Blackback's Shop (CLOSED FOR THE DAY)

[Griatch]

Click here to see a portrait of the troll himself!


WELCOME TO BLACKBACK'S TRADING EMPORIUM!

The place where your dreams come true!

Be there herbs to spice your meals,
potions to hone your skills,
weapons to harm thy foe
or sparkle to tease thy love

Blackback's got it all -- and more!

This is the place to go in order to equip your character, listen up on the recent gossip or just have
a sip of the troll's beer (produced in the Forest brewery!)

The troll prefer gold (who doesn't) but he'll gladly trade in anything of value. Good Roleplaying is what matters here.

Blackback's is also a good place to get the occational quest if your roleplaying feels slow. Just talk to the troll -- he might be looking for someone JUST LIKE YOU!

Come right on in. You won't regret it.




~~~~~~~~

This thread represents an RP location. Blackback's shop sits on the ground at the crossroads between North
and South tree (the giant trees that together holds the forest village high above). It is a low and flat
stone building of rough design, the stone blocks are massive and must have required great strength to move.
Outside, a large and rather garish sign declares this to be "Blackback's", complete with a painted smiling
troll image.

The insides of the shop consists of a massive counter behind which the troll resides. The shop is
crammed -- on the floor, shelves and hooks are jars, chests, barrels, bottles, rolls and bundles. Things
of all colours and shapes so bewildering that you will probably have to ask the troll first to find what
you want. There's even more stuff in the locked back room. Just tell him what you're looking for, and
we'll go on from there!

Because of the fact that there are sometimes many people in Blackback's shop at the same time, we
cannot wait for everyone to post in turn in here -- so usually you should not wait for the other
customers to post before you go on (unless you're interacting with them, of course). Also, if there are
many customers, don't be surprised if Blackback sometimes seems to hold many conversations at the
same time. This is for RL convenience and speed (you want to buy your stuff and get out, right?), and
I will write it so it's clear when you're being adressed.

[Griatch]

An out-of-key whistle could be heard over the crossroads, coming from Blackback's shop. The troll merchant was sweeping the floor of this shop with a large broom, causing small puffs of dust, gravel and the odd scittering creature to fly out the door opening. Spring was here and the weather was turning mild. It was time to brush away the winter.

The troll paused in the door to his shop, looking out over the crossroads. The crossroads was not so splendid as its name; it was mainly the place where two wildlife paths crossed, right between the massive trunks of the North and South tree. Despite being a mountain troll, Blackback had always preferred to stay on the ground if possible. Why have his customers climb the stairs or travel the magical elevators up in the village proper when his shop could be right here. A few other non-elven buildings where scattered around the crossroads, other businesses that followed his example.

Blackback leaned against his broom, which creaked under his weight, then calcmly lit his pipe, blowing a blue plume of tobacco smoke from his long snout. Spring was a good time for commerce. A very good time indeed, and these two long peaceful years had been good to the business of ol' Blackback.

[Toadie]

Spring was here again, bringing with it fresh rains and morning dews. Töd was a happy elf. She strode along through the village at a happy pace and oddly enough, her face clearly displayed her content emotions. She was glancing from tree to tree and marveling at the intellect that had gone into creating the various buildings within the village. Surely it had taken real intellect to understand the mechanics that went into keep such structures in tact. Barely looking at the path she traveled, the elf continued her pace. Her feet knew where she was headed. Though it had been a few moons since her last visit, the way to her friend's store was fresh in her mind.

At long last Töd's colourless eyes found the sign they sought. "Blackback's". And there was the troll's never-wavering grin. A smile spread on her lips as she recognized his figure in the doorway, and her footsteps quickened. Her short figure ran right up to Blackback's and she looked up at him with an expression that had turned into a giant grin.

"Blackback!" she exclaimed. Without hesitation she wrapped her arms around his hip/waist area in a hug, and released him. For a moment she found it odd to feel such affection for the troll, but she had known him for years now and almost felt as though he could be an uncle.

She stood a little back from him then, and gazed into his shop. It looked at it always did - no real changes she could see off the hop. She was still the same, as well. Her long, dark blue hair was tied together at the back but still hung to the ground, her clothing hadn't change, she still wore the same jewelry, and of course she still had her two swords on her back and at her side.

