The Dirty Prince

[Amael Farmourner]

~ The Dirty Prince ~

It had not been long after the fires had burned, died and reduced to cold ash in the 13th brightening of the month of Optia that from that ash rose new life – it seemed a promise for some, but for others, it was an opportunity. Buildings rose on the bones of older buildings, ash slid everywhere, creeping into corners. It was in such circumstances that The Dirty Prince arose. To everyone who just glanced, it appeared just to be a normal Tavern or something to the like from the outside, but like all things, often something else was being done beneath its skin.

Yes, the main floor looked quite normal – even from the inside. Heavy benches lined the walls the center of the floor had been lowered a about a step, but then rose up two steps. Clearly a stage of some type despite the fact that no one performed on it during the business hours and those that offered their services were often scoffed and booted out – unless the proprietor was feeling humorous. Then again, people rarely saw him either.

Along one side was a tall heavy bar with equally heavy stools set in front of it. Kegs and barrels lined a section of the wall behind the bar, sporting a fair ale selection, along the same wall was an a doorway, its only adornment were swinging saloon doors that serving wenches passed in and out of. The menu was limited, but the food was decent for its price. But before one could even gaze upon the kegs or the swinging doors, a large black scarred Dorin loomed behind the counter, his one eye white and unseeing as he growled quietly at the customers, taking orders from outsiders grudgingly.

There was only one meal ever served, but it came in several courses, promising a full and warm stomach by the time you finished. A sign behind the Dorin read:

~ The Dirty Prince’s Special ~ 3 crowns

Confections – spiced sugar cubes
Hypocras – heated wine mixed with spices
Salad – a light vegetable salad with croutons
Potage – thick soup of shredded chicken, goat kid, or fish and vegetables
Fruit and Cheese – fruit of the season paired with aged cheese

~ The Dirty Prince’s Drinks ~ 2 silvers a mug, 1 crown a pitcher

Dog's Breath Ale – a light and bitter ale
Leather Ale – mildly flavored with a nutty taste
Dark Blood Ale – dark colored ale with a smoky taste
Collar Ale - light and refreshing ale

Another door was heavily barred from the outside and a dog was on a long length of chain that attached near the door - clearly a guardian.

Upon inquiring the Dorin about the door he would simply shrug, if one inquired about the door to anyone else in employment they would spread rumors about a shapeshifter or perhaps a Dragon, or just about anything that passed through their pretty (but empty) little heads, but if one was quick enough to turn around, in a darkened corner a few men would grin a little twisted smile - and if you looked down, huge hulking dogs lay at their feet.

Quite interesting it was at The Dirty Prince, but then again - it was only a Tavern in the brightening candlemarks, as soon as the Suns set the doors and windows were barred and locked - then the real fun began.

[Amael Farmourner]

A piece of parchment had been posted on the wall of The Dirty Prince, the area was soft and made of wine corks - perfect for sticking something to. A notice read:

Dear Adventurers of Archadoon,

It has come to our attention that there has been havoc at nightfall - rumors of large rats welling up from an old cellar. 100 Crowns is promised to each adventurer to stamp out this growing issue. Please inquire at the bar for additional information.

~Proprietor of The Dirty Prince

Issued by Colin Fianna: Late Optia, Season of Summer

At the bar, the huge black Dorin sulked, looking moodily around as if waiting for a fight to break out which was not uncommon to say the least, normally fights were readily squashed under the Dorin's glaring eye.

[Verus]

TS: Third Cycle, Seventh Brightening of Optia. Era XIV PF.

Temujin had been in The Dirty Prince only twice since it had opened after the fires that had destroyed a portion of the city. He had diced with a couple of the patrons and lost more then he had won, but that was how the game went. It was a decent place to visit though.

Entering through the swinging saloon doors, the rhaghrnd looked around. It was only a few candlemarks after noontime and it wasn't all that lively. Eyeing the stage that he had never seen used before, he shrugged his shoulders. Perhaps they had not yet hired anyone to work the stage yet.

Striding to the bar, he ordered a leather ale and paid the dorin behind the counter. Leaning back-to the bar, Temujin ran a gaze over the patrons the the bar, they didn't seem like to lively a crowd. As his gaze ran around the room though, he noticed something that had not been there last time he had visited this place.

