Goss; Fedjo; and the Crew (DM Kim) Wednesday September 4th, 2002 3:56:03 AM
Goss watches Drew do his dance. Though at first distain shows on his face, one might note a quick flicker of appreciation as the large half human demonstrates a measure of his own physical prowess.
A crewman calls out, "Bet you can't top that, Gossman!" A few chuckle, but some seem confident in the capabilities of their man. As the sound of banter picks up, Goss holds up a hand. He walks around Drew, sizing him up with an exaggerated swagger.
"ALL RIGHT!" he shouts. "You wanna bet something, eh? Here's the deal. We have someone - eh, Fedjo, you can do it - put two mops in the crows nest." Very slowly, with overly precise diction, he says, "I refer to the man basket overhead, just in case you Float lubbers don't know a crows nest from a beer barrel," and his finger points up to a dark object near the top of the central mast.
Changing to a more casual style of speech, Goss continues. "Each of us gets one of the mops. We get ours wet in the water below, climb back up on deck, and swab a five by five foot square. Hey - Jakers - you be the judge on the swabbin', right?" A medium-set man with a large adam's apple nods agreement. "You don't have enough water to finish - you climb back down for more. Each of us is finished with the swabbin' when Jakers says we're finished. Right?"
Jakers looks at Drew with a quizzical eye, to see if this seems fine.
"Then, I start at the bow, and you start at the stern. I walk on the port side to stern and ring the bell, you on starboard to the bow, and flip the flag. Then you keep going around back to the stern - but on your hands, and I likewise, back to the bow. You ring the bell, I flip the flag, then back to the mops, put yours up in the crows next, then first one down the hold's hole wins. Someone catches you skippin' a part, you do it over. Me too, if I skip somethin'.
"The winner can have the loser do pretty much whatever he wants from the end of the race, round to same time next day."
The crew sounds excited, and bets are given and taken. Some favor their shipmate, but others think that this Drew fellow might have a chance. At least a small one.
As some initial bets are taken, Fedjo quietly says to Drew, "You an' your friends can add your own terms too, if'n you want."
"So, you game, big guy?" Goss asks.
[Anthony - I can't find Drew's character sheet. Please email it to me right away! Send it to kimmccoy52 at attbi.com and to billtfind at yahoo.com. -Kim]
Potkin (DM Kim) Wednesday September 4th, 2002 2:41:32 PM
Seeing Turin watching the proceedings, a man with a mustache, wavy brown hair and twinkling eyes approaches him. "So, you want to lay some money on your man? I'll lay three to two odds on Goss. My fifteen gold versus your ten. Jocko holds it. Goss wins, I get what's in the pouch, less a gold for the holder. You win, you get what's in the pouch, less a gold. You game? You wanna play? Just drop ten in the pouch, fella."
Drew Wednesday September 4th, 2002 2:41:40 PM
"Well it sounds a bit complicated but very well. I accept. My terms are simple. If you lose you must find 5 people in need of REAL help in the next week and you must help them. It can not be a helping the little old lady across the road help. These people must REALLY need your help, and you must help them. You may not accept any reward or honor for helping them, you must simply do it and then disappear. You must find these people yourself and discover what they need yourself. No one may help you with this task. If you agree it is yours and yours alone. I will never check on you, nor ask about it. No one will. Only you yourself and the gods will know if you ever completed your task or not. I will keep Fedjo's debt to you and fufill it, as is my right, as well as any I owe you when the bet is done. Agreed?" As Drew speaks his end of the wager the tatoo on his arm almost seems to glow slightly with an inner light and a calm comes over his face. He seems almost to be preaching, if you didn't know better. For the first time since you have met him the half-orc seems at peace.
Turin Wednesday September 4th, 2002 8:41:24 PM
Turin looks at the man with the moustache, and looks around for Jocko. After finding him, and looking at him for a while, he nods to Potkin. "Sure, so long as nobody helps either of them. That happens, deal's off, we're both down a gold piece holder's fee." He smiles at Potkin.
Syr Thursday September 5th, 2002 2:38:56 AM
The elf eyes Goss and Drew speculatively trying to figure out who might win. His heart is definitely pulling for his brother while he stares hard at the sailor who obviously has tried this before and is familiar with the ship already.
As Goss finishes his speach Syr whispers to his brother, "Climbing? handstands? Are you SURE you don't want me to do this? Well, no matter. I'm sure you'll try hard at the least."
When Drew responds with his terms of the wager, Syr stares in shock at his brother. "What did...How... I think that is the most I have EVER heard you speak." After the speech, he beguns to wonder how much everyone in the group is changing as they get older.
Reaching over he pokes the half-orc lightly, "I'm Syrdeth, what did you say your name was again?"
Jezebella Thursday September 5th, 2002 8:20:50 AM
The gypsy girl raises an eyebrow at Drew's wager.. a small smile of pleasure graces her face.
Ubaerul Thursday September 5th, 2002 10:32:26 PM
Ubaerul looks on with an annoyed look on his face. Having no interest in the contest that's about to occur Ubaerul begins to sharpen his short spear...
(OOC) Thursday September 5th, 2002 10:33:28 PM
Have the boards been down or having problems, I have been unable to post and have been having trouble reading the posts. -Ub ======== [John - not sure what's happening. I had trouble getting on earlier today, too. -Kim]
The contest begins (DM Kim) d20=12 d20=14 d20=20 d20=9 d20=10 d20=15 d20=1 d20=19 Friday September 6th, 2002 4:29:58 AM
Goss listens to Drew's proposal. At first he develops a look of distain. He laughs when the helping of an old lady across the street is mentioned. But then he grows more serious. His face begins to lose its color. He stares at the deck as Drew concludes.
Then he runs his fingers through his hair briskly, thrusts out his hand for Drew to shake, and says, "Agreed. Weird request, but I'm not worried. It'll be doing my beckoning. Let's do this!"
Jocko, holding now several pouches, steps forward. He repeats the course of the race. Without further preamble, he says, "Go!"
Goss takes a run and jumps up into the lower rigging. Drew gets off his mark with alacrity. The smaller man knows his way around the ropes, and is first to the crow's nest, retrieving the mop. From the nest, he descends six or eight feet, then tosses the mop overboard - and follows it down as he jumps to the water some forty five feet below. He surfaces, takes the mop handle in his teeth, and climbs over to the side of the ship, grabbing one of the lines hanging overboard.
