The central area between what you suspect to be sod covered pits, is also sodded.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 1):

I approach cautiously, keeping to where there is cover...

Masugatan follows closely.  “I was talking to myself, by the way.”

Dne follows, five feet above the ground.  He eyes the stinking pits,

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 4):

You can clearly make out three three yard-by-three yard square areas where the sod has been cut and relayed. The outer two have slight dips in the center, the central area seems well supported, and the grass on it seems less dried out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:24, Sun 19 May 2019.

Dne informs his companions about what he has seen.

Darius kept walking behind Reanna. "I'll follow in your footsteps," he said.

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 7):

You are approaching the central area. Actions?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 8):

Stop, hide, scan the area for trouble. If no-one is visible, circle around the central area, checking for traps and ambushes.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 9):

No further traps are visible.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 10):

And no further folk are visible as we go around the central area?

Dne climbs several meters up and surveys the area.  Do things look different from up here?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Tue 21 May 2019.

"So, wot's yer story Balar? 'Oo are yer, anyways? Were ye part 'o the guild, once upon 'o spell?" Aegis asked the wounded brigand leader, as he turned the spit, bottle close at hand...
This message was last updated by the player at 14:56, Wed 22 May 2019.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 12):

No further traps, threats or concealed bowmen are visible, the way seems to be clear.

In reply to Aegis (msg # 13):

"I still hold a membership, for legal purposes. I started out as a mercenary, fought in the Pequenaud succession, and another couple of inter baronic conflicts further south. Then I did some caravan guarding befor becoming a road agent.
I also own the Whistling Wench and some other real property. This gig has been one of the best I have ever had, getting paid on both ends."

"So wot do ye reckon, the merchant's guild'll do with yer, if we bring ye to 'em? The gallows, is it?"
Aegis offers the man, the bottle.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 14):

Reanna will then proceed with clearing the pit traps, very cautiously checking the contents first before removing the covers.

In reply to Aegis (msg # 16):

"Depends on who you turn me in to. If it is a friend, you get a reward, and I disappear. You turn me in to someone else, you get a reward, and I have enough evidence to save me from the rope. I don't die unless one of you do it."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:38, Thu 23 May 2019.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 17):

The two side pits about four yards deep have barely balanced pit wickerwork covers under the sod, a number of bodies full of crossbow bolts are in them. The area between them, about 4 yds square looks more solid.

In reply to Balar the Red (msg # 18):
"Well, If'n anyone in our group was ta kill ye, It'd likely be me. But I'm probably the best friend ye have, fer now, which is sayin' alot... But wot about yer local assets and real property, if'n you'se had to bugger off?"
The merc grinned, as he turned the spit.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Thu 23 May 2019.

Darius looked down into the pit. "Seems like a waste," he said, then turned to Reanna. "After you."

In reply to Aegis (msg # 20):

"I have the succession of all that legally sorted. Didn't want folks killing eachother for a share of the tavern. Only the heir knows who would get it in case of their death, to keep it from being untimely. You get me out of this, I'll  see to it you get taken care of in perpetuity."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:18, Fri 24 May 2019.

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 21):

The bodies in the pit are not wearing Balar's livery.

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 21):

She looks at the Darius. "Really? Victims of bandits with valuables? You are a bit of an optimist..."

She goes over to the area in the centre and checks out them as well, carefully.

Masugatan assists in the investigation.

Dne informs his companions about the way being clear, then climbs back down until he is a mere three meters up.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 26):

Peeling back the sod, you find a wooden floor with a yard by two yard trapdoor with a lock.

"I'm not talking about the valuables," Darius said. "I'm talking about the people. Slaughtered by bandits for money and loot. That's a waste of human life."

“I do believe we’re getting somewhere.  So which one of yoos has got the cah gee oh knees to open the trap door?”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:11, Sat 25 May 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 27):

Reanna Checks it for traps before attempting to pick the lock...unless there is a trap, in which case she disarms it first!

OOC: Always a good idea.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 31):

Reanna manages to open the padlock without any further difficulty.

The trap door, a lard on a side, appears to be free of traps.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 32):

In which case Reanna opens it carefully...and looks inside.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 33):

Within is a three yard by two yard space lined and floored with wooden planks. There are several bolts of cloth, a number of small chests, and a few smallish barrels, along with a number of glass bottles similar to the one Balar had.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:25, Fri 06 Sept 2019.

“Want me to pull out some of that?  I like to feel used once in a while.”

" I reckon we orter shud convert that space into a tomb, fer the dead.. Or we can just fill in the pits.." The merc said to himself, as he turned the spit.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Fri 31 May 2019.

“Just throw ‘em in the pits.  They don’t deserve a tomb.”

"Be the easiest thing."

In reply to Aegis (msg # 38):

"Actually, I think we should burn the bodies, probably in a spiked pit after we have check ed for valuables, of course. No need to give a necromancer a Christmas present...but lets get all the valuables from all locations back to the mule first."

"Aye, burn 'em. They already stink."

"That'd hardly be a christmas present for me," Darius said. "But we should still burn them."

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 41):

Iq rolls from those necromantically inclined.

“Burning the bodies will create smoke, and that could draw attention.  But do as you will.  Your judgment might be correct.”
This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Mon 03 June 2019.

OOC: Darius Kopaki rolled 13 using 3d6.  IQ: Necromantically Inclined: vs 15. Success by 2

"I'm cookin' our dinner, 'n that's making smoke too. Best thing 'twould be ta fill in all in the pits, with shovels. Over 'n done. Burnin' doesn't matter either. Might make the camp better to spend the night in, honestly, without the lingering stench of death, while we're tryna eat 'n drink."

“Who’s got time to shovel in those pits?  Not me, I can tell you that.”

Masugatan does find time to relieve himself into one of the pits, however.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 46):

Piercing the skulls and severing the feet would do as much good as burning, and take a sixth of the time.

"But do you have time for a little butcher's work, Masugatan?" Darius asked. "By destroying their brains and feet, we'll make them just as useless."

“I guess I can do that.”

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 49):

As the bodies are dragged to the clearing for dismemberment and eventual  burial, what is being done with the loot?




Selling it nets cash. Returning it nets less cash, but probably earns points with the merchant's  guild in other ways.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 50):

Melchizedek is in favour of returning it.

