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Message: <blockquote data-quote="AStott" data-source="post: 523107" data-attributes="member: 7825">Session 3: Plague<Kheldar> So, you want to know about religion in this setting?<Kent> Yeah, that'd be good.<Kheldar> Ok, I'll present things from a neutral point of view. Jannot will have to decide for himself where he stands.<Kent> Yous need to learn mes about 'ligion.<Kheldar> There are many, many gods.<Kent> Oh.<Kheldar> They can be generally divided into two basic categories.<Kheldar> One category is called by their worshipers the Old Gods or the True Gods. Others call them the Powerless.<Kent> Interesting...<Kheldar> The other category is not exactly named by their followers, but their detractors call them... errr... new gods or false gods? hmmm... not sure about that part.<Kent> Yeah.<Kent> usurpers?<Kheldar> Here's the key difference... The powerless or the old gods never seem to work obvious miracles. Their followers claim that their power comes out as the actions they take themselves. Detractors... well... obviously these gods are not real if they show no signs of power.<Kheldar> All the other gods... The non-Powerless... have a tendancy to grant their followers powers of different kinds. These gods are much more numerous than the powerless. They have more of a tendancy to have local followers rather than global followers. They tend to have areas of specialty.<Kheldar> Got the basic drift of things?<Kent> uh huh... Hm. Gotch ya. Sure. It's pretty straight forward. However... what are the local gods? which are the most popular and...<Kheldar> Oh, yes, the followers of the Old Gods believe that all the "new gods" are actually demons of some kind which ensnare people.<Kent> RIGHT...<Kheldar> As far as the most common, the New Gods easily have more followers. People are attracted to obvious power. For some reason though, the followers of the Old Gods just refuse to die out.<Kent> I hear yiou there. Locally.<Kent> Right, but I'm talkiong about where Jannot lives.<Kheldar> In the area where you live, the biggest church would be... hmm...<Kent> Both new and old.<Kheldar> A new god who supposedly founded the city. He has particular powers with the ocean.<Kent> Oh. THat's interesting. And does he have a symbol of some sort? or idol?<Kheldar> oh... say... his symbol would be a sailing vessel on a blue background.<Kent> FISH? doh...<Kent> Nonterasu<Kheldar> The largest old god following (and this is generally true, not just locally) is ... (been having troubles thinking of a name, so this might be considered not set in stone)... Az. He is supposedly the god who created the world.<Kent> Az. That's all you could come up with?<Kheldar> Think about the spelling for a second...<Kent> Yeah, I get it.<Kent> OKay. Your woerld. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> Hey, if you have suggestions, let me know... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Well, I like interesting names of moderate complexity... but who's to say that a god would have the same naming convention as a mear mortal.<Kheldar> Yes, and I'm a horrible namer...<Kheldar> Or with old gods, who's to say that the name wasn't provided by the worshippers. It wouldn't be like an old god to tell anyone his name... or even speak to anyone... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Hm... true.<Kent> Okay, okay. Az it Is.<Kent> Hm. So there isn't one in particular that tends to have the most ... mystics... involved?<Kheldar> So, in answer to your question at the end of last session, there is no god of prophecy. Most of the prophets (at least the good ones) were followers of various old gods.<Kent> Oh. I see.<Kheldar> Some of the new gods have prophets but their success... varies.<Kent> I completely follow.<Kent> he he he..<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kheldar> Probably, depending of course on exactly what you're after.<Kent> Okay. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> So, I'd most likely be looking for an old god church for something related to an 'older' prophecy.'<Kheldar> If you want something more than a human answer, odds are that you'll need to find a new god...<Kent> Um... Hm.<Kent> Hm. Oh, I get your drift. What about elves?<Kheldar> What about them?<Kent> Are there any around? Hm.<Kheldar> Ah... There are a couple small communities of grey elves. You've never been in that area of the city, but you've heard they keep it ... a lot more green. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Hm. Do the elves tend to keep to themselves? Do you see them around the marketplace? Opening shops?<Kheldar> It's not so much that they keep to themselves as it is that humans don't tend to treat them well (at least in cities).<Kent> Hm.<Kheldar> This is partly due to the fact that elves feel somewhat out of place in human cities, being more used to much more open cities.<Kent> Good enough. Do the elves have a religion or god?<Kheldar> Elves are pretty much as diverse as humanity, although there is more of a tendancy to follow the old gods.<Kent> Hm. I write a lot...How far is that part of the city?<Kheldar> It's probably more or less about the same distance as your shop/home, but off in a different direction.<Kent> Recall Jannot is near the Library having just spoken... wait... or did he already decide to go to church street?<Kheldar> You're still near the library.<Kent> good.<Kent> Lets see. It's almost noon, right?<Kheldar> I believe that's correct.<Kent> ... just had an apple... Yeah? Oh. Um... do you have that portion posted?Hm. <Kheldar> No, that was last visit.<Kheldar> Yup, it's up. So is the modified prophecy page.<Kent> gr8.<Kent> Okay, well, in that case, Jannot will head off in the direction of the elves communities.<Kheldar> Ok.<Kent> ...great. Now I have to meet another race...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Jannot suppresses a shiver.