As Runt made his way quickly towards the asylum he saw more debris that must have come from the building.  Some people were out in the streets, mostly looking up the hill with a few beginning to clean the debris up.  He heard several people exclaiming with loud voices the holes in their roofs.

Bet the carpenters guild’s gonna be busy for a while.  Maybe some second-story work gonna happen too.

When he got to the Asylum, he skidded to a halt and looked over the scene carefully before getting too close.  It looked like he was the first to get up here and more importantly, no guards around – though they might be inside helping but he doubted that.  They had probably run off in fear, or at least he hoped so.  For that matter, he didn’t see any of the crazies wandering around in the confusion or any staff trying to round them up – odd that.

Not immediately seeing anything threatening he he went up to the open gates and looked inside the grounds, closer than he had ever been.  He walked about fifty feet along the outside of the fence both to the left and right, looking closely as he went.  Making sure that no one was looking he checked to see if he could easily squeeze between the bars of the fence and then went back to the gates.

Gathering his courage he stepped through the gates and immediately into the brush at the left, pausing to see if anyone yelled at him.  Not hearing any outcry, he started working his way randomly through the yard working his way around the building clockwise seeing if he spotted anything interesting.

OOC:  No idea how many rolls you will need to cover the yard, but I’m sure that one will not cover it.  I guess Search is the most appropriate here since he is not looking for anything specific.

22:26, Today: Runt rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,3.  Search.

LOL, not even close.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Fri 19 Mar 2021.

Before getting too close and comfortable with what was happening around the asylum, Runt decides to double check all his avenues of escaping and checks to see if he can squeeze between the bars in the fence.  Though the iron is closely spaced, Runt's thin form has enough room to squeeze between the bars without any discomfort, though the effort takes a few moments of jockeying himself sideways through, one leg at a time.

Still, it was a relief to know that if someone took up a stand at the gate that Runt could make his way out through other means.

Contented with the reduced possibility of being boxed in, Runt dives his way to the side of the path, working himself slowly through the outer yard of the building as he glances about for any hidden treasures that might be decorating the yard after the explosion.

It didn't take long for Runt to find his treasure either.  Most of what Runt saw was more of the stone and brick which had been blasted far and near spearing holes through the grass where it dropped, but about a quarter turn around the building Runt notices a flash of color lying atop a bit of brush.  He approaches the thing greedily, coming to within a few yards of the building walls, all sorts of possibilities racing through his mind and he was not disappointed with what he saw.

A doublet!

Adult sized too.  Though the thing was dirty and stained for sure it only had one large tear in the side and it was big enough to practically be another blanket for Runt if he ever had need of it.  He could probably sell it for scrap too if he got the chance.

A stiff breeze blows and Runt grabs the garment before it goes anywhere, though a flapping sound brings his attention to up above.  Some other cloth flutters on the edge of the roof (pants?), catching the wind like a legionnaire's pennant charging into a battle.

In another brief moment the pair of pants burst free from the building, floating for an instant before drifting down.

But with a start, Runt realizes there is something else falling, another stone has come clear of the edge of the roof, and is plummeting straight down on him!

OOC:  Make a roll vs. Dodge to avoid being hit by the dropping stone.  You may opt to do a diving dodge or use 1 FP for a feverish defense.

Feeling secure in the knowledge that he had multiple ways to get out if needed Runt began searching the grounds for anything interesting or useful and fairly quickly had his first find.  The doublet was a great start.  He could probably get a couple of farthings for it or if he found enough it would be great to keep for the winter.  He could curl up inside it and with his blanket he should stay warm even on the coldest night.  Something else of cloth flutters up above and catches his eyes as it begins to fall.  But right behind that, maybe loosened by it, a stone comes loose and plunges down right at him.

Adrenaline surges as he tries to throw himself away from the impact.

OOC:  Yes, he will burn the FP.

23:51, Today: Runt rolled 10 using 3d6 ((2,6,2)).

Runt moves quickly in an attempt to throw himself against the thick vines growing up the wall, but his actions simply aren't fast enough!  The rock, about the size of a half a brick, smacks his shoulder hard as he ducks out of the way before it plops onto the ground next to him.

