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15:47, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

0002 - Yellow City: Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1-3)

Posted by Dungeon MasterFor group 0
Dungeon Master
GM, 92 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Thu 27 May 2021
at 02:41
  • msg #55

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 54):

"Yeah yeah, of course. I'll give you a discount. You're awfully persistent and a miser through and through aren't ya Valaric? I get it 'cause I'm a miser myself, but let me give you some advice - you gotta be smooth about it. Cashing in a favour is all about timing, and finding the best time to remind someone about their debt to you. For instance, I wouldn't remind the Head Guard about how she still owes me 15 gold pieces when she's having a bad time. You get what I mean?" Swaminathan pats you rather vigorously on the shoulder after he sheathes his blade, picks up his crossbow and gives you a slightly annoyed smile with narrowed eyes.

The two other guards laugh as Swaminathan makes his statement.

"Good luck getting you money back Swami..." Surya sniggers as he sheathes his blade and picks up his crossbow, as does Chettur - to which Swaminathan tells Surya to shut his trap after which follows more sniggering.

As for the larva corpses you only find their foul smelling guts and their rather sturdy and glossy sabre-like horns. But what exactly to do with them would require either special knowledge or very good imagination.

"...And for the love of Pashamut, Valaric, remember to wash your hands before handling the books... Do those larvae owe you money or something?" Swaminathan raises his left eyebrow at you searching the larvae, while the other two guards explode in laughter.

"Now let's get a move on, shall we?" Swaminathan points to the direction forwards with his thumb.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:44, Thu 27 May 2021.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 28 posts
Thu 27 May 2021
at 03:01
  • msg #56

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

" Tell you what, instead of a discount save those weapon like horns for me. I figure I can find a way to make some coin of them. While I inspect the material, take a good look at the opium set and let me know what you think. If I can make enough will throw in a bonus for you guys."

Continues on to inspect the new material.
Dungeon Master
GM, 93 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Fri 28 May 2021
at 00:34
  • msg #57

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 56):

"What? Are ya sure? Alright then. Nobody is going to steal those horns from you. I can guarantee it. These corpses will probably still be here when we come back from the inspection," Swaminathan replies.

After wiping their tears from that round of laughter, the magic guards proceed forwards and you follow and eventually come to a number of metallic shelves where a few books are stacked side by side on.

Strangely though it appears that much of the rows of shelves are empty and there are only 4 new books in temporary holdings.

"Well we got only 4 new books today. Should be a piece of cake to sort out. Well Valaric, if you're interested you can grab one and check it out - and see whether you like it, and I'll let you 'borrow' it for a month for 15 gold pieces, and maybe less after we check out that opium set. But the opium comes later, for now we have to check the contents of the books. Pick one, and we three will be checking on the rest," Swaminathan speaks as he gestures to the books.

"And yes, before you touch them, please wipe your hands clean and wear these gloves..." Swaminathan hands you a pair of white gloves.

On the shelves stacked next to one another are four books with different covers:

1. A thumb-tip-length thick book with a red leather hard cover and a fancy ridged spine. Double Palm sized.
2. A very thin (half the length of a fingernail) booklet containing pages of different sizes and materials. Double Palm sized.
3. A very thick tome with thickness the length of an index finger, bound by a strange white furred cover. Four Palm sized
4. A thumb-tip-length thick book with a cover made from strange bone on which are set a number of round gems of blue. These gems appear to be quite dull and uncut. Four Palm Sized.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:35, Fri 28 May 2021.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 29 posts
Fri 28 May 2021
at 13:31
  • msg #58

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Valaric quickly cleans his hands, puts on the offered gloves. He then moves forward to the books, pausing on books three and four. Hoping to get a sign or twitch. Having received some cantrip basics while younger.

If nothing happens he will pick up book four to study in greater detail.
Dungeon Master
GM, 99 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Sat 29 May 2021
at 01:34
  • msg #59

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 58):

You try doing whatever you tried to do with the third and fourth book, but there is no twitch or any sign you expected.
After you pick the bone covered book, the rest of the guards pick the other books and begin to page through them for inspection.

You understand some of the contents of the book as it is written in magic, and it appears to possess magical script explaining the principles behind the spells "Detect Magic", "Comprehend Languages" and "Color Spray". Three other chapters with longer explanatory text and strange magic circles, but you are certain that it is too advanced for you to understand for now. The most you can get out of one of the three chapters is that one of the diagrams has a very odd diagram describing a dissected spider.

