The journey south to Massilia is in a pair of small transport vessels.

Transport craft fall into three classes.  The smallest are flat bottomed open topped craft that can be dragged across shallows and beaches (portages) by one or two men.  Able to bypass unnavigable portions that way, these craft are used on all rivers because they are very flexible and convenient.  They will easily founder in open seas, though.

The intermediate vessels cannot handle the smaller rivers, but can manage coastal water.

The largest are sea-worthy and seen from a cost per ton of cargo basis, the most efficient.  But they can only enter the largest rivers.

The party proceeds south in two "intermediate" ships.  There is only a small cargo space below the single planked over deck, and it's loaded with goods belonging to House Palantus and Einar.  These vessels normally do not travel continuously, especially on rivers, where they require dayling and eyesight not to ground on a shallows.  They have to stop along the banks and make camp at night.  It is a two week journey to Massilia, most of it through the Rhone valley, which is occupied by the Visigoths.  But House Palantus is still in good standing with them, and Einar and Titus have experience:  as long as the fees (and bribes) are paid, there should be no trouble.

As long as they don't see pointed ears.  That can set them off.


"Intermediate" would be the smaller of these two vessels.
 

Swift will look at Haakon as they start their trip. "Well, I would love a new dress, but are you really a dress maker and not just a flirt? she says with a smile.

Jestrynara enjoyed river travel, for the most part.  It made her think fondly of her selkie friend Ongriss, and her man Vincentas.  Though she was not overly religious, she might have whispered a prayer, just because it felt the right thing to do.  Something about the placidity and prettiness of the water.    Sadly, there were no river gods amongst either pantheon that her people worshiped.   She wondered if it had been an oversight, when gods were divvying up their domains?

There were river nymphs, however.  She'd not met one personally, but there'd been ample reports through the war.   That seemed fitting, so she said something short and appropriate for them.   Knowing well this was not elf friendly country, she kept her silver locks done up under her cloak's hood, which also concealed her ears. And kept a low profile.    If it came to passing a checkpoint, she knew a glamer  that would make her look human.   Either that, or she'd have to see if she could fit herself into the crowded hold below.

Haakon is of course thoroughly professional and shows Swift some of the samples he has made up already, saying.  "Of course, you could try one of these on but they are obviously not made to measure so unless you are exactly the same shape as my wife, they won't look as good on you as they do on her."

The trade goods had been offloaded from the longship and brought aboard the fatter trade craft in a short but busy procession of dwarves, who stowed the wares below and mostly out of sight. It was only after they had said their farewells with Einar that the merchant climbed aboard, waving as the crew returned to their own vessel, that their merchant turned to those that he would be making the journey back south with.

"A tailor then? or dresses in particular?" he asked Haakon, his Saxon accent giving an undulating quality to his words. "Einar" he offered a stubby hand. "You don't look like you're from this far south." he pointed out, as much a statement as a question.

Haakon shakes hands.  "Oh, I'm a tailor and a trapper but I specialise in dresses because a highly skilled dressmaker can make much more than an equally skilled tailor, and furthermore gains respect.  Also because women tend to like fur more than men, at least among Romans."

He smiles a self-deprecating smile.  "My folks come from Thuringia but I grew up in Burgundy.  Before I left home, I was Haakon der Schweiger - Haakon the Silent... because I talk so much."

"I am a scout and have some skill in diplomacy. I believe things should be settled though discussion before things come to blows" she says with a smile. "Oh, I like a soft natural green color, I prefer the wilderness to staying in towns but a dress might be good to have on this mission"

Tbp
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Wed 01 Aug 2018.

Haakon smiles and nods, cutting strings for each measurement and placing them in a pouch temporarily marked, Lady Swift.  He thinks a while and shows her a swatch of colour.



"This is the softest green I have, Lady," he says.

OOC Aaargh how do I DO that?
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:09, Wed 01 Aug 2018.

Matisco is the southernmost point on the Saone-Rhone river system currently controlled by Burgundy.  Between Matisco and Visigoth land is a strip of virtual “no man’s land” with only a small trading post set in a ruined riverside town- Ludna, which splits the two day journey into two manageable one day journeys, with the trading post in the middle.  Not a coincidence.

But it does mean Matisco is the “last friendly port” for anything the party might need or want.  Not so very long ago, it was a hub for slave traders, a business that the Burgundians overlooked as long as it didn’t involve Burgundians.  But here and there, some people took issue with that, and Burgundy, including Matisco, is no longer tolerant of the slavers.  Since Burgundy is directly on top of the key north-south transport links, this has greatly disrupted the slave trade, though rumors persist, it has not ended it.

It isn’t here, though.   The old slave market is being rebuilt by a crew of Dwarves, setting new stone and erasing its past.

Merchants traveling south to the Visigoth lands have figured out, long ago, that there is safety in numbers.  More of them means less of a chance of being singled out for particular interest, such as a shakedown for extra fees, which often happens.  It also means more resources for dealing with the other dangers along the river, because although the Visigoths control the towns, their hold over the land and water between is very iffy.  Often, merchants traveling south with nonperishable goods will wait in Matisco until they think they have “enough” and then travel in a convoy.

