[Session Start] [You have been told to spend the day at a tavern in the lower levels of the 10th tower called the Blackened Blade. The sign to meet your other operatives is to yawn widely and order a double shot of Dragon's Fire.] * Kansakhad yawns widely and orders a double shot of Dragon's Fire * Girdnick yawns and orders a double shot of Dragon's Fire, and also a mug of ale [There are quite a few people present, all of dubious character.] Dragon's Fire, eh? None too cheap. Let's see the cash, first. * AkareDialden covers his mouth with the thumb side of a fist, yawns, orders a double of Dragon's Fire Well, uh, you see, I dunno bout no cash thing.... How much /is/ the double shot, anyways? * Drunik waddles in to the tavern and up to the bar. Money. Gold. Coin. You know, CASH. * Girdnick pulls out a sack of flour. Me pay with this. A gold coin will get you a clean glass with your liquor. * Victor , a fairly you man of medium build and thick unmanagable brown hair and sideburns sits off to the side for the moment and watches the ordering. (How much for a dirty glass? :P) * Kansakhad gives the barkeep a gold * Barkeep ignores Girdnick. He pulls up a glass and splashes in a fair amount of a foul-smelling black liquid. * AkareDialden groans and pulls out a shiny gold piece, sliding it in front of him * Drunik yawns and slaps the counter. "Give me a mug of ale and a double of Dragon's Fire. Been a ROUGH day" * Drunik plops down 15 silver "Here you go, rich man." He hands the glass to Kansakhad. "Do you have your own tindertwig?" * Girdnick dumps a whole pouch full of copper pieces, nails, and fish hooks. "I need some help counting this." * Barkeep pulls out two more glasses and fills them with the nasty stuff. He hands one to Akare, and another, with a tindertwig, to Drunik. No, I don't. Forgot to bring one. (83 copper, 2 silver- all Girdnick's moneys) The wench will bring out your ale. "Well, for another silver, I can provide one, Rich Man." * Kansakhad gives the barkeep another silver What we need twig for? * Drunik carries his drinks over to an empty table after lighting up the liquor. * Barkeep glances down at the unsightly mass of knick-knacks on his bar. He gathers up the coins, shoving away everything else, making sure some of it falls on the floor. That's where Girdnick found it anyway... * Kansakhad looks at Girdnick * Girdnick picks up his moneys You didn't think you were going to drink "Dragon's Fire" without lighting it on fire, did you? * Barkeep pours yet another glass of Dragon's Fire, slams it down on the bar, and grasps at the coins in Girdnick's hands. Girdnick no drink Dragon's Fire. Girdnick order Dragon's Fire. "What the fuck? Give me the cash, Ugly!" * AkareDialden takes careful note of who yawned and who ordered a double dragon's fire. Oh. You just told Girdnick to show cash. "Well, now I'm telling you to give it to me." * Kansakhad rolls his eyes and goes over to the table Drunik's sitting at Why Girdnick have to do what you say? Girdnick no want stupid drink anyway. * Victor yawns as he watches the discussion. He makes no real effort to cover it up. He then takes out a gold coin. "I'll buy that one." * AkareDialden , seeing the "Yawning boozers", joins the table with Drunik and Kansakhad Girdnick just give you some for ale. * Girdnick hands over a fistful of coppers, roughly twenty * Girdnick sits down with the other drinkers * Barkeep is noticably deferential to Victor. "Here you go, sir. Twig on the house." * Barkeep looks to Girdnick as he walks away. "Hey, brainle-... nevermind. Close enough." * AkareDialden looks to the others around the table and nods. * Wench carries in a tray of full glasses from a back room. * Girdnick is a very large man, even by half-human standards. His facial hair is rough and gnarled, contrary to his finely groomed mohawk. Scar tissue covers what isn't coated with thick hoarse hair. * Wench brings a pair of ales to the table of obvious insomniacs. * Wench looks extremely disinterested. "Anything else?" * Victor grins. "Thanks." He briefly examines the twig with a curious expression, not one of unfamilarity, more analytical. He then wanders over to the table where the rest are. "I'd like to join you if you don't mind, always thought only those addicted to liquor drink alone." * Victor does pay the man a gold coin, for the record. * Girdnick scratches himself with no regard for who may be watching. Misery loves company, have a seat * Girdnick extends a hand to shake. "Girdnick's name is Girdnick." * Drunik is a average size dwarf with auburn hair & beard. He wears a suit of scale mail, and has what looks like a yellow & blue wooden symbol hanging from his belt * Wench gets bored at being ignored and returns to the back room. [You see, sitting at your table, a tall (6 ft) rather attractive, elegant male humanoid with long black hair, wearing leather armor under a cloak.] * Girdnick wears haphazard pieces of brightly painted leather armor, held together by straps of cord and leather. bound to his right arm is a sharpened bone, coated in steel. * AkareDialden lights his double of Dragon's fire * Kansakhad cautiously shakes Girdnick's hand. "Nice to meet you, I think. The name's Kansakhad." * Victor takes Girdnick's hand next and shakes it. "Victor." He then takes the tindertwig and in one gesture lights it and then his drink. * Kansakhad follows suit and lights up his drink * Girdnick drinks his ale, most of which slobbers out of his cheeks and dribbles down his chin. Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker *blows out then slurps down the dragon's fire* * Drunik downs his drinks, burps, and extends a hand saying "Brot(*hic*)... Brother Drunik" * Victor does look human, but isn't wearing any armour of note, just a long mangy coat with a good number of internal pockets. * AkareDialden sitting the empty shot glass on the table, Akare pulls his arms back into his cloak, the hood still around his head, decently-worn leather armor visible from the slit in the front of the cloak. 2 short swords glint from the shadows * Victor carries a sword at his side, average quality looking thing, everywhere after the war as soldiers pawned off unneeded arms. He's also got a crossbow in good repair. No other obvious arms. * Girdnick pulls a cinnamon stick from a sack and dips it in his ale. Girdnick then licks the alcohol off his cinnamon stick. (Kansakhad is also carrying a quarterstaff strapped to his back.) * AkareDialden stares bewildered at the half-orc and his spice stick * Victor blows out his own drink. "First time I had one of these I didn't take the time to blow it out. Can't say I really saw the appeal back then." (Slung across Girdnick's back is a pack, laden with some large, bulky objects, and a shortbow, seemingly made from the first thin branch he found that didn't break when it was used as a bow.) * Victor then downs his own drink. * Drunik has a flanged mace hanging to his left side, and a crossbow strapped to the other "What one of you littler guys is funny?" What do you mean, "funny", Mr. Fishhooks? * Girdnick pulls a jester's hat from his pack. "Girdnick have this for funny guy, if he wants it. "And my name Girdnick, not Mr. Fishhooks." Get that from the last "funny" guy that weren't too funny? * Victor looks over Girdnick and chuckles. "No, thank you. So, you a scavenger?" "No, Girdnick never eat anything Girdnick not kill himself." * UnrulyNearbyTable is talking very loudly and is quite boistrous. "Hey, you guys are getting too loud. Shut your up, so Girdnick can talk more." * UnrulyNearbyTable ignores Girdnick and talks amongst themselves. "Take a look over there. Bunch of pretty boys. Don't see them around much..." "You think Girdnick pretty? Girdnick blush." * Girdnick slicks back his mohawk. * Victor idly sticks a hand in his coat. "Don't think I quite heard you there mate, perhaps you could repeat yourself, but this time thinking first." (Intimidate attempt: d20+4 = 17) * UnrulyNearbyTable looks your way. "We was just minding our own business, mate. No reason to get scary." They go back to chatting, and lower their voices. * UnrulyNearbyTable is now known as NearbyTableOfThugs. * Drunik rolls eyes. * Victor nods and removes his hand from his coat. "Right then." He looks back to the table. "Ah, the lower levels of the tenth tower, really known for it's polite people." * Girdnick stands suddenly and looks around the room, excitement in his eyes. "Where bathroom? Where?" (at an even voice to our table) "Com'on mates, as Olladra would say, "Feast & Good Fortune!" "We have the first part down, let's wait for the rest" * Girdnick starts to look rather concerned, as he begins to dance, hands between his thighs. * Victor quickly looks around for a bathroom. * Girdnick runs off towards the far corner of the room. 'ey Gridnick! If you can't find a room go off the side of the tower, not in here. (in a hushed tone, with a knowing glance) I don't come here for the booze * ElvenWoman wanders in through the door, takes a quick look around, and strides over to the bar. * Victor in a hushed, but amused tone. "Well, if it was for the dancing girls, I'm afraid you've got another thing coming." * NearbyTableOfThugs stares unabashedly at the new arrival. * ElvenWoman speaks with the Barkeep. * Girdnick rushes through quickly, shouldering past the elf woman. "Wrong Door, gotta check another one!" * ElvenWoman is jostled by the rude half-orc. She turns, gives him an evil glare, and decides to let it go. * Barkeep points to Girdnick, shakes his head, and says something which makes the elven woman laugh heartily. (Quietly) I expect he is regailing her with the story of the fishhooks * ElvenWoman slides over a gold piece. * Girdnick returns a moment later and sits down with an audible sigh. * Kansakhad watches to see if she ordered the dragon's fire * Barkeep pours a doubleshot of Dragon's Fire and hands the elven woman a tindertwig. * Victor chuckles and comments quietly. "Somehow I didn't think she was here to meet a man." * ElvenWoman turns around, leans against the bar, and lights her drink. * Kansakhad yawns obviously, blows out his drink, and drinks it, such that the elven woman notices * Drunik raises his empty shot glass towards her, as if a toast * Girdnick scratches his head. "You guys know her?" I get the feeling she's looking for us. Or us her. * Girdnick approaches the elven woamn and the barkeep. You my friend