The Misadventures of Ashinet

[Product of Void]

With a tavern full of noise one small character sits by herself, drinking an ale while warming herself by the fire. If anyone payed her some mind they might realize thoughts were dancing as quickly as the fire in her eyes. Reflections can often show what another sees but only when you notice the are looking far away, past the here and into their past.


Ashinet was far from home a place she remembers the comforts and longs for yet the same memories of restraints keep her here. Her armor laid by her side in an attempt to dry them off, full of dents and cuts. Most adventures would speak of the glory each mark was from, or a grand adventures gained with them. Instead it was a reminder of close calls, and sound investments.


While most served some cause or sought glory in adventuring, she sought just a way to pay the tab. Life was pretty rough when your a stranger in a strange town. Even worse when the darn Too Talls children were bigger let alone stronger then you. Even if the gold brought along still existed covering the current gambling debt acquired, would be far from paid.




At first to attain coin the idea of doing odd jobs was attempted. Give a letter here, tell this person that, or give this ticking box to my friend kind of thing. Pretty safe work though paid poorly, also their were hazards with it. Bad breath a local smith who sought a few things from a relative gave a box of lead to carry it seemed. While she dragged it away, some laughter was heard.


She paid him back though, returning later with a nice dwarven ale. After taking a few good sips of it an “OOPS” was said dropping the mug on a rock pouring it onto the ground. Walking away it was either snort or a tear was heard. Ashinet was happy knowing the dwarf would have to work all day smelling ale he could not drink.


Such thoughts brought a smile to her face, seeing dinner only made it bigger. Being a typical hafling she had a few servings which seemed a good idea, until the tab came due. Emptying her coin pouch a bit short. With a cute smile along with fluttering of the eyes a request was made, “Perhaps I can sing for my supper? I can entertain pretty well”.


Not much later Ashinet was arms deep in soapy water working her debt off. Though the whole while cursing in hafling about her luck, the too talls, and anything else she could think of. When asked what was being said she did some playful alterations of the words into something of a complement.

[Product of Void]

Finally staying in a inn her luck has started to change. Though the inn keeper wanted his money up front. Something about not repeating last time. This also worked in her favor insuring she ate what she paid for not all that she could. Meaning still a little hungry but far from starving along with a few coins left.


If life was always so simple as a meal and a warm bed. Such thing cost coin, something hard to find and easy to spend. Though that Dwarven lass Ruby did give a nice sum for helping allowing a few days comfort.


Earning coin had been easier to do until that Too Tall quit buying goblin ears. Another dwarf had made that job easier as well a good fellow to fight along side. At first Ashinet had used a cheap blade she bought called a kurki though it seemed more of an apprentice mess up then a weapon. Experience with dwarves has shown how handy an axe truly is. So acquiring a hand axe was only the next step in becoming a better adventurer.


Being shorter then almost everyone made dwarves more agreeable then other races at least they were not looking down on you. Most would ignore or comment on height even in jest like those two buffoons one of which mentioned a name of Artos. Hopefully there will come a day that he will look eye to eye after cutting him down to size.


Although most Too Talls were rarely of use, one did surprise her, Osclow. He might not have meant to get down to her level, perhaps he was just adding wood to the fire. But on his knee he was looking her in the eye and not down at here. Someone showing respect in words is one thing but actually getting down to there level and looking eye to eye was another.


He is an odd fellow seeking to burn an instrument, a flute. Then spoke of destiny, something Ashinet has never put any stock into. His attempt to destroy the item was an attempt to accept fate, an act to convince himself. Or at least how she saw it, and after such a gesture not something she was willing to happen.


It took a few good words, and a song to receive a smile from the downtrodden bard. Brandobaris would be pleased with how her words had charmed a new friend. With the last memory fading back to the bath at hand caused her to sit up and grin.


“THAT”S IT!!!”


Quickly she covered her mouth for shouting out loud grinning as the quiet returned. Its a simple concept, if the Too Talls will ignore her then they will say things they rather not hear repeated. Perhaps such things could be sold to others or for a small fee forgotten. There secrets could equal another source of gold and a bit more comfort in the world.


