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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 3, 2022 8:56:17 GMT -5
There is not a whole lot to do out in the Zeinav desert as compared to lots of places in Charon. As a result, the natives of the desert come up with lots of interesting ways to entertain themselves. One such event is the annual “goblin toss” that occurs in the small village of Kap, just outside the Oasis. In truth, no one knew how the tradition started but every year, like clockwork, people show up to see how far a goblin can be thrown.
The oddest thing about the event was that goblins themselves came from all over to be thrown. They had somehow got it into their heads that it was an honor to be able to be thrown the furthest. So they competed..and cheated.. for the coveted “ tosser”, a makeshift trophy that was presented to the furthest thrown goblin. Mostly a dirty cup that no one really cared about, but practically gold to a goblin.
Shaa had heard about the event years ago and was here to witness the spectacle. And who knows, maybe toss a goblin or two.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 4, 2022 15:56:22 GMT -5
Zarius stands leaning against the wall of a building with his arms crossed, doing his best to stay out of the heat of the sun. He watches the crowds of folks from all over getting hyped up for the event and many goblins were already making side bets amongst themselves. Another tiefling, younger and with shorter horns that curl backwards along his skull but with that same charcoal colored skin and gold eyes approaches him and holds out some sort of kebab to him.
"It is sweltering out!" Exclaims the younger man.
"Mother warned you it would be hot." Zarius says while taking the kebab.
"I know but I could not stand to be cooped up in the house any longer. Not to mention father will not let me wander about Darkveil without supervision." He complains.
"It is not supervision, it is protection. You know that."
"I know, but still. I want to see the world too. I mean..." He glances about and spots Shaa and points. "Look at that impressive minotaur over there. I have never met one in the flesh."
Zarius glances over to where Shaa towers over the crowd then looks back at the impressionable tiefling that is his brother.
"Why do you not go introduce yourself then?"
"Oh! Uh, no, I could not possibly do that."
A mischievous grin spreads across his face. "Sure you could. In fact, I will help you." He grabs his brother's sleeve and starts towards the minotaur.
The younger tiefling panics but is ultimately dragged along, unable to escape Zarius' grip. "Wait, wait, Zarius! No, no, no, we should not bother them. They are clearly observing the event!"
He rolls his eyes. "Worst that will happen is that you will be ignored."
"No, worst that will happen is I am squashed flat."
Zarius laughs. "Do not worry, I will protect you."
"This is not protecting me!" The younger brother hisses under his breath as he is shoved forward. They step right up to the minotaur.
"Excuse us, are you going to partake in the event by chance?" Zarius looks up at Shaa with a friendly smile. His brother at his side just wears this expression of embarrassment and social awkwardness.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 4, 2022 18:10:40 GMT -5
Shaa scanned over the crowd checking out the various characters and possibly a goblin looking to get tossed. As he was reviewing the chaotic scene, a voice comes unexpectedly directed at him.
Excuse us, are you going to partake in the event by chance?
Shaa looked down at the two tieflings that were looking up at him expectantly. A younger and older one with enough similarities to be siblings most likely. The younger one looked to be a bit on the nervous side.
Shaa had been to enough of these kinds of events to be on his guard. Plenty of friendly faces could be pick pockets or brigands waiting for you to get careless. Truth be told however, most gave Minotaurs a wide berth as pick pockets were more likely to lose something vs gaining something from the interaction.
But there was something about the two that seemed innocent enough. Shaa usually trusted his instincts and his gut told him they were ok. Shaa gave a big broad smile and bent down low enough to be at eye level.
Why yes good sirs! Shaa said loudly with an overly dramatic flair. I am here to watch the tossing of goblins and perhaps do some tossing myself. Obviously this young sir (points to the young tieflings bicep) is an expert goblin tosser himself. Am I correct?
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 4, 2022 19:25:11 GMT -5
"Oh, no! Not me! I am not strong." The young tiefling shakes his head with a nervous laugh.
Compared to his brother, Karize was shorter and definitely not as toned. While he was an adult, he had this boyish quality to his facial features and even has a smattering of darker grey freckles across his face.
"It is true, he is quite pathetic." Zarius nods solemnly but still with a smirk on his face.
"Hey!"
