Furship Chronicles: The Furship Investigates – Part Four

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Jun 292013
 

DISCLAIMER: The Furship Chronicles narrate the adventures of our gaming group as we playtest the Age of Animus Storytelling Game. Bunwick is played by Frank, Emeraldine Fiera is played by Melanie, Raz is played by Steve, Wilhemina is played by Fab and Zouly is played by Lyne. The interactions you read are not straight transcriptions of their conversations in the game (My memory isn’t good enough to remember them all) but rather my interpretation of their characters as they played them in our gaming session. I hope I do justice to the fun we had playing.

“What are you doing to my crime scene?!!” Constable Copley repeated irritably.

Wilhemina rose up to her full height, “Only your JOB!”

Raz quickly stepped in, “Er, what my companion meant to say is that we’re ASSISTING you of course!”

“That’s not what I meant to say,” Wilhemina grumbled, “I SAID what I meant to say. When I say things I mean them and I mean what I say…”

Copley peered in silence at the weasel for a second and then turned back to Raz, “I already told you lot I didn’t want your help!”

Raz nodded, “That you did. However, we could not in good conscience stand by while there was evil apaw.”

Zouly sighed, “For Six’s sake, just show him the writ!”

Raz looked down to the frog, “Oh! Right…” He fished the mayor’s writ from his pouch and pawed it over to the constable.

Copley looked over the piece of parchment and frowned, “So you went over my head? Just perfect.” He took a moment to sulk in silence and then finally asked, “Well have you found anything?”

“Just everything!” Wilhemina replied. She held aloft the jar of artificial musk. “The thieves used this to mask their scent!”

Copley curled his nose, “I see…or rather I smell…” He took the jar from Wilhemina and examined it as Zouly presented his findings.

“The thieves accidentally tore open one of the sacks of flour and spilled some. There are boar prints over here.” He pointed to the spill. “Are there any boars in town?”

Copley stroked his ear, “Haven’t seen a boar pass through these parts in months.”

Emeraldine was next, “Under here there are some crumbs from something that was eating bread of some kind.”

The constable considered this new piece of evidence, “That could explain how they got in.”

“That was my thinking,” Raz agreed.

Bunwick shook his head in confusion, “I don’t get it.”

Raz explained, “The thieves send in a rat to hide and wait in the storehouse until dark. When it’s time, the rat unlocks the door and lets them in. Then under the cover of darkness, they empty the storehouse.” He looked to Copley, “Which reminds me, Constable. What happened to the lamp posts on this street?”

Copley frowned, “Vandals have been cutting down lamp posts all over town. At least I assumed they were just vandals. I’m starting to think the plan all along was to cut the lamp posts on this street down so the street would be pitch dark when the thieves struck. The other lamp posts were just to throw us off.”

Raz rubbed his chin, “Sounds to me like this was a carefully thought out and executed plan. I’m thinking the Coven is involved.”

Copley growled, “The Coven? In my town? That’s preposterous!”

Raz shook his head, “The Coven are everywhere, Constable. It’s naive to think otherwise.”

Copley opened his mouth to say something, then thought better of it. “What would the Coven want with our stores? It doesn’t make any sense!”

Bunwick chimed in, “You know, I’ve been thinking. The thieves must have loaded all that food into a cart. But where did they take it when they were done?”

“Most like they left town with it,” Copley supplied.

Zouly furrowed his brow, “I saw a sentry post when we came into town. Wouldn’t there have been a fur on guard at night? Maybe he saw something?”

Copley snorted, “Good luck with that one!”

Zouly looked quizzically at the dog, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Copley replied, “It means that the town sentry is a good-for-nothing slacker who wouldn’t know a thief from his own backside!”

The sharp reply cut Zouly short, “Oh.” He thought for a moment, “Well it couldn’t hurt to ask him anyway, would it?”

Copley nodded, “I’d have all manner of questions for him, if I could find the bum! He went missing this morning!”

“That’s convenient,” Raz noted. “Perhaps he was in league with the crooks?”

“I wouldn’t put it past him,” Copley grumbled.

Something didn’t add up in Bunwick’s head, “If the sentry wasn’t trustworthy, why was he left in his position?”

“He inherited the post from his father,” Copley explained, “The mayor doesn’t have the heart to fire him even though I’ve told him time and again to get rid of him. Now that we’ve had a cartload of thieves pass right under his nose, the mayor won’t have a choice but to listen to me!”

“Yes about that,” Raz said slowly. “We were camped along the side of the road last night. No carts passed by us from either direction.”

Before Copley could comment, another dog rushed into the storehouse. From his dress, the five guessed he was the constable’s deputy. “We found Dross, sir!”

Copley turned to the newly arrived deputy, “Finally! Where is he? I”ve got a choice word or two to say to that bum!”

“That might be a little difficult to manage, sir,” the deputy warned, “He’s dead!”