Drew took longer navigating his way to the crows nest. He did fine - but is well behind as Goss swims toward the ship. However, just as Goss reaches to pull himself over the starboard railing, he slips, drops the mop, and splashes back in the water below. Drew has a chance to catch up.
The crew is shouting. The captain and his mate come up. When the mate says, "Captain on deck!" the captain says, "As you were - continue." His arms behind his back, he watches the foolishness.
[Make three rolls for swabbing the deck. Any roll, modified by dex, less than 11 has Jakers telling you to return the mop to the water. Once you have three rolls of 11 or more, then see how you do on the next leg.
Make two Balance checks of DC 15 to go from stern to bow. If you only attain DC 12 to 14, a successful Tumble check DC 20 will do to allow you to catch yourself before falling off. If you fail, an odd result sends you off the side of the ship, an even onto the deck. You go back to the stern, and start over if you fall.
After you flip the bow flag, then handwalk back to the stern. Balance checks of DC 18 to midships, and DC 20 (the railing is slippery in one section) are needed, and Tumble checks of DC 22 to regain balance without falling. Succeed twice, and ring the bell. We'll see how things are going at that time.
If someone wants to try to help or hinder either contestant...]
Drew d20+3=16 d20+3=12 d20+3=5 d20+3=18 d20+9=29 d20+9=20 d20+9=29 d20+9=22 Friday September 6th, 2002 9:58:40 AM
Drew dives fearlessly into the water and being a strong swimmer comes up fast. He swabs the deck well but not as well as the sailors to be sure. But it looks as though he's going to forget a section but then at the last second he sees it and swabs it as well. (16, 12, 5, used hero point 18)
While swabing may not have been his forte these next things are something he loves and excells at. For all his size and strength hes quick and agile. It's amazing to see him fly over this part of the course almost recklessly, but with complete confidence and joy.
Walking on the rail is a piece of cake, and he does so without comment or grimace. (29 NAT 20, and 20) then flipping up on his hands, with all the grace of a cat, he continues. Those of you near him hear him mumble something, it almost sounds like, "Domi be with me," but then he smiles and almost chuckles as he practically runs on his hands across the surface. (29 NAT 20, 22) It's clear that losing this race is not an option for the half orc.
Syr Saturday September 7th, 2002 1:56:11 AM
Syr vaults onto the rail as Drew dives overboard and cheers him on with loud bursts of enthusiasm. "That's it, YA GOT HIM!"
Turin Saturday September 7th, 2002 2:23:13 PM
Turin watches, with a smile on his face.
DM Kim d20=13 d20=6 d20=3 d20=7 d20=20 d20=11 d20=2 d20=1 d20=1 d20=12 d20=14 d20=17 d20=1 Wednesday September 11th, 2002 3:29:27 AM
Goss gets to the deck swabbing. He starts out well enough, yet, when almost finished, looks like he missed a spot as his mop begins to dry.
Jakers, about to send Drew over the side, then notes that Goss is having problems, too. A burly man moves to block Jakers' view, as another man sticks his leg out. Jakers takes a tumble, so his ability to judge is impeded.
"Foul! I call Foul!" Jakers exclaims. "Halt while I inspect. Halt, I say!" Jezebella notes that one of the sailors slipped a half bucket of water to Goss, who quickly wets his mop during the commotion. Drew's patch looks great. Jakers allows that the swabbing is passable for both.
Goss gets off to a speedy start along the railings, and from bow to stern is just slightly ahead of Drew, and rings the bell.
On the second half of his circumnavigation of the ship's deck via the rail, Goss runs into trouble. Once he has to start over, having slipped from the railing on to the deck. On his second attempt, at the same spot where he slipped on to the deck, this time he overcompensates, and slips rather inelegantly into the water off starboard, making a spraying splash. He swims back to the boat, and climbs back up - slipping again, and this time catching his foot in the line, from which he ends up dangling, his head a few few above the waterline. His curses rise.
Folks on the docks nearby have gathered to try to figure out what all the shouting and shipboard hubbub is about.
Drew, having completed the rail walking in style, heads toward the mops. The big fellow - dirty yellow hair, and a long drooping mustache with dense facial stubble - who earlier blocked Jakers' view, smiles, as he tosses both mops overboard. "All right, fella, getcher mop and stick it in the crows nest." Several sailors laugh at this move.
Roll for diving (DC 15 for a good clean dive, DC 10 gets you there, but slower), retrieving the mop (DC 9), climbing back on board (DC 15), and climbing to the crows nest (unannounced DC).
Goss gets himself untangled, and starts to climb back up - just as he notices the two mops flying into the drink. He gets to the top, and dives back in - only to again have problems getting up the side of the ship.
Those who bet on Goss are trying to figure ways to cut their losses. Turin senses a strong smell of warm grease coming from a metal pot one sailor has just brought up from belowdecks. He begins to climb the starboard rigging.
DM Kim - OOC Thursday September 12th, 2002 6:49:31 AM [OOC: Folks - swamped here. You, too? Let's each one try to keep up on the posting, as I have been waiting between posts, wanting everyone to contribute something - but the waits are getting w-a-y too long. If you'll help, I'll work to pick up the pace. Thanks! -Kim]
Drew d20+9=27 d20+7=21 d20+11=27 d20+11=30 Thursday September 12th, 2002 10:11:39 AM
Drew never hesitates and dives over the edge of the boat right after the mop. Expecting some kind of treachery or other he is diving even before the mop hits the water. (DC 15 : Tumble 27 Unmod roll of 18)
He comes up under the mop easily being a fair swimmer. (DC 9 : Swim 21 Unmod roll of 14)
He scrambles up the side of the boat like a spider. (DC 15 : Climb 27 Unmod roll of 16)
Then up to the Crows nest as if he had lived on a boat all his life. (DC Unknown : Climb 30 Unmod roll of 19)
Turin Thursday September 12th, 2002 2:48:15 PM
Turin frowns slightly, but notices that Drew is winning despite the cheating. He looks at the man he made the bet with, to see his reaction to all this.
Jezebella Thursday September 12th, 2002 5:29:17 PM
Jezebella grits her teeth at the interference she witnesses, but sees no clear way for her to point it out or to help Drew. She waits, frustrated.
