After squeezing past Mythos, Huey, Oly, Ardenas, and their
crew, Hitomi, Stark, Gorgath, Aoife, Gigi, Syrik, Aethelbert,
and the three kobold porters come to a new iron gate set into
the walls of the rough passageway.

The gate is made out of 1" iron bars crossed with iron strips
and set with footlong spikes. On the other side, a guild
kobold stands by a winch.

Gorgath moves in closer to the gate, looking at the kobold.

"Open the gate."

In reply to Gorgath (msg # 2):

Aoife shows her membership badge.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 3):


"Oh.  Uh... Here"

I hold up my guild badge as well.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 4):

The kobold squints at your badges, and the other kobokds call
out something in goblin that impr3sses her, sh she hits a
switch, and turns the crank on the winch lowering the gate

In reply to kobold (msg # 5):

Aoife will pass through.

Gorgath gives the kobold a nod as he passes through the gate after the others.

In reply to Gorgath (msg # 7):

The kobold returns the nod, and engages a complicated fist
 bump/ handshake  combination  with the other kobolds, who
point at Hitomi and Aoife while chattering as they pass through the gate. The gate kobold then looks appreciatively
 at Aoife and Hitomi and nods.

[Private to Aoife: you can spend points on reputation  in the guild, particularly with kobolds. As of now, you have a +1 rep with them, temporary for 2 weeks]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Fri 07 Aug 2015.

Gorgath looks from the kobolds to Hitomi , clearly a question is trying to form, but instead he mumbles,

"Problem?"

In reply to Gorgath (msg # 9):

"No problem my friend, I think they were discussing
how we helped them during the bridge collapse."

In reply to Hitomi (msg # 10):

Aoife will spend some time with them over the next few days.

[OOC: How many cp do we get to spend? And cashing in on the goods sold?]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 11):

Ooc: CP and cash reward coming up, some items need to be sold.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 12):

Ok. Who is our best salesman/woman?

OOC: Not I... I believe Miss Kitty was.  But since Hitomi has not been here since May, perhaps we need a new one.

In reply to Gorgath (msg # 14):

Lol, she sounds purrrrfect for the job! GM can handle both sides of it!

In reply to Aoife (msg # 15):

"Aethebert is bound by contract to deliver on the books and scrolls, and he owes for the blur amulet we got off the dead thief. That piece of furniture Gorgath hauled, and the two half burnt books Gigi saved I will try to sell to
Spielgud the mage, and Aethebert can charge him for
translating.  Too bad about all of those orichalcum bits and
The alchemical lab, but we had no way to carry it. Gorgath, if you could carry that upstairs with me?"

The big ogre shrugs, "No problem."

OOC: Who is left as a PC from our group and what direction shall we move forward?

In reply to Gorgath (msg # 18):

here...

In reply to Aoife (msg # 19):

"Everyone has their share, now I am off to see a
certain leopard, then there is a tratorous mage to kill, and
a proposal   for trade. Probably Stark will be doung some recruiting for that. Gotta go!"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 14:30, Thu 20 Aug 2015.

Gorgath shakes his head and shrugs,

"Guess I find Troll lover."

The big ogre grins at the others.

[Private to GM: Not sure where he went, but Gorgath will attempt to track him down.]

In reply to Gorgath (msg # 21):

"Don't forget to ask Stark for some hints then!"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 22):


"Don't ask me.  I'm not sure how it happened.  Maybe once you find someone we can double date."

"Well everyone, I guess I'm retiring from adventuring.  I have some domestic plans to make."

OOC: I'm out.  I was only playing Stark as a sub and not very attentively at that.

"I'm going to sit this one out.  I need some time off before I set out again.  I bid you all a safe and profitable return.

OOC: I'm out.  I was only playing Syrik as a sub and not very attentively at that.

Well Darn!... we so wanted to share in your first months of marital bliss... vicariously of course.

In reply to Xantius Aristes (msg # 26):

"Well, who is left? Perhaps we should find some replacements..."

Ooc also subbed in, but happy to keep going. Seems that a few groups have shrunk...

In reply to Aoife (msg # 27):

Ooc: that really leaves Aoufe and Gigi. I was hoping I could continue Stark's story arc; I would be open to anyone playing. There is another thread finishing, once they get back there are some other PCs looking to regroup, so 7f you coukd sll hold on...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 28):

sounds good...

OOC: It would be a fun story arc to follow, but I'm not giving Stark the kind of attention he deserves.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 30):

Melchizadek is another, though how he and Aoife get along might be a matter of conjecture...