“Well that’s not good,” Zouly said darkly.

Furship Chronicles: The Furship Investigates – Part Three

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Jun 222013
 

DISCLAIMER: The Furship Chronicles narrate the adventures of our gaming group as we playtest the Age of Animus Storytelling Game. Bunwick is played by Frank, Emeraldine Fiera is played by Melanie, Raz is played by Steve, Wilhemina is played by Fab and Zouly is played by Lyne. The interactions you read are not straight transcriptions of their conversations in the game (My memory isn’t good enough to remember them all) but rather my interpretation of their characters as they played them in our gaming session. I hope I do justice to the fun we had playing.

They found the mayor just off the town square in the midst of reassuring a nervous goose. “Absolutely Gerty. A message has been dispatched through the Mouse Wing. We have to wait for the capital to reply.”

The goose honked at him, “But what will we do in the meantime?”

The mayor set his paw on the goose’s shoulder, “Whatever we can do,” He put on a brave smile, “But I have faith that Constable Copley will be able to bring the culprits to justice. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to the office.” He hurriedly made his way across the street before the goose had a chance to follow up with her concerns.

“This is a nightmare,” he muttered to himself as he walked along. He came up short as he came across the adventurers. “Oh pardon me!” His eyes narrowed as he examined the strangers, “Say, who might you be?”

Raz stepped forward, “Allow me to introduce myself, Mr. Mayor.” He extended his paw, “My name is Raz and these are my compatriots, Bunwick, Zouly, Wilhemina and Emeraldine Fiera.”

The mayor blinked, “Oh er, pleased to meet you I’m sure. You’ll have to forgive me if I can’t exchange pleasantries. There is a lot I have to attend to.”

Raz nodded, “Of course, sir. That’s what brings us to you actually. We would like to offer our services in whatever fashion you require.”

The mayor eyed him suspiciously, “You would?” He took another moment to look the group over, “Ohhh, you five are adventurers, is that it?”

Raz again nodded, “In a fashion yes.”

The mayor softened, “Well, the Six know that we could use the help. Constable Copley is handling the investigation. I’m sure he could use a few more paws.”

Raz made a face, “Eeeh, well actually, we’ve just been speaking with the good Constable and he…” he hesitated.

The mayor understood at once, “Oh right. Copley doesn’t much care for outsiders gumming up the works.” He patted his breast pocket, “Hmmm…let me see, where did I put my quill?”

Raz quickly offered his own quill from his pouch, “Here you are, sir.”

The mayor’s brow arched in surprise, “Oh! Uh thank you. I don’t suppose you have any parchment as well? Oh you do? Thank you.” He took the proffered parchment as well and quickly scrawled a note which he handed back to the wolverine along with his quill. “Here’s a writ authorizing you to act in my name for as long as this state of emergency lasts. Show it to Copley and he’ll back down, right as rain.”

Raz read the writ over and smiled, “Thank you Mr. Mayor. We won’t let you down!”

The mayor smiled grimly, “I know you won’t. Now if you’ll excuse me…”

Raz stepped aside and ushered the others to do the same to allow the mayor to be on his way. He then looked to his allies, “Now, let’s go see what we can find out about this mess, shall we?”

* * *

“Have you noticed that all the lampposts on this street have been chopped down?” Zouly asked the others as they made their way towards the storehouse.

Bunwick walked up to one of the stumps, “Looks more like it was gnawed down. See the teeth marks?”

Raz moved in next to him, “You’re right.” He smiled at the beaver, “Good thing you were with us or I’d think you had something to do with it.”

Bunwick bristled at the jest, “I would never do such a thing! I have better manners than that!”

“Easy now!” Raz soothed, “I was only kidding.” His look turned more serious, “You know, with no lamp posts, this street would be almost pitch dark on a moonless night like last night.”

“Perfect for sneaking around unnoticed,” Zouly remarked.

“What’s that smell?!” Wilhemina interjected as she sniffed the air.

The others picked up the scent as well. Zouly pointed to the warehouse, “It’s coming from over there. C’mon!”

He led the group to the front door of the warehouse and stopped short as the odour emanating from the room threatened his hold on his lunch. “Woo! That is a powerful smell!”

The others turned nearly a shade of green to match their small friend. “It’s terrible!” Emeraldine exclaimed.

Raz pulled his tunic up over his nose to filter the smell, “I can see why Constable Copley chose not to search the warehouse right away…”

Bunwick mimicked him, “Yeah, he wanted to let the room air out.”

Zouly gathered himself, “After several hours it still smells this bad. Whatever caused this must still be inside.” He inhaled as much clean air as he could and stepped towards the door and examined the lock, “That’s odd. No signs of forced entry.” He walked in.

The others followed him in a moment later. The smell made their eyes water. “What IS this?” Bunwick groaned, “Even skunks don’t smell THIS bad!”

“It’s not natural, whatever it is,” Raz replied. “Spread out and let’s see what we can find.”

