The Wonderland Four House War IC Thread ( Slots still open for writers)

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For those of you who have been following the thread or wish to join (http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=729492) it is now time to begin the actual play. Thanks in advance to all those who inspired me by showing interest, and creating such interesting and creative characters. This is the beginning of a fun and erotic fantasy adventure thread. Four mighty houses are vying for control of the magical lands collectively know as Wonderland. We begin ten days prior to the Autumn Ball, this will give players time to make their way to the ball, and familiarize themselves with the world.

Setting the Stage....

Jerusalem is already beginning to fill with people as court is about to begin in the ancient Wonderland city. Many people are anxious about what will transpire at this meeting of the nobles and their leaders, because while court means lavish parties and many pleasurable activities there are a number of items up for vote.

The Queen of Hearts is once again pushing to become red empress of all of Wonderland, but this doesn't even have much support from her own court. Her other idea, which is to form a Grand Army and Navy under one united banner has some support, but it is suspected that once one is supreme leader or field marshal of the army whichever house control that leader will effectively have control over all of Wonderland. Of coarse there our always the matters of trade, territoriality disputes to discuss, and as usual gossip about Alice.

If you're a noble you've already been invited by your own court to attend though it isn't mandatory. If you're an independent noble or merchant your attendance isn't automatic, but most likely you will secure an invite (I will post specific things for each character). Coming through the looking glass, well you'll most likely appear in the area of Plum Knolls Province which is not far from the border. From it's rolling hills you can see the spires of the city, and find local settlements to trade and get information (more on those later).

Each Wonderland month has exactly 30, and the year is 12 months long, and those coming through the rabbit hole will find that time isn't the same in their world back home. For example one might leave Wonderland during a marathon of their favorite TV show, and though they spend months even years in Wonderland they can return and still catch the end of the marathon. Plan to go to a party later in the evening, leave in the morning and spend a week and return with time to spare.

 

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Starting position...

William Scarborough Hatter Esquire "Mr. Hatter"

You find yourself going into the fall reviewing all of your businesses making sure fall fashions are in stock for all the ladies and gentlemen in the region along with other activities. Your two factories are in different regions with one in Red Heart territory, and the other sitting in Spade territory less than a day's ride from the capital. You have homes on both the factory grounds and both are similar in production and layout. Each home has a large kitchen, good library, and a tea room.

At the moment you're in Red Heart territory, and one of your ships, the Carpe Diem has just arrived at your docks filled with material (bolts of cloth, timber, and other more exotic items). Your other vessels are off plying your their trade on nonspecific missions searching out items to be sold in your stores, but they can be contacted. The Central river can be navigated to the capital of Jerusalem, by your ships, but it will be difficult at best.Your personal train is in the rail yard, and you have access to company coaches and horses.

The vast majority of your workers reside in Brookley Downs, this small city is prosperous largely thanks to your high wages and skilled craftsmen. It stands at the edge of the forest and is mainly constructed of granite. It is defended by an elite band of mercenaries and its most noteworthy feature is the yearly harvest festival. Besides a quarry and good timber reserves the railroad and harbor employ many. The Brookley Downs Times is the local paper, and most items can be found in the city or easily obtained in a timely fashion. Humans make up the largest group of residence, but many other groups including elves are moving to the city.

Inns in the city include The Horse and Priest, traditionally a church lodging it has expanded and offers fine wine and good hardy meals. The clergy that operate this establishment also operate a string of chapels/Inns along the main highway to many major cities and are located near train stations. The Weeping Boatman's Bar is an inn which rents rooms to sailors by the month and prostitutes by the hour, it has great seafood though and many attractive wenches. The Knight's Saloon is by the town's modest jousting grounds, and is great place to meet knights and minor nobles.

Your executive secretary Claudia Cromwell has striking raven hair and eyes of radiant hazelnut. She is a foreign heiress endowed with astounding markswomanship. She can be recognized by all in the company as hard working and fair minded woman, and by you as your spy master. You will receive reports from her regularly, but feel free to ask questions.

As to court you'd planned to attend simply, because some of the wealthiest people in the Four Kingdoms will be there, and they will be trying to outspend each other. Along with them there are many other merchants eager to make deals, and you will know exactly how politics will effect your business situation. Never mind princesses and ladies from all over the realm will be there.

Thanks to your regular travels you can secure room at almost any inn, and will probably be able to find a business contact to stay with as you wish. You can count on your employees in your area stores. Also you've been asked to speak to a number of trade groups, so they'll like be able to offer you lodging for at least a few nights. You've also secured an invitation to the Grand Autumn Ball in what is being called the event of the year.

It is time to make plans....

 

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American college town of New London: Phoebe Harper

Phoebe Harper you find yourself in an enviable position with residence near the university library. A professor who is a friend to you and your parents owns a lovely town house just a block away from New London Coffee House, so you enjoy free Wi-Fi, and no rent at least until the professor returns from studying abroad. All he asks is you watch over his residence and maintain it, he's left you a small account to take care of routine expenses.

