Reply to At the Ferry Landing
Although not everything has been agreed yet, both parties feel the need to keep moving. The Wagon (Hamilon's, bearing silks and brocades) and the Cart (bearing dreamleaf and crystal of some sort) turn down the side street to make better time (and perhaps less observable travel) to the waterfront and the Promethean Docks. It is still a couple of hours yet til morning.
I will refer to the small cart belonging to Kent as the "Cart" from now on. The larger vehicle being pulled by the oxen, I will henceforth refer to as the "Wagon."
Please check the Character Statistics page for the current situation. Please correct any misconceptions I might have had.
In this spirit, let me correct a misconception:
Dreamleaf is not illegal. It is a very mild hallucinogen that works on the sleeping mind. People drink or inhale an infusion before going to bed to ensure good or vivid dreams. It is fairly common in Tallon. Apparently it is less so in Adala.

[EDITED on Fri October 4, 2002 @9:26 AM (PDT)]

.oO( If Darku could see me now... )

OOC: I'm making two assumptions here. The first is that this conversation is slightly outside of timeline as Cas attempts to "learn new things" and get to know some of these seven - nine new people she is travelling with at this time. The second assumption is that this conversation is hearable only by Cas and Handle. If other people can hear it so be it but those were the two names I selected.

Cas does her best to show Handle the proper ways to drive the wagon on the ride towards the docks. After giving basic instructions she changes subject matter, "You may not have caught it but the name is Cassandra. I go by Cas. I have yet to catch yours."

[EDITED on Thu October 3, 2002 @4:48 AM (EDT)]

"I'm called Handle. Got no other name."

I offer a hand to shake and do so firmly but you do not feel any great strength. In fact I don't look like what youwould think of as a 'guard.' I am young, thin and kinda good looking for a human but with a few scars to show I had a rough time in life.

"Thanks for the tips on handling these animals."

You get no sense of bios or felings of being looked down upon for being a beast from me.

Cas does her best not to hurt you in the handshake. Her claws are more beastily formed than most and in a firm handshake some minor scratched might occur.

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Cas says with a smile. "Right now getting out of the city and getting on the road is the most important thing right now. I can get us out of here without any problems but I need to know if there is anything that can get us into trouble like say, illegal supplies or a criminal in the crew. Now it isn't a matter of trust but I need to have more story before we reach the docks. Is there anything I need to know?"

Cas looks at the road as she drives the wagon seemingly completely ecstatic to be doing what she is doing.

Way up ahead, you can see the ferry dock. The ferryman is there, talking to an MCF*. They are too far ahead to make out details. No sign of Brassman or the Doberman Gang.

*Mysterious Cloaked Figure

Perception Roll (13-):
3d6: 10 Fri October 4, 2002 @1:05 AM (EDT)

OOC: Having heard lots of people tonight refer to the Dobies. What do I know about them.

Aside from the two armed doberman beasts that Brassman just chased away, you have never heard of them. You have probably seen doberman dog beasts before, but never heard anything special about them.

The perception check was in regards to the MCF up ahead. Is he acting suspecious? Is he engaged aggressively with the ferry master? Those type of observations.

The MCF and the ferryman are standing quite close to one another, possibly engaged in conversation. Now that the wagon is drawing closer, you can see that the figure is actually wearing layers of rags that must be quite stifling in this heat and humidity.

"Yes, fetting out of the city is what is important. As to the rest... Well the less said the better. Perhaps we can talk more after we get some distance between us and the walls."

.oO(What am I getting into, a mind witch who may already have my life story and a beast who wants to know it?)

Rath walks beside the wagon dreaming about the great adventures that lay ahead. He gives a slight wince every once in a while as the cut across is abdomen gives him some trouble. In between his daydreams of being a great barbarian warrior, he is looking out for the Dobies Beka is worried about.
Perception 12-
3d6: 13 Thu October 3, 2002 @6:20 AM (CDT)

.o0(Thank the stones!) Beka's mind shouts.
"Now that we are moving, quite well I might add Ms. Cas, I might point out the Dobie brothers, by the way that was a fine attempt at driving Handle, who we just left as we turned down this side road. Oh Rath, don't you look pleased! Anyway, they might be inclined to make some mischeif with this wagon so the sooner we're out of Tallon the better.Thank you for watching that side Celeste, since Rath has the other. Oh, Master Nuyok, I'm glad you're still here. Not much scarier in the Wilds than Reavers. Glad you're along. I hear you can just tell them to go away and they will!"
Turning to look at the other cart.
"Hello, are you going our way? We are headed to the docks to find a guide to Adala. Safety in numbers you know. Love to have you."

