1: Destitute in Esperance (the campaign begins)

[burke]

(I posted a map of the world here (link). Even though the game has now begun, it is still possible to join the fun. Create your character and introduce yourself in the OOC thread and we'll find a way to incorporate your character in the game.)

And so it begins...

You have all gotten to know each other during the long voyage and have decided to band together to better face the challenges of the Wild Lands.

Having equipped yourselves in the pirate market near the docks (many of the weapons you bought carry traces of old blood and gore), you cross the long canal that runs from the north of the city to the south. The water in the canal is a thick goo of brown sewage and green algae, the stench in the hot afternoon sun is overpowering. Still, many small boats carry passengers and cargo hither and tither through the slimy mess.

From the middle bridge you have a good view of the Administrators palace which is situated roughly in the middle of the city. The lavish palace is constructed entirely from an exotic red and white marble and has many guards patrolling the outer walls and the terraces of the upper floors. From the highest dome flies the crown flag of the Monarch.

The throng of the crowd is neverinding and you are jostled and cursed at by merchants and carriers as you stand gawking at the bustling city around you.

On the other side of the bridge is another market, which seems to cater to the more normal palate. Exotic foodstuffs, clothes and goods of all kinds are on offer and the cries of the hawkers and the haggling customers drown out all other sounds.

In the north end of the market stands the huge tavern and brothel called The Ruby Flame. Naked slave girls flaunt their wares from the balconies in the reddish light of huge, flaming braziers and the hawkers by the door announce that there is no better place to drink and gamble in the Wild Lands.

To the south rises the high stone walls of the Arena. Where convicts and other hopeless face each other, and sometimes terrible monsters, in a battle to the death.

To the east, near the east gate, lies the Temple of the Spider God. Wrought in damp, black stone, the whole temple is shaped in the likeness of a colossal spider.

(As you stand in middle of the crowded market taking all this in, make an open-ended SR on LK and announce your level of success or failure.)

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

OK, I've logged into the dice server & rolled my Luck, and I got doubles! ;D

My total comes out as Luck: 9 +10+3=22 for my Luck SR

OOC: Obviously Drugan's cranky demeanor has left him extra wary.

[ragnorakk]

(Made a first level save with 1 extra to boot!)

[Porkbelly]

Rolled an 8. Right on the money.

[danhem]

Rolled a 5 + 12 = 17. Not even a 1st level save. Uh-oh. Maybe bad luck is good in the Wildlands?

[burke]

(I re-rolled Charles Abbey's/danhem's result as he hasn't gotten the hang of the on-line die roller yet (check your PM's danhem). But sadly he still fared no better with a total of 16.

I am not accusing or suspecting danhem or anyone else of cheating. Using the online die roller is just a matter of convenience for me and one rule among the others.

Please write your messages in the form "Poncho made a first level SR (rolled 20)". Always mentioning the characters name will make the game easier to follow and as we're using the on-line die roller we only really need the totals. But if you want to brag, or complain, about your die rolls, that's OK. Also try to mention the characters name when using the die roller.

Please reply in the OOC thread if you want to discuss any of this.)

[apeloverage]

Alwyn fails his roll (rolled 6, Luck of 7)

[Porkbelly]

Poncho: "Friends! I propose we enter this promising establishment of the Ruby Flame... perhaps we'll find an opportunity for gainful employment within."

"Besides, the sight of those naked flappers must needs I make a short break to adjust my caltrops."

Poncho heads for the door.

OOC: Interesting map burke. Maybe it's my low IQ but Esperance seems suprisingly landlocked for a port city.

[burke]

(I would like to wait until Quinlan/Hogscape rolls his SR before proceeding. I'll keep Poncho's actions in mind however.

As for the map, the Bay of Salt is filled with highly salty water that connects to the sea beyond.)

[Hogscape]

Quinlan smells a rat (and worse) below the bridge... But then, a strange urge to make an open ended Saving Roll on Luck overcomes him...

I rolled an 8 (+13) for a total of 21 - level 1 success.

Quinlan casts around diligently for any light-fingered pickpockets that might look to make an easy mark of new arrivals.

Quinlan: "Poncho, as will be apparent from my fine hat and manly gate, I need not pay for the attention of wenches; comely or otherwise. My first thought was to seek employment opportunities with the priests of the Spider God - after all, when was the last time you stumbled upon a church short of the odd pfennig?

However, I will not stand in the way of a fellow traveller in need of a caltrop adjustment. Although, I would caution against 'leaping-in' where wiser and far better-looking men may fear to rest their night tools..."

[Hogscape]

Jun 22, 2009 8:59:58 GMT -5 Porkbelly said:

OOC: Interesting map burke. Maybe it's my low IQ but Esperance seems suprisingly landlocked for a port city.

The city looks to be on the coast of the Bay of Salt - those mountains run into the water though, that might be causing the confusion.

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

Drugan having sensed that something is up scans the crowd.

"Grunt" "Somethings wrong, my teeth itch and whenever my teeth itch, somethings wrong"

Drugan twirls his crowbars distractedly.

[burke]

Quinlan's suspicions are right on the money. Alwyn suddenly notices that his purse is gone and Charles has also mislaid his coins.

Drugan remembers a gaggle of children jostling the party a few minutes ago. They were heading in the direction of the Arena.

A sudden hoarse laugh, cut off by a some coughing and spitting noises, draws the party's attention away from checking on their belongings. The source of the merriment is a filthy, fat man, standing behind a table encumbered with many exotic species of fish.

"Newcomer's I see! Well, you'll soon learn the ways of Esperance. Only a fool carries his purse ripe for the plucking in this city, where pickpocketing and purse cutting is almost considered an honest trade!"

"As for your half-witted friend going to the Ruby. They may not test his wits at the door, but certainly his purse and in that capacity only one of you seems not to be lacking."

"Now, now, no offense was intended. If you're looking for a place to drink and carouse, might I suggest the Ugly Efreet up by the west gate, near the stronghold of the August Legion? It is owned by my brother Jared and might be better suited to your means. Just tell him I sent you and he may even give you a discount!"

"And who am I you ask? I am Floris the Fishmonger, purveyor of marine delicacies. Might I interest you in some fresh, man-eating cod?"

(Remember to record your EP's for the SR. Die Roll x GP Lost/Saved.)

[ragnorakk]

Noting the skill of the cutpurses, Verklud tucks his meagre money-pouch into his left boot.

"Alas, Floris," says Verklud, "that is one step away from cannibalism - I cannot partake of such fishes.
But once my resources are improved, I will return for a taste of the tentacle of squids." Verklud looks
longingly upon foods never before seen, and gradually shakes free of the fascination.

"Your brother's establishment then - near the west gate...tell me, kind fishmonger - how do we newly
arrived earn coin? Have you need on the fishing boats?"

[burke]

"Ah, that is a good place to hide your valuables, there are but a few places that are safer", says Floris approvingly and scratches his sweaty groin, which jingles unmistakeably.

"Suit yourself about the cod. These suckling baby octopuses I could part with for a meagre 10 golden crowns."

"I do little fishing by myself, mostly I haggle for the best price of the produce of others. Applying a fair trade in a city like Esperance is no easy task. But for men as you, with sharp blades by your sides and the skill to use them (I hope), Esperance and the Wild Lands open up a great many possibilities."

"A man in my shoes hears of many opportunities and though he might not be able to act on them himself, he might share them with men more capable. For the right price of course."

"So would you purchase these suckling octopi?"