The streets here are paved with smooth cobbles, and there are public fountains in the squares.
 The lower floors are shops, while the upper floors are apartments and warehouses.
The buildings have mostly been whitewashed recently, and the individual stores are not as
small as those in the streets of the artisanal district. There are also fewer stalls, except
for a large set for produce around the fountain.  Similarly, unlike the nearby redlight
district, the apartments above the shops do not seem to house boarders, although there is a
 large inn near the Merchant's guild hall, and unlike redlight, the streets are swept clean of debris, and private guards stand by the larger places.

We stop a Merchant and ask if he knows this fellow Rush Brokadin ... and what he knows of him...
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Tue 06 Oct 2015.

Sorsha walks along looking for anyone she knew. [Private to GM: She looks for any thieves guild members she knows]

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 3):

The merchant shakes his head.
"Brodakin...it doesn't sound familiar. The guild will have him on its rolls."

[Private to Sorsha:The rogues guild was officially
 disbanded and incorporated into the Adventurer’s Guild. You do, however spot a fellow who works for the fence you sold
the cultists gear to.]

Is there an Orc section to this market area?

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 5):

Melchizadek just foollows Stark, as this is not a place he frequents.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 6):

Aoife follows Sorsha, also looking for familiar faces.

Gorgath goes as well.  He frowns while looking for his old colleague.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 5):

"I am not sure if there is an orc section, let me check with this merchant. She goes over to talk with a merchant. [Private to GM: She goes over to the fence, looking t what he has as she whispers to him "Have seen Brodakin? If so when and where? And is there are orc section here?]

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 9):

The fellow smiles broadly.

"I just came from his place! He bought that barbed
chain you sold us!"

In reply to Marc Sabon (msg # 10):

"Thanks, so where does he live?" she says as she passes him a coin. "Is there an orc section by the way?

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 11):

"He has a small place up the way, but he is the only
fullblood orc with a shop in the district. Of course, probably half the guild has some orcish blood, like most of
 the city. He has been trying to buy rank in the guild, as no
orc holds an office."

In reply to Marc Sabon (msg # 12):

"Anything else he has bought lately? What is his speciality?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 13):

"He buys anyrhing wierd, and tries to sell orc made
goods, but doesn't limit himself."

Lets go see what he has...

I head off in the directin indicated.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 15):

Heading almost to the edge of thr redlight district, as
defined by a pair of lantern bearing pillars that mark the
end of the merchant's  quarter, and apparently, the end of
 street sanitation as well, is a well kept stone store, one
of four for this building. A whitewashed  sign with bold red
lettering  proclaims the establishment to be
RUSH'S FINE GOODS
A greeting in orcish runes is carved over the door, and
highlighted in gold leaf.

Hmmm... interesting ... and not what I expected.

I walk in the door and look around as my eyes adjust

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 17):

A bulky, scarred man in plate armor stands by the door with a
dueling halberd. The shop is tightly packed with an assortment of barbed and spiked weapons, ceramics glazed with garish colors, and heavy hammered copper cookware.
There are three orcs present; a fat orc wearing heavy
ornate leather armor and fine clothing, a powerfully built
woman wearing leather armor that is painted black and yellow,
And a decent looking orc with a lute slung over his shoulder.

In reply to Darg Wharten (msg # 18):

Aoife is clearly uncomfortable, so she refrains from starting conversation.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 19):

"Hi there, folks. We are looking for Mr Rush"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 20):

The shopkeeper, who has a familiar looking length of chain before him on the counter looks over at your group.
"I am Rushagorn Brokadin. Allow me a few moments with
my customer, and I will be with you shortly."

He continues his transaction with the woman, who seems to be wearing the colors of a local jugger team.
The minstrel, better looking than she, seems to hover about her like an accessory.

