Kerim and Bofak haggle for a while, before Bofak returns to his mules, saying "Hama writz, hama begana angfama gromin". A couple of the other dwarves then turn to the mules and unpack a long sword, two daggers and a couple of spear heads, which they fetch across to Bofak, who returns with them to Kerim. Bofak exchanges the weapons for the brocade and returns to stow the material on his mules while Kerim stows the weapons on his mule. Both traders have a big grin on their faces during the exchange.
=============================
Last opportunity for conversation
=============================
Bofak and his small caravan, pack up and start moving slowly towards
Dingaic, as you continue along the trail. As he leaves Bofak calls
out "Left fork to Farfobest, and may your journey prosper
you. As the afternoon progresses you come to a fork in the trail
the left fork heads uphill towards Farfobest, the right fork
continues on and will eventually take you into the wilderness of the
Galinian coastline.
=============================
Assuming you head for Farfobest
=============================
The trail continues uphill and a couple of hours before twilight you first spot Farfobest. There are two towers that seem to be growing out of a cliff face connected by curtain walling. The wall contains a large double gate of metal studded wood. Almost immediately behind the wall is the face of the cliff. As you draw closer you can see there are windows and arrow slits carved into the face of the cliff over looking the wall.
As you approach the gates open and you are waved inside. There is a small courtyard and then another set of double doors leading directly into the cliff face, again you are waved inside. Inside the second gates is a large cavern, there is a single door leading from the left hand side with a sign over it. The sign shows a hammer on an anvil. There are double doors on the right, which are open and you can see ponies and mules stabled there. There is a further set of double doors in the wall facing you, one of which has a single door set in it. The single door is open but guarded by two dwarves in armour, who carry war hammers. Anyone trying to leave the 'lobby' area will politely be turned back.
A couple of Dwarves, Gila and Dalak, who are somewhat taller than you would expect, bow and offer you accommodation at the Inn, ‘The Hammer’s Rest’. Your horses and mules will be stabled in the large stable opposite, there is a secure area in the stables where the trade goods can be left.
For your evening meal you are offered either mushroom stew or tripe and mushroom stew and are served with a pale grey coloured beer. During the evening a number of Dwarves come in for a meal or a beer, and quite a convivial evening develops. One of the dwarves practice his party trick of singing two or three chorus songs, for which all the dwarves seem to know the chorus, and you as travellers are encouraged to join in and do your party tricks.
At various times Dwarves come up and take Kerim into a corner to talk to him. Any one who goes close overhears them haggling and quickly understands that Kerim is working.
=============================
At The hammer’s Rest
5sp Bed in the dormitory with Dinner and Breakfast
8sp Bed in a 3 bed room with Dinner and Breakfast
2sp Stabling for a mule
3sp Stabling for a riding horse
5sp Stabling for a war horse
2cp Mushroom Ale (Pint)
4cp Grain Ale (Pint)
4cp Wine (1/2 Pint)
Bills can be paid in scrap metal
=============================
While the merchants ply their trade, Rolf asks the dwarves about any incidents on the road. "We haven't had any problems, but I've been warned to keep an eye out for raiders, seen any trouble on the road?"
Once goods have been exchanged and goods repacked, Rolf exchanges a few additional pleasantries with the dwarves and signals for them to continue their march. After a few more hours, they reach the dwarven hold of Farfobest. Looking at the defenses, Rolf looks puzzled. He mutters, "Seems odd to build a stone wall when you live encased in stone. Being waved through, Rolf glances at the gates and other defenses. He's loath to sleep under such a mass of earth. He'd much rather camp out in the open. But that would hardly be polite.
Moving on into the cavern, he greets Gila and Dalak (in Norse) and thanks them for their help. He leads the others to the Hammer's Rest. Seeing the prices, he says to the others, "Seems to me splitting the cost of the rooms with three beds is the way to go, any one think differently?"
[OOC: I guess we'll need four total rooms as it would be unseemly for the gents and the ladies to share rooms. Rolf will want to make sure that no one is left without a roommate. Oh, and since they're so small, he'll assume that Smilo and Mandrake can have a third person in their room.]
After dropping off his bow and shoulder bag, Rolf meets the others, those who are interested, in the common room. He takes his bowl of mushroom stew and the grey beer. It's obvious that neither really appeal to him and he barely makes a dent in the meal. Politely refusing the offer to share his "tricks", Rolf settles near the back of the room and nurses a single grain ale before returning to his room for a restful night of sleep.
