As you arrive outside the inn, you aren't quite sure if it is the right place or not. The two-storied building looks worn, the depicted faun on the sign appears to be missing it's feet due to paint fading away, the wooden beams framing the windows are warped, the thatching on the roof is uneven, and the exterior generally looks like it is in disrepair. You gt the feeling that this would not be the residence, however temporary, that a propserous merchant with suitable funds would select. You pull the flyer out and read it again...
"WANTED: Adventurers of high moral fibre, magical apptitude, and martial prowess. Your aid is sought in a business venture to secure fame and riches, to apply seek out 'The Prancing Faun' inn within the bridge district, for the 5th hour before midnight and make yourself known to the barkeep. More details shall be provided forthwith, along with a free beverage for your time. Hurry, this offer expires soon!"
The flyer is little more than hand-scribed words on a low grade parchment, and you would have probably disregarded it most days. For whatever reason though, today it had piqued your interest and you have traversed the byways and streets of Baldurs Gate to see exactly what the business venture is, and what it can do for you.
Entering the inn, you make your way through the virtually abandend tap room to speak to a tall, balding human with a dirty apron wrapped around his considerable paunch. He eyes your approach cautiously as he absently cleans a glass on the apron and sets it down, before picking up another and repeating the action. As introduce yourself to the barkeep and show him the flyer, he nods his head in recogition "Ah, you'd be wanting Mr. Tu. He's a wiry looking fella, you can find him in the back room. Told me not to pour a drop for anyone that didn't go in to see him first though..." His tone hints that he might have said those words one time too many for his own liking.
As you enter the room a lean half-elf hurriedly heads over and extends his hand to you. "Ah, welcome, welcome. Thank you so much for coming... You are here about the business venture aren't you?" He seems to hesitate slightly and look you over for a moment, before catching a glance of the flyer that you are still holing in your hand, "Indeed, indeed, of course you are! Well, yes it's been a little slow on the uptake, but hopefully we'll be able to get started shortly. My name is Teswan, Teswan Tu. Make yourself comfortable and then I'll provide drinks and details as promised!"
Looking around, you now have chance to examine the room. It is plain with a large table in the centre and a number of chairs spaced seemingly randomly, occupying the floor space. Over in the far corner of the room you see two cloaked figures of medium build standing together and a well built male half-orc walking away from the pair to look out the lone window of the room, located on teh wall to the left of the doorway that you came in through.
Over to you...
You each arrive separately, and how you received the invitation is entirely up to you. For ease, let's assume you arrive in the order that you post. Feel free to kick off with the standard introduction post and anything you would respond to Teswan when you enter.
"Come on Lilly, you can do this, you need the funds. Game face" the tall (for a deep gnome) lass says to herself outside the bar.
Cut to the interaction with Mr. Tu "Lil' Hammer Disengulp at your service, I don't do this often, when can I expect payment? I need to get back to my books"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"This should be the place huh Darius." The half-elf says, seemingly to herself, before dismounting her steed. "Stay here Alexi, I won´t be long" she says patting the horse. Before entering the Inn she subconsciously checks on her red headband holding her long unruly curly brown hair. She wears a red coat over a white shirt, brown leather pants and high soft boots. She also wears a medallion of some sort in a thin silver chain.
Seeing the deep gnome in a conversation with Mr. Tu the half-elf decides to find a place to rest her legs, leaning back while scrutinizing the rest of the present people. Insight with help from Darius having a mental discussion about the others with Laura:5
"Oh my, you svirfneblin are straight to the point aren't you?" Teswan looks around at the rest of the room before answering, "There will be riches aplenty should all go well, and if you're keen on books then you're in for a treat, I promise you. Now, I must greet any other arrivals, and then I'll explain what we're about once everyone is here. No point going through it more than once. No, that would be quite wasteful of everyone's time."
Taswan heads over to Laura and greets her similarly, "A frightful little beastie you have there miss. Pray tell, however did you come across it?"
