Beyond Fort Horizon (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

I see it more as a basic Charisma Ability Check...

Conversation to be had prior to entering the Shady Dragon.

It's not so much that I don't want to talk about it Portia, as it's a subject that makes some folks uncomfortable. Long ago mages sent their servants to the Umbral Plane to perform some task for them. Whne it was completed they were abandonded to perish. In those reaches light and darkness behave differently than they do here. It is much less predictable. And so are the creatures dwelling there. But those abandonded beings learned to survive and prosper gaining abilities unknown before that time.
The Elves and other wizards have convinced everyone to call us fetchlings. It is an minor insult to remind all that we were once their servants. They don't wish to acknowledge that we have grown beyond them. We are the Kayal, the Dusk Dwellers.

...

I see it more as a basic Charisma Ability Check...

That works.

Gruingar then does his best to fade into the background and not draw the attention of the elves. charisma: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 However, he succeeds in drawing all eyes to himself.

...

The young dwarf grunts, and turns to read the material on the board behind him.

I'm actually kinda disappointed with this post from me, but the reaction seems pretty appropriate, and it is an attempt to gather information that the character needs . . .. Ah! I know . . ..

While reading the postings, Dolin asks "So, how good's the discount? Better by the month, best by the year, what?"

After Portia finishes speaking with the two behind the bar, Edren approaches them and asks, "What kind of rooms and cabins do you have and how much are they for a tenday's stay?" After receiving the requested information, Edren say, "I'll also take a mug of your finest ale and some good, warm food, if you have it."

Edren makes his way over to where Portia is sitting and nods questioningly at one of the empty stools next to her. "Mind a bit more of my company for now? It seems wise to me for us newcomers to stick together until we know what's what."

At the Fort
As the others offer to help move goods off the caravan, Derrick gathers his things and steps off himself. "Bjarki, Dorin, you want a hand?" He steps up and helps the two with their heavier gear, his large frame helping to ease the goods to the ground. After the personal unloading is finished, Derrick sets off toward where Paulina has gotten to.

"Lady Southmiller, who's in charge at the Fort, and where might I find them?" I'll offer my blade, of course.

Sithundan follows Edren to the bar. After Edren finishes his order Sithundan adds "And could I have some hot food and tea please?" Taking hs food he follows Edren to Portie's table. Upon sitting he says "Edren I strongly agree, that being said would you like to share a room in the inn. All I need is a sturdy corner to rest and meditate so it would be foolish to waste a whole room for that."

On the Road/At the Tavern

"Ahh, the differences a little bit of distance can make. Where I come from, we decided to put axes on our staves." Edren continues to examine the weapon, "Perhaps when we reach Fort Horizon and settle down, you can show me how it works?"

Fort Horizon

Edren smiles at Sithundan's request, "That will certainly cut down on the cost! I like the way you think." Edren extends his hand out for a handshake, unsure of Sithundan's familiarity with the custom.

Sitting down after having ordered some food, Bjarki realizes that it would be a good idea to count his coins. He does not look overly pleased when he looks up from his belt bag.

"Friends, I'm down to 54 Dollars. I don't know about you, but I won't last long on this kind of money.

He turns to Delouse
Are you in need of some assistance of any kind, Mrs Maliozz, or do you know of someone who is? I'm looking for some way to earn some gold you see. I expect to spend a fair bit of gold in this fine establishment as long as I actually have some gold to spend.

Bjarki sits down by the bar as he says that and await the response from the Elf lady. He also does his best not to look flirtatious, although he is bad at hiding it.

Charisma check: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

While sitting at the bar and waiting for his meal, Edren turns around on the bar stool and surveys the rest of the common area. He files away information on the patrons of the inn.

Edren is just looking to get a general feel of the types of people that come into the inn with this check.

Intuition: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Day 1, Turn 4, midday, Fort Horizon

Emmitio smiles at Portia, as he delivers a plate of cold meat (it appears to be a rather large bird of some kind, almost resembling a chicken), and a mug of beer.