Walking over to ac orked section of the wall more out of boredom and idle curiosity then anything, the rhaghrnd read the notice that had been posted. "Large rats, eh?" the rhaghrnd spoke aloud to himself. 'Gotta be pretty big if they're paying 100 crowns to each one that helps get rid of them.' He added inside his own head. While the rhaghrnd did not fancy himself an exterminator, he preferred more dangerous game then rats, he had nothing better to do and walked back to the bar.

"I see you've got a problem with rats," he said idly when the black dorin came close enough. "Out of curiosity,how big are they?" If the dorin couldn't get rid of them himself and if the dog chained to the door across the room was no help, hopefully they were fairly large. He didn't really want to help then find out they were small enough to step on and be done with.

[Amael Farmourner]

Grawl the Dorin flicked his nicked ears at the Human as he entered the doors, quietly going about his business as usual, giving the fleshling no mind as he polished a glass and set it down only to pick up another and begin polishing again. In the darkened corner of the tavern the men grinned and coarsely laughed as the dogs snarled through their muzzles at the men's booted feet.

The bartender moved with a natural grace of a predator, shifting effortlessly as he poured Temujin his drink, his large paw-like hand scrapping the silvers off the bar top. When he spoke, his voice was as thick and rough as the scars on his back.

"Oh yes, the rats," he growled, resuming his glass polishing, his good eye settling on the Human. "Oh, I would say..." he glanced over at the dogs. "About as big as a Pit Fighter, they run in packs. Been terrorizing citizens, Colin figured with the other issues at hand, it was best if he didn't make the issue to terribly public. You can understand... this city has had enough trouble without confirming the appearance of huge rats."

His rough and strong hands folded the towel as he leaned over the counter. "Anything else you want to know?"

[Verus]

Taking a swallow of his ale, Temujin thought about what the dorin had said. Large as pit fighters, feth they'd almost be half as big as he was then. Traveling in packs too... could be a bit of a challenge, an idea that the rhaghrnd entertained happily. "Aye," the Tiger answered. "That the old cellar?" He asked, nodding his head towards the heavily barred door that a large dog stood watch at.

[Amael Farmourner]

The Dorin chuckled quietly to himself and held a polished glass up to the light, peering at it with his good eye before resuming polishing it and finally setting it aside.

"Aye, nearly as big as Pit Fighters," repeated the Dorin absently. "Regretfully, that is not a cellar, Human," the huge Dorin flicked an ear at the heavily barred door, "no, not in the least. There is one catch to this little game we play if you are interested. Half pay now, half after you slay the rats. The proprietor requests that you leave one alive or at least make the kill clean. He wants it as a trophy. Baby here, can assist you."

A medium-sized dog with sleek black and tan fur lightly padded towards Temujin at the Dorin's snap. A thick ruff of loose fur draped over her neck, forming a mane and although she was all lean muscle and heavy set bones, she perched on delicate cat-like toes as she observed the Human a bit distrustingly.

"She is a smart dog, I wouldn't underestimate her."

[Verus]

Temujin eyed the dark haired dog as it came into view. He really didn't want the help of the mutt, didn't really think he'd need it either. He'd survived a pack of worgs before, and he very much doubted that large rats were gonna give him more trouble than those beasts had.

"Okay, I'll take the dog here on one condition. I'm not gonna hold back, so if she gets in the way... it's not my problem. So, as long as your fine with that, where is this cellar at?" As the rhaghrnd asked the question, he glanced over to the barred door. He had assumed that it was barred and guarded to keep the rat problem contained, now that he found the rats weren't there, he was rather curious about what was.

[Amael Farmourner]

"You heard him, Dorin, he don't need me. Nevermind the fact that I am a seasoned veteran of the pits," a voice sounded out as the dog glared at Temujin before snorting at him. "I will enjoy watching you get eaten alive, whelp, now hurry up. I will lead the way."

Grawl smiled into the glass absently. "Best hurry, Human. Baby won't be kept waiting." Sure enough, the dog was already out the door.