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 peeling paint and the chains show signs of rust, 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'd been cooling your heels in NeverWinter for nearly a full tenday waiting for word came regarding this 'other opportunity' which Gundren had promised, and this was certainly not what you had been expecting after receiving the messenger's note earlier that day...
"Good sir / madam, my name is Teswan Tu. My old firend Gundren sent word that he had an excess of excellence in so far as his latest endeavour's requirements for a suitably capable collection of indivuals to undertake the more 'hands-on' side of a business venture. My interests lie much further to the south, and I am hoping that you would be interested in accepting a contract for work. If you would meet me at the Prancing Faun, around the fourth hour after noon, I shall explain more then."
Entering the inn, you make your way through the virtually abandoned 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 explain you are there on recommendation from Gundren Rockseeker, 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...".
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, then seemingly takes your bemusement as acceptance, "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 three 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 the wall to the left of the doorway that you came in through. The half-orc turns to Teswan and asks loudly, "Ow much longer we waitin' fer? Not gettin' paid to stand 'ere! An' where's my drink?"
Teswan excuses himself and heads over to the impatient half-orc.
Over to you...
You each arrive separately, unless you would like to arrange to have pre-met another of the group. For ease, let's assume you arrive in the order that you post.
Oberyos Brightstone stands there for a moment, scratching his chin through his massive fluffy white beard, then sits at the central table. He sits tall, as his over 6' height, chain shirt, and great sword limit his movement. His olive-green finger taps lightly on the table, to pass time.
Speaking aloud (mostly to himself): "I realize that orcs and elves get along well, but that elf seemed rather loud. I wonder if she and her three cloaked companions are comfortable working with a gnome wizard. This Gundren fellow said he'd assemble a working group, but he seems disorganized."
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Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Brandon is a short, stout dwarf with a weathered complexion and dark brown shoulder length hair and a full, dark brown beard with a braid running through the center. He wears brown traveling clothes with the glint of chain mail showing underneath. He leans a wooden shield reinforced with an iron band around the edges and embossed with the hammer and anvil symbol of Moradin on the wall by the table next to a heavy warhammer fashioned after a smith’s hammer.
“Aye Teswan, I came to see Gundren about a lost mine, a wondrous cavern where my people used to forge weapons of great magic, now overrun by foul creatures. A mission worthy of Moradin’s blessings!” He slams a ham-fisted hand done on the table “Here I am, only to find that contract’s been filled.” He tugs his beard and calms himself slightly “Still, the Soulforger guides me here for a reason, perhaps this other work you have will serve a greater cause. I trust in his path and only hope to follow where he leads.”
He sits at the table “Let’s have a drink then and hear what you have for us”
Thom is a well built human man, just over average sized, but there is something else about him that is familiar to you about him... Everything, no nothing. outside of his stiff professional posture he is plain, he would be lost in a crowd, not too much taller than average that he sticks out, no noticeable scars or tattoos, a plain face, just average. The tabbered, he wears over his chainmail armor, had a crest on it once, you can tell from the discoloration, and a few parts where the thread is still there. His shield is painted, over and over again, you can see colors coming through from where he had used it and then painted over, and then used and painted again. “Hello Mr. Tu, I am Thom.” Thom reaches out to shake the hal-elf’s hand, before going to stand next to the wall where he would have line of sight on both the door and the window.
It had been a long and listless tenday. Ever since getting word from Gundren, Mara had been attempting to fill the time by studying her spells and looking out for literally any other opportunity. But none fell into her lap and she didn't currently have the means to skip town in search for better luck down on her own as it was. She could barely afford the cot at the bunk house she had found. At least she could finally leave that behind for now that she'd gotten a message in. Not from Gundren but some half-elf. As curious as she was about what work this Teswan needed done, she was more interested in how far South it would take them.
Avoiding shuffling her cloth wrapped soft shoes, the halfling stepped into the Prancing Faun, glancing about the ramshackle place and wondering if this would've been any cheaper to have stayed at. Arching an eyebrow at the barkeep's words, she merely nodded in acquiescence and continued to the gestured to back room. The sight before her when she opened the door was rather a disparate spread. Though she herself didn't exactly look like she belonged.
