Thirteen 2 session 2

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Session

Session date: 2021-08-08

In Game date: ~21 Ogdoamenas (late summer), 1721 M.E

At the Gudinashand Estate

<Narrator> It's been roughly a week since the riot and, though the city has returned more or less to normal, tensions remain high. Repairs to the docks are in progress, the injured have received healing, and, other than the one unfortunate death, thus far there's been few repercussions in the aftermath.
* Svald has started a painting of the riot >.> And also has been doing quick studies of the reconstruction.
<Narrator> In the way that life must go on, there's been several sightings of a gryphon on the mainland nearby, and a hunt is being organized for the creature after it killed several cows and sheep. It's becoming something of an event for the local elite, a diversion from the ill feelings in the city. The Gudinashand have a manor on the Rahwack River near the latest sighting, and are hosting hunters in an attempt to regain face after their
<Narrator> warehouse was attacked.
<Narrator> (Would you like to roll Art for that, Hazel?)
<Svald> !roll 4d3-5
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 2 2 2 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 4 ].
* Daifan is SO up for a Gryphon hunt
* Daifan is now known as Skalla
* Skalla is SO up for a Gryphon hunt
<Narrator> Svald, I would say you get a good start on your painting, working from your sketches the night of and expanding into a solid baseline image.
<Narrator> (Are you all going? And, if Svald is, is she bringing her work with her? Painting en plein air?)
<Svald> (I wouldn't bring that particular piece no)
* Svald tags along with a small portable easel for studies.
* Svald tries to conceal their distaste
<Narrator> The Gudinashand estate, Hokkulle House, is maybe a two-hour boat ride from Fastning Irena. Situated on the titular hill overlooking the river, the grounds are abustle with a who's who of Vinmarker society either prepping for the hunt or just enjoying the diversion.
<Skalla> (Who all among this group are actually decent hunters?)
<Narrator> (Thekla Katrinsdottir Gudinashand (a fair bit older than Skalla, ~90 or so), Folke Bjarneson Valfångare (in his like 140s), and Mattias Alfson Säteri (maybe just a little bit older than Skalla))
<Narrator> Hildegard, Freya Ulrikasdottir Skepskapten is there with her siblings and cousins, all of whom seem to be giving you something of a cold shoulder since your conflict at Charlotta's the night of the riot.
* Skalla will mix it up with other hunters, excited to see the gryphon, maybe
<Narrator> (When you say "mix it up", what are you meaning?)
* Hildegard will keep away from the others for now, probably hanging back near Svald.
<Narrator> (Svald, are you sketching or painting atm?)
<Svald> doing paint studies
<Svald> ()
<Svald> (basically sketches in paint )
<Skalla> (chatting, swapping hunting stories and rumour about this gryphon shit talking who is going to get it, oggling each other's guns, that sort of thing ;)
<Svald> (maybe some drawings in their sketchbook)
<Narrator> (coolio to both)
<Hildegard> (Are we mounted? Or just sort of milling around?)
<Narrator> (Svald, what sort of stuff are you doing studies of currently? Also, in general, how would you characterize Svald's style?)
<Skalla> (I think milling for now)
<Narrator> (Currently just milling about, socializing and prepping. Some folks are going to head out soon, but it seems like most people are going to stay the night and begin the hunt in the morning.)
<Svald> (probably mainly the land atm... but once we're moving more probably some unflattering sketches/caricatures of the people)

