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Post by Zak on Jul 2, 2023 16:52:52 GMT -5
Zak takes off the bandana he has around his mouth and nose to keep out the ash that permeates the air, and wipes the sweat from his brow. He has visited the Ash Lands during his travels before, but it has never felt this hellish. Zak wouldn’t have been sent on this idiotic job if he hadn’t already been here in Darkveil City. He supposes it’s his own fault. After his initiation into the Mage’s Guild, he didn’t stick around. He’s been holed up with Mistress Serrafluer as her apprentice at Hawthorne Hall in Lilac Bay while the world has been collapsing around them. It’s time to stop hiding away in the woods. So as chaos is spreading across Charon, here he is, tasked with calming down a normally mundane door that is suddenly causing a ruckus. Zak moves into an alley several yards away from the Dancer’s Den, his hand reflexively petting Gray’s head. “You can’t come in with me, boy,” Zak whispers to the wolf at his side. With a resigned sigh, Zak pats the pack strapped across his chest, and the wolf slowly dematerializes. With Gray safely in his pocket dimension, Zak moves to the entrance of the Dancer’s Den and hesitates. Who is this 12-year old mage he’s supposed to meet? He supposes the child should be easy enough to spot. Taking a deep breath, Zak opens the door and enters the Dancer's Den, the familiar smell of stale ale and freshly cooked food assailing his senses. First things first. A good stiff drink will work wonders right now. Zak approaches the bar, sitting down at an empty stool. The bartender quickly fills his order with a welcoming smile. Zak sips his drink, and takes his time looking around the room. A world traveler, Zak is comfortable with all sorts of people, and the occupants of this tavern sure represent many parts of it.
Bringing Pets -Gray the Wolf (in pet pocket)
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 2, 2023 18:19:28 GMT -5
Astrid may be an accomplished twelve-year-old mage, but she doesn’t look anything like a classic mage or apprentice. After finding the Dancer’s Den in Darkveil (standing proudly and unaffected by the earthquake which is a huge juxtaposition from The Rookery that sits in shambles not so far down the street), Astrid heads on in. Her footsteps are heavy, and with each movement, her armor clinks together. From afar, she might be mistaken for a dwarven adventurer, which isn’t inherently wrong as she is a half-dwarf, but the two short red horns sticking out from her head tell the story of something else. (What that is, she’s not entirely sure of herself.) All she knows is that there’s a talking door here, and she’s supposed to meet a more elusive member of the Mage’s Guild in order to deal with it. Luckily, there aren’t a ton of people with white-streaked hair and lightning scars in Darkveil, so when she spots the man hanging over a drink at the bar, she tromps up, struggles slightly to climb into the stool beside him, then orders herself a fresh glass of apple juice to at least fit the scene and pretend she’s drinking ale (which she would if anyone would sell it to her.) “Ya don’t happen ta be Mister Zak, do ya?” Astrid asks, super casually peering over at the man beside her minding his own business.
Bringing pets: Spicy Pawsage - Dreadsnout (reflavored as hellhound) - in pet pocket Wimbleton - pixie, sleeping in her hood (does not count against npc cap) Quest Details: Quest Name: Talk to the Door Chapter: One Description: We need you to go talk to this door, it turns out he is bored and lonely and just wants some company. So our members are being tasked with going and just talking to it, telling it about yourself, your life and the world outside the dancers den. You can share with it whatever you want, just keep it company. Requirements: - Requires at least two people (you and one other, the other does not need to be interested in the guild) - You must make at least 6 post with each post being 150 words to complete the mission. - You must have a conversation with the door and keep him company - Once you complete this mission you have finished this quest line
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Post by Zak on Jul 2, 2023 20:53:21 GMT -5
Growing weary of watching the patrons of the tavern, Zak’s mind wanders to thoughts that he can’t seem to keep buried. There’s no sense in wallowing, he scolds himself. What’s done is done. His morose musings are interrupted when a small heavily armored figure clambers onto the barstool next to him. This must be her, he thinks, a wry smile appearing on his face. Zak has had many encounters with street smart kids throughout his journeys, and this kid… Definitely gives off the feeling of a seasoned adventurer. Interesting, he muses, curiosity piqued.
