Session 7: Settling In
<Kent> So... Back from the market>?
<Kheldar> market...
<Kent> Yeah, food, broom, clothes for Celeste...'
<Kheldar> Let's see, and you arranged for a locksmith to fix your door.
<Kent> Right. I was going to , but it got forgotten. If you allow, I'd say that that was on the list of things to do whiile out and about.
<Kheldar> Yeah, we'll assume that you got to that too.
<Kent> okay.
<Kent> So... putting groceries away?
<Kheldar> Celeste is pleasant company. It's a little odd (presumably) to have someone along and helping put things away, but nonetheless, it is kind of nice.
<Kent> Oh yes, it is odd.
<Kheldar> Anything of significance you plan on telling her during the day, or mostly just chit-chat?
<Kent> As we finish putting things away Jannot asks, "Celeste, you haven't mentioned anything else about last night. Did you want to report those men to the watch?"
<Kheldar> She kind of freezes when you bring up the subject, then kind of shakes her head.
<Kheldar> She seems a little scared.
<Kent> Putting down the radish Jannot sits and replies, "Listen, those men should pay for what they did... or tried to do. Don't you think?"
<Kent> He speaks softly as to try to not upset her too much..
<Kheldar> "It.. It's not that simple. Those guys have friends... They'll ..." She winces. "They'll find me."
<Kent> Jannot motions her to sit at the table next to him.
<Kheldar> She sits.
<Kent> "If they are in prison then they can't hurt you. Besides, since it took two of them to attack one harmless woman, I don't think that they would pose a serious threat. Unless there's something about them that you're not telling me."
<Kheldar> She looks down at her hands and fidgets for a bit.
<Kent> Jannot leans a little toward her and talks softly, "You know that I'm just trying to help you, don't you?"
<Kheldar> "Oh, I know, Jannot." She says in a rush.
<Kheldar> She hesitates. "It's just.."
<Kent> Jannot leans back away, "You know, we don't have to do that if you don't want. But, I do want to report them ... for breaking in to my shop."
<Kent> - missed that. should I ... rescind my previous comment? ok
<Kheldar> --nope, she let you finish talking.
<Kheldar> She gives a small sigh. "I think they're part of some... gang or something."
<Kent> Jannot nodds, "Well, in that case the guard would most-likely already know these men from description and be able to find them even easier. Do you think that if I called the guard that you could help me give their description?"
<Kheldar> She shakes her head and gets a somewhat frightened look on her face.
<Kent> grr...
<Kheldar> "I... I don't.... You haven't been here lately. I don't know if the guards would actually do anything..."
<Kent> Jannot pauses... "Do you think that the guard are compromised?"
<Kheldar> She shakes her head. "No, they... just seem not to care."
<Kent> "What would make you think that they wouldn't want to jail a criminal?"
<Kent> "Well, as my old friend used to say 'it's the squeaky wheel that gets oiled' so, do you really not want to report these guys? If they think that they can get away with crime then tey'll just keep doing it."
<Kent> Jannot feels like being insistent about this.
<Kheldar> She silently shakes her head. Then, "I'm afraid of them."
<Kent> "Okay then, you don't have to talk to the guard at all. I'll deal with them and not involve you in any way. Can you just help me with their description? I only saw them briefly."
<Kheldar> She takes a deep breath. "Jannot, maybe it would be best if you let it drop. They probably won't be back... Now that they know you live here again..."
<Kent> Jannot hangs his head. Resignedly he asks, "Is that really what you want? to let these guys go?"
<Kheldar> "Please, Jannot. It's not worth it."
<Kent> Jannot picks up the radish and standing back up he says, "Fine. I'll drop it. If it'll make you feel better." then after a pause, "Perhaps things here have changed more than I know." and puts the radish in with the other vegetables...
<Kheldar> She gives you a little smile.
<Kent> Jannot returns her smile and after finishing putting the groceries away, goes to make something up to eat for a belated lunch.
<Kheldar> Is there anything else in particular you plan to discuss, or just chit-chat?
<Kent> Yeah, but later. I was going to ask what her family did before... what she did for work... but it can wait.
<Kheldar> Ok, lunch is a little quiet at first, but soon she brightens up a little, and things begin to feel a little more cheerful.
<Kent> While eating, Jannot will ask another thing. "By the way, when I entered by into the caity, I was asked about my name, work, and so on. Do you know if the guard are looking for anyone in particular?
<Kheldar> "I'm not sure. They started doing it about a week ago. There are actually a number of places they have set up around the city. They just seem to be asking questions. I haven't really heard of anything happening though."
<Kent> Jannot finishes a bite and then continues. "A fellow in the line in front of me, I don't recall his name, was led away by the guards for further questioning. It seemed that they weren't interested in him until he told them that he worked in leathers. Know anything about that?"
<Kheldar> She stops eating. "That's odd. I wonder what that means... Perhaps they think he's connected with how the plague got started or something."
<Kent> After a pause, Jannot nodds and goes back to his food...
<Kent> Perhaps he shouldn't ask that sort of question so directly in the future - say, for instance, at the library or a church...
<Kheldar>
<Kent> Normal chitchat ensues until the meal ends and Jannot goes back to cleaning out the shop.
<Kheldar> She will, of course, help you with that. She seems to enjoy spending time talking with you. She asks about what you saw on your boat ride south, etc. Nothing real serious.
<Kent> While cleaning, Jannot thinks about the strange little arrangement he and Celeste have seemingly come upon...
<Kent> Jannot will, in passing, but curious, ask about her religious preferences...
<Kheldar> She explains that ...
<Kheldar> --GM thinking...
<Kent> - that's always good.
<Kheldar> She believes that Az is the creator of the world, and that he placed other creatures here (which others call gods) to provide something tangible for people to follow.
<Kent> Is this a common belief or is this something unique?
<Kheldar> It's not horribly uncommon.
<Kent> Jannot will mention to her that he really has no specific beliefs about the gods... holding back anything about his recent religious experience...
<Kheldar>
<Kent> What kind of progress are we making on the shop?
<Kheldar> Well, pretty good progress actually. The two of you together should have pretty much everything straightened out by late this afternoon.
<Kent> Did the locksmith every show up to repair the door lock?
<Kheldar> Oh... sure.
<Kent>
<Kheldar> The price comes out to... say... 2 bronze.
<Kent> - how much does he still have handy?
<Kheldar> You still have just over 3 gold.
<Kheldar> Right. ok.
<Kent> okay. Just trying to determine if Jannot would pay out of pocket or write up a scrip for it. Jannot pays the nice fellow out of pocket.
<Kent> Cash before service?
<Kheldar> Not necessarily.
<Kent> okay. How much of the equipment would need to be replaced in the shop (or rebuilt or repaired) before it would be workable?
<Kheldar> Well, quite a bit of it. You could probably start doing some things with what you have, but you couldn't deal with a very large quantity.
<Kent> Okay. Well, it's afternoon and Jannot is thinking that they will call it quits for the day and take the opportunity to return his borrowed book to his colleague.
<Kent> To Celeste, "I have this book that I'm going to return to a friend. I should return in... two bells?"
<Kheldar> Ok. Celeste hesitantly asks if you mind if she comes along.
<Kent> "Sure. I suppose you can come along, although, it'll just be a walk there and a walk back."
<Kheldar> "I don't mind."
<Kent> Well, Jannot actually did want to do this by himself, it's strange to be NOT alone, but he doesn't seem to really mind.
<Kheldar> You've noticed that she seems to be a little nervous about being alone.
<Kent> Yeah. Right-o
<Kent> So, gathering the book , making sure to remove anything he may have stuck in between the pages, Jannot locks up the place and heads over to ... GAH I can't find the guy's name.
<Kheldar> Lyle.
<Kent> Yup. just found it.
<Kent> He heads over to Lyle's.
<Kheldar> I need to put together a page that's just a catalog of names and places...
<Kent> Heh - cross-referencing your game-logs?
<Kheldar> Ok, you and Celeste head over to Lyle's place. As you turn the corner near his house/shop. You realize that an entire row of houses has been burnt to the ground. His is one of them.
<Kent> Wow. Jannot pauses. Was Lyle's home and shop connected like Jannots? Right.