Runt lurches slightly, though he manages to keep himself upright.  He grits his teeth against the pain, and checks his shoulder, which is already sporting an angry mark.  His quick inspection and few quick prods though confirm that nothing is broken, and Runt has had far worse injuries...  He'll just need to be more careful.

Runt turns to see the pair of pants floating down into the scrub several yards away.  If nothing else, it was a bit more material that he could probably sell...

OOC:  Sorry, I'm a stickler on the dice roller.  If you want to opt for a feverish dodge, or a diving dodge, you need to specify in your roll.  You can't roll vs. 'dodge' and then after the fact add a modifier - otherwise I can't differentiate between the people that were being honest and the ones that were just adding whatever modifiers were needed to pass the roll.  Luckily, there was only one damage done by the stone so it made very little difference overall.

Runt blinked back tears when the stone hit him hard.  It was far from the worst he had ever been hurt but it still hurt!  He picked up the offending piece of debris and threw it as far as he could back the way he had come.  STUPID ROCK!  He gathered up the trousers and continued looking for anything else he might come across, all the while keeping further back from the building.  After all more stuff might fall down on him.  But what if it wasn’t an accident?  Maybe some crazed starving cannibal had gotten free and was trying for an easy meal.  He moved even further from the building keeping his eyes open, just in case.

OOC:  No problem at all and completely understandable.  Though I must admit to having no idea how to do so in the dice roller.
Not sure if these rolls are necessary

Edit added rolls
16:33, Today: Runt rolled 13 using 3d6 ((6,4,3)). Throw
16:34, Today: Runt rolled 12 using 3d6 ((1,6,5)). Search

This message was last edited by the player at 21:34, Wed 24 Mar 2021.

Runt picks up the stone and hurls it back up against the building where it clatters against the wall and spins off in another direction.  It hadn't really accomplished anything apart from making Runt feel better... now at least that rock knew who was boss.

Runt walks over to where the pair of pants fell, finding them fairly quickly on top of the brush.  These too were filthy, though they seemed to be whole.  A good washing would likely make them as good a pair of pants as Runt had ever owned!  Only they were about two or three times his size, making them more of a potential sale than anything else.  Runt ties the pair of pants around his waist like a belt, letting the excess hang down just past his knees.

Runt continues his way around the building methodically, though apart from general debris, there doesn't seem to be anything else to find.  He's nearly all the way around the asylum when he hears the voices coming from the front door.  Runt immediately ducks down, hiding in the scrub, and looking to see what sort of nefarious creatures were making their way out.

"Quickly."  The voice belongs to an older man who walks briskly in the lead of several others.  He has hair and beard that have nearly been sapped of all their grey to the color of snow on a cloudy day.  Despite his age, the man seems to have no lack of zeal.

"They needs to be seen by healers.  I don't think either of them is in danger of expiring soon, but they are both very weak."

Runt glances up from behind the roughage and sees another three or four people.  A muscular, darker skinned man was propping up a pale and emaciated figure who looked barely able to walk.  Another woman was behind them, her face covered with dirt or soot, her eyes scanning ahead and behind as she moved.  Then there were another two men, one nearly as old as the first, though nowhere near as sprightly.  His face and beard hung from him like a weight and his eyes were deadened and empty.  He too was supported by the last of them.  Another man, though Runt could not get a good look at him with the older man blocking him from view.

"And we need to call the guard."  The first man said, turning his head to the others.  "With Heraladus dead and everyone else fled, who knows what will happen to this place!"

OOC:  No problem, all I need in the "reason for roll" box is a description of all the modifiers you want.  So you can just write "feverish dodge" or "diving dodge" or "deceptive attack (-4 attack, -2 defend)".  Something like that so I can tell the roll matches your intentions in the post.  Alternatively, if you are worried about forgetting, you can describe whatever dice rolls you want in your post and I'm happy to roll for you.

Runt was a bit disappointed that he had found nothing more. Still, it hadn’t been a waste of time.  What he had found was worth a couple of farthings each or more, at least after he cleaned them up.