have a fine grasp of the obvious. * ElvenWoman looks to your table and downs her still-burning drink. Mmm. Heartburn. "Pretty popular drink ya got there. Wanna sit with Girdnick and other guys?" (Whispered to the dwarf next to him) "This is why half-orcs dont make good diplomats" * ElvenWoman looks at Girdnick with disdain. "You have some courage, after your display earlier. What do you say?" * Victor calls out. "Don't take offense at that earlier display m'lady. He was just adapting the old adage and trying not to piss where he drinks." * Girdnick looks /VERY/ confused. "Girdnick say (louder than before)'Pretty popular drink ya got there. Wanna sit with girdnick and other guys?" * Drunik gets up and walks over to the happy couple Com'on Girdnick, let's go have a seat back at the table. Miss? "You are SO dull. Why don't you go back to your friends and take a few more drinks." "Can you keep the oaf quiet?" * Girdnick goes back to the table, making an orcish insult gesture where she can't see his hands I can try. *smile* "Whatever. It's better than that group." She indicates the thugs nearby. * ElvenWoman joins your table. "So, who's buying my next one?" * Victor casually puts his hand in his coat again and glances over to that table, in case anyone is thinking of taking offense. * NearbyTableOfThugs continues to stare, but turns away when they see Victor. "So, what brings such a lot as you together?" We all like the same drink. Similar taste "Except that you, Ugly, aren't drinking it..." "I'm allergic." * Victor chuckles and looks back. "He ordered one. Didn't have the money to pay." "Since this is a table of Dragon's Fire afficionados, why don't you shove off and leave me in good company?" "Why everyone think my name Ugly? My name Girdnick. Gird...Nick." "Girdnick sat here first. Girdnick not leave just because elf wants Girdnick leave." "So, who has the next round?" Vic, will you talk to me for a moment? *stands up and walks away from the table* "Victor?" * Drunik gestures to his glass & mug. "I already paid my tithe." * Victor stands up and walks with AkareDailden. He seems to think this is a great opportunity to not acknowledge the suggestion that he's buying. "How rude! Are they always keeping secrets?" * Kansakhad rolls his eyes As long as I've known them * Girdnick stands and turns to the thug table. * ElvenWoman gestures to the barkeep, indicating another round of doubles. You look like you've got an interesting story to tell. I'll take care of your next round in exchange for that story. "Stop yer laughing at us." * Girdnick sits back down. * NearbyTableOfThugs looks at Girdnick, shrugs, and turns back to talking and drinking. * Victor returns to the table, he looks like he's considering what to do next. Don't get used to this expression. "My story's not really anything of note. I just drift here and there, selling my services, as I have done for centuries. You?" "Sell your services.... nah. Girdnick no sell anything. Girdnick looking for books." Centuries? That's a long time for an elf Well, compared to you, then, I'm just getting started. * Victor snickers at that, he then asks. "Well, would explain why you were so alert when you came in. Most of our working men and came to the bar tired." (He then says. Not a question.) "Hardly a long time. Your sense of time is so young." * Girdnick unstoppers a jug dangling from his belt and takes a drink of some foul smelling liquid, then closes it and puts it back." All the more reason to get to the tasks at hand. Unless you desire more privacy "What services are you selling, lady?" * NearbyTableOfThugs puts their hands in, and shouts "For the Six!" * NearbyTableOfThugs stands, and walks out. hm. I wonder who the "six" are. Hopefully not what I think A group of six without a penchent for creative names? "Girdnick not good at counting. How many thugs?" The Dark Six are the night to the day that is the Sovereign Host * ElvenWoman seems unphased by the outburst. "And what tasks are at hand, if I may ask?" Not a pleasant sort, Kansakhad -- To drink! * Wench comes out to the bar and fills her tray. "Girdnick not know what Girdnick here for. Girdnick always have to do what people say, and people say to go here." * Victor coughs and looks to Drunik. "I don't think we should trouble the lady with work talk. She wasn't yawning when she came in, we shouldn't bore her now." Ai, Ai. Just answering his question * Wench brings over five doubles of Dragon's Fire. "Five gold." * ElvenWoman looks to Kansakhad. "I believe this round was on you?" * Kansakhad gives her two gold, takes one of the glasses, and pushes another to the elf * Victor chuckles. "Not that kind of work talk." *puts down a gold* I'll pay for my own, thanks *takes a glass* * Wench hands a tindertwig to the elven woman, which is quickly put to use. *mumbles* Cheapskate. * Drunik hands the wench a GP and takes a drink * Victor waits to see if his drink in fact will be covered. But he pays if not. * AkareDialden lights the drink and toasts to the woman "To your health, lady, and to ours as well" * ElvenWoman clinks glasses with Akare, and downs hers, flames and all. (What does this drink taste like, anyway?) (after burning, it's like spicy