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Post by mister frau blucher on Jan 12, 2012 13:48:49 GMT -5
Lord Varm collects the money and seems to smile. "Excellent. Jones, lead them to the entrance!"
One of the big caprians snorts and says, "Follow me, you lot."
You exit this chamber through an archway and descend some short stairs, and come into a large room.
This fortified chamber is dominated by iron double doors and a strongpoint immediately behind it. There are over a dozen caprian warriors about the large, lantern-lit room. They appear to be relaxed as they watch you. Jones says, "Good luck," then returns upstairs.
Over by one wall, but set out a bit, is a black column. Greened copper nails are driven thickly into its surface, as high as caprians can reach. There must be hundreds, maybe thousands. As you look at this, a caprian lounging near it sneers at you, and grabs eight nails, one for each in your party. He drives them into the dense stone of the ebon column.
There are three exits from the cellar, including the stairs you just arrived from. You may pass through the great iron doors and enter Cygnosa, if you are ready. The third exit is an archway leading to a dim trading post.
You might also talk to the caprian who drove the nails into the column.
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jan 12, 2012 16:53:06 GMT -5
[Guys - blacknigel is out of town until Monday. I am going to go ahead and post information as if you are checking out the trading post, to maybe save some time. let me know if you want anything.]
A rotund caprian greets you dispassionately as you enter. There are tapestries of bizarre creatures and scenes, small sculptures, rows of pottery, and several racks of items strange and mundane.
You see torches (1s), lanterns (10s) and oil (1s/day), iron rations of various kinds (1s/day, or 20s/day for rations that restore 1 ST (only) after rest), potions of healing (40s for 3ST, four available), as well as attribute-raising potions (+2ST, 30s; +2DX, 40s; +2IQ, 30s; lasts 1 encounter), rope (5c/yard), tent (60s), bedrolls (5s), a rope ladder (30s), and a retractable, metallic 10 foot pole (40s).
There are also a few esoteric items. A helm that allows the wearer to see heat sources in the dark is 150s. A large shield made from a strange metal that is nearly weightless (2/0) costs also 150s. A stone that produces a high-pitched whine when rubbed is 30s.
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Post by Lord Inar on Jan 12, 2012 18:02:31 GMT -5
Reynaldo talks to the caprian who put the nails in the wall "Do you take those out when we come back through the gate? How long do people usually stay in here before they come back out?"
Tembo will be looking at the healing goods (I know he doesn't have much money left, but he can dream!)
After he talks to the Caprian, Reynaldo will talk to the rest of the group. "There seems to be a wide variety of torches and other lights available. 'Twould seem prudent to pick up a few. Any suggestions as to how many?"
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jan 12, 2012 23:03:56 GMT -5
Reynaldo talks to the caprian who put the nails in the wall "Do you take those out when we come back through the gate? How long do people usually stay in here before they come back out?" “This tradition goes back centuries, maybe millenia. It was started by previous owners of the manor above, probably goblins. One nail for each fool who heads toward the underworld. Except the merchants, of course, they’re not fools. Everyone knows that. But you…heh. He points to the column. “Look closer.” You see an unfamiliar grey-black stone, dull yet reflective. You see your image, fractured by green nails. And holes spaced among the nails… “If you return, you can pull your nails out. How long do fools stay? Until they have finished their business, or dead. Maybe I'll put a few silvers on your safe return, eh?” You have the plotword NAIL. [As you know, we use plotwords in our adventures to hinge turning points on, and also reward for good, or heroic, role-playing. I am going to give you guys some plotwords in this adventure, for two reasons; to help up the xp (I am skipping some combats from the published version that are designed to add some xp and tactical awareness, in order to optimize posting time - so using plotwords for xp works well) and I forgot the other reason, after all that parentheses stuff.]
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jan 12, 2012 23:13:31 GMT -5
Tembo will be looking at the healing goods (I know he doesn't have much money left, but he can dream!) The chubby, black-furred caprian notices your interest, and says, "Hey yu-man, make me an offer, eh? But don't insult me, eh?"
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Post by blacknigel on Jan 13, 2012 15:15:06 GMT -5
Rrowullh says, “Rreynahldoh, you know my brother and I have problems with some hue-man words. It gets worse when we are tired or excited. I think the same would happen to you if you tried the Tigran-speak. But I expect you would be able to rememberr and say my name at least, for it is a hue-man name. I give the letters for you. Ahr-Oh-Ay-Yu-El… Rrowullh! Simple, yes?"
“But you asked about lights. I’ve a lantern with oil enough for 24 hours, and my brother has some torches in his pack that may last for another 10. I think the lad has some torches as well, but that won’t be enough light for all of us, even if we go sparingly. My brother and I have food for 6 more days. How long do you think our errands will take?”
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Post by blacknigel on Jan 13, 2012 15:15:50 GMT -5
Khanmahtt has been closely examining the remarkable shield, looking at it from every angle, humming to himself. His brother’s question breaks his concentration, and he returns to the group. “Yes brothurr, everyone should bring some light too, and take turns. My shield ahrm will grow tired if I hold the light ahlways.”
“I do not know if I want more than a week under the mountain. So purrhaps we get food for a few more days, just in case. Carry two paws, 8 days, but plan for less, right? But we do not spend all of ahr silvurr. Gort has warned of tolls under the mountain.”
