Post by bhagavat on Jun 30, 2022 20:22:31 GMT -5
.... I wana be Macho Mandragon! The young wizard wana-be walked down the avenues of Suzial with his man-at-arms following him, carry a mountain of gift wrapped boxes, Macho liked to give gifts to himself lately. They rounded a bend near the docks in Suzual and Macho turned to his bodyguard. "Take everything into my study big guy. Then we're done for the day." I'll have your days pay ready by the time you finish.
The large, young bodyguard was well built and pretty tall. A Strong man with a huge greatsword on his back. Macho had never seen it used in the short time he had employed his services. He was strong, the blade imposing sight and scary enough for any common thief or pickpocket. The streets in Suzial were pretty safe, though the docs could be dangerous. The fall season seemed to bring its own dangers, strangers that aren't spending their gold or enjoying the city... even the taverns. It happens at other times of the year too, though I hadn't noticed a pattern as of yet. Living near a rowdy tavern made them easier for me to spot. I liked the safety in this part of Suzial. Was it wisdom or intelligence that brought the dangers about me into the light, wisdom I think. Sometimes I pondered such things, but back to the moment at hand.
I counted out some gold for my dangerous delivery boy. At least I hoped he was. A loud thud sounded above me as Maric Boggs dopped the packages above me in my study. I headed back to the front door and waited on, what would likely be Briggand Boggs in a few years. He didn't say much, obviously hiding something. He came down the stairs and grabbed the bag from my open hand, leaving with a grunt. I smiled, he was probably hoping to use that sword. I briefly had an image in my mind of evil, colored winds, of every shade of evil.. a sickness infecting the lives of the people around me. Perhaps I would learn some healing magic and find a God who would want to help me destroy the evil instead of killing simple people as they try to rob and kill me. It had happened 6 times so far... I had been living here six years. Safe you think? I liked seeing these vermin coming for me deep down. I wanted this place to be clean, safe, maybe even friendly. Unconsciously I may have been killing people for the obvious crimes they committed. A sense of justice and mercy at odds in me. Another thing I had been pondering as a rising feeling of impending doom seems to follow me.
I opened my presents... Actually, just a disguise I used to mask my intentions in public. Nothing illegal, just not anything to advertise in any part of town really, but especially the docks. Included were various tools, scrolls, ink, other liquids, various regents helpful in some magic spells. I had been working hard at my studies under the tutelage of a hedge wizard in the area. We weren't close, but he could teach the basics of arcane magics to me for a bit of gold and I had been learning as much as I could from each gold piece of time I could buy. It wasn't as much as I would have liked.
Getting everything put away, I ate something simple and went to bed. My mind raced a anxiously for the coming day. I would have to see if my expected shipments of gold had arrived. As an associate of mine once said, "A Very Smart and Wise Mandragon once told me... Let us use your inheritance of land to start growing an easy coin crop, one easily managed… wheat!" My small percentage from the idea had become quite a large amount of gold for a someone like me. Living like a rich man in a poor part of the city.
Morning came and I slowly got ready for Maric’s arrival. The rich could bathe in their homes. I did so and ate another simple meal. I dressed and gathered by pack and walking staff. I checked the windows and cellar doors, making sure the place was secure and headed out. Maric was waiting for me outside, as usual and nodded a greeting my way. "And how are you today Maric?", I asked. "Lets get on to the bank. Grab the small wooden box again. Better to be mugged of an empty wooden box then loose something important."
"You are quite a smart man Mr Mandragon. I haven't worked for you long but I was wondering if I could ask your opinion on something?" They began the short walk through the Docs district, chatting. "I am thinking of using what I have saved to make myself a real set of steel plate mail armor, and taking my chances in adventuring. I hear many calling them fools, but the ones I see coming through Suzial look rich... wine, women, they have gold aplenty. It’s The Life, Im sure."
Macho was a bit stunned. Maric was a fool still, but perhaps not a cruel killer and brigand to be. "My young bodyguard. (Our ages weren't actually far apart) We all have an obligation in life, to become what we think we should become. I cannot tell you your best choice, only you can. I can tell you to trust yourself. Take the chance. But I should also tell you opinions are cheap. They are like asses, everyone has got one. The Gods of this world have their grand plans.... we are but pawns, enjoy your path, if you can.".
