Gameplay
The tiny, but ever growing city of Jasper awakes early to the new day. The sun rises, a few birds chirp. The market stalls slowly begin to open, one by one. The two smithies get prepared to open their humble shops.
Me. Gravelstone and Mr. Lash let get the forges fired up, hammers and anvils at the ready. Their doors open, awaiting their first customers to come or perhaps an order that has been finished awaits the owner.
The smell of fresh baked bread fill the air, as Mr. and Mrs. Brett turn our fresh loaves, sticky buns and other soft and airy pastries.
The city is small, but Mayor Gandy has high hopes for his emerging city.
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It was his first day in the city of Jasper. The sounds and smells of the small city awakening to the new dawn filled his senses. As much as he would love to experience the new sights of this city, Lee knew that he needed to find a smithy to work at. This was his fresh start, the next step in his new life.
Chef awakes early and cleans himself before having a small breakfast for himself and Pluck, his pet chicken. He needed to get to the Pink Bunny soon to prepare for the daily meals and so hurried out in his nice chef coat and a trail of feathers as Pluck clucked under his arm.
As the roosters crow, Rubin stumbles to his assigned bed in the Town Watch common dormitory and collapses on it, falling asleep in seconds. It has been yet another uneventful night patrolling the city's perimeter. In a few hours he is due to report for his half-day at Leafly's shop, and from there to his ad hoc job at the Blue Salamander, working for the sometimes generous, but more often measly, tips.
LeeVan, you stroll through the city, you see simple houses line the streets. A few market stalls are up and running.
Sir, sir can I interest you in a fine necklace?, cries a vendor as you walk by.
How about a fortune reading, young man, stammers an older...partially blind woman.
You weave down to the industrial area, and you easily spot two smithies, joined together by a makeshift pathway. A sign is placed in front of each smith, Gravelstone Arms and the other Lashley Armors.
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Chef gets to the Pink Bunny, they never really close per se, but you arrive for your shift.
Hey, Chef, get your arse in the kitchen before the REAL chef whoops ya'! Geez, yells the bartender.
You get to the kitchen, and you see the Head Chef, his name is Vincent.
An older man, grey hair with slight white in the beard. He looks up from jus prep work.
What took you so long boy, you trying to kill me by having me do all the work? Grab a board and your knife set and help me get the prep done for breakfast, it ain't gonna ready itself.
Vincent walks with a limp, he is strong and tough, he lets NOTHING slide and will tell you if you are doing a piss poor job in his kitchen. He works with a determination to feed the working class.
Rubin you get a few hours sleep, you wake slightly groggy, but no worse for wear. You make it over to Mr. Leafly's. He is at his bench, stretching some fresh wood into a curve to one day make into a shortbow...hopefully.
So, you ready for a hard few hours work young one? Are you awake enough to learn?
Strutting into town with extreme confidence, a large tattooed half-orc wearing a chain shirt with an extremely large club strapped on his back takes his time wandering around as if looking for something. With a smirk on his face, he eventually makes his way into the Pink Bunny.
"Yo, you need bouncers in this place?" He asks to whoever appears to be an employee. "Wait, before you answer that question, what's up with this place's name?"
Yes chef! Bolognase says respectfully as he brings out his tools. Pluck hops under the table and pecks at the floor, no bug ever manages to find a safe haven in the kitchen when he is on duty that is for sure. Soon Bolognase is chopping away and humming under his breath as piles of veggies are soon sliced, diced and julianned.
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The bartender looks at the half-orc than just strolled in, "sizes" him up. He has spiked red hair, tattoos on his face.
Yea, we need bouncers. As far as the name...I was drunk off Dwarven Headsplitter when I came up with the name. But as far as a job goes, I will fight you. You meet my standards and you got yourself a job...day-to-day. I reserve the right to can your ass any day I see fit.
"Let's throw down, fella." The half-orc says confidently as he cracks his knuckles. "Weapons or no?"
About an hour goes by. Chef Vincent stops chopping and looks at you Chef Bolognese,
I need you to go to market and pick up a few things to finish the breakfast. There should be enough in the pouch to get what I need...now be quick about it. You have 30 minutes. as he hands you a list and a small pitch of coin.
Without warning, the half-orc lobs a punch at the man's jaw and waits for his reaction.
Yes chef! Bolognese grabs Pluck, ever since that unfortunate incident with Slappy the Squirrel, he made sure not to leave his friends behind in the kitchen, and rushes to market to buy the required ingrediants. Veggies from the stalls and cream from the dairy folks, his hat wobbled in the wind as he went about his task.
Absolutely, Master Leafly. When have you ever caught me napping on the job? Rubin wolfs down the rest of his mystery meat breakfast and hot tea he had purchased on the way over. Did you look at those arrows I finished yesterday? What is the task for today?
