Please go to Night Passage

Scene change.
The caravan has reached the ferry landing. The ferryman is a rustic sort, unshaven but polite. He waves cheerfully as the wagons approach. It is still night, though pre-dawn will soon be brightening the horizon.
Besides the wagon, cart and their attendant crew, and the ferryman, there is a figure dressed entirely in layer upon layer of rags, which must be stifling in this heat and humidity. The ferryman seems unconcerned by his presence.
Again, as for the last thread, consult the Character Statistics page for placement. Beka and Kent have made the agreement to combine forces. Riccoco is as yet, an independant trader. (and may continue to be, if he desires.)

[EDITED on Mon October 7, 2002 @10:51 PM (PDT)]

Anything on the ferryman or ragged figure via Spirit Sense? Assume the ragged figure is not a golem / animate?

Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 3, 6, 5 (STUN: 14, BODY: 4) Fri October 4, 2002 @2:09 PM (EDT)

Nothin' to see here. Move along.

OOC: When you say "wagon" is it a covered wagon? How big is the ferry, are there cabins or is it just a flat raft like thing? How long is the ferry ride? My plan is to find somewhere private and dress my wounds a little better. I assume we have some medical supplies with the wagon.
Paramedic 12-
3d6: 11 Fri October 4, 2002 @3:32 PM (EDT)

Is there anything unusual about the man in rags, besides wearing rags in the heat? I mean can I see his face, does he appear to be carying weapons or any equipment at all?
Perception 12-
3d6: 7 Fri October 4, 2002 @3:32 PM (EDT)

Here is my best attempt to explain the equipment.
The bed of the Hamilton Wagon is 5' wide, 6' long and not quite 2' deep. About the same as a mid-size pickup truck. It has for wheels, the rear two are fixed, the front two turn with the (normal sized) oxen. It has a seat up front with a very short backrest which can comfortably seat two, but three in a pinch. It is not covered like a Conestoga, but does have an oilcloth tarp that can be lashed down very securely. The bed is lined with oilcloth. The silk is in big bundles, about 3'x1.5'x1' When stacked, they extend above the sides of the bed. About half the bundles are properly wrapped, the others are loose and will need to be well wrapped before the next rain. The well-wrapped bundles can be sat upon, the loosely wrapped ones will suffer damage if someone does so. The oxen can comfortably draw the wagon with four or less people upon it.
There is some extra rope and boards on the wagon, as well as one spare wheel underneath.
Kent's cart is a much smaller affair. It has two large wheels, plus a third under the buckboard. This third one only contacts the ground when someone is sitting in the board and relieves strain on the horse. Other than that, it is about 4'x4'x2' deep. Kent will walk and lead the horse as much as possible, since it is not particularly robust. Kent's gods are well-packed and secured oilcloth bundles about 1' square.
There will be much walking on this journey...

The ferry is a very large raft, or barge. It has a 1' gunwale on three sides, plus a drop gunwale on the end. The gangplank is wide and heavy and mounts on the landing. You could not unload it anywhere else. It is easily large enough to accommodate both teams and crew, about 25' x 40'. Its method of propulsion is a pair of paddle wheels, presumably animated. Against assumptions, the ferryman does not appear to be an adept.
There is a lean-to on one corner of the ferry. It can accomodate about 8 people comfortably.

I should have mentioned.
Kent's cart has provions for 28 man-days (two for two weeks). Beka's Wagon, which was originally intended for the Uzon road, where there are regular forts, has food for 16 man-days of food days (eight for two days?). (Which seems odd given the number that were apparently going to Karkul).

Provisions can be bought at the trading post.

You would assume there is some first aid equipment, but there isn't. One of those things that got overlooked in the haste to leave. The only cloth available for bandage is fine silk.
Fortunately, you can purchase many things from the trading post across the inlet.
The ride should take 30-45 minutes, depending on current, water conditions and traffic.
We'll let the ferryman set the price when someone asks him in character.
As for the ragged man, his face is barely visible as a shadow in a shadow. Remember, it's night. Yes, he appears to have some kind of gear under his rags, but nothing shows very well other than a crossbow slung to his back. Vagrant, correct me if any of this is wrong

I scan the crowd. Using what knowledge I have of my new world I look for someone that may be a lineman. Do any of these folks meet my criteria?

One of the newcomers bears a glowing jewel at his breast. From what you have seen, he is likely an adept. He has a dark oilcloak and a cold calculating look.

