The Inn of the Singing Rose

A Chance Meeting
August 30, 2007
Players: Karzak, Alessio
NPCs: Evoran Da'Maer (Karzak)

Synopsis: Two guards on night watch discover men attacking the soon to be Marquis and chase them off.


The night sky was adorned with stars and a bright, full moon,
casting a great deal of hazy light on the streets of Irae.
It was bright, so bright, in fact, that most of the street
lanterns had been left unlit, but for those in the densely
crowded streets. Still, shadow found its hold in the City
and those who frequent it had little trouble doing their own
form of business as the hours rolled onward.

The clink of chain mail and hushed talk precedes the two Iraenian Guards
on patrol in this section of the city. Their height differences made them an
odd pair. One was an elf, whose only visible weapon was a heavy bladed
knife. His diminutive companion was a stocky dwarf carrying a massive
hammer. The intermitent light made the hammer seem as though it were
glowing.

Pick-pockets and cut-purses shied into the safety of the shadows as the
pair of guards passed by them, having heard stories about the two of
them. They both walked into and out of pools of light as though there
were no hidden dangers in the shadows.

Heading toward the Villa, the soon-to-be Marquis of the City
of Lions was sipping at a small flask of vodka-- a taste he
had acquired during his journeys. He whistled the tune to
an old tune he had picked up from a gnomish scientist who
had long since died. But he and the guards were not the only
individuals who stalked the streets this night, as a quartet
of blue orbs observed his every step from the shadows.
"Our employer says 'e wants 'im alive," hissed the foremost,
an orc, and the halfling to his right simply nodded. "The
old one-two?" he asked.

Grimacing at the faint odor of rotting garbage the dwarf mutters, "This
has to be one of the most boring nights yet." The elf simply smiled and
replied, "Patience my old friend. Besides, you complain more when we
have a bit of excitement." Adjusting his chain mail shirt so it hung more
comfortably the elf continued, "I'm sure we'll see plenty of exciting nights,
especially if the rumors are true." At this the dwarf merely grunted and
continued his patrol.


The Marquis took a seat on the edge of the fountain, sipping
at his vodka and admiring the horizon. "Now!" commanded the orc, and
out of the shadows the halfling ran, towards Alessio, shouting
'Sir! 'elp me! I gots a biggun on me tail!' All was chaos as
Alessio sprang to his feet and the orc came charging after the
halfer, but in a moment's time, both of the newcomers were upon
the Marquis, punching and biting, kicking and kneeing, using
every possible method to assail the poor, unsuspecting man
who was quite innebriated.

Hearing the high pitched shout for help, the dwarf turns towards the noise
just in time to see a man get charged by an orc. "Evoran! We must do
something about this!" He half shouted as he broke into a run towards the
fighting group. It took his elven companion half a second before he was
quickly out-distancing his short friend.

It was a short run though, the dwarf got there just as Evoran grabbed at
the first assailant, a halfling. Snarling quietly the dwarf hefted his hammer
as he shouted at the orc, "Cease!" He started towards the orc, holding his
hammer ready.

The orc growled as he heard a man shout at him from behind,
and brought his knee up hard into the Marquis' groin. Rossetti's
eyes nearly burst out of his skull as he immediately fell to one
knee and, grasping at the air, fell forward on his face,
squirming with immense pain. Spinning on the interloper, the
orc laughed when he noticed the size of the guard, and he drew
a massive claymore from its sheath over his shoulder. "Not
unless you can make me," he barked.

Eyes blazing dangerously at the laugh he growled, "So be it!" The dwarf
roared as he charged the orc, swinging the massive hammer when he got
within striking distance. As he charged a thought occured to him, perhaps
he should not have been complaining that the night was boring.

Evoran was having troubles of a different kind, the halfling was quick.
*This will not work* he thought to himself. *I will have to try something
else* at the end of this thought the elf stopped suddenly and closed his
eyes, after a couple seconds the air surrounding the elf seemed to glow.

"There's devilry afoot!" shouted the halfer as the air took on
a new hue and, abandoning his small knife, he ran for the shadows
and his idea of safety. The orc growled as his partner retreated,
abandoning the ground which constituted his flank. Jumping into
the now-empty space to avoid the hammer, the orc then climbed
into the fountain. "Come on!" he taunted the dwarf as he waded
towards the center, and the deepest part of the pool. If he
could get the dwarf into the fountain and deliver one strong
kick, thought the orc, he could sweep his adversary off his
feet and drown him. It was the orc's short-sightedness that
led him to believe that this was a duel, and that his enemy
did not have a friend, as well.

