. HT Aliaver/Player DS Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- R1.John Haight.......HY..Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar .. Ma --.Tobie Bonahoom....YY..Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry.. Fe R3.Mark Murtha.......HN..Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human....Ma R1.David Sanders.....HN..Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human ..Ma R4.J H Hooten........YN..Raban.Usherwood...Bard....Normal/Human....Ma W4.Wout Broere.......YY..Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human ..Fe R1 John.Stowman......YN..Will..............Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma R4.Alex Koponen......YY..Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human ..Fe .NPC...............YY..Niko..............Bearer..Normal/Human ..Ma Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra, Squirt (Ferret) Kell, Wolf - Will Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/ Public posts/actions to pnpgm@list.powersandperils.org (mailing list) Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm@comcast.net Game Update #41 in sequence (file #158) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Recap] From Kiet: [Re: Niko] Niko will be needed for the whole time in town...he can go home once we get a place to stay. If we have to hoof it somewhere, then he would come along. I don't know the exact amount of time we are talking about yet. Normally, when we go somewhere, Niko can stay outside with the stuff. GM: Ack. Right. Any damage to him is a fine print clause too as well. So if say death occurs you might have to compensate his family for any expenses ie funeral, etc. From Kiet: [Re: Actions] After Kiet leaves the tavern he smiles about his ... After he sees Raban shake his head Kiet looks up at his tall friend and says "What? Remember where I am from. Have ... GM: Ack. From Arawn: [Re: Actions] While the others had sat around waiting for Niv... “A simpler piece to be sure but it’s not without its ... GM: Ack. -------------------------------------------------------------- [New Stuff] [Sepes 28th, 1634TH] [Location: City of Salaqara, Donara] [Time: 10:50am] During the time exploring the city before the meeting with Niv is done many take the chance to explore their interests from the markets to herb shops. Not much is found beyond the normal and common stuff. At one point Arawn notices a temple of Morrigan and leaves the group to enter. A priest is there doing some minor work to pew repairs. The place is empty and open to the daylight. It is a medium sized place but there are a few relics of the religion. Nothing of spectacular design. The priest is kind but is in his 50s and shows that he is mostly doing the pew work to keep busy. The temple probably gets little daily visits. But Arawn can't tell. Who knows in an hour it could be packed standing room only. The priest does stop his work as Arawn asks a few questions and seeks a quick prayer. Then Arawn approaches the altar and lights two candles which is the ritual and burns some incense. The priest explains that here in the city they use the water bowl to sprinkle just a bit of water on the altar to symbolize safety in the water. [Time: 11:45am - 12:30pm] While the others had sat around waiting for Niv Arawn had disappeared for a time, wandering the streets of the city before finally making his way back to the area of the tavern. He took a moment to visit the nearby shops, lingering over the various pastries of the bakery on the lookout for interesting local treats before checking out the poetry shop, collecting a few choice collections for him to study. Later, after rejoining the others, Arawn sat in silence as Niv shared his news. He jotted down a few notes including the names of the contacts shared by the smuggler turned farmer before turning a concerned eye the speakers way. As the man rose to exit Arawn joined him, offering healing, whether mundane or magical as Niv would have it before returning to pay not only for his share of the meal but the farmer’s as well, making sure to leave a nice tip for the server. Niv refuses treatment of his eye. "I've had many and will get more. Heck my bull tries to hit me at least three times a year. This is nothing. Thanks anyways for the offer." [Time: 12:30pm - At the tavern] Ready to continue the exploration of the city Arawn was among the first out the door, turning an eye towards the Caldo and Fomorians before giving a sigh and heading out the door. By the time the first blows landed he was well out of ear-shot of the ruckus, the only reason he did not turn around to address the brawl. After Kiet leaves the tavern he smiles about his little jest on the Fomorians. He thinks a bit about it some more and wonders if they were actually the injured innocents, but then reminds himself there are no innocent Fomorians. He strongly hopes someone beats the tar out of them. After he sees Raban shake his head Kiet looks up at his tall friend and says, "What? Remember where I am from. Have you not had the 'pleasure' of an encounter with those accursed people?" Raban and Kiet hurry up to join the others down the street. Raban could not understand the words the group were speaking. But it doesn't take a empath to see they were heated. After a few seconds Kiet explains they were Fomorians Raban nods, "ahh. Well no actually. Closest was a brother of a ...person I was helping with her ....body posture. Seemed he was one of those guys. He actually was loud and obnoxious. Claimed I took her honor..blah blah...challenged me to a fight. That is until I stood up then he ran away." He places a large hand on Kiet's