Mir

Game Master HarbinNick

This is the gameplay thread for Mir
--You have all come to the small city of Rekagrad, a city on the northeast frontier of Mir. It is the last vestige of human civilization. To the north, lie the Orc holds. In the east, along the river, lie the Dwarf citadels of Zhurk and Kazum. The city of Rekgrad has become wealthy trading with the Dwarven cities, and coin is the issue on everyone's mind. Compared to the small provincial towns, Rekagrad is almost a tolerant place. The proximity to the Orc Lands has led to a thriving mercenary market. Many caravans to the dwarf holds hire on skilled guards in Rekagrad, and nobody questions how a man came by his scars, a woman her spells, or a Kett his scalps.
--It is common knowledge that Rekagrad is a lawful place, and the guards are remarkably free of corruption and professional. All merchants pay an annual tax for use of a merchants stall, and all boats which dock in Rekagrad must do the same. Thus the city is remarkably crime free. The current ruler is Boyar Mikhail, an efficient if rather amoral businessman. The ethnic make up of the city is 80% human, with a large Rajul minority, and 20% Dwarf, Elf, and a heavy contingent of Orc merchants and their guards.
--Arcane Knowledge: Rekagrad has little interest to mages. The town is obsessed with trade, and folk have little time or interest for arcane pursuits. However, the focus on trade means people are quite TOLERANT to magic.
--Underground Knowledge: Rekagrad does have a serious organized criminal presence. In fact it is so professional it seems to be run with the approval of the highest level of government. Casual thieves are delt with harshly by law enforcement, yet corruption is rampant among the merchant classes and tax collectors.
--Divine Knowledge: Rekagrad’s citizens are mostly worshippers of Dazhbog, Zhur, and Luck. The citizens seem mostly concerned with the gods ability to favor their business deals. There is a large temple to Dazhbog, and it would seem the high priest there is particularly erudite.

--Short’s Tavern has three main features. The first is that it is run by a dwarf and 3 dwarven barmaids. The second is the size of it. The tavern is quite large, almost 20m by 8m and the main room is this dimension. Third of all is the tavern is frequented by odd types. In general, it is odd to see a Kett at all, yet in Short’s Tavern one can see a Kett Trapper chatting up a Dwarf Shield Maiden, or an Orc Barbarian trying to sell his teeth to a elf alchemist.
--Short is a Dwarf with an eye patch, a wooden leg, and a braided red beard down to the floor. He tells everybody he lost the leg and eye fighting an elder dragon, but actually it was troll vomit and a spiral fracture. He is happy to answer questions and provide information about the city. He speaks Chelovek, Orc, and Dwarf equally well. He can mumble some elf if he has to.
--The bar maids are cute, but all in their 80s, making them quite young looking for the short lived races. They seem to be a little too friendly, and avoid serving female clients. In general, Short’s seems to be a rather wholesome tavern, with no gambling, poison dealing, or mysterious figures in black.
--Most noticeable is a large post board on which various notices for caravan jobs are posted. This is the source of Short’s reputation. It is certainly true that anybody looking for dangerous work starts here, and the posted wages, paid at competition of a contract depending on survival, are beyond your imagination. A year’s wages for a month’s work. Or a bunch of shiny rocks to the Kett.

Vuk tilts his head to the right as his eyes glaze over all of the available jobs. Eager to start off big, and quite oblivious to his own limitations, he reads each posting, trying to find the roughest and most rewarding job.

Roh-Kai had worked a number of guard jobs before and had always heard Short's was the place to start when the clan was looking for a little extra coin. He had never actually been into the city himself, however, as a group of well armed orcs walking down the street tends to make people uneasy. So it was that as Roh-Kai walked through the door of Short's for the first time, he was taken aback by the reaction of the other tavern goers; there wasn't one. Even on the street of Rekagrad, Roh-Kai had at least drawn the eyes of the mildly curious. He was used to stopping all conversation whenever he was first introduced to a group of humans and yet here the conversations carried merrily on.
After a mental shrug of the shoulders Roh-Kai noticed that at least someone had noticed him. A young dwarf who came barely past Roh-Kai's belt had asked him about a drink.
"Something fit for an Orc" Roh-Kai tells the barmaid, handing her a few coppers.
He then makes his way through the other patrons to the board with all of the colored slips of paper on it to see about a job. A frustrating problem arises as Roh-Kai realizes that he can't read any of the pamphlets...

Vuk sensed something large brush up against him, but was initially non-responsive to it. That was, until he realized that an orc towered over him and was obviously frustrated at something. If the rumors were true, the last thing he wanted was a mad orc with him standing in front of it.