<Kheldar> It was a two story thing, with the house above.
<Kheldar> "Is that where he lived?"
<Kent> "Well, I suppose he won't mind if I hold on to it after all. Is there a place that people have been going if they have been displaced? " Jannot points out the particular pile of rubble and cinders.
<Kheldar> "Not that I know about... I would have gone there if I'd heard anything."
<Kent> Janot nodds, "Of course, foolish question." And on a hunch are there any other leather working ahops in the area?
<Kheldar> --interesting thought...
<Kheldar> You could get to one without too much of a side trip.
<Kent> "Lets take a little stroll while we're out tonight." and Jannot offers his arm to Celeste.
<Kheldar> "Ok... Was he a close friend of yours, Jannot?"
<Kent> "Not really. We traded stock a little. Talked occaisionally... I suppose we were friends."
<Kheldar> "Oh... I'm sorry for you, Jannot."
<Kheldar> You reach the place where this other shop is located...
<Kheldar> Err... Is supposed to be located. It's been half burned, then the front half collapsed.
<Kent> "Thanks," he says. and continues walking. Jannot cringes a little but continues walking.
<Kheldar> Celeste doesn't appear to notice, but continues talking lightly with you.
<Kent> Are there any other tanners or tanneries or leather workers nearby that Jannot would know of?
<Kheldar> Yes, there's one more relatively near. There are plenty of others, of course, but not nearby.
<Kent> Okay. Jannot tries to incorporate a walk past this other shop into a return path to the house.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kheldar> You reach the place, but it's definitely not open for business. The door hangs open, the windows are broken. There's no one inside that you can see.
<Kheldar> You have passed a few patrols today. You've noticed that they are larger than they used to be, and you don't quite get the same friendly feeling you used to get when passing by.
<Kent> Okay... Jannot has the corner on the market... Back to the abode.
<Kheldar>
<Kent> Hm... well, that could just be because of the ... attack from the elves...
<Kheldar> riiight...
<Kent> Riiiight..
<Kheldar> The two of you return to the shop and home.
<Kent> As we get to the house, Jannot takles the opportunity to look closer at the area surrounding the shop. how any out of how many of his neighbors are still there?
<Kheldar> Well, it seems like at least half the buildings have damage of some kind. There are sections that are worse and some that are better. You specific neighborhood has relatively light damage.
<Kent> Neighbor people?
<Kheldar> You do see some people that you recognize. They give you a nod of recognition, but don't stop to chat.
<Kent> Okay. Good. Good. Allright. He feels a little better at that.
<Kent> Well, is it evening?
<Kheldar> It's starting to get pretty close, yes.
<Kent> Well, Jannot prepares a supper and picks out a decent book to relax into for the evening while trying to decide if he wants to do any more research regarding the prophecy on the morrow.
<Kheldar> You read for a little. Celeste kind of putters about, straightening things. Finally she kind of sighs a bit and asks, "Would you read to me?"
<Kent> Wow, Jannot looks at her. "You'd like me to read to you? about the dwarven histories?"
<Kheldar> She nods. "I never learned to read..."
<Kent> Ah... Jannot smiles. "Sure. I, um, I'd like that." and he... in the living room area... motions her to sit in a nearby chair. "Maybe I can show you how to read..." he says.
<Kheldar> She sits gracefully.
<Kheldar> "I'd like that..."
<Kent> He's read this book half-a-dozen times already so he turns back to the front of the book. As he does he thinks to himself, 'Teach her to read? That would take time... Time... strange, never thought about spending this kind of time with someone before.' and he begins reading, happily.
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> She is an attentive listener.
<Kent>
<Kheldar> Ok, now I have a question for you.
<Kent> great. okay...
<Kheldar> What's your general plan for the next couple days? I ask, because I don't neccessarily have any specific events for you for a bit, but want to make sure you have the chance to take care of business.. I'd rather summarize the passage of time if possible.
<Kent> - that's fine. in the morning, Jannot is planning to get some estimates on essential equipment repairs and then see if there are any pelts or furs to be purchased. If that goes well, he MIGHT consider going to the sage fellow and ask about the events of the last two weeks.
<Kheldar> Not a problem, after all, the point of this is to roleplay, just don't want to spend overly much time on things that we both consider... minor.
<Kent> Um... we can make it brief.
<Kent> Sure, but I think that the burdgeoning relationship with Celeste is developing quite nicely and that tkaes a little attention to detail.
<Kheldar> True, although these things tend to happen over... weeks rather than hours or days...
<Kheldar> I'm presuming that Jannot is finding himself to be... somewhat...
<Kheldar> ...smitten?
<Kent> ... sometimes. interested in her future... He's very un-accustomed to the attention that she gives him and I'm afraid, is very likely to become smitten rather easily. Sort of like a single person and a puppy... perhaps not quite so.
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> Ok, then in light of that, let me summarize a couple things, then I'll give you the chance to initiate some things.
<Kent> We'll see.
<Kheldar> First of all, she is very attentive to you. She seems interested in... yeesh! Everything you do! (This is obviously from your point of view...)
<Kent> Uh huh.
<Kheldar> She never brings up the subject of what happened that one night, or the week before that.
<Kheldar> She never brings up the issue about what lies in the future.
<Kheldar> She seems content to live here and now.
<Kheldar> She does tell you some about her family. She apparently lived with her parents and two brothers. Her father was a cobbler. Her mother made a little extra money baking.
<Kheldar> It isn't long before she volunteers to bake for the two of you.
<Kent>
<Kent> Wow, that'd be... nice. Sure. Well, the place doesn't have to have everything it did before.
<Kheldar> Repairs on the shop will be... expensive, let's see... We're talking on the order of... probably more than just one or two gold in order to get everything back into top shape. You should be able to kind of ramp some things up thought, particularly since it's only you, ... no Thom...
<Kent> Yeah... Just a few tools, repair a few work tables. By some more chemicals and salts...the problem is the skin inventory.I'm sure that everything from before was either stolen or rotten by now.
<Kheldar> Yes, most of which is... ruined.
<Kheldar> Oh, do you mind getting Celeste some other things to wear? She's extremely hesitant to ask...
<Kent> Ah, well, um... Jannot will say how helpful she's been around the house and shop and that she'll probably need to have some more clothes...
<Kheldar> She does go off one afternoon by herself. She comes home maybe two bells later. She's rather subdued for the rest of the evening.
<Kent> Did she leave unannounced?
<Kheldar> She told you she was going out, but that she didn't want company.
<Kheldar> She did bring back a couple of minor things. A candlestick, a couple cups, the like. Mostly odds and ends.
<Kheldar> By the next day, she seems to have recovered her normal ... light personality.
<Kent> Ah. Back to the old homestead for some memoirs. Okay.
<Kheldar> Let's see... hmm... that's pretty much it for the critical things on her end.
<Kent> So, just as a specificity, Jannot the third day back, will have gone to the docks area to check on skins and pelts - without Celeste.
<Kheldar> Right... and your boat too?
<Kent> Exactly. That he'll just chance putting up on the shore.
<Kheldar> Ok. It looks like a couple other people have started doing the same. It's nowhere near as crowded as it used to be.
<Kent> good.
<Kent> well, better, a closer boulder then...
<Kheldar> Any topics of discussion that you want to initiate that are worth hitting at this point?
<Kent> One other topic of discussion that Jannot would bring up is the elves, He'll ask if she saw any elves, or know anyone that does, the night that they supposedly 'attacked'.
<Kheldar> She shakes her head. "I just heard rumours about the elves."
<Kent> Um... Jannot in the next couple of days tries to show Celeste the alphabet.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kent> He really likes that ...
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> Oh yes, one other thing. One evening, she come up to you holding a slightly nasty looking piece of hide. "What's this?"
<Kent> yes... Oh crap.
<Kheldar> Sure enough, it has the symbol on it.
<Kent> [laughter ensues.]
<Kent> Jannot smiles and takes it from her. "It's just a strange piece of hide I found... before all this mess started happening."
<Kheldar> "Oh, ok."
<Kent> He goes to throw it out, but then shows her the symbol on it. "Have you ever seen this before?"
<Kheldar> "It doesn't look familiar. That's why I brought it to you rather than throwing it out..."