Svald meets Hjalmar Gunneson

* Hildegard is cleaning her rifle, but looking over now and then to see what Svald is drawing.
<Narrator> Svald, you get the strange sense of being watched and, looking around, you notice a young (for his species) dwarven man looking at you and your work.
* Svald meets his eyes for a moment then returns to their work
* NPC1 is now known as Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town
* Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town blushes and looks back to what he was doing.
* Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town approaches a little bit later.
<Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town> You've, um, you've got a good eye.
* Svald looks him over.
* Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town says ostensibly to Svald but mostly at her painting or the ground.
<Svald> There's a lot to see.
* Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town is a little thin for a dwarf, but tall, with long blond hair in a braid and cleanshaven.
* Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town nods.
<Svald> You don't look like a hunter.
<Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town> (Tall for a dwarf, so...like 5'4" maybe. ;) )
* Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town chuckles.
<Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town> Oh, not especially. That'd be my father and brothers. I'm just kind of...here.
* Svald nods.
* Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town holds out his hand to shake.
<Svald> Same
<Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town> Hjalmar Gunneson.
* Svald extends theirs.
<Svald> Svald Rensang.
* Svelte_Young_Dwarf_of_Town is now known as Hjalmar
<Hjalmar> It's very nice to meet you.
<Hjalmar> I like what you're doing here with the sunlight on the river.
<Svald> Do you paint?
* Hjalmar nods.
<Hjalmar> I dabble.
<Svald> Oh really? What sorts of things?
* Svald warms visibly
<Hjalmar> Some portraiture, town life. I like painting ocean scenes.
<Hjalmar> I wish I'd thought to bring an easel and paints.
<Svald> Ah, that makes sense.
<Svald> I like the land here.
* Hildegard tries not to eavesdrop too much, but like... not NOT eavesdrop.
<Svald> But the things that happen in town... that is hard not to get involved in...
<Svald> Like the warehouse, the docks...
* Hjalmar frowns.
<Svald> Even this
<Hjalmar> You were at the docks last week?
<Hjalmar> I heard it was terrible. The papers made quite the impression.
<Svald> ... A little...
<Hjalmar> A little?
<Svald> I mean... I was there, I didn't, um... I didn't set anything on fire...
<Svald> I just wanted to see it. To um, record.
* Svald starts to shut themself off again, uncertain
<Hjalmar> Oh, no, I didn't think you, I mean-
* Hjalmar looks a little panicked he said the wrong thing.
<Hjalmar> Record, like...?
* Hjalmar nods towards Svald's current study.
* Svald nods.
<Svald> I'm making... a painting
<Hjalmar> Oh?
* Svald nods.
<Svald> There was a man with a brand, marking the boards as they took the warehouse down...
<Svald> It felt important
* Hjalmar nods.
<Hjalmar> I would imagine that was a...powerful image.
<Svald> I hope so.
<Svald> Do you have... a studio? In town?
* Hjalmar laughs self-consciously.
<Hjalmar> Oh, no, nothing like that, but I have a friend who does. Emelie Nannasdottir?
<Svald> (whomst? :3)
<Hjalmar> She actually studied in Gaulle at the Académie.
<Hjalmar> (I would imagine Svald's probably heard of her. She's a prominent local artist.)
<Svald> Oh, the Académie.
<Hjalmar> Where did you study?
<Svald> ... nowhere...
<Hjalmar> Oh, sorry, I shouldn't have assumed...
<Hjalmar> You're very good.
<Svald> I hear they are very... rigid there
<Hjalmar> I wouldn't know. I've just had some private instruction. And read and studied a lot.
* Svald nods.
<Svald> I started... when I was in school..
<Svald> Just to get my head away.
<Hjalmar> In school?
<Svald> Sometimes.
* Hjalmar nods.
<Hildegard> !roll 4d6-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildegard: [ 4d6-7 ] getting [ 3 5 3 4 ] for a total of [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 8 ].
<Hildegard> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildegard: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 3 1 2 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 0 ].
<Narrator> (You're not sure, but you think he's got a thing for Svald)
<Hjalmar> Well, hopefully I'll see your docks painting when it debuts.
<Svald> Well, whenever that is, haha.
<Svald> Do you know Charlotta's place?
<Hjalmar> Oh, of course.
<Hjalmar> Why do you ask?
<Svald> Oh well, I'm there a lot, if you want to show me some work sometime :)
<Svald> Ther are a lot of free thinking people who go there
* Hjalmar smiles.
<Hjalmar> I just might do that.
<Svald> It's a good place for talking, sharing ideas and things
<Hjalmar> I should probably get back to my family, but it was very nice to meet you.
<Svald> Same to you.
* Hjalmar smiles, nods, and walks away.

Hildegard is nosy ;)

* Hildegard will watch him go and then hobble over closer to Svald.
<Hildegard> Well, he seemed very friendly.
<Svald> He is an artist, he wanted to talk about my work.
* Hildegard nods.
<Hildegard> Mm hmmm...
<Svald> What?
<Hildegard> Nothing.
<Hildegard> He just seems nice.
* Svald shrugs.
<Svald> I mean if he wasn't nice I wouldn't have talked to him
<Hildegard> Kinda cute too.
<Svald> Do you like him? I said he should come by Charlotta's some time. Maybe you could talk to him then.
* Hildegard laughs.
* NPC2 is now known as Thekla
<Hildegard> Nah, not really my type. I'd probably break him.
<Svald> Oh.
<Hildegard> Sketches are going well?
* Svald nods.
<Svald> Just kind of... getting the mood
* Hildegard nods.
<Svald> Don't know if anything will come of it.
<Hildegard> You never know, I guess.
<Svald> Why did you come today?
* Hildegard shrugs.
<Hildegard> Figured it would be good to try to mend some fences after the other day. Plus, you know. Shooting.
<Hildegard> Why did you?
<Svald> There might be free food.
* Hildegard nods.
<Svald> I don't know.
<Svald> I wanted to see what happens.
<Hildegard> Hey, free food is a good enough reason as any.
<Hildegard> So you're trying to... what... capture the feel of things you see? Like in paintings?
* Svald casts their eyes over the hunters gloating over their guns.
<Svald> Something like that
<Svald> It's easier than words.
* Hildegard glances down at your sketches.
<Hildegard> I'm guessing the words wouldn't be all that flattering.
<Svald> Depends
* Hildegard nods.
<Hildegard> You gonna go out on the actual hunt?
<Svald> I won't be hunting
<Svald> I might follow them.
<Svald> Are you?
<Hildegard> Yeah, might as well. I'm not much of a hunter, but I'm probably a damn sight better shot than most of these folk. Gryphons are no joke, though. Be careful if you're going out there. I doubt it will stop for you to get a sketch in if it decides you're dinner.
<Svald> I always have my eyes open.
<Hildegard> Must make it hard to sleep at night.
<Svald> Lots of things on that list
<Hildegard> Mmm.
<Hildegard> Good luck with the drawings.
* Hildegard will head off back towards the main group.
* Svald is absorbed in their work again by the time Hilde gets there
<Narrator> Hildegard, you'll catch a few strange glances as you head back into the main group, and you catch some of the Skepskapten looking at you and then quickly talking amongst themselves.
* Hildegard will shoulder her rifle and try to not notice.

=Skalla chats with Thekla Gudinashand

<Narrator> Thekla Katrinsdottir Gudinashand will have been part of the hunter circle socializing, and attempt to catch Skalla aside at some point.

