Home - Spirits - World - Tallon - Culture - Devotions - Who's Who
Bestiary - Glossary - Campaign Guidelines - Appendix - The Bank

The caravan and the squad of soldiers awaken refreshed in the morning. Nothing has dared to attack such a large, well-armed and well-protected party. Even the pack animals seem better rested than they have since Adala. The remaining march is done in relative ease as well. The mood has lightened somewhat during the night, but Faliol and Konur seem determined not to notice one another.
Riccoco is occasionally placed in an awkward position, having to discuss cargo matters with Bergen, Konnur's employer, but the round and ruddy merchant is amiable enough.
By very late afternoon, the entire party has come within sight of the fort. Down a long slope that ends in the waters of the theron Inlet, through a rare break in the canopy, they can see the stronghold, firm and repaired.
A couple of large boats can just be seen in the anchorage. Other traders must be present. To those who have the skill to tell the diffrence, one of the boats looks military. Then you are back under the trees again and taking the final steps towards a hot meal, beds and baths.

Approaching the gate, Doom gives a recognition signal. The hail is met and the gates are opened. Besides soldiers, there are a number of people beyond the gatehouse.

Standing while leaning on a stick is Jareek. The old fox calls out, "Faliol, me kit! Bless the powers that be! Ye're alive!"

Also standing in the gateway, accompanied by a large dog (beast), is a man almost none of you recognize. Vance smiles warmly, and indeed, he is a really likeable looking guy, like a big brother. "Beka!" he shouts. "Beka! Praise the Word and the Way! Your father has been worried sick!"

Celeste takes a good look at the boats before beginning the descent to the fort, noting the military boat along side of the merchant boats. .oO(Well, it is a fort after all. Perhaps they are bringing in new soldiers...) She is looking forward to some downtime before completing the journey to Tallon.

As they approached the Fort, the possibility that Jareek had died alone kept pushing its unwanted way to the surface. The closer and closer he got, Faliol was torn between racing forward and stopping all together. On the positive side, he had stopped worrying about going to the mines for the next several decades...

When he began to noticeably breathe faster and faster as the dread mounted higher, he decided to get it over with, once and for all.

He sprints to the front of the caravan, his eyes roving all over the place for a flash of gray-tinged red fur...

"Pops! You are alive!" Relief floods his small system as he runs over to his foster sire and begins to excitedly hop up and down.

[EDITED on Tue June 8, 2004 @6:01 AM (CDT)]

Ricco raises a one-fisted salute to the elderly Beast. "Good to be seein' you well, Ol' Fox!"

The plucky 'Coon grins at the Fox-kit's antics.

Nuyok looks toward Beka, at the appearance of someone familiar to her, to gauge her reaction.

Noticing the boats at the fort, Nuyok will inquire with Doom "it seems there is a lot of activity here, are things back to normal?," wondering that but also trying to see if Doom does anything to indicate a lack of normalcy.

Beka pales at the hail from Vance. Then back to her mercurial self, her eyes cloud and she stiffens. She ignores the greeting and busies herself counting the beastfolk in her party. "Stay close please Cas," she whispers, "Faliol, calm down, get your sire and stay close to my wagon please." There is a sense of pleading urgency in her voice. "Ricco, I need your help here!" she calls and then whispers, "Please stay close to my wagon." The people near the wagon probably hear, but it would be impossible for someone outside to hear her, she also covers her mouth to sheild the sound (and prying eyes).

Faliol stops in mid hop, and looks with perked up ears at Beka.

Then he moves with alacrity...

Whispering to Jareek, "C'mon, Pops. There may be trouble..."

He moves Jareek to the far side of Beka's wagon, then he moves around to stand beside Beka.

Ricco's ears flatten to the sides of his head at Beka's call. Somthing was obviously amiss. He glances up at the wall once more, shielding his eyes as he peers at the Pink knowing Miss Beka. All the fears left far behind in Tallon come raging back. Who was the dog? Was he one of the Dobey's? Who was the Pink?

