Sanjar is seated, reclining in a comfortable position as he packs and lights his pipe.  Smoking, it appears, is serious business.  For he takes his time with the matter, getting the pipe 'just so', and pouring a few drops of some sort of oil within before lighting it.  All the while he is speaking, in Korantine. "I am not sure what to make of this Elkano, the slave scribe.  I was of half a mind to have him followed earlier.  The way matters sit, with this Kortano being the only Syndic in town, and thus having near complete control over the cult, and the trade affairs of the city... I find the prospect that he does not have in Valsus some manner of vested interest, ah, dubious.  Mmm.  For the local matters, I think meeting with Kortano and continuing to investigate Valsus are both musts.  However, I certainly would not give much trust to the words of either men just yet.  To say the least.  Mmm.  Indeed.  In fact I would think it prudent to look into both men, if not all three, to a much deeper degree... as soon as can be managed."

The pipe is finally lit.  Puffing gently to get it going Sanjar soon has a small aura of dark and spicy smoke clinging about him, a cloy and powerful scent. "For the matter of the island, it sounds as if any landing there is a risky undertaking.  What is the going rate for such navigational information?  Would, perhaps, the information be more easily acquired on Tempigone?  Mmm.  Though paying such a fee now, if the information is current and accurate, could save us several days at that.  Perhaps worth the expense just for that, considering the whole budget of this affair."

Pausing for a long moment Sanjar seems deep in thought.  And smoke.  When he speaks again it is without looking up, and seeming half-distracted by his thoughts. "Does Haliskome come with regularity for her infrequent visits here?  Can we discover whom she trades with?  Mmm.  If she is a foreigner the Syndics should have records of these strange cargoes.  Interesting.  Most interesting.  Mmm.  Do we know whom among the merchants of the city the late and honorable Prashad, may honor be upon him and none disturb his rest, dealt with?  Perhaps speaking to these at least nominally friendly faces could give further information?"

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 2):

[Off Topic: From Vancouver Airport, on my way home! Still feeling crap tho, so thanks be to British Airways for an upgrade. Goes some way to making me feel better for the 9 hour delay at Calgary yesterday. Air Canada not on my Christmas card list...]

In respect of your last point -  from what you and others have heard and learned directly you can assume that the Jekkarene ship appears at Thyrta at least once per year, and that Valsus is the man who has the 'concession' for dealing with Jekkarene trade. So it would be reasonable to infer that the cargo deposited on the dockside from the Jekkarene galley captained by Haliskome is subsequently removed to wherever Valsus keeps his trade goods.

Iskander or Kordan (being higher class than Sallantus) could make a Korantine Culture test if they want to offer authoritative advice on who buys Jekkarene goods and what they might be.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 3):

20:18, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 15 using 1d100. Culture Korantine (48) check.

I'll add my knowledge to the discussion.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 4):

"So you said Haliskome comes in to dock once a year, did you say when in the year that is?"

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 4):

As Jekkarene and Korantine maintain a traditional - almost ritual - distrust and emnity, there is little bulk trade between these peoples.

Nevertheless Jekkarene goods have a cachet among the very well to do - Jekkarene designs are distinctive, formalised, and pleasingly archaic, and Jekkarene textiles and carving is regarded as exotic and decadent, so can command significant premiums. As a result the right to act a direct importer of Jekkarene goods is a lucrative trade, albeit one typically conducted by non-citizens who avoid the diminished status that comes with it.

Kordan can well imagine that someone like Valsus who has an established and profitable business as such an importer would not take well to the appearance of middle men - ie non-Jekkarene or Korantine merchants and traders bringing Jekkarene goods to Korantia and vice versa. There's no rule against this or law to prevent it.

As a footnote, the Jekkarenes also export a sweetened wine that is gaining some following internationally, and the jars in which it is shipped end up as ornaments.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 5):

It wold not take long to discover the answer to this if Kordan does not know it - the last time was in the early Summer. That would put it after Prishad's killing, but according to Solfernoy's statement to Safra, prior to Haliskome's desertion.

Sanjar nods and pauses introspectively before continuing, his pipe being used to gesture for emphasis at times as he speaks in Korantine.  "Then there is an established relationship between this Valsus and Haliskome.  Which makes the conflict of interest with this man and Prishad and his death at the hands of Haliskome to be... an unlikely coincidence.  Very unlikely.  Yet if he is a legal resident here, and has the patronage of the Syndic Kortano... moving directly against him could prove difficult.  We need more information about Valsus and Kortano both.  It begs the question of how involved and knowledgeable in this business Kortano might be as well." he says, his eyes turning to Safra before he continues in Djesmiri "If we discover that this Syndic is in fact involved, as seems likely, the vengeance we seek may entail reaching higher in the ranks of this city than we perhaps intended.  It... may complicate matters a great deal.  Mmm." he says in a cautionary tone.  Chewing on the end of his pipe, he smokes and seems thoughtful once again, leaving silence for another to speak should they have inclination.

