Intro 1: Night Journey
Tue Mar 23 2000

>> The horizon is freckled with the lights of the city in the distance, illuminating the sky from
pitch black to a muddy reddish-grey. The steamer quietly cuts through the dark water towards
Adlehyde, with no sound but the swooshing of water and the distant clanging of metal as
people traverse the ship.
>> The room you've both been sent to is small and smells of smoke, like everything on the
ship. Oil lamps cast flickering shadows - electric lights are still very costly. Many dingy cots
are lined up for passengers, but the place is pretty empty tonight, with only five people: the
two of you, two other men, and a woman. It's been a while, pretty quiet so far...
* Joseph is sitting in the corner of the room with his hood draped over his face.
* Marlene sits on the edge of her cot, holding her stomach "I feel like I'm stuck on a big plate
of jello...."
>> The woman chuckles. "You'll get used to it. Not much of a sea traveller?"
* Marlene shakes her head. "Not much... first time on a ship that's went so far..."
* Joseph quietly stands up and walks over to his cot and begins to gather all of his belongings.
>> "I can tell." She nods, sitting on a cot nearby and checking her wristwatch. "What brings
you to Adlehyde?"
* Marlene shrugs, looking up at the woman, mildly sea sick from the look on her face "No real
reason... just to get away. Why're you going there?"
Woman: I'm a merchant, I book passage because I don't have a ship of my own yet, and the
overland route is hard. ^_^
Woman: I have the best Smelly Gourds around, though.
* Marlene jostles around with the ship's movements. "That's not the best name for a product...
people usually dont like smelly things. Maybe if you called thim nice smelling gourds?"
>> The woman laughs. "Well, the thing is, everyone knows they smell bad. People just call
them Smelly Gourds, I guess. I suppose there's a scientific name, but who really knows those
things?"
* Joseph finishes gathering all of his stuff and returns to sitting in the corner of the room, but
this time with his hood off...'cause he is a little hot.
>> The two men have been in a conversation up until now, but at this point one walks over
and sits with the other three. The remaining man continues staring out a porthole.
* Marlene looks at the gourd for a moment, temporarily forgetting her sickness and rattles off
a long scientific name, then looks up at the woman with a super cute smile.
Woman: Er, we probably wouldn't sell too many if we called them that.
Man: Hey, do you have the time?
Woman: Just a second...
* Marlene nods, holding her stomach again then looks at the men "I guess you're right... they
wouldn't know what it was."
>> The woman checks her watch. "About quarter past eleven now."
>> One man is of short stature and has his back turned, obscuring his features. The nearer
one is heavy-set and tall. He grins. "That's a nice watch. I could never afford one of those
things."
>> The woman nods and thanks him, then stares at the portholes on the other side of the
room.
>> The ship continues on in silence for a bit. Eventually all five people are in one area of the
room. The clanging of metal on the docks can now be heard in the distance...
Woman: Ah, we're just about ready to dock. We should head up to the deck now.
>> The NPCs all gather their things at about the same time, because they're NPCs.
* Marlene nods and grabs her stuff, making a check of inventory "Wonder what the place is
like...."
>> Everyone heads through the narrow, dim metal halls the way they came. The woman
keeps talking to Marlene on the way. "This time of year, it's sinfully busy. But it's a nice place
as cities go. Lots of people to sell to, you know. ^_~ Where are you coming from?"
* Joseph follows behind everyone...ignoring all types of conversation not directed at him.
>> The large man chuckles. "Adlehyde is a city of vast wealth and vast poverty. It's fun if you
know how to deal with cities. Otherwise you'll get snookered."
* Marlene gets a good grip on the straps to her belongings and smiles at the lady "New Seim.
But I was born in this town... can't remember much though. We moved away when I was
really young.."
* Marlene blinks. "Snookered?"
Man: *sweatdrop* You know, hoodwinked.
* Marlene tilts her head, looking cute and confused. "Is this some sorta secret code?"
* Joseph draps his hood back over his head and continues to walk.
