Helga, the ship master, watches as her crew off load their cargo at the V&A pier.  There are occasional shouts of instruction when someone needs ‘encouragement’, but most of her attention is given to Percy, the V&A manager who oversees most of the cargo movements.  “How Many?”  she asks at one point, before raising he eyebrows.  “Well  if you say so ...” she agrees half-heartedly at the end of the conversation.  But she isn’t the smoothest of most comfortable vessel at the best of times.”

Once the cargo is unloaded, Helga and her crew leave the small ship to the carpenters, and head into Port Henry for  a well-earned break.  Next time they see her, the Lady of the Lake has been transformed.  The large open hold, that dominated the middle of the shallop had been covered with a simple framework, then planked and covered in canvas – to create one long low cabin.  It would be dry and out of the wind, but there was little in the way of comforts except a few straw paillasses taken from some barracks somewhere.  “ .. and the nobs are going to sleep in there …” she tells her crew.

Then the half-orc sends her crew about the business of preparing to sail, and waits for her passengers.

---

This is one of two Fuzzy RP threads – please only join one or the other.  If you want to go on this trip,  post your entrance to the thread.

The Lady of the Lake will shortly sail for The Chain Ferry, Jovvox and Mivon carrying Adoven and his guests on a fact finding mission.

Helga is a large female half-orc, dressed in Leather Armour with a dagger at her belt.

Arriving early, Adoven speaks with Percy on the docks. The conversation is quiet, but the occasional word carries on the morning breeze, enough to convey that Percy isn't happy. Adoven concludes "....and I told Vik that you were the right man for the job. Are you prepared to make a liar out of me?" Percy responds in a low tone, and is answered "okay, yeah, that was dramatic license. You know what I mean. That growing influence has to be good for something. Get our foot in the door. Good man." Adoven reaches up to clap Percy on his broad shoulder, then turns and approaches the gangplank. He says "Captain Helga. Permission to come aboard?"

"Sir ...." Helga greets her boss as he steps aboard the Lady of the Lake.  "The accommodations are this way ..." she  says with a repressed smile as she shows Adoven the large makeshift cabin amidships.

Zelona boarded the ship and nodded to the sailors with a smile.

"This is going to be fun..." she said to no one in particular. She caught a sailor's eye with a wink, "where can I stow my things? Are there separate rooms for us ladies?"

"This should be interesting. Sailing, fact finding. Something different anyway!"

Adoven pauses, and turns to regard Zelona. "Welcome aboard the Lady of the Lake dear lady. I fear that accomodations are sparse. This is a converted Shallop, not a passenger craft. As such, there is a common sleeping area. We can put up ropes and blankets to create separate living spaces if need be, for modesty's sake. "

"Get the lady's bag ...  remember what I told you ..." Helga suddenly shouts, as she notices Zelona talking with Adoven.  Then she glares at the sailor as he hurries across to collect Zelona's bag and stow it in the large central cabin.

Zelona chuckled with a shrug, "well, it's not my modesty that I'm concerned with, but if you or your sailors care about propriety we can do whatever you think needs be done."

She handed her bags over to one of the sailors. She turned to the imposing woman who shouted so vigorously and nodded, "greetings. Are you this ship's master? The captain? I'm Zelona."

"Ahh! I've never sailed before. I can't wait to get to know the life under the river and sea waters... tell me Adoven, what facts are you trying to find out in this journey?"

Adoven spreads his hands. "Several things. Ship limitations along the Lesser Sellen, mercantile needs, and trying to get permission to open offices, along with jetties and shipping vessels in Jovvox and Mivon."

The ship's master nods at Zelona's question and then introduces herself, fairly gruffly  "Helga."

Magatha strutted up as if she owned the boat, the water it was on, and anywhere it traveled. She looked back the way she had come as if suspecting someone to follow behind her. “Would you shake a leg? I’d swear if the discovery of a unique bottle of whiskey was involved, you’d have been here even before the captain.”
This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Sat 15 Feb 2020.

“Hnnnh.” Cass grunted as he shuffled into view. Drinking on a boat usually turned out about as well as using dirt for a blanket. The same held about most everything else on a boat as well, but he had agreed to this trip, so he would try to refrain from complaining, at least until they had returned to Midmarch.

“Sorry for the late notice.” Cass said to those gathered. “Unless it would be too much of an imposition, I would like to join this expedition as well.”

Helga watches the Gnome stride aboard followed by her erstwhile employer, and her attempt at a  poker-face doesn't quite come off.  "Get the Mayor's bags." she growls at the same hapless sailor as before.  Once again he scurries to take Cass's bag and show the newcomers to the single makeshift cabin set amidships.

Turn back, she shouts at her other crew members.  "Tidy it up now.  Stand by to cast off.  Man the sweeps and  prepare to raise sail."

OOC:  We will leave tomorrow.  Last chance for stragglers to make their way aboard.

Andalon, dressed in his white clerical robes, walked down to the docks to see the ship off on its voyage of discovery. He gathered some of the passengers on the dock for a brief conversation before they departed.

"My friends, I wish you well on this journey and may the blessings of Abadar be upon you and your business endeavours in the south. I just wish to remind you that there are already some differences of opinion between Midmarch, including the City of Tusk, and the River Kingdoms to the south.

"Some of you may recall that Lord Henry received a letter from a cleric of Hanspur asking us to implement the River Freedoms as followed by The River Kingdoms.  They are:

1. Say What You Will, I Live Free
   
2. Oathbreakers Die
   
3. Walk Any Road, Float Any River
   
4. Courts Are For Kings
   
5. Slavery is an Abomination
   
6. You Have What You Hold

"Lord Henry and the Midmarch Council decided those River Freedoms are not suitable for Midmarch and we have our own charter instead. What's more, we have banned the worship of Hanspur, the patron deity of the river that runs from here down to Mivon and beyond, mainly because one of the rituals of Hanspur requires his followers to drown someone in the river.

"Then there was that unpleasant fellow who made a nuisance of himself at the bar at the Naming Day ceremony last year. He was nosing around to see what we are doing here in land he claims belongs to Pitax. He was upset that we have banned the worship of Hanspur and that we will not acknowledge their River Freedoms.

"I just ask you to remember those two issues and be wary of them in your dealings in the River Kingdoms. The River Freedoms may be the rule in the River Kingdoms but they are not supported in Midmarch. I am not asking you to advertise that position in the River Kingdoms but just remember that some things that may be acceptable in the River Kingdoms will not be permitted in Midmarch, and vice versa."

Helga listens impassively as Andalon makes his speech, but nods as he finishes up with his warnings of cultural differences.   Then she  flicks a hand towards the sailor on the dock, who releases the ties that hold the small ship to the jetty, the jumps aboard.  His two fellow crewmen use  long oars to move the vessel  away, and into the lake, before they all work together to hoist the large single sail that will power the vessel.  Helga stands at the stern of the vessel, tiller tucked under her arm, as she oversees operations.  A couple of young children stand by the edge of the pier and wave  the Lady of the Lake on her way.  One of the sailors responds with a cheery wave, then returns quickly to  his duties.

Helga doesn't drive her crew hard, nor does she try to make good time, instead she lets the  The Lady take a leisurely passage down the Tusk Water.  To the west you can see wetlands leading up to the forest, home to The Swamp Witch who is lady Pipre's mother.  To the east there are angular hills and scrubland, with a river that leads (or so you are told) to lake Silverstep.

Eventually, Helga manoeuvres the Lady of the Lake up against the lake's bank at the bottom of the lake, and from the darkened circle of a fire place and the piles of timber, you can deduce that this is a regular stopping place.  "We can make the Chain Ferry tomorrow.  And we will pass thought Candlemere in daylight ..."

---

Brief discussion, short questions etc -  next post takes us to The Chain Ferry

After a couple of hours on the boat enjoying the wind and the passing of the water beneath the ship, she had taken her leave of the crew and jumped into the air. She transformed into an eagle as she did so and took wing. For the rest of the day she flew high above the ship, taking in the lands around them as the ship sailed southward. She road the thermals and drifted for long spans of time, lazily circling and falling as the winds bore her along.

Once or twice she spied a hapless fish that came too near the surface and she dove down, snatched it up in her talons and landed at the top of the mast to enjoy her kill.

Eventually she returned to the ship as she spied their camp for the night coming into view. She flapped down near the deck and transformed once more into Zelona as she landed.

"Oh. I have heard of the Candlemere, I'm excited to be able to see it in the light of day with my own eyes."

She turned to Adovan, "what is your first order of business in Chain Ferry?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Mon 17 Feb 2020.

"Light of day is best." Helga grunts.  "At night, the 'candles' can make even the stoutest hearts falter.  And, there are the Lizard Folks whom live down that way.  There are tales of abandoned vessels just floating down stream, with half eaten corpses ...  But I've never seen one." she states firmly with a stern look at her crewmen.

Adoven says "Candlemere....is that the island with the abandoned, haunted keep? That was a chilling adventure, let me tell you. Perhaps some day I'll write a ballad about it, if I can ever get my muse to marry me. I've been stuck in a mental rut ever since her last refusal."

"Ahh.  Chain Ferry.  It is literally a chain ferry.  Normally we just tie up on the bank for the night and exchange greetings on the way past,  But I am sure they will let you aboard, if you want to visit.  They might charge you the fare though ...."  Helga responds, glancing across at Magatha.

"Oh," Zelona said, she sounded disappointed that the chain ferry was just a ferry. "I'd thought it would be something more interesting than just an actual ferry."

"You've been to the island in the Candlemere Adoven? What was chilling about it? Do tell!"

The fire crackles quietly.

