The Bibliophagist Burrow discussion

I'm generally in favour of places where humanoids gather to consume alcohol. It tends to make them talkative, and if they're talking, they can be encouraged to tell me things I want to know.

A touch of empathy helps. So does a touch of disguise - there are enough entertainment shows in Federated space starring one of my kind as the villain that I need to be in a free port before I can move around as myself without attracting far too much attention, not to mention bar fights. And bar fights, with standard humans, are just a bit too easy to be a challenge.

Generally I leave the information-gathering to my second in command. He's better at it and people like him, which is a useful edge for an information broker.

Today, I have some time to kill, and the sign on the door amuses me.

Ahhh... a place of depression and wallowing in sorrows. Perfect. I'll just sneak in and watch for a while. Perhaps whisper in a few ears.

Too bad we're past the jukebox days, I like that band Distrubed. I'd play The Sickness a few times. Or Led Zeppelin, reminds me of the good old days of Twiggy models. I was strong, then.

I'll just sit here and tap my bony fingers on the table until I see my next victim, the next loyal subject to pull into my Kingdom.

Where in the Void had that damn portal dropped me this time? The dark, dank room smelled of smoke and cheap booze. The repaired furniture and dark stained spots on the floor drew a smirk. Tavern brawls. My kind of place.

Lurking in the shadows, my senses flared. Hmmm. Some of these patrons possessed hidden powers. But then again, so did I. Striding towards an empty table, the weight of interest grew. By the number of people staring at the scabbard hanging at my side, you'd think I was some long lost relic from the dead.

I was alive. And planned to stay that way.