Back to the Future II, Track II - No McFly's here Options

[fistandantilus4....]

Link to OOC thread

It was early morning in the small village of Vanten, just 50 miles north of the great city of Travar. Not much ever hapened here. Tracers came through on the way to the city. Traders came through from the city. People left for the city when they got older. People came here when they got to old for the city. All in all, it was a village always coming and going. Nothing ever happened here. Small village, maybe 100 souls, down by a small lake, some good planting ground. Just farmers and "retired" traders and a souple if Inns. Nothing ever happened in Vanten. Nothing ever would again. Everyone was dead.

He walked through the village. Not much to see. Some bodies here and there still, but no property famag. Not a bad place to set up shop really. Of course, he would need more "locals" to do the basic work around here. Everything was so backward and primitive. It would take work, but he had time. He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. Time. He had all the time in the world.

There were new rules here, that much he had figured out already. And his body had changed ... significantly. He felt stronger. More of his old power had returned. Power he had traded in for strengths of another sort long ago. And these new grafts .... the crystal arm... very curios that.

He couldn't help but look around in wonder at the astral plane all around him, over and under and through everything in the world. Only special peopele like him could see it. Who would be able to challenge him in a place like this? A curios thought. Would they know more than he? Less? He would have to find some "locals" to recruit. Of course, with his new partner, "recruitment" would be easy. Child's play really. Once he know more of his new surroundings, he would see what he could do about keeping his part of the bargain. Until then though... much work to do.

The now familiar tingle in the back of his mind.... Epsilon... I have some patience.... some... do not test it

He couldn't help but shiver. How long had it been since anything had had that effect on him.Back to work then. To bad. All work and no play...

[fistandantilus4....]

The message had arrived not an hour ago, while she was out performing. Morganna had returned to her rooms in the Silver Maiden, a fine Inn in Travar, to find the sealed scroll waiting for her. It was good paper, and fine pen man ship. She didn't recognized the crest on the seal, but she really hadn't been in Travar long enough to learn the important heraldry. Only a few days really. The work she'd been perfoming was enough to cover the cost of the rooms, and a bit of site seeing. Being a troubadour in Travar was definetly a good career decision.

The Scroll read simply

Salutations Morganna the Elf,
Word has reached my ears of some of your exploits, most impressively, your delving into lost Braza's Kingdom. I am come to understand that you are an adept, and a practitioner of a number of fine disciplines, including the Way of the Warrior. If you will kindly join me in the local wine house the Gift of Jaspree this evening, at eight o'clock, I have a proposition for work that I believe you will find to be dangerous, lucrative, and I hope, exciting. I do hope to see you there.

Sincerest Regards,
K'stalanna Agorii
House V'strimon

House V'strimon she had heard of. One of the prominent t'skrang trading houses here in the south, involved somehow in the War with the Therans, involving the Behemoth up at Lake ban. Thankfully the war had come and gone before her arrival in Barsaive. Morganna had seen enough of war for a while.

If nothing else, could be a good chance for some of that spicy t'skrang wine. And still enough time to catch a decent bath and a massage... so many things to do... Morganna thought with a smile.

[fistandantilus4....]

It was a good night.

For some reason, half the trolls Ralo met thought that it was simply hilarious the idea that a windling could do any undo harm to them, and so made it a point to jibe him at every given oppurtunity. For some reason they're ideas of "honor" apparentlly didn't apply to anyone under seven feet tall (which conveniently included obsidimen in their "honorable" category). So the two today thought it would be just a hoot to throw a bucket of water at him and let their "dogs" lose.

"Dogs" Looked more like ponies with teeth. Either way though, he'd taguht them a thing or two about "jibes". The loss of some blood and coin shoud help set things right in their minds for a while. Trolls were supposed to be notorioius for their long memories. Hopefully they'd learn something from their encoutner and remember that, instead of his general description. Trolls were also notorious for traveling in large gang when carrying out reprisals having to do with their long memoies. And some of them had airships. It was all well and good to poke the occassional bit of fun, or arrow, at something that couldn't fly. Maybe Travar wasn't the best place for him just now.

So after he'd blown most of the trolls coin on good food, drink, a bit of company, and bought a couple of rounds for his new burly, surly , irritable ork friends at that bar (after extorting a vow from them to "give what for" , as that t'skrang had put it, to any who sought to cause him trouble of course), and sent a messenger to that troll pair Oga and Sudgren to let hem know where that "windling thief" could be found (very good messenger of course, expensive. Cant' have a messenger go wrong after all), he'd taken off back to his Inn room with the lass few bits of silver. After all, hard to fly with too much coin. And what good was it anyway to hoard coin? Hand't done the trolls any good after all. Bought them quite a bit of trouble after all.

