Wherever you are from, and regardless of wherever you were going, you have somehow managed to end up in Darkshelf, a small village on the Sea of Gearnat so named for the dark stony seabed in the harbor. It wasn't your intention to come here, nor to have stayed for the last ten-day or so, but as life sometimes turns out, things just happen. You've been lost in the trappings of stories and ale in the taverns, rumors told by passing merchants and sailors passing through town, and a distinct lack of really having anything to do. It seems that being an adventurer isn't all it's cracked up to be, what with all the waiting around for something to happen.
And then, when you least expected it, something does in fact happen.
The previous evening, while you were wiling away the time at The Roped Inn, a young boy of no more than 12 or 13 hand-delivered a letter to each of you. The writing appeared hasty and sloppy, but with purpose; you were asked to meet with the overlord of Darkshelf, a man named Neistor, in his private office to discuss a matter that might be suited to your distinct and individual talents. Not individually, but collectively. You talked about the letter with each other, wild stories and fantasies of what you would be asked to do running through your minds until the ale and sleep took you.
Today, you sit in a small but not cramped room tucked away in the back of the town hall, 6 simple wooden chairs lined against one wall, a large but simple desk along another. You aren't kept waiting long, but it is odd that you were shown into the room without Neistor being here; you would have thought he would have been here already. Perhaps you got here early, or perhaps he is running late. Either way, the door to the room eventually opens, a stocky man with greying hair and a beard to match, walking in with determination.
"I will dispense with all the formalities and pleasantries; I'm sure all of us either currently have or will have better things to do than to sit here and chatter all day, yes?"
His voice is rough, but the words are true and strike with purpose. He takes a seat in a chair on the other side of the large desk, his hands clasped together as he sets them on the desk.
"The results from the quarry are far too good to be true. And the raid on the slavers' camp - you have heard of that, yes? - too quick and clean, should you ask for my opinion of it." He holds up one of his hands and he begins counting on his fingers. "And then there's the dwarves that work in the quarry at night but that nobody ever sees. And, of course, the terrible attacks we've had around Darkshelf."
He puts his hands back on the desk and then leans back in his chair, his face going from determined to exasperated.
"Far too many things have happened at the quarry lately that make me nervous, and that make the community afraid. Afraid of what may happen next, and nervous over who or what might be behind it. It simply cannot be rare coincidence and speculation, can it?
"Our local guard is depleted already with investigating rumors and dealing with maritime law enforcement, and our citizenry has not the skills to both work in the mine and do something about what is happening. And so, I must turn to those who would be more skilled than I and our population for help. You, to put too fine a point on it.
"I ask for your help in this matter. Something is not right at the quarry, but I cannot simply walk in there and make wild accusations. I may be the lord of the manor here, but even I know where the limit of my power starts and ends. So can you do this for me? Will you take it upon yourselves, at my behest, to at least scout the mines and see if anything fishy turns up?"
He can only hope that this motley group is more skilled than they look. (He doesn't stop to think that his collection of second-hand equipment and clothing makes him look like riff-raff too.)
"Maybe you will explain more, but that does not seem like a good offer. You are asking us to do work in the mines, and confront any situations that arise. That sounds like we get the labor and the danger, while you take the profits of our sweat."
He hesitates a moment, then adds, "No offense intended, your overlordship, sir."
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)
"I don't think he expects us to actually work the mines," Alex says in response to Tark, although not looking at him or at anyone in particular. "It would be a cover at best," he continued, "and once inside, as long as we can get information on what is happening, it doesn't matter of we actually swing the pickaxe."
Alex, was, of course, eager to get entry into the mine so he could ask around about... Other matters. This group he has somehow found himself with seem like they might be somewhat competent enough to make up for his shortcomings. Things are about to get interesting, at the very least.
