"I... see. I must admit, your actions were quite effective. Some of those men jumped away as though you were a dangerous snake." Alex chuckled, patting Candace's hand on his arm. He may have been about to say more to her, but what came out of his mouth was, "Blast! Well, I suppose you couldn't expect it to stay without some sort of leash. It does appear to be a wild animal." I can't go buying breakfast for all the strays Connor picks up. I'd be ruined in a month. He shrugged, gesturing for Connor to come along.
Connor reluctantly follows along with Alexander, hoping that the older man won't make him apologise for WindDancer stealing things. Connor hated having to apologise. Besides, what she had done was impressive, and shouldn't talents and clever actions be rewarded? He nods at WindDancer with a smile, making a mental note to steal one himself as well.
The notion of putting a leash on WindDancer fills the boy with a sense of anxiety. To have her wings and not be able to use them. To have her abilities and be caged. Connor wondered what it is about grownups that made them want everything to be the same and boring. WindDancer wasn't a person, why should she obey their rules?
I'm trying something new here, referencing things by "scene", so when you reply, please first reference which scene you're in.
Scene : WindDancer outside the corral
I should have already mentioned WD's impact on the mob - there are many gasps and exclamations, and you all hear things like "What IS that thing?", "Is that a...baby dragon???", "Watch out, it might breathe fire!", etc. etc. So most everybody gives Conner (and anyone immediately with him) a wide berth (except for the men drawn to Arabella like moths to a candle).
As you walk away : on the fringe of the crowd, where the food carts are, WD is getting no less attention, but people are far enough away that you can't hear what they're saying (but lots of them are pointing).
(Note no Wild dice because he is just a typical joe)
Between that and WD's joyous exclamation (hiss? chirrrrp?) [due to his lousy Stealth roll], the fruit cart vendor saw him coming, so the Agility roll instead turns into trying to avoid getting swatted.
The vendor (a male Dwarf) swats at WD like he would a fly or bee, but misses completely and hits one of his own fruit, pulping it. WD still manages to nab a small fruit.
WD - for the record, are you an herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore?
The vendor, seeing WD returning to the group, starts shouting things like "You lousy...flying...rat! Come back here! Help! Thieves!" before Arabella or Alex can react.
But you can calm him quickly, and he only wants a CP for the fruit.
Y'all can roll-play that and any other in-group talk if you wish.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene - walking down the street, some short time later
You're in a part of town that seems to cater to travellers and new arrivals, with hotels, restaurants, essential sundries, etc.
Arabella - what are you doing to *find* a pawn shop?
Huh. Will you look at that - a pawn shop right up the street a bit as you round the corner.
Between Arabella and WD, pretty much everyone on the street is giving the group a long glance or two. Or three.
Behind you, you hear : "Hey! (puff puff) Wait up!" and turning you see a slightly overweight young man (all are humans unless stated otherwise) jogging to catch up to you. He speaks quietly but fast, before you can cut him off.
"Hey, listen, (puff) with 3 of you 'specials' all together, my friends could pay you well for the use of your services. (puff) We need people that can handle themselves in a pinch, if you know what I mean, and we pay top coin. Whadayasay?"
A short wide big leaps at her just as she snatches a tasty-looking fruit. She pulls it in tight against her belly and easily avoids him with a fast snap roll, but pays for the maneuver with a sharp pain that elicits a chirp of distress. Nonetheless, she circles smoothly back and lands, triumphant, on Con-nor's shoulder. Triumphant, yes; graceful, not so much, thanks to her landing gear being preoccupied with her next meal.
A bit of wing-fluttering to stabilize as she plants her rear paws on his shoulder and wraps her tail around his handy throat and then, holding the fruit steady against his shoulder with her front paws, she attacks it with enthusiasm, making tiny sounds of delight as she does so.
Totally oblivious to the fragrant, sticky juice dribbling all over Con-nor.
Let's say it was sort of a ululating war cry. Imagine a small, high-pitched lizard voice imitating Tarzan, if you like.
Or Xena after taking a deep breath of helium... :)
Marko watches as the dragonling hops off and speeds toward the fruit cart. He instinctively reaches out, but is far too late to do anything.
He chuckles a little as Wind Dancer returns to Connor's shoulder and covers him in fruit juice from his talons. He hands the boy a handkerchief.