“Cold, well, we do have a cellar, and I have a few bottles of wine we keep down there but I wouldn’t say that they would be cold, miss. But if you want a bottle of wine I’ll fetch one for you, otherwise the first beer is on the house, since you and your friends seem to be looking for lodging.”

He stands straight and addresses the group, “We’ve got four rooms upstairs, they are small, just big enough for a bed, no room to store things at all, and I rent them for a dollar twenty five per night. The cabins, well, I’ve got three of them that I can rent today, and a forth that I could rent as soon as the door is repaired. The cabins rent for three dollars a night, or ten dollars a week. They can be rented by the month, but you’ll have to see Mister Finster. Each of the small cabins can sleep four people comfortably, each has a nice pot belly stove and a pair of large chests that can be locked tight, if you happen to have a lock, and I recommend you get one. Now, let’s see there are some larger cabins, regular homes actually, but you want to see Mister Finster or the Captain about renting those.”

meanwhile at the WEAC office

Dolin reads the small print, and there is a lot of it. He skims over rates for spinning wheels, looms, kilns and other things that do not concern him, until he comes to “Forge and Foundry” and reads

Forge and Foundry Shop – 12 dollars per day/ 60 dollars a week/ monthly rates by contract only. All materials sold through the General Store with a signed contract subject to a 10 percent discount.

Next to the list of rental rates he sees a short list. The top of the list reads, Wanted for hire

Laborers to work the brick factory - $2 a day
Laborers to work the saw mill - $1 a day
Need brave men and women to explore Cold Water Cave - $10 a day
Driver escorts needed - $50 dollars round trip to Fort Crystal Lake and back

Back in the Shady Dragon

Edren’s request for a warm meal is answered by Delouse

“Sir, I can bake up a pie, if you are wanting to wait a while, but all we have is some cold sage hen, and some vegetables. I put some bread in the over to rise just a bit ago, so it will be hot and out of the oven around supper time.”

She sets out a few more plates and then says,

“I’ll need two dollars from each of you for the plates, and as my husband said the first beer is on the house if you want to rent a room.”

Edren looks around the small tavern, notices that the four other people here, the dwarf and three Halflings seem friendly, but engaged in a serious conversation among themselves and take no notice of the rest of you. No one else enters the tavern for a long while.

Just before Derrick excusses himself from the caravan and follows the others toward the Shady Dragon, he ask Southmiller a question and she answers him, saying,

“Barcromb Finchly is the captain of the fort sir. He is an ex military man from Aeromnia, and he is authorized to oversee all the weac’s business here. He’s a fair man, but sometime s a bit difficult to talk to. Now Ill take my leave of you good folk and see if my usual accommodations are in order and see about a meal and getting my boots off, good day.”

Back at the Shady Dragon

Delouse turns her head as Sithundan and Bjarki both ask questions at the same time. She smiles at them and then laughs, “Gold, hahaha, well if you are looking to make gold I know of only one way to do that. Head into the mountains and explore the ruins you might find there. I hear that the captain will pay ten or twenty dollar gold pieces by the hands full for artifacts brought back and turned over to the weac for examination, in fact just the other week –“

Her husband is approaching the table with more mugs of beer when he hears her and interrupts her with a quiet, “Shush woman, what have you learned about talking about those nasty rumors you and those others keep spreading about ruins and artifacts."

His eyes are wide and his voice trembles a bit when he speaks.

“oh, pish-posh,” she waves him off, and goes on, “Anyway, that’s what I hear. But, I need someone with a bit of time and some skill to repair the door of one of the cabins. I can pay 4 dollars if you can fix it today. Oh, and we always pay cash money for game, sage hens will get you a dollar a piece, a nice deer I’ll pay ten dollars for, but if you can get a wild pig or one of those great big tom turkeys from the western woodlands, I’ll pay you twenty five. If you’re staying a while longer, I need the roof of the in re shingled before fall rain, and I can pay two dollars a day for that.” She turns to address Sithundan, "Like I said before, sir, I’ve got nothing hot, right now, but the sage hen is delicious cold with a bit of salt, go ahead and try it. I’m afraid we have no tea or coffee, and until the new shipment is inventoried, we won’t have any to offer.”

