Heroica RPG - Quest #62: Insider Trading

[herrJJ]

"So we wait... again." Nessa turned away minding her own business.

[Kintobor]

"Now w're just waiting for Charley, the man in-charge of rowing us to the ship... I told him to be waiting here, but the old-bloke has yet to arrive!"

"Perhaps he was eaten by sharks!" Karie jokingly replies.

"Yeah, we're all here." Karie hadn't introduced herself to most of the party members, so she stood up on the rock she was sitting on and addressed the crowd:

"Hello everyone, my name is Karie Alderflask, and I will be your leader! If it means anything, you can distinguish me by looking for this badge! Now, if I could get your names so I can harp on you all later it would be most appreciated!"

She pulls out a leather bound notebook from her pouch (also stolen) as well as a pen and prepares to write peoples names down, starting with "Nessa".

[herrJJ]

OOC: I feel it. This is the beginning of a wonderful friendship

[legobodgers]

"Hello Karie, my name is Amorith. What a splendid badge, where did you get it?"

[Kintobor]

"Amorith? Okay, now can you spell it please?"

She jots his name into her book after he spells it out for her.

"This badge, you ask? Got it off some guy on the way here, along with this book."

OOC: I feel it. This is the beginning of a wonderful friendship

OOC: More like a wonderful rivalry! Edited March 13, 2013 by Kintobor

[Vash the Stampede]

"If you wanted everyone's names you could have checked the quest board." Dreyrgur said with slightly more annoyance in his voice. It was obvious there was something he disliked about his party leader as he moved a bit further away trying to go back to sleep.

[Kintobor]

Karie was beginning to get irritated with her party. She pointed at the hatted individual and gave him a rather angry look, even if he wasn't paying attention.

"Look smart alec, as party leader I had more important things to attend to than check a list written in chicken scratch, so shush!" She writes down a name, despite not being given one:

Jerk.

As she wrote down the name in her notebook, she addressed Nessa's comment from earlier:

"I'm 22 actually, and if you wanna talk about being childish, monologue to yourself while looking in a mirror."

Edited March 13, 2013 by Kintobor

[Dannylonglegs]

"Ok!" yelped the excitable Hinckwell. "Charley seems to be coming our way!"

The Hinckwell and the argumentative party members all climbed into the small row-boat that arrived. The boat was a tad too cramped for some of the party members though, and the boat rocked from their irritation.

Once the Party arrived on the ship, it set-sail for Brendenton. The ride was brief, thankfully, and buffeted by heavy winds. After one long day and one long night, the Questers found themselves in port. When they stepped off the ship, they found the city in the veil of heavy morning fog, rendering even the sea beneath the docks invisible. Aside from that though, it was a city, much like Eubric. The peasants and laborers went about their daily routines, beggars loitered in points of high-travel, armed guards stood vigilantly, watching for pickpockets and crooks.

Ooc: The lack-of-Photoshop is called fog. I had a busy evening.

As the party departed from the docks, they were stopped by a poor-looking were-raven. He tugged on the robes of Amorith as they passed.

"Caw! You folks seem... Rich. Give me five gold coins and I'll tell you lot a rumour I've heard." the bird-man crooned in his high-pitched yet gravelly voice. "Caw! I need the money for me poooor nest, and I promise it'll be worth your while." He finished, grinning.

Edited March 13, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Kintobor]

Karie walks off the boat and onto the docks, relieved that the journey is over.

"Oh thank the big guys up stairs, I thought I was going to catch cabin fever!"

Karie tries to be as inconspicuous as she could. This wouldn't be the best place to go about bragging she was the "Best Pickpocket in the World". She notices the were-raven, unsure of what to make of him.

"This guys either a half-decent liar, or an honest man. I'm personally curious about what he has to say, but I'm not going to pay for his offer alone. If you guys want the info, I'll pitch 2 gold coins in. Certainly some of you can spare 1 gold coin, at the least?"

[Dannylonglegs]

Karie walks off the boat and onto the docks, relieved that the journey is over.

