Aethelbert the sage is in his quarters, on the second floor
 of the guild, adjacent  to Spielgud and Aelmer's magic shop.
The sage recently dispersed a great deal of wealth in order
to acqire the small library of a distinguished mage, and is
 busy cataloging it, and arranging for some fire proofing, prior to his return expediion bellow ground to assist with
the trade agreement...

In reply to Aethelbert (msg # 1):

Christine greets him politely, and asks if she can see him about some troll translations.

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 2):

"Marie, what is it you have that needs translating?"

In reply to Aethelbert (msg # 3):

"I am Christine. I need the words on this doll and this puzzle box translated..."

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 4):

"Christine? I could have sworn... hmm, the doll..
lovely trollish workmanship... I take it this is a command
word, so let me copy the word and move over here... 'Magada' is the word, it is troll for 'sleep'... this other item, that is something else entirely. "

In reply to Aethelbert (msg # 5):

Christine notes the command word and listens as he examines the puzzle.

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 6):

"There are a limit of ten letter words in trollish,
limited moreso by the initial seven runes etched into the
first ring. Give me a day orso, and I can calculate a list
by which you might attempt to open it. Conversely, you might
leave it with me."

In reply to Aethelbert (msg # 7):

"We can leave it with you for the purpose of you finding out how to open it, but we would like it back after that. It looks like it could contain a wand which would be interesting for me."

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 8):

The sage takes a set of callipers, and makes several
measurements.
  "Definitely not a wand; the interior space must be in
the vicinity of an inch by a span, at most a small knife
could occupy it, but I would wager a piece of jewelry."

In reply to Aethelbert (msg # 9):

At this the young female elves ears flicker, and she continues to listen...

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 10):

"I have not seen the like of this before, and it may
have been a vanity project, rather than a practical defense
of an item, so I suspect the item within to have a very
personal meaning."

In reply to Aethelbert (msg # 11):

"Can you open it to reveal the item within?"

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 12):

"Come back tomorrow, I need to compile a list of ten
letter words."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Tue 17 Nov 2015.

In reply to Aethelbert (msg # 13):

"Very well. I will see you tomorrow."

She bows politely and heads back to the Merchant guild with her doll, to sell it.

The scarred troll leads Fenric, Hrunting and Ulo up to Aethelber's quarters.

PM

In reply to Johan Stark (msg # 16):

The assorted trolls and Hitomi and Stark are greeted by an elderly man in robes. His quarters are a maze of stacks of paper, oddly bound books, and a number of trollish artifacts. Prominent on his table is a carved stone cylinder, marked with trollish runes.

Upon seeing the stone puzzle-box, Ulo ignores any pleasantries, "This belongs to my people.  Are you meaning to return it?"







OOC:  Bad temper roll passed, but she is being a bit biting in her speech.


16:54, Today: Ulo rolled 10 using 3d6.  Bad Temper, 12.  Upon seeing her friends handy work stolen.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 18):

"Are you of the Eastern Depths? I  am told this came from an area to the west, where none of the people remain. I paid quite a bit for it, from one who knew not what it was."

"I am from the warrens that were murdered by a blue haired elven sorceress.  None of my people remain there because your Guild mates murdered them.  You have bought goods stolen from my people."

Her eyes glint, she bristles with controlled rage as she steps forward slowly and sets her hand on the stone box.

"This was made by Svin, a smith of uncommon talent, for his beloved Rina.  He is dead, his ashes no doubt remain unburied.  He is mourned by his sisters and his grandmother.  As all our warriors are mourned by the women and children they died protecting.  As I mourn my father, my mother, my brothers, and my teacher.

Murdered by your Guild."




OOC:  19:17, Today: Ulo rolled 13 using 3d6.  Intimidation 19 (skill 14 +5 (Hideous Monster), at Aethelbert *.


* Her intent is to make it clear that she is very, very unhappy and wishes to make someone else very, very unhappy.  Probably wants to make someone dead.  She is trying to put Aethelbert off his footing and a bit 'scared', but not so much so that he fears for his life (it's obvious she is in control of her actions).

