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Post by Kaber on Dec 4, 2008 13:27:03 GMT -5
"Black water Hattie lived back in the swamp, Where the strange green reptiles crawl. Snakes hang thick from the cypress trees Like sausage on a smokehouse wall. Where the swamp is alive with a thousand eyes An` all of them watching you, Stay off the track to Hattie`s Shack in the back of the Black Bayou......" - Jim Stafford
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Post by Kaber on Dec 6, 2008 16:31:58 GMT -5
CHAPTER 1
The day was warm but brooding. Grey clouds filtered the sun's light, casting a pal over the land. Tarren Birghtleaf hummed a tune and waved away a lazy cloud of gnats as he strolled down the pebbled road into the small halfling village of Spurling.
A small halfling village far from the lands of Icewind Dale, Spurling sits at the edge of two mid sized lakes, Little cloud and KnuckleBone Lake, near source of the Black Raven River . The town is situated in a small valley at the base of a mountain known as Skycap Mountain and surrounded by grassy, wind swept foothills called The Green Yonder. Several miles to the west lies the Blackwater, a swamp of ill repute and to the east and over twice the distance lies the Trackless Sea
The smell of baked goods wafts from nearby bakeries and a Seagull or two cries for their late morning breakfast as they swoop and dive above one of the nearby lakes. Stubby buildings with rounded corners and nearly flat, domed roofs of bark thatching betray the denizens of this town. Pint sized ponies stand, tethered to posts next to pale white, mud bricked walls. Yellow and blue streamers, orange signs and yellow painted benches rest under cloth canopies just outside open doors. Halflings wobble here and there, pausing to greet one another heartily and chatting at length before going on about their business. Spurling is a cheerful little town. You spot an open tavern just up ahead and feeling thirsty decide to stop and rest. Inside, the air is cooler, and filled with the smell of malted barley, ale and baked bread. The furnishings, while somewhat smaller than what your used to, are finely crafted and polished. The floor is planked with a solid hard wood and polished to show a reddish hue. The open doors and windows allow some light to filter in but oil lamps and a large candle chandelier provide most of the light in the dim room. There are several free standing tables standing close together, along the far left wall are some booths and to the right is a bar counter. Against the far wall a small stage has been built and an area of the floor has been cleared of tables so as to allow dancing and such.
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Garrett Silverman was not necessarily one to seek trouble but trouble seemed to follow. The wrong place at the wrong time and to think! Betrayed by a rogue. For once you had been minding your own business when someone bumped you as he stumbled past. Your first reaction was to check your purse and it was still there....along with a second pouch. You naturally grabbed the leather bag and held it before you to see it was not your own. Even as the guards behind you shouted out, the embroidered initials glowed brightly. Now the Aristocrat leading the guards was not an understanding individual. And though the pouch was empty you were caught holding the bag. What could you do? You ran.
Now, a few days later feeling tired and hungry, you stumble upon the halfling village. At least the guards didn't pursue you this far and the smell of food is irresistible. You make your way into Spurling.
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Festivia Fishplinger was something of a puzzle to her family. Your newfound path caused some consternation amongst your father and mother who depended on you to help with the family business. Alas, after nearly nine months your father came to you and told you that he respected your beliefs, even if he didn't understand them and then he mumbled something about doo gooders ruining the family business and so he sent you off to your uncle. Farland Fishplinger. Farland was also a fisherman, but living in a halfling village with few humans about was just what you needed. The less influence by outsiders the better. You have been here three months with little sign of improvement, at least from a halfling's point of view. So you work with your aunt Falona Fishplinger as a waitress in her pastry shop. Unfortunately, you do more sampling of the wares then hard work itself. Still, it keeps you out of trouble and occasionally you are sent over to Molly's Tavern to bring a pie or a batch of pastries. This allows you a moment or two to listen to the stories told by Tori the tale teller and hear local gossip.
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Dec 8, 2008 15:22:01 GMT -5
Tarren stoops to walk through the inn/tavern and sits down at the bar.
"Good day, fine fellow. I have just arrived and am in need of lodging and food and drink. What's your speciality and how much does it cost?"
Waits and listens to the barkeep.
"I am a musician and have travelled afar. I would like to perform later after I have ate. Do you require a gratuity?"
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Dmitri
Land Owner
D&D Geeks of the World Unite!
Posts: 1,466
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Post by Dmitri on Dec 8, 2008 15:51:26 GMT -5
Garrett, never one to turn down food if it could be had, followed his nose and headed towards the local tavern/inn. On the way, he tried to get a general feel for the town, specifically any obvious guards, wealthy mansions, poor shops - essentially the things a "liberator of undeserved wealth" would be one the lookout for.
