As the last few rays of reddish sunlight vanish into the the horizon of the foggy distant silhouette of the jungles of Lahag to the West, the lanterns adorning the tightly packed plastered buildings that beset the narrow thoroughfares of the Uctlil Pleasure District light up one by one with faint colors of blue and pink gradually bringing this street of Whores to life.

Droves of provocatively dressed whores, with their translucent shawls of silk exuding the offensively fragrance of cheap scent-bags begin to pester and cling to the casually approaching line of well-to-do looking men, in their loosely worn flower patterned robes, coaxing them into the adjacent dimly lit interiors of the closely packed buildings they emerged from. As you walk down this street, the faint sounds of song by voice and zither weaves through the air occasionally punctuated by the coquettish sighs and exclamations of girls playfully pulling at the arms of red-faced bashful, mostly corpulent men grinning from ear to ear at being fought over.

Soon you pass by the centre of this pleasure district, where a large temple sits facing the Southern Gulf of Morrays from which you can hear the faint crashing of waves. A somewhat intoxicating aroma of some kind of special incense wafts out from this temple outside of which tall, yellow robed women stand guard holding their menacing guandao. And perhaps it is because of the menacing presence of these Nun-Protectors of the Temple of Uctlil that the goings-on in this part of the district is less rowdy and more civil. The men here seem be of more gentle posture and appear to be enjoying the company of whores while drinking tea and gazing at the nearby stage where dancers wearing mere translucent sashes, being ogled at by a crowd of mostly young men, cavort to the beat of tambourines struck by other sash wearing women in some sort of ritual being overseen by an important looking yellow robed nun and her six tall guandao wielding bodyguard nuns.

Further deeper into district you go, you can't help but notice that the activity and crowd is lessening with every ten steps you take forward. Eventually, you reach the exterior of the Lunfa Edifice of Earthly Pleasures, a large five-storied brothel, brimming with the aroma of jasmine, which seems to be expecting a large crowd but seems to completely lack it. Oddly enough the only sort of business that seems to be having around three customers appears to come from a large noodle cart manned by girls from Lunfa Edifice you recognize. Seated at a customer seat in front of the cart is none other than the manager of Lunfa Edifice herself, Pyeah Que who seems to have finished eating, now resting her head on one hand pressed against the table while taking a smoke from her Opium pipe. She makes a very audible sigh, releasing the intoxicating pinkish fumes of opium smoke from her pink lips.

As you come near to the cart, Pyeah Que speaks to you in weary tone. "Valaric, come here to give us business? I'll give you a special deal with three of them - they're all new and fresh. Then invite your friends by telling them about the experience. I'll even give you a commission of five percent per customer." She points with her crystal pipe to the three girls manning the cart who blush, glimpse at you briefly and bow meekly obviously embarrassed at the suggestion being made by their boss.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:11, Sun 02 May 2021.

Valaric gives the madam a smile and slight bow before handing her a gold coin. "Consider that my rent for this month, numbers have been dwindling I see. I will look into it while I am out and about, hopefully we can find a solution." Bowing slightly to the madam before making his way back to the area where the activity is highest.

Making his way slowly and steadily, eyes and ears alert for any word about the Lunfa Edifice or likely target for his skilled hands to lift a purse or two. Making sure his pouch of caltrops, and blackjack are ready if things become serious. Taking time to also observe the alley ways from which to either attack or retreat to.

So while listening for the madam, see about a cut purse or two or the inherent greed of a lone target near the alley's.

Made one additional change to my sheet bought a Blackjack/ Sap something a thief would use to mug a target without having to kill him. Bad for business to many dead bodies for no reason.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 2):

Pyeah Que makes a tired smile as she accepts the coin.

"Hardly enough for one of my girls, but I'm suppose those rooms aren't going to much of a use either presently... But, if you manage to get to the bottom of what is going on, then perhaps I might throw in something special for you."

As you bow to her, she waves back lightly, after which you turn back and head to the place with more activities around 3 streets back.

During your movement, your eyes dart around the area and you make a few interesting observations:

1. There appears to a black haired woman in the crowd looking much like the other loosely dressed whores, but her attire being black and bearing the pattern of white lillies. There is a certain energy to her step and every single man she approaches who is always accompanied with another whore, and after going through the usually teasing and light caressing, the other whore would pull their men away from her often making a somewhat jealous sounding exclamation. Despite this, the expression of the woman in black seems strangely calm and slightly gleeful.

2. In one of the alleyways, you notice a skinny man in long plain robes wearing eyeglasses being surrounded by a number of half naked tattooed women wearing only bandages to cover their chest. They seem to be menacingly but lightly tapping their long wooden clubs on the obviously terrified man.

