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The year on the planet which this story begins is 6573. The day, May 3. The location,
the small kingdom of Telabor, just south of the Bayard Mountains in the sector of Metheed on
the northern portion of the continent of Bayard Slewinns. Polk, woken by the whining of his cat,
Kuji, arises to a new day in his humble home in Telabor.
Polk is a young, half elf, high ranking, minute soldier of the kingdom of Telabor. He has
slelpt in late because he was up all night at his birthday party. A birthday party that all his
friends attended, all except King Telabor himself. Polk was good friends with the king and it
was odd that he did not attend the party.
Polk picks up the grey cat and easily contents it easily with petting. Polk looks around,
examining his birthday gifts; a new hat, a journal, and some bronze coin currency(from those
less creative at choosing birthday gifts). Polk picks up the new journal, given to him by his friend
and neighbor George. He begins to thumb through it examining the blank pages, except for a
first entry he wrote last night when he got the journal. Polk rereads the entry silently to himself:
May 2, 6572
"This is my first entry in my journal. I received it as a gift for my birthday today. Well my
birthday party was pretty dull. The same as it is every year. I mostly got money, but I also got a
new hat along with this journal George gave me. "
'I was disappointed that the king didn't attend my party. He sent a note saying there was
some important business he had to do, which is unusual in Telabor. Not much has happened
here in Telabor for a long time, but I cannot say the same for the rest of the world. I've heard
Incognitos are acting up in Loftibore. Emperor Greevos Ching has been increasing his grasp on
the world with those Incognito spies of his. If it were up to me I would have fought against
Ching's Empire long ago before he became this powerful. But, I am afraid that most countries
are too afraid of the Emperor to try anything now, and that makes me afraid. I do not trust
Ching's peace treaties or diplomacy policies. I believe he is insane and giving him this much
power is an unstable element in the safety of this world. I know one day soon he will finally tear
down the kingdoms of the world once he has enough power. But there is nothing I can do about
it now, I can only wait until this happens and the world has no choice but to fight against him. I
live every day of my life fearing this terrible world war that is inevitable."
'Well, anyway I'm getting tired now and..."
...while Polk is absorbed in his journal he is interrupted by the hungry cries of Kuji.
Back in the real world now, Polk realizes that he is late for the days chores.
As Polk quickly dresses, feeds his cat, and leaves his house he encounters his best
friend, George outside his house in the street.
"Good morning, Polk" says the ready George, "I see you've had trouble getting up from
that party of yours, you're a little late."
"Well, something like that," says Polk as he finishes pulling on his boots. "Are you ready
to go, George?"
"Been ready for the past half hour, Polk," George says as he starts to walk down the
narrow street leaving Polk behind to hurry after him.
Polk and George converse as they go about their daily tasks in the city. It is a normal
day in Telabor. The sky is clear, the air is warm, and city has that scent of a city bustling with
activity. Of course, there were the usual misfortunes too; the less civilized races stealing and
causing trouble, the enigmatic Incognitos watching silently in every shadow, and high prices for
goods and services that thinned a wallet quickly. But, these are easily liveable conditions. The
residents of Telabor are very lucky to have it this good.
As the day strolls on uneventful Polk and George find themselves purchasing vegetables
from a goblin in the shop of a two story building which houses this goblin family.
"Will that be all for today, George?" says the courteous goblin.
"Well perhaps another Bayard squash for the family," adds George.At this time a lone
Incognito wanders into the shop and stands in a dark corner. Polk stares at the elusive spy.
"What is he doing here?" questions Polk to the shopkeeper not caring if he was heard
by the Incognito.
"Hmm. Don't really know Polk, alot of Incognitos have been more active around here
recently," the goblin tries to answer as he places a Bayard squash into a bag.
"Really?" Polk becomes curious, "What reason do they have for giving a small kingdom
like Telabor so much attention?"
The goblin shurgs, "I'm not sure. Well, maybe it's that artifact digging site we're digging
in not far from the city. But that's old news and we haven't found much of anything there before,
I don't know why they would be interested in that now.
George does not have the patience for guessing at things. He prefers the upfront
method, "Hey you," he says to the Incognito. "What is going on with Telabor that you have to
get in everyone's way?"
The Incognito stands there for a long time not saying anything, ".....Our business is ours
alone. We are not getting in anyone's way or causing any trouble among your kingdom. If my
presence in this store is hindering your business, then, I can leave...."
The goblin shopkeeper looks puzzled, "Yeah, why don't you do that." The Incognito
pauses then leaves silently.
"Well," says George as he chews on his Bayard squash, "That wasn't so hard. You just
have to tell them who's boss." No one said anything else.