Syr d20+7=17 d20+4=13 Friday September 13th, 2002 2:58:57 AM
Syr cheers Drew on as he moves into the lead. After the burly man tosses the mops into the water, the elf decides to take action. Walking up casually he states, "Now that wasn't very nice, are you sure you wouldn't want to go get them?" With that he grabs the man and attempts to push him overboard after the mops. (Touch attack to hit? 17, Strength check 13?)
Goss gets going (DM Kim) d20=14 d20=13 d20=20 d4=3 d20=20 d20=14 d20=13 d20=19 d20=15 d4=1 d20=1 d20=12 Saturday September 14th, 2002 7:54:03 PM
Goss - who, despite the spate of bad luck he seems to be having in this contest - does in general move quickly and gracefully. He kicks over the side with the mop handle in his teeth. Skipping over the requirement to handwalk the railing, he immediately jumps and grabs line beneath the boom, and swings up and over the boom, from whence he begins climbing like a monkey.
The man whom Syr tries to assist into the water does not seem too movable to the elf. He turns his craggy visage down toward him. "Nope. You can, though." [Opposed strength check on grapple, 19+5=24.] His knees quickly bend, and his powerful hand, grabbing the back of the elf's belt, assists Syrdeth's body to prescribe a parabolic arc over the railing on its way to the water. [Roll dex check or swim skill check DC 13 to avoid 1 hp damage on striking the water.]
Meanwhile, as Drew briskly climbs, a voice below says, "Don't do it, Spooker!" - yet the bent-nosed crewman with the pot of grease pours it down on the rigging the powerfully-built half orc ascends. The strength of his arms and general dexterity keep him from being thwarted by this (good time for DC 30 roll) - but the hot grease burns Drew's left forearm (3 hp damage), as the crewman tosses the pot down on some netting below and scurries off to the side to avoid the climbing contestant.
Turin notices the mustachioed fellow with the wavy brown hair watching the proceedings. He looks somewhat perturbed. Noticing Turin glancing his way, the man with whom he bet shrugs, and gives him a wink, as though he were saying, 'Well, boys'll have their fun.'
Drew arrives at the crows nest when Goss is a scant four feet below him. The crewman arrives, places the mop, and says, "First one to the hold, half-breed."
[Drew has the occasion for an attack of opportunity as Goss arrives and turns to jump, should he wish to attempt such. If he does not do so, or fails in his attempt (Goss has AC 16), then...]
He pushes off, and dives through the air. Twelve feet from the deck his arms reach out, and he grasps a loop of rope, swings out, back, then drops to the deck.
"Hey, walk the railing!" one crewman yells. One shorter man moves toward Goss, but slips on the swabbed area, falling on his keister. Isn't that Fedjo? Others say, "Go, Gossman, go!"
Several more passersby have gathered on the docks, and some have climbed the ramp to watch what all the shouting and yelling is about. Jezebella notices among them one of the boys she saw earlier.
The captain and first mate watch what is going on. Following a quiet word from the captain, the mate moves toward the gathering crowd. "No further than the railing, folks." He holds out his arms wide, serving as a barrier, and helping to keep the ship from listing further to port.
Turin Sunday September 15th, 2002 1:23:48 PM
Turin watches the situation, quietly.
Drew d20+9=10 d20+9=29 d20+11=23 Monday September 16th, 2002 2:10:35 PM
Drew follows the sailor down the same way taking every chance he can to win this race, without cheating or interfering with his opponent. He ignores the scald on his arm but memorizes the face of the man who burned him. He leaps out into space and grabs ahold of a rope at the last minute and then flips over in the air and drops into the hold.
(Tumble 10 (Used hero point to re roll) Tumble 29 [Nat 20] and jump of 23)
DM Kim Monday September 16th, 2002 5:25:24 PM
Had the first mate not shooed a few spectators off the deck, and the list to port not lessened ever so slightly, Drew should have hit the deck, and that hard. But luck - and a prodigious stretch at the last moment - allowed him to grab the rope with the fingertips of his left hand. A collective sharp intake, then release of breath comes from those who see this amazing move...
Jezebella Monday September 16th, 2002 9:00:21 PM
Jezebella moves to the side, keeping an eye on the boy she spotted earlier.. she gradually moves through the crowd, nearing the boy.
DM Kim d20=5 d20=19 d100=99 d20=10 d20=10 2d6(5+1)=6 d20=13 Tuesday September 17th, 2002 4:08:58 AM Syrdeth's swim Syrdeth finds himself in the water just off port. He sees a half-eaten apple floating by. Make a swim check, DC 8, to get back to the side of the boat, where ropes are available for climbing - or DC 10 to swim around to the dock (there are ladders about every twenty feet from the water up on to the docks). As he works to get himself out of the water (one way or another), at one point he feels, somehow senses, something that puts him on the edge of a headache. It comes quickly, though, and passes quickly away.
Jezebella & the boy, part the first Jezebella notices the boy, who now is on the outside of the railing, hanging on, his feet sticking through the bottom opening of said railing, as he moves his head from side to side to see around a person standing on deck in front of him.
Back to the race Meanwhile, Goss has a slight lead. He vaults a small barrel that rolled across his path, skids to make the left turn to the ladder to the hold.
As there is a bit of ground, or rather, deck, to cover to get from the landing place to the opening in the hold, Drew's leap out takes him to a raised area, which he bounds across. As he leaps through the air into the hold, that moment Goss hops on to the ladder.
Their bodies collide, and the two descend, gravity- and momentum-assisted, entwined, to the landing beneath the deck. [Drew, take 6 hp falling damage, or half that with a reflex save, DC 20.]
The two end up side by side on the wet landing, looking upward.
A face peers over the edge. "It's a tie!" he says. More faces join his. "No, Goss won." "Not on your life. Goss never walked the other rail." "The big guy won!" "What's his name?" "Grue." "Groo?" "Groo won! Three cheers for Groo! Hip hip hur-" "No, Drew. His name is..." "No, t'aint 'Groo.' It's Blue." "Blue, eh?" "Yay for Blue!" "No, Goss didn't lose. It's a tie. All bets are off!"
Now there is just a good deal of shouting, so that it's hard to make out just who is saying what.
Goss rubs the ribs along his left side. Lieing there on the floor for a moment, he turns his head to the left to look at Drew. One corner of his mouth turns up. "Nice race. I like a good race." He leans over, gingerly, on his left. And offers his hand to his opponent. "I think you won, mister."
