Squatters (DM Cayzle) Thursday June 8th, 2006 4:57:12 PM
Loot is divided, and the priest of Gargul is satisfied.
The group finds that the buildings they once owned have been occupied by squatters. There are a small gang of beggers, who show you their begging licenses when challenged. There is also a family holed up in one suite of rooms -- about five kids and a granny. The granny tells you that the mother is out working, but she will be back soon.
Draax Thursday June 8th, 2006 11:29:45 PM
Draax looks over the beggars; he would hate to have to kill one or two of them to reclaim his property, but he will do it if he must. To the beggars he says, "You guys are going to have to find a new place to live. The owners are back and we plan to live here. You have until tonight to find a new place."
Draax addresses the grandmother, "We will wait until the mother return and discuss with her the situation."
When the group is alone Draax says, "I see no reason why the family cannot stay. As long as they understand the situation and Feng does not sense any evil from them. I would feel better if someone was in the place when we have to be off again for long periods of time. I would also like to leave my horse here instead of paying the local stable every time we leave."
Feng Friday June 9th, 2006 7:27:33 AM
"We cannot just throw them out of the street. These simple acts are what seperates us from those that stand as our enemies. The beggers are another problem altogether. They choose that life by getting liscenes. With all the chaos they could have gotten jobs if they wished."
Monthor Friday June 9th, 2006 7:32:50 AM
Monthor taps the blade of his axe on his palm repeatedly....
" Beggars be gone or me be tossing ye out. "
" Hey boys, this ain't me house but ye should consider hiring this family to look after it for ye when yer not here. "
Arien Friday June 9th, 2006 3:24:59 PM
"I agree with that, also since we do have several properties here, I would suggest that we hire someone or several someones to watch over each building. Perhaps some of these beggars could make for some unskilled labor for any repairs that we might need done to the buildings in our absence?"
Out with a whimper (departing DM Cayzle) Saturday June 10th, 2006 9:13:02 PM
The beggars are unwilling to work at an "honest" job, and they take off.
The woman returns, dressed fashionably and looking tired. She is grateful for the offer of employment, though -- in fact she seems very relieved that her family is not out on the street.
Her name is Hmargret, from which you know that she is one of the natives of the Windborn Hills. But her speech is like that of a native New Ellenian. The granny (named Hnancy) has a bit of an accent.
She gladly agrees to work for you and to keep the place up well. She clearly seems to think that she will do this work in exchange for rent. Do you intend to give her a salary as well? By the way, Feng senses no evil in her.
You spend the night in your new/old digs, and in the night you have dreams. You hear the Fae King whimpering. Then that fades and you hear the Queen. In the morning you cannot remember what she said, but you have the sense that she was pleased with you.
Also, in the morning there is an eighty-foot tall oak tree growing next to the building that was not there the night before. Its branches seem to stretch out over the house as if sheltering it.
[OOC: Monday marks the first day of posting for new DM JK. Gentlemen, it has been a good run (over a year and a half!), and I've had a fun time. Good luck and keep up the great play! -- Cayzle.]
Draax Sunday June 11th, 2006 3:15:41 AM
Draax sits with Hmargret and the members of the group to work out an employment agreement with the woman and her family. He feel that if the woman and her family are willing to make sure the place is well kept and see to any maintenance that is needed; he is willing to pay her 75gp a month plus free rent. He will also set up a maintenance fund for her to draw from to pay contractors for repairs.
Monthor Monday June 12th, 2006 6:13:44 AM
Not Monthor's property so he has nothing to add.
Tratain Monday June 12th, 2006 11:07:35 AM
Tratain walks around the properties trying to get an idea of what they look like.
He says "We should probably take a while and fix this place up before we head out anywhere else."
OOC: Did we get exp from the last module yet?
Ex DM Cayzle OOC Monday June 12th, 2006 4:36:28 PM
I'lll be talking to DM JK about XP asap.
Monthor Monday June 12th, 2006 6:26:49 PM
ooc> Shouldn't we all level up as a going away present from Cayzle? I know! Let's take it to a vote. Anyone?
Feng Tuesday June 13th, 2006 9:40:23 AM
OOC: Or a huge pile of gold under one of the floorboards in the house.
