Session Log 8/20/2000 Log
-- Start log: Sunday, August 20, 2000 9:12:51 am LunaSoft MOO time --
GM says, "*** START SESSION ***"
GM says, "ok, there we go"
Renard says, "is corin not here *yet* or not going to be here at all or...?"
GM [to Renard]: i'm not sure, couldn't reach him by phone, so i assume he won't be here at all
GM says, "so last time joseph and caralchis were busy setting up to sell figurines to Cavillonum Catholics going to church"
GM says, "joseph and corin, sorry"
GM says, "bodoni and caralchis went off and had a pretty successful day selling figurines in the town"
Bodoni (Woo-hoo!)
Renard - so after the punks walk off after smashing our figurines, I seek out some town guards and ask what the hell they've been doing.
Caralchis (too bad it's not really in-carachter for me to brag...)
GM says, "and renard and johan were less successful, having almost no sales experience. they were also accosted by bearded thugs who roughed them up a bit and smashed their bag of figurines"
Joseph attempts to hide his dissappointment
GM [to Renard]: you and johan, still a little shaken by your close call, notice a pair of guards in the crowd, helping it disperse after the excitement
GM [to Renard]: they don't notice you approach
Renard says, "Why didn't you stop the vandals? Why haven't you sent out an alarm to have them arrested?"
GM says, "Guard #1: You two should be thankful you survived at all. Don't you know who that WAS?"
Renard cocks an ear for the answer?
GM says, "Guard #1: That was Perfu, the leader of the Langobards. We've been instructed not to interfere with him."
GM says, "Guard #2: Just stay out of the way of him and any of his Langobards from now on, niu?"
Renard says, "How many of these Langobards are there and where are they from and why would you let them maraud across the city?"
GM says, "Guard #1: They weren't marauding, they were returning from a meeting with our city fathers and were angered by your open display of Christianity. They hate Christians."
GM says, "Guard #2: I heard the Langobards were 2000 strong."
GM says, "Guard #1: Come on, Probius, probably not that many. But the bulk of their force is to arrive tomorrow."
Renard says, "I worry for anyone who allies with these lawless savages. Is the city to be handed over to them?"
GM says, "Guard #1: Of course not! The sovereignty of the city is intact. *he bristles a bit* We are in control of the situation. But it is a bit... delicate."
Renard says, "Are they mercenaries that are being employed to attack some enemy of the city? "
GM says, "Guard #1: I don't know the details, myself. All I know is that we've been given orders to let them be as far as possible, so there must be SOME state reason for that."
GM says, "Guard #2: They say they sacked Lugdunum four days ago."
GM says, "Guard #1: Probius, please! That's just a rumor, probably an exaggeration. In Lugdunum they'll probably say they Cavillonum after what happened here today."
GM says, "...say they SACKED Cavillonum..."
Renard says, "ah... they must be exacting tribute from your leaders. I would worry about your city. To deal with barbarians is asking for just such a thing. "
GM says, "Guard #1: Well, Probius and I are Romans, but barbarians have overrun this whole part of the world. What else are we to do? Where are you from?"
Renard switches to Latin, "My father was Roman, so I consider myself one too. My brother and I live under the rule of the benevolent Franks
Renard says, "They are Christians and revere the dignity of a man's soul. These barbarians are worshippers of the devil and will slay every last babe"
GM says, "Guard #1 switches to Latin as well: Salve, Roman brethren! Indeed, some barbarians are more barbarous than others."
Renard says, "Who are the city fathers? I hope they do not sell out this city of many souls to these barbarians."
GM says, "Guard #1: The chief of the town guards, Meravech, is one. Also Mondrius and Pergamund."
GM says, "Guard #2: Mondrius has been important to Cavillonum for over forty years. The Burgundians saw his value and left him in power when they took over."
GM says, "(aside: Mondrius is obviously a Roman name, while the other two are Burgundian)"
Renard says, "These chiefs are the rulers? How many are on the council of rulers aside from these three? Is there not a Duke with authority to act from the Burgundian King?"
GM says, "Guard #1: there is a dux, but while he owns much land he leaves the ruling to the city fathers. it has been enjoyable conversing with you, fellow Roman, but we must report in."
