Date: 2/22/1999 7:42 PM Central Daylight Time
From: TreeFellr
Layne Jenkins was fairly pleased with how his life was going. Aside from the fact he was still assigned to this sad excuse for a town (it was a better excuse for an insane asylum to which he guessed he'd been exiled due to sins from a past life), things were going well. Though he hadn't received the bid to rebuild the Outback's bar to himself, his partnership with Jake Thrash worked out better for him in the long
run. Layne was an expert at cutting down trees and he knew wood like the back of his own hand, but he lacked superior skill in manipulating the medium. He looked upon this as an opportunity to learn and it was no time for pride or ego to prevent that.
He'd met with the competition turned partner only once thus far at the brewery the man owned and operated. Layne had respect for Jake, at least for the moment; the guy was good at what he did and he produced some fairly decent liquor. Not a bad combination in Layne's book. This project was by no means small and they'd both agreed it would likely take over a month to get everything done and get it done right. If Layne's name was going to be
attached to something, that something was going to be as perfect as it could get, especially if he planned to start his own business.
Getting the wood wasn't a problem. Layne had been siphoning bits and pieces from shipments every so often to build up a decent sized stock. Mr. Dawson, the Graf Corporation's CEO, demanded his men cut down only trees of the best stock and Layne had been leading that operation for well over a year now. He provided only the best and he didn't see the harm in keeping a little for himself, especially if nobody caught him. Right now, he was on his
way to meet with Jake again to discuss some of the finer details of this joint venture. Not surprisingly, money was first on his mind.
Bar Stories
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Re: Bar Stories
Date: 2/24/1999 3:06 AM Central Daylight Time
From: JakeThrash
Sometime around a month ago...
Jake surveyed the warehouse with satisfaction. Preparatory work was nearly complete upon the fixtures to replace the Outback bar. With the winter snows finally abating the timing was good. Once the remains of the old bar had been cleared away the new stuff would be ready to install.
The orc made a note to himself. He needed to find some local labor to help move the new furnishings into place. Hopefully it wouldn't be too expensive. The orc winced at the thought. He still thought the goblin was crazy to insist that Red Orc Brewery bear the entire cost of the new bar and its installation. Nor had the orc counted on the need to pay for so much labor. He sighed, the goblins insisted the "write-off" was a good investment,
but the orc still didn't understand how building the bar at his own expense was a good thing. "Trust us" the goblins had said. The very thought sent shivers down the orc's spine.
Stomping his way down the stairs to the warehouse floor, Jake wandered over to the pieces that would be assembled into a bar. It was good that the Layne fellow had been able to lay his hands on so much seasoned wood. The older, properly seasoned wood that he'd had available, even during the dead of winter, had probably saved Jake an enormous amount of money and effort. He'd planned on going with oak, as it was fairly inexpensive, but still hard
enough to suit his needs. However, when Layne had said he had aged cherry available, the goblins had insisted it was worth the cost. Cherry sounded like such a sissy wood to the orc, but he had to admit it was hard and had the right look. Layne was a hard bargainer, who haggled with great vigor, and the orc had finally offered him fair market value plus fifteen percent for all of the wood they would use provided Layne himself would help with the
construction and installation. Jake also had to agree to provide the ale, but he figured that part at least wouldn't be difficult as he had an ample supply of Bane's Brew in stock.
The parts of the bar were still in their crude forms of course. Jake looked down at the crayon drawings he'd made. Beside them were the more formal drawings that had been done up by someone Mojo's associate, Pug, had hired. They included the precise measurements to which the wood had been cut.
What remained to do was still extensive, but the orc was certain that there would be no problem getting them done in time for Rask's grand opening. First the detailed carving would have to be done. Jake still thought that his idea of gluing small bones onto the wood to look like dueling brawlers would have been the way to go, but the goblins had busted into such hysterics at the suggestion that the orc had not brought the idea up again.
Jake hoped the Dalamar fellow would be able to come in soon to do the detailed carving. The orc was good with a blade, and manual labor was easy enough, but detailed woodworking like this was a little beyond his skills. Orcs were best at breaking things, not making them. Still, it had been a good way to spend the winter, cutting the wood and making the pieces match the measurements in the plans. It was healthy exercise during the cold months
when being shut-in tended to make one lazy.
Once the detailed carving was done, all that would remain would be some sanding and polishing before gluing the pieces together and applying the finish. The finishing would take some time, since each coat of lacquer would need time to dry, but it was important to do it right both so that the finish would look good and to make it proof against spills.
When finally finished, the bar could be moved over to the Outback. The orc made another note to himself to make sure a wagon was available for the transportation of the bar, maybe that Layne guy could provide one. He'd probably need more labor for that part. Jake frowned to himself in thought. He wondered if he could bully some free labor out of his teammates in the Champions of Avalon. If not that, perhaps he could wander into the Outback
some night this week and grab one or two of the bigger duelers to help out with the promise of free ale.
((Author's Note: Parts of this story take place in the recent past in order to accommodate the time periods necessary for proper drying of glues, lacquers, etc. It's being compressed in the telling in order to facilitate getting it done quickly.))
From: JakeThrash
Sometime around a month ago...
Jake surveyed the warehouse with satisfaction. Preparatory work was nearly complete upon the fixtures to replace the Outback bar. With the winter snows finally abating the timing was good. Once the remains of the old bar had been cleared away the new stuff would be ready to install.
