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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 8, 2016 20:41:51 GMT -5
Anyone remember the Never Ending All Game Adventure from the AGF? Well I was rereading it today, and I thought I'd bring something of the sort over to here. (Not the game itself, because in case the forum gets popular again or whenever Toz finishes his thing *coughcoughahem* we can continue it there.) We've got a lot of games on here, but hey, what's one more? And just as a throwback to it, we'll start it off at the same place we did the original - a bar. This is A Very 3WSR Adventure! There is a small island off the coast of California named 'Orchard's Point'. The island is best known for its many orchards and fruit farms. Tourists come there to get fruit and take in the near-eternal spring weather. However, this island is also a place where seamen stop in to take on supplies and rest up before they return to sea. Navy ships, oil tankers, other cargo ships, and according to legend, even pirates stop on Orchard's Point. As the sun goes down, they leave the farms and orchards, and make there way through the town. In that town there is a pub called 'The Boatman', because of the fact that its owner once was a seaman. The pub itself is one of the most popular places in the town, and both friends and loners come here and end up having a good time. It is at this place that our story begins. Frank Holmes was sitting at the bar, munching some mozzarella sticks and sipping some water.
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Nov 12, 2016 1:53:08 GMT -5
Apparently that is me...
It had been a rough day for the man, real rough. He was quartermaster of the old steam tug Bennett Riley, a harbor tug that had a long history working the ports of Orchard's Point, going back several decades. The old tug was starting to show its age though; now matter what they did his crew could only get up to 3/4 speed, and the seas had been real rough. The fact that he had been forced to take on a job meant for two tugs didn't help either, and now the Bennett Riley was in desperate need of an overhaul. It could still work and operate, but without repair it would not be able to work at its fullest.
Frank sat at his spot, paying no mind to the others in the bar.
"Rough day, eh?" The barman asked as he cleaned some glasses.
"You wouldn't know the half of it; I'm just happy I got my jobs done and we were able to get back to dock in one piece" Frank said.
"Be a shame to lose that steam tug of yours; diesels may be easier to operate, but nothing beats a hardworking steamer" The barman replied.
"I'll keep it going as long as I can... but if there comes a time when I'll need to do repairs, I think... I think a new tug may be a cheaper investment" Frank sighed.
"But surely this tug means something" The barman asked.
"Well, before I took over, my father was quartermaster, and my grandfather before him. Ships came and went, but Bennett Riley always stuck around, helping the ships get out of port and coming in" Frank said, musing at some of the old photos on the wall.
"Guess it's a good thing tomorrow is Sunday then" The barman noted.
"Yea; no jobs. Get to stay and and see if anything can be done" Frank said, before taking another drink.
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Post by Toz76 on Nov 12, 2016 2:10:00 GMT -5
Across the bar, a figure sat, glancing nervously around the room at everyone else. The figure's name was Tiberius Zeno, and he did not want to be there. His blond hair was ridiculously long, unkempt, and greasy. He was wearing a thick coat with bulging pockets of mystery, and, uncharacteristically, a blue fedora. He would rather have stayed home, but he was meeting someone very important at that bar that night. He got a chicken burger and settled in to wait.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 12, 2016 2:31:03 GMT -5
Frank was thinking about his tug.
"Ah, I fine boat if there ever was one..."
The doors to the bar opened. A figure dressed in black walked in, followed by about 12 others. He walked right up to the bar and sat down, while the others gathered around a table.
"Bartender," he said, "let's have some of your finest rum all round!"
"Sure thing, mate," said the bartender, and so saying took out a glass of rum for him and then serving the rest.
But the man didn't touch his glass. "Bartender," he said, turning to him. "Is this all the rum you can serve?"
"Well that's the normal amount," replied the bartender.
The man smiled. "Well I'm not normal... you see that glass over there on your wall?"
"Um... yes. That's my special beer glass. It can hold over 20 cans of beer in it."
"Well then... take the glass... and fill it to the brim with all the rum it can hold."
"Wha... you can't possibly be serious! That's too much alcohol, you'd keel over and die!"
"It's not like I wanna live forever..."
The bartender, was surprised, but did take the glass and filled it to the brim with rum. Setting it down, the man said, "Thanks," and promptly drank the entire glass without stopping in less than a minute.
"Ah, refreshing. Now let's have some beers all round, shall we?"
Frank just stared at him. Who was this man?!
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Nov 12, 2016 2:44:27 GMT -5
"Hey, what are you looking at?" The man asked.
"Oh; nothing sir, just minding my own business" Frank said, going back to his food. "Hey, Barman, when you're done there, how about some BBQ wings" Frank asked.
"All right, coming up" the Barman said as he poured some pints.
All Frank could tell was that he was better off leaving them be... too rowdy for his tastes.
It looked like the one guy was going to sit for a couple minutes before heaving off to join his comrades, so Frank decided to see what information he could get.
