Author Topic: STRATA- Chapter 1  (Read 131621 times)

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #40 on: May 27, 2014, 12:53:01 AM »
Akemi knelt down and took the offered paw, shaking it, but also looking the feline firmly in the eye,
"As you are a cat, I shall give you the benefit of the doubt. Should I catch you acting more malicious than feline behaviour demands, however..."

She did have two swords quite clearly displayed.

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #41 on: May 27, 2014, 08:35:43 AM »
Matsu says "Which one? Maybe he's been tainted somehow... He has been off wandering the wilderness for some time..."

Then to the man behind the desk he says "Dr. Matsu Gattama, of Jingu. As far as next of kin, I'd prefer that you simply inform the nearest Imperial Consulate, and let them deal with the details."
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Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #42 on: May 29, 2014, 04:43:32 PM »
Intrigued, Matsu simply stands near the two men to better overhear their conversation for a while. Then he interjects "My companions and I are planning to enter the Shadowed Lands. We seek answers to questions we have about the nature of that land, and the shades, and were told you would be the best person to answer them.

It sounds like you're compiling information on the spread of the shadowed land, yes? I too would like to compile as much information as possible, and pass it back to my superiors in my homeland. Perhaps we could work with you, and in exchange you could help send information gathered back to Jingu for me?"
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Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #43 on: May 30, 2014, 06:19:22 AM »
AxeJack was certainly an eager one, and in spite of the census takers nonplussed reaction to him he certainly left an impression.  "Axejack..... Jack of All Trades... understood, are you all together?  I'll put you down under employ of 'Jack of All Trades' then." he spoke matter-of-factly.  "Dr. Gattama... that one is Berid... 2cat..." this time referring to Shade and company.  Really, he needed to take census on the cats too?  "And the lady?  To whom should I mark her as?" he waved his pen at Akemi.  You're all too late, you're all Jackfists now.

The blonde knight standing besides the dressed crossed his arms as he struggled to keep patient.  "If you are all together... perhaps you can help a fellow marked out.  I don't think I can place all my cards on the guardsmen alone." he spoke to the group in general.  Would one of them be able to hear him out?

Matsu would likely be distracted from answering as he addressed Achenar, the bearded human in the blue vest and apparent monster investigator and scholar if his surroundings were anything to go by.  His desk was piled high with papers and books, with a writing table and many illustrations of all manner of fantastical beasts.  In particular he appears to be advertising the sale of one of his bestiaries, the "Shroud Manual I" for a somewhat hefty 200 gp.  The book didn't look that fancy and a close inspection of one of the books would reveal it had been marked as an incomplete version.  Even so the words and illustration were surely useful for any monter hunter.  "Friends, are you looking into monster lore?  This is the right place, please look into purchasing my bestiary.  Know the difference between a teddy bear and a deadly dropbear.  Discover what beasts are toxic and ill suited for consumption.  Track unusual fell beasts based on small clues.  It could save your life." he boasted as the red vested man behind him gave him a dismissive snort.  "Is your life worth more than 200 coin?  I'm certain it is.  In fact, since I like you guys so much I have a special deal for you all if you're brave enough.  I collect and stockpile monster lore, but I have no time to collect it in person myself.  I have a deal for a mere 150 gp if you help me build up my bestiary."

"You know, being able to fight monsters is one thing but being able to avoid them is better.  Why not consider buying a map, I have all the latest maps I can get you including the last known sightings and lairs of powerful beasts.  Consider buying my mapbooks instead, use that 200 gp to weave through enemy forces." interrupted the taller of the two, the man in the red vest. 

They look like they want to go at it again.
Mudada.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #44 on: May 30, 2014, 08:20:36 AM »
"Truly, if these would be so essential to our survival, then surely the noble thing to do in these dark times would be to make copies and give them out free of charge?" Akemi asked, smiling at the two salesmen for a second before going around to correct the man that had incorrectly marked her as a dwarf--not that her next of kin was much more informative than the Dr's. Like him, the instructions were as basic as 'contact the empire', "And if they are not as useful as you make out... you wouldn't try to sell items putting us at risk, would you?"

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Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #45 on: May 30, 2014, 08:43:25 AM »
Matsu regards the two men trying to sell him books silently for a moment, trying to judge how sincere they are, or if they are simply a pair of hucksters trying to make coin off the misfortune of the marked.

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Offline ketaro

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #46 on: May 30, 2014, 08:47:57 AM »
"Bah, don't be such a bunch of stingy fiends. Materials and services costs. There's nothing to complain over! I'll buy both a book AND a map! They both can be of great use to us! And we would certainly be available to help flesh out your monster manual for ya  as well."

