Please read any new messages on this thread, but post any replies to Market Circle Altogether

It is still the middle of the night. The Market Circle is a large open court where several main streets meet. The cobbles of the circle are multicolored and form a patterned mosaic. There are several people here, but the main activity seems to be an ox-drawn wagon being loaded with bundles. It is in front of a permanent structure owned by Merchant Hamilton (The name is clearly inscribed over the door for those who can read. Hamilton is wealthy enough to afford a small warehouse adjacent to the Market. The goods are being loaded from the warehouse.
Besides the teamsters, you can see a couple dozen people. Someone is working on a booth, another person is arranging colorful jewelry made from seashells, there is a prostitute (you assume) walking through the Circle, There is also Brassman, the animate who guards the city gates (when they are open), who appears to be strolling about and generally inspecting things.

The caravan looks nearly loaded and the wagon boss (a surly, contentious-looking fellow) is inspecting straps and harness. The workers are standing nearby and adjusting where he directs.

Anyone who makes a PER roll by 5 (honor system here; If you don't make it, don't react to it.) can see a recumbent figure apparently sleeping in an alcove.

A few more people are entering. A good-looking young woman in black leather who has a large companion. Her companion has a boyish face, and has a thick waist, but looks muscular. From a different direction a young man casually strolls in, his otherwise handsome features tempered by a few scars.

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @9:27 AM (PDT)]

"Hey Beka there seems to be a lot of people here. We shouldn't have any problem finding the people we need for your caravan. Are we going to leave tonight or wait until morning?"

OOC: Missed my roll big time, rolled a 17

.

[EDITED on Sat September 21, 2002 @8:41 PM (PDT)]

OOC: Where do I find the caravan my father is participating in? How does it usually "get going"? I want to make this seem as normal as possible but go now.

BTW: I did not see the apparantly sleeping figure.

The oxcart in the description is the caravan of Merchant Hamilton, your father. It is smaller than you would have expected. It hardly seems profitable to send it to Karkul. Adala yes, Karkul, not really. Not unless Vance knows something you don't.
The caravan boss is named Karp. He is probably going to drive a cart this size by himself. Vance would probably use a deezel with a howdah for protection. Karp is gruff, but has known you since you were a young teenager. He can be fooled, but it takes some fast talking. He will probably want to discuss any plan changes (especially destination) with Vance or even Hamilton. He doesn't want to upset his bosses.

OOC: Made my PER roll

Nuyok will continue as he has been for the moment.

"Hey Mr. Karp, how are things going? I'm sure you heard the news that my father wants to go to Adala instead of Karkul. No money in Karkul for this wagon you know. So Since we will be going to Adala, I brought along some special security [pointing to Rath] and we are ready to head out! Dad is particullarly anxious to get this one going because he wants to invest the extra profits he'll get back into the business. By the way, he said to tell you you and the team will get "X" extra because of the short notice on the change in destination. Oh, and I'm supposed to pick up a few extra people for security so do you know anyone or should I start looking around?"
All this is said in a running patter while checking inventory and the preparation. I am trying to keep him so busy keeping up with me that he won't be listening to what I'm saying.

I'm using these skills and rolls:
Merchant, 15- (to know how to get a caravan ready)
[3d6]
2, 3, 6 (STUN: 11, BODY: 4) Mon September 23, 2002 @7:36 PM (PDT)
Trading, 15- (to make him see that we will get a better price in Adala)
[3d6]
3, 5, 1 (STUN: 9, BODY: 2) Mon September 23, 2002 @7:36 PM (PDT)
Acting, 14- (to make it seem like my father knows all about this)
[3d6]
6, 6, 3 (STUN: 15, BODY: 5) Mon September 23, 2002 @7:36 PM (PDT)
Conversation, 13- (to dazzle him with my verbosity)
[3d6]
6, 4, 5 (STUN: 15, BODY: 4) Mon September 23, 2002 @7:36 PM (PDT)
AK: Caravan Routes, 12 (to set out)
[3d6]
5, 4, 4 (STUN: 13, BODY: 3) Mon September 23, 2002 @7:36 PM (PDT)

Karp looks a little put out. "Wait now--", he begins. "But--" he tries, but Beka's running monologue makes it difficult to interrupt. Finally he manages to get in a word.
"I don't know about any change in destination, and yer Father may have changed things, 'tis true. But I got me orders from Merchant Vance. He's in charge o' this wagon, and I'm thinkin' this is one of yer little tricks. Yer pop got awful mad last time you pulled somethin' like this. You want ta change the route, you get Vance ta come out here an' tell me so."
He looks annoyed, but not angry. He mops his brow with a dirty rag and indicates that the caravan is ready to go.
"If'n ya ask me, you should run along home and don't meddle with this stuff. Don't make me go get yer old man."

