Tren settles back, nursing his ale as he watches the various individuals around the table. He seems relaxed, but is showing a good deal of interest in the conversations happening at the table. he nods at the mention that mercenary companies will make some good coin in the next while, wars, trading, whatever is happening, his fellow mercs make coin.
"So I understand that the Jarl is out of town? Has been for some time? Who's in charge then?" He'd need to figure out some way of getting in touch with them.
"The mayor mostly runs things..." *the elf nervously glances around and lowers his voice* "The jarl doesn't do much around here. Its caused no shortage of problems with the Witch-King, but he owes Sigurd Ingefasstson, and that old man will die, the King can't really do anything now." *he returns his voice to a regular volume* "The mayor can be found in the town hall, although I suspect you'll need to set an appointment before doing anything. He's a very busy man; especially what with Saints Day coming up and all."
“Bah, ” Bardos snorts. “I heard the elven gods are dead. I place no faith in the divine, where were they when...” Bardo trailed off. With a grunt, he regains his thoughts “I also care little about quarrels between petty local lords over land, gods, or other slights" He glances over at Grishkar "no matter who may benefit. Tell me friend," he leans forward to Helgi and speaks in a conspiratorial tone, “you are well traveled, what do you know of the name Cleron? I hear nothing but whispers in the wind."
The elf scrunches his brow in a quizzical manner. "I... I feel like... I know that name from somewhere, yet I really can't think from where. Must've been a book... or something. Sorry I couldn't help."
Grishkar cants his head slightly toward Agar, blindly speaking to the voice, "Everyone sees conflict as a bad thing. You must try looking at positives instead. Try to see the silver linings and opportunities present. A few merchants and celebrants may have a hard time from it all, but think of the other enterprises that could flourish. Smithies, mercenary companies, and those of other creative pursuits could make gains." The elf's cocky, scarred grin split once more, "A friend once told me, 'If life gives you nothing but shit, make bricks and eventually you'll have a house'."
Agar smiled briefly in appreciation of the last words. "Me, I'd sell them for fertilizer and buy a house made of something which doesn't stink and collapse after a rain, like stone, but your point is taken. Here's the thing, though. Violence wastes time, money, resources, lives. Think of opportunities missed while engaging in conflict, and how often that conflict leads to empty victories. These lords in Theorr are fools. Their attack will probably be repelled and gain them nothing. They will waste a lot of effort and accomplish nothing - they could get the same effect by spending that time fantasizing about winning, and save their people's lives. But suppose they do win. Then what? A parade, a feast, pompous speeches, maybe give some people meaningless medals and that's it." He shook his head. "Suppose, I don't know, they spent that time figuring out how to double their food harvest instead. With magic maybe. Then they could show that off, pontificate about how their gods gave them such great wealth because they are better, and so on - all the while selling their surplus to the very same people whom they're planning to attack instead. Isn't that a better alternative?"
Grishkar cants his head slightly toward Agar, blindly speaking to the voice, "Everyone sees conflict as a bad thing. You must try looking at positives instead. Try to see the silver linings and opportunities present. A few merchants and celebrants may have a hard time from it all, but think of the other enterprises that could flourish. Smithies, mercenary companies, and those of other creative pursuits could make gains." The elf's cocky, scarred grin split once more, "A friend once told me, 'If life gives you nothing but shit, make bricks and eventually you'll have a house'."
Agar smiled briefly in appreciation of the last words. "Me, I'd sell them for fertilizer and buy a house made of something which doesn't stink and collapse after a rain, like stone, but your point is taken. Here's the thing, though. Violence wastes time, money, resources, lives. Think of opportunities missed while engaging in conflict, and how often that conflict leads to empty victories. These lords in Theorr are fools. Their attack will probably be repelled and gain them nothing. They will waste a lot of effort and accomplish nothing - they could get the same effect by spending that time fantasizing about winning, and save their people's lives. But suppose they do win. Then what? A parade, a feast, pompous speeches, maybe give some people meaningless medals and that's it." He shook his head. "Suppose, I don't know, they spent that time figuring out how to double their food harvest instead. With magic maybe. Then they could show that off, pontificate about how their gods gave them such great wealth because they are better, and so on - all the while selling their surplus to the very same people whom they're planning to attack instead. Isn't that a better alternative?"