"How's business, friend? Any exciting gossip from the village, or have you had any crazies try to purchase dangerous potions?" Truth be told, she was slightly antsy for news. Since the war two years ago, nothing truly exciting had happened to her. This was unlike her. Perhaps seeing a friend and maybe even making a purchase would ease her tension.

OOC: I missed Blackback.

[Griatch]

OOC: Hehe, I can tell.
-------------

"Hi there Töd ...!" Blackback began, then paused as the smaller elf gave him an instinctive hug. Somewhat clumsily the large troll patted her on the head, roughing her blue hair strands. "Nice 'ta meet you too small one" he greeted with a warm smile. They had indeed known each other for years, both familiar faces in the forest.

"Good to see you, Töd. Coming to hear the latest exciting gossip eh?" The troll asked, scratching his head. "There is not much, these are peaceful times. I was talking to some elves recently as to the fact that we are seeing more Balraa around now than ever before. Guess they are not so shy to leave their settlement up by the Grey Fortress as they were right after they were abadonded by the Hivemind. They don't even wear their armour anymore. They don't talk much with people, they are just ... around. Maybe they are just strolling through the forest happy to not be at war for once, what do I know?" He shrugged. "People are still sceptical about them despite what they did during the last battle with Ryvius. Guess having the old Grey as their master does not help eh?"

The troll took a few more puffs on his pipe.

"... What more? Well, little Ylvai Y'lia - you know the elven girl that always runs around after the jester - she turned seven yesterday." Blackback chuckled. "Cake and cheers all around. Quite the little hothead, that one, and now she's getting older she can actually reach some of the stuff on my shelves. I've had to chase her off several times." He sighed, not managing to look completely angry over this. "Being a big and scary mountain troll doesn't work the way it once did. The kids have known me a big part of their lives."

He snapped his clawed fingers. "Reminds me, I told Ylvai about the war of Ryvius - she was only five at the time, but she does remember her parents' worred faces. Now she's old enough to enjoy scary stories too. Not that I was actually on the battlefield mind you, but I had enough to do with the aftermath -- all those wounded and dead! -- to know all about what went down a thousand times over." He grinned slyly. "She especially enjoyed the story about how you in our final hour gave Ryvius the ending blow, she wanted me to retell it over and over. I think you have a young fan now, you are becoming the stuff of legends, small one, hehe."

[Toadie]

Töd remained polite and stood in front of the doorway as Blackback greeted her, and she kept her smile on her face while she looked up at him. It was nice to be with such a familiar friend. It was more often these days, as so many newcomers were coming to Deep Forest, to meet someone new and not see them for quite a while after. Indeed, there were a few she hadn’t seen since before the war. Blackback, however, she had known for quite some time before the war, and had connected with him the first time they met, remaining friends afterward. He ran a good business, was a fair troll, and had a kind heart. She appreciated the qualities that made up his temperament.

As the troll started his recollection of the neighbourhood gossip, Töd managed to squeeze past his big form and into the shop. He spoke of the Balraa, and she knew what he meant; she had seen them, too. She wasn’t sceptical, however. She had fought along side them, and they had defended her as she had made her way toward Ryvius and Barbannis near the end of the war. She had a lot of respect for the Balraa. The elf gave a nod as Blackback offered more gossip, and began to walk around the shop looking at the new merchandise. She didn’t dare touch anything, however. No, she knew better than that.

A smile came across the halfling’s face as the troll spoke of Ylvai turning seven, and it grew into a grin as he mentioned the child’s affliction to stories of her. It was a gruesome story to tell, but surely it would have given the girl a sense of the dangers in the forest. As Blackback finished his tale, she happened to be near the weapons section in his shop, and took a moment to look at the blades. She loved her sword that was purchased from Blackback’s, bought by an old friend of hers. Looking at new blades could always be fun, too, though. She turned back to Blackback with a pensive look in her eye.

“I mean not to be a legend, really. I knew the opportunity and I took it,” she spoke in a low tone. “It is nice, though, to hear that the villagers appreciate me. You know, I’ve been thinking more about taking up home within the village. I do visit often, anyways.”

