You fondly bid your companions who remain at the forward base farewell, and travel along the mountain range back to Caywick.

A portly man wearing a festive and thick cloak for the season, greets you with a wide smile at the gate, flanked by two guards. He wears a medallion that shows he is here acting in capacity as the Town Exchequer.

"Welcome back, Adventurers! I trust your first foray was...profitable?"

Alieta fades to the rear of the party. The man smells like a tax collector to her, and that is irksome to her. But she will do nothing to cause a problem.

Hmmmm, tax collector, he would claim none of the silver he carried for him to take, the money belonged to the gods, not man!

As he clenches his sack of silver tightly he hears the memory of his mentor's voice from one of his long-winded sermons.

"The Emperor benefits from the Faith, and the Faith benefits from the Emperor. Both must be supported. To be a good cleric of the Faith, one must also be a good citizen. Laws...except those crafted from malice...must be followed. Even that of the taxman!"

He eases up, "Better than usual considering we lost a few."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Mon 04 Jan 2021.

Einhard had seen the greedy palms of such men before. Unless of course they were collecting money for family, he cared not one bit for them. "Profitable? Hardly!" the knight laughed. "No sign of the escaped bounty. And worse, we failed to retrieve the Lady's scarf. Those are far more valuable than anything a few feeble goblins might possess. Now, if you please, we have business to attend to." Before the man could react, Einhard moved his steed past the townsman in such a manner that would require the men to step aside.

"Surely your Lordship does not take me for a common thief?" he shouts.

"Once there was a line all the way from the pier of pilgrims to tour the Colossus, but no more! Do you know how many orphans and widows we have here in Caywick, from desperate citizens trying to salvage more coin from the greedy goblinkin and the dragon they serve?"

"Dragon? Do tell, what do you know?"

Jarvak stood with folded arms aside his party, content to let this skirmish of egos play out, until he heard the word dragon. The would-be taxman now commanded his full attention.

Her bowels clench at the thought that she might have wandered into the den of a dragon, even if they had not seen such a thing.
Legend told of how jealous they were of their gold, she hoped that did not extend to silver.
She would have to change hers in to something they would not recognize...

Leo follows Einhard, saying, "If you are so worried about the poor, why don't you give them your pay?"  He rides on.

Dwarghar listens and says little. He grunts a greeting and waits to hear of the Dragon.

Einhard ignored the man, until he mentioned the dragon. The knight tugged on the reins and turned his steed to the right. "Dragon? Now that is interesting," he paused dramtically. "and much more profitable than some troublesome goblins. Please, enlighten us with what you know of this dragon." Einhard reached in to his coin purse and tossed a hand full of silver to clatter at the man's feet.


-16 sp
04:53, Today: Einhard rolled 16 using 1d20 ((16)).

Brodd waits patiently for the tale and the tax. How much do they want now that civilization was here.

Listening from the back, Alietra wonders if there is a job here waiting table, as that sounded safer than tangling with a dragon.

The Exchequer walked past the guards towards the Knight, who collected the coins for him.

"Legends tell it was Zhirran'thrax of the Crimson Wing who destroyed the Sentinel, for she wished to lair in the caves below, but the colossus and its magic beacon disturbed him. When the beacon fell into the valley below, however, it caused the waters to churn until they flooded his den. He tried to pluck the Beacon from the waters, but for reasons we do not fathom, the wyrm could not lay claw upon it. Zhirran'thrax flew north to find a quieter lair, but left its spawn behind."

He looks up at the knight on horseback.

"We still see a dragon with red scales attacking caravans from time to time."

He adjusts his fur collar.

"Thank you for paying your share. Considering you've come back after a single night, I will trust that it is accurate. After all, word gets back to the noble houses when a knight acts unchivalrous..."

He points back to the party.

"I trust you will gather the remainder of your retinue's share as well?"

"Pray tell, what is, our share?"

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 15):

"One-tenth of what you have recovered, Brother."

He holds a large sack open.

"It all goes back to the tithes eventually, doesn't it?"

