[DH] For fun and profit – 23 May 2019 – Heret
Jun 15, 2019 9:33:43 GMT
Varis/G'Lorth/Sundilar, Daisy, and 3 more like this
Post by Heret Velnnarul on Jun 15, 2019 9:33:43 GMT
21 Mirtul, 1396 AR
at the Gilded Mirror, Daring Heights
Today the grand public opening of the factory and the circle. In all, a very fruitful launch, though narrowly escaped a grave reversal.
All preparations went smoothly, and a goodly number of guests attended. GH in v. good mood, despite his being required to undertake more transportations than usual. He made a fine speech, not neglecting to take credit for his work: ‘this new teleportation circle that I have been working on’, I think he said. Ha! He is learning. But he made due & proper mention of importance of new trade-route between Amn & Kantas, which was the greater matter. After he had spoken and then teleported the showcase traders to the factory, he seemed to consider he had done his work and took to the food & drink. Why not? For him this is just work; for him nothing depends on the success of the Kantas Venture save a comfortable employment.
Daerea sang beautifully as always, nor was I disappointed in the dancers of Sune’s Silk Slippers – their fame is well deserved. The guests seemed to appreciate the entertainment, though I think for a few of the more rustic folk it was somewhat too sophisticated.
After the entertainment, the traders began to show their wares for sale. I had by this time fallen in with a motley group of mercenaries, some already known to me. Baine, the powerful young man of orcish stock whom I met in Kundar, had come with some companions:
More to my advantage were several meetings with guests. WD had sent an agent, Kamil, with an invitation to treat for licence to exploit the Stoneleaf quarry. I agreed to review his offer. TASK: study the papers when they arrive. Likewise, the goblin Cluq was there, having taken instructions from her associates following our last meeting. She conveyed that they are willing to trade for:
We agreed to talk further. TASK: discuss negotiating position with L, seek authority from the governors, find Cluq at the Red House for further talks.
Spoke also to Kassienio, a chief of the Temple of Waukeen here. A gracious man indeed. He remarked that he wishes more people would attend the temple, whereat I assured him that L and I often do, and proposed to encourage others to do so. TASK: remind all our labourers of importance of venerating the Coinmaiden.
Other notable guests:
This last had been especially invited by L, so as to confirm good relations with the firbolgs at whose sufferance timber is felled in the Forest over which they claim control. Was therefore v. alarmed when Nilmorn approached me during the evening and said he had been transporting Sharora by cart from the Forest and taken a 'scenic detour' by the ‘Daring Depths’ chasm; he misjudged the edge and pitched cart & firbolg both into it! Foolish ever to have been driving near it. He had been knocked unconscious by the jolt and awoken with Sharora nowhere in sight.
Baine, Pieni, &c. were near by and agreed to help me search for her (though the draconic fellow, Ghesh, was shrewd enough to ask for recompense before doing so – these locals are learning!). L remained at the factory to keep the festivities in hand.
Reached the chasm quickly and descended, but signs in the dirt showed S had been dragged down a tunnel – and not one I’ve yet explored. We set off and soon found ourselves beneath a great spider-like creature that had attached itself and S to the roof of the cavern. Attacking us, it revealed itself to be what books call a ‘drider’ – a fearsome deformity made, it is said, by Lolth herself. My companions fought well and we killed the abomination, whereat I revived S with a healing draught and we carried her to the factory to recuperate. Rewarded the others with 200 gp each from the Company and a further 100 gp each from my own funds.
S of course distressed and demanded explanations. I explained Nilmorn’s incompetence and offered many apologies, as did L. S thanked me for rescuing her, but I fear this may have soured her feelings toward the Company. As it’s late in the evening and she is injured, she’s agreed to rest overnight at the factory. Tomorrow I will escort her myself to her village in the forest.
The incident troubles me not for its effect alone (and the much worse effect it could have had) on relations with the firbolgs, but also for what it signifies. Perhaps nothing. A large portion of fresh meat fell, the drider was near and took the chance. Perhaps. But driders are not mindless brutes (though I’ve read that they are often touched by madness), and they normally live deep below ground. Why was it so close to the chasm at just that moment? Could the under-elves be playing some double game, offering trade while sending twisted creatures to harm the Company’s business? TASK: return to the tunnel and search for any signs of where the drider came from or why.
But enough of that for tonight. The night was a success. Tomorrow I’ll escort Sharora home and perhaps learn more of the firbolgs and their home. L and I will also consult the traders to learn what goods were most desired by our local guests, the better to target future imports. But now a well-earned sleep.
at the Gilded Mirror, Daring Heights
Today the grand public opening of the factory and the circle. In all, a very fruitful launch, though narrowly escaped a grave reversal.