We traveled the rest of the way in silence. Maric lost in thought no doubt, even if he did seem alert. We neared the Bank and I saw them right away. My intake of breath was all Maric needed to start moving He quickly put himself between the advancing thugs and me, drawing his greatsword. It had certainly worked some, more than one of the cutthroat brigands hesitated in their advance.
"Just put the gold down and no one will get hurt." The lead brigand commanded.
"I don't think so fella", Maric replied. Waving his sword about, looking as intimidating as he could.
The leaader of the thieves wasn’t frightened, though a few of his fellows stayed back, not wanting to be first. Instead they chose to slowly surround Maric and me. Quickly, I grabbed the young fools cloak trying to pull him backwards so they wouldn't surround us so easily. Maric of course, misunderstood and offered me words of encouragement and ordered me to attack them using my magic. He stayed close but moved towards the thugs that got closest, swinging his blade to drive them back. Quickly, I cast a spray of dazzling colors over and through my bodyguard into the three still within my range. Maric took on a vacant confused expression, his sword tip lowering. The three in front of him, including the demanding one, fell to the ground... soundly asleep. Next, Maric turned around, blade tip still low and watched last two thugs laugh and move towards them.
I jumped behind my bodyguard, trying to keep him between me and the other two brigands. The smaller of the two rushed the confused Maric, slamming into his iron breatplate. He stepped back slightly dazed from slamming into what may as well have been a large rothe. The last one was looting some of his companions before seeing if Maric had starting to shake off the effect of the magic. He was gone down an alley with his new loot with plenty of time to spare before Maric came fully back to himself.
Coming to, Maric angrily turned back towards me and chastised me for dazing him. I humbly and patiently let him yell a bit and he began to calm some. Scowling, I think he may of known I wasn't really taking his warning to heart. Angrily he walked over to the sleeping brigands and plunged his huge blade through their hearts, one after the other. "That was unnecessary bodyguard Boggs."
"I'm going to have enough trouble if that one that got away comes looking for blood with more friends... and it will be my blood they seek.. not yours mage." Maric said, huffing angrily.
"It certainly will be now Maric", I impatiently retorted as I entered the Bank. Stopping at the first bank guard I asked him to spread the news I was seeking a new guard for my work and person. I knew Maric well enough to expect what happened next. He left without another word. Good Luck and Good Riddance. Onward with the days business and my personal goals. As I walked back into the offices, the smell of so much paper and ink drifted past my nose. It had a relaxing effect on me.
The large, young bodyguard was well built and pretty tall. A Strong man with a huge greatsword on his back. Macho had never seen it used in the short time he had employed his services. He was strong, the blade imposing sight and scary enough for any common thief or pickpocket. The streets in Suzial were pretty safe, though the docs could be dangerous. The fall season seemed to bring its own dangers, strangers that aren't spending their gold or enjoying the city... even the taverns. It happens at other times of the year too, though I hadn't noticed a pattern as of yet. Living near a rowdy tavern made them easier for me to spot. I liked the safety in this part of Suzial. Was it wisdom or intelligence that brought the dangers about me into the light, wisdom I think. Sometimes I pondered such things, but back to the moment at hand.
I counted out some gold for my dangerous delivery boy. At least I hoped he was. A loud thud sounded above me as Maric Boggs dopped the packages above me in my study. I headed back to the front door and waited on, what would likely be Briggand Boggs in a few years. He didn't say much, obviously hiding something. He came down the stairs and grabbed the bag from my open hand, leaving with a grunt. I smiled, he was probably hoping to use that sword. I briefly had an image in my mind of evil, colored winds, of every shade of evil.. a sickness infecting the lives of the people around me. Perhaps I would learn some healing magic and find a God who would want to help me destroy the evil instead of killing simple people as they try to rob and kill me. It had happened 6 times so far... I had been living here six years. Safe you think? I liked seeing these vermin coming for me deep down. I wanted this place to be clean, safe, maybe even friendly. Unconsciously I may have been killing people for the obvious crimes they committed. A sense of justice and mercy at odds in me. Another thing I had been pondering as a rising feeling of impending doom seems to follow me.
I opened my presents... Actually, just a disguise I used to mask my intentions in public. Nothing illegal, just not anything to advertise in any part of town really, but especially the docks. Included were various tools, scrolls, ink, other liquids, various regents helpful in some magic spells. I had been working hard at my studies under the tutelage of a hedge wizard in the area. We weren't close, but he could teach the basics of arcane magics to me for a bit of gold and I had been learning as much as I could from each gold piece of time I could buy. It wasn't as much as I would have liked.
