[GM event] - The story of Fenwirdle Hambaro

[katu]

The story of Fenwirdle Hambaro - Prologue
Fenwirdle stands on a large cliff, carefully studying the landscape while holding a hand over his eyes to cover from the rain. His brown and worn coat is soaking wet. It has been raining like this for days. Diunti, his assistant, takes a deep breath before she lifts up a heavy sack. "We better hurry up Mr. Hambaro, it will not be long till darkness shrouds us even more than this rain and fog. As soon as we get to Hydlaa we should get a good meal and a change of clothes, then go to the plaza and sell these goods", she pats the sack carefully and starts the climb down hill.
A few hours later they enter the gates of Hydlaa...

OOC Information
The Story of Fenwirdle Hambaro will be a long series events where we will explore the depths of Yliakum. First of all this will story evolve around merchants, but is absolutely not limited to that. There will be room for those who can fight, there will be room for those who can craft, there will be room for those who can unravel mysteries and have knowledge of history, religion and magic. All the events will be announced.

The first event will be held at Hydlaa Plaza Wednesday 6th, 19.00 GMT and will be repeated Thursday 7th January, 03.00 GMT

Notice: This thread is only for announcements, but feel free to post your comments in this thread: http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=36654.0

[katu]

Event write-up

The Story of Fenwirdle Hambaro - Prologue

First of all I would like to thank all of you (the players) who participated in this event, despite being somewhat hectic the Game Masters enjoyed it. As you may have understood, this was a prologue to a series of events. I feel that our main characters of this story (Fenwirdle Hambaro and Diunti Berinat) were properly introduced as merchant and assistant, and I can promise you all that you will get to know them a lot better in the future.

We were quite surprised (perhaps wrongly) by just how far players will go to get hold of the items that were on show, they all went for much more than we planned most double what we would have sold them for. In the first event the sales were a bit messy so to speak. Players bidding on all items at once and it was impossible to follow the flow. But we quickly changed the approach that we had planned to take and started selling one item at a time. So you guys know this wasn't planned as an auction, it just turned into. The second event went much more smoothly, as we knew what to expect.

We had planned to do more role play than we did, so sorry to all of those who didn't get the opportunity to, we would like to see more in the future is events. It is of great importance to us and the overall story that you all stick to your characters and believe me when I say that your actions in these events will have In Character consequences for both your character and the story itself.

We would love it if you all help us with documenting these events. With screenshots and summaries of your character experiences.

The next event will not be an auction, but will concentrate more on the characters themselves, see the announcement when it is posted.

GMs participating:
Venalan, Sarva, Marathal, Ingles, Mektar, Rhumdor and Katu.

Please write your comments in the event comment thread: http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=36654.0

[Venalan]

The Barn, the level below the dome had been the home of Diunti her whole life until a rather opportune encounter with a well dressed and impressive looking Lemur, Mr Hambaro. He had announced to everyone that he was the merchant "Mr Hambaro." Giving his personal saying "Innovation, inspiration and risky but carful investments. That is all you need to become fat and wealthy!" at every opportunity. Over a series of drinks in the local tavern he had explained that he was set to visit each level all the way down to Lake Shore with the intention of finding, buying, haggling, dealing, bartering and trading for items that he felt he could turn a decent profit on upon his return to the Dome. Diunti seemed fascinated by the idea of visiting all the levels, she had so far never even been to the done above her let alone any below. But not being much of one for conversation, she sat watching Mr Hambaro. That didn’t last long Mr Hambaro soon noticed the interest in her eyes, and never one to miss an opportunity, walked over with his beaming smile and introduced himself. During the following conversation one of the many deals he made that day was agreed upon, she would follow him during his travels as his assistant.

That was the beginning of what would turn out to be an adventure that would last for many years and would take them to the far edges of the upper 6 levels.


