To the Blacksmith

[Yoren longshore]

Over the last few weeks there has been an influx of people. As these immigrants often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, there are several makeshift tents outside of the town proper. In fron of a tent supported by a few uncured, unworked logs a squat man has set up a quite makeshift forge. The man is almost as wide as he is tall, and his arms are thicker than most peoples necks. He himself has no neck to speak of, and it seems that his head is fused directly onto his barrel-chest. As you arrive he is loudly cursing as he has made a rod of iron in his forge burn, and he is desperately trying to knock the flame out of it.

[Loreia]

[Need a schemer to roll dice here while I go into sneak mode.]

Gordon shows up with a friend who will interview the blacksmith and keep them distracted, while Gordon invades the smithy in search of anything that can help them find clues toward the identity of the culprits and any related information that may help them. And to possibly lift small shiny things that can be concealed within pouches or pockets Like Gold. Or silver. Or gems.

[Or a knife of superior quality, if he can tell it apart from a normal one.]

[Yoren longshore]

(You can do a roll to stay discreet, with whichever schemer is with you giving you an assist.)
Little information is found around the smith's place, indeed it's uncertain if he is a man of letters at all. He seems to be working mostly with Iron, but six coppers are in a pot close to the door, most likely to be able to get a boy to run errands for him around the town.

[Loreia]

[Intrigue partner, jump in when you're ready]

While the smith is distracted, Gordon slips past him as quiet as a rat. He deduces that the money in the pot may be important. I might should leave it, so's I c'n tail th' next errand-boy... He leaves the pot alone, and begins searching the house. Perhaps the smith owns a strongbox...

[url=Sneak - smith's home][/url]: 5d6k4 16 +Furtive = 24
[url=Awareness - search for hidden valuables][/url]: 4d6 14

[Yoren longshore]

The rest of the house, if you can call it that, is messy. Apart from a small bed and a chair the room has no furniture. No notes of any kind is present, but under the bed you find a sword and some daggers. The weapons are ugly, but servicable, plain, but deadly.

[Loreia]

Gordon turns the blades over in his hands, examining the craftmanship. What was th' smith's mark on th' knife used in th' fight? he wonders, trying to recall if he's seen the smith's mark before. Whatever, I'll jus' take one of th' knives with me to be sure.

[url=Awareness][/url]: 4d6 18

To recall the smith's mark on the weapon used in the stabbing, if present on any of the blades.
[url=Cunning(Memory) - smith's mark][/url]: 2d6 8

[Yoren longshore]

It is definetely the same mark. As you take one of the knives, you notice that it feels good in your hands. Even if it does not look the part, this is a well made knife.

[Benedict Marsten]

Prior to Larceny
As Griff and his young companion(s) approached the shanty town, where the Smith's shop was, he halts the wiry Gordon, with his twisted fingers upon the youth's shoulder.
"
Lad, perhaps you should have a look at this fella's goods while I have a talk with him. Not just the ones on display if you know what I mean. Its what a man won't tell ya or show ya that reveals the most.

During the Larceny
Having played this game before numerous times, Griff begins with a little bait and some flattery. Removing his worn sword form it's hiding place in his bed roll he takes note of some newer ones on display. He makes as if testing weight and balance, until the brute approaches.

"
Ahh, Damn your a big one! Thats good, strong men make strong weapons."
His says cheerfully.

[url=Blacksmith intrigue initiative][/url]: 3d6k1 6
[url=Deception(charm)][/url]: 3d6 12
Composure: 12
ID: 9
Frustration 0
Disposition: Indifferent
Objective: Gain info

[Loreia]

Prior to Larceny
Gordon had gauged Griff 's character at Coren's place. The way he carried himself, his manner of speech, his unattended looks, and he took him for a free warrior, but what kind he wasn't sure. His apparent age contrasts with his appearance of still keeping in fighting form, alluding to a man of more moral character than Gordon could risk opening up to. At Griff's suggestion though, he looks up at the aging man and merely nods confidently with a sly grin, having attained the assurance he was looking for. The next time Griff sees him, Gordon is some ways behind their mark, glancing into a pot before disappearing inside the house.

During
Gordon pockets the knife as best he can tightly beneath his breeches, and slips out quietly with what he's learned.

[url=Sleight - Conceal weapon (dirk, stiletto, then knife)][/url]: 3#6d6k4 14 20 21
It had occurred to me that I hadn't rolled to conceal any of my weapons, which I've decided take care of now, in order of dirk, stiletto, then the new knife. The free dagger I received at character creation is not concealed.

[Is this new knife a Brawling weapon, or a Short Blade(if so, which one)? When you say well-made, do you mean Superior?]

[Yoren longshore]

The Carsen practically beams at you when you compliment him: "
Yes! My tools are the best made in this town. The others use their time making silly ornamentation to sell their wares, thinking that the customers are to dim to realize that they are being tricked. I rely on the quality of my goods to win me customers, and once they try my wares, they always come back."

[url=initiative][/url]: 2d6k1 5
Composure 6
ID 6
Frustration
Carsen is beaten, as he does not take frustration.


The weapon is a superior made knife, a weapon relying on brute brawling ability, not fancy knifeplay. To the untrained eye it looks to be a plain piece of steel, but anyone with experience in combat (figting 3 or higher) can see that under the rugged surface it is as lethal as it is ugly.

[Benedict Marsten]

The Carsen practically beams at you when you compliment him: "
Yes! My tools are the best made in this town. The others use their time making silly ornamentation to sell their wares, thinking that the customers are to dim to realize that they are being tricked. I rely on the quality of my goods to win me customers, and once they try my wares, they always come back."