"So... you new to Orchard's point?" Frank asked.
"Why ask that?" The man replied.
"Oh, my family's lived here for five generations; between that and the small population we know pretty much everyone who comes and goes" Frank explained.
"Then that's a good eye you have there; indeed, we sailed in not too long ago. Mine's not that big, so we didn't need a tug coming in" he said.
"You wouldn't have gotten one anyway; there was one tug on duty today and it was busy all day" Frank said as he finished off his plate of Mozzarella sticks.
"How would you know that?" The man asked.
"I'm that tug's quartermaster" Frank replied.
"Ah, a man of the sea too, eh?" the man asked.
"Hardly; never gone more than 10 miles from shore" Frank pointed out.
"Scared, are we?" The man asked.
"No; busy. Tugboats gotta keep the ships coming in and going out, that's how we make money and how Orchard's point survives" Frank explained. "So what's your ship like?" Frank asked.
"Ah yes, my ship, a lovely vessel it is. I call it..." but the table people were calling him over.
"Sorry mate, looks like I'm needed" the man said before joining what was presumed to be his crew.
"Wonder how long they'll be sticking around for? Tourists and visitors never stay longer than a week and business usually is settled in two days" Frank recalled.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 12, 2016 3:04:43 GMT -5
But as Frank looked, the only thing he was needed for was the toasts!
Meantimes, Zeno's man showed up. "Damn, can't you come earlier next time?" "Sorry, I was held up. Anyways..."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Nov 12, 2016 13:15:57 GMT -5
Frank looked over and shook his head "its none of my business what goes on around here; best to keep to myself for now." He said as he returned to his meal.
So Frank sat alone as Zeno and the man had a meeting, and this newcomer and his crew had their fill of drinks.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 12, 2016 13:26:06 GMT -5
"So," said Zeno, "we're all set for it, right." "You got it. Pyrotechnics, everything." "Wait, pyrotechnics?!"
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Nov 12, 2016 17:09:48 GMT -5
"that is what you asked for, right?" The man asked.
"Ah, right, of course" Zeno replied.
Anyway, Frank was still sitting at the Bar, minding his own business. "I don't know what's going on, but best I stay out of it." He reasoned.
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Post by Tug on Nov 17, 2016 1:50:35 GMT -5
Meanwhile, a man on a motorcycle was pulling it off the local ferry, and before starting asked a nearby dock worker for directions...
"Excuse me, I'm looking for the way to get to the Orchard's Point Lighthouse, can you tell where I should be heading?' asked the biker
"Just follow the road and mountain path, up on the highest cliff is where it's located, you shouldn't miss it..." answered the sailor as the biker replied, "Thank you..." and sped away...
"I wonder who that man was..."
Meanwhile...
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 17, 2016 1:55:10 GMT -5
On the main street, a group of treacherous rogues had assembled and were making their way to The Boatman. Pushing aside those in their path, they threw open the doors of the pub, making their entrance known to all inside.
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Nov 17, 2016 2:18:07 GMT -5
Frank decided he had about enough of what was going on around the pub. He had just finished eating, and slipped the bartender some cash.
"Keep the change good sir, I do not like what is going on and I intend to get out while I can"
"No problem Frank; you take care of yourself" he said as he went to clean the glass.
The rogues went over to table and sat down, while Frank quietly slipped out the door and made his way down the main street.
"Well, I suppose I should stop by the hardware store; going to need some new mooring ropes" Frank said to himself as he kept walking
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 17, 2016 2:34:25 GMT -5
But inside the bar, things were less than pleasant.
"Bartender!" cried the leader of the rogues, "bring us some beers!"
All of those inside the bar were looking at the rogues nervously, all except the group that came in earlier. They were still laughing and toasting and drinking and ticking off the rogues.
"Hey!" cried the leader of the rogues, "knock it off!"
But they didn't.
The leader stood up, went over to their table, picked it up, and threw it across the bar.
"I said, 'SHUT UP!'."
"Huh," said the man who had amazed the bar with his drinking abilities earlier, "funny thing is that, last time I checked, I don't take orders from you."
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Nov 17, 2016 16:30:15 GMT -5
An all out brawl ensued between the two sides. They began charging each other and attacking... when they stopped because the bartender picked up his shotgun and fired a round into the air.
"Hey! No fighting in my bar!" He screamed.
There was an awkward stare for a bit.
"You can take it out back if you want" he continued. So the two groups headed out to the back.
"And leave the chairs and tables behind" The bartender said, as the last of the group left.
"ugh... any more customers like that and I'll have to close up in a month; they never pay!" he fumed. Then he picked up a broom and proceeded to clean up.
In the back, the two groups began fighting again.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 17, 2016 16:51:25 GMT -5
"How dare you sit there and ignore us!" cried the rogues.
"How? Cause you can't beat us!"
"Wanna bet?"
"Sure! Here's $500,000 I'm putting down."