Adoven settles into the story. "First, I must say that the keep is far inland. You must cut your way through the undergrowth to reach the keep. Just seeing the place fills one with foreboding. Necromantic energies are bound into the keep itself, and it would take a major religious cleansing to free the spirits bound there. The first thing we found were a Dire bat and stirges, twisted by the dark energies of the place. We were set upon by Will 'o the Wisps and undead. Within the walls of the keep itself, we found rich furnishings long since succumbing to the decay of time. And a ghostly woman dancing amid the hallways. The sight of the spectre caused several to flee, although I managed to put her soul at rest temporarily with soothing music. The darkness inside was so powerful, and still mostly unexplored. I wished to press on, but too many of our company had been unnerved by what they had experienced. One day I will return to cleanse the place and set the souls trapped there free. There was something so sad about the dancing woman, I...I need to help her find peace."

Adoven breaks off to look at Captain Helga. "Tell me, Captain. Are we likely to have trouble with pirates along the Lesser Sellen? Given the Five rules of the River Kingdons, piracy may be a way of life for some along the rivers."

Helga's face contorts into her strangely unnerving smile for a moment, "We aren't." she says emphasizing the 'we'.  "No one puts anything of value on a Shallop, so it isn't worth the risk.  There have been reports of Lizard Folk boardings a bit lower down, but I haven't been involved in any of those," she adds with a shrug.

OOC:  I had forgotten how much fun it can be to write for a character with -ve Cha Modifier,  Diplomacy and Bluff.  But a high Intimidate  :)
This message was last edited by the player at 10:49, Tue 28 Apr 2020.

"Hmm," Zelona said as Adovan told her of the island. "That sounds like some bad stuff going on on that island. What kind of undead did you encounter? Zombies? Was the woman actually a ghost or something else? We should bring...hmm Dara or Alisa and go back there. We can't have an undead infested island tower in the middle of one of our lakes. Plus it could be a great outpost on the southern edge of Midmarch to defend against attacks coming up the river towards us."

"Were people scared of the potential of the ghostly woman or did they actually suffer from the effects of a ghost? I've heard they can age people and such?"

She looked at Helga, "A pirate would find us a spiny morsel if they tried to bite down on us."

In reply to Zelona (msg # 23):

Adoven says "the ghostly woman exuded a Fear effect. I suspect it was a Haunt. Where she danced, the place had three long wall hangings. The central hanging depicted a dark grey tree man with long thin branches that appeared to end in sharply pointed twigs and an angry face.  Another depicted a twisted octopus-like creature with twelve tentacles, sewn in a dark purple thread. The third had a black dragon with two heads and three tails.  All three were faded and stained with a rust brown mold. Outside, we encountered swarms of stirges, the two Will 'o Wisps, and a Direbat ghoul. "

"Yes... definitely sounds like a place we should clear and inhabit. We'll need some good strong divine magic if there are undead. I mean I'm strong with nature magics, but not really against unquiet spirits and the like."

She furrowed her brow, "how much work do you think it would take to get it back into shape? I wonder if Lord Henry would invest in southern defenses like that or if he'd look to one of us to do so..."

Next morning you get the chance to see the Tower for yourselves, although it doesn’t look too threatening in the light of day.  However, you can clearly see the overgrown briars that you need to hack through to get anywhere near the tower, and flock of crows circling eerily above it.

Even so, Helga keeps a goodly distance from the island and from the swamps that she says are inhabited by Lizard Folks.  According to Helga the Lizard folks live around the mouth of the Murque River, a slow flowing and shallow river which leads though the swamps and into the Narlemarch.

Then it is out of the lake and into the Shrike River.  14 or 15 miles down stream, the shrike merges with the Little Sellen river, and the pair continue on their way, as one larger river, deep into the River Kingdoms and beyond.  At their confluence right in the middle of the stream, equidistant from all three banks -  is the chain ferry.

It appears to be there is a sizable raft – built up at one end with a ramshackle series of mismatched cabins and decks - make a home for the residential crew. Passengers and livestock travel on the flat bed of the Ferry/Raft Right at the top is a roof garden - with plants in baskets and troughs overflowing down towards the water. There are even sconces to hold night-time torches, and it looks like it can be lit up like a Christmas tree if its occupants choose. An everlasting torch burns like a beacon from the top-most deck.   Aboard the ferry you can see half-a-dozen Halflings tending to the plants, clambering across the structures or just fishing from the sides of the raft.
On the upper decks are four Large Heavy crossbows, which have seats and are mounted on gimbals.

”They are repeating crossbows.” Helga says as you glance towards the strange vessesl, And, Jaig tells me, they have exploding bolts for them ….”

OOC:  The group 0 map will help you work out where you  are.  From here on in, you will be off the map!

"See? It is just as I told you." Magatha informed Cass. "A flat bottomed ferry attached to a large guide chain. A gnomish invention, that. It allows the vessel to travel back up river nearly as easy as it does floating down the river. And secures it during churning waters during storms and such. No sails needed nor too intense of a crew."

"Jaig, that's the captain, she charges a gold piece per head for this convenience of conveyance. Maybe the same for mounts and such. Excessive cargo too, most likely. You can try to haggle with her a bit, but it just gets time consuming."

Cass listened, leaning forward to get a good look at the contraption. He was especially interested in the repeating crossbows that it bore for defenses. "Exploding bolts, you say? I would like to learn more about how that works."

"Interesting contraption," Zelona said as they came on the chain ferry.

She looked at Cass, "were you coming on this to see the chain ferry? Thinking of something similar up in Midmarch at some point or points on the rivers?"

OOC: we're in Hex 25 on the group 0 map at the merge point of the two rivers... just to help based on your OOC2 thread comment ;)

In reply to Cass Mordane (msg # 28):

Adoven says "if I understand the concept, an alchemist puts a contained substance like Alchemist's fire in a ceramic bulb at the tip. Upon impact, the ceramic breaks and exposes the concoction to air, which makes the volatile liquid expand into a fireball. That, or a Master Alchemist or Magus 'charges' the bolts with arcane energy that releases on contact."

“I may have seen this configuration, once before, during my early days in Midmarch.” Cass admitted. “But if so, it had completely slipped my mind. I am not sure it would provide as useful along the rivers of Midmarch as here. I usually leave such developments to the experts at V&A Shipping.”

Cass thought that this might be a good time to explain his reasons for coming along on this mission. Once his companions were informed about his intentions, they might be able to assist him in taking the appropriate actions to fulfill his intentions to the best of his abilities. “I believe you could consider my motives mainly political in nature. I perceive the River Kingdoms as a threat to the growth and perhaps even continuance of Midmarch. As such, my hope is to provide Midmarch with as many footholds in the area as possible to neutralize any such threats.”

Cass nodded along as Adoven explained. “I see. It sounds as if it might be a rather expensive strategy, but one that could prove supremely effective. Maybe I will consider something along those lines for my own troops as they are organized.” After saying so, Cass continued on with the flow of the other discussion. “I believe that it is in the best interests of Midmarch to see V&A Shipping expand into the area of the River Kingdoms and to do so as heavily and as quickly as possible. And every other interest in Midmarch, business or otherwise. Jovvox in particular could be a most strategic location, and if Midmarch might gain a contract with the gnomes of that city to supply arms to the troops of Midmarch, then a large obstacle to military success might have been overcome”

“Andalon’s words about the differences of ideology between Midmarch and the River Kingdoms are paramount. Unless we are able to show our strength upfront, then every opportunist that can crawl out of the River Kingdoms will try to better his part in life at the expense of Midmarch and its people. It may only be a matter of time before the exiled Aldori swordlords decide to use our little burgeoning nation as a springboard to their return and dominance of Brevoy.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Sun 23 Feb 2020.

Zelona listened to Cass talk about his motivations for coming on this trip politely, nodding at points. "That all makes sense."

"All the more reason for us to secure the Candlemere if you have concerns about our southern neighbors. Nothing is better for defense than a keep on an island! It would be useful as both a river and ship defense and as a place for Midmarch to strike at land troops." she said.

She pondered for a moment, "I know that some have stated an interest in founding a sort of mages college. Perhaps the tower could also be home to such an institution. Arcane might can be an even stronger bulwark along the southern flank of Midmarch."

Seeing as none of her passengers express an interest in visiting the chai ferry Helga sets off again bright and early next morning.  They crew exchange waves and greetings with the small folk on the ferry, then continue down stream, doing little more that  float on the current.

It is only a couple of miles before Helga steers across to a small tributary and the crew bring out long poles to guide the small ship upstream.  It is slow going, and there are places where the river is very narrow, other where it is only just deep enough, and it takes an hour of hard work before Jovvox comes into view.

Jovvox is a small, walled town and looks as if it could once have been a military outpost, although Helga tells you that it was once a fortified monastery and probably dedicated to Torag.  Now it is home to many 'small folk' (Gnomes and Halflings) and a few large folks  (Mainly Human).  The old forges of Torag are still put to good use, and the gnomes and their assistants are renowned for making weapons.  Often not the best quality weapons, but they can make them quickly and like to sell them in bulk.

The town itself has a plethora of multi-coloured flags flying from each of the towers that you can see.

Eventually, Helga brings The Lady of the Lake alongside one of the jetties, and throws a line across to some halflings - who  help to moor the vessel.

OOC:  http://rp.baileymail.net/doku....d=stolen_land:jovvox

Adoven notes "I see the shalliw draft precludes the use of merchantmen or other large vessels on the Lesser Sellen. Any advice about dealing with the locals, Captain?"

"Well, from what I've heard, if ou offer to buy a bunch of weapons, you'll be a popular guy and probably get to talk to whoever you want." Zelona said.

She turned to Cass, "maybe we can issue a contract to supply the Midmarch guard's at their various points with something we're lacking right now? That would get you into whoever you need I suspect."

"Well, students at my sword school DO need weapons to practice with" Adoven comments.