<Kheldar> So, you are able to get directions which get you near where some elves live.<Kheldar> You begin to see a few elves here and there on the street, and you start seeing a few houses that have been built in (what you assume) is an elvish style.<Kheldar> They tend to be fairly open, built to let in the air and light.<Kheldar> Anything in particular you're looking for?<Kent> Are there shops per se?<Kheldar> Yes, there are shops. Things such as food shops, to... well, a variety of things.<Kent> Well, since Jannot hasn't had anything to eat since breakfast, (and it's likely after noon by now, yes?) He'll go to the second food shop he sees.<Kheldar> Yes.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> ... as long as it's not too busy...<Kheldar> Ok. It's a small shop selling various makings for meals.<Kent> So... it's ala carte?<Kheldar> Well... it's not exactly a place to eat. Is that more lke what you're looking for?<Kent> Ah, yeah, if there's a place to eat rather than a place to buy food-stuffs, that's what he's looking for.<Kheldar> There certainly is. It will certainly cater more to elvish-style food of course.<Kent> He he... I'm aware...<Kheldar> Ok then, you find a place to eat, and head inside.<Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Is it busy?<Kheldar> Let's see...<Kheldar> It's a little past the normal lunch crowd.<Kheldar> It's not too busy because most people have already eaten their noon meal.<Kent> great. Wait do you mean that it's later than most people eat and there are as such fewer people?<Kent> right. Um... Jannot checks out the place. Do you just sit and some one comes out or do you approach a bar?<Kheldar> Yes, have a seat and ... apparently an elf maid will ask what you'd like.<Kent> ooohh... elf maidens... ahem. Never mind.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Jannot picks a table that's as by-itself as possible and has a seat.<Kent> Right.<Kheldar> All of the few patrons are elves. You draw a couple curious looks, but you find a seat at a table off to the side.<Kent> Jannot is feeling uneasy... but tries to summon up the courage to stay and eat something.<Kheldar> Soon after you are seated, you are approached by an amazingly thin elvish ... well, girl. She wears an apron, and she asks you in somewhat halting Kayesh if she can get you something to eat.<Kent> .. ha ha ha... <Kent> Jannot tries to speak clearly.<Kent> "Yes. What do you have to eat?"<Kheldar> She looks a little helpless as she says a couple things you don't understand. Then she explains, "We make plant food cooked in ... sweet juice."<Kheldar> "Also..<Kent> He he... Jannot looks at her and smiles. "That sounds good. what is the cost?"<Kheldar> She smiles.<Kheldar> "Ok. you pay ... fifteen tin?"<Kent> Is that reasonable?<Kheldar> That's a little on the expensive side for lunch, but not way out there. Remember you paid 7 copper for an apple...<Kent> Oh. Then that's pretty cheap comapred to a stupid apple.<Kheldar> Of course, fruit tends to be expensive...<Kent> Okay, he tenders up 15 tin.<Kheldar> She takes you money and leaves, presumably to prepare the food.<Kent> Is there something to drink?<Kheldar> Some of the others are drinking something from mugs.<Kheldar> One elf drinks something, probably wine from a ... goblet.<Kent> Hm. Well, I'm a little unsure. Do people here drink the water? I know that some places no-one actually drinks water.<Kheldar> Hmmm... good point. Most likely not, unless you live on the very inland side of the city.<Kheldar> Usually an alcoholic beverage that's been fairly heavily watered down.<Kent> So, a light beverage in the middle of the day would be considered ... how about mulled cider? What types of beverages does Jannot believe that elves might drink? Hm. Okay. food for thought.<Kheldar> ...or drink...<Kheldar> Yeah, that'd be reasonable.<Kheldar> You have no idea, although you've read that they do like fine wines.<Kent> Jannot waits ... somewhat patiently and looks around, trying to observe... whatever.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> ...since he's never been in this area before... He's always wanted to visit an elven city...<Kheldar> The place is actually kind of nice, once you get past the slightly alien feel. Some of place just feels a little strange, like it's not quite stable.<Kent> Really.<Kheldar> But, it there is lots of light coming into the room from outside, and a slight breeze.<Kent> Sounds rather pleasant.<Kheldar> The elves have pretty much ignored you, and have returned to their conversations.<Kheldar> Yes, most (probably two thirds) of the traffic is elvish.<Kent> Are there other elves gcoming and going out in the street? Okay. So there are a healthy number of humans out on the road as well.<Kheldar> yes.<Kent> k<Kent> What other shops are visible from here?<Kheldar> Across the road is a furniture maker (apparently).<Kheldar> You spy a couple other shops whose purpose is not apparent to you.<Kheldar> You also see... a candle/lamp shop.<Kent> Hm. Okay.Jannot checks his watch, noting the time and gives Thom a call on his Cell to chekck on the business...DOH!<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kheldar> The girl soon comes back with a plate of food and a mug which she places in front of you. "Enjoy."<Kent> "Jannot thanks the girl and waits for her to retreat before he starts intot he food...<Kheldar> The food is.. interesting. It has a flavor that's definitely unique to you. It's not bad though. There is obviously some fish mixed in. The drink is a real lite slightly fruity drink of some kind.<Kent> ok. Sounds like a nice place to have lunch. Is the food a soup? a mash? sandwich?Stir-fry>?<Kheldar> No, it's more like... kind of a stir-fry.<Kent> yeah. great.<Kent> Jannot is really enjoying his first foray into the elvish side of the city...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f600.