Too Young to Retire

[MacConnell]

Merin inquires...

The two men are assured that Boga City is such a place to offer excellence in all things. The Workman District offers a rather large Tanners' Guild with more than competent leather workers, but the local citizenry could not possibly know that the synergistic efforts of Swift Raven and Fallen Leaf exceed any local talent. While in the Workman District, the two men are encouraged to and accept the suggestion to dine at Slythe's Place. The tavern, which is the only wooden structure in the district, is built along the eastern wall and will eventually have a loading dock upon completion of the canal.

He also mentions... should pause to make a little coin...

Taverns are a veritable wealth of bad information, loose gossip, and false bravado. Slythe's Place seems less so, especially since, during midday, it is filled with laborer taking a break. No one seems to take it amiss that an Amiradtha is sitting peaceably at a table with a Centrin, despite the known avarice of the tribe. Disappointed at the lack of general information, some unobtrusive inquiry leads the mean to be directed to ask of the various guilds what supplies may be difficult to acquire. The general labors consist of masonry, metallurgy, carpentry, leather working, and textiles, with some finer skills in apothecary, alchemy, herbalism, and various smithing.

Spoiler: Character Data

Merindell: full wellness
Surcoat: 74%
Tunic: 56%
Sheldon: full wellness
L-Tunic: 53%
A-tunic: 59%

Spoiler: Collections

Animal:
Cockatrice fangs: 1 pair, (motility & cohesion +3)
Cockatrice feathers: 1 set, (motility & cohesion +3)
Cockatrice venom: 2 measures, (toxicity x4)
Jackal Canines: 8 pair: (Strength +3)
Jackal Dew Claws: 7 pair: (Strength +3)
Jackal Hearts: 8: {+strength x 3, +athleticism x 3}
Quillion Quills: 2: (Health +3), {toxicity x4}
Feather Talismans: 2, ??
Lizard Claws: 3 sets, ??
Ram's Horn: 1, ??
Boar Tusk: 1, ??
Lizard Teeth: 1 pouch, ??
Bird Skull: 1, ??

Mineral:
Slickstone: 1: {- heat x2}
Curious Stones: 7, ??

Ores:
ingots: 5, ??

Plant:
dried herbs: 10 measures, ??

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. Merindell improves in Centrin by 2%. Provided a random roll, whether used or not.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Merin will visit a few leather shops, to see if they offer any armors that are equivalent to what he already has, quality-wise; he knows that his armor is starting to get worn, having suffered the "slings and arrows" of about 3 years worth of traveling and adventuring.

He will also seek out a stonemason, to see if he could fashion several, thin, granite plates, about 3 inches long, half an inch wide, and maybe 1/4 of an inch thick; Merin's idea is to tie them to the end of his bo staff, so that they go completely around it at the tip. That way, he would be able to store wayline energies in the tip of the weapon.

Merin will then approach one of the herbalist guilds, to see if they are in need of any rare herbs, and to inquire how much they will pay for them.

Spoiler: Random Roll

93 (+84 Luck) = 177

By the way, this website seems to be a really good random number generator:
Random Dot Org

 

[MacConnell]

Merin will visit a few leather shops...

Leaving the Workman District, the pair of men again enter the Codex. The city bustles with activity. Various pushcarts carry the wares of vendors through the wide, central walkway. Some inquiry directs the men farther north and through and opening to the west which locates them in the Mercantile District. The entrance to the district is marked with signage containing words in Centrin and Ansylin, as well as placard symbols. Spiofthest has no written form.

There are three leather goods shops, one of which contains exceptional wares. A mannequin near the counter displays a truly exquisite suit of leather armor. It is made from pliable leather but looks like reptilian hide. Being expressly familiar with such quality Merindell laughs to himself as Sheldon points to two small scales of different pattern and color from the rest of the armor. One scale looks like a feather. The other looks like a leaf. These are the signature marks of Swift Raven and Fallen Leaf. This suit of armor originated in South Road Fair.

He will also seek out a stonemason...

