Spectrum's Comments: A slew of adventures have arrived in Elcadan, each with very different desires and goals.
Borderlands #2
Several adventurers have arrived in Elcadan and sought shelter at the High Road Inn. The High Road in is located in the Cross Town area of Elcadan.
Galtman assigns rooms based on the requests of the Adventures. He will tell all that mounts can be stored in the stable next to the Inn. Their feed and care is already included in the cost of the rooms.
When speaking to Nightshade, Galtman will say:
"A thousand pardons, milady, but the Inn does not have a full bath house on the premises. I can direct you to a nearby Bath House of high quality. I best I can provide fresh water and a basin to wash with."
Argent claimed the first of the two lavish rooms available. Nightshadow took the other.
Galtman will sadly shake his head when asked about Feywine.
"I only wish I could, milady. No finer beverage have I tasted! Alas, the elves do not seem concerned with making profits and do not share their excellent wine with use mere humans. I can recommend an excellent Arabellan Dry?"
Turning his attention to Jordane, Galtman will tell the man:
"Yes, good sir, Elcadan is an interesting town. I do warn you to avoid the areas to the south of the Inn. Rogues and thieves hide in the streets. Women of loose morals ply their trades. Politics is probably the most interesting subject in these here parts. Then, of course, the telling of exploits from travelers such as yourself!"
Anton and Victor both take private rooms.
Galtman stares in wonder as Maroshe enters with her pets. He goes to speak, but he beats him to the punch. The Innkeeper considers for a moment and then will reply:
"Very well, milady. I accept your word that your pets are well trained. However, if any damage should occur, then I do expect reimbursement for such damage. Are we agreed?"
Galtman will assign a double room to Maroshe and her friends.
Sir Harshaw is the next to receive Galtman's attention. A private room is given to Harshaw.
"A storage vault, you say? I myself would recommend Furnow's Stronghouse. It is located in the Old Town sector. If I were out to purchase a house, then I would start at the Land Owner's Guild, located in Old Town. They keep records on what is available. The Main Guild house, where all the heads of the individual guilds meet, is also located in Old Town. They can set you straight on any guild matters."
Brana receives the same answer as Nightshadow when she requests a bath. Brana receives a private room.
"If it is tack services you need, milady, I would seek out Fenwick's workshop. He is the man you seek. The shop is north of the Inn, here in Cross Town."
The night slowly winds down and almost all the patrons retire for the evening.
Galtman will approach Gilana.
"We shall be closing soon, milady. Do you wish a room for the night or shall you be on your way?"
The night passes without incident.
Here is the break down of rooms.
The top floor of the Inn has 6 rooms altogether. Argent and Nightshadow have the two lavish rooms. Anton and Sir Harshaw have the private rooms on this floor. Maroshe and her pets have one of the two double rooms on this floor. The last room is empty.
On the second floor, Jordane, Victor and Brana all have private rooms.
A new day comes to Elcadan.
Nightshadow is off to explore the seedier side of town and heads into the slums.
At first the area is not that bad. But the further south you go, the worst it gets. There are shops located every so often down the streets. Just about any service imaginable may be found here.
A few burned out buildings are passed. The street becomes a muddy track where water and waste meet.
Nightshadow walks past several buildings with attractive woman standing before them. They beckon passing men to enter.
Suddenly, there is a trio of slimy looking men before Nightshadow. They all reek of alcohol.
"Ho, wench! May your services be had?"
The trio eyes you lecherously.
Jordane sets out for the Temple of Heironeous over in New Town. The Temple is a two story building that gives one an impression of a fortress.
Passing through the open front gate, you enter the Temple. Inside the door is a large bronze statue of Heironeous. An older man in the robes of a Heironeous priest approaches. He notes your symbol.
"Welcome, brother. How can we assist you this day?"
Anton comes down next morning to the Common Room of the Inn. Galtman motions him towards a table. Seated at this table is a man in woodsman style dress. A cloak is drawn over his head, but you can make out his full brown beard and eyes.
"Einar is the name", the man says. "I understand that you are looking for a scout?"
Victor and Argent meet for breakfast and then head off towards the Wizard's Guild. Following directions, they proceed west from the High Road Inn and over the bridge to the other side of the Streel River. Many merchant barrages and smaller boats can been seen in the water.
