Flak settles in next to Nic, you all realize just how Big Flak is. Wearing a dinosaur skull helmet, bone Armour and an oversized halberd, you realize he may be the best guardian of the vast majority of the wealth you possess. Mantle sits across from Nic. Bohrhorgen, Rowan, and Kiara all occupy the next booth. “A pitcher of your finest ale for each table.” Mantle commands, “and keep them coming as they empty.”

The group settles in for some drinking, a past time that feels both familiar and surreal, given the life and death struggles they have recently engaged in. Realizing every moment of life is worth experiencing to the full, in light of how easily it may end, the group manages to enjoy the warmish ale. Food arrives, large cuts off brisket and warm bread, filling the void that battling for your life creates.

As you eat and drink, in the shadowy tavern, you start as you realize, the spot in the booth is occupied! A dwarf sits across the table from Nic. “It is good to see you again, Nicrune.” Hustle says, his voice quiet, almost a whisper. “I understand you have an extensive list and little time.” He smiles, a knowing smile. “These conditions, they do not  contribute to lower prices, nay?” He chuckles, “time is money, after all. You have a list, and the appropriate payment?”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 06:21, Sun 29 Mar 2020.

"Hmm dont you just blend into the background of the room. "Nicrune"" (cocks an eyebrow) I see our guest is hereat least I'm guessing you know him Nic.

Names Mantle..... (extends a hand to hustle behind a curious little look). Try not to miss anything on the list I'm looking forward to trying out some new tricks I've been working on...(gives a wirely little smile)
Looks over at Flak "you look hungry big guy eat up dont be shy. I'm seeing a long road ahead."
Pours a tankard of ale and leans back to watch Nic work his magic.

Hustle replies to Mantle "You need something, leave word at the Wheatstone Sheath.”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Tue 31 Mar 2020.

Nic relaxes back into his seat at the booth and crosses his hands over the table in front of him. Glancing sideways at Mantle, "All is well my friend, and ... be easy with the drinking." he admonishes. "We need our minds more than merriment for now. When we are done here, I feel we should make haste to continue on with ... the rest of the days' priorities."

Redirecting his attention to Hustle, "Thank you for arriving under such short notice. I do have the appropriations for our business, and more by means of incentive when you return for a job well done if up to the task. I like to keep my allies gainfully interested in utilizing a beneficial friendship." Nic shuffles something under the table with his foot, and nudging Flak's scaled foot in the process.  Nic proffers a wistful smile, tilting his head and continues "As I defer to your judgment as a procurer of services, might you be able to give me a timeline so as I may make reservations for our next meeting to conclude this particular endeavor? Flak has agreed to do some heavy lifting, as I'm sure your hands may be full to some degree."

Nic takes a swill from his tankard, polishing it off, and places it on the table and slides it in Hustle's direction to be refilled. "Another round sir?" Glancing again to Mantle, then shaking his head. "Maybe just the one refill. Wheatstone Sheath Mantle? Tell me more of this place when we're done here perhaps?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

With Bohrhorgen facing the main entrance, Kiara positions herself in the booth to see the rear exit, while keeping Nic in ear shot. Welcoming the ambiance of disinterested patrons she seems to enjoy her warm ale and keeps a watchful eye and an open ear. Making small talk with Bohrhorgan regarding the name of the establishment, Kiara chuckles at names such as the Stout Legged and Mad Mug, her personal favorite being the Short Order Grill.

"Oh the tales we could tell of this place!!" "Drink up Nic!!" (He says with a wink from the eye opposite of hustle) Love this place!! Such an enjoyable place!
You've been here been here before right?

Mantle drinks down his tankard of ale and cheers Nic and Hustle!

"The establishment has a reputation that appeals to me Mantle. I'd prefer to do much of my business and unwind here more often in the future. Sort of a BYOB establishment. Drink up. We must press on shortly." Nic nods to Hustle, hoping to adjourn the meeting after seeing his satisfaction in the task at hand, and that he has his tankard refilled for the road.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

Hustle refills Nics mug, then looks at a piece of paper in his hand, reading while moving his lips. He gives a low whistle when he finishes. “That’s a fairly extensive list. I’ll need to visit the Kobold Market for some of this. I expect I can be done by morning, if that’s acceptable. Any faster will incur a greater fee, as merchants smell need. Perhaps we can meet for breakfast here?”

