Paradise, or Perdition?

Darker Caves

You can barely see your way even with a light source. The rocks of the

cave are even darker than the darkness. You hear a powerful humming all

around you. Cave paths go south and east roughly, its hard to tell

exactly when you can't see where you are going.

[Exits: east south west]

As you move through the caves, you step on something squishy...

Grovargh looks down at his boot. 'What the heck?'

It's a spore, which as you move your foot expands and 'Pops!'

Grovargh looks at the ground curiously..

The room is filled with a cloud of miniscule spores,

They invade your nostrils, going in to your mouth, filling your eyes..

You feel as if something very bad was heading your way.

Grovargh sneezes, and quickly wraps his beard over his mouth.. but it's no use..

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

Your eyes itch, and you begin to sneeze.

Stumbling to his knees, Grovargh hacks for air.. his eyes roll back, but he fights to remain in control!

The invading spores seem to sap your strength. Your eyes grows heavy, and your mind muddled.

You sit down.

Grovargh continues to cough and hack..

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Come on ol'Grova.. hang in der..

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

Grovargh rubs at his eyes. 'Bleedin' burns.

Grovargh yawns.. 'So.. tired..'

While the spores spoiling the air dissipate, you still feel bloated with them. Weak... so weak..

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Maybe.. take a.. lil'nap.. why.. n o t..

Grovargh slumps to the ground.

You are suddenly overcome with exhaustion.

You can't see anything, you're sleeping!

You can wake up now.

You wake and stand up.

Grovargh rubs the back of his head, dazed and confused. 'What the..'

You say 'Eyes be burnin'.. bad smoke..'

A Gravel Road

You are on a long road, stretching north and south. The ground has been

paved with small stones and pebbles, all of them the same shade of grey.

Short yellow grass pokes through at some points, getting thicker and thicker

towards the edges of the road. Judging by the fresh animal dung on the

ground, one would guess that people and their mounts come this way often.

Rising in the north is a three-story building with a smoking chimney.

[Exits: north]

As you awaken, you are greeted with a very vibrant scene..

Grovargh flips to his feet and twirls his daggers in both hands.

Colors are near blazing, and the edges of the various flora are blurred as though viewed through smokey glass.

Grovargh narrows his eyes to focus, to no avail.. 'Am I dreamin'?'

The air whispers in your ears, and the scent of burning firewood greets your nostrils. It isn't altogether unpleasant.

Grovargh whispers to himself, still dazed from the experience.. 'Is that a cottage?'

A Gravel Road

You are on a long road, stretching north and south. The ground has been

paved with small stones and pebbles, all of them the same shade of grey.

Short yellow grass pokes through at some points, getting thicker and thicker

towards the edges of the road. Judging by the fresh animal dung on the

ground, one would guess that people and their mounts come this way often.

Rising in the north is a three-story building with a smoking chimney.

[Exits: north]

Near the Tavern

[Exits: north south]

A sign has been nailed into one of the nearby trees.

Grovargh glances at the sign.

The sign reads:

"DRUNKEN MEDIATOR: 100 PACES NORTH"

An unconscious dwarf has been carved upon it, sitting on a stool.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Eh?

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Those surface oaf cousins..

Grovargh claws at his flask. 'Damm throat.' The duergar spits up a wad of mucus.

The clinking of glasses, shuffling of chairs, and the general sounds of merriment waft through the air.

Grovargh wipes the back of his mouth clean with his rough chubby hand.

Near the Tavern

The gravel-covered trail continues here, allowing one ease of travel. A

hitch has been planted beside the road, though no one is currently using it

to hold their rides. Some trees rise out of the ground here and there,

breaking up the otherwise boring scenery. A few must be quite old, as they

seem to touch the skies above. Others aren't nearly as large; saplings

really, probably planted just a few years ago.

[Exits: north south]

A sign has been nailed into one of the nearby trees.

Grovargh pulls his hood over his head, leaving just his nose and formidable beard hanging out from it's opening.

Before the Drunken Mediator

You finally arrive just outside the tavern known to all as the "Drunken

Mediator." It is a rather nice looking place, "cozy" being the best word to

describe it. A flower garden has been planted outside; every colour

imaginable has been represented and arranged in an eye-appealing fashion.

Wooden beams interlocked with each other can be seen on the outside of the

building. Painted a very dark brown colour, they contrast nicely with the

white-framed glass windows. Two tall chimneys rise from the roof, one on

the east side and the other on the west. Made from red brick and grey

mortar, black smoke puffs from both of them constantly.

[Exits: north south]

Grovargh sniffs the air around him and heads to the north.