<Kent> Jannot pauses, 'Huh, she's going through my things now... strange...' Oh. Sure. <Kheldar> --As you'll recall, I think you left it in the shop, she probably found it while cleaning.
<Kheldar> Although, I must also say that she has been doing a little cleaning around the house. Not that you were messy before, but she does manage to keep it tidy.
Okay. Jannot looks at the hide one last time. Anything interesting about it other than the mark?
<Kheldar> Nothing that catches your eye.
<Kent> Well, he has a drawing of it, so he tosses it out onto the trash heap in the alley.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kent> ... and washes his hands...
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> So, how does 1 gold sound for repairs/replacements at this point?
<Kent> for... what, most/some/all/little of the shop?
<Kheldar> For some. Enough to allow you to do reasonable business again.
<Kent> Sure. repairs - replaced tools. Are you including skins?
<Kheldar> Nope. You'll need some customers for that.
<Kent> K. That's the next thing on his list. scout out the other leather workers and see about getting some inventory.
<Kheldar> Yes.
<Kheldar> --thinking...
<Kent> He'll probably have to go to the bank and get some money out soon...
<Kheldar> --hang on, looking some stuff up.
<Kent> k
<Kent> I believe that you told me once that I had a TIDY SUM in the bank.
<Kheldar> It looks like with Celeste around you'll end up spending about 5 silver a month on food/etc.
<Kheldar> Err... bank, yes... um..
<Kheldar> About that...
<Kent> Ah. Oh no. you can't take that out.
<Kheldar> No, don't worry. It's just more that ... I considered your starting money to be your disposable income... hmm...
<Kent> well
<Kheldar> You know, banks probably don't give you interest for storing your money there anyway. They probably charge you. That might explain why you had 3+ gold around the house.
<Kent> So? He was only away for 2 weeks
<Kheldar> What I'm saying is that you probably don't have additional savings in the bank. Of course, loans are possible, and the draft notes you have may give you some leverage.
<Kent> Oh. Hm. I didn't realize that it was that way. I thought that the disposable income I had was just that...
<Kheldar> Sorry that wasn't detailed more clearly. My fault. "Forgot the walls..."
<Kheldar>
<Kent> grr... he he... Hm.
<Kheldar> Just a bit over 2 gold. That's still pretty hefty.
<Kent> So, how much does he have left after the few days pass... some more food, some clothes for Celeste... 1 G of repairs...
<Kent> okay. Perhaps gold goes a bit farther than I had imagined.
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> Gold goes *very* far.
<Kent> Allright
<Kent> and life costs 5 silver a month?
<Kheldar> Yes, at your average standard of living.
<Kheldar> yes.
<Kent> ... for two people? you used that comfortable wealth thing to come up with that, huh...
<Kheldar> Actually, it has more to do with your status rather than your wealth. You actually could have had a higher standard of living, but chose not to.
<Kent> allright. I suppose I will have to live with that, but you're not saying that a month has passed are you?
<Kheldar> oh no, not at all. Just giving you the ability to think ahead as needed.
<Kent> good. okay then.
<Kheldar> Now, I'm going to think a bit and consider how much time has passed... unless you have anything else of note to bring up...
<Kent> Well, we need to get the thing settled where Jannot scopes out the other leather workers.
<Kent> and skin suppliers.
<Kheldar> Ok, yes, wait on that just a moment...
<Kent> And then He'll want to contact any old customers that he might have not finished their work orders...
<Kheldar> --thinking...
<Kent> yeah?
<Kheldar> So... Scoping out the other leather workers...
<Kheldar> hmmm...
<Kent> Yeah, walk around, try to determine if EVERY leather worker that was in place before he left is gone.
<Kent> ... before diving back into the leather trade.
<Kheldar> ... sorry for the delay, trying to figure something out...
<Kent> You know, if we need to stop soon just let me know.
<Kheldar> I wouldn't mind. See, I couldn't plan a lot last week because I didn't have much of a feel for where you were headed...
<Kent> Well, Jannot is wanting to get back into business since he's back into his home, so... there you are.
<Kheldar> Yes, now that I know that...
<Kheldar> --GM's evil chuckle
<Kent> ... plus there's the library...
<Kent> ... and the sage
<Kheldar> -- I'm just trying to figure out how to keep you alive... }:>
<Kent> Right... I thought it was your job to kill off all oncomers...
<Kheldar> That would be way to easy.
<Kent> likely so... 'You notice a shadow encompass you on the ground...'
<Kheldar> bah... beginner's stuff. How about, "You die."
<Kheldar>
<Kent> Oh yeah, there you go. 'You feeel a pain in the left arm and have difficulty breathing...'
<Kheldar> heh
<Kheldar> Ok, so do you plan on checking out the competition first, or hitting the library?
<Kent> Oh, no. The library and the sage can wait. Business comes first ... unless you already have the library and the sage figured out...
<Kheldar> yeah right. Ok, time to check some businesses.
<Kent> Right.
<Kheldar> Are you inviting Celeste along?
<Kheldar> Ok, it's probably been... hmm.. a couple days.
<Kent> Nah. Since she asked about baking for the two of us, was she suggesting that she bake goods for sale to help make some money?
<Kheldar> Not really, just offering to cook for the two of you.
<Kent> Oh. Um. well, Jannot would rather check out this work-related stuff on his own today... as long as she doesn't make a big deal out of it.
<Kheldar> No problem. She's settled down a little. There hasn't been trouble of any kind, so...
<Kent> So... this is the 4th day or the third?
<Kheldar> Sure, something like that. It shouldn't really matter.
<Kent> 4th.
<Kent> okay.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kent> Down closer to the shore/docks should be a number of places.
<Kheldar> As you move along to various spots, asking directions and such...
<Kent> Wait, directions? These are likely places Jannot has been past or even perhaps visited in the past.
<Kheldar> Well, you probably wouldn't know ...
<Kheldar> well...
<Kheldar> [dice rolling]
<Kheldar> Ok, sure. No directions.
<Kent>
<Kheldar> Oh yeah. There is still a checkpoint you'll have to pass through...
<Kent> Hm. really?
<Kheldar> Yes. As you have the chance to move around the city a bit more, you find that these check points are put up here and there, mostly near the gates and down near the shore, but also others here and there.
<Kent> okay. well, do they ask anything about people as they leave?
<Kheldar> Oh yes, the questions are pretty much the same as you were asked before...
<Kheldar> Still in town visiting your relatives?
<Kent> ... and the answers will be the same as well... Well, the family is gone (that's true) and am rebuilding the family place (also true).
<Kheldar> Ok, good enough. The questioning seems pretty much a formality. People are used to it by now.
<Kent> cool... the lying about the name gets easier - after all your friends become a part of you right?
<Kheldar> Sure.
<Kent> Heh.
<Kheldar> Ok, so as you move from one tannery to a leather shop, to a trading post for furs, you begin to spot a slightly disturbing trend.
<Kent> Are none of the previous owners in place?
<Kheldar> Well.. all of the places are deserted. Some even seem to be in normal condition, but not open for business, and no sign of life.
<Kent> Oh. Hm. That's interesting. Jannot will continue looking... for anywhere that sells or buys leather.
<Kent> along the docks up through the market.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kent> Someone has to provide the population with leather goods. Saddles have to be mended, boots have to be repaired, armor needs to be replaced...
<Kheldar> You would certainly assume that to be the case.
<Kheldar> You are preparing to move your search more towards the markets, when you hit one last tannery down by the docks. It wasn't officially licensed... ahem
<Kent> Ah. I see. Did Jannot ever do business with these folks before?
<Kheldar> Nope, and you've never met the owner either.
<Kent> Was the place always there?
<Kheldar> Uh... in what sense?
<Kent> Did Jannot know of the place at all before hand?
<Kheldar> Oh, yes. You'd heard of it.
<Kheldar> It'd never been much of a concern as it supposedly doesn't pull in a lot of business.
<Kent> As Jannot stands a little ways away from the place, do they appear to be doing a decent amount of business?
<Kheldar> Half second.
<Kheldar> The place is located off the main road a bit. Not a very pleasant area, but there isn't the same kind of feel as that first day back in town. There are some people around.