The property is accessed by a stairway from the cuber to the second level where there is a living room, dinning room, and large kitchen with a bathroom. The back door leads out to a lovely garden with a green house. The basement or ground level has two largely finished but empty rooms, a full bathroom and a boiler room. The third level has roof access and has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

You've been given permission to rent rooms out to your friends to help with the expenses.

Now you've left it open as to whether your character has been in Wonderland or not already, so let me know what is going on...and please request more detail if you want it.


The other side of the Looking Glass (information for all, I hope lil geek still wants to join us)
Now not all residence of Wonderland are native born, the first person to come to mind of coarse is Alice, but she has since taken charge of that route to Wonderland. Recently though another popular route has been used to go back and forth between Wonderland and the real world. It is all happening in the American college town of New London.

The town was laid out to mirror the old English capital centuries back, but it has grown into a thriving college town with a large state university and small community college that shares its large library. The University library which is accessible to students 24 hours a day sits on the edge of campus where the coble stone campus streets give way to the asphalt of New London's streets.

The Journal Square area was named for the town's paper the New London Journal which is headquartered just a few blocks down on New London Street. Before you get there you'll pass a number of local shops including The Toy King's Armory where one can find huge bins of miniature soldiers for war gaming in the large two storefront multilevel shop.

Across the street on the corner is the New London Coffee house a popular student hangout with free wi-fi and comfortable couches. For a game of chess or a good debate there is no better place, and regularly has students doing everything from belly dancing to acoustic guitar. Those who want to throw back a few cold ones with friends while enjoying large cheeseburgers Bekker's is the place to be and most students have fond memories.

Bekker's isn't the only place to drink though and for most on campus you need to stop at the Lion and the Unicorn and old style pub that will serve you a variety of beers along with your bangers and mass. It's diagonal from the library and most cut across the square passing the center island where there is a lovely fountain and go in to the pub and blow off some steam while watching one of the large screen TV's.

In the basement patrons will find the bathrooms and across the narrow hallway is the keg room. Most never notice the dusty mirror hanging on the wall, but those who do and wipe it down and stare long enough will find themselves in Wonderland. I few drunken patrons have stumbled through and looked around in disbelief, and if they turn around fast enough and head back through they'll find themselves on the basement floor no worse for wares. Those who think they're outside and wander off or take a moment to pee will find they way they've came cut off, but there is a town nearby, it just happens to be in another world.

Around Journal Square you'll find a gas station, 24 hour convenience store, and a small stationary store. There is also an old church with a small cemetery, but the other best own attraction is St. George's Book Store. The store has been around since the 1970's and is unique in the fact that it was a niche store long before the idea became poplar. It sells novels of action and adventure whether they're science fiction, pulp novels, or real life tales of actions and adventure.

Many students will spend all four years working at the store and some even longer. While action and adventure are the staples of the store if a student requests something special like a text book or book of poems the staff will be happy to fill their order. The store occupies the third corner slot in a building which once was a small department store, so there is tons of space for shelf after shelf of old and new novels, and tables where patrons can sit down and flip through their book before purchasing.

On the first level well in the back there are a number of tall book shelves that are separated by a few feet and display find wood work. Most of the older staff say they came with the store and are simply to beautiful to remove, that and they're very heavy, but someone has been moving at least one regularly. Behind the center shelf on the right side of the building is a rather large rabbit hole. This hole doesn't cut you off, but seems harder to find back on the Wonderland side.


I hope this helps all parties that are interested in role playing a character from the real world. More details to come about visits back and forth. If you want to add something please just ask...this will be fun.
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Surrey Cat Some where between territories...

Surrey after your latest adventure at the Town and Country Hotel you think it best to head out of town for awhile. It was a good run though with your purse becoming fat after hustling a half a dozen local nobles in this lovely rail stop over town. You also did some performing on stage, and like any good performer you know when it is time to move on to another town. Mr. Shaub while he maybe a closet lover of S&M and prostitutes it is safe to say he'll be very embarrassed about what happen, and his wife and associates at the bank none to pleased. That shame will lead to anger and he's more than able to send people after you if they can find you....

You have a few options before you, and the sooner you're on the road the better regardless of which you pick. Now there are other towns in the Red Heart and Duchess's territories, or you can head to the small independent strip of territory where you have friends and resources. You know about court being shifted to Spade territory, and it might be time to join the droves of nobles in Jerusalem. You can ply your trade in any of them where you can work as performer, escort, or assassin. Large the city or town the more opportunities you have.

The Red Heart territory has been rough as of late since the Queen through her husband has passed a number of new laws cracking down on independent prostitution. Those working that trade must be licensed and attached to a brothel or have an official arrangement as a mistress. You've heard from travelers independent women are being taken to the dungeons or paying hefty fines. Still though there is money to be made and most local constables don't have the time to enforce such laws.

The Duchess's territory has always been welcoming with lavish parties, and many nobles willing to keep you on for weeks at a time. The money has always been good and you've always left with a full belly and plenty of contacts, and even some marriage offers. What is different this year though is the Duchess's is actually going to court in person. She normally only sends a representative, so every inn and royal table is gossiping about why. Her territory is the largest of all independent nobles, and is all most as large as any of the four kingdoms. Still though you can do business and get leads.

