


	LOG ON

The Mithril Order Archives

Return To Index

The Messenger

The Messenger (DM JohnP)
Monday December 11th, 2006 10:45:37 PM
Thar walks over to the and asks who is there, while the others offer differing advice. When the ranger opens the door, he sees a small boy dancing from foot, shaking the wet snow from his thin canvas shoes. Clumps of wet snow cling to his threadbare jacket and cap perched atop his curly red hair. The boy beams when he looks inside, his cheeks rosy from the cold outside, and recognizes Conner and the others from the dedication of the monument.

"Message for ye, all of ya! Sent from the Float! Must be important, coming that far!"

The boy reaches into his jacket and pulls out a scroll case. After looking to make sure that Kadaz hasn't pulled weapons, he shakes out a rolled parchment and hands it to Thar. Then he tips his cap to Mira and Edmund inside the room. Then he stands in the doorway, appreciating the warmth of the apartment.

++++++

Thar takes the parchment and moves to the table. Since the scroll is still dry and pliable, he has no problem unrolling it so everyone can see the message written there.

"Adventurers of Plateau City,

I apologize for the informal address but I know of no other way to address you. I trust that this missive finds all of you well and healthy, by Alemi's healing grace.

When you parted company from the Crimson Shields here in Floating City, we had asked you to look in on the orphans that we had settled outside of Plateau City. Thank you so much for taking our gifts to them and for assistance that you provided as well. Kay and Buckle sent a message back that was effusive in their praise.

The reason that I write now, just before Midwinter, is to ask another favour of you. The other Shields and I had sent some supplies and Midwinter gifts to the orphanage, using the Von Otten trading company as we usually do. However, the carter hired to deliver the goods has not returned to Plateau City. Ashbeard Von Otten contacted us when he was overdue by two days. Remember, it is only one day's easy journey to the estate.

Unfortunately, we are unable to investigate. Could you perhaps spare the time to confirm that the carter delivered the goods? Since we had included some Midwinter gifts, time is of the essence. Steve at the Von Otten's warehouse can help and he can also deliver a message back here.

Thank you, for all your help.

Belkior Orvisson, Healer and Paragon of Alemi

++++++

The boy is still standing at the door, looking expectantly inside.

"Got anything for me to take back to Mister Steve?"

Arm
Tuesday December 12th, 2006 5:48:08 AM
Arm smiles at the boy, approaches the table, and asks Mira for a pen. He then turns the parchment over and writes, "Yes, we will gladly investigate this matter for you and the Shields. We will be contacting Steve very soon regarding this, and will send a message as soon as we can with any news that we find. We are all well here, and we hope that this missive finds you and the Shields the same. Expect to hear from us soon. Yours in friendship, Arm Ebano.".

He then re-rolls the parchment up and places it back in the scroll case. Tossing the boy a gold piece, he says, "Take this back to Steve if you please. Tell him that he may read this, forward it on to the appropriate people, and we shall meet with him soon.". Saying so, he hands the parchment back to the boy and awaits the rest of the group's plans on leaving, after he tells them what he has written, of course.

Conner
Tuesday December 12th, 2006 7:39:09 AM
"At last!" the fighter exclaims. "Even a missing cart is more exciting than watching Kadaz count the number of whiskers in his beard!"

Shadow
Tuesday December 12th, 2006 8:24:10 AM
(OOC: Sorry for the silence, but have been in bed with the stomach flu for about 4 days now.)

IC: Shadow shows concern as he sees what is at the bottom of the message. When Arm looks to be writing a response Shadow reaches into his pouch and pulls out a gold coin walks over to the messenger and slips it into his hand, "Please make sure to stay as warm as possible when you deliver our reply."

Once the messenger departs, "Well our we going to get horses?" Shadow cringes at the thought of riding a horse again.

Shadow (2nd post but for character updating) d6+2=6
Tuesday December 12th, 2006 9:05:20 AM
hp roll (6)

Kadaz
Tuesday December 12th, 2006 11:49:17 AM
He glances over at Conner and smiles at the anticipation of something interesting to do. He has felt the lack of a new challenge as much as the others. "Drink your tea everyone!" Kadaz starts gathering up his gear. "We should be off. But I've neglected to buy winter furs. I need to get some on the way out of town."

Kadaz goes into his room and starts to put everything together. In spite of his talk it will take him an hour or so to pack his adventuring gear and get properly armored.

As the group leaves he brings up one unfinished topic. "That message called us 'Adventurers of Plateau City'. We deserve a better name, like the Crimson Shields have. Something that will look good on a shield or flag. I propose the Black Axes!" Kadaz raises his black axe and shakes it, showing where he got the idea.

Mira
Tuesday December 12th, 2006 4:27:01 PM
Mira pours a cup of tea and after adding a generous spoonful of honey, presses the mug into the hands of the delivery boy. Pointing to the bench beside the table, she invites him to take a seat while the bard scribes the party's response.