After you are done looking through the volume, the rest of the guards appear to be done as well.

"Well? You like the book? I wouldn't recommend reading this one, its far too advanced, even for me," Swaminathan shows the very thick tome and puts it in his back basket.

"This one is filled with nonsense - I have no idea why they even want to archive this," Chettur holds up the very thin booklet and shakes his head and then stuffs it in the back of his belt.

"This one is pretty understandable, but its pretty beginner friendly. It even has a chapter written in Trade Tongue about how to Read Magic, and even a spell that is said to be able to Preserve the Art of Crab-men.... Ha ha! Can Crab-men even draw to begin with?" Surya laughs as he too puts the book in his back basket.

"Now if you want you can look at the rest when we're back its fine too, so get ready to set off Valaric," Swaminathan speaks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:34, Sat 29 May 2021.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 30 posts
Sat 29 May 2021
at 01:49
  • msg #60

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Valaric secures his book safely out of harms way. "Lead on, I will work on those horns. Before meeting you at your desk area, if you get the time appraised the opium set." handing him the set for his later use.

While moving through the hallways, Valaric is also keeping an eye and ear out for any concealed or secret entrances.

Please roll for those as it would speed it up.
Dungeon Master
GM, 101 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Sun 30 May 2021
at 01:25
  • msg #61

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 60):

You reach the area where you encountered the large horned larvae, and the guards lollygag around and wait for you while you carve out the horns and tie them into a bundle. As you are inexperienced with butchering the larvae you end up accientally destroying and breaking into pieces more than half the horns. If you still wish to carry them, you will have 14 broken horns, and 10 pristine horns that weight 15 lbs in total.

While you are butchering the larvae, you notice that there seems to be trap-door like delineation under one of the large shelves. YOu are not sure if that could be considered a hidden passage, but considering how you didn't notice it before - it probably could be.

"Well, you done? Ready to go?" Swaminathan asks while pinching his nose to block out the pungent sour smell of the insect juice that now covers much of your arms and torso.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:26, Sun 30 May 2021.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 31 posts
Sun 30 May 2021
at 08:32
  • msg #62

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

" Yes, I am ready." making a mental note where the trap door was for later investigation.

Valaric will follow them to the exit area.
if the opium set is appraised will consider paying book fee with it otherwise need to use my coin.

Once payment is settled, he will go to an herbalist and weaponsmith to see about the horns. While traveling will keep an eye out for possible marks and things of interest.
Dungeon Master
GM, 106 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Mon 31 May 2021
at 02:01
  • msg #63

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 62):

You give the opium set to Swaminathan for inspection and he looks in it for a while.

"Well... the craftsmanship does looks like the real deal, but it seems that some of the tools are missing, and about half of the opium is used up... Well its not un-usable I suppose. I guess for both helping us out back there and this opium set, I'll give you a discount and call it for 5 Gold Pieces for a rental for a month. An auspicious number - for good business of course," Swaminathan grins as he collects your coins.

"And don't forget to return it by the end of the month... we have audits of our records every month, and I am sure you don't want us to go searching for you... Just for reference... the spellbook that you're holding cost the archivists more than 2000 gold pieces to get... so don't you go losing it, unless you wish to end up working away your debt down at the Deep Archives..."

Swaminathan pats you on your back as you make your leave.

As you step out of the Sherpa Archives, you notice the sky is extremely dark and completely obscured by rainclouds. A flash in the sky - followed by a thunderclap piercing through the quiet air of the Scribe's Street - As you walk more, raindrops begin falling on your head, and a great downpour begins, filling the air with the scent and sounds of rain accompanied by occasional rumbles of thunder.


As it is now raining, you notice a large number of people have left the outdoors to seek refuge from the rain, with only a few individuals holding up their umbrellas and continuing their travels.

On your way to the Herbalist's shop, you notice a few things:

1. A very tall and large hairy man in rags holding up and umbrella. He seems to be carrying a very large sack on his shoulder
2. An odd scholarly man wearing a special wooden backpack with an umbrella built at the top, covering his belongings and body
3. Two moustached men in completely drenched robes carrying practice sabers at a public courtyard. They seem to be beckoning you to come.
4. A strange black ape sneaking around a corner into a darkened doorway
Valaric Gryphon
player, 32 posts
Mon 31 May 2021
at 02:34
  • msg #64

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Valaric will continue onto the herbalist shop. Constantly on the lookout for any possible marks.

