The Master Of Zooz

[Malchik]

OOC> Just tell me which town you want to go to. I have put here a few Blue Guide Snippets. If you choose Jangli or Ippikander you can arrive at the docks as long as Tiax confirms he can get you past the Biksinder docks. If you go to Kolokon you'll start in a village about two hours from the city.

 

Jangli

 

The river divides the city into two once equal halves. With the election, some say rigged election, of Governor Idris there have been many changes. The many light ferries and skiffs that plied between the two halves have been destoyed, putting hundreds out of work. Now only one government operated ferry may be used at considerable expense. The east side has become almost exclusively used by the wealthy who have torn down most of the old fabric to build their palatial mansions. Visitors may move around freely here but must be accompanied by a government guide if they wish to visit the western side, much of which is off limits. On the west all teachers are government employees; books have been banned and the training of women in schools stopped. There is a more liberal policy operated on the eastern side.

 

Kolokon

This city being high in the mountains has a harsh climate. The climate is somewhat modified by the fact that the mountains form almost a perfect circle and the small pass has been filled by an enormous wall, containing the only gate. There are four areas. The ring of mountains surround a plateau the northern third of which is quite considerably higher than the rest and ends at a cliff. On this section 'The High City' all the administrative buildings are found. A special written and properly authorised pass is required to enter. The lower plateau is a chaos of temples, farms, houses many unfinished, streets, craft areas etc. Animals roam freely and no wheeled transport is feasible because the uneven terrain is all small squares connected by steps. On the mountains, above the lower city, is the third area, hundreds of terraces with tall but narrow farmhouses. The fourth zone, outside the gate is a shanty town full of highly aggressive beggars. Visitors should check local conditions before venturing past them.

 

It is the only city not controlled by a governor. Here rule is (said to be) by a (very shadowy) triumvirate. Once every ten years a small girl of seven or so is seen at the window of the central palace. She is believed to enshrine the wills of the gods that look after Kolokon. She chooses two advisers to make up the triumvirate. The two chosen are never seen and neither does the girl make further public appearances.

 

Ippikander

This is the playground of Bashkher catering mainly to the super rich but with a seaside that can accommodate all economic levels. It is of course a wealthy city with many attractions beside the beach but 'having fun' is the city's raison d'etre. There are all kinds of entertainment and with a very relaxed moral code this covers almost everything! To move with the 'in scene' a visitor needs not only to be wealthy but highly fashion conscious and very aware of the status of those already there. It is popular with the wife of Bashkher's president who spends most of her time here with her army of flunkies, sycophants and friends. Visitors on limited budgets should seek lodgings away from the beach areas. Governor Peamore is little more than a puppet for the Sagrami family and is seldom seen or heard except at state functions.

 

Zooz

For reasons no one knows there is a rumour that if you die in Zooz you are reincarnated as a cockroach. This is odd considering there are no cockroaches in Zooz, the cleanest, healthiest and happiest city in Bashkher. And it stays this way even considering than approximately once every ten years the city floods disastrously with everything man made above ground being washed away. Fortunately there is sufficient warning for this not to involve loss of life and the inhabitants have contructed hermetically sealed rooms below the houses in which belongings can be kept. After the floods they return and rebuild the houses.

 

It is the smallest city in Bashkher but with ample running water and frequent rebuilds has a greater number of modernities - such as a fully operative and effective sewerage system.

 

OOC> Take your pick.

[Arturius]

ooc> sorry tskar i've been very busy with home and work stuff, i'l try to be more regular a poster.

 

Sael: I agree splitting the party doesn't seem like a good idea, we seem to have too many powerful enemies for that to be a safe option.

 

Kolokon soubds like a plan to me too.

[karkarinus]

(ooc- Kolokon it is then, please. Thanks.) :ph34r:

[Malchik]

OOC> Okay will post tomorrow. Abit drunk and tired tonight. BTW who is still in? Sael is - he told me today and karkarinus and t'skar. Tiax, Morded?

[Malchik]

OOC> I can link this to the other RPG I am running if there is enough continued interest. Otherwise I can close it?

 

On topic

 

You have a tiresome and difficult trip up through the mountains but arrive safely in a small village some three hours from Kolokon.

 

You find little other than a store selling very basic provisions and a lodging. After spending a cold and uncomfortable night in the lodging (you were the only guests and the owner was as taciturn as an oyster) you arrive for breakfast to find there were others staying.

 

The breakfast is being served by a pretty girl of 18 or so. Three others are there, a beggar of pungency hard to stomach attended by two mercenaries. There is a credibility gap here you need to fathom.

[tiaxanderson]

OCC -> Sorry guys i wanted to post earlier but for some reasons this PC can't acces forums on random days.. He just can't find the server then

 

Tiax goes through his normal breakfast routine and orders some hot water for his own tea (17 leafs of rancer left) and continues his breakfast.

 

"This mountain air and climate isn't that bad. I think it's rather nice actually. So after we get provisions we continue our journey towards Kolokon?"

 

OCC -> I think Mordred is still in. He's back from his vacation anyway. And the 3rd I'll be going on a small vacation and I think I'm back on the 5th. And I'll be going away for yet again a few days but it's still uncertain when and for how long but I expect to be away for a week.

[karkarinus]

(ooc> Close it if you like, but we know where you live >:( . If you value you fingers you'll carry on with it. :ph34r:

 

But seriously, if it is necessary to join the two RPGs, and can be done feasibly, I think we wouldn't mind. Otherwise, I'm quite happy to carry on as-is.)

 

 

 

"Patience, Tiax." Says Kalmer calmly. "We should stock up not only on provisions, but also on information. We should not go on to Kolokon unprepared in any sense!"

 

Kalmer politely motions for the serving girl to approach. "Excuse me, young lady, but I was wondering who the gentleman over there might be?" He gestures discretely towards the 'beggar.' "I feel sure I recognise him from somewhere, and yet with a somewhat different attire."

[Malchik]

The girl laughs. "It is one of the leading representatives from the city of Memtuz. I know because he has be bragging about it all morning. He is disguising himself before running the gauntlet of Kolokon's beggars. They are a nasty lot. The parents deliberately maim children so that they are a pitiful sight but there are so many no one pays them anything. So now they squash all around you until they pick your pockets. This 'gentlemen' has the right idea but he won't get away if he doesn't disguise his bodyguard too. Still, that is his business!"

 

OOC> I'll happily go on while there are at least three participants.

[tiaxanderson]

*With a somewhat wishpering tone*

"Bragging about it all morning? If the man is wise enough to disguise himself why can't he remain silent about it? I will never understand the wealthy people of the cities..."

Tiax shakes his head in dismay.

"Besides the bragging was there any other behavior of notice or will I, unwillingly, lable him as yet another fool?"

<thoughts>

Howcome that such people always are so proud of their status? Always bragging... Did they not learn that with great power comes great responsibility?

</thoughts>

 

OCC -> Should we approache the man? With the knowlage that he is a man of importance and the fact that he has to discuise himself we might be able to get some intell out of him :happy:

[karkarinus]

Kalmer takes a swig of whatever it they have given him to drink, and straightens his clothes a little as he stands up. He approaches the man dressed as a beggar and takes a very slight but couteous bow. After briefly awaiting the reaction of the two bodyguards, he addresses the man:

 

"I am Kalmer Neowen, and these are my companions." He gestures towards the others. "Though I do not know your name, sir, I understand you are here for the competition, and thought that we may be of some assistance to you."

 

He awaits the man's response.......