[IC] Fantasy 1775: The New World (looking for new players)

[TheUnknowable]

The city of Seaside is generally concidered a peaceful town, a center of trade for the entire continent. Appearances, however, can be deceiving.

On the docks a woman in a black hat walked around, asking question to the various people there. "Hello, sir," she said to a passer-by. "May I ask you a few questions?"

Linus Fieldman, son of Jupiter/Zeus, but a convert to the Catholic Church and their One God (with caveats), has entered this seemingly peaceful town, seeking, well, a fortune and a way that he can benefit ordinary humans. Seeing the woman in the black hat, he would then ask:

"How may I help you, milady?" Wow, he thought, she's a looker.

"I was just conducting a survey for the newspaper where I work." She said to him, returning a bit of the charm he was using on her. "I'm asking people in the area their opinion on tomorrow's election. Care to tell me your thoughts on the matter, and who you plan on voting for?"

"Ah, I just came into the city; what's the election about?" Linus asked.

"Well," she said, "The first candidate is the current Mayor, who was caught using city funds to hire prostitutes, and refuses to repay the coffers, or even apoligize. The second is a man who had to flee England after being caught molesting a child, and who has been seen talking to several children in the city's factory district."

"You let people like that run for public office?!" Linus said with incredulity.

"Oh, no." she said. "It's for the sacrifice."

"Of course," a little bit of sarcasm entered Linus' voice. "Which God or Demon is it? Someone I know?" And with that, Linus betrayed the not-so-secret fact that he was a Demigod.

"Lord Abernathy." she said matter-of-fact. "He came to Seaside 107 years ago after he was exiled from Lucifer's hell for, well..." she looked around nervously. "Being too weak." she finished the sentence. "Since then he's demanded a sacrifice every winter solstice, which is tomorrow night, so that he can consume their soul at midnight. The people refused the first year, but he just took twelve people on his own instead."

"Ah," said Linus. Well, I know what's the first order of business. "Sorry to inquire further, milady, but how strong is Abernathy on this world? Also, does he have any enemies?"

"Just a point of curiosity; I'm just a tourist, after all," blantant lies.

"Um..." she said, weary of answering, "That's a bit of a dangerous question. I think we need to go somewhere where we won't be overheard. Would you like a drink?"

"Of course; I'd prefer Wine, though, but I can pay if that's too expensive," Linus smiled at Sarah, waiting for her to take the lead.

She lead him to a tavern a few hundred yards away. They entered, ordered two drinks, then sat down at one of the few empty tables in the noisy establishment. You notice that there is a Bronze crucifix hanging on the wall behind the bar.

"So," she said after they had been served, "You wanted to know if Abernathy had any enemies. In a way, though, the entire city is his enemy. The city government has created a special Victim's Fund to help those he wrongs, wheather by theft, kidnapping..." she took a sip of her whiskey, "murder, rape. Whatever."

"As for those that could actually stand against him, he's simply too powerful for us." She lowered her voice and moved closer to Linus. "Well, there are two."

A nod, and a quick prayer directed at the crucifix.

"Who are those two?" Linus said.

"Thor was spotted in a city one hundred miles from here. That has the obvious problem of being extremely expensive. The last time he took a job as a mercenary, joining England against the French to ensure that their champion, Ares, didn't interfere in the battle. They paid him one million pounds. There is no way that we could raise that."

She swallowed the last of her drink. "The only other possibility is Captain Shumacher, his son."

"You've never had a scion of Jupiter and Champion of the Catholic Church - with Caveats - on your side before," Linus made a slight boast, "but tell me about Captain Shumacher."

As the two continued their discussion, the tavern's door swung open, revealing a dark figure, draped in a long, black, hooded oilskin coat. With a notable limp, and series of grunts, the figure shambled over to a corner table, and planted himself firmly on a stool. Fixing a cautious eye on the newcomers, he awaited the arrival of a tavern wench, to fetch him drinks.

After firmly planting a long, bone-carved pipe into his mouth, the figure drew out a match, and struck it alight. Breathing the blaze into his pipe, and puffing heartily, he let down his hood.

Linus sniffed at the air, detecting the smell of cold, almost rotten flesh and dark magic somewhere. Looking at the newcomer, he said, with some worry:

"I think we have a watcher." He then went over to Bjornson (not that he knew his name) and said mildly:

"Anything the matter?"

"Good question", Bjornson grunted back. "A clean, wealthy, Italian kid walks into a rundown tavern near the docks of Seaside, with a stupid smirk on his face... and a reporter. Why don't you tell me, if anything is the matter?"