"Oh thank the big guys up stairs, I thought I was going to catch cabin fever!"

Karie tries to be as inconspicuous as she could. This wouldn't be the best place to go about bragging she was the "Best Pickpocket in the World". She notices the were-raven, unsure of what to make of him.

"This guys either a half-decent liar, or an honest man. I'm personally curious about what he has to say, but I'm not going to pay for his offer alone. If you guys want the info, I'll pitch 2 gold coins in. Certainly some of you can spare 1 gold coin, at the least?"

"Yes! Kind woman." cooed the were-raven. "You surely won't miss a gold or two. Me pooor nest needs food, and there's allots of beaks to feed."

Bart, visibly calmer, but still on edge appeared disgusted at the sight of the were-raven beggar, but didn't interfere with his pleas. After hearing Karie's response, he whispered in her ear,

"It's best not to make eye-contact with the beggars. Not all of them are honest, and most of them aren't clean."

[Vash the Stampede]

Dreyrugr climbs out of the boat looking more pale than normal. He had been dreading the boat trip as he never did feel good around large amounts of water. Even his earlier irritation was likely caused by it as small squabbles stopped irritating him a long time ago. Dreyrugr walks past the beggar looking for the darkest area around before sitting down looking exhausted. He tosses 1 coin at the beggar for a chance at silence.

[herrJJ]

After the trip Nessa had not enjoyed she stepped out. These ships were not made for her. At least she had some silence... even her "party leader" was quiet which Nessa mentioned with a smile. After entering the docks a bird talked to the group of heroes. Nessa stood tall in front of the were-raven and said looking right in his eyes: "Here you have the missing gold. But only the gods may help you if you fooled us." Nessa tossed two more gold to the beggar although she was low on that.

Edited March 13, 2013 by herrJJ

[xxlrocka]

Drake stepped off of the boat and looked towards the were-raven.

"Ew, a beggar. Filthy. Liars. I don't trust this one, especially since it looks like a raven. For that, I will ignore it. Although I will be a little kind, and give it at least 1 gold."

Then, Drake stepped forwards. "So this is the place, huh? Creepy, if you ask me. I think that only makes this quest a lot more interesting, if you ask me. Although since this is morning fog, it might get better afterwards."

[Kintobor]

After realizing four coins had already been charitably given, Karie tosses 1 gold coin into the hood/bucket/sack.

"Alright, cough up that info or we'll have a problem."

[Dannylonglegs]

The were-raven beggar leaped for Dreyrugr's coin, clasping it in he taloned fingers before it even touched the ground. The beggar looked over the coin thoughtfully, wiping it with his downied arm until it shone. The raven-man's eyes widened as he stared at the coin's glimmer for a second. He quickly pocketed the thing, and caught Nessa's coins, performing the same small ritual.

"Ew, a beggar. Filthy. Liars. I don't trust this one, especially since it looks like a raven. For that, I will ignore it. Although I will be a little kind, and give it at least 1 gold."

"My, my." clucked the were-raven smartly, his yes narrowed in dis-like and voice shrill and grating. "You are rich. Aren't you? I'll take that coin too." The raven-man snatched the coin before it could be tossed and wiped it on his shirt instead of his arm and stuffing it in his pocket without even looking at it. "Your money is especially dirty."

The were-raven turned back to Karie.

"Kind Woman, you said 2 coins? Two coins from you and I'll tell you the rumor I heard..." His voice returned to its high-pitched yet gravely tone, which the party now could tell was his coercive tone.