As late afternoon arrives the two are found walking towards George's home. Polk deep
within thought and George munching on a Bayard squash. The setting sun reflects an orange light
over the buildings in Telabor and the air mercifully settles at a cool temperature.
"Hey Polk," George says out of nowhere, "have you heard anything about that new
shop that opened up recently?"
"No," Polk says cluelessly.
"Well, I heard about this new shop that opened here in Telabor. Some strange things
are going on there."
"Oh? What kind of strange things?"
"Well I haven't been there yet myself," George finishes off his vegetable, "but they say
that it is owned by a monster. Not like the friendly ones seen around here but a beast of a
creature, the likes which no one has seen before.
"Is that right," Polk says, humoring George's susceptibility to gossip.
"Yeah, it's huge, with scales and big teeth and claws," George says trying to make his
news sound more interesting, "and worst of all it loves to fight!"
"Well, what exactly is it selling at this shop?"
"Beats me, I just know that people are afraid of it and want it to leave immediately."
"That hardly seems fair," Polk says as they arrive at George's house. "Well, here you are
George. See you tomorrow."
"Take care, Polk. Don't get into any danger," says George as he steps inside, "like that
will ever happen." he adds as the door swings shut.
The life of a minute soldier is an easy one. No work hours no bosses. All it requires is
your readiness at times of danger, which is next to never. Only the occasional raging critter
scaring townsfolk. And the pay is even good. But, this leaves Polk with much free time and that
is not healthy for a soldier. Polk's mind begins to wander. He thinks back to the secret behavior
of the king and wonders how he can find out what is its cause. Then Polk remembers George's
philosophy of the up front approach, and he starts heading toward the castle of Telabor at the
edge of town.
The castle is open to the public. And it even welcomes soldiers and friends of the king.
It is a place of learning and culture among the kingdom of Telabor to which all are invited. That
is, it usually is.
"What do you mean no admittance today?" Polk demands to know.
"Sorry sir," says a guard attempting to be forceful, "The king himself ordered for us to
make sure no one to comes inside the castle for today."
"Not even me, Polk? Do you know who I am?"
"Yes, I do. You are someone and the king does not want anyone inside the castle at
this time."
"But why? What's going on?"
"I wish I knew, sir. But I am as clueless as you are," admits the guard.
Polk gives up and slowly walks away from the castle more troubled than before. He
spends a great deal of time wandering down Telabor's narrow streets and passages. Alone in
his thought as he passes herds of crowds of people on these streets. Streets which are so
familiar to him, now appear distant, like a fading memory. Something strange is definitely going
on, Polk tells himself. I can feel it, all of this does not add up. But, without access to the castle
there is nothing I can do. I need more clues, a hint, something. Without more information this
will continue to haunt me.
As Polk walks along the shadey alleys of Telabor's poverty districts, deep in thought, he
stumbles on top of a fleeing kobald who runs right into him. Confused, Polk stands up as he
gathers his wits to see a local law enforcer in his shiney heavey armor pursuing the kobald down
a dark alley. When will those law enforcers learn, Polk thinks as he begins to chase the two of
them, you can't catch a kobald in heavey armor they're much too quick. Soon Polk reaches the
worn out law enforcer and passes him as he goes after the fugitive kobald. Losing distance the
large rat critter is nearly caught by Polk. Cornered at a dead end in a dark alley the kobald
panics and then quickly shimmeys up the side of a building. A feat which gives Polk's human and
elf characteristics alot more trouble than a kobald's. But soon Polk is on top of the old
abandoned building pursuing the tenacious kobald while also trying not to lose his balance or
step on a weak spot on the roof. Rooftop to rooftop the chase continues until finally the kobald
jumps back down into the street. Trying his best not to lose the furry fugitive, Polk slips off the
side of the building landing in the street the kobald just jumped down to.
"A smart little critter," Polk says as he examines the kobalds choice in hiding place. The
city market was always a very crowded place. Races gathered here in swarms to purchase
goods. A good place to get lost in, or in this case, to lose someone in.
Polk tries his best to peer over the endless citizens to spot the hiding criminal. Indeed,
Polk does see a kobald, many of them actually, along with half a dozen other races, but not one
who gave him quite the chase earlier.
Meanwhile, the tiny kobald smiles in delight as it skillfully maneuvers through the crowd.
Too small to be seen amongst a crowd of small humans the crafty theif enjoys his stolen reward,
a loaf of bread. Suddenly, as the kobald opens his long whiskery mouth to bite down on the
sacred loaf he gags as a hand grabs him by the neck and he is lifted by up above the crowd by
Polk. Polk gives the regretful creature a stern look as he examines his stolen bread. Still holding
him up above the ground by his neck, Polk snatches back the loaf.