Zarius snickers and folds his arms. He looks Shaa up and down. "Where do you hail from, stranger?"
He was pretty sure he knew the answer, but with how travel has improved in Charon, he would not be surprised to hear the minotaur was from somewhere unexpected.
He feels an elbow in his side from his brother and hears a whisper in his ear.
"Is it not proper courtesy to introduce ourselves first?" He asks.
Zarius rolls his eyes. "Conversations happen naturally, Karize, you do not need to follow the steps to the letter. Especially not in such casual circumstances." He looks at Shaa again. "I apologize, my name is Zarius and the twig next to me is my brother, Karize."
"Pleasure to meet you." Karize bows to Shaa out of respect.
"What may we call you?" Zarius asks.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 4, 2022 22:03:57 GMT -5
Shaa smiled at the pair. As far as he knew, he didn’t have any family anywhere except the centaurs who adopted him. He had made a lot of friends on his travels, and brothers that were made in blood and trial. He had always wondered what it would be like to have a real one.
It’s a pleasure to meet you little K….and big Z. Shaa snorted a bit. My name is Shaa Rhunn. In the Centaur language, it means “ Walker of the Unending Path” But you guys can just call me Shaa. Just don’t call me late for dinner. Shaa grinned. Im sure your wondering how a Minotaur was named by a bunch of Centaur, but that’s a story for a different day.
Some motion caught Shaa’s eye. Hang on guys….
From behind a stack of crates, two crusty looking Goblins stumbled into the open.
No no no Cras, my bones is light, my head is light! The cuppps is mine! Snarled the first goblin. He wore a dark vest and had yellow sunken eyes. He was missing half of teeth and probably more in places that can’t be seen.
Fool, fool! Snarled the second goblin I am the greatest of fliers. The cup is mine!
The two goblins rushed at each other and fell over, continuing to wrestle on the ground. Shaa rolled his eyes and picked up the goblins by the neck and carried them back to Zarius and Karize.
Sorry about that. As I was saying…Shaa casually finished his story all the while dangling the helpless goblins. But I talk too much. How about you? Where are you from?
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 4, 2022 23:18:52 GMT -5
Zarius grins toothily as Shaa speaks. He liked this fellow already.
"Perhaps after the event we can treat you to a drink in exchange for that story." He says.
Karize relaxes a bit, acknowledging that Shaa isn't interested in making any trifling pancakes on this day. He smiles at Karize more confidently and eyes him with this mix of awe and admiration.
His brother watches closely, nothing the look. It was a shame Karize was not as worldly as himself. If only the world wasn't such a dangerous place, then maybe things would be different. This cross-country jaunt to Kap was the best they could do for now.
Zarius follows Shaa's gaze and tilts his head curiously at the minotaur as he trudges over and breaks up the fight. The goblins hardly seem to care that a giant bovine man has just picked them up. Even in the mitts of the formidable minotaur, the two goblins never ceases to sqwabble. They swat comically at each other while dangling from his grip.
The tiefling laughs at the sight. "Looks like you have found your ammunition for the event."
Karize opens his mouth to reply to Shaa's question. "We hail from the-"
"The other side of the Zeinav Desert." Zarius interrupts, shooting his brother a sharp look.
"Oh. Yes, all the way on the other coast, in a small fishing village." Karize adds with a nod.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 5, 2022 7:59:36 GMT -5
Shaa takes note of the look and vague response. If these guys wanted to keep things close to the vest that was fine by him. That wouldn’t make the goblins fly any further, so to speak. Trust was something to be earned.
Well I’ll never turn down a good bit of ale. A fishing village hunh? Shaa said with a bit of a wry smile. Well maybe you boys casting techniques will come in handy today. He gives the goblins a hard shake. A fork, a couple buttons, a half eaten muffin and a mouse fall to the ground from the jostling. The two goblins start to whine.
Ok you two. Speaking to the goblins What are your names? The first goblin spoke up.
I is Pah, this Cras he said, jabbing his long nailed thumb at the other goblin. We best fliers, fly far. Cup is mine! Pah starts swinging violently at Crass and the two start going at it again. Shaa sighs, jams both goblins in one hand, and proceeds to walk over to a small barrel. With some deft agility. Shaa begins to juggle the two goblins and the barrel. The comical routine starts to draw a crowd including a muscly looking ogre.