Recognizing the urgency, Ricco stepped quickly over to Angilak and whipsered, "Keep with Bergen's wagon an' Ol' Riccoco will be right abou' to move off our cargo. Be keepin' 'is nose out o' it at all costs." he nods quickly and trundles back to the Hamilton Cart.

He exchanges concerned looks with the other members and sets to walking into the Lizard next along with the cart. His features harden, removing the friendly facade normally ubiquitious on his masked features.

Vance cannot hear the interchange, but he cannot help but notice the group reaction. He looks surprised, almost hurt. Then he slaps his forehead. "Of course. Fang, she hasn't met you. Everyone, this is Fang, a bodyguard. Fang, why don't you go see to the stables? Tell them Miss Beka has brought a cart of trade goods in." He smiles appreciatively, "with some Adalan bundles as well, good job!" The dog (who is in fact a dobie), leaves.
He looks about, apparently recovered from the odd greeting. "Bergen, you old cheat and swindler, still have that broken down old house-on-wheels?"
Bergen smiles broadly, "Vance you rascal. It's been what, two years? Still shorting bolts?"
The two laugh and exchange hearty handshakes.
Then, to everyone's amazement, he looks at Riccoco. "Is this Riccoco of the Saber River? Wow, made the jump from Trader to Merchant? Congratulations! There's a lot of profit out there to someone who is willing to take the risk."
"And Vagrant, if I'm not mistaken. We'll have to talk later. I've got a few business leads you might be interested in. Well Beka, you're certainly keeping interesting company these days."

OOC: Man, this guy kicks butt on Reputation rolls!

Faliol's ears go back and his fur stands on end. @#$% mutt!

He shows teeth and hisses once, but remembers how close to death he came from his last strong reaction to those flea-ridden, cart chasing, leg humpers.

His eyes follow the dog's every move.

Ricco sticks his thumbs in the low pockets of his leather vest, obviously beaming from this recognition. As quickly as it comes, the 'coon's demeanor darkens and agitated, his black-ringed eyes flicking about the Gateway Courtyard of the Lizard.

.oO(Ahhh, the reputation of Ol' Riccoco be leadin' the way... Merchant Riccoco, that be...

Wait... A dog named Fang an' he be knowin' the name o' this 'Coon? The only reputation o' Riccoco be a cheat an' swindler. This one be bearin' watching.)

His gaze lingers on the wide gate closing behind them and Bergen's wagon with the great Beast Angilak stalking alongside it. There be no helpin' it. They be in the Lizard as is this Vance.

"Well met to be Merchant Vance. You be havin Ol' Riccoco at a name's edge. You be knowin' him but, the vicey-versey not be the case!" The 'Coon puts on a brave face and gives the Pinky Merchant a friendly couple bobs of his head.

OOC: Did Vance ignore Ricco's response, or was it so convoluted that Keith was unable to respond... Or... Is it something else?!?!?

Acck! The eeriness of Silent Hill is leaking into Savage Earth! AHHHHHHH!!!!!

Vance blinks, "Name's edge? But you just called me Merchant Vance?" He recovers from the apparent confusion. "Nevertheless, yes, I am Vance, representing the interests of Hamilton-Vance. We can talk more at the Inn."

OOC: I did miss responding, so I stepped back in time a moment to correct it. But isn't your speech like saying, "Hi, Robert Johnson. What's your name?"

OOC: Bergen called him by name and made reference to his 'shorting bolts' so he must either be a cloth merchant or a supplier of crossbow bolts... or nuts and bolts....or maybe he's just plain nuts...or salted nuts....

OOC: Vance knew Ricco without anyone saying his name. He also knew where he once did business before leaving Tallon. Ricco only knew his name because Bergen had said. Ricco is sublty referring that he doesn't know Vance at all and was plucking at a bit of info.

Which, I think is what Barb was saying, but I couldn't follow it completely.

OOC: That's because: You don't speak Barb....ask Susan, it's a dead language you know.....

Cas will keep to her word remaining close to Beka and remain silent unless addressed. She watches everyone she doesn't know with curiosity.

Catching Vagrant's ear, "perhaps you might get to sell those posters one day after all..."

The posters seem to be a bad omen for us.