Sithundan listens intently to what Delouse has to say and responds "I will have to try your sage hen and maybe a glass of water. About the work whom should I talk to about the exploration into the mountains?"

Delouse scrunches up her face and snickers at Sithundan, "well, if you want to sign your life away, go see the captain and hire on as one of his, 'explorers', or if you want to know what I think, get yourself some gear, plenty of rope and climbing tools, head out and take your chances. If you find something, you can try to call it yours and bargain for a fair price, but I guess - "

At this point her husband grabs her, gently, by the arm and hustles her away from all of you.

In response to the question about food

Edren ponders for a moment before responding, "If it isn't too much trouble, a hot pie would be wonderful!" He graciously accepts the free beer being offered.

After Delouse's husband pulls her away

Edren mutters so only Portia, Sithundan, and Bjarki can hear him, "Sounds a bit like the WEAC has a really tight grip on this place. I think we'd best step lightly for now, I'd rather no rules get broken that we aren't aware of.

"On the bright side, it does look like we have quite a few options for board. The cabins sound like our best bet. We may even be able to split one five ways if there is space for Sithundan to meditate. I would be interested in doing so for now if any of you are."

Gruingar quietly mutters to Edren, Definitely, but let us try to divide and question. They may give more details apart.

He then steps forward and politely addresses the Elf, Master Maliozz, I would greately appreciate it if I may trouble you to show me the cabins. I find it likely I will choose to make use of one for at least a short period of time.

Valind walks into the shady dragon
"Good day! I am Valind of Valindor. I have some salt to sell, and I was informed you might be interested?"

After that answer

"This is a lovely inn! I understand you rent cabins and rooms. I'm interested in renting a larger building to use as a Temple to Valindor. Should I see you or the WEAC office?"

"Thank you," Derrick bows slightly to the woman before shifting his gear and setting off to find the man, asking around as he walks, as well as using his own feelings to figure out where the man probably is.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Intuition: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Portia will cut into her large bird before her. She savors it, since it is the only "real" food she has had for the past couple of days. She listens to the various rates on the rooms and cabins. She listens to the door needing fixed, but she has never been a crafty sort of person.

When Delouse mentions the various wild game around Fort Horizon, her ears perk up. Not so much the possible coin involved, but just about being in the woodlands.

She turns to Delouse and ask her once there is an opening in the conversation.

First off, here is the couple dollars I owe you for the nice meal and drink, thank you. Now, you mentioned there are some wild game that you would pay well for? I am interested to hear more about the game, and what larger game there might be out there to watch out for. More specifically game such as bear and large critters that might consider me their food source? Also, where might I obtain a map and possibly a compass. I seem to have forgotten mine back at home, I am ashamed to say? she says with a small grin of embarrassment on her face for forgetting her tools.

At Edren's and Gruingar's comment, and also whispering to just those to and Sithundan, I agree, yet I remember Paulina saying to keep someone on our good-side, the captain perhaps, but i am not 100% sure

Day 1, Turn 4, midday, Fort Horizon

<snip>

meanwhile at the WEAC office

Dolin reads the small print, and there is a lot of it. He skims over rates for spinning wheels, looms, kilns and other things that do not concern him, until he comes to “Forge and Foundry” and reads

Forge and Foundry Shop – 12 dollars per day/ 60 dollars a week/ monthly rates by contract only. All materials sold through the General Store with a signed contract subject to a 10 percent discount.

Next to the list of rental rates he sees a short list. The top of the list reads, Wanted for hire

Laborers to work the brick factory - $2 a day
Laborers to work the saw mill - $1 a day
Need brave men and women to explore Cold Water Cave - $10 a day
Driver escorts needed - $50 dollars round trip to Fort Crystal Lake and back

"So, if I have a contract for using the forge, I get a discount on supplies purchased through your store? Fair enough. What are the monthly rates on the forge and a small room across the way from it?"