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Phodoxia was frustrated by her failure to be accepted for a job at the mine, or the quarry, or anything in the near vicinity---it wasn't because of the cave-in, that certainly wasn't her fault, just because she was there, but maybe some folk thought goblins were back luck, anyway. So she left the ferociously productive hills and tunnels and wandered back into the village of Darkshelf to see what other opportunities she could find.
Rumor, it seemed, had gotten ahead of her. It seemed that a few of the miners she had healed after the cave-in remembered her good deed, and the ludicrous and popular tale of a do-gooder goblin with magical healing powers in the mines had spread like wildfire around the village. Nobody liked goblins much---Phodoxia usually had to contend with kicks and curses as often as anyone would suffer to have a friendly conversation with her---but this new and extravagant tale was just what the stressed and frightened village, bothered all by the killings, floodings, cave-ins, and the unexplained events that just didn't sit right, needed to give it a little dash of hope of better things. If a goblin could reform itself into an upstanding citizen, what else might be possible?
So, peppered with questions by curious locals wondering about the fantastic tale of the goblin healer, she coyly informed them, "Yes, it was I, of course. I was looking for a job, I just happened to be there. It was a terrible tragedy, so many people crushed. What else could I do?" When further questioned why a goblin of all creatures would have such an altruistic streak, she grinned nervously and pulled at one large ear. "Well... uh... why not?"
When the letter came, Phodoxia smiled proudly as she tore it open. Finally, a real job! Someone important has heard of me! She gaily appeared at the appointed time and in the appointed place, slinking around in the corners looking at everything, and everyone, in the room with abject curiosity. She stares impolitely, but nearly unnoticeably, at each person, examining them thoughtfully, until Neistor arrives and addresses the group in a hurried manner. Here is the important job!But, disappointed that he neither addresses, nor congratulates her, Phodoxia hops into one of the chairs and sits down to listen until he poses his offer to the group.
"Maybe that's why that dwarf wouldn't hire me," she pondered out loud. "I thought he would for sure after I saved all those miners from a cave-in. But he wouldn't. Maybe because something's up, eh?"
A young man, with black hair and a three-days beard look to the rest of the gathered party. He has seen them in the in the lata days and even exchange some words with some of them, but he has deep bags around his eyes, as if he had gotten not enough sleep. That has been true since the incident… but before his mind could wander off the overlord enters the room and explains the situation to them, offering a job.
“I would rather infiltrate the mine during one of the shifts changes than try to get a job there. I am not well suited for such task and they don’t even hire me…”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Grrzark walks over to the desk and pulls himself up until he can see over the top. He says, “What you want? Sneaky, sneaky spying? Looking for secrets? Or killing bad people?” While he is up there, if he sees something shiny, he will reach for it.
Alex sees Grrzark try to steal something and just audibly sighs.
Oh, I'm definitely going to die with this group. He thinks to himself. Even his mental voice sounds exasperated.
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The pale Tiefling looks across at the group, enjoying each other their quirks and personalities. Another group to corral, shouldn't be too difficult with a task at hand at the least, she thinks to herself. Her scale mail armor appears clean, but used, similar to her shield which sports multiple dents and knicks she willingly took in defense of her companions. Her holy symbol glows dimly, a red skull intricately carved to look as though it is engulfed in flames.
"A mission to perform some investigation, this sure seems like a rowdy enough group to perform such an act. Very well, I suppose I'll be ready to depart as soon as the rest of you are ready. Prepare yourselves for a challenge, it doesn't sound as though this will be the simplest of tasks however."
Tark waves his hands downwards to try to get the group to calm down.
"Whoa there. I wouldn't be in such a rush to head to the mines. It seems like we are all willing to be hired to investigate. Now that the lord of the manor has the answer to his first question, we need more details about the compensation, and what he wants done. And what he doesn't want us to do. I don't want to hear later that he is voiding the contract over some detail that he forgot to mention."
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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)
Neistor waits until the lot of you have asked your questions, sitting in deep thought and contemplation over them. Almost as soon as you are finished, he looks over at Tark, his eyes sizing up the Rock Gnome and the statements put forth.