Shaa juggles them faster and faster much to the crowds delight. Up, down, behind his back they go. As a finale, Shaa slams the barrel down and shoves the two inside so that only their heads are visible. Cras looks like he is going to be sick but at least they are quiet. Shaa gives Karize a wink.
The ogre walks over to the group.
Very good Minotaur. You have wrapped up these little gems very nicely for me. Might even give you a tip. The ogre begins to reach for the barrel. Shaa steps between them and stares at the ogre.
These guys are mine. Why don’t you go find some mirrors for your ugly face to break?
The ogre squared up with Shaa. They were about the same height but the ogre looked like he had been roughly hewn from a large bolder. You think you can stop me bull man? Snarled the ogre. The crowd could start to see the direction of the conversation. Some took cover while others started placing bets.
Bulls Strength Deflective Deflecting Palm
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 5, 2022 9:29:04 GMT -5
A nervous laugh leaves Karize. "No, no, I am content being a mere spectator. My brother is much stronger than I am."
This was true. Despite being much smaller than Shaa, he was clearly muscular in his own right. His athleticism was more akin to that of a gymnast or martial artist than a wrestler or barbarian.
"In fact..." Karize starts, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes as he glances at his brother. "Brother, why do you not give it a try?"
"I am afraid throwing goblins may be outside of my particular skill set." He could see what his brother was trying to do. Little sneak. It almost made him proud.
"Did you not throw a half-goblin at a witch once?" Karize asks.
Zarius just looks at Karize with a smile that came off as more threatening than jovial. Though Karize did not seem bothered by this. He knew his brother well enough to know those looks were not backed by any real anger or maliciousness.
The conversation ends as Shaa turns his attention to the squabbling goblins. Karize applauds at Shaa's performance. "He is very impressive, is he not?"
"I am not sure how much of a compliment that is coming from someone easily impressed."
Karize gives him a tired look. "You are the worst."
Zarius laughs at that. The mood then shifts as the ogre makes its way through the crowd and confronts Shaa. This was not a surprising outcome to be honest. These kinds of events were designed to bring out ones more competitive side. It was part of the entertainment to see contestants size one another up.
"Are they going to start a fight? Should we not do something?" Karize whispers to Zarius, his anxiety getting the better of him as they are surrounded by the crowd.
"Calm down. This is nothing to be concerned about."
Karize glances around at the people swarming around them. He tugs at the back of Zarius' clothes.
"Brother, please."
Zarius sighs. "Alright. Alright." He steps up to Shaa and the orgre, looking like an ant next to the two imposing figures. While he considers just shoving them aside, he figures that probably is not the best approach. While he was fairly strong himself, he doubts he'd be able to budge either of them from a stand still.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, there are plenty of goblins to go around. There is no need to start a fight. Let your skills speak for themselves in the event." He gives a sly look to the ogre. "It is bad form to try and snatch another contestant's ammunition. In fact, I dare say it suggests that you cannot win the contest using your own strength alone if you are so desperate to steal self-proclaimed 'best fliers'."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 5, 2022 10:19:22 GMT -5
The ogre looks down at Zarius incredulously.
There is no one gentle here fire spitter. Unless you are looking to become a smear on the pavement, you had better stick your nose out of it. The ogre let let out a large breath that smelled like something had died. Shaa had to stifle a cough.
As things started to escalate, two armed soldiers approached the group. The crowd immediately scattered.
Hey you two. No fighting at the event. That will immediately disqualify you.
The ogre huffed and slowly backed away.
No problem officers, just having a bit of fun yes? I will see you two later. The ogre gave a wicked grin, turned, and walked back into the crowd. The guards turned to Shaa.
You aren’t planning on causing any trouble are you? Your kind don’t make it very easy on us. Shaa would be offended at the implication but unfortunately he knew too many other Minotaurs and had to reluctantly agree with the guards assessment.
No no sir he said just tossing some goblins like everyone else. Shaa tried to whistle casually but he just ended up slobbering over the guards. They looked throughly annoyed and gooey.
For all the love….intoned the gaurds as they wiped themselves. Just keep it down!