Now that, my good halflings, is a smell to melt the coldest heart. What are you making, if I may be so bold?
Garrett had to stoop to enter the tavern, but being relatively short himself was not overly uncomfortable. He looked around, and addressed his speech to the a tavernkeep, taking note of his surroundings and trying to get a sense of the clientele of the establishment.
No clear marks, he thought. He had always preferred to gain his living by pilfering gold from those who did not deserve what they had - those who had come by it dishonestly or were just downright bad in his eyes. Going to have to find one soon, or else I may have to find some honest work, he realized in horror.
When the tavernkeep answered, Garrett laughed good-naturedly and said, Sounds good. I'll have some of that, and some wine as well - nothing fancy, just good, ordinary fare for me if you please. He turned to step towards a table, before looking over his shoulder and adding, Red wine works best for me, if it please you - stomach issues, you see.
Garrett is speaking Halfling to the barkeep, assuming it is indeed a halfling.
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Dec 8, 2008 22:25:11 GMT -5
As the cheese and ale are brought, Tarren strikes up a conversation with the tavern/barkeep.
Gather Information: [dice=20] + 10 = 11
"So my fine fellow what town is this? And what news has it?"
Tarren thinks to himself, 'I really shouldn't talk with my mouth full.'[rand=0172887364879498234284701261033523725705552451045224860534026978576]
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Post by Lady Winter Wolf on Dec 9, 2008 15:36:02 GMT -5
Festivia carried her basket of baked goods (gooseberry pastries and two blackberry pies) to Molly's Tavern. She'd already eaten several peach tartlets for her mid-morning snack, and anticipated sampling some of Molly's boar stew. "Ah, now that is a feast indeed!", she mused to herself, and started to hum a delightful tune as she continued on her way.
Reaching Molly's, she entered and headed towards the bar, saying hello to familiar faces, and answering questions about specific delicacies being baked at her aunt's shop. At the bar, she places the basket upon it and hails the barkeep, "Aye Thomas, pies and pastries from the shop, and today's your owning up day. Now that'll be 6 gold, 7 silver and 4 copper by aunty's ledger book, not a copper less nor more."
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Post by Kaber on Dec 9, 2008 16:26:22 GMT -5
TO TARREN:
Why, hello to you sir and a fine day it is too." The bartender speaks in a gravel like voice. This and the white tuffts of hair on his sideburns betray his elderly age and the years of pipe smoking. His features are weathered but kindly, and well rounded. His belly like a beach ball on stubby legs. Plump even for a halfling. "We, that bein my wife Molly and I, serve the finest cheeses in town and freshly baked breads, pies and pastries from down the street. We also serve a dinner of Mutton chops, Boar roast or stew if yeh'd rather, stuffed potatoes with Buttercream sauce and greens. Then we have a baked knucklebone fish fillette and sauted mushrooms, followed by desert of Blackberry pie. For drink we serve a fine malted barley wine, A spiced sweet leaf wine of Elvin make a bloodwine an' we do have some dwarven marbled ale. The dinner and drink are 7 copper, 5 Copper fer the Sweet Leaf and bloodwine. 4 Copper fer the Dwarven ale and 2 copper fer the barley wine. Yeh can also purchase a pouch of Tobac fer 7 copper. It's a nice vanilla bean aroma."
" Oh why, that would be wonderful! Just wonderful! A gratuity? Why...ummm. Yes, of course! A sliver coin would do me well. Indeed, yeh may have the first round of barely wine free. "
Once the deal is agreed upon, you place your order, pay the barkeep and take a seat at the counter. A burly looking woman with grey curly hair steps out from the kitchen and, giving her husband a quick peck on the cheek, grabs a bottle from below the counter and darts back through the curtained doorway from which she had come. The bartender seemed a little miffed but then smiles slightly before continuing to clean mugs."
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TO GARRETT
Thomas Trimblethorn the barkeeper had made his way from cleaning mugs to washing tables and now stood with a broom in hand just within the door. He looks up from his sweeping and smiles a hearty smile. "Welcome traveler, This is a fine day fer visiting. Come in, come in and thank yeh sir. That would be me wife, Molly's cooking yeh smelln. A fine boar roast stew an mutton chops on the fry."
the barkeep nodded and hurried back to the bar for a mug.
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"Well sir not much to tell round these parts. Yeh'v found yerself in Spurling Hills. One of the few halfling settlements in the realms. We....."
The barkeeper is cut off by another halfling.
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TO FESTIVIA
" Well now Festivia, good to see ya s' always. See now, 6 gold."
the barkeep takes a small chest from beneath the bar and doing a hurried count, places the coins in a purse followed by some silver and 4 copper.
