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#76
03-07-2007, 12:36 AM
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Rahn smiled in sincere interest as Carlyle expounded upon his observations regarding the Art of Rum. In fact, Rahn had a rather elaborate past in regards to rum and its acute effects. Needless to say, an almar diplomat and sleight of hand artist that was adept within the courts of the connected had a first hand connection with true rum inebriation. It was a part of the course. As such, he had often been the object or author of a good 'talk down'. In Rahn's mind, this was neither an insult nor a pat upon the back, but rather a common sense reaction in the art of diplomacy and friendship. "You speak so truly my friend Carlyle." Rahn nodded his head in full agreement and even added a subtle aura of perceived enlightenment from the wisdom the rogue imparted. "Your knowledge and experience with rum, wets my appetite like no other. In fact, it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes." Rahn readjusted himself as he prepared to elaborate upon the quote. His right hand slyly wiped his brow, as he leaned in closer to the center of the table so that both Carlyle and Gragham could better hear his words over the bustle of the tavern crowd. I know from my previous blunder that Carlyle is not fluent in dwarven, but I do not know if he understands some of the more common dwarven words...thus I must attempt to be poetic here. "One of my earliest connections with the dwarven ways came from an acquaintance of mine from Silvertowne to the west. His name was Hargrom Silverfist. He had quite a collection of sayings and toasts...and one that he graciously offered to me, I would now like to respectfully offer to you Master Carlyle..." Rahn cleared his throat formally and looked casually into the eyes of Gragham...as if to say, "listen closely". In a clear dwarven dialect of the west, Rahn repeated the words of the toast, yet artfully intoned them in such a manner that he imparted a second meaning onto Gragham. Well, at least Rahn attempted to do so, for he could not accurately measure the true impact that his subtle words had upon Gragham. [Western Dwarf Dialect]"A man full of the wisdom of drink, should not neglect his stomach, for it grounds him. A man full of the wisdom of drink, should keep his tongue as close as possible, for loose tongues can share too much. A man full of the wisdom of drink, should speak heartily yet say little. A man full of the wisdom of drink, should sleep well before he embarks upon a path of importance. A man full of the wisdom of drink, should always enjoy life, for life...like the drink...may not be there tomorrow. Thus, live for today, but plan for tomorrow. Huzzah![/Western Dwarf Dialect] With that, Rahn nodded knowingly to Gragham, for he trusted that the dwarf could manage the situation at hand. "Carlyle, your help is vastly needed and greatly appreciated. I honor you with my toast, yet I must now depart in order to make plans for the morrow. Gragham, I trust your ability in this matter, and I will meet you both later tonight or early in the morning at The Anvil, for I need to check in with The Consortium before we depart. I hope to make gains on our front. Peace Brothers." Unless either of his comrades provide a reason for Rahn to remain, the almar shall depart the tavern in order to gather information at the local office of the Kray Consortium. Last edited by Rahn Dahle; 03-07-2007 at 01:18 AM. |
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#77
03-07-2007, 04:43 PM
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Gragham’s exasperation grew while he listened to the other two. Between Carlyle’s rambling and Rahn’s eloquent but foremost lengthy attempts to hint that it *might* be *prudent* to head back to the Anvil, I don’t know who to punch first! He was, in fact, seriously considering the option to just punch Carlyle in the face, sling him over his shoulder and head home. He figured however that he probably didn’t know Carlyle long enough to do this and expect that the issue would be resolved simply by receiving a blow to the face in return the next morning.
__________________The dwarf folded his arms across his chest, deciding a sour face would have to do. ”I nay ‘ave time fer yer rum talk righ’ now, Carlyle. I be ‘eadin back ter dem Anvil now.” With that, he turned on his heel and marched strait out of the tavern. |
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#78
03-07-2007, 10:06 PM
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It takes Carlyle quite a while to realize that he was all by himself. When he finally does, he looks around to see where everyone went and the finally stumbles back towards the Anvil. He doesn't actually remember reaching the Anvil but does wake up there the next morning. Or course he does so with a pounding headache.
