Wheel of Time MUD

Protagonists
Bakkus Danan, prisoner [Defender of the Stone]
Lord Tarak, the Under-captain [Defender of the Stone]

Antagonists
Ashling sur Merale, Jailor
The people of Mayene, unwitting pawns

Word has gotten to Bakkus, via an extensive network of Iron Fist agents, that the White Tower and the Winged Guard of Mayene are about to sign a treaty in Tar Valon. All of the Winged Guard’s most prestigious members will be travelling to Tar Valon for the event. You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a life time, yo….
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A humid cell
An oppressively low ceiling that allows only enough room to stoop uncomfortably, four grey stone walls and a wooden bucket is all that is visible in the dim light cast by the guttering flame of a candle. There is no hope here, the room is designed to ensure that. A small opening in the ceiling offers the only escape from this horrible existence. The heat is sticky and oppressive.
[ obvious exits: U ]
Zone: Somewhere in Mayene
Door up: Stoneceiling

Bakkus squats here, frowning in concentration while suffering a fair amount of discomfort.

Bakkus sighs and mutters to himself ‘Theres no helping it, best get on with it.’

Bakkus grimaces and begins to rummage around in his prison pocket.

* HP:Healthy MV:Full >
search sheath

-=+**+=- -=
+
*
*
+=-
-=
+*
You found a small leather sheath.

Bakkus looks at the small leather sheath with disgust and tries to clean it and his fingers, the best he can on the hard stone floor.

* HP:Scratched MV:Awkward >
draw
You draw a dagger from a small leather sheath with a flash of steel.

Bakkus looks at the dagger in his hand and promises to himself ‘I will never do that again.’

Bakkus moves awkwardly to a better location to examine the Stoneceiling.

Bakkus looks at Stoneceiling and thinks ‘You can do this.’

Bakkus places the tip of a dagger into the lock of Stoneceiling and gentle moves it around to catch a pin.

* HP:Scratched MV:Awkward >
pick door u
You failed to pick the lock.

* HP:Healthy MV:Fresh >
pick door u
The lock quickly yields to your skills.

Bakkus says ‘Outstanding.’

* HP:Scratched MV:Awkward >
Open stoneceiling
OK.

* HP:scratched MV:Awkward >
sneak
Ok, you'll try to move silently for a while.

u
* S HP:Scratched MV:Awkward >
A Small Room
[ obvious exits: S ]
Zone: Mayene
Door south: woodendoor
South: A ratter is here, hunting shadoweyes.
A large round table built from black oak dominates the center of the room.
A tall and slim woman stands in the shadows, watching her surroundings.

* S HP:Scratched MV:Tiring >
eq
You are using:
<wielded> a dagger

* S HP:Scratched MV:Awkward >
alias ll ba ashling
Ok.

* S HP:Scratched MV:Awkward >
exam ashling
This woman's choice of clothing is hilarious at best. She wears a black
draped gown, belted at the waist and cut low on the back. Below the dress
are plain pants and dirty, worn riding boots. Her dark unkept hair is tied
back with a plain string, falling just below her shoulders and the way she
carries herself is something between a lady and a warrior brute. But even
with her ridiculous appearance, there is something in the way she looks at
you that makes the chuckle stop in your throat.

Ashling sur Merale is in excellent condition.
Ashling sur Merale is healthy.

Ashling sur Merale is using:
<worn about body> a black dress
<worn on hands> a thin pair of silken gloves
<worn on legs> plain brown pants
<worn on feet> a pair of high leather riding boots

You attempt to peek at the inventory:
a torch

* S HP:Scratched MV:Awkward >
hid
You attempt to hide yourself.

* S HP:Scratched MV:Awkward >
ll
[ba ashling]
You silently approach your victim...


-=
+*
*+
=-
-
=+
*
Ashling sur Merale makes a strange sound as you place a dagger in her back!

* S HP:Scratched MV:Squidgy - Ashling sur Merale: Hurt >
f;n;hid;ll
Ashling sur Merale pierces your right foot very hard.
You try to pierce Ashling sur Merale, but she deflects the blow.
PANIC! You couldn't escape!