Renard says, "Might I entreat you to join us and our Baron Garomach at our inn this evening? Perhaps you could bring word from Mondrius as to the state of affairs in this city? You must not allow it to be sold out to these savages. "
GM [to Renard]: you have any reaction modifiers?
Renard [to GM]: ... my observable Honesty?
Bodoni (Snickers... ;D)
GM says, "Guard #1: we work for Meravech and never have opportunity to speak with Mondrius. but we would be pleased to accept your invitation."
Renard says, "I would be happy to break bread with you. Bring some news."
GM says, "you tell him where you are staying and agree on a time to me."
GM says, "Guards: until tonight, then!"
Renard heads back (with Johan) to meet the others
GM says, "ok, let's switch then to joseph and corin"
GM [to Joseph]: you were busy today selling figurines to fellow Catholics near the church
GM says, "Dimiter (the local priest) gives you some idea of the social status and numbers that you can expect, and you take some advice from your father on pricing and so on"
Joseph says, "Excuse me madame, could I interest you in a statue of the blessed mother? She will look after your home and loved ones..."
GM [to Joseph]: make two Merchant rolls
GM says, "i'll roll for Corin"
GM rolls 3 + 0.
Result [2 4 3] = 9 + 0 = 9.
GM rolls 3 + 0.
Result [6 1 5] = 12 + 0 = 12.
Joseph rolls 3 + 0.
Result [6 4 3] = 13 + 0 = 13.
Joseph rolls 3 + 0.
Result [5 6 5] = 16 + 0 = 16.
Joseph says, "yuch."
GM says, "yep, pretty ugly."
Joseph says, "did we sell any?"
GM says, "you find, actually, that the people who come by are quite interested in your figurines and it takes very little to convince them to buy. unfortunately, it is a very slow day at the church and only a few people actually come by."
GM says, "together you sell only 10 figurines all day, almost all of them the smallest, cheapest kind"
Joseph shrugs 'better luck tomorrow (if Garomach doesn't want to leave town)"
GM says, "late in the day you give up and return to the inn"
GM says, "Johan and Renard are already there, having returned a bit early with an amazing story to tell"
GM says, "before long, Bodoni and Caralchis, and separately Garomach, also return"
Bodoni gives a hardy laugh I enter with Caralchis
Renard says, "...and so *we* turned around and said ---, and just kicked his ass!" ;) "
Joseph says, "hey Dad, how did your day go?"
GM chuckles
Bodoni effects a knowing smile "Profit, boy, profit."
GM says, "you can smell alcohol on Garomach's breath and he looks a bit bleary-eyed"
Joseph says, "I see you've been busy, Dad"
GM says, "he tells you that he has been doing research all day and needs a quiet evening in the inn"
GM says, "but he's pleased to hear about the contact Renard made with the guards and looks forward to talking with them"
Renard (...I was just about to say... ;)
Bodoni says, "That we have, boy, that we have."
GM says, "Garomach tells you things that you've mostly already learned: Perfu, the leader of the Langobards, has arrived in Cavillonum with a group of his soldiers"
Renard says, "Sir, what do you make of it? "
GM says, "the bulk of his force arrives tomorrow and will camp near the city to rest, having found Lugdunum more antagonistic to them"
Bodoni nods remembering them from the encounters in town the previous night
GM says, "Garomach: it's unfortunate for the citizens of Cavillonum, that's for certain. we'll need to be careful."
GM says, "(fast-forward to dinner)"
GM says, "the two guards arrive at the appointed time and are introduced around."
GM says, "the senior one is named Petronius, the junior one Probius"
Bodoni nods to each in kind
Joseph says, "greetings"
Caralchis greets the guards
GM says, "they are pleased to meet all of you."
Caralchis (they'd better be :b)
GM says, "ok, so they're here. what do you want to talk about?"
Bodoni (Don't look at me, Renard invited them. I jus' wanna eat! :9 :D)
Caralchis is happy to talk about whatever they want to talk about
Renard - I assumed they might have news and Garomach might want to question them. If not, we just warn them of their danger and have a happy drinkie
GM says, "they start talking about the good ol' days, before the Burgundians came. also some news they've heard from Rome, about King Theoderic and the Ostrogoths."