• Skalla can be caught aside

<Skalla> (how well do I know her?) <Narrator> (This sounds like a euphemism, but honest question, how well do you want to know her?) <Narrator> (All you old lineage folks have been each other's social circle and peers for a long time now) <Skalla> (medium well? Not like, boosom buddied but someone who has been Around more or less all her life, I expect?) <Skalla> Hey Thekla <Narrator> (Then, yeah, you know here reasonably well. She's probably friends with some of your older cousins and such. She's the youngest daughter of the Gudinashand matriarch, Katrin Tindrasdottir. She's not terribly dissimilar from Skalla: frontier trader, outdoorswoman.)

• Thekla smiles.

<Thekla> Hey Skalla. <Thekla> Nice to get out of the city, eh?

• Skalla grins broadly

<Skalla> Always! <Thekla> Especially with everything that's been going on. <Skalla> Absolutely. Remind us all whre exactly we live, eh?

• Thekla nods.

<Thekla> I just wanted to say...well, and my mother wanted me to say, but I also actually want to say, thank you. For helping our people at the docks, I mean. It could have been much worse for them if you hadn't been there.

• Skalla nods

<Skalla> It's not their fault, they don't deserve to get trampled for it.

• Thekla nods.

<Skalla> Sorry about the warehouse. Didn't want to push the mob too much, you know? <Skalla> It could have been anyone's <Thekla> Yeah.

• Thekla frowns.

<Thekla> I never thought we'd need a major guard presence or anything. <Skalla> for some magic ink? Why? <Thekla> I knew people were upset about the Diet's new law, but...

• Thekla shakes her head.

<Skalla> Unless you knew the proclamaition was coming, who'd ever have thought it? <Skalla> Never sen a mob like that before though <Skalla> (seen) <Thekla> Yeah, it came with the ink. Quite tidy and prepared, really.

• Thekla nods.

<Skalla> I was afraid they wern're gonna start a fire, that could have been a much worse disaster <Skalla> you know the kind of things we keep across the street ;)

• Thekla chuckles darkly.

<Thekla> That's largely thanks to your galdr, yeah? <Skalla> (my what?) <Skalla> oh, Skald, yes

• Skalla nods over to her

<Skalla> nice work there at the end <Thekla> If the soldiers had deployed faster, or my cousin had just brought some of *our* guards instead of sending to the fort...

• Thekla shakes her head again.

<Skalla> yeah, could have been a right fuckin' mess

• Thekla nods.

<Thekla> And it's not like it solved anything. The law's still in effect, still going to need those marks.

• Skalla makes a face

<Skalla> we'll see how that works out

• Thekla holds her hands up.

<Thekla> I'm not saying I agree with it. <Thekla> But it's still the law. <Skalla> oh I know <Thekla> And there's not much we can do about it from here.

• Skalla laughs

<Thekla> The lagkvinnor is writing a formal letter of opposition, but, other than that... <Skalla> tell that to the people who took apart your warehouse <Narrator> (local legislature) <Skalla> they can't arrest everyone

• Thekla actually laughs along with that.

<Thekla> Oh, believe me, I know. We'll probably end up employing some of the folks who helped tear it down to put it back up.

• Thekla shrugs and throws her hands up in a "what're you gonna do" gesture.

<Skalla> We'll find a way - that's what we do in Vinmark, like we always have

• Thekla nods.

<Thekla> Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you. I -we- appreciate it. If there's anything we can do to return the favor, don't hesitate to ask. <Thekla> Unless it's letting you get the shot in on the gryphon, because it's mine. ;)

• Skalla laughs again

<Skalla> Oh we'll see about that!

• Thekla laughs.

Gryphon Hunt!

