Difference between pages "Espen Rosted" and "The Baron"

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Continued from '''[[On to Bergen]]'''
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Continued from '''[[Visitor]]'''
  
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== Pandred ==
+
'''The DM:''' on the 19th, a party appears from the east consisting of Alvin, Caleb (who apparently found his way there), the Thane of Odda and half a dozen attendents.  Sven calls out their appearance and everyone goes to see them on their way.  Hamish, who is cleaned up now and sober, shakes your hands as they approach and tells you each that he is greatly indebted to the service you’ve provided for him.  That he won’t forget it, when his title is finally given.
−
'''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 ==
+
: It's a beautiful day, with a bare breeze blowing from the west, pleasant weather and a clear blue sky.
−
'''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."
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "I am glad to have had the opportunity to assist in your recovery, and in getting to know you as person."
−
: '''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.
+
'''Pandred''': I'll smile and nod.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "It really would be best if we could speak in private, sir."
+
'''The DM:''' The Thane comes forward to meet the party.  He and Hamish grip arms, a certain amount of ceremony is expressed ... but since the patents have been viewed, the meeting is merely to convince the Thane that Hamish is a serious, able person.  Lexent has made that possible, though of course Hamish has only 9 of his 14 charisma.  He is a bit halting in his speech, but he is sound enough to convince the Thane that they should speak alone for a time.  Caleb falls into a private conversation with Bergthora, Alvin recounts his experiences with Sven and the party find themselves ignored.
  
−
'''Esper:''' “Hm.  All right.”
+
'''Pandred''': I'll settle in, wait to hear from the Baron what this means for him in the immediate future.
  
−
'''The DM:''' He leads you to a place along the nearby wall, under an eave, asking again how this affects Hamish.
+
'''The DM:''' The word will make itself slowly understood, that the ‘Baron’ in the title describes Baron Hamish Ross.  The Thane suggests that he, Ross and his entourage make their way immediately to Voss, to confront the Count face-to-face at his summer residence there.  Caleb speaks up to say that the way has been made safe and that no one need worry about bandits along the way.
 +
:'''[[Lexent]]:''' Ah. Misunderstood 'his entourage'.
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Plainly put, we have proof of his claims and are trying to help set things aright"
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I begin collecting my things in order to set out with them.</span>
  
−
'''Esper:'''  “You have proof of his claims?  What kind of proof?”
+
'''Sven:''' (speaking to Lexent) “Thank you for all you have done, and for ensuring that we’ve been safe these past three weeks.  I think its probably best if we part ways from here.”
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "A document from King Christian IV granting him land on the island of Askøy"
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "You're welcome. Thank you for the protection and anonymity you provided. Give our regards to Espen Rosted as well."
  
−
'''The DM:''' Esper reacts, thunderstruck.  He curses, though with relief, before he speaks.
+
'''The DM:''' the Thane will acknowledge you as well, though with hardly more than a nod and a bow.  Hamish will embrace Lexent and shake the hands of the rest of the party.  Caleb gives Vafrandir a rueful glance.  Bergthora says goodbye to Pandred, saying that “I’m sure we’ll meet again.”  Without waiting, they all head off, leaving the party behind.
  
−
'''Esper:''' “Hamish is danger.  Where is he now?”
+
== What Now? ==
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Well, shall we return to Bergen and try to find passage to Trondheim?"
  
−
'''[[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."
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Arduin, do you think we still have time in the season to make such a journey before the winter turns deadly?"
  
−
'''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:''' Arduin can say that it is never truly cold, as in Arctic, but it is miserably damp and sloppy, with enough snow to make tramping through the wilderness impractical.
  
−
'''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]]:''' That is what I fear. At what point in the year does that occur?
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Would it not be considered treason against the crown if they made any attempt to prevent his rightful claim?"
+
'''Arvid:''' “Perhaps we should winter south, masters?”
  
