Difference between pages "On to Bergen" and "Espen Rosted"

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Continued from '''[[Stavanger Again, Now in July]]'''
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Continued from '''[[On to Bergen]]'''
  
'''The DM:''' On the morning of July 25th, you leave Stavanger in a moderate rain, a strong steady shower, getting aboard the boat at 7 a.mThe rain doesn't matter much, since you'll only be allowed in the open once a day, for half an hourBy the time you're allowed on deck on the 25th, you'll see the familiar peninsula north of Mimmarudla passing on the starboard side, and the rain will have easedYou won't see anything again until the next day; it will rain all day and all night of the 25th, and still be raining the next day.  By noon on the 26th, you'll come on deck during a deluge, with heavy rain sluicing off the deck, though the sea is relatively calm.  The wind has been perfect all day and night, veering from a gentle to a moderate breeze, and the ship is making good time.  You drift below again at one o'clock, and eight hours later, at nine p.m., the ship docks in Bergen.
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== Pandred ==
 +
'''The DM:''' It is anything but pleasant out here in the stormThere's really nowhere to change Hamish's clothing except in an alley somewhere, even though rain is sousing every stitch of clothing that the party has onHamish seems more cognizant, enough that he begins to ask questions about how you came into possession of the grant he meant to receive years agoHe hasn't found the will to actually look inside the satchel yet.
  
: Master Larsen tells you the ''Morkinskib'' will be departing on the morning of the 31st; he needs four full days in Bergen to unload and load goodsHe will save your berths until then, if you wish to continue onto TrondheimYour paid price so far only gets you to Bergen; it will be a like price again for the next journey to Trondheim.
+
== Lexent & Vafrandir ==
 +
'''The DM:''' A "vittling yard" is a storehouse for shipboard food, for military ships to collect stores for long voyages at sea.  Ships come in and send their boats to the yard to collect sufficient food to fill up their holds; this is managed with an eye dropper, as it were, as ships are not entitled to more food than their orders permit.  You find the place quiet due to the weather, as no captain would risk having a load of their permitted food falling into the sea, not unless they absolutely had to have it in time of war.  There is no war just now, so the yard is empty of boats.  There is a funnel of water pouring off every shed roof and a steady sheet of water pouring across the dock and into the seaPresumedly, you ask for Espen and he's directed to meet with you at the gateAs it happens, he is perhaps the plainest, almost the ugliest guard you've ever met.
  
: Working out a market table for Bergen now.
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Thank you for seeing us sir, we would like to speak with you concerning one Hamish Ross. Marla over at the Courtland told us that you would be the best person to assist us and to speak to no one else until we had spoken with you."
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: '''The DM:''' not a good idea using Hamish's name loosely like that.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Funds deducted for passage. Vafrandir, can you tell me how much the party netted from the sales in Stavanger less what we gave to the hirelings? I'm assuming we're just planning to keep that as party funds for the time being?
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'''The DM:''' There are other guards within earshot as Espen asks what this is about.
  
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' 516 after sending Nadia back to Treborg with 200 - shit, did we send Nadia back to Treborg? Yes, party funds, please.
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'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "It really would be best if we could speak in private, sir."
  
'''Alexis:''' Never mind, found it Lexent. I've sent copies of the Bergen Market to the partyPrices have adjusted.  Bergen has access to markets in England that Stavanger hasn't got; plus it has many more ships that travel direct from place to place, so prices are lower in Bergen than they are in Stavanger, in some things.
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'''Esper:'''  “HmAll right.
  
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Nice!
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'''The DM:''' He leads you to a place along the nearby wall, under an eave, asking again how this affects Hamish.
  
'''The DM:''' Total time of the journey, 36 hours.  Costs only 2 lb. per person per day aboard ship to eat.
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Plainly put, we have proof of his claims and are trying to help set things aright"
  
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Accounted.
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'''Esper:''' “You have proof of his claims?  What kind of proof?”
  
'''The DM:''' Okay, you've got the equipment list; you can chat about how or if you want to approach the Hamish Ross question.  I'm out for the weekend.  I'll check in after a couple hours to see if there were any last questions.  Thank you all.
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' "A document from King Christian IV granting him land on the island of Askøy"
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Funds now up to date. Well, I think its a bit late tonight to do anything, but in the morning we could try to find the seat of government and make inquiries, and also try to search out any local Catholic communities as Hamish Ross could be known among them.
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'''The DM:''' Esper reacts, thunderstruck. He curses, though with relief, before he speaks.
  
'''Pandred''': Surely.
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'''Esper:''' “Hamish is danger. Where is he now?”
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' "In danger? From whom? An associate of ours was seeing him to the Quayside Inn. He is understandably shaken by the change in his fortune."
  
'''The DM:''' InSorry, slept in.
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'''Esper:''' “Sir gnome, you are plainly not from around hereHamish has told everyone in Bergen than when he gets his rights, he will become the Baron of Askøy – something which hasn’t happened.  Just now, most rents on the island are collected by a cartel of Genoans, who assumed the rents on account of the Count of Hordaland’s inability to pay his debts. Now what do you suppose they will do when Hamish produces a document taking those lands away from them?”
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
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'''The DM:''' for the record, the Noble of Hordaland is Count Sissel Grieg, who served as a naval officer in the 1630s; he’s in his early 70s.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I assume we can sleep on the ship - if we want to go ashore, I don't see prices for rooms on the Market sheet you sent. Am I just missing it?
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Would it not be considered treason against the crown if they made any attempt to prevent his rightful claim?"
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Let's do some poking around on Ross. I've no idea where to go, though.
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'''Esper:''' “Yes, of course it would.  But that won’t be a problem for them if Hamish Ross has an accident, would it?”
  
'''The DM:''' Can't sleep on the ship.  You'd be in the way during the loading-unloading process.
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' "So what do you recommend we do? What does Hamish need to do to secure his position?"
  
== Staying Overnight ==
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'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "I imagine Hamish could get some bodyguards - if there's anyone left in Bergen willing to work with him."
[[File:Innkeeper.jpg|right|600px|thumb|]]
 
Use the file on the right for the innkeeper for the time being.  Note [https://wiki.alexissmolensk.com/index.php/Travel#Finding_Lodging the travel page] for how an inn works.
 
