All intial posts for the time being will visible all characters. This is so I can easily add or subtract characters should someone change location. Unless you are addressed in a sub-thread, assume you are not there.
The City of Adala

The old thread was getting cumbersome so we'll continue on from here. Faliol and Riccoco are in the Hole Market and Riccoco has just suggested going to get the leaf as a gift to start a business venture.

Sitting there, waiting for something to happen was hard. Finally, Ricco decided upon a course of action...

Standing up, I head to the exit ahead of Bandit. "Shouldn't take very long to make the round trip, Bandit..."

"You be havin' the right o' it, Red!" Ricco moves after Faliol, knowing grin splitting his Beastly features. He shifts his route slightly after nudging the Fox-kit, and heads towards the curvy form of the Bunny waitress. Reaching her, he murmurs, "Might you be havin' a handy nip o' the guard's favorite. We be needin' to grab a parcel an' wantin' him to think right kindly o' us."

Ricco winks, "Iffin' you be follwin' me?"

I cannot help but smile at my pudgy friend.

.oO(Faliol, my kit, that is why you will always be a simple guide, while Ricco will someday own most of Tallon. He knows those perfect little touches that endear all he meets to him)

"Good idea, Bandit! I never would have thought of that."

Once Bandit procures the guard's favorite drink, I will (politely) open a path through the crowd so he doesn't spill his gift of drink...

The bunny suggests a particular beer, but indicates that the guard is not supposed to be drinking. As it turns out, the guard takes the beer anyway and switches shifts with another unsavory-looking individual.

Just before you are let out, the rat-faced man gives you a cautionary reminder of the rules to live by. He further tells you not to hang around the entrance and ends with, "By the by, seein' as how you was so friendly with the beer, I'll give you a word of warnin'. There was a couple of folk here lookin' for you. A vixen and a bloodthirsty-looking barbarian broad. We sent 'em packin' cause we don't like no snoopers, but if you got a price on you, you might want to be lookin' over your shoulder. They didn't look none too friendly, if ye catch my drift."

I keep my face stoic, not sure if the human can read vulpine expressions.

"We will be sure to remember the rules and we thank you for the warning."

Acting the part of the good guard, I pause before walking further, keeping myself between Ricco and the ratface.

Ricco gives Ratty a quick nod of thanks and a hesitant wave as he peers around the gloom of the vineyards. As he trundles forward allowing Faliol to keep pace he offers his 'guard' a loud word of warning (loud enough Ratty and his unsavory comrade can hear.

"It be seemin' they be havin' wind o' us, Red. Keep a sharp eye on the road ahead an' a steady hand on yer hilt!"

As the two Beasts disappear from view, Ricco will keep his own 'sharp' eyes on alert for Cas and Celeste. He whispers to Faliol in a hushed tone, "Seems like our female friends be givin' a hand by not makin' to the Hole, eh?"

OOC: I cannot tell a lie. Keith helped a bit with the idea! I deserve the compliments but should give credit where it's due.

The old thread was getting cumbersome so we'll continue on from here. Cas and Celeste have just been turned back at what they presume is the entrance to the Hole Market. They have gone out of direct ear- and eye-shot of the guard and are anxious about their comrades.
OOC: Patience, I think you will be re-united shortly.

OOC: Yes, but in how many pieces will they be?

You guys are having too much fun! STOP IT!

I'm having just the right amount of fun!

Although, I'm sure I could deal with more if Keith could!

Whheee!

OOC: Like I said... I WISH

What are you guys doing in OUR thread????

OOC: I'm a sneak thief, its my job.

Sneak on over to Beka's thread.....

MY name is first!

OOC: And with my name second and Celeste at third, that gives us the power to boot you out!

There will be no booting young lady/man. I control the horizontal, I control the vertical. (I live with the GM!)
HA! (Bwahahahah)

Have a BIGGER sword, Merchie Girl

"Get outta our Thread!
and
Leave us alone!"

Wheee!

Cas and Celeste, waiting with anxious ears pricked, hear a voice from the direction of the hole. It is definitely the voice of Riccoco:
"It be seemin' they be havin' wind o' us, Red. Keep a sharp eye on the road ahead an' a steady hand on yer hilt!"
Soon enough the raccoon and the fox come into view. Riccoco looks immensely pleased; Faliol looks stoic.
Cas is shaking her paw slightly while Celeste still has her sword drawn.