OOC: Hah, get to return to the habit of ending moves with Rolf going to sleep. :) BTW, I figure Rolf is down 4sp for his half of the room and 4cp for the grain ale. I'm assuming the mushroom stew and the grey ale are the dinner which comes with the room.
It costs 8sp per bed in the bed room You can get three people in therefore 24sp per room. Unless you book all three beds you might find the third on is let to a stranger.
OOC: In light of John's clarification...
Moving on into the cavern, he greets Gila and Dalak (in Norse) and thanks them for their help. He leads the others to the Hammer's Rest. Seeing the prices, he says to the others, "I'm for a bunk in the dormatory. What say the rest of you?"
Not trusting his belongings to the openness of the dormatory, Rolf carries his equipment about with him. Paying the bill and checking out the dormatory, Rolf meets the others, those who are interested, in the common room. He takes his bowl of mushroom stew and the grey beer. It's obvious that neither really appeal to him and he barely makes a dent in the meal. Politely refusing the offer to share his "tricks", Rolf settles near the back of the room and nurses a single grain ale before returning to his bunk for a restful night of sleep. OOC: Down 5sp (dormatory bunk) and 4 cp (for grain ale)
Kerim asks: "Does anyone fancy sharing a room? Not that I mind a dormitory, but on board ship we normally sleep on the deck and it will make a nice change to have four walls and door."
He will ask Rolf politely, and respectfully: "Who's paying for the stabling of the two mules carrying the tents, food and water?"
He will get money from his backpack in readiness to pay for the accommodation. He will ensure his goods are stored safely, the mules are stabled, finish the stew and grey coloured beer and discuss sundry trade matters with any dwarf who shows an interest in talking shop. Where possible he will join in loudly, and vigorously with the singing. He will have a drink (or two) of grain ale to lubricate his throat during negotiations (he will however limit himself to two pints).
He will ask Gila and Dalak at some stage in the evening: "How come you are so much taller than the rest of your comrades?"
If he is invited to perform a "trick", he will tell a tale involving evil sorcerers, visits to a harem, grand fights across the roof of a palace, the defeat of a genie and how in the end the gallant sea captain was offered the hand of sheikh's daughter and had to turn it down because the call of the sea was too great.
Towards the end of the evening, he will grow quiet, with a look of concentration on his face.
OOC: I'm going to see if anyone wants to share a room with a Corsair before deciding what type of accommodation to choose.
Peter stands and listens to the initial words of conversation between the party and the Dwarves, but then seems to get bored and wanders away to look at the plants growing on the edge of the path.
On entering Farfobest, Peter looks around in amazements at the workmanship and sheer size of the intenal lobby area. He egoes with Kerim and helps unload the food supplies and cooking utensils from the mules before entering the Inn.
The Kerim says, "Does anyone fancy sharing a room? Not that I mind a dormitory, but on board ship we normally sleep on the deck and it will make a nice change to have four walls and door." Peter replies "I'll take one of the beds, any one else?" and takes his gear up to the room. When he returns to the common room he has freshened up slightly and removed his leather coat.
Peter tries the mushroom stew and beer and seems to keep savouring the taste as if trying to work out the ingredients, and eventually calls one of the serving dwarves over. "Hey, this tastes as if its got half a dozen differnt types of mushroom, can I get the recipe from the chef? While you're here, do you have a herbalist in Farfobest, I would quite like to meet him if you do?"
During the evening Peter will drink another couple of mugs of Mushroom Ale, and smiles along with the sing song and entertainment, but goes slightly red when asked if he has a party trick. "No, No, I don't have any such party piece that I can share with you, carry on though, I quite enjoy the singing".
At Kerim's question, "Who's paying for the stabling of the two mules carrying the tents, food and water?" Rolf grimaces. He hadn't stopped to consider such things. Still, it wouldn't be fair to expect Kerim, or anyone, to shoulder the cost alone. Holding out 4 pieces of silver, he hands them over to Kerim, "I'll cover it this night." Facing the group as a whole, he continues, "But I'll expect everyone to help cover the expense from now on." He waits a moment to see if anyone wishes to object.
Looking at the dwarven fortress, Elsbeth shakes her head. "A forbidding looking home, I'd say," she exclaims softly. Still, she is happy at the thought that they are finished for the day.
