"They are good friends, and are continuing their explorations even now. They asked us to send their apologies for their abrupt departure, but I am glad to report Master Benidict made a complete recovery. We think his sudden incapacity was merely a symptom of our sudden arrival on a new plane of existence. Such things are bound to be a bit hard on the body and spirit, particularly when unplanned."
"I would also like to ask after the resources of the town. I'm afraid we lack any local currency, but that we brought with us is of pure make. Do you by chance have a moneychanger or a goldsmith in town? Either would be able to see the quality of the minting, and perhaps would trade us for coin more suitable to your merchants."
With Kazko's heavy hooded cloak he just looks like a tall humanoid. Ginza looks like a knight.
Shashanta is a shapely female humanoid has dark hair, dark eyes, and a pair of small black horns just above her eyes. Small, black, leathery wings protrude from her shoulders, which she like to cover with Domayoku's gift of the cloak of elvenkind. She wears nothing else, but the sword belt and scabbard carrying her invigorating mithral longsword, another gift from The Demon King.
The commoners would likely see your group and continue on with their chores. Those on the road heading your way would turn off the road and let you pass before hopping back up on the road.
Within the town Kazko sits and the others stand in the main square. You see a man in chain mail with a badge and surcoat of blues. There is a white hawk embroidered into the blue cotton. A longsword is at his side, a dagger at his foot, and a shield with blue fabric over it and a large white hawk embroidered into it. The man is followed by four other humans armed with halberds. They have chain mail as well and blue tunics. The obvious leader addresses Kazko and the others if they are there, "Hail, I am sheriff Talon. what business do you have within our fair town?"
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The priest nods thoughtfully at Amadea's statement about Master Benedict and Silverstone. He replies, "The main resource for this town is amber. I am sure your coins would work. Our coins are not the same as Kotar or the other countries. Though the common coins are copper, silver, gold, and the rare platinum. I could easily escort you to the moneychanger, though you likely would not need me, it is in the next large building the townhall. Now if you want to meet our smiths I could take you there. Most of them work together in the Northern hills."
----
We indeed are, and deemed it prudent to send our actual diplomats to establish relations, now knowing anything about the locals, Sir Benedicts and Master Jacen were more reconnaissance focused specialists.
Deepest thanks for your introduction, I do have a degree of skill in crafting albeit now necessarily for sculptures, I do have an idea in mind however. I sincerely hope it is not considered rude for us to politely avail ourself of some of this charming towns crafting facilities before we formally introduce ourselves? I would prefer not to address the higher-ups coming empty handed.
He nods more in understanding not sure what to add in response. "No that would be fine. I will talk with the Bishop and get his blessings before setting up any meeting. How long would you like to prepare, two or three weeks?"
On another subject what did the rest of my group say? Any response?::
I would fly over the town and check out any buildings that seems interesting.
You see a man in chain mail with a badge and surcoat of blues. There is a white hawk embroidered into the blue cotton. A longsword is at his side, a dagger at his foot, and a shield with blue fabric over it and a large white hawk embroidered into it. The man is followed by four other humans armed with halberds. They have chain mail as well and blue tunics. The obvious leader addresses Kazko and the others if they are there, "Hail, I am sheriff Talon. what business do you have within our fair town?"
The Demon King uncrosses his muscular arms and steps forward.
"Good day, Sheriff Talon. I am Domayoku. This is my assistant, Shashanta. And my fellow adventurers, Kazko and Ginza. We are new to these lands, and only wish to enjoy the local color. Perhaps partake of a drink after our long journey. Does this town have a tavern for which to imbibe alcohol and get some food to eat?"
Waiting outside, Bob kept still as he waits for Ekaterina and the others to finish their business. He found it interesting the way people stared at him. He wondered if any would try to talk to him.
The sheriff looks Domayoku up and down analyzing him and doing his best to not stare at Shasshanta. With the mention he quickly states, "Ah adventurers that makes sense. Are you not apart of the guild? I don't see any plates of position. Yes, come along I will show you to our quaint inn. It isn't much but it does its job." He says to Domayoku and points with his thumb. The guards lead the way as the sheriff walks beside Domayoku. "So have you been questing or just exploring?" He asks with interest.