Woman: Ah, if you're from New Seim you're used to cities. Adlehyde is a lot more elegantly
built though, New Seim's kind of haphazard. *she chuckles, finding this very amusing
somehow* So where are the rest of you from? There's so few of us this time. Usually the
ships are all full during the Restoration Festival. I imagine that's why you're all here?
* Marlene smiles at the lady "Every place is different, even if it's another city."
>> The party arrives on the deck...the air is a tickling mix of sea salt and soot, and the wind
blows their hair around.
* Marlene blinkblinks, the smiles bigger. "Oooh! There's a festival?! Cooool!"
* Joseph draps his hood over his head again...because the damn wind blew it off.
Woman: Yeah! ^_^ It's why I'm here right now - good money. You'd like it! It's a whole lot of
fun, they have one every year at this time.
Marlene: Hey.. think I could set up a shop or something too? I'm really low on money ^^;
Woman: Sure, there's no charge if you can find a place to peddle. What do you sell? *she
raises an eyebrow, looking pointedly at Marlene*
Large Man: We always go to the festival at this time. *nods his head sideways to indicate his
silent partner* I suspect people are scared of Death though... 
* Marlene puts a hand on each strap of her backpack, and smiles "I'm an ARMs Meister! So
I guess I sell my handiwork and skills!"
* Joseph slightly looks up at Marlene as he hears her say "ARMs Meister".
>> The woman beams, happy that she's not a competing shopkeeper. "That's a good skill."
* Marlene smile cutely and nodnods "I think so. Just hope there's enough people to at least
fund my trip for a while..."
>> She then looks over at the large man. "I was thinking about that...it's supposedly hurting
the local economy."
Woman: Still, it seems like that whole affair could have been an isolated incident. Enough
people thought so to make it a good party I guess, anyway. ^_^
* Marlene blinks "Ne? Ne ne? What's so scary?"
Woman: O_o You didn't hear?
Marlene: Obviously not, huh? ^^
* Joseph actually listens to this conversation quietly as it may benefit him.
Woman: Wow. I'm surprised. The PM of Adlehyde, Joseph Osburn, was killed by a mystery
assassin recently! People were wondering if the Festival would be cancelled out of fear for
the royal family and his successor, Maximillian Endwell.
>> The small man finally speaks up, twirling his pack as he waits. "It wasn't an assassin, it
was a messenger of death itself. People have to explain everything in terms they
understand..."
>> The large man rolls his eyes.
* Marlene blinks at the lady, not looking scared, but cutely intrigued. "Doesn't sound that
scary..."
Large Man: You're so dense. Obviously it was just an attempt to be spooky on the assassin's
part!
* Marlene shrugs. "It's bad the PM guy got killed.. but it's still not scary ^^;"
Woman: Well, it's always scary when a head of state is killed...it shakes the roots of society to
their core! Plus I dislike Endwell. He's far less commerce-minded.
* Joseph walks up to the lady. "Excuse me, but may I ask you a question?"
Woman: ^_^ Sure!
Joseph: Has this assassin been caught yet?
Woman: Nope! But I don't think he'll appear again, myself. Security is too high now.
* Marlene tugs the straps on her backpack, looking off the ship. "I guesso... but things always
work out, as long as everyone keeps a level head..."
Joseph: Hmm...
Marlene: Say... he could be a she too... a woman can be just as mean.
Large Man:Man: Nahh. I think it's that Shrike.
>> The small man rolls his eyes.
* Joseph continues to walk in silence again.
* Marlene blinks "Is that a man's name? Shrike?"
>> The woman smiles at Joseph. "Are you here for the Festival then?"
* Joseph looks up at the lady "No. I am just a traveller."
Woman: Ah. You should stick around for it, it'll be great. :D Drop by my booth!
Joseph: It would depend on what you sell.  I have no need for useless items.
* Marlene pokepokes The Large Man in his belly. "Ne? Ne? Is that a man's name? Shrike?"
Woman: None of my items are useless! They're all quality goods.
Large Man: You haven't heard of the Shrike? He's a dangerous assassin who's rumored to
have magic powers.
* Marlene shakes her head. "Nope... but his parents must not have liked him much. That
much I know..."
* Marlene nodnods in agreement with herself.
