From alt.pub.dragons-inn Thu Oct 27 08:42:19 1994 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:7838 Path: netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!uunet!winternet.com!news2.mr.net!mr.net!msc.edu!news.gac.edu!news.gac.edu!usenet From: Thorr-kan, the White Minotaur, and Horde Father-Confessor Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [TALES] Checking Up Date: 25 Oct 1994 21:32:41 GMT Organization: Gustavus Adolphus College Lines: 238 Distribution: world Message-ID: <38jthpINNeff@news.gac.edu> Reply-To: mcutter@nic.gac.edu NNTP-Posting-Host: juno.gac.edu ADMIN: Pumice is copywritten by Matthew C. Cutter, June, 1993. Rex, RoWyll, are copywritten by Matthew C. Cutter, January, 1994. Thorn and Fauteuil are fronted by Steve Hutchison (hutch@ibeam.jf.intel.com). Urcohea and Rivy are fronted by Steve Hutchison (hutch@ibeam.jf.intel.com) and Alfvaen. Thanks to Alan Smith (arsmith@lamar.ColoState.EDU) and Brian Shea (taz@athena.mit.edu) for editorial comments. Feedback appreciated. ----- Traditionally, dwarves were not the greatest wielders of magics. True, their gods favor them and grant devout followers spells. And the folk of the mountains are nearly unmatched in using the runes of their alphabet to invoke magical energies. However, the arts arcane are still mostly beyond this race's ability to wield. Indeed, those dwarves that can wield such power change in ways that are inexplicable. Many would not call them real dwarves anymore. Whether this inability is an innate characteristic or a cultural inhibition is irrelevant; dwarves do not do magic. But over the years, enterprising individuals found a way around their race's shortcomings and avoided the degeneration their kin seemed to fall pray to. Instead, these dwarves sought out and made pacts with elemental spirits. In return for care and companionship, the spirits would search the planes for arcane formula, rituals, and devices; then they would return and teach them to their dwarven charges. For obvious reasons, most partnerships were formed with stone gens, and to a lesser extent, flame gens. But every culture has its rebels. Pumice was one of these. Tall and lean, he sought and befriended RoWyll, a water spirit. The two adventured together, then went into the shipping business. Eventually, they came across the Generican Mages' Guild and joined for the companionship and the business opportunities. Thus, after delivering his cargo, the first place Pumice found himself was the Guild Hall in Generica. The humans had been made comfortable at Nester's Inn, and the _Gibraltar_ was tied up to the docks. Rex had briefed Pumice on the problems that the elemental lords needed addressed. Showing a typical dwarven distaste for mounted travel, Pumice made his way to Dragon's Lane and headed east. He looked in interest to the south, noticing change in the buildings of Low City. For a moment the dwarf was puzzled, but a quick session with several street vendors enlightened Pumice. It seems some sort of meteor had razed part of the Low City, and that a colony of foreigners had set up shop. "Bismanians," muttered the dwarf. Pumice had never quite been able to fathom the workings of the Bismanian mind. Why any race would allow the general populace such power was beyond Pumice. The resulting chaos should have destroyed that nation long ago. He turned north onto the Arcade of Fountains. After a short stroll, the dwarf came upon the Guild Hall. Pumice climbed the steps and entered the hall. There was a slight tingle on his scalp as he was scanned. And RoWyll gave a little gulp as he faded from view. The receptionist looked up from his desk and gave the dwarf the once over. "Do you have an appointment?" he asked. "Pumice Waterfriend," announced the dwarf. "That name isn't on the list," said the receptionist. He looked slightly annoyed. "If you would give me the name of the individual you wish to meet..." "I just want to check up on my affairs at the Guild," Pumice replied. He walked up the the desk and laid a hand on the surface. To the air he said, "Pumice Waterfriend, Minor Journeyman, Tradesman. Serial number DWA-004-A. Confirm." A moment passes as his aura was scanned and a sample of his skin taken for analysis. Meanwhile, Pumice enjoyed seeing the receptionist's look of annoyance change to confusion and finally metamorph into contriteness. "Sorry, Journeyman," the receptionist said. "We just do not have many dwarven members." Pumice smiled in return. "At present, I believe I am the only active member. And I haven't checked in for several years. I understand, Journeyman; it is a common mistake. Could I have an Escort to the Lounge? With it being so long, I am not sure of local spatial relations anymore. The receptionist gestured. A glowing ball rose from the desk and turned light blue. "This will guide you to the main lounge. If it turns red, you are going the wrong way." He paused, then continued in a wry voice, "If it turns black, make peace with your deities. And be sure to read the updates. You wouldn't believe the changes in the last year..." Nodding, Pumice moved off after the ball. After several minutes and a hair-raising encounter with an elevator, Pumice found himself in a large, spherical room. He placed a hand on the ball, willing it to wait for his return, and made his way to terminal/couch on the far side of the room. Then, he logged into the local ether-web. username: waterfriend password: ***************** You have 115 messages. You have 3 messages marked 'urgent.' You have 112 messages marked 'ignore'. 