I walk over to the ferryman, "You were right about the Market Circle, good sir. My friends and I found employment, just as you predicted. My thanks again."

"What shall I tell my employer is the price for using the ferry? He owns that small cart and has two employees plus himself that need transport."

I let my gaze pass over the man clad in rags. More out of curiosity than any real fear.

Perception roll, 12-
3d6: 4, 4, 1 (STUN: 9, BODY: 2) Sat October 5, 2002 @7:02 PM (CDT)

OOC: This conversation happens after you have negotiated prices with the ferryman but I wanted to start it now because it happens before getting on the ferry.

Cas pulls Faliol aside and talks to him briefly, "I would like to discuss with you some concerns of trust as well as future food issues. I so far feel that I am only able to trust you and perhaps your sire of anyone here. My biggest concer, however, lies with the sloppy nature of our partners. There is something written all over their faces that tells me they are hiding at least one thing from us. Do you get that same feeling?"

Cas periodically turns her head enough to scan for motions behind her. It isn't enough of a scan to look as if she is checking over her shoulder but it isn't exactly a normal motion.

I notice Cas' desire to keep an eye on the others, so I turn and face the water, the better to hid my lips and to let her face them.

Whispering, "Something is very strange. I have never seen a trader just hire everyone in sight before. Did she ask about anyone's references? Past experience? For all she knows, she may have hired people planning to ambush us on the trail. Your employer is in an extreme hurry to leave this town, in my opinion. My employer is also too trusting, but he is at least polite."

"I haven't had a chance to talk with the others in your group, but Celeste seems trustworthy. Riccoco is up to something, but I don't think it concerns us directly. The one that worries me the most is the guy that resembles the description given us by the watch. Now I don't like the watch overly much, but if a murderer walks among us..."

I shake my head slowly before continuing, "If you find yourself in trouble and I am not nearby, seek out Celeste. I cannot explain why I trust her. We haven't known her long, but I do trust her. I will keep my eyes and ears open. If something unusual happens, I will let you know."

I begin to wonder if I have bitten off more than I can chew...

Cas nods a reply, "I trust Riccoco and while he does seem nervous of the guards he is trustworthy enough. I'm also willing to trust Celeste for now but I am very concerned first and foremost that Beka's job not only was sloppy and inexperienced but was quick to try and run off. At least she has business sense."

Cas looks at Nuyok for a moment before continuing, "I worry most about the adept. His story to the guard was an outright lie and a poor one at that. I don't know his story, yet, but I won't rest until I do."

Cas smiles, "Now the other business is food. I hate human food and would prefer my meat fresh and raw. Hunting is better when there are two working together. Once we reach camp tonight would you be interested in trying a hand at hunting? I'm not used to it but would like to give it an attempt."

Cas makes another check to see if anyone is eyeing them on the side.
Perception (13-):
3d6: 10 Sat October 5, 2002 @9:09 PM (EDT)

OOC: I know this is premature to roll this now but I'm getting it out of the way.

You do not appear to have anyone spying upon you.

My eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets, I almost forget to whisper, "There is an Adept in your crew? Which one is he?" My agitation is almost uncontainable. I stand straighter, looking over the top of Cas' head.

"By the spirits, I have heard some stories of Adepts. I hope even half are not true. Do you know if he can read our thoughts?" Realizing that I am starting to babble, I take several deep breaths.

"We will just have to be on our toes, both physically and mentally. You mentioned fresh, raw food?" I lick my lips. "I, too, dislike human food. Unfortunately, after a day of guiding, I am exhausted. I have little choice but to rest at the end of the day."

"However, we could get up earlier than the others and do a little hunting before breakfast. Afterall, with all the noise of setting up camp, many animals flee the area temporarily. If we hunt before dawn, we may be able to get the nocturnal animals that have returned while we have slept."

Cas points to Nuyok, "I have yet heard his name but I have thrice heard things to suggest him as one. Beka called him a Master, oh yes, Nuyok that is his name. Something about him being useful for Reavers. I do not know if he reads minds or not but I hope for his sake that if he does, he keeps it to himself." Cas garnishes her claws a bit, smiles, and runs off to get a prime seat on the ferry.

The ferryman looks your party up and down. He scratches his chin and spits into the harbor. "Price is one dollar per person plus whateer gear they carry on. Carts are an eagle each."
None of you will be unable to meet this price.

1 gold eagle=10 silver dollars

Cas hopes off the cart and pays the price for her head, "You load the cart Handle and see if you picked up what I showed you."