Joseph: I never said I doubted the quality of your items.  I just said that if I have no use for
them, then I don't need them.
>> The man leans over and whispers confidentially to Marlene. "They say he's killed Prince
Selmas of Adlehyde and Queen Hiberia of Arctica."
>> The small man grabs the large man by the collar and yanks him away from Marlene. ^^;
"You'll have to forgive my colleague. He's got some strange notions."
>> The ship docks! Docking wa sugoi!
* Marlene blinks at the two. "That's ok... what's telling a little girl gonna hurt? ^^ Not like I
have anybody to talk to about such things.."
Woman: Well, I need to go get my things. I do hope you'll both come to the festival. It's very
good for the economy, and we need everyone we can get this year!
Large Man: You have MORE things? O_o
Woman: Oh! I mean my merchandise. it's in the hold.
* Marlene nodnods to the woman, beaming a smile. "I'm gonna get there early so I can try
and find a place next to you miss!"
>> The woman smiles, waves to Joseph and Marlene, and heads back down into the bowels
of the steamer. Meanwhile, deckhands extend wooden planks from the ship to the wharf, and
start carrying boxes of stuff across.
>> The two men step out onto the wharf and head toward town, whispering conversation.
* Marlene puts a finger to her lips, looking down where the woman went. "I wonder if she
needs any help..."
* Marlene follows the woman, intending to help her out. "Hey Miss? Want some help since
you have so much?"
* Joseph begins to exit the ship, but stops as his staff hits the deck. Once he realizes that it's
only his staff, he continues to exit the ship.
>> Marlene immediately encounters a baffling array of narrow, poorly lit metal tunnels! O_o
But a sailor directs her to the hold, where the woman and several other sailors are carrying
big boxes out. She smiles. "Sure, there's one last box in there."
* Marlene nods and grabs the box, lifting it up into her arms "Guess I just follow these guys,
huh?"
>> As Joseph crosses the planks connecting the ship to the wharf, they slip out from under
him, and he falls forward onto the dock! One of the sailors runs up, snickering under his
breath. "You have to be careful with those. They're wet."
>> Marlene and the woman and the sailors all carry their boxes up onto the deck.
* Joseph slowly stands up and picks up his staff
>> Marlene suddenly steps on something, and it slides out from under her, sending her head
over heels! The box lands on her head with a BAP.
>> Luckily, it's not heavy.
* Marlene lands with a THUD... then lays there motionless, sniffling from under the box.
* Joseph checks to see if he has lost any equipment then looks at the sailor. "Thanks for the
advice"
>> The sailor who ran over to Joseph stops in setting up the planks, his shoulders shaking with
laughter. The merchant woman is a bit more compassionate, going to help Marlene up with a
smile. "Are you okay?"
>> Everything of Joseph's is gone except his staff, armor, toolkit, and travel amenities. O_o
* Joseph ignores the laughter and begins to walk off.
* Marlene rubs her watery eyes, crying a little. "Yeah.. I think I'm ok... just fell and hurt my
butt... ;_;"
Woman: ^^;
Woman: Why did you fall?
* Marlene looks at the ground. "I stepped on something.. and it made me fall on my butt...
hope I didn't break any of the stuff I have.. or your boxed stuff..."
* Joseph finally gets realizes that his ARM is missing and turns around towards the ship again
Woman: Oh, it's okay. My fault. ^^; Plus I'm sure your head broke the fall. *goes over to see
what she slipped on* Hey! This is my watch! O_o It must have fallen off somehow.
* Marlene rummages through her stuff to check for broken things. "It's ok.. I don't think
anything's broke.. ^^;"
* Joseph walks towards the sailor that gave him that oh so good advice...twirling his staff at
the same time.
Sailor: Hey! I have many sailor buddies, so don't pick on me!
* Joseph sticks the end of the staff to the sailors neck. "Where is my stuff?"
>> Everything of Marlene's is also gone! :D
>> Except her gun and armor.
* Marlene wide eyes. "Waaaah! All my stuff is gone!"
Joseph: And you better tell me the truth or I will use this as a baseball bat.  Your head will be
the ball.