Each fur picked a direction. The storehouse was almost completely empty. They could imagine how the shelves used to be lined with all manner of mouth-watering foodstuffs. Now, only the odd piece of equipment remained. It was Zouly who came up with the first clue, “Hey, check this out!” he called to the others.

Bunwick came over, “What is it?”

Zouly held his arm out to stop him from walking any further, “Careful!” He pointed down to the floor, “Look.” There on the ground was a layer of spilt flour.

“Check out in the middle!” Bunwick pointed in turn, “Are those boar prints?” Indeed there were a pair of hoof prints in the middle of the flour. He circled the mess on the floor.

“It must have been standing there when it spilled the flour,” Zouly remarked. He looked up and saw a nail protruding from the middle shelf. A small tear of fabric still hung from it. “The bag must have caught on that nail.”

“Here’s the bag,” Bunwick observed, pointing down to the discarded sack. “I guess they didn’t want to leave a trail and left it behind.”

“Aw Six! I think I found what’s causing this smell!” Wilhemina called out, nearly gagging. She reached under one of the shelves and fished out a small jar. “Oh yeah! This is definitely the stuff!”

Raz joined her in examining the jar. There was no identifying label. An oily substance coated the insides.

It was Wilhemina who spoke first, “I’ve heard of this trick thieves use where they use artificial musks to mask their scent so that furs with good sniffers can’t track them down.” She quickly added, “Not that I’m a thief! Or would ever use the stuff! I just heard about it in a watering hole somewhere.”

Raz ignored the latter comment, “Yes, I think I’ve read about something like this before. The thieves carefully open the bottle and chuck it into the room once they’re out the door.”

“What an ingenious plan,” Wilhemina marvelled. When she saw the disapproving look on Raz’s face, she quickly added, “Ingeniously evil that is.”

Before the wolverine could chastise her, Emeraldine Fiera’s voice cut him off, “I think I found something as well.”

The others crowded around her as she crouched down low to inspect under another shelving unit, “There are crumbs under here.”

“So what?” Wilhemina asked, “It’s not like the town can live off of crumbs.”

“These crumbs are fresh,” Emeraldine Fiera explained, “It’s as though someone stood under this shelf and had himself a snack.”

“Rats sneak into warehouses all the time,” Raz observed.

Emeraldine Fiera nodded, “Yes, but have you noticed there are no mouse holes anywhere in this building?” She gestured wavingly around the room, “I checked!”

Raz rubbed his chin as he did whenever he started thinking, “Then whoever left those crumbs got in while the door was unlocked. Maybe that’s how…”

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY CRIME SCENE?!!”

As one, the group turned to see Constable Copley standing in the doorway. He did not seem at all happy.

“Uh oh,” Bunwick muttered.

Furship Chronicles: Road to Lancton – Conclusion

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Apr 272013
 

The group walked in silence. The night had been long and the sleep short. Raz led the way, followed by Bunwick and Wilhemina. Behind them, Zouly rode atop Teeper’s shoulders. The groundhog had not come back to himself and still acted wild. After some debate, mostly from Wilhemina who wanted to claim Teeper as her pet, the group had agreed to bring Teeper with them and that Zouly would take care of him.

Before leaving the inn, they had helped themselves to some supplies. It wasn’t looking like Dross and Jinni were ever coming back. The moral high ground was one thing, but letting food and goods go completely to waste was another. Wilhemina nailed a warning note to the door that, “Here there be phantoms!”

The sky was overcast and sombre. It would rain soon. They were coming on the final days of autumn and the days were getting colder. There would be at least two cold nights around a campfire before they reached Lancton. The sun was starting to set on the first day when they spotted across a small convoy of wagons a ways off the main road to the west.

“Most likely Rota,” Raz surmised. He explained to his companions, “The Rota are wanderers. They roam the countryside of Pelaria. The convoy is their family, the wagons are their homes. They follow the wind and the wind doesn’t hold to any road.”

“Are they friendly?” Bunwick asked.

“Most are,” Raz answered. “Unless you give them a reason not to be. If you threaten the Rota’s family, they will not hesitate to kill you where you stand. They are fierce fighters when they need to be.”

The last part made Bunwick nervous. “Are we sure we want to bother them then?” he asked the others.

“Do you plan on threatening their family?” Zouly asked.

“Well, no…” Bunwick replied, his cheeks growing hot with blush beneath his fur.

“We should be alright then…” Zouly pointed out. “Night’s coming on and there’s safety in numbers.“ He nudged Teeper with his heel to direct the groundhog towards the Rota encampment. Raz and Wilhemina agreed with his logic and followed suit. Still concerned but ceding to the frog’s logic, Bunwick brought up the rear.

As they approached the Rota camp, a solitary figure walked out to meet them. He was a wolf, dressed in colourful garb. His face was calm yet guarded. “Greetings travellers. What wind blows you this way?”

