She threw back her head, sending waves of blonde hair about. She then held out her hand. Deverick grasped it tightly. She was indeed strong though about a half foot shorter than the warrior across from her. Yet her strength was of the subtle type, the type that many a men had misjudged over time to their disadvantage.

Dev readied himself as another fighter about the table counted down from three to zero. Both contestants threw their weight behind their arms and muscles tightened and strained. However, at last the blonde barbarian slammed the ex-smith's arm to the stained and scarred table.

"Ha! You haff lost Deverick Borcarsen! If I keep vinn'n I might never haff ta swing my broadsword ahgain.!" she said smiling with nigh perfect white teeth.

A heartbeat later she was all business once more! the smile was gone... her blue eyes bright with challenge.

"Vell? Another try Borcarsen? Do ya haff more gold? I hope so! Vee vill see yah?"


OOC: 19:57, Today: Blossom Ivarsen rolled 7 using 1d20.  Arm Wrestling!
Her strength is 16 so 16-7= 9 so she won the first bout!

 Much to the surprise of the big man, he lost the match, AND one of his few remaining Gold pieces. "Aye, make it double the bet, if ye have the stuff fer it,Lass." Deverick dug into his purse and removed two gold Orbs,and slapped them upon the table. He hheld out his hand to grasp her again.

21:28, Today: Deverick rolled 11 using 1d20.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Mon 23 May 2016.

Their fellow mercenaries eyes went wide and their jaws dropped. Now three golden Orbs sat among twelve silver Nobles. The money upon the table represented mayhaps a moth's wage... at least a Seven-day!

"You are ah brave man Borcarsen. That much izz true. But I need coin. Zoo I vill vin ahgain." she said as they grasped hands and ready.

An elven swordsman held up three slim fingers.

"Ready?" he said in a voice that had a sing-song lilt to it. At their nods he began to count and lower his fingers one by one.

This time Deverick's great strength did not fail him and it was the barbarian's arm that hit the scarred table! Her eyes went wide and she was slack-jawed!

All around them the mercenaries at first gasped but then, nearly as one, they cheered! It came to Deverick's mind that nearly all had been defeated by her at time or another. Mayhaps they saw him as their champion of sorts.

OOC: 20:48, Today: The Oligarch, on behalf of Blossom Ivarsen, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Arm Wrestling! 16-11= 5
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Mon 23 May 2016.

  Deverick basked in the warmth of a victory; He offered his arm to the North woman, but this time in a hand shake. “Ye be a worthy opponent. I be honored to have strived with ye.” Said the big man, as he went to collect his winnings, scooping t hem into his purse.

Blossom looked at Deverick's hand then into his eyes. The big warrior saw what he first thought to be anger in hers but it quickly changed to amusement then to laughter.

"By Kord! You von ya bastard!!" she chuckled. "Now that you took my coin... maybe you vill share your vork. Yah? Vee best get ta da Merchant's Guildhall. Vee meet deir Master after sundown. Right Ovo?"

There was a rumble behind Deverick that could only be someone clearing their throat.

"Tis as the Northerner said. We're for the Merchant's and Traders Union... that n' Ren o' The Star. The Quartermaster said we be wait'n fer one more n' ye be the one methinks." said a stout dwarf dressed as if for battle in a chainmail haubrek and horned helm. A shield was strapped to his back and he carried a battle axe in one hand.

"Oh! Me name be Ovo. Ovo Goldenshield at yer service."

  Deverick nodded in agreement with the pretty northern wench, and then he heard a gruff voice behind him. The Warrior craned his neck to take in the visage of a Dwarf, and a Warrior by his garb. When they both bespoke of working for the same man as he was, Deverick had to chuckle. And here he thought this was going to be a one man job.

  “Well met, Master Dwarf. So we will be working together fer this here Ren fella. I do ponder what this here Ren wants with the like’s o us? Tarry here, while I be about getting into me armor and such. Won’t be a mo.” Dev said, as he got to his feet and grabbed his gear.

 The large man would ask someone for help, but could do it himself, it needs be. He donned the mail hauberk, that went to just above his knees. A leather guard over his head followed by a mail coif. Then the kettle helmet was the last touch to head protection. He left his gauntlets off for the time being. Once Dev buckled on his weapons belt that held the short sword and dagger, he was almost ready to go. The final touch was to slide the Great Sword and scabbard over one shoulder by it's leather strap.