"Just Throne so far, or is there something else I should know?"

"Nah, just Throne, but I was being pessimistic."

"That is what I thought, but I was being paranoid."

.oO(Quite a pair we are...pessimistic and paranoid)

Beka looks at Vance, "I'm going to take care of the wagon and the oxen. I don't want to see Fang anywhere near my people, beast or no. If we must talk, it will have to be later. I'll be at the inn." She turns her back on him and continues with the entrance procedure.

Celeste will position herself between Beka and the stranger named Vance. If he gets too close or attempts to speak to Beka after the dismissal, she will give him a scowl worthy of Mr. Worf.

OOC: The BOY?"

"Is this boy bothering you Miss Beka>"

"I'm sorry Fang bothers you, Beka. I'll ask him to keep his head down, but I really expected better of you. After all, you seem to have no problem with the company of beasts. They really are admirable companions and worthy friends."
He smiles at the assemblage, not a predatory smile, but a big open honest grin.
"But I understand your need to get your animals and cargo stored. I'm really anxious to hear your story, no that I know you're alive and well. Your father was so torn between anger and worry, I thought he'd split in two. He really hasn't been well. Very well, I'll see you at the inn."
Again he takes in the entire assemblage. "Please, all of you. Dine from Hamilton-Vance gold and silver tonight. we'll all tell tales and give news."
He gives a cheerful wave and turns to leave.

Hearing this en route to the inn, Nuyok will be sure his meals and drink are on the designated tab of Hamilton-Vance

Lek will follow Nuyok, he occasionally gets side tracked staring at some new marvel he's come accross, but quickly catches up.

We'll of course accompany Beka to her room for the meeting (presumably after securing the cargo and animals), then head to the inn.

.oO(Seethe, Fury, Anger, Hate)

OOC: Your daddy is the Hamiltion in Hamilton-Vance? Surely he didn't just attach himself to your caravan?

Seeing the obvious question on the fox's face, Nuyok in a hushed voice says "I think the "Vance" part was added as he intends to return with us to Tallon and claim some right of participation in the spoils of the caravan."

In a equally hushed volume, Faliol says, "I think he has a rude surprise in store if that is his plan. Miss Beka will chew him up and spit out the bones..."

.oO(Then 'Fido' and I get to play catch!)

I get the wagon and oxen taken care of and then ask everyone to meet me in my room immediatly. "There are things we need to discuss before I go see Vance. Please come to my room right now."
I will post what I say at the beginning of the meeting as soon as I see who comes with me.
"Vagrant, Ricco, Faliol, although you are not exactly part of my caravan, I'd like you to come. I think we all have things to discuss and a mystery to solve."

Nodding, "Yes, Ma'am, be happy to attend. But who stays with the vehicles and teams? I assume you don't want them unattended during your discussion?"

OOC: He is NOT trying to be a smartass...this time. Honest question and he doesn't know who in that other caravan you trust to watch your stuff

Ricco is torn. He's got his own cargo that he doesn't want to be inspected too closely and is worth his life! On the other hand, he's nearing Tallon and all the things he fled when he took off with the Hamilton Caravan...

Trusting Angilak to deal with the cargo, Ricco nods disconsolately. "Ol' Riccoco will be joinin' ya Miss Beka. Helpin' hand or friendly Merchants, we all still be in this together."

OOC: I'm assuming this occurs after securing the cargo and animals, so all can be present.

OOC: Yeap. Cas went ahead and did all that already.

"I will come to your room for the meeting or I will guard the wagon and the animals. I don't think your 'friend' or his 'friend' will bother me. It is up to you."

"Well, I'm all for finding out what is going on. It looks like you have a story to share. So spill it."

"I take it this is about Vance. I will come to the meeting."

Vagrant is surprised to be recognized but that is the purpose of the unusual name and distinctive attire.

"Always looking to bargain, Vance. If you know of some leads on antiquities I am most interested."

Hearing the tension in Beka's voice, Celeste calmly walks to the front of the wagon. Her face betraying no emotion, but her body tenses like a coiled spring. Her eyes narrow at the newcomers remarks to the members of the caravan. She glances briefly at Bergen as he exchanges jibes with the stranger..oO(Coincidence? Or something else?)