The others deferred to Raz to speak for them as he was the most familiar with the Rota and their ways. “Greetings. We were on out way to Lancton when we saw your wagons. We were hoping you would allow us to share your campfire with you this evening. The night is cold and the Wild grow bolder as food grows scarce.”

The wolf nodded, “Our fires are always open to furs in need. I am Kastagan, wind-seeker for this family. I bid you welcome.”

Raz smiled warmly, “Thank you Kastagan. I am Raz. These are my friends, Bunwick, Wilhemina and Zouly.” He pointed to each of his companions as he introduced them. The smaller furs each gave a little bow.

Kastagan looked them each over in turn. His eyes then fell on Teeper, “And your steed, frog rider? What of him?”

Zouly looked embarrassed, “Uh this is Teeper…it’s a long story.” He then recounted the events of their stay at the Bridgeside Inn. Kastagan listened to their tale but offered no comment. When Zouly was done, he asked the wolf leader, “In your travels have you ever come across an animal that fell back to the Wild?”

Kastagan considered the question, then answered, “In truth, I cannot be certain. When one meets a wild animal, one does not usually consider that it may not always have been so and therefore does not think to look for signs that prove the contrary.”

“That makes sense I guess,” Zouly admitted. “I don’t suppose then you know of anything that might help Teeper come to his senses again?” When the wolf shook his head no, Zouly shrugged, “Well, it was worth a shot.”

Unable to keep silent any longer Wilhemina finally interjected, “You know, it’s getting cold out here! Couldn’t we move this boring conversation over to the fire?”

Her companions looked aghast at the bluntness of her approach, but Kastagan didn’t seem to mind. He apologized in fact, “I’m sorry. How silly og me? In truth, I am not myself these days since my daughter has fallen sick.”

Mina opened her mouth to say something but Raz quickly cut her off, “I’m sorry to hear that. Have you no healer amongst your family?”

Kastagan shook his head, “It has been some time since we’ve travelled with a healer amongst us. Not many instructed in the healing ways succumb to the call of the wind. I was hoping to find one when we reached the Reunion, but we are still some days’ travel away and my daughter’s condition worsens.”

“Maybe I could take a look at her?” Zouly offered. He hopped down from Teeper’s shoulder and moved up to the wind-seeker. “I’m not a fully trained healer, but I’ve picked up a few things here and there.”

Kastagan did not hesitate, “I am eager to accept any help at this point. This way, please.” He led the group to his wagon. “Forgive me if I only allow your friend into my wagon,” he told the others as he helped Zouly in. The others nodded understandably. He continued, “Help yourselves to a place by the fire. Soup will be served soon.” He then headed into the wagon himself.

The three furs moved to take a place by the fire. As promised, a hearty soup was served to them. After days of cold rations, a hot meal was most welcome and they eagerly consumed the meal. An hour passed before Zouly emerged from the wagon. His companions looked to him eagerly for news.

“The pup will survive,” he reassured them. “I was able to prepare a syrup that helped break her fever. She’ll be bedridden for a week or two before she regains her strength again.”

Raz smiled, “I had no idea you were a healing frog!” Already he seemed to be counting the Shinies that could be made.

Zouly shrugged, “There’s plenty you don’t know about me.” He added, “Plenty I don’t know about you either and I like it that way.”

Raz looked hurt, “Come now! Surely we’re all friends at this point?”

Zouly helped himself to some soup from the pot that hung over the fire. Without looking at the others he allowed, “We’re not NOT friends.”

Raz raised his eyebrows, “Good enough I suppose. Oh look, here comes Kastagan.”

The wind-seeker had a look of relief on his face as he emerged from his wagon and approached the fire. “My daughter sleeps soundly,” he announced. “I thank the winds for blowing you in our direction.”

Zouly looked embarrassed, “I only did what any fur would do given the circumstances.”

Kastagan shook his head, “You did what none of my family could do. You saved my daughter’s life. Our family is forever bonded to you for this.”

He joined them by the fire. The rest of the evening was spent with the Rota regaling their guests with stories of their travels and explaining their customs. In all it was a welcome change to the horrible night they’d spent at the Bridgeside Inn. They slept soundly amongst their new friends.

When it came time to part ways the next morning, Kastagan followed the travellers back to the main road. He clasped Zouly‘s little webbed paw in his larger furred paw, “You will always find friends in the Rota, frog rider!” Earnestly, he said to the little frog, “If ever you are in need, call my name out and the wind will carry your voice to my ear.”

Zouly nodded, “Thank you Kastagan.” He hopped back onto Teeper’s shoulder, “Until the winds blow us together again!”

Kastagan smiled, “Well said!”

The wolf stood aside and let the group pass by him to continue on their way. When they had attained some distance from them, he could just make out Wilhemina’s voice as she asked her travel mates, “How will he possibly be able to hear Zouly if he calls out his name?” He couldn’t make out the answer but he smiled before turning back to the encampment, leaving the travellers to walk the last section of the road to Lancton.