Chef Bolognese you head to market to grab the veggies and have no problem, the veggies cost you 3 silver for them. You go to get the black pepper from the spice vendor, but you have a problem.
Young man, I have the amount Chef Vincent requires but I didn't get much in and he is not the only one that requires the blend. Instead of being 3 silver, I will have to increase the price to 5 silver. Laws of supply and demand you see, says a plump little man behind a few spice barrels.
You know that the cream wil cost 3-4 silver pieces and should be in stock. But if you get that first, you run the risk of someone else buying the black pepper blend out from under you. What do you do, do you want to haggle with diplomacy, bluff about anything, sense motive if he is indeed telling the truth about the supply, a different route?
Edyrm strolls around town taking care to notice the sights, taking notices in his journal every thousand feet or so. Marking down how people might travel the town, what's next to what, and so on. Like his training taught him, know your terrain. Passing by the Pink Bunny ("weird name," he thinks to himself) and hearing the commotion he runs inside.
Taking a moment to look around and see the half-orc and tattoo-faced human, he shouts, "What's going on here?!"
Kraull spits some blood out on the floor and grins wickedly at the concerned elf, "Oy, it's a job interview!"
He then directs a punch straight towards the bartender's gut.
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Lee politely declines the jewelry vendor and the fortune teller and goes on his way. A smile spreads across his face after discovering Gravelstone Arms. As he walks through the smithy in search of the owner, he looks all around him to see the craftsmanship of this place.
"Hello?" he calls out. "Is the owner available? I'm looking for work."
Edyrm rests against a nearby wall.
"Good luck!" He bellows trying to encourage the orc.
"You're going to need it." He thinks to himself.
Bolognese sighs. Please good sir, a low supply does not mean one needs to raise the price to meet the demand. M employer is a steady customer and his guerenteed purchases will more than make up the differance.
Rubin Slade
Mr. Leafly, looks at the arrows produced by the young Rubin Slade. He rubs his fingers across the flethcing, down the shaft and then finally along the edge of the arrow tip. He flicks it with his finger, to test the sharpness and durability.
Not bad young man...not bad at all. If you can keep up the consistency and craftsmanship, you may convince me to hand the shop over to you when I retire in 30-40 years, he says with a grin.
Just because you did an excellent job this one time, don't think you can let up and take it easy boy, our jobs will never be this easy, as he tosses 5 copper pieces you way for the job done on the arrows.
He looks around, then sets his eyes on a bow that is almost finished for a client.
Your job today, is to finish curving the bow that I started a while back. Once that job is done, you will be able to finish making the string fro the bow as well as assembling the final piece. You think you are up for the challenge?
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Chasik takes another blow, this time to his sternum. The wind is knocked out of him, but he continues.
Hmm, not bad, but remember, not everyone will fight fair., as he grabs a dirty rag and throws it right in Kraull's face, temporarily blinding the hardy man.
He then looks at Edyrm, you wanna join the dance elf, I haven't had a threeway in a while, as he has a hearty deep laugh.
LeeVan Smith
LeeVan, you enter Gravelstone Arms, the scent of smoke, consumes the air, but it just as quickly dissipates in the open air workshop. After looking around for a few moments, you spot a dwarf, wearing a variety of hammers looks up from his anvil.
Aye, what can I do for ye boy? I hear you say you be looking for a job? Ha, what makes you think a scrawny boy like you can help me in the forge? Hmm., he lets you stew on it for a few moments, the before you can reply.
Well, you can be much worse than my last apprentice. He nearly burnt down me smith. Some help me boy, if you EVER burn down me smith.
He extends his dirty, ash covered hand in acceptance of your employment.
So, when can ye start, and how much do ye know about working in a forge?
The plump spice owner looks a you Chef Bolognese, looks down at the his spice barrels, the back up to you.
Hm, I suppose you may be right. Chef Vincent has been a good customer...fine. The usual rate of 3 silver pieces., as he measures out the amount desired and finishes the purchase.
My thanks! Chef hurries off to get the cream.
Chef Bolognese
You take the pepper blend, and head off to get the last item, the cream. You have no troubles getting the cream, and make it back to The Pink Bunny...with mere moments to spare. Chef Vincent looks at you as you rush through the door.
*huff huff huff* Here you go Chef! All the veggies, pepper and cream you wanted me to get!
*Cluck*
Took you long enough boy. Now put the pepper blend in the stew pot, dice the last of the veggies and add them to the smaller stew pot. Finally stir in the heavy cream, slowly, into the cauldron over the live fire. Take care not to scald the cream, otherwise the dish will have to be thrown out and your wages cut.