The orc made a note to himself. He needed to find some local labor to help move the new furnishings into place. Hopefully it wouldn't be too expensive. The orc winced at the thought. He still thought the goblin was crazy to insist that Red Orc Brewery bear the entire cost of the new bar and its installation. Nor had the orc counted on the need to pay for so much labor. He sighed, the goblins insisted the "write-off" was a good investment,
but the orc still didn't understand how building the bar at his own expense was a good thing. "Trust us" the goblins had said. The very thought sent shivers down the orc's spine.
Stomping his way down the stairs to the warehouse floor, Jake wandered over to the pieces that would be assembled into a bar. It was good that the Layne fellow had been able to lay his hands on so much seasoned wood. The older, properly seasoned wood that he'd had available, even during the dead of winter, had probably saved Jake an enormous amount of money and effort. He'd planned on going with oak, as it was fairly inexpensive, but still hard
enough to suit his needs. However, when Layne had said he had aged cherry available, the goblins had insisted it was worth the cost. Cherry sounded like such a sissy wood to the orc, but he had to admit it was hard and had the right look. Layne was a hard bargainer, who haggled with great vigor, and the orc had finally offered him fair market value plus fifteen percent for all of the wood they would use provided Layne himself would help with the
construction and installation. Jake also had to agree to provide the ale, but he figured that part at least wouldn't be difficult as he had an ample supply of Bane's Brew in stock.
The parts of the bar were still in their crude forms of course. Jake looked down at the crayon drawings he'd made. Beside them were the more formal drawings that had been done up by someone Mojo's associate, Pug, had hired. They included the precise measurements to which the wood had been cut.
What remained to do was still extensive, but the orc was certain that there would be no problem getting them done in time for Rask's grand opening. First the detailed carving would have to be done. Jake still thought that his idea of gluing small bones onto the wood to look like dueling brawlers would have been the way to go, but the goblins had busted into such hysterics at the suggestion that the orc had not brought the idea up again.
Jake hoped the Dalamar fellow would be able to come in soon to do the detailed carving. The orc was good with a blade, and manual labor was easy enough, but detailed woodworking like this was a little beyond his skills. Orcs were best at breaking things, not making them. Still, it had been a good way to spend the winter, cutting the wood and making the pieces match the measurements in the plans. It was healthy exercise during the cold months
when being shut-in tended to make one lazy.
Once the detailed carving was done, all that would remain would be some sanding and polishing before gluing the pieces together and applying the finish. The finishing would take some time, since each coat of lacquer would need time to dry, but it was important to do it right both so that the finish would look good and to make it proof against spills.
When finally finished, the bar could be moved over to the Outback. The orc made another note to himself to make sure a wagon was available for the transportation of the bar, maybe that Layne guy could provide one. He'd probably need more labor for that part. Jake frowned to himself in thought. He wondered if he could bully some free labor out of his teammates in the Champions of Avalon. If not that, perhaps he could wander into the Outback
some night this week and grab one or two of the bigger duelers to help out with the promise of free ale.
((Author's Note: Parts of this story take place in the recent past in order to accommodate the time periods necessary for proper drying of glues, lacquers, etc. It's being compressed in the telling in order to facilitate getting it done quickly.))
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Re: Bar Stories
Date: 2/27/1999 6:25 AM Central Daylight Time
From: JakeThrash
The work continues...
The month went by quickly. The wood, properly cut, shaped, sanded, and even assembled several times to make sure of the fit, was ready for the gluing. The mage, Dalamar, had been to the brewery many times now. Jake had a sneaky suspicion he was using magic, but he couldn't prove it. Magic or not, he had a skilled hand at the detailing work for the bar. The figures of fighting duelers inlaid into the wood had come out even better than the orc
had hoped. The figures almost seemed to move as you looked at them.
Their fluid grace fit into a smooth pattern covering the front and sides of the new bar. The rich cherry wood was pleasing even to his orcish eye. Not black, not blood red, which were the orc's favorite colors, but a deep, rich red that promised to get only better when the lacquering was finished.
The Layne guy had visited several times as well. The orc grunted in memory of his visits. He wasn't a very friendly human. Almost orcish really. He had a habit of being rather impatient and short-tempered. The goblin had tried to pull a prank or two on him, but Mojo's antics seem to have little effect upon him. After that, Jake had not seen much of the goblin. In fact, now that he thought about it, the goblin had disappeared every time
Layne had shown up.
Layne wasn't a shirker for all that he was as grumpy as an orc. He had a steady hand and was good with the tools they used to shape and carve the wood. He seemed to pick up what Dalamar was doing with great speed. It made the work faster when all three of them were present.
The bar had gone together easily. The tongue and groove fit was perfect. The bar would be sturdy and strong. The orc had a respect for that. It wasn't like making a weapon, or breaking down a castle, but the strength of the bar could be admired. The thick hard wood of the bar looked as strong as it was, but at the same time was elegant in a way that he was sure Morgan would like. He'd have to remember to show it to her when it was finally
all done.
Now, late as it was into the night, Dalamar and Layne had departed. The orc was in the brewery alone and sipped at a mug of black ale while looking over their work. The glue was drying and in a day or so they would be ready to start the lacquering. "Ten layers," the orc thought. That was what Dalamar had suggested. He'd even made the orc and Layne both practice on odd pieces of wood so that they would layer it properly when it came time.
