From: pcalvert@economics.adelaide.edu.au Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [R] Karl: Rendezvous, browbeating, intrigue,assassination? Message-ID: <1992Sep22.163453.1@economics.adelaide.edu.au> Date: 22 Sep 92 07:04:53 GMT ADMIN : Posted on behalf of Dennis Brennan -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Karl returned to the breakfast chamber just in time to observe the others finishing their breakfast. At his approach Radan raised his head, expecting Karl to speak. But he did not until after a longpause. "I hope you took a look at that note I left out. This Amaan insists that we all go down to the "Splendid Gardens", wherever the hell they are, and meet him. Apparently from there we'll go directly to the harbour and get on the boat." He looked out the window, studying hte shadow of one of the towers. "At three o'clock we meet Amaan. By my reckoning it's just past noon now, so get your stuff together and be at the gardens by three." For the first time that day, he smiled as he noticed the way Killian was eyeing Jenever. "Kids," he thought to himself... For the time being, then, the party would split up. Karl left the note where Hazy could see it (hoping she could read), then got his belongings together and deposited them where teh crew of the _Arcas_ could stow them. "Nice to see you again, guv'nor," called the first mate of the vessel to Karl. Karl waved back, not recognizing the man. Perhaps they had met last night? He purchased a document purported to be "An accurate and true map, being a cartographic representation of the fabulous City of Pashar...", reluctantly placing himself in the hands of whichever unknown cartographer had drawn it. According to the map, the gardens lay somewhat to the southeast,on the other side of a neighborhood labeled on the map as "Faszur". Karl's transversal of this area was singularly unpleasant- the area resembled nothing so much as Generica's Low City, only without the frantic illicit commerce. These poor people wer probably not much elevated from the ignoble status of Rameshander slavery, and their poverty was represented in every aspect of their homes, their dress and their crude manner. Several times beggars accosted Karl and he was obliged to jpart with a few coppers. From time to time Karl noted a cleric passing in the humble but distinct garb of a servant of Ilmater- the god of suffering and mercy. Evidently Xar's cult was associated with tghat of Ilmater, for clerics of the two faiths operated side by side doing charitable works for the destitute. It was strange that Cardinal Xar, who so ruthlessly persecuted those who crafted magic, could also be capable of such great mercy towards the most helpless of Nexus's lot. Suddenly the setting changed to one of great opulence as Karl crossed a border into a wealthier section of Pashar. Shallow canals watered plots full of flowers and exotic plants. Magnificent homes stood around the perimeter of these gardens, and self-important looking people strutted about as if to display their own splendour. Sitting impatiently in a gazebo by a quiet pool was Amaan. Two slaves sat deferentially to his left, and several several donkeys laden with packages were tied to the posts. Amaan glared, "You're an hour late, you fat fool. And where are the others?" Damn! Of course! Pashar was far to the south of Generica- the shadow patterns would be different... ADMIN: The rest of y'all have time to post about your last little fling in Rameshan, then meet us here. Aaron, what happens next? db