Sorsha walks in and starts looking around "Nice place here. I wonder what of interest is here" The place doesn't bother her at all, she seems comfortable. [Private to GM: From my thieving side, did I ever meet him or hear about him?]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 20):

Melchizidek acknowledges Rushes comment with a nod and also starts to look around.

I start looking for jewelry and things that might impress a new bride or her family...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 24):

The woman holds up the chain, and asks a question in orcish. The jewelry on display does not resemble anything the troll
women wore.
[Private to Sorsha: he seems to run a clean shop, but does resell items brought by semi legit fences, such as the chain. The woman is asking if what he said of its origin is true-is it from hell?]

Sorsha whispers to Johan "supposedly that chain is from hell or so he says" she says with a grin.

Seemed close, as I remember...
He smiles

But this jewlelry is not at all what i think we seek.r...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 27):

The merchant seems to be solid about the provenance of the
item he is selling to the athlete.
[Private to Sorsha:he seems to be describing a demon fighting with the chain. His description  seems a bit off. Care to give details ? ]

I look around to see if there is something more like what I seek...


15:47, Today: Johan Stark rolled 9 using 3d6.  Perception. Made it!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Fri 09 Oct 2015.

Sorsha steps forward to the merchant "Excuse me, I helped kill the demon that was wielding that chain and I can ell you how it really happened. Its amazing how stories change when retold." she tells the story on how the demon was killing, highlighting her help like a fish story.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Sat 10 Oct 2015.

Stark pauses, listens, then looks at the ceiling...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 31):

Melchizidek deliberately tries not to listen, and continues looking at items.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 32):

The athlete raises a thick eyebrow.
"Sold!" She slaps a stack of coins on the
counter, and wraps the chain around her left forearm.

In reply to Margosh (msg # 33):

As the chain player and her lutist stroll out, the merchant
   waves you over.
"Now, how can I be of service to you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:02, Wed 14 Oct 2015.

I was told you had a variety of jewelry that non-humans might like... I have see what is out, and I doubt it will be well received, but perhaps you have more put away? I have met with some trolls and hope to open a better relationship with them, trade a little.... I was looking for things to cement that deal.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:25, Sat 10 Oct 2015.

In reply to Rushagorn Brokadin (msg # 34):

She looks at Brokadin as she points to Johan Stark "I am with him, we need to find some troll jewelry"

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 36):

"I speak a little trollish, but mostly sell items made
by the artisans of my people. I would be happy to try and
locate some for you, but I haven't dealt with many trolls
locally.  There is that one fellow, that archer with the
scars, with the fairy in the bottle.... Rafik, I think his
name was... but I know no others in this town."

OK... but if we could set up some trade, you'd be willing to get involved and sell their goods? Likewise, sell them things they want?

In reply to Rushagorn Brokadin (msg # 37):

"Thank you, we will see him and see what he might have"

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 39):

"See him... oh, Rafik. He's no merchant! He's just the
only troll I  have  seen on the surface around here. He's an
archer by trade. Now, are you telling me there are more
here.. a whole new market? Have you offered this opportunity
to anyone else?"

They are not up here, they are down below and no, I have not offered the opportunity to anyone else...Yet. We made contact and offered to see if w could set something up.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 41):

"A monopoly on a new market will do much for my standing with the merchant's guild. Darg, are you up for a
trip below?"

In reply to Rushagorn Brokadin (msg # 42):

The heavily armored guard smiles crookedly.
"Like old times, eh buddy?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

In reply to Darg Wharten (msg # 43):

"What exactly do you plan on doing down there?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 44):

The halberdier shrugs.
"We used to transport goods through tunnels, fighting
 through ambuscades of apes and hobgobilns, all of us in the Deep Guard. Sometimes it was ore, other times supplies.
It is what the job brings."

The ogre grimaces at the thought of Rash and Darg joining them.

I was thinking we'd bring their things up and yours down, as we have a very tenuous trade agreement at the moment and don't wish to introduce any issues...once it starts working we can bring you down or a few of them up to trade.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 47):

"Just how close are you with his population? I do
think it would be best if I could perform my own negotiations."

