FLUFF: Jammers: Turn 19 Chapter 1

The Past Adventures of my Jammers PBEM game.

For me, one of the joys of PBEM gaming is the ability to revisit the
old adventures by reading the turn summaries. I think they make great
fan fiction.

This game has been going on since September, 1997. I thought folks
might enjoy reading the old turns in order, as fluff fiction. I know
I post the current turns as fluff as well, but the past turns were,
well, six years ago and new list members, as well as some old, may
still enjoy getting the old reads in their mailbox once per week. If
not, let me know and I'll stop sending them.

To give folks an idea of how much is still to come, the game is now
in Turn 33 of Chapter 7. Chapter 1 has 30 turns...

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

IC:
"My business on Bral?" Jamila replies with sorrow in her voice.  "I'm  here
on Bral to find..." a pause,"Lets see if I can translate it  properly" she
replies with a slight smile. "Ride to the Rock of the Heavens, there you
must seek out the Axe and the Wild Dog.  They will lead you to the end of
your quest."

"I cannot be sure about some of the words, as you may have noticed.
Common isn't my native language." Jamila shrugs.  "I'm not sure what  it or
they are.  I did ask on my trip here if it was the name of a  establishment
but none of the sailors had heard of it.  So perhaps its not an it but a
person."

Shrugging off her somber mood, Jamila smiles back at Italapate.  "I'm
from, as you guessed, Realmspace.  But home, home is Bahr  Al-Izdiham.  Or
at least that's where I grew up."

Italapate grins, then looks at Jamila uncertainly.  "Hmmm. A quest with
strange wording.  As the High Shaman of Coyote on this Rock, I am well
versed in such things." He takes a pull on his drink, "You have already
reached, presumably, the Rock of the Heavens.  This is the only place to
be!  There is no place called Axe or Wild Dog, that is for sure.  But, that
guy in leather, Radick, has a nickname........." Suddenly, Italapate leans
forward. "Spirits!  Wild Dog?  Does Coyote sound familiar? It looks like
there might be a reason you like bald men (interestingly enough, if your
quest had started earlier, you might have found in yourself a passion for
Purple haired individuals.... Don't ask). Tell me more about your quest,
and the words used to describe it.  Anything relating to Whirlwinds? Silent
Stars? Big cow people or women in red? Oh, what about Moon or Moune?"
Italapate listens....

Raken listens to Italapate's interpretation with some interest.  "I
wouldn't jump the crossbow on this one, Italapate.  Unfortunately, the
wording of this riddle is such that it can be interpreted a thousand ways.
For instance, Bral is NOT, despite local opinion, the only asteroid city in
known space.  She could also be describing Dragon's Rest, which is in her
own home sphere and most certainly within 'her heavens,' as it were.  Axe
and Wild Dog are also extremely vague; thousands use axes for weapons and
as tools to cut wood.  Wild Dog could
very well be refering to a pirate or even a wild animal.  While your
interpretation is fairly decent, I believe that you are making the
situation fit the words.  Unless there is more, she could never be sure
what the quest truely is.  And please, don't lead the poor woman by putting
words in her mouth.  Let her tell her tale in her own way."

"I am not putting words in her mouth, Raken," Italapate says, his
enthusiasm deflating slightly.  "And, no, this is not the only asteroid
with a population ... just the most famous one.  However, you have to admit
that this is a very, very good fit... better than one usually gets from
these types of quests.... I am interested in hearing more, to see if
anything else fits.  I am sure you will let me know if I am reaching...."

"Err, what's a coyote?" asks Jamila wondering.  "that's the exact word used
in the riddle.  It's a wild dog, yes?"

"A dog-like scavanger," Raken replies.  "However, Italapate is refering to
his patron spirit, Coyote, a minor trickster deity.  He's not well known
outside of Realmspace; actually, he's not well known even there.  Though
some people worship him on Oerth; the Flan, I believe.  His worshippers are
often considered 'savage' by those dwelling in cities, but they see
themselves a free to do as they please and wild as the wind."

His own answer drowned out by Raken, Italapate looks at the traveller of
Celestian.  "Okay, that was harsh.  And Coyote is more widespread than you
would lead Jamila to believe.  Nevertheless, a coyote is a wild dog."

"Sorry, didn't mean to be," Raken appologizes.  "But I personally can't
think of too many spheres that worship the Trickster.  Though he could
easily be worshipped under a dozen different names; afterall, he IS a
trickster," Raken says with a smile.

As the discussion continues, Italapate leans back, rubbing his chin in
thought.  "Jump the crossbow?"