 He smiled at his new co-workers to be. " That be more like it. I feels kind of nekked without me mail on.Right, lets be about matters."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Mon 23 May 2016.

As Deverick donned his armor and weapons the northern barbarian did her best to aid him while the dwarf looked on. The big warrior could not help noticing that she gave him glances of approval. She in turn dressed for battle as well. Blossom wore black leather studded with golden kronars* of her faraway kingdom. Upon her belt she wore a matching set of broadsword and dagger, both having scabbards of black leather with intricate golden inlaid. Her helm had golden wings like that of a Valkyrie.

At last when Dev was finished and ready to go she smiled "You look gud Borcarsen. Kord himeslf vould find ya vorthy. Vee go yah?

The dwarf just sighed and headed toward the door.

After receiving Master Gelbrun's assurances that the rest of his gear would be safe until Dev's return, the trio left for the Old City and the Merchants' and Traders' Union. The Processional remained crowded as they made their way south. The Petit Bazaar, though less crowded, remained busy as ever. Dev remembered Tal's advice and tucked his pouch inside his hauberk. Though jostled as before all three came out unscathed. It was not long before they made the Black Gate itself.

"Deverick!" came a familiar child-like cry! "Deverick! I have news!"

It was Tal, complete with wooden bowel. As he ran up, both dwarf and barbarian looked to their weapons as the beggar approached.

*Kronars- the gold coin of the Snow Barbarian's
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:53, Tue 24 May 2016.

  Suited up for battle, but in case an interview with their potential employer, Deverick saw smiling from ear to ear. He could not help but bask in the approving looks of the comely Woman of the far north. When she complimented him, he felt like doing a jig, but business before pleasure. “Thank ye, lass, thank ye. You be not hard on the eyes yer self, what I be meaning, you look the proper fighting woman, by the Gods.”

 Deverick was about to depart with his new found companions, when the beggar boy he had encountered earlier, came storming into the place. He saw the others reactions and the large man held up a hand. “Be at ease, the boy be known ta me. What vexes ya lad? What news?”
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Tue 24 May 2016.

Tal swallowed hard and visibly slowed his breathing then closed his eyes. When he opened them he spoke in an even voice.

"There was someone come look'n for ya! She came not long after I returned to the Black Gate. I've seen her before... comes n' goes to n' from the Old City. She has paid me to spy on passersby before. This time she asked for ye. Nay by name but she described ye perfectly. Nay many look like ye."

Ovo spat and said "That's fer certes!"

Which Blossom said "He's jealous... ya look gud Borcarsen."

"Do ye trust these two?" Tal asked suspiciously.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:37, Tue 24 May 2016.

 When the Beggar boy told his tale to Dev, the large man’s face furrowed in a frown.” Really? I be no one o importance, and me family be only Guildsmen.  Mayhap the woman seeks someone ta keep er in th shade”, said Dev, making a jest of his large size. But when he saw how serious Tal was, he sobered some,

 Deverick placed his hand on the lad’s shoulder,” I thank ye, lad for th telling of this ta me. As fer trusting me knew companions, I no reason not ta trust em." He offered the boy a smile of reassurance.

" Wha be the looks o this here woman, that seems ta want ta know bout me,anyway,Lad?”

The young beggar gave the barbarian and dwarf another side long glance before he continued with a shrug.

"Well... she be one of the small folk. I think not a halfling but she nay looks entirely gnomish either. If I were betting though I say the latter. She has bright red hair and be wearing leather armor and ah short sword by her side. The thing that always catches me eyes be her belt. All full o' tassels n' pouches. Master Gaspar has trained us well ya see... Think she be ah thief I do. Yet I nay think she be ah Guilder."

The young lad stopped a heartbeat to catch his breath. Then he went on...

"I nay thinks she means ya harm but I nay know who she be working for neither. So I said I would tell her straight away but I didn't! I waited for you. I thought you should know first."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:18, Tue 24 May 2016.

 When the beggar lad had finally run out of words on the mysterious short woman, Deverick nodded and handed the lad another silver noble. “I be obliged ta ya, Lad. Keep yer eyes en ears open fer me. Now be off with ya, I av a meeting ta attend.”

 He would wait for Tal to depart the room before the Warrior looked at his two new companions.” Right, let’s be about matters, eh. Time ta earn our bread, and ale.” He headed for the door.