The half-orc shouts over "When are we gettin' our free drink!" Teshwan politely excuses himself from Laura's company and goes over to placate the half orc, "Once everyone has arrived, I'll speak to the barkeep. Just a moment more of your patience please."
Laura
You get the feeling that no-one in the room except Teshwan is interested in his proposition of adventure. The offer of free drinks might be all they have come for.
"She´s my cousin, can´t you tell." the half-elf defiantly says to Mr.Tu. "I´m Laura by the way, Laura Vakaris."
When Mr. Tu leaves Laura turns to the svirfnebli. "So, since we are related we should catch up. How are things in the underdark these days?"She says smiling to the deep gnome.
A woman wearing a dirt-smeared silver cloak over her leather armor is seen examining the exterior of the two-storied building. She acknowledges her companion with a quick nod then ventures inside. There's an oversized Rapier hanging down from her belt and each time she steps forward, the case makes metallic sound. Her other weapons are partially concealed under the ample cloak, when a metallic shield covers her backpack offering extra protection.
"Do you have a place here where I can take a quick shower?"- Jimena asks the Barkeep with a grin when she vigorously scratches her head and rubs her forehead subconsciously.
"I heard that a merchant was recruiting some adventurers of 'Martial Prowess', uhm...I'm a walking armory with all kind of martial capabilities. Where do I display my extent of expertise?"
Ideation opened the door into The Prancing Faun, and immediately wondered if she was in the right place. The tiefling had expected the place to be busy, especially with a call out for adventurers, and free alcohol."An ale and some information," she said, as she made her way to the bar with Jimena and put the flyer on the bar. The barkeep pointed out the direction to Mr Tu and rambled off some excuse about drinks being supplied after the meeting. Typical. The fame and riches are probably a scam as well.
She wore a tidy, plain white shirt over brown pants. A waist-length work jacket hung open, with a band of potions strapped across her chest. Everything about her was designed for practicality, including her neat bun and wire-rim glasses. Ideation had come into town to try and speak to the alchemists guild and get supplies for her projects, but the flyer had caught her attention. When you had to work without a guild, you were always short of money. She had met Jimena on the road near Baldur's Gate and the two of them had decided to follow up on the chance for success. "While you figure that out, I will go find us some seat," Ideation said to Jimena as she made her way in the direction indicated by the barkeep.
At the back room, Ideation was met by Teswan Tu. The half-elf seemed a little anxious and worried. After a quick introduction, Ideation excused herself. Scanning the room, she saw a few other women already there; a gnome, a half-elf, as well as a few others scattered around. Across the room, she spotted two seats on the side of the room near the front. From there she would have a good view of anyone else entering. "Now, let's see what this is all about," she muttered to herself.
Jimena cautiously watches her tiefling companion 'Ideation' when she leaves the tap room. But the kalashtar fighter decides to stay behind for gathering more information about the expedition from a neutral party. As a result she will settle down after finding a chair to sit on, then she pulls out a pair of Grappling Hooks placing them on the table. She waits for the Bar Keep male to respond to her enquiry when she attempts to tie a knot so that one of the hooks is attached to the one end of the Hempen Rope.
"Tell me something about the 'Business Venture' and Mr. Tu"- she adds 3 gold pieces to the pile of the gears while retracting the Hook and Rope from the table.
"She´s my cousin, can´t you tell." the half-elf defiantly says to Mr.Tu. "I´m Laura by the way, Laura Vakaris."
When Mr. Tu leaves Laura turns to the svirfnebli. "So, since we are related we should catch up. How are things in the underdark these days?"She says smiling to the deep gnome.
(Forgot to subscribe to the thread)
"I wouldn't know, I'm in the middle of mining research in Candlekeep. Haven't been more than 10 meters below ground in a year."
Lilly isn't impressed by the rabble and looks annoyed, like this might have been a waste of time.
"Candlekeep huh. Heard of the place. Lot´s of books right? I bet Baldurs gate is a change of scene for you then." Laura says and smirks. "We´ll see what comes out of this. I think most of these adventurers are just here for the free drinks though." Another smirk. "What about you,? Lil was it? What made you leave the library?"