<Kheldar> The first thing you notice when you reach the place is a guy out front strapping down some boxes to a hand-cart.
<Kent> Okay. I assume that the boxes aren't labelled or open for easy view...
<Kheldar> Nope. Actually, there are a couple odds and ends. If you had to guess, you say it looks like the guy is moving or something.
<Kent> Jannot will move up to the fellow. "Doing much business these days?" with a sarcastic half-smile.
<Kheldar> He gives you a side-long glance. "I don't know what you're talking about."
<Kent> Since He's moved closer can he see inside the shop?
<Kheldar> Sure, you can see in a window. There doesn't appear to be any activity inside.
<Kent> ... or merchandise?
<Kheldar> Right, none of that apparent either.
<Kent> To the fellow, "So, where does a guy have to go to buy a pair of good work gloves now-a-days?"
<Kheldar> "You've got me... I have no idea." He gives a tug at one of the ropes.
<Kheldar> "I'm just in town visiting my relatives. They used to live here."
<Kent> Jannot steps closer a little, "Used to live here? Did they used to run this shop?"
<Kheldar> "I guess so."
<Kent> "Well, what happened to them, do you know?"
<Kheldar> You happen to notice that his hands are a little stained, such as you might pick up yourself while working.
<Kheldar> "Well, I think they died or something. They weren't here when I got here."
<Kent> ... as in, right-o.Is the guy on the close side of the cart, on the ground?
<Kheldar> Yes. It's only a hand-cart, so it's not that big.
<Kent> Jannot will step up close to the fellow and say quietly, "WHy are you leaving? Did someone threaten you?"
<Kheldar> There's a pause. He gives you a little... look. "Naw, I'm just headed back home. I figure since they aren't here anymore I'll take their stuff back with me."
<Kent> Jannot shakes his head, "Come on, what happened to all the other, " he looks around to check to see if anyone is near that could hear.
<Kheldar> He kind of looks you up and down for a bit.
<Kheldar> There doesn't seem to be anyone paying attention to you.
<Kent> are there any other people near that could overhear? ..."tanners and skin traders?"
<Kheldar> He pauses. "Do you do business here?" He says quietly.
<Kent> "To be honest, no, but I was going to. But from what I'm seeing, that might not be smart."
<Kheldar> He thinks a moment, then shrugs and goes back to his cart. "I've heard it's pretty straightforward if you get a license."
<Kent> [you're tough.]
<Kheldar> --You almost had him, but lost him by saying just exactly the wrong thing...
<Kent> [What? how? That's not fair. Now I'll have to beat it out of him...
<Kheldar>
<Kent> ...not.]
<Kent> ... Damn. Obviously Jannot's not going to get anything from this fellow so he goes on his way.
<Kheldar> Ok.
<Kheldar> That's pretty much it for the docks areas. You can start checking over near the markets now.
<Kent> If that's the only other area that would have leather workers.
<Kheldar> Well, there are probably dozens and dozens of shops in a city this size... You should be able to hit most of them.
<Kent> How about this. Market place first and try to find SOMEONE that's selling SOMETHING made of leather.
<Kent> ... he'd frustrated... [I'm frustrated...]
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> Right. You do actually manage to find a place near the markets fairly quickly. The odd thing is that it's a new place you didn't recognize. It's apparently a place that purchases hides from trappers.
<Kent> thief...
<Kent> Wait a sec. I have a question. When that guy asked if I did business here, was he asking if I ran a leather business or if I'd done business with him before?
<Kheldar> Well, he probably wasnt asking if you'd done business with him.
<Kent> okay. No misunderstanding then.
<Kent> Continue.
<Kheldar> Right. They buy hides, and likely resell them to leather workers.
<Kheldar> They look open, and you can tell from the smell that they're doing business.
<Kent> Hm.
<Kent> Jannot will approach the place.
<Kheldar> ...and head in?
<Kent> Oh, Yeah. sure.
<Kheldar> You are greeted by (apparently) an apprentice. "Can I help you sir?"
<Kent> "Yeah, I'd like to know what all you folks sell."
<Kheldar> "Well, sir. We sell cured hides to leather workers. We usually deal in bulk."
<Kent> "Jannot looks around at the place. Is it new or are the owners just new?
<Kent> "Can I look at some of your hides?"
<Kheldar> Actually, the place looks new. It looks like it's still in the process of getting set up. They mostly likely purchased the building and are making some modifications.
<Kheldar> "Certainly sir. Can I ask your interest?" He begins showing you over to some drying racks.
<Kent> "I'll let you know if I like your products." Jannot says with a smile.
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> They apparently don't have any hides finished at this point, which would make sense if they've just started up. He points out a couple of nicer furs, and some good stout leather.
<Kheldar> The quality looks... fair.
<Kent> Jannot looks over the hides fairly thoroughly, are there any distinctive traits?
<Kheldar> hmm... not particularly.
<Kent> "Who do you generally purchase your supply from?"
<Kheldar> "We have several trappers who make regular stops here."
<Kent> "I'm new to this area... what happened to all the other closed leather shops I saw along the way?"
<Kheldar> "I'm not sure, sir. I'm just an apprentice. From what I've heard, they just added a bunch of new licensing... things. So probably they haven't been able to.."
<Kent> "Oh, allright. I see. So, where is your employer from?"
<Kheldar> "He just moved up here from Ilan. I think he got some kind of subsidy from the king here."
<Kent> Ah. I see.
<Kent> "Okay, well, your product looks pretty good. Maybe I'll stop by when you have some finished products."
<Kheldar> "Thank you sir. We look forward to your business."
<Kent> Jannot moves away from the shop.
<Kent> So, there are some new business rules... and costs I imagine.
<Kheldar> Apparently.
<Kent> Perhaps the day wiould have been better spent at the library or the sage instead.
<Kheldar> Yes.
<Kent> Is there an office of commerce? Board of trade?
<Kheldar> A royal license office I suppose.
<Kent> okay, and I imagine that there is a yearly application for business license that Jannot would have paid.. or something?
<Kheldar> Probably.
<Kent> Would this be where he would have gotten the 'signet ring' by which he does business transactions?
<Kheldar> Yes.
<Kent> And he probably doesn't have his with him, eh?
<Kheldar> Well... I don't know. Does he usually carry it around? I'm thinking probably not.
<Kent> Probably not. Not unless he knew he was going to be doing business.
<Kent> Okay, he's been in the office a few times before, what's it like?
<Kheldar> Um... It's ... in what sense?
<Kent> well, is it the kind of place that a person can enter freely and ask for information without having to sign something or pay something?
<Kheldar> Ah, I see. hmm... That depends on the information, but probably you could get something without charge. It's not the library. They're funded by the crown, through business taxes.
<Kent> Right. So the office is there to service the businesses. So to speak.
<Kheldar> Yes.
<Kent> okay. Jannot will go there.
<Kent> He needs to find out what these new regulations are that seem to have chased off all the other leather working businesses.
<Kheldar> This session was a little different than others. You were kind of in between things...
<Kent> What do you mean? in a LULL of sorts with the rest of the world?
<Kheldar> Well, yes. Of sorts. See, some of the things that are ahead are kind of dependant on what you do, so I had to gather more of that kind of info...
<Kent> So, I get the feeling that you're waiting for me to step into a trap...
<Kheldar> No, not really. Just waiting to find out what your next move is so that I know what you'll run into next. Now that I know, I have to do some planning to figure out what that entails.
<Kent> Well, you know what his motivations are... though he'll have to figure out if business is still viable.
<Kent> Celeste... What an odd thing.
<Kheldar> Oh?
<Kent> well, if he has to take off eventually... decisions lurk about. And, what exactly is going on really? I mean, they live together... they don't know much about each other... I dunno, it's strange.
<Kheldar> Yeah...
<Kent> Perhaps if she warms his ... nevermind.
<Kheldar> you'd better say heart.
<Kent>
<Kheldar>
<Kent> laughing. Jannot has never had a relationship of that sort before, you know. Oh, there was another thing I was going to ask. There has never been mention about Celeste's approximate age.
<Kheldar> Oh yeah. She actually (as far as you can tell without having asked) near your age.
Next time... Answering Questions
<Kent> So... Back from the market>?