"Sure Beka," Cas says. "I'm not sure what this is about but I'll stick close to you."

explain later. I believe we all have pieces of a puzzle concerning Vance.

Lekchock stopped his constant barrage of questions to the soliders he was walking with when he saw the high walls of the fort, and started walking closer to Nuyok. He remembered all too well the hospitality of the last city folk he met, and isn't entirely comfortable walking into a similar situation. He takes note of the boats, but has no idea the difference between them.

As they approach and Beka speaks, Lekchock turns to Nuyok, "Who dat, an why he 'ave Beka all knotted?

Speakly quietly, "I know not for sure, but I would speculate he is a man who works for Beka's father, and perhaps was to have led this caravan, though...things happened. Keep a careful eye out, the guards here are friendly, based on our previous passing here, but I know not about this one and his merchant guards."

Provided nothing particularly controversial occurs with Vance, or upon entering the fort, Nuyok will provide some initial assistance with securing the caravan (or what remains of it), and head to the tavern (with anyone else who would like to go), and have an eye out for the tavern wench...

Between heading to secure the animals and cargo, and the inn / tavern, Nuyok will observe Ash's Manor for any activity or changes in appearance.

Getting a bit more paranoid as the group is nearing the Tallon area, Nuyok will also keep an eye out for any apparent adepts or masters, keeping them at a distance in a circumspect manner while trying to determine their identities.

Noticing that Nuyok's attention is turned toward Ash Manor, Celeste looks at the upper story where life and death played out so long ago....

Nuyok will generally keep an eye out for anyone who might be with Vance or could be suspected of being with Vance, in order to gauge how many he might have with him here.

That's three eyes.

Don't forget the spirit sight!

OOC: I don't know if Lekchock is here or not...

Beka secures the wagon and goes quickly to a room. Once everyone is there she checks to see if there are any spies and then continues quietly:

"The wagon and the animals will be fine here at the Lizard, they won't need a guard although we will go over them thouroughly before we leave. Yes, we need to talk about Vance. Here's my part.

I wasn't exactly in charge of this wagon, actually, I took it from Vance and reloaded it with more cloth that would sell in Adala. My father dowsn't think a "lady" should go into the wilds. I'm three times the trader Vance is so I left early. The wagon was supposed to go to "x" [insert proper city name here] but it was loaded improperly for even that trip. There were also bolt covers loaded with no cloth in them as if to hide something. Vance is "the son my father always wished for" (said in a sing-song mocking vocie) but I don't trust him. His dogs aren't to be trusted either.

So, I ran away with a load of stolen goods and hired you all under false pretences. I'm not a merchant meaning I'm not in the guild but I'm far better than Vance and probably even better than my father at trading in the wilds. I paid you well and still made a profit my father could be proud of. I don't know exactly what Vance is in but I know he's crooked and he's fooling my father. I don't trust him at all. I think he's smuggling beasts as slaves but I haven't got any real proof of this.

That's my story, and I'm sorry if any of it makes you have to leave my company but I'm proud to have known you all."

Listening to Beka's explanations, "We have friends here at Fort Lizard. Perhaps Doom and his men could 'assist' us in solving the mystery of what this 'Vance' person is up to." To Beka she says, "How well do they know him? Has he been here before, or do you think he may have been involved with Ash?"

Ricco woefully enters the room as if the weight of the Savage Earth itself is on his back. He listens listlessly at first and then his eyes grow big and he's on the verge of his seat as Beka wraps up. "It was the Dobey Fang Ol' Riccoco be seein' then!" he exclaims. When the others give shushing expressions, he quites the tone of his voice, leaping into his own PoV of Vance and his Dogs.

"Ol' Riccoco be the Trader o' Saber Valley 'fore the fateful night we all be meetin' o'er a Berry Ale, Faliol an' Cas. This 'Coon be knowin' the byways o' the Caverns o' the Night Folk." He glares at anyone with bored expressions muttering, "The point be a-comin' iffin' you be waitin' a piece..."

