WhiteDrag0n-24 Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 The world was spinning. Shots rang out in the darkness. Crys. Familiar cries. Crys of a friend. A wearhouse. Blood on my hands. And laughing… Maniacal laughing. No… wait. That’s banging… loud banging. The world came back into focus, and Dashel was greeted by the soft gyrations of the plastic aloha! hula girl, his faithful ivory handled pistol, an overflowing ashtray, and yesterdays freedom post, that had secured itself to Dashels face by way of his drool. And that incessant banging. The room was brightly illuminated by the afternoon sun, casting horizontal shadows through the dust filled air. The shelves are lined with religious oddities, knickknacks, old books, Buddha figures, fetishes, and novelties. Papers and old files poured out of the cabinets that are supposed to hold them and litter the floor, mixed with empty cartons of cigarettes and drained liquor bottles. A short hall leads to an even messier bedroom and bathroom. The ceiling fan softly turned the smoke filled air as an old hound dog lay sleeping in the corner. Next to the door a coat rack stood, holding a tan trench coat and a matching fedora. And rapping on the fogged glass of the door was an irate man of some kind. “Uhhh. Hold on I’m coming†Dashel said as he pealed the paper from his face, leaving a stain over Felise’s scathing article. He stood and stumbled again as the force of the Hangover hit him like a ten ton hammer; a ten ton hammer with a five foot swing. “Holy…†he swore to himself as he regained his balance and headed for the door, but not before stumbling over a pile of files. “One second, hold on.†He told the incessant banging. He removed the lock and bolts, stopping only a second to rest his head, before opening the door. “It’s done Mr. Mason†said the kindly old man who stood outside, splotch of black paint on his chin, brush in hand, and proud smile on his face. “I haven’t done one of these in ages.†In black lettering, freshly painted on the fogged glass, read: Dashel Mason Private Investigator 13b “that’ll be two hundred and forty dollars, please†said the old fella, holding out his hand expectantly. Dashel needed to stop drinking so much; he thought he heard something crazy. “H-H-How much?†“100 for stenciling, 40 for paint, plus time and labor… ... say what’s that?†The old man bent down to see the strange marks that ran vertically up the liner of the door, strange symbols he had never seen, written in chalk or… something else… Dashel’s body suddenly moved in the way of the strange marks. “sorry… I’m a little short right now.†The old man looked up at Dashel. Dashel was laughing nervously, but something in his eyes told the old man not to press any further. He sighed as he straightened back up. “Well… that’s ok, here’s the bill. Bring the money on by when you have it.†He said as he handed Dashel a slip of paper, gathered his supplies, put on his cap, and turned to go. “Oh, and son.†The old man turned his head just enough to lock eyes with Dashel. “Lay off the hooch. Ya smell like a bar.†Than the old man went down the stairs out of sight. Dashel opened the door wide, and sat down next to the old sleepy hound dog in the corner, and watched the drying paint. “Well old Blue, were finally open for business.†The hound dog looked at the door, back to dashel, grumbled and went back to sleep, head on Dashel’s lap. Dashel looked at the mess of the apartment and saw a picture frame lying face down on the floor. He reached over and picked it up. The two men in the picture were cops, FCPD, and they were happy. “Ya know Robert, I think you’d be proud.â€Â
WhiteDrag0n-24 Posted October 7, 2008 Author Posted October 7, 2008 Dashel looked up from the file on his desk. His office was bathed in the dyeing sunlight. It was Friday, his desk calendar said so, and Dashel wasn’t expecting any visitors today, but was considering going out. Now it looks like something has come up. If he was lucky, it was the publisher’s clearing house people, but somehow he doubted it. “What do you think Blue?†The hound dog lying lazily at the door, turned his head slowly toward the door an sniffed. Then he growled and shot Dashel an annoyed look. “That bad huh?†Dashel asked grabbing a cigarette from a carton in his shirt, and lit it with a four leaf clover, that happened to be printed on a Zippo. He let the cigarette burn long so he could inhale the strange mixture kept in these hand rolled cigarettes. Dashel closed the lighter with a flourish and put it in an inside pocket of his coat, sighed, and rose to get the door. “Yea, yea, I’m comin†As Dashel rose to get the door he noticed two things, the very pleasurable hourglass figure in the foggy window of the door and the hint of perfume mixed with the heavy scent of smoke in the air. Blue was wrong, this was a very good turn of events. “I mean, I’m coming.†Trying desperately to hide some of the scattered papers and empty bottles of the room, Dashel hurried across the messy apartment, unbolted the many locks, snubbed his cigarette on the stub of his shoe, shot a snarling Blue a harsh look, and opened the door. “How may I hel… oh, it’s you.