A few minutes later on the other side of the small town Sheriff Talon indicates a small two room house. On the other side of the house you see that there are wooden stools along the deck and the wall has been cut to have a long window. You can see the bar and all sorts of bottles on it. A dwarf is manning the bar but seems tall. There are a few patrons at the bar, a few more at the surrounding tables. A wench comes up to the group and asks, "Harvey, you got some awlfy thirsty looking newcomers there."
The sheriff responds, "Yes Alice, they have been on the road and would like some drinks. Please take care of them and I will be back later after my rounds. Have a good time and please have patience with anyone that wants to start a fight."
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Yes many stared at Bob, but most moved on their way not seeing if they could interact with the 'plant'. A scholar of sorts stopped to look at it and analyze it for a bit, without any interaction he moves off as well.
You can see the bar and all sorts of bottles on it. A dwarf is manning the bar but seems tall. There are a few patrons at the bar, a few more at the surrounding tables. A wench comes up to the group and asks, "Harvey, you got some awlfy thirsty looking newcomers there."
The sheriff responds, "Yes Alice, they have been on the road and would like some drinks. Please take care of them and I will be back later after my rounds. Have a good time and please have patience with anyone that wants to start a fight."
"Hello, my dear", Domayoku grinned at the serving wench, trying not to flash his fangs. "What are you serving today? Any house specials?"
|
Kazko follows along behind Domayoku and wonders who is in this Guild? Was this some alliance who got sucked into the game before them? Would they be upset that another group were now wandering around this world?
When they reached the inn the allows Domayoku to continue to do the talking as he was much better at handling the talking.
The waitress quickly responds to Domayoku, "We have turkey legs, a vegetable and beef stew, and turkey sandwiches. We have ale, milk, and wine. If you have the coin I could get out the brandy, whiskey or the good wine."
Crafting Firearms: You can craft any early firearm for a cost in raw materials equal to half the price of the firearm. At your GM’s discretion, you can craft advanced firearms for a cost in raw materials equal to half the price of the firearm. Crafting a firearm in this way takes 1 day of work for every 1,000 gp of the firearm’s price (minimum 1 day).
Making the masterwork minipistol would just take me a day, tears to wine is just 2 spell slots.
I have some magical means of considerably enchancing the speed with which I can craft items, and should only need a few days of working.
She speaks, before kindly asking her leave to get to crafting.
The waitress quickly responds to Domayoku, "We have turkey legs, a vegetable and beef stew, and turkey sandwiches. We have ale, milk, and wine. If you have the coin I could get out the brandy, whiskey or the good wine."
"I will take two ales, and the lady will have a glass of wine", Domayoku stated. "Anything for you two?" The muscular Demon King asked his fellow guild members.
Amadea will continue her conversation with the priest, after Ekaterina moves on to start her manufacture.
"Could you spare the time to educate me a bit on your culture? We come from a rather different place I think, I'd like to avoid giving offense through ignorance. For instance, where we come from, women are considered the equal of men, at least by most, but in some places their rights are different than those of men, particularly in regards to the law and property. In some places, they are not allowed to travel unescorted by a brother or father, or address a man unknown to them. Are their other stratification I should know of? A caste system, or levels of rights, such as slaves, serfs, common folk and Nobility? I'm afraid I have endless questions..."
"Perhaps if you have a library, or know of one of particular renown in these lands? I am something of a scholar, and can read in many languages."
The waitress does not have mead, she says, "Sorry it is out of season." Then she brings Kazko an ale. The other ales and glass of wine are brought upon her tray.
----
The priest relays in the best of his ability that their cultures are somewhere between Medieval and Renaisance level of sophistication. Though their understanding of magic seems very competent at least to 4th level magic. A few spellcasters have gotten to 5th or 6th level magic but those were heroes of old. The Bishop himself can only cast 4th tier magic.