She walks over to Faliol and takes him aside for a moment.

I relay the ferry passage cost to Trader Kent and Jareek.

When Cas approaches, I go with her to stand by the edge of the ferry. On the way, I pay a dollar to the ferryman for my passage.

Handle is almost immediately in over his head. Loading the cart onto the barge is very difficult and requires skilled handling of the team. The ferryamn needs to balance the load very carefully, since once you leave the harbor, the inlet waters can be choppy or rough. You'd hate to see your cargo at the bottom of the river.
After loading, it will all need to be carefully secured. There are cleats and lines for this. The whole process can take 20 minutes to half an hour, depending on the nature of the laods. Your two carts are very unequal in weight and no one is waiting for passage at this time of night, so the ferryman will be taking his time.

.oO(RRRRRRRRrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!! )

Celeste knows how little remains in her moneybelt...barely enough to pay this fee twice in as many hours....momentarily she considers heavng the ferryman into the dockside waters.....

Intelligence Roll: 12-
3d6: 5, 1, 1 (STUN: 7, BODY: 1) Sun October 6, 2002 @2:53 PM (PDT)

[EDITED on Sun October 6, 2002 @5:42 PM (PDT)]

Celeste reconsiders her first impulse and decides to let her "boss" handle the matter....Celeste turns to Beka, "I have very little to contribute to these robbers fees, but what I have is yours." She removes the last of her coins from her belt and offers them to Beka. "Please take this for my fare. "

Celeste moves to help rebalance and secure the wagon on the barge

[EDITED on Sun October 6, 2002 @5:46 PM (PDT)]

Celeste's knowledge of rowed craft is useful in distributing the load. However, the ferryman eventually stands up and asks Handle to get out of the wagon. "Who is the driver here?" He calls out. "No disrespect, but this youth has never handled a team. I won't load this cart without a better hand at the rein." He looks over the crowd, his eyes settling most on Beka and Kent.

Cas comes back to the wagon, "I am the driver but had to take care of some quick buisiness. I can take it from here."

And Cas returns to being the only person apparently capable of driving the cart.

.oO( It very well won't be like this the whole time once we cross. I will see to that.)

"No Celeste, keep your coin. You were hired as a guard. I will pay your way for the ferry."

Celeste accepts the coins back from Beka's hand, nods to her and continues to help secure the cart.

When the ferry finally pulls away from the docks, Celeste begins to relax. She resecures the whip and falchion and seats herself on the deck next to the wagon...being on the water again is better......oO(If only this were a ship instead of a ferry, if only Tjen....)Celeste casts her gaze out upon the night waters with a distant look in her eyes, as if seeing something not there.

.oO(Who is that person?)
"We need to cross please, I have this wagon and 5 people and 1 beast. Riccoco, you are taking care of yourself? by the way, am I charging you for this ride?"

Riccoco looks up from his apparent rest. "Have we been reachin' the Ferry already, then??

The old 'coon cast a curious glance at Beka, pushing himself up on his elbows, "Riccoco be thinkin' he was hired on as Guide and Scout. That not be the case, then?" He looks around, a cursory gaze at the other occupants of Beka's retinue. "You be havin' another Guide other than Riccoco?"

Rath walks over to the man in rags with curiosity appearent on his features. "Excuse me good...sir? is there anything wrong? Perhaps I or someone in my party might be able to help you?"

[EDITED on Sun October 6, 2002 @8:36 PM (EDT)]

What would you do if Grond walked up to you on the ferry (probably sinking your side of the vessel significantly in the process) and asked if you were "ok"? Vagrant, did you bring clean undies?

In a scratchy low voice the man in rags responds, "I am looking for a lineman willing to travel to Adala. If there is one amongst you that can continue the ley line on a handful of ancient artifacts I assure you I can include you in for a nice cut."

The man seems to scan the newcomers but he himself is hard to makeout wrapped in cloak and rags that cover most of his body.

Something isn't right with the man in rags. One chance encounter tonight is nice. Two chance encounters is luck. Three chance encounters is questionable. But FOUR chance encounters is one too many in Cas's mind especially when the fourth is offering wealth and is waiting on the docks when the group arrives.

Cas is going to study this guy from time to time between loading the wagon for Beka. She is specifically looking at body language and mannerisms. What can Cas learn from what she sees of him?