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« Last Edit: May 30, 2014, 08:50:15 AM by ketaro »

Offline Frogman55

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #47 on: May 30, 2014, 10:19:55 AM »
Watching the chaotic exchanges silently, Ptembridge eyes each of the merchants, as well as the knight, watching their tics and motions. When the various books are waved in front of his face, he snags a mapbook and quickly glances at it, comparing it to landmarks he knows.

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Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #48 on: May 30, 2014, 11:31:09 AM »
Watching the chaotic exchanges silently, Ptembridge eyes each of the merchants, as well as the knight, watching their tics and motions. When the various books are waved in front of his face, he snags a mapbook and quickly glances at it, comparing it to landmarks he knows.

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Quote from: DM Says
The Worried Knight: This man is clearly worried about something, probably the whole event you walked into and the reason he came here.  The answers he found were... unsatisfying, but to be honest he is running out of options.  Looks like he's trying to decide something important.

Red Mapmaker: Both businessmen are trying to turn a profit, but profit seems secondary to whatever unknown feud is going on between them.  The prices are probably inflated but it doesn't seem to be out of any malice.  Maybe costs are running high?

Blue Bestiary Author: Both businessmen are trying to turn a profit, but profit seems secondary to whatever unknown feud is going on between them.  The prices are probably inflated but it doesn't seem to be out of any malice.  Maybe costs are running high?

But is it useful?...: A quick look over reveals the map to have the effect of a masterwork skill tool when it comes the checks involving navigation and area lore (typically Survival, and sometimes a few Knowledge skills).  It is potentially more useful to the untrained.  Even a commoner,with enough reading, should be able to use this to good effect.  The most interesting thing seems to be that it includes historical trivia and dangerous areas rich in shades (though going into no detail on the matter of the monsters there).

It is however a bit sparse.  Most of this is likely known to you with little new information other than being a handy guide and the trivia.  It is noted the maps become more and more vague and distorted the closer to Mt Throne it gets with several places effectively filled in with HERE BE DRAGONS.  Your skill in cartography tells you the answer: Since the darkness hit information to and from the area has been scarce and those that have traveled there tell that the landscape itself has been changing.  Because it is altering at a rapid rate (geographically speaking) maps have become unreliable.  Cities seem to retain their positions and shapes, but some have told how they passed through jungle where there should be desert, or marshland where mountains once stood.  Unmarked creatures get lost easily, while marked creatures seem to be less effected by abnormal terrain springing up.  They call the area where the last of accurate information has been obtained the 'Event Horizon'.

Mechanically speaking its a Masterwork Skill Tool that only applies to "Area Lore" checks.  Checks may be used untrained provided 24 hours of ownership so you don't need to refer to the book every time.

The maps are well made and placed in a waterproof leather case and durable parchments.  The thing looks like its made for travel at least.  There is a small amount of runes on the spine, perhaps it has a subtle magical function?

Their goods are expensive, but they seem to balk at giving them away.  Well, perhaps not that vigorously as they are distracted by the jingle of dwarven coin.  Axejack's offer will be accepted provided no one steps in to object.  He can actually save 50 gp of that, the mapmaker is also offering a map at 150 gp provided aid.  And what is the aid the two are requesting for the discount?  The story is practically the same for both of them.

"My works are living documents, they're always works in progress being updated as new information comes in."

"But I cannot go out there adventuring myself.  For one I'm not marked, the titans would slay me in an instant."

"But you guys can pass the barrier.  You can help me be sure on the accuracy, positions, and dangers of unexplored areas."

"You can help me determine the properties and nature of new monsters as they pop up.  New things crawl from the dark every day."

"In exchange not only will you get it cheaper, I'll do my best to track you and bring your messages so I can keep your book up to date.  Updates and errata will be free of charge, its paid by your information."

"As you may be aware, powerful message spells are hard to come by (they pulled all the arcane masters to their respective homelands) so animal messenger has become rather popular.  The Pathfinders try and set up mailing outposts as hubs for unusually long range messages too.  I'm a nice guy so I'll even throw in a free scroll of it (the rest you have to get on your own)."

"We work with the agency to cut costs like that.  Plus the more you expand and make things safer for others, the father civilization can push into the darkness and make things easier for yourself and everyone involved."

"What do you say?"

"Do we have a deal?"

They can get your information from the census taker, though to make it even easier leaving a small useless token you own (a snip of hair, a fingernail, etc) would also help them locate you faster when they can.
« Last Edit: May 30, 2014, 11:45:23 AM by SolEiji »
Mudada.

