The City of Adala

Hold still folks and wait for Handle to post.

You run through the city, hand some story to the gate guard and fly through the greens until you get to the Shacks. Kent is asleep on the wagons while the others (including Jareek) are asleep in the shacks.

Respond to the main thread above.

Has someone checked Handle's pulse lately?

I'll goose him. Figuratively, of course.

...and loose the geese of war!

... I'm not holding my breath!

Somebody check the gaol! The skulldugerous letcher was probably caught stealing candy from a pinky baby.

I make my way through the outskirts of town as quickly as posible.but avoid others as best I am able, moving through shadows and hiding from passing groups I notice.

.oO(I better let Kent know I am here so he doesn't wake and cause a stir)

"Kent, are the others here? Its me, Handle."
I don't wait for an answer jsut till I see him stir, then go intothe shacks, wrapping loudly on the door as I enter, " I'm getting the others. We'll come out and talk."

"Anyone here?"

Peering into the darkened shack I see some movement and call out, "Get Up Faliol, Riccoco, Vagrant, Wrath, if you are here, Grab your stuff and be ready for anything, we have to go somewhere.

what are the shacks like? Are their others around that can hear things I say? Do I need to take them out to wagon, off to the side somewhere before saying anymore? If not then I will tell them more. Otherwise I'll wait till they get up and respond and we move to a place where we can talk

Once I am sure others aren't listening, " Beka and Celeste are meeting with a merchant in the city, near the wharf. Jonnit arranged the meeting. You remember the guard that we met at the gate, semed overly interested in us, especially Beka. Anyway, we met some other guards that told us Jonnit was int he pocket of a merchant named Throne who may have other motives than buying silk, Hopefully Cas is keeping an eye on things. I left with a plan that she would follow Beka and Celeste and let us know what had happened so far when we return.

We need to get back and make sure everything is alright and then maybe do some sneakin' about. Where is everyone, Vagrant, Wrath? If they arne't here they may be in trouble. This throne guy seems to have a bunch of Hill Clan barbarians in his pay as guards."

OOC: For some unknown reason, the post I made three days ago never took. I had been looking here for the last three days for your responses but only saw that you had been talking to others only. Keith called and told me you were waiting for me so I came and reposted, hopefully it has made it to the board this time.

A slight groan emits from a curled ball of fluff in the middle of the room, "Chuckichiis?" A moment later Riccoco begins to uncoil from the fetal position with another groan. His voice is hoarse and he seems a bit discombobulated. "Handle? By the Goat, man. You be needin' to be slowin' down a bit." The smell of soured berry mash is noticable on his breath.

Eventually, Riccoco listens to all Handle has to say, head and muzzle buried in his leathery-padded paws. "Ol' Riccoco has not been seein' Rath or Vagrant. He be havin' a Rath-sized head-ache, though."

He drags himself to his feet and gathers his trident. "Iffin' Miss Beka be needin' us, we best be movin' on..."

"I don't know if we have a fight on our hands or a mission of stealth, so be ready for anything. Also if things go badly we may need to make a quick getawy by boat. So don't leave anything you care about behind. We should arrange for Kent and the wagons to be ready to leave. Is there a good place we can maybe meet them out of the city?"

I help them get up and get their things together.

"Jonnit showed some interest in Vagrant and his pockets of oddities. He may be in trouble as well. I never liked that Jonnit, not that I trust the guards that told us about Throne, either, But youhave to make choises in life. Beka and Celeste should have met with Jioniit by now and been taken to Trones estate,"

Noticing more interest bythose listening, "Aye, seems this throne is a big shot here, trades through territories others can't survive, has some deal with the barbarians, it is rumored. He has an estate that Cas should be able to lead us to once we get back to our meeting place near the wharf."

I begin grabbing up Betsy, tugging on boots, rolling up my blanket.

After a big yawn, I venture, "Hmmm. I think it would be very dangerous for Jareek and Kent to take this wagon and that cart beyond the Picket Wall during the day, much less at night. Awful tempting for someone to take advantage of the situation."

