We All Have Roles to Play
WANTED - New player for regular game of Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition (with an eye towards switching to 3rd Edition when it's available.) We meet in classroom 39-D in the English department every Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Experience preferred, but not a necessity. Sense of humor required. Email [email protected]
John & Sebastian looked at the laser-printed sign they'd cobbled together and tacked to bulletin boards in the campus bookstore, the student center, the cafeteria, and the local gaming store. They nodded, pleased with their efforts. Several of the little tags with the email address printed on it had been pulled from the bottom of the sign, and this seemed to portend a coming flood of new potential players.
"It'll be fun to have new blood," John said, folding his wooly arms. As the Dungeon Master, John relished new players. If they were good, they breathed new life into a game. If they were bad ones, they caused the old players to become tighter against the "invader." He looked forward to the challenge of adapting to new circumstances. He sometimes had to butt heads with a problem player, but, as he was a ram, that usually came out worse for the player.
Sebastian, however, had other opinions. "It's a real shame Larry had to drop out," he said, with a sigh. Larry was a puma that Sebastian had liked a lot. Together, John, Larry, and Sebastian had started the little gaming group. Denise and Cosby had both joined later on. Now, Larry was graduating and going home to Pawston, so they were being bereft one of the founding members of the group.
Sebastian had also had something of a crush on Larry, although the puma had been obviously straight, dating two girls over the course of his academic career. The chubby rabbit had been drawn to Larry by his good looks, his easy grin, and his affinity for always wearing rather tight athletic shorts. Larry had definitely been cruising through college on a football degree, but he had also been a role-player. It was a rare combination, but it had definitely awoken something in Sebastian's heart. Or, at least, in his crotch.
"Have you had any emails yet?" Sebastian asked, pulling himself out of his own reverie.
John shook his head. "Not yet. But we just put it up, really. I'm sure we'll hear from someone soon."
The next Wednesday, John gave Sebastian, Denise, and Cosby a status report. "Well, we got two nibbles. One guy is a total munchkin, though, and the other guy's new to role-playing. I'm inclined to go with the totally new guy. Better we get to instill all our bad habits on him than take someone else's bad habits."
"I don't get it," Cosby said. The bat was somewhat new to role-playing games himself, though he had gotten into the swing of things pretty well. "What's a munchkin?"
Denise, who was an old hand at gaming, grimaced. "Munchkin means he'll try to grab as much power as possible, all the while denying it," said the pretty wolf. "He'll try to get every advantage, bend every rule in his favor. It's not Alex Rogers, is it, John?"
The ram chuckled. "You know him?"
Denise groaned. "He's a jerk. He was in the game I quit before joining this one. He's a mega-munchkin. Did he ask you if he could play a dragon?"
John laughed. "Not yet. Though he did sound excited when I told him we'd probably need a fighter-type."
Sebastian laughed as Denise rolled her eyes. "He's probably going to ask to play an anti-paladin, then," the chubby bunny chuckled. "Who's the new guy?"
John smiled. "Name's Ricky McLaren. He's that kid who just transferred in from Australia."
Cosby nodded. "He's in my Western Civ class. Seems like a nice kid. Kind of quiet, though."
Sebastian giggled. "They're the ones you always have to watch out for." He sighed. "Well, I guess I don't mind someone who's new to the game. He coming tonight?"
John shook his head. "Wanted to make sure you guys were cool, first. Everyone good with this?" The other three all nodded. "Okay, I'll have him over and create his character with him. I'll try to guide him towards a fighter-type, since we need one, and they're generally the easiest to play for someone who's new. Now, let's get going. I want to finish this adventure before Ricky joins. As I recall, when we left off, the Champions of Throndash were about to enter the chamber of the black dragon, Saldemire. Brackish swamp muck seeps into your boots, chilling your flesh and making your fur stink. The bones of other adventurers stick up, here and there, from the shallow water..."
Sebastian closed his eyes, trying to envision his character, Varin Swiftpaw. Varin was a jackrabbit thief; he was quick, clever, and charismatic. He was also strong and enduring, but no warrior. If he had one failing, it was a low amount of common sense. Varin was not tall, but he was willow-whip thin and fast. He was acrobatic and nimble, all the things that Sebastian was not, and the rabbit was aware of it. He often chose to play a character that was partially or totally unlike himself. If he could not be something, at least he could play at being it. Just like Cosby, who was herbivorous in real life, would sometimes have his character tuck into a fat steak.
As Sebastian listened, John wove the tale of adventure, until Sebastian was gone and Varin, in his place, crept along the darkened dungeon corridors, a long knife in his paw.
* * *
On Monday morning, John and Sebastian met for breakfast. "So, I met Rick McLaren, yesterday," the ram said. "I think he's going to work out fine."
"Oh, yeah?" asked Sebastian as he ladled oatmeal into a bowl. "What's he playing?"
"A fighter, like we thought. He rolled really well for his stats, too, and he seemed pleased. I kind of went over the idea of the game with him, and he asked if we could maybe do a little lead-in scenario, so he gets the idea and doesn't feel awkward in front of the whole group. You wanna help?"
Sebastian grinned. "Tonight?"
"Yeah. I thought I could write up a little something and run just the pair of you on it, so that he knows someone when we start. You've been playing even longer than I have, so he could probably learn a lot from you. You up for it?"
"Sure," said Sebastian. "Hey, I'm always up for a game. Same place and time as always?"
"Yup. You bring the dice and the miniatures; I'll bring the pizza and the new player."
"Sounds good."