"U.. uh, excuse me," stammered Vuk. "Is there something I could help you with?"

Responding to the stranger in the tongue he was addressed it is evident that Yazik is not a language Roh-Kai is completely comfortable with as his guttural voice struggles with some of the more flowery words. The harsher sounds of certain words come out over-emphasized while the lighter inflections are sometimes missed entirely.
"This damned speech your people use is a bear to grasp and your script is beyond me. All I want is to make some coin."
His voice started growing louder as he spoke, his irritation obvious, but after he finishes he mutters under his breath in his own tongue.

Nervous, Vuk tries to appear as friendly as possible to the orc, "I apologize for the speech, but I have never encountered one of your kind before." He points towards the job board, "I am actually looking for some work as well. I was told that caravans pay well and there seems to be a few of them looking for guards. Perhaps I could explain the different ones listed here? I myself am looking for the most difficult one, but I can't pick one type apart from the next." Vuk looks the orc over, "You look... experienced and perhaps could help narrow one down."

"I've been involved in this type of work before. Difficulty is sometimes hard to predict, but your merchants always lie. Say a job is easier than it is they can pay you less. If you travel alone you should choose one that's going somewhere you are already going. Free food and some extra coin for the opportunity to split some heads is a fair deal."

--The majority of the notices seem to be dishonest, promising too much money for too little work. 2 jobs stand out in detail from the rest. One is written in 3 languages, Yazik, Elvish, and Dwarvish,

--The notice reads Strong and Skilled men and women wanted for dangerous escort mission upriver. My goal is to locate a lost High Elf temple located somewhere upriver in the heart of Orc and Kett territory. I’m a researcher not a fighter, and this will be my first field expedition. The funding for the expedition comes from a royal fund set up by her late majesty Tsarina Lyudmila, mother of Tsar Dmitri. As it is a chartered expedition you have no worry of being paid. You will receive 10% for signing on, and 90% after completing your duties. Should you decide to desert after receiving the funds, please note you will be guilty of stealing royal funds, and be punished by death. Should you be interested in this position, please contact Father Isaak Ovechkin at the temple of Dazhbog. I am a priest of Marfya, but am also an archeologist. All skilled applicants will be accepted regardless of race or belief. In particularly I need an interpreter who speaks Orc. Anyone with magical aptitude is also strongly encouraged to apply.

Vuk points to one of the postings on the board, "This ones seems legit. What do you think?

Vuk reads the notice to Roh-Kai

A hooded figure comes strolling in and makes his way to the bar, he removes his hood exposing a bald elven head covered various tatoos from arcane words and other designs. He spins a silver on the table and asks the dwarf attending bar, "I was told there was work here, just to warn you I am not the greatest dish washer." He gives the dwarf a smile which is returned by a finger point to the board. "Thank you sir, and could you get me a glass of the cheapest wine you have." As the silver coin stops spinning he leaves it on the bar and moves over to the board.

Seeing two large figures already at the board, he moves closer pulling 3 small items from under his cloak then he kindly asks the two, "Are you two almost done looking I need to choose one as well and my method is a little differnt then yours is. I can wait as long as you need." He repeats it in orc just incase the other figure doesn't understand Yazik. Then just whistles a erie tune as he waits fliping around a trio of darts in his hands.

Roh-Kai continues to converse with the human but spares only a glance for the elf. "I've no great love for bumbling scholars or condescending elves, but it sounds simple enough. I notice you are armed. Are you skilled?"

Vuk looks over his shoulder at the new arrival, "Oh, I think we've figured out the best one for us." He backs out of the way to give a spot to the elf and then turns back to the orc,"I'm no master of arms yet, but I have been hunting wild boars and bears for a few weeks now."

The other notice is a simple wanted poster
--Wanted: Rajul Female. Tall, attractive, calls herself a witch. Often wears outlandish clothes. May or may not have a feral appearance. WARNING she is a demon worshipper, necromancer and prostitute. Anyone with any information about her should contact Elthelial Iron Eyes at the Black Bear Tavern.

As they move aside he gives them a bow, "Thank you sirs, and yes I am skilled but my true weapon can't be seen." He gives the ork a wink, not caring that he wasn't being asked. Then after confirming the board is free of on lookers and when its clear he closes his eyes and throws his 3 darts hoping to find the job for himself. Then peeks and checks out what fate has chosen for him.