Not as close as I expect to be in the future, and I understand ypur desire... this is wetting the pump valve, once we are getting production, we can adjust to that... right now, I will not chance it...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 49):

"Oh, he is real close...almost like family. So if you piss them of, don't expect us to remain friends. I am sure Gorgath would not mind..."

Sorsha just listens for now. She figures she will let them work out their deals and just profit from it as much as she can.

Very well... let me see what I can arrange... and what they want.

Lacking the things he came for, Johan heads back to the Guild... That was close to a dead end of sorts...

Sorsha is about to walk out and looks at Rushagorn "What would you have the trolls might desire? Then we first make contact, we can say what you might have and see what they have?"

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 53):

He scratches his head
"I would imagine that trolls living below the city might not have access to bread,
 cheese, or even wine. They might have a shortage of cloth, and may not be forging fine steel,
the sort that requires a blast furnace. I can acquire a great many of these, and..."
 he swallows, as if the words he was about to say were distasteful to him,
"...even provide free samples. A marketing opportunity like this is not hit and run,
but rather the kind of thing that one could build a career on. If these folk are family to the
 centurion, I promise I would drive no harder a bargain with them than with those who would
walk into my shop, allowing for the cost of logistics, of course."

A most reasonable and Generous offer. I shall relay your thoughts and see what they can offer in return, then I shall return with that information.

"So Rushagorn, do you have some free samples we can take to offer them to entice them to come here that are not perishable?" she is sure 'FREE' is like a 4 letter word to him. To him, all things must bring a return but how much of a gambler was he?

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 56):

Rush grimaces.
"I can put something together by tomorrow."

Sorsha bows "Your kindness is outstanding, we will see you tomorrow." she turns to Johan "Let us go"

We go... back to the guild.

Sorsha follows along.

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 60):

As does Melchizedek...he was never a merchant.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 61):

A much disheveled and very smug Hitomi meets you in the guild
hall after you pass by McCain.

"What's up Stark?"

Ahh... mistress Hitomi... we were arranging some potential trade with the Trolls... and I am still seeking some gifts for them... Jewelry perhaps...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 63):

Hitomi narrows her eyes.
"I heard Marie the troubadour had gone into some wine
merchant's cellars to fight t4olls, along with a satyr, an
elf that is not an elf, a one armed woman and a couple of
vagabonds to help a dwarf install security gates to keep
trolls out of his wine. They will probably come back with
 some trollish goods, as gruesome as that sounds. She was
supposed to be down there at the same time as us, so these
aren't the People of the Southeastern depths, so it won't  be
your Svetlana's relatives the plunder comes from."

That sounds positive...  we shall have to meet with them.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 65):

"Recently deceased, violently, estate for a wedding gift? Lovely..."

Laughing ... fair point, perhaps we should keep the design ideas and re-cast the metal, reuse such stones as they have ... time allowing, and money of course.

"Diamonds are a girls best friend..."

"Seriously though, she's a caster so a valuable gem she can work into her staff ups her power."

Yes, but we also need to wow  her family some too..

"Well, lets us get to work. What supplies do we need?"

Well, food, unless you relish Troll food...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 71):

"Not for me, but you probably should get used to it. Personally prefer normal supplies thanks."

"Yes, normal rations is good and we should take some good wine, to drink and offer in to as a gift."

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 73):

"Speaking of troll food, those delightful mushrooms
they had would be worth trading for."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Wed 28 Oct 2015.

I don't rememeber it...

So lets go get some supplies and head out" she says to Johan

I want to look for these folks coming in with Troll stuff... how about you get for us both? I'll throw in a gold piece to cover some decent wine as well ...

Sorsha will head out to get some supplies and some wines. She also checks to see what a porter costs again.

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 78):

A typical porter costs $20 a day. Lifty  is probably well
disposed to you.