For you though the independent territory means getting to visit The Four Gardens Tavern, your home base. Mrs. Appleton always has room for you, fresh food, and plenty of information from her travelers. It's a good place to stop off and rest awhile, and even if your sister isn't there, well there is a chance there is a message from her waiting. It is on the way to Jerusalem though not directly.

Method of travel also presents a few options, and dangers. You could take rail the whole way and stations are all over the country side, but since you need to cross the border count on the Red Heart l border patrol checking you at the train. You can get to your home base easily though by train or road, and stations through out the lands mean you won't have to always go directly to one place.

You can consider the roads which while not always well maintained in all sections they're all laid out well and can easily be followed. There are highway men though, and planets and monsters have been known to attach others on the road.

Whether you have your gypsy cart or it is sitting back at your home base is up to you, but if you have it you can carry a lot more. Also you can take passengers or cargo for profit, but that is up to you. If you don't a horse is easy enough to steal, but that is up to you...many paths to choose from, so let me know what you plan to do...

 

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Jak Von Goddag, The count Gladia of Gladia Glen....

The days have been nothing but enjoyable at the Sword and Flask Inn. You've passed your days gambling and playing chess with the nobles, wrestling and throwing darts with the soldiers and craftsmen, and ate and drank as much as you've liked. You've hunted with your dogs, and passed your nights with Venus or other lovelies. Venus is not conscious for when she is shipped, but when out around your room in the inn she does some lovely paintings of her own, and partakes of much of the fresh fruit left behind. She even shares some time with in the bathhouse.

Your study of Halbred and Spear Manufacturing has taught you enough that you know how to setup a shop and start production, but you will need the help of other professionals to make it happen. Thanks to your Ether Modem you have clear picture of the weather for the weeks to come, and what will be in fashion in the capital when you arrive. Your ship is being refitted from it's last adventure, and only has a skeleton crew. Your weaver business is busy as always, and the inn as you can tell is even turning a good profit as travelers pass through on the way to the capital.

Your advanced planning was wise, not just because so many are traveling to the capital, but because of the letters you've received. Your father has sent you a sealed letter demanding that you join the family at court for all three months, and you keep busy. As in the past he's agreed to let you find your own residence, this largely because of the bed partners you've brought home over the years. He's noted that if you don't find someone acceptable to bring to the ball he will pick someone for you, and there is a chance she will also be your future fiancée.

Within days of your father's letter an official messenger from your regiment's headquarters arrives. He brings you an official letter along with instructions that he is to be your squire and remain with you in the months to follow. Prince Michael Jonathan Antony von Cortia who has bright red hair and light blue eyes, he is tall and thin. He has no brothers and one sister. He likes architecture and cards, and is from a minor noble house. What you know of his family lands is that they're mostly small farms and few inns and gambling houses. He has very little with him when it comes to personal belongings and has only brought one mount with him and that was the one given him by the regiment.

The letter reads that you're to report to regimental headquarters at the beginning of the first week of court earlier if possible for inspection. You will have to show off your uniform, full armor, and light armor, and horses and official weapons, and have personal arms approved. While you're not required to stay in quarters you're expected to be on duty at the headquarters at least two days a week. Meals will be served three times a day, chapel services, and while it is not required you are on call for your whole stay of court so have some form of uniform accessible at all time. Welcome back to the army.

A business contact has been able to secure you a room in a lodging house as long as you do some business. The Smiling Raven Hall is located in the new city section of Jerusalem and isn't just one inn, but rather one of nine located around the new city. They offer basic rooms and good food and most traveling merchants take advantage of them. This one located only blocks from your regimental headquarters proudly flies the Spade flag, and is geared towards business people. It has many common rooms to sit and talk while you eat, and has a number of private conference rooms if you need them. While the inn doesn't offer escorts you should have no trouble making contacts with those who can help you...

As for transport you have horses and carriages available, and the railroad is only a short distance away. Your ship will be ready in a months time if they continue work at the pace they're going. You could return home and go with your family, but that would take some time.

 

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Ophelia Avalon

Well Ophelia you've been down and out before and today is no different. Your latest boyfriend dumbed you when he went on tour and started getting tons of road pussy. Fortunately your old reliable van was just serviced and has new tires, and you have plenty of cash from your last waitressing job to pay for gas to get to New London where you have place to stay lined up, and a job with a modeling agency. This works out great since you already have your storage pod paid for and waiting their. So, you drive out with most of your stuff jammed in your van with all the takeout food you could grab.

Things don't work out for you though when you arrive. Your friend has been partying entirely to much, so rather than go home and go to community college her parents have setup some new rules. She's out of her apartment an on campus again in a very strict, healthy lifestyle dorm. You don't have place to stay and you soon find the promised job wasn't more than an promise to take your application.

