This thread is getting crowded and the cart is beginning to move. Please follow it to Night Streets of Tallon.
It is still the middle of the night. The Market Circle is a large open court where several main streets meet. The cobbles of the circle are multicolored and form a patterned mosaic.
There are a couple dozen people here. Someone is working on a booth, another person is arranging colorful jewelry made from seashells, there is a prostitute (you assume) walking through the Circle, as well as merchants and traders constructing stalls for Marketday.
There are two groups of interest. The first seems to be centered on an ox-drawn wagon being loaded with bundles. It is in front of a permanent structure owned by Merchant Hamilton (The name is clearly inscribed over the door for those who can read. Hamilton is wealthy enough to afford a small warehouse adjacent to the Market. The goods are being loaded from the warehouse. The people loading the wagon are speaking to a brass manikin wearing a red cape, sword and helmet. Among the loaders are a young man with a weathered look, a man wearing an oil cloak, a young woman who appears to be directing the packing, and a very big man with a paunch who appears to be doing the work of two, while hovering over the woman.
The second group is an odd collection indeed. Two foxes, one more humanoid than the other, a raccoon with a sack slung over his shoulder and a striking barbarian woman. They are just entering the Circle from the north.

[EDITED on Tue October 1, 2002 @9:41 AM (PDT)]

OOC: Can I tell what tribe the woman is from? If she was from mine I assume I would know her correct?

roll if needed (12- for both INT roll and PER roll depending what you want to use)
3d6: 13 Mon September 30, 2002 @1:53 PM (CDT)

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @1:55 PM (CDT)]

All you can tell, Rath, is that she is definitely not one of the Hill Tribes. Possibly Sea Tribe or Kabekki.

Riccoco moves into Market Circle, occasionally glancing over his shoulder back towards Tallon Circle. He turns to the female barbarian striding close to him, "Stick with Ol' Riccoco, he'll keep you breathin' if he's able." Stopping mid-stride, he nods his head towards the other group of interest, "That be lookin' like a wagon bein' loaded for a trip. And -that- is one big a-fella, there." His eyes narrow as he examines the group and their current location.

.oO(Merchant Hamilton. Could that one be the one behind that Dobe?)

Riccoco shakes his head and glances back towards Celeste to get her response.

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @2:10 PM (CDT)]

OOC: Cas is a vixen though she is dressed in a manner making identifying her gender as difficult. Now so everyone knows, I'm not playing the pronoun game -_^

Cas returns to the group cautiously. She walks up along side Riccoco and speaks in a low voice to him, "I didn't learn much but what I did learn indicates that we are safe."

She glances over the second group and eyes them each thoroughly. After taking a slightly longer glance on the male barbarian, she turns to Faliol and Celese, "Would these be friends of yours?"

Cas turns back to the second group, this time scanning them more carefully trying to locate any weapons or other noteworthy items. She also takes a full presense position, not to intimidate, but rather to establish that her trade is a guardian, not a trader.

Perception Roll (13-):
3d6: 9 Mon September 30, 2002 @3:32 PM (EDT)

Must not use analyze...Fight the urge... On closer inspection of the the big barbarian, you notice something odd about his midsection. It appears to be bigger around than it should with some bumps in odd places. Other than that he looks to be well proportioned and large. He is wearing leather shorts and a loose fitting shirt, with a large knife tucked into his belt.

The situation being a bit crucial, Cas does her best to deal with the situation.

Ego +5 Roll (16-):
3d6: 13 Mon September 30, 2002 @9:46 PM (EDT)

Cas relaxes a bit but seems generally annoyed at the situation, "Riccoco. Celeste. Do either of you know these guys?"

Cas takes a spot to the back of the group so that she can keep an eye on everyone. Her eyes jump from person to person and she keeps a good mind at where the dangerous ones stand. She doesn't look nervous but she isn't being stupid.

Celeste answers Cas (now at the back of the small group) "No, I know no one in this wizard city but the three of you....no one at all." Celeste looks back to the group by the wagon...trying to determine who, if any of them, is in charge.

Perception Roll: 12-
3d6: 3, 6, 5 (STUN: 14, BODY: 4) Mon September 30, 2002 @9:09 PM (PDT)

.oO(Well, at least that one only has a knife, and perhaps a club, though why he would wear it under his shirt is beyond me.....he's not very good at concealment......)

The youth seems to be unarmed. The young woman and the man with the cloak each have at least swords. (correct me if I'm wrong about the swords). The man in the cloak has a dark blue lumina pendant. The woman is weaing basically a leather bikini, and looks decidedly more comfortable than the others. The brass man is made of brass. No one has a weapon drawn.
Does any of the beast/barbarian crew have discriminatory sense of smell?

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @2:19 PM (PDT)]

Faliol does not have descr. sense of smell.

Standard Smell, no Discrim

No discriminatory smelling here....I just think the whole wizard city stinks a bit much

I look over at Cas and state, "I don't know any of them."