The elf shrugs. "And it most certaintly is, but who knows now? Throwing away everything in pursuit of war. But Szam knows those Theorrinian bastards have been aching for a fight after this decade-long "peace". I still doubt they'd do anything. Ragnar Olafsson isn't stupid, nor is he the bumbling fool everyone thinks he is. Unfortunately he lords over a kingdom of raiders and bandits. When he dies, watch as the kingdom of Theorr dashes itself against the stones, going in all-out futile war against anything that moves. But until that day comes, no one dares make a move."
“Well-spoken, friend” Bardos raises his glass toward Agar “and it may be right, but that doesn’t make it true. Violence solves a lot of problems, else there would not be so many quick to use it. There will always be those with dark purposes who find it easier to take what belongs to others than to put the work in themselves. Yes, the strong do what they will and the weak fall. The only thing you can do is be stronger yourself.” He turns to Helgi “What keeps the Jarl so busy, that he leaves his work to this mayor?”
Agar shrugged, not really wanting this to turn into a debate. "The boss back home is a big believer in peace and commerce and fancies himself quite a thinker. Says things like 'violence only brings more violence, it does not bring more money.' Not really my thing. I just want to get this mission over with, get paid and go home. Speaking of which, what's the best way to get in touch with the mayor? I'm guessing making an appointment isn't it, it never is. Probably has himself a steward or something like it, to keep beggars off his schedule?"
Agar shrugged, not really wanting this to turn into a debate. "The boss back home is a big believer in peace and commerce and fancies himself quite a thinker. Says things like 'violence only brings more violence, it does not bring more money.' Not really my thing. I just want to get this mission over with, get paid and go home. Speaking of which, what's the best way to get in touch with the mayor? I'm guessing making an appointment isn't it, it never is. Probably has himself a steward or something like it, to keep beggars off his schedule?"
"You can check in at the town hall. There's a protocol there to arrange an appointment."
“Well-spoken, friend” Bardos raises his glass toward Agar “and it may be right, but that doesn’t make it true. Violence solves a lot of problems, else there would not be so many quick to use it. There will always be those with dark purposes who find it easier to take what belongs to others than to put the work in themselves. Yes, the strong do what they will and the weak fall. The only thing you can do is be stronger yourself.” He turns to Helgi “What keeps the Jarl so busy, that he leaves his work to this mayor?”
"I know not, but the Jarl is an avid hunter. No doubt he is off on some pleasure trip, preparing himself for the multitudes of speeches and promotional parades he must make during Saints Day."
Tren sips at his ale, not wishing to be pulled into a debate on the ethics of warfare. He looks around the room as the conversation continues at his table. Some of the things being said at their table could be construed as anti-governmental talk after all, and he is keeping his eyes open for any trouble coming their direction.
Agar pursed his lips in thought. He may as well establish himself and get noticed by the important people here. "I doubt the mayor will be thrilled to see a random human who just shows up and asks for an appointment... I need to catch his eye. Back home we have places where capable people can go to get work. Do you have something of the sort here? I figure, maybe I can join up with some adventurers and something noteworthy done while earning some gold as well."
Ludovico let’s put a full bellied “Ha!” and shakes his head. “Yeah, I can tell you a few ways to muddle through those very murky waters. First: make yourself annoying. Being a homeless human is nothing special, but standing outside the mayor’s office everyday with a crowd of vagabonds is certainly a ‘squeaky wheel.’ Unless they arrest you, but you can go stand again later, I suppose. Better to run fast. Secondly: get a posse. A bloc. A gang. Club. Whatever you want to call it, numbers get noticed. Thirdly: keep your knife close... the right person gets cut, and it gets noticed.” “I only say all this because I’ve some experience in forcing the issue. Of course, I keep my words gentle and easy when I do get a meet with those types, but... you get the picture.”
"That's not a bad idea, but I'd rather be useful than annoying. What do you all think? There's bound to be some work that needs doing - bandits that need clearing up, thingamajigs which need retrieving from some tomb... Amazing how people just bury these things... Let's team up and get it done, get paid and get noticed." He paused for a second to scan the faces around him. "This attack we've just heard about. Say we derail that somehow. That'll get the mayor's attention."