chocolate) * Girdnick starts chewing on his cinnamon stick again. "Girdnick hope he not have to stay here too long. This chair hurt Girdnick's butt." * Wench takes the gold and shuffles off. * Victor looks surprised at the elf's display. And annoyed to have had to buy another drink. "Anyone got a light?" "As to what services I provide, that information'll cost you. But more than likely, if you don't know, you won't need them." * Victor snickers again at that. "You not the person Girdnick wanted to meet, elf girl. Person Girdnick meet supposed to give Girdnick job, and you not do that." * AkareDialden nods and sits back in his chair* * GracefulWoman steps through the doorway. She stands a lithe six feet tall, with jet black hair that cascades down to her waist. Her features are an alabaster masterpiece, and she is draped in scant lengths of ruby-coloured silk. All (NPC) heads turn to get a look as she scans the room, taking in every detail. * Girdnick no look, she not hairy or strong or anything. * Victor looks her over. "My, obviously I've been going to the wrong bars." "And what, may I ask, did you mean THAT to mean?" * GracefulWoman practically glides over to the bar. * Barkeep closes his mouth, shakes his head, and says something to the graceful woman. * Victor looks back and laughs. "I like free views.." He pauses a moment to see what the graceful woman's next action is. * GracefulWoman laughs softly, covering her mouth coyly. * GracefulWoman leans over to the barkeep's ear and whispers something. She giggles a bit. I suppose you're right about your services, ma'm * ElvenWoman huffs, disgusted with the display of testosterone going on. "Well, fuck you very much." * Kansakhad raises an eyebrow Naw, I probably can't afford it. * Girdnick stops cleaning his tusks with his fingernails and stares at the others at his table * AkareDialden secretly fingers his shortswords in case the elf makes a move* * Barkeep looks shocked at what the graceful woman said, but pulls up a glass and pours a double of Dragon's Fire. * ElvenWoman looks aghast at Victor's comment. "Uncivilized ass." * ElvenWoman stands indignantly and strides quickly from the tavern. * Girdnick laughs boisterously. * Girdnick pounds table. * Girdnick tries to chase elf woman to give her jester hat * Victor just grins. * Barkeep pulls out a twig, lights the drink, and winks at the graceful woman. "It's on the house, Beautiful." * AkareDialden gets up, walks up to the bar and speaks to the lady in red * Girdnick scratches his head. "where'd she go? she move quickly." He turns and heads toward Akare and the graceful woman. * AkareDialden yawns visibly in front of the woman* * Girdnick thumps Akare's shoulder. "You sleepy? You yawns more than anybody else does." * GracefulWoman says something to Akare quietly. "No thanks, I'm allergic" "Another round?!" * Kansakhad mumbles, "this is getting expensive" Don't look at me, I've already got one * Barkeep looks at Akare. "You buying?" * Kansakhad lights up his second drink and gulps it down * AkareDialden fishes out /another/ gold, and gets his drink from the barkeep * Victor looks over to Kansakhad and holds out his drink slightly. "Got another light?" * Girdnick is standing at the bar, with akare between him and the woman. * Kansakhad lights up Victor's drink. "Fine, but you owe me a gold for that elven woman you chased away." * Victor smirks. "Tell you what, take it out of your share when you're done, cause by chasing her off I did us all a favor." * AkareDialden pays a silver, gets a tindertwig, looks at the woman in red, and motions to the table * GracefulWoman moves to the table. "And you speak for the exhaustion and drinking tastes of these?" She makes a sweeping gesture around the table. Yes, I have seen both with these eyes. Agreed * Girdnick returns to the table behind the others * GracefulWoman reaches into one of the few folds of her clothing and pulls out a small orb on a stand and places it in the center of the table. * Victor looks at the orb with interest. * Girdnick pokes the orb. I will require your identities now. Is this the place for this? Girdnick's name is Girdnick. Not Ugly. "Your inept friend (indicates Girdnick) may be able to tell you what this does, since he's so interested." "It might be bowling trophy. It's shiny, but don't seem to do nothing." * Victor reaches out a hand towards the orb. "How about I give it a try." "Close, Girdnick." She shakes her head as Victor prods at it as well. * AkareDialden sits down. "I'm Akare. I don't think we caught your name," "It creates a privacy field. We can safely discuss here." I'm Brother Drunik of the Sovereign Host * Victor frowns and leans back. "Not my night I guess. Victor Garland. Nice toy." * GracefulWoman looks at Kansakhad, expectantly. Kansakhad, at your service. "And you are here for what purpose?" "Girdnick here to find work from someone named Kybersmaw." "Is that your name?" * Victor smiles. "To acquire more of that fine element which drives the rotation of our world." * AkareDialden Akare finally pulls back his hood, revealling a very young-looking face with slick black hair and brown eyes. * GracefulWoman looks at Girdnick in an almost motherly way, and