Perception (13-):
3d6: 14 Mon October 7, 2002 @5:08 AM (EDT)

Deduction (8-):
3d6: 12 Mon October 7, 2002 @5:08 AM (EDT)

OOC: You must be hating these thousands of rolls by now. ^_^

Not when they all fail.

"Lineman...?Oh you mean the mind...er.. um I mean Nuyok may be the man you're looking for. " Rath calls out for Nuyok "Nuyok, this goodman would like to talk to you" While Nuyok makes his way over (assuming he does). "May I ask what your name is?"

The ragged man glances around slightly and then he leans forward just a bit to quietly speak, "I go by the name of Vagrant these days. Not a name I would pick but some associates of mine thought it fit my choice of clothing. If anything, it is an easy name to remember and my trade is best advertised by word of mouth."

Nuyok (human man of average stature wearing a dark cloak and average clothes, possessing a dark sapphire lumina, and a sword at his side) will approach the ragged man, and say "perhaps I may be of service? We can speak privately if you prefer, but of course, I will need to share the ley line with the current adept..."

How close do adepts need to be to share ley lines?

Physical contact between the two adepts and the object sharing ley lines is required.

OOC: I must be a little slow today...

Nuyok looks over Vagrant for any spirit items:
Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 2, 2, 4 (STUN: 8, BODY: 3) Mon October 7, 2002 @1:48 PM (EDT)

[EDITED on Mon October 7, 2002 @2:07 PM (EDT)]

"I have in my possession 3 posters from long ago. Restored by a local adept they are beautiful antiques of a by-gone era filled with epic stories displayed on a great silver screen. These posters capture the heart of those stories and are a wonderful treasure....but I digress. Anyway, my friend, would you be willing to carry the ley line for these restored treasures? You name the cut you would like for your work and we but need to walk a few blocks to Stichard's home to transfer the ley."

Does Nuyok know anything of Stichard?

OOC: Stichard's rep roll 8-. Result:
2, 3, 1 STUN: 6 BODY: 2
Nuyok's Streetwise, 11- Result:
5, 3, 5 STUN: 13 BODY: 3
Yes, you have heard somewhat of him. He is a morphist who specializes in repair and restoration. You know nothing shady of him.
Your spirit sight verifies the contents of a tube he carries under his rags. Three large peices of paper, morphically enhanced.

[EDITED on Mon October 7, 2002 @2:34 PM (PDT)]

OOC: Hmm, Star Wars Trilogy?

"I would be willing to carry the ley lines. Presumably it will take some time for the wagon, cart, etc. to be loaded, so we should have time to do this before the ferry would need to leave." Nuyok looks over at the Ferryman and Beka, apparently for confirmation. "As for a price, we can discuss that on our walk there, but I am not a highwayman."

.oO(Beka should be all right here without me, I mean Cas and Handle are here, besides someone should watch after these two if they are going to be traveling with us.) "I'll go too Nuyok, carying important things could be dangerous, you might need me"

Beka gives the nod for you three to conclude your business. It will take a little time for the ferry to be ready.

Vagrant, Nuyok and Rath return from their side trip just as the ferryman announces they can cast off.
The Cart and the Wagon are secured, and the four traders have paid for their passage. The ferryman takes a long stick and knocks the ferry smartly in a couple of well-worn spots. Silently at first, and then with a growing spash-splash-splash, the paddle wheels begin to turn of their own accord. The ferryman walks easily from spot to spot on the raft, tapping it here and there. This apparently has some control over the course, for the raft moves away from the landing out into the harbor, bears slowly to starboard and makes for the mouth.

Please go to Night Passage

Keith, am I being difficult? Ricco feels sort of stone-walled and played into a corner. I feel like I'm trying to work with the other players to keep Ricco involved but, it doesn't seem to be working out. Is Beka's player having concerns? Are you? Let me know what I can do to make things better or easier.

Thanks!

My intent was not to have just one trader. I introduced Kent a little early to cool down some of the party's instability. I look upon Riccoco as the third of three traders that make up a single caravan.
I have received no complaints about anybody. Well, someone remarked that they don't like Beka's attitude, but she is playing her character who has Psych Lim: Spoiled Brat.
Is there some way I can involve Ricocco more?

It's probably too early to tell. I think it will work out in the end. I'm just whining I'm not seeing enough action! I got IE at work now and I love the game. It's too slow! J/K You're doing a great job! Keep it up!

Doing a passable imitation of the raccoon...
You said, "The Fox, Faliol, here be better informed on the League than ol' Riccoco is, he be a better guide to Adala than Riccoco be."