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Well, given what we're carrying, I believe we should probably get ourselves at least 1 private room. Thoughts?
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'''Esper:''' “If he can be gotten out of Bergen and to a safehouse, then we can speak with reliable authorities, making sure his acquisition is certified.  Many of the guards here at the yard take bribes from the cartel.  I hope none of them suspect what we are talking about.  I have confederates I can trust, to smuggle him out of town. Can you keep watch on him for a day?  Where are you staying?
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I agree. One of us can stay with the shield, the rest, I'm fine with a common room.
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Yes, we can do that. We have rooms at the Quayside Inn."
  
'''The DM:''' Table gives a choice, doesn't it?
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'''Esper:''' “That’s a good place.  Get a private room there and I will meet you both in the tavern at nine.”
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Private rooms are a single pallet, correct?
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Thank you. We will be there." We head back to the inn.
  
'''The DM:''' correct.  Let me know when you've settled things and we can start the next day.  Do you wish to ask anyone around the inn any questions?  The tavern is still in gear when you enter.
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'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Very good.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I ask around if anyone knows Hamish Ross
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== Notes ==
 +
'''The DM:''' Hands up anyone who feels they’re being manipulated.  I want to double check, because all I’m doing at this point is providing exposition in the best way possible.
  
'''Patron:''' "Hamish?  You mean King Hamish?"  (Hamish would be a rare name in Norway)
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'''[[Lexent]]:'''(OOC) Occasionally having to remind myself of the fact, but no, I don't feel manipulated. Every choice has been ours and excepting things that would naturally be beyond our control.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "A King? King of where?"
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'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I feel the same. We could help Hamish have his accident - and the consequences are clearly outlined. We're making our choices.
  
'''The DM:''' Vafrandir’s question elicits laughter throughout the bar.
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'''The DM:''' Good.  This seems a good time to check.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Ouch, haha
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'''[[Lexent]]:'''(OOC) So is 13 July the next time we plan to play then?
  
'''Patron: ''' “If you’re really interested in finding Hamish, you should try the Courtland InnIt’s further along the waterfront.
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'''The DM:''' Well, we’re off for two weeks.  Enjoy Independence Day.  I’m awaiting a product in the mail that’s expected to arrive between the 2nd and the 6th that will enable me display what I’m working on, so keep an eye out for itWe’ll be starting again two weeks from Tuesday; the 13th of July. Anything else I can help you with?
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Thank you for your help; I hope to assuage my ignorance."
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Not at the moment. This is a tense situation - the cliffhanger should carry us through the time off! See you all soon.
  
'''The DM:''' Action?
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'''[[Lexent]]:'''(OOC) Nope, I'm good. Everyone have an enjoyable holiday! Out.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Let's just get 7 private rooms. Lexent, can you pay? We'll also spring for a leg of mutton (3 sp) and a pint of meg (10 cp) each, before retiring.
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'''The DM:''' Be well!  Out.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I don't believe it is possible for this inn to have that many private rooms still available at this time of night. I ask how many private rooms are available.
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'''The DM:''' OOC (jul12) because the hospital moved Tamara's third operation from the end of April to today (with a follow-up examination tomorrow), there will be no game on Tuesday Jul 13th. But count on me for Wednesday.
  
'''The DM:''' None.  As the linked page on the Authentic wiki tells, “The number of private rooms in a common inn will be 5-8, with an additional 2-12 shared accommodations available. The latter depends on how many permanent residents lodging at present. This is the number that will be available at noon on any given day. For every hour after noon and before 6 p.m., subtract 0-2 from each total; starting with 6 p.m., subtract 1-2 from each total.”  It is well after 9 p.m. now.
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== Restarting the Game ==
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' So are our goods still aboard the ship, and may they remain there?
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
  
'''The DM:''' Worse, as it is a Friday, the 26th, the common room has only six spaces at this time.  Yes regarding your goods.
+
'''The DM:''' In.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Would someone want to accompany me to the Courtland Inn to see if they have any room?
+
'''The DM:''' As ever, picking up after a lull, things will go slowly.  What information do you need right now to enable us to pick up with where we left off?  You have entrusted Hamish to Rosted and returned to the inn.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I will. I recommend everyone else board here.
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' For Vafrandir and I, I can't think of anything we need until we meet up with Rosted in the tavern at 9.
  
'''The DM:''' Pay for that and we'll move on.
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'''The DM:''' I must tell you, the obvious temptation is to suppose that Rosted is a villain, that he spirits Hamish away and that the DM tries to force a scene where the party goes on a quest to rescue Hamish.  I hate these sorts of manipulations by writers in cheap, low-hanging television shows, because they’re so obvious.  I have no intention of implementing any such event at this time.  Do you wish to get better rooms with the rest of the party?  Returning to their inn before noon should ensure there will be rooms available.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' So, which entry on the table is that?
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' Six private rooms, all that had been available, have been reserved through the 30th.
  
== The Cour and ==
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' My understanding was that Hamish was still with Pandred and, presumably, Marcule.
'''The DM:''' The dockside becomes more seedy as you move along north, as you learn to go when asking directions.  Eventually you come to the “Courtland,” though the ‘t’ and the ‘l’ have been rubbed out on the sign.  This is a flophouse, and as you enter you find that unlike the earlier place (the “Quaypost”), there’s only a ten seat tavern and only two seats are needed for the patrons.  There’s no chatter, and nothing here looks to have been clean since 1647.
 
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I inquire as to bed availability.
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'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Pandred has returned to the Quaypost with Hamish and Marcule, we went to Rosted alone. There really is no way for us strangers to be savvy to all the machinations in Bergen so at some point we have to trust someone and deal with whatever fallout.
  