When he heard the voices coming from the front doors, he ducked down to hide, then slowly moved just enough to see if the cannibals were coming out to search for their next meal – him!  Instead it was a group obviously lead by the oldster in the front.  They must be there rescuing the two being mostly carried, especially since none of them looked to have any bags stuffed with loot.  They must be rich folk, what with talking about getting healers for the ones being rescued.  He stayed very still and quiet, not wanting to be spotted, though he did memorize the faces, it might be useful later to be able to recognize them.

At the mention of calling the guard he knew he had only a little more time to finish scrounging.  He waited until the group was well gone before going up to the open doors.  Might as well glance in, he had come this far and there might well be something just inside that would be worth grabbing.

OOC:  Got it.

Runt ducks down, well enough hidden in all of the scrub to see and hear what was going on without exposing himself to possible detection.  And Runt was sure it was worth it too.  For surely all of these people were rich beyond his wildest dreams talking about healers and whatnot.

Runt waited as the group made their way down the small path towards the front gates of Witten and only then did he push himself up slightly and weasel his way towards the front doors to peer inside.  If the guards were coming, he did not have much time!

The heavy oaken doors at the southern wall stand open, letting the diffuse light of the cloudy morning leak in to the small foyer, a room barely twenty feet square with meager and shabby furniture within.  Runt pushes his head around the corner of a door, unwilling at the moment to commit his whole body into the crazy house.  A small desk is pushed towards the back of the room with a storage locker just to the side.  Two torches sit, exhausted and smoky in brackets on the back wall of the room.  At either side, both on the right and left, are iron bars leading to hallways going on each direction, though the way leading right seems closed and barred while the way on the left is open...

OOC:  Roll vs. Perception.

Sticking his head barely in the door took some effort.  There probably weren't and cannibals right there.  After all, the people who had left did not seem to be running from anything so this was probably safe.  His immediate scan didn't turn up anything obvious, but the desk and storage locker just might have something.  And there was probably a stool or chair behind the desk he figured.  A chair he could sell for a bunch of money, but a stool he would keep!  He looked around again and listened carefully before he even thought of going any further.

OOC:  00:46, Today: Runt rolled 4 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,1,1.  perception - possible +2 if hearing.

Looks like the dice roller has taken pity on the waif.

Runt noses his way into the door, scanning the small room... wary of cannibals lurking behind the desk or hiding in the hallways just beyond his sight.

Though perhaps the cannibals weren't quite this close...

Runt steps a little further and his nose assails him as he steps into the building.  It is a thick smell of wet smoke, like burning socks or bad and overcooked meat.  Runt gags on the smell, though he manages to keep the reaction down, pressing all his focus on the surrounding... the promise of cannibal treasure balanced with the equal danger of being eaten.

It was not long before Runt's accute senses pay off.  Just behind the desk Runt notes a small knob peeking out below the bottom of the wood.  Making his way around to investigate, Runt discovers a small mace, simply sitting there, waiting for the taking.

This was amazing!

This was worth all of what Deng was asking, and maybe more!  The thing was massive for Runt, and awkwardly heavy at the end as he held it, though it was just fine to sell, and bulky enough at the end that he could simply thrust it down under the pair of breeches still wrapped around his body like an absurdly large belt.

Now this had been worth it.  What else could be here, just waiting to be taken?

OOC:  Nice roll on the perception.  Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot more to find here apart from the small mace, but you do earn a hero point for the amazing roll.  As stated in the last post, there is an open door to your left, which looks like it leads into a cellblock of sorts.

Runt's disappointment at not finding any furniture - did they just stand all day? - vanished completely on finding the mace.  Though he would have to sell it before he met with Deng.  Even though it was worth a lot more than the thug wanted, Deng would probably use it to carry out his threat.

His search of the room hadn't turned up anything else of worth but there was that open door just beckoning.  On one hand, there might be more to find, but on the other hand the Guard could be here at any time.  If they found him here, especially with the mace, the best he could hope for would be losing it.  Most likely they take the mace and give him a good thrashing.

He quickly thought it over and decided that a quick look wouldn't hurt.  If he didn't spot anything he would leave with what he had.  If he did see something then he might explore some more.