I put on my intimidation face, deepen my voice and walk right up Mr. Karp "Sir, I believe Miss Becka said there was a change in plans, let's try to make that happen shall we"

I'll also roll my conversation (12-), but if you think it's a PRE attack you can roll that with whatever +'s or -'s my PRE is 13
[3d6]
4, 2, 2 (STUN: 8, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @7:15 AM (CDT)

"Thank you Rath, Mr. Karp is just sore because I got such a good deal on the last trip and Vance almost missed it." she says to Rath (and Karp).
"Look Mr. Karp, if you want to waste time by going and searching for Trader Vance, look anywhere there is a mirror, he's probably admiring himself right now. If you need to go check with daddy, go ahead, but he wants to get on the road and get an early start. You know that is important when you're going to Adala because we can get out of the wilds sooner."

Karp looks nervously at the huge brawny fighter. He appears to be menally weighing his options. He seems to come to a decision. "King 'n Reavers! Vance isn't paying me enough for this kind of work! You wait here. I'm going to have this out."
He make towards the Merchant Hall, pauses a moment and turns. "By the way Miss, I'd be careful the way I talk about Vance. He's harder than you think." Boss Karp leaves the Circle. The teamsters stand about in general confusion.

Coming on the late night/early morning scene, I stop and catch my breathe and take it in.
Perception 14-
[3d6]
1, 1, 2 (STUN: 4, BODY: 1) Sun September 22, 2002 @7:04 PM (PDT)

.oO(Perhaps I should seek my fortunes elsewhere, be better to risk the wilds than be for the iron box. They looks like getting ready to leave the city.)

I move through the market square trying to look inconspicuous but at the same time trying not to be noticed by Brassman.

I walk over to the teamsters.

"Hey, still taken on a few for some work here?"

[EDITED on Sun September 22, 2002 @7:04 PM (PDT)]

Just as the words leave my mouth I notice out of the corner of my eye someone in a doorway.

.oO(Hmm what's this. Maybe I can get some word on things before butting in)

"Hey guy never mind, I see you are busy, maybe talk to ya later," I say to the teamster.

Moving out of the busy area I make my way to the building with the person in the doorway and squat a little ways down the wall from him, keeping my eye on the teamsters and to where Brassman happens to be.

Whispering and not looking at him, " Hey link, got any wrote on the happenings here?"

The reclining cloaked figure, who may or may not have been asleep, responds "That little "caravan" there is preparing to leave town shortly. It's under the orders of Merchant Vance, under the patronage of Merchant Hamilton. Vance is currently occupied. What of it?"

I lean back against the building wall and take out a knife and start cleaning the souls of my boots.

"I want to be on it. Want to leave this city, too hot here. You know where they are going, who I can talk to about it?"

I take out a silver coin, one of the small ones, and roll it towards the alcove.

"Supposed to be going to Karkul, but it looks like there might be a change of plans," Nuyok says while emphasizing that the change appears to be going on as we're speaking.

"I too am interested in leaving the city, and with the new developments going on over at the caravan, it might be the right time..." Nuyok muses, begins to rise, and collects the coin. You see him to be a human of Tallon-area origin, in a dark cloak, average clothes, no apparent armor, with a sword at his side.

"Names Handle, mind if I tag along?"

I extend my hand as I also rise and stand next to the warrior.

The young man appears a bit rough around the edges, a goatee shows about his mouth but appears to be hard grown there. Blue eyes under a mop of thick dark hair and an aristocratic nose highlight his looks. He is a bit thin but healthy and moves with a grace that sets him apart from many of the striving lower classes you have seen around the city. He wears an odd collection of mismatched leather and metal armor bits under an oiled cloak with its hood thrown back and carries a small havasac and a number of knives.

tried to post image but it didn't work

[EDITED on Tue September 24, 2002 @7:29 PM (PDT)]

"I'm Master Nuyok. No problem, let us see what that discussion was about. From my experience, the man walking away is damned annoying," Nuyok says with little expression, extending his hand in exchange. Upon closer inspection, you see Nuyok to be a dark haired, dark eyed human with a hard edge about him, but looks otherwise unassuming, and dangling about his neck is a dark blue glowing lumina crystal.

