Fact-eliminating mission - Revision history

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			[[Category:Michael Parkinson]][[Category:Scribe Notes]][[Scribe_Notes#Spring_811_WK\|Scribe Notes]]<br>
	==Summary==		==Summary==
	'''Adventure:''' A FACT-ELIMINATING MISSION, or, Tethys unchain'd<br>		'''Adventure:''' A FACT-ELIMINATING MISSION, or, Tethys unchain'd<br>

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	'''Kelvin''': cannot officially pay you since, by HyBrasil law, you are not free to enter into a contract (being someone else's monopoly). However he soon confirms that the Temple, as a gift of thanks, will arrange to have you trained for free in any skill available at HyBrasil for either One master rank (Rk8+) OR two ranks under Rank-8. He hopes to put the screws on them for just a couple of thing of more appreciable value ... but that may take some months to organise.		'''Kelvin''': cannot officially pay you since, by HyBrasil law, you are not free to enter into a contract (being someone else's monopoly). However he soon confirms that the Temple, as a gift of thanks, will arrange to have you trained for free in any skill available at HyBrasil for either One master rank (Rk8+) OR two ranks under Rank-8. He hopes to put the screws on them for just a couple of thing of more appreciable value ... but that may take some months to organise.

	Finally the '''Duchess''' and her ~~fiancÃ©~~ have a surprise they want to give you before their wedding — what do you get a party of hobbitses (or "mountain folk") that have everything? No need to drop hints ... Fortunately they found something suitable.		Finally the '''Duchess''' and her fiancé have a surprise they want to give you before their wedding — what do you get a party of hobbitses (or "mountain folk") that have everything? No need to drop hints ... Fortunately they found something suitable.

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Time Line

New page

==Summary==
'''Adventure:''' A FACT-ELIMINATING MISSION, or, Tethys unchain'd 
'''GM:''' [[Michael Parkinson]] 
'''Session:''' Spring 811 
'''Night:''' Monday starting at 6.30pm 
'''Location''' Rosemary & Andrew's place in Avondale 
'''Level''' High (shallow end) 

Amelia is leading a party of hobbitses to an undisclosed location [on Purple] to remove evidence before some official busy-bodies come across it and make an unnecessary fuss. Yes, there ''is'' a smoking volcano in the vicinity, but that might involve problems with local mountain folk (who are very bad at keeping secrets!). The people who will be fussed at would rather it was either definitely destroyed in secret or taken away by its new owners — they don't care, the more ''nothing to do with us'', the better.

==The Party:==
* [[Amelia]]: outdoors gal, and faux local - Rosemary
* [[Pent]]: the spikiest snowman around - Phil Judd
* [[Wordsmith]]: dwarf? what dwarf - Errol Cavit
* [[Sabastian]]: deconstruction architect - Terry Spencer
* [[Faith]]: keen angler and fly-fisher - Andrew Withy
* [[Eric]]: not-a-dwarf, or not-an-orc? - Mike Haycock

==Introduction given to party==
<tt>Alfred of HyBrasil is commissioning a party. He says:</tt>

My colleague's foreign-trade associates in the Far West [of '''Purple'''] once had a, er, ... discrete research establishment on an insignificant fishing island in the vicinity of '''West Capital'''. It was abandonned in the confusion after your lot broke our moon. Now, 15 years later, their Ministry of War is about to permanently garrison it as an outpost against the anticipated threat of invasion by the Federation ... which means a detailed survey of the island ... which means those associates need a guild party to ensure there is nothing interesting to find. Including yourselves. So, thanks and praise to your mighty heroes and powerful wizards, but this time we want ONLY ''innocuous peasants or hobbitses''. I'm here as the contact to hire a party of about six.
* '''NO''' illusions or necromantic magicks, NONE at all, since they will (and I quote) "dangerously attract dragons, War officers, even [shudder] Peace officers"

* '''NO''' pacted people or things — not even allied to the Powers of Light.

* Any mountain folk (meaning '''hobbits''') as, quote, "obviously benevolent and auspicious creatures" can get away with a lot; but NOT too many magical or weird items please, other than what they're locally famous for: potions, brews, magical footwear, and the like.

*If the party does have '''peasants''' (meaning "humans", preferably ugly ones), they should have ... NO expensive or magical items; NO armour or weapons other than obviously peasantish tools; as FEW colleges as possible, preferably NONE, since who ever heard of a peasant mage (other than rare Namer cases), and definitely NOT of a Noble School: Fire, Air, Water, Earth, Wood [Rune], Celestial, or Geomancer.

To help avoid fatal mistakes in party selection & equipment, [[Amelia]] Moonbreaker is acting as my consultant and has been appointed party-leader. I will pay the party 1,000 shillings' worth of gold to attempt the mission and, if you are successful, a further 10,000 shillings' worth of HyBrasil alchemical products or equipment. It is your choice whether you keep or totally destroy anything you find on the island. The former owners renounce all claim to such nonexistent property and wish it '''permanently''' removed from their region, preferably from the entire plane.

==Scribe Notes==

===Synopsis===
The party travel to West Capital and gather information about the research facility from our allies, amounts other facts they learn all the previous researches chose to have their minds wiped of their experience at the facility. The city it is attacked by a small sortie of Federation forces that are teleported into the city. 

The party depart to the island as the rain season begins and located the facility. The duchess is found hiding in a bolt hole in the complex, her â€œNanâ€ was a researcher and they have been using it for years as a get hide away. An Orc raid interrupted their trip and resulted in kidnapping of â€œNanâ€ . The "music of the spheres" is been augmented and animals are changing rapidly 

The Duchess is returned home and they party travel to the federation continent to rescue Nan. Avoiding the flying sharks(!) and ferocious Orcs the party break out â€œNannyâ€ from Kondor and they return to the West capital. 

Nanny has learnt of an impending invasion and the party is asked to intervene in exchange for mountains of loot. The federation cities are warded against Elven and humans but not mountain folk, and due to the mix of races the party will not stand out. 

The Federation is run by the Stormlord, he has gained access of a powerful artifact to allow him to enhance the infrastructure of his empire (teleport network) and support an invasion on the other continent. 

The party eventually make their way to the Federation Capital and mingle with the amassing armies. Powerful rituals are begin cast from a series of pyramids and the invasion is to begin in only a few days. It is discovered the powerful artefact used by the Stormlord may be a capture titan. 