The duo arrives at the main gate to Old Town. It is a heavy portcullis flanked by two stone towers. A full score of guards are on duty. A guard will question your business in Old Town but does not hinder your progress.
The Wizards Guild is easy to find. The Guild is housed in a huge stone tower the easily dominates the entire town. It stands six floors high and is over 100' wide.
Huge wooden doors lead into the guild. No guards are visible.
Entering, you pass through a foyer and arrive at the front desk. A young woman sits behind the desk.
"Greetings, lady and gentlemen. What can the Elcadan Wizards Guild do for you this day?"
SUBJ: Anton (R) FROM: GM Feral 04/29/93 S#: 416395
comes down from his room, and frowns as he reaches the bar area. He speaks
to Galtman before being led to the table.
"Galtman, that kender, Kitterina Lightfoot. Did she take a room in this establishment last night? Seems the kleptomaniac kender has stolen some of my property, and I of course want it back."
If she took a room here, Anton will ask Galtman to accompany him to her room, and if there, ask for his property back.
If she is not there, "Galtman, may I hang a notice in your establishment? And would you pass along word that I offer a reward of 100 gold coins for the return of the kender to me, so that I may reclaim what is mine?" He says this LOUDLY, so that others in the Inn may hear quite well. After this, Anton will ask directions to the local town-guard, so that he may give a description of the thief to the authorities.
He then orders a small breakfast, and joins Einar at the table. "Greetings Einar, I am glad to meet you. Yes, I am looking for a scout into the Broken Lands. Do you know the region well? And if we strike a bargain here, do you know of others who are strong of arm that may accompany us. I may decide that two is not enough for our journey."
After ascertaining Einar's knowledge of the area, we'll begin bargaining on his fee.
Spectrum's Comments: I don't recall if Kit really did take the ring or if Anton was just trying to be a jerk here. Either is possible given these two.
SUBJ: Maroshe (R) FROM: Roxell 04/29/93 S#: 425499
Maroshe looks Jordane straight in the eye after his request and says pleasantly, "Well, kind sir, the forests can always use your help, and as well can I and my companions. I wouldn't worry too much about the swamps, though. I can get ye through it alright.. And as for tonight..."
Maroshe smiles, leaning back in the chair. "Me, you, and my two friends in one room? Thank you for your offer, but I think it would be best if I just meet you in the morning."
When the morning does come, Maroshe is up nice and early with Tiny and Nutmeg, happily piping a tune on a small flute. When Jordane comes, she gathers up her belonging and for lack of anything better to do comes to the temple with him.
However, she urges him to leave as soon as he can, for neither she nor the animals have great love for cities.
SUBJ: Arousal (R) FROM: Kitterina 04/30/93 S#: 396051
Kitterina comes down to the common room to get her breakfast. When Anton accuses her of stealing his property, she will be outraged at his accusation.
"Me, a thief?! How rude of you to say that I would steal from you. What could *I* have stolen from you?"
SUBJ: Anton FROM: GM Feral 04/30/93 S#: 500699
looks coldly at the kender. "You shared my table, and you took my signet ring. I want it back. No games. Simply return what is mine."
::loudly:: "If she runs, 100 gold coins to the man that stops and ties this urchin!"
::turning his ice-blue eyes back upon her:: "Now, my ring?"
SUBJ: Return (R) FROM: Kitterina 04/30/93 S#: 443963
Kitt holds on a little signet ring on her palm with an innocent expression on her face
"This is yours? I found it over by the table and I wondered who it belonged to. I was just holding it in one of my pouches until I could find out who owned it. I'm certainly glad I found the owner. I had a feeling the person who owned it would miss it very much.
I really can't believe that you actually thought I stole it. I would never do that to anyone.
SUBJ: Update (R) FROM: GM Mad 04/30/93 S#: 452261
Galtman appears shocked when he hears Anton's claims.
"Robbed? By one of the other guests? I shall summon the watch immediately!"
Galtman heads off to find the city guard...
Einar will later reply to Anton...
"I've been on several journeys through the Broken Lands. It is not a place for the meek. Humanoids dwell there in large numbers. Even worse threats exist there."
