Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Jannot the Tanner (final post)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="AStott" data-source="post: 523423" data-attributes="member: 7825"><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Session 4: Escape from Zuqar</strong></span></p><p></p><p><Kent> So, hm... I'm thinking about whether Jannot might feel comfortable taking his little fishing boat to travel by as opposed to the mule and cart...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> ah, good thinking...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yup</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> As I recall, you'd just left Thom's place, and was headed home, realizing there was some smoke coming up from another part of the city.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...uh huh... bad sign. Um. Jannot's been to the dock area any number of times. Would it possibly be that there are - entrepreneural juveniles might be around to perform small tasks\?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh certainly, no city is without them.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Great. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><Kent> Um another question, Jannots little fishing boat... is it just tied to dock somewhere? Dry-dock?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Hmm... Probably not, you'd have to rent dock space. It's probably drawn up on the beach like other small fishing boats.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> So... what would that ararangement be? monthly fee?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Naw, no fee for a spot on the beach...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Perfect.</p><p><Kent> So, if I wanted to load a few things into the dingy then I'd probvably need to put it in the water and pull it in to a dock to get the cart close...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Depends on how much you load in. If we're talking a few hundred pounds of stuff, no problem, just throw it in a shove off.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah. good point.</p><p><Kent> Well, decisions ...</p><p><Kent> Jannot makes his way directly back to his shop/home.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right. Still no signs of panic on the streets.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Can I assume that he has a large sack for junk?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Sure.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ok</p><p><Kent> He'll toss in ... 2 changes of clothing... his spare working boots.</p><p><Kent> ... um, He'll put all his spare money in a pouch.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> right</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... What about something to wrap food in?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Uh... ziploc? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> He he... handy... gallon sized?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Food (other than specially prepared) doesn't tend to last long. Just throw it in something.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> No. Um. how about some... right, just a day or two, but he can fish.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> we'll call it two.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> So, pouch for money.</p><p><Kent> ...sack for clothes and extra boots.</p><p><Kent> ... and one more small bag for food.</p><p><Kent> Fishing gear...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> What about the... business seal and blank draft notes you'd been carrying with you?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Well, exactly how secure would the home be?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Against someone determined, or a fire... not at all... Such is life.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> well, In that case, the drafts are useless without my seal, correct? Well, I'll take my seal with me and put the drafts under the bed... except for a couple... in the sack of clothes.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> ok</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Fishing gear...How much money could I scrounge fromt he house?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You've got... about 3 and a half gold. A pretty tidy sum.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. pretty good. How much does a seedy motel cost to stay in?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> 1 copper for a night for a seedy hotel.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Obviously the translated prophecy (with the symbol drawn on it)... what about the leather scrap and what about the borrowed book where you first found the prophecy?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot is FULLY planning on returning to town right after the mess is over... so, he'll hold on to the book, and the tranltion... and the (by now very smelly) scrap of hide.I don't know. Is the hide starting to dry out by now?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, it's in ok shape, just not exactly something that most people would sleep with... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How large is this patch anyway? 4-5 inch square?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> perhaps about 4" by 4" square</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> right</p><p><Kent> Okay.well, what about the shop? Can I close it up pretty tigh?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You can lock it up, draw the blinds, etc.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Any tols expecially valuable in the shop? (tools)Oh yeah, a utility knife might be handy. and one to fillet the fish.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Hmm... Not particularly so.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> right, good.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> do they both have ...scabbards? That's the word I was looking for.good.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> ... sheaths, not scabs.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> well... oh, who cares, sure.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><Kent> Okay. that's about it. Jannot loads up the cart (not too heavy I'd guess) </p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> No problem, it's not to heavy, you could manage it carrying by yourself, but it's a little bulky, what with the fishing gear.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Good enough, you toss it in the cart, lock up the house and shop...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Good.Right. The fishing gear might be a pain in the long run. But I'll hold on to it... Lock up the place nice and tight... and ... do I have a writing instrument?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> On the front door of the shop and the door in back (to the house) Jannot writes:</p><p><Kent> "Out of the city for a few days. Will return soon. " and whatever passes for a signature.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> By now, I've been out front loading the cart for a little bit right?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes. It's been perhaps 30 minutes of collecting stuff, taking care of things...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> k. Traffic?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Looks like there is still no sense of alarm among people. You can still see smoke over yonder though.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Great.</p><p><Kent> Okay. Weather still clear?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> To the docks?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> All right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You begin to make your way towards the docks. As you travel, you start seeing a change in the behavior of people.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Straight to the dingy..,.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You start seeing more people in a hurry, and you see some who have apparently packed some things up (like you).</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> I try not to make eye contact and go quickly as I can on my way.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> heh... life as normal?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> yup. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You catch a couple comments from people passing and talking to each other. Some speculation about what's happening, apparently a few people who've figured things out.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Uh huh. anything relating to the source?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Nothing at all.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You are... hmm... one moment...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay... Boy. that dingy had better still be there.</p><p><Kent> Man. you took Thom, don't take away the dingy...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> I WILL squirm right through this phone line...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, so this city is walled all the way around to the shore on either side. There are areas that have quite a few docks, but also areas of beach that is still within the walls. In some cases, poorer houses go right down onto the beach (shacks).</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Fine.</p><p><Kent> Okay, what bad thing is coming. you always explain a lot before something bad happens...</p><p><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Just making sure you remember that I told you there is a wall... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Uh huh... as long as the wall stops at the water...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You are beginning to get down near the beach, and you spot a group of a dozen or so guards hurrying past. They seem to be headed for the docks.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> good... away from my boat.</p><p><Kent> ...hurrying along...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> ...h...u...r...r...y...i...n...g... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> By the time you reach the beach, there are definitely a number of people scurrying around. There are already a number of people who have apparently had the same idea as you, and some small boats are already out in the water.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><Kent> okay... so the fishing near shore is no good today...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Heh... definitely not.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> I'm hoping that there's an oar with the dingy...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You boat is still chained in it's spot (the city provides some ... rings attached to boulders to give people a place to chain up so no one runs off with their boat).</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Chained?...[sigh] okay.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> sigh?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Do I have a key?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Of course you do. You keep it with your fishing stuff.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Thanks for the... [chuckle] you just wanted to get a rise out of me...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Actually, I just wanted a good reason why people would feel ok leaving their boats on the beach with shacks nearby...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> (look ma! firewood!)</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Good enough. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> </p><p><Kent> Okay. loading the boat.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> As you are loading, you notice that there are a couple ships leaving the docks, even though it's deifnitely not high tide.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Certainly appears so.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Word's out. Glad I didn't sleep on it... Though. I almost did. I almost decided to stick with the shop and just lock up tight... tough it out.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> Would have been interesting.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Not too late, want to change your mind?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hope it's still there when I get back...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> }:></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> are there any street - entrepreneurs around?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Nope, not at this point.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Were there any further up from the shore?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, some, although, it seems that some people have started to panic, and people are starting to try and get away or stay out of the way.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oh great. Well, I'm going to just assume that the mule is branded and will eventually be returned .</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Hmm, good point, yes it is branded.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> won't fit in the boat...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... and my cart... good old trusty cart... will be helping some unfortunate soul cart away bodies in a few days...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> How generous of you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah.</p><p><Kent> quite...</p><p><Kent> Is there an oar in the dingy?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Uh... actually, that's part of your fishing gear.