Cursing as his hammer bounced of the paving stones where the orc had
stood only seconds before he hefted his hammer once again and waded
into the pool with his adversary. "So, you wish to add assault on a guard
to your list of crimes." Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the glow
around Evoran and panic flashed across his face. Hoping the orc had not
noticed his face the dwarf started to walk a circle around the orc, back to
the edge of the pool. The air was frigid and it was getting colder by the
second.

The orc began to shiver as the cold overtook him and the water
around his knees turned to ice. "Help!" he roared, but
his cry fell on deaf ears. Slowly, Rossetti brought himself
to a standing position, though he still carried a painful
expression. "Release him," ordered the soon-to-be Marquis
to the elf who had rescued him, before offering a nod of
thanks to the dwarf.

Evoran slowly opened his eyes and released the spell, but the ice did not
thaw. Suddenly exhaustion flooded the elf's face and he started to fall. His
dwarven companion was immediately at his side with a steadying
hand. "The ice will thaw in a few minutes, I can not thaw it myself." The
elf explained to the human as he turned to face his old friend, "Thank you
Karzak, I'd of likely cracked my head open on the paving stones had you
not steadied me."

The Marquis chuckled. "It's thawed well enough for what I
wish to do with him," he offers, before pulling an arrow from
his quiver and taking aim at the orc. With great precision
and speed, Alessio lets fly the arrow and it finds its mark
truthfully, buried in the skull of the orcish assailant.

Stiffening, Karzak whirled towards the man, "What did you do that for?!
We would have detained him for questioning." When the last word left the
dwarfs lips Evoran laid a hand on his shoulder, "Be easy my friend, he is
injured." Nodding slowly he replies, "So he is, but I stand by my question."

"Clearly, dwarf, you are not aware of my identity, nor the
intent of that wretched creature," Alessio added, pointing at
the orc. The ice had thawed just enough that the body fell
backwards as the Marquis pointed towards it, making a loud
splash and sinking into the waters. "That individual was
making an attempt at my life, and was likely hired by another
who has a personal vendetta towards me. He would never
have talked."

"You are correct, I do not know your identity. I am Karzak Stoneblood,
would you honor me with your name?" Shouldering his hammer he
motions to Evoran to sit at the edge of the pool to rest for a moment. "Do
too much of that and it will kill you." He tells his friend softly, concern in
his eyes. Turning back to the man, he patiently awaits a response.

"Alessio di Rossetti, cousin to Leon di Giovanni and soon,
Marquis of Sanctus Irae, at your service," offers Alessio
as he puts a hand forward and bows to the dwarf. "You two
have done me a great service this evening, and one I will
not easily forget. I would have your friend's name, as well?"

Eyes widening suddenly as the dwarf gasps, "Forgive me My Lord, I did
not know." The dwarf breaths, bowing deeply to the man. Evoran's head
came up slowly when the man mentioned his name, "I am Evoran
Da'Maer, it is good to see someone that will fill the position of our late
Marquis."

"Please, Karzak, there is no need," Alessio states plainly,
"I owe you both my life. I will write to your superior of
your outstanding efforts, and perhaps even see to it that
the two of you are given promotions. You are, perhaps, the
two most valorous individuals I have met in this city."

Karzak opened his mouth, but it was Evoran who responded, "Thank you
My Lord. It appears that the streets are dangerous for you, would you like
an escort back to the Villa?" The elf asks, as Karzak helps him to his feet.
Resting his hammer on the ground the dwarf managed to keep an eye on
his friend, the soon to be Marquis and the rest of the square at the same
time, even though it was quite empty.

"This little incident has done well in sobering me, and
now I know why Ignati warns not to walk these streets alone
at night," Alessio replies with a chuckle. "I think I shall
make it home safely, though I thank you for the offer."

Nodding slowly Karzak replies, "As you say My Lord, We must get back to
the barracks. It is nearing the end of our watch and Evoran needs to
recover." The last put a vexed look onto the elfs face, but he did not voice
his complaints. Turning in the direction of the barracks, thw two gaurds
begin to make their way towards it.