"Splendid news my bearded friend. We shall see you on the morrow. What do you like for your breakfast? I'll have something prepared for your efforts." Nic raises his tankard and takes a large, finisher drink, and sets his tankard down in finality.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

Glaring with disappointment into his mug, Bohrhorgen places it on the table and looks back and forth from Kiara to Mantle.
"To answer your question about uncle Dugan, he does have a sense of humor, but not typical of a dwarf.  We are both called eccentric by our kin, but in his case it is the type of eccentric that would be called mad if not for his genius craftsmanship."
"He is a respected leader of the Dwarves of Zobeck, most of whom are atypical Dwarves, choosing to live outside of dwarven society and coming here to make their fortune selling their craftsmanship to the other races.  Some have come for freedom: freedom from the rigid clan structures, freedom from slavery, freedom to worship gods not accepted in the cantons, even freedom from the old laws and traditions: the women are not cloistered here and even unmarried dwarves have equal rights."
"I did not fit in within the cantons. I do not have the "reaver's temperament".  While my people look down and dream about what is there for them, I always looked up. As a beardling I would stare at the sky, memorizing stars. I knew there was something I needed that could not be found in the cantons."
"I came to Zobeck and Uncle Dugan took me in. I think we're so much alike we grew close very quickly.  Not long after that I met Nic. My first friend who was not a dwarf.  I think that was my problem with reaving, even though you lot are not dwarves, I still think of you as people."
"Nic told me something, a secret few know: ships that do not just sail through the sky, but beyond it. I know that is what has been missing, that's what I need.  I will do what I have to be on one of those ships."
"Hmm, this weak drink seems to have made me chatty..."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Tue 31 Mar 2020.

Nodding in understanding at the wanderlust, Kiara looks at Bohrhoran trying to figure out how one small mug of ale has brought him into a chatty mood. "Once we get on to Uncle Dugan, we can carry on. I think sailing in the stars sounds a welcome trip at the moment....yet so far away" Sighing into her empty mug she indicates she is ready to get going again.

Hustle nods to Flak. “Shall we depart? We have a full night ahead of us.” He rises, gives a small bow towards one and all, then addresses Nic. “Boiled eggs and ale, if you please.” He heads towards the door, Flak rises and follows him. They turn right outside the tavern, disappearing deeper into the markets of Zobeck.

As you finish your drinks and your conversation, the beer wench approaches. “That’ll be 8 silver milord.” Nic chokes a little, 8 silver should pay for a nights drinking for the group, not 2 warm pitchers!

After paying, you head for the door, turning left back towards the intersection into the bustle of the city.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:41, Tue 31 Mar 2020.

Keeping an eye out in every direction possible Kiara, staying toward the front of the group, sets a good pace, trying not to appear to hasty. Kiara looks into upcoming ally-ways as much as possible as they move forward.

Makes a mental note of the price of the establishment, definitely not worth the value in her mind.

Nic grudgingly digs for the 8 silver and hands it to the bar wench, "No point in asking you to keep things warm for me now is there?" he says, and gives her a wink with a comforting clasp around her wrist during the exchange in payment.  "Thank you for your making this meeting here pleasant one."

Upon conducting business, Nic gathers the rest of his belongings casually, yet casts an observant glance and takes into account all who remains in the establishment, those who he does not remember upon coming in, and those who have left since, and joins the rest of the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:29, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

Nic you know I would've gotten this I was the one who ordered after all. I know my list was as long as I am tall, but I do have a few spare coins for food and drink for my friends. Thank you though.

Bohrhoran I think that's the most you've spoken since I met you!! We got to get you drunk more often!!

Yes there's definitely Ships that fly amongst the stars they're amazing. Oh and the wonders you'll see. It'll be good to go back to the stars once again. This time with friends.

In reply to Mantle (msg # 49):

"Tis quite alright my friend. I've no qualms paying for good company. If you like, you can make it up to me one of these days and share another drink sometime whilst telling me more about your previous travels among the stars and, perhaps, more about the ships themselves and how you came to find yourself on them."

Giving Bohrhorgen a friendly slap on the back, "Looking forward to seeing your uncle I take it? Have you any reservations or words of advice prior to this meeting? I'll make it my best effort to stay out of the fold in converstation, hard as that may be, but I am not sure the type of reception I'll get. Is there anything you'd request of us in general?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

20:06, Mon 30 Mar: rchmage, for the NPC Silence, rolled 21 using 1d20+8.
20:03, Mon 30 Mar: rchmage, on behalf of Kiara, rolled 19 using 1d20+7.  Perception.

16:36, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Bohrhorgen, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Perception.

16:37, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Mantle, rolled 12 using 1d20+8.  Perception.

16:39, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Nic, rolled 11 using 1d20+7.

16:41, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Rowan, rolled 30 using 1d20+10.

16:43, Today: rchmage, for the NPC Bee, rolled 27 using 1d20+12.  Stealth.


OOC: Figures.

As you walk through town, Kiara’s jumpiness becomes contagious. You actively look for danger or threat. Only Rowan thinks to look to the sky.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:47, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

Rowan casually approaches Mantle and quietly tells him "we have company, don't look but there is a clockwork bee flying around Kiara. Do you happen to have any magic prepared that might be able to capture it?"

In reply to Rowan (msg # 52):
Rowan, really? Me? What about me says capture?! Closest I could get is to web the whole area or slap it out of the sky!!