Onto the subject of gender, he relays females are a second class to males in the Sun Empire. The Free States Empire are better and have laws making it so that everyone male or female, or a different race should all be treated equally. From race to race it depends but generally look on females as the weaker half. Though that does not mean there is no discrimination by a far stretch.
There is a caste system which has royals on top, then nobles who are mostly the land owners, merchants, experts, commoners, serfs, and slaves. The Free States Empire has abolished slavery but it can still be found in far off villages. There are high levels of rights from royalty down to slaves. Slaves don't have nearly any rights but their land owners must take care of them, feed them, clothe them, and provide shelter. The life of a serf is not much better. Though serfs and slaves are mostly criminals.
There is no public library here but you should be able to find some in Kotar or the larger cities within a weeks ride. The Bishop has his own modest library and the Count has a lavish one.
Ginza places a gold coin on the table.
"We are unsure of the mint used in these lands. Perhaps you could tell us if this coin is enough to secure us both the drink and some of the food you mentioned. I for one would like to sample them as Recipes is one of my side interests."
The Pseudo Elven Knight speaks to the girl.
She quickly retorts, "Coin is coin, as gold is gold!" She takes the gold coin and soon one of each of the meals is brought out with refills on the ale.
Domayoku puts two gold coins on the table for wench, as both he and Shashanta enjoy their meal and drink.
Amadea thanks the priest for his information and his time, and deposits some gold in his donation box. She makes a note of the scheduled service/masses, and comes back to observe one.
She visits the money lender, and trades a bit of game gold for local currencies, trying to get a good, clearly stamped example of each coin he has, including foreign coins other travelers might have traded to him. She doesn't concern herself overly with the fair value of the coins, so long as the man doesn't try to abuse the opportunity too much, and she gets good example coins in return, she makes no protest and allows him to earn his mark.
Next she visits the local stores, tradesmen and shops, seeing if there are any craftsmen of note. In particular, she looks for any magic gear, such as enchanted weapons, potions, or adventuring gear. If any stores sell local books, she'll buy as many as are available. If she finds any local tailor or seamstress, she'll commission a couple dresses in the local style.
I found it hilarious that, when it was performed, the most "politically dicey" parts of the Nibellungenlied were the question of wether leading someones horse while not mounted where a sign of tributary status, and not the fact that iirc Kriemhild, who suspects that he husband to be cheats on her, ties up said husband and nails him to a wall (not through his flesh though) for purposes of interrogation, during the wedding night.
Olga of Kiev wasnt exactly sunshine and flowers either.
The wench nods and winks as she takes the coins from Domayoku.
You didn't see any post signs or posters around town.
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The services are morning, noon, and early afternoon. It does mention the noon services are put on by the Bishop.
The money lender seems well off and has lots of lavish furniture, rugs, paintings, silver candlesticks, the whole shibang. He is rather jovial and gives you a great rate of 5 of your coins for 4 of the local currency. The foreign coins he doesn't have much of but is willing to trade 7 coins for 5 of yours. They are only silver and have a square cut out of the center.
No craftsmen of note. Nearly no magic gear. You can get adventuring gear at 3 of the main stores in town.
There is one store that sells books and scrolls, called The Scribe. The sign is on the side of the wagon with glowing letters. The obvious eccentric wizard enjoys travelling and his shop is a wagon.
There are several local seamstresses, do you want to commission a couple dresses in the local style from each or just one from each?
The Nibellungenlied is a very very long Medieval German Saga, that tells the tale of Siegfried, and, while the German is antiquated, it is still understandable to modern German speakers. It was in the context of lets say, significant divergences of political nature between the German Emperor and the Pope.
During the story, the Viking Queen of Iceland is the romantic interest of one of the characters, but to marry her, one has to best her in competitions, with death being the penalty to those who fail. Such arrangements actually werent that unusual.
The character only succeeds by having Siegfried impersonate him.
In the wedding night, the Valkyrie queen recognices that he is way weaker then he should be, and ties him up to investigate things.
This did not scandalize anyone.