The good news is, there is a whole gypsy population in Union Square, so with a little effort you should find a place to stay, or at the very least a safe place to park at night. You can easily trade skills with people. At the convenience store and library there are plenty of places to post ads offering services, and through a glitch in the system anyone can use the copier or computers, just act like student. The library also has bathrooms and vending machines. Also there are several places where you can apply and use your skill set (just look at the Union Square description).

You need a new adventure, and some new friends...

 

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Cheshire Cat Alias: Erihs Catehc

You now may call yourself Lady De Wynter,Baroness of the Golden Shadow, now that you're a widow. The staff seem accepting of this change, though they're aren't entirely pleased about the turn of events, but nothing can be proven. The constable says he's still investigating, but has little to go on, but presumes the young baron dead. Celeste Evrard remains in deep morning for Fabian and is very bitter towards you, and spends most of her time in his study or the chapel. She does go on night rides though, and has been seen having tea with Minister Scalogul who prefers whiskey to tea.

Minister Scalogul does little to improve his relationship with you, and from time to time sends you documents for you to sign. In several packages he's suggested selling off the lands to any of the neighboring noble houses, and giving up your title. He does show you that the prince's lifestyle gobbled up a quarter of the profits generated by the land. He's asked repeatedly to sell of the contents of the lab, and number of the prince's other investments.

He does begrudgingly pass on the official invitation to court to you, but he does so along with a letter telling you that he's more than capable of handling it and can send you detailed reports. Fabian had already arranged and paid for a large room at The Minister and Bull Inn a popular place with the intellectual classes and has several large chocolate cake trees, so a slice is complementary with a drink. It also boasts private baths, and the softest beds in the city. It is interesting though when you find the lodging documents, that Fabian mentions bring a companion, but doesn't mention his wife in his correspondence with the Inn manger.

What your nest move is up to you, but you know when you leave those who run your household and town can't be completely trusted. One only has to find your gypsy cart filled with assassin's and escort equipment, and everyone will find out who you are, and what you did. You haven't been back to your hideout in at least 6 months so you can only assume it is secure, and you haven't spoken or heard from your sister in over 6 months. If you work the court you surely can't do it as a lady, but you still need to earn.

 

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Rachel Peterson

You could kill the woman back at university who handled the exchange program paper work. You arrive with a ton of stuff, and nobody knows where to put you on campus. They do find space for your sister with another girl in the freshmen dorms, but all the other rooms in that building are spoken for, and you can't get anything on campus. What they do get you is less than desirable, but very private. Two blocks away from the library is the university's teaching hospital which has been in operation since 1901, and has been expanding ever since.

While most activity goes on in the ordinal brick hospital, many other modern medical buildings have opened up around the facility, and the hospital has purchased a number of other buildings in anticipation of further expansion. They have built a nurses dorm, but because of your late arrival there is no room, so they find an alternative residence for you to live. You're now in a small run down family house just across from the hospital.

Now the place isn't that bad, and the hospital regularly cleans it, but they're not doing to much since they plan to tear down in the next year. There is plenty of room for all your stuff, and they gave you furnishings, an internet connection and a phone. There are two bedrooms on the second floor along with a full bath. The campus is close and there is a shuttle bus, and you've only got a short walk to the hospital. Still though you're a long way away from your sister.

Still though you've made friends among the nurses, and those in your study group, so you have company for the bar or to get coffee. For the screw up the university returned most of your housing money which puts some money in your pocket. Will there be something to change your routine?

 

[NessaCary]

Lounging comfortably in a large tree along the road to Jerusalem, Surrey Cat day dreamed as she listened to travelers below. Anyone looking up would have been treated to a view of long, cream colored legs straddling a smooth branch. A long white tail sways lazily between her legs, white hair spilling around her face as she looked out over the plain idly. The Autumn Ball was fast approaching and it would be easy enough to attend, despite her lack of an invitation, and she was ready for some real excitement. The months since her last visit with her sister were spent taking on one night clients and petty assassinations. Sure, she'd left lover's quarrels and more than a few bodies in her wake but she craved more than a little mischief. There was a reason she wasn't content to laze around lapping up cream for the rest of her life. That kind of life was apparently what her sister was after. A small growl rose in her throat at the thought of her sister's marriage.

"House cat," she muttered under her breath bitterly. Chess's husband was dead now, however, her sister was a mourning widow by some accounts but Surrey wondered if perhaps the minx still knew how to hunt. Such thoughts soon had a wry smirk on the cat's face. Maybe it was time that she visited her dear sister. Wonderland is on the brink of chaos and there was no one like Chess to help her push everyone over the edge. Mind made up, Surrey couldn't wait to get started. Luckily enough there was a small band of riders coming up over the crest of the hill facing her tree.

Once the group of men was below her, the lithe woman sprang from her perch. As she fell her body shrank and changed until a cat landed neatly on the head of the last horse. The animal reacted well, only stopping and backing up cautiously, the rider, however, did not. The man screamed and urged the horse forward. The animal immediately did so, the scream and movement spooking the horse above. Moments later the entire party was pandemonium. The small white cat walked down the neck of the horse and jumped off, prancing in a most self-satisfied manner to a pile of clothing and a leather satchel on the ground.