She will arrange to have Lifty join them.

She will then get supplies for 4 days and some wine.

She will let Johan know she has hired a porter, so they have someone to carry supplies and the samples. She would hope his pay can come out of the profit.

I agree, that seems fair...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 81):

"So, are we talking shares or straight payfor this?"

In reply to Lifty (msg # 82):

You will get straight pay, we take the risks... should that change, you become an adventurer and get a share... along with the risks.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 83):

"What kinda load are we talking, and where to? Last jaunt was through the sewers, fighting demons and cultists."

This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:12, Tue 03 Nov 2015.

We are going down the tunnels to trade with the Trolls and bring other stuff back up, we hope.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 85):

"Hokay! I guess Ican do that. You know these trolls?"

Yes, but it may still require some diplomacy... hopefully no fighting at all...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 87):

Melchizadek smiled. He would have a boring time if that were to be the case, but a mission to bring the light of Helios to the Trolls was unlikely to be boring, so he said nothing.

"I am good at speaking with people but I am not sure if trolls prefer dealing with men. Once we get our supplies and samples, we can head off.

" I think I've gotten everything I need. "

I'm waiting on some Troll jewelry rumored to e showing up soon.

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 91):

A motley crew tramps back to the guild hall. Two women, one without an arm and one barely armed, are accompanied by a rather earthy looking chap and a local porter, both carrying chests that look heavy, along with a dwarf and about six men carrying a large assortment of items. They start discussing where they can offload stuff.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Tue 10 Nov 2015.

Johan gets up to see what they have...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 93):

"Well, we have

Cheap, universal tool kit 30lbs, effective value
backpack water sprayer 20lbs
1 small silvered knife
2 mage staffs: fine, balanced and set with garnets
1 silver nose ring
ruined silver jewelry
silver bracelet
1 set of silver jewelry earings necklace with skull with garnets
4 pewter goblets
Pewter jug and pitcher
1 set SM+1 heavy scale mail
small iron chest wth key
Backpack   alchemy kit
puzzle box?
carved wooden box with stone carved game board
odd articulated troll doll?
12 garnets from locked chest

Make us an offer on any items..."

I would be interested in the Silver Bracelet, one of the mage staves and some of the Garnets I think...




OOC- Would the Normal Trolls be interested in a Skull necklace and earrings? Seems rather Macabre for wedding gifts.
?

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 95):

Check Svetlana's profile pic under Trollop

In reply to Narrator (msg # 96):

I'm old and hard of seeing ... so those aren't bells, they are skulls in her hair?

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 97):

Very stylized, but yes. The bracelet, more earings and the necklace  would do well.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 98):

Garnets for $300
Staff $200 for one
Silver Bracelet $200

She looks at Christine "Would you take $175 for one of the staffs?"

The Necklace and earrings... I can offer 4 Gold...

[Private to Sorsha: Perhaps if we pool our purchases, we can drive a better deal... as she can sell a lot at one time...]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Thu 12 Nov 2015.

Sorsha nods to Johan and looks at Christine. "The two of us are together, what deal can you do for us?"

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 102):

"Well, the set of silver jewelry earings necklace with skull with garnets is worth at least $600, well above the $320 you are offering. The loose Garnets for $300, the Staff $200 and the Silver Bracelet $200. That comes to $1620 total. If you want the lot, we could drop it to $1500."

Laughing .... I'm no merchant and I can see you have seriously over priced your wares ... a fair price is due, but nothing so extravagant ... this is the Adventurers Guild, Not the Wealthy Merchants Club.  I only wish 2 or the Garnets, Sorsha may want some as well, I can offer you $340 for the Necklace and Earrings  and Sorsha wishes the staff...


[Private to Sorsha: I am strapped for cash... is there any of that GP I gave you, left? Her prices are very high, I figure half of what she asks for the jewelry and stones, the Staff is closer to reality.]

