Ale, Fortune and Math

[AlphaLuke]

Alright, ten logs shouldn't be too bad. Mat ties Bill to a tree close by and draws the axe from the saddlebags. He begins methodically chopping appropriately sized logs from the proper trees, stopping every thirty second or so to check the surrounding woods for goblins or the like.

Spoiler

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Attack roll: (1d20+2)[12]
Perception checks every thirty seconds using Sign of Discovery and Double Take as needed.

[Leomor]

Mathwin grips the axe, staring at a section where the bark seems to be splitting, and puts all his might into swinging the axe in to the tree. As the axe makes a loud crack, Mat feels the halt of his muscles as the axe is deep inside the tree. Mat is surprised and his strength, wishing there was a beautiful maiden to shower him with compliments as he channels his inner forester. He is able to free the axe from his cut, and continues again, making another precision strike. After this strike, he looks over his shoulder, hoping the sound is not drawing any attention of any goblins or other creatures.

He waits for a few seconds, and continues chopping at this tree, stopping every so often to double check for any sounds. The forest seems quiet and calm today, which means no chance for glory, and also little chance of death. He strikes at the tree until it finally the gentle wind seems to sway the tree, as Mat hears a loud crack, and the tree begins to falls. Mat is able to easily dodge the tree falling, yet tales extra precaution against the loud noise. After he deems the tree line clear, he begins to chop at the base.

After a couple of hours of chopping, Mathwin is exhausted, but still awake and coherent against oncoming foes. Sweating, panting and feeling accomplished, Mathwin gazes upon his 10 perfect logs. Proud of his work, Mat loads the logs into Bill’s saddlebags. Bill looks to carry the weight fine, as the mid afternoon sun just starts to fall in the sky, giving only a few hours left of sun in the day.

[AlphaLuke]

Admiring his work, Mat stows the axe and grabs a seat next to Bill. He takes a moment to grab a swig from his waterskin and to munch down a little crusty bread, oily sausage, and hard cheese from his trail rations. After the quick bite, he dusts off his hands and begins to lead Bill back through the forest toward home, keeping a close eye on the trees and hoping to make it to more open ground before night forces him to make camp.

[Leomor]

Refreshed and ready for the trip ahead, Mat and Bill start making their trip back to Absolom. Mat judges that he might be able to make it back to the Copperwood town before nightfall, as long as there are no unexpected stops along they way.

After walking for a while, Mat comes back to the waterfall, where Bill walks ups and takes another few sips of the spring water. The continue back the way they came, hoping to avoid Wolves and certainly goblins.

As night starts to fall on the forest, Mat starts to see the tree line fade, and the Copperwood Town bathed in dusk. Making his way out of the forest, Mathwin walks with Bill towards the town.

[AlphaLuke]

Mat decides to continue on through the Copperwood, knowing that there is probably a warm bed for him but deciding to pass it by in favor of getting back into the city as quickly as possible. Pulling out his flint and steel, Mat lights one of his torches and continues to guide Bill through the failing light, still keeping a watchful eye of his surroundings.

[Leomor]

Mathwin and Bill walk through the village as the sun falls, and Goalrion's moon rises. The moonlight provides little light as Mat walks forward, but his torch helps him move towards the city. The village is quiet, and Mathwin is tired from walking all day, but a little more, and he'll be able to sleep in his own bed tonight.

As he departs from the main village, he approaches the city, and the tunnel to get inside the city gate. As he approaches, two guards step in front of the entrance. Mathwin knows that this is procedure at night, to protect the city from dangers.

The first guard, wearing the same heavy plated armor that most low level guards wear, says, "Halt sir. We must inspect all carts and baggage before the enter the city." You know that this will only apply to Bill, as most of the time they do not require personal checks, unless warranted.

[AlphaLuke]

"Of course, officer. Happy to oblige." Mat keeps a wary eye on the guards to ensure they don't steal anything.

[Leomor]

The guards, check the sacks on Bill, who stands quite uncaring of the guards. Mat stands clear of them, complying with their order, but doesn't let his eyes leave their actions.

After the guards have looked through the bags, and Mat is sure they didn't steal anything, the guards thank him, and let him pass through the tunnel.

