The City of Adala

Shacks

After bidding the possum family a fond farewell, your bellies full of catfish, the company begins the last leg of the trip to Adala. According to the beasts, you should reach it by nightfall.
The road begins to rise out of the low boggy marshes and into jungle proper again. No gators or gator sign other than the few tracks at the remains of the bandits are detected. All are relieved when you come over a slight rise and see a well-maintained road leading to pasture and farmland beyond a ditch and picket. In the far distance, you can see the city itself. It is a coastal city, like most of those in Merikia. It's layout is discernable from this height. The mainland part of the city shelters a large island to which it is connected by three bridges. There is a half-circle of smaller islands which form an enclosed harbor. Those who have been to the city before will point out that the big island is the equivalent of Tallon's Old Circle. It is the adept portion of the city and contains their Standing Stones.
Outside of the city are several miles of farmland protected by the aforementioned ditch and picket. There is also a large flat and manicured field upon which track and field markings are laid. The oxen and the horse are apparently relieved to see civilization and open pasturage after being confined in the jungle for so long. The increase in their pace probably has little to do with the downward slope of the road ahead as you progress towards the picket.
As you get closer, you lose your elevated view and the city disappears behind the intervening landscape. Also, you are headed into the setting sun, so while there are still a couple of hours of daylight left, the land ahead is quickly becoming a silhouette.

[EDITED on Wed April 9, 2003 @8:42 AM (PDT)]

[EDITED on Fri April 11, 2003 @9:16 PM (PDT)]

The Cart and the Wagon approach the gate to the farmlands. There is a large stone building here which appears to be a barracks of some kind. The picket also shows itself to be pretty sophisticated, about sixteen feet high with a walkway along the inside so soldiers can see over the top. There is a tower which overlooks the gate whose face is set with arrow slits. The gate itself is thick iron-shod wood.
As the vehicles roll up, a small (human sized) door opens next to the gate and a soldier or municipal officer comes out. He looks the caravan up and down with a quick professional eye. He speaks with an accent slightly different from those used to Tallon and the Saber River Valley. The speech sounds formal and rehearsed.
"Greetings, strangers. Welcome to Adala, if ye come in peace. State your names, origin and business. If you have any letters of introduction or identification, please present them now. If you have any trade goods declare them now. You will be issued a writ of passage to the city which contains this information. If you wish to remain in the graces of Her Supremity the Archon, please observe all laws and customs of Adala during your stay. You will find these posted upon the signboard beyond the gatehouse and a copy may be found at any precinct house."
He reveals a clipboard and pencil and prepares to take notes.
"Please begin."

I am Merchant Beka of Tallon.
I carry 16 Bundles of Silk.
This is my Driver: Cassandra, Guards: Handle, Celeste and Rath, and our Guard and Adept: Master Nuyok.
Me, Me!
Sorry, and my friend, (oof), Guard: Peaches.
I will let the others introduce themselves, they travelled with us to make for a safer journey for all.
Would you kindly direct us to an Inn where we might all stay?

I take a half step forward and almost start to speak our introduction. Then I remember my place. Each city has a slightly different way of handling the entrance.

I turn and walk back to Mr. Kent.

Whispering, "Your turn, sir. I recommend that you be thorough on your declaration of cargo to prevent possible hiccups."

I step aside so he can get down off the cart.

I wink at Jareek, fervently wishing he doesn't hit any loudmouthed Adalians on this trip...

For continuance sake, I'm hoping Kent will indeed acknowledge the bundle of Dreamleaf that Ricco has. Even though the 'coon plans on finding a 'Beast Black Market' he'll still want to have Kent say he is a Scout or something for the Merchant. Hopefully, this has already been planned out and I think we'll get to it in 'The Boat' thread. I didn't want you to have to hold up everyone, though. Thanks.

"Greetings, I am Trader Kent of Tallon. I have a horse cart with a load of dreamleaf, lavender pepper and powdered kava root. I also have a small number of spirit chess sets of crystal.
"Besides myself, my party includes Faliol and Jareek, excellent scouts of Fox nature, as well as Riccoco who serves also as scout and guard."

This leaves only Vagrant to identify himself.

Riccoco shifts from one furred foot to the other, his nervousness obvious to those that have grown close to him since this caravan began.

Vagrant emerges from the wagon newly wrapped in his familiar bandages. Clean and perhaps layered a bit less then in the past he seems a bit more like himself. He approaches the officials and begins piling up his declarations.

"Hi, my name is Wyatt Earp, I have come to Adala to sell these posters."