3. At one of the crowded tea shops along this street, you discover an carbuncle covered toad-faced, corpulent man wearing rather extravagant robes and expensive looking rings. He seems to have lost consciousness, and nobody is at his table. In fact, everyone seems to want to set some distance from this toad faced man.

Other than this, you find a few targets in your immediate vicinity who do not seem to be accompanied and might perhaps hold some gold in their purses:

A. A pot bellied, wrinky aged man wearing expensive robes and walking quite slowly with his walking stick

B. A short but quite muscular man wearing large backpack almost as big as himself. His bag tends to push people in the crowd away from him, after which the people in the crowd curse and swear at him.

C. A depressed looking scholarly man wearing a sling bag gazing out at the now dark but star studded Gulf of Morrays.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:36, Wed 05 May 2021.

Valaric studies both the muscular man and the depressed scholar one, looking for weapons and armor which they might be wearing, how are they moving with a trained step or pace. He also looks for a small stone or object he might throw.

He then decides to take a chance, moving to catch up to the muscular man and time his theft with a pushing aside from his pack to allow for the contact. Making sure the theft happens near an alley for a quick escape if necessary.

Quick grab then move to alley, if discovered drop caltrops then move to shadows for a quick strike.

wanted to make sure you understand when I use italic it is him thinking to himself.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 4):

The muscular man carrying the large backpack appears to be wearing some sort of leather armor. His gear looks like he is an explorer who just returned from an expedition. As you'd expect he's wearing a shortsword and a worn buckler on his girdle, though the way he steps down on the ground flatly with his feet indicates that he is but a neophyte in the ways of moving like a fighter.

The depressed scholar on the other hand only seems to wear a tiny knife at his front. Not nearly as large as a dagger, but perhaps sharp enough to cut open letters with ease.

While you observe them you find a few cracked up pieces of gypsum from the deteriorating walls of some of the walls in the alleyways. They could serve as tiny rocks that can be thrown.

"Oops, sorry! Coming through!" the muscular man with his man-sized backpack exclaims as you push aside from his pack. You time this at the moment where you can easily dart off to a nearby dark alleyway to your left.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:02, Wed 05 May 2021.

Valaric timed his cut purse maneuver perfectly with the movement of his target. Allowing the victims pack to appear to knock him off balance, as he used the momentum to fall down just inside of the alleyway to the left. " umph, watch where your going. Oww there is blood,I cut my hand." drunkenly as he clutches his hand.
His blackjack concealed by his hands and the darkness of the alley.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 6):

"Very sorry!" the man replies without looking back as he continues shuffling forward into the crowd ahead without noticing your actions.

You manage to cut out a tiny pouch which seems to have quite a bit of weight in it. And after touching it from its outside, you can get the feel of the shape of a few coins - though what kind you will not know until you open it up to check.

As you walk into the alley, the smell of the tea from the bright main street becomes fainter, and eventually you begin to detect the faint intoxicating aroma of opium coming out from under the caged doors built into the walls of the alley.

After a few minutes, you catch the sight of a pair of tattooed women dressed similarly to those you saw ganging up on the bespectacled man a while ago. They are walking in your direction and they seem to be aware of someone ahead of them, as they start to brandish their clubs and using them to lightly tap at their own shoulders.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:06, Wed 05 May 2021.

Valaric secures his prize, before quickly entering the main road and the safety of the crowd. His eyes and ears open for another target or sign of why business is so bad at the madam's place. Also keeping an eye out for whom the pair of women are targeting.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 8):

You quickly turn about back out of the alley from where you came and return to the brighter busy main street. As you do so you gaze back inside the alley from the corner of your eye and see the tattooed women stop short of the entrance to the alley with displeased expressions. One of them spits into a drain nearby.

It seems that though they were unable to make out your features in the darkness, they fully intended on forcefully robbing you had you not escaped back into the brightly lit street.

You survey the crowd again for more targets and for potential hearsay about the Lunfa House and make the following observations:

1. The depressed scholarly man is still gazing out at the Gulf of Morrays, but now with a woman trying to seduce him into entering whatever establishment she works at. But the man completely ignores her and after a few moments she leaves with an annoyed expression.

2. The pot bellied wrinkly man is still taking his own sweet time walking along the street. It seems that he really has trouble walking at a reasonable pace.

3. In the same alleyway where you say the man with eyeglasses being surrounded, you see now a naked man lying spread eagled, face up, with cracked eyeglasses covered in many bruises lying in a small puddle of some transparent liquid. The tattooed women who surrounded him are now gone.

4. The corpulent, wealthy toad-faced man with many jeweled rings apparently has now fallen asleep at the table, and he snores loudly to the chagrin of other patrons of the tea house.

