Crow1

After months of searching you have found the entrance to the current incarnation of the fabled Smoking Crow. The bar is dark, smokey, and alive with whith the off beat rhythm of an unseen jazz quartet. A sense of weight hangs in the air. The walls are old and the regulars older still. As you take it all in you are greated by an elegant (either: "host", "hostess"): "Welcome to The Smoking Crow, how can we be of assistance today?" "I'm not really sure what I'm looking for." "Do you have your library card?"(set: $holding to "") You consider carefully before answering. [[Yes, I do have a card.]] [[No, I don't have a library card.]]

"I'm afraid you won't get far here if no one trusts you," replies the bartender. "To acquire a card and the trust that comes with it go to the <a href= "http://www.corvusfolio.com">Corvus Folio</a> and find a window into our world."

"Excellent. Are you looking for food or drink?" "I'm looking for Management," you reply. "Hmm. Management can be difficult to reach, but it may be possible. Have a seat and relax a while. We'll see what we can do." Proceed to [[the bar]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]].

There are many people at the bar, but most sit alone, keeping to themselves. It seems The Crow serves a diverse clientelle. There is a dapper gentleman in an overcoat entirely too warm to be worn in here, a woman in a dress entirely too short to be worn in public, and a shadowy figure in a top-hat entirely too tall to exist in reality. You could make like the other patrons and [[sit alone]], or you could try your luck striking up a conversation with one of the illustrious three: [[Sit with the Man in the Overcoat.]] [[Sit with the Woman in the Dress.]] [[Sit with the Figure in the Top Hat.]]

The dining area is neer full with patrons, some are eating or engaged in conversation. Others are playing games at tables that seem to be reserved for just that. Despite the bustle of the room, you can't help feel that everyone is monitoring your every move. You consider carefully as you look at the avialable tables, wondering who you should sit by: A [[bald man]] eats alone at a corner table, keeping an angry eye on the others in the room. A teenage boy in a [[pink hoodie]] speaks in hushed tones with an middle aged man. A group of people watching various [[games]] in progress. There's also an [[isolated table]].

You take your seat on an empty stool and wait for the bartender to approach. The bar is constructed of ancient, gnarled wood that's scarred and scratched from years of use. The patrons at the bar take no notice, but the paintings on the wall behind the bar seem to scrutinze your every movement. As you wither beneath the gaze of a woman holding an owl and petting a fox, a bartender finally approaches: "What can I get for you?" [[I'm not here to drink.]] [[Fountain Pop]] [[A dram of scotch]]

You sit two seats away from the man in the overcoat. His black fedora sits on the bar at the seat between as if to save it for an extected guest. You can't help but notice silver feather hat pin that adorns the hat. He notices you noticing. "Any chance I'm saving that seat for you?" he asks. "I doubt it," you reply. "Unless you're management." He shakes his head before answering: "Oh, that way maddness lies." The two of you sit in silence for a time before he ventures another comment: "You seem a little nervous." "Hard not to be," you say. "It's a little scary here." He laughs a little as the two of you gaze at the wrought iron bird cages hanging over the bar. Then he offers a toast: "Look above trembling in the night." "Is that supposed to be inspirational?" you ask. "You can take it however you like." he says, gazing at the clock. "But it looks like I've been stood up." He picks up his hat and nods his goodby before sauntering away from the bar, leaving you perplexed and alone. [[Sit with the Woman in the Dress.]] [[Sit with the Figure in the Top Hat.]] Continue to [[sit alone]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]

The woman watches with a predatory smile as you sit beside her and order yourself a drink. "Not going to offer me one?" She asks. A silver snake bracelet coils around her wrist, impossibly tight. "I didn't think you'd accept." "I guess we'll never know." She sits in silence for awhile, then asks: "So what brings you here?" "Curiosity," you reply. "This is stornger the day before." "The day before what?" you ask. "Discovery, understanding, enlighternment...whatever." "Is that what this is, the day before enlightnemnt?" "I certainly hope not," she replies. "But you're not looking for enlightenment. You're looking for management." You nod in assent before asking: "Can you help me?" "I already have." she says, and with a parting wink she collects her coat and disappears, leaving her untouched drink on the bar. [[Leave The Smoking Crow.]] Continue to [[sit alone]] [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]