The Masons' Guild is located near the entrance to the Workman District. The Centrin mason inside is less friendly than anyone previously encountered in the city. After a bit of conversation, he seems to relax and becomes more amenable. After hearing the desires, he effectively and logically dissuades Merindell from such ideology, explaining and demonstrating the fragility of stone once subjected to any measurable force. Stone must be very thick to sustain impact.

Merin will then approach one of the herbalist guilds...

The Herbalists Guild House locates the manufacturing process for goods sold, mostly, by pushcart and in a small structure in the Mercantile District. The guildmaster is a elderly Centrin woman who begins speaking in a somewhat patronizing manner then more friendly as she learns the men's intentions. She is surprised at such inquiry but indicates that rare herbs, flowers, and seeds are always in need in order to concoct various curatives. Such plant material can be found in any environment, except the high mountains or desert sand. She mitigates her lack of specificity by showing two different dried leaves, explaining that one is from a wetter area and one drier, but each has the same use and can even be mixed in concoction.

Spoiler: Character Data

Merindell: full wellness
Surcoat: 74%
Tunic: 56%
Sheldon: full wellness
L-Tunic: 53%
A-tunic: 59%

Spoiler: Collections

Animal:
Cockatrice fangs: 1 pair, (motility & cohesion +3)
Cockatrice feathers: 1 set, (motility & cohesion +3)
Cockatrice venom: 2 measures, (toxicity x4)
Jackal Canines: 8 pair: (Strength +3)
Jackal Dew Claws: 7 pair: (Strength +3)
Jackal Hearts: 8: {+strength x 3, +athleticism x 3}
Quillion Quills: 2: (Health +3), {toxicity x4}
Feather Talismans: 2, ??
Lizard Claws: 3 sets, ??
Ram's Horn: 1, ??
Boar Tusk: 1, ??
Lizard Teeth: 1 pouch, ??
Bird Skull: 1, ??

Mineral:
Slickstone: 1: {- heat x2}
Curious Stones: 7, ??

Ores:
ingots: 5, ??

Plant:
dried herbs: 10 measures, ??

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. Merindell improves in Centrin by 2%. Provided a random roll, whether used or not.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

While he is in the leather shop, Merin will examine the Southroad Fair armor, to see if it's better than what he's got; if it is, he will inquire as to the cost.

When talking to the herbalist, he will ask her if she can provide him with a few samples, so that he will know what to look for. He says that he is trying to earn some extra coin, to buy supplies for the rest of their journey into the mountains.

OOC: Merin is NOT asking for a full "measure" of anything. Literally just a SMALL sample, so that he can compare it to seeds and leaves that he finds, to make sure he's collecting the correct components.

Spoiler: Two random rolls, for any task the GM might want to assign.

64, 71

 

[MacConnell]

... Merin will examine...

Spoiler: Negotiate

Merindell: 43(coerce) + 34(muddle) + 64(d100) = 141

The displayed suit of armor is considerably better than the surcoat Merindell is wearing, especially since his is damaged. The merchant visibly bobbles and stammers as he speaks. "No one has ever truly expressed an interest in this piece. I acquired it for advertising, never expecting to actually sell it. I must say, the cost is quite high. This type of paranormal skill in leatherworking is beyond rare. It is unique. If you ARE truly interested, I will sell this suit for 4000. It will not need to be modified to fit you as such adjustments, within moderation, are already built into its design."

... herbalist... samples...

The elderly woman nods and smiles in an appreciative manner. "I have pressed leaves and flowers just for such purpose."

She leaves the men and goes into another room, returning with what looks like two, hand-sized, squares of thick leather. They are, in fact, equipped with buckles to open and close like a book. Inside one square is a leaf. Inside the other is a flower. "You need to be careful with these, even as they are protected and especially when you open them to look at the contents. Try not to get them hit or folded and most definitely try to keep them from getting wet. This particular leaf came from the foothills, and this particular flower was growing along the river. They are not exclusive to those areas, just more common. Each has restorative powers for the injured. The flower is stronger than the leaf. I will pay you market value for anything you bring me. I do not want any mushroom. I truck no business with that nasty stuff."

