Errands in Town

I agree with Leo,  I think we could use a practice run, especially for tactics that could easily get us killed if we're tussling with a bigger and more experienced cult. I would also like to look around for a monastery of any sort in the town.  1) Because I would like to train myself towards the Spring Attack feat. 2) Because as a monk, I would hope that they would be against any sort of evil cults, and that could be a good place to start gathering information

I'm fine with stopping this cult I'm sure.they have some nice treasure. I'll quickly get the gems appraised at the place I went last time, knock that chore off. I'd like to talk to cade while delivering the organs or sometime after. "Do you know off the curses a god might bring upon someone whose defiled one of their shrinws? I've been feeling weaker every since messing with the bugbears place of worship to hugrrak and would like to rid myself of it"

Ahmed Y. said: I would also like to look around for a monastery of any sort in the town.  From all the time you guys have spent in Waterwend, you recall hearing about a small monastery run by someone named Shifu (a title that means "Master" in Hànyǔ, and is traditionally used in kung fu circles) Jeng. When you go check it out after breakfast, you see that this Shifu Jeng is a wizened old tallfellow halfling woman. "You are a skilled one," she says, after testing you with a light sparring match in which it becomes clear from the speed and fluidity of her adaptive, whiplike attacks that she is yet more skilled still. "I can teach you what you seek, if you become my disciple. But be warned: I do not suffer undedicated students." Here's the organization info for Shifu Jeng's Monastery : Associated classes: Monk Associated skills: Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Swim, Tumble, Use Rope Duties: 10gp/month tithe, 3 days/week training or instructing students (once approved), accept quests given by monastery leaders.   Contact: Lyle, tallfellow halfing M monk3 (Snake style)   Favor: Assistance in battles for 10 days   Frequency: 1/six months Basic benefits: gain benefit of either Combat Expertise or Deflect Arrows feat (choose when joining, may change with a day's focused training). Favored benefits: additional extra attack with flurry of blows. Josh said: I'll quickly get the gems appraised at the place I went last time, knock that chore off. I'd like to talk to cade while delivering the organs or sometime after. "Do you know off the curses a god might bring upon someone whose defiled one of their shrinws? I've been feeling weaker every since messing with the bugbears place of worship to hugrrak and would like to rid myself of it" On Goodmonth 8th, Laredo Glimmerpitch at Rings & Things  examines the stones with his magnifying lens (in the Loot thread order), and tells you "This one is a deep blue spinel, worth about 40 platinum. This is a golden yellow topaz, I'd value it at 70 platinum. This one's only a malachite, very common, maybe 4 gold. This here's only a zircon though, not a diamond. Worth maybe 70 gold. This pearl, I'd say 40 gold. And finally, this chryosprase... you have a good eye, it's worth about 32 gold." Sense Motive applies. Later that day, at the Church of Nerull , Cade looks over the preserved organs with approval, and counts out 100 platinum pieces for all ten jars, talking while he works. "Oh, definitely, gods'll curse anyone who steals from their shrine. They hate defilment even more... it's one of the ways we clerics battle each other indirectly. When a shrine is built, it's connected to its cleric's deity with a desecrate  or consecrate  spell. The same spell cast by a cleric of another deity can break the link, of course, but while it lasts it's a powerful bond. It's what lets deities interact directly with those who leave or steal offerings and such. Kind of like the link between a cleric and his deity, but not as powerful. But, anyway... the curse should go away on its own after a while, or you can find someone to cast a remove curse  spell to lift it."

I pay the 10 gold tithe, and offer my services for the day,  I'll also take the combat expertise feat as the beginner feat. Are there any other students around? People I can get to know? And during the breaks in between study and teaching, I'd like to get to know them. I also ask about the cult if i get a chance.

Xankoris goes to Stumbleduck to find an alchemically enhanced wine and ask how to make it, before ask about the blue liquid in the vials.

I think I'll wait it out I've got the time, could you tell me more about these spells? How much would a scroll of one cost? And the methods for creating a shrine?I suppose those differ between gods. How much do you know of tiamats ways? -at a separate time I'd like to see if cade could identify and price the blue poison.

Ahmed Y. said: I pay the 10 gold tithe, and offer my services for the day,  I'll also take the combat expertise feat as the beginner feat. Are there any other students around? People I can get to know? And during the breaks in between study and teaching, I'd like to get to know them. I also ask about the cult if i get a chance. Shifu Jeng begins your training right away. There's not much physical conditioning work like most students get, since you're already in superb shape. Mostly, she trains you one-on-one in the more advanced Snake-style kung fu techniques she is famous for, starting with methods to focus more on effective defensive parries and evasions while still attacking (Combat Expertise).  Over the next few days, you learn that she teaches about two dozen other students, mostly tallfellow halflings along with a few humans, high elves, half-elves, a half-orc, a wild elf, and a rock gnome. You get to know many of them, and become dast friends with the outgoing and talented Lyle, a tallfellow halfing monk who is one of Jeng's most advanced students. Most of them have heard stories about the Cult of Erythnul in Waterwend, especially the tallfellows who all grew up here. They say the Cult's has a presence here as long as anyone can remember, and is best known for occasionally sacrificing some poor soul to their dark god and carving The Many's (another name for Eythnul) unholy symbol into the victim's body. Occasionally victims have survived, and sometimes recovered, and usually tell the tale of a gang of ruffians cloaked and hooded appearing from the shadows to corner them in an alleyway, wielding stone daggers or blunted stone morningstars. A few students recall that there was a rumor in the spring about a keep or fort dedicated to Pelor being raided by Erythnulians, but all agree that the Cult in Waterwend would be too small for such an invasion by themselves. No one seems to have a good idea of their numbers in the city, but no one thinks there could be more than a few dozen, and that they're probably very disorganized. Everyone seems to look upon the Cult with a mixture of derision and fear, the way one might look on a rapid, mangy hound. Ritt K. said: Xankoris goes to Stumbleduck to find an alchemically enhanced wine and ask how to make it, before ask about the blue liquid in the vials. At Stumbleduck Reagents, Nostrums, & Whathaveyou , the eponymous owner is pleased as ever to see a member of the Wayfinders. He's intrigued by your first question, explaining "We don't get much call for that around here. We alchemists call it Firewine: an extraordinarily potent drink that's also highly explosive. Even a single shot can get you falling-down drunk, but unlike Alchemist's Fire it only catalyzes when exposed to heat. I've heard of adventurers carrying it on long journeys as a lightweight alternative to spirits that doubles as a stronger weapon in a pinch. I don't have any in stock right now, but I could brew some to order in about a week's time if you like. I'd also be happy to teach you how to make it at the same time (that would count as his favor as a party contact for the next four months)." He takes a look at the vials, and uncorks one to sniff it with his keen gnomish nose, before wrinkling said nose with a shudder and recorking it with much more care than he opened it. "This is an extremely dangerous toxin, Xankoris... processed and refined Black Adder Venom. In a wound, it spreads through the bloodstream and attacks the organs. One dose is enough to kill a normal man, or leave him on death's door if he's lucky. I would get rid of it if I were you, just to be safe... even applying it to a weapon yourself, there's always a risk of slipping and, well, ending up on the funeral pier. I never deal in poisons, 'specially not such deadly ones. It's valuable, of course, if you're willing to take the risk of the guards catching you selling it. Josh said: I think I'll wait it out I've got the time, could you tell me more about these spells? How much would a scroll of one cost? And the methods for creating a shrine?I suppose those differ between gods. How much do you know of tiamats ways? -at a separate time I'd like to see if cade could identify and price the blue poison. Cade goes into some detail about  desecrate and  consecrate , enough that you're now familiar with the spells (you know everything in the links, as well as what he said before about them. If used to link a shrine, as with unlinking, the other effects don't happen). "So yeah, they're pretty versatile and important spells. I'm not sure about a scroll, you could try  Verrer and Arral's Quill   downtown, they're the best scroll shop in Waterwend. Only a cleric can cast either one, though." "Yeah, the method depends a lot on the god. Every deity has their own preferences on shape, decoration, offerings, location, etc... Nerull, for example, like his shrines decaying, moldy, and grimy, in places like cemeteries, old battlefields, destroyed towns, and spots touched by a great evil. If you find one, try leaving an offering of bones, dead plants, a living sacrifice, or the personal possessions of the recently dead. If he likes the offering, you'll find it easier to hit vital organs and such for a few days... just don't steal anything, or mess with the shrine like you did the Hruggek's. Afraid I don't know much about Tiamat's worship... the dragon gods don't have a lot of clerics." When you have him appraise the blue poison later, he tells you the same thing as Stumbleduck told Xankoris, except that Cade's willing to buy them. "I'll give you 60 gold apiece. Black Adder Venom is always a popular seller." Additionally, while Limar was visiting Underbough's Underwriting   earlier this week, Merla Underbough, the proprietor, gave him a quote for a 100gp binder (insurance policy) on the Lady's Lace. She explained, "For a boat that size, operated by adventurers, the premium--that's what you pay--would be 3 gold coins per month. But if the boat is lost to any sort of accident at any point in the future, so long as you've been paying your premiums on time in good faith, you'll receive the full 100 gold payout in compensation. And as I mentioned earlier, as an accountholder with my banking services, you'll have the option of paying premiums directly from your account, such as when traveling. I can list the payee as you or anyone you designate, or even multiple possible people. The latter's popular with adventuring groups, though the payout will only be completed once, to whomever comes to collect first. I can also list next of kin as payees in the case of the confirmed deaths of all primary listed payees and destruction of the insured property, of course." Limar also visited his mother Kalemne this first week back in town to have her mark Zorall's territory on Leo's Catacombs surface map (which I'll update the handout for soon). While he was there, she told him that the sight of Kraggan's bow had stirred some old memories, and after ruminating for a few days she was able to fully recall them. This is what she told him: "I remember hearing a tale of that bow, Kurik. It was was crafted by the dragonsmiths of Archos the Bloodwing, for the use of his mighty orc and gnoll warriors in the conquest of Terolus, before the Cataclysm (making it centuries old). It was said to be made of the bone and scales of black dragons, not wood, which is what gives it its powers and exceptional durability (It has hardness 12, hp 15, and is immune to acid)."

Xankoris said: "How about I use the alcohol-lesser-than-Firewine drink and mixing with oil instead, Would it work too? At least I could set mine enemies on fire. About poison, Could it become poison smoke grenade or something like Liquid smoke? You know, Those trickery Scorpion clan always have something like that. And, Can I make poison similar like this? In deadly quality."

One more thing cade,  your church of ne rules really isn't all that secret....but Imy hoping that as it's high priest youd have contacts among the actual underground of waterwend,  my party wants to put an end to the cult of ethry, if you've got any clues on how to find themy or know someone who does please send it Leo's way. Also  could put out word I'm looking for a cleric of tiamat?.... is there a black market here? For fun. I'll head to the quills place see if they got those in stock. also ic and ooc i,d like to gauge everyone's feelings on tiamat and after we finished  this vecna stuff if anyone would be interested in helping puelossi in her coup on rithe in the stonefare? ido also like to go to framing moonstone about having the ring idemtfied.

I'd like to follow the rumor of the fort of Pelor, see what I can find I'd also like to ask Shifu if i could take the students I train, out into waterwend, for more public exercises. See if i can generate a crowd in order to recruit into the monastery. While doing this, I would like to keep an eye out for the markings of the cult on any bodies that come to see. 

Ritt K. said: Xankoris said: "How about I use the alcohol-lesser-than-Firewine drink and mixing with oil instead, Would it work too? At least I could set mine enemies on fire. About poison, Could it become poison smoke grenade or something like Liquid smoke? You know, Those trickery Scorpion clan always have something like that. And, Can I make poison similar like this? In deadly quality." "Spirits with oil? That can be a little more potent than oil alone, but more incendiary than explosive. It really depends on what your goal is. Generally explosions burst outward with so much force that the fire doesn't have a chance to catch. Like when you blow out a candle, you know?" Stumbleduck explains. "I have some knowledge in the making of such things, although I only sell the legal varieties... Dust, Flashpowder, Pepper, Smoke, and what we alchemists call 'Poison Smoke', though it's only a mild nauseant (these are basically the Eggshell Grenades described in Oriental Adventures, plus the Smoke Grenade, which you can roll Craft (alchemy) to see what you know about). Inhalant poisons can be used in them as well, though something like this Black Adder Venom is too viscous for that." "If you have the know-how (Craft (poisonmaking)) and the right tools, sure, anyone can make deadly poisons. But more than a few people have accidentally killed themselves, or near enough, in the effort. It's a particularly dangerous craft, even more than alchemy." Josh said: One more thing cade, your church of ne rules really isn't all that secret....but Imy hoping that as it's high priest youd have contacts among the actual underground of waterwend, my party wants to put an end to the cult of ethry, if you've got any clues on how to find themy or know someone who does please send it Leo's way. Also could put out word I'm looking for a cleric of tiamat?.... is there a black market here? For fun. Back on Goodmonth 8th, Cade laughs understandingly. "I suppose you could call it a 'public secret'. It's not illegal to worship Nerull here, though a lot of the other things we do are... we're just careful with our customers, and we have the right friends in high places. A lot of important members of Waterwend's underground are regular worshippers here, and I imagine a fair bit of business gets done after the prayer services. If you were willing to join the church, who knows what doors it might open for you? I don't think even an evil dragon would be out of place among our flock..." Sense Motive applies. From your time in the city, you know that the Church of Nerull is located inside Waterwend's red-light district, where the black market for all sorts of illegal and gray-legal activities thrives (the red-light district is also where Zeke found the two thugs he used and killed while framing Balmon, and where Xankoris found their low-level boss that you guys got to testify, AND where the victim worked as a waitress). In fact, as far as you can gather, Waterwend has a much more substantial organized crime system than most civilized settlements. Josh said: I'll head to the quills place see if they got those in stock At Verrer and Arral's Quill  on Goodmonth 9th, you and Leoavor (posing as your master, as per usual with strangers) are greeted by a tallfellow halfling woman who introduces herself as Verrer Leagarrow. She has a sense of power about her, but a friendly and polite manner. She doesn't seem terribly perturbed by your presence either, especially when Leoavor introduces you as his familiar. "A scroll of remove curse ? We haven't had any of those for a while, but I could put in a special order for you. Arral and I can only scribe arcane scrolls, but we have a supplier for divine magic. In the meantime, perhaps I can interest you in a scroll of illusory wall ?" Spellcraft applies. Josh said: ido also like to go to framing moonstone about having the ring idemtfied. I'm assuming you meant Frimin Moonbrook, the high elf saleswoman and arcanist of Frimin and Asgeifr's Armaments . Later on the 9th, she takes a look at it, and casts a quick spell before staring at it for another minute. Spellcraft applies. "It's definitely magical, not too strong of an aura... I can identify its powers precisely for 140 gold, if you like." Ahmed Y. said: I'd like to follow the rumor of the fort of Pelor, see what I can find I'd also like to ask Shifu if i could take the students I train, out into waterwend, for more public exercises. See if i can generate a crowd in order to recruit into the monastery. No one at the monastery knows more, but you can roll Gather Information to tease out more of the story from the general public. Let me know how much money you spend to loosen lips before rolling. Roll Diplomacy to convince Shifu Jeng. Once Limar's mother Kalemne has marked Zorall's territory on it, and Leoavor has added Gurak's lands with Kraggan's help describing their location, his surface map of the Catacombs looks like this: Edit: I went back and added in specific dates to when various things took place this week, to keep the timeline clear since we're skipping around a lot here.

