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Well, it seems we have some very interesting and creative characters/concepts and backstories submitted, and, we are most pleased.
Now, we would like to see how you roleplay and work together. (50% of our decision is based on concept/crunch/backstory & 50% on how you roleplay.) This will help us choose the best characters for the game, so please join in.
We will provide you with a set scenario. It happens enroute to Dustpawn. This meeting and interaction will hold you in good stead as you eagerly move toward Dustpawn and Dalviss Crenn. We do not want any dice rolls (this is purely character roleplay). Each of you are free to add as much flavour to the area as you'd like. Hope you enjoy this part -- because we're looking forward to reading your posts. Please use spoilers if your postings are lengthy.
You have travelled for days from your respective starting points. Through some strange twist of Fate or by the grace of the gods, the journey has been unexpectedly peaceful and uneventful thus far. You've managed to pass Logas and are following the Conerica River toward Dustpawn. Just a few miles outside of the large town of Saringallow, where the Conerica and Keld Rivers meet, you spy a wagon and possibly a figure not too far from it. (At this point in time, Dustpawn is 85 miles away, approx. 3.5 days walk.) As you draw nearer, you see it is a mercantile wagon and one of its wheels is partially broken. The wagon has been steadfastly propped, the broken wheel is lying against a large river rock and the two horses are secured and grazing on the lush grass by the river. A few feet away, you see a person -- a dwarf; beside him sits a large and mangy looking dog -- a wolfhound with a torn ear and a nasty gash across its nose. As you draw closer still, the dog begins to growl low, its teeth bared in snarl, as a warning not to venture too near. The wagon's load is partially covered by canvas, but you manage to spy some heavy looking chests, with sturdy-looking locks. Behind the driver's seat hangs a large pair of shears. On the side of the wagon are the painted words, Tinwheel Mercantile. The dwarf must be in trade or supplies other textile merchants in Isger. The dwarf does not appear concerned by your presence -- he sits silently watching you, puffs of smoke coming off his long pipe. The dog continues to growl and his dwarf owner gives a sharp whistle and barks out, "Down, Cur!" It heeds its master's command immediately. You notice that the dwarf is well dressed -- in loose clothing, fitting for the summer heat, but fashionable nonetheless. He remains seated in front of his tent, watching you. He appears weapon-less, if you discount the surly hound by his side. You decide that it is probably best to set up camp, overnight, by the juncture of the two rivers, and then head out for Dustpawn come morning. You've had a long day of walking under a hot sun and rest and a meal are in order. There are no clouds in the sky (no sign of rain or storms) and the day is clear and warm, even with sunset only a few hours away.
You see a very old looking man stumble through the crowd. He has been quiet and rather dull. Only now does he actually move more than walking. His eyes seem alert though as he approaches the dwarf
I say young man he starts, looking the dwarf over I see you sell things, may I enquire what is it you sell?
The dwarf looks up from his seated position, squinting slightly, though the sun is far from in his eyes. From the lines around his face, it's something he does often. He carefully scratches his chin, careful not to disturb any of the finely groomed hairs of his dark black beard and the immense braid that it is bound in. He takes a long puff on his pipe, drawing in the sweet smoke that smells of...is it Jasmine? Rose? maybe some honey? He blows the smoke out slowly before nodding to the dog, who looks about the area carefully.
"Why the finest of textiles, good sir." he says in a practiced grin. "All manner of clothing, buttons, blankets and shoes." He looks at the stationary wagon, propped as it is and minus a wheel. "Though it seems I've come across some bad luck."
Sounds very nice, may I ask about the prices? And may I have a look? My youngest is very into clothing. You probably know how young girls can be... he laughs slowly, coughing a bit as he does
The dwarf eyes the old man up and down, taking in his appearance, clearly taking in his measure...or rather the measure of his purse. Thinking that he's stuck anyway, he seems to decide that any sale is a good sale and stands.
He pulls a square of cloth from his belt embroidered with the initials "M.T" and carefully wipes the dirt from his hands before brushing his long tunic down,pushing out the creases.
"The prices are good, especially if you consider the quality."
Looking back to the dog, he gives it a stern look, "Now you stay."
and moves to the side of the cart.
Propping himself up on his toes, he pulls up the canvas slightly and does a quick scan before pulling out a bundle of plain grey cloth. He brings it over and opens the bundle,and within is a deep red summer gown, with yellow stitching in a floral pattern just running up the side. The cloth looks light, perfect for summer. "You see?"