<Narrator> (Are y'all going to try to get in some hunting today or wait until morning?)
<Hildegard> (I'm up for going today if there's a group going.)
<Narrator> (I mean, theoretically you could hunt at night, too. You're dwarves, you have darkvision. ;) )
<Skalla> (depends on what we know about Gryphons)
<Hildegard> (...what would I roll to know if gryphons are notcurnal or diurnal or... the other one)
<Narrator> (Lore)
<Hildegard> (hah)
<Hildegard> !roll 4d3-8
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildegard: [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 1 3 1 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ 0 ].
<Narrator> (You have no idea.)
<Hildegard> (Happy to go now then!)
<Skalla> (does my naturalis aspect help here?)
* Skalla rolls [ Error. The syntax is !roll xdx+x. ]
<Narrator> (Yes if you want. I applied that stuff incorrectly last time. You spend a Fate point to use your aspects for rolls, getting a +2. You can also spend multiple Fate points to invoke multiple aspects if they apply.)
* Skalla rolls [ Error. The syntax is !roll xdx+x. ]
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-8+4
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ Error. The syntax is !roll xdx+x. ].
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-4
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 1 1 1 3 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Skalla> (I will)
<Narrator> (You know gryphons are *usually
* active during the day (which you have a fair bit left, really), and that they prefer hilly terrain. It looks like most of the hunters are headed along the river for now, but you'd judge the terrain a bit inland to be a more likely habitat.)
* Skalla can direct her party along the more likely route then ;)
<Narrator> Roll me Investigate
<Narrator> (Hildy and Svald can too if they like (if Svald is even accompanying y'all))
<Hildegard> !roll 4d3-7
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildegard: [ 4d3-7 ] getting [ 2 2 2 2 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -7 ] totals [ 1 ].
<Svald> (question... my attuned to nature stunt is +2 to notice in wilderness... would it make sense for that to be investigate also, or would that necessitate another stunt)
<Narrator> (Yeah, I'd count that here)
<Svald> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 3 2 2 1 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Skalla> (Hah just wondering the same ;p Wonder twins power activate. I also forgot i I have a lore stunt for an extra +2 so I dodn't actually have to spend that fate poont :p)
<Skalla> !roll 4d6-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d6-6 ] getting [ 6 5 5 3 ] for a total of [ 19 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 13 ].
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 1 3 2 2 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Narrator> Your party comes across some scratch marks on a tree that you're both sure were made by a gryphon. You're in the right area.
* Hildegard readies her rifle.
<Hildegard> Skalla, do you want me to take the shot or let you go first?
<Skalla> I'd rather when it comes to it, but let's not rush
* Hildegard nods.
* Skalla says, but will ready her things\
<Narrator> (Roll me Notice)
<Hildegard> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildegard: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 2 2 1 2 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 1 ].
* Skalla will proceed carefully, keeping an eye out for more sign or the beast itself
<Svald> !roll 4d3-3
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-3 ] getting [ 2 3 1 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ -3 ] totals [ 6 ].
<Skalla> (I was scrolled up, derp)
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-5
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 3 2 3 2 ] for a total of [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 5 ].
<Narrator> (Right, so... :P )
<Narrator> Svald and Skalla, you spot a small herd of deer in valley clearing. Scanning the treeline, you can just make out a feline (and aquiline, too, I guess) form on a steep hillside not too far distant.
* Svald sketches quickly in their journal >.>
* Skalla will point it out to Hilde, and see if she can get to a better spot for a shot, or just to observe it for a bit
* Skalla will try and keep downwidn and all that good hunter stuff
* Hildegard will draw a bead on it, but wait for Skalla to make the first move.
<Narrator> Roll me Stealth
<Skalla>
you don't anna see it take down a deer first?
<Hildegard> >.>
<Hildegard> !roll 4d3-8
* Lan-werk rolls for Hildegard: [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 1 1 3 1 ] for a total of [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ -2 ].
<Svald> !roll 4d3-6
* Lan-werk rolls for Svald: [ 4d3-6 ] getting [ 1 1 2 3 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -6 ] totals [ 1 ].
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-8
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-8 ] getting [ 3 3 2 3 ] for a total of [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ -8 ] totals [ 3 ].
<Narrator> Hildy's leg falters, and she trips, snapping a branch loudly. The deer bolt, and the gryphon takes wing towards them at blinding speed.
<Hildegard> [q] Shit!
<Narrator> Skalla, you have a shot.
* Skalla will take it
<Narrator> Roll Shoot.
<Skalla> !roll 4d3-5
* Lan-werk rolls for Skalla: [ 4d3-5 ] getting [ 3 1 2 1 ] for a total of [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ -5 ] totals [ 2 ].
<Narrator> (Would you like to spend Fate points or anything?)
<Skalla> (sure, let's do that -nI'd rather a clean kill :x)
<Narrator> (+1 or reroll?)
<Skalla> (man I'm not sure which is better here... not familiar enough with what the benchmarks are )
<Narrator> (You have two Fate points left, right?)
<Skalla> (I do!)
<Skalla> (I could bump it by +2?)
<Narrator> (I'd add +1, and I'd let you invoke your Comfortable Outdoorswoman to a shot specifically in a hunting context.)
<Skalla> (Okay, cool)
<Narrator> (Basically, this clearly isn't her first hunt ;) )
<Skalla> (clearly not! I'll do thatm then)
<Narrator> Skalla's shot rings out and the gryphon falters on the wing, collapsing heavily to the earth short of the closest deer, which bounds after her fellows into the woods.
<Skalla> Hmm.
<Narrator> The gryphon shifts weakly on the ground.
<Hildegard> Good shot.
<Narrator> It screeches ferociously, if weakly.
* Skalla nods, but is gonna out this thing out of its misery also
<Skalla> Sorry friend.
<Skalla> keep an eye on the sky
* Skalla says to Hilde and Svald
* Hildegard nods and does so.
* Skalla will reload and get a bit closer
<Narrator> It's not moving too much, but it's head and large eyes swivel about in a panic.
* Skalla shakes her head
<Hildegard> Be careful...
<Skalla> Sorry, but thank you for your life - I won't let it go to waste
* Skalla will shoot it in the head or somwehere else to help it die faster
<Narrator> The gryphon breathes its last and Skalla will get heartfelt congratulations from her fellow hunters.
<Skalla> (yay! She will take te useful stuff and leave the rest for scavengers)
<Hildegard> I'm... sorry. I should have stayed behind.
<Skalla> You're fine, Hilde
<Narrator> Hokkulle Hall will ring with praise of the Stormsvallvåg this evening as the Gudinashand hold a celebratory feast/ball (which they would have held anyway, but now it's even more cheerful. ;) )
<Hildegard> I almost blew the shot for you.

• Skalla grins

<Skalla> No, it was a great set up <Skalla> I wasn't after the deer ;)

• Hildegard sighs.

<Hildegard> It's acting up again. I should go see Lucas. <Skalla> I thought about letting it take one, but that just seemed wasteful

• Skalla nods

<Skalla> Yes, take care of yourself <Skalla> but for now come help me with the carcass <Hildegard> Well, it would have been impressive to see, I'm sure. <Hildegard> Sure.

• Hildegard will do so.

<Skalla> Gonna get me a nice coat from this hide. Bet those teeth are good for somethig too. <Skalla> you want anything form it? Or you, Svald? <Hildegard> Huh. I didn't even know they had teeth. <Hildegard> No, thanks. Not my kill. This ones all yours. <Narrator> (They don't. >.> ) <Narrator> (Claws aplenty, though ;) ) <Skalla> (Yes I meant claws, derp) <Hildegard> (heh) <Svald> No thanks. <Skalla> okay <Svald> I've got enough.