Gragham in the meantime headed back to find a quiet smithy. Mazo was busy with paperwork, the smiths were themselves off to the pub along with Abbo and Jack leaving Jaimeson on guard. John and Agnes were both in their quarters early. It had been a long day and he suddenly realized how tired it was despite the early evening. So after taking some time to clean up his armor and prepare a few things for the next day he heads off to bed. On his way to his room he finds Carlyle sprawled out in the middle of the enterance to the offices. Grumbling, he hoists the larage human over his shoulder and half carries half drags him up to bed. The next morning arrives and Mazo comes by to wake everyone. Gragham comes down to find a breakfast laid out in the dinning area. Carlyle comes down a short time later and is amazingly alert despite his condition the night before. The rest of the staff also arrives and they all eat together. About mid way through Rahn arrives having come from the Kray offices. They can now finish preperations for their mission. Magnus is ready with the riverboat whenever his fare is ready and can find him at the docks. Time: Morning Day: Toil Day Date: 2nd of Wintersmonth Lighting: Torchlight Conditions: Indoors Status: Rahn: Full hps Gragham: Full hps Carlyle: Full hps |
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#79
03-08-2007, 12:02 AM
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The demeanor of Rahn the day before relied quite heavily upon his diplomatic instincts. When he was thrust into the unexpected revelation that the caravan of iron ore had gone astray, he did not have an easy answer at his disposal. Thus, he reacted in the way most typical to his nature. In retrospect, he realized that he was not making a presentation to the Court Circle, but rather trying to find a mutual solution to a common yet dire need of special people. The livelihood of The Anvil required its raw materials, and the Kray Consortium required its customers. His nightly dreams helped to guide him upon a better path for the new day at hand. Furthermore, the Kray Consortium had recently given him the means to provide a more concrete answer to his newly found partners.
When the beguiler entered The Anvil, he wore the same courtier attire of the previous day, but it appeared much cleaner...as if it had been carefully washed and combed. Rahn's attitude appeared to be much cleaner as well. "Good morning my partners. I bring good news." Rahn took special care to look both Gragham and Carlyle directly in the eye as he spoke the word 'partners', for he knew in his heart that this mission would rely on all of their abilities and skills equally. "After a very in depth meeting with the Kray Consortium, I believe that I have an efficient plan of action that will meet our needs." At this point, the almar knew that he had to present his plan in a fashion that would be acceptable to all involved, yet would allow for the input and suggestions of his partners. "To point, I have acquired the funds to pay for our mission. I have the five hundred gold and a promissory note for the two percent juice to the captain. This will buy us the transportation and guidance that Carlyle has found for us. I agree with this path. Secondly, I have acquired the best maps available of the region we will be traversing. Yes, the boat captain may have the same or better, but if we are separated, then these maps will be invaluable. Thirdly, I have discovered that we search for a Captain Calu and that the total shipment of iron ore is about one ton. Fourthly, I have discovered that the most likely suspect in this incident is a cadre of Lizardmen. But since Lizardmen have no ability to work the iron ore, I suspect that they are acting under the direction of a higher authority. We need to learn more about this. Also, I have detailed information on Lizardmen traits...including their strengths and weaknesses; I will go over this in more detail once we hit the water. Finally, I have only one other arrangement to make before we depart and it should be quickly completed. Are there any questions?" Rahn slowly scanned all of the faces around him. He hoped that he had outlined his plan somewhat succinctly, but his face begged for input and questions from the others. |
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#80
03-08-2007, 03:34 PM
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Gragham was just helping himself to some more bread and a thick slice of smoked ham when Carlyle appeared in the dining room. He eyed the rogue, a wide grin splitting across his face: ”So, ‘ow ye feel aft’r celebratin’ yer return ter civilization, ya walkin’ rum bean? Ye sure were heavy wid rum las’ night, b’lieve me: I ‘ad ter drag ye inter yer bed.” He waved his knife, up in the direction of the stairs, a piece of smoked meat wedged on the tip to emphasize his point before popping the ham into his mouth. Well, at least I still have an appetite, despite this boat trip we’re about to undertake… Now why was it exactly that we couldn’t just ride along the shore on horseback again?
__________________When heading down for breakfast, Gragham had brought the mysterious diary along to do some more reading after he was done. It would also be a helpful means of distraction while they were waiting for Rahn to conduct his business. He had also brought down the case of potions: When Rahn returned to the Anvil, Gragham stowed the diary safely away, along with the rod and the shield, requested Mazo to keep the items in the safest place possible and returned to the conference hall to join the meeting. The dwarf nodded approvingly as Rahn laid out his checklist for them. Payments for the boat… check. Extra maps… very useful. Lizardmen are the likely suspects… got to remember that piece of information. Used as hired thugs for somebody else… intriguing… Gragham leaned forward to the edge of his seat. ”Sounds like ye prepared yerself well… Nice an’ solid. I like dat… So, yer sayin’ dat sum ‘un prolly hired dem lizard folk ter steal eh large shipment o’ ore? Ore means steel, steel could prolly mean weapons…or jus’ money o’ course. Or sum kinder attempt to sabotage dem Anvil.” He thoughtfully rubbed his chin. I never really thought about the possible reasons behind this theft… I hope it’s just a straightforward raid somehow… Something about that last piece of information caused him to fear that things might be a bit more complicated however. |
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#81
03-08-2007, 04:54 PM
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Mazo takes the package and nods at Gragham's instructions. It will be a few more days before the runner arrives so you may even be back before this goes out. Hopefully you are. Gragham then sits down with the journal for some very intriguing reading. He even manages to finish it just before Rahn's arrival, thus only having a few moment to digest its import.