Crawling into the pile of clothes, Surrey once again took her hybrid form. To any of the men who may have seen the transformation it appeared that the clothes rose and the slim, curvy woman came out of no where. Winking at one of the shocked faces the woman slung her bag over her shoulder and hopped onto the back of the horse she'd originally landed on and sped off. Three days later she was recounting her adventures to her favorite bar maid and Mrs. Appleton.

"Oh! And I almost forgot!" she finished, digging around in her bag and pulling out emerald-studded hoop earrings, "I picked these up for you." She handed the jewels to the innkeeper and took another drink of the steaming hot tea before her. "You know I just love your ears."

"Oh dearie, I love them but you really shouldn't have." The rabbit smiled affectionately and put on the earrings, admiring herself slyly in the mirror behind the bar.

"No worries, Apple. They won't be missed." She grinned wickedly and nodded to the barmaid as she reached over to stroke the Mrs. Appleton's ears. "And you can keep the pretty pony, luv. I saw my Bonnie and Clyde in the stables, no need for another horse."

The maid blushed and tipped some amber liquid in an unlabeled bottle into the cat's tea. Surrey waggled her eyebrows playfully and took a sip, purring softly at the flavor of Mrs. Appleton's cinnamon apple moonshine. "Thank you, Miss."

 

[hells_fury]

Erihs sat at her desk. Her long tanned legs crossed, her pencil skirt clinging to her as she stared at the walls. A dead grim look upon her face. Her arms crossed beneath her chest giving the corset a more ample look as it hung on her body accentuating her curves. Tapping her foot on the ground, the clank echoing around the room as her stiletto connected with the floor. Her raven black hair hanging loosely around her shoulders with loose spiral curls. Her collar right in its place as always around her neck.

Pursing her lips she stood up walking around the room, her hips swaying seductively with every step she took. No one was in the room other than her companions Wicked and Truth and their cubs. Wicked being her black leopard and Truth her leopard, the two were always at her side since her husbands death. At that thought a small smile graced her lips. Shaking her head she walked backed to the desk. Peering down with disgrace at all of the clutter and nonsense her deceased husband seemed to keep she shook her head. Holding back the urge to just destroy it all she sat back down.

Looking at the map of her land on her desk and all the letters telling her to sell she shook her head. She knew this land had money in it, it was just a matter of working the land the way it should be, working along sides with nature in stead of against nature. Her husband had been a fool and a mockery to his title in the town. A soft smile touched her lips as she saw the invitation. She would be attending, she had already responded for herself and a guest. Although she was uncertain at this point who she would bring, maybe her sister would show or maybe she would go and hunt her down.

It would not be to difficult to find her as well, they were blood, and blood was never hard to find. Especially with the two of them. At the thought of that and all the memories working along side her sister she grinned evilly. After having gone solo the fun just seemed to fade away. But she could not afford the attention in her current state.

 

[NeverWinterNite]

The exchange program coordinator welcomed me with a friendly hello as she closed the door behind me. She gestured with her hand for me to sit in the black chair facing her desk. She sat down before me but I could tell by her facial expression she had some bad news to bestow on me.

“Rachel, due to a large enrolment of students this September, I’m afraid that we won’t be able to offer you a dorm room on campus.” I sat there, dumbfounded by this announcement. “What about my sister, Laura?” I asked.

“We gave her the last spot that was available. I’m truly sorry about this.” I still couldn’t believe my ears. I had paid my money for accommodation and this is what I got. I was upset but I kept my voice under control. “So where will I be staying then?” I asked calmly. Ms. Taylor rustled through her papers on her desk and handed me a piece of paper to read.

“The hospital residence?!”

I had passed this house many times since I first came to new London and the place always looked kind of rundown. I sighed as Ms. Taylor apologized, “It’s the best I could do. We will be returning your housing money and covering your rent for the time that you’re here with us.”

I looked up and said, “When can I move in?”

“Anytime,” she replied. I got up to go as she opened her door, “Rachel, if you have any problems with the residence, please let me know as soon as possible.” I nodded my head in agreement as I walked down the hall, pushing my hands in my leather jacket, as my feet sounded extra loud on the floor.

The next day, my sister and I went to the residence. I obtained the key from the residence manager and was twirling in my hands as Laura waited for me outside the office.

“Rachel, how did it go?”

“Good. I’m only going to be staying here temporarily since they will be tearing it down next year. She said not to worry about that now. They will find a place for me to stay as they are responsible for the mix up.” I shook my head as my sister laid her hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, sis. Things will work out,” she said as she smiled as we made our way to the elevators dragging all my stuff behind us.

Laura was completely right as a few weeks later, I had completely settled in, getting used to my surroundings. The furnishings the hospital provided were decent and I was happy about having free internet. I had recently got a job as a library assistant at the university library which was just perfect for me because I absolutely loved reading anything that I could get my hands on.

I had been engrossed in my books for the past few weeks and I phoned my sister Laura if she wanted to hang out at the Lion and Unicorn tonight. She agreed and said she would meet me there at 8 pm. As I threw on my tight, dark blue jeans and my green sweater, I had a feeling something special was going to happen to me tonight.

