1. Introduction; A Decent Proposal

[badams30]

Athelstan - Fighter

Turning to Renardius and Marion: "Boat? I do not like this. But perhaps it will keep our legs fresh for our task. Boats make me uneasy though... " Athelstan will sit back down and nervously polish his holy symbol, and nursing his drinks...

[tumblingdice]

Soldath, Stephan looks at your map and points out the location of Sukiskyn.


Note: I've updated the handouts page to include this map.

"All good questions," the horse trader says to the wizard. "Kalanos knows you working for me. I pay passage for you ahead of time. As for ferries. Either myself or one of my clan will be escorting horses with you. We take care of any tolls. You no have to worry. Just need you to help guard and take horses to Rifllian. Normally, do this ourselves. But early spring, much work to do on homestead. Not expecting to find forty-one horses, you know, and no hands to spare."

Any other questions?

[Spanningtree]

Soldath

Many thanks Stephan for clearing these details up. With that he will put away his writing kit and retire to a spot near the fire, drink in hand.

[Scalydemon]

Marion - Female Hobbit

If she has time before they step out, Marion would like to head out to the Merchant Area on foot to buy a pouch of tobacco. She'd also like to find an area where horses are being sold and inquire locally in a round about way if the Horse sellers in town have had any dealings with Stephan and his brother. She'll also keep her ears open for any general rumours

[badams30]

Athelstan - Fighter

In the time leading up to our departure, Athelstan will attempt to inquire about the route they are taking - seeing if anything notable or worrisome has been going on in that area, and if we need to exercise any special precautions. Anything that he learns he'll share with the group. Other than that, while waiting to move out, he'll just sharpen his sword, clean and oil his armor, and generally get his gear ready to leave.

[Spanningtree]

Soldath

Before leaving town he will inquire with a few people in town to make sure his map is as accurate as possible in the areas they are venturing toward. He will also inquire if this kind of horse movement is normal and the elves that Stephan was talking about do indeed exist where he said they do.

[tumblingdice]

Good inquiries, guys. In the interest of expediting play, I'll simply report what you learned, rather than role-playing it out.

Marion, during the week you had plenty of time to step out and buy tobacco, explore Kelvin, and chat with a few horse traders. Some were surprised to find someone of your stature approaching them. Almost no one had anything bad to say about Stephan or Pyotr. They've never bought a bad horse from their clan, or felt as though they got ripped off--beyond the bounds of good taste--in their dealings with them. Like most of the homesteaders, they are tough, proud, honest people. A bit emotional when they've had too much to drink, but that's Traladarans for you.

You met one trader, though, with horses whose ribs stuck out and who started at your approach. He called Stephan a liar and a cheat. Then again, he called one of his customers a liar and a cheat. Come to think of it, he called you a liar and a cheat once he realized you weren't there to buy anything.

As for rumors, let's see. DM rolls dice. You learn that "bree-yark" is goblin for "we surrender." Lucky for you, Igli and Bombar take you aside later and set you straight.

Athelstan, the locals tell you that other than goblins, bandits, werewolves and ferocious beasts, there's really nothing to worry about. By taking the river, you'll avoid many if not all of those dangers. Keeping your sword sharp, which you're already doing, is an excellent idea.

Soldath, being a native of the grand duchy, you've heard of Rifllian, even thought you've never been there. You know that it's the chief trading center between the Callarii elves and humans from all over Karameikos. You actually meet some Callarii elves while you're in town. They've never met nor heard of Stephan's clan, but they have seen other homesteaders from the Dymrak Forest selling horses in town before. If you're looking for a good place to stay while you're there, they suggest you try the Silver Swan Inn. It caters to humans.

They also confess their insane jealousy of your awesome map.

[Adapt]

Jarek - Thief

During the time he has left in town, Jarek will tap in to whatever rumor mill exists down at the docks, attempting to look up any smugglers or questionable "river rats" he may have met since he's been in town. He will attempt to pick up any rumors or information regarding Kalanos and his crew. If he has no luck with his existing contacts (assuming he has them), he'll spend the afternoons and nights in whatever dockside taverns he finds, questioning the rivermen and dockworkers.

[rredmond]

Not bothering with rumors Igli spends his time practicing with his weapons and "meditating" (visualizing tactics and how best to use weaponry - sure looks like meditating, except sitting with his legs crossed he murmurs "arms, arms..."). He will seek out any warrior dojos and practice with others relishing in the joy of weaponry. He will be surprised when the others share the information theyve found out. Nod when he realizes that it was a good use of their time, but a millisecond later he is certain that his use of his time was more productive and infinitely more enjoyable.

[kipper]

Renardius (Cleric)

Renardius spends his time at the local church... mainly berating the clergy for any perceived lapses. (If there are mutiple churches of multiple deities, he'll so the same at all of them, regardless of whether or not he's a member )