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Post by Game Master on Aug 22, 2008 22:47:18 GMT -5
Talon had left his clan to wander the world just three months ago. A firefly had guided him south on his first night into the wilderness of the Old Kingdom where he was born. He saw no reason to deviate from that direction and had continued south every day since. Last night he spotted a shooting star that seemed to land on the other side of the great River he camped next to. It appeared to fall into a human settlement just below one of their kinds ugly stone forts. Wading the river this morning had been taxing. The current was strong and the water cold. He dried off quickly however for even though summer was still two months hence the heat this far South was oppressive. He soon came to a dirt road that lead to the settlement. Following it soon found the Ranger at the edge of a town with a sign proclaiming it to be 'Garrotten'. A small shack with two human males stood guard on the road armed with halberds and dressed in leathers.
One of the two approached Talon as he walked closer. He spoke in the Southern dialect that Talon had learned years earlier though he was out of practice. "Good day to you Master Elf. I am Hankle of the town Watch. What brings you to Garrotten and may I help you find what you seek?"
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talon
Serf
Talon. And that's all you need to know.
Posts: 73
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Post by talon on Aug 22, 2008 23:12:24 GMT -5
Talon's first impression was that this individual was genuine in his intentions. In a casual tone he said "I am on my way through these lands hoping to learn more of the cultures. What is this place?" Talon made sure to keep it casual, and to make it sound like he wasn't completely interested, to give the impression he was planning on passing on through. He was hoping to keep his presence as inconspicuous as possible while among a group of unknown people and dangers the size of this place.
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Post by Game Master on Aug 22, 2008 23:33:21 GMT -5
Just a border town on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Timiro. "GOD SAVE THE KING!"
"God save the king." his companion mimicked though much less enthusiastically. The kind watchman before Talon looked at his fellow in annoyance for a moment before returning to the wood elf.
"We're mainly a River port town. Though some would disagree of late what with the gold and iron being discovered up in the hills yonder." he continued, "Tons of goods come and go by river every week through Garrotten to other places through out the kingdom as well as to our neighboring countries. As such we have one of the finest smiths in the region as well as an alchemist in his very own shoppe of magic. If your looking for work you can head just a little ways down this road. Across from the Travelers Inn is the Hiring Hall. If there be anything I can assist you with let me know. I know every in and out of this town."
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talon
Serf
Talon. And that's all you need to know.
Posts: 73
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Post by talon on Aug 23, 2008 10:41:01 GMT -5
Somewhat amused by Hankle's companion's enthusiasim, Talon stifled a smile. He was under the impression these two were genuine individuals. One pehaps a little less committed to his cause however.
"Thank you for the information good sirs. Perhaps I could use a refill of the water flasks and be on my way, is there such a place in your good town?"
Talon felt this would give him an opportunity to pass deeper into the town without expressing any intrest in the happenings of this city or its inhabitants. He had not yet been able to experience any place with this level of commerce before. His home was for the most part self sustaining, trading only with other elven kind, or the rare trusted human that knew of his home's existance.
Also, he gave a subtle hand guesture you a yet-to-be-noticed bird in the tree above the path, telling it to stay put. He would summon it momentarily after he was out of eyesight of the watchmen, as not to stirr any curiousity. He had learned that lesson after visiting a small community known as Geowrgeeah, when he was labled "the burdman" before he even made it to the pub.
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Post by Game Master on Aug 23, 2008 15:15:29 GMT -5
"The closest place for a drink would be the Inn just there." Hankle pointed to the two story walled in building just up the road. "If it's truly water you seek the that will do fine. If ahh you be seeking stronger stuff I recommend the Drunkin Griffin Tavern. It's the favorite watering hole for the locals and the prices are cheaper then the Inn. You'll take your first right and continue on. You really can't miss it. There is even outdoor seating under some trees." Hankle smiled. He apparently had dealt with wood elves before mused Talon.
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talon
Serf
Talon. And that's all you need to know.