Arien Tuesday June 13th, 2006 6:49:09 PM
Arien spends some time exploring the buildings, looking for a good place to start putting together a lab. After a few hours of this Arien heads back to the Star Mage's guild for some more studying.
Monthor Tuesday June 13th, 2006 7:16:26 PM
ooc> New DM's late. I say we tar and feather him.
The Fey Tree (Ex-DM Cayzle) Tuesday June 13th, 2006 9:50:55 PM
[OOC: Hmmm. No JK yet. Well, let me intrude.]
The group settles in. Arien finds a couple rooms to his liking then sets out to study. Tratain looks to tidy up as needed and consider repairs and maintenance. Hmargret is very pleased with Draax's offer. Even the strange new tree outside does not deter her!
It is a strange tree. Its leaves and branches move as if blown by breezes that you cannot feel.
Monthor Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:07:20 PM
Monthor goes to check out the tree.
Tratain Wednesday June 14th, 2006 8:24:45 AM
Tratain does some work around the groups properties, when he needs to rest he'll go sit under the new tree and enjoy the shade.
Foozle (DMJK) Wednesday June 14th, 2006 11:34:34 AM
The tree seems very large and quite normal aside from the fact that you didn't notice it yesterday, but before anyone really discovers anything interesting about it....
With a bang and a crash, a gnome... a short gnome... and that's short as in short by gnomish standards... afterall, we all know that gnomes are short, but this gnome is particularly short. In any case, the aforementioned short gnome bursts in on the scene making a terrible racket. He has rolled up parchment and canvases tucked under his arms. He's also porting around an impossibly large red bag with loopy leather handles. He seems to be having little difficulty difficulty despite the hefty burden. But then, he starts to sway from side to side and has difficulty regaining balance. His attempts to delay the inevitable quickly meet with failure, and he trips. Bag and canvas go flying.
Unabashedly he hops to his feet and makes a tidy little bow, "Allowmetointroducemyself, FoozleMilthantaneousCobblewoggonNibsparket FanzansizzleDokeeterFishwisterThanatomeekretousBorrcog at your service. Er, mostpeoplecallme Foozle." He has a gleam in his eye that looks like he expects he will be thrown out any second, but he rushes on, "IheardyouwerebuyingsomepropertyoratleastthinkingofbuyingsomepropertyandIassumethatyouwillneedartworkinyournewestablishment. And THAT is why I am here! Perhapsyou'veseenmypaintingof Valdor and Claudia thathangsinthelawofficesofBrushwaiteandJustyouwaite? No? WellIassureyouallthatIamwhattheycallanaturaltalent. Whateversceneyoudesire, Icanpaintitwithperfectskill, andI'dliketooffermydecoratingservicesforareasonablefee."
He bows and tips his hat, which seems to primarily consist of an impossibly long yellow feather, and adds in what now seems to be a reasonbly paced speaking rate, "Perhaps you'd like to look over some of my work." He gestures to the rolls scattered over the ground.
(Hello everybody. This is kind of a holding pattern post while I write up an approved module. I'll confer with Cayzle about xp, and he suggests that the group is setting up a house. I'm open to suggestions about what everyone wants to do in the next module. So, throw some ideas my way (jkf@grm.net), and by the beginning of next week, we'll be off and running like a man possessed.)
More Foozle (DMJK) Thursday June 15th, 2006 2:30:14 PM
The gnome looks around at everyone and seems a bit unsure about whether or not he should continue. However, since no one has told him to beat it, he decides its safe to continue. He also seems to wonder whether or not anyone in the group speaks common.
He points around at the ground and says slowly and rather too loudly, "Paintings." Then he points around the group and says in a similar tone, "Patrons?"
Thinking his work would best speak for itself, he starts to pick up some rolls of canvas from the ground and opens them up to show off some of his work. It's suprisingly good... if you like landscapes. It seems all of them are landscapes and pictures of buildings around Windhorn Hamlet.
He adds, "I do portraits too, but these sell better." He looks down at one of the paintings and mutters, "Thatsodd. Treeshouldntbehere." He scratches his head a bit, and indeed he has a painting of this area that does not feature an immense tree. His brow furrows in though, and he goes digging through his satchel and finally comes up with a sketchbook.
