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Obviously this new job has taken more of my gaming time than I expected. I'm going to try and get a post up tonight to move the story forward and then try to keep on top of it going forward. I'm hoping that once I'm out of training I'll be able to keep this up better. Thanks for sticking this out for me.
Sorry that I've been out for the last week. I started a new position at my work and after work stuff has been more hectic that expected. I'm ready to revive this story so lets get it going. Gawain: Matt is right that we haven't gone past the Current letter. If you have anything to add to the discussion in the conference room please feel free to post it.
The dwarf points to a table at the far end of the common room where you see Guen sitting with a group of guests. As you approach she notices you and excuses herself from the table. "How is it going?" She listens to your questions as she leads you to a less crowded area of the Inn. "Well, I have heard of him, but on in the context of someone that he has done business with before. I don't know where his estate is or what his symbol looks like. And while I may know someone who could find out for you, I don't know if you have enough time to ask him." she shrugs slightly "Sorry. As for someone who sells those things, yes I know someone. You work for him." she winks and smirks slightly. "Is anything else you need?" she asks.
Sorry, forgot about HP. Max is fine, this isn't a physical game anyway. ;)
Matt (Know: Nobility):
While you don't recognize the name you do know that an "Abra Grandee" is in the same class as a "Magnate" but a little further up in the hierarchy. After a few minutes there is a knock at the door, then Guen lets herself into the room. She smiles as she enters, setting a pitcher and 5 cups on the table. "I thought this might help your planning. I also wanted to let you know that you will no longer have an 'escort'. You are now truly left to your own devices." She nods her head slightly "If you need anything in preparation, please just let me know." If no one asks anything of her she excuses herself and re-locks the door behind her. The pitcher contains a sweet yet light rosewine, with just a hint of spice.
Everyone should advance to Level 2. Sorry that I didn't get it up at the same time as the Chapter 3 post. Please post here when you are done updating so I can review your changes. If you have any questions please ask here as well. Thanks.
You wake to find the common room of the Inn as it has been, wait staff cleaning and the continuing battle for the ownership of the bar between the Dwarf and the large cat. After everyone has had time to settle downstairs and partake of their breakfast, you see Guen emerge from the kitchen and nod to you as she heads upstairs. After a few minutes she returns and comes over to the table. ”Good morning all, I trust you all got a good rest last night.” She smiles and hands Mangur the key to the 2nd floor meeting room. ”I’ve been instructed that it’s yours until you no longer have need for it.” As she begins to turn away she says ”I’ve left something up there for you.” she then flutters over to another table of patrons. Upon investigating the meeting room you find two letters in the center of the table. One is like the others you have previously received and the second is on a strange, heavy paper stock and smells of vermilion and cloves.
Second Note:
My Dearest Friend,
You seem to understand the quality of which I speak. But of course you wish for specifics, so here I provide them. I hope they sustain your interest in these beautiful items. The first is an exquisite Kelishite scimitar made of moonsilver. It almost feels as if you have nothing in your hands as you wield it. It also bares a slight enchantment and is delicately engraved with a moon and stars pattern that glows softly in the moonlight. The second is a hearty broadsword, much like your brother’s. Yet this one comes to life with green flame when presented to a foe. It’s searing blade, moderate enchantment, and tendency to spread it’s fire makes this truly a devastating weapon. The third is, as I have mentioned, a short sword of masterful craftsmanship. It’s blade inscribed with mystic runes that render it’s slices inaudible. Even the most vicious rending of flesh will sound less than a whisper on the wind from this blade. While it only caries a minor enchantment, in the proper hands it is undoubtedly a most silent killer. I hope you can arrange to view them when I’m in town next month as I have previously communicated. I can not promise that I will still have them on my return trip. Your Devoted Servant Tramont Hardagran
Alika: After about an hour there is a timid knock at your door. You find a young Keleshite girl of about 17 whom you have seen in the Inn before. She avoids looking you in the face and barely speaks above a whisper "Here you are mam'. I was tol' to bring this to you." in a heavy accent. She hands you a note and looks as though she wants to bolt down the hall but doesn't. After a moment of awkward silence she blurts out "Oh mam' your singing was so beautiful, I just loved it. I.. I..." You both hear the sound of footsteps in the hall, she looks fearfully over her shoulder and then quickly says "I'm, oh mam'" she then turns and heads up the stairs to the third floor.