There is a good deal of arguing and haggling, but in the end, it is agreed that since Gossman skipped the hand-walking portion of the race, that Drew (who is also called Lew, Shoe, Dew, and Clew by various people) is the winner. One or two who bet on Gossman look rather sullen.
Turin collects But Turin's bettor rather graciously concedes. "Mebbe you can let me win some of that back at a game of cards tonight," he says with a wink. Jocko gives him his winnings.
Jezebella and the boy(s), part the second The boy along the railing eventually notices Jezebella looking at him. He looks over his shoulder, just to be sure she's not looking at someone else - unlikely, since such a person would have to be floating or flying. He gulps - then she notes he gets a momentary far-away look in his eye. In a moment, he shakes his head as though to clear it, sidesteps to the crowded ramp, and takes a skipping two-step bound along the edge, down onto a narrow spot between an old timer with a pipe and a large man, bald, but with long bushy red sideburns which join with a large handlebar moustache. Jezebella finds herself just momentarily distracted by this fellow. Thick curly red hair covers his broad bare chest and thick arms. He wears nothing but a worn old leather waistcoat, a pair of tatty old pants and big hobnail boots. His eyes dance with keen interest in the goings-on, and he glances at the boy who just brushed by him with some amusement.
The boy squeezes past these two men, and makes his way fairly nimbly through the people, whose numbers thin once he gets thirty or forty feet from the ramp. Jezebella notes he joins up with another boy, who looks much like him. They run up towards Sailor's Fork. Just before they are out of sight, a man with a ponytail holds out his hand. Each boy hands him something. Pouches? Then they disappear around the corner.
Turin Tuesday September 17th, 2002 1:02:09 PM
Turin smiles at the man he made the bet with. "If not tonight, then some later night."
Jezebella Tuesday September 17th, 2002 3:57:54 PM
Jezebella, frowning a bit that she had been so obvious to be spotted by the boy, hangs back a bit. She tries to, unabtrusively, watch the ponytailed man from a distance.
Red sideburns - DM Kim Tuesday September 17th, 2002 4:44:42 PM
Jezebella's observation of the man is hindered by the fact he went around a distant corner just after receiving the offerings by the boys. However, something clicks in her memory. The man with the red sideburns used to be at Mama Flaust's orphanage. He worked mainly with the little children, but she recalls he was a kindly man. Gordo? Was that... yes, definitely, his name is Gordo.
Gordo d20+3=23 Tuesday September 17th, 2002 5:26:57 PM
The big man watches events with an easy grin, clearly amused by the hustle and bustle of city life, and in particular by the elaborate wager that has just concluded aboard the ship.
Looking around he spots a girl he is sure he recognizes; yes, it is her! Older to be sure, but unmistakably young Jezebella from Mama Flaust's! He is about to wave a friendly greeting when he realises that she is not looking at him. Following her gaze he is too late to avoid the urchin who pushes roughly past him.
He grins as the young lad tears off up the street. Ah, the urgency of youth! Then he remembers something else about the youth of the Big Float, and he quickly checks his pockets, ensuring his pouch is still in place. As he does so he spots the lad, and another besides, handing an older fellow something that looks remarkably like a couple of pouches... (Spot 23, nat 20)
With a sinking feeling he checks his belongings more urgently, as he turns towards where the three vanished.
Drew d20+5=21 Tuesday September 17th, 2002 7:11:55 PM
Drew makes the reflex save, but then when he sees that the other man may be hurt in the fall he twists himself under Goss so as to cushion the man's fall, taking the full damage and some onto himself. When Goss offers his hand Drew shakes it gladly. "You are quick and agile, as I said, but so am I." With that he smiles and his ugly face is lit up with joy. "I see there are many that wagered on you or I but our bet was between us, and I leave you with your debt. It is yours alone now to do with as you wish. I believe that you are a noble man and gracious in defeat as well as victory and I believe you will fulfill it completely. May your debt bring you great joy. You may find Domi has something great in store for you." With that he climbs up out of the hold and gathers his equipment, axe and armor. Then looks about for members of his family. It is still seems as if his tatoo is glowing slightly.
Syr d20+4=12 d20+8=9 d20+8=28 Wednesday September 18th, 2002 3:14:14 AM
Tucking before hitting the water, Syr takes no damage (12). Coming up and glaring at the head of the person who bested him, he slowly swims back to the side of the ship. As he reaches for one of the dangling ropes, his face bunches up and eyes squint from the quick pain. He again takes a hold of the rope and makes his way back on deck. After just to pulls, his wet hands slip on the rope and he falls back down. Spitting up water, he steels himself and blows on his hands quickly to dry to dry them and get more grip. This time the going is much easier and he easily springs onto the deck. (How many times is a natural 1 followed by a natural 20?)
Arriving on deck after the race is concluded, he moves over to Drew to check his burned arms. "Groo? I'm definitely going to remember that one." Looking around for the rest of his family he tells them, "I think we need to get these burns looked at, any ideas?"
Jezebella Wednesday September 18th, 2002 6:41:55 PM
The gypsy girl frowns in the direction the now confirmed pickpockets went. She hesitates before following... a snoop could easily be clubbed, especially by superior numbers. She moves to her friends, and motions for Gordo to join them.
"Nicely done, Drew... are you hurt to badly? They didn't play too fairly. By the way, everyone, check your moneypouches. There was a team working this area... I saw in general where they went, if we wish to pursue." She shoots Gordo a questioning glance. "Everyone remembers Gordo, I trust?"
Drew Wednesday September 18th, 2002 7:30:43 PM
Drew shrugs at Jez and blushes slightly. "It is no big deal, the burns are nothing. However if anyone sees the sailor who poured the oil he and I should have words before we leave." Anger creeps back into his eyes. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a good idea for the half orc and the sailor to "have words". After Jez's warning Drew checks his pockets.
DM Kim d100=15 Thursday September 19th, 2002 2:01:39 AM On deck Gossman, on deck, tells Fedjo. "All right, first thing I'm doin' is - Spooker does your swabbin' tomorrow - someone get him, and Big Hill the next day," he says, his head indicating the large fellow who tossed the mops - and Syrdeth - into the water. "I'll do the rest of it today. Your new friend here got you off the hook, so you'd better thank him, I'd say."