If nothing before herbalist, once there he offers the shop a broken horn to evaluate for herbal or magic reagent uses. " Here is an acquired horn, check it for uses in herbal and magical uses. This first one is yours, I have more for sale I'd you are interested and the price is right."
Dungeon Master
GM, 107 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Tue 1 Jun 2021
at 00:32
  • msg #65

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 64):

Eventually you come to a small medicine hall from which you can smell the strange aromas of various herbs.

Inside the medicine hall is a bespectacled woman in plain robes who seems to be fanning herself with a plain foldable fan.

As you show her the broken horns she puts down her fan and begins testing a small piece - soaking it in water, weighing it on a scale, exposing it to small flames, soaking it in oil, and using all products to feed a tiny caged rat.

After a few moments, the rat seems to react in a way that makes it lie down to rest instead of its usual running about at a wooden hamster wheel.

"Well, I am afraid this is not very useful as medicine. It appears that it makes creatures lethargic. The master of the hall isn't here, and I don't know if she wants it or not so thanks for your donation, and please, mop the floor dry on your way out," she speaks monotonously, pointing to a mop and bucket nearby. It seems that the downpour really covered you in a lot of water, and you left a wet trail in the medicine hall.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 33 posts
Tue 1 Jun 2021
at 00:48
  • msg #66

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Valaric mops his way out of the hall, before going to a weaponsmith. Keeping an eye out for any marks of opportunity on the way. Mentaly taking notes on which of the methods of preparation of the horn had the best affect upon the rat.

Which method of prep and delivery had the greatest affect. Am thinking of producing my own like knock out drug / powder. Could be great to see how I can make it profitable for me.
Dungeon Master
GM, 110 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Wed 2 Jun 2021
at 00:18
  • msg #67

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 66):

You managed to see that the crushed horn's infusion with oil seemed to the one that produced slightly noticeable effects.

As you leave the herbalist's shop, you enter the heavy rain again, and navigate the pathways out of the Scribe's Street. You remember that much of the smiths and metalworkers set up shop at the neighboring Balamar Market District where much of the precious ore is worked and shipped.

During your travel to the Craftsmen Quarter of the Balamar Market District, you only notice a number of things:

1. Despite the rain, you notice that the street is filled with quite a many people holding umbrellas. One of them holds a black umbrella and seems to have bulging pockets.

2. A large wagon covered in a large yellow tarp to protect goods from rain, being hauled by an ox being led by a very large half naked man.

3. An unmanned open air stall with numerous small crates placed on the counter. The owner of the stall appears to be in the process of moving some of the goods from his stall back into his nearby shop.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 34 posts
Wed 2 Jun 2021
at 22:54
  • msg #68

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Noting his targets and rewards they offer, decides that they aren't worth it as he has most of his wealth on him now. He continues to the weaponsmith, once there he gives one of the pristine horns to allow them to test and experiment with.

" Test it for potential use as a weapon, the first is free. If it has potential I have others you can buy or consign from me."
Dungeon Master
GM, 115 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 03:04
  • msg #69

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 68):

The weaponsmith who appears to be a swarthy, powerfully built bald man with a white moustache takes the horns and pins one end to a vise and strikes it with gradually increasing strength with his hammer.

After a few strikes, the horn eventually shatters into pieces, and he uses a whetstone to try to sharpen the pieces, and examines it using a glass.

He then dips it in oil and sets it alight. and places it in a stone crucible white it is burning.

After a few minutes the burning subsides and he picks it up with tongs and strikes at it again with his hammer. This time the burnt horn fragment shatters into tiny black fragments that give off a burnt scent.

"Well, its not nearly tough or flexible enough to serve as a useful weapon. The only thing good with it is that it can suck up some oil, and well can be sharpened. So I imagine I could turn it into a few arrowheads. I can't fletch - so you'll have to take the arrowheads to a fletcher's. I don't think anyone would buy it other than you though so I ain't buying, but I can turn them into arrowheads for you if you wish," the blacksmith places the remaining half of the horn on the counter and pushes it to you.

"So what'll it be? It will be 1 silver a head. I normally charge 2 silvers for a good old iron arrow head, but this thing is easy to work, so I'll give it for cheaper. I can make around 20 heads per horn. So what do ya say?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:04, Thu 03 June 2021.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 35 posts
Sat 5 Jun 2021
at 21:13
  • msg #70

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

" Thank you I may come back later. Can you also inspect and appraise this dagger." handing him the Curved silver dagger.

