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Jubilex
Posts: 3514
(8/4/04 11:59 am)
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Dobrug
[For Draxim, Ruglan, Ulwe, and Sangraal much of the following is common knowledge. Ruglan briefs the rest of the party on the situation in Dobrug on the trip north from Val'waha.]
Dobrug: A Map of Dobrug
While the social and economic structure of Thasvara is heavily influenced by the Lunar style, and Ravensgate is very much a soldier's town, Dobrug has an unmistakable Olmani flavor. A town of around six thousand, it is a center of trade in Moagara. From the west the scattered nomadic tribes of the Olmani plains (the Ironhoof and Kulbrae, particularly) bring horses, cattle and furs. From the sea Lunar traders peddle tools and weapons. Locals supply iron ore and lumber.
The town huddles beside a wide bend in the Nral River, surrounded by the formidable walls of the Imperial engineers. The settlements to the south of Dobrug were the first to be overrun by Chaos when the Legions sailed away from Moagara. The long Nral river valley plunges through the wilderness from the heights of the Valegalen Peaks. It once carried vast quantities of iron ore down to the sea, but no longer.
The Council of Elders in Dobrug, maintaining their station by owning much of the land within the walls, makes decisions concerning taxes, land-use and town defense. The most prosperous man on the Council is Oggsrund, and incidentally the fattest and most arrogant Councilman as well. His opinions carry great weight in the town. Fortunately for Dobrug, Oggsrund was old enough to see with his own eyes how close Moagara came to being consumed entirely by Chaos when the Legions departed. Hence, he has made town defense a priority. Although many in the town dislike him personally, Oggsrund has earned their respect.
Oggsrund and the Axemen:
Oggsrund is no fool. His considerable personal wealth allows him to maintain a private cadre of armed men, mostly former militia or Olmani mercenaries, known for their heavy, single handed axes and broad round shields. These brutes operate above the authority of the town watch and often enforce the will of the Council of Elders.
The Locamyrida:
Dobrug is the home of the Locamyrida, the Great Temple of Orlanth. The spring equinox sees a great festival, the Watermel, in the town when many of the farmers, herdsmen and miners from miles around Dobrug come in and celebrate the coming of the rains. A great storm has always accompanied this festival, as Orlanth himself gives his blessing to the people of Dobrug. The rain that falls on this day is jealously captured by the revelers, and has powerful medicinal properties until the next Watermel.
Hosting several large Orlanth cults in the town, including the Spearbearer sect to which Oggsrund belongs, the large temple is a focal point of worship in Dobrug. The Locamyrida actually predates the foundation of Dobrug, having risen up from a simple shrine more than a hundred years ago, and became the foundation of a thriving trading settlement before the coming of the Lunar Empire. For a time the shifting currents of the Nral river threatened to drown the venerable temple which sat on the water’s edge, but a wise Imperial Legate, ever seeking to placate the restless Moagari, not only threw a stout wall around the growing town but also set his engineers to rescuing the Locamyrida. Now the temple stands on four small stone islands, connected to the mainland and each other via a series of sturdy bridges. While the priests and seers of the Orlanth cults reside mainly on the islands, the faithful gather for prayers in one of several wide courtyards on the land nearby.
Yuli's Bastion:
One a fortified Lunar outpost, the stout stone structures have long since fallen into disrepair, mainly due to a series of devestating floods that ruined the bastion's foundation. For a time it became the home of an odd mystic called Yuli that most folk considered to be insane. Yuli's presence annoyed some folk, but amused many others as he babbled and cavorted along the bastion's ramparts. Sadly, Yuli inexplicably disappeared during the past winter. Many assume he fell into the river and drowned.
[Having been a member of the town watch in Dobrug for several years, Ruglan has not only an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the place but is also extremely well connected. Within two hours of his arrival he is entirely up to speed on what has happened in Dobrug since he left some four weeks ago, and tells the rest of the party what he has learned.]