 

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Surrey Cat enjoying the pleasures of the Inn...

Your horse was acquired from a group of pistol wielding outriders.... normally these mercenaries hirer on with one of the large regiments or mercenary companies. Why'll they're quite used to dealing with conventional enemies such as they are in Wonderland you caught them off guard and were able to allude them heading down the road to the independent where your favorite inn is located. It is interesting though that mercenaries, unassigned ones anyway to to be heading to court. Normally mercenaries mean war, at least a small one anyway.

Your visits to the inn are always an exciting with dozens of young rabbits hopping to meet you and giving you arm furry hugs. While only over a dozen made the trip to Wonderland, rabbits, well breed like rabbits and there is a small village down the path from the inn where most of the family reside. Your horse is taken to the stables and your bags are taken to the first available room. While seldom does anyone know when you will be visiting your home base, they're always happy to see you and always have a room and a special meal available for you when you arrive.

There are messages left for you from potential clients, offers of employment though many are mundane, notes from the rabbit children, but nothing from your sister. One of your contacts does leave for you a official royal highway map leading to the city and and and additional one which maps the city block by block. They were both in a large post office shipping envelope, and this by far the best information this contact has had for you. There is only one other package which contains a pair of leather thigh boots with red laces and a pair of silk stocking from a former client who loves your legs.

Mrs. Appleton very much enjoys your gift and her nose wiggles intensely as she looks at them in the mirror before taking them off and placing them in a cloth and handing them to one of the children to put at home in her jewelry box.

"So will you be with us long deary? " She asks you as you enjoy cinnamon apple moonshine. "We've made a large batch of that if you wish to purchase some of it for your travels or even resell. I know they don't have spirits like that in the city.

She giggles and puts a large bowl of vegetable soup in front of you and nods thinking. "Oh some of the border agents crossed over and were looking for you, but you hadn't arrived so not much need for a lie. I believe they their is bounty on your head for some such business. They wouldn't say for what, they just watered their horses and got their food and left."

As you she continues on to say that the court is ordering a massive amount of food and drink from all over the country side and wagons and trains have been going to the city nonstop for weeks. She also tells you that a pack of boar like creatures have been ravish crops and chasing away livestock. Many of the young rabbits are now patrolling the woods and grounds with axes, pitch forks, and other implements and torches. She quietly inquires if she could purchase some weapons from you for dealing with the beast.

She does mention you horses are in fine shape and would like to be visited by you, but have been taken out and of coarse well cared for by her stable hands. The rabbits Jean and Daniel completely took apart your cart and rebuilt it, so it is fine shape and ready to go as well. One of the barn cats just had kittens so if you'd like one it is best to get one now before all the children begin running off with them.

Your personnel items stored on the cart were placed into boxes and placed in one of the store rooms in the basement of the inn. Anytime you want them just ask and they'll be loaded up for you. The horse you brought along with the riding gear will go a long way to pay your tab Mrs. Appleton jokes.

The Inn is lively tonight as there are many travelers from all over including merchants and minor nobles along with all their servants and hanger ons. While from all different houses the Red Heart is the dominate symbol among them. Young squires play darts, men-at-arms drink and talk about passed glories, and maidens sip their wine as lords eat.

There is also the whole crew of a railroad engine with a female engineer and conductor sing along to the songs the small group of rabbits who are playing their instruments, in the corner near the main fire place. The crew talks about how much was loaded on the train, and how fast they will be able to get to the city, and that is why they will be carrying the mail car. Their group includes various rail workers, station personnel, and railroad guards.

Two young knights of the 10th Royal Cavalry Regiment take a fancy to you and are often looking over at you as they eat and drink. They wear the traditional metallic plate armor of their unit and carry heavy broadswords in red scabbards and large pistols. They arrived with a small group of nobles and clergy, and are of coarse mounted on two fine warhorses and are leading a small group of foot soldier's from the noble's estate.

One is Augustus the Faithful who has luxurious, straight, long hair is the color of the midnight sky, and is worn in an uncomplicated style. He is average height for a human and has a lean build, and eats and drinks as he dreamily strums on a loot. His skin is cream-colored. His partner Simon Edgar Horatio Antony is a boorish man with thick, curly, short hair is the color of varnished wood, and is worn in a handsome style. He is less pleasant than his friend and companion and is very rude to all of the rabbits who serve him food and drink.



(need more info or have questions please ask)
Your personnel items:


If you go to the garden shed in the Northeast corner of the gardens you will find a lose stone that leads to a ladder. You go down one level and after unlocking a heavy lock you'll find a room with a cache of weapons, enough to arm 15 men with everything from swords and shields to crossbows and maces, as well as chain mail armor.

Skills Gear:

One Yoga Mat with book of positions

One portable knife sharpening kit in large leather bag

Four cloaks with secret pockets

Three Leather bond volumes on hair, makeup, and charming men & women hand written with no author or title page, but the last volume is signed Cleopatra.

Four grappling hooks each with forty feet of rope

Three leotards for acrobatic performances

Eleven leash and collar sets along with some S&M gear and other pleasure implements like whips and crops.