He then pays for an entire silver piece worth of fruit, to placate the vendor and takes the large bag and gives it to Connor.
"Here you go. Now he doesn't need to run off for a snack and maybe you could use these to teach him a few tricks."
He looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, "Perhaps we could get you a falconer's glove later."
-Posted with Wayfinder
As Con-nor accepts the parcel she stops eating long enough to shove her head inside the bag for a look... and a deep, inhaling breath.
Pulling her head out she looks up at her little-big with what he'd swear is a smile on her face.
Happy.
She then looks at the big who gave Con-nor the bag, cocking her head in puzzled appreciation, before returning to her meal as if he were instantly forgotten.
Result = success (if no penalties greater than -1)
If success, she'll comment to the other adults, "Does anyone know any first aid? I suspect she's injured given how she's flying."
Scene - walking down the street, some short time later
Arabella makes a mental note of the location of the pawn shop, but does not want to deal with that now.
"Hey, listen, (puff) with 3 of you 'specials' all together, my friends could pay you well for the use of your services. (puff) We need people that can handle themselves in a pinch, if you know what I mean, and we pay top coin. Whadayasay?"
Speaking to the others, "Let's get back to them once we're settled. I need a bath and some real food. 'sides, it doesn't pay to be too eager when negotiating payment for services rendered."
Sighing as the creature returned - and made a mess of Connor's clothes - Alexander nodded to Marko in thanks, tipping his hat. A generous man. Excellent character, good for him. It would seem I've found a true gentleman among the riffraff of the new world. Perhaps he might be interested in an investment...
***
Alexander looked down his nose at the hopeful employer. "As the lady has said, we prefer to recover from our trip before discussing... employment." The word sounded like it only had four letters, coming from him.
Scene - walking down the street
The young man looks disappointed, but says, "Ok, just come on over to 314 Junine street when you want some *real* coin", and walks away.
New scene - hotel lobby
Up ahead you see a hanging wooden placard with the painted words "Knight's Inn" on a building that doesn't look too seedy, but also isn't too fancy. Going in, the clerk tells you (somewhat proudly) that they cater to all budgets, from a cot in the common room for 1 SP each (it costs a little more than a flophouse because we keep a watchman in there at all times to protect your stuff) to single rooms for 8 SP. Looking over the group, he mentions that they have a nice "common suite" that sleeps 6 for 2 SP, and rooms for two for 4 SP (all prices per person).
Assuming Arabella asks about a bath : baths are 5 CP, or 1 SP heated, or 2 SP heated with fresh water. Soap and towels included.
He's been explaining about how the tavern next door has great food for a good price, and starts to tell you about the "house of joy" next door if you're seeking companionship for the night (of almost any kind), when he finally notices WindDancer on Connor's shoulder (she must have moved), and a little shaken says, "What is THAT? Sorry, but there has to be a 10 SP deposit for pets in case they damage anything. It will be completely refunded when you leave if it doesn't chew, poop, or pee on anything....wait a minute, is that a *dragon*? Does it breathe fire?!?"
"What is THAT? Sorry, but there has to be a 10 SP deposit for pets in case they damage anything.
She stiffens and bristles at the big's accusations. Pet? PET?! She stamps a paw and looks at Con-nor pointedly.
So, you do understand spoken languages from people other than Conner? Which one(s) - Common? Just trying to understand your current abilities...
Marko's interference on behalf of WindDancer made Connor feel guilty about having played a prank on him earlier, and he mumbles a shame-filled thank you as he is handed the bag of fruit. The idea of teaching WindDancer to do tricks filled him with curiosity, as did the falconer's glove. As the group walked, Connor day-dreamed about entering into a competition for falconry, and blowing the other contestants out of the water with the fantastical things that WindDancer could do.
When the reach the hotel, and the man at the front mentions acquiring companionship next door, Connor smiles and replies, "Thank you but I have a companion." Then there was yelling and worry and a frown spread across Connor's face. "She's not my pet, she's my friend."
'CAN you breathe fire?' Connor asks her, realising that he doesn't know the answer.
She gives the innkeeper a stern "You got that?" look, then softens and pushes her head against Con-nor's cheek.
"I don't care if that thing's your sister, I need a deposit if it stays in a room."
WD, did you intentionally ignore the fire-breathing question from Connor?
And as the all-knowing GM, I'd've heard that answer, which was...????