Once her horse is stabled, she enters the Inn, her eyes wide at all she sees. She breathes a sigh of relief as she sees that she has a mostly vegetarian dish to choose from. She does decline the ale, however, opting instead for wine.
As the talk turns to accomadations, she grimaces. Obviously, she's not too keen on the idea of a dormitory. Still, that seems best. Its noteworthy that she pays for her wine and room with a gold piece.
"But I'll expect everyone to help cover the expense from now on," Rolf declares as he pays for the mules.
Elsbeth nods. "Aye, that's fair," she responds. "I'd be hoping that those favoring their mounts would be courteous enough to provide for them. After all, 'tis not as if they can provide for themselves in such as we have here."
For the rest of the evening, she is happy, adding her voice to that of the dwarves, picking up on their melodies quickly. Despite her fatigue, she seems determined to enjoy the happy atmosphere.
As the night wears on, Smilo finds he's enjoying himself emensely. Resonable food, good drink, singing--so what if he didn't know the language? After the fifth or so ale, he climbs onto the bench and plops down next to Mandrake. "I got this figured out," he says to the gnome, in the attempt to tap his temple, he manages to poke his eye. A few swear words later, Smilo continues, "we can't keep up, rights? ere's what we do. We ire us a couple of peasants to carry us on der backs. eh? eh? Well its a thought idn't it? ow much could a peasant cost? No, we wooddun whip em ere notin. Not like a beast. I'd buy mine drinks and all, just like e was me own brother. Yessir, treat im like me own brother I would. Have you tried the rolls? Don't know what yer missin. You kin dwarve dunya? What the ell they singin bout?" OOC: he doesn't keep track of his money.
>[For Rolf]
"Apologies, I had assumed that, as warden, you would have been given
money for lodging and rations, as we required them." Having said
this, he will hand Rolf a Dirham (a Silver Piece to the
Unenlightened). "Of course we must share expenses, perhaps the
hunters of the party could do a little hunting as we travel, to vary
our diet perhaps and reduce our costs?"
[During the Meal]
He will be less than pleased with Smilo's behaviour at the table, but
will not say anything.
"My lady Elsbeth, I see that you approve of the meal, myself I prefer some meat, at least on a semi-regular basis."
He will be pleased to hear Peter wishes to take up an offer on one of the beds: "Anyone else, only one bed left now."
[To Elsbeth and Madelyn]
"I intend to see if I can get some oats for the mules, do you wish me
to acquire some for your own fair mounts."
OOC: I'm being obtuse again. Rolf has been provided with money for expenses. Ignore my "Damn Mules :)" post in favor of this one.
At Kerim's question, "Who's paying for the stabling of the two mules carrying the tents, food and water?" Rolf brings his attention to the merchant. He hadn't stopped to consider such things as stabling for the mules. Holding out 4 pieces of silver, he hands them over to Kerim, "Count Richard has provided expenses."
"My lady Elsbeth, I see that you approve of the meal," volunteers Kerim during the dinner. "Myself I prefer some meat, at least on a semi-regular basis."
Elsbeth laughs. "Most men do, It seems," she replies with a smile. "I've never been much for such, just being a personal preference, though I wouldn't fault one who does. I've fancied fish now and then. Liking the wee creatures is my downfall, I suppose."
Elsbeth's eyes seem constantly to sparkle with good humor. "I'd be taking you up on that extra bed, me not liking dorm sleeping, were it to be not seemly for a lass such as I. It would shock my Mother to her deathbed, I think!" Her tone indicates serious mirth. "As for the oats, I would be most appreciative, as would Lorna. She prefers the finer things, much like her mistress."
OOC: Time to eat a little spice, but bend time rather than space.
============================= Last opportunity for conversation ============================= Bofak and his small caravan, pack up and start moving slowly towards Dingaic, as you continue along the trail.
As Bofak prepares his caravan for the onward journey, Mandrake approaches him and speaks in hushed dwarven tones with him.
============================= Assuming you head for Farfobest ============================= Since everyone else did, then Mandrake will also ;-)
As they wait in the Lobby, Mandrake seems a little agitated and when Gila and Dalak arrive, he waits for them to arrange things and for the others to begin to move to move away and organise themselves before he approaches. He can then be heard talking to them in the dwarven language.