He reveals a bundle of somewhat ragged posters from yesteryear.

"This sale is my primary reason for coming into Adala, however, I am a bit of a collector of...of junk really. At any rate I want to declare....whatever they are."

Vagrant presents a nearly endless supply of oddies from times past from an amazingly abundant selection of pockets within his cloak. He pauses once in a while to look at the official but if not he proceeds to empty his pockets which probably takes a complete 5 minute period..give or take the paper clips.

Cas will do her best to memorize everything that she sees of Vagrant's with great interest.

Int Roll 13-
3d6: 8 Sat April 12, 2003 @11:01 AM (EDT)

The guard gives Vagrant a quizzical look, "What is a Wyatt?" he asks. Regardless of Vagrant's answer (unless it is inflammatory in some way) he will exmaine the cloaked man's goods.
The posters are what interest the guard mostly. He begins to get bored by the endless progrssion of "junk", even the funny little mirror with the hole in the middle.
He says, "If those paintings are from ancient times, you'll have to pay the tarriff at the city gate. If there is a ley line upon them, you will need to note that as well, though it shouldn't increase the cost.
"As for the rest, I'll put down 'odds and ends'."
All the writs are put in envelopes and sealed with a wax that Nuyok can see is faintly enhanced.
"Present these envelopes at the gate of the city and you and your party will be issued writs."
Envelopes are given to Beka, Kent and Mr. Earp, who are the ones who have declared goods.
Just as you are about to leave, though, the guard says, "Wait!
"We've had some trouble with banditry and riventry in the area lately. Mr. Earp, can you explain why your face is hidden?"

"The group I travel with was attacked on the road. I
was injured and our healer bandaged me so that I may
heal properly. You are welcome to have a look if need
be but you will not like what you see."

Vagrant motions to open the bandages.

__________________________________________________
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The soldier blanches and waves you on. "If you be iven, they'll see it right enough at the gate."

At some point later Cas will approach Vagrant. "You have some mighty fine items there. Would you mind telling me something about them? I heard about the, well, thing you used at Fort Lizard. They must do some really interesting things."

OOC: I'm suddenly having visions of Skuttles and the Little Mermaid trying to figure out what things are.

"I've got mostly items from the past that have no
value here because things are too different now."

He thinks a moment and then searches for something.
He produces a think silver disc and angles any light
available into Cas's eyes for effect.

"This is a CD-ROM, on it contains information, perhaps
documents, music or maybe even moving pictures.
Unfortuately, the technology to read this thing--using
light--is long gone. It is best used as a mirror in
your world. Take a look if you like."

He hands it to her for her to handle.

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo
http://search.yahoo.com

Cas scowls angrily but bites it down before anyone important notices (i.e. Beka and the gateman).

Presumably Beka's intro works for the large portion of us, and once within, Nuyok will want to take a look at the posted laws and customs.

Once within, and at a discreet time, Nuyok will ask Handle "so, do you plan to return to Tallon?"

[EDITED on Wed April 9, 2003 @10:15 AM (EDT)]

The rules are actually quite lengthy and hand painted on a large wooden signboard. Most of it is common sense, i.e. "Don't murder people and take their stuff". The parts which are most of interest to the party are as follows:

• The Archony will levy an import tariff on the following items: x,x,x,x,x, Dreamleaf,x,x,Artifacts or Relics,x,x,x,...
  
  
  
• The Archony forbids the entry of Riven to the City. Any riven discovered will be summarily ejected, consigned to the riven colony, or executed depending upon nature and transgressions.
  
  
  
• All spirit-enhanced items must be declared at the Picket Gate.
  
  
  
• All foreigners must carry their writ of passage upon them at all times and be prepared to show it to any city official.
  
  
  
• No weaponry is permitted upon the Isle of the High Circle. The Inner City, as shown on the map
  
  
• Beasts must yield right of way to humans in all public areas.
  
  
  

The punishment for many trangressions seems to be death or forced labor. It's a Savage Earth...

Where do we get writs of passage?

Do we not find out about the tariffs and spirit-stuff declarations until inside, and if so, where are the tariffs and declarations handled? Are there are adepts present to confirm the veracity of any declarations? If so, then presumably they would also be able to spot any Riven in the party as well?

Where do we get writs of passage?
The officer at the picket gatehouse indicates that he will issue you a sealed declaration which you will take with you to the city gates. No adept wants picket duty because it's boring, so it is unlikely spirit sight will detect Rath. This is probably not true at the main gate.