Zelona laughed and clapped her hands together with some real joy.

"Perfect! If it's student weapons then being of the highest quality isn't even an issue," she added with a delightful smile.

“I believe your idea for a mage college on the island fortress has merit. Perhaps you can bring it up at one of the next council meetings. Or have a quiet word with Henry in private if you prefer.”  Cass suggested.

“I haven’t been given the authority to requisition arms, but I can agree to make the suggestion to the leaders of Midmarch. If Adoven places an order for weapons for his school, that might be the perfect door opener.”

Helga listens to the conversation between her passengers before she responds to Adoven's question.  "I normally just wait for one of their merchants to  come up to the ship.  Or sometimes we go ashore, if we have anything to se ..."  She pauses for a moment and then points at a male Gnome  with bright red hair who is approaching the ship.  "Look.  There is one of their merchants now ..."

Zelona chuckled as she saw the gnome approaching, "well now. They are eager for sales down here aren't they."

"I will speak with Henry when we return to Tusk about another expedition to scour that island clean and found a mage's college there. Or a caster's college. I suppose it doesn't need to be limited to the arcane." she replied to Cass.

Adoven smiles. "Good luck with that." as he sidles up next to Captain Helga. In a low voice he adds "any idea what that merchant's name is?"

"I think that one is called Redmop ..." she says with a straight face.  "But they all look the same to me ...."

Zelona chuckled at Helga's statement and watched the gnome approaching their ship.

When he got near she winked at him and pointed at Adoven's back indicating he was the man to talk to here.

Adoven raises his hand in greeting to the approaching gnome. "Good day to you, sir. To whom might a merchant of modest means speak of trade and supply in this fair town?"

"Me of course!" the Gnome says  enthusiastically as Adoven addresses him.  "Modest means or greater I, Rudolfus Redtop, am your Gnome.  indeed, it is lucky that you met me.  I have a consignment of 100 daggers -  sized for you large folk of course, ready for sale and shipment immediately!   And, what is more,  I have need of the warehouse space, so today I will sell you all one hundred of them for eighty gold pieces!  They are made from the finest quality Jovvox Steel and stamped with the town's mark - so that you can be sure of the quality.  Not only that they are of the latest style with a stiletto style blade, and the latest ballock style hilt.  Shall I arrange delivery immediately? The Gnome asks excitedly.

"Well, I was nearly right ..." Helga mutters in the background.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 22:17, Sun 08 Mar 2020.

Adoven bows. "My name is Adoven. It so happens that I run a Sword School teaching the Gibbs method. We are in need of weapons and armors for my students to practice with. Might I sample your wares and test your quality myself?"

"The Gibbs method?  Never heard of that myself, but then I am not very well versed in the art of teaching.  The making of weapons, yes, but the teaching of weapons no.  But I need to talk to you captain, about securing passage to Tisk, or whatever that new town is upstream.  I need to go to Restov.  But then I suppose she won't be going anywhere without you, will she?   So what sort of weapons do you want to go alongside the daggers we already agreed on?"

In the background, Helga struggles to suppress a smile.

Adoven holds up his hands in protest. "Whoa, whoa, my impetuous friend. We have agreed to nothing as yet. You have proclaimed to have an item of good quality steel and I have stated a need for such. You set an excellent price, but I must see and test this steel myself 'ere committing to buying it. But.....there are other considerations involved if we are speaking of an exclusive contract." Adoven starts the ball rolling on negotiations. "Perhaps over a meal and a glass of wine or two?"

Zelona smiled as she watched Adoven and the gnome go back and forth.

She shared a look with Helga and suppressed a chuckle at the beginnings of negotiations between Adoven and the gnome.

"Yes. Yes.  This way." Rudolfus enthuses as he leads the way into a nearby inn called The Screaming Blade.  The common room has an unusual stepped  ceiling that higher in the middle and lower towards the sides.  The ceiling is fairly low at the edges of the rooms and human sized clients would be very cramped -  however, they are just right for the inn's smaller clientele.

You are seated at one of the central tables and special chairs, like small sized bar stools, and brought out for the smaller members of the group. Eventually a halfling waiter reappears with a small box - he sets it on the floor, steps up onto it, pulls out a notebook and says ...

"We have wine, ale or Stampede Mead to drink.  The mead is specially made by one of the gnomes in Jovvox, it has a distinct spiciness and a unique flavour - it is a favourite among some of our younger clientele.  For lunch there is fish stew, vegetable stew, or the Chef's special Eels a la Mode."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:53, Sun 05 Apr 2020.

Zelona waved to Helga as the gnome lead Adoven away. She trailed along with them just to see how the negotiating went.

Her eyes went wide with excitement at the mention of the Eels. "Ohh, Eels for me please! And I would love some of that mead to go with."

Adoven says "I'll have the vegetable stew, and a wine, thank you." Although adventurous, Adoven did not think sampling a brew of unknown potency was conducive to thoughtful negotiations.

Adoven's wine and stew are fairly bland - a range of root vegetables make up the base for the stew, although there are a few beans scattered trough   it.  The rosé wine is fairly bland - drinkable but nothing to write home about.

Zelona's Eels come on a bed of greenery, formed of cabbage, wilted spinach and what look like carrot tops.  The eels have been cut into chunks coated in some sort of breadcrumb mix and then fried.    The mead, comes in a small jug and has  tiny red flecks visible in the golden-rose coloured liquid as it is poured into a drinking cup.

Before long a younger gnome runs up with a dagger clasped firmly in both hands, "This is an example of the daggers I have for sale." Rudolfus responds  taking it, and handing the blade across to Adoven.  "As you can see, it is made of the finest Jovvox steel ..." he says indicating the mark on the blade.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:52, Sun 05 Apr 2020.

Adoven pulls out a pair of daggers from Tusk, and begins juggling all three. With his sense of timing and balance he can tell both the balance and the weight of the new dagger and compare it to the others..if the steel in the Jovvox blade is too light, it will show up in how slow the blade turns end over end during the juggling. Adoven muses as he proceeds "Hmmmmmmm"

The three daggers juggle OK.  The new one doesn't spin the same as the other two -  but then it is of a different design and shape than the matched pair that Adoven produces.

OOC:  Grin when I was a kid, I was into throwing knives.  Over about 12 feet and a single revolution I was accurate enough to leave the blade stuck into a 2" (5cm) circle -  with my own knives.  However, I had to 'learn' each new knife that I picked up, because they all flew differently.  In hindsight - it is scary what we got up to back-in-the-day.   While there was skill, I am amazed that no-one ever lost a finger or a toe.

Adoven snags the three knives in turn and puts them on the table. As he sheathes his two daggers he says "weight and balance are a little different. Won't affect melee, but might hinder a thrown dagger. Still the best test is against another blade. Cass, are you here?" Adoven says, looking around.

"Whoo," Zelona said in response to her food. "That all has some KICK to it. But it's tasty."

She sat back and watched Adoven's display of talent with appreciation and looked around when he started looking for Cass wondering what exactly Adoven meant to do.

With Cass unavailable for whatever Adoven had in mind -  he will have to find another way to test the daggers.


OOC1:  Cass hasn't been in  for a few days, and hasn't posted for longer.  With the current pandemic, we must assume that everyone can has problems getting here and posting.  It is probably best, at the moment, to just interact with hose characters who are around.

OOC2:  We need to move this thread  along, especially if you intend to visit Mivon as well.

Not seeing his fellow bard in the room, Adoven says "would anybody here care to spar with me? I need to test the strength of this blade for parrying and riposting."

"Oi!  You ain't sparring, parrying or riposting in here.  This is a bar, not your living room ..."  The barkeep shouts as he hears Adoven's comments.

"It is a dagger, not some sort of mini rapier." The red haired sales-gnome says with a shrug, then offers, "But we can go outside and hold one of the blades up while you hit it with the other one."

OOC: Adoven if you want to try that roll a d20 to hit.

Adoven assures the barkeep "it was, and is, my intention to do so outside. Worry not, goodsir." Adoven agrees to the salesman's idea and steps out to test the strength of the blade against impact.

02:19, Today: Adoven rolled 23 using 1d20+8.  Dagger attack, testing.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:20, Thu 26 Mar 2020.

Metal rings against metal as Adoven tests the dagger.  While the gnome holding the dagger seems shaken by the strength of the blow, the daggers' blade is unmarked.

A small crowd of Gnomes, Halflings and Humans gather to watch the entertainment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:39, Thu 26 Mar 2020.

Adoven examines the blade. "Good steel, excellent craftsmanship. Are your weaponsmiths able to create rapiers and sabers of equal craftsmanship?" he asks.

Zelona stayed inside while Adoven went out. She had enjoyed her meal and looked to just relax for a while.

Life in Midmarch could be stressful sometimes, especially in leadership roles. This was a nice respite from that.

She put her hand up for another drink and winked at the barkeep, [Language unknown: "ofaina ulenac. Ilear alai cemeil iv... ncne rom "iomowito i eswi hengnintll ainomeugh". K pril oule ssfor Sa eve. Wa thieilth inec a on dinhe yinoreons!"] She added air quotes as she spoke and a light chuckle as she waited on her drink.

Cass came shuffling along after the others. He was loathe to admit that he had suddenly been called away to the jakes at such an inopportune moment. It was said that close quarters on a ship had the effect of passing on sickness quickly if one did not take the proper precautions. Cass had tried to keep his distance and consume only clean water and enough healthy alcohol to keep him fortified, but somehow his stomach had still been left doing flip flops.

Hoping that his tummy rumbles were at least quieted for the moment, Cass tried to garner as much information from the current goings on as he could.