Yashai, the Lioness:
Word of fighting between the Iron Hoof and Kulbrae nomads to the west came swiftly to Dobrug, and with it a tide of displaced tribesmen and traders seeking refuge from it. In a few short weeks the balance of power in Dobrug was turned on its head as several wealthy Olmani merchants moved into the town, taking advantage of Dobrug’s location and relative security to sell weapons to the warring tribes. Yashai, matriarch of the Ahvata clan and known among the Xixia as The Lioness, quickly bought out a wide swath of hovels in the south part of Dobrug. In short order her followers began tearing down the existing structures and building up new ones in their place. Such a direct threat to the authority of the Council brought Yashai into conflict with Oggsrund, and a tense showdown between the Axemen and her own numerous and well equiped personal guard was the immediate result. In private counsel the matter was resolved, though the terms of the armistice are not publicly known. The Lioness remains in Dobrug, and with the growing number of Olmani coming to the town, swelling the ranks of her followers, she appears prepared to stay.
The Zesh:
The marked increase in the number of Olmani in Dobrug has pushed many of the tribesman outside the city walls. A small village of tents has formed outside the south gate, which at Yashai's request now stays open at all times, even at night. The Zesh is a good place to find horses as well as the exotic spices and rare cloths that come across the plains from the mysterious lands to the west.
The Map:
Quite unexpectedly, the priests of the temple of Orlanth the Seafarer (to which the Aerendalen is closely aligned) announce that they have acquired a rare thing indeed: a written map of the Sea of the Hyrgurae and its surrounding lands. For 15 silver anyone may go to the temple and see this map, though the priests aren't letting anyone transcribe it.
The Uzla Thura:
A strange galley arrived in Dobrug several weeks ago named the Uzla Thura. It appeared to be crewed by Lunar sailors, and commanded by an Imperial official of some kind. At night the ship doused its lights and was observed to be the source of bizarre shouts and reverie, as if a celebration were under way. The language was unknown to the common folk of the town, but a number of large humanoid shapes could be seen prowling the deck in the dim moonlight. Khelzhad and Pogar recognize immediately that the galley's name means "The Blue Mistress" in the tongue of the trolls. The galley's captain met briefly with the Council of Elders before putting out to sea a few days later.
Other happenings:
The Kulbrae and Ironhoof tribes are fighting in the west. No one is exactly sure what they're fighting about.
It has been noticed, and celebrated, that the number of broo warbands raiding the farming settlements of the Osender has dropped precipitously. The harvest was particularly bountiful as a result and prospects for prosperity during the winter are good.
Few could help but notice a band of black-skinned Lunar monks of the Sekastian Order arrived in Dobrug just a few days ago. They went directly to the Spiral Stone (a small monestary and minor temple to Yelm that was where both Kezib and Sangraal received their training) and have been cloistered in the place ever since.
Lodging:
Ruglan warns the party away from several establishments, and recommends either The Turnkey, Five Wells, or Dol's Apple as being run by honest folk with good taste in both food and drink. One can purchase a room at any of these inns (which includes food) for two silver a day. Ruglan points out that for the long term it's much cheaper to live in one of the dozens of boarding houses, or to simply rent a room from a private residence. Five silver a week is the going rate for such places.
Another alternative is to buy a house, which is likely to be considerably more expensive but is likely to be much safer for a wealthy group that wants to preserve their valuables from thieves and such.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 8/4/04 12:33 pm
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yucatanyeti
Moderator
Posts: 1120
(8/5/04 12:26 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
As the companions leaving for Dobrug make there way out of the tent town they quickly encounter Sangraal and his unhappy horse Fujara-Hasee . Busy redistributing the weight as White Sun looks on gloomily Sangraal fails to notice his friends till they are only a few yards away.
‘She tussles with the reigns’ Sangraal snorts.
‘An unruly one, this beast is. Tis best I feel to march with friends on feet that I trust. Do you hear that Fujara-Hasee?’
As if in answer White Suns ears prick at the mention of her name.
‘I offer a deal, bear this weight to Dobrug and I promise to not attempt to ride’
As the party moves on Sangraal falls into line with White Sun in tow. Upon realizing that Ruglan is unaware of the transpirings of late he spends the next few hours retelling the tale.
