Ovo nearly growled "That be ah fifth o' me present fee! I'll nay pay that to some ruffian jus ta walk the streets I kin do wi'out pay'n ah Common ta do so on me own!"

The dwarf's knuckles were nearly white as his grip tightened around the Gnomish bow and his face was beet red.

The northern maiden shook her head in disappointment "I haff heard of dwarvish greed before but now I see it. I vill pay da five Orbs by Kord! But pay it vee vill. I'll not valk dese streets looking over my shoulder."

She then looked to Dev with her eyes still smouldering but her beautiful smile took the heat from them.

"Sides, dis Gaspar kould be useful in da future yah? Vee might need to know sum'ding some day yah? So vee treat him nice. Real nice! Like he vas ah Jarl. Den he sees us as friends nay foes."

She gave Tal's head and hair a tousle and the beggar ah wink.

"You're ah brave boy yah? So I vill give ya two Noble too. You need any'ding in da com'n days you just ask me yah?"


Ovo just spat and waited to see Dev's reaction before saying anymore but his discontent was obvious.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Thu 02 June 2016.

 Deverick could understand where Ovo was coming from, but this was how things where done in this city. If the wanted to succeed in this endeavor, they had to pay the price of admission to the Slums. The Warrior looked to the Dwarf.

“ Ovo, it be like this. If ye wants ta be able ta do something right, ya got ta pay fer the tools ta gets th job done. We need ta be able ta travel in th slums without hind being buggered by th locals.  It be like if ye wanted ta dig a new shaft seekin a vein o gold or silver. Ye jus don’t dig til ye finds it, ye av ta brace th tunnel so it don’t collapse. Bracing needs timber, and timber costs coin. We  needs ta work in th city, and th beggars can be a good source o rumors, information, and warning us if there be trouble. Think of it as investing in material fer a major dig fer ore.”

 Deverick hoped he was getting his point across to Ovo. The only reason he knew anything about mining, was from long conversations with Grifgen, the Dwarf Apprentice in his father’s shop, years ago.

The dwarf continued to frown but finally gave Dev a curt nod!

"Awright! I'll pay the damnable two Nobles as well. I'll even throw in two Orbs fer Gaspar though not ah Common more. You'd best lead us well lad."

Blossom smiled and nearly shouted "I knew ya ta be true dwarf. Vee'll make more coin dan vee've seen in ah vhile."

She then tousled Tal's hair one more time "Don't vurry Tal. Ovo's bow be vorst dan his bite I'll vager."

Tal nearly beamed "Thanks... err. I guess. Dev? Are you ready? If so we'd best be going. It'll be dark soon and the Slum Quarter nay be safe in the daytime. Gaspar will be no pushover but if you pay over five Orbs, most likely he'll let you be and not push you about your quest. Neither will I. He'll press me when I return but I can stall for a while. Yet if you cause ah ruckus in the Slum... most like he'll hear of it from his other sources."

 When Ovo finally agreed to the arrangement, Deverick smiled and slapped the Dwarf upon the back.
” Well said, Ovo, I knew ye ad th wits ta see th truth o th matter. We be best on our way, ta meet th King o the Beggars. “

 Devereck looked to the Beggar boy. “ No worries, Tal. Ye nay av ta stall fer us. We be not telling ye what th task be. So ye won’t lie ta the Beggar King. Now lead on lad, lead on."
 Deverick shouldered his Great Sword, and followed the  Beggar boy into the bowels of the slum quarter.

The border between the Thieves' Quarter and the Slum Quarter was ill-defined and the twisting and turnings of the alleys and gangways of Greyhawk's Slum Quarter were such that anyone not intimately familiar with them would be lost in minutes. Even the thieves avoided its crumbling ruins and decrepit shacks. Beggars, crazy men, and the desperate were the elites of its inhabitants. Tal suggested that they remained on the main thoroughfares for as long as possible.

They passed by several places of note like Stairnezh Stables on Assassins’ End where an adventurer could rent/ buy a horse or hire a wagon. Then past Fedroot’s Daggerarium, home to the best bladesmith in the city. here one could purchase masterwork blades, mainly daggers, for high prices but no one could doubt the quality of his work. As the band closed in on the Beggar Union Dev could hear shrill high whistles which Tal quickly answered. A few thin urchins in threadbare rags displaced themselves from the shadows but as soon as Tal showed his wooden hand they backed off! Soon they were swallowed up by the same shadows.

Tal whispered "We've been seen but its okay. The sentries will let us pass!

A few long breaths later the Beggars Union was before them. It wass more of a blockhouse than Guildhall and looked like it could resist a siege. The large front door loomed before them but Tal waved them off.