"I think you misunderstand me, sir. I am not asking you to work in the mines, nor am I asking you to deal with any dangers that may or may not lie therein whilst I take whatever spoils you come across. I am asking, plain and simple, for you to investigate what is happening in the mines. Whether you decide to sign on as hired help there, or if you decide to be sneaky about it, is your choice. And to be clear, should you do this and find anything of value that does not have an actual owner that can be verified, you are free to keep, use, or sell it."
As he finishes that statement, he reaches into one of the drawers of his desk, his eyes focused on Grrzark's hands, producing a few sheets of rolled parchment. He sets the parchments on the top of the desk, unraveling them and setting them steady with paperweights in the corners.
"We don't have the best record-keeping here in Darkshelf," he states, his voice a mix of tiredness and anxiousness, "but I do have some information for you that might be of use. I sent a man named Kwon out to find what's been killing our people and leaving the bodies half-chewed up. Much like what I am asking you to do. I'm not sure if these are related to the slaver attacks or not, or if they are related to anything that is happening in the mines, but we had to start somewhere. Anyhow, Kwon brought me a few reports, but I haven't heard from him or seen him in a while now."
Looking at the parchments, you can see upon the top one a very rough-drawn map, probably done with a charred stick or charcoal, that has a but a few markings on it. Neistor points to each of the markings as he continues talking.
"Kwon indicated that he found a hidden dock here, just below the quarry on the river Pelyra itself. There is also some kind of ventilation shaft here that Kwon says goes down a bit before it becomes too dark to see where it leads. His scribblings here say something about hearing rattling down there, but he didn't say if he investigated it or not before sending these back to me.
"I'm worried about the man. I'm hoping that by your investigating whatever he's found that you will also find him, and whatever all this means."
His face turns grim as he thinks on that last thought before continuing.
"As for the truth of what I am asking you to be looking for...well, Kwon, for starters. And anything that seems out of place in what's supposed to be a simple quarry and mine. Whatever that is, I cannot say, for I have no knowledge of what is really going on there. Which is why I'm hiring you. If I knew what it was you were looking for, I wouldn't have need of having you look, would I?"
You can tell that he's a bit exasperated, but not directly at or with you; he has the look and sound of a man who is beyond his years in work, short of answers that he needs, and out of ideas of what to do. He looks Grrzark directly in the eyes at the mention of being paid.
"I am fond of those who are direct in their words and actions, and you my small friend came ready to be direct. As far as compensation goes, I am more than willing to pay you for this. If you are able to find out what is really going on in the quarry and mine, put a stop to anything nefarious, and find Kwon - alive preferably - I'll pay you 500 gold directly from the village's coffers. And yes, my Goblinoid friend, that's 500 gold, not copper."
He stops for a moment, a smile coming across his face.
"As I stated previously, anything you find in the mines is yours, provided it does not have a proper owner. In addition to this, Bazili has let it slip that the Dwarves have found a vein of gold deep in the mine. Not sure if I believe that, but if you happen to stumble upon that, it would be a major boon. For you, for me, for the town."
"A hidden ventilation shaft at the quarry... I bet that's connected to the mines." Phodoxia leans forward on the chair, mumbling almost to herself, her chin propped thoughtfully on one hand.
She looks up abruptly, ears perking, as Neistor mentions the compensation. "500 gold?" she squeaks. And immediately looks around to her colleagues in the room, wondering how it will be split up. And how much of it that strong, tough-looking goblin at the desk will end up with. And why he's not with a tribe either. A poor outcast like me. I wonder what he did. At least he can carry coins. I'm not very strong. I can't carry all those coins. But more importantly... keep anything we find that doesn't have an owner? Already her mind is racing, trying to figure out if this is allowed. I can pick flowers, I can take moss off of a cave wall... those things don't have owners... Phodoxia realizes she is going to have to think about that one more, and maybe when a relevant situation comes up. It's hard enough to restrain her fingers at times without loopholes confusing her...