<Kheldar> market...
<Kent> Yeah, food, broom, clothes for Celeste...'
<Kheldar> Let's see, and you arranged for a locksmith to fix your door.
<Kent> Right. I was going to , but it got forgotten. If you allow, I'd say that that was on the list of things to do whiile out and about.
<Kheldar> Yeah, we'll assume that you got to that too.
<Kent> okay.
<Kent> So... putting groceries away?
<Kheldar> Celeste is pleasant company. It's a little odd (presumably) to have someone along and helping put things away, but nonetheless, it is kind of nice.
<Kent> Oh yes, it is odd.
<Kheldar> Anything of significance you plan on telling her during the day, or mostly just chit-chat?
<Kent> As we finish putting things away Jannot asks, "Celeste, you haven't mentioned anything else about last night. Did you want to report those men to the watch?"
<Kheldar> She kind of freezes when you bring up the subject, then kind of shakes her head.
<Kheldar> She seems a little scared.
<Kent> Putting down the radish Jannot sits and replies, "Listen, those men should pay for what they did... or tried to do. Don't you think?"
<Kent> He speaks softly as to try to not upset her too much..
<Kheldar> "It.. It's not that simple. Those guys have friends... They'll ..." She winces. "They'll find me."
<Kent> Jannot motions her to sit at the table next to him.
<Kheldar> She sits.
<Kent> "If they are in prison then they can't hurt you. Besides, since it took two of them to attack one harmless woman, I don't think that they would pose a serious threat. Unless there's something about them that you're not telling me."
<Kheldar> She looks down at her hands and fidgets for a bit.
<Kent> Jannot leans a little toward her and talks softly, "You know that I'm just trying to help you, don't you?"
<Kheldar> "Oh, I know, Jannot." She says in a rush.
<Kheldar> She hesitates. "It's just.."
<Kent> Jannot leans back away, "You know, we don't have to do that if you don't want. But, I do want to report them ... for breaking in to my shop."
<Kent> - missed that. should I ... rescind my previous comment? ok
<Kheldar> --nope, she let you finish talking.
<Kheldar> She gives a small sigh. "I think they're part of some... gang or something."
<Kent> Jannot nodds, "Well, in that case the guard would most-likely already know these men from description and be able to find them even easier. Do you think that if I called the guard that you could help me give their description?"
<Kheldar> She shakes her head and gets a somewhat frightened look on her face.
<Kent> grr...
<Kheldar> "I... I don't.... You haven't been here lately. I don't know if the guards would actually do anything..."
<Kent> Jannot pauses... "Do you think that the guard are compromised?"
<Kheldar> She shakes her head. "No, they... just seem not to care."
<Kent> "What would make you think that they wouldn't want to jail a criminal?"
<Kent> "Well, as my old friend used to say 'it's the squeaky wheel that gets oiled' so, do you really not want to report these guys? If they think that they can get away with crime then tey'll just keep doing it."
<Kent> Jannot feels like being insistent about this.
<Kheldar> She silently shakes her head. Then, "I'm afraid of them."
<Kent> "Okay then, you don't have to talk to the guard at all. I'll deal with them and not involve you in any way. Can you just help me with their description? I only saw them briefly."
<Kheldar> She takes a deep breath. "Jannot, maybe it would be best if you let it drop. They probably won't be back... Now that they know you live here again..."
<Kent> Jannot hangs his head. Resignedly he asks, "Is that really what you want? to let these guys go?"
<Kheldar> "Please, Jannot. It's not worth it."
<Kent> Jannot picks up the radish and standing back up he says, "Fine. I'll drop it. If it'll make you feel better." then after a pause, "Perhaps things here have changed more than I know." and puts the radish in with the other vegetables...
<Kheldar> She gives you a little smile.
<Kent> Jannot returns her smile and after finishing putting the groceries away, goes to make something up to eat for a belated lunch.
<Kheldar> Is there anything else in particular you plan to discuss, or just chit-chat?
<Kent> Yeah, but later. I was going to ask what her family did before... what she did for work... but it can wait.
<Kheldar> Ok, lunch is a little quiet at first, but soon she brightens up a little, and things begin to feel a little more cheerful.
<Kent> While eating, Jannot will ask another thing. "By the way, when I entered by into the caity, I was asked about my name, work, and so on. Do you know if the guard are looking for anyone in particular?
<Kheldar> "I'm not sure. They started doing it about a week ago. There are actually a number of places they have set up around the city. They just seem to be asking questions. I haven't really heard of anything happening though."
<Kent> Jannot finishes a bite and then continues. "A fellow in the line in front of me, I don't recall his name, was led away by the guards for further questioning. It seemed that they weren't interested in him until he told them that he worked in leathers. Know anything about that?"
<Kheldar> She stops eating. "That's odd. I wonder what that means... Perhaps they think he's connected with how the plague got started or something."
<Kent> After a pause, Jannot nodds and goes back to his food...
<Kent> Perhaps he shouldn't ask that sort of question so directly in the future - say, for instance, at the library or a church...
<Kheldar>
<Kent> Normal chitchat ensues until the meal ends and Jannot goes back to cleaning out the shop.
<Kheldar> She will, of course, help you with that. She seems to enjoy spending time talking with you. She asks about what you saw on your boat ride south, etc. Nothing real serious.
<Kent> While cleaning, Jannot thinks about the strange little arrangement he and Celeste have seemingly come upon...
<Kent> Jannot will, in passing, but curious, ask about her religious preferences...
<Kheldar> She explains that ...
<Kheldar> --GM thinking...
<Kent> - that's always good.
<Kheldar> She believes that Az is the creator of the world, and that he placed other creatures here (which others call gods) to provide something tangible for people to follow.
<Kent> Is this a common belief or is this something unique?
<Kheldar> It's not horribly uncommon.
<Kent> Jannot will mention to her that he really has no specific beliefs about the gods... holding back anything about his recent religious experience...
<Kheldar>
<Kent> What kind of progress are we making on the shop?
<Kheldar> Well, pretty good progress actually. The two of you together should have pretty much everything straightened out by late this afternoon.
<Kent> Did the locksmith every show up to repair the door lock?
<Kheldar> Oh... sure.
<Kent>
<Kheldar> The price comes out to... say... 2 bronze.
<Kent> - how much does he still have handy?
<Kheldar> You still have just over 3 gold.
<Kheldar> Right. ok.
<Kent> okay. Just trying to determine if Jannot would pay out of pocket or write up a scrip for it. Jannot pays the nice fellow out of pocket.
<Kent> Cash before service?
<Kheldar>
Not necessarily. <Kent> okay. How much of the equipment would need to be replaced in the shop (or rebuilt or repaired) before it would be workable?
<Kheldar> Well, quite a bit of it. You could probably start doing some things with what you have, but you couldn't deal with a very large quantity.
<Kent> Okay. Well, it's afternoon and Jannot is thinking that they will call it quits for the day and take the opportunity to return his borrowed book to his colleague.
<Kent> To Celeste, "I have this book that I'm going to return to a friend. I should return in... two bells?"
<Kheldar> Ok. Celeste hesitantly asks if you mind if she comes along.
<Kent> "Sure. I suppose you can come along, although, it'll just be a walk there and a walk back."
<Kheldar> "I don't mind."
<Kent> Well, Jannot actually did want to do this by himself, it's strange to be NOT alone, but he doesn't seem to really mind.
<Kheldar> You've noticed that she seems to be a little nervous about being alone.
<Kent> Yeah. Right-o
<Kent> So, gathering the book , making sure to remove anything he may have stuck in between the pages, Jannot locks up the place and heads over to ... GAH I can't find the guy's name.
<Kheldar> Lyle.
<Kent> Yup. just found it.
<Kent> He heads over to Lyle's.
<Kheldar> I need to put together a page that's just a catalog of names and places...
<Kent> Heh - cross-referencing your game-logs?
<Kheldar> Ok, you and Celeste head over to Lyle's place. As you turn the corner near his house/shop. You realize that an entire row of houses has been burnt to the ground. His is one of them.
<Kent> Wow. Jannot pauses. Was Lyle's home and shop connected like Jannots? Right.
<Kheldar> It was a two story thing, with the house above.