5. You see and slightly overhear a rather well-to-do looking man wearing clothes foreign to Yoon Suin - a fine doublet and breeches - he is being guided by woman who wears the colours and emblem of "The Prowling Cockatrice" the rather well known Explorers' Guild from the nearby Balamar Market District. She speaks to the foreign man, "Good sir, it is best you confine your activities to this quarter of Uctlil. There are rumors of people going missing in the deeper parts of the district..."

Valaric's interest is piqued by the rumor of dangerous any deeper in the district.

This must be why business is slow, now need to figure out who is causing it.

He moves deeper back toward madam's place, looking and moving to a higher perch to observe from. Hoping to see such an attack happening to better decide how to proceed.

Once a perch is found he moves to it, readying his bow. While waiting for action in the perch he takes time to investigate what is in his newly acquired purse.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 10):

You manage to find a rusty spiral staircaise from which you scale to the rooftop of one of the buildings where dirty rags are being hung up to dry.

From the edge of the roof, you can only see the goings-on of the alleyways adjacent of the building you are on, and the bright main street also adjacent to the building.

As you look into the contents of the pouch, you discover 10 silver pieces and 3 ancient looking electrum pieces with the engraving of a squid on it alongside engravings of an unknown script. But biting on the pieces makes you certain that it is no doubt real electrum.

As you put away the pouch and focus your attention to the streets, you notice that the two tattooed thugs that you saw earlier are now walking in giant steps, rather pompously through the main street. They have their clubs hanging from their waist via a length of cord.

A group of four men passing by them in the direction of the busier street visibly turn their heads away from them and try to keep a distance from the two thugs who stop and stare at them threateningly as though trying to start a fight, but the encounter does not escalate and soon the men and thugs continue on their way.

Meanwhile, on the alleyway, you notice a woman in yellow robes dressed much like the nuns of the Temple of Uctlil walking into one of the alleyways adjacent to the building you are at. She appears to be unarmed, and does not notice your presence on the roof.

Valaric puts the coins back into the pouch, securing it. Continues to watch from his perch for targets, making sure to keep watch for the thug girls.

These thug women are controlling the flow, might be more to them.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 12):

The thug girls you pay attention to walk down further down the street and eventually make a right turn into one of the alleyways, and can no longer be seen from your vantage point.

Meanwhile, you hear unstable footsteps down at the main street and into your vision comes a drunk-looking man wearing a club staggering about as he moves generally in the direction further down the street. He trips over the pavement kerb and collapses on the ground, and seems to be struggling pulling himself up.

Valaric will make his way down and closer to the staggering man. Wanting to get a closer look at him, also thinking he might be perfect bait for the thug girls. Wanting a closer look at them not to mention a conversation could prove interesting.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 14):

You approach the man and he is still struggling to get up. After struggling a while, he gives up and curses.

The man is wearing an unbuttoned vest, and his arms appear to be quite well toned with bulging muscles, which have numerous marks, scratches and bruises. Considering how such a muscular looking man is unable to pick himself up, he must likely either be heavily injured or extremely intoxicared, and it appears that the latter seems to be the case.

Hanging from his red leather girdle appears to be a wooden club with the symbol of a red lobster with club-shaped claws. The paint on the club seems to be quite worn and it seems to have been thoroughly used.

"Urrgggg..... damn it.... Aye'll show'um..... hic" the man mumbles in his drunken stupor.

Valaric decides to wait it out and use him for bait, hiding the best he can close by so that he can assist the man if anyone else decides to make him their target.

This is to easy, I smell a trap either his or my own will have to wait and see.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 16):

You stand-by at a nearby alley, and wait for a few moments. The man tries to pick himself up again and now manages to, but not before losing his balance and stumbling backwards a few steps and falling on his back.

"...God damn it...! Hic..."

Eventually you notice the footsteps coming from the direction of the busier street.

Another group of three thugs of the same manner of dress as those you have previously seen walk by and notice the man, realizing that he is helpless, they begin searching him for valuables, first cutting off the girdle carrying the man's club with a sharp curved dagger.

"Is this fellow a club fighter? What a joke!"

The thugs cackle with laughter as they continue stripping the man of his things. The man is only able to groan and struggle in vain.

Valaric stays hidden in the darkness of the alley, raises his bow and takes aim targeting the thug wielding the sharp dagger. Without noise, or remorse he lets the arrow fly then quickly readies and releases a second.

Never know, might gain an ally or even a henchman by rescuing this guy. Just need to use the darkness and the distance to my advantage.
After firing his two arrows, he speaks out in hops of intimidating the thugs and either winning the fight outright or at least buying him some extra time for several more arrows.

"Get them boy's they fell into our trap, if they don't drop their weapons and coin immediately you can kill them"


No idea if I get any bonuses for surprise or anything so just rolled my base figure you can factor any bonuses you want to give me.