Do we not find out about the tariffs and spirit-stuff declarations until inside, and if so, where are the tariffs and declarations handled?
Declaration is kind of all handled at the same time, right here. The sign board is visible inside the arch of the picket gatehouse. However, tariff collection is done at the city gate. It occurs to you that a black market could operate within the farmlands between the picket and the wall. Such activity is, of course, punishable by death. Small open markets are allowed in in the farmlands without duty or tariffs, but it is highly unlikely you could make a profit this way. There just isn't enough demand or money among the peasantry. there also seem to be restrictions upon what can be sold. Adala is quite clearly a city of RULES.

Are there are adepts present to confirm the veracity of any declarations?
Not at this point. The picket is mostly to keep out wildlife. It is so long that people could circumvent it too easily. What you declare here, will be checked against what you bring to the City Gate, however. Presumably by adepts.

If so, then presumably they would also be able to spot any Riven in the party as well?
Yes, this is likely. Those of you who have been to Adala before quite naturally would not have considered this. The list of RULES is quite long, and only the ones that pertain to you would likely be remembered. None of you has even known a Riven before, let alone travelled with one.

"Listen up! A word of advice. The dangers of the wilderness are behind us, but only to be replaced by the dangers of the city. We have to protect our cargo from thieves. If one of you beasts spots a human thief, tell one of our human guards. The word of a beast is no good here. The beast that reports a human thief is likely to become the criminal. And do I really need to spell out what will happen if Adalians see a human chased by armed beasts?"

I pause for a second to let that sink in.

"You beasts will likely encounter hostility. I suggest you bite your tongue and remember the penalties on that board, for I seriously doubt that any leeway will be accorded us."

This last part is said looking directly into Jareek's eyes.

.oO(I hate this place!)

After refreshing my memory by looking over the rules, I approach Beka. I should have warned them of that riven clause...

"Miss Beka, perhaps it would be better if we beasts stayed in one of the outlying Beast communities instead of in the city. Rath and Vagrant could watch over us, make sure we don't get into any trouble..."

.oO(Our riven should NOT go in there... I doubt there is as nice a commander as Mako in those walls...)

[EDITED on Wed April 9, 2003 @4:01 PM (CDT)]

I already knew we would have to stay out of the city proper if we weere going to stay together. That's why I was specific and asked where we could all stay.

Rath will be fine. (Whisper: Tallon doesn't like riven either and he knows how to get along.)

I warned everyone that beasts weren't quite as accepted as they are in Tallon and you thought I was just trying to make profit on your labors. Not the case. I can get a better trade for you and am still willing to help, for the aforementioned fee.

I fully expect we will all stay in a "beast quarter".

"Yes, Ma'am." I wait to see what happens next.

.oO(I sure hope she is right...)

Riccoco glances over at the hurried whisperings at the Beka Wagon. Eventually joining the others in time to catch the last.

.oO(For a bit o' the profits we all fought for. She be needin' a bit o' coin for her own hooman pocket. Little more to learn of Miss Beka. Fur-Hater, Riven-lover.)

OOC: Are you acting like Beka won't help you? Or like she has ulterior motives?

OOC: Ricco is upset about the way of dealing with Beasts in Adala. He also doesn't lie the idea of fighting all the way here only to have Beka get profits off the Dreamleaf he paid for. Beka did offer to sell the stuff for a cut. He knows she has alterior motives.

She never said you had to have her sell it...

After resolution of declarations, etc. at the picket, Nuyok will gather Vagrant and Rath to him, and say "It seems each of you have some problems, Vagrant's health and Rath's 'status', both of which might have a similar solution - spirit cloth. Spiritually enhanced cloth will conceal whatever is with from spirit sight, as well as being lighter and stronger than regular cloth. Vagrant, this would help you from having to wear so many bandages which are a problem with the heat, and Rath, this may help your status from being detected by Adepts. I would advise each of you to consider investing in such while we are here, though of course like other spirit items, an adept will be needed to hold the ley line."

Sorry Master Nuyok, I didn't mean to overhear but that would be an excellent idea for Rath. Especially if you were travelling with us for the foreseeable future.
(to Rath)
Maybe I could help you with the cost?

"Thanks Beka, I'm kind of out of money, since we ditched my last job"
Rath shares a private smile with Beka and...Did you actually hear this
monster of a man...giggle?

"I know you're a little short of cash, perhaps we can work something out together."

Nuyok will accept whatever writ paperwork he is given and state he has no declarations (i.e., no trade goods and no spirit-enhanced items, neither of which I think he possesses). Though he is carrying the ley lines for Vagrant's artifacts, he will leave it up to Vagrant to make any such declarations about that.