GM says, "it's fairly interesting but not too pertinent to your current situation. eventually, Garomach pins them down: "what can you tell us about Perfu, then?""
GM says, "Petronius: Perfu. i spoke with Renard and Johan here at some length today about him. i don't know much, only that he's to be left along."
GM says, "alone"
Joseph says, "(trying not to give too much away) have you heard anything about Tolosa?"
GM says, "Petronius: isn't that in Narbonensis Prima? haven't heard much from there lately. why?"
GM says, "Probius: Visigothic territory, i believe it is."
GM says, "Petronius: i don't think the Langobards come from there, if that's what you're getting at. i think they're from Raetian lands, near the Alpes"
Joseph says, "no real reason, we just heard the markets were pretty good there... we being *merchants* and all..."
GM says, "Probius: *raising his eyebrows* merchants? renard and johan are your apprentices, then? *a smile plays around his lips*"
Renard shifts uncomfortably during the talk of our purposes here.
GM says, "Petronius (to Probius): they have much to learn, niu? *smiles openly*"
GM says, "they share a good laugh at Renard and johan's expense"
Bodoni laughs
Renard tolerates this
GM says, "Petronius (to Joseph): however, i don't think we can help you there. Tolosa is far away, so I hope your trade goods are valuable. Why not sell them here or in Lugdunum? isn't there a closer market?"
Joseph says, "perhaps. we'll look into it."
GM says, "Garomach sternly looks at Joseph"
GM says, "then he brightens and changes the subject "But back to Perfu. His forces arrive tomorrow, you say?""
Joseph throughly flustered is now resolved to sit with his mouth shut :-)
GM says, "Petronius: Yes, marching north from Lugdunum. They're supposed to camp across the Sauna and only come into town for provisions and entertainment."
GM says, "Garomach: why are they being given so much leeway?"
Renard scoffs. Petronius, your city fathers may be foolish or wily, but don't be fooled.
GM says, "Petronius spreads his hands. 'I do not know. State reasons?'"
GM says, "Petronius (to Renard): Perhaps. What would you have me do? I have a duty to them."
Renard nods. [in latin] Yes, we Romans are honorable and dutiful men. These barbarians are destroying this world. God help us.
GM [to Renard]: Garomach speaks Latin and you are aware of this. want to take that back?
Bodoni Thinks
GM says, "Garomach rises from the table, furious, and shout in Latin: "Insults from an underling! This cannot be tolerated!""
Renard looks startled and confused...
Renard says, "Sir! The Franks are civilized Christians, not barbarians! I beg your forgiveness for my clumsy language! "
GM says, "Garomach continues yelling: "We Franks are proud to be barbarians! barbarians protected you womanish Romans for centuries before finally taking what was rightfully ours!""
GM says, "(reverse the order of the above statements, please)"
Renard says, "I am proud to serve you sir, and do not contest your valor and leadership."
Renard says, "I was speaking of the heathens!"
Bodoni says, "Well, I think that's enough excitment for one night. Renard, perhaps Johan could help you remove that boots that seems to be stuck in your mouth?"
Bodoni sighs
GM says, "Garomach calms down a bit. "The Langobards then, those barbarians are indeed dangerous. Be careful what you say, Renard, or you might find it difficult to say anything at all.""
GM says, "(Garomach seems oblivious to the fact that this threat is a fairly barbarous one... )"
Joseph shrugs and mutters-- Have we put on enough of a show for our guests?
Renard says, "It was a poor choice of words, sir. I am thinking of these Langobards, the Vandals, and other such savages."
GM says, "Petronius and Probius are watching the proceedings, Petronius with a slight grin and Probius with a little concern in his eyes"
GM says, "Garomach: Very well, Renard. i know that your slow wits often get you in trouble."
Renard says, "aye."
Caralchis tries to hide his grin and look very wise
GM says, "('if i had my other arm, i'd whip yer ass, sonny!')"
GM says, "the inn went very quiet during this exchange, but now that things are calming back down everyone is talking again"
GM says, "you learn nothing else of importance from P&P that night. Garomach gets drunk and has to be helped to bed. eventually P&P go home."