Jamila's head moves back and forth, between the two whilst they  exchange
words.  With a smile and laughter in her eyes, Jamila  finishes off her
drink, catches the waitress eye and gives a quick  point to her now empty
glass.  "another" she mouths silently. "Priests, how can one live with so
many, I will never know." she  comments to the others at the table. "You've
finished?  Are you sure?" Jamila asks Italapate and Radick  with a big
grin.  "Anyway the full wording of what Noble Ashram,  Djinn of the Many
Winds is... ahem..., I'll add coyote instead of wild dog.  It does sound
better." in a slightly deeper voice

"In the City of Delights seek the flying fish.  Ride it to the Rock
of the Heavens, there you must seek out the Axe and the Coyote.  They
will lead you to the end of your quest."

Resuming her normal voice, "I know it isn't much more than what I spoke
before, but it hasn't lead me wrong as of yet."

Radick finishes off his mug with one long swallow. "Despite our critical
companion, it is clear that the coyote and the axe are the two of us."
Radick points with his axe to Italapate and himself. "As for endings to
quests, I don't planning on ending anything any time soon, but we are
beginning a new company. Can't say much more, but if you think you might
want to join our number I certainly hope your skill with those blades is
better than your taste in men." He shakes his head as he looks at
Italapate's hairless look.

"My skill with these blades,"  Jamila replies while touching the  hilts of
her cutlass's "as my brother used to say, is easily better  than my taste
in men."  Jamila gives a wink to Italapate. "Joining a company, such as
yourself might make my quest easier to complete."

Italapate rubs his bald head, and grins. "You know... there are lots of
cultures and peoples for whom shave heads is customary.... Mine just
happens to be one." He wags his finger at Radick, imitating a warning
posture, "It would not be good for a new company to go insulting so many
prospective customers!"

Radick laughs. "Well then, if I have offended the two of you, let me buy
you breakfast in the morning." He slaps Italapate on the back in a friendly
manner.

Grigree watches the exchange with interest, checking Jamila's reaction
occasionally.

  "Hmmm. Interesting," Raken begins after radick and 'Pate have finished. "I
am unfamiliar with the term City of Delights, but I assume it is a large
and popular city of your homeland.  The 'Rock of the Heavens' can be either
a large asteroid city, or may lay in the Planes.  The 'flying fish' sounds
like a common class of spelljammer.  Radick and Italapate certainly fit the
'Axe and the coyote,' Italapate especially.  He is completely undiciplined,
wild, and slightly insane, making him a perfect 'jammer. I have a few
questions of my own, which will help us understand this riddle better.
First, how did you get here, the Rock of Bral?  What was the ship type you
arrived in?  Second, what is the word for 'Heaven' in your language?  This
might be important.  Thirdly, what is
your quest?"

"Hmm, more questions. Always more questions." Jamila says, "How did I  get
to the Rock?  I came by ship.  The squidship 'Blue Sky Wanderer'. It might
even be still down at the docks if you want to go look." Jamila takes a
quick sip of her drink and continues "There are many  words for 'Heaven' in
Midani, the one that Noble Ashram used would translate more closely as
'place beyond the stars'. As to the nature of my quest..." Jamila studied
the faces of those  at the table for a few seconds before continuing. "I'm
attempting to find members of my family that vanished."

"'Vanished'?" Grigree asks.  "Do you mean slavers?"

"All I know," replies Jamila.  "is I came across their ship floating in the
middle of nowhere, and everyone was missing."

         Raken listens with great interest.  "You stole the words out of my
mouth, Grigree.  This does sound like the work of slavers.  Notice how the
crew was missing and the ship itself was not taken.  Pirates would take the
ship or scuttle it.  Leaving it floating and only taking the crew is the
often a tactic of spelljamming slavers.  Of course, it could point to a
number of possibilites.  Monster attack, wild magic, or even the act of a
powerful spellcaster.  However, when the pieces of this puzzle are put
together and the whole is looked at, I would have to say that indeed, you
are on the right track.  For example, you said that the term means 'beyond
the stars,' implying a place beyond Realmspace's shell, and thus beyond the
stars.  The Rock of Bral is a good place to start; strictly because of it's
strategic trading position.  Here you will find representivies of virtually
every known race.  A coruncopia of knowledge is available to you.  A great
place to find clues." He pauses long enough to take a long drink of water,
parched from talking so much.  He sets down his glass and continues.  "In
fact, I would even suggest joining us in meeting this so-called pleasent
illithid.  IF he is what he claims, then he could led you to some
contacts in slaving circles, that might eventually led to your family.  His
people are notorious slavers; pray that they are not the ones that took
your family."