He is not in favour of cutting up the dead, and would prefer the more time-consuming way of burning them so as not to create a potential problem with diseases or upset spirits...
This message was last edited by the player at 07:54, Mon 10 June 2019.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 51):

Reanna would prefer the cash, though she might like to return some as a token gesture to satisfy her higher ups.

She has no preference with the bodies, but is not going to cut them up herself...
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Mon 10 June 2019.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 52):

Without a spell such as final rest there is no guarantee that a necromancer might have his way with the dead (or any restless spirits) but a head injury prohibits use for the skull spirit spell, and animated dead without feet would be forced to crawl.

Burning requires fuel, which amounts to quite a bit of forrest, and about 3-4 hours burn time per body.
 You already have two largish pits, and the rest could be dumped in the vault.

Masugatan also prefers cash, but he’s cool either way.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 53):

Melchizadek wold be happy to spend the time to burn the bodies properly. Final rest for this many souls would take him a month!

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 55):

And take about six hours of chopping trees to get enough wood to fuel pyres.
There are handy pits tjat can recieve the bodies, and the feet and hands could be bound.

Helios is a god of the sun and healing, and his worshipers generally employ tombs for burial.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 56):

"Lets just let Masugatan crack their skulls and cut off their feet and bury them. He likes chopping things..."

With no further ado, Masugatan commences cracking and chopping.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Wed 19 June 2019.

Dne climbs up until he has a clear view of their surroundings.  He eyes the terrain carefully for threats.

"Thank you, Masugatan," Darius said as he watched him crack the bodies.

OOC: How much cash would, roughly, be the loot worth if sold?

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 60):
Without opening the chests, hard to determine. Make some merchant or connoiseiur rolls to evaluate. It certainly triggered your spell though.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 61):

Reanna, for her part, gathers everything of value. Checking the chests for traps first, taking all the time she needed to be sure, she prepared to open them. Then she picked any that were locked, and opened them...

Do I see anything up here?

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 62):

There is much more than you personally can carry. There are 8 bolts of brocade silk, twelve dark, squat, glass bottles in a padded box, a metal chest with five locks, a brass reinforced wooden chest  (about a foot by a foot by 8" deep with a handle on top) that opens from the side, also locked, and two five gallon barrels.

The chest with all of the locks seems to have some kind of interconnection between the locks, as if each one affects another.  There seems to be no other trap on the smaller chest

Anyone care to use Connoisseur or merchant to appraise?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 64):

Reanna looks over the goods with the eyes of a merchant to evaluate them...

Are both chests now open?

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 65):

No, you only searched for traps. The multi-lock chest is probably worth $450, the other one needs more examination, although at least $100.  The other items need appraisal as well. and that would best be done out of the pit, in good lighting.

So this was not successful?

"Ok, lets get ropes on these and haul them out, where we can get a good look at them."

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 67):

Which rolls are applied where? there are five separate locks that need to be checked for traps on the metal chest, and one on the wooden one. If you are going to start picking locks down in a hole when there is daylight above, you will be working with a penalty for reduced light.
Additionally, I am going to need specifics as to what order you are picking the locks -
Left, right, front, back, top.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 68):

If she can't see clearly, she would remove them from the hole first. Once it is out, then, she will work busily on them.

"Someone should head over and get the mules here too."

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 69)
The small wooden chest is free of traps, and once the front cover is open, you can see that there are 16 small drawers arranged in a 4x4 pattern.

Examining the locks on the metal box (which rattles) reveals that the locks are are all linked together in a specific sequence. As you try opening them, you hear a number of clicks, but the box doesn't open.


This one won't be solved by rolls alone.

Darius, leaned over Reanna's shoulder, stood straight when it became clear the metal box would not budge. "Balar will know the combination, that's for sure," he rasped. "But I'm loath to turn him lose."

Aegis has gotten bored with the situation.  While the rest of them are talking about the cache of loot, and trying to figure out how to get into the box.  He needs the money, but getting access to it isn't his job.  He's there to kill the bad guys, so he mostly stands around and mumbles to himself, while taking a large swig with his left.  With his right hand, he flips his knife up in the air, and catches it again by the hilt.

When there's mention of Balar, Aegis perks up.  "I don' mind cuttin' de lock combos outta him.  Give me sumtin te do."

In a pointed response, he'll catch his knife in an ice pick grip.  He's oblivious to the pun, however, and keeps a completely straight face.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 70):

"Lets just think about it first. Besides, it will take them some time to get here. We should get all the party back together now, in case there are still some troublemakers out there."

Reanna will check out the unusual drawers in the wooden box to see what is in them, taking note of which draw items are found in...after checking them for traps too!

"kinda liked da idea of cuttin' on Balar, but fine.  I get da mules."

OOC Still getting oriented to this thread a bit - didn't have time to read the back story as much for Aegis.  He'll handle getting the mules and getting everyone back together while I try to get caught up a bit more.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 73):

You determine that none of the drawers are trapped or locked. They do, however, each contain two small glass vials full of powder, or in some cases, seeds or dried vegetable matter.


You note that there are about 240 possible combinations of locked/unlocked status for the multilock chest, and you could  methodically try every combination in about ten hours if you succeeded in picking the lock on each attempt.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 75):

There has to be another way. Can she listen as she unlocks each to determine which one should be the first in the combination?

“Should somebody go back to town and hire some dudes to carry all this?”

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 77):

"Didn't we bring a mule for that?"

Has Aegis brought them back yet?

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 76):

These are not combination locks, these are sequential locks.




I saw this in a museum, it was designed to make the thief try and carry it off or waste a few hours trying to open it. at the moment, you have manipulated several of the locks, which must be each in the right state of being either open or closed to open it.

Aegis should be arriving shortly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:02, Tue 02 July 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 79):

In this case, the chest is probably the best thing to carry it home in, so Reanna is in no hurry to open it.

She will continue trial and error, listening for indications of the sequence, until Aegis returns, with everyone else.

Darius will sit down nearby and watch the group and Reanna trying to pick the lock, until Aegis returns with the mule.

Dne climbs up and finds a good sized tree branch to stand close to.  (In an emergency, he could hold on to it.)