holds up her index finger. "I'm waiting, gentlemen..." Well, I was looking for another assignment from the Maw The same * Kansakhad nods in agreement * Victor snickers. "What, you gents work for work's sake?" And your name is? "And how has this 'Maw' you speak of come to know you?" Customer of mine was kind enough to enlighten me. "Some guy saw Girdnick beat up a halfelf and said Girdnick had the right moves." Well, so far, you in the Maw have used me for running your errands. My higher-up thought I should get official and join. Maybe run a few missions as an operative. (grumbling) "Stupid halfelf call Girdnick 'mutt' " "I believe the term you seek, Girdnick, is 'Khoravar'. Those of human and elven ancestry are not unwhole." "Khoravar must mean "Can't take a hit in the head very well" in elven" * GracefulWoman gets a fire in her eyes. "Girdnick, you would do well to use the word 'Khoravar'." She pulls a piece of hair behind her slightly pointed ear. "And with respect." "Oh, Girdnick sorry. Girdnick just mad from other guy making fun of Girdnick" * Victor grins. "Ah, valuable lessons in appreciating other races were learned by all. So, I do have a shop to run. Let's keep this moving people." Proven. * GracefulWoman invites Kansakhad into the conversation. "And you, quiet one? How does the 'Maw' use you?" "Kans not talk a lot. Maw probably uses him for giving people silent treatment." I've been found to be ... persuasive on occasion. "How you be persuasive? You not even know how to talk until people looking at you." Girdnick, cool it. let the woman talk One can be persuasive in more ways than one. "And the least likely man to be found this far down in the towers... Drunik. What use does the Maw have for you?" * Victor laughs, as if recalling a few fond memories. "Got that right." An arrangement beneficial to them and me. Now if you don't have the decency to even make up a name, I'll be at the bar * Drunik makes a show of starting to get up * GracefulWoman holds out her hand. "No reason for that." "As you are no doubt aware, we are a very careful lot." "I am Elira." * Victor looks impressed at Drunik. * AkareDialden snickers. "You will come to know me well." Are you our superior? "In every way." * Elira winks at Akare. * Victor snickers slightly at the first bit. He frowns on the second, until she winks. * Girdnick raises an eyebrow, then pulls froward his belt, peeking down into his pants. "Doubt that very much." * Girdnick reaches into his pants and pulls out a fishing line. "Girdnick better than you at getting fish." So, Ms. Elira, is it? What do you have for us? I apologize, but I'm anxious to do something. Sitting around bores me. * Victor takes a swig of his drink. He then cracks up. "And I'm sure you have a nice pole to accompany that. And I'm with Akare, time is money." "Your task today is very simple. You are to retrieve the contents of a House Kundarak storage box and take them to the proprietor of the closest House Ghallanda location." * Victor nods. "We expecting any opposition?" "/Time/ is always against us" "Our experienced operatives are being watched with more scrutiny. If you cross any patrols, you are more likely to get by with less trouble than our usual couriers." "Girdnick can cross anybody." * Girdnick cracks his knuckles. "Of course, the mere fact that you have been seen with me may have attracted some attention." By "retrieve", do you mean "pick up normally"? "Is there any other way to obtain the holdings of House Kundarak?" Or are we talking less savory methods? * Girdnick chuckles and says, "and by "box" do you mean "container"?? Good, I've never been one for jargon." "Alright, point Girdnick toward the Kundurak place" Just making sure we are clear on the terms "Drunik, I believe you'll be able to guide them?" Sure By the way, are we allowed to know what we're transporting? "You'll need the Lords of Dust to get the contents." "So someone else will get the stuff for us, and we just have to take it to someone?" "Now, if there's nothing else..." She stands, but waits for a moment. One question, just out of curiosity. "Yes?" "What stuff we get to have for doing this?" Also, Elira, do we have a contact at House Kundarak? "One at a time, please. Victor?" If our most valuable asset is anonymity, why is an easily identified stunningly beautiful and stylish person such as yourself our contact? "I do as I am told, and so do you. That's all you need to know." * Girdnick frowns and juts out his tusks. * Victor snickers and leans back in his chair. "Right." "Girdnick, you will be rewarded at the inn where you make the delivery." How do we contact the Lords of Dust? "Akare, you are now an authorized agent of the Maw. You do not need one of our contacts to be at the Kundarak facility." "I did not say you need to contact the Lords of Dust." Understood. If we're to use their services to get the contents, then, one of them will contact us? * Elira picks up the orb. "I trust you can figure it out." Alright, let's be off "Goodbye Khoravar lady." Farewell * Elira smiles broadly at Girdnick. "You learn quickly." * Kansakhad nods. "Until later..." * Elira draws all eyes to her again as she drifts out the door. * Girdnick pops the last bit