During the rest of breakfast, the conversation turned to other topics, and the pair parted with just a brief reminder to one another about the evening. Sebastian drifted through his classes, easily enough. Then he returned to his dorm room and got out his padded tackle-box full of miniatures. They were his pride and joy. Although he was not as agile as Varin, he liked to think he was as nimble when it came to manual dexterity. He had a large collection of tiny figures, each one representing a person or monster from the game. He looked over the figures, pride swelling as he examined the paint jobs he had done. He had custom-painted figures for each of the players, and he had them all carefully stored in his box. He was extremely proud of his figure of Varin, which he had painstakingly added even the tiniest of details to.
He picked up the figure of Sir Toris, Larry's paladin character. He missed Larry. The puma had been a good friend. He had listened patiently when Sebastian came out to the group. So...you're gay? he'd finally asked.
Sebastian had nodded. I'm gay. I like guys.
Larry had nodded and asked, simply, So, are you planning on leaving the group or somethin'?
Well...I don't want to, Sebastian had said, uncertainly.
Good, let's get playing then, Larry had said with that infectious grin. That simple, easy acceptance of the situation had made it so easy for others to accept him as well, and Sebastian had loved him for it. "Good night, Sir Toris," Sebastian said to the little figure. "Goodbye, Larry," he added. He didn't know anything about Ricky McLaren, but he didn't see how any player could be better than Larry.
When he got to the familiar confines of classroom 39-D, he found that he was the first to arrive. He signed out the room for six hours, figuring that would be enough time for anything John wanted to run. He set his big bag of dice on the table, claimed his spot at one end of the table, and waited. After only a few moments, John came in. "Heya, Basty."
"Johnny-boy," grinned the rabbit. "Hey, look. I've still got Larry's Sir Toris figure. Maybe I'll mail it to him, so he has something to remember us by."
"That'd be cool," said John with a nod. "I got a cheese pizza, since I don't know what Ricky will want. Got some soda, too." He looked over at the rabbit's box of figures. "Do you have...well, jeez...like, a figure of a canine fighter?"
"Hmmm...I have a wolf ranger with a sword. Think that'll do?"
John considered it. "It's good enough for now."
"But it isn't perfect?"
"Well, he's going to be fighting axe and shield, and he's kind of a Viking type."
"Oh, cool. Well, tell you what. He can use the ranger for now, and then, if it seems like he's gonna stay, we can go to Game Critter and pick up a new figure." Sebastian smiled. "He and I can pick it out, and I'll custom paint it for him."
John nods. "Cool. Hey, thanks for helping out, tonight. I probably could've just done it myself, but it'll be better to have another player helping, so that he gets used to interacting with other player characters, and not just my NPCs."
Sebastian grinned widely. "Are you kidding? I have a seriously ulterior motive. I only need 75 experience points to go up to 5th level." He handed his sheet over to John for inspection.
John examined it and nodded. "Well, I'm not going to make you guys jump through too many hoops, tonight, but I'm sure you'll get the points. Cool. 5th level is a big landmark for a rogue, isn't it?"
Sebastian nodded. "To hit chances, saving throws, and backstab damage all gets better, plus the usual level-up bonuses."
The two chatted for a few more minutes about the game, discussing adventures long past and interest in where the game would go in the future. Almost right on the dot of seven, the door opened, and a figure slipped into the room carrying an armful of books. "G'day, Jahn," said the figure.
"Hey, Ricky. Need a hand?"
"Nah...I'm fine." No sooner had the words left his mouth than he tripped, sending his books clattering to the floor and his papers sliding everywhere. He dropped down and started gathering up things. "Clumsy," he clucked at himself, ruefully.
John and Sebastian both got down and gathered the papers that had come closest to them. Sebastian gathered some papers, and, when they'd all stood up again, he handed it to Ricky, getting his first real look. McLaren was a little taller than he but very scrawny. Bright golden eyes peered out from behind thick glasses, and his clothes hung loosely on his bony frame. Sebastian realized from the sandy fur and somewhat blunt and blocky face that Ricky must be a dingo. "Thenk yeh," the newcomer said, smiling a shy, embarrassed smile. "Yeh must be Sebastian. I'm Ricky."
Sebastian grinned. "So I'd guessed. Nice to meet you, Ricky."
John sat at the end of the table where he'd set up his gaming screens. "Sebastian and I started this group together, way back when. He's an addict."
The rabbit snorted. "You should talk. How much do you spend at the Gaming Critter? Just, say, monthly."
The ram chuckled. "I'm sorry, but that's classified, gamemaster-only information." He turned to Ricky, who pulled a hand-written character sheet out of his pile. "Have you thought of a name for your character yet? I know you said you wanted to be kind of a Viking."
Ricky nodded. "Yeh. I found a couple of good names at in these library books." He patted the pile of books. "I grabbed 'em fer inspiration." He handed his character to John, who sat back, taking his serious "Dungeon Master" face. John inspected it, smiled at the name, and handed it back.
"I've got some character sheets I printed out on the laser printer, Ricky," said Sebastian. "I suppose a piece of paper is as good as anything else, but some players like to have it all laid out." He pulled a sheet out of his own bag and handed it to the dingo, who adjusted his glasses and peered at it.
"Ah...thenk yeh," he said, with a grateful smile. "So far, all I have is th' Player's Book and a set of dice. Picked 'em up at th' Game Critter place."
"Reminds me," muttered John, jotting a note. "We have to tell them to take down our sign. We've got our new player."
Sebastian smiled. "I've never known anyone from Australia, Ricky. I love your accent."
Ricky's ears flushed a little red, but he gave a grin. "I den't hev an eccent," he said. "Yeh hev an eccent." They all laughed at that.
John smiled. "Well, let's dig into the pizza, and then get into the game. I want to get you guys together and then back with the rest of the group on Wednesday. Now, let's see. Sebastian...or, rather, Varin, I seem to recall that the Champions of Throndash, having slain Saldemire, had retreated to the town of Dunkirk to lick their wounds, divide the booty, and relax before planning their next adventure."
