Re: 29 Peonu 720

[Borygg Raal]

Borygg spends the day wandering about and talking to various craftsmen and merchants in town, enquiring about what supplies are running out, what they have surplus of that might be used for trade, etc. He makes it sound like he is planning a trading voyage somewhere and is looking for possible cargos out or back. Through his questioning, he also hopes to get an idea of who is getting supplies and from who.

He'll also see if he can find a decent mace at an affordable price. His old club has done him well so far but he'd be interested in picking up something more solid.

Post by GM Spending the day chatting with the local merchants and tradesman you are able to convince them that your intentions are 'honourable' and you are able to find out that there seems to be an adequate supply of incoming goods it seems to be the local markets that are reeling with the war. The only thing that seems to be in surplus around Daaslund right now are men, they have come from near and far in search of the bounties of war. In addition the refugees from Storzarlund are placing a greater strain on the resources of the Daas. The tin and copper supplies are barely able to keep up with local demand let alone the usual surplus to export. The sealing and whaling industries are suffering as well, the boats and manpower that are needed to keep these going are now being used in the war effort. As is the hunting and fur trading they too are losing out due to the lack of manpower needed to hunt the hills and in addition the over hunting caused by the extra population makes the situation even worse.

Supplies are arriving in Ygesdram via boat where they are unloaded by Skorri and his longshoreman (for a fee), they are stored in the bonding house (for a fee paid to Skorri) and then sold to the relevant merchants or craftsman. They are transported to the craftsmen/merchants stall or workshop by teamsters (for a fee paid to Skorri) and then sold on.

Where a craftsmen or merchant is not about the thran because he is either away fighting or is wounded or dead Skorri has taken it upon himself to assume the role of trading in such items directly, this has caused some tension around the thran and between both the Daas and Storzar clans.

You are able to find a mace of average quality that was taken as booty during one of the battles against the Ibanvaal, the person you are buying from will sell it to you for 60% of its value (do not have my pricelists with me at the moment, so you can work out what you pay for it), the person you are buying from thinks it is a weapon you are going to gift to a female friend because as he tells you no real warrior would fight with one. The man laughs when he says that. It is the only mace you have been able to come across all day.

[Bryndis Serewyn]

Once in the meadhall, Bryndis will quickly change out of her finer clothing and put on her more comfortable gear. Stowing her belongings, she realizes they should have confirmed if they would continue to be accommodated in the meadhall, or if they should seek other lodgings. She'll bring it up with Meldun and see what he thinks.

Bryndis is eager to get sparring, and hopes that Barak or Algared will be available to work out with them.

[GM]

Time: Beginning 3rd watch - Mid 4th watch

The weather remains poor with the rain continuing to fall intermitantly between a drizzle to a steady downpour, the sky is hidden by thick grey clouds that even conceal the mountains to the east. The wind has dropped as it now gusts from the south east. The temperature is still cool but the wind cuts through you like an axe through a twig.

Algared after spending some time down at the storehouse where he was unable to gather any sort of information about the possibility of a spy network turns to his friends and family and decides that now is the time to catch up. Spending the rest of the afternoon travelling from clanhouse to clanhouse you are able to catch up on the local gossip, finding out that some of your friends and family are either away defending the thran of have lost their lives in its defence already.

By the time Algared returns to the 'Farvie' he has little information to show concerning any spy network (if there is one at all)

Barak spent the morning visiting his family andtravelling around the smaller thrans in search of any information that might be gained by the local fisherman and then following that up with the local teamsters. Gaining little useful information about a spy network he returns to the meadhall where he spends the afternoon chatting with the staff of the meadhall.

Returning to the family clanhouse he offers a gift of coin to his sister which she gratefully accepts, Barak then returns to the 'Farvie' to catch up with the rest of the warband.

Borygg spends his day chatting with the local merchants and craftsmen before he too makes his way to the 'Farvie' early in the afternoon.

Meldun, Byrn and Bjorn make their way down the slippery hill towards the meadhall barely able to stay on their feet in the worsening conditions of the days weather. Quickly changing their clothes they prepare to go outside to train but with the poor weather not looking like it is going to improve any time soon decide that staying indoors might be a better option.

Borygg, Sigrun and Bjarni are the only near the dock in the early afternoon when they see Jurri approach carrying his belongings, you chat with the skald for a short while before he makes his farewells and boards a boat that is tied up alongside the dock. A short time after Jurri has boarded the boat slips its mooring lines and makes its way towards the west and Vulenheim.