The party sneak their way into the palace where the artefact is housed and converse with the titan. Many plans are proposed and discarded, until we settle on a way to rescue the titian and not all die. We will cut through the mountainside with an elemental to all sunlight to shine into the throne room and illuminate the coffin. Using Eric potion the titian can teleport away through the sunlight, far enough away to escape the control of the Stormlord. 

===Full notes===

While staying with Kelvin we get some background on West Capital and the couple who actually want the work done: Lady Solace Fretwell and Josiah Fretwell. We have 'carnival clothes' made up in local materials for our sojourn in the city. Including some of the wide pointy hats which beautifully facilitate the theme of "all mountain folk look the same" to big'uns.

When we reach West Harbour Kelvin's ship berths at the dangerous goods wharf, which on the edge of the city. The ship is met by Oliver Earth-tongue as he had commisioned the cargo of gondalas. We are quickly introduced to Joziah Fretwell as he is renown for befriending mountain folk. Once the cargo is unloaded Josiah hosts a welcome dinner for us on the wharf outside his home (in this climate eating outside could be normal). Under cover of Josiah's hospitality we discuss what he wants us to achieve and why.

'''History''' 
15-ish years ago a group of curious folk had a secret research base on Menhaden Island. There were about 12 people involved, including two nobles. When the sea level raised this island suffered major damage and some of the group died. The survivors abandoned their research and returned to their public lives in West Capital.

At some point not long after they agreed to have the mind mage in their group hide the memories of what the research was about. While this was mostly successful four of the group are still associates and have some idea about the lost memories.

With the up and coming military survey of Menhaden Island, this group doesn't want a potentially embarrassing secret coming to light (Lady Solace now has a position in government etc); and they want the remaining evidence destroyed.

'''The Research Facility''' 
12-ish people originally. Folk still alive & known to each other: Joziah Fretwell, Master Alchemist, citizen; Lady Solace Fretwell, Ranger, citizen; Lucian Ganoderm, Mind Mage, citizen, Oliver Earth-tongue, Earth Mage, noble. Josiah thinks at least another couple survived, Lucy may know who they are.

A large part of the base was in caverns or underground.

===Time Line===
'''10 Ice 811''' 3-4 weeks pre-guild meeting: Alfred approached Amelia with details of pay & broad requirements. Amelia started recruiting 

'''24 Ice 811''' 1 week pre-GM: Amelia visits Purple and talked to Kelvin about basics 

'''7 Thaw 811''' Leave the Guild 1 week after GM go to Purple ... 1/2 day to Gracht; portal to Slenderneck (on Purple) then airship over the 'endless ocean' to Kelvin's island (name?). 

Once the whole group has talked to Kelvin we come up with a plan to arrive in West Capital a week-ish prior to the start of the rainy season, i.e. after the start of the carnival but before the last 3 festival days. 

'''12 Thaw 811''' Start of Carnival 

'''14 Thaw 811''' Stay a week-ish there, we then fly onto meet Kelvin's ship with the gondala cargo. This got us to West Capital earlier than we wanted but had the advantage of a public & innocent arrival in town on the 23rd. 

'''27 Thaw 811''' Rain arrives (approximate) 
 
'''13 Seedtime - 4 Blossom''' torrential rain lasts 3-6 weeks then slackens to gentle rains 

===The Devious Federation plot===
'''Key Points''' From what NAN (Hawthorn Twiglet) overheard and the party discovered: 
#There WILL be an invasion before before the rains end ... unless their knavish tricks are somehow confounded.
#The President rescued some '''very powerful rock''' from the pirate island where a big chunk of moon crashed and has mastered its power. It will be used to â€œopen a windowâ€ so that Flying/Windwalking federation crusaders can attack the heathen. [in waves? Or all at once?]
# '''Kordor''' â€œtranslationâ€ crystals will be very important in avoiding/subverting W Capital's lightning defences (and possibly some other magic).
#Korder's Elite Guard (100-200) & some hangers-on will be portalling to the Inner Coast and up through the Federation cities to the Stormlord Force — Korder is in the Portal Network!
#The attack on the smugglers & kidnapping of the VIP was a diversion, with lots of false clues implicating Souther Orcoids (â€œ... but not usâ€).
#Reading between the lines the other nations of the Federation are â€œmore civilisedâ€ than the provincial Korderians ... all sorts of strange creatures.

'''Assumptions''' 
#Invaders will have ''cold-iron weapons'' and assault devices.
#Invaders will be immune to lightning and perhaps other defences.
#The Federation ''portals'' & much of their cities have Wards/defences against Elves & humans.
#The '''Fanes''', i.e. godling-kings of the various tribes/regions, are each extremely powerful in their region [like demons, but can cast at whim; possibly even with multiple targets] but are much weaker, except in rank, outside their individual realm
#None of the Fane will probably be in the force; but possibly â€œemissariesâ€ (low-level avatars) and heroes will be.
#There is a fanatical hatred of the Elves, Dragons, & their human underlings; and a lust for the treasures and knowledge they have selfishly hoarded.

'''Unknowns''' 
#The size of the Invasion force: tens of thousands? More?
#Who or what is Stormlord? A person, or just a code-name?
#The multi-nation Invasion force — a mixture of orcoid and gnolloid cultires; perhaps even giants and saurians?

'''Deeper/Darker Forces'''(?) 
The magic that has been â€œupliftingâ€ many fish species has been happening for a couple of generations; but the very powerful rock has only been possessed by the Federation since the moon was broken.

==People & Places==
===Geography===
The adventure is set in [[Purple]]. We have a map and key for the [[Purple_West_Capital|West Capital]], and a rough map of the [[Menhaden Island|Secret Island]].

===Dwarves===
Note that for Dwarves from Hy-Brasil, one's House or family name is naturally important â€¦ but more significant is the name of one's Association (trading company, in effect), especially if one has an important position.