With this, the bundled, exhausted man took in a deep breath, before emitting a thick cloud of tobacco smoke toward this new inquisitor.

"Would you mind?!" Linus was indigant now, waving away the smoke. "I may be immortal, but tobacco still smells bad!" Recovering his courtesty, the Demigod would then say:

"Look, want to commit treason with me and Sarah - the reporter's name? I'm willing to pay all the expenses."

Forseti gave a hearty, and entirely forced, chuckle. "One moment", he proclaimed, with a wave over Linus's shoulder.

Just then, an uncommonly voluptuous wench approached the table with a large flagon. "I assumed you'd want the stout. Same as always", she giggled.

"Darlin', if you were any sweeter, you'd make my teeth hurt. Now off with you", Forseti teased, grasping the flagon in one hand, and placing it thunderously on the table.

"Alright kid, you've got my interest, and that's no easy task. What the hell are you talking about?", the wretched sailor inquired, removing his pipe in order to indulge in a mighty swig of beer. Wiping his mouth, and repositioning the pipe, his stern gaze returned to the uninvited guest.

"Well, we're trying to overthrow the local Demon Lord, Abernathy is the name. We have two options; one is to hire Thor for a Million Pounds; I only have a few thousand, though, and the other is to rely on Abernathy's son, Captain Shumancher, who is an unknown factor," Linus said.

"I hate being locked to one course, and I'd much rather select the 'get one million pounds' option because it allows for preying on the strong and powerful, but we're selecting the second thing."

"Unless of course, you know the location of the Spanish Treasure Fleet -"

"Speak of the Devil." Sarah, the reporter, said, as a gentleman in a silk suit entered and sat down, two muscle-bound Orcs sitting down with him. A waitress ran over to him, setting down a crystal goblet and a bottle of expensive wine. She then brought a pitcher of ale and two mugs for his friends.

Forseti stared at the Kid, with a look of complete incredulity. Maintaining that stare, he raised the mug to his mouth again, and took another swig.

"Tell you what, kid", Forseti bustled, attempting to finish his beer as quickly as possible. "I think the winds are shifting, as they haven't done in a long time. Now I've got to get out of here,", he paused to nod in the direction of the gentlemen who'd just entered, "but come find me tomorrow, after I've had some time to meditate on this. My house is at the end of McPherson Lane, down past the shipping docks at the edge of town."

With that, he gulped down the last of his beer, hoisted himself up, and tossed a couple coins on the table. "Tell Belany I'll be back for her another night", he said with a wink toward the waitress. Forseti then quickly strode his way through the crowd, and out of the tavern's front door, thankfully unnoticed by mister Abernathy.

Linus nodded, and thought; I'm 100 chronologically; I'm older than you, before going back to Sarah and saying:

"I think we'd better go."

"Sure," she said, "let me introduce you to my friend." She got up, leaving the money for their drinks on the table and they left for Captain Shumacher's.

[TheUnknowable]

Sarah led Linus to a carriage house, where she rented a coach so that they could go to the mansion a mile outside of town.

After the carriage was ready they traveled down the cobblestone road to a large brick mansion. They parked at the stables and got out. After entering the front door the butler greeted them.

"Hello Mrs. Tailor. Mr. Shumacher is out back, if you'll follow me." As one of the city's leading citizens and owner of many businesses and buildings in town he was often interviewed by her, and he welcomed her to his mansion whenever she wanted to visit.

At the back of the Estate, on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean stood a young looking elf. "Hello Mrs. Tailor." he said. "Have you come to ask my opinion on tomorrow's election?"

Linus eyed Shumacher closely; the shirtlessness was a nice touch, but the long hair ruined it - he disliked long hair. So, he waited for Sarah to finish talking with the Elf.

"Actually, Captain," she said, referring to him by his one-time rank, "This man here," she said, pointing to Linus, "has an interesting proposition for you. I'll let him explain."

Shumacher turned around and you notice an elven longsword strapped to his left side. He idly played with sparks of lightning which danced around his fingers. "Really?" he asked, "In that case, I'm willing to listen. I'm sure Sarah wouldn't waste my time if you weren't serious."

Linus smiled, his smile metaphorically electric, before he said:

"Two propositions, actually. One is that you help me fund an expedition to steal one million pounds from the Spanish Treasure Fleet; it'll be under the table, using false names and documentation - the city will not be legally implicated, or two, well, let's just say that I have a vested interest in undermining your Father; what can I give to allow you to challenge him?" His body language was relaxed, open, his arms wide as if to receive him, allowing Shumacher a full view of his handsome, though still fully-clothed, form - albeit in a way that would be easy to ignore if the Half-Demon wasn't inclined towards other men.