Sigrun and Bjarni spend the afternoon under the canvas shelter of the boat staying out of the poor weather trying to keep as warm and dry as possible as they wait for the rest of the warband to arrive.

[GM]

I have amended Barak's and Borygg's lastest posts also

[Algared]

Once everyone has returned to the Farvie Algared asks each how their days search for collaborators or spies. And asks each what their next step shod be. Despite beginning to feel there is no spying he is still concerned, and says, "So what do you think we should do?" Algared has his own thoughts as to their course of action including given a full and frank report to the Daas but still wants to hear what his companions think.

[Bjarni Daasen]

[OoC - been away from compter so this is little out of sequence]

"Bjarni, I really despise waiting. I will never be any good at it." Sigrun pauses for a beat, then continues, "I've spent my life rushing toward things, and now we're all but standing still. Rest upon a restless sea and you're sunk."

"My old Grandad used to say the same thing. The still and silent sea drowns a sailor. Look Sigrun, you are a pilot, you plot a course and take the ship there. I can see how this waiting grates but something is going to happen - there are too many warriors, too many people gathering here and when it does happen, you can be sure the Slayer will be laughing. Another thing my Grandad said is this - When in a strange land, from your weapons do not step a pace away." He pats the large knife at his side to emphasis his point.

Bjarni peers out from under the canvas and says "I swear it rains here more than it does on Harn"

[Bjarni Daasen]

"So what do you think we should do?" Algared

"Well Algared, before I lose my sea legs, I think we should sail up fjord and cut out a warboat from the Dagen's fleet. I am sure we can lure a patrol boat into our clutches. Here we are looking for spies we cannot see and traitors we don't know exist," he winks at Sigrun and adds "To hell with this waiting."

[Barak Daas]

Barak greets his companions "I am sorry I am a bit late" he says "Nodding towards Bryndis he adds "Maybe tomorrow the weather will be better for sparing."

When it is his turn, he faces Algared "Well, I have had a busy day. I've spoken to my family and others in the fishing community. There is no one acting particularly suspiciously as far as they will say. I believe them. The fisherfolk are loyal and too worried about gaining enough money to eat to be traitors, and what secrets do they have to sell? Before that I spoke to the teamsters and mule handlers who work the road to the east. They have not seen anything suspicious, though they do try and keep themselves to themselves. They did say that they suspect the woods to the south of the road harbour the Dagen's men; but they have not been to investigate. I don't blame them. It is something that we could check out if this weather ever gets good enough."

"As for your concerns about the working girls in the meadhall, I have to disagree. I think they acted the same yesterday as they do on any day. True they are getting pushy for money, but then Jabor is struggling to make ends meet. Food and other expenses are so high. He can't even brew enough to keep up with what is being drunk. I spoke to each girl in turn, and none of them spoke ill of another. I've known them for years, as you know, I don't believe any are lying to me. They don't seem to be our spies and traitors. I did discover one thing though..." he looks Eijryk straight in the eye "it appears they had a wealth stranger last night who was very flash with his money."

Turning back to Algared he continues, "However, there is one thread I have picked up that I must tell you, though I am sure it will pain you to hear it. The reason that Jabor is hard up is that he is being over charged for supplies by Skorri. Skorri has cornered the market and is over charging for everything. None of the girls have a good word to say about Skorri, their customers all seem to have their own story of how Skorri is cheating on them. The teamsters agree too. Not only is Skorri charging his fair dues, but he is now charging extra, and asking for bribes to give them work. Not only that he is demanding protection money - as if it is he, and not the Daas, who is protecting them. He is also threatening to cut of their trade and give it to the river boats instead. I don't think he can do this, but the teamsters can't afford to take the risk."

"I am sorry, but I don't think Skorri is acting in the best interest in Daaslund and he is putting lining his pockets before the common good in times of war. If you love your father, I think you have to tell Cunate, so he can put a stop to it, before it gets too much out of hand."

[Bjorn Vetr]

[OOC-Correct me if I'm wrong, but to my understanding Bjorn, Bryndis, and Meldun are not on the Farvie with the rest of you. I believe we are still hiding from the rain in the meadhall]

Post by GM Bryn, Bjorn and Meldun arrived in at the meadhall and spent the best part of the afternoon there out of the rain, however, Algared did say to meet at the 'Farvie' that evening. Was there anything Bjorn, Bryn and Meldun going to do with the watch or so before meeting up?

