Rocks
Subject at the jewelers
Kal's intersted in some pearls and any magical jewelry he has. I would role play this but I'm at the girlfriends house right now, and I don't have internet at home for the next few days. Sorry.
From: Ashley
Subject At the jewelers
So us four are the only ones in there?
From: Mark
Subject At the jewelers
Yes. Harp, Ragnar, Mund and Ranthir are at the Mercenary Guild.
I will not get anything out tonight. I spent the day installing our fence that we have been working on for over a year. It was in the low 60's here today, which is odd for mid Dec., so we took advantage of it. Now I have to do laundry with our new wash machine.
From: Kevin
Subject Rocks
he got his wife a new rock to pound their clothes with down at the river.
From: Josh
Subject Rocks
Hey Guys, I'm back.
From: Mark
Subject Rocks
Actually it was my parents who got her the new rock for Christmas. And I am the one who does most of the pounding.
Looking for the sparkly
Subject Turn
OK I have been at home most of the afternoon fighting off a cold. I have gotten the archives updated and am going to be working on a turn for the jewelry store. I might also get one for the Merc guild before I head over to Kevins to watch the Bengals beat the Colts.
From: Mark
Subject Shopping for the sparkly
Kal steps forward as the shopkeep approaches and introduces himself. "I am called Kal and I am looking for some jewelry. Maybe something in gold or silver with pearls?" The man nods and leads Kal and Salix over to a display case. Ally and Surin wander around the shop inspecting the store. Surin notes several devices hidden in the cases that look like traps and anti theft devices. The windows are barred, all of the doors have several locks, the ceiling and floor look to be reinforced and the halfling would guess that there are other, more arcane, devices in place as well. Another employee comes out from the back of the store and Surin can see several more large, well armed guards in the back room through the swishing curtain.
The halfling and the mage casually look over the goods in the cases. There are all sorts of types of jewelry in the cases. Precious stone, gold, silver, platinum, solitary stones, finely crafted pieces ranging in size from small to gaudy. "I bet half these pieces" the halfling says " were 'liberated' from their owners at knife point." Ally nods and they continue browsing. Surin also keeps an eye out for any one who might work for the local guild. After a few minutes he decides that no one in the shop is a likely candidate.
Kal and Salix talk with the proprietor. "I am looking for a cloak clasp, or maybe a broach of some sort" says the elf. The man nods knowingly and shows the two a selection of pendants, clasps, broaches and slides. They are made of various metals and gems. "Did you have a price range you were looking to stay in?"
OODM: I will let Kal/Salix play this out.
Ragnar and Surin
Subject At the Merc guild
Sorry I've been so silent recently... Its finals time here. Fortunately I had my two hard finals yesterday, so I should have an easier time keeping up. Just in time for the Christmas to New Years break in the game, perhaps :)
Anyways, right now it looks like we're just following Mund's lead. Ragnar will look for any sign that Horatio is trying to cheat them however (Sense Motive +11)
From: Ashley
Subject Looking for the sparkly
Is jewelry a pretty good commodity in this world? Surin's got a fair amount of cash burning a hole in his pocket. His Appraise isn't the greatest, but can he see any pieces he might be able to sell for a higher price in a different town?
If any of the pieces are magical, he'll consider those as well.
Break, Shhhh-- it's a surprise
Subject Turn
Sorry I have been so remiss in getting turns out.
I think I will be able to write more for both teams this afternoon.
From: Karl
Subject Away
I'm going to be incommunicado after today until probably 1/2/07. I won't be at work (except one day next week) and my PC at home is offline.
If the game isn't on hold yet, and people are waiting for me, Kevin can play Salix.
From: Mark
Subject Break
Well I will see. I was thinking of taking a break until Jan 2. any way.
Does any one have a serious problem with us taking a break until Jan. 2?
I mean Randy is out and Karl are out. That is 1/4 of the players.
From: Ashley
Subject Break
I'll be travelling tomorrow and friday and then I'll be on a dialup modem. I'm fine with taking a break.
From: Kevin
Subject Break
No worries for me, but get one last turn written for both groups before the break.
From: Mark
Subjec: Shhhhh, it's a surprise
Every one keep quiet. The next time Karl posts, jump out and wish him a Happy Birthday.
From: Karl
Subject Shhhhh
But I don't *feel* 40. . .
From: Ashley
Subject Shhhhh
Happy Birthday Karl!!! If you don't *feel* 40, it just means the nerve endings are already wearing out. :P
*runs wild and free in young bones*
From: Karl
Subject Shhhhhh
ROTFLMAO*
From: Mark
Subject Shhhhhh
And I don't feel 43 either. At least until I have to work in the yard for 5 hours. Then I feel older.
Happy B-day.
From: Kevin
Subject Shhhhh
Karl, happy birthday as well. Remember, forty is the new 20. So you can't have a drink cause your'e not old enough.
Really, the way my wife feels better on her birthday is to go to the local convenience store and try to buy some alcohol. She gets carded every time.
Congratulations!!!
From: Karl
Subject Shhhhh
Yeah, I've never been carded in my LIFE! (I'm not counting places that card everyone.) And Chris has let his beard grow out showing his completely gray chin whiskers and he *still* gets carded at the bars. Go figure!