[AlphaLuke]

Walking through the tunnel Mat thinks about the soft bed awaiting him at the Wastrel. Maybe he can even grab a bite to eat if Mistress Oparra is still awake and the fires are still lit. His torch casts dancing shadows on the tunnel wall and the sound of Bill's shod hooves echoes down the way.

[Leomor]

Walking down the tunnel, he exits through the other side to a quiet city. The Petal District has a much more quiet nightlife than other parts of the city, so walking through here is quite relaxing and calm. As he gets closer to the coins, there are a few taverns open and filled with people, but since it is so late, Mathwin pretty much only sees the drunks or homeless of the city out this late.

It is a good walk to the Wandering Wastrel, but Mat is able to finally finish his trip home. He moon is high in the sky, and there isn't a candle lit throughout the house. Attaching Bill’s harness to a small stable in the back, and giving him some feed, Mat journey's upstairs. Mathwin was afforded a key to the home when he arrived, and is able to quietly walk up to his room and finally sit on his bed, exhausted from his journey.

[AlphaLuke]

Although exhausted, Mat takes the time to carefully stack the logs he cut in the corner of his room. Additionally, he stows his wands and spellbook in the loose floorboard. Finally, he changes into his small clothes and lays in bed, ready for sleep to take him.

[Leomor]

Mat wakes the next morning, refreshed and ready to begin his day. He smells some sort of meat cooking downstairs, and Mat feels famished from his journey.

[AlphaLuke]

Mat yawns and stretches, happy to smell the sweet cooking aromas from downstairs. He hastily brushes his hair and teeth and puts on his clothes. Before heading downstairs, he pulls out his spellbook from its hiding place and prepares his spells for the day, choosing a few new ones for today.

Once he's prepared, he heads downstairs for breakfast and to check on Bill.

[Leomor]

Walking down the stairs, he is greeted by Hilardo, who is sweeping the floor, and then by Mistress Oparra, who is serving sweetened bread rolls, and a section of pork that is suprisingly crispy. Setting the plate down, Mistress Oparra comments, "You must have gotten in late last night! We missed you yesterday! Off making me jealous I assume?" She dramatically poses as a fair princess, and laughs as she brings the dishes from what you only assume were the other tenants, whom left earlier.

[AlphaLuke]

"Ah, fair lady. None come close to your beauty and grace." He tastes the meal laid before him, "And none can dream to match your cooking. Nay, I say I am the luckiest tenant in the city." Mat give her a wide grin and playful eyes.

After breakfast, Mat puts on his pointy hat and loads Bill with the logs, intending to head off the to guild to collect on the contract.

[Leomor]

Mistress Oparra blushes at your comments as you head out the door. Outside, Bill is drinking some water that Hildago had brought out for him. He seems to be refreshed from your journey as well, and ready to go. With your logs back in the bags, you begin walking towards the center of town to the Adventurers Guild.

Nothing seems out of the ordinary, you watch your pockets for potential thieves, many traders try and sell you objects you don't need and the sky is only lightly garnered with clouds. The cool spring breeze is quite comfortable and the ground is soft, not like the cold winter when the ground is hard and icy.

As you approach the Adventurers Guild, you see it is busy with many people looking for jobs. There are a few people yelling out their job needs, hoping not to have to pay the Guild anything for posting their jobs. This practice is quite legal, but usually doesn't pay much, as the jobs are usually quite low and dirty. You remember being approached when you first came into the city to sort through all the cities manure for a man's lost ring. Happily you declined, but work is work, and the next eager man could be just the right fit.

You pull aside a Guild assistant to watch Bill and your logs as you walk inside. Inside is usually less hectic than outside, and stand in line to report your contract completed. The 3 men in front of you all move quickly, and you approach a guild consultant, whom determines if your contract was completed. "Good day, name and assignment?" the consultant asks in a monotone.

[AlphaLuke]

"Good day, ser. Mathwin Lora completing the contract for 'The Bark of any other Tree'. The logs are just outside with your attendant."

Mat always enjoys getting paid. Perhaps he'll buy an expensive brandy . . . or some nice new pipeweed!