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 31):

Helios is a member of a diverse pantheon, He may view Cerrunos as an associate of Diana or Pan. In any case, the lord of the hunt does not have anything to do with darkness or evil measurable by his terms.

Sorsha will get some food and drink, then she can figure out what is next on her agenda.

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 33):

A beefy man wearing oddly etched armor is consulting a list with a robed bearded man carrying an ivory document case.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 34):

"Hi Johan, Planning something?"

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 34):

"Master Stark, I believe those to be accurate
translations of Angrids rules for courting Svetlana. Surely,
you have earned enough of my coin to qualify as wealthy,
It would be the test of strenth and acquiring a home that would be pertinent, although wealth could be demonstrated
  by gifts of jewelry. They seem to prize it."

In reply to Aethelbert (msg # 36):

"Hitomi started trade negotiations with the trolls, and
I, err became engaged. So, I am, uh heading back down once I assemble a team, and get the merchants  guild on bosrd."

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 37):

"Of course. Your bride to be has nothing to do with it. Of course, I will help. Should we find some others?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 38):

"I have no idea where to get trollish jewelry... or how
 to convince a merchant to try and sell to the trolls. Hitomi was running that end, and she hasn't  left that leopard guy in days. I could use yourhelp, Aoife"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:51, Tue 22 Sept 2015.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 39):

"I will see who I can find then."

In reply to Aoife (msg # 40):

"There is someone who might suit... never dealt with
 him myself, but he is one known to deal with the Deepguard. Ask Gorgath about an orcblood named Rush Brokadin. He may be
what you seek. In the meantime, I   head back to my books. This last trip has impoverished me of coun, but enriched my
Library."

Ooc:Whoops totally miss the conversation, am still in though.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 39):

Sorsha walks over to Johan "Excuse me, I heard you are looking for members of a party.  I am Sorsha. I am fairly good at negotiating.  I also might be able to find Trollish jewelry."

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 43):

"Ah, is this a group that needs the light of Helios?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 44):

"It gets pretty dark down below, but light needs to be
controlled, as the trolls are very sensitive to bright light.
I don't know about their religious preferences, but this
mission is about establishing trade, and not about conversion."

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 45):

"I see. I am at liberty to discuss it with them, then?"

[Private to GM: What is happening with Kebrel?]

She looks at Melchizidek "I am not sure"

She tries one more time to talk to Johan "So, do you need someone to negotiate or not?"

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 47):

"Sure, we can use anybody willing to help. You don't   speak troll do you?"

[PRIVATE to Melchizidek: Kebrel's second player is retiring him and playing his henchthings]

"No, but I speak a little orc. Maybe they speak orc. I do magic if that useful. But I don't have any communication spells."

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 49):

"Perhaps we should find this Rush fellow then?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 50):

"Has anybody seen Gorgath?"

It doesn't take much time to find the ogre, trying to haggle over silk prices with a merchant.  Giving up on that endeavour, Gorgath soon finds himself with the others.

"Problem?"

Umm...no one knows what Troll jewelry looks like and no one speaks troll... we though you might know someone... in fact Aethlebert recommended you.

"Don't know trolls. Don't know jewelry."

OK, so do you have any ideas? Know of anyone would be a help?

The ogre frowns, "Only one."

And then a snarl appears on his face, "Rush."

In reply to Gorgath (msg # 56):

Yes, Yes that was the name Aethlbert mentioned... Rush Brokadin. I gather you dislike him?

"He cheat Deep Guard. He work with Darg now."

In reply to Gorgath (msg # 58):

So I can assume he is dishonest and will try to cheat me?

Gorgath spoke through his teeth "Yes."

So where can I find this dirt-bag? I'll bring Sorsha with me to see if we can force a favorable deal.

"I can see what I can do" she says with a grin.

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 62):

"Would fear of the gods keep him honest?"

Stark shrugs... maybe, he didn't seem to fear the Deep Guard though, and they tend to have had real and immediate responses to issues, unlike a lot of Gods.

"Rush and Darg in merchant's quarter. Selling to orcs."

Can you say where in the merchants quarter? it is a big place!

Is he a memeber of the Guild?... can we check that Sorsha?

"I have membership in the adventure's guild among others so I can see what I can find out" she says to Johan.

I have that... thought we were speaking of the Merchants guild...

"I have some contacts with the thieve guild, which I can check at. And as a mage, I have some contacts with them"

I doubt the Mages will aid us... lets just go see if we can find the fellow in the Merchant Quarter... times a wasting.

