In reply to The Oligarch (msg # 47):

 Deverick looked around the area,while the guard went to fetch what he hoped was the Dwarf. Where they expecting an attack? The gate was closed for a reason,but for the life of him,Dev could not figure out why.

 Suddenly, the guard was back and Gods be praised, there was a bearded face looking over the wall that had Dwarf stamped all over him. When The Dwarf asked them what Gelbrun told them to tell Stimtrin, Deverick went blank for a moment. But then he recalled what he was supposed to say. " Oh, aye. Master Golbrun told me ta tell ye, I be Dwarmer."

"That be them lads!" Stimtrin said. "Open the gates!"

The huge gates slowly swung open and within heartbeats the trio were ushered in quickly and the gates were closed behind them. Deverick had seen his share of combat in his days serving the militia. So his practiced eye picked up signs of recent combat, though someone or many someones tried to cover the fact up.

Stimtrin soon descended from his perch atop the wall and joined Dev and companions. He was flanked by two guardsmen.

"I be glad ta see ye all. Though there be much ta say I canna'say it out here in the yard. We'll go inside. Follow me!" the dwarf said as he turned on his heels and made for the Guildhall proper.

Crossing the yard Deverick noticed knots of merchants and guardsmen, here and there about the place. Most were talking, whispering more like, among themselves. Some pointed at the mercenaries as they moved across the rough packed ground of the yard to the Guildhall.

The Guildhall itself was a rambling three-storied structure that seemed to have had many additions over the years. Though not as solid as the Mercenary's guildhall, the doors were reinforced and the windows could all be shuttered against an  attack. Once inside the dwarf whisked them along a wide and long hallway covered with thick carpeting from far away Ekibir upon the floors and rich tapestries of various places around Oreth on the walls. Finally they came to a beautiful double door made of mahogany, most like imported from the Amedio jungle, which led into what seemed to be a large study or library.

A tall and older elf, richly dressed in silks and an embroider cloak, wearing a golden chain with the Guild's symbol about his neck, stood in the middle of the room. He nodded first to Stimtrin then to the adventurers.

Once inside Stimtrin closed the doors and sighed heavily!

"My good sirs and ah... lady, welcome to the headquarters of the Merchant and Traders Union of Greyhawk. Though you may have guessed but I am Stimtrin Cannasay, assistant guildmaster. I do me best ta keep this guild free, respected, n' honest. We called ya in for your... well your, let us say, expertise in a certain matter which we canna deal wi' ourselves. Master Ren o' The star be kidnapped ya see. Most like by those he owes money from gambling losses no doubt. Snatched right outside the damnable gates! These unsavory ruffians meant ta extort money from the Guild... ta pay Ren's debts! Curse him n' them!!!"

The elf cleared his throat to cut the dwarf off!

He said "We know where Master o' Star is being held. It is dangerous work. If you should take this employment we will require two things. One, you must not speak of this to anyone. Two, you must bring Master o' Star to a tavern just outside the Cargo Gate and await our instructions. No one besides myself and Master Stimtrin will know why you were hired though many may guess. The pay is one hundred Orbs a piece... that and our... and perchance Master o' Star's deep appreciation."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:31, Thu 26 May 2016.

 The three were ushered into the presence of an Elf, and Deverick thought this might be Ren O Star, at first, but such was not the case.   Deverick and his two companions were given and ear full on what had happened before they arrived. What Deverick had thought was going to be a bodyguard job, was turning out to be a rescue mission. But he needed more information, before he decided to take this job.

“Good Sirs, be so kind as ta tell us wha went on er, afore we arrived. I saw signs of fightin, and it be right recent, too. I think me companions and me need the full story afore we decide. We needs ta know, ho it be that took em and such.” Said the tall Warrior in a serious tone of voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Thu 26 May 2016.

The maiden whistled low and long.

"I know not vhat Borcarsen may do but ah hundred Orbs sound gud ta me. Sumvun took my coin."

She then arched an eyebrow in Dev's general direction!
This message was last updated by the player at 00:16, Fri 27 May 2016.

Ovo kept his arms across his chest "I'm wi' him. tell me more afore I risk me neck fer Ren or anyone else."

The elf looked from dwarf to maiden and back to Dev before he was about to speak but Stimtrin thought turnabout was fair play and cut him off.

"Ye 'ave ah good eye lad. Gelbrun Grobadore be right 'bout ye 'e is. Ren was abducted right from under our noses 'e was. Right outside before anyone could react save Ren 'imself. Cut down two before those bastards beat 'im down. another wont be us'n 'is right arm fer ah time unless 'e be know'n ah good cleric."