With that idea she leaned back in the bath drinking her ale very pleased.

[Product of Void]

A grin filled her face as she walked sundren her head high. Atlast a place to belong, people who listen, and high adventure. Yes some will probably die or have to be murdered. But those would be people who don't care about her.

All around she gets mocked, be littled, or ignored. If others treat her as she barely exist then their existance is only as important as it is useful.

Behind every fake smile or cheery fascade a new freind will be gained. Maybe an allie, or someone to help with an alibi if needed.

With time everyone will realise how resourceful she is, maybe even call on her for help. Luck has kept her breathing this long and every day she learns new tricks to just that.

*with a grin she checks the straps on her new boots.*

[Product of Void]

Another typical broke day for Ashinet, hung over with the cards leaving dust in the coin pouch. Quickest way to acquire more, kill a few goblins, always best to rob the dead. If you have to kill them then better to fight a goblin.

At least it seemed that way until knocked out only to awaken with no boots or helmet. Seems a goblin has a sense of humor, or knows an expensive pair of boots when they see it. Seemed the day went from bad to worse until another hin appeared named Hail, a skilled archer who helped get back to town.

With what coin was found before the forced nap, new equipment was bought. Still broke she thought of an old saying “better to give then receive”. To this it was time to share some bad luck and this other hin was more then willing to share in such an adventure.

What had started as a bad day turned out very well as another hin appeared dressed in dark clothes, and a bear. His help kept them all breathing as they fought a secret cache of undead. Finally a bounty was found, perhaps the coin had turned.

After parting ways to our own paths it was time to relax. Which means gamble for Ashinet, though nothing pans out as you plan. Dice turned to drinking meeting a shady fellow named Kay who is a sure source of trouble. Kay is much like the bard she once fell for, though being a too tall his cards already folded.

Chance meetings were further as a thayan once met before arrived drinking with an invite to join. Actually the words were more the lines of “if you follow I will not kill you”, from the rumors that is pretty warm. With chance meetings surprises occur like a source might have been found for pipe weed, though it is an odd tint. Unwilling to let the chance pass, the exchange was made with the idea of having another hin smoke it to see effects.

Tiring of smoke, dice, and ale was time to wander. Ale created fog lifted in time for something more puzzling a few gnomes at the fire. Perry and Pom amusing folk if not more then friends. Perry showed the trades of a bard, amusing all, until questions of wealth.

It seemed a too tall sought Pom’s advice on how to become wealthy. From the way he spoke seemed he needed the same advice. A solution was sought for all in a group hunt. Visions of it ran though Ashinets mind as she relaxed in the bath house. Not all gold has to be gambled, some is rather nice for other things.

A giggle escaped her lips as she lounged thinking of the hunt, “Pom Tree”. What odd folk, and a better turn of the coin.

[Product of Void]

Head trip

With a yawn a new day starts, perhaps one equally profitable as before. Not only did Ashinet feel better today, but also felt more confident in the life of adventure. A few bounties had filled her coin pouch, even seemed her prowess had affected the new goblin chief into hiding from her.

Such confidence leads her to try her hand at sewer patrol. Seemed easy enough kill a few rats, slay a few bats collect a reward. Though the lizards down there were scary. She had done well against one or two, with luck.

Luck had seemed shining this day even a few other fools seemed ready to try the same job. Ashinet did not enjoy the comments of the large tin can with a wench inside. The brute called her a HIM, even said "for a small male you are rather talented in battle".

Filled with enough rage to kill the metal moron Ashinet left them hopefully to their demise. Though in the process got hopelessly lost. A fact that became bluntly noted as an arrow struck her shield.

It was a blur of fighting, running, and trying to figure were she was at. Then an interesting fact was found out, Lizards have poor eye sight. She tried not to laugh as she snuck past them all.

With an exit in sight, the Scaly beast far behind laughter did escape her lips until she saw a large dog like creature. As the distance between lessened, Ashinet realized it was a large stinking rat. A thought of "I wonder what it ate", quickly was dismissed as it lunged forward.

