You hwad out of the guild into Redlight, hoping to meet with Hravetta and the orcish elders.

Chye takes a look around the neighborhood.

"Much of the trouble between Urhaqui and goblins has been near here; along the border between Redlight and Artisan districts.  Urhaqui juggers have been trashing goblin merchants' stalls, beating up individual goblins, and starting fights that occasionally escalate into riots.  I have to believe that most Urhaqui, like most goblins, would prefer to live in peace.  If I'm wrong, we could be on the brink of a city wide civil war."

"I wouldna hold ya bref there, squire," Quint said. "Can't even get all humans to agree tha' a life of peace is better. N' orcs is'na human. So, likesay, don't try an' predictify 'em based on what makes sense to a human, aye?" He grinned sleepily. "Humans. Elfs. Dwarfs. Orcs. Gobbins. All as dif'rent as dogs n' cats n' mice n' bears n' what not. Treat a lion like a beagle, gonna get ya face ripped off, aye?"

"Northport seem to be one of the most cosmopolitan places. I'm sure the elders of both sides would agree for a peaceful resolution, but the aggression of their youth is beyond their control."

Nod if'n dey wanna play Jugger.

"Kids 'l be kids, n' all that."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:12, Thu 08 Dec 2016.

Chye laughs: "Yes, but hopefully this all ends with a hog roast, and a few kegs! Or how ever orcs and goblins celebrate."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 8):

"A pig pull would be most welcome to the Urhaqui people, although goblins seem more partial to fish and fowl."

"Hog roast and fish-fry! Both go good with happōshu!"

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 10):

Clair stops, and points over at a two story row house above a
candlemaker's shop.
"This is Hravetta's place."

Chye removes his jingasa, and places the laquered, wooden sheath on his naginata, and rests his jigasa on top.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Thu 08 Dec 2016.

Drawing and releasing a deep breath, Ardenas gestures toward the door.  "Clair, would you introduce us?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 13):

Clair paps on the door of the shop, then pulls the door open with a jangle of bells.

There is a sharp scent of tallow, layered with beeswax and lavender within the shop. Not surprisingly, it is brightly lit by candleight.
  A pleasantly featured Urhaqi woman with reddish eyes stands
 behind the counter.

"Hvretta. My name is Clair. These people with me are here to help your daughter."

Chye smiles broadly, and gives a bow. "Osu!"

"Madam, I am Ardenas Barehand.  I've spoken to Hramina recently, just day before yesterday.  She and Glosso were fine then, but chafing a little at having to stay hidden.

"If we can arrange a meeting with Gonash, we believe we have inducements for him that will convince him to call off the juggers from trashing goblin town and hunting for Glosso's head."

Quint hung back, watching.

Astra took a cue from Quint and avoided the conversation for now. Instead he began browsing the candles and lifting several to his nose and inhaling deeply.

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 18):

"Clair I know you, and your sister. How can they help, who are they?"

"We represent the guild, which a peace would benefit, to tell the truth. But peace would benefit everyone, so Chye happy to help."

"Indeed, I became involved in this after hearing Madeline talk about the juggers causing trouble.  I only thought to bring the Guild into it in an official capacity when it became obvious they held the key to Gonash's cooperation."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 21):

"Which guild? And who is Madeline , and what does she have to do with my daughter? Do you even know if she is
alive?"

Zhe iz alive an well... an wid Glosso in hiding.

"We from adventurer's guild, Lady-san."

Quint let loose a long sigh when Chye answered.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Sat 10 Dec 2016.

"As I said, Oly and I spoke with Hramina and Glosso just day before yesterday in their place of sanctuary.  They were safe then, if a little tired of being forced to hide.

"Madeline is a server in the Adventurers' Guild common room -- I'm sure Clair knows her.  She was concerned about the violence, as was I once I understood it wasn't an isolated incident and got more of the story from Clair, who was then finishing a contract with Oly and me.  We gathered some help and set off to find a way to improve the situation.  After a couple days of chasing all over Northport, only Oly and I, and Clair, remain of the original group; the others all left to pursue better paying options.

"We hope you can help put us in contact with Ganosh, so we can convey the offer from Guildmaster Rigo Bleak.  If the negotiation succeeds, we should see Khrosh's juggers and their hangers-on brought into line."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 26):

"You saw my baby...  and she is well? Thank goddess!
  I have been petitioning to see Ganosh, but he has put me off. I am going to see Huralda today, and she has his ear.
What do I tell her?"

Dad de Guild iz offerin' a pard of a new deal for de Orcz, zo long as dis wreckin' up Goblin dings zdopz. De deal meanz work,income an drade fer de Orcz.

Ardenas nods.  "That about covers it."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 29):

Hravetta nods, and unties her wax spattered leather apron and
 hangs it up. She blows out all but one of the candles,
gathers up a small bundle, and ushers you out of the shop, flipping the "open" sign to "closed" and locking the door.
Glancing up she shakes her head.
I locked and barred the doors, hung bells, and
what does this girl do? She climbs out the window and meets
this boy on the rooftops. I should have realized her cheering
 training would have included some acrobatics. Clair, your
sister cheered too, didn't she? Was she climbing rooftops as
well?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Wed 14 Dec 2016.

"Can't speak for Clair, but I don't recall any of my schoolmates who didn't climb out a window on occasion.  Of course, one of them remembered halfway out that he lived on the fourth floor and didn't have a balcony.  We called him 'Gimpy' for weeks; in truth, he was lucky to live through the fall."

Chye laughed boisterously. "Hohoho! Rooptops has culture of it's own, Northport, yes! Chye member of that guild, too."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:35, Tue 13 Dec 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 32):

▪"If I had bars on that window, none of this would
 have happened. If, if, if. If grandmother had balls she'd be
grandad. Nothing to be done about what was, only what is. And
right now, Hramina   is in danger. Let us meet with Huralda."

We follow your lead

"I look forward to it."

Chye secures his jingasa upon his head after leaving the shop, and follows the group.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 36):

The Urhaqui woman leads you through Redlight until you are
within sight of the cathedral. Although  most of the
buildings in the distict are run down, one storefront is
whitewashed and the street in front is clear of debris.
A pair of liveried guards stand to either side. The livery is olive and burnt orange, and has a purple squiggle accross the
chest.
Hravetta nods to the two guards, who give your mixed group the once over.

Ardenas sketches a bow toward the guards before following Hravetta inside.

Oly just keeps a measured distance from both guards as he slides between them.

In reply to Oly (msg # 39):

Within the storefront is a  simple clean room, decorated with
beeswax  candles and a gilt framed oil painting of a handsome
Urhaqi woman. The same woman, a little older than her portrait, sits behind a table on a raised dias behind a rail.
On your side of the railing, a stern looking urhaqi woman
stands beside a bench, which she gestures toward.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Sat 17 Dec 2016.

Chye removes his jingasa, bows to the women in the room, and takes a seat.

With another bow toward the woman who resembles the portrait, Ardenas approaches the indicated bench, but stands before it rather than sitting.

"Thank you for seeing us, Elder.  I am Ardenas, called Barehand."

Oly follows Ardenas cautiously ... this isn't his kind of place.

Quint seems quite at ease, relaxing and sitting where indicated.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 42):

The woman at the desk looks at you, meeting the gazes of
Ardenas, Hvretta  and Clair.

"Hvretta, good day. Introduce me to your friends. I
had expected  you to come alone, as you have in the past. I am Huralda."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Sat 17 Dec 2016.

In reply to Huralda (msg # 45):

"Dame, this is Clair, an honest worker in the Guild of Rogues. She brought me these others with news of my daughter, and a plan for ending the feud with the gobs."

In reply to Hravetta (msg # 46):

"Tell me this news, and what plan is this, that disrupts the natural order of things"

"Hramina was safe when Oly and I spoke to her, day before yesterday.  She is in hiding with Glosso, the goblin quick she chose over Khrosh's juggers.  It was this choice that spurred Khrosh's team to begin trashing goblin establishments, trying to ferret out the couple, and that violence has been disrupting business across much of Northport.