Standing at a respectable (for a halfling at least), three feet and one inch, fair skin dotted with freckles, green eyes sweeping over the seven other figures as she tucked back a lock of garishly purple hair cut just above her shoulders behind her slightly pointed ears. If her hair didn't draw enough attention, she looked like...well what she was. A rather down on her luck merchant...or possibly a hobo in very good standing. At least she was clean. Mara had made sure of it before she packed and came here.
Shaking the man's hand, her whole arm moving with his exuberance, the woman nodded amicably, opening her mouth to ask, "Well met Mr. Tu. I'm Mara Inkgold. So how is old Gund-" When the grouchy half-orc interrupted and so did the person she had been trying to speak to. Shrugging, the halfling glanced around and felt eerie deja-vu feelings that harkened back to when she was a child and trying to figure out which other children seemed nicest.
Walking towards the dwarf based on height kinship alone, the woman awkwardly had a seat before offering him a hand to shake. "Name's Mara Inkgold. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Do you know-"She began to ask before turning her head where she caught sight of the human man nearly directly behind her leaning against the wall and froze, clutching her chest dramatically, "Hells Thom. I didn't even know you were here. Think you'd know by now not to sneak up on an old woman. Well I'll feel a little safer with you at our backs. Minus the heart attacks that is."She winked at the stoic warrior.
Thom would look to Mara and recognize her at first sight and respond with frustration in his voice. "Well hello, Mrs. Mara Inkgold.. you should know by now, that I would never sneak up on a lady, like anything. To be quite fair you came in after meeee... Oh, this is one of your jokes I am sorry that I miss understood." He realizes his mistake and becomes a little sheepish. "Well any ways, ummm how have the last few days been for you? Quit boring on my end, I almost left this morning." Thom adjusts himself and fixes his posture.
A little bit of time passes and Teswan scans the room taking a mental iventory of those gathered. Sheepishly he reaches into his coat and pulls out a circular object on a chain, flipping a lid open he shakes his head, closes the lid and returns the object back to the inside of his coat. "Well, I think we'll start things off now, it doesn't appear that anyone else is likely to turn up. 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!"
"My name is Thom, my sword is for sale. On top of that I am a defender of my friends. I might not be the best at helping the others in finding the location but I will last the way when there might be danger." Thom maintains his posture and personality.
Moments later the barkeep pokes his head in and asks the room, "Whats your poison folks? I've got ale, wine, or water."
Oberyos orders. "Despite common belief, gnomes do not ingest poison. They are vegetarians. I'll have mashed berries mixed with honeysuckle nectar and rose water." (After getting the stink-eye...) "Plain water will suffice."
To Thom: "My advice is not to sell your sword before you go into combat, as that would make you more vulnerable. Unless you are a wizard like me, and can spontaneously melt your enemies with acid."
To Teswan: "You mentioned two payment options. Does the entire group have to agree on one or the other, or can each individual decide?
"And you mentioned only six." (Looks around the room. Insight modifier: -1) "I suppose one of those hooded ale-drinkers will join the rest of us. Do you have other work for that loud elf and her other two hooded friends?"
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
To Oberyos "My new friend "Selling my sword is but an expression, I don't actually sell it. When I say that, I mean that people can hire me, and I will fight for them, or defend them. That is how Mara and I meet, she was part of the caravan that I was hired to protect. Sense you do magic, you could say that your spells are for sale. Do you understand? Thom looks extremely confused with the fact that this person did not know the expression.
The barkeep returns to the room, carrying the ales and places those down for the first four orders, "Yer water'll be coming right up. Most flavourful glass I can manage for yer." The barkeep smirks as he addresses Oberyos and leaves the room again.
Teswan perks up at Oberyos's comment to Thom, "My, that acid trick could be useful for all sorts of things. You can each choose your own method of payment, obviously for some the long term benefits and overall value of investment into the mine will be abundantly clear, but we appreciate some people a willing to accept significantly smaller sums when short term finances are pressing. Yes, I wasn't really sure how many people the flyers would attract, and as much as I trust Gundren, I had no way of knowing just how many of his people would be interested, so needed to allow for alternate arrangements. Thus I will pick the most suitable six from amongst you all..."