Sailor: Urk! I don't know! And you aren't getting free passage any more if you threaten us
sailors! We have...connections! To other sailors!
* Marlene balls a fist, quickly losing her cuteness. "I'll blow up who ever took all my stuff!!"
>> The woman rummages through her private bag. "GAAAH. All my things are gone too!
Except my watch. Hrm. :/ "
* Joseph lowers his staff. "Well I'll assume you are telling the truth. Now, did you see anyone
who looked suspicous?"
Woman: I had my bag with me the whole time! ;_;
* Marlene looks around franticly for her things. "That pudgy oaf who was talking about
hoodfwapled or something... I bet he did it! Him and the buggy eyed man!"
Sailor: I see lots of suspicious people! This isn't a high-class cruise ship.
>> Marlene finds a washer!
* Marlene sweatdrops and picks it up. "Geez.. I feel so much better, so lucky.. ^^;"
* Joseph walks away from the sailor and back onto the ship...making careful not to slip this
time. He walks up to the lady and Marlene. "Did any of you ste...nevermind. I can see you
also your things taken away from you."
* Marlene stuffs it in a pocket and stomps up to the others like a child having a tantrum "I say
we band together and go stuff gun powder in their bums!"
Woman: Maybe it was those guys...but I checked my stuff right before I came up. No one is
THAT good a thief!
Woman: ^^; Er, I'll just follow along. I'm not much for gunpowder/bum stuffing. *puts her
watch back on*
Marlene: I did too.. I checked them before I went up on top the ship! So it had to be someone
on the ship...
* Joseph looks at Marlene then lifts up his cloak revealing an empty holster. "I can't fill anyone
with gunpowder. They stole it."
* Marlene rolls up her sleeve in a gesture of being serious. "I'll do it! They'll really pay for
taking our stuff!"
* Joseph stops Marlene."Hold it. These thieves will prolly be selling our belongings tomorrow."
Joseph: What better way to make money then to steal then sell what you stole.
Marlene: I'm not gonna buy my stuff back!
* Joseph spins his staff a little. "I never had any intentions of buying my belongings back.
Woman: -_-; All my money is there though...where would I stay tonight?
* Joseph walks back to the sailor that he threatened earlier. "I am sorry I threatened you
earlier, but do you think you could help us out?"
Sailor: Uh, I'm kind of supposed to be doing work right now. Not that I am or anything, but...
Joseph: You said you have connections...
Marlene: I dont have anywhere to stay either! ;_;
Sailor: Hmmm?
Joseph: Might you have some connections at the local inn?
Marlene: I'm so poor now... and I even said I was poor on the ship! And they still stole from
me! Such meaneys!
* Joseph continues to look at the sailor...ignoring Marlene.
Marlene: I'll make a big bomb for each of them! Teach them a good lesson from it all...
Sailor: Hmm. Want a free room, I take it? I'd need some sort of...incentive of course.
* Joseph gives the sailor a stern look. "What kind of incentive are we talking about here?"
Sailor: Well...uh...hm. You feel like carrying boxes? ^_~
Joseph: Hold on...
>> The merchant woman is bouncing from one foot to the other, nervous. "What should we
dooo?"
* Marlene flails. "I just want my stuff back now! I say we chase them right now and worry
about room later!"
* Joseph walks back to the woman and Marlene. "I can get us a free night's stay at the inn,
but we will have to work for it."
Woman: Hey, if you can get my stuff back I'll pay for your rooms myself. :P
Marlene: Big whoopie... they're probably out of town by now with our stuff...
Woman: It's too big a city for that. They're probably either still on the road, or hiding out
somewhere.
* Joseph shakes his head and walks back to the sailor. "Sorry, I will have to decline your
offer."
Joseph: I'll find these bandits myself...
Sailor: That's okay, if I wait long enough somebody else will move them.
Joseph: But do you think you could ask around for us? *points to the 2 young ladies*
Marlene: Who's to say you're not their leader and gonna make us stay put while you all make
your way out of town?
Woman: I'll see what I can do...there aren't too many folks out this late...tomorrow is the start
of the festival, they'd want an early night. ^_^
>> The woman frowns. "That's true. You could be the Shrike or anything! You were awfully
quiet. :/
* Joseph looks at the sailor. "Think you could help out too?"
