Lance says to the thug "I might seem like an easy target for your rage but you should think why you are here. You chose to do this but more importantly you should question the person's motives that sent you here. Attacking a lady? What if you had succeeded? Isn't murdering a noble a capital crime?"
"And I am sorry about your comrades. Is their any type of funeral wishes any of them had talked about?"
The less surly of the two starts to say something but the other thug rams him pretty hard with his shoulder and says, "Just shut up and everything will be taken care of."
The sailors start milling about on the ship deck and several burly men step down the ramp to the pier just as the four guards finally approach. Several of the men begin to talk simultaneously. One of the sailors kicks one of the captives squarely in the gut. The other thug jumps to his feet but a couple of the guards subdue him. One of the guards looks at your group, obviously irritated. He says "Tolin has spoken on your behalf. You best clear out before this gets ugly."
Lam-ang starts to turn away and leave when he realizes that the sailors are intending to dish out their own brand of justice on the thugs. Lam-ang's sense of justice is offended.
"No! That is not right! Fight fairly!" Lam-ang declares adamantly. He catches the eye of the sailors' leader and grips his staff for emphasis. "You will dishonor the name of your mistress if you persist in acting this way."
The excitement is finally over and each of you meanders on your own way. Reflecting on the events, you realize that world around you is not as idyllic as you may have thought.
Lam-ang
Summer
Over the next week each of you slowly returns to your normal routines. Just when the excitement in the ally and on the pier begins to fade, a messenger arrives with a package for you.
The package contains a small pouch of coins (25gp), a half pound of exotic coffee beans (worth 2gp), and two letters. The first letter is written in an exquisite, flowing script, and says:
Kind Sirs, it is not everyday that complete strangers will risk life and limb to assist those in need. For your acts of bravery I would like to ask that you accept these tokens of my appreciation.
Good day,
Lavinia Vanderboren
The second letter is simply written:
Thanks again for saving Liamae. If you are interested in more work, meet me at the Dawn Market gates tomorrow at sun rise.
-Tolin
Lance
Lam-ang spends his free time in meditation at the Church of the Whirling Fury.
Upon receiving the letter of Lavinia Vanderboren, Lam-ang asks the messenger for her address. He personally thanks Lavinia for her generosity.
"Thank you. Please understand that I would have done what I did regardless of any reward. I cannot find it in my heart to any injustice to exist. Moreover, a beautiful woman like you should not be placed in such distress. Thank you again."
Thereafter, he goes and meets Tolin.
Upon receiving the letter of Lavinia Vanderboren, Lam-ang asks the messenger for her address.
In today's blog, James Jacobs asked us if we'd like to see any Sequels to any particular GMM. My vote:
Return of the Kobold King
(or maybe just any module with Merlokrep)
I agree!
That blocked tunnel just has way too many possibilities!
I would also like to throw out there that Erik should be required to write an adventure soon!
Oh, and a high level adventure - even if it has to be a bit longer than the usual 32 pages.
More stuff by Stephen Greer (don't let Goodman Games take all his time), Jason Bulmahn, and Wes Schneider!
Over the following week, Luenevyn blows the money he got from the thugs on games of chance at the Imp's Folly and on Aralandi at the Mermaid's Secret, not necessarily in that order.
Broke again, he tries to pawn what he can of the thug's possessions: the light crossbow in poor condition, 8 bolts, 4 knives, and the dagger. (He keeps the black bladed buckler as a souvenir and the really nice pair of walking boots.)
When the messenger comes, Luenevyn resolves to save this money, and gives half the coffee as a gift to Aralandi. He enjoys an early morning cup of coffee himself before heading to the Dawn Market gates to meet Tolin, curious if any of the others from the pier will be there.
Broke again, he tries to pawn what he can of the thug's possessions: the light crossbow in poor condition, 8 bolts, 4 knives, and the dagger. (He keeps the black bladed buckler as a souvenir and the really nice pair of walking boots.)
You able to peddle these items for a grand total of 11gp 8sp 4cp. One of the seedier contacts warns that the buckler (which you said you were keeping) is the Blackshield gang's signature weapon...
Summer: One afternoon, you are quite surprised to see that young man from last week's excitement walking down the path. You assume he visiting your neighbor, the Sage Venton’s again. Then he suddenly looks into XXX shop. Once he sees you he smiles warmly and enters. He explains about the reward. Then he shows you the second letter and said he intends to go to the Dawn Market in the morning. Without waiting for a reply he smiles again and leaves, somewhat hurriedly.
