs.

Leafiara says, "It does look like you've come at the right time again to hear her sing--though I suppose that makes sense since it's around the same time as last time..."

Thrassus asks, "Has anyone seen this singer before?"

Leafiara nods at Thrassus.

Vargath takes a drink from his black cherry whiskey.

Vargath looks rather relaxed.

Speaking drunkenly to Vargath, Gutstorm asks, "Yoo orphaned at Wellington Housh?"

Thrassus asks, "Who is she?"

Leafiara admits, "I forget her name, though. Maybe Guts remembers since he was there."

Vargath nods at Peggyanne.

Vargath says, "A good drink. I'll save it for the road."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me member her."

Vargath put a bottle of black cherry whiskey in his leather backpack.

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Ely her name."

Vargath nods at Gutstorm.

Leafiara says, "Ahh, that's right."

Speaking drunkenly to Vargath, Gutstorm asks, "Dat mean yoo one of Cryheart progeny?"

Pukk says, "We are in trouble. Leafi is asking Guts for information."

Pukk says, "Next, Lylia will be hanging around Guts too and smiling."

The golden-haired woman glides along the stage, singing a slow and somber tune, drawing the eyes and ears of the crowd in the other room. Her melody is broken up only by a few belches from the audience, as she works to maintain their focus and gaze.

Pukk says, "I need to go visit Cholen's temple soon."

Speaking to Pukk, Thrassus says, "She's done that before."

Vargath says, "Cholen..."

Peggyanne yells, "Thats alright lady... get it out now before ya sing!"

Vargath smirks.

Helga leans over and peers into the bubbling stewpot, extending a chubby arm to stir the mixture with a large wooden spoon. "Nice and chunky!" she comments, smiling as she samples a mouthful and wipes the drips on her towel.

Thrassus says, "She's quite good."

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "You look like you need more cheer in your life. You should convert to Cholen. We have the best times."

Speaking to Helga, Peggyanne says, "Nice an chunky... thas wat ol' Sleepy says about his special lady."

Gutstorm blinks at Peggyanne.

Speaking to Gutstorm, Peggyanne asks, "Wut? you naer seen the painting?"

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Helga not so bad affer a few drink."

Gutstorm just tried to kiss Helga!

Leafiara amusedly says, "Might see her towel snapping at something other than flies in a moment."

The golden-haired woman continues to sing, concluding her song to the applause of a few patrons. She begins a new song, a higher tempo, a faster beat, moving off the stage to walk among some of the crowd. She idly picks at a silver locket around her neck as she moves from table to table.

Speaking to Gutstorm, Thrassus says, "She's going to beat you to death and none of us will stop her."

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Vargath looks rather relaxed.

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me gonna go oogly dat singin lass."

Speaking to Vargath, Thrassus asks, "Do you know her?"

Pukk says, "Too bad Stormy isn't here. Maybe we could have had her sing too."

Vargath says, "Yes. I know who she is."

Kayse curiously asks, "Who is she?"

Speaking to Kayse, Pukk says, "A singer."

Kayse glances at Vargath.

Vargath says, "Elysande. Her husband called her Ely. I guess they do too."

Vargath points west.

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Kayse asks, "What is your relationship to her?"

Vargath says, "Same as yours."

Kayse asks, "So you knew her husband, perhaps?"

Peggyanne takes a drink from her inset eonake chalice.

Peggyanne says, "Ahhh."

Vargath says, "Perhaps."

Vargath says, "It's really none of your business."

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Kayse smiles slightly.

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "You would be surprised at the amount of people that come here and start giving us their life stories."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "You are a man marked by the sign of the blameless, in our town. It is definitely somewhat our business."

The woman fluidly moves among the tables to the west, singing with and engaging some of the crowd. She makes her way back to the stage, where she begins a third song, slightly less upbeat then the last and recounts the melodic tale of a man stained in ink and lies, to which several of the patrons laugh. The woman smiles each time, enjoying the crowd as they clap along with her song.

Speaking drunkenly to Kayse, Gutstorm reminds, "He assaulted me too."

Vargath asks, "Your town?"

