Galtman will ask Kaylin if there any specific hirelings, i.e. class type, that she is looking for.
"There are always people looking for work."
The cats seem to like Kitterina. :)
Making the rounds in town, Kaylin will encounter some other bards.
Gulian is the first. He carries a lute and a flute.
Performing right now at the Riverside Inn, is Lady Elorelei. She's a lovely full bodied woman with light brown hair, lightly tanned skin, petite facial features, a dazzling smile and crystal blue eyes. Her singing is wondrous to hear. Her voice is perfectly pitched.
Harlo is currently playing the Marksend Inn. His main instruments are a 6 and a 12 string guitar. He is easy going and very likeable.
Lastly, down in the slum you'll encounter Teryss. This elf is a sight to see, as he is clad in outrageous, gaudy clothing and loaded down with superficial equipment and musical instruments. He's not a particularly good musician.
Nightshadow will learn that the Dorwynn Elfholds lie approximately 80 miles due north-west. What cities, and where they are located, is not known to Galtman.
Argent pays her dues and has officially joined the Elcadan Wizard's Guild.
SUBJ: Victor FROM: GM Shifty 05/11/93 S#: 456742
Victor will only pay for a year in advance. "After all, in my line of work, in a year I might well be dead."
Speaking with Argent afterwards, Victor says, "What would you think about looking into this party Drakkimor (sp?) is putting together? Rumors of just this sort of thing were the reason why I decided to come here. We might not get rich at it, considering the wizard will want most of the good stuff for himself, no doubt. But, it will give us a chance to see the ruins and get a feel for the level of challenge they will give to us. If the odds aren't too bad, we can think about forming our own group for a later foray."
SUBJ: Gilana FROM: Schar 05/12/93 S#: 419005
The dwarf considers throwing her hammer at that loud-mouth, poor excuse of an elf, but reconsiders. No sense damaging the bar. The owner is only concerned for making a living, and thus will allow all sorts of lower life forms into his establishment.
I'm pleased when the human mage comes to my table. A customer at last!
After listening to him speaks I make my decision.
"I agree with your terms. You have yourself a fighter. When do we leave? What will our mode of travel be?"
SUBJ: Kaylin FROM: Kaylin TrM 05/12/93 S#: 413933
To Galtman's question about what sort of people she is looking for, Kaylin responds, "Well, I need to clear a goblin infestation from some property south of town. So first I need a scout or guide who is familiar with goblins en masse and preferably is also familiar with said area."
(Player's note: I hope Einer wasn't the only goblin expert in town... :)
"In addition, I will need some goblin-bashers---er, fighters, and, for such numbers, probably some magical aid as well. I expect to know more exactly after consultation with the guide... I'm sorry that's not very specific at the moment." Kaylin also gives Galtman an initial five gold for his help.
(So much for now... I'll probably be back... :)
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 05/13/93 S#: 426599
'I'll go along with that' I'll tell Victor. 'Might as well go for an interview then.'
Off to the Marksend Inn and to meet the mage. :D
SUBJ: Nightshadow FROM: Nghtshadow 05/14/93 S#: 452976
Nightshadow enters the Laundry service and drops off her dirty clothes.
Then, on the way out she will pass close by a person, who is just entering and lift their coin purse, hoping the person does not notice, then heads toward the New Town side of Elcadan to see if there is an open Market or Bazaar where she might better ply her trade as she munches on the apple while thinking she may search out the Dorwynn Elfholds that Galtman told her about as she knows the time of Faerieluck (an Elven Holy Day) nears and she wants to be in an Elven village when it begins.
SUBJ: Ambar (R) FROM: Reveler 05/16/93 S#: 461217
"Swamps," muttered Ambar under his breath in oddly-accented elven. "I HATE swamps!"
He swatted his four-legged transport, but the obstinate beast didn't even seem to mind. It smelled TERRIBLE wet. Blasted camel.
Elcadan hove into view at sunset, like some attempt by the humans to make sense of a wilderness. Ambar camped for the night just out of sight of the river.