   Rhaskos listened as the men spoke of politics and schemes and in other languages.

   For the young hunter, the ideas were fantastic, and exactly as he had read in books that detailed the situations leading up to the fall of cities and such- but Rhaskos was clueless as to where, or how to contribute to such conversations.  These men were adept at spinning webs like the wolf spider, and Rhaskos- while more clever than most- was still unused to the more subtle approaches preferred by these civilized types.

   In truth, Rhaskos could see that "take the issue before the chief" would not work in these situations.  These men's "chief" did not necessarily have his people's best interests at heart.  Indeed, the game played in the cities was much darker and less honorable- and very deadly if not played correctly.

   So Rhaskos looked from man to man, eyes wide, taking in all of the information, but offering no substantial input, as his notions steered mightily towards more direct methods.

   Instead, when there was a small lull in the conversation, he said, softly, _{"I think that, when we find the island, a scroll we found at the Educator's school might help us find our way around the place."}

   He offered the words, then lapsed back into silence. He was obviously still present however, his quick, dark eyes darting about, following the conversation closely.

Sallantus watches the discussion, his unease growing as he listens to Sanjar Zand.

"Intrigue. Shadowplay. The kind of games where you don't even find out that your dead till you wake up in Hell. More than likely sent there by a man you thought to be your comrade."

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 10):

"Intrigue, shadowplay, bah!

Sounds like these folks be good candidates for an old fashioned press-gang I say."

Sanjar nods his expression circumspect however in the same motion, his manner seeming only to grow in caution.  He raises a hand and motions towards Kordan as he speaks in Korantine. "Then I think we have arrived at the same conclusions, unless someone has something else to raise?  Look into this Kortano, the slave Elkanos for that matter, and Valsus.  Since their connection seems assured if unprovable to the satisfaction of one who may not care for it to be so." he says, frowning slightly. "We need either something to conclusively prove his involvement in Prishad's death, and so to gain our desired revenge... or, more likely I'm afraid, sufficient knowledge of their movements and elsewise whereabouts to enact it ourselves.  If you honorable gentleman are still of nerve to stay the course on this journey, now that the destination becomes more clear?  Mmm.  I would urge you, honorable Sirrahs, to see justice through and done."

In reply to Sanjar Zand (msg # 12):

IMPROVEMENT ROLLS - 1 each +/- CHA modifier

Time is moving on. A day has passed while the would-be Adventurers and their employer contemplate the next move. No word has as yet come from Elkanos. Safra is impatient, but in any event the ship is being resupplied, minor repairs made, and of course a favourable wind is awaited.

Safra is clearly of a mind to do business with the local Sailor, Rilados, but all are aware that Rilados' price remains aggressive, even after Kordan bargained him down. The only alternative at this point is to follow Sallantus' hunch: sail to Tempigone and seek a bearing from there.

In the meantime, the smallest local knowledge is enough to be aware that Kortano is a powerful presence in Thyrta. While Rikalos of Vimaylo may be governor, Kortano the Syndic is its most influential grandee. He controls not only local trade but also farms the colony's land taxes (this means he negotiates a fixed price with the state for the right to raise taxes, and hopes to make a margin on it). Despite this he is no more unpopular than any other individual with more money and power than most people can dream of.

Little is known of Valsus as yet. However if Sanjar's concerns prove to be well founded, that Kortano himself may be a plotter and adversary, Safra may after all be minded to let well alone, and instead make for Solisand at the earliest opportunity...what say you?

"Based on what Safra be paying the 5 of us [Nikolos, Rhaskos, Tanek, Sallantus and myself], in addition to whatever Iskander and Sanjar have worked out, the cost of Rilados' information be less'n two and a half weeks of our service.

Factorin' time spent travelin' to Tempigone and then casting about for information, and mayhap paying for it, I reckon that Rilados' price be less expensive in the long run.

Can't rightly be speakin' about Valsus and Kortano though.  Should they be as powerful as things make out, perhaps inside their reach is not the best place to be moving against them from?"


[ OOC: Training in spear/shield with Tanek.  Not really learning anything new.
19:15, Today: Kordan Mardahar rolled 29 using 1d100+9. Spear/Shield improvement roll (> 47).
Increased skill from 47 -> 48. ]

Sallantus pipes up.

"I agree with Kordan. If Kortano is as powerful as all that, then as long as we stay in this city he has the upper hand. At sea, or on Tempigone, things a little more even. I've no doubt Kortano's reach is long, but he'll be stretching for us while we can keep our balance."

09:33, Today: Sallantus rolled 45 using 1d100+15. Insight improvement (31).
09:33, Today: Sallantus rolled 3 using 1d4+1. Insight improvement.