"There yeh go meh dear, now run along. Molly's in the kitchen an I got payin customers here."[rand=93555077298898669201644096498236203473629787227750323445833174]
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Dmitri
Land Owner
D&D Geeks of the World Unite!
Posts: 1,466
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Post by Dmitri on Dec 9, 2008 18:22:00 GMT -5
When Garrett sees the barman reaching for a mug, he gently calls to him, You can leave off the mug, goodman, if you don't mind parting with the bottle. Bottles usually have, what... about 4 glasses? I heard you mention that a glass of the bloodwine goes for 5 coppers - what say you I purchase 2 bottles, and 2 pouches of smoke for 5 silver even? And here is a silver for dinner - I prefer the fish, mushrooms, and potatoes if you mind - and you can keep the change for your time.
Garrett takes his pouch out, and counts out 6 silver pieces and lays them on the table in front of him. He then smiles a broad, rakish grin, and starts playing a copper across the back of his hand.
Sleight of Hand [dice=20]+6[rand=14273920264972317375833116786672565234217742507910317506671205656]
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Dec 9, 2008 20:32:51 GMT -5
Tarren eats his cheese and drinks his ale, then breaks out his pan pipes. He sets down a small wooden bowl, then he begins to play a fluidic, breezy melody on the pipes. Perform (wind instruments): [dice=20] + 8 = 13 The song ends a few minutes later. 'Now I've warmed them up, a little anyway. I'll wow them with a tale."Perform (oratory): [dice=20] + 6 = 24 The Ballad of Lord Sandron went over swimmingly. The patrons are pleasantly happy with the tale. Tarren shuffles the coin given around then tosses one silver to the bar in front of the barkeep, nodding to Garrett. "Sir Thomas, I shall need lodging and a bath what accommodations can I get for a few silver?" addressing the barkeep. He empties the bowl into a coin purse, then he moves to secure it unnoticed on his person. Sleight of Hand: [dice=20] + 4 = 18 .[rand=18708366110633778045032843125865531314115838511274403660355917037]
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Dmitri
Land Owner
D&D Geeks of the World Unite!
Posts: 1,466
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Post by Dmitri on Dec 9, 2008 22:00:38 GMT -5
I am assuming that Garrett got food and wine for about the price he offered.
Garrett tucked in to his food quickly and drank one bottle of his wine. He wrapped up a little of what was left of the potatoes and mushrooms for later. He was fascinated by the performance of htis half-elf. Satisfactory on the pipes, but what a orator - what a powerful performer, Garrett thought. What I could do with skills like that! I might have to talk to this half-elf... I bet we would make a hell of a team.
After a few moments, Garrett strode up to the performer and introduced himself. Greetings and well met, fellow traveler. It seems clear that you aren't a local... you some how seem a little larger than life, if you take my meaning. Garrett smiles at his own wit and humour.
Garrett reaches into his purse, and pulls out a silver piece and hands it to Tarren. I like you. You seem like a... kindred soul. Will you be performing here tonight? Perhaps we can talk some business. I am looking for work, as my funds are lower than I would like at the moment. Have you heard of any? Or if you do, perhaps you would let me know? Sadly, I do not have the skills that you do to earn a living from the generosity of the masses. But oh well. Each has skills that are his own. Who knows - perhaps we will have occasion to speak again after your performance tonight.
Assuming nothing unexpected happens, Garrett will leave after a while and go about town, looking for marks and even keeping an eye out for honest work. Marks would include: people who appear to be engaged in dishonest activities, slaveholders (if they exist here), exploiters, unfair traders, anyone beating children, etc. He will return to hear Tarren perform again that evening, and to have dinner and nab a place to sleep.
Spot vs Sleight of Hand [dice=20]+8[rand=59744912916319736117205094591187467343573006484668071812472378305]
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Post by Lady Winter Wolf on Dec 10, 2008 4:21:21 GMT -5
Emptying the contents of the purse onto the counter, Festivia counts the coins...
"Oy, Thomas, methinks yur a bit on the mistaken side of yur counting. There be one coin each of gold and silver missing. Now me aunty is good fer yur business, putting extra filling into them pies, and not paying her well is n'er good business sense.
Now, while yur finding them missing coins, I'll jes set here awaiting, and I'll be wanting a bit of Molly's stew, if yer in the kindly way of getting it fer me. The extra filling being payment and all fer yur kindness, of course."
Festivia puts the counted coins back into the pouch, all the while smiling at the barkeep. From further down the counter, she hears the beginning notes of a tune, and turns slightly to see who is playing.
