Difference between pages "The Lodge" and "The Baron"

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Continued from '''[[Espen Rosted]]'''
+
Continued from '''[[Visitor]]'''
  
−
'''The DM:''' To reach the lodge, you trek your way along the fjord east of Bergen, until climbing up to the plateau above.  The rain hasn't let up at all since the night before; not even as you stood outside by the outhouse (beneath trees, we'll say) — that's a detail I skipped accounting for as we started again.
+
'''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.
  
−
This last part you do as the light improves, though the rain continues to fall steadily, a quarter inch every hour.  You reach the top of a plateau above the fjord, about 2,500 ft. above sea level, finding a wide tundra-scape full of stunted trees and expanses of grass.  At once you see the reason why there's a lodge here; a herd of about two thousand reindeer are grazing a few hundred yards away, huddling together against the rain.  Apart from the steady rain, the weather up here is cool, with a gentle breeze blowing from the south.  After so many hours, you're glad at last to enter the lodge and shuck off your wet clothes, with several contributing to the building of three new fires in the places for them.
+
: It's a beautiful day, with a bare breeze blowing from the west, pleasant weather and a clear blue sky.
  
−
The lodge is immense; a single long house that's forty feet by fifteen; it is, you're told, six hundred years old, and once a residence of kings in the summer.  It is in good condition, though clearly a hurricane couldn't knock the place down.  In places, the beams are a foot square — presumably they've been hauled up one by one from the forested areas along the coast.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "I am glad to have had the opportunity to assist in your recovery, and in getting to know you as person."
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' A beautiful place. Who all is here with us?
+
'''Pandred''': I'll smile and nod.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Alvin and Sven; your party.  I can’t remember which hirelings you’ve brought along.
+
'''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.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Arvid, Ole, and Arduin.
+
'''Pandred''': I'll settle in, wait to hear from the Baron what this means for him in the immediate future.
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' "Who else knows about this place?"
+
'''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 take it this means that we have conveyed to Captain Larsen that we are not planning to sail to Trondheim, and that we have removed our effects from the ship, including the gold and shield?
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I begin collecting my things in order to set out with them.</span>
  
−
'''Sven:'''  “Everyone. But there’s no reason to suppose Hamish is here; and even in a pouring rain, we can see anyone approaching from half a mile away.”
+
'''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.”
  
−
'''The DM:''' He points to a high place at one end of the lodge, explaining there’s a porch that will give a 360 degree view of the landscape.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "You're welcome. Thank you for the protection and anonymity you provided. Give our regards to Espen Rosted as well."
  
−
'''The DM:''' that’s correct Lexent.  The ship will head on without you.  Larsen seemed relieved.
+
'''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.
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "If we are discovered and, perish the though, must defend ourselves and Hamish, what legal protections do we have?"
+
== What Now? ==
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Well, shall we return to Bergen and try to find passage to Trondheim?"
  
−
'''The DM:''' Sven shrugs.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Arduin, do you think we still have time in the season to make such a journey before the winter turns deadly?"
  
−
'''Sven:''' “None.  If the Genoans find us, they’ll kill us without impunity; even were they arrested, the Count would ensure their release.  We must be sure that Hamish is recognized by someone else, to force the Count to turn his back on the syndicate.”
+
'''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.
  
−
'''Alvin:''' “I’m more concerned with Hamish’s recovery from his drinking.  I have seen others break, or take their own lives. He hasn’t asked for a drink yet, but the body has it’s way of conquering the spirit.”
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' That is what I fear. At what point in the year does that occur?
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "I'm more concerned over what might happen if we are forced to kill them."
+
'''Arvid:''' “Perhaps we should winter south, masters?”
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I turn to Hamish. "How are you feeling?"
+
'''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.
  