True to his word, the 'Coon continues, "That night, as oft times be the case, Ol' Riccoco was slippin' into Tallon through the Night Folk Caves. This night be a bit o' different-like, though. He be hearin' unknown voices whisperin' of devil-doin's. That Dobey, Fang an' another be takin' the Night Folk as slaves, an' they be workin' fer Vance! It not be Beasts he be tradin', but Night Folk!"

"The dobeys be seein' the 'Coon an' be givin' chase. No peeps but the Night Folk be knowin' them caves like Ol' Riccoco an' he be loosin' them. They might o' got a whiff though an' said Vance be huntin' this 'Coon down. That be the whole reason for Ol' Riccoco to be leavin' in the night, at-the-start!"

OOC: You might want to re-read those old posts carefully, though I know it's a pain to get to them. Yes there was at least one dobie involved, but there's nothing that indicates it was Fang.

OOC: And the name, Fang seems so familiar...

Maybe, he was one of the tow Dobies, Ricco thought was one of the dogs that saw him in the tunnels...?

I'll check out the old posts! Thanks!

"If Vance is into beast slavery, then he must have more than himself and a couple of dobeys working for him. Beka, can we expect that he might try to take things by force? If so, it would be better to deal with him here and now."

I don't know what Vance will start. I don't think he knows I suspect him of anything. He's probably here to bring me home safely for my father.

He tries to absorb everything, but his head is reeling from all the changes in the last few days.

He still has to face Mako and worse, Mako's decision on his fate. Till he knows that outcome, he cannot promise support to Beka. He doesn't want to let anymore of his friends down...

He looks over at Kent, quiet this entire time. Matter of fact, he cannot remember the last time he heard the man speak...

"Mr. Kent, what do you think? What should the Hamilton-KENT caravan do next?"

.oO(They push baby birds outta nests to make them fly. Works....most of the time.)

What do you know of things? she inquires looking at everyone in turn.

As those piercing eyes descend upon our hapless fox kit, he squirms...

"Just happy to know I am not the only rascal here! Stealing a horse seems small potatoes now...you grabbed a whole damn caravan!"

As those eyes turn angry, he hastily adds, "From a fox, that was a compliment! Means you think and act big! We respect that... Now the rest of you listen to your Uncle Faliol, for he has been on more caravans than the lot of you put together. Miss Beka has treated the members of the Hamilton-Kent caravan with more decency, respect, and loyalty than any other caravan master I have EVER served under. NOBODY pays the wages she paid! But more importantly, NOBODY cares about us, the way she does. So, as the sailors say, if I were the master of my fate, I would side with Miss Beka in a heartbeat. But I am not the master of my fate...Mako is. I am tired of breaking promises. So I must give you my answer after Mako decides my punishment."

"Now, concerning Vance, Fido, night people and other assorted strangeness, I haven't the faintest clue. But I am worried about why he is being so nice...by all rights, he should be yelling, screaming, and throwing fits."

"It would seem that several of us have unfinished business in Tallon. I will accompany you, Beka, back to Tallon, and assist however I can, but once there, I cannot remain long without resolving a certain...situation."

Peering intently at Nuyok, "What situation might that be, Mister Nuyok?"

OOC: Gimme the dirt! The dirt, I say! I wants the precious!

OOC: Paul Hogan's Outback Heroes. POW camp set in the outback of Australia. Prisoner tourists trade quips by doing the worst possible Aussie accents (A la Autbach Stikehaus commericals) This of course infuriates the commandant of the camp...er...restaurant owner, Col. Boomer (played by none other than Hulk Hogan) who constantly tries to get information from the tourist prisoners..."Where did you hide your digital camera....why are you spying on my restaurant? What does the codename Stinking Rose mean?" The prisoners also confound the kindly but bumbling chef, Sgt. Kookaburra, with their continuous attempts to introduce fries with gravey to the restaurant menu. "I know NOTHING! Have some schnapps undt beerocks."

This Non Sequiter commercial has been brought to you by the Institute for the Preservation of the Language--' Barbara'

OOC: Good one!