"The Guild of Adventurers and Guildmaster Rigo Bleak have an interest in seeing a return to normalcy.  In that light, they have sent an offer: in return for controlling those Urhaqui, Khrosh's or not, who are currently trying to locate and murder Glosso and Hramina and trashing goblin properties, Guildmaster Bleak is prepared to offer Gonash a percentage of the newly opening undercity mercantile business, and employment for Urhaqui as guards, laborers, and support staff for that new business."

The reclining Chye, gives an affirmative nod.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 49):

The Urhaqui elder narrows her eyes.
"This goblin spratling knew full well whose woman Hvretta's daughter was. He shows his cowardice by allowing his
people to suffer in his place. Urhaqi do not suffer cowards.
That is the resolution I seek, not nebulous Underground  marketplaces."

Ardenas bows again to Huralda.

"I understand, in part, your distaste.  I have previously heard similar sentiments at Khrosh's telovadnica.  It seems you, and they, tell me that Hramina had a choice of a mate only so long as she chose the way you, or Hravetta, or perhaps Clair would -- from among the juggers for whose team she cheered.  Yet not all of your ancestors chose the same way, I think.  I recall hearing that Hramina's family is 'broad in the bloodline' -- and mine, like nearly every human family in Northport that isn't recent immigrants, includes Urhaqui ancestors as well.  It would surprise me a little if even Glosso didn't have some forebears from your side of town -- his people and yours have coexisted here for a great many generations, after all.

"Now we learn that you and Hravetta are unwilling to accept Hramina's choice for a mate -- is it because he's a goblin, or because he's another team's quick?  If the latter, then it's a dispute that ought to be confined to the jugger fields, not spilling over in to the city where it destroys the property and livelihoods of many who are innocent in this matter.  If the former, shouldn't Hramina have as much choice of mates as her ancestors?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Wed 21 Dec 2016.

An I dink da Hadereum iz already asking quezdionz ... idz cauzing izzues bigger dan eider race! We juz az zoon zee dem nod involved.

In reply to Oly (msg # 52):

"I was a cheerer long ago, and married my chain, as
was my duty. He died during plague time. If we all did our
duty, there would be less conflict, and Jugga teaches our
young ones their place, and the need for teamwork.
The Hadereum... gods forbid. It is enough our people slave
away in their waterworks. They should stay out of our affairs!"

We agree compledly wid keepin' da Hadereum ouda dis, hich iz why we come do zee you.

15:15, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 11 using 3d6.  Diplomacy: 14.
Chye frowns, which is rare, and speaks: "Yes, Hadereum... Chye agree with you, Lady Huralda.
"We try and keep them out of this, as their involvement means no good for anyone. Help us keep them out of this, yes?" Chye's frown turns into a mixture of solemn eyes and a hopeful grin. "Guild offer better alternative. Much better!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Fri 23 Dec 2016.

Quint let's the others handle the negotiations. Convincing them is not his job. He's just here as backup in case things go wrong.

With a beckoning gesture at Astra, Ardenas answers.

"Do you then believe that everyone's place is only and always where they must stay?  Following that reasoning, people might still live in caves and eat their meat raw, as our ancestors are said to have done.  A person's place is where they choose to be.

"We live in a city populated by many kinds -- if we can't get along with each other, the city will fall into civil war and those who aren't killed outright will be reduced to bare survival in the ashes and ruins.  That goes for your people, and mine, and Glosso's, and every other kind who calls Northport home.

"Astra?  Have you anything to add?"

He sighed. "Well, look, they're not gon' stay outer yer affairs, is they? The bloody Hadereum sticks its nose where it will. Resolve this fast, maybe they lose interest.

"But maybe you should focus on the immediate. We represent the ever-loving Adventurer's Guild. You fink the Hadereum is bad? They're nuffin' compared to what the guild brings to the table. I know orcs like fings simple and upfront, aye?"

He shifted on the bench. "Well. Listen good, cuz I'm-a lay some troofs down on yas. You know how basically the masters of the old theef guild splashed on a new coat of paint n' changed the name? Aye? Well, it's not got any better, believe me you. Same people workin' fer it. Same agenda. Only now they got more power. More wizards inna guild than in the Wizard Guild. Better fighters than down atta colleseum, aye? We got priests what order the gods around."

"More powerful blokes in one organization than anywhere else inna world, and any four of 'em could bring this city to the stone. So take a minute, fink about it, and unna-stand that the Guild is doin' you a favor by askin' for your cooperation. Ain't likely to ask twice.

"So let us help you out, aye?"

ooc: Charisma 2
19:47, Today: Quint rolled 14 using 3d6.  Intimidate-15.

Astra had listened to everyone talk and then cleared his throat as he approached the orc matron.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier, I am Astra. Astra Black."

He reached up and ran his hand through his hair.

"I understand your desire to follow the ways that have always followed. They have always served you well in the past. But, like all things, times change. What seemed proper years ago, does nothing but force one into a life they do not desire. Isn't this it's own form of slavery? Give orcs the chance at a new life in this new world. If they desire to follow the old ways, they can. If they want to embrace this new world, do not enslave them. Let them choose their own lives."

Chye places both palms together and gives a bow to the matriarch.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 60):

"After consideration, this is something I must bring to Ganosh to decide. Be pleased, few non Urhaqui are ever granted audience."

We dank you for da Honor.

Quint simply shrugged.

Ardenas bows yet again to Huralda, in the style of highest respect learned at the Gathering Chi Academy.

"We thank you, Madam."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 64):

"Come back in an hour. Be prepared for a journey in
 the dark."

"Chye maybe find sahudese boy to carry lantern for us."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Sat 24 Dec 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 66):

The guard shakes her head.
"No lantern. Journey  in the Dark."

"Understood," Quint said.

"Ahhh...secret location, for outsiders. Chye understand."

"We will be here in time."

Taking himself to be dismissed, Ardenas turns toward the door we entered by, then pauses.

"Thank you again, Hravetta, for helping us.  You have done the entire city a service."

He walks to the door and holds it for Oly, Quint, Chye, and Astra.

"Let's go get a snack and stock up on salve for our shins."

Quint shrugged. He didn't speak until they'd gotten back out to the street. "Just a thought, too, but perhaps it'd be best inna future if Ardenas an' Astra did alla the talkin' wif th' mark, so we look like a professional sort an' not a random buncha geezers all jabbin' away at once, aye? Me an Chye an' Oly keeps our gobs shut. Come off stronger if we got just one or two spokesperson, aye? More directed. More focused. Like we know what we're on about."

 "We find tavern, yes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Sun 25 Dec 2016.

"I won't disagree, Quint, though once I make sense out of what you say, I find I generally agree with you -- at least so far.  You seem to have sense in you.

"As do you, Chye.  We're in redlight, so there should be places all around that will serve us a snack -- let's follow our noses for fried onions or potatoes."

20:33, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 13 using 3d6.  area knowledge: northport - 13.[to find sahudese owned place]
Chye gave Ardenas a bow. "Chye know a place we can go, nearby. Make some coin, maybe as much as $5 or more in an hours time."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Sun 25 Dec 2016.

"Five copper?" Quint frowned. "Surely your time is worth more'n five copper. If yer skint, I can lend you some coin, no need to beg for a lousy five copper."

Chye laughed. "Well, I have $7, so I have enough. $5 is the least Chye can expect for mere, acoustic background playing. Chye poet, and singer as well, can bring in more. Depends on type of patrons and house. Chye stay in rooms when possible, much nicer than hanging hammock in the rafters near the window, in guild common room. Chye know sahudese place in red light. Get good hospitality."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Sun 25 Dec 2016.

"Tell yer what," Quint said. "I'll give ya ten copper not to play a bloody fing."

Chye just holds out his jingasa, grinning broadly, waiting for the distinctive plunk the coins make on it's steel.

