Mardigan, fearing no gnomish wrath goes and seeks out the gnome merchants and asks them So, you guys are interested in the beer huh? What do you need it for? Where's it going?
The gnomes seem quite friendly, and babble on about setting up a supply for study by brewer's in Korrenberg. Kenn gets the sense that the story is probably mostly true... probably.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ajanders
"Gnomes, man. Gnomes!"
Kenn checks his mental map and heads towards Lawrence stall, making an inventory of all his knives discreetly as he goes.
The group enters the large pavillion. One of the guards asks if he can help, and soon they are directed to a tallish Karnn with quite a bushy beard and beer gut. He is fending off some questions from aristocratic sorts and posh gnomes.
Ho! So you be the third batch. I be hearing I should be expecting more. Brewer Lawrence I am! Interested in the LITE Brew, ay?
__________________ stonegod -- LEB judge and spawn of Khyber since 2005 (Blog)
Kenn raises an eyebrow at Lawrence' emphasis on the LITE brew and goes back to watching the gnomes.
"What an evocative name, old chap! Pray tell, what benevolent sort of Musey spirit fermented that up in your noggin? Is it at the end of a darkling brew tunnel?"
Like an oncoming lightning rail? he adds inwardly.
"What an evocative name, old chap! Pray tell, what benevolent sort of Musey spirit fermented that up in your noggin? Is it at the end of a darkling brew tunnel?"
You mean my Interesting Tasting Effervescent Beer? Truth be told, old man Miller suggested, if I recall.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patlin
"Hello, master Lawrence. We have a letter here for you from our principal which should explain our intent."
Lawrence takes the note and looks over it a moment. He rubs his chin a moment. Good ole Brews. I knew he was sending someone, but I expected you a bit earlier. Not bad timing, though, only a day late. Let me see... with the ir'Tains and the gnomes.... got to factor in Brew's previous payment... ah, yes. 17 barrels will be about right, assuming you can pay for it. Good luck on getting that back, of course. He chuckles to himself.
17 barrels will fit in the cart, though it'll be crowded. As you are examining the barrels, you hear a ruckus on the other side of the tent. It appears the ir'Tains are not happy with the number of barrels they are getting. How dare you! I was promised 20 barrels! 18 is not enough, not enough by far! The party is in 3 days hence, and that is just unacceptable! The ir'Tain spokesperson stalks off in a huff.
__________________ stonegod -- LEB judge and spawn of Khyber since 2005 (Blog)
Good luck on getting that back, of course. He chuckles to himself.
"Any particular hazards we should look out for? Is the beer susceptible to heat or cold? Is dampness or sunlight a particular problem? Or perhaps you refer to bandits?"
You mean my Interesting Tasting Effervescent Beer? Truth be told, old man Miller suggested, if I recall.
Lawrence takes the note and looks over it a moment. He rubs his chin a moment. Good ole Brews. I knew he was sending someone, but I expected you a bit earlier. Not bad timing, though, only a day late. Let me see... with the ir'Tains and the gnomes.... got to factor in Brew's previous payment... ah, yes. 17 barrels will be about right, assuming you can pay for it. Good luck on getting that back, of course. He chuckles to himself.
17 barrels will fit in the cart, though it'll be crowded. As you are examining the barrels, you hear a ruckus on the other side of the tent. It appears the ir'Tains are not happy with the number of barrels they are getting. How dare you! I was promised 20 barrels! 18 is not enough, not enough by far! The party is in 3 days hence, and that is just unacceptable! The ir'Tain spokesperson stalks off in a huff.
Khuther checks his bag of ore, saying some words in a mumble *. He looks at Kenn 'buddy we should be careful i dont like gnomes THAT much eighter' 'and its a dwarf saying it!' 'they are tricky sometimes. Should we poke around when we get this negotiation over?' 'we dont need any surprises right now and it would be a good idea get some horses for the return'.
He looks at the others 'i got the bag with the gold we need i just dismissed the warding spell, but be aware' 'if any stupid happens i will cast another and activate it to distract and escape'.
Khuther turns to Lawrence 'So these 17 barrels of you...''where and when should we pick this up Lawrence?' 'Im sure we can work a price out' 'What does a barrel cost these days?' 'maybe a gold piece or two each?' Khuther makes his best smile and trader face trying to push the price.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patlin
"Any particular hazards we should look out for? Is the beer susceptible to heat or cold? Is dampness or sunlight a particular problem? Or perhaps you refer to bandits?"
'Bandits would be a problem' 'Anything we should know as for safety in town Lawrence?'
Kenn watches the Ir'Tain agent go.
Behind a serenely oblivious smile he notes where the fellow goes and if he picks up any muscle as he does.
Anyone who takes their beer seriously enough to go halfway across Sharn probably wouldn't object to a little sabotage or robbery.