From up here, he keeps a sharp eye out for approaching enemies.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:32, Thu 04 July 2019.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 82):

Aegis arrives with the mule. Within the pit, in addition to the spice cabinet and the curious strongbox, there are 8 bolts of brocade cloth, 2 five gallon kegs, a wooden box with twelve squat dark bottles. Collectively it weighs more than the mule can carry.
The spice chest could completely fill one large backpack, and the mule could carry four to six bolts of cloth or both barrels.


Merchant/connoisseur rolls to evaluate?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 83):

Reanna tries to evaluate things...

“Next time we gotta bring more mules.  If we don’t need ‘em, we can eat ‘em.”

Aegis stands off to the side after returning with the mules.  Figuring out how to organize the load they had to carry, so they could return with it...  That wasn't his problem.

OOC Edited to remove the reference to Balar, I haven't read all the previous threads yet, so I did not realize he was crippled.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Fri 05 July 2019.

In reply to Aegis (msg # 86):

Balar has sustained a crippling leg injury and might never walk again

In reply to Narrator (msg # 87):

Ok. And the evaluation?

OT: We’ll make Balar better, stronger, faster.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 89):

The brass reinforced chest of drawers is full of valuable spices- the box is worth $200 by itself, the spices something close to $5000;
The small coffers of cinnamon ad cloves are worth about $50 each, the spices are worth about $1500. The spice chests are all monagrammed HA.
The multi lock chest is worth $450 by itself, and seems to be full of coins, probably about two poinds of coins. With the keys and combination, it would be worth even more.

Uncorking the small bottles reveal them to contain Dwarven spirits, worth about $80 each, and the kegs are of Armangac, and worth over $400 each.

The value of the bolts range from $400 to a little over $900.

All of these prices are before reduction for resale (which is 40%)

Some of these items may be immediately recognizeable; the barrells and spice chest are branded, and the metal chest has inintals on the front lock.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:30, Fri 06 Sept 2019.

Since Aegis is attending to the mules now, he has put away his knife.  Instead, he's now drinking, and jingling a couple coppers from his pouch.  It seems's he mumbling to himself about ...something... as well.  It's not really recognizable to anyone more than a pace away.

In reply to Aegis (msg # 91):

Anything he is drinking comes out of his share of the profits...

Melchizedek asks the young female theif, out of earshot of Balar, if she knows the combination.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Tue 09 July 2019.

Dne descends from his perch long enough to ogle the loot.  He chirps excitedly!

“Looks phat,” Masugatan says in regards to the loot.

Man this is taking too long, he thinks.

Darius nodded. "This has indeed proved a most profitable detour."

Aegis comments from where he is standing by the mules.

"By da tim yu figur dis out, I'be a zombe.  Worr abut me comin' back ta getcha.  Beh nise enouv ta remuv me hed in wun peece ta keep meh good looks."

“You really need to lay off the sauce, bro,” Dne mutters.

Aegis pointedly takes another swig and belches loudly in Dne's direction.

OOC Newer to the character.  Not sure where he got the alcohol, but he's certainly be drinking something.  Even if it meant filling his skin from one of the barrels.  :)

In reply to Aegis (msg # 98):

Your prisoner Balar ( who has a crippling leg injury among his wounds, directed you to the location of a bottle of Armangac, which apparently was filled from one of the barrels. (You note one barrel has been tapped, and has a cork where it was opened)


To get all the loot back, some of it must be carried.

Balar's armor is fairly valuables as well, to say nothing of the collection of cheap swords and crossbows you have accumulated.  If you do not wish to take the crossbows, they can be ruined easily by cutting the strings.

To properly open the chest, the key would be good to have, or at least knowledge of which locks to open and in what order; turning all of the tumblers clockwise in the order she attempted seems not to have been the way

"If you can rig a frame for the mule, I can ensure it will be able to carry everything," Darius said. He closed to the mule, which brayed and became more and more agitated. "Oh, and I need someone to hold it, too."

Aegis will hold out an arm to grab the reins of the mule.  So as not to scare it, he'll belch in the other direction.  That's as polite as he gets.

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 100):

The mule is quite skittish around Darius.

Aegis furrows his brow and stares at Darius.  "Stup skeerin' the ponee.  I'm gunna speel me drik."  What follows is a line of curses that would make most sailors proud.

And a belch.

“And I thought I was a slob.”

Darius looked up from drawing a circle on the ground. "It's not like I can stop it," he said. "There's quite a bit of necromantic energy still clinging to me, and... ah, nevermind. Point is, animals don't like me, I can't change it, and you can either keep the mule restrained or we can't carry everything." He grinned suddenly. "Or I can enhance your strength, and you carry it."

He stepped into the circle, and soon energy was gathering around him and the skittish mule.

The mule shudders and ripples with massive muscles, turning a shade of green as it does so.

“It’s hulking out.  Sweet!”

Knowing how animals react to him (not that he blames them for being intimidated), Dne touches ground and keeps a discreet distance from the green mule.  But he observes the antics with relish.

Darius broke the circle and quickly stepped away from the mule. With greater distance, it became calmer. "That's an interesting side effect," he said and jotted down a note in a small notebook.

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 109):

Melchizadek tries to calm the mule as he holds the reins.

As Melchizidek is now by the mule to calm it, Aegis steps away to focus more fully on his drinking.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 110):

Melchizidek murmurs something to the mule about the sun getting real low, big fella, and calms it down.

Masugatan follows Aegis, wondering if he can get drunk just by standing near him.

Absently Aegis offers his flask to Masugatan to see if he wants some.  Companionship was always better when drinking.

With his other hand, he'll get out his knife and flip it end over end to see if he can get it to stab a twig on the ground.  It was a good game for passing the time while the rest of the group talked themselves to death.

OOC Love the reference.  lol!

He turns down the offer of booze.  It looks as though Aegis will need it all.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 115):

As you return to the camp, Balar spots the laden mule and starts cursing.

“Watch your language, you insolent peasant!”

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 117):

"Upset a little we found your stash? Well, you did try to ambush a priest, so I can't say I feel any pity for you. Now to get this stuff back to town...just the two prisoners then?"

“We got no pity for you, punk!”

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 119):

Without his primary bargaining chip, he has few options.
"Do you want to know who will pay the most for that, or do you just want the Merchant's guild to confiscate the lot?"

