Dev fell asleep to Blossom's sniffles and Ovo's rumbling snores. The morning found them well and rested for all had truly spent a night in worse conditions. Finn ushered them inside the common room, now quite empty save for a few drunks who had not made it far from the tables where they had drunk the night before. The tapster reheated some more of his famous fish stew, but grumbling from Ovo and an offer of a handsome tip from the maiden brought forth some scrambled eggs and fresh baked bread besides. However, all that was to drink was water or ale.

Not long after they had filled their bellies a man entered the room, no doubt the courier from the Merchant Union. Along with the runner came three armed swords from the Merchant Guard. Finn directed the man toward the three sitting by themselves.

"You are Deverick, Blossom, and Ovo then?" he asked. "I've got coin for each of you. The total being four hundred and fifty gold each. Most is measured out in platinum coins but we've left fifty of it in golden orbs so it can spend all the easier. That and my master's thanks of course. Will you do me a favor then?"

 Deverick had just finish polishing the remains of his breaking of fast, off, by wiping his plate clean with some bread. He popped it into his mouth, when the folk from the Merchant Union arrived.After he and his companions had confirmed their identities, the promised reward was delivered to them.

 Dev found himself actually holding his breath,as he received his share of coin. Never before, in his short life, had he thought to have such a handsome sum in his grasp. The Courier gave the thanks of his "Master" and his. Deverick nodded in way of a response,but then an interesting thing happened,the Courier asked them do do him a favor.

"I be sure I be speaking fer us all, when I says thank ye, and be thanking yer Master fer his open purse. As fer yer favor,we av ta hear ye,affore we decide on it."

 Said Dev as he felt the weight of his share in his massive hands.

The courier smiled at Dev's apprehension and held up a warding hand.

"No slaying of red wyrms today. I wish you to give this to Master Ren when he awakes."

At this he reached inside his satchel and pulled a sealed parchment. He held it before Dev for him to see.


"You may tell him this is his answer from Stimtrin Cannasay, Assistant Guild Master. It is for his eyes only mind. It is said that you may be trusted with such a thing." he said with a knowing smile.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:48, Sun 17 July 2016.

 Deverick accepted the sealed Parchment with a serious expression. " Aye,I be seeing that e gets it as soon as possible."

The man nodded and turned on his heels to leave. He and his guard left the common room. Once they were gone the dwarf spoke.

"Are we to ta take the missive ta the Golden Wheel today then? If so i'd like ta make ah stop at the Guild Hall. There we can store our coin and nay 'ave to carry it aboot. Though I like the weight good enough I hate ta 'ave it stolen the every day it twas delivered.

Blossom looked to Dev, she had been very quiet since last night.

"That and vee haff ta see Borcarsen's Aunt. I hope dat gnome is gun. I nay trust dat vun. Mayhaps yer Aunt has word from yer family Borcarsen. Does see haff da sight?"

 Deverick  looked thoughtful for a few moments, then took a drink of ale from a tankard upon the table. " Aye. I av ta go see me Aunt, but Ovo as th right o it. This be a powerful lot o coin, best we secure it afore I go to me aunt. After I see me aunt, we head for the High Quarter ta deliver this message. But first I av ta give this er message ta ye knows who."

  He looked to Blossom " Aye, some say me Aunt av the sight. I never say er us it, meself."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Mon 18 July 2016.

Ren stumbled out a hour later and yawned wide. He made it over to the party's table with wild hair and bloodshot eyes. The Master Merchant shook his head sadly as he took his seat.

"I now know why Finn allows me to stay, besides I'm his partner that is. I lost nearly a hundred orbs playing cards. He probably spiked my drink besides. Did the courier arrive with your coin and my message. The sooner they get here the sooner we can act."

Ren nearly gagged as Finn brought over a bowl of fish-stew. He placed a thin finger to his lips as if to say keep the eggs and bread a secret.

 Deverick had no hard looks for Ren, when he finally made an appearance. Dev had a few of these mornings himself, after a hard night of gaming and drinking. When asked about the message, the Warrior offered the sealed scroll tube to Re.