[EDITED on Thu October 3, 2002 @5:38 AM (PDT)]

Nuyok replies "Ah Beka, there are many tales of the powers of the Adept...my particular abilities lie in the areas of healing, sensing, and enhancement."

[EDITED on Thu October 3, 2002 @2:26 PM (EDT)]

Nuyok, being a city boy, it is unlikely you have ever even seen a reaver. Certainly, had you a hall of Art education, this would have been addressed. Judge Bane never really brought up the subject. What you know of them is pretty much common knowledge.
For more info on how you might be able to affect one, see:
Reavers, paragraph 5
Also, as a heads-up for upcoming events, you may wish to review the section on Ley Lines and Spirit Economy.

[EDITED on Thu October 3, 2002 @1:02 PM (PDT)]

Yep, figured Nuyok hadn't been exposed to such a "creature", so certainly didn't want to claim any ability to command one!

The Ley Lines section reminds me of something though...hmm...

BTW, can extra time be taken to add bonuses to the success in sharing ley lines? As I read it, an EGO -3 roll is required by both parties, meaning that 2 EGO 18 adepts would each have a 10- roll, meaning that sharing would occur only 25% of the time...

[EDITED on Thu October 3, 2002 @5:03 PM (EDT)]

Thanks, I should add that to the entry. Yes, the base time to extend a ley line is one turn. Thus the roll is:

one turn, -3
one minute, -2
five minutes, -1
20 minutes, -0

Positive modifiers are not allowed, but you can try again. Remember it takes LTE. My house rule on LTE is that it is regained back at 5/hour of rest. No difference for higher CON or REC. Just for simplicity's sake. Also, rest can mean just sitting quietly, unless you're way drained. I'll check to see if that's posted, too.

OOC: Thanks for the info. Yep, 5/hr is certainly good for the sake of simplicity. Seems it's worthwhile to take the 20 min to make the chances likely, given the costs in LTE for multiple repeat attempts.

Nuyok leans in closer to Beka when the opportunity arises to quietly inquire whether there are spirit items to be carried on this journey, because if so, the exchange of the ley lines should be attempted - no guarantees of success of course.

"I didn't have time to put anything together in that regard. Maybe next time.I'll really be happier once we're out of town."

"We should be on the warf just around this next building."

After a brief communication between me and cas, I turn to Nuyok.

"Don't stress about the stuff in the cart. If it is dreamweed like I overheard it wont cause us the nab."

Turning to Beka

"What's the plan? We gonna ferry over and out the Farmer's gate, or you looking for ship passage? Not that it matters, long as I got the job."

Now that the wagon is being handled by Cas, I take the time to better shift my belongings around for better use and balance, while listening and watching the others..

.oO(Huh? Well, that was an about face. Perhaps Beka was just as anxious to leave this wizard city as the rest of us... )

Celeste watches the alleys and shadows of the buildings as the group moves along to the docks.

Perception Roll 12-
3d6: 2, 3, 1 (STUN: 6, BODY: 2) Thu October 3, 2002 @7:11 PM (PDT)

Do I see anything suspicious? Dog Brothers? Man of Brass?

Way up ahead, you can see the ferry dock. The ferryman is there, talking to an MCF*. They are too far ahead to make out details. No sign of Brassman or the Doberman Gang.

*Mysterious Cloaked Figure

Celeste will keep track of the MCF, especially as they approach the docks. She is still uncomfortable with this city....

OOC: What next oh, Might GM? A few BEMs? : D

Kent looks visibly relieved, as if sacks of lead were lifted from his narrow shoulders. He hastily replies, "Safety in numbers. I like the sound of that. Yes, by all means. Let us travel in one group. I guess that makes us a true caravan!"
Jareek chuckles, "Like the vixen said to the fox, 'It only takes two, boss.' " Jareek is the type to laugh at his own jokes, but the laughter is rich and contagious.
A relaxed feeling settles in among the less paranoid (there must be one or two).
Kent continues, "Who knows, maybe there will be more at the trading post.
"Oh, and as for your offer Faliol, I can offer you a small portion of the profits, but not much. I am gambling my livelihood here. What if I pay you what I am paying your sire, and offer you each a fifty percent bonus if I turn a profit in Adala?"