He's thinking to himself If the room is cheap enough, I can pay my third up front for a short contract and get started working right quick.

While drinking his ale, Edren mulls over the information that Delouse provided about jobs. "Taking a look around the countryside sounds like it might be worth the time. I think I'll have a talk with the captain." It is probably my best bet for working with the soldiers if I get on the captain's good side.

In response to Portia, "I do believe that Paulina was referring to the halfling that rode with us, the salt merchant." Edren finishes his sentence just as the halfling in question enters the inn and asks about selling his salt, "Well, that was convenient."

Is Emmitio willing to show me the cabin? That way the others will have the opportunity to get more detailed info from Delouse.

Day 1, Turn 5, midday, Fort Horizon
At the Shady Dragon Inn

“A Pie would be no trouble at all,” Delouse answers and then turns to Portia, “We hear stories of large bears, owlbears, trolls, ogres, and even orcs, from trappers who sometimes stay here at the fort, but we’ve never seen anything like them come close to us. I’ve heard there are dangerous small folks, a lot like Goblins, that live in the mountains as well. The trappers call them Kobolds. Now there are also some large deer. I think they are called yelk or something like that, and an even bigger animal that the trappers call a Mouse for some reason, that I hear tell can charge a man and toss him thirty feet through the air, trample you to death in a heartbeat, so you’ll want to be on the lookout for them. There’s rabbit, turkey, wild sage hen, ducks geese, owls, and even a few smaller birds when you get in among the trees, fox, badger, ocelot, weasel, and gods know how many more small critters. If you need a compass, I’d recommend you try the general store.”

When she finishes talking to Portia, her husband reminds her that she promised a pie, and she hurries off toward the kitchen.

“It isn’t very busy right now,” Emmitio says when he returns, and addressing Gruingar directly he says, “I’ll show you the cabins now.”

As you are about to leave, a halfling enters the inn and offers to sell salt.

“I’m not supposed to buy salt outside my contract,” Emmitio says to the man, “But, if you’ve brought it all this way, I’ll pay half the standard rate for what you have. I’ll explain to the captain that it was an honest mistake on your part, bringing it all this way and not knowing better.”

Outside the Shady Dragon Inn

Derrick wanders near the main barracks and observes the Halflings and other men of the fort moving the unloaded supplies from the wagons into the building. He sees a rather tall Halfling, the man must be four foot six inches tall, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. This Halfling man wears a crisp, but simple uniform, it is a dull grey jacket with dark blue pants. He has a feeling that this man may be important, and he asks, casually, one of the working women about the uniformed halfling.

“That’s Captain Finchly, Major Barcromb Finchly, actually,” a pretty young Elven girl, with a fighter’s body and short black hair, says to Derrick. “He’s not really in the military any more, but he likes to be addressed by the rank of Major, rather than Captain. He is the captain of the merchant guild responsible for the fort.”

More about the cabins, and a contract for Dolin on the way soon

"Thank you, fair lady," Derrick says, bowing again to her. "If I might be so bold, what is your name? You seem to know much of the fort--more than myself, in any case."

Intuition: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 (Feeling out a notion of this girl)

Portia will that them both for their hospitality, directions and all the various information provided. She leaves 3 dollars on the table, then head on over the the general store.

"No! No, I appreciate the sentiment, but I won't have you break a contract for me. Even if it does mean all I have is one week's wages. Perhaps the general store? I'll be back about a cabin presently."

Discovering he is tagging along with Portia

"Portia, right? I'm Valind of Valindor."

Nice to meet you Valind. I hope we can both find what we need at the store she says with a warm smile.

Gruingar well carefully examine the cabins both inside and out. Checking the approaching cover and how easy they are to secure. And most especially how easy they would be to leave in a hurry.

Can't make it too obvious that I'm dragging my feet, but let's give the others a chance to see if Delouse opens up when he's not closing her down.

