Nh'l pulls the boat up close to the hull.  Wungarr, you secure the line to the boat while the rest of you scramble up the rope ladder onto the deck of The Further The Murkier.  Be it ever so smelly, there's no place like home.

The sailors hoot at you as they hustle by.  It seems they have been busy.  What few scars the battle at the river juncture left have been at least passably patched.

As you all come aboard, you can hear the Captain yelling to make ready.  It seems you came back just in time.

At one end of the boat, you can see Lahylla, Ogbe, and that elf...what was his name?..Vyk?..chatting near the bow of the ship.

Lahylla sees you and says somethign to the other two.  They look your way.  Vyk shrugs and saunters off.


The name "Vyk" does ring a bit of a bell for all of you.  He has some renown along the river as a hunter or something.

In any event, Lahylla is motioning you all over.  "You're back!  Did you find something of interest?  Any tales you want to impart so I can add them to my repertoire?"

Ogbe barks a laughs, then adds, "Make any money?"

"Probably a thing or two worth some money," Antero replies, "Still have to look them over though."

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 1):

"They made me play fishball at risk of death." Wungarr replies. As he is no boaster, unlike most trolls, and a terrible storyteller-he leaves it at that. Which is confusing for anyone wanting details.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Mon 10 Apr 2023.

In reply to Wungarr (msg # 3):

Lahylla cocks an eye.  "Fish ball?"

Ogbe instead tunes in on the prospect of something being of value.  "Really?  Let me  see them?  I can give you an estimate after all.  Might even be willing to take them off your hands.  For a fair price."

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 4):

Wungarr presents the sea shell. He had no idea if it was magical, or needed a thread woven to it, or anything as such. He did not have the comb, but was sure the others did and would present it if they wished.

In reply to Wungarr (msg # 5):

Ogbe studies it.  "i'Qua nou i'volyk."

He holds it up to the light.  "Zol'u i'qua bohs pek."

Lahylla cocks her head.  "Are you doing that on purpose?"

Ogbe looks back at her, cocking his head.  "O'kolo u'qua?"

She turns to all of you.  "Did that make you talk like that as well when you held it?"

"Did the same to Wungarr," Antero offers, "So definitely magical.  Probably want to do more research."

In reply to Antero (msg # 7):

Lahylla laughs.  Ogbe looks confused.  "I'll explain it later Ogbe.  For now...yes.  That is definitely magical.  I can look into it if you wish.  But I have a price."

Her eyes seem to twinkle.  "You'll have to tell me everything that happened.  In detail.  One at a time.  Different perspectives add-"

"They can do that on their own time."  The Captain marches over, eyeing the lot of you.  "All passengers need to head to their cabins."

She looks up towards the setting sun.  "We're going to push to get into Farram.  So I'll have full crew on the evening shift.  I don't want a lot of feet they can trip over."

Wungarr and Billyandar, you both are given some orders.  The rest of you can pull into your cabins and rest up.

So Lahylla's stories.  Each time we have a story thread come to an end, Lahylla is going to offer some kind of incentive for you to tell her a detailed account of what went on.

This is optional.  If you want to participate, send me a PM.

You don't have to post an entire retelling if you don't want to.  Though I may be willing to give you a few extra LP if it's an interesting version of the tale.  Mostly, I just need to know:

-Do you go tell her what happened?
-Is there any portion of what happened you do not tell her about?
-Do you lie about any of it?

If you do not send me a PM, I will assume you didn't take her up on her offer.

Again, just to reiterate:

-If you want to participate, send me a PM with at least the following information:

         -Confirmation you tell Lahylla what happened
         -Indicate if there is any portion of the events you do not
          impart to her.  If you leave this blank, I will assume you tell her everything.
         -If you ever lie to her about what occured, in part or in whole, I need to \
          know what you lie about.

Doing this minimum will get you whatever incentive Lahylla is offering.  You can try to negotiate some other kind of payment from her if you wish.

Optionally, you can post a full, in character account of what happened.  I will award you a bonus of at least 10 LP for such an account.  More if it's entertaining.

I will let you hit me with any questions about this before we move on tomorrow.

Thanks

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 8):

"After my duties are done, I shall tell you the tale of the fishball tournament of near death." He says to Lahylla. Again, it sounded like he was talking about the weather or having shoes a little too small rather than a grand tale of daring do.

Once he does all the Captain asks, he returns to Lahylla's cabin-seashell in tow. Assuming she allows him in, he proceeds to describe the incident.

"Well, we go check out the smudge on the captain's map.  We make it down into a flooded cave, but that's not much of an issue for our T'skrang crewmates.