The figure in the top hat nods as you sit but does not turn to face you. "Hello, friend." he croaks in a strange jovial voice. You're not sure what to make of this character. Though you are able to look him square in his shifty black eyes, you somehow can't tell what he looks like. "Sit, sit. There is plenty of coffee," He offers, "But they are out of mangos." "Coffee will do." "Good, good." He says, with an encouraging nod to the mug of coffee that is now sitting in front of you. Startled a bit, you take a tentative sip of the prodigious drink. "Good, yes?" the figure in the top hat asks, full of enthusiasm. "It'll do," you reply. "Yes, yes, it will do," the figure replies. "Now tell me a story. What brings you here?" "Management-" "That's a boring story. I have one that is much better...Much. much better. Would you like to hear it?" "I'd love to," you reply as you sip your drink. You notice somehting strange. "Is there a rock in my coffee?" "Of course there's a rock in your coffee. We're not savages here." The figure replies, as he scribbles on a small piece of paper then asks, conspiratorisly: "Do you have a mango?" (if: $holding1 is "mango")["Yes, [[I do have a mango.]]] (else:)["I'm afraid [[I don't have a mango.]]]

"Then I'm afraid you're in the wrong place." The barkeep replies. "Perhaps you'd like something to eat?" Choose your reply: "[[I'm looking for management.]]" "I'll [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]"

"Keeping your wits about you, aye?" The barkeep replies. "That's good to hear. You may survive this yet." He slides a class into into your hand and leaves you to it. The patrons of the bar all cary on drinking, eating, or playing games. None seem to pay you any heed. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] [[Stay at the bar and finish you fountain pop.]]

The bartender gestures to a dark corner at the far end of the bar. "That gentleman over their just purchased our last decent bottle. He may be willing to share if ask in the right manner." Order a [[Fountain Pop]] instead. Join the gentleman in the [[dark corner]].

The bartender gazes at you for a long time before replying: "I'm not sure you're ready for management." "What do you mean?" you ask. "You're among friends here. You wouldn't be here if that weren't the case, but you can't just come in and demand an audience with the almighty." "Then what should I do?" you ask. "Look around a little, talk to some of these people, trust me, we draw the finest crazies." [[Sit with the Man in the Overcoat.]] [[Sit with the Woman in the Dress.]] [[Sit with the Figure in the Top Hat.]] [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]

A shadowy figure who seems to be something other than human sits, shrouded in shadows. He offers you an empty glass and an open bottle as you sit opposite him. "Hello," he says, "come to partake in the nectar of the gods?" "Not really." You answer, a little unsettled. The voice is strained, otherworldly. Perhaps this is not a man at all. "I understand you're looking for something very specific." "I'm lookng for managemnet." You reply. "Indeed. That's true of most of the people here." "Does anyone know who management is, or where they are?" You ask, sensing you're not going to like his answer. "I doubt it, though some have infomation you may find useful. But beware, we all speak nonsense here." "Who should I talk to?" You ask, trying to mask your frustration. "Heed the words of the green one first, then white, black, blue, and finally, the one in pink." "You're the one speaking nonsense now." You say, with unmasked frustration. "None of them know what they know. It will take one intrped soul to put the pieces together in order to see what I have seen. Perhaps that will be you." "Perhaps." You reply. "Take a look around [[the bar]] or [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] and we'll talk again in more suitable surroundings."