Töd carefully leaned against one of the counters then, making sure not to knock anything over or touch any merchandise. She could only imagine the potential of danger or excitement within the shop if she ‘woke up’ the wrong product.

“So you’re fairing well then, Blackback? I saw a lovely female troll in the mountains the other week, I must say. Her green skin was covered in boils and her breath smelled of the most delicious rotten meat. She didn’t seem to speak our language much, but perhaps I could possibly set up an introduction?” she asked in a sarcastic, joking tone. “I simply tease, friend. I am actually here strictly to further the profits of the shop.”

[Griatch]

"Well, if you are interested in a good home, we still have empty houses after the wars" Blackback said, carefully knocking out his pipe before pushing away from his position in the doorway. He followed his visitor inside, carefully letting a large claw pass along some of the things hanging from the ceiling. Some of it snappet lazily after him.

"Green skin with boils, eh? Sounds more like a marshen troll getting lost than a mountain troll then" he said, looking amused. Blackback squeezed in behind the stone slab that was his counter. "You jest, Töd, but there are actually mountain trolesses with green skin. It a bit rare, but some clans have all their females green." He pondered, tapping one of his long tusks - "guess it's something like an albino ... yeah, that's it, except it only happens with females and they are usually called 'greenbloods'. They are quite ferocious I've heard..." Pausing as Töd's last words registered, the corners of his black eyes twitched. "... Further the profits of this shop? Do tell me more." The troll leaned forward over the counter, looking at his visitor with interest.

[Toadie]

The halfling remained leaning against the counter, because after a short look around she couldn't see anything like she was looking for. However, she wasn't sure exactly what it was she was looking for anyways. She just knew what she wanted to accomplish. That was why she had come to Blackback. Surely he would be able to set her on the right path.

She kept a light-hearted smile on her face for the troll's response to her comment on a female, and he expression grew into a wide grin as he seemed to notice her statement about business. She knew him to be very serious when it came to the things he sold, and today seemed to be no exception. She also knew that Blackback would surely get his fair share of the profit, but yet be fair with her as well. She trusted the troll, and so she spoke.

"Well Blackback," she began, unable to keep from looking at the blades around her. "I'm here looking for something a little out of the ordinary, I think. I'm looking to change my hair colour, to be blunt. While this blue represents the waters I love so much, I really have been enjoying a deep green lately, and was wondering if my hair could ever change to suit it. I know you're knowledgeable of your wares, and was wondering if you would have anything to suit my purpose."

[forgerofsouls]

After having made up his mind about it Klinge had immediatly jumped from the village and had glided down to the forest floor were Blackback's was located at. After he landed he looked around to locate the shop. Smilling upon seeing the sign and smilling troll's face on it he headed for the door to the shop. He had arrived after both Blackback and Töd had gone inside so he had no idea if there was anyone else visiting the troll today. So he walked to the entrance and stepped inside lightly knocking on the wall to announce his presence.

"Good day Blackback!" Klinge said cheerfully as he entered. As his eyes swept over the store he noticed Töd. "And to you to Töd, good day!" He said. He swept his eyes over the shop once more taking in everything. Today Klinge did not have his sword with him unlike Töd. No, he didn't always need it with him at all times. At least, not when it was so peaceful. But, his black diplomat's robe was completely different than his normal ceremonial royal armor he had won in the past. His new position made it neccassary that unless he was doing something that could involve battle, he was to be wearing the robes as a sign of peace.

And a peace that had been benifical to him and others. Like merchants, some came from his planet sometimes to make purchases in Deep Forest. Klinge figured that even Blackback had visitors from his planet. But he didn't know. He only helped keep the peace and relationships between the two places good and stable. This included keeping the portal that was set up going well and not making any mistakes with it. "Believe it or not, I actually got a day with nothing to do. So tell me, whats the news?"

