"I am amenable to putting in thirty-seven gold and five silver for the wand, and the added benefit of clearing your debt is agreeable as well. Do you have any other useful information that you could impart to us before we depart this place?" Draught states mechanically, and she unceremoniously pulls out exactly 37.5 gold and plops it on the table.
"I'm good with the purchase I've only 25gold on me currently though. If we have time I might be able to get some from another show once I've rested a bit. How does our time table look?" Zazz fumbles around his person looking for items, and only finds his kunai/sheath and mirror. "I might be able to sell a few things if we're in a hurry if the shop keep has want of things."
The robed man's eyes light up seeing the gold being laid out for his wand.
"Ah ha! Excellent!" He looks to Draught, "Hmm. My travels have been mostly to the East." He thinks for a moment. "My friend here, who walks all terrain unshod, has discovered something along the mountain ranges which run East and West to the South...? "
The shopkeep provides, "... the Egaltur Mountains."
"Ah yes. There are areas in which he would not go. We cannot communicate in words, but I came to understand... he felt a vibration in the ground. No distinguishing landmarks or unusual tracks to speak of. But at these times he would stop me, point to his head... and mine, then lead us around. Never more than a few hundred yards or so out of our way, really."
He shrugs, gathering up the coin.
"You understand I am not prone to the various superstitions of his heathen culture, but in this... he has been rather insistent."
Captain Timney leads you past the Vasily Arms - which appears to be primarily gunsmithing related wares, as well as the stonemason, and blacksmith - which seem to be focused on non-combat supplies, components, and construction-related work.
The open market is where most of the townspeople are milling around. A few are focused on niche gear, but most stalls are filled with eclectic collections of disparate items. This marketplace is more what you are used to in the world outside Okorn Spring.... It is rare for someone to own enough to fill an entire storefront (and be able to defend it).
The merchants' work is a cooperative effort - for buying, selling, and defense. (though two of the merchants appear to be bickering with each other in their incomprehensible pigeon-speak at the moment.)
As you and townspeople near particular food-selling stalls, the merchants toss compact pellets into the flames of their grills, and pump the little bellows at their feet to put a good sear on their meat vegetable kabobs - and to send the liberally-spiced food's "come hither" scent wafting to your nostrils.
Among the many things like... "offer this much less on skymetal goods" ... "Buy up any cheap non-potable alcohol"... etc., two merchants are in disagreement over pricing food. One says clear out inventory because the New Anodos shipment arrives today. Another says to wait until selling slows before dropping prices.
A few town militia men patrol on the sheet-metal catwalk and ramps on and around the silo, mill, and Trickle Charge Bar. The mill uses the gentle current of the mountain spring source which fills the lake.
The lettering of the Trickle Charge is reminiscent of the tattoo-like markings common in androids. You see a couple patrons on the stoop wearing slick techie outfits - either styled after or modified citywear. One of them is tinkering with a small device in his lap as you pass.
Just beyond is the alley between the distillery and Hormel's Goods. Hormel's looks to be geared more for residents. Dry foodstuffs, cookware, and clothing... though there is a hodgepodge "clearance area". (Goatherder hats - brimmed and misshaped hats woven from rag grass, Corkboard, and Water purification tablets are now on sale.)
Zazz bids the two (older fellow and lizard fellow) goodbye when we leave.
Outside of that he'll just look around as the group walks through town, in case he needs to find something later
Calvarot eyes the wares in front of Hormel's, and nabs one of the water purification tablets. He reminisces about one of his ventures near the mountains beside New Anodos, and how a snitching vagabond lifted his own off of him.
Better get a couple of these... Keep them closer this time.
He goes to the merchant with a grunt and some gesturing, clearly asking non-verbally how much for the tablet. He cares not for the annoying pidgin speak, and to minimize its presence in his ears is a luxury he'd aggressively defend.
He pulls some silver from his back pocket, to reassure the transaction.
The merchant slides an empty bottle toward Calvarot, then readies a funnel-ended tray full of tablets.
"Say when... Five silver per ten tablets."
----- ----- -----
Captain Timney leads you up a set of stairs to the top of the Slab, and then to the Rusty Palomino. The building is a mishmash of mismatched wood paneling. The main room is minimalistic, but the lounge is chock-full of western prospector memorabilia and tobacco smoke.
Timney leads you to a table just outside the lounge where two men are seated. One greying well-dressed man, and a wastelander smoking a cigarillo with a confidant air. A woman with a six-shooter on each hip brings a tray of glasses and two large pitchers - which appear to be water and some type of cold tea.