He flips through the pages for a few minutes and finally comes up with a picture of a tree that looks remarkably like this one, but it's standing by a large waterfall that none of you has ever seen before.
He holds up the book and points to the tree and points back to the book and looks utterly bewildered.
Draax Thursday June 15th, 2006 5:56:01 PM
Not really interested in the gnome's works, Draax looks at the paintings just humor the fellow. He looks very close at the picture with the tree and the waterfall. Looking at the gnome and pointing to the picture he asks, "What place is this?"
Tratain Friday June 16th, 2006 10:23:54 AM
Tratain is interested about the picture of the Tree as well.
He tells the Gnome "So what can you do for us and how much do you charge?"
Foozle (DMJK) Friday June 16th, 2006 11:36:52 AM
Foozle looks at Draax with a bit of impatience. After all geography has nothing to do with commission. "Where? That myfriend iswherethe BrinkwaterRiver flowsdownthe UpperPlateau. Neverbeenthere? It's especially lovelyinthewinter. Courseitscoldinthewinter. Brrrr."
Finally, Tratain asks the right sort of question, "WhatcanIdo? Mygoodman, I paint pictures. Like these." He points to his paintings. "Wordonthestreet is that youchaps arebuying buying a big house. Bighouses look empty without paintings. I want to sell you paintings... as for price, wellthatreallydependswhatyouwant. You all seem to like the BrinkwaterFalls. Icould letitgo forsay 150 gold. Some work is cheaper. Portraitsand customorders aremore. It all depends on a variety of factors, mostly relatedtosize."
Tratain Friday June 16th, 2006 10:11:24 PM
Tratain says "I think we like the Painting of the Tree, perhapse we could also hire you to help us decorate the house? I'm sure we don't have a keen eye from that sort of thing like you do."
Draax Saturday June 17th, 2006 1:39:40 AM
Draax is not really interested in house decorations, but he continues to look on as if he is listening.
Monthor Monday June 19th, 2006 5:45:30 AM
Monthor s-'sniff at Foozle and gets in his personal space.
" So... ye paint perty pictures do ye?"
Foozle (DMJK) Tuesday June 20th, 2006 9:56:10 AM
Foozle takes a step back from Monthor and smiles at Tratain in a nervous way, "AsIsay, Icould letitgo for 150. Andyouknow thistree looksjustlikeit. If you'd liketocommissionit, I'll paint it foryou too."
He rolls the painting back up and makes as if to hand it to Tratain, but it's clear he intends to be paid if he lets it go.
He also adds, "I have lots of other tree paintingstoo. You could come to my studio to seethem."
Feng Tuesday June 20th, 2006 12:37:28 PM
The half orc cups Monthor on the back of the head. "Don't be rude shortstack. And people say Orcs are ill manared."
Arien Wednesday June 21st, 2006 2:15:04 AM
Somewhat amused and somewhat annoyed by the gnome, Arien leaves to go do more studying at the Star Mage's guild.
Draax Wednesday June 21st, 2006 2:26:13 AM
With nothing else to do at the moment, Draax continues to fake interest in the gnome's paintings.
Monthor Wednesday June 21st, 2006 8:19:28 AM
Monthor turns and looks up at Feng. " That's a paladin for ye. "
:: Monthor suddenly tries to pants Feng ooc> I'll let the DM figure out the roles involved. ::
:: Regardless of success, Monthor then laughs and walks away. ::
Tratain Wednesday June 21st, 2006 6:21:59 PM
Tratain maneuvers the gnome a bit away from Feng and Monthor laughing while he does so. He says "We'll definitly take the Painting of the Tree, I think I'd also like to commssion you to Paint the Tree here for us as well. Can you also give me directions to the place in you painting? I may want to go visit there one day."
Monthor Thursday June 22nd, 2006 9:57:11 PM
ooc> We held up still?
Monthor Friday June 23rd, 2006 5:37:32 PM
ooc> I guess we are.
Arien Friday June 23rd, 2006 11:01:04 PM
Arien continues his studies in with the Star Mages.
Cayzle Monday June 26th, 2006 9:53:57 PM
Hey Windhorn Hamleteers! I've written to JK and we'll see what is going on.
Since we are between modules, there is nothing for me to give Joe even if I did want him to take over.