'''Proprietor: ''' “Nearly all taken ... but for fine gentlemen such as yourselves, I’ve a room in the attic that would serve you better that one of the pallets downstairs.  There’s naught a place that foreigners like yourselves should visit.  There are real mattresses in the attic, though I ‘pologize, their bound to be a bit ticky. Would 8 s.p. be enough of a bargain for yeh?”
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'''The DM:''' You get a good feeling from him.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' It's too late to haggle. "We'll take two. Also, we were told to inquire after a certain Hamish Ross here."
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'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I would like to try and find someone about who may have been up towards Bronnoysond and may have the lay of the land. Is there anyone about at the Quaypost at this time?
  
'''Proprietor: ''' “Oh, it’s a room unto itself, sir.  Privacy for the both of you, I assure you. Pardon me for asking ... did you say you were looking for Hamish Ross?”
+
'''[[Pandred]]''': In.
 +
:'''The DM:''' OOC: How was your vacation, Pandred?
 +
::'''Pandred''': Lovely, thank you.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "That's correct."
+
== The Quaypost ==
 +
'''The DM:''' Several people at the Quaypost have asked whether your inquiry about Hamish paid out.  Several people apparently have some affection for the fellow, even though he is something of a notorious figure.
 +
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "A sad story indeed. You never know how a man's life will turn sometimes."
  
'''The DM:''' He looks very surprised.  
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'''The DM:''' As the 27th passes (I believe it’s the 27th), you receive a message from the Morkinskib, confirming that you’re still intending to sail with her on the 30th. Can I confirm that you’ve paid for the trip to Trondheim?
  
'''Proprietor: ''' “One moment sir. I’ll ask my girl.”
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' We had not yet made that payment.
  
'''The DM:''' You hear him talking beyond the door behind the bar, and a girl’s voice answering.
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'''The DM:''' The captain is apparently hungering for it.
  
'''Proprietor: ''' Marla, have you seen King Hamish tonight?
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Should be 13 gp, 12 sp again, correct?
  
'''Marla: ''' He was out in the back an hour ago.
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'''[[Lexent]]:''' Hmmm. Is it going to be a problem to give her that answer (and payment) tomorrow, the 28th? I don't suspect things will have been resolved with Hamish by the 30th, but if we can at least get a feel for things at the meeting with Rosted this evening, we can choose whether we are interested in involving ourselves more deeply here, or moving on.
  
'''The DM:''' The proprietor comes out and relays this information.
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'''The DM:''' For the record, Hamish will need a bath and new clothes.  He has not taken a drink since learning the news.  Let’s take it that you’ve smuggled him into the inn in order to get him presentable.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Can you tell us about him? We'd like to see him tonight if we can."
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'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Good idea Lexent, if possible. We can also get him those things this afternoon.
  
'''Proprietor: ''' “Well sir ... it’s not my place to gossip about others; and if you don’t mind my saying so, you’re strangers to me, sirs.  Most likely best if I hold my tongue sirsI’d say you ought to go out back and see if he’s there.  I’m sorry I can’t let you through the back of the house, sir.  You understand I hope sir.”
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'''The DM:''' Let me know when you’ve bought the clothesDo you intend to tell the captain you’ll pay him tomorrow, or just let it be?
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "No offense taken. Thank you for your help." Lexent, let's go around and see what we can see. When we're out of the building, I'll also mention that I don't think this the Hamish we're after.
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'''The DM:''' It occurs to you that you might want to keep Hamish’s sobriety and good fortune on the down-low, rather than giving people in the Quaypost reason to gossip.
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Oh, I suspect it is, and that he has fallen on hard times having expected items that never made it to him.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Lodging and food paid for.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' “Out back,” after checking all the possibilities, appears not to be some sort of yard or even a stable, but in fact no more than a scummy alley, full of offal, rotten-smelling bags and a single drunk, sleeping face towards one of the alley walls.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Oof." I cover my nose with one hand. "Hamish?" I call.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' No response.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Thought so. I'll get closer and gently shake him.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' The figure groans.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Hamish Ross?"
 
 
 
'''Drunk:'''  “Damn ‘im.”
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Says it with a Scottish accent.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Are you him?"
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Too drunk to answer.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' What do you think, Lexent? Come back out in the morning?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' It might be worth the investment to put him up in the common room of the courtland for the night and try to get some answers in the morning.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Action?
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Yes, let's try to get him inside. If we can get him up - if he fights too much we'll just come back.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' you can pick him up, but when you try to take him inside the proprietor protests, refusing for the sake of the other patrons.  The drunk does smell awful bad.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Even the Cour and has standards. Well, we'll have to see to him in the morning.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Okay, we return him to his previous location and head off to bed.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' does it occur to either of you that he could disappear at some random point in the night?  DM out.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' It did, but I'm not sure what we can do about it besides camp out in the alley. He's his own person, after all.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Probably is; but as a DM I'm tempted by the scenario of making him disappear into the bowels of Bergen, so that you're rousting every dive tavern and flophouse in city trying to find him again.
 
 
 
== Saturday, July 27th ==
 
'''The DM:''' In.  Want to confirm that you're leaving the drunk in the alley.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In. I'll wait a few minutes for Lexent to chime in.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In. I suppose since I only need 4 hours to be fully rested I can go watch over him after that if you think its a good idea.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We can take shifts. I suspect he's going to sleep it off but we've come this far.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Would you like the earlier or later shift?
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'll take the second shift, if you don't mind.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Okay, I let Vafrandir go get some rest and stay watching the drunk.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Not the most exciting duty; the night waxes on, you yawn, you wait ... Vafrandir’s long training causes him to wake up automatically every hour or two, so he comes down and relieves Lexent.  The beds in the attic are VERY ticky, and Vafrandir spends some time watching the drunk and scratching his body ... nothing new for someone in the 17th century.  Morning dawns, Lexent wakes and the day of the 27th starts.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Are we able to wake the drunk?
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' This is a level of drunkedness that won’t be solved by shaking the drunk awake.  He is completely sotted.  You have to take more firm steps if you want consciousness  before a day or two.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' How is the weather?0
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Cool; it is beginning to rain, as it happens.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Excellent. That should at least help with the filth and stench. I ask Vafrandir to wait here with Hamish while I go collect the rest of the party. Together we should be able to help sort him out.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Sure thing.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' It is about 4:30 a.m.  Vafrandir, something you might want to think about is seeing if either the proprietor or Marla will come out and positively identify the drunk.  They know what Hamish looks like.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I was hoping one of them might come back here but looking at the alley I'm not sure why they would. If they're up, I'll go in and ask.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Marla is awake.  She’ll come out and yes, confirm that it’s him.
 