Captain Timney: "Mister Lachlan. This is the team."
The well-dressed man, Mr Lachlan: "Very good. If you would make the preparations..."
Timney nods and heads for the door.
Mr Lachlan slides the pitchers into reach, and gestures for you to sit.
"My name is Bergen Lachlan. I require the services of people I can somewhat trust, yet I am more than reluctant to employ any who bears ties to this community."
"We are responsible for our shipments of aid from New Anodos, and this shipment is late. The psychics among my men here... are unable to contact those on the cargo caravan. This was brought to my attention a few hours ago." He sits for a moment looking at each of you - as if trying to read your reactions to the information so far.
"Hmm." He pours himself a drink, and gestures for you to help yourselves. "Before we talk specifics, I'd like to know who I have here." He also looks to the cigarillo-smoking wastelander with his request for introductions.
Mayze will walk through town following the group, getting accustom to the layout of various shops for future reference. While Calvarot is looking at the water purification tablets she'll pick up 5gp worth too.
-37.5 for share of Wand
-5 for jar of 100 purification tablets
Mayze also offered to pay for any of our groups drinks at the general store/tavern place, so just let me know what she owes for that.
At the Rusty Palomino Mayze walks around the lounge eyeing the various memorabilia and eyeing possible exits from the room/building. She listens to Mr. Lachlan speak while looking around. She can't help but grin at mention of "help from New Andros" but keeps any sarcastic comments to herself.
At the request for introductions...
"Feel free to call me Mayze. I'm a general purpose type merc. Can handle my self in a scuffle and don't mind spending time out in the wastes." She takes one of the offered glasses and sips at it while the others introduce themselves.
Once everyone's had a chance...
"I've a few curios about this job. Primarily what exactly would be asked of us? As in are we just tasked with tracking down the caravan and reporting the location or will we be responsible for bringing it back? In either case I'd like to have an idea of how big it is and a general idea of what it's bringing in."
"I'm Tomin, a seeker or sorts. You want something found, I can do that. If someone decides they want to take something of mine, I take care of them too."
Tomin gestures to his sword and winks.
He reaches for the pitcher of tea, pours a glass and takes a sip. He let's out a small scowl and waves his hand over the glass.
"Much better."
-Posted with Wayfinder
*bows with a slight flourish* "I am Zazz. " Zazz taps a finger to his chin "I guess I can do little bit of a lot, I mostly enjoy entertaining I suppose. Though I gather that won't be a factor. I' can defend myself well enough.
In addition to Mayze's questions. What about the crew who worked the job before us? What info can you give on them? It would be better to know about them in case we run into anyone claiming to be them or we find bodies we can account for all of them. Granted it would be nice if they were just having communication issues,
The cigarillo-smoking man smiles and tips his hat to the others. "Long days and pleasant nights to you, strangers. Name's Araden, some call me Wanderborn. Not from around here, but I've learned my way about. I'm handy in a scrap, a good shot. Not too bad with my words, either."
Araden takes a drag and nods at Mayze and Zazz. "You folks think pretty smart. I think we'll get along well." He turns to Lachlan. "I've got the same questions myself. Along with what the pay is?"
At mention of the horrid city, Calvarot widens a slim grin. His nemesis giving him ample reason to make a little hell? Couldn't be a better day.
"I am Calvarot Tohgren. If it's New Anodos who's man-handling you, I'll make sure to it personally that you get your goods."
He gives a kurt gesture in lieu of a bow, as if his spine were in a brace constructed by his permeating pride.
Though he is in fine clothes and well-groomed, Bergen Lachlan has the build and bearing of a lifelong laborer. His intense gaze and alert eyes are those of an intelligent and serious man. "If I had the luxury of not being responsible for the well being of this community, I would hold the safe return of my men as top priority. However, appearances are what matters. We can stand to lose a shipment, but I cannot appear weak... neither to my own citizens, or neighboring forces. If this was an ambush, those responsible must realize their folly."
"The estimated value of each shipment is 12,000 gold. Two wagon loads. Track the lost shipment to wherever it wound up, and I will pay full worth of whatever you are able to return."
He pauses before continuing with the more "sensitive" issue...
"When you do return, should you allow a gentle probe of your memories, I will also compensate for how well you've dealt with the assumed perpetrators.... Up to 12,000 as well. I apologize for that intrusion, but I see no other way to know."
He hands out small burlap bags. "Five plat to each of you as a sign of good faith, and so you don't run off working for me on an empty stomach."