The well dressed elf held up a slender fingered hand, with rings upon four of the ten fingers.

"I am sorry, I forget myself, I am Dernen Nathane. Master merchant and I serve as an Oligarch upon Greyhawk's Council. What Assistant Guildmaster Cannasay said is true. However, there are only three uninjured ruffians left. One of the four was indeed wounded. We have paid good coin to find out where they are and know there exact location. the one behind it is a mage of low to middling power and these thugs work for him. The house is nigh indefensible as it sits in the heart of the Slum Quarter."

The dwarf added "They 'ave a street gang that acts as lookouts and first line o' defense but they nay be the problem. The three fighters left be veterans all. Your equals I say... then thar be ah mage. Ne'er trust ah mage!"

The elf frowned as the dwarf finished then shrugged his narrow shoulders.

"They will not be expecting a rescue this soon. The street gang should be naught for a group as talented and well armed as you. The fighters, though maybe your equal, should not stop you either. Surprise will be on your surprise. I shall raise your fees... say by fifty Orbs but not a Common more. That and see that any injuries are healed by potion or cleric... your choice. Yet, you must keep this quiet. Now before we divulge the location, what say you?"

The maiden and dwarf looked at Dev. It seemed he was now their defacto leader.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:20, Fri 27 May 2016.

 Well, Deverick got what he asked for, that was for sure. And the Elf just offered to raise the pay by fifty Golden Orbs, and that was just fine to the Warrior. He was half expecting them to say the Guild of Thieves had Ren, and if that had been the case, he would have declined the job. He was not afraid of much, but if the Thieves Guild had been behind this matter, Deverick would have asked for much more money.

 He looked to The Elf and Dwarf offering them the Job.” If me comrades av no objections, I be saying that one hundred and fifty Orbs be fine by me. I be doin the job of brigin back Master Ren fer ya.” Said the Large Warrior.

 As if he had this as an afterthought, Deverick looked at their new Paymasters. “ Th Guild o Thieves be not behind this er thing, right?”

Stimtrin Cannasay sighed so loud, not unlike a bellows flowing full out.

"Ye 'ave ah right ta be worried lad. Right as rain! Only the gods know if'n the thieves be behind it. Might be they are! Yet I'd ne'er send ya in there blind lad. Sides be'n bad fer business, if I did that ole Gelbrun 'ave me balls in ah vise afore Celene rose on high."

The elf then nodded, it seemed for once these two agreed!

"We paid good coin for our information. If the thieves were behind it they have hidden that fact very well indeed. Ren has many enemies but from what I know he and Nerof Gasgal, Mayor and Master Thief, are on the best of terms. Now then, do we have a deal?"

   So either they did not know if the Guild of Thieves where behind this abduction, or they are lying to the three Mercs. Deverick needed the coin, as did his two companions. When he was asked if they had a deal, the large Warrior looked for a nod from his two companions, before he spoke again. When he knew they were for it, Deverick addressed the  Fancy dressed Elf. “ Aye, we av a bargain.” The Warrior held out his massive arm to clasp with the Elf to seal the deal.
This message was last updated by the player at 02:32, Fri 27 May 2016.

The elf, Dernen Nathane, nodded and for the first time smiled as he said "Very good then. Master Stimtrin the strong box if you please."

The dwarf went to a stout desk made of the same dark polished wood as the double doors leading into the office and unlocked a drawer. He lifted out a sturdy metal box and using a second key opened it. The dwarf began to search as the elf called out a second time.

"A third now Master Stimtrin. Best make it platinum. Fifty Orbs would add unwanted weight and noise."

The dwarf gave the elf a curt nod and mumbled under his breath, what sounded like a curse in Dangmir to Dev, before finding the right sack which had the familiar clink of coin to the mercenaries ears.

"'Ere ye go!" Master Stimtrin said gruffly as he handed the sack to the elf.

Master Dernen then counted ten platinum Plates in three separate stacks. He then handed the stacks to Ovo, Blossom, and Dev respectively.

"You all will receive the remaining two thirds when Master Ren has been safely dropped off to the Sullen Selkie tavern just out side the Cargo Gate. The proprietor is well known to us. Have him send word and we will contact you there. Any further questions?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:06, Sat 28 May 2016.

The weight of the coins made the northern maiden smile.

"Danks!" she said with a smile showing perfect white teeth. "I hear dat the Slum Quarter be dank n' dark. Vee can't see in da dark. May vee barrow ah lantern or three?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Sat 28 May 2016.

The dwarf frowned "Speak fer yerself. I kin see jus fine but I left me crossbow back at the Merc Hall. Can I mayhaps barrow one o' those n' ah score o' bolts?"