The note contains an address, only a few blocks away and the instructions to enter through a side door and ask for "Velhema". Upon following the instructions, you come to a very nice looking crafters shop, a weavers of linens and spinner wool. You are admitted to a stairwell and shown upstairs to a very clean and well furnished room where you meet Velhmea, a local girl with thick black hair and warm olive skin. She insists that she is provided "as payment for your earlier performance". She is very 'therapeutic' and you feel both tired and refreshed upon leaving her company.
Alika: Guen raises an eyebrow and leans in toward you "I'm sure I can manage some entertainment. Give me an hour and I'll try to arrange something to your particular tastes." She winks at you and turns away, heading back to the bar.
Yes, I hope everyone had a happy holiday and will have a good end of year celebration!
The common room of the Standing Ogre is packed to capacity. As Alika's performance progressed more and more people kept streaming in. The audience quickly became rapped and the level of conversation had dropped to almost nothing. Through out the night the patrons were singing along with the songs they know and listening intently for the ones they don't. All the while the waitstaff was running, keeping the whole Inn well lubricated. At the end of the performance the crowd issues up a rousing cheer and a call for an encore. When Alika finally descended the makeshift stage, Guen was waiting with a sly grin. "Well if your other 'employment' ever doesn't work out, I'm sure we can find you enough gigs to fill your schedule. Well done."
Guen takes the items "No thank you, I have other guests to see to but maybe later." she smiles turning to Alika "We don't normally have entertainment on Sunday nights but if you would like, feel free. We usually have them start at 7." She hoists the stack and carries it all back through the kitchen door.
Guen purses her lips as she listens to Matt's question. She casually glances to each side, ensuring none of the other patrons are within earshot and then replies "I see. I can certainly pass the message along. I'm not sure when he'll be available. He's preparing for something very special and it is taking all of his time currently." She leans in a bit closer to the table "I don't think he's even been home in the last two days." She nods knowingly and continues. "I'm not sure what he has planned for you but I wouldn't be surprised if things change quickly. I know he certainly sees your value as more than just couriers." She leans back and smiles again. "But I will ask, and hopefully I'll have some reply in the morning. Do you want me to go ahead and take those?" motioning to the box and books.
Several more patrons come into the Inn and you see Guen emerge from the kitchen and head to greet them. Afterword she makes her way to your table. "Good evening, " she smiles warmly at everyone "It's good to see you all back so early. You had a productive day I hope?"
The late afternoon sun hangs low over the rooftops of the buildings. As the intrepid trio of tradesmen return to the Standing Ogre, their cargo safely in hand, they find their companions sitting at the bar listening to a most vigorous tale. "And then I took the whole cast of wine and threw it off the roof, right onto the top of the carriage. It crashed right through and came apart when it hit the floorboards. Both the countess and her 'friend' were drenched in the finest port. I hear that's still her favorite Red Dress!" as the dwarven bartender bursts in to an uncontrollable belly laugh, unable to finish his story. The inn itself is almost empty, the staff scurrying around to prepare for the approaching dinner rush. You can hear one waitress mention to another "Every time he tells that story it gets longer and he gets louder." shaking her head as she continues her work.
Tristen (Sense Motive): You feel he's just doing his best to try and appear competent. He also seems to have an underlying resentment toward nobility.
The man takes the papers and looks them over "Cooking oil? Rare, gourmet, Jalmeraic cooking oils?" He raises his eyebrows and and smirks "OK, this I have to see. Open it up." He motions you over to another crate to set the case down on.
The woman takes down all your instructions and your name on a sheet that she attaches to the shield. She tells you that the work will cost 8sp and be ready in three days. "And don't worry, sir, it will truly be a symbol worthy of your fine order." she smiles at you.
Matt (Sense Motive):
You do feel that there is something affected about the way the captain is acting but you're not sure what. Mangur: The Captain hangs his head and sighs heavily "Here, take 'em." He reaches into his coat and produces a fold of papers which he tosses onto the table in front of you. As you reach for them he says "And lad... well done." he then winks quickly at you then turns and disappears back through the inner door. As you come out on to the deck to rejoin your companions, you notice several assessors checking the boxes that have been unloaded so far. The Barron, who had been talking with the captain, was now engaged with one of them. The two pouring over a stack of papers with the ships cargo master whom you met earlier. As the three of you descend the gangway on of the officials calls out "Here now, what's that you got there? Why isn't it with the other boxes?"
The woman replies to Alika's question "Oh, not really. Beginning of the season is always a busy time. Lots of people buying and selling everywhere, just like your friend here." gesturing to Gawain's shield. Alika(Know local):
Not any upcoming festivals or special occasions that you can think of.