The Bald Man nods as you approach. He's much bigger he looked from a distance. The bald head seems to be an ascethetic choice, so does his perpetual scowl as his greeting is entirely affable: "First time at the crow?" He gestures to the seat opposite him. "Is it that obvious?" "It is. First timers are easy to spot." He picks up a small square of printed paper and begins folding. "I'll bet," you reply. "And most of them don't come back." "That's too bad, the place seems nice enough." "It's not for everyone." "How about you." "How about me what?" He seems to be concentrating more on his origami than you're quesitons. "How long have you been coming here?" "This place?" He replies, "I've been here since the begining. Same table, same drink." "You just come there to drink?" "Drink, observe, offer a little guidance." "So you're management?" You say, thinknig this might actually be the guy. "No, no," He laughs. "Nothing like that. I just like to help out the new people." "Care to help one find management?" "I might be able to point you in the right direction." "OK," you reply. "You will need to find a man named Gurlitt." "He's management?" "Not anymore, but he can help you." "Don't suppose you'll tell me where to find him?" He chuckles as he makes the last of his folds. "He can be found in the 'chalet' behind the three-rail fence." "There's a chalet in the Smoking Crow?" you ask, incredulously. "I'm afraid you'll have to leave the Crow to find Gurlitt." He places the meticulously folded crow in the center of the table and rises to leave. "In the meantime. Try the fountain pop." [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] Find a seat at [[the bar]]

The man notices you first. His sunken, sleepless eyes track you wearily as you approach. The kid speaks without looking at you. "You should be careful sneaking up on someone like that, even in a freindly place." "I can think of two things wrong with that statement," you reply. "Only two?" The kid interjects, finally looking up at you. He's younger than you expected, sixteen, maybe. "I'm not sure this place is friendly and I definitely wasn't sneaking," you answer. "Fair enough," he replies. "So how'd you find your way here?" "I honestly can't remember." The man finally speaks up. "The Corvus Folio?" "Yes," you reply. "I'm still trying to figure out what it is." "We all are," the Pink Hoodie chimes in. "But he knows more than most." He looks at the man, expectantly. "The meaning of the manuscript is between the Maker and I." The head shakes beneath the Pink Hoodie. "You see? Ask these people an honest question and this is the crap they feed you." "Yeah," you reply. "Sad thing is, you find it endearing after awhile," the kid says. "We'll see." "Did big bird ask you for a mango yet?" he asks. (if: $holding2 is "knowledge")["Yes," you answer. [["What's that about?"]]] (else:)["No," you answer. [["Who's big bird?"]]]

You don't recognize the game these people are playing. They shuffle tiles with strainge symbols across small paper boards. Some appear to employ dice, others coins. It seems more a social endeavour than a competetive one as the palyers talk between moves in hushed tones. You watch for some time but you can't make out any of the rules or strategies in play. Unlike the chess matches these games don't seemd to draw spectators, just players. A few of them watch you with sidelong glances, monitoring your reaction to the games. One among the players speaks out. A male voice, perhaps. "You're not ready for this game." "Perhaps I could learn," you offer, to no one in particular, as you watch over the players in search of the comment's source. "Maybe one day, but that's not why you're here. "You're here for management." "Take one of these to the bird man." a man in a red vest says, tosing you an ancient coin. (set: $holding to "coin") [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] Find a seat at [[the bar]].

Moments after you sit in the secluded corner table a waitress arrives with a plate of prepared food in hand. "The special," she says. "Corn Bread Caisead, on the house." You eat in silence, watching as more people arrive to watch the games in progress. Join the patrons watching the [[games]]. Continue to sit in the corner and [[brood]].

The waitress takes your empty plate. "Don't want to watch the games?" she asks. "Not really. I don't really know the rules." "That's ok, they change all the time anyway. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Anything eles?" She asks, as she refills your water glass. "Not right now, thanks." "Great," she relpies. "Just let me know." You watch her leave, atteneding other tables as you consider what to do next: Join the [[games]]. Stay at your table and [[continue to brood]] in silence.

You sit in silence for some time. The games are still going strong but its unlikely you could get close enough to see what's happening there. Most of the other patrons have joined the games, the the boy in the pink hoodie and the man are still talking. And the scary bald man is still sitting alone. You get the feeling he's more interested in you than the games. Speak with the [[bald man]]. Stay at your table and [[brood some more]].