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":D" title="Big grin    :D"  data-smilie="8"data-shortname=":D" /><Kheldar> What next then?<Kheldar> She does come back out when your nearly finished to ask if you'd like anything else.<Kent> Well, if the girl comes out to refill his drink then when he leaves he'll leave 2 tin, otherwise 1 tin. Are the other elves that were dining there still there?<Kent> "Yes, some more of this... juice?"<Kheldar> Most of the other elves have left, although one or two others have come in. So, there are perhaps 3 or so others in the place now.<Kent> Was there any particular ...custom that Jannot may have observed after eating?"<Kheldar> None that you noticed.<Kent> ok.<Kheldar> right. where to?<Kent> After finishing the juice, Jannot will leave. If he notices a human passing by that doesn't look too pre-occupied, he'll try to ask them a question.<Kheldar> Ok, you spot a man who seems to be making his slow way down the street. He's not poor, not rich...<Kent> okay. Jannot approaches the man. "Excuse me, could I ask you a question?"<Kheldar> "I might be able to..."<Kent> "Oaky... Um. I was wanting to have a translation of an elvish poem done. Would you have any ideas as to where I might start?"<Kheldar> The man thinks for a moment...<Kheldar> "I suppose you could try the Falling Leaf. It's a small elvish book shop not far from here."<Kheldar> "Certainly"<Kheldar> He gives you directions. It's not far at all.<Kent> "Great. Thank you very much sir. Where might that be?"<Kent> Jannot thanks the man again and is off. 'whew. talking to a stranger int he street. Tomorrow I'll be dancing in a bar...'<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Jannot makes his way to this elvish book store.<Kheldar> You find the place fairly easily, and enter.<Kent> Is it as open as the restaurant was... are there a lot of customers?<Kheldar> Yes.<Kheldar> Well, it's interesting, the place is set up with a number of comfortable chairs and some tables. There are some elves sitting here and there reading.<Kheldar> Not many though.<Kent> He he he... elvish B&N. Sipping a hot, thick, aromatic beverage... <Kheldar> Yes, something like that... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kheldar> a dark beverage...<Kent> he he he... okay. Is there an obvious desk or whatnot?<Kheldar> Yes, there is. There are actually few bookshelves on the walls in the main room. Apparently most of the books are kept "in back".<Kent> Good enough. Jannot approaches that elf.<Kheldar> There is an older elf sitting on a stool behind a counter. Knowing the lifespan of elves, he must be... truely old.<Kent> Hm. Maybe he'll have first hand knowledge of this other elf-prophet...<Kent> Jannot walks up to the counter.<Kheldar> "Can I help you, young one?"<Kent> So is his Kayish pretty good?<Kheldar> It's actually fairly good.<Kent> "Yes, thank you." Jannot takes out the copy of the poem that he made and hands it to the elf. "Do you recognize this?"<Kheldar> He looks it over, then sets it on the counter. "It's written in elvish script, but the tongue is an old form of your Kayesh.<Kheldar> "I do not recognize where it comes from.<Kent> Jannot tells him what the librarian told him about the author of that book quoting that other author...<Kheldar> Ah, Llauron Mistover, is it? That's a sad story.<Kent> "That's what I was told."<Kent> "Why is his story a sad one?"<Kheldar> He looks around to see if any of his customers need anything. Apparently satisfied, he gestures to a stool on your side of the counter.<Kheldar> "Sit."<Kent> Jannot looks over,; takes the que and sits.<Kheldar> "Llauron was once a noble in an elf city far west of here."<Kent> ...far west...<Kheldar> "He was powerful in the ways of the tree and earth."<Kheldar> "He had... a wife, and children. He seemed content."<Kheldar> "Something changed though, many years before you were born. He seemed to think that the elves were ignorant of some vast wrong which they were living daily."<Kent> Jannot nodds.<Kheldar> "He was convinced that his city was doomed, and so he traveled east, eventually reaching these human lands.<Kheldar> "He left is kin and his friends, travelling alone."<Kheldar> "He saw you humans as a young race that could be molded, and he made it his.. ...life quest you might say, to prevent what he saw as a great evil that was yet to come."<Kheldar> "Many of us think he became... tainted by humans ways and human thoughts. He died alone."<Kent> "So, this passage here that I have, it's considered... what? A sad poem? a rambling of a mad man? ... a pro[phecy?"<Kheldar> "I would call it an undying example of his folly."<Kent> "Was there ever any more descriptive example of what he feared was coming?"<Kheldar> "He talked many times about the things that he feared and fled. I'm sure that his words have been writing down."<Kent> Jannot nodds and pulls out the scrap of hide that has that symbol on it. "Have you ever seen this before?"<Kheldar> The elf pulls back slightly from the hide, but looks at the symbol. "I can't say that I recognize it."<Kent> --afraid of that--<Kent> Jannot puts it back in his pouch.... better make a drawing of it for next time...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> "Another question. Are there any elves that had the same fears that Llauron had?"<Kheldar> The old elf shakes his head. "None."<Kent> --great--<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> "Do you know if you have any books here that would have his writings?"<Kheldar> "None from after he left his home."<Kent> --crapa-roonie--<Kent> "Oaky, so, could you translate that passage that I gave you?"<Kheldar> He takes a look down at the copy again and begins to speak...<Kheldar> Three wings together<Kheldar> from sea to air to earth.<Kheldar> Death returns to the fish city,<Kheldar> searching for the father's sons.<Kheldar> Endless blue plains<Kheldar> hold hidden power.<Kheldar> Complete encirclement reveals.