The barkeep looks Jimena up and down, then he takes a whiff of the air seemingly unsure of why she wants a shower, "Well, I have a tin tub out the back if you want? No hot water and not a lot of privacy mind." He points towards a door at the rear of the tap room, watches the brief exchagne between the two women, and continues as the tiefling heads into the back room.
Jimena ties the knot as well as she has come to expect from herself. Just enough rope spare to be secure without creating excess that might hamper the hook's effectiveness.
"Don't know much about his business, he came round here about a week ago asking to rent the room, an that's about all I know. Only met the fella twice, seems a bit cagey, but his money has been good enough, paid for the room upfront. Though that flyer has had more than a few trying it on for the free drink."He slides the money off the table and pockets it quickly, "He must be staying somewhere else in the city I'd guess, though why he'd come here just hire out my room and stay somewhere else ain't something I figured out. Not complaining.
Those of you in the back room see Teswan walking away from Laura muttering to himself before he pulls out a small circular object on a chain from his coat pocket, flick a lid open, look at something, click the lid back down, and return the object to his pocket. He turns to the room and announces "Right, yes, let's make a start then. If anyone else turns up late then they can catch up, best not waste any of your valuable time. First things first..."he heads over to the door and signals someone outside, before returning to the table and starting to ferret through his pack and pulling out a number of papers. Moments later the barkeep pokes his head in and asks the room, "Whats your poison folks? I've got ale, wine, or water."
The half-orc answers immediately, shouting for an ale. The three cloaked figures have now spread out around the table and each adds another ale to the tally. You each place your order or remain silent, and the barkeep ducks his head back out of the room before Teswan continues."Thank you all for your time coming here, whether it be through your acquaintance to Gundren, or you found one of my flyers. I shall cut straight to the heart of the matter. I represent a mining consortium, and we have it on good authority that there is a platinum mine which was abandoned before being fully depleted of it's resources."He pauses a moment to let the potential settle in, "As you will all be aware, platinum is significantly more valuable than gold, and even a small vein would bring considerable wealth to it's benefactors. To this end, I am willing to offer two terms of payment for your efforts. The first is a share in the mine and all it's lucrative profits, which could net you in excess of one thousand gold pieces. I have little leeway in the percentage of share, depending on how many of you take up this most generous and profitable option. The second option is simple coin, appropriate to the efforts we expect you to expend."
He shuffles his papers again, looking through a few before pulling one out, placing it infront of him and placing his finger upon it. "The location of the mine has alledgedly been recorded in just one lone book, which we have now ascertained the location of. The work that you would be hired for is to obtain the mine's location, report it back to our agent, and then validate your findings by securing the mine until our arrival. Now, I can hire up to six individuals for this endeavour, so I'll take questions now, then we can review your credentials and what you can offer us in exchange for the opportunity of a lifetime!"
"This logbook, who's was it originally? It would be ungracious and irresponsible for us to execute on this endeavor without proper parameters and procedure"
She is trying to make sure she isn't stealing a claim
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Yeah, I have only one question Mr. Tu. Where is that book?" Laura says with a cocky smile leaning back in a comfy chair, her legs on the table in front of her, holding a glass of red wine. Insight with help from Darius trying to determine if Mr. Tu is lying or holding back on anything of importance:13
"Don't worry about privacy. If someone attempts to violate my privacy, he will find his eyes gouged out like the prisoners of 'Castle Irlingster'."
Jimena declares after muttering something unintelligible to the Bar Keep that might vaguely sound like a 'thank you'. She gives his shoulder a light pat before entering the back room, and the abandoned room suddenly regains illusory freshness.
"I prefer the second option, Mr. Teswan Tu!"- the woman affirms while gulping down the glass of water. She seems tidy after a quick shower, but it has made a small scar on her left cheekbone to stand out like a lingering angry memory. Her tightly adjusted silvery strings of clean hair and the complimentary gray irises have accentuated her feminine features, but her half-smirk suggests something else.