Party:

Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintober) *Party Leader*

22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 4

Power: 8

Health: 10/10

Gold: 17

Equipment: Dagger (WP:4)

Inventory: Potion (4), Mead (2), Remedy (2), Venom, (2) Smoke bomb (2), Lightning bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP:3)

Nessa Anárion (herrJJ)

59 years old female elven Ranger

Level 8

Power: 14 (Lvl. 8 + WP: 6)

Defense: 1

Health: 13

Gold: 2

Equipment: Croise Bow (WP: 6), Leather Armour (SP: 1)

Inventory: Potion, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Venom

Drake Flamerobe

25 year old male human

Level 5 Knight

Power: 10

Defense: 2

Health: 15/15

Ether: 0/0

Gold: 291

Equipment: Greatsword (WP:5), Shield (SP:2) Helmet

Inventory: Torch(WP:3), Shield(SP:2), Potion, Phoenix Essence, Tonic, Greatsword(WP:5), Shovel, Bedroll

Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede)

1000 year old Male Vampire Rogue

Level 12

Power: 17 (Level 12+Weapon 5)

Health: 18/18 (Rogue Base 7+ Level Bonus 11)

Gold: 4

Equipment: Fauxthril Scythe (WP:5), Psuedos Hood

Inventory: Potion, Venom x2, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Remedy, Grand Potionx2, Smelling Salts x3, Amethyst, Shuriken (WP:5), Mead

Amorith Marvelo (Played by legobodgers)

Level 12 Mage

Power: 19 (18+1)

Health: 11/16

Ether: 16/16

Gold: 0

Equipment: Dual staff (WP: 8) damages 2 enemies in one hit

Inventory: Fang Dagger (WP: 5), opal (ice), ruby (fire), garnet (earth), diamond (light), amethyst (darkness), 7 potions, 9 tonics, 3 remedies, 1 elixir, 3 nostrums, 3 mead, holy bomb, ice bomb, smoke bomb, shovel, bedroll, 3 bones, jo-no tree seed

Edit: Just saw kintobor's post. Will add his reply.

After realizing four coins had already been charitably given, Karie tosses 1 gold coin into the hood/bucket/sack.

"Alright, cough up that info or we'll have a problem."

Pulling the coin from his bag, the were-raven grins. "Ok, you're right. five beautiful coins. I'll now tell the rumor that I came to tell. I heard from one of me reliable associates that there was someone making a deal with the lord to ban the sale of cloth in the city. This, my reliable associate claims, means that investing in cloth right now is even worse an idea than before the market crash. But I told him, that's OK. I'm not planning to invest because I don't have any money! Caw caw caw." The were-raven chuckles for some reason. perhaps at the cruel irony of his current position, perhaps because he was tricking them, perhaps because of lack of sanity. The were-raven's "Caw"s continue for some time.

"Is this man bothering you?" asks a dock guard, noticing the beggar.

Edited March 13, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Kintobor]

Karie looks at the town guard with a calm look. The recent info was something she was accustomed to.

"No, everything is fine. Just checking up on an old friend."

A lie is a lie, but she wasn't going to see the beggar escorted off to who knows where. She then turns to the raven.

"We'll, this has been a chance meeting. Do take care, old friend."

Edited March 13, 2013 by Kintobor

[herrJJ]

"Wait a second, 'old friend'", Nessa addressed the were-raven. "Who is that man, you were talking about? Who gave you that information?" Nessa said with a nod towards the guard to show the danger the beggar was in.

[xxlrocka]

"Oh! Uhh, yeah. Old friend. Whatever. Poor thing, had a well-known business and was extremely rich. Uhh, but... uhh... the place went bankrupt so now it's been reduced to begging?" Drake failed to think of a story fast enough, and though he thought beggars were actually a bit smelly, he cared for the raven-thing because he was a Heroica hero, and that is what a hero does.

[Dannylonglegs]

Karie looks at the town guard with a calm look. The recent info was something she was accustomed to.

"No, everything is fine. Just checking up on an old friend."

A lie is a lie, but she wasn't going to see the beggar escorted off to who knows where. She then turns to the raven.

"We'll, this has been a chance meeting. Do take care, old friend."

"Oh, I will. I know me ways around this city. I always remember me friends when I see them." cooed the were-raven.

"Wait a second, 'old friend'", Nessa addressed the were-raven. "Who is that man, you were talking about? Who gave you that information?" Nessa said with a nod towards the guard to show the danger the beggar was in.