<Kheldar> "Is that where he lived?"
<Kent> "Well, I suppose he won't mind if I hold on to it after all. Is there a place that people have been going if they have been displaced? " Jannot points out the particular pile of rubble and cinders.
<Kheldar> "Not that I know about... I would have gone there if I'd heard anything."
<Kent> Janot nodds, "Of course, foolish question." And on a hunch are there any other leather working ahops in the area?
<Kheldar> --interesting thought...
<Kheldar> You could get to one without too much of a side trip.
<Kent> "Lets take a little stroll while we're out tonight." and Jannot offers his arm to Celeste.
<Kheldar> "Ok... Was he a close friend of yours, Jannot?"
<Kent> "Not really. We traded stock a little. Talked occaisionally... I suppose we were friends."
<Kheldar> "Oh... I'm sorry for you, Jannot."
<Kheldar> You reach the place where this other shop is located...
<Kheldar> Err... Is supposed to be located. It's been half burned, then the front half collapsed.
<Kent> "Thanks," he says. and continues walking. Jannot cringes a little but continues walking.
<Kheldar> Celeste doesn't appear to notice, but continues talking lightly with you.
<Kent> Are there any other tanners or tanneries or leather workers nearby that Jannot would know of?
<Kheldar> Yes, there's one more relatively near. There are plenty of others, of course, but not nearby.
<Kent> Okay. Jannot tries to incorporate a walk past this other shop into a return path to the house.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kheldar> You reach the place, but it's definitely not open for business. The door hangs open, the windows are broken. There's no one inside that you can see.
<Kheldar> You have passed a few patrols today. You've noticed that they are larger than they used to be, and you don't quite get the same friendly feeling you used to get when passing by.
<Kent> Okay... Jannot has the corner on the market... Back to the abode.
<Kheldar>
<Kent> Hm... well, that could just be because of the ... attack from the elves...
<Kheldar> riiight...
<Kent> Riiiight..
<Kheldar> The two of you return to the shop and home.
<Kent> As we get to the house, Jannot takles the opportunity to look closer at the area surrounding the shop. how any out of how many of his neighbors are still there?
<Kheldar> Well, it seems like at least half the buildings have damage of some kind. There are sections that are worse and some that are better. You specific neighborhood has relatively light damage.
<Kent> Neighbor people?
<Kheldar> You do see some people that you recognize. They give you a nod of recognition, but don't stop to chat.
<Kent> Okay. Good. Good. Allright. He feels a little better at that.
<Kent> Well, is it evening?
<Kheldar> It's starting to get pretty close, yes.
<Kent> Well, Jannot prepares a supper and picks out a decent book to relax into for the evening while trying to decide if he wants to do any more research regarding the prophecy on the morrow.
<Kheldar> You read for a little. Celeste kind of putters about, straightening things. Finally she kind of sighs a bit and asks, "Would you read to me?"
<Kent> Wow, Jannot looks at her. "You'd like me to read to you? about the dwarven histories?"
<Kheldar> She nods. "I never learned to read..."
<Kent> Ah... Jannot smiles. "Sure. I, um, I'd like that." and he... in the living room area... motions her to sit in a nearby chair. "Maybe I can show you how to read..." he says.
<Kheldar> She sits gracefully.
<Kheldar> "I'd like that..."
<Kent> He's read this book half-a-dozen times already so he turns back to the front of the book. As he does he thinks to himself, 'Teach her to read? That would take time... Time... strange, never thought about spending this kind of time with someone before.' and he begins reading, happily.
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> She is an attentive listener.
<Kent>
<Kheldar> Ok, now I have a question for you.
<Kent> great. okay...
<Kheldar> What's your general plan for the next couple days? I ask, because I don't neccessarily have any specific events for you for a bit, but want to make sure you have the chance to take care of business.. I'd rather summarize the passage of time if possible.
<Kent> - that's fine. in the morning, Jannot is planning to get some estimates on essential equipment repairs and then see if there are any pelts or furs to be purchased. If that goes well, he MIGHT consider going to the sage fellow and ask about the events of the last two weeks.
<Kheldar> Not a problem, after all, the point of this is to roleplay, just don't want to spend overly much time on things that we both consider... minor.
<Kent> Um... we can make it brief.
<Kent> Sure, but I think that the burdgeoning relationship with Celeste is developing quite nicely and that tkaes a little attention to detail.
<Kheldar>
True, although these things tend to happen over... weeks rather than hours or days...<Kheldar>
I'm presuming that Jannot is finding himself to be... somewhat...<Kheldar> ...smitten?
<Kent> ... sometimes.
interested in her future... He's very un-accustomed to the attention that she gives him and I'm afraid, is very likely to become smitten rather easily. Sort of like a single person and a puppy... perhaps not quite so.<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> Ok, then in light of that, let me summarize a couple things, then I'll give you the chance to initiate some things.
<Kent> We'll see.
<Kheldar> First of all, she is very attentive to you. She seems interested in... yeesh! Everything you do! (This is obviously from your point of view...)
<Kent> Uh huh.
<Kheldar> She never brings up the subject of what happened that one night, or the week before that.
<Kheldar> She never brings up the issue about what lies in the future.
<Kheldar> She seems content to live here and now.
<Kheldar> She does tell you some about her family. She apparently lived with her parents and two brothers. Her father was a cobbler. Her mother made a little extra money baking.
<Kheldar> It isn't long before she volunteers to bake for the two of you.
<Kent>
<Kent> Wow, that'd be... nice. Sure. Well, the place doesn't have to have everything it did before.
<Kheldar> Repairs on the shop will be... expensive, let's see... We're talking on the order of... probably more than just one or two gold in order to get everything back into top shape. You should be able to kind of ramp some things up thought, particularly since it's only you, ... no Thom...
<Kent> Yeah... Just a few tools, repair a few work tables. By some more chemicals and salts...the problem is the skin inventory.I'm sure that everything from before was either stolen or rotten by now.
<Kheldar> Yes, most of which is... ruined.
<Kheldar> Oh, do you mind getting Celeste some other things to wear? She's extremely hesitant to ask...
<Kent> Ah, well, um... Jannot will say how helpful she's been around the house and shop and that she'll probably need to have some more clothes...
<Kheldar> She does go off one afternoon by herself. She comes home maybe two bells later. She's rather subdued for the rest of the evening.
<Kent> Did she leave unannounced?
<Kheldar> She told you she was going out, but that she didn't want company.
<Kheldar> She did bring back a couple of minor things. A candlestick, a couple cups, the like. Mostly odds and ends.
<Kheldar> By the next day, she seems to have recovered her normal ... light personality.
<Kent> Ah. Back to the old homestead for some memoirs. Okay.
<Kheldar> Let's see... hmm... that's pretty much it for the critical things on her end.
<Kent> So, just as a specificity, Jannot the third day back, will have gone to the docks area to check on skins and pelts - without Celeste.
<Kheldar> Right... and your boat too?
<Kent> Exactly. That he'll just chance putting up on the shore.
<Kheldar> Ok. It looks like a couple other people have started doing the same. It's nowhere near as crowded as it used to be.
<Kent> good.
<Kent> well, better, a closer boulder then...
<Kheldar> Any topics of discussion that you want to initiate that are worth hitting at this point?
<Kent> One other topic of discussion that Jannot would bring up is the elves, He'll ask if she saw any elves, or know anyone that does, the night that they supposedly 'attacked'.
<Kheldar> She shakes her head. "I just heard rumours about the elves."
<Kent> Um... Jannot in the next couple of days tries to show Celeste the alphabet.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kent> He really likes that ...
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> Oh yes, one other thing. One evening, she come up to you holding a slightly nasty looking piece of hide. "What's this?"
<Kent> yes... Oh crap.
<Kheldar> Sure enough, it has the symbol on it.
<Kent> [laughter ensues.]
<Kent> Jannot smiles and takes it from her. "It's just a strange piece of hide I found... before all this mess started happening."
<Kheldar> "Oh, ok."
<Kent> He goes to throw it out, but then shows her the symbol on it. "Have you ever seen this before?"
<Kheldar> "It doesn't look familiar. That's why I brought it to you rather than throwing it out..."