I rolled a 19 for Gather Information, I spent no gold,  I rolled a 15 for diplomacy. 

Kraggan discusses going to the Church of Farlanghan with Limar and describing the location of the shrine we wrecked in order to gain favor in the church. She offers to give them general descriptions, and use the map to show them. Describe cleaning out the shrine and old temple, and wrecking some of the shrine. Limar may need to be uncursed because of it.  Kraggan works on getting the other loot we collected appraised. After Kraggan gets that done, can I have a full appraise list of all the appraisals so far? Then gathers everyone together to ask if anyone wants to claim them for use, though they all belong to the party unless you put their value into party treasure. Then people would own them. Kraggan wants to go to Limar's bank and have a discussion about keeping the party treasure in it. It is getting too bulky to carry around. What does Kraggan know about getting valuable items protected as well as money? Do banks do that? Safety deposit boxes, etc?  Does Limar tell Kraggan about Kurik's origins?

sense on cade-24,  " I might be interested in joining the congregation, tell me more" diplomacy 16- to chat up the quill shop and see what spells they do have an what they can make,  (is it like stumbles where anything from any book?) -i'll get 10 platinum and 40 gold from my bank for  the identify , 14 spellcraft on indentify (trying get real price) and 8 diplomacy to lower the cost..   and show them  (the scroll covered in strange silvery writing (map note GR-5) see if they can apraise that. I"ll offer to help drus train those students, "I'm bored an fighting (nonlethally) would help with that, and theyd get experience fighting nonhumanoids"  gather info 13 - I'd like to find this slave market in waterwend and learn more about. I assumed anything in this thread was known between the entire party since it was IC, so yes kraggan knows about the bow 16 gather info- to find out about cheap  mercs/guards in town (most looking for 2 to help with night watchs when someones missing a game) 18 gather info - on a capptain an two rowwer to man the lady lace while traveling, we often have 3 of our fighters out action just to keep it moving not going to hire ethier of those right away maybe when we leave town.  I'd also like to keep the  chrysoprase , malachite and  zircon (so add the cost of those two to my debt +106 gold) i like hoarding gems. but  the deep blue spinel and  golden topaz are to expensive. gather info-15, 9, 3,11,4, 10,19, 10, 1, 8  (10 silver each, 100 total)  attempting to locate a cleric of tiamat not expecting anything to turn up really just attempting to get the word out im looking and hope they find me.

If Shifu Feng listens to me, I'll happily enlist Limar's help. It'd be a good show for a couple of students to fight Limar.  Maybe even one the cultists would be interested in

Craft(alchemy) 19:"Spirits, Is that liquor name? I want the thing that easy to find. About poison, How about making a bombs which filled with spikes that coated with poison. Can you do it?" About Drus' show: "Snake-style? That reminded me of Provincia. If you want someone to make an epic or told a story with some illusion to gather some crowds before exercising, I'll help."

Lets wait and see, Xank If they show a little interest in this, and if Feng likes how it turns out. Then we can slowly make it larger. 

I also ask the monks about the card game Gathering. I'm looking for any information on it, plus someone to teach me how to play. I also want to see if I can get a few more cards or what I have to do for them

Ahmed Y. said: I rolled a 19 for Gather Information, I spent no gold,  I rolled a 15 for diplomacy.  It wasn't too long ago and was fairly big news at the time, so you don't have too much trouble getting the whole story on Goodmonth 10th--at least as much as people here know. The tale goes that in late Coldeven this spring, an army of Erythnul was formed by many small Cults gathering from around the Catacombs--a rare event for his normally disorganized worshippers, and one that only happens when they intend to make war. This army, bolstered by a large force of undead in the control of its leaders, descended upon the Fortress of Pelor in the Hills of Light south of here along the Stone River, which was the largest temple to the Shining One in this part of Terolus. The Fortress's defenses were overrun, its priests and its priestesses slain, its acolytes raped and flayed, and its treasures looted. Two precious relics that it had protected, a Dawnstar and a Shard of the Sun (Knowledge (religion) applies), were taken and are now unaccounted for. Only one priest survived by falling, maimed and half-dead, down a storm drain and floating downriver to Bowhery, where he was healed and aided by the local Church of Pelor there, and went on to spread the story of what had happened to his home. Opinions are divided on whether the Erythnulians abandoned the Fortress after sacking it, or if they still hold a garrison there. One man claims that the Pelorites led a small recovery crusade against it over the summer, but were driven back by a great creature of shadow and flame. An old tallfellow halfling woman advises you against drawing too much attention by asking about the Cult of Erythnul, especially this time of year. "Yeh know what temorrow is, dentcha?" she asks, grinning with only 3 teeth in her wrinkled, tiny face. " Dark Night. Luna an' Celene'll be hidin' away, so all the little devils come out teh play. Mark meh words, girl, yeh'd do best tah lock yerself inside after yer Godsday services, till theh dawn comes. There'll be blood in the streets, aye, always is..." Knowledge (religion) and (nature) apply. Shifu Jeng considers your proposal, and says "You are very well-trained in general, but new to our ways. Perhaps in another week's time." Ahmed Y. said: I also ask the monks about the card game Gathering. I'm looking for any information on it, plus someone to teach me how to play. I also want to see if I can get a few more cards or what I have to do for them A few of the monks have heard of the game before. One says he witnessed a duel once using the cards in the streets. He describes the sight of illusory monsters rising from the cards to do battle around the two players, and the way their spell cards would conjure wondrous effects as well: blasts of fire, blurring light, a swirling storm overhead.  Roll Gather Information to see if you can find anyone who knows how to play, or anyone who might have some cards they'll part with. Shannon M. said: Kraggan discusses going to the Church of Farlanghan with Limar and describing the location of the shrine we wrecked in order to gain favor in the church. She offers to give them general descriptions, and use the map to show them. Describe cleaning out the shrine and old temple, and wrecking some of the shrine. Limar may need to be uncursed because of it.  When you visit the Church of Fharlanghn on Goodmonth 9th, joining Leoavor and Limar after their shopping, the current high priest in town is a half-elf who introduces himself as Harbin Walker. He's interested in your story about the shrine of Hruggek and slaps his knee with a belly laugh when you tell him about Limar wrecking it up, "That'll show the old bastard!" He's also impressed with Leoavor's map, and asks to borrow it for a few days. "I'm a cartographer myself, working on a project to map the whole of the Catacombs. It's my life's work, and at the rate it's going I suspect it'll be my whole  life completing it," he jokes. "But you did well to despoil that shrine, little drakeling. I was told we have a green dragon member here who can be trusted, but I didn't quite expect him to be so small... in any case, you have my gratitude. Hruggek is ever an enemy of travelers, and thus an enemy of the Dweller on the Horizon. I'm afraid I'm not powerful enough to lift his curse, but if there's any magic I can help you with, the next time you seek my aid it'll be on the house. And if I pass by that way, I'll make sure to seek out this shrine and cut it off from its master." Shannon M. said: Kraggan works on getting the other loot we collected appraised. After Kraggan gets that done, can I have a full appraise list of all the appraisals so far? Then gathers everyone together to ask if anyone wants to claim them for use, though they all belong to the party unless you put their value into party treasure. Then people would own them. On Goodmonth 12th, you and Xankoris go around with the cart and Jess, getting the remaining items appraised. You can taste a thunderstorm coming on the breeze, but you have time to run your errands before it hits that evening. Xankoris's blessing that improves his damage rolls also fades away today. Jackson's Pawn  is the easiest place to go for most of it, and they pay 3/5 value outright as well, which is particularly good for pawn shops. Jack Tosscobble, a middle-aged tallfellow halfling, looks through the miscellanous junk you've brought in. Even he doesn't have any interest in the rough, fraying rope or decaying giant wasp stinger, and he doesn't deal in magical items, but some of the rest draws his eye: he gives you quotes for the bearskins, light steel shield, light wooden shield, half-plate, dagger, chain, scroll case with the strange message inside, and masterwork arrows (now in the Loot thread). Sense Motive applies. At Ziged's Wands , a middle-aged rock gnome in colorful robes and a pointed hat introduces himself as Ziged "Sticksnap" Ningel. You can see that he only has a couple of wands actually for sale, through there are various materials and tools strewn about, making it apparent that the store doubles as his workshop. He takes a look at the possible wand you've brought in, a thin willow stick carved with a white spiderweb patterns and runes all over. "Hmm... well, it's almost definitely a wand. By its design, I would guess the spell it contains has something to do with spiders, or webs, or possibly both... I can cast identify  on it for 170 gold, if you like. No Guild surcharge on the service, of course." Knowledge (local) or Appraise (trained only) applies. The Gathering cards, bracers, and potion you take to Ryelly's Wondrous Vault , where Ryelly Underbough sells all sorts of magical items that there aren't other shops dedicated to. He recognizes the Gathering cards right away, and tells you a bit about them, but not anything you didn't already hear from Kalemne. "I have one or two come through occasionally, but they always sell fast," he explains. "If you wanted to sell these, I'd give you 10 platinum for the pair. The potion is also easy, I've seen plenty of its like before. It's worth a solid 300 gold." He also examines Xankoris' new bracers curiously, and tests the strange, invisible field they project with prodding fingers. He also has the shugenja take one off, then the other, to see if they still do anything--but they seem to only function when both are worn. "I've never seen an item quite like these... but even if this is all they do, I'd say they're worth at least 4000 gold pieces as a set." Shannon M. said: Kraggan wants to go to Limar's bank and have a discussion about keeping the party treasure in it. It is getting too bulky to carry around. What does Kraggan know about getting valuable items protected as well as money? Do banks do that? Safety deposit boxes, etc?  Does Limar tell Kraggan about Kurik's origins? On Goodmonth 13th, when Limar has returned from visited his mother Kalemne, he takes you and Leoavor to see Merla Underbough of Underbough's Underwriting , and shares the story about Kurik along the way. A middle-aged halfling woman, Merla explains the interest rates she offers on savings accounts, as well as the binders she sells as her primary business (also reiterating the information about a binder on the boat I posted earlier this week). "I don't keep safety deposit boxes myself, dear. Can't afford the security. But you might try one of the big banks in town, like House of Lord Ebano. I believe they offer small boxes free to account holders" These are her rates and the minimum balance for each tier: Minimum balance     Interest rate 10gp                         0.01% 50gp                         0.02% 100gp                       0.03% 500gp                       0.04% 1000gp                     0.05% Josh said: sense on cade-24,  " I might be interested in joining the congregation, tell me more" He's definitely hinting that some very powerful members of Waterwend's underground meet here to do business, but that as the clergyman, his role is arranging the place for that business in return for gaining more worshippers of Nerull... meaning, you gotta pay if you wanna play. Cade grins wolfishly at your interest, and explains a bit more about membership in the church, duties, etc.  Associated classes: Cleric, blackguard, favored soul, adept, assassin (must worship Nerull) Associated skills: Concentration, Craft (poisonmaking), Heal, Knowledge (history), Knowledge (religion), Perform (sermon), Profession (minister) Special requirements: must worship Nerull Duties: 10gp/month tithe, 3 days/month performing religious services, observe all of Nerull's unholy days, provide spellcasting services to supplicants (40% of payment goes to church) and free aid to assassins, accept quests given by church leaders. Contact: Meilin Zhongshan, human F ???   Favor: Arrange a meeting with a smuggler, fence, thief, assassin, etc    Frequency: 1/six months Basic benefits: +2 profane bonus to Intimidate checks, +1 profane bonus against death and negative energy effects. Favored benefits: +1 profane bonus to the save DCs of death effects and negative energy effects you produce. Note that it's possible to highly revere more than one god (enough to satisfy the requirements of being part of two different churches, for example), as long as you're not a cleric. You still fall short of the associated class or skill requirement though, so you might need to find another way to convince Cade if you really want to join. Josh said: -i'll get 10 platinum and 40 gold from my bank for  the identify , 14 spellcraft on indentify (trying get real price) and 8 diplomacy to lower the cost..   and show them  (the scroll covered in strange silvery writing (map note GR-5) see if they can apraise that. Back on Goodmonth 9th... You're not even sure what all the spell can do, and your bargaining doesn't convince Frimin to reduce it. But once payment is rendered, she drops a large pearl into a mortar and grinds it into dust with a heavy stone pestle, before pouring the silvery dust into a glass of dark red wine. She stirs this with a large white feather (Knowledge (nature) applies), and it slowly turns to a silvery white, like moonlight poured into a glass. Murmuring the words of the spell, she drinks the mixture, and her eyes glow with the same light as she examines the ring, turning it slowly in her fingers and caressing its shapes for a full hour. At last, the light fades, and she says "This is a Ring of Feather Falling. It is enchanted to protect the wearer as by a feather fall  spell anytime he falls more than 5 feet. So long as it is undamaged, its magic should not fade with time. A precious thing for an explorer, and perhaps even moreso for one with wings." She hands it back to you, then takes a look at the scroll. "Looks like a spell scroll... since you bought an identify , no charge for this one. It's just a cantrip, after all." She casts another spell (Spellcraft applies), and her eyes glow a faint blue as she sweeps them down the scroll. "Divine magic. It holds a cure moderate wounds  spell. A cleric or druid could use this to heal some pretty serious injuries." She's not sure about the price though, and sends you back across the street to Verrer and Arral's Quill  to get it appraised. Josh said: diplomacy 16- to chat up the quill shop and see what spells they do have an what they can make,  (is it like stumbles where anything from any book?) Verrer happily chats for a while, charmed by this clever little familiar. She tells Leoavor and you that she and her partner Arral can scribe most common arcane spells up to level 4, but that they also buy and sell scrolls. She offers to buy your scroll of cure moderate wounds  for 75 gold, once she takes a look at it and casts the same cantrip Frimin did. Unfortunately, her shop is limited to Core+1 for your special requests, like most shops (though there's always a chance of something else ending up in their stock by chance). Josh said: gather info 13 - I'd like to find this slave market in waterwend and learn more about. You don't have too much trouble tracking it down on Goodmonth 13th. Gor's Flesh Market  is set up sort of like a small indoor bazaar, with different private sellers renting space to display slaves, usually only a few each. Tallfellow halfling city guards patrol inside and out with their longtridents, on the lookout for any funny business, while buyers stroll through, looking over the wares, pausing sometimes to examine a slave's body or teeth, or haggle over prices. There are all sorts of slaves for sale: humans, halflings, elves, dwarves, even a few exotic races like half-orcs or grimlocks. You see one beautiful woman with golden irises and pale blonde hair that seems to refract whatever sunlight hits it into what you could almost swear is a halo, though it's never quite solid-looking enough to be sure. Knowledge (local) or (the planes) applies.  The condition and attitude of the slaves varies widely as well. Some look dejected or dead-eyed, others fiery and recalcitrant, still others calm and natural. Some wear heavy chains, some fine chains of gold, some collars, some tattoos or brands, some only earrings stamped with the sigil of their seller. There are big, burly slaves that look suited for heavy labor, svelte and clever ones who will surely serve as valets or maids, bookish scribes, a dwarven blacksmith slave chained to his anvil, beautiful young men and women in wispy clothes surely trained in the ways of love... and through it all walks a sharp-eyed old high elf, noticable only because he seems to notice everything, yet take no part in it. Josh said: 16 gather info- to find out about cheap  mercs/guards in town (most looking for 2 to help with night watchs when someones missing a game) 18 gather info - on a capptain an two rowwer to man the lady lace while traveling, we often have 3 of our fighters out action just to keep it moving With Leo's help, you're able to find some mercenaries and sailors looking for work. Typical mercenaries are lv1 warriors, ordinary soldiers basically, and expect about 2 silver a day. They're good at taking orders, guarding, support combat, and general labor. The best mercenaries are hired as a group with their own leader (who is more experienced as a commander, can use his judgment to best follow through on orders from the PCs, and charges 6sp per day), used to working with each other and taking direction. They often have 1 guard dog for each 3 mercenaries in the group to help keep watch with Scent and aid them in battle by tripping/flanking, but usually don't charge extra for these. Ordinary sailors expect about 2 silver each day as well, and have a good, flexible skillset for working on boats and ships. A small-boat captain/helmsman with some basic command experience as well would charge 3 silver instead. Three of them working together would be enough to keep the Lace fully operational even when the party is engaged in battle. Josh said: gather info-15, 9, 3,11,4, 10,19, 10, 1, 8  (10 silver each, 100 total)  attempting to locate a cleric of tiamat not expecting anything to turn up really just attempting to get the word out im looking and hope they find me. You and Leo scour the streets and taverns for days, from Goodmonth 14th to 19th. By the end of it, you're confident that there are no clerics of Tiamat in Waterwend. However, you did catch some rumors of a few: one supposed to be serving Zorall, deep in his territory. Another is said to be traveling somewhere in the northwestern Catacombs, last seen near Prosh Port (Knowledge (geography) and (nobility & royalty) apply). One traveler talked of numerous kobold dragon cults waylaying and sacrificing people to Tiamat in the territory of a powerful green dragon to the northeast (Knowledge (nobility & royalty) applies). You've also spread the word well for any Tiamat worshippers who pass through Waterwend to come and find Leoavor. By the 19th, you also begin to hear rumors spreading of your own activities in Gurak's lands: people are saying that the Wayfinders struck a heavy blow against Gurak to the north, and that he's put out a bounty on their heads. Ritt K. said: Craft(alchemy) 19:"Spirits, Is that liquor name? I want the thing that easy to find. He looks at you funny for a moment, then laughs with realization. "I forget that you aren't from around here. Spirits is just a folk name for any strong liquor. Whiskey, grain alcohol, potato vodka, that sort of thing." You recall that in Hànyǔ, powerful clear alcohols like that are usually called báijiǔ, which simply means "white liquor."  Ritt K. said: About poison, How about making a bombs which filled with spikes that coated with poison. Can you do it?" "Hmmm..." he rubs his bearded chin thoughtfully for a long minute, calculations working behind his keen eyes. "Perhaps caltrops coated in an injury poison... but to give them enough penetrative force, a powerful explosive would be necessary... Firewine might work, but the detonation might burn off the poison before delivery... something less fiery? hrmmm..." He thumbs through some bottles, and pulls out an old book to look up a few reagents and reactions. "It might be possible, but such a thing would be an entirely new kind of device. It could take weeks of experimentation, trial and error, and material costs as well... I'm still too busy with my experiments on the Angel's Tongue your friends recovered for me, but I could lend you some books to help you get started if you want to work on it yourself." It's possible to research and develop new alchemical items, the way it is with new spells (DMG198). You'd need an alchemy lab (which I believe you have currently stored in Leo and Limar's room at The Otterman), reference books (which Stumbleduck can loan you, as his party contact favor), and it would cost about 500 gold per week in consultants, material components, repairs, replacement equipment, bribes, healing, etc. The number of weeks it takes depends on the overall power of the item you want to produce (you'll need to give me a sense of how much damage you want it to do, in how large an area, what range it can be used at, what defenses like AC or saves would apply, and any other effects you want it to have). At the end of your research (which can be paused and resumed later at no penalty if you run low on funds), you'd make a Craft (alchemy) check to see if you were able to create the new item. If you succeed, I'll give you its exact stats and market price, you can make more for the normal material cost whenever you like. You'd effectively be the only person who knows how to make it, so you could corner the market on it, or sell your design to other alchemists, or whatever you want. Also, everyone pay your weekly upkeep cost as of Goodmonth 13th.