−
'''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:''' the days have already begun to rapidly shorten; by late September, the nights are longer than the days and by late October the days in Bronnoykoy are very short indeed.
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "So what do you recommend we do? What does Hamish need to do to secure his position?"
+
'''Pandred''': I will growl in frustration. "There's no ''goblins'' south!" "Where was Dilhak going, maybe we can still chase the giant bear!"
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "I imagine Hamish could get some bodyguards - if there's anyone left in Bergen willing to work with him."
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Let us head back to Bergen we can decide our course from there."
  
−
'''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?”
+
'''Arvid:''' "Is that safe?"
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Yes, we can do that. We have rooms at the Quayside Inn."
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "What precisely is your concern?"
  
−
'''Esper:''' “That’s a good place.  Get a private room there and I will meet you both in the tavern at nine.”
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' (To Pandred) "Dilhak was planning to return south before winter set in."
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Thank you. We will be there." We head back to the inn.
+
'''Arvid:''' “Well ... if Tacitus knew about us helping Hamish ... isn’t there a possibility the Genoans will also know about us?  And might have a description?  And might recognize us if we returned to Bergen?”
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Very good.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Hmm. I hadn't considered that. I suppose they might be ... displeased and seek to take out their frustrations on us."
  
−
== Notes ==
+
'''Pandred''': "You'd rather chase after the Baron? We're not wanted there either."
−
'''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.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "These Genoans seem to cause a great deal of trouble. Might there be something we could accomplish to lessen their influence? Perhaps Bergotha and her friends would be able to provide us with some ideas to counter them."
  
−
'''[[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:''' They have already gone off on their way ... though I suppose they’re still in sight.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Good. This seems a good time to check.
+
'''Pandred''': "Our contacts just left up the road. Must we suffer the indignity of scurrying after them only to be told to deal with it on our own?"
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:'''(OOC) So is 13 July the next time we plan to play then?
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Well, what do you wish to do then? The paths with which we are familiar, both north and south, pass through Bergen. I doubt our supplies will last us for a journey anywhere else without resupplying in Bergen."
  
−
'''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?
+
'''The DM:''' The distances are not so great as you might think.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Not at the moment. This is a tense situation - the cliffhanger should carry us through the time off! See you all soon.
+
'''Pandred''': I mean that's a lot of trekking around the Fjords. Maybe I'm not seeing something, but it seems like without returning to hire a boat in Bergen we're basically spending the rest of autumn walking home.
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:'''(OOC) Nope, I'm good. Everyone have an enjoyable holiday! Out.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Also, the shield, I believe, is still in Bergen.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Be well!  Out.
+
'''Pandred''': I'm Out for at least an hour here, but I do want to tease this out. It's a damn shame Vaf couldn't make it today, he knows our supplies better than anyone. I am fully okay with burning Bergen to the ground in a fight to the death with the Genoese though, just putting it out there.
  
−
'''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:''' You’re about 8 miles east of Bergen; but like with Rogaland, there are little Hamlets on the water all about.  Any of those will get you across the right fjord to get back home, if that’s the goal.  I don’t know what I can say about the shield.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I believe it was stashed wherever we took Hamish's gold.
 +
 
 +
'''The DM:''' I don't believe any measures were taken to store things in Bergen.  You got the gold off the ship to give to Hamish; you didn't give him the shield; that means you must still have it with you.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Looking at Vafrandir's Cargo document, I see the shield being listed as on the cart. Did we bring the cart and animals with us to Bergen and on to the lodge since then?
 +
 
 +
'''The DM:''' If it is on the cart, it is in Treborg.  You did not bring the cart on the ship.  For example, the cart would not have gone on the longboat to get to Stavanger to take the ship to Bergen.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Hmm. Well, I know we have the shield, its half the reason we made this trip and has been mentioned several times. Vafrandir just must not have updated it on the document.
 +
 
 +
'''The DM:''' I know you '''wanted''' to have the shield ... but there's always that pesky detail of remembering to bring it along, isn't there? Something about Des Moines seems to prey on my memory.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Well, not being the company quartermaster, I cannot say for sure. It would actually be a lot easier to deal with at this point not to have brought it, but that feels kind of ... convenient at this point.
 +
 
 +
'''The DM:''' It is something Vafrandir can settle.  I'm not worried about the convenience of it; all in all, kind of funny.  Either way, I haven't been keeping track of it so I know no more than you.
 +
 
 +
'''The DM:''' Out.
 +
 
 +
'''The DM:''' In.
  
