Redlun XXII

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B>Redlun Archives</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id202.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXV"><U><B>Volumes XXV to </B></U></A><B>XXXXV</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id295.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXVI"><U><B>Volumes XXXXVI to L</B></U></A><B>XV</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id259.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Village"><U><B>Redlun Village Map</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id181.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Plans"><U><B>Redlun Manor Plans</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id178.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Survey"><U><B>Redlun Survey</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Decree"><U><B>Redlun Decree</B></U></A></div> <div> <B> </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun I"><U>Redlun I</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun II"><U>Redlun II</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun III"><U>Redlun III</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id93.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IV"><U>Redlun IV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun V"><U>Redlun V</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun VI"><U>Redlun VI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun VII"><U>Redlun VII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IIX"><U>Redlun IIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id98.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IX"><U>Redlun IX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun X"><U>Redlun X</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id100.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XI"><U>Redlun XI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id101.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XII"><U>Redlun XII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id102.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XIII"><U>Redlun XIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id103.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XIV"><U>Redlun XIV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id167.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XV"><U>Redlun XV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id168.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XVI"><U>Redlun XVI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id169.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XVII"><U>Redlun XVII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id171.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RedlunXVIII"><U>RedlunXVIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id172.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IXX"><U>Redlun IXX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id173.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XX"><U>Redlun XX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id182.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXI"><U>Redlun XXI</U></A>   |   <B>Redlun XXII</B>   |   <A HREF="id194.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RedlunXXIII"><U>RedlunXXIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id197.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXIV"><U>Redlun XXIV</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Redlun XXII</I></div> <div> <Missiledine> When we ended you were about to follow these two men to where their famlies were staying </div> <div> <dukejr> wooohoo! </div> <div> <dukejr> right. Gallus wants to check out their story some and learn where they live. </div> <div> <Missiledine> You follow them out of the tavern and they lead you a couple blocks into the back streets of the poorer neighborhoods </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus keeps a sharp lookout. </div> <div> <Missiledine> Bringing you eventually to a rundown looking two story affair. "We are sharing space upstairs." Durst says </div> <div> <Missiledine> There is a doorway leading to a rickety looking flight of steps. You can hear children's voices upstairs </div> <div> <dukejr> good sign </div> <div> <Missiledine> Durst will lead the way up the steps, knocking heavily on the door at the top and calling out several names. You hear a bar being drawn back and the door opens. A girl of maybe eight looks out. "Papa?" </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus smiles at her and relaxes somewhat. </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Let us in." Durst says. A moment later you are in the room with an indeterminate number of children looking at you solemnly </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus smiles at them and asks their names. </div> <div> <Missiledine> Erhil says, Here they are, except for our wives, like we said." </div> <div> <Missiledine> <There are at least eight kids, plus some peeking around corners. I am NOT naming them!