The Promethean Docks are mostly quiet at this time of night. No ships appear to be being loaded. The only noise and activity seems to come from the shipyards at the northern end where some luckless soul is scraping barnacles from a drydocked sloop. Far across the harbor, you can see the Fishdocks are already filled with activity as the fishing fleets prepare to go out with first light. But there's no money in that kind of work.
There is a harbormaster's office here which is probably open, or at least someone can take messages for the harbormaster. Also, the ferries that take people across the harbor (for five copper) or to the trailhead for the Lizard road (1 dollar per person, more for cargo) are operating.
A couple of people on some business or other also walk the docks.

[EDITED on Mon September 23, 2002 @10:02 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:11 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:45 PM (PDT)]

I walk over to the ferry operator, moving slow enough so that my companions don't fall behind. My eyes roam the dockside looking for the signs of a gathering caravan or signs in the dirt that many carts have passed this way recently.

"Excuse me, could I ask you a brief question? Have you taken any caravans across this morning?"

[edited by the GM for visibility]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:14 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:46 PM (PDT)]

The ferryman, a human, looks at you with an amused expression. "Times must be hard, sir fox. That's pretty much the question she asked."
He indicates a person on the ferry you hadn't seen before. A human female, obviously a barbarian, with startling facial scarring steps out from a small lean-to on deck. She is tall, well-muscled and bears a heavy sword with intricate work upon the hilts.
The ferryman, who seems a jovial, talkative sort, continues, "I'll tell you the same as I told her: I'm not expecting any freight bound for the Lizard Road. They don't tell me everything though. You might try looking at either the Merchant Hall or the Market Circle. The Circle's your best bet if you're looking to negotiate. Otherwise you'll get Guild rate."

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:50 PM (PDT)]

I nod my head to the ferryman, "Thank you for your assistance, sir. My friends and I will try the Market Circle as you suggest." I size up the barbarian pinkie with a non-threatening glance.

.oO(If I were by myself, I wouldn't approach the barbarian. Potential gain not worth getting cut in half...)

Turning to Cas and Riccoco, whispering quietly, "Couldn't hurt to ask?"

I walk over to the barbarian pinkie, making plenty of noise so as not to startle her, and say, "Excuse me, Miss? The ferryman told us that you are looking for a caravan?"

.oO(I really hope she isn't in the mood for a fox shawl!)

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:51 PM (PDT)]

As Faliol goes to approach a barbarian Cas decides to remind herself of where her stiletto is located... just in case. Not wanting to get involved in an incident she makes sure she is standing tall at the moment to attempt to come across as a feminine but threating male fox.

As a secondary precaution, Cas eyes over the barbarian looking for any weapons that might be carried by the barbarian. Despite all of her actions here though, Cas's face remains completely calm.

Concealment Roll:
[3d6]
4, 6, 6 (STUN: 16, BODY: 5) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:52 PM (PDT)
6, 2, 6 (STUN: 14, BODY: 5) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:14 PM (PDT)
5, 5, 2 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @11:50 AM (EDT)

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:52 PM (PDT)]

A quick glance at the barbarian reveals a few small items, such as a knife and a belt pouch, little else. Those who make a reputation role of 8- can discover this.

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:15 PM (PDT)]

Here goes! Clatter, clatter, clatter - throw them bones!

[3D6]
3, 2, 5 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @12:30 PM (CDT)
5, 4, 5 (STUN: 14, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @12:29 PM (CDT)

Barbarian, what barbarian?

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @12:30 PM (CDT)]

Oops, I didn't mean to re-roll. I rolled a 14 first!

If you edit your post, you roll again!

Sorry!

[3d6]
5, 2, 6 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Tue September 24, 2002 @1:58 PM (EDT)

[3D6]
3, 5, 5 (STUN: 13, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @2:01 PM (CDT)

I lean heavily on my trident, its three prongs pointed skyward at a slight angle. I finger the whiskers along the right side of my muzzle muttering, "Who be sayin' it can't hurt to aks ain't lookin' too closely at that hooman."

I turn my vigil to gaze about the other areas of the Docks.