Spooker was hiding around the netting, but Big Hill finds him and carries him under his arm over to Goss. "Here," is all the huge man says. Spooker looks uncomfortable as he is set down on his feet.
Capt Neekle walks forward. "So, Mr. Gossman, have you done giving orders yet?"
Goss looks at the captain, at first showing a charming smile, but then, the athletic crewman's face grows serious, and he looks down. "Aye, sir, Captain, sir." He looks up and salutes. "Aye."
"Very well. I'll not countermand yours on this occasion," the captain answers wryly. "Just add to them. I have heard the terms of your ... arrangement. Carry out your work today. Tomorrow morning, Gossman, from sunrise, take the day to begin to pay your debt to your opponent. You'll be back by sunrise the next day, or you'll peel eels' backs for a week. Dismissed."
"Aye Captain. Thank you, sir," Gossman replies, again saluting. He winks at Drew. "See ya around, champ." He climbs to the crows nest and recovers the mops, then goes about his work.
"Not you, Spooker," growls the captain as the crewman tries to sidle off. "Boil water, and clean that blasted grease off the deck and the lines. After that it's net repair. Next you get to clean the galley with a small brush. Hop to it, you dishonorable cur!" Drew recognizes Spooker as the one who poured the grease on him.
The first mate, adjacent the Captain, takes one menacing step toward Spooker, who cowers and backs off, then scurries to the hold.
"Hill - can't you find something to do with that muscle of yours? I want you below in ten minutes to help place that beam. Mate - take over, and get this motley crew back to work."
Big Hill says, "Aye, Captain." Since he has a few minutes before he needs to start work, the large man approaches Syr. "Nice try, elf," his voice rumbles. "Not many men try knockin' me over. The water tastes good, don't it?"
As a matter of fact, Syr did find the water very potable - some of the best he's had - despite some of the flotsam in the lake. Hill's face is a little hard to read. But it seems he holds no grudge, nor expects any towards him.
The mate issues staccato orders, and the crew hop to it, resuming the bailing of water at double speed.
The captain approaches Drew. "I have a fine crew, on the whole. A couple of bad apples, but most of them good men. If you ever need some work, let me know. You look like you're good at protecting your friends. I like that in a man. Good day."
Fedjo hands Syrdeth an off-white, flat round object. "A star stone," he tells him. "I found it by the sea last year." Fedjo also shakes Drew's hand. "Thanks, mister. I don't always find someone to stand up for me. Anything I can do fer you or your friends, just ask." He hands him a little jar. "Rub that on the arm, there. Should help." [This smelly unguent will heal 1d4 points of burn damage.]
Those spectators who have not moved on of their own accord are shooed away, as a crewman reports more water was taken on when the boat listed.
On the docks Well, Gordo does find a pouch missing - the string cut. The very pouch he had been given to pass on. His own funds are intact. Because he was on the dock, rather than up on the deck, it was a bit harder to follow the boy's movement away - but he did see the handoff of some pouches up the street.
No one else in the party seems to be missing anything.
Those who have been with Mama Flaust for more than a year and a half or two will remember Gordo. He used to help her out, and was real good at working with the younger children. He used to toss them in the air, and roll them over his shoulders in an acrobatic fashion. They would ask to him to 'Do it again!' 'Once more, or twice more?' he would ask. 'Sixty zillion times more!' His deep laugh would sometimes fill the room.
His clothing is much more worn since last the orphans saw him.
Gordo d20+3=14 Thursday September 19th, 2002 9:02:19 AM
Standing amidst the crowd on the dock Gordo's fingers scrabble vainly at the place where the pouch should be.
Pointing at the spot where the pony-tailed man vanished along with his two young proteges, he begins to run. "STOP THIEF!!" Bellows the big man, in a voice like amplified thunder. "That pouch is the property of Mama Flaust! You steal food from the mouths of orphans! Return it this instant, and save yourselves a thwacking!"
He races up to the corner, and looks around desperately for the fleeing cutpurses (Spot 14).
Drew Thursday September 19th, 2002 9:23:46 AM
Drew thanks the captain and blushes slightly at the compliment. He graciously takes the gift of the ointment but he puts it away and does not use it. It may come in handy sometime for someone else. Then, not knowing what else to do, he takes his axe out and oils the handle. When he sees the man Spooker his eyes seem to fill with anger, but he sits quietly and says nothing.
------- [On the captain's command, Spooker had headed below - his eyes cast down - and is not seen on deck again for a while. -DM Kim]
Syr Thursday September 19th, 2002 2:55:36 PM
Syr stares up at the big man and says, "Yup, you got me that time, some other day I'd like to try again."
Moving off near Jezebella he hands her the star stone, "Any idea what this is? It looks great for skipping across the water."
Seeing Gordo the elf welcomes him with a big smile, "Hey! Where have you been lately? You wouldn't believe the stories we have since you last stopped by!" Nudging Jez and softly speaking for her ears, "umm, I think only you and I remember him. No one else was at the house."
Jezebella Thursday September 19th, 2002 8:11:59 PM
Jezebella shrugs. "Not sure, Syr... might want to get it appraised before you toss it in the lake though." She grins.
When Syr points out that the others might not remember Gordo, she gets a faraway look. "Has it been so long?" She says softly. Louder, she says, "Well, we best help him, before he gets himself into trouble."
She chases after Gordo, all hope for subtlety lost by his cries.
Drew Friday September 20th, 2002 3:12:41 PM
Finally tearing his vision away from the sailor he looks up to see Gordo. "No Jez, I remember his as well." Then he takes off behind his sister pacing himself to stay right behind her and to her left.
DM Kim d8=1 Sunday September 22nd, 2002 5:06:15 PM Star stone Examining the star stone more closely, Syr and Jez see that there is a five-petaled flower, or star, etched in tiny holes along the surface of the three-inch wide disk. Where the petals meet is a little hole. The surface is somewhat smooth. The bottom, of rougher texture, is ever-so-slightly concave, and on it five more or less evenly spaced lines go from the edge to the center. The top, with the petal image, is convex. It seems to be somewhat fragile - it lacks the mass of a normal stone that size. When shaken, a little rattling can be heard inside.
Up the street As Gordo runs swiftly up the street, people move out of his way as he bellows his commands and remonstrations.
Arriving at the place he saw the transaction occur, he does not see the brown-haired man.