"Let's prepare for departure, and see Steve on the way out." The sorcerer asks the boy to inform the von Otten's man to wait for them, accordingly.

While her companions make last minute preparations, Mira tidies the apartment, bringing a small basket of perishables to a neighbor, and packing other victuals in a sack. She makes sure there is a generous supply of loose tea, for the tea loving wizard. When folks are ready to go, she dons winter gear, and a her Cloak of Comfort. Lastly she takes the long staff with the carved owl's head given to her by Xenia at the last Solstice party.

"I agree, Kadaz," she answers the fighter, "we need a group name. Let's try to figure it out on the walk out to the orphan's manor."

Across Town (DM JohnP)
Tuesday December 12th, 2006 11:38:06 PM
The boy waits while Arm scribbles out a response, then nimbly grabs the tossed coin. He makes that and the coin slipped to him by Shadow disappear with unexpected grace.

"Sure thing! I'll run this right back to Mister Steve and tell him that you're coming over!"

The boy waves as he skips away from the door.

It's about an hour later before the adventurers are ready to depart. Most of that is spent coaxing Edmund to leave the warm confines of the apartment but finally everyone is ready to walk over to the Von Otten's warehouse. It's a cold trip, just before evening, and the wet snow is getting heavier. The wind whips off the river, blowing the snow in little flurries that seem determined to get snow in everyone's hair. The streets are quiet, however, partly from the time of day but more from the weather. Finally, the party sees the sign marking the Von Otten warehouse and lights inside the building.

Conner goes up to the door and knocks. After a moment, a sliding panel in the door is moved aside and the fighter sees the eyes of the boy who brought the message. Conner can see the smile on the boy's face as he hears bolts being pulled on the other side of the door.

"Hey there! I told Mister Steve that you'd be right along! We closed up, but Steve waited for you."

The boy then heaves the door open. A gust of warm air greets the party, carrying a mixture of scents and odours. Inside the warehouse they can see unidentified bales and boxes of goods. The boy ushers them inside, holding the door until the last of them are inside.

"I'm Jack! Let me take you into Steve's office."

The boy leads the party a short distance along the front side of the warehouse to a short flight of stairs that obviously lead up to an office. Jack goes up the stairs to the landing and knocks on the door before opening it.

"Mister Steve! Them that the message went to are here."

As soon as the door is opened, whoever is in the lead can feel the heat from the small stove inside the office. Steve is standing beside the stove, tossing some more chunks of coal inside. He turns and looks at the party with a smile on his face.

"Come on in! Take a chair, or sit wherever. I didn't read the message, so what can I help you with?"

Edmund d20+9=19
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 12:18:30 AM
Edmund grumbles a bit about leaving Sampson's, but nevertheless agrees to go along. "If the letter was not from Belkior," he declares, "I wouldn't be going. There are books to be read, tea to be drunk, baths to be... bathed. Speaking of which, I'm going to miss my third bath this evening, confusticate it all!"

Once they arrive in the office, Edmund brushes the snow out of his hair. "Snow!" he says in a way which makes it only too clear what he thinks of the stuff. Once that is taken care of, Edmund manages to smile, and becomes less miserable, if not positively courteous. (Diplomacy: 19, if needed)

"As for why we are here... apparently, a cart has gone missing, one that was transporting goods to the orphanage outside of the city. Well, you see, these goods were somewhat time-sensitive and midwinter is fast approaching. So, we're wondering if you have any information on what might have become of the carters or the cart. It was sent on behalf of Belkior Orvisson and company, and Ashbeard let them know the carters were two days overdue. We're here on behalf of Belkior, by request of the letter delivered by young Jack, here. That's about the sum of it, I suppose.

I doubt there's anything seriously the matter, anyway. But, lacking anything else to do, saving baths and tea, we figured we should check it out. What do you think?"

Arm
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 5:50:38 AM
Leaving the explanation up to Edmund, until he gets something wrong, that is, He will wait patiently with Mira until they receive their assignment.

Kadaz d20+1=10
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 6:04:34 AM
Kadaz trudges through the snow, watching the flakes fall from the sky and land on his beard, happy to be out doing something useful. Birdie walks along beside him, much less enthused about being out in the cold and away from the fire.

At the warehouse Kadaz looks curiously at the merchandise piled up, trying to see if anything looks out of place. But there doesn't seem to be anything amiss to him. (spot 10)

Shadow
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 8:11:19 AM
"Hey while you guys check out the situation with 'Steve' I will go see if I can find out anything from my Guild." With that he will depart before the group and head over to the Guild. Once there he will talk to the Daymaster to see if there has been any reports about the wagon or the nearby countryside.

CDM Jerry
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 9:27:51 AM
I need the report for last weeks posting here done by the ADM. Get that done and email me please or I'll hassle ya tomorrow.