We see a rock with a craved symbol on it. A long eel clutches it's own tail, forming a circle.  Inside the circle is a large, fat fish with what looks like a wheel etched onto one side.  Around the fat fish, five other fish, two with green eyes, circle it like the spokes on the wheel etched onto it's side.

I go ahead of the group, in case of traps. What we find is a big oval chamber with a glowing tile floor. There are two bowls on alters at ether end, and a lone carved wooden fish in the middle.

Billy's magic does not see anything weird...well, other than a glowing floor that we all see. Then T’veyn goes swimming off down some hole he found, while the rest of us stand around slack-jawed. Billy and J'rass begin playing with the damn fake fish, and I knew that was going to trouble. So much so that I manage to dodge the name-giver sized goofish that tries to sting me with one of those poison limbs they have. In fact, all of us are jumped by them.

I slash it with my spear, but that makes it reform-but keep it from attacking. The others don't do so well, but nobody is too badly hurt. We don't seem to have a way to kill the damn things. One of the damn goofish picks up the fake fish and puts the blasted thing in one of the bowls. Then we hear this loud noise that sorta sounds like something talking-but in no name giver language I ever heard.

Antero calls the whole ambush is actually some sort ritual game or something. The Goofish than takes the fake fish out of the bowl and heads for the other one. So I grab the damn thing and make a run for the other bowl. This causes all the poisonous critters to come after me! The crew keeps them off, and we managed to score...points? Or something. We hear that weird voice again. The goofish start getting bigger, and I make the second...uhhh...goal? All while J'Rass nearly gets himself killed.

Anyways, when I head to make the second goal, all the damn goofish form into one giant glob of hostile snot. I make a run for the second goal, Anthro gets flung across the room into a wall. I managed to make the shot, and the damn giant ball of sea slime exploders! I manage to throw myself to the ground, but the rest of the crew gets slimed.

When we all get up, the wood fish is now a real fish-and it vanishes. Poof! There in the bowl is the seashell. I pick it up, and next thing I know I am not speaking Dwarven-even if I think I am speaking Dwarven. Then we all notice T'veyn has been missing all this time. We find the hole he swam down, and he is dragging a giant name giver with weird oily hair. I tell him to let it go, and he says he needs it and there is some threat in the hair. He can't get the body out the hole he came in, but he's trying. So I cut off the head, and he finds the comb inside that nasty mop. He says he was attacked by something in the hair, but we don't see it.

Then we get the hell outta there before the water rises and we all drown."

Quiet as they boarded, T’veyn was looking forward to catching up with the Troubadour. She seemed most learned on this subject, and most likely to shed some light on things.
It came as a surprise when the strange words came forth on examination of the shell though. It was the first time he’d heard such. Looking at the rest of the group they didn’t appear startled, so he guessed they’d already established its oddness.

He offered the comb up to Lahylla. He didn’t really feel he’d earned it. Didn’t need a comb much either, being scaly and all.



Later, when he could catch up more privately with Lahylla, though not necessarily alone, just quiet, he recounted his own experience.

“Not sure what to say, we found a chamber part flooded. It had some bowls on a stand, I think the others had some kind of trouble there but sorted it out. I went down a flooded passage and missed it.

I found a dead…. Giantess, I think. It was kinda part gone, had an awful lot of hair. Weirdest thing that hair. There was a shell like necklace hidden in it. I tried to grab it as I thought it might be some kind of mermaid relic, but I got grabbed by…”. He shuddered. “I don’t know what. A child sized hand, slimy but fiercely strong. I don’t think I could’ve wrestled it at all.

Anyway I was near out of air and using this stick, so I dragged the corpse out towards the others. But by the time I got there both the necklace and the strange slimy creature were gone. I’ve really no clue what to make of this at all!”

In reply to T'veyn Streamtrail (msg # 10):

Lahylla listens intently to each of you who tells her a tale.  She asks a few questions, though they seem mostly designed to clarify something you told her.  Her eyes narrow when you mention the hand T'veyn.  But she says nothing else about it.

"I've never heard tales that sound similiar to the experience you all went through.  Nor am I familiar with the tongue that Ogbe spoke when he held that shell.  What kind of magic it is...I can't say."

She shrugs.  "My guess is that the shell acts a a translation device.  When you hold it, you speak in that tongue.  Though whether you can understand someone else speaking in it or not, I could only guess.

"The experience does call to mind some old tales about the mermaids.  They were a...free spirited...no.  Strike that.  They were an annoying people who liked to play games.  So it's possible that place was once something to them.  But they supposedly all left this plane.

"Well.  I'm afraid I can't be on help.  There doesn't seem to be a tale to tell regarding this shell.  It just seems to work on the one level.