−
== Restarting the Game ==
 
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
 
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
 +
 +
'''The DM:''' Still in the same place we were.
 +
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Yeah. I'm having difficulty figuring out a plan of action that doesn't include returning to Bergen, especially since I'm not really sure what supplies we have on hand.
 +
 +
'''The DM:''' I'd like to provide a map, but I haven't got a pretext for your having that information at this time.  In Bergen, I could justify this by supposing that you asked numerous people to explain the countryside; but as you're not from around here, and there are no people, my hands are tied.  Just heading out and exploring is an option, of course.
 +
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' True, but without knowing we have sufficient supplies, that seems like asking for trouble. I'd like to wait for Pandred/Arduin and Marcule to weigh in.
 +
 +
'''The DM:''' Looks like we have a long wait today.
 +
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Indeed. Just a part of playing this format.
 +
 +
'''The DM:''' Out.
 +
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In.
 +
 +
'''The DM:''' In.  Here we are again, apparently.  Heh.
 +
 +
'''Pandred''': Ok. In. Let's rumble. By which I mean, let's consider whether or not we're going to meander back home or do something else.
 +
 +
'''The DM:''' Vafrandir is here, but he hasn't logged in on this page.
  
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
 
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' In.
  
−
'''The DM:''' In.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Let me go back through the pages. I believe we stated we took the shield several times (and not the cart), but in the back-and-forth it's easy to lose track of details, or forget to transfer that to the sheet. Or perhaps we simply left it and must deal with it.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' My biggest concern is food supplies. I think looking into working against the Genoese might be enjoyable, but am happy to head for home as well.
  
−
'''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.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We never specifically stated we brought the shield. Therefore, it must be in Treborg.
  
−
'''[[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:''' You sure you didn't account for its weight in shipping tonnage?
 +
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Looks like I accounted for all the cart equipment (which would include the shield) but not the cart itself. That's significantly lessened now without the gold. Give me a minute and I'll go back over my notes and provide a full accounting of what we have now (and resolve any mistakes).
  
−
'''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.
+
'''Pandred''': Silly, but ok. So. Are we staying here and causing trouble for Genoans, or are we Wintering back in Treborg and hoping we get a nice letter from the Baron? Something like "I'm definitely not beholden to one or more criminal interests, please don't come rescue me."
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Six private rooms, all that had been available, have been reserved through the 30th.
+
'''The DM:''' So?
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' My understanding was that Hamish was still with Pandred and, presumably, Marcule.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I say we help with the Genoan Problem.
  
−
'''[[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.
+
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' I did account for the shield in the original tonnage, along with several chests of food. Speaking of which, let me account for food for the last several days. How long have we been at the lodge?
  
−
'''The DM:''' You get a good feeling from him.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' 23 Days, I believe.
  
−
'''[[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?
+
'''The DM:''' Then you have the shield with you. Unless you'd prefer to assume its with Embla's parents in Stavanger at this time.
  
−
'''[[Pandred]]''': In.
+
'''The DM:''' It is the 19th of August just now, about 7pm.
−
:'''The DM:''' OOC: How was your vacation, Pandred?
 
−
::'''Pandred''': Lovely, thank you.
 
  
−
'''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]]:''' So that is 23×2×7, with an additional 4×2 pounds for our fight, for a total of 330.
−
:'''[[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?
+
'''The DM:''' I would like to know what you might think you could do against the Genoans.  They are, after all, presently in legal possession of Hamish's land.
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' We had not yet made that payment.
+
'''Pandred''': That tone suggests you don't think my cunning plan of "rough up anyone who looks Mediterranean" was entirely thought through.
 +
: '''The DM:''' Give it a try, see what happens.
  