Posts: 73
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Post by talon on Aug 23, 2008 17:37:47 GMT -5
"Thank you good sirs. I won't take up much more of your time. God save your king Mr. Hankle, and yours as well Mr. Hankle's Companion." Talon aimed himself in the direction that Hankle indicated to pause again to ask "One more bit Mr. Hankle, where would one go to find high quality fishing tackle in a place such as this. A traveller such as myself can never have too many good fishing utensils at his side." Talon figured that with a reason such as this, Hankle, and CERTAINLY his partner would have no reason to wonder why Talon did not pass back by them on his way out.
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Post by Game Master on Aug 24, 2008 1:29:16 GMT -5
"It would be Jhessil's Trading Goods. Up the road at the four way intersection caddy corner to the hiring hall. Jhessil's an honest merchant. He'll do right by you. I suppose you could get some down by the river as well. The Griffin is by the water incase you head that way."
Apparently the river curved around the hill running along side the town. Maybe Talon didn't have to make that swim after all. Ahh well he was here. The means really didn't matter.
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talon
Serf
Talon. And that's all you need to know.
Posts: 73
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Post by talon on Aug 24, 2008 9:32:39 GMT -5
Talon decided to make his way to the trade goods shop. He had an idea for a new set of arrows. He had heard of a new fishook called a "trouble hook" or was it a "treble hook" either way it had 3 prongs per hook intead of just one. He figured he could easily find 8 or 10 for cheap. Maybe he could also find a fine and lightweight fishing net. He has had a hard time finding what he wanted, about a 4x4 net, or at least one that could be cut down to that size, that is super light and fine, to help cut down on air drag......
he had come up with a story to cover for such an odd request, and it was that he had found a cache of rather large mountain trout, but they seemed to be much more intellegent than the average trout, and so fishing for them required creativity and special equiptment.
He had not forgotten about the star, but was still unsure of its meaning. Usually when he sees such a thing, he knows he is on the right path, but should his venture into town prove to be mundane, he has an idea where to head next.
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Post by Game Master on Aug 26, 2008 3:31:08 GMT -5
Sure enough, Jhessil's was easy to find. It was a quaint little shoppe as far as human buildings go. It had many curved lines in the design. The Roof was thatched in a dome shape with an oblong stone chimney. The porch railings and awning swirled together much like tree branches, while the windows were round and inviting not like the sharp right angles that humans so admired. Even the robust door was arch shaped and not rectangular.
Entering the establishment brought revelation to Talon's musings as he discovered not a human shop keeper at all but, a hobbit merchant running around catering to his customers. The fellow (Jhessil he assumed) was middle aged looking for one of the small folk and jolly as a dwarf in a brewery. He was the epitome of perfect customer service. Talon stood observing him to best size him up. He had a comment on everything a customer picked up whether it be a sack of grain or pewter mug. He complimented his wares as merchants the world over do yet Jhessil did it in a way that made people appreciate what they bought. He joked with them and asked them of news and gossip. Everyone left with a smile. As well as more then they came in for Talon suspected. Jhessil waved goodbye to a farmer and his wife and turned his attentions to Talon.
"Good day to you Master Elf and welcome. Fresh from the wilderness you are if I'm a good guess. Let me see." The curly, black, haired hobbit studied Talon a little closer. "Hmm, not a trapper, nay. A scout for the army perhaps or..Warden of the Woods? Do you know a man called Mason per chance?"
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talon
Serf
Talon. And that's all you need to know.
Posts: 73
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Post by talon on Aug 26, 2008 9:04:42 GMT -5
"No good sir, have not had the chance to meet this mason, perhaps one day. " Talon thought this was interesting that someone assumed he knew others just because he was an elf or ranger. First however he wanted to take care of buisness. He had always been like that, deal with the odds and ends first, that always allows him to give his full attention to the task at hand. " I was however hoping you could be able to help me, so far the many traveling merchants i have met have yet to meet my needs, nor have they been very helpful or friendly. I have been told however that you carry some of the finest wares in the land, and even if you don't have the desired items, you have an uncanny knack for finding some! I must say, I have never come across such a person, and i would love to challenge you to live up to these stories!" Talon delivered this speach with a smile on his face. He had learned the lesson of "appeal to their knobler side" as one of the elders had once told him. To him it meant pad or boost their ego, but generally it gave one the edge in any kind of dealings. More often than not it tended to relax the other person, and once or twice he had gained information that should probably not have been mentioned.