''Alfred FAIN'' ('''our employer''') is of House FAIN (a well-connected family of Hy-Brasil), personal name Wiseman, called Ã†thelbrecht, nicknamed Alfred (i.e., "one who takes council from the Drow"). He is Master of Miracle Holdings, a listed Association that trades in high-end mechanician devices, especially aeirships. Miracle Holdings is one of only a few companies licensed to trade off-plane and, in the guild, Alfred called himself Hy-Brasil's "trade liaison" with Alusia â€¦ which Amelia knows to be code for the fact that Miracle has monopoly rights to the plane of Alusia. No Hy-brasilian may trade with Alusians except through him. Alfred personally is one of the few traders permitted to arrange sales of Diamond weapons to outsiders.
Alfred is closely associated with the Temple, but not a priest of Hyperion; married to ''Constance RED'', a diamond and jewellery designer. Alfred is cunning, even devious, except when his pride gets in the way. You get the impression he lost out on the licence to trade with the Dragonfolk, because he did not deign to hide his temple connections.

''Kelvin'', formally Sigebercht TALL, Master of Abundant Trading (a recently listed Association) which used to specialise in legitimate entertainment, but has diversified into the Spice trade, and herbalist/alchemical raw materials. Kelvin is Alfred's occasional rival in business & sport. Kelvin likes to play up to his "street-thug" rogue reputation, the bastard son of a low-class "entertainer", so that other merchants under-estimate him. He exports gondola carriages to West Capital in return for spices & alchemical/herbal raw materials.

''Sylvia RED'', Treasurer of Abundant Trading â€” eldest daughter of well-known Diamond merchant, Ã†giros of House RED (well-know, but not particularly rich or influential); met only in passing. No-nonsense, pragmatic.

===The ex-Researchers===
From West Capital. Nobles are short-lived sentients, GTN: elf. Citizens are human. All look similar, like tall white-skinned (not pale, white) skinny angular humans with elven features.

''Joziah Fretwell'' [citizen, i.e. human], Master Alchemist/Herbalist, no college. He was renamed Joziah, a Hobbit name, after the person who save him from drowning as a child. Joziah exports alchemical & herbal materials to Kelvin.

''Lady Solace'' [human], Joziah's wife, not yet met because currently at the Parliament of Houses as Junior knight for the House of Life, a Ranger, Herbalist, and Healer. She was a Colonel of Rangers â€” the word "ranger" as used locally seems to have both outdoorsy & military implications (Scout, spy, even assassin)

''Oliver Earth-tongue'' [noble, i.e. Elf], real name Olive Earth-tongue. Earth mage, quarter-owner of the carriage-making business neighbouring Joziah's Godown.

''Lucy'' [human], real name Lucian Ganoderm, Mind mage, not yet met.
===Mountainfolk===
===Others===

==LOOT & PAY==
LOOT:
# Left-overs from the abandoned Lab (as per previous hand-out)
# any unused potions & invested magic advanced to you variously by
* Alfred, for the only mission he knew about
* The Duchess & Lady Solace for the rescue of Hawthorn Twiglet (a.k.a. "Nan")
* Finally, through Nan, Solace & the Phoenix guards, the super-outfitting for the Federation investigation
 ... including six top-of-the-line Rank-20 ''Crystals of vision'' (features include permanently Rk 20 Durability)
# 17 Transduction crystals stolen from Cawdor
# 5 unused Garpy Depth-charges (1Â½ pints of mostly-beer Rk20 ''Restorative'' [-22End,+44 fat] with a gill of Rk20 ''Whisky-of healin''g that restores [D-5]+20 pts, firstly End, then Fat)
# 2 charges of Rank20 ''Tunnelling''.

PAY OR REWARD from â€¦

'''Alfred''': 132,000 sp worth of HyBrasil alchemical products or equipment

'''WestCap''' (skills): Taught, for free, one level at Rank 8+ in any available skill (provided you've met the criteria yourself).

'''WestCap''' (magic): Taught, for free, two spells/rituals of your college or non-colleged Remove Curse. [Warning: the guild WILL tax you as if you have been paid what it would have charged you to learn it (or at its quest value) as per [http://www.dragonquest.org.nz/dqwiki/index.php/Magic_Training]]. Remember that they do not have all spells (e.g., no ''Curse''). Unfortunately although they have variant versions, especially Mind & Rune, there is nothing useful for party-members â€” even Sebastianâ€¦ although they consider 3 branches of celestial to be the same, he knows better. For each of you without a real college (Pent & Amelia) they will either substitute an extra master-level's training in any available skill, or teach a college to a friend or relation.

'''WestCap''' (equipment): a non-metallic '''weapon''' of your choice, PLUS an armoured '''tabard'''/poncho/bedroll, PLUS a '''bow'''/crossbow of your choice with a virtually unbreakable, inelastic, weightless bowstring. This effectively DOUBLES the weaponsmith bonus, and increases the range by 25%. They will also give you a couple of quivers of "'''stealth'''" arrows. Such arrows don't need flight-feathers, and there is no arrowhead, because all the weight (and then some) is concentrated just a fraction behind the tip. Because of their sleek lines, they penetrate more effectively (+2 damage for normal weight arrow/bolts; or +3 for heavier arrows/bolts) — unfortunately arrows which do endurance-damage may be easily withdrawn from the wound. BTW, the bowstring does NOT twang, hence the name (although crossbows do "cough" slightly when fired).

'''Tethys''': 1 '''spell''' and 1 '''talent''' each from either of her colleges (Wicca, Water), at Rank 6. In fact the spell will probably be slightly better than the normal write-up, thanks to the principle of "Magical Regress" (as opposed to "technological progress" that we players are more familiar with). If you learn one of her general knowledge spells, it become part of your GK; similarly her SK becomes your SK â€” however the spell may be countered by an counterspell appropriate for EITHER your college or hers. There is some leeway with this gift from Tethys â€¦ but she would prefer to surprise you, rather than bore you with tedious discussions of hypothetical details or technicalities; after all, it *is* a gift, not a demonic contract. [Housekeeping point: you received these gifts instantaneously before the invasion of Westcap]

'''Kelvin''': cannot officially pay you since, by HyBrasil law, you are not free to enter into a contract (being someone else's monopoly). However he soon confirms that the Temple, as a gift of thanks, will arrange to have you trained for free in any skill available at HyBrasil for either One master rank (Rk8+) OR two ranks under Rank-8. He hopes to put the screws on them for just a couple of thing of more appreciable value â€¦ but that may take some months to organise.

Finally the '''Duchess''' and her fiancÃ© have a surprise they want to give you before their wedding â€” what do you get a party of hobbitses (or "mountain folk") that have everything? No need to drop hints â€¦ Fortunately they found something suitable.