Getting everything put away, I ate something simple and went to bed. My mind raced a anxiously for the coming day. I would have to see if my expected shipments of gold had arrived. As an associate of mine once said, "A Very Smart and Wise Mandragon once told me... Let us use your inheritance of land to start growing an easy coin crop, one easily managed… wheat!" My small percentage from the idea had become quite a large amount of gold for a someone like me. Living like a rich man in a poor part of the city.
Morning came and I slowly got ready for Maric’s arrival. The rich could bathe in their homes. I did so and ate another simple meal. I dressed and gathered by pack and walking staff. I checked the windows and cellar doors, making sure the place was secure and headed out. Maric was waiting for me outside, as usual and nodded a greeting my way. "And how are you today Maric?", I asked. "Lets get on to the bank. Grab the small wooden box again. Better to be mugged of an empty wooden box then loose something important."
"You are quite a smart man Mr Mandragon. I haven't worked for you long but I was wondering if I could ask your opinion on something?" They began the short walk through the Docs district, chatting. "I am thinking of using what I have saved to make myself a real set of steel plate mail armor, and taking my chances in adventuring. I hear many calling them fools, but the ones I see coming through Suzial look rich... wine, women, they have gold aplenty. It’s The Life, Im sure."
Macho was a bit stunned. Maric was a fool still, but perhaps not a cruel killer and brigand to be. "My young bodyguard. (Our ages weren't actually far apart) We all have an obligation in life, to become what we think we should become. I cannot tell you your best choice, only you can. I can tell you to trust yourself. Take the chance. But I should also tell you opinions are cheap. They are like asses, everyone has got one. The Gods of this world have their grand plans.... we are but pawns, enjoy your path, if you can.".
We traveled the rest of the way in silence. Maric lost in thought no doubt, even if he did seem alert. We neared the Bank and I saw them right away. My intake of breath was all Maric needed to start moving He quickly put himself between the advancing thugs and me, drawing his greatsword. It had certainly worked some, more than one of the cutthroat brigands hesitated in their advance.
"Just put the gold down and no one will get hurt." The lead brigand commanded.
"I don't think so fella", Maric replied. Waving his sword about, looking as intimidating as he could.
The leaader of the thieves wasn’t frightened, though a few of his fellows stayed back, not wanting to be first. Instead they chose to slowly surround Maric and me. Quickly, I grabbed the young fools cloak trying to pull him backwards so they wouldn't surround us so easily. Maric of course, misunderstood and offered me words of encouragement and ordered me to attack them using my magic. He stayed close but moved towards the thugs that got closest, swinging his blade to drive them back. Quickly, I cast a spray of dazzling colors over and through my bodyguard into the three still within my range. Maric took on a vacant confused expression, his sword tip lowering. The three in front of him, including the demanding one, fell to the ground... soundly asleep. Next, Maric turned around, blade tip still low and watched last two thugs laugh and move towards them.
I jumped behind my bodyguard, trying to keep him between me and the other two brigands. The smaller of the two rushed the confused Maric, slamming into his iron breatplate. He stepped back slightly dazed from slamming into what may as well have been a large rothe. The last one was looting some of his companions before seeing if Maric had starting to shake off the effect of the magic. He was gone down an alley with his new loot with plenty of time to spare before Maric came fully back to himself.
Coming to, Maric angrily turned back towards me and chastised me for dazing him. I humbly and patiently let him yell a bit and he began to calm some. Scowling, I think he may of known I wasn't really taking his warning to heart. Angrily he walked over to the sleeping brigands and plunged his huge blade through their hearts, one after the other. "That was unnecessary bodyguard Boggs."
"I'm going to have enough trouble if that one that got away comes looking for blood with more friends... and it will be my blood they seek.. not yours mage." Maric said, huffing angrily.
"It certainly will be now Maric", I impatiently retorted as I entered the Bank. Stopping at the first bank guard I asked him to spread the news I was seeking a new guard for my work and person. I knew Maric well enough to expect what happened next. He left without another word. Good Luck and Good Riddance. Onward with the days business and my personal goals. As I walked back into the offices, the smell of so much paper and ink drifted past my nose. It had a relaxing effect on me.