One poach with lock picking tools.

Five black cat suits with face veils, and sheaths for tails.

One chest of cat toys to play with in one form, and inside the chest there is some sex toys for fun in your human form.

One pair of light flint lock revolvers with complete kits for loading and repair. They take a long time to reload, but each has six shots.


Career Skills:

One performer's kit of makeup, accessories, and some clothing and shoes

One set of six razor sharp throwing knives

One pair of heavy throwing knives

One human size cat bed from your old act (it was to comfortable to part with)

One Gypsy cart with a pair of strong horses for you to make your home and a dozen hidden compartments.

Two hundred boxes of "fine leather" condoms, eight to a box they're an escort's guard against pregnancy, and can actually enhance the experience for both parties. ( Special note magic may be cast on them to enhance the experience further)

One chest of drawers containing noblewoman's garments, clergy, and peasant garments. Over 200 combination possible.

One blow gun with poison darts

One complete set of Red Guard Queen's Own uniform complete with boots sword and musket. Hard to come by and possession of it could mean execution.

Four formal gowns for balls and other formal occasions

One chest with fourteen sets of custom lingerie with shoes

One vorpal rapier said to be made in Alice's armory.

 

[Jagged]

Cheshire Cat

While ponding at your desk in the days to follow their is are several items that arrive which perhaps will be of some use to you, and offer you some opportunities. First the small guard that keeps watch over the family's grounds and home have completely been replaced by new agents, so you won't have to worry about the suspicions of your late husband's guards, though they didn't seem to willing to do anything about the matters.

The new human mercenaries you recruited for the task are the Steel Cavalry mercenary unit who ride mechanical-magical horses, and are armed with lances, swords and crossbows. This unit has a background mainly in covert operations, but are good guards, and fast messengers. It would not take long for you to send messengers to the inn where both you and your sister used to reside.

There is still the matter of Celeste Evrard who remains on staff, and in mourning for the young prince. According to your guards she sleeps late, eats pastries to access, and does little for the estate other than to accompany the staff into town to buy supplies. She has been seen going to The Foul Duke, one of the first inns a traveler might encounter on the way into town. It is a dark place best known for violent knife fights and willing prostitutes.

Minister Scalogul still resides in the home that you own on the edge of town, but it has come to your attention that he's selling off a number of the horses that were their on the farm. They're of good stock and are either racing horses or warhorses. While nobody is for certain the warlord and mercenary general Ludovic the Tempter has been seen in the area. His mercenary unit The Chopping Soldiers are armed with axes and spears. This unit is mainly used for sabotage and has a brutal reputation.

Some merchants have discreetly expressed interest in buying the contents of the wine cellar. Another says he has a wizard buyer lined up if you wish to sell off all the lab equipment your late husband purchased, he'd be willing to broker the deal. You also find among your husband papers that he has a $10,000 gold line of credit with the gambling house and brothel The Harlot's Saloon located in the capital. There attractive women in corsets and little else serve drinks and deal cards. In the letter the management makes clear they won't refund the whole balance, but possible some of it after you stay and gamble.

The good news though in the small hamlet is the cat population has began to rebound and many more felines can be found in the streets and barns of the area. While once none were on your estate many are back exploring the grounds playfully, and now not one mouse or rat can be found on the grounds which is a welcome change.

Wicked and Truth and their cubs are very happy with their new home, though they've shocked more than a few staffers when they discover them sleeping on the couches and baskets of laundry. Bought from a failing circus which wanted to see their animals go to good homes they were happily sold to you for gold and provisions. You have rolling cages for their transport, but you feel no need to keep them in them. The cubs are playful and like to explore and can often be found chasing the ducks and geese around the garden fountain.

With the Autumn Ball approaching you must make your moves, and hit the road soon....

 

[Jagged]

Rachel Peterson

You occupy the bedroom closest the bathroom on the second floor, and you find it has a large closet and does stay fairly warm at night. you take apart the two university issued bunk beds and place them side by side and by placing the mattresses parallel to them you easily make a king size bed, and have your quilts to make the place seem even more like home. You plug in your beer fridge, setup your book shelves, and put your couch down stairs and your in business.

Hospital security regularly drives by, and is always willing to give you a ride back to your house after hours so there is no need to walk at night. During one of these drives home one of the guards mentions to you that there have been some odd thefts and you should be on your guards. The toy soldier shop has been victimized several times and whole boxes of soldiers have went missing. Sometimes though gift baskets of cakes, tea, and other treats have been left. It seems odd, but all the shops have been reporting odd things missing, including food. Kevin than drops you off and gives you his card with cell number on it.

The library is impressive, and besides a good computer room, top notch copiers, and good hours for students it has a large collection of old books stored in the basement. Many of them were donated by a family from England who's grandfather came to New London as an exchange student and stayed ten years and taught a number of classes. A great adventurer it is said he disappeared for two years before returning to campus and than back to England, and never explained where he'd been.