"There's a side door, though heavily guarded, that will get us to the throne room all the quicker!" he said in a conspiratorial tone.

They were ushered down a narrow alleyway, full of muck and refuse. The stink nearly made the adventurers gag from the smell. Even Tal held his nose but waved off the maiden's protests.

"Just to keep people away... the door is... there!"

The door blended into the wall quite well. However, after a few coded knocks, what sounded like a bar being removed and the portal swung inward. The hall beyond was narrow and two hulking brutes, one with an eye patch and another missing his left hand barred their way. After a brief but heated conversation with Tal, the party was allowed down it and in the throne room itself.

The hallway opened up into a wide room with thick rugs upon the floor and tapestries hung upon the walls. Though once of fine quality, they had lost some of their striking beauty. In fact, the whole place appeared a weird parody of a rich nobleman's court. Like the room, the man upon the stained but worn throne at first glance passed for a baron or count from Furyondy or Nyrond but upon closer inspection he was only... the Master of Beggars! Gaspar was bald and heavy set being about 5 feet and 8 inches tall and weighing 220 lbs. He dressed in tattered and gaudy silks and faded finery. Rings of gold and silver were scattered about his pudgy fingers.  He scowled at Tal, Dev, and the others. Tal rushed forward and bowed low in deference.

"These fine folk require a guide through your realm Master Gaspar. They are willing to pay for the privilege. I beg you speak with them."

Gaspar's frown turned to indifference at the mention of payment.

"Come!" he said a waved them forward. "Welcome! How may we help you this fine eve?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:38, Fri 03 June 2016.

  The young beggar led the trio of Mercs on a tour of the lousy end of the city, or so thought Deverick. The only real place that gave him pause, was the when the famous Fedroot’s Daggerarium came into view. Deverick always wanted one of the blades made in that place. Perhaps with hard work, some God’s favor, and luck, he might own one someday. It would definitely be a status symbol within the city.

 When the group finally arrived in front of the infamous Beggar’s Union, they were challenged by, of all things, more beggars. Dev made sure his sword was  loose in the scabbard…just in case. The trip down the fetid alley made Dev really about to lose his dinner, but they all made it to the end, and the hidden door.

  The interior of the Court of Miracles, was about what the Warrior had expected, But the rotund figure that sat perched upon a throne, looked more like a side of beef then a Lord. But for all that, the rings of precious metal the figure sported, spoke volumes to Devereck. When bidden forward by Jaspar, to state their business, Dev seemed to be the elected spokesmen for the group, He marched forward, and came to a stop at what he thought a respectful distance from the throne. He made a slight bow, not really sure one showed respect to a Lord.

“ Hail, and well met, Lord Gaspar. I be Deverick, son of Borcar the Smith. We be here ta pay our respects ta ye, Sir. That, and we wish ta hire this here lad, to act as our guide this night. We be ready ta pay ye tribute fer the  lad’s services, Sir.” Dev bowed again to the figure upon the throne.

Gaspar smiled at Dev's words and bid him rise. About the "throne room" were many unwashed and scrawny urchins not unlike Tal himself. These young lads loitered about in groups of three or four and many looked upon the mercenaries with something of a mixture betwixt awe and fear. A few whispered under their breath.

"Please call me... Master Gaspar. I am no Oligarch or noble true. Yet, Tal was wise to bring you before me for I am not only master here... within these walls but the Slum Quarter is my domain as well. I have it in writing from the Guild Master of thieves himself. Before we begin negotiations I must bring in my advisers."

The heavy set Beggar Master reached for a small silver bell sitting upon a side table and rang it daintily. In just a few heartbeats two individuals came in from a door behind the throne itself. One was an older man, he had perhaps seen forty winters, sporting several days growth upon his chin and cheeks, with short cropped grey hair, and an eye patch over his left eye. He stood a finger-width below six feet tall and heavy set wearing worn wool and leather clothes. The other was somewhat taller and gaunt with his secondhand tunic and breeches hanging from his frame like a scarecrow. His string black hair, streaked with gray, fell to his shoulders and made his pallid skin seem all the whiter. Dev guessed this one never saw the light of day. Both bowed to Gaspar.

Gaspar merely nodded in return. "This is Diarmid  and Simeon."   Pointing first to "patch" and then to "scarecrow".

"They are my trusted advisers. Now you may further explain your needs. Such as... where shall young Tal be leading you? And of course... how much you are willing to pay for his services?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Sat 04 June 2016.

  The game had begun, or as the Master of the Beggars called it, negotiations. Deverick had never been higher than a Corporal, so he knew how to give orders, and fight. Never before, had the big man had to barter with some. Oh, he had seen is father and elder brother haggle over prices at the forge, but he was always an observer.