To Zazz he answers "I will supply you with information about the caravan team."
"I have nothing to hide in my memories, and if you're willing to pay for them, they are yours. I am ready to depart."
"12,000 gold, count me in. Snooping in my head, we shall see about that later."
"I believe we will be able to retrieve the necessary information from just one of you." He looks to Draught.
"Get a good look so you will be able to conjure a clear image in your mind."
"I will expect a slight increase in my pay if I am the only one to have my memories probed. Otherwise, I am amenable to the plan."
" Well Draught has it covered but I'm not entirely imposed if we end up needing more. If it'll just be the time from now until we're back."
"Excellent." He takes a couple folded papers from his coat pocket.
One he slides to you. "Names and distinguishing features of my men."
The other he unfolds. It is a map. He points to a location about 12 miles west-northwest of your current location. "There is a bunker here in the hills of Old Anod. It is within the fallow fields of Hirogdin, a grey barn with a white silo. That is where the goods are transferred from corporate convoy to my supply caravan."
He then traces a line with his finger along the north side of the mountain range. "And this is the route they take."
Calvarot pockets the weighty pieces with a certain rapture that would usually escape his person. As he sees Tomin with his wand, his grin turns to grimace as he peddles his pay away...
To the man with the money:
"Yeah, the money sounds nice, but I'm not about to get my skull fried by nobody. Draught can give you what you need..."
Araden gives a low whistle at the promised sum and taps the table, but he can't hold his tongue at the mention of the mind-reading. "Gorum's codpiece, you make it sound like that's normal. That's normal?" He raises an eyebrow at the others, especially Draught when she so easily offers herself for the mental probe. "Guess I haven't learned everything, huh."
The gunslinger passes over the dossier on who they're looking for and takes a look at the map. "Let's see what's going on here, then..." he mutters, tracing the route with his finger. "Not too far a trip. Could get there and back easy within a day's ride. Y'all have horses?"
"Wretched beasts, horses. Foul at both ends and tricky in the middle... If we must ride I can lash my self to a beast and make do, though I promise nothing regarding its survival."
Mayze picks up the dossier and makes herself familiar with the missing men to some degree. She'll hold on to it unless anyone else would rather.
She slides her stack of five platinum toward Draught..."My share of the bonus to you for having your grey bits finagled rather than my own. I've a secret or two up her I'd like to keep grip of still." She says tapping her head and giving the android a wink.
After things wrap up with the meeting Mayze will let the group know she's off to supply, and then head out and pick up three days worth of rations and water, a pack mule or riding horse instead if people decide we're going the horse route. I'm assuming standard prices until I hear otherwise. Once we're back together and ready to actually head out of town she'll take a few minutes to put her chain shirt on.
"That will suffice, thank you. Let us be on our way and find these persons."
Prior to setting out Zazz will take the advance payment left over after repaying his debt and purchase supplies
1 water skin (to keep full in case of seperation)
5 trail rations
5 wandermeal
bed roll+blanket
steel and flint
5cp 31sp 2g total cost
3P 5G 18S 5cp left over for whatever
Unless anyone has a suggestion on something I have not
"Can't say I've done much horse riding, nor own one. I usually wasn't the one drivin. Can't say I'm really sure I could do it well."
After delivering what "particulars" Mr Lachlan is able to give, and all are ready to head out... he adds.
"May I stress again the importance of things being well under control here. No one here is to know I've hired you until you return. Of Okorn Spring, only Councilwoman Burr, my attache Rhett Ives, and myself are aware of the arrangement."
He heads to the door, and holds it open for you.
As Calvarot nears, Mr Lachlan says, "Mister Tohgren..." like a schoolteacher. He has a few words for him specifically, though he does not wait for a "private moment".
I feel your pay should receive an extra warning, just a handful....
Just enough weight so you can feel it, and carry it around with you out there in the uncaring world.
... Innocents suffer for an anarchist's so-called ideals."
Mr Lachlan assumes a pose mirroring Calvarot's
"I had allies... friends on both sides of the conflict. Those who fought under your banner are all dead or dead to me. The innocents who lived in the lands that were your battlefields have still not recovered, but the corporate forces... " He shakes his head. "A two day recruitment drive erased all you'd accomplished... replaced all you'd slaughtered." He grasps the edge of the door.
"I won't have that here. Here.. mad dogs get put down."
Captain Timney meets the gathering group by the transient camps.
