Let's Go! (DM MikeK) Friday January 16th, 2004 12:31:32 PM
Tarketh happily agrees to the waterproof bags, and in about an hour he's back with 6 of them big enough for Xenia's haversack.
The group heads to the docks in preparation for the grand adventure, and arrive without difficulty.
However, on the docks themselves, an angry mood seems to be overtaking the assembled crowd. At the end of one long wharf, three largish vessels are waiting, half filled with supplies of all sorts; tents, sacks of grain, barrels marked as water or ale, excavating tools, axes, saws, tables, and chairs. It looks as if a major expedition is underway.
A crowd of 30 or so rough looking men, some carrying axes, are assembled before the pier, muttering angrily. In front of them, three men dressed long brown robes and wearing scimitars at their sides are quite delibrately blocking the group's path to the ships. Each has an intricately carved wooden staff held forward in a blocking motion.
One of the crowd steps right up to the trio. "I'm gonna ask nice once more. You let us through. We're getting paid ta chop down trees, and by Parthenon's right eye, that's what we're doin'"
One of the trio responds coldly, "The Circle of the Alder rejects your claim. The Crying Woods are inviolate."
Its rather long odds the crowd understands the exact words, but they got the idea. And they're not happy.
Tionel Friday January 16th, 2004 12:48:02 PM
Tionel frowns. This is the sort of situation likely to cause great angst...but... Suddenly, an idea occurs to him. He's rich now! He has a lot of money just taking up space in his wallet...so much he can... Walking up to the disputers, he stops the most charismatic and handsome (and hopefully clean!) of the loggers, figuring him to be a nice focal point to gather the rest behind. "Pardon my intrusion. But how much would you say you earn, logging and such, per day of work?" He tries to ask in such a way that will not dispute a fight...sounding genuinely curious, with a slight edge of admiration if possible.
Angus Friday January 16th, 2004 1:07:33 PM
Angus is curious and waits to see what kind of commotion Tionel will cause all by himself. Angus finds a comfortable spot to lean on, crosses his arms and watches.
While finding his spot he comments to Bralin in dwarvish. "This is going to be good"
Xenia d20+1=20 Friday January 16th, 2004 2:08:24 PM
Xenia walks down to the docks kitted out for expedition!
Now this ...
How much do you earn? That's an odd question, she thinks, and watches the exchange with interest. Her eye roams over the faces of the guys Tionel's talking to, wondering if they look like they're going to give him any trouble.
[[ Sense Motive 20 - Lucky Girl! ]]
Florin Friday January 16th, 2004 3:10:30 PM
Florin gets all his gear packed and ready and sets out with the others after walking from the temple of Domi to the groups house to meetup with them. After this he walks to the docks with them and frowns and the essembled crowd and frowns abit, thinking to himself.
He also looks to Bralin as Xenia speaks to him and comments lowly so that hopefully only Bralin and Xenia will be hearing his comments, "I think I know where Tionel is going with this but it will only be a temperary fix. The druid order will have to find some other way of keeping these people pleased or there could be a big fight starting in the Float."
Florin smiles abit, "Would be nice if these types did plant a tree for each one they cut down, then atleast your in away keeping nature in harmony. They should know that the forest is needed since once the wood there is depeleted then animals will start to find other places to go to, including this city and also that when more wood is needed then a long distance may have to be traveled." Florin simple shrugs now knowing this is the people's job though and that no logic would probably help in this matter.
While he waits he goes back to stroking a thumb over the holy symbol of Domi that he wears.
Syr Sunday January 18th, 2004 5:24:13 PM
The elf takes one of the waterproof bags and shoves his rations in it. As he is packing, he offhandedly asks his bunkmate, "Angus, if you want, I'll carry the load for both of us. I travel fairly light."
Once they get down to the docks, he sticks close to the dwarf. Shaking his head and sighing as Tionel goes off, "Do you think the circle and Tionel have considered that we are actually standing on a city made of wood?"
Bralin Monday January 19th, 2004 9:07:51 AM
Like Syr, the dwarf stuffs his gear into the waterproof bag. He also takes Florin's words to heart, making sure armor and arms are well oiled.
At the docks, he hesitates. Once again, his first instinct (pull his axe and chase everyone off), seems in error in this place.
Bralin can only give an unsure nod at Angus' comment, wondering what 'good' thing is about to happen.
Buttinski (DM MikeK) Monday January 19th, 2004 10:53:50 AM
The man Tionel approaches glances over at him with the look of a man who has other things on his mind. "Hmmm? Oh, um, depends really. Lord Perimon's payin' 20 silver a week, plus room n board, plus a patch of land."