 
 
'''Marla:'''  “Why does it matter to you?”
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "We may have found something that belongs to him. But I need to confirm that this the Hamish I'm looking for."
 
 
 
'''Marla:'''  “Well, this Hamish wasn’t always a drunk.”
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "What was he before, if I may?"
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Are we considering this being before I head off to collect the others?
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' No, Lexent is gone.
 
 
 
'''Marla:'''  “He used to be a mercenary.  He told people that he fought in the wars with King Christian; he boasted to everyone that he was to be made a baron, but when the King died in 1648, there were no patents to prove that Hamish was anyone but a Scotsman.  He went around telling everyone that he was this important fellow, but he sort of became the town joke.  That’s why we call him King Hamish.  He would rail and shout at people in the street, but no one believed him.  Since then, he’s become the worst drunk in Bergen.”
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Sounds a shame. I hope to be able to hear that story from his mouth. Do you have any ideas? A cold bucket of water over the head, perhaps?"
 
 
 
'''Marla:'''  “I don’t know what you mean.”
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "To wake him, I mean. Do you know how long these benders usually last?"
 
 
 
'''Marla:'''  “He hasn’t been sober in 18 months.  I’m sorry.  You want to sober him up?  Or do you just want him to be conscious?”
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "I'll settle for conscious at this point."
 
 
 
'''Marla:'''  “Well, we can give him some hair of the dog.  I don’t know how lucent he’ll be.  Would you be willing to pay six c.p. for a bottle?”
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I have that on me. "Let's try that, if you please. Though I've found it of limited effectiveness myself."
 
 
 
== Meanwhile ... ==
 
'''The DM:''' As Vafrandir and Marla begin to pour some drink into Hamish, Lexent meets with the rest of the party and explains what he's seen.  Is there anyone here other than Lexent?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' They all must be quite tired from our sea voyage.
 
 
 
'''Pandred''': I'm here. Let's trundle off to our comrade-in-arms.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' The rain is increasing as Lexent and Pandred begin gathering themselves together to leave the inn.  This might be a good time to secure those private rooms you wanted before.  As it is a new day, there are 6 private rooms and 6 shared accommodations available.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Are we still interested in all of them, and do we wish to secure them for multiple days?
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Up to you.  I know these details are troublesome, but these would be real everyday concerns.
 
 
 
'''Pandred''': How much time are we spending on rehabilitating this guy? Does Remove Poison do anything for alchohol? Does Cure Disease help with addiction? Or are we just tagging him to come back later on our way from delivering this shield?
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I honestly didn't expect to find him here. I don't think it'd be a good idea to take him up to Bronnoysond - if we can get him lucid, we can give him some coin and pick him up on the way back. He does sound a bit like an ass to be quite honest, but he did get struck pretty hard by.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I think we should spend the 3 days here trying to get his story out of him and find out if delivering his goods to him will be meaningful, or if he's so far gone that it would be a waste at this point.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Let's secure the rooms for the full time remaining. I agree, we've got some time here in Bergen and it will be well spent to answer that question.
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I secure 6 private rooms through the 30th.
 
: '''The DM:''' Understood.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' This will sound strange, but alcohol is not a “toxic” substance.  Drink enough, it will kill you, and faster than many things.  But sufficient garlic, hot peppers, apple seeds and quite a lot of other things have an LD 50 level; we live in a society that emphasizes alcohol as poison because its politically expedient to focus on that aspect, but most people drink alcohol all their lives and are never poisoned by it.  A 17th century world certainly wouldn’t design a spell that included alcohol as one of the poisons to be cured.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' When the party catches up to Vafrandir, they will find him in a discussion with Hamish, who is asking consciously, if still drunk, what business he has buying a bottle of wine for him ... and would he be willing to buy another?
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Are you the Hamish Ross who fought with King Christian?" To the rest of the party: What do you think?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I think the first order of business is getting him to tell his story. Then we'll decide what else to pass on to him.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' He will confirm that he is that Hamish, though he keeps interrupting asking for a bottle.  He talks of places in Schleswig and Mecklenburg where he fought.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' I also need to add that the rain is turning into a storm, the first you’ve seen in months; the wind has increased to a fresh breeze, the rain is rapidly becoming a deluge, with water running out of the alley and across the quay to the sea.  Marla and the Proprietor have permitted you to ease this conversation into the back porch of the Courtland’s establishment, for shelter.
 
 
 
'''Alexis:'''  I have to step out for 20 minutes.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' In.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'm more or less satisfied he's the Hamish we seek. But it's going to be a struggle to get him sober. DM, does the answer to Remove Poison apply to Cure Disease regarding addiction?
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Yes.  Drinking is not a disease.
 
 
 
'''Arvid:'''  “Perhaps we should tell him why we want him to be sober. Get him on our side.”
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Yes. I'm judging the wisdom in that. Can I get a second?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Somewhat reluctantly, yes. I still think we should be very cautious about the information we provide.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Then I'll let you dole it out, haha.
 
 
 
== The Explanation ==
 
'''The DM:''' How would you like to word it?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Hamish, we've heard something of your tale, and have come across information that seems to corroborate it. Can you tell us more of what happened and what you were promised?"
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' He finishes the bottle he’s been given, and growls at Lexent, demanding to know why he should tell anybody anything.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' Out.  We'll continue tomorrow.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Lexent, can you elaborate why we should be careful?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' If it turns out that Hamish is not the kind of person we feel should be running around with the items we have to give him, then the less he knows about the specifics, the easier and safer it will be to just leave well enough alone and use those items in a manner we deem more fitting.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I agree.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' I'd like to ask a question.  It's quite clear that the document found in the airship gives Hamish the barony; unless you feel the document is a fake, and there's no reason to believe that it is, then that document comes directly from the King of Denmark and Norway, the sovereign rightful lord of the land, ordained by god by Divine Right, in the eyes of all the citizenry surrounding you, pretty much every soul in Bergen.  I'd like to ask if you see yourself, a foreigner to this land, and not a believer in the Christian God, as above the King in deciding whether this man, reasonably identified as THE rightful baron according to the document in your pocket, is worthy of what he's been rightfully entitled to receive?  And if that is the case, then why bother judging him at all?  Why not just steal the money?
 