• Skalla says, with a shrug
• Hildegard will help her take apart the carcass, though.
• Thekla is now known as Kaarina
• Skalla will offer them some lver though - you sure you don't want any? ;)

<Skalla> (liver) <Hildegard> Yeah, no. I'm good thanks. All stocked up on livers. <Skalla> Bah, its good for you!

• Skalla seems cheerful, thouugh
• Hildegard smiles despite herself.

Pierre Helps Kaarina Jokela with Her New Presses

<Narrator> Pierre, while your friends and employers are off hunting, you're still in town working at Charlotta's as usual.
<Narrator> The place has been busier than ever as people come to talk about the riot and what it might mean going forward.
* Pierre goes about his duties cheerfully, keeping an ear out for any interesting conversations. Not that he eavesdrops.
<Narrator> A friend of yours from your voyage over, Kaarina Jokela, comes in in the early afternoon one day.
* Thekla is now known as Kaarina
* Pierre looks up and smiles, and comes over to her as soon as he conveniently can
<Pierre> Kaarina! How are you?
* Kaarina gives Pierre a longsuffering smile.
<Kaarina> Bonjour, Pierre. I could be better.
<Pierre> Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.
* Pierre says, as his smile slowly disappears.
* Kaarina tries to practice her (heavily accented) Gaulois with Pierre.
* Kaarina sighs.
<Pierre> I have a moment - why don't we sit down, and you can tell me about it.
<Kaarina> It's nothing life-threatening. Just work trouble.
<Kaarina> Oh, that would be nice.
* Kaarina will take a seat with Pierre.
<Kaarina> I've been fighting with presses all morning and we still can't get them to print correctly.
<Pierre> Ah. What's going wrong, exactly?
<Kaarina> I wish I knew!
<Pierre> Is it printing off the page? Missing some letters?
<Kaarina> We just got in four new presses from Tamesas, and they're printing unevenly.
<Kaarina> They were *very
* expensive, and Mrs. Säteri is *furious.*
<Pierre> Oh dear. I hope she isn't blaming you?
<Kaarina> I don't think they were damaged on their voyage over, but...
<Kaarina> What? Oh, no, just...you know. If the boss isn't happy, no one is happy.
* Kaarina sighs again.
<Pierre> And I'm sure it's slowing things down, too. :/
* Kaarina nods.
<Kaarina> We're already dealing with the shortage of marked pages because of the riot.
<Kaarina> This is just...insult to injury.
<Pierre> Ah. That's right, Is this affecting the implementation of the new law?
<Kaarina> Well, the riot mostly put that on hold, as far as I can tell. There's only so much of the ingredients they need, and it's not like people are going to completely stop doing business.
<Kaarina> But, I mean, I guess we're somewhat breaking the law, then.
* Kaarina laughs.
<Kaarina> Maybe it's good the new presses aren't working.
<Pierre> Well, I suppose that might be the best way to look at it!
<Pierre> But surely they can't prosecute you if there's no way for you to comply with it and still work.
<Kaarina> Oh, absolutely. I'm not worried about that.
<Pierre> Is it a mechanical problem, do you think? I'm no expert in printing, but I do know a *little
* about tinkering. I'd be happy to help if I can...
<Kaarina> I just want to get these darn things working. They're very nice...other than not being entirely usable.
* Kaarina laughs a little.
<Kaarina> Oh? That'd be great. I'd love any help you might offer.
* Kaarina smiles.
<Pierre> Well, there's still a lot for me to do here... but I could stop by after we close?
* Kaarina nods.
<Kaarina> You're a lifesaver.
* Pierre laughs
<Pierre> I can't promise anything! I'll see what I can do, though. Until later!
* Kaarina smiles again.
* Kaarina will eat her lunch at Charlotta's and head back to work.
* Pierre gets up and goes back to serving the customers. When the day is over, he closes the shop and heads over to Mrs Sateri's printing shop.
* Hjalmar is now known as Waneni
<Kaarina> The shop isn't too terribly far from Charlotta's and it's a pleasant walk in the early evening air. You can hear the sound of work and a few choice curse words from within.
* Pierre approaches and knocks on the doorpost
<Pierre> Hello?
<Kaarina> Back here!
* Pierre goes through to find her.
<Pierre> I brought a few tools, just in case.
* Kaarina is further back in the shop, ink-smudged and with her sleeves rolled up, struggling with a gleamingly new printing press.
* Kaarina blows a stray hair out of her face and smiles.
<Kaarina> Whatever you think might help.
<Pierre> Alright. Let's see, here...
* Pierre examines the press to try to figure out what's wrong.
<Pierre> (Crafts roll?)
<Kaarina> (Yeah)
<Pierre> !roll 4d3
* Lan-werk rolls for Pierre: [ 4d3 ] getting [ 2 3 3 3 ] for a total of [ 11 ].