Mira d20*5=19
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 4:43:23 PM
The cold doesn't bother Mira one bit. The deep hood of her cloak keeps the snow from her head, and the enfolding depths keep her body warm. Stout boots ensure feet are warm and dry.

Mira loosens the cloak, when they enter the comparative warmth of the van Otten's warehouse, and removes it altogether when Steve invites the party into his cozy room.

"Thank you Edmund!" she adds brightly, "you have summed everything up quite nicely!" The sorcerer adds her support to the wizard's overture. (Diplomacy/Aid Another=19)

Posting Record (ADM Scott)
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 4:47:18 PM
This was an interlude week:
Plateau City
DM John: XXXXX
Kadaz: OXXXX
Arm: XXXXX
Ash: OOOOO
Shadow: XOXOO
Edmund: XXXXX
Mira: XXXXX
Connor: XXOXX
Thar: XXOXX
Overall: 75% effective

(OOC: Ash decided to stay back in the Crying Woods with the Dryders. This should make our stats a little better!-Carla)

Conner
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 5:25:27 PM
The burly human trudges through the snow, his attention split between observing the changes to the city and consdiering options for naming the party. The 'black axes' didn't ring true with the fighter, although he understood how it might inspire Kadaz.

"How about The Swords of Ellena" he asks aloud, "or The Anvil Circle, or the Mithril Company "?

Steve's Interview (DM JohnP)
Wednesday December 13th, 2006 10:55:16 PM
Kadaz peered into the corners of the warehouse and didn't see anything out of place. A neatly run place from the looks of it. The boy, Jack, tags along with the party and slides into a corner of Steve's office to warm up. He manages to stand behind Conner to keep out of Steve's sight.

++++++

Steve nods as he listens to Edmund's summary of the letter from Belkior.

"Thought that was it. Those Shield fellows, from the Float, they sent some presents for the kids and food. Midwinter feast things, mainly, but some staples for the winter too. I tucked in some things myself, too, for the little ones out there on the farm."

"None of my boys were free that day, so I hired Tyrus to cart all of it out. He's usually a dependable sort, good with his horse and cart and not like him to miss a delivery. Still, it could have been weather so I didn't think too much of it until he was more than a day late. And I tracked down someone else who came in from the farms out that way and learned that there hadn't been any bad weather."

"So, that's what I can tell you. Tyrus would have gone out the North Gate. I gave him a map to the farm, drew it myself since I'd been there so often. I'd suggest checking at some of the roadhouses along the way. Tyrus might have stopped for a bite or a cup, maybe. Here's a map of the route out to the farm."

Steven grabs a pencil from his desk and finds a clean scrap of paper. He hurriedly scrawls a map showing the road out of Plateau City, the roadhouses and the farm. When he finishes, Steve holds the fresh map out to Edmund and Mira. Looking at it, Thar and the others are sure that they can find the way.

"The Shields didn't send any money along, so I can't promise anything except my thanks. Do any of you have questions? Either way, I'd suggest waiting 'til morning before you head out. It's still a couple days to Midwinter, so you have time."

++++++

Instead of going with the others, Shadow slipped away to go to the Daymaster. Once there, instead of waiting in the outer room, Shadow is quickly ushered in. When he asks his questions, the Daymaster shrugs.

"If it happened out of town, it wouldn't be the Guild. And most people think that it's low, real low, to steal Midwinter gifts from children. Orphans, particularly. Now, some of your less .... skilled, or scrupulous ... brothers might stoop to that. But I wouldn't put up with it."

++++++

As they walk, Kadaz and Conner banter back and forth about possible names for the group. This might be a topic for debate as they make the journey out to the farm.

Shadow
Thursday December 14th, 2006 9:37:51 AM
Shadow meets up with the group and says, "I hope you had more luck than I did, my connections said that since it did not happen in the city that they have no way of knowing even a hint of what might have happened." He waits to hear what the group has to report.

"I like a combination of your suggestions Conner, how about the Mithril Circle?" He looks at his companions.

Arm
Thursday December 14th, 2006 10:23:44 AM
After the meeting with Steve, Arm suggests that they find a place close by to stay until morning so that they don't have to brave the weather returning home. At Shadow's suggestion, he nods, "Yes, that name sounds very good..my vote is with you.".

Mira d20=20
Thursday December 14th, 2006 11:52:11 AM
Mira accepts the map from Steve, and after making sure each person in the party has had a good look at it, she folds it up and stores it in a pocket.

I believe there are a couple of places we could stay near the North Gate*. We can start our enquiry there, and then get an early start in the morning, when the gate opens.

Mira grins, "Mithril Circle," she says, "kind of has a ring to it!"

(Knowledge=20)

*(OOC: If the North Gate is Quest Gate on the PC map, then the Red Dragon, Jazz's, and the Golden Griffin would be nearby!)

