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OOC: Tinu, Morvith and Ferd are present

Holding the parchment which reads, Contact Mazie Thistle at Thistle's Apothecary. Three people to accompany a wagon to Jasselton through the western forest with a load of supplies. Three days there and back. 7 gp for each upon return to town., Ferd, Tinu, and Morvith leave the Guild Hall by its backdoor walking out into the busy street of cobblestone.

New to Slateholm, none of them know where Thistle's Apothecary is located, but it is probably in the Market District, not here in the less salubrious Port District where the Guild Hall is located. Turning west you think Market District is up the hill from here, past the Temples dedicated to Ord and St. Terragnis. Walking west you can see a tall tower to your right...a Wizard's Tower, perhaps there is a Temple there where Madeera the Covenent is worshiped, but you don't know.

Eris wrote: ↑Sun Nov 03, 2024 7:56 pm Tinu, Morvith and Ferd are present:

Holding the parchment which reads, Contact Mazie Thistle at Thistle's Apothecary. Three people to accompany a wagon to Jasselton through the western forest with a load of supplies. Three days there and back. 7 gp for each upon return to town., Ferd, Tinu, and Morvith leave the Guild Hall by its backdoor walking out into the busy street of cobblestone.

New to Slateholm, none of them know where Thistle's Apothecary is located, but it is probably in the Market District, not here in the less salubrious Port District where the Guild Hall is located. Turning west you think Market District is up the hill from here, past the Temples dedicated to Ord and St. Terragnis. Walking west you can see a tall tower to your right...a Wizard's Tower, perhaps there is a Temple there where Madeera the Covenent is worshiped, but you don't know.

Tinu, who has changed into her armor with her gear and weapons, walks up the road toward the Market District. She makes it a point to notice people and places as she goes along.

Morvith leans heavily on his oaken staff as he walks, using it like a walking stick, or perhaps a crutch of sorts. As a rule his head is cast down, his lanky hair obscuring his features, though he pauses and straightens as the small group passes the tower. "I wonder who dwells there," he asks musingly, his eyes lingering on the spire. "And what secrets it holds. Perhaps we can acquaint ourselves with its owner upon our return."

He drops his head again and continues his trudge up the sloping street.

Enoch wrote: ↑Sun Nov 03, 2024 8:28 pm Morvith leans heavily on his oaken staff as he walks, using it like a walking stick, or perhaps a crutch of sorts. As a rule his head is cast down, his lanky hair obscuring his features, though he pauses and straightens as the small group passes the tower. "I wonder who dwells there," he asks musingly, his eyes lingering on the spire. "And what secrets it holds. Perhaps we can acquaint ourselves with its owner upon our return."

He drops his head again and continues his trudge up the sloping street.

The slim elven woman moves soundlessly on the cobblestones with an economy of motion suited to quickly covering ground. She slows to look at her new companion. "Do you wish to train with them, Morvith?"

"A dangerous proposition, that," Ferd replies quietly to Morvith. "Slateholm is built atop an ancient city called Vellon where Wizards practiced dark magics." He pulls up his own hood as they make their way down the street, letting his cloak conceal his own armor and sword. "Unless that tower was built since the Duke John arrived, which is unlikely, it assuredly has a sordid history and some literally killer summoning circles."

Morvith strokes his chin thoughtfully as he considers this news. "That hardly dispels my interest...it sounds like many arcane secrets truly are held inside. What did they summon, I wonder?
And what did they learn?"

Enoch wrote: ↑Sun Nov 03, 2024 9:28 pm Morvith strokes his chin thoughtfully as he considers this news. "That hardly dispels my interest...it sounds like many arcane secrets truly are held inside. What did they summon, I wonder?
And what did they learn?"

Tinu glances sidelong at the wizard. "They may well have learned that magic is dangerous. It is, in my experience."

Morvith nods gravely. "Dangerous, for certain, in my experience as well. In the best of hands. In the worst..." He goes quiet for a long moment.

"But yes, I still wish to study with whomever dwells there, and learn. Did you see that outbuilding? It looked like a temple to the Covenant. They say Madeera has the very Laws of Reality inscribed on her skin. Can you imagine the power to be gained with the merest glimpse? Nor is she the only source of wisdom and deeper understanding."