"Right!" she says, jumping to her feet, now standing on the chair. "I can climb, and sneak, and see in the dark. That will have to be sufficient, since Bazili wouldn't give me a job. Where do we sign?" She remembers that humans like to sign things, especially when money is involved.
Solace listens intently as Nestor speaks, her mind wandering to what kind of monsters, man or beast, would be keen on performing such acts. Something offering that kind of suffering and destruction of life should be dealt with swiftly, she is just glad to have a hand in that. Rolling her eyes at the attempt at thievery, she raises an eyebrow at the payment amount, as there are many things Solace wished she could use that kind of coin for.
"I'm interested to see what kind of goodies we could even find in a mine, but am interested in seeing what lies below. We'll definitely keep an eye out for any signs of Kwon, their map will be useful I'm sure. I sure hope that they are alright and they show up as we go. The sooner we go, the quicker we may be able to help them if they are injured."
Tark nods in agreement with Grrzark. (Followed by a quick flash of startled disgust at thinking the same thing as this uncouth goblin.)
"It would help to have a drawing of this Kwon fellow. Or a description written down, that we could refer to later.
Since Kwon was spying for you, if we find him, would he trust strangers who claim they were hired by you? Is there some kind of password or reference that would gain his trust?
And are there any maps or descriptions of the mines that we could take with us? That will make it easier to move around, and notice if something is there that shouldn't be there. Beyond that hidden docket, of course."
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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)
The wave of excitement in the room when Neistor speaks about the compensation had a weird effect on Rasen. He shudders and, for a second, looks over his left shoulder, as if something has startled him. But he regains his composure quickly and simply replies to the man for the questions he had, the rest had already made.
"I'm in"he simply says fighting against the urge to touch his temples were a headache has started.
He has no idea why this was happening to him, but he hoped that now that he has something to focus on will help.
Neistor takes the parchment that has the charcoal map drawn upon it and rolls it up, walking around to the front of the desk and handing it to Tark.
"I'm not sure how much use Kwon's drawing will be, other than to provide a starting point of some kind. But you are free to have this copy of it to use."
He makes his way back to his chair, folding his hands on his desk as he sits.
"As far as Kwon is concerned, you are right that he may be skeptical. It is in his nature to be so, which is why I hired him to begin with. He's a simple man - human - and when last I saw him he was adorned in some greyish monk robes. Bald, slight brown goatee that looks to have been grown by a teenager trying to look like an adult. He should be instantly recognizable by the large scar across the back of his head."
Neistor points to a spot on the back of his own head, tracing where he is talking about.
"Any further questions? Anything else I can do before you set off?"
Rasen tries to memorize Neistor description of the man they should be looking for, fearing the worst.
He looks around to the motley crew assembled and asks
"Can you provide us with climbing equipment? Or can you put a word in our favor to acquire such items at a discount in a local shop? I do not know if all of us has enough rope but if we are infiltrating a mine it could be useful... and lamps or torches... "
Solace takes note of the man's description, sounds like many a human she is familiar with. She nods in appreciation of the map and information, ready to proceed with the mission.
"Any supplies would be truly appreciated, but I feel as though we're prepared as we are going to be. I hope everyone brought something warm, we could be outside for quite some time. I'm ready to leave when the rest of you lot are."
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Solace - Cleric
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Wherever you are from, and regardless of wherever you were going, you have somehow managed to end up in Darkshelf, a small village on the Sea of Gearnat so named for the dark stony seabed in the harbor. It wasn't your intention to come here, nor to have stayed for the last ten-day or so, but as life sometimes turns out, things just happen. You've been lost in the trappings of stories and ale in the taverns, rumors told by passing merchants and sailors passing through town, and a distinct lack of really having anything to do. It seems that being an adventurer isn't all it's cracked up to be, what with all the waiting around for something to happen.