More importantly, what does he tell the clerk?
Assuming we get you all fed and bed(ed) for the night (please everyone at least state your room preferences so you can update your finances), if anyone wants to start a new scene the next morning, concerning your immediate plans, please feel free to do so.
Or, continue to role-play the evening, if you wish. You're getting to the hotel around 4:30 PM. (There's a large clock tower in the center of town that rings the quarter-hours.)
Signing off till tomorrow morning.
Arabella decides to let the men of the group chose the room arrangements. She'll go along with whatever they decide, including staying with them in a large suite; but if Alexander feels it more proper that she have her own room, separate from the men, she can accept that. She has 1 gp worth of money, probably in silvers and coppers, so she can pay for her own bath and supper.
When the question of the bath comes up, she'll take the deluxe option with clean hot water, at least for the first one.
First thing in the morning, Arabella will attend to hocking her tools to get her some initial spending money. She'll be frugal with that money, however, since she intends to get her tools back as soon as she can earn some money. She may want to do this on her own, but won't object if anyone wants to accompany her.
After that, she'll be up to do some exploring of the city, find out the lay of things, see what the gents have to offer in the way of work, and perhaps try to learn some things about the larger geography, economy, etc., as well as shop for appropriate clothing for cross country adventuring.
Alexander sighed and paid the deposit, knowing that Connor would be impossible to deal with if they ousted the little dragon.
WindDancer, are you a good little minidrag or do you despoil the place, costing Alex 10 SP? There are windows in the rooms...
I'll let everyone post whatever they want about their plans for the night and first thing in the morning (within the game) for the rest of today (that is, Monday in the "real" world), then bring it together tomorrow...
...oops. From now on, Tuesdays and Thursdays (only) are my "lite" posting days, probably I'll be able to just answer questions and such first thing in the morning and that'll be it. I'll do more if I can, but I can't guarantee it.
Alex, are you still going to proceed with finding investors in light of Arabella's request to go deep into the heart of uncharted Keltica?
Other than the "dragon" deposit, do we need to put any money down when we check into our rooms? Arabella will get a room to herself if no one suggests the group suite. She has enough to cover the first night or two, if it comes to that. Once she's checked in and had a bath, she'll check with the others about supper and go with the group if they haven't already eaten or check out the tavern on her own if they've already had supper.
Connor on the other hand is...
...Not quite as well-off as the dragon, and is plagued by complicated dreams all night. The combination of his father's death, meeting WindDancer, learning her own painful history, the fear of losing her, the excitement of the trip, and so many other things that are confusing to a boy of his age plague his mind, and he wakes up having wet the bed. Not for the first time, but it had been better while at sea, and Alex had been hoping that it was over. It's with a shame-filled face and burning cheeks that he tells his uncle he had an accident.
Connor on the other hand... wakes up...
... to find her perched on his chest, staring at him concernedly. When his eyes open, her tail twitches anxiously.
Alexander was slow to wake, but once Connor had shaken him a bit, he sat up, bleary-eyed, to peer at the boy, then his bed.
"All right, Connor. Put on your dressing robe, and I'll see that the maid changes the bed. Perhaps they can arrange a cot for us in the meantime, so that we can get some rest and they can deal with this in the morning," he yawned, rising to put on his own robe. Do boys still wet the bed at his age? Blast me if I know. I certainly didn't. But it has been a very exciting day for him, and perhaps he drank a bit much at dinner...? Or maybe it was his new pet, and he's covering up for it.
Not exactly understanding, but not oblivious to the boy's embarrassment either, Alexander patted Connor's shoulder and shuffled off to find the staff. "See that your dragon doesn't bite or sting the maid," he advised Connor before shutting the door behind him.
When Alexander brings up the idea of making an investment in a plantation, Arabella will diplomatically decline, explaining she has nothing to invest and when she gets money, she may need to invest in her own research first. But she offers to help him find investors (wink). But it might be best to do some research first and find out what grows here that's potential cash crop material. She'll help him do that if he'll help her research mining discoveries in the wilderness.
Arabella stretched out as best she could in the metal tub provided for her bath. In her mind, she had pictured a bath such as she had used at her parents' home, six feet long and bit enough to float a canoe. Chiding herself for being spoiled, she got as much of her body under the water at once as possible, leaned her head back, and let some of the tension of the sea voyage drain away. She was taken by surprise by a short fit of sobbing. She was feeling sorry for herself, forced to slum it in this armpit of a city, forced to leave her friends behind, forced to abandon several promising lines of research sitting on her lab table, all because an accomplish messed up his part in the con and got caught, then sang like a canary to get out of trouble.
