The Business of Poaching

Veryn was walking through the street sof Burkham, a cloth sheet covered his cart as he towed it behind himself. He was looking for the Poacher commisioning center in the town, and was going to ask the rates on captured pokemon in the city. He had never done this before, and he knew it would be hard to find the place where Pokemon are sold. He continued to look and search for clues.

The crowd in the city was bustling but very tense, as if everyone knew they were being watched. Scattered about the many streets were several scaffoldings which were used to publicly humiliate or execute people that were thought to be trouble makers or rebels.

Near a tavern up ahead there seemed to be a small bulletin board which reads:

"Requests for lost pokemon retrieval: ask tavern master for Sir Ulrich"


It appears to be a vague message meant to avoid attention from guards who want to see poaching as a form of smuggling.

Veryn took out a rope and hitched his cart to a post. He also tied down the tarp covering his cages so neither would be stolen while he was inside. Veryn entered the inn and walked towards the front desk and sat on a stool at the table. "I hear you are looking for lost pokemon?" He said, catching onto the act.

The proprietor looked at you briefly to size you up, "These are hard times, friend, I can't say I've lost any pokemon, but people come in all the time and talk to me about it. I lend an ear, but Ulrich over there is the one to talk to if you want someone to lend a hand." The owner of the tavern made a gesture to a man sitting fairly close to the bar with a drink in his hand and a shield strapped to his back.

Ulrich came over to meet you and spoke after looking at you about the same way that the owner did, "You don't look like you've lost something, I guess that means you're a 'concerned citizen' doesn't it? Sit down and we'll discuss our civic duty."

Veryn thought for a moment about his words. "I'm looking to find these lost pokemon." He said. "Are the rates any good for lost pokemon these days? And which area's lost pokemon would be most profittable?" Veryn said to Ulrich, admiring Ulrich's shield. "That is a very nice shield."

"Here in Burkham, the trends lie in subtle things, so people 'lose' pokemon that are hard to find. A few people have come in with a... charitable donation of about fifty or so pieces of gold if someone could bring in their lost Kecleon, can hardly believe how many people are losing those. . ." Ulrich looked around a little bit, "Seems the coast is clear, so now's as good a time as any to let you in on a secret. The trendy aristocrats always want to brag about their rare treasures, so they'll pay big for you to bring them something different. There's something rare no matter where you try to find it, but the further you can get from the castle to find it you'll get a better payout, just keep in mind it has to be in fair condition when you get it back here." Ulrich took a deep swig of his drink and stood up, "Yes, it's a very nice shield, especially since there isn't a law against it, have fun doing good then, friend!"

Veryn stood up from the bar table. "Thanks, sir." He said. "I'll go and find that lost pokemon for you." He was glad that he was done here, and he left the bar. He wondered where he should go. Hmmm.

As you exit the bar, it seems that the scaffolding for that part of town is in use as the soldiers standing at the top of it call for the attention of the crowd below.

"Today we have captured another foul rogue, who sought to undermine the kingdom by spreading lies and slander about our Prince's loyal servant Sir Santur Dolmurke! In order to atone for this crime, he shall be bound to the top of this scaffold for all to see until it is seen fit to release him. Woe be unto those who disregard the laws set for your benefit, for the penalties can only grow more dire!"

This was the usual speech, although apparently the offender this time had simply been someone who sneezed in the presence of a royal soldier or some other farcical offense, since he had not been executed instead. The demonstration over at this point, people began resuming their daily routines.

Your cart is as you left it aside from being ruffled in some places where someone may have tried to get at the contents of it.

He was rather glad all his property was inplace. He than towed his cart behind him, walking out of town, down the paved streets. He had seen many hangings and what-not here, and had gotten used to it. He set off to find a good pokemon in a land far away, pulling his cart behind him. It was backbreaking work after awhile, and he would have to stop somewhere on the way.

(Topic end)