Rocky Creek Trade Company - Rumors & Roleplay

[VDub]

A Luckbringer's Morning

As his eyes open, two wrinkled hands come up to rub them awake. Groans involuntarily spewed forth from somewhere within him while he pulls himself to a sitting position. Blinking a few times he looks about chuckling to himself, sitting on the edge of the sofa. Yet another night where the Wyvern took his consciousness before he could find a proper bed.

Finally mustering up enough motivation to stand, he straightens out his robes and gives half a thought to his turban. Half awake, he carefully negotiates the stairs of Hammer Hall to find out what could be found for a meal at this hour. The sun had not yet risen, yet as he arrived at the bottom of the stairs he could hear Ben moving about the bar. No doubt making everything right for the day.

Ben meets the old man's wave and mumble with a slight chuckle and a shake of the head. Without asking, the barkeep readies a cup of java for the man as he finds a stool to rest his bones once again. The two have a conversation about the day ahead. Ben gathers a plate of food for Solomon, the old priest jots a list for the barkeep. Solomon laughs as the resident cat darts in and around the tables and chairs of the taproom hunting for some unseen target. Some taproom mouse that dared show it's presence within the lair of the great Mouser. Shaking his head he looks back to Ben and slides the list across the bar, taking a sip from the mug before him.

The Irieabor route was due back that evening and Solomon wanted to have food and drink ready for their return. He would ask Ben to see if Miss Furuki would be able to make a few things for the men, if she were to come in that day. Asking him to be sure to explain that fish soup was off the menu for that evening. Ben's eyes light up when he sees the asking for several bottles of the more aged Berduskan Dark that Solomon keeps in storage within the cellar.

“I have a few meetings in the Gate. I'll be back before the caravan makes it home. We'll have a celebration for them. That route is a long and boring one.”

The Luckbringer pushes up from the bar and starts to make is way to the door.

“Oh, Ben? Please don't let me have too much again tonight. Okay?”

“Sure thing, Sol. Whatever you say.”

They both share a laugh before Solomon heads out to the courtyard to ask Lady Luck to whisk him away to Baldur's Gate. He would lower his head and whisper softly a prayer to Her.

"Please, Lady Luck. Don't make my lazy ass walk all that way."

There's a sudden flash and the Luckbringer is gone...

[Whirlwind]

With the recent promotion of Malakai Stormwind to caravan leader, the genasi would establish himself as a tireless presence on every route ran. Rotating his time between organising and leading these expeditions, the now occasional adventurer has truly found the means to engage in his first love - travel.

Though not without his critics, Malakai would be generally popular amongst the guards in the company's employ with his eccentricities being embraced as more quirky than annoying. Even the less exciting drudgeries of running this side of the business would be graced with Malakai's involvement and little would escape his notice. Ultimately, business appears to run as planned and the perculiar Cormyrean seems ever eager to impress his employers, looking to have a made a home for himself in Greenest.

In recent times the genasi has developed a taste for the Shou traveler, Sayushi's own unique blend of kaeth, making heavy use of the stimulant when out along the trailways of the Heartlands to stay mentally sharp and alert. Upon return to Greenest, approaching the summer months Malakai has been seen sleeping out beneath the starlight of the Shaundakun shrine overlooking the creek, seeming somewhat wearied from his work though more or less content.

It is said that during these late hours, Malakai's favoured drink of choice would be maiden's kiss brandy, imported from the Cormyrean village of Dawngleam and his gentle flute playing might occasionally be heard late outside of Rocky Creek's main building during the witching hours dependent on his state of intoxication.

Of note beyond this, Malakai has apparently persuaded several men from the Merchant League or Seven Sun's Coster to work for Rocky Creek instead with lucrative contracts of employment though being highly selective in who he'd choose. There is definite trend of him taking on former adventurers with riding/wilderness skills in an effort to emulate the approaches of larger Caravan outfits like the Thousandheads Trading Coster and Surefeet Trademasters.

The hin, Eldon Mosshand and former scout from Elturel would be seen helping to vet the would-be recruits with an established series of wilderness tasks comprising an interview process of sorts.

There'd also be talk around Rocky Creek pointing to Stormwind's desire to poach trade deals held by some of these larger costers operating in the region and the set-up of discreetly built way-stations along the southern shore of the confluence Scornubel sits north of. In adapting the current route to Elturel and circling back through Scornubel on the return to Greenest, the genasi aims to establish a foothold in this region to make the reach of Rocky Creek's caravans even greater in the future.