[Barak Daas]

[OoC: I am sure that Barak, who was also in the Meadhall, would have suggested that you accompany him on an enjoyable stroll in the bracing air to "look at our wee boat". I am sure he can be most insistent, whilst remaining polite.]

[Algared]

Turning back to Algared he continues, "However, there is one thread I have picked up that I must tell you, though I am sure it will pain you to hear it. The reason that Jabor is hard up is that he is being over charged for supplies by Skorri. Skorri has cornered the market and is over charging for everything. None of the girls have a good word to say about Skorri, their customers all seem to have their own story of how Skorri is cheating on them. The teamsters agree too. Not only is Skorri charging his fair dues, but he is now charging extra, and asking for bribes to give them work. Not only that he is demanding protection money - as if it is he, and not the Daas, who is protecting them. He is also threatening to cut of their trade and give it to the river boats instead. I don't think he can do this, but the teamsters can't afford to take the risk."

"I am sorry, but I don't think Skorri is acting in the best interest in Daaslund and he is putting lining his pockets before the common good in times of war. If you love your father, I think you have to tell Cunate, so he can put a stop to it, before it gets too much out of hand."

As Barak speaks there is little doubt that Algared is growing angry over what he hear. "That stupid old fool." Algared mutters. "I agree Barak, it sounds as though my father is lining his own pockets at the expense of everyone else. How much your findings are but those of disgruntled folk feeling the stress I cannot be sure, the bonding house was a hive of activity.. but such wide spread discontent will surely undermine the position of the Daas. The Daas needs to be made aware how much discontent this is causing." Algared looks about the Farvie, "I may be sleeping aboard soon." Then looking to Borryg, Algared says 'you have some skills as a merchant dont you. Maybe we should break the monopoly, with the Daas blessing."

"I will go see Cunate, and confirm whether trying to cut out a Dagan or Trond warboat would be prudent", looking at Bjarni and then the others Algared adds, 'it would not do for us to breach the truce." Algared will then go wash, put on a clean clothes before strapping the broadsword about his waist and heading towards the Thanhold to speak to his first Cousin the Daas.

[Barak Daas]

"Don't be in such haste" cautions Barak "You've heard nothing that can not wait until the morrow. The Daas will not appreciate his supper being disturbed. Nor should what you want to say be heard in public. As for cutting out the boat, I agree it would be good to do. But we have been given a task and we should try and complete it. We can not fail in front of the Daas... Again. Soon he'll have no confidence in us. At most, only some of us can go on this raid, unless we can make it appear we're chasing spies and traitors by so doing."

"Also we have not heard from our new friends and I would like to know what Cunate said to them."

[Meldun Jarlaka]

Meldun has been trying to pay as much attention as he can, but the clan politics seem to be going over his head, since he's not familiar with who is who in the thran. When Barak makes mention of the three of them, he quickly begins looking around, trying to think of something to say.

"My new friends. While I have appreciated getting to know you these last two nights, I am afraid I am at a loss here. This... Skorri, while he seems to be doing injustice to his Valhakar, he doesn't appear to be breaking the Ljarl at this point. Maybe his loyalty to the greater clan is in question, but beyond that, I'm afraid I cannot say until I've learned more about what's going on around here."

Looking around a bit more, he continues, "As for what the Valhakar told us, he offered to keep us fed, housed, and and protected in exchange for our services. Beyond that, he's given us no direct mission or task."

[Algared]

Algared mutters and cusses, but realises Barak speaks wisely, it is just that his father's love of silver has been a two edged sword. It allowed him to study and has kept his mother and sister well cared for. But his father always seems to loose sight of all else when he sees a chance for profit. While Algared dislikes the practices his father employs to wring every penny he can he knows he would probably normally ignore the practice, but to be seemingly acting with such self interest so soon after spreading the rumours that caused a panic whilst also likely turning people against the Valhaker and producing potential spies or traitors seems to Algared something he cannot merely ignore.