Quint opens his coin-purse and ten copper pieces float out and hover in a circle around Chye. "Unnastan' it's not on account of your music. Your music's fine, I'm sure. It's because it doesn't look good for a guildsman to be buskin' fer dosh like a common beggar. People say, 'wot kinda talent can the guild be fieldin' if it can't afford to pay its folk a livin' wage?' an' 'wots wif dat Chye, can't afford a room at th' inn on account of spendin' his coins on fancy armor and that big sticker ov 'is?' Appearances must be maintained, lad."

The coins spin slowly in place.

Chye collects the coins into his pouch, giving it some of it's heft back in the bottom. "Lock picks aren't exactly cheap either, friend. heh heh heh..."

"Psht, what, fifty coppa? I can float you the loan, you need some picks. Flat 20% interest. Buy you a set right now, you gimmie sixty copper when you can afford it. Fair enough, aye?"

chye produces a small, leather, roll-up case of picks. "I spend my last $50 on these. A worthy investment."

"Get with Chye, after we get paid."

"Well, Chye, where's this Sahudese place you were talking about?  I don't speak a word of the language, but a competent Sahudese cook can make rice and vegetables into a real meal -- food with some flavor, not like the hot brown at the Guild.

"For whatever it's worth, I know broke -- Oly's into me for a silver as it stands.  I certainly hope there's a payday at the end of this thing.  Lepkur ought to cough up something; he'll be able to make sense of his sports book once things calm down."

"You like Sahudese food? Chye maybe teach you cook Sahudese; Chye cook, as well. Chye not vegetarian, but they say in Sahud, that one has not eaten that day, unless one has had rice!"
Chye leads the group through red light to a sahudese owned restaurant surrounded by a walled courtyard and a  second story and a third story room addition built on, and attached by wooden stairs leading up.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Sun 25 Dec 2016.

"You lot go on. I've got me own preparations to make, an' they don't involve lunch." Quint gave the others a wave as they left.

An hour later, and you all make your way back to the offices of Huralda.

"'Ow was lunch?" Quint asks.

"Chye spend $7 on pho, dumplings, and wine-pot. Two $ on rice with bean curd and tea for monk."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:12, Sun 25 Dec 2016.

"And my thanks to you, Chye.  I'll have to remember where that place is; it's always good to find a shop that cooks their rice the way I like it."

Ardenas takes a seat on the bench to wait for their guide through the darkness.

"Not many places outside western docks. More to place, besides restaurant...but good food."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 91):

The guard directs you back into Huralda's office.
"Now time for journey in the dark."
She reaches behind the desk to withdraw a number of sacks.

"Chye not gonna like this..."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 93):

"You want to see Ganosh, you no see how to get to him."

"Yes, Chye understand."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 95):

The guard pulls a sack over each of your heads, and oushes a koop of rope into each of your hands. She leads you up onto the dias, advising you to watch yoyr step, and you hear a door open ahead.

Oly goes along obediently

"We sack-heads now. Hahahaha!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:55, Mon 26 Dec 2016.

"Dun get why thas' a joke, Chye. Would you mind explainin' it?"

"Chye not like this, but sure we look funny."

"Yeah, but does 'sack-heads' mean anyfin'? Is that, like, a joke? Cuz on account of you laughin' an' all."

"No meaning other than we parade with sacks on our heads, we sack-heads by definition!"

"I guess I don't get the Sahudese sense of humor," Quint said.

"Very blunt, less word-play and hidden meanings."

"You'd have to understand both the Northport an' Sahudese humors to make the comparison, I suppose."

Ardenas walks along quietly.  Now seems a good time to practice the skill Master Albreth possessed, of knowing his surroundings by hearing when sight is taken.

Astra had balked at the attempt to place the hood over his head until he could curl his hair up under it. Once his hair was properly set, he nodded for the hood and began to follow the orders as best he could.

"I fail to see any humor in hiding my face." Astra grumbled.

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 107):

You are led down a spiral stair, then make several turnings and pass through two squeaky gates, after a long walk with a
 few more turns, and one les squeaky one, before heading up
Another flight of steps, into a room where you hear a gate slam behind you.the space feels close, and the air is still.

"We here yet?"

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 109):

There is no immediate  answer, and no further tug on the rope.

Ardenas waits for what he estimates to be a full minute after the last movement, then lifts one hand from the rope to raise the bag from his face -- prepared to lower it again if needed.

"Chye hope we not in jail..." Chye lifted the bag upwards, leaving it half drooped over his head, like a smurf's cap.

Oly too raises his hood carefully and glances around quickly for location and any threats.

In reply to Oly (msg # 113):

You are in near total darness, in a fairly confined space. You can make out the edge of the door that was just closed .
Ardenas  can feel that the mana is quite low.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:12, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

18:28, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 9 using 3d6.  perception ( 12 ).
Chye fully removes the sack, and after letting his eyes adjust, he heads up to the door that shut behind them and listens. "Quint-san, you make magic-light?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Wed 28 Dec 2016.

"Can I what?" Quint asked. "Oh. No. Movin' things about is really all I can do. But perhaps we're best off trusting our hosts, aye?"

"Hmm.. for now, yes. We not make orcs angry, while we in their power."

"Yes, Quint, I think we must, at least for a time.  Comes the time, I'm confident one of us can get past that door.  As for light, I have a bottle of lamp oil and if we're to be here long enough, we could unravel sacks for a wick, but I've no way to light it.  My tinderbox is in my backpack, back at the Guild.

"That now seems like an oversight, I'll have to remember to move it to my pouch when we get back.

"For now, however, let's just wait to see what our hosts will do."

"Chye always prepared. Have flint 'n steel and a quantity of kindling...should we need it. Chye can pick-a-lock. We wait and see."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:44, Thu 29 Dec 2016.

"You're not the only one here who can pick locks, Chye.  I also have some magic -- not fire or light, more's the pity, but I can lift a bar I can't touch, at least sometimes, open a lock by magic, walk up a wall, or even levitate myself or another -- though the greater spells are very tiring and I lack the knack true wizards have of recovering their spent strength quickly.  Most of my power is in my fists and feet, and the chi I focus through them."

"Ah. Is good, then."

Openin' da door ain' da  problem... geddin' ouda here pasd dem guardz iz. I dink we on hold fer da big guy.

"They just not want us see inside wherever is, we are..We be okay."

Quint stepped close to Chye, speaking quietly.

Chye responded with a puff of hot air then replied.

 Quint clicked the corner of his mouth - tsk tsk - and snapped his fingers. "Square? Square."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Thu 29 Dec 2016.

Only after the others had removed their hoods, did Astra remove his. Immediately he began to adjust his hair, brushing it smooth once again.

"Whatever, Aralaise. Don't get your bowels upset."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:37, Thu 29 Dec 2016.

"I said my piece, Chye." Quint responded quietly, waiting for whatever came next.

Chye's cheshire grin shows through the darkened room, and he gives Quint a reassuring nudge.
"心配しないでください！
Shinpaishinaidekudasai!" He then moves to a corner of the room, spreads his sack out,  sits down, and takes a small sip from his bota.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Thu 29 Dec 2016.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 130):

Finding a corner isn't  as easy as you might think, the room
 is about four feet by four yards. As Chye is trying to
maneuvere, a hatch opens about four feet above you. Dim light
 filters down, and you can see the glowing eyes of a few orcs
 above.

"We meet Gonash now, and speak?" Chye says towards the pairs of eyes.

"I hope my companion is correct.  We were brought here by Huralda's guards, to see Gonash -- or so we were told.  I am Ardenas, called Barehand; these are Oly, Chye, Quint, and Astra Black.  I hope we are welcome."

Chye places his palms together and bows, when his name is mentioned.

Quint waits to see what happens.

In reply to Quint (msg # 135):

"I am Ganosh. Huralda has told me of you. Now tell
Me what Rigo offers in exchange for interfering in Televodnica affairs.?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

Chye looks at Ardenas expectantly.