"Yeeeees?" queried the were-raven slowly. "Me friend, you mean? Me contact? Me 'reliable associate,' you mean?" He queried, eyeing the guard suspiciously. The guard looked down disdainfully on the beggar, just waiting for him to say the wrong thing. "Why," the were-raven began, "I happened upon this tidbit of information from a good old friend of mine.... Even older a friend then you fine people. I have no problem divulging, but the present company has me beak in its talon, if you understand me meaning." remarked the were-raven slyly, and quietly from the side of his beaked-mouth, so as to evade the watchful guard hearing him clearly, betraying some cunning intellect.

"What was that?" The guard asked.

"Nothing, Pete, I din' say nothing. I just were talking about me poor business. I lost evereee-thiiiing in the cloth trade. Evereee-thiiing."

"Oh! Uhh, yeah. Old friend. Whatever. Poor thing, had a well-known business and was extremely rich. Uhh, but... uhh... the place went bankrupt so now it's been reduced to begging?" Drake failed to think of a story fast enough, and though he thought beggars were actually a bit smelly, he cared for the raven-thing because he was a Heroica hero, and that is what a hero does.

"Kind Pete, he speaks the truth, this man, me friend. I was so generous to me friend, that I loaned him the ten gold that made him what he is today. As you can see, he's now a wealthy man. Me good, old friend, might I ask you for the return of that 10 gold you owe me?"

Edited March 13, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Kintobor]

Karie could tell the raven was trying to pull a fast one. She had to think fast if they were going to keep their money.

"Look. See that guy over there, the guard. He's out looking for bums. We've been charitable enough, now be a good bird and get the flying flock out of here."

Edited March 13, 2013 by Kintobor

[Dannylonglegs]

Karie could tell the raven was trying to pull a fast one. She had to think fast if they were going to keep their money.

"Look. See that guy over there, the guard. He's out looking for bums. We've been charitable enough, now be a good bird and get the flying flock out of here."

"My, my, Kind Lady, you insult me. Pete and me are good long friends. Why, just last week, Pete released me from the bird-cage, claiming me accuser skipped town." The were-raven chuckled again. "but I can tell when I'm not wanted. My old friednd, I'd leave you with some words of advice: 'fortune is a cruel, cruel mistress.' You wish I leave then?"

[herrJJ]

"My, my, Kind Lady, you insult me. Pete and me are good long friends. Why, just last week, Pete released me from the bird-cage, claiming me accuser skipped town." The were-raven chuckled again. "but I can tell when I'm not wanted. My old friednd, I'd leave you with some words of advice: 'fortune is a cruel, cruel mistress.' You wish I leave then?"

Getting annoyed by that birdy person Nessa said: "If you don't have anything more to say, then yes, 'old friend', you are free to leave." Turning to the party Nessa asked: "Are we going on then?"

[Kintobor]

Getting annoyed by that birdy person Nessa said: "If you don't have anything more to say, then yes, 'old friend', you are free to leave." Turning to the party Nessa asked: "Are we going on then?"

"Excuse me, but who said you could dismiss him?"

She turns to the were-raven.

"Get going! Scram! Get lost!"

She motions for him to leave with her arms, shooing him away. She then rubs here hands together in satisfaction, and turns to the party.

"So, shall we be off!"

[Dannylonglegs]

"Excuse me, but who said you could dismiss him?"

She turns to the were-raven.

"Get going! Scram! Get lost!"

She motions for him to leave with her arms, shooing him away. She then rubs here hands together in satisfaction, and turns to the party.

"So, shall we be off!"

"Caw!"

With a final coughed Caw, the bird-man scrams in between the legs of the loading crane he was leaning on and into a crack in a broken down wall before the guard "Pete" could see him.

"That man wasn't really your friend was he?" grunted the guard. "He's been haunting the docks for months now. I had him jailed a week or so back, but the accuser, claiming the were-raven robbed him, disappeared, so we let old Crawfee go."

"That was pleasant." stated the Hinckwell employee sarcastically. "Now we really must get going. We're already very late."

