[Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: MadPanda on 22-03-2007, 21:35:30</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-03-2007, 21:35:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>It is the close of the 21st Aeon.&nbsp; The sun, swollen and red and spotty like an overripe pomegranate, shall doubtlessly blink out any day now.&nbsp; For now, we lay our scene outside the pleasant and usually sleepy little town of Cuirnif, a jewel nestled among the bucolic brocade of farmland belonging to the generous and amiable Duke Orbal.&nbsp; On the very outskirts of the town, on the eve of a most fortuitous event, two unfortunates chance to meet...each with his own tale of woe to tell!</em><br><br>The mousy little man with the scrolls peers over the top of his writing desk at the two men before him, having been 'encouraged' to present themselves by well-armed serjeants in the Duke's service.&nbsp; Beside him, the two large guards grin at the current audience of two.<br><br>"And what," the scribe says with a bored, nasally whine, "do you have to say for yourselves?&nbsp; One at a time, please, else I may lose patience and submit you to the Duke's attentions.&nbsp; He himself being so busy with the festival preparations, he shall doubtless prove efficient rather than merciful."<br><br>He points to one unfortunate.<br><br>"You first.&nbsp; How have you come to this unfortunate pass?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>16-04-2007, 16:50:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland stands there, more than a bit chilled.&nbsp; Aside the boots on his feet, he has only a cloak which he presently has wrapped around himself in some toga-like fashion.<br><br>"I'll tell you, sir, it has been an unfortunate series of events which has led me to be forced to present myself to you in such an unstately manner.&nbsp; You see, I am Gariland, a bard of some renown, surely you have heard of some of my epic stories?&nbsp; But no matter, for even the fame of such a culturally rich and valuable profession such as I might have in good graces held in high esteem did not protect me from the vagaries of an unkind whim.&nbsp; For evem as I came to offer my latest telling of the classic 'One and One Thousand Koans of Delight, Merriment, and General Betterment', an epic if ever there was one to be told, to the Duke for the very festival for which he now prepares, I was set upon by the most scurrilous bandits who, without any single mote of respect or decency, proclaimed my epics to be but droll and witless rambling even as they robbed me down to the bare skin!&nbsp; I have only my boots and my cloak - which is to say my mark of trade in the aforementioned culturally rich and valuable profession - and the stories that grace my vaunted memory to my name."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-04-2007, 16:59:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The scribe makes a few notes on his scroll.<br><br>"I see.&nbsp; Well, you have the look about you of a man in desperate need of ducal charity.&nbsp; I do not suppose it shall stretch credibility to say so much as we ought provide at the very least a good pair of trousers...however, the poetry festival is not for several weeks.&nbsp; You may wish to find some honest labor in the meantime to occupy yourself."<br><br>His beady little eyes focus on the other unfortunate soul before him.<br><br>"And now you.&nbsp; Speak without fear of condescension or contradiction, there's a good fellow."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>17-04-2007, 03:32:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Aha ha ha ha!"&nbsp; Andar laughed, his head held high as his cape wips about him in the wind.&nbsp; It might bother some men that they were wearing nothing more then boots and a cape, but it certainly didn't bother Ander. "I am Amdar, but certainly one as skilled in your duties as yourself must assuridly know that!&nbsp; I am a great warrior who wonders this land we call home in search of Love, honor and glory!&nbsp; Now, of course, you must be wondering what a man, with such a glorious reputation as mine, be doing, standing before you in such circumstances. Well,i shall tell you!&nbsp; It is both a complex story and simple story at the same time.&nbsp; For you see, i was traveling across the land on a rathe magnificant horse that had been a gift of a distant duke for rendering my most impressive skils to him, when i happened to se a fair dansel in distress being attacked by bandits.&nbsp; Well I, like any hero like myself would do, quickly came to her aid! For several minutes i fought a dosen bandits on my own, finally to immerge victorious&nbsp; Sadly though, my clothing was destroyed in the fight and my horse ran off, no doubt in sheer fear of my great abilities!&nbsp; After making sure that the poor damnsel was ok, i bid her a fond farewell and proceeded on my journy, only to be found by these two men.&nbsp; I look forward to finding some gainful employent in this lovely town,so i may restock and continue on the trail of Love, glory and honor!"&nbsp; &nbsp;Andar rests his hands on his hips and laughs out loud.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>17-04-2007, 18:07:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ah.&nbsp; A jester.&nbsp; Fine, fine, always room for yet another entertainer at one of the Duke's festivals."<br><br>The scribe looks from Andar to Gariland and back again for a moment.<br><br>"I suppose I ought to release you to the Duke's charity on your own recognizances.&nbsp; Rest assured that misbehavior shall be promptly dealt with.&nbsp; Look you to that hilltop.&nbsp; Do you see what rises there?"<br><br>Indeed, there are four large tubes, each some sixty feet at least in length, jutting up into the sky.<br><br>"Those are the Duke's punishment tubes.&nbsp; Miscreants are cast into them, there to linger until hunger and thirst take them.&nbsp; Novel, aren't they?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>18-04-2007, 17:18:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A Jester?" Andar says, though if he's offended he hardly looks it as he places his hands on his hips and lets out another hardy laugh. "Ah ha ha ha!&nbsp; You may worry not, for I, Andar, have no interest in causing any commotion or harm.&nbsp; I simply wish to find ameans of employment so i may carry on my quest!" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-04-2007, 17:23:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Is that so," the clerk deadpans.&nbsp; "Here is one lodging token each, courtesy of the Duke.&nbsp; This will entitle each of you to a single night's rest on the floor of any inn with sufficient vacancy.&nbsp; As the festival brings folks from all over, you may have some trouble securing even that.&nbsp; For gainful employment, we leave you to your own devizes."<br><br>He tosses a pair of small wooden dowels in the men's general direction.<br><br>"Next supplicants!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>23-04-2007, 01:58:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Why thank you for your generousity, good sir!"&nbsp; Andar says, graciously bending over and taking one of the tokens in one hand, and taking the other token in his other hand to extend it to the other man. It was Andar's nature to be helpful to others, even though that seemed to get him in the most trouble.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>24-04-2007, 17:25:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland takes the dowel with his non-toga-holding hand, though his short bow is still to the clerk.<br><br>"I can assure you with all conviction and certainty, good sir, that our devices are unparalleled in their majesty, complexity, efficiency, and purpose of machination."<br><br>Since the clerk has already dismissed them, he turns and heads out to redeem the token in his hand before there are no vacant inns left.&nbsp; It should not be too hard, he imagines, to find an audience for a few short orations and so earn the terces to pay for some trousers and a bite to eat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-04-2007, 15:56:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The closest inn with anything resembling vacancy turns out to be something called The Howling Dog Tavern, where the fenced-in yard is made available to passing vagrants and ne'er-do-wells, who seem to make up most of the clientele.&nbsp; Certainly the tokens will be acceptable here, if for no other reason than they are unlikely to put the host out of much that he might not will give in any case.<br><br>Perhaps someone here might be a good <del>mark</del> temporary assistant for lucrative machinations?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>29-04-2007, 04:13:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar walks into the Howling Dog Tavern, looking about the place to take a good look at the current clientell.&nbsp; It would be nice if he could find a job here.&nbsp; It seemed like a place that would let him make some money, if not a lot then at least enough to get some supplies.&nbsp; He looked about his surounding hoping to see the owner of the tavern.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>01-05-2007, 17:27:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The indifferent and clearly less than courteous waitstaff is quite in evidence, occasionally allowing themselves to notice when someone places an order (usually because the customer is holding up a terce or two, demonstrating ability to pay immediately).&nbsp; In spite of this, nearly everyone in here already has a tankard or a bottle in front of them, and there are a number of hushed conversations going on all at once.<br><br><em>GM Bit:</em>(Perception Rolls, please.&nbsp; That's 1d6, -1 if you don't have the Ability on your character sheet.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>01-05-2007, 17:57:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland hesitates, clearly not too enthused about the quality of the inn as evidenced by the exterior, but after he sees the other man go inside he has no choice but to enter alongside, lest he lose any chance at a room at all.&nbsp; He looks around the common room, trying to look imperious in his impromptu toga.<br><br>(OOC: My roll ws a 4, with -1 for a 3. :( )
