In reply to Oren (msg # 158):

"Why not buy Oxen? They are only $1500, and are stronger than mules?"

"Not as suited to swamps. I'm impressed that you knew how much oxen cost off the top of your head, though."

In reply to Oren (msg # 160):

"I know much about travelling, as travel around spreading the good word about Grom. Actually, some oxen are the best possible in the swamps. I have known of water buffalo being used, and they live in swamps given the option. But I could not tell you if they are available here, or how much they would cost...like I said, I don't care much for swamps myself."

"Nope, they're rubbish when it comes to any kind of rough terrain."

"Are you sure this mission is okay with Grom? I don't want you having your powers stripped away because you were off treasure hunting instead of spreading the word of Grom. That would be unfortunate."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 161):

"Gorm or Crom matter not to me. Let us feast tonight, because tomorrow we march."

"Kirpich, would you mind if Chunky carried a food pouch for me? It's about 21 lbs.  The rest of the food & water I will carry. I would appreciate it and endeavor to keep you entertained during the trip."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 164):

"Chunky can carry another 14 lbs before becoming heavily encumbered. He would be glad to carry 14 lbs of supplies though.

This mission is fine with Grom as long as I remain in contact with the earth at all times and you all get to hear about him, and see the benefit of his blessings."
This message was last updated by the player at 04:47, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

"Thank you, that's perfect."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 166):

"We are meeting in the morning? Let me see if I can sell Ashbury
another light stone and get a little extra scratch."

"Good. All I ask is that you respect our religious differences and don't get pushy about trying to convert us. It's rude."

Syvanus looks for a few merchants who seem a bit into their drink and have useful looking purses to bolster is own finances.


18:34, Today: Syvanus rolled 12 using 3d6. Pickpocket 2.

18:33, Today: Syvanus rolled 10 using 3d6. Pickpocket.


Made both
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

In reply to Oren (msg # 168):

Kirpich smiles.

"I assure you, I will let my actions do the talking. Grom is not a god of idle are manipulative words. All I ask is to give credit where credit is due, and I will do the same. No more, and no less."

Stringfellow decides to go and get a last bit of practice in before the journey.  He heads to a tavern that he had spotted earlier that was quieter than others. He sits himself in a corner near the doorway and proceeds to see if he can draw in more customers.

He warms up by playing the flute, performing some of the more popular songs among the working class.  This is usually a good way to draw in a crowd.

Then he tells some of the ever expanding tales of the near mythical Su and his fabulous bow.  The true story of Su has been lost through the ages, but bards have long since created many tales of adventures of the legendary man named Su.

These are followed by a rendition of the ballad of Jayne versus the evil boss Higgins.  A classic narrative where the outsider hero sees the townfolk struggling against the yoke of oppression, so he stands up for them and steals everything that the evil leader has, and he then distributes it amongst the downtrodden before he leads the pursuit out of town and disappears into legend.


21:36, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 13 using 3d6. Musical Instrument Woodwind - 15.
21:36, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 7 using 3d6. Singing - 15.
21:36, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 9 using 3d6. Public Speaking - 16.
21:37, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 12 using 3d6. Performance - 15.

Syvanus shows up and gives Stringfellow his $60 back.
Had a bit of luck...

From the prior night:

"Before we all split up, there's one last issue I wish to discuss. Contracts. Now, I have a standard contract that covers the basics of our arrangement - everyone gets a fair split, we share expenses, anyone who doesn't pull their weight gets a lower share, that sort of thing - as well as penalties if anyone tries to cheat the others."

"I'd like to remind you that the Adventurer's Guild was the Thieves' Guild too long ago."

"However, a mage friend of mine presented me with the opportunity to test out a magical contract he's developed. It would make those who sign it literally unable to cheat the other members of the party. We would be guaranteed to not have to worry about any of us taking a little bit extra."

He folded his arms. "It's $200. I'm willing to cover most of the cost myself, but I'm $40 short. So I ask two questions:"

"One: Are you willing to sign a magical contract that prevents you from cheating the rest of us?"

"Two: Are you willing to give me $6 for the security that none of the rest of us are going to cheat you?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 173):

"I'm in. Is this Spielgud's multiperson version of Oath? I definately need to read that over before signing."

"Sure, I'll have a copy prepared when we depart in the morning."

I'd like to read it too, before signing, but I am not against the idea.

I've spent all I have in preparation, I'll not borrow any more either... so if it costs, I won't participate... andI do want to read anything I do sign.

"The standard contracts I like to use are pretty simple. It lays out the terms of our shares. Let me break it down."

"First, our take is made up of everything we come across from the moment we leave. When we get back, we get everything appraised, and this includes the mule and whatever supplies remain."

"First we deduct Oly's $1200, then we divide the value of our take by the number of surviving party members. That's the value of a share."

He clapped his hands. "Note that this total is based upon everything we find. If we find a potion, and you drink it, that potion's value is part of the total, and will be considered part of your share."

"Anyway, after we have the value of shares, you can opt to take any art or weapons or magical items or books instead of coins, at the value they're appraised at. Everything else will be sold for as much as I can get for it."

He put his hands in his pockets. "Anyone caught trying to cheat the others will face severe penalties. We'll level charges against you with the guild, and I will personally set out to ruin your reputation and make sure nobody ever works with you again."

"Does anyone have anything else they want added to the contract?"

"Sounds ok so far, but I would like to know what supplies are on the mule."

Oren pulled out his shopping list. "Sure thing. You can inspect it tomorrow morning."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

Seems logical enough...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 181):

"I can sign a contract, and spare the $6 you ask for. But I will have no more cash. Grom takes a dim view of his servants cheating, and I have no intention of doing so."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 182):

"The terms sound reasonable, with the risks... shares determined by number of survivors."




Continued in On the Road to Shevnia
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Sun 06 Mar 2022.