Furship Chronicles: Road to Lancton – Part Three

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Apr 202013
 

DISCLAIMER: The Furship Chronicles narrate the adventures of our gaming group as we playtest the Age of Animus Storytelling Game. Bunwick is played by Frank, Raz is played by Steve, Wilhemina is played by Fab and Zouly is played by Lyne. The interactions you read are not straight transcriptions of their conversations in the game (My memory isn’t good enough to remember them all) but rather my interpretation of their characters as they played them in our gaming session. I hope I do justice to the fun we had playing.

The Bridgeside Inn stood before them. Built on a stretch of land between the bridges crossing the Bunny River and Tinker’s River, it wasn’t difficult to figure out what inspired the name. It was a homey sort of building, solidly built and attractive. Bunwick could have pointed out countless factoids regarding its architecture were his traveling companions inclined to hear them. They were not, so he kept the fun facts to himself. Nevertheless, it was a welcome sight to weary travellers on the long road to Lancton.

“I don’t care what you say!” Wilhemina declared petulantly, “I want to sleep in a bed tonight!” She folded her arms across her chest as she stood her ground.

“I wouldn’t mind that myself,” Bunwick chimed in.

Raz carefully considered the request/demand. It had been a long journey, true; but they were so close to the goal. There would be an inn in Lancton to drain them of their Shinies. However, he wasn’t interested in dealing with the stink that Wilhemina would kick up if he refused. Grudgingly, he grumbled his consent, “Oh alright! If it will make you happy!”

Wilhemina clapped her paws together, “Goodie!” She bounded with renewed energy towards the structure.

“I thought she was exhausted…” Zouly grunted to nobody in particular. He and the remaining furs followed her as she entered the inn.

Inside, the main room was cold and empty. Nobody stood to greet them. Normally at this time of year, one could expect a blazing fire in the hearth to provide light and warmth. Here, the fireplace held nothing but ashes.

The four spread out to examine the room. There was no tell-tale layer of dust to suggest a lengthy abandonment. Everything seemed to be well-maintained as well. Whatever had happened to cause the occupants to leave, it had been sudden and recent.

Taking a chance, Raz called out, “Is there anybody here?”

None of them expected an answer, making it all the more surprising when a small voice answered from the back room, “I am!”

The four companions were wary as they walked over to meet the other presence. They cautiously stepped into the adjoining doorway.

A lone fur stood in the small back room. A dapper little groundhog, clad in a green vest over a yolk-coloured chemise. He smiled apprehensively, “I don’t suppose Dross or Jinni sent you?”

The blank expressions on their faces said it all. “Who?” Bunwick asked.

“Dross and Jinni are the owners of the Bridgeside Inn,” the groundhog explained.

“Well then who are you?” Zouly asked rather bluntly.

The groundhog bowed respectfully, “The name’s Teeper. I’m a tailor by trade. I often travel from my home in Lancton to visit family in Calix’s Cross and I always stop here at Bridgeside when I do.” He peered at the four furs, “And who might you be, exactly?”

Each took their turn introducing themselves. When at last everyone was satisfied that nobody meant any harm to anyone else, all turned their attentions back to the curious situation they found themselves in.

“You’ve stopped here before so you know the innkeepers,” Bunwick started, “Are they the type to just leave like the place empty like this?”

Teeper shook his head, “Not at all! Dross and Jinni built this place with their own paws! They’ve worked hard to make Bridgeside into something nice. I can’t imagine what could possibly get them to leave?”

Raz stroked his chin, pondering, “They don’t have any family anywhere that they’d have to visit?”

Again Teeper shook his head, “Not that I know of. They never had children and their parents are long gone.”

Bunwick looked about suddenly, “Where’s Mina?” Nobody had noticed that the weasel was no longer in the room with them.

Zouly let out an exasperated sigh, “Probably getting into trouble again…” He stood up, “Mina? Where are you girl?”

Wilhemina walked back in, gnawing on a leg of mutton that she definitely hadn‘t had before, “You guys were being boring just sitting around and talking, so I decided to look for secret passageways but I couldn’t find any.” She nibbled at her mutton, “Larder’s full though.”

The others streamed out to examine the pantry. As Wilhemina had said, it was still fully stocked. “None of this food has spoiled,” Raz noted. “Even the vegetables are still fresh. That means a day or two at most since the innkeepers left.”

“Well, they didn’t go towards Lancton,” Teeper said next, “I definitely would have crossed them on the road.”

“And we didn’t meet anybody on the road on our way here either,” said Zouly.

“That leaves the countryside,” Raz mused. “Were either of them likely to go out hunting?”

It was Bunwick who answered with a question of his own, “With a full pantry? What would be the point?”