Aegis snickers rather audibly.  Then he'll walk over behind Balar and casually toss his knife in the air behind the prisoner.

In his other hand, he's still holding a drink, from which he periodically takes a swig from.

"Yull tellus"

In reply to Aegis (msg # 121):

"Your bargaining chips are getting less and less. But since you clearly do not plan on giving information away freely, what would you want in exchange for answering a few of our questions?"

Aegis leans in to put his head behind Balar's, although not close enough to be head butted.

"I cer nutin fer you.  I cer abut gettin payed.  You cin tell us who ta telk to, er I kin take off sum fingirs en toes.  Meyybe en ear."

OOC Yeah, I know this guy isn't so friendly.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Tue 30 July 2019.

Masugatan glares at Aegis.  He had been just about to threaten to cut off Balar’s fingers and toes himself, but the rummy had beaten him to it.  He isn’t sure how to express his aggravation in a socially acceptable manner.

Finally he settles for, “Let me cut off his man parts, if he’s got any.  You owe me that much.”

Aegis smiles.  In his current state, it's a little terrifying.  He snatches his knife out of the air, and responds "Ei'l get da lef, yu tak de righ."

In reply to Aegis (msg # 125):

"Gentlemen, he is our prisoner! It is inhumane to torture prisoners! Enough of that or you are worse than the bandits!"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 126):

"Thank you good friar! If you turn me in for the right reward, I can tell you who to sell that lot to so you still make a profit. You having fun with that coffer yet?"

In reply to Balar the Red (msg # 127):

"Naturally. We will want the secret to opening it as a down payment if we promise to turn you in to the folk you select, as long as we are still able to collect our reward from those who commissioned us."
This message was last updated by the player at 09:09, Thu 01 Aug 2019.

Aegis scoffs at the response.  Then he shrugs.  "Hev it yer owin wey.  I waz gunna stert smell, then werk mey whey up.  He dun need a pinkah."

Aegis takes another swig from the bottle.  He tried to help.  It would have saved them a lot of time.  But, he wasn't in charge of the monkey show.  He was the hired muscle.  They would pay him the same either way.

OOC Is Anita with us then...?

In reply to Aegis (msg # 129):

As I understand, all groups have rejoined now.
This message was last updated by the player at 09:09, Thu 01 Aug 2019.

“Well I certainly hope I’m worse than the bandits!  If I ain’t I’ll hafta work on it.”

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 128):

The wounded bandit waves her close to him.

In reply to Balar the Red (msg # 132):

Reanna answers quietly.

Reanna considers her contract.

"Who is it our contract requires us to deliver him to, by the way?"

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 133):

Aegis'wanted poster said "Any ranking member of the Merchant's guild and pays out $1200 for Balar and $100 per known associate, dead or alive.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 134):

"Glad I checked. Have we gathered identification from all the dead associated? If we gave no-one our word, then we are not bound by anything but our own greed...that is liberating!"

Turning to Balar, she speaks quietly
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Tue 06 Aug 2019.

"Bound by nothing but our greed and our morality."

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 135):

The bandit nods.

In reply to Balar the Red (msg # 137):

"Since there is no difference which of the Ranking Merchants we turn you over to, do any object if we turn him over to Kantinflas?"

“Our greed and our... what’s that word you used... morality?”  Masugatan laughs.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 139):

"Not something all of you are burdened by, Masugatan. If it means he is treated with some justice rather than with revenge, I am happy to do that Reanna."

Aegis really doen't care much about morality.  He's more about being paid, and then for the rest of the discussion he tends to turn a blind eye towards everything but his liquor.  Thus, he doesn't bother caring about this part of the discussion.  Instead, he takes a swig from his bottle and belches again.

“No, but I do have ten pounds of dangling meat.  Ain’t that enough of a burden?”

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 142):

He laughs.

"I can cure your unnatural growths if you like!"

“No!  Not my precious!”  He covers his crotch and backs away in a state of utter panic.

Darius, standing in the background, smirks.

Aegis spits out his last swig of alcohol as he guffaws at the last couple comments.  Then with a smile he adds "I kin seralyze dat fer ya.  Handy wit' a knefe if yer needs heelp."

Beeeelch.

In reply to Aegis (msg # 146):

Not wanting to know about the direction the conversation has taken, Reanna asks

"So we can agree on who we hand Balar to then?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 143):

"Oh, go on. Discount circumcisions! 50% off! You know you want one! I could give you a real bargain at 75% off if you insist...now where is my little guillotine? We just put the offending growth in, and SNIP. Problem all gone!"

Aegis spits out his mouthful of alcohol AGAIN withanother full-throated guffaw.  This time he puts the stopper back in and comments "Yer wastin meh drink!!"

“Do you charge extra if it takes you ten hours to cut through all that meat?”  He winks at Reanna.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 150):

"Not at all. I just get a bigger axe. Not necessarily sharper, but bigger! But whom needs accuracy?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 151):

Reanna makes no secret she is not interested in this conversation. At All. There is money to be had, after all.

She turns to Balar "If they re so fascinated by themselves, I can agree to turn you over to your friend for the reward and they will not even notice. Now, about the contacts and the sequence for those locks..."

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 152):

"Dalicia Thras, with the crossbow bolt through her back, is a member of the Merchant's guild, and knew the names of those inside. I only met with Kantinflas and her. She brought us the caravan schedules, and told us who not to hit.If you want to see him, go the the Whistling Wench, and tell Alphonse, and he will send a runner. That way, if Kantinflas wants you to say, deposit the found goods in his personal warehouse and not at the guild, he can arrange that. Bring me too him, and I will tell you how to open the box. There
Is over a pound each of copper and silver in it, and the box is worth just under half of that."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 153):

"Is Delicia this lovely lady I have also been healing? If we turn you both over to Kantinflas, will we be rewarded in full?"

“I don’t like this.  Something ain’t right here.”

Dne watches the ongoing conversation with amusement.  Was Balar trying to trick them?  Who could tell...

Aegis toys with the idea of throwing his knife at Balar.  Just for the fun of it.  He wasn't sure if the man was telling the truth or lying.  It wasn't one of his gifts.  But perhaps the intimidation value might work to their advantage...

Absently he puts away the bottle og booze he was drinking from, and starts flipping his knife in the air again.