Grigree stares wide-eyed at Raken as he speaks.  "Your knowledge amazes me.
Every time you speak," he comments as the druid finishes.

  "Err, let's just say I had a LOT of time on my hands on a lonely asteroid
with a stack of books and scrolls that could fill the Silent Stars to her
rafters," Raken comments.  "My master was sorta a private man that taught
me all I know, but would disappear for months at a time."

After arranging a meeting time with Billy, Kain, and Raken for the visit to
the illithid on the morrow, Deigatt retires to his room.

"Sleep well, O'horned one" offers Jamila as a retiring word.

Italapate raises his nearly empty glass in salute as Deigatt rises to
retire.  "G'night, big guy," he says.

After listening to the conversation for a few minutes, Kain gets up
abruptly.  Rubbing his eyes, he says, "My head hurts, I'm going to bed."
Finishing his water, Kain sets the mug down on the table and climbs the
stairs to the second floor.

Nilaroo silently raises his empty ale mug, and then returns to watch the
interplay between the humans.

Seeing Deigatt and Kain leave for bed, Billy stretches and says, "Well, I
have a long walk ahead of me, so if you'll excuse me." Billy stands up and
bows low to all at the table, doffing an invisible hat as he does so. "I'm
off..."

Before heading up to bed, Leera takes a seat beside Holland and has a quiet
conversation.

After speaking to Holland, Leera stands up and says (loudly enough that
those near her can hear) "I'll go see about those bracers."

She walks over to Radick and asks "Friend Radick... Holland and I are going
to visit the Mages' Guild in the morning. If you permit, we'll take the
bracers and see what we can learn about them."

"Sorry Miss, won't be necessary. I'll take care of the bracers." smiles
back Radick as he sips again from his mug. His eyes then look back over the
inn. They never seem to settle upon any one person or location, simply
scanning the area.

Holland stands as well and says, "Italapate, would you mind if we checked
with the 'guild to determine the properties of the items?  We can always
sell them later once we learn what they are.."

Italapate shrugs blandly.  "I could care less if you check on the magic of
the items.  I didn't snag anything from that ship...." Italapate bows his
head quietly, stifling a yawn.  "I don't know why everyone is going to bed
so soon...  It's still early."  He pushes away from the table, a distant
look on his face.  He wanders out into the central area of the tavern. For
the rest of the night, he flirts with the serving girls and dances the
night away with any and all comers.

Turning back to the group Holland says, "Speaking of which, who has the
cutlass and sword?  I would like to borrow them for the morning to have
them examined as well."

Grigree says, "I've been carrying those blades around in a sack, I'd
completely forgotten about them!" He looks sheepish, "Stop by my room
before you hit the straw, Holland, and I'll give them to you for the
morrow."

Radick makes a quiet response, "I guess you two are pretty powerful in the
arena of magic. Anytime I have ever seen someone ask the mage's guild to
i.d. an item for them, it cost them a pretty penny. I don't know the
process but I do know that it took quite a bit of mage's time. Now we don't
have the money so you two must think you can get those mages to help out
for free.  I don't know what the push to sell the stuff for is anyway -
maybe you mage types feel threatened by a magical weapon being around."
Radick continues to nurse his drink as he speaks.

Holland replies civilly, "I personally think it wise to determine the
properties of magical items.  As for the selling of them, I believe someone
else brought that up.  In response, I had suggested that before anyone made
plans to sell things that we find out what they are." Having learned the
disposition of the blades Holland says, "I have some 'mage work' to do, I
will see you all tomorrow."  Turning to Jamila he says with a smile and
wink, "Saie'da, I leave you in these men's capable hands." Holland then
heads upstairs.

"Afwan, and saheeda" Jamila calls after Holland as he makes his  way
towards the stairs.

After hearing Radick's reply Leera asks "Does anyone else want to accompany
us? Talus?"

"If it's not intruding to much."  Jamila asks, while looking from  Leera to
Talus, with glances to the others. "I did hear you mention  something about
visiting the Temple district after you'd been to the  Mage's Guild.  As I'd
like to go and see a holy one, if it's not to  much trouble, could I tag
along??"  asks Jamila with a questioning look. "I promise not to get in
your way." and then adding with a big smile,  "or at least not to much."

Leera pauses, and then replies "Of course...we'll meet down here at
about 9 am."

"9 am it is then.  I'd better go and book and room then." Finishing  off
what's left of her hot rum, Jamila asks "So while  I'm over getting a bed
for the night, who'd like another drink?  My shout" Jamila motions over to
the waitress.