<Pierre> (-8+4=-4 -> 7)
<Narrator> It takes a little tinkering, but you think it's a problem with the screw. The connection seems misaligned, so it's not applying an even pressure. It's fiddly, but you're pretty sure you can fix it.
<Pierre> Ah. I think I see what's wrong here. Just a minute...
* Pierre goes ahead and re-aligns the screw connection, explaining as he does so.
* Kaarina watches and assists where she can.
<Kaarina> I could have sworn...
* Kaarina sighs.
<Kaarina> I can't believe I missed this.
<Kaarina> Thank you so much.
<Pierre> Oh, you're welcome. I'm sure you would have found it in time.
<Pierre> Okay, I think that's done it. Let's try it.
<Pierre> Then we can look at the others, and see whether it's the same problem.
* Kaarina puts in a new page, freshly inks the test page type, and it comes out perfectly.
<Kaarina> Yes!
* Pierre smiles
<Pierre> Ah, good! Let's check the others.
* Kaarina smiles and proceeds to do so.
<Narrator> The problem does prove to be the same on all of them. It looks like it's just a strange manufacturing quirk.
<Pierre> Huh. That's a bit strange. I expect the manufacturer must get this complaint often.
<Pierre> Anyway, it seems to be resolved now!
<Narrator> As you work, you'll get a good look at the print shop, full of the accoutrements of the trade. You notice a stack of handbills with the title "Marked For Thralldom!"
<Kaarina> They came very well recommended, from my understanding.
* Kaarina sighs in relief.
<Pierre> It is a beautiful machine! Maybe it was just this group.
<Pierre> Huh. What are these?
* Pierre goes over and looks at the top handbill.
<Kaarina> Which are those?
* Kaarina comes over to look.
* Pierre is careful not to get extra ink on it, whatever it is.
<Narrator> The handbill is a screed against the new mark law, saying it brands the colonists as thralls to the home country and various other bits of hyperbole.
<Kaarina> Oh, huh, I hadn't seen these. I've been mostly working on the new presses today.
<Pierre> (Is there any indication of who ordered it? A pen name... and/or a bill with a real name next to it? :P )
<Pierre> (And how many copies are there?)
<Narrator> (There's, say, 50 copies, and the handbills are signed "Karl Kaldrgaldr")
<Pierre> Perhaps these should be placed somewhere less visible.
* Kaarina frowns, nods, and puts the stack away elsewhere.
<Kaarina> I...would not have thought Mrs. Säteri the type.
<Kaarina> Uh, so to speak.
<Pierre> I doubt the Governor would come after Madame Sateri for business permits, but this... does she supervise all the jobs done here?
<Pierre> Maybe this is just an outside order, and she didn't look at it too closely? I've always thought she keeps a close eye on things, though.
<Kaarina> She usually does...
<Kaarina> And I don't think this was here yesterday.
<Pierre> Is there a bill for it?
<Kaarina> I'd have to look. Give me a second.
* Pierre nods
* Kaarina will go look through the business records.
<Kaarina> I don't see that name, but there is a K.K. here who paid [amount]. That's basically at cost.
<Pierre> Hmmm.
<Pierre> That means Madame Sateri knows about it, I guess. Or is going to, once she goes over the accounts. Does the entry have a description for what was printed? What does it say?
<Kaarina> Just "handbill."
* Kaarina frowns.
<Kaarina> Strange.
<Kaarina> I don't want trouble, but...I'm not in charge.
<Pierre> I'm not so sure Madame Sateri knows about this.
<Pierre> It could be another one of the journeymen, for example.
<Kaarina> Do you think I should talk to her about it?
<Pierre> I... don't know. If it isn't her, that could get someone in trouble.
<Pierre> But then, this could get *her
* in trouble, I'm sure.
* Kaarina looks unsure.
<Pierre> You could ask the others... but then everyone will know it happened.
<Pierre> Was there anyone who worked especially late yesterday?
<Kaarina> Not that I recall, but I guess I could keep my eye out for anyone messing with these.
* Kaarina gestures to where she put the handbills.
* Pierre nods
<Pierre> If somebody asks you where they are, that may be the person who printed them.
* Kaarina nods.
* Kaarina takes a deep breath and lets it out.
<Pierre> Maybe it'll spook them enough not to do it again. At least you'll know who you're dealing with.
<Kaarina> Yeah...
<Kaarina> Anyway, thank you so much for your health.
<Pierre> You're welcome! If you want to thank me, please stop by the coffeehouse again some time. :)
<Kaarina> I'd offer to buy you coffee, but that seems unfair. Dinner?
<Pierre> Oh, that would be great!
* Kaarina will happily treat Pierre to dinner at a nearby establishment
* Pierre will happily enjoy the food and the company