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #49 on: May 30, 2014, 11:56:39 AM »
"Ah, so they're actually enchanted to be continuously updated. Keyed to some master copies, I take it? Ingenious! Sounds well worth the coin, and you gentlemen seem honest enough. I heartily agree to help you gather information, but I would also like to send a copy of each of these books back to my home Kingdom of Jingu.

In fact, I would suggest that you provide copies to each of the major governments, free of charge. Of course you can't afford to just hand them out for free to everyone, as such things cost you money to produce. However, providing copies to the governments could curry favor among those with power, and act as a form of low cost advertising for you, all the while being useful in keeping them abreast of the latest developments here at the frontlines.

Anyway, I am enthusiastic about helping you, and will gladly give you a nail clipping to better keep up with me through. In time, I hope to develop my own psychic powers to the point of being able to contact you directly from within the Shroud, but for the moment that is beyond my capacity."
« Last Edit: May 30, 2014, 12:03:24 PM by phaedrusxy »
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Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #50 on: May 30, 2014, 12:09:01 PM »
"Something of the sort.  We collect the data and shift through it before making it official.  For sake of accuracy."

"The more people we have out there the more updates we can get."

"We actually want to get our works in everyone's hands.  We've sent top men to arrange business deals afar."

"Top men.  Well, the best from me anyway.  Last I checked Sirrus you sent that oaf Biggs up to Claversdown.  Have you even heard back from him yet?  I'm telling you he's probably taken the cash and run, you can't trust him..."

"Shush Achenar, the shipways are congested, give him time.  Your stooge isn't even a professional.  He hasn't even gotten sales in Promotor yet cause everyone thinks he's running a con.  In Promotor!  A place where they don't even have business rules!"

"I'll have you know Wedge was doing just fine, it was those same lack of rules which messed up the sale.  How can anyone be expected to keep a store open when they let bandits just walk into town like that!"

Oh dear, there they go again.
Mudada.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #51 on: May 30, 2014, 12:24:59 PM »
Sighing, the paladin turned away from the businessmen. Too consumed by greed to simply help, and from their words they would end up doing more work to improve the supplied information than they'd get from it. All such a giant scam: they'd be paying to effectively do the legwork.

"If you wish for us to do the heavy lifting for you, rather than simply make use of the maps, I don't believe that we should be required to pay anything. One of each, so we can help you out, and you gain the benefit of whatever information we uncover."

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Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #52 on: May 30, 2014, 12:50:46 PM »
The paladin has a plan to lower the price, but will it work out neat and nice?  Well, you got them to stop arguing for a moment in mutual defense of their craft.  The merchants seem resistant at haggling, though curiously this time they each gave different reasons.

"As much as I would love to cut costs, it can't be done.  Startup costs and all, we're still a fledgling company with growing infrastructure, and the magic which goes into the books, the patches, and the spellcasting services to maintain a network sadly builds in price.  A price which will eventually drop I'm sure, but I simply can't cut further."

"Actually technically my maps are completely free.  What you pay for is for the service of having an up to date map and an expert team (of myself but soon to be others I'm sure) working 24/7 to deliver you the best content possible.  In honesty the 150 gp version is the better deal, not merely for being cheaper now but cheaper forever.  In truth most of my funds will come from the non-updating new sales to pay, cloth, and feed the dutiful editors and staff."

"But you know if you get in as an early adopter like this there are even greater rewards besides the usefulness of knowing the difference between a demon and a devil.  Think of the prestige!  Yes, that's right, you could... you could be famous explorers accredited to discovering over 1000 beasts.  Because of course you will receive credit for your work, indexes and whatnot.  Immortality through text!"  You have a feeling he just thought of adding this new feature.

"Ah but what good is prestige when accurate maps will be far more functional.  If you confirm safe havens in the shroud people can start moving back in.  Why it's not a service to me so much as a service to everyone.  I'm just a humble middle man who greases the wheels of this great machine."

They're resistant.  It may have something to do with the dwarf willing to just make it rain gold in their coffers.  He's doing you no favors when it comes to haggling.
Mudada.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #53 on: May 30, 2014, 01:02:59 PM »
Trying to argue against these two was headache-inducing. The dwarf, of course, hadn't helped...

"Naturally, naturally--but this does not change that you are trying to have us pay to do work for you. By all means, it would be expected for us to demand monetary compensation for taking extra time and risk to add to the knowledge already gathered. Mr. Axefist made his offer before being told that we would be expected to be cartographers and scholars on your behalf, and as such expecting payment is rather... crass."

"By all means, push for a charge above the minimum needed, but I shall be forced to let my associates back home know of your lack of honour."[/glow]

Aside from being armed and armoured, Akemi had fine silk covering her armour: she was every bit not your common footsoldier.