Xankoris: "Make my own things? Interesting." Xankoris prepared his ofuda, "Do you have any apprentice or friend in this way? I mean in alchemy. I will try to pursue them to help me research in this." Xankoris grabbed the ink pen. "About investing, about money, to be specific, Where can I find a banker or somebody who have money that will invest in this? No need to be a good guy here."  Xankoris snaps his fingers, he recognized something. "Oh right! those Scorpion Clan. What is this town fastest way to communicate to The Provincia?" Xankoris places both pen and ofuda on the table. "Can you please tell me everybody that you think they will have any resource I might need? Pottery man, Blacksmith, Gardener, Tailor, Somebody who have years-experience in explosive, Undertaker." Xankoris scratches his arm, "And about the book, Where is Library or Bookstore." "This is going to be fun." Ritt K.: I really want to see the time that Xank said: "Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." LOL

I will pass on the information about the attack, to the party I would especially like to point out the Dawnstar and the Shard of the Sun, see if the party has any knowledge of these I also want to let them know that something is expected to happen and go down tonight, and that it could be a good way to find a lead. I am horrible at gathering information.  I rolled a 2, 11, 8, 4, 8, 18, 0, 0, 7, 2 on gather information. Like limar, 10 silver each, 100 in total.

Knowledge religion dark night-8 knowledge religion shard of sun-8 knowledge nobility prospects port-4 knowledge geography prospects port-14 knowledge nobility green dragon-18 I'd like to look into the 2 cultists leo and wyatt knocked out, check the local prison and talk to the guards about getting some private time with them. 23 diplomacy -on the mercenaries, how many are availablein waterwend, such as that if I wanted to hire 50 merchant with 5 leaders for 1 month (roughly 390 gold) would that amount be in this town? 

Ryelly takes a look at it and listens to your description. He thinks for a long minute, but regretfully tells you that he's never come across such a ring before, so he can't be sure what limits their might be on its use. He tells you that he'd probably price such a thing at about 2200 gold pieces, though. If you want to have it identified fully, he suggests speaking to Frimin Moonbrook at Frimin and Asgeifr's Armaments across the street.  would like to return to ryelly with my identified ring and get a new price and what he would actually pay for it then sell it to him i'd rather have 1/5 that gold than 2200 debt, and then take 106 (10 plat 6 gold)  gold from my bank and pay of the gems....I also expect 1/6  of that back since  its pretty much the same as selling it to a shop. just throw out the decaying stinger. starting to smell

Ritt K. said: Xankoris: "Make my own things? Interesting." Xankoris prepared his ofuda, "Do you have any apprentice or friend in this way? I mean in alchemy. I will try to pursue them to help me research in this." Xankoris grabbed the ink pen. "About investing, about money, to be specific, Where can I find a banker or somebody who have money that will invest in this? No need to be a good guy here."  Xankoris snaps his fingers, he recognized something. "Oh right! those Scorpion Clan. What is this town fastest way to communicate to The Provincia?" Xankoris places both pen and ofuda on the table. "Can you please tell me everybody that you think they will have any resource I might need? Pottery man, Blacksmith, Gardener, Tailor, Somebody who have years-experience in explosive, Undertaker." Xankoris scratches his arm, "And about the book, Where is Library or Bookstore." "This is going to be fun." "I've never taken an apprentice," Stumbleduck says, "but I do know another alchemist who lives in the city. A young woman of good family, Jillian Redhill. I believe she works out of her home in the residential district, she might be interested in assisting you." He gives you her address. "The major banks sometimes give loans, if you have collateral... you could try the House of Burach, or the House of Tyild and Rodat. If you belong to a guild or church, you might be able to get loan through them as well. Or you could go directly to the Merchants Guild, sometimes wealthy merchants will invest in the development of new products, though they won't come cheap." "To the Kingdom of Provincia? That's quite a distant land... you might try sending a letter with someone traveling that way, but it could take months or years to arrive. Maybe some kind of magic could do it faster, but I don't know much about such things." "I know some people, sure. I can help make you a list of the suppliers I use for my own materials." He gives you a list of names and addresses for potters, glazers, blacksmiths, silversmiths, apothecaries, clerics, undertakers, and so on. "As for books, unfortunately Waterwend doesn't have a bookstore or library. There are some in Treefall, if you want to make the journey there. And you're welcome to borrow my books on alchemy if you like, as well. My own collection probably has most of what you'll need." Ahmed Y. said: I am horrible at gathering information.  I rolled a 2, 11, 8, 4, 8, 18, 0, 0, 7, 2 on gather information. Like limar, 10 silver each, 100 in total. Each check takes 1d4+1 hours of asking around, so you only actually have time for the first four checks before the unholy day begins at sundown on Goodmonth 11th. You can take back the coin for the others if you like, or just keep the results for gathering more info in the days following. Let me know which way you go with it. All you're able to find out before Dark Night begins is the same as what the old woman told you: that it's an evil night when evil things come out in the deep darkness, and anyone with good sense locks their doors tight and doesn't venture out until dawn. Josh said: knowledge geography prospects port-14 knowledge nobility green dragon-18 You've heard of Prosh Port in passing before. It's a river port far to the northwest, on the Lithid River. You seem to recall it having a bad reputation, but can't remember any specifics. You remember hearing about a draconic lesser power to the north named Brachion, and suspect he is the one described. Josh said: I'd like to look into the 2 cultists leo and wyatt knocked out, check the local prison and talk to the guards about getting some private time with them. 23 diplomacy -on the mercenaries, how many are availablein waterwend, such as that if I wanted to hire 50 merchant with 5 leaders for 1 month (roughly 390 gold) would that amount be in this town?  On Goodmonth 18th, taking a break from your investigations into clerics of Tiamat, Leoavor goes with you to the guardhouse where you visited Balmon, and the two of you manage to sweet-talk the jailer into giving you a few minutes with the prisoners. There are quite a few people jailed that day, many of whom were picked up during and after the chaos a week before, on the 11th (Dark Night).  The 18th is also Xankoris' birthday, incidentally. Xankoris, make sure to increase your age on your sheet by 1 year. There are about two dozen looking for work at any one time, but you could probably gather 50 over the span of a couple weeks. Josh said: Ryelly takes a look at it and listens to your description. He thinks for a long minute, but regretfully tells you that he's never come across such a ring before, so he can't be sure what limits their might be on its use. He tells you that he'd probably price such a thing at about 2200 gold pieces, though. If you want to have it identified fully, he suggests speaking to Frimin Moonbrook at Frimin and Asgeifr's Armaments across the street.  would like to return to ryelly with my identified ring and get a new price and what he would actually pay for it then sell it to him i'd rather have 1/5 that gold than 2200 debt, and then take 106 (10 plat 6 gold)  gold from my bank and pay of the gems....I also expect 1/6  of that back since  its pretty much the same as selling it to a shop. just throw out the decaying stinger. starting to smell Ryelly affirms the price he gave you before, smiling at his own wisdom. "Yeeears of experience, my boys. I'd pay 110 platinum for it, if you're looking to sell." I'll add it to the items for sale, so the other PCs can have a chance at claiming it too. Though it'll actually be 1/7th, since Leo gets a cut of the Ring (he helped in that venture) and the party coffers get 2 shares. So you're putting 10pp and 6gp into the party treasure to split, in return for the gems you wanted? Basically buying them from the party treasury?  Everyone's activities in town are improving their skills: Drusilia gets 1 bonus rank in Use Rope from her training with Shifu Jeng, Limar gets 1 bonus rank in Gather Information from his investigations, and Xankoris gets 1 bonus rank in Craft (alchemy) from his discussions with Stumbleduck!

yes i am, i've already subtracted the 10pp an 6 gp. -at the prison rolled 20 spot to help leo find those two he fought  and if we find them  a 8 intimidate to aid him in getting info from them. letting the party know that limars going to be busy flying to the hills of light to scout the pelor fort, then back to water wend to rest then up to fort green to scout it then on to prosh port to look into that traveling priest of tiamat.  if i return I'd like to look into finding a pair of masterwork manacles with an amazing lock on it.

Knowledge (Arcana) check: 20 and Spellcraft check: 23 for the spell that can send a message in long distant. Diplomacy check: 20 For inviting Jillian Redhill. Xankoris bows, "Hi, I'm Xankoris Craneheir. I had heard about your alchemy skill from Stumbleduck." He said. Then, He told about the bomb that he's going to make, "So, Do you want to give me some help as a partner? If we make it, we will get some profit fairly." Gather Information check: 12 pay 1 GP to get an information of somebody who wants a new type of bomb in Merchants Guild. Spot check: 21 and Knowledge (Nobility) check: 9 For finding somebody who might interest in this in Merchants Guild. If he finally found that guy or girl or whatever: He introduces himself, "Hello, I'm Asahina Xankoris, Can I tell you about my idea?" He doesn't wait for that guy to answer, He talks about his bomb instantly with using illusion to help to explain. (Nat 1 in Perform (oratory), Dang it.) Diplomacy check: 29 (which is NAT20) and/or Sense Motive check: 19 For convincing them to invest in this. After the explanation. "And that's all I have in my mind, If you're interest, we will talk about sharing our profit, but if you aren't I will honestly be disappointed for you that will lose a chance of fortune."

13- Sense Motive: Jackson's Pawn Pays 170 gp for the wand appraisal/identification from her own money. If they sell it she want to be paid back before they split the profits from it. Does Xank want to sell the bracers? That would be a lot of money, ie resources for hiring underlings etc.  Which potion was worth 300 gp? Did we know what it does? Because she doesn't have safety deposit boxes, Kraggan tells Merla she is going to shop around at other banks, but sh might be back (What does she find at the other banks?) Kraggan hears about Limar and Leo's search for hirelings (mercs and sailors) and approves. The extra stregth in combat will be good... but how many can we squeeze into the Lady's Lace. We may consider selling her and buying a new boat soon. Kraggan will look into that. Kraggan befriends the stray dogs in the region, keeping an eye out for strong, large, clever ones.

I'll pay the gold for the days coming. Also, is there a way i can monitor the ongoings of this unholy night while safely indoors? A vantage point of some sort.