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>01-05-2007, 18:00:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>GM:</em>Alas for Gariland, he gets no reroll.&nbsp; But at least it wasn't a Critical Failure!&nbsp; And upon checking the rules, I have erred--<strong>I</strong> am the one who makes all Perception checks!&nbsp; We'll let Gariland's result stand for now, 'cause I already posted.&nbsp; My apologies.<br><br>Gariland, noting the quaint dialect, learns little of note except that the Duke apparently enjoys changing his costumes at regular intervals.&nbsp; The discussion he overhears seems to be some sort of complicated bet over what tomorrow's outfit will likely be...not particularly interesting, under the circumstances, especially since they're betting <span class="bbc_u">chores</span> instead of money!<br><br>Andar, however, immediately notices the two main topics of conversation in here: both lucrative opportunities, to be sure!&nbsp; The high point of the Duke's festivities are apparently a cooking contest and an eating contest, and both carry a large prize purse of 1,000 terces!&nbsp; The locals are discussing various contestants, betting on candidates for victory, arguing over odds, and so forth.<br><br>A thousand terces just for cooking three dishes in three days, or consuming the same?&nbsp; Why, that's practically free money!&nbsp; And registration is still open until nightfall tonight, if what Andar hears is correct.<br><br><em>GM con't:</em> Guess who got an Illustrious Success on his very first roll of the game?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>03-05-2007, 20:13:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				An eating contest?&nbsp; Andar smiles at that. He has eaten many a thing that would make a normal man's stomach curl, and can eat like a bull, especially if he hasn't eaten in a while.&nbsp; And even if he did lose, he'd still get a meal out of it.&nbsp; Andar causally walks over to one of the neares patrons who is talking about the eating contest.&nbsp; "Good day to you sir.&nbsp; Could you perhaps tell me in more detail about this eating contest the Duke is so generously holding?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>03-05-2007, 20:23:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The locals cease their discussion and turn to regard Andar with mild curiousity in their eyes.&nbsp; Then the two draw themselves up, puff out their chests, and proceed to pontificate, trading off every few words in a fairly comical display of mutual punditry.<br><br>The essence of their discourse is as follows:<br><br>"Why, certainly!&nbsp; Our Duke, being a man of excellent taste and great generosity, invites cooks from far and wide to come present him with dishes of their own creative design.&nbsp; Being a wise man, he then judges the results and then allows these culinary masterpieces to be the centerpiece of an eating contest held immediately afterwards.&nbsp; As in every year, he awards a purse of a thousand terces to the winner of each...although the cooking contest brings the greater glory, as it demands more skill to cook than to consume.&nbsp; Does this sufficiently answer your inquiry, oh newly arrived vagabondish person?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>04-05-2007, 09:05:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Why indeed it does my good man,many thanks and blessings be unto you for so willingly sharing informatin with one such as i.&nbsp; Truely the fortunes have smiled upon me to meet two intelegent and well imformed individuals as yourselves."&nbsp; Andar says, smiling at the two men.&nbsp; "Could either of yo by any chance happen to be able to tell me as to where i might be able to register for such an event?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>07-05-2007, 15:47:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In short order the two rustic gentlemen give Andar directions, clearly amused by the enthusiasm with which the new arrival greets the idea of 'food'.<br><br>"Registration's only open for a little while longer this evening.&nbsp; You'll want to hurry along.&nbsp; And mind how you go!&nbsp; There's many in town to enjoy the Duke's festival, and not all are honest men such as ourselves."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>07-05-2007, 17:56:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland, after a bit of evesdropping that reveals little of particular interest aside to reinforce in his mind the usual admonitions about criticizing the fashion of those in power, approaches a waitress with an elegant bow and a polite but noticeable kiss on the hand.<br><br>"My dear and most charming and lovely sommalier, if I might distract you temporarily from the foremost of your right and honorable duties in this establishment of no small renown, could perhaps you do the greatest courtesy for one such as he before you who, having newly and freshly arrived in this fair city no longer ago than the dark amber sun has rode the firmament of sky this day, and do kindly inform same of what opportunity for advancement both financial and social may exist in this grand hub of civilization?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>07-05-2007, 18:02:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The girl, if we may use the term for a woman of twenty-something, blinks in astonishment as she attempts to parse Gariland's flowing eloquence.<br><br>"Oh," she says at last.&nbsp; "Well, you could try your luck at the Cooking Contest.&nbsp; That's the easiest job there is around here."<br><br>She raises an eyebrow and grins at his toga.<br><br>"Prize is a thousand terces, every year.&nbsp; That'd keep you in sheets for a while."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>08-05-2007, 20:00:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a smile, Gariland bows in thanks and kisses her hand again.<br><br>"Thank you ever so much, my dear.&nbsp; If you could merely direct me to the good people who might add my name to that list of those registered for such a contest, I would gladly endeavor to attain such a prize as that.&nbsp; I can assure you, my dear, I am at my best when sheets are involved."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>08-05-2007, 20:04:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushes, titters softly, and gestures toward the center of town.<br><br>"They set up a couple of tables in the town square.&nbsp; You want the one with the venerable old man and the large, gilt-edged, leather-bound book of rules.&nbsp; The other table is for the Eating Contest."<br><br>Giving him a wink, she pulls her hand reluctantly out of his.<br><br>"I must return to my work, now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>08-05-2007, 20:49:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"But of course, my dear."<br><br>He allows her to withdraw his hand and bows once last time before departing the inn.&nbsp; Heading to the center of town, he looks for the described table and old man so he can try his hand at the Cooking Contest.<br><br>In truth, he was no chef, but he knows what food he likes, and there may be other ways to secure a victory.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>08-05-2007, 21:15:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland gets about halfway to the square when...<br><br>"Psst!&nbsp; Hey, friend!"<br><br>Someone young-sounding is trying to get his attention.<br><br>"Down here!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>09-05-2007, 04:41:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland pauses in his quest to look for the source of the voice.&nbsp; Given the usual moral fiber of street urchins, especially those who interrupt people trying to go about their business, Gariland suspects he will only have to pause long enough to give the offender a kick and then be on his way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>09-05-2007, 04:50:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Flashing black eyes regard him from under a shaggy mop of black hair.&nbsp; The urchin belonging to them is a bit older, maybe as old as eleven or twelve, probably male, and leaning against a wall.<br><br>"Which contest are you looking to enter?&nbsp; Cooking, right?&nbsp; I've got a proposition for you...if you've got the time, that is."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>09-05-2007, 04:58:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland narrows his eyes at the urchin.<br><br>"I might, if you can be quick about detailing the predicates of your proposal."