So it is that two other boats want to join the party.  One belongs to a collier, a coal merchant, who sells the valuable black fuel-rock mined in Lucimburic (a place Swift and Haakon know well, for it is the home of the Were-folk).  The other has a boat load of cloth:  wool houses of Belgica, linen from Gaul, and some fine, silvery Elven fabric.  Both are human, whole families traveling together on the “family business”.

Haakon, naturallly, looks through the fabric, buying the best he can in quantities he can transport.  He needs to meet the needs of the ladies of Massilia for decent clothing in lovely colours and so that is precisely what he will do.  After all, a fashion guru is always the sort of place where ladies and gentlemen may talk.  Especially a coutourier who speaks constantly of fashion issues and yet listens carefully but never seems to repeat any other matters that may be discussed.

Einar likewise took some time to greet and discuss business with the riverside proprietors. He perused the goods on hand and tried to glean some insight into the business atmosphere that awaits them further south.

Nursing a pipe, he looks out over the river and the other vessels as he talks, enjoying the chance to stand on solid land and to mingle with the other crew members with which he had yet to be aquainted.

The merchant with the coal boat is a burly, unkempt looking man.  He feels left out, with all the fuss over the other goods, and not much interest in his.  It's not the prospect of losing a sale- he was on his way south, and he new there'd be people to buy this, because coals were the best for working iron.  Better than wood.

His complaints were more in jest.  "Oh yes, gawk at his fancy linens, make some underpants and things.  Don't get your hands dirty with good, solid coal!"

As for the cloth merchant, he is skeptical about selling his stock here.  Very skeptical.  Being a crafty merchant, and on his way to Massilia himself, he knows that the only reason Haakon and Einar would want his goods would be if they expected to get a more for them there than they paid here.  In which case, why would he sell here?

The merchants of Europa, Titus and Einar included, know that the best things to buy are either local goods, or goods that a merchant does not intend to bring further.

The local goods of Matisco include wine, beef, leather, and a Burgundian herbal condiment fast rising in popularity: mustard.  Between here and Divio to the north, there are shops with tables stacked high with jars of the stuff.  South of here, you will not find it.

Swift looks at the fabric "Oh, that would be wonderful. Just remember, it can not bind my limbs so I can move freely if I need to protect someone. I guess you can't make it with hidden sheath for my short sword, maybe I can hide some daggers on me." she says with a smile.

She looks at the coal merchant "I have gotten dirty plenty of times, I am a scout and hunter, I have killed a lot of things in the war and skinned some of them. What to know what my boots are made from?" she says with an evil smile.

Haakon grins at the cloth Merchant.  "I offered more than a fair price," he says, "But I can understand why you might be suspicious.  Very well, carry it to Massilia for me, and when we arrive, I will offer less.  Remember that I am not a cloth merchant and what I aim to sell in Massilia is clothing, not cloth so I will profit whether I buy here at a grossly inflated price, or in Massilia at the market price."


*******

Haakon nods as he considers the outfit he will make for Swift.  It will be a half-culotte with a rather risque slit exposing one leg, and thus preventing the clothing from binding her limbs.  This will allow a hidden pouch in which a shortsword and scabbard can be hidden.  The blouse will also allow several daggers to be hidden and easily accessible.  He makes a drawing and agrees it will take only three days to make since she is his first customer.

The cloth merchant easily evades Haakon's attempts.  He is a skilled merchant too, and hasn't been wasting his time fighting Orcs and things.  And every now and then, he looks towards his wife- making a bad deal will earn her ire, which he does not want.

But Haakon's efforts are not wasted.  This man has been to Massilia before, and in talking, Haakon learns a few things.  Knowledge is always useful.

He cautions Haakon against acting like Massilia is just like Matisco, and trying to make informal deals at the dock.  The Visigoths there are pre-occupied with collecting taxes, and want every transaction to be in its right place, so it can be watched, recorded, and taxed.

"You'd think a bunch of savages wouldn't have such a regard for systems... and some don't, I've seen Orcs who think it's all a big joke and are willing to walk away and pretend they didn't see you for a few coins.  Roxious Glorge, who is supposed to be enforcing the law in the Women's Market, to him the job is an insult.  So Roxious and his clerks just pocket money and fill out whatever they want in their books.  Orcs, with ledger books, right?  Harridog isn't going to come down there and check himself, right?  And that's where you have to be if you want to make dresses to order.  They might break the rules and take bribes, but they can't hide what's too easy to see.  Slaves are sold in the Slave Market, Animals in the Animal Market, Spices in the Spice Market, and if you want to sell made to order dresses the only place you can have a shop or a booth is in the Women's Market.   Massilia is no market fair!"

The two merchants with their cargoes aren't doing any selling here, either.  They are in this for the journey south.

But again, there are local goods for sale.
Tanned hides are only 1GP each.  Jars of Mustard, only 3 SP for a 1 pound jar.  Both of these items can be sold in Massilia.

Haakon checks out the best of the tanned hides.  If there are some he can use to augment his dresses, or even to make shoes, then he will buy a couple, maybe even three.  If they're not that good.  Why then he'll use some of the hides he already has.

Meanwhile, Swift talks to the coal hauler, and there is a hint of mutual recognition.