GM says, "(fast forward to the next day unless you do something else)"
Caralchis won't be doing anything else
Joseph is going to bed
GM says, "the following day dawns cloudy and warm. doesn't look like any immediate rain, though."
GM says, "a news crier walks past the inn, shouting to all the pronouncement from the city fathers that the Langobards will be coming and to stay out of their way."
Bodoni sits up in his bed
GM says, "Garomach is up early and rouses the rest of you"
Caralchis (does this inn offer free continental breakfasts?)
GM says, "Garomach: i have learned all that i can in Cavillonum, and it is not safe here with the Langobards about. today we head south to Lugdunum."
GM says, "Garomach (to Joseph): either bring the rest of the figurines along or leave them here; we'll tarry no longer here."
Renard shakes his head at the foolishness of the Cavillonians
Joseph says, "we should give the money we made to Father Dimiter... we can take the rest of the statues with us."
Bodoni says, "The sooner we get away from this town and there new guests the better I shall feel."
GM says, "Garomach: run along, then, and make your donation."
Caralchis agrees with Bodoni
GM [to Joseph]: are you giving away all of the proceeds, or just the 3 parts in 4 requested by Aphasius?
GM [to Joseph]: note that when you count everything up, you've made some $1100
Joseph says, "everyone can keep one part in four. that's what the monks said."
Joseph says, "(looking at the pile of money) woa! nice going everyone."
GM says, "ok, $825 goes to Dimiter and you split up the remaining $275"
GM says, "when you return from the church, the rest of you have packed up the cart and again, made sure the horse is fed and watered, and are ready to go"
Joseph counting on his fingers Bodoni, Caralchis, Renard & John, Corin, me... do we give Garomach a share too?
GM says, "Garomach generously declines a share"
Bodoni (we all get roughly 45 bucks each.)
Joseph puts the remaining money in the carruca, "we'll divide it up later. We should get out of here."
GM says, "Garomach: i was considering hiring a boat to take us down the Sauna to Lugdunum, but i'm concerned about the questions we'd have to answer. we'll have to walk."
Bodoni says, "Most likely best, mi'lord."
GM says, "you set out. around mid-morning you see three armored horsemen riding north towards you"
GM says, "Garomach nods: the Langobard speculatores. their army will be not far behind. we should get off the road and let them pass."
Bodoni nods
GM says, "the road is pretty well-paved, better than the ones you know back home. and it goes right down the bank of the Sauna. to your right several miles from the river is a line of mountains stretching north-south, surrounded by a fringe of woods"
GM says, "it is easy to bring the carruca off the road into the edge of the forest"
GM says, "you settle down to watch. the group of speculatores you spotted rides off the road to where you are waiting"
Bodoni thinks
GM says, "there are three of them, on horseback. each has the expected long beard, and wear metal breastplates and leather armor on arms and legs. they have spears slung on their backs and long swords at their sides."
GM says, "Spec #1 [in Burgundian]: Ho, travelers! What's in the carruca?"
Joseph is trying to remember what we have to sell besides religious statues.
GM says, "Garomach: Simple trade goods bound for Lugdunum, good sirs."
Bodoni stands by
GM says, "Garomach: We would be happy to give you a good price on some of our wares, if you would care to inspect them."
GM says, "Spec #1: We are not here to barter, merchant. [that appellation is made to sound like an insult] Lugdunum, you say?"
Bodoni Speaks up "Aye, that we did."
GM says, "Spec #1 smirks. "You may find that place too cowed to be buying much now, but good luck. I advise you to stay off the road until our army passes by. Carry on."
GM says, "and they ride away. Garomach takes a deep breath."
Joseph says, "whew!"
Caralchis says, "what pleasant people they be"
GM says, "within half an hour, you hear and then see a huge body of men marching north up the road towards Cavillonum"
Bodoni sneers
GM says, "first come a troop of horsemen"
GM says, "outfitted like the speculatores you met earlier, but with heavy packs as well"
GM says, "following the horsemen are a line of carrucae, each pulled by two horses and each large than the carruca you have"
GM says, "and after the carrucae are the main force, a large body of men. they don't march in the disciplined ranks of a Roman legion"
GM says, "but they look hard-bitten and tough, and their weaponry glowers in the dull light of the overcast day"
Caralchis thinks of how much he doesn't particularly miss being in the army
Bodoni Bodoni silently agrees with Caralchis
GM says, "there are no siege engines in evidence, but the group looks well outfitted for open-field combat"
GM says, "it takes an hour for the whole force to pass by your position"
GM says, "after they have passed, Garomach comments: "now let us wait for the trailing speculatores to pass by, just to be safe. then we'll be on our way.""