of cinnamon into his mouth as he rises from his seat and heads for the doorway. * Drunik lights, blows out, and finishes his drink * Victor nods and stands. "Anyone want to watch my back for this one? I can give one person's weapon a bit more umph for the run and a 10% discount at my shop if I come through unscathed." "Leaving already? I've got half a bottle left!" "Girdnick's allergic." We might be back for more later. * Victor finishes his drink as well. Let us anon * Drunik gets up and starts to waddle out * Victor glances around to see if he's got any takers. * Kansakhad gets up and follows everyone else out "Girdnick won't let nobody hurt ya." I'm sure I can provide healing if anyone needs it * AkareDialden pulls his hood back up and leaves with the others * Kansakhad puts his cloak's hood up as well * Girdnick pats Victor on the back, a little too hard. * Victor get's knocked forward a little, but nods and offers a hand to shake to Girdnick. "Good man, look out for me, I'll look out for you." [You find yourselves in the "streets" of Sharn, a vast network of walkways circling the towers and bridges connecting them. It is mid-afternoon.] * Drunik leads the others to House Kundarik, occasionally looking around for stragglers or tails * Victor follows Drunik, he's not much of a tail spotter so he doesn't make much effort. (around the halfway point, I'll stop and go back to the others) "Hmm, should we take a less direct route?" [There are several House Kundarak vaults in Sharn. You don't have much information about which one you ought to try.] * Girdnick stops outside the tavern and unties his orc-horse (ox) and climbs on "Where we go now? Girdnick ready to get reward." [Surprisingly enough, Girdnick knows of several House Kundarak vaults, and leads you directly to the nearest one, several levels up on the 8th Tower.] [1328:18] * Victor looks over the ox horse as they go. "Quite a beast you have there." "Orc-horse mighty strong." * KundarakDwarf is standing behind the counter of the House Kundarak facility. "House Kundarak's services are made ready for you. How may we be of service?" "I Girdnick. Girdnick have things in storage to pick up." * Drunik lets the others handle this while he watches their backs outside "Certainly. If you could just come with me. Will your companions be joining you?" * Girdnick looks back at the others and shrugs. We will. * Victor nods. * Kansakhad shrugs, then nods * KundarakDwarf leads you to a single vault box in the back room. "Please, tell the vault the name under which you placed the box, and the password you used to lock it." "..." "The box was placed there for Girdnick to get it, so the name is probably Lords of Dust" "And the password?" * Girdnick looks at the other guys. "Did she say that?" maybe the password is Lord of Dust and the name is Khybers Maw * Kansakhad looks at Akare. "Say what?" password probably is Hat. * KundarakDwarf looks doubtful. "Please tell the vault box." (whispering) I said, "Maybe the password is Lord of Dust." Somehow, I don't think it'd be that obvious. And we're only going to get so many guesses before the dwarf calls security. (to vault) Umm, my name is Lord of Dust, not Girdnick. And password is Blackened Blade. [The vault doesn't seem to do anything.] * Victor holds up a hand. "Just a moment please, good sir. We're couriers and were given less than explict instructions. We don't wish to waste on your time, so we'll confer a moment to get it right." This is taking too long * Victor gestures for Girdnick to join the others. "Alright, passwords probably lords of dust. Can't think of the vault name though. Unless it's in the name of the house we're delivering to." (muttering in orcish) "maybe password is Girdnick pound fucking box? And maybe name is Girdnick pound fucking dwarf?" Good sir, the name is Ghallanda. Our mistake. The /password/ is Lords of Dust * Girdnick scratches his chin. * Drunik walks back inside the House [The vault springs open, revealing a small wooden box inside. It seems almost empty, only weighing a few ounces.] "What a strange juxtaposition." * Girdnick picks up the box "Guess gordnick was right." "Strange name for name and password though." *elbows Victor* quick wit, man "Would you like to place anything back inside?" "Yeah, sure." * Victor smiles at the compliment but then shakes his head. "I believe we're done--" He looks oddly at Girdnick. "Excellent. We'll just work out the payment and the locking words in the other room." * Victor shakes his head. "Unless you wish to cover the payment yourself Girdnick I believe we should go. Thank you for your help kind sir." * Victor walks outside. * Drunik waits in the lobby * AkareDialden shakes the dwarf's hand (and tries to pickpocket him). "is payment for taking or for leaving stuff?" "For leaving, obviously. It's a far better business practice to take payment in advance." * Victor nods to Drunik on the way out. "We've got it, it'll just be a moment." "how much payment?" (maybe i should be the official dice roller for this party...) (yeah, no kdding. What'd you bribe those dice with?) (asks a clerk) "Where is the nearest House Ghallandra?" (places a hand on my money bag) "It's up one level, and around