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>09-05-2007, 05:08:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Let us suppose, for a moment, that there are regulations for this contest that prevent a certain party from entering.&nbsp; Let us also suppose that a certain other party arrives to register, bereft of ingredients, tools, and above all a menu."<br><br>The urchin glances around the corner at the square.<br><br>"How might these two benefit from a partnership, do you suppose?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>09-05-2007, 05:17:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I imagine that if the second party registers and wins by the use of the first party's ingredients, tools, and menu, and the two parties each take 500 terces from the prize money, then both parties have benefited from the partnership."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>09-05-2007, 05:26:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just so.&nbsp; An equitable exchange."<br><br>The urchin gestures.<br><br>"Yonder sits old Eloplaster, City Registrar and keeper of the tome of sumtuary laws...old, complex, and often to the detriment of creative and enterprising chefs.&nbsp; It is he who is the prime architect of my present disenfranchised state.&nbsp; Yet, should you win with my help, that is almost as good as winning myself...as he has set forth his own nepotistic proxy to force the contest in his favor.&nbsp; Thus is my motive, and my interest: his humiliation is a sweeter prize than mere terces.&nbsp; Does this still interest you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>09-05-2007, 19:01:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Why thank you good sir's for your information.&nbsp; Say many blessings find you."&nbsp; Andar flashed the two his winning mile before he quickly headed in the direction for the competition registration. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>09-05-2007, 19:41:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar finds the correct table easily enough.&nbsp; There's a sizeable crowd of portly persons already gathered, eyeing each other carefully, clustered around a harried looking clerk.&nbsp; As he approaches the back of the line, a tall and gaunt fellow with stringy brown hair falling from around a bald pate covered by an ornate cap appears out of the crowd and taps his shoulder.<br><br>"A moment of your time, my good fellow.&nbsp; My mistress wishes to enter into discourse with you, if you are willing."<br><br>He smiles wryly and indicates a large, heavily curtained palanquin nearby.<br><br>"Will you attend the lady?&nbsp; It will take but a moment."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>10-05-2007, 17:45:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Why certainly good sir.&nbsp; Andar is not one to keep a lady waiting!&nbsp; Please show me to her."&nbsp; Andar says, prepared to follow the man over to the palanquin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>10-05-2007, 17:51:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man smiles politely.<br><br>"I am Ugnathar, factorum to Dame Belevant, widow of the previous Duke.&nbsp; I promise you that you shall not be disappointed.&nbsp; Come!"<br><br>He shows Andar to the palanquin and stops just shy of it.<br><br>"My Lady?&nbsp; He has agreed to hear your proposal."<br><br>"Well then, let us meet him."&nbsp; The voice from inside is female, somewhat arrogant, and carries a tone that indicates it's owner is accustomed to obedience and respect.&nbsp; "Do step inside, young man."<br><br>Ugnathar holds one side of a curtain open, gesturing for Andar to enter.<br><br>"I shall stand guard to prevent any of the Duke's toadies from eavesdropping," he comments quietly.&nbsp; "You need have no fear of them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>11-05-2007, 05:43:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland considered the urchin's words carefully before replying.<br><br>"So you say, good sir, much have you to gain besides mere triflings of coinage in victory herewith.&nbsp; Perhaps may you consider the Law of Equivalence in the dispensation of our mutual benefit to this endeavor, for as you say, your own estate is enriched by the humiliation of Eloplaster, whereas I myself gain nothing thereby.&nbsp; Would it not befit the Law, then, that the share be compensated in the purse?&nbsp; Perhaps three parts of the terces find their way to me and a single part, along with the redemption of station and pride, go to you yourself."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-05-2007, 05:51:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yet without my help, you will have no means of entering the contest and performing.&nbsp; I will be recompensed as much for my knowledge, creativity, and foresight as anything else.&nbsp; The humiliation of old Eloplaster is a thing that carries no price for any but myself."<br><br>The boy tilts his head.<br><br>"Unless, of course, you are unable to perform?"<br><br>(OOC: That's a Resist Arrogance check...1d6, if you please)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>11-05-2007, 06:19:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(OOC: Copied from the Die Roller<br>Roll Result: CirclMastr rolled: 1d6<br>Comment:<br>Result: 6,<br>Total: 6<br>In other words: fuck yes!)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-05-2007, 06:29:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland is thus unaffected by the lad's bald attempt to appeal to his vanity!&nbsp; The boy, sensing that this tactic has not worked, shrugs.<br><br>"Sixty-forty.&nbsp; I can give you no more generous settlement, as I shall have need of terces to settle my ambitions."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>11-05-2007, 06:45:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A most fair and equitable agreement, I can think of no more apt solution than that which you just now describe.&nbsp; We are thus enjoined."<br><br>Gariland smiled gently and held out a hand (not the one holding his makeshift toga) to seal the deal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>11-05-2007, 08:55:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar nods his head towards Ugnathar.&nbsp; "Why thank you good sir.&nbsp; priacy is truelly such a rare comodity in this day and age."&nbsp; Turning, he then enters the palaquin to meet with the women on the other side.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-05-2007, 18:50:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=9347.msg348561#msg348561">Quote from: CirclMastr on 11-05-2007, 06:45:07</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"A most fair and equitable agreement, I can think of no more apt solution than that which you just now describe.&nbsp; We are thus enjoined."<br><br>Gariland smiled gently and held out a hand (not the one holding his makeshift toga) to seal the deal.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The boy accepts the offered hand with a grin.<br><br>"My name is Vulan, and someday I shall be the greatest chef in Almery.&nbsp; To that end, I welcome your aid.&nbsp; Go and register, and together we shall make a tidy profit from this."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-05-2007, 18:55:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=9347.msg348605#msg348605">Quote from: Cosmo_ac on 11-05-2007, 08:55:18</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Andar nods his head towards Ugnathar.&nbsp; "Why thank you good sir.&nbsp; priacy is truelly such a rare comodity in this day and age."&nbsp; Turning, he then enters the palaquin to meet with the women on the other side.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The woman is, to be kind, of impressive proportions and a beauty so rare as to be an acquired taste...which is to say, she is both massively obese and hideously ugly, and not even the fine brocade and elaborate jewelry she wears can make up for the vague resemblance she bears to a mermalant.<br><br>"Ah, do come in!&nbsp; I have a proposal for you, young man.&nbsp; I trust, as you are entering the Eating Contest of that upstart Orbal, that you have a healthy appetite?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>12-05-2007, 20:15:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The deal being secured, Gariland once again heads for the booth to register himself for the contest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>12-05-2007, 23:02:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Indeed i do.&nbsp; Healthier then most, i dare say." Andar said.&nbsp; While this women was the most hideous and obese women he had ever seen, he tried his best not to let it be known in his voice or ace, his ever present grin not leaving for a second.&nbsp; "Why, might i enquire, would a women of your....impressive presence have an interest in my appetite?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-05-2007, 19:17:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=9347.msg349162#msg349162">Quote from: CirclMastr on 12-05-2007, 20:15:57</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The deal being secured, Gariland once again heads for the booth to register himself for the contest.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The line for the registration table is short, but moves very, very slowly.