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Renown
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Sept 4, 2022 21:26:26 GMT -5
As a well seasoned traveler, Shaa had been to all sorts of interesting places all across Charon. From the high mountains of Frost Gale to the low plains of the valley. Across the great seas and down the deepest of swamps. But in all of the places he had been to, there was no place in the world quite like Zeinav City. And in Zeinav City, there was no gambling parlor quite like The Rusty Saber.
To call The Rusty Saber a hole in the wall would be an insult to holes in the wall. It’s the kind of place where if you dropped a coin on the floor, it would be worth less when you picked it back up because it touched the floor. It’s a place rats run out of. They don’t have menus there because the patrons would just eat them. Three separate diseases have been discovered originating from there. And it was one of Shaa’s very favorite places. You might wonder why considering but, the other thing the The Rusty Saber is known for is the annual Minotaur Stampede.
The rules for Minotaur Stampeding are pretty straightforward. There is a changeable maze in the basement of the Rusty Saber. A herd of Minotaur start on one end and a Golden Ball is placed on the other. Then a group of challengers are chosen to be dropped into the center of the maze from the gambling parlor above. The challengers then has to find the ball before the Minotaurs find them. If they do, they keep the ball. If not, stampeded.
Minotaur from all over the desert come to compete. Most come because they have a certain amount of professional pride in not letting anyone get the ball in over 10 years. As a result Minotaur usually have side bets going as to which one of them is going to catch up to the most competitors and stampede them. Officially that just means “touch” them but most Minotaur take this pretty literally which raises the stakes of the game significantly. Coming out with anything less a permanent scar is considered a success. This year, Shaa was looking to break the record. Shaa entered the crusty parlor and scanned the room for the registration desk.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Sept 4, 2022 22:26:42 GMT -5
After Javal helped a traveling salesman from some bandits the salesman felt grateful enough to tell him a chance to make some good solars. That being the annual minotaur stampede. The salesman said it seemed like It's easy money just catch a ball and avoid the minotaur's stampeding and you'll get some solars. Javal was interested and decided to try it out but he had to head over to Zeinav City. Once he made it there he decided to ask the locals where he find the minotaur stampede many people pointed then proceeded to laugh very hard then said to head to the rusty saber. Once he found it he was flabbergasted even the most grimy tavern in thorock didn't even compare to the griminess of the rusty saber. Nevertheless he soldiered on and headed over to the registration desk behind a minotaur.
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Post by Veliky on Sept 5, 2022 9:40:58 GMT -5
The third - as well as the fourth and fifth - to enter The Rusty Saber are Veliky and her two mechanical goons: Bishop and Rook. Looking into the parlour, Veliky sees that it's busier here than a place of this level of sanitation ever should be. Veliky is no stranger to seedy establishments, but this place redefines the definition of insanitation. There needs to some way to keep businesses like this from remaining in operation. Maybe she could buy it... future possibility. One of the strangest indications of the degree of quality to be expected from this place is the fact that pets are not permitted, but weapons are. As such, Veliky had to leave two of her companions outside. Doesn't matter: it's unlikely they would have been much assistance in this so-called "Minotaur Stampede."
"Bishop, Rook, stay with me. You need to registered. Stalker?" Suddenly, a cat-sized spider-bot materializes on Veliky's back. "Find some place to hide. Make sure you have a good view of the maze."
At their respective orders, all three of the automatons beep in acknowledgment. The spider, called Stalker, skitters up a nearby wall. It would immediately cause distress and disarray in any other place, but this is The Rusty Saber. It fits right in. Meanwhile, the other three are walking cautiously through the crowded parlour, towards the registration desk.
There are several minotaurs here, as is to be expected due to the nature of the event. The Rusty Saber a fairly large building consisting of three levels. The middle level houses most of the parlour's common rabble, as well as the registration desk and, most importantly, several balconies overlooking the maze. The upper level overlooks the middle and acts as the VIP lounge, but "VIP" in this place has a substantially lower bar than just about anywhere else in Charon. At the moment, the VIPs seem to be a group of tweaking bugbears. Finally, the lower floor is the basement-maze itself. Veliky wonder what sort of mechanisms or magic allow the basement to reconfigure... could be worth investigating.
Even the minotaurs give the trio a wide berth as they make their way toward the desk. They've got quite a line to get through before they can enter, though... waiting.
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Post by lazypinata on Sept 6, 2022 11:59:53 GMT -5
Sirron had only entered Zeinav city a few days past, but she didn't see much of a differance from Darkveil. Seedy big town in the middle of a desert minus the volcano though she could look just to the north and still see the eyesore from here. Saving up from her time in Darkveil City she had some solars to spend.
" So where should we go?"
She continued walking through the city she heard various times through the day of an annual Minotaur Stampede, seemed like it was a fairly big thing. A dark coldness came over her as the world melted away and she was almost transported to a world of inky black shadows, normal people changed into these things everytime they had one of their talks in the back of her mind a voice a mixture of her own with something darker over layering her own.
"A test of stealth, or of combat? We like the sound of this...Acceptable..."