'I really need to stop by more often,' thought Pumice. He opened the messagebox, and opened the first message. From: Archmage Rivy To: Pumice Subj: Guild Dues Minor Journeyman, Records indicate you are three years behind on your payments. Since no one could contact you, I have placed you on Inactive status until this oversight is remedied. 'Great. Memo to self: transfer funds from the First Generican Bank after this session.' Pumice went on to the second message. From: Internal Security To: Major Journeyman, Minor Journeyman, Senior Apprentices Subj: UPDATE All, This is an informational update regarding recent events. It will automatically contain future updates and remain in your 'newmessagebox.' Recent events include... Pumice read for nearly two hours, soaking up the public details on the debacle with the Reaver, the war in Magira, and other chaos. All in all, he was sorry he had missed it. From: Archmage Fauteuil To: Pumice Subj: Forwarded extraplanar message This message was sent by an extraplanar mage. Please detail your dealings with him for this office. Begin Forwarded Message: Pumice, I would like to thank you for your recent efforts to aid a young companion of mine. His name is Thaddius Farsinger. Though you only played a brief role in his misadventures, he asked me to contact you and inform you that he is doing well. Additionally, the wedding to the Lady Ellen occurred on time and with no difficulties. Please also pass this news onto a Pheu the Mighty, whom Thaddius says was instrumental in his survival. I would also like to extend my personal thanks. Sincerely, Mathias Schofield, Imperial Governor of the Southern Reaches End Forwarded Message 'So that half-elf made it safely home,' thought Pumice. 'Pheu and the Lady will be happy to know." Then quickly, the dwarf sent off two quick messages: one authorizing a transfer of funds to update his dues and pay five years in advance and another to Extraplanar Contacts that detailed what little he had learned of Thaddius Farsinger's adventures. [Editor's note: see the Roaming thread from the summer and fall of 1993, and the winter of 1994 for more details. Available on request! :-) ] Then, he sat down to discuss the primary reason he had come to the Guild Hall. Rex had indicated that some form of pollution was being dumped into the Ceruputhon River. Whatever it was, there were some very detrimental side effects for beings from the elemental planes. Mostly, marids, nymphs, nixies, and lesser water elementals had been affected. But several earth creatures had also taken ill. Since a previous agreement with the Mages' Guild was supposed to prevent this type of problem, the genies wanted some answers. But they had a healthy respect (and some fear) of the Guild. So an intermediary was needed. What better than a mage who owed them favors? From: Minor Journeyman Pumice To: Archmage Thorn Subject: An appointment Dear Sir: My name is Pumice Waterfriend. I presently hold the rank of Minor Journeyman, sha'ir, specialized in elemental magic. Recently, a problem has been brought to my attention by associates from the Plane of Water. It seems someone is dumping a form of toxin into the Ceruputhon River. There have been no fatalities among the genies or their lesser brethren, but a concern has been raised. At present, the Guild has an agreement with the various elemental nations to prevent such activities to the best of our ability. I would like to set up an appointment with you to discuss this matter. I have been authorized to act on behalf of the Plane of Water, barring any unforeseen negotiations. As this matter is of extreme importance and delicacy, I would like to meet you or a member of your staff at your earliest convenience. I await your reply. Sincerely, Pumice Waterfriend, Minor Journeyman 'There,' thought the dwarf as he sent the message and logged out. 'This should set things rolling. By the earth and air, I hope the Archmage is nowhere near as twisted as he seems. All I want is a little info and perhaps a bit of action.' Pumice floated from his couch and touched the ball still hovering at the entrance to the room. It led him back to the front reception desk. Another clerk was on duty. "Can I help you, Journeyman?" the new receptionist asked. Pumice looked at the rank badges and gulped. 'Wonderful. A member of the Response Teams. Must be enjoying some quiet time.' "Yes sir," he said outloud and respectfully. "I need a link. My ether-web should be getting an urgent message soon, and I would like to answer it when it arrives." The receptionist gestured, and a small emerald appeared. "This is a standard link. Imagine the message you are waiting for, and when it appears, the gem will emitted an inaudible vibration. Upon reading the message, the link will disappear." "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it." The dwarf took the gem, bade the receptionist good day, and made his way back to Nester's to wait.