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 103):

"I am sure you may have had hard time getting them but we only need the jewelry and the staff. How about set of silver jewelry earings necklace with skull with garnets and staff for $600? I think that is more then fair. "[Private to Johan Stark: She has money to cover it]

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 105):

"It would seem that you under value things, my friend. I can get about $500 for the set with the necklace, skull and garnets elsewhere, from a merchant who will buy a good many things, so why wouldnt I? $700 if I throw in the staff...they are in demand, you know!"

Perhaps, but unlikely, given the design... so how about we meet in the middle at $650? That OK with you Sorsha?

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 107):

"I started at $800 for these two, you started at $600. I am already meeting you half way at $700..."

Actually we started at around $500 ... so Lets do $650 and you have less to carry to the merchants quarter and haggle over.




[Private to Sorsha: I don't want to put you out, what is the limit you wish to spend including my $320?]

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 109):

"The $500 was for other items. $700 is my final offer...combiining it with other items is easy for me, and may even give me better bargaining power, so getting rid of them separately is more of a disadvantage for me."

Sorsha grins "Actually I think you get more separately. We will give to $500 for the jewelry my friend wants, I can do with out the staff. You can sell them as you wish." she seems confident in her negotiating.

Johan turns and looks at her... You sure?

She nods to Johan "I know where to get magic items."

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 110):

"Very well then."

Christine will accept $500 for the set of silver earrings and necklace with skull garnets.

OK, I owe you Sorsha...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 115):

"If it is simply a shortage of funds, I can take an IOU. But I am not rich enough to give stuff away..."

I owe her 2 gold pieces and some silver...  To owe you as well, seems unwise, although I appreciate the offer.

Sorsha looks at Christine and smiles "It is not a shortage of funds. I just had a successful trip. I just don't want to over pay." she hands over the $500.

She looks at Johan "You can pay me back later. Lets go have a profitable trip"

Seems fair... Maybe Svetlana can make you a staff like hers...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 119):

"A new one costs at least $500 charged. If it can be charged for less than $300, it is still a fair deal. Anyone know how much it costs to recharge?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 120):

"Xandalar does charging for power items at a nice rate,
 $5 per casting, and those staves take maybe six castings. It
Takes him a few hours though."

Sorsha, How about I do the IOU to This fine Lady and get the staff to pay you pack?

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 122):

Sorsha looks at Johan "If we can charge it cheap, lets get it"

She looks at Christine as she digs out $200 and hands it over to her. "Here you go, I will take one of the staffs. She takes the nicer one.

She looks at Renolan "So can you lead me to Xandalar?

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 123):

"I would take the other then, as a backup for my staff, but the one I have is better."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:02, Tue 17 Nov 2015.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 124):

"He keeps a booth in the guild not far from Ariel the
 cleaner."

"Then let us head to his booth so we can get the staves charged." she looks at Johan "Any spells you think might work well on trolls, I mean for negotiating, not torching."

Well ... i don't know much of magics .... but  perhaps to see  if they speak the truth... and perhaps something to persuade the doubtful.

Sorsha grins, there are spells like that but I don't have them, so I can ask about them. I have some combat spells and illusions

I have a morning Star and an axe... all the magic i can handle...

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 129):

"I can sense and control emotions, and I have some natural ability to detect lies, but that is all."

"Me spells be mostly healin an nature ones."

"Lets go see Xandalar then. We mages can get some spells and then we can head out. I have a porter and we have some samples of things that Johan wants to use to start trade with them"

In reply to Sorsha (msg # 132):

"Sure. I might change my outfit to one more suited to a diplomatic mission as well..."
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:53, Thu 19 Nov 2015.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 133):

Back at the guild, you find Xandalar at his recharging station.

In reply to Xandalar (msg # 134):

"How much would it cost to charge up my staff as much as possible?"

Sorsha looks at Xandalar "Yes, I would like some spells in mine, can you tell us what schools you can put on the staff?"