"You may want to inquire with some more learned scholars.  Maybe at V'Striomon's floating city or..."  There's a pause but she finally mutters, "...well.  Maybe in the Cliff City.  But regardless.  You'll have to consult a wiser head than mine."

---

It's shortly before the following morn's dawn bell that a look out cries out.

"Lights of Farram! Ho!"

Maybe you've been to Farram before  Maybe not.  It's not the grandest of towns.  But with it's location at the juncture of the Serpent and Ionos, it is a thriving trade center.

The Captain begins calling out orders and the crew is quick to move, an excited spring to their step.

It seems the Captain intends to stay in dock for a few days here.  She is looking to make some deliveries as well as rustle up new business.  Ogbe also is going to be busy.

Wungarr and Billyandar, the two of you are given orders.  You're to see to offloading a shipment of ten sacks of millet and delivering them to a customer in town.

Antero, Ogbe is going to take Gallows with him to see to some business.  You are tasked with delivering a couple of letters.  One to a dwarven merchant named Exom Nosebreaker.  You'll have to ask around in the main square to find him.  The other letter needs to go to K'Tenshin Trade Authority's office.  You'll need to get them to give you a reply.  The Trade Authority is in the same direction Wungarr and Billyandar are headed.  The market square is in the other direction.

J'Rass and T'veyn...Farram may not be an oyster.  But that doesn't mean there isn't a pearl in there somewhere.  You're free to explore as you wish.

So we are going to be in Farram for a couple of days game time.  Antero, Wungarr, and Billy:  you all have some tasks to do on Day 1.  T'veyn and J...you guys may accompany the others or head into town to see what trouble you can get into.

I'm sure you will all have a nice, peaceful visit.  Without any trouble at all.

Because that's how these things always work.

Questions?

Still have 0 legend points listed so....when are we getting LP?;-)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:09, Thu 13 Apr 2023.

T’veyn frowns, clearly disappointed that Lahylla cannot fill in the gaps here. He leaves the comb with her as she is still more likely than anyone else to decipher anything further from it, and unless he buys a nice wig it’s not much use for himself.

Rather unsubtly he asks the Troubadour her plans at breakfast the next morning,
“Lahylla, you are going into Farram or staying aboard the Murky? I’ve not been here before, we could have look around together,”
Clumsy as it was, T’veyn was aware they had already been the target of a stealth hit job. Either at port or wandering around they could be again. He had a duty to do. Even if his technique was apparently that of a dung beetle learning to swim.

And he wanted a light quartz. Mustn’t forget that…

Antero looks to the troll, "Wungarr mind if I tag along with you and Billyander?  I have an errand to run that direction."

In reply to Antero (msg # 14):

"Oh yes, very exciting to watch heavy objects being moved." He grumbled. "If you wished to be bored out of your mind, feel free to come along."

Antero smiles, "I won't be staying for that, I have to go to the nearby Trade Authority office to deliver a letter and get a reply."

J'Rass, I'll let you tell me where you want to go on Day 1 when you get back.  I'm assuming you're sleeping in for now.

Lahylla seems surprised at your request T'veyn.  She shrugs.  "IF you wish.  I am just going to wander about town honestly.  I like to stop and ask around, looking for hints of tales.  I'm compiling them you see."  She licks some fish jelly off her fingers and chews on her toast and smelt butter sandwich.  "Tales of the River.  Why are you traveling?"

---

The three of you descend to the docks Antero, Wungarr, and Billyandar.  Nh'l has given you a small pushcart Wungarr.  So thankfully you can just stack the sacks into it.  At least it's your thighs aching now instead of your back.

Farram is a busy little port indeed.  The docks are surprisingly complicated in their layout, as the town builders apprently decided to but a berth in any conceivable place they could.

But after a walk/push uphill, you come into the town itself.

The most surprising thing is it seems more of a human settlement than a t'skrang one.  There are the clay towers along the river of course.  But most of the buildings here are wood.  The racial make up of the town is highly mixed as well.  For every t'skrang there seems an equal number of human, dwarf, or orc.  There's of course windlings floating about.  Not many trolls though.  You get a few odd looks Wungarr, though most everyone minds their business and manners.

The client who ordered the millet is a tavern not far from the government hall.  Your little party comes to a cross road.  If you turn right and travel a block, you're at the Trade Authority. If you turn left and go two blocks, you'll come to Old Gnawed Bones, the tavern waiting for it's millet.

Antero and Wungarr, I'll let you decide if you part ways here or continue on together.

T'veyn, I'll let you answer Lahylla's question and then you will head out.

Thanks

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 17):

The person most thankful for the lack of Trolls was Wungarr himself. He knew what his own people did to a troll his size. Nothing kind. As a result, his first reaction was to steer clear. He had found some measure of peace among the smaller name givers, and if that meant never seeing another troll again he was fine with it.