He spent the early evening doing an inventory of the set of bags he had left. Later, by the light of the first honest fire he'd been able to light in days, he cleaned everything he owned while talking to the camel. "Snake doesn't bother you, does it, Ahrim? Floating log with teeth doesn't bother you. Quicksand doesn't bother you. And then we get attacked by mosquitoes, and you go jump in the deepest water you can find, which just HAPPENS to be a muddy bog! I hate swamps."
In the morning he arose early and bathed in the river, washing out the fine silvery hair that hung to his buttocks when wet. He inspected his features in the reflecting water, noting the fine points of his ears and the clearness in his soft, violet eyes. Recent stresses hadn't dulled his natural humor, and his lips quirked upward in a smile to himself before he turned his gaze to the scar on his right arm. Long and straight, it ran from inside his wrist to just inside his elbow. Old and clean, it hampered him so little he had long ago ceased to look at it as anything but a reminder of his own mortality.
He memorized a new set of spells in the nude as he dried, and then dressed.
Blue hose, white tunic, black belt, a silver-embroidered violet tabard with the Minyalante' house crest woven onto the left breast, and riding boots of black, almost scaly leather. His hair, now falling in waves to his mid-back, was tied back with a leather thong, leaving his ears free.
He slid a sheathed stiletto into his left boot, settled his rapier and main gauche on his belt. Pouches placed just... so. Gloves, or gauntlets? Gloves for now, he decided, placing the gauntlets at his belt. Jacket? Too dusty out. Fur? Too hot out. He left the clean finery in his bags, and set out toward the town.
"Come, Ahrim. Let us see if there are any in the city who can replace what I have lost." Especially my hat, he reflected, squinting at the morning sun. The arrows and the quiver made it, but my guitar floated away! At least I still have my quill collection. Speaking of which...
He drew forth the blade tucked in his boot as Ahrim made his way forward, and began to cut the ends of some of his recently acquired feathers to make them suitable for writing quills.
Ambar ignored the stares at the camel and himself as he rode toward the Inn the gate guard had recommended. He left the camel in the care of the nearest stable, took his pack and saddlebags and invaded the common room of the Marksend Inn.
The grey elf looked around, surveying the place. It would do, he decided. The guard had recommended accurately, and Ambar made a mental note to do him a favor sometime soon. Full, belled sleeves swinging, he strode to a table near the stairway and sat down.
"Innkeep," called Ambar in even more oddly-accented common, "I've ridden the length of the bloody swamp, and I'd like something to eat that isn't trail rations or reptilian. I need a good room to stay in, and a comfortable stable for Ahrim, the beast who has brought me here, if not quite as wealthy as when I set out, at least a little wiser."
"You there," he said in elven to a patch of air nearby, "bring the food over this way. Then you can take the bags upstairs, get me my walking boots, and polish the ones I just finished with. Gods willing, I'll not have to leave here again all THAT soon."
The food floated over, and the bags were lifted by something unseen and headed for the stairs. A small copper coin flipped by Ambar was caught, and the bags floated out of sight. Ambar began to eat with great relish, complimenting the food effusively.
Noticing Harlo, Ambar called him over. "I'm a guitarist myself, but I lost a very fine instrument in the unbearable swamp to the south. Would you be so kind as to let me know where I might commission another such instrument?" Ambar will engage him in conversation about recent events, and buy him a good dinner as well. He will refer to the unseen servant as Achmed, and will have him take care of various small tasks during the meal, including carrying the innkeep the coins to pay for it.
Making another mental note to speak to the mage who was interviewing in the corner, Ambar drew out one of his newly cut quills and some writing ink to make a list of things he had to do. The hat maker, the instrument-crafter (and see about borrowing a temporary guitar while one's being made), the Land Owner's Guild to see about purchasing more permanent housing, and somewhere he could get his feet properly rubbed... Achmed just wasn't strong enough, though he DID try.
Then he drew out a fresh piece of paper, and swiftly made out a small flyer. It described (in very literate Common, Elven, and Dwarven) a rapier, plain in looks but with magical qualities. Unspecified monetary rewards were promised for its return or information leading thereto. Ambar showed it to the Innkeep (reading it to him if he can't read), and asked permission to post it publicly.