Meanwhile the arguement up front gets heated. The crowd leader stands belligerently in front of the stone faced druids. "You got a problem, talk ta Lord Perimon. Me an' the boys are getting on that boat, sailing the that shore, and making houses. Now you wanna be the timberman? Or you wanna be the tree?" He lifts his axe meaningfully.
The trio of druids are singularly unimpressed by his display of bravado. They stand ready, staffs outstretched, impassively barring the way.
Xenia Monday January 19th, 2004 12:11:14 PM
Xenia's jaw drops, her mouth forming a little "O" of disbelief.
"You want to Live there? Do you guys have any idea what it's like out there? Hot and grody and muggy and sticky. And the mosquitoes! Like this big! And the vines that come down out of the trees and try and grab you. And the vines that come out at night and try and suck you blood. And this big plant thing with a mouth ... Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck."
"You've got to be out of your minds. That's the worst place I've ever been in my entire life."
"Except for the beach. The beach is nice. I like the beach."
Tionel Monday January 19th, 2004 12:31:38 PM
"Hold it, hold it, hold it!" Tionel commands loudly, stepping between the two groups. "Now, you know what happens if you start a fight here? You'll get the authorities involved, and everyone will end up in jail. Including you druids! I'm sure you'd be punished by Keran and the other Elders if you fought back. So this is a matter between the Duke and the Druids. "Let's at least try some talking. In the meantime, out of my own purse, in the interest of peace and prosperity, I, Tionel Galadonel, will forsake six silver, that's twice your daily pay, to each of you. If these talks don't work by the end of today and you receive no further order from the Duke or response from the Druids, then you can come back here tomorrow and bicker all you want." After making his speech aside, Tionel motions to his friends to come forward. "Uh, guys, and girl, it seems like I've taken another task on myself. In my opinion, one just as important. I'm going to have to go see this Duke and visit the Alder house. But someone has to go to the cave, so, here's the wand. You guys can go and get this magical thing by yourselves." Tionel will hand the wand over. Then, looking out to make sure no new people 'slip' into the crowd, Tionel begins doling out the money. He's really glad to let it go... money, to him, is always something useless, and here, he's preventing violence with it!
Bralin Monday January 19th, 2004 4:52:41 PM
Frankly, Bralin could care less whether these guys stay or go or fight or just drop off the side of the pier. The dwarf rolls his eyes as Tionel gets even further involved, to the point of giving away his own coin.
Its the 'not going to the cave' part that concerns Bralin. Attrition has claimed nearly half the group, and they haven't even set off yet. He glances at Florin, eyebrows raised in a question.
Florin Monday January 19th, 2004 5:42:09 PM
Florin frowns at the events and shakes his head, "Tionel, we either all go now or we wait till your buisness is done. We have 2 party members gone now and can not afford to get into combat with yet another member missing."
Florin motions to the group to get his point across since they are missing Gordo and Bog and then Tionel, "You know as well as I do that combat could happen any time where we are going so it's up to you to come or stay but your decision decides on what we do also. I'm not risking the lives of the group when we are already two members down. Do not take my words harshly either, just I don't think you want any of us harmed from being down in numbers."
Florin looks to Bralin, "We will not leave yet if friend Tionel doesn't come with us and will wait till his buisness is done."
Florin also thinks and comments to Bralin, "I also think that haveing a silver weapon a piece would be a good idea friend Bralin, what is your opinion on that matter since you and I have alittle schooling in various monsters then you know that some will require various types of weapons."
She reaches behind her to her haversack (which has not gone into the waterproof sack yet) and comes back with some silvered sling bullets.
Angus d20+7=11 Tuesday January 20th, 2004 1:23:43 AM
Angus is glad he move out from between the two groups as his frail body is not made for stopping two opposing forces. Angus seems unsure of what he can do to help, so he falls back on him flute.
"How about a concert to take everyones mind of their problems." Angus seems alittle nervous and tentative to start ( Perform 11) "Now look I have lost my concentration. We maybe next time. Bralin, Florin, Syr, Xenia, Tionel, shall we go....."
Syr d20+17=28 Tuesday January 20th, 2004 3:35:00 AM
The elf rolls his eyes at Tionel's antics. Stepping up beside him he talks to both groups, "Gentleman, Gentleman! Why don't both groups go to the Alder house and discuss a suitable compromise. Obviously, some wood is needed just for daily living. On the other hand, the druids want to preserve the new wood. Maybe a representative from the council can accompany the loggers to the shore and advise them which wood might be suitable for their purposes." (Diplomacy check 28)
Whispering to Tionel, "We really don't have time to dally. Remember the orphans???"