Bardos spins a silver medallion on the table, tracking it closely with his eyes. “It is a good thought. I have no quarrel with these men from Theorr, but it may get me closer to the ones I seek and it gets me back into the hunt and out of this forsaken tavern. I will gladly join you.” He turns to Helgi "Where can we find these raiders?"
Bardos spins a silver medallion on the table, tracking it closely with his eyes. “It is a good thought. I have no quarrel with these men from Theorr, but it may get me closer to the ones I seek and it gets me back into the hunt and out of this forsaken tavern. I will gladly join you.” He turns to Helgi "Where can we find these raiders?"
"I don't know, but there is a main road riding east out of this city and towards the mountains of Theorr. No doubt if they see you approaching so blazenly, they may try to launch an attack. However, their numbers are great and their men are strong, so you may want to exercise some caution"
Agar pursed his lips in thought. He may as well establish himself and get noticed by the important people here. "I doubt the mayor will be thrilled to see a random human who just shows up and asks for an appointment... I need to catch his eye. Back home we have places where capable people can go to get work. Do you have something of the sort here? I figure, maybe I can join up with some adventurers and something noteworthy done while earning some gold as well."
"The Fighter's Guild may be worth looking into. The only state-sponsored mercenary group in town; I'm sure you could pick up a few contracts around there. If you're looking for a different type of adventure, the Slate Company are apparently looking for more people to help with their academic expeditions. Pay isn't terrific, from what I've heard, but benefits are solid and it pays to make connections with these rich academic folks."
Agar was shaking his head. "I'm not suggesting we run into their camp and fight them all. That's a great way to get killed. We can derail their plans in various other ways. Information gathering, to give advance warning of their specific plans to their target. Sabotage their supplies or equipment, or spook and drive off their mounts. My people say, 'an army marches on its stomach.' Give them false info, maybe. Things like that. We can discuss specifics later."
Tren sits up a bit as talk of work comes up. He takes a deep pull on his ale as he listens in. Then he sits the mug down and nods to the others around the table.
"Either the Fighter's Guild or Slate Company would be a good place to start if you are looking for work." He agrees, echoing the elf who joined them. "I am between jobs currently myself. My company," He gestures to the company symbol on his uniform, "doesn't need me back for a while yet, and I was hoping to earn some coin myself during my downtime. I was going to check with both the Fighter's Guild and Slate Company myself, so wouldn't mind if some of you want to throw in your hat to help out there. A bigger group can usually get better tasks, and more pay, after all."
Grishkar's obscene smile turns to Tren, "The Slate Company...always good to be in touch with those who know things, or know of people who know things." The left eye of his haggard visage shifts from milky white to a light hazel, "That's better. I'm all for either option, but I prefer to live by the adage 'Knowledge is Power'. What's a bit of money if you are ultimately just scraping by?"
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Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
((would Agar know anything about the Guild and the Company?))
Agar smiled. "...and those who have power usually don't lack wealth. Thus wealth goes to those who know things others don't... So, Guild or Company? Any preference?"
((would Agar know anything about the Guild and the Company?))
Agar smiled. "...and those who have power usually don't lack wealth. Thus wealth goes to those who know things others don't... So, Guild or Company? Any preference?"
He doesn't know anything more than anyone would typically know; but both the Company and the Fighters Guild are rather well-known and relatively transparent organizations. Recently he's heard talk that the Fighters Guild are cracking down in preparation for Saint's Day, and have a glut of jobs for security available. The Company are just doing their thing, and are now investigating a mysterious, previously-lost ruin in the eastern mountains. (NOTE: the Fighter's Guild is a national organization; all nations have their own fighters guild. The Company arent affiliated with any governments, but they have connections.)
"Personally, I'd say the Company is our better bet." Tren speaks up. He taps his own Mercenary Company badge. "I'd prefer not to get into trouble by getting caught working for the guild, but will go that way if I can find a group who wants to do that instead of the Company."
"I have little interest in working a security detail, but the Company intrigues me" Bardos slaps his hand on the table, "I say we go see what this talk about long forgotten ruins is all about."