One of the three men rises to his feet and pulls back his hood, revealing a deeply tanned face with a long scar running down his cheek. "Me and my brothers here have been working together out of NeverWinter for more than a decade which makes half of your picks easy picking, and you'll find no faster shot than me." He pushes the cloak back revealing a small crossbow hung at his side. "We're well practised at finding whatever the goods are too."
Oberyos
Looking around the room, you count nine people. The three brothers, the half orc, Thom, Mara, Brandon, and Teswan. 1 Though you are conscious that it will become 10 when the barkeep returns with your drink.
OoC Bryson, Mathemagician's character has not joined you yet.
<< Okay, I didn't realize that Bryson wasn't there yet. And I wasn't sure if "six" would include Teswan or not. >>
Oberyos calmly replies to the angry man speaking now. He is genuinely trying to be helpful, even though the angry man seems to be taking it the wrong way.
"I figured that at least one of you three triplets, or the female elf with you, would be joining the rest of us. You shouldn't be so worried that we will be bringing the barkeep as our sixth person. I think he would rather continue working here."
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Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Rolling her eyes with a bemused smile at the use of her full name, Mara then let out a soft chuckle at his slow uptake. "Never change Thom, never change."Then nodding in agreement at his statement she commented, "Would that I could leave. Ever since that blasted blowhard Baylem did me dirty I've been stuck here. Can't afford the caravanning fees." The woman let out a haggard sigh.
Head raising up to look over at the barkeep from earlier, she waited for the rowdy trio to finish before opening her mouth but she was beat to to the punch by the greenish greatsword wielding bearded...person. The wheels of her mind nearly stopped altogether with his odd request, balking mainly at the 'gnome' comment. Though he hadn't said necessarily that he was a gnome... Shaking it off, Mara raised a hand and echoed, "A water for me as well, thanks."
Focus now back on Teswan as he laid out the details of the job they were all gathered for, she immediately sat up very straight as soon as the word 'platinum' was dropped. Elbow propped up on the table as a hand partially covered her mouth in thought, weighing the potential options and value, the halfling listened carefully. After witnessing the "wizard's" and Thom's back and forth though, she wished she hadn't. She couldn't tell if watching them interact more would give her a headache or cause her to break a rib laughing.
"You're a wizard as well?" She asked skeptically, eyeing the greatsword and tell tale glint of chain shirt. Looking back to Thom she wiggled her hand in a "so-so" motion. "Not exactly. We'd be selling spells if we wrote them down on specialized scrolls and imbued them with magic. And who has a the time and money for that? But I can vouch for Thom here's skills in protection. And hopefully he can vouch for my magical versatility. Though I can't melt someone into aid, I can do quite a lot else to them, some even helpful rather than harmful. Just call me your multi purpose pocket mage!"Offering a cheeky two fingered salute before raising a hand in question. "I do have a concern though Mr. Tu. What's stopping one or all of us from discerning the mine's location and securing it for ourselves? Not that I would want to do such a thing but it would ease my conscience knowing you're protected against misdeed." Laying the sweetness on a bit thick at the end with a smile before glancing over at the rowdy trio and half-orc.
Letting out a quiet long suffering sigh as the apparent leader of the trio of brothers stood and made his grand declaration, Mara began to to fidget with her frayed coat edges, feeling job security dwindling with every passing moment. Trying to gather her charisma she argued, "While I'm sure that he and his are very well suited for taking on bandits and trolls and what have you, what you're looking for is a book. Which will take a lighter and more academically inclined touch to acquire. In which case Mr. Tu, I am your woman." Resting a hand on her chest, Mara stated, "I was mentored by one of the great Wizards of Candlekeep."
Staring blankly at the "wizard", Mara genuinely couldn't tell if the 'female elf' he was referring to was Teswan or the half-orc. And similarly couldn't decide which was funnier.
"Yes Mrs. Mara I recall the time we were attacked by the wolves, you hit then with some odd magic darts, and the time that child almost feel off the cliff that you insured he landed safely. You are a spectacular young woman."
The half-orc finally catches on to Oberyos's misinterpretation of his heritage, and the subsequent mis-representation of it in his verbal communication. He stares at the tall gnome and tries to educate the deluded creature, "I ain't no airy-fairy elf! An I ain't so stinkin' woman either! Comin' from someone with an identity complex themselves you should be more considerate of how you refer to others! Now you'd best be offering an apology."