"This is so," said Sebastian, inclining his head. "We had actually gotten rooms and divided the booty. I need to make contact with my...um...colleagues, in town, and I want to take that dagger we found to Grimmar the Sage to see if he knows anything about the design on the blade."
John nodded. "Well...as you are headed towards the sage's shop, you notice an odd-looking fellow. From his garb and looks, you'd guess him to be a canid of the Northmen. He's gawking like a tourist and looking all around him. There is a member of the Rat-Sneaks following him, no doubt preparing to pick his pocket..."
* * *
Varin sniffed. He had no particular reason to help a Northman, but the Rat-Sneaks were rivals to his own Thieves' Guild, the Shadowclaw. He approached the Northman, grinning widely. "Ho, friend," he called. "You look lost. Do you require assistance?"
The Northman canine looked down at him. "Thenk yeh...um..." He looked confused for a moment. It sounds silly t' talk like that, me bein' a big Northman Viking type and all, doesn't it?
Well, said the Rat-sneak with John's voice, you can alter your voice, if you want. Larry used to speak in thees and thous and a British accent, because his character was a cultured sort.
Okay, let me try thet. The Northman cleared his throat, then said, in a deeper voice. "Yes, thank you, friend," he said, gratefully. "I am but newly come to this city from far to the northwest, and I am quite lost. Can you recommend a good inn? I need a bed for the night."
Varin looked him up and down. Handsome, tall, and muscular, the canid was every inch a warrior. The Rat-Sneak hovered in the background, wondering how to react to this turn of events. Varin nodded. "Well, we are staying at an inn called the Thirsty Gryphon. I recommend it; the stew is excellent."
The big male nodded. "Again, I thank you. Might I impose upon you to show me the way?"
Varin smiled. "Most assuredly, friend. I am called Varin, by the way. Varin Swiftpaw, at your service." He bowed, slightly.
The canid returned the bow, uncertainly. "I am called Gunnar Volsungsen," he said, "of the Ironaxe Clan."
Varin nodded. "You are a warrior, clearly. Are you seeking adventure?"
Gunnar smiled. "My people are always seeking adventure, friend Varin."
Varin. "Hmmm. Well, the inn is this way. Shall we?" As the Northman lumbered past him, Varin thumbed his nose at the Rat-Sneak. The rat hissed and shook his fist in frustration, then scampered off.
Varin couldn't help but look Gunnar over as the big canid walked ahead a bit. He was handsome; there was no mistaking that. Varin grinned, mentally admitting that he did have a thing for big, muscular sorts. He had harbored a secret crush on Sir Toris, but the paladin's lofty, unassailable virtue had made it impossible to even consider approaching him about it. He couldn't help but admire the warrior's brawny body and his sheer animal magnetism. You rolled an 18 Strength and an 18 Charisma?
Dice jes' seemed t' be on me side, is all. Beginneh's luck, I figger.
"Are you also a seeker of adventure, friend Varin?" asked the big canid.
Varin's eyes flicked up to the dingo's face. "Oh! What? Oh, yes! Yes, I am. I belong to a company called the Champions of Throndash. Named for the town we were all born in." He grinned. "As it happens, the departure of our warrior companion, Sir Toris, leaves us somewhat short of brawn. Perhaps we might discuss some kind of mutually beneficial terms?"
Gunnar rubbed his chin. "Tis possible," he said, with a slight nod. "I am told I am a fairly competent warrior."
Suddenly, up ahead, Varin noticed a group of several ogres, including a big, hulking brute. You rarely saw ogres in the bigger, more civilized cities, but some towns on the frontier still traded with them. He thought little of it until he noticed the familiar looking Rat-Sneak speaking to the big fellow. "Uh...Gunnar?"
"Yes, friend Varin?"
"I think we're about to have trouble. You might get a chance to prove your statement."
The barbarian looked ahead. "What? Trouble? With who? That ogre over there? Why should he pick a fight with us?"
The Rat-Sneak dropped a couple of coins in the ogre's hand, and the big brute lifted his head, pointing the tip of his massive sword at Gunnar. "You," it roared. "You traitorous lout! You killed my clansmen!" the other ogres snarled their support.
Gunnar stopped short, and Varin bit his lip, keeping a close eye on the 'Sneak, who flitted towards a nearby alley. "I?" Gunnar said. "I have just come from the North, and I know nothing of your family. Why should you accuse me of these deeds?"
Varin sighed. Public dueling was still allowed in many cities of the frontier, as long as it was for an acceptable reason. The slaying of one's kin was a universally acceptable reason. Clearly the ogre had been hired to occupy Gunnar, but to what end? He decided to find out. Drawing his dark cloak around him, he stepped into the shadows at the lip of the alley the 'Sneak had stepped into and waited.
The ogre, meantime, was still roaring. "Northmen have been killing my people for centuries. Why should you be any different?" The townsfolk were muttering their approval. Northmen had raided many of the frontier cities, too, and, in any case, a public duel was free entertainment.
Gunnar lifted his chin, proudly. "I swear to you that my axe has drunk the blood of none of your kin, but, if you insist on pressing this ridiculous charge, it shall drink your blood and be glad of it."
Ooo! Good line, Ricky!
Thenk yeh. This is kinda fun.
The ogre roared and charged forward, and Gunnar unlimbered his shield and pulled his axe from his belt. The two circled one another, concentrating totally on the fight. Varin, meanwhile, peered around the corner, certain that the 'Sneak would be preparing whatever surprise he had planned at this juncture. Sure enough, there were now two 'Sneaks in the alley. The first one Varin had seen was rapidly rubbing the tip of a crossbow bolt with some kind of noxious fluid, and the new one was setting up a heavy crossbow on a crate, facing the fight. This would not do!