Nuyok takes a look over Handle, does he recognize him?

Roll if necessary:
[3D6]
3, 4, 4 (STUN: 11, BODY: 3) Tue September 24, 2002 @10:45 PM (EDT)

Presumably Nuyok and Handle (not trying to hijack you ) head over to the caravan and its apparent new leadership.

Nuyok, you have never seen this guy before in your life. You walk up to the caravan easily. The conversation they have had was perfectly audible to both you and Handle.

Nuyok further mentions to Handle "Sounds like they are in need of security, might as well see about being paid to travel." Nuyok approaches the new caravan leadership, keeping his eye on the big guy, and in a measured tone says "I understand you're looking for security?" and will follow up with "And I also understand the caravan's no longer heading to Karkul, but rather to Adala, so it'll involve crossing Gator land?"

As you waIk up to the woman and large man, you notice there is something odd about the big man's midsection. It looks larger and mis-shapen compared to the rest of his body. I am dressed in a loose fitting shirt and leather shorts. I stand protectivly next to Beka, and look over the new comers trying to size up their battle prowess, in case they try anything unexpected.

I use my analyze (12-) on both of them to see if I can tell first if they'll make good guards, and second be ready for anything. First will be Handle, then Nuyok

Handle
[3d6]
3, 6, 2 (STUN: 11, BODY: 4) Wed September 25, 2002 @11:04 AM (CDT)
Nuyok
[3d6]
2, 3, 5 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Wed September 25, 2002 @11:04 AM (CDT)

Handle looks like he has seen far more action than his years would suggest. He has the look of a survivor.
Nuyok moves carefully, with a barely-concealed superhuman grace.
Both of them wear whatever weapons and armor that are visible with the comfort of long association.

"Hi, I'm Beka. I'll be taking this caravan to Adala. Yes there is some gator country in there so we won't take any scardey riven. I will hire you both if you can help me finish loading and get going in 15 minutes."
She speaks very quickly. You also have to walk to keep up with her as she is unlocking a wherehouse door.
"I will pay you "x" and 1 share of half the profits when we return. Master ... she pauses waiting for a name ? I will pay you "X" and 2 shares of half the profits when we return."
"Rath, I need that bundle of cloth, those..." she points to several different items .
"You may help Rath begin putting them on the cart. I will weatherproof and tie the knots myself."
"Are you in or out? And, what do I call you? By the way, do either of you know any guides? Mine isn't coming on this trip so I need a new one."

[EDITED on Wed September 25, 2002 @7:27 PM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Wed September 25, 2002 @7:33 PM (PDT)]

I stand there, well walk after the woman, trying to follow all she is saying.
.oO(It isnt' that I am stupid but does this chit even know how much she talks?)

"I..."

I try to say my name but can't get more than that out before Beka begins going on again.

As she stops speaking once more, I reach out and lay a finger over her lips before she starts again
dex roll 13-, Followed by attack OCV 6, if needed
3d6: 5, 4, 6 (STUN: 15, BODY: 4) Fri September 27, 2002 @2:33 AM (PDT)
3d6: 3, 4, 1 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2) Fri September 27, 2002 @2:33 AM (PDT)

if she pulls away or if I am successful I say

"You can call me Handle, I know no guides but I am in."

As Handle puts his finger to Beka's lips I tense. I don't say anything I just glare to let him know that touching Beka is a bad idea.

As Beka appears to be willing to hire this man (these men assuming Nuyok came over also), I start loading what Beka points at giving meaningful glances at the new comers letting them know that he is still watching. As I'm loading I look around the Market. I have rarely been to the Market.

Perception roll (12-)
3d6: 9 Fri September 27, 2002 @11:11 AM (CDT)

.oO(Mental note - the big guy is a bit protective of the stonesider chit.)

"So? We leaving soon then?"

.oO(Something isin't right about the way he moves. He better not be one of the witches that can mess with people's minds)
OOC: Is there any way (besides what my analyze told me) that I could tell if he's an Adept or not?

Only adepts bear lumina upon their persons. It isn't really a law, just custom. But only adepts can make lumina shine. Looking about the Marketplace you can see there are the occasional lumina lamps. These are cheaper crystals (flawed in shape somehow), that are kept lit by adept limners under the direction of the city architect. As you look about you can see one of them, probably a student at the Hall of Art. He is a young man who travels from lamp to lamp. As he passes, they brighten perceptibly.
The other thing you notice is a manikin. He is a man formed entirely of brass, his main body a cylinder. He has a red cape, helmet and a sheathed sword. He is approaching the wagon that you all are so hurriedly loading.