All preparations went smoothly, and a goodly number of guests attended. GH in v. good mood, despite his being required to undertake more transportations than usual. He made a fine speech, not neglecting to take credit for his work: ‘this new teleportation circle that I have been working on’, I think he said. Ha! He is learning. But he made due & proper mention of importance of new trade-route between Amn & Kantas, which was the greater matter. After he had spoken and then teleported the showcase traders to the factory, he seemed to consider he had done his work and took to the food & drink. Why not? For him this is just work; for him nothing depends on the success of the Kantas Venture save a comfortable employment.
Daerea sang beautifully as always, nor was I disappointed in the dancers of Sune’s Silk Slippers – their fame is well deserved. The guests seemed to appreciate the entertainment, though I think for a few of the more rustic folk it was somewhat too sophisticated.
After the entertainment, the traders began to show their wares for sale. I had by this time fallen in with a motley group of mercenaries, some already known to me. Baine, the powerful young man of orcish stock whom I met in Kundar, had come with some companions:
- Markas, half-elven, enthusiastic;
- Jacinta, halfling, quiet & astute;
- Ghesh, dragonborn, acquisitive.
More to my advantage were several meetings with guests. WD had sent an agent, Kamil, with an invitation to treat for licence to exploit the Stoneleaf quarry. I agreed to review his offer. TASK: study the papers when they arrive. Likewise, the goblin Cluq was there, having taken instructions from her associates following our last meeting. She conveyed that they are willing to trade for:
- services of religious practitioners;
- mercenary services;
- reliable sources of light;
- special weapons and metals.
We agreed to talk further. TASK: discuss negotiating position with L, seek authority from the governors, find Cluq at the Red House for further talks.
Spoke also to Kassienio, a chief of the Temple of Waukeen here. A gracious man indeed. He remarked that he wishes more people would attend the temple, whereat I assured him that L and I often do, and proposed to encourage others to do so. TASK: remind all our labourers of importance of venerating the Coinmaiden.
Other notable guests:
- Auber & Archselon of the Council;
- Rholor Vuzehk as well! - v. briefly & seeming reluctant to be there at all;
- Varis Nailo of the Crimson Fist, looking v. awkward throughout, especially when talking to Baine & Ghesh;
- Oriloki Manyvoices, a learned but tedious fellow representing the Watchful Order in Waterdeep;
- Rama, the red devil, browsing & drinking;
- Sharora, elder of the firbolgs of the Feythorn Forest.
This last had been especially invited by L, so as to confirm good relations with the firbolgs at whose sufferance timber is felled in the Forest over which they claim control. Was therefore v. alarmed when Nilmorn approached me during the evening and said he had been transporting Sharora by cart from the Forest and taken a 'scenic detour' by the ‘Daring Depths’ chasm; he misjudged the edge and pitched cart & firbolg both into it! Foolish ever to have been driving near it. He had been knocked unconscious by the jolt and awoken with Sharora nowhere in sight.
Baine, Pieni, &c. were near by and agreed to help me search for her (though the draconic fellow, Ghesh, was shrewd enough to ask for recompense before doing so – these locals are learning!). L remained at the factory to keep the festivities in hand.
Reached the chasm quickly and descended, but signs in the dirt showed S had been dragged down a tunnel – and not one I’ve yet explored. We set off and soon found ourselves beneath a great spider-like creature that had attached itself and S to the roof of the cavern. Attacking us, it revealed itself to be what books call a ‘drider’ – a fearsome deformity made, it is said, by Lolth herself. My companions fought well and we killed the abomination, whereat I revived S with a healing draught and we carried her to the factory to recuperate. Rewarded the others with 200 gp each from the Company and a further 100 gp each from my own funds.
S of course distressed and demanded explanations. I explained Nilmorn’s incompetence and offered many apologies, as did L. S thanked me for rescuing her, but I fear this may have soured her feelings toward the Company. As it’s late in the evening and she is injured, she’s agreed to rest overnight at the factory. Tomorrow I will escort her myself to her village in the forest.
The incident troubles me not for its effect alone (and the much worse effect it could have had) on relations with the firbolgs, but also for what it signifies. Perhaps nothing. A large portion of fresh meat fell, the drider was near and took the chance. Perhaps. But driders are not mindless brutes (though I’ve read that they are often touched by madness), and they normally live deep below ground. Why was it so close to the chasm at just that moment? Could the under-elves be playing some double game, offering trade while sending twisted creatures to harm the Company’s business? TASK: return to the tunnel and search for any signs of where the drider came from or why.
But enough of that for tonight. The night was a success. Tomorrow I’ll escort Sharora home and perhaps learn more of the firbolgs and their home. L and I will also consult the traders to learn what goods were most desired by our local guests, the better to target future imports. But now a well-earned sleep.