"Mythos, I'm going to sit down here, and I'm not moving for at least an hour and a half.  I'll be happy to talk while I rest, though."

"Lead on Sir" she says Johan

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 73):

"Who do you want to take with you?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 74):

You are welcome to come along, of course.

Ardenas looks around.

"Now just where did Huey, Mythos, and Oly get to?  I was hoping I could talk someone into fetching me a bowl of lentils, carrots and potatoes from the Guild dining room."  He flips a bit into the air and catches it.  "There's a bit in it for someone..."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Wed 07 Oct 2015.

"Well since you seem to want to stay here, we need to recruit so mage and maybe a healer. I will be back after I see to aquiring some research material."

Ardenas looks around -- Aoife and Sorsha left with Stark, Hitomi apparently took off as soon as the group was above ground, Gigi's hard to spot (due to size).  Reluctantly, he'll get up and get himself a bowl of pottage (mmmm, onions in it today, and as usual very little meat to pick out) and an ale, then sit back down and try to relax while keeping any eye out for anyone he recognizes who's a mage or healer and might be looking for adventure.

[Private to GM: How much for the lentil soup and ale at the Guild?]

Huey waits with Ardenas. He now lets the strain from his injury and fatigue show that he hadn't while belowstairs.

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 79):

An attractive woman clearing trays while wearing brass
knuckles gives you the once over
"Hey, you were doing that thing with Mythos the
trapsetter. You came back up quick!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:07, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

"Yah, had a bit of an accident."

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 81):

"Yep, I practically had to kick a slorn to death by myself -- while this guy tried to amputate his own leg.  Fortunately, he didn't succeed."  Ardenas winks at Huey.  "Now, we're looking for a mage and a healer, since the four of us apparently aren't sufficient for the critter count down below."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 82):

"There were a couple of casters that had headed off
on a job to kill some trolls for a merchant the other day.
Things are a little  tight around here, Vilgar  hired off a crew to try and settle this orc-goblin beef that is
disrupting Lepkur's book."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:10, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

In reply to Madeline (msg # 83):

"Orcs and goblins?  Here, in the city, on the surface?  That could turn ugly...

"Did you hear any estimates on how long the troll-killing was likely to take?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 84):

"Dunno. It was limited in scope, just supposed  to
  be the area under some merchant's winecellars. Damn right
an inter goblekin riot would be raw. Goblins founded this
city, and about every other human has relatives with orc
blood in their veins."

In reply to Madeline (msg # 85):

"Ugh.  Might be safer to stay below for a while..."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 86):

"I wish I knew what had them so riled up. The boss is
losing sleep over what it's doing to the odds on the jugga
matches."

In reply to Madeline (msg # 87):

"That, I know nothing about.  I'm just concerned it could turn into a war."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 88):

"Usually it only gets this bad if someone fouls
during a league final match. I don't  know  what's  up."

In reply to Madeline (msg # 89):

"That's troubling.  I wonder what's behind it?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 90):

The woman shrugs and carries the bowls away.
"I wish I knew."

"Huey, this unrest between goblins and orcs troubles me -- it's not time for the jugga finals, is it?  What else could be stirring things up?"

"Eh, orcs, goblins, little goblinkin, always making trouble."

OOC: Thanks for including me, but really nothing to contribute here! Are Ardenas or the others around?

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 93):

OOC: I'm right here, Huey.  You mean Mythos?  He and Oly went looking for a healer and mage and let Ardenas stay here and rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sat 17 Oct 2015.

Oly is out wandering around looking for loose purses...

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 94):

OOC: I did mean Mythos, sorry

"Either of you know any goblinkin guild-members who might be in the house, get some more information?"

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 96):

The woman shrugs.
  "There is Zeelzeel. He may b3 down with the kobolds."

Huey shrugs in turn. "Should we go back down there, see if Zeelzeel knows anything about this? After my leg heals."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Sat 17 Oct 2015.

Mythos walks back into the guild after a while." I cant find a damn thing about that tunnel. We can go explore some other path if you guys are cool with it?"

Oly wanders back in and joins the table...

Huey looks to Madeline and Ardenas. "You want to catch them up?" Turning to Mythos, "There might be something more urgent now that calls for a good thumping."