[url=initiative][/url]: 2d6k1 5
Composure 6
ID 6
Frustration
Carsen is beaten, as he does not take frustration.


The weapon is a superior made knife, a weapon relying on brute brawling ability, not fancy knifeplay. To the untrained eye it looks to be a plain piece of steel, but anyone with experience in combat (figting 3 or higher) can see that under the rugged surface it is as lethal as it is ugly.

"
I'll bet that Mortin fella could've used one yer blades the other night, when that big'in bout tore him in two. I wonder what fired those two up. What do ya think? Heard anything? That lummox is always getting into trouble, bout as bad as his father and uncles I hear."
Griff keeps his attention focused on the blade in hand, his head wagging in disapproval. He uses a low and curious tone making the talk seem more like gossip than an interrogation.

[Yoren longshore]

"
Yeah, they're all bad, but that half wit of theirs should ne'er been born. If you ask me it'd be a mercy if they'd just led 'im out in the forest an' gotten rid of him. He's never gonna turn into someone proper anyway. If you ask me they should all just pack their bags and leave, they only bring us trouble anyhow."

[Benedict Marsten]

Griff appears surprised and intrigued. "
Trouble you say? What sorts? We don't need anymore trouble around 'ere, after we got buggered in that last go round."

[Yoren longshore]

Leaning in conspiratorially he tells you: "
Rumour has it that the Perks are doin' bidniss with la'less men, and with that tavern brawl and e'rythin' else, it's only a question of time before a lord gets a whiff o' it, and only someone with their stags in their backpocket would think that they'll lynch the right ones..."
Leaning back he adds: "
Don't tell that boy of yours, he'll likely only get worried about 'em getting your necks over it. I say that if you can't controll it, don't worry about it, eh?"
He tells you with a smile that shows that a tooth's gone rogue, and left his mouth, probably from a fight.

[Benedict Marsten]

Leaning in conspiratorially he tells you: "
Rumour has it that the Perks are doin' bidniss with la'less men, and with that tavern brawl and e'rythin' else, it's only a question of time before a lord gets a whiff o' it, and only someone with their stags in their backpocket would think that they'll lynch the right ones..."
Leaning back he adds: "
Don't tell that boy of yours, he'll likely only get worried about 'em getting your necks over it. I say that if you can't controll it, don't worry about it, eh?"
He tells you with a smile that shows that a tooth's gone rogue, and left his mouth, probably from a fight.

(ooc: I am going to have to ask for a translation of that conversation. If you want me to roll an awareness or language or something let me know. I think my main confusion are the titles Perks and Less men and by "
boy of yours"
are you referring to Gordon? Love it though, I felt like Tommy in Snatch. "
You like dawgs?"
Fuckin Pikies!)

[Yoren longshore]

Leaning in conspiratorially he tells you: "
Rumour has it that Ammets family are doing business with lawless men (criminals and bandits), and with that tavern brawl (the fight you witnessed) and everything else, it's only a question of time before a lord gets involved, and only an idiot would think that they will serve justice...(Most likely they will just hang a random villager they didn't like the look of)"
Leaning back he adds: "
Don't tell that boy of yours (He thinks Gordon is your son), he might get worried without reason. I say that if you can't controll it, don't worry about it, or what do you say?"
He tells you with a smile that shows a missing tooth,, probably from a fight.

[I went overboard with the accent, here's a "
translated"
version.]

[Benedict Marsten]

Griff's bushy eyebrows rise at the revelations of the blacksmith. "
Yea oft times lords blindly enforce justice. The lad is got his wits about him, but no sense alarmin' him, you're right. As for control, its a funny thing, most men think they have it, but I seen few who really have. And thinkin you do when you don't is truly dangerous. So you have the right of it, I guess. Best way to play it safe."


What was he thinking, this all was a situation he had no control over and it was spiraling out of his grasp at this very point. Keep your trap shut you old coot.

You can make a difference here. Maybe show the boy a better path.

"
Safe is for the young and those scared of death. It may be possible to make sure the Lords nick the right fellows. What d'ya know?"
Damned fool!

[Yoren longshore]

The blacksmith crosses is arms as he asks you: "
How do you figure? "

[Benedict Marsten]

"
Well, if a fella were to lead the highborn to the right blokes and make sure their hands be dirty at that moment, then justice may be done. Time to time the Father needs a little help in his judging. I might know just such a fella to help ... dependin' on a few things."

[Yoren longshore]

He nods a few times while he thinks. Then he asks: "
Dependin' on what sorta things? Maybe I could let you see someone tomorrow? Someone who knows alotta things?"

[Benedict Marsten]

"
The things being the truth of the matter. Some evidence. Hanging ones neck out without hard proof is as good as puttin' it in a noose. A person who knows a lot is a good start."
Griff gives the Smith a pleased smile.

[Yoren longshore]

The smith uses a bit of time considering, before he tells Griff: "
Ok, I'll hear with someone who might know someone, you catch my drift? Come back 'ere late tomorrow, and we'll see."
He nods to you a few times, before he goes back to an anvil, to make sure the fire doesn't go out.

[Benedict Marsten]

"
Good enough for me, friend. When this old bitch fails"
He holds out his old, but we'll cared for blade. "
I will know where to find her replacement."


He turns and moves out of sight of the smithy, but close enough to wait and watch for Gordon.

Hope the boy, has made it out.

[Yoren longshore]

The blacksmith nods and smiles as you leave, and Gordon exited just before you did..

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