And then, when you least expected it, something does in fact happen.
The previous evening, while you were wiling away the time at The Roped Inn, a young boy of no more than 12 or 13 hand-delivered a letter to each of you. The writing appeared hasty and sloppy, but with purpose; you were asked to meet with the overlord of Darkshelf, a man named Neistor, in his private office to discuss a matter that might be suited to your distinct and individual talents. Not individually, but collectively. You talked about the letter with each other, wild stories and fantasies of what you would be asked to do running through your minds until the ale and sleep took you.
Today, you sit in a small but not cramped room tucked away in the back of the town hall, 6 simple wooden chairs lined against one wall, a large but simple desk along another. You aren't kept waiting long, but it is odd that you were shown into the room without Neistor being here; you would have thought he would have been here already. Perhaps you got here early, or perhaps he is running late. Either way, the door to the room eventually opens, a stocky man with greying hair and a beard to match, walking in with determination.
"I will dispense with all the formalities and pleasantries; I'm sure all of us either currently have or will have better things to do than to sit here and chatter all day, yes?"
His voice is rough, but the words are true and strike with purpose. He takes a seat in a chair on the other side of the large desk, his hands clasped together as he sets them on the desk.
"The results from the quarry are far too good to be true. And the raid on the slavers' camp - you have heard of that, yes? - too quick and clean, should you ask for my opinion of it." He holds up one of his hands and he begins counting on his fingers. "And then there's the dwarves that work in the quarry at night but that nobody ever sees. And, of course, the terrible attacks we've had around Darkshelf."
He puts his hands back on the desk and then leans back in his chair, his face going from determined to exasperated.
"Far too many things have happened at the quarry lately that make me nervous, and that make the community afraid. Afraid of what may happen next, and nervous over who or what might be behind it. It simply cannot be rare coincidence and speculation, can it?
"Our local guard is depleted already with investigating rumors and dealing with maritime law enforcement, and our citizenry has not the skills to both work in the mine and do something about what is happening. And so, I must turn to those who would be more skilled than I and our population for help. You, to put too fine a point on it.
"I ask for your help in this matter. Something is not right at the quarry, but I cannot simply walk in there and make wild accusations. I may be the lord of the manor here, but even I know where the limit of my power starts and ends. So can you do this for me? Will you take it upon yourselves, at my behest, to at least scout the mines and see if anything fishy turns up?"
Jesus saves. Everyone else takes damage.
Grrzark stands, "You payin' right? Need coin for job."
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
"Oh dear, that sounds like an awful lot of trouble. We should definitely look into it at least to see if we can put a stop to these problems."
Solace places her hands together and utters a small prayer to Wee Jas to provide relief to those who have suffered at the Quarry.
Solace - Cleric
Tark looks around the room, and gives a sigh.
He can only hope that this motley group is more skilled than they look.
(He doesn't stop to think that his collection of second-hand equipment and clothing makes him look like riff-raff too.)
"Maybe you will explain more, but that does not seem like a good offer.
You are asking us to do work in the mines, and confront any situations that arise.
That sounds like we get the labor and the danger, while you take the profits of our sweat."
He hesitates a moment, then adds, "No offense intended, your overlordship, sir."
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)
"I don't think he expects us to actually work the mines," Alex says in response to Tark, although not looking at him or at anyone in particular. "It would be a cover at best," he continued, "and once inside, as long as we can get information on what is happening, it doesn't matter of we actually swing the pickaxe."
Alex, was, of course, eager to get entry into the mine so he could ask around about... Other matters. This group he has somehow found himself with seem like they might be somewhat competent enough to make up for his shortcomings. Things are about to get interesting, at the very least.