The darts are split. 2 strike the 1st posting, while the third hits the wanted poster. It would seem your fate is unclear.
Actually although there are great cultural differences between the orcs and elves, relations in Mir are rather good between races. The Orc and Elf war was 5000 years ago. Elves generally think of the orc tribes as barbaric while the Orcs view the Elves as needlessly mourning their lost golden age. Just wanted to put that out there. In general the only truley hated humanoid race in Mir is the Dark Elves. They are all insane and evil to the core. Iqbal worship does that to you.

Facing the human fully for the first time it is easier to get a good look at Roh-Kai. Standing a full head higher than the tallest human in the bar, he wears a well kept suit of scale mail over simple cloth. He carries a large axe on his back and a crossbow at his side. His body is covered in scars but the ones on his face look intentional as they create an intricate design across his brow. His head is shaved except for a single knot that reaches the middle of his back.

"Then I hope you learn fast. Well met, human. My name is Roh-Kai." He lifts his head to display his neck in trust.

Vuk turns to face Roh-Kai directly and displays his neck as well, "Well met indeed. My name is Vuk Mänork, and I look forward to honing my skills." You now see Vuk in better light revealing a young face that appears to have seen much sun. He's of average height for a human, but is in a far greater shape. He wears an armored leather coat and boasts a sword almost the size of Roh-Kai's axe on his back. At his waste hangs a short bow with two quivers. His hands show signs of a life full of labor and hard work.

Vuk turns back to the elf in front of the board and looks slightly puzzled, "Those are very interesting darts. It's odd that those two landed on the same notice we were just discussing."

Laying low is not something familiar to Xenarchy. She is a creature of overt wiles, wont to dazzle and deceive in ways that leave those she meets with the impression that she is important. Right now, however, that seems a very poor idea and so she keeps her head down. A touch of prestidigitation - renewed hourly when nobody is particularly paying attention - keeps her clothing looking dusty and grey instead of finely-maintained black and silver. A 'borrowed' old hooded cloak over the top keeps the elaborate style from being too visible and keeps her absurdly long, platinum-blue hair from sight. The thought of cutting it short simply does not occur to her.

Xenarchy finds her way into the tavern without incurring any incidents. She sets to make a good first impression on the locals, meeting any in her way with a polite, "Excuse me," and, "My apologies, sir," as she navigates toward the currently crowded job board. The first thing she gives her a mild startle. Xenarchy begins to read...

"Attractive?" She cannot help but smile at seeing that part of the wanted description, "But feral? I wouldn't say that! Hmm, what else? Demon worship? Necromancy? I suppose people did get the impression there were arcane mysteries beyond their comprehension at work. And... WHAT?!" The sorceress almost blurts out her outrage at that particular accusation but keeps the momentary fury from leaving her lips. Knowing an outburst identifying her would be a severely poor move, she does her best to put it out of her mind. Calming, Xenarchy notes with relief that there is no name given to the accused.

The next thing she peruses happens to be the very sign with two darts sticking into it. A paid trip out of town seems an appealing plan and so she inserts herself into the discussion between those nearby, "Good fellows, I notice you are clearly able and well-armed men. It pleases me to see such intrepid spirit." She speaks softly and carefully, "This job is one I am interested in taking and as a mage, I would be very happy to be accompanied by such strong young warriors." Xenarchy maintains a veneer of affability over the turbulent emotions the past few days have delivered. The unhooded Garesh gives her momentary pause but she carefully avoids betraying any reaction to his unusual appearance.

Good to see you check in
Xenarchy You do not recognize the name of Elthelial. It's obviously an elf, and there were no elves in your home town by that name.

Garesh moves over to the board looking at where Ios has chosen for him. As he takes back his darts he replies to the young human, "It's not odd Sir, the strands of fate have shown me my next path and it seems I am suppose to travel with you then if you are accepting this deed. Good to meet the both of you, I am called Garesh Vin'dell." He bows to them then raises his head and looks at his last dart. "Hmm.....Never had this happen before, Ios has always been clear when he points me to my next direction. This is intresting though..." He pulls out the last dart, and removes the wanted poster looking at it closely. Staring at it for a long moment he folds it up and puts it in his pocket. "Maybe....this one is in need of luck and can be saved like myself." He looks around realizing he has been talking the second part outloud and sees a new figure, "Well hello there young lady, what are you doing here?" Garesh obiviously didn't hear her speak to the other two.

Xenarchy observes Garesh taking the darts from the boards. "Ah, are these the divinations of Ios? Excuse my presumption, but may I suggest this prediction tells that these two tasks are the same? Follow one and you will find the other." She nods to him politely. "I will be joining the expedition as a mage of nonviolent means, an enchanter. I'm certain enough in my skill that if we encounter the fugitive on the journey, I'll be able to deal with her."