"Fond of scrolls, myself," he adds, padding along next to his taller companions. "and wands, to tell the truth. To understand and build objects of power as a wizard is one thing, but to put it to use for great ends is a much simpler matter." He winks from within his hood.

"I've always subscribed to the theory that spells are the very Words of Creation, translated imperfectly into mortal tongues. I share that with Madeerites, at least. I am glad to meet one who shares my appreciation for scrolls."

His lips purse into a frown. "At least you are not one of those who see them as mere batteries of arcane power, to be used once and discarded."

"I will leave the arcane arts to you. I prefer my bow, my blade, and the useful things to be made from what the gods have provided for us." Tinu smiles. "I want to look for some of those useful plants while we travel."

OOC: Tinu, Morvith & Ferd present

The little group forms a knot as it travels along Port Lane, they leave the Port District and enter an area of flophouses, seedy bars and worse. The road is narrow here and not as well kept. The tower, indeed, looks ancient as they pass it...it isn't a ruin but it doesn't look well cared for either. Tinu spies a man standing in the shadow of the tower pissing against it's base. Buttoning his pants this rude man saunters out to the edge of the street eying your little group, then disappears down an alley at a trot.

Ferd notices that their little group is being followed by two men...no make that three.

Ferd also notices some symbols on the side of one of the buildings with a couple of men sitting on the steps outside of it. To most people those symbols just look like random smears of grim, but he recognizes Thieves' Cant when he sees it! Thieves Guild somewhere around here.

As the group passes a small temple to Madeera on their left just past the tower Morvith notices a pair of men lounging against a building watching them.

The street ahead comes to an end in about 30 feet. Another street extends from it toward the west.

I cross-posted... Now revised:

How could we miss finding the market? he thinks, chastising himself for being distracted by the conversation.

Ferd signals his companions about the tail, then drops back from his new companions, allowing the other three to catch up a bit. At a long conversational distance he calls over, "Good to see you fellows... just what I hoped, folks to point us the right direction." He makes solid eye contact and makes the discreet Cant handsign that either means "these are not a mark" or "f*** around and find out" depending on context.

If he can ellicit a positive reception, the streetwise halfling engages in quiet shop talk to ellicit where to find Thistle's Apothecary, what do people say about Thistle, how do you get to Jasselton, and what "work" or threat is along the way.

Marullus wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:26 pmIf he can ellicit a positive reception, the streetwise halfling engages in quiet shop talk to ellicit where to find Thistle's Apothecary, what do people say about Thistle, how do you get to Jasselton, and what "work" or threat is along the way.

Tinu stops and turns to watch Ferd's back as she takes in the threats. Her best weapon is slung on her back, and the bow would take too long to bring into action. Her sword has no such limitation, and her left hand is free to draw it at need.

Morvith turns to watch the pair near the temple in turn, keeping his back close to his companions. He shifts his staff to his left hand as he loosens the fingers on his right.

Do I recognize the men or anything about them?

OOC: Tinu, Morvith, & Ferd...

Marullus wrote: ↑Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:26 pm I cross-posted... Now revised:

How could we miss finding the market? he thinks, chastising himself for being distracted by the conversation.

Ferd signals his companions about the tail, then drops back from his new companions, allowing the other three to catch up a bit. At a long conversational distance he calls over, "Good to see you fellows... just what I hoped, folks to point us the right direction." He makes solid eye contact and makes the discreet Cant handsign that either means "these are not a mark" or "f*** around and find out" depending on context.

If he can ellicit a positive reception, the streetwise halfling engages in quiet shop talk to ellicit where to find Thistle's Apothecary, what do people say about Thistle, how do you get to Jasselton, and what "work" or threat is along the way.

Streetwise Directions [1d20+3]=17+3=20[1d20+3]=19+3=22
20. 22 if he has advantage.

The three locals stop and the tallest one in the center replies in Common, "Haven't see you about before. New in town?"

"Yeah, they come in on the ship de'udder day." says the one on the right, "I seen them. Rumor has it the Duke brought 'em in to go exploring out in the Wilds."

"Not to do the Business, then? Okay, I'm Draco. What's 'yer name and..."

...what'er they doing in North Side, den?" chirps in the one on the left.