Though she is small, she is a monster, from a people of monsters that eat those they are unhappy with... and she is flanked by two warriors.  No doubt Hrunting looks a bit confused **, but Rafik probably looks... well, I'd hope for 'ready', but I'll settle for for "trollish".  ;)


** I mean she did roll into this meeting with no plans or ideas and is winging it.
This message was last updated by the player at 22:58, Fri 08 Sept 2017.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 20):

'Thank you for that context, it makes this even more precious. I was mortified when Angrid told me of the fate of those in the Western depth, and would be humbled to have your assistance in chronicling your peple that they might not be forgotten, especially any takes you may recall of Trellheim and the period of time when your people first came to this place.
 Forgive me, you have me at a disadvantage; I know Stark, Hitomi, Fenric and Hrunting, as we have travelled together in the past. What is your name, wise one, and that of your esteemed companion?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Mon 18 Sept 2017.

"No.  I do not give freely to thieves and murderers."

She turns to Hrunting, "Sa tead seda inimest? Mis on tema olemus?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Sun 10 Sept 2017.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 22):

"This one came with Hitomi of the Jaguar Clan, Stark, my soon to bbe brother in law, Gorgath and others. He alone among them spoke our language, and parleyed with Angrid. Under his direction, they were vetted by trial. He is courteous, although he was fascinated by the island that is no more, and was insistent on his people raiding that place for the books of some ancient wizard. He seems as good as one would expect for one not of the blood."


Ooc: all of Aethelbert's comments have been in reasonably fluent, if accented, trollish.

In reply to troll warrior (msg # 23):

"He is good people, showed respect for our customs."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Tue 19 Sept 2017.

Ulo looks upset at this response.  But she shakes herself and tries to calm down.  then she turn back to Aethelbert and continues speaking in accented Araliase.

"Why?  Why did you care to speak and not simply murder Angrid's tribe?"





OOC:  Sorry.  Been rough with the 3 days of no power, then I got bad sinusitis and am just getting over it.  Been hard to figure out Ulo's mind and voice.  I'm going with incredulous.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 25):

"The trolls are among the only inhabitants in Northport who retain records, oral and written, of the time around the Federjung incident that brought them here. That alone would have made them worth saving, but they have proven to be marvelous artisans and gracious hosts, and I have to say that for a people whose regenerative capability cloaks a tendency toward a violent temperament with triviality, their sense of the humourous is significantly more developed than a number of peoples who are equally violent without the benefit of rapid self repair. To wit, your jokes are far better than those of orcs or hobgoblins."

"Then why, if your people like us, why was this Christine sent to murder us?!?"

In reply to Ulo (msg # 27):

"I was not involved, or even aware of the existence of your tribe until presented with these artifacts.  From what I have heard,an out of town merchant purchased an abandoned building and was renovating it, and some of his workers were attacked when they entered the basement. He approached the guild to secure the area for his workers. I had since looked into this, the same family had held the property for a few centuries,and had rumors of strange blood, quick tempers, and rapid recovery from injury. Sadly, they all perished during the plague forty years back, and the house lay vacant until recently. I can only presume that they held good relations with your people, but for whatever reason, they kept that relationship a secret."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Mon 25 Sept 2017.

"Who do I speak to to get this good relation again?  Many of my people would probably go home.  And maybe some of Angrid's would wish to help us hold our home against those that keep trying to expand into it."

In reply to Ulo (msg # 29):

"I think your closest option in that direction is through Stark here, as he has some of your blood. I was a wealthy man once, but have converted most of my material worth into books... I have little influence to peddle here.  As to presenting your claim, you would have to face the Hadereum, as they handle all permits and deeds. I hate to break it to you, but the servants of Hades are not easily swayed unless vast quantities of silver are involved." I have no solutions for you, I am afraid."

"Why would I have to petition this Haderum?  Can not your people just be paid to drive this merchant from our homes and make it ours again?"

In reply to Ulo (msg # 31):
"The Hadereum are like a council of elders who see to it that werguild is paid, only they view all outside their tribe as skraelings. They see DuClair as the rightful owner, having paid to have the rights your allies relinquished by dying in the plague."