"Let me get this straight, you want me to challenge him?" After a few seconds he continued, ignoring whatever advances the newcomer made. "If you'd have asked Sarah about it she could have told you why I couldn't. I've thought of the possibility before. Maybe I'm as strong as him, maybe not, but I can't stand up to him with my current equipment, and it would be suicide to even attempt it."

"Hmm..." said Linus, "then perhaps funding an attempt to seize the Spanish Treasure Fleet, then? Or, perhaps you can tell me what equipment would you need to challenge your father?"

"Another thought," he turned to Sarah, "my scholarship in Theology isn't the same as scholarship in Daemonology, but can't a Demon's True Name be used to weaken it?"

He giggled a bit. "True name? Now the treasure fleet is starting to look more appealing, and far more likely. Follow me." He started walking towards a small, gravel practice field, continuing to talk as he walked. "He isn't some Imp you can just buy a spell book to learn the name of. I don't even know my "True name", and wouldn't even know how to find his. The only other name I know for him is A'Ba'Na'Tha, meaning "Rancid Scrotum" in his native tongue. That was only given to him after he was an adult. Before that he was just the sixth son of the demon lord A'Su'Wa'La, and had no name. If anyone on Earth knew it, it would be him, and he won't tell you."

They reached the practice field and he picked up a steel longsword, the common variety that one could buy from any smith. "Let me demonstrate my problem." He held it up and sparks of lightning began leaping across the blade. Within a few seconds, though, it started to glow slightly red as it heated up. Twenty seconds later it turned into a liquid and slid out of his hand. "And that was just my elemental lightning. My demonic powers are far more powerful, and far more destructive." He lifted another steal sword and for a split second a red tinged shadow started to surround it, though it sword liquefied before it consumed the blade.

"I now carry the best sword I could find, smithed by an Elven Master, the best one in the New World. Even it can't withstand my full demonic power. The only sword I know of that could contain my power is in a secret location that I've never revealed to another, though Abernathy knows that I am aware of its location and has warned me not to go for it."

"To put it simply, I need the Demon Sword "Soul Thief"."

"I heard about that," Linus said, "the blade that destroyed the city of Antwerp, then disappeared. And, let me guess, I'm not you, so I'm not bound by any promise not to go after it." Linus began to muse.

"I'd still prefer the Treasure Fleet. I have powers over Lightning as well, although much weaker than you have, contacts of my own, and a special power that gives me some proficiency in skills I normally lack. The Spanish Treasure Fleet is well-protected, but they're still ships; they'll break and burn when struck by the thunderbolt."

"I'd even pay half the costs of hiring the privateers, although that's all I can do with my own resources."

He nodded. "Have you every chartered a vessel?" he asked. "Even an honest one would cost tens of thousands of pounds, and a pirate ship, if that is what you wish to hire, would cost far more. I'm not comfortable attacking innocent people either, so you would be on your own if you took that path."

"If you want to retrieve the Sword for me, though, I will pay you and any companions you wish to take with you handsomely. One hundred thousand to the group, and you can keep anything else that you find while executing the mission. I will tell you, and train you in what you need to know to in order to succeed."

"If you are serious about defeating him, and quickly so that he ceases his terror on the city, this is the only way. So, what do you think? Will you do it?"

"Of course," said Linus, bowing a little. "I give my word for it, as a Demigod Scion of Jupiter and Convert to the Catholic Church - with Caveats." He then sighed.

"That said, though, I wish that the people I met in that tavern didn't just abandon me..."

"Money tends to bring people around." He said, taking the boy at his word. "As for what you need, I would visit the market to get supplies." He took a piece of paper from a tent at the side of the training ground and wrote a note, signed it, then rolled it up. "Give this to my Butler on your way out and he'll give you an advance of twenty thousand for supplies." He handed the rolled up paper to Linus.

"As for who you should get, you'll need at least two other skilled fighters, assuming you can fight, and a cursed one."

Linus nodded, wishing that the undead sailor had accompanied him...

James had been following the man and the girl since the tavern. Hearing Abernathy's name had certainly peaked his interest and when he heard that they were planning to kill him, and that there would be money involved; he knew he wanted in. The only hard part of tailing them was keeping up with the stage coach, it had been awhile since he sprinted a full mile.

He was listening intently on the conversation between Abernathy's son, The woman, and Linus. When he heard the demon mention them needing more manpower he decided that it was time to show himself. He calmly walked out from behind a tree and approached the practice field.

"Hello lads, I think I might be able to lend a hand. James Goldfield, mercenary for hire; At your service."