Front Door

Upon entering the Drunken Mediator, one immediately realizes that this is

no ordinary tavern. The floor is covered in hardwood tiles, forming a

checkerboard pattern of red and brown. An overhead lamp provides just the

right amount of light for conversation. Casting an amber shade over

everything around you, it also makes you feel at peace. To the south is the

way out.

[Exits: north east south west]

Grovargh looks about himself.

You scan all around.

You scan north.

*** Range 1 (north) ***

A clean shaven barkeep is here, attending to the many patrons about

*** Range 2 (north) ***

A large dwarven fellow is here attending to this side of the bar.

You scan east.

You scan south.

You scan west.

You scan up.

You scan down.

South Bar

In the direct middle of the Drunken Mediator is the bar. Built from

finely polished wood imported from the Elium forest, it has the usual wear

and tear one would expect. It is, however, very clean. Not a single empty

glass can be found on its shiny surface; the bartender for this section of

the bar seems to like cleanliness. A lot.

[Exits: north east south west]

A clean shaven barkeep is here, attending to the many patrons about

Grovargh settles into a stool near the barkeep.

Durn, the barkeep is standing here, slowly wiping clean an ale glass.

A face with very little hair on it meets your gaze. Durn, the barkeep of

the south bar, is often known to be very quiet, yet speedy and accurate with

every order. On the rare hour when the Drunken Mediator is not busy, he can

be found restocking the beverages, or cleaning the gigantic bar before him.

Durn, the barkeep is in excellent condition.

Durn, the barkeep is using:

You peek at the inventory:

a shot of whisky

a cup of hearty mead

a hefty mug of rum

'Well well well,' Durn says with a wide, toothy grin. 'A visitor!'

Durn, the barkeep says 'Can't say we get many visitors these days. What'll ya have?'

Grovargh slips some gold onto the table. 'Mead lad, cold and stout.'

Durn, the barkeep nods.

You haggle the price down to 57 coins.

You buy a cup of hearty mead.

You give Durn, the barkeep 100 gold.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Fer yer troubles mate.

You drink mead from a cup of hearty mead.

Your thirst is quenched.

Grovargh pulls down his hood.

Durn, the barkeep says 'Drink up, friend! And welcome to the Drunken Mediator!'

The pleasantly plump dwarf wrings his stubby hands in his apron.

Grovargh peeks over his shoulder, and then back at the barkeep.

Still that fuzziness doesn't leave your eyes. Everything seems sort of... dulled - though the colors are still quite catching.

Grovargh rubs at his eyes.

barkeep says 'So what brings you our way, stranger?'

Durn, the barkeep begins to rub down the bar.

A laugh escapes Grovargh. 'Just passing through..'

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Yer got another pint?

Durn, the barkeep nods his rotund head. 'As much as you like!'

You haggle the price down to 80 coins.

You buy a cup of hearty mead.

You give Durn, the barkeep 100 gold.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Thanks lad.

You drink mead from a cup of hearty mead.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'These sure go down easy.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Yer got any food back there..

South Bar

In the direct middle of the Drunken Mediator is the bar. Built from

finely polished wood imported from the Elium forest, it has the usual wear

and tear one would expect. It is, however, very clean. Not a single empty

glass can be found on its shiny surface; the bartender for this section of

the bar seems to like cleanliness. A lot.

[Exits: north east south west]

A clean shaven barkeep is here, attending to the many patrons about

The area around you does seem populated, though the people are strangely... still. Even close glances fail to reveal detail in these faceless occupants.

Durn, the barkeep says 'Food? Why certainly!'

Durn, the barkeep says 'In fact, you should try our world famous steak..'

Grovargh continues to peer discretely at his surroundings while the barkeep is distracted.

A winged earth dragon coils about your shoulder.

You feel someone protecting you.

Grovargh pats his dragon, almost absent-mindedly.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'I'll take one.

The hum of conversation fills the place, though the words are inaudible.

Durn, the barkeep says 'Eeeeexcellent!'

Grovargh flashes a glance over his shoulder.

You scan west.

You scan east.

Durn, the barkeep a wiiiide grin turns the barkeep's face. 'I'll be RIGHT back.'

Durn, the barkeep waddles off to retrieve your order.

You nod.

Durn, the barkeep walks east.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Something ain't right here..

Durn, the barkeep walks in.

You nod at Durn, the barkeep.

Durn, the barkeep says 'Ah, here we are.'

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Smells good.

Durn, the barkeep gives you some mystery meat.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Though me nose still burnin..

You eat some mystery meat.

You are no longer hungry.

You eat some mystery meat.

You are full.

You give Durn, the barkeep 200 gold.

Durn, the barkeep says 'Eat your fill, fella. PLENTY where that came from..'

You say 'Thanks lad.'