You see a very old looking man stumble through the crowd. He has been quiet and rather dull. Only now does he actually move more than walking. His eyes seem alert though as he approaches the dwarf
I say young man he starts, looking the dwarf over I see you sell things, may I enquire what is it you sell?
As the old man stumbles, a young woman is jostled by his actions. In a smooth motion, she pockets the glass ball she had been rolling across her fingers and reaches out to steady him by the elbow. I know I am short, but I am not invisible. In contrast to her fleeting thought, she smiles sweetly at him. "Careful..."
The old man nods, looking over the garment and the other pieces of clothing the dwarf has to offer
Very fine indeed, how much for the whole lot of them?
As the old man stumbles, a young woman is jostled by his actions. In a smooth motion, she pockets the glass ball she had been rolling across her fingers and reaches out to steady him by the elbow. I know I am short, but I am not invisible. In contrast to her fleeting thought, she smiles sweetly at him. "Careful..."You see a very old looking man stumble through the crowd. He has been quiet and rather dull. Only now does he actually move more than walking. His eyes seem alert though as he approaches the dwarf
I say young man he starts, looking the dwarf over I see you sell things, may I enquire what is it you sell?
He smiles at her, taking her arm
Thank you young lady, these old legs are not what they use to be
The whole lot?"He says curiously, seemingly taken a bit by suprize considering the appearance of the man who made the offer.
After a moment he chuckles.
"Well, this one is 5 silver peices, and a bargain at that...but the whole lot," he smiles. "Afraid I've got other customers in town expecting deliveries.
"I'd be willing to sell you five for 2 gold though." another thought crosses his mind. "Im assuming you'd want them for sized for your folk, yes?"
He smiles at her, taking her arm
Thank you young lady, these old legs are not what they use to be
The young woman hooks her arm through his and pats him on the arm with her other hand. As she leans her head back to address you, her long, dark hair falls away from her face just long enough to reveal mismatched eyes, one green, the other blue. "Do you mind if I accompany you until we stop for the night? It should be soon, and this way I won't be trampled."
He gives her a warm smile
Will be my pleasure. You make me feel young again. he gives another laugh as they make their way to the dwarf
He looks at the clothing then nods
I will even pay an extra gold for the refitting
He gives her a warm smile
Will be my pleasure. You make me feel young again. he gives another laugh as they make their way to the dwarf
Another brilliant smile is directed at you. "I am called Ayreth. And you?"
He looks at the clothing then nods
I will even pay an extra gold for the refitting
"The whole lot? How would you ever carry all of that?" She reaches out and runs her fingers along the dress shown. "They are very nice, though." At the mention of paying extra, she hugs the old man's arm tighter, leans in, and says, "You should be careful. There may be unscrupulous types around."
"How long do you folk plan on spending by the river?" He took a long, thoughtful pull on his pipe, carefully surveying the other people drawing nearer to his wagon.
"I can make the necessary alterations by nightfall. I am unfortunately detained here due to a broken wheel", gesturing with his pipe to the rock where the said wheel lay.
The dwarf's squinty eyes caught sight and lingered on the young lass who was now arm in arm with his elderly patron. He silently noted the mismatched eyes.
"More folk than I expected to see along the river. Where are you headed?"
My name is Yamato. And we are traveling in a caravan. Im sure I have some extra trunk space available for all of it
At the mention of possible pickpockets and thugs, the old man gave her a knowing grin
Dont worry young lady, I have had my share with those types. I can handle myself a bit when it comes to those types
Turning back to the dwarf
I appreciate it very much. You are a good tradesmen. I am sure there are others here who would be able to help you with your wagon. My friend and I will see if we can maybe help you out in that regard. Oh. Just travelling a bit in my old age. Seeing the world, getting a few momentos I can take back to the children
"Many hands are acceptable. A lame, laden wagon is no friend to a lone dwarf." He gave a brisk nod.
"They're expecting me in Dustpawn and I'm never late with deliveries. That's why I get repeat business." The dwarf mumbled something beneath his breath, noting the elderly man's vague answer.
Turning back to the dwarf
My friend and I will see if we can maybe help you out in that regard. Oh. Just travelling a bit in my old age. Seeing the world, getting a few momentos I can take back to the children
Another pat on the arm, and "I will look at the wheel while you are fitted. Maybe there is something that can be done." Ayreth walks towards the broken wheel near the river. A cool wind flows off the river, tugging at her light cloak. She turns into it, letting the coolness brush off the lingering heat of the day. She surreptitiously looks over the wheel, trying to decide if it might be mended.