OK, I've had a request to get the group to a tavern before Spring break. Here is the situation as it stands:
You have made declarations as traders at the outer picket gate. The farmlands are free to roam. At the city gate, you will be scrutinzed more closely. Vagrant (who still needs to declare), will not register ars riven, according to Nuyok. It is possible that Rath could enter if he stays quiet while the goods are inspected. The authorities are far more interested in your cargo than your persons, but anything that makes them suspicious will ensure a thorough scrutiny.
The suggestion has been made to procure Spirit cloth for Rath at least, and possibly Vagrant. The cost for the cheapest Spirit Cloth shirt would be about 75 silver or 7.5 gold pieces. (It is more expensive here than in Tallon, since Tallon exports textiles). It cannot be bought in the farmlands.

The farmlands themselves do have inns at which the party could stay, but they would be little more than wayhouses with few amenities (such as bug-free beds).

I need a plan of approach.
Where will you stay?
Who is entering the city (if any)?
and how?

OOC: Getting to a wayhouse in the Farmlands. Then, we can, decide, plan, converse, and RP at will.

I second that plan, let's not go into town yet where we could
possibly get into trouble. The outskirts are fine until we're ready to
trade our wares and get out of there. Although someone may need to go in
if we are going to get me a Spirit Cloak.

Yep, and Nuyok will offer to enter the city to obtain spirit cloth for anyone who needs it, perhaps having Beka come along with her trading skills (and being human) to get a good deal.

Especially since I'm paying...

OOC: Other than that I think we should head somewhere soon to let the rest of you play. It's one of those Clark Kent/Superman things, whenever the GM is silent, Beka seems to be as well. Hmmm...

"Staying at a wayhouse is fine with me, I don't really care for cities anyway....and this one seems overly concerned with 'rules'."

Where they go, I follow.

Well, just what it says!

Ricco follows after Mister Kent looking fierce.

.oO(Mayhap. ol' Riccoco be needin' one o' those horned helms. He falls into a daydream.

All of the Bray is there, throwing ribbon and showering their hero with the affection in the Raccoon manner. There, on a skiff rides Riccoco the Valiant returned from his long absence, a wicked looking horned helm on his head. Suddenly, an unknown 'coon throws a kumkwat into the parade and the horn slips onto Riccoco's muzzle.)

Ricco looks around, narrowly avoiding an oxen deposit in his path. He mutters under his breath, "No, Riccoco. No helmet." The 'coon glowers about at his companions, once more the fierce guard.

(Imagine a 4 foot tall raccoon with a viking helmet on)

"Quick, bar the gates! The Vikings are attacking!!!"

"Shortest dang Viking I ever did see!"

"Ricconar the Bold approaches and your doom comes with him!!"

"Give him the damn fish! Can't you see he's a nordic raccoon?"

(apologies to Jason...bwahahahaha!)

Cas is just going to drive the cart where Beka dictates. Of course once they are in a better situation, she plans on having more than a few words with her.

Word away

Cas seems to be trying to find the right words. This would be a first for her. "Beka," she says, "I noticed that when you declared your cargo you only declared sixtenn bolts of silk. I kept quiet at the gates as part of my promise but I'm not happy that you broke yours."

Cas takes a moment, "I have been working on my project for some time. It is how I plan on affording to eat. I know you seem to think that I was going to get myself into trouble if I tried and sold it. So did was your promise to sell it just some attempt to keep me on a leash or what?"

Editted because I wrote down the wrong number of silk bolts.

[EDITED on Sun April 13, 2003 @2:04 AM (EDT)]

I don't know if you're playing Cas hard of hearing, playing an angle on Beka, or mis-read, but if you read her post, she declared 16 bundles.

I'll rule it as "forgot to write teen on the end". I will edit the post.

"What do you mean I broke my promise? Leash? I have always treated you... (getting louder) AND YOURS, indicating the beast folk fairly. What promise did I break? What project? Your chess set? I think it is beautiful! I'm sure you can sell it for a good price. I only offered to sell it as I might be able to get a better price for it and I would HELP you that way! I'm tired of trying to help. Sell your own chess set. By the Stones! You people (indicating the beasts) are hard to get along with! What Promise? What do you want from me?"

OOC: For the life of me, I can't find the original thread anywhere so I guess it is just going to have be up to my poor old memory for this.

"Well, it is a well and good idea but usually it involves getting a writ. You can't very well sell my merchandise for a better profit if you can't even sell it. I'm all for avoiding trouble in a city that will cut off your tail if you give them a reason."