<Kent> Jannot pauses, 'Huh, she's going through my things now... strange...' Oh. Sure. <Kheldar> --As you'll recall, I think you left it in the shop, she probably found it while cleaning.
<Kheldar> Although, I must also say that she has been doing a little cleaning around the house. Not that you were messy before, but she does manage to keep it tidy.
Okay. Jannot looks at the hide one last time. Anything interesting about it other than the mark?
<Kheldar> Nothing that catches your eye.
<Kent> Well, he has a drawing of it, so he tosses it out onto the trash heap in the alley.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kent> ... and washes his hands...
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> So, how does 1 gold sound for repairs/replacements at this point?
<Kent> for... what, most/some/all/little of the shop?
<Kheldar> For some. Enough to allow you to do reasonable business again.
<Kent> Sure. repairs - replaced tools. Are you including skins?
<Kheldar> Nope. You'll need some customers for that.
<Kent> K. That's the next thing on his list. scout out the other leather workers and see about getting some inventory.
<Kheldar> Yes.
<Kheldar> --thinking...
<Kent> He'll probably have to go to the bank and get some money out soon...
<Kheldar> --hang on, looking some stuff up.
<Kent> k
<Kent> I believe that you told me once that I had a TIDY SUM in the bank.
<Kheldar> It looks like with Celeste around you'll end up spending about 5 silver a month on food/etc.
<Kheldar> Err... bank, yes... um..
<Kheldar> About that...
<Kent> Ah. Oh no. you can't take that out.
<Kheldar> No, don't worry. It's just more that ... I considered your starting money to be your disposable income... hmm...
<Kent> well
<Kheldar> You know, banks probably don't give you interest for storing your money there anyway. They probably charge you. That might explain why you had 3+ gold around the house.
<Kent> So? He was only away for 2 weeks
<Kheldar> What I'm saying is that you probably don't have additional savings in the bank. Of course, loans are possible, and the draft notes you have may give you some leverage.
<Kent> Oh. Hm. I didn't realize that it was that way. I thought that the disposable income I had was just that...
<Kheldar> Sorry that wasn't detailed more clearly. My fault. "Forgot the walls..."
<Kheldar>
<Kent> grr... he he... Hm.
<Kheldar> Just a bit over 2 gold. That's still pretty hefty.
<Kent> So, how much does he have left after the few days pass... some more food, some clothes for Celeste... 1 G of repairs...
<Kent> okay. Perhaps gold goes a bit farther than I had imagined.
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> Gold goes *very* far.
<Kent> Allright
<Kent> and life costs 5 silver a month?
<Kheldar> Yes, at your average standard of living.
<Kheldar> yes.
<Kent> ... for two people? you used that comfortable wealth thing to come up with that, huh...
<Kheldar> Actually, it has more to do with your status rather than your wealth. You actually could have had a higher standard of living, but chose not to.
<Kent> allright. I suppose I will have to live with that, but you're not saying that a month has passed are you?
<Kheldar> oh no, not at all. Just giving you the ability to think ahead as needed.
<Kent> good. okay then.
<Kheldar> Now, I'm going to think a bit and consider how much time has passed... unless you have anything else of note to bring up...
<Kent> Well, we need to get the thing settled where Jannot scopes out the other leather workers.
<Kent> and skin suppliers.
<Kheldar> Ok, yes, wait on that just a moment...
<Kent> And then He'll want to contact any old customers that he might have not finished their work orders...
<Kheldar> --thinking...
<Kent> yeah?
<Kheldar> So... Scoping out the other leather workers...
<Kheldar> hmmm...
<Kent> Yeah, walk around, try to determine if EVERY leather worker that was in place before he left is gone.
<Kent> ... before diving back into the leather trade.
<Kheldar> ... sorry for the delay, trying to figure something out...
<Kent> You know, if we need to stop soon just let me know.
<Kheldar> I wouldn't mind. See, I couldn't plan a lot last week because I didn't have much of a feel for where you were headed...
<Kent> Well, Jannot is wanting to get back into business since he's back into his home, so... there you are.
<Kheldar> Yes, now that I know that...
<Kheldar> --GM's evil chuckle
<Kent> ... plus there's the library...
<Kent> ... and the sage
<Kheldar> -- I'm just trying to figure out how to keep you alive... }:>
<Kent> Right... I thought it was your job to kill off all oncomers...
<Kheldar> That would be way to easy.
<Kent>
likely so... 'You notice a shadow encompass you on the ground...'<Kheldar> bah... beginner's stuff. How about, "You die."
<Kheldar>
<Kent> Oh yeah, there you go. 'You feeel a pain in the left arm and have difficulty breathing...'
<Kheldar> heh
<Kheldar> Ok, so do you plan on checking out the competition first, or hitting the library?
<Kent> Oh, no. The library and the sage can wait. Business comes first ... unless you already have the library and the sage figured out...
<Kheldar> yeah right. Ok, time to check some businesses.
<Kent> Right.
<Kheldar> Are you inviting Celeste along?
<Kheldar> Ok, it's probably been... hmm.. a couple days.
<Kent> Nah. Since she asked about baking for the two of us, was she suggesting that she bake goods for sale to help make some money?
<Kheldar> Not really, just offering to cook for the two of you.
<Kent> Oh. Um. well, Jannot would rather check out this work-related stuff on his own today... as long as she doesn't make a big deal out of it.
<Kheldar> No problem. She's settled down a little. There hasn't been trouble of any kind, so...
<Kent> So... this is the 4th day or the third?
<Kheldar> Sure, something like that. It shouldn't really matter.
<Kent> 4th.
<Kent> okay.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kent> Down closer to the shore/docks should be a number of places.
<Kheldar> As you move along to various spots, asking directions and such...
<Kent> Wait, directions? These are likely places Jannot has been past or even perhaps visited in the past.
<Kheldar> Well, you probably wouldn't know ...
<Kheldar> well...
<Kheldar> [dice rolling]
<Kheldar> Ok, sure. No directions.
<Kent>
<Kheldar> Oh yeah. There is still a checkpoint you'll have to pass through...
<Kent> Hm. really?
<Kheldar> Yes. As you have the chance to move around the city a bit more, you find that these check points are put up here and there, mostly near the gates and down near the shore, but also others here and there.
<Kent> okay. well, do they ask anything about people as they leave?
<Kheldar> Oh yes, the questions are pretty much the same as you were asked before...
<Kheldar> Still in town visiting your relatives?
<Kent> ... and the answers will be the same as well... Well, the family is gone (that's true) and am rebuilding the family place (also true).
<Kheldar> Ok, good enough. The questioning seems pretty much a formality. People are used to it by now.
<Kent> cool... the lying about the name gets easier - after all your friends become a part of you right?
<Kheldar>
Sure.<Kent>
Heh.<Kheldar> Ok, so as you move from one tannery to a leather shop, to a trading post for furs, you begin to spot a slightly disturbing trend.
<Kent> Are none of the previous owners in place?
<Kheldar> Well.. all of the places are deserted. Some even seem to be in normal condition, but not open for business, and no sign of life.
<Kent> Oh. Hm. That's interesting. Jannot will continue looking... for anywhere that sells or buys leather.
<Kent> along the docks up through the market.
<Kheldar> Right.
<Kent> Someone has to provide the population with leather goods. Saddles have to be mended, boots have to be repaired, armor needs to be replaced...
<Kheldar> You would certainly assume that to be the case.
<Kheldar> You are preparing to move your search more towards the markets, when you hit one last tannery down by the docks. It wasn't officially licensed... ahem
<Kent> Ah. I see. Did Jannot ever do business with these folks before?
<Kheldar> Nope, and you've never met the owner either.
<Kent> Was the place always there?
<Kheldar> Uh... in what sense?
<Kent> Did Jannot know of the place at all before hand?
<Kheldar> Oh, yes. You'd heard of it.
<Kheldar> It'd never been much of a concern as it supposedly doesn't pull in a lot of business.
<Kent> As Jannot stands a little ways away from the place, do they appear to be doing a decent amount of business?
<Kheldar> Half second.
<Kheldar> The place is located off the main road a bit. Not a very pleasant area, but there isn't the same kind of feel as that first day back in town. There are some people around.