"Well you jus lost then."
"I don't think so... 1... 2.."
"Wait, what?"
"3!!"
And before anyone knew what happened all of the rogues were down on the ground gasping for air. The leader of the victors surveyed the scene. All those inside the bar had been watching. "Hey you guys!" called the man.
"Y-yes?"
"Tell the bartender... that everyone's getting a drink on us!"
"YEAH!" cried the group as those onlookers wondered, 'Who the hell are these people?!'
Meanwhile...
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Nov 17, 2016 18:04:03 GMT -5
As Frank headed over to the hardware store, someone came up to him. Based on his style of dress, he appeared to be part of the first group that had entered the bar earlier.
"Excuse me, are you a local around here?" The man asked Frank.
"You could say that; family has lived on this island for the past five generations. Anything I can help you with?" Frank asked.
"Well... actually yes. My boss has sent me to find a place for our crew to stay. We've been at sea for a long time, and it would be nice to have somewhere to sleep for few days while we resupply and the ship gets a little work done. Any idea where we can stay for a while?" The man asked.
"Well, there's only 4 places for visitors to the island to stay I'm afraid. What kind of place are you looking for?" Frank asked.
"Not sure, to be honest. It's going to be the boss' decision" The man replied.
"Well, let's see...
1) A few streets down there's Carol Thompson's Bed and Breakfast. Definitely the cheapest option available, but you don't get much. Her place sleeps up to 18 at a time, but you all have to share just two bathrooms, and she'll cook breakfast in the morning, but that's about all you get with her.
2) Just around the corner is the Orchard's Point Inn. Bit pricier, but all the more worth it. It's run by the Fulton brothers, and they're fourth generation owners. Got 20 rooms for 40 people, so that's 2 to a room; you each get a bed, dresser and chair, but every 8 people need to share a bathroom. They have a kitchen that goes all day, so you don't have just breakfast, and while not a big one like the others around here, they've got a small bar.
3) Down the street and on your right is the Davis Motel. 50 rooms, up to 4 in a room, each room has its own bathroom. Closest thing you can compare it to is a Best Western; since it's got the pool and free breakfast in the morning. Of course, since it's two queen beds, you'll have to share if you want 4 in a room."
4) And last place is about a mile west from here. The Fillmore bunkhouses don't offer much, but they're not meant for long term stay anyway. It's about a dozen or so houses, each has got 20 bunks (so five bunk beds, if you will). Each bunkhouse has got a kitchen shared by everyone, 4 bathrooms shared by everyone, and within each bunk house, its 4 bunks to a room, so five bedrooms total. May end up sharing space with a stranger if you are too small a party though, so keep that in mind.
"This place doesn't offer much, does it?" The man asked.
"90 percent of everything on this island is small, family run businesses. We've got a couple interesting sights for visitors, but in all honesty... beyond the orchards and springs, there isn't a whole lot. Heck, most visitors who plan to spend a week here, end up leaving after five days" Frank explained.
"Thanks; I'd better go now" The man said as he left.
At "The Boatman" he joined the dozen or so men and their leader. "I got the information you asked me to find out boss" he said.
"Well; spit it out, where can we stay tonight?" the leader asked.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 17, 2016 18:10:01 GMT -5
So he told him.
"The inn sounds the nicest, we'll go with that!" And, paying the bartender, they left.
The bartender mopped up the tables. "Huh. Who were those guys anyway?"
Meanwhile...
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Nov 17, 2016 18:34:32 GMT -5
Frank had returned home for the night; a nice sized house not far from the docks. It was two floors plus a basement, but for the moment Frank lived alone; his parents were off exploring the mainland US on their dream road trip.
"Looks like I've got a lot of work to do tomorrow; ah well, sleep first, and I'll worry about tomorrow then"
And indeed, after getting ready for bed, Frank was out like a light after the day he had.
......
Behind the counter at the Orchard's Point in, eldest brother Howard Fulton was just about to close the counter, when the men from the bar came into the lobby and either walked or staggered to the front desk, depending on how much alcohol they had.
"Uhh... can I help you, gentlemen?" Howard asked.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Nov 17, 2016 18:40:45 GMT -5
Actually, there were only a few who were staggering... and they were the ones who drank the least!
"We'd like to get some rooms," said the leader.
"Sure thing," said Howard.
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Post by Toz76 on Nov 17, 2016 18:52:45 GMT -5
As Frank slept, two figures climbed on his roof. It was Tiberius Zeno and the man he had met at the bar. Both men had changed into black jumpsuits, and each had a nametag bearing their initials on it- TOZ, and TGC.
"Why are we shooting the fireworks off from here?" TGC asked.
"This house has a wide chimney, which we need for our deception to work." Zeno explained. "I hope the owner doesn't wake up."
"Fair enough."
"Keep monitoring the skies. We need to be ready at a moment's notice." Zeno ordered.
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