The bald man finally joins the others at the games. He takes a cursory glance but doesn't really seem that interested. You try to watch which way he goes but he dissappears in the crowd then dissappears altogether. The only partorns not engrossed in the game are the boy with the pink hoodie and the man he's sitting with. You've been watching for some time and its apparent that the man is broken. He's been through something terrible. Approach the boy in the [[pink hoodie]]. [[Brood a little more]].

You sit and watch, your back against the wall. When the waitress returns to refill your water glass, she forgoes conversation and just smiles. As she turns away you notice with a start that the mysterious scotch fan is now sitting across from you. "Good evening," he says, "You have been watching closely." "Just taking it all in." "That's good. It seems you may be my kind of people. I have something for you. But it will cost you an special coin." (if: $holding is "coin")["Will this suffice?" you ask.[[You offer the ancient coin to the figure.]]](elseif: $holding is "mango")["I don't have a coin, but I do have this mango." you reply. [[I'm afraid I don't like mangos, but the creature in the tophat would thank you for it.]]](else:)["Is a quarter special enough?" you ask. [[I'm afraid not.]]]

Most of the people are playing chess, with varying degrees of intensity and skill. They play on a variety of sets ranging form classic black an white pieces to themed sets including East Asian Gods, the American Civil War, and Super Mario Borthers. Some games blaze past as players punch their analogue chess clocks every few seconds, making moves quickly, instictually. Others move at a slower pace with moves that seem almost mechanically. These are easier to watch, though harder to understand. The moves and countermoves are baffling, employing strategies that make absolutely no sense. In addition to chess, some people are playing a game you don't recognize. They shuffle small tiles over various small boards, all with different patterns. Keep watching the [[chess]] matches. Take a closser look at [[the unknown game]].

Despite the bizzare play on display, several people watch the chess matches. Most focus their attention on one of the slower moving games employing Egyptian themed pieces. You try to track the progress of the game but players seem to move in circles, neither really trying to gain any descernable advantage. Your attention begins to waver... You notice the woman standing next to you. Her attention is not wavering. She watches every move with rapt attention, absendlty rubbing the fox mask necklace slung low around her neck. "Who's winning?" You ask her. "They are." She replies flatly, still focused on the game. You watch a few more circuitous moves before asking: "Which one is they?" She suffers only a glance in your direction before refocusing her attention. Time passes abonizingly slow, checked by the rythmic click of the chess timers clocks. "We all learn from the times what is above necessary." You nod, realizing this is as far as this conversation is going to go: Go watch [[the unknown game]]. Return to [[the bar]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]

A slight (either: "boy", "girl") in a black hoodie approaches the bar, sits next to you, and nods towards your drink, "Good choice." "Management?" You ask. "No. But I'm one of the few here who actually has any idea how to find her." "I don't suppose you'll enlighten me?" "If you're not enlightened yet, you're way out of your league." When you don't answer immediately the black hoodie asks: "Are you serious, or are you just playing?" [[Say that you're serious.]] or [[Say that you are playing.]]

"That's good to hear." the voice behind the hoodie says."In that case, I can help you a little." "I'll take anything I can get." You reply. "I only have one piece of the puzzle, and I'm sure it will sound like nonsense." "Go on." You urge. Your informant pulls a pendant from a pocket and and makes a show of pinning to the black hoodie: an antler, cast in silver, quite strikning on the black fabric. "That should tell you the order of things." "OK..." "This lies between truth and suspicion, the day after." "The day after what?" you reply. "That's the best I can do for you. Just remember what it took to get here, and you'll be fine." With that, the black hoodie melts into the crowd leaving you alone to consider your next move. [[Leave The Smoking Crow.]] [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] Talk to someone else at [[the bar]].