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Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #54 on: May 30, 2014, 03:16:36 PM »
Hmmm, not all publicity is good publicity, no matter what some larger companies say.  Achenar seems annoyed, and Sirrus troubled.  Ah, but wait, an idea enters his mind.  Yes, an idea.  An tricky, pragmatic idea.  To action!

"They do have a saying that the customer is always right, and though I am constrained by certain... mathematical limitations, your words haven't fallen on deaf ears.  Actually it had occured to me, you are one of the honorable samurai of Hinnom, Jingu am I correct?  In service of her majesty, the God-Empress." he went on, turning the charm up to 11.  Achenar just gave him this look"Since we were just talking about making sales to governmental agencies why don't I give you, an agent of the golden throne, a special one time deal.  2 for 1, if a honorable protector of the empress invests I will give my product to Jingu free of charge.  Why, think about how much your nation can benefit from it, and with no profit for my own save your starting contribution which will help me send my companions over to that beautiful land."

"...oh!  That's exactly what I was going to offer.  Why, they can even get first picks.  I'm sure we could use the Pathfinder's messaging system to give you an effectively direct link to report your findings.  In faaact..."

"In fact I'm certain it would look favorably on yourself and your house on showing initiative."

"Why you have my honor, I can't see them possibly rejecting free goods and information."

"I can make this happen, you only need to say the word, meiyo bushi, soshite nagai kogo ga sunde imasu1."  Why, it's all up to you!  Fabulous prizes!  Honor!  A free vacation to the shrouded lands!  All this and more!

Quote from: Crunch
1He may be a foreign devil, but Mr. Sirrus seems to have a firm grasp on goblin.  Achenar is wisely not trying to make the attempt.
I can make this happen, you only need to say the word, honorable samurai, and long live the empress.
Mudada.

Offline phaedrusxy

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #55 on: May 30, 2014, 03:23:16 PM »
Matsu chuckles under his mask and says telepathically to the group <Akemi, I had no idea you were such a hard bargainer.

Since our dwarven Comrade has already purchased one, in the name of the Greater Hinnom Confederacy no doubt, perhaps you could tell the merchants that he's already fulfilled your end of the bargain, and that they should go ahead and ship the second copy to Jingu to fulfill theirs.>
« Last Edit: May 30, 2014, 03:34:06 PM by phaedrusxy »
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Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #56 on: May 30, 2014, 03:55:45 PM »
<I suppose, if he has the money... though I do not like implying that he is from our homeland. Nevertheless...>

"Should Mr. Axefist make his purchase, then our deal is complete, and I trust that a copy shall be forwarded appropriately."


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Offline ketaro

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #57 on: May 30, 2014, 08:29:23 PM »
Axejack made an amused grunt and a huff, crossing him arms with a humorous look at the argument going on before him. An argument entirely based around the assumed fact that he had just agreed on the party's behalf to do all the requested work for free. Quite a good joke, that!

"I do find it curious how my offer to purchase your goods and agreement to expand your knowledge was assumed to be an offer for free labor. Aye, did I not just introduce myself as a man for hire, a mercenary, but a handful of moments ago? No, I'm purchasing your goods and accepting your requests, but my policies have me to never work for charity. Aye! I agree whole heartedly with your intentions but we, too, must make our own livings!"

Offline SolEiji

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #58 on: May 30, 2014, 09:00:06 PM »
Mr. Axejack seems willing.  They think.  "Oh ho ho, yes, of course, its not free labor really at all."

"Yes, completely voluntary.  Crowdsourced even.  Each (successful) party we sell these to help grow the map so you may end up getting updates in places you've never even visited before."

"And of course, why, we can put in good word for you.  You're a professional mercenary right?  Of course, what better 'payment' for your time than free advertising."

"You can't beat free!"

For once there was harmony between the two.  Harmony in the name of money.  Give us all of your monies!
Mudada.

Offline ketaro

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Re: STRATA- Chapter 1
« Reply #59 on: May 30, 2014, 09:19:03 PM »
"Aye, if you'll advertise for free, by all means. But that's not me requesting you to, that decision is all on you. Let's sort this out plainly with everything everyone wants done.

We shall purchase a copy of each product.
You'll provide a copy of each product to our respective governments and help open up way-lines to them through you for us.
We'll go off adventurin' and return to you both information on both monsters encountered and areas trekked.
You'll pay us for said information. In coin.

Anything else beyond is entirely your decisions, not ours, and can not be used as a means to substitute for coin. Aye, I believe this is our bargain. Acceptance or not, we're still going out there. Mmhm."