The orc grimaced slightly at the memory. The gentle brush strokes the mage wanted from them had made both Layne and the orc do a lot of grumbling. It seemed he was never satisfied, kept making them do it over and over. The orc had longed to go back to the cutting and sanding part. That was easier. Sanding was just like polishing his weapons. It was easy to understand. Working to make the wood smooth just as he did to keep the edges of his
blades sharp.
Tomorrow they would begin the lacquering on the cabinetry that would go behind the bar. The cabinetry had been done for a few days. Not having the extensive detail work the bar did, the cabinetry was assembled and waiting. There was even a special cabinet for that awful stuff that Goon drank. Jake wasn't sure he wanted Goon's stuff anywhere near the bar, but Dalamar assured him, with a peculiar look in his eye that the stuff would be perfectly
safe in its "special" cabinet.
The way Dalamar had said "special" made the orc suspicious of magic, but it didn't glow, or turn purple, or make smiley faces like Mojo's magic usually did, so the orc couldn't be sure.
From: JakeThrash
The work continues...
The month went by quickly. The wood, properly cut, shaped, sanded, and even assembled several times to make sure of the fit, was ready for the gluing. The mage, Dalamar, had been to the brewery many times now. Jake had a sneaky suspicion he was using magic, but he couldn't prove it. Magic or not, he had a skilled hand at the detailing work for the bar. The figures of fighting duelers inlaid into the wood had come out even better than the orc
had hoped. The figures almost seemed to move as you looked at them.
Their fluid grace fit into a smooth pattern covering the front and sides of the new bar. The rich cherry wood was pleasing even to his orcish eye. Not black, not blood red, which were the orc's favorite colors, but a deep, rich red that promised to get only better when the lacquering was finished.
The Layne guy had visited several times as well. The orc grunted in memory of his visits. He wasn't a very friendly human. Almost orcish really. He had a habit of being rather impatient and short-tempered. The goblin had tried to pull a prank or two on him, but Mojo's antics seem to have little effect upon him. After that, Jake had not seen much of the goblin. In fact, now that he thought about it, the goblin had disappeared every time
Layne had shown up.
Layne wasn't a shirker for all that he was as grumpy as an orc. He had a steady hand and was good with the tools they used to shape and carve the wood. He seemed to pick up what Dalamar was doing with great speed. It made the work faster when all three of them were present.
The bar had gone together easily. The tongue and groove fit was perfect. The bar would be sturdy and strong. The orc had a respect for that. It wasn't like making a weapon, or breaking down a castle, but the strength of the bar could be admired. The thick hard wood of the bar looked as strong as it was, but at the same time was elegant in a way that he was sure Morgan would like. He'd have to remember to show it to her when it was finally
all done.
Now, late as it was into the night, Dalamar and Layne had departed. The orc was in the brewery alone and sipped at a mug of black ale while looking over their work. The glue was drying and in a day or so they would be ready to start the lacquering. "Ten layers," the orc thought. That was what Dalamar had suggested. He'd even made the orc and Layne both practice on odd pieces of wood so that they would layer it properly when it came time.
The orc grimaced slightly at the memory. The gentle brush strokes the mage wanted from them had made both Layne and the orc do a lot of grumbling. It seemed he was never satisfied, kept making them do it over and over. The orc had longed to go back to the cutting and sanding part. That was easier. Sanding was just like polishing his weapons. It was easy to understand. Working to make the wood smooth just as he did to keep the edges of his
blades sharp.
Tomorrow they would begin the lacquering on the cabinetry that would go behind the bar. The cabinetry had been done for a few days. Not having the extensive detail work the bar did, the cabinetry was assembled and waiting. There was even a special cabinet for that awful stuff that Goon drank. Jake wasn't sure he wanted Goon's stuff anywhere near the bar, but Dalamar assured him, with a peculiar look in his eye that the stuff would be perfectly
safe in its "special" cabinet.
The way Dalamar had said "special" made the orc suspicious of magic, but it didn't glow, or turn purple, or make smiley faces like Mojo's magic usually did, so the orc couldn't be sure.
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Re: Bar Stories
Date: 2/27/1999 6:27 AM Central Daylight Time
From: JakeThrash
a few days later...
The orc was surprised at how quickly the layers of lacquer were drying. The coats were going on once per day. At this rate it would only be a tenday for them to finish the lacquering. Maybe it was the cool dry air that was making them dry so quickly and evenly. The process still took all day to do. There was a lot of furniture to do after all, and it had to be applied in a very precise way. Dalamar watched Jake and Layne both like a hawk,
quick to jump on them if they got lazy. Layne had gotten so angry once that he'd stormed out and didn't come back until the next day. But to his credit, Layne was there bright and early the next day, twice as steady, and working more carefully than ever.
The orc for his part hadn't had muscles so sore since he'd first opened the brewery. The work wasn't like swinging a weapon or punching someone in the face. They both took discipline, but whereas the fighting required bursts of energy, mixed with patient analysis, this work was a slow, continuous, even monotonous work that lulled the mind. It took effort to keep his work even, and his muscles ached from performing the same movements over and
over again.
Every now and again, brewery business would require the orc to spend part of his days doing other things. He had told the mage and Layne they could let themselves in the back whenever they needed. He knew the mage had been there a few times. Mojo always seemed excited after the mage's visit, as if he had learned some new trick.