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Tren settles back, nursing his ale as he watches the various individuals around the table. He seems relaxed, but is showing a good deal of interest in the conversations happening at the table. he nods at the mention that mercenary companies will make some good coin in the next while, wars, trading, whatever is happening, his fellow mercs make coin.
"The mayor mostly runs things..." *the elf nervously glances around and lowers his voice* "The jarl doesn't do much around here. Its caused no shortage of problems with the Witch-King, but he owes Sigurd Ingefasstson, and that old man will die, the King can't really do anything now." *he returns his voice to a regular volume* "The mayor can be found in the town hall, although I suspect you'll need to set an appointment before doing anything. He's a very busy man; especially what with Saints Day coming up and all."
The elf scrunches his brow in a quizzical manner. "I... I feel like... I know that name from somewhere, yet I really can't think from where. Must've been a book... or something. Sorry I couldn't help."
"h"
Agar smiled briefly in appreciation of the last words. "Me, I'd sell them for fertilizer and buy a house made of something which doesn't stink and collapse after a rain, like stone, but your point is taken. Here's the thing, though. Violence wastes time, money, resources, lives. Think of opportunities missed while engaging in conflict, and how often that conflict leads to empty victories. These lords in Theorr are fools. Their attack will probably be repelled and gain them nothing. They will waste a lot of effort and accomplish nothing - they could get the same effect by spending that time fantasizing about winning, and save their people's lives. But suppose they do win. Then what? A parade, a feast, pompous speeches, maybe give some people meaningless medals and that's it." He shook his head. "Suppose, I don't know, they spent that time figuring out how to double their food harvest instead. With magic maybe. Then they could show that off, pontificate about how their gods gave them such great wealth because they are better, and so on - all the while selling their surplus to the very same people whom they're planning to attack instead. Isn't that a better alternative?"
The elf shrugs. "And it most certaintly is, but who knows now? Throwing away everything in pursuit of war. But Szam knows those Theorrinian bastards have been aching for a fight after this decade-long "peace". I still doubt they'd do anything. Ragnar Olafsson isn't stupid, nor is he the bumbling fool everyone thinks he is. Unfortunately he lords over a kingdom of raiders and bandits. When he dies, watch as the kingdom of Theorr dashes itself against the stones, going in all-out futile war against anything that moves. But until that day comes, no one dares make a move."
"h"
“Well-spoken, friend” Bardos raises his glass toward Agar “and it may be right, but that doesn’t make it true. Violence solves a lot of problems, else there would not be so many quick to use it. There will always be those with dark purposes who find it easier to take what belongs to others than to put the work in themselves. Yes, the strong do what they will and the weak fall. The only thing you can do is be stronger yourself.” He turns to Helgi “What keeps the Jarl so busy, that he leaves his work to this mayor?”
Agar shrugged, not really wanting this to turn into a debate. "The boss back home is a big believer in peace and commerce and fancies himself quite a thinker. Says things like 'violence only brings more violence, it does not bring more money.' Not really my thing. I just want to get this mission over with, get paid and go home. Speaking of which, what's the best way to get in touch with the mayor? I'm guessing making an appointment isn't it, it never is. Probably has himself a steward or something like it, to keep beggars off his schedule?"
"You can check in at the town hall. There's a protocol there to arrange an appointment."
"I know not, but the Jarl is an avid hunter. No doubt he is off on some pleasure trip, preparing himself for the multitudes of speeches and promotional parades he must make during Saints Day."
"h"
Tren sips at his ale, not wishing to be pulled into a debate on the ethics of warfare. He looks around the room as the conversation continues at his table. Some of the things being said at their table could be construed as anti-governmental talk after all, and he is keeping his eyes open for any trouble coming their direction.
Agar pursed his lips in thought. He may as well establish himself and get noticed by the important people here. "I doubt the mayor will be thrilled to see a random human who just shows up and asks for an appointment... I need to catch his eye. Back home we have places where capable people can go to get work. Do you have something of the sort here? I figure, maybe I can join up with some adventurers and something noteworthy done while earning some gold as well."