"Brother Kuther, I'm sure Brewmaster Lawrence has a price he'll be willing to provide as a starting point."
OOC: I don't see any post that describes our total exchequer, just that the bag weighed 25 pounds and contained more gold than a 25 pound bag should.
Nobody asked what our total budget was, including Kenn. (You can tell he worked for the government )
Brews was expecting 20 kegs of 350 gp beer and also to cover travel expenses for a trip halfway around the world, but we could be short, I suppose.
OOC: Anyone have the post where Bront stated how much $$ was in the bag? Couldn't find it.
Bront did not state the amount, he state though taht it was Waaaaay more then we needed and trusted Khuther a banker of profession and a dwarf of his word to guard it.
__________________ ~With Us Three Under Water You Will See the Beauty of the World~
The group works out a price with Lawrence. I only got the 17 left that I can get you with the promises to the others. If you need more, you're going to have to talk to them. The brewer shrugs then takes a lot of coin from the pouch under Kuther's watchful eye and gives him an itemized receipt. A gnomish assistant---obviously a Sivis scion---magically notarizes it.
Pleasure doing business. When you see Brews, tell him to stop by next time. Cannon's been asking about him. With that, he excuses himself.
As porters begin the process of loading the cart, the crew then had an opportunity to figure out how to get home.
__________________ stonegod -- LEB judge and spawn of Khyber since 2005 (Blog)
"Well, unless we run into some unexpected obstacle, I figure we should just go back the way we came, yes?"
"I'd prefer to avoid the undead warforged this time, but I think that's the best plan. I hate to leave Brews three kegs short though. Does anybody have an idea of how to secure three extra kegs of beer?"
Kenn considers for a moment, then clarifies.
"I mean, without violating the principles of Goodness and Law."
"I feel certain we could obtain them at extortionate prices, but it's not clear to me that doing so would be worthwhile. If we return with 17 casks, Brews might even be able to increase his sales price due to the 'shortage' this year. I'd lean towards simply returning with the 17 we have."
"I feel certain we could obtain them at extortionate prices, but it's not clear to me that doing so would be worthwhile. If we return with 17 casks, Brews might even be able to increase his sales price due to the 'shortage' this year. I'd lean towards simply returning with the 17 we have."
Khuther looks over and nod 'We better get on the way as soon as possible' 'cant see anyone wanting to sell his share anyways...' 'this Beer must be good!'
He looks around 'and talking about beer and such... im kinda hungry, maybe we could pick up some food to take with us? like fried chicken or slices of meat and bread. Im sure Brews want us good fed'.
__________________ ~With Us Three Under Water You Will See the Beauty of the World~
Khuther looks over and nod 'We better get on the way as soon as possible' 'cant see anyone wanting to sell his share anyways...' 'this Beer must be good!'
He looks around 'and talking about beer and such... im kinda hungry, maybe we could pick up some food to take with us? like fried chicken or slices of meat and bread. Im sure Brews want us good fed'.
"Well, I have to admit we won't get all the way back to the Shard without provisions. Let's try not to spend more than necessary, though."
"Well, despite the best efforts of bandits, pirates, undead monstrosities, lost party members, and rude ticket agents, we have emerged triumphant with our jolly fermented prize, eh what? I should say a quick once-over of mule and wagon to make sure they can bear the fruits of our labor is in order.
While someone's doing that, we'll have a celebratory repast, then hopefully leave in the morning."
Kenn looks over the cart doubtfully.
"Hopefully we'll leave in the morning, not rebuild the cart in the morning."
He brightens.
"I think I saw a place that did a wonderful-smelling bouillabaisse. Next to them was a vintner who wotted not the treasure he had at the back of his wagon: I've never met an Aundarian white I didn't like."
The group manages to eat and relax quite well, their first time having a real break. Kenn even manages to find a bath with goes quite will with the bottle of white. Rio was actually quite helpful in acquiring the bottle, as talk about his distant home warmed up the merchant quite nicely.
Kuther spends the evening, when not relaxing, looking over the logistics. It is during this time that he is approaches by a well dressed man in fanciful colors. The dwarf recognizes him as one of the ir'Tain representatives.
Master Kundarak. It is my understanding that the group you represent are in the employ of a businessman in the region of Sharn. Knowing that my employer will be taking our airship back in your direction, my employer has authorized me to offer you and yours boarding for the voyage back. I am here in pursuit of determining if you and your party is interested in availing yourself of this offer.
The dwarf talks to the representative for a moment, and finds out his price is simple. Two barrels of the L.I.T.E. brew is all that is requested for the arrangements. Can that be arranged?
__________________ stonegod -- LEB judge and spawn of Khyber since 2005 (Blog)
Rio is inclined to decline, although he suggests that the price might be acceptable if the captain were prepared to guarantee a safe and direct journey. Perhaps a lower price in coin could be arranged in the event that the guarantee was not met?
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