"Elder, Guildmaster Bleak has instructed me to convey his offer of a small percentage of the mercantile business from the newly opening undercity access routes, as well as employment for Urhaqui as guards, laborers, and support staff in that new business.  In exchange, he requests only that Urhaqui people, including juggers and their followers, cease destroying goblin businesses and property so that order may be restored and businesses important to the Guild may resume normal operation.

"Astra, have you anything else to add?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 138):

"You have come a long way to tell me this, even robbing Khrosh while he slept. Yes, I know it was you, your man with the scar is distinctive. Khrosh  needed to be taken down a peg, so I will permit that action to stand. My people now hold the only legitimate access to the undercity, but DAS only employs a few dozen of my people."

"With the new routes opening, it seems to me, Elder, that there are two choices available to you.  The route you hold can become a byway, used only by your own people, and those employed in it can slowly lose their livelihoods as trade grows on the Guild's new routes.  Or, you can work with the Guild and take a small share of the trade on the new routes, and see still more of your people employed with them, possibly in positions to advance or gain insider knowledge of events below.

"Urhaqui as a people become poorer one way, and gain wealth the other.  You would give up a little control if you work with the Guild, perhaps, but what you stand to gain seems much greater.  Wealth creates power, does it not?"

Chye is silent and still with anticipation.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 141):

"I can exert my will against Khrosh as an exercise
of power, and gain from a transaction without any loss of
face. I need to hear this request from the one who craves the
boon. Bring me the loving couple."

Da Goblinz ain' gonna buy dad ad all... We mighd be able do dake you dere...maybe.

In reply to Oly (msg # 143):

Ganosh frowns.
"Coming to me as suplicants you do not dictate the terms to me. If they need reasurrances, bring Fezokeel and
his hidden archers, and we meet someplace open and neutral- say on the docks in front of the Rusty Marlinspike. Go. You have two hours."

Chye gives a bow to Ganosh, and gets his sack ready for the inevitable "journey in darkness" once more.

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 144):

Dad will probably work much bedder. Ledz zee whad we can do.

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 144):

Dad will probably work much bedder. Ledz zee whad we can do.

"That, at least, is possible, if we can be released promptly to the outside.  I can make no guarantee, for there are others not with us who must agree, and I will not attempt to force Glosso and Hramina from their hiding place against their will.  To be seen walking the streets of Redlight right now would be death for them."

"We do not dictate terms sir, but merely come here in good will to offer something in return of something else. An exchange, a barter if you will. The guild offers up money and status in exchange for peace. I ask you to consider the long-term effects of a goblin-orc civil war. Neither side would be trusted within the confines of this city and would likely be ostracized or even worse banned."

Astra stepped forward,

"When your people look back on this time will they see you as,"

He held out one hand,

"Someone that brought his people forth from the chaos, whom stories and tales will be told for generations to come or,"

He held out his other hand,

"as just another blind politician?"

"We also keep Hadereum out of the matter. The choas need to abate, for it has attracted their attention...and nobody likes them. Let's not make this "official" Gonash-sama."
"We meet you at "rusty-tavern."  ( xD )

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 149):

"Tell the goblin I would want to see a man before
me, not a child."

We da only men involved... da rezzd iz goblinz and orcz...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Tue 03 Jan 2017.

"'E means man as in adult, not as in 'human'," Quint spoke quickly, hoping to distract from the fact that Oly had insinuated that orcs could not be 'men.'

"I will convey your sentiment, but remember, please, that he is a qwik, not an enforcer or chain.

"Now, if we are to bring Glosso and Hramina to the Rusty Marlinspike in two hours, we needs be on our way, Elder."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 153):

"Hoods on then!"
You are led out of the room once rehooded, and down another twisting route
before being brought back up into Huralda's shop.

Oly complies and lines up with the others

Once back at the shop, Quint turned to Ardenas. "So what now, guv?"

"Not to be the bearer of bad tidings, but does anyone else feel like this is a trap?"

Astra immediately went to work smoothing his hair.

"Meeting in open, neutral area, and goblin archers will be hidden nearby, should things take a nasty turn... But maybe we have a cadre of heavily armed men, in addition?"

Quint grinned and folded his arms. "No one in Northport is a nastier or deadlier foe than the Adventurer's Guild, an' e'rrybody knows it. That reputation's a weapon sharper than any sword, more deadly than any spell. Better ally at your back than a hundred soldiers.

"Orcs n' gobbos might be a bit miffed at each other, but neither will risk a war with the Guild. They know the guildmasters wouldn't be able to let that happen without retaliating, and the combined power in the Common Room at any given moment is enough to reduce this city to rubble in a matter o' hours."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Sat 07 Jan 2017.

"Osu!" Chye makes a fist, and beams.

Zdill, a liddle dizplay o' power may be gud, zo dey know da Guild iz nod playin' round.

"I don't typically like to be so flash, but I could float on in, I suppose. Or Ardenas can show off some of his acrobatic skill. Chye can do whatever it is Chye does. Remind them that we're, y'know, Adventurers, and not the sort to be trifled wif."

Wuz dinkin a dizplay o' Forze, not a mini-circuz.

Chye laughs boisterously. "Bwahaha!"

"Maybe we get a few orcs and goblins from guild to stand with us.. for politics." "It demonstrate the cosmopolitan way of guild, and also show our might."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Sat 07 Jan 2017.

"Seems a bit unnecessary. Strength of the guild ain't in line soldiers and hired thugs, but in the personal power of its members, aye? An' thas' us."

Chye nods. "Rigo-sama seemed to think that our group would be enough. We maybe do as he say, and not involve others, after all.."

"Well, first we have to get Razpodiel and his crew, and hope they're not in the middle of guarding Fezokeel or Raquizell, and we have to get to Glosso and Hramina and convince them to come along -- and we need to do the latter in less than an hour, so as to have time to get to the Rusty Marlinspike over in Dockside.

"Oly, you can get past the gate, and I can't.  You go get Glosso and Hramina and talk them into going with us while I run to the Green Man to try to find Razpodiel.  See if you can find hooded cloaks for both of them, so they can walk in the streets without being obvious.  If you see Zeelzeel along the way, see if he can't raise a few folks to help.  Even kobolds.  I'll meet you at the gate, and if I can't find Razpodiel we'll see if there's a backup plan better than telling Gonash the archers are on the roofs when they're not.

"I doubt anyone here can keep up with me on a speed run, so the rest of you head to the Cathedral and wait for us outside."

OK, Will do...    Oly departs and heads to the Guild.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:29, Sun 08 Jan 2017.

Chye heads for the cathedral to wait.

Once it looks like everyone is heading in the suggested direction, Ardenas heads off toward The Green Man at top speed, planning to simply run around any orc-goblin trouble that appears ahead.

OOC: Backpack was left back at the Guild, so move 8.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 171):
 Ardenas arrived quickly at the Gren Man,
Oly arrived at the guild (with Astra?) and finds Zeelzeel available.

Chet (and Quint?) Are outside the cathedral where father Robard is saying mass to a congregation of mostly goblins

Quint relaxed at the cathedral. This job was resolving itself to be quite the milk run.

ZeelZeel, we need your help... He explains the situation.  Ganozh wandz Hramina and Glozzo dere zo he  can blezz de arrangemend. I be concerned myzelf ... Ganozh didn' zeem zold on da deal. I dink a zdrong guld prezzence should be dere do make id clear we don't wan no funny zduff. Can you ged de kidz up here?I wanna dalk do Rigo an de udder guild mazderz.

On arriving at The Green Man, Ardenas walks for a few minutes as his breathing and pulse return to normal after the run, then steps inside and looks around for Razpodiel.  If he isn't in sight, Ardenas will step up to the bar and ask after him.