Master Dernen nodded and said "Master Stimtrin send for lanterns... make them the Gnomish ones... from the Kron Hills if you please. And a Gnomish bow as well."

The elf then turned to the three mercenaries and said "These are on loan mind. They must be returned or you will be held liable for them. In good condition if you will."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:39, Sat 28 May 2016.

  Deverick listened to the Elf brief them on what what, in this matter. When eh finished by asking if there were any questions, Dev had a few come to mind.

“Aye, Sir, I av a couple o questions, Sir. Who be the poxy bastard that has Master Star? And can we av a token that will prove we be from ye, when we find em?" Asked Deverick to the elf.

The elf was about to speak but the dwarf interrupted him.

"It be ah mage by the name of Kee Arkguard. O' midling power he be. We have reason's ta believe that he holds ah residence in the Artisan Quarter. Our spies have sent word he still be there. Mayhaps ta absolve 'im of any involvement. That be good fer ye. Now then he 'as been seen wi' ah half-orc cleric n' it be 'er that 'as Ren methinks. Kee would nay stoop ta geting 'is robes dirty methinks."

Master Dernen cleared his throat.

"Maybe the mage is there or not. For sure the fighters and cleric will be. Yet, I think no matter who is there they will be not swayed by our word or any token we give you. I will however give my ring. It has our Union's crest upon it and Ren at least will recognize it. The house is located on Kilcat Lane. My advice is to get a guide from the Beggar's Union. No doubt such a guide will know the way. Also most street gangs will allow you passage as long as a beggar accompanies you."

Master Stimtrin added "Save for any gang these ruffians 'ave paid off least ways."

The door opened and several youths, obvious apprentices of the Merchant And Traders Union, came in carrying the lanterns and Ovo's bow. The lanterns appeared to be square metal boxes but  Master Stimtrin showed the mercenaries how they worked. By twisting a knob on the top he released a spring and the box sprang up. Inside was a crystal upon which a continual light spell had been laid. There would be no need for oil then! With another twist of the knob and by pressing the top and bottom together, the lantern closed and the light was no longer seen.

Ovo examined the crossbow and found that it was unlike any the dwarf had ever seen. It had a long trough to the side which contained nine bolts. A crank on the side brought the bow string back and locked it in place but also brought a bolt into the firing channel. Basically every time the bow was crank, it loaded a bolt to be fired. It had a trigger that would release the bow and fire the bolt but it loaded itself saving the operator time.

The dwarf whistled and smiled deviously but Master Dernen reminded him these items were on loan and not their property.

"Now then... I feel you must be off. Ren's life, though safe for now, is still in danger. The sooner you are on your way the sooner he will be rescued. May Norebo and Nay Ralishaz watch over you this eve."

 Deverick accepted the coins and ring,both which where placed into his large belt pouch.

 The items produced by the youths, where a marvel to behold. The Lanterns where magical and that almost took Deverick’s breath away. He had seen magic before, but it still sent a thrill through him, when he was around it. He operated one of the Lanterns and nodded.

“Aye, it be time fer us ta earn our pay.  We will take our leave of ye, good Sirs. Fare well.”

 Deverick gave the high sign that he hoped his two companions would pick up on. He would lead the small group to the gates, and out into the street. The large Warrior looked to the Dwarf and Northern Warrior Maid.

“Right, we needs ta swing by the Black gate, ta see if a certain beggar be there. He might be fer hire as a guide.” Said Dev, as he then headed down the street at a good stride.

The northern maiden when offered a lantern shook her head.

"I vill nay take ah mage's toy. Keep it or give it ta da ot'ers."

Once outside she spat upon the ground "Magic vill harm ya Deverick Borcarsen. Only gud steel and gud friend's kan save ya from da seven hells. Kord hisself fobids such Borcarsen. Only our might vill vin da day."

As they approached the Black Gate she said "Ah da lad ya spoke vith earlier yah? Gud! He Kan be trusted atleast."

Her strides were nearly a match to Dev's own
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Sun 29 May 2016.

Ovo nearly laughed at the maiden's words.

"Anything that 'elps ya kill yer enemies be fine by me. I wander wot these 'ere bows sell fer anyways?"

The dwarf took his eyes from the Gnomish Bow for a heartbeat and looked Dev's way.

"I know the lad be ah beggar... but do ya trust him? I have nay been in the Slum Quarter afore n' I want ta make it out again."

It seemed as the trio made their way through the Black Gate one more time, the Watch manning the Gate just waved them through the dark tunnel to the other side. The Watchman named Betram gave Dev a curt nod this time though. As they made the New City side, Sol was rapidly heading for the western horizon. Dev's eyes spotted the young beggar manning what Dev thought to be his post, just outside the Black gate. Tal saw the big warrior and gave him a friendly wave. As they approached he spoke, not overly loud but loud enough for Deverick to hear.