 The wereboar is quickly convinced that since Swift is neither a buyer nor a seller of coal, or anything else he wants to trade in, there is no point to talking to her, and quickly finds a reason to be doing something else, muttering "I'm a collier, not a bootmaker.  What are boots made of... grumble grumble.. made of boot stuff, like all boots..."

Swift just grins. So these merchants have no sense of humor either. She will go up to the front of the ship to see where they are going, watching around. The scout in her always seems to what to know where they are and where they are going. She does hate being on the water, it gives her so few options as to were to go.

Mystal divided her time on this voyage; bow riding, in the crows nest chatting to seagulls or wetting down the sails with sea spray she entices to drift across the vast canvas sheets.

They never intended to stay longer in Matisco than they had to, since the trading was intended only as a cover for Burgundian/Gallic scheming.  They soon pull away from the city's stone riverside wharf, now with company.

The Surf Sprite will have to wait for sea spray and gulls, as they are still on the Saone River.  Plenty of ducks, though.

South of Matisco, for two days travel the river belongs to no one- they enter the area held by the Visigoths at Lugdunum.

At Lugdunum, the Saone joins the Rhone.  The enlarged Rhone river, from this point south, is usable by much larger vessels.

Here, also, the Visigoths start shaking down the merchants.  It's a tough call for them- how much can they demand without shutting down trade completely?  It is a call even the smarter Orcs are ill equipped to make, and many of them make little extra demands to speed things along.

At Lugdunum, the level of corruption in Visigoth society is clear.  There's no system for tracking what's in each boat, and what each merchant should be charged.  The old Roman system worked on quantities of various types of goods, but that has fallen apart.  It's very easy for an Orc to give out one "official" price, and then mention that another price might move them along faster.

Having Massilia documents helps.  The Orcs here are smart enough to know that the more they take, the less the Overtyrant in Massilia can take.  And that can make the Overtyrant mad.

The party also learns a key fact here:  The Visigoths along the Rhone, at least, their chieftains, are supporters of the Harridog the Overtyrant.  They have to be, because Massilia controls trade up the Rhone, which they depend on.

On the other hand, they are friendly to the new, young Half Orc Visigoth king Amalric.

But... Harridog does not support Amalric.  Visigoth politics can be complex, and the Orcs often violate the "enemy of my enemy" system.  It is clear that anything that weakens Harridog benefits Amalric, and causes the Orcs here to consider their positions with care.

Titus handles the details, and passes coin after coin to Visigoth tax collectors.

Some merchants get leaned on harder than others.  Coal transporters, it is assumed, are not wealthy- they pay with portions of their load.  A nip here, a bite there, it adds up.  The Collier will be lucky to have paid out a quarter of his load by the time he delivers in Massilia.

Titus advises strongly against tarrying in any of the river ports here, interesting though they may be.  Massilia is days away, and any "exploring" beforehand can only lead to complications.

"So?" asks Haakon mischievously of a coal merchant.  "Is it true that diamonds are made from coal? Or is that just a rumour put out by bards to raise the price?"

Swift stands back and just watch's, these are true thieves and its legal, what a racket. She tries listening in  to the wheeling and dealing as much as possible. She will glare at any orcs that get fresh.

The collier explains something about coal.  He is a little amused, but not very.  He simply thinks that Haakon, like so many others, is ignorant about the realities of coal mining.

It turns out, according to his explanation, that diamonds are not made from coal.  Everyone knows that gems are made through the magic of the nymphs that reside in the deep earth.  Semiprecious stones, on the other hand...

There is one that is found in coal, and it is as black as the blackest coal, so very black that its name has come to mean "very, very black".  Jet.


It is found in the coal beds by lucky miners, and unlike most coal it can be given a high polish, though it is not translucent or gleaming like a gem.  Still, people with an affinity for black love the stuff.  Most of it actually gets sold in the Orc occupied areas, because its very fashionable for evil shamans, necromancers, and evil wizards.

Obviously, when the gods were making the Earth and got up to the installation of the coal seams, here and there they squeezed a little too hard and lo, there was jet.

Haakon nods and grins. "Meanwhile gold grows on river beds."  He winks.  "Especially in the sand at the bottom.That is why the snows of Kyiv shine so brightly and so yellow."  He never so much as glances at the orcs while he is speaking, but he is listening just as intensely as the most rapt audience member for an Orcish play of such a thing existed.

"A black diamond would be nice. I would settle for any diamond though." she says with a smile.

South from Lugdunum they are in land that at first doesn’t seem so different, but soon they realize, compared to further north, civilization had fallen from a greater height.

In one day on the river they reach the city once known as Colonia Julia Viennensis- but longer names are falling out of fashion, since the fall of the Empire it has just been Vienna.  It had a reputation as a great center of drama and music.  Bacchus was the patron god, suitable for a land made profitable by wine.  The wine here is well known- the producers employ a Celtic innovation, the oak barrel, which imparts a very different taste to the fermenting wine than the clay vessels of the Romans.  It’s much in demand by those searching for something different.

But the city is a shattered remnant.  Most of it is abandoned, theaters lie in ruins.  It was never a warrior city, never built as a fortress, and after the last great battle here, just 14 years ago between the Visigoths and Gundobad’s Burgundians leading a desperate Imperial Roman remnant, the city has yet to recover.