&nbsp; After a few moments, Gariland deduces the reason for this would be the hunched, arthritic old man with the beak-like nose and oversized head who sits behind it.&nbsp; He is clad in dirt-brown, his tunic and trousers ratty and worn, and his peaked cap en-haloed with bells too rusty to jingle.&nbsp; To his left is a voluminous tome which he consults from time to time.&nbsp; To his right, a pile of forms.<br><br>This must be the Eloplaster of whom young Vulan speaks with such venom.<br><br>He certainly enjoys drawing the process out.&nbsp; Hearken:<br><br>"The Ducal Festivities are of course governed in their entirety by the strict and traditional sumptuary laws of Cuirnif, and you must abide by them at every step in the preparation and presentation of your culinary works.&nbsp; I shall appraise you of infractions, along with the customary fines and penalties.&nbsp; Sign here."<br><br>Repeat as needed.<br><br>Finally, after listening to the same spiel half a dozen times, Gariland is finally the poor soul directly across from the aged Eloplaster.<br><br>"Huh.&nbsp; A foreigner, and one dressed quite inappropriately for the occasion!&nbsp; The Duke's whims try traditional propriety.&nbsp; Ah, well.&nbsp; Here is your form.&nbsp; Fill it out forthwith.&nbsp; The Ducal Festivities are of course governed..."<br><br>Et cetera, et cetera.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-05-2007, 19:23:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=9347.msg349198#msg349198">Quote from: Cosmo_ac on 12-05-2007, 23:02:04</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Indeed i do.&nbsp; Healthier then most, i dare say." Andar said.&nbsp; While this women was the most hideous and obese women he had ever seen, he tried his best not to let it be known in his voice or ace, his ever present grin not leaving for a second.&nbsp; "Why, might i enquire, would a women of your....impressive presence have an interest in my appetite?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The woman does not succeed in making her smile genuine, pleasant, and welcoming.<br><br>"I am Dame Belevant, a local of some note.&nbsp; Frankly, I wish to secure your services as champion for the eating contest.&nbsp; I have sponsored the six of the last seven winners, and wish to make it seven of eight...the better to upstage Orbal and his silly Festival of Gourmanderie.&nbsp; In exchange for your gustatory exertions, I offer you the full purse--I have no need of that man's grubby little terces--along with housing at my estate and longer association with my retinue.&nbsp; What say you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>15-05-2007, 00:34:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That is a rather interesting and generous proposal, my lovely lady.&nbsp; One that is almost impossible to pass on.&nbsp; Before i agree however, i do think i would like to make an adjustment or two to your offerings."&nbsp; Andar said.&nbsp; "For starters, i shall most certainly need new clothing, particulerly if a women of such notable respect and adoration is going to be my sponser.&nbsp; Secondly, a i believe you to be a women as generous as she is commanding of respect, i should think you might be willing to give me a slight advance in my winnings, a afterwall, the winning purse will surely be mine in a matter of short time, so that i might pay you back said advance, and we can both be rather satisfied with our accomplishments."&nbsp; Andar flashes her his most winning smile.<br><br>(should i roll some dice here or something?)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>15-05-2007, 16:09:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Yep--1d6, please.&nbsp; You are, after all, attempting to Persuade her to give you an advance on your prize.)<br><br>"You show promise," she nods, her eyes twinkling with mirth.&nbsp; "Your clothing shall indeed be replaced.&nbsp; As you are my representative for the occasion, you shall wear the livery of my estate.&nbsp; However, as I am also going to provide you with lodging and meals in the meantime, an advance on your pay would seem an exceptional measure."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>16-05-2007, 04:07:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A man of exceptional quality requires exceptional treatement, my bueatiful hostess.&nbsp; Certainly one as intelegent and skilled as yourself can see something as simple as this!"&nbsp; Andar smiled at her<br>(Die roll for Andar <br>1d6-&gt; [5] = (5) http://invisiblecastle.com/rolldice.py?u=Andar&amp;r=1&amp;d=1d6&amp;n=&amp;a=Roll+the+dice )<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-05-2007, 15:56:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"W-well, yes..."<br><br>For a moment, the woman seems to falter.&nbsp; Out and out flattery seems to be something that she has not heard in many, many years, and her eyes go misty and distant for a second.&nbsp; Then, almost as swiftly, they harden again and her smile takes a nasty turn.<br><br>"Yet were I to do such a thing, your bona fides might well be taken into question, and that is one thing I cannot and must not permit if we are to do this properly.&nbsp; I shall permit you a small advance on your pay for any incidental expenses, but as you are to have the whole of the purse you shall not long be wanting."<br><br>(Rolls a 2, spends a point to reroll, gets a 6.&nbsp; You may, if you wish, spend one of your pool points to reroll, three to force her to re-roll, or you can keep your pool at full and accept the offered payment along with room and board.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>18-05-2007, 01:01:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Fair enough my fair lady.&nbsp; Shall i go and sighn up now or shall i be dressed to resprsent your house first?"&nbsp; Andar asked.<br><br>(So i failed i take it?)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-05-2007, 05:17:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Let us be about your registration!"<br><br>She seems quite pleased by Andar's willingness to cooperate.<br><br>"Ugnather!&nbsp; Attend my new Champion!&nbsp; Now both of you, come along."<br><br>She sweeps out of the conveyance and makes a beeline for the registration desk, scattering other contestants like so many ninepins.<br><br>"Aside, dolts!&nbsp; I have come to register my new champion..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>22-05-2007, 00:22:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar watches as the women seems to be able to send the men and women who wanted to sign up for the competion flying like a fly swatter on flies.&nbsp; Assuradly if the womens fortunes ever ran out she would make for a rather impressive bouncer.&nbsp; Andar followed her closely behind, hoping none of the scowls that would assuradly be aimed at Dame did not fall upon himself as well.&nbsp; Making his way with her to the registration dsk, he steps forward once the way is cleared. He clears his throat before addressng the person behind the registration desk.&nbsp; "Why hello there and greetings.&nbsp; I have come to sign up for the eating contest the most..."&nbsp; Andar suddenly becomes mindful of whom his employer is here.&nbsp; "The duke, and wish to registar as Dame Belevevants champion"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>22-05-2007, 18:38:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland bears the old man's rhetoric with as much patience as he can muster.&nbsp; Under the circumstances, that would be a fair bit of patience, as he has nothing truly pressing aside the knowledge of his state of dress.&nbsp; After bearing it out and filling in the requisite information to register, he cannot help but look over at the commotion in the Eating Contest line.&nbsp; When he spies the other young man he encountered earlier, being called champion of a noble house, he is at first quite distressed.&nbsp; Then he sees the noble herself, and once again considers himself with the greater share of fortune.<br><br>With little else to do at the moment, Gariland returns to the inn to see about a barmaid and a meal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-05-2007, 15:20:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Dame Belevant slaps the entry fee down on the table, causing the poor harrassed clerk to jump, and Andar makes his announcement, the overworked fellow starts to read off a few stipulations from the entry form.&nbsp; He doesn't get very far before the overbearing woman all but tears the paper from his hands and completes it herself.&nbsp; This takes her but a few moments...during which Andar's eye catches a few key provisions.<br><br>Hmm.<br><br>"Entrant must not use spells of any kind."<br><br>"Entrant must aver that he is not a half-man or any other kind of inhuman creature."<br><br>"Entrant absolves the esteemed and cherished Duke Orbal of all liability should the contest injure said contestant in any way, specifically including sickness or death due to poisonous food or tainted ingredients."<br><br>Having finished the form, Dame Belevant turns, smiles warmly (shudder!) at him, and says "Leave us repair to my estate so that you might rest for the morrow, when you shall no doubt leave all aghast with your gustatory capacity."<br><br>Ugnather approaches, rubbing his hands and grinning.<br><br>"Indeed.&nbsp; Welcome to Her Excellency's service, young fellow.&nbsp; This way..."