Malakai's efforts to train his guards might look to have bore some fruit too with his guards showing initiative enough in practicing the drills he'd taught them as well the some basic archery in his absence. Malakai might appear to have neglected the oversight of their training in the last couple of months and the sessions lead by Shandri Tallstag would have become sporadic throughout the month of Mirtul in the lead up to Kythorn.

Of final note, the caravan leader's presence around Greenest might appear to be have been more diminished throughout Tarsakh with one major reason being cited as the Shaundakun holy day of the Windride occurring during this period.

[BDobolina]

There in the gardens, on the grounds of Hammer Hall, Jackard was at peace. The only gold he need worry about that afternoon was the golden liquid being stored away in his skeps, the only workers that concerned him were those thousands of worker bees busily foraging pollen and nectar from the lands nearby. He listened to the hum, smelled the sweet, almost yeasty aroma, and watched with reverence as the bees flitted to and fro.

As spring turned toward summer, the bees had moved on from the apple blossoms of their small orchard, and were finishing their foraging upon the wild raspberries and blackberries that grew wild on the hillside. Soon the color of the pollen collected would shift from a nearly colorless gray, toward a deep, rich gold as the bees would turn toward the vundwood and the chestnut, to the sunflower and mallow that grew wild within the Greenfields.

As seasons changed, so too did their strategies. It was a natural part of their survival. It was the root of a lesson he had learned through keeping the skeps with his own father as a child. As resources run their course, as plans draw to an end, new opportunities arise. You need only adapt to meet them. The shadow of a smile flashed upon his face.

As he prepared his tools - the pipe smoker filled with wood shavings and scraps of linen, the smoldering ember of chaga to light it, the drone knife, and the queen hook - he thought of how many of those lessons in the apiary were more than lessons on bees and hives. They were life lessons.

***

As he blew the smoke over the first hive the swarm of bees ignored him more and more, and converged instead upon the entrance to the skep. It wasn't that the smoke dulled their senses. It wasn't an intoxicant. The smell and sensation of smoke in the air had awoken a higher calling. In the wild smoke meant fire. Fire meant certain destruction. No longer distressed by the simple intruder, the bees withdrew to the hive as a matter of necessity. They would gorge upon their stores of nectar and pollen, they would prepare for the worst. They would unite as a colony, and ready for action.

Men were much the same as bees, he had been taught. It sometimes took the threat of certain doom to bring the disparate together. The highest calling was often a base need to survive. Whether the threat was real or not, it mattered little.

***

The skep overturned, the inspection began. There were good signs. Fresh, white comb had been drawn atop the old, rust-colored comb of last year. It was a sign of growth and thus a healthy hive, evidence of an active queen. It seemed the proportional mix of pollen and nectar was healthy. The varying colors of pollen told the stories of their deeds.

But the skep grew crowded with brood comb. Drone brood at that, noticeably larger and more bulbous. Mostly useless at this stage of the hive, it could be removed without harm. In fact, if he did not, the colony would soon run out of room and likely swarm from the skep. As he cut out the larger chunks of comb he made sure it was collected neatly in his bucket. Later, it would be melted down, used for sealing wood, candles, and for whatever esoteric tasks it was Albert used it for in the lab.

In business, in life, as it was in the skep, there were times when a retraction was just as important as growth. Without a balance of growth and the culling of the old, it was difficult to continue to improve. But what was lost needn't be discarded. All things served a purpose.

***

Satisfied with the inspection, the skep was turned right side and replaced upon the stand. As the smoke dissipated Jackard stood away from the hive and watched as things returned to normal. The bees, slowly at first, began to alight from the entrance. Sensing the danger had passed and life was back to normal, they pressed on. Back to work.

[BDobolina]

The more gossipy sorts may hear tell that Hammer Hall has been busy with visitors of late. Who they were would likely vary by the telling, but a group of well-armored warriors, a pair of leather-clad hunters, and a wizard of some power all may be mentioned alongside the more usual merchants, caravans, and goods-ladened horses. There is a tavern there, The Lucky Coin, so perhaps they were only slaking their thirsts?

[Kitunenotsume]

The transient culinarian seems somewhat preoccupied of late, spending a portion of her each of evenings meditating about the Company grounds.

After one evening of commotion, she drops off a letter on the desk of the company owners:

Masters Marks and Peyton,

I would like to inquire if any of your fine employees might be willing to assist with a personal matter. I shall be meeting with a prospective client for a negotiation of discretionary business, and would appreciate the company of a skilled armsman out of prudence. I do not currently have reason to suspect the dealing will sour, but wisdom suggests taking the more cautious approach to risks and bringing appropriate insurance to incline the meeting to remain peaceful.