Silently, Varin drew his short sword from it's scabbard, holding it beneath his cloak. When the first 'Sneak he had followed took a step forward to observe the battle more clearly, Varin brought his sword up and plunged the tip through the fellow's ribs, slaying him instantly. The second 'Sneak looked up, perhaps about to ask for the bolt, and realized his comrade was dead. A second later, he realized he was not alone in the alley. He shrieked and drew his own dagger, but Varin lunged forward, slashing his blade across the villain's throat. He knelt down and cleaned off his sword on the first 'Sneak's cloak and took a moment to empty their pockets of coins. After inspecting the handful of gold coins and pocketing in, he looked down of the bodies. Two of them, slain like novices. "Amateurs," he said, with disgust, and then turned back to observe the fight.
The ogre and the Northman had taken each other's measures, circling, feinting, and occasionally trying to score a serious blow. They had nicked each other a few times, but neither one was badly wounded. The ogre, however, finally lunged in, only to have Gunnar strike the big sword away with his shield and drive his axe down on the ogre's shoulder. The creature shrieked, backing away a bit. The he came forward again, howling his fury and pain. Gunnar remained calm and sidestepped, then turned to face the beast. The villagers watched as charge after charge was neatly turned away by the big dingo. The warrior was clearly more than a match for his larger opponent, and it came as no surprise to anyone when Gunnar found an opening. As the ogre brought his sword down in a heavy overhanded swing, Gunnar dropped to one knee, caught the ogre's blade on his shield, and brought his axe up in an arc that bit open the creature's side. With a cry of mindless agony, it toppled, and Gunnar stood up. The other ogres grumbled menacingly, but everyone agreed that the ogre had challenged Gunnar, and the fight had been fought fair and square. They bore their fellow away, and Varin stepped from the dark alley.
"You're an excellent warrior," he said, grinning. "Only an experienced axe-handler could single-handedly defeat an ogre like that."
Gunnar shrugged. "He was clumsy. I won."
Varin clapped the dingo on his arm. "Come. Let's to the Thirsty Gryphon. I'll buy you a drink."
Gunnar grinned. "That suits me well. You think your company would like to have a warrior join their ranks?"
Varin nodded, grinning himself. "I'm sure we can work something out."
* * *
The rest of the group was happy to accept their new member, and Ricky, with his shy, unassuming nature, natural love of role-playing, and easy-going smile seemed to fit nicely where Larry had been. Sebastian grew to really like having the dingo sitting beside him, like Larry had done. The game wasn't better than it had been when Larry played, but it wasn't worse, either. It was different, but it was good.
The Champions of Throndash ranged across the countryside, doing good deeds, slaying evil monsters, and generally earning the thanks and admiration of all the lands. In the meantime, the five players went about their education, the game standing as an odd bond, bringing them together. Whenever Sebastian passed Ricky in the hall, they'd pause and chat, and they often had lunch together. More and more, the rabbit fond himself glad to be in Ricky's company. They were different years, different majors, and totally different interests, but, through the game, they had found, in each other, friends.
One day, Ricky came knocking on Sebastian's door. "Oy, Basty," he called. "Just got a yell from th' Game Critteh. Thet figure we special ordered is in. Wan' teh come dahntahn an' pick it up with me?"
"Sure, Ricky. Hang on. I can always use a few more jars of paint."
They took the bus from campus into town and walked over to the store. As they did so, Sebastian glanced down the side street on which stood Pride and Joy, a gay bookstore. The rainbow flag that marked the store entrance fluttered merrily in the breeze, and he smiled to himself. He had to go down there soon.
"What's thet store?" Ricky asked, curiously, peering down the sidestreet himself.
"W-what?" asked Sebastian, startled. "Oh, that? That's...hmmm...what is it's name..." To his embarrassment, Sebastian found himself suddenly shy. He hadn't told Ricky about being gay yet. He'd really only come out to the original four players, so far, and he didn't want to shock his newfound friend. "That's the gay bookstore."
"Oh, right," said Ricky, blushing at the ears. "Shoulda known by th' flag."
As they entered the Game Critter, Sebastian pondered. Admittedly, pride flags weren't any kind of a secret, but not everyone knew about them. And why the blush? Was Ricky hiding a secret of his own? Well, except that Ricky blushed at the drop of a hat, like if you told him you liked his shirt. Sebastian chuckled, softly, to himself. What would it matter if Ricky were gay? If he wanted to keep it a secret, it was his own business. And it wasn't as if Ricky was his type, anyway. He didn't have any feelings towards Ricky like that.
Or did he? There was something about Ricky that Sebastian found appealing. Ricky wasn't one of the body beautiful crowd, but, then, neither was Sebastian. Ricky was sweet, and he'd been very thoughtful, on several occasions. Looks weren't everything, after all. He looked at Ricky, seeing him, perhaps, in a new light.
Ricky, however, seemed oblivious. He gleefully purchased his figure and gazed lovingly at it. "It's perfect," he murmured, happily. "Look, Basty. It even has Gunnar's furry boots an' all." He looked up and grinned. "Take a look."
Sebastian examined the figure. It was nice, with lots of attention to little details and a well-sculpted physique. "This is great, Ricky. Now, what colors do we need? We'll make sure I've got them all before we go." They picked out several jars of paint, including a dusty-yellow that matched Ricky's fur almost perfectly. "Works out well, too," Sebastian said. "No game next week because of the long weekend. So you can play this week with the ranger figure, and I'll paint the Gunnar figure over that weekend. You'll have him next game, most likely."
"Cool. I really appreciate that. Aren't yeh goin' somewhere for th' weekend?"
"Nope. Just gonna hang out here. My folks are coming up on Saturday, and we're going to go around the city, but they live close enough that they'll head home, and I'll stay here."
Ricky nodded. "My folks live a wee bit far away t' do thet, and the plane ticket is not cheap. I'll go home at the end of the Spring semester, I expect, but probably not before."