After the years had passed they finally made his way back to the Dome. The walk up back from the Barn level had been far trickier than either Fenwirdle Hambaro or his assistant Diunti Berinat had been believed and both were tired and dirty. Once in the dome they began their walk to Hydlaa, Mr Hambaro’s home. He had a constant smile on his face for the whole last stretch of his colossal journey. Miss Berinat had become use the exotic places she had seen, but this was different, despite the heavy sack she was carrying she was in awe of the sheer size of the dome. It was not something she prepared herself for.
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Fenwirdle looked to Diunti and smiled knowing they weren’t far from Hydlaa. She looked up saying “We can finally get off this road soon Mr. Hambaro” to which he nodded replying "Very true. Let’s be going." Fenwirdle looked over his shoulder to ensure Diunti was keeping up and notice her shift the heavy sack on her shoulders, but neither of them stop though Fenwirdle adjusts his cloak often as he walked. Fenwirdle pauses for a moment looking to Diunti said "Just through this forest and we shall be there." Diunti gave Fenwirdle a weary smile and looked down frowning at the mud on her boots. Fenwirdle gave a nod and continued on.

They finally passed through a Hydlaa gate and stood in the shadow of the Windowless Tower. Diunti stopped stomping her boots on the stones trying to knock off some of the mud.

Fenwirdle smiled saying “Miss Berinat, I was thinking it might be nice to see if we can get a chest to put these items in. If I write you a small note of introduction, perhaps you could go and see if you can find one in the Winch.” Diunti looked up at Fenwirdle "Yes Mr Hambaro." He searched for and found some crumpled paper after writing a quick note handed it to Diunti saying "That should see you in. If you head down into the plaza, the Winch gate is not far from there." Diunti smiled and nods at Fenwirdle taking the note.

"Where shall I meet you sir once I have the chest?" Diunti asked.
"Once you are done come and find me in the tavern. We will pass it on the way to the plaza."
Diunti nodded "Yes sir."
Fenwirdle smiled and turns to head down the path, after a while he stopped and pointed up some steep steps "I shall be up here. Please find me once you are done."
Diunti nodded "Yes sir as soon as I have secured a chest."
Fenwirdle smiled again. "Good."

Fenwirdle left Diunti to complete the task he had set her, sure that she would as she always did and headed up the steps to the tavern anxious to see his old friend Allelia again.

Fenwirdle stepped into the tavern and smiled looking about, untying his cloak and letting it fall open said "Much nicer being inside" to whoever was listening. Allelia was behind the bar as always, serving a customer "Say....15 tria?" Stepping up to the bar Fenwirdle stoods there and smiled at Allelia. Looking up she caught his eye "Mr. Hambaro!! It's so good to see you!!" With a smile he replied "I'm back and it is so good to see you again. I hope all is well?" Allelia replied "I am wonderful! Business is good, so I can't complain. How are you? I haven't seen you in ages?"

Fenwirdle opens his arms wide and stepped forward "First, any chance of hug for an old friend?" Allelia smiled, beaming. "Of course, Mr. Hambaro, of course!" and fell into Fenwirdle's arms giving him a big hug. Fenwirdle smiled broadly and hugged Allelia back as she said "You haven't changed one bit."

The two old friends begin to chat and chatch up a little.

A few minutes later Diunti appeared "I have the chest Mr. Hambaro and secured the items inside it." "Excellent" he replied.
A short introduction was made "Allow me to introduce my assistant Miss Berinat."
Allelia looked at the Lemur over the counter and extended her hand in greeting "Pleased to meet you Miss Berinat. You can call me Allelia.”
Diunti looked up at Allelia and smiled "A pleasure to meet you to miss."

The three talked briefly before Mr Hambaro declared he would handle some business. Raising a hand with a finger pointed up and with a knowing look said "Innovation, inspiration and risky but carful investments. That is all you need to become fat and wealthy! But, first things first. I think I’ll try and drum up some business in the plaza. I shall be back later, and we can have more of a chat.”
Allelia responded "Absolutely. It will give me a chance to get to know Miss Berinat a bit better, too."