Inspections, Part 1
October 8,2007
Players: Karzak, Alessio

Synopsis: The Marquis and the Armsmaster strike sparks as they agree to an inspection of the guard.


Staring at the large pile of papers on his desk Karzak sighs, wondering if he
would ever get through them. This was only an idle thought though, since he
had cut the pile by nearly three quarters in his short time. No mean feat, it
had covered his entire desk and was piled two feet high. Throwing the weeks
old report back on top of the pile Karzak stood and fished his pipe out of his
belt pouch. As he filled his pipe and lit it from a candle his thoughts
drifted towards how to shape the guard back into a useful entity.

Karzak was not the only individual within the city who had plans for the
guard. The attempt on his life notwithstanding, Alessio had noticed that
something was incredibly wrong within Irae's barracks shortly after his
arrival. The gate guards were incredibly lax, and the guard in general
seemed disinterested in assisting individuals with everyday issues, let
alone with serious breaches of security. Today, the Marquis had decided
to pay the newly appointed Armsmaster a short visit, and to inspect the
guard at present. While past Marquis may not have been overly interested
in this area of the city, Alessio had learned during his coronation that
he had a vested interest in the people who protected his subjects, and
had thereafter decided that he should make monthly records of the progress
which had been achieved by the guard.

It was rather obvious that most, if not all, of the officers would have to be
dismissed, but choosing whom would stay would be time consuming. Walking to
the arrowslit that served as a window, he looked out of it onto the training
grounds. There were alot of raw recruits since the Marquis' coronation, but
not enough trustworthy officers to lead them. Perhaps Evoran could sniff
around for him, his old friend would not object to that at all.

The Marquis had little issue with the guards about the Barracks as he made
his way for the office of the Armsmaster. While most did not recognize his
face, the news of the attempt on his life had spread, and the wound on his
throat was evidence enough for most of the people who questioned his identity.
When he drew in on the double doors of the office, he offered three light
taps on the door. As he waited for a response, Alessio withdrew a canteen
from one of many holsters in his belt and sipped at the wine within. It
was early, and he probably should not have been drinking wine, but he had
no other beverage at hand. Wine would have to do.

Turning away from the arrowslit, Karzak paced across his office for a moment.
A smoke cloud soon formed around his head as he took furious puffs of his
pipe. Walking back around his desk he sits back into his chair and was just
about to start back into the papers when someone tapped at the door. A few
more minutes away from the pile wouldn't hurt, he thought as he gruffly
called, "Enter."

The Marquis grunted as he pulled the heavy oaken door open and stepped
into the office of the Armsmaster. "Hello, Karzak," he said as he placed
his canteen back inside its designated holster, "how do the days treat
you? Well, I hope." Alessio did not wait to be offered a seat, instead
taking what looked to be the most comfortable of them almost immediately
after entering the office.

Straightening in surprise as the Marquis entered the office Karzak replied
quickly, "My Lord! The days treat me fine as they can. What brings you here to
my office?" His surprise was so great that he didn't even register that the
Marquis has already taken a seat.

Alessio chuckled as he pressed out the wrinkles in his crimson shirt
with a free hand. "Please, don't think of me as your superior. We are
friends, and what's more, we are equals. You can call me Alessio, I
won't be offended." Looking about the office at the various baubles
which past Armsmasters had collected, the Marquis smiles. "I'm not going
to waste any of your no doubt valuable time. I've come to see the guard."

Widening his eyes in shock at this sudden break in formalities Karzak was left
speechless for a moment. Standing he walked back over to the arrowslit until
he regained his composure. Turning back around he clasps his hands behind his
back. "My L... What part of the guard do you wish to see?"

"I'd like to see all of it, Karzak. All of the men currently employed,
including officers. Not all at once, of course, but eventually. Those who
aren't on duty right now would be a good place to start, I think," Alessio
replied, rising now to press out the wrinkles in his pants. "Can this be
arranged? Or is it too inconvenient for you at the moment?"

Nodding slowly Karzak slowly spoke, "It can be arranged easily." Looking at
the floor for a moment he notices his pipe, he had not realized he dropped it.
He picked it up and tapped the embers out into the stone floor, crushing them
with his boot heel as he placed the pipe back into his belt pouch. "I hope it
would not inconvenience you if I accompanied you, I need to do a review of the
guard and that seems to be as good of a time as any."