It occured to Ralogatol that he tended to think in run on sentences.... odd that...

In any case, he'd no sooner returned to his small room than a messenger had arrived with a message most curious bearing a mark that appeared to be that of a member of Hous V'srtimonn, addressed to him, and promising coin and a chance to exercise his skills.



Salutations Ralogatol, Windmaster,
Word has reached my ears of some of your exploits, many adventures over the past few years. I have come to find my self in need of a personage of your many skills, both as scout, archer, and warrior of the winds for an issue that concerns me and my own. If you will kindly join me in the local wine house the Gift of Jaspree this evening, at eight o'clock, I have a proposition for work that I believe you will find to be dangerous, lucrative, and I hope, exciting. I do hope to see you there.

Sincerest Regards,
K'stalanna Agorii
House V'strimon

did always liek the way t'skrang speak... thought.

And so, it was not long after he set out , on another grand quest for... how had that traoubadour put it "another Grand Quest for Coin and Cleavage." yes, it was a good day.

[Lady Door]

Morgana's eyes lingered over the fine parchment, carefully taking in the quality and the penmanship.
Praise be Astendar... finally someone with taste! Morgana smiled a long, slow speculative smile, tapping the letter against her lips. This calls for something special, I think...

By half past seven, Morgana was feeling luxuriant. She had been massaged, oiled, primped and dressed... an extravagant splurge, yes, but when quality came calling, quality answered.
As Morgana made her way out of the 'Maiden, she stopped to note that evenings' talent. Elerell had made quite a fuss when she had told him she had plans for the evening and that those plans did not involve getting groped by his clientele, but it looked like he had managed to find a substitute in time.
Another elven troubadour, a male this time. Well, he's certainly not bad on the eyes, but his range is mediocre and his stylings pedantic. He'll be gone by morning.
With a rueful smile and a knowing glance to the innkeeper, Morgana swept out the door into the teeming streets outside.
Keeping her cloak tight about her - more to discourage thieves and pickpockets then to keep out an unwanted chill - she pressed her way through the crowd. Her eyes scanned the streets, always looking for the next story, the next song... and the next wannabe thief or cutthroat.
Soon, she found herself outside the gilded doors of the wine house known as the "Gift of Jaspree". Checking the waterclock in the square, Morgana opened the door and slid inside.
Right on time.
Morgana smiled.

[fistandantilus4....]

The Maitre-de of the establsihment, a human man of middle years, with distinguised grey wings of grey in his hair, greeted Morgana warmly at the entrance

Good evening to you mistress, my name is Alodar. Are you meeting someone, or shall I find you a table so that you may sample some of the finest wines in all of Travar?

Wit ha welcoming bow, he deftly procured a wine list from the top of the pdoium behind himself and smiled. In another place, the man might be suspected to be a skilled thief.

Of course, the clientelle here is certainly up a few notchs from "another place". Perhaps he's just a thief that's good at picking his ground.

[Lady Door]

"Good evening, my talented Alodar. I am here to see one K'stalanna Agorii of House V'strimon. Would you please be so kind as to direct me to the appropriate table?"

[fistandantilus4....]

Alodar nods You are expected of course. I was told to expect you, and another. This way please.

Morgana is led through the wine house, to one of the private rooms in the back. The door man raps three times of the sliding door, and annoounces her.

By all means, please do come in. You are of course expected with much anticipation.

[Grinder]

Ralo smiles while reading the message.

Time to leave this place, it seems. Better pack my whole stuff and take it to the tavern.

Thinking so, he begins to pack his gear and flies to the tavern to meet with the T'skrang, trying to avoid the attention of any troll he notices on the way.

Stats

[ Spoiler ]

Dexterity (17)
Perception (15)
Strength (7)
Willpower (15)
Toughness (12)
Charisma (17)