"Why would a mage want to take a job like this?" Vuk questions without turning around. "The last 'mage' I saw was pulling coins out from behind little children's ears and.." Vuk cuts himself off immediately as he turns to look at the woman behind him. [Gulp] "You don't look like the other 'mages' I've seen before, but it does seem that the four of us are planning on traveling in the same direction." He stands tall as he puffs out his chest, "My name is Vuk and this here guy," he points to Roh-Kai,"is Roh-Kai."

The witch is somewhat disguised. She still looks weird and it would be hard to hide those teeth and eyes from those she's talking to. At least the brown and dusty clothes keep her from looking like a malevolent in boyar's finery - which usually means something worse.

One hand reaches out from within the cloak and touches the bottom of the notice.

"Anyone with magical aptitude is strongly encouraged to apply," Xenarchy repeats the text, "And to be honest, events in Rekagrad have brough me enough concern that I would not mind being elsewhere. Whatever danger may lie ahead, I think I prefer that unknown over the unknown that lurks in the shadows of this very town."

She faces each of them with a curt bow. "Again, a pleasure to meet you all. You may call me Xen, the Enchanter."

"Maybe.....though I think the single dart stands for me to help this woman, her crimes remind me of my old life I believe Ios is telling me to help her...." He ponders the single dart again, and pulls the deck of cards out of the pouch from his neck and just starts to shuffle them. "So why do care so much for that wanted poster, do you know that woman?"

Xenarchy shrugs. "Hmm? No, I can't say I do. Merely, that I am a pacifist by nature. I will not obstruct what violence is sadly necessary, but my spells cannot cause injury. It's admirable that you would wish to help one so heinous, and I will aid you in calming her if we meet her in hostility."

I should probably be rolling some bluffs by now.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 +1 if Charming applies.

Vuk raises an eyebrow at the exchange.

Sense Motive:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

"She could be misunderstood, I know that kind of past I mean..." He points to strange tatoos on his head, "I didn't get a say for these." He gives a strange and ackward laugh. "I wouldn't mind with us traveling together to the job, but first where is my drink?" He looks over to the bartender and holds up his hands.

Xenarchy's eyes linger on Garesh's tattoos, then she looks away. "I'm sorry. I cannot say that my own past has been without troubles, either," she says, the turn of her head putting the vertical scars on one side more into view. "This is a world full of dangerous things and men and I would be more glad to be in a group than alone when they come."

--A Dwarf maid runs over and gives you your glass of wine. It certainly is the cheapest wine in the bar, a sickly sweet fortified wine with an alcoholic kick to match.
--Vuk You cerainly feel the woman can't be trusted, she hardly seems like the type to be intersted in the well being of others. That said, she does seem quite capable.
--Normally I'd have asked for a knowledge religion check to identify the divination used by Garesh. I'll let it go this time, but in the future, assume you have pretty much only the most basic knowledge.

Garesh did actually say it was guidance from Ios, which was what Xenarchy was picking up on. She doesn't know how religious rites work.

--You have three options. The first being to stay in the tavern and try to gather more factsabout the city, news, rumors and so on. The second option is to go directly to Father Isaak. The third option would be to try to make some money doing local jobs, smithing or day labor for example.
--It's 1:00 in the afternoon. The season is late summer, and so sunset is not until almost 22:00. You are located about 60 degrees north of the equator.

"Perhaps Garesh has a good idea. Shall we get a table and get to know each other a little more before we go put our lives on the line?"

Vuk looks around the room for an open table that is private enough to avoid eavsedropping.

There is a "room in the back" that isn't being used. The Barkeep sugggests helpfully. Why not talk there?

"First an elf and now a mage. Just hide behind me when the fighting starts. Probably your only chance of surviving outside the comfort of your precious towns. The sooner we start this job the better."

Xenarchy presents the orc with a comforted smile. "I have no desire to put myself between an honourable blade and its target," she says, taking a couple of steps toward the back room and gesturing for the three men to follow. "Let's not upset Short's good patrons with such talk. Shall we take our conversation to the room so kindly offered? Or, if we are all eager and ready, I see no reason why we should not see Father Ovechkin immediately. We can tell each other our stories on the journey ahead. If we are to spend nights around a campfire, why waste good tales now?"

Vuk begins following Xenarchy, "I could use a drink and some food before setting out. First round's on me." He motions to one of the barmaids to bring food and drink to the back room.

Roh-Kai follows the others into the back room but is muttering under his breath.
"Tuk'n goo rrhan'g nu po khaakot p' rhaanakk. Ukh' rukogn mup uk nrhan puhaht gurouko ohgo rahh nhago an pouho ro kon nroho."