"Oh, not at all. In fact, Karzak, I had intended for you to accompany me.
You see, I'm not much for the technical aspects. I understand weaponry of
course, but having never belonged to an organized military organization,
I fear I don't know a great deal about organization," Alessio paused,
"Surely, Irae trains its guards in these things? Formations, and the like?"

"They've been trained in the past and they will continue to be trained well
into the future." Karzak replied curtly, slighty offended by the Marquis'
doubt. Barking a gruff laugh he continues, "Perhaps we could give you a little
training as well, so you will know what Irae's armies are doing on the field."

"It would be nice," came the Marquis' retort, as swift as the dwarf's
and just as curt. Turning to face the door, Alessio quickly added,
"Well? Let's head for the grounds and have a look, then."

"Yes, that would probably be best." Karzak answered as he opened the door,
allowing the Marquis to leave first. Closing the door behind him, they set off
for the training ground to inspect the raw recruits.

To Catch a Murderer, Part 1
October 21, 2007
Players: Karzak, Cadence
NPCs: Evoran (Karzak)

Synopsis: Cadence approaches the Arms Master about a dangerous murderer


Cadence took a long time in healing, both physically and mentally. Though it
could still be argued that she was not her old self. She was certainly
changed, though for the better was debatable. Dressed simply in healers robes,
she marches up to the office door of the Arms Master and knocks briskly before
brazenly opening the door and walking in uninvited. Taking a quick glance
around, she seeks out the one person she is determined to speak to.

Frowning at being so rudely interupted, Karzak eyes the woman who just barged
into his office and then ignored her for the moment. Evoran's report was much
more important. "-nd I believe I have found enough officers to complete this
task." Evoran continued as though nothing as happened. "Next I will work on
finding them suitable men for their squads." Nodding quickly Karzak replies,
"That is fine, my friend. Now if you could leave us while I deal with this
rather rude woman?" Saluting, right fist to left breast, Evoran turns on his
heel and leaves through the open door. After the door has closed, the dwarf
turned his attention to the woman, "And just what is the meaning of this?"

Cadence raises her chin just a bit more, not put off in the least and certainly
repentatant of her behavior. She steps around the officer leaving and toward
the desk, throwing a small, wrapped bundle on the desk before focusing her
green eyed gaze on Karzak.

"I understand that you are the new Arms Master. As such, I also know you
have inheirited quite a mess. Still, I demand justice in the death of my
friend, Mordren. That..." she pauses, pointing to what she threw on his desk,
"That is a finger I recieved in the post. I've had quite enough sir of the
crime in this city. I want Olav, that depraved murderer brought in
immediately!" she says, her anger and frustration apparent in her expression,
but she still shows no sign of calming or being any less rude.

Immediately dismissing the package, Karzak glares back at the woman. "An
introduction is usually more polite, as for the other..." Shrugging he
continues, "Why should I waste valuable time and entergy on a single murderer
when there are much worse things happening in Irae? Arson and rebellion, for
example."

Cadence laughs then shakes her head. "You are no better than the last Arms
Master and if that is what you think of Olav...you will end up in the same way.
Dead with your head pinned to a wall." she turns on heel, intent to leave but
but pauses at the door looking back. "My name is Cadence MacGovern. If you
plan to take this seriously before you die, please let me know."

"If you want me to do something about him then I will need more than just a
name and knowledge that he killed a well known crime lord." Karzak replies
gruffly. Standing and walking around his desk, closer to Cadence, he continues,
"Barging in and making demands is never a good way to start such a deal."
Turning to stare at one of the weapons on the wall Karzak is silent for a
moment. "What information can you give me besides this?"

Cadence sighs, her hand still on the door handle. "Olav is an evil man, he is
likely found in the cemetary that is kept at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. He
likes to dig up a bodies you see. He has been looking for me, but hopefully I
will continue to avoid him a while longer. I suggest you speak to those who
haunt the Raven or perhaps some of the sisters at the Cathedral...though I
doubt they would know. They stay clear of evil you see." she says, looking
once more at Karzak. "I am sorry for having to be rude. I've tried nice you
see....it only lost me Mordren."