Spoiler: Character Data

Merindell: full wellness
Surcoat: 74%
Tunic: 56%
Sheldon: full wellness
L-Tunic: 53%
A-tunic: 59%

Spoiler: Collections

Animal:
Cockatrice fangs: 1 pair, (motility & cohesion +3)
Cockatrice feathers: 1 set, (motility & cohesion +3)
Cockatrice venom: 2 measures, (toxicity x4)
Jackal Canines: 8 pair: (Strength +3)
Jackal Dew Claws: 7 pair: (Strength +3)
Jackal Hearts: 8: {+strength x 3, +athleticism x 3}
Quillion Quills: 2: (Health +3), {toxicity x4}
Feather Talismans: 2, ??
Lizard Claws: 3 sets, ??
Ram's Horn: 1, ??
Boar Tusk: 1, ??
Lizard Teeth: 1 pouch, ??
Bird Skull: 1, ??

Mineral:
Slickstone: 1: {- heat x2}
Curious Stones: 7, ??

Ores:
ingots: 5, ??

Plant:
dried herbs: 10 measures, ??

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. Merindell improves in Centrin by 2%. State nominal actions and intentions. Pay attention to the inventory. Provided a random roll, whether used or not.

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Merin smiles at the vendor, "I am a successful scout, hunter, warrior, prospector, and adventurer, but that price is beyond even me. At one time, I had that much money, but I spent it on hiring carpenters to build my house. I apologize for wasting your time. I wish you well."

Merin leaves, going on about his day in a leisurely fashion. When the woman gives him the samples, he is pleased.

Merin smiles, "I will be very careful with them, thanks so much for this opportunity. I assure you, I will make the most of it, and I will bring you back as many collections as I possibly can."

Before leaving, Merin trades his Bo Staff for a pair of sticks, which the vendor says are called "Hanbo." Merin tells Sheldon that the staff is too slow, and he's hoping these sticks will inflict just as much injury to an opponent, without slowing Merin down so much.

Merin also sells his Bracers, Belt, and Greaves, in order to raise the coin to have his Surcoat repaired.

Merin says, "They were too heavy and restricting anyway; I can move a lot better now."

Merin will enhance himself with allurement, before beginning to negotiate with the vendor for the repairs. (74% vs. Full score of 80%; i.e., garment has 6% damage.)

Spoiler: Rolls for Negotiate

64

Merin also tells Sheldon that they should leave town now, and find a spot along the river to camp for a day; Merin wants a single day to spend gathering food and water for the journey, and also to identify the un-examined items in their shared collection. Once done, the journey into the Dragon's Claw Forest can continue.

Spoiler: 2 Random Rolls

40, 91(+37) = 40, 128

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

P.S. Merin will not only gather game animals, but he will also scout around for nuts and berries. In addition, he will keep an eye out for any of the plants and herbs that the lady is looking for.

 

[MacConnell]

Sheldon responds, "For a man on his leisure, you seem to suddenly be in a hurry. We have no task of such a pressing matter. I still have some coin. Let's go back to Slythe's Place and have a hot meal we did not have to prepare for ourselves."

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Merin agrees, "You know something, you're right. I guess this Dragonclaw Forest has become somewhat of an obsession lately. I really should slow down, and take a few "Pine Vine Days," as Tor used to call them. I wonder if we can get Pine Vine here in Boga? And yes, I've no desire to become a drunkard, the meal sounds very appealing as well."

Merin laughs heartily; Tor was no drunkard, either, but the big man loved the combination of Pine Vine and a well-cooked steak, and could eat and drink more than anyone else Merin had ever encountered. Tor's idea of food and drink for 1 meal would result in a normal man passing out on the tavern floor.

 

[MacConnell]

Merin smiles... leaves... trades... sells his Bracers, Belt, and Greaves... Surcoat repaired... will enhance himself...