 “ Master Gaspar, we three be members o th Guild o Mercenaries. We be in th Slums ta do a job  fer someone, but we be made to promise, not ta say what it be about. Ye av me word, what it be will av no effect on ye and yours. I swear by Tritheron, it be so. As ta th rate o pay, we av light purses, but we can pay some to ye. What say two Orbs er each o us.?”

 Deverick was doing his best to imitate his father in a haggle. He did recall that one started low in the price.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Sat 04 June 2016.

Gaspar and his two advisers listened intently to Dev as he explained their reason for being inside the Beggar Master's realm and the price for a guide. Gaspar kept a smile upon his face as the tall and gaunt adviser leaned to him and whispered into his master's ear. Gaspar merely nodded.

"Sounds like a fair offer... " he purred. "... from the Guild of mercenaries eh? Well that's a start. Do you have your badges to show me? I am sure your... employer would like to keep this matter... quiet but as I have said, I am master of this place and quarter. All things that happen here I am responsible for you see? So I must know a bit more of your... quest if you will, before a proper price can be set. If you must keep some things secret then the price must be higher. I am sure you understand. After all, Tal is very useful to me. That's why he has the post at the Black Gate. I will not risk his well being blindly."

Gaspar brought his pudgy fingers to form a steeple under his double chin.

"Well... what more may you tell me without breaking your pledge? You must at least tell your destination. Then we may set a price."

 Dev  listened as the Master of Beggars laid out, what was what. Gaspar wanted more information, and Dev knew the conditions of his employment. All three of the Mercs where supposed to keep their mouths shut, when it came to the who,what,where and when, of this contract.

 The large Warrior was trying to think fast upon his feet. While Deverick was far from being a lack wit, no one would ever accuse him of being a great thinker, either. He tried a different approach to the others questions.

“ Meaning nay, disrespect to ye,Master Gaspar, but that be about all I can tell ye,and remain true to me paymasters. Like I says, it be nothing against ye and yours, but it do be in yer area. I can’t tell ye where we be agoin,but ye will knows soon enough, young Tal be under no obligation ta keep it secret. As fer payment, th night be flowing as we speak  er. Th best we can do fer yer blessing, be five orbs o head. If that be not enough, I av skills as a blacksmith, we might work out a trade er something.”

 The Warrior played his cards upon the table, with the Lord of the Beggars. He decided he hated haggling, felt he had no skill at it. But he could at least take out his badge of the Guild and offer it for inspection by Gaspar and his creatures.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Sat 04 June 2016.

Gaspar's slight smile retreated slowly at the warrior's words.

"Well... that is disappointing Deverick, son of Borcar. yet, some things can not be helped. So that will be fifteen Orbs if my mind is right?"

Gaspar's eyes flicked toward the pale gaunt man who nodded.

Gaspar then turned his full attention back to Deverick and his companions.

"Very well, fifteen Orbs. You must also pay Tal's fee and vouch for his safe return. If he is harmed in any way or your quest effects my business or rule of this quarter I shall take action... swift action mind, against you and there will be no where in Greyhawk you may hide."

The Beggar Master then turned to the grayed hair man with the patch.

"Borcar the smith? His smithy lies in the Thieves' Quarter does it not?"

The adviser with a patch nodded in turn. "It does as it has done so for years Master Gaspar. Though Borcar has recently gone to meet the gods, his oldest now runs the business."

Gaspar again smiled though it did not reach his eyes this time.

"Ahhhh... such things are good to know. It is well Deverick that you know this as well... if you take my meaning. Cause me no trouble and we can be friends for you seem to be a honest man. However, cross me or cause me pain and pain I shall return tenfold!"

Gaspar then sat back against his throne and folded his pudgy hands in his lap.

"Deal?" he purred once more.

It was the not the dwarf, who spat upon the ground, but the northern maiden who stepped forward digging into her belt pouch as she did so.

"HERE!" she shouted, throwing three platinum Plates at the foot of the beggar master's throne.

"Dat be your payment yah? No more threats den. Vee go now! Vee go Deverick yah?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Sat 04 June 2016.

 During the entire meeting with the Lord of the Beggars, Deverick’s body language and attitude had been one of frank but polite. But when the Gaspar bespoke of the consequences, if Borcar crossed him, the large Warrior stiffened, and  his face went into a stoic expression. His normally brilliant eyes became dull in tone. It was obvious the large Warrior was angry, but before he said something he would regret, something his old Drill Master had taught them in the Militia.

“ Choose the time and place for a battle, never let the enemy have an advantage.”

  In this hall, all the advantages where with Jaspar, so all Dev did, was give a curt nod to the beggar king.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Sat 04 June 2016.