I listen in on this weird conversation, but my ears perk up at one comment made by Beka.

Beka - "...By the Stones! You people (indicating the beasts) are hard to get along with!..."

I turn and look at Jareek, then look down at my paws.

.oO(I thought we had got all past this)

:jawdrop:

As the silence descends upon the caravan for one brief, blissful moment, I decide to take a stand. Looking up from my feet, I stare right at Beka's eyes.

"I seem to remember a time a few weeks back when a certain young woman was in the mouth of a huge carnivore tree. I seem to remember some beasts that helped free that young human woman from being that thing's dinner. Now, it didn't matter to the beasts at that time that the person being attacked was a human, they just did the best they could to free one of their friends."

Now my gaze turns on Ricco, "I seem to remember a certain black and white furred beast that was attacked in a similar fashion, on the same night." Pointing to Celeste, "Another young human woman didn't hesitate for a second before trying to free her friend from being that creature's meal. She didn't seem to care that the object of the attack was a mere beast and decide to 'sit this one out'. "

Now I look at everyone, "The point is, when danger threatened human or beast, no one seemed to care about your species. You were a friend in danger and that is all that mattered. If it didn't matter in a life and death situation, then it should not make much difference now. That is all I have to say."

Cas throws herself between Faliol and Beka, "Beka... Wait! Don't blow up."

OOC: Cas fights back her beast nature painfully.

"I can understand you forgot. There are no hard feelings." Cas quickly turns to Faliol. "Listen Faliol, Let's go take a walk." She grabs Faliol by the ear and hauls him off if he resists at all.

Quick as a snake, Cas' paw snags my ear and begins hauling me off...

"OW!!! Ouch!! Cas.... I need that ear.... Claws... Yipe! Yipe! Yipe!"

I go where the vixen leads.

Celeste looks from Beka to Cas to Faliol and finally she looks at Nuyok as if to say .oO(Can't you do anything about this?)

"I hate to interrupt such a lovely argument, but you know I gave my bond to Beka when I hired on, and I consider you (indicating the beasts) as my family...and the rest of you I consider my friends. So what do yo think is going to happen when we return to Tallon? Do we all go our separate ways? Do we pretend we don't know each other? It's not how I had thought we would end up, especially after Fort Lizard. So what do we do people, what do we do?"

Nuyok looks back at Celeste and shrugs, as if to say "what am I supposed to do about this?"

Celeste looks at Nuyok as if to say. "Fix it"

With Cas coming around, Nuyok smiles, clearly thinking it looks like things have fixed themselves.

Jareek watches the departing foxes and shakes his head. "That vixen be the craziest, most ungrateful beast I ever a-seed. I'm thinkin' she must be truly touched. I've lived most o'me life in a wagon train, but I done me share o' caravan work, an' know plenty o' beast what have done likewise. And I never, I mean never have seen a human merchant offer to pay a beast a share of profits. She's payin' that vixen a share! She'll probably make ten times what me kit an me will clear out of this." He hastens to nod at Kent, who looks embarassed at the whole blow-up.
"Meanin' no disrespect to ye Mister Kent. You made your offer up front and are payin' non-guild workers guild wages. That's right generous, too, me an' the kit was in need in Tallon. It just burns me tail fur when I see how hard Faliol works at his job and watch her tryin' ta squirm her way outta her duties like a... a... weasel." He seems to be trying to clear his chest of something that's been bothering him for a long time.
"Miss Beka made a good offer afore we reached Tallon to help sell any goods that we might not be able to get a good price fer. And for what? Ten percent o' the profits. Don't no one realize it'll take her time and effort ta sell someone else's goods for 'em? Cas didn't even take her up on the offer an' now she's claimin' Merchant Beka forgot? Gahhh!! And here she is offerin' shares on fifty percent of her profits! Fifty percent! 'Makes me so mad I could spit!"
He wheels about, "Riccoco, did ye say ye were goin' fer a berry ale? I feel the need to get good an' reaver-faced. Let's find what passes for an alehouse."
He stomps off, regardless of whether anyone follows.

Rath looks over at Celeste and shrugs his large shoulders, "Can't we all
just get along?"

OOC What is the next blast from the past? Pee Wee Herman jokes? OJ? Monica Lewdinsky?

"There be nothin' better after a long trek, Jareek. Mayhap, Red will be join' us." Riccoco's voice seems a trifle strained, as if he's trying to sound happier than he is.