GM says, "there's not too long to wait, and another group of horsemen comes patrolling the road behind the army. this group ignores you entirely, and after they have passed you set out again."
GM says, "oh damn, one detail i left out.... one horseman in the van of the army carried with him what looked like a human head stuck on a long pike, held vertically like some sort of hideous pennon"
GM says, "they look like nice guys, eh?"
Caralchis (anyone I know?)
GM says, "don't recognize the head, nope"
Joseph is worried about Father Dimiter and the little church
GM says, "you continue traveling south. the road is good and easy, continuing over flat land by the banks of the Sauna."
GM says, "the weather worsens, though, and the first night out from Cavillonum it starts to rain"
GM says, "everyone should make a Survival (Plains) or Survival (Forest) roll here"
GM says, "whichever is better"
Bodoni rolls 3 + 0.
Result [3 5 4] = 12 + 0 = 12.
Joseph rolls 3 + 0.
Result [1 6 2] = 9 + 0 = 9.
Bodoni (missed my surv roll by 1!)
Renard rolls 3 + 0.
Result [4 4 3] = 11 + 0 = 11.
Bodoni (Bodoni falls and breaks an arm!)
GM says, "caralchis?"
Caralchis says, "eee"
Caralchis rolls 3 + 0.
Result [1 3 1] = 5 + 0 = 5.
Joseph says, "good going"
GM says, "ok then, i'll need Renard, Bodoni and Joseph to make HT rolls"
Bodoni rolls 3 + 0.
Result [3 1 5] = 9 + 0 = 9.
Joseph rolls 3 + 0.
Result [3 6 2] = 11 + 0 = 11.
Bodoni (Made HT roll by 3)
GM says, "renard?"
Renard rolls 3 + 0.
Result [4 6 5] = 15 + 0 = 15.
GM says, "thanks... ok, a few of you don't do a great job of staying warm and dry, but your good HT prevents you from getting sick as a result"
Bodoni (Renard catch the plague with that roll? :))
GM says, "unfortunately, Garomach was not so lucky, and he wakes up the next day with another head cold... i swear, this guy gets sick too much"
GM says, "allergies, maybe"
GM [to Bodoni]: renard gets a little sniffly but seems OK
Bodoni (damn!)
Bodoni (about Gara :))
Caralchis (hehe)
GM says, "but there's nothing for it but to press on. Garomach doesn't want to go back to Cavillonum, certainly not now, and he says he'll be fine."
GM says, "it's no longer raining the next day, but it still looks threatening as you continue to travel south"
GM says, "you encounter a few other travelers on the road coming north"
GM says, "Garomach's condition worsens for two days but then finally breaks on the fourth day. the rain has continued intermittently, and you are glad the road is so good because there is standing water in the fields nearby"
GM says, "around noon on that fourth day, you arrive at Lugdunum"
GM says, "the city is larger than Cavillonum, with not one but two walls, one surrounding the city center and another, lower one surrounding a larger area"
GM says, "the larger walled area is not entirely occupied yet, either, so you find very few dwellings other than farmhouses outside of the walls"
GM says, "the Sauna River is also highly important to the city, flowing past it and forming a major trade route through the Lugdunum"
GM says, "when you arrive in the city, the guards at the outer wall give you the normal warnings not to wear armor or show a naked blade within the city, accept the standard bribe from Garomach, and let you pass"
Bodoni (How long will we be staying here?)
GM says, "Garomach: just a day or two, i expect. i'll need to check around for information again and try to get over this pesky cold. then it's across the mountains and on to Puinius."
Bodoni (That was OOC... It's in () ;D)
GM says, "*** END SESSION ***"
-- End log: Sunday, August 20, 2000 11:53:50 am LunaSoft MOO time --