Not fast enough it, a new attachment was on her arm. Screaming in rage and fear she began beating the rat with a dagger until it let go. Fear and anger kept her stabbing it until it was pass dead.

Panting a quick view of the wound it was not deep, though it was time to leave. A few steps later she slipped into a puddle of questionable content. Confused Ashinet sought leave of the sewers.

Feeling light headed only worsened as she wandered town, thoughts of help went through her head. At the temple she purchased a few scrolls to cure sickness. Leaving the temple she started towards the exgo trade grounds to rest.

On the way she started hearing dogs chasing her, her sight got a bit blurry as well. An attempt to use the scroll bought caused a flash of pretty lights. Forgetting about the sound of dogs there seemed a nice place to lay down.

Ashinet has little idea of what happened next, a blur of visions and sensations. Attempts to speak only seemed to come out as babble. The world seemed surreal, colorful, confusing, yet not really important.

Reality returned in a choking fit as a bottle was removed from her mouth. It seemed someone finally gave her a potion to cure diseases. Letting it all set in something drew her attention.

"What is that smell?..."

The most horrible answer was given, even worse was true "You". Embarrassed and sick she thanked them for help then rushed to the bath house.

[Product of Void]

After a nice warm bath last thing you would expect a young lady to do is buy a bunch of garlic. Yet Ashinet was stuffing her pockets with them, even going so far as trying to chew one raw. After amusing the merchant she was told how garlic could be made into a tea.


Stinking away any men of interest an ale later removed the taste, letting her thought settle on the past. Were they friends, allies, or just people of use? Only two people caused such questions Grokk and Cybil.


Grokk was an orc or maybe a pig, either way a talented an fearsome warrior. With his help they flew though the goblin's cave like a tornado, leaving a trail of goblin corpses. Though a few dead goblin's went along as chew toys or lunch for Grokk. Due to his skill as a fighter, and disturbing eating habits Ashinet decided to do her best to stay on his good side.


Cybil on the other hand was a chance encounter of a profitable type. She pays handsomely for gems even had a beautiful necklace. Ashinet toys with her new trinket as she thinks about it.


Both of them lead to other things of interest. After their adventure together the next time Ashinet saw Grokk was at the exgo fire. Seemed a man in armor was gather folk to fight the lizards of Sundren. He seemed familiar the voice gave the Tin man away as a Too Tall who insulted her earlier. Seeing no invitation was given, some advice was to not go charging to their deaths.


Ignored as usual the men readied themselves for a mission only they could achieve. Two of them almost hugged as they found both were Paladin's in the service of the same deity. Ashinet was almost happy to see them leave, though hoped she would be wrong that at least Grokk would survive. He was useful after all.


Another of use was Cybil she bought gems that served no purpose at a decent price. It was a great arrangement even discussed the prices or gems required to enchant items. A conversation cut short by an elven male arriving, who was soon introduced as Ru'um the soon to be husband.


While the two love birds talked Ashinet could only stare, smiling thinking of she had once fallen for a scamp way back home. The daydream was quickly burst with the door opened by a attractive man. He seemed to be focused only on the teller who called him “Kenneth”. Patience was not the man's strong suit as he thumped the counter waiting for the teller to give him a large sack of coins.


Good looking, Rich, though a little too tall still someone who might shower a woman with things she wanted in hopes of gaining her favor. Ashinet tried a few playful words only to be ignored, until a coin dropped before her. Like a cat the man had stomped the coin before it made much of a sound. This time her charming words were answered with glowing eyes, and a few chilling words.


Cold, it still felt cold after the rest of the mad rush to catch this bank robber. He might be a vampire it was said, and only some odd beast could live on that frozen chunk of stone up were the journey ended. Luck had allowed her to retreat as the love birds fought the beast by the gate. Same luck that kept her head to her shoulders when the barkeep lifted a battle ax to her threat of making him a unic.


The whole thing confused her, causing her to stew away in the bath house instead of relax. If a vampire lives so long why would it need gold except to buy something? Yet what did it buy and were? If it kidnaps children would it mistake a hin as such? My weapons can not harm the beast by its gates what chance would I have?