Shumacher drew his sword, and anyone could tell from a glance at it why he was proud of the weapon. "How did you get on my property?" he asked. There was a stone wall around three sides of it, though it was covered in Ivy and had trees nearby in some places, and a cliff on the other side.

"Impressive stealth skills," Linus said, looking over the Half-Elf. Very good looking, with short blond hair and golden eyes, as well as a well-proportioned build. Too bad he was probably straight. What a pity.

James placed a hand on the handle of his own blade. "Calm down everyone, I mean you no harm. I got onto the property by climbing a nearby tree and hopping onto the ivy on your walls, rather shoddy security if you ask me. I know that you need two more people to help you kill Abernathy, and I want to be one of them."

"Very well," Shumacher said, sheathing the blade. "Though it's really up to him if he wants to hire you." He looked at Linus. "If you wish to test him, though, you can use the practice field."

"Thank you," said the Demigod, who then looked at James.

[TheUnknowable]

"So, want to spar with me?" he drew his Longsword. "Also, would this engagement allow Magic, or not?"

"No magic this time, Just swords. Wooden ones at that, I'd rather not kill you. You have obvious magic prowess over me and I don't feel like being outclassed by a demigod brat."

"I'm older than you," Linus said, "although I must admit that I don't act like it." He then took a wooden sword, and went to the practice field. Then, a naugthy thought came over him.

"Hey, if it's all right with you, how about a bet? For each blow that hits directly, one of us has to shed an article of clothing; a pair of shoes count as one article."

"Youre a strange one, but agreed. Against a more skilled opponent I would've said no; but I know without a doubt you can't land a single blow." James smirked cockily, drew his sword and took up his stance.

I'll be winning either way, Linus said, before circling his opponent, then suddenly rolling to James' left, before crouching and slicing at the man's boots.

(2-3-1=6 vs. 1-1-5=7
James barely beats it.)

James saw the attack coming and with quick movement of his ankle caught his attack with the bottom on his boot."He's fast" James thought to himself. "His speed is almost exactly the same as my own, But I'm confident I can outsword him." He followed up with a downward strike aimed directed at Linus's cranium, looking to end the fight quickly.

(3-4-6-4-5=22 vs. 4-4-1=9
significant damage)

Linus felt an explosion of pain overtake him, as the wooden sword clashed against his head. Ugh! He did not expect that happening. Staggering back, the Demigod tried to regain his bearings; before, first, taking off his overcoat, leaving him in his undershirt, before going back and feinting at James' front, then trying to hit the other man's hand, hoping for a quick disarm.

(Linus 4-5-3=12 vs. James 4-2-2=8
Slight hit.)

James caught the attack with his bracer, bracing the impact with his forearm muscle. He felt a slight ache when it connected, but nothing more. He rolled away from his opponent and paused to take off his shoes. He approached Linus again, shoes in hand. James threw the shoes at Linus, hoping to distract him while lunging and stabbing at his already weakened head.

(James 1-2-5-4-5=17 vs. Linus 6-3-1=10
moderate hit.)

"Ow!" Linus screamed in pain as he drew back again, his head swimming with pain once more. Stepping back once, twice, the swordsman took off his undershirt with one hand, stalling for time while the cool wind on his newly-bare chest brought focus to him. If James should strike, then he would duck, and bring up his knee against the man's arm again, attempting a disarm. If he didn't, Linus would rush, then, throwing himself to James' left side, strike a blow against the other man's left shoulder.

(Linus 3-6-4=13 vs. James 4-2-2-5-6=19
Blocked )

James took a defensive stance and blocked Linus's attack against his shoulder. He then side stepped and whipped the side of his sword at Linus's ribs; making sure to try for a fracture.

(James 1-2-3-6-6=18 vs Linus 3-2-3=8
Significant damage)

Linus barely parried, the top half of his sword breaking and flying off into the air. Snarling with rage, the man took off his shoes, leaving him in his socks; he knew that he had to keep attempting to disarm that man, and so he tried the same ploy James had made at him, throwing his shoes at the man's head, before rushing at him; yet another feint - the man would duck, thrust the broken bottom half of his sword at James' face, and, when the Half-elf made to duck, use his left wrist to grab the swashbuckler's sword hand; as long as he didn't grab the blade itself, it wasn't cheating.

(Linus 1-6-2=9 vs. James 3-1-4=8
Slight failure)

James saw the shoes coming and tried to catch them, but they clipped his hand. Anger by the pain in his fingers he tried to kick Linus in the chest, but his opponent spun sideways and backstepped; avoiding the attack. James took off his socks, getting ready to attack again.