<Kheldar> Darkness seeks the way.<Kheldar> Son of skin crafter,<Kheldar> once kept hidden,<Kheldar> burns away dark clouds,<Kheldar> brings the coming of the ring.<Kent> "And there are no other ... goodness I don't know what to call it, prophecies that are similar to it?"<Kheldar> "I'm afraid I wouldn't know. As I said, I'm sure that many things he said were written down."<Kheldar> "Humans tend to be... so... short-sighted."<Kent> Jannot raises himself up. "Short sighted?" he says quietly. Jannot motions the follow to move in closer.<Kheldar> He looks at you some sadly, remaining where he is at.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Stubborn. Jannot stands and leans a little closer in so he can speak quietly to the fellow.<Kheldar> He waits to hear your "words of wisdom"... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Oh. That's what he thinks is coming.<Kent> "The reason I am here is that I read a fragment of this passage about a week ago. Then 2 days ago I wake up in the morniing to find..." Jannot looks around to see if there are other elves that might be close enough to hear.<Kheldar> None seem to be near.<Kent> "... 3 dead birds in a straight line in my yard. Dead from no apparent wound. I remember this passage and look it up. Well, guess what?"<Kent> Jannot waits.<Kheldar> He looks at you patiently.<Kent> "... I'm a tanner because that's what my father was. recall 'son of the skin crafter' and I say was because in that plague XX years back, my father died. Yeah, remember the part where it says 'death -- hold on-- comes back to the fish city hunting for the sons of the fathers?"<Kheldar> --25 years--<Kheldar> He continues listening patiently.<Kent> "Is that all coincidence?"<Kheldar> "Humans know nothing of the infinity of life. You believe that you are the center of everything around you. By the time you learn this, your time has already passed."<Kheldar> [GM: evil grin]<Kent> Jannot sighs. "So you put no value in this... prophecy?"<Kheldar> "He left the ways and life of the elves for a false vision. I believe he was... misled."<Kent> -- false vision --<Kent> Oh. Hm.<Kent> "Did he ever tell where he thought that this vision of his came from?"<Kheldar> "I speak of a life vision.<Kent> Jannot sighs. "Of course."<Kheldar> He waves a hand, somewhat... frustrated, "Not a vision from some false God, but a misled life quest. He misunderstand the times he lived in."<Kent> "Befiore he left his family behind and his friends and life of influence... Was there anything else going on of import?"<Kheldar> He shakes his head. "Nothing that lasts long enough to be counted."<Kent> -- what's THAT mean--<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> --dude this is like pulling teeth...--<Kheldar> --this is like reading some kind of prophecy...--<Kheldar> --it's just so hard to explain things properly to humans...--<Kent> "Do you happen to know what God he followed, if any, before his falling away?"<Kheldar> The elf looks at you with a somewhat curious look on his face, as if finding the question unique and interesting. "Why no, I don't."<Kent> "Is that something that might be recorded in writings about him before his 'falling away'?"<Kent> -- I'll get it one way or the other... whatever 'it' is...--<Kheldar> "Most likely not. His reputation before was limited to some small works of poetry he wrote. As for afterwords... anyone could guess."<Kent> "When and how did he die?"<Kheldar> "He died alone in the wilderness,"<Kent> ... or so they were told...<Kheldar> --true--<Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f609.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)"  data-smilie="2"data-shortname=";)" /><Kent> "What wilderness?"<Kheldar> "Somewhere here in the human lands. He never returned to the elvish cities."<Kent> "Well..." Jannot thinks for a bit. "Who would have been the most interested in his exploits after he travelled this way?" -- other than pesky tanners --<Kheldar> "You humans have many who are drawn to those without wisdom."<Kheldar> "Many of you believe that theirs will be the last life lived."<Kent> [chuckle]<Kent> "I don't follow..."<Kheldar> "The world does not end with you, young one. Life continues."<Kent> "I'm fully aware that the rest of the world will continue when I'm long gone... As I said before, I've been acquainted with death for most of my life."<Kheldar> "Not all share this view."<Kent> Jannot is getting frustrated. "Do you know what I'm trying to determine here?"<Kheldar> --dang elves--<Kheldar> "what would that be?<Kent> "No, have you been understanding why I'm persuing this line of question?"<Kheldar> "I believe I do, and I have tried to correct you. You are stubborn."<Kheldar> --lol oh the irony---<Kent> Jannot hangs his head... "As are you." He raises his head and smiles. "We have that in common I suppose."<Kheldar> "If you say so."<Kent> --ha ha ha...--<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> "Thank you for the help."<Kheldar> "It was a pleasure to speak with you."<Kent> Jannot gathers up his parchment.<Kent> Jannot looks at the fellow to determine if he was being sarcastic.<Kheldar> He seems sincere.<Kent> really?<Kent> Jannot smiles and nods to him and departs back for home.<Kheldar> Right.<Kheldar> You arrive home late afternoon... There is kind of an uncomfortable feel in the air, like... before a storm or something. Nothing you can put a finger on.<Kent> Oh great.<Kent> The shop is still open I gather.<Kheldar> Not open for business, but Thom is apparently still there tidying up.<Kheldar> "A long day for you?"<Kent> Jannot approaches Thom. "Elves make a good lunch, but don't try to get information out of one..."<Kheldar> Thom gives a big belly laugh. "That's a good proverb."<Kent> Jannot chuckles... "Maybe I should write it down."<Kheldar> "Kind of a slow day today..."