Now, another plot point was that, because Siegfried the main character was masquerading as a Servant, leading his friends horse by the reins, he could never become a King. This was an immensely politically controversial take, as the German Emperor has done that with the Popes horse, during the course of his coronation as Emperor, and thus the play regularly lead to spontaneous eruptions of frequently deadly violence between pro Emperor and pro Pope spectators.
The play itself is quite hard to put into either the Ghibelline (pro Emperor) or the Guelf (pro pope) camp, as the character raising the issue arent exactly those painted in the most favorable light, but could be interpreted by either side as backing them.
The wench nods and winks as she takes the coins from Domayoku.
You didn't see any post signs or posters around town.
"Thank you, miss", Domayoku thanked the bar wench. "I have another question, if you don't mind. My friends and I are new to these lands, and I was wondering how and where do you get registered to be an recognized adventuring guild?"
"Oh how exotic, I thought most places had Adventuring Guilds. Head back down the street there is a wide building in town with swords on its walls, that is the building you are looking for." The wench offers.
Ginza perks up at the mention of the Adventuring guild.
He grins as he toasts the Wrench on her informaiton.
Leaning in at the table, Domayoku poses a question. "Well, what should we do? Should we register our guild now, or wait for our guildmaster to be present?"
"If I think right, We should be registering ourselves as individuals first as the adventuring guild is a guild by itself if memory serves right. We would technically be a faction of our own." Ginza muses towards them.
The Southern group finishes their drinks and food. Then they head back into the village to find the wide building with swords on it. You see that the swords are a bit of charcoal and chalk drawings on the shabby hovel's walls. Rapping on the door it soon opens and you see a bald old man with an eye patch and a peg leg. He looks you up and down and says, "You looking to join or is there a fuss?"
With you saying you want to join his face shifts to merriment. The wrinkles all move to accentuate his age and emotion. He leads you into the modest hovel. The ceiling is 10 feet high and the hovel is 30 feet wide by 15 feet. You see beams supporting the ceiling and half walls that can offer some privacy to those at the tables beyond. Though you don't see anyone else but the old man. "I am Sir Winston, guild representative. We prefer a 10 gp entrance fee for new members. What questions do you have?"
"Sir Winston, we are members of a large independent guild named Götterdämmerung", Domayoku began. "Our guild leader is with a scouting party in the North. What would we have to do to make our guild official in these lands?"
Sir Winston looks a bit surprised by this information. He then begins to stammer, "Well... I... I am not sure. This is just a village outpost and I manage a few adventurers. Your best bet is to go East and North to Ulgarfield or further towns into the heart of the kingdom."
The services are morning, noon, and early afternoon. It does mention the noon services are put on by the Bishop.
The money lender seems well off and has lots of lavish furniture, rugs, paintings, silver candlesticks, the whole shibang. He is rather jovial and gives you a great rate of 5 of your coins for 4 of the local currency. The foreign coins he doesn't have much of but is willing to trade 7 coins for 5 of yours. They are only silver and have a square cut out of the center.
No craftsmen of note. Nearly no magic gear. You can get adventuring gear at 3 of the main stores in town.
There is one store that sells books and scrolls, called The Scribe. The sign is on the side of the wagon with glowing letters. The obvious eccentric wizard enjoys travelling and his shop is a wagon.
There are several local seamstresses, do you want to commission a couple dresses in the local style from each or just one from each?
Ekaterina works at a quite leisurely pace, giving an interested Smith (of course he is interested, imagine being a smith and a CHA 29 lady wants to borrow your forge for a bit, being compeltely polite and also interested in your craft!) the gunsmithing 101 while almost effortlessly convincing him to aid her in exchange for getting to know her craft better.
She in turns asks him, and asks him to demonstrate, his own techniques, making him talk a lot about things like Iron ore quality, how hot the coals actually get here, from which she, as an avid Civilization player, hopes to make good assumptions about the "tech level".
After a hard days work, she insists on treating him to a nice dinner in an upscale restaurant, ideally one that has a Piano or other musical instrument.
