Furess

[Knuckles Bathory]

Back and forth between playing by the fire, and drinking with new friends, I have caught snatches of the conversation, and made it known that I am down for anything underground. Any tips I have made have only served to keep the drink flowing, and to tip our lovely barmaid, and publican.
As the night progresses, my judgment once again begins to lapse, I make it known that my room is cold, even though I have yet to see it, and attempt to negotiate a barmaid for insulation.
(ooc-if that fails I will settle for a heavy blanket)
I retire in the wee hours, leaving instructions with the party not to venture forth without me. Back in my room, I search thoroughly once again, and (if I am alone) take the covers from the bed and sleep on the floor beneath it.

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

"Well my friend even with our recent windfall I doubt we can afford to hire a wizard to be out translator"

"We shall have to hope to find a means of communication once we contact the gnomes"

"I will go forth on the morrow and see if I can purchase a horse or mule and cart to carry us to the hall"

OOC: How much will a mule or team of mules and a cart set me back if I purchase one?

[danhem]

"I'll see about procuring the equipment and provisions we'll require. I may track down those hobbits Haburat took us to today to see if they have any more of those healing draughts. While I'm at it I'll ask around about Lord Rydal and see what else is known about his gnome problem."

Finally feeling the effects of the wine, Bjorn wishes his companions good night and retires to their room upstairs to pass out.

[ragnorakk]

An average price for a mule of one's own might be 100 gp and a cart around 250 gp. Let's
say also that these prices would include harness, tack, etc. Feed might be a little expensive
right now (early spring), but oats are still cheap. You can also assume that the seller of a pair
(or more) of mules would charge 2d6 less per head.

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

After consideration Thurgood decides if he is going to purchase a mule and cart for the group he will need the aid of someone more skilled in interpersonal arts.

"Friend Knuckles, I'm afraid that my scared and burned visage has the tendency to displease those that I attempt to bargain with"

"Perhaps you would consider helping me procure some transport for our journey"

"A mule and cart would relieve us of our burdens and greatly speed our journey"

OOC: Help! I need some CHR here please. ;D

If it's OK I'd like to take Knuckles with me and hope he can bargain down the price on some transport.

[danhem]

Bjorn visits the market and purchases the following items:

Piton hammer
10 pitons
Lantern and oil
2 oilskins
10 days provisions
Magnetic compass

He also visits the hobbits who sold them the healing draughts the previous day to determine their price.

[Knuckles Bathory]

Having been startled into consciousness by Thurgood, I am up from my slumber and in stride with him from breakfast toward the livery. I squint and stumble a little under the weight of my hangover.
"I do not know how to pick a horse, my friend, nor a mule neither. I am sure it is clear to you, that I cannot keep a coin, after the night's festivities."
"When we arrive, we will go into the stalls together, you pick one, I will question your judgement on the mule, we will argue for the seller's benefit, and perhaps set a lower price, and you settle up"
(ooc- I will take the liberty of rolling to "beguile" for the mule and cart.. 6+6 daro 6+2= 20!, but we can RP on it if you like)
(special thanks to Eposic Animated Dice Roller)

[ragnorakk]

A steady bracing wind follows you through the west gate. A thin layer of ice has been deposited on
the town, but the sun is returned and it lasts mostly in the lees and the shade. Just past the west gate
you encounter a farmer willing to sell you one of his mules, a 4-year old female, grey, 'real tolerant'.
Obviously somewhat impressed by Knuckles (though he's looking a bit pekid in the clear
early morning light), he'll part with the mule for 78 gold.

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

Thurgood happily pays the farmer.

Thurgood also picks up:

A delvers package

5 days worth of rations

OOC: Watch out gnomes here we come!

[Knuckles Bathory]

I will pick up 5 days rations as well... I think that makes me broke.
Assuming we will return to the Inn to regroup, I gather up, and pack up, I volunteer my rope to Thurgood, for the purpose of burdening the Mule (whom I will stubbornly call Modestine, regardless of her actual name). I will also put on my armor, and cloak. I will use my shirt beneath the cloak's hood as a makeshift scarf, to be used "bandit-style" to hide my face from the cold wind.
All that done, I hover by the fire in the pub, gathering heat for the cold journey ahead.

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

"Modestine?"

"A worthy name friend Knuckles, anyone who wishes to unburden themselves can load their excess equipment onto this sturdy jenny ( female mule )"

"This way we will certainly make better time and arrive fresh and not exhausted from our travels"

[Knuckles Bathory]

"Many thanks to you Thurgood," as I step outside to throw my pack on Modestine's back.
I make sure it is secure, and its contents accessible without having to remove it, speaking low and softly to the beast.
I keep on my person my flute in my boot, my fangwing beneath my cloak and ready at the waist, and my belt-pack containing some matches and my blackjack.
"The sun is higher now, and I my eyes are not used to this bright light, I will await the others inside... I look forward to the darkness of the tunnels, my friend."

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

Thurgood strokes the jennies mane.

"When I was a child I would walk the mules that powered my Fathers mill"

"It's nice to have one around again" ;D

Thurgood checks the mules load to make sure it's balanced.

[danhem]

"That's a nice looking mule," Bjorn says as he steps out into the cold. "I purchased enough equipment and provisions to help see us through the journey. Plus a little extra in case the weather slows us down."
Bjorn secures his own excess equipment to Modestine.

[apeloverage]

"Then let us set forth without delay" says Ponto.