Ludovico let’s put a full bellied “Ha!” and shakes his head. “Yeah, I can tell you a few ways to muddle through those very murky waters. First: make yourself annoying. Being a homeless human is nothing special, but standing outside the mayor’s office everyday with a crowd of vagabonds is certainly a ‘squeaky wheel.’ Unless they arrest you, but you can go stand again later, I suppose. Better to run fast. Secondly: get a posse. A bloc. A gang. Club. Whatever you want to call it, numbers get noticed. Thirdly: keep your knife close... the right person gets cut, and it gets noticed.”
“I only say all this because I’ve some experience in forcing the issue. Of course, I keep my words gentle and easy when I do get a meet with those types, but... you get the picture.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
"That's not a bad idea, but I'd rather be useful than annoying. What do you all think? There's bound to be some work that needs doing - bandits that need clearing up, thingamajigs which need retrieving from some tomb... Amazing how people just bury these things... Let's team up and get it done, get paid and get noticed." He paused for a second to scan the faces around him. "This attack we've just heard about. Say we derail that somehow. That'll get the mayor's attention."
Bardos spins a silver medallion on the table, tracking it closely with his eyes. “It is a good thought. I have no quarrel with these men from Theorr, but it may get me closer to the ones I seek and it gets me back into the hunt and out of this forsaken tavern. I will gladly join you.” He turns to Helgi "Where can we find these raiders?"
"I don't know, but there is a main road riding east out of this city and towards the mountains of Theorr. No doubt if they see you approaching so blazenly, they may try to launch an attack. However, their numbers are great and their men are strong, so you may want to exercise some caution"
"The Fighter's Guild may be worth looking into. The only state-sponsored mercenary group in town; I'm sure you could pick up a few contracts around there. If you're looking for a different type of adventure, the Slate Company are apparently looking for more people to help with their academic expeditions. Pay isn't terrific, from what I've heard, but benefits are solid and it pays to make connections with these rich academic folks."
"h"
Agar was shaking his head. "I'm not suggesting we run into their camp and fight them all. That's a great way to get killed. We can derail their plans in various other ways. Information gathering, to give advance warning of their specific plans to their target. Sabotage their supplies or equipment, or spook and drive off their mounts. My people say, 'an army marches on its stomach.' Give them false info, maybe. Things like that. We can discuss specifics later."
Tren sits up a bit as talk of work comes up. He takes a deep pull on his ale as he listens in. Then he sits the mug down and nods to the others around the table.
"Either the Fighter's Guild or Slate Company would be a good place to start if you are looking for work." He agrees, echoing the elf who joined them. "I am between jobs currently myself. My company," He gestures to the company symbol on his uniform, "doesn't need me back for a while yet, and I was hoping to earn some coin myself during my downtime. I was going to check with both the Fighter's Guild and Slate Company myself, so wouldn't mind if some of you want to throw in your hat to help out there. A bigger group can usually get better tasks, and more pay, after all."
Grishkar's obscene smile turns to Tren, "The Slate Company...always good to be in touch with those who know things, or know of people who know things." The left eye of his haggard visage shifts from milky white to a light hazel, "That's better. I'm all for either option, but I prefer to live by the adage 'Knowledge is Power'. What's a bit of money if you are ultimately just scraping by?"
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
((would Agar know anything about the Guild and the Company?))
Agar smiled. "...and those who have power usually don't lack wealth. Thus wealth goes to those who know things others don't... So, Guild or Company? Any preference?"
He doesn't know anything more than anyone would typically know; but both the Company and the Fighters Guild are rather well-known and relatively transparent organizations. Recently he's heard talk that the Fighters Guild are cracking down in preparation for Saint's Day, and have a glut of jobs for security available. The Company are just doing their thing, and are now investigating a mysterious, previously-lost ruin in the eastern mountains. (NOTE: the Fighter's Guild is a national organization; all nations have their own fighters guild. The Company arent affiliated with any governments, but they have connections.)
"h"
"Personally, I'd say the Company is our better bet." Tren speaks up. He taps his own Mercenary Company badge. "I'd prefer not to get into trouble by getting caught working for the guild, but will go that way if I can find a group who wants to do that instead of the Company."
"I have little interest in working a security detail, but the Company intrigues me" Bardos slaps his hand on the table, "I say we go see what this talk about long forgotten ruins is all about."