"He is employed by Trader Kent. If Trader Kent is travelling with me, I will be using his guide. He will benefit from my Adept and there is safety in numbers. So, are you paying your passage?"

Riccoco glances away from the bay and east, presumably towards Tallon Circle before answering, "Whatever your will be, Beka. Iffin' you feel you have all the Guide and Scouts you be needin', then Ol' Riccoco will be payin' fair wage for transport to Adala. On the hand of other, iffin' you might want to see help from this ol' coon, Riccoco will act as scout or guide. He can pay or earn a wage as the case may be."

.oO(Hooman be pushin' hard for transport. If it be workin' out that way. Don't expect Riccoco's aid unless absolutely, no other way or how!)

Cas doesn't look up from her project but after hearing Beka and Riccoco go at it briefly she calls him over, or at least tries, "Hey Riccoco, come here for a moment. What is it exactly you do? I am interested in story trades. I can tell you 'bout the time Darku ran into the Chimera near Karkul if you can teach me a trade I don't know."

.oO( I'll be damned if this group is going to be 10 untrusting people all at once. Got to get at least two or three of them to support and trust me if I'm going to get my own trade going. )

Riccoco holds up on black-furred finger at Cas' call, "If you be waitin' for a few moments, Riccoco will be happy to tell you about the tradin' he be doin' up and down the Saber nigh on ten (Help me out here, Keith) years now!"

Turning back to Beka, the 'coon continues, "Now Beka, ifin' you be offerin' Riccoco the same deal as Trader Kent there, he would be willin' to think over a similar arrangement there as well. Riccoco be learnin' a thing or two about this jungle in his travels. He'll be leavin' you with that thought." With that, the racoon sidles over near Cas, "Ol' Riccoco be willin' to hear your story iffin' you be willin' to tell it."

Nuyok thinks to himself that such expenses as ferrying are the responsibility of the hirer, but will observe to see if Beka has other ideas on this / an inability to pay.

.oO(Highway robbery)

OOC: Hey, that's a great phrase!

I pay the man.

Perception Roll: 12-

3d6: 3, 2, 3 (STUN: 8, BODY: 3) Fri October 4, 2002 @7:24 PM (PDT)

Is this heap of rags the same as the MCF?

Celeste will discreetly release the knot holding her whip to the falchion scabbard....the whip has been wrapped around the scabbard in a similar to the knotwork design on the falchion handle though less intricate. While it is still in place, it is now free to be drawn, as is the falcion, released from the peacebond earlier.

KS Knots : 12-
3d6: 2, 1, 5 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2) Fri October 4, 2002 @7:24 PM (PDT)

Yes, the heap of rags is the MCF.

Celeste is becoming a bit edgy by the delays now facing the group.
Moving to help with balancing the wagon and securing it to the barge, how close to the ferryman is the MCF? Was (s)he close enough to be engaged in coversation? What did the MCF do at our approach?
Celeste splits her attention between the MCF and the path the group traveled to the dockside, looking for any suspicious moves by the MCF or the dog brothers and the man of brass......
Perception Roll: 12-
3d6: 6, 5, 2 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Sun October 6, 2002 @3:10 PM (PDT)

He was close to the ferryman, since they were conversing, If you move in close, you can hear anything tha is not specifically whispered. The reason he has done nothing since you approached is that he is a PC, and the player has not yet posted.

[EDITED on Sun October 6, 2002 @7:23 PM (PDT)]

Perception Roll: 12-
3d6: 5, 6, 1 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Sun October 6, 2002 @11:35 PM (PDT)

I hear the words 'adept' and 'ley lines' in the conversation....and look to see where Nuyok is....oO(Another wizard!)

No perception roll is required to overhear. Everything is being plainly spoken.

The wagon is now fully loaded and no more driving is necessary. Cas decides to relax. She takes off her boots and lets her digitigrade feet out for some air. She leans back and rests them on the wheel. Next she reaches into her pouch and pulls out the piece of wood from before. She begins carving, occassionally looking up at the Vagrant or Nuyok with a weary eye.

PS: Woodcraft (16-):
3d6: 12 Mon October 7, 2002 @9:09 PM (EDT)

FYI: Cas is working on building a set of Spirit Chess pieces. They are built with a frame width that they are playable on most boards. Her current set is a fox beast set and this piece is the adept. She recognizes that breasts can't be adepts so she plans on making this one look very fancy compared to the rest.