"We good? Bergen's setting the young folk up with a place to stay. Bowen and Tulius got a bit crabby about stayin put but...."
There is a mule standing next to him - watching him talk.
"Oh yeah. Traded my multi-tool and goggles for a pack mule. Ready when you are."
He then looks to Araden, and nods with a meek gesture of a wave. "Name's Timney."
He is intentionally acting as if it is assumed he is going along.
Once the meeting breaks up, Araden purchases trail rations for several days' eating, and after a bit of deliberation, also buys some feed for Titan, in case there's no good spots to let the horse graze. He then hits the stables to grab his companion, then the gear plot to retrieve his things, and finally meets back up with the group. "You folks ready to get a move on, then? I'm eager to see some road and some action." He tips his hat to the captain as he saddles Titan in anticipation of the journey. "Name's Araden."
As Calvarot nears, Mr Lachlan says, "Mister Tohgren..." like a schoolteacher. He has a few words for him specifically, though he does not wait for a "private moment".
** spoiler omitted **
Calvarot grimaces, disgust seething from his teeth.
"In these times it's the mad dogs who've got any sense to give a damn about the deranged s&*+ that's being spewed upon the world.Yeah, I'll make sure all your ducks are in a row, Lachlan.
Don't worry about me burning down your facades."
He ends the conversation before anything more is said, turning about face and strutting with his group, denying Lachlan further audience.
Piss off, rich man.
"I sense the hostilities, but I'm not sure why. What am I missing, my friends?"
Zazz left fairly quickly and thus missed Calvarot being pulled aside.
"Hi Captain, So the others are staying put I take it? Too bad about the tool and googles." Zazz looks at Araden and Captain "I'm good, got a few supplies. I'm good to go once the others catch us up.
"Yes they'll be fine, Bergen Lachlan's a good man. They'll be safe here." He clears his throat. Uncomfortable with the newcomer Araden, and seeing Calvarot approach, Timney's tone turns more pleading. "I know my decisions have not gone over well as of late... if not ignored completely. But I'm not ready for the Slab."
"I promise not to interfere."
Mayze catches back up with the group after a brief shopping trip...
5 days Trail Rations -2.5 gold
Just going to buy the food, skipping a mount/pack mule for now
"Thought you were looking forward to a break Cap'n? Not that I ain't glad to have you along."
"Do we want to travel the route in reverse and see what we come across or go straight to the bunker and see if there's any sign?" Mayze asks the group, keeping her voice conversational but trying to be a little vague in case of eaves droppers. "I imagine walking the route would be the prime thought m'self."
" I'd vote for the trail as well. Seems more efficient for our overall schedule. assuming I'm not missing a detail."
He nods at the mention of his looking forward to a break. "Mhmm."
You see him looking across the old timers at the transient camp - gumsmacking and sighing - barely distinguishable from the abandoned satchels of worn leather they've gathered for bedding. "Just not here... not yet."
You begin to travel around the lake - making your way to the supply route. There are a few small camps each half-mile or so along the way. They all come here for the near-potable water and a little bit more safety.
Some people are fishing the bushy dark-whiskered oymori catfish (which feed on what lives in the scummy surface of the water), and cooking them on small portable grills.
Some appear to be peddlers of few wares, but none seem outgoing enough to hail down your group.
Some small groups - with prominently displayed weapons in their holsters or held barrel down... none seem eager to strike mean poses or alpha dog you at all as you pass. Even those whose camps encroach on the water's edge trail, make way for your group.
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Araden mounts up on Titan when the group gets going, occasionally straying forward or back or to the sides, eagerly taking in the landscape. This world is still new to him, parts of it at least, and he grins like a child as he sees more and more of it.
When the group passes near armed folks, however, he takes on a slightly more serious tone, and flicks his poncho front up and around his shoulders. This not only displays the worn but functional armor he's wearing, but also makes sure not to obscure the revolver on his hip and the double-barreled musket in a rifle boot on his saddle. He keeps an eye on one of the gun-toters each time they pass, and tips his hat to them as he rides by. Best to show them you're not afraid, ready for a fight. Folks are less likely to get antsy with the triggers if their lives are on the line, too.
You travel a little further, and see the group which likely just passed this way. You are slightly gaining on a group wearing the red tech-vests.
The one furthest back helps himself to a strip of meat from a squatter's grill. He then kicks the grill with just enough oomph to tip a light swarm of embers onto its owner. He giggles and jogs the few steps to catch up with the four others.