While the wine of the region is valuable, it is also closer to Massilia, and the traders who come here have set up “arrangements” with local vineyards.  The merchants here are quick to realize that.  Just passing through, they cannot hope to compete with better offers, or even equivalent offers.  Such things take an investment in time they cannot afford.

So they continue.  They pass a series of smaller towns, Figlinae, Ursalis, Tegna , and others that lie in ruins.  This was an agricultural heartland.  The coming of the Visigoths has cleared the rural population.  Humans live in the cities and smaller strongholds now, not on scattered farms, and dozens of those are abandoned along the river.  No Orcs, though- they really have no reason to be here.  Their armies in the larger cities enforce their rule.

At Valentia, the Rhone joins with the River Isara, and the river valley becomes much wider.  The Isara river comes down from its source in the Alps Mountains to the east.   That’s where the Savoy Elves have a city, Cularo.  There’s no trade up the Isara. First, it’s too shallow, swift, and variable for any but the smallest boats.  Second, the land between  Valentia and the Elves is a war zone.  Elves and Orcs of any kind have always been hostile, and it looks like things have become intense, recently.   The party can see the ashes of fresh Orc funeral pyres, six heaps in a row.  Here, there are Orcs, and they look much more alert and concerned than the ones at Lugdunum did.

Einar lingered at the railing, watching the cities drift by as they moved ever southwards. With his cloak pulled about him and his hood down, the sun played upon his fair hair and reddened his pale skin to a faint pink.

Apart from purchasing a quantity of mustard at their first stop, his desire to visit the shore and the towns they passed waned with every dock they passed. He had come this way en route to the Kings summons of course, but in the mixed company of the these more squat craft it seemed...different.

He wondered more about what had been, and what may be again. Would these cities ever recover? Would some cunning people eject the Orcs from where they hunched over their prizes or would the trend continue...the goths ever breeding, ever spreading, until all the world looked as such?

"They call you Swift?" he asked the woman as he attempted to strike up conversation. "Is that a given name...or?..." he asked, trailing off.

She grins at Einar as she stands by the rail, also leaning against it. "Just a nick name, I have always gone by it. I can move pretty quickly if I need too, comes in handy as a scout. Its one reason I dislike boats. I can't control where I go, I am stuck here" she says as she watches the coast line.

More days, more riverside towns, strung out like pearls along the Rhone.   Many are damaged, they have the look of struggling, desperate places.  Avenio was the scene of a great battle between Ostrogoths and Visigoths six years ago- no battle is as chaotic and violent as one featuring Orcs on both sides.

Then they reach Arelate.

Arelate is the southernmost important city on the Rhone river.  It was a provincial capital, a purpose for which it is no longer needed.    Taken by the Visigoths in 471, it has shrunk, as the Visigoths found the city wealthy, but couldn’t really understand what they city was for.  Now, abandoned government buildings stand like tombs.  It still as the “best of everything”, though- theaters, a gigantic “circus”, luxurious baths, all better than those in Massilia.

But economically, it’s not Massilia.  Without the bureaucracy of the Empire to pour money into the city, it has not been prosperous.  Most merchants pass it by, despite the wonders within.

South of Arelate the landscape changes.  The Rhone is no longer in a valley, instead, it flows across a marshy plain, known for flocks of flamingos.  The river splits into a delta, but the Romans thoughtfully provided a relatively straight, easy short cut.

The very last leg of the trip is the roughest, as the little boats contend with ocean, on the short stretch of coast between the mouth of the river, and Massilia.  But even when far from the city you can see the famous lighthouse tower, the Pharo.

Arelate Circus:  (Massilia doesn't have one of these!)
http://jeanclaudegolvin.com/wp...cirque-jc-golvin.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:43, Mon 13 Aug 2018.

OOC: So sorry for this much delayed appearance. Hopefully work-related matters will stop getting in the way!

Titus has been present and friendly, but distracted. He had done what is needed of him, but it obvious that this voyage has him on edge in a way. At some point, though, he seems to break through whatever is distracting him and begins to interact. Seeing Einar and Swift speaking he wanders over, "From what I recall, the Lady's name not only refers to her movement, but her mind.

"Her physical grace and speed are matched by a mentality that gives us a definite advantage in this mission."

[This is a post somewhat out of time and is subject to change.]

At Matisco, a relatively young woman, but a seasoned fighter by her looks, scars, and sword,— showing a pinned coat-of-arms (Shield with red surrounding blue with a single yellow fleur-de-lis centered and the middle frond holding an upright white dagger) of Princess Gondioque Bourgogne, supervises the lading of cargo and personal goods. The cargo has the seal of King Gundobad; the personal goods, the seal of the Princess. Anybody interested can find out that the cargo comprises honey-coated hams, mustards (honey, grape, fire (brown)—all select rather than common), and rare vintage wines. They are for her table in Massilla and for gifts to whom she wishes as part of her diplomatic activities. As all is in place Gondioque and her personal maid arrive escorted by Lord Gogovorn and his wife Marissa [made-up name] with their children and retinue. The two board after the formal leavetaking, which includes Marissa curtsying, Godovorn kissing the Princess’ hand, and hugs between Gondioque (who still is in her teens) and the children.