Masugatan notices Aegis flipping the knife, and experiences hope.  But he also takes a step back.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Thu 15 Aug 2019.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 158):

"You think he is lying, or you just playing with knives? Or are you just upset because your previous conversations was extremely boring for me and not in the slightest interesting?"

Aegis' face is completely devoid of emotion as he states "I kin car less wat yu tink.  Im in fer da munie.  Jus' tryin ta decid how mush ta cut up on da gimp.  I duna trust heem."

In reply to Aegis (msg # 160):

"That would be her. Check her ring.
Look, Aegis, I know I cut you, but that was fifteen years ago. You cut me deeper. Took me a minute to recognize your voice, you had to get a load on first. Then I knew ya. We were with one of those short term southern barons. Had a scarlet hog on his banner. We were cut down by the one they called the Wolflord... Before old Baron Veroigne rose against him, with his son James and that captain of his Percival. Those green and black chevrons cut the Wolflord's men down like peasants. Before they did, you saw two other hoggers cleaved by only three wolves. You went for them, and I struck you in the face with the pommel if my knife and put you down. Ya see, the Wolflord had six bowmen in the woods you didn't see, and if I had tried to tell you, they would have heard.
I had Hoggers and wolves in this band, but now they are all gone like the scarlet boar."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Thu 15 Aug 2019.

In reply to Aegis (msg # 160):

"Yeah, I am likewise here for the cash. That is why if we can get paid the reward by giving him to a certain trader plus getting information on how the get the highest price for our goods, I am happy for that. Course, if he tries to double cross us, well, he is still our prisoner, and we can always inform the Haderaum..."

Masugatan shrugs.  “I don’t really care.  Dice him up, sell him as a slave or rub olive oil all over his ass... it doesn’t matter, as long as we get back sometime this century.”

I wish I was eating worms, Dne Utrotare thinks.  He’s getting sick of the great outdoors.

"Let's just vote on whom to deliver Balar to," Darius said. "For me, that's not going to be his friends."

“Yeah, no way.  I second that.”

“Thirded,” Dne adds with a weird buzz in his throat.

Aegis arches an eyebrow and then guffaws.
"Mwahahahahahahhh."

In reply to Aegis (msg # 168):

"Nice, but did any of you factor a pay cut into your voting, due to the possibility of not selling his goods to the right buyer, or having to break the lock? Personally, I am just in it for the money."

“Me too but I also want to stay in good with the Guild, and avoid getting shanked because I was a sucker.”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:25, Tue 20 Aug 2019.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 170):

"To stay in good with the guild, we only need to fulfil our contract. If handing him to his friend does that, why should we care? They can rewrite the contract better next time if that is a problem."

For a minute the discussion got fun, and Aegis had engaged for the duration.  Now it was getting back to more boring conversation about nothing real.  Aegis pulls his flask out again and starts drinking more.

Yes, he did have a history with Balar.  But the details of their interaction were fuzzy with
time, and he was a different man now.  He had no loyalties here except to the contract and the
 money it brought him.  Taking a side would mean assuming intent behind Balar's past actions,
 and the man was obviously able to talk out of both sides of his mouth.  He was almost like a
 politician in that way.  Aegis snorted at the thought, randomly, and completely out of
context from what everyone else was discussing.  Still, the thought was amusing, and all the
more reason to not care about what happened to the man.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:51, Mon 26 Aug 2019.

Darius shook his head. "And if they rewrite any contracts, they're not going to give them to us.
 That makes turning him in both altruistically and egoistically the better choice." He smiled. "However, I will support the majority opinion."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:52, Mon 26 Aug 2019.

“I’m not in the habit of turning my prey over to its fellow worms.  Thus, you have my vote.”

“I gotta side with freakbeak on this one.  Sorry, Reanna.”

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 175):

"I am in favour of justice, not necessarily vengeance.
I would want evidence from Reanna justice would be served, and from the others
that those he was handed to would limit their vengeance to what is just."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:52, Mon 26 Aug 2019.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 176):

Just to recall things; Balar is permanantly crippled, his associate may not live the night, all of their worldly goods are forfeit.  The only "Contract" on him was a wanted poster that said the bounty was payable upon him and his associates (or proof of their demise) to a ranking guild member.



To further things, regarding the worship of Helios, the god has spheres of good, light, Music and healing, and is not inclined to funeral pyres; the faith was inclined to have burials.


As to the bodies in the pit, no attempt has been made to identify them for their families, who might want some closure.

The local law, the Hadereum, actually has nothing to do with this; their jurisdiction ends at the city gates. bringing them into it is likely to lead to sudden taxation of found goods.

Killing him or turning him in to "Proper authorities" will end up with the pot being lessened considerably.  Just the same, some folks have bloodlust.  turning him in to his co-conspirators, while not particularly honest, is bound to increase the cash return.

The question is: do you want to play a game of intrigue with the Merchant's Guild, which will necessitate joining either it (or the Hadereum, which I know is less likely), depending on your inclination. On the other hand, there is now a void to be filled in terms of accosting the folks on this road...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 177):

Melchizadek, for his part, is torn between trying to keep these criminals alive, for they may yet be redeemed, and giving a proper burial to all the dead. I believe a body part (hand?) was taken from each to identify them, though I also believe that there were some of their victims also in the pit before we got there. Melchizadek would want all identified and properly buried, but remains with the barely living to try to increase their chances of survival. Speaking of which, he will check on both of them to see if their survival chances can be increased. He has already sense some would like to kill them...

Why would he need to join the merchants guild? He was planning on just handing the prisoner over to the conspiratory Merchant guild member, collecting the cash and then departing?
This message was last edited by the player at 07:50, Mon 26 Aug 2019.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 178):

Reanna cares little for intrigue, but cares a lot for cash! She is also not a big fan of Taxes...so is keen to keep the Haderaum out of this. Got wanted poster, got persons, ready to collect from whoever pays more. Combat is over now, sate your bloodlust elsewhere...

Becoming the bandits? Why? Let the bandits collect the pittance, and when they have gathered enough, go and take them out, take all their ill-gotten gains and then collect a reward as a bonus. Why settle for one paycheck when you can get 2, and be considered the good guy at the same time? [Sounds like I should be recruiting for the police department...]

As to the bodies in the pit, no attempt has been made to identify them for their families, who might want some closure.