Kadaz
Thursday December 14th, 2006 3:33:26 PM
Kadaz mulls over the name. "Mithril Circle? Sounds like a jewelry store. How about we keep the Mithril part but add something that describes what we do. The Mithril Shields? No, too close to the Crimson Shields. The Mithril Guard? The Mithril Protectors? The Mithril Guild? No, that's more merchants. The Mighty Mithril ..." Here his imagination runs out. "... something or other" he finishes lamely.

"Can anyone think of something related to one of our adventures that would sound good with Mithril?"

Kadaz (2nd post)
Thursday December 14th, 2006 6:23:37 PM
After walking a bit more with no brilliant thoughts Kadaz adds "Well, at least it will be easy to embroider a mitril-colored circle on a flag."

Mira (2nd illegal post)
Thursday December 14th, 2006 6:46:56 PM
"I agree with the mithril part," Mira walks on beside her companions, thinking aloud. "We have demonstrated a strength in combat situations," she continues musing, "as well as being devoted to Plateau City and the people who live here. We are kind of like protectors, or guardians."

Edmund
Thursday December 14th, 2006 11:12:20 PM
Edmund listens to all of the ideas, but not venturing any of his own at present.

"I am not so certain about Mithril Protectors--sounds like we mean to protect, or guard, Mithril. Perhaps something to show we are a closely-knit group... how about The Mithril Order, instead? I think it has a nice sound.

The Inn (DM JohnP)
Thursday December 14th, 2006 11:13:26 PM
Since no one has any further questions for Steve, they start filing out of the office within the warehouse. Just before they leave, Steve calls them back.

"Oh, yes. I should probably describe Tyrus, shouldn't I?"

"He's a older human, probably closer to 50 than 40. Bushy dark beard with gray and white patches, hair's the same. What there is of it, which is why Tyrus nearly always wears a hat, I guess. More your height and build, rather than the big guy over there. Need more to describe him?"

Steve had gestured towards Arm when describing Tyrus' height, comparing him to Conner.

It doesn't take the group long to find a comfortable inn that is within their price range. Actually, nearly anything is within their price range now. So it's the Golden Griffon for the night. The price is steep, nearly 5 gold for a single room each with dinner and a morning meal, plus a pitcher of ale each. Kadaz' eyes gleam when he considers how many of his companions drink ale. Edmund, of course, is relieved to learn that the inn boasts its own bath house, available nearly around the clock. Of course, if people decide to share rooms, the innkeeper doesn't blink an eye although he does quietly suggest that the "special" rooms are available tonight.

All in all, everyone should be ready to make t he trek to the farm tomorrow and find out where this Tyrus fellow got off to.

Arm
Friday December 15th, 2006 5:54:23 AM
Arm winks at Mira when he hears of the innkeeper's suggestion about "special rooms". If she agrees, they will take one of those, otherwise they will take a regular room until morning comes.

Conner d20-2=7
Friday December 15th, 2006 7:50:20 AM
Conner finds a seat near the fire and asks one of the serving girls to bring him a pitcher of ale. He wonders if Tyrus also stopped here before leaving for the orphanage and asks the girl if she knows of him. [Gather Info=7]

Mira
Friday December 15th, 2006 7:53:01 AM
Mira smacks her head when Steve provides a description of Tyrus. "Yes," she encourages, "and the cart, was it a 2 wheeled vehicle or 4? Pulled by what manner of animal?" the sorcerer will jot down the information, adding this slip of paper to the map in her pocket. "And exactly how many days has he been missing?"

When it is time to retire, Mira will slip off with Arm.

Shadow
Friday December 15th, 2006 2:35:18 PM
Shadow nods his head as he hears more reactions to names. When Edmund suggests order Shadow agrees, "That does sound like a good name."

When they get to the Griffin, Shadow will take his own room and have a seat next to Conner and listen to what the server has to say.

He will try and prepare himself for once again leaving his beloved city, and head out of its protective walls. He does think to himself how this is not as far away as the groups last adventure.

OOC: Sorry JohnP that I have not sent my character sheet in, but still waiting for some stuff at the catacombs. As soon as that is finished I will send in my updated character sheet.

Kadaz
Friday December 15th, 2006 5:18:19 PM
At Edmund's suggestion Kadaz nods his head. "The Mithril Order. I can see that. Good suggestion Edmund."

At the inn Kadaz pays for him (and Birdie) and then settles in for a night of good food, fine ale, followed by a soft bed.

In the morning he eats a hearty breakfast, then dons his armor and furs. It may be a long trek in the cold and snoe and he's going to fill up with food to sustain himself. And me makes sure Birdie gets a good breakfast, too.

Thar ail Baerer
Friday December 15th, 2006 10:32:21 PM
After following the group and listening to the discussion, Thar comments "I like the Mithral Order idea, but I'm Ok with whatever the group decides. I know we had discussed a symbol, so what sort of thing would work for that? We are a mixed bag of magic users, fighting types and religous ones, as well as stealthy and nature types. Maybe our symbol should represent that?"