.oO(Yeeeeeessssssss!!!!!)

I walk forward and offer a paw to Trader Kent to seal the deal. "I won't let you down, sir." The words sound sour to my conscience. I have already let the man down. I have betrayed my profession to protect my family. I will do my absolute best not to let further harm come to Trader Kent.

"Mr. Kent, you should know that the raccoon already has a quantity of dreamleaf in his possession. He tried to sell it to a bartender when I first met him this evening. The only reason I bring it up now is to prevent misunderstandings later."

"Sir, do you mind driving the cart for a moment? I need to speak with the lady trader and inform her of our acceptance of her offer to join up. Keep pretty close to the rear of her wagon for now, sir." I trot ahead and pull up on Celeste's side of the wagon. I give a thumbs up signal to her as I race past. Nearing Beka, I match speed with the wagon and stay abreast.

"My employer, Trader Kent, sends his compliments, Ma'am. He accepts your offer to travel in greater safety together. Mr. Kent has hired the elder fox, named Jareek, to act as one of the guides. My name is Faliol and I will act as another guide."

"With your permission, Ma'am, I will preceed your wagon. May I assign your hireling, Riccoco, as our rear guard for now?"

As I wait for Beka's response, my eyes survey the buildings we are passing, looking for strangers that pay more than a passing interest to our little caravan.

Perception Roll 12-
3d6: 5, 4, 2 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Fri October 4, 2002 @6:37 AM (CDT)

Sorry, Riccoco. Faliol assumes you were hired by Beka along with Cas and Celeste.

Not too far up ahead, you can see the ferry dock. The ferryman is there, talking to an MCF*. Upon closer inspection, the figure's clothing turns out to be layer upon layer of rags, some of them scraps of leather. It must be stifling on a hot and humid night like this. No sign of Brassman or the Doberman Gang.

*Mysterious Cloaked Figure

Nuyok approaches Rath, and quietly says "Among the things I see about you, I see you are wounded, perhaps I can be of assistance?"

"I am fine, it's just a scratch" You sense a coldness in Rath's voice, but there is something else there too, a sense of awe perhaps? "I don't trust mindwitches, Beka says you're okay, so I have to accept that, but I don't have to like it, and I sure as hell won't give you the chance to turn me into the walking dead." Rath continues on looking out of the corner of his eye at Nuyok like he wants to study him but doesn't want to get caught doing it.

Not trying to antagonize, Nuyok says "I am skilled in the traditional arts of healing, such as the binding of wounds, etc., which likely is all you should need. Without proper treatment, your condition could worsen, you know..."

"..and you think because I don't live in a city that I'm too stupid to know how to do that? I didn't ask for your help and I don't need it"

[EDITED on Thu October 3, 2002 @4:38 PM (CDT)]

It first appeared as a snort. Then Cas did her best to swallow her laughter. But for a very brief moment she lets out a chuckles before gaining control over the matter and swallowing it again.

whispering
"Rath, maybe later you could just let him look. It really could get worse and you can't protect me if your not in your best shape. We could just lift your shirt so he could see."

Whispers back.sort of "You know what I have under my shirt. If I lift it up here everyone will see. I've treated myself lots of time in the pits, when we stop I'll put new bandages on. Besides I'd rather get infected than give him an chance to turn me into a zombie"

"That's why I said lift your shirt, not open it. I do want someone to look at it that has some experience with these things. I haven't even had a chance to look yet. Your guts could be falling out and you'd call it just a scratch."

OOC: I just types this whole stupid response on the keyboard for the desktop and I'm working on the laptop. It's 4:30am, I've been woken up by a controlled burn, can't sleep, really tired, baby keeps waiking up, and I can't even figure out which keyboard to use. I can tell, this is going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day! (OK, that was a literary allusion only a teacher would know but it still fit.)

Does everyone on this wagon think I'm a completely dumb? Beka, I know you're worried about me, but really I'm fine, I do know how to take care of myself. When we stop and I can get some bandages, I'll dress it properly. I don't feel comfortable lifting my shirt in front of everyone. Now can we please drop it."

Conversation Roll: 12-
[3D6[

Celeste overhearing Rath's rejection of Nuyok's offer, looks over at Rath and says "If you do not wish his assistance (nodding in Nuyok's direction) perhaps you will let me tend your wound. I am not a healer, but I have much experience in the binding of minor wounds. It would be better to have the wound seen to before we begin our journey." She smiles at Rath and the patterned scarring around her eyes and temples wrinkles slightly.