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Post by Kaber on Dec 10, 2008 5:08:41 GMT -5
OK, Slow down there guys! I know your excited but I can only deal with one action at a time. And try not to put words in other's mouths in your rush to post. This is a play by post and it may take a little while for the next person to post. Thank you for your support.
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TO FESTIVIA AND GARRETT
Thomas smiles and putting away the chest says "Heh, must be me eyes are goin dim. I'll set yeh up right Festivia. Make no mind O' that."He then reaches for a couple of bottles of Bloodwine and some Tobac pouches hanging on the wall and brings them to the table. Deftly sweeping the coins into his chubby hands he then returns to the kitchen with the halflings and the Elf's orders.
A few moments later he comes back to the bar and sees festivia's interest in the musician. " Aye, we've a true bard mong us tonight, He says he's a playin an so he will. You come by this eavnen n' I'll let yeh sit while an listen eh? I'd even pay a copper or two for an extra hand in the kitchen. "
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TO TARREN
"5 silver will get yeh our suite. Got plenty O' room and the beds r soft. A hot bath now, well, I meh be able to get a pony trough teh yer room and a kettle o' water teh fill er with. It' ill cost yeh nother silver." The barkeep smiles broadly but his eyes follow the coins.
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GARETTE
20 on a spot check, you note the coin purse's location.
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Dec 10, 2008 12:26:37 GMT -5
Tarren winks at Festivia, smiles and slightly nods toward her. Tarren pulls out 6 sp from his coin purse and passes them to Thomas for the room and bath.
"Please arrange for a bath this eve after sundown. Which way to the local appothocary? And merchant's row, or do you not need to trade with other villages?"
Gather Information: [dice=20] + 10 = 17
'I'm down to my last four silver and the couple copper I got from this small crowd, I better street perform to generate some coin, ' thought Tarren as he listened to Thomas. He attached his purse to his belt on his right side, so that it hang down his thigh.[rand=30951457363185014767476112329972955045906008987854413920276287454]
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Post by Lady Winter Wolf on Dec 10, 2008 12:47:24 GMT -5
"Now, now Thomas, ye would not be losing yer sight if'n ye'd clean up them windows proper and let more sunlight in. 'preciate ye giving me yer due, and then I'll be back tonight. No need to be paying me, as ye are always generous in feeding me...more a Molly's stew, crusty bread and cinnamon butter, and a happy halfling I'll be."
*Thomas gives her the extra owed coins I presume* Pocketing the coin purse, she anticipates her stew, but overhears the conversation between Thomas and Tarren.
"Thomas!!! The elf here is new to our village and there ye be overcharging him for a room. Suite indeed, since when ye be calling those closets upstairs of yer's suites? 5 Silver!?! Ye only charged 3 silver fer them rooms, and he should be charging ye for everytime he hits his head upon the ceiling. He ain't no halfling ye know, or have ye gone draft as well as dim eyed?"
Turning to Tarren, "Please sir, please be forgivin', as yer lovely music and wonderful story must have filled Thomas' head here with loftier ideals. Meant ye no harm, I'm sure of it. Now as to the shops, if'n ye can wait fer me to finish up me meal, I'll be going the way yer lookin' and can take ye there."
"My aunty runs the bakery, and my cousin Farlella be the town's herbalist; a wonder she be at the cures of what ails ye. I be also wondering, when ye be performin' tonight, do ye know the tale of that fateless ship, and their stranded passengers and crew?" ;D
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Post by jkb2grizzly on Dec 10, 2008 15:15:08 GMT -5
Tarren listens to Garrett.
"It's true, I am a traveller. Its good for business and coin, if you take my meaning. I learn things; stories, songs and such. I will be performing here this eve and hope to entice people to fill the room. As to work, well, I have just arrived here myself, and I will perform but most work is better left to others. My talents are far to valuable to waste on (lowers his voice) menial tasks (raises his voice back to conversation levels), know what I mean."
Winks, then conducts business w/barkeep.
======================================= Tarren shots the barkeep a warning scowl.
"Yer warned, barkeep, I'll do right by you if you do right by me. I'll expect comfortable quarters and warm bath with the freshes, sweetest smelling lily petals and a good soap cake for the extra coin you charged."
He turns to Festitivia,
"I'm only half-elf. A guided tour would be welcomed, young miss, or is it misses? I would like to try to drum up business for this eve's performance by sampling in the marketplace. My name is Tarren, a traveller. I am afraid I do not know of what tale you make mention of. However, I do know of tales with elements of similiar situations. If you like, I will recite one this eve, along with the song called the Battle of Bal-Hallonian."
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