Throughout the evening, Mandrake seems a little distracted. Whilst he joins in with the singing (thought with a somewhat untrained voice) and appears to enjoy the simple earthy food, it can be noticed that he goes lightly on the ale, especially when compared to his excesses in Dingaic. He seems to be waiting for something to happen.
"I got this figured out," he says to the gnome, in the attempt to tap his temple, he manages to poke his eye. A few swear words later, Smilo continues, "we can't keep up, rights? ere's what we do. We ire us a couple of peasants to carry us on der backs. eh? eh? Well its a thought idn't it? ow much could a peasant cost? No, we wooddun whip em ere notin. Not like a beast. I'd buy mine drinks and all, just like e was me own brother. Yessir, treat im like me own brother I would.
Mandrake smiles kindly at the Hobbit “I think we’d best save that thought for later, the folks round hear are little taller than we. It certainly sounds better than sitting atop a damn mule though.”
Have you tried the rolls? Don't know what yer missin. You kin dwarve dunya? What the ell they singin bout?"
“I have indeed, but you can never have enough of a good thing is what my ol’ pa always said. The first song was a miners song, it goes generally along the lines of describing the good honest hard toil of the dwarven miner as they toil for ore and the chorus describes the exciting possibility of finding that big gem or nugget.
“In the second song the verses are the master smith describing how to forge the perfect weapon, sword, axe, and so on each having their own verse, whilst the chorus is meant to be the apprentices in awe and asking questions. If I know Dwarves, the next one will be about a great hero and a victory over a terrible foe.”
Kerim asks Gila and Dalak "How come you are so much taller than the rest of your comrades?"
Gila, who happens to be the dwarf asked, seems to start blushing and heads off towards the kitchens. Dalak, throws Kerim a dirty look and continues clearing the tables.
OOC: I am going to assume any one who doesn't expess a preference is going for a bed in the dorm and a single mushroom ale.
Peter can't help over hearing the conversation between the Gnome and the Halfling, which seem to get louder and louder as it goes on.
Smilo says, "we can't keep up, rights? ere's what we do. We ire us a couple of peasants to carry us on der backs. eh? eh? Well its a thought idn't it? ow much could a peasant cost? No, we wooddun whip em ere notin. Not like a beast. I'd buy mine drinks and all, just like e was me own brother. Yessir, treat im like me own brother I would.
And Mandrakes response, “I think we’d best save that thought for later, the folks round hear are little taller than we. It certainly sounds better than sitting atop a damn mule though.”
Smiling, Peter calls back "They have a few donkeys in the stable here, perhaps they will sell you one, you might even be able to get saddles and tack. You never know!"
Kerim will take the 4 pieces of silver from Rolf and pay for the stabling of the Mules.
"My lady, I will get the best bargain I can for oats to feed your fair horse." He says to Elsbeth.
"Well my friend, it appears only you and I seek comfort in a room" he says to Peter and will hand over 8 Dirham for the room.
He will approach Mandrake, "Please apologise to Gila and Darak for me, my innocent question appears to have upset them."
He will start serious haggling to sell 5 Bolts of Linen, 5 Bolts of Wool, the Velvet, half his the poundage of spices he carries, the pelts and one (maybe both) barrels of wine. In exchange, he seeking to buy more weapons.
OOC: Have a good weekend folks - look forward to reading posts on Monday.
OOC: If you look at you character sheet you will see that I have
added a new stat for each of the characters: Perception. I have
rolled the stat in the normal way - on 3d6 (although 1 rolled 4 and
disregarded the lowest). This is a game mechanic that simulates how
perceptive the character is and I will use it occasionally to see who
spots strange or unusual activities. Any questions, comments, or
reasons why you think your perception should be higher or lower than
it is, to me on a postcard please ...
Having said that - would you all, please, make perception rolls for
me :) -
OOC: Sorry for the delay guys Madelyn pays little attention to the discussions going on with the
dwarves, and although is listening in, she is too busy scouting the
road, in front and behind them. On arriving at Farfobest, once the initial welcoming is over and
they have been led into The Hammers Rest, Madelyn will turn to
Elsbeth "I don’t like the idea of sleeping in the dormitory,
would you like to share a room?". Madelyn goes along to the stables with Kerim to assist with the
mules and settle Keldon, she spends some time with the stallion,
taking off his tackle, grooming him and making sure he is fed and
watered. On arriving back at the Rest she asks Gila and Dalak if there is
somewhere she can clean up before dinner. Once freshened up, Madelyn
joins the others in the common room. She joins in with frivolities,
and a little later takes a seat next to Rolf – "You seem very
uncomfortable in these surroundings – is something troubling you?