shoulder. "To hate one culture due to one or two bad folks is not right." He smiles and shows his perfect teeth. How does he keep them in fine shape? Then he winks and squeezes the shoulder "Now I sound like Arawn huh? Don't tell him that." [Time: 1:22pm] On the journey to the gallery Arawn spent some time attempting to befriend the newly hired Niko. He was unsure just how long the hireling would remain in service but he thought it only polite to not only get to know the fellow but to ease his stay while with the party. After introductions he mostly kept to banter, eventually that passing into a quiet silence by the time the gallery had come into view. Niko is clearly intimidated by the group. A person of his low station among these high and likely influential people. Niko keeps his eyes downcast and almost never keeps eye contact unless given an order. Arawn can tell he is well trained and knows his place. But Arawn does try to make him at ease. But it is clear to Arawn it will take time to get him out of his shell. [Time: 1:47pm - 2:08pm - Gallery] Arawn took advantage of the time by strolling from gallery to gallery, taking in each piece in an effort to appreciate the artists work. He then greeted Metai Abban with a smile, listening patiently as the man looked over the receipt and eventually following him to view the remaining Gorlic painting. He looked it over carefully, searching his memory for any such location or for some hidden symbolism that was waiting to be discovered. Yet no magic is detected or hidden references. In fact compared to the other stuff in the room it is rather bland. Will could draw a much better piece of art. Arawn speaks to Metai, "A simpler piece to be sure but it's not without its merits," Arawn commented, his voice hovering on the edge of a potential sale. "I had heard the other painting was worthwhile, something I would have found interesting. Alas I'm too late to see it with my own eyes but I'd appreciate it if you could tell me more about it? And this piece before us as well as the rest of the set? I like to collect sets but would know more about the artist and his works." Metai perks up a bit. "Certainly. Kuetar Gorlic was born to a rich merchant family. As a child he showed promise in art and was tutored by Zorjic Betan which was a so so artist himself. One of Betan's own paintings did well was obtained by the elite in Donara city and I believe is still there." Arawn nods and smiles not caring about that piece but shows at least some interest. "Gorlic worked mostly as a ship wright up till around 30 when he injured his back and had to quit that work. From there it was believed his art got better. I believe he did over 112 paintings. The best sold almost 2 centuries ago for 45 gold. The current Admiral Gorlic has that painting in his own study from what I hear." "The rumors that he could see the future and the past. That he could predict even daily things was probably just help to solve his art. I mean there was no actual proof that he did. Probably just luck." He waves a hand as if to dismiss it. "I'm sure it was luck like the time he predicted the storm that wrecked the fleet. I mean find any sailor they can tell you a storm is coming a day or two before it arrives. There is a painting in the other room they say the artist could go into a mysterious trance." He raises both hands as if to show a odd gesture. "From this trance he spoke dead languages they say and spoke as the gods themselves." He rolls his eyes. "If every collector took the word of a artist who cut off a finger or begged during the day or killed his family as currency to buy his or her work then the galleries would be full." "As to seeing the other painting I'm afraid it is in the hands of a private buyer. You must understand our clients appreciate privacy. So I'm afraid I can't divulge the location or the patron." Fremea crosses her arms and clearly looks miffed. She begins to tap her foot as if about to explode. Metai seems to ignore the unruly child and continues to explain to Z'leyra about a painting of a blue unicorn and a red colored waterfall. Arawn tries to bring the matter back into focus. He asks about the person who asked about the painting in the slip. "That? Who knows. We get many such information requests. May be a scholar, tutor, artist or just a buyer. Who knows. My office is full of such letters to deal with. Just this morning got a request by some scholar in place called Teos about art. I have to get that one translated. But it is common." Arawn tries to continue the discussion by using all of his skills. He is eager and shows that there is more interest than a art lover may just have. Metai begins to pick up on the hint of a possible transaction but tries to show little interest as if to show the high ground. Arawn asks about the info on the painter and who might have more info. "A family of importance like the Gorlics have their own archives. That would be the best. But we do have one library in town and might have some info there. It is on the east end of town. Can't miss it as its the only one open the other two were closed. I'm sure they have records on him as anyone of ...relative notoriety would have some mention in their archives somewhere." Arawn mentions the buyer being Muon Burz and asks again how to find him. Metai looks shocked how did he know who got the painting? Then Arawn raises the slip of paper. Metai seems to wipe a bead of sweat and nods. "Oh yes. Well...I still need to uphold any privacy. I could contact him and ask for you to meet him but it may take a day or two." Arawn asks about the other Gorlic paintings. Metai softens a bit and looks out the window