"So, if this Duclare were to die then it would be freed up to buy this property?"





OOC:  Sorry, I've been extremely tired (lack of sleep due to reasons*) and it's been hard to get into her head space adequately to know how she'd respond... and how much I'm willing to try to disrupt ongoing plots.

* First a hurricane, then sickness from the hurricane (sinusitis brought on by allergies), and now my cat has new game he plays to keep me awake called "Leap from very high up onto owner while he's asleep.  Repeatedly."

In reply to Ulo (msg # 33):

The last can be cured with a cage or by playing badminton with a shuttlecat when it jumps on you. My cats give me wide berth, as they don't enjoy playing airborne soldier suddenly at night. I get undisturbed sleep (mostly).

OOC:

Oly:

The last can be cured with a cage or by playing badminton with a shuttlecat when it jumps on you. My cats give me wide berth, as they don't enjoy playing airborne soldier suddenly at night. I get undisturbed sleep (mostly).

I treat my pets the same way I'd treat an autistic child... as that's pretty much what they are.

Actually, the Cats and I get along well, they get attention when they want it and will come sit in my lap. They just do not bother me when I sleep. When I am up, my side of the bed is the most popular.

OOC:

Oly:

Actually, the Cats and I get along well, they get attention when they want it and will come sit in my lap. They just do not bother me when I sleep. When I am up, my side of the bed is the most popular.

I'm told I indulge my babies too much.  Good thing I avoided having 'real' children.  they'd be spoiled rotten.

Perhaps, I don't see them as like Autistic children, which are significantly higher performing mentally.
They learn by your response to their actions... that is how their parents tech them as young. This gets a cuddle and a lick, that gets a growl and a nip.

I think we have hijacked the GMs thread... so I apologize and will get off of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:20, Tue 03 Oct 2017.

In reply to Oly (msg # 38):

No problem.

To clarify: DuClair currently has the support of the Merchant's guild, the Hadereum sand has already engaged in transactions with the Adventurer's Guild. Anyone dealing with him knows that he has personal guards. A troll in the city who starts openly hunting citizens on the surface is going to have serious problems with the watch.

"Then we are at an impasse.  I must return to Angrid to learn of her wishes concerning her tribe."




OOC:  Presuming that your post all comes out from a continued discussion with Aethelbert, Ulo finds herself unsure of how best to proceed.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 40):

Of course gathering intellegence on how his assets would be handled upon his demise, and raising enough funds to arrange an assassination and buy the place is another way...

"Thank you for your time.  If I return, how do I convince the gate guards below to allow me entrance?"


While still troubled, she appears to have calmed down tremendously.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 42):

"They are disinclined to open the gates for anyone without a certain deggree of rank within the guild, although Hitomi could surely have them opened for you."

"Are you not capable of opening them?"

In reply to Ulo (msg # 44):

"I have not sufficient rank in this guild. Here I consult, and keep my private library."

"Oh.  That is a pity."

She gives him a slight bow, unsure of the ettiquete in leave taking.

"Keep well."

In reply to Ulo (msg # 46):

Fenric frowns. "Are we to retreat below, or work to set some terms. Without guild pins, they will not hear us, and I don't know if we should all pay the iron price for them like Rafik did."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Wed 18 Oct 2017.

In reply to Fenric (msg # 47):

Hrunting fingers his spiked mace, but nods in agreement.
"Angrid asked that I help work on the treaty with these surface folk, to improve trade, and not just with that shifty orc. He might be the first, biut with him alone I cannot see our people getting a fair price at all times. If my brother in law to be here can get a house that has a cellar close to the shaftway, then we can get somewhere. I cannot see Svetlana going through this place every time she wants to visit. It is too brightly lit for my tastes."

Ulo just nods but keeps silent until she feels they have walked far enough away from the sage's office as to not be easily overheard.