Teswan quickly realises that the situation could be getting out of hand, and tries to calm things down, "Please, please, your applications do not require a demonstration of your capabilities, and any costs for damages would be considered to be coming from your payment. Now, let's try to maintain a decorum and act like civilised beings." The half-orc stares at Oberyos, then at Teswan, and a little of the fire in his stare seems to dull, "Ain't no reason he can't apologise still." Teswan looks to the self-proclaimed wizard and tilts his head and raises his eyebrows, subtly motioning towards the half-orc, a gesture that most would interpret as Teswan encouraging Oberyos to apologise.
"Ms. Mara, I would suggest that any individuals with the contacts and resources to locate the mine, establish a suitable operating structure and refinement process, before entering the goods into general distribution at a controlled level of supply and operating profit would not be seeking work in the manner that you all are. So were you to try and wrest the location from me through nefarious means, it would be unlikely that you would realise a fraction of the potential offered by working with me".Teswan makes the statement looking down the length of his nose at Mara, shuffles his papers again, neatening the piles up and quickly tucking them back into his pack.
"Now, I understand that we have a mix of individuals, and from what you have all shown me it seems we have a small dilemma as to which six of you are successful... Any last words to vouch for yourselves?"
Hand going up to her chest with a proud smile at the warrior's praise, the halfling replied, "Aw you think me a young woman still. Flattery will get you everywhere young man." She truly does have the visage of a young adult, with little to no wrinkles or sign of weather aside from her freckles. Though what her natural hair color was under all that purple was anyone's guess, even her eyebrows were the same color. "But yes, Magic Missile and Feather Fall are but two spells in my vast repertoire of arcane knowledge. They hardly compare to you when you nearly single handedly held back that group of goblins that tried to hijack the caravan a while back though. Made quick work of the lot of them. We make quite a team so you really should hire the both of us Mr. Tu. So that leaves four slots left, yes?"
((Editing on phone is hard! >~<;; ))
Eyes flicking between the green bearded fellow, half orc and Teswan, Mara cautioned with a hopefully soothing voice, "Yes let's keep things amicable, shall we?" Waiting for the other supposed wizard to hopefully apologize.
Nodding at the half elf's answer, she explained, "I would never dream of doing such a thing, but my main fear is that you or someone in league with you might try to tie up loose ends." Gesturing to herself and the rest of the adventurers gathered, "In order to keep things quiet and tidy. But I feel a bit more relieved knowing now that that's not likely."
“I will take an ale, if you please” Brandon replies to the bartender, then squints up at Oberyos “Bit tall for a gnome, aren’t you lad?”
Brandon takes in Teswan’s offer and the responses of the others quietly and thoughtfully before replying “Bah, If a mine needs finding, it is a dwarf you want on the search. Moradin himself will guide me on the path to restore it to its former glory” He looks down and mutters to himself “I knew that I was not selected for Gundren’s job for a reason. I shall not doubt the path you set before me”
He turns back to Teswan “But only a fool would take a percentage of the mine, especially if it ain’t been found yet. No telling the condition or how much work it will take to get it back up and running. I will take the flat finders fee, if you please”
“You got a good group here, wizards and fighters will do nicely, especially if these two”he points to Thom and Mara “have worked together in the past. Pleasure to meet you both.”he nods to the two, then pointing to Thom “A sellsword then,eh? Let me take a look at your blade and I will share Moradin’s blessing with you” he holds out his hand expectantly for the sword.
((Had to roll using the character sheet dice due to being on mobile currently, let me know if you'd prefer to use the forum dice, I'll have to wait til I get home.))
You notice two things from Teswan, first is that his eyes light up a little when you mention CandleKeep. Second, is that a lot of his mannerisms and phrases have been that of a salesman pitching a bad product. He isn't outright lying, but he's not giving you the plain truth of the matter either.
OoC
Rolling dice in the campaign log and posting results here is fine. I can double check them in the log if they look too good ;)
I do a lot of my posting on mobile, and if you don't use the full desktop site, it is a real pain.
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Bring out your inner chatacter class...