'Damn him." Algared says. 'Very well until tomorrow, and i'll see the Daas about aquiring some replacements for our band, with Zeould recalled to the Storzar and Kugald and Jurri away we are a little light handed. And will certainly be limited in what we can do with the Farvie without extra hands to aid us. I can find no evidence or traitors or spies yet, but I am sure the harder my father a Daas squeezes the more likely we'll be the find people acting against our Daas, out of resentment or desperation. None the less it will likely take a few days of ferreting to really find the truth.." as he talks and listens to the thoughts of others Algared seems to calm down, "still, barak you said the teamsters believed the woods to the south containsed some of the Dagan's men, we should check that out for any there may be the contacts for any rebells they seek to recruit.'

Turning to Meldun Algared adds, 'Well it is pleasing to hear my father, Skorri seems to hold to the Ljarl."

[Meldun Jarlaka]

Meldun can see the frustration and sadness in Algared's eyes, and the words Meldun have said have not placated him.

"As for your father, if you would like, as a stranger in these parts, I can try to talk to him, or I can talk to... the... ah..." Meldun suddenly remembers that he has failed to introduce himself to the local spiritual leaders of Ygesdram. He slowly hangs his head in shame, resting his forehead onto the end of his axe. "May the Wielder of the Bloody Axe...", his voice trails off into a whisper for a few moments of cursing himself.

Meldun stands and faces everyone, carefully bracing himself in the small boat. "I beg your forgiveness. I have committed a grave lapse in judgment. I am in need of introductions to the clerical clan of Ygesdram."

[Algared]

Meldun can see the frustration and sadness in Algared's eyes, and the words Meldun have said have not placated him.

"As for your father, if you would like, as a stranger in these parts, I can try to talk to him, or I can talk to... the... ah..." Meldun suddenly remembers that he has failed to introduce himself to the local spiritual leaders of Ygesdram. He slowly hangs his head in shame, resting his forehead onto the end of his axe. "May the Wielder of the Bloody Axe...", his voice trails off into a whisper for a few moments of cursing himself.

Meldun stands and faces everyone, carefully bracing himself in the small boat. "I beg your forgiveness. I have committed a grave lapse in judgment. I am in need of introductions to the clerical clan of Ygesdram."

"At this time you have not had the chance, having been paying your respects to our Valhaker, and tending your flock, ensuring they were sheltered and comfortable. Even if they be only two" Algared says. "Had I my wits about me, I would have suggested you pay your respects to clan Orbaansen. Still I believe your delay may be in part my fault. Come, since I prepared to visit my Valhaker this night perhaps I can set things aright as far as you are concerned. It is not as though you have been at your leisure now." With the offer Algared will escort Meldun, if he is willing, to clan Orbaasen tomake the introductions that would be customary.

[Barak Daas]

In response to Algared, Barak says: "When you see the Daas I will come with you - it is my people, those that can least afford to pay, who are suffering."

More generally he says, "We should decide what we're going to do with tomorrow. Though I can feel the pull of the mead, and of the temple, means that we will not want to stay here for long to discuss it. I was thinking that maybe the Daas could plant a false message, in confidence, in one of his meetings - and we could then see who repeats it. Trouble is, we must make sure that the rumour will not cause another panic. Maybe this is not a good idea. I only wish I new for sure that Tersi was acting to Cunate's orders. Perhaps I should have asked Meldrin what he knows."

"As for this raid up the river, who should go? I can see Sigrun and Bjarni want to. Meldun, Bryndis and Bjorn can all go without comment. As much as I would like to raid, as clan Daas members with a task from the Daas I think Algared and I are doomed to stay in the Thran. But what of Borygg, Eijryk and Zeoul?"

[GM]

Time: Mid 4th watch

The day is now waning as the last of the light disappears as Nolomar dips behind the western horizon. The rain has finally stopped but the wind continues to gust from the south east and the temperature is still cool and likely to drop lower with the coming of nightfall.

I have added to Eijryk's last post finally!

[Eijryk Orbaason]

Eijryk arrives late to the discussions at the Farvie but he is updated quickly and then tells the others about his day which means nothing much of importance.

"I can take you to Bjarri Orbaason, the valhakar of my clan here and the main priest" he says to Algared and the Orbaalese newcomers. "I'm sure he will greet you warmly when he finds out that you are a priest of Sarajin as well" he says specifically to Meldun. "And you too of course", turning towards Bryndis and Bjorn "He has been very friendly and welcoming ever since i arrived here. Which I'm not sure I can say about everyone here." The last sentence he says with a muffled voice.

[Algared]

In response to Algared, Barak says: "When you see the Daas I will come with you - it is my people, those that can least afford to pay, who are suffering."

