Difference between revisions of "Talk:Reaching the Surface"

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Sorry, Engelhart.  You're still standing out in the woods near Mimmarudla.  For some reason, you felt there was no need to say what your character was doing yesterday, so you've been minding your own business.  You want to set up camp for the night or would you like to walk back to Stavanger in the dark?--[[User:The DM|The DM]] ([[User talk:The DM|talk]]) 11:11, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
 
Sorry, Engelhart.  You're still standing out in the woods near Mimmarudla.  For some reason, you felt there was no need to say what your character was doing yesterday, so you've been minding your own business.  You want to set up camp for the night or would you like to walk back to Stavanger in the dark?--[[User:The DM|The DM]] ([[User talk:The DM|talk]]) 11:11, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
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== Planning for the Journey Ahead ==
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I'd like a status update on Engelhart's sloop and it's ability to carry us/cargo. I don't think we've used it since Store Stokka. --[[User:Pandred|Pandred]] ([[User talk:Pandred|talk]]) 18:12, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Revision as of 18:12, 18 September 2020

Steadily, loaded down, the party wends its way to the surface again. You stagger up the back-and-forth stairwell and you stumble along the ledge that follows the underground river. You finally reach the narrow crevice that you bridge yourselves, uneasily carrying your loads across it. You make your way along the passageway until you come to the stone pits where you fought the ticks; and then upwards through the main lair of the froglings, where everything of value has been stripped away. There are no workmen left and it is quiet. Finally, after a long, steady day of work, you see daylight ahead; you climb out into the sun, half-blinded from it; it has been a week since you've felt its rays upon your flesh.

Fjall is there, watching the things you left on the surface and your donkey (or was it a mule). And there is a party of soldiers there as well, lounging about until you emerge. They rise at once, ordering themselves, while a leader takes a step towards the puffing, weary party; the leader is tall, emotionless and clearly a veteran of some war, as he stands as if his hip is troubling him. He says in a gruff, orderly manner, "You are Pandred, Embla and Engelhart, with associates. Is that correct?"--The DM (talk) 10:04, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

(i look to the party waiting for someone to respond)--Marcule (talk) 10:15, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
"It is so. And glad we are to see you too, by God's grace. Who might you be, o captain, that you'd expect or know of our return here?"--Engelhart (talk) 10:48, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
He appears to be concerned with his officialdom. "I am Fenrik Sven Jorgensen." Fenrik is his rank, the lowest rank there is above a man-at-arms. He holds out a small board, the sort used for scratching contracts into the soft-stone surface. "Will you sign this?" Engelhart can read and it says, "Provides One 23rd Share to [your names] in compensation as finder's fee" or words to that intent.--The DM ([User talk:The DM|talk]]) 10:56, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
"Well now," I say as I gently motion for the board "I'd need to mull it over with my confederates if you will", I stare into the contract quizzically "just how much are we talking about here, and who mandated it?"--Engelhart (talk) 11:04, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
"I'm not in the way of knowing," Jorgensen says. "Whatever one 23rd part of whatever was stripped of the underground area here. The actual value is waiting for you in Stavanger."--The DM (talk) 11:43, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
"I'm sorry, Fenrik;" I motion apologetically "This takes us quite by surprise. Might be you're to head back to Stavanger, much like us? We'd like to meet up with someone who can elucidate us as to the provenance of this figure and what value it would entail."--Engelhart (talk) 11:23, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
[I'm done probing, I can't properly proceed with a decision unless someone else weighs in]--Engelhart (talk) 11:25, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
(I step forward reading the paperwork) "I imagine this is a matter of splitting your wealth, do you have any reason to distrust this?" --Marcule (talk) 11:44, 17 September 2020 (MDT) "As a matter of deliberation would they have reason to combat you on your share?"
There seems nothing out of the ordinary. Before anyone can transfer money even in the 17th century, someone has to sign for it.--The DM (talk) 11:57, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
I'll give a grumble. "Sign it and let's get our due. They've stripped the very bricks from the place." --Pandred (talk) 13:20, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
Just checking in -- I have no input on this because the Fenrick is not addressing me. –Vafrandir 14:31, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

Vafrandir, I don't understand that. Those three names were mentioned because they went down at the beginning of this adventure; but there is never any situation where players are not entitled to step in and PLAY. Say what you think. I haven't understood this at all. Pandred, you have as much right to "sign" as anybody. What's with this CONSTANT refusal to just take an action. PLEASE, stop this eternal waffling and non-action nonsense, where Engelhart mumbles out phrases, then DOES NOTHING, then Pandred mumbles out a phrase and DOES NOTHING, and now I've got Vafrandir saying he has no right to do anything, for what, "reasons"? We've wasted the whole day with this Nothing Burger. I'm checking every twenty minutes or so, all day, for what?--The DM (talk) 15:11, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

I'm going to start writing, "I'm ready to play when you are." EVERY TIME I check into this feed and find absolutely nothing has happened.--The DM (talk) 15:11, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