Shannon M. said: Kraggan hears about Limar and Leo's search for hirelings (mercs and sailors) and approves. The extra stregth in combat will be good... but how many can we squeeze into the Lady's Lace. We may consider selling her and buying a new boat soon. Kraggan will look into that. the hand out in game - "Can comfortably fit 8 people, and squeeze up to 16 for a very short trip." -I'll take this as permission to go ahead an hire 2 guards and 2 sailors and 1 helms man ( 1 gold 1 silver a day) paid by the party funds. I'd also like to suggest we take the time to gather a larger force 20-50 for the purpose of retaking pelors fort or ransacking guraks lands ( I'd like to take out his right hand briggor in his underground temple and hopefully deal enough damage he cant afford a bounty on us. - what was the price on our heads? I'd like to keep periodic watch on the gor flesh market for kobolds.  4,5,13,5,3,17,9,16,20,10 gather info 10 silver each 100 silver total, looking for info on bahamut clerics, metallic dragons, it would be useful to keep tabs on my natural enemies. and since so much time is passing i'll through in this imagery of Limar snoozing on the bottom of the wend and taking time to actual relax in town. -maybe poke the feet of a few unsuspecting swimmers. scare some kids(8 intimidate) and take the bait of some fishing hooks (sleight of hand 13) before tugging on them to mess with some fishers.

Josh said: -at the prison rolled 20 spot to help leo find those two he fought  and if we find them  a 8 intimidate to aid him in getting info from them. From Leo's description, you're able to use your keen eyes to help him figure out which of the prisoners were his attackers. The two of you try your best to muscle some information out of them, but neither of you are terribly intimidating... they spit in your faces and shout rowdily at you through the bars, riling up the other roughneck prisoners until the guards have to come down and settle them down, at which point they also ask you to leave. Josh said: if i return I'd like to look into finding a pair of masterwork manacles with an amazing lock on it. When (if) you return from your longer trip at the end of Goodmonth, you take a day to rest and then go shopping with Leo on the 2nd of Harvester. At Jackson's Pawn , a handsome young tallfellow halfling man named Jackson Tosscobble helps check his stock of manacles, chains, and locks with Leo. He does have a set of manacles of master quality, though the only locks he has right now are all fairly basic. He suggests "You could put in a buy order to get the next one that comes in, for a 10% down payment now. Or you might try having one made... Asgeifr Gorunn is the best master smith I know in town. He usually does armaments, but he'd probably make an exception just for the challenge." Knowledge (local) applies. "If you're headed Treefall way, there's a locksmith there named Yariun, could probably give you anything you need. Either way, may as well take the manacles now, afore somebody else comes by and buys 'em out from under you. 50 gold and they're yours, elf-friend." Ritt K. said: Knowledge (Arcana) check: 20 and Spellcraft check: 23 for the spell that can send a message in long distant. The most reliable spell you can think of for such a distance is sending , which works at any distance on the same plane (and even sometimes to other planes), though the caster needs to be at least a little familiar with the recipient to target them. Ritt K. said: Diplomacy check: 20 For inviting Jillian Redhill. Xankoris bows, "Hi, I'm Xankoris Craneheir. I had heard about your alchemy skill from Stumbleduck." He said. Then, He told about the bomb that he's going to make, "So, Do you want to give me some help as a partner? If we make it, we will get some profit fairly." Late morning on Goodmonth 9th, Jillian invites you through the round wooden door into her family's modest but comfortable (if a bit cramped, for you) hobbit home. Over tea and seedcakes, she listens to your proposal and ideas. "It's a daring concept, that's for sure, and I've never heard of anything quite like it. Of course, with the poison component, it would be illegal to sell in Waterwend, but we'd have no shortage of buyers... Okay, I'm in. But I'll want my name on the schematics alongside yours, and once the design is ready, we'll each get a copy to do what we like with. Those are my terms. Partners?" She offers her hand. Ritt K. said: Gather Information check: 12 pay 1 GP to get an information of somebody who wants a new type of bomb in Merchants Guild. Spot check: 21 and Knowledge (Nobility) check: 9 For finding somebody who might interest in this in Merchants Guild. If he finally found that guy or girl or whatever: He introduces himself, "Hello, I'm Asahina Xankoris, Can I tell you about my idea?" He doesn't wait for that guy to answer, He talks about his bomb instantly with using illusion to help to explain. (Nat 1 in Perform (oratory), Dang it.) Diplomacy check: 29 (which is NAT20) and/or Sense Motive check: 19 For convincing them to invest in this. After the explanation. "And that's all I have in my mind, If you're interest, we will talk about sharing our profit, but if you aren't I will honestly be disappointed for you that will lose a chance of fortune." Asking around at the Merchants Guildhall later that day, you're at least able to find some members who might be interested in investing in new products in general, if not bombs specifically. Your demo doesn't go great ... naturals only matter for attacks and saving throws, but a low result is still a low result. Several people walk away during the speech and lightshow, but a few stay to hear your pitch afterwards, which goes a lot better. Your passion and belief in your idea are clear, and you can tell some of the merchants are swayed. One man steps up to you first with an ingratiating smile. A tall, thin human, he says "I represent a powerful and wealthy merchant lord named Koran Bateman. I believe my employer would be very interested in investing in your idea. If you would like to discuss the details with him, please drop by this address tomorrow afternoon. He hands you a small, beautifully made card that says simply:    " Koran Bateman        Businessman The Otterman, Top Floor         Waterwend " After that, two other interested merchants ask you some questions about your idea, mostly details like equipment, expected costs, your experience in alchemy, and such. If you'd like to convince them to invest, roll a Craft (alchemy) check for each one to display your knowledge and expertise in the field. For this particular check, use Cha as the key ability instead of Int (meaning, add your Cha bonus instead of your Int bonus to the check). Shannon M. said: Pays 170 gp for the wand appraisal/identification from her own money. If they sell it she want to be paid back before they split the profits from it. Snapstick counts out the coin into his purse, then takes out some materials and begins the spell. While he focuses on the wand, you notice a snake with bright bands of color along its body crawling out of his sleeve onto his worktable. He seems to take no notice of it, but Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (nature) apply. After an hour, the glow fades from his eyes and he tells you, "This is a wand of  web . The command word is 'entangle'. It only has about 5 charges left though, which puts its value at about 450 gold pieces." He explains how the spell works in detail, as well.  Shannon M. said: 13- Sense Motive: Jackson's Pawn You get the feeling that Jack is actually more interested in the scroll inside  the case than the case itself, and that the scroll may be much more valuable, despite its vague contents. Shannon M. said: Which potion was worth 300 gp? Did we know what it does? The party's potion of blur  Limar had been carrying. He got it identified a while back, I think by Old Murnig in Bowhery. Shannon M. said: Because she doesn't have safety deposit boxes, Kraggan tells Merla she is going to shop around at other banks, but sh might be back (What does she find at the other banks?) At the Waterwend branches of the House of Burach , the House of Lord Ebano , and the House of Tyild and Rodat  on Goodmonth 13th, you're told that small safety deposit boxes are available to accountholders, and asked if you would like to open an account. Shannon M. said: We may consider selling her and buying a new boat soon. Kraggan will look into that. The local shipwrights, Garron & Sons , seems the best place to start for this. On Goodmonth 14th, a human man named Joss introduces himself as one of the sons in a very professional and cordial manner. He gives the Lace an appraisal, pricing her at about 480 gold pieces, and shows you some of the boats his company has for sale. "We're a bespoke producer, building on commission only, but occasionally a buyer renegs on the deal or goes out of business before an order can be completed. So we end up with some extra product, and sell it to recoup our losses at very reasonable prices. And of course, as a Merchants Guild member, you be assured of the quality of our work," he explains as he leads you along the company's dockyard. "This cog only requires a crew of 4 but can carry up to 20 comfortably, an excellent well-rounded sailing ship. Only 620 platinum pieces. This keelboat might also suit your needs: it's only 315 platinum, and only requires a crew of 3 to sail and can comfortably fit 16, though 12 rowers are needed if you want to rely on the oars. The flat-keel design is excellent for river travel, though it may not fit into narrower streams the way your launch will." While you talk shop with him, Joss also mentions at one point that his company buys a lot of their rigging from a ropemaker's called Carrie's Cords . The next day, you decide to stop by and see if she has any interest in those thick, poor quality rope coils you got from the bugbears. The tallfellow halfling owner, Carrie Cobbletoss, is a worldly woman just shy of middle age. The walls of her shop are lined with great spools of rope, cord, twine, string, and thread in all colors and guages, as well as all sorts of nets. Carrie examines your rope, and tells you it's probably of more practical value than monetary. "It's loosely woven, and with bad-quality hemp... strong, but only because it's so thick. I have ropes half the guage that'd hold as much weight. If weight isn't a concern for you, I'd keep it-- no end of need for rope in the wilds." Shannon M. said: Kraggan befriends the stray dogs in the region, keeping an eye out for strong, large, clever ones. There are plenty of stray dogs in a city like Waterwend, and many are happy to follow you around for food and attention. To find good breeding stock though, you'll need to roll a Handle Animal check each week. Go ahead and roll 3 checks, for Goodmonth 7th-27th.  Ahmed Y. said: I'll pay the gold for the days coming. I checked back in this particular thread, and realized you meant those rolls to be about Gathering, while before I accidentally gave you info about Dark Night instead. So, after a few days of asking around, you're able to find at least one person who knows the rules fairly well and can explain them to you. It would be extremely hard to explain in-character, so I'll summarize ooc: basically, the game works like Magic: the Gathering, with a few exceptions. Each player must use a deck of exactly 15 cards, with no sideboard. There are no land cards or mana; the mana symbols on cards simply identify the card's color(s). Each player starts with a hand of 4 cards and 10 points of life. Each round (one turn for each player), a player can cast up to one creature card and one noncreature card. A small portion of cards that represent especially powerful things are 'legendary': a player can only cast one legendary card each game, but the normal legend rule does not apply. A player doesn't lose if they can't draw a card, but the game ends in a stalemate if neither player does ANYTHING (including draw) for 2 rounds. There are also few new space-saving keywords for existing mechanics such as "sleep" (tap the permanent and it doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step) and "tutor" (search your library for a card, add it to your hand, then shuffle your library). The adventurer who teaches you all this also tells you he has a map that supposedly leads to a buried treasure cache which includes some Gathering cards. He got it off a trader, who claimed to have bought it from a traveling bard, who said he had found it on the body of a dead warrior. He offers to sell it to you for 200 gold pieces, and says the treasure it contains should be worth much more. Ahmed Y. said: Also, is there a way i can monitor the ongoings of this unholy night while safely indoors? A vantage point of some sort. There are plenty of tall buildings in the dense port city. The Otterman is five stories tall for example, and the Temple of Yondalla is about as high. Leo offers to let you watch the streets from the windows of his 3rd floor room in the the Otterman if you like. Josh said: Shannon M. said: Kraggan hears about Limar and Leo's search for hirelings (mercs and sailors) and approves. The extra stregth in combat will be good... but how many can we squeeze into the Lady's Lace. We may consider selling her and buying a new boat soon. Kraggan will look into that. -I'll take this as permission to go ahead an hire 2 guards and 2 sailors and 1 helms man ( 1 gold 1 silver a day) paid by the party funds.   You hire on the hirelings on Goodmonth 14th after talking to Kraggan. Their total wages come to 7 gold, 7 silver per week, which I'll mark off the party funds each time you pay upkeep costs. They're willing to travel with the party as long as you pay them, but while on the road/river you'll need to provide food for them. Josh said: - what was the price on our heads? From what you heard, it was 100 gold coins for the head of any Wayfinder brought to Gurak. Leo quips, "Apparently you guys pissed him off but good." Josh said: I'd like to keep periodic watch on the gor flesh market for kobolds.  4,5,13,5,3,17,9,16,20,10 gather info 10 silver each 100 silver total, looking for info on bahamut clerics, metallic dragons, it would be useful to keep tabs on my natural enemies. You spend the first week of Harvester with Leo, gathering what you can on metallic dragons and clerics of Bahamut, as well as checking Gor's Flesh Market  a couple times with no luck. Late in the week, you come across some useful info. A drunken dwarf tells you he heard a story about the Red King, one of the lesser powers of the Catacombs, traveling with a young copper dragon in his personal entourage, as well as a wild elf cleric of chaos and a snakewoman. A human dock worker tells you over the rum you bought him that he unloaded the luggage of a priestess wearing robes embroidered with silver dragons and stars just a couple weeks ago. When he asked her about them, she told him she was "a servant of Bahamut, the divine lord of all good dragons." He says she might still be in town, and thinks he overheard her telling the coachman to take her to the Otterman when he was loading her trunks into the back of the coach. One of the beautiful tallfellow halfling barmaids at  The Harlequin's Goblet  recounts a tale she heard from a bard about a powerful silver dragoness named Seras, who travels the Catacombs in human guise doing good deeds, and bears a holy relic sword named Quicksilver, granted to her by her goddess, Tamara. Knowledge (religion) applies. The bard claimed to have traveled with her for a time, and said she served a mighty power of the Catacombs, but that she would never give his name. Josh said: and since so much time is passing i'll through in this imagery of Limar snoozing on the bottom of the wend and taking time to actual relax in town. -maybe poke the feet of a few unsuspecting swimmers. scare some kids(8 intimidate) and take the bait of some fishing hooks (sleight of hand 13) before tugging on them to mess with some fishers. Leo enjoys watching your antics, and helps you prank some of the locals for fun during free time. Back on Goodmonth 13th, when the party meets for dinner over music at Capsized Cathay  to discuss their week's activities, Leoavor says suddenly "Oh! I've been so busy, I forgot to ask: how did things go with Orrick? Was he a big help in hunting the bugbears? Did you guys get a little closer with him at least? I haven't talked to him since you all got back into town." Everyone go ahead and pay your weekly upkeep twice more, for Goodmonth 20th and 27th. Also, all the loot is now appraised. Everyone has 1 week of real-time to claim anything they want, request to use a party assets, or vote to keep particular items as party assets, in the Loot thread. After that, I'll assume you're selling anything else and splitting up the value.

I'll buy the manacles for 5 platinum. " when will the next ones come in? can i get my 10% back if Asgeifr Gorunn can make one before they arrive?" and go see Asgeifr about making one of the locks. diplomacy-12 and also see if he could make the small dagger into a masterwork for 30 platinum. 7 religion on tamara I'll visit the otterman inn and ask the inn keep if shes still staying around. 20 silver gather info-14, and try to not let her know. I've havnt been paying weeky up keep so ill just -5 silver for the whole month. "Orrick? I thought he stayed in town, he didnt leave with us" I'll take the small dagger an put in the 2gp to be divided, I'll continue keep watch on the market. talk to a few of the merchants about prices, the women with golden irises if shes still there, and express interest in buying kobold see if any of them have some somewhere.

I'll take up Leo's offer on the vantage point. While up there I will take 20 to watch the ongoings of the night. I would like to pay particular attention to the things that I could maybe stop in the future, or things that the group may want to look into.  I also put the idea of buying this map of the Gathering Cards cache, to the group, see if we want to buy it as a party item. If not, I will buy it for myself.

Craft (alchemy) check: 11,22. For those two business mans. "Xíng!" Xankoris bowed and shaked hand with Jillian. "Sorry, I mean OK." Xankoris smiled in embarrassed. Xankoris goes and find an undertaker to reserves his body if he die while developing a bomb. "If anyone can't bring my body back to home and cremate, I need someplace to wait until they can." Xankoris dresses as best as he possibly could (Disguise check: 22, not sure can it works btw)  before goes have a discussion with Bateman. Xankoris make a bow with hands folded in front, "Greetings, Mr.Bateman, It's so nice of you by gave an opportunity to me. Well, I think I talk to much here, Let us talk now, shall we?"