No no. he chuckles It is not for me, it is for my children back home. But I can atleast describe how much the clothing needs to be altered
The dwarf watched the unusual, young woman, and pulling the pipe from his mouth, called out to her, "Lass, the wheel can be fixed. A spoke or two is broken. Once repair is done, I need someone to lift the wagon so I can place it back on the axle."
The dwarf pulled out a small, weathered blue book and a stick of charcoal from inside his vest and readied himself to take down the required measurements. "When you are ready, sir."
Yamato takes a seat as the two begin to discuss and work on the measurements of the clothing
The dwarf watched the unusual, young woman, and pulling the pipe from his mouth, called out to her, "Lass, the wheel can be fixed. A spoke or two is broken. Once repair is done, I need someone to lift the wagon so I can place it back on the axle."
There is no visual cue that Ayreth heard the merchant. While the two men discuss the adjustments that need to be made, the petite Ayreth continues to look out over the river, seemingly reveling in the cool wind. The glass ball reappears in her hand and she runs it over her fingers in a practiced motion. After a few minutes, she returns. "The wheel does not seem too badly broken." She touches Yamato's arm to get his attention. "Perhaps some of the men in your caravan might help with the lifting. Our new friend might even give you a discount." This time her smile is directed at the dwarf.
I'll bail at this point. I've not the time or inclination to jump through more hoops.
I fell for this nonsense once and won't again.
Have fun all.
Looking up from his needlework, the dwarf keenly eyed the girl. "Ayreth, was it? Lass, I gave my fairest price to the gentleman. However, I might be willing to throw in a little something in return for the help."
His shrewd eyes strayed to the wheel and the girl was right - it was not as bad as it had been before. Returning his focus to the garment in his hand, he made a few, fine stitches and then spoke quietly, "Aye, you did well fixing the wheel, Ayreth."
He adjusted the pipe in his mouth and was silent once more -- his focus on the needlework. The wolf hound lifted its head and growled a moment before quietening at its master's feet.
Classes/Levels Ranger: Blockade Runner 1; Scout 2; Gunslinger 1 (Where is your 5th level allocated?)
In addition, can you tell me what Paul's alignment is?
Happy Birthday to your dad. Enjoy the brunch.
Gii gently shoulders his way through the crowd to see the group forming near the beleaguered merchant. Moving to join them, his quarterstaff tap tap taps along the ground. "Greetings," he says to those gathered once he is within speaking distance. "Do you require assistance?" the Nethian asks, a calm look on his young face.
Looking up from his needlework, the dwarf keenly eyed the girl. "Ayreth, was it? Lass, I gave my fairest price to the gentleman. However, I might be willing to throw in a little something in return for the help."
His shrewd eyes strayed to the wheel and the girl was right - it was not as bad as it had been before. Returning his focus to the garment in his hand, he made a few, fine stitches and then spoke quietly, "Aye, you did well fixing the wheel, Ayreth."
He adjusted the pipe in his mouth and was silent once more -- his focus on the needlework. The wolf hound lifted its head and growled a moment before quietening at its master's feet.
Ayreth's mirthful laughter fills the late afternoon air. "Friend merchant, you flatter me. I am no wheelwright." She says it so convincingly, one almost believes her. She undoes her cloak and folds it, setting it on the ground near to Yamato when she is done. She kneels on it, setting her staff on the ground next to her. "Seeing the sights, did you say? Have you encountered anything noteworthy on this trip?"
Good day young man. I am well. This young lady here helped me. he replies slowly but with a smile
Gii gently shoulders his way through the crowd to see the group forming near the beleaguered merchant. Moving to join them, his quarterstaff tap tap taps along the ground. "Greetings," he says to those gathered once he is within speaking distance. "Do you require assistance?" the Nethian asks, a calm look on his young face.
Ayreth pulls out some food and tentatively holds some out towards Cur to see if he takes it. When the young man approaches, she wields that disarming smile again. "A kind offer. Our friend here," she nods towards the dwarf, "had a wheel come off and could use some help in lifting the wagon to place the wheel back on."
Gii nods at Ayreth. He looks at the wagon's state of disrepair while rubbing his bare chin. Walking to it, he very deliberately begins to use his magic to attempt to repair it.