[OOC: Sangraal travels with his friends to Dobrug and tells Ruglan what went on]
Edited by: yucatanyeti at: 8/5/04 5:39 pm
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1000
(8/6/04 11:38 am)
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Re: Dobrug
Ulwe makes his way to the Locamyrida immediately upon returning to Dobrug. Once there, he sets to speak to the various Order heads to attempt to convene the Synod in order to inform the temple Elders of the recent transpirings in the Cairnhollow as well as to present the artifacts he weilds.
Ulwe will also seek out the Seafarers and view the map. His elven curiousity as well as personal interst in the topic make him gladly pay the exorbatant fee.
The Aerendalen also spends time seeking wise counsel from the Temple Elders to learn the rituals of the Orlanth cults.
Ulwe will stay on the temple grounds, changing his warrior's gear for the simple robes of a cult-devotee.
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Jubilex
Posts: 3519
(8/6/04 12:10 pm)
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Temple on the Water
The Locamyrida is alive with activity. Throngs of worshipers listening to the speeches, sermons, rantings and divine predictions of a dozen priests of a dozen different sects swarm along the waterfront. Ulwe pushes through the steamy crowd until he is met by two steel-eyed men, lay members of the cult of Orlanth Spearbearer, standing guard at the edge of one of the three stone bridges leading to the Locamyrida complex. Negotiating his way past the bored sentries, Ulwe enters the forum of the temple (on the southeastern island) in which the priests often gather to discuss matters theological and temporal.
It isn't long before the travel-weary Ulwe bumps into one of his contemporaries: an Aerendalen named Thesulc. The energentic young elf (besides talking emphatically about the wonderous map the Seafarers have secured) leads Ulwe to the serious and notoriously humorless Eshrid, one of the Locamyrida's ministers and a woman of some influence among the Spearbearers.
Ulwe indicates his desire to convene the Synod, but meets considerable resistance. Not surprisingly Ulwe has little standing among the cults of the Locamyrida, and the Aerendalen are even less influential than most, often being perceived as nomadic and hence less invested in the concerns of the temple. After some discussion Eshrid dismisses Thesulc and leads Ulwe deeper into the Locamyrida.
In a cool, sunlight chamber with a wide balcony granting a view of the southern docks, Ulwe meets with Reyuun, a Searfarer navigator, Waed Daeva, the senior Aerendalen in Dobrug, Lothas, an aged priest of the cult of Orlanth Hearthshield, and Eshrid, representing the Spearbearers. This "lesser Synod" is willing to hear of Ulwe's exploits and agrees to take his tale to their superiors if it is worthy of their time.
Edited by: Jubilex at: 8/6/04 12:25 pm
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yucatanyeti
Moderator
Posts: 1124
(8/6/04 1:39 pm)
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SpiralStone
‘I will take lodging at the Spiralstone’ he reminds Draxim and others as they pass through the town gates.
Before long Sangraal breaks off with a quick wave and makes way through a gaggle of ware hawkers with poor downtrodden White-Sun in tow.
[OOC: Sangraal makes way to the stone spiral]
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Jubilex
Posts: 3521
(8/6/04 2:07 pm)
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Re: SpiralStone
The Stone Spiral is exactly as Sangraal left it... six weeks ago? It seems like a year at least. The priest's armor is blood-stained and torn in a dozen places, his helm dented and uneven, and his boots proudly boasting of the miles he's travelled. Seeing its simple doors and the small courtyard beyond makes him think instantly of his old friend Kezib.
He is welcomed by four acolytes of his old teacher, Ashel the Just, two of whom are aspiring devotees of the Brotherhood of the Dawn. They are hopelessly young to Sangraal's eyes, though only a few years seperate he from them. Passing through the courtyard Sangraal notices a pair of the tall, black-skinned Lunar monks Ruglan was talking about. They ignore him and go about their exercises, much as the priest remembers Kezib doing.
Ashel greets Sangraal warmly, and helps relieve him of his pack and weapons. The acolytes make room for Sangraal, giving him a room of his own, and loiter around he and Ashel, hoping for a tale of Sangraal's adventures.
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mikedobbs
Moderator
Posts: 235
(8/6/04 4:13 pm)
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Re: SpiralStone
Janes askes Ruglan if he has a minute.