"The courier that brought our coin, he said this er scroll be th answer from  Stimtrin Cannasay."

Ren looked at Dev and took the missive. Once Finn was back at the bar, Ren took out another sealed parchment and along with his ring he handed them to Deverick.

"Take these to the Golden Wheel. Then head back on the morrow for my answer. By then I should know what the dwarf, Cannasay, has sent me. We need to gather as much information as possible. If here is a plot to over throw the Oligarchy then we'd best be right in knowing how to stop it. Also, Finn let some info slip... "

The Master Merchant leaned in conspiratorially before speaking in a hush whisper.

"... the Rhennee have arrived for a meeting of the clans. Someone has called foe some kind of vote. Finn seemed to think this unusual. Yet he knew not why or the what for about the vote dam his hide."

Deverick knew that at times several clans of The Rhennee would unite and work together but ro have all the clans here at the same time and voting about the same thing was unheard of.

 Deverick took the offered items,and placed them in his large belt pouch.

" Aye, I will get yer missive ta th Golden Wheel. But I av me own business ta tend ta after I does it. Me and mine will be in touch,Sir.Fare well."

 Deverick got to his feet and motioned for the other two to follow.

"Right, we knows wha we av ta do, Let's be about it."

The group took their leave of the Sullen Selkie, with Ren still nursing a hangover. Blossom stopped and flipped Finn a platinum plate to the tapster. His eyes doubled in size and he stammered.

"Do... do... do come again!" he said with a smile and wink.

The party made the Cargo Gate along with a throng of others waiting to Enter the Gem of the Flanese. Some were merchants or traders bringing their goods into the city from faraway places such as the Ulek states, Furyondy, Veluna, and the Free City of Dyvers. Some were fishermen who brought the days catch to be sold in the Petit Bazaar. Others were just simple travelers who wished to do business or enjoy the pleasures that the city of Greyhawk could provide.

It took nearly the better part of two hours to get through the Cargo Gate, but for once the watchmen seeing their Mercenary Badges waved them through without question. From the Cargo Gate it was only a stone throw to one of the many side streets that led off the main street aptly named the Strip. It was here that many taverns, inns, brothels, and gambling dens were located. It was here on Dim Lane that Deverick would find the small tavern known as The Widow's Rest.

 As the trio waited at the Cargo gate to enter the city, Deverick had time to think things over. He felt the three of t hem had crossed the threshold into deep waters of political intrigue. They had no idea of who might be an enemy or friend except perhaps Ren O Star. And even that one,Dev had his doubts about. But the Oligarch had make them a lucrative offer,and Dev had seized upon it with the consent of his two companions. He had more coin from the brief dealing with Ren then he had seen in his entire life.

 He was also concerned about why his aunt wanted to see him,and why the Rhennee clans where gathering. Dev had not seen his aunt since his last leave from the Militia,and that had been over a year ago. But here he was, heading for her tavern.

 The Tavern called The Widows Rest was located on Dim Lane. Deverick knew the place well enoght from visiting it when he had been on leave. He opened the door and lead the trio into the coolness of its interior.

Dev turned to see a knot of about ten Rhennee approaching and was Rogio who the big warrior knocked out at The Rest. They all had various forms of leather armor and blades of various sizes and shapes.

One stepped forth from the group and hailed Deverick in the Rhennee tongue.

"My name is Silviu! I am of the Blood of Dmitri Volanis. He would have a word with you. OH! It is not about Rogio either. We have warned him about his robust ways. There is something you should know. Then you can tell whoever you wish or no one at all. It is up to you. Dmitri extends you this courtesy because you have the blood of the people. Those with you do not. They are not welcome but can wait here or we can escort them to wherever you wish. This is a honor. Dmitri rarely invites those outside his clan upon his barge. What say you."

 Deverick, upon seeing the armed group, thought the worse. No one was more surprised then he was, when he was invited to speak with the powerful Barge Folk "Lord" was the best word to used, but the People had no nobility as such/

" Aye, I be aware o th honor, but why does it take as many as ye av with ye, ta tell me this? ye could av come yerself with one or two others. I smells sumthin rotten an it ain't th fish round here."