−
'''The DM:''' The captain is apparently hungering for it.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Well, I'm not sure, it was just a thought I had since it seemed as though they were using questionable means to hold it and there are concerns that they might retaliate against us in illegal ways. My thoughts had been to discuss the situation with Bergotha and her friends, to see if there might be some things we could do to undermine their more questionable acivities.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Should be 13 gp, 12 sp again, correct?
+
'''Pandred''': Lex and I appear to be of one mind here. We don't know anyone else, and these are the only people we do know who would have an aligned interest. Even if my ultimate goal is to beat Tacitus in a fistfight like I should have originally done.
  
−
'''[[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:''' I gave you plenty of opportunities to dive in and discuss such matters with Bergthora or anyone else.  Asked you specifically if you had any other questions for Tacitus.
  
−
'''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.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Yep, I hadn't thought of this course of action at that time. If that's an opportunity lost, then it's an opportunity lost. How much food do we have remaining for a journey home?
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Good idea Lexent, if possible. We can also get him those things this afternoon.
+
'''Pandred''': Ok. We're going in circles a bit. Vaf wants to fight Genoans, Lex wants to fight Genoans, I will fight the first stranger we bump into with a bad attitude. So let's focus on doing that. Everyone just left up the road. We're not part of that entourage, but that's whatever.
 +
Lex, why don't you take Arduin, catch up, and make our request? I won't go because I don't ever expect them to trust me. Even if they say "no", that's at least forward momentum.

Revision as of 11:45, 30 July 2021

Continued from Visitor

The DM: on the 19th, a party appears from the east consisting of Alvin, Caleb (who apparently found his way there), the Thane of Odda and half a dozen attendents. Sven calls out their appearance and everyone goes to see them on their way. Hamish, who is cleaned up now and sober, shakes your hands as they approach and tells you each that he is greatly indebted to the service you’ve provided for him. That he won’t forget it, when his title is finally given.

It's a beautiful day, with a bare breeze blowing from the west, pleasant weather and a clear blue sky.

Lexent: "I am glad to have had the opportunity to assist in your recovery, and in getting to know you as person."

Pandred: I'll smile and nod.

The DM: The Thane comes forward to meet the party. He and Hamish grip arms, a certain amount of ceremony is expressed ... but since the patents have been viewed, the meeting is merely to convince the Thane that Hamish is a serious, able person. Lexent has made that possible, though of course Hamish has only 9 of his 14 charisma. He is a bit halting in his speech, but he is sound enough to convince the Thane that they should speak alone for a time. Caleb falls into a private conversation with Bergthora, Alvin recounts his experiences with Sven and the party find themselves ignored.

Pandred: I'll settle in, wait to hear from the Baron what this means for him in the immediate future.

The DM: The word will make itself slowly understood, that the ‘Baron’ in the title describes Baron Hamish Ross. The Thane suggests that he, Ross and his entourage make their way immediately to Voss, to confront the Count face-to-face at his summer residence there. Caleb speaks up to say that the way has been made safe and that no one need worry about bandits along the way.

Lexent: Ah. Misunderstood 'his entourage'.

Lexent: I begin collecting my things in order to set out with them.

Sven: (speaking to Lexent) “Thank you for all you have done, and for ensuring that we’ve been safe these past three weeks. I think its probably best if we part ways from here.”

Lexent: "You're welcome. Thank you for the protection and anonymity you provided. Give our regards to Espen Rosted as well."

The DM: the Thane will acknowledge you as well, though with hardly more than a nod and a bow. Hamish will embrace Lexent and shake the hands of the rest of the party. Caleb gives Vafrandir a rueful glance. Bergthora says goodbye to Pandred, saying that “I’m sure we’ll meet again.” Without waiting, they all head off, leaving the party behind.

What Now?