* S HP:Scratched MV:Squidgy - Ashling sur Merale: Hurt >
No way! You're fighting for your life!

f;n;hid;ll
* S HP:Scratched MV:Squidgy - Ashling sur Merale: Hurt > No way! You're fighting for your life!

* S HP:Scratched MV:Squidgy - Ashling sur Merale: Hurt > [ba ashling]
No way! You're fighting for your life!

* S HP:Scratched MV:Squidgy - Ashling sur Merale: Hurt >
You panic and attempt to flee!

Ashling sur Merale peers closely at you. Guard your secrets carefully...

You flee head over heels.

---------------- some time later -----------------------------

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring > A Small Room
[ obvious exits: S ]
Zone: Mayene
Door south: woodendoor
South: A banker counts several coins in a purse.
A large round table built from black oak dominates the center of the room.
A tall and slim woman stands in the shadows, watching her surroundings.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring > You attempt to hide yourself.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring > [ba ashling]
You silently approach your victim...


-=
+*
*+
=-
-
=+
*
Ashling sur Merale makes a strange sound as you place a dagger in her back!
Ashling sur Merale is dead! R.I.P.
Oh, much better the second time around.
Your blood freezes as you hear Ashling sur Merale's death cry.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >

The woodendoor closes quietly.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
scalp
You lean over and sever the bloody head from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
gg
[get all corpse]
You get a torch from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.
You get a pair of high leather riding boots from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.
You get plain brown pants from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.
You get a small purse from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.
You get a plain weapons belt from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.
You get an ivory-hilted stiletto from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.
You get a thin pair of silken gloves from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.
You get a black dress from the corpse of Ashling sur Merale.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
spit
You spit over your shoulder.

Bakkus yells at the bleeding body of Ashling sur Merale ‘cut me will you, you slag!’

Bakkus kicks Ashling’s nonresponsive body hard in the ribs.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
wear all
You wear a black dress around your body.
You put a thin pair of silken gloves on your hands.
You're already wielding a weapon.
You wear a plain weapons belt around your waist.
You put a small purse on your belt.
You put plain brown pants on your legs.
You wear a pair of high leather riding boots on your feet.
You put the death scalp of Ashling sur Merale slain in Mayene on your belt.

remove dagger
* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
You stop using a dagger.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
exam dagger
It is a dagger.
It is a short blade.
Offensive bonus: 63, Parrying bonus: 3, Damage: 3d3.
It is in pristine condition.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
exam ivory
It is an ivory-hilted stiletto.
It is a short blade.
Offensive bonus: 69, Parrying bonus: 5, Damage: 2d8.
It is in pristine condition.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
nod
You nod in agreement.

* S HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
wield ivory
You wield an ivory-hilted stiletto.

Bakkus muses ‘Where do I go from here?’

---------------- some time later ----------------------------

* HP:Healthy MV:Fresh > On the Tournament Ground
Elaborately constructed lists dominate the open space, running from just
below the city walls almost to the road. On either side of the cleared
ground, long mounds of grass-covered earth parallel the line of the field.
Colorful pavilions, each one fling pennants in crimson and silver, stand at
intervals along the mounds, positioned so as to have the best view. There
are people everywhere, jostling for the best seat and chattering excitedly.
[ obvious exits: W ]
Zone: Mayene
A young woman in Mayener livery stands attentively near the lists.

* HP:Healthy MV:Fresh >
ww
[where ]
Players in your Zone
--------------------
Bakkus - On the Tournament Ground

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
hid
You attempt to hide yourself.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

The Mayene alarm sounds loudly in the distance.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
alias ll ba woman
Ok.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
ww
[where ]
Players in your Zone
--------------------
Bakkus - On the Tournament Ground

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
ll
[ba woman]
You silently approach your victim...


-=
+*
*+
Tic in 7 seconds!
=-
-
=+
*
An attendant of the joust makes a strange sound as you place an ivory-hilted stiletto in her back!

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring - an attendant of the joust: Beaten >

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring - an attendant of the joust: Beaten > An attendant of the joust tries to
lance you, but you dodge the attack.
You try to pierce an attendant of the joust, but she deflects the blow.

f;e;4;ll
You panic and attempt to flee!