It takes Jezebella a little longer to reach the place, but she and Drew reach the place on Sailor's Fork where last she saw the boys and man less than a minute after Gordo arrives.
They see many people. Shops - Ilthelio's Exchange stands next to Brody's Honest Banking ('Little cash on premises' declares a small sign under the larger. In front of Leila's Delights stand a pair of alluring ladies in light and slinky garb, beckoning to some of the sailors who pass by. Across the street Fresh and Dried Fruits and Vegetables displays what look like dried apricots and next to them a few select red apples. A stout man with an apron stands guard next his edible wares, affable grin and sharp eyes looking for people to enjoy what he has to offer - as long as they pay for the privilege. An open door behind him promises a wider selection.
A juggler walks down the street, keeping four scarves fluttering up then floating down in a continuous cycle. A little white and brown bug-eyed dog stays close to his left heel, alert to and mindful of where other pedestrians trod nearby him. Adjacent a building wall a town guard is bent down, talking to a little girl, perhaps three or four years old, whose eyes are filled with tears. He speaks gently to her. "What color clothes is your mommy wearing today?"
Drew Monday September 23rd, 2002 11:34:44 AM
Drew keeps pace with Jez.
Gordo Monday September 23rd, 2002 3:28:00 PM
His quarry vanished the big man skids to a halt. He gazes desperately around, hoping against hope that he has not lost the pouch for good.
He sees no-one, however, and is at something of a loss what to do next...
Then Jez and Drew arrive at speed, and he greets them with a rueful grin.
"Ah, young ones, it is good to see you after all this time." He looks Drew up and down, and laughs; "Or maybe not so young! You've grown, both of you! I only wish our meeting was under happier circumstances. I was returning to the orphanage with a bag of gems, having been teleported back here from Plateau City... well, it's a long story, but the short and the tall of it is I had a bag of gems for Mama Flaust, and now, thanks to those young tearaways, I don't. I can't tell you how sorry I am. I know Mama Flaust needs every copper bit she can get."
The big man looks out of breath at this lengthy speech, and somewhat shameface at the way he allowed the spectacle to distract him from his duty.
Jezebella Monday September 23rd, 2002 8:29:01 PM
Jezebella sighs at the lost gems. "I got a reasonably good look at the ringleader of the pickpockets. I'll describe him to my friends, maybe we can lift them back off him."
Turin Monday September 23rd, 2002 9:13:58 PM
Turin, having been off in his own thoughts, notices that most of the others had left, then notices Syr and Jez looking at gems. He walks over. "What's that," he asks.
Syr Tuesday September 24th, 2002 1:44:15 AM
Following the others he looks around at the shops, "If I were to lift something like that I would need a place to sell it ... quick." He nods his head towards the Exchange. "At the very least, they might know of another place that would take the pouch. Think we might be able to get some information in there, Gordo?"
Showing the star stone to Turin, "Dunno, it's interesting to look at though, think it's valuable?"
Syr looks around and scratches his head, "Where's Ubaerul?"
Drew Tuesday September 24th, 2002 7:15:37 PM
"A good idea as any Syr." Drew heads toward the exchange.
DM Kim d20=17 Wednesday September 25th, 2002 1:48:19 AM
Ubaerul has not been seen since just before kind Syr caused poor Fedjo to lose his bet with the tweaky Gossman. Maybe he is out shopping or sightseeing.
Ilthelio's Exchange The exchange stands nearby. A neatly lettered sign above what appears to be a closed wooden window states:
Small exchanges at this window Knock two times for this window Knock three times for other matters inside
Just as Drew draws near, a small window within the wooden 'window' opens, and a face appears. A pinch-cheeked man with a nasal voice asks, "Yes? You wish to make an exchange?"
Star stone Perhaps Syr can ask about the star stone at the exchange. Turin sees the off-white almost flat round disk, and can make out the details described earlier.
Other exchanges on this busy street The city guard asks, "May I pick you up so you can see over the big people? You tell me if you see your mommy." The little girl at first shakes her head, shyly, in negation of this suggestion. But she reconsiders, deciding he looks trustworthy, and jumps up to the kneeling man, wrapping her arms around her neck. He then walks forward, turning this way and that, and quietly asking the girl other questions.
Drew Wednesday September 25th, 2002 4:24:43 PM
Drew walks to the window and bluntly asks. "My friend was robbed and a bag of gems was taken from him. The thieves would need a fence quick, where would be a good place to look for such a person."
Syr Thursday September 26th, 2002 2:40:04 AM
The elf begins to follow Drew to the window and then quickly moves to the side when he speaks. Syr rolls his eyes at the half-orc's bluntness and pretends that he doesn't know him. Watching Jez and Turin he moves off to one side and waits patiently for the half-orc to finish his business at the window.
Jezebella Thursday September 26th, 2002 8:43:55 AM
Jez winks to Syr, sharing his exasperation with Drew's interrogation. She waits off to one side with Gordo, patiently. She keeps half an ear on the little lost girl's conversation with the guard.
Drew Thursday September 26th, 2002 12:13:08 PM
Drew drums his fingers on the sill and waits impaiantly.
Gordo d20+4=10 Thursday September 26th, 2002 12:29:03 PM
The big man smiles at Drew's direct approach, and and says to the man at the window "Or perhaps you yourself may have seen the fellow we seek." Gordo describes the ponytailed man as well as he is able.
"Of course we would be willing to pay for any information that turned out to be valuable."
(Diplomacy 10)
DM Kim Thursday September 26th, 2002 7:15:25 PM
Drew notes the fellow behind the window is walleyed. He blinks at the half-orc's question. "A fence?" He blinks again. "I don't exactly know, uh, sir. I suppose he could find difference places and people here, or even a level up or down, if he wants - did you get a good look at him? Not everyone is as honest as we are, sir. Just a moment." He shuts the window. Drew hears the man shouting - although his voice is muffled by the barrier. "Say, ... 'Thelio ... a fence?" Another half minute of conversation takes place. Then the door opens. A man who looks to be in his mid fifties beckons the group in. He has a salt-and-pepper beard, wears spectacles that rest on the bridge of his nose, and has a well-fed stomach. With a jolly manner, he welcomes the group in. "A bit tight quarters here out front. Sorry 'bout that. Some things are best discussed in private, don't you agree? I am Ilthelio. This is my good man Roterb," he indicates the wall-eyed fellow.
