Heroica RPG - Quest #58: Brothers-in-Arms

[Sandy]

The chilly winter wind blew from the Crystalline Sea as a small craft crossed the Eubric Bay, carrying three heroes en route to the majestic Fort Bonaparte standing in guard over the harbour of the Freeport.

Party:

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

44 year old male human Raider

Level 23 1/3

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Weakened

,

Asleep

,

Confused

,

Blinded

,

Darkness

and

Ice

*

Power:

54

(23+28+3)

, 35 for ranged attacks

(23+9+3)

Health:

36/36

(7+22+7)

Gold:

168

Equipment:

Lifestealer (WP: 28,

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice; immunity to

asleep

-,

confused

- and

blinded

-effects and to

darkness

and

ice

-elements; footwear), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power; immunity to

weakened

-effect; handwear), Spiked Collar (+1 Power; accessory)

Inventory:

Stag Antlers (WP:10, intimidation; halberd), Fafnir (WP:14; greatsword), Throwing Knife (WP:9, light-elemental; retrievable), Throwing Axe (WP:5; retrievable), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow; dagger), 10 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 10 Remedy, 3 Phoenix Essence, 10 Mead, 10 Smelling Salts, 10 Nostrum, Metasimian Ale, 5 Smoke Bomb, 2 Deadly Venom, 2 Neutralizer, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shard

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord Raider

Level 21 1/3

*Natural Respite*

*

Immune to Fragile

*

*Evasion*

Power:

40

(21+19)

Defense:

5

Health:

39/39

(8+20+7+4)

Gold:

86

Equipment:

Godricsleif (WP:19;

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental; greatsword), Counterstrike Gloves (Counter with strength equal to their level after getting hit by a Free Hit; handwear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row; footwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immunity to fragile; bodywear)

Inventory:

Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; dual strike, Lightning-elemental; axe), Sticky Gloves (+50% gold from stealing), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, inflicts cursed; retrievable); 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8; retrievable), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 12 Grand Potions, Venom, 10 Meads, 10 Smelling Salts, 5 Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb,

Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight)

***Party Leader***

262 year old female Elven Shaman

Level 17

*Immune to Sealed*

Power:

31

(17+14)

Defense:

3

Health:

34/34

(9+16+6+3)

Ether:

27/27

(5+16+1+3)

Gold:

36

Equipment:

Magical Staff (WP:14,

water

-elemental, staff), Robe of the Archmage(SP:3, Max.Ether+5, immunity to sealed; bodywear), White Cloak (+3 Max Health; backwear)

Inventory:

Mourning Star (WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace), Shackles of War (prevents anyone fleeing; accessory),

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Ruby

, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Mead, Venom, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs , Bone, Shovel, Bedroll

Upon reaching the citadel of the Bonaparte family, they were escorted through hallways of chalked stone to a woman they knew well, both by appearance and by reputation. Hestia Bonaparte had been a champion of Heroica herself years ago, and rumours told she had not actually retired like she lead everyone to believe.

"I'm so glad you've come. I asked you here in place of my husband. He seems reluctant to mix outsiders into this affair, but I can't see how else we will ever find out where Reno has gone. If I remember correctly, Eric, you were with the party that rescued Reno from the clutches of the pirate lord Jolly Roger. So you know how dear his twin brother is to my husband Nemo. And now Reno has left us without a word. The guards saw him leave the fort some days ago, but he never returned. Sure, my husband had disagreements with his brother, but they were just beginning to see eye to eye... Please, help us find Reno, for my husband's sake! He usually frequents the Merry Mermaid, a sleazy pub down at the Harbour District. The patrons there wouldn't tell me anything when I went down asking for Reno, but perhaps they will talk to a neutral party."

Hestia gestured towards the great double-doors guarded by two Elite Cannoneers that Nerwen and Guts recognized.

"If you want to go talk to my husband, his office is beyond that door. I warn you though, he does not know I recruited you to this task, so he might not be exactly welcoming of your help..."

Will the party go talk to Nemo, or head to the Merry Mermaid?

QM Note: Yay, quest time! Please check your stats, I fiddled around with them as I'm prone to do.

[Chromeknight]

Stats good. Thanks!

Nerwen nodded at Lady Boneparte's words.

Well boys, shall we go in or go straight to bar?