.oO(Ah Riccoco, the Hooman does nothing more than you be tryin' yourself. Make a bit o' the coin on a good deal. Be ten percent so much to ask for another lug o' salin'? No...)

Riccoco lowers his eyes from the others and scuffles off after Jareek.

And if that doesn't save the poor fox kit's hide...

"Don't rip the ear off the messenger!!!"

After getting away from earshot, Cas lets go, "Sorry about the ear but I really feel we need to put some space between us and them for right now."

"The ear isn't hurting anymore. What did I do wrong? I pointed out that in life and death situations, caravaners of one species work their hardest to save a caravaner of a different species. You don't realize this, but Ricco and I have argued about the 'beast vs human' subject back at Fort LIzard. I don't like being in the middle while friends of one species argue with friends of another species..."

With a sigh and a glance back at the group, "I could have exercised more tact I suppose..."

Cas smiles, "You didn't do anything wrong. I just wanted to get you away from Beka before she exploded. That is the last thing we need. So this is the safest way to prevent that from happening."

I reminisce momentarily, "The way you grabbed my ear reminds me of growing up in the various fox caravans. Jareek has always been a good father, but like most single dads, he had to work and watch over me at the same time. Whenever he was off working, I tended to get into trouble."

A smile crosses my face, "It didn't take too long till he made a deal with some of the adult vixens in the caravan. They would keep an eye on me while Jareek was off working and he would do errands for them in return. When you grabbed my ear in the exact same fashion as one of my 'aunts', it was like being transported back in time to those days when I was a young, wild kit..."

"You suppose Beka's had enough time to cool down now? Give me a second to talk to her alone and what do you say that you Riccoco, and I go get some Berry Ale and talk about growing up in a beast world?" Cas seems kind of warmed to hear a story from someone for a change.

Nodding, "I plan on relieving Celeste and Rath after one round of ale. Now that I won't be guiding all day tomorrow, I can stand watch. While you talk to Beka, I will let them know."

I walk over to Celeste and Rath.

OOC: she didn't grab you by your tail

OOC: Too true! I can do without an ear...

!!!"

Riccoco cocks his head back, eyeing Faliol. "By the Toad's Hariy Goat, what be gotten into you, Red?" He points over at Cas, "It be the vixen that be doin' the complainin'!"

Ricco frowns but seems rather subdued in his outburst.

.oO(The fox kit be turnin' Adept on me? He be readin' my thoughts? Mayhap, ol' Riccoco be more alone than he be first thinkin'.)

While my ear is being lead away, through pain filled eyes, I answer Ricco.

"Nothing personal, first two examples that came to mind..."

.oO(Ow! Ow! Ow!)

OOC: Jason, I reacted mainly to Ricco's recent anti-human thoughts but remember Faliol and Ricco's conversation just before going down to the Lizard's dock? So his outburst wasn't totally out of line (IMO).

I wait till Faliol is away from the others and then go to talk to him as an aside,
"Faliol, I understand you have traveled here before and I would like to get a good price on some items that I have not declared. Is it posible you know of where or even who I could talk to about such things in Adala? In return, I understand that humans are able to get better deals on trade goods and would offer myself as your tradesman in the city, if it would be useful to you. You or one of the other beasts would come with me, taking the goods and when needed aid in the trading if posible, though I do have skill at such, I would not call it my profession. Since I have learned to drive wagons, I should be able to handle your cart in the city as well."

OOC: I checked my character sheet, and I too lack the appropriate Knowledge Skill in regards to Adala. I assume that my information on Adala is covered under my AK Caravan Routes skill, which probably wouldn't apply to actual people of Adala.

"I wish I could help you, Handle, but I don't know anyone personally in Adala. Thanks for your offer of being my tradesman, but I am not planning on buying anything in this horrible city."

.oO(It is a shame that the first time he asks me for help, it is something I cannot deliver...)

"Right, well keep it on the quiet and if you should hear anything while you are here let me know. Otherwise forget I mentioned it."

OOC: Here I thought you were an underworld type. Wonder how I got that Idea? *scratches head* My mistake, maybe it was one of the other beast, you all kinda look alike to me. *^)

"Mentioned what?"