[EDITED on Mon August 4, 2003 @8:18 AM (PDT)]

Assuming that it doesn't look like Riccoco and Faliol are in a fast retreat or evasion from some threat, Cas has one idea in mind. She will slap both Riccoco and Faliol firmly (being careful not to cut with her claws).

"THAT is for making us put you in danger by making us think you WERE in danger," Cas says, looking very annoyed. She will then, as if having a mood change wrap her arms around the closest one there (which would be Failiol).

"That is for being alright in the end." You think, but you aren't sure, that Cas looks like she is about to cry. Depending on how sharp your eye is, you might also notice that there is some slight blood on her wrists from pin-prick scratches from her own claws.

At first sight of the Vixen and Barabarian, Riccoco hurries forward making calming motions with his leathery padded paws. He starts to say something in his brogue when Cas smacks him upside the muzzle.

In a hurt tone, the 'coon retorts "It be a long time since last a woman type be slappin' Ol' Riccoco about." He reaches up to rub his 'injured' muzzle with a sidelong glance at Cas.

After the hug, Ricco tries to hurry the group, his words a quick whisper. "They can't be seein' us here bein' friendly now, we be needin' to get back to the Shacks!"

Cas nods and begins motioning people to move. She will hold the rear position of the four of them. As they move she will say in a quiet voice, "We can sort this mess out later I suppose."

Hanging back to help Cas cover the rear, while our erstwhile 'merchants' take the lead.

OOC: What's with the quoted 'merchants'? Sheesh! What's a 'coon gotta do to get some respect around here? He got a raw deal with the soldier nomenclature in the Spirit Chess Set!

OOC: My, a little 'thin-furred' today, aren't we?

Face stinging from the unexpected slap and further confused by the hug, I just follow them all out. Yet another chapter in a long, weird day in Adala.

I mumble to myself, "Except for the hound, I behaved myself."

Ricco nods to the confused Fox-kit, "You be doin' a fine job, Faliol. We not be dead yet." Tossing an unmollified glare at Cas as she bustles the group forward, Riccoco takes the lead.

As soon as they're far enough to be well out of hearing range, Ricco mutters, "This just be the beginnin'. We be needin' to grab up a parcel at the Shacks and be headin' back to Hole Market. If things be well, we be havin' a bit o' return cargo to Tallon!"

Cas snarls at Faliol's comment, "It would be that incident with the hound that nearly got the four of us killed. You would be surprised just how close we all were from doom. I'd have prefered the reavers."

I look at the reaction on Celeste's face.

"Now wait a second! I admit that I almost got Bandit, err, Ricco and myself killed when that hound tried to sniff me, but you two weren't even there! Besides, I let him sniff my scarf when all was said and done. Ban...Ricco even bought the guard a drink to make peace!"

"Cas, it was a DOG! You're vulpine, just like me! You must have felt the terror in your bones when they get near? The urge to run for Tallon was almost overpowering. And I don't like to run!"

Cas explains, "We are well aware of your issue with the dog. We heard you from the other side of the vineyard and rushed to see if you were alright. All we found was a hound and your scarf. The hound also is a very terrible liar."

My eyes get big when I hear the whole story.

"Oh....I am sorry. I didn't realize that you two were that close to us. I will try to control myself better. By the way, what did the pooch lie about?"

Ricco nods as well, his attention on the Vixen. "Ol' Riccoco be wantin' to know what the lie be as well. We not be out o' the cookfire, yet. There be a long road ahead. This 'coon, for one, would be wantin' to be knowin' all he can about lies an' the like o' the Hound."

Cas repeats the story in abridged form... gasp... horror..., "We heard a cry that was distincively like Faliol. Celeste and I rushed in and found the entrance. There was a bandana on the ground and the hound at the pile. There was also indication of something going on in the woods nearby. I told the guard that I heard the distinct cry from my, well, lets just say I identified Faliol. He denied such a thing and advised us that should he be there, our presense would only endanger him so we left."

