Please read the post The Bank before proceeding to The Trading Post

The red line on the mini-map at left shows your route to the trading post. You are travelling from east to west. As this thread begins you are at the very beginning of the line, just leaving the harbor

The ferry moves slowly but evenly. Celeste realizes that the barge must have stabilizers of some sort, for the pitch and roll are almost non-existant.
The city recedes into a myriad of tiny lights, far more upon the east bank than on the west. Here and there are a number of other craft, some anchored, some underway. Rath recognizes the opulent houseboat belonging to Harker, the sound of music and coarse laughter audible from it.
The ferry pauses a couple of times to give way for fishing vessels, which leave in the hours before dawn. Ahead lies the harbor mouth guarded on the left by the huge lighthouse of Tallon, a statue of a warrior many stories tall, bearing a war bird.
The sense of being watched or followed diminishes as no signs of pursuit or observation are perceived. The ferry seems almost like its own little world. Once upon the water, the ferryman brightens up considerably. He walks among the crowd, nodding a greeting to each. He stops briefly at Cas intrigued by the way her barely prehensile paws wield the carving knife so skilfully.
"Fine work yer doin' there, lass. What are ye craftin'?"

Jareek, the elder fox, also strolls about the deck, intrigued by the motley collection of folk. He stops at Riccoco. He stares a moment, then says, "I thought so! Stones, but I didn't make the connect before, but I should'a. Riccoco, is it?"

Kent hovers over his cart as if he plans on lifting it over his shoulders and swimming to shore should the ferry tip and sink. He often glances nervously at Celeste or at Rath.

[EDITED on Mon October 7, 2002 @10:58 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Sun October 13, 2002 @11:16 PM (PDT)]

Riccoco loos up at Jareek and begins to twirl the whiskers on the left side of his face. Eventually, he nods and clambers to his feet, "Riccoco do be my name... Riccoco be fearin' Master Jareek be havin' him at a disadvantage as he no remember this sly Fox."

.oO(This not be the place to be renewin' old acquaintances.)

Cas coughs a bit, "I was just about to tell Riccoco here about the time Darku faced down a Chimera. What was your name again? Well in any case if you wish to join in I have no mind sharing but the price is a tale or a lesson of your trade if you wish."

Cas continues to work away on what appears to be a figurine of some kind, not once letting her eyes drift from her project.

The ferryman scratches his unshaven chin. "Ah, my name is Balantine, good beasts. Sorry, I'll be too busy keepin' her staright to be spinnin' any yarns. Not that there's a few but I could tell, an' tha's a fact.
"Truth to tell, I was might curious about somethin' I overheard. Is it true that yon merchant," he tosses a harmless leer at Beka, "be offering you shares o' profit?"
He seems a bit incredulous. Ricocco actually seems to have lost the thread of your conversation as he has been approached and recognized by Jareek.
Ifyou were not planning to tell your tale in character, and it was short, we can assume that you are both approached just as the story is finishing

[EDITED on Tue October 8, 2002 @1:06 AM (PDT)]

OOC: I was planning on spinning this tale while we travel in character and see how things go. I thought I was speaking to Jareek actually but I'm going to put the story on hold for now anyway.

Balantine looks at you expectantly, as if waiting for a response to his enquiry. If none is forthcoming, he will roll his eyes and walk away somewhat impatiently.
If you do respond, ignore the previous sentence.

Cas looks over at Beka, "I don't know what she is doing to be honest. She offered me a cut for my services and I'm not sure what rules she is going by. Was there something you had in mind?"

OOC: I didn't realize he was talking to me... oops

The ferryman scratches his head. "I don't know anything about no rules, but it aint customary to share profits, and that's a fact. Especially, begging your pardon, with a beast. I ain't never heard of no trader doing that. Humans, sure, even the occasional barbarian, but beasts?"
There is no malice in his face, simply surprise at your deal. "I hear that Kent is offering a similar deal. Him, I can see, the lad's got no more experience than a baby duck. But I seen Beka head out to the Lizard Road before. Usually with someone else in charge of the wagon, true, but generous, foolish or desparate, I ain't never seen the like."

Remember, you are living in a time and place of easy and accepted species-ism. As much as you might not like the way beasts are treated in Tallon, it's a darn sight better than Karkul, where they are expected to be servants, or Adala, where they are treated like children. You don't want to know how they are treated in Mingatok.

Cas is still working on the figurine but gives the ferryman a bit of eye contact. "I never said it didn't surprise me one bit. I suspect the reason I'm getting a cut is because without my experience behind a wagon she knows she won't be able to get it a day past the trading post."

"That sure of yerself, eh? Well, good luck to ye, wherever Deus takes ye. M'self, I woudn't walk the wilds for all the Lumina in Cambridge"

With that, he gives you a wink and moves off to tend to the ferry, tapping it here and there to guide it.

Jareek chuckles, stroking his grey whiskers, "Oh I be remembering you, rightly enough. It was, oh about 2, maybe 3 years ago. You were a mite younger then, anyway. It was where the Uzon Road hits the Valley. You sold our wagon train a bad batch of pipeweed. Stuff reeked to Cosmos. Made the wagon master sick as a riven for two days! Hah! Of course, he paid you in vinegar packed in wine bottles, so I guess there's justice after all. Can't say as the old son of a chimera didn't deserve the belly ache, though. We're well to be out of that situation."