Sebastian looked at his friend with concern. "That sucks. What about the other holidays, like Thanksday and Yule?"
Ricky shrugged. "I guess I'll celebrate Yule when I get home in the spring, and Thanksday's a Yank holiday, anyway," he said, with a slight grin. "I'll probably just hang out here an' get some work out o' th' way."
"Well...maybe you can come to our place."
Ricky blinked. "Really? Yeh thenk I could?"
Sebastian smiled. "Sure. I'll ask my folks about it. I'm positive you'd be welcome, though."
Ricky grinned, widely, suddenly, and threw his arms around Sebastian, giving him a tight hug. "Thenks, Basty. Yehr absolutely bonza!"
Sebastian laughed and hugged back. "Thanks, I think. Bonza is good, right?" He suddenly became aware that everyone in the store was staring at them. He gave Ricky a pat on the back and withdrew from the hug. He gave the dingo a good-natured punch on the arm. "Let's head back. We can do some Chinese buffet on the way."
* * *
"The problem, of course," said Talorna, the wolf priestess, "is how to get the villagers to stop giving up their virgin sacrifices to the Lord of the Undead. We can send these unrighteous creatures back to their rightful graves from dusk to dawn, but, until the sacrifices stop, the Dark One will still have the power to make more."
Salanor, the bat mage, shook his head. "Matters of faith are your bailiwick, my dear lady," he murmured, softly. "I could use my magicks to seal the tombs, but not to change the hearts of these people."
"I think that they are deceived," said Varin, in his musical voice, "and I pity them. They clearly feel that service to the Lord of the Undead will somehow bring them back their loved ones."
"My pity is somewhat lessened by the fact that their loved ones have been trying to chew my face off for the last few hours," said Gunnar, dryly, "but I am game to lend my strength to whatever solution can be devised." He turned and smiled at Talorna. "What would you recommend, gracious lady?"
Varin felt a slight pang of jealousy at this. Ever since joining, Gunnar had seemed to hold a reverent and special place in his heart for the beautiful wolf cleric. Was it merely the Northman's respect for her as a servant of the gods, or did he have stronger feelings than that?
"Varin?"
He turned, realizing that Talorna had addressed him. "Huh? What?"
"Varin, I asked if you thought you could break in to the Lord of the Undead's crypt. Perhaps there is some clue as to how he is controlling the townspeople?"
"Oh...oh, right. Yes, I could do that, I suppose."
Basty? You okay?
Yeah, John. Sorry I spaced out. I'm back with you now.
Gunnar looked concerned. "Is that wise? Varin's valor is beyond reproach, but I mislike the idea of him going alone into that den of evil." He smiled down at the little rabbit, who felt his heart melt. "I will never forget that you saved my tail the night we met. I should be a poor friend indeed if I did not cover you in return."
Varin smiled. You can cover my tail any time, handsome dingo, he thought to himself.
* * *
That night, Sebastian painted the Gunnar figure with a layer of flat black paint, for primer. He set it to dry and then lay in bed, thinking about the game...and about Ricky. He really liked the dingo, but was there more to it than that? In the game, Varin was fascinated and attracted to Gunnar; were his feelings just an extension of that? Or was he falling for his friend? And what did Ricky think of him? Was he gay, and, even if he was, would he be interested in a chubby guy?
Sebastian closed his eyes and imagined Varin in the arms of a big, strong warrior dingo. His paw strayed to his sheath and stroked it, gently, as he moaned quietly to himself. "Oh, Gunnar...ohhh, my warrior....ohhh, Ricky."
* * *
On Thursday, Sebastian didn't see Ricky all day, though he thought of him often and looked for him. On Friday, he met John for lunch before John headed home for the weekend, but he didn't see any sign of Ricky. He wanted to ask the dingo if he wanted to come with he and his parents when they went in town, but he couldn't get him on the phone. Finally, he taped a note to Ricky's door. Ricky, would you like to come with me and my folks into the city Saturday AM? - Basty
Back in his room, he sat down and started working on the Gunnar figure for Ricky. The coat of primer had long since dried, and he was now able to begin adding colors. He painted the fur, first, and let it dry. His paints were very fast drying, and he worked on several miniatures at once, added one detail to each, in order, so that, by the time he cycled through to the Gunnar figure, it was ready for more details. As each layer was added, the figure began to resemble a big, buff version of Ricky. By the time he crawled into bed, the figure was finished.
When he got up in the morning, he got a response. Taped to his door was a note, Hi, Basty. Big paper coming up in Psych. Was at library til late. Need to do more research today, so no-can-do in the AM. How about we meet for dinner in town? New barbecue place good? I'll be there about 5. Maybe we can hit Game Critter and see if they have anything new. If you can't make it, just leave a message at the Student Union. I'll check before I head over. - R.
Sebastian folded the note and put it in his pocket. He had wanted to try the new barbecue restaurant in town, which boasted about how good their sauce was and that they catered to herbies, carnies, and mixed groups. "It's a date," he murmured to himself, and then giggled.
Sebastian spent the balance of his day in the company of his parents and little brother. He hadn't come out to them, but he was pretty sure his Mom knew. Moms always know things like that, he thought to himself. They are lunch, did some sightseeing, visited the city's famous art museum, and then parted ways at about 4. With an hour to kill, he wandered vaguely in the direction of the Game Critter. The restaurant was just down the street from the store, so he thought he might spend a few minutes poking around the store...maybe buy a book to read while waiting for Ricky. And then, he thought about Pride and Joy. He had only been in there a few times before, but he'd always found books to buy. Maybe he could get something to read there. Almost unconsciously, he changed his destination, walked to the bookstore, and entered the doorway under the bright, fluttering flag.