<br><br>*****<br><br>Having registered, Gariland gets most of the way back toward the inn before he is intercepted by his diminutive partner in crime.<br><br>"You're registered.&nbsp; Good.&nbsp; Come with me.&nbsp; This shall take some time, but I will teach you the first three dishes for the contest.&nbsp; We'll start with Pelgrane Liver Pate with Spiced Mungberries in Reduced Cream Sauce."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>24-05-2007, 05:08:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shrugging a bit, Gariland changes course and accompanies his new partner in crime to learn the trade.<br><br>"I will, you will of course take due notice of, require equipment with proper culinary garb for the sake, I am sure, both of cleanliness and propriety as well as compliance with the long and sundry listing of regulations."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>24-05-2007, 15:24:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Such matters may be easily handled come morning.&nbsp; Now come..."<br><br>And Gariland gets to spend his evening learning how to prepare some terribly, thoroughly interesting cuisine.&nbsp; The cooking contest, as young Vulan explains, is three rounds of three dishes each, and attracts all manner of 'novel' cuisine for the Duke's pleasure.&nbsp; The first day's menu looks like this:<br><br>Pelgrane Liver Pate with Spiced Mungberries in Reduced Cream Sauce<br>Jerked Erb Meat Over Three-Spice Noodles<br>Dire Spider Goulash with Pickled Acorns<br><br>(And odds are Gariland is happy that <em>he</em> will not have to eat any of this.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>24-05-2007, 23:51:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anadar nods his head glad that all the paperwork is over. If their is one thing Andar dislikes, is long, tedious, boring paperwork.&nbsp; He always preferedmch simpler things.&nbsp; Do a job, get paid for the job.&nbsp; Quick,easy, and simple.<br><br>Whn the Man gestured for Ardan to follow, he does so quickly, walking with a certain pride one might not expect to see in a man wearing nothing more then a cloak and some boots.&nbsp; He followed eagerly to see where he would be staying for the night, and hopefully bathing and gaining some new clothing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>25-05-2007, 05:02:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland does his best to learn the culinary arts from the young man.&nbsp; Poor other guy, he thinks, he'll have to eat the rejected dishes, and if pelgrane liver and spider goulash is considered fine dining, the rejects must be truly awful offal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-05-2007, 19:02:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=9347.msg356875#msg356875">Quote from: Cosmo_ac on 24-05-2007, 23:51:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Anadar nods his head glad that all the paperwork is over. If their is one thing Andar dislikes, is long, tedious, boring paperwork.&nbsp; He always preferedmch simpler things.&nbsp; Do a job, get paid for the job.&nbsp; Quick,easy, and simple.<br><br>Whn the Man gestured for Ardan to follow, he does so quickly, walking with a certain pride one might not expect to see in a man wearing nothing more then a cloak and some boots.&nbsp; He followed eagerly to see where he would be staying for the night, and hopefully bathing and gaining some new clothing.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Ugnather leads Andar to his new home and Dame Belevant's Champion spends a pleasant evening having his new outfit tailored and a light repast befitting his station: light only so that he may reserve his massive gustatory capacity for the morrow, of course.<br><br>His new outfit is a bit on the garish side, but clearly marks him as a gentleman of some importance: the primary features are the mustard yellow tights and the brilliant blue long sleeved tunic with crimson frogging.&nbsp; These are accompanied by a fine half-cloak, pointy soft leather shoes, and of course a broad-brimmed three-tiered hat with a plume (Dame Belevant's other servants also wear the tights and tunics, but theirs are duller in color and lack the ceremonial frogging.&nbsp; As servants, they are not permitted more than single-tiered tricorns).<br><br>And he enjoys a good night's sleep on a soft bed with warm blankets.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-05-2007, 19:18:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=9347.msg357054#msg357054">Quote from: CirclMastr on 25-05-2007, 05:02:29</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Gariland does his best to learn the culinary arts from the young man.&nbsp; Poor other guy, he thinks, he'll have to eat the rejected dishes, and if pelgrane liver and spider goulash is considered fine dining, the rejects must be truly awful offal.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Gariland dutifully remains awake, learning Vulan's peculiar cuisine and managing (with the help of some strong tea) to keep his eyes open come morning.<br><br>The next day dawns with dim but less than usually morbid sunlight, which along with the pleasant weather, is enough to give the Festival of Gourmanderie an even more festive air.&nbsp; Gariland, 'assisted' by Vulan, makes his way to the appointed spot, along with all his equipment and ingredients stored in chests and boxes.&nbsp; Here he is introduced to his competitors (there are two dozen participants for the first round alone!), but Vulan fills him in quietly as they set up their equipment in the early morning light.<br><br>"We have only four primary worries, my partner.&nbsp; That chubby gentleman over there is Gnar the Repeater.&nbsp; Why they call him this, I do not know.&nbsp; The pretty woman over there is the serendipitously fortunate Lipfina.&nbsp; I believe the thin-faced ascetic seated on yonder barrel is Erzal Droze...he specializes in novelties.&nbsp; And last but not least, cast your eye upon that slack-jawed, bulge-headed fellow with his crazy-quilt tunic and his bright pink boots!&nbsp; That, Gariland, is our biggest threat of all.&nbsp; He is Pusamus, nephew to that kill-joy Eloplaster, who shall no doubt find many reasons to fix the field against we honest craftsmen."<br><br>Soon the audience collects to watch.&nbsp; Before long, the Duke himself mounts a stage overlooking the circle of assembled cooks.&nbsp; For the occasion, His Excellency wears high boots of glossy black leather, emblazoned with brass medals.&nbsp; Above that, breeches and a tunic of crimson velvet with a blue lace cravat...and a bronze codpiece molded into the likeness of a grinning fish.&nbsp; This is topped by a wide brimmed felt hat that has a number of silver charms dangling from the brim.&nbsp; Truly a sartorial masterpiece!&nbsp; Seating himself with a flourish (hardly noting the impudent manner in which his codpiece now juts), the Duke raises his hand for silence.<br><br>"Good morning, my people!&nbsp; Welcome to the first day in my Feast of Gourmanderie!&nbsp; Let the cooking commence!"<br><br>And with that, madness erupts.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-05-2007, 19:46:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The overall effect of two dozen people in the middle of a town square trying to cook three dishes apiece over open flames and portable stoves is, as one might expect, rather disorderly.&nbsp; It does not take long for someone to splatter their neighbor with hot grease, or for someone else to set their sleeves aflame, or the like.&nbsp; The crowd, deprived of any possibility of actually enjoying the results, openly jeers all spills and mishaps with great enthusiasm.<br><br>Two contestants are disqualified after brawling over bowl of ingredients, each insisting that the other has stolen it.&nbsp; This is more than amusing to the crowd...but not the Duke, who has both men thrown into the punishment tubes for 'interfering with the aesthetic purity of his contest'.<br><br>And then, finally, the time comes to compare results...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>25-05-2007, 19:54:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aside for some looks of various lengths at the lovely Lifina, Gariland does a good job keeping his mind on the business at hand.&nbsp; The pate is a simple enough affair, as the really hard part - that is, acquiring the liver of a pelgrane - has already been done for him.&nbsp; Spicing mungberries is, aside the smell, also simple, but Gariland nearly ruins it with the cream sauce, but manages to remove the sauce from heat just as the telltale sign of smoldering begins.&nbsp; A quick consult with Vulan shows it to be still salvageable.<br><br>The jerked erb meat gets the lion's share of his attention in the second phase, with the predictable result that he nearly overcooks the noodles for the three-spice noodles.&nbsp; Again, it turns out palatable, but it is a near thing.<br><br>Learning from the two close calls, Gariland is forced to reduce his glances at Lifina and focus on the food.&nbsp; The spider goulash is a complicated concoction, but with the aid of Vulan's sound advice, it comes out beautifully, and just as the quick pickle of the acorns is finished as well.&nbsp; Gariland thinks it the best of the bargain, in fact: two competent dishes with a rising climax of a third will definitely make a better impression than starting strong and then petering out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-05-2007, 20:09:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Oddly enough, the only cook who suffers no reverses at all in the first round is the hapless, clueless, dimwitted Pusamus...who seems as surprised at his good fortune as everybody else.