†Dashel’s boyish grin fadded to a very disappointed frown. Standing in the doorway was Felise Belleview, the bulldog of the Freedom Post. Dressed in a suit, and primed to perfection, as always, she stood an opposing 5’8,†Brunette hair falling to her shoulders. The look on her face was all business and her eyes shone with an inner light. If she was here it meant only one thing: She wanted something and it wouldn’t be pleasant. “I don’t know what it is, but I have no comment†“Cut the krap Dashel, I need a favour†She said as she forced her way into the small apartment, shying away from a growling Blue. She glanced at all the empty bottles that littered the floor, and looked back at Dashel with a disappointed look. “see you’ve been keeping buisy.†Dashel leaned his back against the door frame and pulled his hip flask out from it’s holster on his belt. He gave Felise a cold stare. “What do you want, or have you come to insult me?†He said as he took a swig from his flask. Felise retuned the stare with equal intensity. “An interview†The foul mixture of Dashel’s spit, alcohol, and god knows what sprayed all over Dashel’s newly painted door. Quickly he went for something to dab the foul mix so it didn’t ruin the very expensive paint job. “Come again?†Felise Sighed, she’d never live this one down. “It’s been a slow news week and the chief wants something to fill the space in the Sunday addition. So, I thought, since you just opened your doors, that an interview with a new P.I. in town might do the trick. You know a real humanitarian piece. Trust me Dashel, If I had any other options I wouldn’t come to you.†Dashel finished wiping down his door and turned to Felise. “I don’t think so.†He said incredulously. “knowing you I’d end up meat for the vultures.†“Come on Dashel, you’ve never let me down before, …except for the time in 04, …and on the Forman case, …and..†Felise started counting off on her fingers. “This isn’t helping you†Dashel interrupted. “It’s good publicity†She offered, Dashel continued to give her a cold stare. Felise smiled wryly. She slowly approached Dashel, swinging her hips seductively, reached out and placed her hands gently on his shoulders. Looking deep into his eyes, with the sexiest voice she could muster, she said, “I’ll owe you one.†Dashel pointed to the door. Felise sighed, harshly straightened his tie, looked him straight in the eye, and with a furrowed look said, “I’ll buy.†Dashel cocked an eyebrow. The next thing Dashel knew he was sitting in the back of Felise’s news van, saying Hi to Fred, Felise’s Driver and Cameraman, and being barraged by questions as they headed for “Hot licks†Dashel’s favourite bar in town. “Ok Dashel, these questions are designed to get to know you, I won’t use all the answers, but it’s good to have copious notes.†Dashel sighed, it was going to be a long night. “Shoot†“Lets start with an Introduction†Give a two or three word description of yourself. (Describe your character's concept.) Don’t want to be here? I guess that’s four words. how about “Lucky Hardboiled Detective†Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? Sometimes the kids call me Chance What is your full birth name? Dashel Michael Mason Where do you live? Southside apartments, Rm 13b Why do you live there? I can afford it, barely, plus it keeps me close to my people. What do you perceive as your greatest strength? Cool headedness in battle, knowledge enough to keep my head down. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? I guess, …Fear of failure Felise startled. That was oddly honest of Dashel, She might actually get something out of him tonight. But first Liquor, gotta know someone’s weakness. As they got out of the van she turned and told Fred to go and find a place to park. “meet us back here in an hour.†They entered “Hot Licks†and the bartender immediately accosted them. “Dashel, you owe the tab!†“Don’t worry Tony, I’m good for it. Besides, the ladies paying tonight.†“And make it a double Tony.†Felise gave him the smile that won over DA Durgan and got her that tip on the Harison Case. “Yes mam.†Tony said with gusto, and with a flourish of bottles produced two stiff ones. The Jazz Combo beat out a rhythm in the smoky atmosphere. Dashel scooped out a place in the corner and settled in offering a seat to Felise. She passed him his drink and he shot it down, placed it upside down on the table, and lit a cigarette. Felise frowned, this may be an expesive night. “Alright, ask away.†Physical Traits How old are you? (Chronological age as well as age category.) 37, but I’ve got a lot of mileage What is your sex? …Male, why you wana check? OW! What is your race? White How tall are you? 5’11†How much do you weigh? 