"Ksneth. Kret k'legrak..." says the mournful kobald as it begins on a sob story of how
it only needed that loaf of bread to feed his starving family. So tearful it was that Polk may have
fallen for it and let the little theif go. That is, if he had not heard the same tall tale a hundred times
before, or if he could even speak or understand "kobaldese".
The kobald continues to snivel, "k'larkroth, o'kaliek trukthre...Aack!" Polk jerks the
neck of the lying little snatcher. But, Polk still does not have the heart to do away with this poor
hungry creature. He gently sets the critter back down believing it to be rehabilitated after this run
in.
"Klepleth gror..." thanks the sorry kobald as it massages its swolen neck. Polk says
nothing and the kobald runs off as fast as its furry feet could carry it.
Calming himself of that experience Polk walks away from the busy market place. He
wanders down a back alley he is not familiar with trying to lose himself from the disturbingly
loud market place. This new street gives Polk a strange feeling and he begins to look around as
if expecting something. Then he notices an odd looking building, unlike anything else ever seen in
Telabor. Polk walks to closer to this colorful out of place structure and examines the door.
"Tyrofighter" a sign on the door reads. Tyrofighter, Polk thinks more curious now, what in
Shard's name is a Tyrofighter. Barely touching the door it eerily creeks open. Polk, too curious
to turn back now, foolishly enters this madhouse.
One large room now surrounds Polk. Completely empty except for peices of crumbling
walls in the corners. Polk stares cluelessly at the colorful designs on the walls that make no
sense to him.
"A customer I see!" laughs a heavey voice from behind, startling Polk beyond anything
that has ever startled him before. Polk turns to see a large, scaley, purple monster squeeze
inside through the doorway.
"Or a confused lad, who found his way into my shop by curiosity," the beast chuckles.
"Yeah, th-the second one," Polk says terrified of this unreal bizzare situation he has
gotten into.
"Ah," starts the purple behemoth, "Then allow me to introduce myself, I am called the
Tyrofighter. And this place is the Tyrofighter."
"Tyrofighter?" questions Polk, more confused than ever.
"Yes!" says the Tyrofighter, "You must be Polk, right?"
"Well yes, how did you know?" responded Polk not reassured by the Tyrofighters
knowledge of his existence at all.
"Old King Telabor told me about you himself! Says he wants me to meetcha."
"Really? You talked to the king?"
"Yes! He's the one who asked me to open a Tyrofighter in Telabor in the first place!"
"Why? What is it that goes on at this Tyrofighter?"
"Well Polk, you see, I run this business all over! I have Tyrofighter shops up and down
this continent," says the Tyrofighter with his arm around Polk in a friendly fashion moving his
other hand up and down to simulate "up and down the continent."
The Tyrofighter continues, "It's a contest! For those worthy and up to the challenge!"
"What challenge?"
"A challenge for those who can stand up against an enemy in battle!" the Tyrofighter
advertised with enthusiasm.
"I don't understand."
"Those warriors of this world have the opportunity to do battle against a foe as a
challenge in these times of peace! For a small price that is."
"Why would anyone want to do that?"
The Tyrofighter stops his proud speech and looks shocked, "Well, because some
people love to fight! They love the heat of battle, the excitement! The feeling of victory and the
accomplishment of it! Can you imagine a grander thing?!"
"I..." Polk is interrupted.
"Best of all, I award prizes to the winners!"
"What exactly do people fight against?"
"Ah, that depends on the combatants skill level! A small monster such as a Ra-bat for a
beginner and for the more worthy, something like a Torgondean!"
"Isn't that dangerous?"
"No, of course not. No one is ever hurt or killed at a Tyrofighter, if you lose the fight I
can use my special magic to bring you back as good as new! So what do you say? Want to test
it out? I'll give you a free first try!"
"Um, where are you keeping these monsters anyway?"
"Oh, they're here. I have them hidden in places with my special magic. I can summon
them whenever I want. So, what will it be? Do you want to face this spectacular challenge of
combat?"
"Uh, I don't think so," says Polk wanting to leave the Tyrofighter as soon as possible.
"Aw c'mon, Polk. I'm giving you this challenge for free! How could you pass up this
opportunity? You have nothing to lose!"
"Perhaps another time Tyrofighter."
"King Telabor himself reccommended this for you and all his knights! He thinks it is a
great way to triain your skills," added the Tyrofighter in his showbiz enthusiasm.
"Why would the king want to train his soldiers? Are we going to war or something?"
Polk says to himself.
"I don't know Polk. He just asked me open up my little shop here in Telabor, I didn't
ask why. Anyway, are you sure you don't want to try this?"