&nbsp; If anything, this beginner's luck seems to make him even more nervous!<br><br>Gnar the Repeater is allowed to present first.&nbsp; His Poached Pelgrane Eggs With Bacon Fat And A Kumquat Reduction seem to go over well, but his Crab And Leek Croissant seems to contain psychotropic mushrooms instead of the more usual variety, and his Live Rat-Spiders In A Pastry Nest With Sharp Cheese And Figs proves far too daring and avant-garde.&nbsp; The kindest thing the Duke has to say about these entries?<br><br>"This shall make the Eating Contest somewhat more interesting, what?"<br><br>Erzal Droze is next, but his Cream-stuffed Ilvothant Steaks are a touch rancid and that, combined with Ducal disapproval of both the Risotto Laden With Parsnips And Sprinkled With The Eyeballs Of A Fetal Giant and only faint praise for Fire-Hot Green Beans In Ruscamel Sauce With Caramel Drizzle make it only too clear that His Excellency won't be serving any of these at his own banquets any time soon.<br><br>Poor Lipfina only has two dishes to present: her Eel Souffle failed to rise.&nbsp; Red Rice With Roast Peppered Gloom-Root likewise is not to his appreciation, but he does praise her Braised Oysters In Honey-Lemon Tartar Coulis (even joking asking whether or not the shellfish are from Kaiin, which of course they are not!&nbsp; Only fools and madmen would dare use Kaiin shellfish...).<br><br>Gariland's dishes meet Ducal approval, and he gets a nod or two of pleasure.&nbsp; The arrangement of pickled acorns in particular seems to amuse His Excellency.<br><br>Last but not least, the only other front-runner is poor Pusamus.&nbsp; He surprises the Ducal palate with Liqueur-Soaked Potato Pancakes and also Smoked Bottomfish Soup.&nbsp; Candied Peanuts On Sour Flatbread also clearly amuse the nobleman.<br><br>After reviewing the dishes, the Duke announces the current score: Pusamus is in the lead, followed by Gariland, and the lovely Lipfina is in distant third.&nbsp; The various culinary delights are stored in racks and the Duke departs.&nbsp; Everybody gets to go have a light lunch and trade wagers on the Eating Contest, which starts in the afternoon...<br><br>(OOC Gariland's current Tally is 4)<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>27-05-2007, 22:37:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar watched the cooking contest with interest, as indeed some of the dishes looked rather interesting.&nbsp; It would only be a matter of time before he got to eat and had made sure to skip breakfast to help feed his hunger.&nbsp; He patiently waited for the eating contest to begin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>30-05-2007, 19:32:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar eagerly awaited the beginning of the competition.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>31-05-2007, 16:08:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In the afternoon, the crowd gathers anew to watch the Eating Competition.&nbsp; Andar is escorted to a large table set up in the center of the square by Ugnather, and there introduced to his fellow competitors.&nbsp; Most of them appear to be country bumpkins and down-on-their-luck townsfolk who signed up for a good meal or two...<br><br>Ugnather, however, makes a point of introducing Andar to three other gentlemen in particular: a weedy and rail-thin bald fellow with a nervous smile named Yeemus, the towering Krand (favored to win by a long shot, by the by), and the big-bellied Prongolan, who looks like he could swallow any two of his competitors and still have room for more!&nbsp; Insincere pleasantries are exchanged, and then the Duke arrives to start the competition with a nice, short speech:<br><br>"And here the fruits of my generosity are to be enjoyed!&nbsp; Eat, and eat well!"<br><br>With that, he drops a ceremonial handkerchief and the first dishes are brought out.<br><br>Lucky, lucky Andar pulls the Poached Pelgrane Eggs with Bacon Fat and a Kumquat Reduction.<br><br>(...let the die-rolling commence!)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>31-05-2007, 20:38:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar was rather proud to have such a lovely array of food placed before him.&nbsp; It didn;'t take him much effort at all to begin consuming the food before him.&nbsp; Certainly, it could have down with a dash of salt and pepper, but his pallet was a strong one and was easily able to get over such trivial matters.&nbsp; As Andar began to eat the Kumquat Reductin he felt as though he was starting to get full, but after releasing a rather impressive belt, his stomach was more then empty enough to eat the rest of his food with ease.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>31-05-2007, 20:41:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ugnather quickly sets the next dish before Andar: Jerked Erb Meat Over Three-Spice Noodles, as prepared by a recent acquaintance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>05-06-2007, 10:00:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Quickly taking up the next plate, Andar began to feast upon the contents.&nbsp; He had to admit, he luiked the previous food better.&nbsp; While this food certainly wasn't unpleasent, Andar didn't care too much for spicy food as a rule.&nbsp; However, as it was a competition after all, he managed to force the food down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>05-06-2007, 18:48:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Red Rice With Roast Peppered Gloom-Root is Andar's next challenge.<br><br>Meanwhile, the mighty and much favored Krand suffers a sudden and surprising setback: he is overcome by a plate of Kaiinese Jumping Olives Doused in Eel Milt (an entry from one of the lesser entrants in the cooking contest).&nbsp; He faints and is carried from the field by his attendants.<br><br>And Gariland, watching from the stands, chances to spot something unusual about the stick-like, near-starving Yeemus!&nbsp; He seems to have something in his mouth, like a second tongue.&nbsp; This seems to do little to slow down his appetite.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>07-06-2007, 18:18:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While Adar certainly has no problems with Gloom root, he's never cared much for red rise and simply looking at the rice gives him second thoughts.&nbsp; For a moment.&nbsp; At which point these thoughts are pushed asside and he begins shoveling the food into his mouth.&nbsp; Suddenly their is a commotion to his left, and looking over he sees that Krand has seemed to have passed out!&nbsp; WEile certainly not a pleasent thing, for Kandor, Ander is not one to let such a trivial thing as his oponant passing out slow him down and returns his focus back on his food.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>07-06-2007, 18:22:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar's performance gets applause from the crowd, who seem to be suddenly aware that this is very much a three way race...<br><br>Next up: Fire-Hot Green Beans In Ruscamel Sauce With Caramel Drizzle!&nbsp; Yum, yum...<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>10-06-2007, 00:21:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Spicy food was something Andar never liked much.&nbsp; It tended to disagree with him as a rule. Fortionatly it would take some time before that would kick in and he set about plowing the beens into his mouth.&nbsp; Spoonful after spoonful he shoved into his gaping mouth.&nbsp; Fortionatly for him he found the caramel helped take away some of the burn.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-06-2007, 18:04:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By now, poor Andar is feeling a bit full...however, even with the collapse of one champion, the wares from Round One have been consumed (with humorous effect in the case of one poor fool who got the Crab and Leek Croissant with Psychotropic Mushrooms).&nbsp; Thus, the first day's contests end.<br><br>Andar is encouraged to walk about for a while 'to help the food settle properly' under the distant yet watchful eye of Ugnather.<br><br>Gariland is also...well, not quite free.&nbsp; In theory he has more training.&nbsp; But in the meantime, perhaps his young tutor will not mind if he amuses himself with some other entertainments?&nbsp; (Resist Indolence, please.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>11-06-2007, 18:42:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Suddenly aware that he has no vested interest in the eating contest, Gariland gets up from his vantage point in the stands and casts his gaze about for Lipfina, thinking it might qualify as cooking tutelage and at the same time be much more entertainment than he's had in longer than he cares to admit to himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>17-06-2007, 02:46:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar lets loose ather large belch and gets to his feet.&nbsp; He had rarely been so full in his life.&nbsp; And certainly while the food had not been to his liking in it's entirety, he wouldn't complain.&nbsp; Aftr all a ful stomach was a full stomach, and even if he lost the next round, he'd still have a full stomach and the clothing he was wearing.