Lexent: "Well, shall we return to Bergen and try to find passage to Trondheim?"

Lexent: "Arduin, do you think we still have time in the season to make such a journey before the winter turns deadly?"

The DM: Arduin can say that it is never truly cold, as in Arctic, but it is miserably damp and sloppy, with enough snow to make tramping through the wilderness impractical.

Lexent: That is what I fear. At what point in the year does that occur?

Arvid: “Perhaps we should winter south, masters?”

The DM: the days have already begun to rapidly shorten; by late September, the nights are longer than the days and by late October the days in Bronnoykoy are very short indeed.

Pandred: I will growl in frustration. "There's no goblins south!" "Where was Dilhak going, maybe we can still chase the giant bear!"

Lexent: "Let us head back to Bergen we can decide our course from there."

Arvid: "Is that safe?"

Lexent: "What precisely is your concern?"

Lexent: (To Pandred) "Dilhak was planning to return south before winter set in."

Arvid: “Well ... if Tacitus knew about us helping Hamish ... isn’t there a possibility the Genoans will also know about us? And might have a description? And might recognize us if we returned to Bergen?”

Lexent: "Hmm. I hadn't considered that. I suppose they might be ... displeased and seek to take out their frustrations on us."

Pandred: "You'd rather chase after the Baron? We're not wanted there either."

Lexent: "These Genoans seem to cause a great deal of trouble. Might there be something we could accomplish to lessen their influence? Perhaps Bergotha and her friends would be able to provide us with some ideas to counter them."

The DM: They have already gone off on their way ... though I suppose they’re still in sight.

Pandred: "Our contacts just left up the road. Must we suffer the indignity of scurrying after them only to be told to deal with it on our own?"

Lexent: "Well, what do you wish to do then? The paths with which we are familiar, both north and south, pass through Bergen. I doubt our supplies will last us for a journey anywhere else without resupplying in Bergen."

The DM: The distances are not so great as you might think.

Pandred: I mean that's a lot of trekking around the Fjords. Maybe I'm not seeing something, but it seems like without returning to hire a boat in Bergen we're basically spending the rest of autumn walking home.

Lexent: Also, the shield, I believe, is still in Bergen.

Pandred: I'm Out for at least an hour here, but I do want to tease this out. It's a damn shame Vaf couldn't make it today, he knows our supplies better than anyone. I am fully okay with burning Bergen to the ground in a fight to the death with the Genoese though, just putting it out there.

The DM: You’re about 8 miles east of Bergen; but like with Rogaland, there are little Hamlets on the water all about. Any of those will get you across the right fjord to get back home, if that’s the goal. I don’t know what I can say about the shield.

Lexent: I believe it was stashed wherever we took Hamish's gold.

The DM: I don't believe any measures were taken to store things in Bergen. You got the gold off the ship to give to Hamish; you didn't give him the shield; that means you must still have it with you.

Lexent: Looking at Vafrandir's Cargo document, I see the shield being listed as on the cart. Did we bring the cart and animals with us to Bergen and on to the lodge since then?

The DM: If it is on the cart, it is in Treborg. You did not bring the cart on the ship. For example, the cart would not have gone on the longboat to get to Stavanger to take the ship to Bergen.

Lexent: Hmm. Well, I know we have the shield, its half the reason we made this trip and has been mentioned several times. Vafrandir just must not have updated it on the document.

The DM: I know you wanted to have the shield ... but there's always that pesky detail of remembering to bring it along, isn't there? Something about Des Moines seems to prey on my memory.

Lexent: Well, not being the company quartermaster, I cannot say for sure. It would actually be a lot easier to deal with at this point not to have brought it, but that feels kind of ... convenient at this point.

The DM: It is something Vafrandir can settle. I'm not worried about the convenience of it; all in all, kind of funny. Either way, I haven't been keeping track of it so I know no more than you.

The DM: Out.

The DM: In.

Lexent: In.

The DM: Still in the same place we were.