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Phodoxia was frustrated by her failure to be accepted for a job at the mine, or the quarry, or anything in the near vicinity---it wasn't because of the cave-in, that certainly wasn't her fault, just because she was there, but maybe some folk thought goblins were back luck, anyway. So she left the ferociously productive hills and tunnels and wandered back into the village of Darkshelf to see what other opportunities she could find.
Rumor, it seemed, had gotten ahead of her. It seemed that a few of the miners she had healed after the cave-in remembered her good deed, and the ludicrous and popular tale of a do-gooder goblin with magical healing powers in the mines had spread like wildfire around the village. Nobody liked goblins much---Phodoxia usually had to contend with kicks and curses as often as anyone would suffer to have a friendly conversation with her---but this new and extravagant tale was just what the stressed and frightened village, bothered all by the killings, floodings, cave-ins, and the unexplained events that just didn't sit right, needed to give it a little dash of hope of better things. If a goblin could reform itself into an upstanding citizen, what else might be possible?
So, peppered with questions by curious locals wondering about the fantastic tale of the goblin healer, she coyly informed them, "Yes, it was I, of course. I was looking for a job, I just happened to be there. It was a terrible tragedy, so many people crushed. What else could I do?" When further questioned why a goblin of all creatures would have such an altruistic streak, she grinned nervously and pulled at one large ear. "Well... uh... why not?"
When the letter came, Phodoxia smiled proudly as she tore it open. Finally, a real job! Someone important has heard of me! She gaily appeared at the appointed time and in the appointed place, slinking around in the corners looking at everything, and everyone, in the room with abject curiosity. She stares impolitely, but nearly unnoticeably, at each person, examining them thoughtfully, until Neistor arrives and addresses the group in a hurried manner. Here is the important job! But, disappointed that he neither addresses, nor congratulates her, Phodoxia hops into one of the chairs and sits down to listen until he poses his offer to the group.
"Maybe that's why that dwarf wouldn't hire me," she pondered out loud. "I thought he would for sure after I saved all those miners from a cave-in. But he wouldn't. Maybe because something's up, eh?"
A young man, with black hair and a three-days beard look to the rest of the gathered party. He has seen them in the in the lata days and even exchange some words with some of them, but he has deep bags around his eyes, as if he had gotten not enough sleep.
That has been true since the incident… but before his mind could wander off the overlord enters the room and explains the situation to them, offering a job.
“I would rather infiltrate the mine during one of the shifts changes than try to get a job there. I am not well suited for such task and they don’t even hire me…”
PbP Character: A few ;)
Grrzark walks over to the desk and pulls himself up until he can see over the top. He says, “What you want? Sneaky, sneaky spying? Looking for secrets? Or killing bad people?” While he is up there, if he sees something shiny, he will reach for it.
Sleight of hand: 19
Successful or not, when he drops down, he will say, “Sounds difficult. Need big pay. No less than…um…500 copper!”
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
[[Passive Perception: 13]]
Alex sees Grrzark try to steal something and just audibly sighs.
Oh, I'm definitely going to die with this group. He thinks to himself. Even his mental voice sounds exasperated.
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The pale Tiefling looks across at the group, enjoying each other their quirks and personalities. Another group to corral, shouldn't be too difficult with a task at hand at the least, she thinks to herself. Her scale mail armor appears clean, but used, similar to her shield which sports multiple dents and knicks she willingly took in defense of her companions. Her holy symbol glows dimly, a red skull intricately carved to look as though it is engulfed in flames.
"A mission to perform some investigation, this sure seems like a rowdy enough group to perform such an act. Very well, I suppose I'll be ready to depart as soon as the rest of you are ready. Prepare yourselves for a challenge, it doesn't sound as though this will be the simplest of tasks however."
Solace - Cleric
Tark waves his hands downwards to try to get the group to calm down.
"Whoa there. I wouldn't be in such a rush to head to the mines.
It seems like we are all willing to be hired to investigate.
Now that the lord of the manor has the answer to his first question, we need more details about the compensation, and what he wants done.