Is it getting hot? (DM MikeK) Tuesday January 20th, 2004 1:03:07 PM
Tionel continues working the crowd, and Syr joins in urging a compromise. They're efforts seem to have some effect on the crowd, especially the paying money part. Several of the group break off to line up in front of the silver doling druid.
"Get back from there!" screams the leader to the men. "Are you crazy? You're gonna take 6 silver and throw away a chance to get off this rock?"
Turining his back on the druids blocking his path, he marches up to the two elves. "Who're you kidding?" he demands, "You're in it with them!" The man throws his thumb over his shoulder to indicate the trio. Turning to his group, he continues, "They just want to keep us down there in that pit! We gotta chance to own land! To get out! To live life on our own! You gonna waste that on some silver? Perimon'll replace you in a heartbeat!"
Some in the crowd murmur assent, while others don't buy it. "Money now beats promises later!" yells one. "Yeah, get outta the way!" presses a second.
One of the workers tries to shove his way to Tionel. A co-worker reacts in predictable style at getting pushed and throws a punch. The two start going at it, to the heightened cheers of their compatriots.
"No! No! They're the trouble, take it out on them!" yells the spokesman. In a broad sweep of his arm he indicates both the party and the druidic trio.
During all this, the three do nothing. One does affix his gaze on Tionel and coldly informs him, "We are sent by the Circle to stop this. Mediation is at an end."
Tionel Tuesday January 20th, 2004 3:32:09 PM
Tionel first decides to deal with his teammates, who seem afraid to split up the group. In a softer voice, he exasperatedly says, "What do you mean, 'danger'? Since when am I good at fighting anyways? Besides, how do you know there's going to be combat? That's just plain silly. Look, go on ahead. Deal with the orphan situation. This seems like something just as important."
Then, turning to the larger group, he speaks in a calm, rational voice. "Look, I'm sure Perimon doesn't want to get in trouble with the druids. If you guys cause them any trouble, he'll get in trouble, and he doesn't want that to happen. He's a reasonable guy." I hope, Tionel thinks to himself. And if he isn't, I'll make him see reason. "How about this. I'll give each of you six silver for today---that's twice your daily wage, and go talk with Perimon. If he doesn't agree, you can come back tomorrow and try again. Just hold off a day...okay? Nothing difficult with that. You get paid...for doing nothing. Seriously." Then Tionel turns his voice to the spokesman causing the trouble, "And if you think otherwise, perhaps instead of telling others to stand up for themselves, you should step right up here and prove it to me yourself. Say, by an arm-wrestling or drinking contest. That's a better way to decide things, right?"
Xenia Tuesday January 20th, 2004 3:44:20 PM
"You're out of your mind!" Xenia shouts at the leader of the axe guys. "You're crazy if you think you're going to live on any sort of land out there. The Crying Woods is gonna eat you alive.!"
"Have you ever been out there? Tell me. Have you ever really been out there?"
"In fact, I think this is a con. I think you guys are being conned. Yeah! That's it! I knew I heard that name before!" the half-elven girl shouts excitedly. "Isn't Perimon the guy they think is using this settlement scheme as a jumping off point to look for some lost temple or something?"
"Yeah, I heard that down at the Ghost a couple of weeks ago. He's using you as a patsy, a cat's patsy, or cat's paw or whatever!" she shouts at the axe guys. "YOU GUYS ARE BEING SUCKERED!!! Even if you do get a settlement started, this Perimon guy is going to jerk his support as soon as he gets what he wants. Then you'll all be stuck out in the Crying Woods without supply lines or anything. You wanna take your families into that?"
Florin Tuesday January 20th, 2004 6:37:38 PM
Florin looks at Tionel and shakes his head, "We aren't leaving without you Tionel, With our depleted numbers we can't afford not having you." Florin sighs and shakes his head, "Your right there may not be in fighting but what if there is? We do not have Gordo who is a good fighter and we have Bog missing who was a spellcaster. We need all those who are left just incase."
Florin looks back to Bralin, Syr, Xenia and Angus, "We aren't leaving at this moment, I do not like the odds with just the 5 of us, the group is almost cut in half without Tionel. I believe any of you would agree that we can't afford to loose another member with two already missing." Florin looks to Syr and Bralin for his main source of backup on his comments.
Xenia Tuesday January 20th, 2004 8:30:23 PM
"Hey you guys, are you listening?" Xenia whispers to her companions. "I've heard the name Perimon before. Word is, you know, going around. He's setting up this settlement as a staging area to look for some lost city of gold and riches or some such."
"I heard it. Really."
Bralin d20=14 Tuesday January 20th, 2004 9:01:54 PM
The dwarf nods curtly at Florin's words.
"The matter most pressing is avoiding this mob," he tries to point out to all his companions who seem interested in stirring things up more than just getting on the blasted boat.