Josh said: I'll buy the manacles for 5 platinum. " when will the next ones come in? can i get my 10% back if Asgeifr Gorunn can make one before they arrive?" Jackson shrugs. "It's a pawn shop, I buy whatever people bring in. But I don't see any problem with returning your deposit if you change your mind later." Josh said: and go see Asgeifr about making one of the locks. diplomacy-12 and also see if he could make the small dagger into a masterwork for 30 platinum. Later that morning on Harvester 2nd, you and Leo find yourselves in  Frimin and Asgeifr's Armaments  again. Frimin Moonbrook, the same high elf saleswoman who identified your ring a few weeks ago, discusses pricing with you briefly. "Well, we don't normally do locks, but I suppose for a regular customer I can make an exception," she says breezily, and Sense Motive applies. "The dagger is more in our wheelhouse. Azzy! Come take a look at this ," she calls to the back rooms, which you suspect include a smithy from the steady, muffled clink  sounds and the thin column of smoke rising from the building's chimney even in high summer. A hill dwarf comes out of the back, his bulgingly muscled body shirtless, wearing blacksmith's gloves and a stubbly beard. Knowledge (geography) and Bardic Knowledge apply. Frimin explains your request briefly, and after he examines the Small steel dagger he shrugs, making his rock-hard trapezius ripple. You notice Leo checking him out a little, but Frimin puts a hand on his shoulder casually. Sense Motive applies. "I s'pose I can make a lock for ya, and rework tha dagger too," Asgeifr says in a gravelly voice. Frimin smiles lovingly at him, then turns back to you two, saying "That'll be 165 gold for the lock, and 330 gold for the dagger. Of course, you can trust that our work will be of the highest quality standards, as members of the Merchants Guild in good standing." Josh said: I'll visit the otterman inn and ask the inn keep if shes still staying around. 20 silver gather info-14, and try to not let her know. On Harvester 7th, you and Leo stop by the lobby on your way down for the day. Luckily, the first person you ask is the tallfellow halfling concierge, and the silver helps to loosen his lips sufficiently. "I believe the madame you are seeking is staying in room 205, good sir," he tells Leo in a snooty accent, "If you would like, I can deliver your calling card to her?" Knowledge (nobility & royalty) applies. "Perhaps another time," Leoavor replies, "I wouldn't want to, er... intrude upon her privacy. I'm sure she's very busy with her work, and doesn't need to be disturbed by such small things as this." The concierge nods and smiles knowingly. "Of course, sir." Sense Motive applies. Josh said: I've havnt been paying weeky up keep so ill just -5 silver for the whole month. It's 5sp per week for you, at the self-sufficient level. Since we've been jumping around in time in the thread, you guys only need to pay upkeep when I remind you; so far it's been for 3 weeks total, so that would be 15sp total for Limar. Josh said: "Orrick? I thought he stayed in town, he didnt leave with us" Leoavor looks nonplussed. "...what? But he... he hasn't been in town at all." The next day, on Goodmonth 14th, as you and Leo meet with Kraggan at the docks (you two to price shop for sailors and her to look for a new boat), he seems worried. "I talked to Orrick's valet, Gorgidas, last night. He said Orrick and his scout Sextus left with his warhorse to catch up with you guys right after you left town on Reaping 25th, and haven't been back since. You never made contact with him on the trail? What could have happened..." Josh said: I'll continue keep watch on the market. talk to a few of the merchants about prices, the women with golden irises if shes still there, and express interest in buying kobold see if any of them have some somewhere. When you and Leo check  Gor's Flesh Market again on Harvester 10th, you finally have some good luck: one of the slave traders is selling a trio of kobolds for 55gp each, or 140gp as a set. Elsewhere, the woman with golden irises and that strangely wonderful pale blonde hair is still for sale as well, for 882gp. You notice she's not in manacles, just a golden collar with a long, fine gold chain running from it to the thick iron ring in the floor (each stall has one, which most slaves are chained to), and a demure, stoic expression. Her owner points this out as well, explaining "Natula is an aasimar, bearing the blood of angelic ancestors. As you can see, she is beautiful and gracious, but she is also well-trained in the arts of pleasure. A fine possession for a discerning young man such as yourself, or perhaps a kingly gift for a patron, eh?" The man gives Leo a greasy smile, noticing the way he can't help looking at the lovely woman. You also learn a bit more about pricing for slaves. What it amounts to, OOCly, is the slave's CR (minimum 1) squared, times 100gp. For each exceptional quality such as great strength, beauty, intellect, or skill, the price rises (to x2, x3, x4, etc). Slave groups with existing teamwork, such a soldier squad trained together or a family, may rate a higher total price when bought together. But for particularly weak creatures, such as cripples or kobolds, the price will sometimes drop as well. These are common standards world-wide, though in Waterwend there's also the 5% sales tax, and since Gor's Flesh Market  is a member of the Merchants Guild they also add the 5% guild surcharge (though are already factored into the asking prices above).  Ahmed Y. said: I'll take up Leo's offer on the vantage point. While up there I will take 20 to watch the ongoings of the night. I would like to pay particular attention to the things that I could maybe stop in the future, or things that the group may want to look into.  As the sun sinks low on Goodmonth 11th, the streets begin to empty much more than usual. Businesses and homes alike lock up their doors early, and even the inns and taverns close. It's the quietest and emptiest you've ever seen the normally-bustling port city. Leo lets you in and locks the door, telling you "Limar said he was going to visit his mom today, so it's just us." From his windows, you can see the streetlights growing comparatively brighter as the sun disappears. You can still see a few people in the streets, now and then... either looking around nervously as they hurry home (or somewhere else important enough to be outside this late), or skulking along looking for (and sometimes tailing) the former kind. You only see guards a few times during the night, and unlike the normal pairs or trios they patrol in, these are thick knots of half a dozen, making in tight formation with casters in the center. Occasionally a little spot of darkness will appear, and after a few times you realize it's the streetlamps going out... another thing you've never seen in Waterwend. Whether it's because they're running out of oil without enough guards or maintenance workers to keep them fueled tonight, or if someone is snuffing them out intentionally, they slowly dwindle in number, until the streets are pitch black and you have to strain even your elven eyes to see anything. But you do see something very interesting, late into the night after all has gone dark... a small group of ruffians, with what look like bloody tabbards thrown over their street clothes, carrying what might be stone weapons. They pass by a few times, and seem to be hunting or searching... then you see them all duck into an alleyway in hiding, until someone comes down the street, looking hurried and distraught. Before you can blink, the group rushes from the shadows to descend on the poor passerby, going to work with their stone daggers and morningstars, and a faint, muffled scream reaches your ears through the sealed glass window. One of the killers produces a rope, and together they string up the body from a nearby darkened lamppost, before moving off elsewhere into the city, out of your sight. Leo had come over to watch with you, leaving the map he was working on at his desk, and now bears a look of grim determination. "We'll get them, Drusilia. There won't be a Dark Night in Waterwend next year." He pours glasses of wine for the two of you afterwards, to help calm the nerves, and flirts with you a bit over a platter of soft cheese and white bread, much better food than you're used to. "So Drus, we've been traveling together all this time, since even before the Wayfinders, but I still feel like I don't know you all that well. You grew up in Treefall, right? Tell me about your childhood." Leoavor rolls 16 Diplomacy. The next morning, Goodmonth 12th, the mood in town is somber. Word gets around that three  people were murdered by the Cult of Erythnul, their unholy symbol carved into the victims before their bodies were hung from lampposts like trophies. Worse yet, it seems that this is a regular occurence on Dark Night. Bardic Knowledge applies. Ahmed Y. said: I also put the idea of buying this map of the Gathering Cards cache, to the group, see if we want to buy it as a party item. Leoavor, who has been quite interested in the Gathering cards you all brought back, votes for the party to buy it. "It could be a fun little adventure for us, though it may need to wait a while, depending on how far away this treasure is buried. Later that week, on Goodmonth 20th, Shifu Jeng informs you that since you have been doing well in your training and seem to be a dutiful and dedicated student, she has approved your request to begin public exercises in Waterwend. She recommends a few particular spots in town with plenty of room and nearby foot traffic. Roll Perform (martial arts) or Tumble to put on a good demonstration for attracting students, and Spot to see if you notice any cultists watching the classes. Limar can also help a bit with the anti-nonhumanoid techniques; Limar, roll an attack against AC 10 to aid another. Ritt K. said: Craft (alchemy) check: 11,22. For those two business mans. The first seems less than impressed, thanks for you for time, wishes you luck, and leaves. The second seems much more confident after you give clear, sure answers to all his questions. He says he'd be willing to invest up to 100 platinum pieces in your project, but in return he would want a copy of the schematic and a license contract to produce and sell the bomb without royalty fees. Ritt K. said: "Xíng!" Xankoris bowed and shaked hand with Jillian. "Sorry, I mean OK." Xankoris smiled in embarrassed. Jillian shakes your hand confidently, and the partnership is forged! Thanks to her significant skill and knowledge, her teamwork will give you a +5 bonus to your final Craft (alchemy) check to create the item. After you tell her how your search for investors went later that evening, she decides to go with you to see this Koran Bateman the next day. Ritt K. said: Xankoris dresses as best as he possibly could (Disguise check: 22, not sure can it works btw)  before goes have a discussion with Bateman. Xankoris make a bow with hands folded in front, "Greetings, Mr.Bateman, It's so nice of you by gave an opportunity to me. Well, I think I talk to much here, Let us talk now, shall we?" I've never heard of Disguise being used that way, but I suppose trying to look higher class than you are could fall under that. Generally people would just buy nice clothes (such a courtier's outfit) and wear some jewelry. Jillian wears what you suspect is the nicest dress she has, and a fine gold necklace that is probably a family heirloom (based on the modest size and quality of her family's home). At the Otterman, the concierge asks for a calling card to send up to Mr. Bateman, and takes the card you got from the tall, thin man at the guildhall. He goes upstairs, then comes back down to return the card and tell you "Mr. Bateman will see you now. Fifth floor. Good day sir, madame," before gesturing to the stairwell. The two of you climb up to the 5th (and top) floor, and on the landing find an enormous orc standing before the closed door. He's wearing a full suit of ornate field plate, the gritty brown steel worked into cruel spikes and flares by a master's hand. The battleaxe at his hip looks to be of the same type and quality, though his heavy steel shield and the other weapons on his swordbelt are of more ordinary make. Appraise or Craft (weaponsmithing) apply, trained only. His visor is up, and he looks down at you through his helm with suspicion--the aura of power and competence he gives off is almost enough to make your knees give out in the eternal few seconds before he finally speaks with a voice like rocks in a meat grinder. "No weapons or spells in Mr. Bateman's presence. No threats. No violent actions." He frisks each of you briefly, and takes any weapons you might have on you, explaining "You get these back when you leave." Once he's confident that you're unarmed, he opens the door to the floor and follows you inside, locking it behind him. It seems that this Koran Bateman has reserved the entire floor , as the orc leads you through several rooms to a comfortable drawing room where a portly, fleshy, middle-aged human man sits on a plush armchair at a table laden with succlent fingerfoods and a gleaming silver tea service. "Welcome, welcome, have a seat my friends," he says grandly, nodding to the orc as well. "Thank you, Stapes." The orc Stapes nods back, and fades into the background, somehow suppressing his terrifying martial presence, though he's never more than a few paces from you two or Koran. "As you may have guessed, I am Koran Bateman, a humble merchant of our fair city. I understand you have an exciting investment opportunity for me," the human says (Sense Motive applies), offering you tea and hors d'oeuvres, which are all of the highest quality. Indeed, looking around you realize that everything  in his rooms--rugs, furniture, books, paintings, statuettes--is the finest money can buy. Appraise applies. When you bow and thank him for the opportunity, he returns the gesture so flawlessly and easily that it takes a moment for you to realize he doesn't look Rokugani. "Indeed, to business. So, tell me about your idea." Roll Perform (oratory) or Diplomacy to give him your pitch. Jillian will assist, giving you +2. Ritt K. said: Xankoris goes and find an undertaker to reserves his body if he die while developing a bomb. "If anyone can't bring my body back to home and cremate, I need someplace to wait until they can." While Jillian is attending Safeday services at the city's huge Temple of Yondalla (a big deal every Godsday here) on Goodmonth 11th, you visit the undertaker near the Shrine of Wee Jas and Urogalan . In a little-visited corner of The Docks , it stands before a special, red-tipped "funeral pier" where the families of Waterwend give their dead to the Orthan River. A joint shrine, it has 2 altars side by side: one dedicated to the human death goddess Wee Jas, the other shaped like a stylized black dog's head silhouette and surrounded by significantly more offerings. Knowledge (religion) applies. As the undertaker discusses details you with, you see a few tallfellow halflings pass by to pray and leave offerings at the second altar, and a couple humans do the same at the altar to Wee Jas. Several of the supplicants also stop to pet or give scraps of food to a black-faced collie that's hanging around the shrine, who seems to be particularly intelligent for a dog. Knowledge (nature) applies, but you can roll it untrained.  The undertaker Eldon Underhill, a wrinkled old tallfellow halfling gaffer wearing a silver holy symbol in the same dog's head shape, says "Well, here in Waterwend we traditionally give our dead to the Orthan, so we don't really have long-term storage for bodies. But He Who Must Be teaches that each culture's funerary customs must be honored, as we honor the great father earth. If you die, I can cremate you until your ashes can be returned home. Would that be acceptable?" Knowledge (religion) applies. A few holidays pass during this time, too. The night of Goodmonth 23rd is Ryon's Eve, a Terolus holiday based on stargazing, to celebrate annual meteor showers and the occasional harvest moon that's common this time of year. Knowledge (history) or (arcana) applies. Goodmonth 26th-28th is a three day event called the Miner's Fairs, honoring mining communities. It's only slightly marked in Waterwend, mostly by local halflings who had families that mined in the past, before the city became a major port. Harvester 8th-14th is a weeklong festival for woodsmen called Logger's Fest. This is a little bigger here, as logging the forests around Waterwend is a fairly big business, providing lumber for the endless building of boats that make the river trade possible. That, and halflings will take any excuse to celebrate. Harvester 14th is also a minor Terolus holiday, Sweepingsday: an annual ritual of thoroughly cleaning homes, public buildings and streets, in preparation for the end of the harvest and the winter ahead. It seems that every home in the residential district is turned out for the day, with hobbits hanging their linens and beating their rugs, and eating picnics on the lawn.