Where she would seek to perform a bit as well, singing some actual Russian songs (Kalinka, as it is completely harmless, Korobleiniki, and of course the immortal Trolololo, as well as Dorogy) and indicating her great willingness to learn local songs as a bit of Cultural exchange.
Southern Group
"Sir Winston." Ginza begins.
"It would be immensely helpful to us if you could educate us on the surrounding towns and such and if you have a map of such for sale."
Sir Winston tells Ginza and the group about the nearby villages though there is very little to tell. The closest town is Ulgarfield. He does pull out a map and says, "It is only worth a few silvers as it is rough, and only shows the nearby villages."
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The young and strong smith you select is named Aleric. He tells you about his trade and all the other topics you bring up. The coal comes from a local mine. The iron ore quality has been low for the last few years as their local mine has run dry, so we have to trade with merchants.
The temple had a few hand instruments. Most of the places to get food are at inns. There is one restaurant with a rustic feel to it. In a large pavillion tent they bring in a five course meal as other performers put on simple acrobatic shows. Katerina gets the place they eat into an uproar of laughs and cheers.
As the two of you leave the pavillion he asks, "Would you like to spend the rest of the night with me? Wait no that came out wrong... do you have a place to spend the night?"
Sir Winston tells Ginza and the group about the nearby villages though there is very little to tell. The closest town is Ulgarfield. He does pull out a map and says, "It is only worth a few silvers as it is rough, and only shows the nearby villages."
Domayoku takes out a gold piece and gives it to elder adventurer. "Please take it. For the map and for our appreciation."
With the offering of a gold he gives the map without much thought. Sir Winston then says, "I am sorry I couldn't be more help. Is there anything else you need?"
"It maybe redundant but how is the adventuring guild run, its rules, hierarchy and famous adventurers of note?" Ginza asks seeing that they have the map well in hand.
Sir Winston does his best to explain it and you fill in the gaps with your own assumptions. The adventuring guild is in place to organize adventuring parties, give quests, and make sure the job is not too difficult for the adventurers.
Ranks lowest to highest in general: copper, silver,.gold, platinum, orichrium/obsidian, mithril, and adamantine. There is rumor of a diamond rank but no one has made it to that level, and thank goodness we haven't needed one.
Quests and jobs are brought by the the payer to the guild that the right group will be assigned to an.adrqute level.
Rules especially in the wilderness is left for the group to decide how they are going to act. Though there are still rules to live by: Don't kill intelligwnt beings unless absolutely necessary. It is alright to regroup or to decline an assignment that is too hard.
The invitation is very kind of you Sir Aleric, but we have already rented accomodations elsewhere.
Ekaterina replies as she would rather not risk the diplomatic mission by accidentally showing that her wings are wings and not an unusual adventurer cloak.
On that Topic Amadea, how long is your disguise going to last? Perhaps good to recast it soon. As she heads towards an inn.
"Well, I can't say we didn't get some good intel on this mission", Domayoku comments as the group leaves Sir Winston's. "Getting the Guild official will go a long way to establishing ourselves. Unless we have any other business, other than organizing a orgy with the tavern wench and Shashanta, I think we're done here."
You head to the inns and find three of them.
The Blue Goose is the most expensive and clearly is cleaner than the rest of the town.
The Fire Dragon is a rowdy inn where scuffles happen frequently and most the patrons get in on it one way or another. No weapons allowed in the inn, several bouncers enforce the rule.
Jersey Devil is the oldest and filthiest establishment and typically only sees patrons if the other inns are full. This is an excellent place to hide or at least not be observed. You overheard that you can get access to the black market here.
Lets stay fully above ground for now yes? We are certain to be tracked or watched. Yielding my weapons would be a pain, and I am not currently interested in procuring access to the black market.
Ekaterina telepathically makes her preferences known.
Bob agrees, ::It seems a much cleaner establishment as well. Though they may have an issue with my presence. I suspect it might be time to start advocating for myself. Though if you think it unwise, I'll let you smooth things over.::