Ricocco, you remember that trade well, now. At first Jareek seemed as though he might be angry, but he seems to look fondly back on the trade. You remember the wagon master was a sly piece of work. He called you "Raccoon" instead of by name. Treated you like it was your privelege to buy his overpriced wine.

"Ah, Master Jareek," Riccoco says as he holds out his right hand to clasps forearms with Jareek, "Riccoco do be rememberin' that!" His hearty laughter rolls across the ferry. "This 'coon wouldn't be sayin' it was bad pipeweed, just mayhap a little different than most be used to!"

Eventually, he sobers and nods, glancing at the rest of his caravan companions. He speaks agian, his voice soft, "Out of one questionable journey and on to the next? Ol' Riccoco be a solo show and never travelled far off from the Valley. Mayhap, this sly Fox can tell Riccoco a bit of Adala?"

Jareek settles down against the lean-to and beckons for you to do likewise.
"Adala, eh. I've been there more than once, tis true. Unlike Tallon it is. Old city, some say the oldest in the league. Legend says it was built on a great flat hill. Others say that the adepts dug away the surrounding land with great golems. In any case, tis a large plateau with a deep chasm around it. Botttom of he chasms is filled with mist or steam. Some say they's chimeras at the bottom. I don't know and I reckon I never want to find out. There's great bridges that cross the gap.
"Folk like you and me, beasts don't ya know, we're treated well enough, though more like children than here in Tallon. I might say you're used to the Saber River Valley?"

Riccoco shrugs a little, resting his furred hands on his knees. He nestles into a seat on a coil of rope under the lean-to, "Riccoco been skiffin' the waters of the Sabre for most of his life. Praise the Stones, but the Sabre be a succulent Mistress. She be takin' Riccoco from one fine place to the next."

The Racoon quiets a moment, gazing out across the glittering reflective surface of the Bay. "It seems Riccoco be in the embrace of your mistress now, Master Jareek. This 'coon be hopin' she's as gentle as his old one. She just got a few new children." Turning to glance at The Vagrant and then Rath and Nuyok, before continuing, "Some children a little stranger than most."

Cas takes her partial figurine, wraps it in some softened leather before slipping it between some cloth in her side pack. She leans over to the conversation at her side, "Riccoco causing you trouble Jareek? For a couple of slips of copper I'll take him off your mind. Add a silver and I might make him disappear for a while. Any interest?"

"Trouble? Nay, not lass. The young 'coon just be asking after Adala. He hasn't travelled the length of Merikia like yours truly." Here he stands, executes a bow and strokes his whiskers. He beckons you to sit down with them against the lean-to.
"Look lass, here comes the sun*. There's the trading post ahead. Have you travelled the Lizard road afore?"

*It may be possible that there was a snort of ironic laughter from the depths of Vagrants rags. Or it may just have been the water lapping against the hull...

Cas smiles, "More times than I can recall. I seem to remember one time when Liacor got caught putting sand in his purse. He wasn't punished or anything but instead of getting six barrells for transporting his stink weed, he only could afford four. That trip was a little too memorable. That reminds me of what Sei used to say after that, 'Never get caught with sand unless you want to smell like stinkweed.'"

Cas looks over at the approaching trading post and turns back to Riccoco and Jareek, "Well we are off to sell... to sell... um, damnit, I still don't know what the heck Beka is carrying. I know what I'm carrying to sell."

"The wagon was bein' loaded in front of Merchant Hamilton's. Riccoco be knowin' he be often involved in silk an' the like. It be Riccoco's thought the Beka be takin' silk to Adala." The 'coon speaks in a low tone his eyes, sparkling mutedly in the dawn are drawn to the Trading Post beyond.

.oO(An where might the vixen be makin' Riccoco disappear to? Foxes and barbarians, this trip gonna be needin' a close eye.)

Ricco glances down and shifts his belongings about, making certain his trident rests atop his pack. Just in case.

"I suppose silk would make sense. Doesn't matter much to me so long as its legal. That does remind me thought that I must change into my business attire."

Cas disappears for a moment with her pack to change. When she returns a couple minutes later she no longer has her leather wrap on, having picked a more lavish outfit.

.oO(Harker's house, I wonder how mad he is at me? Well, I can't worry about that now.) Rath walks over to Celeste, "I was wondering what tribe you were from? I was from the hill tribes outside of Tallon, before...well before I left and went to pit fighting. I learned a lot there, not all of it good, but it was time to move on, I may have burned some bridges when I did, but you can't win them all. So what's your story, if I may ask?"

Celeste looks up from where she is sitting. In response to Raths question, she motions him to sit down beside the wagon..."Your folk do not leave their territories much do they Rath? Nor do mine. Sit down, and we will talk."

Rath sets his large frame next to Celeste. While it is hard to tell in the scant pre-dawn light, it appears that the odd lump in Rath's midsection moves as if alive. "What brings you so far from your people Celeste? Where are your people from? Do you miss being home, like I do?"