I can't read. I assume that means I can't write, including my name. Should I just put a big X? I'd have been happy to handle it if I believed it was in my power to do so. So, I slap my big X on the clip and we move on. --Pandred (talk) 15:21, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
Surely you've seen enough examples of a time when people could not read or write, where they were told, "Make your mark." In any case, you were entitled to ask before I had to scold. Moreover, your father was a thief, I believe, so you would have encountered situations where responsibility was assumed for something illegally. Please do not assume that because your character is a fighter, it only knows how to fight. I give you all this background for a reason.--The DM (talk) 15:38, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

Does anyone want to physically stop Pandred from signing? No? Good. Jorgensen bows to Pandred, produces a heavy folded paper enclosed with a wax seal and informs you this is your writ; if you'll present it to a lender in Stavanger, you'll be sure to receive your funds.--The DM (talk) 15:40, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

Let's be very clear. I'm ready to DM the party "the official standard way," meaning that I don't "Run the Party," but that's only if you're going to actually DO THINGS. Right there, above, I technically broke that rule. Pandred did not actually SAY, "I sign the paper." Instead, she asked ME if that's what she should do. For the love of gawd, people, can we please dig in a little, speak in active phrases, say what you're doing and quit this useless, dumbshow obfuscating every decision you make. You walk up to the pile of goods, you say in clear English, "I'm picking up this, and this, and this, and this, and this. There, I'm loaded. I'm starting off." You DON'T say, "Well, I can carry 40 lbs." ... followed by hours and hours of silence, like someone else is going to tell you what to do. PLEASE, DO.--The DM (talk) 15:45, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

Stavanger

"Great. Odds, let's move." My squire and I make for Stavanger, with all my best pals in tow. --Pandred (talk) 15:41, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

Oddsdrakken falls in line. Willa and Fjall look at the remainder of the party, and follow along after Pandred.--The DM (talk) 15:46, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
I follow. (Sorry for being away, today. Migraine). --Embla (talk) 17:01, 17 September 2020 (MDT)
As long as you convey a clear action, Embla, I'm happy.--The DM (talk) 17:35, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

I fall in line. I'll be happy to put these loads down when I can. –Vafrandir 17:52, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

(struggling with a stumble Ap3)Following the group to stavanger --Marcule (talk) 20:48, 17 September 2020 (MDT)

September 18

The party will need to take some time to move their goods onto the donkey, though I don't feel we need to figure out what and how much. You've accomplished the trek back and forth from Stavanger several times, so you know your way; and much of the undergrowth is broken down from wagons carrying out materials, with workers making way. So by nightfall, you reach the town. It is too late to visit the lender, until the next morning. You need to find a place to rest for the night and decide what you wish to do next with your lives.--The DM (talk) 09:46, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Sorry. The Innkeeper does not have the prices. Fixing now.--The DM (talk) 09:55, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Happy to unload, I check myself into the inn for a hot bath and a room; Making sure to stable my donkey for the night) “I’m interested to hear what sort of adventure you guys would like to get up to next, im anxious to fill my pockets. Did we have anything in mind?”--Marcule (talk) 10:04, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

All right, a new version of the Stavanger Market has been sent out to you, which now has innkeeper room prices on it.--The DM (talk) 10:17, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

And look at that: a "hot" bath is cheaper than a "tepid" bath. Could you please note that the 15 c.p. price is over and above the tepid cost. I'll have that fixed for the next market version I create.--The DM (talk) 10:19, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
The problem is a year's worth of small changes being made without having run the game face to face. --The DM (talk) 10:21, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Alexis, what level of inn are we using? I'd like a room but not sure how much to pay. Once that is sorted I'll also spring for a hot bath (55 cp total?): I've had my fill of cold for the moment. Tomorrow we'll handle our remaining business, and I suggest stocking up on supplies. I'd very much like to explore the backcountry. Marcule, if it's coin you want (and I share your impulse), there's plenty of opportunity to be had there if you're paying attention. –Vafrandir 10:53, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

The level of inn is up to the party. How much would you like to pay? You're all from around here, so it isn't like you wouldn't feel safe staying in different places.--The DM (talk) 11:13, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

"The back country sounds promising, I also need to address my credit in the morning so i am happy to settle supplies and then make our way" --Marcule (talk) 11:08, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Marcule and Vafrandir, I'm happy to cover for you. Let's stay at a proper inn. We've had a long, hard trip, so let's get a private room for each of us. That'd be Pandred, Marcule, myself, Willa, and Odds, correct? And two stalls for our donkeys. Let's get some baths and launder our clothes. Might we hire a musician? --Embla (talk) 11:26, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
There's Fjall as well.--The DM (talk) 11:44, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
That would be much appreciated, Embla! Some music would go a long way to soothe Hellish memories. –Vafrandir 11:30, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
The room, laundry, hot bath, beef roast dinner, and a pint of mead runs us about 23g and 3s, which I'm happy to pay (corrected for Fjall). How much for a musician, Alexis? --Embla (talk) 11:38, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
There's no musician available.--The DM (talk) 11:45, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
Alas. Thank you. --Embla (talk) 11:56, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
“magnificent” (I laugh holding the three copper pieces to my name) “I overdid my spending, thus my need for the market in the morning”--Marcule (talk) 11:42, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
I'll be sure to thank Embla while making use of her generosity. --Pandred (talk) 14:56, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