Wungarr turned to Antero. "I will join you at the trade authority as soon as I finish my task." However, he proceeded to do his duty to the captain first.

Antero nods and heads to the Trade Authority building, letter in hand.

T’veyn pauses in thought at her question. He didn’t really feel like a runaway now. No, he was definitely moving towards something.

“I guess I’m learning to be an adventurer? I want to see more of the wilds, to travel, and most of all to know the beasts we share the world with. Maybe one day see a dragon.

But I need to know how to travel properly, first. You seem like an expert…”

He shrugged sheepishly. The fierce other reason he wished to accompany her remained untold.

Lahylla shrugs, finishing off the last bite of her toast.

"Ready?" she asks as she rises and heads for the door.

"I wouldn't say I'm an expert.  Not sure anyone ever really gets to that level.  But I've been around."

She laughs as the two of you head down the gangplank to the dock T'veyn.  "I love stories.  But only if they have life in them."

She stops and glances down at the water.  After a moment of silence she adds, "I suppose the way a river bed needs water in it to be considered a river, a story needs life in it.  Yes.  It's an apt...metaphor..."

She shakes her head.  "Anyway.  That's why I travel.  And poke my snout into things I probably shouldn't poke my snout into.  Riches are nice.  Men are nicer.  But a good tale is a finer thing."

The two of you have climbed a small hill and come up into the town proper.  The crowd is made up of mostly humans.  But your people are well represented.

Lahylla looks around.  There are several posters glued to a post.  She wanders to it and studies them.

"Someone found a kitten.  We can invest in someone's business venture.  Happiness is ours if we give our lives to Peace.  Hmmm.  Oh!  Here's one!

"Seeking news of a sailor named Kh'del.  Hmmm.  He sounds fairly generic...

"Okay.  Let's go look for Kh'del.  Where do you think we should start?"

---

The Trade Authority office is a single level building.  There are two desks near the front and four desks near the back.  It looks like there are a few private rooms set off the back.

An orcish woman behind one of the front desks waves you over Antero. "Name and ship?" she asks in a business like manner.

---

The Old Gnawed Bones looks like the kind of place where you'd expect to see someone with sharpened teeth gnawing on old bones Wungarr and Billyandar.  But it's busy.  The clientele look like workers come in to break their fast before heading towards the blue collar jobs.

The place seems to be run by a couple of round bellied dwarven women.  A burly looking orc man stands behind the bar and another one seems to be busy in the kitchen.

One of the dwarves comes over to you and frowns when you tell her you're here for a delivery.

"Bit late that.  You were supposed to be here yesterday, weren't ya? Unload in the back,"

She hikes a thumb indicating the back of the building.

"Through the back door.   It should be open.  Just stack 'em inside.  Tell the cook Groak when you're done.  He'll sign off on your invoice.  Bring it back ta me when he's signed it and I'll get ya your coin."

Behind the tavern is an alley.  The back door is indeed open wide.  There's a space to stack the sacks right inside.

I'd like everyone to make me three Perception tests please.  Wungarr, make me an additional danger sense test as well.

I will be keeping these roll results on hand as we progress throughout the day.

Thanks

"Letter from Ogbe," the warrior says presenting the letter in question, "The Further The Murkier is the ship.  I require a reply."

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 21):

The troll grunted in agreement, and moved his wheelbarrow as directed.

ooc-13:32, Today: Wungarr rolled 5, with a step number of 8 on the Earthdawn (3rd ed) system.  Danger sense.

13:31, Today: Wungarr rolled 5, with a step number of 5 on the Earthdawn (3rd ed) system.  Perception 3.

13:31, Today: Wungarr rolled 7, with a step number of 5 on the Earthdawn (3rd ed) system.  Perception 2.

13:31, Today: Wungarr failed, rolling all ones, with a step number of 5 on the Earthdawn (3rd ed) system.  Perception 1.

The young Tskrang can only mumble something about life being full of wonder, and a rightful ingredient in the best tales, before the pair are off and walking out to Farram.

He stares around, partly in curiosity, the other part in wary alertness. He does have that job, after all. When Lahylla selects their chosen outlet here, and poses the question, T’veyn chews his lower lip for a moment.
“Well, we can start at the start, ask around at the riverside bars for his last movements. The Dockmasters too. Or we could go backwards, investigate the physicians, or the mortuary buildings, and see if the guy has met a bad end?

We could even get the rundown on any criminal gangs operating here, in case they had something to do with it? Could help us avoid any pirate connections they might have too.”
A sleuth he was not. But he could stalk prey given a good trail.