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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 peeling paint and the chains show signs of rust, 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'd been cooling your heels in NeverWinter for nearly a full tenday waiting for word came regarding this 'other opportunity' which Gundren had promised, and this was certainly not what you had been expecting after receiving the messenger's note earlier that day...
"Good sir / madam, my name is Teswan Tu. My old firend Gundren sent word that he had an excess of excellence in so far as his latest endeavour's requirements for a suitably capable collection of indivuals to undertake the more 'hands-on' side of a business venture. My interests lie much further to the south, and I am hoping that you would be interested in accepting a contract for work. If you would meet me at the Prancing Faun, around the fourth hour after noon, I shall explain more then."
Entering the inn, you make your way through the virtually abandoned 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 explain you are there on recommendation from Gundren Rockseeker, 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..." .
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, then seemingly takes your bemusement as acceptance, "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 three 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 the wall to the left of the doorway that you came in through. The half-orc turns to Teswan and asks loudly, "Ow much longer we waitin' fer? Not gettin' paid to stand 'ere! An' where's my drink?"
Teswan excuses himself and heads over to the impatient half-orc.
Over to you...
You each arrive separately, unless you would like to arrange to have pre-met another of the group. For ease, let's assume you arrive in the order that you post.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Oberyos Brightstone stands there for a moment, scratching his chin through his massive fluffy white beard, then sits at the central table. He sits tall, as his over 6' height, chain shirt, and great sword limit his movement. His olive-green finger taps lightly on the table, to pass time.
Speaking aloud (mostly to himself): "I realize that orcs and elves get along well, but that elf seemed rather loud. I wonder if she and her three cloaked companions are comfortable working with a gnome wizard. This Gundren fellow said he'd assemble a working group, but he seems disorganized."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Brandon is a short, stout dwarf with a weathered complexion and dark brown shoulder length hair and a full, dark brown beard with a braid running through the center. He wears brown traveling clothes with the glint of chain mail showing underneath. He leans a wooden shield reinforced with an iron band around the edges and embossed with the hammer and anvil symbol of Moradin on the wall by the table next to a heavy warhammer fashioned after a smith’s hammer.
“Aye Teswan, I came to see Gundren about a lost mine, a wondrous cavern where my people used to forge weapons of great magic, now overrun by foul creatures. A mission worthy of Moradin’s blessings!” He slams a ham-fisted hand done on the table “Here I am, only to find that contract’s been filled.” He tugs his beard and calms himself slightly “Still, the Soulforger guides me here for a reason, perhaps this other work you have will serve a greater cause. I trust in his path and only hope to follow where he leads.”
He sits at the table “Let’s have a drink then and hear what you have for us”
Thom is a well built human man, just over average sized, but there is something else about him that is familiar to you about him... Everything, no nothing. outside of his stiff professional posture he is plain, he would be lost in a crowd, not too much taller than average that he sticks out, no noticeable scars or tattoos, a plain face, just average. The tabbered, he wears over his chainmail armor, had a crest on it once, you can tell from the discoloration, and a few parts where the thread is still there. His shield is painted, over and over again, you can see colors coming through from where he had used it and then painted over, and then used and painted again. “Hello Mr. Tu, I am Thom.” Thom reaches out to shake the hal-elf’s hand, before going to stand next to the wall where he would have line of sight on both the door and the window.
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
It had been a long and listless tenday. Ever since getting word from Gundren, Mara had been attempting to fill the time by studying her spells and looking out for literally any other opportunity. But none fell into her lap and she didn't currently have the means to skip town in search for better luck down on her own as it was. She could barely afford the cot at the bunk house she had found. At least she could finally leave that behind for now that she'd gotten a message in. Not from Gundren but some half-elf. As curious as she was about what work this Teswan needed done, she was more interested in how far South it would take them.
Avoiding shuffling her cloth wrapped soft shoes, the halfling stepped into the Prancing Faun, glancing about the ramshackle place and wondering if this would've been any cheaper to have stayed at. Arching an eyebrow at the barkeep's words, she merely nodded in acquiescence and continued to the gestured to back room. The sight before her when she opened the door was rather a disparate spread. Though she herself didn't exactly look like she belonged.