 Deverick allowed his hand to stray to near the hilt of his sword, but did not draw it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Tue 16 Aug 2016.

Silviu casually shrugs "I walk with my clan wherever I go whether it be one or twenty. Greyhawk is no longer a safe place no? Why you walk with that big sword instead of butter knife. Dmitri and the blood of Dmitri do not beg. Come or no. Your choice but Dmitri will remember either way. That is his choice. We have other business tonight so decide quick or we go."

 Deverick thought the matter over,then decided. " I will come with ye en meet with Dmitri. It would do ye en yer clan nay honor ta harm a guest o yer barge. Ye are offering me Guest rights, aye?"

Deverick knew well that no one of  the people would violate guest right,and die defending a guest.

Silviu chuckled and turned to Rogio, then elbowed him in the gut which doubled the young bravo over.

"See! I told you he was no survesh!"

He then turned to Dev "You are wise to the way of the people no? Yes! The invitation gives you guest rights. No harm will come to you and we shall fight and maybe die killing those who mean you harm. This on the blood of my blood I swear!"

The smile quickly faded "Come or no! Which?"

 Deverick was given Guest Right,so he knew this was real and not some ploy to get himself..he hoped. Still in the language of the people. " Aye, I will come."

 The Warrior turned to his two companions. and spoke in the common tongue " All be well. Their headman wants ta av words with me. I av been invited ta his own barge,an honor fer someone like me. I av been offered Guest right, en that be as good as gold for me well bein. I will go en chat with his nibs, then join ye soon."


 Deverick removed his weapons belt and handed it to Ovo and the Great Sword to Blossom.

"I av nay need of em,and ta take these on board would be a grave insult ta their honor."

 Deverick kept his dagger, because the People believed, a man without his dagger,was a barge without a rudder.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:16, Tue 16 Aug 2016.

Ovo shot a dark look the Rhennee's way.

"Well... if ye be say'n so lad. If'n ye are nay back in an hour, I'll come look'n fer ye. Tell them that I may be short but me strength be ah match fer yer own. I'll nay take kindly ta them treat'n ye badly."

He took the sword with care.

Blossom's lips held a pout "I don't like it Borcarsen. But I vill take yer aemor. Vee haff ah custom like dat also. Once hospitality is given jt kahn't be broken or da Jarl looses face vith everyone."

"Take Karr Botcarsen." she said taking his armor and other things.

Sliviu beckoned Deverick to come on. Deverick could see the river barges bobbing up and down in the River Selitain.

The boats, or barges, by which the Rhennee plied the waters in and around the Nyr Dyv are distinctive. Their draught was extremely shallow, less than a fathom (six feet or so), meaning the Rhennee barges can travel up rivers and tributaries completely impassable to other, larger, vessels.

The barges themselves vary in size, with more powerful clans having more impressive boats. An average sized barge might be fifteenth feet x forty feet, with small examples being ten feet x thirty feet, and the largest perhaps thirty feet x ninety feet in length. They had no cabins save that on the aft deck reserved for the Lord of the clan, but their hulls are planked over, affording a closed space for cargo. They have both sails and oars (the latter for use when the winds are either not favorable or non-existent), and they were equipped with clever arrangements of buckets and pulleys for emptying the bilge when heavy seas demanded it. They also kept a small boat in trail for quick journeys.

The ships were heavily armed as a rule, not only to deter pirates (river pirates are thick in some areas frequented by the Bargefolk) but also to fight off the fearsome sea monsters that were found in the Nyr Dyv. Crossbows, scorpions ( mounted on swivels), and oil are primary weapons against such creatures, as well as javelins and regular bows.

Dmitri's barge was most elaborate and the wood was intricately carved with the prow depicted a giant octopus with it's eight arms reaching out as if to grab someone or something. Sliviu bowed with a courtly flourish.