Do I know anything about Merchant Hamilton? Not sure what type of roll that would require, but here goes...

3d6: 6, 6, 6 (STUN: 18, BODY: 6) Mon September 30, 2002 @5:21 PM (CDT)

Dang! Critical failure! Keith will probably tell me that Merchant Hamilton eats fox stew for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

That merchant Hamilcar? Himmelhammer? Dang! It's one of those names that just won't stick in your head. Your pretty sure there's a "k" in it somewhere, though.
I love 3's and 18's!

OOC: Sorry for blowing your secret....purely unintentional... {: ]

Celeste draws her eyes away from the man of brass and looks at Cas and then Riccoco...."They are none that I call friend...or that I know.....my 'friends' are.....".....Celeste halts mid-sentence as her attention is drawn back to the man of brass.

Perception roll: 12-

3d6: 6, 5, 4 (STUN: 15, BODY: 4) Mon September 30, 2002 @8:43 PM (PDT)

.oO(He hasn't noticed us yet...perhaps we can yet avoid the spirit eater....)

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @8:44 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @8:48 PM (PDT)]

Celeste has stopped walking and is staring at he man of brass. She seems to be preparing to draw her sword.....but not quite...

Continuing to speak in a low voice to the Brassman, Nuyok says "I am simply acting in accordance with Bane's interests, I know not his motives for his commands to me. Please, your discretion is appreciated."

"Ah," says Brassman, "I quite understand. Well, best you be on about your business and I'm jolly well on about mine. Oh, I hesitate to mention it old bean, but your boots are dripping wet. Wouldn't mention it, but the night's dashed hot, and there's not a cloud over the stars. Odd, that is..."

Seeing the new group entering the area, Nuyok makes sure that his items are secure, especially his beltpouch.

Also, any in particular arise under either Spirit Sense (13-) or Detect Hostile Intent (11-), either from the other group or otherwise in the area (also have Detect Traps (11-) active, but figure that's not relevant?)?

If necessary:
Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 6, 4, 3 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Mon September 30, 2002 @5:21 PM (EDT)
Detect Hostile Intent, 11-
3d6: 3, 5, 3 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Mon September 30, 2002 @5:21 PM (EDT)

OOC: Amazing! Both were rolled exactly right on?! Of course, neither probably detect anything

You detect no hostile intent, not even from Brassman, but the ability doesn't detect generalized suspicion.
A couple of things do spring out to the attention of spirit sight, though:

The raccoon's bag is filled with some kind of plant material.
The smaller fox is a vixen, dressed like a male.
No no one is bearing anything spiritually enhanced, with the possible exception of Brassman's sword. You are not sure, because an animate, being spiritually enhanced itself, tends to obsucre spirit sight. However, it is likely the sword is a spirit sword.

OOC: What exactly does it give? Hostile intent toward you? Hostile intent in general? How specific is it?

The full text of the power can be found here. You can look it up if you want to, or you can ignore it to preserve your character's sense of ignorance. (Cas wouldn't know to much about the niceties of adept abilities)

Nuyok continues to primarily observe the Brassman, and Beka and whoever she is talking to, while making sure his equipment is ready for travel.

Are you going to respond to Brassman's comment on your boots?

There is no hostile intent from Cas.

OOC: Thanks!

"Right, we're ready to go. This is loaded. We need to find a guide at the Promethian docks so let's move out."
Turning to face the odd newcomers.
"Is there something you want? We have to move out now. If you need to speak to me, walk and talk. We're very busy here."
Turning back to "the boys".
"Let's go!"

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @8:05 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @8:06 PM (PDT)]

Cas having already eyed everyone sufficiently enough to not need to do so again says, "Quite simply, you will never make it as traders as you are currently outfitted. That big barbarian lug over there might appear sufficient but I doubt he is hardy enough."

Turning her eyes back to Beka who appears to be the deal maker of the group, "I'm coming with you. I need no cut of the merchandise you ship unless you feel otherwise. I have my own trade in my pack here that will suffice. I come with you because I would hate to hear of another caravan destoryed by barbarian raiders."

Cas walks over to the caravan unless stopped and tosses her pack onto the side.

Celeste watches as Cas moves to the side of the wagon .oO(By the Deep, small she may be, but this Cas has more than enough 'weyevoh' to go around....)

Being unfamiliar with what may constitute a full complement for a caravan, (this one may be full) and uncomfortable Cas' choice of words concerning 'barbarian raiders'....Celeste begins to look around to see if there are other caravans about that may offer her opportunity to travel north.

Perception Roll: 12-

3d6: 1, 2, 4 (STUN: 7, BODY: 2) Mon September 30, 2002 @9:27 PM (PDT)

Celeste, you see no other vehicles or animals being loaded in the immediate vicinity. You do recall seeing such on the far side of the inlet at the trailhead trading post, but those already had guards and guides.
At this point, you are not sure who is going and who is just packing, though.

.oO(I cannot believe Cas just did that!)