Physical Defense: 11
Spell Defense: 8
Social Defense: 9

Physical Armor: 3
Mystic Armor: 2

Death Rating: 88
Uncon. Rating: 68
Wound Threshold: 9

Windmaster
First Circle:
Avoid Blow (D) 6
Dive Attack (D) 6
Karma Ritual 5
Melee Weapons (D) 5
Wood Skin (D) 5
Acrobatic Strike 5
Second Circle:
Anticipate Blow (D) 5
Durability (9/7) 6
Distract 5
Third Circle:
Buzz (D) 6
Fireblood 5
Fourth Circle:
Thread Weaving (Wind
Weaving) (D)
5
Taunt 4
Fifth Circle:
Fast Grab (D) 3
Ritual of the Ghost
Master (D)
2
Tiger Spring 4
Archer
First Circle:
Karma Ritual -
Missile Weapons (D) 3
Mystic Aim (D) 3
True Shot (D) 3
Throwing Weapons 1
Wind Dance 3
Second Circle:
Durability (6/5) -
Direction Arrow (D) 2
Steel Thought 3
Skills:
Disarm 3
Navigation 3
Speak Language 6
Trap Initiative 2
Dead Fall 2
Fast Grab 3
Rhetoric 3
Horror Lore 2
Magic Lore 4
Kaer Lore 4
Scourge History 3
Barsaive History 4
Barsaive Politics 4
Trade Routes 3

Background

[ Spoiler ]

Ralogatol was born in a small windling community close to Urupa maybe 50 years
ago. He spent his child- and youthhood in his home village, with occassional travels
to the small towns surrounding Urupa and once to the „Pearl of the Aras Coast“
itself. He was impressed how huge the city was, how many name-givers made a
living there and how nearly endless the ocean appeared. That day, he decided to go
out into the world and to see the wonders of Barsaive (and Thera, maybe too) with
his own eyes.
Around that time it became clear that magic awaken in him, giving him the chance to
become an adept. The village elders decided that he should train as a Windmaster
(they didn’t know about his plans) and he gladly accepted. After his training was
completed and he became a Novice in this discipline, he gathered his family and
closest friends and informed them about his plans. To his surprise, most of them
understood his desire and wished him the Passion’s blessing on his journey, that he
might return home one day and share the wonders he’ve seen.
Obviously, the best place to meet other adepts and adventurers was Urupa –
Ralogatol made teh trip to the impressive city for the second time of his life and
looked out for trustworthy name-givers.
To make a long story short: he found a handful. Together with an ork couple and a
dwarven archer did travel across Barsaive for two years, during which he fought
Theran slavers, found two broken Kaers, won a race at the Serpent River and became
member of a riverboat crew after that. When the orks decided to join the new nation
of Cara Fahd and the dwarf returned to Throal „to life a calmer life and work for the
Great Library of Throal“, Ralogatol traveled back to his home. He told them of his
time as an adventurer and decided to learn more about Barsaive and the Horrors
before he again head out into the world.
Months passed, in which Ralogatol studied, but he felt the call of adventure, felt the
energy rising in him. One day, he packed his gear and left the village again. This time
he ignored Urupa, instead he traveled to Axalalail and set up shop there. He has
worked as a (freelance) member of a riverboat crew of House V’strimon for nearly a
year, travelling around the southern and eastern part of the Serpent River then.
When he met a group of human adventurers who were on the way to Parlainth he
decided to join them and see what wonders, dangers and legends might wait in the
old theran city. He and his new comrades made a few successful trips into the city,
but didn’t stroke rich and disbanded over that, frustrated about their lack of success.
So Ralogatol is again on the look for new companions to travel across Barsaive even
more.

[fistandantilus4....]

Ralo is given the same reception as the elf, and quickly shown to the dining room in the back of the wine house. As he enters, an attractive female elf is being seated by an attendant across from a t'skarng. There is also a windling sized "chair' in the room.

The ts'krang gestures for each of you to sit. He , or she, is well dressed with a velvet doublet of dark purple hue. A cape of Crimson and matching hat, with large purple feather of course, sit acorss a chair at the back of the roomm. The t'skrangs skin is a sharp green color, with blue and purple speckles in it's crest. It seems to be smiling broadly.

K'stalanna: A good evening to you both. I am well pleased to see that you have accepted my invitation. If it pleases you, I would prefer to discuss business first. I find the heavy weight of it tneds to do odd thins to my appetite. So without further preamble, we will begin.

It has come to my attention that certain personages have been dissapearing. Appearances would tell us that it a group of Theran slavers. The dissaperances are taking place near the Lake Ban area. I am sure that I do not have to explain to you the events concerning the Behemoth there until last year. We are concerned that this could have something to do with it. If not, all the better.

The dissapearances concern a village called Amden some 50 miles to the north of our present location. I will of course provide a map of the area and it's surronuding villages. It's a small cluster of villages in a 20 square mile area that co exist off of each other and trade brought through over land instead of the serpent. Farming villages mostly.

I would like you to investigate the dissapearances and stop any further issues in the area that are related to them. A Theran presence, if they ar ein fact Therans, cannot be tolerated so near the Serpent River. And the cost to business is staggering.