The party followed the Hinckwell around the city, the morning fog clearing to reveal a bustling city. They left the wharves and entered the Market District. The streets were lined with Merchant stalls selling wares of various types. Fish, bread, clothes, cloths, arms... In addition to the street stalls, many of the buildings sold merchandise as well on their first floors. For a Market street, it didn't look as busy as one would suspect, with many of the merchants looking nervous or bored. After walking to the edge of the Merchant's district, the party came upon a modest-looking inn with a guard standing outside of it.

The Hinckwell spoke to the guard nervously and the guard replied, "You're late." and let them in.

When the party entered the inn, the found that despite the early hour, it was rather busy, filled with important looking men dressed well. Several of them were drinking, and the smell of warm food hit the party's nostrils. A bard sang softly on a small stage, plucking his lute in tune to the music. Several Patrons joined him in the seemingly common song.

The Hinckwell lead the party to the back of the Inn, where they found a richly dressed man with worry painting his worn face and his much younger, boyish-looking wife.

"This is Master Dill," spoke the Hinckwell in a hushed tone.

"Sssh, Bart. Let's talk in another room." Spoke Dill.

The party stepped up the stairs and entered the Hinckwell's room in the inn. It was obvious he'd been staying here several nights, as opposed to in a Manor.

"Thank heavens you’ve come. You are, in-fact, quite needed. First, let me explain to you the situation. I’ll try not to bore you with the minutia of my arrangement with the Local Noble, Lord Brenden II, but essentially, I got the idea for this endeavor several months ago from my wife, Ave, noting the bizarrely high price of Fine Cloth in Eubric. I watched the market, and sure enough, it crashed (a result of the unsustainably high price, a fall in demand by the more economically minded during these dark times, and the invasion of Luosh, primarily) which prompted me, as a representative of the Hinckwell company, to seek a mutually profitable arrangement with the cloth merchants of Brendenton. I offered Lord Brenden II and the Church a monthly payment in exchange for exclusive rights to the sale of Brendenton’s cloth (The finest in the land if you weren't in the know, and the largest exporter to the Free Isles and the Dastan Empire.) The Nobleman, who was in rough shape himself, agreed to my offer with little deliberation, and the church followed in suite (they have the power of the people, and therefore can legitimize the Lord’s decisions if they so desire. Believe me, if I didn'thave to involve them in this, I wouldn't.) With the rights to the sale of cloth, the Hinckwell Company can purchase cloth from the local artisans at a lower, but consistent price and sell it to Uland and Dastan through the Hinckwell Company for any price within reason—the Shadeaux will have to sell inferior cloth or less-well-known cloth. The new law shall be set into place tomorrow, and eased into slowly, but it’s crucial that the cat stays mostly in the bag until then, or we could face civil-unrest here, or a defensive maneuver by the Shadeaux—neither of which I want to deal with. It should be a win-win scenario, but I've noticed some worrying behavior in the local cloth merchants. I don’t think they know exactly what’s happening yet, but I fear there may be someone spreading rumors that could lead to quite a mess. I’m not sure what game this rumor-spreader is playing, but he must be found at once! I need to attend a meeting of the local merchant guilds here, soon, and with the law passing tomorrow, the rumor-spreader is going to make his move very soon. I suggest you start tracking him down by asking the Cloth Merchants you can find on Market Street if they've heard any rumors, but it’s important you don’t mention “Hinckwell” if at all avoidable. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but had you arrived earlier, then perhaps all of this could be mostly avoided, but alas, I hear the weather stunted your speed. Do you have any additional questions before you begin this mission?"

Edited April 27, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Kintobor]

Karie entered the inn with her fellow party members. She noticed the bard's singing before she noticed him.

"Amateur." She mumbled.

After listening to Dill's story, Karie felt a sense of intrigue. She wasn't at all interested in cloth sales, but the suspicions of a rat did.

"You say that someone's been spreading rumours? Do you have any suspicions on who it might be? Also, is it possible I might ask we take your assistant with us? I'd prefer to have his help, since he seems to be much more familiar with the city than any of us are."