Last edited by BraveSirRobin; 03-08-2007 at 04:54 PM. |
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#82
03-09-2007, 11:48 AM
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Carlyle enters the dinning hall and is instantly aware that he is under the scrutiny of the grinning dwarf. “Hehe…My heads throbbin’ a bit, but I’ve been in worse shape after a night of drikin’. As far as the rum goes, well ya know me and Magnus had ta have a drink to seal the deal for the passage…an’ ya know how things go when two mates start ta catchin’ up on old time…” he says, sitting down across from Gragham.
__________________The rogue downs two cups of water before he fills his plate with some meat and cheese and settles in to eat. Looking up as Gragham pushes two potions over to him, he eyes them, thinking for a second about taking one now… “Thanks. Ya know that surely would take care of my head…but I guess that I will wait ‘till I really need it.” Taking up the potions and slipping them into a pocket. “I’ll git ya the gold, after breakfast” Carlyle eat in silence, mentally going over the items he will take on the mission, until Rahn enters and sheds some more light on the fate of the shipment. Nodding his head at the mention of payment for Magnus, Carlyle’s face shows a puzzled look as he tries to remember some of the details and events of the prior day. He continues listening to the remainder of the almar’s “Sound like ya’ve covered thins pretty well. I have noting to add at this time…but I’ll let ya know if I come up with somethin’” |
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#83
03-09-2007, 09:00 PM
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Last edited by BraveSirRobin; 03-10-2007 at 09:22 PM. |
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#84
03-10-2007, 12:25 AM
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Rahn felt good...not because he had pulled the wool over anyone's eyes, but rather because he had put in good effort and was able to offer a potential solution and a well laid plan of action to his new partners.
In his recent past, the cynical and self serving almar may have been more satisfied with an elaborate plan of deception, but as he aged, and as his motives swayed in the process, he began to better appreciate an honest effort on his part. This could be addicting, but he fought this feeling for it was still quite foreign to his past ways of being. No...this is not why I am doing this! Why do I feel this way? Pull it together Rahn...focus on the plan! Regardless, when Gragham posed his questions on the possible motives of the ore abduction, Rahn could only reply honestly. "Gragham, I must honestly say that I do not know anything for sure. I am only speculating, but I have faith in the probability of my hypothosis...and I believe that the motives you present are all possible and worthy of serious analysis. We shall pursue these threads further. Thus, I want everyone to know that I could be wrong, but I am willing to put my own assets on the line in regards to this. I am committed to our agreement. That is the most important thing I want everyone to understand." The beguiler, at this point, exuded a sincerity which the others had not yet seen in him before. In fact, Rahn had not felt this level of sincerity in quite a long while. There was something strange going on here no doubt, but Rahn could not fight it however strongly his natural inclinations rebelled. Thus, in order to flee from this entirely surreal situation, Rahn quickly turned to the future. "Well...it seems that we have a plan. I must now visit one final contact before we depart. While I conduct this business, you all can make your final arrangements for the quest. I will meet you both at the docks of Magnus within the hour." Rahn then turned as if to retreat from a path that he had not planned to commit himself to, yet found himself gleefully upon. The ambivalence was at a peak...and it was an adrenaline rush to the maximum. Last edited by Rahn Dahle; 03-10-2007 at 12:38 AM. |
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#85
03-11-2007, 01:29 PM
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The dwarf nodded impatiently: ”Aye Rahn, yer committed, willin’ ter put yer arse on dem line, eh reliable partner, dat all be good ter ‘ear. It be when eh lad begins ter repeat ‘imself wid such promises dat meself starts worryin’.” As soon as the words left his mouth Gragham felt himself regretting them. No reason to get all snappy just because you’re nervous about getting your feet wet. His face softening he added: ”Sorry ‘bout dat, I jus’ be ‘avin doubts ‘bout sailin’ off in sum rickety boat wid meself wrapped in ‘eavy steel is all.” The dwarf stood up. ”Speakin’ of, we outta get ready, as ye said. Carlyle, ye r’member dat bow we found? It be magic: improves yer aim, I been told…”
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#86
03-13-2007, 11:10 AM
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After Rahn returns and they complete any remaining buisness, the group gathers their things and exit into another cold bright morning on the streets of Asylum. If the streets were busy yesterday, they were absolutely crowded today. It was a sea of people that walked nearly shoulder to shoulder on the sidewalks and onto the streets making horse and carts slow to a crawl. Get out of the way! shouted a cart driver to a slow moving vendor pushing his cart of knick knacks and other goods along. The vendor returned the comment with the typical courtesy of the Asylum residents, which is to say a tirade of expletives. Just another busy morning.