In reply to DM (msg # 16):

Brodd counts out 59sp and puts them in the bag.

Unhappy, but unwilling to cause trouble, Alietra pays her share as well. It was the price of going in to town, and she wanted that...

Leo kept going, hoping to get lost in the shuffle of things.

In reply to Leohart (msg # 19):

A guard steps in Leo's way.

"And you, magician."

With a deep sigh, Alietra makes it very clear her hands are well aware from her weapons. If things get tense, she will get on her knees to even further reduce her potential threat level.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 21):

A guard looks down at Alietra and grins.

"Look at that posture! You must be a barmaid!"

"Correct sir, that I am. And I have been wounded out in the fields. Is there a place in town where I might get some divine aid?"

Turning his attention from the guard confronting Leo, Jarvak engages the Exchequer by stepping forward with arm extended holding up a single, well worn golden crown between thumb and forefinger.

"In my pursuits I seek a different type of treasure entirely. In place of a tax, please render my contribution to Caywick's poor. I only hope it to be worth the price of admission."

He smiles and offers the coin to the official atop an open palm.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Tue 05 Jan 2021.

Leo looks at the guard and turns back and hands the thief.. I mean tax collector 40 SP.  Sorry, my mind was wandering.

"A tenth?!" gawked the knight enough that his steed stirred beneath him. "Tis outrageous. Worse than the church." He looked at the guard that picked up the coins. "How much did you collect?"

"16, sir"

Einhard sighed and dug out the rest of the silver due and dropped it in the sack. "Surely, if some brave adventurers risked their lives to rid you of this Zhirran'thrax, it would warrant quite the reward? Given the legends of red dragon's love of treasure, simply waiving the tax on such treasure would be a just reward in and of itself." The armored warrior adjusted himself in his saddle. "Besides, think of how many more caravans would fill the road to Caywick once it is safe. That would bring so more money to your town than your nuisance tax, and surely word would travel back to my family about the generosity of..." he hesitated. "I apologize, I didn't catch your name. I am Sir Einhard of Masodain. Brother-in-law to Baron Masondain."

Dwarghar pays 59 exactly without a word and moves on.

Pock ponies up the coin, happy to have procured any at all for himself. He flipped a 60th coin back into his heavy coin-purse and smiled up at everyone.

OOC: Sorry for the delay folks, the holiday season and new year has been relentless on my end!

Creston counts out 59 silver, the same as almost everybody else. As he forks it over, he mutters, "I should have stayed in camp."

As they walk away, Creston leans over to Pock and asks, "Why are we just letting this guy rob us?"

"Well, why not? I'm sure he has a family, children, or whatever--or a love of beer and good food, at least. And the coin I have left is certainly enough to enjoy myself, I should think." Pock Oneshoe knew, deep down, that this was hardly an explanation at all, and contented himself with that much.

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 30):

"He is the law and the law needs to be paid for too."

Dwarghar moves on to go check on his armor.

Leo moves to the nearest tavern.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 32):

The tanner smiles as the dwarf enters.

"That manticore hide was amazing to work with! So pliable, yet so dense! The scent was a bit off, and my dog wouldn't go anywhere near it! But as agreed, you get a leather jerkin out of the deal! Since your priest was doing the haggling I wasn't sure if you wanted a dwarf-sized jerkin or a human-sized one, so I made one of each! The second one will cost 50 gold crowns, since this is a rare piece! Like I said, it's thicker, but also heavier. Not as strong as chainmail mind you, but I guarantee you it's quieter!"

[Manticore Hide Armor: AC 6, Coin Weight 300]

Seeing the others march to their own drum upon passing the gate Jarvak thinks for a moment, tracks back, and asks their portly greeter to  point him to the garrison office before setting off in search of a jailer that might have any useful information for him. Hells, he'd settle for a lowly parchment-pushing clerk if they were knowledgeable.

'Couldn't hurt to survey the merchants as well' he mused, mostly to himself. A set of hammer and pitons. A sword perhaps? Bolas?? He let his imagination wander.