He'll eat a light dinner, say his prayers and give thanksgiving for his continued health and ask Edmund and/or Shadow to share a room to save money. Once someone agrees (or not), he'll go to bed, lock the door and rest until morning.

(OOC - Sorry everyone for missing this week. I thought I had posted that I had exams and 3 papers due this week, but due to that and I found out my 5 year old has to have surgery in a week or two (nothing like needing surgery to put a kid to sleep, to scare a dad at night... Pls keep us in your prayers.), it totally slipped my mind. It's no excuse for my behavior, but I wanted to personally apoligize to everyone and let you know what was going on. Blessings, Ken.)

Edmund d20+6=19
Friday December 15th, 2006 10:54:46 PM

Difficult to extract from the bath house, Edmund finally emerges wearing a toga of sorts, with a towel slung over his shoulder.

"Can't this looking-for-Tyrus adventure wait a bit? I was just about to have some tea. Very well, then..."

Edmund finally agrees to come along, but his mind is elsewhere, thinking about the symbol Thar mentioned. Later that evening, he cautiously extends his thoughts on that, as well. His ideas are naturally based on the experience he has with heraldry, house crests, and the like.

"How about a mithril shield emblazoned with a crossed staff and sword, ringed with laurels? An easy enough device, and something I suspect any herald in the city could designate. I don't think it is in use, either." (Knowledge Nobility=19, if needed)

When the time comes to return home, Edmund hurries off to his room where, on various little bits of parchment, he has written things like "Edmund of the Mithril Order," and "Edmund Greenleaf, Archmage, Mithril Order emeritus".

Morning (DM JohnP)
Sunday December 17th, 2006 12:51:41 PM
Before leaving the warehouse, Mira asks about the driver and cart. The boy, Jack, pipes up in reply.

"Tyrus, he's got his old pony and a two-wheel cart. The old guy calls his pony 'Ashcan', probably 'cuz he's all grey. Tyrus doesn't say too much but he does look after his pony. Mister Steve wouldn't hire him, otherwise."

"Tyrus was supposed to be back three days ago."

++++++

The night in the inn is a nice change from the apartment. Good food - not so much better than Sampson's, but different - good ale and good company.

When the innkeeper offers up the 'special' rooms, Mira and Arm accept the offer. When they take the key up to the room it doesn't appear very special. The windows look out on the courtyard and are made from thick, wavy glass that blurs everything. They both then realize that some persistent magic is present in the room. It takes Mira a little while to realize that the room is warded so that divination and scrying magics cannot observe anything inside.

Conner asks the server about Tyrus but either she doesn't hear the question or she ignores it. Conner and Shadow look around and realizes that there aren't too many people in the main room. Most of the diners are in private dining rooms, mostly hidden from the main room. And there's a steady stream of servers carrying covered trays up to the rooms, too. With Kadaz and Thar sitting with them, they're also the only table of four in the dining room.

The others mainly discuss possible names and emblems for the group. Everyone seems to be thinking along the same lines, at least.

++++++

Morning comes gently in this inn. Those that made arrangements hear a quiet tapping at their door at the requested time and they rouse for the day. The breakfast arrangements are quite good - a buffet of hot and cold meats, eggs, fried potatoes, breads and preserves. And pots of cocoa, tea or coffee delivered to the table.

Eventually, everyone is sated and ready for the trip. With the amount of tea that he consumed, Edmund might be making quite a few stops along the road. The party wrap themselves in winter clothes and prepare to step out into the morning air.

There is a definite chill in the air outside. The breeze is light, jsut enough to ruffle Birdie's coat. The cool air seems to invigorate the dog, who dances around Kadaz. Still, they will probably all be cold by the time that they have completed this trip.

It's a matter of moments to orient themselves outside the inn, and they move together to the Quest Gate on the north wall of the City. Already at this time of day there is a stream of travellers heading in and out of the City. The gate Guards watch the procession, collecting entrance tolls and taxes from travellers heading in both directions. Occasionally, the Guards will check the contents of a wagon or cart but it isn't possible to tell what they are looking for. It's not very long before the party reaches the gate and the Guards.

"Heading out of the City? Not carrying any trade goods, are you?," asks the Sergeant of the Guards. As he speaks, the party can see
Guards on the other side of the gate collecting entrance tolls and turning away people who cannot afford the small payment.

Conner d20-2=18
Monday December 18th, 2006 7:34:29 AM
"No...no trade goods here. We're off to find an overdue wagon and it's owner. Tyrus, bushy dark beard with gray and white patches, hair's the same, nearly always wears a hat. Have you seen him? He left here near 5 days ago with a small 2 wheeled wagon and an old grey pony."

