020. "You know, most people don't go wrestling trolls."

Started by Corwin, November 01, 2010, 05:16:48 PM

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Corwin

[19:42] <Kotono> As the conversation dies down, Sylvie finishes off her wine. With a slow, mellow smile as she closes her eyes, "It's strange to feel tipsy this early, heh heh." Shaking it, "So hey Janson, you've been quiet. So what are you all going to go for?"
[19:44] <Aaeru> "I like the idea of meeting someone, though I'm not averse to savage combat with a troll," Aaeru volunteers her preferences, likewise waiting to hear the thoughts of others.
[19:44] <Janson> "Oh! Got distracted," Janson shakes his head to clear it, belatedly resuming his drink. "Well, I'm against the roc feather since that means going into the mountains where all the shocker lizards live. A swarm of those would see us off right quick. Testing stuff for the Gondsmen sounds easy enough. And I might know a way to get hold of a troll without needing to fight," he rattles off to prove
[19:44] <Janson> he'd been paying attention. "Still want to find out where that portal is, though."
[19:45] <Wayland> Wayland looks at Janson incredulously. "You know how to get a troll?"
[19:45] <Aaeru> "Does it involve submission holds? Because that's what I was thinking of, myself."
[19:46] <Kotono> "You know," Sylvie sips the last drops of her wine, "Most people don't go wrestling trolls. Besides, a troll's nearly double your size and has over double the arm reach! Can you really do that to one?"
[19:46] <Aaeru> "With a spell, possibly?"
[19:47] <Janson> "The giants keep them as... well, you could call them slaves, but it's hardly different than someone here with a guard dog, really. We could just buy one from them on behalf of the guy that wants a troll and take a cut for ourselves as a finder's fee," Janson explains. "Easiest way, really."
[19:47] <Wayland> "I was thinking we'd hit one in the head until it stopped moving."
[19:47] <Andria> "Do you know any giants, Janson?" Andrea asks.
[19:49] <Janson> "Not personally, but I know where they live," Janson shrugs. "They have an up and down relationship with the daughters of Jannath. Remember I mentioned that girl who got killed by them and reincarnated as an elf? But sometimes we trade with them, and we weren't in a conflict when I left the village."
[19:50] <Aaeru> "It does seem like a very open-ended plan," Aaeru muses. "We could go there and look for a giant, but if a troll comes across our path, we could try to just get it to submit ourselves. Whatever comes first, really."
[19:51] <Wayland> "That could work." Wayland agrees.
[19:51] <Kotono> Sylvie looks over her wineglass, "Sounds like all of you have a plan then. Going to go get the information and then leave tomorrow?"
[19:53] * Janson drains the rest of his ale since it looks like they're getting set to move. "How about we go find the guy who wants a troll and ask him how much he's willing to pay, then check over at Seira's temple to see if we can find out where those guys from Sanaxt are?"
[19:53] <Aaeru> "That tinkerer might need more time than that, and Janson wanted to check up on the portals." She shrugs. "We'll go when we're ready? I doubt there're many who are eager to wrestle a troll down and would beat us to it."
[19:53] <Andria> Andrea shrugs. "I guess so. It sounds reasonable enough for me."
[19:55] <Wayland> Turning to the barman, Wayland smiles. "Thank you, good sir. We'll be in touch."
[20:02] <Kotono> Thus the party heads back to Merchant's Way. From here you head north and just to the east of Waukeen's church. Next door is a great cathedral, points reaching high into the sky. Amid the spires dens the scuplture of a golden dragon. It's gaze sweeps over Balmuria. Heavy, arched gates lead within, people coming and going. Great stained glass windows decorate as well.
[20:04] <Janson> By now Janson is becoming somewhat inured to all the overly grandiose temples here in Balmuria, so doesn't gawp much as he heads inside to find a helpful member of the clergy.
[20:06] * Wayland nods as he looks about and follows Janson.
[20:07] <Kotono> Within you find a man in gold appointed armor, decorated with faux-dragon's claws holding a cape in place atop his shoulders. His face is clean shaven, his thick brown hair going gray at his temples. He offers a hand out to the first that approaches, "All are welcome here. What do you seek?"
[20:09] <Janson> "Good morning," Janson takes the hand and gives it a shake. "We actually heard some people from Sanaxt came here earlier, and we were wondering if anyone could help us track them down."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Ooooooh," His grip is strong as he listens, "Come with me." You are lead back into deep halls and into various secluded living quarters. You stand in front of a solid wood door, the man rapping on it, "Gustival, Seke. Visitors from the city are looking for you." A few moments later the door opens! The man who opens the door is tall and dour, wearing simple, light cotton clothing with a golden
[20:13] <Kotono> necklace hanging from his neck and into under his shirt.