[Khorne]

"I wasn't merely in the party that rescued Reno, I led the party." the Norse Raider boastfully corrected Hestia. With a charming smile he then added, "I'm always glad to lend my aid to the most upstanding of all Great Houses in Eubric,..." The tall Nord slightly bowed and finished his sentence "..., Madame."

His smile slowly faded into a sly grin. Inside, Eric vehemently loathed the Bonapartes and all they stood for, but in the light of bigger schemes he couldn't let his hate thwart his chance at earning some coin and if possible even assist the pirate Reno with his plan.

Ooc: I only have 86 gold right now. Other than that, my stats seem fine.

EDIT: Just noticed Chromeknight posted, as well.

The Elven Shaman in the party spoke. Eric shortly, but sternly, eyed her with his cold blue eyes as she called him 'boy'. There then came another faint smile to his otherwise serious face. He didn't really liked to be called a 'boy', but this seemed different. The Elf had fire burning in her and he liked it.

"Every time of the day is a good time for drink and sleazy pubs. Besides, I doubt Nemo will be of much assistance anyway. Nothing we can't handle on our own."

Edited February 16, 2013 by Khorne

[Scubacarrot]

Guts nodded at the veteran of Heroica, and shrugged:

"I don't mind either way. If Nemo doesn't want our help, I doubt he'll be of much help to us, a bar on the other hand, has always got people that are willing to talk."

The raider was paying more attention to his surroundings than to the actual conversation going on. The fort was even more impressive up close. If the rumours were true, that a burglar had broken into this place, they'd be darn good.

My stats look good!

[Sandy]

"You can do as you wish, as long as you'll find out what happened to Reno. I just hope he hasn't fallen into the bay in a drunken stupour... Miss Calmcacil, I'm naming you as the party leader, so please lead these gentlemen on."

[Scubacarrot]

"Perhaps your husband would be more willing to have us help if we find a clue or two before we meet with him. I assume we have free access to and from the fort?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen waits for the answer to Guts' question.

If the party is free to return later, she leads the to the Merry Mermaid. If this is their only opportunity to speak to Nemo, the party will speak to him.

[Sandy]

"Of course you are free to return here at any time. You are under my service now, and the guards are informed to let you in."

Deciding to grab Hestia's clue, the party heads out to find the tavern called the Merry Mermaid. But they don't even get out of the Fort before running into Attina, the determined and ambitious daughter of the Bonapartes.

"So you are the people who mother hired to find my uncle? It is good to see you again, Eric. I will never forget the bravery of you and your companions in the Jolly Roger's Grotto. What comes to my uncle Reno, I truly hope you will find him and make him return to us. I admire his views about liberating these waters for all trade, so that Eubric may flourish. I don't know if you are aware, but trade in Eubric is twindling. Especially Count Shadeaux is pressing my father to decrease the toll fees drastically, but my father is too afraid of an invasion of foreign traders to bend. Reno has many contacts abroad, and he knows exactly what father is like, so he's the best person to persuade him. My father is a rigid man in his opinions, and the captains surrounding him are even more conservative than him, but lately he has started to look into other options thanks to Reno. If Uncle Reno does not come back, those foolish old walruses will surely make my father's head turn again."

Someone down the hall calls out for Attina.

"I have to rush soon. The Sunflower is ready to sail to the Helvetian Ocean. There is trouble abrewing up north, with the Vikings on the move en masse. But if you have anything you wish to ask of me, I have time to answer a few questions."

[Scubacarrot]

"Hm. What is your father´s fear of foreign traders? I´m not sure I can understand that fear..."

[Khorne]

Presented with yet another specimen of House Bonaparte, Eric once more played the charming card. He nodded his head in appreciation of Attina's words and laughed slickly. “Acts of bravery is just what I do, milady.” The Nord's blue eyes stared into hers intently. He added, “We will find your uncle. It's seems we have to, a more free Crystalline Sea is a benefit to all.”

His posture then got more stern again. “You mentioned problems in the North. Care to share some light on that subject? It's … been a while since I last saw my home. I'd appreciate anything you can tell me.”

Edited February 16, 2013 by Khorne

[Sandy]

"Hm. What is your father´s fear of foreign traders? I´m not sure I can understand that fear..."