After asking a few questions and going down completely wrong streets finally she found herself on the outside of the Rusty saber, she looked hard at the outside before feeling that familiar coldness.
"This place looks cruddy."
"What a wise old being you are... Well maybe it looks better on the inside you know don't judge a book by it's cover and all."
She took a deep breath and walked inside soon finding out no no judge a book by it's cover or you'll find out you walked into probably the most disgusting dingey just it made her skin crawl a bit. Though in her time in Darkveil sometimes the worst places have the best drinks, she walked up to what at least seemed like a bar and spoke up.
"so how does one compete in this stampede thing? And place their bets?"
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Sept 10, 2022 19:31:15 GMT -5
It didn’t take very long and the seedy bar was filling up with quite the eclectic group of patrons. It was finally Shaa’s turn at the registration desk. The desk was manned by two people. The first was a flat nosed dwarf named Halburk who was a fixture at the Rusty Saber. He wore thick plate armor, had a long grey beard and grey eyes to match. The scarred man also carried a hand axe that he most definitely knew how to use. The second person was a female dragonkin by the name of Flara. She had red scales and wings with talons on the end. Despite her bulky features, there was a beautiful grace to how she moved. With strength and purpose. Much how a mouse looks at a cat.
Halburk looked up at Shaa. Humph. No questions as to where you want to be going is there young master Bull? Shaa always got a kick out Halburk calling him young as he could say it without irony. It had been that easy for years. Looking to break the record this time. I was close last year. Sign me up for the Minotaur side and put 20 for me with the changers. Flara made notes in a large leather bound register and took the fee from Shaa. See that you do young sir, see that you do. I am looking to buy me a new leg and this might be the year for me. Halburk tapped his worn wooden leg and gave Shaa a wink. Flara stowed the money and rolled her eyes in obvious annoyance at the useless banter. Head over to the bar, they will be announcing the rules shortly.
Shaa walked over to a group of Minotaur that he knew well. They were from all over Charon so the stampede was always a good chance to catch up on the latest gossip.
In Minotaur tradition, as Shaa approached the group he lowered his horns and proceeded to but heads with all of them followed by a furious round of punching each other on the arms. From the outside, it looked insane but really it served two purposes. First of all, it made everyone in the bar keenly aware of the type of creatures that would soon be after them in the maze and what they were in for. Secondly, it was just a lot of fun punching your friends and they really got a kick out it.
One of Shaa’s good friends, Caleb from the Ash Lands, pulled him aside. You look well my friend. It appears this year has been kind to you. Not to your face mind you because you are ugly, but kind overall. Minotaur are not the most touchy-feely of creatures. And you Caleb, I don’t want to puke as much when I look at you. Caleb grinned. In all seriousness, I want you to be careful this year. I have heard rumors that they are doing something special with the rules, so you need to pay attention. I would hate for you to get any uglier. Look around, these are not the normal types.
Shaa looked around the bar and had to agree with Caleb’s assessment. Most of the time the people that were crazy or desperate enough to enter the maze with a herd of Minotaur after them were either really drunk or careless or stupid. That didn’t seem to be the case this year. Beating the record may be harder than he thought.
I see what you mean. Don’t worry though. If they think that this is going to be a cakewalk, they will soon find they are sadly mistaken.
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Post by Javal Zarrias on Sept 14, 2022 1:29:22 GMT -5
After the big Minotaur in front of him had finished registering it was finally Javal Zarrias’s turn to register for the minotaur stampede. As he moved to the front desk before him stood a tough-looking grey-bearded dwarf and a red-scaled dragon kin. “Hello, I am Javal Zarrias and I have heard of the Minotaur stampede and would like to sign up for it”. The dwarf responded kindly “it’s always good to see some new adventurers give it a try, stay safe out there”. The dragonborn turned to him and said, “whatever happens to you i don't care you got the money to sign up or what. Javal then give them the signup money and signed up. As he went to sit down by a bench he saw a group of minotaur chest bumping this got him excited “Man I’m gonna be facing some really strong minotaurs, this is gonna be awesome”.
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Post by Veliky on Sept 14, 2022 7:09:08 GMT -5
Next in line is the group of three that so heedlessly strode through. Veliky must stand a fair distance from the desk, sheerly so that she can be seen over it.
"Ahem."
Halburk sees the little halfling and her two mechanical goons, but isn't quite sure what to say. Sensing the awkwardness, Flara looks up from her ledger. She stands and squints, just to make sure she's seeing things correctly.
"What the hell am I looking at right now?" it isn't clear whether she's asking the halfling, the dwarf or even anyone in particular, but Veliky's the one to answer.
"Challengers," she replies heedlessly. "Three of them."
Flara puts both hands on the desk and leans forward, somehow combining intimidation with allure.
"Could I ask for some ID, sweetheart?" She isn't truly as suspicious as she sounds - a child couldn't have possibly gotten here in the first place, after all - but seeing proof would be the punchline to this joke of an image.
Veliky, however, isn't amused.
"Could I ask what you're implying?" Her scowl and scorn say all that need be said.