21:36, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 11,5 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

21:36, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 4,6 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 18):

Indeed, as they are much too engrossed in stripping the man of their belongings, they have their backs faced to you and even if they were looking in your direction they would hardly be able to make out your presence in the dark alley.

The first arrow goes through the neck of one of the thug women, instantly killing her as she falls onto weakly thrashing man that she was searching. (You gain 100 XP)

The second arrow whizzes past the second thug harmlessly and lands bounces off the flaking plastered wall on the opposite side of the street.

"What the! Lasya! ... Curses it was a trap!" one thug turns about and begins to look about to search for their assailant.

The other thug glances at the direction facing the arrow and then shouts, "It came from that alley! Be on the look out! There might be bastards waiting in ambush!"

The first thug curses, but despite that possibility presented by her companion, she draws her club, as does her ally. Making a gesture, they quickly begin to run towards the street walls closer to you, such that anyone seeking to shoot them would have to peek out of the dark alley. As they were surprised, they have yet to reach their positions and you still have time to react and fire one more arrow.

It is now your turn to react. There are two thug women have apparent intent to fight back and are running towards the walls near the outside of the alleyway you are in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:59, Tue 11 May 2021.

Valaric steps out and releases his first arrow, getting a good idea on where his targets are and where they are trying to move to.
on phone 13 to hit 5 damage

He then moves back into the shadows and releases his second arrow.

Second arrow is at same target as the first if still up otherwise at the second one. 18 to hit and 2 damage. Elves can move and still fire 2 arrows unlike other races so he moved after the first into the darkness and is hiding. Bows also get a +2 to hit if close range.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 20):

Your first arrow manages to strike the first thug through her belly, but she appears to be still continuing her pursuit. As she is slowed by the arrow, you find it easy to add in another shot which goes through her head and causes her to crumple to the ground wordlessly. (You gain 100 XP)

"G...God damn it!!" The last remaining thug curses as she now presses herself against the wall.

"You really got balls facing the Lizard Reavers! We own this place, and you better watch out! We'll get you and cut off those balls, ya hear?!"

You cannot see the thug from where you are, but you can clearly hear her voice which echoes into the alley from the brighter street. As you soon begin to hear the sounds of running, you surmise that she finally decided that she might be outnumbered, and is probably running towards the busier part of the street.

Valaric will secure his bow and ready his dagger before moving out to loot the two dead thugs and secure the belongings of the drunk man. Once the valuables are secured he will carry the man away hoping to make it to either the temple or his brothel before more thugs come.

Will carry the man in a fireman's carry so I can drop him quick enough if needed.

If the area is clear of the thugs instead of stopping at the temple will just continue on to my brothel trying to stay at the sides in the dark as much as possible.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 24):

The only things that look valuable on each of the thugs' bodies appear to be leather money-pouches (total of 3), one of which is slightly heavier than the rest, though you have no idea what is inside them until you open them.

You try to ask the man about where he stays or sleeps, but he only mumbles incomprehensibly as he struggles weakly against your manhandling.

Fortunately it appears that the street is quite clear of thugs, as it is getting quite late indeed. You make it to the Lunfa Edifice, where you see that the noodle cart has now been wheeled away, and a few lights illuminate the curtained windows of the tall five storey brothel.

As the large double doors to the brothel are left quite open, you easily enter the establishment after climbing a few stone steps.

The interior of the Lunfa Edifice of Earthly Delights is quite spacious, with the first floor being a mix of a tavern and a performing area, but as you expected, it is quite empty, with a few of the whores just cleaning the place.

As they hear your footsteps, they quickly get up thinking to greet a customer, but recognize you and halt, though with a shocked expression at your carrying of the incapacitated club fighter.

Pyeah Que, who seems to be looking through her ledgers, notices you and addresses you.

"What's with this man, Valaric? Is he the one responsible?"

" No, but he is or was a club fighter. Being robbed by some thugs, so I intervened and plan to have him help me in repayment." Valaric then brings the man to his room to allow him to rest. During this time he will check the three purses and the sharp dagger of the one thug. Also taking the time to look at the man's club and any other objects of interest he might have.

Once done he will himself get some rest for more investigating tomorrow.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 26):

"I see... he does smell quite strongly of palm wine... Not sure how a drunkard like him will help, but I hope he will lead you to the bottom of our plight... Your room is on the second floor, room number 5"

Pyeah Que covers her nose with a handkerchief as she hands you a large brass key.

"I'm afraid you will have to watch over this man for us. Even if you pay for another room, we are not sure what this club fighter will do in the dead of the night..."

Whether you decide to convince Pyeah Que otherwise or not, you will ultimately reach your room and find that it is a rather small room but big enough for a well made medium sized bed for two. The room is well perfumed and smells slightly intoxicating.