"Good Mr. jhessil, I am looking for a few items that i feel you may be the only one i have ever met that could help me find these items...." Talon proceded to describe the "trouble" hooks, and the "mist" net as he called it. He even made sure to add a few mundane items to the list that he knew Jhessil would have in stock just such as a bit more fishing line, fletching supplies for his arrows, and beezwax for the bowstring, and a request for a bit of fresh meat (a treat for Krieger so they both did not need to take a hunting journey today). He knew that even if Jhessil did not have the net or hooks, he would be delighted to make any type of sale (as most merchants are) and it would motivate him to look for these odd requests if he did not have them.
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Post by Game Master on Sept 2, 2008 3:55:19 GMT -5
Jhessil gathered the common items for the elf as he spoke "Hmmm, I have neither the hooks or a net of such quality at this time I'm afraid however...I'm sure I could acquire them if you have time. Give me till mid-day tomorrow for the hooks and three days for the net. What say you?" Jhessil put 20 feet of fishing line on the counter as well as a one pound block of beeswax, one pound of last months jerked beef strips and the fletching supplies that Talon requested. "I wonder. Would snare cord be about the right strength and thickness for this myst net of yours? I want to make sure it's to your standards before I acquire it."
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talon
Serf
Talon. And that's all you need to know.
Posts: 73
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Post by talon on Sept 2, 2008 12:45:51 GMT -5
Talon thought to himself "man this jhessil is slow, its seemed like days that he has been waiting on him. no matter...."
"Well Mr. Jhessil, i am in no direct hurry, so 3 days is more than adequate. I am impressed to think you could find something that specific so quickly. Maybe the unbelievable tales of your store may be a reality after all! As far as the net, the lighter in weight the better, and the finer the better as well, these mountain trout are extremely intellegent (for fish) and have excellent eyesight. And the stronger the better, because i would love to be able to use it to catch the buffalo catfish i have heard stories of, the ones that can weigh in excess of 200 lbs. "
All of this was true. Trout were very intellegent with great eyesight, but it was nothing someone that lives in the outdoors wasn't used to. And every wood elf knows that you dont try to net a buffalo cat! But, it was true, he *may* try to use these items for fishing.....
Also, Talon didn't think about the fact that any food Jhessil had would be preserved, but no need to correct him or explain. It would get eaten, probably not enjoyed, but eaten. Human prepared food never impressed him, and how could it after eating the best and freshest wild foods, prepared with elven secrets that have been perfected for millinia. He knew hobbits and other little folk loved to eat, so maybe it wouldnt be too bad. Krieger would just have to fast today, she will be very motivated tomorrow thats for sure!
"I do appreciate your efforts good sir, and I will stop back by soon." Talon payed for the items, and thanked Jhessil one more time before leaving. He decided to head back up the street. He had passed a place that looked like it was a slaver's guild, and that sort of trade always bothered him. He figured he would check it out, and speak to the slavemaster, maybe there would be a life that could be spared.
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Post by Game Master on Sept 4, 2008 1:22:51 GMT -5
Talon walked over to the slave pins. Sales looked to be slow. There were only a few potential buyers it seemed and the selection of available slaves was only six beings of various races. A High Elfin male dressed in good quality merchant cloths sauntered over to Talon when he showed interest in the pin. "Good day my fellow." He greeted Talon in elven. "I am called Master Hiliandraas or 'Hil' in the human tongue." He bowed deeply as was the high elven custom.
It had been a long time since Talon had met a high elf. They tended to be arrogant and aloof, feeling superior to other races. They fit well within human societies and cultures. Their tall spiraling towers and citadels while elegant and free flowing were just a touch to...human for Talon's tastes. This Hiliandraas fellow seemed typical of their kind. Still it was good to hear proper elven again.
ooc: You now have an ooc thread (Out Of Character) in the ooc board. check it regularly.