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 102):

Madeline sighs.
"Vilgar's side businesses (the gambling that funnels  Coin into the guild coffers)
are suffering due to unrest between the orc and goblin populations. It might not be the kind
 of thing to handle coarsely, as Vilgar wants their wagers and not their heads. This kind of
violence between thetwo groups usually only happens at the peak of jugga finals, but the
season has just started."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:09, Wed 21 Oct 2015.

Wunder ifn' zomeone iz runnin' zum zord a game we don' know aboud?

In reply to Oly (msg # 104):

"Mythos, I'm fine with exploring further from the Little Shevnia border, but I think we need some reinforcements after what it took to down one slorn.  An archer, maybe, or a battle caster, and a healer either way.

"What I'm really worried about is whether we'll come back up to find a war on.  Something is happening between the orcs and goblins, and I've got a feeling it isn't jugga."

"Yeah, sorry, I think we should check this out. If you want to keep mapping, I'll go with you as far as finding Zeelzeel. Gotta get my leg seen to, first."

"Yes, Huey, let's get that leg taken care of.  I'm rested, so let's find you a healer and then see if we can find an informant..."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 107):

A goblin with A camouflage cloak and openly carrying a spear
 walks into the end of the hall accompanied by several
kobolds.

"You Zeelzeel?" Huey asks. "Do you know what's got into the greenskins lately? We're hoping it doesn't mean big trouble."

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 109):

"Zeelzeel am I, called Shadowspear. You are Huey,
called the Thumper, I have heard. Many things trouble my kin.
What particular trouble do you seek knowledge  of."

"Yep, that's me. Madeline, here," the half-ogre waves at the barmaid, "Said she's heard about an orc-goblin beef hitting the streets."

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 111):

"A hero among the athletes of my people has won the heart of an orc maid. His name is Glosso, and the orcish team
has taken offense at the bold move of this young poet."

"So the jugga players are brawling? Not such a big deal, is it? Or are all the fans getting in it?"

"Hmmm.  Sounds like just the kind of stupid, pointless offense that gets people killed.  Has anyone tried getting the orcish team and this goblin fellow's family together to work things out?  Or would that just result in bloodshed?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 114):

"For that  matter, has anyone spoken with the orc woman? "

"I didn't hear about any of this until just now.  But it seems like a good idea -- if only to be sure it isn't just a case of someone's boasting being taken for truth.  Do you know her name, or where we might find her?  For that matter, where might we speak to this Glosso?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 116):

"The orcs hunt Glosso in force, so he remains hidden. Hramina, the girl orcs say he stole, was a cheerer for the
orc team, he plays for goblins."

"So we find Glosso, we find Hramina?"

"If we can find either one.  I don't speak any of the goblin or orc tongues.  Do you, or Oly, or does Mythos?  Even though almost all of both kinds here in Northport speak Aralaise, it'd be better if we had someone who could understand them when they're deciding what to tell us."

I zpeak zum Goblin...

"Not me. Just Aralaise."

In reply to Oly (msg # 120):

"Goblin is probably more useful for looking for Glosso and Hramina; they'll be with Glosso's people, I'd guess; the orcs would seem more likely to give them away to the orc jugga team."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 122):

"That sounds right. The jugga players are treated like heroes, and they treat their followers, you know the cheerers, like they were property. Its a bad thing."

In reply to Strong Clair (msg # 123):

"I don't know that there's anything we can do to change the way jugga players think.  On the other hand, it might be barely possible to convince the orc players that Glosso didn't 'steal' Hramina -- though I'm not sure what proof they'd accept; they're likely to discount anything she says, claiming it's being forced out of her."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 124):

"Juggers do what their coach tells them; the coach only answers to the family heads."

In reply to Strong Clair (msg # 125):

"Which families boss the team Hramina cheered for?"

Zo we gods family headz ledding diz go on?

In reply to Oly (msg # 127):

"More likely they're encouraging it.  If some of Glosso's team get hurt in the violence, they gain, and they lose nothing if uninvolved people get caught in it.  If something were to make Glosso and friends unassailable, things would probably calm down a good bit -- but that seems likely to do even more damage to those who aren't involved before Hramina's former team decides that's the case."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 126):

"Zeelzeel does not follow the politics of orc familes.
Perhaps porter lady orc knows?"