While looking over the buildings, Gruingar says to Emmito, Look, I know there is history between my people and yours. Neither of us is old enough to have had anything directly to do with that history. I am trying to make a complete break with the past and see what life I can make. I don't desire to dig up any old feuds between us. We may never be friends, but I would prefer that we can do business in a strait forward manner. But if you don't think we can do business just let me know and I will find some other way to make arrangements.

After looking at each, he will pick the one that it seems would be easiest for him to approach or leave without being seen in case that becomes needful.

I suppose this seems like the most appropriate one. What were the prices again?

“My name is Hana’a’lin’o’na, but you can call me Hana,” the elven girl smiles to Derrick. You get the feeling that she finds you attractive

In the WEAC office

“I have a contract, standard, here,” Finster, the dwarf in the weac office says to Dolan, “that allows full use of the forge and foundry, plus a small cabin for a nominal fee of two hundred fifty dollars. The contract is valid for one year from the date it is signed. There, are,” he hesitates a bit before going on, and retrieves the copy of the contract from a drawer in the filling cabinet, ”Other stipulations, certain rights and privileges. You can examine the contract if you like, but the terms are not negotiable. If you desire other arrangements you must speak to the captain.”

At a Cabin near the Shady Dragon

"Two-hundred and fifty for a year, or per month for a year's duration?" You can see the dwarf running numbers in his head. At sixty a week for just use of the forge, that price (assuming monthly) provides the room for almost free. He smiles. "Of course, I would like to understand the stipulations, but I think we can do business. One third up-front, I believe is what I heard? So, that would be 90 dollars to get thing started, right?"

He pauses, giving the clerk an opportunity to cover any important details.

"Now, I would say from what I've seen that there's not another weaponsmith in town. If this board is where people advertise to find labor, where do they advertise their wares?" He winks, still not having handed the clerk a copper.

To Emmitio, Hmm... Mayhap I will see if I can find what may have happened to this Desgenia.

"Thank you Portia" the tiny Valind smiles up at the human beside him "I'm looking to sell my salt, hopefully get enough money to hire a house to act as a Temple of Valindor and then start working as a Lawyer. May I enquire as to your intended occupation? I noticed you spending quite some time with Edren - I don't mean to be presumptuous, but are you together?"

Portia giggles at the proposed question, No Valid, Edren and I are not together. He has said nothing the sort to me. I am in need of a compass so I may explore the vast wilderness around me. As to my profession, I am unsure yet. Right now I am an explorer. What about you, any special someone in your life? she says with a sky smile to return the favor.

Derrick bows again. "Thank you, Lady Hana'a'li'o... Lady Hana." He gives a small grin as he botches the pronunciation. Shall I try my luck? "Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to see Major Finchly?"

"Alas, no. I was called by Valindor when young, and have spent a great deal of time in training. The priesthood frowns on Initiates marrying - though they did turn a blind eye to the occasional fraternisation."

"I am sad to say that I also lack a compass. Explorer, you say? Hmmmm. I do have a love for exploration. Walking the world. The gifts of Valindor make Validnorians strangely skilled at such endevaours." A sly look comes into his eye "There are rumours of nearby ruins bearing great treasure. Perhaps enough to build a temple truly worthy of Valindor's greatness!"

Day 1, mid day Fort Horizon

At the WEAC office
As Dolin asks his questions, light-heartedly, and scans the contract, he begins to see why the price is so reasonable. It is a contract for one years “service” as an employee of the WEAC. He will receive daily use of the forge and foundry facilities for one year, and a discount at the General Store, for a single fee of 250 dollars, but a portion of his time, equal to one full day of labor in twenty days must be given to the needs of the Fort, and although he is given a room, he is responsible for the maintenance of the room. Finally, the last part that draws his attention is a clause that stipulates that all goods and services provided by the employee to all persons who are not employees of the WEAC are subject to a tax of 15% of the value of the goods or services provided.

