Hi-Lo (mercantile)

[OGRE MAGE]

Mr. Nehru looks confused.

"But.......you are......an elf, right? Who would be better suited to scout into the jungle forest?"

The tall human rubs his chin in contemplation.

"If you don't want to do this, then what are you asking of me? I have no work for a soldier. There are no wars to fight here, but there might be if this menace I spoke of isn't stopped. Would you wait around and have this battle come to you, master elf?"

[Xaxyx]

Glansandi Storeyja

His frown deepening, Glansandi sighs inwardly. It seems that this overemotional human will not provide what Glansandi seeks. "Surely there are inhabitants of this town who would be far more successful in such a venture," he replies flatly. "I wish you good fortune in finding them. As to any future battles, should they come, I will stand ready. Good day to you."

With that, Glansandi turns to leave, intending to gather up Jombo before heading out of the Hi-Lo.

[OGRE MAGE]

As the elf is about to leave, Mr. Nehru speaks up again.

"Perhaps you would be better suited to find out what all the dwarves are doing up the trail, then? I didn't suggest that first because.....well....you know, the whole dwarves vs. elves thing."

[Xaxyx]

Glansandi Storeyja

Pausing, but not yet turning back toward the man, Glansandi resists the urge to grind his teeth. Just what is this human about? he thinks to himself. Is he purposefully malevolent? Is he a fool?

"I harbor no particular ill will toward members of any race, goodman Nehli," Glansandi says carefully, even as he turns slowly to face the man. "Though it is possible that these dwarves you mention may not be so tolerant. What of them, and how does their fate concern you?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Mr. Nehru seems genuinely pleased that he was able to stop Glansandi from leaving.

"Please. Sit." He says this with a friendly gesture towards a chair.

"This is what I know......"

"Dwarves have been coming here lately. A lot of them. They don't seem interested in our town at all, well, not at first anyway. They come here by the dozens, on every ship that arrives, but none of them stay around here. As soon as they get off the ship, they march straight up the loggers trail and dissapear somewhere in the jungle. They aren't friendly in the least. Not one of them has ever talked to any of us, other than Randall maybe. I don't know what to make of it!"

"I have heard tell of a few adventurers around town that have had some run-ins with them as well, and they weren't very friendly with them either. I need to know more about what is going on with them and what they are really doing here. There has to be hundreds of them here by now. Captain Quark told me that over half of his last load of passengers were dwarves. I am really getting concerned about them."

"I guess this might not be much different than my last offer, but I could really use some help with this. Would looking into that for me interest you at all?"

[tomlowshang]

Gwethglersinwen Larendirina

"Hello my name is Gwethglersinwen Larendirina, but most people call me Gwen. I understand that you rent cabins for 5gp week. Do you have any cabins available?"

[Xaxyx]

Glansandi Storeyja

Sitting sternly with his hands resting on his knees, Glansandi listens to Mr. Nehru as he explains his concerns. As the man finishes, Glansandi shakes his head. Chased by wolves into the bear's cave, he thinks to himself. But recalling the old elven expression does not amuse him.

"It sounds as though these dwarves have found themselves an area an interest. A mine, most likely," Glansandi says. "As such, I expect they've little interest in visitors, those of my ilk doubly so. And as I've said, I have little talent for spying and skulking."

Glansandi stands, slowly but easily, still watching Mr. Nehru. "I was hoping that a man with such vested interest in this town's prosperity might have an opportunity more aligned to my skills," he says. "I am beginning to suspect that I might be better served seeking employment elsewhere in Beachtown. The tavern, most likely." Glansandi pauses, frowning ever so slightly. "Unless there is another task that you have yet to suggest?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Mr. Nehru nods understandingly and sighs deeply.

"Yes, I suppose you're right. I do have one more suggestion, but it might not be very exiting work for you. As a soldier, you must know a great deal about defending areas and building fortifications, yes?"

"As you may have noticed, we don't. I feel like our little community here could use the help of an expert in such matters. Would you be willing to have a look around town and offer up any suggestions you can think of before heading out into the jungle? I'm not talking about building walls or huge gates, but it might not hurt to have a few watch towers put up or anything else you might suggest. You don't have to actually build them, unless you would like to help with that as well, but I would love to hear any advice you might have about strengthening or defenses a little around here."