==Buffs==
<css>
.buffs td { text-align: center; }
.buffs td.text { text-align: left; }
</css>
{| class="buffs" |
!Align="left"| Magic
! Rk
!Align="Left"| Effects
! Dur
! Caster
!width="30px" title="Amelia" | Amelia
!width="30px" title="Pent" | Pent
!width="30px" title="Wordsmith" | WS
!width="30px" title="Sabastian" | Sabn
!width="30px" title="Faith" | Faith
!width="30px" title="Eric" | Eric
|-
| class="text"| Witchsight
| 14
| class="text"|
| 12 ½ hr
| Sab
| N 
| Y 
| ? 
| Y 
| N 
| ? 
|-
| class="text"| Weapon of Ice
| 20
| class="text"| +21 SC +7 DM
| 10 ½ hrs
| Pent
| N 
| 3/9 
| ? 
| ? 
| 2 
| ? 
|-
| class="text"| Weapon of Flames
| 12
| class="text"| +13 SC +6 DM
| 17 min
| WS
| N 
| ? 
| ? 
| ? 
| ? 
| ? 
|-
| class="text"| Enchant Armour
| 11
| class="text"| +24% +1AP
| 11 hrs
| Faith
| N 
| Y 
| ? 
| ? 
| Y 
| ? 
|-
| class="text"| Water Breathing
| 7
| class="text"|
| 15 hrs
| Amelia
| Y 
| Y 
| ? 
| ? 
| Y 
| ? 
|-
| class="text"| spell
| rk
| class="text"| notes
| duration
| caster
| - 
| - 
| - 
| - 
| - 
| - 
|}
; Wordsmith Mil Sci
: Melee Only: +8IV +8Def
; Faith
: Non-buff magics include Enhance Enchant Rk 10 during buffs. Greater +12 on Snowflake. Quickness (5 targets), Location, Sleep, TK, Concealed Cast. Usually has Rune of Truth (no lying) on except in cities.
; Amelia
: Highlands Bonus for the whole party only in effect when in a highlands terrain type
:: +10Def & +10IV vs melee or missiles; +10SC with melee weapons; +10 Perception
: Cooking: Hot meals +4 FT; Rose Hip Tea +5 FT
: Ranged EN healing in combat as unengaged pass action
; Sabastian
: SoDarkness Rk 5 (PS+4, 1 hr), Walk Unseen Rk 6; Wings Rk 7 (7.5hr, 270mile range).

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 8 February 2024
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	''Kelvin'', formally Sigebercht TALL, Master of Abundant Trading (a recently listed Association) which used to specialise in legitimate entertainment, but has diversified into the Spice trade, and herbalist/alchemical raw materials. Kelvin is Alfred's occasional rival in business & sport. Kelvin likes to play up to his "street-thug" rogue reputation, the bastard son of a low-class "entertainer", so that other merchants under-estimate him. He exports gondola carriages to West Capital in return for spices & alchemical/herbal raw materials.		''Kelvin'', formally Sigebercht TALL, Master of Abundant Trading (a recently listed Association) which used to specialise in legitimate entertainment, but has diversified into the Spice trade, and herbalist/alchemical raw materials. Kelvin is Alfred's occasional rival in business & sport. Kelvin likes to play up to his "street-thug" rogue reputation, the bastard son of a low-class "entertainer", so that other merchants under-estimate him. He exports gondola carriages to West Capital in return for spices & alchemical/herbal raw materials.

	''Sylvia RED'', Treasurer of Abundant Trading ~~â€”~~ eldest daughter of well-known Diamond merchant, Ã†giros of House RED (well-know, but not particularly rich or influential); met only in passing. No-nonsense, pragmatic.		''Sylvia RED'', Treasurer of Abundant Trading — eldest daughter of well-known Diamond merchant, Ã†giros of House RED (well-know, but not particularly rich or influential); met only in passing. No-nonsense, pragmatic.

	===The ex-Researchers===		===The ex-Researchers===
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	''Joziah Fretwell'' [citizen, i.e. human], Master Alchemist/Herbalist, no college. He was renamed Joziah, a Hobbit name, after the person who save him from drowning as a child. Joziah exports alchemical & herbal materials to Kelvin.		''Joziah Fretwell'' [citizen, i.e. human], Master Alchemist/Herbalist, no college. He was renamed Joziah, a Hobbit name, after the person who save him from drowning as a child. Joziah exports alchemical & herbal materials to Kelvin.

	''Lady Solace'' [human], Joziah's wife, not yet met because currently at the Parliament of Houses as Junior knight for the House of Life, a Ranger, Herbalist, and Healer. She was a Colonel of Rangers ~~â€”~~ the word "ranger" as used locally seems to have both outdoorsy & military implications (Scout, spy, even assassin)		''Lady Solace'' [human], Joziah's wife, not yet met because currently at the Parliament of Houses as Junior knight for the House of Life, a Ranger, Herbalist, and Healer. She was a Colonel of Rangers — the word "ranger" as used locally seems to have both outdoorsy & military implications (Scout, spy, even assassin)

	''Oliver Earth-tongue'' [noble, i.e. Elf], real name Olive Earth-tongue. Earth mage, quarter-owner of the carriage-making business neighbouring Joziah's Godown.		''Oliver Earth-tongue'' [noble, i.e. Elf], real name Olive Earth-tongue. Earth mage, quarter-owner of the carriage-making business neighbouring Joziah's Godown.
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	'''WestCap''' (skills): Taught, for free, one level at Rank 8+ in any available skill (provided you've met the criteria yourself).		'''WestCap''' (skills): Taught, for free, one level at Rank 8+ in any available skill (provided you've met the criteria yourself).

	'''WestCap''' (magic): Taught, for free, two spells/rituals of your college or non-colleged Remove Curse. [Warning: the guild WILL tax you as if you have been paid what it would have charged you to learn it (or at its quest value) as per [http://www.dragonquest.org.nz/dqwiki/index.php/Magic_Training]]. Remember that they do not have all spells (e.g., no ''Curse''). Unfortunately although they have variant versions, especially Mind & Rune, there is nothing useful for party-members ~~â€”~~ even Sebastian... although they consider 3 branches of celestial to be the same, he knows better. For each of you without a real college (Pent & Amelia) they will either substitute an extra master-level's training in any available skill, or teach a college to a friend or relation.		'''WestCap''' (magic): Taught, for free, two spells/rituals of your college or non-colleged Remove Curse. [Warning: the guild WILL tax you as if you have been paid what it would have charged you to learn it (or at its quest value) as per [http://www.dragonquest.org.nz/dqwiki/index.php/Magic_Training]]. Remember that they do not have all spells (e.g., no ''Curse''). Unfortunately although they have variant versions, especially Mind & Rune, there is nothing useful for party-members — even Sebastian... although they consider 3 branches of celestial to be the same, he knows better. For each of you without a real college (Pent & Amelia) they will either substitute an extra master-level's training in any available skill, or teach a college to a friend or relation.