Then she considered the possibilities of adventure and began to perk up. She was looking forward to exploring (and exploiting) this new land. She fantasized about an impressive pile of exotic crystals sitting on her research station, waiting to reveal their secrets. Her mind wandered to some possible ways of injecting bioergonic plasma into a real seeming image. Before she knew it, the bath water was luke-warm.
Sighing, she scrubbed at herself, getting rid of the grit that accumulated after several weeks without a proper bath. Out of the bath, she got out some peroxide bleach and used it to touch up her roots. It was much easier being a redhead, she mused, but she had to admit that she got more attention as a blonde.
After a pleasant dinner with the new gang, she retired to her room, jotted down some notes on the day in her journal, tried out a few equations to work out the illusion projector idea, got frustrated, and went to bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
Sounds like Connor and Alex shared a room, Arabella took a single, so let's say that Marko and Azander shared a room too, unless either of you two can't afford it.
So please update your funds accordingly (and Arabella for the bath). Also $8 (SP) total for dinner, and 3 meals tomorrow.
Once you have enough funds I'm not going to have you track little details like this, but when your funds are low these are significant.
The next day
Alex, normally I might have you roll this but since you're MIA today :
Hmmm, not knowing anyone here, you're having problems even knowing who to contact, or how. No luck today.
Arabella, you can only get 50 SP for hocking your repair tools (if I'm recalling correctly that they list at 200).
Arabella suggested finding those guys who wanted to offer you jobs, and no one else has suggested anything else one way or the other, so unless you want to do something else...
Scene : 314 Junine St
The pudgy young man you met yesterday is sitting on the doorsteps, and his face brightens as he sees you. You're eventually brought to a female Dwarf, who after raising an eyebrow at the sight of WindDancer says "So, you're looking for some cash, eh? My friend here tells me that you three (nodding at Connor, Marko, and Arabella) are 'specials'. What can you do? Don't be shy about it or lie to me, the better I know what you can do, the better I can match you to a job."
Assuming that you're honest about it, she thinks for a bit and then says, "Well, I'll tell you what. I've got a document that needs to be hand-delivered from someone coming by later on today to another place across town, by a specific time. It'd be no use to you at all, but it's important enough to some others that there might be an attempt to intercept it. Even if someone does try to snatch it, I doubt they'd be expecting a group such as yours. I can offer you...15 SP each for delivering it - and that's not open for debate. Take a minute and discuss it amongst yourselves."
While disappointed in Miss Steele's decision not to invest right away, Alexander found her suggestion of determining potential crops and mining rights to be logical and intriguing. Therefore, he was willing to go along with her to see the dwarf woman, and consider the job she had suggested. He had to admit, to himself if no other, that his cash would dry up soon, and this seemed a harmless enough small errand.
- 1sp Bath
- 2sp for room shared with Azander
- 8sp for food
Marko took a basic bath, but even that felt like a luxury after weeks at sea. And even sharing a room with Azander was perfectly fine. He had dealt with worse living conditions before. Although, to his chagrin, he found himself oddly missing the gentle rocking of the boat at night.
***
Marko sighed. He supposed it was time to be forthright about his magic again.
"I am a wizard," he told the man bluntly. It felt odd, to finally vocalize it like that. Odd, but also exhilarating. The job sounded suspicious, but he supposed he didn't have much in the way of prospects at the moment. And one had to start somewhere.
"The terms are acceptable."
Connor gives a shrug at the Dwarf. "Teacher says everyone is special. I'm good with a slingshot, I guess. And hiding!" His eyes lit up at the realisation. "Can we play hide-and-find?"
Play!
Her tail twitches in anticipation, and she leaps on top of Con-nor's head. She doesn't know why her little-big is excited, but the simple fact that he is excites her, too.
"Boy, do not lie to me. You were singled out as one of the 'specials' on the dock, so what is it you can do?"
Waiting to hear from Arabella on at least the terms of the deal.
Marko suddenly felt defensive about Connor.