<Kent> "Yeah. I went to the library and that translator again and neither one had either heard of the 'Fish City' --dang. forgot to ask the elf.-- <Kheldar> Thom grins, "And would you have cared for the answer?"<Kent> Jannot looks at him. "Good question. I don't know. You know that patch of hide?" he says pulling the stinking thing out of his pouch. "No one recognised the symbol on it either."<Kheldar> He nods.<Kent> This day was a whole and complete waste."<Kheldar> "It could just be one of the trappers is leaving a mark to try and make himself remembered."<Kent> "Congratulations to his success."<Kheldar> "Well, as I said, today was kind of slow, so you probably would have had a boring day around here anyway."<Kent> "Anything out of the ordinary?"<Kheldar> He shakes his head.<Kent> -- is it friday?<Kheldar> I believe that's correct.<Kent> "Well, I suppose that we'll just need a little less pelts tomorrow when I go to the docks."<Kheldar> "You have plans?"<Kent> --I believe that that is the normal order of things. I figured that Saturdays he went to the docks to check out the hides that came in on ships - perhaps out-of-area pelts for more exotic/specific requests. I think I mentioned it when you asked about his schedule before.<Kheldar> --ah, I see, sounds reasonable, other than the fact that most hides don't come in on ships. You tend to deal with turning raw pelts into usable leather...--<Kheldar> --But, come to think of it, the docks are an ok place for raw pelts that came in overland to be sold anyway...--<Kheldar> --sure--<Kent> -- plus he likes to see what sorts of people and things make their way through the dock area.<Kent> I believe that his normal schedule consists on Saturdays of first half of the day at the docks and the resst of the day shuffling inventory and working on special projects.<Kheldar> --sounds fine--<Kent> "Nah, just the normal. Picking up pelts and whatnot. Do you want to satay here at the shop tomorrow or come with?"<Kheldar> "Oh... I'll come with you I guess..."<Kent> "Great. If we finish early, maybe we can actually get some fishing in?"<Kheldar> He brightens. "That sounds like a great idea."<Kent> Jannot smiles and nodds. "Then it's a plan. Tell your wife that you'll be working extra long tomorrow..." Jannot chuckles.<Kheldar> He grins... "Naw, she'd welcome some fresh fish I'm thinking."<Kent> Jannot nods again ad goes about finishing up normal daily sorts of tasks.<Kheldar> Right, Thom is soon done with his tasks. He bids you farewell and heads for home.<Kent> Jannot tidies up shop and then finishes any paperwork. Dinner and bed sound welcome after a long day of walking around the city...<Kheldar> Right.<Kheldar> --GM is enjoying the heck out of this adventure by the way... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> dinner... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> Yeah. It's going pretty good I think... but it's off to a definitely different sort of start than I'm accustomed to...<Kheldar> --That's the problem with a single player campaign, to say nothing of one where the main character is a tanner by trade, not an adventurer...--<Kent> He he he... always willing to provide you a challenge.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> Right back at ya.<Kent> yeah...<Kheldar> Ok, then dinner and bed.<Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> yeah. He's a bit beat.<Kent> ..' and I didn't even get the chance to go to those churches yet...'<Kheldar> You wake up the next morning feeling quite refreshed. The sun is shining in, and it just feels like a nice day.<Kent> Excellent.<Kent> Jannot goes and gets dressed and grabs asomething for breakfast. No kids throwing rocks at the side of the house this morning... that's nice.<Kheldar> Not today, it's quiet outside.<Kent> ... quiet?<Kheldar> No kids running around throwing rocks = nice and quiet.<Kent> Good. Any birds of note out in the yard?<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> Nope, not today.<Kent> Jannod nodds to himself and smiles. Perhaps he's feeling a little re-assured today.<Kent> AFter eating he gets his wagon ready and goes to check a local stable if he can rent a donkey for half the day (a normal, regular thing - weekly since he doesn't have a beast himself)<Kheldar> Oh, yes, of course. Let's say that you have a weekly thing set up already. The stable boy gets the donkey for you without problems.<Kent> Great. Taking the familiar animal back to the shop Jannot ties it up to a post ... somewhere, ad straps it intot he wagon...<Kheldar> Right. Thom should show up soon.<Kent> Yup.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Jannot enjoys a small piece of quiet morning waiting for Thom. Just in case, Jannot stuffs his chuck of smelly pelt... isn';t there soemthing he can do about that...<Kheldar> Not exactly, although you could probably trace a copy of the symbol on something...<Kent> Hm. Oh yeah... Jannot scribbles a copy of the symbol onto the parchment.<Kheldar> Right. Anything else you're taking with you today?<Kent> ... and tosses the smelly piece of pelt into the shop on a work table. ...'make a rats purse out of it or something...'<Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Now, a question about trade for a business man. Is he going to have money with himself to purchase the pelts?<Kent> right<Kheldar> Ah... Most of any purchasing done in bulk by businesses is done via letters of credit and such.<Kent> ...and that is done how?<Kent> okay.<Kheldar> You have a regular... essentially a bank, although not quite so... formal as that, that handles your transactions.<Kent> So, a signet ring or stamp or something on paper can denote the transaction?<Kheldar> You have a ... note of credit which indicates to someone how large a draft you're allowed to make. <Kent> ...ok...<Kheldar> You make out a transaction paper and the person redeems it there, or trades to others.<Kent> Ok. So is there some kind of official that is present there to draw up the transaction papers?