"So, you want us to secure the mine till you get your hands on the treasure. But, why don't you and your business partners join us for the expedition?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"If you are offering a percentage of the entire venture, then surely there is considerable risk here. What is it that you have not told us yet?" Ideation watched carefully to see Teswan's reaction. This would help her know if he was truly prepared for the task he wanted to send them on, or if the were simply acting on a whim.
"Candlekeep? Why would we want to go to that dreary place. No offense Lil. Are you saying that is where we´ll find that book?" Laura, now more interested it seems, leans forward and asks the tiefling with the spectacles.
Teswan holds his hands up after the initial slew of questions, "Allow me a moment to answer each of those before we come up with any more. So, in regards to teh book, it wouldn't be entirely appropriate for me to reveal the location until we have arranged the appropriate non-disclosure agreements subject to your acceptance of the contract. We have spent considerable efforts to track it down thus far. The information we have reports the book to have been a thrid party account relating to the mine. And regarding the books 'owner', I shall allay your worst fears and confirm that we are not sending you to raid a dragon's hoard or any such nonsense for it." He shuffles through some of his papers and coughs to clear his throat before proceeding.
"Now, what else... Ah yes, why are we of the consortium not coming with you. We are businessmen and women, merchants and investors. We identify when a task is better suited to a tradesperson or specialised profession, and we hire them to undertake the task. I believe that this is a normal relationship between adventuring types and their patrons, yes? Either myself or a representative shell accompany you where appropriate but we are entrusting the operation into your hands."
"Lastly, the payment. To answer your question young lady, there are many things that I shall not reveal at this stage, but once contracts are in place then you shall have full access to everything you need to know. The offer of percentage is a calculated incentive on our behalf, against a further short term outlay of funds on the venture. This is one of our pipelines for future revenue, each has risks and variables which we must account for. Suffice to say that if you accept that offer it will provide regular income for as long as the mine is operating, which we believed could be appealing to you all."
The first of the cloaked figures tips back his hood to reveal a well tanned male human face, several scars faded with age run down his cheek, and mostly dark locks are interspersed with strands of grey. He has clearly weathered his share of years outdoors. "Wotcha offerin' us then? I do real work for real money."
"Err, well, yes, specifics. If you want payment by coin upon completion, we will offer 75 gold pieces each, plus an allowance at the start of the contract to cover your travel expenses, lodgings and initial provisions. Now, the more lucrative and forward thinking offer of sustainable income would see you collecting two percent of the monthly profit, redeemable through any of agencies across Faerun at an interval of every fourth tenday. Any funds not redeemed would be held in trust until such a time that you are able to collect. So as you can see, there is significant advantage to the latter." He finishes with a practiced confidence in his statement. "Now, are there any further questions or withdrawals before we start vetting your credentials? As mentioned, we can hire up to 6 of you, so.... What are you each bringing to our venture?"
Ideation
You sense that Teswan is being truthful. He is holding back some details, perhaps embellishing some of his words or using half-truths, but that could be for his own protection and the reasons he has offered. You do realise that this is a sales pitch though, and he is steering you towards the percentage offer where he can.
"Alright alright, but I reserve future right to bring in my family mining company for commission on the delving and extrication. It would behoove you to have a few truedark denizens to assist in you in the mining endeavor."
Lilly is still skeptical, but everything seems above board so far.
"So, you're going to recruit a group of highly skilled individuals who will have complete autonomy over their actions. And they're expected to keep the conditions of the contract...uh.."- Jimena mumbles when she struggles with the search for an appropriate formal word to describe the issue, then continues to speak, "Confidential! Yes, that's the word. Generally, I don't believe in long term revenue and incentives...whatever the true meaning of that jargon might be...but I think you're a reliable businessman."
The Kalashtar woman offers a piercing gaze of scrutiny, then she has averted her eyes so that the Battleaxe inside her grip is getting more attention. She has been applying a thin layer of oil on the surface of the sharp blade, then she decides to sprinkle water on the weapon while carefully keeping the wooden handle away from the direct impact of water.
"No Dragons? That's a huge turn off. I hope the party will get the chance to engage in a heated exchange of words with your rivals, Mr. Teswan Tu. Just to keep us entertained, what do you say, Ideation?"