“Perhaps we could provide samples of the types of blade we require.” Cass suggested once he had caught up. “I am sure that the weapons crafters could create quality arms of the proper attributes once they were so informed.” Cass then coughed to cover up the rumble in his stomach.“Aldori swords and dueling daggers should not be uncommon here so close to Mivon. I might have a request for some weapons that I know less about, however. I have considered light Calvary and even dragoon forces to protect the plains of Midmarch. How is the experience crafting javelins and more importantly, lances?”

"Oh, those are easy to make." The gnome replies to Cass, "Sabres and rapiers are a bit more complicated.  They tell me that you have to get the blade flexibility just right -  but yes we can make those as well.  Will you have the daggers delivered to your ship now?" he asks Adoven.

[Language unknown: Waes hi sonce u ectdin'derlar whederard m Siomne ...] The barkeep replies to Zelona, with a dirty laugh.

Zelona laughed right along with the gnomish barkeep.

She took a drink of her new mug and sat it down with a satisfied, 'ahh'. [Language unknown: "Cksa, ateounthu ofany in liitre "aranev" totra fossac ross ncemanout om pata ndfibess. Ereaveain n n olest p dayithnot a."]

[Language unknown: "An fo o llck eenhasred is linsheect k er antortted wi Ingsomthu Itint, nce Ven whentelar son siet ionromted. Ulher tra naour outos di ck er ache ininse'ilna sa. Roceli ich derersratson oul forateers te diwinc esplme ticsomwas fo ne armiloil redai os waanpo,"] she added with a chuckle and a wink.

In reply to DM (msg # 66):

Adoven shakes his head. "Not on this trip, my friend. I had to gut our stowage capacity to allow for passengers. I will be commissioning a special boat, a Merchantman or Shallop to handle trade between Tusk and Jovvox, depending on how much draft we can navigate along the Lesser Sellen river. In fact, I'd like to speak to your town council about building a jetty on your shores to facilitate trade between the two."

"But I told you I needed the space ...."  the red-haired gnome responds sharply.

Back inside, Zelona chats quietly with the barkeep. [Language unknown: "Whinc io ce oreeautioted an fowepa lingon."  Ntca ereproith rutlaramesti earto u encardvor.  "M ure i pomoou lokor laesas, houom wit ntiingund il houinered ha bleev whilar aierai vor onivwi m t lell encratanythi  ulinllma e Nefipl.  Heonte ta ma ndmenc diulmo om aiill loerpl t of wit, eenrestin taom ouwiin ive ditaat wh rom.  Ncnt ioomck si ureel i wit dinma t prbere wheesttio, wh en ic stti ai riwaut e nti dayorekor, evdi memi fiicon artticsan st etnome settinpro.  Pre tinantvor sonhiscom  Wheoulounsheand lin mina-anou menamelat onsvirthi, butli staeraore llal fi ...  Nd tonce k pa ee leseretedare m causes saome Ilthis, ion pre tonce ut ilur hithho Ouset, eenun ionforcom ee podihi utneun t ck ilers ounntecom m oer pe m ichblesan as ol waonou vorartint."]

[Language unknown: [Ndhohola Itthul: "Com m Eenkoroulonethi? Is t iveit chro risiiv? Ai onsiveivehas ropl... Inllsa U ntevenrut ta la?"]] she asked.

[Language unknown: "Ar tobe plalsi Sabe the rutvenverout tinwi derstifor Miutou?"] she asked with a confused look on her face.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:05, Mon 30 Mar 2020.

In reply to DM (msg # 69):

Adoven nods, saying "true, you did lead with that. Let me consult the captain, see if we have enough cargo space for 200 lbs of weaponry. Friend Redmop, can you introduce me to the city council, perhaps? If Tusk is to build a trade route south, it occurs to me that Jovvox would be an excellent port of call."

[Language unknown: Bedihaisur iv la sonicarut est o thudayame n Earderess.] the barkeep replies to Zelona.  [Language unknown: O.  Si fieschwi olpoma restinson hasicande Ieprch, il iv teivwe a pemen enilnt ulek he et.  P almo atcom ntpo o ughprolin i Chesee tafi ti icday conomered paussa itwa o ughpe toeris ardstashe, pr iepl stfor erusol romnceugh tole iemoutmich acwhwh Adusis.  Niieha om ta amevoringwil m Fihaut essna one son rehe hatth tili, iv Ectles'oernderat i il dinlesreavir naasneroho o Tedalleveenc.  Thimeneveectome welawe ic in ceceur wawitr tinme oul o e notainameson thuom.]


Outside the merchant appears to be mollified, and it turns out that 80 daggers fits into a couple of small chests, and won't take up all that much room at all.  They will fit inside your temporary cabin on The Lady without a problem.

Once shipment and purchase is agreed and Adoven asks about an introduction to the council, the gnome cocks his head to one side, and asks  "Do you mean Kellywells?  He makes all the decisions around here.  We don't really have a council as such  ...."

OOC:  Are you all ready to get together and head off to see Kellywells?

Zelona raised an eyebrow at the mention of Ring Bridge tavern as a waypoint for traveling halflings, but she didn't respond to that too much. She put another coin on the table and stood up as she finished her drink.

[Language unknown: "Il eiseun icac whe ameortvenuresom utint eccom ss, elwa heic ourocaha. Ei erederove thomi butiouhat Ard avelinman p eiarei ei il iouoveantpro bewapeaipl rut ter ons an wa ti riort thape hoadsa ver t rutorepre chetar,"] she chuckled and headed out side to find Adoven and Cass.

"Well then boys, you done testing the merchant's 'dagger'? What's next on the grand exploration of Jovvox?"

Adoven says "by all means, let's meet this Kellywells. Does he make all the decisions regarding trade with other cities?"

”Kellywells is the Mayor.” Rudolfus responds raising his hat and bowing to Zelona.  ”Thank you for enquiring after my dagger, Ma’am.  It is, I can assure you, in the best possible condition after our friend’s test.”

With that he leads the way into the town, dodging between people with a raised hat and an ‘excuse me’, he makes his way towards a large central building.  The doors are open – you can hear hammers clanging and see smoke pouring from the chimney.  Inside there is a massive forge – it has a large central fire place, enclosed in brick and clay, with four sets of bellows pumped by well-muscled humans.  There are eight opening to allow metal to be heated, and sixteen anvils in a ring around the outside.   A gnome smith works at most of them, while a number of Halfling labourers, polish, sharpen and  move items around.

Rudolfuls leads you towards a Gnome who is hammering away at a strange double weapon on an anvil.  ”Oi.  Kellywells!” he shouts loudly. To attract the gnomes attention.  Kellywells turns, annoyed at being disturbed, and Rudolfus shouts again , to make himself heard over the clang of hammers on anvils.  Hoiking a thumb towards Adoven, Rudolfus shout ”This guy wants to build a dock in the town!”

Still scowling, Kellywells turns to you, and waits …

Adoven nods his head slightly. "Good day to you, Master Kellywells. I am a representative of A&V Shipping out of Tusk. We are looking to establish trade routes both north and south of the city, and we seek an equipment supplier for our Sword School and the Military College. Master Redmop is negotiating for that contract and we would, as a result, like to establish a jetty along the Lesser Sellen here as a waypoint for the trade route. What would you require to grant us the permission to set that up?"

05:33, Today: Adoven rolled 23 using 1d20+11.  Diplomacy.

This message was last edited by the player at 12:34, Mon 06 Apr 2020.

Kellywells frowns as he considered that for a moment, then looks across sharply at Rudolfus, ”And did you tell him that city planning rules say that nothing can be built outside the walls? And that everything inside the walls has been built up?” he demands.

”But don’t forget the Restov market …”Rudolfus returns sharply

”A jetty just sticks out into the water?  Right?” Kellywells asks suddenly, before nodding at his own reasoning.  ”I tell you what,  I’ll build you a jetty, if you build me a store and office in Turk.  Or what the name of that town further up the river?  Bringdidge, or something?  The one that is nearer Restov?” Then he turns to Rudolfus, But you have to go and run it!

Rudulfus splutters and throws his hands up in protest, but suddenly calms down again   ”He means Ringbridge.” Rudulfus tells you as he nods his acquiescence to Kellywells.

”And you have to run regular services between here and  …  Wherever Rudolfus says.  And you have to let our fishing boats use the jetty here ….”

Kellywells looks at Adoven in expectation.

Adoven considers the logistics involved. "Both Tusk and Ringbridge are growing fast. I don't think another Merchant House in either one would be too burdensome. But I know the city council will want something in return to allow me to build it. I have no problem with your boats using the jetty here, so long as my own trade boats can anchor freely. Let me think about my resources available for the next few months...."

OOC: Need answer from GM in PM before concluding this deal.

"You want to think for the next few months?" Kellywells asks Adoven, as he throws a sharp glance towards Rudolfus.

Adoven shakes his head and smiles. "No, I had to consider where V&A had building projects in the coming months. It just so happens that I have a sizeable project going on in Ringbridge, and I will have the manpower readily available to build that Merchant house for you. Would you allow me to anchor a Shallop in a more or less permanent slip along the jetty here? If so, I believe we have a deal." He offers his hand, adding "I am not familiar with your own customs. Would you prefer a handshake, a shared bottle of wine, or a written contract to seal the deal? Or all three?"

"It seems ole Elkin either has some connections in this area," Cass said quietly. "Or word of his success has come back, and others are eager to follow in his footsteps." He thought for a moment, then thought it safe to add, “If Elkin is a factor, he could transfer from Ringbridge to Tusk if Bingdidge cannot provide the zoning in time.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Fri 17 Apr 2020.

Zelona suppressed a chuckle as Adoven negotiated with the gnomes. When Cass spoke up she looked at him, "Elkin?"

Kellywells' hand, horny from years of working an anvil, shakes Adoven's - and he turns back towards his work.