She warmly greets her on-board attendant and approves the lading with pleasure. Observant pesons will see that she bears a ring with her seal and that she is dressed in well-made traveling gear. Her belt is uknusual in that the buckle is also a sheath for a dagger with the handle to the right.

Once the boat is underway, she becomes as one of the passengers, approachable and friendly.

When she meets Visigoth officials as the ship moves south, she shows her diplomatic bona fides. If necessary, she will state that that she’s on diplomatic business and show her writ. Further, whe will take names and descriptions of the officials’ behavior and make report.

Swift watch's the new comers but doesn't bother them as they settle in. If Gondioque walks close to her "Well. you make quite an entrance. You going to meet some important people? I am just a scot named Swift. Can't wait to get off this floating piece or wood"

Gondioque smiles and raises and eyebrow.  "...just a"? I'm thinking you have it in and on you that which can cause men's hearts to beat faster...or bleed. She looks around the boat and at each bank the boat is passing by. safe so far; I can wait for us to arrive at Massilia. That's where wI'm going. My father has tasked me to be Ambassador there to the Visigoths. ... Leavetaking can be ritualistic, but they're family and friends...and my, say, nieces and nephews are most huggable, Burgundians I bode we shall take comfort and pride in.

And, if you care to tell, where are you taking your red, red hair and brace of swords?

Haakon eventually realises that Gondioque is someone important and introduces himself.  "Haakon Pedlar ma'am.  Known as Haakon the Dressmaker.  I'm here on business and on behalf of the Lucimburic School for Foundlings."

A dressmaker, GHaakon? If you're going to be in Massillia, perhaps I'll patronize you. Have you a sample of your craft with you? I hight Gondioque Bourgogne...Gondioque will do on this trip.

Please tell me about the Lucimburic School for Foundlings. Learning and the welfare of children are interests of mine.

[What modern city is Lucimburic?]

Haakon smiles.  "I am currently working on a dress for Swift.  It will be ready before we reach Massilia."

OOC Lucimburic is Luxembourg I believe

He continues.  "The school is run by my wife, Tawna, it is to train young wereweasels for their role in Lucimburic.  Lucimburic is not strong although werewolves and werebears are mighty warriors and werefoxes and perhaps wererats expert tricksters, but it is wereweasels who can truly protect the realm."

Mystal contents herself, during the boat trip, observing those with skilled go about their assigned tasks.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Sun 12 Aug 2018.

Leanna kept to herself, which mostly entailed balancing the act of keeping her eyes on her daughter Sinéai and the Princess she was tasked with protecting. Leanna had her hair pulled back into a loose fitting ponytail. She kept her axe on her hip and a shield on her back, whilst wearing a simple linnen outfit.

Sinéai look in part after her mother, having the same bright red hair as her. But with a pair of grey eyes. The young girl generally kept herself in the presence of her mother, though
beyond that she was quite inquisitive.

Interesting. Are there many wereweasel foundlings? And how come they to be good protectors?

Swift, may I see the dress when it's complete? Leanna, my aide, may want to admire also.

The boats steer towards the outer most, nearest of the harbors, the Breakwater Harbor.  It's the one most commonly used by smaller vessels coming down from Gaul.  On the river, this craft was "medium sized", but here it's on the small side.  Only the little fishing boats are smaller.

Breakwater harbor consists of a broad beach protected by a very large stone breakwater, so big it has a street running along it, complete with lamp posts and a few street vendors, and even a few merchant's and porters' stands.  The porters' stands are really just canopied resting areas where there are men for hire who will carry things for traders arriving in boats.  This can be important, because many items in Massilia can only be sold at the officially designated markets.

A swarm of children, mostly young boys, runs towards the boats.

Titus and the merchants like the Collier who have been here know who they are:  Dock Boys. They try to meet each approaching ship or boat, at least, those not known to be "local" and immediately set to work without being asked- securing ropes, helping people disembark, offloading cargo.  Generally, a handful of copper pieces will satisfy them and they'll provide some well intentioned but occasionally poorly executed work.  If they don't get paid off, they sometimes resort to stealing small, portable, easily sell-able things, whatever they can grab and disappear with quickly.

They also scatter when Orcs pass, because the Orcs don't like this kind of chaos and disorder.  But for the moment, the breakwater harbor appears to be Orc free.

Swift grins at Gondioque "Yes, you may once Haakon is done working on a dress for me if I need it, he wants to see me in something other then weapons and armor I suppose. I have been told I have some diplomatic skill and if that doesn't work, there is always my sword.

She looks at Haakon "Yes, I have been told the werfoxes are wonderful myself" she says with a grin.

Gondioque's eyes half-close as she considers. Smile first, sword next—useful alternatives. They open and she gestures toward her aide. At your convenience, perhaps you and Leanna have worthwhile things to discuss. Should you find conversing with her fruitful, I'll be open to discussing your diplomatic skills in detail.

Haakon smiles.  "Wereweasels protect a realm because they have the skills to see a threat coming before it even knows it is a threat.  Also because they make such excellent diplomats.  As for the Foundlings... capital eff ... not all are actual foundlings but a school is a beautiful cover don't you think?  On our recent trip down the Danube, Tawna and I took along eight younglings and all graduated with honours."

He winks at Swift.  "As for werefoxes, yes they are rather marvellous and will tell you so themselves.  The one I travelled with was married to a sylph and she thought the sky of him."