When questioned about other hirelings, Einar will say...
"There are others that I've traveled with. I could see if any are interested in such a trip."
"Let's get down to business here. Before departing we'll need to work out our arrangement. I'll also need to know what our objective is. There are certain jobs that I personally will not do."
SUBJ: Anton FROM: GM Feral 05/01/93 S#: 422842
after getting back his ring, and checking to make sure it is indeed his and that nothing else is missing, looks at the kender with disdain.
"That is what all your thieving kind say. And now, we shall wait here for Galtman to return with the guard. ::sarcasm:: I do hope you decide not to make a run for it, I'd hate to have to pay one of these men for tying you." Anton smiles at the kender, and waits.
Later with Einar
"Sounds like you have a good knowledge of the area. Have you a map that I may examine? I'm mostly interested in goblin encampments. As for the objective, I first want to find a certain clan of goblins, and if not them, than one that can direct me to them. This particular clan a long time ago killed some dear to me, and I intend to find the filthy goblin leader responsible. So, you could say I'm looking for a scout there, and someone to accompany me inside, to find this retched goblin. I offer you 10 gold coins per day, and 25% of all monetary treasure found."
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 05/01/93 S#: 433343
Argent gets a peaceful night of much needed sleep. First thing in the morning she memorizes spells.
After that I head down to the common room for breakfast and meet Victor. As we eat, we see the incident with the kender.
'Hey, calm down, guy. You got yer stuff back. Relax. How do you know that what she says is not true?'
My good deed for the day!
Next we're off to the mages guild. I'll smile at the woman behind the desk.
'Me and my friend here are to check out yer guild. I myself would be interested in joining. What are yer terms and what benefits does membership get?'
SUBJ: Brana Fever (R) FROM: Gh0stRider 05/01/93 S#: 435723
Once Brana has returned from the previously recommended Bath House, feeling entirely the new person, she has a hearty meal...
Then she spends the rest of the evening quietly observing the gathering in the Common Room of The High Road & making sure there are no more late arrivals before she has to make her choice...
When she is reasonably sure... trusting her instincts... she approaches Sir Harshaw, tankards of ale in hand, & stands waiting to be invited to sit... a slight smile on her lips...
She will introduce herself to him as Brana fever... Collector of "Curios"... Gatherer of Information... & Sifter of the Truth of Tales...
After some little small talk, she will make him an offer...
"In a very few days, as soon as I can organize & check out a few facts here in Elcadan... I leave to seek... things... that I think you'd find as... interesting... as I...
"I offer you an equal partnership in my endeavors, if you should choose to ally yourself with me & make it a joint enterprise...
"I can see that perhaps each of our mutual interests & skills reinforce & compliment the other's... &, I believe we have an excellent chance to be most successful where others might not... do as well...
"Don't say anything now...
"Sleep on it... & consider well the possible advantages...
"On the morrow, at breakfast, if you'd care to join me, we can discuss your thoughts on this matter...
She has "selected" Sir Harshaw as a prospective associate based on some simple criteria:
His size... he is one of the largest of those present... & there are times when brute force is the only solution...
He is as "plain" as she, apparently, is... & appears as phlegmatic & staid as the proverbial mud fence... therefore, it's less likely he will be "distracted" from the business at hand...
He is a Practitioner, as is she, &, she suspects, one who is more adept... a definite plus...
He carries, & appears well able to use, a blade... she doubts as proficiently as herself, but that counterbalances nicely his possible superiority in the Arts...
There are other... subtler... reasons for her choice, but they fall under the "intangibles"...
At Breakfast, she will meet him & hear him out... & discuss the destination she has in mind...
She will take Galtman's advice & seek out the Shop of Fenwick the Craftsman & have her Tack put in prime condition... suggesting Sir Harshaw might want to consider this option, as well...
She also will, since he is an apparently endless fount of information, ask Galtman what part of the City she has the best chance of finding a Sage... knowledge for Hire... or other equally learned man who might be familiar with the tales & particulars of the area she plans to explore...
Lastly (for now), she will inquire as to the nearest establishment that caters to those about to enter the Wilderness... there are a few things she needs she hasn't yet been able to locate...
Should Sir Harshaw accept her proposition, he is Welcome to either come along (especially to the Sage), or see to his own preparations...