OOC: Streetwise & Perception
[3D6]
4, 3, 3 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:55 PM (PDT)
4, 6, 1 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:16 PM (PDT)
1, 5, 2 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2) Tue September 24, 2002 @2:23 PM (CDT)

[3D6]
6, 2, 2 (STUN: 10, BODY: 4) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:55 PM (PDT)
6, 2, 2 (STUN: 10, BODY: 4) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:16 PM (PDT)
1, 6, 3 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @2:23 PM (CDT)

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:16 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:55 PM (PDT)]

Ricocco, your careful attention pays off. Besides the aforementioned people, you see a couple of the city watch prowling around. They have swords drawn, but they are not running. Instead, they seem to be careully looking about. Every now and then they stop somebody and talk to them, occasionally pointing or gesturing. They are headed down the docks in your general direction, but you do not believe they have seen you yet.

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:16 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:55 PM (PDT)]

Riccoco leans slightly towards Cas, hopefully careful enough not to infringe on any 'personal space', and whispers, "It be lookin' like the guard lookin' for someones. I be makin' sure Riccoco ain' findin' out too late they be lookin' for HIM."

Riccoco slips into nearby shadows as inconspicuously as possible. *g*

[3D6]
2, 2, 5 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:57 PM (PDT)
3, 3, 4 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:18 PM (PDT)
3, 6, 6 (STUN: 15, BODY: 5) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:17 PM (PDT)
4, 2, 5 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @3:59 PM (CDT)

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:17 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:18 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:57 PM (PDT)]

Slipping into shadows is easy enough, but the dock is fairly open. You will have to leave the ferry area to do so.

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:18 PM (PDT)]

That didn't work so well.

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @4:12 PM (CDT)]

Cas thinks to herself, "Okay, that guy is either just plain paranoid or wanted for something."

Cas doen't feel an ounce of trust for the barbarian. She will always be just within Cas's peripheral vision. For now, the priority is the team. I have committed to getting a job with them and have no intention of losing one this early.

Cas will using Shadowing for the purposes of keeping an eye on where Riccoco goes at any moment so that if the guards spot him or are close to doing so, I can intervene by getting their attention.

Second most important thing to do is to figure out what the guards are after. I'll try to Deduct what the heck they are after to get me a bit of an edge.

Finally, I'm going to mentally compose my story now so that when I encounter them, I'm prepared.

Shadowing
[3d6]
2, 2, 1 (STUN: 5, BODY: 2) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:57 PM (PDT)
6, 3, 5 (STUN: 14, BODY: 4) Tue September 24, 2002 @9:41 PM (EDT)

Deduction
[3d6]
1, 2, 3 (STUN: 6, BODY: 2) Tue September 24, 2002 @6:57 PM (PDT)
4, 3, 6 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Tue September 24, 2002 @9:41 PM (EDT)

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:57 PM (PDT)]

The Raccoon has succesfully hidden himself. If you hadn't watched him go, he would be totally invisible. The guards are definitely coming towards the ferry. They still have their swords drawn and they have an urgent look. They are not running, however.
They approach the landing.
holding for a post

I notice the little racoon glancing nervously around,

(Perception Roll)

[3d6]
5, 4, 1 (STUN: 10, BODY: 2) Tue September 24, 2002 @7:36 PM (PDT)
6, 4, 2
STUN: 12 BODY: 4

I follow his gaze down the docks

I look at the small person on the dock and smiling (without showing teeth) and reply, "Yes, little one, I am in search of 'employment'. Know you if such as this can be found in this 'city'?" Waving my arm at the buildings showing in the distance beyond the wall.

Holy wagging tongues, Batman! I don't look at my computer for ONE evening and by the next morning I have 27 new messages!

Now that the watch has departed, I doff my green head wrap and execute a formal bow of introduction to the lady barbarian, "Greetings my lady, my name is Faliol, caravan guide and scout. My friends and I..." I look over at where Riccoco was standing...

.oO(funny, I thought he was with us when we approached the barbarian...)

"Err, we were also looking for a caravan. Our next stop will be the Merchant Hall followed by the Market Circle, on suggestion of the ferryman. You are welcome to accompany us. I cannot promise that we will find a caravan, but I think we will improve our odds by trying these locations. May I present Cas? And your name is...."