Having been insulted, then ignored by the guard, Alietra heads in to town, looking first for healing, then to see if there might be some silver tipped arrows for sale.

If no one wants that human sized manticore armor, she would like to be considered as a possible purchaser, assuming it won't interfere with her stealth and agility.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 36):

It wouldn't be much bulkier than leather. And the tanner can cinch it to fit her for no extra charge.

Obviously the cleric in question gets first dibs, but it seems unlikely a cleric would want slightly buffed leather. I will buy it if they do not.

Let me know if I can have it, and I will pay in silver.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 38):

[Ask Brodd?]

[Jarvak - You saw earlier that Alietra has a satchel with a hammer and iron spikes]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:29, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

Dwarghar thinks a moment.

You know, I’m not sure ... let me take the human sized one for now.

The Dwarf checks in with the others

Ooc. I’ll give it to you if Brood doesn’t want. I actually want some chain for myself I’m not sneaky anyway I would take plate if I could. Or we can pay to resize the Dwarf one. If Brood wants this.

"Ah, I don't think it would fit me anyways." Pock grinned, knowing no one was asking him.

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 41):

Brodd has chain.

Huzzah, I think with that, I can buy it now?

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 41):

The tanner peeks over the counter down at the gnome.

"Hello my small friend! I might have some scraps left over to make you a jerkin as well! It will take me a day or two! You interested?"

Pock looked up, grinning and scratching his chin. "I think I've got the coin for  it. You have a deal, my friend." He reached a hand out to shake on it.

Creston heads straight to the fletcher and restocks his arrows.

After a few ales and a meal, Leo looks to head to the bank to store the bulk of his funds.  Too much weight for him to carry around.

In reply to Leohart (msg # 47):

The banker hands Leohart several documents to fill out, but in an hour he successfully opens an account at the Bank of Caywick. He is invited to watch as his funds are handled by the bank assistants. The coins are put in a nondescript wooden chest with a number on it and carried down marble stairs into the basement. There is an echo of several metal gates opening and finally that a solid door creaking open. It slams shut and the assistants lock the gates and hurry back up.

Thank you, kind sirs.  I shall require those funds at some point, but carrying them with me is somewhat difficult. 

In reply to Alietra (msg # 43):
Aye that works...
Dwarghar will sell it to Alietra for 50 gold or 500 silver and then pay the small fee for the tanner to fit it to her.

Fine craft, sir - he says to the tanner - no doubt... Can you, sir - direct me to where I might find some steel armor?

Alietra almost hugs the gruff dwarf, but catches herself and offers a 'manly' handshake along with her coin.

"I much appreciate this Master Stoneblood, it is most excellent armor."

She sticks around the allow the tanner time to get her measurements, then heads to the local tavern for a bite to eat while he does the work.

After she eats, she will look for a local temple in hopes of getting a little healing.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:21, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

Bah - I just like getting money! he grumbles dropping 10 silver to ensure she is fitted properly. Then he seeks out an armor that is more weighty.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 50):

The tanner directs Dwarghar towards the Barracks, where they have a Linksmith who makes chainmail in addition to standard chains, as well as an Armorer who fits to guard in their plate armor.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 51):

When you reach the local shrine, it's essentially a wooden alcove with a 3-foot bronze statue on a weathered stone pedestal. The statue is of a bearded man in travelling robes that billow as if in a strong wind. He holds aloft a staff, and at the top of the staff is a small orb enchanted with Continual Light. Something about the figure's sandals looks familiar.

A sleepy middle-aged woman rises from her hammock inside and shambles over. She chuckles sympathetically when you ask for healing, and explains that that's not the sort of services provided here at the Shrine of the Sentinel. She can however officiate at births, weddings, divorces, coming of age ceremonies, and funerals.

She can give short blessing for a crown, since you'll need all the luck you can get if you're delving under the Sentinel's robes. If your wounds are serious you can go to the Barber, since they do stitches, bleeding, leeches, and light surgery.

Disappointed, Alietra offers up a silver for the temple, and wanders over to the barbers.

I suppose I'll never go home again, I should dress for my new job. The Dwarf mumbles...