Inside, you check the purses and discover a total of 31 silver pieces. The curved dagger appears to be made of silver, and is quite finely made. Perhaps it would be useful against some magical creatures that cannot be hurt by steel.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:28, Fri 14 May 2021.

Valaric will study and practice with the dagger for a few minutes. Then get some rest for when the man awakens from his super.

Wanting more information and to get to know the man better.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 28):

The dagger is quite easy to use, and is much like regular pointed daggers, except that you suspect that stabbing with it would result in a slash instead of a thrust.

You rest well, and immediately awaken when you hear the rustling of bedsheets and a man's groan tinted with the tone that implies an extremely severe hangover.

It is still dark outside, but almost dawn as you spot the first few reddish rays of Sun leaking from the Gulf of Morrays. (It is now Day 2).

As the Club Fighter clutches his head, he notices you and makes a terrified expression, speaking only after pausing for a few seconds.

"Oh no... I didn't hire and sard you while I was drunk last night... did I...?"

" No, I found you as you were being robbed by three thugs. I got them to go away and brought you to the brothel I use. Figured to let you rest and recover, I am Valaric.  My brothel has been having issue's with the amount of traffic. I figured to repay me for rescuing you, you and your fellow fighter's could keep an ear and eye open to whomever is trying to disturb our business."

Looks around the room, before securing his new dagger into his belt. " I can be found here or you can leave word for me with the bouncer, he will make sure to relay it to me. I might even be interested in doing some training with your club."

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 30):

The brawny club fighter heaves a sigh of relief as he hears your words.

"Thank the heavens I did not sard some pointy eared fellow! You have my thanks my man. I did not think I would get so horribly drunk last night... As for my club fighting troupe... well, I don't think I'm going back there any time soon... I lost quite a number of fights last night and the troupe leader has chased me out... But I swear, something is strange with some of the fighters... they never hit so hard before, I can tell!"

"I guess I need some time away from club fighting anyway, it is making me make stupid decisions... I will help with your task, if you wish!"

"Otherwise, I think I'll be doing some odd job around here to recoup my losses from betting on myself too much..."


"And yes, before I forget... my name is Chander..."

The club fighter offers a handshake to you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:58, Mon 17 May 2021.

Valaric quickly takes the offered hand and shakes it. " Chander, is it? Nice to meet you. I am sorry to hear about your run of bad luck, but I believe it can be the start of a profitable friendship between us. I accept your offer of help, today work in the district getting customers to come here. While you are working, if you hear or see anything which might have anything to do with it losing business let me know tonight and we can make plans."

Valaric takes out two silver pieces and hands them to Chander. " That is your pay for today from me, you will also lodge with me here if you like. Talk to the head bouncer for the job tell him I sent you. He will also be paying you for your work, the first two silver are from me, since you will be working for and with me."

Once everything is done, Valaric will leave for the day. He will look for any marks or targets on his way to the Sheriva Archives.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 32):

"Great...! I can't believe my fortune would turn so quickly...!" Chander pockets the two silver pieces, and agrees to help in the investigations.

As you head out into the street in the morning, you realise that much of a street is empty even in the parts which was busy yesterday night - which is perhaps to be expected in the pleasure district.

Most of the morning visitors appear to be headed to the central Temple of Uctlil - though the gates that are now wide open and appear to have clouds of incense coming from within. Two guandao wielding protector nuns are standing guard outside as usual. As you travel through the streets you notice that virtually all potential targets you encounter are women:

1. A strange short, fat and horribly smelling dwarf with ragged black hair, wearing all manner of jewelry, some of which stick out of her exquisite coat

2. A swarthy, corpulent woman with dark brown hair, neatly dressed in an expensive robe, and a fat looking pouch hanging from her belt

3. A young looking but overweight and very tall woman with unkempt red hair. Everything she wears is laced and looks expensive, and she is escorted by two plainly dressed women wearing a black robe uniform.


All three of these targets are headed in the direction of the Temple of Uctlil, opposite of your direction of travel past a bridge which is part of the route to the Sherpa Archives.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:05, Tue 18 May 2021.

Valaric appraised his targets quickly, then made sure to alter his course enough that he could come into contact with the I'll smelling dwarf. With practiced skill and deft hands, he made his strike attempting to lift some jewelry.
Rolled a 3

Continuing on his way as if nothing had happened. Once clear, he continues his trip to the Archives. Eyes alert for any other targets of opportunity.

Will need to get these things appraised after the archives or maybe have the madam have it done for me.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 34):

You manage to swiftly unhook a large golden locket with quite intricate engravings from the belt of the foul smelling dwarf, and she does not even notice your presence behind her. The locket actually feels quite heavy in your hand.