But do let me give you some crunchy game goodness to chew on:
Experience Awards
All PCs gain a base of 13,500 xp.
I'll be posting hero point and RP awards in the next day or two.
Arien d4=3 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 2:23:56 AM
Arien keeps his studies at the Star Mage guildhouse going while wondering what he could add to his study back at their buildings.
(Roll Hp for level, +3)
Monthor Tuesday June 27th, 2006 9:50:11 AM
Monthor suddenly feels... more proficient. (WHOOHOO!!! LEVEL 13!!!)
Foozle Departs (DMJK) Tuesday June 27th, 2006 11:22:10 AM
Foozle delivers the painting and happily accepts the gold for payment. He adds that if you want to see his other tree paintings that you're welcome to come by the studio anytime, and he's kind enough to offer directions, which should be easy enough to follow, even if they were delivered rather rapidly.
Then the gnome departs.
It seems there are no pressing demands on your time, but you have a painting of a tree and a location where that tree is supposed to be... Brinkwater Falls.
[Sorry for the delay. I'll have solid daily posting from here on. Consider that any shopping or level adjustment business takes place while you're in town and update your character sheets accordingly.]
Tratain d8=7 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 7:55:31 PM
Tratain Pays for the Painting. and Goes to hang it where it would look nice. He then spends the day cleaning up around the house and then heads to the war cathedral to train with the priests there.
Monthor ooc> HP role d10=10 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 8:53:32 PM
10
Monthor Tuesday June 27th, 2006 10:16:57 PM
What's your email JK?
Action? - DMJK Wednesday June 28th, 2006 1:49:12 PM
Tratain gets the painting hung on the wall, and it looks nice if not terribly exciting.
After that, the day passes quitely. Everyone receives a much needed rest and time to act normal for a change. Still the lure of adventure beckons, but it seems that adveture isn't seeking you out for a change. No comets are falling from the sky (today). No dragons are threatening the hamlet (this week). The sahaguin haven't stolen any children (lately). There don't seem to be any crazed wizards about to incinerate a tavern (not since that incident last Thursday), and there don't even seem to be any stray dogs that can't find their way home.
It seems that for once, you hold your own destiny in your hands. Many paths await, but it seems you have the freedom to blaze your own trail. Of course, who knows how wide your window of opportunity is?
[jkf@grm.net]
Monthor Thursday June 29th, 2006 7:43:21 AM
"Hey girls, anyone know anything about this Brinkwater Falls? Anyone have any ideas as to what we should be doing next?"
Feng Thursday June 29th, 2006 11:31:39 AM
"Never heard of the place. If we have no other pressing matters what do we need to do? Some treasure hunting to better equip ourselves in the face of the next crisis?"
Brinkwater Falls Thursday June 29th, 2006 11:50:50 AM
It dawns on someone that the Brinkwater River is the principal river of New Elenna. It flows from the upper plateaus down to the Lotiphagi Ocean. It creates a waterfall as it flows over each of the three plateaus. Thus there are three reasonable choices for which one might be the Brinkwater Falls that Foozle mentioned.
The river flows down from the Third Plateau at Hoomwix, from the Second Plateau at Goodiamond, and from the First Plateau at Troiemaret and Golpherand.
Of the three, Windhorn Hamlet is closest to Goodiamond. Hoomwix is near Plateau City. Troimaret and Golpherand lie on the opposite side of the Plateaus from Windhorn. While they are the most distant, they are also easily reached by ship.
Monthor Thursday June 29th, 2006 12:18:58 PM
Me all for some exploring. Let's try Hoomwix. For no other reason then me like the name... HOOOOOMwix.
Draax Thursday June 29th, 2006 3:21:51 PM
"Exploring and possible treasure hunt is fine with me. Hoomwix is as good of an idea as any other, so if that is where you guys want to explore, count me in."
Tratain Thursday June 29th, 2006 8:51:56 PM
Tratain says "I'd be up for taking a trip to see the tree, not sure if theres any treasure hunting to be done there but It would probably be nice just to take a Day Trip there."
Feng Friday June 30th, 2006 10:30:16 AM
"Alright lets go see the tree."