140lbs, but I don’t check that often. What are your general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise? Average, average, average, and like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders What is your skin colour? White, but haggard What is your hair colour? Brown What is your hair style? However it tends to end up. I guess short strait, and hidden under my hat. Do you have any facial hair? Stubble What is your eye colour? Hazel How attractive are you? A kind of roguish charm I think, but the liquor and cigarettes tends to turn off the ladies. What is your most distinguishing feature? The scars on my body, hands, and face, their marks of my life Do you have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks? Birthmark just above the right butt cheek, kinda looks like Texas What is your handedness (left/right/ambidextrous)? Right Do you resemble some currently known person? Think Harrison Ford mixed with Humphrey Bogart What kind of clothing do you wear? Loose black tie, ruffled white shirt, worn black pants, boots. My trench coat covers my chest holder and my fedora covers my head. Do you wear makeup? No, but there was that one time… What sort of vocal tone do you have? Rough baritone, like a man who has smoked for years, which I have… History Where is your homeland? America, out west. Are you aware of its history? Whatever they tried to teach me back at the orphanage, never really came in useful Are you patriotic or a social outcast? I guess I’m as patriotic as the next guy. What are your opinions of home? What’s my opinion of home? I guess the big FC’s my home now, best let the past stay there… Where is your home town? Here, but I was born in Sin City Are your real reasons for becoming an adventurer different from what you tell others? I do my job to get paid… and maybe I can find out something about my partner’s killer somewhere down the line How far would you go to keep such secrets from being revealed? What would you do if the truth became known? It’s not really a secret, but I probably ain’t gonna tell anybody either. If the truth came out, I’d probably do what I always do. Climb inside a bottle for a while. What do you fear would occur if the truth became known? I’d lose business… I guess Do you have any particularly high or low ability scores? High? Blessed with good genes I guess How have these scores affected your life so far? Always pulled me through, guess that’s all I can ask. What about your race, growing up were you in the majority or a minority? Minority actually, first an orphan, then the police force… Did this impact your outlook in any way? I did what I had to too survive. How do you feel about other races? About as well as I feel about everybody else. Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? I never really knew my mother, and my father died when I was very young. Bob was kinda that parental figure in my life Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. I remember it well. My father had just passed away and the social worker tried to place me with a foster family. Several in fact, but for some reason no one wanted me. Bad luck, I guess… Anyway, after a while they gave up and the orphanage became my final home. One night I remember sitting on my bed crying. I remember a sweet voice talking to me. “Now what’s with all the tears?†she said. Sister Mary, She was a little like my mother. I wonder how she is doin?…. anyway she wiped away my tears and handed me a book. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After that I was obsessed with being a detective. Read Doyle books at the public library, and much to Mary’s dismay, found old Pulp Comics in the value bin at the comic store. Hammer probably fuelled my delinquency a little too much. What stupid things did you do when you were younger? Ha! How much time you got? When I was younger I thought I was invincible, more on the supply side of crime back then. Nothing major, but me and the boys would trespass, B&E, maybe steal some stuff. Just being a kid in sin city. A Fact of life growing up under the casino lights. Maybe I’ll tell you a story some time. Which toys from your childhood have you kept? I didn’t have many toys, still have my books, and comics though. Why? What do they mean to you? If you didn't keep any, why not? What did you do to them all? My heroes are in these pages. Sherlock, Mike Hammer, Sam Spade. I don’t read them anymore, but it’s nice to know they are there. Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? What? Yea a few. I never knew who killed my father, what happened to my mother. Why I have my “gift†and I’m looking for my Partner’s killer Are you who you claim to be? Why would I lie? Yea I am. Do you have any sort of criminal record? A couple Juvee offences, a couple write ups while on the force. Maybe more, but you know, It ain’t a crime unless you get caught. How do you view the heroes/legends of your country? You mean Supers? Bunch of hacks. Don’t know honest good police work if it jumped up an bit them. Sitting high and mighty on their silver thrones they point and laugh at us mortals. I’ll show em what a mortal can do. By now Dashel had gotten quite drunk, and had spilled maybe a little too much info, just the way Felise wanted it. The Combo finished it’s set and took a break as Feliese continued. Family Who were your parents? Eli Mason, never knew my mom, although I remember my father calling her Lady Luck Were you raised by them? If not, then why didn't they and who did raise you? They didn’t raise me cause they were dead and runed off. Sister Mary raised me till I was old enough to do it on my own, then Robert McFinney finished the job. What was their standing in the community? My father was a cooler, played on hot tables to cool the luck, no wonder he died. Mary was a nun, respected by the community, but a little harsh, and a little kind, and always tired. Robert was my best friend, that’s all there is to say. Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? My family stayed, I moved. How did you get along with their parents? How did I get along with My parents? I don’t remember them that well. Mary was always pulling me out of the fire and trying to turn me to god. That didn’t really work out. Robert was a trusted mentor, and if I remember he pulled me out of a few fires as well. How would your parents describe you? Answer this in the voice of your mother, then in your father's. Excuse me?!? Hmmmm… I can’t speak for my parents but Mary would probably say: “Dashel Michael Mason! You get off that fence this instant! I swear to GOD almighty I will slap you silly… and that isn’t using the name in vain! I’m sorry … what? Dashel, he’s a good kid, really, in this town, but he needs to learn boundaries, and take god’s will more seriously. He needs a strong hand, and a loving family. On a related note, looking at adoption?†As for Robert, he’d probably say: “Mason? Wet behind the ears, and gonna get somebody killed with that hot dog attitude. Don’t worry I’ll whip him into shape. Pretty soon he’ll be the best damn detective on the force. Smart as a whip, that one. And to tell you the truth, I’d trust him with my life.†Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what were their names? How did you get along with each of your siblings? I don’t have any siblings that I know of. Otis Langston was a friend of mine on the playground, we used to look out for each other, but he stayed in Sin and I came to Freedom. What was your birth position in the family? Far as I know, one and only. List all current knowledge of family locations, spouses, children, birth dates, schooling, and any important incidents that only you and they might remember. My father is six feet under back in Sin Cemetery, Mary died back in 96. Robert. Cremated and spread over Freedom Bay. The only family I got now are the people of Freedom and my Dog Blue. The mangy mut I found in a back alley when I was down and out. We have been friends ever since. Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? How do you stay in touch with the dead… don’t answer that. Estranged. Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? I have always felt a little anonymity toward my parents. Robert was a good friend. Mary was a good person, but I had too many welts on my backside for her to be a friend. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? Robert was a Mentor Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? Everyone else seems like white sheep, guess that makes me the black one. If so, who are they and how did they "gain" the position? My enchanting demeanor? Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Not that I know of. If so, what did this person do to become famous or infamous? He was a dancing bear, stop asking stupid questions. Do you try to live up to the reputation of your ancestor, try to live it down, or ignore it? Try to live up to a dancing bear? Do you ever want to have a family of your own someday? I never really thought about it. I probably should find the girl first. Would anything change your mind on this issue and if so, what? Yea, ok. If I found the right girl and we were happy, I’d give this life up in a heartbeat. What type of person would be your ideal mate? Ha Ha Ha! Anyone that could put up with me. Maybe one of those noir girls huh? Relationships Do you have any close friends? If so, who and what are they like? I have acquaintances, not friends. The closest thing I have to friend is Blue, and he’s lazy. What is the history of their relationship(s) with you? They do me favours from time to time and I help them in return. Do you currently have a best friend whom you would protect with your reputation or your life? I’d hate to lose Blue. Honestly though I’d hate to see anything happen to anybody I know. My life don’t mean much compared to them, and my rep ain’t so hot either. If so, who are they and what caused you to feel so close to them? What would have to happen for you to end this relationship? I just don't want to see harm come to those I know. OK? espesialy not on my account. To end the relationship? Force is the only thing that comes to mind. Do you have any bitter enemies? Only a matter of time on that one. If so, who are they, what are they like, and what is the history of their feud with you? Ain’t got an feud, except with the landlady Have you defeated them before? Sometimes I have to leave by the fire escape to get out of the office. Plus I know her secret weakness: money. How might these enemies seek to discomfit you in the future? Well If I don’t start paying my rent I’m going to be out on the street again. Which person(s) or group(s) are you most loyal to? I