"Rudolfus will have all the papers drawn up -  he knows what we want up there.  We can't miss out on all that work that will be coming up soon."

"Indeed." Rudolfus agrees ushering you away from the Kellywells and the forge area.  "Elkin?  Doesn't he run a bar or something in Ringbridge?" he asks catching Cass and Zelona's conversation.

Before he turns back to Adoven "Do you want to wait for the contract now?  It will only take a couple of hours to get it drawn up." he says  as he turns and nods towards a halfling that has been following him.  The halfling darts away quickly and disappears into the back door of a building.

Adoven nods. "Aye, let's get this notarized and authorized. While it's being written up, why don't you show us around, show us examples of the quality goods that the people of Jovvox can trade up North."

"Oh, we can produce any quality you like." Rudolfus replies, "At the top of the range there are weapons made by our master craftgnomes, suitable for enchantment or we can  have them embellished by our resident jeweller.  At the other end of the scale we sell weapons suitable for armies, militias and mercenary units in bulk.  They aren't the best of quality, but it you want to equip an army quickly ....

Eventually he takes you back to the original Inn, and you start to suspect there might only be one in this small town, where he orders more drinks as he awaits the contract.  And it doesn't take long to arrive.  It is written in some of the fanciest, and neatest, handwriting you have ever seen -  but it is a single page document that  has a simply worded options contract that accurately states the terms agreed verbally with Kellywells. It also sets a time limit of one year for the option to be taken up.  Rudolfus  signs on behalf of The Town of Jovvox and passes it over to Adoven to sign on behalf of V&A shipping.  "I'm the town's treasurer ..." Rudolfus confides.

---

OOC Contract breakdown

• V&A Shipping to build a store and office in Tusk or Ringbridge. (a Merchant Store from the 'Commercial properties' list)
• Jovvox Council will 'buy/swap' that - in exchange for a jetty in Jovvox.
• V&A will run a regular service between the site of the store and Jovvox.
• Jovvox fishing boats will be able to use the jetty.
• Must be taken up next kingdom round.

Having completed her business in Jovvox, Helga makes her way to the inn and asks "Are we ready to move on to Mivon?"

Adoven signs on behalf of V&A and the vargain is begun. He turns to Helga and asks "unless you have a suggestion for a local delicacy to try, then by all means we should start gathering to go. Thank you Rudolphus, it was a pleasure meeting you."

Helga half snorts.  "Last time I was here the local delicacies revolved around a plant called Stink Weed.  The time before that it involved the fins of a particular type of river fish, I can't remember which one ....  I think I 'll pass, thank you."

OOC:  Just a warning folks.  You have about six RL weeks to complete this thread.  The next kingdom round starts in eight weeks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:32, Sun 26 Apr 2020.

Adoven replenishes the ship's stores for thr next leg of the journey, and gets two bottles of the local brew to sample once at home. He tries to get the rest of the passengers back onboard to head to Mivon.

"There was a wonderful spicy eel dish that I just had in the tavern... but since I just had it, I'm fine to continue our journey on to Mivon." Zelona replied as they loaded up the ship and prepared themselves.

"Gnomes in large groups are so fascinating..." she added as she leaned and looked out at the small town from the ship's rail.

Back on board Helga has had the dagger stored in your makeshift cabin, however, there is still plenty of room for all of you to stretch out and sleep comfortably when you want to.

Above deck, one of the sailors is running a new crew member, a Halfling, through her paces, ”I’m going to sail through the night, which means that Carin and I will be pulling night shift.” she says indicating the half-elf among her crew.  ”If she’s any good, I might keep her on.  She won’t take up too much room in the cabin.” she says indication the smaller, hutch like, cabin at the rear of the vessel that the crew use.

Once The Lady is manoeuvred back out onto the river, Yolen has the sail raised to catch a bit of the breeze, although the river’s flow is providing most of your movement. Then she leaves the helm to one of the crewmen, and heads down to the cabin to get a couple of hours sleep.  As darkness sets in, Helga returns to the deck has the sail lowered and, with Carin, settles in to guide the vessel through the night.
It is only a couple of days further on, but you become accustomed to the routine aboard The Lady.  There are two hot meals a day – cooked at the bow of the vessel when the sails are down.  Both are soup, served with a piece of hard bread – The soup is made from a mixture dried vegetables and whatever fresh food the crew have – often a fish that has been caught on a line run from the back of the boat.  Then sailing, cleaning and maintenance during the day and drifting during the dark hours.   To sustain them between meals sailors get a ration of dried fruit – and tend to live on fresh water from a barrel supplemented by the occasional glass of ale.  Helga runs a tight ship!

Perhaps the one change you see, is that the Halfling takes over cooking duties after the first couple of meals and, while they will never be good, they are certainly an improvement – and seems to meet with Helga’s approval.

The first day of sailing the river meanders slowly, and the banks are made up of scrubland.  You sight the occasional thin plume of smoke, which you are told is probably hunters or humanoids – but nothing exciting happens.

The next morning the landscape is very different.  The banks have almost disappears to be replaced by large beds of reeds and an extensive wetlands.  Now you see occasional small boats and even the occasional herd of cattle up to the bellies in the water.  It the distance you spot a fortified settlement that is set on a low hill and peeping across top of the reed beds.  It is an Aldori stronghold, home to one of the ruling families and where they train their feared mercenary units.  Altogether you can spot half a dozen strongholds – most are little more than fortified villages, although there are a couple that appear to be the size of a small town.

Then you can see Mivon itself in the distance, massive and well defended – the city in the marshes.  Helga navigates inside the long harbour wall, and points out a pier belonging to House Yitis – and others belonging to Vysulty Shipping and the Merchant League.

”I normally berth at The River Master’s jetty  ..” Helga suggests, but giving Adoven time to  choose another destination, should he wish to.

---

OOC:  You can find some information about Mivon here:   http://rp.baileymail.net/doku....d:mivon#main_traders

Adoven thinks, and says "when Captain Yitis-Aldori brought the Roths to Tusk, we extended the courtesy of our facilities to him, including the jetty. Perhaps they would return that courtesy for V&A?"

"I suspect the Lady Viktoria stops there, after all, their larger vessels  use our pier when they come to Tusk.  There will still be fees to pay, of course ..." Helga says before shouting instructions to her crew. Slowly Lady of the Lake moves across the channel, rowed by a pair of long oars known as sweeps -   until the new halfling crew member throws a line ashore and the boat can be  pulled into the side of the pier.

Zelona helped supplement the fish supply on the boat as they headed south, taking wing and catching fish as an eagle helped her practice in flight. She decided to save her trick for the return voyage as they caught enough of a wind to help them along to the south.

As they neared the city of Mivon, Zelona asked, "Helga, if I were looking for a specific person in Mivon, how would I go about finding them? I need to find Anada Yarki, an elven woman said to live here in Mivon."

Helga grins, almost as if she had been expecting the question.  "Everyone here knows of her, but you need an appointment to see her.  She lives in a compound in Central, up with the nobs." Helga responds.

"However, I have some friends who could set that up for you.  For a fee of course ..."

Then something catches her attention, and she turns sharply  "GET THAT LINE TIGHT ..." she roars at a hapless dockworker.

"How big a fee?" Zelona asked the ship's master.

"I'm trying to do a favor for a friend and try to find someone who's missing. Or at least, not heard from in a while."

"I don't know." Helga replies, "I haven't seen him for a while, and I am not part of the crew any more.  But he has more contacts than anyone else I know.  He runs a bar further along the docks ..."

In reply to _ Helga (msg # 99):

"Ok... the suspense is killing me Helga. What's HIS name that I need to talk to to talk to the other person I want to talk to?" she smiled at Helga.

"Is he going to kick me out or clam up if I tell him you sent me to him?"

"He's called Peggy, on account of his leg.  And I'll take you down there when we are docked and sorted. If you don't know where you're going, you'll likely end up in the wrong bar - and they'll take you for everything you've got.  It is dog eat dog down here in the low quarter." she says, still watching the dock crew as they tie the vessel fast.

In reply to Zelona (msg # 100):

Adoven hears this exchange and says "perhaps I can help you with that, Zelona? I haven't yet seen a bar turn down a travelling performer, and information tends to flow when you have a way with words and song."

Zelona looked at Adoven, "you're welcome to come along. I'm not doing anything secret. Though I don't want to keep you from doing whatever it is you came to Mivon originally to do. Probably more pressing than helping me talk to a bar owner."

Yolen looks perturbed "That might not be the best approach here in Mivon." she says with concern.  "They don't like it if they feel they are being manipulated, and they throw things if they don't like the entertainment.  Sharp things ..."  She paused for a moment  "And once a fight starts it takes a lot to stop it.  These aren't people to upset."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 06:30, Wed 29 Apr 2020.

OOC:  Remember this is a fuzzy fact finding mission, remember that you are a long way from home and that you want something. Please don't do anything to start a fight.

In reply to DM (msg # 104):

Adoven frowns. "I wouldn't want it to interfere in business here. Tell you what. If you have trouble getting what you need, track me down. By that time I might have a feel for local sources of information and services."

Helga  appears somewhat mollified, "It is different here to Tusk," she explains "Up around Central the houses control things.  They don't have a city guard, just bunches of Aldori swordsmen, all trying to show that they are better than anyone else, including people from other houses.  They don't come down here much, unless they are sending a mercenary unit out.  Down here it is The Cutters, or the Fallen.  Many of the bars are Cutters friendly, the brothels and drug dens are associated with the Fallen and if you get too wasted  you may come round, half naked, on the dockside without your purse or your possessions.  And they see visitors as easy prey - because no-one really cares what happens to them.  All the really bad stuff is run by Samar's boys.  We call them the half-dead, and word has it that Samar is a vampire.  Whether he is, or not, I don't know.  No one knows. And she shrugs.