When she addresses him, Zak smiles warmly, troubling thoughts pushed away for the time being. “Well, hello there,” Zak replies. “Not …M …Mister. Just Zak, please. You’re uh, uh…” he trails off, grimacing as he racks his brain trying to remember her name. Had they even told him her name? “…with the Mage’s Guild, eh? Nice to meet ya. I've been away for a bit, but glad…” his words cut off suddenly as a loud voice booms, heard above the din of the crowded tavern.
“COME BACK HERE CRETINS!!”
Two kitchen workers come rushing out the kitchen door at the back of the tavern as if being chased by a demon. The innkeeper, Layla, scurries after them, murmuring assurances. “It’s harmless,” she pleads. “Just ignore it.”
“PEA BRAINS! GET BACK HERE NOW!!”
Layla’s frown is evident as she slams the kitchen door shut, muffling the shouts. “I ain’t takin’ it no more. …I quit,” one of the workers yells as they make a straight beeline out of the bar. The other worker stops to catch her breath, and turns to the innkeeper. “It’s …it’s just, …sooo mean,” she moans as she turns and storms back to the kitchen, smoothing her apron in exasperation.
Zak turns to his fellow guild member with a grin. “I guess that's our cue, eh? Ready to soothe the hackles of some snarky door?” Zak chuckles. "Have to admit, ...not really sure how to prepare. I mean, ya don't run into talking doors every day, if ever. ...I mean, I, ...I haven't, have you?" he asks with a raised eyebrow.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 6, 2023 21:52:07 GMT -5
“No Mister..?” Astrid asks. It takes her a moment to realize she actually said that at all. At this point, it just rolls off the tongue. “Just Zak then… Alright! Nice ta meet ya, too. I’m Astrid!” But of course, they can’t get pleasantries out of the way before the ruckus starts up. How rude of this supposed talking door to interrupt small talk!
She watches the two workers bemoan the situation then looks at Zak. “Aye, I’m ready! Whatever it takes! Won’t be the weirdest thin’ I ever dealt with!” Then she downs her whole entire mug of apple juice and slams the empty mug on the counter…a bit too hard. The glass of the mug cracks and shatters, leaving only the handle in her hand. “Oops…”
If Layla could look any more tired by that, she would.
“I’ll pay fer it!” Astrid insists, hopping off the stool. As she fishes in her coin purse, she glances to Layla. “We’re here from the Mage’s Guild ta take care of yer door situation!” This time she reaches out to place the coins on the counter more gently.
“If you can take care of the door situation, then drinks (and glass) are on me,” Layla says, jabbing a thumb at the back room. “Have fun.”
“We will! Come on, Zak!”
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Post by Zak on Jul 7, 2023 22:08:45 GMT -5
Startled, Zak chuckles when the mug shatters. It feels so good to laugh, he muses, enjoying Astrid’s bravado. Taking on an adventure with this intriguing young mage feels like the perfect distraction from the whispers that have plagued him as of late.
Determined to undertake this venture with a light heart, Zak smiles at Astrid. “Let’s do this,” he says as he gathers his belongings and follows her. They make quite a pair -a tall nomad led by a young half-dwarf- as they stride through the tavern and into the kitchen. Zak is surprised to find anticipation rushing through him, excited to see how this all plays out. Been hidden away far too long, he muses, pleased to be reminded how it feels to venture into the unknown. An adolescent mage comrade? A talking door? Here we go.
Zak's pace quickens as he follows Astrid down the narrow steps. Strange. The door appears to be taking a break from its recent outbursts. No sound can be heard except the clank of Astrid’s armor. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, the dimly lit cellar comes into view. Bushels of food stuffs and barrels of ale line the walls. Not surprisingly, the focal point of the room is a large ornate wooden door in the center of the far wall. Cautiously Zak begins to slowly move closer to the door, prepared for anything. Still several paces away, no face or shadow (Zak's not sure what to expect) is visible yet when he whispers, “Hello,” Zak's voice a tad unsteady.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 11, 2023 20:04:24 GMT -5
From afar what appears to be simple patterns of eyes in the grain on the wood begin to morph and take shape. Heavier shadows cast from looming shapes over convex eyes forming in the wood show the shapes of brows, one of which is raised suspiciously. Various ridges rise to the surface and give this door a beak-like nose and pursed, pouting lip.