I whisper softly in Beka's ear "Uh-oh Beka I think we have trouble, that metal man is coming over here." Wanting to be a good guard and always be ready I "size up" the competition.

Analyze roll 12-
3d6: 12 Fri September 27, 2002 @1:31 PM (CDT)
I love that analyze skill, I think that it is the coolest thing, if you'd rather I only use it for combat though let me know and I will refrain

The animate walks up to your party. His riveted mustaches twitch slightly as he speaks in an odd, antique accent.
"Oh I say here! What's all this then? Loading this cart in a flying hurry for the dark wee hours then, eh wot?" It is impossible to read a true facial expression, though the unmistakeable air of curiosity is clearly visible. He is intently peering at the contents of the cart, at Nuyok and at Rath.

OOC: You just made your analyze rll. However given the fact that his body is a type you are unfamiliar with and that he is not actively fighting, you get no useful info.

.oO(I don't like the way this guy is looking at me)I motion with my head to Beka indicating that she is the one to talk to and then go around to the other side of the wagon like I'm still working, when I get to the other side I pretend to be adjusting straps, and crates, while still keeping an eye on the newcomer.
OOC: I am assuming that I have no way of knowing who this animate is or what authority he has.

.oO(Oh man , oh man, oh man! Ok gotta stay cool, don't make yourself look anxious...)

I become busy with boxes, staying on the far side of the wagon from where Brassman and the others are able to watch me easily.
Shadowing, 14-, agility skill level applied, to be able to keep an eye on them and stay at most in their periferal vision. Don't want to disappear or hide just be kinda safely on the side of things.
3d6: 3, 2, 6 (STUN: 11, BODY: 4) Sat September 28, 2002 @3:18 PM (PDT)

"Right, Handle. Please be aware that Rath does not like people to touch me because I do not like it either. As I am going to be employing you, please remember this. Anyway, we neeed to get this cart loaded. Please gather that and that and that she points to various bundles and put them evenly on the cart. Have you ever been on a caravan before? With who, or for whom? Been to Adala? Right you don't know any guards, we will need to go to Promethian Hill to get one."

[EDITED on Sat September 28, 2002 @11:17 PM (PDT)]

Nuyok says "My name is Master Nuyok, and your offer is acceptable.")

As a side note (i.e., GM-viewable only), you mentioned I grabbed ~ 10 gold, 30 silver (got 1 more from Handle), and depending on the arrangements with the caravan, I plan to purchase some sort of trail rations (didn't see a listing on the site for this though) and supplies to carry on my person beyond those they plan to have to supply to any security hired on (i.e., my own secret stash of food & water skins, as backup, plus a dager to replace the stolen one (8gp), and cloth/bandages).

I'll try to point out any open booths or stores where you can buy stuff. There is a fort at the Lizard Road trailhead if nothing else presents itself, but the prices are a bit higher there.

A couple of things become obvious now that Karp has gone.
1. This cart is small and underloaded as it is.
2. Although the goods would fetch a higher price in Adala, the amount hardly seems worth the effort.
3. You have keys to the warehouse
4. Any new materials loaded would have to be very carefully wrapped before the next rain.
5. If an adept is with you, you might be able to transport Spirit Cloth, which would fetch a very high price indeed
6. Transporting spirit cloth would mean awakening Master Gonnik, who enhances it for your father, so that he can transfer the ley lines to Nuyok.
7. You have about 10 gold on you, not enough to pay guards and guides. You will need to go get more cash, or pay them with a share at the end of the trip.
8. No one here is a qualified guide (You have AK: Caravan routes, but not tracking, survival, etc.), but guides may be found at the Merchant Hall, the Promethean Docks or the fort on the other side of the inlet that lies at the trailhead of the lizard road. Guides get progressively more expensive in the order of the locaions listed, but the Merchant Hall seems like a bad idea. (Too much offical attention.)
9. Whatever you do, you will have to act fast. Karp will no be gone for more than 20-30 minutes at most.

Points 5&6 are there for thought only. hey are not required to make the trip worthwhile.

I will load other items from the wherehouse.
[3d6]
4, 1, 2 (STUN: 7, BODY: 2) Wed September 25, 2002 @7:26 PM (PDT)
To choose what would be best.

I will offer to hire the adept and stranger for slightly less than normal but with the bonus of a % of the profit on return.