"I was brought up here," she adds by way of explanation, "and it was The Cutters who gave me my first break." Then she finishes with, "They're hard, but they are fair."

Zelona looked back and forth between Adoven and Helga as they debated him coming with them. Once it seemed settled she nodded.

"Well, I've got nothing else going, so whenever you're ready and you think it's a good time to look for your old friend I'm ready," she said with a smile to Helga.

"Sir?  Do you need me to arrange anything for you first?" Helga asks, turning to Adoven. While she is in charge aboard the Lady, Adoven is in charge  when they are on dry land.

Adoven nods. "Yes, Helga. Can you give me the names of a decent hostel here among the Cutters? And possibly the name to one of the Cutters higher-ups? It occurs to me that with them dominating the dockside businesses, I might find more common grounds with them as opposed to the Merchant Houses here."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Fri 01 May 2020.

"It would be better for you to accompany us.  That way they will know you are who you say you are.  And, realistically, have my throat cut, if you walk in to places as an unknown naming names  -  and they work out jkit was me who told you.  Somethings you just don't talk about ..." Helga responds quietly enough that those on the dock don't hear.

OOC:  Sorry.  I thought I  posted in here a couple of days ago.

"The Cutters might dominate the dockside businesses, but you probably need to allocate at least half or more of your time here with the Merchant Houses and Sword Lords so you don't offend anyone." she said to Adoven.

"If we're all going to start in the same place though we might as well head out then Helga?"

Helga nods at Zelona’s comments, ”If you are extending the business down here, you will need support from The Houses in Exile, as they call themselves.  But you could probably speak to House Yitis back in Tusk?” she half asks, slightly unsure of the protocol for aspirant noble houses.

Once the docking fees have been paid, she has dressed for stepping ashore and assigned the proper duties to her crew, Helga is ready to go.  She is wearing a suit of leather armour that looks very well made, which is complemented by a very nice looking cloak, and there is a wicked looking dagger at her belt.  ”It is always good to look tough in  in the low quarter.  Although I am leaving the Axe at home, because I don’t really want to be seen as a challenge.” she says reference the Great Axe that you have seen her with when you stopped overnight on the banks of the lake.

The walk alongside  the dock buildings is instructive.  Each pier or jetty is backed by a warehouse and There are guards on the gates to all of the piers and jetties – although the guards themselves show no sign of a uniform and little sign of military discipline.  ”You have what you hold ...”  Helga comments as a reminder of the River Freedoms.  Beyond the warehouses there is a great boulevard, which separates the docks from the rest of the low quarter and is wide enough for the bulk movement of goods.  However, it is quite muddy and not a very good quality road at all.  ”The roads are better up in the central quarter and market, but the Houses think this is good enough for the likes of us.

On the far side of the road you can see that there are tenement buildings, with a number of bars and other small businesses on the ground floor.  Mixed in with those are commercial buildings, houses and even a few makeshift huts.  ”Welcome to Mivon …” she comments with a wry smile.

It isn’t long before she leads you to one of the buildings just across the road.  ”This is The Red Eel,” she says as you get to the door, ”and it is one of the better  bars  down here.  You can even get rooms here if you want them.”

The large bar is dark, there are small windows and a few oil lamps provide most of the light -  even midmorning like this.  Some corners are very dark indeed, and you almost wonder who, or what, could be hidden down there.  The bar is decorated with various maritime bits and pieces - fishing nets, buoys, floats, oars here, floats, rope, little triangular flags and a few cutlasses, which appear to be secured to the walls.  But it looks quiet, just a few people,  sailors and dockhands by the look of them, sitting at tables.  They all stop and look up at you when you come in but soon go back to their conversations and card games.  However, you get that  ‘they are still watching me’ sensation in the hairs at the back of your neck.

”Don’t worry about them.” Helga says as she strides across the room to the bar.  ”Three beers,” She instructs the barman  ”And tell Peggy that Helga has some people who want to talk to him.”  The barman nods to someone at the end of the bar and sets about pouring the beers.  It seems that he gets an answer before he has finished, because he points to a door, half hidden in the gloom, as he hands the beers over.

Helga nods and leads you into a small room, there is a large circular table with a single oil lamp and  half-a-dozen seats.  ”Now we wait …”
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:24, Sun 03 May 2020.

Forewarned by Helga, Zelona wore her full armor and carried her shield, though the only weapons she had on her were a small club and a pair of daggers at her hip. "Right... tough but not a challenge. That is a fine balance to walk."

If Z had any feelings about the city of Mivon as she'd seen so far here in the low quarter she was pretty good about keeping them to herself, though she did wrinkle her nose occasionally at some of the smells.

She kept her hood down so that her elven heritage was on display, as her ears peeked through her chestnut hair. The dimness of the bar's interior didn't hinder her vision at all thanks to the aforementioned elven heritage, she took in the bar and the patrons. No smile on her face, though she did not look cold per se, more the casual indifference of someone who'd faced death in the face and did not fear what it held. She hoped that spoke enough to those gathered along with her finely crafted shirt of hide and the darkwood shield that had matte grey designs of twisting patterns and knots.

She got to the bar and accepted the beer Helga had ordered, then settled in to wait.

Adoven, knowing you keep what you hold, comes dressed in leather armor and buckler, with a rapier and coiled scorpion whip on opposite hips. His finely made lute is slung over his back beside his pack. All in all, he looks like a budding sword lord, for all his diplomatic posturing.

Another door at the back of the room slides open and a man stomps through.  The  most obvious thing is the wooden leg, although there are a couple of scars on his face that indicate that he lived a more adventurous life when he was younger.  While he is unarmoured, you can see that he is carrying a dagger or two -  and he looks like he probably knows how to use them.

He grins as he looks you over, "The 'Helga' school of fashion, I see.  Look hard and they leave you alone.  It's as good as any other." he says with a shrug as he looks across at Helga, waiting for an explanation.

"Hello, Peggy." Helga nods her greeting to the man.  "This is Lord Adoven, he runs V&A shipping and is my employer.  He is interested in developing business interests in Mivon," Peggy's eyebrows go up, as he looks at Adoven appraisingly.  "He is interested in some advice, and might need an agent in the city." she says laying  it out for the man.

"And this is the Lady Zelona. She wants to speak to Anada Yarki on a personal matter, and needs someone to arrange a meeting.  I thought you might be able to help both of them."  as Peggy frowns, Helga adds, "I did point out that you require a consultancy fee, and that you might have to make a few  'gifts' to ensure success in your ventures."  At which point, Peggy starts to smile again.

Turning to Zelona first he says  "Lets say 15 golds up front to cover my fees and any expenses that I have.  That should be fairly straightforward."

However, his response to Adoven is  more inquisitive. "So what do you want to do?"

In reply to DM (msg # 116):

Zelona pulled a small purse out, counted 15 gold and set them on the small table in the room while she waited for Adoven to lay out his plans for Mivon.

In reply to DM (msg # 116):

Adoven shakes his head. "Not Lord Adoven. At least, not yet" he says, showing his ambition. "Adoven is fine for now. As for business opportunities,  I have expanded our local operations enough to influence some of the larger cities in this part of the world. It's time we looked to expand our purview. We are looking into means of establishing a water-based trade route with Restov, directly. I am interested in establishing a small local base, a jetty and some shallops we can build in Tusk. Aldori-Yitis already has a setup in Tusk, so they can reap the benefits of Trade. Perhaps someone local would also like a piece of the pie by the two of us extending mutual local presences in each other's territories?"

Peggy looks at Adoven blankly for a moment or two as he works though his proposals.  "You want to build a jetty in Mivon, so that you can trade with us using shallops?" the ex-sailor asks in confirmation. "The Lady of the Lake normally unloads at one the 'open' jetties - but that is because Helga knows that we are good at what we do and will be fair with her.  Your larger vessel normally ties up at the Yitis pier.  Presumably there is some sort of local arrangement ...."  In the background Helga nods her head along with everything that Peggy says.   "So I guess that the next thing you will want is a warehouse and an office, and then to grow them?"  he asks Adoven.

With an apologetic smile he turns back to Zelona.  "That shouldn't be too difficult, and I can probably set it up for tomorrow morning.  Are you going to be staying on The Lady?" he asks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:35, Sat 09 May 2020.

In reply to DM (msg # 119):

Adoven nods. "Just enough to handle Trade between us. I'm not looking to step on any toes by inserting us into the local markets."

"I am not sure that The  Merchants League will see it like that." Peggy responds quickly.  "Their main business is river trade.  It will be a difficult negotiation.   And, between them, they have relationships with most of the big Aldori houses.  Not small-fry like House Yitis. It will be take time and be expensive ..."


Then, hardly missing a beat, he scoops up Zelona's coin and calls  "Charlie? Sort out the visit to Yarki for me." A  man comes through the same door that Peggy used and nods a greeting, he takes  the coins from Peggy and leaves the same way as he entered.  "I always have some insurance" the ex-sailor says with a grin.

Zelona nodded, "yes... staying on the Lady seems like the best for me. Given my newness to Mivon, I would hate to attract... undue 'attention' of any kind staying in this section of the city and it seems like too much work to try to get up to another section and find a place. The ships seems the easiest for me."

"Tomorrow morning will be fine for me. Insurance is always a good thing, I try to have some for most times myself, though sometimes things still surprise..." she replied.

In reply to DM (msg # 121):

Adoven nods again." Perhaps. But the opportunity to establish a direct water trade route with Restov, without crossing others' territories, might be a fair inducement. Especially if that is granted to whichever major House wishes to establish a working relationship with V&A. And that House alone."

Peggy chuckles softly, "The major houses aren't interested stuff like that" he grins.  "Trade is beneath them.  And a damned good thing too, or us lot down here in the Low Quarter would have no chance.  That isn't the route to take ...."