"There are fences all over the place here. This is not called the Fence level for nothing, you know. Now, gems - I'll tell you what - go ahead and describe the gems for me, as best you can. I can make some discreet inquiries. If I get wind of their location, perhaps I can let you know. Not to put too fine an edge on it - should I learn of something, a finder's fee is customary. Generally 10% is the accepted rate. Some ask for more, but not us. Of course, if we find nothing, you pay nothing more that the standard ten gold - nonrefundable, of course - to initiate our research.
"Now, did you get a good look at the person, or persons, who nabbed the gems?" he asks affably.
Turin Thursday September 26th, 2002 9:36:55 PM
Turin, coming along and listening, thinks a bit. "What's to keep you from just keeping our ten gold and pocketing the gems if you find them? I mean, no offense, but surely you understand our position." He smiles. "I've seen enough crooked games to know to avoid them."
Syr Friday September 27th, 2002 3:26:53 AM
Syr elbows Turin and whispers loud enough to be heard, "psst, I think he means 10% IF he finds something!"
Catching the eye of Ilthelio he flashes the star stone, "Hmm, rather than 10 gold how about we give you this and you pay us a bit extra? What do you think would be fair?"
Ilthelio (DM Kim) Friday September 27th, 2002 5:49:51 AM
"Why, our reputation, young sir, and our integrity," Ilthelio answers Turin. "And our desire for future business. You see, you pay me the gold for this service, and we have a contract. I avoid breaking my contracts."
"Yes, yes, of course," he agrees with Syr's whisper. Looking at the star stone, Ilthelio sets it down on a black velvet cloth on a low counter, asks Roterb for the looking glass, and sits himself down on a small stool. With the round, doubly convex lens, he peers at the stone, turns it over carefully, runs his fingers over the surface, then tells Syr, "I'd give you five gold for the novelty of it in these parts." Then he laughs. "Well, where ever 'these parts' are, now!"
"Good elf, what you have here are the woldian remains of a spiney sea creature. When it dies, the spines fall off, leaving its hard inner body. Maybe you can get more for it elsewhere. Find a collector, or something. Tell you what, I'll give you seven gold for it. Might be able to turn a small profit, if I take my time, ask around. It's called a sand star by some, a sand flower by others. When it's alive, it's a sea urchin."
Drew Friday September 27th, 2002 9:19:52 AM
Drew pulls out 20 gold and lays it on the table. "The gems were to help feed Mother Flaust's orphans. My brothers and sisters. Here is 20 gold to start you looking and hoping that that you will look twice as hard as normal. My brother here has given you a description of the boys, perhaps someone else can give you a description of the gems. My brothers and sisters in Mothers Flaust's care are helpless and I will protect them. I will pay you even more to know who stole them. I will not kill them but they do need to learn a valuable lesson about preying on the weak." Drew's arms and jaw have begun to tense up and his eyes burn like red coals. His tatoo again seems to blush a dark red as if the blood in his body were rushing there.
Turin Friday September 27th, 2002 1:30:31 PM
Turin nods. "That's good enough."
Jezebella Friday September 27th, 2002 5:52:31 PM
Jezebella hangs near the entrance of the shop... glancing outside as if looking for something, or someone.
Ilthelio - DM Kim 13d20(12+17+9+18+14+19+18+11+5+20+16+18+5)=182 Saturday September 28th, 2002 3:40:45 AM
"Agreed!" Ilthelio says heartily. "That is, I agree wholeheartedly to do what I may to track down the gems on your behalf. No guarantees, mind you," he says, eyeing the pulsing tatoo Drew wears for a moment. "Few enough things in this life are certainties. But we shall exercise due diligence on your behalf. Should we track them down, it may be that I learn who took the items. It may also occur that I find the gems, but not know all details of the route they took. And, what is often the case with gems - some may be found, and some lost to you forever. But, let us get to it! First - please describe the purloined stones with as much accuracy as possible." Should Gordo tell him anything, he will jot down notes, ask questions about color and cut and lustre, showing off a few sample gems to see whether he can help jog the man's memory. "Like this one, or more like this other?" Gordo's recollection on some stones is sharper than on others.
As the query-response continues, he hands the star stone back to Syr. At last Ilthelio turns to his wall-eyed assistant. "Roterb, go check with Danil, give him a description of the stones, and ask him to keep his eye out."
Roterb sighs, takes a light coat hanging on a rack in the corner, and squeezes his way past the group in this crowded exchange shop.
On the streets, Jezebella sees the city guard carrying the little girl on his left shoulder up the street. She turns her head from side to side.
A stocky lady waddles out of the fruits and vegetables shop. The owner helps her adjust one of her two large and stained cloth bags.
A handsome elf across the street glances Jez's direction briefly, then looks away, appearing preoccupied in his thoughts. He steps into the grocer's.
Gordo (eventually) Saturday September 28th, 2002 6:50:12 AM
Gordo watches the young orphans with a mixture of pride and compassion. So young, and yet so grown up, so sure of themselves. Mama Flaust has done good work with these youngsters, who have suffered such tragedy and hardship in their short lives. So easily their experiences could have scarred them, turned them bad. But with the love and care offered by the orphanage they have grown straight and true, and they make him proud to be a part of the orphanage.
So lost in thought is the big man that he barely registers Drew handing over the gold. Ilthelio's questions bring him back to the present with a jump.
"Eh? What's that? The gems? Well now, let me think..." Gordo describes the collection of one diamond, one ruby, three sapphires, a nicely cut tourmaline, three fine quartz crystals, one piece of amber with a beetle inside, and three pearls as best he is able.
As Ilthelio scribbles down the details, Gordo reaches into his purse and hands 20 pieces of gold to Drew. "My thanks, lad, but it was my slow-wittedness that lost me the gems, and the debt is mine. But your help in tracking down those two wayward children and showing them the error of their ways is most welcome. Just remember, they are young and no doubt disadvantaged. It may be that they are little more than victims of that man with the ponytail. Him I would very much like to meet."
Though Gordo still smiles, there is a hardness in his eyes at these final words.
Drew Saturday September 28th, 2002 4:17:18 PM
Drew shakes his head at the offer to repay the 20 gold. "Thank you sir but he offered to do it for 10 and I have paid more. If you wish to buy my brothers and sisters a bite later, then feel free, but please keep your money."