Marlene: And those hood movements coulda been signals or something!
>> Joseph's hood blows down again.
Woman: Agh! He's controlling it telepathically! @_@
* Joseph looks at Marlene. "Fine, if it makes you feel any better, I'll leave it down."
Sailor: Uh...I guess I can ask around the bar.
Joseph: And miss, if you believe that I am part of the group of theives, then why the hell am I
helping you out?
Woman: Shouldn't we do SOMETHING?
Marlene: I say we go chase them, and blow them up.
* Joseph starts to walk off. "I'm going to check the inn to see if anyone has checked in."
* Marlene looks to the woman. "Shouldn't we go and watch him?"
Woman: If you think it's wise. He might have all sorts of evil bandit powers though! :/
Marlene: Well... I still have a gun left... what else should we do though?
>> Joseph successfully traverses the Planks of Doom, and heads off down the dock.
Woman: Um...sure, if you want. I'll stay behind!
Marlene: How will I find you again? I mean.. if I get your stuff back?
Woman: Well, okay. I'll come. But...um...be careful! ^^;
* Marlene smiles and nods. "Right! If you have a weapon.. you better take it out or keep it
close..."
>> Woman equips Hairbrush!
* Marlene takes the lady's hand with her off hand (aka, not shooting hand) and pulls her along
Marlene: You think that's gonna do much m'am?
Woman: Well, I don't have much else. Still...it's hard to say if we'll find them now. It's been a
long time...they could be holed up in their secret bandit hideout by now!
>> The party turns a corner and sees the large man on his own, lugging two sacks really
slowly down the street.
Large Man: Blagh. Stupid Chartreuse, going to cat. These things are razzafrazzing heavy!
* Marlene points at the guy. "(w) That could be him! Sluggishly trying to run off with our
stuff!"
* Joseph looks at the women "Well, any ideas? Should we run up and jump him, follow him, or
what?"
* Marlene whispers "I think we should sneak up and jump him..."
>> The man hears you and turns around, calling out. "Hey! Can I help you?"
* Joseph turns to the man. "Yeah...uhh...I would like to see your items"
* Marlene steps out in front of the rest. "Stop right there you thief!"
Man: Why, I n--huh? *blinks at Marlene* Thief? of all the chutzpah!
>> The merchant woman stays behind Marlene. ^^;
Marlene: Dont you move a muscle or I'll shoot your toenails off!
Joseph: I will decide if you deserve that title after I see what you have in that bag.
Man: Hmph. You probably can't even use that gun little girl. Besides, I don't even HAVE your
items!
Marlene: Hood-guy.. you go check his stuff out and I'll keep him still...
>> The man drops the bag and all your items fall out.
Man: Uh, shit.
* Marlene grins and shoots at his ears.
* Joseph dashes at the man and tries to grab the bag of stuff...including our items!
>> The shot clips his ear and draws a bit of blood. He rolls and comes up with a small
crossbow, rolling over to the bag and kneeling on top of it protectively while snapping off a
shot at Joseph.
 Combat!
 Front Row: Mauve
>> The shot Mauve fired passes by Joseph in a whiz, and he swears and draws out a small
cylinder.
* Joseph jumps back to the party. "Damn..."
 Round 1!
 Joseph charges! Force+1!
* Joseph readies his staff and gathers energy.
 Mauve uses Lock On and attacks Joseph with the Plasma Blade!
>> A blazing, roiling blue flame bursts out of the cylinder like a blade, and the large man
swiped at Joseph with it with surprising skill. "Haa! Time to get stymied!"
* Joseph notices the blue flame and tries to evade it.
 73 damage!
* Joseph falls to a knee. "Damn..."
 Marlene attacks Mauve!
* Joseph then stands up again. "Don't think I'll let you get away with that little stunt!"
* Marlene takes a couple more shots at the man. "And you thought a little girl like me couldn't
shoot for beans.. that blood on your head says differently!"
 Miss! 130 damage! Mauve gains 1 force!
 Woman cheers you on! Joseph regains 1 HP!
 Round 2!