Bishop steps forward with a hiss and places a pouch of solars (three challengers' fees' worth) on the desk. But the dwarf doesn't even look at it, instead eying the two apparent automatons with great skepticism. What hidden advantages could these beings secret? He doesn't want to find out.
"Apologies, but we cannot admit your, um, friends, but you can register on your own if you'd still-"
But, in spite of her coregistrar's wishes, Flara grabs the pouch and puts it away. She knows the risks just as well as he does, but she can't resist the curiosity. With these three around, maybe this year will be a bit more interesting.
"You and your buddies can take a seat somewhere. They'll announce the rules soon enough."
Halburk is perplexed and a bit annoyed, but he isn't going to speak against the red-winged dragonkin. Veliky is pleased, which recorrects her prior vexation to a neutral expression. She nods curtly, and off she marches with her goons.
There are no free tables remaining, but there is a table taken up by a single goblin. Rook picks up the goblin's chair - with the goblin still sitting on it - and carries it away.
"Hey! Wha? What're you doin'?! Put me down!"
Rook does put him down, placing his chair delicately by another table. The only other person at this table is a female dark elf that the goblin immediately uses a terrible pick-up line on. It doesn't go well for him.
Meanwhile, Veliky and her Blixtbots™ have taken their seats at the goblin's now-empty table and now await instruction.
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Post by lazypinata on Oct 19, 2022 15:44:05 GMT -5
After looking around the bar, and losing all her money in various bad bets. She decided that she would just cut her losses and leave the bar off to find adventure elsewhere.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 19, 2022 16:44:08 GMT -5
As Shaa finishes talking to his friends, a voice comes in over a loud speaker in the bar.
Greetings Dear Friends comes the voice. Welcome to The Rusty Saber’s 50th annual Minotaur Run. All of patrons in the bar erupt with applause and stomping on the ground. The Minotaur, Shaa included, are especially noisy and start running into each other and breaking things.
Yes, well. Please note that registration is now closed. We will be accepting no further applications. You can however leave at any time but there are no refunds. Several people laugh as a couple contestants walk unceremoniously out the door.
As this a special year, the organizers have added some very special surprises for everyone in the maze, so I hope everyone enjoys that. For everyone that has not been here before, I am going to cover the rules so there is no complaint about it later. Several people start to groan. Get on with it! SHUT IT! The room quiets down.
The Game.
Phase one: Contestants will be lowered from the main floor into the center of the maze. You are not to leave the starting area until the whistle blows. Doing so will disqualify you and you will be removed by our referees. Two large ogres with battle axes wave to the crowd.
Phase two: The golden ball will be dropped into the maze. Please note that this year, the ball is on a track that runs through the maze so it can and will move. Please plan accordingly.
Final Phase: The Minotaur will be released and given 30 seconds to get into position. After the 30 seconds, a whistle blows and the game begins. The game ends in one of three scenarios.
1. All contestants are eliminated 2. A contestant grabs the golden ball 3. 15 minutes elapses
Rules for everyone 1. You may carry one weapon only 2. Non lethal magic is allowed 3. If a Minotaur catches you and holds you for 5 seconds, you are out and will be removed 4. You may take one minion with you and they may not touch the ball. Looking at you Necromancers Awwwee! 5. No help from outside the maze other than yelling
I’d like to thank our sponsor for the evening. Crazy Marvs fine ale. If it’s not crazy Marvs, it’s goblin piss. Crazy Marvs.
Please take your positions and place your bets. The game will start in 5 minutes.
Shaa and his friends run into a tunnel which leads to their starting point. The plan was to watch for the ball and run adjacent to it. Trying to run at it would only leave him chasing it down. He wanted to be where it was. This was going to be good.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Nov 12, 2022 17:25:46 GMT -5
Just after the rules were announced, a crackle came and was heard over the speakers.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we regret to inform you that local town council has canceled this year’s Minotaur run.
Shaa stared around the room aghast. But this was my year! He yelled very loudly.
We understand that several of you are will be upset and we share in your disappointment. Of course full refunds will be provided. Please see the desk on your way out.
For everyone else, the reason is simple. We have discovered an infestation of toxic slugs in the building. It’s sad that such slow moving creatures can ruin the fun for everyone but the staff feels that the risk to everyone else is too great. The bar will be closed until the fumigation finishes. We should be back up and running next year.
Shaa punches a wall in frustration and confusion. But so many people put in so much time working out the event! What kind of thoughtless inconsiderate jerk would bring toxic slugs into a bar?
Shaa knew there could be lots of reasons. I mean, who could anticipate a toxic slug infestation? Sometimes it just happens. No one’s fault really. It was highly unlikely that anyone would intentionally do something so rude. It was just a game after all. Real life concerns should always take priority and even a goblin could understand that. He was just disappointed that there was a lot of work and waiting around for nothing.
After getting his refund, Shaa left the bar in a huff. He noticed the small girl with the robots from earlier. It’s sad, he would like to have smashed some robots. Maybe they would meet again somewhere.
[END]
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