A helpful elf? Sunday September 29th, 2002 12:22:04 AM
The elf who glanced Jezebella's way pays the grocer something, and in a moment is eating what looks to be a nice, juicy pear. Once done, he tosses the stem into one of the little piles of trash beside the street that people use, and that cleaning crews occasionally sweep up. He adjusts his wide-brimmed hat, then wanders across the street.
"Excuse me," he says softly to Jezebella, loud enough for Syr to hear, as well. "I couldn't help but overhearing and wondering if I could help." The handsome elf flashes a helpful smile, his youthful dark eyes looking at the gypsy and the elf in a kindly, meek way. "I saw a man in a gray robe meet two scamps over there," he points to the middle of the street, "and then run off... dropping this." He pulls out a blue transparent gem with an agile twist of his fingers. A sparkle from it lights up Jezebella's face.
Gordo Sunday September 29th, 2002 5:55:49 AM
"By the Holy Deeds of Domi, that is one of the gems that I had stolen!" cries Gordo, after peering closely at the bauble in Jezebella's hand. "Please kind sir, did you see which way they went?"
Turin Sunday September 29th, 2002 3:43:33 PM
Turin looks at the elf. "Where? We can try to track them."
Jezebella Sunday September 29th, 2002 5:09:00 PM
Jez looks at the gem in the man's hand. "If that truly is one of the stolen gems, we would greatly appreciate its return." She smiles to the young man, and continues. "It's good to meet an honest man... such a rarity it seems, sometimes."
Mr. Elf Sunday September 29th, 2002 6:54:26 PM
"I'm afraid it'd be hard to track them down; the gray robed man just went wandering that way," and he indicates the left tine of Sailor's Fork, "and I lost him...but I overheard the two youths who handed him the gems say something about going somewhere exciting." He arches his eyebrow. "I'm glad to donate this back if it involves stolen property, but if I can aid in apprehending these miscreants, I'd be delighted." He leaves the offer open, hoping they accept.
Tionel / Mikey OOC Monday September 30th, 2002 2:14:09 AM
[OOC: Allow me to introduce myself, a new player, unbelievably lucky enough to be allowed to join your game. I'm Mikey Powell, a senior student at the university of california San Diego, and interested in gaming, history, philosophy, and music. I hope you'll all accept me into the group. :)
Syr Monday September 30th, 2002 3:45:03 AM
The elf's ears perk at the mention of food but he slowly shakes his head and focuses on the business at hand.
As the other elf wanders over, he moves closer to Jez protectively. After hearing his speech and seeing the gem a large smile splits his face. "Great news indeed, you are most certainly welcome to aid. You honesty in returning the gem has earned that at least." In a faked whisper, "And the fact that you are the only person who saw this grey robed man certainly has nothing to do with it."
The small elf flicks his black ponytail back and holds out a hand for the stranger to take, "I'm Syrdeth but most shorten it a bit."
(OOC: Welcome aboard, Mikey. It's good to have another elf! On another note, I'm going to be visiting London for 10 days in a couple weeks, any volunteers to keep Syr alive?)
Drew Monday September 30th, 2002 9:42:14 AM
Upon hearing the new elf describe what he say the half orc perks up. "Sir, quickly would you be willing to come back inside here and speak to the proprieter of this building? He is helping us locate the other gems and your description may help him?"
Turin Monday September 30th, 2002 4:04:34 PM
Turin frowns slightly, then shrugs. "The sooner we can find this guy, the better."
Ilthelio - DM Kim Tuesday October 1st, 2002 1:42:15 AM
Not content to remain in the shop when overhearing the news of the discovered gem right at the doorway, Ilthelio, taller than some here, looks over Syr's shoulder at the stone the other elf holds. "Ah - a sapphire. May I see it more closely? Looks like it's a tad over two carets." He asks Gordo, "The other two - were they matched in size and cut?"
To which Gordo replies, "Well, I suppose so. They sort of seemed alike."
Should the newly arrived elf let him, Ilthelio examines the stone. "Oh," he says, as he looks under a lens. He takes a black cloth cover off the end of a black tube. From the tube shines a bright light, focused on the gem. "A purple blue sapphire it is. Yes. Lovely. Lovely. Good lines. Fine princess cut. Heat treated. Not an absolutely perfect stone, but very nice, nonetheless." After a moment, he looks up. "I wager it was mined near the junction of the Red Hills and the Scab. Some fine sapphires and other gems used to come from that area, back when it was safer to mine. Now, that gem by itself might fetch you six fifty, maybe even seven hundred gold pieces. If it has two sisters, then the trio could bring in more together than each separately." He hands the sapphire back to the elf. "Yes, so, tell me any details about the man you saw." He pauses, waiting for whatever Tionel may tell him, and nods his head.
"You can believe I will do what I can, good lady, good sirs. Now, if you'll excuse me - where can I reach you? Or, if you'd just prefer to check back later. Of course, can't promise anything." He steps through a back door for about half a minute, and comes back out wearing a different shirt, and huffing and puffing a bit. He shoos any who remain in his shop out, and hangs a 'Do not disturb' sign on the door. His shirttail hangs out in back. Someone may wish to answer Ilthelio's question before he goes off to do whatever it is he plans to do. As an afterthought, as he walks away, he tucks in the back of his shirt.
Meanwhile, it's been about fifteen minutes since the boys were last seen.
Tionel d20+8=21 Tuesday October 1st, 2002 2:47:55 AM
The elf gladly lets the artisan study the pretty gem while he describes the man's physical features...though, unfortunately, they weren't that remarkable. The two kids stick out, as they both looked alike and definitely seemed like troublemakers. His description of them seems quite vivid... "...and, how rude of me not to introduce myself. My name is Tionel Galonadel, entertainer and druid. I'll be glad to help you however I can, but I'm afraid I'm not the shining knight in armor type. My skills are a bit more mundane, and lie closer to the natural state of mankind..."
At this point, the broker gives his examination and finishes it with a toss of the sapphire. Tionel catches it deftly and, with such skill that it almost seems lazy, tosses it, along with another crystal of some kind, and then an unsheathed dagger, and juggles the three a toss or so. While juggling the dagger and what appears to be a crystal bird in one hand, he gives the sapphire to the half-orc, who probably is waiting for it impatiently.
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