Riccoco nods at Cas' words, a look of unconcealed admiration on his face. "It be seemin' the Rat be a bit more o' help than Ol' Riccoco be thinkin'. he be havin' the right o' it. You two be causin' more trouble than good." The 'coon scratches thoughtfully at the bustled hair along his jawline before twisting at his whiskers.

"There be no helpin' it. Had we be havin' a bit o' a tussle you would o' been on hand. Once we be down in the Hole, though. We be on our own, Faliol."

A strangled choke escapes my muzzle.

"Sorry, some dust got in my lungs."

[EDITED on Sun August 10, 2003 @8:44 AM (CDT)]

Riccoco flashes out a leathery-paddes paw and claps Faliol smartly on the back. "That be better for you, Faliol? We cannot be havin' you be makin' a scene at the Hole! A'right?"

OOC: Sorry, couldn't help myself. I had googly eyes and Keith hasn't gotten us there and back, yet. I just had to post something.

I told the guard that I heard the distinct cry from my,(((Celeste catches Faliol's eye and mouths the word 'lover'))) well, lets just say I identified Faliol.

My eyes nearly pop out of their sockets as understanding dawns.

.oO(Cassandra, the Vulpine Queen of mixed signals.)

OOC: We are moving out of the vineyards and towards the location of our gear, right? I believe I've been referring to that as the Shacks. Is that wrong?

Where's Celeste in all of this? Standing nearby with chest heaving and naked steel. (Whoah, was that evocative word choice, or what?

OOC: You are correct, sir! Faliol and Kent are at the shacks with all the unsold cargo.

OOC: Jareek and Kent, you mean? I'm pretty sure that is what you mean...

Jareek!
Sorry, I must have been hopped up on goofballs...

Please see Campaign Messages...

Running with the scurrying beasts, the moonlight glints off the steely surface of Celeste's stunt.....uh, oh, sorry Susan....

.oO(Hound?? I thought it was a 'rat-faced' man.)

Celeste gently shakes her head "no".

Raising one eyebrow in a Spock-like fashion,Celeste observes the crumbling of Cas' tough-chick facade.

Sorry about the delay; you seemed to be talking amongst each other and I wasn't sure who was taking what action.

The intrepid Beasts and Barbarian return to the shacks. There they find Jareek asleep inside, and Kent sleeping on top of the cart. He sleepily greets you and gives Riccoco his bag.
"I'm pretty sure I could gt you a good price," he yawns. But he relinquishes it without asking a lot of nosy questions.

It is now quite late when you return to the area of the hole. What is the plan?

OOC: You're probably right to delay. I'm just increasingly impatient. My apologies for undeserved criticism, Keith. I need to steel my exuberance and allow my fellow players to post at their own speed. I'll do my best. Sorry.

On the return path from Shack towards the Hole Riccocco is mid-scheme as he's wont to be...

"It be seemin' Faliol an' Ol' Riccoco be needin' to head back into the Hole alone. This 'coon be workin' on a return cargo to Tallon for the lot o' us." He hefts his worn bag to emphasize its importance. "This be the bit to be sealin' the dealin'."

He walks a few more paces waiting for the others to respond if they will. "Now, Cas an' Celeste be havin' themselves be known a'ready. That be meanin' they got to be takin' it on the downside an' wait for our call iffin' we be needin' their help."

OOC All is well, Jason.

I wave a paw at Ricco, "He is correct. They kept telling us about four rules. I think it was just four...?" Looking at Ricco for confirmation.

Doing his best to imitate Ratface with his vulpine voice, "'If you tell anyone about the market, you die' is one of those rules Ratface kept telling us. It is entirely possible that if you two ladies show up there again, they will kill us for telling you. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, since I realize you are just trying to protect us. They let us leave once already. After Ricco gives the bear the dreamleaf as a gift and sets up a deal, we should be okay to journey back and forth."

Riccoco nods emphatically at Faliol's words. "You be havin' the right o' it, Faliol. Rules about jumpin', tellin' an' drawin'. There be a right lot o' rules." Ricco adds a knowing grin, his eyes dropping to the dusty road. "You be needin' rules ta be breakin' the rules. You be seein'?"