Your sister agrees to meet you at the Lion and Unicorn, and will be by the fountain nearby the entrance, and she plans to bring a few friends. The place should be pretty crowded though, because they're offering buy one pint get the second for half price, and they're hosting an eating contest. The contestants each get equally large portions of bangers and mass and the first one to finish wins gets their bar tab wiped clean. Needless to say there will be more than a few hard drinking seniors who are going to try to win.

Also DJ Fujita Dayu will be on the turntables mixing the latest music. The student on the five year plan came from Japan knowing nothing of hip hop and rock, and is now a local legend. Regardless of what happens you know you will have a fun time. Your outfit should fit in fine with your fellow students and the younger local set the makes up the crowd.

 

[NessaCary]

Surrey surveyed the package before here, of course, a nice package always had her attention. She was sitting at one of the tables in the common area of the Inn, listening to the lute player idlely and reading through her letters, or she would be once she discovered the contents of the brown paper package. Using one claw-like nail to slit the ribbon holding it together, she pulled out a lovely pair of leather boots. Satisfied with the quality, she undid the ties of her suede ones and lifted her legs up onto the table to fasten the new ones. The eyes of the lute player and her companion were already on her so she treated him to as much of a show as she could without being overtly scandalous, such things were for outside of her beloved Mrs. Appleton's common room, afterall her children were in the corner. She's spent some time playing with them earlier and she'd sorted their notes in a pile when she'd gotten them and planned on storing them with the rest of the 'treasures' they'd given her over the years in the valut where she and Chess kept their more personal records.

New boots laced to her knees, she read through the rest of the mail. Most of it was silly love poems or job offers and some of each made her giggle but most of it simply bored her. Her green eyes continued to meet the clear, blue ones of the innocent-seeming man staring at her. Halfway through her letter's she'd decided he'd keep her bed warm that evening and possibly more than that. This boar problem shouldn't be taken care of by the town bunnies, precious things, Surrey felt overly protective of them. She hadn't told the inn keeper yet but she fully intended to hunt the bastards down and bring back a nice head to mount on the wall before she continued her journey. This was the closest thing she had to a home and she wasn't shy about defending it.

Setting down the final letter, she picked up the lot of them and bent to throw them into the great fire in front of which her chosen paramour was seated. Her hips swayed pleasantly and her thin blouse showed her curves when she was backlit by the fire, she knew. Still, they didn't seem aquainted with her reputation, so she turned and blushed prettily when the larger of the two men called to her.

"Yes, milord?" she asked, averting her eyes shyly and watching the other one through her lashes. He seemed just the type to eat up her innocent act. Sure enough, an hour later she was out in the barn with him having a roll in the hay. Augustus, as he was apparently called, was surprisingly skilled for an upstanding gentlemen, if not that well endowed. His friend had quite a temper and it had taken some restraint to resist riling him up.

When they woke up the next morning, her new lover accompanied her and the bunnies to choose a kitten. She ended up taking two and convincing Augustus to take the third. He named his Alexander after a story he'd read about a man from a strange land who had ruled armies. She let the bunnies name hers.

"Groogs!" shouted one of the boys, giggling at the sound.

"That's a silly name!" the girl called Izzy said, slugging him in the arm. "How about something pretty like Annabelle?"

In the end Alexander, Annabelle, Groogs, Augustus and Surrey spent the night in her room. The kittens, of course, slept on the overly stuffed armchair while the adult cat taught her knight some new tricks.

So Surrey spent a week while she waited for her sister, she couldn't afford to wait much longer before she risked not making it to the Ball.

 

[Jagged]

A lovely few days in the country for Surrey

While you enjoy connubial bliss with the knight you just met in the empty stall his partner behaves badly. He gets drunk and when you return from selecting your new furry friends to watch over your gypsy cart he's making an ass out of himself. If that weren't enough though he's swinging a massive two handed sword in the main room frighting breakfast diners and breaking stables and chairs. He's currently surrounded by rabbits carrying heavy walking sticks, clubs, and kitchen knives, but you know they can't handle a powerful knight like him.

The royals him and Augustus have no interest in ending things peacefully long as they're ended, so their soldiers and bodyguards simply stand on the road waiting. The young rabbits crowd around you as you hear Mrs. Appleton search her small office for her blunderbuss and ammunition. This could go badly for you if you don't step in....


Other things going on in the area.....

Three voluptuous gypsy belly dancers who are accompanied by musicians, costume makers, and two large black turban clad guards offer to have you ride with them. They'd like another sword traveling down the road and once rabbits finish repairing one of their carts and caring for their horses they will be leaving in a few days time. Also they say they can always use another performer....

A lumberjack rabbit reports into the inn when he gets his breakfast and says that he saw a number of the boar creatures in a nearby apple orchard. They were eating from the trees, and standing upright. They're huge bloated creatures, and each seems to keep upwards of six long knives. They also wear chain mail armor, have tusks, and can move quickly on two and four limbs.

A gray haired crone with a few young faeries in tow comes to the inn and with permission sets up a small stand. She offers holistic massages to cure pains, potions to solve sexual and other problems, and has several exotic items to sell including weapons.