−
'''The DM:''' Lexent, there are detoxification rules on the old wiki.  I've transferred those to the new (and I'm editing them a bit now).  You should [https://wiki.alexissmolensk.com/index.php/Detoxification_(sage_ability) look at them].
+
'''Pandred''': I will growl in frustration. "There's no ''goblins'' south!" "Where was Dilhak going, maybe we can still chase the giant bear!"
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Interesting. I was under the impression that alcohol was not considered a toxin.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Let us head back to Bergen we can decide our course from there."
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' In that case I begin working on Hamish's treatment.
+
'''Arvid:''' "Is that safe?"
  
−
'''Pandred''': Keeping watch.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "What precisely is your concern?"
  
−
'''The DM:''' I find myself rewriting the rules.  Should take just a bit.  Is there anything else people would like to do while waiting up here?  Alvin is going to leave soon for Odda, to fulfill his part in bringing the Thane from there to the lodge.  This could take weeks.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' (To Pandred) "Dilhak was planning to return south before winter set in."
  
−
== Augury ==
+
'''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]]:''' I cast ''Augury'' and ask the following:
 
−
: Do the Genoan's or their agents know that we are here with Hamish?
 
−
: Are any of Espen's associates planning to betray us?
 
−
: Will the Thane acknowledge Hamish once presented with the information we have?
 
  
−
'''The DM:''' Okay, I’ve made an extensive rewrite of the Authentic Wiki rules.  Please look and tell me if something needs to be clearer.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' "Hmm. I hadn't considered that. I suppose they might be ... displeased and seek to take out their frustrations on us."
−
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Those look good and easy to understand.
 
  
−
'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We've already paid for our rooms at the inn through the 30th, so we should be cognizant of that.
+
'''Pandred''': "You'd rather chase after the Baron? We're not wanted there either."
  
−
'''The DM:'''
+
'''[[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."
−
: Do the Genoans know?  No.
 
−
: Betrayal? No.
 
−
: Will the Thane ... Yes.
 
  
−
'''The DM:''' It’s the 28th now; Hamish is awake and eating soup. Alvin says he’s going as soon as the rain stops. It settles into a very light drizzle after seven o’clock in the evening and he announces that if this holds, he’ll leave at nine.
+
'''The DM:''' They have already gone off on their way ... though I suppose they’re still in sight.
−
: Lexent should make a roll against detoxification now.  Name your stat and then roll a d20 against it.
 
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Wisdom: '''4'''
+
'''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?"
  
−
'''The DM:''' Alvin leaves.
+
'''[[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:''' Unless someone wants to do something specific or say something, shall we fast forward through the relevant parts of this?  I’ll be making checks every day; there’s always a possibility of the Genoans finding out about Hamish’s disappearance AFTER the augury answer.  As well as other encounters that may be seen.  Do you keep watches?
+
'''The DM:''' The distances are not so great as you might think.
−
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' We'll keep watches. What should we do about food?
 
  
−
'''The DM:''' Oh, Vafrandir, as long as you’re checking here; do you mind our having a brief conversation about the authentic wiki in the talk discussion tab?
+
'''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.
−
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' Let's do it.
 
  
−
'''[[Lexent]]:''' I'm fine with that. Acknowledged about the Genoans. Yes, we keep watches. Let me know when to make another check.
+
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Also, the shield, I believe, is still in Bergen.
  
−
'''The DM:''' There are no encounters for eight days, nor word from anyone.
+
'''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.
−
: Lexent, use this system: starting with July 29th, write:
+
 
−
:: Date / Ability / Roll
+
'''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.
−
: Interrupt to ask any other questions with Augury if you wish.
+
 
−
: Hamish’s Stats are: 18 str, 13 int, 16 wis, 17 con, 16 dex, 14 chr.  So you can see he will start to help fairly soon, once you show some success.
+
'''[[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?
 +
:'''[[Vafrandir]]:''' About 300lb. But remember we can fill these chests up as well. Or sell the empties.
 +
 
 +
'''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.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Lexent]]:''' Okay. I set off after Bergotha, etc. in an attempt to catch up.

Revision as of 11:46, 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?

Vafrandir: About 300lb. But remember we can fill these chests up as well. Or sell the empties.

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.

Lexent: Okay. I set off after Bergotha, etc. in an attempt to catch up.

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