(James 1-2-5-1-1=10 vs. Linus 6-3-4=13
Success)

Emboldened by his success in barely avoiding James' onslaught, Linus would crouch down again, attempting a spinning kick at James' legs.

(Linus 4-4-6=14 vs. James 5-4-2-1-2=14
equal)

James tried to counter by slamming his knee into his attacker's head, and he connected. But Linus's leg caught James in the shins and send pain up to his joint. "Good thing he still has a conncusion; my blow was far more severe." James thought to himself.

"Orgasms are good for headaches, and I will be having one to your naked body...or mine, soon," Linus couldn't help but give a half-hearted boast as he took off his socks, before, with bare feet, rushing at James yet again, then jumping high at the last minute, kicking at the man's chin.

(Linus 2-6-2=10 vs James 5-4-4-6-2=23
Significant hit)

James saw the kick coming and headbutted Linus's ankle with all the strength in his neck, putting as much power into it as he could; 'I'm getting really tired of this fight." James thought, getting frustrated. When the blow connected he saw the ankle bend at an unnatural angle and heard a snap, meaning he had broken it.

With Linus' ankle broken, his mobility was finally compromised, meaning that he won't be able to fight. So, he instead said:

"You win, I yield."

After the fight was over, Shumacher nodded and looked at Linus. "Well, he's definately skilled enough, but you are the one who's in charge of the team, so I'll leave it up to you."

"He's in," Linus said offhandedly. "In the meantime, do you have a healing potion so that I can go to the bathroom, and not just because nature calls."

Shumacher walked over and grabbed Linus's head and ankle, no doubt causing him pain, and feeding Ki into them, willing them to fix themselves. After about 15 seconds he stopped, releasing the now healed areas, and stood up. "I can't do that when you go to retreive the sword for me, but I'll fix your training injuries if you want. After all, I was a doctor and an army medicbefore becoming a city guard.

Linus nodded, then took off the rest of his clothing, going back to the house to look for the bathrooms, unashamed of his naked form.

James collected his clothing on the ground and placed it back on himself, feeling slightly sore. He trodded off after Linus in the direction of the washrooms to clean himself of the fight's sweat and grime, and to shave.

"An unorthodox method of keeping score, but it works." said Schumacher as the man walked away.

When Linus and James got back he nodded to the three of them. "You should stay here tonight, so that you can get in more practice. Feel free to go shopping with the money I've given you, but be back before nightfall. I have something I wish to teach you, and tomorrow you can go and find your Cursed and bring them here so that I can teach you that which you will need to get the sword."

He looked at Sarah. "Are you planning on going with them in this quest?"

"Of course," she said. "A quest to overthrow a Demon Lord? It will make a wonderful story, and I'll need to be there to get the details."

"In that case, allow me to teach you something." He walked over to her placing his hand on her left shoulder. He then sent a trickle of Lightning through it. "Control this magic." he told her. "It shouldn't be able to hurt you."

She willed her arm to stop twitching and lifted her arm. "Good," said Shumacher, "now point your palm at the practice dummy and concentrate on throwing the lightning as you do your Holy Chaos blasts."

(Exceed 15 to learn: 2-1-3-6=12)

She willed the lightning in her hand to form in her palm, but just as it got there it shorted out, causing slight burns on her palms. She jerked her hand back and looked at it. "Ok," she said, after seeing that it wasn't that bad. "Let's try again."

(4-4-2-1=11)

Again she attempted it, this time burning herself slightly worse. "Damn it." she cursed as she shook her hand. A few seconds later she lifted her arm again. "Ok, let's try one more time."

(6-5-1-3=15)

A tiny bolt of lightning jumped from her hand and struck the dummy. Though it caused no visible damage, she was sure it connected.

"Good," said Shumacher. "Now you can protect yourself a bit better. Just practice that while you stay here tonight." He looked at the two fighters. "If anyone at the market asks, I hired you as guards, and the money is for better equipment."

Linus nodded, not knowing whether it would be a good enough pretext. Nevertheless, he was going to have an opportunity to use his Divine Blessing! Putting his clothes back on, he prepared to go.

James gathered his share of the money, roughly five thousand; and prepared to depart for the market. It'll be nice to get some better equipment. He thought excitedly to himself.

[TheUnknowable]

They took the carraige back to Seaside and Sarah lead them to a series of stalls and shop buildings near the center. "In case you don't know," she said, "this is the market. The southeast quarter sales general goods, any thing from food to tents to lanterns and other supplies. The Southwest is weapons and armor merchants, though other forms of goods spill over into there from the General goods section, as the smiths there don't just deal with weapons and armor. Above it, the northeast quarter contains various bits of machinery, and various technological devices. Last week I even saw a two wheeled vehicle called a "bicycle" there. It has some bleed over from the the northeastern magical vendors and the smithing area. If you need anything specific, just tell me and I'll tell you where to find it."