To Hoomwix (DMJK) Friday June 30th, 2006 3:02:59 PM
Anyone who has ventured to Plateau City from Windorn Hamlet has undoubtedly passed through Hoomwix since the top of the lift between the Second and Third Plateaus is also located there.
You recall a fairly drab town and a long wait in the lift line. Of course, Hoomwix is at the top of the plateau, and the tree in the picture is located at the bottom of a waterfall. So, you'll not need to make the ascent to Hoomwix itself.
If the falls near Hoomwix Lift are indeed your destination, you have to plan the route to get there. The most direct overland route is to ascend the First Plateau near Windhorn. The First Plateau is rather pleasant and full of farmland, not much chance of treasure or adventure there. But the road will take you by Turtle Lake, the former home of Floating City.
Beyone Turtle Lake the road forks at Jessage. The west fork goes to Goodiamond and its waterfall. The right goes to the Zidiac-Baenville Lift to the Second Plateau. You can ascend to the Second Plateau at either location. The lift at Zidiac is the fastest way up, but Goodiamond has the advantage of being the location of one of the Brinkwater's falls.
However you ascend, you will next have to traverse the Second Plateau and the infamous Blackheart Monster Preserve. As long as you remain on the Safe Road, travel should be swift and safe, but a journey through the preserve offers the lure of a bit more adventure.
The total distance is roughly fifty miles, but with waiting time for lifts being what they are, you can count on a three day trip.
Of course, Hoomwix is less than an hour's ride from Plateau City. So, a quick means of travel to Pleateau City, say via teleportation or the Star Mages portals, could have you there before nightfall.
Draax Saturday July 1st, 2006 4:40:39 PM
Draax looks at their options and then gives his opinion.
"Unless you guys are bored and want to take the long way; I suggest we get a T.P. to Pleateau City and ride or walk the rest of the way."
Monthor Sunday July 2nd, 2006 9:28:04 PM
" Works for me. Maybe we can hire a coach and ride in style. "
Feng Monday July 3rd, 2006 10:38:54 AM
"Monthor I doubt there is anybody you could hire that could get you to ride in style. Let alone walk."
ooc: Still haven't updated my CS yet. When I do what address do I send it to?
Tratain Tuesday July 4th, 2006 11:02:15 AM
Tratain says "Lets just walk, its not that Far. Plus it will be nice and relaxing after all that business with the Fey King we just went through."
Monthor Wednesday July 5th, 2006 10:32:08 AM
ooc> We still held up JK?
DMJK Wednesday July 5th, 2006 11:37:26 AM
The consensus of those who have commented seems to be that a teleport straight to Plateau City would be the fastest, if somewhat less adventuresome, route.
The only thing that remains is to select the method of teleportation.
< we're not held up, just light posting over the 4 day holiday weekend. :) you can send cs to me jkf@grm.net >
Arien Wednesday July 5th, 2006 8:46:30 PM
Arien returns from studying at the star mages guild and gets filled in on the idea to travel to this other tree, he thinks a moment before saying, "The Star Mages generally frown on using their teleportation circles not for Star Mage use. The painting could be enough for me to teleport us there though there is a chance that something may go wrong."
((OOC: JK, I thought we were already in Plateau City? That is where the property that we owned was, did we move somewhere else and I missed it?))
Monthor Thursday July 6th, 2006 8:58:24 AM
"Me easy. Me'll do whatever you brainy types decide. "
Feng Thursday July 6th, 2006 10:29:31 AM
"Well lets inquire about travel through the star mages. I if they turn us down we will simply have to take the long way there."
On Second Thought (DMJK) Thursday July 6th, 2006 10:53:50 AM
Since the group is indeed in Plateau City, teleportation won't be necessary, and the journey will be a rather short venture that will let you get out of town... and hopefully forget what brought you back here.
[Cayzle told me the group had gone home for the funeral, and I assumed (incorrectly) that was still Windhorn. Sorry for the mixup.]
Monthor Thursday July 6th, 2006 8:40:08 PM
" Let's go then girls. "
ooc> By the by, anyone know when Renik's back. Are we getting new members?
Once on the way, Monthor starts a "are we there yet?" chant. Mainly aimed at annoying Feng.
Draax Thursday July 6th, 2006 11:50:25 PM
As they travel, Draax will walk a good distance behind the others, giving Monthor and Feng a lot of space.
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