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With a simple call, so began the hectic selling. "Come closer, come closer! Extraordinary items for sale! Rare glyphs, ancient weapons, collector’s items and much more."

Diunti bent down and carefully unlocked the lock on the chest and opened the lid to show off the items inside and then moved to stand just behind Fenwirdle. He clasped his hands together in front of him and looked at the crowd. "In this chest are a wonderful selection of items, of such quality you may never have seen before." he announced. A crowd quickly appeared, the people of Hydlaa quick to examine the new merchant and his wears. As soon they set eyes on the items the crowd were quick to start asking questions.

A Ynnwn, one of the first to speak, looked up at Fenwirdle 'From where do you hail, salesman?' Fenwirdle smiled back at him "From here, in Hydlaa. But it is some time since I last stood in this plaza."

As the crowd grew, the items quickly peaked the interest of all those present. He gave another announcement in case any were not already coming to him. "For the mages that may be here I have gathered a selection of glyphs that may peak your interest." As the customers got a closer look at the items comments quickly filled the air

This armour is indeed lovely....
Ooh... Another goblet...
What a beautiful goblet....
Aye tis small battle axe .. me liked to know how much ye are askin' fer it

If the offer was even needed Fenwirdle enforced it by saying "Please, look and let me know if you are interested in anything I have to show."

A Ynnwn muttered something before staring at the goblet “Such an item would be fit for a king”
....ye that axe is lovely indeed
A Dermorian eye's pop at the glyphs
....all of your items are very nice
....how much is the armour and how much is the crystal?

With the activity which quickly centred on the chest Fenwirdle picked out some of the first customers to show an interest in purchasing some items "Which armour might you be interested in."
“.... mostly the gloves, but I'd take the torso armour as well.” The reply

And with that simple comment, an explosion of bids ensued, everyone shouting an interest in any item that took their interest.

Fenwirdle’s assistant, the keen eyed Diunti kept a careful eye on the crowd, and items. As Fenwirdle stepped back and raised his arms said "Please, it is hard to heard you all over the din."
Fenwirdle looked to the StoneBreaker "The gloves alone are worth at least 160 circles." Testing to see how much he may be able to get from the sea of customers in front of him.
The StoneBreaker replies “Then 160 circles Fenwirdle”
Fenwirdle said "Deal..." And with the first item is sold pointed towards Diunti "I'll ask you to complete the transaction with my assistant here."

Fenwirdle looked at everyone commenting on the goblet "I think a fair price would be 70 circles. Unless you think differently" he said. A Ynnwn looked to Fenwirdle “I’ll bid 100 circles for the goblet in that case.” With the ever increasing crowd size he quickly accepts the offer for the Goblet "You have yourself a deal there, 100 circles for the goblet.

Picking comments on the leather torso out of the crowd he said "The leather torso is very fine, I say no less than 60 circles.” The same StoneBreaker was quick to pounce saying "120 circles for the torso armour!" Fenwirdle looked at the dwarf again "120 you are?" he nods "120." And another deal is struck "Very well Dwarf, 120 circles and you have a deal. If you would please see my assistant for all transactions. Miss Berinat will help you."

The pace of the sales doesn’t drop with a Sleep glyph being sold next. "The sleep glyph, I think 60 circles." Being followed by the same Ynnwn "Deal", "Very good, again please see my assistant."

Fenwirdle slowly became agitated by the incisive shouting, and calls out "Please, everyone, if you speak at once I cannot hear you all." And decided to change his approach, having wanted to sell the items in an slow orderly manner switches to an auction and called again "The crystal glyph, if anyone here feels they will part with 80 circles, let me hear it."

“..... 80 circles for the Crystal glyph, please.” Is called out

Fenwirdle shouted again "One item at a time, Please." And looks to the Dermorian "80 circles it is. Deal."