[I did something that caused this particular thread to bleed right rather than word wrap the lines. How do I fix this?]

The Danube? I thought the Huns migrated that way. What was the trip like, and did you go so far as the Eastern Empire?

Haakon smiles, "I never met any Huns along the way although I did meet a Hag, some dragons, and in the end, saw Kyiv... but as for the Eastern Empire, I never even made it as far as Varna.  We had to go to the Carpathians before the Wereelk we were travelling with reached the Black Sea.  I'm sure he got to Byzantium though.  It's a shame.  I was planning to set up trade routes via the Danube and Basilia to Byzantium and beyond to India and Serica.  Perhaps another time."

There may be a reason for the current lack of Orcs at Breakwater Harbor.

From time to time, the Orcs here do Orc things, assembling to hear some semi-coherent speech about glory, doing some battle training, or actually marching off for some glorious combat.

This generally commences with Orc warhorns blaring from The Pharo, telling them to go to their appointed places of assembly.  Orcs who are late are often abused, and so the lowest ranking Orcs have developed effective networks of passing on critical information about when their will be such a call.  As a result, almost without fail, they begin to gather before the call goes out.

This is what has happened.  Orcs have gone to the forts, and to the parade field, and now the horns sound from The Pharo.

For the locals, the sound is actually welcome.  It means that for at least as long as it takes the Orc commanders to say what they wish to say, Massilia will be remarkably Orc free.

My father, King Gundobad, agrees with that sentiment. It wouldn't surprise us if the Eastern empire expanded along the Danube.

Swift smiles at Haakon "Yes, werefoxs are marvelous people. So beautiful and charming?"

She looks at Gondioque "Yes, I can do that. I suppose if I am not dressed like a fighter, the orcs might underestimate me more. Though that of course depends on how long the dress takes to make"" she winks at Haakon

08:25, Today: Haakon Pedlar rolled 15 using 1d20+9.  Profession Tailor.

Haakon smiles.  "Well Swift, I've been cutting as we travel.  Now all that remains is the sewing, so a day, perhaps two.  At present it's held together by pins rather than thread but it might be possible to try it on if you like.  As we discussed, it goes outside your armour and hides your sword and whatever knives you have while allowing access to weapons and still being flattering.  Obviously, you can't wear a bow underneath."

Gondioque looks at Swift inquiringly. Why should you want them to estimate you as a fighter...over, under, or accurately?

Swift grins at Gondioque "I am a scout, not that much of a fighter but I can defend myself.

She looks at Haakon "Lets not worry about hiding the armor. I am not sure that would work. So lets just worry about hiding weapons OK?" she says with a smile.

OOC: Ben, I'm assuming that Titus has Gian, and Felix the sighthound with him. Let me know if I'm wrong and I'll edit.

Dockboys may be an annoyance to some, but Titus sees them as important informants. After all, they know about the area and may something useful aside from the extra help they offer to a docking ship. He sends Gian out with enough copper to share with the boys and tells the youth to chat them up, "I want to know any news of the docks. You know what I mean, who are the bosses such. If any of them seems to be smarter than the others bring them to meet me."

He then approaches Gondioque, who he has met before and who would know not only his relation to Vocaphil Mercator, but that he was once in King Gundobad's service. In fact, when the two Kings met, Titus returned the Shield of Burgundy, which he has been given when first taking on the role, but had never been able to safely return since leaving His service.

He absentmindedly pets the golden sighthound at his side as he bows his head to her, "Well met, Your Highness."

OOC: Please note that I've removed Bardas, who is not along for this adventure.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Thu 16 Aug 2018.

Godioque replies to Swift. My father highly esteems scouts for their daring, loyalty, and skills. How are you at...scouting...in cities?

If I may, I suggest you carry arms, larger ones anyway, openly. Concealed arms invite suspicion.

Gondioque eyes light up at Hiras' approach. Advisor and Ambassador...she smiles and extends her arm for a Roman forearm handshake (not a hand to be kissed) ...Well met, Hiras! Tête-à-tête, simply "Gondioque" is my preference. Voca and Hiras asked me to pass on their best wishes for you continued success and to tell you that all is well with Iccios and their family. I think in Massillia I'll have to juggle being a princess and being an ambassador. My primary mission is to further, if not friendly, correct peaceful relations between the two realms, three if you count our Dwarven allies.

Does your sighthound have a name?

Titus pats the hounds head with a smile, "Indeed! This is Felix. Present yourself to the Lady, lad!"

As his master order Felix moves his forelegs forward in a bow bringing his chest to the boards with his neck and muzzle flat on the ground. Sitting up he barks with his right paw in the air.

"Queen Aelasuria always thinks it is a bit over done, but our boy here has figured out how to get himself a treat.

Accepting her hand and shaking firmly his smile does not fade,<red>"May Mercury bless our travels, Gondioque.

"You will certainly find interest in your mission from the Merchant Houses such as Mercator, who already understand the value of peace. As representative of Theodoric, you may say that I too represent more than one realm as our Elven, Lycanthrope, and Halfling allies are all concerned with matters here in the South.

