The Laughing Drow Tavern (Forgotten Realms - Open Thread

[Darby_]

OOC - This is an open thread based upon the FRPG D&D in the Forgotten Realms Setting. All are welcome but there are some basic rules

1) No steel shall be drawn
2) No openly agressive magic shall be used
3) The Hostess shall be obeyed in all things
4) Everyone must drink to sit
5) Everyone must pay to drink

The Inn is located along the base of the Storm Horn Mountains in northern Cormyr between Arabel and Tilverton.

Recent events in Cormyr have lead to significant unrest in the North. The loss of several leagons of Purple Dragons has resulted in an influx of adventurers. The Laughing Drow has become a central watering hole for those interested in exploring the Stonelands and the Thunder Peaks.



IC -

Vyvanna, the owner and hostess of the Laughing Drow sits behind the huge oak bar, whistling softly while polishing one of the hundreds of pewter mugs that line the wall behind her.

Vyv, as she is known to her friends, recently moved from Arabel to take posession of this inn. Her foolish uncle Tomac had been called up with the rest of his regional guard unit during the battle that had taken King Azoun's life. Rather than observe the battle from the rear with the rest of his unit, Tomac had willingly served as a messenger, running information and commands back and forth from the King's camp. Apparently, he had been in too great a haste during his final trip, his horse fell, and the rotund Tomac with it. The horse recovered nicely, Tomac broke his neck. So much for the glory of war.


Vyv had only had possession of the inn for a few days, and she was quite curious to see what type of characters might stop today. Already the northlands were swarming with adventurers.

 

[Darby_]

Looking over the room, Vyv realized evening was falling fast. As the last of the spring sunshine leaked from the room, a steady stream of additional patrons entered the Lauging Drow.

It was going to be a busy night for her serving girl Alicia.

In the corner sat a closely huddled group, their quiet words held a hushed excitement. Clearly, they were formulating plans for a grand new adventure.

Near the hearth stood a tall man, still wrapped in his traveling cloak. He kept his eyes downcast. Occasionally he would sip the wine in his hand.

Along the far wall sat two very grumpy men-at-arms. Vyv thought they might have once been Purple Dragons.

Setting the mug aside, she stood and walked to the door. Noticing but not responding to the intensity of the look given her by the two fighting men. She knew she was attractive. Long thick auburn tresses, the firm full figure of a woman at her prime, and the laughing green eyes always attracted men and children - pleasures Vyv rarely had time for.

 

[Third Magus]

The shadows were lengthening as Talion Jahar, known as sorcerer, witch-child and poet, made his way down the road to the Laughing Drow Inn. He was lean, with long dark hair tied back by a white headband and a cat's green eyes, walking with an easy, gliding stride. Talion was scant of years and many of wanderings, after the fashion of his kind. He made his way from village to town to city to village, telling fortunes, dabbling in lesser magics, performing services, sometimes in company, sometimes alone. As a child, they'd hounded and persecuted him, for the gifts and strangeness he possessed, until he'd learned to hide both.

He opened the door of the inn and strolled inside, his casual, relaxed air belying the caution he felt when entering any place. His eyes scanned the room in quick, darting searches; good, no old enemies (or 'friends') lying in ambush. He selected a table near the fire, and settled down there, waiting patiently for the barmaid to attend to him.

 

[Darby_]

Out of the corner of her eye Vyv noticed the stranger slip into the in and quietly sit in one of the darker corners.

Delivering a round of her best ventage Storm Peak's Reserve to a group of half-elves, Vyv turned toward the newcomer.

'evenin Sir, I hope the day's travel has brought you to the "Drow" safely, what can I fetch for you?

 

[Third Magus]

"Water, please", said Talion, smiling faintly self-deprecatingly, "Just water".

It was his own fault. On a foolish bet from a fellow adventurer (Tiris of the Emerald Flame), he'd once tried the legendary golden wine of Aeruin, that subtlest of liquors, which he and Tiris had been bringing for a wealthy patron; a mage of Waterdeep.

The golden wine had been everything it was fabled to be; a drink so strong and sweet on the tongue that henceforth all other wines and spirits tasted like vinegar. In the absence of the fabulously rare Aeruin wine, Talion could drink nothing but water.

It was, as Tiris had thoughtfully put it, probably something he'd look back on in fifty years and laugh at.

 

[Darby_]

Vyv's eyes narrowed slightly...

As you wish Sir, we have a fine spring out back, it brings to us the most wonderful, pure, cold mineral water. While it runs free day and night, I must, alas, charge you two coppers for the use of my beautiful pewter mug.

With a flash of her green eyes, and a bit of a saucy bounce to her step she left the stranger, taking requests as she crossed the room.

Strange bird that one, and well-worth watching. The quiet ones always spell trouble she thought with the wisdom of nearly a week's ownership of the "Drow"

Filling the various orders, she finally returned to the strangely beautiful newcomer.

Sir, your water.

Leaning forward to set the mug upon his table, she could feel the danger that surrounded the man.