"What are Night Folk Ricco?"

What are 'Night Folk?"

Ricco glances down, his lips moving silently as if he's whispering too himself. "The Night Folk be like Umbra. Hooman Muties. They be livin' in the dark caverns near-by Tallon." He quiets again looking down. He takes a deep breath and eyes the other members of the group. "The Night Folk Caverns be all abou' Tallon. They be reachin' to the Coves, down the Sabre-way... an' under Tallon itself. It be the way Ol' Riccoco be gettin' the Nipgin in under the Brewer's Guild."

Having said his piece, the 'coon quiets once more, preparing for the outburst sure to come from the rest of the Hamilton Party.

"Don't beasts die from drinking that? Are you trying to kill someone?"

"Miss Beka, all types of liquor can kill you if you drink too much, too quickly, over too long a time frame in the case of alcoholics...Or if you drink too much in too short a time frame in the case of alcohol poisoning."

.oO(If I drink another glass of that vile berry ale, I may die...)

[EDITED on Mon June 14, 2004 @3:06 PM (CDT)]

[EDITED on Mon June 14, 2004 @3:07 PM (CDT)]

"That's not really an answer is it... RICCO."

Faliol's ears perk up. There has always been something weird involved with that gin.

.oO(Nah. Ricco wouldn't get me involved in selling something truly despicable.)

"It don' be killing Beasts... it jus' be a bit poten' for the Cat-types... The Brewer's Guild o' Tallon has blacklisted the Hair o' the Cat. Ol' Riccoco don' be goin' aroun' dealin' in the poison." He glances over at Nuyok, pondering the Adepts seeming Mastery of Handle's poison.

.oO(Only fer the knowledge o' healin'... Right.)

"So nipgin is bad for Tabbies? I didn't know that. Most Tabbies I met are smart enough not to take something they know is dangerous. Those that do so anyway, must make a conscious choice that this pink-run world is so bad that taking nipgin is a good alternative. Who are we to tell them otherwise?"

.oO(Now I understand why Sangyiok will kill for this load. Ricco, my friend, I owe you a gentle thump on the noggin!)

Lekchock tries to follow the converstaion but it is obvious that he doesn't have a clue what night-folk or nippin is so just stays quiet and watches.

"I'm not going to turn you in to the guild or anyone else. You have to deal with the concequences of your own actions. However, I've heard it is more than 'potent' for cats. I've heard it can kill them. While you two are right, it would be up to those that drink it to be sure they don't got too much, what if someone drank it unknowingly? What if it was used improperly to facilitate a murder? What if it got to an inkeeper that didn't know anything about it and served it? What if a kitten got ahold of it? No one is going to care because 'there just beasts' right? I thought better of you, and I thought you had better sense. Now I see you won't be able to get out of this deal, especially with Angilak around, but you are the ones that are going to have to live with the concequences of your actions. I hope you can do that."

"And you are any better? A kitten could suffocate from having his head completely covered in silk! Then YOU (with emphatic pointing paw) would become Beka Hamilton, Merchant of Death!"

He points at Cas, "She carves chess pieces from wood! Those could put someone's eye out if thrown with enough force! What is she? Cassandra, blindness exporter? If someone gets killed with a shovel, is the blacksmith guilty of murder? Where does it all end?"

He throws up his paws in exasperation.

As if on cue, a piece of wood strikes Faliol in the face. When Faliol examines what hit him, it is a ring about an inch and a half in diameter and an inch tall. The outside design is a very fancy celtic knot pattern and the inside is very smooth. "The only thing about my carvings that are lethal are some sensless foxkit trying to swallow them whole. If you and Beka feel it necessary to argue about whether or not you have something or other that can kill evil, demon-spawned kittens that is your business but don't go dragging me into it. "

"That is your Friendship Knot. Don't go losing it now. I managed to make one for everyone. I gave Celeste and Nuyok theres but haven't had a chance to get everyone else their own... Handles broke when I was making it... sort of ironic you could say. Our lives are threads and the longer we spend together, the more of a knot we become. The design on these represents the knot of our friendship together."