[Xaxyx]

Glansandi Storeyja

Glansandi ponders briefly. "Strategy was typically left to my superiors," he says. "But I will inspect the town's perimeter, and see about plans for protective structures. Perhaps it would also behoove me to speak with your watch commander, or whomever serves in that capacity. Watch towers are of little use unmanned."

[OGRE MAGE]

Now Nehru looks a bit embarrassed.

"Well, we don't.......actually have one of those here." He says sheepishly.

"Would you like that job?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Gwethglersinwen Larendirina

"Hello my name is Gwethglersinwen Larendirina, but most people call me Gwen. I understand that you rent cabins for 5gp week. Do you have any cabins available?"

Later in the day, once Mr. Nehru is alone again, Gwen pays him a visit.

"Oh, yes I do, Gwen! There are still a few empty shacks left, and they are indeed 5gp a week. I must admit that I haven't been keeping track all that closely though, due to a few free weeks that I gave out to some of the adventurers that provided the town with a great deal of food."

"I might see fit to giving you free lodging as well, if you can bring something big and edible in for the others to share. Are you a hunter?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Wes

The druid arrives at the Hi-Lo and sees that Mr Nehru is currently occupied with a visitor. He waits patiently for his turn, and then once it arrives, he enters and delivers his message. The Plan Of The Shalm.

“Mr Nehru, I am Wesfaeren Rhey. I believe we met briefly when I arrived. I am a loyal disciple of Obad Hai, lord of nature. Forgive my appearance. I have returned from a dangerous journey through the jungle. All my companions were killed or captured by a gang of cutthroat smugglers. Only I escaped, by fleeing into the jungle. It was out there that I received a vision from Obad Hai: The Plan Of The Shalm.”

“The Plan came to me as I was out there in the jungle, dreaming of making it back here and sleeping in the safety of one of your hammocks. That, believe it or not, is the answer to our food problem: raised beds”.

“Raised beds are not for sleeping. They are used to grow crops in poor soil. The soil here is full of salt because we are close to the beach. The water table is right under our feet and filled with salt. So, we dig a trench, 12 feet across and 1 foot deep. We put six feet of the soil on one side of the trench and six feet on the other, and there they are: raised beds. The crops grow in the 12 inches of soil on top of the ground, away from the salt”.

“We make the trench as long as it needs to be, in order to grow the amount of food Beachtown needs. Even the work won’t be that hard, it’s not digging to depth, just scooping earth aside. Ah, you say, but what about clearing bushes and trees? That’s where the real beauty of The Plan starts to show.“

“Cleared plants and bushes go into the raised beds to act as fertilizer. Trees can be felled, because we will need the lumber: we’re going to build an aqueduct. The bottom of the aqueduct will go into the 1 foot deep trench we dug for the raised beds. The other end of the aqueduct will be at the river, about 5 feet off the ground. The water will flow down the gradient, it doesn’t have to be steep, to the raised beds, and into Beachtown. We’ll irrigate the crops and bring water to the people.”

“Yes, it will take time to build the aqueduct. But each day it will get closer to the river. That’s less work for Marge and her water carriers every day. At some point, the aqueduct will be close enough to the river that they will be able to make multiple trips in a day. And then, eventually they won’t be needed at all.”

“The work would proceed even faster if we can procure some goats and donkeys. Both animals will eat almost anything. They can help clear the path through the bushes by eating them! The donkeys can also be used to carry water from the river, and the goats can provide the town with milk. Sadly I have no money of my own to purchase these animals. You may wish to do so, but The Plan will proceed with or without them.”

“The final part of The Plan, once the aqueduct is complete, is to construct a water wheel at the river end. Then the water will flow down to Beachtown continuously. Once that happens, the town will move from just “surviving” to “prospering”. More people will come here. Prosperity means laws. People will want to defend a prosperous town, and they won’t want a nest of pirates and smugglers on their doorstep.”

“This is The Plan Of The Shalm. It can begin with only a few mattocks, adzes, and some strong backs who will work to achieve the goal. Mr Nehru, Obad Hai offers you the future. Will you accept it?”

I didn't forget this one, I just want to wait a bit longer to respond. Please stand by.....