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
 
 
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In. Don't think I haven't thought about it. Call it altruism, I guess. Call it a weakness. You could say it would make us a powerful friend - or it could make US the powerful friend.
 
 
 
'''The DM:''' In.
 
  
: I only want to make the party understand that they’re playing a dangerous game.  It’s clear that this is THE Hamish; and that he’s entitled to his lands legally and ethically, by the standards of a monarchy.  The phrase that Lexent just spoke about deciding “what kind of person” Hamish is, would receive a tremendous backlash from any of your followers – if they already know that Hamish is the owed receiver of the money, then failing to give it to him now would certainly have one of them rush to an authority to denounce the party as anti-monarchists ... and trust me, you don’t want to go there, without any means of getting out of the country, getting back your things or finding a refuge elsewhere.  It is just the way the world works.
+
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Yea, I'm not spilling too many beans, I hope.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I ask the party to confer for a moment and address my remarks to them (Pandred, Vafrandir, Marcule, and Arduin)
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' How did the message from the Morkinskib arrive?
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "It seems as though now is the point at which we have to make a decision. We can either tell Hamish everything and give him what's his, or we can leave him here and hope that us using it won't come back to bite us."
+
'''The DM:''' It was a message left with the innkeeper.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Overall, I vote for giving it to him. Primarily because it is the right thing to do, but also because I feel like the risk of keeping it to ourselves outweighs the reward."
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' What does everyone think? Leaving the message unanswered until tomorrow carries the risk of complications with our stowed possessions, answering it with a request for delay limits our options slightly, while confirming passage and making payment will likely lead to us forfeiting those funds if we change our minds. Or are our minds made up that no matter what happens this evening, we plan to sail on the 30th?
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "It appears as though he's had a rough go of things, but with what we can provide, he should be able to get his life back on track."
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We're not delaying the ship. Just figuring out whether we should stay here in Bergen for a few more days, since it'll likely be a few weeks since we're back.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "What do all the rest of you think? "
+
'''[[Pandred]]''': You think we can solve this in a few days, or you just ready to eat the cost?
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' It's what we're here for. My only concern is that he understand what he's been given - because he's going to have to pick up the gold at some point.
+
'''The DM:''' You could send a message to the captain that you'll pay him tomorrow ... then change your mind or put him off until the 29th, with the possible ill-feelings that would produce.
  
'''The DM:''' Actually, the moment to make a decision passed already; it occurred before you arrived in Bergen. You already accepted my having Arvid give advice as to what to do with Hamish.  You didn’t cover your tracks that well as would-be thieves and you lost this one.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I do not think that we can solve this in a few days, but hopefully after tonight we can make a better decision on whether or not we are interested in being involved in its solving. My inclination is to send a message back to the ship that we have some business to resolve this evening, but will come by tomorrow to square things away.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I'm not speaking for the rest of the party but I never got the impression we were going to steal it. At least, not since we got back to Treborg.
+
'''The DM:''' I await your doing that.
  
'''The DM:''' If you don’t hand it over now, you’re “stealing” it.  That’s how the era would see it.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Does everyone else like that plan of action?
  
'''Pandred''': I'll be honest Vaf I was growing increasingly okay with keeping it until we roped the hirelings into things. Now we've found him, and all I want to know is if we're giving him his money -and moving on- or if we're giving him his money -and helping him back on his feet-. It's a question of investment in his wellbeing at this point for me.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I concur. That doesn't make any promises we'll break.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I go back to Hamish and hand him the pack from the wreck.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Very well. I compose a message to Captain Larsen stating that we have business to which we must attend this evening, but that we shall come by tomorrow morning to square things away. I then have the message sent to the ship.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "While exploring in Rogaland, we came across the wreck of an airship which contained this pouch in which we found this scroll granting you your land on the island of Askøy."
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' After completing that, I go to the room where we have Hamish and ask him if he has any preferences on the change of clothing that we are going to help procure for him.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Later while dealing with a goblin tribe that was causing trouble in the area we came across three chests that seemingly had been removed from the same wreck bearing your name and containing a considerable sum of money. These are currently stowed aboard the ''Morkinskib'', the ship we travelled on to reach here."
+
'''The DM:''' He’s sleeping.  Probably best that you just pick out some basic things.
  
'''The DM:''' Hamish Ross does little more than blink at you. Marla on the other hand ...
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Yea, just we're mostly concerned that it be clean.
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' I have difficulty accessing the Market excel sheet here at work. Can you or Pandred select something appropriate?
 +
::'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' workman's wear, 18 gp.
 +
:::'''[[Lexent]]:''' Deducted.
  
'''Marla:''' “Really?”
+
'''The DM:''' Pay the money and we’ll move on.
  
'''Pandred:''' "Really."
+
== Evening ==
 +
'''The DM:''' Rosted will arrive after 7:30, along with two trusted compatriots, Alvin and Sven.  He’ll introduce them and suggest taking the conversation to the yard, a green space out back between the tavern and the outhouse.  He’ll suggest standing back from the outhouse path, so as not to be overheard by passersby.
  
'''Marla:''' “Don’t tell my boss.
+
'''Pandred''': I'll introduce myself, thank them for sticking their necks out. "What's the plan, lads?"
  
'''The DM:''' The proprietor is not present at the moment.
+
'''Esper:''' “Sven has a hunting lodge five miles to the east from here.  If we smuggle him out of Bergen and take him to the lodge, we can dry him out there.  Alvin’s cousin is the chief scribe of the Thane of Odda; Alvin will visit him and attempt to have the Thane recognize Hamish as the legitimate title-holder of Askoy. You have the documents with you?”
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Why is that, if I may ask?"
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "We do. Who will be looking for him or recognize him when we try to smuggle him out? Does anyone suspect his newfound legitimacy?"
  