Out of habbit, she flexed the muscles of her right thigh, feeling the reasuring firmness of the dagger stashed in the top of her wool stocking at the same time she cupped her right wrist where a second dagger was hidden under the flowing folds of her sleeve.

 

[Third Magus]

Talion reached into his belt-pouch and withdrew two dull copper pieces, placing them deliberately on the table. The depressingly light weight of the pouch reminded the sorcerer that funds from his last venture were running low. With any luck, something new would come up soon. It usually did.

He took a sip of the cold water, rolling it around his mouth reflectively, then nodded to the innkeeper, warily noting her left hand resting on her right wrist. A concealed weapon?

"The water", he said quietly, "Is everything you advertised it to be. As is the mug".

He let the silence draw out, carefully judging the moment to break it again.

"Surely you have not been running this place long? Last time I came this way, the innkeeper was a man. Tomas? Tomac? I don't recall".

 

[Darby_]

Watching the beautiful young man... Vyv replied

Yes, he is, was, my uncle. He fell, litterally, in the Kings service during the war of the dragon. I've come up from Arabel to run the Inn. Something of a change of pace for me, but my welcome was running thin there.

While Im new to the tavern business, I'm far from 'new' to business, so don't be getting any cute ideas.

With a wink she scooped up the coppers and turned to the bar..just a part of her hoping the mysterious stranger would call her back to the table.

 

[Third Magus]

Talion watched the innkeeper step away with a slightly arched eyebrow.

"Just a moment, please...", he spoke in a soft tone that was still somehow audible over the hubbub of the inn. He raised a hand in a mildly sardonic defensive gesture.

"No 'cute ideas' but... I don't know the clientele here. Would you care to join me for a glass?"

Thoughtful green eyes that reflected the light and gave away nothing regarded her. Talion smiled wryly. Innkeepers, even new ones, always knew the score. Perhaps she'd know of any jobs that were going.

 

[Darby_]

With her hips twisting a touch more than necessary, Vyv was not suprised when the stranger's voice softly cut through the tavern noise.

Turning her head back towards him as she continued to walk away, she said "I'll be back in a moment... let me call my help and I will join you"

Slipping into the back room, Vyv found herself fluffing her hair and tugging her blouse tightly against the curve of her ample breast.

Laughing at her sillyness.. that man.. boy.. must be young enough to be her son.. but he was fetching...

Calling out for Alicia, she filled a glass with a fine full-bodied red, too strong and too dry for most of her common customers. On impulse, she placed a second glass on the tray along with the bottle.

Walking back into the hubub of the common room, she could feel the stranger's eyes on her before she had taken two steps. Making a concious effort not to swing her hips more than necessary, she sat the tray down and slipped into the chair across from him, turning it slightly to give her a full view of both the doorway and the bar.

"So, you knew Tomac?" she said as she filled a glass for the slim young man.

 

[Third Magus]

Talion considered the wine, and politely sipped it, despite his disability.

"Not well", he said in response to his companion's question, "I was only here briefly, and travelling in some hurry due to..."

Here Talion told a story, speaking as softly as ever, involving an irate dao djinn, an imperious sorceress, two northern barbarians and a dead dragon's hoard. Parts of it were true.

"... and so I suppose she's still there, wandering on the Plane of Air", he finished. He eyed the innkeeper expressionlessly and added, with the merest hink of a wink "Of course, he didn't look to be as... rewarding company as yourself, in any case"

 

[Darby_]

Vyv considered the improbable story told by the smiling man. As the tale ended she smiled warmly.

"Do you charm all the tavern lasses with such stories of daring? It was a tale that Tomac would have loved, and rewarded. What is it, stranger, that I can give you in return for the entertainment you have given me?"

Vyv was usually not this forward with men, especially men she did not know well. This stranger, however, was both strangely attractive and in some way charming.

Getting Alicia's attention she called for another mug of spring water...

"Would you care to sample my kitchen skills?" she asked, with just the slightest hint that there may be other skills she could share.

 

[Third Magus]

Talion gave a crooked smile, and raised his glass in a mildly ironic toast.

"I should be delighted to try your skills".

Unabashedly, his hot green eyes dropped from her face to examine the breasts straining against her tight blouse, then moved up again, noting the ghost of a wicked smile on her lips.

"My name is Talion Jahar", he added, "I come from no place in particular, just as I travel in no especial direction"

 

[Darby_]

Smiling warmly at his inviting look I ask

"Would you like your supper here, or served in a more private setting?"

Watching his lovely green eyes move over my body, I am certain I know the answer.

Talion gave a crooked smile, and raised his glass in a mildly ironic toast.

"I should be delighted to try your skills".

Unabashedly, his hot green eyes dropped from her face to examine the breasts straining against her tight blouse, then moved up again, noting the ghost of a wicked smile on her lips.

"My name is Talion Jahar", he added, "I come from no place in particular, just as I travel in no especial direction"

 

[Third Magus]

Talion nodded.

"Perhaps retiring to somewhere more secluded would be no bad thing. After all, I prefer to enjoy my meals in privacy".

He slipped out of his chair gracefully, and extended a hand to her.