Upon hearing Tionel's challenge, Bralin takes a step forward so that he is just off the druid's shoulder. His face plainly speaks that 'proving it' to Tionel will have repurcussions. (Intimidate 14)
Angus Wednesday January 21st, 2004 1:05:44 AM
Angus seems exasperated. "A brawl is not my kind of fight. Well music did not calm the savages beasts my next option is magic...."
Angus will attempt to cast a daze spell on each of the combatants in an attempt to cool heads. Angus will do this standing behind Tionel and Bralin.
Syr Wednesday January 21st, 2004 3:14:21 AM
Unsure as to whether Xenia is bluffing, his look seems to be questioning her. He uses an arm to move Tionel behind the dwarf. To the others he says, "Xenia, Angus, and the troublemaker. Stand behind the three of us. Brawling we can handle, but if it turns deadly..."
Looking at Florin, he quietly says, "Just say the word."
Order please (DM MikeK) Wednesday January 21st, 2004 5:47:53 PM
Angus casts a spell and sparkling lights appear in front of the two brawlers. They both stop in surprise, and to get the pretty lights out of there eyes. The trio of druids tense as the mage goes into his casting motion, and don't appear to relax much even though the spell is not directed at them.
The crowd ringleader pulls up a shirtsleeve and starts toward Tionel. "How 'bout I just punch you in....." Syr pulls the druid to the back. Faced with Florin and Bralin instead of Tionel, the man isn't quite so sure of himself.
All of this, combined with the speeches by Tionel and Xenia, has succeeded only in inflaming the crowd. They're no longer sure exactly who they're mad at, but they're plenty mad.
"Clear this dock!" A voice booms out from the back of the dock. The crowd parts as yet another group enters the fray. This one is composed of 20 armed soldiers of the City Guard marching double file through the crowd straight up to the trio of druids. In front of the double column, the captain of the Guard halts his troops, and commands them to face out and draw swords.
Having thus ensured he's got everybody's attention, he demands, "If you're getting on a boat, get on it. If you're not getting on a boat, get off my dock."
Xenia Wednesday January 21st, 2004 6:14:48 PM Phew! Xenia, puffs out a sigh of relief. From over Syrdeth's shoulder she answers his questioning look with a quick whisper. "I meant what I said. I really heard that about Perimon."
Then she waves her arm in the air. "We're here for a boat!" she calls. "Anybody here named Minos?"
And she begins stuffing her haversack into the waterproof bag.
[[ OoC: For the original on Perimon, go to the archives and look at the very first DM post of this, the current Volume. Rereading it, Xenia, technically, shouldn't know about this. It's mentioned that Tionel, Syrdeth, and Angus overhear it in a bar. ]]
Florin Wednesday January 21st, 2004 7:11:12 PM
Florin nods and begins looking around for the boat they are suppose to get on and comments to Syr and Bralin mainly, "Looks like a fight was about to start till the guard showedup. Let us find our boat and leave. Someone grab Tionel if needed and bring him also."
Tionel Wednesday January 21st, 2004 9:10:38 PM
Tionel hmmm's in thought even as the police close in. This Perimon is that self-same noble... There's something fishy about this. Is it all connected? Seeing the men clearing the area, he blinks to awakedness. At least they've broken up this one fight, or will deal with the druids as the city law does... the orphans, he reminds himself. But when they get back from their little trip, he'll have to try and visit this Perimon, or at least find out more about him.
Bralin Wednesday January 21st, 2004 10:03:16 PM
The dwarf nods approvingly at the city guard. Nicely executed
And it appears Tionel is ready to depart with the group. Good.
Bralin looks over the boats, waiting for someone to answer Xenia's query.
Syr Thursday January 22nd, 2004 4:11:48 AM
The elf nods at Xenia's comments as if he suddenly recalls the name. Looking at the druids he calls out, " It might be in your best interest to spend some time with these folk." He smiles at the tree-huggers, "Hopefully, without alienating them."
Making sure to stay behind Tionel, he moves on with the group.
Angus Thursday January 22nd, 2004 10:29:46 AM
Angus appear happy to see the guards. "I almost had to get physical...That just can not happen. Ready to continue on our quest" Angus finishes looking at his group mates
Minos (DM MikeK) Thursday January 22nd, 2004 5:39:34 PM
The presence of 20 bared swords settles tempers extraordinarily quickly. The trio of druids reluctantly give way and allow the gang of men access to their boats. "We will stop this," one of the druids proclaims as he departs, "You will not be allowed to stay.
"I'm Minos" calls another voice from the bottom of a dirty fishing vessel. "Whaddya want?"
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