Speaking dismissively to Gutstorm, Kayse says, "That I could care less about. You assault plenty with your damn bear on a daily basis."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse corrects, "I said our. The collective group before you--most are citizens."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "Two are elected officials."

Vargath says, "It's my town too."

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "Yeah, Kayse won it in a game of poker."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me da King too."

Thrassus says, "He is correct. He was born here, after all."

Vargath asks, "Maybe I can ask you questions too?"

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "It is, but you are also marked by the blameless. Despite your past, it makes some as you witnessed earlier---wary."

Kayse says, "No one is stopping you."

Kayse waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Vargath asks, "Do you worship?"

Vargath peers quizzically at Kayse.

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "You can ask everybody else but me questions. You would be astounded at how much I don't know."

Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Why dey called Blameless and nale Blameful?"

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "Not in the sense some do."

Vargath says, "We are Blameless because Koar's light has purified us and our mission. Our hand is guided by him."

Vargath says, "But you worship."

Vargath nods at Kayse.

Gutstorm whispers something to Vargath.

Vargath asks, "Who? Is it a man? Is it a woman? Is it an Arkati?"

Gutstorm knowingly grunts at Vargath.

Vargath peers quizzically at Kayse.

Kayse furrows her brow.

Vargath says, "Maybe it's yourself. I've met a few of those."

Vargath chuckles.

Speaking evenly to Vargath, Kayse says, "It is complicated. But most of my life it has been Aeia."

Pukk says, "Self love."

Vargath asks, "What about the other part that isn't most of it?"

Vargath peers quizzically at Kayse.

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "We protected a shrine of hers from an army of Blameless back in the day."

Speaking to Vargath, Peggyanne says, "I worship the daughter of your beloved Koar."

Peggyanne says, "Sorry i know i am chiming in and not part of this conversation."

Vargath says, "Destroying shrines was never something I agreed with."

Speaking to Peggyanne, Pukk says, "It doesn't stop me so please, go for it."

Speaking delicately to Vargath, Kayse says, "I am still figuring that out. A sacrifice to protect the town had... repercussions."

Vargath says, "It would never go far enough. Bricks and stone? Who cares. Rats will always find cheese somewhere in the shadows."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "What did you agree upon then? Many innnocents died at the hands of the Blameless and Chaston."

Vargath says, "You like riddles? Puzzles? You speak in them. Just be blunt."

Peggyanne says, "Lumnis' servant, which i suppose is also Koar's servant."

Vargath grins at Peggyanne.

Helga nods to Vargath and says, "Here! And you better not spill it either!"

With a flurry of movements, Helga produces a mug of Blackdew grog and places it on the wooden bar.

Vargath removes a mug of Blackdew grog from on a stained wooden bar.

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "I answered your question."

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Vargath shrugs.

Vargath asks, "Did she?"

Vargath peers quizzically at Thrassus.

Vargath peers quizzically at Pukk.

Peggyanne says, "Aww."

Vargath shrugs.

Pukk says, "The first part yes. The second part I don't kno."

Speaking to Helga, Peggyanne exclaims, "You need a dart board in here!"

Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Wot da question agin?"

Peggyanne says, "We got good music... good drink... good company."

Peggyanne says, "Only thin we missin' is a dart board."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "I "worship" Aeia--but a part of me belongs to Marlu now. As it said... it's complicated."

Peggyanne says, "Ok yeah that is complicated."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Yoo kin worship me iffin ye want Kayse."

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "She likes to get a little dark now and again."

Speaking flatly to Gutstorm, Kayse says, "I would rather die."

The golden-haired woman to the west concludes her song, takes a long bow, her gown sweeping out from around her feet like liquid shadow. A silver locket dangles from her slender and exposed neck. A few patrons at nearby tables clap, some toss tips. The woman smiles, despite her eyes flashing with exhaustion for the briefest moment, and she waves and leaves the stage and the tavern.

Speaking to Kayse, Pukk says, "Marlu would approve of that."

Vargath smirks at Kayse.

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Aww Ely left."

Peggyanne asks, "How does one go from lady lilly to demon lord?"

Vargath says, "One must wonder."

Vargath nods at Peggyanne.

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Vargath says, "Weakness."