From: Mark
Subject Jewelry
Commodity might not be the right phrase. Jewelry is a great was to carry and store value, but it is not very liquid over the short term. What I mean is that to get a high percentage of its value will take a while. If you want cash quick, jewelry can be sold but at a high discount off of its real value.
From: Mark
Subject Horatio speaks
Mund knows that this is common place at the guilds he has been at. He starts giving their names "I'm Mund, the orc is Hack, the dwarf is Ragnar and the elf is Ranthir. We're staying over at the Leaky Mug. Since we are new in town we would be more interested in jobs around town." As the man is writing this down in his book Ran moves up next to Mund and places his hand on the table. "Mr. Horatio, I was wondering if there is any way we might be able to move our names up on the list?"(Diplomacy, 13+2=15, success) When he takes his hand away Mund notices that there is a small stack of gold coins sitting on the table. Horatio looks up and see them as well. His hand, quill still in it, moves up to get more ink and as it passes the coins they disappear. "I will see what I can do" is the reply.
The four hang around the guild for a bit longer, getting an idea of how the system works. It seems like there are two different types of jobs. There are the local guard type jobs and then there are the raider jobs. Groups of mercenaries are hired by merchants to go out and waylay caravans and bring the goods in to be fenced and sold. The raiders have to go at least 50 miles from the city but after that any caravan is free game. Other groups are hired by other merchants to go out and meet caravans and protect them as they head into the city. It seems a poor way to run things, but the fighters don't seem to mind. About an hour before sunset the four head back to the Leaky Mug.
OODM: Tomorrow I will try and get the two partys back to the inn for dinner and then whoever wants to can role play at the inn for the night over the next week or so.
Horatio speaks
Subject Horatio speaks
I say forget the main quest, let's just hang out in this town for the rest of the game and run mercenary quests.
From: Porter
Subject Horatio speaks
Let's join up with a mercenary gang, and then hamstring them and take their stuff.
Happy B-day
Subject Happy B-day
Merry Christmas
Subject Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Everyone. I hope you have a good one.
From: Kevin
Subject Merry Christmas
Thank you Josh.
to you as well, and everyone in the game.
Merry Christmas.
From: Mark
Subject Merry Christmas
The same from me. All the characters find a lump of coal in their socks in the morning.
From: Josh
Subject Merry Christmas
A MAGICAL lump of coal?
Coal
Subject Coal
Yay! Reliable fuel source!!!
Back in the room
Subject Turn
Hello to all you players out there.
My resolution this year is to finish this part of the adventure by the end of this year. :)
I am refreshed from my break and will hopefully be writing up some stuff today.
From: Mark
Subject Back at the room
Kal nods at the shopkeepers comment "Several hundred gold. However, since I grew up near the sea, I have a fondness for pearls. Do you have any broaches or pins with pearls on them?" The man nods and over the next few minutes several pieces are brought out. White gold, yellow gold, silver, platinum; all set with pearls and other gem stones. One of the pieces catches Kal's eye and he calls the other two over. The piece is made of silver with 5 good sized pearls. The pearls fashion a figure known as the Star of the South, a well known constellation from the southern sky. As Kal and Archen haggle over the price, Surin watches the large man. Surprisingly enough, while the shopkeeper drives a hard bargain, the halfling senses that he is not lying. When Kal looks at him questioningly, Surin nods and they agree to the price, 750 gold (5 100gp pearls, plus a setting of silver).
The four decide to leave, telling the shopkeeper that they might be back and they head back to the Leaky Mug. As they are leaving Surin keeps an eye out and finally finds what he is looking for. He notices a young boy hiding in the shadows of the building next door, trying to hard not to be seen watching the shop they just came out of. As the four head down the street Surin whispers to Salix "Keep going for two more blocks and then wait for me. I shouldn't be more than 20 minutes." With that the halfling slips off down an ally and back tracks.
Twenty five minutes later the halfling shows back up, whistling to himself and a spring in his step. Salix looks at him, one eye arched. "Let's wait until we get back so I don't have to tell it twice" Surin says. The others nod and the four head back to the Leaky Mug. Two blocks away they split up with Ally and Salix going in the front door and Surin and Kal heading towards the back. When they get there they see that Mund is in the bar, drinking and singing already. Ally walks over to his brother and whispers "20 minutes, upstairs" in Mund's ear. The barbarian nods and the rest of them head off to their rooms. 20 minutes later they can hear Mund as he walks down the hallway, singing a drinking song at the top of his lungs. The door slams open and Mund gives a shout "Ally, your back. Let's have a drink." The wink in Mund's eye shows that he is not as drunk as he is acting.
Mund closes the door and the eight sit down to relate their findings.
OODM: The party can relate what they found out. I have e-mailed Ashley her info.
From: Mark
Subject Game
I sent out a notice that the game was starting back up but never got a copy from the mailing list.
If all of you could please check in to let me know you got either that e-mail or this one that would be great.
From: Karl
Subject Game
Here!
From: Karl
Subject Turn
FYI, I got both this one, and the follow-up you just sent.