"Got lost, is my thinking." says the one in the center to his companion then turns back to Ferd and adds in Thieves' Cant,"You don't know the score, so this time we talk."

He walks up to Ferd and then continues in Cant "First, off, nobody in the Business (that means a thief) does business in North Side what ain't in the Boss' Crew or okayed by him, his self."

Back to Common, "Now North Side is from the north end that that church to the Mad Lady back there." he waves back at the Temple to Madeera, "All the way to the North Wall and west to the Market Road."

Now he switches back to Cant, "On pain of death, you follow?"

"Second thing, the Town Guard won't do you no good up here and if you think you folks 'll make a difference try us and find out, huh?"

Switching back to Common he says to the three of you, "Third thing, and the Boss'd skin me if I didn't add it, we welcome your coin at our entertainments...spirits, companionship, gaming and such", then in Cant, "but only your coin not your interference, and we've got eyes and ears everywhere so we'll know. You got it?"

The rest is in Common, "Ol right den! What are you three looking for in North Side?"

When Ferd explains that you're looking for: Thistle's Apothecary, what do people say about Thistle, how do you get to Jasselton, and what "work" or threat is along the way.

The now six ruffians, as three more have joined the initial group to stand around you, start to laugh.

"Man, have you got the wrong road!" Draco chuckles and is joined by the others with laughter, "Go back south to Temple Road and turn west up the hill. Thistle's is third right when you reach the Market Square. Thistle's a Snoot, but she's right enough. She don't charge more than folks can pay and don't deny help to us here on the North Side like some of the Snoots up there do."

"Jasselton?" Draco scratches his neck and screws up his face, but the short man that was with him says, "That's the 'obbit place west of here. Thistle told me once she was come from there back before she come here. S'all I know."

"Yeah, yeah!" says one of the others, "Them Doggo's are out that way, right? The ones we get the...." a quick whack on the back of this guy's head shuts him up before he says more.

Everybody nods, but the feeling of the crowd has started to get frosty. You think that's all you're getting from these guys and you get the distinct impression that it's time for you to move along before the, almost, friendly encounter starts turning really sour.

OOC: If you'd failed the reaction rolls this would have been the first combat instead of an Information Dump. Don't know if that's a good or bad thing, but hey, it's what it is. Of course, if you really want to fight you could still make it happen...

Ferd responds with assurances that he has no designs on the North Side. "No harm done. You'll find me am amenable fellow - got Adventurer sanction from the Duke and all." He signals Friend opportunity. Those who fence loot. "Where do we go to enjoy your services? Maybe I can ask after you another time..."

Ensuring he ends on a high note and leaves with his mein of joviality intact, Ferd steps off from the ruffians, gathers his companions, and begins a quick exit now in the right direction.

...

Once away from them, he relays the conversation to Tinu and Morvith.
"Nice fellows, truly. Gave directions this way, back to the Marketplace and Thistle's. Thistle is a halfling and has a good reputation for not being snooty or overpriced. Jasselton is West, and is the hobbit borough she's from. We should expect trouble on the way from 'Doggos' who they get some commodity from and thus were unwilling to spill more..."

Marullus wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2024 8:45 pmOnce away from them, he relays the conversation to Tinu and Morvith.
"Nice fellows, truly. Gave directions this way, back to the Marketplace and Thistle's. Thistle is a halfling and has a good reputation for not being snooty or overpriced. Jasselton is West, and is the hobbit borough she's from. We should expect trouble on the way from 'Doggos' who they get some commodity from and thus were unwilling to spill more..."

Tinu watches carefully until they are safely clear of the men. "That was well done, Ferd. It's usually better to talk that to fight. Usually."

"The first part of talking to people is meeting them where they are," Ferd replies.

"...and now we know that Miss Thistle and I will likely see eye to eye, on the same level, too," He muses, chuckling at his own height joke. "Wonder if Thistle is cute..."

Marullus wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2024 10:30 pm "The first part of talking to people is meeting them where they are," Ferd replies.

"...and now we know that Miss Thistle and I will likely see eye to eye, on the same level, too," He muses, chuckling at his own height joke. "Wonder if Thistle is cute..."

"The question you may wish to ask is, what happens if you catch her?"