Peggyanne blinks.

Speaking to Peggyanne, Pukk says, "Depends on what part of the month it is."

Speaking evenly to Vargath, Kayse says, "A sacrifice, as I said. For the town."

Speaking to Pukk, Peggyanne says, "Changing your devotion up periodically only means you were never devoted to begin with."

Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Int Marlu da gem dealer?"

Vargath says, "Justify what you wish. I am not here to judge you tonight."

Leafiara amusedly says, "...no, that's Murdos."

Peggyanne says, "Thats Murdos."

Peggyanne says, "Murdos Burdos."

Kayse reaches out and touches her figure-shaped talisman.

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "The point of your question was?"

Vargath says, "I know as much about you as you do me now. I thought it fair."

Vargath shrugs.

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "If attacking shrines wasn't something you did or believed in--what did you think was acceptable that the Blameless did?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I think Kayse secretly likes Gutstorm but denies it."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Wot not to like."

Speaking quickly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "I'm not even touching that one."

(Gutstorm admires himself.)

Vargath says, "I never said I didn't do it."

Speaking to Pukk, Kayse mouths, "I will kill you next."

Pukk quickly ducks behind Leafiara.

With a deadpan expression, Kayse sharply points at herself then swiftly points two fingers at her eyes, before narrowing her eyes and pointedly aiming her finger at Pukk.

Vargath says, "I just didn't think destroying a shrine went far enough."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me debonaire, me wealthy, me got Lylia fer arm candy."

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "That is the Marlu in her."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse says, "They didn't just destroy the shrines. They murdered many."

Vargath says, "A sacrifice."

Vargath shrugs.

Vargath says, "We all pay it in different ways."

Vargath glances west.

Kayse says, "Involuntary one at that."

Leafiara remarks, "Of all the times for Tikba to not be here, it's when our guest is pondering insufficient devastation of one's enemies..."

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Kayse measuredly says, "My decision didn't harm others--just myself."

Pukk says, "I had to sacrifice a lot too. I once had to decide between having a cake or eating it."

Kayse taps her figure-shaped talisman, and a small puff of viridian fire leaps up from its surface.

Speaking to Helga, Pukk says, "Just lick the glasses. Much cleaner that way."

Peggyanne says, "Im confused.."

Peggyanne says, "Did you say Marlu or Mularos."

Peggyanne says, "Hurting yourself seems more up Mularos' alley."

Kayse says, "Marlu, but that is information not needed in this conversation."

Kayse says, "And unimportant to this conversation."

Vargath says, "If we can be honest, it's all been unimportant."

Vargath says, "I'm leaving soon, we may never even meet again."

Leafiara simply says, "Yep. Small talk."

Vargath says, "I think we're all okay with that."

Leafiara concedes, "Fair."

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Vargath says, "I know I am. My work is almost done."

Pukk says, "Marlu is the one that is all "I'm going to kill you all! Die!" Mularos is the one who is like "The world sucks! Everybody suck! I hate the world!"."

Thrassus says, "I am still curious as to what this work is."

Vargath says, "At least you are more...engaging then that other crowd."

Vargath smirks.

Pukk says, "Everybody would be much happier if they just invited Cholen to more of their parties."

Vargath says, "The brick mages."

Kayse wryly says, "We can throw things at you if you wish."

Peggyanne asks, "Some one wanna fill me in? Who killed who and made the Firefly angry?"

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Me outta pies."

Pukk offers Kayse a green-tinted vial filled with thick acrid smoke.

Pukk says, "I will let you do it."

Kayse gazes in amusement at Pukk.

Kayse declines Pukk's offer.

Speaking to Pukk, Kayse says, "Maybe when I am out of office."

Speaking to Peggyanne, Leafiara asks, "Err... nobody killed anybody and she isn't angry?"

Pukk asks, "This is your office?"

Vargath glances west.

Vargath takes a drink from his Blackdew grog.

Vargath says, "I will submit to you one thing."

Speaking to Leafiara, Peggyanne says, "She sure seems aggitated at the least when he references the "saccrifices."

Vargath nods at Kayse.

Vargath says, "This grog is piss poor alcohol."

Vargath glances at Helga.