hold no loyalties, cept maybe to the city Who is your most trusted ally? Myself Who do you trust, in general? Trust get’s you hurt, I trust me. Who do you despise and why? I despise the criminals who get away with their crimes and who hurt others. I won’t let people suffer like I have suffered. Name seven things you hate in others. Ignorance No care for the innocent Arrogance Willingness to sell out Unwillingness to do Violent tendencies unwillingness to see that every society needs a little subversive behaviour. Is your image consistent? Tends to be, yea Do you deliberately present yourself differently in different situations, and how? Sometimes a situation calls for a little flexibility. I’ll provide it, but I’ll still be me. What would you die for? To catch the proverbial bad guy What is the worst thing someone has done to you? Killed my partner What is your general reaction to an attractive member of the opposite sex who lets you know they are available? Well, they don’t call me lucky for nothing. How do you get along with others of the same adventuring class? I tend not to work with others, I don’t like being responsible for them. Have you lost any loves? I’ve left a few broken hearts and been broken too. The hardest love: Hope. She came back, but I don’t know if I could lose her again. How did you handle the situation (short & long term)? Down and out, Way down and Way out. Every time. Who would miss you should you go missing? My landlady. Probably Blue too. How close are you to your adventuring companions? Distant What do they not know about you? I don’t ask, and they don’t tell. I expect the same in return. Are you a member of any house, guild, organization, or church? What is your level of involvement? No, and I plan to keep it that way The band Came back to play it’s final set and the Bar was winding down, she’d have to wrap this up pretty quick. Personality & Beliefs Do you, or did you, have any role models? As a kid I looked up to Mike hammer, Sam Spade, Bogart, I guess I like the esthetic. Do you have any heroes or idols, either contemporary or from legend? I don’t realy like supers Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? Well I did grow up a little. It’s nice to have rolemodels, but eventually you have to take care of yourself. When did you decide to become an adventurer? Adventurer? I do this for a living, it’s the only thing I know. Why have you chosen to risk your life as a career? Well, I can’t give up on trying to find Bob’s murderer, and due to a few… indiscretions, They don’t want me back on the force. I have to make ends somehow, that and somehow trouble always seems to find me… What do you expect to get out of being an adventurer? What, if anything, would make you stop adventuring? Adventuring? Where do you get this stuff? I expect to get paid, or at least do some good and I would probably stop if I found something better or if this city didn’t want me anymore. Do you have any dreams or ambitions? If not, why? I want to find Robert’s murderer and… bring him to justice, but first I got to make next month’s rent What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? Preferably, not doing this anymore. What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? I’ll probably be dead by then, but If I’m still around… rich. If these goals seem at odds with each other, or with your dreams, how do you reconcile the differences? I do what I can when I can, everything else can take care of itself. I ain’t worryin about the future. Do you have any great rational or irrational fears or phobias? If so, what are the origins of, or reasons behind them? I got this weird thing about unlucky happenings. You know black cats, jinxes, spilin the salt. I just feel vulnerable whenever that kind of stuff happens. How do you react when this fear manifests itself? Well, see, that’s the trick. You got to know which jinx is countered by which ritual. For example If a black cat crosses your path, you got to pet it. That appeases the powers that be and gets rid of your bad luck. I got it all figured out, can’t put one past old Dashel! What are your attitudes regarding material wealth? Wealth is definitely nice, but really it’s only money, I ain’t gonna steal for it. Are you miserly with your share of the wealth, or do you spend it freely? I don’t have any money to be miserly with. Do you see wealth as a mark of success, or just as a means to an end? Means to an end, the rich are just as bad as the rest of us. How do you generally treat others? You gotta earn your respect with me, other than that I treat people as they deserve. Do you trust easily (perhaps too easily) or not? I don’t trust anyone Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? Well, I tend to make friends easly, not that I’m looking for em. Are you a humble soul or blusteringly proud? I think I’m a humble soul...kinda What habits do you find most annoying in friends? The same things I find annoying in everyone else: ignorance, straitlaced..ness, and unwillingness to do what must be done. What are your most annoying habits? I don’t find my habit’s annoying, but I guess the drinking and smoking. Is there any race, creed, alignment, religion, class, profession, political viewpoint, or the like against which you are strongly prejudiced, and why? Naw, I hate everyone equally What is your favourite food? FC pizza of course What is your favourite drink? Chen mixes this stuff for me, “A mix of herbs, metaphoric and metonymic ingredients – good for luck†It tastes awful, but hey, if it’s lucky. What is your favourite treat (desert)? …Jack Daniels Do you favour a particular cuisine? cheap Do you savor the tastes when eating or "wolf down" your food? I “savor†as much as I can stomach Do you like food mild or heavily spiced? Whatever the street vendors put in it it’s fine with me. Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? I once had to eat a rat when there was nothing else, I can stomach just about anything, except expensive food, always spoils my appetite. What are your favourite colour(s)? Kinda like that Khaki tan colour Is there any colour that you dislike? Never realy though about it, no Do you have a favourite (or hated) song, type of music, or instrument? I love the blues and Jazz, even that new techno version stuff. [think the Seatbelts, Mai Yamane, Eric Clapton, R.L. Burnside, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy] If you have a favourite scent, what is it? Alcohol What is your favourite type of animal? I like my dog blue, guess that’s good enough. Are you allergic to any kinds of animals? no, but bull's excriment can get me going Is there anything that enrages you? Crime gets me pretty steamed Is there anything which embarrasses you? Screwing up. Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? I enjoy getting by. Do you have a patron deity? I don’t discriminate. Are you devout or impious? I think, respect, is more the word Do you actively worship and proselytize or do you simply pay lip service? Again I respect their power, just don’t pray myself. What lengths would you go to defend your faith? Defending your faith is what started the crusaides Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special? Mary tried her hardest, but I just could by the whole praying thing, after all, what did they ever do for me? Do you belong to a dominant church, or an independent church, cult, or sect (and is the group accepted, frowned upon, or considered heretics)? Catholic is as close to a church as I got and that still kinda freaked me out. Will you kill? If I have to. When did you decide (or learn) that you would? On the police force they teach you how to hold a gun, how to aim, how to shoot, they even have councelers and psychiatrists to help you deal with the fact of killing. But it truth nothing prepares you for it. Mary always taught that killing someone was a major sin, and that you’d go straight to hell. Well since then I’ve learned about daemons and magic, but I still don’t know where I’m goin after this world. When I was a rooky, bob and I were called to an assignment. A 64g in progress. That’s armed robbery with a gun. Me and bob pull up outside. The perp sees us though the glass of the convenience store, he’s just a kid, you know, just a confused kid, not that different from myself at the time. Well he makes his first mistake right off, takes a couple pot-shots at us. We immediately call in a 34s and 901y, that’s shots fired and possible need for an ambulance and bob follows procedures and tries to clear the area of civilians. Well me being the idiot I was back then I thought I would risk entering the store. Call me crazy, but I felt like I could talk to the kid, ya know, make him see the error of his ways. So I enter the store, keeping low, while Bob’s distracted. The kid is huddled in the back of the store; he’s got the shop keep at gun point in front of him. He’s scared. I’m scared. I tell him it’s gonna be okay and that I was there to help. Bob’s behind me at this point telling me to get down and to wait for back up, I ignore him. Then the kind starts talking about his mother and how he needs the money to keep his home. I tell him that we’re gonna help him at that he has to put down the gun. Then the girl walks out of the bathroom. I see what’s gonna happen, I don’t want it too, but it was gonna happen anyway. The kid’s startled and turns the gun on her, he squeezes the trigger. Bang! I look down at the smoking gun in my hand. I didn’t know how it got there or why. But when I look up at the kid and he’s pointing his gun straight at me. I see his eyes, and there full of fear, and anger. Bang! Bang! They say I saved the shop keep and that girl. I don’t know about that. They say I’m lucky to be alive. I don’t know about that either. But I do remember. I remember the kid’s eyes when he looked at me. I remember the look on his mothers face when I told her I was the one who shot him. And I remember that the kid never did pull the trigger. If there is a heaven and hell, I think I know where I’m goin… I haven’t told anyone that, besides bob, since I filed the report. I need a drink. When do you consider it okay to kill (under what circumstances)? It’s never okay to kill. But I’ve done it before, more than once, and I