Buckling on my sword last, I add, "Do you think these shacks are known to Jonnit or this Throne guy? I am confused. I thought Miss Beka was seeking this Jonnit as a potential mate. Did something go wrong during their courtship?"

Riccoco scruffs up the fur on top of his head. "It best be a sneakin' in the night proposition." Without any added information the 'coon stumbles over to the wagon. He pulls out a battered bag. Wrenching it open he pulls out two equally battered items; an oilskin cloak and his wineskin.

Taking the later item he downs a healthy amount of berry ale and smacks his lips. Wiping any excwss froth from his muzzle with his fore arm he grins wearily and pulls on the cloak. "Red an' Bandit be havin' business to conduct on the morrow. No guards need to be seein' Ol' Riccoco or the fox-kit makin' a ruckus."

"The plan is it is to be a sneakin' but with Celeste and Beka who knows what may happen and if they are holding Rath or vagrant then it might become a jail break."
Looking at Kent and the wagons, "I guess you are right, I've never done much traveling before at least not outside Talon, I always found it easier to get around unnoticed at night. but this is a differnt place and a differnt thing. I guess maybe we should jsut move to another place and then when posible send word. I dont know where the night may take us. And as to Jonnit, I think he knows we were stayin' here. if we didn't tell him ourselves when he was askin' us questions before when we thought him only a gate captian, then he saw us coming and going enough, that if he had an interest he would have had us follwed to find out where we were stayin'. As to his interest in mating with Beka, I'm sure he wouldn't mind doing that..."
.oO(What red blooded man wouldn't?)
"But I think he mya have had alterior motives the whole while. working for the Merchant Throne looking for more ways to get favors and likley other potential mates and money, form him."

[EDITED on Thu September 18, 2003 @12:28 AM (PDT)]

.oO(Maybe moving is a good idea. Especially when one considers Bandit...err, Ricco's earlier activities...)

I nod at Handle and nudge Jareek awake, "Pops! Wake up already! Time to leave the shacks and set up elsewhere..."

"Mr. Kent, with Ms. Beka gone, you are in charge of the caravan. I suggest we take Handle's advice and move to a safer location. Sir, do we have your permission to do this?"

Keith,
I have been looking at the map. There is a Ketzer Vineyard listed on the map. Would the end of that road, by the water offer a good place to hide? If not, would Faliol have noticed an appropriate spot during their travels? I want a secluded area away from the shacks but inside the Picket Wall...

Perception roll 12-
3d6: 13 Thu September 18, 2003 @6:16 AM (CDT)

You would have to actually go there to find out. Your character has no map and this is a strange city. You have not yet been to the shore, so have no idea of what might be good.
Handle has mentioned a getaway by boat. You might need more info before choosing a hiding spot.

Riccoco, his speech done, stands off to the side, his trident butted into the ground and holding up the poor Raccoon. "Ol' Riccoco be ready for what be comin'. Let's be on with the merry makin' then."

The normally cautious (and sometimes cowardly) 'coon seems' to have thrown his normal proclivities to the wind. Or, perhaps, he just isn't in any shape to be thinking about the situation.

Scratching my head in thought, "You say we may need to leave by boat? Hmmm, I am going to check further down this road that leads past the shacks for a spot to hide. It is closer to the water and further from this highly travelled area near the hanging tree. I will be back soon. It will take a little time to hitch the cart and wagon anyway..."

Unless stopped by someone with a comment/question/order, I sprint out and head towards the vineyards further down the city wall...

Riccoco glances over at at Faliol as he heads for the door. "Oh no you don't! We be havin' a deal on the morn' an' this 'coon be needin' you!" He huffs a deep breath, groans slightly and turndles over towards the fox-kit, paunchy 'coon legs pumping along.

Smiling at the plastered raccoon, "Ricco, I aim to move very fast...." I look into my friends eager face, not wanting to hurt his feelings.

"Ok, you can come along if you promise not to barf on my tail when you get sick from the running. If you see three of anything in your path, avoid the one in the middle..."

Ricco's knowing grin turns into a full-fleged scowl. "Jes' be bein' on your way, Fox-kit. Ol' Riccoco be right as rain an' quicker to boot. Only the Toad's Goat knows what sort o' the trouble Faliol, the Fox-kit might fin' on his own!"