The man's head slumps a bit as he stares at the pouch on the table. "Fine, take it and be gone with you." he replies in a low monotone, waving his hand absently in the air.
ferrying roses from guatemala for 5 cents a bushel and be earning coppers on the exchange Let me apologize now because I am so going to steal that line. It's entirely too good.
The woman takes the shield from you and examines it closely. "Oh, sure sure. No problem. What kind of Lion would you like and how big do you want it?" she asks letting you show her on the shield what you are looking for. "And you understand that it will be a few days before we can get to it, we are a bit backed up at the moment." she sweeps her hand at the piles of items scatters about the table.
You continue to the engravers where you find a pair of haggard looking women each no less that 60 sitting around a worktable. The table itself is strewn with tools and bits of metal shavings. However for all the messiness of the table, the rest of the room is spectacularly resplendent in bronze, gold, silver, and steel. Plates, shields, crests, plaques, and frames hang on every wall. Each delicately engraved with patterns or designs of beautiful artistry. As you enter one of the women looks up from her work "Welcome, welcome. What can we do for you on this fine day." as she displays a yellowed smile.
"Here now, lets not get ahead of our'selves. For what I'm making on this I might as well be for the damn mummers. Hell, I could make more from certain interested parties just to tell 'em bout this than I do from three of these trips." He nods his head and you see that same sly smile break on his face. He continues more confidently "I'm sure my continued discretion is worth something, Eh?"
The captain glares at Tristen "Well, so it's like that is it. Aye, well I don't think either one of us wants to involve the harbor master over this... trivial little matter, do we?" He chuckles nervously as he pats the top of the box. Then, turning to Matt and speaking in a softer tone and turning his hands out, palms up "Now yeh hafta' understand that this stuff ain't easy to come by. In fact that bottle of blue Thorman's juice took me two whole weeks to get. I gotta get some sort o'compensation, don't I?"
OK, so in this situation let me clarify my view on rolling RP skills. In one on one encounters I use your actions and dialog much more than a roll to determine success. To me that's the heart of an RP based game like this. You, as players, coming up with a way to influence the NPCs to your advantage. Focusing on your choice of tatics, just as in combat, rather than if you got a good roll or not. I think this makes the difference in a truly memorable game. So in going forward you will understand why I don't always ask for these rolls. I do look at them as a measure of your characters experiences that you may not have personally, but that mostly effects the delivery of the statement. A great Bluff roll won't save a really obvious lie, for example. While a solid proposal, even if delivered poorly, can still sway people. The other thing I don't see you all doing, which I kind of expected, is discussing the game in the 'Discussion' thread. I see this as the virtual equivalent of the OOC talk around a table in an IRL game. I expect (and encourage) you to collaborate, suggest, and argue just as people playing in someone's kitchen would. I'm not a GM who would throw out the 'your character isn't there so don't say anything.' Yet, in the same vain, if something is to be kept 'private' then that's what the [spoiler] tags are for. So please feel free to talk and plot and scheme here.
"Heh! You all and your 'Contracts' and 'Factors'. I can see he's sent a troop of jesters to negotiate. And don't we all love a good laugh." The grin drops from his face and he stares down at you, continuing in a steely tone "Now listen here, that box isn't going anywhere until you all come up with 200 Sails. Understand?"
"Aye, but eight was ordered and eight is what's delivered. The problem is, you see, my expenses were more than expected. So that means so are yours." He smiles ruefully, his arms still crossed on his chest.
The inside of the chest is lined with soft cloth and features cutout pockets along the top and bottom. While there are a total of 12 of these pouches, only 8 have bottles in them. The bottles are small curved glass flasks that each hold about 8 oz of liquid. The tops are stoppered with glass plugs and then sealed with wax. The contents of each bottle are different, ranging from a thin, clear oil that seems to coat the inside of it's container, to a thick blue sludge with small bits of white in it. None of them are familiar but all are interesting. Matt (Spellcraft):
While you can't identify the specific items, it's clear that these are components and not potions themselves. The captain takes the pouch from Mangur and examines the contents "Hold on here boys. What have you got here, say 150 or so. Well I'm gonna need at least 200 for this." He plops the sack down on the table unceremoniously and folds his arms across his chest.