the other side of the tower." "It's a place called the Hilt Overlook. Not very creative, but descriptive anyway." [1351:54] Thank you (and hands him 2 silver as a tip) "how much for leaving an item in box?" * Victor busies himself with a few spell casts outside. Where you can't see him. "A storage is 10 gold per day." * Girdnick turns away from prying eyes, and tries to open the box and look inside [Upon closer examination, you notice that the box has a beautifully crafted lock on it.] * Drunik walks outside and prepares a spell not so beautiful * Girdnick smashes lock with a hammer from his pack Girdnick, may I see the box for a moment .... a.... Was that really necessary? "Girdnick pick locks" [The lock dents, but does not break.] Girdnick, may I /please/ see the box for a moment "What you do with your items is your own business, but please do it outside." Girdnick, we'll smash outside, lets go * Girdnick picks the lock with hammer and crowbar. Noticing his failure, he hands dented lock and box to Akare. * KundarakDwarf ushers you outside, trying to avoid a distasteful scene. * Girdnick leaves with everyone else * Victor looks at Girdnick, eyes wide, as he's presumably at it. "Girdnick, stop! We'll lose our payment if we damage the goods." "Girdnick was gonna empty box, and tell someone to write 'we smarter than you' inside box. Then girdnick put box back." So, in any case, what are we supposed to do with this thing now? Unless it's actually supposed to go to House Ghallanda? * Victor shakes his head. "That'd mean we wouldn't get another job, and the item might not be valuable to us anyways. Probably just worthless written records or something." That's what we were told. * Victor holds out a hand to collect the box, hopefully. * Girdnick climbs onto orc-horse Drunik: yes, but that wound up being the name on the account. * AkareDialden examines the lock carefully, apparently searching for some sort of a trap. Let's just get this thing to Ghallanda * Victor looks over to Akare when the swap is made. "Hand it to me, I can fix up the damage." * AkareDialden eyes him cautiously, then gently holds out the box* Where do we need to go? Specifically that is. I asked inside, follow me * Drunik walks with a hand near his mace as he leads the others towards the Hilt Overlook * Girdnick follows Drunik * Victor takes the box and after examining the lock and the box itself, he considers working a spell on it. He follows along as he does this. Vic, any idea what this is? * AkareDialden holds up thing he swiped from the dwarf [It's a small metal rod with a button on it.] "Maybe we not go straight to Hilt Overlook" Maybe we stop somewhere else for a while and wait, then go there later" Girdnick, if we do that, our employers might not think we're very efficient Well, whatever we do, we're being watched. * Victor nods and looks over the device. "Maybe someone sees us going there and knows it's us, and knows where we're taking it. If we go somewhere else, or different direction, maybe we confuse who watches us?" it's a possibility. * Victor looks over the damage. "That might not be a bad idea, and this is a bit beyond simple touch up work. We might want to get a cleric to mend it, or just make a straight delivery. Doesn't matter to me. How badly was it damaged? "Who cares? They want what inside box, not box itself." * Victor notices that the lock has some slight denting, and the etching has some extra scratches on it. * Victor then plays with the device a little if Akare lets him. It makes a small click when the button is pressed and makes another click when Victor says "I wonder what that button did." He then follows with "Might record or send voices or something." * Victor reports to Kansakhad. "It's a bit dented. Box loses some value and they'll know we tried to open it. Nothing else." * Drunik turn around to see what's up. Guys, it's not that long of a trip. Doubling back is probably not necessary * AkareDialden thanks Victor and tucks the rod away * Victor nods and then comments quietly. "I'll identify it for tomorrow at a slight discount if you like." * Victor then goes to catch up with Drunik. "Don't suppose you could fix this." * AkareDialden stops for a second, and looks around suspiciously. Guys, we've got a tail Yeah, I mentioned that a few minutes ago. (quietly) All the more reason to be hasty * Victor moves. "If it comes to it, I can climb up a floor and make the delivery, I doubt they can follow us fast enough, but let's stick together for now." * Girdnick slows to the rear of the group, while watching behind us. So much for stopping to get repairs. So anything you can do about this dent and scarring Drunik? Not today, I'm afraid * Victor nods. "Well, nothing to be done now." Did he think we were supposed to bring the contents and not the box itself? [The halfling that several people have spotted continues to follow you, but doesn't make any aggressive moves. When Akare seems to hang back, he walks off the edge of the walkway into open air. You arrive at the Hilt Overlook.] * Victor chuckles. "I don't think so, but let's go with that explaination." * Girdnick knocks on the door. * GhallandaHalfling opens the door and greets you warmly. "Welcome