GM: It is taken for grated that a character will use all available mystical talents when negotiating but not necessarily enhancing items that could multiply the effectiveness.

Spoiler: Negotiate

Merindell: 41(coerce) + 65(allure) + 64(d100) = 170

This is compared to the skepticism and analysis of the target, which are not printed, as store keepers are permanent NPCs.

Though the proprietor does not have the skill to match that of Swift Raven or Fallen Leaf, he is quite the competent leather worker. With the trade of the other items, not only will he repair the snakeskin surcoat, but he will do so immediately. He explains that it will still take about an hour or two to complete and adds a few extra coins back to Merindell's pocket for the extraordinary items traded. Sheldon talks to a tailor abut having his silk tunic repaired at the same time.

Needing to wait for the repairs, anyway, the two men head back to the Workman's District to have a meal. Pine Vine Mellow is available but after a suggestion from the very attractive Centrin server, the men decide to try one of the local wines, which proves to be superior.

The owner, who is also the Construction Commissioner for the city, is away looking after the continued construction of the canal system that is to, eventually, surround the city. During the meal, a runner comes in, usually a child who is paid to carry messages, and asked if the men are going to remain for a bit for his employer would like to speak with them face to face.

Curious much more than catious, as the men know no one within the city, they agree to wait. A practically dressed, though of quality material and design, Centrin man walks through the swinging louvered doors, looks around as his eyes adjust to the darker glow of the room lighting, and waves at the two men, before walking over and seating himself at their table. He orders another round of drinks, including one for himself, before beginning. He introduces himself as Claygh.

"Though the finest pottery comes out of Asylim, being porcelain and glass, we make our own more practical items, for general use, here in the city. I am the caravaner who operates the crew who collects the raw material. West of the city, about two days' travel their is a dried oxbow of the Middling River. An oxbow is a lake left behind when a river changes course. Anyway, this oxbow must have been rather shallow because all that is left is a muddy area, good for collecting the silt used in pottery."

He takes a long pull from his mug. "A bit of talk has gotten around of an Amiradthan dressed like an Ansylin and a Centrin man looking for some... other than usual work. Apparently you two have some skill more appropriate to explorers or prospectors. Well, I definitely have something other than ordinary."

He takes another long pull, finishing his mug before signaling for a refill. "Travel can be dangerous out in the Wilds, sure, but a couple of Tendays passed I lost a worker. What we found of him looked like he might have been ravished by bear or a lion. After the second one, I talked to the Masons' Guild, that who oversees the pottery business, and they sent a couple of heavies to investigate. Those two never came back. I don't want to go to the Guild with this, yet. That guy always seems so angry. I have not mentioned it to the potter because that guy scares me. I was wondering if you might look into it?"

GM: Alchemical analysis has not been forgotten. It will be handled in a post after leaving the city.

Spoiler: Character Data

Merindell: full wellness
Surcoat: 79
Tunic: 56
Sheldon: full wellness
A-tunic: 59

Spoiler: Collections

Animal:
Cockatrice fangs: 1 pair, (motility & cohesion +3)
Cockatrice feathers: 1 set, (motility & cohesion +3)
Cockatrice venom: 2 measures, (toxicity x4)
Jackal Canines: 8 pair: (Strength +3)
Jackal Dew Claws: 7 pair: (Strength +3)
Jackal Hearts: 8: {+strength x 3, +athleticism x 3}
Quillion Quills: 2: (Health +3), {toxicity x4}
Feather Talismans: 2, ??
Lizard Claws: 3 sets, ??
Ram's Horn: 1, ??
Boar Tusk: 1, ??
Lizard Teeth: 1 pouch, ??
Bird Skull: 1, ??

Mineral:
Slickstone: 1: {- heat x2}
Curious Stones: 7, ??

Ores:
ingots: 5, ??

Plant:
dried herbs: 10 measures, ??

OOC: Each character receives 5 DP. Merindell improves in Centrin by 2%. State nominal actions and intentions. Provided a random roll, whether used or not.