The cropped mohawk man, and a woman with wintry-white hair and dead-straight bangs sit atop horses. You are about 80 feet from them when you hear her speak to the others on foot, and yank her mount northward. "Lets go boys. Borwod and Philo know the way back to Fort Windscar."
Two more are following you. They are sneaking and hiding along the way.
As the man kicks over the stove:
"What a dick."
As Tomin spots our tail. He looks to them and says:
"You might as well walk on the path, its much easier."
The two red-vested fellows stand up straight from behind the cover of a squatter's tent, and trade irritated light slaps - blaming each other for being spotted.
One with goggles and a wide headband pushing his hair into a fountain of nappy locks speaks up "Good advice that, eh Borwod?" He gestures (as if turn around mind your own business) "Carry on then."
Ahead of you the cropped mohawk man whistles sharply from his mount.
The two sneaky fellows double-time past you to him. As they do, the mohawk man gives Mayze a bit of the stink eye before turning north.
But then....
"That's " BOOM of a gunshot.
The offended grilling squatter holds an old musket he'd pulled from a nearby tarp - a puff of smoke rises from the flashpan. The old codger works the flash of fear into grim determination, and begins to reload. His two campmates sit stunned in horror. The red-vested thug who'd taken the strip of meat cries out - grazed on the arm by a bullet.
At the earlier event where he stole the food "well.. that isn't very responsible."
Zazz was too busy looking around after noticing and then watching the two fellows behind running forward to see the weapon being drawn and fired. Startled slightly as he looks forward to the action. Zazz proccesses the information: Stole food, Squaters have limited food. Stealing food amounts to offensive action agianst his lifetherefore the shot was a defensive action in an attempt to retain his life-at the risk of his life. Therefore--the slight bit of food for that fellow is worth a fight agianst 6 opponents and the potential harm to his campfire cohorts. Give or take for possibe innebreations.
Secondly the fellow who stole and spilled the embers reminds Zazz of unpleasent memories during his troupe years. And the Red-Vested folks did not show themselves to be very pleasent while in town.
"I wish to help in his self defense of his livlihood. I doubt a show will help here though. Ideas? I only have violent ones."
Upon saying that Zazz will Shift his body direction towards the battle field pulling up his poncho hood, pulling out weapon, sliding his pack into one hand to drop. and looking at others to guage for support. In particular with Mayze who seems to enjoy a fight and intended stopped the Red-Vests last time as well.
Tomin stops forward momentum and looks at the altercation.
"He took your food, you shot him, fair game. Leave it there."
-Posted with Wayfinder
The shot man makes a move toward the musket-wielding squatter, but slows seeing the proximity (and attention of your group). He looks to the cropped mohawk man with the branch-like scar on his head...
The mohawk man speaks "Leave it.", and eyes Zazz readying for a scrap.
The wounded thug looks to him as a child trying to will a parent into making the world "fair" for him.
The mohawk man speaks again "I said leave it.", and then - while looking at your group. "Seems the Law has come to the wasteland. Heh."
"That was interesting. I am glad we did not interfere directly. It was not our business."
The half-dozen thugs from Fort Windscar once again leave the scene - not willing to risk loss throwing down against an unknown armed group.
The squatter lowers his musket... muttering incoherently...
The other two squatters catch their breath - apparently well aware of what wrath their half-mad campmate packing heat could have incurred.
Zazz hears one say "Bless you..." while holding the other who looks ready to sob.
Twenty minutes later, you reach the angled trail leading up to the ridge... all other signs of mankind are no longer visible behind you.
While to the south, the terrain at the base of the mountains is jagged and rocky, here... harsh edges of the sandstone ridge have been worn by the winds.
The wagon ruts of the supply trail are clear here, and the path remains between 20-30 feet wide as far as you can see. You have a cliff face of varying height to your left as you travel, and the broken earth and scrubby brush to your right - at the moment about 40 to 50 feet lower in elevation than the ridge trail.
After another half hour of travel, a bit of rubble tumbles onto the path ahead, and you hear a loud avian(?) screeching caw in the air. A man-sized creature awkwardly lifts into flight. Below it, a reddish stain on the cliff face, and two much smaller ones feeding on lumps of carrion on a high rock.
Four clawed legs, bulbous lumpy body - sickly seafoam green in color, a long neck matching its tail, wyvern-like wings, a bird-like head and beak with one eye.
It looks upon you, and screeches fiercely - ready to dive.
Zazz looks up trying to follow the awkward creature but is blinded by (the sun, or a reflection or distracted by a pretty gear shaped cloud).