Chye finds and sweeps an alcove in a wall, out of the way of traffic. Then, sits cross legged, and begins to play his instrument almost meditatively, quiet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:24, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 176):

Zeelzeel dashes off to collect the star crossed lovers,and Astra accompanies Oly to see Rigo,

Meanwhile, Quint notices movement amongst the gargoyles of the Cathedral, and Chye has a copper coin tossed to him.

Ardenas arrives breathlessly at the Green man, his presence
drawing stares from the goblins, including Fezokeel's archers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:09, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

Quint's face, body language, and expression betrayed no hint that he'd noticed anything, and indeed he seemed largely lost in thought as he maneuvered to get a better look at what he'd seen, all while looking like he wasn't looking.

ooc: 21:17, Today: Quint rolled 7 using 3d6.  Observation-13.

Having rushed upstairs, Oly tries to see Rigo ... We god an izzue... and a zhrod fuze. I needda zee Rigo.

00:34, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 17 using 3d6+1.  performance - 12 +1 [attentive +1, -3 to distraction].
00:32, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 15 using 3d6+1.  musical instrument (shamisen) - 15 +1 [ attentive +1, -3 to distraction].
After a gradual intro, Chye works into a fine, momentous melody... but in the middle of his performance, his string breaks *ploink!* "Awwwww! This going to take a moment, but Chye fix.." Chye begins to remove the broken string, and prepares another, after fishing through his pouch. "There go Chye's fancy dinner-plans..."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:29, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

In reply to Oly (msg # 179):

"Oly, Astra, where are we in our negotiations?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:33, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

In reply to Quint (msg # 178):

One of the gargoyles moves, and seems to notice Quint looking up at it.

In reply to Rigo Bleak (msg # 181):

Ganozh wands uz do bring Glozzo, Hramina and Fexokeel do de docks zo he can blezz da pair... in aboud an hour an zum... He iz acdin zorda hi and mighdy and I don' feel zo gud aboud diz zetup. I wuz dinkin' dad maybe we needed a liddle Guild muzcle do make id real clear da aanyding funny mighd cozd him zerious ...

Quint gives the gargoyle a wave.

Finishing replacing the middle string, he looks towards Quint and sees him waving. He looks upwards to see what's going on. "Who?"

"Chye, how long have you been in Northport?"

"Chye has been Northport, six moons."

"Do people in Sahud refer to themselves in the third person alla time?" Quint was curious. "Yer always Chye this an' Chye that. Is that a cultural thing? Nobody says 'I' or 'me' or whateva?"

"Chye is my family name. Am Isuel, my given name. In Sahud, we call by family name, first. Also, Chye cannot speak aralaise, as glibly as he speak sahudese! Hoho.." OOC the way he speaks in sahudese, is considered brazen and macho in real japanese culture, but depending on who the person is, and who you are and what you can do, you can get away with it.this is especially true in the word choices i use for him, when i do dialogue.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Wed 11 Jan 2017.

"Well, yeah, but does everybody talk about themselves usin' the family name instead of whatever is Sahudese for 'I' and 'Me'? I mean, dun get me wrong, mate, speakin' more languages is impressive, but thas' some basic basic, it is.

"When youse th' one doin', it's 'I'. When its bein' done to you, it's 'me.' I am teachin' you. You is listenin' to me. Savvy? Master the use o'... wossname, pronouns... and you sound 200% more intelligent." He held up two fingers. "Two. Hunned. Percent. People give you more money for your music if you don't talk like some forigner fresh off the boat, don't know the value of a copper piece, aye?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

Chye laughs: "Osu! With aralaise, at least. Around my people, Chye get respect and good hospitality. Have some to do with, we small here too... hehe. "I" maybe learn.."

He leaned back. "That was somethin' I wanted to mention to you. See, buskin' for coin, it's basically beggin', aye? You ain't no beggar, Chye. You're a member of a guild. You've got a real job. You've got status. Respect.

"Yeah, sure, Adventurer's Guild is just the Thieves' Guild wif a coat of paint. But it's powerful. Both in politics and in the economy. You're a member of a powerful organization of criminals and near-criminals. Like the, wossname, blokes you got o'er in Sahud, wif all the tattoos, missin' fingers an' the like. What are they called?

"Doesn't matter. Point is, yer not a beggar. And it's embarassing to have you goin' round beggin' for coin from strangers. So if you need some dosh to keep afloat, I will lend you coin. Understand? More honor to a borrow than a begging."

"Guild in Northport, similar to various tongs. Triad, yakuza, and clans of ninja. In jianghu, they too are a part of. But, righteous leaders bring others together, and keep order and bring justice." Chye laughs: "Chye, when "Busking" half the time, just amusing myself when we outside. Playing for patrons in-house not begging, performing! Besides, not look like beggar in the least. Quality fit for man-at-arms." Chye strikes his chest plate, with an armored fist, and gives his fine polearm a thump. *They are well polished, maintained, and Chye himself is well groomed and bathes regularly, unlike the majority in Northport. xD*
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:27, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

"Who you, Quint-san? Tell Chye your story?" He offers Quint his bota which is filled with plum wine.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

Once his breathing is fully under control, Ardenas steps over to the archers' table.  "Are you fellows busy?  If not, or if it's not critical, there's something going on with Glosso that I think you'll want to help with."  Ardenas pulls a chair from another table and sits.

"We've almost got a handle on this stuff going on between the orc juggers and your folk, but to finish it off, Gonash wants to see Glosso and Hramina in a public place.  Sort of proof of Glosso's courage, I think.  I don't even half trust Gonash; I think he's likely to try something -- but he did invite us to bring you boys, and my friend Oly is working on raising some muscle from the Guild while he collects the couple.

"We're to meet him on the dock in front of the Rusty Marlinspike in less than two hours.  Can you guys be on the roofs around there, watching your backs as well as the dock, in an hour?"

"Not everybody got a story, Chye. Sometimes folks is just folks. In my case, I came to Northport to join the guild. Beats being a farmer, or what have you, aye? Plan is to do good work, put on a good face for the higher ups, get noticed. Build a reputation as reliable."

"You worry Chye cramp your style, eh Aralaise? Hohoho"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:16, Tue 10 Jan 2017.

"Nah, you just remind me of a little bruvver I once had. Makes me want to look out for you, aye?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 195):

"Come on, men! It is finally goung down!"

In reply to Oly (msg # 183):

"Let me come along on this. I xan formally  present the deal to Ganosh. We can bring Charra and some Halberdiers "

In reply to Quint (msg # 198):

The gargoyle  vegins to descend the wall toward Quint and Chye.
"Ho there. You were with Hitomi before, on behalf of my climbing young ones, yes?"

"Hoi! Who you?" Chye steps back a bit.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

In reply to Rigo Bleak (msg # 181):

"Well."

Astra sighs and takes a deep breath.

"It seems that old cranky orc wants to meet with the two star-crossed lovers that are causing this whole mess. Not sure if that's good or bad, but we've got to bring the lovely couple to meet the orc within an hour.  Not exactly as I had thought the meeting would go, but, chaos is the natural order of things."

Quint gave the creature a grin. "Guild business, aye. Should be peaceful enough, but you an' yours may wish to keep to the high eaves, just for safety's sake."

"Very important, Razpodiel -- we're trying to quell this trouble, not start it up again.  Don't be afraid to let Gonash see you, though.  He's expecting you."

In reply to Quint (msg # 204):

The stony skinned gargoyle nods to Chye.
"I am Goyle. These young athletes have been running
roughshod over the cobblers and fishwives trying to get to my
small friends. A little bird told me you are bringing him to
 the surface. I can watch from on high."

"Am Chye. Glad you on our side, friend."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 207):

The archers muster out and exit the Green Man.

Astra, Rigo, Oly and Yeoman Charra, along  with six of her halberdiers  head out toward the docks.

Zeelzeel is on his way to the hobgoblin arena, to retrieve the doomed pair.

Goyle flies above to the cathedral roof.

Once Razpodiel's crew is on their way, Ardenas makes another speed run to the cathedral to meet up with Chye and Quint.