I am willing to compensate the both of you for your time, to the tune of 1,500 silver pieces each. Payable half up front of course, due to your sterling reputations.

What do you say? Do we have an accord?

[Lady Door]

Well, I am of the mind to accept your offer. Provided of course that certain accommodations are made.

Morgana smiles, and takes advantage of the momentary pause to pour herself a generous helping of the spiced T'skrang wine, drawing out the moment. With practiced grace, Morgana eyes the wine in the dimmed light of the shop. She takes a slow sip, eyes closed, savoring the bite of the drink. Her eyes then open, staring directly into the eyes of the t'skrang. Suddenly, she is all business. A pleasant smile remains on the face but never quite reaches her eyes.

The half up front is generous and I accept it with pleasure, but as I'm sure you're aware the voyage you are proposing would require extensive supplies and equipment. Equipment that a house like yours trades in quite frequently.
From what you know of myself and my reputation, you know that I have never failed to deliver once my services have been aquired. As such, I would ask that all equipment and supplies needed be provided free of charge. If it is, as you say, a Theran presence, trade WILL stop. Providing our supplies would be a triviality compared to the loss in revenue that would occur should the mystery around the disappearances continue.
So, K'stalanna Agorii, do we have an accord?

[fistandantilus4....]

roll negotiations

[ Spoiler ]

negot test result: 13

13 vs 21 = good success

This post has been edited by fistandantilus3.0: Mar 2 2007, 08:38 AM

[Lady Door]

[ Spoiler ]

Negotiation Roll: Charisma Step: 9, Negotiation Skill: Rank 4. Total Step: 13 (D12 + D10)
Result: D12 = 12, re-roll 3 (15), D10 = (6) Total Result: 21

[fistandantilus4....]

I'd considered my opening bid quite generous. how ever you do have a point as to payment percentages requisite to the fulfillment of the contract. As horse and additional supplies should tally no more than 200 silver pieces at any decent market, I would be willing to compensate your expenditure costs at 50%, maximizing at an additional 110 silver pieces. Of course, said sums would be applied retroactively, with receipts of course.

[Lady Door]

Morgana muses for a moment, considering the counteroffer.

A fair trade then. Very well, I accept. K'stalanna Agorii of House V'strimon, you have engaged my services.

Morgana raises her glass and toasts the t'skrang.

And now, if you please, the down payment? The sooner we get the niceties of business taken care of, the sooner we may enjoy the exquisite atmosphere and cuisine offered.

Morgana beams at the t'skrang. She is using the First Impression Talent

[ Spoiler ]

First Impression Talent @ Rank 4 + Charisma Step 9 = Step 13 (d12 +d10). Result Roll: d12 = 7, d10 = 9. Total Result: 16
FYI: The First Impression talent helps a character to favorably impress characters he or she has just met. The character makes a First Impression test against the target's Social Defense. A succesful First Impression Test gains the character a bonus equal to his/her rank in First Impression for all Charisma based tests.

[fistandantilus4....]

With a smile: Let dinner be served then! I hope you don't mind but I have taken upon my self the burden of ordering. I trust that you enjoy fine taste of freshly caught and exquisetly spiced fish along with a warm glass of spectacularly spiced t'skrang wine?

A small bag is brought to the table by a human aid from out side the room with the promised coin inside while the waiters bring in small plpatters of various fish along with the wine. If nothing else goes right form this point on, at least you can say that it is a dinner to remember.


Prepare your shopping list

[Grinder]

Ralo listens to the conversation between the two other name-givers present at his table.
After they finished negotiations and the woman toasted to the t'skrang, Ralo stands up at the table: K'stalanna Agorii of House V'strimon, I accept your offer too. Who would I am if I don't stand up and take a fight against slavers?
He nods to both and raises his glass, holding it in bot hands. Shustal!

Description of Ralo
Being slender even for a windling, Ralo stands 19 inches high and weights around 10 pounds. His skin is currently of a bright light blue, while his long and wild hair has a deep yellow color. Ralo sports several tattoos: a tiny sun around his right eye, a pattern of interweaving circles on this left lower arm and a stylized heart on his right upper arm. All tattoos are clearly the work of a windling, other name-givers won't be able to tattoo such fine lines and many details.
Ralo wears a light white shirt and light red pants, in which whirling blue patterns are woven. Both shirt and pants are made of linen.
His wings shimmer silver with a hint of gold, like threads, in it.

[fistandantilus4....]

The t'skrang toasts in exchange with a smile.

Prepare your equipment my compatriots, and strengthen your hearts for the dangers and thrills of the roads. And be assured that I shall spread the tale of your adventures upon your successful return!