Nodding in acceptance of the appology, Karzak looks Cadence in the eye, "I will
set a few guards onto him, but I can not promise more than that. Like I said,
there are much more important matters that I am required to attend to."
Walking to the other side of the room He pauses again for a few moments before
speaking. "If you require protection however, the guard can provide it so long
as you are in the barracks."

Cadence shakes her head. "Thank you, but, no. I won't have any one elses death
on my concious. Do tell your men to take care. He won't use weapons they are
used too, he is some sort of mage I think." Finally she pulls open the door.
"Thank you sir, for your time."

Watching the woman leave Karzak sits down behind his desk. How was he to sort
this mess out? Digging his pipe and tabacco out of his belt pouch he fills the
bowl and lights it with a twig from the fireplace. Before long he was puffing
in deep thought. As a large could of smoke formed around his head he threw
around different ideas of how to deal with this mess.

A Disturbance in the Barracks.
October 27, 2007
Players: Karzak, Desdicado
NPCs: Evoran (Karzak)

Synopsis: Desdicado causes a disturbance at the Barracks and quickly angers the Arms Master.


The day was nice, if not a little chilly, and that sat well with
Desdicado as he hurried in the direction of the Barracks. Still
quick and nimble, even in his second century, the half-elf had a
spring in his step and a smile on his face. He was glad because,
according to the information he gathered at the Singing Rose,
Irae had a shortage of guards and the job had become easier on
them since the death of a fellow called Mordren and the strange
disappearance of his successor, Runihura. This worked out perfectly
for the spellsword, as he was looking for a place to settle and
relax, but did not want to grow fat or lazy.

Standing nearly in the center of the yard Karzak reviews the newest recruits
going through the motions of swordplay. Sharp clacks of wood striking wood
resounded throughout the yard, they were not practicing with real swords of
course. With a slight frown he wondered how many of these raw recruits would
make it through the basic training and become the guards and soldiers of Irae.

Desdicado had at last arrived at the Barracks, an impressive and
large structure, looming over many of the other buildings along
the avenue. Offering a quick nod to the single guard who stood at
the entrance, the half-elf passed into the main chamber and almost
immediately shouted, "I come seeking Karzak, the master of the
guard!"

Karzak begins to pace, wondering when Evoran is going to show up with his
report. The elf should not have taken this long. Just then he spotted his old
friend, as though thinking his name had summoned him. Approaching him quickly
Karzak nearly barks, "Well? Is it done?" "Y-" Evoran begins, only to be cut
off by a shout across the yard. Seeing a group of recruits amassed at the
entrance he starts over there. "There better be a good explanation for this."
He growls.

Desdicado had already started yelling at the recruits surrounding
him, his patience worn thin in a few short moments. "Karzak! The
Arms Master! Is he here? If not, when will he be here? Hurry, man!"
the half-elf barked at a trainee who he had grabbed by the throat.
"Answer me!"

The small crowd parted before him and Evoran. Ever since the one boy had been
made an example of all the recruits knew who they were on sight. Evoran
reached the front of the crowd first and immediately noticed who had caused
the disturbance. Pointing at Desdicado he commanded, "You, release that man."
Karzak arrived at the front of the crowd at the same moment, but watched
impassively for the time being.

The half-elf did as commanded, releasing his vice-like grip and
allowing the poor fellow to catch his breath. "And who would you
be, elf?" he snorted, making no attempt at being polite to Evoran-
elfkind had hardly been polite to Desdicado over all the years.
"Someone else here to tell me nothing and fail at doing their
job? This is one of the most inefficient Barracks I've ever visited!"
It was also the only one he had ever visited, though the spell-sword
would not likely admit that.

Nodding sharply when the half-elf released the man, he allowed the following
tirade to wash over him as though nothing had happened. When he opened his
mouth to speak however, Karzak cut him off with a growl, "He is my Second in
Command." walking up to the half-elf and laying his hammer across his
shoulders Karzak continues, "And just who are you to go assaulting my
recruits?"

"You?" Desdicado began chuckling. "You are Karzak? You are running the
guard?" The half-elf sized up the dwarf before taking a step forward.
"How could one so short rule over such an important organization, I
wonder? I'm sure you've got fight in you... you'd probably bite a person
if you lost your weapon, but... well, I was expecting someone who is
considerably larger, more imposing. Not somebody who has to wreck his
neck to look me in the face."