More generally he says, "We should decide what we're going to do with tomorrow. Though I can feel the pull of the mead, and of the temple, means that we will not want to stay here for long to discuss it. I was thinking that maybe the Daas could plant a false message, in confidence, in one of his meetings - and we could then see who repeats it. Trouble is, we must make sure that the rumour will not cause another panic. Maybe this is not a good idea. I only wish I new for sure that Tersi was acting to Cunate's orders. Perhaps I should have asked Meldrin what he knows."

"As for this raid up the river, who should go? I can see Sigrun and Bjarni want to. Meldun, Bryndis and Bjorn can all go without comment. As much as I would like to raid, as clan Daas members with a task from the Daas I think Algared and I are doomed to stay in the Thran. But what of Borygg, Eijryk and Zeoul?"

"Barak the people affected are our people, and that is what annoys me most about my father, there is making a profit and then there is bleeding people white, and I wish I knew if Tersi acted on the Daas orders. Well Meldrin doesn't particularly like me or my father. I think he he knew he'd have already raised the matter with the Daas. If I can speak to the Daas in private we will know soon enough.

We could suggest the false rumour that is true, but even last time you saw how quickly even Kugald acted upon it. As much as i would like to make a cutting out mission Given we have only just returned those emessaries there will be truce til the feast. For us to break it may cause more trouble. Although if we act without the Daas knowledge then he could be seen to publically reprimand us for breaking his faith. But I think we may be better served checking the woods the drive's believed the Dagan's men inhabited especially as you seemed to think they had not desire to go their. True much like the fishing fleet and the east. We can south the woods and kills to the south. Since we did recieve some information that pointed that way.'

Those not scouting the woods in the direction your friends believed could take the Farvie fishing if they feel that would be more helpful and try to watch the eastern traffic headed east on the river, but i am not sure with Kugald, Jurri and Zeoul removed from our number we are even the crew of the Farvie now."

Looking to the lengthening shadows Algared then adds 'but if we are headed to the temple in order for our friends to make appropriate greetings then those headed off should do so."

[Borygg Raal]

Borygg joins the group after his round of talking to various craftsmen and reports what he found out, especially the parts about everyone's opinions about Skorri Daas.

[Bjorn Vetr]

Like his friend Meldun, Bjorn spent most of the conversation completely lost. He tried to follow what everyone was talking about, but the task soon proved too difficult and his mind began to wander. Eventually, he heard someone mention the word 'woods', and he immediately began paying attention once more. Listening carefully for a few minutes, he was able to catch up on the conversation, at least where the woods were concerned.

"Been a long time since I've been able to set foot in a decent forest, an' I'm not tha' keen on goin' for another boat ride." He turns and nods his head to sigrun "No offense meant." Turning back to Baraak and the others, he continues, "If there's spies hidin' in those woods, Barak an' I can find 'em."

[Meldun Jarlaka]

Meldun nods at Algared, "I agree. Let us take care of what business we have, then fill our stomachs with mead and warm stew."

Watching Bjorn get excited about the prospects of traipsing through the forest and hills, Meldun smiles, "Be careful, Barak. Once Bjorn get's to going, a man that large has a hard time stopping. You may have woken a sleeping giant who will want to go on the hunt all day and night."

Meldun will don his helm, and picks up his axe and shield. "I'm ready when you are, Algared."

[Algared]

"I doubt my father's business practice is treasonous but is certainly is causing significant friction. The Daas needs to be advised so he can make a judgement, I'm sure I will not improve my father's opinion of me." he shrugs, "So, tomorrow I will see the Daas concerning this or raise the matter, and seek our new companions as additions to our band. I will speak with Tersi about the lack of any evidence so far but mention rumors we have heard and that we thought we would check these out to the south.

Algared looks from face to face before continuing,
"A fine rabble we shall appear should we all trapse up to the thran. So I was thinking, if the weather is better, some training thus giving a chance for our new friends to work the rust from their fighting skills after their trip. If business is taken care of early enough then once I return we can pack and then head off to the south to check the rumors Barak had from the teamsters. Once that is done we can turn our attention to the river.

Barak how much rations do you think we'd need to check the teamsters concerns about them woods in more detail?"


"Very well let's be off" Algared stands with Meldrun and together with any others wishing to visit the temple they move off.

[Barak Daas]

"You'd only need to take a mid day meal, unless you really want to stay out the night. And the woods are to the east; they are to the south of the east road."

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