Near the Main Barracks

“Sorry, soldier boy,” Hana says with a smile, “but I’ve got a lot of work to do. You don’t need an introduction. The Major’s a friendly sort of man, just introduce yourself and tell him your business.”

In the Shady Dragon Inn

The Elven woman is gone for a long while. Edren and Sithundan wait patiently and enjoy their drinks and the finger foods. When nearly an hour has past, she brings a hot chicken pie, large enough to serve the two men, to the table.

At the General Store

Portia and Valind enter the store and are greeted by an old dwarven female. She has silver hair, worn in a bun, a round friendly face and bright golden brown eyes.

“Good Afternoon, and welcome to Belinda’s Emporium. What are you folks looking for?” She asks as she comes out from behind a low counter that is covered with small jars of different colored hard candies.”[/b]

The shop has a few fine items of clothing, men’s pants, women’s blouses, assorted hats (for men and women) sacks of flour and dried beans. There are no fresh fruits or vegetables here, it is not a market, but there are shoes, a few weapons, a single saddle, some saddlebags and other leather bags such as shoulder sacks and back packs, lanterns, torches, climbing gear, ropes, tools and a few other odds and ends.

While the rest of the new arrivals engage a few of the residents of the fort, a strange thing is taking place on the main street outside the Shady Dragon Inn.

A few old Halfling men have stopped playing checkers at a table under a broad porch of one of the house built along the wall, three children, two of them elven boys and one dwarven girl, have stopped playing a game of chase and tag, a man and a young boy, who had been working on a section of the fence of the fort have stopped, a pretty Halfling girl who was walking down the street with a parasol in one hand and a small book in the other has stopped walking and looks up from her book. They are all starring at a peculiar sight.

A Halfling Gunslinger, with a resemblance to Split-Toothed Sam, and a Goblin Cavalier have stopped in the street. These two new comers are just standing in the street, doing nothing, saying nothing, starring at each other, waiting, but waiting for what?

whhh-heee-whh-heee-hooo. wah, wah wah.

Reading through the contract, Dolin smiles. Then he frowns. Then he grumbles. "I get the bit about providing service to the needs of the fort. Don't think I like the bit about 15% share of my actual gross, though. A share of net would be far more fair. A trade of, say 4 days out of twenty for the fort in order to have NO SHARE of my profits would be far better yet. That could be worth far more than the profit AND it serves to protect my interests in the business at the same time! What do ya think? Can we work that kind of contract instead?"

Am I to assume that she pointed which way he is?

Derrick smiles and bows to the elf woman. "Then farewell, Lady Hana. I hope to meet again ere long."

The swordsman sets off in the direction indicated, making sure his naginata doesn't slip sideways and cause havoc. If he reaches a building and the major is within, he enters after knocking.

"Belinda, I take it? Belinda, I'd like to buy a compass, but I'd prefer to pay in Salt."
Might as well try

Edren begins to cut into the pie and savors the first bite. We are talking about a meat pie, right?

Edren graciously accepts the pie, and, looking over at Sithundan, asks, "I have done some amount of traveling within Dwargeland and I've never met anyone quite like you, Sithundan. If it isn't too rude to ask, where are you from?"

I believe Emmitio and I are still outside to observe what is happening in the street.

Gruingar casually directs the elfs attention to the face-off. Master Maliozz, do you see that over there? Seems there is about to be some disturbance. Who is that? What is it about?

Gruingar will move to where he is not too obvious and has an unimpeded view.

I had better move closer to the boss in case he needs me.

Nashantur slowly heads over to be near Gruingar, but remains hidden as best he can.
stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25

Terquem, I don't know if you want to impose penalties for the environment or not.

I think if it becomes a critical question of success or failure carrying a serious consequence, I'll examine it more closely. This is a small cabin, with furniture and little light coming in through the door.

WARNING LONG POST ON CHARACTER BACKGROUND TO FOLLOW, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK and Edren don't forget you asked for it

Edren graciously accepts the pie, and, looking over at Sithundan, asks, "I have done some amount of traveling within Dwargeland and I've never met anyone quite like you, Sithundan. If it isn't too rude to ask, where are you from?"