Turning red in the face Karzak takes a step forward and hefts his weapon.
Intending to commit grevious bodily harm to the half-elf he opens his mouth
only to be stopped by Evoran. Placing a hand on the dwarf's shoulder Evoran
leans forward and utters a single word, "Patience." Straightening and looking
at the man in the face. "Why don't you state your business here before you
cause more trouble?"

"Trouble?" the light glinted dangerously off of the spell-sword's eyes.
"Oh, I'm not looking for trouble. I came here looking for employment. But
this is good fun! Look at your dwarf friend there, his face as red as
a beet!" Desdicado laughed. "And to think that you could insult a dwarf
by making fun of his height... But I wonder what gets at you, hmm?"
the half-elf addresses Evoran once more.

Sighing softly to himself Evoran looks around the yard for a moment before
turning his attention back to the half-elf. "If you came seeking employment
then you're going about it the wrong way. Perhaps you would like to start
again from the begining?" He asks.

"No, not really, elf," Desdicado replied. "Besides, it'd be a doomed
venture at this point, anyway. Dwarves hold grudges forever, and as
you and I both know, elves have long memories." Holding his right
hand to his side, the spell-sword mouths a few words and a rapier
appears. "But I wouldn't mind a duel, if you have the time."

Raising an eyebrow at the man Evoran whispers, "So eager for a fight, yet you
have no idea what to fight for." Turning his back on the half-elf, Evoran
begins to walk away, "Perhaps another time, if you can return with better
manners." He offers over his shoulder.

Desdicado grinned. Exactly the response he would've expected from
an elf. Now, extending his left palm in the direction of a chair,
the spell-sword closes his eyes and offers a silent prayer to his
deity, Cawyn, calling up a draft of wind that extends from the
open hand to the chair, wrapping it in a violent cyclone. Directing
with his hand, the half-elf drives it with force into a nearby wall.
"If I can't have a fight from you, I'll get it from your trainees,"
he threatens as his eyes open once more.

By now several of the officers and veterans of the guard had joined the crowd
to see what the commotion was about. Noticing this Karzak speaks quietly and
angrily, "You will do no such thing." He stares straight ahead, refusing to
arch his neck to stare at the half-elf. "Now, I will give you two options. You
can either leave peacefully, or you can spend a couple weeks in a cell. The
choice is up to you though."

"How about I take the third," the half-elf replies quickly. "I stay
right where I am, fend off your guards, get the fight I'm looking for,
and head out into the city for a little fun with one of the local
thugs!" Glancing about, Desdicado retrieves a small dagger from the
heel of his right boot. "I think I like that one best."

The sounds of mail clinking and steel rasping against leather come from all
around. The veterans were pushing the recruits back, outside of the shrinking
circle. "You take that choice and you will be hunted by the guard for as long
as you are in Irae." Karzak explains, "Now, make your choice." The circle
becomes smaller yet, as though adding emphasis to the Arms Masters words.

Looking about himself, Desdicado realized the numbers were against
him. Opening his palms, the dagger drops with a resounding clatter
while the rapier merely vanishes back into the air from whence it
came. "Alright, you've won... for now. I'll leave," the spell-sword
replies. "But I will not leave the city. I still intend to hunt down
criminals, whether I am sanctioned by you or not."

Nodding curtly Karzak replies, "If you get in the way of the guard, you will
find yourself in a cell regardless." Turning towards the entrance Karzak
raises his voice to a shout, "Let him through!" Grunts and growls can be heard
as men push back just far enough for a narrow passage way to emerge, barely
wider than a man's shoulders. "Go in peace and you will receive peace."

Grinning, Desdicado glanced at one of the many trainees in the crowd and
offered a quick wink before turning his palms to the floor of the
barracks, closing his eyes, and conjuring up a small vortex of wind.
Slowly, his form rose off the ground, and the vortex carried the spell-sword
from the Barracks swiftly, casting chairs and tables in his path to
the surrounding walls or floor.

Shaking his head slowly Karzak stares around the yard a moment before noticing
all of the recruits standing around. "Back to training!" He barks suddenly.
Slinging his hammer back onto his shoulders he marches towards his office, he
needed to find Evoran and get that report.