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> perfect</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Shove off then?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There is some shouting and commotion a little up the beach. You can't see yet what's going on.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yep. Jannot is getting rather nervous... filling up with a generous portion fo fear, actually, enough to almost put out of his mind that he's shoving off from his long time home to ... return ?</p><p><Kent> Good enough. Shoving off...; paddling out as fast as possible. straight out from shore.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right, as you get out a little, it looks like there are a number of guards making their way down the beach, they're pushing people away from the boats apparently.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah. Gee I wonder why...</p><p><Kent> speeding off...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> As you can guess, there are some complaints.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> yeah. If there are two oars, Jannot can watch as he paddles, if only one, then only an occaisional glance.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You head out into the bay, along with a few others.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It looks also like one of the city's guard boats has put out and is moving to block some of the merchant vessels.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> OH NO!</p><p><Kent> Am I on the north or south portion of the city? I mean you were talking about a wall and such. I figured it was close.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You are closer to...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, with the way the bay is... the water-side of the city is the south part. You are closer to the eastern edge of the city. Of course, that direction, you have to head out around a little point before you cut around and start heading north of the city. Make sense?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Um... since Jannot has Area knowledge of the shoreline from fishing so much is there any chance I could get a ... better concept of the lay-of-the-land?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> What exactly are you looking for?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> well, okay. how far is it south to the other side of the bay?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ah...It's actualy about 4 miles or so.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> I'm sure that he's gone that way before... away from the main part of the city... better fishing.</p><p><Kent> okay. what's that area like?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, good portions of it are cleared for farmland.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Make comfortable camping I suppose.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Sure...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Until you get plowed under... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> well, in that case I'll make for the populated, un-named town to the south.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, guess I'll need to name it sometime then.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yeah. Other than that, nothing of great interest.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, there have been some border tensions with the kingdom to the south.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...sleep under the dingy... How about news. Have I ever heard anything about this area to the south? Not that far south. So, there should be nothing out of the ordinary at this other town?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot's heading there. What direction is the current?</p><p><Kent> Wind?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> I doubt we need to worry too much about wind/current.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... Jannot wishes he had grabebd a few more books other than just that one...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You make it across to the far side of the bay. You aren't bothered by the guard boat.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> how long did that take?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, that's a good question, I'm looking for the answer...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> 2nauts?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, more or less about 6 miles per hour</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> wow, 6.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> more or less.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Of course... hmm... that's probably about as fast as you can go, but you probably can't keep that up long.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> right. that seems right.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> So, probably 4 mph, and again, you aren't used to rowing for more than an hour at a time.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You can probably row for a couple hours before having to break.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Good enough?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> so... 3-4? Okay then. an hour and I'm at the other side. Okay. now, when I broke from shore, there were other craft with me... are they still?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Only a couple. Most went around the point and headed north.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Of the few who came your direction, all except one pulled in on the south beath of the bay.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The other boat has an older man in it though, and he's going slower than you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> so, are there people visible on shore from. say, 100 yards out?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes. Looks like the people in the other boats were just using it as a way to leave town. They appear to plan on walking.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oh. how many?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Just a couple dozen perhaps.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Jannot will proceed down the coast a couple hundred yards out.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right. You do tend to pass little fishing villages ever few miles (we're talking no more than 50 people or so).</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... jannot tears up remembering fishing with Thom here and there...</p><p><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><Kent> after another hour. Jannot will rest his arms and shoulders and take a lunch break.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Continue after lunch?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...so, anything going on in the fishing villages?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Nothing of any big note. You pass some fishing boats of course. Most look at you a little curiously, but give a friendly wave and return to their work.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Nice. Jannot's feeling abit less anxious. Just try to keep thinking about this as a fishing trip.</p><p><Kent> Yeah, continue on after resting a bit.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> After lunch, you move on a bit. The villages have started becoming lest frequent. After another hour or so, you're starting to get fairly sore. Three hours of rowing is quite a bit for a tanner...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Then again most of the cleaning of the hides and stretching is done by hand...</p><p><Kent> But sure. what is it, 2 points of fatigue per hour?</p><p><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> You're tired.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Heh, heh...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You have actually been able to spot the main south road coming in sight of the beach now and then.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah. I'd guess that it's 3 in the afternoon?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, about that.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Um. if I drift... will the current bear me south, north, in r out?</p><p><Kent> When's high tide?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Actually... hmm...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> uh...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> well..</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> That's when I'd want to go in.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> I'd say it's probably best if you let out an anchor or pull up on shore. It's never wise to let the boat drift.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah, but I'm talking about resting for an hour or two and continuing.</p><p><Kent> If Jannot stops rowing... what direction will the boat drift? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh... probably... southish.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> and... is tide coming in or going out?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You're just a little past high tide.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oh. so it's going out then.</p><p><Kent> okay. yeah, good time to anchor and rest.</p><p><Kent> potty break...</p><p><Kent> Ever pee'd off the side of a boat?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Not personally.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> But don't pee into the wind...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> he he... </p><p><Kent> So, anyways, when is the NEXT high tide going to be?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> I don't know. This evening sometime.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. He doesn't want to waste daylight, so, he'll - restfully - row south, rather slowly, not exterting much.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Is that pretty much the plan until you reach... the unnamed town?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> right.</p><p><Kent> yes.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> And pull in at the evening high tide and sleep under the boat?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> There you go. Now you've got the picture.</p><p><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><Kent> people do that all the time with canoes when taking weekend or week-long river trips.</p><p><Kent> okay, so is that feasible?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Half second...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Time travels slowly in your realm...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, the trip is fairly peaceful and uneventful. Fishing is reasonably good, and you catch enough to keep yourself fed.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Ah. good. So is this a 4 day tri[p then?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Very close. It'll take you about 5 days.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. Jannot gets smelly and good at rowing.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, very true.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You suspect that you could have made better time walking, but...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> now, as to what to do after arriving... Jannot's glad to have avoided people...</p><p><Kent> Trandless</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> At last you catch sight of ... Kastor.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It's a non-walled town.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ooh.</p><p><Kent> How populated is it?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh, probably around 5,000 people or so, at least so you've heard.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It tends to have a reasonably high number of transients for a town it's size, mostly because it's a favored stopping point for travelers between Zuqar and Ilan.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How convenient. Then there should be ample - motels.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Definitely. Inns abound.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Question. Was the lock/chain on the boat mine or was that attached to the boulder?Yeah. great.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> answer</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The lock and chain were yours.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oakay. Um. Are there similar public beach areas?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> As far as you can tell, no. Of course, it's easy to find a spot outside the city.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> hey...</p><p><Kent> No, Jannot will approach the city along the shoreline and look for a similarly secure area to stow his dingy.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It looks like most smaller boats have a docking area that's enclosed by wooden floats and ropes.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There's a man at the entrace to the area, keeping an eye out on things.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> No other areas then?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There are a couple that are like that.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Looks like this town gains it's income off services...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> If you get my drift.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Ah. Hm. How unfortunate... for me. Were there any areas outside the town's immidiate area that it appeared that the boat could be chained to a tree or something?