<Kheldar> The first thing you notice when you reach the place is a guy out front strapping down some boxes to a hand-cart.
<Kent> Okay. I assume that the boxes aren't labelled or open for easy view...
<Kheldar> Nope. Actually, there are a couple odds and ends. If you had to guess, you say it looks like the guy is moving or something.
<Kent> Jannot will move up to the fellow. "Doing much business these days?" with a sarcastic half-smile.
<Kheldar> He gives you a side-long glance. "I don't know what you're talking about."
<Kent> Since He's moved closer can he see inside the shop?
<Kheldar> Sure, you can see in a window. There doesn't appear to be any activity inside.
<Kent> ... or merchandise?
<Kheldar> Right, none of that apparent either.
<Kent> To the fellow, "So, where does a guy have to go to buy a pair of good work gloves now-a-days?"
<Kheldar> "You've got me... I have no idea." He gives a tug at one of the ropes.
<Kheldar> "I'm just in town visiting my relatives. They used to live here."
<Kent> Jannot steps closer a little, "Used to live here? Did they used to run this shop?"
<Kheldar> "I guess so."
<Kent> "Well, what happened to them, do you know?"
<Kheldar> You happen to notice that his hands are a little stained, such as you might pick up yourself while working.
<Kheldar> "Well, I think they died or something. They weren't here when I got here."
<Kent> ... as in, right-o.Is the guy on the close side of the cart, on the ground?
<Kheldar> Yes. It's only a hand-cart, so it's not that big.
<Kent> Jannot will step up close to the fellow and say quietly, "WHy are you leaving? Did someone threaten you?"
<Kheldar> There's a pause. He gives you a little... look. "Naw, I'm just headed back home. I figure since they aren't here anymore I'll take their stuff back with me."
<Kent> Jannot shakes his head, "Come on, what happened to all the other, " he looks around to check to see if anyone is near that could hear.
<Kheldar> He kind of looks you up and down for a bit.
<Kheldar> There doesn't seem to be anyone paying attention to you.
<Kent> are there any other people near that could overhear? ..."tanners and skin traders?"
<Kheldar> He pauses. "Do you do business here?" He says quietly.
<Kent> "To be honest, no, but I was going to. But from what I'm seeing, that might not be smart."
<Kheldar> He thinks a moment, then shrugs and goes back to his cart. "I've heard it's pretty straightforward if you get a license."
<Kent> [you're tough.]
<Kheldar> --You almost had him, but lost him by saying just exactly the wrong thing...
<Kent> [What? how? That's not fair. Now I'll have to beat it out of him...
<Kheldar>
<Kent> ...not.]
<Kent> ... Damn. Obviously Jannot's not going to get anything from this fellow so he goes on his way.
<Kheldar> Ok.
<Kheldar> That's pretty much it for the docks areas. You can start checking over near the markets now.
<Kent> If that's the only other area that would have leather workers.
<Kheldar> Well, there are probably dozens and dozens of shops in a city this size... You should be able to hit most of them.
<Kent> How about this. Market place first and try to find SOMEONE that's selling SOMETHING made of leather.
<Kent> ... he'd frustrated... [I'm frustrated...]
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> Right. You do actually manage to find a place near the markets fairly quickly. The odd thing is that it's a new place you didn't recognize. It's apparently a place that purchases hides from trappers.
<Kent> thief...
<Kent> Wait a sec. I have a question. When that guy asked if I did business here, was he asking if I ran a leather business or if I'd done business with him before?
<Kheldar> Well, he probably wasnt asking if you'd done business with him.
<Kent> okay. No misunderstanding then.
<Kent> Continue.
<Kheldar> Right. They buy hides, and likely resell them to leather workers.
<Kheldar> They look open, and you can tell from the smell that they're doing business.
<Kent> Hm.
<Kent> Jannot will approach the place.
<Kheldar> ...and head in?
<Kent> Oh, Yeah. sure.
<Kheldar> You are greeted by (apparently) an apprentice. "Can I help you sir?"
<Kent> "Yeah, I'd like to know what all you folks sell."
<Kheldar> "Well, sir. We sell cured hides to leather workers. We usually deal in bulk."
<Kent> "Jannot looks around at the place. Is it new or are the owners just new?
<Kent> "Can I look at some of your hides?"
<Kheldar> Actually, the place looks new. It looks like it's still in the process of getting set up. They mostly likely purchased the building and are making some modifications.
<Kheldar> "Certainly sir. Can I ask your interest?" He begins showing you over to some drying racks.
<Kent> "I'll let you know if I like your products." Jannot says with a smile.
<Kheldar>
<Kheldar> They apparently don't have any hides finished at this point, which would make sense if they've just started up. He points out a couple of nicer furs, and some good stout leather.
<Kheldar> The quality looks... fair.
<Kent> Jannot looks over the hides fairly thoroughly, are there any distinctive traits?
<Kheldar> hmm... not particularly.
<Kent> "Who do you generally purchase your supply from?"
<Kheldar> "We have several trappers who make regular stops here."
<Kent> "I'm new to this area... what happened to all the other closed leather shops I saw along the way?"
<Kheldar> "I'm not sure, sir. I'm just an apprentice. From what I've heard, they just added a bunch of new licensing... things. So probably they haven't been able to.."
<Kent> "Oh, allright. I see. So, where is your employer from?"
<Kheldar> "He just moved up here from Ilan. I think he got some kind of subsidy from the king here."
<Kent> Ah. I see.
<Kent> "Okay, well, your product looks pretty good. Maybe I'll stop by when you have some finished products."
<Kheldar> "Thank you sir. We look forward to your business."
<Kent> Jannot moves away from the shop.
<Kent> So, there are some new business rules... and costs I imagine.
<Kheldar> Apparently.
<Kent> Perhaps the day wiould have been better spent at the library or the sage instead.
<Kheldar> Yes.
<Kent> Is there an office of commerce? Board of trade?
<Kheldar> A royal license office I suppose.
<Kent> okay, and I imagine that there is a yearly application for business license that Jannot would have paid.. or something?
<Kheldar>
Probably.<Kent> Would this be where he would have gotten the 'signet ring' by which he does business transactions?
<Kheldar> Yes.
<Kent> And he probably doesn't have his with him, eh?
<Kheldar> Well... I don't know. Does he usually carry it around? I'm thinking probably not.
<Kent> Probably not. Not unless he knew he was going to be doing business.
<Kent> Okay, he's been in the office a few times before, what's it like?
<Kheldar> Um... It's ... in what sense?
<Kent> well, is it the kind of place that a person can enter freely and ask for information without having to sign something or pay something?
<Kheldar> Ah, I see. hmm... That depends on the information, but probably you could get something without charge. It's not the library. They're funded by the crown, through business taxes.
<Kent> Right. So the office is there to service the businesses. So to speak.
<Kheldar> Yes.
<Kent> okay. Jannot will go there.
<Kent> He needs to find out what these new regulations are that seem to have chased off all the other leather working businesses.
<Kheldar> This session was a little different than others. You were kind of in between things...
<Kent> What do you mean? in a LULL of sorts with the rest of the world?
<Kheldar> Well, yes. Of sorts. See, some of the things that are ahead are kind of dependant on what you do, so I had to gather more of that kind of info...
<Kent> So, I get the feeling that you're waiting for me to step into a trap...
<Kheldar> No, not really. Just waiting to find out what your next move is so that I know what you'll run into next. Now that I know, I have to do some planning to figure out what that entails.
<Kent> Well, you know what his motivations are... though he'll have to figure out if business is still viable.
<Kent> Celeste... What an odd thing.
<Kheldar> Oh?
<Kent> well, if he has to take off eventually... decisions lurk about. And, what exactly is going on really? I mean, they live together... they don't know much about each other... I dunno, it's strange.
<Kheldar>
Yeah...<Kent> Perhaps if she warms his ... nevermind.
<Kheldar> you'd better say heart.
<Kent>
<Kheldar>
<Kent> laughing. Jannot has never had a relationship of that sort before, you know. Oh, there was another thing I was going to ask. There has never been mention about Celeste's approximate age.
<Kheldar> Oh yeah. She actually (as far as you can tell without having asked) near your age.
Next time... Answering Questions
