[Viden] Check up and Rumors

[Wald Lowca]

Wald just watched the exchange between the two people, as one person was drunk talking about his mother, and the other trying to get him to get up. It would seem like the guard knew who the person was. "Come on, why are you drunk. This is why no one will hire you again." The guard proceeded to shake the man, as he finally opened his eyes.

The man pointed at Wald and began to shout again. "That is the man..." The guard was looking between Wald and the man quickly. "He lost me my job, he... He... He is that murderer that caused all dis." The drunk man was accusing Wald again.

The guard sighed once more and held the man from moving. "Calm down..." The drunker began moving around trying to get free. It seemed like he was still itching for a fight. "Can you please calm down. If i take you in it wont be good for you." The man continued to move but slowly gave up on it. The guard looked to Wald. "Are you alright?"

Wald gave a simple nod. "I was almost asleep before he came by." Wald admitted as he kept his eyes from making contact with the guard. The guard took the man up, after saying his goodbyes. Taking the man to a tent of a merchant, it would seem he did not want to bring him in when the man was drunk. Or at the most not bring him in at all. Though Wald could not really do much about it. Nor did he really care. The man had become a burden on people.

[Sybil Malach]

Ashan 24th, arc 719

So, apparently, it's common courtesy to not bring one's pack animals into any sort of shop, let alone a butchery. The attending butcher at the time went at great lengths to explain this to Sybil. It honestly felt much like a grown adult scolding a child more than anything. It was an abysmally public display, that quite a few glanced over towards. He motioned to the alleyway, and explained that usually, pack animals are either put to the side under watch, and the shopkeeper is invited out, or the seller brings in the parcels individually, in colder months. The matters of trade in the sense of merchandising always evaded Sybil. It made sense, and was the foundation of any society, but there was a reason why the student was training to be a surgeon, not any sort of banker.

After the scolding, it was clear to Sybil that business done with the man would not be in the student's favor. The way that the butcher held himself, now implied he had the upper ground when it came to any sort of trade. There was no room for negotiation, because Sybil had inadvertently shown their hand via revealing just how inexperienced they were. A few pounds of meat are traded at lower market value, but it's clear that Sybil is saving the main stock for something more advantageous. While the student was particularly poor at the art of the merchant, they understood people in a very socially perceptive way. Glancing down the streets, Sybil considers the possible actions that could be taken. Perhaps another butcher? Maybe the crowd was a better option?

The Merchant's Guild, despite being comparatively weak compared to other lands, still held authority over some aspects of trade. Sybil squints, glancing across the market square, as though looking for some way forward. Perhaps the guildhall would be welcoming of goods like these. After all, tradesmen are not hunters. They must certainly rely on a supply of outside resources somewhere.

[Wald Lowca]

Wald sat back down in the snow, the excitement had passed. Wald went back to relaxing in his spot, there was no other reason to move from there. Though once Wald got comfortable a wagon came close to snagging his foot. Even though he was a fair distance from the road itself. Wald jumped back in a reaction. "Watch it!" Wald shouted, still angry over the drunk, and now having a insane person nearly take his leg. He looked towards the wagon that had past, it was well adorned. The wood was carved and the horses were of a pure breed. It was obvious the person was some form of noble. Though whoever they had driving was as blind as a bat.

After a moment a horse came from behind the wagon. There was a man in padded gear similar to the guard from before, though this time he was adorn with some trimmings. He forced his horse close to Wald, though he did not expect the horse to buck back. Wald had glared down the horse, and let out a wolf like growl. Spooking the poor animal. Causing the rider to fall off, and the horse to stamper away from Wald. "Daft horse!" The man shouted as he went after then animal.

Wald began to laugh, as the scene was much more amusing then the drunk. Seeing some rich person's guard chance a horse around the snow was entertaining. The man noticed Wald laughing, and took insult to it. He marched is way over, trying his best not to slip in the snow ice below the layer of snow. "What is so funny beggar." The man demanded to Wald.

Wald took insult to being called a beggar. The word discredited his ability, and Wald took it as a personal attack. Without a second thought, he dropped his bow out into his hand. Taking a arrow from his quiver. "You are funny. Now back up before you get hurt by a real man." The man stopped for a moment, not expecting someone who looked like Wald to have a bow on him. He was likely thinking he would beat his frustration out on a beggar, and no one would be the wiser. Though this was a bit more then he wanted to chew on. The man back up, and reached for the weapon on his hip. Though before he could, Wald fired an arrow between the hand and weapon. "Leave. Back to your master." This scared the man a bit, as he felt the wind go between his fingers. The horse finally stopped, and the man got on to ride off.

[Sybil Malach]

Ashan 24th, arc 719

Who would have thought that the streets were a decent place to peddle wares? In hindsight, many people think that. Sybil was getting initiated in the fine art of trying to sell things off. The only thing that the student had to their advantage, however, was the fact that they were able to cover more ground with their wagon and donkey, was well as having an in demand good for Viden.