to the Hilt Overlook! How may I help?" "We have a message for whoever runs this place." [The Hilt Overlook is a suptuously appointed inn, both beautiful and comfortable. There are cushions everywhere, and plush chairs circle the marble tables.] "A message? Well, I am running the Overlook right now." * Victor steps forward. "Specifically, we've got a delivery for your house, and if you can accept it we'll need an appropriate reciept." "Please, come in, make yourselves comfortable. What sort of delivery is this? * Girdnick sits down and relaxes. One we were hired to make * Victor comes in and does make himself comfortable. "We're just the courriers." He switches to halfling. "You know how it is, these types never tell the employees anything." "We do not suffer such distrust here. But it is common outside these walls, I hear." "Give him the box. Girdnick is supposed to get a reward from you." * Victor then takes the box out. "So, are you the proprietor or just running things at the moment?" "I am indeed the proprietor, and I thank you for asking. Only certain people care to whom they make deliveries." * AkareDialden does not sit down, but leans against the wall, his arms inside his cloak "Please, stay with us tonight. I was told to expect this delivery and hold it for its owner." * AkareDialden interjects would you like us to open the box, or do you have the key? "Is it locked? I didn't know." He looks down at the box. "Oh, my, what happened here?" "It was like that when we found it." * Victor speaks in halfling. "I apologize for the scarring, my associate (he glances at Girdnick) apparently understood our instructions to be to deliver the contents of the box." "Well, that is none of my concern, I suppose. That will fall to the final recipient of the box. Your rooms are already laid out, and you may retire at your convenience. Of course, the feast is available for those who hunger, as well." * Victor nods. "Thank you sir." * Girdnick partakes in feasting on all things fleshy, and enjoys his room, which he makes sufficiently dirty as to be comfortable to Girdnick standards. * Victor does get a reciept, if such a thing is available. It's the store manager in him. Then he enjoys the hospitality. I'm sorry, I'm not the final recipient, so I cannot issue a receipt. But I'll be sure to get one when it is passed from my hands. Thank you sir. "Everyone has their own room, with full tub, mirror, feather bed, and handwash basin." * Victor eats and drinks at the feast for a while. "I suppose this more than makes up for the dive they had us gather in." [The feast is attended well by a number of obviously well-to-do guests, who are rather shocked at the garb some of you bring to the table (quite literally).] * Victor seems to rather enjoy the shock, although he doesn't act intentionally boorish unless a particularly amusing opportunity arises. [When you wake in the morning, each of you find a small bag of coins and a beautiful dagger in the shape of a dragon's tooth in your washbasin.] * Kansakhad examines the dagger carefully, and then counts the coins as he mutters to himself, "the security in this place is somewhat lacking". * Victor counts the coins and puts the dagger to his side. "Huh, maw, teeth daggers, follows." * Drunik counts the money and appraises the dagger. [There are 25 gold coins in the bag.] [The dagger is very well balanced, and has etching and gold inlay along the length of the blade. The hilt appears to be wrapped in red silk cord.] * Victor comes down in the morning looking to be a rather happy man. * AkareDialden is already downstairs with his breakfast [Drunik is praying at the moment and the half-orc took his orc-horse well before you all woke up and departed for parts unknown.] * Victor gets his own breakfast. "Not bad for one run, I'll bet it gets harder from here though." (d00d, I pwnz my breakfast) "Welcome friends. Your delivery was received, but I was not given a receipt." Ah, then may I at least ask who accepted it? "His face was obscured, but he offered sufficient evidence that he was the intended one to take the box." * Victor nods. "So his papers were in order? Good." * Victor eats his breakfest fairly ravenously, with a sense of manners only somewhat dulling a fairly animal apetite. Well, what now? It seems we did what we needed to, and got our payment. I imagine we will be contacted again when there is something else to do. I'd agree we wait to be contacted again. Pleasure working with you all. And if you're ever in need of weaponsmithing or alchemy I do work at 10% less than standard market price, although materials are of cou[1454:38] There was that halfling that was following us, though. I suggest we leave all together in case he's still waiting for us. * Victor shrugs. "We've got nothing for him now." What did he look like anyways? He had one ear Obviously, a seedy character. * Victor laughs. "Well, I suppose we're fortunate to be followed by one with such an obvious mark. But no, I think I'll be going my own way, when I leave." A pleasure, comrades. Good day. * AkareDialden gets up to leave * Victor finishes his meal then heads off himself. "I hope our next meetings will be similarly profitable." [Session End]