Cas hands them all out to everyone who did not already get one.

Cas hands the one made for Beka last, "You should know, because your in charge here, that one of the other Friendship Knots cracked while I made it. I know it is just a superstition really, but we should be a bit careful all the same."

Surprise as much as a fierce need to derail the present conversation forces the fox kit to fall to the ground.

There he grabs the eye "blinded" by Cassandra, where he proceeds to roll around in agony...

"Aggggh! I am blind! Blinded! Beka was right! We are responsible for how our wares are used! Someone should pass a law! Friendship knots are lethal!"

As Cas hands out the remaining knots, Celeste thoughtfully fingers the one woven into her braid.

Beka rolls her eyes at the ridiculous fox and then laughs as the friendship know hits him.
"Thank you Cas. It's beautiful." She puts it around her scabbard.

Ricco accepts his knot, a grim attempt at jocularity. "Be thankin' ya, Cas." He runs his ropish belt through the knot, keeping the later near one of his pouches. The Merchant is obviously steamed as his hair is all a ruffle giving him a vague impression of the cowardly porcupine.

"Miss Beka, we both be fightin the same critters, The Guilds. You be Merchantin' under the guise withou' the proper papers, an' Ol' Riccoco be pushin' brew they don' warrant. The Archon be havin' no trouble wit' the lot o' it. How you plannin' on pitchin yer sale an' gettin' it inta Tallon wi' out yer friend Vance? Ol' Riccoco be takin' the back-a-way, an' he be the only one knowin' the route!"

.oO(Other than Vance's Dobeys, Riccoco you ol' lout!)

OOC: Engaging in one of his other adept abilities, Nuyok reads Ricco's thoughts of adepts and poison, and merely grins slightly

OOC: I turned on email notification of post edits a while back. It seems that everytime Faliol posts, he later edits it. Has he discovered that post editing ups his post count or something?

Here is the typical Bozimite posting ritual...

Think up something to appropriate to say (mistakenly assume it is witty)...
Type it in a hurry, normally with one eye out for the boss...
Make spelling mistake or misuse words...
Post....
Check post...
Notice errors...
Slap forehead...
Edit errors with one eye out for the boss...
Re-read fixed post...
Find more errors...

This edit is due to my neglecting to mention the Nazis...

See the anal retentive you Nazis have created!!!!

[EDITED on Tue June 15, 2004 @5:42 AM (CDT)]

"Very interesting Ricco, we may have to talk some more on our way to Tallon. I had heard of the Nightfolk, and underworld, but it seems much more extensive than I was aware. Anything else you care to share?"

"Why was an Adept up for joining a caravan in the middle of the night? Are the NightFolk disappearing? I know Handle was a theif, what were you three beasts running from? Ared you just in it for the ride Celeste?" Beka looks at all in turn. There is no accusation in her eyes, only curiosity. "I need to knnow if you know anything about Vance before he takes over the caravan, drags me back and my father marries me off to some fat, rich, old guy."

Cas looks offended, "I wear myself on a sleeve and you ask me if I'm running from something? If I'm running from something, I'd like to know as well. Oh wait I can't, Riccoco scared away the Yaraza before I could get my memory back. No Riccoco, that was sarcasm. Sit back down and have some more ale."

Cas shakes her head, "I hide nothing openly from my friends. All my secrets are hidden to me as well. I felt a vague memory when I dug the grave for Handle, but really... grave digging in this day and age doesn't seem to be too illegal as common as it is."

Celeste raises an eyebrow at Beka's question and firmly replies, "When I agreed to be guard for this caravan, I made my agreement with you, Beka. I have accepted payment from you. I did not contract with Vance or your father. I know nothing of either of them or of your city. All that I know of this, is what you have seen here. Let me assure you then, Vance will not take control of this caravan without a fight....one that he is mostly likely to come out on the losing side. My sword is yours and no others."

"As for being married off to a 'fat, old rich guy', there are worse things in life, much, much worse." Her expression darkens as she says this last.

Faliol keeps his big mouth shut at first. How could Miss Beka think that?