can do it again. When do you consider it wrong to kill (under what circumstances)? You have to take every case as it comes. Sometimes it calls for it, most of the time it doesn’t. What would you do if someone else attempted to (or successfully did) kill under your "wrong" circumstances, what would be your reaction? If it were my mission, I’d bring him in. If not, I’d leave it to the police, there’s too much death in the world to try to hunt down every bad guy. What if it were your enemy? Oh-hoh! Suckers goin down! Hard. What if it were your friend? He probably wouldn’t be my friend anymore, and I’d still bring him in. What if the opponent were not in control of their own actions (under duress, charmed, dominated, possessed)? I’d say, murder is intent; I’d bring in the guy responsible. What would you do if something were stolen from you? … I’d get it back What would you do if you were badly insulted publicly? So what else is new? Acknowledge your flaws its how you deal with them. What would you do if a good friend or relative were killed by means other than natural death? Then it would immediately become my case. And I don’t give up on cases. What is the one task you would absolutely refuse to do? Can you give me an example? Murders probably out. What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? I’ve seen some bad stuff, but the worst? Murder, or letting someone get murdered without doin nothing. How do you feel about government (rulers) in general? Why do you feel that way? Do you mean the corrupt bureaucrats on Capitol Hill, the greedy businessmen downtown, or the pushy supers? They’re all the same, I’ve known enough to know. Do you support the current government of your homeland? Again, I’m confused. Do you mean the bureaucratic quagmire or the monopolising businesses? If so, how far are you willing to go to defend the government? If not, do you actively oppose it? As far as I’m concerned they can do their thing and I’ll do mine, and they should prey we never meet. What form of government do you believe is the best (democracy, monarchy, anarchy, aristocratic rule, oligarchy, matriarchy) and why? Churchill said it best: “democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.†Do you have any unusual habits or dominant personality traits that are evident to others? Besides the whole Hardboiled theme? Well, there’s the luck thing too. If so, describe them and how you acquired them, as well as when they might be more noticeable and what causes them. I liked hardboiled detectives when I was a kid, so I use those traits now. Fedora, loose tie, trench, and snarky attitude. The lucky thing? I think I may have inherited that little quirk from my father or maybe just experience. Either way it makes me feel better. Do you have any unusual or nervous mannerisms, such as when talking, thinking, afraid, under stress, or when embarrassed? I always try to play it cool, but I get a little punchy under stress. What is your most treasured possession? Besides Blue, My hat. It’s actually the only thing my Dad left me, call it my inheritance. If your life were to end in 24 hours, what 5 things would you do in those remaining hours? Find Roberts killer, if I have to burn this city to the ground to do it. Find an owner for blue Get drunk Fall in love Try to live In that order… Career & Training Where and how were you educated? On the street, harshly, and in the academy, not as harshly. Who trained you in your adventuring class(es)? You mean who trained me to be a police officer? The FCPD police force, best force on the planet. But most of the important stuff I learned myself or from Bob. What was your relationship with your teacher(s)/mentor(s)? I ain’t goin into that again… Is this person or institution still in existence? While the FCPD seems like it isn’t in existance, yea it is. Though it took a hit when I, and bob, left. Were you a prize student or did you just barely pass? I was hot stuff on the force, nothing could touch me. Except for Bob, who often showed me what an idiot I was being. Look at your skills. How did you acquire them (especially the unusual ones)? Study mostly. Hey I passed the detective’s exam with flying colours. Have you ever done anything else for a living? No How do you function in combat (manoeuvres, weaknesses)? I analyse the situation first, then act. You gotta know how to hit something before you try to hit it. Have you ever received any awards or honours? Just the gratitude from the people I help and the scars that mark experience. Is there anything that you don't currently know how to do that you wish you could? The whole computer thing kinda escapes me, I still use files. Are you envious of others who can do such things in a good-natured way or are you sullen and morose about it? Hey, to each their own. Let’s see em solve crimes. The Combo was packing up their instruments and putting everything away. Tony made an announcement to the whole bar that it was time to close up for the night. “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.†“Come on Dashel We gotta go.