Tal gave the big warrior a wink and said "I'll guide ya! At least to the Black Gate. You've paid for that n' much more!"

"Do ye trust the lit'le 'un Dev?" asked the dwarf suspiciously.

Blossom just laughed "Hope he leads us ta sum trouble! Dis trip be boring yah?"

Tal was an excellent guide indeed. He stayed about twenty to thirty paces ahead of the trio. Once they made the Black gate and tunnel behind it, the beggar made his way through by showing the wooden hand about his neck. the Beggar Master must keep his bribes up to date. Not so the three that followed.

The lean youth that had stopped Dev from entering the New City just hours before was on this side of the Black Gate now. His scarlet cloak swirled slightly in the late afternoon breeze.

"Holt!" he shouted, a sneer forming about his lips!

"I knew you'd be back. By the looks of things you didn't sell that steel after all did ya?  Sgt Rilton be on the other side. He can't help ya now... now can he?"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 00:33, Wed 25 May 2016.

"Tis be great! Ye made friends I see." the dwarf growled.

 As the small troupe made their way through the city of Greyhawk, they foumd themselves before the Black gate. The stripling that had seemed about to soil himself, when he challenged Dev earlier, now seemed to have found some courage, since their last encounter. Deverick took out the pass that the Sergeant had given him, and offered it for the young guard’s inspection. “Ye be wrong, Lad. What better way ta display me wares, then ta don them meself. Ye av ta admit, I be a good display.” He smiled to the guard.

The Watchman's eyes nearly bulged with surprise! He slowly shook his head in disbelief. He started to protest but only sputtered.

"Vot's vrong? Ya seem ta haff trouble speak'n now yah? Don't vorry. Not many could fit inta his armor."

Her blue eyes moved up and down the Watchman's frame and she then clicked her tongue.

"Not you then yah? Vee haff business... legal business. Vee kann go yah?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Wed 25 May 2016.

The dwarf laughed which sounded more like a low rumble.

"We be merc's boy! "Ere be me badge... n' license fer me axe besides!"


"Time be money... boy. Best we be on our way." he said with a grin that did not make his steel grey eyes.

"Awright! On... on yer way and be quick about it." he stammered.

"Cause trouble though and I'll see you all in the deepest cell beneath the Citadel myself. I know Negly Gasgal, Day Watch Deputy Constable. Rilton wont save ya from him!"

His dull brown eyes nearly burned with a mixture of frustration, anger, and embarrassment.

The dark tunnel and The old City beyond awaited them.

   Deverick started to follow the others, and then paused. “I be catching up with ye two in a mo.” Said the big Warrior, to the Dwarf and Fair maiden of the far north, or so he thought of her. Deverick waited until the two Mercs got out of ear shot.

 He looked at the young Watchman. “Lad, and there be nar insult offered in that, ye be doing yer duty an I respects that. I av stood this post meself once or twice. But I was mostly on th river patrol, as a marine fer our beloved city. Four years in the Militia, so I can put meself in yer boots in this. Ye be a credit ta the Watch yer standing up ta th likes o me. Fare well, Lad.” And with a grin, Deverick hot footed it to catch up with his companions.

The Watchman stood a bit taller at Dev's words. Though there was still some suspicion in his eyes he gave the big warrior a nod and parting wave.

"Well... the militia be good. Aye! Then I'll expect no trouble... and aid if need be then."

The dwarf and maiden waited for Deverick upon the other end of the tunnel. The light of day did little to improve the looks of the Old City. The Processional continued on southward though the traffic was somewhat liter than on the other side of the Black Gate. The trio picked up their pace toward the Merchant's and Trader's Union. Dev knew this place for Borcar's smithy was located here and Dev had grown up here on these dark and narrow streets.

Deverick knew that the thieves ruled supreme here. Their Guildhall was here. Dev knew that his father, and now mayhaps his brother, must pay protection money to keep his shop safe. though the thugs never pushed too hard for Borcar and his sons were all big muscular men, the smith paid not because he could not best the enforcers but because he could not best determined thieves in the night. More than one business in this Quarter was ruined by repeated burglaries.

As Deverick looked about this maze of alleys, shacks, boarding houses, brothels and taverns he knew this place to be home. The Old City, separated by the Black Wall from the New City, took on a life all its own. Though poorer than the New City, this Quarter was self sufficient. Not that trade didn't exist betwixt the Old and the New but the Old City did not need the other's riches to get by. This was one of the reasons why many a adventurer came from this section of Greyhawk, more than any other. Better yet, why they survived their adventures.