And what he doesn't want us to do. I don't want to hear later that he is voiding the contract over some detail that he forgot to mention."
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)
Neistor waits until the lot of you have asked your questions, sitting in deep thought and contemplation over them. Almost as soon as you are finished, he looks over at Tark, his eyes sizing up the Rock Gnome and the statements put forth.
"I think you misunderstand me, sir. I am not asking you to work in the mines, nor am I asking you to deal with any dangers that may or may not lie therein whilst I take whatever spoils you come across. I am asking, plain and simple, for you to investigate what is happening in the mines. Whether you decide to sign on as hired help there, or if you decide to be sneaky about it, is your choice. And to be clear, should you do this and find anything of value that does not have an actual owner that can be verified, you are free to keep, use, or sell it."
As he finishes that statement, he reaches into one of the drawers of his desk, his eyes focused on Grrzark's hands, producing a few sheets of rolled parchment. He sets the parchments on the top of the desk, unraveling them and setting them steady with paperweights in the corners.
"We don't have the best record-keeping here in Darkshelf," he states, his voice a mix of tiredness and anxiousness, "but I do have some information for you that might be of use. I sent a man named Kwon out to find what's been killing our people and leaving the bodies half-chewed up. Much like what I am asking you to do. I'm not sure if these are related to the slaver attacks or not, or if they are related to anything that is happening in the mines, but we had to start somewhere. Anyhow, Kwon brought me a few reports, but I haven't heard from him or seen him in a while now."
Looking at the parchments, you can see upon the top one a very rough-drawn map, probably done with a charred stick or charcoal, that has a but a few markings on it. Neistor points to each of the markings as he continues talking.
"Kwon indicated that he found a hidden dock here, just below the quarry on the river Pelyra itself. There is also some kind of ventilation shaft here that Kwon says goes down a bit before it becomes too dark to see where it leads. His scribblings here say something about hearing rattling down there, but he didn't say if he investigated it or not before sending these back to me.
"I'm worried about the man. I'm hoping that by your investigating whatever he's found that you will also find him, and whatever all this means."
His face turns grim as he thinks on that last thought before continuing.
"As for the truth of what I am asking you to be looking for...well, Kwon, for starters. And anything that seems out of place in what's supposed to be a simple quarry and mine. Whatever that is, I cannot say, for I have no knowledge of what is really going on there. Which is why I'm hiring you. If I knew what it was you were looking for, I wouldn't have need of having you look, would I?"
You can tell that he's a bit exasperated, but not directly at or with you; he has the look and sound of a man who is beyond his years in work, short of answers that he needs, and out of ideas of what to do. He looks Grrzark directly in the eyes at the mention of being paid.
"I am fond of those who are direct in their words and actions, and you my small friend came ready to be direct. As far as compensation goes, I am more than willing to pay you for this. If you are able to find out what is really going on in the quarry and mine, put a stop to anything nefarious, and find Kwon - alive preferably - I'll pay you 500 gold directly from the village's coffers. And yes, my Goblinoid friend, that's 500 gold, not copper."
He stops for a moment, a smile coming across his face.
"As I stated previously, anything you find in the mines is yours, provided it does not have a proper owner. In addition to this, Bazili has let it slip that the Dwarves have found a vein of gold deep in the mine. Not sure if I believe that, but if you happen to stumble upon that, it would be a major boon. For you, for me, for the town."
Jesus saves. Everyone else takes damage.
"A hidden ventilation shaft at the quarry... I bet that's connected to the mines." Phodoxia leans forward on the chair, mumbling almost to herself, her chin propped thoughtfully on one hand.