--The room is quiet and secure. The walls are wood and there are 2 small windos near the ceiling. There is a fire place with no fire, and a long table with 6 chairs around it. Fixed to the table is a map of Mir, to aid in deciding caravan routes or travel plans.
--The barmaid brings you 3 glasses of ale, and another glass of terrible wine.

He takes another sip of his fantastic wine and looks over at Roh-Kai and replies

He spins a copper coin on the table as he speaks to the group. "Enjoy the meal, since we'll probably not be eating or drinking this well for awhile. Unless were LUCKY enough to get a merchant that likes to eat...." He suddenly slams his hand on the coin shouting "Heads!" The elf slides his hand off the coin and reveals........So are we lucky my dear DM did I gues it right? hehe

He takes another sip of his fantastic wine and looks over at Roh-Kai and replies ** spoiler omitted **

He spins a copper coin on the table as he speaks to the group. "Enjoy the meal, since we'll probably not be eating or drinking this well for awhile. Unless were LUCKY enough to get a merchant that likes to eat...." He suddenly slams his hand on the coin shouting "Heads!" The elf slides his hand off the coin and reveals........So are we lucky my dear DM did I gues it right? hehe

Yes, your character has been banned from Vegas for life.

Vuk leans back in his chair as he sips on his ale. He is eager to talk about the past few weeks and how he got here.

You learn about his trek from his hometown to Rekagrad. Nothing exciting, and it's quite obvious that he is fairly new to his way of life.

Xenarchy presents herself as a good listener, happy to hear the tales of the others and speaking with the occasional interested question to keep the tales rolling even if they are the most boring. She avoids speaking much of herself at all, preferring to rest in the mystery and evade suspicion by maintaining a friendly demeanour. Not too overt; a subtle amiability to keep from having to tell her own story.

During the meal and drink, she offers to use some trivial magic to warm or chill her companions' victuals and even add exotic flavours if they desire, and cannot help but add, "If you come with me to meet Father Ovechkin and sign on with the expedition, you can be assured the food on the journey will not disappoint you."

"Just keep your witchcraft away from my food. I've never heard good things about those who would muck about with the minds of others."

Shoveling food in his mouth and washes it down with a sip of cheap wine, then looks up to the group. He starts to speak with crumbs coming out of his mouth, "Really? thats good, many caravans always just pack cheap salted pork and trail rations full of raisins and such." He takes a another drink of wine and looks at the orc, "I'm guess you haven't been around a lot of magic have sir? Then its your lucky quest with me and this young lass will get that fear for magic out of your system." Finishing his food he leans back on his chair and puts his feet up on the table, "Okay I got my fill and ready to go when you four are." Garesh seems odd to you since he is looking at the empty chair and nods to it.

If anyone objects you get make a post in retropsect, I'd like to get you all out the door and down the road
--As the party of four, leaves the tavern they make a strage sight, an enormous orc, a young woodsman in the big city for the first time of his life, a striking woman trying hard to hide her beauty, and a tall, thin, elf who seems touched in the head. The afternoon sun shines down on you, and it is a warm, almost hot day.
--The city is divided into 4 quarters, they are the merchant's quarter, the docks quarter, the keep, and the temple district. Short's was located in the merchant's quarter. It is only a few minutes walk to the temple of Dazhbog.
--The temple its self is a large, raised square with a ceremonial altar. There are out buildings at each corner of the plaza. A few city guards lazily patrol the area, and there is a priest collecting donations and offering advice to travellers and pilgrims. As mentioned before, Rekagrad is not a very devout city, and most people prefer the worship of Zhur to Dazhbog.
--Noticing your party, the priest hurridly walks over to you and says
How nice to see you again, please come to the temple pharmacy and we will see about your next rounds of treatment.
In elvish he whispers

Retroactively in response to Garesh:"Not scared, elf. Just no respect for those who bewitch others rather than make their way through honest labour."Roh-Kai seems more contemptuous than scared, but he has been contemptuous of almost everything since you first met him. It doesn't take much, however, to tell that behind the dislike there is a fair amount of fear where enchantment and illusion are concerned.

Sense Motive in response to the priest:
1d20 ⇒ 6

"What are you talking about priest? I've never seen you before in my life." Roh-Kai says perhaps a little too loudly.

Vuk holds up his hands in defense as he shies away from the elf, "You must have the wrong people. We're looking for Father Isaak Ovechkin."

"One does not need magic to bewitch," says Xenarchy, unable to keep herself from slipping the quip in.

When the priest approaches the party, she remains a few steps behind Roh-Kai and Vuk, silent and content to observe for the time being.

Sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 13