I will have Rath help load the wagon and get ready to go with or without these two people as security knowing that I want to be gone in 15 minutes.

I will ask these two strangers if they know any guides, if not, we will load and head for the Promethian Docks to find one.

Unfortuantely for those attempting to avoid being noticed, Brassman approaches both Nuyok and Handle directly.
"I say old chaps. Beastly hot night to be wearing oilcloaks, wot?"
His basically expressionless face makes it difficult to tell if this is an innocent greeting or a suspicious question. Nevertheless, it is delivered in an officious manner which indicates a response is expected.

"Hello Brassman, nice to see you tonight." to Brassman
"Please even out those loads!" to the 'security'.
Back to Brassman, "Well, you never know what kind of weather that you will run into on a caravan! You know we are getting ready so..., will you hand me that rope?, Thanks..., so we need to ve ready for all kinds of trouble! Too bad we';re not taking you with us! We know we'd be safe! Anyway, pass me that 'd' ring..., we need to tie these much ..., More even please!!!, tighter.
I am directing Brassman all over as I run back and forth tying off ropes and directing the "boys"

"That's all very well, Miss," says Brassman, as he begins to give a hand, "but the night here in town is still no weather for a cloak. This young scoundrel fellow-me-lad here could die of heat stroke, and you sah, Oh begging your pardon; didn't see the crystal at first. Half a tick here. You're Bane's lad, wot? How is the old boy, eh?"
His brassy stare is unreadable.

OOC: Ahhh! He would have to recognize me

I'm assuming no "alarm" would have reached the Brassman? Nuyok got here quick, but would there be some other sort of communications that would have reached him? If not, Nuyok will attempt to get close and speak in a low voice to the Brassman, and say "To be honest, Master Bane is not well, his enemies are out in force this evening, and I am looking out for his interests."

Roll if necessary:
3d6: 1, 2, 2 (STUN: 5, BODY: 2) Mon September 30, 2002 @10:25 AM (EDT)

Momentarily distracted from Handle, Brassman turns to Nuyok again. "I say, sah. That's jolly bad, wot? You had best take care then." He turns to leave, but just before actually stepping away he turns back. "Begging your pardon, my good man, but if Judge Bane's enemies are out in force, as you say, then why are you loading a cart?"
His perpetually good-natured expression again belies what might be passing through his mind.

.oO(This chi.. uh lady, may have a mouthlike a runaway golem but maybe she could be useful)

"Just got here boss, have all me stuff boss."

I move around to the side of the wagon out of Brassman's view.

I then begin to load the wagon.

I move around where I can't be seen while Brassman is distracted.

Trying to do it swiftly, I remove my cloak and roll it into a bundle and tie it off to hang from some built in straps like a day pack on my back.

Being a practiced means of ditching my things while on the run so I can hopefully go and get them later and not have them taken from me if I am caught, on the sly while taking off and rolling up my cloak, I remove most all my weapons and tools under it, trying to not let them be noticed, and roll them into it.
Use Slieght of Hand, 13-, and Concealment 14-
and if needed Dex roll, 13-
3d6: 6, 1, 2 (STUN: 9, BODY: 3) Sun September 29, 2002 @5:04 PM (PDT)
3d6: 1, 1, 6 (STUN: 8, BODY: 2) Sun September 29, 2002 @5:04 PM (PDT)
3d6: 1, 1, 3 (STUN: 5, BODY: 1) Sun September 29, 2002 @5:04 PM (PDT)

Once done I start to work in earnest.

The manikin is distracted by Beka long enough for you to slip behind the wagon and quickly ditch clothing. Your sleight of hand allows you to do this without being seen and your concealment allows you to dicth the weapons, also apparetly without being seen. (At least, if he does see what you are doing, he does not mention it). However, this does absolutely nothing to deter Brassman's curiosity.
The brass guard comes around to the other side of the cart and stares at you frankly. "That was a pretty quick piece of work there my boy. Any reason you'd duff it and roll the cloak so quickly? A chap with a suspicious turn of mind would think you had something to hide, wot?"

"My good Brassman, I just got here and am about to start work. I didn't need to remove my cloak and things till now."

I continue loading the wagon.

"Thank you for your diligent eye though."

Please read any new messages on this thread, but post any replies to Market Circle Altogether

[EDITED on Mon September 30, 2002 @9:28 AM (PDT)]

Humph

harumph

hmmm

'ill get 'em moving.

to all but me

and you honey

aught to just about do it

more

more

more

more

that's it. i'm posting everything else in one word sentences one at a time!