	'''WestCap''' (equipment): a non-metallic '''weapon''' of your choice, PLUS an armoured '''tabard'''/poncho/bedroll, PLUS a '''bow'''/crossbow of your choice with a virtually unbreakable, inelastic, weightless bowstring. This effectively DOUBLES the weaponsmith bonus, and increases the range by 25%. They will also give you a couple of quivers of "'''stealth'''" arrows. Such arrows don't need flight-feathers, and there is no arrowhead, because all the weight (and then some) is concentrated just a fraction behind the tip. Because of their sleek lines, they penetrate more effectively (+2 damage for normal weight arrow/bolts; or +3 for heavier arrows/bolts) — unfortunately arrows which do endurance-damage may be easily withdrawn from the wound. BTW, the bowstring does NOT twang, hence the name (although crossbows do "cough" slightly when fired).		'''WestCap''' (equipment): a non-metallic '''weapon''' of your choice, PLUS an armoured '''tabard'''/poncho/bedroll, PLUS a '''bow'''/crossbow of your choice with a virtually unbreakable, inelastic, weightless bowstring. This effectively DOUBLES the weaponsmith bonus, and increases the range by 25%. They will also give you a couple of quivers of "'''stealth'''" arrows. Such arrows don't need flight-feathers, and there is no arrowhead, because all the weight (and then some) is concentrated just a fraction behind the tip. Because of their sleek lines, they penetrate more effectively (+2 damage for normal weight arrow/bolts; or +3 for heavier arrows/bolts) — unfortunately arrows which do endurance-damage may be easily withdrawn from the wound. BTW, the bowstring does NOT twang, hence the name (although crossbows do "cough" slightly when fired).

	'''Tethys''': 1 '''spell''' and 1 '''talent''' each from either of her colleges (Wicca, Water), at Rank 6. In fact the spell will probably be slightly better than the normal write-up, thanks to the principle of "Magical Regress" (as opposed to "technological progress" that we players are more familiar with). If you learn one of her general knowledge spells, it become part of your GK; similarly her SK becomes your SK ~~â€”~~ however the spell may be countered by an counterspell appropriate for EITHER your college or hers. There is some leeway with this gift from Tethys ... but she would prefer to surprise you, rather than bore you with tedious discussions of hypothetical details or technicalities; after all, it is a gift, not a demonic contract. [Housekeeping point: you received these gifts instantaneously before the invasion of Westcap]		'''Tethys''': 1 '''spell''' and 1 '''talent''' each from either of her colleges (Wicca, Water), at Rank 6. In fact the spell will probably be slightly better than the normal write-up, thanks to the principle of "Magical Regress" (as opposed to "technological progress" that we players are more familiar with). If you learn one of her general knowledge spells, it become part of your GK; similarly her SK becomes your SK — however the spell may be countered by an counterspell appropriate for EITHER your college or hers. There is some leeway with this gift from Tethys ... but she would prefer to surprise you, rather than bore you with tedious discussions of hypothetical details or technicalities; after all, it is a gift, not a demonic contract. [Housekeeping point: you received these gifts instantaneously before the invasion of Westcap]

	'''Kelvin''': cannot officially pay you since, by HyBrasil law, you are not free to enter into a contract (being someone else's monopoly). However he soon confirms that the Temple, as a gift of thanks, will arrange to have you trained for free in any skill available at HyBrasil for either One master rank (Rk8+) OR two ranks under Rank-8. He hopes to put the screws on them for just a couple of thing of more appreciable value ... but that may take some months to organise.		'''Kelvin''': cannot officially pay you since, by HyBrasil law, you are not free to enter into a contract (being someone else's monopoly). However he soon confirms that the Temple, as a gift of thanks, will arrange to have you trained for free in any skill available at HyBrasil for either One master rank (Rk8+) OR two ranks under Rank-8. He hopes to put the screws on them for just a couple of thing of more appreciable value ... but that may take some months to organise.

	Finally the '''Duchess''' and her fiancÃ© have a surprise they want to give you before their wedding ~~â€”~~ what do you get a party of hobbitses (or "mountain folk") that have everything? No need to drop hints ... Fortunately they found something suitable.		Finally the '''Duchess''' and her fiancÃ© have a surprise they want to give you before their wedding — what do you get a party of hobbitses (or "mountain folk") that have everything? No need to drop hints ... Fortunately they found something suitable.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:48, 8 February 2024
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	The party travel to West Capital and gather information about the research facility from our allies, amounts other facts they learn all the previous researches chose to have their minds wiped of their experience at the facility. The city it is attacked by a small sortie of Federation forces that are teleported into the city. <BR>		The party travel to West Capital and gather information about the research facility from our allies, amounts other facts they learn all the previous researches chose to have their minds wiped of their experience at the facility. The city it is attacked by a small sortie of Federation forces that are teleported into the city. <BR>

	The party depart to the island as the rain season begins and located the facility. The duchess is found hiding in a bolt hole in the complex, her ~~â€œNan~~" was a researcher and they have been using it for years as a get hide away. An Orc raid interrupted their trip and resulted in kidnapping of ~~â€œNan~~" . The "music of the spheres" is been augmented and animals are changing rapidly <BR>		The party depart to the island as the rain season begins and located the facility. The duchess is found hiding in a bolt hole in the complex, her "Nan" was a researcher and they have been using it for years as a get hide away. An Orc raid interrupted their trip and resulted in kidnapping of "Nan" . The "music of the spheres" is been augmented and animals are changing rapidly <BR>

	The Duchess is returned home and they party travel to the federation continent to rescue Nan. Avoiding the flying sharks(!) and ferocious Orcs the party break out ~~â€œNanny~~" from Kondor and they return to the West capital.<BR>		The Duchess is returned home and they party travel to the federation continent to rescue Nan. Avoiding the flying sharks(!) and ferocious Orcs the party break out "Nanny" from Kondor and they return to the West capital.<BR>