Meat was a bit rare and expensive this time of year. Not quite as much as Cylus, but it was still something to be beheld. "Get your meats! Meat for sale!" Was all Sybil had to shout, to get even a few customers over, and trying to haggle for some pieces of Wald's hunt. "Freshly hunted! Free of salt!" While Sybil did not master the art of the creative slogan, when something is in demand, people would buy it from the most socially ignorant if it meant having that niche filled. "Impress your guests!" Admittedly, Sybil's attempts at advertisements was hit and miss at best. More often serving to perplex the standard person walking the market square. It was something admittedly silly, that even the student understood to an extent. It was fun, just not particularly profitable.

The Merchant's Guild was steadily forgotten. Dealing with the merchants and their prowess at haggling, perhaps, would be less profitable than doing this. The nell flowed freely. Though the only reason that the meat was even being sold at all, was because it was being haggled down so low. It was a dangerous game to be playing, shouting obscenely low prices as the wagon brought itself across the marketplace. Continuing to do this would almost certainly force a minor crash, if Sybil had more than what was available, "Today only! Low prices!" As Sybil's cane dug into the snow, more and more of the cut meat began to be sold off, into the hands of others.

[Wald Lowca]

Thankfully the rest of the day was very quiet. Wald was able to relax. It was nice sitting in the snow for a bit. Though his bones would begin to ache as time went on. Being still was never his strongest attribute. Maybe some day he could settle down a bit more. That was in the future though, now he was still young, despite how he may look on the outside. He thought for a moment on that. With a realization that his birthday had already past, just like every other time it had slipped his mind. A shrug and a sigh came out of his mouth, a bellow of mist leaving, slowly freezing to his facial hair. It was a common thing in Viden, having his breath freeze onto his face. He was use to scratching it away.

While laying down Wald took his bow out and started to inspect it. The wood was getting older now, the string was slowly becoming strained. Soon enough he would need a new bow... That was something he was not looking forward to. Since that kind of task could not be left to a student, nor can it be taken lightly. A bow is the life line for Wald, If it is in poor quality, then his life would be next. It was likely the only thing he needed nell for, aside from feeding his animals hey in this cold land.

With a deep sigh, Wald placed the bow away. It was an issue for another time. For now he could sleep for a moment. At least until the student was finished in the city... It was doubtful that the student would have many difficulties within the city. Though Ylfa was keeping a close eye on the student and the goods.

[Sybil Malach]

Ashan 24th, arc 719

Some time had passed, as Sybil had began this trek. Breaks upon breaks seemed to mesh together in some sort of warped mirror. Meat was being exchanged freely. Some of it was being bartered off for hay, so long as something was being done with it. It was an eventful day, for the student. What had began as an attempt at trying at least something done, ended with at least a little more than expected. Which was not very much, all things considered. After all, Sybil was no merchant by any means. The art of haggling was vastly out of the student's reach.

Pulling the cart along, out the gates, Sybil's cane dug into the snow. The donkey that followed suit now bore the fruits of Wald's labor. Sadly, it seems, Sybil was only able to barter for most of the gains that day. While the collection of hay was sizable, it wasn't quite really worth what all the meat was traded for. Had Sybil been just a bit more skilled, the absolute pile of goods would have made life quite comfortable for the student, without even risking making bad on Wald's deal. But alas, such a story is suited for another person, in the end. And that person, is not Sybil.

Pulling the cart along, by keeping a hand on the donkey's reigns, Sybil begins to make their way back. Squinting against the almost blinding snow, Sybil's gaze is forced to glance around, as the edge of the outskirt's settlement is reached. They had spent so much time in the city, that they had lost track of it all. Internally, Sybil began to pray, that the man hadn't just left. Pulling the cloak close, Sybil began to put some distance between them and the city, in a slow, steady pace, with the small convoy.

[Wald Lowca]

Ylfa had spent the full day with Sybil. Though she was practically nonexistent to anyone present. Though there was a few cases where people knew something was up. As she bit into a few hands that reached for a coin purse once or twice this day. The group began their way outside the city. Ylfa was quite happy that there was no line going out, as there was going in.

Ylfa noticed that Sybil was having issues finding Wald. That is when she decided to appear again. The wolf formed in front of the student's eyes, she started to walk towards where Wald was sitting. She had an instinct on finding Wald, it did not help that the smell was also strong. The group was heading over to where the hunter decided to take a nap, which was the same spot the group departed from him.

Wald had fallen asleep in the snow, with that said, not a sound of sleep came from the man. Just gentle breaths. He was a very quiet sleeper. Whether that was learned from being in dangerous places to sleep, or his natural state from birth, would be up to debate. Though Ylfa walked right up to Wald, sniffing at his face before letting out a bark.

The bark made Wald jump straight to his feet, grabbing his bow before opening his eyes. He saw the student was back, and slowly relaxed wiping the sleep from his face. "Welcome back Sybil, How did things go?" Wald smiled though his routine of getting up. With a slow pop coming from his back.