Isn’t this a strangely modern way to look at the situation?  I doubt that people in a quasi-medieval setting are interested in ‘closure.’

I feel like I’m being plot-rollered, but if turning Balar over to his friends will move things along, so be it.

Really? The catholic church made squillions throughout the middle ages selling just that...

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 182):

Less "closure" more probate and inheritance, and possible reward for the info (reward coming from the heir most benefitting the demise)

If trying to weed out who did what in the Merchant's guild, and do "the right thing" it would necessitate T least the tokens of membership in it to investigate.

Naturally, I need notice if you want to do that, si I can plan things. It was an option. Just laying out some potential choices, which various character disads will affect.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:36, Mon 26 Aug 2019.

OOC Aegis cares nothing for Balar, nor for any of the politics that are in deeper discussion right now.  He's a simple man.  Drink, money, whorehouse...rinse and repeat.  He's be for getting the most money he can for Balar, and that's where he stops caring and starts drinking.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:04, Mon 26 Aug 2019.

OOC: Darius would prefer handing Balar in to whoever isn't part of the conspiracy, for moral reasons. He's not motivated to go after the conspiracy at the moment.
However, if the others decide to hand him to his friends, he will go along.

Ah.  Now that makes sense.

(I think I just sent a reply as a private message by accident.  Sorry.)

In light of this, perhaps we should haul the bodies back, if possible?

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 187):

And just how do you plan to haul back, oh, at least 20 bodies?? I am not interested in paying for that...bury them I say.

Then why bother to bury them?  Nobody’s paying for that, either.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Wed 28 Aug 2019.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 189):

"No, but not giving a proper burial can result in restless spirits. Not something I would be wanting..."

Masugatan rolls his eyes.  But he is willing to assist in the burial, if it will get things moving.

Dne searches the ground for a juicy worm.  Not that he would literally eat it.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 192):

The loamy soil looks like it might be rich with worms.


There are three pits covered with trapdoors that could probably fit the bodies and make it harder for them to, say wander into town?


Final rest is a fatigue heavy spell that takes an hour or so per person buried.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 193):

By the time you factor in energy recovery and healing, it would require about 4 hours to cast the spell and then recover, and you could only do so 2-3 times per day due to having to heal oneself each time. Hence, perhaps 12 hours to bury 3 individuals with the spell 'final rest' before having to sleep the night. Not very practical.

But the pits would be best kept for the bandits. Melchizadek would want proper burials for their victims...

Can we fast forward a couple of hours and say we buried the bandit's victims (the bodies in the bottom of the pits when we got there) and then buried the hamstrung bandits in the mass pit (I seem to remember they had already been hamstrung and decapitated) before moving back towards town?

OOC I'm fine with any and all of that.  Aegis isn't really doing much more than pissing everyone off.  Now that's his job and all, but still...  Probably tiresome for the rest of the players.

Since Darius' proposal to resurrect everyone and let them walk themselves to the city gates probably will not find enthusiastic approval, I'm fine with skipping a few hours.

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 196):

With the bandits in the pits, I need a HT roll (for getting that close) and then a search roll, (to find identifiers, like merchants guild tokens) place a marker (pile of rocks) and let the families pay for anything more. Melchizidek's religion is really not focused on funerary things, good, sunlight and healing. The dead are not in your wheelhouse.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 197):

No, it is more of a peripheral thing, undead and not nice and he wants to take some simple steps to avoid having more of them around than is needed...plus a decent burial for innocent folk is a good thing to do.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 198):

Melchizedek is able to enter the pit without vomiting, but cannot find any identifying markers, as search is per-5

In reply to Narrator (msg # 199):

He will regardless get the non-bandit bodies out for a proper burial.

Dne digs around in the dirt with a stick.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 201):

Revision of original purchases.



Not sure if we have a shovel, but if anyone does, can we fast forward to getting into town?

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 202):

There were several among the camp supplies.

Burial accomplishes, and potential undead incursion thwarted, you head into town with the heavily laden green overmuscled mule, Balar and the shadow elf  on a pair of travois (made of tent poles, possibly being dragged from one end each by Masugatan and Aegis, and a sack of hands and surcoats, and make it back through the Merchant's gate into Northport.

“Home sweet hell.”

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 204):

"Indeed. Now to discuss matters with the prisoners. Let us head first to an inn where we can put the prisoners in separate rooms. I will look after the elf, she seems most injured. Reanna, as one skilled with escape, why don't you take the others and Balar, and send someone to bring his friend to us so you can discuss payment of the bounty, and open the chest at the same time."

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 205):

Not overly excited at the idea, Reanna agrees. Once they find a place with rooms.

Aegis smiles in a sort of creepy way.  Perhaps the issus is that he musters a bit of enthusiasm for the task, should it materialize.  "Y'wan I shud cut on em sum?  Getum talkin'?"

In reply to Aegis (msg # 207):

"This one is barely conscious. I am not convinced that it would help. And Balar has promised information if we hand him to his friends...I leave it to you to keep him honest."

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 208):

Where are you booking rooms? In the Merchant's district, the Artisinal district, or up in redlight, near your own guild?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 209):

Redlight sounds a bit more dodgy, where we can do what needs to be done.

“I don’t like this.  An inn is no place to hold prisoners.”

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 211):

"We are being nice, remember. Where would you prefer?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 210):

You have the upper rooms of The Inn known as the Shady Lady, run by a shadow elf, and so revered for privacy, it has three entrances, one in an alley, another inside a livery stable.

Who is running over to the Whistling Wench?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 213):

Why is someone going there at this time? Have they already talked and told us about where to sell stuff and how to open the chests?

While his companions deliberate, Masugatan keeps a close eye on the prisoners.  He doesn’t trust Balar!

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 214):

Not to drag things, but it was agreed to whom he was to be delivered, and that person had to be sent for, and even then Balar could get his throat cut if he didn't give up the secret of the chest, literally the last thing keeping him alive

In reply to Narrator (msg # 216):

Ah, yes. That was Reanna's plan. Lets go with that unless someone else objects. If no-one objects, perhaps send Masugatan to bring the person to pay his ransom, while Reanna and the others put the chest in a room with Balar, waiting for him to reveal the way to open it and the best person to sell the goods to.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 217):

While Melchizadek takes the other female bandit to play good cop help her recover, and find out what he can from her. Separately. But recovery will be needed first. Away from the cutthroats, in an inner room, so if she does try to do a runner, she has to go past every one else as well.