Chef's fingers blur as he works with the veggies and gets ready to finish th meal. Pluck helpfully pecks away any bad spots and pecks at Chef when he is about to add too much pepper.
Kraull takes an opportunity to swing his meaty fist at the man as he tosses a dirty rag into his eyes.
"Ah nuts, you don't fight fair! A man after my own heart..." With that, he pulls the rag out of his eyes and comes in with a right cross.
Sure thing, boss. I'll have that done for you in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Hmmm... Rubin scans the dizzying array of tools and instruments hanging above the workbench and tentatively reaches for one.
"Are you addled my boy? Don't let's go and ruin a good week's work" interjects Mr. Leafly. "The number five post-last recurve template is what you want. Now I'm going to be out back tuning that shortbow that's finished curing. If you're in doubt about something, come ask me before you destroy my livelihood."
Right you are. Good ol' number five. Don't worry about a thing, I have this under control. Rubin gets down to work as Mr. Leafly exits, rolling his eyes.
Ah crumbs!!! cries Rubin, as he slips and cuts a huge gash across the face of the bow. He stares in horror for a few seconds before desperately trying to cover up his error with some creative sanding, then some putty, then a decorative paint scheme, all to no avail. Dejected, he sits in a cold sweat awaiting the return and inevitable tirade of his master...
Rubin Slade
You start to work on curving the bow. You use the various tools and your body to curve the bow. You are about to start "putting your back into it", when Mr. Leafly walks in.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!, he rushes over before you can wreck the weeks worth of work.
You know that you can use my tools to do your work. Take a deep breath, use my tools, they are better quality, and focus.
Rubin is chastened and begins apologizing and groveling to an excessive degree.
My apologies sir, I don't know what I was thinking. Don't worry, I'll get it this time. And thank you for your patience with me, I only aspire to deserve your consideration. Etc. Etc.
After a minute or two of this Rubin gets back to work. He takes a deep breath and stares intently at the bow and tools before him, then methodically begins his work as Mr. Leafly has coached him previously.
Rubin
Mr.Leafly looks on as you seem to struggle mightily. After he sees you near your breaking point he interjects.
You are overthinking it. Work WITH the wood, not against it. Let the grain of the wood be your guide, you seem to be fighting it. Again, don't overthink it young man, otherwise you will never get it
Despite the stars floating around his head, Kraull doesn't let up his assault as he throws another punch at the 'bartender.' "Eh...just let me know...when you've...had enough..."
Rubin hangs his head in shame. It's clear this is not one of his better days. His face burning with humiliation, he tries to clear his mind, then starts again under the watchful eye of Mr. Leafly.
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Chasik takes a blow to the chest. He takes a step back, slightly winded but no worse for wear.
Eh, pretty good sunshine. Pretty good. So, what's your name? The name is Chasik, but the few friends I got left call me Bash, as I have a thick skull and love to bash things. You got a job if ya still want it?
He wipes the blood from his lip, and takes a swig of ale from behind the bar.
Chef Bolognese
You add the ingredients as desired by Chef Vincent. You do an adequate job of adding the cream, and do not scald the cream. Vincent tastes each stew.
Not bad boy, not bad at all. The potato cream soup came out well. As long as you listen, you may well survive in my kitchen he says with a hearty laugh.
He tosses you a small pouch and it jingles when you grab it.
Rubin Slade
Mr. Leafly looks on as you try again. This time he can see you relax, and not force it like you were. When you finish, he gives a warm smile.
There you go young man. I slight scratch, but nothing we cannot fix or sand out. Remember next time, I may not be here to help you, so just relax and don't overthink things.
He gives you a smile, then tell you to finish up, put the tools away then meet him outside.
Why thank you chef! I'll be trying by best. Chef pockets the coppers. Are there any more specific tasks for today?
LeeVan
The dwarf, Mr. Hammersstone looks at you.
So, you say you have been around a forge before, well let's see how much you know. I need you to grab me the hammers I would need to taper a sword from a longsword down to a dagger.
Yes sir, I'll be there in a few minutes. Rubin sighs in relief. He appreciates Mr. Leafly's calm and easy-going manner in the face of his extreme ineptitude. Still, he is even more anxious than usual today to get to the Blue Salamander, enjoy a pint or two, chat up the regulars, and forget about his taxing day in the workshop. After carefully cleaning and organizing the tools, he heads outside, almost dreading whatever task Leafly has in store for him now.
Rubin Slade
He looks up to the sky, takes a deep breath. He turns around to greet you, so, you had a rough time, but you got there within time. I want you to go relax and clear you mind. I will see you around this same time tomorrow young man.
He hands you 5 copper pieces for your your work today.