You flee head over heels.
At the End of a Winding Cobblestone Road
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Zone: Mayene
East: A black cat meanders to an unknown destination.
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
A city lamplighter stands nearby, attending his duties.
On the Tournament Ground
[ obvious exits: W ]
Zone: Mayene
A black cat meanders to an unknown destination.
A young woman in Mayener livery stands attentively near the lists.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring > [hide ]
You attempt to hide yourself.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
Your heartbeat calms down more as you feel less panicked.
Tic length updated to: 61.926 seconds.
[ba woman]
You silently approach your victim...


-=
+*
*+
=
-
-=
+*
An attendant of the joust makes a strange sound as you place an ivory-hilted stiletto in her back!
An attendant of the joust is dead! R.I.P.
Still better. Experience pays off.
Your blood freezes as you hear an attendant of the joust's death cry.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
scalp
You lean over and cut the bloody scalp from the corpse of an attendant of the joust.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
gg
[get all corpse]
You get a hollow steel lance from the corpse of an attendant of the joust.
You get a set of livery in gold and royal blue from the corpse of an attendant of the joust.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
wear livery
You're already wearing something about your body.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
eq
You are using:
<used as light> a torch
<worn about body> a black dress
<worn on hands> a thin pair of silken gloves
<wielded> an ivory-hilted stiletto
<worn about waist> a plain weapons belt
<worn on belt> a small purse
<worn on legs> plain brown pants
<worn on feet> a pair of high leather riding boots

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

The Mayene alarm sounds loudly in the distance.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
remove dress
You stop using a black dress.

* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
wear livery
You wear a set of livery in gold and royal blue around your body.

Bakkus says ‘Alright think man, where to for here? You’re disguised as an attendant of the joust, that has to count for something. Maybe….. The Hiddenpanel in the Throneroom?’

grin
* S HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
You grin evilly

w
At the End of a Winding Cobblestone Road
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Zone: Mayene
East: A black cat meanders to an unknown destination.
West: An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
A city lamplighter stands nearby, attending his duties.

---------------- some time later ----------------------------

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring > The Waiting Room
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Zone: Mayene
Door east: Thronedoor
West: A tall, scantily clad servant hurries about his duties.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

An Elite Winged Guard has arrived from the west.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

An Elite Winged Guard has arrived from the west.

e
* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
The Throneroom of the First of Mayene
[ obvious exits: W ]
Zone: Mayene
Door east: hiddenpanel
Door west: Thronedoor
West: An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron, the First of Mayene, ponders the situation.
ode
* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
OK.
* HP:Battered MV:Tiring > A Winged Guard closes the hiddenpanel.
An Elite Winged Guard mutters 'Blood and ashes!'
An Elite Winged Guard joins an Elite Winged Guard's fight!
An Elite Winged Guard joins an Elite Winged Guard's fight!
An Elite Winged Guard joins an Elite Winged Guard's fight!
An Elite Winged Guard joins an Elite Winged Guard's fight!
An Elite Winged Guard joins an Elite Winged Guard's fight!
Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron joins an Elite Winged Guard's fight!
No way! You're fighting for your life!

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring - an Elite Winged Guard: Healthy >

Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron pierces your body hard.
PANIC! You couldn't escape!
A Winged Guard joins Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron's fight!
An Elite Winged Guard slashes your left arm extremely hard.
You panic and attempt to flee!
An Elite Winged Guard slashes your right foot hard.
An Elite Winged Guard slashes your head extremely hard.
An Elite Winged Guard slashes your left arm very hard.
You wish that your wounds would stop BLEEDING so much!

An Elite Winged Guard slashes your right arm extremely hard.
You wish that your wounds would stop BLEEDING so much!

An Elite Winged Guard slashes your left arm hard.
You wish that your wounds would stop BLEEDING so much!


f

You flee head over heels.
The Waiting Room
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Zone: Mayene
Door east: Thronedoor
East: A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
West: An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
PANIC! You couldn't escape!

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
ode
open Thronedoor e
e
It's already open!