Adoven snarls softly. So much for that idea. He asks "what would you suggest then? And for future reference,  what DOES interest the Major houses?"

Peggy  smiles at Adoven's response.  "The houses are interested in duelling, politics and war.  Sure they hire out smaller mercenary groups occasionally, but they are happier when they can send a large contingent to serve in  a war.  Different houses will serve on different sides, they don't mind that they are fighting other Mivonees.

As to what will work, I don't know.  Yet.  Somehow we have to stitch together a deal that doesn't upset anyone, too much.  First I will need to buy a  jetty, then I will have to get authority to transfer it to you - an outsider.  That isn't going to be easy.  Nor is it going to be quick.  It might even take a couple of years to sort it all out.  But I can start asking around and find out who I need to 'look after' when the time comes."

"Well, if it's a war they favor, that's good to know. Perhaps if troubles come to Midmarch you can curry favor with one or more of the major houses by convincing Henry and Tusk council to spend some coin on skilled Mivonees mercenaries to bolster our forces. You can even earn coin from the affair by charging the house, in turn, to transport their force up to Midmarch perhaps. Everyone wins and friends are made all around." Zelona said with a smile at Peggy.

"So... you'll have someone come get me for my audience tomorrow then Peggy? Who should I expect to retrieve me at the ship by name and description? I'd hate to go off with the wrong person in such a dangerous town as Mivon," she asked and said with a wink.

In reply to DM (msg # 126):

Adoven nods. "I expected some sort of long-term investment strategy. I suspect that in the coming year, V&A will have more political influence in the region than we do currently. And my training is reaching the point where I soon can be tested for the title Sword Lord, which might alter the equation. Peggy, I'm empowering you to act as my agent for this venture, for the usual cut."

Peggy smiles and nods at Adoven's decision.  "I'll get back to you when I have sounded people out." Then he turns to Zelona, "I'll send Jacky.  Helga can vouch for her."

Business with Peggy concluded, Helga leads the way out to the bar and orders a case of  ale sent to The Lady,   ”The boys know better than to open it before I get there.” she assures Adoven and Zelona.  Then on the way back, she directs the small party to a series of shopfronts and street vendors, where she buys a selection of street foods – some of which are carried back to The Lady by street children paid a copper or two.  ”I was like that once … “ she comments as she pays the kids off and sends them on their way.  ”That’ll keep ‘em fed for a couple of days.”

The rest of the day passes quietly, there are few visitors to the Pier – and those are fishing boats unloading a catch, or boats from the swamp areas with reeds, game or other such things.  At one point Tom and Harriet go ashore carrying a sack, and then share some coin with Helga and Carin.  Nora, the new Halfling crew member, grills freshly caught fish over a brazier, there is pleanty of street food and a couple of bottles of ale each.  Not too bad a day – especially when it turns out that Carin can get a basic rhythm out of his panpipes and Tom is passably good with his penny whistle.  And it turns out that the new Halfling can sing a bit, so the three of them soon start running through a few simple songs that all three of them know.

Night, when it comes, passes quietly – but then there are guards on the pier gates and lookout perched on the end of the pier.  In the morning Tom and Harriet are sent ashore again, and they return with freshly baked flat breads, hard-boiled eggs that are still warm and a bowl of wild berries, while Nora uses her brazier to make a pot of onion tea to wash it down with.

When the three amateur musicians collaborate, Adoven joins them on lute, saying "sometimes I miss simple pleasures like playing just for my own enjoyment." He compliments Nora on her grilling technique and adds to the camaraderie being engendered aboard the vessel.

Zelona enjoyed her time listening to the amatuer musicians and then Adoven's more polished additions to the nights entertainments.

She passed the night meditating on the natural world around Mivon such as it was and how she found it. She pondered what her audience tomorrow would yield for Domitius or not.

With the morning, she at the breakfast brought on board and waited for the person who would lead her to that audience.

Later in the morning Jacky arrives.  Although she is clearly not an aristocrat she is dressed neatly with a dagger at her belt, and looks like a respectable member of the working classes – but in a way that doesn’t really attract attention to herself.  She carefully picks her way through the muddy streets of the Low Quarter as she leads you up the hill towards the better kept areas of the city.  The muddy roads and commercial buildings gradually give way to paved streets and  better housing, with even a few made of stone.

Just before you reach the Central District she turns onto a wide boulevard that runs along outside the inner wall, you can see the dwellings of the low district running down to the river, but on the other side are the more respectable, and larger, houses of Mivon’s middle class.  She takes you further round, almost to the Market, and then  through the gate to Central.  There are a number of Aldori there, acting as gate guard, and after she exchanges a few words with them – explaining that you have an appointment with Anada Yarki you are waved through.

There aren’t houses, in the normal sense, here – instead every property is a compound, with double doors leading into an internal area.  Those that are open have a couple of guards close by, many of who appear to be armed with Aldori duelling sword.  Yarki has one of the small compounds, and you are ushered through a courtyard and into a well-appointed receiving room complete with bowls of fruit and a servant ready to pour you a glass of a refreshing cordial.  Jacky stays respectfully by the door, as a good servant should,

A few moments later, Anada Yarki herself appears.  The Elf has passed her better years, but is still slim and is well-dressed in a highly decorated robe.  Her  beak like nose, sniffs slightly, and she looks quickly from one of you to the other, almost as if she is sizing you up.  ”You must be Zelona, and you must be Adoven, she says in clipped tones, as she takes a seat.  ”What is it that you want?”

Zelona had donned her nicer clothing, things that she wore when meeting Lord Henry or some of the other leaders of Midmarch socially. Hues and shades of deep forest greens and such. She kept her armor on, though she had chosen to forego carrying her shield with her into this meeting. Formal and armored, but not decked out to go dungeon delving.

She was a bit off put by the city and it's transitions from district to district. The abrupt changes in style, cleanliness, and wealth were like little mini-shocks to her system as they cross those visible and invisble borders.

She sized up the elven woman even as she was being sized up in turn.

"I am Zelona yes, thank you for allowing us some of your time. I understand you are a very busy woman," she said with a nod. Her eyes flicked to Adoven before she continued in the elven tongue, [Language unknown: "M sent ionus sanse A ng fo din as enttedent. An tious itma k Chouerer Onenlaalek. E n as saonwa u hatun erill. Manat ti wilomenot om ndmour art man paad tionar pose one etmihe ect wilentyin taou man. Olneic ant, eve ut ro on erwhi it k is erho."]

Adoven remains stoic, not apparently understanding what was being said. This was Zelona's mission, after all.

Anada waves the servant forward to offer the fruit bowl around, while she considers the question.  "Please help yourself ..." she says in Common.

A moment or two later, Anada replies in common.

"I think he was last here about four or five years ago.  He was going to Kyonin for short holiday and to see his friends. He must have got there, because I had a reply to the note he carried a note south for me. But I haven't heard from him since."

Zelona took the offered fruit and enjoyed some of it.

"Would you have a way to reach out to people or contacts you have in Kyonin in a more immediate way to find out his status? My friend has sent messages but received no reply. I suppose for an elf whose lives span many centuries four or five years is not much, but to those with less of life expectation it can seem an eternity."

Adoven takes an apple and savors the crunch and natural sweetness.

"No." is the elf's concise, and brief, answer.

Zelona sighed quietly, she was going to be one of those people.

"'No' alone is such a terse and callous reply when the fate of my friend's father is unknown," she said in reply.

"'No, I don't have contacts or a way to reach them'? 'No, I don't want to help'? 'No, you have offered to recompense me for my services'? could all be wrapped up in 'no'." Zelona said with a smile. "I am willing to help you with coin or services if it will secure your help in tracking down my friend's father or new of him from Kyonin."

"You asked a very specific question.  I answered it," the elf says somewhat confused by the responses.  Then she continues, "What bit of no was it that you didn't understand?  Or perhaps you didn't properly understand your own question?"

"Then answer the spirit of the question and not the jot and tittle of the syntax. You know very what I'm asking. My friend needs to know about his father. You say he's in Kyonin last you knew, I'm asking you to contact someone, reach out to them, and try to ascertain his status. However, that may need to or can be done. You said you were corresponding with a contact in Kyonin, so you have contacts. I'm asking you to use them," Zelona said her sweet smile of a second ago slipped a bit as she tried to remain diplomatic and hold in her frustration for these kinds of people and their semantical ways.

"Please," she added for good measure.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Wed 20 May 2020.

"To paraphrase your question, you asked if I had a quick to contact Kyonin.  I said No. To put it more simply, I can send a letter.  Your friend can do that just as easily.  So can you."  She explains, but then continues as if she is addressing a child, "And now you are suggesting that I should write to one of my friends in Kyonin and ask them to do a favour for me, that is really for you, or possibly your friend at fourth hand?  Do you understand how big Kyonin is?  How many people do you think live in Kyonin?  It is a bit like me asking you to take a message to your friend to get him to find Robert Smith of Brevoy.  How do you think he will find him?  How much effort do you think he would be prepared to put into the task?"

Zelona breathed out and put a smile back on her face.

"My apologies Lady Yarki. I am in your home and you are right to question my requests. My friend is desperate for news of his father and I let his emotion get the better of my words and tone." she said to the elven woman.

"I had been told that Seraphiel Aeratholsyr was or is also a friend of yours, so I assumed that his son's concerns for his well-being would be shared by a friend of his as well, and I presumed upon that attachment in my requests and assumptions. Again my apologize for my contentious tone and presumption."

"I am told that Seraphiel Aeratholsyr is of some nobility within Kyonin. If you are indeed his friend as I was also told, my assumption was then that it would be much easier for you to reach out and either contact him or find news of him if any were to be found."