I'll take a moment to browse asgefirs an see if he has aNY other master work weapons already an their prices. "I can't really afford that right now if you start on the lock and hold of on the dagger I'll get back to you as soon as we finish selling loot" I'll forward leo 14 platinum for the kobolds an trll him in draconian to ask if the lady knows  celestial an could teach the language  and as where leaving talk to the kobolds in draconian diplomaCy 6 an ask where they were from and their names. and when we get back to the inn where I can dispose of the familiar mirage and talk openly I'll take off their chains (if they come with any)  let them know they're free but indebted to me and that they can ether work under me or find another way to pay me 14 platinum  ,hoping to retry diplomaCy -15. And intimidate 15 at the end to let them know how bad it would be to up and run without paying. 16, 19, 19 sense motive on kobolds to see if their telling the truth, planing to run or I don't know general attitude  if they decide to stay I thank leo for sharing his room with us and put them at the lowest costing pay per month while I figure some other things out. I'll take a day to get to know their weapon/armor and skills and fit them out with gear, going to pay them 2/silver a day they can save that up to pay me back or not it is up to them but after that day i'll give them each 1 gold for a week and head up northeast to see if i can find brachian and his kobold tribes. dwarf geography -23 sense motive leo/dwarf-12 knowledge nobility calling card-12 -Orrick might have gone on to Fort greenwall or still be tracking us lost in the woods maybe dead, maybe we should talk to kraggan about tracking him.

Max said: The first seems less than impressed, thanks for you for time, wishes you luck, and leaves. The second seems much more confident after you give clear, sure answers to all his questions. He says he'd be willing to invest up to 100 platinum pieces in your project, but in return he would want a copy of the schematic and a license contract to produce and sell the bomb without royalty fees. "I am OK about that, except license. I mean I need to talk with Mr. Bateman about this first. So, Do you have any business card? Because we need to have a three-ways meeting here." (Diplomacy check: 23.) Max said: At the Otterman, the concierge asks for a calling card to send up to Mr. Bateman, and takes the card you got from the tall, thin man at the guildhall. He goes upstairs, then comes back down to return the card and tell you "Mr. Bateman will see you now. Fifth floor. Good day sir, madame," before gesturing to the stairwell. The two of you climb up to the 5th (and top) floor, and on the landing find an enormous orc standing before the closed door. He's wearing a full suit of ornate field plate, the gritty brown steel worked into cruel spikes and flares by a master's hand. The battleaxe at his hip looks to be of the same type and quality, though his heavy steel shield and the other weapons on his swordbelt are of more ordinary make. Appraise or Craft (weaponsmithing) apply, trained only. His visor is up, and he looks down at you through his helm with suspicion--the aura of power and competence he gives off is almost enough to make your knees give out in the eternal few seconds before he finally speaks with a voice like rocks in a meat grinder. "No weapons or spells in Mr. Bateman's presence. No threats. No violent actions." He frisks each of you briefly, and takes any weapons you might have on you, explaining "You get these back when you leave." Once he's confident that you're unarmed, he opens the door to the floor and follows you inside, locking it behind him. It seems that this Koran Bateman has reserved the entire floor , as the orc leads you through several rooms to a comfortable drawing room where a portly, fleshy, middle-aged human man sits on a plush armchair at a table laden with succlent fingerfoods and a gleaming silver tea service. "Welcome, welcome, have a seat my friends," he says grandly, nodding to the orc as well. "Thank you, Stapes." The orc Stapes nods back, and fades into the background, somehow suppressing his terrifying martial presence, though he's never more than a few paces from you two or Koran. "As you may have guessed, I am Koran Bateman, a humble merchant of our fair city. I understand you have an exciting investment opportunity for me," the human says (Sense Motive applies), offering you tea and hors d'oeuvres, which are all of the highest quality. Indeed, looking around you realize that everything  in his rooms--rugs, furniture, books, paintings, statuettes--is the finest money can buy. Appraise applies. When you bow and thank him for the opportunity, he returns the gesture so flawlessly and easily that it takes a moment for you to realize he doesn't look Rokugani. "Indeed, to business. So, tell me about your idea." Roll Perform (oratory) or Diplomacy to give him your pitch. Jillian will assist, giving you +2  Appraise check: 15. on Stapes' weapon (or more). Sense Motive check: 8 on Bateman. Appraise check: 22 (NAT 20) around the room. Diplomacy check: 25, He tries as best as he can here, using a  silent image in presentation too. "I have another thing to talk; The other investor said he will invest this, but the exchange is he wants the license contract to produce and sell it without royalty fees; So, I said you, he and I need to have a 3-ways meeting. Are you OK about that? I want everything to be fair here." (Diplomacy check: 13.) Max said: While Jillian is attending Safeday services at the city's huge Temple of Yondalla (a big deal every Godsday here) on Goodmonth 11th, you visit the undertaker near the Shrine of Wee Jas and Urogalan . In a little-visited corner of The Docks , it stands before a special, red-tipped "funeral pier" where the families of Waterwend give their dead to the Orthan River. A joint shrine, it has 2 altars side by side: one dedicated to the human death goddess Wee Jas, the other shaped like a stylized black dog's head silhouette and surrounded by significantly more offerings. Knowledge (religion) applies. As the undertaker discusses details you with, you see a few tallfellow halflings pass by to pray and leave offerings at the second altar, and a couple humans do the same at the altar to Wee Jas. Several of the supplicants also stop to pet or give scraps of food to a black-faced collie that's hanging around the shrine, who seems to be particularly intelligent for a dog. Knowledge (nature) applies, but you can roll it untrained.  The undertaker Eldon Underhill, a wrinkled old tallfellow halfling gaffer wearing a silver holy symbol in the same dog's head shape, says "Well, here in Waterwend we traditionally give our dead to the Orthan, so we don't really have long-term storage for bodies. But He Who Must Be teaches that each culture's funerary customs must be honored, as we honor the great father earth. If you die, I can cremate you until your ashes can be returned home. Would that be acceptable?" Knowledge (religion) applies. . The night of Goodmonth 23rd is Ryon's Eve, a Terolus holiday based on stargazing, to celebrate annual meteor showers and the occasional harvest moon that's common this time of year. Knowledge (history) or (arcana) applies. Knowledge (Religion) check: 11 Knowledge (Nature) check: 21 Knowledge (Religion) check: 9, 'At least, I still have something that still can be buried.' He thought. Knowledge (History) check: 11 "I guess I have no other choice, At least keep my clothes and weapon clean, especially my wakizashi. That means much to us." While Xankoris gathers resources, He realized about one person, Asahina Yajinden. So, Xankoris decides to make an icon of him, in case he wants to pray. (Profession (painter) check: 10)

Tumble check = 19 Spot = 15

I learned some things while i was out flying around., started by scouting the fortress of pelor the gate was broken down an no one seemed to be home we could easily claim it for our selves though it needs bit of cleaning and a new gate. While flying up towards Fort greenwall I spotted more bugbear wargangs with larger numbers than before 7 to 9 bugbears with a handful of other goblinoids seems Guraks kicked up his defenses. At fort greenwall I managed to get a Lt Lordswill to chat with me, -"Very well, Limar. Tell your master that the Terolus Military stands on the side of civilization, no matter how badly monsters may wish to bring it down. Fort Greenwall has participated in many successful campaigns against the powers of the Catacombs surrounding it, including Gurak, Selene, Hesilith, Grimgrin, Karenina, and Hardack. Even the Ractal gnolls and the Glick orcs go in fear of our disciplined might." Knowledge (nobility & royalty) applies to those first 6 names, individually. Knowledge (geography) applies to the last 2." I informed him of Zekes murder of karad and theft of the hand he said he'd look into it but im not holding much hope. I've found out several bit of news at waterwend "-The lands over and around the Stonefare have become impassable, now completely infested with strange, vine-infused zombies. -An evil psionic warrior named Jessan has been traveling in the Catacomb's northern cities with a small group of followers, slaying at will under the flag of the black dragon Eryx; few dare to stand against him, as Eryx is known to be in the service of a great power. -The Suloise navy has been fighting skirmishes with Terolus's army all along the nation's southern coast. -This year's Dark Night 'festivities' were the worst in living memory in Treefall: more than two dozen deaths have been confirmed, and another dozen people are still missing. The common folk whisper that some terrible monster lurks among them now, hiding in human skin. -The two eponymous tallfellow halfling women who run Verrer and Arral's quill are supposedly secret lesbian lovers, though others claim that this is an old rumor with no truth to it." There are a lot more chromatic dragons in this area than I was expecting, I wonder where all the metallics are at.

Josh said: I'll take a moment to browse asgefirs an see if he has aNY other master work weapons already an their prices. "I can't really afford that right now if you start on the lock and hold of on the dagger I'll get back to you as soon as we finish selling loot" They do have a handful of masterwork weapons, armor, and shields in stock, which Frimin is happy to show you. Are you only interested in the Small weapons? Josh said: I'll forward leo 14 platinum for the kobolds an trll him in draconian to ask if the lady knows  celestial an could teach the language  Leoavor seems a little unsure about actually buying slaves, but the fact that they're kobolds (given his history with kobolds) sways him. "Perhaps we'll have better luck than Jakob in showing them the right path..." He returns with you to the seller of the aasimar woman, who tells you "Oh yes, she's quite fluent in the language of her ancestors! Could teach you too, I don't doubt. Very smart, among many other talents, this one..." Josh said: and as where leaving talk to the kobolds in draconian diplomaCy 6 an ask where they were from and their names. and when we get back to the inn where I can dispose of the familiar mirage and talk openly I'll take off their chains (if they come with any)  let them know they're free but indebted to me and that they can ether work under me or find another way to pay me 14 platinum  ,hoping to retry diplomaCy -15. And intimidate 15 at the end to let them know how bad it would be to up and run without paying. 16, 19, 19 sense motive on kobolds to see if their telling the truth, planing to run or I don't know general attitude  if they decide to stay I thank leo for sharing his room with us and put them at the lowest costing pay per month while I figure some other things out. I'll take a day to get to know their weapon/armor and skills and fit them out with gear, going to pay them 2/silver a day they can save that up to pay me back or not it is up to them but after that day i'll give them each 1 gold for a week and head up northeast to see if i can find brachian and his kobold tribes. They're sullen and quiet at first, not responding to your entreaties. Once you get them in private and unlock their chains, though (they each came with a set of Small manacles and a simple lock, the key to all 3 locks provided to you by the seller) they seem to find your direct approach more believable. One of them speaks up at last, in Draconic: "We are... indentured servants?" You get the feeling that they'd more comfortable with that sort of arrangement, and sufficiently in awe of your pure draconic blood and obvious power to be willing to serve you... at least until they can earn their freedom. "Even my familiar has followers now..." Leo jokes good-naturedly. "Just make sure they don't kill us in our sleep or anything." The lowest cost is self-sufficient, which is 5sp per week per kobold. You're giving them 2 silver each for the first day, and then 1 gold for each week after that? And the Brachion search is what you PM'd me about, right?  It doesn't take long to conclude that they're fairly ordinary kobolds, in terms of skill and ability. Kurklet and Jarkel are male, and Yelkyn is female. All three are trained as  warriors , though Jarkel says he's a fair hand at trapmaking and Yelkin says she often worked in her tribe's nursery, incubating eggs and raising the young. Josh said: dwarf geography -23 sense motive leo/dwarf-12 knowledge nobility calling card-12 You recall that dwarven men almost always wear full beards, so Asgeifr's stubble is quite unusual. You've heard of calling cards, but only know the basic concept of how they work: that nobles and courtiers and other snobs usually send the servants with a card with their name on it instead of just saying hello when they visit someone. Josh said: -Orrick might have gone on to Fort greenwall or still be tracking us lost in the woods maybe dead, maybe we should talk to kraggan about tracking him. Leoavor nods in agreement. "That's a good idea. Kraggan, what do you think? Could you follow his trail with Adria and find out what happened to him?" Ritt K. said: "I am OK about that, except license. I mean I need to talk with Mr. Bateman about this first. So, Do you have any business card? Because we need to have a three-ways meeting here." (Diplomacy check: 23.) The tallfellow halfling nods thoughtfully, and gives you his card: not as finely made as Bateman's, it bears the name "Beau Highgallow" and an address in the nicer part of the residential districts. "Do stop by once you've discussed the matter with mister Bateman. I hope we'll be able to do business together, mister Xankoris." My travels through south china have been keeping me VERY busy, so I'm just gonna reply to as much as I can for now. But don't worry, I'll get to the rest soon!

Yes im interested in the small weapons mostly, all though if we're getting a bigger boat would he know of any largish cross bows/ ballista or rams that could be mounted on one? (cannons?)  I cant afford the lady right now so i'll have to let her,after we get paid would anyone be interested in going half/half on her 882gp? I'd like to learn that language. "yes you are ,140 gold divided by 3...I'll put it at 46 gold an 5 silver each. I'll only accept payment in full, I dont want to have to manage 3 accounts and your more than welcome to stay on after wards." can they speak common? or draconic only? I'll take them around town and get them fitted  small hide armor x3 45gp (bonus if they can get a green dragon claw on both shoulders) small light cross bow x3 105gp bolts,crossbow (10) x6 6gp small long spear x 3 15 gp small dagger x2 4gp +1 bought from party small buckler x3 45gp bedroll x3- 3 sp chest,empty- 2gp barrel,empty-2gp (small?)miners, pick x3 9gp hammer- 5sp piton x10- 1gp (trap making)artisans tools- 5gp (for Jarkel) healers kit- 50gp Tents x2- 20 gold total-309 gold 8 silver (how much with taxes?) if they want to keep any of the gear they're going to have to add it to their debt. other wise return it when they pay. the barrel and miner picks go in the party assets  personal property, (in case we ever come across some valuable ore that we can take a couple hours to rip from the earth. tents go into party assets for minion use. I'll put the chest in the party assets too an lock it with on of the simple locks off the manacles, and use it for storage, see my character sheet for whats in it. ( is that 1 key for 3 locks or 3 keys an 3 locks?) Max said: "Even my familiar has followers now..." Leo jokes good-naturedly. "Just make sure they don't kill us in our sleep or anything." The lowest cost is self-sufficient, which is 5sp per week per kobold. You're giving them 2 silver each for the first day, and then 1 gold for each week after that? And the Brachion search is what you PM'd me about, right?  yes i'll pay them 1 gold/ week, they are paying for their own upkeep, so they can change that if they wish, should net them 5sp a week while in a town. costing me 3gold/ week yes its what i Pm'd you about, when i leave for that i'll set Jarkel to improve upon the bell trap I made and just have them guard leo, and the assets, ask them if any of them are from Brachians lands? since im heading there next. and to keep an eye out for a for man with black scales over his body named karis and if he passes through waterwend to hold him here till i return. I definitely approve getting a bigger boat to hold more loot. - also when we leave waterwend, I'm going  to cancel my bank account with Merla so i can pay them when we travel.

Max said: The local shipwrights, Garron & Sons , seems the best place to start for this. On Goodmonth 14th, a human man named Joss introduces himself as one of the sons in a very professional and cordial manner. He gives the Lace an appraisal, pricing her at about 480 gold pieces, and shows you some of the boats his company has for sale. "We're a bespoke producer, building on commission only, but occasionally a buyer renegs on the deal or goes out of business before an order can be completed. So we end up with some extra product, and sell it to recoup our losses at very reasonable prices. And of course, as a Merchants Guild member, you be assured of the quality of our work," he explains as he leads you along the company's dockyard. "This cog only requires a crew of 4 but can carry up to 20 comfortably, an excellent well-rounded sailing ship. Only 620 platinum pieces. This keelboat might also suit your needs: it's only 315 platinum, and only requires a crew of 3 to sail and can comfortably fit 16, though 12 rowers are needed if you want to rely on the oars. The flat-keel design is excellent for river travel, though it may not fit into narrower streams the way your launch will. bringing the boat chat here, the keel boat seems more our price range we've already got 200 platinum in the party funds -does the 3 to crew count towards the fit 16 comfortably?  Also do we want to send Kirin a letter? she help us with this cult.