After doing so, he will make the rounds to the above-mentioned places, and then talk to Drakkimor.
Ambar swept into the street, closely followed by the invisible Achmed. Six feet in height, he looked like no elf seen here before, and clad as he was, not many humans, either.
Meeting a pleasant human woman there was a relief from many a meeting made sour by intolerance and ignorance. Kaylin TreMayne... Ambar exercised his not inconsiderable charm, and had a date for dinner at the Marksend Inn, where the two of them would discourse and listen to the work of Harlo the Gitarist.
His own errands requiring his attention, he excused himself from the fascinating human and proceeded to head toward Old Town, intending on tackling the Land Owner's Guild, potentially the worst timewaster, first.
Anyone who wishes to run into Ambar in may, as he will be all over Cross
Town with stops at either end in Old Town and the slums. There doesn't seem to be a smoke shop anywhere in the respectable side of town.
SUBJ: Update (R) FROM: GM Mad 05/16/93 S#: 484031
Argent and Victor make their way to the Marksend Inn. The Inn is a three-story wooden building located off the beaten path. It looks ordinary enough on the outside, but has the atmosphere inside is warm and appealing.
The front door opens into a lobby where you are greeted by Franco, the Innkeeper. A common room lies to the left and a dinning room to the right. Each is a cozy room finished in red bricks and woods.
The duo is shown into the Common room and the area where Drakkimor is conducting his interviews.
The first thing that grabs your attention is a huge, hulking man standing behind Drakkimor. He's easily 8' tall with greasy black hair, green eyes and a purplish skin tone. Ugly sucker too.
Drakkimor is a less imposing figure. Dressed in simple dark brown robes with a green cloak. His hair is a darkish brown with a full beard.
You are offered a seat and Drakkimor conducts his interview.
First off he'll ask your names and how you can benefit his expedition.
"I already have a good sized party, but there is always room for more. Particularly mages. Should you choose to sign on, here are the conditions."
"All coins are split evenly. Jewels and gems, if found, can be taken for an equal value share of coins. Magic items will be put into a pool. I, as the organizer of this expedition, have the first pick. Then it will go in order of adventure experiences. (IE: highest total xp's to lowest total xp's.) Once everyone has had one pick, the process repeats itself."
"The expedition leaves in three days. You are responsible for your own food and mount. These costs can be reimbursed for the treasure before any division."
"I already have several fighters, a Priestess of Heironeous and another mage. Are you in?"
When Kaylin returns to the High Road Inn, Galtman will tell her that she's had several replies to her notice for adventurers. Among them are Gloriana, a Mage/Priestess of Mystra, a scout named Geoff, and a young woman named Carmen.
Inside the Inn right now is a man named Renford, looking to find employment as an adventure. He is a fighter and a fairly good one. The cats seem to like him.
The others said that they would stop back later. All are naturally interested in your terms. :)
Nightshadow takes the mans purse as he enters the laundry. Inside she finds a laundry ticket, 9 sps and 3 gps.
Moving into New Town, Nightshadow sees a likely prospect for easy money. Pander's Bazaar is a large building holding many smaller shops. The patrons of the Bazaar appear very well to do. Armed and armored guards patrol the Bazaar
Lots of interesting prospects here!
Ambar arrives at the Marksend Inn and meets Franco. A good meal runs 2 gp. A private room is 2 gp per night. The use of the stable is an additional 1 gp per night.
Most of those inside the Inn are amazed by Achmed. Drakkimor just shakes his head.
If you decide to apply to Drakkimor expedition, you'll receive the same talk as Victor and Argent did.
Harlo acts wounded when he hears the fate of you guitar.
"You poor lad! It would be unbearable for me to lose my instrument! There is a music shop in New Town. Tell Carillon that I sent you. He'll fix you up right."
You are directed to the shop of Krim the Tailor when asked about a hat maker. Krim is located in Cross Town. A sign bearing a needle and thread marks his two-story wood and stone building.