This not being the time for the Games, there is space to be found for a tired party to rest. Your party is large enough and varied enough however, that it is not until the sun has set that you actually find a place that fits your needs.
Some places offer you a place in the hayloft for the beasts, others refuse to accept mixed parties. Eventually, though you settle on a large farmhouse that has small buildings for workers. They are at a place in their agricultural cycle where not all of these shacks are needed, so they can be rented for 2c per night per building. Each building sleeps six, so two will suffice for your needs. In a rare fit of generosity, Kent offers to pay for the stay.
The two buildings are little more than walls and roof around two triple bunk beds. The beds themselves are wooden slats with straw mattresses and wooden headrest-style pillows. There is a lamp in the center of each ceiling, but you must provide your own oil. There are a number of communal cook-pits along the dirt trail that runs in front of the shacks (of which there are twelve, the others being used by fieldhands). There is a ditch in back for sanitation. There is also a well, conveniently placed only a hundred yards away.The animals can be kept in the adjacent stables, and there is room behind the stables for the carts, though there is no way to enclose them.
Food is not included, unless you feel like working the fields. You are welcome to use the cook-pits, but the field hands are fed at a group kitchen. Although you might be able to buy your meals there, you think that you could do better off your rations and the cook-pits.

Note: The Adala map has been updated to show your new location. The map of the shacks can be found here.

Final note: This ain't the Hilton, but most of your crew are not upper-class types. Rustic, serviceable and quiet is what will work for you.

OOC: Do I know if there are any beast-friendly taverns here?

Short answer: No.
Long answer: I'm looking at your latest character sheet and I can't find any Area Knowledges. The original sheet we worked out had AK: Karkul 8- to indicate that Cas has been along the Uzon road from Tallon to Karkul. I think you might have accidentally dropped some stuff transferring her to HD.
Cas has often made claims to knowledge of every city out to Mingatok, but I assumed that this was just Cas talking. If you have actually been to Adala before, you must have been young or distracted. You don't have any particular memories of it.
If you had Streetwise, I might allow that as a skill in finding taverns. A plain perception roll won't do very well, though. It's late and the buildings you have passed haven't seemed very tavern-like. Most of that action is probably in the city.

OOC: it appears I did accidently drop that AK off. I'll re-add it. As far as the answer. That works. Regardless of it being Cas being young or Cas not paying attention, I think that answer of 'no' makes perfect sense.

Cas will spend most of her time at the wagon. She is going to use up the chunks of wood she got from the fallen tree way back when to make some fancy bowls. As fancy as the wood will allow mind you. She'll be talkative with just about anyone who comes nearby but she won't be seeking out anyone either.

"Hey Casandra," I find a dry place near her to sit. "Can I ask you a few questions?"

Looking at the beastial mannerisma and reading them as being welcoming, I find a place very colse to her and continue in hushed tones.

"I heard you talk about having traveled these parts before. Have you done any business in Adala? Specifically, well being a beast and all, and how they seem to treat you beasts here, have you made any contacts where you can sell things on the sly?"

Cas shakes her head, "Darku knew tons of people here and knew this city like the back of his paw. I would generally hang out with Melia and try and stay out of trouble. Did I ever tell you about the time we stopped the stick thief?"

When the unloading is done and all the gear is stowed, Ricco pipes up to the group, "Ol' Riccoco could be usin' a hot bite to be eattin' an' a Berry Ale. Faliol, you frisky fox-kit... This 'coon be knowin' how you be likin' to tip the Berry Ale back. You be with me in findin' a pub or two?"

Ricco will lead any group interested in this thing in a circuitious route looking for just such a thing. We won't leave the picket nor enter Adala proper.

It might help to query the folks we rented this barn from as well.

"I still owe you a berry ale from the Lizard! Count me in...but only after a thorough bath. The ladies will NOT understand if I present a mud-caked tail..."

While the drivers store the animals, I sneak off to be the first to bathe.

Fetching a bucket of water, Riccoco does his own bathing thing. Finishing quickly, the plucky 'coon steps out to wait for Faliol at the wagon and cart behind the stables.

"Evenin' Cas. Ol' Riccoco an' Red be headin' out for a belly full o' ale. You be wishin' to tag along?"

"Are you heading into the city or elsewhere? I could certainly use a change of scenery regardless."

Keith, any beast friendly taverns within the picket line but not in the city? One I could suggest to Cas and Ricco?

Nuyok will make it generally known that he intends to venture into the city at some point while we are here, perhaps while the rest of the traders are selling their goods.

"I would like to come along with you, at least see the city, maybe see if I can get rid of a few things I been carrying around. I think it best we maybe stay us humans in a group and beasts in another. Mixing seems to bring about stares and notice I would rather avoid but I don't feel right about goin into a strange place alone. Do ya have a problem with that?"

"Some company into the city sounds good. As for the beast-human mix, that does seem to be an issue here, but as it is, the beasts among us are largely traders themselves and need to busy themselves with selling their goods anyway."