"Well, Southeast first to get food, then Southwest would be my vote," Linus said, now staring at Sarah's beautiful eyes.

"Certainly," Sarah said, "If you'll follow me." She lead the two to the general goods quarter, to the first food vendor. On the table in front of the man were many small sacks of preserved meats and fruits. Bags of nuts and jars of preserves sat to the left of him, and many direrent bottled drinks, mostly alcoholic, sat to his right.

"Can I help you, sirs and madaam?" the man asked them.

"What is the price of an average packet of smoked beef, smoked fish, and smoked pork, as well as a small pack of dried fruits? Oh, and bread, pickles, butter, oil and honey?" Linus said, prepared to bargain.

"Beef and Pork are ten pound per pound, fish only five, as this is Seaside, and fish are cheap. Fruits depend on which fruit. Right now apples are in season, so they are three per, but the others are a bit more." He reaches under the table and pulls out a list. "Can you read English?" he asks.

"Yes, I can," Linus said, "A traveller has to be multilinguistic. Anyway, five pounds of fish, five pounds of dried apples, and one jar of applesauce. Also, a few wineskins would be nice; purified water is hard to come by for a traveller."

"We have wells, which is good, clean water. As long as it remains sealed, it won't stagnate, though I can sell you boiled water if you wish." He gathered up the rest of the goods and put them on the counter. "One hundred ten pounds." he said.

"Done," Linus affirmed, handing over the money, before saying to Sarah and James:

"All right, where do you two want to go next?"

"I think we should try and find a bookstore to learn some new tricks, and afterwards I'm heading to the magic quarter to learn some new enchantments. Sound good to you Linus?"

"It does; I also have to train my own skills; I spent at least a decade allowing them to go rusty in order to earn scholastic credentials," Linus also thought: My Thunderbolt has grown weaker than it used to be, and that spar with James has shown me that I've become less agile.

"Sarah? Which way would a bookstore be?" James asked with inquisition.

After buying some trail mix for herself, she responded. "North," she said, "follow me." She walked north up a line between the booths, stopping briefly to buy a backpack. A few minutes later she led you into a building beside the magic quarter. "This bookstore speciallizes is skill books, though there are a few lower-ranking spell books. No scrolls, though. If you need some, I'll show you my favorite place for those."

"Thanks Sarah, You're a huge help." James and Linus walked through the oak doorway and proceeded into the bookstore. It wasn't a huge building, but it had several tall bookshelves adorned with dusty tomes and numerous volumes; James was confident he would find what he needed. He approached the woman behind the counter near the door, "Excuse me miss, do you have any books on fencemanship? Particularly in the area of dual wielding?

"As for me," asked Linus, "I would like a book on how to dodge better."

"Oh, yes," the woman behind the counter said. "We have books on both. Tell me," she said, looking at Linus, "were you looking for magical enhancements for your dodging, or just a book to help you understand the art of dodging a bit more?" She walked to a shelf and pulled a slightly worn book out of it, handing it to James. "It takes a nimble person to learn to duel wield weapons in battle properly."

James casually flipped through the pages of the book, looking at the training instructions. "Perfect, I'll take it. How much?"

"Five hundred pounds." she said.

"Hmm... I don't know. Just for a book? How about I give you a night with my friend here and 350?" James asked with a smirk.

"And which friend would that be?" She asked with a playful glance at Sarah and Linus. After a second, she looked back at James. "Either way, I'm not so sure. I'm more into elves."

Linus chuckled at that, and spoke to the bookstore lady:

"You know, I half-expected you to throw us out of the store after making that offer. Anyway, yeah, I get that you would want Elves; they're pretty, have pointed ears, and don't grow body hair beyond what is physically appealing. However, looks aren't everything, if you catch my drift, and I've had practice in...certain arts longer than the kid," he ribbed James midly, "has been alive."

(Linus Seduction: 2-3-2=7)

"Really? Well maybe later, but for now..." She smiled at James.

"Sorry honey, but it's too soon. Here's your five hundred pounds." James told her, brushing her off and taking the book.

She took the money and looked a bit disappointed. "Well, if you ever want to take me up on that offer, you know where I am."

"Yeah, you're uh... kinda hard to forget. Thanks for the book lady." James turned around to leave the store, patting Linus on the back as he left. "All yours." He muttered.

The store worker nodded to him as he left. "So, about that dodging book..."

"A book on mundane dodging, if you please," Linus said.