> </div> <div> <tacit> <ah, c'mon> </div> <div> <Missiledine> No! No! No! </div> <div> <Missiledine> <Got enough trouble coming up with names for the important NPCs </div> <div> <tacit> J will try to chat with them, if any are willing </div> <div> <Missiledine> It isn't hard to make friends with some, others are a bit skittish and shy </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus nods, "I am satisfied everything is in order. If you are willing I am offering jobs as mercenaries overthe winter, I will have to ask my Lord, but come spring, I expect you can become Free Farmers." </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Well sir?" Durst asks hopefully </div> <div> <Missiledine> "That would be wonderful! </div> <div> <Missiledine> " </div> <div> <Missiledine> Erhil grins </div> <div> <Missiledine> The children brighten at this too </div> <div> <Missiledine> "When will we be leaving?" Durst asks </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus gives them $20 apiece. "This is to make sure you have enough to eat for today. I am staying at the <insert name here> Inn. We will be in town for abouta week." </div> <div> <Missiledine> They both nod eagerly. "Will you want our services while you are here?" </div> <div> <Missiledine> Durst frowns slightly, "What kind of accomadations can we expect sir? We have very little in the way of goods and chattel." </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus considers. "That is not a bad idea. Talk it over with your wives, I will expect to see you in the morning tomorrow. Today, I have some business to accomplish." </div> <div> <dukejr> "In Redlun? The Lord will see that no one lacks for decent housing or food, although quarters may be a little cramped this winter. More housing needs to be built." </div> <div> <Missiledine> They nod eagerly, "Very well sir" </div> <div> <Missiledine> "We will be there early tomorrow." </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus nods and takes their service. after he does so, he asks if they lack for anything. </div> <div> <Missiledine> "We are making do here, sir.  But for the winter we may need some extra money for cloythes for them." He nods at the kids </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus nods. "I will make a note of that. My Lord will not have see children lacking basics." </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Thank you." </div> <div> <dukejr> <strike one "have" </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus takes his leave. </div> <div> <Missiledine> <BTW:  Everyonce inawhile send me updated characters, so I can make sure I've recorded all the updates properly.> </div> <div> <dukejr> okay </div> <div> <Missiledine> <I try to keep up on it, but ya never know.> </div> <div> <dukejr> Gallus leads the way out of the poorer section. btw. gallus plans to have both mercs with him today. might give an afternoon or day off in the next day or two </div> <div> <dukejr> okay. do you want to spend the time roleplaying out making contacts with buyers for the swords and armour? </div> <div> <tacit> <brb> </div> <div> <tacit> <back> </div> <div> <Missiledine> uhm, no we don't need to do all that. It will take a good day's worth of haggling and the like to get an acceptable price </div> <div> <dukejr> k. that night gallus was going to the crow to look for mercs. maybe he can release J early so she can do her thing. </div> <div> <tacit> what time of day it it? </div> <div> <Missiledine> before noon right now </div> <div> <Missiledine> <BTW: I cannot play to all hours tonight, I have an early AM meeting with an attorney </div> <div> <tacit> <no prob - I'm up early tomorrow, too> </div> <div> <tacit> "if you'll not need me, that would be fine"  Jacinta says </div> <div> <Missiledine> <Not sure how much gaming stuff I will get done next week, spending the whole week in court. Should be good for gaming at night tho </div> <div> <tacit> <sure - you want us to jeapordise our characters with a GM that has spent the whole day with lawyers!> </div> <div> <Missiledine> <It will inspire me for Doc and Ham's trial!> </div> <div> <tacit> <heh heh>  </div> <div> <dukejr> that should be fun. </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok then, Gallus and who? will go to sell the swords etc... Bragan will go off on his business... Jacinta is going... where? </div> <div> <dukejr> the Merc with No Name. We wil call him George </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok, George </div> <div> <Missiledine> <For now> </div> <div> <tacit> If J is dismissed, she will retrieve her eturn to the inn, ask the inkeeper where she might go to have a weapon assessed </div> <div> <dukejr> I can make up names for htese mercs if you like. </div> <div> <Missiledine> "There is a street of armorers and weapon smiths down near the docks.  If it's magical you might go to the Academy of Sorcery." </div> <div> <Missiledine> <Sure... feel free> </div> <div> <dukejr> <Will work on the mercs while J is off by herself> </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok </div> <div> <tacit> "ah, that will do.  Thank you"  she will retrieve her belongings and head toward the docks </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok... it is only a few blocks following the directions the innkeeper gave you.   </div> <div> <tacit> how many weapon smiths have set up shop in the area? </div> <div> <Missiledine> The street is fairly busy, this is the time of year when the weaponsmyths and armorours gear up for the spring campaigning season... </div> <div> <tacit> <war is good business> </div> <div> <Missiledine> Walking along you can see there are at least a dozen shops from which the sound of hammer blows and bellows can be heard </div> <div> <Missiledine> Most craftsmen also have a storefront to market their products, tho some do only special orders and don't bother retailing </div> <div> <tacit> look for one that seems more reliable - any dwarven smiths? </div> <div> <Missiledine> yes actually, there is one that you see. A rather large and prosperous establishment that also has a storefront </div> <div> <tacit> hmm, sounds like the place to start </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok, you enter the shop. There is a man (human) who is polishing armor pieces and generally tyding up.  The place has racks of weapons and helms, some standard bits of armor etc </div> <div> <Missiledine> He looks up as you come in and smiles, "Yes Mam?" You can hear activity in the rear </div> <div> <Missiledine> (What kind of armor are you wearing? If any? </div> <div> <tacit> "Yes, I was interested in having asses the quality of a sword" </div> <div> <tacit> lamellar </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Indeed, we can do that for you." He steps over to a table. "May I see it?" </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok </div> <div> <tacit> she hets out the bundle that holds the sword and unwraps it </div> <div> <tacit> places it on the table </div> <div> <Missiledine> He picks it up and examines it briefly, "Indeed, very fine. Nice work indeed. Let me call my Master." </div> <div> <tacit> hmm </div> <div> <Missiledine> He sets it down and goes to a doorway and speaks to someone. "He will be here in a moment." He says to you </div> <div> <tacit> "of course" </div> <div> <tacit> j will chat as they wait... any unusual wapons on display? </div> <div> <Missiledine> A few moments later and a stout, muscular looking Dwarf comes through the door. "Yes? What is it Tolly?" </div> <div> <Missiledine> Nothing unusual </div> <div> <tacit> k </div> <div> <Missiledine> The man says, "This lady has a sword to be assessed, it is a quality weapon sir." </div> <div> <Missiledine> To you the man says, "My Master. Gerlund" </div> <div> <tacit> "pleased too meet you, good sir" </div> <div> <tacit> <I can't type in ICQ either> </div> <div> <Missiledine> The Dwarf nods briskly to you, clearly an individual with much to do. He picks up the sword and studies it </div> <div> <tacit> J waits patiently </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Hmmm, interesting." From under the bench he removes a case and takes out a small silver hammer and strikes the blade sharply, pausing to listen carefully..."Hmmm." </div> <div> <tacit> J raises her eyebrows questioningly... </div> <div> <tacit> but says nothing </div> <div> <Missiledine> He examines the steel minutely with a small crystal lense,  Fingers the blade and then, licks it several times. "Yes, very nice. Very nice indeed. I don't recognise the crest.  Never bothered learning all that human hera </div> <div> <Missiledine> heraldry crap..." </div> <div> <tacit> J chuckles at that </div> <div> <Missiledine> "So.. Do you want to sell it?" </div> <div> <tacit> "im not concerned wiht the heraldry, just the weapon itself" </div> <div> <tacit> "I'm most interested in learning it's value at the moment" </div> <div> <tacit> "value and quality' </div> <div> <Missiledine> "hmmm, well.... I'm no mage, but I do know it's enchanted with something." He sniffs it. "I can smell it." </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Magic aside.... I'd charge ya.... oh, four hundred Solars for it, if ya were buying it." </div> <div> <tacit> "I presume the Academy of sorcery would have to determint the enchantment?" </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Probably... For a price." </div> <div> <tacit> "any idea what price?" she grins </div> <div> <Missiledine> He scratches his head. "Depends on how much work they've got to do with it."\ </div> <div> <Missiledine> He hands the sword to you. "Fine piece ya have there. Not Dwarven of course, but you can't have everything." </div> <div> <tacit> "ah.  And how much do I owe you for your time, good sir?" </div> <div> <tacit> <and a thank you thrown in there, as well> </div> <div> <Missiledine> He waves you away. "Always a pleasure to handle quality work... even if it is human. Good day to you." He turns and heads back </div> <div> <tacit> "thank you again!" J is pleasantly suprised </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Is there anything I can show you?" The man asks hopefully </div> <div> <Missiledine> <Did either of you send  me something?> </div> <div> <dukejr> yup. merc names </div> <div> <tacit> <no> </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok </div> <div> <tacit> "I beleive that will be all today, except for pointing me toward the Academy" </div> <div> <Missiledine> "You can't miss it. One of the three biggest buildings in the city. Across from the Cathederal, next to the Palace" </div> <div> <tacit> "ah, excellent.  THank you again for all your help, Tolly" </div> <div> <Missiledine> He smiles, "Your welcome Mam." </div> <div> <tacit> how much time has passed? </div> <div> <Missiledine> an hour </div> <div> <tacit> k - j will grab a bite to eat on her way to the Academy </div> <div> <tacit> she will be paranoid, and keep an eye out to see if she is being followed </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok, there are many places to eat </div> <div> <Missiledine> not that she can tell </div> <div> <tacit> k- she isn't picky, she'll eat whatever looks reasonably safe - a meat pie or something </div> <div> <Missiledine> ok, you'll spend a few pennies on lunch </div> <div> <Missiledine>  </div> <div> <tacit> <brb> </div> <div> <tacit> back </div> <div> <Missiledine> after grabbing a quick meal you go to the Academy... This is actually a walled campus with many buildings, some quite large </div> <div> <Missiledine> there is a gate and a guard </div> <div> <tacit> approach the guard, state my business </div> <div> <tacit> <how late we playing> </div> <div> <Missiledine> A tough, burly looking chap (not much more) looks you over and nods. "Wait here." He pulls a bell rope and whistles tunelessly while he waits </div> <div> <Missiledine> A few minutes later a studious looking chap in grey robes appears. The Guard says. "A paying customer." in a bored voice. </div> <div> <tacit> <lol> </div> <div> <Missiledine> The young man ignores him and says to you, "May I help you?' </div> <div> <tacit> "I'm interested in the fees for having a weapon enchantment identified" </div> <div> <Missiledine> (You are still outside the gate) </div> <div> <tacit> k </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Well, that depends on how many enchantments there are. But generally it is ten farthings per identification." </div> <div> <Missiledine> ($50) </div> <div> <tacit> "very well.  I believe I have some business for you" </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Analysis is very time consuming and labor intensive." He adds </div> <div> <tacit> ah, that may be a concern.  How time consuming?" </div> <div> <Missiledine> "One moment then." He goes into the gate house and returns with a portable desk and paper, pen and ink. He passes them through a slot in the gate. "Please sign your name or make your mark." He says </div> <div> <Missiledine> "How long? About an hour for each enchantment that the weapon has." </div> <div> <Missiledine> Oddly the paper he passed you is blank </div> <div> <tacit> "you wish for me to sign a blank page?  To what end, may i ask?" </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Do not be concerned, the paper will not be touched or altered in anyway.  Your handling and signing the paper will allow us to identify you in the event that something, unfortunate, should transpire while you are on the </div> <div> <Missiledine> campus </div> <div> <Missiledine> "If you would rather, I will accept a lock of your hair instead." </div> <div> <tacit> J looks duboius, but signs the page </div> <div> <dukejr> <Don't sign with blood> </div> <div> <Missiledine> When you hand it back he is very careful not to touch the paper or the pen, "I will be back in a moment." He takes it into the gatehouse </div> <div> <tacit> <wasn't planning on it> </div> <div> <dukejr> <don't sign anythign mentioning "eternal soul" </div> <div> <Missiledine> A few minutes later he returns and signals the guard to let you in. The gate is opened and the young man says, "Please follow me." </div> <div> <tacit> funky </div> <div> <tacit> She does </div> <div> <tacit> <j is semi-literate - let's hoe "soul" is in her vocabulary> </div> <div> <tacit> <I thought you meant my eternal SOLE> </div> <div> <Missiledine> He leads you across the grounds, which are beautifully maintained and landscaped, to the main hall.  The big doors are closed but a side door is open </div> <div> <tacit> J admires the grennery on the way </div> <div> <Missiledine> he leads the way in and down the main hall to a side door. Opening it he indicates that you should enter. It is a small but comfortably appointed waiting room. "Please wait in here. Someone will be along ishortly" </div> <div> <Missiledine> He then adds with deadly seriousness. "Please, stay in the room. Don't go off exploring... It would be... unfortunate." </div> <div> <tacit> <sigh> she does </div> <div> <dukejr> <snort> </div> <div> <dukejr> <blowhards> </div> <div> <tacit> "I won't" </div> <div> <Missiledine> He leaves you alone. There is a decanter of sherry and several glasses for your pleasure </div> <div> <tacit> <she ain't stupid, after all> </div> <div> <tacit> I don't think so - she'll be ready for a drink after she leaves, tho! </div> <div> <Missiledine> Only a few minutes later there is a knock and the door opens. Another young man in a grey robe smailes and says, "You are here for an analysis?" </div> <div> <Missiledine> <The Doktor vill see you now.> </div> <div> <tacit> "Yes, I am"  she begins unwrapping the sword </div> <div> <tacit> <call me with an estimate> </div> <div> <tacit> <before you do an y work> </div> <div> <Missiledine> He shakes his head, "No, I'm sorry. We had to prepare a chamber. Please come with me." </div> <div> <dukejr> <valk dis vay> </div> <div> <tacit> "oh my mistake"  she follows... </div> <div> <Missiledine> He will lead you down the main hall to a side hall and to another door. Inside is an older man sitting at a desk on which is an array of paraphenalia. He is clearly still organizing a few things.  </div> <div> <Missiledine> The young man says, "This is Master Gylin. And you are...? I'm sorry, what is your name?" </div> <div> <tacit> Jacinta </div> <div> <tacit> Jacinta Vessik </div> <div> <Missiledine> The older man looks irritated at the younger's udeness. </div> <div> <tacit> <grin> </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Please sit down, Miss Vessik." Master Gylin indicates a chair. "And let me see the weapon." </div> <div> <tacit> she does </div> <div> <Missiledine> He handles the sword carefully, examining it minutely. He pauses and looks at the young man. "Close the door and go stand over there and watch. You may be useful, though I doubt it. And you might learn something... </div> <div> <Missiledine> though it is unlikely." </div> <div> <Missiledine> He goes back to examining the weapon </div> <div> <dukejr> <lol> </div> <div> <tacit> J bites her lip , supressing a grin </div> <div> <Missiledine> The youngster retreats to a corner and watches closely </div> <div> <Missiledine> Finally he says, "This is a very fine weapon, and I can't say for certain, but I would guess at this point, there are multiple enchantments on it." </div> <div> <Missiledine> "Shall I begin?" </div> <div> <tacit> "yes, proceed" </div> <div> <Missiledine> He lays the sword on a piece of dark cloth and begins his preperations... From where you sit you can't see everything he does, but it involves sprinkling various substances on it, and a lot of handling and  </div> <div> <Missiledine> intense concentration. This will go on for a very long time </div> <div> <tacit> like, groovy dude </div> <div> <Missiledine> <And at this point we will wrap up for the night!> </div> <div> <dukejr> k </div> <div> <dukejr> night. </div> <div> <Missiledine> good night all </div> <div> <dukejr> I like ICQ btter than AIM, I think </div> <div> <Missiledine> not sure yet </div> <div> <Missiledine> miss the audibles </div> <div> <Missiledine> too short in the paragraphs too </div> <div> <dukejr> Beep! Beep!</div> <div> <tacit> hokay - they each have strengths </div> <div> <dukejr>  that is a good point </div> <div> <Missiledine> I mean when a message comes in </div> <div> <dukejr> I know, I thought I would beep ya </div> <div> <Missiledine> still, it works more reliably </div> <div> <Missiledine> thanks </div> </td> </tr></table></body>