Ritt K. said:  Appraise check: 15. on Stapes' weapon (or more). Sense Motive check: 8 on Bateman. Appraise check: 22 (NAT 20) around the room. Diplomacy check: 25, He tries as best as he can here, using a  silent image in presentation too. You can't sure of the exact value of the axe and armor Stapes wears, but they're both among the finest work you've ever seen. The axe looks sharp enough to break skin at the lightest touch of its blade, and the armor is so wickedly spiked that you're fairly sure the enormous orc could kill a man with a gentle hug. You do recognize, though, that both are of orcish make, in their distinctive racial style. You notice, for example, an exquisitely patterned Rokugani rug worth easily 3000 gold, an ivory statuette of a strange, long-necked horse (Knowledge (nature applies) worth 2400 gold, a painting of a man with a black sword fighting a red dragon (Knowledge (history) applies, see image below) worth 250 gold, and much, much more. Your pitch goes excellently, as you speak with a passion and natural charm that seems to draw in Bateman's sense of wonder. Jillian jumps in now and again with some of the finer technical points, and also seems quite impressed with you. Sense Motive on her applies. The only real misstep is when you start to cast a silent image spell, and in the blink of an eye Stapes is next to you, his huge gauntleted hand gripping your casting arm like a vise. " No. Spells. This is your last warning, elf," he reiterates in a dangerous growl, the killing aura pouring off him so intense that Jillian instinctively stumbles backwards out of her chair, nearly falling over in her panic. Koran is silent, waiting to see how you will react with a watchful, prudent eye. If you want to try to continue casting the spell, roll a Concentration check. Sense Motive also applies on Stapes, as well as a power level check (d20 + your character level + your Wis bonus). Ritt K. said: Knowledge (Nature) check: 21 You recognize subtle cues in the collie's behavior that give away its true nature: this is not a normal dog at all, but a hengeyokai, one of the intelligent, shapechanging animals native to Rokugan. You've met a few, back home in northeastern Provincia where much of the population are descendants of Rokugani immigrants like yourself, though it's unsurprising that people this far west wouldn't recognize one. Ritt K. said: "I guess I have no other choice, At least keep my clothes and weapon clean, especially my wakizashi. That means much to us." Eldon nods, his wispy gray hairs blowing in the riverside breeze. "I can do that for you. The costs for cremation and storage will amount to 1 gold piece, if a simple clay urn will do. Some folks like something fancier, or to provide their own. You can pay in advance in you like, or arrange for payment in your last will and testament. I'd suggest leaving offerings at the shrines as well, especially if you expect to die soon," he adds, gesturing to the twin shrines. Ritt K. said: While Xankoris gathers resources, He realized about one person, Asahina Yajinden. So, Xankoris decides to make an icon of him, in case he wants to pray. (Profession (painter) check: 10) You're able to paint a simple representation on Goodmonth 15th, little more than a holy symbol, but enough to focus your prayers to your mighty ancestor. The materials for it cost 5 silver pieces. Ahmed Y. said: Tumble check = 19 Spot = 15 You put on a good show, demonstrating the fluidity of motion and grace that you've been learning in your private lessons from Shifu Jeng. The less-experienced students are also in good form, and provide a +2 assist to your check, which soon draws a small crowd of locals and travelers. A few even toss coppers or silvers at your feet, apparently thinking this is a street performance, which in a way it is. But you keep a keen eye out for any suspicious characters, and notice two individuals who stand out: one is an elegant woman with very fine robes and jewelry (Appraise applies), Rokugani eyes (like Xankoris has) and strange, intricate black tattoos in patterns of curved, sharp lines peeking out at left shoulder and the back of her right hand and fingers. The other is a rough-looking tallfellow halfling in stained peasant roughspun, wearing a stone dagger at his hip much like the ones you saw from Leo's window. Josh said: Yes im interested in the small weapons mostly, all though if we're getting a bigger boat would he know of any largish cross bows/ ballista or rams that could be mounted on one? (cannons?)  Frimin says "I'm afraid we don't make the kind of siege weapons you fix on ships. Usually the shipwrights build them in. You should stop by Garron & Sons  to ask about that; just don't waste your time with that Paul, he's a useless lout." She shows you the Small masterwork weapons she has in stock, in the meantime: 2 daggers for 333 gold each, a sickle for 337 gold, a morningstar for 340 gold, a spear for 333 gold, 3 short swords for 342 gold each, a longtrident for 353 gold, a battleaxe for 342 gold, a glaive for 340 gold, and a dire flail for 430 gold. Josh said: "yes you are ,140 gold divided by 3...I'll put it at 46 gold an 5 silver each. I'll only accept payment in full, I dont want to have to manage 3 accounts and your more than welcome to stay on after wards." can they speak common? or draconic only? They agree with these terms, finding them more than fair. They only seem to speak Draconic, except for a few words of Common. Josh said: I'll take them around town and get them fitted  small hide armor x3 45gp (bonus if they can get a green dragon claw on both shoulders) small light cross bow x3 105gp bolts,crossbow (10) x6 6gp small long spear x 3 15 gp small dagger x2 4gp +1 bought from party small buckler x3 45gp bedroll x3- 3 sp chest,empty- 2gp barrel,empty-2gp (small?)miners, pick x3 9gp hammer- 5sp piton x10- 1gp (trap making)artisans tools- 5gp (for Jarkel) healers kit- 50gp Tents x2- 20 gold total-309 gold 8 silver (how much with taxes?) Such basic equipment is easy to find in Waterwend, especially since so much of the population is Small sized. You can get most of it at Jackson's, so the total after taxes comes out to 330 gold, 5 silver, and 8 copper pieces. If you want to have the small green dragon claw design worked into the armor, it'll cost an extra 1gp per set. Here's some basic stats for them, now fully-equipped:  Kuklet: Kobold M Warrior1, dagger, longspear, light crossbow (20 bolts), buckler, hide armor, peasant's outfit, bedroll, hammer, 10 pitons, LE (tattoo of torture rack on left upper arm, Cha8) Jarkel: Kobold M Warrior1, dagger, longspear, light crossbow (20 bolts), buckler, hide armor, peasant's outfit, Craft (trapmaking) +6, Stealthy, bedroll, trapmaking tools, LE (gay, overheats easily, Cha8) Yelkyn: Kobold F Warrior1, dagger, longspear, light crossbow (20 bolts), buckler, hide armor, peasant's outfit, Profession (governess) +6, Skill Focus (profession [governess]), bedroll, healer's kit (10 uses), LE (neurotic, Cha9) Josh said: I'll put the chest in the party assets too an lock it with on of the simple locks off the manacles, and use it for storage, see my character sheet for whats in it. ( is that 1 key for 3 locks or 3 keys an 3 locks?) when i leave for that i'll set Jarkel to improve upon the bell trap I made and just have them guard leo, and the assets, ask them if any of them are from Brachians lands? since im heading there next. and to keep an eye out for a for man with black scales over his body named karis and if he passes through waterwend to hold him here till i return. - also when we leave waterwend, I'm going  to cancel my bank account with Merla so i can pay them when we travel. It's 1 key that opens all 3 locks. Jarkel sets to work on the trap, and improves it significantly. Craft (trapmaking) 23. Leo soon grows more comfortable with them, as he grows familiar with their honest and lawful ways. It also helps that he can communicate with them freely in Draconic as well. None of them are from Brachion's lands, though they've heard there are many kobold cults to Tiamat up that way. These 3 worship Kurtmultak, as most kobolds do. Knowledge (religion) applies. They and Leo all agree to watch for Karis and try to delay him from leaving if they can. Merla will likely be quite put out about that, but we'll see how it goes when the time comes. Josh said: -does the 3 to crew count towards the fit 16 comfortably?  Also do we want to send Kirin a letter? she help us with this cult. Yes, the 3 crew is just the minimum to control the ship. It can house up to 13 more crew/passengers comfortably. Leoavor likes that idea. "Kirin's damn handy in a pinch, and she usually works in towns so she probably has a good sense of how to investigate things."

16 knowledge religion kurtmultak what does orientation, neurotic mean? and the overheats easily? do i need to periodically dunk him in the river? and because it has two definitions is Jarkel attracted to men or is he just a lighthearted carefree kobold.  when do we get paid? I'm getting low on funds. -I'm worried about this cleric of bahamut, but before i go an hire an assassin to kill her I'd like to run it by the party don't want eveybody to get upset like last time with the crate an levi.

Diplomacy check: 29 (NAT 20), Xankoris looking at Stapes and said,"We all carry the favor of Thunder. Stand aside or face the storm's wrath." Next, Xankoris looking at Bateman and said patiently "In times such as these, loyalty is the most important virtue. And he has it greatly." Xankoris coughed a little, "I'm deeply sorry for this Mr.Bateman, but this magic might make the explanation goes easier. So, Please allow me to use it if you want." He looks back at the Stapes again and smiled, "I'm so sorry, I just get along with it more than I should. So, Could you please...?" "That's too much for today, I will talk next time then." After he saying goodbye with Eldon, Xankoris went to talk with a Hengeyokai. Diplomacy check: 11, He kneels himself before speaking, "Excuse me, sir. What're you doing here? It's my first time to see Hengeyokai here." He said quietly in Hànyǔ.

Sense motive on Jillian: 4 Sense Motive on Stapes: 10 Knowledge(Nature): 17 Knowledge(History): 12 Power level check: 21

Josh said: 16 knowledge religion kurtmultak You recall that Kurtulmak (apparently his name got butchered a bit by their yappy kobold accent) is the primary racial deity of kobolds, a lawful evil god of war and mining, believed by them to be a child of Tiamat. Josh said: what does orientation, neurotic mean? and the overheats easily? do i need to periodically dunk him in the river? and because it has two definitions is Jarkel attracted to men or is he just a lighthearted carefree kobold.  The extra "orientation" there was a leftover text artifact from my templating process; I removed it. Yelkyn can be a bit neurotic is all. Jarkel gets overheated a lot, but not to a dangerous degree: he's just one of those people who wants to take breaks from exercise more often, and drinks lots of water. He's also attracted solely to men. Josh said: when do we get paid? I'm getting low on funds. I gave everyone a little extra time, since I forgot to update the Loot thread with the final prices at first. As of now, you all have about 2 more real-time days before everything unclaimed is sold and shares are apportioned. Ritt K. said: Diplomacy check: 29 (NAT 20), Xankoris looking at Stapes and said,"We all carry the favor of Thunder. Stand aside or face the storm's wrath." Next, Xankoris looking at Bateman and said patiently "In times such as these, loyalty is the most important virtue. And he has it greatly." Xankoris coughed a little, "I'm deeply sorry for this Mr.Bateman, but this magic might make the explanation goes easier. So, Please allow me to use it if you want." He looks back at the Stapes again and smiled, "I'm so sorry, I just get along with it more than I should. So, Could you please...?" Stapes tightens his gauntleted grip a little at your veiled threat, seemingly ready to tear your arm off... but he waits for his employer to answer, steely eyes on you. Koran takes a long sip of his very fine tea, thinking about your earnest and well-spoken request with his own keenly intelligent eyes on you as well, but shakes his head regretfully at last. "I'm afraid I never permit spells to be cast in my presence. One never knows what exactly they might do... I'm sure you can understand. Please, do your best to continue the proposal in the normal fashion." With an almost unnoticeable gesture, he waves off Stapes, who releases you and steps back, leaving a bruise on your arm (and 8 nonlethal damage)... but not so far this time, staying in arm's reach and loosening that monstrous battleaxe in its loop.  Ritt K. said: "That's too much for today, I will talk next time then." After he saying goodbye with Eldon, Xankoris went to talk with a Hengeyokai. Diplomacy check: 11, He kneels himself before speaking, "Excuse me, sir. What're you doing here? It's my first time to see Hengeyokai here." He said quietly in Hànyǔ. The dog's eyes widen slightly as you speak to it, in a very un-dog-like expression. She wurfs softly and turns, gesturing with her head for you to follow her into a nearby alleyway. Ritt K. said: Sense motive on Jillian: 4 Sense Motive on Stapes: 10 Knowledge(Nature): 17 Knowledge(History): 12 Power level check: 21   You recognize the strange long-necked horse as a kind of animal called a giraffe. They've very rare in this part of the world, but native to Suel. You recognize the painting as depicting a famous scene from pre-Cataclysmic Terolus history, called the Battle of Destreth. The dragon was named Archos the Bloodwing, and the human he's dueling was named The Red King. From your experience in combat, you can tell that Stapes is monstrously, absurdly dangerous... perhaps the most powerful individual you've ever met. You're reasonably sure that he could tear through the entire Wayfinders party like tissue paper, if he had a mind to.

Xankoris continue the explaining. (Diplomacy check: 22), And he talks about the other investor who wants to have a meeting with Bateman. Xankoris prepared his Tessen before following Hengeyokai. In another day, he went to the armor shop and asked about any armor that light and can wear under the outfit. "I know it sounds weird, but It's because I don't want any samurai looks at me and said I don't deserve it, even I haven't found any samurai here though.