In Trollish:
"Hrunting, you and Fenric are Angrid's.  You should do as she thinks is best.  To that end, if she wanted you here to help keep her alliance, then you should take a badge.  But do so in a way that will not jeopardize the alliance.  I suspect Rafik's method would be inappropriate for this.  As for myself and Rafik, we are not Angrid's."  She turns and addresses Rafik, "You are Unburnt.  Your tribe is dead.  Only you and I remain.  I give you leave to make your own choices.  Join Angrid's tribe, stay here and seek your vengeance, or stay with me.  I must return to Angrid, to report what I have learned, and to speak with those elders of our tribe that have taken her hospitality and seek to join hers.  Do they still need revenge?  Do they need something else?  I... I do not know.  But i must see to their needs before I leave them to tend to my own"

In reply to Ulo (msg # 49):

"Let me take the badge and escort you back. I think you are eldest amongst your tribe, excepting for üks käsi, that old smith who burnt his arm away. Hrunting has business with Stark, buying cloth and looking for a house that keeps out the sun. Have you ever seen it? I hear it is bright."

In reply to Fenric (msg # 50):

"The sun is a thing of childhood tales."

In reply to troll warrior (msg # 51):

"The sun is brighter than the forge of a smith, but you can get used to it."

"Yes, before going back to the warrens, I think I will go see this 'sun' for myself."

Ulo will begin looking for an exit or portal to the outside.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 53):

A scruffy thickset human in a plaid skirt and floppy hat, a knobbery by his side gives you the eye as you head for the door.
"Rafik, I see yaa brought ta family. Shall we gae them all registered, or are they heading out, not ta return?"

Ignoring him (he's obviously speaking to Rafik), Ulo peeks outside to see what this 'sun' is all about.

She recoils in pain. "Owww!  It is like this all the time?"

In reply to Ulo (msg # 55):

"McCain, they come back in. Trade delegation. Sister, it stop at night, but half day is like this."

"Ehhhh.  How does anyone put up with it?  Though... it stays light like this half the day?  Might make crop growing easier."

Squinting she turns to head back in, "Meh, I've had enough of it."

In reply to Ulo (msg # 57):

"If ya join ta guild, ye can specify tha ye prefer ta work nights."

She looks at Aemon with a measure of annoyance, "Not today.  Maybe not ever."

And moves to head back down.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 59):

"I have spoken to the recruiter DuClair paid. She, and the guild, did not know of us and thought we were all the hiiglased, eaters of men. She told me the guild just matches mercenaries with those who pay. I still plot her death, but it does not seem this place even knew anything of us. They get me work to kill men for pay, and I hear others get paid to fight surnud kõndimine."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Fri 10 Nov 2017.

[In Trollish]

"It's best we confine revenge to the blue-hair witch for now.  I will see if Angrid needs more of me.  If not I will come back.  Maybe to join this 'guild'.  Maybe not."

Ulo begins to make her way back down to the gate below.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:39, Wed 08 Nov 2017.

In reply to Ulo (msg # 61):

A couple of humans are approaching. One seems to have inferior equipment and seems to be the others thrall. The well dressed one looks at you curiously.  Rafik frowns at him

Ulo ignores the newcomers and continues trying to go back to the gate...

In reply to Ulo (msg # 63):

I get that. I was hoping she could engage in a little surface action. In the mean time, while Rafik has been talking up murder, You are being approached by Broderick Liebert and Carruthers. If you want to deal with them, then post in Also at the Dismal Tower. If you think Ulo needs the comfort of the dark, then return to Angrid.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 64):


The more he got out and about the more odd things he'd encounter, moving a little closer to the group of Trolls he held up a hand in sign of Parley. Greetings Great Ones, You appear to be in need of assistance. He prompted

"Only in in making this brightness disappear, or failing that, returning below."

In reply to Ulo (msg # 66):



Are you looking for anyone specific to assist you with this; or are you seeking assistance in general

"Neither.  Having now seen the horrid light, I will be returning below.  Though I do plan to return.  This city offers much."

In reply to Ulo (msg # 68):

Safe travels to you and yours. Bids Broderic as he makes his way back to the Guild.

In reply to Broderick Leibert (msg # 69):

Rafik will accompany Ullo below.

Then she returns to Angrid's warrens to report.