Fenwirdle then shouted "Next is the divination glyph." With people realising the change to an auction style the bidding quickly follows.
“.... 220”
Fenwirdle smiles "I see a popular Item, 220 circles so far."
“.... 250 for the divination”
Fenwirdle seems a bit shock "A very generous offer, 250"
An Enkidukai calls “.... 500 circles for the Divination as well”
Fenwirdle is very pleased with the prices he is getting and once the price reaches one he like "500 circles, and SOLD." And points towards Diunti "I'll ask you to complete the transaction with my assistant here."

Fenwirdle picks another item and shouts "The next item in a quite wonderful Bow glyph." Which again quickly sells. With the crowd more settled down, the items begin to sell for prices higher than Fenwirdle had hoped for. Meteor was the next glyph for sale, the bids are as fast as ever 350......500.....650 circles. Fenwirdle smiled "650 circles, and you have a deal." Fenwirdle smiled at the Enkidukai again "If you could please see my assistant."

Over the din of the auction a rhymes reached Fenwirdle’s ear “Buy some apples for your tummy, from the top of the trees, they are so yummy!”

Fenwirdle stepped back for a moment and observed the crowd looking for the source of the rhymes. Not seeing it he stepped back again, shouting "So, are there any bidders for this Axe I have here?"

A StoneBreaker calls "Aye me 100 shiny circles for that axe." Quickly followed by 125... 130... 150... 175... and 185 Circles... Fenwirdle tried sending the bidding higher with "I cannot imagine another of these passing this way." But to no avail so pointed to the highest bidder "You have a deal."

Another rhyme managed to reach his ears over the din "..Buy some apples for your belly and some more to make some jelly."

Still searching for the apple seller Fenwirdle shouted "Now, this Alexandrite encrusted ancient dagger. Any interested persons or kra?"
The bidding starts with a Ylian offering “100 circles to start with” which was quickly out bided
...150...170...190...200...200...210...220...230... and 250 circles.
Fenwirdle smiled as the price almost tripled and raised his arms shouting "250 circles, any higher?..... No?" So then looking at the high bidding Hammerwielder said "Then sold!" adding "A wonderful deal, if I can say so myself."

Bidding again the same Ynnwn grins at Fenwirdle “How much for the chest itself lemur?” and kicks the chest gently with a wide grin. Fenwirdle looked up at him "If you like the chest, give me an offer and you have it once we are done." And with an offer of 100 circles the chest is sold. Quickly followed by a Hand glyph for 70 circles.

Another rhyme reached Fenwirdle’s ears "But I have apples for sale! Crunchy, juicy, tasty apples." Fenwirdle finally managed to spot the source of the selling and looked at the Enkidukai "How much would it cost for two apples?" The response "Only two trias." Fenwirdle stepped away from the bidding, content no one was going anywhere and approached Yadili "Lovely, may I have two please?" The Enkidukai nodded and opened her apple sack, offering Fenwirdle to choose for himself. Fenwirdle smiled and picked two apples and handed over two Tria "Thank you very much." And returned back to the crowd.

The remaining items sold quickly, the crowd not losing interest. Next to go was a dagger, followed by a number of darkness glyphs. Quickly checking the remaining items Fenwirdle realised he only had a few left.
"I do believe that I only have a few item with me left for sale, a summon and energy glyphs."
Raising his arms to the crowd again "Are there any here who would like one of these." With the last items not selling as well he tried harder looking back into the crowd "There are two final glyphs, a energy for the crystal mage, and a summon for the brown way mage." Finally dropping the price to 15 circles and then to 5 circles, the last items sell.

Fenwirdle was pleased with how things had eventually gone. To ensure that the people present remembered him, he once again he raised his arms announcing who he is "I am Mr Hambaro, and my assistant Miss Berinat would both like to thank you for your interest in my items. I hope that those of you who managed to get the item you were interested in felt it was as good a deal as I do."