Masugatan will run out to fetch the individual in question.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:15, Fri 06 Sept 2019.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 219):

Masugatan heads back to the Whistling Wench to find Balar's cousin Alphonse, to ask for Kantinflas.


Meawhile there us an edit to some of the hoard; I was justifying it to match missing goods reported missing from a spice merchant, see p4 of this thread, messafe 89

Aegis sticks around to watch the prisoners.  Anyone who gets out of line gets cut.  In his eyes it's as simple as that.

In reply to Aegis (msg # 221):

What is the status of the female prisoner?

In reply to Aegis (msg # 221):

As one of the prisoners is fading in and out of consciousness, and the other is actively trying not to have his throat cut, they are fairly well behaved. Among the treasures is Balars signature red brigandine and blue cloak.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 223):

Melchizedek will take the badly injured prisoner into another room to try to help her.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 224):

Reanna will make sure Balars armour and cloak are removed, and she will try to work out their value, keeping a careful eye on their previous owner.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:20, Sat 07 Sept 2019.

Ooc: Do I need to roleplay my trip to the Whistling Wench?  If so, where is the thread?

Dne relaxes, but stays alert.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 226):

You arrive at the Wench, and are glared at by Alphonse, who once he realizes you are serious, sends for Kantinflas, who will meet you at the Shady Lady.

The elf is stable, but hovering between 0 and -HT.

Balar is stripped down to gambeson and hose, which are slashed and bloodied.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 228):

Melchizadek will once again try to heal her, this time expending energy.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 229):

The woman's eyes flutter.

In reply to Dalicia Thras (msg # 230):

Melchizadik tries to see if she is feeling better now, though the fluttering eyes distracted him at first. He will rest a little as he waits to see the result...
This message was last edited by the player at 11:34, Mon 09 Sept 2019.

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 231):

The elvish woman had received a major wound, and may yake weeks to filly recover. She is at 1 hp and consciousness now.

In reply to Dalicia Thras (msg # 232):

"So, my dear, you are feeling a little better?"

He tries to gauge what she is thinking...

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 233):

"Where am I?"

In reply to Dalicia Thras (msg # 234):

"At an inn in town. Some of the guys wanted to leave you for dead, but it just would not have been right. They still want to 'sell' you to the bounty hunters, but I am not so sure. Why were you with Balar?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 235):

"Is he here? We are... close."

She sits up, then tries to brace herself as if hit by a fit of dizziness.

Downstairs, there is the sound of Masugatan entering with several someones.

“Close?  I’ll bet,” Dne snorts.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 237):

Melchizadek goes to make sure the door is still closed and that they have some privacy.

"He is not far, but obviously not in this room. Was he in the habit of sleeping with all his brigands? Is that how he ensured your loyalty?"

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 238):

Masugatan returns, with a Valdassyan merchant, several guards and a bunch of laborers.

In reply to Kantinflas (msg # 239):

Reanna meets him outside.

"You are a merchant, a member of the merchants guild, right?"

She holds out the wanted poster of Balar.

"Would you honour this?"

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 240):

"If you have proof of his death or capture, and his accomplices as well, yes. Let us not conduct our business in the street."

In reply to Kantinflas (msg # 241):

"Very well. You have my word you are safe here. You may come in, but we are not so keen to have your small army until we have made all the necessary arrangements."

“That’s where I do my business best,” Masugatan quips with a smile.  He is in a good mood, which is all too rare for him.

Maybe he’s pleased to be back in his natural urban habitat.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 243):

"I am carrying a certain amount of wealth on my person, and therefore I will not relinquish my guard. The porters can wait in the common room of the inn." He tosses a small pouch of copper to the the inkeeper. "Some light refreshments."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Mon 16 Sept 2019.

In reply to Kantinflas (msg # 244):

"I understand your concern for security. We have similar concerns, so we do not proceed unless you relinquish some of your guards at least. We are not about to be taken hostages so easily."

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 245):

"How about a compromise: all of both of your people (except one each) check your weapons with me. Will that work?"

In reply to Sharrylla the Shady Lady (msg # 246):

"So everyone here checks their weapons in before going in? Can you except that?"

[OOC: Melchizadek and Aegis are not here, as I understand.]

“Not I,” sayeth the bird man.  “I’ll hang on to my staff, thank you very much.”

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 248):

"Then you don't mind waiting here with the guards?"

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 248):

"knives and walking sticks don't count."

Masugatan walked in with them, Aegis is upstairs

In reply to Sharrylla the Shady Lady (msg # 250):

Reanna puts her crossbow on the bar. Once it is taken by the barkeep, she steps back, holding her staff and waiting for the others to do the same.

Dne heads inside, wheezing, pretending to limp while leaning on his staff for support.

Darius, having previously absconded in a separate room, had already returned to the group. He waited for everyone to check in their weapons. He'd hold onto his "walking stick" unless prompted.

(Since I already went in, I’m assuming I don’t have to turn over my weapons?)

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 254):

"Let's be equitable about this. I don't want any fights."

In reply to Sharrylla the Shady Lady (msg # 255):

"Totally agree. I have not observed any of the merchants men handing in weapons...Masugatan, maybe it is better for you to wait here with them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Fri 20 Sept 2019.

Masugatan nods.  Then picks his teeth with one finger.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 257):

The merchant, and his scimitar armed bodyguard, ascends the stairs with you.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 257):

"We left our weapons behind. Either he stays, or the weapon stays. Our armed guys stay, so do yours, what is good for us is good for you."
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:06, Wed 25 Sept 2019.

(Was that referring to me?  If so, I prefer to keep my weapon.)
This message was last edited by the player at 09:06, Wed 25 Sept 2019.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 260):

Anita was looking at his guard who was going in armed. She assumes you will stay here with the other armed guys to keep an eye on them.
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:06, Wed 25 Sept 2019.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 261):

The merchant, his guard, Dne, and Reanna ascend to the rooms. One room has Aegis and Balar, one has Melchizadek and Dalicia, the other has the rest of the group and the goods.