Another wide grin turns the dwarf's face.

From somewhere you hear something that sounds like... chopping.

Grovargh smirks to the barkeep. 'You got a nice tavern here..'

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'A rum and I'll be on me way.

You haggle the price down to 99 coins.

You buy a hefty mug of rum.

You drink rum from a hefty mug of rum.

You are full.

'Why thank you,' the barkeep returns, wiping down the table again. 'Oh... do you have to leave?'

Durn, the barkeep says 'Why don't you rest your weary feet a while?'

A glimmer of gold glints from Grovargh's crooked smile. 'Was thinking bout gittin' a room, I was.'

Grovargh continues, 'And in that case..'

You haggle the price down to 79 coins.

You buy a hefty mug of rum.

You drink rum from a hefty mug of rum.

You are full.

You haggle the price down to 99 coins.

You buy a hefty mug of rum.

Durn, the barkeep says 'A room? Why of course! We have -excellent- rooms!'

You drink rum from a hefty mug of rum.

You are full.

You say 'OH Yer?'

Durn, the barkeep says 'In fact, our best suites have just become available.'

You say 'HOow mMuhHCh fer yER fInesst?'

Durn, the barkeep says 'I'll tell you what..'

Durn, the barkeep says 'For you, on the house.'

Grovargh leans back in his stool.

Durn, the barkeep slaps the bartop, beaming happily.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Yer a good deurro.

You give Durn, the barkeep 2000 gold.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Keep some o'that mead on ice.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Say there.. Durn is it?

Durn, the barkeep says 'Yessir?'

The muffled sounds of a scuffle can faintly be heard.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Yer got a bouncer round here?

Durn, the barkeep says 'A bouncer? Why... no. We never needed one!'

Durn, the barkeep says 'We're a peaceful folk here.'

Grovargh nods. 'Well of course.'

Sometihng faint... like a yelp - quickly cut silent.

Durn, the barkeep clears his throat, whistling to himself.

Grovargh looks Durn straight in the eye. 'I'll be off ter me room. Which way?'

Durn, the barkeep indicates north with his hand, wrapped up in his apron. 'Just right up yonder.'

Durn, the barkeep says 'But wait just a second, fella!'

Durn, the barkeep says 'You should have some more of our world-famous meat steak!'

Durn, the barkeep gives you some mystery meat.

You eat some mystery meat.

You are full.

You are sober.

Grovargh rubs his belly. 'Hits the spot.'

Durn, the barkeep says 'I -bet- it does.'

Grovargh pushes his empty plate back towards the barkeep.

Durn, the barkeep grins... a nice, wiiiiide grin.

Grovargh cases the register behind Durn as the barkeep gathers the plate.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Thanks again Durn. I'll be off.

Durn, the barkeep nods.

North Bar

Unlike the other half of the bar (which extends to towards the front

door), this one is messier. Spilled liquids covers most surfaces;

alcohol-soaked rags lie here and there, too full of liquid to be of any

further use at the moment. Surprisingly, both halves have about the same

number of patrons. To each their own.

[Exits: north east south west]

A large dwarven fellow is here attending to this side of the bar.

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep says '"Hello there!"'

Grovargh notes the odor as soon as he enters the north bar. 'Eh der mate.'

Grovargh nods at the barkeep. 'Yer a friend of Durn's huh?'

The faceless participants turn towards you as you enter - but remain without detail.

Grovargh glances nonchalantly at the exits.

You scan all around.

You scan north.

You scan east.

You scan south.

*** Range 1 (south) ***

A clean shaven barkeep is here, attending to the many patrons about

You scan west.

You scan up.

You scan down.

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep says 'Why of course. We're barkeeps aint we?'

'YAGH!' comes a howl from... somewhere. Then silence.

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep slides a drink to a faceless patron, whistling loudly.

Grovargh carefully navigates his way to the barkeep through the crowd.

Grovargh slides his elbow down on the bar and motions for Tugok to come closer.

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep turns his eyes toward you, leaning upon the bar with his elbows. 'Whadda ya need fella?'

Grovargh whispers into the dwarf's hairy ear. 'What's up with all that hootin' and hollerin'?'

'Hollerin'?' comes the response as the barkeep leans back. He rolls his shoulders. 'I aint heard nothin.'

Dragging sounds can be heard underfoot.

Grovargh nods, 'I must be off me rocker.'

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Nevermind.

[Lv Price Coin Qty] Item

[ 0 500 GO -- ] a very large cup of dwarven beer

[ 0 400 GO -- ] a deep cup of rum

[ 0 400 GO -- ] a shot of "firebreather"

[ 0 100 GO -- ] a hefty mug of rum

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep says 'Ya just need 'nother drink, friend.'