“Oh, how wonderful, more guests,” the door snarks, each syllable drawn out and more disappointed than the last.
“Whoa, the talkin’ door is real!” Astrid exclaims, her green eyes gaining a golden glimmer in the darkness. “Nice ta meet ya! What’s yer name? I'd shake yer hand, but ya ain't got any.”
Eyeing this boisterous child up and down, the door almost seems to turn its nose up at her. Alas, it cannot, for it is only a door. “You may call me Doorfenshmirtz.”
“Bless ya.”
“Pardon me?”
“I said bless ya. Gazoontite! Or whatever it is folks say when ya sneeze.”
Night vision
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Post by Zak on Jul 12, 2023 20:49:17 GMT -5
Zak can’t help the smile that spreads across his face as Astrid interacts with the door. It really is a talking door. A pompous one at that. Zak moves closer to get a better look, fascinated. Is this a result of the loosening of the planar veil? A sentient door? Animated? Or is it an entity trapped within the door?
“Humpf,” the door huffs disdainfully. “Doorfenshmirtz is my name, you ninny. Not some bodily function.” If the door could scowl, the wood above those sculpted brows would have splintered.
“Hey now, Doorf… No need for name calling,” Zak scolds. “My colleague’s name is Astrid and I’m Z’Khrta Putok.” Zak's voice deepens as he declares his given nomadic tribal name, emphasizing the consonants with clipped, guttural sounds. “But everyone calls me Zak. Much easier on the tongue. Like Doorf.”
“D’, Doorf? How dare you?” Doorfenshmirtz scoffs. “Don’t need, …or care to know your names. Won’t be around long enough for that.” If a door could turn their back... Hmm. Is that a trace of wistfulness I hear? Zak wonders.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 15, 2023 16:24:19 GMT -5
Astrid already quite struggles to pronounce certain common language words from time to time, so when Zak states his true name, her brow furrows as she tries to imagine how that might be spelled then quickly gives up. She’s much better with numbers than letters, after all.
However, the door, aptly named Doorfenshmirtz, is rude to them both, even if they’re trying to be nice and polite. Astrid crosses her arms and shifts her weight to one hip with a disapproving look on her face. “Well, ya certainly won’t be around fer long if yer gonna be treatin’ folks like that,” she says sternly.
There’s a groan from the wooden door as the wood creaks. “Ohhh, heavens, what ancestor would put me in the situation to be chastised by a child?” Doorf bemoans. “What could I have possibly done in a past life to deserve this??”
Astrid looks over at Zak with a quizzical look. Does the door remember its life as a tree or something even further beyond that?
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Post by Zak on Jul 19, 2023 21:30:17 GMT -5
Zak grunts, stifling laughter. In all his travels, he couldn’t recall ever being in this absurd of a situation before. How do you handle a rude, possibly depressed, door? There’s certainly a story here, and getting the door to tell the tale might just be the solution.
Catching Astrid’s questioning glance, Zak’s first instinct is to shrug, but nods instead as if he knows what she’s thinking. Whatever it was, he’s fairly certain that getting the door to talk is the only way to get answers. Zak faces the door and takes a deep breath. “We don’t mean to chastise you. It’s just that…” Zak hesitates, stopping himself from doing exactly that. No more scolding. That won’t get them anywhere. “Well… er, we, …we just wanted to say hello. Didn’t mean to intrude, but I would think you don’t get much company. How long ya been down here? You, …you mentioned ancestors.” Zak pauses, hoping the door responds without its usual snark.