The captain smiles at you with a rye wink, "Hear that Barron, I got business to attend to. Heh!" He elbows the other man. "Well it's good to know all the business will get taken care of. Ehh?" He wave you back toward the stairs as he advances. "Come on lads, let's get our 'Business' done." He yells back over his shoulder "If there are any problems with your shipment, we'll take care of it when I get back." As he follows you down the stairs he then turns to the right and motions you to follow him through a set of double doors and into a small sitting room. He takes off his hat and admires it, brushing off a small bit of dust. Then he waves you to sit at the small table and he says "Give me just a second and I'll be back with your 'Business'." He chuckles to himself has he disappears through another door. After a minute he returns with a large wooden box, 14" x 10" and almost 8" deep, with a simple inlay pattern of geometric shapes on it. "Now I reckon you boys want to inspect the merchandise, and I also reckon that you won't mind me looking at the coins, Eh?" as he sets the box down in the middle of the table.
The boy gathers your items, wipes them all down and then freshly oils both blades. He sheathes them and then presents the pair to you for inspection while he cleans and quickly polishes the shield. He takes your coins and then recommends you visit an engraver down the street a few blocks by the name of Mordilen. He insists that his father sends all of their custom engraving work there and that you will be treated to a fair price.
He wrinkles up his face in agitation "The Captain Aye, well then speak with him and be outta my way." He motions to the upper deck and waves you on, grumbling to himself. As you accend the steps to the upper deck you see a tall, broad shouldered man with a scruffy beard and long grey-black hair. His coat is well made but also well worn while his hat looks almost brand new. He stands talking with someone who is obviously not a member of the crew. This gentleman is shorter and rounder with a finely made coat in green adorned with silver buttons. His shoes and hose are of the latest fashion and his full, thick beard is well groomed and oiled. In one hand he has a silver topped cane and in the other an envelop of papers. When you reach the top both men stop their conversation and turn to look at you. The captain breaks a sly smile while the other man simply raises his brows and purses his lips.
The man looks crosswise at Matt, but as Mangur steps up he furrows his brow ”Eh, what package is that? Only thing we’re unloading here is already being unloaded.” As he points his stubby pencil at the deckhands moving crates behind you. ”You got a name for this package?” he cocks one eyebrow and looks down at his papers.
”As ye’ can see, sir, we got lots o’ those. Is there any ‘ticular style you‘re lookin’ for?” He motions to a rack of longswords on a near wall. ”As for shields, we keep a couple in stock but it’s not our main trade, ya see. But ther’ back in th’ corner.” as He points to the far side of the shop. ”If ya’ want anythin’ fancy on it, I can tell ye about a nice place down the way that does tha’ kinda work.” He smiles, his head still bobbing as if on a spring. You look through the swords and find them all of good make and fine style. The boy explains that they all come with a fresh scabbard and some of the designs even have matching daggers, as he gestures to a case near the back counter.
Walking through the district you see several weapon smiths, although instead of the open air furnace and anvil seen in smaller towns, here the work area is built at the back of the building. This allows the front to be a dedicated storefront. You select a modest looking shop and enter to find a reasonable collection of swords, axes, maces arranged in stands and on wall hooks around the store. The shopkeeper, a stout looking youth of 14 or so, approaches you. "G'day sir, mam'. What can I 'elp you with t'day." he says, smiling and nodding his head.
As you head back to pier 7, you see docked there a great, three masted, ship. From beneath the bowsprit you see a huge white bird, long neck stretching out ten feet or more, with it's wings tucked back along the sides of the bow. The unloading process is already well underway as dozens of crates are being hoisted from the hold to the dockside. There are even more smaller boxes being stacked and hauled from the deck by crews of dock workers and deck hands. You do get the distinct impression that if you weren't careful you may indeed get stepped on. As you make your way onto the boat you are stopped, just as you are coming from the gangway, by a small, weaselly looking man carrying a slate and a stack of papers. "Hold on, hold on. What are you doing aboard?"
Tristen: You find that, as you expected, the outlaying villages are heavily connected to their nearest city. There are many large plantations and ranches just beyond the swamps that surround Cassomir. These are suppliers of much of the local food but also large exporters. Usually these consist of Landed nobles that employ commoners to work their land in exchange for support and security. This is a very old system and many of these families stretch back dozens of generations on the same land.
Matt: The porter turns and looks you up and down, scowling inhospitably. "You're here for the Singing Swan? I don't think so, mate. I happen to know that the Barron D'Rossi is sending his people down here at 4 to pick up all the silks and furs from Jalmeray. An I don't know of anything else their supposed to be unloading here. So If you got some other cargo on there, it ain't been reported to us." He wags his callused finger at you "Now you just keep out of their way when the ship gets in, wouldn't want you getting stepped on, Eh."