Ovo nearly snarled as he followed suit and dug three platinum Plates from his own pouch.

"'Ere ye go! Best we be go'n afore we out stay our welcome!"

He turned on his heels and left down the narrow hallway.

Once outside the dwarf spat once more.

"That bastard made more from us than 'e did fer the whole month o' Coldeven. Yet, the law is older than yer blade! An'ther time n' place."

The barbarian sighed "Yah! Ahnother time maybe n' maybe not vee vill see."

Blossom looked at Deverick with real concern "Ya okay Borcarsen? Don't ya vorry. Vee vill get da job done quick n' simple yah? Den all vill be right vith da Beggars n' da others. No matter vhat I be yer shieldmaiden. If ya vill haff me?"

Once outside, Tal gathered the three mercenaries together.

"I wont ask for more Deverick. Two Nobles be enough for me. Don't be too mad at Gaspar. He must answer ta the Thieves'Guild. That and he can be useful too. Well.. I'll do all in my power ta help. Now then we best get go'n. Where do you need me ta lead ya? All I need is ah street name."

His head swirled as he looked this way and that "Best whisper... Gaspar's eyes n' ears be everywhere."

  When the trio had departed the Court of Miracles, Deverick was still seething with anger, His temper was not short, but the way he took the Beggar King’s words, as a threat to his family. He would drench that stink hole that Gaspar called  a Court,  in lakes of blood, if anything happened to one of his kin.

 It was obvious that he showed his feelings, when Blossom showed concern and offered to be his….Shield Maiden? Well, he had no idea what that was, but he really liked the sound of it.
“Aye, ye can be me ..Shield Maiden, Blossom. I be honored ta have ye as such.”

 Deverick leaned down to Tal,and whispered their destination in the Beggar boy’s eat. “We be heading ta Kilcat lane, Lad. There be a gang  that might  be right hostile, if ye get ma meaning.”

 Deverick had taken a liking to the scalawag of a beggar boy, in the short time he had known him. But he had to keep the terms of the contract, if at all possible. So, he had to remain vague as to the exact house they were interested in.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Sat 04 June 2016.

Tal's eyes went wide at the name... Kilcat Lane! Yet, to the lad's credit, he recovered quickly and nodded.

"Aye! I know the place. It not be overly far ya see but it be the territory of a right nasty gang... young Street rats mostly but dangerous none the less. They use to be behold'n ta Gaspar yet no more. Their leader be named Owlbear and that be the gang's name ta boot."

The young boy paused a heartbeat to size up Deverick and nodded once more.

"Your his match Dev. I know it! You can best him n' if you do, well Gaspar will be mighty pleased he would."

He looked from warrior, to dwarf, to maiden, and back to Dev once more. The young beggar licked his tongue in excitment before he spoke.

"Since... since you all be need'n your hands free for weapons n' such, may I hold the magic lantern? I swear by Olidammara! I'll not break it. Can I please?"

The maiden threw her back and laughed.

"Yah! ya nay get ah argument from me. By Kord! ya be ah brave lad yah?"

Ovo smiled at the maidens words and said "I nay care meself boy but Deverick be lead'n us n' all. Ye best be ask'n 'im ye see. I nay can use it. I be need'n both o' me hands fer this 'ere bow."

The dwarf turned to Dev "Wot say ye lad? "Bout the lantern n' this... Owlbear? Mayhaps we kin turn this ta our advantage. We kill two birds wi' jus one bolt... so ta speak."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:04, Sun 05 June 2016.

  The conversation between his companions and Tal flew around him, as Deverick girded his mind for what he knew was the coming bloodletting. When Tal told them about the gang they might have to face, Dev just shrugged.

“I av no quarrel with em, but if they gets in O way, let what appens, be on their heads.”

  The sound of oiled metal rasping upon leather was heard in the dark of night. Deverick slowly drew the Great Sword forged by the hammer of his father. It was Deverick’s most cherished possession, and he cared for it like it might be his own child. A grim look of determination was cast upon the Warrior’s face.

“Right, this be how it be. Let Tal use the Lantern, and av a care lad, we got em on loan. We move fast and as quiet as possible. I hope ta take these whore sons by surprise, iffin th Gods will it.”

  Deverick drew his Dagger and offered it hilt first to the Beggar boy.
" Here Lad, ye av a blade I be sure. But this er dagger be a proper weapon fer a fight. Use it if ye must, but try not ta get into the mess commin. Now, lead on Lad, lead on.”
 said the Warrior with a smile, and tousle of the boy’s head.

The group moved off with the darkness growing around them. Blossom could be heard saying "Kord Save US!"

Move to the Into The Shadows thread!