[20:14] * Aaeru is insantly forced to respond to the sourness with the brightest of smiles. "Hi!"
[20:15] <Andria> "Hello," Andrea also introduces herself, giving a short polite bow.
[20:15] * Wayland nods in greeting. "Hello."
[20:15] <Janson> "Oh, hello! Didn't think you'd still be here," Janson is surprised but pleased. "I'm Janson, these are my friends, Aaeru, Andrea, Sylvie, and Wayland - we're from Whimsical Sweets Troubleshooters. It's not anything bad, actually. We heard you came here from across the world by a portal, and we were really curious to know more about it."
[20:16] <Kotono> The man steps aside, face fixed into a distracted, almost melancholy frown. "Ah. Come in and partake of hospitality, we shall talk then."
[20:16] <Janson> "Thanks," Janson smiles, heading inside.
[20:17] <Kotono> Within are pleasnt, almost luxurious quarters. It's one big room, with soft beds in back by af ireplace. A second fireplace lies cold near tables, chairs and a few stocked liquor cabinets. Sitting at one table is a black haired woman, hair as long as she is tall.  She wears a gossamer black gown over heavy, gleaming silver-ish armor. A wineglass is in hand as she sips, "Seke, charmed."
[20:18] <Aaeru> "Aaeru," she echoes Janson's earlier introduction. "Likewise!"
[20:18] <Kotono> "Gustival," The man says, going to sit next to Seke. "Sit if you please, or have a drink if that's your desire," he gestures towards it, "You want to know about the portals?"
[20:18] <Wayland> "Wayland. A pleasure." He grins.
[20:19] <Andria> "I'm Andrea," she also introduces herself. "And yes, we were just curious. Well, Janson mostly."
[20:19] <Aaeru> "And about your land, if we could impose so much. For someone who never left the Baronies, it sounds quite interesting."
[20:19] <Kotono> The woman arches one eyebrow up at Wayland, "What errant force beyond humanity gifted your lineage, if I may ask?"
[20:20] * Janson spends a moment staring at the gown being worn over armour, wondering if it ever gets caught in the joints, before he remembers himself. "Yes, it's a pleasure - thank you for indulging our curiousity, it's just that the thought of being able to travel so far so easily is really exciting. We could visit Sanaxt to expand our business or even just to expand our horizons."
[20:20] <Wayland> "An Air Elemental."
[20:20] <Andria> "I'd be more curious about the region you're from than the portals. Sanaxt? It's not familiar, so I was curious," Andrea echoes Aaeru's sentiment.
[20:23] <Kotono> "Pardon for her," Gustival frowns deeper, "Sanaxt is far to the west and north. If I have my geography correct," Clearing his throat, "Past this land is the desert, then realms such as Kelara and Nodlitz. Thereafter is a trackless jungle, impassable by mortal means. Beyond this vast jungle, reckoned to be as large as several kingdoms, lies Sanaxt and other realms yet. In one of her most enduring
[20:23] <Kotono> acts before leaving this world, Seira created a network of portals to connect the realms."
[20:24] <Aaeru> "Do you know why?" Aaeru asks curiously.
[20:25] <Janson> "Where did she put them?" Janson asks, more interested in how to use said portals than why anyone put them there.
[20:29] <Kotono> "They lie within Waukeen's holy house." Now Seke picks up, putting her wineglass down as she smiles. "She created them to connect the world and encourage prosperity, amid other reasons. Thoug I ask before anything else: Why do you wish to travel to Sanaxt? Purely business? Have you heard of these realms before now?"
[20:29] <Janson> "Next door? You'd think they'd advertise it more," Janson mutters, glancing to his left. "And, ah, no, haven't actually heard of them," he admits with an embarrassed smile. "But that just makes me more curious!"
[20:31] <Aaeru> "Many great things were done in the past in the name of curiousity, wouldn't you agree?" Aaeru adds, looking eager to learn more about this distant realm.
[20:32] <Andria> "It would be nice to do business there one day, but since our venture's just starting out, it'll probably be some time before we really could. It's still interesting to learn about new places and things, though," Andrea comments.
[20:33] <Kotono> "Sanaxt's fate is entwined with two other kingdoms: Evrai and Kesse." Now the woman continues, giving Andrea a moment's look. "If you seek stories, sit down and make yourselves comfortable. You're right in another way - the portals have a toll."