Speaking to Peggyanne, Pukk says, "No, this is Kayse's good night."

Speaking to Peggyanne, Leafiara says, "I've seen--"

Speaking to Vargath, Peggyanne asks, "How about a pick-me-up?"

Leafiara points at Pukk.

Speaking to Peggyanne, Leafiara says, "Yeah, what he said."

Peggyanne says, "No no."

Peggyanne says, "Wrong coffee."

Vargath says, "No, I'm good."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Da grog tashte better when yoo no gotta answer a million question."

Peggyanne offers Vargath a whiskey-infused cream coffee.

Vargath put a mug of Blackdew grog on a stained wooden bar.

Vargath declines Peggyanne's offer.

Peggyanne says, "Strong whiskey..."

Vargath twists slightly, cracking his spine. He looks much better.

Vargath says, "Maybe we'll se..."

Peggyanne says, "Oh wait."

Vargath smirks.

Vargath shrugs.

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "Was Ely's husband a Blameless as well?"

Peggyanne offers Vargath a flask of purified snake venom.

Vargath says, "No."

Peggyanne says, "That will put hair on your chest."

Pukk says, "So, you're saying Ely blames her husband."

Speaking drunkenly to Kayse, Gutstorm says, "Prolly owed him money."

(Kayse leans against the wooden bar and clicks her nails against it.)

Pukk says, "I knew it."

Vargath twists his head slightly, cracking his neck. He looks relieved.

Vargath removes a bottle of black cherry whiskey from in his leather backpack.

Vargath nods at Peggyanne.

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "How did you know him? He is dead now based on the language you used?"

Vargath says, "I'll put this to good use."

Vargath nods at Peggyanne.

Vargath says, "My thanks again. Better than that grog."

Kayse mutters, "Anything is better than that grog."

Vargath says, "He's not dead. He wishes he were."

Peggyanne takes a drink from her purified snake venom.

Peggyanne says, "Wooo."

Peggyanne takes a drink from her purified snake venom.

Peggyanne's eyes water and her nose runs.

Vargath says, "But you can ask him all about it yourself someday real soon."

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "Why do you say that?"

Peggyanne asks, "Ok then, whats the dispute here?"

Speaking to Vargath, Pukk says, "Better make sure that isn't poisoned. Peggy is a pirate but somebody went and stole her p, now she is just irate."

Vargath smirks at Pukk.

Speaking to Pukk, Peggyanne exclaims, "Excuse me!"

Vargath says, "Call it a hunch."

Vargath nods at Kayse.

Speaking drunkenly to Vargath, Gutstorm asks, "Who da husband anyway?"

Vargath turns toward Peggyanne and renders a sharp salute with his black cherry whiskey.

Speaking to Vargath, Kayse asks, "What is his name?"

Vargath says, "You all have a night. Avoid the grog. Might as well drink your pee."

Thrassus asks, "This isn't your 'work' is it?"

Speaking to Pukk, Peggyanne says, "I am a privateer and my vessel and crew are certified by the New Elanthian Mariners Guild in 6 towns."

Thrassus cocks his head at Vargath.

Vargath just went through a set of swinging doors.

Discussion Afterward

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Grog not sho bad."

Thrassus says, "He's up to something."

Speaking soothingly to Peggyanne, Pukk says, "Sure you are...sure."

Leafiara notes, "Between Vaemyr last time and Kayse and Thrassus this time, we're zero for three on elected officials getting anything out of him."

Kayse yells, "What is his name?"

Speaking to Pukk, Peggyanne says, "Pirate..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kayse says, "I got enough for a first time meeting."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "We shoulda put him inna stockade."

Leafiara says, "Well, I suppose it wasn't nothing, but..."

Thrassus says, "I could have set him on fire but that would be counterproductive to getting him to talk."

Pukk says, "I say that the fact that nobody died means tonight was a win."

Speaking to Pukk, Peggyanne says, "And as soon as the western branch gets off thier arse and processes my package I'll be authorized to clear the bay in Nielira Harbor."

Leafiara admits, "I will concede this was very slightly more productive than the last time, where he just said he was here on business and that it was nobody's business what that business was."