Sallantus' Insight has increased slightly as he has watched these debates and negotiations.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 14):


"Can't rightly be speakin' about Valsus and Kortano though.  Should they be as powerful as things make out, perhaps inside their reach is not the best place to be moving against them from?"


GM NOTE: You know Valsus is probably rich - he's a merchant after all, and you'd expect him to be a lot better off than the ordinary man in the street. He may or may not be powerful. Because he is an outsider, that all depends on his standing or relationship with the people in real power.

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 15):

If no other events intervene, the time for sailing is probably a game week away...if you intend to spend this as down time (training etc), please let me know.

In reply to Kordan Mardahar (msg # 14):

"I agree with Kordan.  I think the best course of action is to acquire Rilados's information, assuming it's reliable, and then set sail."

[OOC]: Training nothing, darn that -1 CHA modifier.

In reply to Tanek Sanasin (msg # 18):

Ok everyone, give me a general statement of what you are sending your time doing and where you are hanging out between now and a suitable date of sailing...

Sallantus is going to do his usual; hang around dockside taverns, drink (on someone else's coin, if he can), eat food that is tastier and fresher than he'll eat once they set sail, and probably try to win the favour of women. He'll be listening out for stories of Tempigone, or beyond.

To Simulacrum: If this produces any Improvement Rolls, I imagine that they'd be in one of Streetwise, Resilience (though whether poisoning himself with drink builds up his resistance or damages his health...), or Brawl (if things get rough). Other possibilities include Influence and Insight (as he tells tall tales in the rougher end of town), or even a Lore skill if he picks up any useful knowledge. Whichever, if any, you think is the most significant...

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 19):

Kordan is going to be whiling away the time with Sallantus, for similar reasons. The only exception is that he'll also seek out a temple to Pyrolus to pray for good sailing and to make an offering.

In reply to Simulacrum (msg # 19):

Tanek will continue to act as bodyguard for Safra. If she feels secure and dismisses him, he'll go hang out at Thalvi's.

Rhaskos too will accompany Sallantus, trying his best to fit in as a hired ruffian...though he's not exactly "muscle".

he will try to help "track down" any leads.

Get it?  "Track"...aw, fahgeddit.  :)

Sallantus will, then, spend some time trying to teach Rhaskos Korantine vernacular. He might amuse himself, and any listeners, by playing a few practical jokes with the language. But nothing malicious...

In reply to Sallantus (msg # 24):

Sanjar has impressed on all that pushing harder on Kortano (the promised appointment has still not materialised) or digging around after Valsus may be dangerous as the two may be in cahoots.

Sanjar - test INFLUENCE to see whether your word carries weight with Safra, who may be more impetuous...

Kordan can find a shrine to Pyrolus on the main square - right next to the temple-office of the Borissan Syndics. A Korantine sailor's ship is usually his temple - but in this instance you will be travelling aboard a foreign vessel, Safra's ship The Foamfollower.

Kordan and Sallantus begin to indulge in a little more dockside carousing, but at this point most they, their employer, and their expedition plans are the most interesting gossip around. Nevertheless it is here that you will meet some of Safra's crew too - who spend time in these places when not busy with the ship. These guys will be your transport to Solisand - but perhaps also your 'back-up'. They seem fond of Safra, were loyal employees of her father, and some were on the voyage when Prishad was killed.

Kordan - test INSIGHT

Meanwhile, you can learn something of Tempigone:

It is a rather dismal little island just over 40 miles long and barely 20 miles wide at its broadest, whose inhabitants are mostly fishermen or herders.  Its main town is called Guberan.  The remainder is spread between five fishing villages and two inland farming settlements.  In addition there is a mining complex on the North side of Mt Tempiger, where a number of slaves are housed.   The majority of the population is of Islander stock, claiming to be Dagomils by descent and speaking a dialect of Seaspeech (Archipelagan).

Tempigone is a territory of Himela, which inherited control upon the fall of the Korantine Empire.  About 20 years ago it was given over to the Duke of Solarne (Solarne is a district of Himela) to govern as his place of exile, his principal task being to maintain the fortress at Gubaran and ensure the removal of ore from the mines and its transport back to the mainland.

Sallantus - make a STREETWISE roll

Safra does indeed want Tanek to stay close. At times she has one of her own crew come and act as a guard, particularly on her door at night. On the whole, she wishes Tanek to accompany whenever she leaves the confines of the Floundering Turtle. Sanjar also, I presume, stays close.

Tanek - make a PERCEPTION test

Rhaskos hangs out with the sailor-boys down on the docks. Talk of Tempigone does not give him much room to shine, however

Rhaskos can make two rolls: - A PERCEPTION test, and a difficult (-20) REGIONAL LORE test

[23:58, Today: Sallantus rolled 75 using 1d100. Streetwise (26).]