[20:34] <Aaeru> At the offer, Aaeru does not hesitate to take a seat!
[20:34] <Andria> "Seira was a companion of the one I follow, Alicia," Andrea adds, picking up her necklace and holding it out for emphasis. "So hearing tales about one of Alicia's companions is definitely a treat. Was Alicia involved in this at all, out of curiosity? Or was this perhaps before they met? I know they were not always companions."
[20:34] <Wayland> "A toll?" Wayland blinks, taking a seat.
[20:35] * Janson belatedly takes the invitation to have a drink, pouring one for anyone else who wants one before he takes a seat and listens attentively.
[20:35] * Aaeru is far too eager to finally learn something new to bother with any drinks!
[20:35] <Kotono> Gustival leans forward, elbows on the table as he supports his chin with his hands. "I noticed your necklace," A small nod, "I do not believe Alicia was any part of the portals, but some of our sacred texts do mention her in other matters. There is one story...20 or so years ago, and involving Sharrans."
[20:36] * Aaeru nods solemnly. The best of stories often have that vile breed as the nemesis.
[20:36] <Janson> "Hey, we fought a Sharran not long ago," Janson perks up. "She's a surprisingly popular goddess, isn't she?"
[20:36] <Wayland> Wayland frowns. "Ahh, Sharrans. One of them tried to kill poor Aaeru a while back.
[20:36] <Kotono> "Yes, a toll." Seke gives Wayland a bland enough look, "Creating portals is expensive, as is the upkeep. Plus, should you create a path that can transcend space, are you not entitled to profit from your labors?"
[20:38] <Wayland> "Well, I was merely inquiring. How much is the usual toll?"
[20:39] <Kotono> To this Gustival reaches to his golden necklace, removing it from under his shirt. Hanging from it is a triangular shield, a dragon's claw engraved into it. Holding it in his hands, "Shar's touch is manifest and manifold. She seeks weakness like a shadowed predator, seeking to undo progress, kindness and prosperity.  She appeals to those who do not have it, blackening their hearts!" With a
[20:39] <Kotono> greater scowl, Gustival rises. He offers his hand out to Janson, "I heard of a Sharran recently executed. If that was your work, hail and well met."
[20:40] <Aaeru> "We brought him in, defeated and subdued, so hopefully if he had others working with him in these parts, he gave up that information before his sentencing," Aaeru responds.
[20:40] * Janson gives his hand a shake. "It was actually Aaeru who did all the work," he nonetheless admits. "He tried to catch her alone while the rest of us were distracted, but she was too tough for him!"
[20:41] <Aaeru> "He had the audacity to tell me he would kill me quickly!" Aaeru says to that, affronted.
[20:42] <Kotono> "200 marks, as your currency is. That is the correct term, I believe?" Seke murmurs. "You can go to close or faraway lands with it. I have visited Arad and the Citadel of Light using those portals."
[20:43] <Janson> "I've got just enough for a return trip!" Janson cheers brightly.
[20:43] <Kotono> After Janson he takes Aaeru's hand, then Wayland and Andrea's. His grip isn't as strong as you'd think, almost light. "My thanks to all of you. Sanaxt and it's neighbors were nearly plunged to bitter war thanks to Shar, 20 years ago. A slaughter that would have left ruin and misery throughout, and in that Shar would have triumphed completely."
[20:44] <Wayland> Nodding with a smile, Wayland says, "Isn't the Citadel of Light grand? I spent some time there in my travels."
[20:44] <Andria> Andrea blushes. "We were just doing our duty as good people, not to mention our job. You don't need to thank us for it..."
[20:45] <Kotono> "Ah yes, I love the wine and the woodworking," Seke's smile is slow and lithe, "Are you familiar with the Citadel? I adore the city, it's so grand and lovely, yet reserved. It's like a child's fairytale from the outside."
[20:47] <Wayland> "Absolutely. I was raised in Rena, a farming community just inside the borders of Chillander. I traveled much of PAllanth in my youth." says Wayland.
[20:47] <Kotono> Once thanks are given, Gustival's melancholy settles back onto him. He sits, "If you seek the kingdoms beyond the jungle, I would recommend going to Kesse first. It's capital city, also known as Kesse, has the most hospitality to those beyond the jungle."
[20:48] <Kotono> "I've not been that far east, that's where the land turns to ice and snow," Seke asks, "I've heard it's a haunting beauty once winter sets in."
[20:49] <Aaeru> "What of your land, then?" Aaeru inquires. "And this... Evrai, yes? Your people prefer to travel abroad themselves?"