You've got a bit of extra silver to work with for equipment, plus your up front pay. Go ahead and get anything off the standard equipment lists (like healing potions)

[Lady Door]

Equipment List

[ Spoiler ]

Grimoire
Padded Leather Armor
Broadsword (BlackRazor)
Elfweave Robe
Healing Kit
(6) Healing Potions
(6) Booster Potions
(2) Last Chance Salves
Traveler's Garb
Adventurer's Kit w/ Tent
Violin
Map/Scroll Case w/ Paper and 2 vials ink
Sewing Kit
Small Light Quartz
Kaer Breaker - amulet
Duorden's Axe

***Purchases***
2 Week's worth of trail rations (20)
Riding Horse (125)
Riding Tack (30)
Healing Kit refill (5)

Total: 180/110 to be reimbursed.

Afterwards, request the merchant make three copies of the reciept. Two for my personal records, and one copy to be sent by courier to the t'skrang.

[Grinder]

Ralo only needs a short time to buy everything he deems useful for the trip.

So, I'm ready. he says after his return, carrying a small package, a pair of swords and a bow over his back.
But before we leave, let me introduce myself, dear lady: my name is Ralogatol. Who do I have the honor to share the next weeks with?

[Lady Door]

With a bow and a smile, Morgana introduces herself. Using the First Impression Talent

[ Spoiler ]

First Impression Talent @ Rank 4 + Charisma Step 9 = Step 13 (d12 +d10). Result Roll: d12 = 6, d10 = 9. Total Result: 15

Well met, Ralogatol. I am known as Morgana, re-knowned Troubadour of the 4th Circle and Wizard of the 3rd.

[Grinder]

It's an honor to meet you, mylady. I'm a Windmaster myself, maybe you heard of this discipline before? Be assured that every member of this discipline is among the finest and smartest warriors in Barsaive - and Thera as well!
I'm sure we can make for an entertaining journey and shares tales about our travels through our beautful province.

[Lady Door]

I'm intrigued. Well then, allow me some time to gather what I need and then we can be free to start this adventure. Meet me in one hour by the water clock in the town square?

[fistandantilus4....]

The hour passes quickly for Morgana and she is waiting in the square perhaps just a few minutes late.

Ralo, however, returning to his quarters to gather the last of is belongings, finds a quartet of angry and injured trolls waiting out front. Apaprently htey've never heard that Inns that have special rooms for windlings usually have entraces on the roof just for them as well. Easy enough ot bypass them.... if you want to.

[Grinder]

Ralo pauses for a moment, spying on the angry trolls from safe distance. No, not this time. He decides to bypass them and use the windling-only entrance to his room instead.

[fistandantilus4....]

The pair meet in the square, more or less on time. Unsuprisingly , the windling hitches a ride on the elf's fresh riding horse.

Luckily Morgana had the foresight to purchase a map of the area. It indicatees a ten day ride in a west/northwestern direction. A small clutch of villages sit around your destination. According to the cartographer, the area is rarely visited, mostly during the harvest season, as the t'skrang had said. Besides a few client villages that dot the landscape for the next couple of days ride, there's little but open wilderness between you and the villages.

About a weeks trek across open ground, headed towards te Thunder Mountains. At least you have no reason to go in to them.

The first day of travel is rather uneventful, although the windling seems just a bit anxious, It may be feeling the open air again, or perhaps there's something he'd rather leave behind in the city. The elf woman has a tendency to hum songs to herself throughout the day. The very fine blade at her side, mostly concealed beneath her cloak, hints at more than the exterior provides.

Lodgings are found easily at one of the small villages. Traders and travelers are common enough in this area, and the price is more affordable than an Inn in Travar it's self. The food is fresher as well. The beds do leave something to be desired however,

The next few days of travel are more an exercise in small talk between companions of circumstance. Morgana has stories from many provinces out side of Barsiave. Her accent is a bit curios, not quite fitting in with what is the norm for the regions. She knows many songs however, and is quite proficent on a curious insturment she plays. It is shaped in almost an 8 pattern, whihc she holds against her neck, and plays strings that run it's length with a strip of cat gut on a stick she calls a bow. An elvish instrument apparently. Certainly something a windling could play, if only it were in the right size.

As for Ralo, a free ride and good converstaion seem enough at the moment. True to his people, he seems quite the chatter box at times. Deeper seeds are also seen in him though when potential advesaries approach. He becomes calmer and more alert, bow in hand, ready to deal with any problem that may come.

By the fourth night out, you're camping beneath the stars. The bedrolls may not be what the inns had, but at least there's no worries of bed bugs.