She looks up abruptly, ears perking, as Neistor mentions the compensation. "500 gold?" she squeaks. And immediately looks around to her colleagues in the room, wondering how it will be split up. And how much of it that strong, tough-looking goblin at the desk will end up with. And why he's not with a tribe either. A poor outcast like me. I wonder what he did. At least he can carry coins. I'm not very strong. I can't carry all those coins. But more importantly... keep anything we find that doesn't have an owner? Already her mind is racing, trying to figure out if this is allowed. I can pick flowers, I can take moss off of a cave wall... those things don't have owners... Phodoxia realizes she is going to have to think about that one more, and maybe when a relevant situation comes up. It's hard enough to restrain her fingers at times without loopholes confusing her...
"Right!" she says, jumping to her feet, now standing on the chair. "I can climb, and sneak, and see in the dark. That will have to be sufficient, since Bazili wouldn't give me a job. Where do we sign?" She remembers that humans like to sign things, especially when money is involved.
Solace listens intently as Nestor speaks, her mind wandering to what kind of monsters, man or beast, would be keen on performing such acts. Something offering that kind of suffering and destruction of life should be dealt with swiftly, she is just glad to have a hand in that. Rolling her eyes at the attempt at thievery, she raises an eyebrow at the payment amount, as there are many things Solace wished she could use that kind of coin for.
"I'm interested to see what kind of goodies we could even find in a mine, but am interested in seeing what lies below. We'll definitely keep an eye out for any signs of Kwon, their map will be useful I'm sure. I sure hope that they are alright and they show up as we go. The sooner we go, the quicker we may be able to help them if they are injured."
Solace - Cleric
Grrzark attempts to adopt a look of aloof stoicism, but he cannot stop shaking with excitement. "Deal! What this Kwon look like?"
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Tark nods in agreement with Grrzark.
(Followed by a quick flash of startled disgust at thinking the same thing as this uncouth goblin.)
"It would help to have a drawing of this Kwon fellow. Or a description written down, that we could refer to later.
Since Kwon was spying for you, if we find him, would he trust strangers who claim they were hired by you? Is there some kind of password or reference that would gain his trust?
And are there any maps or descriptions of the mines that we could take with us? That will make it easier to move around, and notice if something is there that shouldn't be there.
Beyond that hidden docket, of course."
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)
The wave of excitement in the room when Neistor speaks about the compensation had a weird effect on Rasen. He shudders and, for a second, looks over his left shoulder, as if something has startled him. But he regains his composure quickly and simply replies to the man for the questions he had, the rest had already made.
"I'm in" he simply says fighting against the urge to touch his temples were a headache has started.
He has no idea why this was happening to him, but he hoped that now that he has something to focus on will help.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Neistor takes the parchment that has the charcoal map drawn upon it and rolls it up, walking around to the front of the desk and handing it to Tark.
"I'm not sure how much use Kwon's drawing will be, other than to provide a starting point of some kind. But you are free to have this copy of it to use."
He makes his way back to his chair, folding his hands on his desk as he sits.
"As far as Kwon is concerned, you are right that he may be skeptical. It is in his nature to be so, which is why I hired him to begin with. He's a simple man - human - and when last I saw him he was adorned in some greyish monk robes. Bald, slight brown goatee that looks to have been grown by a teenager trying to look like an adult. He should be instantly recognizable by the large scar across the back of his head."
Neistor points to a spot on the back of his own head, tracing where he is talking about.
"Any further questions? Anything else I can do before you set off?"
Jesus saves. Everyone else takes damage.
Rasen tries to memorize Neistor description of the man they should be looking for, fearing the worst.
He looks around to the motley crew assembled and asks
"Can you provide us with climbing equipment? Or can you put a word in our favor to acquire such items at a discount in a local shop? I do not know if all of us has enough rope but if we are infiltrating a mine it could be useful... and lamps or torches... "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Solace takes note of the man's description, sounds like many a human she is familiar with. She nods in appreciation of the map and information, ready to proceed with the mission.
"Any supplies would be truly appreciated, but I feel as though we're prepared as we are going to be. I hope everyone brought something warm, we could be outside for quite some time. I'm ready to leave when the rest of you lot are."
Solace - Cleric