Doorfenshmirtz harrumphs, “Company, huh? Rapscallions and scoundrels, the lot of them. Always coming down here and making a racket. Not even a ‘bye your leave’ or nothing.” The door’s quiet for a few moments before continuing, its voice less strident. “I don’t know exactly how long I’ve been trapped here, but it feels like eternity.”
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Jul 22, 2023 19:45:12 GMT -5
“An eternity must feel like a long time,” Astrid says, finding a sack of grain to plop down on. This isn’t the worst seat in the cellar. She’s slept on worse. “Seems like folks are just used ta ya bein’ down here or somethin’ like that. Maybe they don’t think nothin’ of it ‘cause they just think yer a door. But aye, how does a door have ancestors, huh?” It’s a curious thing for the door to have mentioned.
“I have ancestors the same way you have ancestors, child,” Doorfenshmirtz says as if that’s something that should be obvious to everyone in the room.
“Bein’ rude ta folks ain’t no way ta get ‘em ta treat ya nice,” Astrid chides. “Did ya not used ta be a door?”
The raised lumps on the door’s surface furrow like a brow as Doorf considers this. “It’s… strange to say the least. I have many memories of my days in my current state. Who knows how long I have been down here. But there are times when I see glimpses of a world and recall knowledge that I could not have possibly gotten on my own were I always holed up in this frame and locked in place. I am told doors do not talk, that I am an anomaly, so I often wonder if I had a life before, and if I did… what was it like?”
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Post by Zak on Jul 26, 2023 14:16:21 GMT -5
Zak finds his mind and gaze wandering while Astrid and Doorf speak. The entity in the door has no idea how or why they ended up trapped in a door, and Zak can’t for the life of him think of any way to help. No solution to that problem seems likely. When faced with a no win situation lacking the possibility of danger, Zak’s stoic indifference tends to kick in, and today is no different. When nothing can be done, it’s time to move on. As his gaze wanders, Zak notices a keg with a spigot standing against the far wall, a couple of mugs perched on its cover. Zak strides over and fills a mug for himself. He picks up a second mug to fill for Astrid, and then thinks better of it. Taking a sip of his ale, he glances at Astrid and rethinks his disinterest. Meeting a fellow Mage Guild member makes this otherwise worthless endeavor not a complete waste of time. Zak strolls back over to Astrid, wishing he could just converse with the young mage instead of dealing with the damned door. Unfortunately Doorf obviously still needs something from them before they move on. But what? Zak sure isn’t in the mood to repeat their previous advice, so he tries a different tack.
“So sorry to hear that. Must be hard to not know your past. Have you ever asked anyone to investigate? Perhaps these runes on the door are clues,” Zak says, and takes another sip of ale.
“Forget about clues. Once a long time ago, a noble adventurer tried to find leads for me and came up empty. I’m resigned to my fate. Just wonder sometimes,” Doorfenshmirtz whines, and pauses, seeming to make a decision. “Stop. Enough about me. No more questions.” It might be his imagination, but Zak could swear he can sense the intensity of the door’s stare even though the visage in the door did not have definitive eyes. “How about… how about… you tell me about yourselves?” Doorf asks haltingly. Zak frowns and casts a questioning glance at Astrid. Perhaps helping Doorf boils down to simply entertaining the curmudgeon. As an added bonus, it also offers Astrid and him a chance to get to know each other, Zak’s new main goal for this job. “So, Astrid,” Zak says, a warm smile spreading across his face at the opportunity. “Where do you hail from?”
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Aug 1, 2023 17:10:02 GMT -5
Astrid really isn’t sure how to help Doorf. All in all, the guy…door…thing… seems lonely. He really needs something to focus on other than himself, so she’s happy to oblige when he turns the conversation back towards them. After all, Astrid hasn’t met anyone new in the Mage’s Guild yet – the mysterious Mister Zak is the only new person she’s met in a while.
Part of her hopes he’ll hand her her own flagon of ale, but she sees him put the other mug down, and her dwarvish excitement deflates a bit. Oh well. Sneaking a bit of drink can be left for another time.