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
The Throneroom of the First of Mayene
[ obvious exits: W ]
Zone: Mayene
Door east: hiddenpanel
Door west: Thronedoor
West: An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron, the First of Mayene, ponders the situation.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
e
Alas, you cannot go that way...

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
ode
open hiddenpanel e
e
It seems to be locked.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
Alas, you cannot go that way...

Bakkus curses ‘dung!’

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
w
w
The Waiting Room
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Zone: Mayene
Door east: Thronedoor
East: A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
West: An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
Down a Long, Grand Hallway
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Zone: Mayene
East: An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
West: An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
A tall, scantily clad servant hurries about his duties.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
w

---------Some time later ------------------------

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
sigh
You sigh.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
l
cw
On a Poorly Treated Dock
This dock is littered with garbage and waste. Old half-eaten food, empty
bottles of cheap whiskey, and other assorted junk litters this section of
the dock. In the bay leading to the Sea of Storms, all kinds of ships are
attempting to navigate the violent waves.
[ obvious exits: E S ]
Zone: Mayene
East: A sailor is here.
A sturdy wooden crate stands here.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
sc
[change mood wimpy]
Mood changed to: Wimpy
Wimpy reset to: XXX hit points.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
You have 47(XXX) hit and 74(146) movement points.
You have scored 106180043 experience points and 185 quest points.
You need 2319957 exp to level and 215 qp to rank.
You have amassed 18 Turn points to date.
You have played XX days and 4 hours (real time).
This ranks you as Bakkus the Defender of the Stone [Defender of the Stone 5] (Level 50).
You are standing.

* HP:Critical MV:Tiring >
stat
You are a XXX year old male human rogue.
Your height is 5 feet, 6 inches, and you weigh 142.0 lbs. BMI: 22.939.
You are carrying 20.1 lbs and wearing 8.1 lbs, peanuts. MUD BMI: 0.344.
Your base abilities are: Str:18 Int:12 Wil:12 Dex:19 Con:19. Total: 80.
Offensive bonus: 132, Dodging bonus: 89, Parrying bonus: 38. Total Defence: 127
Your mood is: Wimpy. You will flee below: XXX Hit Points
You are wanted by: Illian Mayene
Your armor absorbs about 1% on average.

You are subjected to the following effects:
- NO QUIT

* HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
s
On a Battered Dock
[ obvious exits: N S ]
Zone: Mayene
South: A man gambles away his purse.

s
* HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
At the End of a Long Dock
[ obvious exits: N ]
Zone: Mayene
A man gambles away his purse.
The Sailmistress Saline din Zarede Breaking Wave commands her vessel here.

* HP:Beaten MV:Tiring >
nar Lord Tarak are your there?
You narrate 'Lord Tarak are your there?'

nar I have freed myself from this Mayene hell hole and need extraction
You narrate 'I have freed myself from this Mayene hell hole and need extraction'

Tarak narrates 'I am ready Bakkus, the way is open. Flee!’

----------------- Some time later --------------------------

n
* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
The Northern Gate of Mayene
[ obvious exits: N S U ]
Zone: Mayene
Door north: Northgate
North: South: An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
Up: A short, balding man guards the gates to Mayene.
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
A stout wooden barrel stands nearby.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
A bizarre looking man shouts that the world is ending.
A little boy plays here.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring > Approaching the City of Mayene
[ obvious exits: E S W ]
Zone: Mayene Peninsula
Door south: gate
An iron lantern hangs from the wall above the gate.
Lord Tarak the Under-captain is standing here, riding a wild stallion.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
sal tarak
You salute him.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

Tarak snaps to attention and salutes grandly.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

Tarak looks at you.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

Tarak chuckles politely.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
say Thank you for the rescue mi Lord
You say 'Thank you for the rescue mi Lord'

eq
* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
You are using:
<used as light> a torch
<worn about body> a set of livery in gold and royal blue
<worn on hands> a thin pair of silken gloves
<wielded> an ivory-hilted stiletto
<worn about waist> a plain weapons belt
<worn on belt> a small purse
<worn on legs> plain brown pants
<worn on feet> a pair of high leather riding boots

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
follow tarak
You now follow Tarak.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >
grin
You grin evilly.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

You are now a member of Tarak's group.