to the street. "I'm no Gorlic expert. But I suspect the Gorlic family has at least a third of them. I hear some are in Donara, Pelara, Xian and Ticasi. In various private and public areas. I suspect the rest are owned by private patrons in homes in the region." Arawn approaches the Gorlic painting and asks Metai if he can buy it. Arawn doesn't ask for a price as most folks of money never do. The old saying if you have to ask you can't afford it. Metai does a quick survey of the group and in a flash of insight that Kell recognizes as sizing up the person determines the monetary value of the group. "Well of course this is my very last one of his set. It would be a great loss to the public to have it missing." Metai begins to pace the carpet back and forth from one wall to another as if considering the offer. The group notices Raban and the girl are returning with a nice smile on both faces. Unali watches as the girl giggles though can't tell what they are saying since the window is closed. Kell considers just a simple bribe. Kell considers a simple rope trick with some nice body positions for his influence over Metai. "I could not part for...anything less than 13 gold." Metai finally stops and smiles as if this is where he wanted to end up all along. Arawn sighs as if to show such a small price is nothing. But he knows this particular painting is not even worth half that value. Voices are heard and then large footsteps. Raban finds the group and nods. Fremea glares as if this talk is very boring. Raban walks toward Fremea and kneels down. Even kneeling he towers over Fremea. On his haunches he wipes a wisp of hair from her face to uncover her eyes. "I hope your time was fruitful." Then he speaks in Faerry Sidh. "I know where to find the buyer." With that Fremea has heard enough she storms out of the room and toward the front door. No more time wasting here. Arawn hears Raban and realizes Metai has no clue what he said or at least shows no sign of it. The others quickly file out and follow Raban and Fremea. Leaving Arawn and Metai inside. Outside Raban whispers in Marentia, "the girl was easy to find info. The buyer lives in the south side of town. I even got some directions. I also have a date if I wish it tonight." He smiles to Kiet and takes point to lead the group. [Time: 3:11pm - South Salaqara] Soon Raban ends up leaving the busy streets of the city and enters a residential district. Homes go from one story 2-3 rooms to two story and three stories and then small estates that could have at least 20 rooms. The group figures it is a upper middle class area with merchants or low level nobles living here. The group sees a house on the corner of a street. Behind the house is a small dock that goes over the Sea of Tears water. The group passes a small bridge to get to this street. Then turn right to the street of homes. On the street there are maybe 8 homes with enough space of about 300-500 feet between homes. Raban points to a two story brown and tan home that has probably 15 rooms. To the right of the house is a small garden and gazebo which the party saw from the road as they walked over the bridge. From the left is empty with trees and bushes. In the rear is the dock and some smaller buildings probably a shed and outhouse. The group in the open looks around but sees no one on the road at this time. A distant sound of a dog barking is heard but nothing else. Fremea begins to case the place and figure out ways to get inside through stealth methods. But Raban seems to read her mind and begins to simply move up the small path toward the front of the home. Arawn tries to clear his throat to stop Raban but the giant ignores him. If anything the giant is awfully direct. In just a few moments he steps up the few steps to the porch and knocks on the door. The party pretends to look around as if looking for a place. There is no real place to hide now and a group this size sticks out. Niko just looks bored and wonders what is going on. A couple minutes pass and the group feels happy no one is home and relaxes but just then the door opens. A woman in her 40s with a maid like uniform speaks to Raban. Raban begins his charms. Soon the woman is laughing and pushing the giant away as if flattered. She then shakes her head once and then twice. Raban begins to speak quietly again and the woman seems to look at the party Arawn can tell she is on the fence. Soon she nods. Raban turns and waves Fremea forward. "Just cousin Illya please." Cousin Illya? Fremea wonders what he told the woman. But it is yet another role to play. the group stays in street. Raban waits for Fremea to join him then speaks. "This kind lady says the man of the house is away in Ticasi. She has been kind to allow you to see this painting you are studying in school. What do you say to the lady?" Raban grins and knows Fremea would probably just slap him if it wouldn't just tickle him. Being so condensencing to her is worse than being touched. "Yes. Well your friends and him." She tilts her face toward Raban. "Will have to wait outside. You are free to go around the side to the garden. It is bad enough to let one in but..." She looks back to Raban and tries to smile. Before she regrets it she walks inside and opens the door wider to let Fremea inside. Raban waits to see if Fremea will take up the offer or just take out the lady and do it the hard way. Actions? Comments? Next Update....Friday... GM: I know taking some liberty at times. But things will slow down a bit now. Will see if anyone wishes to post and react. Thinks like Arawn actually buying the painting I left open ending. If I stayed on such points we'd never finish these things. :)