Mangur: You find that most of the merchants of any note have some 'noble' title associated with them. You understand that many of them are minor noble families simply in the business of trade, while others are simply successful enough to 'acquire' noble titles for themselves. As for makeup of the goods, you find that this is the second largest non-military port in Taldor and that almost every kind of goods passes in and out. But the biggest export from here is the ships themselves, as evidenced by the huge shipworks that dominates the docks. You learn that the level of transport going through the docks today isn't different from any other day. Yet, because the shipworks is closed on Sunday there are so many fewer people that it just seems like a slower day.
The woman looks at you quizzically, then upon seeing the token an understanding smile crosses her face. She nods and says "Wait here, I'll go get Coreen." And she walks off through a side door before you have a chance to respond. The door closes and after a minute opens again. You see a half-elven woman dressed in the formal ceremony robes of a priest of Iomedae carrying a stack of books toward you. Her long, dark red hair, almost the color of aged copper, is pulled tight behind her head. She has high fine features and bright eyes the color of emeralds. As she approaches you, there is no denying the feeling you have seen her before. When she stops in front of you the smile on her face speaks not of welcome, but of annoyance.
Know Religion (15):
The markings on her robes signify she is a mid-level precept in one of the lower fighting orders within the church. This order usually acts as clerical support for knights and paladins in the field. ”So, you are my brother’s... emissaries.” As she unceremoniously shoves the books into Gawain’s arms. ”Here are the tomes he requested. And you can tell him that he can come visit me himself once in a while. Instead of sending mysterious letters and roustabouts to do his work. He probably didn’t even expect me to be here did he? That’s it, he thought I’d be gone.” Speaking the last part almost to herself. Her green eyes flashing brilliantly, she begins waving an imposing finger at you. ”Well, no such luck. I have half a mind to go see him myself. I would tell you to make sure he takes good care of those books, but he’s always been more careful with books than with people.” she begins to turn and walk away but after a few steps, stops and continues gruffly ”And be careful with that token you carry, I plan on hanging it the hall of heroes some day when my brother is done playing with it.” At that she turns and storms off. Disappearing behind a door on the near wall of the sanctuary.
One deckhand suggests that the captain on his last voyage may intend to abandon the ship and leave the first mate to see it safely into it's next port. He has been away from the dock since the previous morning and hasn't yet returned. An elderly shopkeeper believes that the pipe leaf coming in from northern Galt, bound for Absalom, may have some virus or pest in it from the way the tradesmen had been trying to sell much of it off before it left port again. And a sailor on one vessel thinks that over half of the bottles of brandy that his ship is carrying may be corked (gone bad). His captain doesn't want to take the loss on the shipment and is looking to send the bottles on to Thuvia where they "Couldn't taste the difference anyway."
A&G
MTM
A&G
First, sorry for the lack of posting. I'm just assuming that it's a plot to keep me busy so I can't move the game along. Second, to Matt's question, I think it can be a combination of both. The reality is that while the MTM team has several hours before the boat arrives, the A&G team has several hours after their stop with nothing planned. I'm assuming it will work out OK but we can adjust as we go along. I will say that the more specific you are in asking questions or stating your goals, the better I can tailor the scenes to what you are looking for. A generic "pulse on the street" question doesn't give me much to work with. I will try to get descriptions up soon (famous last words) and we can get this moving again.
As you head out into the city, you find the same lively, vibrant feel of hopefulness you have found before. There are more people about than you had previously seen. Sunday seems to be a day off for many workers. You see families in there nicest outfits heading to or from their chosen temples. As you pass through the shops on the edge of the docks, you see many of the shipwrights and craftsman enjoying the local establishments. You part company there beside the docs, with Alika and Gawain heading on to the south past the Admiral's Fen and into Grayguard's Shadow.
Almost as soon as you get started there is a knock at the door. It opens slowly and Guen steps in. She is carrying another sack and places it and a note on the table. "I thought you might want this. If you need anything else, just ask." She smiles at everyone and turns, heading back out the door.
After a little while you see Guen emerge from the kitchen door. She walks over to your table smiling warmly. "Good morning, I trust everyone had a good nights rest." She then places a key down on the table. "The room is at the top of the stairs, first door on the right. Please return the key when you are finished." She then heads over to the bar to consult with the dwarf.
"Let's just say that it's an old Halfing recipe that I've improved on." as the dwarf lets out a laugh. "I'm glad it did you well, lassie." |