* HP:Battered MV:Tiring >

Tarak leaves west riding a wild stallion. <<
You follow Tarak.

Ely edit 12 Sep 2024:

1-6 qps, depending on length and quality.

Potential +1 qp: if part of a series: o

Total: 3 qps

*****************************************

***Disclaimer: Scene contains graphic violence for those that aren't okay with that stop reading now.***
***Story is done as a collaboration with both player's consent***

Aldwyn stepped down the rickety wooden steps into the dark cell. The lantern in his hand causing shadows and light to flicker over the damp stone as they barely illuminated the Defender bound to the chair in the center. He reached the wet floor and leaned down to pick up a bucket that sat against one wall. He opened a spigot and water began flowing into it. He glanced back at the man in the seat, unconscious and bloodied. He had put up one hell of a fight. Or maybe Aldwyn was just getting old.

Once the bucket filled he turned off the spigot and turned, tossing the cold, salty water over the man who startled awake, "Morning, Bakkus. I hope you enjoyed your evening down here and are ready to be more cooperative."

Bakkus was still gasping as his senses came back to him, the salt adding a sting to the cuts and tears along his body from their frenzied fight the night before. "Bloody hell! Shove off!"

Aldwyn slowly pulled on a pair of thin goatskin gloves, the knuckles studded with steel. He walked over and placed his hands on Bakkus' shoulders, "Who hired you?"

Bakkus squinted to make out Aldwyn’s face in the dim light and snorted ‘Hired? I wasn’t really hired per se, it was just kind of suggested that I should go to Mayene and create mayhem.’

Aldwyn nodded and stepped back before slamming his fist into the Defender's ribs, watching for a moment as he sputtered and coughed before asking, "What did she look like? Was there anything distinctive about her clothes?"

Bakkus stared at Aldwyn through red, swollen eyes and snarled ‘A woman in a cloak man, just a woman in a cloak with its hood pulled forward so that it hooded her eyes. It was a dark cloak, maybe colored, I cannot recall but it was dark. What’s it matter what she looked like. I can’t tell you more.’

Aldwyn's fist flashed into the solar plexus, knocking the wind from him before coming back quickly to take cross his chin. Bakkus gasped and spitting out the blood trying to congeal in his mouth. Aldwyn waited for him to finish before continuing, "Was she wearing any jewelry?"

Bakkus looked at Aldwyn like he’s a simpleton and said ‘Why would I care about any jewelry? She was wearing gloves and I don’t recall any visible jewelry. You looking for something pretty for your trollop Ashling?’

As the words finished spilling from his mouth Aldwyn's fist caught him under the chin this time, his head snapping back as he stared up at the stone ceiling. His head ringing and his vision white before slowly coming back. As it did, he looked forward, blinking to get his eyes to refocus. Aldwyn was standing back by the small wooden table against the wall, carefully pulling off the gloves and setting them to the side. "Where was her accent from?" he asked as he sifted through a variety of tools.

Bakkus spit fresh blood onto the floor and muttered "I don’t know, I wasn’t interrogating the woman. I can tell you that from your accent, it sounds like you come from a pigs arse."

Aldwyn held up a sort of corkscrew, setting it back on the edge of the table as he turned to face Bakkus, "What objects did you take to her in Cairhien?"

Bakkus looked confused and says ‘Cairhien? I don’t know anything about Cairhien I never went to Cairhien.’

Aldwyn studied him for a moment, then picked up a thin piece of wood and a chiseling mallet. He walked over to where Bakkus' hand was bound to the arm of the chair and kneeled down. In one practiced motion, he placed the wood at his fingernail and struck the back with the mallet, driving the wood like a wedge under the nail. Bakkus grunted and bit down hard, not wanting to give the reward of a scream. Aldwyn looked up at him and his grit jaw, his own eyes expressionless, "What was the first contact you made with her?"

Bakkus sighed and said ‘It was just a chance encounter. We were both sitting at the hottest bar in Caemlyn, the none of your business, I’m sure you’ve heard of it, and we just got to talking. I got the strange feeling she was a channeler but we never mentioned it.’