The interior was not dark or unfriendly, but brightly lit, with well-stocked shelves displaying books, magazines, comics, movies, and more. Some classical music was playing, and the clerk was burning a pleasant incense fragrance behind the counter. Sebastian smiled to the clerk, a good-looking mongoose who returned the smile. "Need help finding anything, honey?" the mongoose churred, softly.
Sebastian smiled. "All set, thanks. Just browsing."
The mongoose grinned in return. "Well, if you need any help, honey, just let me know."
Sebastian nodded, blushing just a touch, and began browsing the stacks. He looked at a few magazines, and then noticed a sign over a shelf several rows away that said Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Horror. Well, hey, he thought to himself, and headed in that direction. As he rounded into the aisle, he bumped, quite literally, into a figure headed out of it. His glasses were knocked askew, and the figure dropped the books it was carrying. As the figure knelt down to pick up the books, it said, "Sorry 'bout thet. Clumsy me."
Sebastian blinked at that and adjusted his glasses. He peered at the figure. "Ricky?"
Ricky blinked and looked up. "Oh my God. Basty. Uh..." He gathered up the books and blushed to the very tip of his ears. "W-what're yeh...doin' here?"
Sebastian chuckled. "Browsing, same as you. I didn't know you were gay."
Ricky flushed darkly. "I neveh told anyone thet I was. Damn. I'm sorry, Basty. Shoulda told yeh. I hope yer not mad."
Sebastian smiled widely. "Not at all, Ricky. Why would I be mad?"
"Well, in th' part of 'Stralia I come from, I'd prolly be getting' me face pounded by now. Most people don't take well to poofs there."
Sebastian just stared at his friend for a sec. "Uh...hello? Earth to Ricky? I'm in this bookstore, too, remember? I'm not in here researching a science paper. I'm a poof too, okay?"
Ricky stared at him, puzzled, and then blinked. "I...oh, yeh. Heh. Thet does make sense." He felt awkward, clearly, and wasn't sure how to react.
Sebastian nodded down the aisle. "Anything good? I haven't read anything that was both gay and sci-fi. Like a D&D story with gay characters. That'd be the best of both worlds, huh? What're you buying?"
Ricky grinned, sheepishly, and held out a book to Sebastian. The title was Battles of Passion, and the cover showed two manly gladiator types in skimpy armor, one a bear, the other a tiger, locked together in a passionate kiss. They both laughed at that, and the awkwardness started to dissolve.
"I've never known another bloke who was gay before," Ricky said, softly. "It's nice t' think I have someone I could talk to about stuff, now."
Sebastian smiled. "I'm not out to many people, and I promise I won't say anything to anyone. The group knows about me, though, and I'm sure they'd be cool if you came out to them, too."
Ricky nodded. "I might. I dunno if I'm ready t' start shoutin' it from the mountaintop, yet, be yeh guys are me closest friends in the States, and it'd be nice t' have yeh all know."
Sebastian picked out a couple of interesting looking volumes, and they made their purchases. As soon as they exited the door, they both felt a touch of the awkwardness return. Sebastian walked down the street towards the Game Critter in silence. He wasn't sure what to do, now. Here he'd been fantasizing about Ricky, and, suddenly, the possibility existed that it could be more than fantasy. He looked to his friend and saw the dingo smiling, happily, as he sauntered down the street. Sebastian decided not to worry about it just that moment. Things would fall into place in their own good time, he was sure.
The visited the Game Critter and made a few small purchases, then went to dinner, happily feasting together. Sebastian ordered the mixed vegetable grill, and Ricky decided to have the faux ribs, so as not to distress his herbivorous friend. When the day was over, they took the bus back to school. Ricky was reading through a new D&D book, but Ricky was reading Battles of Passion. "Any good?" asked the rabbit, playfully.
Ricky looked up. "Well, Shakespeare it ain't, but it's fun."
When they returned to the dorms, Sebastian asked, "Want to come hang out? We could rent a movie, get some snacks...and I've got something for you."
Ricky paused, thinking. "Well...um..."
Sebastian grinned. "C'mon. It'll be cool. We could rent a gay porno."
Ricky laughed. "Thanks, but this book has me hot and bothered enough as it is. A documentary on insurance seminars might be better. Help me cool off."
Sebastian poked him. "C'mon, man. I finished the Gunnar figure last night, and I really want to show him off."
Ricky sighed and smiled, defeated. "Okay, okay. I'll come over. Fer a little bit, at least."
They returned to Sebastian's dorm room, and Sebastian showed Ricky the figure. "There you go. What do you think?"
Ricky looked at the tiny figure. "Wow! He looks jus' like me. Well...if I were a big, buff fellah, that is. He's awesome, Basty. Thanks so much. Can't wait t' put him in the game."
Sebastian smiled and put his own Varin figure in front of the Gunnar figure on his workbench. "Verily, friend Gunnar," he said, "thou art one fine hunk o' male."
Ricky giggled, then sat down at Sebastian's table with a sigh. "Yeah. Too bad me player's a skinny poof."
Sebastian smiled. "Gunnar doesn't share your predilection for males?"
Ricky blinked. "Gee, I never thought about it, t' be honest. He might, I suppose. Does Varin like guys?"
Sebastian nodded, smiling even wider. "He's been checking out Gunnar's ass ever since the first night we played."
"Aha! That's why you always want to be behind me when we're exploring a dungeon."
"It's your 18 charisma that does it," Sebastian giggled. "I'm overwhelmed by it."
"Wish I had Gunnar's muscles and looks, s'true," said Ricky with another sigh.
"Why? You're pretty cute, as it is."
There was a moment of silence. "I'm cute?"
Sebastian paused a moment, and then decided to say it. "I think so."
There was another moment of silence. "Maybe I should go," Ricky said, softly.