"We Bonapartes have kept the Crystalline Sea safe for honest traders and sailors ever since our ancestors founded this fort. Maintaining a fleet like ours asks for wealth, and our family has gained that wealth by imposing toll fees to all ships approaching the Free Islands. The more valuable the cargo, the higher the fee. Naturally, many merchants - especially those sailing from distant lands - try to fool us with every trick imaginable. There was even one time when an entire smuggler ship had been made invisible by magic. You can imagine the surprise of the villagers of Shelbric when out of the blue a large galleon appeared to their fishing waters. My point is that his experiences have made father a cautious man and especially suspicious towards foreigners. Reno, on the other hand, has travelled far and wide, and sees no threat in opening up the Free Islands to free trade. I can't say what will become of our fleet or this fort in that case, though."

“You mentioned problems in the North. Care to share some light on that subject? It's … been a while since I last saw my home. I'd appreciate anything you can tell me.”

"The Vikings have become desperate due to their internal struggles. Currently they're raiding the northern coast of the High Kingdoms. The Sunflower will sail there to help the locals fend back the raiders, which shouldn't be hard to do. Your people are not the fearsome ravagers of the seas they once were, but more like a rag-tag bunch of bullies. Nothing our cannons could not take down, if you pardon my mockery."

[Chromeknight]

Politics and family.

Nerwen listened thoughtfully to all that was said.

Clearly there are factions and groupings that will benefit from Reno's absence. Our interference, even though sanctioned by Lady Boneparte, may be met with resistance. We must be careful.

Thank you for your time Captain. May the gods of the seas keep you safe.

Nerwen continues toward the wharf for the boat to the mainland, where the Merry Mermaid waits, keeping her eyes and ears open.

[Scubacarrot]

"That kind of spell takes a fair amount of effort though, I imagine. Lower your tolls, and more ships will come, and fewer will go through the effort to bypass you."

[Sandy]

Clearly there are factions and groupings that will benefit from Reno's absence. Our interference, even though sanctioned by Lady Boneparte, may be met with resistance. We must be careful.

Thank you for your time Captain. May the gods of the seas keep you safe.

"No, thank you for doing this for our family. We need Reno and his thinking in this fort. He's the only breath of fresh air we have got."

"That kind of spell takes a fair amount of effort though, I imagine. Lower your tolls, and more ships will come, and fewer will go through the effort to bypass you."

"You sound like my uncle."

Attina gave Eric and affectionate smile, and bid farewell to the heroes. The party then went on to embark a shuttle boat to the harbour. The Merry Mermaid was not far from the pier they arrived to.

Opening the door to the bar, the heroes were met by a stunning mixture of noises, smells and colors. It was certainly not a tavern for the high and mighty, but quite an eccentric place. At the center of the room was a patinated statue of a fishing mermaid placed on top of a boat with charcoals in it. A chicken was slowly roasting over the coals, adding yet another odour into the mix. A great mounted octopus was looming over the bar counter, with ether lamps as eyes.

Besides the bartender and a barmaid, there were patrons in four of the tables. Who would the heroes approach first?

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen speaks to Guts and Eric amidst the noise of the bar.

Before we approach anyone, what happened to Jolly Roger, Eric? Perhaps he has a score to settle with Reno, perhaps with yourself and Heroica as well?

Ah... the diffence between player knowledge and character knowledge.

[Scubacarrot]

Guts winked at the party members, and took a seat at the bar. He said to the bartender:

"A mug of rum, if you will."

[Sandy]

"A mug of rum, if you will."

The heroes approach the bar first. The bartender was a portly merman of the Nautican tribe. He passed a pint of rum to Guts.

"Here you go, matey. Rum's pretty much all we serve here. That'll be one gold. Say, haven't seen you lot here before. What brings you to my fine establisment?"

[Scubacarrot]

Guts tosses the coin.

"You know, business. What's the word around here?"

[Sandy]

Guts pays the one gold for the rum, and chugs it down with ease.

"Business? Most of our patrons come here to relax after a long journey. There's nothing like a mug of rum and a gaze at a bosom covered only by clams to perk up a weary sailor."

The bartender looks at Nerwen and Eric, obviously not willing to spread any rumours before ensuring that the heroes won't leave without buying something.

"Anything for you two?"