“Erm, if I had ta guess, I’d say I’m from Dragon’s Cradle,” Astrid says. “Well, at this point, it’s the place I call me home, so aye, Dragon’s Cradle it is. I live there with me da and me best friend. They’re in the guild now too! Do ya know Cantio or–” She pauses, considering what Blue might call themself. “–Wolfe?” Granted, it seems like Zak’s been in the guild a long time, so he might not know the newcomers too well, especially since it seems like he’s just emerged from the shadows himself.
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Post by Zak on Aug 10, 2023 18:48:32 GMT -5
The door, Doorfenshmirtz, …whatever it is… became background noise as Astrid spoke. Her words ‘If I had ta guess’ whet Zak’s curiosity. There’s definitely an interesting story behind those seemingly innocuous words. But before Zak can ask for more details, Astrid says something else that sparks his interest and makes his thoughts move in a whole new direction. …A name. A familiar name. A mage? Could it be the same bard he had adventured with? –How long ago was that? Seems like eons ago.--
Zak can’t help but chuckle as he remembers the fellblood and their escapade at sea against the cultist pirates. With a delighted grin still evident on Zak’s face, he looks at Astrid and says, “I once traveled with a fellblood Bard named Cantio. Is that your friend? I mean, if it's the same person, I assume he’s the best friend you spoke of, not your da. The Cantio I knew didn’t have any children that I knew of.” Zak looks thoughtful. “Not that I would have necessarily known, now that I think about it.”
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Aug 10, 2023 19:11:05 GMT -5
Oh, so Zak does know him! “A red fellblood minstrel named Cantio, aye that’s me da!” Astrid proudly proclaims. “S’pose we started out as friends sorta,” she continues. “He an’ some of his friends helped me off the streets in Sky Peak. He’s a real nice person, so I liked him right from the start. When we were at this big fall ball, we were playin’ Truth or Dare with some other folks, an’ I dared him ta be me da. Figured he’d probably say no an’ I could play it off as part a’ the game if I had ta, but he said he would, soooo now he’s me da!”
The half-dwarf couldn’t look any happier retelling the story of how she got adopted. It’s one of the best things that has ever happened to her, and Cantio’s been a really big support for her. She’d tear the world apart to protect him.
“How did ya meet Cantio? Was it when he got into the guild? Or didja run into him before that?” Astrid looks at Zak expectantly, perching herself to sit on a crate with bright eyes and a never-fading smile.
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Post by Zak on Aug 19, 2023 18:13:28 GMT -5
Zak smiles as Astrid speaks of how she met and became family with Cantio. Her story sure portrays the bard he knew. How delightful to think of the escapades they had shared.
“No, it was way before I joined the Mage’s Guild,” Zak replies. “I met him through a mutual friend, a goblin, actually. It was a perilous journey, at sea of all places. I believe we do owe each other our lives. It would be wonderful to see my old friend again.”
A chortle emerges from the wooden surface of the door. Is that a laugh? “Did you say this Cantio person became your dad based on a bet?” Doorfenshmirtz snorts, speaking for the first time in several minutes. “How wonderful! To make your own family.”
Zak directs his smile at Doorf. “Yes, the perfect solution to loneliness.” An idea forming, Zak continues, “Perhaps if you’re cordial to those that visit the cellar regularly and ask for their stories, you can make your own found family. What do you think?”
“Perhaps,” Doorfenshmirtz says quietly, his countenance no longer pouting and dour. “I’d like that, I think.” Any previous knots and divots in the wood now seem to be shiny and smoothed out. “Simply try to be kind from now on. Sweetness breeds compassion from others. While bitterness only brings loneliness,” he says, shrugging. “Up to you.” Did they finally soothe the savage beast? Wonderful. Zak’s quite ready to be done with it all.
“Astrid, I believe we’ve done all we can here. Bye, bye Mister Doorfenshmirtz,” Zak says as he moves to exit the cellar. Turning to Astrid, he asks, ” Where are you off to next? It’s quite a trek, but my next destination is Maarzeric Island. Been working on purchasing a home there, and I need to go there to finalize the deal.”
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