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, you could definitely find something. About how far out of town?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Not far. as close as possible. Is the towns boundary well defined? lie could a couple hundred yards make a difference?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Not really. It's more a matter of farmland taking over. Most houses cluster near the main road.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Well, I don't want to put my boat on private property...</p><p><Kent> so... no undeveloped area relatively near?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right, got it. There was a decent spot back about a half mile.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> too far... hm. maybe not. maybe. Jannot will paddle up to a fellow standing watch over the penned-in boats.</p><p><Kent> Does the fellow do anything as I approach?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He hails you as you approach. "Looking to dock your boat?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Cheapest spot, right here!"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot swallows a bit, "Yeah, what's the cost?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "A copper a night, five copper a week."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...of course...</p><p><Kent> ... that's the same as a cheap motel...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> --a copper is a convenient amount...--</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> after some obvious internal arguing, Jannot says, "6 tin."</p><p><Kent> --true. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><Kent> --I take that back.</p><p><Kent> "A copper sounds..."pause "reasonable."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Of course it is. " He says cheerfully.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He gestures for you to head in. "They'll take your money there at the shack onshore. Don't be late with payments." He grins.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> uih huh.</p><p><Kent> Jannot nods and paddles in. Is there a place to disembark?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There are a couple rickety looking docks, but looks like those are just for unloading. Everyone else is pulled up on shore.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> So, it would apparently be appropriate for Jannot to pull in to shore?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. He makes his way in to shore and pulls up. Is there anything for him to chain up to?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Sure. You secure your boat appropriately.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> great.</p><p><Kent> Oh. another question. Are there public baths? or are baths done in... tubs?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> private.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> tubs.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> So... after securing a place for the night... water will be provided, I'd assume... whereever?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Probably you can get yourself a bath at the inn.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> At least if you pick a decent inn. Not so sure about your... cheap one.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> right... Yeah. </p><p><Kent> Well, we'll see. Jannot mqakes his way to the shack.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Of course they tend to charge... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> It's a pain to get the tub filled, eh?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> What?</p><p><Kent> What about the rain barrel in back?</p><p><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Who wants to bathe in cold water... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Right.</p><p><Kent> Shack</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You're greeted by a snaggle toothed man chewing on a wad of something.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> heh...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He quotes the same price at you as the other man did.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> oh yeah, I meant to have Jannot separate most of his money...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "How long you want?" He asks.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Jannot looks up. "Just one night I think. I'll know more tomorrow."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Right, one copper."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> --so you going to let Jannot have separated his money? grr... Jannot walks a little ways back from the little shop and pulls a copper out of his money pouch, trying not to jingle it.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> hmm... nope, guess you'll have to do it later. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> .. returning he hands over the copper.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Hmm... wait... thinking...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... that's usually bad.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, he hands you a... small chunk of wood (just an inch or so across). It has some odd little shapes on it. "Bring that when you come back."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "What is it?" Jannot asks, looking the little chunk over.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "'s so I know you left your boat with us."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot nodds. and puts the chunk of wood in his sack.</p><p><Kent> Are there any inn's within view?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, a few. With names like theirs, they probably tend to cater to sailors.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> uhh... okay. Jannot makes his way down the main road and tries to locate a half-way decent looking inn.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok. It's about midday when you find a nice looking place. It looks like it's been kept up reasonably well. It's not on the main trade road, but just a little off it.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hopefully Jannot doesn't smell too bad...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Smell like the sea, you do.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot makes his way inside.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There's a somewhat surprising number of people taking lunch in the main room of the inn.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. people. okay. It's not the end of the world... So many people together ... shows that their healthy. Yeah, that's it.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is there a counter?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There is a counter/bar.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Looks like that's where you'd go to get a room.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is there a concierge?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Sorry, no. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Jannot walks up to the counter.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Just a moment," the barkeep calls to you. He finishes filling a couple mugs, then hands them to a pretty young gal who carries them off.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He wipes his hands on his apron and comes over to you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He's a somewhat fat man, with a rather large nose. "What'll you have?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Well, do you have any rooms available?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "I certainly do. Are you just staying the night?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "What is the price?" Jannot says politely.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Only two copper for you, sir."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... just for me...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Does that include dinner or breakfast?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "No, I'm afraid not, but your welcome to be served here."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot looks around the place. Lots of people... how's the food look?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, people seem to be enjoying it, if that's any indication. Perhaps that's why there are so many here...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Okay. back to the Barkeep: "What's the price for a dinner?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Well, that'll depend on what you get, but most people spend around a dozen tin"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...wow, more than a copper just for a meal...</p><p><Kent> "Okay, what about baths?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Just a copper. We've got a couple nice cedar tubs..."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...man! another copper?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> --heh---</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> --eh... you've got lots of money--</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Thinking...</p><p><Kent> ...but no-one else needs to know that...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> heh... good point.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot says "I'll give you 2 copper for the room if you include the bath."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He turns as someone apparently calls out to him. He gestures to a pitcher at the end of the bar, then turns back to you.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Eh? Oh, sure. That sounds just fine."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...huh. that was easier than I thought. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> merchant skill?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> --curse those dice--</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Thanks, I'll take it."</p><p><Kent> Oh. swell. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Not exactly. Reaction rolls do get modified by merchant skill, but only by a couple points. Merchant tends to be better for identifying things.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> prices and such.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...I recall using it as a bartering tool...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yup, way back in another campaign?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> uh huh.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yeah... Read your GURPS book, that's not the way it's supposed to work... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. I accept that.</p><p><Kent> So, Jannot pulls 2 copper out, trying to not show the coins inside... or jingle the pouch.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right. He fishes out a ring of keys, pulls one off and hands it to you, taking your money.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Thanks. Where will I go to get the bath?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Head down the hallway. Your's is the fourth room on the left, right across from the stairs."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "You want the bath now?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "In a little bit, after un-packing."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Ok, I'll send a gal for you in about a half a bell. That sound about righht?'</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "That would be fine. Thank you."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Enjoy your stay." He turns back to his work.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot makes his way directly to his room, trying to avoid walking through too many people to get there.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The room is cozy. A little small, at least compared to what you're used to.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> But, it's clean at least.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah. The master bedroom of a house made for a couple with two children...</p><p><Kent> Is there a window?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> hmm... Nope, sorry.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> wow, dark in there at night, eh?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Is that a good thing?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> lantern?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There is a candle holder on a small table next to the bed.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> well, it's always nice to be able to listen to the birds in the evening.</p><p><Kent> and the door... does it latch well?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh yes, it seems to.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay then. He'll latch the door and unload his things after lighting the candle.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Oh, hmm.. didn't think about it from that angle.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> So... There are some ... well, half-foot tall slits up at the top of the wall that let in some light. Apparently the view is not worth seeing.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> They don't let in rain... and bugs do they?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> They're most likely sheltered by a roof of some kind.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> He'll want to separate most of his money. The vast majority of it he'll want to stuff into one of his boots in the sack, and hold it in place with a shirt.