OOC:  Runt would have been happy with just a stool, and now he really does want one (LOL).  The Hero Point is very helpful.  Now I can use one later in this Chapter for something you have wanted a player to do.  And I'll still have one left for an emergency.  ;-)

Now curious as to what other treasures the asylum could hold, Runt peers his head into the hallway to the left.

It takes a moment for the youth's eyes to adjust to the darkness, for there is no artificial light in the corridor.  Instead, the only light comes from the meager stuff spilling in from the front entrance, which still hangs open, and some dim and diffuse light which seems to come from windows that are tucked somewhere out of sight.

Slowly, Runt's eyes do adjust, and he is able to make out the scene ahead.  The right side of the corridor is a solid stone wall, with dark stains of mildew streaked across it.  The floor here and there is wet, whether simply water or something more nefarious is hard to tell in the meager light.  On the left side of the hall are cells, their whole front made of iron bars broken only by the lock and hinges of a portion of it that has been made into a door.

The first cell on the left is empty, left only with a small slab bed with a small trunk at its base and a wooden privy in the far corner.  A small square window, high off the ground and with iron bars of its own, shows little more than the dark grey of the clouds outside.

Runt creeps forward, his body on high alert, listening for anything that lurks or moves.

He's nearly halfway to the second cell before he realizes that it isn't empty.

An older woman, her hair so thin and pale it shows much of her scalp, is sleeping on her side with the top of her head facing Runt.  Her chest rises and falls rhythmically, and after a few moments, Runt realizes she must be asleep.

He creeps on...  creeping towards the corner of the next cell and peering in, Runt's heart nearly jumps into his throat!  The man in the cell is staring right at him!  Runt takes a hurried step backwards, ready to defend himself, though the man's eyes do not follow him.  Instead they stay fixed... unmoving, staring blankly end empty into an oblivion...

OOC:  Let me know how far you want to go.  The hallway goes on for 40 or so yards, and you have made your way about a third of the way down.  Towards the end, you can see the hallway bends off to the right, with the cells remaining on the outer wall of the asylum.

It was the man that did it, just staring off into nowhere, his nerve broke.  Runt retreated back the way he had come, pausing very briefly before heading into the entry hall to make sure it was still uninhabited.  He did the same at the front entrance before happily getting into the open.

OOC:  This all assumes that there is no one in the entry hall of course.  Once outside he will head straight for the gate and make sure that there is no one looking or heading his way.  He'll head to a nearby alleyway and wrap the mace up in the trousers before heading to somewhere to sell his finds.  I figure that with Photographic Memory he will have no problem knowing where to sell the clothes, but might need a Streetwise roll to figure out where to sell the mace.

19:14, Today: Runt rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,1.  Streetwise.

Runt couldn't bare to look into those cold and vacant eyes, eyes that looked without seeing, eyes that sucked in Runt's gaze like the sausages that hung in the butcher shop.  Runt shook himself out of the moment and ran.

He ran from the corridor and ran from the entryway.  He ran straight down the weeded path and out the gate.  By the time Runt stopped running nearly three blocks along the market, there was a stitch in his chest that seemed to creep up nearly all the way to his neck.  Runt leaned over, putting his hands on his knees as he devoured each breath, staring over his shoulder to make sure that the man... and his stare... hadn't followed him.

Soon enough Runt realizes that all is well.

Or at least, soon enough it will be.  Runt makes his way about the market, the light mace still sticking awkwardly out from a the pair of adult-sized pants wrapped around his waist.  What he needed was an arms merchant... one who wasn't too picky about where his purchases might have come from... Runt didn't think a mace would attract too much attention, but you could never be too careful, especially when keeping Deng from trying to hurt him was part of the deal.

Runt knew just the guy.

It was only a few minutes later, a block and a half or so when Runt found him.  Giuseppe was a man who seemed who seemed to not really have made up his mind about what he was.  He looked young, though with great wrinkles already crawling under his eyes and grey seeping its way through his hair.  He seemed to have a good deal of extra weight, though his features were pale and dour as if he were undernourished.  Most importantly of all Giuseppe smiled all the time, though Runt thought it was a sort of sinister look all together.  If anything, Giuseppe reminded Runt of a man-sized weasel, just without the snout.  Runt didn't trust Giuseppe, but he was predictable, and he'd do just about anything if there was coin in it for him.  He was just the man to buy some items that needed to be discarded with haste.