[ OOC - Conlon, what's a good e-mail address for you now? Mike]
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yucatanyeti
Moderator
Posts: 1126
(8/9/04 4:06 pm)
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Re: SpiralStone
Greeting Ashel with the deference of a pupil to teacher Sangraal delivers with a steadfast voice the Petition of Lodging. An overly formal gesture considering Sangraals longtime affiliation with the small monastery, which brings a quick smirk to Ashels lips.
‘No need for such formalities son. You are always welcome in these walls.’ Ashel counters.
Sangraal acquiesces, dropping his stern guise.
‘It is good to be home. I have a great deal to tell for a lot has happened since we parted ways but It can wait till after DaysEnd.’
With that said Sangraal pardons himself and spends the rest of the day in solitude, reflecting on the events that have occurred and praying to Yelm for guidance.
Later in the dining hall with an audience Sangraal relates the events of the six weeks. He tells of the defense of Gurgnis house with five strangers, who would soon come to be brothers in arms and the ambush outside of Werthyn where the broo raiders were broken. At length he recites the fall of the Merek Lek at Old Kurlew and it is long past the watchmen’s hour when he concludes the journey to Ravensgate and the conflagration that followed.
Sangraals story telling ends aburptly with the disappearance of Kezib. Suddenly awash with emotion Sangraal waves off questions and hides his grief with a quick gulp of ale.
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Jubilex
Posts: 3527
(8/10/04 9:01 am)
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Re: SpiralStone
Sangraal settles in to his quarters in the Spiral Stone, and the familiar routine of the quiet place. After hearing his tale, Ashel meets with the young priest privately.
[Note to Sangraal.]
[What's everyone else doing? Where are you staying, and how do you plan to spend the winter?]
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1002
(8/10/04 11:22 am)
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Re: Temple on the Water
Ulwe thanks Thesulc for arranging the meeting with Eshrid.
When Eshrid, Reyuun, Lothas, and Waed Daeva gather in the sanctum overlooking Dobrug's deep harbor, Ulwe bows in deference to his spiritual Elders.
"My thanks to you for this meeting." Ulwe begins, once he is bidden to speak by the four. He wets his dry mouth with a cup of cold water which he pours from an earthenware pitcher sitting on the low table nearby.
"I have discovered many things in the past weeks which bear import to all of us. The tenents of my Order..." Ulwe nods to Waed Daeva, "... compell me to share my knowledge." He pauses, feeling uncomfortable from the hard stare of Eshrid.
"Though what I have learned and what I have experienced should be heard by only the Wise who will know better than I what the greater meaning is."
"Brother Ulwe, we have many things to do, please get on with it!" He is admonished by the Spearbearer Eshrid.
With no further delay, Ulwe produces the twin javelins.
"Behold the Swan Maidens of Zvhedros!" Ulwe bows his head and kneels before his superiors holding the shining finely crafted rune-metal relics of Orlanth's legendary Rune-Lord.
After the astonished gasps and incredulous looks diminish, Ulwe continues.
"Forgive my boldness." he begs. Then once the Elder priests are silent, Ulwe tells the tale of how he came into possession of the javelins from the beginning.
He tells of how his days with the Grovewardens came to an end with the appearance of the Companions of the Light. He tells about his involvement with the group in Raven'sgate and their journey to the Cairnhollow. He spares no detail in his description of his days spent deep under the earth. He tells of the war between the Demons, their terrible relics and the role of the Dead Emperor of Luna. The elaborate plot of the Dragon-newt and the fulfillment of the 'prophesy' are also told. Ulwe tells the priests about his death-like experience, and his 'ressurection.' Even mundane details he shares as he recounts his last few days in the company of Theony.
"...and that brings me to the present."
The only details he spares the Elder Priests are: the identity of Madragar, refering to the bald wizard simply as the Mage; and his blasphemous run-in with Sangraal.
Sitting cross-legged and bolt-upright, Ulwe finishes his tale and slumps, the weight of his story lifted, the Aerndalen relaxes slightly.