Spectrum's Comments: Brana and Harshaw hooking up is another case of something that was worked out before hand. These two were also both players in The Frontier game and worked well together. Its a pity that their adventuers in Borderlands turned out more like the "Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight" than anything else.
SUBJ: Innocence (R) FROM: Kitterina 05/01/93 S#: 398919
"Yes it's true I was just holding it until I could find out who it belonged to. You know I should go with you to help you keep an eye on your things. You certainly need help doing that. I have no reason to run away because I'm innocent."
Kitt looks at Anton with an innocent and pleading expression that looks very pathetic.
SUBJ: Nightshadow (R) FROM: Nghtshadow 05/01/93 S#: 416817
Nightshadow had watched the women trying to lure men into the buildings they were standing in front of and thinks she would not mind a good tumble between the sheets herself, but not with the three now standing before her. She smells the alcohol they reek of and nearly gags while wishing she had checked out the richer side of town so as to better ply her trade.
"I do not care to offer my services to you." she says and thinks about running but does not get the chance to when rough hands grasp and lift her right off her feet. She smells sweat now along with the alcohol, as her keen vision size up the three larger men surrounding her.
"How about if we take her into that alley and have our fun with her." says one of them, and they carry her into the alley.
"Them elves just can't get enough, I've heard." Another laughs. "Reckon we'll have to oblige her."
"Well, oblige me on the ground, will you?" Shadow snapped, not struggling against the crushing hold on her arms. "I am no good to you two feet in the air, and squeezing my arms half off is no way to put me in the mood!"
The man holding her laughs and sets her down, maintaining a firm grip on one shoulder.
"There you are," he says. "That's better, eh?"
"Much." Shadow rubs her sore arms. "Gods, fellows, all you had to do was ask."
She glances at the men and shrugs disappointedly.
"Three, is that all?" She sighed. "Hardly worth the trouble. Could you not have come up with one of two more?"
"Huh?" says one of them.
Nightshadow shakes her head and begins unlacing her tunic. "Well, you should know that it takes at least 5 or 6 humans(I assume they are human) to satisfy an elf." she says with exasperation. "If you had any idea how long I have been looking---well, never mind. You three will just have to do. Come on! Well who is first, or shall I take you all on at once? What are you all waiting for?"
She pulls open her tunic.
The man holding Nightshadow has to release her shoulder momentarily as the garment is pulled over her head; then he stands gaping incredulously before turning to attack his own clothes. The other two were already working on their pants.
Shadow carefully works her arms out of the tunic sleeves, then lets the garment dangle teasingly from one hand. The men stare raptly for a moment at the topless Nightshadow, then redoubles their efforts on buttons and lacing. Abruptly, Shadow whips the tunic into the face of the man who had grabbed her. She then dives between his legs throwing a strong upward punch as she goes---answered by a howl of pain---covering herself with her arms as she dashes headlong down the alley, glad she had decided to wear leggings as well so she is not completely nude, ignoring the enraged shouts behind her.
Spectrum's Comments: Well, not quite the way I imagined that working itself out! Some fo these folks were more into what was known as "Free Form Role Playing" rather than the traditional thing. There was a placed called the "Red Dragon Inn" that was pretty much a chat room styled like a medival tavern where characters could freely interact. The hosts of the Inn were comped employees like the GM's. Any user who's name starts with RDI such and such was a Red Dragon Inn host. In this case I had no objections as what Nightshadow wrote was a fine resolution not to mention a bit risque.
SUBJ: Jordane (R) FROM: Kromagnus 05/01/93 S#: 442325
"Aye you may. My name is Jordane Sebastian. I have recently arrived in these troubled lands and offer my services to your temple as a warrior of Heironeous. If there are times when your temple is in need of such, I will gladly respond to the call. Also, I have a donation for your temple and it's worthy cause." Jordane hands the priest a small bag of coins. "It is the best I can do for now but perhaps in the future there will be more. For now I must be going. I am journeying to the swamps to investigate claims of some unnatural evil there." Jordane ponders for a moment and then asks, "Perhaps you could offer some assistance on this expedition?"
Walking out the front door of the temple Jordane says, "We have only 1 more stop Maroshe before we can leave."