[Leomor]

The consultant heads to a different room, and returns will the contract some papers, most likely the contract between the you and the guild and the other being between the guild and the employer. The consultant looks over the papers, and walks outside with you to Bill and the attendant. The consultant takes a few looks over the wood, counting the amount of logs and suddenly speaks, "It looks like the contract has been completed. Please come inside with me while my attendant attends to the wood." The attendant begins unloading the wood from Bill, taking his work in strides.

As you follow the consultant back into the Hall, he gives you the same thing they always tell you after you complete a contract. "Thank you for you service with the Guild. You have been awarded 5 quest points on your record, which bring you to a total of 60 points, and will be paid an agreed 50 gold for your work. We look forward to your future contributions and wish you fair adventures." He hands you a small pouch with 50 gold pieces.

Having completed his contract, he walks outside to see the attendant holding Bill. When you approach, he hands you the reins and runs back inside the hall.

[AlphaLuke]

Patting Bill's nose, Mat talks to the mule, "That went well didn't it, buddy? Well enough to keep me in the drink for a few more days." Smiling, Mat walks with Bill over to the jobs board to see if there are any new contracts and to see if any old contracts are still open.

While reading, Mat thinks, "I think I'm going to find a nice place for dinner tonight. Roast bird of some kind and strong mead to wash it down. Maybe a show! There bound to be good music playing somewhere."

[Leomor]

Feeling accomplished and much more comfortable in the gold proportions, Mat walks outside the Guild to see what adventures could lie ahead for him. He peruses the local postings:

Rank 1 Quests:

Thanks for all the Fish: Fishers needed. 3 day contract, 5 gold each day. 1 Quest Point.

Lend a helping Hand: Looking for help at local homeless shelter. 3 quest points per week.

Study abroad at home: The Arcanamirium is looking for magic interested interns to research new texts received from Irrisen tombs. 3 days, 5 quest point, 15 gp interview required.

Sparring Partner: Looking for a strong fighter to spare with. 2 quest point, 10 gp.

Rank 2 Quests:

Guard Duty: Local official looking for bodyguard. Week trial basis, 15 gold, 3 quest points.

Here’s the Pinch: Obtain pearls from Giant crabs in southern Dawnfoot.

Beyond the Sea Protection: Looking for protection against the seas and other possible troubles while traveling to Almas. 100 Gold, 5 quest points.

Mat also sees the same local postings as before.

Spoiler: Entitled Check

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Mat is entitled to a Perception check.

[AlphaLuke]

Mat listens to the criers and looks at the local postings.

Spoiler

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Perception: (1d20)[19]

Mat looks at the guild postings.

Well, I don't want to go fishing . . . The shelter doesn't pay . . . I'd be as good a sparring partner as a sack of grain . . . Maybe this Arcanamirium one. He grabs the leaflet. I could make good money for reading. That shouldn't be too hard.

Looking at the more difficult quests, he continues.

Hmmm, gaurd duty would seriously cut in on my time about town . . . Gaint Crabs might be fun, and pearls are always in demand . . . maybe . . . still looking for a ship's mage to Almas, huh? Not looking to go overboard any time soon. He pulls the flyer for the Giant Crabs off the board.

[Leomor]

You grab both of the flyers off of the wall, you notice something different about your jacket. As you look down, there seems to be a flyer placed into your side pocket. You look aorund, and noone seems to be out of the ordinary, and nothing on you seems to be missing.

[AlphaLuke]

Mat walks Bill aside so he can read his surprise flyer in peace away from prying eyes. Pulling the paper from his pocket, he reads.

[Leomor]

You open the piece of paper alongside a wall, hoping no one sees the words.

"I am in need of adventures for quests that require digression and skill. Meet at abandoned warehouse at high moon in The Puddles next to 'Alehouse #2'. Come alone, one time offer."

As soon as you read the text, the words vanish from the paper, and soon then after the paper crumbles into dust in your hands.

[AlphaLuke]

Paper that vanishes and destroys itself upon completion of reading?! Now that's a charm I have to learn, Mat thinks to himself. Well, I might as well find out what this is about.

Tying Bill to a hitching post, Mat makes his way into the guild to talk to Bennet about "Study abroad at home" and "Here’s the Pinch".

[Leomor]

Impressed by the dissolving paper, Mathwin walks inside the Guild. At the window, each contract is explained.