Lexent: Yeah. I'm having difficulty figuring out a plan of action that doesn't include returning to Bergen, especially since I'm not really sure what supplies we have on hand.

The DM: I'd like to provide a map, but I haven't got a pretext for your having that information at this time. In Bergen, I could justify this by supposing that you asked numerous people to explain the countryside; but as you're not from around here, and there are no people, my hands are tied. Just heading out and exploring is an option, of course.

Lexent: True, but without knowing we have sufficient supplies, that seems like asking for trouble. I'd like to wait for Pandred/Arduin and Marcule to weigh in.

The DM: Looks like we have a long wait today.

Lexent: Indeed. Just a part of playing this format.

The DM: Out.

Lexent: In.

The DM: In. Here we are again, apparently. Heh.

Pandred: Ok. In. Let's rumble. By which I mean, let's consider whether or not we're going to meander back home or do something else.

The DM: Vafrandir is here, but he hasn't logged in on this page.

Vafrandir: In.

Vafrandir: Let me go back through the pages. I believe we stated we took the shield several times (and not the cart), but in the back-and-forth it's easy to lose track of details, or forget to transfer that to the sheet. Or perhaps we simply left it and must deal with it.

Lexent: My biggest concern is food supplies. I think looking into working against the Genoese might be enjoyable, but am happy to head for home as well.

Vafrandir: We never specifically stated we brought the shield. Therefore, it must be in Treborg.

The DM: You sure you didn't account for its weight in shipping tonnage?

Vafrandir: Looks like I accounted for all the cart equipment (which would include the shield) but not the cart itself. That's significantly lessened now without the gold. Give me a minute and I'll go back over my notes and provide a full accounting of what we have now (and resolve any mistakes).

Pandred: Silly, but ok. So. Are we staying here and causing trouble for Genoans, or are we Wintering back in Treborg and hoping we get a nice letter from the Baron? Something like "I'm definitely not beholden to one or more criminal interests, please don't come rescue me."

The DM: So?

Vafrandir: I say we help with the Genoan Problem.

Vafrandir: I did account for the shield in the original tonnage, along with several chests of food. Speaking of which, let me account for food for the last several days. How long have we been at the lodge?

Lexent: 23 Days, I believe.

The DM: Then you have the shield with you. Unless you'd prefer to assume its with Embla's parents in Stavanger at this time.

The DM: It is the 19th of August just now, about 7pm.

Vafrandir: So that is 23×2×7, with an additional 4×2 pounds for our fight, for a total of 330.

The DM: I would like to know what you might think you could do against the Genoans. They are, after all, presently in legal possession of Hamish's land.

Pandred: That tone suggests you don't think my cunning plan of "rough up anyone who looks Mediterranean" was entirely thought through.

The DM: Give it a try, see what happens.

Lexent: Well, I'm not sure, it was just a thought I had since it seemed as though they were using questionable means to hold it and there are concerns that they might retaliate against us in illegal ways. My thoughts had been to discuss the situation with Bergotha and her friends, to see if there might be some things we could do to undermine their more questionable acivities.

Pandred: Lex and I appear to be of one mind here. We don't know anyone else, and these are the only people we do know who would have an aligned interest. Even if my ultimate goal is to beat Tacitus in a fistfight like I should have originally done.

The DM: I gave you plenty of opportunities to dive in and discuss such matters with Bergthora or anyone else. Asked you specifically if you had any other questions for Tacitus.

Lexent: Yep, I hadn't thought of this course of action at that time. If that's an opportunity lost, then it's an opportunity lost. How much food do we have remaining for a journey home?

Pandred: Ok. We're going in circles a bit. Vaf wants to fight Genoans, Lex wants to fight Genoans, I will fight the first stranger we bump into with a bad attitude. So let's focus on doing that. Everyone just left up the road. We're not part of that entourage, but that's whatever. Lex, why don't you take Arduin, catch up, and make our request? I won't go because I don't ever expect them to trust me. Even if they say "no", that's at least forward momentum.

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