[Griatch]

Blackback brow went up at Töd's words. "Looking for a change, eh? Have'ta admit I'm pretty used to that blue of yours, green hair makes me think of that ... what was her name, the troublesome forest spirit child ... Willow I think." He held up his clawed hands. "But hey - it could be interesting. Lemme see ... green hair, green hair ..." He tapped his tusk, moving over to the other end of the counter where the was covered with shelves of jars of different sizes. "Hmm. I don't have any real hair dyes for green hair, alas - I have black and bleach and even red - some of the elves love that one for their weddings! - but not green. I do have these though." Pulling down a set of clay jars from the shelves, he put them infront of Töd on the counter. "These are for colouring furs and textiles" he said, "Should work too I reckon, if you just thin it down a bit with alcohol." He tore a small piece of white rug off an unidentifiable piece of cloth behind him dipped various corners of it in the jars for Töd to see. The first one was a deep moss-green, the second a bright saphire colour. The third one had a strange shift, almost as the effect you might see in a puddle of oil, except all in shades of green. "This one is an ointment I got from the human realms", Blackback said. "The man who sold it told me it's magical, but I think it's just some clever trick of the light to be honest." He moved the rug, causing the colours to shift in an almost hypnotic pattern. "This is a sort of oil though, so I don't think it will last long, more of a one-night coloration than a permanent change. I also have no idea how well it would work on blue hair like yours ..."

As Klinge made his way into the shop, the troll looked up, nodding to him. "Hi there, Klinge. It's a calm and good day so far. It is good to hear you have little to do -- if so I reckon there's peace around so people have time to spend more money for shoppin'." He looked around the shop. "News? Well, I'm waiting for the new batch of Backlash-beer from good ol' Tenedras, will be good to get a preview of this year's brew. Otherwise ..." He glanced over to Töd, "As I were telling Töd, some in the village have been grumbling over seeing the Balraa around more often. The old suspicions run deep, despite what they did in the War of Ryvius. And there is also ..."

Suddenly there was a rumble, then the ground shuddered. The jars on the shelves clinked and the ones in front of Töd shifted. Blackback put his hands down on the counter, eyes wide, but it stopped as soon as it began. "The mountans turn in their sleep." he muttered.

[Toadie]

The elf nodded pensively at Blackback's explanations. She appreciated his input and actually took the rag from him after he had shown her the three different colours. As she held it in her hand, the one that seemed to change colours in the light caught her eye, but she was unsure if it would work for her; she was looking for something more permanent.

"I'm kind of undecided," she began to explain, but at that moment another politely walked through the door. A slight frown appeared across her lips, but she kept it minimal. The only memory she had of the other was a meeting near the edge of the woods where her only impression of him had been useless. Even now she could only wonder who he thought he was wearing such an outfit. Sure, these were more peaceful times, but wasn't he supposed to be a knight? Where was his sword? The word 'useless' came to mind again, but she didn't speak her thoughts. She offered him a nod in acknowledgment, but little else until he spoke directly to her.

Töd waited patiently for the troll to speak with Klinge. This was, after all, is shop, and she would never think of starting an argument within its walls. She stood there checking over the cloth she had in her hands, wondering which colour she would pick. She had narrowed it down between the darker green and the colour changing one; the sapphire one was out of the question. All of a sudden, however, the ground rumbled and some of Blackback's wares tottered around. She was more startled than anything, and mimicked the troll in holding on to the counter.

"Mhm," she offered, nodding to Blackback's comment of the mountains. "By the way, Blackback, surely you mean Baerionth's ale and not Tenedras'? Or has something been switched I'm unaware of?" Surely Baerionth hadn't left yet? The halfling knew that he had considered it, but didn't think he meant so soon. Hopefully Blackback had made a mistake.

But again, the ground shook, and it was more severe this time. Töd was caught right unaware, and actually lost her footing in the shake. As she fell to the floor, a cloud formed beneath her fall, and she didn't hit the ground. Instead she was caught on the cloud without a touch of damage, other than that to her pride. Blushing bright red, she stood herself back up with the assistance of Blackback's giant hand, and brushed herself off. Her colourless eyes looked around, and just as the cloud that had caught her fall disappeared, the clouds that she had formed beneath the jars and others of the troll's wares were raising up to counter level, ready for Blackback to replace them in their specific spots. Wow, that had really been a sufficient tremor. What was going on?

"You two okay?"

For the moment she forgot about the cloth in her hand and deciding her hair colour. She was more worried about Blackback at the moment, and even had a slight worry for Klinge, despite her dislike of the man.