The fighter waits at the gate to see if they have any recollection of the cart driver's departure from the city. [Gather information=18...Wahoo! a nat 20]

Posting for 12/11/06 (Scott ADM)
Monday December 18th, 2006 9:19:23 AM
Plateau City
DM John: XXXXX
Kadaz: OXXOX
Arm: OXXXX
Ash: OOOOO
Shadow: OXXXX
Edmund: OXOXX
Mira: OXXXX
Connor: OXXOX
Thar: OOOOX
Overall: 60% effective

DM JohnP - Ash is on walkabout, so can be dropped from the reports. That would raise the posting rate to 68%. Still not great but understandable given the time of year.

Shadow
Monday December 18th, 2006 9:23:13 AM
Shadow steps out into the crisp air and takes a long deep breath. He readies himself for the journey ahead. As the group makes its way to the gate Shadow again takes on his role of trying to keep track of the people around the group.

Once they make their way to the gate, Shadow watches closely the reaction of the guard as he answers Conner question. Although, the guards should not have anything to hide you never know.

Kadaz d20+1=15
Monday December 18th, 2006 12:46:47 PM
Kadaz looks at the guard, just in case he recognizes him. Other than that, he keeps quiet, letting the talkers in the group do their job. (spot 15)

Thar ail Baerer
Monday December 18th, 2006 2:12:26 PM
Thar will continue following the group and watch the guards closely. He won't say anything though to them, as diplomacy is not his strong suit.

Out of earshot of the guards, he'll say to his companions "We should have a few of us scout ahead and watch for potential ambushes, once we get on the path out of town. I'll volunteer to be one of the ones in the front, but we'll need another set of eyes."

Mira d20+2=18
Monday December 18th, 2006 4:22:38 PM
Conner covers the basics, leaving Mira an opportunity to persue tangental questions. "What are these entrance tolls and taxes for? and what are the quantums?" While the sorcerer waits for an answer, she tries to discern the temperament of those being turned away from the city. (Sense motive=18)

Edmund
Monday December 18th, 2006 9:45:14 PM
Edmund keeps his mouth shut and sticks with the party, still a little miffed about being denied another bath and a fourth pot of tea for all of this inconvenient adventuring business.

((OOC: It's that time of year, and I am in and out near-constantly with church and family. I apologise if I miss posts, but as I am usually extremely punctilious about making all of my posts, I hope it won't be held against me!))

Through the Gate (DM JohnP)
Monday December 18th, 2006 11:40:28 PM
The gate Guard sergeant shrugs in a non-committal fashion when Conner asks about Tyrus. But he does ask the other Guards about the carter and one nods.

"Yep. Saw him a couple days back, driving that old pony and cart like he always does. Didn't say nothing on his way through."

The sergeant has been looking at the party's belongings as they talk with the guards. When Mira asks about the tolls and taxes, the sergeant takes a moment to explain.

"Not much really. A couple coppers a person to enter the City. Usually silvers or gold for goods going in or out, depending. And checking for contraband, too."

"You want that we should keep an eye out for this Tyrus?"

Kadaz, Shadow and Thar are looking about but don't notice anything out of place. Kadaz remembers that gate duty is usually for new members, especially during the winter. Except for the sergeant, who looks sort of familiar but can't really be placed.

With the Guards satisfied that none of the party are trying to smuggle anything out of the City, they are waved through. As they move forward, Mira gets a better look at the people outside. Those who can't afford the few cents being charged for entering the City are a pretty sorrowful lot - worse than Edmund moaning into his cape and cloak. None of the indigents appear surly or desperate though.

Noticing the sorcerer's attention, one elderly human shuffles towards the party as they leave the gate. He extends a shaking hand wrapped in rags towards Mira, clutching his thin coat with the other. His face is narrow and pinched, with several days stubble on his chin. Still, the elderly man's eyes are bright and his voice is easily heard.

"Money for the gate. Just a few pence for the toll. That's all."

Arm
Tuesday December 19th, 2006 6:03:13 AM
Arm whispers in Mira's ear as the stranger approaches, "Don't do it, love...we give to one and we'll have the whole mob down upon us. It's not that I begrudge the man from entering, mind you...".

Kadaz
Tuesday December 19th, 2006 6:27:17 AM
Kadaz reaches into the pocket where he keeps his stash of silver coins. He pulls one out and hands it to the old man. "With compliments from the Mithril Order."

He starts to leave, then turns back. "Say, have you seen a driver and old gray pony pulling a two-wheel cart, would have left this gate couple of days ago?"

Shadow d20+7=15
Tuesday December 19th, 2006 8:27:20 AM
Shadow rolls his eyes as Kadaz gives the old man a coin. 'Well we will probably have the whole group following us unless we give them each some money.' he thinks to himself. "Lets get moving." He urges Kadaz on. He will keep an eye out for any of the others following them. (Spot=15)

Thar ail Baerer
Tuesday December 19th, 2006 10:17:46 AM
Thar, feeling that they should share their wealth with those less fortunate, goes to the seargent and says "How many people do you think there are here? Maybe 100? If the toll is 1 copper per person, here is 1 gold, which should cover those people. Let the first 100 in and if there are more people than that, let me know when I come back and I'll reimburse you."