He then walks in the direction of the Temple of Azrella and will again request their aid on the expedition into the swamps. Of course both temples will be entitled to a share of whatever may be accumulated during the course of the expedition.(out of Jordanes share that is)
SUBJ: Maroshe FROM: Roxell 05/01/93 S#: 429962
"Ah...Jordane..." Maroshe starts anxiously after he tries to elicit help from the churches, "I realize that more people means more swords, but I don't want to have to guide an entire army through the swamps. I work through hiding and attacking quickly and forcefully....I do not think extra people are going to help us at all..."
Anyway, if someone else does decide to join up, Maroshe will grumble a bit but put up no huge protests. Besides that, she is simply getting a bit claustrophobic at the city surroundings and urges Jordane to make his business a short as he can.
SUBJ: Jordane (R) FROM: Kromagnus 05/02/93 S#: 407112
"I agree but I do not seek extra swords but the curative powers of these fine priests. My healing powers alone may not be enough for what we may face in the swamps. I am hoping for only one of their order to accompany us. In this way they could aid us and they would also have one of their own clergy representing them in the name of Heironeous.(or Azrella, whichever agrees)" Upon completing the business with the temples, Jordane will give Galtman 5 G.P. to make sure his horse is well tended to in the stables while he is gone.( a horse probably wouldn't fair well in a swamp)
SUBJ: Gilana FROM: Schar 05/02/93 S#: 446512
Gilana glares at the elf when she speaks, but makes no comment. After all, elves have little in the way of values. Such an insult from an inferior being held no meaning.
Still, the seeming lack of purchasing Gilana's fighting prowess was disheartening. Either she missed her guess that the Inn was filled with adventurers, or they were cowards.
Or perhaps they needed a demonstration of her fighting prowess? Where did that elf go? ;D
Alas, she's left the room. Pity. It was probably for the better. No need to annoy the local law.
Gilana grumbles when the barkeep says it's time to close up. She'll take the cheapest room in the Inn for the night. If it's shared with others, Gilana will tell her roommates "I sleep light and my hammer strikes hard!"
Next morning, I see the incident at the Inn. I pay little attention to it until gold is mentioned! Then I draw my hammer and keep the halfling in my sight. If she tries to run for it, she'll get hammered!
"I've got the thief covered, human. You got the gold on you?"
SUBJ: Sir Harshaw FROM: FatalCharm 05/02/93 S#: 438787
(First a correction to my last post. Sir Harshaw is 6'3", not 6'6". And, he does NOT seem to "float" up the stairs. [Darn, the winged boots cost too much :D])
Sir Harshaw rises early and heads down to the common room to sit for awhile and sip some coffee. (Or whatever the medieval equivalent of coffee is. :D) But, this morning he really stands out in a crowd, (Not at all like a Mud fence :P) for now he has three colored stones orbiting about his head. (Mad, The IOUN Stones are now in effect. I'll Email a new spell list.)
Presently, he spies the person he has been waiting for as Brana comes down the stairs to the common room. He waves her over to his table but is surprised that she seems headed his way already. He listens politely and with raised eyebrows as she makes her "proposals" When she finishes, he throws back his head and begins to laugh heartily.
Seeing the hurt look on her face, he stops and pleads, "Brana, I laugh not at your words, but at the irony in them. You see, I am planning an expedition to [Edited]. Same as you. I here tell stories of an ancient buried city. I'm looking for someone to accompany me on this quest. I had seen you last night and had already decided this morning to approach you. I've been around, and I think I'm a pretty good judge of character. And I see I was right once again!" he says happily. "So What skills do you have to your credit.?"
After Brana and Jubal tell each other a little about each other, they both agree that yes, they would like to work together. "Ah, so you can cast a few spells as well? That I was not sure of, but I suspected it. I took the liberty of casting a Detect Magic your way last night. Anyways, that is well. I'm about to go to Old Town to the Wizards Guild today to see about membership and what they have to offer. Maybe get some advice for my journey. Would you care to join me? Maybe there will be a wise Sage there. If not, we could seek one out around town, as you wish."
