Yahoo Image Search

So, here are the questions and answers for the Ichabod Brooks Q&A.  Thank you to everyone who participated.  Enjoy the fun!

From C.S. Boyack: Ichabod, what experience do you have with the gnomes and their inventions?

I’m friends with a few gnomes who I go to for help on certain jobs.  Their inventions are a calculated risk, but only if they’re untested.  When I was starting out, I’d volunteer for testing jobs since I figured it was easy money and a good way to make friends with people smarter than myself.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve shied away from being a guinea pig.  So, I only use the things that my friends know will work and I convince them to stay nearby in case I need help.  Personally, I prefer magic artifacts and relics because they’re easier to control.  It’s just that some situations call for a solution that hasn’t been invented yet.

From Colin-Noel Johnson: First, if you had to chose another career, what would it be?

I’ve thought about this many times.  There are the obvious ones like soldier, wilderness guide, and whatever else involves traveling.  Those are too easy to pick because they’re nothing more than lateral moves from adventuring.  So, to go completely off the battered path, I’d become a baker.  It’s a little hobby now, but I’d be happy to make a career out of that.  Maybe it can be a retirement plan.

Second, have you ever been asked to join an important quest with famous heroes?

Surprisingly, I haven’t had the opportunity.  I’ve crossed paths with a few, but was never invited to join.  Part of it might be due to my use of contracts and having a reputation for doing jobs instead of questing for the heck of it.  Although, I could have been invited onto one and not realized it.  Once I pass on a job, I don’t really check in on it.

Third, do heroes run in your family?

No.  My mother made blankets and sheets while my father was a shepherd.  So, I grew up as a farmer before joining the local army.  Most of my ancestors have been farmers, crafters, and . . . bards.  There’s been a handful of those.  Honestly, it’s better this way because it means I’m hired for me and not for what someone in the family did.  Even better, I don’t have any enemies who I didn’t make myself.  Few things are more irritating than a person hating you because of what your great-great-great Uncle did to their great-great-great-great-great grandfather.

Fourth… what’s the best way to get a zombie out of a house? I’m stuck on the roof until you answer.

Since it sounds like there’s only one, you have the advantage of speed and agility.  Now, the easiest thing to do is climb back inside, grab a blunt object, and kill it.  Zombies aren’t stealthy, so you can hear it coming.  If you simply want it to leave then climb to the ground, get some rotten meat, and make a path out of the house.  Start it at the edge of a forest or wherever you want the zombie to go then make your way to the door.  Never start at the door because it might come out while you’re still preparing and follow without you realizing it.  Knock to draw its attention to the food.  That should cover it.

From Deby Fredericks: You mention getting older and being a family man. Would you ever consider taking a more settled position such as captain of the watch?

It’s been suggested, but probably not.  When I settle down and retire, it’ll be the homestead for me.  No more excited, battles, monsters, and tales for the bards to sing about.  Just me and all the relaxing things I’ve wanted to do.  At least it will be if the joints and muscles aren’t a mess by then.

From L.Marie: Ichabod, do you have a favorite weapon(s)? If so what?

I don’t really have a favorite weapon because I need to take whatever I think will be good for the job.  My expertise is with the longbow, so that’s probably what I would consider my favorite.  Be rather silly to claim I love fire arrows, bring them on every job, and then get killed battling a lava monster.

How did you and your wife meet?

Going to have to be careful here because I don’t like giving the details when she’s not around.  I had done a job that resulted in her coming after me.  We fought, got into trouble that forced an alliance, and then had to spend three months surviving in the wild until we were found.  It was probably a year later that we ran into each other again and tried dating, which wasn’t easy given our careers.

Have you ever met a bard you actually liked? If so, who?

This is a common misconception.  I do finds bards obnoxious and pains in the neck, but I don’t truly despise them.  It isn’t like I get angry every time I run into a bard.  Most are okay and will stop singing about me if I ask.  It’s just that a handful of jerks have put me on edge about all of them.  There’s actually a bard or two that I go to for help if the job requires their skills.