"Little man!"  Giuseppe greets Runt as he approaches, his beady eyes traveling over the mace, the belt-like pants, and the rest of Runt's belongings slung over his shoulder, taking in and itemizing every piece and parcel.  "What can I do for you?"

OOC:  Roll vs. Merchant, default to IQ-5.  If you wish to improve on this roll, feel free to roll an appropriate social skill, or reaction in addition to that.

Runt shivered a bit as he made his way around the market.  Those eyes were just creepy.  He would remember that stare into nothing for a long time.  He got his breathing under control as he approached the shop he was looking for.

"Hey Giuseppe, got something might be up your alley" he said, making sure no one was looking before pulling the mace out and putting it on the counter.  "I thought of you first.  I thinks I deserve two dozen and six for it" he finished confidently.

OOC - I'm going to let you make the rolls on this.  No Merchant so that would be a base 5 - possible bonuses might include Pitiable (+3 reaction) and Attractive (cute) (+1 reaction), plus maybe Reputation (small group – thieves guild – 10 or less)  (+2) if that roll is successful.  Though Runt fully expects to be cheated on this.


Edit - just thought of this but it probably applies in this type of situation - Social Stigma (minor) (-2 reaction)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Thu 15 Apr 2021.

"Up my alley?"  Giuseppe laughs when Runt displays the small mace.  "You see any other weapons around?  I mean, I suppose I can sell it, but this is practically a specialty item."

He takes the mace over from Runt and turns the thing over, finding several minute flaws that Runt chalks up to normal wear and tear.  "The binding needs to be redone...  there's nicks there and there... two dozen and six?"  Giuseppe finally laughs.  "No, no, no.  I couldn't even sell it for that.  I'll tell you what though kid.  Since you're one of my best suppliers I'll give you as much as I can - I'm talking the most I can possibly expect out of it.  Not a single bit of profit in it for me...  Let's say seventeen.  That's as good as I can do."

Giuseppe quirks an eyebrow, half offering the mace back to Runt as he waits for his answer.

OOC:  Just so you know, you shouldn't expect any better offer today for the mace.  I don't normally allow multiple rolls for merchant per adventure, as any reasonable person would go and get a few offers before making a decision.  Just because we're roleplaying it as your first idea, doesn't change how my system works.  Of course, you are welcome to turn Giuseppe's offer down.

Runt was fairly certain that the weapons dealer was not being completely honest or at least not offering as much as he would have to an adult.  Still, it's not like there was much choice.  This was pretty much the only place he could quickly sell something like the mace and he needed the coin today.  He counted on his fingers making sure the amount was what he thought it was.  Almost half of what he needed to not dig up any of his stash.

"Seventeen is ten and seven, right?  Then it be a deal."

He carefully counted the coins into two piles, one of ten and the other of seven, putting each pile in a separate bag and then secreting those inside his clothing.

"Thanks, Giuseppe.  Got to go now.  I needs to make a bunch more coin for sundown."

He turned and headed out of the shop, next stop the clothes seller he sold to on occasion.  Maybe he could get a few more coins there.

Runt makes his way through the shops, finding the seamstress Marta, who he sometimes manages to get some free clothes from when the woman is feeling generous.  It seems like today is one of those days, for Marta doesn't even give Runt an awkward look as he passes over the stained and rancid clothing.

"Sure, I can use these."  Marta smiles at Runt as she looks over the clothing.  "Patches, most like."  She turns the things over.  "Or else make something new your size out of 'em.  Here."

she hands Runt four farthings, more than he had honestly expected for the clothes, but everything at this point was simply gravy.

"If you find anything else like these, be sure to bring them by."  Marta nods at Runt as she gestures to the clothes, before tossing them in a wicker basket at her feet.

OOC:  I'm not sure if there's a little bit of confusion, but Deng asked you for 10 farthings, so you've actually already earned more than he asked with the sale of the small mace.  Marta gave you another 4, a dream price for clothes that were worn and stained as they were.