Thar will continue on his way, following Shadow and Kadaz in looking around at their surroundings.

Mira
Tuesday December 19th, 2006 12:02:56 PM
"Arm, it is the cold season. Let these folks seek some temporary solace within the walls of the city." Lowering her voice, she adds, "it is a pittance, and I know what it is like to go without."

Mira adds 10 coins to Thar's contribution, "use this today...tomorrow...until it runs out...to waive the tax for those who wish to enter. Let those who are importing goods pay for their goods themselves, but waive the head tax for all...until the money runs out." Gesturing the elderly human aside, she slips a few more coins into his rag wrapped hand. "We must be on our way, but I would beg a favour of you, father," Mira asks the man.

Mira explains how she would like the man to seek out a willing tavern keeper to set up a station at the gates and serve hot cider to the folks waiting to gain entrance to the city. She suggests Sampsons, but leaves the decision up to the man. The money should cover the costs of the cider and a server, as well as a hot meal for the guards who must station the gate on this day, and the old man himself. "Then say a prayer to whatever god you worship for the safe return to the Mithril Order!"

With that, she passes through the gate, lifting her hood up to shield her face from the cold.

Edmund
Tuesday December 19th, 2006 1:14:26 PM
Edmund is a nice fellow, but when it comes to the difference between commoners and gentry, he has a very traditionalist mentality, no doubt from being brought up in a political family with many ties to the wealthy and landed classes.

He doesn't attempt to dissuade Mira and company from donating money to the poor, but he makes no offer of his own funds for this purpose. Instead, he stares straight ahead, refusing to even look at the begging people. Privately, he thinks that admitting legions of poverty-stricken wretches into the city cannot but be a bad idea, and the thought of them filling up Sampson's and being quite drunk bothers him even more. Still, he says nothing about it, possibly because he is still despairing over the loss of his evening bath.

When he finally does speak, he does so smiling. "Your generosity seems to know no limits," he says. "But I for one wonder if, as Arm says, you will not merely encourage them to come a'begging at our door day and night. Let us hope not, or we'll never have the time or means for grand adventures such as this!"

Edmund pulls his cloak around him more tightly, shivvering a bit. "Of course, then I might have time for an hot evening bath," he mutters to himself.

Conner
Tuesday December 19th, 2006 10:14:32 PM
"Never had to work hard for a meal, have ya?" The fighter looks at Edmund. "These folks may not have money, but they don't become members of death cults either". Conner presses an additional 10 gp into the old man's hands. "Make sure Sampson puts some meat in that hot meal."

Conner moves out away from the city gates after he is sure the old man has gained entry to the city.

An Act of Charity (DM JohnP)
Tuesday December 19th, 2006 10:53:47 PM
The beggar's approach provokes a brief debate among the party. Three of their number - Arm, Edmund and Shadow - recommend not giving anything to the beggar. There is a brief moment of consternation when Arm and Edmund realize that they agree on something. But kinder hearts prevail, and the others take pity on the elderly man.

Kadaz presses a silver piece into the man's hands, enough for passage and maybe a rough meal inside the City. The dwarf fighter asks about Tyrus and the beggar pauses in thanking Kadaz to speak.

"Aye, saw him a couple days back on the road. Nothing to give an old veteran, said he."

But then Thar and Mira go further, dropping enough coins into the Guard's money boax to pay for the passage of all the people waiting outside the walls and more. The sorcerer then presses more money into the hands of the beggar, instructing him to seek out a tavern willing to come and provide food and warm drink to the people at the gate. Conner is even more generous, paying enough to provide a hearty stew for everyone.

The old man steps back after the coins have been pressed into his hands. The other people waiting to gain entrance have surged towards the gate but this elderly beggar isn't caught in the press. Instead, he thanks Conner and Mira in his surprisingly strong voice.

"Thank ye, in the name of the Creator."

The blessing stirs memories for some members of the party, and Shadow noticed that the man made a curious hand gesture when he spoke.

Knowledge Religion or Knowledge Local - DC 10= Highlight to display spoiler: {"The Creator" is a reference to Eberyon, the Fae King. The gesture noticed by Shadow is one used followers of Eberyon.}

++++++

With that curious exchange behind them, the party strikes out on the road. Close to the gates, the road is bounded by large homes or mansion set well back from the road behind high walls or hedges. Nothing defensible, by any means, but what would strike a bored noble as a version of "country living".

As they move farther into the countryside, the houses are spaced farther and farther apart. The walls or hedges don't get any lower but they are sometimes replaced by painted board fences. Expensive looking horses, cattle or other livestock are pawing through the frozen grass and snow in the pastures bounded by the fences. Once, the party even sees a hippogriff being exercised on a long lead.