[Sybil Malach]

Ashan 24th, arc 719

Sybil had been entirely ignorant to Ylfa's existence. As she chose not to be seen, it was simply the fact of the matter that she was not seen by the student. It never really managed to cross the student's mind, only when the errant pickpocket suddenly screamed out in pain, pulling their hand away from the pocket, eyes going wide. But in the end, Ylfa was good at her job, at remaining out of sight. Sybil didn't know what to look for, and while there were people in the crowd that likely could feel something strange about the specter that seemed to follow Sybil, it was highly unlikely that she could be seen as clear as day, unless it was by an agent of Yvithia or the Intelligence Authority.

"Well... We got something out of this." Sybil says, letting out a bit of an uneasy smile, patting the donkey's side, as the cart is brought up to approach Wald. There really isn't much else in the cart aside from hay. But it appears that all of the meat's been sold off. And judging by the state of the student's hair, that aforementioned trip to the bathhouse wasn't taken. Likely from the fact that this was a bartering job, more than anything that got any sort of nell. And when it did get nell, it was traded for grain. Sybil didn't know the cost of things, and so was taken advantage of, in the market. But that is to be expected, when in the city, "... I also heard something that might be interesting to you..."

Sybil began to walk with Wald, back to camp, letting him look through the goods, and giving him the rumor that they had overheard.

[Strange]

Thread Review

Wald

Wald Lowca

Skill Points: +15 (cannot be used for magic)
Magic XP: None.

Renown: +5 (for being recognizedidentified as a murderer)

Injuries/Overstepping: None
Wealth Points: None.
Loot: Hay.

Skill Knowledge:

Knowledge

• Hunting: Horses are scared of Wolves
• Animal Husbandry: Horses are scared of Wolves
• Animal Training: Horses are scared of Wolves
• Ranged Combat (Longbow): No need to hit a target for results
• Ranged Combat (Longbow): Quick drawing of the bow
• Unarmed (Wolven Wrestling): Subduing using your Weight
• Unarmed (Wolven Wrestling): Drunks don't have good balance
• Unarmed (Wolven Wrestling): No need to hurt some enemies
• Endurance: Snow feels nice at times
• Strength: Holding down a person
• Discipline: Not hurting someone greatly
• Detection: the smell of Alcohol
• Navigation: the way to Viden
• Navigation: the way to Viden Outsider's Market
• Meditation: cooling off after nearly losing a leg
• Resistance: Standing the smell of Alcohol
• Animal Training: getting a wolf to do as told
• Leadership: Distributing your forces
• Leadership: Having someone do what you need them to
• Leadership: assigning guard duty
• Tactics: Assign a guard to weaker members
• Tactics: Stealth is great for a guard
• Tactics: Stealth is important for canine units
• Acrobatics: getting up from the snow

Non-Skill Knowledge:

• none requested.

Notes: enjoy your hay.
Player Word Count: 5643 words.

Sybil

Sybil Malach

Skill Points: +15 (cannot be used for magic)
Magic XP: None.

Renown: +5 (for bringing a literal donkey into a shop).

Injuries/Overstepping: None
Wealth Points: None
Loot: None.

Skill Knowledge:

Knowledge

• Business: The general worth of hay in Viden
• Business: The general worth of meat in Viden
• Business: People will attempt to shortchange, no matter the position
• Business: Accepting bartering for what you want
• Business: Trading bartered goods can potentially make profit
• Detection: Using Ylfa to see pickpockets
• Detection: Cities require attention to the crowd
• Detection: Pickpockets typically weave in crowds
• Detection: One should always look inside, before walking through a door
• Discipline: Remaining calm in the face of being yelled at
• Discipline: Knowing that someone is short changing you, and allowing it
• Discipline: Keeping at work, despite decreasing rewards
• Endurance: Working most of the day
• Endurance: Shouting for a majority of a shift
• Intelligence: Learning information while in lines
• Intelligence: Sometimes people switch languages for privacy
• Intelligence: Rumors are more valid when the gossiping party is involved
• Intelligence: Rumor: Tanner Mantises out West
• Intelligence: Place: Viden Outskirts
• Meditation: Using mercantilism as a medium for meditation
• Meditation: Remaining serene, despite the ill intent of others
• Meditation: It's easier to remain serene when protected
• Meditation: Imagining a protective force assists in serenity
• Meditation: Entering a calm state of mind, despite Ylfa being present

Non-Skill Knowledge:

• none requested.

Notes: n/a.
Player Word Count: 6875 words.

This is a marvelous thread about hay.


JK, but it was a nice thread to see the interaction between Wald and Sybil with Wald needing help and Sybil's desire to aid him but being hesitant. Both were very thoughtful toward the other.

Wait... Wald drank Sybil's blood???

It was interesting to see the two of them split up when they got to the city. The extra bit of tension of the supply check served as good in-world immersion. The bit about the literal donkey was amusing. Hopefully Sybil learned the lesson about that.

Well, at least Sybil managed to get that hay and Wald didn't get thrown in jail..... a pretty good day, all things considered.

Great job the both of you and enjoy your rewards!

PM me if you have any questions, issues or concerns.

Total Word Count: 12,518 words.

Review Request Link: viewtopic.php?p=122350#p122350
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