He clamps his muzzle shut and motions for Faliol to move along. "An' don' be forgettin' your hooded cloak!"

"Good idea, Ricco!" I put on the cloak and raise the hood.

I exit the shacks and point down the road, away from the crossroads.

"I want to check there first."

I move off at any easy trot, with frequent glances to see if the wobbly 'coon is keeping up...

As you begin to trot down the road, you realize that this trip will probably add at least an hour (probably more if you have to scout for a place you can easily load a boat) to your return time to Beka, Celeste and Cas.

Just wanted to make sure this was indeed the plan. I need to make sure so I can keep the others on a common time frame.

Follow Handle, and avoid Ricco's imminiently violent projectile puking.

.oO(Wouldn't want to be his stomach or his liver)

I am sure you pop and merchant Kent are both able bocied wnough to take care of the wagons, have them first go head that directionand then leave a note here...

I walk over to a medium sized rock near one of the shackx garbage areas and pick it up,

"have them leave it here. we'll be back if we can as soon as posible but they arne't in danger others may be. we need to get going back to the wharf. you are ready so I ain't witn' any longer."

I start to move off knowing they are both likley faster than me and will be able to catch up.

I stop and listen to Handle. Once he exits, I turn to Kent and Pops.

"Handle knows the situation we face. Mr. Kent, I suggest that we do as he says. You two be careful and we will join you when we are able."

Turning to the striped God of Haggling...

"C'mon, Ricco! Pump those chunky thighs! Our friends are in trouble!"

A red blur zooms out of the shacks, hot on Handle's trail...

.oO(Mayhap, it be time to be takin' the oxen by the lead an' runnin' me own life. These two be changin' their minds like a pair o' cluckin' hens!)

After a brief respite, Riccoco shakes his head and pounds after Faliol. His trident securely slung across his back, the 'coon ties the hood of his cloak securely over his head.

OOC: And the flight across Adala is on! Isn't there a problem with Beasts getting into the city?

There is no problem wih beasts in the city. Only the inner city (the island) has that restriction. However, there may be other problems...

As the gallant trio pounds to the gate (Jareek had to help Kent) they see that it is closed. This is not a problem, the gate has been closed since sundown. All passage has been with permission of the guards and use of a sally port in the main gate. However, there is a small complication this time.
The fat watchman behind the little viewing grill looks out with piggy little eyes.
"Again!? You lot have been in and out more than the flies! What is your business that cannot wait until morning? And make it worth my time to listen or be off with you till sunrise."

Riccoco takes the pause in their flight well, resting up again the stone wall near the sally gate. At the guard's words his ire rises a bit and he shakes his coin purse loudly.

Depending on the guard's reaction and Handle's words, the old 'coon speaks up. "The story be rich indeed."

The guards eyes widen at the sight of the purse. "Go ahead, you have my attention Mister Raccoon." His attitude has abruptly adjusted, though you can tell it would flip right back if things don't go his way.

.oO(I hope this doesn't cost you too much, Ricco...)

I stay silent, not wanting to mess up this delicate negotiation.

I also stand by, and am ready to attempt to be persuasive,

I try my best to look haggered and over worked not suspicious or anxious.

if given an opening where it fits I'll use such lines as

"Our Mistress, the merchant Beka of Talon, is running us like racing hounds, I am sure she will make your cooperation worth while... "
Otherswise I let the coon work his magic.
Conversation 12-, Persuation 12-, Trading 12-, Acting 8-,

Pity...
After some negotiation, politely couched euphimisms and outright haggling, the guard agrees to let you in for the mere pittance of three pieces of silver each. You may divvy up the costs however you choose.
Running through the city leaves you breathless and sweaty, but you Handle leads you directly to where Beka, Celeste and Cas are waiting.

Forgive the heavy-handed resolution. I'm trying to move things along.

Handle, Faliol...

How did we resolve the silver? Do both of you have three sp or did Ricco need to pay for some?

He'd be loathe to do so, BTW, but would if he had to.

OOC I will deduct the 3 silver from Faliol's bank.