Role

Chapter 5

Hacking and slashing about the elven forest of Arendyl quickly became one
of Vokrem's favorite pass-times. After a long day of pillaging the frail
and helpless elves of the Vale, Vokrem decided it was time for an Ale at
The Inn.

Standing slack-jawed at the doorway, Vokrem looked around at the crowd
crammed into The Inn, unlike anything he had seen before. Elves,
Half-Elves, Dwarves, Half-Drows (including who people had told Vokrem was
"The Emperor of Thera"), and a load of zombies, golems, and ghouls. Even
The Prince of Fools, Raltevio decided to show.

This certainly was no typical preceding. Vok had found himself upon The
Correnation of Gaspare, the new Emperor of Thera. Vokrem was hesitant to
take part of such fancy affairs, with such odd people, but was coaxed in
by the smell of all sorts of gourmet offerings.

Caecilius, the Shadow Lord, seemed to be the official operator of the
event, and kicked it off with a speech. Having no clue what the man was
talking about, Vokrem's eyes glazed over as the words passed from one ear
to the next. Next, Caecilius lead everyone to the corner where there were
3 statues and one painting to honor the new Emperor.

Knodeet, the sculpter went on and on in great detail about each of the
three sculptures he had carved to honor the new Emperor. With each
passing word Vokrem's eye began to droop more and more with boredom. He
was sure this was all very important, but the symbolism was quite over
his head so Vok decided it would be best to fake it.

Squinting his eyes and nodding thoughtfully with each passing verse of
description, Vok politely pretended to understand and appreciate this
high-art he was being exposed to. When the showing of the sculptures was
complete, the party moved back to the bar for drinks and the presenting
of a 13 course meal by Pudgan to honor Gaspare.

Course after course, culinary horror-shows were appearing from the back
room for the Emperor's "enjoyment." Passable for Vokrem, these dishes
were well beyond what most Therans would have considered edible. This was
great news for Vokrem, as it gave him chance to be noticed for his great
talents.

The Emperor was looking for a taste tester for these horrific dishes.
Wanting to please The Emperor, nearly everyone volunteered. Knowing the
true talents that lie with an Orc, Gaspare chose Vokrem.

Dish after dish, Gaspare grinned at the evil sense of the meals, but
declined to actually consume most of them, passing them off to who-ever
was willing, and to Vokrem for those which had no volunteer. The faces of
the party goers turned to obvious disgust as Vokrem gobbled down a bowl
of Elf "oysters."

When the party was over the Emperor thanked Vok for his help in
consuming, and showed his thanks by giving Vokrem a Mace of Water.

This strange party seemed to have been worth it after all.