Gian makes the rounds of the docks.  He is young, and he’s spent some time here, but.. in spite of that, and even through all the adventures he’s been through in Europa, he is clearly not one of the local “Dock Boys”, and in their eyes, one of those lucky kids who are wards of the rich.

But they have no reason to be hostile to him.   Gian learns the most interesting recent news, at least, from the point of view of the Dock Boys.  A ship just came in from a port somewhere to the west, with some very exotic slaves.  They looked like humans but with strange glows around them, and not a lot of clothing.  Naturally they were offloaded immediately and brought to the slave market where they are now on display, for sale tomorrow.

The rest of the ship is still being offloaded now, but its been a slow port day and they have all they help they need and are shooing away more, so the excess Dock Boys came here, when these boats arrived.

The Dock Boys that are here are still looking for work offloading and carrying things.

Gondioque goes to one knee and looks at Felix with head somewhat averted, friendly, not challenging. She holds out one fist slowly so Felix may smell her. If that goes well, she straightens her hand and puts it under, but not touching, Felix's outstretched paw. If he rests his paw on her palm, she says Hello, Felix, a pleasure to meet you. I have no treat now but will give you one with your master's permission.

When she stands again, she responds to Titus' comments. I'll certainly do what I can to improve the general prosperity. While I have a friendly tie with House Mercator and hope to meet them socially on intimate terms, I'm not to favor one house over another...though I'll buy from the best seller: Price, Quality, Service.

She looks Titus in the eyes. I suggest we meet often. Here, we are Belgica and Burgundy, comrades as it were. Let no cross-purposes come between us. And that applies to the dwarves. Let us be a steadfast trio, remembering The Father, His Sons, and The Bundle of Sticks.

[I'm making this up; Ben may veto.]

Talking to Swift and Titus (maybe others)....

When we reach Massilia, it's arranged for my goods to be taken to a Mercator warehouse. My personal goods will go with our party. We'll be in a carriage. A suite in Cabreus House Inn is reserved for me. If any of you are going there, we have room to ride. If your destination is elsewhere, perhaps we can detour and drop you off. We'll see some of the city that way.

Swift smiles at Gondioque "I can scout anywhere. So that is not a problem. So the dress can hide daggers but the sword will be worn openly if an all. I can either be with her my lady as a scout or a lady as needed. And yes I am going to Cabreus House Inn. I am will just be glad to be on land again"

Haakon sighs and moves his axe from its hiding place.  "Hardly looks appropriate on a tailor though does it?" he asks with a sigh.

He shrugs.  "But I'd feel naked without it."

Titus smiles, "If Sir Felix has earned a treat what sort of proper Lord am I to deny that?"

When Gondioque makes her suggestion he answers without pause once again putting out his hand, "I agree. My business on this trip is somewhat complicated by my obvious connections, but my primary mission is on behalf of Belgica. I have worked hard for many years to build the alliances we have made and consider their expansion to be the only way forward into this new age."

When she mentions her plans for Massilia Titus says, "I too have sent word ahead to my family and expect arrangements to be settled for me. I am happy to also offer assistance once we are in the city from which I came north so many years ago."

House Mercator has a villa in the wealthy Carinade district, on the extreme southwest of the city.  This neighborhood is actually outside the walls, on the rugged hill overlooking the ocean, west of the Pharo.  Because of its beautiful views, and remoteness yet accessibility from the bustle of the city, it became the most popular neighborhood for the richest families in Massilia.  The Mercator property overlooks the sea, and is built around a wide terrace with a pool.

Not many Mercators actually live here.  They have their property here mostly for business purposes, and as a result it has lots of room.  Currently it is home to Filana Mercator, who was married to a cousin of Titus before his untimely disappearance at sea.  Their son, Milo Mercator, is only eighteen but a math and business prodigy, and manages everything they Mercators do here singlehandedly, at least from the administrative point of view- they have dozens of servants and workers, and a warehouse and dock in the New Docks district.

Titus, and anyone going with him, would start out going here.

Gondioque and anyone going with her have lodgings arranged at the Old Forum's Cabreus House Inn.  Cabreus House is a merchant/noble family that lost just about everything but the house they live in during the wars of the past few decades.  Now they maintain their house by keeping it as boutique tavern and lodgings for other wealthy families.  The national treasury of Burgundy has leased an entire floor, with services to be provided by House Cabreus as needed.  This is a very quiet, refined place that deals with a very wealthy clientele that does not wish to endure the common riff raff of ordinary taverns and guest houses.  It is commonly used by visiting official emissaries, rich merchants, nobles, and other high status travelers.

The properties of House Palantus are also available, since filling in for House Palantus was arranged as official “cover” for characters.  This includes a warehouse with offices and servants’ quarters in the New Docks area, and  the townhouse in the Old Town area.   The last members of the household to remain are simply biding their time now, enjoying some leisure before it is time to sail east to Alexandria.  They all live in the townhouse, but intend to move out soon, and there are a couple of newly freed slaves who have permission to reside on House Palantus property as well.

Finally, characters can seek to make their own arrangements.

Separate threads will be established as characters split up for different places, doing different things.  Please let the GM know where your character intends to go to settle in.

[Almost arrived. Swift, assuming this is OK.]

Swift speaks softly to Gondioque who replies loudly enough so others can hear.

Thank you. Please hold out your hands clasped together. ...