"I imagine that they were impressed with his ability to befriend dragons," he said with bite in his tone. "As you can see, that's not a parrot on his shoulder."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Yes, and I shouldn't be surprised if the Sheriff had been drinking before attending to his duties at the dock," Alexander scoffed. "In any case, young Connor won't be spoken to in such a fashion if you desire our help, is that understood?"
Arabella puts her goggles on and says, "These can have a remarkable effect on others, for good or ill. More than that you don't need to know." She puts them back on her forehead.
Then, Arabella smiles politely and says, "15 per person, including Connor," she glances at the boy to make it clear to whom she refers, then adds with emphasis, "plus expenses incurred if we should suffer an attack, plus a signed piece of paper identifying who gave us the document--that would be you--should it turn out to be stolen or illegal to possess."
"Plus I suggest we each have a similar looking document to the one we deliver as decoys. If that proves effective in protecting the document, then you give each of us another $5 for general cleverness."
Arabella stares pointedly at the woman and absently fiddles with the dials on her goggles, still smiling pleasantly.
Dragons.
She senses a wave of awe from her little-big as the word is spoken. Images of power and mouthfiresmoke and massive hoards of shinies.
Images Con-nor is attaching to her.
*Preens.*
In case you require it:
Result = 4 + 4 = 8; success + 1 raise.
"Firstly, if the boy can contribute nothing to the success of the delivery, he does not get paid. (Dryly:) Nor does the dragon.
Second, no bonuses for being attacked - the money I'm offering *is* hazard pay.
Third, I will NOT commit anything to paper, and if you're that worried about staying within the law, I will have no further use for you after tonight's delivery.
Fourth, I actually like the idea of similar documents, but that just increases the chances that I'll use you again, because it shows that you're clever. No extra pay for this job.
Last and least (looking at Alex), you must be an idiot if you think it was the Sheriff who identified you three as 'specials'. And she's never wrong.
Those are MY terms, take them or leave now."
Unless I hear otherwise, I will assume Alex and Marko will still go along, since the terms of the deal haven't changed.
So...Arabella?
Arabella nods and gives the woman a grudging look of respect. "We'll need to discuss this. Back in a few."
Assuming Alexander shares what he's said ooc above, Arabella will add, "I can't see putting Connor at risk at any rate and you'll need to stay with him if he doesn't come with us. Do us a favor, however; if the rest of us take the job, shadow us and if we end up in jail, see if you can find us a good lawyer."
To Connor, "We've got some grown-up stuff to discuss, but if you want to play a game while you wait, I noticed someone watching this building earlier. See if you can spot him or her. If you see anyone watching us, don't point; just tell me which direction to look, okay? Maybe your friend can help."
"Cards on the table time. My goggles, depending on which crystal I install and the settings, can make you a better fighter, a stronger fighter; they can boost your health and physical resilience, and so on. I flip a switch and they can lower all these same things in an enemy, although it's more reliable if the recipient is willing to accept the boost. Right now, the power is pretty limited, so the boost only lasts a half minute or so. Not enough to win a fight, but it can help tip the odds in our favor."
To Marko: "What've you got up your wizard sleeves that won't set the city on fire and get us lynched?"
To Azander, "You up for a fight if it comes to that, preferably without shooting anyone?"
"I can't see putting Connor at risk at any rate and you'll need to stay with him if he doesn't come with us. Do us a favor, however; if the rest of us take the job, shadow us and if we end up in jail, see if you can find us a good lawyer."
"You can't be seriously considering that dwarf's proposal!" Alexander protested, but somehow, with a minute or so of conversation, he had agreed to do as she asked. It would be rather a shame for such a lovely woman to go to prison, he justified to himself as she went back inside.
Looking around for a café or similar place to remain "inconspicuous," he realized Connor wasn't with him. "That boy is in bloody need of a leash," he muttered as he tried to see where his nephew had gotten to.
If y'all take the job, I've got the Azander issue covered, so don't not accept if he doesn't respond. :)
Arabella, just so you don't overstate your abilities, the default duration for Boost/Lower Trait is 18 seconds (basically half what you said); at 30 seconds duration, you could do that only twice total in a fight.
Marko? Azander? I'll assume you're still ok with the job if we don't hear from you soon...
Alex (and I do mean *Alex*, not the player), just curious - why do you want to put everything on a leash? I think is an indication of a deep-seated issue. Control freak? Fetish? :)