<Kheldar> No, they're relatively informal, although of course, they do bear a business seal which you purchased with the shop license.<Kent> Ok. So... I bring along a bunch of parchment upon which to draft these transactions?<Kheldar> yes.<Kent> ... and these parchments... already have my business seal on them?<Kheldar> You've probably already written some up, short of the amount and stamp and such.<Kent> Ok. So I'll insert the amount and after, seal /stamp it. OKAY. Good enough.<Kheldar> Right.<Kheldar> Usually one of you will hold the drafts and the other the stamp, just in case of a pickpocket, they don't steal both at once.<Kent> Right.<Kent> Well, another nice little detail ironed out for the story books...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f61b.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":P" title="Stick out tongue    :P"  data-smilie="7"data-shortname=":P" /><Kheldar> Thom still hasn't showed up yet though while we were discussing...<Kheldar> ....<Kent> ... when should he have arrived?<Kheldar> Well, about a quarter bell (15 minutes) ago.<Kent> Well, that could just be his wife and kids giving him trouble...<Kheldar> True...<Kent> ... Though Jannot begins to worry. He pulls the donkey out to the front of the business where He would be able to see Thom as he arrived.<Kheldar> Right... you wait another quarter bell.<Kheldar> No Thom.<Kent> Jannot checks his voicemail...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> no. Jannot get a bit agitaated. How far is Thoms home from here?<Kheldar> I don't think it's too far, maybe ... less than a half bell I guess.<Kent> Are there any birds?<Kheldar> You look around and don't see any right now.<Kent> --is it a wagon that lets the rider ... ride while directing the donkey?<Kheldar> No, you don't need anything quite that big. You'd walk beside it. More of a cart than a waagon.<Kent> Ok. JKannot leads the donkey and cart fromt he house and business (after locking up) and heads to Thom's home... (I'm not liking this...)<Kheldar> Right.<Kent> [you kill off Thom and there'll be hell to pay...]<Kheldar> --who me?--<Kent> [grumble]<Kheldar> You uneasy feeling increases as you travel, there seems to be less traffic on the road...<Kent> Oh crap.<Kent> Jannot starts to jog...<Kheldar> The donkey protests.<Kent> So?<Kheldar> You know how donkeys are... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> ...grr...<Kent> Jannot makes his way as fast as he is able...<Kheldar> Right.<Kheldar> You finally reach Thom's place.<Kent> Oh crap.. Oh crap.. Oh crap.. <Kent> Jannot approaches and knocks on the door... trying to compose himself.<Kheldar> You wait for a bit... There is no answer.<Kent> Oh no.<Kent> Any other traffic on the road that normally should be there?<Kheldar> There are some people, but definitely less than normal.<Kent> Is it a holiday that I rforgot?<Kheldar> You think for a bit... Ah! It's April fo... err... no, that's right. Guess not.<Kent> DOH!! I'm GONNA CRAWL RIGHT THROUGH THE PHONE LINE...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> laughing?<Kheldar> --of course--<Kheldar> But there's still no holiday..<Kent> -- man I outta...--<Kent> How's the weather?<Kheldar> --what!?-- <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kheldar> It's a rather nice morning. Clear, fairly cool for the season.<Kent> cool...<Kent> Jannot heads back to the shop.<Kheldar> Of course for summer, that still means pretty warm, but...<Kent> 90 instead of a hundred...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> Something like that.<Kheldar> Of course you're pretty used to the hot weather...<Kent> ...since he grew up there...<Kheldar> yup<Kent> back at the homestead...<Kheldar> Yes, you arrive back at the shop.<Kent> Is there anyone around?<Kheldar> Some people, some of the regular traffic apparently. People who are out don't seem to feel anything is wrong.<Kent> Jannot ties up the donkey in the back of the shop and gets it soemthing to drink... rain water or something.<Kheldar> Right, ok.<Kent> and then goes back to Thoms place.<Kheldar> Ok, you leave the donkey and cart and head back to Thom's.<Kent> yup.<Kent> Knocking on door... stiffly...<Kheldar> You wait a bit, still no answer.<Kent> Jannot calls in to the house for Thom and his wife.<Kheldar> ...<Kent> Tries the door.<Kheldar> It's locked.<Kent> What kind of neighborhood is this?<Kheldar> Did Thom have a spare key, and did you give you it and/or tell you where he hid it?<Kheldar> Only if you think it's appropriate for him, you know him better than me...<Kent> Why sure... of course he did... Well, let me think. Thom may have told Jannot where an hidden key would be but he wouldn't have given a key to Jannot.<Kheldar> Sounds good to me.<Kent> ...checking for key... under old pot next to doorstep.<Kheldar> Got it, it's still there.<Kent> ...entering Thoms abode...<Kheldar> You unlock the door, and open it... As you do, a ... nasty smell wafts out into your face.<Kent> WHAT?<Kent> Are all the windows closed?<Kheldar> Yup.<Kent> ...one night... that's not enough time...<Kent> ...not that.<Kheldar> Kind of like... kind of reminds you of... Almost but not quite smells like... that bird.<Kent> Really? Oh crap.<Kent> Jannot gets out. and gets a big clear breath of air.<Kheldar> Sure.<Kent> How big/complicated is his home? Jannot's likely been inside it before.<Kheldar> It's not big, a two story deal, but one floor is smaller than your house. All together both floors are a little larger than yours.<Kent> After taking a gulp of air Janno holds his breath and runs inside through the family room and into the kitchen area.<Kheldar> You don't spot anything, although you think you can hear something faint from upstairs.<Kent> ...oh no.<Kent> Jannot opens the kitchen window and sticks his head through it to get another whiff of fresh air.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> Check.