"
OOC: 5 for perception :o)
Smiling, Peter calls back "They have a few donkeys in the
stable here, perhaps they will sell you one, you might even be able
to get saddles and tack. You never know!"
"If you ask me, the closet that I want to get to one of them beast is
in a cart behind it, and even that's pushing it."
He will approach Mandrake, "Please apologise to Gila and Darak for
me, my innocent question appears to have upset them."
"I will try, but they looked too upset to listen at the moment. A tip
for the future though, if you want to know something about someone,
it is often better to ask those around them rather than be direct."
Picking up a half full bowl of rolls from the table, Mandrake empties
the remaining ones onto Smilo's plate "They are really rather good
aren't they? You finish them and I'll fetch some more." He then tucks
his legs up to his chest and swivels around on the bench so that he
can jump down.
Mandrake heads off to the kitchens with the empty bowl in his hand
and passing through the door sees the Gila standing over the sink
sobbing. Mandrake clears his throat loudly and then walks towards he
holding the bowl out and saying "These rolls have got to be the best
that have ever tasted, the problem is that my Hobbit friend thinks
so too and he is sitting next to me. So my complements to the chef
and could we have another bowl full."
Mandrake waits for Gila to choke back the sobs and fetch some more
rolls. As she passes the full bowl back he hands her a bright red
handkerchief and says quietly "Please accept my apologies for my
travelling companion's rudeness, and if you have it in your heart,
accept his which I convey also. He meant nothing by it, he and most
of the others have not got out much and rarely seen folks other than
their own likes. No judgement was meant by his remarks, he just knows
no better, but myself, I know that I have never tasked as fine a roll
as these." With that, Mandrake smiles and bows to Gila, turning and
leaving her holding the handkerchief.
OOC: 10 for perception
OOC: John, I assume you meant for us to use the dice roller on the
web site, got a 9 on the perception roll.
Rolf sits in the common room, watching and remaining unnoticed in
the back of the room. Some time after eating, Madelyn takes a seat
next to him. He gives her a nod of welcome. "You seem very
uncomfortable in these surroundings – is something troubling you? "
He shrugs, "I'm used to sleeping under the open sky. All the stone
above weighs on me." With an apparent effort, he pushes his
nervousness down. With a somewhat forced, lighter tone, he says,
"It's of no moment, don't worry about it."
On arriving at Farfobest, once the initial welcoming is over and they
have been led into The Hammers Rest, Madelyn will turn
to Elsbeth "I don’t like the idea of sleeping in the dormitory, would
you like to share a room?"
Elsbeth breathes an obvious sigh of relief. "I would indeed," she
replies. "I was not relishing the thought of a dorm, nor the company
of strangers. T'would make for a more restful night, I think."
OOC: That would be the 8SP for the room, then 4CP for the wine. Also,
make
that a 9 on the perception role.
Callum keeps to himself for most of the journey. When they arrive and
settle in at The Hammers Rest, he is a little surprised at having to
pay for his bed and board, but seems happy enough with the
accomodations. He sits drinking his ale and watching his companions,
a little confused at how these people behave, taking money for
hospitality instead of allowing your guest to repay you with a
suitable gift.
OOC:Sorry I missed last week. Rolled 1 on the perception roll. Glad
I got that out of the way before the first fight. I can't remember if
you said, John - do you use any critical hit/fumble rules?
OOC: Hi Malcolm. Good to see you back. I don't play critical hits
and fumbles - I never really felt they fitted with the generalist D&D
style of combat. I also felt that the systems I have seen took the
'flow' away from tabletop combat, as well, although that is not an
issue here. I don't mind you building the odd fumble etc in for your
character, to give extra characterisation [You never know I might
even do it for the monsters as well, may be :) ]
Any one else got any views?
By Sharon who plays
Madelyn
Dwarf land
By Daren who plays
Mandrake
Apologies
By Brad who plays Rolf
Fireside chat
By Lance who plays Elsbeth
Room with no view
By Malcolm who plays Callum
It speaks!
By John who plays The Ref
Crits and Fumbles