Standing at a respectable (for a halfling at least), three feet and one inch, fair skin dotted with freckles, green eyes sweeping over the seven other figures as she tucked back a lock of garishly purple hair cut just above her shoulders behind her slightly pointed ears. If her hair didn't draw enough attention, she looked like...well what she was. A rather down on her luck merchant...or possibly a hobo in very good standing. At least she was clean. Mara had made sure of it before she packed and came here.
Shaking the man's hand, her whole arm moving with his exuberance, the woman nodded amicably, opening her mouth to ask, "Well met Mr. Tu. I'm Mara Inkgold. So how is old Gund-" When the grouchy half-orc interrupted and so did the person she had been trying to speak to. Shrugging, the halfling glanced around and felt eerie deja-vu feelings that harkened back to when she was a child and trying to figure out which other children seemed nicest.
Walking towards the dwarf based on height kinship alone, the woman awkwardly had a seat before offering him a hand to shake. "Name's Mara Inkgold. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Do you know-" She began to ask before turning her head where she caught sight of the human man nearly directly behind her leaning against the wall and froze, clutching her chest dramatically, "Hells Thom. I didn't even know you were here. Think you'd know by now not to sneak up on an old woman. Well I'll feel a little safer with you at our backs. Minus the heart attacks that is." She winked at the stoic warrior.
https://www.heroforge.com/load_config%3D21997565/
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Thom would look to Mara and recognize her at first sight and respond with frustration in his voice. "Well hello, Mrs. Mara Inkgold.. you should know by now, that I would never sneak up on a lady, like anything. To be quite fair you came in after meeee... Oh, this is one of your jokes I am sorry that I miss understood." He realizes his mistake and becomes a little sheepish. "Well any ways, ummm how have the last few days been for you? Quit boring on my end, I almost left this morning." Thom adjusts himself and fixes his posture.
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
A little bit of time passes and Teswan scans the room taking a mental iventory of those gathered. Sheepishly he reaches into his coat and pulls out a circular object on a chain, flipping a lid open he shakes his head, closes the lid and returns the object back to the inside of his coat. "Well, I think we'll start things off now, it doesn't appear that anyone else is likely to turn up. 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...
"My name is Thom, my sword is for sale. On top of that I am a defender of my friends. I might not be the best at helping the others in finding the location but I will last the way when there might be danger." Thom maintains his posture and personality.
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Oberyos orders. "Despite common belief, gnomes do not ingest poison. They are vegetarians. I'll have mashed berries mixed with honeysuckle nectar and rose water."
(After getting the stink-eye...) "Plain water will suffice."
To Thom: "My advice is not to sell your sword before you go into combat, as that would make you more vulnerable. Unless you are a wizard like me, and can spontaneously melt your enemies with acid."
To Teswan: "You mentioned two payment options. Does the entire group have to agree on one or the other, or can each individual decide?
"And you mentioned only six."
(Looks around the room. Insight modifier: -1)
"I suppose one of those hooded ale-drinkers will join the rest of us. Do you have other work for that loud elf and her other two hooded friends?"
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
To Oberyos "My new friend "Selling my sword is but an expression, I don't actually sell it. When I say that, I mean that people can hire me, and I will fight for them, or defend them. That is how Mara and I meet, she was part of the caravan that I was hired to protect. Sense you do magic, you could say that your spells are for sale. Do you understand? Thom looks extremely confused with the fact that this person did not know the expression.
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
The barkeep returns to the room, carrying the ales and places those down for the first four orders, "Yer water'll be coming right up. Most flavourful glass I can manage for yer." The barkeep smirks as he addresses Oberyos and leaves the room again.
Teswan perks up at Oberyos's comment to Thom, "My, that acid trick could be useful for all sorts of things. You can each choose your own method of payment, obviously for some the long term benefits and overall value of investment into the mine will be abundantly clear, but we appreciate some people a willing to accept significantly smaller sums when short term finances are pressing. Yes, I wasn't really sure how many people the flyers would attract, and as much as I trust Gundren, I had no way of knowing just how many of his people would be interested, so needed to allow for alternate arrangements. Thus I will pick the most suitable six from amongst you all..."
One of the three men rises to his feet and pulls back his hood, revealing a deeply tanned face with a long scar running down his cheek. "Me and my brothers here have been working together out of NeverWinter for more than a decade which makes half of your picks easy picking, and you'll find no faster shot than me." He pushes the cloak back revealing a small crossbow hung at his side. "We're well practised at finding whatever the goods are too."