Party:

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

44 year old male human Raider

Level 23 1/3

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Weakened

,

Asleep

,

Confused

,

Blinded

,

Darkness

and

Ice

*

Power:

54

(23+28+3)

, 35 for ranged attacks

(23+9+3)

Health:

36/36

(7+22+7)

Gold:

167

Equipment:

Lifestealer (WP: 28,

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice; immunity to

asleep

-,

confused

- and

blinded

-effects and to

darkness

and

ice

-elements; footwear), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power; immunity to

weakened

-effect; handwear), Spiked Collar (+1 Power; accessory)

Inventory:

Stag Antlers (WP:10, intimidation; halberd), Fafnir (WP:14; greatsword), Throwing Knife (WP:9, light-elemental; retrievable), Throwing Axe (WP:5; retrievable), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow; dagger), 10 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 10 Remedy, 3 Phoenix Essence, 10 Mead, 10 Smelling Salts, 10 Nostrum, Metasimian Ale, 5 Smoke Bomb, 2 Deadly Venom, 2 Neutralizer, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shard

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord Raider

Level 21 1/3

*Natural Respite*

*

Immune to Fragile

*

*Evasion*

Power:

40

(21+19)

Defense:

5

Health:

39/39

(8+20+7+4)

Gold:

86

Equipment:

Godricsleif (WP:19;

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental; greatsword), Counterstrike Gloves (Counter with strength equal to their level after getting hit by a Free Hit; handwear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row; footwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immunity to fragile; bodywear)

Inventory:

Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; dual strike, Lightning-elemental; axe), Sticky Gloves (+50% gold from stealing), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, inflicts cursed; retrievable); 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8; retrievable), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 12 Grand Potions, Venom, 10 Meads, 10 Smelling Salts, 5 Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb,

Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight)

***Party Leader***

262 year old female Elven Shaman

Level 17

*Immune to Sealed*

Power:

31

(17+14)

Defense:

3

Health:

34/34

(9+16+6+3)

Ether:

27/27

(5+16+1+3)

Gold:

36

Equipment:

Magical Staff (WP:14,

water

-elemental, staff), Robe of the Archmage(SP:3, Max.Ether+5, immunity to sealed; bodywear), White Cloak (+3 Max Health; backwear)

Inventory:

Mourning Star (WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace), Shackles of War (prevents anyone fleeing; accessory),

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Ruby

, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Mead, Venom, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs , Bone, Shovel, Bedroll

[Khorne]

"The Vikings have become desperate due to their internal struggles. Currently they're raiding the northern coast of the High Kingdoms. The Sunflower will sail there to help the locals fend back the raiders, which shouldn't be hard to do. Your people are not the fearsome ravagers of the seas they once were, but more like a rag-tag bunch of bullies. Nothing our cannons could not take down, if you pardon my mockery."

Eric felt offended when Attina called his people nothing but a rag-tag bunch of bullies. More than that, though, he was concerned by these 'internal struggles' Attina had mentioned. 'All is chaos' is a term many mockingly used when describing the stability, or rather lack thereof, of the political situation in the Northern lands. There have always been power struggles. After all, isn't it only normal that it is the strongest one who takes the crown? But the internal struggles never dominated over the external projection of power. Something must be seriously afoot when the Vikings let word of their internal weakness get out like this.

The Nord grinned as he heard the High Kingdoms were the victim of the Northern raids. "The hunting grounds of clan Sindrung," he thought, "looks like my old brother-in-law is eager to prove himself as a capable leader in the wake of his father's untimely demise." He spoke no more of the situation and simply thanked Attina for her information. He put the thoughts aside and tried to focus on the mission at hand.

---

Nerwen speaks to Guts and Eric amidst the noise of the bar.

Before we approach anyone, what happened to Jolly Roger, Eric? Perhaps he has a score to settle with Reno, perhaps with yourself and Heroica as well?

Ah... the diffence between player knowledge and character knowledge.

Eric smiled slyly and calmly said: "I served him as fodder to those vicious sharkgulls. He was screaming like a small child when tore him apart. Not much of a surprise, really, he was a rather pathetic pirate, anyway. Drowning him or throwing his corpse in the seas so Njordon the Sea God could offer him a place as an oarsman on his mighty dragonboat was too much of an honour for him."

He paused and then looked at Nerwen, grinning. "I highly doubt that he still has plans for settling a score with Reno." The Nord then walked straight to the bar, like the bald Raider had done a minute before. He looked around and scanned the denizens of this establishment. When the bartender showed up, Eric asked: "Seeing that this is obviously an establishment for the better sailors and sea-worthy, do you happen to serve any good quality Nordic Mead? Don't try to fool me and serve up some sorry Southern excuse for decent Mead. I'll know the difference, I have a sixth sense when it comes to alcohol."

The Nord smirked and his eyes burned bright with malice. He loved to be back. "How much for a gaze at one of those bosoms covered only by clams?" Eric mischievously added and smiled his teeth bare.