The traffic on the road is relatively light, mainly expensive carriages carrying people into the City. There is little snow here, mainly what has been caught by the walls or hedges to form small drifts.

Edmund
Wednesday December 20th, 2006 12:59:16 AM
Not wishing to be drawn into a philosophical discussion, Edmund prudently ignores Conner's jibe on the way out of the city. Soon, though, Edmund downheartedness fades and he becomes more excitable and also possibly more obnoxious. Occasionally he hops up and down, and chatters increasingly. "What quaint houses," he exclaims with delight. "I should like to have one of my own, one of these days. It would be like adventuring every day... but with baths... and tea... and books to hand." The thought of baths, books, and tea lift his spirits significantly. When the come upon the Hippogriff, Edmund is practically beside himself with exuberance, pointing excitedly. "I say! I say! It's a Hippogriff, isn't it? Good heavens! Majestic! Fearsome, but majestic! Do you think... do you think I could pet it? No, no, best not. Haven't the time. Really, though, I say!"

Edmund calms down a bit after that, musing to himself in a somewhat better mood. After a long time (for Edmund) without speaking, he says, rather out of the blue, "I suspect the Mithril Order will be one of the most famous in the city, now. We're probably going to need a more permanent establishment than some rented common rooms in Sampson's. I suspect that, even if we are not besieged day and night with requests for pecuniary aid, we will have lots of people asking for our assistance with various adventuring matters great and small, everything from dire rats to displacer beasts, and quite a lot of the in-between sort. Luckily, I've plenty of experience dealing with those sorts of things, so you have nothing to fear--but," Edmund adds quietly, before anyone can interrupt this latest explosion of arrogance, "I'm beginning to see you've even more experience, so, very possibly, I have nothing to fear."

"Whatever the case," he continues, "How much would it cost to maintain a guildhall of sorts, or a disused temple, or something of the like? Surely there have to be accomodations of the sort, what we could redo to our own uses. Maybe a communal dining room, some small offices, a meeting hall, and a place where the... the destitute might obtain some succour over the night, seeing as you are inclined to that sort of thing--not that I'm all for bodily lifting people from one station of life to the next, or setting the laws of the city at naught, but it is better than having them dead in the street if nothing else. And, it will certainly give an impressive reputation. Defenders of the weak, and all that."

"It would be nice if it had a library, and a bath house, and some kitchens for tea, too. And even possibly an infirmary. We might be able to strike up a deal with some of the other temples, letting them use the space of the infirmary, seeing as theirs are probably overcrowded. That way, they'd manage the infirmary free of charge, but get the space for free too. We end up with a lot of the good name for doing it. Everyone benefits."

After this, Edmund becomes quieter as he thinks of what the Mithril Order's establishment might look like, and how it might operate, and what his own book-lined, excessively-tidy office would be like. This leads to thoughts of tea, leaving Edmund even quieter and more hopeful for a swift end to their little trip.

Kadaz
Wednesday December 20th, 2006 5:47:27 AM
Kadaz's idea of being generous is vastly overwhemled by Mira's and Conner's. As for the others, well, they may not have know what it's like to be penniless and dependant on the mercy of others but Kadaz remember those days.

Edmund's talk does make the time go faster. Kadaz has learned to ignore it, like rain on a roof. It makes a soothing background noise that allows him to think about more important things, like what sort of symbol the Mithral Order should wear. Circle? Some sort of plateau-looking device?

Mostly Kadaz and Birdie trudge along in silence.

Arm d20+4=12
Wednesday December 20th, 2006 5:57:01 AM
Arm whispers back to Mira after her donation, "I do indeed know what it is like to go without, my dear..do not forget that I have been living on my own since I was little more than an infant, and had to fight for everything that I have. I would rather NOT go without having a dagger stuck into one of our backs should one of these people have the inclination to do so.".

Saying this, he also looks around to see if anyone seems to follow them (spot=12).

Thar ail Baerer d20+4=17
Wednesday December 20th, 2006 11:47:46 AM
As the group goes on, Thar smiles as he sees the generosity of his fellow members. To Edmund, he says "You've got some good ideas on a possible permanent place for us, and I agree that we have likely outgrown our apartment. I don't know much about finding or building a new place, but buying and upgrading an old temple or building may work well. After this adventure is over, I'll go with you to listen to some of your ideas and see them in person."

(Know (Rel) Check = 17)

(OOC - Was that gesture for Shadow only or could we see it? I wasn't sure from your post. If it was just for him, disregard the rest of my post) Seeing the old man's gesture towards Shadow, Thar notices that it looks familiar. He says to Shadow "What do you think that could mean for us? I don't know a lot about the other gods, but do recognize that one."

Conner
Thursday December 21st, 2006 7:31:27 AM
The tattooed fighter marches along near the head of their rag-tag column. He pauses occasionally to ensure that no one is left behind and to offer his assistance to those with heavier loads.

Return To Index Next Scene (The Road)