From: Josh
Subject Turn
I've got nothing to add yet, just saying i'm here.
From: Derek
Subject Turn
OOC: I got everything too.
IC: "So Surin, what was it you found out?"
The guild and dinner again
Subject Turn
Got it and ready to go.
From: Ashley
Subject The guild
"I managed to find a contact with the theives' guild, a kid who was casing outside one of the jewelry stores. He's not very high up, but I made it worth his while to try and arrange an interview with the Daymaster or Nightmaster, or more likely one of their intermediaries. I'm gonna meet them at noon tomorrow.
"Anything in particular I should ask if I manage to talk to someone?"
OOC: A day and a half hiatus from the internet and I have 21 messages on my email! It's so good to be loved. :)
From: Karl
Subject The guild
"Try to feel them out, see if they are connected to the mayor, though I suspect even if they are it would be through several layers of intermediaries. Even *they* might not know if they are pawns in a greater game." Salix says, seeming to stare blankly into a corner. "At any rate, you being new in town, it would be natural for you to be curious about the state of the forest all around the town, so it shouldn't be too dangerous to ask. If you can move the conversation to the right point, try and find out if they know what happened to the druids in the area. You could maybe mention you had trouble with them once a while back and wonder if they got what was coming to them." Salix looks like he wants to spit to get the taste of those last words out of his mouth.
"That is," he continues, "assuming they seem to be the sort who would sympathize against forest folk. Not all rogues do, of course. There's at least some small chance we could have allies among them. You'll have to feel them out carefully. Maybe they know of people being held prisoner somewhere or worse."
From: Kevin
Subject The guild
OOC: Lets all have one big group hug for Ashley. I get to go first.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Ok I think every one has checked in. I have a meeting in about 20 minutes and then I will see about getting a turn out before lunch.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Everyone is going to be down stairs eating dinner but who is going to stay for the drinking afterwards? I figure at least Harp, Mund and Ally would stay. Any one else for sure?
Just to let you know wearing anything heavier than normal leather armor would raise suspicions so unless I am told otherwise people will be in normal clothes, unless your character normally wears leather armor.
From: Mark
Subject Surin and the guild
Surin finishes his story and Salix looks almost defeated as he talks to his friends. How he would love to wipe this festering cesspool from the face of the map. But that wouldn't save the Stormfather.
"Surin,try to feel them out, see if they are connected to the mayor, though I suspect even if they are it would be through several layers of intermediaries. Even *they* might not know if they are pawns in a greater game." Salix says, seeming to stare blankly into a corner.
"At any rate, you being new in town, it would be natural for you to be curious about the state of the forest all around the town, so it shouldn't be too dangerous to ask. If you can move the conversation to the right point, try and find out if they know what happened to the druids in the area. You could maybe mention you had trouble with them once a while back and wonder if they got what was coming to them." Salix looks like he wants to spit to get the taste of those last words out of his mouth. "That is," he continues, "assuming they seem to be the sort who would sympathize against forest folk. Not all rogues do, of course. There's at least some small chance we could have allies among them. You'll have to feel them out carefully. Maybe they know of people being held prisoner somewhere or worse."
The druid finishes up "It's time for dinner, so we should probably make an appearance downstairs. If any of you feel up to it, you can stay and try and find out more about what is going on around here after dinner. Tomorrow, Surin can keep his appointment with the guild and the rest of us can check out the Mayor's house in a bit more detail." Salix frowns a bit. "I am not really comfortable with Surin going alone to meet the guild. Any one have any ideas of how we can keep him a bit safer?"
OODM: If you guys want to discuss how to help Surin go ahead, other wise I will write up dinner this afternoon or this evening.
From: Mark
Subject Dinner again
The party breaks up and the others head back to their room. Over the next 15 minutes the party makes its way down to the main room, entering singly and in pairs. Harp sees Thanga and she winks at him when she takes his order. They eat a nice meal. While they eat they keep an eye on the people in the room. It seems to be the usual crowd of low lifes and drunks. After an hour the noise level starts to rise as the alcohol starts to flow more copiously and the food starts to run out. A few fights break out and are ended with brutal finality. Mund is shocked to see one man beaten what looks like to death and his body tossed out into the street. In most places he had been, people were beaten unconscious and then tossed out. The bouncers strip the body of any wealth before tossing the body and hand a small bag to the owner. No one in the bar even blinks at this.
This is when those wanting to get some rest make their exit. The few head up the stairs while the rest start to make the rounds.
OODM: I need to know who stays and how they want to gather info. The more detail you give the more I can write it up. Let me know if you are trying to use Intimidate or Diplomacy or Gather Info skills. I will then respond to each person and let them know what they found.
From: Jason
Subject Dinner again
Ragnar will ask whoever came down with him (or Harp, if he entered alone) to accompany him outside for a moment. Once outside, he'll check and see if the man who was thrown out is still alive, and if so he'll use a cure spell to stabilize him; ideally he'll remain unconscious. If anyone is watching, he'll make a show of checking the man's pockets, and then kicking the body when he finds nothing. He'll then return to the inn. After what he just saw, he won't be staying downstairs, he'll head back to his room for the night.