Mojo had felt obligated to demonstrate them of course. He called one a "Ward against Dust." Jake figured that a ward must be something like a cloud, because as soon as Mojo had cast it, a cloud of dust had billowed throughout the room, choking the orc for several minutes. The orc hadn't been real happy with the goblin for that, but the goblin had seemed undeterred and had hopped off singing to himself and chasing a whirlwind of dust down the
street.
Now that he thought about it, all of the storefronts along the street had seemed cleaner after that. Funny, the orc thought, he hadn't remembered seeing any of his neighbors out washing their buildings.
From: JakeThrash
a few days later...
The orc was surprised at how quickly the layers of lacquer were drying. The coats were going on once per day. At this rate it would only be a tenday for them to finish the lacquering. Maybe it was the cool dry air that was making them dry so quickly and evenly. The process still took all day to do. There was a lot of furniture to do after all, and it had to be applied in a very precise way. Dalamar watched Jake and Layne both like a hawk,
quick to jump on them if they got lazy. Layne had gotten so angry once that he'd stormed out and didn't come back until the next day. But to his credit, Layne was there bright and early the next day, twice as steady, and working more carefully than ever.
The orc for his part hadn't had muscles so sore since he'd first opened the brewery. The work wasn't like swinging a weapon or punching someone in the face. They both took discipline, but whereas the fighting required bursts of energy, mixed with patient analysis, this work was a slow, continuous, even monotonous work that lulled the mind. It took effort to keep his work even, and his muscles ached from performing the same movements over and
over again.
Every now and again, brewery business would require the orc to spend part of his days doing other things. He had told the mage and Layne they could let themselves in the back whenever they needed. He knew the mage had been there a few times. Mojo always seemed excited after the mage's visit, as if he had learned some new trick.
Mojo had felt obligated to demonstrate them of course. He called one a "Ward against Dust." Jake figured that a ward must be something like a cloud, because as soon as Mojo had cast it, a cloud of dust had billowed throughout the room, choking the orc for several minutes. The orc hadn't been real happy with the goblin for that, but the goblin had seemed undeterred and had hopped off singing to himself and chasing a whirlwind of dust down the
street.
Now that he thought about it, all of the storefronts along the street had seemed cleaner after that. Funny, the orc thought, he hadn't remembered seeing any of his neighbors out washing their buildings.
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Re: Bar Stories
Date: 2/27/1999 6:27 AM Central Daylight Time
From: JakeThrash
And after the lacquering was finished...
Jake look at the fine sheen of the bar. He could see the reflection of his tusked features in the polished wood of the bartop. He had to admit, the bar looked good. The cherry had only gotten a deeper red with the finishing. It positively glowed. The orc even felt a certain amount of pride. He wondered if this is how those stumpy little dwarves felt when they had built something.
Jake chuckled to himself at the thought. Who knew what a dwarf thought? They were all insane anyway. Living in holes in the ground where there wasn't anything to eat except for mushrooms. No wonder they were all so short. They were stunted from malnutrition.
They had attached the brass fittings, footrest, and decorations earlier that day. It had been easier to have the brass fittings custom made rather than try and do it themselves. The orc had grumbled a little about the cost, even though Guido glared at him and told him he was getting a good deal because the brassmaker guy "owed him a favuh." Still, the brass against the deep cherry wood looked sharp. And the brass would be easy to care for,
another plus.
The orc wandered about the bar, looking it over, checking its appearance out one final time before he headed off to Avalon to join his teammates in the first duel of the new TDL season. Jake had asked Layne if he could supply a wagon to move the stuff to the Outback, and Layne had said something about trucks. Jake figured a truck must be something like a wagon.
They would move the bar and furniture tonight, when the Outback had shut down for the night and install it during the early morning hours of the following day. That way it would be ready for Rask's grand opening. The orc made a note to himself to send Rask a note to make sure he knew the bar would be in place in time.
Remembering the party, the orc marched towards the back of the warehouse and began rolling out several barrels of ale. He would donate them to Rask and the Outback for free for the grand opening. Might as well get the bar started off right after all.
Three barrels of his favorite orcish black ale, two of the orcish red, and then five of the Bane's Brew. The humans seemed to like that one the best. Probably because it wasn't an orcish recipe the orc snorted to himself. Jake figured they all just had wimpy constitutions and just couldn't handle the mighty orcish brews. Not that the brew Jake had named after his friend Siera didn't have a bite to it. It did, but it was a smooth ale, and even
the orc had to admit that there were times when nothing went down better.
The orc would bring the barrels over with a case or two of Pretzel Boy brand pretzels. The pretzels in the shapes of dueling brawlers still entertained the orc. Every bar needed pretzels after all. That was a requirement. Bane's Brew and pretzels, nothing was better for watching a duel with.
From: JakeThrash
And after the lacquering was finished...
Jake look at the fine sheen of the bar. He could see the reflection of his tusked features in the polished wood of the bartop. He had to admit, the bar looked good. The cherry had only gotten a deeper red with the finishing. It positively glowed. The orc even felt a certain amount of pride. He wondered if this is how those stumpy little dwarves felt when they had built something.
Jake chuckled to himself at the thought. Who knew what a dwarf thought? They were all insane anyway. Living in holes in the ground where there wasn't anything to eat except for mushrooms. No wonder they were all so short. They were stunted from malnutrition.