With the crowd still chattering away he turned to Diunti "Have all the transactions been completed?" Diunti concisely replied "Yes Mr. Hambaro." Fenwirdle clasped his hands together "Excellent.” Talking to the crowd once again said “I would again like to thank everyone for their interest. And be sure to keep an eye out for me in the not too distant future. If there is a good deal to be had, you will be sure I will be interested.” Smiled down at Diunti pleased with today saying "Lets head back to the tavern and get some rest, before we do this again." Diunti again responds "Yes Mr. Hambaro."

The two silently walk off leaving the crowd behind chattering amongst themselves............

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Please write your comments in the event comment thread: http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=36654.0

[Venalan]

Fenwirdle and Diunti both made their way back to the tavern where they collected keys for two rooms organised earlier and separately went to get some well deserved rest, passing quickly into a deep comfortable sleep.

Fenwirdle had forgotten to close the curtains to his room, exhausted from the travelling and selling that had preceded him finally sleeping. As the Azure sun began to brighten the following morning Fenwirdle was woken early, and slowly began preparing for the day a head. Almost as soon as he had made himself ready a knock came to the door “Excuse me, Mr. Hambaro?” a still slightly sleepy “Thank you, Miss Berinat.” replied back through the door. Berinat had woken before even Fenwirdle to ensure he was up promptly to begin the days plans.

Allelia was cleaning up from some early morning business as the pair came down. Fenwirdle attempts, as always, to make some small talk with Diunti “Did you sleep well Miss Berinat?” but of course the answer was short and succinct, smiling warmly she said "Yes I did Mr. Hambaro."

Allelia smiled as she bided the two good day, Fenwirdle acknowledged her with a wave of his hand and a warm smile "Ah, your beds were even softer than I remembered them. It was good to sleep between clean sheets, opposed to the hard ground of the wilderness". Allelia and Diunti exchange friendly smiles “Oh, I'm glad you slept will Mr. Hambaro, Ms. Berinat.” The three exchange a few pleasantries before they yet again head out into the plaza.

Fenwirdle and Diunti head towards the Explorer booth to set up for the second time in two days, "Already a crowd here, let us set up our shop Miss Berinat" with “Yes Mr. Hambaro.” she placed the chest she had been lugging about and sorted out the items they had for sale.

Once again Fenwirdle enticed a crowd, who had somewhat been expecting him after his last sale “Come closer, come closer! Rare goods for sale. Artefacts, glyphs, armour and weapons. Come and see our selection!” This time having learnt from his experience the other day he also announced “We will let you take a look at the goods. Then I will sell one item at a time.” A Klyros pushed his luck by trying to bid early “I'll buy the life and crystal. How much are they?” but he was put in his place "Patience. First you take a look, and then we do business." As before Diunti sat quietly and looked over the crowd carefully while keeping an eye on all the goods in the chest, and making a few notes in her always present notebook.

The crowd grew just like last time, and they soon become busy chattering between one another. Fenwirdle waited until interest in the items seemed to peak before announcing “First up is a Bears Balanced Short Sword. Starting price at 80 circles. I got this wonderful sword on one of my adventures in the third level." Unfortunately, he seemed to be wrong when a Ynnwn commented "If only I had the Tria...." to which Fenwirdle smiled warmly "Well, I can lower the price for someone like you.." and after a little haggle with an Enkidukai it sells to him.

Fenwirdle announced the second item “Next item is a Bones Mailed Short Sword of Seduction. Starting price at 300 circles.” The price seemed to surprise a few of the customers but the activity of the day before prompted Fenwirdle to start high. “Any bids for this magnificent piece?” Surprised Diunti looks around the crowd and shrugs before making some more notes in her book. Again a little haggle and it finally sells to a Kran

A Ynnwn takes the opportunity after the sale to approach Fenwirdle and offer a couple of items she has no longer any use for "Do you folks buy too?" If they weren’t so busy Fenwirdle would have loved the opportunity to make his first purchase in the dome "We usually do, but right now we are concentrating on selling these goods. Maybe next time our paths cross."