You continue on your way to the archive, and decide to take the fastest route, involving crossing Pavagi Bridge - a large masonry bridge decorated with numerous statuettes of various auspicious creatures like the phesasant and the turtle. The bridge crosses a mostly dry canal, with only a reasonable amount of filthy looking water at the small central channel of the canal. The dry parts of the canal are quite free of trash as you notice numerous tiny and large cockroaches feeding on the refuse thrown into the canal.

But what catches your eye as you cross this mostly empty bridge is a dead body partially submerged in this channel, and streaks of blood trailing into the darkness of the covered parts of the canal towards the south, and just barely as your eyes follow the trial, you notice a giant cockroach retreating into the shadows of the uncovered canal.

Witnessing this scene appears to be a group of four human explorers wearing large backpacks and leather armor, who quickly charge down the canal in pursuit of the escaping roach.

Unfortunately this time, apart from this happening, there does not appear to be anyone crossing this bridge at the moment. You imagine that you might probably have more luck in Mahir Scribe's Street where there is a greater crowd of scholars, booksellers and slightly wealthy people who can afford books and writing supplies.

Valaric makes his way to find the scribe Devan, wanting to negotiate a deal to explore the archives.

While on the way there he is looking for more targets, or a place to have the silver dagger and locket appraised. Hoping to take a couple of minutes to inspect the locket in greater detail himself also.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 36):

The locket appears to be quite a heavy one, and has the vibrant yellow sheen of pure gold. On its surface are intricate engravings depicting exotic looking rectilinear buildings. It appears to have a knob which would allow one to open it by turning it.

As you now step into Mahir Scribe's Street, you now notice a somewhat larger crowd of mostly skinny looking peoples in fine robes walking into and out of the various bookstores, scrolls shops, and sometimes antique shops selling a range of curiosities. You imagine that once you navigate this street, you would likely reach your destination. Unlike the Pleasure District, you notice that the roads are much wider here, and there are virtually no alley ways, with the backs of buildings being paved with a separate pattern where most of the loading and unloading of goods would likely have taken place.

Furthermore, the outside of most of the shops adjacent to the large street appear to be guarded by wooden staff wielding guards in finely decorated dark colored leather armor. They wear an open turban-like helmet decorated with a black goose feather with a golden tip.

You notice the following targets:

1. A corpulent man in extravagant robes with the upper half of his body seemingly stuck inside a canvas covered wagon. There are various crates near this wagon, and you see muscled Lamarakh eunuchs periodically haul the large crates into and out of the back of a shop some distance away every few minutes. The back of this man is exposed and you see a few finely dyed pouches hanging from his belt.

2. An extremely old looking man in fine robes leaning his side agaist a pillar. He holds a tattered book at one of the large stands selling books in poor condition for cheap. He seems to have fallen asleep standing. One of his pockets appears to be bulging.

3. An exquisitely robed woman wearing rather long jeweled nail guards on her pinky and fourth finger. She seems to be quite intoxicated with opium she is smoking, and she is lies on a finely made wooden reclining chair. The back of a row of shops where she is resting at appears to be completely empty and very well decorated compared to the other back streets, and there is even a finely built channel running across the centre of the street containing flowing, very clean water. Next to her on a small round table is an open but neatly packaged opium set - likely one of the brands of opium that produced by the 17 Cartels.

Valaric quickly sized up his targets and their possible rewards, before making his move on the rich lady and her opium set.
Rolled a 3 for theft

That set, should be valuable and has some other potential as well. The archives guard has interest in opium, should give me plenty of access and insight into the archives for sure.

After making his opium theft he continues his way to meet the scribe and guard of the archives.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 38):

As you expected, the exquisitely dressed woman is far too intoxicated to even notice your presence as she stares with a blank look in the sky, clearly enjoying whatever her smoked opium is doing to her.

After you bag the opium set, you walk further down the Scribe's street and eventually arrive at a large coumpound finely gated with spiked copper covered in patches of green patina.

The guards positioned at the entrance recognize you and let you through and you now see the large Sherpa Archives before you.

Beyond a ornate fountain of granite bearing the sculpture of a goat headed strongman seated on a rock reading a book in a pensive pose, is a large double winged mansion that rises up to 4 floors. Looking at some of the overgrown trees and bushes dotting the ground around the mansion alongside the condition of the fountain would imply that it might be abandoned, by the patrolling guards and occasional scholar walking to and fro attests to its current use.

You remember the scribe Madri to be on the second floor, while the small stationing office of Swaminathan is located deep in the first floor. As it is more convenient to meet with those on the first floor as you enter the Archives through the ground floor, you wade through the corridors of high legged and mostly shelves containing temporary holdings of books and eventually find yourself outside a partitioned area with its own windows and door where the Magician guards would take their breaks.