Sithundan starts to to take a bite of the pie, then at Edren's question pauses before replying:

After putting the steel back in his pocket Sithundan looks at Edren "So you must have a great story to tell. What got you to this point in your life?"

Edren listens to Sithundan's story, hanging on every word. "That, my friend, is quite the story! I wouldn't believe it if you weren't living proof, sitting right before my eyes! I must say, I am glad that you found acceptance." When Sithundan shows him the strange sword, Edren is surprised, and quickly awed by the item. "That is quite the mystery you have there." Edren looks around discretely, "I shan't ask here, as you seem to value its secrecy, but I would like to know that that works, if it isn't too much to ask. Magic has never been familiar to me, so that has my curiousity piqued."

Edren takes a bit of his pie before continuing, "I was... no, am, a soldier. Before that, though, merely a child. My parents were farmers, and their parents before them. I never had exciting adventures, nor did I really need them, I was always busy with the farm. I was courting a girl, Janel," Edren smiles wistfully, "Yellow haired, brown eyes. She was the daughter of one of my father's friends. Things were going well, we were happy with our lives... and then the magistrate came. The rate of Gob raids had just increased and young men everywhere were pressed into service. I was a little stronger than the others they placed me with and I soon found myself in charge of a group of boys, most younger than myself.

"I did what I could with them, but in the end..." Edren stops for a moment as he remembers the faces of the boys that fought, and died, with him. After a few moments of silence, Edren continues, "I spent the last few years watching small villages and hamlets burn. We saved few, as the Gobs always seemed to be one step ahead of us. When we did catch them, it was violent, brutal... I lost most of my men fighting the Gobs, trying to protect the people in those villages. Not too long after this, the civil war broke out. Now, instead of fighting Gobs, we fought men. I couldn't take it, but I had little choice. Desertion wasn't in my blood. I stayed, through the insanity and the madness. It just all seemed so pointless. However, the war was brought to a merciful end when Shohi was murdered. I couldn't have been more happy, and sad, at that time.

"It was then that I decided to come out here, to a new life. I couldn't go back home, not because it was gone, but because it just would never be home for me again. I do still wonder if Janel waits for me... But maybe, just maybe, I can make a difference here and keep at least one village from being burned to the ground."

Edren, finished with his story, stabs his fork into his part of the pie and leaves it there. He leans back in his seat and finishes his ale, then motions for Delouse to bring him another.

Sithundan listens intently to Edren's story, while enjoying his half of the pie. When Edren finishes Sithundan replies, "We are not that much different, you and I. We have both given our skills and our very lives to protect those who can not protect themselves, both thrust into that life by circumstance, and both taken that goal of helping to heart even after our initial job was completed."

Portia will browse the quaint little shop. She looks at the various goods, clothes, weapons, saddle bags among other things. She whips her head around at the sound of Belinda behind the counter.

Well good afternoon to you as well. This is quite the shop you have here, bigger then the one back home. I was wondering if you have pitons, rope, and a net. Something I could make a crude net trap for small game? she asks with a grin.

"It would seem so, indeed, Sithundan." Edren smiles briefly, glad to have found a kindred spirit. He finishes eating his portion of the pie, drains his mug, and asks Delouse how much he owes and then pays her. I didn't see a price for the pie, unless I'm blind and missed it!

"I am going to find the captain and see what kind of work I can get. Will you be striking off on your own, Sithundan?"

Sithundan pulls his portion of the bill out of a small pocket in his sleeve and puts it on the table then replies to Edren, "I've spent enough time on my own to last a lifetime. Would you mind if I joined you?"

"I would be more than happy if you did. Let us be off, much to be done and all that."

As Edren pushes his way out of the inn, he stops cold in his tracks. The scene in the street is mysterious, to say the least, but Edren only sees half of it.

"A damn Gob, here? Can I not get away from this?"