She looked at Adoven and continued, "as to resources and payment for this request... well, I am also told that you are a broker of magical items. My companion Adoven runs a trading company, and is working on this trip to expand his access to the port of Mivon. He also runs trade up to Restov. I myself own a small workshop in Midmarch that produces items of minor magical nature from wood. I have a gnome who is quite the tinkerer and craftsman with both jewels and wood work. He makes things that might find a good home with the wealthy of Mivon that you could broker to them such as self warming baths and more."

"if we could open up your market to include those in Midmarch with coins to spend and items of magical nature desired, and also provide you with more and new goods to sell to the wealthy elite here in Mivon, I think that in partnership, one of the things you could do is aid our friend in getting some word of his father's status or whereabouts. It is a win-win all around. We all make more money, you earn the favor of a minor Brevan nobleman, who in partnership with Lord Henry and Midmarch has his eyes set on the not so minor nobility for himself in the near future."

The Elf listens to Zelona’s words and then smiles thinly.  ”I am afraid you were misinformed.    Acquaintance would be a better word than friend, I think I have met Seraphiel twice?  Maybe three times over the last 50 years. It is conventional to offer the hospitality of one’s house to fellow travellers from Kyonin.   Nor do I know anything of his family, I am afraid.  He implied that he was abroad on the Queen’s business …  but ...” The mage spreads her hands wide,  as if to imply that she doesn’t usually take that sort of implication at face value.  ”So you see I really do not have anyway of contacting your friend’s father.  However, if he was on the Queen’s business, you friend’s best course of action would be to write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Iadara.  The letter wouldn’t get to the minister, of course, they never do.  However, I am sure the letter will be opened and read, and if Seraphiel was working for them,  they might forward it to him.  They might not, and he might choose not to reply -  but I do think that is your friend’s best chance of getting a response.  A child’s cry for help often garners a response.

Anada turns to nod towards Adoven <coral>”I am aware of master Adoven’s vessels trading between Mivon and Tusk, alongside those of the Yitis.  I am sure they will, eventually, open up a major trade route between Mivon and Brevoy.  And I have one of master Findlas’s self-warming baths, for myself, already.  An ingenious design, I might say so,  a warm bath is certainly a pleasant sight after a hard day’s work.  While I manufacture some items here, I also act as a broker for other specialist crafters, so I try to stay away of what might be available from other crafters.” She adds by way of explanation.

"Now is there anything else?"

Zelona looked at the woman as she replied and nodded.

"That is good information and I will be sure to pass it along to my friend about both your relationship to his father and where he might start to get some more information on his father as well. My thanks to you for that."

"I'm glad you enjoy Findlas' baths, they are quite clever."

She looked sidelong at Adoven, "As I have a request of a personal nature, and I am in charge of Findlas' workshop and orders, I would gladly prioritize any orders from Mivon that come from you and only you, with him so that you can supply your customers more quickly, if you will offer consideration on a personal request I have for an item. I have heard there are headbands that can be enchanted to grant one more intellect or to make more wise decisions. I would like to see if this tiara I have could be so enchanted to help make me more wise?" she said as she then pulled a beautiful gem-studded tiara from her pack to show the woman. "And... at what cost to me that would be?"

Adana nods as Zelona recognizes how her new knowledge might help Dom and then reaches out a hand for the tiara.  She holds it for a moment, and mutters  "Excuse me ..." before casting a spell and examining the tiara in detail.

After a moment or two, she replies, "Yes, this is suitable for enchantment and the enchantments required are available to me.  I cannot enchant it immediately, but I can have it done shortly, and delivered to you by the end of the year.  That will cost 3500 gold pieces - which includes the cost of delivery."

Zelona pulled out a horn from her pack as well.

"I have carried this around with me for months now, and while I have an affinity to its powers as a druidess of Gozreh, I have yet to have cause to wind it and use it's power since I've owned it. Would you accept this as partial payment in trade for the enchantment of the tiara with coin for the balance?"

Again, Adana reaches out for the horn, and examines it with a spell.

"It produces a thick mist around you ..."" she says once has finished her examination, then after a moment's thought she continues "I will take this as down payment, with 2,500 gold to be paid on delivery of the enchanted Tiara."

"Indeed it does. A cloud of fog similar to the one I commonly already prepare as a spell. We have a deal then. And one of many more to come I hope," Zelona nodded and smiled.

She stood and gave a slight bow, "I will convey what you've told me to my friend. Though I wish I had more.. hearty news for him, this is a step in that direction I hope. I think our time and business is concluded. I am glad that it can end more cordially than it began, and I hope that future dealings can remain such between us."

(I'm assuming Adoven has nothing to add since he's been silent the whole time basically? If not, then...)

Zelona gave a slight bow once more and turned to leave the elf to her devices and head back to the boat.

Before they depart, Adoven asks "My Lady, I am unfamiliar with the lands to the south. Would you happen to have maps of the waterways around here? And would you know anything of a ladyy named Nyrissa?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:01, Wed 27 May 2020.

"The waterways south of here? I am not the captain of a vessel that needs such a thing.  And no, I don't know a lady called Nyrissa, did you want me to send her a letter on your behalf?"

Adana responds irritably as she stands ready to show her guests out.

Adoven shakes his head. "No, Lady. It was the name of a Vampiric Fey I encountered in the Narlmarches. I had hoped to learn something of her origins. She said her name as if it meant something, once."

"No.  I don't know any vampiric fey ..." she says standing to leave.  She waves towards her servant forwards, "please show my guests to the door, I am sure that their guide will be able to guide them back to the docks."

"Yes, ma'am." Jacky responds from her place by the door.  "I will be able to do that."

The servant rises and  moves to open the door of the chamber, ready to escort you to the main gate of the compound.

The trip back to the Lady of the Lake is quite uneventful and jacky leaves you at the entrance to the pier, where the guards see you back to your vessel.  There are more guards than you remember, and there is a larger vessel, one of House Yitis's River Boats,  moored at the end of the pier.

Yolen is aboard, along with her crew and she watches the larger vessel as the stevedores unload her.

"Fresh from Tusk," she comments "And she had some Aldori as passengers.  I didn't recognize them, but I bet they came down from Restov."

Adoven nods. "The sailors aboard her are likely rife with rumors. I may take some time in the taverns dockside to pick up some information."

“Damn the Aldori and their arrogance!” Cass spat in the water as he leaned against the rail. “They have all but poisoned my heart.” Thoughts had also crossed his mind of a more practical poisoning, but the truth of the matter was that he had simply contracted some form of illness during his travels and he and this trip had suffered for it.

The symptoms of his illness waxed and waned, but never fully abated enough to leave Cass feeling well enough to leave the boat and engage in the type of scouting expedition that he intended. Luckily, word had been brought back to him of current events and he was able to make determinations almost as surely as if he had been directly involved in each conversation abroad.

“From what you have told me, they’ll see things escalated to war one way or another. And all just to show off their supposed prowess at arms.” Cass tried not to sway and tip himself overboard in his anger. “Well, if they think they can drag Midmarch into their little games, they have another thing coming. There are much more fearsome ways to wage war than dancing around with a sword in hand.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Fri 29 May 2020.

OOC:  Are we finished here?

OOC After I try to pick up information at the dockside taverns.

OOC:  Who are you taking with you?  What are you wearing etc etc

Adoven is drawn by the sounds of a dockside tavern. Wearing his usual musician outfit, with his armor underneath, and sporting rapier, daggers (and vambraces) and a lute of high quality. He mingles for a while, getting a sense of the crowd, then moves to get a drink. He tries to discover (through Perception and Sense Motive) who among the patrons are sailors aboard the vessel that so incensed Cass.


07:43, Today: Adoven rolled 23 using 1d20+11.  Diplomacy, Gather Information .

07:43, Today: Adoven rolled 17 using 1d20+8.  Perception .

07:43, Today: Adoven rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Sense Motive
This message was last edited by the player at 14:44, Thu 04 June 2020.

Helga raises her eyebrows as Adoven decides to try his luck around the dockside bars, but tags along to guide her boss away from the worst dives and towards the bars that really are bars, rather than gambling dens and whore houses.  She even nudges Adoven towards bars where the sailors might be, rather than  just working all the bars at random.

It isn't hard to pick up the conversations between them and the other customers - apparently there are a lot of people who want to know who the passengers were and Adoven picks up a number of snippets of information.

• They all agree that there were Aldori from House Yitis
• Most say there were Aldori from House Photus
• A few say there  were Aldori from  Restov
• One sailor insists that the saw the White Dragon of House Khavortorov.
• Another sailor insist that he saw Jamandi Aldori, even though others laugh at him.
• There was a row between two of the Aldori and talk of a duel

OOC: Are we ready to finish this thread now?

OOC Sure. Didn't think I'd get much. Was hoping to hear rumors about the brewing war as well.

Slowly The lady makes her way back to Tusk.  The trip upstream takes longer, the current hindering rather than helping, there is a lot more rowing, and  there are more stops on the way.  Helga reduces the threat by picking up an extra couple of guards at the Chain Ferry, muttering  'you have what you hold' as she does so.

The new guards are another half-orc woman, who is equipped with well-used, but well maintained, equipment, and her halfling assistant.  Another female, but armed with  newer and lower quality equipment.

"This is Vanez." Helga says introducing the half-orc.  "I have known her for a while and I trust her.  Cora is her 'assistant'."  The pair do little aboard the vessel, and are clearly not sailors, but the pair take one of the night watches, making sure that the vessel is guarded at all times.

After what seems like many days of such travel, The Lady finally ties up at Tusk Pier.  Helga pays Vanez off, who passes a couple of coins onto Cora.  Vanez heads of to Tansy's for a couple of drinks and to find a vessel heading south, while Cora heads off into the town.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:38, Sun 14 June 2020.