"She hasn't come back yet. Yet, it's early. She'll be along t'm thinking. The little one I mean. I bet she's a gnome. That would be my guess. You want me to tell her where to meet you... or just mislead her. I never knew if that's what you want."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Sun 29 May 2016.

When the trio of Mercs went through the Black Gate, Deverick’s eyes scanned for the telltale sight of Tal the Beggar. And sure enough, the boy was perched at his usual place, with his usual bowl, begging alms. Dev waved the lad over, and leaned over and whispered into his ear.

 "Tal, never mind th Gnome Wench, fer the time being. I av larger shoes ta hammer, err, more important matters. We needs a guide inta th Slum Quarter. We be hired ta fetch something back ta its right a proper owners. There be two pieces o silver in it fer ya, if ye agree. What say ya?” Asked the Large Warrior.

 Deverick reached into his purse and showed Tal, two silver coins minted in Greyhawk.. “One as be a down payment, Lad. It’s brother be yers when we get th package."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Sun 29 May 2016.

Tal's eyes bulged and not for the first time today. Deverick knew the boy had made a killing off him alone. Why the big warrior had given the young beggar one gold Orb, two silver Nobles, and the promise of another silver coin. Probably more than Tal would make in a week or two. As the beggar's hand reached for the promised coin, it froze midway.

"I... I would love ta guide ya Dev... what I mean ta say is I will guide but first we must be to the Beggar's Union. If we are to ply the Slum Quarter's streets, we must first get the Master's permission. Now it will cost you a few gold coins. There's no way around that but you'll have Master Gaspar's blessing and mayhaps his friendship to boot!"

The young beggar looked from barbarian to dwarf. Both seemed fine with letting Dev decide.

Seeing this Tal renewed his case.

"We could try to go around Gaspar on this but most like he'll find out. Gaspar has eyes and ears everywhere and not just in the Slum Quarter. Our Master be a bright fellow Dev. He can be reasoned with if treated fairly... as ah equal. If you should anger him, your enemies wil always find you. Thieves will rob you, the watch will arrest you on some false charge, and he might just persuade the Mercs' to drop you as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Wed 01 June 2016.

Ovo shook his head.

"Ye probably know this 'ere city better than us lad so I'm fine wi' lett'n ye decide. Yet, trusting beggars nay seems profitable to me. This Gaspar fellow seems ah little high n' mighty for me tatses."

The maiden just eyed Tal for a heartbeat or two then chuckled "The boy seems straightforward enouff ta me. But vee must remember vhat da fancy elf said... vee must keep dis quiet."

   The beggar boy, made a good case for his suggested course of action. But then again, Blossom pointed out that they had to be discrete. No matter which way Deverick decided, it seems someone was going to be vexed with him. Ovo’s comments showed, while the Dwarf might be a capable Warrior, he knew nothing of how Greyhawk worked.

“Well, Tal as a goodly point er. He be part o th Beggar’s Guild, en if he guides us without the Union Master Gaspard’s blessing, it be th worse fer him. It be th worse fer us, more as like, too. Gaspard be the Lord o th Slums. He be like some uppity noble with es own fiefdom. We needs ta pay homage ta em, without tipping our hand to em.”

  Deverick leaned over and patted Tal on the shoulder. “Aye, we needs ta offer tribute ta the King o the Beggar’s. But Tal, will Gaspard be satisfied with us paying our respects and tribute, or will e be sniffin why we be in th slums?”

 Deverick was in the hopes the King of the Beggars would take his due, and let them go on without revealing the purpose. Deverick would not betray that purpose, as it would give all three a bad name in the Merc business.

Tal folowed what Dev had said, nodding here and there as the big warrior made his points.

"You're right Deverick! Gaspar would nay try to stop ya openly but you'd never be able to set foot in the Slum Quarter without be'n beset by Street Gangs or deadly sling stones slung by beggars from roof tops. Gaspar might e'en convice the thieves'Guild to take action. They owe much to Gaspar as we give them the latest news straight from the streets. News they need to make their marks and the most from their thefts."

The young beggar seemed to take Deverick's query to heart as he rubbed his bare chin with a grubby hand.

"I think Gaspar will do his best to gleam the reason for your visit first hand and if not then from me when I return. I could nay outright lie to him Deverick but I could give him half truths so we would both be protected. If you pay a high enough fee... mahaps five Orbs and be respectful in all Gaspar may let you go without push'n ya too hard."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Thu 02 June 2016.