With regards for what next, I need to rest up for a while. After I've recovered, I'm amenable to exploring the back-country. --Embla (talk) 12:04, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Which back country, precisely?--The DM (talk) 12:05, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
I've been trying to find the map of Stavanger's environs to better answer that question, but I can't seem to locate it. Would you know where it is, Alexis? --Embla (talk) 12:07, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
I've added it to the page tab of this wiki discussion.--The DM (talk) 12:16, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
Thank you, Alexis. I think heading east of Mimmarudla, towards the lakes and where the sea meets the mountains seems like an interesting place to explore. That said, without a ranger, overland travel is a great deal more difficult. We might want to see if we can hire one, or look to find work within Stavanger proper. I get a hireling at 5th level that could be a ranger, and that's only like 6k away... --Embla (talk) 12:32, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
Thanks for that map -- I had very nearly found one when you posted it! I am thinking east of either Hole or Verdalen. I suggest we go through Hole, along the fjord. That gives us a bit of time before we get into the harsher mountains proper. Embla makes a good point though, a ranger will make things easier. –Vafrandir 12:39, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
Sorry for the late input! Alexis, one hex east of Jorpeland is a mountainous area that is otherwise un-numbered. Am I right to call that a "wilderness" hex? I'd like to propose we think about exploring that mountain range near the fjord. We can use Jorpeland or Hole as a basecamp/careenage for a boat to strike out. --Pandred (talk) 14:56, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
You'd be correct in that assumption, Pandred. I'm going to be redesigning the map over the next few hours, to make that clearer. I've been thinking of this redesign for a month now; seems a good time to try it.--The DM (talk) 15:55, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

“I think we should be fine without a guide, I appreciate the need for a ranger but I think with your strength we as a party should be fine. I would suggest a map or a compass for wandering” (if we don’t already have them) “should we decided to truly venture I’m sure we could hire someone elsewhere. As for Mimmarudla I like the sounds of that” --Marcule (talk) 12:39, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Mimmarudla is the dungeon the party just cleaned out. I should have said.--The DM (talk) 13:00, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

I'm back. --The DM (talk) 15:55, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

I'm going to pay for a hot bath, but I think I can speak for all of us when I say that planning over the weekend would be a lot easier if we could jump to tomorrow and find out what the ledger holds. --Pandred (talk) 16:04, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
That's fair. Upon appearing at the ledger tomorrow, you find that collectively that 1,347 g.p. have been paid out.--The DM (talk) 16:50, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
Do I understand that correctly as 1,347gp in total, to be split among us as treasure/xp? Or is that 1,347gp each? --Pandred (talk) 17:11, 18 September 2020 (MDT)
I tried. "Collectively" means, "in total." You have 1,347 g.p. to split among yourselves in whatever way seems best. Please let me know how it is shared out exactly. It technically counts as "treasure," so it will give experience.--The DM (talk) 18:00, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Treasure Distribution

My suggestion is to distribute as follows - Engelhart 480gp, everyone else 214 gp, the remaining 1gp to go to Embla. This puts Engelhart at 5 with his 10% xp boost from wisdom, giving us our first henchman. While it is ultimately up to Engelhart and the dice what that Henchman is, it gives us an opportunity for a Ranger to guide us or what-have-you. --Pandred (talk) 18:08, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Mercule, you may draw upon your credit if you wish; interest equals 1% per month, with a minimum return payment of +3% (so you might as well not return it for three months, when the cost will be the same; the interest compounds after the third month).--The DM (talk) 16:50, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Engelhart

Also, Marcule, not that I'm holding breath but it is conceivable that we might already be rich beyond our wildest dreams, seeing as we apparently received a writ for an undisclosed amount.--Engelhart (talk) 11:04, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

I'll pay a visit to the ole'family. Get a nice family meal, hear their take on the recent troubles and spin a yarn or three about my recent meanderings, while holding back the gruesome details.--Engelhart (talk) 11:01, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Sorry, Engelhart. You're still standing out in the woods near Mimmarudla. For some reason, you felt there was no need to say what your character was doing yesterday, so you've been minding your own business. You want to set up camp for the night or would you like to walk back to Stavanger in the dark?--The DM (talk) 11:11, 18 September 2020 (MDT)

Planning for the Journey Ahead

I'd like a status update on Engelhart's sloop and it's ability to carry us/cargo. I don't think we've used it since Store Stokka. --Pandred (talk) 18:12, 18 September 2020 (MDT)