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> The boots and one set of clothes remain in the sack. the moneyt pouch should now have in it...2 bronze 4 copper and 11 tin.</p><p><Kent> It'll be the decoy if someone steals it.</p><p><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is there a drawer, table, chair, bed? in the room?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Small table, a chair, and a bed.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Does the room door lock from the outside as well as the inside?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Well, it has a keyhole on the outside.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> right</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> A latch on the inside.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> good enough. I guess the sack and the rest of his things go in the corner.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> OK.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Then rest for a bit until the bath is ready?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...and he'll pull out that book. Something to read while waiting for the girl to arrive.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Man, if this trip takes too long, you'll have that thing memorized... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Heh...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Well, maybe that's a good thing. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> Too bad I don't have that book about the human city attacked by the elves and dwarves...</p><p><Kent> He answers the door. "Yes?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> After a bit, there is a light knock on the door. "Your bath, sir.."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> He opens the door.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> A young girl (perhaps mid-teens) stands there. "Let me show you the bath room, sir."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Fine. Let me grab my things." and Jannot picks up a change of clothes and his money pouch, locks the door and says, "Lets go."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> She takes you to a small room. Inside are some partitioned areas. One of which holds a cedar tub with steaming hot water. She points out a towel and a chunk of soap, then smiles at you and runs off.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is there anyone else there?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Nope, doesn't sound like it.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There's a bench.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Great. Is there a chair or bench or something?</p><p><Kent> Okay, so this partition makes it like a private bath?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Cool. He undresses and slips slowly into the hot water.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Let me tell you, with your muscles as sore as they are... The bath just feels incredible.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Heh, heh.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You relax for quite some time, even snoozing a bit before cleaning up and getting out.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hey, he'd be careful of that.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, ok. Relaxing with your eyes closed.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> hmm...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> (but ears open)</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ok. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p><Kent> Jannot thinks about his smelly clothes. could he wash them in his bath water?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Certainly.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Is that... normal?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> It wouldn't be unreasonable. It would save you the 3 tin laundry bill... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. He'll do that. Wringing them out as much as possible.</p><p><Kent> he he...</p><p><Kent> plus the water's hot enough that the clothes should dry relatively shortly.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> depends on how long you plan on soaking before doing the clothes...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> true. He'll soak for, well, the plan was less than half a bell, but, it turns out to be closer to 3/4 a bell.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> So, the water is defniitely cooling down.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Does he do any thinking about what is next for him?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah. Next. He'll walk around the town and see if any news has come from Zuqar.</p><p><Kent> He's not an idiot though. No mentioning of a plague...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Sure.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> He'll skip lunch and wait for dinner.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> After finishing the bath, and cleaning the clothes. He dries off, dresses, heads back to his room and hangs the wet clothes up on some pegs on the wall.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oh. How convenient. So no other patrons came into the bath house while I was there?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Nope. It's very early afternoon still.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Great.So, back in the room.everything in its place?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yup, seems like no one has disturbed the place.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Good. Feeling a little more relaxed now... bath and all. After dressing and everything He heads out into the town. Would it seem appropriate to bring his utility knife?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> That wouldn't be unreasonable.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Good. does his clothes happen to include a belt?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Sure.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Of course it does... he's a tanner.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> He he... okay, belt holding both knife and money pouch. What's the weather like?</p><p><Kent> dry?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Hot. A few clouds. Not parched. It rained a little the other day.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> okay. Is there a marketplace in this town?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Certainly. Actually large sections of the main trade road (running from Zuqar to Ilan) have been taken over as market area. Kind of a long thin market area.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Oaky, any... heralds?</p><p><Kent> fell free to say no...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yeah, there are a few.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> oh. nice.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> That's a common method of advertising, etc.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot will make his way, down the road, now dress clean and not smelling so bad, to find a herald.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right, you find one easily enough, his voice ringing out over the crowd as he reads from a small bundle of parchment.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Anything interesting?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Naw, it seems pretty local in nature.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> are there a lot of people around listening to him?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Just a couple, everyone else seems to pretty much ignore him...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> --just call him Bill... or that's Mr. Board to you... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> - right. </p><p><Kent> "Say, any news from Zuqar?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He stops between messages and turns to you. Well, nothing official, but there's something going on up there."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot has a revelation and pulls out a tin, tossing it to him. "Any details?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He grins. "Well, not a lot I'm afraid. I've heard some talk about no one being able to get in or out of there. I'm not sure what that means, but it can't be good."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot nodds to the fellow and makes his way along the road further, to find the next herald.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> --repeat performance?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Uh... Yeah. Something of the like.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You spend a couple more tin, but are unable to find much of anything in the way of details. Seems like the city was probably shut up shortly after you left (duh). There has been smoke sighted by people passing by, and the official word is that there are ...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ..uh huh...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> hmm... wait...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> He he... sure. I'll wait.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, the official word is that there was an uprising by elves, and that's being taken care of. No visitors until things are sorted out.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Blaming it on elves... wierd.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How about this. How long is the road through town? Meaning how long of a walk is it to the edge of town, to the north?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ah... Oh... From where you're at, maybe...a quarter bell.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> yeah</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> quarter bell... 15 minutes... that's not far.</p><p><Kent> okay. I'll walk there.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> note: all times a distances subject to review by the board of deciding how realistic things actually are...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> oh... I see. he he... small print.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> uh huh</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> right. edge of town...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes. The town kind of starts becoming more rural in nature. Anything you're looking for?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> well, kind of looking for 'the first place a person traveling from Zuqar' would stop.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ah... The first inn? Tavern? </span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> yes.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok, you find a place. The Welcome Change. It's a tavern/restaurant.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Welcome Change?</p><p><Kent> Huh. okay. Jannot enters</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Let's see, it's about... mid-afternoonish I guess.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> right</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There are a few people there. Mostly some people cleaning and perparing for the dinner "rush".</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot will approach the bar.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There are one pair of people, apparently travellers. A man and a woman.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How do they look? (without staring)</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> They are pretty much keeping to themselves. Not looking around much, talking quitely.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm.</p><p><Kent> okay. Barkeep?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> A man notices you approach the bar. He's a little younger than you. He hops over the bar (so that he's now behind it), and approaches you. "Can I help you, stranger?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Goodness, lively.</p><p><Kent> "Yes... I was wondering how business has been coming from Zuqar."</p><p><Kent> "...and I'd like something light to drink."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He smiles, somewhat lazily.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Certainly." He fills you a mug of cider (looks like). "Business is decent. Most people coming through now are not from Zuqar of course. No one travelling from there right now."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He hands you the mug.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot has a few swallows of the cider and then asks, "Heard anything from that way?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> (taking a tin in payment from you)</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> sure... </p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Something about elves attacking the city I believe. If that's true, it's a little frightening to be sure. Seems like Zuqar is a long way from elven lands."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> after a few more swallows, Jannot says, "Well, I doubt elves would cause trouble like that." pause, "It's probably something else."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh? You have a theory?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He grabs a cloth and begins... conveniently wiping glasses.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot reconsiders the conversation. "Nah, it's just that I've seen the elves in that city and they don't seem the warring type."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Huh... Maybe it was other elves... From the west or something."