	Nanny has learnt of an impending invasion and the party is asked to intervene in exchange for mountains of loot. The federation cities are warded against Elven and humans but not mountain folk, and due to the mix of races the party will not stand out.<BR>		Nanny has learnt of an impending invasion and the party is asked to intervene in exchange for mountains of loot. The federation cities are warded against Elven and humans but not mountain folk, and due to the mix of races the party will not stand out.<BR>
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	'''Key Points''' From what NAN (Hawthorn Twiglet) overheard and the party discovered: <BR>		'''Key Points''' From what NAN (Hawthorn Twiglet) overheard and the party discovered: <BR>
	#There WILL be an invasion before before the rains end ... unless their knavish tricks are somehow confounded.		#There WILL be an invasion before before the rains end ... unless their knavish tricks are somehow confounded.
	#The President rescued some '''very powerful rock''' from the pirate island where a big chunk of moon crashed and has mastered its power. It will be used to ~~â€œopen~~ a window" so that Flying/Windwalking federation crusaders can attack the heathen. [in waves? Or all at once?]		#The President rescued some '''very powerful rock''' from the pirate island where a big chunk of moon crashed and has mastered its power. It will be used to "open a window" so that Flying/Windwalking federation crusaders can attack the heathen. [in waves? Or all at once?]
	# '''Kordor''' ~~â€œtranslation~~" crystals will be very important in avoiding/subverting W Capital's lightning defences (and possibly some other magic).		# '''Kordor''' "translation" crystals will be very important in avoiding/subverting W Capital's lightning defences (and possibly some other magic).
	#Korder's Elite Guard (100-200) & some hangers-on will be portalling to the Inner Coast and up through the Federation cities to the Stormlord Force — Korder is in the Portal Network!		#Korder's Elite Guard (100-200) & some hangers-on will be portalling to the Inner Coast and up through the Federation cities to the Stormlord Force — Korder is in the Portal Network!
	#The attack on the smugglers & kidnapping of the VIP was a diversion, with lots of false clues implicating Souther Orcoids (~~â€œ~~... but not us").		#The attack on the smugglers & kidnapping of the VIP was a diversion, with lots of false clues implicating Souther Orcoids ("... but not us").
	#Reading between the lines the other nations of the Federation are ~~â€œmore~~ civilised" than the provincial Korderians ... all sorts of strange creatures.		#Reading between the lines the other nations of the Federation are "more civilised" than the provincial Korderians ... all sorts of strange creatures.

	'''Assumptions'''<BR>		'''Assumptions'''<BR>
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	#The Federation ''portals'' & much of their cities have Wards/defences against Elves & humans.		#The Federation ''portals'' & much of their cities have Wards/defences against Elves & humans.
	#The '''Fanes''', i.e. godling-kings of the various tribes/regions, are each extremely powerful in their region [like demons, but can cast at whim; possibly even with multiple targets] but are much weaker, except in rank, outside their individual realm		#The '''Fanes''', i.e. godling-kings of the various tribes/regions, are each extremely powerful in their region [like demons, but can cast at whim; possibly even with multiple targets] but are much weaker, except in rank, outside their individual realm
	#None of the Fane will probably be in the force; but possibly ~~â€œemissaries~~" (low-level avatars) and heroes will be.		#None of the Fane will probably be in the force; but possibly "emissaries" (low-level avatars) and heroes will be.
	#There is a fanatical hatred of the Elves, Dragons, & their human underlings; and a lust for the treasures and knowledge they have selfishly hoarded.		#There is a fanatical hatred of the Elves, Dragons, & their human underlings; and a lust for the treasures and knowledge they have selfishly hoarded.

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	'''Deeper/Darker Forces'''(?)<BR>		'''Deeper/Darker Forces'''(?)<BR>
	The magic that has been ~~â€œuplifting~~" many fish species has been happening for a couple of generations; but the very powerful rock has only been possessed by the Federation since the moon was broken.		The magic that has been "uplifting" many fish species has been happening for a couple of generations; but the very powerful rock has only been possessed by the Federation since the moon was broken.

	==People & Places==		==People & Places==

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:04, 8 February 2024
Line 37:		Line 37:
	The party travel to West Capital and gather information about the research facility from our allies, amounts other facts they learn all the previous researches chose to have their minds wiped of their experience at the facility. The city it is attacked by a small sortie of Federation forces that are teleported into the city. <BR>		The party travel to West Capital and gather information about the research facility from our allies, amounts other facts they learn all the previous researches chose to have their minds wiped of their experience at the facility. The city it is attacked by a small sortie of Federation forces that are teleported into the city. <BR>

	The party depart to the island as the rain season begins and located the facility. The duchess is found hiding in a bolt hole in the complex, her ~~â€œNanâ€~~ was a researcher and they have been using it for years as a get hide away. An Orc raid interrupted their trip and resulted in kidnapping of ~~â€œNanâ€~~ . The "music of the spheres" is been augmented and animals are changing rapidly <BR>		The party depart to the island as the rain season begins and located the facility. The duchess is found hiding in a bolt hole in the complex, her â€œNan" was a researcher and they have been using it for years as a get hide away. An Orc raid interrupted their trip and resulted in kidnapping of â€œNan" . The "music of the spheres" is been augmented and animals are changing rapidly <BR>

	The Duchess is returned home and they party travel to the federation continent to rescue Nan. Avoiding the flying sharks(!) and ferocious Orcs the party break out ~~â€œNannyâ€~~ from Kondor and they return to the West capital.<BR>		The Duchess is returned home and they party travel to the federation continent to rescue Nan. Avoiding the flying sharks(!) and ferocious Orcs the party break out â€œNanny" from Kondor and they return to the West capital.<BR>