Quint is relaxing and enjoying the nice day.

Oly fades back in the group, as he isn't a front line fighter. He find a good spot to watch and to slip in from the side or back should he need to.1

Chye gets himself ready, making sure he looks his ceremonious best, polished, and in order.

In reply to Oly (msg # 211):

At the cathedral, Chye and Quint can see Ardenas approaching.

A distance beyond him are a number of halberd bearing guard types in chainmail walking in formation.

Ardenas slows down a block or so away, on spotting Chye and Quint.  The walk of a couple minutes gives him a chance to get caught up on his breathing before arriving.  Once he's close, he speaks.

"Good to see you here.  I guess Oly hasn't made it here yet?"

"Not see Oly-san, but look!" Chye points in the distance at the procession approaching. "His doing, no doubt. They come! Maybe he with them, or maybe he hide somewhere with friends."

"Ah, they're coming from the direction of the Guild.  And they look like the halbardiers from the Guild, too.  Seems as if Oly had some results."

"Few in guild would command such entourage... Rigo-sama? This bigger than Chye think!"

"Anyone with the coin can hire as many men as they like. So we decided not to go with discrete, then?"

"Discrete is a matter of opinion. Rigo could've just had the old orc offed in some extravagant manner. Body quartered and hung in the four corners of Northport. Now that would a bit beyond discrete. Gotta meet an equal force with an equal resistance. It's the civilized thing to do."

Astra smiles at Quint, "Besides. A small combat between less than a dozen brave warriors makes for horrible poetry and song."

"Nah, all the best songs are about lone heroes off fightin' on their own. Sometimes two. Four to six at most. After that, the GM attention gets split and nobody gets spotlight time."

"Chye say, "less is more". Agree with Quint-san."

Astra shrugged, "The ladies adore a man of action and bravado, but prefer it if they had a selection to choose from."

"Berk, you're talkin' madness. Write a song about more n' a dozen, and what does each character get? One line if it's a sonnet, maybe a stanza if it's an epic tha' goes on for days." Quint laughed. "You wanna make the ladies fall in luv, you need to give dem enough time wif a bloke to fall in luv wif 'em."

He gestured. "Say you got your song about twenty random soldiers in a ragin' battle, aye? You give 'em each one line, maybe two, by the end of the song nobody remembers 'oo they was. But you got a big nice song about one fellow... Roland or Gilgamesh or Lancerlot or Stagger Lee or some uvva big damn 'ero, an' thas what people like.

"Is all about wossname... character development, aye? Maybe get away wif an ensamble o' six at most. But single blokes or maybe two folks do ya best."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:00, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

"Threes company, but the more, the merrier!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:54, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

"Er'ry character you add makes the song tha' much longa. An you know how attention spans is. You tell a story of Price Handsome an' all the ladies swoon. You go froo each an' erry one of the knights of cydonia, and you get folks swoonin as they fall asleep from the history lesson, aye?"

*Guffaw*

"All musical discussion aside, once the halbardiers catch up, assuming they really are for us, we'll all need to quickstep off to Dockside.  I'm not certain, but I believe we'll have enough time to get there at their marching rate and get into position before Gonash's deadline.

"I certainly hope Oly managed to bring the guests of honor for this party.  Otherwise, there are going to be a lot of disappointed people on the dock."

"Well. Whoever fetched them shoulda sent them straight dockside, I think. No reason to bring 'em here first, aye? For that matter, Chye an' I prolly could a waited dockside as well."

Oly appears behind the Halberdiers and makes his way to Ardenas.  Rigo came diz way... I am confuzed... I wuz dinckin' id waz dockzide. ZeelZeel wen' for da couple.

"Assuming Zeelzeel comes through, and no one recognizes the lovers along the way, we should still make it in time.  Razpodiel and his crew have been expecting something like this, apparently, and are on their way to the Rusty Marlinspike.

"Wait -- did you say Rigo came this way?"  Ardenas looks around.  "Rigo came, in person?!  No wonder there's a whole squad of halbardiers.  Well, with their marching pace, we'd best get on our way to Dockside.  Wouldn't want to be late."

"Err... why did you 'ave me and Chye waitin' here 'steada dockside?" Quint asked.

"Yeah! Chye could have waited in tavern."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 232):

As Charra and six of her halberdiers pass, you can see that they are accompanied  by the guildmaster in full brigandine.
He nods gravely as he passes. Clair is in the following, and breaks off toward you. Lepkur is also walking with Rigo.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Mon 16 Jan 2017.

Quint cracks off a sharp salute.

Chye places his palms together and bows.

"Quint, I thought this would be a central location where we could all gather, to go to the docks together.  I expected Oly to bring Glosso and Hramina, and all of us together could better keep them safe as we travel.  With Zeelzeel bringing them, perhaps by ways I don't know, this seems less effective, but at worst we'll be there alongside the halbardiers.

"Clair, thank you for introducing us to Huralda.  She did in fact take us to Gonash, as you can see.  Now we find out whether Gonash is in any way a reasonable person."

Gesturing for Quint and Chye to follow, Ardenas falls in with Rigo and the halbardiers.

"If you say so." Quint did not sound convinced.

Chye follows without further comment.

Oly slips off to one side and follows.

In reply to Oly (msg # 239):

Your sizeable party makes their way to the docks. A fair
amount of orcs serm to be lounging in the alleyways.  There
is no sign of the watch.

Hravetta is there, along with Gonash and Huralda, and Murfash
 is there, looking smug, along with an irate Khrosh.
Rochecko the bard and Margosh are also among those  with Gonas.

Oly looks around, then peels off to find Zeelzeel and warn him of the Orcs in Alleys.

In reply to Oly (msg # 241):

Oly recalls something  Zeelzeel said about the nearest entry point to the undercity to the docks-The rat gate. He probably will be coming from under a dock at the wharf edge, and not by the alleys.

Oly heads that way as discretely as he can, looking for possible problems...

Once the main group gets close to Gonash's group, Ardenas steps out ahead, makes a show of looking around at the number of visible Urhaqui, and then stops in the open space and projects his voice to let as many hear as possible without seeming to shout.

"I see many of your people, Elder.  I see Murfash looking like he's just eaten the last sweetmeat, which makes Khrosh's expression puzzling.  Please, fill us in as we wait for the appointed time and the arrival of the man of the hour and his lover.  Have you planned something more subtle than a sound beating for all of us who would challenge you -- even the Guildmaster?"  With that, he gestures toward Rigo and falls silent.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 244):

The Urhaqui elder chuckles.
"I am a popular figure, and I have a following,
which suits me. Khrosh has recently  lost something dear to
him,and Murfash presumes something is about to be returned to
him. I have not disabused him of this notion, as it may be easier to show him. As you have gotten the better of a few in
 the Televodnica already, I am not as inclined to offer a
beating, less so to my good friend Rigo Bleak, who brought the door guards with him. Old Aemon must be having a fit time
Peacebonding weapons without them to back him up."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:30, Wed 18 Jan 2017.

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 245):

"Nonsense. Aemon has a few other squads in reserve. Guild business carries on as usual, although recent events
have been hurting certain revenues. I thought you might be able to assist me there."

Oly slides off to one side, his senses on high alert.

With Rigo having entered the discourse, Ardenas slips to the side of the unit of halbardiers, looking around at rooftops to try to spot Razpodiel's archers.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 248):

Ardenas can't see the archers, but notices that the Rusty
Marlinspike has acquired a gargoyle.

From his vantage, Oly can see that Karlow
has four people  with him; Zeelzeel, Pallido the hobgoblin,
and the two young lovers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:22, Wed 18 Jan 2017.

Oly tries to inconspicuously run interference for the group as they make their way toward Rigo.

Chye keeps an eye out for sudden movements and commotion from beyond his position, and Rigo-sama, as he listens to the parley.

Quint has no reason to think anything is amiss, so he just enjoys the spectacle.