You leave the confines of the strange bar. Your soul entact. Hopefully. (link: "...")[ "In Darkness We Are One"]

"Well, you may be serious," your informant replies. "But I'm not sure that you are ready." "I'm here aren't I." "There's an order to things. You don't have to follow it, not everybody does, but you need to see the big picture to see this through to the end. You need to look through The Wndow." "The window?" you ask. "Explore the Corvus Folio, look through the window." You're left alone, confused, and a little annoyed at the person in the black hoodie disappearing into the shadows. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] Find another seat at [[the bar]]. [[Leave The Smoking Crow.]]

"Excellent," the figure replies, and takes the coin. In exchange, he slides a drawing across the table. Take a picture of the drawing with your Silent Library Card in frame and DM the photo to V.E.Baring at the link below to commemorate your time here at the Smoking Crow. (link: "The Drawing")[(open-url: "https://www.dropbox.com/s/g9ddzjh1usknbkf/tw1.pdf?dl=0")] Find a seat at [[the bar]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] [[Leave The Smoking Crow.]]

"While I can appreciate your fondness for solitue, I suggest you mingle a litle more and return to this table at the end of the evening." Go to [[the bar]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]

You make your way to a heavy oak door in the back room. You try to open it but it's locked. (link: "Knock Knock")[Someone from inside knocks back, mimicking the rhythm.] "I could use a little help." you ask. "I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific," someone replies from inside. "OK, I could use a mango...I guess. AdaUsagi sent me." The door opens and a woman in a blue hoodie, with hair to match, thrusts a fresh mango into your hands. "Here," she says shorlty. "Tell the scotch drinker I said 'Hi'." "Is the scotch drinker big bird?" you ask. "You'll figure it out," she replies, shutting the door behind her.(set: $holding1 to "mango") Find a seat at [[the bar]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]

"The creature in the tophat?" you ask. "Yes, he can be exhausting at times, but he is amusing. And he would be very grateful to be offered such a fine drupe." Find a seat at [[the bar]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]

You pull the ripe stone fruit from your pocket and hand it over. "Thank you! Thank you!" he replies. "If you don't have a good story to trade, I'll always take a mango." He slides a piece of paper across the table. "But for you," he says, "I have a good story." You take the scrap of paper, marked with a single word in a worbly, childish scrawl: MANGA-STANI. "A one word story?" you ask. "Sometimes it takes only one word for a whole world. You'll like it, yes..." He nods as he totters away, mumbling: "Mango, mango..." Find another seat at [[the bar]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] [[Leave The Smoking Crow.]]

"Ah, that is too bad," your strange companion replies. "I do love mangos. Do you suppose you could find one?" "I don't know," you replay. "I'll trade you a story for a mango." he says with a lilt, working hard to convince you. "A story for a mango, huh?" "It's a good deal." He really wants a mango. "OK," you replay, "the bartender may have one." "No, no. Don't ask him. He says I can't have anymore. Don't *ask* for a mango, just look. And if you find one, remember Rig Raven." (set: $holding2 to "knowledge") "I will," you reply. "Good, good. You look, I'll wait." He begins humming to himself as you leave. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]] [[Sit with the Man in the Overcoat.]] [[Sit with the Woman in the Dress.]] [[sit alone]]

For Questions or Concerns contact (link: "V.E.Baring")[(open-url: "https://www.twitter.com/vebaring?lang=eng")] (link: "The Smoking Crow")[(open-url:"http://www.thesmokingcrow.com")]

(current-date:)

"Guess you haven't met him yet." The man replies. "Guess not." "You'll know him when you see him," the Pink Hoodie replies. "If you have a mango when you do it will save you some time." "A mango?" He points to a door in the back. "That's the [[Smoker's Lounge]]. If you ask nicely they might give you one." "What if they don't?" "I suppose you'll have to go shopping." The Pink Hoodie replies with an air of finality. Find a seat at [[the bar]]. [[Find a seat in the dining area.]]

"You'll know him when you see him." The Hoodie answers. "Can't wait." "If you have a mango to offer him, he might tell you something useful." "And where would I get a mango?" You ask. "That door in the back leads to the [[Smoker's Lounge]]. They can help you. They probably won't let you in, but they may offer up a stone fruit. Tell them AdaUsagi sent you."