	Nanny has learnt of an impending invasion and the party is asked to intervene in exchange for mountains of loot. The federation cities are warded against Elven and humans but not mountain folk, and due to the mix of races the party will not stand out.<BR>		Nanny has learnt of an impending invasion and the party is asked to intervene in exchange for mountains of loot. The federation cities are warded against Elven and humans but not mountain folk, and due to the mix of races the party will not stand out.<BR>
Line 89:		Line 89:
	'''Key Points''' From what NAN (Hawthorn Twiglet) overheard and the party discovered: <BR>		'''Key Points''' From what NAN (Hawthorn Twiglet) overheard and the party discovered: <BR>
	#There WILL be an invasion before before the rains end ... unless their knavish tricks are somehow confounded.		#There WILL be an invasion before before the rains end ... unless their knavish tricks are somehow confounded.
	#The President rescued some '''very powerful rock''' from the pirate island where a big chunk of moon crashed and has mastered its power. It will be used to â€œopen a ~~windowâ€~~ so that Flying/Windwalking federation crusaders can attack the heathen. [in waves? Or all at once?]		#The President rescued some '''very powerful rock''' from the pirate island where a big chunk of moon crashed and has mastered its power. It will be used to â€œopen a window" so that Flying/Windwalking federation crusaders can attack the heathen. [in waves? Or all at once?]
	# '''Kordor''' ~~â€œtranslationâ€~~ crystals will be very important in avoiding/subverting W Capital's lightning defences (and possibly some other magic).		# '''Kordor''' â€œtranslation" crystals will be very important in avoiding/subverting W Capital's lightning defences (and possibly some other magic).
	#Korder's Elite Guard (100-200) & some hangers-on will be portalling to the Inner Coast and up through the Federation cities to the Stormlord Force — Korder is in the Portal Network!		#Korder's Elite Guard (100-200) & some hangers-on will be portalling to the Inner Coast and up through the Federation cities to the Stormlord Force — Korder is in the Portal Network!
	#The attack on the smugglers & kidnapping of the VIP was a diversion, with lots of false clues implicating Souther Orcoids (â€œ... but not ~~usâ€~~).		#The attack on the smugglers & kidnapping of the VIP was a diversion, with lots of false clues implicating Souther Orcoids (â€œ... but not us").
	#Reading between the lines the other nations of the Federation are â€œmore ~~civilisedâ€~~ than the provincial Korderians ... all sorts of strange creatures.		#Reading between the lines the other nations of the Federation are â€œmore civilised" than the provincial Korderians ... all sorts of strange creatures.

	'''Assumptions'''<BR>		'''Assumptions'''<BR>
Line 100:		Line 100:
	#The Federation ''portals'' & much of their cities have Wards/defences against Elves & humans.		#The Federation ''portals'' & much of their cities have Wards/defences against Elves & humans.
	#The '''Fanes''', i.e. godling-kings of the various tribes/regions, are each extremely powerful in their region [like demons, but can cast at whim; possibly even with multiple targets] but are much weaker, except in rank, outside their individual realm		#The '''Fanes''', i.e. godling-kings of the various tribes/regions, are each extremely powerful in their region [like demons, but can cast at whim; possibly even with multiple targets] but are much weaker, except in rank, outside their individual realm
	#None of the Fane will probably be in the force; but possibly ~~â€œemissariesâ€~~ (low-level avatars) and heroes will be.		#None of the Fane will probably be in the force; but possibly â€œemissaries" (low-level avatars) and heroes will be.
	#There is a fanatical hatred of the Elves, Dragons, & their human underlings; and a lust for the treasures and knowledge they have selfishly hoarded.		#There is a fanatical hatred of the Elves, Dragons, & their human underlings; and a lust for the treasures and knowledge they have selfishly hoarded.

Line 109:		Line 109:

	'''Deeper/Darker Forces'''(?)<BR>		'''Deeper/Darker Forces'''(?)<BR>
	The magic that has been ~~â€œupliftingâ€~~ many fish species has been happening for a couple of generations; but the very powerful rock has only been possessed by the Federation since the moon was broken.		The magic that has been â€œuplifting" many fish species has been happening for a couple of generations; but the very powerful rock has only been possessed by the Federation since the moon was broken.

	==People & Places==		==People & Places==

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:33, 8 February 2024
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	===Dwarves===		===Dwarves===
	Note that for Dwarves from Hy-Brasil, one's House or family name is naturally important ~~â€¦~~ but more significant is the name of one's Association (trading company, in effect), especially if one has an important position.		Note that for Dwarves from Hy-Brasil, one's House or family name is naturally important ... but more significant is the name of one's Association (trading company, in effect), especially if one has an important position.

	''Alfred FAIN'' ('''our employer''') is of House FAIN (a well-connected family of Hy-Brasil), personal name Wiseman, called Ã†thelbrecht, nicknamed Alfred (i.e., "one who takes council from the Drow"). He is Master of Miracle Holdings, a listed Association that trades in high-end mechanician devices, especially aeirships. Miracle Holdings is one of only a few companies licensed to trade off-plane and, in the guild, Alfred called himself Hy-Brasil's "trade liaison" with Alusia ~~â€¦~~ which Amelia knows to be code for the fact that Miracle has monopoly rights to the plane of Alusia. No Hy-brasilian may trade with Alusians except through him. Alfred personally is one of the few traders permitted to arrange sales of Diamond weapons to outsiders.		''Alfred FAIN'' ('''our employer''') is of House FAIN (a well-connected family of Hy-Brasil), personal name Wiseman, called Ã†thelbrecht, nicknamed Alfred (i.e., "one who takes council from the Drow"). He is Master of Miracle Holdings, a listed Association that trades in high-end mechanician devices, especially aeirships. Miracle Holdings is one of only a few companies licensed to trade off-plane and, in the guild, Alfred called himself Hy-Brasil's "trade liaison" with Alusia ... which Amelia knows to be code for the fact that Miracle has monopoly rights to the plane of Alusia. No Hy-brasilian may trade with Alusians except through him. Alfred personally is one of the few traders permitted to arrange sales of Diamond weapons to outsiders.
	Alfred is closely associated with the Temple, but not a priest of Hyperion; married to ''Constance RED'', a diamond and jewellery designer. Alfred is cunning, even devious, except when his pride gets in the way. You get the impression he lost out on the licence to trade with the Dragonfolk, because he did not deign to hide his temple connections.		Alfred is closely associated with the Temple, but not a priest of Hyperion; married to ''Constance RED'', a diamond and jewellery designer. Alfred is cunning, even devious, except when his pride gets in the way. You get the impression he lost out on the licence to trade with the Dragonfolk, because he did not deign to hide his temple connections.