In reply to Quint (msg # 252):

The master of the Televodnica is the first to spot Pallido as he and the others  arrive on the docks. Zeelzeel changes his
 grip on his Spear at the sight of the crowd.

"You! You are behind this!"

In reply to Khrosh (msg # 253):

The hobgoblin pauses.
"I am before you, Khrosh. Only the stink you make is behind you."

Despite his directness, and the size advantage he has on the
orcish gym leader, the hobgoblin has broken into a sweat, and is figiting because of the crowd.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:29, Wed 18 Jan 2017.

In reply to Pallido (msg # 254):

"Easy, Krosh. You are here as a witness. Murfash,
contain yourself." He turns toward a wharehouse
beside the Marlinspike. "Why don't you six come down
And join us? I know your master has some stake in this matter."

Goblins in cloaks the color of roof tiles show themselves;
 it is Razakeel and his archers.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:23, Thu 19 Jan 2017.

Ardenas keeps silently watching Khrosh, Murfash, and Ganosh, waiting to see what will come of all this.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 256):

Ganosh turns back to Rigo as the archers climb down.
"As to this bit of business, none of it has ever come my way, so why would it's disruption trouble me?"

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 257):

"Lemmie give you a few points in dis bizness, so youse got an interest in tings."

"Gentlemen, please. All parties here wish this issue to end. Guildmaster Rigo has a solution that would allow everyone to walk away with more than they came into this with."

Astra looked to the elder orc then back to the goblin.

Chye just leaned on his polearm, his expression unreadable because of the shady brim obscuring his face.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 260):

"Ganosh, leader of a strong people, I bring to you a pair of petitioners. Hear their pleas in your strength and mercy."

In reply to Zeelzeel Shadowspear (msg # 261):

The young goblin steps forward, Hramina's hand in his, and bows.

"Sir, I  never meant to cause such disruption. I love
Hramina, and I stand before you to do right by her."

Hramina looks over at her mother Hravetta, and Huralda stands
 beside her, her arms crossly folded.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:55, Sun 22 Jan 2017.

In reply to Glosso (msg # 262):

"So you want to bring more half orcs into the world.
Do you know what this means?"

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 263):

Ooc, this would be a good time to try and sway the crowd

01:30, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 12 using 3d6.  Bard: 14.
01:29, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 9 using 3d6.  Diplomacy: 14.
Breaking the uneasy silence, Chye, in his stentorian voice, booms out a fine speech:
"This a grand opportunity for true unity amongst your two peoples! Please, do not see the union as a weakening of either's bloodline, but rather, an alliance..."*does a comparison of how influential houses often intermarry to forge lasting bonds, and also the benefits to be obtained from taking the guilds offer* When Chye finishes speaking, he looks first at Ganosh, then the pair of lovers, and then looks towards Rigo.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 265):

Ganosh glares at Chye.
"Before I was interrupted by this son of Sahud, I
asked what it means to bring more haf orcs into this world.
Med do not see them as being other than orcs, or something
separate from us, but as being of us, part of our people, and not something separate. Who here among the Urhaqi have family
that are not born entirely of Urhaqui parents?"
There is a fair amount of rumbling in the crowd.
"Are you prepared to not only be husband to an orc,
and father to an orc, but by extension, to be an orc?
 To be one of us, an Urhaqui?"

Chye settled back on his polearm.

"Why don't you an' Astra play something nice and calming?" Quint suggested. "Get everybody into an agreeable mood, aye?"

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 266):

There is some grumbling from the orcs, and also the goblins.

Khrosh  puts his arm around another male who seems to be of
mixed orcish blood, and the other returns the embrace.

Glosso looks Hramina straight in the eye, then turns to Ganosh  and speaks a carefully rehearsed phrase.
"Jsem připraven. I am ready."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Tue 24 Jan 2017.

"Hmmm...Chye think, make Ganosh sore. If pressed, this could get real ugly, real quick... What say you, Rigo-sama?"

In reply to Glosso (msg # 269):

"Pokud jste připraveni být zodpovědný, krok vpřed. If you are ready to be responsibl, then step forward."

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 271):

The orc bard starts to strum his lute and tap his foot. The
 other orcs begin tramping their feet to the same beat.

"Things seem well on they way..." Chye observed. "Maybe once sure, we play to celebrate happy union... Til then, Chye keep quiet, yes?"

"If you know the song, sure. Otherwise, maybe don't make a mockery of what they're doin', aye?" Orc art wasn't Quint's forte, and he had no idea how their music went.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 273):

Astra pucks up his instrument  and begins to play the same chords as Rochenko. A number of the orcs are now clapping rhythmically along.

Chye nods affirmative. "Not know, Orc song... Best let them have their party."
Chye does remove his jingasa as the ceremony goes underway, and bows toward Ganosh, and the couple, though. "Chye would throw rice... but he eat it.."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Tue 24 Jan 2017.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 276):

The young goblin steps forward boldly, and Ganosh punches him
squaely in the chest. The boy does not flinch.

In reply to Glosso (msg # 277):

The Urhaqui patriarch chuckles.
It is not an easy thing to be Urhaqi. We are assailed
 from all sides by those who wish us ill. Now, Hramina, stand
 beside your man, and tell me why a cheerer has refused the
affections of her jugger."

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 278):

Hramina takes Glosso's hand and glances over at Murfash.
"According to the rules of play, only the kwik can
touch the prize. Murfash is only a hook. Glosso is the best
Kwik in the league."

Ardenas mutters softly.  "I wish I'd thought of that."

"So this is about sports?" Quint asked Ardenas quietly.

Astra continues to play but leans over to whisper, "What is a jugger, a kwik and a hook? Pretty sure I have no idea."

Chye leans in and speaks: "Chye think it a ritualized game, which is used to divert aggressive youth, and keep them from killing each other.."

"Close, Chye.  The part about keeping them from killing each other is doubtful, but jugger is one of the more popular spectator sports, especially among the Urhaqui, goblins, and hobgoblins.  Short version: two teams try to move a dog skull to opposite ends of a field, and place it on a tall stake, while preventing the other team from doing so -- with what I'd consider deadly force.  More detail than that you'd probably best get by watching a few games, if you like that sort of thing.  I'm no expert."

"Chye stick with martial arts tournamants."

In reply to Hramina (msg # 279):

"That is a fair answer, my child. Now let us make an honest woman of you. Hramuna, do you take this kwik, Glosso, to be your mate?"

"Makes sense, I suppose. Give 'em a way to work out their differences that isn't just straight up fightin'."

In reply to Ganosh (msg # 286):

"Yes!"

In reply to Hramina (msg # 288):

"Then as This new young orc has already  declared himself for you, I pronounce you both to be married. Let none
contest this, for it is  my will that this conflict be done.
Now, Khrosh,  mind your juggers. Let there be a renewed prosperity of the Urhaqi people.
 Rigo, a word. And, Lepkur, I accept your offer."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:44, Wed 25 Jan 2017.

"HOIIIIIIIII!" Chye bellows, and applauds the happy union.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Wed 25 Jan 2017.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 290):

There are many cheers, mostly from goblins, and a general sigh of relief from Rigo's people. Rigo in particular   seems revieved.

"Congratulations! Now, drinks are on me in the Rusty Marlinspike!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

Chye follows Rigo-sama and company to the tavern.

Ardenas joins in the applause and cheering with as much enthusiasm as any of the goblin folk.  "Come on, guys, this may be the last time in your lives Master Rigo buys you a beer!"

Ardenas joins the movement toward the Rusty Marlinspike, knowing there is no way he'll get close enough to shake Glosso's hand or kiss Hramina any time soon.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 293):

As the ctowd converges on the bar, a lone twisted figure staggers on to the docks.  Small built and apparently nude,
It moves stiffly, its dusty form trails sand like grains.

"An ill-wind blows upon the docks Rigo." Astra's music playing stops as the figure moves closer.