As you arrive outside the inn, you aren't quite sure if it is the right place or not. The two-storied building looks worn, the depicted faun on the sign appears to be missing it's feet due to paint fading away, the wooden beams framing the windows are warped, the thatching on the roof is uneven, and the exterior generally looks like it is in disrepair. You gt the feeling that this would not be the residence, however temporary, that a propserous merchant with suitable funds would select. You pull the flyer out and read it again...
"WANTED: Adventurers of high moral fibre, magical apptitude, and martial prowess. Your aid is sought in a business venture to secure fame and riches, to apply seek out 'The Prancing Faun' inn within the bridge district, for the 5th hour before midnight and make yourself known to the barkeep. More details shall be provided forthwith, along with a free beverage for your time. Hurry, this offer expires soon!"
The flyer is little more than hand-scribed words on a low grade parchment, and you would have probably disregarded it most days. For whatever reason though, today it had piqued your interest and you have traversed the byways and streets of Baldurs Gate to see exactly what the business venture is, and what it can do for you.
Entering the inn, you make your way through the virtually abandend tap room to speak to a tall, balding human with a dirty apron wrapped around his considerable paunch. He eyes your approach cautiously as he absently cleans a glass on the apron and sets it down, before picking up another and repeating the action. As introduce yourself to the barkeep and show him the flyer, he nods his head in recogition "Ah, you'd be wanting Mr. Tu. He's a wiry looking fella, you can find him in the back room. Told me not to pour a drop for anyone that didn't go in to see him first though..." His tone hints that he might have said those words one time too many for his own liking.
As you enter the room a lean half-elf hurriedly heads over and extends his hand to you. "Ah, welcome, welcome. Thank you so much for coming... You are here about the business venture aren't you?" He seems to hesitate slightly and look you over for a moment, before catching a glance of the flyer that you are still holing in your hand, "Indeed, indeed, of course you are! Well, yes it's been a little slow on the uptake, but hopefully we'll be able to get started shortly. My name is Teswan, Teswan Tu. Make yourself comfortable and then I'll provide drinks and details as promised!"
Looking around, you now have chance to examine the room. It is plain with a large table in the centre and a number of chairs spaced seemingly randomly, occupying the floor space. Over in the far corner of the room you see two cloaked figures of medium build standing together and a well built male half-orc walking away from the pair to look out the lone window of the room, located on teh wall to the left of the doorway that you came in through.
Over to you...
You each arrive separately, and how you received the invitation is entirely up to you. For ease, let's assume you arrive in the order that you post. Feel free to kick off with the standard introduction post and anything you would respond to Teswan when you enter.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"Come on Lilly, you can do this, you need the funds. Game face" the tall (for a deep gnome) lass says to herself outside the bar.
Cut to the interaction with Mr. Tu "Lil' Hammer Disengulp at your service, I don't do this often, when can I expect payment? I need to get back to my books"
"This should be the place huh Darius." The half-elf says, seemingly to herself, before dismounting her steed. "Stay here Alexi, I won´t be long" she says patting the horse. Before entering the Inn she subconsciously checks on her red headband holding her long unruly curly brown hair. She wears a red coat over a white shirt, brown leather pants and high soft boots. She also wears a medallion of some sort in a thin silver chain.
Seeing the deep gnome in a conversation with Mr. Tu the half-elf decides to find a place to rest her legs, leaning back while scrutinizing the rest of the present people.
Insight with help from Darius having a mental discussion about the others with Laura:5
"Oh my, you svirfneblin are straight to the point aren't you?" Teswan looks around at the rest of the room before answering, "There will be riches aplenty should all go well, and if you're keen on books then you're in for a treat, I promise you. Now, I must greet any other arrivals, and then I'll explain what we're about once everyone is here. No point going through it more than once. No, that would be quite wasteful of everyone's time."
Taswan heads over to Laura and greets her similarly, "A frightful little beastie you have there miss. Pray tell, however did you come across it?"
