A Buccaneer in Paxlair

rancis limped through the woods of northern Britannia. He had just left Yew and was heading towards Vesper, for he had heard that ships of fine quality were sold in the "floating city". Francis didn't remember much of his past, save that he felt attracted to the sea and he was poor like a dog. People used to call him the "Young Buccaneer". He just found out that the world he lived in was some kind of "shard" with the name of Chesapeake. Whatever that meant.
He had been walking for over an hour when suddenly he came to a clearing. Many houses were grouped on this meadow, and the village made a peaceful impression.

The house signs told him that this village was called PaxLair. Francis peeked curiously through the windows and open doors of the buildings, hoping to find some food or drink. Maybe even one of the villagers had left a purse behind, which would help Francis to get some unexpected wealth. But he was not lucky. He found some interesting buildings though, like two towers standing side by side, and being nicely equipped and furnished.

Although the Buccaneer was up during sleeping time, he came across several interesting people. This place seemed to be very frequented, and the inhabitants of PaxLair made an easy and friendly impression, despite their diversity in looks. In one of the towers he met a mage named Enoch, and they talked a bit. Other guys like Odin or Crimson Dragon were kind to Francis without knowing him. A strange lass ran around naked and laughed at him all the time. Francis thought that she was nuts, but not at all evil. He couldn't believe that he seemed to be welcome here. After all he was nothing but a poor young pirate.

Later the Buccaneer Francis had almost been killed when he set his dog on a criminal on horseback. He should have considered first, before interfering with other people's business, for the criminal was much better equipped than himself. Francis didn't wear any armor, and his only weapon was an old axe he had found on a dead orc. Fortunately Francis managed to escape and hide. As the coast was clear again, he limped to the Paxlair Saloon looking for a pitcher of wine. This day had been exciting, and he needed to rest. And he urgently had to train his skills. Tired and exhausted he sank down on one of the stools and fell asleep.

05/2000

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