Oberyos
Looking around the room, you count nine people. The three brothers, the half orc, Thom, Mara, Brandon, and Teswan. 1 Though you are conscious that it will become 10 when the barkeep returns with your drink.
OoC
Bryson, Mathemagician's character has not joined you yet.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
<< Okay, I didn't realize that Bryson wasn't there yet. And I wasn't sure if "six" would include Teswan or not. >>
Oberyos calmly replies to the angry man speaking now. He is genuinely trying to be helpful, even though the angry man seems to be taking it the wrong way.
"I figured that at least one of you three triplets, or the female elf with you, would be joining the rest of us. You shouldn't be so worried that we will be bringing the barkeep as our sixth person. I think he would rather continue working here."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Rolling her eyes with a bemused smile at the use of her full name, Mara then let out a soft chuckle at his slow uptake. "Never change Thom, never change." Then nodding in agreement at his statement she commented, "Would that I could leave. Ever since that blasted blowhard Baylem did me dirty I've been stuck here. Can't afford the caravanning fees." The woman let out a haggard sigh.
Head raising up to look over at the barkeep from earlier, she waited for the rowdy trio to finish before opening her mouth but she was beat to to the punch by the greenish greatsword wielding bearded...person. The wheels of her mind nearly stopped altogether with his odd request, balking mainly at the 'gnome' comment. Though he hadn't said necessarily that he was a gnome... Shaking it off, Mara raised a hand and echoed, "A water for me as well, thanks."
Focus now back on Teswan as he laid out the details of the job they were all gathered for, she immediately sat up very straight as soon as the word 'platinum' was dropped. Elbow propped up on the table as a hand partially covered her mouth in thought, weighing the potential options and value, the halfling listened carefully. After witnessing the "wizard's" and Thom's back and forth though, she wished she hadn't. She couldn't tell if watching them interact more would give her a headache or cause her to break a rib laughing.
"You're a wizard as well?" She asked skeptically, eyeing the greatsword and tell tale glint of chain shirt. Looking back to Thom she wiggled her hand in a "so-so" motion. "Not exactly. We'd be selling spells if we wrote them down on specialized scrolls and imbued them with magic. And who has a the time and money for that? But I can vouch for Thom here's skills in protection. And hopefully he can vouch for my magical versatility. Though I can't melt someone into aid, I can do quite a lot else to them, some even helpful rather than harmful. Just call me your multi purpose pocket mage!" Offering a cheeky two fingered salute before raising a hand in question. "I do have a concern though Mr. Tu. What's stopping one or all of us from discerning the mine's location and securing it for ourselves? Not that I would want to do such a thing but it would ease my conscience knowing you're protected against misdeed." Laying the sweetness on a bit thick at the end with a smile before glancing over at the rowdy trio and half-orc.
Letting out a quiet long suffering sigh as the apparent leader of the trio of brothers stood and made his grand declaration, Mara began to to fidget with her frayed coat edges, feeling job security dwindling with every passing moment. Trying to gather her charisma she argued, "While I'm sure that he and his are very well suited for taking on bandits and trolls and what have you, what you're looking for is a book. Which will take a lighter and more academically inclined touch to acquire. In which case Mr. Tu, I am your woman." Resting a hand on her chest, Mara stated, "I was mentored by one of the great Wizards of Candlekeep."
Staring blankly at the "wizard", Mara genuinely couldn't tell if the 'female elf' he was referring to was Teswan or the half-orc. And similarly couldn't decide which was funnier.
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
"Yes Mrs. Mara I recall the time we were attacked by the wolves, you hit then with some odd magic darts, and the time that child almost feel off the cliff that you insured he landed safely. You are a spectacular young woman."
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
DM Rolls:
14
8
The half-orc finally catches on to Oberyos's misinterpretation of his heritage, and the subsequent mis-representation of it in his verbal communication. He stares at the tall gnome and tries to educate the deluded creature, "I ain't no airy-fairy elf! An I ain't so stinkin' woman either! Comin' from someone with an identity complex themselves you should be more considerate of how you refer to others! Now you'd best be offering an apology."