And with that Fenwirdle announced his next item “Next will be this set of Chain Mail Pants. Hardened and of great quality. Starting price is 60 circles.” An initial bid came immediately “100 circles..” this perked Fenwirdle up no end “Ah! Finally someone with a sense of business.” And the bidding picks up 110.... 150.... 160.... 170.... 175.... 200 circles.  Diunti smiles to herself as she hears the bidding go higher knowing it will please Fenwirdle.  210 circles.... 220.... 222.... 230.... Fenwirdle then smiled at the crowd saying “You won't find better around here" 235 circles, and then its final price “250 circles!” and with “Sold for 250 circles!” from Fenwirdle, a Dermorian made her way to Diunti to purchase the armour.

The price the piece goes for causes a bit of a stir..

“...Oh my. That is a lot of circles for chainmail pants.”
"What a scam." Is whispered by someone.

Fenwirdle tries to silent the comments by selling the next item “Next will be this simple Mercenary Helm. Starting price 10 circles!” The Dermorian who bought the last piece stated the bidding “10 circles...” followed by 20 circles.... 25..... 30.... 35.... 50 which finally causes the call of “Sold” to ring through the crowd.

Pleased with the pickup in the sales Fenwirdle announces his next item with a shout “Next item are a pair of really sturdy leather boots. Starting price is 30 circles!” A single bid is called “100 circles!” which no one willing to better it a third item in a row sells to the same Dermorian.

The items for sale change from the armour and weapons which have been sold, hoping to interest a different set of cliental “Let us move on to some glyphs.” Fenwirdle calls “First off is this precious Life glyph. Starting price, 50 circles.” And as before the bidding slowly picks up, with many interested parties starting with “50 circles!” followed by 60.... 65.... 66.... 67.... 68.... 69.... 70.... 71.... 72.... 73.... 74.... 80.... 81.... 84.... 85.... 90 and ending with 100.... and the closing call “Sold for 100 circles!”

The next glyph sold was an Energy glyph for 17 circles. At this point Fenwirdle took a little step back to see if the same apple selling Enkidukai was present but he couldn’t see her, so with a slight twinge of disappointment returned to the remaining items. A summon glyph, a left over from the previous day was the next to be sold to a goes to a Enkidukai.

Next Fenwirdle returned to his selling of weapons by selecting a Bear’s fine sabre. Bidding started at 80 circles and quickly rose to a final offer of 200, for which it was sold. The crowd continued chattering as they have done the whole time. Fenwirdle finally decided to sell off the most asked for and final item, the Metor glyph. He gives a starting price of 50 circles which is quickly surpassed and finally goes for 100 circles to the same Dermorian who had been so prolific in bidding previously, and after a request from Fenwirdle introduces herself as “Mariko.” 

With the last of the items sold Fenwirdle announces “That is all we have got for today good people of Hydlaa! But be assured, we will be back both to buy and to sell goods." Without even asking, the remaining people begin to bid of the chest. Fenwirdle smiles to himself, assuming that they must have heard what he did last time, so lets the bidding continue “Well, if you are interested in buying the chest..” he says and listens to the bidding and when the right price comes to his ears “450 circles..” he followed it with “SOLD!” and points, as always towards Diunti "I'll ask you to do the transactions with my assistant here."

Now, with all of the items finally sold Fenwirdle said “Well, that will be it for today! I must thank you all for showing such great interest in our goods.” And with another profitable day had by Fenwirdle and Diunti, exactly what he had hoped for when he first left Hydlaa. The two once again make their way back to the tavern where they hoped to get something to eat, and hopefully some hot wine, at least for Fenwirdle.
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And so it was finally done, the years of hardship, the trudging through fields of dirt, the clinging to the walls of Yliakum on dangerous trips between levels, the cold nights, the countless hours of haggling and trading with rarities found, the fortuitous meeting with Diunti, the near escapes, the good food, the wondrous tales, the amazing sights had all allowed him to return with the items that got him noticed. And, made him a sizeable profit.

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Please write your comments in the event comment thread: http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=36654.0

[katu]

To be continued: http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=36702.0