They had attached the brass fittings, footrest, and decorations earlier that day. It had been easier to have the brass fittings custom made rather than try and do it themselves. The orc had grumbled a little about the cost, even though Guido glared at him and told him he was getting a good deal because the brassmaker guy "owed him a favuh." Still, the brass against the deep cherry wood looked sharp. And the brass would be easy to care for,
another plus.
The orc wandered about the bar, looking it over, checking its appearance out one final time before he headed off to Avalon to join his teammates in the first duel of the new TDL season. Jake had asked Layne if he could supply a wagon to move the stuff to the Outback, and Layne had said something about trucks. Jake figured a truck must be something like a wagon.
They would move the bar and furniture tonight, when the Outback had shut down for the night and install it during the early morning hours of the following day. That way it would be ready for Rask's grand opening. The orc made a note to himself to send Rask a note to make sure he knew the bar would be in place in time.
Remembering the party, the orc marched towards the back of the warehouse and began rolling out several barrels of ale. He would donate them to Rask and the Outback for free for the grand opening. Might as well get the bar started off right after all.
Three barrels of his favorite orcish black ale, two of the orcish red, and then five of the Bane's Brew. The humans seemed to like that one the best. Probably because it wasn't an orcish recipe the orc snorted to himself. Jake figured they all just had wimpy constitutions and just couldn't handle the mighty orcish brews. Not that the brew Jake had named after his friend Siera didn't have a bite to it. It did, but it was a smooth ale, and even
the orc had to admit that there were times when nothing went down better.
The orc would bring the barrels over with a case or two of Pretzel Boy brand pretzels. The pretzels in the shapes of dueling brawlers still entertained the orc. Every bar needed pretzels after all. That was a requirement. Bane's Brew and pretzels, nothing was better for watching a duel with.
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Re: Bar Stories
Date: 2/27/1999 6:28 AM Central Daylight Time
From: JakeThrash
Later that night...
Layne had wandered by just as the orc had been about to enter the ring. Layne was growling, the orc growled back. Layne was anxious to get to work moving the bar, but Jake wasn't about to walk out on his opponent. He was looking forward to his bout with Janella. She was one of the few brawlers from the Outback that also seemed to enjoy the bladework. Jake respected that in another. She was good too, the match had been a tough one. The orc
hadn't been able to control the match at all. The best he could do was keep up with her.
Alas, that hadn't been enough to win the duel, but the orc was looking forward to their next match. And best of all, Jake was certain she wouldn't ask him to duel on that damnable ring Matt had built in the air. Ring Styx...Jake hated that ring. What self-respecting dueler wanted to duel in the air? Balancing upon beams set above the nice solid floor where duels were meant to take place.
The orc was well pleased, even though he had lost the match, as he entered the brewery and began hauling the furniture out to the back of the brewery where Layne's trucks were waiting. They were noisy things. And stank some foul smell that Layne said was "deezul." The orc decided he liked wagons better, but the trucks were big and held the furniture easily. They were even enclosed so that the furniture was protected from the chill night air.
Each piece was placed into the truck with care, wrapped in blankets and braced with ropes. They would not move during their short trip to the Outback.
Unloading them went smoothly, Layne directed the men he'd brought with him with cool efficiency, directing where to set the pieces so they could be set into place. First, the cabinetry, placed snugly against the back wall, and the large mirror in the back of the cabinet was polished to a fine sheen. There were cabinets both above and below the mirror, and a shelf built just below the upper cabinets where glasses and mugs could be hung. Just low
enough to be within reach, but high enough to give the mirror a good view of the room in front of the bar.
Next the bar itself went into place and was firmly settled. Dalamar was doing a lot of murmuring under his breath, Jake wasn't sure what he was saying. Jake figured it must be some sort of blessing. Maybe he was a priest as well as a mage. The orc didn't know. The bar faced out directly towards the center rings. Anyone working the bar would have a great view, and the patrons who visited the bar would be able to keep an eye upon things in the
mirror.
Beneath the bar, Jake set up the barrels of ale, and the pretzels for the grand opening. He knew that in the back, there was a supply of wines and other ales that could be made available, maybe even some of that bubbly stuff Morgan liked. Jake had heard they liked that sort of thing for grand openings and celebrations.
Once the bar and cabinetry was in place, he and Layne gave it a final once over, making sure everything was in place for the party. Everything seemed ready, finally, with a look to both Dalamar and Layne the orc grinned and said, "shall we break her in with a quick ale or two before we go?" Without waiting for reply the orc wandered behind the bar and set out three mugs and began pouring.
From: JakeThrash
Later that night...
Layne had wandered by just as the orc had been about to enter the ring. Layne was growling, the orc growled back. Layne was anxious to get to work moving the bar, but Jake wasn't about to walk out on his opponent. He was looking forward to his bout with Janella. She was one of the few brawlers from the Outback that also seemed to enjoy the bladework. Jake respected that in another. She was good too, the match had been a tough one. The orc
hadn't been able to control the match at all. The best he could do was keep up with her.
Alas, that hadn't been enough to win the duel, but the orc was looking forward to their next match. And best of all, Jake was certain she wouldn't ask him to duel on that damnable ring Matt had built in the air. Ring Styx...Jake hated that ring. What self-respecting dueler wanted to duel in the air? Balancing upon beams set above the nice solid floor where duels were meant to take place.