.oO(Like I would work with some pinkie that employed Fidos! The nerve!)

Then Celeste provides the proper distraction from inconvenient truths...

"Celeste, Miss Beka is right. Being married to a fat, old, rich man would be truly horrific! I wouldn't care for it. Not one little bit! Death by Carnobroc has more appeal."

.oO(Truth be told, I only joined this caravan to keep Pops from getting himself and the rest of these strange crew killed. But I can't say that out loud!)

"No wait! I didn't mean that any of you were in league with Vance. I have no reason to doubt any of you, for any reason, loyalty, fighting, protecting... well, I think we're friends! I was just wondering if the reason we were all ready to go on a caravan at that particular time was connected. It's probably not, but I was just wondering. Nuyok, I noticed you didn't respond. Too personal? We might be able to help."

"My situation is my own. Perhaps Handle may have been able to help, and even more unlikely Ricco's information may be of use, but I doubt it." Nuyok has a gloomy attitude about him.

"Are you prepared to return to Tallon with us?"

"Certainly. To either resolve my situation, or escape it again, as the situation demands."

"Vance be the Slave taker o' the Nightfolk. Ol' Riccoco be tellin' ya' an' let there be no more o' doubtin' in!" He frowns, screwing up his masked features. "This 'Coon be in the tunnels that night! He be havin' to fight the way out from Vance Dobeys! The mongrels be havin' Nigh' Folk raight there inna bags!"

"I believe you but others won't. Can we get any evidence?"

"Again, clearly it cannot be just Vance and some dobeys, do you have any idea who they might be working for or with?"

"I don't know. Do you Ricco?"
Int 12-
3d6: 5, 1, 4 (STUN: 10, BODY: 2) Tue June 15, 2004 @1:32 PM (PDT)
To see if I remember how the wogon was stocked and where it might be going.

Ricco points a clawed finger at Nuyok, forgetting his place as Adept for a moment. "Ol' Riccoco be knowin' all right! Vance don' be needin' no-ones else! He 'as 'is Dobey's grab up the Nigh' Folk an' be takin' 'em on to Mingatook, mos' like!"

The 'Coon sighs and subsides in his tirade, a mournful thought seeping at his anger like a leak in a boat on the Saber. "The Night Folk be peaceful-like. They won' or can' be fightin' the likes o' those hounds."

"Even if Vance is not working with or for someone, he likely is working with the permission of someone...," Nuyok watches Riccoco for any reaction or sign of recognition.

Having made a complete fool of himself, the fox kit rolls to a stop and looks up at Ricco.

"Are you suggesting that we do something about these mutts? Defend or liberate the Night People?"

From the neutral tone, it is kinda hard to know where he stands on this issue...

"Permission, Master Nuyok?" Ricco asks. "Why would 'e be needin' permission?" Riccoco ponders the possibilities, turning to answer Faliol.

"Ol' Riccoco don' be knowin' for sure, Faliol. It may be they be needin' the rescue o' some-ones. But, don' be knowin' if the someones in mind be the likes o' us."

"Though he could be running a lone wolf operation, no pun intended, I expect that he would have worked out a deal with some underground, metaphorically speaking, figure such as Harker," Nuyok continues to observe those present for reactions.

Celeste, being unfamiliar with the Who's and Where's of Tallon, observes the exchange with no comment or reaction..

The wagon was way underloaded and ostensibly headed for Karkul, a safer, yet less profitable journey.

Celeste has no comment about the taking of slaves, though she does find the revelation of the existance tunnels under the city and the fact that there are people living in them, to be interesting information.

OOC: Lekchock followed Nuyok to the meeting. He'll do that a lot since he has a lot of issues and is out of his enviornment. This is the farthest from home he's ever been, so he's a bit lost and confused. Nuyok helped save his life so he knows he can trust True Eyes, and has sort of latched on to the one thing he knows is safe outside of the forest. Eventually he'll feel more comfortable and his curiosity will get the better of him.

"Well, I don' know too much 'bout all da merchant stuff or what a guild is, but you say he in to slavery, den dat make 'em bad news in my book. Why tink you father belive 'im over you?"