Before the sun rises, as the eastern sky brightens, people begin to set up booths in the Dawn Market. Merchants, farmers, and peddlers hurry to get their wares ready for the day. Fresh fruits, meats, and linens are readily at hand. Myriads of other everyday items dot the smaller stalls.
This square is the commons outside the main gate leading to the southern plantations. Traffic of goods constantly flows through this cheerful part of town. Immediately to the east is the Sunrise Garrison and so this is also one of the safest and most honest of markets in all of Sasserine.
As the sun finally crests the horizon, the devout take a moment to whisper their thanks to Pelor. One man continues to whistle a random tune. A few chickens get loose and begin their desperate scramble for freedom. Several nobles already appear to be inspecting the goods, or maybe the booths themselves.
You scan the crowd, trying to remember the faces of your fellow heroes and your benefactor, Tolin.
Lam-ang is up early for his meeting with Tolin. Donning his somber clothes and taking his trusty staff, he is off to the Dawn Market, sprinting, which he loves so much.
Reaching the Dawn Market, Lam-ang weaves through the morning crowd hoping to get the drop on Tolin. Lam-ang pauses to wipe the sweat off his brow.
Lance goes and pays the 5gp for the 'gun' designs. Completely immersed in research, trying to decipher the blueprints, he drags himself out of his home when he realises that the sun is up and he doesn't even know what time it is. He remembers the promised "job" for his actions in the alley and the docks.
He ponders what to do and then heads out as he knows he is going to need more funds if he wants to get the supplies needed to make a 'fire arm' or buy one.
Prat spends the days telling everyone and any one about his heroic deeds, but is frustrated when his friends at the theater refuse to believe him. When the letters arrive with the rewards he is overjoyed to have proof and delights in the stunned response from the rest of the stage hands. He pockets the money but shares the coffee with his mentors, Fabian and Johan.
Eager to become a great adventurer he heads off to meet the others at the market. When he sees them he runs up saying, "Lance...Lance, I knew you'd be here. Isn't this great? I wonder what kind of quest we'll be going on."
Tolin appears on the east side of the market and quickly spots Luenevyn and Lam-ang (). He waves and makes his way over.
"Good morning to you both! I'm so glad you could make it. Are your companions here?" he says as he begins to scan the crowd. Tolin is a relatively average man except for the scruffy beard which would make a dwarf proud. He scratches it ponderously while the other hand seems to hover instinctively over his pommel.
Lance hears Prat's greeting and turns with a smile "Hey Prat! Nice to see you about. I'm not sure but my geuss is that it will be exciting."
"I just can't wait...Maybe we will have to cross the country to climb to the tops of the mountains to slay the terifying dragons of old, like Suriddi the Brave."
A few seconds later when Summer arrives "Wow. Looks like everyone is arriving. I haven't seen Tolin yet. Have you seen any of the other fellows about?"
Prat eyes the girl confused as to why she is here and asks, "Whats your name again?"
"Oh! Hello, Tolin. You caught me by surprise there. No, haven't seen the others." Lam-ang scans the crowd searching for familiar faces.
"I've not seen them, either," Luenevyn tells Tolin. "Do you need all of us, or if the others don't show, is the opportunity for the two of us still open?"
"I've not seen them, either," Luenevyn tells Tolin. "Do you need all of us, or if the others don't show, is the opportunity for the two of us still open?"
With your back to the sun you squint your eyes, scan the crowd and instinctively single out a group of people obviously not shopping. You see the young man, the lady, and the more dashing gentleman from last week's serendipitous encounter.
Before you can mention it to Lam-ang, Tolin walks up to the two of you...
Lance hears Prat's greeting and turns with a smile "Hey Prat! Nice to see you about. I'm not sure but my geuss is that it will be exciting.""I just can't wait...Maybe we will have to cross the country to climb to the tops of the mountains to slay the terifying dragons of old, like Suriddi the Brave."
A few seconds later when Summer arrives "Wow. Looks like everyone is arriving. I haven't seen Tolin yet. Have you seen any of the other fellows about?"Prat eyes the girl confused as to why she is here and asks, "Whats your name again?"
Summer looks him up and down and then says "My name is Summer." Then becoming impatient she turns to Lance " Why exactly did you invite me here to day? And what is your name?"
"There they are!" Luenevyn points out the rest of the group across the square.
Turning to Tolin, he says, "Don't suppose you might give us a few tidbits about why you called us here before the others join us? Specifically payment details, mayhap?"