Edren appears to have a hard time controlling himself, but he does nothing more than walk out of the building. He keeps his eye on the goblin, waiting to see what it does.

Sithundan will follow Edren out and when he sees his friend get flustered he puts his huge stony hand on Edren's shoulder and says "Calm yourself friend, if things get ugly we can step in and put an end to it.'

Day 1, midday, Fort Horizon

Dolin
“ I’m sorry, Dolin, was it, but I am not able to modify existing contracts. If you wish to draft your own proposal, and submit it to Captain Finchly for consideration, I encourage you to do so. Please don’t feel that I am pressuring you, in any way, to sign a contract before you are ready. Fort Horizon has plentiful opportunities for everyone.”

Derrick
She points to a tall Halfling man, he stands about four foot two inches tall. He wears a blue jacket, a uniform style of jacket with double breasted black round buttons, and grey woolen trousers, high black, polished boots, and a small, narrow brimmed hat. He is an athletic looking individual, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His arms and face are tanned, and he looks to be about forty years old. He is clean shaven, save for a thin well groomed mustache. Captain Finchly has brown eyes, a small straight nose, and a square jaw.

As you approach him, she smiles at you and says, “Welcome to Fort Horizon.” He extends his right hand toward you.

Valind and Portia
”Pay in salt, what do you mean?” Belinda says as she approaches Valind. “Do you mean trade salt for a compass, what are you simple? Oh, forgive me, I didn’t mean to be rude.” She blushes, and looks down at the floor. “Well, sir, I do not normally trade merchandise for goods or even services without the Captain’s permission, but I can almost guarantee that he will not authorize that kind of trade. Is it good salt? From Ilgnorland or Aeromnia, one of the fine seasoning salts perhaps? If it is, I’ll pay you for it. A compass, well, I don’t have anything like that, but, eh miss, what was that,” she turns at Portia’s question. “Ah, well, you both will want to visit Mister Pring, he is an elven gentleman. He has a home on the western wall, and he is a skilled craftsmen at making fine objects of metal, even makes his own jewelry though there isn’t much of a market here for it. I understand he was once a trapper as well, and that he often has specialty items delivered to his shop when there is a request. He might have a compass and the things you need, miss, to build snares and such. However, I do have crampons, spikes, hammers and rope, if getting around in the canyons is your goal.”[/b]

Edren and Sithundan
The Halfling gunslinger and goblin cavalier continue to stand and stare at each other. You cannot make sense of their behavior. But you can also see, from the street at the corner of the Shady Dragon that the shadowy man who travelled with you is standing outside of a small cabin, to the east, talking with the elven inn keeper. You do not know where the Captain of the fort might be, so you are probably going to have to ask someone. There are at least five individuals on or around the street where you are who would be glad to help you, two old men playing checkers, a few children playing, and a young woman walking slowly reading a book and carrying a parasol.

Gruingar
The elf looks over your shoulder and watches the two small figures for a moment and then shrugs, “eh, who can say, but that Aeromnian fellow looks a lot like Split-toothed Sam, a strong resemblance, but it’s obviously not him, why if it was Sam, that goblin chap would be dead in the street already.”

He walks a few steps away from the cabin and asks, “So, will you be renting a cabin, friend?” When he pauses, before he says, friend, he smiles, and you get a sense that this elf is trying to put the past of his people and yours, behind him.

Gruingar addresses the Elf, What do you say the rent was again? I don't believe I can afford it on my own. But give me a little while to discuss the situation with some possible room mates to share the expense. Thank you for your time.

Gruingar then makes his way casually over toward Edren and Sithundan since they seem relatively unlikely to threaten him. Self spoke with Elf and checked out one the cabins. Not terribly secure, but probably the best can be expected for the time being. Self am wondering if anyone is interested in splitting the expense of a cabin for a while with self and Nashantur?

Were either of you able to get any more detailed information from the innkeepers while I distracted him?

Unrelated. Do either of you know what is going on with the staring contest over there in the street?