Dwarghar goes to the barracks seeking out a smith to get some steel to cover himself in. preferably plate armor.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 55):

Alietra hear the screams as she approach the barber shop. You see a pole standing outside, wrapped in a swirl of blood soaked bandages drying in the sun and attracting flies.

I love the smell of barbers in the morning.

Instantly turning away from the sounds of screams, Alietra heads back to see if her new armor has been fitted yet.

Einhard doubts that there is any armor or weapons in this town that would be worthy to replace anything he already owns. He heads to the stables to see if they could bathe and groom his steed. She's certainly needed it. While they did that, he would seek food and drink at the local tavern.

In reply to Einhard (msg # 60):

There is a stables that will happily pamper your steed. The tavern overlooking the lake is still open, but some carpenters are busy adding a tall fence to the balcony where Travis jumped but a couple days before.

As Dwarghar comes to the Barrack he smells for the aroma of fire and steel and listens for the clink of a hammer or the satisfying pinch of cutters. It has been many years not since before he set out to make a home in the mountains that he wore steel armor.

Creston gives up trying to find a fletcher and heads for the tavern.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 62):

The blacksmith is busy, but he can assemble a coat of plates for you at the standard rate.

In reply to Creston Fairwood (msg # 63):

It seems this is a farming and sheep/goatherding community primarily, and most residents have never laid hand on a bow. The Town Guard has their own weaponsmith who probably makes arrows but doesn't sell equipment, especially to outsiders. You do find a boy wheeling a wooden wagon full of perfectly smooth river rocks for slinging, only a penny each!

The adventurers slowly converge on the tavern again. Residents at the benches make quiet glances to each other as you return.

"No jumping off this time, y'hear me! Especially if y' don't pay yer tab first! T'ain't the dragon you should be afraid of!", hollers the barmaid, shattering the tavern's quiet unease with a roars of laughter.

Dwarghar does get the armor - ensure the chain sleeve stops at his forearm so that he can work with tools when he takes off the gauntlet.
He also gets tools and parts to round out his kit for making and breaking traps.

He’ll do a little more shopping for things mundane before meeting the others.

At the tavern he gets a pint and drinks looking morose for a while as he considers what has brought him here. He closes his eyes and keeps to his own thoughts.

As she sees other members of her party, she asks them if they are spending the night.

"I would like a good nights sleep, but what about those who opted to stay behind?"

I think I will spend the night.  I guess I am used to the fineries in life.

Dwarghar looks around at the question...
Hmph? I don't know, I just spent nearly every penny,

Dwarghar jerks as if making a decision and orders a keg.

Right - you're staying, make sure you get the priest or the armored fellow to help you bring the lumber. I'm goin' back t'night.

Dwarghar gets a wheelbarrow or small cart to manage the firewood, the cauldron, and the keg and goes to meet the others back at camp in his shiny new armor.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Fri 22 Jan 2021.

As long as she has her new armor, Alietra will join Master Stoneblood. She wants a nice soft bed, but she wouldn't sleep well knowing they had left several of their number behind.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:37, Fri 22 Jan 2021.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 71):

More than two. Harald, Starshell and Catweazel as well.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 70):

Dwaghar does find a wainwright with a cart for sale. Good for hitching up to a hooved animal...

[Who goes with Dwarghar to help him with the cart?]

In reply to DM (msg # 73):

Brodd will. He has the mule.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Fri 22 Jan 2021.

Awww you don’t have too , but since there’s three of us we should get the lumber too. But your hurt lass, the brother and I can haul it back you might heal with rest.

Pock kept himself with Dwarghar and Brodd, helping load lumber up almost over his own head when the dwarf mentioned taking it.

Asking if she can ride back in wagon, Alietra hopes to rest on the way back to camp.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 77):

Brodd helps Alietra into the cart and tries to make her comfortable.

Unused to such gentle handling, Alietra shares a shy smile with the good Brother.

"Many thanks. I'm going to try and nap on the way back. Wake me if anything exciting should happen."

[moving RP back to the base camp thread]