With a bit of the chill gone, Ashinet headed to the nearest temple bothering the priest who would listen. Finally one told her garlic is the easiest way to fend off vampires, so she quested to acquire a few.


Long since drank her ale a clearing of a throat awoke her from her thoughts. Seemed he wanted her to leave more gold or naught explaining it all with two words “ye stink!”.


“Thank ye!” was all Ashinet could say as she left. Pondering if eating garlic is as good as drinking it or drinking the tea. With a shrug she decided best to carry some on her and continue drinking the tea in hopes to keep a vampire at bay.

[Product of Void]

After selling many gems, it was time to test out a new weapon. Ashinet had purchased a sling that never rain out of stones. Now to hunt a mug of ale that never ran out, or a bag of gold.

As advertised it never ran out of stones, though a sling hardly helps when rushed by a goblin or two. In the mix dagger drawn a voice is heard, "You need to put more strength behind your strikes". The fool was in luck the goblins were keeping her busy else she would have seen what muscle her strikes would rend on him.

Two corpses later it was time to face the big metal moron. Typical blunt question,” are ye here to mock me?” The Shining dimwit went on to assure her he was not. What words were traded next is hard to say as Ashinet had to hide her grin as the fellow obviously got them wrong.

After donning his cape he was ready to parlay with the folks who had acquired a shipment Ashinet wanted to return. Before walking into his death he figured the folk were actually cut throat thieves who only understand steel.

It seemed this chance encounter worked to her favor gaining the goods, only to be near murderous rage at the merchant. He offered only a discount on goods that hold no interest, some day perhaps barter for his life might be more profitable.

After it all the fellow seemed to wish to trade names seems he goes by Perciles. He must have noticed Ashinet's anger offering a walk to cool off. Or saw something shiny, once by the gate he seemed a child with candy at the sight of training dummies.

Sighing Ashinet watched him instruct her how to fight, all of it impractical or impossible for a hin. She traded him for equally worthless techniques that only a hin would use. The problems were simple, "when ye weigh half as most, or hardly as strong ye canna use more strength, nor put more weight into blows....it donna exist". Though it seemed he did know about fighting defensively a tactic long learned by her father.

That one word was enough to want her far from here, or that fellow. Time for ale to forget or a game of dice. Before parting Perciles was happy to have met her figuring it was good to fight besides her, and apologizing for underestimating her.

"I see us as never trading blades, so I am not worried".

Such words gave her a grin at the bar latter. Aye she was no threat yet to much except goblins, though a list is always handy. In time he might eat those words, less he can keep his tongue and stay useful.

[Product of Void]

Comfortably sitting in her room Ashinet looks over the books she has found then comparing them to her gems. After noting what she has an what is needed, a sigh escapes her lips followed by the click of a lock.

"The coin has fallen in me favor, though still more on the table to win, even more to risk...."

Thayan's were nice enough to allow her to rent there, something about gold is gold or cross us and die. Which for them is a pretty warm invitation, plus if something was pilfered it would probably end in death or undeath, a good reason to behave.

Ashinets motto did get a few laughs with the guards though, "Me only steal from the dead....em donna complain". Either they were just trying to get her to move or actually found it comical did not matter. She was safe and tolerated, as were her gems.

Gold has always been more intresting easy to gamble an buy things, gems were typically only intresting if in jewlery. Until Ashinet met Cybil who up until recently seemed to be a walking sack of gold. She lead to a simple trade gems for gold, until these books an wizardly enchantments became known. Nows more a selective trade but still very proftiable.

Twice Cybil has been seen in battle once helping finish a few jobs, another fighting big wolves in the frozen north. Both proved she is not one to cross due to her abilities in a fight, and it would cut off a good source of gold. Though to get the enchanments listed in these books the gold might flow the other way.

" *sigh*, coin turns both ways though if'n stays the part might not be a loss of jingle when time comes to turn again."