[Xaxyx]

Glansandi Storeyja

Confused, Glansandi raises one eyebrow. "No watch commander? Surely there must be someone who oversees your defenses," he says. "Patrols. Curfews. Water brigades. The training and upkeep of your men." No wonder he's so worried about an attack, he thinks to himself, if the town is so disorganized.

Glansandi straightens. "If you are serious about filling such a position, I would indeed consider it," he says. "We would need to agree upon a salary, for both myself and the men I would hire. Lodging and supplies as well. It would likely be a small force at first, but could grow in time as with the town." He ponders some more. "In time not spent patrolling or training, the men and I could also see about fortification, again simple at first. We would likely need assistance in that endeavor, for I am no engineer," Glansandi says, gesturing with one empty hand.

So I've traveled all this way, Glansandi thinks, just to resume guard duty? But this is not the well-guarded woodland home of elvenkind. This is the frontier, jagged and raw. Trouble will come. And it is best to be ready. Blades honed and oiled cut thrice as deep, he reminds himself, as he learned in training so long ago.

[Jernau35]

Wes

The druid arrives at the Hi-Lo and sees that Mr Nehru is currently occupied with a visitor. He waits patiently for his turn, and then once it arrives, he enters and delivers his message. The Plan Of The Shalm.

“Mr Nehru, I am Wesfaeren Rhey. I believe we met briefly when I arrived. I am a loyal disciple of Obad Hai, lord of nature. Forgive my appearance. I have returned from a dangerous journey through the jungle. All my companions were killed or captured by a gang of cutthroat smugglers. Only I escaped, by fleeing into the jungle. It was out there that I received a vision from Obad Hai: The Plan Of The Shalm.”

“The Plan came to me as I was out there in the jungle, dreaming of making it back here and sleeping in the safety of one of your hammocks. That, believe it or not, is the answer to our food problem: raised beds”.

“Raised beds are not for sleeping. They are used to grow crops in poor soil. The soil here is full of salt because we are close to the beach. The water table is right under our feet and filled with salt. So, we dig a trench, 12 feet across and 1 foot deep. We put six feet of the soil on one side of the trench and six feet on the other, and there they are: raised beds. The crops grow in the 12 inches of soil on top of the ground, away from the salt”.

“We make the trench as long as it needs to be, in order to grow the amount of food Beachtown needs. Even the work won’t be that hard, it’s not digging to depth, just scooping earth aside. Ah, you say, but what about clearing bushes and trees? That’s where the real beauty of The Plan starts to show.“

“Cleared plants and bushes go into the raised beds to act as fertilizer. Trees can be felled, because we will need the lumber: we’re going to build an aqueduct. The bottom of the aqueduct will go into the 1 foot deep trench we dug for the raised beds. The other end of the aqueduct will be at the river, about 5 feet off the ground. The water will flow down the gradient, it doesn’t have to be steep, to the raised beds, and into Beachtown. We’ll irrigate the crops and bring water to the people.”

“Yes, it will take time to build the aqueduct. But each day it will get closer to the river. That’s less work for Marge and her water carriers every day. At some point, the aqueduct will be close enough to the river that they will be able to make multiple trips in a day. And then, eventually they won’t be needed at all.”

“The work would proceed even faster if we can procure some goats and donkeys. Both animals will eat almost anything. They can help clear the path through the bushes by eating them! The donkeys can also be used to carry water from the river, and the goats can provide the town with milk. Sadly I have no money of my own to purchase these animals. You may wish to do so, but The Plan will proceed with or without them.”

“The final part of The Plan, once the aqueduct is complete, is to construct a water wheel at the river end. Then the water will flow down to Beachtown continuously. Once that happens, the town will move from just “surviving” to “prospering”. More people will come here. Prosperity means laws. People will want to defend a prosperous town, and they won’t want a nest of pirates and smugglers on their doorstep.”

“This is The Plan Of The Shalm. It can begin with only a few mattocks, adzes, and some strong backs who will work to achieve the goal. Mr Nehru, Obad Hai offers you the future. Will you accept it?”

I didn't forget this one, I just want to wait a bit longer to respond. Please stand by.....

No problem! I'm sure having read it you are trying to figure out if Wes has cracked up under the strain of being alone in the jungle...or Jernau35...

[OGRE MAGE]

Maybe both?

[tomlowshang]

Gwethglersinwen Larendirina

"Hello my name is Gwethglersinwen Larendirina, but most people call me Gwen. I understand that you rent cabins for 5gp week. Do you have any cabins available?"

Later in the day, once Mr. Nehru is alone again, Gwen pays him a visit.

"Oh, yes I do, Gwen! There are still a few empty shacks left, and they are indeed 5gp a week. I must admit that I haven't been keeping track all that closely though, due to a few free weeks that I gave out to some of the adventurers that provided the town with a great deal of food."

"I might see fit to giving you free lodging as well, if you can bring something big and edible in for the others to share. Are you a hunter?"

Gwethglersinwen Larendirina

"While I have several talents, hunting is not one of them unfortunately. Besides, even if I had such a useful skill, the largest game I could bring you is a few rabbits," obviously referring to her diminutive stature.

"I am happy to pay for a weeks lodging while I look for more suitable ways to help the town." She gives Nehru 5gp to finish the deal.

"Are there any hunters among the townsfolk?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Mr. Nehru's eyes light up at Glansandi's response.

"I have been waiting for someone like you to come along since we first set foot on this island. As you can probably tell, we are not very well organized in a defensive respect. Or any other respect, for that matter. We had some strong fighting men to protect us when we first arrived, but a lot of them succumbed to the rigors and dangers of the jungle. Now our town guards are made up of nothing more than farmers and fishermen. We have no patrols or brigades. There is no real organization at all. We just kind of.....watch out for each other here now."

"I will need to discuss the compensation details with the other founding members before making any agreements over this, but I believe we can start you out at a decent wage. Hopefully you will be able to get started with your ideas right away!"

Nehru stops to think a bit before finishing.

"A small force.......yes......I can definitely envision something like that. Maybe you could suggest a typical beginning wage for such a position? Something I can bring to the others as a starting point? There is plenty of strong wood around here to build with, for the towers and barracks. And we already have a handyman that is good with a hammer that will be more than happy to help out with the construction."

[ChubbyPixie]

Chauncey, as is his wont, strides into the office of Mr. Nehru without so much as a tap on the doorframe. "Mr. Nehru, do you know of any..." he begins, then stops short. "I don't believe I've met any of you - besides you, Wesley - but you all seem capable sorts. I am Chauncey the Adequate, most Powerful Mage on the Island! Would any of you care to join me on an excursion to free an entire village of unfortunate slaves? It really is of the utmost urgency. There is sure to be loot, also, in addition to the warm feeling you will surely experience as a result of doing the right thing." He waits, hands on hips, looking to the newcomers expectantly.

[Xaxyx]

Glansandi Storeyja

Resisting the urge to sigh, Glansandi listens to the fate that befell the town's warriors. Likely, they were sent off into the jungle on fool's errands, he thinks to himself, but decides not to share that particular observation.

"I've agreed to pay Jombo one gold per week for his services," Glansandi says. "That should suffice as an appropriate rate for serving the town's security needs for the inexperienced and untrained. Send to me any men who you deem appropriate for joining the guard, and I will assess them."

He folds his arms. "As to me, discuss with your fellow councilmen an appropriate salary and make me an offer," Glansandi says. "Constable seems an appropriate title, if you're seeking one. My men and I would be responsible for overseeing the town's security, from threats both within and without. Once the force has grown sufficiently, we can see about the construction projects we've discussed. Until then, my focus would be on training the men to work and fight as a unit, and allowing the town to grow accustomed to their presence."

Tilting his head, Glansandi ponders. "Allocating some basic weapons and armor to recruits would be helpful, though that gear would still belong to the town," he says. "But any equipment recovered by the guard while defending the town will be allocated at my discretion. You might also wish to have some tabards made, so that guard members can be easily identified."

[OGRE MAGE]

In his excitement, Nehru has nearly forgotten about the troubles that plague his town. He almost beams after every sentence.

"Jombo is well known here, and a good, strong lad. He is a great choice as your first trainee. Though I must say, one gold a week seems a bit high for untrained protection. But if you think you can whip some folks around here into better fighters, I think we could make that fee work. As for you, how about triple that? 3 gold a week? Does that seem reasonable?"

He nods excitedly after every suggestion, nearly squealing at the last.

"Tabards? Oh yes! What a splendid idea! I will begin work on the design right away......Constable"

"Beachtown Constable? Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"