Gondioque clasps Swift's hands in hers. I hear your words. Let the lady Eostre and the Valkyries witness that I shall repay service with care, loyalty with loyalty, valor with honor. She releases the hands. and adds. You doubtless noticed that I did not say what might happen if you betrayed your fealty. I felt no need. Here is your badge coat of arms. When we arrive, please see to the unloading along with Venitia. You may confer freely with her regarding all things. She will keep confidences.

Gondioque turns to Haakon. How much is the dress? ... She pays the fee he names without haggling; Haakon can judge that the Princess will weigh whether the fee is reasonable.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Sat 18 Aug 2018.

Haakon smiles and names a very reasonable price.  "Any particular colour?"  If he has that colour, he will begin as soon as he has finished Swift's.  "Do tell people who ask that it's a Haakon original.  I intend to set up a stall in the Women's Market and the advertising will be helpful."

As he is about to leave he says, "I shall be staying at House Palantus but will be happy to make house calls for the fitting of dresses," he winks, "or perhaps for the sharing of 'gossip'."  He knows that Haakon the Dressmaker will be a much better part to play in this city than Haakon the Dragonslayer or even Haakon the Hunter and suddenly he takes on the role something in the way he walks and the way he talks seems to identify him as one to speak to the Ladies.

Gondioque pays over the money for Swift's dress. Haakon, I'll probably call on you after I see the fashion in Massillia. It will do us good to be out and around. In public, I shall call you Goodman Pedlar.

Haakon grins and lisps, "As you wish, Highness," and winks, "And I must try to remember not to call myself Freiherr Pedlar either."

Gondioque looks Haakon up and down. Nooo...now that you mention it...Freiherr Pedlar sounds better. The exotic, a tinge of the forbidden...good for your business.

Swift will hold her hands together while Gondioque says what she has to say . "Yes, I will server you loyally. Now let us do what we need too"

She will look at Haakon "Yes, I might need another dress also but as a servant, it might not matter as much" she says with a smile.

It matters just the same, even more, perhaps, Consul Swift. By the way, is Swift your entire name?

"Oh, it is just Swift, its all I have ever gone by. I could have a cover name if it helps" she says

How about de Wildnis? "From the Wilderness" blends languages and should ad eve more interest as you meet people.

Secure in her vantage point Mystal avoided the long legged folk observing them as they scurried about doing strange and bizarre things.

"Wildnis is fine. I suppose the orcs don't care for elves, do you happen to speak their language, elfish that is. It might be good to be able to communicate in something the orcs do not understand."

Mystal has a vantage point on the  mast of the boat they came in.  From here she can see all the odd things the humans do- mostly, carry things off boats, and put things on boats, or even drag boats out of the water for cleaning and repairing.   She can see the vendors on the breakwater, and in the nearby markets.  She can see the seagulls plotting to grab bits of unattended food, and she can see one watching her with a suspicious seagull stare, wondering why she is doing what they normally do.

She can see lots of Humans, and of course, they see her.

Right now, the Dock Gang... and everyone else on the docks there except the characters... assume she is a young human, in other words, one of them.  She's too small to be an adult human, and they don't expect Elves, or more exotic races to show up in boats.

One of the Dock Gang Boys calls out to her.

"Hey cutey, is that your family"  They're off the boat, are you just going to stay up there? Are you afraid to come ashore"

Remember the "de," it'll be important, perhaps, for you later on. I speak...something to be shared later. Anything we wish to keep confidential, we'll do in writing. If you happen not to know how to write, I'll teach you.

"Don't worry, I know how to write. I have done a little spying" she says softly.

She looks up at the crows nest to see what the men are looking at.

Good, and it's good to ask about things. In private, feel free to counsel me freely.

Haakon says to Swift, his body shielding their faces from prying eyes.  "I will bring your dress soon, after that, I imagine you will be needing underwear and some lovely fur slippers."  He lowers his voice to a whisper.  "^{_{I will liaise with you, most details of what I find.  Tawna's not here, and I have fewer excuses to visit Gondioque.}}"

Swift looks at Gondioque "Yes, we can talk more in private later" she says with a smile.

Swift looks at Haakon "But don't you need to make some measurement before you sew the dress? Maybe you can come by later to take the measurements."

Haakon smiles.  "Of course."

In reply to Ben (msg # 73):

Mystal waves to the boy then climbs onto a rope and slides down it to the deck, weaving her around cargo she disappears below deck. Occasionally peeking out to check if anyone is watching. Deciding to go ashore when its dark and reconnoitre the area to see what she can hear

There is a lot of "Did you see how tiny she was?" and "What's that, some kind of baby Elf?"  when Mystal climbs down.

This is followed by a lot of invitations shouted out when it's apparent she's not going to talk to them.

"Hey!"
"Come back!"
"We want to see you!"

Mystal is a very shy little Sprite, it seems.  But then, most are.  Probably for the best, no telling what this little band of urchins would do

Mystal waits until evening to fall.  Which is actually not too far away, as they spent most of the day traveling.  The others have gone to settle in, wherever they belong.

(AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET TOLD ME PLEASE DO SO)

Mystal stays with the boat until evening, and then goes to a new THread:

Breakwater By Evening

Swift will go when Gondioque does.