“Inyaytoh has made a good purchase, I would do the same in his place because that axe was meant for his hand,” He smiles in the human fashion at his friend, “but his purse is empty. I will contribute some, what I can. That axe at my side is plenty balance against the loan of some silvurr. But will each of you help pay his other costs?”
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Post by blacknigel on Jan 13, 2012 15:21:53 GMT -5
[If the consensus is ‘plan for 8 days’, then Rrowullh will purchase 2 more days of standard rations (2s) and 3 more days of oil (3s – it is cheaper here and in larger quantities than it was at Thunder Keep). Khanmahtt will buy 2 more days of standard rations (2s) plus 4 days rations for Enyeto (4s) and 3 more torches (3s). If the consensus is for more or less days, please adjust the rations accordingly. But keep the oil and torches the same, unless I've run out of room in the backpacks.)
(Each Tigran also purchases a Bedroll (5s). Rrowullh uses his roll inside the backpack to carefully wrap and cushion his oil flasks. )
“No clinking, and no breaking” he whispers.
(That should bring both Tigrans and Enyeto up to 8 days rations each, Rrowullh with 4 days of lantern light, and Khanmahtt with 16 hours of torchlight (1 torch per day). Rrowullh is left with 15s, and Khanmahtt with 20s / 8c.)
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Post by blackjack on Jan 14, 2012 11:20:19 GMT -5
Shadout watches the others buy the necessities for the underworld. He addresses the group. "I am able to carry a lantern or torch. If my skills are needed, carrying a light source should not be a hindrance." The whining stone catches Shadout's attention. Speaking to the merchant. "Good sir, that stone is quite interesting. I wish to purchase several things, lantern, oil and possibly the pole. Since I and my friends are filling your pockets with silver today, would you part with the stone for 20 silvers?"
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jan 14, 2012 13:34:21 GMT -5
Shadout, speaking to the merchant. "Good sir, that stone is quite interesting. I wish to purchase several things, lantern, oil and possibly the pole. Since I and my friends are filling your pockets with silver today, would you part with the stone for 20 silvers?" The caprian bats his ears, as if at invisible flies, and makes a strange noise from an orifice not in evidence. "Hmmm. Very well. Your friends have bought some equipment, if you buy some more, I shall indeed let you have the Whining Stone of the Rockwilds for a measly 20 silvers." He eyes you a few more moments before adding, "I know not your destination in Cygnosa, but..." He leans closer to the mage, and his putrid breath washes over you. His voice is a whisper. "If you make it to the second level, among the dwarggs, secure for me a vial of Radiation Immunity. I have a customer who has been trying to acquire some, and the supply among us caprians is gone. It is very difficult to make...so if you come across some, bring it to me and I will pay you 200 silvers an ounce. "I would be willing to look at other treasures you bring back, but that is what I will absolutely buy from you."
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Post by blackjack on Jan 15, 2012 18:17:43 GMT -5
"Well bargained and done. I will pay the 30 silvers for your stone and bring the potion you desire." With that Shadout places 51 silver in the merchant's hand and picks up the stone, a lantern, 3 days oil and 8 days rations.
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Post by Lord Inar on Jan 16, 2012 9:15:54 GMT -5
Rrowullh says, “Rreynahldoh, you know my brother and I have problems with some hue-man words. It gets worse when we are tired or excited. I think the same would happen to you if you tried the Tigran-speak. But I expect you would be able to rememberr and say my name at least, for it is a hue-man name. I give the letters for you. Ahr-Oh-Ay-Yu-El… Rrowullh! Simple, yes?" Sorry, I'm confused. Reynaldo did ask Rrowullh by name to visit the caprians. What am I missing?
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Post by Lord Inar on Jan 16, 2012 9:37:54 GMT -5
I can't find my cash tally (I thought I knew where I put it), but I think Reynaldo doesn't have any money left. Reynaldo will buy 8 days of provisions for he and Tembo.
Tembo looks at the healer's wares. "I am fairly well stocked for the basics, good sir, but I am unaware of any specific healing needs relating to the mountain, such as spiders, snakes and the like. Do you have any suggestions in that regard?"
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jan 16, 2012 13:03:16 GMT -5
I can't find my cash tally (I thought I knew where I put it), but I think Reynaldo doesn't have any money left. Reynaldo will buy 8 days of provisions for he and Tembo. Marc - and everyone else - you can always find this in the "Current Character Status" thread, which I keep updated with all wounds and equipment, etcetera. Tembo has 18 silvers left, but already has 9 days of rations. Reynaldo has 78 silvers left, and also already has 9 days of rations. Do you still want to buy 8 more days of rations? Total, or each?
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Post by mister frau blucher on Jan 16, 2012 13:08:11 GMT -5
"Well bargained and done. I will pay the 30 silvers for your stone and bring the potion you desire." With that Shadout places 51 silver in the merchant's hand and picks up the stone, a lantern, 3 days oil and 8 days rations. Actually, you had talked him down FROM 30 silvers, to 20. So I assume you meant 41 silvers - unless you intend to pay the higher price? I have added the equipment to you character staus, and taken 41 silvers - let me know if that is wrong.
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