.oO(Good job, Faliol! You are babbling like a simpering idiot! Deep breathes... She won't kill you with the watch just down the dock...)

Cas turns now with full attention on the Barbarian. She steps up a bit leaving herself just a step behind Faliol.

. o O ( Faliol, why in good Fox's name are you being formal with a Barbarian. )

She crosses her arms on her masculine looking chest. It just conveniently happens that her right claws are only a short distance from her stilleto. Cas is standing at her full height, which is about 1.6m. Her short hair blows in the salty breeze occasionally blocking a bit of one eye though this seems to unphase her. Cas's mere stance would intimedate most individuals who are unaccustomed to such a male? fox.

OOC: You just HAD to play a Human Barbarian didn't you. ^_-

I look over Faliol's shoulder to the obvious female fox who has moved behind him....still at his eye level

Perception roll

[3d6]
5, 6, 6 (STUN: 17, BODY: 5) Wed September 25, 2002 @7:32 PM (PDT)

Conversation roll

[3d6]
2, 6, 1 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Wed September 25, 2002 @7:32 PM (PDT)

To Faliol: "She trusts very few, that is good....I would that she trust me, rather than have her weapon in my back"

I turn to Cas and offer both my hands palms up as a sign of trust..."You may find that having one of my kind as a friend is far to your advantage than making an enemy....Come forward, as I have told your friend, I have no interest in harming you.... You have done no wrong to me. "
I wait for her response.

OOC: what do you mean "play" a barbarian human? : D

I was composing my post and didn't see the post where Celeste talks to Cas. Doh!

I stop walking, as Celeste's words concerning Cas sink in.

.oO(Some guide you are, Faliol, didn't even notice a vixen right under you muzzle! Don't let them know you were totally flummoxed.)

I cast sly glances in his, err, her direction.

.oO(A raccoon wanted by the watch, a cross-dressing vixen, a pinkie barbarian, and me. What a motley crew we make!)

Shaking my head, I continue walking...

I nearly step on Faliol as he suddenly stops walking....oO(He seems confused...dizzy....feverish?) I decide to keep my eye on the little one in case he should suddenly collapse as Solisti did once when taken ill with the sheean fever.

Cas is amused though she doesn't show it. She lets her hands relax to her side and come across as far less threatening. "You are correct in that you have done nothing to me. For that, I will make no ill threat. Your kind, however, has an ill reputation and my mate is dead because of it."

Cas relaxes a bit and lets her shoulders down, "I can't say that I will be able to place trust in you so quickly. I can say that you don't need to worry about a knife in the back from me, I'd rather take a barbarian on face to face if it ever came to that."

Cas actually takes her eyes off of Celeste to Faliol and then to Riccoco. "So how about we get ourselves into some employment. Meat isn't free around here."

. o O ( There are three of us and one of her. I just might be able to feel some trust in her... for now. )

Ego Roll (12-) +5
[3d6]
2, 3, 6 (STUN: 11, BODY: 4) Wed September 25, 2002 @11:55 PM (EDT)

I am somewhat taken aback by Cas' harsh words,

.oO(What does she mean by 'my kind'? Human? or my clan? Astercaar will truly regret it if he has fouled this place for me)

I look at Cas for a moment, noting the anger and pain in her words and face.
Conversation Roll : to show my sincerity
3d6: 6, 5, 1 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Thu September 26, 2002 @4:45 PM (PDT)
To Cas:
"I am sorry for the loss of your mate. I too, know the pain of losing a mate. This we have in common....it is enough for a beginning. You are wise little one in that trust is a thing earned.... not given."

Cas nods, "We actually share two things for we both seek employment. I have spent my life working a caravan and I wish to get back to it soon. We seem to agree on the Market so I think it best we head that way now."

Cas kneels down almost onto all fours. She sprints in this position for several meters in towards the city. She stops and turns her head, speaking loud enough to be heard by all, "Unless of course you wish to hang around here until the guards make a second pass..."

Riccoco bustles along, sparing a second glance towards where the guards were last headed.