I walk over to Celeste and say, "You have a strap loose, please let me help you..."

Moving slowly with nothing in my hands, I lean in close to adjust something and take the opportunity to whisper, "The watch described the murderer as a male likely wearing a dark cloak, definitely armed, extremely dangerous, and wearing a sapphire colored lumina pendant. Like that guy over there."

"There, that should fix you up!" I shrug my shoulders and look her in the eye. My tail twitches with nervous energy...

Does Nuyok notice any of this?

If necessary,
Perception, 13-
3d6: 5, 4, 6 (STUN: 15, BODY: 4) Tue October 1, 2002 @10:51 AM (EDT)
Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 3, 6, 1 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Tue October 1, 2002 @10:51 AM (EDT)
Detect Hostile Intent, 11-
3d6: 1, 2, 3 (STUN: 6, BODY: 2) Tue October 1, 2002 @10:51 AM (EDT)

You do not notice the whisper.
There is nothing new to observe with spirit sight
No one has imminent feelings of attacking you, but paranoia is high on all sides.

"My thanks Faliol, I seems to have problems with that strap alot, perhaps a new one when we get to wherever we are going"...I casually look in the direction of the cloaked man, he does indeed fit the description the guards gave earlier....I look back at Faliol and wrinkle my nose at him in agreement....

Does this guy look dangerous?

3d6: 2, 1, 1 (STUN: 4, BODY: 1) Wed October 2, 2002 @3:58 PM (PDT)

Riccoco silently watches the happenings. Cas seems to join the motley ...caravan... preparing to head to the Docks. Faliol has words with Celeste.

.oO(The others seem intent on joining this crew. That fellow certainly has the appearance of the guy the Watch was looking for. Strange, the Brassman there doesn't seem to be having any trouble with them. Now, if only I knew what that Dobe was up to... I could actually make decision.)

Riccoco will take in the info and see if he reconizes any of the names dropped or notice anything, such as what the contraband in the wagon is.

Perception 15- (I don't have discriminatory smell.)

3d6: 11 Tue October 1, 2002 @7:37 AM (CDT)

You know that Hamilton is perhaps the richest silk merchant in Tallon. The things on the wagon are being loaded from his warehouse. You presume they are bundles of silk.
Faliol whispered something to the woman, but too quietly to hear.

I move closer to Beka and ask her with my facial expression what she wants me to do about the new fox. If she is okay with it I turn my attention to seemingly tense barbarian woman. I want to manuver so that I can keep Cas and Celeste in front of me.OOC: After an EGO roll and almost drawing her sword, I am assuming that I can tell she's a bit distraught. Also being this close can I tell Cas is a female?

Cas' disguise is fairly simple and straightforward. A PER roll should do it. Apply a -2 if your character has little experience with foxes or beasts in general.

OOC: Ok I make my PER roll.
3d6: 15 Tue October 1, 2002 @2:22 PM (CDT)

[EDITED on Tue October 1, 2002 @2:22 PM (CDT)]

OOC: Okay after a careful inspection I decide Cas is actually a really large gopher.

Riccoco stands a few moments, awaiting for the flurry of activity to die down. His eyes roam about the group on the wagon. Finally, he steps a pace closer, shifting a thin hafted trident to his other hand before speaking. "Did Riccoco be hearin' you need some sort a guide? There ain't none that know the way of the river better than Ol' Riccoco. Where might ya be needin a guide to?"

I step towards Beka, remove my cap and execute a formal bow, "Faliol is my name. I am a journeyman caravan guide. Here, let me help you with those oxen."

I move forward to straighten out the oxen team.

Faliol has TF:carts/carriages and TF:riding animals. FRED states that sometimes TF:Riding animals can be used with teams. GM desc. as in all things

"I know the way to the Promethean Docks, in fact, we just left the docks."

AK Caravan Routes 11-
3d6: 4, 3, 5 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Wed October 2, 2002 @6:24 AM (CDT)

Oops, failed roll on AK Caravan Routes

"I won't lie to you and tell you that I have memorized the route to Adala. I have been there, but it was sometime ago. I was an apprentice to Guide Master Jos, may her soul find peace, the last time we guided a caravan to Adala. The route may have changed since then."

Looking at the strangest caravan crew ever assembled, "If you find me acceptable, I would like to discuss the terms of my employment."

Perception roll, 12-
3d6: 6, 4, 6 (STUN: 16, BODY: 5) Wed October 2, 2002 @6:39 AM (CDT)

My dice are cursed by the Gods!!!

... if you were on the right thread!

*g*

Celeste is still taking in all of the activity of the Market Circle...even in the middle of the night there is so much! Then her eyes lock onto the man in brass.....her eyes widen and she stops in her tracks.....

Perception Roll: 12-

3d6: 5, 1, 5 (STUN: 11, BODY: 2) Mon September 30, 2002 @8:25 PM (PDT)

.oO(Gods of the Deep! A Spirit-Eater!)

I'm coming home soon!

and no one is looking!