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THE ROGUE'S GALLERY
THE ROGUE'S GALLERY
The Hype
The Rogue's Gallery
"Land ho!" the excited cry erupted from high above deck in the crow's nest. Captain Caden Beckett suppressed a smile and laugh as he quickly closed his logs and shoved them into the drawer of his writing desk. It had been nearly a year at sea, and a particularly rough year at that. He had lost seven men on the voyage; two to sickness, three during a particularly violent raid on a rival vessel, and two more still to infighting among the crew after they felt the spoils were not divided fairly enough. Cade stretched after rising from his chair and exited the tiny cabin to inhale the crisp sea air. Many of the crew shuffled about quickly trying to prepare to dock, the promise of wine, women and song enough motivation to keep them moving without him needing to get involved. The captain removed his hat and glanced over the port side to see the rapidly approaching township of Drake Haven, a favored stop for men of his particular trade and most importantly there was never any intrusion from the Empire or its naval forces there. Cade descended to the lower deck and looked after his men, clapping a few on the back and ruffling the hair of a few others while approaching the bow of the ship to look over their destination. While the men made merry else where in the town, he had his own place to be for the night, a certain quaint tavern that few knew of and even fewer were allowed to enter and leave alive...
Cade watched as his entire crew disembarked, practically running for the nearest refreshments and brothels as he casually strolled down the loading ramp and took a side path along the shore. A short time later he was strolling down one of the town's many streets alone, letting his memory guide him. A short distance ahead he found the familiar bland gray and blue windowless storefront with a heavy wooden sign swaying in the sea born breeze. "The Rogues Gallery," Cade mused out loud while he approached the simple wooden door and heavy iron knocker. With a smirk he reached out and used the knocker three times then allowed it to rest once again. Before he could step back from the door, it swung inward to reveal a tall woman with bronzed skin, long dark hair, and a very revealing toga gown standing there and looking the captain over. "Greetings Cade, I trust your voyage went well?" she asked, her voice smooth as velvet in his ears, though he knew better than to do anything other than offer Eris a drink anything else after that would only invite madness. "There were some hiccups along the way, but nothing that you nor Ares can't cure with another round," he smirked and Eris turned to lead him into the tavern.
Once inside the door, Cade and Eris strode down a wooden staircase that creaked under their weight as they descended below street level into a smokey environment filled with laughter, cheers and music. Once the view opened up, he turned his attention to the performance stage at the center of the tavern where a beautiful mermaid sat upon a rock while singing a haunting melody. Along the northern wall was a monolithic rack of all kinds of ale, beer, and liquors of all varieties and vintages, and before that stood a massive oak bar behind which two men stood talking with each other. Cade recognized them both, the stockier man with a well trimmed beard and steely gaze was none other than Ares himself. The god of war was speaking with another man who may have been dressed professionally in a collared shirt and slacks, but was heavy and had a sloppy mop of hair that waved when he turned his head. The god of wine and song, Dionysus himself. All around the remainder of the bar were round wooden tables with ample seating for all in spite of the enormous crowd today. "Thanks dear," Cade winked at Eris harmlessly, she smirked and gave him a knowing look and he moved among the crowd looking for a place to sit.
The mermaid was wrapping up her song and a bard took her seat beside the stage, tuning her lute in preparation for her turn to play. Cade smiled at her, but the platinum haired woman only shook her head in dismissal and continued her work. He shrugged and kept moving, looking from table to table for either a friendly face, or the rare empty table all to himself. In a corner of the tavern there was one table left unoccupied, a round one with seating for four hidden back among the shadows. Seizing the opportunity Cade quickly placed himself down and waved for a bar wench. "What be yer poison?" she asked, leaning low to give him more than an eye full. "Brandy and bread," Cade responded as she walked off to fetch him the goods. While he watched her leave, Cade took in the remaining surroundings that he had grown accustomed to. On the Southern wall were two very large window like devices that he had been told were televisions, one of which displayed a very physical fight between two men in bright costumes and the other a competition between two teams of men in different uniforms fighting over a brown ball with white laces, football they called it. Along the Western wall were hundreds of oak barrels with taps, the backup supply for when the main lines went dry, and along the Eastern wall were a motley assortment of animal heads on plagues and other such trophies of the hunt that many a patron had submitted for Ares to hang as well as other symbols of war like pieces of armor, weapons or tattered battle standards.
The wench returned with his drink and food, setting the brandy down on the table but slinging the bread plate at Cade. "Will there be anythin' else for ya?" she asked, whipping her hair around her head and eyeing him seductively. "No, this shall do for now. I've just gotten back into port and wish to pace myself, but perhaps later?" he asked smiling, more for her benefit than any actual desire on his part. She winked and smiled back at him before turning to leave, but stopping to pretend she was picking something up from the floor in order to bend and flash Cade a preview of what was to come. He laughed, but cringed and immediately started to to drink...