Shaa turned back to the brothers. Sorry about that. Shaa picked up the barrel and shook it in front of Zarius. Sure you don’t want to give it a try?
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 5, 2022 14:46:18 GMT -5
Zarius is hardly bothered by the ogre's threats. Intimidation was an art form which this ogre did not have much finesse in, relying only on his physical appearance and strength. As the guards arrive though, he steps aside to let them deal with the situation.
Karize moved to stand close to his brother, looking even more nervous. Was it because of the tension which could lead to a fight? The situation was being deescalated, yet he seemed more anxious than before.
Zarius elbows him. "You are acting suspicious." He whispers.
"But..."
Zarius shushes him. "Just relax. They are not interested in us."
Karize fidgets until the guards turn and leave.
The older brother smiles as Shaa addresses them. "No harm done." He looks at the goblins in the barrel. They were curious creatures. Ugly, but still amusing in their own special way.
Karize seems to collect himself with Shaa's attention back on them and the dispersing of the crowd. "You should partake, brother. Imagine the look on the ogre's face if you were to best him."
"Would that make you happy?" He asks.
"Well, watching Shaa here beat you would be entertaining." He said with a smirk.
Zarius blinks and looks at Karize with an incredulous look. "You expect me to lose?"
"I expect Shaa to win."
"You brat." Zarius grumbles under his breath then looks at the goblins again. He sighs. "Alright, I will compete."
Karize shoots Shaa a smile. "I will be rooting for you!"
"Betrayed by my own blood." Zarius shakes his head in false disbelief.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 5, 2022 20:41:00 GMT -5
Shaa laughed and mussed Karize’s hair. You’ve got it little K.
Shaa thought it wise to check out the rest of the competitors. All of the sudden, he felt a rumbling.
Ummm but before that, we need to make a small pit stop. First rule of goblin tosses, never toss on an empty stomach. Let’s see if we can find something to eat. He rubs his hands together in anticipation. Shaa takes a quick scan of the various stalls and shops that invariably pop up at these kinds of events. If it could be fried or covered in sugar, it was probably around somewhere if you looked hard enough. After a minute or two, he spots something and points There.
Shaa motions the pair to follow him to a quirky stand on the corner. The stand has a hand painted sign that said CORNELLIOS STUMPS: VARIOUS AND SUNDRY, CLOSED ON MONDAY. It was times like this that being a well seasoned adventurer paid dividends. To the untrained eye, no one in would pick this well worn and curious locale to eat. The stall was manned by a grumpy werewolf named Oscar that Shaa had known for years. He had won the stall from the so named Cornellious the dwarf in a sketchy game of “ pass the imp” several years ago. Ever since then, Oscar ran the stall and seemed to go out of his way to scare off any would be customers. The most curious thing about the shop however, is they only sold 2 things. 1. A burned and smelly pie called “old shoe” that tasted even worse than it sounded. 2 The “special”
That is what Shaa was after. The special was an attempt by Oscar to make the most horrible thing in all of Charon. In a strange turn of events , as he continued to add the horrible things, something amazing happened, it was DELICIOUS. Somehow, with all of the horrible things combined and cooked the right way, it turned into the most amazing dessert ever. When people found out, Oscar worked day and night until he almost dropped from exhaustion. In frustration, he closed the shop until the legend of the dessert fled into history. He now only opens the shop randomly and the people who are in the know, take advantage and keep the secret lest Oscar disappear again. I can’t believe it… Shaa said, his mouth watering a little.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 5, 2022 21:05:25 GMT -5
Karize smiles and looks at his brother with a smug look. "I think I am the fellow's favorite."
"Congratulations on making your first friend ever." He says with a thick layer of sarcasm.
"Rude."
The two follow Shaa's lead through the crowd over to the conspicuous food stand. They exchange a brief look of doubt between them, but Shaa seemed confident enough in his choice.
Karize rummages around in his coin pouch and takes out a few Solar. "Uhm, here, mister Shaa." He offers the coins to him.