&nbsp; <br><br>Getting up from the table, Andar decided to take a little walk, and perhaps see something of interest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-06-2007, 17:49:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland feels a tug at his sleeve.&nbsp; It's the boy.<br><br>"Right.&nbsp; Come on, then!&nbsp; Time to get you ready for tomorrow.&nbsp; Unless, of course, you'd prefer to meekly concede to the likes of Pusamus and his watery soups.&nbsp; It's <em>merely</em> a thousand terces and the honor of winning the Duke's accolades."<br><br>(Behold, the lad attempts to Persuade Gariland to return to his gustatory studies!&nbsp; And with considerable effort <em>finally</em> secures a Prosaic Success.&nbsp; Time to Rebuff, Gar.&nbsp; *I do not presently have my notes, so any levies due to Trumped styles will be ignored for this test only*)<br><br>****<br><br>As Andar stretches his legs for a bit, he hears a couple of voices heatedly arguing in hushed tones in a curtained-off alcove off the main thoroughfare.<br><br>"And the ingredient...it will secure our victory?"<br><br>"Of course, my boy!&nbsp; But we must keep it secret and safe until then.&nbsp; No telling what these scoundrels will do should they find our prize entry."<br><br>Hmm.&nbsp; The younger voice isn't too familiar, but the older one sounds kind of like that prune-faced fellow who was registering people for the Cooking Contest yesterday.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>18-06-2007, 19:49:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland looks down at the young man.&nbsp; With no Lipfina or any other women of appeal nearby, and the lure of a thousand much-needed terces, he rejoins his gastronomical studies for the evening.<br><br>"Perhaps it is of no consequence to our own endeavors, but as a newcomer to this fair city, I am no judge to the impact of such developments on other aspects of this festival.&nbsp; Rather more directly to the point, a contestant in the Eating portion of this notable contest did, from my vantage point among the legion spectators, appear to have within his mouth some second appendage whose use I can do naught but speculate upon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-06-2007, 19:56:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Did he?&nbsp; Which one?"<br><br>The lad seems mostly unconcerned (his focus is elsewhere) but not entirely disinterested.<br><br>"Perhaps we might arrange for something...yes.&nbsp; Yes, that might do!&nbsp; A special menu, then, in hopes that your multi-tongued associate will not long hamper the others."<br><br>Eyes twinkling with mischief, he leads Gariland off for yet another evening of cooking lessons.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>18-06-2007, 22:08:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It was to my recall that most frightfully skinny individual whose name escapes me at the moment, but whose skeletal frame is unmistakable in a rather unfortunate way."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>19-06-2007, 19:07:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ahhh, that would be Yeemus.&nbsp; Yes, rather interesting.&nbsp; Everyone expects the great Krand to win...although now that Dame Belevant has found a new Champion, things will be more interesting."<br><br>And then his youthful face breaks into a positively evil grin.<br><br>"I know just the thing!&nbsp; Tell me, student, how you feel about...<em>grubs</em>."<br><br>(And we'll see Gariland in the morning, for Round Two.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>19-06-2007, 23:11:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the two voices, Andar curiously draws closer, they he moves slowly and quietly as to not draw attention. After all, when people don;t want to be overheard, they tend to huh up when people are around.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>20-06-2007, 22:22:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The older voice continues:<br><br>"I shall post more guards.&nbsp; Your mother will never forgive me if you fail to gain the laurels held forth by the Duke...and I in turn will not forgive you should you fail to please him!"<br><br>The younger voice whimpers.<br><br>"S-sorry, Uncle!&nbsp; I shall do my very best!"<br><br>Yes, the older voice is definitely that pinch-mouthed old fool from earlier.&nbsp; What was his name?&nbsp; Elastiplastin?&nbsp; Lostipluster?&nbsp; Something like that.<br><br>"Good.&nbsp; For now, it is secure in my garden.&nbsp; I shall triple the watch.&nbsp; See you in the morning, boy."<br><br>And now the sound of departing feet.<br><br>Hmmm.&nbsp; Secret ingredient, was it?&nbsp; Perhaps a little investigation might be called for?&nbsp; Or not.&nbsp; (Resist Indolence, s'il vous plait!)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>24-06-2007, 18:13:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hmm...a scret ingrediant?&nbsp; Andar couldn't help but wonder about this new revelation, especially as it was garrenteed to win the copetition supposedly.&nbsp; Truely, it was a mystery that Andar was curious to find out about.&nbsp; Hearing the sound of feet, (assuming they aren't coming towards him) And will begin to follow the heavier sounding feet, assuming they belong to the man who he had met earlier. He wodered what he could do if he found out about the secret...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-06-2007, 02:11:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Following the footsteps is terribly, terribly simple: whoever he is trailing clearly does not expect to be followed.&nbsp; Hmm.&nbsp; And the trail leads to the third most magnificent manse in Cuirnif!&nbsp; The plot thickens...<br><br>Gaining entry is embarrassingly simple.&nbsp; The gardens appear quite unguarded...and there, not too far from a side entrance, is a largish cage covered with a tarp.<br><br>Hmm.&nbsp; What could possibly be in there?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>26-06-2007, 01:33:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Very slowly Andar headed towards the cave, staying to the shadows, and looking at the trap, trying to figure out how it worked, and how not to set it off.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>26-06-2007, 03:26:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				No traps here...just a cage with a old tarp over it.<br>Hmm.&nbsp; Sounds like there's something in there, snoring.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>27-06-2007, 00:04:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Slowly, Andar approached the cage&nbsp; He could hear snoring, but he didn't have a clue what could be underneath it.&nbsp; He really hoped it wasn't something human.&nbsp; Pinching the corner of the tarp between his left index finger and thumb, he slowly lifted it up to have a peak underneath.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-06-2007, 05:18:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar finds himself looking at a most peculiar humanoid creature!&nbsp; It is tall and spindly, and covered in pink feathers.&nbsp; It has a large head with flapping ears and a wide mournful mouth.<br><br>"Am I not like you," it asks plaintively.&nbsp; "Do I not have two arms, two legs, the capacity for thought and speech?&nbsp; If you cut away my pockets of meat, do I not bleed?&nbsp; Can you not see that it would be barbarous in the extreme to cook and devour my head?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>28-06-2007, 05:28:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar sighed. He had not expected to find this.&nbsp; Their was no way he could sit idle and let a sentient creature be killed and cooked up.&nbsp; However, he was unsure if he would be able to free such a creature.&nbsp; Andar looks about the cage for it's door and possibly the lock.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-06-2007, 05:35:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In an amazing coincidence not often found outside of the most improbably silly tales of derring-do, the keys are hung on a hook...on a post...not ten feet from the cage.<br><br>Andar is able to get the cage unlocked and open in a trice!&nbsp; The feathered man blinks at him.<br><br>"You...you release me?&nbsp; You are not with the barbaric ones who seek to roast and eat my head?"<br><br>Then, not willing to question its good fortune, the creature alights from its perch and races off through the garden, whooping with delight.<br><br>Alas, this draws guards!<br><br>(Either Stealth or Athletics to get out of here without a fight, please.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>28-06-2007, 18:27:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing the gaurds, Andar slowlymoves about ducking into shadows and watching were he steps, throwing the occasional stone to distract them.&nbsp; Finally after several minutes of sneaking and stealth, Andar makes it to the wall, and with a muffled "Mmmomph!" Is over it, hopping unto the other side.&nbsp; Once over the wall,and seeing no guards, he makes a bolt for any alleyways he might see to gain some additional cover.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-06-2007, 18:29:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar manages to get safely away, and from here he may return to Dame Belevant's manse for a good night's sleep...