<Kent> HT 13<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> WHat? were you wanting ME to roll?<Kheldar> Hey, I've got your stats right here. Maybe I'm rolling, maybe I'm not...<Kent> Hm... Well, the protagonist ... well I won't complete that sentence.<Kheldar> --GM rolls some dice--<Kent> urk.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kheldar> And, what do you do next?<Kent> and? did Jannot get the window open? Did he get a whiff of cleaner air?<Kheldar> Oh, yes, you got the window open, nice deep breath of fresh air.<Kent> and another deep breath and he opens another window when he finds one... gets another whiff of fresh air and bolts up the stairs.<Kheldar> right.<Kheldar> As you head up the stairs, it occurs to you that the sounds kind of sound like a little boy kind of crying.<Kent> ...groan... oh no...<Kheldar> The first two rooms are where the three kids sleep, the last at the end if Thom and his wife's room.<Kent> Whichever is closest. That one gets opened.<Kheldar> Right, inside that room is a small bed where the oldest girl lies, apparently asleep.<Kheldar> ...getting short of breath...<Kent> Sadness grips Jannots chest but he makes for the window first.<Kent> .,..window...<Kheldar> Window goes open.<Kent> ...fresh air...<Kent> Jannot reluctantly pulls his head back into the room... and checks the girl for breath.<Kheldar> She does seem to be breathing, although faster than normal, as if she's been running.<Kent> .... fever.,.. He's afraid to touch her directly... Getting another breath of air he runs to the next room, repeating the procedure.<Kheldar> Right, this room has another small bed with the younger girl, she's only about 5. She also seems sleeping, also a makeshift crib with their youngest boy. He is awake and fussing.<Kent> ...window open... breath...<Kheldar> Right, window open.<Kent> Is the girl breathing?<Kheldar> ...checking... she doesn't seem to be...<Kent> DOH... Jannot clamps his hand over his mouth and nose to contain his breath as a huge pang of sadness hits him. He runs out of the room to Thoms room.<Kheldar> You haul open the door. Thom and his wife are in the bed. He seems to be moving somewhat.<Kent> --enter big sad farewell scene...--<Kheldar> --what makes you say that... <Kent> YOU"RE EVIL<Kheldar> --So much for non-dark adventures... }:><Kent> <:[<Kent> Jannot rushes over to Thom's wife to check if she's breathing.<Kheldar> She seems to be, although again, she's breathing hard.<Kheldar> Thom moans.<Kent> Jannot runs around the bed to open the window and get a breath and then slackens. and goes to Thoms side.<Kent> Jannot tries to rouse Thom... though he's careful to only jostle Thom through the blankets.<Kheldar> Thom's eyes come open. They're somewhat bloodshot.<Kheldar> "Jannot... I seem to have eaten something bad..." He moans again.<Kent> Jannot looks over Thom gathering himself. "Old man, you're not looking too good at that. I guess you should have had that fish at that Elvish place with me."<Kheldar> Thom grins weakly...<Kent> "Did you get the fever?"<Kheldar> He puts the back of his hand to his forehead, "Yeah, I'm a ... little warm."<Kheldar> "I'm... I'm thinking you'll.. have to handle the docks... today."<Kent> Jannot shakes away tears from his eyes... "Old man, you have to tell me. When did you start feeling bad?"<Kheldar> His eyes seem to droop a little before he snaps them back open again, focusing on you.<Kheldar> "Well, I didn't feel so good when I went to bed. Aaron (his son) didn't feel so well earlier in the evening..."<Kent> "...and did you have trouble keeping your food down?"<Kheldar> "No... not particularly..."<Kheldar> He chuckles weakly, "At least no more than usual..."<Kent> "Um. Can I get you anything?"<Kheldar> He kind of groans and closes his eyes. "Wake up Ayla and tell her to get going on breakfast..."<Kent> --nice--<Kent> Jannot takes the opportunity to check his wife again.<Kheldar> Still in about the same condition.<Kent> He tries to rouse her.<Kheldar> She lets out a brief moan, but doesn't open her eyes.<Kent> Jannot makes his way back around to Thom, "It's come back again Thom."<Kheldar> He opens his eyes, "eh?... Who's that?"<Kent> "Never mind. I was going to take you out and show you how to fish today too..."<Kheldar> --sorry, I mean-- "eh?... Who has?"<Kent> --just assumed he was a little delirious.<Kheldar> --no, he doesn't seem to be--<Kheldar> "I know damn well how to fish, Jannot... Who's come back?"<Kent> "I'm afraid that your wife and kids are all in the same shape as you. All sick."<Kheldar> There is a long pause...<Kheldar> He closes his eyes and moans again...<Kent> "Thom, what do I do?"<Kheldar> "What about you, boy? ... How do you feel?"<Kent> ..."Until I got her I thought today was going to be perfect... I feel fine... I guess."<Kheldar> Thom seems to sigh, and whispers something under his breath.<Kheldar> "Get out boy... Get out of the city before they lock the gates... You weren't old enough last time to realize it boy... Just... Just get out."<Kent> Jannot stands up. Starts crying over his old friend. "I'll always remember you old man."<Kheldar> "Don't worry about me boy, I got sick last time too.<Kent> ...really?<Kheldar> He growls, "I got better then."<Kheldar> You were what, 5 years old at the time... you have no idea.<Kent> "Okay. I'll go. But where will I go? What do I do about the shop?"<Kheldar> "Just... Lock the shop up... Either it'll matter or ... it won't."<Kent> Jannot nodds. "I'll be back Thom. one way or another."<Kheldar> Thom groans again and kind of curls up a little.<Kheldar> "Go, boy."<Kent> Jannot takes that as his que to leave... quickly. "Get better Thom!" He shouts as he runs from the house and ... tries not to tear up as he makes his way back to his house.<Kheldar> You hear back, faintly, "Make me proud, boy..."<Kheldar> }:><Kheldar> As you head back towards your house, you notice a single thread of smoke off in another section of the city.