.oO(I wouldn't trust a wizard either Rath....)

Celeste generally stays on the side of the wagon opposite Nuyok...not trusting him, but realizing she has to accept his being there, after all, this is Beka's show.

"Thank you for the offer Celeste, but I have spent many months fighting in the pits and have learned a thing or two about binding wounds."

"Ah, I see, I did not know you whether you had such skills. But if you change your mind, do let me know." Nuyok will put some distance between himself and Rath so as not to antagonize this clearly excitable individual.

.oO(Nuyok seems to be an all right person. Could I be doing to him what people do to me? Assume because of the way I look I'm some sort of monster. Beka did say he was all right...) Rath walks over to Nuyok rather timidly. "I am sorry I snapped at you. I haven't been around...your kind a lot, and I've heard some things that aren't so nice. I will try not to judge you based on rumors, I know how hurtful that can be. Thank you for your offer though"

OOC: With his spirit sense can Nuyok tell that I am Riven?

You're not sure. You know that they have "wizardly eyes that can see beyond the realm of mortal men" or something like that. You are aware that the occasional barbarian also claims to have "the sight", but they never evince any of the powers attributed to adepts.

Celeste, I am including you in the visibility of this post, since it is something your character would know as well, also being a barbarian.

In a knowing manner, Nuyok responds "Many judge others based on rumor or appearance alone, without giving them the opportunity to be understood for who they actually are. Judge me by my actions, and I will do the same."

Celeste nods in acknowledgement of Rath's choice to take care of his wound by himself.

.oO(I understand his caution, it is the way of our kind, those the 'others' call 'barbarian'...even amongst ourselves there is little trust......)

Celeste refocuses on the approaching docks, looking for anything unusual.

Nuyok, glancing at the crew with spirit sight, 13-, you notice:
3d6: 11 Thu October 3, 2002 @8:50 AM (PDT)
The big beefy guy named Rath you have paid little attention to thus far. He has seemed little more than a walking slab that hovers over Beka. However, a wince on his part draws your attention. Your spirit sight catches two things immediately:
1) He has a slight cut on his midsection. How serious can't be told without closer examination.
2) He has four arms! The lower pair are concealed by his blousy shirt.

[EDITED on Thu October 3, 2002 @8:53 AM (PDT)]

Riccoco trundles along with the wagons as neither party accepted nor declined his offer. His ears jerk when he hears word of Dobies.

.oO(Be these the same Dobes that tried to be killin' ol' Riccoco now?)

.oO(Things be changin' mighty fast.)

Riccoco drops his bag and trident once more into the wagon and hops on board. "You will be lettin' Ol' Riccoco know when you be needin' his expert guidance then?" Nodding and grinning annoyingly, the raccoon finds an out of the way corner and sprawls out, presumably settling down to sleep.

.oO(After all, a trip to Adala would get me away from the Dobes just long enough to add to Ol' Riccoco's stash.)

Riccoco chuckles softly to himself, rubbing his leathery paws together.

.oO(With all these guards about, it should be an easy thing to make it there and back again. A fine ride it'll be too with the vixen driving, Faliol scouting, and Ol' Riccoco having a much deserved rest!)

The old 'coon chuckles again and settles into his nook, his knowing grin splitting long, graying whiskers.

.oO(You're a genius!)

"Ah, Dreamleaf. Just trying to know all the facts for this expedition, to be on the safe side...," Nuyok quietly says to Handle.

"right..."

I appear to be wanting to say more but not sure about it
.oO(Can he know what I am thinking? What is it all the addies can do? Wonder if I could learn how to do it? Do they make good money? Damn this seat is hard.)
I shift in my seat and come out with it finaly,
"Uh Nuyok, What all can you do? What did you mean ley lines and spirit items."

"I have many talents, including healing and enhancement. Separately, spirit items such as various enchantments, golems, etc. require ley lines connected to a nearby adept in order to maintain their spiritual power. For instance, if you were to purchase a spirit sword of enhanced power, you would need to remain in the general area (city, etc.) of the adept who operated the ley line to maintain it, but if you wanted to travel with it, you could have one adept pass the ley line to another adept going where you were going - it's a tiring and difficult process, but it can be done."