Krim does seem to be the ideal choice as his shop if filled with fine garments that reflect wealth, social status and vanity. There is a wide selection of furs, laces and brocades for trim, and bright metal discs, chains and sequins for just the right touch of flash.
Constructing a hat would be an easy task for Krim.
When asked about a foot rub, Franco would smile and highly recommend Falana's, "If you know what I mean."
The Land Owner's Guild is a drab stone building. The man you speak to inside is equally drab.
"What part of town were you interested in settling down in?"
Franco reads over your notice and permits you to hang it for all to see.
That should cover everything for now. Now what? ;)
SUBJ: Ambar FROM: Reveler 05/17/93 S#: 520279
Ambar looked a bit surprised. "Three gold a night for your best room AND the stabling? Please put me down for two days..." He will post the notice regarding the rapier prominently. After finishing his meal, he pulled his boots on with an obvious show of reluctance and headed back out, closely followed by the little boy who wasn't there.
He looked at the music shop, and then wandered in. "I was sent here by Harlo the guitarist, who told me Carillon did the best work! I'd like to commission a guitar! Achmed, put the glue-pot down."
He went on to describe the slightly built-up specifications he required, to withstand duty on the road without losing its tone or looks. He will pay up to half in advance.
Wandering over to Krim's afterwards, Ambar was delighted to find a tailor who shared an appreciation of the finer things in life. He placed an order for a wide-brimmed hat with a band that he could stick feathers in, and an inner lining of small pockets. Again, he will pay up to half in advance.
Finally making his way to the Land Owner's Guild, he found himself with a decision to make. "Well, I've seen the most of New Town and Cross Town so far... and Old Town is stately. I'd like to take a look at what you have available. I would scarcely care to pass up something lovely merely because I hadn't thought to look at it, and an Earl's son must be careful of the impression he makes on people. One's dwelling is often the beginning of that impression, and I do want to make sure I'm not racing into anything hasty. I'd hate myself later if I did not hunt for a perfect fit."
After perusing what they have rather non-committal, (his funds have significant limits right now), Ambar will head back to the Marksend Inn and chat with Drakkimor. The terms sound equitable... but haven't I heard that Enchantress's name before? Wasn't she once a member of the Fellowship of Mages? Their homes were rumored to be death-traps, each member striving to outdo the others in sheer paranoia.
Ambar will also chat with Harlo to find a few more locales, like the Fighter's Guild and the Mage's Guild(!). But tomorrow's plenty of time. There's always time for an elf... and besides, that charming Kaylin TreMayne was going to join him for dinner.
SUBJ: Victor (R) FROM: GM Shifty 05/16/93 S#: 506434
Replying to Drakkimor, "Your terms are eminently reasonable. I am a mage myself, specializing in Necromancy. How far away is our goal and how long do you think we will be out? I ask so that I can outfit myself adequately."
"By the way, would you be interested in hiring on a burglar? I met a halfling the other day who is also looking for work. Someone skilled at traps and locks might be of use in this sort of quest."
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 05/17/93 S#: 519114
I smile at the nice mage and say 'I'm Argent, an Invoker. My most powerful spell is Lightning Bolt, but I should be able to bring loads of firepower to your expedition.'
I'm with Victor and agree to sign up. :D
SUBJ: Nightshadow (R) FROM: Nghtshadow 05/17/93 S#: 462363
Nightshadow puts the coins in her own coin purse, then goes and sticks the laundry ticket in as well and tosses away the now empty coin purse she stole, wondering why she is bothering to keep the ticket.
Once in New Town, she sees Pander's Bazaar and enters it. Inside she sees several small shops as well as many potential marks, as she continues to munch on the apple she brought with her from the High Road Inn.
She then gets an idea as she sees 2 well dressed men standing a couple of feet apart with their backs to each other as they talk to merchants.
Nightshadow watches and waits, hoping for the guards she had spotted to move on as they make their rounds of the Bazaar, as she holds the apple core in her right hand.
Then after the guards move on to check out another area of the Bazaar, Nightshadow makes sure or at least hopes no one is paying her much attention as she takes careful aim with the apple core. She tosses the apple core with just enough force to make it seem like a blow or slap with a hand and smiles as it connects with the back of the head of the man to her right.