Zarius glances about the crowd around them while the two were preoccupied. Most people were not paying them any mind, but a particular group of individuals across the street caught his attention. They looked like your run-of-the-mill Zeinav bandits with ratty cloaks and sandblasted leather armor. At their sides a number of scimitar like blades and daggers. It wasn't surprising to see them hanging about and giving each person that passed an evil eye, but one of them was paying particularly close attention to their little group all the while chomping on the end of a blackened smoking pipe.
He couldn't tell exactly why this bandit was watching them so closely, but it was peculiar enough to give him pause. He steps closer to Karize just in case they tried anything. Karize was his responsibility while out here after all.
Karize hadn't noticed, he was too curious of the short menu and what the special could possibly be.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 6, 2022 0:22:00 GMT -5
Oscar looked particularly crusty as Shaa and the group walked up to the dilapidated stand. Looking the Minotaur up and down and taking a deep sniff, a small grin crossed his face.
So, what can I do for you? As if he didn’t know already.
Come on Oscar, you know why were here.
So, it’s a couple orders of “old shoe” is it? Said Oscar with a snicker. Shaa slammed his hand down on the splintered counter hard.
Don’t give me that Oscar….YOU KNOW I WANT…..the special he said with a little awe.
Shhhhh! Oscar looked around the crowd for no one in particular. How many?
3 Shaa pushed over the coins. After looking around, Oscar gave him three paper bags. Shhh.
Shaa motions to the group to back away. He hands two the bags over to Zarius. You’ll thank me later.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 6, 2022 8:26:59 GMT -5
Zarius takes the bags with Karize curiously hovering nearby. Zarius shrugs and opens the bag to inspect the contents. Karize watches him closely as he sniffs it. Seeing his brother leaning in, he scoops some out.
"Hey, Karize."
"Wha-mph!" Zarius quickly shoves some of the dessert into his brother's mouth and watches his reaction to the strange combination of ingredients.
Karize holds his hands up under his chin to avoid making a mess on the ground as he works through the mouthful. His eyes light up in delight.
He chews for a bit more and swallows. "This tastes amazing!" Zarius offers him the rest of the bag and he takes it happily.
"Well, you have not died yet, so I suppose it is safe to eat."
Karize coughs as he takes another bite. "You were using me as a tasting rat??"
Zarius just opens the other bag and monches on his share without any additional comment. The special certainly was special with its contrasting flavors and textures. Every bite resulted in a new sensation of the taste buds. He nods approvingly.
"This is surprisingly good. My compliments to your friend there." He says to Shaa, gesturing to Oscar.
"Is it rude to ask for the recipe? I would love to make this for the rest of our family back home."
"Considering it is called the 'special' I would assume the recipe is a closely held secret otherwise it would not be 'special' anymore."
"Oh, true. My apologies." Karize shoves another piece of the dessert in his mouth.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 6, 2022 11:12:02 GMT -5
Shaa laughed as they continued to snack. Honestly, it’s better for everyone if you don’t ask.
Feeling satisfied, Shaa motions for them to continue on. OK, the second rule of goblin tosses is, “Always pre test your goblins” Many a goblin chucker has fallen victim to failing to check the goblin before hand. Good way to get stabbed, or even worse, a dud.
Cras no dud! Crass excellent flier! Fly in sky, you see, you see!
You will forgive me if I don’t take your word for it. Said Shaa flatly. Pah snorted derisively.
Shaa looked around for a bit and finally found a large tent with booming sounds coming from the inside. Here we are.
As the entered the tent, several people were lined up next to various goblins, right behind a large cannon. The cannon was pointed at a hay stack a couple hundred feet on the other side of the tent.
Come in, come in , line starts there. The cannon was being operated by a pack of half crazed Gnolls. The Gnoll offfered the free testing services under the understanding if the goblin “ didn’t make it” they could keep the leftovers. All of the Gnoll here looked fat, a fact that slightly concerned Shaa about the cannons relative safety.
Cras also looked concerned. Cras fly, no want to go boom splat.
BOOM! The cannon fired and a random goblin went wizzing through the air. He was cruising well but overshot the hay by several feet and fell back to the ground with a sickening crunch. I fine! He squeaked. The Gnoll grumbled in disappointment.
On second thought, maybe we should try somewhere a little less…splatty.
As they were leaving, Shaa took note of several bandits hanging out in the back. Had he seen these guys earlier?
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