"Dmitri awaits you in the aft cabin. Just you two on the barge. We wait here." 

 Deverick gane a reassuring smile to his two companions, then went off with the grou of Rhennee men. The smells out here was a pot pouri of fish, spices that the Barge Folk cook with,and the usual smells of a less pleasant nature that went hand in hand with all towns.

 When they seemed to have arrived at the Barge where this meeting was to take place, Deverick had to admit, it was an impressive Barge, worthy of a Lord of the Folk. He looked to the one named Sliviu,when he invited Dev to board.

" I be honored ta board yer Lords Barge as a guest of yer clan."

 Deverick knew that unless something was really wrong here, he would depart the barge still in good health. It had been known to have someone given guest rights on a barge to be slain once they set foot on dry land again, but Dev hoped that would not be the case,since he was only armed with a Dagger. The Warrior stepped onto the deck of the Barge,and took a moment to get the sway of the craft. Deverick then slowly made his way toward the aft of the Barge and to the cabin.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Wed 17 Aug 2016.

Deverick had been on a Rhennee barge before but not one so big or richly designed or equipped. As he walked across it's wide deck he could see the elaborate pulley system used to bilge excess water off the deck. There was a carved wooden door toward the aft of the craft which the big warrior knew was the cabin of the Rhennee Lord, Dmitri. He carefully moved down the barge and found the door open.

Inside was more spacious and luxurious than he would have imagined. There were the large pillows scattered about the wooden floor where the guests of the Lord would sit, dine, and drink with him. There was a large lamp made of gold which swung upon a golden chain from the ceiling that gave off limited light but enough to see the lord lying on the floor dressed in silk and leathers. A jeweled dagger protruded from the scarlet sash about his waist. He beckoned Dev to join him as he nodded to the cushion across from him.

Dev was then aware of the huge bed carved right from the bulk-head of the ship itself and a huge chest with a lock upon it. Dev's cushion was a mere arm's length away from Dmitri. Deverick sized up the Rhennee lord as he would any would be opponent. He was of average height, about five feet six inches tall, but powerfully built. Deverick over six feet must duck down least he bump his head and then it came to him. In this cabin Dmitri would have the advantage. He could move with ease and not worry about knocking into things or tripping over the pillows. Yet, Dmitri seemed as if he was for entertaining and not fighting this eve.

"Come! Sit! Or lounge whichever you choose. I poured your wine." he nodded to the goblet beside the pillow reserved for the big warrior.

"I thank you for coming. We shall speak but first you must relax and we talk no?"

 Deverick entered the cabin of the barge, and he had to blink, for he was extremely surprised by the luxury held within. Dev had seen Inn rooms that this place made look like stalls in comparison.

 A voice spoke to him,and it could be no other then the Rhennee Lord himself,Dmitri. Deverik  turned that way and a sudden pain exploded, as he struck his head on an overhead beam. Indeed, any conflict in this place,all the advantages where with the Lord. When he was invited to sit upon the pillow opposite Dmitri, Deverick nodded and with great care, settled on the pillow crosslegged.

"I be thankin ye, Lord Dmitri fer the invitation.I be honored,en all that,Sir. I be surprised someone as important as ye wants ta see the likes o me." Said in the tongue of the Rhennee.

Deverick took the goblet of wine,and with a gesture, took a sip of the vintage. " Good wine."

Dmitri smiled and nodded "Only the best for you. Almi is your Aunt no? She is a most powerful Vetha as you know. I have one of my own but... "

At this he leaned in conspiratorially and said "... sometimes I see your Aunt when I must see the future. Yes, she pays for my protection but it is only a few nobles a month. You see I respect her and so I must respect you the blood of her blood no?"

He sipped his wine and watched Deverick over the goblet's rim as if he was sizing up the big warrior.

"Your mother was Rhennee no? You must take after your father for you are nearly a giant. I have news for you Deverick. This news is most troubling to me. I wish only one favor in return. You not only get the information I am about to tell you but I will also let you know a little secret... some would call it your Rhennee inheritance. Would you like to hear more?"