She watches as he turns around and grabs the other man, accusing him of hitting him and an argument breaks out.
*If a fight ensues, with people gathering to watch, Nightshadow will mingle among them picking as many pockets as she can before the guards return to try and restore order, and hopefully leaves without getting caught and returns to the Inn.
If not, she'll go ahead and pick a few pockets, hopefully without being seen by the guards and leave to return to the Inn.
SUBJ: Jubal Harshaw (R) FROM: FatalCharm 05/18/93 S#: 466435
Jubal Harshaw offers his hand to the little but toughened she-Dwarf and
shakes. "Fine, it is set then. We plan to leave on the next riverboat in two days, if all goes well. Our mode of transport after that is yet to be
decided, but I suggest you bring only what you can carry. Let me know if you need to put anything in storage."
Gilana is invited to now start using Jubal and Brana's separate post, if
that is ok with Mad. :)
SUBJ: Kaylin and Company (R) FROM: Kaylin TrM 05/18/93 S#: 469414
(Hmm... Kaylin must have been looking particularly scruffy if Ambar missed her partial elven heritage. I hope he's not one of those elves that get huffy about halfbreeds... :)
Kaylin returns to the High Road Inn (er, where are my notes? The first inn anyway) in a slightly bemused mood... still shaking off the effects of a good charming and looking forward to dinner tonight. She finds that Galtman has been busy on her behalf. She murmurs a brief silent prayer that her first "party-gathering" should go well.
She picks up a fruity thirst- quencher and crosses the common room to Renford's table. "Excuse me, I'm Kaylin TreMayne. I understand you're interested in finding out more about my little excursion? Oh, don't mind the cats. They seem to like you."
(Hmm... I don't want to put words into Master Renford's mouth so I'll assume basic introductions and pleasantries and get down to business. Also, this is more or less what Kaylin will say to anyone asking seriously about this---)
Kaylin takes a deep breath and begins. "There is some property south of Elcadan, a small temple to be exact, that was overrun and infested by a tribe of goblins. I am going to reclaim it. To do so I obviously need to clear out the goblins. First on the agenda, however, is a preliminary run down there to scope out what the situation entails and what will be required to accomplish said reclaiming." She drinks.
"As to what's in this for you... well, I do not know what might be found on the scouting run but as far as items 'recovered or found by the party' go, the following breakdown would be applied:"
"First, anything that can be proven to belong to the Goddess Mystra or to have been the religious property of her priests would be turned over to the temple here in town. I'm not referring to basic stuff, I mean anything especially dedicated to her. Indeed, there may not be anything in this category but I feel it only right to do so."
"Secondly, as the ultimate purpose of these ventures is reclamation of the temple, if any temple furnishings survive, they would remain with the temple."
"Aside from those, it would be basic shares. Coins divided equally. Gems to be traded for coins. If enough 'special' items were found, they could be 'picked' in order of experience, otherwise the group could get them appraised and sell them either to a party member or elsewhere."
Kaylin takes another drink and scratches Geordie's ears. "There are certain other advantages and rewards but they only become available upon successfully reclaiming the temple. Moreover, anyone on the scouting run will also receive one-fourth of a share of the cash profits from the taking of the goblin tribe---in addition to any share they might earn on that trip---whether they go or not. For now, though, I concede I do not know what profit might arise simply from the scouting mission so I will add that, as far as my funds stretch, I will aid in outfitting, cover the travel expenses, and so on."
She manages to bite her tongue before saying anything like "does that sound alright?" Either it does or it doesn't. Instead she finishes her drink and awaits any response... hoping for something better than "you've got to be kidding---goodbye!"
Generally, Kaylin has a busy evening ahead. Now her plans read: 1. give horses good attention; 2. visit bathhouse; 3. dinner plans with Ambar in good clothes (although she hasn't a chance of even thinking of competing with Ambar :) ; 4. see anyone else, especially the other three mentioned by Galtman; 5. and as much of her original plans as she can squeeze in. Busy night. :)
And bound to be adjusted before the night is through...