<Kent> ...fantastic.<Kheldar> ...and, I think we'll stop there for the day... }:><Kent> you sure that you don't want to press on just a bit until he gets out of the city?<Kheldar> yup, I'm sure.<Kent> ...fine.<Kheldar> heh<Kheldar> Made some good progress this time...<Kheldar> (I'm so evil)<Kent> Oh yeah. Now that old codger of an elf will see who was self-centered...<Kheldar> oh, you poor young one, so much to learn...<Kent> blah, blah, blah.<Kheldar> lol<Kent> Well, I guess that that's one way to get a reclusive tanner out of a city...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> eeeeyup.<Kent> THanks for the ride, it was fun.<Kent> Time to go home now.<Kheldar> Sorry, this ride's just starting...<Kheldar> Yeesh, and you never figured out that symbol...<Kent> I'm sure it'll come up again...<Kheldar> What, would you do thing differently?<Kheldar> Although..... Just curious, is Jannot thinking he'd do anything different?<Kent> No. Not really.<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> So... that symbol. I didn't need to know what it was did I?<Kheldar> Heh... Like I'd tell you if you did...<Kent> Like I said. I'm sure it'll come up again.<Kent> But sheesh, starting a plague just to get me out of town...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> You have no idea... After all, I think the prophecy was talking about just a little more than just a plague...<Kent> Yeah, I suppose I don't.<Kent> we'll see won't we...<Kheldar> Hopefully you'll live to see...<Kent> If it's going to make a decent book... he'll HAVE to live. ><img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":]" title="Devious    :]" data-shortname=":]" /><Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> Unless his quest gets carried on by someone else...<Kent> PUHLEEZE.<Kheldar> By the way, what does Jannot think, did Thom really get sick last time, or is he just trying to make Jannot feel better?<Kent> realistically, It was 25 years ago. If Thom HAD indeed gotten mildly sick and recovered, so many other things were going on that Jannot wouldn't have likely noticed... Children are VERY Self-centered.<Kheldar> Yup, but what does Jannot think happened?<Kent> However... I as the player... it was a put on.<Kheldar> hmmm...<Kent> Jannot thinks that Thom was likely telling the truth.<Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> ...you killed Thom... and his KIDS!<Kheldar> Heh... You know, I was talking with my wife and also another friend here about whether or not to do that... They actually agreed with me about doing that... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Oh boy.<Kent> Well, It'd make a better movie that way.<Kent> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kheldar> right... <use the force, luke><Kent> uh huh.<Kent> make me proud... sheesh.<Kheldar> lol<Kent> how's that song go...<Kent> You're no good, you're no good, you're no good, baby you're NO GOOD!<Kheldar> I just couldn't resist. I almost didn't say it, but...<Kent> Sure. Yeah, I understand.<Kheldar> Hey, that's my job as GM, got to provide a reason for you to go on and be a hero and stuff, even if it's only a hero in the small ways... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> Man. I think you're getting sappy with age...<Kheldar> Understand what I mean about pacing though? I wasn't sure when to have the plague hit, I wanted to wait until you were... in the right state. I also wanted to leave open the possibility for you to prevent it.<Kent> Ah. well, I figured that if it were going to hit that there's be perhaps a day's leeway on it. Of course that'd only work if I weren't the FIRST TO GET HIT.<Kheldar> Yes, you could have prevented it, but knowing Jannot, I doubt he'd have done the things required to prevent it.<Kent> ... oh. I see. So, now it's MY FAULT BECAUSE I DIDN'T INCINERATE THOSE BIRDS?<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> He he... of course.<Kheldar> I'll tell you something up front about this campaign. I happen to know what's going on (of course), and I know the plans that various people have. I don't have a plot line in mind. Instead, I know what people plan to do. You will be able to effect the world around you. I don't have to worry about you derailing the plot, because my plans aren't rigid like that...<Kent> I see.<Kheldar> That kind of concept works much better for a longer term adventure than having a strict plot.<Kheldar> Heh...<Kent> Hm. You know I can't stop thnking what to do now!? Okay, get out of town... easy enough... on foot... no weapons... no friends...<Kheldar> Well, you'll have a week to think about it.<Kheldar> On foot, or on foot with a donkey and cart... that's the real question...<Kent> He he he... well, they can always charge it to my account...<Kheldar> I'll be really interested to see what happens with that...<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> lol<Kent> he he... Um. speaking about that bank. Is it possible to actually make a withdrawal from it?<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> Certainly. Do you want to take the time?<Kent> So... There's more money for me to get my hands on other than the immediately disposable income...<Kent> How long does it take?<Kheldar> Well, counting the time to get there and back... it could easily take 3 bells or so... Assuming there's no line...<Kent> less than an hour... already started burning...<Kheldar> Err... one bell is one hour.<Kent> Hey, you said before that one bell was a quarter hour.<Kheldar> quarter bell is 15 minutes.<Kent> Oh.<Kheldar> <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><Kent> I missed that.<Kheldar> doh!<Kent> Um... I guess that that means that It's around ...10:30 now?<Kheldar> something like that, yes.<Kent> hm.Next time... Escape from Zuqar</blockquote>

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