Darklaz
Piper approaches the tavern, Grimalkin on his shoulder. He has recently finished an assignment in a foreign country, and is in need of R&R. The vague information on the upcoming mission is less than helpful. The Rogue's Gallery was a welcome sight. Strange as most would think of it, some would even consider it evil or cursed. He had seen stranger things than a tavern that fitted the needs of those that found it. Some of the nations and kingdoms he had visited early in his carer were far stranger.
As he entered, he smiled and felt at home. This was his kind of atmosphere. He covertly checked his custom wrist sheaths, and double checked his crossbow bolts. He handed Grimalkin a small bite of tender jerky as he found a comfortable seat close by a wall. Positioning his chair, he leaned back slightly and surveyed the room. The usual mix of rogues, scoundrels, cutthroats, thieves, brigands, and assorted other bad news types. Tilting his hood down just enough to let him watch, without his face being seen, he settled in.
NinjaK
Bellona (Bell for short) was relieved to see the town gates of Drake Haven. The journey from her last job was long and not without the usual risks but the brigands fared worse than she, losing heavy purses to the mercenary. People often mistook the skills hidden in the woman. She worked hard to cultivate an air of trust and vulnerability and patrons paid well because she was efficient and discreet. This last job took a lot out of her and Bell envisioned a hot bath and dinner brought up to her room but that was after a little detail that had to be attended to first.
Weaving her way through throngs of people, market life and busy fishmongers hawking their wares continued uninterrupted. She enjoyed seeing the daily routine of the common folk, her history stemmed from a similar environment. Reminiscing, however, didn't stop her from nabbing a pickpocket, attempting to lift a pouch from her belt. Eyes cold but lips smiling friendly-like, "Leave that one alone, Handsome. It's got poisons that are hard to cure." Shaken, he shrank for her side and melted back into the crowd. Bell continued on until she stood facing a simple wooden door with a heavy knocker. Greeted warmly and escorted inside, Bell removed her gloves and cloak and looked around for a place to sit and enjoy a private drink. Unsure how long her contact might take, she only wanted to sit uninterrupted until he/she arrived.
DarkLaz
Piper looked up nonchalantly from his seat by the wall. This looked like yet another rough type, from another world. Maybe it was one of the two he was expecting. If so, who was the other one? He watched her enter and find her own seat. Something about her was definitely different. He was used to soloing his assignments, but his employer contact assured him this job was more significant. Something about the assignment required a team effort on multiple approaches, and Piper understood that. Didn't like it, but understood it. He thought back to what was said about making contact. His assignment partners would bear the crossed scythe and vortex, either a ring or medallion. It was a rare emblem, only worn temporarily for special assignments-then returned. He checked over the room, spotting two individuals sporting the emblem. One was the red head. The other looked like some pirate of sorts. He carefully acknowledged the icon he wore as well. And slowly made his way to a seat where both could see him. Others cleared the way after seeing it.
The Hype
He got up from his seat and stretched, looking around the tavern before rolling his shoulders back and cracking his neck. As much fun as it was to flirt with the tavern wenches and drink away his share of the hard stolen booty, there was another more pressing reason for his visit to the Rogue's Gallery on this day. The unfamiliar weight of a medallion tugged down on his neck, a huge trinket that Cade personally would never wear of his own choosing but it was a requirement for his newest adventure. The symbols adorning the medallion were eerily dark, and certainly unfamiliar to him though he suspected it to be meant as a brand for like minded individuals to spot each other in places just like this. The captain ran his finger over one of the scythe's, goosebumps rising on his flesh while a shiver went down his back. He stepped out into the light and watched as a hooded individual with a pet bird perched on their shoulder changed seats to be more visible and from the looks of things, that same strange symbol clung to him too.
Cade thought back to the last time he was in port with his crew, it had to have been over a year ago. At another out of the way tavern a hooded patron approached the captain with a drink and threw the medallion down on the table before him. "You will have need of this soon enough," the hooded figure declared then left. When he looked the medallion over, he saw that symbol for the first time and there was a piece of parchment attached that gave a future date and the name of the port he was to pull in at to discover the meaning behind the strange object. Thankfully he was already familiar with the port, and The Rogue's Gallery was already a second home so ensuring his prompt attendance was not an issue. Now, one year later he stood scanning over the crowd and then making the first move while he sauntered over to the table with the bird keeper. The wench from earlier passed by with a drink on her tray, which he scooped up and continued moving forward while she glared at him with a frown and then stormed back to the bar.