The orc was well pleased, even though he had lost the match, as he entered the brewery and began hauling the furniture out to the back of the brewery where Layne's trucks were waiting. They were noisy things. And stank some foul smell that Layne said was "deezul." The orc decided he liked wagons better, but the trucks were big and held the furniture easily. They were even enclosed so that the furniture was protected from the chill night air.
Each piece was placed into the truck with care, wrapped in blankets and braced with ropes. They would not move during their short trip to the Outback.
Unloading them went smoothly, Layne directed the men he'd brought with him with cool efficiency, directing where to set the pieces so they could be set into place. First, the cabinetry, placed snugly against the back wall, and the large mirror in the back of the cabinet was polished to a fine sheen. There were cabinets both above and below the mirror, and a shelf built just below the upper cabinets where glasses and mugs could be hung. Just low
enough to be within reach, but high enough to give the mirror a good view of the room in front of the bar.
Next the bar itself went into place and was firmly settled. Dalamar was doing a lot of murmuring under his breath, Jake wasn't sure what he was saying. Jake figured it must be some sort of blessing. Maybe he was a priest as well as a mage. The orc didn't know. The bar faced out directly towards the center rings. Anyone working the bar would have a great view, and the patrons who visited the bar would be able to keep an eye upon things in the
mirror.
Beneath the bar, Jake set up the barrels of ale, and the pretzels for the grand opening. He knew that in the back, there was a supply of wines and other ales that could be made available, maybe even some of that bubbly stuff Morgan liked. Jake had heard they liked that sort of thing for grand openings and celebrations.
Once the bar and cabinetry was in place, he and Layne gave it a final once over, making sure everything was in place for the party. Everything seemed ready, finally, with a look to both Dalamar and Layne the orc grinned and said, "shall we break her in with a quick ale or two before we go?" Without waiting for reply the orc wandered behind the bar and set out three mugs and began pouring.
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Re: Bar Stories
Date: 2/27/1999 8:14 PM Central Daylight Time
From: TreeFellr
Their job was almost over and it had gone his way the entire time. Not only was he making quite the profit (his stolen wood, his inflated prices…Layne knew about supply and demand) but he'd learned a great deal about woodworking. Not enough to strike out on his own, but he could make a handy assistant. The work had been fun for him, at least when he wasn't being ordered around by idiots or bothered by the
creature Jake called a "goblin." Layne didn't know what mutated genes had cursed the vile thing and he didn't care; he just wanted nothing to do with it. It had learned to keep its distance, and Layne swore that if he could only wrap his hands around it one more time, it wouldn't wiggle and squirm out of his grip. That would be satisfying.
Now, though, it was time to install the fruits of their labor. Layne had paid off a few men to drive the trucks and not say anything; he was, after all, their boss and the forest was a very lonely place when it came to looking for the law for protection. In his camp, Layne was the law, and if these men didn't yet know it, they'd find out soon enough. The pieces had been loaded and the trucks were ready to roll as Layne lit up his fourth cigar
of the day. The ashes, caught in the wind, blew inside the brewery and died upon the wooden floor. Stalking over to Jake and the other men, Layne blew a cloud of smoke right into their faces, smirking at the few that coughed at the sudden influx of carcinogenic air.
"Let's go," was all he said.
--
It had taken hours, a sore back, and more curses than he could count, but the bar was finally installed and complete. He grabbed the mug Jake offered him without offering his thanks, and swirled the black liquid inside. Odd looking drink, but the taste had grown on him (after nearly causing him too regurgitate it the few times he'd tried it). It was powerful stuff, he'd be the first to admit that, but his organs had grown used to abuse over
the years. What was a little more? Looking over at Thrash and ignoring Dalamar (as far as Layne was concerned, he was another freak in a world of freaks), he contemplated the man. He'd been frustrated with him the other day; they'd had work to do and he'd been fighting a woman. There were times and places for brawling, Layne didn't happen to think that then had been one of them. And Jake had been using a weapon…Layne disapproved of that. His
fists were all he'd ever needed and all he'd ever use; everything else just got in the way. It might be fun to battle with Jake, but that would have to wait for later. Tipping back his mug, Layne smiled into the rim; this was one helluva bar and for the first time in a long time, he was actually proud of something he'd done. He hoped it was a trend he'd be able to continue.
From: TreeFellr
Their job was almost over and it had gone his way the entire time. Not only was he making quite the profit (his stolen wood, his inflated prices…Layne knew about supply and demand) but he'd learned a great deal about woodworking. Not enough to strike out on his own, but he could make a handy assistant. The work had been fun for him, at least when he wasn't being ordered around by idiots or bothered by the
creature Jake called a "goblin." Layne didn't know what mutated genes had cursed the vile thing and he didn't care; he just wanted nothing to do with it. It had learned to keep its distance, and Layne swore that if he could only wrap his hands around it one more time, it wouldn't wiggle and squirm out of his grip. That would be satisfying.
Now, though, it was time to install the fruits of their labor. Layne had paid off a few men to drive the trucks and not say anything; he was, after all, their boss and the forest was a very lonely place when it came to looking for the law for protection. In his camp, Layne was the law, and if these men didn't yet know it, they'd find out soon enough. The pieces had been loaded and the trucks were ready to roll as Layne lit up his fourth cigar
of the day. The ashes, caught in the wind, blew inside the brewery and died upon the wooden floor. Stalking over to Jake and the other men, Layne blew a cloud of smoke right into their faces, smirking at the few that coughed at the sudden influx of carcinogenic air.