Lucas Meets With a New Client

<Narrator> (How does Lucas usually find his clients?)
<Lucas> (I think either by references from other people - Welumque or existing clients - or from hanging around public places like the coffee house and putting the word out)
<Narrator> (Okay, cool)
<Lucas> (I don't know that he's literate so fliers/posters are probably not an option)
<Lucas> (also that costs money :p)
<Narrator> (Heh, fair)
<Narrator> Someone will approach Lucas asking for his services on behalf of one Aliénor Beaulieu, a wealthy landowner with a residence south of Lequeot.
<Lucas> What is the ailment that requires treatment?
<Narrator> The person doesn't know, just that Mme. Beaulieu requested Lucas.
* Lucas will gather up a general collection of useful herbs and set out, then. I'll let Welumque know where I'm going, so if anything weird happens she'll know where to start looking.
<Narrator> You're given directions and can easily find the large manor house you were told to expect. Upon arrival, a servant will take you through to an office in which sits a matronly human woman of about forty.
* Kaarina is now known as Alienor
<Lucas> Good day, madam. I am Lucas Flood - I understand you wanted my services?
<Alienor> M. Flood, oui, please, come in.
<Alienor> Can I offer you something to drink? Tea?
<Lucas> Yes, thank you, that would be welcome.
* Alienor nods to the servant who showed you in.
<Alienor> Thank you for coming. I've heard good things about your skill in the medicinal and healing arts.
* Lucas nods modestly.
<Alienor> I am hoping you can help my poor husband. He suffered a terrible wound in the war that troubles him so.
<Lucas> I can certainly try, madam.
<Alienor> I've tried the church, of course, and a surgeon from Ilhatan, even a...Unitist preacher.
* Alienor has a look of distaste at the last.
<Alienor> All to no avail.
<Lucas> I'm sorry he has had such difficulty.
* Alienor nods sadly.
* Alienor stands.
<Alienor> May I show you to him? I can have tea brought for both of you.
<Lucas> Yes, of course. I will examine him and see what can be done.
* Alienor leads Lucas to a nearby room with a large window looking out over the manor's fields.
<Narrator> Sitting in a chair near the window is a handsome man roughly a decade younger than Mme. Beaulieu. A pair of knitting needles lies with a small project on them in his lap.
<Alienor> Hippolyte, I have a visitor for you.
* Waneni is now known as Hippolyte
* Hippolyte looks towards Alienor and Lucas and smiles.
<Hippolyte> Visitors?
* Hippolyte 's eyes are cloudy, and he doesn't seem to focus precisely on either of you.
<Alienor> This is M. Flood. He's here to look at your eyes, dear.
* Hippolyte smiles and nods, gesturing to a seat nearby.
<Lucas> Good day, sir. I am a healer. May I have permission to examine you?
<Hippolyte> It would be rude if I said no, since you've come all the way out here.
<Lucas> Ah, it was not so much trouble.
<Narrator> The servant from before comes in with tea and sets it down on a table next to Hippolyte.
<Alienor> I will leave you to your work, M. Flood.
<Lucas> Thank you, madam.
* Alienor steps over to give Hippolyte a chaste kiss on the top of the head and takes her leave.
* Lucas will hop up on a chair and see if I can see the nature of the injury
<Narrator> Upon closer inspection, you can see there is a pattern of light scarring like scales across a portion of Hippolyte's face, the surface of his eyes has a similar pattern.
<Lucas> Sir, may I ask what was the injury that you received?
<Hippolyte> A curse, in the war. I just caught the edge of a spell that...well, I'm the one that walked away.
<Hippolyte> Flood is an odd name. Albionne?
<Lucas> Ah... something like that. My name is Lek’hwánwi but some find it easier to say. Either is fine.
<Lucas> (have I seen this kind of damage before, and/or do I think I have any idea how to heal it?)
<Narrator> (You've seen similar things, at least. You're pretty sure you can treat it, but it'll probably have to be over a period of time.)
<Hippolyte> Ah, all right. Lek’hwánwi is an interesting name as well. Is that...Bezon?
<Hippolyte> I mean, uh, Saawaki, rather?
<Lucas> Yes.
<Hippolyte> You're a ways from home.
* Hippolyte says lightly.
<Lucas> Well... there was not much left there. I thought a new start might be best.
* Hippolyte nods.
* Lucas says, trying to not sound too defensive or suspicious
<Hippolyte> I can understand that.
<Hippolyte> How do you like Sisawinak?
* Hippolyte will 100% keep talking as you examine him.
<Lucas> It is very busy - always many people around, coming and going, from all different places. I like the variety.
<Lucas> The good news is, I think I may be able to help your eyes, but it will require regular treatment over a period of time.
* Hippolyte smiles.
<Hippolyte> Well, I'm not going anywhere.
<Hippolyte> At least my knitting is sure to improve.
<Lucas> It's good you can keep busy.
<Hippolyte> I try. Sometimes I get people to read to me. Alienor would do it, but she's so busy with the estate...
* Hippolyte 's smile wavers a little bit.
<Lucas> Well - hopefully before very long, you will be doing better and can help in her work.
* Hippolyte nods and his smile becomes genuine again.
<Hippolyte> So, do you live in Lequeot? I know we've got a sizable halfling community.
* Hippolyte seems to completely not get his own inadvertent joke.
<Lucas> I stay in Fastning Irena at the moment.
<Lucas> Closer to more patients and customers.
<Hippolyte> Of course. They had that unfortunate business just last week.
<Lucas> Yes, I was nearby. It was sad that so many were hurt.
<Lucas> I was able to tend to some of them, fortunately.
<Hippolyte> You were nearby? Did you see the riot?
<Hippolyte> Oh, well, thank the gods for that.
<Lucas> I tried to avoid it - I was mainly looking after those who were injured.
<Hippolyte> Are you a...I'm not sure of the word. A shaman?
<Lucas> I don't think I can lay claim to that title - it would be more accurate to say, I can sometimes intercede with the spirits. But I prefer to treat with herbs and care when I can.
* Hippolyte nods.
<Hippolyte> A man of the physical sciences, then.
<Lucas> Spirits can be... difficult. Unreliable. And there is always a cost for their help, even if it doesn't seem so.
<Hippolyte> How old are you, M. Flood?
<Hippolyte> Or Lek’hwánwi if you prefer and will permit.
<Lucas> Eighteen. And either name is fine.
<Hippolyte> Well, you seem wise beyond your years, whatever one may call you.
* Hippolyte smiles.
* Lucas is a little nervous at all these questions, but tries to smile and stay calm.
<Lucas> I'll leave you with some herbs that you can use as a poultice and I'll return to check in on you in about a week, and we can proceed from there, depending on how it seems to be working.
<Hippolyte> Thank you, for the medicine and the conversation. Until next week.
<Lucas> Of course, it was very good to meet you, sir. Until then.