The half-orc shouts over "When are we gettin' our free drink!" Teshwan politely excuses himself from Laura's company and goes over to placate the half orc, "Once everyone has arrived, I'll speak to the barkeep. Just a moment more of your patience please."
Laura
You get the feeling that no-one in the room except Teshwan is interested in his proposition of adventure. The offer of free drinks might be all they have come for.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"She´s my cousin, can´t you tell." the half-elf defiantly says to Mr.Tu. "I´m Laura by the way, Laura Vakaris."
When Mr. Tu leaves Laura turns to the svirfnebli. "So, since we are related we should catch up. How are things in the underdark these days?" She says smiling to the deep gnome.
A woman wearing a dirt-smeared silver cloak over her leather armor is seen examining the exterior of the two-storied building. She acknowledges her companion with a quick nod then ventures inside. There's an oversized Rapier hanging down from her belt and each time she steps forward, the case makes metallic sound. Her other weapons are partially concealed under the ample cloak, when a metallic shield covers her backpack offering extra protection.
"Do you have a place here where I can take a quick shower?"- Jimena asks the Barkeep with a grin when she vigorously scratches her head and rubs her forehead subconsciously.
"I heard that a merchant was recruiting some adventurers of 'Martial Prowess', uhm...I'm a walking armory with all kind of martial capabilities. Where do I display my extent of expertise?"
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Ideation opened the door into The Prancing Faun, and immediately wondered if she was in the right place. The tiefling had expected the place to be busy, especially with a call out for adventurers, and free alcohol. "An ale and some information," she said, as she made her way to the bar with Jimena and put the flyer on the bar. The barkeep pointed out the direction to Mr Tu and rambled off some excuse about drinks being supplied after the meeting. Typical. The fame and riches are probably a scam as well.
She wore a tidy, plain white shirt over brown pants. A waist-length work jacket hung open, with a band of potions strapped across her chest. Everything about her was designed for practicality, including her neat bun and wire-rim glasses. Ideation had come into town to try and speak to the alchemists guild and get supplies for her projects, but the flyer had caught her attention. When you had to work without a guild, you were always short of money. She had met Jimena on the road near Baldur's Gate and the two of them had decided to follow up on the chance for success. "While you figure that out, I will go find us some seat," Ideation said to Jimena as she made her way in the direction indicated by the barkeep.
At the back room, Ideation was met by Teswan Tu. The half-elf seemed a little anxious and worried. After a quick introduction, Ideation excused herself. Scanning the room, she saw a few other women already there; a gnome, a half-elf, as well as a few others scattered around. Across the room, she spotted two seats on the side of the room near the front. From there she would have a good view of anyone else entering. "Now, let's see what this is all about," she muttered to herself.
Jimena cautiously watches her tiefling companion 'Ideation' when she leaves the tap room. But the kalashtar fighter decides to stay behind for gathering more information about the expedition from a neutral party. As a result she will settle down after finding a chair to sit on, then she pulls out a pair of Grappling Hooks placing them on the table. She waits for the Bar Keep male to respond to her enquiry when she attempts to tie a knot so that one of the hooks is attached to the one end of the Hempen Rope.
Intelligence (Sleight of Hand) 19
"Tell me something about the 'Business Venture' and Mr. Tu"- she adds 3 gold pieces to the pile of the gears while retracting the Hook and Rope from the table.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
(Forgot to subscribe to the thread)
"I wouldn't know, I'm in the middle of mining research in Candlekeep. Haven't been more than 10 meters below ground in a year."
Lilly isn't impressed by the rabble and looks annoyed, like this might have been a waste of time.
"Candlekeep huh. Heard of the place. Lot´s of books right? I bet Baldurs gate is a change of scene for you then." Laura says and smirks. "We´ll see what comes out of this. I think most of these adventurers are just here for the free drinks though." Another smirk. "What about you,? Lil was it? What made you leave the library?"
The barkeep looks Jimena up and down, then he takes a whiff of the air seemingly unsure of why she wants a shower, "Well, I have a tin tub out the back if you want? No hot water and not a lot of privacy mind." He points towards a door at the rear of the tap room, watches the brief exchagne between the two women, and continues as the tiefling heads into the back room.