Wilhemina yawned, “I’m bored! I came here to sleep in a warm bed, not talk about furs who aren’t even here! I’m going up to find a room.”

“For once, I’m with Mina,” Zouly said to the others. He continued before she could comment on how he’d agreed with her, “It’s getting late and whatever happened here, we’re not likely to solve it tonight. Might as well get a good night’s sleep and start again fresh in the morning.”

Bunwick looked concerned, “What about the innkeepers? Won’t they be upset if they return and find that we’ve helped ourselves to a room while they were gone?”

“This is what inns are for,” Raz pointed out. “If they return, we can explain to them what happened and square things up.” He led the others out and up the stairs to claim a room. With his objections neatly answered, Bunwick quickly followed. In a matter of minutes they were all fast asleep.

* * *

Wilhemina, Raz, Zouly and Teeper all stuck their heads out from their rooms at the same time. Only Bunwick remained asleep in his bed. “You heard it too?” Teeper asked the others, who could only nod.

An hour had passed since the travellers had turned in. They were all sound asleep when they each heard a strange sound coming from the hallway. Unsure if what they’d heard was real or a dream, they’d each opened their doors to look out. As they looked at each other in confusion, the strange breezy whistling sound picked up again.

“There it is again!”

Raz perked his ears, “Where’s it coming from?” The next time they heard it, he pointed to the only unoccupied room, “There!”

The four moved quickly and burst through the door only to find the room empty. The window was closed and even more curious was the view. The trees were completely still. There wasn’t even the slightest breeze outside.

Where the others were perplexed, Teeper grew agitated, “I don’t like this!” He left the room to stand in the hallway. After satisfying themselves that there was truly nothing out of place in the room, the others followed him.

Teeper yipped when the windy whistle sounded again. Raz called out sharply, “Who’s there?!”

The loud voice finally stirred Bunwick from his room, “What’s going on?” he asked sleepily.

Teeper looked at him incredulously, “You didn’t hear it?”

Bunwick rubbed his eyes with the back of his paw, “Hear what?” As though in answer, the whistle call sounded again, giving him a start, “Oh my!”

“It sounds like it’s coming from downstairs now,” Zouly observed. He bounded down the wooden stairs to the main room. It was as empty as when they first arrived. The others joined him and they all set about re-examining the room.

“There’s nothing here,” Raz declared.

“I don’t like this at all!” Teeper repeated.

Wilhemina looked non-plussed, “This is stupid! I’m going back to bed!” Yawning, she left the room to head back upstairs. Her companions watched her go, then turned back to each other.

“Well, what do we do now?” Zouly asked.

“We could take turns standing watch,” Bunwick suggested.

“I’ll stand first,” Raz volunteered. “The rest of you head back to bed.”

Teeper shook his head, “No way! I’m not staying one minute more in this place!”

Raz shook his head, “Don’t be silly friend. If anything was going to happen, I’m sure it would have happened by now. Go up to your room.”

“Nuh-uh!” the groundhog grunted. “I’m sleeping outside!” and with that, he marched out of  the building.

Zouly shrugged, “Suit yourself.” He and Bunwick went back to their rooms, leaving Raz all alone to stand watch.

* * *

An hour passed and nothing happened. Raz was slowly starting to doze off in a chair when suddenly a bright light flashed before his eyes. For a moment, the night was transformed into day and then, just as suddenly it went out again.

“AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!” Teeper screamed from outside.

Raz raced out to see what was the matter. He found the groundhog cowering behind the inn. “What happened friend?”

“The light!” was all Teeper could blurt out.

“You saw it too, then?” Raz said simply. The groundhog was clearly scared. Raz felt uneasy himself, but still managed to keep hold of his emotions. “Come friend. Let’s go back inside.”

The fear of being left alone was stronger than his fear of whatever he imagined lurked in the lodge, so Teeper followed the big wolverine back inside where they found Zouly and Bunwick waiting for them.

Bunwick looked concerned. “What happened?” he asked. “We heard a scream!”

“It was Teeper,” Raz replied. “We both saw a bright flash and the poor fellow lost his wits for a moment.”

“Are you alright, Teeper?” Bunwick asked, but the little groundhog was staring at the ceiling, abject terror on his face.

Zouly, Bunwick and Raz all followed the terrified fur’s eyes and witnessed the strangest sight any of them had ever come across.

A strangely glowing light streaked across the ceiling. Dark spots within the light suggested the hint of a skeletal face. The spectral apparition hovered over them for a moment and then it was gone.

Zouly, Bunwick and Raz looked down from the ceiling and at each other. They stood in silence until finally Zouly asked, “Was that a specter?”

They’d all heard folktales of ghostly apparitions that wandered the countryside. But they were just stories parents told their kids to scare them.

“I’ve never seen one before to be sure,” Raz answered, “But…”

“Wooooo!” Teeper wailed. He was trembling now, “This place is haunted!”