"Nuyok, I am feeling up to an adventure in the town.
I need to deliver these posters to my buyer and may
look into that spirit cloth you mentioned. Will there
be Masters in the city that I could contact about my ailments?"

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"Alright, we'll have to find a good ale too while there."

OOC: Looks like it's guys' night out!

"Spirit cloth should be available, though pricey, as well as a Master to speak with about your ailment, though some discretion may be necessary given the...odd nature of your ailment."

Beka goes over to Master Nuyok. "Master, I would be very interested in going in to town with you to purchase a spirit cloth shirt for Rath. I would like to do this soon and come back so that he and I may go into town to sell the cloth."
Turning to the rest of the group.
"I need a few of you to stay with the wagon and see it safe while I am making this purchase. Then also a few of you to come with me to complete the sale."
Looking at Cas.
"If you would like to be rid of us, I'm sure Handle can manage the wagon into the city. Once the cloth is sold, I will pay you half the agreed price as you were to be the driver both to Adala and back to Tallon. I understand if you have other business to attend to and would like to leave early."
(This is said with a completely business like manner. No reproach. Just want it setteled.)

I want to make sure of everyone's plans. I read the situation as this, so far:

Handle, Nuyok and Vagrant want to enter the city tonight, to seek out Spirit cloth for Vagrant and Rath, the former to keep protected and cooler, the second to keep undetected by the gate authorities who may or may not scutinize him.

Cas and Faliol have gone off to have a discussion, breaking off the plan to go with Riccoco for a berry ale.

Riccoco wants to find an alehouse and Jareek has invited, though he may not be the best company.

This leaves Beka, Rath and Celeste back at the lodgings, along with Kent and Peaches and the animals and wagons.

Let me know if anyone has a different plan or would like to alter to fit someone else's plan. Otherwise I will proceed from here.

Cas just pulled him away for a bit. She didn't want him taking the wrath of her mess.

[EDITED on Sat April 19, 2003 @2:06 AM (EDT)]

Faliol wants to go drinking with Ricco, Cas, and Pops (plus whoever else wanted to go but has yet to express the desire).

...to go in to the city hopefully with Nuyok and purchase a very large spirit cloth shirt.

"Given the time of night, I doubt spirit cloth will be available, but Handle, Vagrant, and I can scout out the city a bit, and then you and I and whoever else can return during the day to get the spirit cloth," Nuyok says to Beka.

"Beka, I will stay here with Rath and the wagons."

Walking over to Celeste and Rath, I stop before them.

Looking up at them, I state quietly "I owe Ricco a berry ale. A promise made before Fort Lizard. Once one round of drinks is finished, I will come back and take over watching the wagon and cart for you two."

.oO(Better hope your career as a guide lasts, kit. As a diplomat, you reek worse than week-old carrion...)

"I can't go into town without the spirit cloth anyway, so I'm stuck here
until Beka gets back, assuming she can even get one, so take your time."

Cas and Faliol return not too much later. Cas walks up to Beka, "Suppose you can spare me a few moments to talk? I wanted to avoid a broken axil before dealing with the stuck wheel."

The axel is broken? the wagon is stuck? Well, let's get it out!

"I," Cas starts and sort of catches herself. Her claws are clenching some. "I want to APOLOGIZE Beka. When you did not declare the spirit chess set for a writ I thought I was once again being used. I had not :SIGH: considered that you had forgotten. Nor had I realized that we had never fully agreed on the deal."

.oO( Darku used to do all this work for me. I wonder where he sold all our goods. )

"Well, I am still interested. I'm even willing to let you take a bigger cut from it."

"Oh, is that the problem. I get it. Well, it doesn't matter who declares things for a writ, the sale price or taxes are not dependant on who's declaring. I didn't forget the chess set, I just didn't declare it because it is not mine to sell. It will cost no extra for you to declare it but if you'd rather have me do it, I'll be happy to. I'm not sure we even need to go back and get a writ for it but we can check on the way in to town in the morning if you like. And no, I don't want a bigger cut, I only offered so I might be able to help you out, I didn't fund the trip on your wares."

Kent finally speaks up, "I think I noticed on the rules board concerning declaration something that could help. The purpose for declaration is for the collection of tariff money. The chess set is not classified as Fine Art; no offense meant, Cas. I think they classify that as museum quality or collectors peices selling for thousands of dollars. I doubt they care about a hand carved chess set. I noticed that they didn't bother to even look at the crystal sets I declared.I have a feeling the only things they want declared are things that will bring a significant revenue to the city or items they want controlled."