"Do we be out to get there in some sorta hurry for a reason? Ol' Riccoco too well bred for all this hustlin' and bustlin' about. I'd be thinkin' you trying to lose him for some reason or another." Regardless of his words and his manner, the old raccoon seems to be doing a fair job of keeping up and, even better, getting away from the docks and the guards there.

"It does stand to reason there be more guards up this away, though. That calm hooman said the murder they be lookin' for happened at the Market, no?"

Cas having only sprinted the short distance, stops and waits until Riccoco has caught up with her, "Sorry old 'coon. I'm wasn't trying to rush anyone, just get us moving. You see, not only is my purse a bit light, but I'm a bit ansy to leave this pit."

After speaking Cas seems a bit preoccupied. For now she walks at pace with Riccoco as the group heads for better places.

Percepton roll

[3d6]
6, 4, 1 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Wed September 25, 2002 @7:47 PM (PDT)
4, 5, 3 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Wed September 25, 2002 @7:13 PM (PDT)

I hunker down to get to foxy's eye level, (all 6' 2" of me) "There is no need to be nervous little one. Such as you are not common in my lands.... I would not harm one such as you when there are so many others who deserve it so well....(smiling again without showing teeth,).oO to myself "I wonder if these beast creatures take tooth sign the same way as the dogs do?"

"As to your offer, I would accompany you as far as market circle...you have experience with caravans?

I am called Celeste....

Perception roll

[3d6]
4, 2, 1 (STUN: 7, BODY: 2) Wed September 25, 2002 @7:47 PM (PDT)
2, 2, 5 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Wed September 25, 2002 @7:13 PM (PDT)

She is Cas? and your friend in the shadows? .....?

[EDITED on Wed September 25, 2002 @7:47 PM (PDT)]

I straighten from the bow, and replace the green headwear. "Me? Nervous? Well, maybe a little...Not everyone recalls the third article of faith, "The Beasts who speak as men and women are to be treated as though born of men and women."

.oO(She seems pretty reasonable. Who knows, if the caravan master turns out to be a pinkie, Celeste may have better rapport than we beasts?)

"I have a little experience with caravans. I apprenticed under Guide Master Jos until she passed away, may the Cosmos welcome her spirit. Technically, I am a journeyman guide." With a smile, "You could call me a quick learner that is a little green behind his ears."

"Forgive my lack of manners, by those shadows is one known as Riccoco. I am Faliol. I already introduced Cas, yes?" Rubbing my hands in anticipation, "We have a long walk ahead of us, Miss Celeste. Shall we make for Merchant Hall?"

I start walking slowly south, skirting the Old Circle and staying on the main road.

For now, staying in the Shipyard section of the map to the west(?) of the Old Circle.

Pointing to my left at the Old Circle, "Forgive me if you already know this, my friends, but that section of the city is the Old Circle, and beasts of any kind are rarely welcome there."

Riccoco walks along with the others, his sharp eyes glancing about as his ears quirk listening to the city around the four.

.oO(All this chatter about Caravans... I just need to sell off this dreamleaf and live on high.)Oo.

One leathery paw reaches up scratching under a chin tufted with dark fur. The leather strap holding up the pungent bag creaks softly as the raccoon follows along.

.oO(Course if that Dobe and his boss come along, the four of us... )Oo. Here Riccoco's glance strafes across his newfound companions. .oO(The hooman will be a help anyways, and, she only a hooman, afterall. I be wonderin' how long this cache will last me... and ...I be wonderin' who that Boss be.)Oo.

Perception (15-)
[3d6]
6, 6, 6 (STUN: 18, BODY: 6) Wed September 25, 2002 @11:07 PM (CDT)

.oO(Article of faith?)

I stand and look at the backs of Faliol's ears, if they show from under his cap..oO(How would he know what color the backs of his ears are?)

Smiling at Faliol: "Yes, it seems the merchant hall would be a good place to begin our search.....lead on, I follow"

I follow Faliol, taking care to not outstride the little one o'er much.