"I'm sorry, Ricky," Sebastian said, biting his lip. "Guess I'm being a little too forward."
Ricky hadn't moved, though. "Y'know, I've never done anythin'...with another guy. Yer th' first gay guy I've ever met, other than meself."
Now it was Sebastian's turn to sigh, wistfully. "Sorry. I know Varin's the guy with the good looks in the family."
"I..." Ricky stopped. "I don't think so."
Sebastian blinked. "You think I'm cute, too?"
Ricky didn't say anything. His tail drooped, then tucked between his legs. "I...yeah, I suppose I do."
Sebastian smiled. "Why didn't you say so?"
"Well, I didn't know yeh were gay. And I don't know anything about bein' with another guy, really. And...oh, gee...I dunno, Basty. I'm just not very brave. Not really th' type t' be able t' say somethin' like that."
The two friends sat together, in silence, looking at one another. Then Sebastian stood up, picked up the Gunnar figure and put him on the table in front of Ricky. "He is," the rabbit said, softly. Then he put the Varin figure on the table, facing Gunnar, and sat down, opposite his friend. "As I recall, when we left off, the Champions of Throndash had returned once more to Dunkirk, their pockets full of gold. They had gotten rooms at the Inn of the Rampant Gryphon..."
* * *
"Friend Gunnar?" asked Varin, curiously. "did you want to see me about something? I know we were going to do some sparring later."
The big Northman walked into the room, standing awkwardly in the center. Varin was reclined in bed, wearing only a breechcloth. He had a bottle of wine on his bedside table, and he'd been relaxing, enjoying counting the gold from their last adventure. Gunnar was dressed in a simple tunic, belted at the waist, Northman-style. "Spar..? Oh...oh, yes, friend Varin. But I did wish to speak to you...um..." The warrior trailed off. Basty, I dunno if I can do this...
Just give it a try, Ricky. It's just like the game, right?
"What did you want to speak about, my friend?" Varin said, sitting up. "Would you like a glass of wine?"
"Wine? I suppose...no. No, Varin, I have something to tell you, and I don't need my senses addled any further by drink."
Varin was curious, now, and in his secret heart of hearts, he hoped he knew what the barbarian wanted. "Please make yourself at ease, my friend. I am all ears." He touched his long, rabbit ears, grinning wryly.
Gunnar paced. "Varin, we have been companions a goodly time, now, have we not?"
Varin nodded. "Some months, I believe."
"Well, I have come to admire you, very much. You are a clever fellow, and most able in a fight."
Varin laughed. "So long as the person I'm fighting has his back to me. For my part, I have admired you, greatly. I envy you your fighting skills and your brave heart."
Gunnar frowned. "My heart is as brave as the heart of any Volsungsen, but it is failing me today. I am fighting a battle in which none of my much vaunted skills will aid me."
Varin blinked. "Gunnar? I don't understand. Are you well?"
Gunnar looked down at Varin. "Enough of all this!" he finally cried, and he leaned down, pressing his lips to Varin's warmly.
* * *
Sebastian's eyes went wide as Ricky kissed him. He hadn't expected this in a million years, but he wasn't the least bit sorry. He opened his mouth to the kiss, and the dingo's tongue gently pressed inside. Ricky might never have kissed anyone before, but he had good instincts for it. When they broke apart, both of them panted. Sebastian stood up. "I'm only wearing a loincloth," he said, "so I'm gonna take off some clothes." He grinned, stripping down to his boxers.
Ricky blushed, but smiled, too. "And I'm only wearin' a tunic. Suppose me shirt will have to do." He pulled off his pants and underwear, letting his long t-shirt hang down and cover his private parts.
"I'm sitting on the bed..." Sebastian said, walking into his bedroom. Ricky followed and the rabbit smiled as he sat down. "Now, where were we?"
"About here I think," said Ricky, and he leaned in, kissing again, with even more passion.
* * *
"Oh, Gunnar," Varin whispered, as the big dingo finally broke the kiss. "I've wanted that for such a very long time."
Gunnar reached down, running his paws over Varin's rump, softly. "I have wanted you so long," he admitted. "Since we first met. Have you wanted me, too?"
Varin smiled, nodding. "Yes, my Northman. Since the first time I laid eyes on you."
Gunnar growled, approvingly. "In my culture, a man takes the woman he wants and has his way with her, taking whatever pleasure he wishes."
Varin giggled, softly. "I'm not a woman, but it would please me to give you pleasure." He slid his soft paw up under Varin's tunic and found the dingo's hanging sac. "Mmm...these are nice," he said, softly.
Gunnar pulled off his tunic, exposing his muscular body to the rabbit. The big canid's sheath was skinned back, revealing a shaft that gently throbbed with unspent need. Varin moved his paw up to the Northman's cock and gently stroked it. "Oh, my little rabbit," Gunnar moaned, softly. "You are the first man ever to touch me there, and I cannot imagine wanting anyone else."
Varin smiled. "I can do more than touch it," he said, softly, and leaned forward, letting his soft mouth close over the warm hardness.
"Gods of my fathers," the wolf gasped. He held still, feeling the rabbit's mouth softly suckle at his maleness. One paw gently rested on Varin's shoulder for support, while the other paw caressed the back of Varin's head. He moved his hips, slowly, feeding the rabbit his shaft and feeling the velvety tongue lick away driblets of precum, now and again.
* * *
Sebastian smiled to himself, hearing Ricky groan as he began to bob his head. He was going to be Ricky's first; that meant a lot to him. He had only sucked two other guys off, but he really enjoyed doing it. His own cock was quite hard, and he stroked it, softly, not wanting to lose his rhythm for Ricky...and Gunnar.
He brought his free paw up to stroke Ricky's side. The scrawny dingo was not a big, muscular barbarian, but he was Ricky, who Sebastian loved...or at least felt he loved. There was plenty of time to figure out the long-term feelings between them, but he knew he wanted to be with Ricky for a long time.