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 295):

Catching a glimpse of it, Rigo leans into Astra.
"I need to close this deal-take care of whatever   it is! If you need an edge, take this!"
Rigo pulls a shortsword from his belt and presses it into the
Bard's hand.
"Get that back to me!"

Quint joins Astra. "You heard th' boss. Go on an' take care o' wha'ever tha' is."

Astra looks down at the blade and then back up to Rigo halfheartedly answering "Uh... Ok." then stepping away from the group towards the newcomer.

In reply to Astra Black (msg # 298):

As the Guildmaster enters the tavern with the orcish leaders,
the staggering thing is joined by another...and another...

As the numbers begin to build, Astra looks back towards the group and tries to find Chye, "Hey Chye! My master of war! Wanna give the singer a little hand here?" Astra slings his instrument then grips the shortsword in hand.

"Chye and Ardenas faffed off to the tavern long before these things showed up. Three of 'em, huh." Quint follows Astra, but doesn't get too close. "Suppose I could lend a hand. Pity Ardenas and Chye were so quick to head to the tavern and nobody stopped them, and they're too far away now to notice what's going on unless Rigo tells them. Guess it's up to us, aye?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

In reply to Quint (msg # 301):

A moment later a sheepish looking Ardenas and disgruntled   Chye step out of the bar.

"Oh, how fortuitous." He waved them over. "Rigo wants us to kill these things, aye?"

"Well, take care of it usually doesn't mean give it a massage and a nice steak."

"Nah, I was tellin' them." Quint said, cracking his knuckles as he began to rise slowly off of the ground. "Right. You blokes go on an... hit them or wha'eva it is you're good at, and I'll do what I do."

Oly, who has stayed away a ways, notes these new arrivals... they do not seem friendly or desirable to have around.  He slips into the shadows to watch.

Chye peers at the shambling undead in the distance, as he readies his naginata. "Evil-deads pay for taking away Chye's tavern-time."

01:59, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 13 using 3d6.  IQ - 12 ( Chye suspects something culturally familiar.) Unable just what to make of them, besides being salt-mummies,
Chye ties his kerchief, he keeps nuncheons in, around his nose and mouth. "Take care, these may burst open when struck!" Chye gives a muffled warning, as he falls upon the nearest one.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 07:09, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

Turning away from the Rusty Marlinspike, Ardenas looks for the things Quint and Chye are talking about.

"Burst open?  I'm guessing that's bad."

05:04, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  swung, cutting damage to neck.
05:01, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 15 using 3d6.  called shot (neck) using hit location maneuver - 15. Chye swung his naginata like a two-handed sword, giving a mighty: "Kiai!!!!"

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 310):

The head comes cleanly  off and bounces on the cobbles. The body wavers for a moment, then falls.
The head murmurs   "Pí"

Quint spreads his arms and flies overhead towards the salt zombies. He hovers and doesn't appear to do anything, but a shockwave of distorted air flies towards one of the creatures.

ooc: Round 1 Move to a position 6' above and 6' in front of the zombies. (4 yards distant)

Round 2: Attack. Hit. 12 damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

Chye stands fast, and waits, watching to see what Quint's attack does, and let's the other close some distance.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 313):

As the shockwave strikes it, the salt zombie is lifted off the pavement, and folded up, each arm snapping, and its spine bent back before it falls back yo the ground. It is still moving, but not effectively.

"Kimochi warii! Hahaha.." (Gross!)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

14:33, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 6 using 2d6+1.  swung, cutting damage to center mass. (what's left).
14:32, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 5 using 3d6.  sweeping attack - 15.
"Ge!" (Yuck!) Chye broom-swept at the remnants of the thing.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Fri 27 Jan 2017.

ooc: How about we let the other PCs get some action?

OOC: there's another one. Plus there may be more where that came from. Daddy-o.

ooc: Yeah there's the other one but it's been like one round of combat and other players get to act before you act twice.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

ooc- Not everyone is a fighter ...

This message was deleted by the player at 22:49, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

In reply to Oly (msg # 320):

Currently on the socks are Oly, Ardenas, Chye, Astra and Quint, who is flying about 4 yards up.

Just as Chye cleaved the salt corpse that Quint had mangled, an enormous man with
an even bigger sword strapped on his back pushes his way out of the Rusty Marlinspike.

Chye's warning in mind, Ardenas steps toward the third walking corpse, plants one foot, and unleashes a powerful kick to the salted corpse's head.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 323):

The skull of the dead thing is crushed under Ardenas' boot.

More of these things are coming, and there is a foul stench in the air, although these dead
things smell fairly antiseptic.

The Docks area is Quite wide, stretching from the Vineyards and estates to the West, over to
little Shevnia in the East, taking most of the width of the city.  there is a large cobbled
open area where cargo is deployed, and long wooden docks leading out to the ship in the
harbor. The southern edge of this clear space is mostly lined with warehouses and taverns like
 the Rusty Marlinspike, although the openings between them lead into a maze of alleyways and the community of distant foreigners and their markets that is little Sahud. Further South of
that is the mostly goblin Artisinal district and the mostly orcish Redlight district.

"Chye," Quint asked, watching as more appeared. "Why do you think they might explode?"

Hilerno had been sitting in the bar drinking, when he picked up on some commotion by the door -- a group of people starting to come in, then deciding not to -- with sounds of activity on the street just before a large crowd began filling the tavern. He stood, wiping his bearded mouth on his sleeve, and pushed against the current to leave, into the comparatively bright out of doors. There, he saw a group of adventurers heading to the docks, to confront... something he hadn't killed before.

He strode toward the group, drawing his sword. "I am Hilerno Orison," he says to the party in heavily accented Aralaise. "I would welcome joining the fray."

In reply to Hilerno Orison (msg # 326):

Several of the things stagger out if the alleyways, heading toward a Sahudese junk docked not far from you.

Is one within melee range?

12:52, Today: Chye Isuel rolled 11 using 3d6.  IQ - 12 .
Chye replied to Quint: "Chye think they may burst,'cos they dry and crumbly like old rice-cake." "Not want to breathe-in!" "Kussee!" ( It stinks! *exaggerated* ) Chye noticed where the dead were walking to and began to run towards the ship, recognizing it as Sahudese. He must know what causes them to go there!

In reply to Hilerno Orison (msg # 328):

You can close with it. The thing appears to be a powder coated leathery nude person with Asiatic features.

OOC: make an attack roll using the diceroller. It is set to roll 3d6, and you want to roll under your 2hd sword skill. Once rolled, roll your swing damage, adjusting the for roller, to Iirc 3d+2.

Quint flew about, firing another wave of concussive force down at another zombie. He seemed fairly relaxed about the whole business. "I really don't see these things exploding, Chye."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Fri 27 Jan 2017.

In reply to Quint (msg # 331):

Below the flying man, another of these dead things fokds ibto itself, its chest collapsing

From the shadows, Oly surveys the scene, looking for both opportunities to strike and to see where they were coming from.

Hilerno closes to one of the undead, swinging his large, two-handed sword. 13:20, Today: Hilerno Orison rolled 17 using 3d6.  Attack. If at or below hits, damage is... 13:22, Today: Hilerno Orison rolled 7 using 3d6+2.  Damage, if a hit.

In reply to Hilerno Orison (msg # 334):

As the dead thing lurches forward, it inadvertently ducks the blade.


Ok a 17 or 18 is normally a critical failure, but as your skill is at least equal to it, it becomes a simple miss.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:54, Sat 28 Jan 2017.

Moving to intercept another of the salt-coated things, Ardenas raises his voice.  "They're heading for that boat -- let's form a blockade on the dock.  Whatever they want, they shouldn't get it."

As he speaks, he unleashes another high kick, solidly connecting with the head once again.

OOC: Are the ones with destroyed heads staying down?

"Maybe they to go back to Sahud, for burial. Chye find out what on boat, or who!" Chye runs toward the moored ship, looking for the crew.