[20:50] <Wayland> "And devastatingly cold, yes. However, if you can find a place to farm, the money tends to be very good. The winter festivals are a sight to see. The ice sculptures are very impressive."
[20:51] <Kotono> "Sanaxt is the northern most kingdom of the three," A  nod, "Imagine them something like the layers of a sandwich. Sanaxt is the top bread, Evrai is the bottom bread and Kesse is the filling. For hundreds of years did the three nations drift in and out of war, never a truly decisive win. Oh, kingdoms waxed and waned, and lesser vassals to the side did break, but nothing triumphed but bloodshed.
[20:51] <Kotono> Then 20 years ago..."
[20:52] <Kotono> As Gustival starts Seke smiles, "Let us talk later, Wayland," she murmurs to him.
[20:54] <Aaeru> "Shar happened," Aaeru says, going by what had already been told them.
[20:54] <Wayland> Returning the smile, Wayland says, "Any time you like, Seke."
[20:56] <Kotono> "The king of Kesse was dying. His crown prince was to inherit the throne...but little did anyone know that he and another prince and princess had fallen to Shar's worship. Through pacts with the soulless darkness did they gain power...yes. That is a succinct answer." Gustivus merely nods, "In brazen aggression did they massacre the leadership of Evrai and labor to do the same to Sanaxt. They
[20:56] <Kotono> walked the shadows, traveling leagues in seconds. They were unstoppable...until the coming of the light. Lead by Seira, the Crimson Guard of the United Baronies defeated the Sharran heresy. Through Seira's diplomacy did they prevent total war, one that would rip Kesse apart in a war that could come close to genocide as both powers marched on Kesse."
[20:57] <Janson> "The Crimson Guard gets results. Have to respect that, even if it makes it harder for the likes of us to find work," Janson chuckles.
[21:06] <Kotono> "Truth," Gustival says, "Thereafter war has been prevented by Seira's work and her church, as well as her agent in the region. The diplomacy is...complicated." Gustival clears his throat after a cough, "You see...none of the three nations like each other. Shar's attempt was akin to throwing fire into a dry forest."
[21:07] <Aaeru> "And yet, I couldn't help but notice that you actually recommended a trip to Kesse rather than Sanaxt," Aaeru muses, looking at Gustival expectantly.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Kesse...in Seira's great wisdom she chose Kesse as her primary source, to prevent the outbreak of war. Her influence is strongest there," Gustival says, "Many, especially the older people, still resent outsiders for what happened. Many desired war, knowing little else."
[21:09] <Andria> "How foolish of them. Nothing good ever comes out of a desire for war," Andrea mutters with a shake of her head.
[21:10] * Aaeru can certainly get behind a yearning for peace. "So by going there, we'll both learn more about the entire region, and receive the most amiable welcome?" she guesses.
[21:12] <Kotono> "Yes," Seke says, "That's correct. Our region," she pauses a moment to shake her head, "KNew nothing but war for generations. Art, civilization, advancement were all ultimately beholden to bloodshed and hate. We are only beginning to emerge from taht nightmare."
[21:14] <Andria> "Progress is progress. If we do ever find ourselves taking a portal over there, I would like to see all three regions, and do my part to help make all of them better," Andrea says optimistically.
[21:14] <Janson> "Sounds pretty crazy," Janson admits. "I've heard of the war between the Baronies and Malmuth, but it was before I was born and hardly anyone even seems to care now."
[21:14] <Aaeru> It sounds like a place she could be useful, should Ilmater's will direct her there in a more overt fashion.
[21:16] <Kotono> "Your realm is blessed," Gustival says, voice slow, "My father had 10 brothers. He is the only one that lived to sire a legitimate family. This city, these realms..." With a sweep of his hand, "Are fortunate."
[21:21] <Janson> "That's... wow, I hardly even know what to say. There aren't even ten men in my village, nevermind ten brothers. Big family," he marvels, nodding his head up and down.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Yes." Gustival goes quiet, Seke picking it up. "It's a long, slow recovery, but with Seira's guidance we will shed our past away."
[21:22] <Aaeru> "Merely hearing about how things seemingly set in stone for centuries are changing is enough to give one hope."
[21:25] <Kotono> "Now, any more questions," Seke asks.
[21:26] <Janson> "To be honest, not for me. I was mostly interested in the portal so I could go see for myself. Now I know it's right next door! But I can't really justify spending all my money on that, so maybe when I'm better off - the business is just starting and all, so one day..." Janson trails off wistfully.
[21:27] <Wayland> "I was curious if the 200 mark fee was for groups of people, or if it was 200 per traveller." Wayland asks.