In reply to Kantinflas (msg # 262):

As stated above, Reanna will not permit entry by the armed guard. The Scimitar stays, or there is no entry. Masugatan will make sure of that...

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 261):

"The arrangement was that each of you got one armed guard. Yours is upstairs with the others."

In reply to Sharrylla the Shady Lady (msg # 264):

Reanna frowns.

"I seem to have missed that bit about the guards...Fine then."

On entry, she will approach Balar.

"Your friend, who you said would pay your ransom. In return, the sequence to the locks and who to sell the goods too..."

Taking the hint from Reanna, Masugatan keeps an eye on their ‘friends.’

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 265):

"Kantinflas! It is good to see you!. Madam, cut my bonds, I need to give you a thing."

Aegis likewise keeps a close eye on everyone.  His knife was already out when everyone else returned, so he keeps it out.  Except he moves within arm's reach of Balar, and behind him if at all possible...

He'll make no move to cut the man's bonds.

In reply to Balar the Red (msg # 267):

Reanna will approach, and draw her knife, releasing just one hand, very cautiously.

"What else do you have that we have not found?"

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 269):

"All the time I was captive, no one ever searched my person. My outer armor and weapons were taken from me, but no one checked beneath my gambeson. I have something for you, but I need to explain it, or it will never work."

In reply to Balar the Red (msg # 270):

"Impressive. Good help is SO hard to find. Go on."

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 271):

As Kantinflas pays out his ransom, and his bonds are cut, Balar reaches into his gambeson, and withdraws a thin chain necklace with five small keys hanging from it.

"What you need to do, is insert all of the keys at once, and turn them all to the left, then you turn the center key twice to the right, and that will unlock it and disable the trap.  If you turn them in any other order, each one throws another bolt, and locks it harder."

In reply to Balar the Red (msg # 272):

"Thank you. Don't mind if I try it before you leave? Also, the merchant who will give the best price for the loot?"

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 273):

"That would be me. I can get you 40% of list in everything except the monogrammed items and the embroidered silk brocade. Those are highly recognizable, and I will not be able to move them easily, and you would be subject to arrest and seizure if you attempted to move them yourselves, so I will do 20% on those.


Whoever wants to haggle the price of the lot must make a quick contest of Merchant skill vs 15. Win, price goes up by 5%. lose, it goes down by 5%

The box opens as described, revealing a very complex locking system, and about two pounds of mixed copper and silver coins (coins are 255 by the pound and look slightly thinner than American dimes, or like this:

https://drive.google.com/file/...Eb/view?usp=drivesdk

In reply to Kantinflas (msg # 274):

"Happy to accept those prices then, sir. Now, you have your prisoner, and the goods. Total payment?"

[OOC: Not about to engage in a merchant competition with a merchant...]

OOC: Am I close enough to overhear the conversion between Reanna and Balar?

Darius kept watching the exchange from the background. The morality of it rankled, but it was a group decision - and the reward did sooth his disagreement.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 275):

Give me a little time to do the maths

In reply to Narrator (msg # 278):

The Merchant performs an appraisal.
Not counting the multi-locked cash box, which is valuable on its own (only $180 if sold)
            and contains 348 Silver worth $6960
                         198 copper worth $198
He gives you the following:
 For 8 easily identifiable bolts of silk brocade  at 30% comes to $3240
 For 12 bottles of fine dwarven spirit at the standard 40% comes to $288
 For 2 small kegs of Armangac (fortified wine) at the sandard 40% comes to $339
 for a monogrammed multi-drawed spice cabinet full of 1oz jars of spices
      reduced to 30% due to the branding on the vials and the chest comes to $915
 for two similarly branded chests with a pound of cinnamon and cloves
     also reduced to 30% of value, coming to a toal of $930

For sold goods that is $ 4812
cash from box is $7118
Reward for Balar is $1000
Reward for proof of associates is $50 each or $1200
Total cash to divide: $14,130

You will also be able to sell armor and weapons:
24 cheap shortswords are worth $1536 when sold
12 cheap crossbows are together worth $288
One decent thrusting broadsword is worth $300
One suit of used Brigandine is worth $2160
24 cheap knives can bring you $153
One Fine Large knife is worth $64

You may want to pick over the gear before selling; DR 5 Brigandine usually costs $5400 to have it repaired and refitted would cost only $432 from a smith

In reply to Kantinflas (msg # 279):

Melchizedek is interested in the armour, as he has none, though if anyone wants to upgrade lighter armour, that would work too.

Cash only for me.

While the Brigandine would be nice for Darius, that'd require him losing his signature gear robe - he'll pass.

Cash only, except for the fine large knife (at $64 that shouldn't break the bank).

In reply to Darius Kopaki (msg # 282):

Cash only for Reanna too.

OOC Aegis will take 4 bottles of the dwarven spirits.  The rest will be in cash.

He'll also remove a lock of Balar's hair to keep as a spoil of war.  And it might be useful later.

It's a pity he couldn't justify taking any fingers.

In reply to Aegis (msg # 284):

Trophy taking of sentient beings, when it is not business related like trading hands for a bounty is a heavy OPH in the 15 point range, and not a function of bloodlust, which ranges from "always double-tap" to being the Punisher.

In reply to Reanna Draegan (msg # 283):

Selling the hard to open box?

Also, the room rental for the meetup amounts to $120 to be paid to the Shady Lady so this deal never happened.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:18, Fri 18 Oct 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 286):

The merchant has his porters take the sack of hands, and put bags over Dalicia and Balar's heads, find them, and the guards escort them out after binding them. Two are frogmarching Baker. The porters also wrap the bolts of silk in burlap and haul them out.


Your green mule collapses, reverting suddenly to it's  normal color. The animal just appears confused and fatigued.

Cold, hard cash for me, please.

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 288):

See awards and development

So what next?

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 290):

Might be time to gear up a little, and then look at action below ground...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 291):

Melchizedek will return the mule. Wait was that his, or hired? My memory is dodgy, as is my internet...

In reply to Melchizidek (msg # 292):

The mule was hired. The armor repairs will take about three days.

Darius says goodbye to the Mule (who'll probably not appreciate it). After that, let's see.

Aegis needs updated with hs points, but otherwise stands ready to be paid well for someone else's job.

Should I go to the common room?

In reply to Dne Utrotare (msg # 296):

Back in town is the thread