The balance of power in the Old City centered on the Thieves' Guild, which controls the major sources of income here, except for the Public Bath, which is owned by the city. The Old City sees less of the City Watch than do its neighboring districts. The Beggars' Union is a force to be reckoned with in the Slum Quarter and their members are said to be the eyes and ears of the city. Their Master, one Gaspar, might be the most well informed person in the city! The patrols of the City Watch move unchallenged here during the daytime, but at night two patrols always march together. Even then they remain on the lighted thoroughfares of the Processional, Caravan Street, and other major avenues. The City Watch patrols are scarce to nonexistent after dark elsewhere. Crime and misery are commonplace here, but so are gallantry and decency.  For protection many, with coin, relied on the Guild of Nightwatchmen. The Nightwatchmen in the Old city take their duties very seriously indeed--their fee is always money well spent.

The Merchants and Traders are also well represented in the Old City. Their huge compound complete with small warehouses, smithy, stables, and Guildhall cane be carefully seen as it sits right upon the Processional almost in the center of the Old City itself. Also present is a sizable barracks where the Merchant Guard are found. They patrol the yard, man the gate, and stand guard in and about the guildhall itself. They from time to time hire out to adventurers as caravan guards and as hire muscle during times of stress or upheaval. Ren o' The star was its master though his recent gambling mishaps had many talking. That and all knew that the Thieves' Guild had infiltrated The Merchants House and wished to control it as well.

Dev knew this part well enough. Mayhaps this was why Ren wanted extra muscle. Mayhaps why he wanted outsiders. Those that did not belong to the guild but whose loyalty could be bought through golden orbs. The compound could be seen in the distance. Its many storied guildhall rising above the walls surrounding it. Yet, the gate was closed! Usually, though guarded, the gate was wide open to allow business to enter as it would. Two guards in the guild's own livery stood on the wall above the gate. Their eyes wide open and the expressions wary. As the trio approached they scowled down.

"The yard be temporarily closed!" one shouted. "If ye have business ye must come back... on the morrow methinks!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:23, Thu 26 May 2016.

   The three Mercs made their way through the winding streets of the old city. Deverick knew almost every twist and turn in certain parts, and had no clue in others; His parents had forbidden their sons from going to certain areas, in fear of what might happen. Slavers did not operate openly in the city, but there were always rumors of children disappearing. Life was cheap in these streets; a death might be purchased for a few silver coins.

 As the Merchants and Traders Union came into view, Deverick could tell something was amiss. This place was always a hive of activity, with the comings and goings of Merchants, and any others that wished to transact business in the city of Greyhawk. When they saw the gates closed, Dev just looked at his companions, with a puzzled expression. “Now this be odd, this er place be a bee hive durin th day, usually.” Said Deverick to his companions.

 When one of the Guards called down to them, and told them to return the next day, Deverick frowned. He needed to work, and this was the place where it was located. He walked up to the gate and looked up at the Guard. “Whas all this then, Lad? We be from the Mercenary Guild, an we wish ta hav words with someone named Master Stimtrin Canasay. We be expected,jus go an ask em." Said Deverick in a confident tone of voice.

The barbarian maiden looked down at her dwarven companion and said in a hush voice "Maybee Deverick n' me kan throw you over da vall if they don't opwn da gate yah?"

Ovo did his best to ignore Blossom's remark but shouted something to add to Dev's statement "'Ere be me badge!"

The dwarven mercenary showed his Guild Badge and said "Stimtrin Canasay, ye canna miss 'im! "E be ah dwarf jus like me. Yer arses be on the line if'n ye nay seek 'im out nay ours."

He then crossed his brawny arms across his barrel chest and waited...

One of the two guards disappeared for a while. When he returned to the wall a dwarf was with him. Though older than Ovo, this dwarf was younger than Gelbrun.

"Awright! I be here now. Wot's all this about. The yard be closed. Internal matter. I nay sent for... "

He stopped as he eyes took in the three unlikely companions.

"... Ye be from the merc Guild eh? Gelbrun sent ya? Well then... wot did he tell ya ta say then?"

With this he looked at Ovo who in turn looked to Dev and Blossom...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:46, Thu 26 May 2016.