Jimena ties the knot as well as she has come to expect from herself. Just enough rope spare to be secure without creating excess that might hamper the hook's effectiveness.
"Don't know much about his business, he came round here about a week ago asking to rent the room, an that's about all I know. Only met the fella twice, seems a bit cagey, but his money has been good enough, paid for the room upfront. Though that flyer has had more than a few trying it on for the free drink." He slides the money off the table and pockets it quickly, "He must be staying somewhere else in the city I'd guess, though why he'd come here just hire out my room and stay somewhere else ain't something I figured out. Not complaining.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Those of you in the back room see Teswan walking away from Laura muttering to himself before he pulls out a small circular object on a chain from his coat pocket, flick a lid open, look at something, click the lid back down, and return the object to his pocket. He turns to the room and announces "Right, yes, let's make a start then. If anyone else turns up late then they can catch up, best not waste any of your valuable time. First things first..." he heads over to the door and signals someone outside, before returning to the table and starting to ferret through his pack and pulling out a number of papers. Moments later the barkeep pokes his head in and asks the room, "Whats your poison folks? I've got ale, wine, or water."
The half-orc answers immediately, shouting for an ale. The three cloaked figures have now spread out around the table and each adds another ale to the tally. You each place your order or remain silent, and the barkeep ducks his head back out of the room before Teswan continues. "Thank you all for your time coming here, whether it be through your acquaintance to Gundren, or you found one of my flyers. I shall cut straight to the heart of the matter. I represent a mining consortium, and we have it on good authority that there is a platinum mine which was abandoned before being fully depleted of it's resources." He pauses a moment to let the potential settle in, "As you will all be aware, platinum is significantly more valuable than gold, and even a small vein would bring considerable wealth to it's benefactors. To this end, I am willing to offer two terms of payment for your efforts. The first is a share in the mine and all it's lucrative profits, which could net you in excess of one thousand gold pieces. I have little leeway in the percentage of share, depending on how many of you take up this most generous and profitable option. The second option is simple coin, appropriate to the efforts we expect you to expend."
He shuffles his papers again, looking through a few before pulling one out, placing it infront of him and placing his finger upon it. "The location of the mine has alledgedly been recorded in just one lone book, which we have now ascertained the location of. The work that you would be hired for is to obtain the mine's location, report it back to our agent, and then validate your findings by securing the mine until our arrival. Now, I can hire up to six individuals for this endeavour, so I'll take questions now, then we can review your credentials and what you can offer us in exchange for the opportunity of a lifetime!"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Lilly looks skeptical about the log book claim.
(Can't get the color to stick today sorry)
"This logbook, who's was it originally? It would be ungracious and irresponsible for us to execute on this endeavor without proper parameters and procedure"
She is trying to make sure she isn't stealing a claim
"Yeah, I have only one question Mr. Tu. Where is that book?" Laura says with a cocky smile leaning back in a comfy chair, her legs on the table in front of her, holding a glass of red wine.
Insight with help from Darius trying to determine if Mr. Tu is lying or holding back on anything of importance:13
"Don't worry about privacy. If someone attempts to violate my privacy, he will find his eyes gouged out like the prisoners of 'Castle Irlingster'."
Jimena declares after muttering something unintelligible to the Bar Keep that might vaguely sound like a 'thank you'. She gives his shoulder a light pat before entering the back room, and the abandoned room suddenly regains illusory freshness.
"I prefer the second option, Mr. Teswan Tu!"- the woman affirms while gulping down the glass of water. She seems tidy after a quick shower, but it has made a small scar on her left cheekbone to stand out like a lingering angry memory. Her tightly adjusted silvery strings of clean hair and the complimentary gray irises have accentuated her feminine features, but her half-smirk suggests something else.
"So, you want us to secure the mine till you get your hands on the treasure. But, why don't you and your business partners join us for the expedition?"