[Sandy]

"Seeing that this is obviously an establishment for the better sailors and sea-worthy, do you happen to serve any good quality Nordic Mead? Don't try to fool me and serve up some sorry Southern excuse for decent Mead. I'll know the difference, I have a sixth sense when it comes to alcohol."

"Ah, one of them Vikings, aren't you? Lucky you I have a few bottles of the mead you desire in stock. It's not cheap, mind you. A goblet will cost you 25 gold."

[Khorne]

"A man of the North I am, fisk. What gave it away?" Eric rhetorically asked. With his usual smug grin he continued, "You drive a hard bargain, but then again, the North brings forth nothing but products of the highest quality, well worth the coin." The Nord searched his pockets and took out fifty gold. "I'll have two." He raised his eyebrow and added "pretty please", his grin growing wider.

As the bartender took out the mead, Eric arrogantly tossed the coins towards him. He chuckled as the bartender had to pick up some coins off the floor. For the amount of money he had paid, he wanted at least some amusement, too.

[Sandy]

"I'll have two."

The Nautican bartender was not pleased with Eric's stunt, but he was used to big burly men acting up like little brats. He picked up the gold and took out a dusty bottle. He poured the contents to two large jugs, and passed them to Eric, who immediately gulped down one. The nord felt even more encouraged than he already was.

"Is this other one to the lady, here? Beware, miss, this is strong stuff."

Party:

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

44 year old male human Raider

Level 23 1/3

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Weakened

,

Asleep

,

Confused

,

Blinded

,

Darkness

and

Ice

*

Power:

54

(23+28+3)

, 35 for ranged attacks

(23+9+3)

Health:

36/36

(7+22+7)

Gold:

167

Equipment:

Lifestealer (WP: 28,

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice; immunity to

asleep

-,

confused

- and

blinded

-effects and to

darkness

and

ice

-elements; footwear), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power; immunity to

weakened

-effect; handwear), Spiked Collar (+1 Power; accessory)

Inventory:

Stag Antlers (WP:10, intimidation; halberd), Fafnir (WP:14; greatsword), Throwing Knife (WP:9, light-elemental; retrievable), Throwing Axe (WP:5; retrievable), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow; dagger), 10 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 10 Remedy, 3 Phoenix Essence, 10 Mead, 10 Smelling Salts, 10 Nostrum, Metasimian Ale, 5 Smoke Bomb, 2 Deadly Venom, 2 Neutralizer, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shard

Eric (Khorne)

30 year old Human Nord Raider

Level 21 1/3

*Natural Respite*

*

Immune to Fragile

*

*Evasion*

*Encouraged*

Power:

40

(21+19)

Defense:

5

Health:

39/39

(8+20+7+4)

Gold:

36

Equipment:

Godricsleif (WP:19;

ice

- and

darkness

-elemental; greatsword), Counterstrike Gloves (Counter with strength equal to their level after getting hit by a Free Hit; handwear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row; footwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immunity to fragile; bodywear)

Inventory:

Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; dual strike, Lightning-elemental; axe), Sticky Gloves (+50% gold from stealing), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, inflicts cursed; retrievable); 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8; retrievable), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 12 Grand Potions, Venom, 10 Meads, 10 Smelling Salts, 5 Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb,

Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight)

***Party Leader***

262 year old female Elven Shaman

Level 17

*Immune to Sealed*

Power:

31

(17+14)

Defense:

3

Health:

34/34

(9+16+6+3)

Ether:

27/27

(5+16+1+3)

Gold:

36

Equipment:

Magical Staff (WP:14,

water

-elemental, staff), Robe of the Archmage(SP:3, Max.Ether+5, immunity to sealed; bodywear), White Cloak (+3 Max Health; backwear)

Inventory:

Mourning Star (WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace), Shackles of War (prevents anyone fleeing; accessory),

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Ruby

, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Mead, Venom, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs , Bone, Shovel, Bedroll

[Scubacarrot]

"Hm. I'll have another of those rums. The amount of water you add to them make them easy to drink." Guts laid down another coin. "So, what do you think about the tolls, insane, aren't they?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen looked around at the patrons. Seeing few other females in the place might have made her uneasy before, but the fire awakened by the shaman training was itching for a fight. Guts and Eric were in their element. But she too had ways to play this game. Speaking just loudly enough to be heard over the conversations she said,

Does a lady have to buy her own drinks around here?