Mad Cow Chronicles

Once upon a time… things happened like this.

Uploaded at the request of a friend.

Alas, that domain name is no longer mine, as I use this one instead. Twice alas, that is no longer possible (the short version of the explanation is “blizzard changed the game”).

I have, at work, steel-toed boots which I must wear. I opted (when told to purchase boots) to get slightly more expensive models, rather than cheap clearance workboots.

It occurs to me, in the aftermath of my first day back after some time off (took a trip, then got riotously ill), that this was a very intelligent choice. Good boots make your whole bearing more solid. You have good traction on the ground, support for your ankles, and your feet don’t feel like they’ve been put through a grinder at the end of the day.

Hey, I said I was back. Didn’t say I’d be relevant or interesting.

Summer hit me like the first sunlight hits the eye, propped open with a toothpick, of a very drunk man who’s been out until four AM drinking heavily.

That is to say:
GAH, TOO MUCH SUN!
WHAT’S GOING ON?
MAKE THE HURTING STOP!

I have, in succession, been sick, busy, attempting to prove my existence to the government of Ontario, bumped up to full-time work from part-time, been stuck in a heat-wave, crossed the country, been sick again. And here I am.

I did get a lot done this summer, but none of it involved blogging.

All two of you who have still got me on your blogroll can now cheer. I’m back! Ish. I guess.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present for your amusement and pleasure, The Guild of the Talon Adventuring Company:

Elf, Magic-User Melvarian the Severe considers those who do not spend as much time as himself in study and contemplation to be flighty and, to some degree, beneath him. Unfortunately, as he spends the vast majority of his time in the study of the arcane, this encompasses practically everyone. This unwelcoming attitude is not helped by his spare features and neatly-trimmed blonde hair, nor his typically dry tones. Plain robes in dark colors confirm the initial impression of academic severity.

Elf Magic-User/Thief Jessmyn Kross, thanks to Kieran.

Half-Elf Druid Sevan Petrosian, thanks to Emmy.
Half-Elf  Cleric/Fighter River Gantenbaine, thanks to Stop.
Human Monk Kosal, thanks to Kat.

Human Paladin Lochal Tyrshand has his graying brown hair tied back in a neat pony-tail. Coming from a devout family of clerics and paladins, and with forty-five years of dedicated service to Tyr under his belt, Lochal’s face is still cheerful, and his body is solidly muscled. Service for him is no hardship, but the culmination of his family’s hopes.

Dwarf Fighter Ella Stonehelm looks very much like her twin, the

Dwarf Fighter Pella Stonehelm. The typical idea of “dwarven soldier” fits here; fiery red pigtails protrude out from under metal helmets with matching chainmail. Each twin carries a battleaxe nearly her own height, and each is as ready to use them as the red hair suggests. Those dealing with the twins would do well to keep in mind that their smiling, freckled faces and green eyes mask the traditional dwarfish philosophy: “Just keep chopping until you’re face to face.”

 
Halfling Thief Aert, thanks to A Two-Bit Jeremiah.

Gnome Thief Liry “Nibbles” Nibowictz has something to prove to anyone who stands more than three feet tall. He has the typical pure-white hair of his kind, and his age could be anywhere from 20 to 400; with gnomes, it’s very hard to tell. He’s probably no older than that; certainly he moves quickly enough. Nibbles rarely sits still unless he’s hiding, and even then he conveys the impression that he’s just waiting for the opportunity to move quickly again. Sarcastic and always laughing, the only thing faster than his tongue is his fingers, and his love for puns is rivalled only by his very acquisitive nature.

Either tomorrow or Friday, we will have plot hooks! Stay tuned!