"Let's go," was all he said.
--
It had taken hours, a sore back, and more curses than he could count, but the bar was finally installed and complete. He grabbed the mug Jake offered him without offering his thanks, and swirled the black liquid inside. Odd looking drink, but the taste had grown on him (after nearly causing him too regurgitate it the few times he'd tried it). It was powerful stuff, he'd be the first to admit that, but his organs had grown used to abuse over
the years. What was a little more? Looking over at Thrash and ignoring Dalamar (as far as Layne was concerned, he was another freak in a world of freaks), he contemplated the man. He'd been frustrated with him the other day; they'd had work to do and he'd been fighting a woman. There were times and places for brawling, Layne didn't happen to think that then had been one of them. And Jake had been using a weapon…Layne disapproved of that. His
fists were all he'd ever needed and all he'd ever use; everything else just got in the way. It might be fun to battle with Jake, but that would have to wait for later. Tipping back his mug, Layne smiled into the rim; this was one helluva bar and for the first time in a long time, he was actually proud of something he'd done. He hoped it was a trend he'd be able to continue.
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Re: Bar Stories
Date: 2/27/1999 9:20 PM Central Daylight Time
From: DalamarMaj
The carving went by with fewer problems then he thought. With Layne and Jake helping, it went faster then expected. They caught on fast and did some good work. He had went over their work after the two of them had quit for the night. The figures looks quite real, but he was hoping for even more. With the help of a few spells, he was able to do a little touch-up work to them all and really brought them to life. He evenamazed himself and was quite pleased with the finished product. He was glad he spent the extra money to have his carving tools made special. The process of lacquering had been much more difficult. In order for his spells to work to their maximum potential, the bar's surface had to be as flawless as could be. He managed to convince Jake and Layne of this and had the two of them practice on some of the scrap wood that was laying around. They finished for the night and planned to start lacquering the next day. After they had left, Dal went back intothe warehouse and began a couples of spells. First he used a simple trick that opened all the doors and windows in the building. Another made sure any papers and light objects were secured where they were. He began another chant when a goblin appeared. He knew it was Mojo from everything he had picked up from Jake. He managed to get him to stay still after promiseing to give him a few spells to learn. He resumed his chanting and a big gust ofwind swept through the warehouse. All the dust that had formed from the cutting and sanding was blown outside and the doors and windows closed themselves. Then, with some help from Mojo, he placed another spell on the bar. This one was to keep all dust and dirt off of it until the lacquering was finished. Dal then went over to the cabinet that was going to hold Goon's drink. He couldn't help but wonder what it could be that it needed a specialcabinet in the first place. He told himself he wouldhave to have some one night and find out. This part was a little tricky as he didn't know just what the cabinet had to stand up against. He placed a few of the more powerful protection spell he knew on it and hoped they would do the trick. He turned to Mojo and handed a few scrolls to him as he said he would and disappeared from sight. He saw to it that the lacquering went faster then it should have. Jake seemed suspicious at first, but he assured him it must be the night air. Every couple of nights, Dal showed up and renewed the drying spell so it wouldn't wear off. A few nights Mojo was there and Dal taught him a few things. He was starting to like the little goblin and wondered what Jake didn't like about him. The brass fittings were easy to attach. He had to admit they did look really good on the nice polished cherry. Jake made some good choices and they sure did pay off in the end. He was proud of the work they put into the bar. He hoped the rest of the Outback's patrons liked it as much as he. He had to agree with Jake. The "trucks" Layne brought were loud and smelled really bad, but they did get the job done. And quite well too. After they had everything loaded up and strapped in, Layne. Jake, and the men Layne brought got into the trusk and headed off to the Outback. He could have gone with them, but he wasn't too sure about the "trucks". Instead, he used his normal mode of transport and was there long before the others. He was sitting and enjoying a glass of wine when the loud machines pulled up. Jake somehow didn't seem suprised and grumbled about Dal's use of magic. Dal just grinned. He was glad Layne brought some help. It left more time for him to put the remaining spells onto the bar. As the men put everything where Jake told them too, Dal wandered around and began the casting. He did his best to get everything right. He repeated the words over and over in his mind before doing anything. When he was sure he had it right, he began. He started with the bar and the stools. He placed his hands on the bar and beganchanting. His hands began to glow, then the bar, and then the stools. The light died and he looked up. He was somewhat amazed that nobody noticed. But he shruged if off and did the same to the tables and chairs. With that done, he was eager to test out the spells. But he knew that would have to wait until everyone as gone. He stood with Jake and Layne as they looked over their finished product. It was beautiful. And he hoped that, with thehelp of his magic, it would stay that way forever. Jake walked behind the bar and set a trio of mugs on the bar. Dal and Layne both had a seat on the new stools and shared a mug or five with Jake to "break in" the bar. Layne left with his men a few hours later. Dal had "one more" a couple more times with Jake, then Jake too went off to bed. This was what Dal had been waiting for. He looked around to make sure nobody was around, then he pulled out a dagger. He found a spot on the bar that was more or less hidden from view. He closed his eyes and stabbed the dagger into the bar. The blade went in a good two inches. He reached for the blade to pull itout, but saw it start to move. He pulled back and watched as the dagger was pushed out and the wound healed itself. "Now that was an unexpected bonus." He picked the dagger up and put it away as he looked over the spot that had just had a large hole in it. The hole was gone and looked like it had never even been there. He nodded in aproval and stepped back to preform the next test. He pointed at the bar and flames spewed from his finger tips. He continued the attack for a good five minutes. He stopped and walked up to the bar. He smiled. Not a scratch or burn mark on it. Even the brass was untarnished. He did a few more simple tests for water resistance and the like, and all passed better then he had hoped. He thought this a little strange, but was glad the spells had worked so well. He had one more mug ofJake's orcish black ale and headed off to bed himself.