A slow smile came to Ashinet's face as she pondered past hunts to aquire gold. A more amusing one had an orc Mogzul turn into a chicken, then a horse to aid in everyones travel. Horse riding has never something she looked forward to being so far from the ground. Though the idea of riding an orc-horse was a rare occassion not to be missed.

[Product of Void]

A grinning Hin enters the bar a sack over her shoulder, and a few coins between her fingers. Finding a table with a few farmers she sits down, with a motion for a pint of ale. Confused stares at the rude stranger are answered with a laugh following a few words.

“Well met Gents. Tis an intrst’n day me have’n”

Few scoffs along with stories of dead harvest, or thrown shoes leads to a slow smile.

“Nay Nay me be’n fight’n doggies dem gobbies had.”

Laughter was had by those around the table, doubts of a hin would fare against goblins let alone wolves urged the tale to be told.

“oh? Ye doubt me eh? Well twas in a cave once hide’n from lizards when me garlic saved me life one sniff an it sneezed run’n off.”.

*more laughter*

“ye still doubt me eh? Twas dogs me tell ye called em urlaz or some such an sick’d em on me. Killed dere keeper an threw em to the bunch of archers”.

Still doubtful, though enjoying the story the farmers questioned holes in the tale, drinking and laughing. Finally one farmer spoke up ,”I bet ye never seen a wolf let alone know how to swing a sword with them little arms”.

“Pay me tab if’n ye wrong? An ye friends here?”

Confident at an impossible tale, and even more unlikely she could prove anything of it he agreed. The smile faded when she took the sack from her side and put it on the table showing the slain wolf’s head for all to see.

Ashinet heard grumbles as she left the table nodding to the barkeep informing him of debt to be paid. A large grin on her face as she left hearing a few comments.

“best con I seen in awhile” by one fellow.

Though the louder one got her moving, laughing the whole way.

“FIFTY GOLD?!!”

[Product of Void]

Covered in soot yet grinning ear to ear Ashinet has returned to town. Some odd jabber about special hiding training she has been putting herself through just confused folk. Almost as confusing as when she bought as much water as she could carry.

Still smiling she though of what she saw recently an hin who could hide so well he would disappear before her eyes. He was an odd fellow disgusting or delusional yet unquestionably talented. Logan sought her out seeking to be charming it seemed.

Her typical eye batting and sweetness hiding her distaste in hopes of gaining something from the meeting. Was a hard charade when Logan did the unthinkable chewing instead of smoking pipe weed. Best way to discribe the sight would be a drooling cow who ate dirt.

Another thing she gathered from the meeting is that Logan dislikes the too talls. Something Ashinet can relate too, Too Talls are either "useful" or "use less". His actions might be questionable, but his noticable talents with a blade are not.

With no threats, or any hostile actions on his part, it was clear this was not a fellow to cross. Even more important her hiding skills were far from on par with this fellow. So it was time for speical training.

"If'n me can hide from beast of light in caverns with lights an shadow.... Me can hide from anyone."

[Product of Void]

Special training was getting her closer to her goal also making her sure of her abilties. Something never good, a hin who thinks themself on par with the rest of the world, usually is a dead hin.

After fighting so many elementals that her armor became little more then charred leather it was time to purchase some new leathers. Much to Ashinet's suprise it seemed the merchant did not have her favorite armor on sale, so she settled for a lesser suit.

Annoyed, and tired but not ready to sleep the campfire was always an intresting place to visit. If nothing else making Cybil jump, or listen to Alcander yabber in elven, are entertianing.

With a slight chuckle "perhaps someday me let em know me know elf tongue".

Today was special though she had aquired the means to almost complete a new dagger. After meeting a vampire, and running away from a few zombies. Aquiring means to harm such things was a goal. Final Rest, it was named by Peridan , the name of the dwarf who crafted it was forgotten though.

Ashinet completely ignored the converstation at the fire to marvel at her new blade. Fine silver, imbued with fire, and holy which confused her but long as it hurt undead who cares. Just need one gem, along with a dragons hoard of gold to finish the last enchantment.

One word "Hunt" drew her back to those around, after a few words the idea of ogre hunting was agreed upon. A blade in each hand, ogres fell fast for the group. Then it happened, the group seperated from her racing ahead only to be blocked by two brutes.