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doggius
Moderator
Posts: 792
(8/10/04 11:24 am)
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Re: SpiralStone
Pogar, with a spring in his step, looks around in wonder at the sights before him. Slowly pushing his way through the crowds, Pogar heads for the Five Wells, to aquire a room and some good drink.
Pogar will spend the day in the pub, drinking with whomever feels the strenght to join him.
Before Ulwe leaves, Pogar calls to him "Hey, elf, before you go visit that map, come get me at the Five Wells. I'd be interested in lookin at it also."
[Pogar will spend his time in Dobrug, wandering around looking at the different people, crafts and weaponry. He plans on staying for 2 days at the Five Wells and will try to find a place to rent for a couple of weeks or so. If possible, he will try to find a job helping some one with metalwork. He will definately go visit the Map.]
Edited by: doggius at: 8/10/04 11:28 am
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Jubilex
Posts: 3530
(8/10/04 12:01 pm)
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Re: Temple on the Water
Ulwe:
The young Aerendalen notices two things. First, while Waed Daeva grows increasingly enthralled by his tale, Eshrid becomes more dismissive and incredulous. His fellow Aerendalen is clearly absorbing every detail of his story and is fascinated by its complexity. The Spearbearer priestess, however, seems to think Ulwe is lying, or at least stretching the truth quite a bit.
The second thing Ulwe notices is an odd look that passes across the eyes of his audience when he speaks of his "resurrection" from the green fire of the Illuminating Orb, and Theony's mysterious ramblings about the Hyrgurae. The air of the chamber feels somehow both colder and thinner as the words come out of his mouth, and his fellow priests stare blankly back at him. Once his story continues the four priests seem to return to normal.
"Urukavas slain! A great victory my brother! The Synod must hear of this... all of this!" Waed Daeva exclaims enthusiastically, one meaty arm around Ulwe's shoulder.
"Yes," Eshrid says dryly. "Indeed they must. Ulwe, remain in the temple. The Synod will call for you when they are ready."
Pogar:
Pogar finds the Five Wells to be an excellent establishment. Having never visited a human settlement before he is amazed at the variety of food available, and the strange folk that pass through the town. The Olmani are very unusual to Pogar's eyes, and seem to talk in little clipped sentences as if they were conversing with knives.
Regarding work, Pogar has considerable trouble finding a blacksmith or armorer that needs the assistance of a stranger. Of course, Pogar (by Moagaran standards) is rich, so could probably pay a smith for access to his forge if he so chose.
[I'll put a link to the Seafarer's map in your private forum. Mark off the 15 silver if you haven't already, and 2 silver per day at the Five Wells.]
Edited by: Jubilex at: 8/10/04 1:38 pm
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Ruglan
Moderator
Posts: 342
(8/12/04 12:56 pm)
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Dobrug
Ruglan warns everyone of the consequences of having large sums of coins and wealth on their person or in their rented rooms. He suggests one of the few (somewhat) honest merchant/bankers/temples that are more secure to store money.
Ruglan deposits most of his wealth (of which I have yet to figure it all out yet) and then goes off to find a room for rent in one of the nicer sections of town.
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Jubilex
Posts: 3534
(8/12/04 4:01 pm)
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Re: Dobrug
Unfortunately, there are no reliable merchants in which to trust one's currency. A friendly temple may hold it, but even then it wouldn't be completely secure. Wealthy folk either hire guards for their homes, keep their valuables on them, or both.
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1004
(8/13/04 8:18 am)
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Rituals
Ulwe informs Eshrid that he shall remain in the Temple grounds. He heads to the small shrine depicting the Sea-Wanderer which incedently is nearby the Sea-Farer.
He finds his old haunt and asks Waed Daeva about both: Keeping a sea-chest in the shrine where he can safely lock up his weapons, armor and valuables. He also humbly submits to the Elder Aerendalen to ask about begining training in the various Rituals and tests of Concentration that are available to his cult.
He also pays the 15 SP to view the map (marked off of sheet. Also I assumed, -which can be a dangerous thing- That he had taken care of Boarding for his horse. If it will prove to be a huge problem he may just sell the poor old beast.)