Aldwyn stood and went back to the table, picking up the corkscrew and walked back over, speaking calmly, "Why do you believe she could channel?"

Bakkus chuckled wryly and said ‘I used to be a Child of the Light, did you know that? When you’re a Child you get good at sniffing them out. They have something about them, I’d call it a smugness but its more than that, you can feel something not right about them. I don’t know if she was an Aes Sedai, a wisdom or some other damn woman that can channel. I don’t know who she was but she could channel.’

Aldwyn flicked the wood sticking out from Bakkus' finger and heard the strained groan from the Defender again, "Were you aware of the Iron Fist involvement at the time?"

Bakkus sneered at the suggestion and remarked incredulously ‘I don’t know anything about any Iron Fist involvement, what are you prattling about. You and the Tower both have your heads spinning. Distrusting others because you all expect others to be as deceptive as yourselves. You sicken me.’

Aldwyn pulled on the piece of wood, wiggling it out from the recess it created. He then raised and placed the corkscrew's tip to that whole that was made by the wood, "What exactly was it she asked of you?"

Bakkus grinned evilly and with a voice dripping with venom said ‘Well that woman, she told me she was annoyed that the Tower and Mayene were in negotiations or were taking too long with negotiations, I can’t recall which exactly but said she did say ‘Wouldn’t it be great if someone created a little havoc in Mayene”. I told her I wasn’t too fond of the happenings between the Tower and the Winged Guard myself and well you know me, I’ll take any opportunity to cut a few Mayener throats so it didn’t really take much convincing. I told her I’d create sorrow and dread and I’d show her proof I did it. She laughed and said ‘Show me.’"

Aldwyn began to turn the corkscrew as it twisted it's way in to Bakkus finger, the maniacal man gritting his teeth and practically spitting his words as he continued, "All this rubbish going on between the Tower and Mayene made me see red and I went to Mayene and lashed out at anyone who crossed my path. I didn’t care who and when I was done, I travelled back to. She asked to see proof of my deeds so I handed her the pack to show her how successful I was and she told me to wait a moment and left. I finished my ale and when she returned, she looks slightly pale around the mouth but she gave me back the bag, scalps and all and told me ‘Go drop them in Mayene.’ she said and I thought nice idea. So I did."

Bakkus continued on proudly stating ‘I went back to Mayene and dropped a big old bunch of Winged Guard scalps right there in Market Square and threatened those who sought to stop me with more death to come. I then got a bright idea to pin this whole thing on the Tower and so maybe there wasn’t going to be no nonsense treaty talks, so I then travelled up to Tar Valon. I arrive and when I reached into the pack, I noticed something silver glinting faintly amongst the gore. I quickly dumped out the contents of the pack in the square and under the glow of the streetlamps I saw it. A silver sai. I quickly snatched it up and sheathed it, then went to grab up all the scalps spilled over the square. To my surprise I could not touch them I could not remove them and with a frustrated cry I left Tar Valon and started on the long journey home, wondering all the way at my luck and smiling over the silver sai.’

Aldwyn cranked harder on the corkscrew as it made it's way through flesh and bone alike, "What else did she say during your meetings?"

Bakkus groaned and cried ‘Enough man I’ve told you what I can, definitely more than you deserve, now leave me be!’

Aldwyn stood and looked at the man, finally crying enough. "There's just one problem, Bakkus. I know there's more." he growled back at the Defender before raising his fist and slamming it down on the afflicted hand. As Bakkus' cries went on, Aldwyn went back to the table and picked up a piece of paper. He walked back and held it in front of Bakkus.

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exa paper
There is something written upon it:

Message to Bakkus, Defender of the Stone

When you have completed your tasks, put the objects in a sack and meet me in Cairhien at the tavern.

A supporter of the Tairen cause

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"You had that on you still when I caught you, you filth! Even the Children don't murder kids." He stood again and set the paper back on the table, heading towards the stairs as blood poured down the side of the chair from Bakkus' hand. "I'm going to go have some dinner now. We'll see if you're ready to tell the full truth when I get back." Aldwyn climbed up the stairs and into the light.

A woman came down behind him and simply smiled at Bakkus, "Hello." A slim dagger held in one hand.