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot nodds, another swallow, "Yeah, I suppose it could be at that."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Where you from?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ...Jannot thinks to himself are there any cities north of there that he knows of?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Big cities, or towns?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There's Miraj, further up the coast.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Shershel will do.</p><p><Kent> "shershel, originally."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Did you just get here?</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot nodds, taking another swallow, "In a round about way."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Oh, so you must have just passed by Zuqar recently. What did you see?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Everything was normal before I left, but I took my time getting here."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Ah" He nods, knowingly.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot thanks the fellow and finishes his drink... so he can leave propmtly.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ok</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Are those two people still there?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yes, they are. Looks like they are taking their own sweet time.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm. Hm...</p><p><Kent> Jannot finishes his drink and leaves the place.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Obviously none of the locals have really heard much.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Kind of makes sense, none of the refugees would want it to be known that they might be carriers...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Yeah... perhaps it's the best... Jannot makes his way back to the inn, taking a round-about path, to see more of the town before returning.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Right, so, the place seems pretty... well... underwhelming to you. Zuqar really is a much bigger city. There isn't much in the way of sights. Lots of trading places and the like though.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Okay. What about churches?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> You spot a few. They tend to be much smaller (chapels) than what you're used to seeing.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Okay, in the afternoon, would there be people in them?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Probably none would be having services, but there will certainly be priests of some kind.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Which churches/gods seem to be popular here?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> The founding god of Zuqar is actually fairly popular here. Also, a god of business and travel seems to be fairly prominent. Those are the two biggies.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot was never one to put much stock into the 'gods' but maybe there's something to be figured out yet. He'll enter the church for the god of Zuqar.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> --got to think of some good godly names...</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> No temples to Az here?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Nope.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Hm.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Not that you saw.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> There are one or two people quietly praying in the pews.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Also, a priest waits off to the side, apparently for aid to those who need it.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Convenient. Jannot approaches him... is there some customary... ritual?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Would you know? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Well, Jannot's probably been in the church once or trwice, Thom trying to figure him out early...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> True. Probably enough to know ... hmm..</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> No ritual, not for something like this.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> No... required contributions?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Ah... only as you feel... led. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Right.</p><p><Kent> Approach the priest...</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He turns as you approach, wait for you to speak.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Yes, um, I was wondering if I could ask you for some information."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Please, ask. I will answer if I can."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot tries to recall the prophecy, since he didn't bring it with him. "Do you know anything about ... prophecies and the like?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> true</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "There are many prophecies. Few ever come true. Are you a son of Zuqar?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> ... "a son of Zuqar?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He smiles. "What brings you to my church?"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> --Son of Zuqar would usually imply something about having or at least desiring to live in/around Zuqar. Usually worshippers of this god refer to themselves as such.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "Um, there's a prophecy that I recently came into knowledhge of It goes something like this: three wings (and by the way, I'm doing this from memory, not looking it up) </p><p><Kent> from sea to earth...no, from sea to air to earth... That's how it starts. Have you heard it?"</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> He thinks for a bit. "It is not familiar to me."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How long will you be here this evening?</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> I will be here through the evening service"</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> -- This is usually one bell after sunset.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> How far is this place from my ... inn? not far I'd guess since it's only 15 minutes to the edge of town.</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> Yeah, not far.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> "I'll return with the full prophecy in a little bit."</p><p><span style="color: orange"><Kheldar> "Very well."</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span><Kent> Jannot makes his way back to the inn.</p><p></p><p>Next time... Return to Zuqar</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="AStott, post: 523423, member: 7825"] [size=3][b]Session 4: Escape from Zuqar[/b][/size] <Kent> So, hm... I'm thinking about whether Jannot might feel comfortable taking his little fishing boat to travel by as opposed to the mule and cart... [color=orange]<Kheldar> ah, good thinking... [/color]<Kent> Yup [color=orange]<Kheldar> As I recall, you'd just left Thom's place, and was headed home, realizing there was some smoke coming up from another part of the city. [/color]<Kent> ...uh huh... bad sign. Um. Jannot's been to the dock area any number of times. Would it possibly be that there are - entrepreneural juveniles might be around to perform small tasks\? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh certainly, no city is without them. [/color]<Kent> Great. :) <Kent> Um another question, Jannots little fishing boat... is it just tied to dock somewhere? Dry-dock? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Hmm... Probably not, you'd have to rent dock space. It's probably drawn up on the beach like other small fishing boats. [/color]<Kent> So... what would that ararangement be? monthly fee? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Naw, no fee for a spot on the beach... [/color]<Kent> Perfect. <Kent> So, if I wanted to load a few things into the dingy then I'd probvably need to put it in the water and pull it in to a dock to get the cart close... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Depends on how much you load in. If we're talking a few hundred pounds of stuff, no problem, just throw it in a shove off. [/color]<Kent> Yeah. good point. <Kent> Well, decisions ... <Kent> Jannot makes his way directly back to his shop/home. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. Still no signs of panic on the streets. [/color]<Kent> Can I assume that he has a large sack for junk? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Sure. [/color]<Kent> ok <Kent> He'll toss in ... 2 changes of clothing... his spare working boots. <Kent> ... um, He'll put all his spare money in a pouch. [color=orange]<Kheldar> right [/color]<Kent> ... What about something to wrap food in? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Uh... ziploc? :) [/color]<Kent> He he... handy... gallon sized? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Food (other than specially prepared) doesn't tend to last long. Just throw it in something. [/color]<Kent> No. Um. how about some... right, just a day or two, but he can fish. [color=orange]<Kheldar> we'll call it two. [/color]<Kent> So, pouch for money. <Kent> ...sack for clothes and extra boots. <Kent> ... and one more small bag for food. <Kent> Fishing gear... [color=orange]<Kheldar> What about the... business seal and blank draft notes you'd been carrying with you? [/color]<Kent> Well, exactly how secure would the home be? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Against someone determined, or a fire... not at all... Such is life. [/color]<Kent> well, In that case, the drafts are useless without my seal, correct? Well, I'll take my seal with me and put the drafts under the bed... except for a couple... in the sack of clothes. [color=orange]<Kheldar> ok [/color]<Kent> Fishing gear...How much money could I scrounge fromt he house? [color=orange]<Kheldar> You've got... about 3 and a half gold. A pretty tidy sum. [/color]<Kent> Hm. pretty good. How much does a seedy motel cost to stay in? [color=orange]<Kheldar> 1 copper for a night for a seedy hotel. <Kheldar> Obviously the translated prophecy (with the symbol drawn on it)... what about the leather scrap and what about the borrowed book where you first found the prophecy? [/color]<Kent> Jannot is FULLY planning on returning to town right after the mess is over... so, he'll hold on to the book, and the tranltion... and the (by now very smelly) scrap of hide.I don't know. Is the hide starting to dry out by now? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Well, it's in ok shape, just not exactly something that most people would sleep with... :) [/color]<Kent> How large is this patch anyway? 4-5 inch square? [color=orange]<Kheldar> perhaps about 4" by 4" square [/color]<Kent> right <Kent> Okay.well, what about the shop? Can I close it up pretty tigh? [color=orange]<Kheldar> You can lock it up, draw the blinds, etc. [/color]<Kent> Hm. Any tols expecially valuable in the shop? (tools)Oh yeah, a utility knife might be handy. and one to fillet the fish. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Hmm... Not particularly so. <Kheldar> right, good. [/color]<Kent> do they both have ...scabbards? That's the word I was looking for.good. [color=orange]<Kheldar> ... sheaths, not scabs. <Kheldar> well... oh, who cares, sure. [/color]<Kent> :) <Kent> Okay. that's about it. Jannot loads up the cart (not too heavy I'd guess) [color=orange]<Kheldar> No problem, it's not to heavy, you could manage it carrying by yourself, but it's a little bulky, what with the fishing gear. <Kheldar> Good enough, you toss it in the cart, lock up the house and shop... [/color]<Kent> Good.Right. The fishing gear might be a pain in the long run. But I'll hold on to it... Lock up the place nice and tight... and ... do I have a writing instrument? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. [/color]<Kent> On the front door of the shop and the door in back (to the house) Jannot writes: <Kent> "Out of the city for a few days. Will return soon. " and whatever passes for a signature. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok. [/color]<Kent> By now, I've been out front loading the cart for a little bit right? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. It's been perhaps 30 minutes of collecting stuff, taking care of things... [/color]<Kent> k. Traffic? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Looks like there is still no sense of alarm among people. You can still see smoke over yonder though. [/color]<Kent> Great. <Kent> Okay. Weather still clear? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. [/color]<Kent> To the docks? [color=orange]<Kheldar> All right. <Kheldar> You begin to make your way towards the docks. As you travel, you start seeing a change in the behavior of people. [/color]<Kent> Straight to the dingy..,. [color=orange]<Kheldar> You start seeing more people in a hurry, and you see some who have apparently packed some things up (like you). [/color]<Kent> I try not to make eye contact and go quickly as I can on my way. [color=orange]<Kheldar> heh... life as normal? <Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> yup. :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> You catch a couple comments from people passing and talking to each other. Some speculation about what's happening, apparently a few people who've figured things out. [/color]<Kent> Uh huh. anything relating to the source? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Nothing at all. <Kheldar> You are... hmm... one moment... [/color]<Kent> okay... Boy. that dingy had better still be there. <Kent> Man. you took Thom, don't take away the dingy... [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> I WILL squirm right through this phone line... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok, so this city is walled all the way around to the shore on either side. There are areas that have quite a few docks, but also areas of beach that is still within the walls. In some cases, poorer houses go right down onto the beach (shacks). [/color]<Kent> Fine. <Kent> Okay, what bad thing is coming. you always explain a lot before something bad happens... <Kent> :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> Just making sure you remember that I told you there is a wall... :) [/color]<Kent> Uh huh... as long as the wall stops at the water... [color=orange]<Kheldar> You are beginning to get down near the beach, and you spot a group of a dozen or so guards hurrying past. They seem to be headed for the docks. [/color]<Kent> good... away from my boat. <Kent> ...hurrying along... [color=orange]<Kheldar> ...h...u...r...r...y...i...n...g... :) <Kheldar> By the time you reach the beach, there are definitely a number of people scurrying around. There are already a number of people who have apparently had the same idea as you, and some small boats are already out in the water. [/color]<Kent> :) <Kent> okay... so the fishing near shore is no good today... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Heh... definitely not. [/color]<Kent> I'm hoping that there's an oar with the dingy... [color=orange]<Kheldar> You boat is still chained in it's spot (the city provides some ... rings attached to boulders to give people a place to chain up so no one runs off with their boat). [/color]<Kent> Chained?...[sigh] okay. [color=orange]<Kheldar> sigh? [/color]<Kent> Do I have a key? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Of course you do. You keep it with your fishing stuff. <Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> Thanks for the... [chuckle] you just wanted to get a rise out of me... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Actually, I just wanted a good reason why people would feel ok leaving their boats on the beach with shacks nearby... <Kheldar> (look ma! firewood!) [/color]<Kent> Good enough. :) <Kent> Okay. loading the boat. [color=orange]<Kheldar> As you are loading, you notice that there are a couple ships leaving the docks, even though it's deifnitely not high tide. <Kheldar> Certainly appears so. [/color]<Kent> Hm. Word's out. Glad I didn't sleep on it... Though. I almost did. I almost decided to stick with the shop and just lock up tight... tough it out. [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) Would have been interesting. <Kheldar> Not too late, want to change your mind? [/color]<Kent> Hope it's still there when I get back... [color=orange]<Kheldar> }:> [/color]<Kent> are there any street - entrepreneurs around? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Nope, not at this point. [/color]<Kent> Were there any further up from the shore? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, some, although, it seems that some people have started to panic, and people are starting to try and get away or stay out of the way. [/color]<Kent> Oh great. Well, I'm going to just assume that the mule is branded and will eventually be returned . [color=orange]<Kheldar> Hmm, good point, yes it is branded. <Kheldar> won't fit in the boat... [/color]<Kent> ... and my cart... good old trusty cart... will be helping some unfortunate soul cart away bodies in a few days... [color=orange]<Kheldar> How generous of you. [/color]<Kent> Yeah. <Kent> quite... <Kent> Is there an oar in the dingy? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Uh... actually, that's part of your fishing gear. [/color]<Kent> perfect [color=orange]<Kheldar> Shove off then? <Kheldar> There is some shouting and commotion a little up the beach. You can't see yet what's going on. [/color]<Kent> Yep. Jannot is getting rather nervous... filling up with a generous portion fo fear, actually, enough to almost put out of his mind that he's shoving off from his long time home to ... return ? <Kent> Good enough. Shoving off...; paddling out as fast as possible. straight out from shore. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right, as you get out a little, it looks like there are a number of guards making their way down the beach, they're pushing people away from the boats apparently. [/color]<Kent> Yeah. Gee I wonder why... <Kent> speeding off... [color=orange]<Kheldar> As you can guess, there are some complaints. [/color]<Kent> yeah. If there are two oars, Jannot can watch as he paddles, if only one, then only an occaisional glance. [color=orange]<Kheldar> You head out into the bay, along with a few others. <Kheldar> It looks also like one of the city's guard boats has put out and is moving to block some of the merchant vessels. [/color]<Kent> OH NO! <Kent> Am I on the north or south portion of the city? I mean you were talking about a wall and such. I figured it was close. [color=orange]<Kheldar> You are closer to... <Kheldar> Ok, with the way the bay is... the water-side of the city is the south part. You are closer to the eastern edge of the city. Of course, that direction, you have to head out around a little point before you cut around and start heading north of the city. Make sense? [/color]<Kent> Um... since Jannot has Area knowledge of the shoreline from fishing so much is there any chance I could get a ... better concept of the lay-of-the-land? [color=orange]<Kheldar> What exactly are you looking for? [/color]<Kent> well, okay. how far is it south to the other side of the bay? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ah...It's actualy about 4 miles or so. [/color]<Kent> I'm sure that he's gone that way before... away from the main part of the city... better fishing. <Kent> okay. what's that area like? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Well, good portions of it are cleared for farmland. [/color]<Kent> Make comfortable camping I suppose. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Sure... <Kheldar> Until you get plowed under... :) [/color]<Kent> well, in that case I'll make for the populated, un-named town to the south. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok, guess I'll need to name it sometime then. <Kheldar> Yeah. Other than that, nothing of great interest. <Kheldar> Well, there have been some border tensions with the kingdom to the south. [/color]<Kent> ...sleep under the dingy... How about news. Have I ever heard anything about this area to the south? Not that far south. So, there should be nothing out of the ordinary at this other town? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. [/color]<Kent> Jannot's heading there. What direction is the current? <Kent> Wind? [color=orange]<Kheldar> I doubt we need to worry too much about wind/current. [/color]<Kent> ... Jannot wishes he had grabebd a few more books other than just that one... [color=orange]<Kheldar> You make it across to the far side of the bay. You aren't bothered by the guard boat. [/color]<Kent> how long did that take? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Well, that's a good question, I'm looking for the answer... [/color]<Kent> 2nauts? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok, more or less about 6 miles per hour [/color]<Kent> wow, 6. [color=orange]<Kheldar> more or less. <Kheldar> Of course... hmm... that's probably about as fast as you can go, but you probably can't keep that up long. [/color]<Kent> right. that seems right. [color=orange]<Kheldar> So, probably 4 mph, and again, you aren't used to rowing for more than an hour at a time. <Kheldar> You can probably row for a couple hours before having to break. <Kheldar> Good enough? [/color]<Kent> so... 3-4? Okay then. an hour and I'm at the other side. Okay. now, when I broke from shore, there were other craft with me... are they still? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Only a couple. Most went around the point and headed north. <Kheldar> Of the few who came your direction, all except one pulled in on the south beath of the bay. <Kheldar> The other boat has an older man in it though, and he's going slower than you. [/color]<Kent> so, are there people visible on shore from. say, 100 yards out? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. Looks like the people in the other boats were just using it as a way to leave town. They appear to plan on walking. [/color]<Kent> Oh. how many? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Just a couple dozen perhaps. [/color]<Kent> Hm. Jannot will proceed down the coast a couple hundred yards out. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. You do tend to pass little fishing villages ever few miles (we're talking no more than 50 people or so). [/color]<Kent> ... jannot tears up remembering fishing with Thom here and there... <Kent> :) <Kent> after another hour. Jannot will rest his arms and shoulders and take a lunch break. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. <Kheldar> Continue after lunch? [/color]<Kent> ...so, anything going on in the fishing villages? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Nothing of any big note. You pass some fishing boats of course. Most look at you a little curiously, but give a friendly wave and return to their work. [/color]<Kent> Nice. Jannot's feeling abit less anxious. Just try to keep thinking about this as a fishing trip. <Kent> Yeah, continue on after resting a bit. [color=orange]<Kheldar> After lunch, you move on a bit. The villages have started becoming lest frequent. After another hour or so, you're starting to get fairly sore. Three hours of rowing is quite a bit for a tanner... [/color]<Kent> Then again most of the cleaning of the hides and stretching is done by hand... <Kent> But sure. what is it, 2 points of fatigue per hour? <Kent> :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) You're tired. [/color]<Kent> Heh, heh... [color=orange]<Kheldar> You have actually been able to spot the main south road coming in sight of the beach now and then. [/color]<Kent> Yeah. I'd guess that it's 3 in the afternoon? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, about that. [/color]<Kent> Um. if I drift... will the current bear me south, north, in r out? <Kent> When's high tide? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Actually... hmm... <Kheldar> uh... <Kheldar> well.. [/color]<Kent> That's when I'd want to go in. [color=orange]<Kheldar> I'd say it's probably best if you let out an anchor or pull up on shore. It's never wise to let the boat drift. [/color]<Kent> Yeah, but I'm talking about resting for an hour or two and continuing. <Kent> If Jannot stops rowing... what direction will the boat drift? :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh... probably... southish. [/color]<Kent> and... is tide coming in or going out? [color=orange]<Kheldar> You're just a little past high tide. [/color]<Kent> Oh. so it's going out then. <Kent> okay. yeah, good time to anchor and rest. <Kent> potty break... <Kent> Ever pee'd off the side of a boat? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Not personally. <Kheldar> But don't pee into the wind... [/color]<Kent> he he... <Kent> So, anyways, when is the NEXT high tide going to be? [color=orange]<Kheldar> I don't know. This evening sometime. [/color]<Kent> okay. He doesn't want to waste daylight, so, he'll - restfully - row south, rather slowly, not exterting much. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. <Kheldar> Is that pretty much the plan until you reach... the unnamed town? [/color]<Kent> right. <Kent> yes. [color=orange]<Kheldar> And pull in at the evening high tide and sleep under the boat? [/color]<Kent> There you go. Now you've got the picture. <Kent> :) <Kent> people do that all the time with canoes when taking weekend or week-long river trips. <Kent> okay, so is that feasible? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. <Kheldar> Half second... [/color]<Kent> Time travels slowly in your realm... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok, the trip is fairly peaceful and uneventful. Fishing is reasonably good, and you catch enough to keep yourself fed. [/color]<Kent> Ah. good. So is this a 4 day tri[p then? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Very close. It'll take you about 5 days. [/color]<Kent> okay. Jannot gets smelly and good at rowing. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, very true. [/color]<Kent> :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> You suspect that you could have made better time walking, but... [/color]<Kent> now, as to what to do after arriving... Jannot's glad to have avoided people... <Kent> Trandless [color=orange]<Kheldar> At last you catch sight of ... Kastor. <Kheldar> It's a non-walled town. [/color]<Kent> ooh. <Kent> How populated is it? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh, probably around 5,000 people or so, at least so you've heard. <Kheldar> It tends to have a reasonably high number of transients for a town it's size, mostly because it's a favored stopping point for travelers between Zuqar and Ilan. [/color]<Kent> How convenient. Then there should be ample - motels. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Definitely. Inns abound. [/color]<Kent> Question. Was the lock/chain on the boat mine or was that attached to the boulder?Yeah. great. [color=orange]<Kheldar> answer <Kheldar> The lock and chain were yours. [/color]<Kent> Oakay. Um. Are there similar public beach areas? [color=orange]<Kheldar> As far as you can tell, no. Of course, it's easy to find a spot outside the city. [/color]<Kent> :) hey... <Kent> No, Jannot will approach the city along the shoreline and look for a similarly secure area to stow his dingy. [color=orange]<Kheldar> It looks like most smaller boats have a docking area that's enclosed by wooden floats and ropes. <Kheldar> There's a man at the entrace to the area, keeping an eye out on things. [/color]<Kent> No other areas then? [color=orange]<Kheldar> There are a couple that are like that. <Kheldar> Looks like this town gains it's income off services... <Kheldar> If you get my drift. [/color]<Kent> Ah. Hm. How unfortunate... for me. Were there any areas outside the town's immidiate area that it appeared that the boat could be chained to a tree or something? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, you could definitely find something. About how far out of town? [/color]<Kent> Not far. as close as possible. Is the towns boundary well defined? lie could a couple hundred yards make a difference? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Not really. It's more a matter of farmland taking over. Most houses cluster near the main road. [/color]<Kent> Well, I don't want to put my boat on private property... <Kent> so... no undeveloped area relatively near? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right, got it. There was a decent spot back about a half mile. <Kheldar> right. [/color]<Kent> too far... hm. maybe not. maybe. Jannot will paddle up to a fellow standing watch over the penned-in boats. <Kent> Does the fellow do anything as I approach? [color=orange]<Kheldar> He hails you as you approach. "Looking to dock your boat?" <Kheldar> "Cheapest spot, right here!" [/color]<Kent> Jannot swallows a bit, "Yeah, what's the cost?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "A copper a night, five copper a week." [/color]<Kent> ...of course... <Kent> ... that's the same as a cheap motel... [color=orange]<Kheldar> --a copper is a convenient amount...-- [/color]<Kent> after some obvious internal arguing, Jannot says, "6 tin." <Kent> --true. :) <Kent> --I take that back. <Kent> "A copper sounds..."pause "reasonable." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Of course it is. " He says cheerfully. <Kheldar> He gestures for you to head in. "They'll take your money there at the shack onshore. Don't be late with payments." He grins. [/color]<Kent> uih huh. <Kent> Jannot nods and paddles in. Is there a place to disembark? [color=orange]<Kheldar> There are a couple rickety looking docks, but looks like those are just for unloading. Everyone else is pulled up on shore. [/color]<Kent> So, it would apparently be appropriate for Jannot to pull in to shore? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. [/color]<Kent> okay. He makes his way in to shore and pulls up. Is there anything for him to chain up to? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Sure. You secure your boat appropriately. [/color]<Kent> great. <Kent> Oh. another question. Are there public baths? or are baths done in... tubs? [color=orange]<Kheldar> private. <Kheldar> tubs. [/color]<Kent> So... after securing a place for the night... water will be provided, I'd assume... whereever? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Probably you can get yourself a bath at the inn. <Kheldar> At least if you pick a decent inn. Not so sure about your... cheap one. [/color]<Kent> right... Yeah. <Kent> Well, we'll see. Jannot mqakes his way to the shack. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Of course they tend to charge... :) It's a pain to get the tub filled, eh? [/color]<Kent> What? <Kent> What about the rain barrel in back? <Kent> :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> Who wants to bathe in cold water... :) [/color]<Kent> Right. <Kent> Shack [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. <Kheldar> You're greeted by a snaggle toothed man chewing on a wad of something. [/color]<Kent> heh... [color=orange]<Kheldar> He quotes the same price at you as the other man did. [/color]<Kent> oh yeah, I meant to have Jannot separate most of his money... [color=orange]<Kheldar> "How long you want?" He asks. [/color]<Kent> "Jannot looks up. "Just one night I think. I'll know more tomorrow." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Right, one copper." [/color]<Kent> --so you going to let Jannot have separated his money? grr... Jannot walks a little ways back from the little shop and pulls a copper out of his money pouch, trying not to jingle it. [color=orange]<Kheldar> hmm... nope, guess you'll have to do it later. :) <Kheldar> Right. [/color]<Kent> .. returning he hands over the copper. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Hmm... wait... thinking... [/color]<Kent> ... that's usually bad. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok, he hands you a... small chunk of wood (just an inch or so across). It has some odd little shapes on it. "Bring that when you come back." [/color]<Kent> "What is it?" Jannot asks, looking the little chunk over. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "'s so I know you left your boat with us." [/color]<Kent> Jannot nodds. and puts the chunk of wood in his sack. <Kent> Are there any inn's within view? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, a few. With names like theirs, they probably tend to cater to sailors. [/color]<Kent> uhh... okay. Jannot makes his way down the main road and tries to locate a half-way decent looking inn. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok. It's about midday when you find a nice looking place. It looks like it's been kept up reasonably well. It's not on the main trade road, but just a little off it. [/color]<Kent> Hopefully Jannot doesn't smell too bad... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Smell like the sea, you do. [/color]<Kent> Jannot makes his way inside. [color=orange]<Kheldar> There's a somewhat surprising number of people taking lunch in the main room of the inn. [/color]<Kent> Hm. people. okay. It's not the end of the world... So many people together ... shows that their healthy. Yeah, that's it. [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> Is there a counter? [color=orange]<Kheldar> There is a counter/bar. <Kheldar> Looks like that's where you'd go to get a room. [/color]<Kent> Is there a concierge? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Sorry, no. :) [/color]<Kent> Hm. Jannot walks up to the counter. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Just a moment," the barkeep calls to you. He finishes filling a couple mugs, then hands them to a pretty young gal who carries them off. [/color]<Kent> Hm... [color=orange]<Kheldar> He wipes his hands on his apron and comes over to you. <Kheldar> He's a somewhat fat man, with a rather large nose. "What'll you have?" [/color]<Kent> "Well, do you have any rooms available?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "I certainly do. Are you just staying the night?" [/color]<Kent> "What is the price?" Jannot says politely. [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Only two copper for you, sir." [/color]<Kent> ... just for me... [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> "Does that include dinner or breakfast?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "No, I'm afraid not, but your welcome to be served here." [/color]<Kent> Jannot looks around the place. Lots of people... how's the food look? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Well, people seem to be enjoying it, if that's any indication. Perhaps that's why there are so many here... [/color]<Kent> Okay. back to the Barkeep: "What's the price for a dinner?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Well, that'll depend on what you get, but most people spend around a dozen tin" [/color]<Kent> ...wow, more than a copper just for a meal... <Kent> "Okay, what about baths?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Just a copper. We've got a couple nice cedar tubs..." [/color]<Kent> ...man! another copper? [color=orange]<Kheldar> --heh--- <Kheldar> --eh... you've got lots of money-- [/color]<Kent> Thinking... <Kent> ...but no-one else needs to know that... [color=orange]<Kheldar> heh... good point. [/color]<Kent> Jannot says "I'll give you 2 copper for the room if you include the bath." [color=orange]<Kheldar> He turns as someone apparently calls out to him. He gestures to a pitcher at the end of the bar, then turns back to you. <Kheldar> "Eh? Oh, sure. That sounds just fine." [/color]<Kent> ...huh. that was easier than I thought. :) merchant skill? [color=orange]<Kheldar> --curse those dice-- [/color]<Kent> "Thanks, I'll take it." <Kent> Oh. swell. :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> Not exactly. Reaction rolls do get modified by merchant skill, but only by a couple points. Merchant tends to be better for identifying things. <Kheldar> prices and such. [/color]<Kent> ...I recall using it as a bartering tool... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yup, way back in another campaign? [/color]<Kent> uh huh. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yeah... Read your GURPS book, that's not the way it's supposed to work... :) [/color]<Kent> okay. I accept that. <Kent> So, Jannot pulls 2 copper out, trying to not show the coins inside... or jingle the pouch. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. He fishes out a ring of keys, pulls one off and hands it to you, taking your money. [/color]<Kent> "Thanks. Where will I go to get the bath?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Head down the hallway. Your's is the fourth room on the left, right across from the stairs." <Kheldar> "You want the bath now? [/color]<Kent> "In a little bit, after un-packing." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Ok, I'll send a gal for you in about a half a bell. That sound about righht?' [/color]<Kent> "That would be fine. Thank you." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Enjoy your stay." He turns back to his work. [/color]<Kent> Jannot makes his way directly to his room, trying to avoid walking through too many people to get there. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. <Kheldar> The room is cozy. A little small, at least compared to what you're used to. <Kheldar> But, it's clean at least. [/color]<Kent> Yeah. The master bedroom of a house made for a couple with two children... <Kent> Is there a window? [color=orange]<Kheldar> hmm... Nope, sorry. [/color]<Kent> wow, dark in there at night, eh? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Is that a good thing? [/color]<Kent> lantern? [color=orange]<Kheldar> There is a candle holder on a small table next to the bed. [/color]<Kent> well, it's always nice to be able to listen to the birds in the evening. <Kent> and the door... does it latch well? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh yes, it seems to. [/color]<Kent> okay then. He'll latch the door and unload his things after lighting the candle. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Oh, hmm.. didn't think about it from that angle. <Kheldar> So... There are some ... well, half-foot tall slits up at the top of the wall that let in some light. Apparently the view is not worth seeing. [/color]<Kent> They don't let in rain... and bugs do they? [color=orange]<Kheldar> They're most likely sheltered by a roof of some kind. <Kheldar> Ok. [/color]<Kent> He'll want to separate most of his money. The vast majority of it he'll want to stuff into one of his boots in the sack, and hold it in place with a shirt. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. [/color]<Kent> The boots and one set of clothes remain in the sack. the moneyt pouch should now have in it...2 bronze 4 copper and 11 tin. <Kent> It'll be the decoy if someone steals it. <Kent> :) [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. [/color]<Kent> Is there a drawer, table, chair, bed? in the room? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Small table, a chair, and a bed. [/color]<Kent> Does the room door lock from the outside as well as the inside? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. <Kheldar> Well, it has a keyhole on the outside. [/color]<Kent> right [color=orange]<Kheldar> A latch on the inside. [/color]<Kent> good enough. I guess the sack and the rest of his things go in the corner. [color=orange]<Kheldar> OK. <Kheldar> Then rest for a bit until the bath is ready? [/color]<Kent> ...and he'll pull out that book. Something to read while waiting for the girl to arrive. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Man, if this trip takes too long, you'll have that thing memorized... :) <Kheldar> Heh... [/color]<Kent> Well, maybe that's a good thing. :) Too bad I don't have that book about the human city attacked by the elves and dwarves... <Kent> He answers the door. "Yes?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> After a bit, there is a light knock on the door. "Your bath, sir.." [/color]<Kent> He opens the door. [color=orange]<Kheldar> A young girl (perhaps mid-teens) stands there. "Let me show you the bath room, sir." [/color]<Kent> "Fine. Let me grab my things." and Jannot picks up a change of clothes and his money pouch, locks the door and says, "Lets go." [color=orange]<Kheldar> She takes you to a small room. Inside are some partitioned areas. One of which holds a cedar tub with steaming hot water. She points out a towel and a chunk of soap, then smiles at you and runs off. [/color]<Kent> Is there anyone else there? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Nope, doesn't sound like it. <Kheldar> There's a bench. [/color]<Kent> Great. Is there a chair or bench or something? <Kent> Okay, so this partition makes it like a private bath? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. [/color]<Kent> Cool. He undresses and slips slowly into the hot water. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Let me tell you, with your muscles as sore as they are... The bath just feels incredible. [/color]<Kent> Heh, heh. [color=orange]<Kheldar> You relax for quite some time, even snoozing a bit before cleaning up and getting out. [/color]<Kent> Hey, he'd be careful of that. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok, ok. Relaxing with your eyes closed. [/color]<Kent> hmm... [color=orange]<Kheldar> (but ears open) <Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> ok. :) <Kent> Jannot thinks about his smelly clothes. could he wash them in his bath water? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Certainly. [/color]<Kent> Is that... normal? [color=orange]<Kheldar> It wouldn't be unreasonable. It would save you the 3 tin laundry bill... :) [/color]<Kent> okay. He'll do that. Wringing them out as much as possible. <Kent> he he... <Kent> plus the water's hot enough that the clothes should dry relatively shortly. [color=orange]<Kheldar> depends on how long you plan on soaking before doing the clothes... [/color]<Kent> true. He'll soak for, well, the plan was less than half a bell, but, it turns out to be closer to 3/4 a bell. [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) <Kheldar> So, the water is defniitely cooling down. <Kheldar> Does he do any thinking about what is next for him? [/color]<Kent> Yeah. Next. He'll walk around the town and see if any news has come from Zuqar. <Kent> He's not an idiot though. No mentioning of a plague... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Sure. [/color]<Kent> He'll skip lunch and wait for dinner. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok. <Kheldar> After finishing the bath, and cleaning the clothes. He dries off, dresses, heads back to his room and hangs the wet clothes up on some pegs on the wall. [/color]<Kent> Oh. How convenient. So no other patrons came into the bath house while I was there? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Nope. It's very early afternoon still. [/color]<Kent> Great.So, back in the room.everything in its place? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yup, seems like no one has disturbed the place. [/color]<Kent> Good. Feeling a little more relaxed now... bath and all. After dressing and everything He heads out into the town. Would it seem appropriate to bring his utility knife? [color=orange]<Kheldar> That wouldn't be unreasonable. [/color]<Kent> Good. does his clothes happen to include a belt? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Sure. [/color]<Kent> Of course it does... he's a tanner. [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> He he... okay, belt holding both knife and money pouch. What's the weather like? <Kent> dry? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Hot. A few clouds. Not parched. It rained a little the other day. [/color]<Kent> okay. Is there a marketplace in this town? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Certainly. Actually large sections of the main trade road (running from Zuqar to Ilan) have been taken over as market area. Kind of a long thin market area. [/color]<Kent> Oaky, any... heralds? <Kent> fell free to say no... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yeah, there are a few. [/color]<Kent> oh. nice. [color=orange]<Kheldar> That's a common method of advertising, etc. [/color]<Kent> Jannot will make his way, down the road, now dress clean and not smelling so bad, to find a herald. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right, you find one easily enough, his voice ringing out over the crowd as he reads from a small bundle of parchment. [/color]<Kent> Anything interesting? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Naw, it seems pretty local in nature. [/color]<Kent> are there a lot of people around listening to him? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Just a couple, everyone else seems to pretty much ignore him... <Kheldar> --just call him Bill... or that's Mr. Board to you... :) [/color]<Kent> - right. <Kent> "Say, any news from Zuqar?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> He stops between messages and turns to you. Well, nothing official, but there's something going on up there." [/color]<Kent> Jannot has a revelation and pulls out a tin, tossing it to him. "Any details?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> He grins. "Well, not a lot I'm afraid. I've heard some talk about no one being able to get in or out of there. I'm not sure what that means, but it can't be good." [/color]<Kent> Jannot nodds to the fellow and makes his way along the road further, to find the next herald. [color=orange]<Kheldar> --repeat performance? [/color]<Kent> Uh... Yeah. Something of the like. [color=orange]<Kheldar> You spend a couple more tin, but are unable to find much of anything in the way of details. Seems like the city was probably shut up shortly after you left (duh). There has been smoke sighted by people passing by, and the official word is that there are ... [/color]<Kent> ..uh huh... [color=orange]<Kheldar> hmm... wait... [/color]<Kent> He he... sure. I'll wait. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok, the official word is that there was an uprising by elves, and that's being taken care of. No visitors until things are sorted out. [/color]<Kent> Hm. Blaming it on elves... wierd. [color=orange]<Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> How about this. How long is the road through town? Meaning how long of a walk is it to the edge of town, to the north? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ah... Oh... From where you're at, maybe...a quarter bell. <Kheldar> yeah [/color]<Kent> quarter bell... 15 minutes... that's not far. <Kent> okay. I'll walk there. [color=orange]<Kheldar> note: all times a distances subject to review by the board of deciding how realistic things actually are... <Kheldar> :) [/color]<Kent> oh... I see. he he... small print. [color=orange]<Kheldar> uh huh [/color]<Kent> :) right. edge of town... [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes. The town kind of starts becoming more rural in nature. Anything you're looking for? [/color]<Kent> well, kind of looking for 'the first place a person traveling from Zuqar' would stop. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ah... The first inn? Tavern? [/color]<Kent> yes. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok, you find a place. The Welcome Change. It's a tavern/restaurant. [/color]<Kent> Welcome Change? <Kent> Huh. okay. Jannot enters [color=orange]<Kheldar> Let's see, it's about... mid-afternoonish I guess. [/color]<Kent> right [color=orange]<Kheldar> There are a few people there. Mostly some people cleaning and perparing for the dinner "rush". [/color]<Kent> Jannot will approach the bar. [color=orange]<Kheldar> There are one pair of people, apparently travellers. A man and a woman. [/color]<Kent> How do they look? (without staring) [color=orange]<Kheldar> They are pretty much keeping to themselves. Not looking around much, talking quitely. [/color]<Kent> Hm. <Kent> okay. Barkeep? [color=orange]<Kheldar> A man notices you approach the bar. He's a little younger than you. He hops over the bar (so that he's now behind it), and approaches you. "Can I help you, stranger?" [/color]<Kent> Goodness, lively. <Kent> "Yes... I was wondering how business has been coming from Zuqar." <Kent> "...and I'd like something light to drink." [color=orange]<Kheldar> He smiles, somewhat lazily. <Kheldar> "Certainly." He fills you a mug of cider (looks like). "Business is decent. Most people coming through now are not from Zuqar of course. No one travelling from there right now." <Kheldar> He hands you the mug. [/color]<Kent> Jannot has a few swallows of the cider and then asks, "Heard anything from that way?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> (taking a tin in payment from you) [/color]<Kent> sure... [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Something about elves attacking the city I believe. If that's true, it's a little frightening to be sure. Seems like Zuqar is a long way from elven lands." [/color]<Kent> after a few more swallows, Jannot says, "Well, I doubt elves would cause trouble like that." pause, "It's probably something else." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh? You have a theory?" <Kheldar> He grabs a cloth and begins... conveniently wiping glasses. [/color]<Kent> Jannot reconsiders the conversation. "Nah, it's just that I've seen the elves in that city and they don't seem the warring type." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Huh... Maybe it was other elves... From the west or something." [/color]<Kent> Jannot nodds, another swallow, "Yeah, I suppose it could be at that." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Where you from? [/color]<Kent> ...Jannot thinks to himself are there any cities north of there that he knows of? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Big cities, or towns? <Kheldar> There's Miraj, further up the coast. [/color]<Kent> Shershel will do. <Kent> "shershel, originally." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Did you just get here? [/color]<Kent> Jannot nodds, taking another swallow, "In a round about way." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Oh, so you must have just passed by Zuqar recently. What did you see?" [/color]<Kent> "Everything was normal before I left, but I took my time getting here." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Ah" He nods, knowingly. [/color]<Kent> Jannot thanks the fellow and finishes his drink... so he can leave propmtly. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ok [/color]<Kent> Are those two people still there? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yes, they are. Looks like they are taking their own sweet time. [/color]<Kent> Hm. Hm... <Kent> Jannot finishes his drink and leaves the place. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right. [/color]<Kent> Obviously none of the locals have really heard much. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Kind of makes sense, none of the refugees would want it to be known that they might be carriers... [/color]<Kent> Yeah... perhaps it's the best... Jannot makes his way back to the inn, taking a round-about path, to see more of the town before returning. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Right, so, the place seems pretty... well... underwhelming to you. Zuqar really is a much bigger city. There isn't much in the way of sights. Lots of trading places and the like though. [/color]<Kent> Okay. What about churches? [color=orange]<Kheldar> You spot a few. They tend to be much smaller (chapels) than what you're used to seeing. [/color]<Kent> Okay, in the afternoon, would there be people in them? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Probably none would be having services, but there will certainly be priests of some kind. [/color]<Kent> Which churches/gods seem to be popular here? [color=orange]<Kheldar> The founding god of Zuqar is actually fairly popular here. Also, a god of business and travel seems to be fairly prominent. Those are the two biggies. [/color]<Kent> Jannot was never one to put much stock into the 'gods' but maybe there's something to be figured out yet. He'll enter the church for the god of Zuqar. [color=orange]<Kheldar> --got to think of some good godly names... [/color]<Kent> No temples to Az here? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Nope. [/color]<Kent> Hm. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Not that you saw. <Kheldar> There are one or two people quietly praying in the pews. <Kheldar> Also, a priest waits off to the side, apparently for aid to those who need it. [/color]<Kent> Convenient. Jannot approaches him... is there some customary... ritual? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Would you know? :) [/color]<Kent> Well, Jannot's probably been in the church once or trwice, Thom trying to figure him out early... [color=orange]<Kheldar> True. Probably enough to know ... hmm.. <Kheldar> No ritual, not for something like this. [/color]<Kent> No... required contributions? [color=orange]<Kheldar> Ah... only as you feel... led. :) [/color]<Kent> Right. <Kent> Approach the priest... [color=orange]<Kheldar> He turns as you approach, wait for you to speak. [/color]<Kent> "Yes, um, I was wondering if I could ask you for some information." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Please, ask. I will answer if I can." [/color]<Kent> Jannot tries to recall the prophecy, since he didn't bring it with him. "Do you know anything about ... prophecies and the like?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> true <Kheldar> "There are many prophecies. Few ever come true. Are you a son of Zuqar?" [/color]<Kent> ... "a son of Zuqar?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> He smiles. "What brings you to my church?" <Kheldar> --Son of Zuqar would usually imply something about having or at least desiring to live in/around Zuqar. Usually worshippers of this god refer to themselves as such. [/color]<Kent> "Um, there's a prophecy that I recently came into knowledhge of It goes something like this: three wings (and by the way, I'm doing this from memory, not looking it up) <Kent> from sea to earth...no, from sea to air to earth... That's how it starts. Have you heard it?" [color=orange]<Kheldar> He thinks for a bit. "It is not familiar to me." [/color]<Kent> How long will you be here this evening? [color=orange]<Kheldar> I will be here through the evening service" <Kheldar> -- This is usually one bell after sunset. [/color]<Kent> How far is this place from my ... inn? not far I'd guess since it's only 15 minutes to the edge of town. [color=orange]<Kheldar> Yeah, not far. [/color]<Kent> "I'll return with the full prophecy in a little bit." [color=orange]<Kheldar> "Very well." [/color]<Kent> Jannot makes his way back to the inn. Next time... Return to Zuqar [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Jannot the Tanner (final post)
Top