Understanding she was over her head came to late, many near death blows lead to a sloppy retreat. Attempting to run only ended with a club to the chest. Ashinet tried to get to her knees, choking for air, ended with the world turning to darkness.

[Product of Void]

Being left for dead with the words "Me wack little squishy...where squishy now?". Seemed a little better then the the bad turn of the coin over the few days.

Excited for a chance to win the bard contest ashinet hurried to the theatre to perform. Due to someone attacking Dram an her with an elemental, she almost forgot about the whole thing. Though upon signing up then rushing to back stage she noticed what was forgotten a lute.

Osclow was nice enough to loan one to her, though her nerves were still a bit shaken. A few tugs on her flask helped put her nerves at bay. Emptying the bottle lead to her awaking in a pile of props in the back long past the contest never have taken her chance.

Down, though far from out a return to the fire helped cheer her up. Though a shout of "BOO" got her standing, a little to quick. Dram had taken her favorite prank an used on her. A good sight to see, though someone else seemed to have taken in spying on Ashinet.

A voice heard but unseen, was tempting her to enter a tavern then go cuddle some hin. With the words followed a gesture of an arm around her waist. Not taking kindly to being told what to do, or being manhandled by unseen strangers she jumped back requesting to see the person.

Logan, the hin who impressed her with his hiding abilities, then confused her with chewing pipeweed. To her he was insane, yet dangerous, maybe useful, and now seemed taken with her.

After he fled it seemed safe, until the hunt to begin on Cartel was halted with words of advice. It seemed an ally ofe the Cartel might seek harm if the group continued their trek. Leading to a new assualt, Logan wrapping his arm around her. Pleading eyes for help to Cirion were ignored as she and logan left for sundren taverns.

For this she swore some day she would either wound Cirion, or sell him to a very strong and ugly orc female.

[Product of Void]

A typical night of rolling bones at Jimmy's, with stags piling up. Gambling was never a matter of the win or the loose to Ashinet just hearing the cheer of the crowd or sound of coins hitting the table. Though tonight she was letting the glitter get to her, few more wins an she could afford enchanting her blade further.

Not everyone loves a winner, nor was her grin shared by all when she left with the sack of coins. Greeted by the moon her gaming had lasted longer then expected, and more then her shadow followed her path.

New stars were found as she approached the last alleyway near the temple, a rough hand tossing her like a rag doll. She tried to reason with them, ask why, or even put up a fight. Jeers, and pain the only response a beating like none she had known.

"Stupid hin"

"No one will miss ye"

"ya adventures think ya so great"

"Greedy pint sized dog, time to share ya coin an then some".

She might have been deflowered, or killed if not for a guard chasing the men off, leaving her naked, bloody, and bruised. Her last vision a guards boot with some echo of a voice.

"ye not give'n up now?"

A voice so familiar she awoke almost addressing them. Was she being haunted by someone she left behind had they passed? Shaking her head to clear it of such thoughts she then looked around. A room with two beds the other a solider with many wounds.

Using her sheet as a make shift robe she walked around the room looking things over. It seemed the other fellow had little time left to live his gear hinting at many wounds. With a sigh Ashinet broke one of her rules and took the man's broken sword and torn chain mail.

Running from the temple was easy, flood of memories not so much. Her father had taught her much of fighting all of which she did half-heartedly. Perhaps that is why so many other hins were so much stronger. Struggling against images of the past she cut through a few goblins in order to gain enough coin for a meal and such.

Eating a small meal by hin standards, she rushed back to training. Running up hills with buckets of rocks, every time she stopped memories or worry started to creep in. So her teeth clenched, a growl escaped an she pushed harder, the more she tried the easier it was to hide.

Eventually she had to rest, sleep, eat, or just stop to catch her breath. It was then a new sensation was felt, being watched. Though there was no ill will, more of it felt like a friend, yet she could not see them. Unwilling to ponder it further then friend or foe, she pushed on.

[Product of Void]

//notes for future story.

retraining, rethinking, pondering alcander's death.