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
"If you are offering a percentage of the entire venture, then surely there is considerable risk here. What is it that you have not told us yet?" Ideation watched carefully to see Teswan's reaction. This would help her know if he was truly prepared for the task he wanted to send them on, or if the were simply acting on a whim.
Insight: 4
"Candlekeep? Why would we want to go to that dreary place. No offense Lil. Are you saying that is where we´ll find that book?" Laura, now more interested it seems, leans forward and asks the tiefling with the spectacles.Teswan holds his hands up after the initial slew of questions, "Allow me a moment to answer each of those before we come up with any more. So, in regards to teh book, it wouldn't be entirely appropriate for me to reveal the location until we have arranged the appropriate non-disclosure agreements subject to your acceptance of the contract. We have spent considerable efforts to track it down thus far. The information we have reports the book to have been a thrid party account relating to the mine. And regarding the books 'owner', I shall allay your worst fears and confirm that we are not sending you to raid a dragon's hoard or any such nonsense for it." He shuffles through some of his papers and coughs to clear his throat before proceeding.
"Now, what else... Ah yes, why are we of the consortium not coming with you. We are businessmen and women, merchants and investors. We identify when a task is better suited to a tradesperson or specialised profession, and we hire them to undertake the task. I believe that this is a normal relationship between adventuring types and their patrons, yes? Either myself or a representative shell accompany you where appropriate but we are entrusting the operation into your hands."
"Lastly, the payment. To answer your question young lady, there are many things that I shall not reveal at this stage, but once contracts are in place then you shall have full access to everything you need to know. The offer of percentage is a calculated incentive on our behalf, against a further short term outlay of funds on the venture. This is one of our pipelines for future revenue, each has risks and variables which we must account for. Suffice to say that if you accept that offer it will provide regular income for as long as the mine is operating, which we believed could be appealing to you all."
The first of the cloaked figures tips back his hood to reveal a well tanned male human face, several scars faded with age run down his cheek, and mostly dark locks are interspersed with strands of grey. He has clearly weathered his share of years outdoors. "Wotcha offerin' us then? I do real work for real money."
"Err, well, yes, specifics. If you want payment by coin upon completion, we will offer 75 gold pieces each, plus an allowance at the start of the contract to cover your travel expenses, lodgings and initial provisions. Now, the more lucrative and forward thinking offer of sustainable income would see you collecting two percent of the monthly profit, redeemable through any of agencies across Faerun at an interval of every fourth tenday. Any funds not redeemed would be held in trust until such a time that you are able to collect. So as you can see, there is significant advantage to the latter." He finishes with a practiced confidence in his statement. "Now, are there any further questions or withdrawals before we start vetting your credentials? As mentioned, we can hire up to 6 of you, so.... What are you each bringing to our venture?"
Ideation
You sense that Teswan is being truthful. He is holding back some details, perhaps embellishing some of his words or using half-truths, but that could be for his own protection and the reasons he has offered. You do realise that this is a sales pitch though, and he is steering you towards the percentage offer where he can.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"Alright alright, but I reserve future right to bring in my family mining company for commission on the delving and extrication. It would behoove you to have a few truedark denizens to assist in you in the mining endeavor."
Lilly is still skeptical, but everything seems above board so far.
"So, you're going to recruit a group of highly skilled individuals who will have complete autonomy over their actions. And they're expected to keep the conditions of the contract...uh.."- Jimena mumbles when she struggles with the search for an appropriate formal word to describe the issue, then continues to speak, "Confidential! Yes, that's the word. Generally, I don't believe in long term revenue and incentives...whatever the true meaning of that jargon might be...but I think you're a reliable businessman."
The Kalashtar woman offers a piercing gaze of scrutiny, then she has averted her eyes so that the Battleaxe inside her grip is getting more attention. She has been applying a thin layer of oil on the surface of the sharp blade, then she decides to sprinkle water on the weapon while carefully keeping the wooden handle away from the direct impact of water.
"No Dragons? That's a huge turn off. I hope the party will get the chance to engage in a heated exchange of words with your rivals, Mr. Teswan Tu. Just to keep us entertained, what do you say, Ideation?"
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer