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Post by Game Master on Jan 2, 2007 3:41:56 GMT -5
When Aiko first entered the small town of Garrotten his new companion Mason took him promptly to the Travelers Inn. While the Griffin was known for better drinks Mason never touched a drop. The Inn offered wine-water as well as over a dozen verieties of tea. Aiko grew up on tea in the Eastern Territories and agreed to follow his guide. Sitting over a pot of 'tilleen' tea Aiko found it to be both rich and earthy. The two friends discussed plans and decided to see what work was available. It wasn't long before they found themselves standing outside a small cabin owned by the wealthy merchant Bernard Blimm. The two adventurers were not alone. A Woman, Two men, a Gully Dwarf a halfling and even a Gnome had shown interest as well.
"The more the safer." Bernard stated when a couple of the others grumbled. "I need you to take five 50 pound wrapped parcels to Tabor Samila in the town of Arian. It is already overdue. Tabor's people have yet to arrive and I fear foul play. It is imperative that he recieve these Parcels in a timely manner. I will pay you all 50 gold each up front and another 50 gold each upon your return with proof of delivery signed by Master Tabor. In addition if you can make the trip in four days or less I will pay you an additional 100 gold each."
"Well I can't hope to move one of those boxes Master Blimm." The halfling stated matter of factly.
"Never fear. I will loan you my mule to hold the parcels. I need you as gaurds and escorts not Laborers."
Mason leans over to Aiko and whispers. "Aiden is a hundred and fifty miles away. Thats thirty seven to thirty eight miles a day. We can make it if we push hard and keep rests to no more then seven hours a day or so. I ain't to sure we can pull it off with all these little folk along though. Lucky for us its cultivated farm land for the most part. Just a slight incline is all."
Bernard continued
"Think about it folks. I need to prepare the animal for travel. Anyone who wants to go please come back in two hours and I'll have the gold waiting for you. Any last questions?"
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Post by homeskillet on Jan 2, 2007 21:58:17 GMT -5
Aiko looks Bernard Blimm in the eyes, " Yes sir," he declares with a bow," You said, as a result of Tabor Samila's people being late you suspected foul play. What exactly do you mean by " foul play" and why do you suspect such a thing?" Aiko straightens once he finishes his question and awaits the answer, still looking Bernard Blimm in his eyes.
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Post by Game Master on Jan 3, 2007 3:21:39 GMT -5
"Ah good point young man, err what is your name? Aiko? Easterner aye? Well sir Aiko, to be honest I don't know what has become of them but surely they should have been here by now. With all the bandits in these here parts no one is truely safe on the roads any more. A shame really. That is why I wish to hire you lot. To protect my goods. Anything else?"
When one of the two human men asked the obvious "Whats in the parcels?" Blimm frowned and replied "THAT is not your concern."
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Post by homeskillet on Jan 3, 2007 21:33:07 GMT -5
With no further questions Aiko and Mason headed out ahead of the rest of the group. Aiko, new to this world, turns to his guide and friend; Mason Gray with a look of concern. " The little ones will be no worry friend," Aiko goes straight into conversation in low, calm words, " We can carry them." Aiko smiles. He is happy with his solution. Mason raises an eyebrow at this statement. Aiko's returns to a more calm expression and before anyone else leaves the cabin he asks," Shall we greet and meet these people before we make our choice?"
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Post by Game Master on Jan 4, 2007 3:05:31 GMT -5
"Not a bad idea, that." Mason ponders. The group disperses almost as one and a few of the people head off in different directions before the companions can stop them. They do manage to get the attention of a few for introductions. The first is the Halfling and gnome. The gnome introduces himself as Earl the Grey an established something or other. Aiko doesn't quite grasp the meaning of his title but it sounds impressive. The halfling 'Tull', is a hired hand of the gnome. He does all the physical labor and helps Earl with his studies.
The last person to talk to Mason and Aiko introduces himself as 'Briggs'. I'm just looking to make some gold gents, not make friends. If you will excuse me I need to go buy some food for the trip." and he continues into town.
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Post by homeskillet on Jan 4, 2007 11:24:35 GMT -5
" Well, I guess this Briggs will need his peace," Aiko tells Mason immediately," It is best to leave men like that alone. So my friend, shall we follow our new friends Earl and Tull and help them prepare for the journey?"
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Post by Game Master on Jan 4, 2007 19:45:09 GMT -5
A simple nod is all Aiko gets from Mason. Aiko is used to this as Mason often says little. The little folk are headed to the Jhessil's for goods. Niether of them have been out of town in some time so they plan on buying bed rolls, lanterns and the like.
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Post by homeskillet on Jan 4, 2007 21:41:32 GMT -5
" Earl may we assist you and Tull?" Aiko asks," We would like to know the friends, that help us on our journey, more."
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Post by Game Master on Jan 5, 2007 14:09:06 GMT -5
"Excellent good man, excellent. So what profession are you chaps in if I may ask. You don't seem to be of the scholastic type although I once knew an ................... that looked pretty rugged."
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Post by homeskillet on Jan 5, 2007 22:39:34 GMT -5
Aiko stopped in his tracks and looked at Earl completly confused, " What is that?" Aiko asked, unable to understand. He looked at Earl and Mason for an help in understanding.
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Post by Game Master on Jan 6, 2007 3:07:08 GMT -5
"Not from around here aye? No matter. I still stumble over the occational word myself. Ummm an anthropologist is a scientist of sorts. They study intelligent lifeforms and their environments. Any way I'm a Diabolist. I study symbols. For instance now that I look at you with your earth colored cloths and those trinkets of onyx I bet your an Earth Warlock. Am I right? Ahh, what's with the bare feet though? I've never met a Warlock who didn't have boots."
The four of you come to a mid-sized building for these parts with a sign above the door depicting a barrel, a spool of cloth and a lantern. "Jhessil's Trading Goods" Tull anounces.
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Post by homeskillet on Jan 6, 2007 11:19:32 GMT -5
Aiko pondering what Earl had said wanders the store looking at all of the various trinkets, not the general stuff like rope and bags, but the shiny eye catching stuff of this land. Like a tourist might. After some time alone in the store, Aiko approaches Earl again," Earl the people who study symbols where I am from, we call Sage. They are wise men who look at symbols from the past to help us today. They are kind of like your anthropist your friend is. I am a Earthmaster. After years of learning my Duo Fu, or Earth Hand art, I began to unlock the secrets of the Earth. I can not be separated for the earth gives me power. This is why I do not wear sandals. I do not not understand WAR LOCK."Aiko smiles as he looks at Earl with great satisfaction. Aiko likes making friendly connections.
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Post by Game Master on Jan 6, 2007 14:16:23 GMT -5
For 35 gold Aiko buys one of the most exquisite lanterns he has ever seen. It has a steel casing crafted to look just like a sleeping, perched snow Owl. A leather bound ringlet is flawlessly molded into the head for easy carrying. The feathery looking metallic eye brows may be lifted as a handle and locked into an open position. This opens the closed eye lids to reveal the glass apertures to focus the lanterns light forward. If a broader lighted area is needed a small latch in the front may be used to spread the owls wings open. The same latch may then be used to clasp the wings together at the back so the hinged pieces do not flap around. The lantern holds 1 pint of oil providing 6 hours of light. It is the only one of its kind in the store. It appears durable as well as ornate.
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Post by homeskillet on Jan 6, 2007 23:57:51 GMT -5
Aiko purchases 3 pints of oil and walks over to Mason. "Look Mason," Aiko smiles from ear to ear with excitement," It's an owl." Mason looks at the lamp with a blank face. Mason doesn't get excited about things that are more for their looks than usefulness. Mason only trusts the things that he can make himself, like a torch. Mason walks away out of the door, he is getting claustrophobic. Aiko shrugs and walks back over to Earl to show him his treasure, " Earl!" Aiko calls, " See this!"
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Post by Game Master on Jan 7, 2007 3:21:34 GMT -5
Earl looks at the Owl for some time.
"Nice handy work, that. See that detail in the wings? Only a master craftsman could form metal that delicate. Ohhh and the hinges and clasp. Very fine yet sturdy. That my friend was made by a Dwarf or else the sign for Jealousy is a full moon! HA! Hahaha."
Earl grabs his belly in both hands as he laughs hardily.
Just then Tull walks up to his master. "I have the supplies my lord. Enough food for four days, paper and quill for you and a new pair of walking shoes are on order for you. Jhessil says they should be ready upon our return."
"Excellent young Tull. Tell your uncle Jhessil we are greatful as always."
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