Hmm wonder if I could "Slap" it towards the ground so someone could grab it?
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 07:52, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

As we stroll through the market I notice a table of baubles and trinkets up ahead so I stroll up to Kiara and try to (without getting stabbed) grab her by the hand and lead her towards the table. Telling the rest to keep going we'll only be just a moment and we'll catch up!!
As I pull her towards the table pull up a pair of gaudy earrings and hold them up to her ears. Saying "I was by this table the other day and saw these and just saw these earrings that I thought would just look amazing on a lovely woman with your fair skin!!😁

As she looks at me like I'm crazy because of the earrings I hold up I see rather quickly I was wrong. Say "I'm sorry my bad I’m just trying to help!! Thanks for at least stopping!!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:41, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

The market stalls and open air sellers are thinning out the further you move towards the gear district. Cloth roofing on wooden poles are being replaced by stone buildings, 2 story or higher. The sound of hammers ring in the distance mixed with the smell of hot metal. The gaudy, bright colors give way to more somber tones. People are better dressed, and body guards are more numerous. Wagons of foodstuffs are replaced by wagons of coal and ingots of iron. The sun is also getting closer to the horizon and people are picking up and thinning out. Forges are being fired up, as the gear district runs at night. Dwarven smiths and kobold helpers are making their way through the streets to start their nights work, the gears of Rava grinding on through til dawn.

Mantle pulls Kiara aside to a stall selling cheap jewelry as Rowan scans the heavens, apparently marking the passage of the sun.


Mantle shakes his head to the jewelry hawker and Kiara moves back to the front of the group.

You are at the edge of the open air market, entering the gear district. Buildings 2 to 4 stories tall are the norm here. Some buildings are set back with forges open to the street in front. Normally the forges have 8ft ceilings, enough to keep the rain off but also let the heat and smoke out of the forge.
Two gearforged walk past you, communicating in a strange language only gearforged generally know. A common enough sight in the gear district as Zobeck is world famous for its clockwork capabilities. A third gearforged walks towards you, the first two stop and stare at it as it passes them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:01, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

As Kiara rejoins the group she lightly places her hand on her mace in the most non threatening way possible. Making her way to the tall buildings she glances at the 3rd gearforged as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:06, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

 Coming into the next part of town and obvserving the recent change of the local status, Nic flourishingly belts out something unfamiliar to the rest of the group, as he seems to pull ahead and to the side of the everyone, as if distracted by something just beyond the strange looking gearforged folk while boomingly speaking:

WIDE IS THE CITY, YET STREETS CAN BE NARROW,
WITH TRADERS SO FAIR, STILL SOME CHOOSE TO HARROW.

I'VE COME TO KNOW THEM AS BY-WAYS TO MARKET,
YET FIND IT ODD WHEN MY OWN SEEMS THE TARGET.

TAKE CARE WITH THE BLADES YOU HOLD FIRM WITH NO FEARS,
LEST YE FIND ALL OF US UP INTO YOUR GEARS.

AND IF YE BE THICK LIKE THE METAL YOU'RE MADE,
WE'LL PINCH EVERY SPROCKET AS YOUR LIFE DOES FADE.

CHANCE NOT YOUR FORTUNE, OR THE GOLD IN YOUR STACK,
AS TYMORA'S MY WITNESS, I'VE GOT THEIR BACKS.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

As Kiara takes the lead again I drop to the backback of the party awaiting for my chance to strike. I see my opportunity coming up as two buildings seem to be the prefect placement for what I'm looking for. I stealthily start my spell and cast web at this little clockwork bee that's been following us for sometime now.
Mantle rolled 28 using 1d20+12 Stealth

Mantle casts Web at the clockwork bee.

As the spell goes off he awaits to see if it hits 17:16, Today: rchmage, for the NPC Bee, rolled 12 using 1d20+4.

The bee is tangled in the webs, it appears to be trying to get loose though..


17:16, Today: rchmage, for the NPC Bee, rolled 12 using 1d20+4. Save vs. web.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:54, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

The clockwork moves forward. So does Nic, angling out slightly to get around. The street is 20 feet across, with no bystander within 20 feet ahead or behind.

2:47, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Nic, rolled 21 using 1d20+7.  Perception.
12:46, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Bohrhorgen, rolled 3 using 1d20.
12:46, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Kiara, rolled 8 using 1d20+7.  Perception.
12:45, Today: rchmage, for the NPC Silence, rolled 11 using 1d20+8.  Stealth.

The clockwork pulls out a rapier, and with startling speed, beelines (ha!) for Kiara!

17:54, Today: rchmage, for the NPC Silence, rolled 13 using 1d20+12.
17:52, Today: rchmage, for the NPC Stella, rolled 15 using 1d20.
17:44, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Rowan, rolled 9 using 1d20+7.
17:43, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Bohrhorgen, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Initiative .
17:42, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Mantle, rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Initiative .
17:42, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Kiara, rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Initiative .
17:40, Today: rchmage, on behalf of Nic, rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Initiative .
17:16, Today: rchmage, for the NPC Bee, rolled 12 using 1d20+4.
Mantle 20
Stella15
Nic 15
Silence 13
Kiara 12
Bee 12
Rowan 9
Bohrhorgen 2
The clockwork is heading towards Kiara, the only person who can act is Nic, as this is a surprise round.
Nic, you’re up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:45, Fri 03 Apr 2020.