Once that is done, he returns to the others. "I will help you lift the wagon, as well," he states. The young man is smiling slightly, a look of satisfaction on his face.
Gii nods at Ayreth. He looks at the wagon's state of disrepair while rubbing his bare chin. Walking to it, he very deliberately begins to use his magic to attempt to repair it.
Once that is done, he returns to the others. "I will help you lift the wagon, as well," he states. The young man is smiling slightly, a look of satisfaction on his face.
Ayreth looks astounded. "How very impressive and how fortunate we are to meet you. I am called Ayreth, and this is Yamato. That's Cur, apparently." She indicates the dog. "I don't believe our tradesman friend has yet introduced himself." Another smile for the dwarf, as if to indicate that must be a simple oversight, and an invitation to correct the situation.
Gii bows his head slightly. "I am called Gii," he states simply, looking to each of the named people. "It is good to meet you all," he finishes, his face calm once more. A short glance at the wolfhound leaves a strange look on the Nethian's face, but it is so quickly as to almost go unnoticed.
Tap tap tap, Gii walks to the side of the wagon and rolls up his bulky sleeves, not seeming to be sweating at all, despite the warmth or his heavy clothing.
Am I to late to submit a character and get in on this?
Fairly certain the cutoff isn't until tomorrow, so you should be good.
The old man bows his head gently
Good to see such young men here to help, us older folk can't always do the things we could when we were young
Ayreth looks astounded. "How very impressive and how fortunate we are to meet you. I am called Ayreth, and this is Yamato. That's Cur, apparently." She indicates the dog. "I don't believe our tradesman friend has yet introduced himself." Another smile for the dwarf, as if to indicate that must be a simple oversight, and an invitation to correct the situation.
The dwarf looks up at mention of his profession in trade for a moment and smiles, "Apologies, my name is Moren. Moren TinWheel. My thanks again for your assistance." but quickly returns to his alterations.
The waters of the two rivers meeting glistens in the late afternoon sun. Long had her journey been on the path to the town of dust. Beautiful, Blue Heron thought. There is beauty even in these lands of exile. Though Blue Heron did not know the names of these rivers, something within them moved her. There was a grace and power that spoke to something deep within her.
"A thousand hills, but no birds in flight,
Ten thousand paths, with no person's tracks."
Blue Heron nods thoughtfully at her extemporaneous verse. This was the truth of two rivers meeting. As she reflected on the essence of the rivers, she spies a wagon and several fellow travelers. The day is growing short and there is a simple pleasure in breaking one's fast in the company of merchants and peasants.
Approaching the erstwhile travelers, she bows shallowly, her sapphire braid sways with her movements. A shallow bow -- none of these were her betters.
"Well met at two rivers joining. I am called Blue Heron. The sun tires and my feat are weary. Would you care for company and the sharing of food?"
"Well met at two rivers joining. I am called Blue Heron. The sun tires and my feat are weary. Would you care for company and the sharing of food?"
"Well met indeed, friend. Company is always welcome. I am Ayreth, this is Yamato, Moren, and Cur." She indicates each of them in turn. "And staring at the wagon is Gii," she says in a slightly teasing tone. "Please sit with us. Are you journeying to Saringallow?"
The old man gives her a once over, smiling, but a pleasant smile
I should have traveled earlier in my days, so many beautiful woman to meet.
he smiles and looks down, then up again
But still none as beautiful as my own darling back home
A young man approaches the gathering of people along the road. He walks with the grace and quietness of one used to hunting prey in the woods. While of average height for a human, his slightly pointed ears give away his half-elf heritage.
Greetings. This road is not well traveled, so I assume all are headed to Dustpawn, as am I. I had planned on making the trip alone, but some company would be nice considering the distance, and the nearness of the Chitterwood. Does anyone have a good ale they would be willing to sell or trade?
Blue Heron takes in the assembled gathering. "Thank you, Ayreth, I will. Heaven smiles this evening, blessing us with company and the rivers' beauty. My feet will not rest in this Saringallow. A lone voice calls out from dust, justice beckons me onwards."
The oddly speaking woman begins to set up camp and brew some tea. When another traveler approaches, Blue Heron notes his movements. A warrior. These lands are not kind to defenseless travelers.
"No ale, have I, but the river water is free."
"Ale is good for long travels, and it makes people forget their troubles and enjoy the company" the old man adds to the conversation