In reply to Zeelzeel Shadowspear (msg # 129):

"That's a good thought -- though I think she's only half orc.  Clair, do you have any insight into which orc family or families sponsors the team Hramina used to cheer for?  Or have any suggestions how we might prevent a lot of goblins and others suffering if we just prevent the orc team and their followers from getting to Glosso and Hramina?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 130):

"Both of my parents are Urhaqi, and I think Hramina's
folks are too, although her family is what they call broad in
the bloodline. On account of that, they might not object to
this Glosso boy.  You don't understand us. We do a thing
until its done proper, it's a point of honor. The juggers
won't stop messing with the gobfolk until the get hold of
him, not unless they get told otherwise by their coach and
maybe even the elders. It's like the way juggers don't see a
physicker during a match, they play through."

In reply to Strong Clair (msg # 131):

"So, it sounds as if you're saying the Urhaqi family heads can't call them off, it'll have to be the team families, right?  Or do the Urhaqis also sponsor the team?"

OOC: Is Urhaqi another word for or variety of orc?

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 133):

OOC: I took it as a family or clan name.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 134):

Ooc: Urhaqi is orcish for orc.

"So maybe we find the coach and encourage him? Or her?"



OOC: That was my thought.

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 136):

Clair looks doe eyed at Huey
"I know where they practice."

In reply to Huey Thumper (msg # 136):

"At the least, we can find out who he or she answers to.

"Of course, there might be a simpler way: kill Glosso ourselves.  I don't like the idea, don't think it's right, but it might be the only way to prevent the orc team and its supporters burning down half the town."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 138):

"That would, perhaps  be the most direct route, but
 there is always another way. Everyone needs something. These
Athletes desire to impress their coach. The coach wishes to
restore honor to his people, but he no doubt wishes to
improve his standing within the heirarchy. Then there may be
things his superiors desire more than the death or
humiliation of this young goblin. These are avenues of
resolution that remain to be determined beyond your
proposal."

In reply to Kasmir Al Vasari (msg # 139):

"I don't disagree with you, Kasimir -- as I said, I don't like it and don't think it's the right way; I just felt it had to be mentioned in order to agree it's not the path we want to take."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 140):

"I am gladdened by your clarification."

"So, once we can gather Mythos, Huey, and Oly again, perhaps we should see if we can interrupt a jugger practice with a few questions."

"Good idea."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 142):

I didin know I wuz gone...

In reply to Oly (msg # 144):

"Sorry, you were so quiet I didn't notice you.  Anyone seen Mythos?"

Idz a zkill...

"Okay, we're just looking for Mythos, then.  Clair, do you know what time Hramina's former team practices?  Wouldn't do us any good to arrive in the morning if they practice in the evening."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 147):

"They get there before mid day and practice until
evening. Some of the players practice smasha heavily, and go
to the dojo before they go to the practice field."

"Ah, I enjoy watching smasha -- so much freer than Master Albreth's style, even if there's no hint of uniformity.  Perhaps we can catch up to them at the dojo and talk before jugger practice."

OOC: What time is it, Northport Standard Zone?

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 149):

Right now its about 3 pm, same day as the Slorn fight.

"Clair, if you know which dojo those players train at, perhaps we could meet there early enough to watch the smasha for a bit in the morning and then talk with the players over lunch before their jugger practice.  That'd give plenty of time for Huey to finish getting his leg taken care of, to turn up Mythos, and for all of us to get a good night's sleep."

Oly Nods his assent.

"Let me see if there's a message slate around here somewhere and I'll leave word for Mythos to meet us here by mid-morning."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 153):

There is a fellow who charges $1 not to erase messages...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:41, Tue 17 Nov 2015.

Ardenas will pay the copper and write the following: "Mythos Songau, we're meeting at <specific> dojo at mid-morning.  Hope to see you there."

Then, not completely trusting the fellow who doesn't erase, he'll look for an alternate way to send the same message.  Is there anyone selling note paper and offering the use of a pen and ink?  Ideally combined with message delivery service?  Or does the Guild have message boxes where a note could be left, if I can find paper and a pen?

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 155):

"I am a scribe, in possession of those things, and
tecnically under contract. I think I can write such a thing.
 Master Songau is a ranking personage in the guild, and his
offices are below, in the undercroft."

In reply to Kasmir Al Vasari (msg # 156):

"Ah, your pardon, Kasmir, I'm unused to having the services of others; at the dojo, we had to do everything for ourselves.  Yes, please, let's leave a copy of this same message in his offices."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 157):

Kasmir writes out the note, and heads down to the undercroft  to post it.

"Okay, Huey, why don't you finish getting that leg healed up, and the three of us, along with Kasmir, Clair, and Renolan can meet back here afterward to see if we can find some help in the healing and spellcasting vein before turning in for the night.  Hopefully Mythos will come back and find one or the other of the messages I've left him."