It is slow moving to reach the docks but the group arrives without incident. A dreadful odor fills the air, a mixture of fish, filth and blood. Numerous boats of varying sizes and qualities line the docks, some being loaded some being unloaded. Some others are being repaired. The group notices one boat that still smokes from what appears to be a recent fire. The bodies of some of its crew being carried off, many of the injuries looking to be from battle and not from the fire itself. Nobody around them seems to be overly concerned about it indicating that this is a normal event. As they sit there gawking a shout can be heard in the distance. Carlyle! Carlyle! Down ere you drunken sot! A tall slim man waves to the group. He stands proudly in front a good sized sailing vessel. The ship is not the best conditioned on the docks but it certainly isn't the worst either. Balista are equiped on both ends of the ship and something that looks like a multi headed crossbow sits in the middle. Holes for oars also mark the sides. So dis this ar fare, aye? Well I'm Capin Magnus, he announces. Please to hav ya on board. |
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#87
03-13-2007, 04:16 PM
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The sharp remarks of Gragham before Rahn departed for his final preparation appeared to cause little if any damage to the almar. In spite of the seeming politeness of the beguiler, he had been through some of the toughest, roughest, sharpest, meanest and most biting of diplomatic exchanges possible in southern Krim. Thus, he only smiled at the dwarf's apology and winked in an understanding manner. He then left The Anvil.
************************************************** ************************************************** ******** When the party finally arrived at the docks, Rahn was not happy at all about the smell and general condition of the waterfront, but he knew better than to come across as some sort of soft courtier, thus his demeanor displayed no displeasure at the rank environment. I have seen worse...but I will be happier once we depart. When Captain Magnus introduced himself and invited the partners on board, Rahn cordially accepted the offer. "Thank you Captain Magnus. I am Rahn Dahle of the Kray Consortium. I bring the means to accept your terms, but I assume that our official business would be best done within the cabin. Speaking of which, your vessel appears to be well defended...tell me about your crew." Last edited by Rahn Dahle; 03-13-2007 at 09:38 PM. |
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#88
03-14-2007, 09:47 AM
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The Captain straightens as the Almaren speaks, his smile levels a bit but is still there. Pleased to have ya aboard, Master Dahle. And I be quite happy to be doin' buisness with the Consortium. I think you'll find da Amber Mist and 'er crew to be top notch. Magnus lead them on board. I have a crew of ten, a larger crew den you might be used to but tis necessary on de Hells. Good sailors and fighters all of them. Plus a good oar crew in case the wind fails you. Can't be relin' on wind on the Hells. The pass by the group of of sailors and fighters that make up the crew of the Amber Mist. It is all humans with eight men and two women. You notice that they are a hard looking group with plenty battle scars between them. They reach the sparse captains cabin, which is a tight fit for the four of them. Magnus looks between the three of them. So time for buisnes. Good ole Carlyle told you me terms? Do ya have the gold then?
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#89
03-14-2007, 10:02 AM
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Eyeing the bodies that were being carried off, Gragham caught himself feeling a strange sense of relief. They were killed in battle! It was a terrible thought, he knew, but battles he could handle, drowning was his main concern... Then again, the bodies of the folks that drowned might just have been left behind, dragged away by the currents...
__________________His gaze turned to the ship: it resembled a floating fortress. More importantly it looked quite big and sturdy. Bolstering his courage, the dwarf took a deep breath and stepped up towards the captain. ”G’day, capt’n Magnus. I be Gragham Ironbeard, repersentin’ dem Anvil. Dis boat o’ yers be lookin’ sturdy awrigh’... Be it wise ter sail on dat im me armour like dis, should I tie meself wid sum safety line er sumtin?” He spread out his arms as if to display himself for the captain’s inspection, his armour blinking in the sunlight. Last edited by Vintar; 03-14-2007 at 10:03 AM. |
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#90
03-14-2007, 12:05 PM
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Magnus raises an eyebrow at the dwarf, looks at Carlylye and then back at Gragham with a grin. Safety line? The waters on the Hells aren't particu'ly rough. Unless you plan on goin in for the occasional swim. No saftey line needed Master Ironbeard. You can see none of the other crew wear full suits of armor. Chain shirts or leathers appear to be the preferred dress.
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