[21:27] <Aaeru> "Does your realm have any businesses like ours?" Aaeru asks curiously. "Whimsical Sweets is a very nice little shop run by a Candymancer, and we also happen to offer troubleshooting aid. Outside relationship troubles, that is."
[21:29] <Kotono> "It's per seven people." Seke says, "There are many a mercenary over there, or people you can hire to...resolve problems. But that depends very much onw hat you mean by troubleshooting."
[21:30] <Aaeru> "Help resolve trouble, or aid in all sorts of matters?" Aaeru responds vaguely, shrugging. "I'm still not too clear on what our boundaries are. I was thinking more from the direction of candy, or from mixing both sides of the business together."
[21:31] <Janson> "We haven't really found any way to mix them yet, really. They both just happen," Janson points out. "Although the business actually started when the candy went horribly wrong and started attacking people! But we stopped that problem and figured we could deal with other problems, too!"
[21:31] <Kotono> "You could find work. There's always something to do over there," Seke says, "Kesse isn't as big as city as Balmuria, but it's active."
[21:33] <Andria> "It'll be something to keep in mind if we ever expand or run out of work here," Andrea muses.
[21:39] <Kotono> The Blue Mermaid is a quiet seaside dock in the New City. After leaving Seira's church the party heads here, looking for the Purinn merchant in question. He's found to be a greasy, whip-thin man, sitting behind the inn with his legs kicking out above the sea. He tosses bits of bread out into the water, watching seagulls swoop down after them.
[21:40] <Aaeru> "Hi! Aaeru of Whimsical Sweets, here. And Janson, Andrea, Sylvie and Wayland. How might we help you?" Aaeru asks the merchant.
[21:42] <Kotono> Sylvie takes a bit to smile and wave, not wobbly on her feet but mostly quiet. The merchant looks up, halfway from tearing off a bit more bread from half-gone loaf. "You all here about the troll?"
[21:42] <Janson> "We might be able to find you one," Janson nods. "Could be expensive, but it'd be a well trained one."
[21:44] <Kotono> "As long as it can be caged I don't care how well trained it is." The merchant puts the bread down, "I just need a troll."
[21:45] <Aaeru> "Would you mind telling us why? Just curious!"
[21:45] <Wayland> Peering at the man, Wayland does not think that he would be able to control a troll!
[21:46] <Kotono> "My employer is researching healing and restorative magics. Trolls heal almost anything just like that," Snapping his fingers, "See where this is going?"
[21:48] <Aaeru> "Very sensible and even admirable!" Aaeru agrees here. "So where would you need a troll delivered?"
[21:48] <Janson> "Well, anyway, the thing is that we know people who could probably sell a troll that'd quite happily submit to blood drawing or whatever so long as you kept it fed, but it could be pricey. What's your budget?" Janson asks.
[21:48] <Kotono> "Outside of the city, too many complications getting it in past the guard," Looking to Aaeru, "Once you bring one back we'll make arraingements to meet outside of the city."
[21:49] <Kotono> "2,000 marks," He answers after, pausing to tear off a bit of the bread and eat it.
[21:49] * Aaeru glances at Janson, not really knowing how much trolls normally cost.
[21:49] <Janson> OOC: would knowledge nature give me the going rate for troll slaves?
[21:51] <Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[21:51] <Janson> roll 1d20+11
[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12." [1d20=1]
[21:53] <Janson> Janson's face momentarily goes blank before he blinks and says, "Have to be at least three thousand." If it's enough, great, maybe they'll even have some left over to pocket the difference. If it's not enough, then they'll at least be well paid for having to find and subdue a wild one.
[21:55] <Kotono> "Fine," The merchant says after a moment, "I'll pay you all 500 marks for the service. Acceptable?"
[21:56] <Aaeru> Incredibly puzzled by the ways of commerce, Aaeru cannot understand why the merchant is raising the reward on his own. Is that how negotiation is cunningly done?
[21:57] * Janson speculates that Sylvie, Brana, and Noel will be less than helpful, but isn't about to turn down such an offer. "You drive a hard bargain, sir. We'll make the arrangements and be in touch within a few days."
[21:58] <Kotono> "Done," He says, turning back to the ducks. "Good luck."
[22:01] <Janson> "Thanks," Janson grins, heading out. "So, lets go tell Josa we've got a job, then we can go visit the giants and see what they charge? If we can afford a troll from them we can work something out with him paying in advance and pocket the difference, otherwise we go hunting for a wild one of our own?"
<Steph> I might have made a terrible mistake