Teswan quickly realises that the situation could be getting out of hand, and tries to calm things down, "Please, please, your applications do not require a demonstration of your capabilities, and any costs for damages would be considered to be coming from your payment. Now, let's try to maintain a decorum and act like civilised beings." The half-orc stares at Oberyos, then at Teswan, and a little of the fire in his stare seems to dull, "Ain't no reason he can't apologise still." Teswan looks to the self-proclaimed wizard and tilts his head and raises his eyebrows, subtly motioning towards the half-orc, a gesture that most would interpret as Teswan encouraging Oberyos to apologise.
"Ms. Mara, I would suggest that any individuals with the contacts and resources to locate the mine, establish a suitable operating structure and refinement process, before entering the goods into general distribution at a controlled level of supply and operating profit would not be seeking work in the manner that you all are. So were you to try and wrest the location from me through nefarious means, it would be unlikely that you would realise a fraction of the potential offered by working with me". Teswan makes the statement looking down the length of his nose at Mara, shuffles his papers again, neatening the piles up and quickly tucking them back into his pack.
"Now, I understand that we have a mix of individuals, and from what you have all shown me it seems we have a small dilemma as to which six of you are successful... Any last words to vouch for yourselves?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Hand going up to her chest with a proud smile at the warrior's praise, the halfling replied, "Aw you think me a young woman still. Flattery will get you everywhere young man." She truly does have the visage of a young adult, with little to no wrinkles or sign of weather aside from her freckles. Though what her natural hair color was under all that purple was anyone's guess, even her eyebrows were the same color. "But yes, Magic Missile and Feather Fall are but two spells in my vast repertoire of arcane knowledge. They hardly compare to you when you nearly single handedly held back that group of goblins that tried to hijack the caravan a while back though. Made quick work of the lot of them. We make quite a team so you really should hire the both of us Mr. Tu. So that leaves four slots left, yes?"
((Editing on phone is hard! >~<;; ))
Eyes flicking between the green bearded fellow, half orc and Teswan, Mara cautioned with a hopefully soothing voice, "Yes let's keep things amicable, shall we?" Waiting for the other supposed wizard to hopefully apologize.
Nodding at the half elf's answer, she explained, "I would never dream of doing such a thing, but my main fear is that you or someone in league with you might try to tie up loose ends." Gesturing to herself and the rest of the adventurers gathered, "In order to keep things quiet and tidy. But I feel a bit more relieved knowing now that that's not likely."
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Mara - Can you give me rolls for Persuasion, Perception, and Insight? (We've been ignoring our dice for too long)
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
“I will take an ale, if you please” Brandon replies to the bartender, then squints up at Oberyos “Bit tall for a gnome, aren’t you lad?”
Brandon takes in Teswan’s offer and the responses of the others quietly and thoughtfully before replying “Bah, If a mine needs finding, it is a dwarf you want on the search. Moradin himself will guide me on the path to restore it to its former glory” He looks down and mutters to himself “I knew that I was not selected for Gundren’s job for a reason. I shall not doubt the path you set before me”
He turns back to Teswan “But only a fool would take a percentage of the mine, especially if it ain’t been found yet. No telling the condition or how much work it will take to get it back up and running. I will take the flat finders fee, if you please”
“You got a good group here, wizards and fighters will do nicely, especially if these two” he points to Thom and Mara “have worked together in the past. Pleasure to meet you both.” he nods to the two, then pointing to Thom “A sellsword then,eh? Let me take a look at your blade and I will share Moradin’s blessing with you” he holds out his hand expectantly for the sword.
Persuasion: 5 // Perception: 10 // Insight: 12
((Had to roll using the character sheet dice due to being on mobile currently, let me know if you'd prefer to use the forum dice, I'll have to wait til I get home.))
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Mara
You notice two things from Teswan, first is that his eyes light up a little when you mention CandleKeep. Second, is that a lot of his mannerisms and phrases have been that of a salesman pitching a bad product. He isn't outright lying, but he's not giving you the plain truth of the matter either.
OoC
Rolling dice in the campaign log and posting results here is fine. I can double check them in the log if they look too good ;)
I do a lot of my posting on mobile, and if you don't use the full desktop site, it is a real pain.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...