 

[Darby_]

Taking the strangers hand, she led im past the bar back into the kitchen area. Off to one side is a small private dinning room she sometimes rented to those with a desire to conduct business in private. When not engaged, it served as a place for her to catch a few minutes quiet away from the hubbub of the common room.

Showing him in, she turned. I will fetch us something, are you sure you will not have a glass of wine or ale?

Ill be able to hear you from the kitchen, so please feel free to speak if you wish.

With another wink she turned for the kitchen, knowing his eyes were watching the full roundness of her flanks in the tight fitting serving gown.

 

[Third Magus]

Talion let his eyes linger on the pleasant sight of the innkeeper's shapely rump moving away, her gown clinging like a second skin.

"No, nothing to drink, if you please", he called after her, somewhat recollected to himself, "I'm sure your cooking will prove sufficent..."

 

[Darby_]

Talion let his eyes linger on the pleasant sight of the innkeeper's shapely rump moving away, her gown clinging like a second skin.

"No, nothing to drink, if you please", he called after her, somewhat recollected to himself, "I'm sure your cooking will prove sufficent..."

Returning to the small dining room, Vyv carried two bowls of lamb stew and a half a loaf of bread. As she passed by the opening to the common room, she noticed a new warrior had entered the Inn.

Setting down the meal, she smiled at Talion.

"I hope you find everything to your liking."

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Tyrian Claderath

After three days on the road, the lights coming from the windows of the inn ahead of me were a very welcome sight. After stableing my horse and gathering my equipment, I made my way into the inn. When I entered, conversation lulled as the patrons looked me over, then it resumed to the normal level. I was all too familiar with the looks. I'm over six feet tall, and well built. I wear my black hair long, but ina warriors tail, and I had two days growth on my face. It is also unusual to see a young man ( I am only 19) waering a suit of full plate armor, especially if it is blackened, with the shield on my back also blackened. My bastard sword was sheathed over my back, the well-worn hilt sticking over my right shoulder. I dropped my saddlebags and pack on the floor beside me. When the serving girl came by I placed down two silver moons & ordered some food and drink. Leaning back, I took in the sight of the tavern. This was going to be a nice, relaxing place.

 

[Darby_]

Just as Vyv was about to sit down with the hypnotic stranger, Alicia the bar maid came running in.

"Ma'am, ma'am, there is some kind of a warrior priest in the common room, I think there is going to be trouble!"

"damn" Vyv said under her breath. "what could this be about now!"

Looking at her guest she said "care to check this out with me, I could use some back up if things get out of hand."

 

[Third Magus]

Talion nodded, and moved smoothly to his feet.

"I'm with you", he said, waiting to follow her out

 

[Darby_]

Winking at the attractive man.

"Keep your eyes on the problems.. not on my flanks"

Giving him a winning smile she slipped a dagger from the cupboard as she passed.

Entering the common room..

"What's all this about now?" she said with a loud voice

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Tyrian

"What's all this about now?"

I looked up from my stew to see a young woman of striking beauty stride into the common room. All conversation stopped as she surveyed the area, and finally settled on me. I finished my bite and put down my spoon as she strode twoard me with a very determined look in her emerald-green eyes.
I stood. "Care to join me M'Lady?"

 

[Darby_]

Re: Tyrian

With a snort, slowly rolling the dagger between my fingers like the street trickster I once was I respond

"M'Lady, who do you suppose would answer to that title in a place like this...?"

With a sweep of my hands I indicate the bar wench, the local toughs, and the few groups of travelers.

"Does the stew satisfy you, or is it a bit too rich for a pious man like yourself?"

Looking back at Talion, I motion him to slide to the side placing a heavy oak table between himself and the reach of that beautiful bastard sword sitting beside the black-plated stranger.

"You must be roasting like pig in all that armor. Tell me priest-warrior, what brings you to the "Drow" and how can I make your stay both happy and uneventful?"

[


QUOTE]Originally posted by Abraxas Winterlight
"What's all this about now?"

I looked up from my stew to see a young woman of striking beauty stride into the common room. All conversation stopped as she surveyed the area, and finally settled on me. I finished my bite and put down my spoon as she strode twoard me with a very determined look in her emerald-green eyes.
I stood. "Care to join me M'Lady?" [/QUOTE]

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Tyrian

I looked down at the woman. She was still beautiful, but I have had welcomes like this far too many times in my young life, and knew that trouble was probably going to be coming to meet me.
Priests and paladins of Tyr well well regarded in the lawful sectors of the Realms, but here out on the frontier, they were often regarded a interlopers, and sometimes worse. One only had to show that they followed the path of Justice, and their life became harder. Well, so be it.
" Some food and a night in a warm bed instead of the comfort of the ground was what I sought, not to argue the merits of my staying here, nor to see anyone harmed. I see that I am not welcome here, so I shall take my leave of this public tavern. Good eve, M'Lady."
Reaching down I picked up my pack and saddlebags, keeping my sword arm free. I would just leave. No honor would come to me on this night if I spilled blood over a womans discomfort of having a paladin in her home.