She reaches to the top of shelf beside where the the dual weilding book was and grabs an almost new book on dodging. "This should teach you many new forms of dodges." she says. "Five hundred."

"Hmm..." Linus said, "is there a cheaper copy somewhere?"

(Linus: Bargain: Roll 10 INT to succeed 6-2-5=13
Success)

"Actually," she said, taking the book from you and putting it back on the shelf. She reached a few inches from there and pulled down a different, more worn, but still intact one. "This one is an earlier edition, but the newer version isn't that much better. 350."

"Thank you," Linus paid the required money, before going out of the bookstore, though not before he gave a slight wink to the bookseller.

James left the bookstore and headed towards the south western area of the city, towards the blacksmiths. James pondered what he would buy. "If I plan to dual wield I'll need another sword, and some more armor couldn't hurt either"

"I'm not too familiar with that area, so I'll meet you there." said Sarah. "I'm going to go look at spell books." She left north from the bookstore.

"I'll be going with you," Linus said to Sarah. "I'm going to need a spellbook as well, for my Thunderbolt."

[TheUnknowable]

Sarah walked north into the magic quarter of the market. She immediately took a left, and entered a shop dedicated to magical books, scrolls, and other bits of magical paper. "This is "The Crimson Flame", a used book dealer. They rarely have any high-level books, but we don't really need any. Scrolls, of course, are single use, so they can't really be "used", but people sell ones that they don't need, or that have been damaged or dirtied. For some reason, having blood splashed on your Scroll of Imp Summoning disgusts some people. What do they think the ink in demonic scrolls is made from? Sure, it's not usually from an intelligent being, but..." She stopped talking without finishing her sentence and walked over to the shelf labeled 'Holy'. "Maybe healing or buffs." she said, talking to herself.

"Hmm," said Linus, "I don't usually rely on Scrolls, so I think I'll be looking for a book that will allow me to expand the functions of my Thunderbolt again."

As Linus spoke, a large, weathered hand landed firmly on his shoulder. A gruff, familiar voice spoke from behind him.

"I've considered your offer, kid. If you'll cover the expenses, so we're properly outfitted, and not leaping to our deaths in rags, I'll help you."

"Thank you," Linus replied, "and, yes, I'll cover the expenses. So, we're going to get some skills training?"

"Aye. It's been a long time since I was in a proper conflict.", Bjornson recollected, "I'll need to test my aim with a firearm again. Would either of y'know if there's a proper shooting range around? Can't say I've bothered to look before. And what about y'rself? How's y'r sword-arm?"

"Well, I'm more agile than strong, so I'm looking to train in dodges, also, going to exercise my willpower to strengthen my Thunderbolts," Linus said as he casually moved on to enter The Crimson Flame.

"B'ah! Boy, when you've got a weakness, face it. You're not doing yourself any favours, not strenghtening those little arms a'yours. Still, were's y'er reporter friend? Inside this infernal establishment?"

"I'm here," said Sarah, coming out of the bookstore. Several new books were in her backpack. "You were hoping to get some practice in with a musket? There's a range over beside the carriage house. They should be able to teach you how to do anything you forgot." She looked at Forseti, then thought of something. "I just realized something. I'll be right back." She then went inside, leaving the two men there.

"Heh," said Linus to Bjornson, handing over a pouch of gold coins to the man, "all true; will you help me train, then? Also, I'm older than you." He then turned to Sarah.

"Wait, I still have to look for a way to make my Thunderbolt able to stun people again!" and with that, the Demigod went inside the bookstore as well.

Bjornson raised the pouch up in one hand, and fingered through it. It was certainly enough for a day at the range. Maybe even a bit of armour, should something sharp find its way to his chest. In his mind, Forseti plotted out the route to the range, before quickly stepping inside The Crimson Flame himself. Something had sparked the excitement of the reporter girl. It could be important.

He sauntered through he door, and gazed around, looking for the eager woman.

Sarah was looking through Ki spells, then pulled down a book on healing and started flipping through it. "Excuse me," she said to the man who was levitating himself behind the counter. "Does this spell work on undead too?"

"Healing magic doesn't hurt zombies," the man said, "That's just an urban legend. It's holy magic that does it. Unless they're Holy undead, but that's pretty rare."

"No, I mean to heal them. See, there's this guy..." She saw Forseti enter the store. "Oh, here he is." She looked at Forseti, not yet knowing his name. "Need some help finding something?"

The store clerk floated over the counter, looking him over. "Flawless casting. Whoever turned you into on of the cursed, friend, is quite skilled."

Forseti, extremely taken aback by being outed so quickly, blinked at the levitating little man for a moment. These damned magic folk, could see things that weren't meant to be seen.