'''Marla:'''  “He’s not what you’d call ... um ... honest.”
+
'''Esper:'''  “The Genoans almost certainly do. No doubt they’re used to losing track of him inside the city for weeks at a time, but if one of their number see him leaving the town in the company of citizens, there will be suspicion.”
  
'''The DM:''' Meanwhile, Hamish has risen to his feet, under his own powerHe starts under his own power to walk down the alley.
+
'''Esper:''' “Once we’re able to have the Thane meet with Hamish and confirm the documents, then the Count of Hordaland will be forced to acknowledge him also.  Until then, we shouldn’t expect the Count to be on our sideNo doubt, he’d love to thwart the Genoans, but he doesn’t dare do so without explicit right.  The Genoans have friends in Copenhagen, too.
  
== Digression ==
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "How long do you think it will take for that recognition to take place?"
'''Alexis:''' Want to let you know ... we’re going to be losing one of our number due to a two weeks vacation, starting after today; I’d rather the information wasn’t shared, since it was told to me privately, but I’d just as soon agree not to play again until we’re a compliment of at least three.  Marcule has let me know that he’s on-off for the summer, so I don’t know when he’ll be able to sort his schedule out.  I trust this is understandable for everyone.
 
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Understandable.
+
'''Esper:''' “Depends on how long it will take for Hamish to dry out. A few weeks.  He’ll need to be presentable.  If it’s all right with you, we’ll take the documents and Hamish and make our exit from Bergen tonight.  Do you wish to come along as additional protection, in case something arises?”
  
== Hamish ==
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "We had made plans to sail north from here on the 30th, and most of our effects are still stowed upon the ship on which we arrived. This, however, also includes a couple of chests that we found in connection with those documents and bearing Hamish's name."
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' [to Marla] "Thank you."
+
'''Esper:''' “According to what we’ve been able to find out, the King sent more than ten thousand gold pieces along with the title.  I assume some of this fills the chests you mention. It’s probably best to hide that inside the city.  Can we make arrangements to get it off the ship before daybreak?”
  
'''Pandred''': I'll tag along with ol' Ham wherever he ends up today. We can explain again if it's another alley.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "I don't think we have any objections to that, but I'm not sure what the captain will have to say about it. Do you have a place inside the city that you feel will be secure?"
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I follow. Pandred, did you give him the scroll?
+
'''The DM:''' Why would the captain care that you’re removing your cargo from his ship that you’ve paid him to carry?  Isn’t that part of the privilege you’re paying for?
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' I assume that doing so will cause some amount of disruption on the ship which he may not enjoy in the middle of the night.
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I follow as well. I handed the pack toward him, but it seems like he didn't take it.
+
'''The DM:''' Ships run 24/7. There is no “middle of the night.”  It is merely the next watch.
  
'''The DM:''' He turns at the alley and walks across the dockside towards the water.  There are mooring pillars and planking along the edge, but there are no ships at the quay he’s walking towards.  As you watch, he moves to the edge of the water, where it’s deep enough for a ship.  And appears to take a deep breath.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "We can get it off tonight. Where can we bring it?"
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' How bad are the weather conditions now? Still a storm?
+
'''Esper:''' “I suggest we go together; I know the docks better than you, and so I know who’s watching.  Alvin, you want to fetch me half a dozen of our shoremen friends? Collect them at the guard post by Nadja’s place.  We’ll be by in half an hour.”
  
'''Pandred''': I'll put a meaty paw on his shoulder here. I'll manhandle him back if he gets notions of swimming.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Very good. We'll meet you there." Who'll come with me? Someone can stay here with Hamish.
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' There are worse ways to get clean/sober up...
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "I'll come." I accompany Vafrandir to the ship.
  
'''Pandred''': Maybe so, but I have 8 points of swimming and 30 pounds of clothes. "Baron Hamish. We'd be happy to get you cleaned up for your return to Askoy."
+
'''[[Pandred]]''': I got the Ham.
  
'''Alexis:''' Sorry about the delays, we’ve had a natural baby disaster today; a little too much vacating, if you know what I mean.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' As we travel I ask: "I suppose then, that we have a choice to make. Do we wish to continue with our plans to head north at this time, and merely deliver Hamish's goods to him at this time, trusting these fine gentlemen to adequately guard his interests, or would we rather forgo the trip to Trondheim for the time being and put in all our efforts to see Hamish restored to his rightful place?"
  
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Indeed.
+
'''The DM:''' Esper suggests that getting Hamish gone is the first priority.  Are you willing to take him and Sven to Hamish and hand over the document?  And while I heard Lexent decline on the offer to go with as protection, I need to know the rest of the party’s thoughts on that. Are you good to let Hamish go off without you?
  
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Very familiar with such situations!
+
'''The DM:''' Lexent and I are thinking alike.  Out until Friday.  Getting my second shot tomorrow for covid.

Revision as of 14:04, 14 July 2021

Continued from On to Bergen

Pandred

The DM: It is anything but pleasant out here in the storm. There's really nowhere to change Hamish's clothing except in an alley somewhere, even though rain is sousing every stitch of clothing that the party has on. Hamish seems more cognizant, enough that he begins to ask questions about how you came into possession of the grant he meant to receive years ago. He hasn't found the will to actually look inside the satchel yet.

Lexent & Vafrandir

The DM: A "vittling yard" is a storehouse for shipboard food, for military ships to collect stores for long voyages at sea. Ships come in and send their boats to the yard to collect sufficient food to fill up their holds; this is managed with an eye dropper, as it were, as ships are not entitled to more food than their orders permit. You find the place quiet due to the weather, as no captain would risk having a load of their permitted food falling into the sea, not unless they absolutely had to have it in time of war. There is no war just now, so the yard is empty of boats. There is a funnel of water pouring off every shed roof and a steady sheet of water pouring across the dock and into the sea. Presumedly, you ask for Espen and he's directed to meet with you at the gate. As it happens, he is perhaps the plainest, almost the ugliest guard you've ever met.

Lexent: "Thank you for seeing us sir, we would like to speak with you concerning one Hamish Ross. Marla over at the Courtland told us that you would be the best person to assist us and to speak to no one else until we had spoken with you."