<br><br>Which brings us to the following morning, and another round of both Cooking and Eating contests for all to enjoy!&nbsp; Except, perhaps, the losers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>28-06-2007, 19:15:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar returned to Dame Belevant's mansion to retire for the evening.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>28-06-2007, 19:21:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland, having spent the evening getting more cooking lessons, is more than ready for the next day's competition.&nbsp; Especially if it gives him a chance to actually speak to Lapfina.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 17:39:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Day Two dawns as pleasantly as Day One.<br><br>Before long, all is in readiness for the Ducal Arrival at the town square.&nbsp; Old Eloplaster seems to be in a particularly vile mood today, docking contestants for the least excuse even before the first flame is lit or the first ingredient is chopped!&nbsp; This can't be good.<br><br>The Duke is fashionably late.&nbsp; Today's outfit, sartorially tasteful as always, includes the following:<br><br>An ice-blue tunic with padded shoulders and loops of gold braid wrapped around the sleeves.&nbsp; Black leggings with diamond shaped cut-outs.&nbsp; Fur cuffed boots.&nbsp; And a bird sitting on his shoulder with a length of platinum chain attaching its ankle to his stiff shirt collar.<br><br>Lipfina gives Gariland a warm smile or two, but there is no time to exchange pleasantries before the Ducal Handkerchief is dropped, starting Round Two.<br><br>Vulan's menu for today:<br><br>Sweet and sour Saskervoy-style cold pork in rose-petal sauce.<br>Shredded shiitake and diced mermalant in stout and mushroom gravy over wild rice.<br>Candied walnut and lychee surprise<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 22:35:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gariland flashes a few smiles back to Lipfina, but gets to the work at hand soon enough.<br><br>The sweet and sour cold pork takes a bit of work, as Gariland isn't entirely sure what Saskervoy-style is supposed to mean, but he manages well enough in the end.&nbsp; (Roll of 4, no pool spent.)<br><br>He struggles with the shiitake mushrooms and the mermalant at first, but a quick consult leads to an equally quick recovery, which leads to an excellent construction of the mushroom gravy.&nbsp; Compounding that success, he gets the wild rice right on the first try, cooked through so as not to leave it crunchy but not overcooking it and leaving it soggy.&nbsp; (Roll of 6 after one reroll, 1 pool spent.)<br><br>The momentum of his last dish carries Gariland through dessert.&nbsp; The walnuts come out perfect, with just the right flavor.&nbsp; The lychee, despite Gariland's unfamiliarity with the dish, he prepares perfectly on the first try, possibly out of pure luck.&nbsp; Of course, he's not sure the components work well together, but then, he can't imagine eating much of anything coming out of this contest....&nbsp; (Roll of 6, booyah.&nbsp; 1 pool spent in total.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>05-07-2007, 18:02:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unfortunately for Gariland, old Eloplaster (who seems to be in a truly, truly rotten mood this morning for some strange reason) docks him several points for a variety of sumptuary violations.&nbsp; He even continues his litany of offenses until the Duke Himself, in person, whispers to a guard...who then timidly approaches the raving man and whispers in his ear.<br><br>At once, Eloplaster quiets himself.<br><br>"But," he concludes his diatribe sourly, "His Grace wishes that your score shall at the very least remain positive, as he takes an interest in the fine gustatory presentations you set before him for his pleasure.&nbsp; No further deductions.&nbsp; For now."<br><br>And he goes on to grumble at the next, and the next...except poor Pusamus, who needs no help in doing poorly today.&nbsp; His beginner's luck has abandoned him, and unless everything he prepared has 'flambe' after its title, he is well and truly buggered by the proverbial hedgehog.<br><br>Thus the standings at the end of the second round are as follows:<br>Gariland, the deductions of the crotchety Eloplaster notwithstanding, is clearly the current favorite.&nbsp; (And Vulan can scarcely contain his excitement at THAT thought!)<br>Gnar the Repeater is making up for lost time.<br>Erzal Droze and Lipfina are neck and neck for third, and the tension between them could be cut with an erb spear!<br>And, of course, poor Pusamus is Dead Last.<br><br>Thus it is to this fine arena that Andar may approach, as he wishes, to commence the second round of the Eating Competion!<br><br>In spite of an evening of horrible stomach cramps and acid reflux, Belevant's Champion is in fine form today.&nbsp; Ugnather even drapes a colorful cloak over his shoulders as they emerge into the sunlight and enter the ring to loud acclaim.&nbsp; Even the Duke applauds (if a bit stiffly).<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 23:57:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing that he was up again, Andar approached the eating contestant table.&nbsp; He had skipped breakfast today in hopes of making sure he had plenty of appetite for the competition.&nbsp; Elopaster seemed in an extremely rotten mood today, no doubt because of Andars actions, but Andar regreted nothing.&nbsp; He just hope that Eloplaster would be more charitable with the eating contest then the cooking contest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-07-2007, 15:15:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar's first dish, alas, is one of Pusamus's 'delights au flambe'.&nbsp; Good luck, Andar!<br><br>(1d6, 4+ a success, rerolls for 1 pool point...and your pool starts at 9.&nbsp; Yes, that's your Health score...)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>14-07-2007, 08:26:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar takes one bite of the food in front of him and has to stop himself from spitting it out.&nbsp; The stuff tasts vile, to put it mildly.&nbsp; However, Andar knows whats at stake here and taking in a deep breath, begins wolfing down the food in large, fast bites until he puts it all away, even faster then he hoped or expected.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>14-07-2007, 18:46:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(-1 for the reroll, +2 for the Illlustrious success!)<br><br>Mercifully, Andar's next dish is one of Gariland's most excellent meals.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>16-07-2007, 02:32:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While Andar thought he had difficulty with the first dish, he had even greater trouble with the second dish.&nbsp; Even though it was well made, the taste strongly disagreed with him, and Andar had to stop eating several times, gaging, before he finally managed to consume the plate in front of him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-07-2007, 03:41:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(-3 for the rerolls...7 left)<br><br>His next dish is one from the lovely, lovely Lipfina.&nbsp; This one is neither so creative as Gariland's nor anywhere near as obnoxious as that made by Pusamus.&nbsp; Surely it will be easy to keep down?<br><br>Beside him, Yeemus finishes his fourth plate, not having had to slow down to prevent imminent acid reflux.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 22:32:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andar starts in on the new dish, but as he does, the first dish he ate is beginning to play with is insides making them churn and sputter.&nbsp; Andar tries to calm himself taking a deep breath, but it seems not to help him in the least, and as he begins to take another bit, he suddenly feels his stomach begin to turn and unable to control himself anymore begins to throw up, spewing his previous meals all over the table.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>20-07-2007, 04:52:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				That, quite unfortunately, is <em>IT</em> for Andar's efforts today...which leaves Yeemus with a considerable lead by the time the last dish is consumed.&nbsp; Looks like that thousand-terce prize is rapidly receding in the distance...and unfortunately, Dame Belevant looks less than entirely pleased with him.<br><br>As yesterday, the festivities dwindle quickly as folks go about their own business, leaving our two vagabonds free (for the moment) to pursue their other interests.<br><br>At least until Vulan catches Gariland, and assuming Belevant isn't so upset with Andar that he has to find a new place to sleep for the night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Dying Earth] Was This Trip REALLY Necessary?</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cosmo_ac</strong> on <strong>26-07-2007, 03:26:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Feeling somewhat low about having thrown up everywhere, Andar wasn't in much of a mood to go exploring.&nbsp; At the moment he simply wished to go back to his current residence and get some sleep. Hopefully that would help with his stomach problems.&nbsp; At least he still had another day to compete.&nbsp; He hadn't lost yet after all.
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>