†Felise said finishing her drink and placing it amoung the dosens that Dashel managed to put away. “Love too, but alas, my legs seem opposed to the idea.†Dashel murmured as he tried to stand, but couldn’t Luckily Tony provided a helping hand, throwing him into the street, and wishing Ms. Belleview a good night. “Don’t mind him, dear.†He said. “Dashel’s a good man that’s lived a hard life, now if HE’D ONLY PAY HIS TAB!†“Yea Tony, I’m starting to see that.†Felise said as she helped dashel up and put him into the Van. “That was way more than an hour.†Fred said not without a bit of incredulity. “Just take us back Fred, now, I got a few more Dashel, if you’re willing.†Dashel looked up from his semi comatose state, “Go ahead, what else is there to do?†Lifestyle & Hobbies When not adventuring, what is your normal daily routine? Sleep, brood, drink, repeat. Interlaced with smoke. Probably starting with drinking. How do you feel and react when this routine is interrupted for some reason? Ecstatic, cept when it’s trouble, and it’s always trouble. What are your hobbies when you are not adventuring or training? I collect lucky oddities and empty bottles. Every little bit helps. What do you do for relaxation? What things do you do for enjoyment? What interests do you have? I like blues and Jazz, and I often spend my nights at “Hot licks†but the bartender is starting to come down on me about the tab. How do you normally dress when not in your adventuring gear? Adventure gear? I’ve got, like two sets of clothes. What do you normally wear in bed at home? Wana find out? Guess not. T shirt and shorts. What do you normally wear in bed while adventuring? …Like on the street? Whatever I’m wearing. Do you wear any identifiable jewellery? I have a collection of lucky talismans around my neck, I keep a Four leaf clover in the lining of my hat, my Zippo has got a four leaf clover on it, and I smoke hand rolled cigarettes I get from Chen. Where do you normally put your weapons, magic items, or other valuables when you are sleeping? When I don’t fall asleep at my desk, I keep my gun under my pillow. The rest of it by the door What morning or evening routines do you normally have? It all kinda blurs together. Do these change when you are adventuring? What? No. Travel: how do you get around locally? I walk. Otherwise I call a cab or take a train. If I’m lucky I get Raphael, best cabbie in town. Do you have a Last Will and Testament? What, so I can pass on my debt? Let em tax my grave What does it say? Go screw yourself The Van pulled up to Dashel’s Apartment. Felise helped Dashel out of the Van. The early morning rays spilled over the horizon like a blanket of honey. The sparkling city highlighted in a thousand twinkling refractions. “It’s okay Felise, I can take it from here.†Dashel said as he tried to stand on his own, almost falling over till Felise caught him again. “No I still have a few more questions†“Holly Krap Felise! More?†“Just a few, I’ll help you up the steps†Miscellaneous What would you like to be remembered for after your death? Just that I was a man who did his job well. It’s all anyone can ask. What kind of threat do you present to the public? Minimal If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? There’s my police badge, it saved my life by taking a bullet when Bob was killed. It has my old badge number on it. Felise turns to address some ...other. Perhaps a figment of liquor As a player, if you could, what advice would you give your character? Speak as if he/she were sitting right here in front of you. Use proper tone so they might heed your advice... What? Who you talkin to? [if I were to talk to Dashel I would say: “The death of your father, your mother running out on you, and the death of Robert are not your fault, you have to let them go.†He wouldn’t listen, but at least I could try.] [PS] Felise helped Dashel up the stars to his apartment. He couldn’t realy see straight and he had a hard time opening the door when he got there. He turned around and got real close to felise, leaning himself against the door jam. “Well goodnight Ms. Belleview†“Good night Dashel, and like I said the piece probably won’t run on Sunday.†Dashel gave a wry smile. “With my luck, probably not.†Felise smiled, then paused, and looked questioningly at Dashel’s smiling face. “Hey Felise†“Yea†“So can I redeem that favour†Dashel gave a wide smile. “Right now?†Felise smiled back, placed her hand softly aside Dashel’s face. She drew him in close, so that her perfume was overpowering and he could taste the alcohol on her breath. Their lips almost touched as the flickering light of the hall lamp softly illuminated her twinkling eyes. Then she shoved his face until he toppled head over heels into his apartment. And then, slammed the door on him. Blue looked up from his nap to stare Dashel in the eye. “What are you looking at?†Blue yawned and went back to sleep
WhiteDrag0n-24 Posted October 22, 2008 Author Posted October 22, 2008 Dashel reached into the front pocket of his coat and pulled out a buisness card. Here's my Card: [if you want to hire dashel for a job PM me and Post in Southside, thats where his office is.]
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