From: DalamarMaj
The carving went by with fewer problems then he thought. With Layne and Jake helping, it went faster then expected. They caught on fast and did some good work. He had went over their work after the two of them had quit for the night. The figures looks quite real, but he was hoping for even more. With the help of a few spells, he was able to do a little touch-up work to them all and really brought them to life. He evenamazed himself and was quite pleased with the finished product. He was glad he spent the extra money to have his carving tools made special. The process of lacquering had been much more difficult. In order for his spells to work to their maximum potential, the bar's surface had to be as flawless as could be. He managed to convince Jake and Layne of this and had the two of them practice on some of the scrap wood that was laying around. They finished for the night and planned to start lacquering the next day. After they had left, Dal went back intothe warehouse and began a couples of spells. First he used a simple trick that opened all the doors and windows in the building. Another made sure any papers and light objects were secured where they were. He began another chant when a goblin appeared. He knew it was Mojo from everything he had picked up from Jake. He managed to get him to stay still after promiseing to give him a few spells to learn. He resumed his chanting and a big gust ofwind swept through the warehouse. All the dust that had formed from the cutting and sanding was blown outside and the doors and windows closed themselves. Then, with some help from Mojo, he placed another spell on the bar. This one was to keep all dust and dirt off of it until the lacquering was finished. Dal then went over to the cabinet that was going to hold Goon's drink. He couldn't help but wonder what it could be that it needed a specialcabinet in the first place. He told himself he wouldhave to have some one night and find out. This part was a little tricky as he didn't know just what the cabinet had to stand up against. He placed a few of the more powerful protection spell he knew on it and hoped they would do the trick. He turned to Mojo and handed a few scrolls to him as he said he would and disappeared from sight. He saw to it that the lacquering went faster then it should have. Jake seemed suspicious at first, but he assured him it must be the night air. Every couple of nights, Dal showed up and renewed the drying spell so it wouldn't wear off. A few nights Mojo was there and Dal taught him a few things. He was starting to like the little goblin and wondered what Jake didn't like about him. The brass fittings were easy to attach. He had to admit they did look really good on the nice polished cherry. Jake made some good choices and they sure did pay off in the end. He was proud of the work they put into the bar. He hoped the rest of the Outback's patrons liked it as much as he. He had to agree with Jake. The "trucks" Layne brought were loud and smelled really bad, but they did get the job done. And quite well too. After they had everything loaded up and strapped in, Layne. Jake, and the men Layne brought got into the trusk and headed off to the Outback. He could have gone with them, but he wasn't too sure about the "trucks". Instead, he used his normal mode of transport and was there long before the others. He was sitting and enjoying a glass of wine when the loud machines pulled up. Jake somehow didn't seem suprised and grumbled about Dal's use of magic. Dal just grinned. He was glad Layne brought some help. It left more time for him to put the remaining spells onto the bar. As the men put everything where Jake told them too, Dal wandered around and began the casting. He did his best to get everything right. He repeated the words over and over in his mind before doing anything. When he was sure he had it right, he began. He started with the bar and the stools. He placed his hands on the bar and beganchanting. His hands began to glow, then the bar, and then the stools. The light died and he looked up. He was somewhat amazed that nobody noticed. But he shruged if off and did the same to the tables and chairs. With that done, he was eager to test out the spells. But he knew that would have to wait until everyone as gone. He stood with Jake and Layne as they looked over their finished product. It was beautiful. And he hoped that, with thehelp of his magic, it would stay that way forever. Jake walked behind the bar and set a trio of mugs on the bar. Dal and Layne both had a seat on the new stools and shared a mug or five with Jake to "break in" the bar. Layne left with his men a few hours later. Dal had "one more" a couple more times with Jake, then Jake too went off to bed. This was what Dal had been waiting for. He looked around to make sure nobody was around, then he pulled out a dagger. He found a spot on the bar that was more or less hidden from view. He closed his eyes and stabbed the dagger into the bar. The blade went in a good two inches. He reached for the blade to pull itout, but saw it start to move. He pulled back and watched as the dagger was pushed out and the wound healed itself. "Now that was an unexpected bonus." He picked the dagger up and put it away as he looked over the spot that had just had a large hole in it. The hole was gone and looked like it had never even been there. He nodded in aproval and stepped back to preform the next test. He pointed at the bar and flames spewed from his finger tips. He continued the attack for a good five minutes. He stopped and walked up to the bar. He smiled. Not a scratch or burn mark on it. Even the brass was untarnished. He did a few more simple tests for water resistance and the like, and all passed better then he had hoped. He thought this a little strange, but was glad the spells had worked so well. He had one more mug ofJake's orcish black ale and headed off to bed himself.