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talon
Serf
Talon. And that's all you need to know.
Posts: 73
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Post by talon on Sept 4, 2008 17:52:19 GMT -5
Talon greeted Hil in the customary manner, making sure to bow slightly longer and lower than Hil as if to note his "higher" elven roots, making sure to convey the idea that he was proud to be in this elf's presence, even though he was fighting the desire to flatten him and release all of the prisoners. No person should own another, even if they were a criminal, even animals demanded a certain level of respect, and short of those raised for food should be rewarded for their work.
"Good Master Hil, I am honored to meet you. It has been some time since i have come across, another elf, and certainly longer since I have been in the presence of a high elf. I learned only a moment ago that you were here, and wished to introduce myself, I am Talon."
Talon proceded with a few moments of the typical pleasantries he had learned were customary when speaking with High Elves. A waste of time he thought. It was much simpler for a quick greeting, and to get down to buisness.
"Master Hil, I am curious to learn of the individuals you have here today. What might you tell me of them?"
Talon was trying to get the opportunity to size up the unfortunate captives. He realized he may only be able to help one, maybe two souls if he were fortunate. Certainly he would be able to learn something useful....
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Post by Game Master on Sept 7, 2008 3:23:37 GMT -5
"Well, because your a brother elf. I'll be very upfront with you." Hil said in a manner that Talon found to be honest.
"I don't have a large selection right now. Garrotten is my last stop on my trade circuit so, these are the last of the fruit to be picked so to speak. Now they are still all fine specimens, they just aren't the cream of the crop hence the low prices." The elves circled the pin as Hil talked. Talon counted seven figures now that he was closer. "Now normally it would help me greatly if I knew what you were looking for to narrow it down but, I can run through this crowd pretty quick."
Hil pointed to a male orc first. That one there was trained as a teamster by his last master and is fairly good with animals. He's quite tame and loyal with a good strong back." The black skinned orc sat cross legged on the ground licking a rock. "Not to bright either, though that's usually a good thing in a slave."
"That Ogre over there is another good buy. Strong, reliable, he even cooks. His last owner used him as a body guard till he sold him to me." The huge Ogre was massive. Easily twelve feet tall, his chest was barrel shaped and his gut protruded like he had swallowed a large iron kettle whole. One lower tusk jutted out from his jaw like a short spear. He looked at Talon with dull black eyes devoid of intelligence.
The two continued to circle the pin. "The human there is a criminal type. Killed a man at sea they say, though I don't know the details. Still he's small and quick. Probably useful in certain trades. Can't speak for his loyalty though. You'd probably have to break him quick."
"I have a two for one sale if you'll have those snotlings over there. I caught them trying to steal my coffers one night. Seemed only right I profit from them, Eh? Hehe." Talon had never seen a snotling before. The smallest of goblin kind they were a mere two feet tall with large ears and eyes over long crooked noses. One was greenish black and the other blackish green. They threw rocks at eachother from accross the pin with remarkable accuracy.
"Next we have good old Thagrin Steelanvil. A good old mountain dwarf. Hates being a slave. I'd stay away from that one unless you've got a mean streak toward dwarfs. That one needs a lashing or a strong hand to stay in line." The battered looking dwarf stood proudly as if he were a king among his vassals. He eyed Talon with a look of superiority and at Hil with barely veiled, murderous, rage.
"Now Mosh here is a halfling. Hers is a tragic tale to be sure. You see I get many a slave offered to me by family members for one despicable reason or another. I tend to say say no for it's just not honorable but...Mosh was different. Her husband had a fever for games if you catch my meaning and he owed a sum of coin to a rather mean spirited lender. Anyway It was Mosh who offered herself up to me to save her worthless husbands hide. I just couldn't say no when I saw the love in her eyes for that bastard. Better I take her away from the worthless cure don't you think?"
"So? That's all of them. I know they are not much but, they are the best in these parts I assure you. Any of them suit your needs?"
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