As if this reminds him of something, the greying 'coon, takes a careful look behind him.

.oO(You be followed to the Hole you be fish food..)

Per 15-
3d6: 9 Wed August 13, 2003 @8:30 AM (CDT)

Ricco doesn't want to be followed at this point. That would be a Bad Thing (TM)

Occasionally, you see other suspicious characters in the vicinity. After all, other people go to the market as well. They don't all live down there.
Nevertheless, giving these folks a careful avoidance in a dance of "I don't see you; you don't see me", you arrive in the vicinity of the Hole.

Who is going to be where and doing what?

OOC I will be guarding my charge, Bandit. Hand on hilt (not drawn!) looking like the paranoid guard... In front.

Ricco will be headed towards the new guard and the Tunnel into the Hole. Presumably accompanied by Faliol.

Oh, sometime in all of this, Ricco checked to make sure the Dreamleaf was still in the bag and there isn't going to be some horrible surprise later.

OOC: I'm not sure, but I'm guessing Keith knew where and what we were intending. He just wanted to be precise about Cas and Celeste (the crazy women).

That is correct. Since I haven't heard from them, I will go forward assuming they are outside nearby, but if either of them report otherwise, I'll modify.

It sounds as if the two 'boys' don't want Cas and Celeste along this time, so Celeste will stay at the shacks and wait for the 'merchants' to return....

'Merchants' are we? You'll see Celeste, peste, schmest!

We be the best o' the Merchants 'bout these parts!

OOC: Pray pardon, did I say 'merchants'? I meant "Merchants".

And on that fateful day, a certain hounddog will discover that he is curiously unemployed! Unless he proves useful, then he will simply get a pay cut and weekly jowel slapping...

Ricco and Faliol once again approach the hole. This time, the entry goes smoother. The new guard is a ferret with an eyepatch over his left eye. He is not nearly so garrulous nor as confident as the previous guard.
"I done seen y'all down there's before-like. Yez know the rules. In wi' ye." He gives you wide berth as you enter the hole.
Little has changed from before, save that the atmosphere is less intense with activity and there are slightly fewer people. Sangiyok the bear is still there, only now instead of a pair of weasels, he has a human female draped over his right arm. She is feeding him and acting in an extremely friendly fashion. No one seems to object to this behavior.
The bunny waitress greets you shortly after you enter. "I assume you still want to talk to Sangiyok. He's done a bit o' biz already, and he's feelin' mellow right now. I think if you talk him up right, you might find him agreeable. I wouldn't wait too long, though." She casts a meaningful glance at the girl at his side and gives you a roll of the eyes.

Ricco watches as the patched ferret gives us a wide berth. His muzzle twitches quizzicaly and he ponders the reasons behind this 'berth'.

As the two return to the "Hole" Ricco's knowing grin finds itself once more on his furred features. He can't help but rub the leathery palms of his paws together in anticipation. He murmurs to his friend, "The weak be clearin' out, Red. That leaves the best o' the orders o' business to the last."

Then, he spots the girl draped over the great Bear. "By the Toad's Hairy Goat!", he exclaims. Realizing he might of drawn unwanted attention, the 'coon leans close to Faliol and whispers incredulously "She be a down-right Pinky!"

Shaking his head hastily at the enormity of this discovery, Riccoco begins distractadely tugging and pulling at his whiskers. He murmurs to Faliol, or perhaps himself, "What be the edge o' this, then? A Hooman!!"

I begin to furiously pat Ricco on the back to cover his faux pas....Whack! Whack! Whack!

To any nearby, "It's ok! Just a little choking spell...Breathe in...now breathe out....Mr. Bandit, you all done choking? Some bug fly down your windpipe?"

I lean in close to my friend and whisper, "Watch it, Bandit. People normally don't feel too keen on doing business with someone that harshly judges their lifestyle. 'Tis the size of his wallet, not his bedroom habits that interest us..."

Riccoco nods, attempting to halt his ignominious spluttering. He nearly topples over from Faliol's emphatic bakc-slaps. If not for his paunchy thighs, it might have been a debacle.