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep must like you a great deal to beam at you so broadly!

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Yer right. Line me up my good man.

Grovargh quickly asks, 'Yer name?

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep says 'Tugok's m'name, fella.'

'Grovargh.' The stout duergar extends his hand.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'A tall glass of rum be in order methinks.

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep grasps your hand and shakes heartily. He seems strangely... cold.

Grovargh pulls back his hand quickly, failing to hold back his intrigue.

Drip... drip... drip. You hear something draining.

You haggle the price down to 232 coins.

You buy a deep cup of rum.

You drink rum from a deep cup of rum.

You haggle the price down to 348 coins.

You buy a deep cup of rum.

You drink rum from a deep cup of rum.

You feel drunk.

HIC

You say 'Zszuhn Zsznivellin'sSzurfAzje ratsSs..Thahht'ss the stuhhf!'

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep grins. A wide grin, revealing an impossibly dark maw.

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep says 'Drink your fill, fella.'

Feeling his rum, Grovargh stares blankly at the barkeeps dark mouth. 'Yer got nicer teeth than ol'Grova!'

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep chuckles politely.

'YYAAAARRGGHH!!!'

Thump.

Grovargh turns quickly.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Better back me up,.

You haggle the price down to 396 coins.

You buy a deep cup of rum.

Tugok, the dwarven barkeep whistles distractedly, wiping the bar with a stained cloth.

You drink rum from a deep cup of rum.

You feel drunk.

Your thirst is quenched.

Grovargh burps loudly.

You say 'Sorry Fer tHhe mess..'

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'But like those humans say.. when in Rheydin.. awh, nevamind..'

A sudden pain erupts in your skull.

You go to sleep.

You can't see anything, you're sleeping!

You come to with a pounding headache.

You wake and sit up.

You awaken shackled in the darkness.

Grovargh rubs the knot on his head. 'The heck? MY ARMS! HEY!'

Amongst Shadows

You are in an unknown area surrounded by a circle of darkness that not

even your keen eyes can hope to pierce. Dank smell of death and decay is

around you, and in the perfect silence the rush of your blood is a

thunderous roar. A slight sensation tickles your mind...

[Exits: none]

All around you are corpses in various stages of mutilation and decomposition.

'He's up, he's up,' you hear someone, somewhere whisper.

You come to with a pounding headache.

Grovargh chokes back a gasp and desperately looks for the owner of the voice.

'Stay still, meat...' comes the voice. You hear something, like someone sharpening a blade..

Grovargh chokes on his words, his mouth dry from the rum.. 'Who are you!'

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'I ain't no meat!

'We're running low on our world-famous steak... luckily, you came along.' A dark chuckle snakes through the darkness.

You feel as if something very bad was heading your way.

Grovargh gulps slightly. 'Is that right?'

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

'Oh yeah... and we're hungry.' Shhhhink.... shhhhink comes the sounds of a blade on wetstone.

Grovargh speaks in a gruff tone, his breath reeking of stale rum. 'Yer ain't guner like the taste of ol'Grova.. rivals ogre piss..'

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

The darkness draws in closer, threatening to consume you.

Grovargh fumbles in the darkness to reach for his belt..

Grovargh whispers to himself 'Just.. can't.. get it..'

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

The voice once again; 'Oh, do struggle. We like it when they struggle..'

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

A flash in the darkness, light on a wicked and large meat cleaver..

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

In a deft move, Grovargh manages to grasp at his belt pouch. In his haste, the lockpicks fall from his grasp onto the floorn and just out of reach.

You say 'DaamN It!'

Another quiet chuckle. 'Oh my... isn't that just -too- bad...'

You can't focus from your deprivation of sleep.

Grovargh slumps, his head falling against his chest.

The dark figure LEAPS towards you, blade raised!

You are suddenly overcome with exhaustion.

You can't see anything, you're sleeping!

You can wake up now.

You wake up and sit down.

Within the Landfill

You trudge along a narrow path through the waste mountain rimmed on both

sides by towering walls of trash leaning alarmingly to the inside. Half-

rotten pieces of fruit and vegetables are strewn around almost decoratively

drawing huge clouds of flies. You are positive that your sense of smell has

more sense than you and has packed his things to go on a vacation to the

seaside.

[Exits: north south]

You awaken to familiar surroundings. The burning sensation in your eyes, the blurriness.. all gone.

Grovargh looks himself over.

The best part - you appear to still be in one piece!

Grovargh whistles to himself. 'For once I was the CANVAS!'

Grovargh rubs the back of his head, a smile replacing his fright. 'This gives mer a nice idea fer a new masterpiece..'