Do I notice the odd movement under Rath's garment?

Percepton Roll: 12-
3d6: 5, 5, 3 (STUN: 13, BODY: 3) Wed October 9, 2002 @3:59 PM (PDT)

Celeste crosses her legs and leans forward, she looks Rath directly in the eyes for a while, as if gauging sincerity. After a long moment, she straightens up a bit, and speaks in a low voice that bears more than a hint of anger "I will start with your last question first Rath, 'Do I miss being home?' Not in the least, there is no longer anything at 'home' that I care about, beyond anticpating a well-deserved death or two. That you miss your family speaks well for you. May you return to their arms someday and rejoice. If I were to return 'home' it would only be long enough to exact payment for that which was taken from me." Celeste pauses waiting to see if Rath responds, she has been absently playing with a bit of rope from the ferry deck and has tied some elaborate knots in it.

Knots: 12 -
3d6: 4, 5, 3 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Wed October 9, 2002 @4:05 PM (PDT)

Continuing, "My 'people' are from the Shattered Isles....you may have heard of my tribe, though I hope not..." Celeste breathes a sigh, looking up at the night sky....she points out an alignment of bright stars...."If you were to draw a line through that star, and that one, see the very bright one near the horizon? Travel that direction by ship for half a fortnight and you will arrive at the Shattered Isles. Farther on you, if you are lucky enough to make it that far, you will find Devils Island...home to the 'Raiders of the Red Tide'...at the far edge of the Shattered Isles, another half a fortnight of travel, lies an island with no name....that is the last place I called home.....and no longer do I know if it even stands upon the face of this world, or has been ushered into the next. That is what has brought me so far from 'my people' and it will be another long tale that takes me back." Celeste leans back and unfolds her long legs...slightly faded patterned scarring on her right arm and left leg are apparent in the moonlight, the patterns are similar but more elaborate than the scarring on her face. "So, Rath, I hope that I have satisfied your curiosity about me....tell me now, about yourself...."

OOC: Did someone feed that Barbarian caffeine? I thought she'd never shut up! : )

[EDITED on Wed October 9, 2002 @4:03 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Wed October 9, 2002 @4:05 PM (PDT)]

"Do you really think I'll be able to go home someday Celeste?" Rath looks across the water, if Celeste didn't know better she would have sworn that there was a tear forming in Rath's eye. but it must have been a trick of the light off water. He gives a sad chuckle and continues "No, I suppose I won't be able to. My tribe thinks I'm dead." and then under his breath Celeste thinks she could make out the words:It would have probably been better if I had died. In a louder voice "I had...something happen that I'd rather not talk about right now, but something happened and now I can't go back to my tribe. I met a man named Beef who let me fight in the pit fights. That's where I met Beka." Rath's face brightens at the mention of his friends name, "She befriended me when no one else would, and didn't ask for anything in return. Now it's my job to keep her out of trouble...between you and me though, I don't think the old gods themselves could keep Beka out of trouble, but I'm gonna do my best." It seems odd to see such a boyish grin on so massive a man.OOC: Damn us Barbarians can talk

Perception Roll: 12-
3d6: 1, 4, 1 (STUN: 6, BODY: 1) Wed October 9, 2002 @6:21 PM (PDT)

Celeste does indeed see the little tear, twinkling in the moonlight at the corner of Rath's eye...but not wanting to embarass him, says nothing..."Sure I think you'll go home again Rath, someday we all will.....just not for the same reasons....my 'people' at Devil's Island think I am dead as well. So, we have that in common as well...homeless barbarians! And both taken in by Mistress Beka! I think the fates have a very odd sense of humor, do you not agree?" Trying to cheer up Rath, Celeste claps him on the shoulder. "As for being dead? No, it is far better to be alive than mouldering at the bottom of the deep, or crushed beneath a pile of rocks, eh? " .oO(Something about Rath....he reminds me so much of Tjen's little brother....but Rath is not nine years old...??) Celeste offers her hands palms up in the Shattered Isles style of saying 'friend'.

OOC: Barbarians=maximum verbosity

"Thank you Celeste, for everything. I better go check on Beka and rest now. Everyone got off to a pretty rocky start, and I want to make sure everyone's settled in."

"Keep her out of trouble Rath...." Celeste offers this with a smile and returns to watching the waters.....one never know what lurks in the deep. Rath did not acknowledge her offer of friendship, but Celeste chalks it up to difference of their respective cultures....

Perception Roll: 12-
3d6: 2, 5, 4 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Thu October 10, 2002 @2:46 PM (PDT)

Anything out there?

As Celeste scans the waters, a narrow "V" of ripples becomes visible. Diffiucult to see in the dawn light, unless you happen to be looking for just such an occurence. The arrow of disturbance is heading directly toward the ferry.

OOC: At what point does Celeste see the ripples? Still in the night after Rath goes to check on Beka, or just before dawn....at either point...Celeste will stand and approach the ferryman

"Your name is Balantine? Perhaps Sir, you might look to that side of the ferry" Celeste points at the nearing 'V'....I know not what you make of it in these parts, but it seems to me to be not a good thing at all to be heading this way."

Celeste looks at Balantine to see how he responds to her warning.

Perception Roll: 12-
3d6: 4, 2, 4 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Fri October 11, 2002 @4:21 PM (PDT)

And once again, Celeste moves to release the knots that hold the great falchion in place....

Balantine looks where you are pointing, the rays of dawn illuminating the warm green waters. His face changes to one of vague annoyance. Absently, he spits over the side.
"That's Fritz, that is. Nay, put away yer rivensticker. I wouldn't go so far as to say he's a friend, but he's no harm to any here, and that's a plain fact. He's more likely to come to trouble on his own accounts if'n he don't learn his place."
The ferryman taps the side of the barge to slow it a tad. It seems to be angling slightly to match course with the ripples.

Eventually the ripples slow and a sleek, fur-lined body heaves itself up out of the water and onto the deck. Balantine merely grunts and shrugs, but the otter who has just boarded flashes a toothy mischievous grin at all assembled.
"Ah, top of the mornin'g to ye. I be declarin' my name as Fritz and right glad I am to be making your acquaintances. Well well well, now it seems our esteemed Master Balentine has a full load. I take ye to be adventurous wayfarers seeking adventure fame or profit in far off lands. Stones but that's good to see. Heroes one and all, I'm sure."
As he speaks, he is untying a metal cannister from around his neck, wiping it dry on a handy rag (of Balantine's) and unscrewing the lid. His patter never ceases as he draws forth from the interior a light crusty pastry.
"I'm fair hopin' that you'll accept this tiny gift baked in the ovens of my own dear mother. Baklava, and it's still warm. Here's some for you Master Fox and you Mistress Merchant, and you and you..." He begins to hand out pieces all round. If a person does not accept one, he doesn't even hesitate but leaves it nearby, sweeping around the ferry in a non stop monolog.
"Now I can see that such fine personages as yerself are more than capable of holding your on against a whole jungle full of chimeras. Grrr! But everyone forgets something at the last minute, you know. Maybe you need a bit of rope, or some waterproof matches, eh? Wouldn't want to be stuck at the top of a tall cliff in the dark, hmm? Maybe a bit of preserved meat or hard biscuits? Extra flavorful, prepared by me own dear mum.Well, it's fortunate beyond chance and reason that we should meet like this. I just happen to own a small emporium in the trading post towards which Master Balantine is steering his elegant and worthwhile ferry. I know that I can count on your custom. You name what you need and Good Old Fritz will fix you up right handy. I'll also steer you clear of crooks and conmen who pray on travellers setting out on the road. What say you? What do you need?"
It makes you all dizzy to listen to his whirling speech. It's an almost hypnotic sales pitch.

PS. For those who were wondering, the baklava is quite good.

PPS. For him to use "Master" or "Mistress" in front of everyone's name is according them extra status. He is addressing them all as if they were Master Adepts. If he were speaking in Cockney and living in 19th century London, he'd be calling everyone "Squire" and "Guv'nor"

.oO(I shouldn't. I really shouldn't. I should set an example. Not gonna eat that...)

I pop the baklava in my salivating mouth. "MMMMMMMM"

.oO(I hope ambushers don't offer me any of that baklava, I might just die with a full stomach...)

"Thank you for the excellent baklava, Master Fritz! Now that you be mentioning it, I may be needing an updated map depicting the route to Adala, if the price be right."

.oO(Curses! I am starting to talk like Riccoco!)

Trading 12 - to judge fair market value of such a map...
3d6: 2, 3, 1 (STUN: 6, BODY: 2) Sun October 13, 2002 @12:10 PM (CDT)

Persausion 12- to get the cheapest price possible...
3d6: 4, 3, 2 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Sun October 13, 2002 @12:10 PM (CDT)

Cas hears the word price and her ears jump up.

"Faliol," she starts, "Don't be wasting any of your money on updating your map. I was just down this road not a month ago and I could show you the changes on the map that you are interested in for a mere two copper."

Fritz beams a broad smile. "Bandages! Aye we can do that and better. We can fix ye up with bandages, needle and thread, woundwort, you name it. Wouldn't want to be caught out there with no woundwort would ye? I know I wouldn't. No sir, not me!
As for a map, I don't rightly know of anyone who makes maps of the trail. I can set you up with a guide who just came in three days ago, but he's a little pricey. Besides, yon lovely vixen, begging yer pardon beautiful lady, seems to be pretty sure of the way. 'Course, a lot can change in a month's time. They say the trail is never the same twice. By the way, got a special deal on saws and machetes. Half-price. Cheap! Good quality, too. Not those knock-offs like they sell to rubes in the Market Circle. Real steel. Stainless. Ting! Sharp as a fox's wit and no mistake.
"You got raincloaks? I got new ones with extra deep hoods. Keeps the rain outta yer face. Splash! three colors, too. All sizes," glancing at Rath, "even extra he-man."

"This caravan is improperly outfitted..."

.oO(I have no idea why there weren't even enough provisions to take them to Karkul.)

"...and I would be interested in purchasing proper provisions. We can go over the list before we reach shore..."

"This is REALLY GOOD!"

"...and settle on a price when I see what you have to offer."

Merchant, Trading, 15-
3d6: 2, 1, 4 (STUN: 7, BODY: 2) Sun October 13, 2002 @1:59 PM (PDT)

OOC: That roll made me happy, maybe I can actually afford provisions!

OOC: Talk like Ricocco??? Must - resist - must......re-si.....Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!! No! No! Not here too!?......It's the 'Dreaded Cody McTavish Syndrome'.....(jumping up and down on keyboard....tossing monitor out window.......running screaming from room...... I knew I should have gotten that vaccine when I was on Mars)

[EDITED on Sun October 13, 2002 @2:35 PM (PDT)]

OOC: Was that enough references to things no one should know about but a pilot and an ambassador plenipotentiary.

OOC: Yes, I'm feeling much better now. Fixed it.....I had to stop laughing first, Ms. Ambassador

[EDITED on Sun October 13, 2002 @2:41 PM (PDT)]

"This stuff is good. I could use some bandages and things like that for the road"

Cas politely takes the baklava.

.oO( I wonder how much this thing will fetch at the trading post? )

Probably less than a copper, since it will no longer be warm. (Fritz' cannister must be insulated)

OOC: It's only you, Maynard!

Balantine has indicated that this 'Fritz' person is not a danger to the party, so Celeste will (again) secure the knots on her weapons....As the furball pulls itself aboard the ferry, Celeste will listen to his spiel, knowing whatever he has to offer, it will be up to Beka to decide what additional provisions the ever-growing group will be needing, since she has but little money, and no means of acquiring any until the end of this journey.

.oO(If I had known I was going to be shipwrecked, I would have come better prepared! It may well take me longer than I had expected, to get back to the Shattered Isles.)

Celeste accepts the baklava from Fritz, but examines it well before she eats it....it is good, but reminds her that, in trying to make her small amount of coin last, she really hasn't had a 'decent' meal since the Sea Dog was attacked.

To avoid shoving the whole pastry in her mouth in front of her new friends:
Ego Roll: 15-
3d6: 3, 4, 6 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Sun October 13, 2002 @11:59 AM (PDT)

[EDITED on Sun October 13, 2002 @12:16 PM (PDT)]

Celeste shows great restraint and is sure to make the sweet pastry lasts until everyone else is finished.

Being polite, Nuyok will eat what he is offered (presuming there is no hostile intent, in the highly unlikely case), and quietly observe Fritz to see if he indeed is worthwhile to get supplies from (i.e., not a crook himself).

Detect Hostile Intent, 11-
3d6: 3, 4, 6 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Sun October 13, 2002 @8:21 PM (EDT)

No alarm bells. Make of him what you will.

Celeste must have been so intent on meeting Rath's gaze, she never noticed his 'restlessness'

Nuyok will take the opportunity to rest further on the ride, between the long night and the efforts of the ley line transfer, and will hunker down out of the way of the Ferryman's routes to work the ferry.

Earlier, Vagrant returned with Rath and Nuyok. Greeted the Ferryman and found a spot a little away from the others.

At first glance he seems to simply be taking in the beauty of the water and perhaps the breeze against his rags, but occasionally he turns his head as if he is listening to the conversation behind him but not really acknowledging it.

While on the Ferry ride, Nuyok will casually ask "So Vagrant, how is it that you know so much of the Old World?"

"...I am just a humble collector trying to make a living for myself. Understanding the junk left from past times just takes time and that time allows me to provide people with items they never knew existing. That's all it is."

"Got any other interesting junk?"

Vagrant now concentrates on Nuyok as he answers, "Its junk to some and interesting to those that are have a fancy for it. The talent is in matching up the, too. So what of the ancient world would you be looking for? Perhaps, you are due for a match yourself."

As the party relaxes into general conversation, the ferry splashes easily through the harbor mouth. The water immediately becomes more choppy. Off to your left, a few low cries sound from the marshes. Probably night birds of some sort. There is an obvious current the farther out you get. It is running north, towards Uzon Bay.
You slowly round a great headland of the port side. The land is dotted with farmhouses and terraced fields, barely visible in the gloom.
Once you round it, the fort becomes visible, far across the inlet. It is distinguishable only by a few weak lights. The ferryman apparently knows where he is going though. He guides the boat onward, still smooth despite the increasing ripples.
It becomes obvious this trip will take several hours.

After being relieved of the control of the wagon and as it was being repacked for balance, I find a place amoungst the previously wrapped silk and seem to be asleep.

Having noticed the previous care given to some parcels of silk and not others, it makes me curious and while others are not watching I secretly cut open a few of the wrapped ones to see if there is only silk there.

Slieght of hand 13-, concealment 14-
3d6: 3, 2, 6 (STUN: 11, BODY: 4) Mon October 14, 2002 @4:49 AM (PDT)
3d6: 6, 3, 6 (STUN: 15, BODY: 5) Mon October 14, 2002 @4:49 AM (PDT)

Listening to the others while pretending to sleep, I am still when any come near.

The two you cut open convinces you that the carefully wrapped bundles contain nothing but more silk. They have been carefully packaged to prevent water damage. There is an outer oilcloth covering and an inside wrap to protect the silk form the oilcloth. Since you made your sleight of hand, you have manage to cut them open without damaging any silk. It was difficult to do this with any skill while pretneding to be asleep. There is an 11- chance for each package that the covering has been damaged so that it cannot be securely reclosed however.

3d6: 9 Mon October 14, 2002 @8:28 AM (PDT)
3d6: 7 Mon October 14, 2002 @8:28 AM (PDT)

Both packages have tiny tears in the oilcloth that will allow water in, not matter how securely they are re-pacakged. If there is rain, they WILL get wet. (Merikian rain is very intense)

Faliol, while you are admiring the operation of the ferry and the slow passage of the landscape, a shrill little voice by your elbow says, "Where in the name of all that's unriven are we?"
Looking down you are surprised to see a chinchilla standing on the edge of the wagon, perched atop the front wheel. It is a perfectly ordinary sized 'chilla and you wouldn't know it from an animal but for two things. First, it is wearing a little outfit. Second, it has attached to each forepaw, a golden wristlet and peg affair.

.oO(I only had one drink at the Singing Turtle!!! It was vile but not THAT potent!)

I look closer, not really worried. "Hello. To answer your question, we are sailing on the ferry, headed to the start of the Lizard Road. My name is Faliol. Are you an employee of Mistress Beka?"

I give a questioning glance towards Beka...

The tiny furry one lifts her forepaw up in salute. "Ever so pleased to make your acquaintance, Faliol. You can call me Peaches.
Oh and Beka is not my employer. I am employed by her father, Merchant Hamilton to be her companion and bodyguard. It's a savage earth out there, you know."
Here Peaches adopts a cute little warrior's stance and puts on a fierce face. You notice that she is dressed virtually identically to Beka, even down to a teeny tiny sword.

Celeste is looking around at the receding lights....does she notice Kent's paranoia?

Perception Roll: 12-
3d6: 1, 2, 4 (STUN: 7, BODY: 2) Wed October 9, 2002 @3:05 PM (PDT)

.oO(That one's ready to jump his skin....he looks at Rath and me as if we were demons from the deeps.....I wonder what put the notion to travel out of the city into his head. ) Celeste shakes her head, smiles and mutters under her breath "Boo!"....a very old Shattered Isles wary cry......

Keith I have been taking some things about my tribe and running with it, like grandfather's beliefs, uncle, father and all that. I think I remeber from your website about "old gods" but it's been awhile. I guess my point is I don't want to screw up and say stuff that isn't right about your world.

The hill tribes are about as detailed as the word "hill tribes". I haven't done anything with them. They are small and unimportant enough on the world scene that you can give them whatever beliefs and customs you want. Celeste is doing the same.

Rath gets up from his conversation with Celeste and walks over to Nuyok. "I..um I was wondering if I could talk to you for about...about something personal"

"Rath.", says Vagrant giving him a nod of greeting. "Nuyok, think on my question and we can speak later. It seems as if Rath needs your attention more then I."

Vagrant moves off to look out into the water a little farther down the ferry.

Hmmm... "Sure Rath," and Nuyok will follow him over, but just in case he's gotten the urge to throw Nuyok from the ferry, Nuyok will be cautious.

PER, 13-
3d6: 4, 3, 4 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Thu October 10, 2002 @11:19 AM (EDT)
Detect Hostile Intent, 11-
3d6: 3, 3, 1 (STUN: 7, BODY: 2) Thu October 10, 2002 @11:19 AM (EDT)

OOC: I don't know exactly how your powers work, but I'm assuming you made your roll, and will tell you Rath has no hostile intent towards you , also Keith I have turned off visibility because Rath is trying to make sure he isn't overheard. If someone makes their PER roll or whatever you can turn it back on right?Rath looks anguished like he doesn't know where to start, he finally gives a sigh and begins in a soft voice. "I want to start by apologizing for my treatment of you when we first met. My tribe has a long disturst of...Adepts. I think it is because they don't understand the powers that you have. I should have known better then to judge people that way, I don't like it when people do it to me. You see Nuyok about a year ago a...a Reaver attacked a hunting party I was on. I thought I could fend it off while the rest of the hunters escaped...I was wrong, now I am Riven." with that Rath lifts the bottom of his shirt showing the arms he has hidden there. "I tell you this because I think you already knew, the man Vagrant took us to could tell just by looking, so I imagine you could too. You knew what I was and still treated me like a person, besides Beka, you're the only one to do that. I am also telling you because when we met, you said you had powers of healing, can Riven be healed? Can you make me back into the boy I was? Oh yeah I forgot to tell you that part, I have only been alive for 10 years, yet I have the body of a grown up. So can you fix me." Rath looks at Nuyok with doubtful eyes, but there is something behind the doubt, hope.

Target to change Rath is 63 points. At 8 dice of E/W Morphia, the highest you could acheive is 48. Beyond hat, you have only a Fam. with change shape, and would be unlikely to make such a roll before you became exhausted. So short answer, no.
BTW, only you can see this, so respond to Rath's post.

Seeing what Rath intends, Nuyok gestures so that he does not need to reveal his secret, and says "I can see how your spirit has changed, and I understand your need for secrecy. That's most unfortunate, but there is hope for you. I myself am focused in other areas, such as more typical healing, only having rudimentary skills in what you would need. But, a powerful and trained master in the art of shapechanging could indeed return you to your true form. What that would cost though, I do not know. Until then, you may want to minimize your exposure to those with spirit powers, even though they are strong of mind and intellect, that might not overcome all of their prejudices."

Rath looks down at his feet, "I didn't really think you could help, I just thought I'd ask. I would like to know more about Adepts though, maybe we can talk later."

The ferry is at long last nearing the trading post. Dawn is beginning to color the sky behind you, giving the horizon ahead a vague golden shape. There are tiny buildings plainly discernable, along with farmlands beyond and to the south. To the north of the post is something similar to a mangrove swamp, unlike the marshes you saw earlier.
Beyond all that lies the lizard road and the dense hot jungle of dark and steaming Nunavut.
And beyond that...?

Celeste rises from where she has been sitting. She stretches to get the kinks out of her muscles. The rays of dawn remind her of her home on the waters edge. From a distance the buildings could almost belong to that un-named island at the edge of the Shattered Isles. Most likely, it will be a long day ahead. Celeste looks around at the group on the ferry to see who is up, and who might be catching their last peaceful rest for a while...

Perception Roll 12-
3d6: 4, 6, 3 (STUN: 13, BODY: 4) Thu October 10, 2002 @3:07 PM (PDT)

Looking at the sunrise for any clues to the days weather, OOC: you know, 'red sky at morning....and all that

Survival: Marine Surface or Tropical Coastal
both 12-
3d6: 5, 2, 4 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Thu October 10, 2002 @3:07 PM (PDT)

The weather looks very calm, but a slight breeze from the west tells you that rain could be coming in a day or two.
[edited by the GM for visibility]

[EDITED on Fri October 11, 2002 @8:56 PM (PDT)]

Depending on what is happening with the ripple-thingy, or after we deal with it....Celeste will approach Beka and voice her concerns about the weather....Where is Beka now anyway?

"Beka, might I have a word with you please?"

[EDITED on Fri October 11, 2002 @8:57 PM (PDT)]

.oO(...)

Now that Fritz is aboard the ferry and offering goods and services...

"I just wanted to bring to your attention, those rather innocent looking clouds in the sunrise, coupled with this breeze, tell me that we might well expect some rain in the next few days. Is your wagon prepared against bad weather? We might be able secure canvas and such from this Fritz before we leave.

Celeste awaits Beka's response....

Approaching the trading post, Nuyok will generally ask "How long of a trip is it to Adala, and what are the plans for provisions?"

I walk over to Nuyok. "We haven't met, I am Faliol, one of the guides. I believe I can answer the first part of your question. We will be travelling through gator country. From this point to Ft. Lizard is approximately 150 kllks, minimum 4 day travel. From Ft. Lizard to Adala is another 120 kllks, minimum 3 day travel. It normally takes longer due to road conditions, rain, blockages, and jungle denizens. On provisions, you will have to ask Beka. Each caravan handles things differently."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the information. Best to know it earlier than later."

Rath looks out over the water at the trading post. He is excited about the prospect of new adventures and of making new friends..oO(Celeste seems really nice and it's good to talk to someone who didn't grow up in the city. She's a little excitable though, I wonder what she would do if she knew I was Riven? Nuyok is a good man, now I have two people to look out for, hopefully the rest of the group will be as accepting as him, I won't be able to hide for ever, I mean with the sun coming up it already seems pretty obvious)Rath walks over to Beka, and in a low tone"Hey, Beka I don't think this shirt is going to hide me from the group for long. We have to figure something else out, or tell them or something. Nuyok already knows and seems all right with it, but some of them may leave because of it."

.oO(Tell them what?)

"Well, I don't think I'd worry yet, anyone who doesn't like it can swim to Adala. Or be gator food. If they have a problem, we'll take care of it! We'll see how far they get on their own!"

Vagrant crosses the boat slowly and silently appears in front of Beka, "Beka, I would like to thank you for the uses of Nuyok. Sometimes it is hard to find someone to carry the ley lines for me and, so far, Nuyok has been a fair and even tempered partner in my endeavor. Can I ask, how long have you known him?"

[EDITED on Fri October 11, 2002 @7:53 AM (CDT)]

"I haven't known him for more than 10 minutes. He was looking for a job,.oO(why is an Adept looking for a job on the docks?) and I was going to Adala. I don't like to run into Reavers in the wilds so having an Adept is good business. By the way, if I hired him to come with us to protect the caravan, and you are hiring him to carry a ley line, don't you and I need to make a deal? I hired him first...I don't really take passengers....oO(you could help protect the caravan, pay your own provisions and come with us...that would be solid stone.)

OOC: Hey, Nuyok wasn't at the docks looking for work!

I will gladly pay to join your caravan. I apologize for not striking a deal with you sooner. I had to move fast to get my artifacts prepared for the journey to Adala. What is the price to accompany you?

"No charge to join us. You pay your own way (food etc.) and lend a hand when we need it. That will cover the security of joining a caravan. But...I hired Nuyok first, you are using his abilities. I ask for 1 share of 50% of the profits from your sale."

"Lady, I am not too much for fighting but I will try to be of use to the group. Thank you. As for the payment for Nuyok's services I agree."

"Riccoco, I don't take passengers. What's the deal?"
.oO(What am I going to do with a spare raccoon?)

Set Ways: Ego 12-

3d6: 4 Sat October 12, 2002 @12:19 AM (EDT)

OOC: Wow!

Not showing any apparent reaction, Cas smiles and nods to Riccoco, "Explain to the lady what you can do."

.oO( Don't suppose it will hurt my plan any if Riccoco resolves the Beka, work, situation on his own. )

Riccoco gazes up at Beka. "Merchant Beka, I guess you be, eh? You come again to Riccoco to ask his worth or his wage? Riccoco told you once that he could be your guide. You chose to use Master Kent's. Riccoco be tellin' you we movin' through Gator Lands. Riccoco been dealin' with Gators since you been kissin' hooman boys behind the Merchant Hall. Riccoco been tradin' up and down the Saber an' makin' it on his own. Now, Riccoco be headin' Adala way. You be headin' that way, too. We can go together. We can go apart. You don' need worry none about Riccoco. He don' take up much room and can be sure to carry his weight when the time comes. If there be no room on your wagon, just say so."

After this long diatribe, the 'coon slips a small jug from his pack, uncorks it, and takes a swig before offering it to Jareek. "Mayhap, Mistress Beka, we be gettin' on the wrong foot here. Riccoco have something to offer this caravan. But, if you be wishin' it, he will pay passage to ride on your wagon. When he be gettin' to Adala. Ifin' you have some offer, he be listenin'."

.oO(Darn if I don't like the guy...)
"Master Riccoco, I'm sure you would be of help on this trip. I'm sorry I didn't say so before. I'm very anxious to get away from the city. I don't particularly want to take passengers but if you will lend a hand when needed, I would love to have you join us, no payment necessary. whisper (in either direction [from or to you] if you get my meaning. But you would definately be a help in many ways I am sure. Will you join us please?"

"It be Riccoco's pleasure, Mistress Beka!" Ricco glances away to glower at Jareek, "Don' be slurpin' all that down, now. It be havin' to last us to the Tradin' Post!" The 'coon offers Beka a happy salute and settles down again, "We was just speakin' of the trip to Adala, Mistress. Join us, if you will."

Her face now filled with life, "Yes, do come over and listen to the story about the time that Melia and I got into a heap of trouble when we interrupted practice for the Games of Adala."

She doesn't realize it but she's slipped into telling the story rather than waiting for anyone to approach and listen, "The two fellows were running down the streets in such a hurry. One of them held this stick that was really shiny and Melia thought he was likely a thief so grabbed him and threw him to the ground. I stopped the other guy and offered to get him his stick back for a small price. You should have seen his face when he explained they were practicing for something called a Relay Race."

Cas looks at one of the audience members, if any, and asks, "Now do I look like the kind of person who knows about Relay Races? No, of course not! So I explained that it was truly an honest mistake and that he should at least reward Melia and myself for our good intention after all. Had that of been a true thief, he would have never caught up and his valuable stick would have been stolen."

[EDITED on Sat October 12, 2002 @10:44 PM (EDT)]

As Mr. Fritz moves on droppling off pastries here and there, he wolfs... 'coons down his, and mutters, "Otter inteuptions Riccoco never seen. It's going to be a looong trip to Adala."

Keith,
I wanted to do this since the beginning but kept getting sidetracked. Faliol has devised his own system of alerting the caravan to danger.

Faliol wishes to stay about 50 yards ahead of the caravan, moving in a serpentine pattern on and off the trail. His plan is to take small bits of red yarn (4 inches long) and leave them on branches in plain view of those following him while he guides. He intends this to be a signal that all is clear up to that point. If the pieces of yarn fail to appear suddenly, the caravan will know something happened to Faliol. He hopes to have someone near the front of the caravan (Jareek maybe) collect the bits of yarn for re-use.

Faliol also has special arrows prepared as alarm devices. If he sees something suspicious, he will fire a specially marked arrow at the middle of the roadway. Hopefully, these too would be collected for re-use.

Arrow with black string - Immediate danger.
Arrow with white string - Proceed slowly.
Arrow with yellow string - Stop and Wait.

Faliol also has a little noise maker kinda like those party devices that you whirl on a stick to make loud clicking noises. Someone in the caravan would use the noisemaker to alert Faliol that the caravan has stopped, so he doesn't continue on without knowing.

Is this ok? Can I have these items on me already or would you like me to purchase them from the Trading Post?
Roger

In fact it sounds so cool, I'm going to steral it next time I play some kind of ranger. BTW, were you ever going to post your private response to Peaches? No one's looking.