The DM: not a good idea using Hamish's name loosely like that.

The DM: There are other guards within earshot as Espen asks what this is about.

Vafrandir: "It really would be best if we could speak in private, sir."

Esper: “Hm. All right.”

The DM: He leads you to a place along the nearby wall, under an eave, asking again how this affects Hamish.

Lexent: "Plainly put, we have proof of his claims and are trying to help set things aright"

Esper: “You have proof of his claims? What kind of proof?”

Lexent: "A document from King Christian IV granting him land on the island of Askøy"

The DM: Esper reacts, thunderstruck. He curses, though with relief, before he speaks.

Esper: “Hamish is danger. Where is he now?”

Lexent: "In danger? From whom? An associate of ours was seeing him to the Quayside Inn. He is understandably shaken by the change in his fortune."

Esper: “Sir gnome, you are plainly not from around here. Hamish has told everyone in Bergen than when he gets his rights, he will become the Baron of Askøy – something which hasn’t happened. Just now, most rents on the island are collected by a cartel of Genoans, who assumed the rents on account of the Count of Hordaland’s inability to pay his debts. Now what do you suppose they will do when Hamish produces a document taking those lands away from them?”

The DM: for the record, the Noble of Hordaland is Count Sissel Grieg, who served as a naval officer in the 1630s; he’s in his early 70s.

Lexent: "Would it not be considered treason against the crown if they made any attempt to prevent his rightful claim?"

Esper: “Yes, of course it would. But that won’t be a problem for them if Hamish Ross has an accident, would it?”

Lexent: "So what do you recommend we do? What does Hamish need to do to secure his position?"

Vafrandir: "I imagine Hamish could get some bodyguards - if there's anyone left in Bergen willing to work with him."

Esper: “If he can be gotten out of Bergen and to a safehouse, then we can speak with reliable authorities, making sure his acquisition is certified. Many of the guards here at the yard take bribes from the cartel. I hope none of them suspect what we are talking about. I have confederates I can trust, to smuggle him out of town. Can you keep watch on him for a day? Where are you staying?”

Lexent: "Yes, we can do that. We have rooms at the Quayside Inn."

Esper: “That’s a good place. Get a private room there and I will meet you both in the tavern at nine.”

Lexent: "Thank you. We will be there." We head back to the inn.

Vafrandir: Very good.

Notes

The DM: Hands up anyone who feels they’re being manipulated. I want to double check, because all I’m doing at this point is providing exposition in the best way possible.

Lexent:(OOC) Occasionally having to remind myself of the fact, but no, I don't feel manipulated. Every choice has been ours and excepting things that would naturally be beyond our control.

Vafrandir: I feel the same. We could help Hamish have his accident - and the consequences are clearly outlined. We're making our choices.

The DM: Good. This seems a good time to check.

Lexent:(OOC) So is 13 July the next time we plan to play then?

The DM: Well, we’re off for two weeks. Enjoy Independence Day. I’m awaiting a product in the mail that’s expected to arrive between the 2nd and the 6th that will enable me display what I’m working on, so keep an eye out for it. We’ll be starting again two weeks from Tuesday; the 13th of July. Anything else I can help you with?

Vafrandir: Not at the moment. This is a tense situation - the cliffhanger should carry us through the time off! See you all soon.

Lexent:(OOC) Nope, I'm good. Everyone have an enjoyable holiday! Out.

The DM: Be well! Out.

The DM: OOC (jul12) because the hospital moved Tamara's third operation from the end of April to today (with a follow-up examination tomorrow), there will be no game on Tuesday Jul 13th. But count on me for Wednesday.

Restarting the Game

Lexent: In.

Vafrandir: In.

The DM: In.

The DM: As ever, picking up after a lull, things will go slowly. What information do you need right now to enable us to pick up with where we left off? You have entrusted Hamish to Rosted and returned to the inn.

Lexent: For Vafrandir and I, I can't think of anything we need until we meet up with Rosted in the tavern at 9.

The DM: I must tell you, the obvious temptation is to suppose that Rosted is a villain, that he spirits Hamish away and that the DM tries to force a scene where the party goes on a quest to rescue Hamish. I hate these sorts of manipulations by writers in cheap, low-hanging television shows, because they’re so obvious. I have no intention of implementing any such event at this time. Do you wish to get better rooms with the rest of the party? Returning to their inn before noon should ensure there will be rooms available.

Lexent: Six private rooms, all that had been available, have been reserved through the 30th.

Lexent: My understanding was that Hamish was still with Pandred and, presumably, Marcule.

Vafrandir: Pandred has returned to the Quaypost with Hamish and Marcule, we went to Rosted alone. There really is no way for us strangers to be savvy to all the machinations in Bergen so at some point we have to trust someone and deal with whatever fallout.

The DM: You get a good feeling from him.

Vafrandir: I would like to try and find someone about who may have been up towards Bronnoysond and may have the lay of the land. Is there anyone about at the Quaypost at this time?

Pandred: In.

The DM: OOC: How was your vacation, Pandred?
Pandred: Lovely, thank you.

The Quaypost

The DM: Several people at the Quaypost have asked whether your inquiry about Hamish paid out. Several people apparently have some affection for the fellow, even though he is something of a notorious figure.

Vafrandir: "A sad story indeed. You never know how a man's life will turn sometimes."

The DM: As the 27th passes (I believe it’s the 27th), you receive a message from the Morkinskib, confirming that you’re still intending to sail with her on the 30th. Can I confirm that you’ve paid for the trip to Trondheim?

Lexent: We had not yet made that payment.

The DM: The captain is apparently hungering for it.

Vafrandir: Should be 13 gp, 12 sp again, correct?

Lexent: Hmmm. Is it going to be a problem to give her that answer (and payment) tomorrow, the 28th? I don't suspect things will have been resolved with Hamish by the 30th, but if we can at least get a feel for things at the meeting with Rosted this evening, we can choose whether we are interested in involving ourselves more deeply here, or moving on.

The DM: For the record, Hamish will need a bath and new clothes. He has not taken a drink since learning the news. Let’s take it that you’ve smuggled him into the inn in order to get him presentable.