Raz tried to reason with him, “From what I’ve read on the subject, specters don’t stay in one place. They’ll move along soon enough.” He was just starting to reach the groundhog when the whistling started again,

Teeper started screaming. Zouly shook his head, “For the love of the Six…” He bounced in front of the groundhog and shouted at him, “CALM DOWN!”

The sharp command had the opposite effect on the terrified fur. Even more frightened then before, Teeper took off, running around the room erratically, toppling furniture over as he went.

“Just perfect,” Bunwick muttered, “Nice going, Zouly!”

“How was I supposed to know he’d react like that?” the frog protested.

“He’s scared out of his mind!” Bunwick snapped, “How did you think he was going to react?”

“Obviously, I thought he would calm down!” Zouly snapped back.

Raz cut them both short, “Will you two stop bickering with each other and help me catch him!”

Working together, the furs and scaley cornered the scurrying groundhog. Zouly held his paws out to Teeper and slowly approached, “Easy there, Teeper. We’re not going to hurt you.” He advanced until finally he could set a paw on the cowering fur, and started to rub his head soothingly, “It’s okay. Nothing’s going to happen. We’re here to protect you.”

Teeper didn’t say a word. He only whimpered. His eyes were wide-open and vacant. Raz peered into them and then looked the fur over, “I think he’s been scared wild.”

Zouly and Bunwick furrowed their brows in confusion. Raz explained the phenomenon where awakened furs suffered traumas so severe, it hampered their ability to reason. They reverted back to a wild state.

“Will he get better?” Bunwick asked.

Raz shrugged, “I don’t know…there aren’t many documented cases. Logic would dictate that if he could be awakened once, he should be able to be awakened again.”

“What are you–” Zouly started. Teeper was rubbing his head against the frog’s tummy, “Get off of me!”

Bunwick couldn‘t help laughing, “Looks like you have a new best friend, Zouly!”

Zouly didn’t see the humour in the situation, “It’s not funny! Get off!”

Raz watched as the groundhog followed the agitated frog around the room. “He seems to have imprinted on you as his protector.”

Zouly looked dumbfounded, “What?” He stared at Teeper, “Are you serious?”

Raz nodded, “Absolutely serious.”

“What are you all doing up so early?” Everybody looked to the stairway where Mina stood, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The weasel had slept through the entire ordeal apparently.

“Early?” Zouly asked, still trying to push Teeper away.

Wilhemina nodded, “The sun’s just coming up,” she pointed to the window where indeed the first rays of light were starting to filter in. She then looked at the frog wrestling with the groundhog, “What’s with Teeper?”

“It’s a long story,” Bunwick said. Despite the seriousness of the situation, he was clearly amused, “But the long and short of it is that Zouly has a new pet!”

Mina pouted, “That isn’t fair! Why does Zouly get a pet and I don’t?”

The frog stamped his feet, “I don’t want a pet! It’s bad enough we have to be taking care of you half the time!” He looked to Raz, “Can’t we just let him run free in the wild?”

Raz shook his head dubiously, “Teeper’s lived his whole life in civilized society. He doesn’t know how to survive in the wild. Leaving him all alone now would be signing his death warrant.”

“Well what are we supposed to do?” The frog demanded to know, “We can’t very well keep him with us from now on, can we?”

Raz considered it, “He’s from Lancton and we’re going there anyway. Maybe being back in a familiar setting will help him come back to himself.”

Zouly grudgingly caved, “Okay then. Just to Lancton!”

Bunwick was still grinning, “You’re always saying it’s hard to keep up with us, Zouly. You could ride Teeper!”

Mina looked up, “What? No! *I* want to ride Teeper!” She moved toward the frog and groundhog.

“Oh no!” Zouly exclaimed, shaking his head, “If anybody’s going to ride him, it’s going to be me!”

Raz walked past them and back towards the stairs.

“Where are you going?” Bunwick asked.

“To get some sleep,” Raz muttered.

“Now? What about–”

Raz interrupted them, “Look friends, it’s been a long night and we’re still three days away from our destination. I say we catch some much needed rest and start fresh this afternoon.” Without waiting for a reply, he headed up the stairs to his room. The road to Lancton would have to wait.

Furship Chronicles: Road to Lancton – Part Two

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Apr 132013
 

DISCLAIMER: The Furship Chronicles narrate the adventures of our gaming group as we playtest the Age of Animus Storytelling Game. Bunwick is played by Frank, Raz is played by Steve, Wilhemina is played by Fab and Zouly is played by Lyne. The interactions you read are not straight transcriptions of their conversations in the game (My memory isn’t good enough to remember them all) but rather my interpretation of their characters as they played them in our gaming session. I hope I do justice to the fun we had playing.

“That will be two Shinies, sir.”

Raz sputtered indignantly, “Outrageous! Simply outrageous!”