Kraggan spent the night with Adria in the forest on Darknight. Did she see or hear anything special? Did they see her? (Should I roll some checks?) We are selling the Wand of web (since I have a similar spell) and the Ring of Featherfall, are we selling the bracers? Josh said: I learned some things while i was out flying around., started by scouting the fortress of pelor the gate was broken down an no one seemed to be home we could easily claim it for our selves though it needs bit of cleaning and a new gate I am pretty sure if we didn't turn it back over to the Church of Pelor, then we would make an enemy there. We should discuss it with them. Josh said: While flying up towards Fort greenwall I spotted more bugbear wargangs with larger numbers than before 7 to 9 bugbears with a handful of other goblinoids seems Guraks kicked up his defenses. Is Treefall north? If so we will need to figure out watch schedule, and set fortifications at night while we are in Gurak's territory. 100 gp a head is a sizeable reward. Let's not take chances. Josh said: "-The lands over and around the Stonefare have become impassable, now completely infested with strange, vine-infused zombies. I think we should look into these zombies. We have a lot of lives we are responsible for now, and I would hate for them to be killed by the unnatural undead you heard of. Shannon M. said: 13- Sense Motive: Jackson's Pawn You get the feeling that Jack is actually more interested in the scroll inside the case than the case itself, and that the scroll may be much more valuable, despite its vague contents. Rolls a 16 Diplomacy: You seem interested in the scroll too, do you have an idea of what it could be? I can't figure out what it is, so I am thinking of getting it appraised.  Sense motive again: 18 Max said: At the Waterwend branches of the House of Burach, the House of Lord Ebano, and the House of Tyild and Rodat on Goodmonth 13th, you're told that small safety deposit boxes are available to accountholders, and asked if you would like to open an account. Kraggan goes to each bank and gets their interest rates and other options. She comes back to meet the other wayfinders and explains one night that after the boat and paying underlings, she thinks we should put our money into the House of Tylid an Rodat. They have the best balance between interest rates and money changing. We should change those drow coins out too once we get an account. We can keep valuables in their safety deposit box, such as gems. This branch is one of their only inland branches, but they also have some in seaports. How much can we deposit and stay flush enough to pay our crew? Max said: The local shipwrights, Garron & Sons, seems the best place to start for this. On Goodmonth 14th, a human man named Joss introduces himself as one of the sons in a very professional and cordial manner. He gives the Lace an appraisal, pricing her at about 480 gold pieces, and shows you some of the boats his company has for sale. "We're a bespoke producer, building on commission only, but occasionally a buyer renegs on the deal or goes out of business before an order can be completed. So we end up with some extra product, and sell it to recoup our losses at very reasonable prices. And of course, as a Merchants Guild member, you be assured of the quality of our work," he explains as he leads you along the company's dockyard. "This cog only requires a crew of 4 but can carry up to 20 comfortably, an excellent well-rounded sailing ship. Only 620 platinum pieces. This keelboat might also suit your needs: it's only 315 platinum, and only requires a crew of 3 to sail and can comfortably fit 16, though 12 rowers are needed if you want to rely on the oars. The flat-keel design is excellent for river travel, though it may not fit into narrower streams the way your launch will." Josh you said you think the keel is the better choice, and I do think it is in out budget, but it needs 20 rowers, we will get into the same issues underground and may even meet passages we can't squeeze into. Is the cog thinner? What is the width of each? Max said: There are plenty of stray dogs in a city like Waterwend, and many are happy to follow you around for food and attention. To find good breeding stock though, you'll need to roll a Handle Animal check each week. Go ahead and roll 3 checks, for Goodmonth 7th-27th. Handle animal: 11, 12, 19 Max said: The adventurer who teaches you all this also tells you he has a map that supposedly leads to a buried treasure cache which includes some Gathering cards. He got it off a trader, who claimed to have bought it from a traveling bard, who said he had found it on the body of a dead warrior. He offers to sell it to you for 200 gold pieces, and says the treasure it contains should be worth much more. Kraggan also votes we should buy the map, but not from party treasure. She is willing to pitch in part though. Seems fun. Max said: You hire on the hirelings on Goodmonth 14th after talking to Kraggan. Their total wages come to 7 gold, 7 silver per week, which I'll mark off the party funds each time you pay upkeep costs. They're willing to travel with the party as long as you pay them, but while on the road/river you'll need to provide food for them. Max and I will keep track of this then, from party treasure. Kraggan asks Leo if he wants to look for Orrick before heading to Treefall. With the size of our party, we are already loosing the element of surprise. We will be noticed when we head into town. If you trust him, the soldiers will help us get your revenge. Kraggan talks to Limar about his Kobolds and tells hims she is happy he is keeping up the Wayfinder legacy as a Breaker of Chains. What kind of favor do we get from Kirin as a contact, before we decide on writing a letter?

Ritt K. said: Xankoris continue the explaining. (Diplomacy check: 22), And he talks about the other investor who wants to have a meeting with Bateman. "I have another thing to talk; The other investor said he will invest this, but the exchange is he wants the license contract to produce and sell it without royalty fees; So, I said you, he and I need to have a 3-ways meeting. Are you OK about that? I want everything to be fair here." Bateman nods and listens thoughtfully, occasionally nibbling on one of his delectable watercress-and-salmon finger sandwiches or spreading caviar on a perfect, white cracker with a tiny silver knife seemingly forged solely for that purpose. After due consideration, he says "Your idea has great merit, and you speak with the passion of a true inventor. However, I have found in my own line of work that profit rarely follows competition... I am willing to cover the full costs of your experimentation, and to supply you with some advanced materials and equipment as well, but in return I would require that no other merchants be permitted copies of the schematics or be allowed to produce the resulting item. In addition, you and Miss Redhill would have to agree to manufacture the item only for personal use, and not for resale. If that is amenable to you, then I believe we can do business. If you would like some privacy to confer, or time to consider, before deciding, that is fine as well; I am not, as you can imagine, a man accustomed to rushing." He gives you an indulgent and somewhat self-deprecating smile. Ritt K. said: Xankoris prepared his Tessen before following Hengeyokai. Once in the alleyway, the collie sniffs around to make sure you two are alone, then closes her eyes and begins to change-- in mere moments, she has grown and shifted into a young human woman, visibly of Rokugani descent, dressed in especially ragged homespun clothes. You notice that there's a strange patterning to her skin, as well... her face, the backs of her arms, and the backs of her legs have darker skin, while the rest is lighter, mirroring the coloration of her dog form. Heal (trained only) or Knowledge (local) applies. "Not many people recognize me," she says in Hànyǔ, rather nervously. "My name is Silk. Who are you?" Sense Motive applies. Ritt K. said: In another day, he went to the armor shop and asked about any armor that light and can wear under the outfit. "I know it sounds weird, but It's because I don't want any samurai looks at me and said I don't deserve it, even I haven't found any samurai here though. On Goodmonth 17th, you stop into Frimin and Asgeifr's Armaments  and speak with the high elf saleswoman, Frimin Moonbrook. "Don't worry, we get all kinds of strange requests in here. I remember, once this scarred-up human woman came in to ask for an actual chainmail bikini!" she laughs, shaking her head at the recollection. Knowledge (nobility & royalty) applies. "Well, anyway. I think what you're looking for is a material called mithral. It's very expensive and rare, but strong as steel and half as heavy. An undershirt of mithral chain would be as comfortable as one of cotton, but protect you quite well. I believe we have one in stock, too..." she checks the shelves, before pulling out a chain shirt of extremely fine, beautiful links that look like white silver. "Only 1380 gold pieces." Max said: Frimin says "I'm afraid we don't make the kind of siege weapons you fix on ships. Usually the shipwrights build them in. You should stop by Garron & Sons  to ask about that; just don't waste your time with that Paul, he's a useless lout." She shows you the Small masterwork weapons she has in stock, in the meantime: 2 daggers for 333 gold each, a sickle for 337 gold, a morningstar for 340 gold, a spear for 333 gold, 3 short swords for 342 gold each, a longtrident for 353 gold, a battleaxe for 342 gold, a glaive for 340 gold, and a dire flail for 430 gold. Speaking of special materials, I actually forgot a detail here: one of the shortswords is made of mithral as well. Frimin points out its very light weight to you when she shows you their selection. Shannon M. said: Kraggan spent the night with Adria in the forest on Darknight. Did she see or hear anything special? Did they see her? (Should I roll some checks?) The forests were unusually quiet on Dark Night, and nearly pitch black once you got into the trees a bit. It seems most of the action was focused in the streets, in a larger town like Waterwend. Shannon M. said: Josh said: I learned some things while i was out flying around., started by scouting the fortress of pelor the gate was broken down an no one seemed to be home we could easily claim it for our selves though it needs bit of cleaning and a new gate I am pretty sure if we didn't turn it back over to the Church of Pelor, then we would make an enemy there. We should discuss it with them. On Goodmonth 25th, after Limar returns from scouting the Fortress of Pelor, you visit the local Church of Pelor to ask about it. The high priest, a human named Liman, shakes his head sadly as the topic is broached. "Such a tragic day that was... but as far as I know, the high priests of Pelor in Skyshrouds, heads of the church for all Terolus, have pronounced the Fortress a total loss. There is nothing there now save for death and painful memories, so desecrated was it by the evil acts of the Many's horde." Shannon M. said: Josh said: While flying up towards Fort greenwall I spotted more bugbear wargangs with larger numbers than before 7 to 9 bugbears with a handful of other goblinoids seems Guraks kicked up his defenses. Is Treefall north? If so we will need to figure out watch schedule, and set fortifications at night while we are in Gurak's territory. 100 gp a head is a sizeable reward. Let's not take chances. According to Leo's map, it's more westerly along the Orthan River, but a little bit northwards of Waterwend's latitude. "I think we should be able to give him a wide berth, as long as we stay along the river," Leoavor says in your strategy meeting about it, leaning over the table where his map is spread out and weighted at the corners with an inkpot, silver coins, and a teacup. "But if we do venture back into his lands, I agree that caution is the word." Shannon M. said: Josh said: "-The lands over and around the Stonefare have become impassable, now completely infested with strange, vine-infused zombies. I think we should look into these zombies. We have a lot of lives we are responsible for now, and I would hate for them to be killed by the unnatural undead you heard of. You can roll Gather Information, and let me know how much coin you're spending on bribes. Knowledge (nature) and Knowledge (religion) also apply. Shannon M. said: Shannon M. said: 13- Sense Motive: Jackson's Pawn You get the feeling that Jack is actually more interested in the scroll inside the case than the case itself, and that the scroll may be much more valuable, despite its vague contents. Rolls a 16 Diplomacy: You seem interested in the scroll too, do you have an idea of what it could be? I can't figure out what it is, so I am thinking of getting it appraised.  Sense motive again: 18 Jack looks a little sheepish and shrugs. "It seems to be some sorta secret message between powerful folks. That sorta thing can be mighty valuable to their enemies... I don't know much about politics, but I do know there's profit to be made from those who play the game of thrones. I figured I'd hang onto it, and if the right sorts come in, maybe see what it's worth to them." You get the feeling he's telling the truth: a wise merchant, but not a terribly sneaky one. Shannon M. said: Max said: At the Waterwend branches of the House of Burach, the House of Lord Ebano, and the House of Tyild and Rodat on Goodmonth 13th, you're told that small safety deposit boxes are available to accountholders, and asked if you would like to open an account. Kraggan goes to each bank and gets their interest rates and other options. She comes back to meet the other wayfinders and explains one night that after the boat and paying underlings, she thinks we should put our money into the House of Tylid an Rodat. They have the best balance between interest rates and money changing. We should change those drow coins out too once we get an account. We can keep valuables in their safety deposit box, such as gems. This branch is one of their only inland branches, but they also have some in seaports. How much can we deposit and stay flush enough to pay our crew? On the evening of Goodmonth 14th, you discuss this with everyone over dinner (Leo's treat) at The Full Net , a popular local midrange seafood restaurant. "That sounds like a great idea, Krag," Leo agrees. "I'd like to change out my drow coins too, while we're at it." As for how much you can deposit, that's up to you. The total costs for stabling for Jess and wages for party hirelings comes to 11gp, 2sp per week. As of Goodmonth 15th, when you finally sell of the remaining loot (not including the magic bracers, which are still under debate on whether to sell them), your total party funds come to 386pp, 201gp, 1803sp, 34cp, and 800 drow bronze coins. Shannon M. said: Max said: The local shipwrights, Garron & Sons, seems the best place to start for this. On Goodmonth 14th, a human man named Joss introduces himself as one of the sons in a very professional and cordial manner. He gives the Lace an appraisal, pricing her at about 480 gold pieces, and shows you some of the boats his company has for sale. "We're a bespoke producer, building on commission only, but occasionally a buyer renegs on the deal or goes out of business before an order can be completed. So we end up with some extra product, and sell it to recoup our losses at very reasonable prices. And of course, as a Merchants Guild member, you be assured of the quality of our work," he explains as he leads you along the company's dockyard. "This cog only requires a crew of 4 but can carry up to 20 comfortably, an excellent well-rounded sailing ship. Only 620 platinum pieces. This keelboat might also suit your needs: it's only 315 platinum, and only requires a crew of 3 to sail and can comfortably fit 16, though 12 rowers are needed if you want to rely on the oars. The flat-keel design is excellent for river travel, though it may not fit into narrower streams the way your launch will." Josh you said you think the keel is the better choice, and I do think it is in out budget, but it needs 20 rowers, we will get into the same issues underground and may even meet passages we can't squeeze into. Is the cog thinner? What is the width of each? The cog is 40' long and 20' wide. Its main deck is 10' above the waterline, and its keel is 10' below. The keelboat is 30' long by 10' wide. Its main deck is 5' above the waterline, and its keel is 5' below.  Overall, the keelboat is smaller and better suited to river travel, and has the added option of being rowed when the wind or current are against you. It's much less seaworthy than the cog though, and won't handle storms or battles as well. Shannon M. said: Max said: There are plenty of stray dogs in a city like Waterwend, and many are happy to follow you around for food and attention. To find good breeding stock though, you'll need to roll a Handle Animal check each week. Go ahead and roll 3 checks, for Goodmonth 7th-27th. Handle animal: 11, 12, 19 You don't spot any good breeding stock during this period, unfortunately. Shannon M. said: Max said: The adventurer who teaches you all this also tells you he has a map that supposedly leads to a buried treasure cache which includes some Gathering cards. He got it off a trader, who claimed to have bought it from a traveling bard, who said he had found it on the body of a dead warrior. He offers to sell it to you for 200 gold pieces, and says the treasure it contains should be worth much more. Kraggan also votes we should buy the map, but not from party treasure. She is willing to pitch in part though. Seems fun. Since Limar and Xankoris have replied since Drus asked about it, I'm assuming they don't share Drus's interest. Leoavor does, though, and the three of you go in together on it. Leo puts in 68gp, which leaves 66gp for each of you. I've added the handout to Drus's assets in-game, since she was the one who first brought it to the group's attention. Drus, please add the Treasure Map to your sheet's equipment list. Shannon M. said: Kraggan asks Leo if he wants to look for Orrick before heading to Treefall. With the size of our party, we are already loosing the element of surprise. We will be noticed when we head into town. If you trust him, the soldiers will help us get your revenge. Leo thinks carefully, and nods. "He put his trust into me. I can't betray that. We should see if we can still track him before we go after the Cult of Erythnul." Leo confirms with his men that Orrick still hasn't returned, and gets a piece of his clothing from his valet, Gorgidas. Roll a Survival check for Adria to track him by the scent on it.  Shannon M. said: What kind of favor do we get from Kirin as a contact, before we decide on writing a letter? Kirin, Human F Sorceress4, Bowhery  Favor: Assistance in one battle Frequency: 1/three months Remember, you can check party contact info in the Party Notes & Composition handout. Also, everyone go ahead and pay your weekly upkeeps for Harvester 6th, 13th, and 20th (except Limar, who already paid in PM convos). Kraggan, roll 3 more Handle Animal checks for that timespan.

"I actually agree I won't sell it. But in exchange, I want you to add creator name to the product, It doesn't have to be my full name, It can be just 'Asahina family and Jillian Redhill'. To be specific, I want our name to be somewhere in the product that people will notice in any way you want, something like carving or seal." Xankoris looks at Jillian, "How about you Miss Redhill?" Sense Motive check: 7 Knowledge (Local) check: 19 Xankoris said in Hànyǔ, " I am Asahina Xankoris, I am an air shugenja who came from Provincia. It's rare to find someone like you. So, I have three theories in my mind. First, You're on traveling with your group. Second, You're running away from something, I made this choice from your clothing. Third, You're trying to be an adventurer," He scratched his chin. "But don't worry, Whatever you're trying to, I will help you as much as I can. If you ask why, I say it's because Rokugani descendant should be helping each other." Knowledge (Nobility) check: 10 "How about this?" Xankoris showing his bracers, "Which one is better? These bracers or That mithral armor?"