"What's your poison?" Cade asked, taking off his medallion and setting it down on the table to show the other man before taking his seat.
- DarkLaz
Piper looked at the newcomer. "Put that away, friend. We have one more we are waiting for. I am not used to a group assignment, and this is not a normal assignment. As for drink of choice, Romulan Ale if they have it. otherwise, there is a rather unique beverage I have developed a taste for. They call it Scumble. I would not recommend it for the uninitiated.
Now, what is your name and what do you know of the mission? They call me Piper, and this is Grimalkin."
NinjaK
Bell noticed the signet ring given with the contract grew warm, an alert that other members of the assignment were nearby. Never one to rush into anything, she casually made her way to the bar and ordered a tall pint of the house mead. Rogue's Gallery was known for its mead and she made a point to enjoy at least a pint when passing through. She saw the two men, as opposite in dress and looks than the other sitting together and sporting the same sigil. Taking a swig of mead, she enjoyed its flavor and observed the reflection of patrons behind her, sitting and standing. She was the last of the triad to arrive. Very little of the contract was disclosed to her, except she'd be working with two others and the reward was beyond imagining. Her mantra 'if something looks too good to be true, it probably isn't' seemed appropriate, but her patrons demanded she take the job.
Proprietor Ares seemed to have his hands full with Dionysus, so she thanked an assistant barkeep who looked part maenad and nymph. Bell left proper coin and a generous tip for the woman, thinking she probably had more than her share of work. Carrying beverage and knapsack, she stepped up to the table aware the two men already sitting watched her approach warily. "Our fates seem to be entwined at the moment, gentleman." Bell took the chair across from them and facing the largest group of onlookers. She flashed her signet ring. "Hope I haven't kept you waiting long but I had to travel quite a way to get here. My name is Bellona, Bell for short."
- The Hype
Cade did as Piper told him, snatching the medallion back up from the table and shoving it deep inside one of the pockets of his coat. He propped his feet up on one of the other chairs at the table and leaned back in his seat, waiting for one of the wenches to pass by. As luck, or cruel fate, would have it the same wench to service him earlier passed by and gave him a narrow stare. "Ah, welcome back my fair maiden. If you are able, I would like another brandy and a glass of Romulan Ale or Scumble for my friend here. When you have a moment of course," he smiled back at her and the wench did not know how to react to his switch in behavior. "Of course sir," she said and turned away from the table to go and gather the requested drinks.
"The name's Caden Beckett, but acquaintances call me Cade. As for this mission, alls I know about it is that I was supposed to meet someone here on this specific day and at this specific time. Some guy in a hood gave me that medallion over a year ago, so I'm mighty invested if even just to find out what the hell it was all about." Cade smirked back at Piper and nodded his head in acknowledgement of Grimalkin.
After the arrival of their third member, Cade turned in his chair and looked her over quickly. "It would appear that the fates are indeed quite kind then my friend, and we haven't been awaiting you long. The two of us just put in another drink order, so you're actually just in time." Cade said winking at Bell as well before leaning back in his chair once again to hear what his two companions could tell him about whatever deed had required him to travel to the Rogue's Gallery on today of all days.
DarkLaz
"Mine arrived by special courier. I had never seen the lad that delivered it to me, and likely will not again. As for our fiery looking third, I would not advise trying to flirt with that one, friend Cade. She looks the type to to string you up if you try anything. I have met the type before, sword maidens. Married to the mission and their weapons. They are a breed apart, but definitely someone to have at your back. I pity those they face. Many a time I have seen the remains of some poor fool's idea of crossing them." Piper sat back and considered Lady Bell as he let this sink in to the seemingly thick headed pirate. Flirts, rogues, cads and scoundrels the lot of them; if not worse. And worse there were. Much worse.
NinjaK
Bell looked at both men, sipping her mead. "Let's focus on why we're here." Aware of the environment they were in and the sensitivity of their predicament, she lowered her voice so they needed to lean in to hear, "Each of us received an object with mysterious meaning, pertaining to a contract we know very little about, except being directed to meet here on a designated day with two other selected individuals." Reading confirmation in their reactions, she continued, "Why were we specifically selected and how come no one knows the actual job?" Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, "I think if we all shared something about our history, our skills, and perhaps who we work for, perhaps we'll see a pattern or uncover the motive of this meeting?" Bell signaled for another mead and waited to hear their thoughts, Grimalkin scrutinized her in the silence.