Whether or not Brana goes with him, Jubal will get up and prepare to head for the Guild, agreeing to meet Brana back at the Inn if she doesn't go with him. On the way out, he will stop to ask the barkeeper for some help in locating a particular kind of guide, (as discussed in Email) and to see if he could arrange for the guide to meet him at the Inn this evening to discuss arrangements. He tips him a Silver piece, of course.
Jubal will mount up on his horse to ride to Old Town in style. When he reaches the reception desk at the Wizards Guild, he will reply, "I would like information on membership to this Guild. And I would like to know what the guild has to offer to his members. Also, might you have an old wise wizard or Sage here who might be willing to provide me/us with some information we seek? Someone who knows the history and legends of this land?"
SUBJ: Brana 3 (R) FROM: Gh0stRider 05/02/93 S#: 397558
Brana will be content that Sir Harshaw agrees to join her... for whatever reason...
She will agree to accompany him to the Guild on the condition they make at least an effort to avoid the others...
If they DO meet the other adventurers, she will nod noncommittally... & continue on...
In return, Jubal must go with her to see the Sage... she suspects this info is too important to miss...
He may think of something to ask she will not...
SUBJ: Anton (R) FROM: GM Feral 05/02/93 S#: 446774
looks at Argent, and frowns at her off-hand comment. He wonders why this woman with the strange accent feels she must make herself a part of this, even if in some small way. He thinks to himself she would be better served to mind her own business.
"I know she stole my ring, and not 'found' it, because I have not taken this ring off in well over 3 years."
He had almost made the mistake of deciding she had some intelligence when he first saw this attractive woman. But alas, she must keep her brain in her cleavage. Turning his thoughts back to the whimpering Kitterina.
"We shall await the guard. No amount of pleading will do you any good. Thieves are thieves, and deserve what they get."
Anton nods the affirmative to the dwarf, "Yes, I do have the coin on me. She runs, you stop her, and the gold shall be yours."
Spectrum's Comments: It seems Anton is going out of his way to be dislike does it not?
SUBJ: Protest FROM: Kitterina 05/02/93 S#: 441205
"What do you mean? You didn't see me take your ring did you? How do you know it didn't fall off. I was just being nice keeping it for you. I could have left it for someone else to find and keep for good.
"After all I did for you, you won't even be nice to me. Next time you can fend for yourself because I won't help you the next time you lose something."
Kitt whines and pouts at the rough treatment, looking pleadingly at the others in the common room, looking for support.
SUBJ: Victor (R) FROM: GM Shifty 05/02/93 S#: 464584
At breakfast, Victor smiles cynically as Anton goes through his posturing. Finally he speaks, his voice heavy with sarcasm, "Maybe she looks nervous because an over-grown oaf has accosted her and is trying to railroad her into jail? It is true halflings have a reputation as thieves, so any halfling accused of a theft must worry that their race's stereotype will get them convicted, even if they are innocent."
"I think she must be a very good thief indeed, if she could take a ring off your finger that has not been removed in years. Faced with such a task, most people would have to resort to cutting off the finger or the ring. Are you sure you didn't notice one of your fingers missing as well?"
Turning back to Argent, Victor says in a voice low enough that someone would have to be really trying to overhear, "These knights are such a troublesome lot. Good enough to have around for menial work, like cutting down orcs. But when placed in a situation where manners are necessary, they invariably carry themselves off as the greatest of louts. It must be wearing those big metal helmets out in the sun day after day that does it to them. Cooks their brains down to pea-size, I should think."
Out at the Mages Guild, Victor seconds Argent's words, "Yes, indeed, signorina. I am planning on staying in your fair city for some time. I thought linking up with the local community of spell casters would b a good first step."
SUBJ: Anton FROM: GM Feral 05/03/93 S#: 487848
laughs at the dolt and turns to speak to Victor.
"Sir, you defeat your own argument. If the ring is so snug as to require my finger to be cut off, then how can it have simply fallen off and ended in the possession of this kender. It cannot, be so snug as to require amputation and at the same time defy friction as gravity pulls upon it. Your mouth is truly grander than your mind. Why don't you go back to that jungle you were speaking of earlier? I'm sure whatever gave birth to you there is worried about you here in the world." ::laughs::
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The resolution to Kit accused of stealing, a visit to the Mage's Guild, and another new PC turns up.