Tolin looks quizzical for a minute, shakes his head and laughs. "A good friend of mine has an unhealthy obsession with all things that glitter - take care or it may bite you! You haven't even asked what you might have to do to earn them? What if I were to tell you that my Lady wants some rare artifact claimed out of the dreaded dungeon of rust and fire?" The warrior laughs again. "But first things first I suppose. I've got a hundred gold coins, most of them are not from around these parts but people will take them! How you split it is up to your group."
"I'd be willing to safeguard those coins until we reach a decision," Luenevyn says.
"A dungeon of rust and fire, you say? Hmmm, I'm just a city-born wharf-rat. You sure you have the right group for this?"
Tolin laughs again. "No fear in you, eh? No, your task is far less exciting."
Tolin heads towards Summer, Prat, and Lance, swinging by a baker's cart for some spiced raisin bread.
"Now that I have you all together..." Tolin begins and stuffs his mouth with bread.
Summer looks him up and down and then says "My name is Summer." Then becoming impatient she turns to Lance " Why exactly did you invite me here to day? And what is your name?"
As the rude lady turns to face Lance, Prat sticks out his tounge at the back of her head and wrinkles his nose with a disgusted grimace.
When Tolin arrives Prat stands tall and proud, "How can I be of service?"
"Well lets find out what you want our help with. Maybe we should go somewhere more private to talk?" Lance says while looking over Tolin's shoulder. He steps past Tolin and smiles at the nearby shop keeper and says "I'll take that bandoulier if it's for sale."
Lance goes to buy a bandoulier with 3 throwing daggers. He offers 6 gp 5 sp for it.
"I, for one, would like to know more about just who I'm working with. Sure, we were all thrown together in the dock fight, but who are you people?"
Luenevyn absentmindedly reaches behind him and filches an apple from a fruit-seller's cart. He polishes it on his shirt and takes a bite.
"Ok, I'll go first. I'm Luenevyn. Grew up in Azure District, but I wander round a bit. Got fair knowledge of Noble and Sunrise Districts, at least. I can tell you where to get a tattoo in Noble, the best pubs in Sunrise, which gaming halls in Azure stack the odds, and where you can find the most beautiful women in Sasserine. I can probably show you the best fishing spots in the whole city, too.
"So, pleased to meet you. That's my story. What're yours?"
For those who speak Elven:
Prat listens to the Elf tell his story with wide eyes, muttering softly an odd sounding word that is rumbling around in his brain and flexing his hands as if working out muscle cramps.
When Luenevyn finishes Prat nods as if trying to clear his head and says,"You have an odd name. Can I just call you Riddle for short? Anyway, I'm called Prat by my friends at the theater. I've lived there since Ms. Absalee adopted me which is grand since I get to work backstage at all the operas. It's excting and what not, but not nearly as exciting as becomeing an honest to goodness real adventurer!"
Lance goes to buy a bandoulier with 3 throwing daggers. He offers 6 gp 5 sp for it.
Unfortunately, this market is more of a farmer's market. You can pick up the daggers but no one has a fancy bandoulier. You could find the leather if you are so inclined to fashion one for yourself...
The merchant is obviously a blacksmith specializing in plow blades and the such. He has a stash if rather well balnced daggers in an oiled cloth he gladly shows you. "You'll find none finer in all Sasserine! And being such a find, it'll cost you six and a half gold. You can easily find cheaper fare up in the other markets, but you'll find none better. Did I mention the six and half gold? All of Sasserine I tell you."
The merchant is obviously a blacksmith specializing in plow blades and the such. He has a stash if rather well balnced daggers in an oiled cloth he gladly shows you. "You'll find none finer in all Sasserine! And being such a find, it'll cost you six and a half gold. You can easily find cheaper fare up in the other markets, but you'll find none better. Did I mention the six and half gold? All of Sasserine I tell you."
Lance laughs good naturedly and the man's bluster. "Very well. They look of fine craftsmanship indeed. But would they at least have sheaths about my friend?" Lance says with a smile and a raised eyebrow.
Lance laughs good naturedly and the man's bluster. "Very well. They look of fine craftsmanship indeed. But would they at least have sheaths about my friend?" Lance says with a smile and a raised eyebrow.
The man looks shocked at the question a minute before sighing. "Oh, fine, 6 gold, no sheaths." the mechants says. "I should stick with plows...".
Lance hands over 6gp to the merchant and conveniently tucks one of the daggers into his sheath that has been empty since the dock incident.
Turning back to Tolin and the others "Sorry about that. So we have here; Summer, Prat the Mighty, Luenevyn Fleetfoot and Lam-ang Skullcrusher." He guestures politely to each in turn. " I am Lance and this is Tolin, of course."
"Shall we walk and talk to avoid prying eyes ears and fingers?"