Welumque is Visited by an Inyan Woman Named Waneni Looking for Help Freeing a Friend

<Narrator> (Does Welumque have any sort of base of operations on Sisawinak? Home (in which she receives people, I mean. I assume she has a home :P ), office, etc.?) <Welumque> (yes, home. Nothing as formal as an office. Need to be able to serve people tea and take care of them. I also think people come in and out, like, newcomers may stay there for a couple of days till they get their bearings.) <Narrator> (cool) <Narrator> (Is it like by appointment, or people just come in? Does Welumque have staff/family to manage visitors?) <Welumque> (people can just come in. As for staff, that's a good question. I do think she's got to have someone around most times, to welcome people, etc. ,but I don't know who that is.) <Narrator> (Okay, cool. We can certainly figure that out. :) ) <Narrator> Your secretary will let you know you have a visitor, an Inyan woman named Waneni. <Welumque> (ok, anyone I know?) <Narrator> (Roll Contacts?) <Welumque> !roll 4d3-4

• Lan-werk rolls for Welumque: [ 4d3-4 ] getting [ 3 2 3 3 ] for a total of [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ -4 ] totals [ 7 ].

<Welumque> (not too shabby!) <Narrator> (You've heard of her, at least. Possibly dealt with her from time to time. She's from the Mampandahkai (Elk) clan, a merchant maybe a decade or so younger than you.)

• Welumque comes out to greet Waneni.
• Hjalmar is now known as Waneni

<Welumque> Welcome. I am Welumque. How may I help you?

• Waneni nods in greeting. She's a halfling of average height, wiry from travel, with a discerning countenance.

<Waneni> Thank you for seeing me. <Waneni> I've heard you help people. <Waneni> Halflings. <Welumque> I can, yes. Come, sit.

• Welumque will have her assistant bring tea and usher Waneni into a comfortable seat by the hearth.
• Waneni will be speaking Lèxkweyok, ftr.

<Welumque> Who is in need of aid? You, or another?

• Waneni takes a seat.

<Welumque> (ok that's fine although I imagine my Inyan is excellent) <Waneni> (Oh, I'm sure, she's just trying to be polite.) <Waneni> A friend of mine. She's a soldier at Ribat al’Akhdar. <Welumque> What's their situation? <Welumque> (also, what do I know about Ribat al'Akhdar?) <Narrator> (It's the name of the actual Ilhatan fort on Sisawinak, situated at the highest point on the island. It's the center of Ilhatan administration in the area.) <Waneni> You've heard that Emira al-Sahil is to be returning home? <Welumque> It has been said, yes. <Welumque> Although I don't know all the circumstances. <Waneni> Nor I, but I know it's true. <Waneni> It has to do with the rulership of their country. <Waneni> Which isn't my concern, but she's planning to take Kyauta, my friend, back with her. <Welumque> How is your friend involved? <Waneni> She is one of their slave soldiers. <Welumque> Ah, I understand. <Welumque> And she does not wish to go, I take it.

• Waneni nods.

<Waneni> I will gladly take her to my people, but getting her out of the fort...

• Waneni frowns and shakes her head.

<Waneni> I don't know what to do. <Welumque> That is not an easy task. Not impossible, but not easy. <Welumque> (I'm assuming one does not simply walk into Ribat al'Akhdar...) <Welumque> How much liberty does Kyauta have to come and go? Does she ever leave the fort unaccompanied? <Waneni> (Heh, no. It's an active military installation and administrative center.) <Waneni> She used to, but the emira has been preparing for her departure and rarely sends Kyauta out now. <Welumque> Getting her away, if she gets out, is not hard. If some circumstance could be contrived to get her out of the fort - even with others - it would make it much easier. <Welumque> But even I cannot traipse up to the gates and expect to be allowed in to see a slave.

• Waneni nods.

<Waneni> She's a clerk for the emira. Perhaps if she were needed to notarize some large purchase? <Welumque> Yes, that would work. Ideally, something that is not so mobile - so that they do not simply ask us to bring it for their inspection. <Welumque> I and my assistants could certainly expedite getting a single Inyan away from there, at that point. <Waneni> Oh, she's not Inyan. She's Phoebean. <Waneni> But she is a halfling.

• Waneni rushes to assure Welumque.

<Welumque> Ah, I see. Well, no matter. <Waneni> You'll still help her?

• Waneni says hopefully.

<Welumque> Of course. <Welumque> If I may inquire - what is your connection to Kyauta? <Waneni> I've sold supplies to the fort for a long time. During the war, when I was taking supplies to the front, one of their camps was overrun while I was there. Kyauta saved my life.

• Welumque nods.

<Welumque> It will not be easy for her, after this. To adjust to freedom, and to life here. But she is lucky to have such a good friend. <Welumque> I will need an extremely detailed physical description of her, and also, one or two things that only you and she, or that no stranger would know.

• Waneni nods.

<Welumque> We will also need a way to communicate with her so that she knows to expect this, or something like this. <Welumque> We cannot have her cry out when we whisk her away, after all! <Waneni> I can get in to see her at least once and let her know. <Welumque> Do you have a place for her to go, afterwards? Or shall I help you with that also? <Waneni> I just need to get her to the mainland. I can get her to my people once she's off the island. <Waneni> Even if you can just get her to Lequeot, I have boats there.

• Welumque nods.

<Welumque> As I say, that should be the easy part. We halflings are so easy to be beneath notice.

• Waneni smirks.

<Waneni> Especially to these colonials. <Welumque> Especially so.