The Hype
"I personally see no harm in a little harmless flirty, but perhaps you are right my bird taming friend," Cade replied to Piper's comment about Bell being a dangerous woman. He shrugged in an exaggerated show and let his hands fall down to the table in front of him. He remained silent, letting it all sink in while he tried to size up his two companions. Piper did have a very strong point when Cade looked over Bell once again, and he decided at least for the time being he was going to be on his best behavior... best being a rather loose definition of course. He listened intently as Bell shared her observations and suggestion to share a little about their history and exploits, if nothing else it would help him to understand the both of them better and he could at least read her reactions to his claims and go from there, too.
"I agree with Bell's suggestion, getting to know each of our... unique... skills would be useful in determining how we can best benefit each other," Cade said lifting up a hand to stroke his chin lightly as he considered where to begin. "My exploits cover many of the seven seas, with countless crew and narrow escapes from death and worse. Though, I'm not a stranger to a little side action in the form of thievery, exploitation or assassinations if the price and reason are right." He smiled. "Like that chap, oh what was his name... Duke Ferdinand of the Germanic provinces... I'm particularly proud of that one, even though it was a lot of rope that went into his bindings, and that poor woman he was with too..." He arched a brow and waited to hear what the others had to say. If the others had heard of the Duke's assassination, they would know that he had been found gagged, and tied down to his bed in a bizarre series of knots around his ankles, elbows, knees, shoulders and waist and died of asphyxiation; the woman he had mentioned however was left unharmed physically, though horrified after having been tied up to the Duke as his life drained, forced to watch him die but again not physically harmed.
DarkLaz
"Very well, then. I shall begin. I am Piper, only that and nothing more. This is Grimalkin. I am a skilled assassin, spy, and infiltrator. I hail from the kingdom of Anlkh-Morpork. Our current leader, the Patrician, has informed me that this is a special mission. I was given surprisingly little information, merely a basic description of my target., the fact that I would find myself in a strange world, and that those I would meet before hand were highly skilled and elite. He seemed rather unsettled. Something about this mission has my formidable employer a bit rattled-and that takes some doing. Lord Vetinari does not get rattled or unsettled-yet this has him in that state. I am not backing out, but I would advise extreme caution."
Piper sat back and calmed the agitated bird of prey that sat on his shoulder. This was indeed a strange world. He had already overheard comments about sailing all the way around, and he knew they weren't just meaning in circles.- NinjaK
Understanding it was her turn, and trying to share as much as possible and yet not disclose too much, she began. "I come from a family of mercenaries, four generations deep, everyone trained in the craft of warfare." Most women trained as rigorously as the men, allowing them to choose what they wanted in life. Did they want to become soldiers, mercenaries, or pass the knowledge along to their children and protect the home? Bell's sisters all decided to go out into the world, each carrying the family name as a badge of honor. She was the youngest and most naturally gifted.
Her patrons, the ancient Medici family, had a long history with Bell's family spanning several generations. "I've heard of your exploits, Cade." She grimaced, "My mistress was highly entertained by Duke Ferdinand's demise, although she felt you should have killed the woman." Looking at them, "I was only given the ring, the date we were to meet, and that two others would be also charged with the contract." They sat looking at each other, trying to determine commonalities between them. Shaking her head in exasperation she smiled and let her exhaustion and hunger take over. "Obviously we'll need a little more time to ponder this mystery. I say let me buy you all dinner." Looking at them, Bell signaled a serving wench.
The Hype
"Well I'm glad that my contract execution provided her some entertainment, though I saw no point in killing the woman at the time. Wrong time, wrong place is hardly a reason to kill. Though I suspect that the emotional scars she'd be carrying around for the rest of her life would have made her wish I had... something about being tied down in a compromising position while your loved died beneath you. Yes, perhaps your mistress was right it would have been more merciful." Cade agreed, leaning into the table more while listening to what else she had to say, including offering to purchase dinner. He glanced over to Piper with a smirk and folded his hands together on the table top while considering what he should order while Bell waved down the wench.
"It sounds like you both have quite an interesting history to your lives, much more intriguing than just following wherever my mistress the sea takes me." Cade said with a shrug. "But, I suppose that's the occupational hazard of having no true port but the one that you lay your head down."
Once the serving wench returned, Cade ordered another Brandy and a soup with bread on the side.
DarkLaz
Piper listened in, feeding Grimalkin bits of bread as he absorbed the stories of his current partners.
"My world is not this one. Where I come from, the world is a great big disc. This disc is supported from underneath by four massive elephants, who in turn stand atop the back of A'Tuin, the Giant Star Turtle. In the center, is Mount Dunmanifestin, where the different gods reside. We have trolls, zombies, werewolves, a Nobby, and some few other creatures of odd nature."
He sat back and watched their reactions. This way, he would know how much they could be relied on in the field.
"I come from Ankh-Morpork, the largest city we have. Now, as to this job, it must be something special to bring people from different realities together to accomplish it. Who knows anything about the assignment?"
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