Edited by: Ulwe at: 8/13/04 8:22 am
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doggius
Moderator
Posts: 793
(8/13/04 3:15 pm)
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Re: Rituals
Pogar, not trusting of anyone, even his own kin, when it comes to money, will keep the money on him at all time. Having no real fear of anyone thinking him to be rich, Pogar isnt worried about it. However, Pogar isnt stupid. He will keep a majority of his coinage in his pack, and keep a little, enough to get him by, on his person. While wandering around, Pogar will offer up some money, so that he can keep his hands dirty, with the sweet caress of ore.
[He will pay, to keep his hands sharp in metalwork.]
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mikedobbs
Moderator
Posts: 239
(8/21/04 4:04 pm)
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Checking out the town
Janes wanders off to check out the town.
[ Note to GM ]
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squarefodder
Khelzhad
Posts: 325
(8/23/04 10:26 am)
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Re: Winter
As they near the tall walls of Dobrug, Khelzhad has a couple of things on his mind to share with the party: namely he would like to purchase the Duergar chain from the party and he also asks how much of what has transpired should remain secret, for he is eager to share this great tale with the masses.
The dwarf joins his cousin Pogar at the Five Wells, and suggests they convert the cumbersome coinage into some "real" currency (for the Ghuraskalli, that's gold and gems). Until then, they should keep a watch on the horde. On his time off the watch, Khelzhad proceeds to seek out jewelers and metalsmiths, and will make a donation to the temple of Ulwe [once I figure out his remaining $].
Khelzhad is very interested in staying in Dobrug until spring, to witness the festival of Watermael and learn the lore of the sea. This should also give him time to re-tell their story to saturation. He suggests to Pogar and Draxim that the Dwarves stay together and rent a house rather than stay at the inn for all this time.
He will definitely visit the map for 15s and will also attempt to Gather Information (plus 5) on the mystic Yuli, for such eccentrics often have bits of lore to share. As the time passes, he may even take a trip on the water with Ulwe, if he is willing to pilot a vessel. "Though we dwarves do not float, and I cannot swim, I will trust in Ulwe to see me through or take me."
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doggius
Moderator
Posts: 794
(8/23/04 12:50 pm)
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Re: Winter
Pogar agrees to the suggestion of renting a house for the spring.
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yucatanyeti
Moderator
Posts: 1131
(8/24/04 11:04 am)
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Who is that dog?
A dog runs through the streets of Dobrug baying loudly. A pitiful racket intended to express the depths of its loneliness but only serves to bring down curses and an occasional stone.
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Jubilex
Posts: 3535
(8/25/04 7:37 am)
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Re: Rituals
Ulwe:
At Ulwe's level the only ritual available to him is the Watermel ceremony - a collection of simple movements and chants the priests of the Locamyrida use during the famous water purification ritual during the spring equinox. Ulwe can spend the month studying basic meditative techniques (Concentration) for 60 gold.
A link to the Seafarer map is in your private forum. Ulwe can stable his horse for 10 gold per month.
Pogar:
He quickly finds a young dwarven smith named Yuesh that gives Pogar access to his modest shop for the month for 5 gold. Pogar also uses up about 10 gold in materials.
Conveniently, Pogar finds that Yuesh (a recent widower), has a room that he can rent to Pogar and Khelzhad for 6 gold each, per month. The two dwarves end up spending about 10 gold per month after food and drink.
Khelzhad:
[Kenner managed to delete his entire possession list so I'm not sure what the value of the chain was. Draxim turns it over to Khelzhad mentioning that they'll square the price of the chain once the rubies and crown are liquidated, if they can be.]
Khelzhad finds a number of reputable silver and goldsmiths, but few jewelers. There are two gemcutters in the employ of the Lioness, but her own trade in gems seems to keep them busy. The handful of other jewelers in the town don't seem competent or trustworthy to Khelzhad's eyes.
A link to the Seafarer map is in your private forum.
Sangraal:
Without fanfare Sangraal heads for Thasvara just days after arriving in Dobrug.
Madragar:
A crescendo of trumpets announce the arrival of the tatoo'd wizard... the Sultan of Stealth, the Paragon of Pith, Madragar.
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