Study abroad at home: The Arcanamirium is looking for scholars who will examine and qualify texts recovered from Irrisen tombs. Nature of text is unknown, until applicant is interviewed and accepted. Contract is set for 3 full days, food will be provided, and contract may be extended. Contract starts Starday (2 days), interviews will be conducted Fireday (Tomorrow). Completing task to the Arcanamirium's satisfaction will reward 5 quest point and 15 gp.

Here’s the Pinch: Giant crabs have been sighted in Southern Dawnfoot. It is well known that where there are Giant crabs, blue oysters are usually close by. These crabs usually eat the blue oysters, so they hoard as many as they can find. Employers wants as many blue oysters as one is able to bring, but they must not be opened, as to ensure that pearls are fresh and not tampered with. It is unsure to tell if there are pearls inside, although there have been theories as to decide which ones have pearls, which employer is unsure of. Contract states: if you bring 20 blue oysters, you will be awarded 5 gold and 5 quest points (no more gold for more oysters). However, for each pearl received, you will be paid 1 additional gold. (Price unlimited) Contract ends in 4 days. (Southern Dawnfoot is about 1/2 day journey from here).

[AlphaLuke]

Well that's just grand. I can meet the mysterious would-be employer tonight and apply for the Arcanamirium job tomorrow. If I'm feeling lucky I can try the oysters, but it really doesn't seem like a very profitable job considering the risk involved. Maybe later I can grab some of those oysters and sell the pearls separately. Odd that they're bringing in outside help for texts from Irrisen. Not much up there except snow, witches, and more snow. But ah well, such is the life of a scholar.

Mat accepts the Arcanamirium contract and begins the walk to stable Bill back at the gate. On his way he searches for something to eat. Maybe a new silk coat. No, that's too flashy and would attract cutpurses . . .

[Leomor]

As Mat accepts the contract, he is informed that his appointment for his interview will be at high noon the next day, and to not be late.

Mat exits the Guild area, unties Bill and begin walking back towards the coins. Before he travels far, he hears a large crowd like applause coming from due west of him.

[AlphaLuke]

Intrigued, Mat sidetracks and leads Bill towards the applause.

[Leomor]

As Mathwin walks further into town, he hears a loud commotion coming from closer to the center of the city. As he walks closer, he hears chanting. He has been a citizen of the city long enough to know what this type of cheering indicates. He manages to push his way through the crowds enough to get a sight of the action. gazing through the large churches and building in Ascension Court, hundreds of people gather when someone attempts the Test of the Starstone. People cheer, bets are placed and children are inspired.

Something the Test has always provided the City is hope. Hope that even a small child growing in the city could one day attain Godhood. Even a drunk such as Cayden Cailean can do it! It gives heroes the strength to be better, and the cowardly a reason to stand and fight. Mathwin was excited to first time he saw someone enter. He remembers the Wizard, Gothanalium the Wise. He was a brilliant Druid, whom became a Bird and flew across the large pit surrounding the Cathedral. Once he entered, they did not hear anything for 4 days. It was only then that his charred body was flung across the pit from a random window onto the stone cobble. It was enough to stop him from even thinking about entering right now.

Today, it seems a local hero is entering, Cross. Cross is known for his brutal fighting technique. He is a fighter who has boasted to have not lost a fight in 10 years. Mathwin has seen him fight, and won a decent amount of gold off him winning. Never having met him personally, he wonders if strength alone will be enough. Maybe a simpler method is the way to go? Who honestly knows.

Cross grabs a bow and arrow, shooting one side of the pit. He is able to dig the arrow into the other side with relatively good aim. Cross then hammer the rope into this side and begins to climb across the chasm. Mat knows the rope must be magical, as a normal one wouldn’t hold Cross’s weight. After a few minutes and much cheering, Cross is able to make it to the other side. He motions to the crowd, as he walks in the open door.

The crowd stands and cheers. Many warriors are forced directly out of the Test, so the crowd always stays for awhile. It is a good time for vendors to sell and children to pickpocket. Mathwin knows this and keeps his robe tight, watching out for small children. All betting is closed once the warrior enters the test, so there isn’t any use waiting around any longer.

As he exits with the large crowd, he sees another smaller crowd forming around a small man. He sees a bunch of children running towards the group, and then sparkles of light. Definitely magic, but it seems like he is selling something.