[EDITED on Thu September 26, 2002 @5:11 PM (PDT)]

Celeste, it has been some time since you found yourself on the mainland. The last week or so, you have been staying at a small inn at the trailhead of the Lizard Road. It has been your intention to join a merchant caravan as a sword-for-hire. Eventually, you realize that caravans hire such people within the city. By the time they get to this side of the inlet, they already have a full crew.
Swallowing your natural distaste for the cities of the Merikian wizards you pay the silver dollar (one of your last) to the ferryman, who takes you to the Promethean Docks. You have entered in the dead of night, with the intention of taking a look around before too many people are up and about.
As the ferryman is tying up the large boat to the dock, a pair of foxes and a Raccoon walk up and make inquiries of him concerning work similar to what you are looking for.

Only respond to this thread if you have a private question. Otherwise follow the sub-threads visible to Yourself, Faliol, Riccoco, and Cas.

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:19 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @6:58 PM (PDT)]

The guards walk up to the ferry landing. One is tall and lean with the hard look of a seasoned fighter about him. The other is shorter and oily with a shifty look in his little piggy eyes. The tall one speaks.
"You beasts. Oh, and... barbarian. Have you seen anything of a criminal around here? He's likely wearing a dark cloak, definitely armed and extremely dangerous. He bears a sapphire colored lumina pendant."
He seems intent on getting information, while the shorter one is eying you all with suspicion. No one seems to have noticed Riccoco.

I lean rather insolently against the building, smile and shake my head "No" in response.

.oO(Was that racoon wearing a cloak? What in the name of The Deep is lumina?)

(perception roll)
4, 3, 5
STUN: 12 BODY: 3

Celeste, when you make a roll within a post, just type [xdn] where x is the number of dice and n is the number of sides on the dice. The site will generate a roll and put a time stamp on it. The die roller at the bottom of the page is for convenience (usually for the GM)
example:
[3d6]
6, 6, 1 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Tue September 24, 2002 @8:48 PM (PDT)

Cas has yet to change her stance though her eyes are now drawn the speaking guard. She does her best interest to make sure that if the barbarian or Riccoco move she will know.

Cas doesn't waste a beat to respond, speaking as masculine as she can, "Good Sir, my name is Cas a craftsman from Karkul. I have not seen any who match your description other than the lady to my left." She motions to the barbarian. "Though she has no pendant and is most definitely female. Perhaps if you could provide me with a little bit more information I could be of more help. I do notice a far number of individuals in my travel."

Cas allows a pause for dramatic purposes although it is all part of the act.

"Oh, I could perhaps help you try and track down the individual for while... if there is a reward of course," Cas says with a most interesting smile.

Oratory Roll to make it sound GOOD
[3d6]
3, 5, 6 (STUN: 14, BODY: 4) Tue September 24, 2002 @11:35 PM (EDT)

The tall guard looks amused, (annoyingly so). "Thanks all the same sir, but if you see the man in question, your best bet would be to notify me. He's far too dangerous to try and aprehend on your own.He's a murderer. Go to any police Precint and ask to get a message to Lead Constable Captain Hans of the Merchant Precint."
He turns then, his eyes flickering briefly over the figure of the barbarian woman. He gestures to the greasy one and the two continue down the docks, looking and questioning.

Cas smiles very amuzed, waiting for them to leave earshot, "That reminds me of what Sei used to tell me, 'If you appear to be cooperating with the authorities they will always let you go.' Of course, it doesn't hurt knowing just how to say things."

Cas puts her eyes back on the barbarian, "It's safe now Riccoco, though I advice waiting as you are for a minute or two."

After waiting long enough to be fairly certain the guards won't be back with their bared steal, Ricco steps from the shadows and back onto the dock. he looks like a humanoid raccoon, wearing a leather vest, a sort of thingy around his waist (help me out Keith), a small pack and a pungent bag are draped over one shoulder and he holds a thin trident in his other hand. he does have an oil skin cloak but, it isn't any darker than any other oilskin cloak and he bears no pendant.

The raccoon, glances down the dock the way the guards headed and then looks back at the two foxes and the barbarian before spitting, "Damn be the murderers, as if the Valley not be savage enough! Do we be done here then and we be off to the Circle?"

.oO(Is Riccoco wanted by the watch? I sure hope not...)

.oO(??? Guards? Murderers????)

I make a rude gesture to the back of the guards...

Please continue to the Merchant Hall