 Joseph uses Beatdown on Mauve!
* Joseph runs up to Mauve with his staff ready and hits him in his joints...causing no damage.
 Mauve's agility and dexterity drop 2 levels!
 Marlene attacks Mauve!
* Marlene opens fire again! "This time I'm gonna aim to get you twice!"
 132! 130! (262) Mauve is KO'd!
 Victory! Gained 30 EXP and 5150 gella!
* Joseph looks at Marlene. "Nice shot. Your skill with a gun is noteworthy."
* Marlene rushes over to get her things, not paying any attention to Joseph or the lady "Yes!
That'll teach the big ol meany!"
 Everyone gets their stuff back!
* Joseph takes the Cormorant and holsters it.
>> The woman takes 5000 of the gella. "That's mine, thanks. ^_^ "
* Marlene gets all her stuff back, hugging her ARM. "I dont know what I would have done
with out you!"
 Mauve: Bah! You rapscallions! I'll get my revenge when the Big Plan goes into action!
>> Mauve runs away!
* Marlene takes a few shots at Mauve's big rear end. "Dont you come back tubby!"
 Miss! Critical-195! Mauve is KO'd!
 Mauve gets up and runs away again!
* Marlene laughs and takes more shots at him ^^
>> He's gone by now.
Marlene: Bah! Tubby ol' meany...
Woman: I don't know how to thank you both! What are your names? I'll reserve rooms for
both of you for the entire festival!
* Joseph searches through the bag to see if there is anything else inside.
* Marlene smiles at the lady. "I would have settled for some space next to you to sell some
stuff! But.. I'm Marlene! What's your name?"
>> Joseph acquires Grappling Hook! :D
* Joseph tries to say his name while his head is in the bag. "Mpheph"
Woman: I'm Betty. ^_^ Betty McGraw.
* Joseph pulls his head out of the bag with the grappling hook in hand. "Sorry, my name is
Joseph."
Woman: I'd need last names for a reservation.
* Marlene curtseys to Betty. "Nice to meet you! Oh! Hehehe.. it's Alephtina!"
* Joseph puts the grappling hook away. "Timeron."
>> The woman nods. "Okay then! The inn is the Jolly Steamer, not far from here." She points.
* Marlene waves to Joseph, getting all of her cuteness back along with her things. "Hi Joey!"
* Joseph slightly sighs then looks up at Marlene. "Not Joey...Joseph."
* Marlene smiles cutely. "Ok Joey!"
Woman: It's a popular name these days.
* Marlene blinks at the lady. "What's a popular name?"
Marlene: Joey is?
Woman: Joseph. ^_^
Marlene: Aaah... but Joey sounds cuter!
* Joseph actually smiles a little.
Woman: Anyhow! I can't thank you enough. Stop by my booth tomorrow - I'll give you both a
discount! You are staying for the festival, aren't you?
Joseph: That depends...I go where I am needed.
Woman: You're needed in Adlehyde to boost the sagging economy! ^_~ People don't buy
enough these days, especially with this whole Death scare.
* Marlene nodnods. "I dont wanna miss the festival! ....and, I still need to make some money
for my travel ^^;"
Joseph: Well, since I have no where to travel at the moment...I shall stay.
>> The woman chuckles, twirling her restocked purse. "You could make money as a
bodyguard with an aim like that, miss!"
* Marlene smiles cheerfully. "Who'd take me seriously until they seen me shoot?"
Woman: Well, play at the shooting game in the festival! You might take home a prize.
Marlene: Coooool! I think I'll try that out! Better not do it too much though.. no one else'd
have a prize! ...don't want unhappy people!
Woman: And while I appear to be advertising...tell everyone Betty's items and groceries are
the best! Well, I'm bushed. I'm going to go to the Jolly Steamer myself. My room's 113 if you
need me.
* Marlene nods. "I'll be sure to tell anyone who asks! If you meet someone wanting ARMs
Meistering done.. tell them where I am too!"
* Joseph starts to walk off in the direction that Betty pointed since no one is talking or paying
attention to him.
>> Betty and Joseph go to the hotel.
* Marlene runs to catch up "Wait for meee!"