Talus opens his mouth to answer but shuts it again as Jamila answers. After
that discussion Talus speaks up, "If you are still going to the mages guild
I would like to come along."

Raken listens to Jamila asking to tag along to the local temples and softly
chuckles.  "What is it you seek?  Prehaps I might be of service; though I
am not exactly a high ranking member of Celestrian's faithful, I do listen
well and know a great deal.  And I'm here; most people never get to see
their high priest outside of services," he says, and takes a drink of
water.

"Hmmm, Celestrian.  Is that one of the local gods?" Jamila asks.
Continuing on without waiting for a response, "I'm seeking....an
understanding of what I'm doing... if what I'm doing is what Fate has  in
store for me.  I seek familiarity in this city far from home."   Jamila
shrugs.  "I know it isn't what you might have wanted to hear,  but it is
the best I can say."

         Raken waits paitiently for Jamila to finish.  "Hmmm, the simple
question that has confounded priests and scholars for ages.  'What am I
doing?'  Many people have asked this question, and some very similar to it.
I cannot say for sure if indeed you are following the path set before you
by your god, but I will pray to mine tonight and ask Celestrian for
guidance.  What I can tell you is look into your heart.  Ask yourself if
what you are doing is right.  If it feels right, then your course is
probably proper and true. When you are not sure, let your heart and soul be
your guide, no matter the course.  Sometimes, the most
unlikely course will be the one that runs true." A pause, "As for
understanding of the city, be very careful.  Illithids, beholders, slavers
and pirates all walk the streets openly, without fear or hesitation.  The
law is non-existant unless you somehow offended one of the major nobles or
the Prince's 'friends.'  Justice is at the point of a sword.  If you want a
more in-depth guide to the city, ask Italapate; he was born and raised in
the city.  If you want more proof
of the insanity of the city, just look how he turned out," Raken says,
barely containing his laughter.  "Sorry Italapate, no offense, please."

Italapate laughs heartily at the comment.... "C'mon, Raken, you know me!
Nothing offends me... I wasn't even offended by your assessment of Coyote."
He turns back to Jamila.  "Of course, any questions you have about the
Rock, I would be glad to answer."

Radick then flips his axe over his shoulder and begins to walk for the
door. "Anyone for an evening stroll?"

  "Thanks for the offer," Grigree answers, "but I'm in no mood for a
stroll."  He then goes back to listening to the conversation at the table.

Eventually,  everyone drifts back to their rooms to sleep.

Deigatt rises early the next day, as he did the day before, and heads to
the alley alongside the 'Tankard' to practice with his axe and whips. Wet
and warm from his exertion, he comes in later, as his comrades are having
their breakfasts, and downs some bread and honeyed cornmeal.

Holland heads downstairs and has a light breakfast while waiting for Leera.
Once Leera comes downstairs Holland stands and smiles.  He says, "I was
thinking of hitting four places today Leera; the first is the House Lianin.
I have heard that they often hire adventuring groups for missions.  The
second is the Temple of Ptah.  I think they may have some more information
concerning the _Chalice_.  The third is a tavern called the Laughing
Beholder.  I have heard that the owner, a beholder named Luigi, is a vast
fountain of information, though he requests a song or the like in return
for the information.  The last is the Mage's Guild to see about these
magical items.  They might not help us since we are not members, but it is
worth a look."

When Jamila and Talus arrive downstairs they find Holland and Leera already
talking. Jamila waves at Holland and Leera as she descends the stairs just
before 9am.  Today she's all in a light shade of blue, including the
studded leather she has on.  Although none of her outfit matches the
colour of her electric blue boots.  Strapping her second cutlass around her
waist, she calls out "Saheeda!"

Holland turns his head and nods acknowledging Jamila, "Sabaah Al'khair
Jamila," and then falls silent as Leera speaks.

Leera explains Holland's plan, "They might not all help us, but I agree
with Holland that it is worth a look."

Holland smiles at Leera and then turns to the other two and says, "While
we are at the temple, we can also make inquiries about any job
opportunities, killing two scavvers with one bolt.."

"That would be a good shot" Jamila laughs, "Even I'm not that good a  shot.
It sounds interesting though."

Kain, Nilarro, Grigree, Raken, and Radick also drift down into the bar for
breakfast, Italapate remains in bed,  waving off attempts to wake him.


Date/time:  9:00 am  17th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC
--
"...How shall a man judge what to do in such times?!"
"As he has ever judged," said Aragorn "Good and evil have not changed
since yesteryear..."
J.R.R. Tolkien, _The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers_

Paul Westermeyer,  pwestermeyer@????????.??.com