Finally, after the show is over, "You be havin' the right o' it, Red. Ol' Bandit will be gettin' us another set o' drinks an' we'll be headin' over to talk with the Bear." Riccoco drains his berry ale and calls for the voluptuous bunny waitress...

The waitress comes over and vends a couple of drinks. Berry ales for you two (since Faliol professes to like it so much), and a strong mead for the bear. She assures you it is his drink of choice.
There is no better time than the present, for Sangiyok appears very contented.

With a swift hit of liquid courage, Ricco heads over towards the Beastly Bear and his hooman concubine. The plucky 'coon speaks as he approaches, "Ah... Master Sangiyok." Riccoco nods and sets the 'drink of choice' on the table. "This 'coon be Bandit o' Adala. He be hopin' to have a deal for you."

.oO(There be no sense to introduce Faliol. This 'coon sure don't need to meet the Pinky.)

My heart begins to race as the main event starts...

.oO(By the Stones, I hope the bear is receptive to Bandit's idea...)

I stand a pace off Ricco's left side and let my eyes scan the crowd.

Anyone showing undue interest in Ricco's approach?

Per roll

3d6: 9 Tue August 19, 2003 @7:36 PM (CDT)

The bear looks at Riccoco and then at the drink. Though he appears slow and lazy, his eyes are quick and they also size up Faliol. With a deep sigh, he pushes the female of of him. She pouts a moment, but resolves to sitting quietly nearby.
Sangiyok speaks, and in a voice startlingly low and rumbly, as if echoing up from some deep mountain cavern.
"Bandit, eh? I don't generally trust thieves. At least dishonest ones, eh?" He takes a drink of the mead, and as he reaches for it, you are sure the laziness is an act. Muscles move and slide under the fur hinting of suppressed power. He could snap you like twigs.
"Why should I listen to you when I have better things I could be doing? What's your deal?"

OOC: Dang... Did I say Bandit o' Adala? Crud. I meant Bandit o' Tallon. Drat!

Ricco steps the barest fraction backwards, "A dishonest thief, Bandit canno' be!" He makes quick motions towards his black-masked features. "It be a name o' the look, Master Sangiyok!"

Recovering quickly, Riccoco waves off the momentary conversation as unimportant with a leathery padded paw. He leans forward, catching the massive Beast with an excited gaze, "The deal o' Bandit be one to make the two o' us Rich Beasts!" Pausing to let that sink in a moment, Riccoco lowes his voice, turning it to an earnest, husky whisper, "This 'coon be knowin' a way past the Guild Sniffers o' Tallon!"

Sangiyok considers this briefly. "Anyone can bribe a sniffer." His massive paw encircles the mug and he drains it with a quaff.
"Unless you mean something else..."

Ricco's knowing grin slowly creeps onto his face. "Bribery be the way o' the young, Master Sangiyok. Ol' Bandit wantin' to be workin' bigger deals than a simple bribin' could be doin'. You be havin' the right o' it when you be sayin' 'Somethin' else'."

Riccoco lowers his mug to the table top. "For a fair price, Ol' Bandit be slippin' what you be needin' into Tallon. Within' a few days, may hayhap a week, Ol' Bandit be headin' back to Tallon with the caravan he be comin' in with. We could be haulin' wagons o' Sangiyok Brew back with us..." He trails off, allowing the Bear to ponder the dividends of such a possibility.

"Hrmmm..." He rumbles. "Sounds interesting. I've got stuff I've saturated the market here with. Tallon guilds won't allow it in the walls. You have any... reservations about dealing in Hair o'the Cat? Nipgin?"
He eyes you carefully.
post answer. I'm continuing his side of the conversation for speed.
"How you planning-- Later! this is business talk." He (gently) slaps the woman's hands away. " Here, go buy yourself something sweet. And bring me another mead. And two more berry ales.
"Hrrmmm... How you planning on getting this stuff into the city? You got an angle?"
post answer.
"I've never laid eyes on you, and I've never done business with a raccoon." The girl returns with drinks. "Thanks, lass."
"How do I know I can trust you not to run off with my stock? I assume you're charging a fee for services, not buying the stuff for trade, or you wouldn't be telling me all this."

You have any... reservations about dealing in Hair o'the Cat? Nipgin?" He eyes you carefully.

"Nipgin, Master Sangiyok? You be meanin' that white lightnin' o' the Catfolk? Ol' Bandit not be havin' a prolem with the like o' it!" Ricco glances over at Faliol for his reaction if any at the mention of the alchohol.

"Hrrmmm... How you planning on getting this stuff into the city? You got an angle?"

The 'coon quaffs back his Berry Ale with a satisfied glimmer in his eye. Things were going well and another Berry Ale was on its way! "Ol' Bandit be havin' an angle a'right!." Ricco chortles, his head bobbing. He sobers quickly, though, "It be my own, Master Sangiyok. That be the way it must stay."

I assume you're charging a fee for services, not buying the stuff for trade, or you wouldn't be telling me all this."

Ricco accepts his ale with a greatful smile, his features growing a serious edge. "A right fine question, that be. My normal stompin' grounds be Tallon way. All o' the Merchant Folk most be startin' somewhere, Master Sangiyok. You be knowin' that better 'en any Beast. Ol' Bandit was told Master Sangiyok be the clever Beast o' the Hole. For that reason alone, Ol' Bandit be bringin' this gift for you. An offerin' to seal the deal an' hope to gain a bit o' your hard-earned trust." Ricco slips the bag from his shoulder and offers the Dreamleaf over. "This be a fine harvest... From Sabre River!"

As the Bear looks over the gift, Riccoco adds a bit to his rhetoric. "This 'coon be takin' all the risk. As you be sayin' the Nipgin be headin' on little worth in Adala. You be out what? A few casks an' barrels... worth little asides? Think o' the profit chances comin' back! You be offerin' little to loss but much to gain!"

I'm not going to bother with any rolls. I've trusted you thus far to make them if necessary. I also like to think Ricco's a better Trader than I am! I'm not sure if he should be working towards buying the Nipgin himself or just offering services... He'd need a fairly large bit of cahs to purchase the Nipgin outright, I imagine...

Can't find it on the site, though it is probably there somewhere. I take it that it is considered amoral?

It's more of a city product. Although Faliol may have heard the name, it's not likely he has ever encountered any. He's a fox and it's a cat thing.

I don't react when they discuss Nipgin. Doesn't mean anything to me...

I am amazed at Ricco's skillful handling of the bear, but I keep a neutral expression on my face.

.oO(Ricco is much better at this than I guessed. This beats the heck out of rubbing elbows at One Eyed Lars' watching Beka do the human mating dance with that goofy guardsman...)

Faliol, you're not sure you can believe this, but yes. That human woman is staring at your tail. Her eyes definitely flick when you move it.

.oO(Demon Kings! Being this handsome can be hazardous to a kit's health.)

I move to the other side of Ricco, to put the raccoon between the pi...human female and myself. Maybe this way the bear will think she is just interested in the conversation.

.oO(My tail is so sublime other species want me!)

OOC: We waiting on me?

I've been sicky-poo

OOC: I 'had the sickness' last week. It sucks. mine was heat stroke.

"Hrmmm... I like your brass little 'coon. Still, as little as the stuff sells for here in town..."
He considers deeply, draining his second container of mead. Finally he chuckles silently to himself.
"I'll do it. Or rather, we'll do it my way this first time. If I like the results, maybe you can be my agent in Tallon, or even run the stuff yourself. More profit for you that way.
"But this first time, we need to establish trust. To that end, I'm going to let you prove you can get the stuff in... for say 10% of the profits. I'll send an agent of my own to handle the stock and make sure everything goes smoothly.
"What do you say?"

Ricco made his trading roll exactly, so I'm going to let you in that the price is probably negotiable...

Ricco puffs out his chest a bit before quickly tiring. His caught up breath comes out in a gust. Sheepishly, he takes up his tankard, mulling Sangiyok's offer.

.oO(Now... Not only Ol' Riccoco be needin' to coerce Miss Beka, he be havin' some Vermin to be taggin' along back to Tallon. Mayhap, the wastrel be help agin' them Dobies... Best not be thinkin' 'bout the return trip yet...)

"Nothin' agin' your help, Master Sangiyok, but addin' a bit o' babysittin' to the tally be worth more 'n 10%! There be so little risk to you... Ol' Bandit be havin' a lot o' doin' to be headin' up the Caravan Tallon way..."

The plucky 'coon seems to ponder over the numbers once more. Finally, he counter-offers, "Ol' Bandit be thinkin' 40% o' the profits be his own."

"Forty! This must be some Saber River humor. Its nuances escape me. The person I send with you will require no 'babysitting'. Besides it will be my stock, my barrels, my cart. You risk only your life, and that means nothing to me. You have come to my table. I offer you twelve."

"The life of Ol' Bandit be worth a fair dollar to this 'coon! The Lizard Road not be for the weak o' heart." Riccoco frowns momentarily, perhaps gathering his thoughts, or letting a bit of time pass for effect.

"Master Sangiyok, we both be knowin' the dangers of a trip from Adala to Tallon. We both be knowin' it be takin' stout swords." Ricco nods his head towards his Foxy companion. "Stout swords don't be comin' cheap. This 'coon be payin' for the like o' the swords out o' his own shallow pocket! This be the way o' things. This also be why he be needin' 30% o' the take when we be gettin' the nipgin to Tallon. There be no doubt o' your Beastly smarts! You be knowin' the price o' the business..." Ricco trails off, taking a moment to savor his berry ale.

.oO(I am getting paid for helping out Ricco?)

Continues to survey the room. If anyone walks straight at Ricco, I non-challantly get in front of the chunky 'coon. No grabbing at hilts, just getting between my "employer" and possible threats.

"Hrrmmmm, of course your own life is worth something to you. I merely mentioned that it was not my concern.
"Paying for swords to guard, eh? Does this mean you're willing to guarantee the shipment? If so, I'll go your 30% Otherwise I can't see risking more than 15%. It's not like I don't have a market here. I don't exactly have barrels of the stuff going to waste."

.oO(Insurance, eh? Why not, the nipgin must go on. The only way it be stoppin' be the loss o' Ol' Riccoco, all ways!)

"Insurance you be havin', Master Sangiyok. That be the way o' it with Ol' Bandit allways!" Motioning for the leggy Hare, Riccoco orders another round for sealing the deal!

"Hrmm. Very well. Then the cargo of Nipgin shall stand against your life in exchange for 30% of the profits. All assuming you can deliver on your promise of getting past the guild sniffers.
"Let us drink and press flesh to seal the deal." The bear's huge paw completely envelopes Ricco's and flagons are quaffed.
The girl at Sangiyok's side, when the great bear is not looking, gives a sly wink to Faliol and definitely gives him the eye.

"Now then," Sangiyok continues, "When do you wish to take delivery? I will need at least a day to put together my end. We will need to make the exchange outside of the picket, since the nip is taxed upon here as well, though not technically illegal."

The girls speaks up. "Great one, perhaps they should tell you where they are staying while in Adala. So you can contact them."

The bear looks at her as if suddenly remmebering she is there. "Hrmm... valid, valid. How will I contact you? I myself can be contacted at the Kadak Brewery, where I do my... aboveground business."

Ricco happily presses palms with the massive Bear.

.oO(If things be goin' the wrong' way, the life of Ol' Riccoco ain' be worth a bit o' hair on Faliol's tail, no ways!)

Oblivious of the Pinky's interest in Faliol's appendage, Ricco is still loathe to share that information. Anyone here could hear the answer and that may the end of our plucky 'coon and his irrascable team.

Smacking his lips to gain a bit of time, Badit answers. "This 'coon will be gettin' message to the Master Sangiyok come nightfall tomorrow. It be a bit afore he be knowin' the timin'."

"Hrmmm..." It is obvious that Sangiyok has noticed your evasion of the question. His mood darkens slightly, but he apparently does not wish to press the point.
"Until then, Bandit."
He stands. "Come, lass." The girl gives a brief pout and follows the great bear out.
The Hole is considerably emptier now, wih only a dozen or so humans and beasts, besides the staff. The dreaded Black Basil apparently never showed.

If you planned on following Sangiyok for any reason, you quickly discover that the doormen of the Hole keep about five-ten minutes between exits and entrances "for security purposes".

Ricco keeps a stoic face as Sangiyok and his Pinky concubine leave the Hole. He even waits a few minutes after Sangiyok is long gone. He calls over the Hare with the hair-raising attributes. "This 'coon be wantin' to thank you for your help." He offers her another half-dollar.

Finally, he motions for Faliol to follow and heads for the exit. He can't completely hide the happy, knowing grin. They did it!

I certainly have no intention of following the big Bear out. He already mentioned where he could be found. I kept our whereabouts a secret because... I'm paranoid, I guess.

OOC: It's not the size of his wallet... But the way he spends it.

OOC: The current thread was getting a hare tight. Whoah, was that a Freudian slip?

Finally away from the rigamaroll needed to leave the subteranean confines of the Hole and even the Ketzer Vineyards far behind them, Riccoco lets out a whoop!

"We be doin' it, Faliol! This be the start of fat purses for the lot o' us. Ol' Riccoco be sure o' it. You be doin' a great job in the Hole!" The plucky 'coon wobbles a bit. It seems he had enough Berry Ale to satiate his Raccoonish Constitution... And then some!

"We best be headin' back to the Shacks. Ol' Riccoco be more an' a little worried about those two females. They be more then a bit o' trouble. Unlike the two o' us... They can't be gettin' out o' it." Ricco shakes his head emphatically. "You be rememberin' the last o' the times, we be lettin' Cass out on her own, right? Back at the Lizard?"

I slap Ricco on the back and whisper happily, "You did it! You out manuevered the bear! Do you know how hard it was to keep my mouth shut and not howl a victory shout?"

I steer Ricco in the opposite direction of the shacks. Louder, "Mr. Bandit, our accomodations are this way, sir."

I wish to remember a good spot to interrupt our scent trail, perhaps a nearby stream? While I am at it, I look for someone shadowing us.

Rolls, if you need them.
3d6: 13 Thu August 28, 2003 @10:43 AM (CDT)

3d6: 9 Thu August 28, 2003 @10:43 AM (CDT)

Based on the rolls, my intent is to lead Ricco AWAY from our shacks to a heavily travelled area or someplace we can interrupt our trail both from tracking and sniffing hounds.

Once sure we are not being followed visually and we have done what we can to mask our scent, I lead Ricco back to the shacks, checking all the way for shadowers.

Ricco nods happily agreeing with Faliol. It is a few dozen paces before he realizes they are headed in the wrong direction. Fortunately, his adled brain is slow enough not to hinder the Fox Kit's excellent plan. By the time, the 'coon realizes what Faliol is up to, his exuberance has wilted some, but not too much.

"Uhh... Right you be, Red. It seems the Berry Ale be shiftin' the road a mite. But, that be why a 'coon be payin' a Fox the likes of you!"

.oO(He did all that negotiating while he was drunk?!? Demon Kings, if I had drunk that much vile berry ale, I would wake up under some table, with my head in some puke and my purse long gone.)

"Steady there, Mr. Bandit. Seems those berry ales are catching up to you..."

Either you are not followed, or Faliol's guidance manages to complete lose any tails (no pun).
After some traipsing around in the dark in the wee hours, you arrive (fairly tired), back at the shacks. The only person in the shacks is Jareek, who is snoring comfortably. A quick check around reveals Kent, also asleep, but lying atop the wagon. All of the merchandise has been transferred to the larger vehicle and Kent appears to be watchdogging it by sleeping on it.

I try not to wake up Jareek or Kent as we enter. Turning towards Ricco, I hold finger to muzzle to indicate the need for silence.

Stealth roll
3d6: 8 Mon September 1, 2003 @7:30 AM (CDT)

I sink gratefully to the ground and probably drop right off to sleep.

.oO(Demon Kings! I am TIRED!)

With a soporific stumble, Riccico makes his way under the wagon. Either unable to find his pack and blanket or uncaring, the pucky 'coon quickly finds his way into the restful slumber of the nigh-dead, or at least primly intoxicated.

OOC: 9 days without a Ricco post? Egads... It's horrible.

Lucky for you guys I get to ply Gilliam d'Franjaque. He's not quite the joy to play that Ricco is, mind you. He is pretty fun, though.

9 days?