Vafrandir: Good idea Lexent, if possible. We can also get him those things this afternoon.

The DM: Let me know when you’ve bought the clothes. Do you intend to tell the captain you’ll pay him tomorrow, or just let it be?

The DM: It occurs to you that you might want to keep Hamish’s sobriety and good fortune on the down-low, rather than giving people in the Quaypost reason to gossip.

Vafrandir: Yea, I'm not spilling too many beans, I hope.

Lexent: How did the message from the Morkinskib arrive?

The DM: It was a message left with the innkeeper.

Lexent: What does everyone think? Leaving the message unanswered until tomorrow carries the risk of complications with our stowed possessions, answering it with a request for delay limits our options slightly, while confirming passage and making payment will likely lead to us forfeiting those funds if we change our minds. Or are our minds made up that no matter what happens this evening, we plan to sail on the 30th?

Vafrandir: We're not delaying the ship. Just figuring out whether we should stay here in Bergen for a few more days, since it'll likely be a few weeks since we're back.

Pandred: You think we can solve this in a few days, or you just ready to eat the cost?

The DM: You could send a message to the captain that you'll pay him tomorrow ... then change your mind or put him off until the 29th, with the possible ill-feelings that would produce.

Lexent: I do not think that we can solve this in a few days, but hopefully after tonight we can make a better decision on whether or not we are interested in being involved in its solving. My inclination is to send a message back to the ship that we have some business to resolve this evening, but will come by tomorrow to square things away.

The DM: I await your doing that.

Lexent: Does everyone else like that plan of action?

Vafrandir: I concur. That doesn't make any promises we'll break.

Lexent: Very well. I compose a message to Captain Larsen stating that we have business to which we must attend this evening, but that we shall come by tomorrow morning to square things away. I then have the message sent to the ship.

Lexent: After completing that, I go to the room where we have Hamish and ask him if he has any preferences on the change of clothing that we are going to help procure for him.

The DM: He’s sleeping. Probably best that you just pick out some basic things.

Vafrandir: Yea, just we're mostly concerned that it be clean.

Lexent: I have difficulty accessing the Market excel sheet here at work. Can you or Pandred select something appropriate?
Vafrandir: workman's wear, 18 gp.
Lexent: Deducted.

The DM: Pay the money and we’ll move on.

Evening

The DM: Rosted will arrive after 7:30, along with two trusted compatriots, Alvin and Sven. He’ll introduce them and suggest taking the conversation to the yard, a green space out back between the tavern and the outhouse. He’ll suggest standing back from the outhouse path, so as not to be overheard by passersby.

Pandred: I'll introduce myself, thank them for sticking their necks out. "What's the plan, lads?"

Esper: “Sven has a hunting lodge five miles to the east from here. If we smuggle him out of Bergen and take him to the lodge, we can dry him out there. Alvin’s cousin is the chief scribe of the Thane of Odda; Alvin will visit him and attempt to have the Thane recognize Hamish as the legitimate title-holder of Askoy. You have the documents with you?”

Vafrandir: "We do. Who will be looking for him or recognize him when we try to smuggle him out? Does anyone suspect his newfound legitimacy?"

Esper: “The Genoans almost certainly do. No doubt they’re used to losing track of him inside the city for weeks at a time, but if one of their number see him leaving the town in the company of citizens, there will be suspicion.”

Esper: “Once we’re able to have the Thane meet with Hamish and confirm the documents, then the Count of Hordaland will be forced to acknowledge him also. Until then, we shouldn’t expect the Count to be on our side. No doubt, he’d love to thwart the Genoans, but he doesn’t dare do so without explicit right. The Genoans have friends in Copenhagen, too.”

Lexent: "How long do you think it will take for that recognition to take place?"

Esper: “Depends on how long it will take for Hamish to dry out. A few weeks. He’ll need to be presentable. If it’s all right with you, we’ll take the documents and Hamish and make our exit from Bergen tonight. Do you wish to come along as additional protection, in case something arises?”

Lexent: "We had made plans to sail north from here on the 30th, and most of our effects are still stowed upon the ship on which we arrived. This, however, also includes a couple of chests that we found in connection with those documents and bearing Hamish's name."

Esper: “According to what we’ve been able to find out, the King sent more than ten thousand gold pieces along with the title. I assume some of this fills the chests you mention. It’s probably best to hide that inside the city. Can we make arrangements to get it off the ship before daybreak?”

Lexent: "I don't think we have any objections to that, but I'm not sure what the captain will have to say about it. Do you have a place inside the city that you feel will be secure?"

The DM: Why would the captain care that you’re removing your cargo from his ship that you’ve paid him to carry? Isn’t that part of the privilege you’re paying for?

Lexent: I assume that doing so will cause some amount of disruption on the ship which he may not enjoy in the middle of the night.

The DM: Ships run 24/7. There is no “middle of the night.” It is merely the next watch.

Vafrandir: "We can get it off tonight. Where can we bring it?"

Esper: “I suggest we go together; I know the docks better than you, and so I know who’s watching. Alvin, you want to fetch me half a dozen of our shoremen friends? Collect them at the guard post by Nadja’s place. We’ll be by in half an hour.”

Vafrandir: "Very good. We'll meet you there." Who'll come with me? Someone can stay here with Hamish.

Lexent: "I'll come." I accompany Vafrandir to the ship.

Pandred: I got the Ham.

Lexent: As we travel I ask: "I suppose then, that we have a choice to make. Do we wish to continue with our plans to head north at this time, and merely deliver Hamish's goods to him at this time, trusting these fine gentlemen to adequately guard his interests, or would we rather forgo the trip to Trondheim for the time being and put in all our efforts to see Hamish restored to his rightful place?"

The DM: Esper suggests that getting Hamish gone is the first priority. Are you willing to take him and Sven to Hamish and hand over the document? And while I heard Lexent decline on the offer to go with as protection, I need to know the rest of the party’s thoughts on that. Are you good to let Hamish go off without you?

The DM: Lexent and I are thinking alike. Out until Friday. Getting my second shot tomorrow for covid.