"Aye, there's no one more skilled with the dead, in this world. As it happens, I'd appreciate it if you'd not mention my state to others.", he stated, with grim certainty. "Now, would y'have any tomes on magical sea life, or monster herpetology?"

"Oh, certainly," the store clerk said. "There aren't many of the cursed living in the city, less than a dozen, even if you count the vampires that live in that plantation outside the city. I haven't betrayed them yet. Unlike most folk, I don't care. Also unlike most folk, I can see auras. Let's me tell when someone who isn't alive gets near me. Sarah, on the other hand, just sensed the dark energy coming off of you, like many Holy magic users can, and made an educated guess." The floating man landed and walked over to a shelf of magical lore. "Looking for mermaids, or something a bit more exotic?" He pulled out a book with a Kraken on the front of it and showed it to Forseti.

"I'll remember that", Forseti commented, casting a suspicious glare at Sarah. "I'm looking for something a bit... larger. An eel, or serpent. We've been acquainted in the past, and I'm looking for some more information, before we... meet again. If you have any books on the subject, my youthful companion will compensate you for their cost." Bjornson gave a nod toward Linus. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must be on my way. Reporter girl, would you please meet me at the range, when you're ready? I'd still like some answers."

Linus sighed, and confirmed:

"Yes, I'll pay for the Undead's books, although this will be the last time."

The clerk pulled out a few on various legendary or godlike serpents, including Tiamat and Jormungadr, and handed to the Norse man. "Here." he said before the man started to leave, and looked at the demigod. "200 pounds."

"All right," Linus paid, before remembering his business. "And a book on Thunder Magic?"

The man took flight again and landed in front of the shelf labeled Elemental. "What are you looking to do? Do you need to learn it, or are you looking to learn a trick or two?"

"The latter," was the Demigod's reply.

"Anything specific? Stunning, forks, chain?"

"Stunning, for now," Linus replied.

The clerk handed Linus a book on stun lightning. "Good call." he said. "Sometimes it's best not to just slaughter everything in your way. This will give you more options. 200 pounds."

"Done," Linus paid.

Sarah paid for the Ki Healing book and left for the carriage and shooting range.

---

After walking for a minutes James reached a large blacksmith, he had reached the wealthy area of the artisan quarter in the city. He swung open the large, thick oak door and entered the the building. He was greeted by a chubby tall, bald man behind the counter with a bushy yellow mustache.

"Hello! What can I do you for?" He bellowed. "Well sir, I need two of the best blades you have, as well as some lightweight armor." James replied politely.

"Best I have, aye? Any particular style you're looking for? A longsword, greatsword, rapier, sabre? Maybe a nice estoque?"

"I'll need two longswords, a little over an arm's length for the blade; and excellent, reliable hand guards to catch attacks."

"And how do you usually use them? Slashing, stabbing, draw cuts?"

"Slashing and stabbing mostly, but they need to be durable enough to take a few hits."

"A rapier, then, or maybe longswords, though they'll be a bit on the heavy side. Might wear yourself out quickly without more muscle on you. I take it you're learning to duel wield?"

"Indeed I am, and I plan on getting more body muscle throughout the next few days. What will all of this cost me?"

"Better go with Rapiers, for now, then. A bit less durable, but it won't wear you out near as fast, and even the best sword is worthless if your arm is too tired to lift it." He reach behind him and pulled out two fine steel rapiers. "I crafted these about a year ago, when a noble came through, looking to study the art of duel wielding as well. He couldn't come up with the coin, though, despite the fact that we agreed on it up front, so I wouldn't let him have them. One thousand each."

"And what of the armor? What do you have for me?"

"I'm mostly sold out on that. The bracer and pauldron you're wearing is pretty nice, but I don't have anything quite so well constructed. Perhaps some nice chain mail?"

"That sounds exemplary, how much for the chainmail and the swords as a package deal? Also, if you have them; I'd love some small throwable daggers."

"Well," said the shop keep, "Sense they've been there for so long, and you're buying a good bit, I'll only charge 2,500, and throw in a whetstone and some lindseed oil for the swords. Need to keep them in good condition and properly oiled." He laid a set of chainmail in Jame's size, a set of six throwing daggers, a whetstone, and a bottle of oil down beside the swords.

"You've got yourself a deal, It's been a pleasure." James put down 2,500 on the counter and took his supplies with him on the way out.

"Good to see the younger generation hasn't completely abandoned the idea of wearing a good set of armor. Everyone now days is more concerned with learning to fire a musket and don't bother learning to properly wear armor."

"I should try and find the others" James thought idly, and went to wait at the carriage for the others.