As it is still quite early in the morning, you find Swaminathan outside, seated at one of the tables with a two other guards starting to wear their dark colored, silver gilded leather armor.

Swaminathan notices you immediately and greets you. "Good morning Valaric. Got something good to sell today? Or are you looking to browse through a book? We are just about to check on a few new entries and make sure their condition and log their appearance, if you wish to follow of course..."

"I do indeed, have several things to attend to today here. Please lead on, let us inspect the new material together. " as He makes his way to follow the guards to do the inspection.

If given the opportunity during the traveling to the new material.

_{" You, are still dabbling with opium are you not. This recently came into my possession, I thought of you immediately. We can see about trading, if anything piques my interest in the new material."} showing the opium set briefly.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 40):

Indeed, as the archives are vast and it would take a few minutes to reach the parts where the new books are being temporarily held, Swaminathan eyes the opium set and his expression brightens significantly.

"My lord Valaric, where did you get such an extravagant set? This isn't something that the usual opium takers usually use. You must be pulling my leg aren't you? Is this not one of the counterfeits you got from Sundar Bazaar?" Swaminathan smiles as he nudges you.

"Well let me examine the goods later once we are back from our inspection. And if its counterfeit well, can't help it, you aren't known in the ways of the opium business any ways so I doubt you had bad intentions... you can always pay a borrowing fee in gold of course."

The party of 3 magic guards and you continue on their way down the long corridors of towering bookshelves giving off slightly intoxicating scents of exotic glue and varnish likely applied across the pages of the many books to preserve their contents for time immemorial.

But suddenly, you begin to hear the sounds of a strange squelching coming from ahead, and the guards all begin to load their chu-ko-nu (repeater crossbows) with bolts.

"Oh darn it, why does this morning have to be so much of a bother..." one of the guards remarks.

Looking ahead, and clearly prepared for this, the guards stand before you in formation slowly edging towards a large congregations of fat boar sized but very long worm like moth larvae apparently crawling out of a massive open book.

The giant larvae seem to have black deadly looking curved spikes the size of bastard swords sticking out from their heads, which glisten in the bright magic lanterns hung from the tops of the vast room. These larvae are all stuck together in sort of a ball and you can tell that there are at least 10 giant larvae in the way, feasting on the carpet, and beginning to crawl to the other books on the shelves, with some heading in your direction.

"Oh, Valaric, before you even think about it, don't be throwing fire bombs on them. Our job isn't to set the archives on fire..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:50, Sat 22 May 2021.

" Yes, inspect it later. I will just sell it to the other party who wanted it, I was only thinking of you. I will just pay you in coin."

When the guards readied their crossbows, Valaric got his bow ready as well.

Once the larvae are spotted he fires two arrows, making sure to keep them in short range. " I better get a big discount for helping you do your jobs."

Should get a +2 bonus to hit for short range.
00:31, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 13,4 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.
00:31, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 16,2 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Sat 22 May 2021.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 42):

"Alright, alright, let's focus on not becoming worm food first..." Swaminathan replies.

Your two arrows fly towards the ball of larvae and they strike one larva through the top of one of its segments, and grazes another in the face! Small drops of insect juice leak from their injuries but their continued squirming alludes to the persistent vitality!

In unison, the three guards fire their repeater crossbows twice in quick succession!

The first two guards' bolts fly forth and both of them strike another two Larvae once each, though they still appear to be very much alive!
Finally, Swaminathan carefully aims at one of the injured Larvae and fires two bolts, striking it in the head and causing it to collapse to the ground in a pool of insect juice!

The insects struggle for a few more moments and eventually manage to crawl out of their tight ball, and they all advance towards the party! At their slow pace however, they would likely only reach in 2 more turns.

From how you look at it there appears to be 11 larvae still alive, with 3 of them slightly injured.

Valaric again uses his bow, the arrow missing the target. He then moves back keeping the distance about the same before releasing a second arrow which also misses.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 44):

Swaminathan and his magic guard companions fire off another volley of 2 bolts each!
One bolt strikes a Larva in its head slaying it, and another grazes another Larva!

The guards then drop their crossbows and draw their sabers and bucklers!

Based on what you can see, there appears to be 10 larvae still alive, advancing at a steady pace, with 4 of them slightly injured.

"Get ready to strike boys!" Swaminathan hollers as his guards stand at the ready.

Valaric keeps his distance but makes sure he angles of to the side to get a good line of sight on them.

"Good luck, boys I will provide what assistance I can for as long as I can."

With that being said he fires off two arrows, aiming for the injured ones first both of his arrows strike solidly.