OOC: Let me know if any of this is unacceptable; I've got no problem editing. I figured I'd put the bit about Tenedras/Baerio IC, rather than have you edit your post. But, you did mean Baer, right? If not, totally just let me know! And again, sorry for the wait. Moving has been rough.

[forgerofsouls]

The half-dragon had none for the past two years that he had never had an oppurtunity to prove to Töd that he wasn't useless. Even though both had participated in the war two years back, neither had noticed each other there. So it was kinda sad that she didn't she him in action. Not that he did anything heroic like she did, unless you call slaughtering countless enemies heroic. But he wasn't the type to bring up his own accomplishments. Instead, he was content enough to let others have their own views of people and things in the world, even if they where not correct in their opinion. He listened to what Blackback said nodding his head at the part about the concerns of the Balraa. While he knew little of the past of the Balraa and the inhabinants of the Deep Forest, he did recgonize the fact that people where a little skittish about them.

He was about to speak up on that matter to learn more when the earth beneath him started to shake. Since he was still at the door way he quickly grasped the wall so as to try and keep his balance. But soon he realized that it was not needed as it wasn't that strong of an earthquake. Shrugging it off he went to once again speak about the matter of the Balraa. He wanted to find out more about this situation. And if there would be anything he would be able to do.

Then suddenly a stronger earthquake struck, silencing him before he could even speak. He grabbed at both sides of the doorframe to prevent himself from falling over. And than it stopped. Töd had caught herself with a cloud. Than Klinge remebered what Blackback said about the mountians turning in their sleep. What did that mean? He was about to open his mouth to ask that question. When Töd had asked her question about them being ok. "Aye Lady Töd, I am ok. Your self?" He was about to continue with his own questions...when a new concern occoured to him. The village. The strength of the earthquake down on the ground was strong. But typically, trees sway alot, as do tall buildings, during an earthquake. How did the village fare?

"The village, I doubt it took any signifigant damage, but we should at least check on it to make sure everyone is ok. Afterwards, I think I have some questions for you Blackback, about "Mountains turning in their sleep."
" Klinge said with a concerned look on his face. If anything, I may mean that he will have to done his armor and pick up his sword once again.

[Griatch]

OOC: Sorry for the slow reply. Busy days. No worries, Toadie, post looks fine.

"Oh, sorry" the troll replied to Töd's question, slapping his large hand over his forehead. "One would think I should know the man who work for me by now, yet I always confuse those long names. I'm speaking of 'Baerionth' of course." He shook his head. "Well, Baerionth's ale is soon to be coming in. Take your time with those colours; will be interesting to see you in green for once ..."

At this point the ground shook, causing general havoc and confusion, momentarily pausing any business transactions.

Blackback, having helped Töd to her feet, gratefully put back the jars that her little 'clouds' had saved in their places. "I should have a mage around all the time" he joked, his smile somewhat strained, "For earthquakes and when the elven kids pass through here ..." Having made sure that his goods were safe, he turned to Klinge, nodding. "No worries here; t'was quite a shake! Töd seem to have secured my smaller, non-earthquake-safe stuff though, so I'm fine." Looking at the knight, he added, more seriously. "It's just an expression. But there is something buried beneath the mountains, has been ever since long before this forest came to be. The weight of the mountains hold it down, but it's the reason those of dark mind prefers the mountains. I don't know the details, the unicorns only whisper about it. But whenever the ground shakes, I've heard many say that whatever sleeps below is shifting in its rest."
He glanced upwards, as if trying to look up through the ceiling. "Someone should probably check on the elves. The wee folk build damn sturdy houses, but nevertheless ..."

[Toadie]

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine," the elf said, a little disheartened. Why did it always have to be her that fell, and not anyone else? Regardless, she was thankful of Blackback to help her to stand, and stood tall - as tall as a woman her height could - still with dignity. As she stood she listened to Blackback speak of the mountains and those with darker hearts. His statement made her frown a little, as she had grown attached to the mountains in the time she had spent in the forest. Did the troll really think of her that way? She figured she would just shrug the assumptions off like she always had, and let it be.

Töd's mind moved on to the elves, along with the others. "I'm not so sure about how the village would feel about me being the one to check up on them, as I'm still not a resident," she explained, still feeling a little stand-offish about the 'dark hearts' comment. Glancing down at the rag in her hand she made up her mind.