Line 150:		Line 150:
	# 2 charges of Rank20 ''Tunnelling''.		# 2 charges of Rank20 ''Tunnelling''.

	PAY OR REWARD from ~~â€¦~~		PAY OR REWARD from ...

	'''Alfred''': 132,000 sp worth of HyBrasil alchemical products or equipment		'''Alfred''': 132,000 sp worth of HyBrasil alchemical products or equipment
Line 156:		Line 156:
	'''WestCap''' (skills): Taught, for free, one level at Rank 8+ in any available skill (provided you've met the criteria yourself).		'''WestCap''' (skills): Taught, for free, one level at Rank 8+ in any available skill (provided you've met the criteria yourself).

	'''WestCap''' (magic): Taught, for free, two spells/rituals of your college or non-colleged Remove Curse. [Warning: the guild WILL tax you as if you have been paid what it would have charged you to learn it (or at its quest value) as per [http://www.dragonquest.org.nz/dqwiki/index.php/Magic_Training]]. Remember that they do not have all spells (e.g., no ''Curse''). Unfortunately although they have variant versions, especially Mind & Rune, there is nothing useful for party-members â€” even ~~Sebastianâ€¦~~ although they consider 3 branches of celestial to be the same, he knows better. For each of you without a real college (Pent & Amelia) they will either substitute an extra master-level's training in any available skill, or teach a college to a friend or relation.		'''WestCap''' (magic): Taught, for free, two spells/rituals of your college or non-colleged Remove Curse. [Warning: the guild WILL tax you as if you have been paid what it would have charged you to learn it (or at its quest value) as per [http://www.dragonquest.org.nz/dqwiki/index.php/Magic_Training]]. Remember that they do not have all spells (e.g., no ''Curse''). Unfortunately although they have variant versions, especially Mind & Rune, there is nothing useful for party-members â€” even Sebastian... although they consider 3 branches of celestial to be the same, he knows better. For each of you without a real college (Pent & Amelia) they will either substitute an extra master-level's training in any available skill, or teach a college to a friend or relation.

	'''WestCap''' (equipment): a non-metallic '''weapon''' of your choice, PLUS an armoured '''tabard'''/poncho/bedroll, PLUS a '''bow'''/crossbow of your choice with a virtually unbreakable, inelastic, weightless bowstring. This effectively DOUBLES the weaponsmith bonus, and increases the range by 25%. They will also give you a couple of quivers of "'''stealth'''" arrows. Such arrows don't need flight-feathers, and there is no arrowhead, because all the weight (and then some) is concentrated just a fraction behind the tip. Because of their sleek lines, they penetrate more effectively (+2 damage for normal weight arrow/bolts; or +3 for heavier arrows/bolts) — unfortunately arrows which do endurance-damage may be easily withdrawn from the wound. BTW, the bowstring does NOT twang, hence the name (although crossbows do "cough" slightly when fired).		'''WestCap''' (equipment): a non-metallic '''weapon''' of your choice, PLUS an armoured '''tabard'''/poncho/bedroll, PLUS a '''bow'''/crossbow of your choice with a virtually unbreakable, inelastic, weightless bowstring. This effectively DOUBLES the weaponsmith bonus, and increases the range by 25%. They will also give you a couple of quivers of "'''stealth'''" arrows. Such arrows don't need flight-feathers, and there is no arrowhead, because all the weight (and then some) is concentrated just a fraction behind the tip. Because of their sleek lines, they penetrate more effectively (+2 damage for normal weight arrow/bolts; or +3 for heavier arrows/bolts) — unfortunately arrows which do endurance-damage may be easily withdrawn from the wound. BTW, the bowstring does NOT twang, hence the name (although crossbows do "cough" slightly when fired).

	'''Tethys''': 1 '''spell''' and 1 '''talent''' each from either of her colleges (Wicca, Water), at Rank 6. In fact the spell will probably be slightly better than the normal write-up, thanks to the principle of "Magical Regress" (as opposed to "technological progress" that we players are more familiar with). If you learn one of her general knowledge spells, it become part of your GK; similarly her SK becomes your SK â€” however the spell may be countered by an counterspell appropriate for EITHER your college or hers. There is some leeway with this gift from Tethys ~~â€¦~~ but she would prefer to surprise you, rather than bore you with tedious discussions of hypothetical details or technicalities; after all, it is a gift, not a demonic contract. [Housekeeping point: you received these gifts instantaneously before the invasion of Westcap]		'''Tethys''': 1 '''spell''' and 1 '''talent''' each from either of her colleges (Wicca, Water), at Rank 6. In fact the spell will probably be slightly better than the normal write-up, thanks to the principle of "Magical Regress" (as opposed to "technological progress" that we players are more familiar with). If you learn one of her general knowledge spells, it become part of your GK; similarly her SK becomes your SK â€” however the spell may be countered by an counterspell appropriate for EITHER your college or hers. There is some leeway with this gift from Tethys ... but she would prefer to surprise you, rather than bore you with tedious discussions of hypothetical details or technicalities; after all, it is a gift, not a demonic contract. [Housekeeping point: you received these gifts instantaneously before the invasion of Westcap]

	'''Kelvin''': cannot officially pay you since, by HyBrasil law, you are not free to enter into a contract (being someone else's monopoly). However he soon confirms that the Temple, as a gift of thanks, will arrange to have you trained for free in any skill available at HyBrasil for either One master rank (Rk8+) OR two ranks under Rank-8. He hopes to put the screws on them for just a couple of thing of more appreciable value ~~â€¦~~ but that may take some months to organise.		'''Kelvin''': cannot officially pay you since, by HyBrasil law, you are not free to enter into a contract (being someone else's monopoly). However he soon confirms that the Temple, as a gift of thanks, will arrange to have you trained for free in any skill available at HyBrasil for either One master rank (Rk8+) OR two ranks under Rank-8. He hopes to put the screws on them for just a couple of thing of more appreciable value ... but that may take some months to organise.

	Finally the '''Duchess''' and her fiancÃ© have a surprise they want to give you before their wedding â€” what do you get a party of hobbitses (or "mountain folk") that have everything? No need to drop hints ~~â€¦~~ Fortunately they found something suitable.		Finally the '''Duchess''' and her fiancÃ© have a surprise they want to give you before their wedding â€” what do you get a party of hobbitses (or "mountain folk") that have everything? No need to drop hints ... Fortunately they found something suitable.