21:06, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 14,5 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

21:06, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 15,2 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 46):

Your arrows meet their mark on two of the injured larvae, cleanly striking two! But though heavily battered, they continue their advance forward.

The guards then charge forth and make their attacks at the three larvae at the front advancing row! The two guards strike two separate larvae, wounding them, while Swaminathan makes a deadly cleave at one of the larvae you just shot, slaying it on the spot!

The two Larvae at the front attack! While another Larvae from the row behind crawls forward to replace a dead one!
The two Larvae attacks are effortlessly parried by the two Magic Guards beside Swaminathan!

"A few more to go! Stay sharp!" Swaminathan barks!

A small distance away before the fighting guards are 9 larvae, with 3 of them engaging the guards, and 5 of them injured.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:26, Tue 25 May 2021.

Valaric continues to support the guards with arrow fire, targeting the injured larvae. Two arrows were fired again.

00:03, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 18,6 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.
00:03, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 6,5 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 48):

Your first arrow zips through the air with great force and goes through the head a slightly injured larva, slaying it! Your second arrow however is deflected by their long sabre-like spikes.

Now focused in close quarters engagement, the magic guards strike numerous times with their sabers!
The first two magic guards make a quick play of three strikes, with two strikes each cleanly hitting the larvae!
Swaminathan then follows with a quick flourish of four strikes, with three strikes slashing at the larvae around cleanly!
The quick succession of deadly slashes slays a total of 3 larvae, while heavily injuring the rest!

In retaliation two of the larvae strike the 1st Guard, wounding him, and he staggers backwards from the deadly strike!

"Chettur, stay back, Sharya and I will handle this," Swaminathan orders the injured guard. "Curses, what a way to start the morning inspection..."

There are now 6 larvae remaining, with only 1 of them uninjured.

Valaric again fires two arrows, one misses but the other strikes a solid blow.

" Chettur, fall back to me I will cover you."

on phone, one misses the other was a crit natural 20 and 11 for damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 50):

Chettur nods at your advice, and retreats behind you!

The deadly arrow you let off strikes a heavily injured larva and goes through the entire length of it as it collapses motionless, leaving a trial of insect juice on the ground.

Following up with your attack, Sharya the Magic guard attacks twice again with his saber, beheading one of the heavily injured larvae and slaying it, while heavily injuring another!

Swaminathan too makes two strikes, decimating and slaying another two badly injured larvae!

The remaining two larvae mount an attack on Sharya, and terribly gore him with their black curved thorns!

He just barely deflects one with his shield and takes the second attack to the belly!

"Sharya, fall back. Leave the rest to me and Valaric..." Swaminathan says as he prepares to face the last two larvae.

There are now only 2 larvae remaining, with one heavily injured!
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:03, Thu 27 May 2021.

Valaric moves forward to shield the heavily wounded guard. Firing off two arrows at the remaining larvae, " Let's finish them, and get your men to safety."

" Chettur, help get your friend to safety. We will finish these larvae off."

A 13 and 14 to hit with range bonus and a 6 and 3 damage.
21:08, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 12,3 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.
21:08, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 11,6 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 52):

Your first arrow strikes the uninjured larva, badly wounding it!

Your second arrow slays the heavily injured larva, and it collapses in a pool of insect juice!

Swaminathan moves up to finish off the last larva - and it is beheaded!

You and the magic guards have slain 12 strange larvae, which grants all of you 600 XP each!

"Boys, just drink your potions for now to recover. We need to press on to make sure nothing strange is going on..."

Swaminathan kicks aside the dead Larvae and moves towards the massive book from which the larvae had appeared to crawl forth from.

He kicks it shut with his foot and takes out a length of silver chain and begins tying it shut.

"Looks like we'll have to send this one down to the deeper archives... What a bother..." Swaminathan mutters after which he makes an incantation and a gesture after locking the chains he tied around the book.

Meanwhile the two guards take out small vials of faintly glowing cyan liquid and quaff them and their wounds appear to give off steam. After a few moments, you can clearly see their flesh regenerating and their wounds disappearing.

"Thanks for the assistance Valaric. Didn't think there was going to be something like this. Anyways we have to press on, you with us?"

One of the guards helps to collect your missed arrows and some of the arrows stuck in the larvae that appear useable. Miraculously, it appears that only 1 arrow is damaged beyond repair, with its tip heavily dented. The rest of the 11 arrows look quite useable, though they are covered in some insect juice and smell quite yucky.

Valaric does his best to search the larvae while retrieving his arrows for anything of value or intetest. " Yes,  let's proceed I want to inspect the new material. Might be something of interest to me, I get a special rate for my assistance right."

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.

" 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

" 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.

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 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."

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 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.

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.

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."

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.

" 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 will return to the ground and make his way back, looking for targets on his way to his home brothel to meet Chander.

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.