Ricky was humping his hips faster now, and groaning loudly. He suddenly stopped and pulled away. Sebastian blinked. "Why did you stop?"
* * *
"I want you," Gunnar growled in a low, husky voice.
Varin blinked. "You have me, my handsome dingo."
"No...I mean I want you. As a man wants a woman."
Varin blinked, and then blushed. "I...have never taken a man inside me before."
Gunnar whimpered, softly. "I have never been inside a male before. I want to, with you, but perhaps..." He began to withdraw.
"No!" cried Varin, stopping Gunnar from rising. "No, please, my warrior. I have not done so before, but I have wanted to, and I would rather have it be with you than with anyone else." He gently drew off his breechcloth, then reached over to his bedside table and pulled out a bottle of fluid. "This is a magickal potion of slipperiness; I use it when I pleasure myself. If you'll apply some to my tailhole and your own shaft, it's supposed to make the entry easier."
Gunnar poured some of the fluid over Varin's tailhole and slowly began rubbing it in. He heard Varin gasp and saw him rise, eyes half-lidded, as the dingo's thumb found the little rabbit's knot of flesh and start to rub more firmly. "Oh, my Northman...that feels so good."
Gunnar blushed a bit. "I'm...uncertain what to do."
Varin giggled, softly. "I do this, sometimes, when I'm stroking my member. Push your finger inside, slowly."
Gunnar pushed and was amazed to feel the rabbit's hole yield, embracing his finger in a tight grip. He moved the finger slowly, working it in deeper and deeper. He watched the rabbit's body swallow his finger and grinned, continuing to slowly press in more and more. "My dear bunny," he sighed. Suddenly, Varin gasped and startled. Gunnar was concerned. "Am I hurting you?"
* * *
Sebastian moaned a little, then chuckled. "N-no. You just hit my prostate. Oh, wow. You're deeper than I could ever get. Longer fingers, I suppose." He whined, gently. "Gods, that feels so good. I need you Ricky...I mean Gunnar."
Ricky grinned. "I don't think we need those two any more, do we?"
Sebastian smiled. "I suppose not, but I like it when you use that voice."
Ricky grinned and slowly moved his finger back and forth. "This doesn't hurt?"
Sebastian chuckled. "I've gotten three fingers up there. I'll live."
Ricky used some of the lube on his shaft. "God...I'm close. I don't know how long I'll last."
"No problem. I just want to feel you inside me. I need it so badly."
Ricky positioned himself between Sebastian's legs, and the bunny pulled his knees up a bit. After a couple of tries, he found the right spot and began to push, his cock beginning to fill the space his finger had been inside. Sebastian gasped, throwing back his head, his eyes crossing. Then he smiled.
* * *
"Oh, my barbarian," Varin gasped. "Go slowly, please. It hurts a little, but not too badly."
"Of course, my little thief," Gunnar chuckled. The bigger dingo slowly pressed into the slender rabbit's body, and both watched the inches slowly vanish. After what seemed an eternity, Gunnar had no more to press inside. "I'm all the way within you," Gunnar told Varin.
Varin was puzzled. "Are you sure? I don't feel....AH!" Gunnar had pulled back a bit, and then pushed sharply forward. The rabbit thief felt the tip of the dingo's cock bump his prostate. "Never mind," he purred softly. "You found it."
Gunnar began to thrust, slowly at first, but rapidly increasing in speed. "I won't last long," the warrior whimpered.
Varin began to stroke his lepine shaft. "That's okay," he yelped when Gunnar hit the right spot. "I won't either."
The two lovers fucked with increasingly insistent and needy motions, thrusting and writhing against each other. To Varin's surprise, he was the first to spill his seed, the warm fluid running over his stroking paw. The clenching of his ass in orgasm was more than enough for the dingo who threw back his head in a howl as he came inside his rabbit lover. The thrusts went on a few moments more, both of them crying out in pleasure, and then Gunnar collapsed on Varin's body, pinning the small rabbit to the bed. They lay together, each one weakly nuzzling the other.
* * *
"That was incredible," Sebastian said, after they recovered again. "Better than I ever guessed it would be." He snuggled close to Ricky. "I'm glad you were my first for that."
Ricky grinned, his tail wagging a bit. "Yeh were my first, period. An' I'm sure glad of thet."
Sebastian reached up and touched Ricky's hair, stroking it gently. "Glad I have a friend like you, even if you're not a big, hulking barbarian."
Ricky kisses Sebastian's nose. "Love yeh. Even if yer not a nubile little thief. Yer Basty, an' I love yeh."
Sebastian sighed, happily. "I love you, too."
Ricky rolled to his side, snuggling close. "So what do we do? Do we come out an' get married or keep this quiet?"
Sebastian chuckled. "Well, I wouldn't mind eventually telling folks, but we can keep it quiet if you prefer."
Ricky pondered this. "I like role-playin'" he said, "but I dunno if I can play like I don't feel for yeh."
Sebastian strokes Ricky's chest. "Well, maybe it's time we left the role-playing where it belongs. At the gaming table."
"And in the bedroom," Ricky giggled, softly. "I like bein' Gunnar for yeh."
"I've been meaning to tell my family, anyway," Sebastian said, rubbing his chin. "Now, I'll just also get to tell them I'm in love."
Ricky snickered. "My family won't be happy 'bout it, but I want t' stay in th' States with you, so it doesn't matter."
Sebastian giggled. "The group will know, even if they don't know you're gay. Denise will take one look at us and know." They both giggled at that. "So what now?"
Ricky grinned, then said in his Gunnar voice. "Shall we spar again, my dear thief?"
Sebastian leaned back, smiling and nodding. "Please, my handsome barbarian."