Polk goes back into deep thought, "I'll be back here sometime. I'm just busy now, I'll be
back. I promise." And with that Polk walks out the door.
"Yeah sure Polk! I'll see you later, come back soon! Bye!" hollars the Tyrofighter at
Polk through the door as Polk wanders back down the street. Polk wondered about this very
strange Tyrofighter. Something like this was very different to the simple people of Telabor. He
must be from the eastern lands where entertainment is more importanat, Polk thinks trying to
make sense of the whole event. Polk decides it would not be wise to return to the Tyrofighter,
but, little does Polk know, fate will cause them to encounter each other many times in the future
Too much excitement and bizzare happenings for one day. Polk wanders back to his
home distract as evening begins to settle. There, Polk goes to his local tavern to ease his tense
nerves.
The Shadey Cyrprus tavern is the local tavern in this district. It is a place to drown
sorrows away as another day comes to a close. And today it is a place where Polk will attempt
to drown his endless curiosities away. Unfortunately, as Polk steps inside he recognizes the
familiar visage of grim Incognitos. Taverns and other dark lonely places are always good
hangout places for Incognitos and the Shadey Cyprus was the perfect design. Although they
cause Polk no trouble, he still despises their presence. Polk strolls past them to the cafeteria
room of the Shadey Cyprus. There a familiar silhouette shuffling a deck of cards catches his eye
in the still darkness of the room.
"Spaids! Why didn't you tell me you were back in town?" Polk says loudly to the
shadowy figure.
"Ah, Polk. I jus' got here. Good to see you 'gain, friend." says Spaids gesturing Polk to
sit with him at his round little table.
Spaids is Polk's orc friend. He was a gambler and a con artist. Polk saved him from
prison years ago and since they have been good friends. His current residency is to the kingdom
of Jornusk but he is usualy travelling up and down the continent earning money the only way he
can. Occasionally he travels to Telabor and stays for awhile to see his friend Polk.
"How are things going for you, Spaids?"says Polk as he pulls himself a chair.
"Oh, y'know me; same ol'. Not much of anythin' new."
"So, what brings you to Telabor, Spaids?"
"Well I've some business to 'tend to in Loftibore, so I thought I'd stop by here an' say
'ello to ya for your birthday an' all" says Spaids as he deals himself a few cards beginning a
game of solitaire. Despite Spaids' rogue-like life, he was a decent character. He had a gift of
charm and a cunning skill of cleverness which makes him popular all over the continent and has
also gotten him out of some tough situations. He never stayed in one place to long and was
always on the go. This is the life of Spaids the orc.
"Well you missed it by a day Spaids, my birthday was yesterday. But that's okay."
"Oh, sorry 'bout that," says the orc as he looks down and quickly completed his card
game, "Hey, want me to deal you in for a quick game?"
"Oh alright. But let's keep the bets to a minimum, I don't want you stealing any more of
my money."
"Stealin'? Hey, I always give the opponent a choice to play er not 'fore I take his
money," the green man laughed.
"Hmph," Polk received his cards and examines them thoroughly. Spaids has never lost
to Polk at any card game (or to anyone else Polk has ever heard of ) and he is going to do
everything in his power to change this streak.
"So wha's new with Telabor? If anythin'," Spaids says as he nonchalantly plays the card
game.
"Oh lots of strange things, actually...." says Polk unable to chat and play cards to the
best of his ability at the same time.
"Oh? S'at right?" the green creature becomes interested with this abnormal news.
"Yes, but I really don't want to talk about it anymore right now," Polk tries not to be
distracted with small talk and concentrates on his obsession to finally beat Spaids at his own
game.
"Okay, fine with me," Spaids says as he raises the bet.
Polk did not say anything. He hesitated, then revealed his card hand. Spaids looks at it,
a little worried, but then reveals the cards of his own and smiles as he rakes in the bronze peices
off the table.
"You ought to let me win on purpose at least once, you know," Polk suggests.
"I never give false pride to people, Polk," Spaids takes a drink of an odd concoction in
a glass next to him on the table.
"Well, Polk. I gotta go now. Got lotsa things to do in Loftibore. Sorry I couldn't stay
longer."
"No problem, Spaids. I'll see you again sometime then?."
"Y'know you will," and the rogue orc gets up from his seat at the table and walks out of
the room.
In a little better mood now, Polk sits at the bar and begins to forget about all the things
that were troubling him. He stays there, not drinking much, until after the sun goes completely
down and night has a strong hold on Telabor. Then, he decides to leave planning to get a good
nights sleep for whatever more bizzare incidents may occur tomorrow. Polk steps out of the
Shadey Cyprus ready to head home.
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