I regret that my inquiry is at such short notice, but unfortunately such is the nature of the commerce at times. The location will be within the vicinity of Greenest, and within the next day, though I shall retain the specific location and time under confidence. I can offer little in regards for payment, though I shall pledge a personal favor of modest nature and reasonable scope, should it be appropriate, with full compensation for any costs incurred by combat and combat pay to include medical treatments - should the misfortune of such an outcome occur.

Warmest Regards,
Sayushi Furuki

[BDobolina]

Remaining quiet politically, and happily carrying on their business, The Rocky Creek Trade Company has generated little in the way of public rumors of late. Preparing their hives for winter, gathering up fall's last harvests, taking care of those less fortunate in Greenest itself, none of these things are out of the norm, or likely to hold public notice for long. Those paying special attention may notice a slight buzz of activity cleaning and prepping the grounds, bringing in quality foodstuffs, and that several swift riders have been sent in the direction of Baldur's Gate in the past tenday, delivering parcels unknown.

[VDub]

Both Solomon and Jackard rush about Hammer Hall preparing for a quick departure. The buzz in the tap room of the Lucky Coin is that they got the "nod" from a client and are making haste to parts unknown.

"Pack lightly, my friend.." Solomon says to Jackard as he places several trade bars into a satchel, "I hope you had a light lunch. We may visit more than one locale this eve."

The faithful of Tymora whispers a prayer to his Goddess and the two are whisked away in a flash of light.

[Whirlwind]

Prior to embarking on one of Rocky Creek's many planned trade expeditions to Berdusk, Malakai Stormwind might be seen casually propositioning sellswords and adventurers around the farmlands outside Baldur's Gate with potential work contracts as caravan guards.

It might be noted that Malakai appears to be taking some precautionary measures to protect his caravans with the desire to recruit more seasoned candidates based on earlier, recent rumours of werewolves amassing in numbers in the Wood of Sharp Teeth.

The Cormyrean genasi's view that the forest's proximity to the trade roads taken when transporting food supplies from Elturel to Greenest is closer than he'd like. He is also swift to point out that caravan work is usually a more 'scenic' and a less riskier threat to one's life than ones typically enjoyed by dedicated mercenaries and adventurers.

[Whirlwind]

Talk around Greenest amongst Rocky Creek's caravan guards would be around the notable delays to caravans returning from Iriaebor due to adverse weather in the form of fierce winds, bad storms and the emerging frosts of the winter. The talk would invariably reach the ears of some of the merchants in the town when the guards are well into their cups in Orniff's Inn or the Lucky Coin during the evening times and there might be speculative and worried discussions about the slow down in supply chains should the winter be bad.

Malakai Stormwind would gather his guards together outside the Lucky Coin to discuss the changes to the routes.

"It is bound to happen with that route when we're this late into the year... The terrain is more sloped on the northern side approach to the overland city using the roads we take when leaving the Vale... We have to take the 'southern hook' toward Easting to reach it... And yes, I know it adds days on to the journey..."

The genasi would be known in the business for his tendency toward expedition in making deliveries by taking seldom taken routes other caravaneers would be more nervous to take. Though these risks have lead to considerable leaps of confidence in his guards and Rocky Creek's hard earned reputation for supplies reaching their destination in a consistently timely manner, in recent times they have lead to a couple of injuries and the loss of a horse.

The veteran hin scout, Eldon Mosshand would be seen chastising Stormwind in front of them all in the manner a kindly uncle might his niece or nephew.

"Can't afford to take risks, Blue... Not with winter biting our heels."

Malakai would take this advice in good humour, never seeming truly phased when his decisions were questioned or criticised. The overall view around the company might be that whilst other costers might slow their activities toward the end of the year, Stormwind has no intention of missing out on the extra trade this might bring in for Rocky Creek during the period.

[sweetlikesplenda]

On their return home from Elturel, the members of the Radiant Heart stop at Hammer Hall in Greenest. An offer is made to hire out caravans for a mission to Asbravn.

[VDub]

On their return home from Elturel, the members of the Radiant Heart stop at Hammer Hall in Greenest. An offer is made to hire out caravans for a mission to Asbravn.

They would be met with wide smiles, warm food and drinks all around. The resident Luckbringer would reassure Lord Lyonaler that Rocky Creek would be happy to accomodate. He would tell the Grand Knight that he would speak with his Master of Caravans, Malakai Stormwind, and find out what wagons were not on route. The details could be discussed after they members of the Radiant Heart had their fill of food and drink.