"I may have come to a decision, Blackback, if you're ready."

[Griatch]

Blackback nodded, unaware of any standoffish attitude from Töd; She should know he cared little about how dark or not a heart was when it came to customers. He was a mountain troll himself, after all. Looking around to make sure nothing else was coming down from his shelves, he looked down at the elf somewhat distractedly. "Decision ...? Oh, the colours!" Weighting forward on the counter, half out of interest as to what she would decide, half in order to brace himself against possible future tremors, he continued, "Right. So what have ye arrived at?"

[forgerofsouls]

"I see, thanks for the information, I think I might just ask the elves about what they think themselves. After I check on them of course." He said to Blackback, he then turned his gaze to Töd. "A helping hand is a welcomed hand, regardless if said hand comes from someone of the village or not." With that said Klinge turned around walked out of the shop, spread his wings and with some powerful flaps of them was soon raising towards the rest of the village and away from the shop.

ooc: Klinge has left the thread...for now...maybe. >_>

[Toadie]

The elf watched Klinge as he headed out the door, not much expression on her face. How dare he make such a snide comment to her? What did she care that the elves get help? The only friends she had in this village were Blackback and Baerionth, and she wasn't sure how much longer Baerionth would be around. Soon enough, she thought, the young twins might be the ones running things at his brewery. With a low mumble about not being much help, she gave the knight a curt nod farewell. Perhaps he was on his way to prove his use after all.

Her attention back to the troll, she offered him a smile. She fumbled with the cloth for a moment and held up one corner of the cloth. The corner was the one with the darkest shade, and in her mind, the prettiest. It reminded her of the mosses in the swamps and the leaves in the forest. Surely the colour would flatter her wants.

"This would be the one, I'm thinking," she informed the troll. She hesitated. "However, surely you know I've got plenty of hair to colour, so I'd require a good enough amount." Gesturing to the minimal amount of items she had on her - really just her two swords - the halfling hesitated continuing just another moment. "I'm not too sure how you'd like me to pay. I'm more than willing, of course, I just have no specific coins for trade. I'm am more than happy to work or trade other things and am open to suggestions."

[Blue]

(trying to get back into rping )

A low and almost dangerous growl rumbled from the next creature to walk through the door, his fur was fluffed up along the spine and his tail still resembled a bottle-brush. The rumbling growl came from a feline taur as he walked through the door. It looked as if he had seen better days. A long cut ran along his flank clotted with fur and causing him to limp on his back left leg. His fur was mussed in other places as he limped into the store in quite the foul mood. It did not aid his mood to hear the Knight make such a snide comment to anyone who visited the village. The more comments as that the less business he and Blackback would receive possibly.

Though limping, Tenedras was still a magnificent creature, large for his kind, and his lustrous fur even though mussed was smooth and recently shaved down close to the skin to handle the heat of the forest. “Pay no mind to such comments Lady,” his deep baritone voice intoned something close to affection, “everyone has reasons and sometimes those reasons are not of the business of others.” Tenedras walked up to Blackback before pulling a small purse out of his side-pouch. “I hope I am not interrupting, but I’ve brought a payment for the recent shipment of metals. As you can see I had the entertaining job of hauling it to my shop when that quake hit. No one was harmed but one sliced me along the side. It is of no consequence.” Tenedras dropped the payment down on the countertop and glanced over at Töd and smiled only slightly.

“You’ll find your usual tip in there my friend Blackback, and enough I think to pay for the young lady’s choice of color,” he growled slightly and turned around, limping on his leg. “I would like one thing to go right today. The next time one of these little ones from the village choose to play toy swords with one of my clamps they’ll be hauling wood for my furnace for a week.”

Tenedras walked out of the shop, continuing to limp slightly as he left.

((Ooc: Tenedras has left this thread x3 I may wanna do something with him))

[Griatch]

OOC : I've not had time to keep up with this for far too long, so I'd better release everyone (notably Toadie) and close Blackback's for now.
He will be back! But not for a while ...

Toadie, we'll assume Blackback and Töd came to an agreement on those hair-colours.
.
Griatch