Runt was shocked.  The most he'd hoped to get was three farthings and there wasn't much chance of that even from Marta.  Two was more likely and one wouldn't have been a shock.  But four farthings, that was just unbelievable.

"Marta, that just be ... thanks.  I will be back when I gots some more money.  Gonna need some warm stuff for the winter.  It be starting to get colder.  Gonna rustle you up some customers now."

He stepped outside the door way and began to play, trying to draw passersby to Marta's establishment.

OOC - Runt will spend time to play several tunes on the flute, interjecting loudly between the tunes how great a seamstress Marta is and how fair her prices are.  I figure that he has seen plenty of vendors and barkers doing similar (and he's probably done some himself) and will use similar language that seemed to work for them.

No confusion as to how much he needs to earn.  Just that he is in his own way extremely honest.  Every day he pays 3/4 of what he earns to the Guard/Beggar Queen/Thieves Guild (1/4 each) and gets to keep 1/4 for himself.  Since Deng the Thug is extorting 10, he has to get 10 each for the others.  At least that's how his mind has it worked out.

16:58, Today: Runt rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,2.  Flute - add in the Single Minded, he is very determined.

Might even get some coin tossed his way here, LOL.

Overjoyed with the amount of coin he had earned for the doublet and trousers, Runt thanks Marta heartily and immediately strikes up a rousing performance, interspersed with overt hawking of Marta's goods and services.

Within the span of a few songs, Runt has gathered a handful of people outside, some of whom seem to have simply taken a moment to listen to the music, while one or two appear to have taken up on Runt's cues to shop from Marta's wares.  Runt repays her knowing smile with a wink of his own before starting up another tune on his flute.

Runt finishes up his little concert some time later when his audience seems to stagnate, thanking and waving to Marta again before he strolls on.  It had been rather successful, gaining Marta a few customers, and though it seemed that most of the audience were poor and unworking, Runt had even managed to get another copper from one of his more generous viewers.

For now, Runt at least had enough coin in his pocket to pay of Deng's demands, though perhaps not enough to give his many patrons their cuts...  Runt ponders the situation as his stomach gurgles in the first stages of blossoming hunger.

OOC:  It's 1100 on the 30th of October.  Deng has asked for his money by sundown, which is around 1800.  That is also the same time these particular streets can start getting very rough.  You have lots of options from this point, so I'll put the ball in your court.  You can buy lunch for a copper, or else get it with a panhandling roll, or forego it entirely and simply eat the fatigue point that comes with a missed meal.  You can continue to keep trying to earn extra coin through panhandling/music or else try and find some other scheme to get some extra cash.  Lastly, we can simply fast forward to paying off Deng so you can get him off your back.  Or anything else you can think of.  Let me know how you want to proceed.

Runt left feeling good, not only had he added another five farthings to his total, he'd gotten some customers for Marta.  He thought about where to try next.  He could try the caravan grounds outside the walls or maybe the docks.  If a new ship had come in he always did pretty well.  But his stomach started rumbling, reminding him that the bit of stale bread he'd eaten for breakfast had been a long time ago.  Probably his best bet to make some money and get fed was one of the city gates.  The guards would sometimes let him have the scraps from their meals and newcomers to the city were often a bit free with their coin.  He might even get a job guiding them around town, good money in that.  The Merchant's Gate was probably the best bet at the moment.  The caravan grounds were outside it and the main street lead straight to the largest market square in the city.  Even on a drizzly day like today, there should be some good traffic.

OOC - He'll head towards that gate, and try there for a couple of hours.  If that doesn't produce a lot of results, then he can head elsewhere.  On the way he will keep an eye out for anything interesting loose in the streets, maybe a dropped coin or two or something else useful.  Possibly even a dead body he could strip in an alleyway ;-)

I'll let you make whatever rolls you think are necessary, faster that way.  And he is formulating a plan to finally deal with Deng which might get a little messy.