The vendor looked dumbfounded, “But, it’s a fair price. Your friends all paid…”

Raz shook his head, “That’s beside the point! I can’t bring myself to pay such an outrageous price!”

Bunwick and Zouly looked on horrified, as their companion made a scene. Other furs were starting to stare. Wilhemina looked disinterested. They had reached the market in Sunnyvale and were finally able to buy provisions for their travels. The smaller furs and scaley had pawed over the Shinies for their travel rations. Raz apparently could not accept the price even though it had seemed to the others as being rather standard.

The vendor, a rabbit, hesitated. “Then you DON’T want the food?” he asked tentatively.

Raz growled, “Of course I want the food!”

The rabbit was now confused, “You want the food, but you don’t want to pay?”

Raz nodded, “Not at that ridiculous price I don’t!”

The rabbit shook his head slowly, “I’m sorry sir, but it’s the best price I can make for you.”

Raz stood defiant. The two were deadlocked until Zouly finally sighed in exasperation, “Oh for Six’s sake!” He slapped two Shinies on the vendor’s table, “There! Now take the food and let’s get going!”

The rabbit pawed over the bag of trail mix to the big wolverine who quickly snatched it and stuffed it into his satchel.

“You owe me!” the frog told his companion.

Raz smiled nonchalantly, “Of course! Of course! I always repay my debts!” He paused before quickly adding, “Not with Shinies of course. But I’m sure we can come to an agreement!”

Zouly shook his head in derision, “Of course…”

* * *

“One Shiny for the night.”

Bunwick, Wilhemina and Zouly all looked to Raz. They had reached Calix’s Cross and after days of sleeping in barns or camping on the side of the road, had decided to take the opportunity to sleep at the inn. With the decision made, there was still the question as to whether Raz would actually pay up.

The wolverine struggled with the decision. Parting with Shinies was never easy for him. They were just so pretty! He hoarded them avariciously. The compulsion to hold onto his Shinies was so strong that sometimes he found himself unable to pay for things he really needed and had to go without. Such had almost been the case with the vendor in Sunnyvale until Zouly bailed him out.

But on this occasion, his reason was able to overpower his compulsion. He narrowed his eyes to give the innkeeper a shrewd stare, “Is there a meal included in the price?” If he had to part with one of his precious Shinies, he was determined to get the most out of it.

“Of course!” the innkeeper said with a smile, “Here at the Cracked Bell, your stay always includes a warm meal!”

Acting as though he were making a supreme effort, he at last grumbled, “Oh all right then!” Grudgingly, he paid the innkeeper his Shiny.

The others breathed a sigh of relief and followed suit.

* * *

He observed them from atop his tree. The porcupine had heard them long before he could see them. The girl especially had a shrill voice. His squirrel companions were crouched next to him, waiting on his word. They were of the Wild and he had trained them. He considered the little critters like family. At his behest they would swarm any passers-by. Then he would swoop down and relieve his victims of their valuables.  Locally he had earned the nickname of the Critter Bandit.

The foursome drew nearer. There was the weasel and the beaver. They appeared to know each other better than the others. A couple perhaps? The beaver was often apologizing for the weasel’s behaviour. Her guardian, more like. They had a frog, a grumpy one, with them. Curious. More concerning however, was the wolverine. Size and power could sometimes trump even skill such as his. It was a gamble he did not like to engage in. He waved off his cohorts and contented himself in watching the quartet as they unknowingly passed him by.

The beaver pointed, “There’s an inn up ahead. Maybe we could get a room for the night?”

The wolverine and the frog both shot the idea down, the former more vehemently than the latter, “What, do you think I’m MADE of Shinies?” The big fur shook his head, “Absolutely not! We’re trying to EARN Shinies, not spend them! Besides we just stayed at an inn three days ago! Surely you don‘t expect us to stop at every inn we come across? We‘d be bankrupt within weeks!”

“It was just a suggestion,” the beaver said glumly.

The weasel chimed in, “Well *I* think we should…”

“Nobody cares what you think, Mina!” the frog snapped, trying to cut her argument short.

The weasel went on unperturbed, “Well you should! You’ll live longer!”

The frog ignored her as she continued yammering away.

The Critter Bandit wondered how long it would be before the frog and the weasel came to blows. He considered himself a patient fur, but he had to admit that the weasel had a grating personality. She was pretty though. She reminded him of a rabbit he’d once known. That was long ago though, when he was a much different fur. Their lives had gone in different directions. She married into wealth and he made his wealth by stealing it from innocent travelers. What she would think of him if they were to meet today? Not much, most like, if she recognized him at all. Furs like her tended to forget the furs from their pasts once they moved up in the world. Still, he wondered how she was doing…

By the time he emerged from his thoughts the group had moved on. Their voices were less distinct but he found that he no longer cared about what they had to say. There was no profit to be made here. He scampered from treetop to treetop back towards his hideout, leaving the four to continue on the road to Lancton.

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