[Whirlwind]

Malakai Stormwind, the caravan leader of the Rocky Creek Trade Company would briefly be the subject of discussion throughout the Lucky Coin tavern due to the new weapon he has acquired.

Appearing as a hybrid of a rapier and Amnian side-sword, the antique weapon appears to be of elven origin and masterfully crafted, possessing an ornate hilt fashioned from pale gold and set with a sapphire toward the middle of it's cross-guard.

With a dark steel blade possessing a flared ricasso, the legend Storm Razor would be visible, engraved in elegantly flowing chondathan script upon the flat of the blade's foible.

Malakai would clearly enjoy the attention the sword would provide him despite his efforts to seem aloof and self-deprecating, remarking in his breezy tones:

"Just like one of those idiots from the stories now... A fancy blade with a name to go with it..."

[Whirlwind]

Ever the subject of talk around the Lucky Coin, Malakai Stormwind would now be seen wearing a silver badge on the right lapel of his long, somewhat ragged blue coat.

"Thought the trout could use some company" He'd remark to the regulars of the tavern with a light smile on his lips, tapping the brass coloured badge worn upon the opposite lapel.

The genasi would state he's joined the Whitewood Vanguard but state with certainty that his loyalty was to Rocky Creek above them.

"Their objectives align with ours ultimately... Less trouble for you lot when you're on the routes running the deliveries so I've considered this well, square as a Turmishan's beard."

The bouncer in the tavern, Baergald would laugh at Malakai in a good natured way and say 'the Caravan Leader just needs a fancy reason to wet his new blade.'

[BDobolina]

Happy to see Malakai eager and excited, and knowing the genasi's spirit is as wild as the wind associated with his kin, Jackard is among the first to congratulate the Master of Caravans on finding like-minded comrades in arms.

"The winter is long, and our business will slow in any case. The Vanguard is lucky to have a blade so skilled as yours at their command."

After joking along with Baergald, he would help make it clear that his new brethren are welcome any time in the Lucky Coin. Making sure ol Ben heard well -

"All talk local places the Whitewood just south of us, taking care of troubles about Nashkel. I'll leave it to you to let them know they're welcome here, in these halls, when they're ready to recuperate. Or lose a few coins at the back table. Drinks half price for those that wear the badge."

[Whirlwind]

Since joining the Whitewood Vanguard and being promoted to the rank of ranger, Malakai would be notably less present on the standard caravan expeditions across the Heartlands during the tail end of 1357 DR.

Several of Malakai's original crew on the Elturel route would have assumed the mantle of caravan masters for the Trade Company following the resignation of the caravaneer Stormwind had poached from the Merchant's League during Flamerule of that year, the serious illness of another and the retirement of the last, 'Old Gyfee', to work during the winter period.

Between the three, Shandri, Dorn and Vesperen would now confidently lead the routes traveling to Elturel, Berdusk and Iriaebor respectively for the foreseeable future.

Malakai's insistence in maintaining a standard pace of operations over the winter would ultimately be focused into a slow, coordinated operation with the Radiant Heart and Everwatch Knights to feed the citizens of Baldur's Gate during this period and a large portion of Rocky Creek's fleet of caravans would end up directed toward Elturel to gather the massive amounts of food supplies.

Between this large piece of work for the company and his time spent strenuously helping the Vanguard with their operations based out of Nashkel, the genasi might be observed to return to Greenest atop his steed, Dreamer, looking visibly haggard and exhausted and he'd often be found still working at his desk in his office above the Lucky Coin, finishing off work and reports well into night.

The genasi might appear unable to sleep, oddly distant and reluctant to be forthcoming with any stories regarding his time down south, as if disturbed by all he'd have witnessed and experienced.

The start of the new year would see Malakai somewhat refreshed though and more of a visible presence throughout Greenest, seen to be keeping himself busy despite his instructions to his guard to halt expeditions during Hammer to spend time with family and friends and recuperate. Now mid-way into Alturiak, the adventuring genasi would make mention of his intention to visit the dwarven settlement of Kraak Helzak though not mentioning why.

Rumour would also spread around the Lucky Coin that Malakai's associates within the Vanguard would be looking to station themselves in Greenest and use the building as a base of operations. The genasi would be seen in talks with Jackard and Solomon on separate occasions around Rocky Creek's headquarters, as well as Benjermin and Sayushi to presumably discuss these developments, though the occasional hushed mention of the Amnian city of Crimmor might occasionally be heard too by anyone listening to their conversations.