Runt makes his way to the gates, knowing that at this time of year, the fall harvests were over and farmers would likely be selling their crop en masse.  The rain would put people off, sure, but it was still a good chance for him to manage some food and perhaps a few more coin before he had to make a decision about Deng.  He whistled to himself, walking along and tapping out a slow rhythm with his broken broomstick.

Runt find some success at the gates, a few coins from some of the more generous passersby, though Runt finds that he has to pay for his lunch with some of his earnings, and at one point has to bribe one of the gate guards to keep from being hassled.  As the time wears on, Runt seems to get less and less success, despite his efforts to entertain and wheedle his best.  He surmises that perhaps the weather has soured peoples moods in addition to keeping many of them away from the market.  Still, Runt comes out of the situation ahead a pair of coppers and with his spirits none reduced.  On the whole, the day had been very productive, though perhaps not quite to Deng's impossible expectations.

OOC:  It is 1400.  2 farthings have been added to your character sheet.

Runt counted and calculated, he had two dozen coins left out of two dozen and four that he had earned.  He needed another four for Deng and more for the others.  It wasn't going to be easy but there was still time left.  So down to the docks it was, at least for a while.

OOC - Not much of a chance of him earning enough to pay off everyone without having to go dig up some of his savings but he would try anyway.  He'll spend a couple hours at the docks and that should still leave him plenty of transit time to get back to Van Gowen Plaza an hour before the 18:00 deadline.  Again, for the sake of expediency I'm requesting that you make any necessary rolls for this.

Feeling that there isn't much left to fish in the pool of the city gates, Runt makes his way to the docks, where he can often earn a tidy sum, not normally from the pier workers themselves, but often from the travelers or merchants that navigated the Conn up past New Jerusalem and down into Keyhole Bay.

In addition to funds, Runt often found that the sailors had excellent stories, the sort that pitted man against nature, fraught with danger and foul language, stories that set Runt's jaw agape as he mentally repeated the words, memorizing them to twist or turn them into a melodic poem or song.  It was the sort of place that could hold jewels beyond simple coin... at least, some days.

Perhaps not today though.

It becomes quite clear as Runt arrives that the dock workers are the only ones staying for any length of time out in the open.  The rain, light as it is, seems to harry on anyone else from the area, without giving Runt the slightest bit of attention or pity.  Runt knew all too well already that the workers were poor marks for panhandling, underpaid and overworked as they were, though Runt felt obligated to at least try.  It seemed the foul weather only sharpened the edge of their agitation, one even threatened Runt, though the youth knew well enough that if he simply rerouted his efforts he could keep working the area as needed.

Still, all Runts efforts seem to come to naught, and a few hours in rain begins to start in earnest making it all too clear that his ambitions of earning extra coin are simply not meant to be.

The clouds obscure the skies in all directions, and though Runt knows there should be some time yet before dusk, darkness seems to be already sinking in to the air around him.  Though he has not earned enough for Deng and everyone else he knows he needs to pay off, Runt feels his time may have run short.

OOC:  It is 1630 on the 30th of October.  While the sun is still aloft somewhere in the sky, the heavy clouds and rainfall have caused the light to start ebbing early as the sunlight is forced to go through the layers at more and more of an angle.  Unfortunately, you didn't earn any extra cash, in large part due to the weather.

Runt's spirits began to flag as time went on.  What should have been a good day was ending in disappointment.  There was no way he could earn enough so he would have to dip into his stash.  He headed back towards his meeting with Deng, making several stops along the way.

OOC - Runt is heading back to the Square.  He'll have to stop and dig up one of his stashes of coin (10 farthings).  That will take care of Deng.  He will scratch a cross on each of the ones for Deng.  Another stop will be at the church where he drops off his "rent" money (7 farthings) for the Beggar Queen (behind the statue of St. Martin) as usual.  Another stop will be at the stable he often sleeps at.  There he will drop off practically all his belonging so he doesn't lose anything to Deng.  He'll be wearing his shirt, trousers, and cap, and carrying only his broomstick and four bags with coins in them - 10 for Deng, 7 for the guards, 7 for the thieves, and 3 for him.  Once at the Square he'll wait for Deng, making sure he has at least two avenues of escape when Deng gets there.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Wed 12 May 2021.