Once it is done, he will leave to go back to the pleasure district, looking for targets along the way.
Dungeon Master
GM, 123 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Sun 6 Jun 2021
at 01:26
  • msg #71

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 70):

The weaponsmith examines the dagger with a glass and says that its just a finely made silver dagger - probably worth around 20 gold pieces, and he says he reckons he can make a better one.

After leaving the weaponsmith's you notice that the rain has stopped, and it is approaching sunset.

As you make your way back to the Pleasure District, you notice a few targets:

1. A tanned heavy-set man in rags, carrying a large bulging sack - which has sounds of much clinking coming from within.

2. A corpulent large woman in expensive looking robes in a palanquin. She appears to be asleep, and here servants don't seem to be anywhere in sight.

3. A dirty looking beggar who sits near an alleyway. His almsbox appears to be quite stuffed with coins.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 36 posts
Thu 10 Jun 2021
at 17:13
  • msg #72

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Valaric tries his luck with the rich Lady, reaching in to her palanquin for whatever might be in reach. After which he quickly moves away toward an alleyway, his hand ready to pull his quick release on his horns, to have them tumble on the ground in anyone's way who was trying to overtake him.

failed my thieving roll rolled a 2.
Dungeon Master
GM, 131 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Fri 11 Jun 2021
at 04:03
  • msg #73

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 72):

"Hey you there, what are you trying?" you hear the bellow of a deep voiced man from behind you followed by footsteps of pursuit.

As you drop your horns, they roll down on the cobblestone pavement, and you hear a few thuds behind you followed by a stream of curse words in Trade Tongue.

But as you slip into the alley, you continue to hear the sounds of pursuit, and there seems to be probably around 2 to 3 people still chasing after you rapidly.

Ahead, the alley splits into a T junction - you do not have time to check where they lead to - only left or right... Any hesitation would almost certainly lead to them surrounding you.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 37 posts
Fri 11 Jun 2021
at 10:30
  • msg #74

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Drawing his dagger and holding it at the ready, he takes the left at the T intersection. Hoping to keep ahead of his pursuers and find a dark enough area he can quickly hide in.
Dungeon Master
GM, 134 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Sat 12 Jun 2021
at 01:20
  • msg #75

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 74):

You hurriedly take a left, and look forwards - only to see the way continue forwards to stop in a dead end. Though it is certainly as dark as you hoped it to be, as the sun seems to be about to set, and the sky turns dark.

There are a number of barrels and crates lined up against the sides of the alleys. And a ladder that seems to lead up one of the roofs towards your right.

You are currently still running and headed towards the dead end. The footsteps of your pursuers maintaining the same loudness as before, though with a slight echo.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 38 posts
Sat 12 Jun 2021
at 21:11
  • msg #76

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Quickly taking note of what he saw, he moves directly to the ladder and attempts to make it to the top before anyone notices him.
Dungeon Master
GM, 138 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Sun 13 Jun 2021
at 01:34
  • msg #77

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 76):

You quickly scale the ladder and climb atop a roof, where you see a few empty clotheslines and a sheltered walled room on top of the alleyway building that looks like it is connected to the first floor.

The pursuing footsteps from below grows louder and louder and you hear voices coming from where you scaled the ladder from.

"Where did that scumbag go?"

"Leave it Kosha. We better get back to our Master. We should be glad he didn't steal anything."

"If I see that scum, I will punch him in the face!"

"Alright, Alright, let's go already."


The men below, presumably the servants of the corpulent woman you tried to steal from, exchange a few words and eventually you hear the footsteps getting softer with every passing second.

As the sky turns dark purple, and the half moon begins to appear in the clear sky, you get pretty certain that your pursuers have given up.
Valaric Gryphon
player, 39 posts
Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 00:28
  • msg #78

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

Valaric will return to the ground and make his way back, looking for targets on his way to his home brothel to meet Chander.
Dungeon Master
GM, 141 posts
The Purple Man
In the Sky
Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 01:56
  • msg #79

0002 - Uctlil Pleasure District (Day 1)

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 78):

On the way back to the Uctlil Pleasure District, you see now the city streets lit up with numerous paper lanterns and bustling with activity.

On your way back to the Edifice, you notice a few potential targets:

1. A tanned skinny but extremely tall young man pulling a large cart stuffed with numerous sacks making clinking sounds.

2. A red haired corpulent woman in extravagant robes, being escorted by two other fairly dressed women. The seem to carry with them fancy patterened pouches around their sashes.

3. A shifty looking tanned woman in dirty rags, looking about uneasily, carrying a very large expensive looking bundle. She seems to try to keep to the shadows.
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