Katie squeals in surprise as papers from her desk go whooshing in all directions. She stands, clearly quite distressed, and begins to gather them as quickly as she can.
Seeing the papers fly everywhere, Vark's smile changes to a grimace as he didn't intend to make a huge mess. "Ah! Oh god's, I'm so sorry!" he rushes forward and begins grabbing the papers, trying to help her stack them back up.
Archie waits for the papers to settle. “Hello love, what might your name be?” ...”what a lovely name that is. My name is Archibald Swiftstep and We are here to see the governor. I know you might be thinking that he’s in a meeting and too busy to see us without an appointment. And we can all pretend that we don’t know what’s going on in that room between the governor and elven gentleman in there. But the bottom line is.... you’re looking at the solution to the bandit and supplies woes troubling the area. It’s in his best interest to see us. What do you say Love?”Archibald begins to step around the desk in an aloof sort of way
Sylelor briefly spots a couple of pieces lying on the floor before they are gathered up. It seems to be mundane fare such as equipment requisition requests.
Katie begins to stammer after Archie, but she is distracted gathering her work from the floor and before she can say anything to the contrary he is confidently striding past her desk and up the stairs. Grothir hastily follows the gnome, before Katie can pull herself together.
At the top, the staircase splits right and left into a landing with a balustrade looking down over the stairwell. Both sides loop around towards the front of the building, meeting again above the foot of the stairs in front of a large dark wood door. Once stood in front of the door, it's a simple matter to eavesdrop on the conversation going on on the other side.
DC 5 Perception Check
"The dwarves aside, Irithiel, I have concerns about how the materials are to reach your people. Neither of us can spare the manpower for an escort and if your people are as plagued by these raids as you say, then an unprotected shipment may as well be a gift."
Syl quickly followed Archie up the stairs to the door. When they arrived he heard very clearly that the governor was talking to an elf about the shipments needing an escort. He looked at Archie and nodded, hoping the gnome would realize this was their way of making money.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
perception - 13
Archie waits for the group to have caught up, turns back and makes a 1..2..3 motion silently before having Syl open the door for him. Archie struts into the office with shoulder back and chin up high.
”Yes gov’na we are here like you asked.... the team of rag tag explorers exceptional! Ready to defend shipments and squash bandits... reporting for duty! I’m glad you and your associate had arrived l, so we can all discuss our fee together.”
Archie brings his attention to the elf “pleasure to meet your acquaintance, my names Archibald Swiftstep, this is Syl, Hurrig, Brundir, Valaith, and Vark.” As he goes to shake his hand.
Archie then goes around to shake the hand of the governor.
The governor's face begins to turn a little red as he sees this eclectic group of dwarves and assorted wanderers stroll into his office in the middle of his important meeting. However, before he can gather himself to deal with the situation the elf begins to speak.
"...and of course you've already made arrangements to remedy that situation," he observes, taking Archie's hand and returning the shake. He is, in spite of himself, clearly a little impressed by the governor's forethought and initiative. "You're as efficient as ever, Quinton."
"You know me so well, Irithiel," the governor replies coolly, now unable to deny the situation without embarrassing himself in front of his guest. Nevertheless, his eyes narrow at Archie as the gnome takes his hand. "Of course, how such a service is to be paid for remains to be seen. Sheercleft is already stretching its resources to the limit to meet your demands. We cannot bear the cost alone."
The elf nods graciously in return.
"Naturally, my people would provide for your expenses in this matter..."
"Plus a modest finder's fee," Quinton interrupts with a shark-like smile full of overly white teeth. "We are taking the bother of planning the whole endeavour off of your hands after all."
Irithiel's friendly smile fades slowly from his face, but he does nod in acquiescence. The elf stiffens though, when he notices Grothir's trading party gathered behind the others.
"What, are they doing here? We agreed that Sheercleft's entire output was to be sent west in exchange for the premium we are prepared to offer you for it."
Vark's eyes jump between the dwarves and the elf. "Uhm w-w-well ah w-we were hoping that... uhm maybe, you know, once we uh take care of the uhm, the bandits then maybe y-your people wouldn't need uh quite so many... uh, so much material and so.... you could.... renegotiate" his voice trails off towards the end, the last word basically a murmur. Vark's face is now flushed, and he clearly regrets speaking up at all.
Irithiel raises a dubious eyebrow at Vark's interjection.
"Do you mean to say that the six of you... mercenaries will not only protect our goods, but simultaneously dismantle an entire bandit clan, and this all by yourselves? If you are capable of all that, then you must cost a pretty penny indeed."
A bit surprised that the elf at least seems mildly open to the suggestion, Vark finds a sliver of confidence. "Y-yes! That is what we intend to do. We're warriors and..." Vark looks around at his new companions, now realizing that he actually has no idea what most of them are capable of beyond Valaith's brawn. "And we have magic too!" Vark uses his shocking grasp cantrip, not to attack but just to achieve the effect of blue lightning arcing up and down his hands and forearms, which he raises in front of the elf. "R-right guys? We can do it, right?" he looks to the party for backup.
Syl, starting to like this group of people , decides to join in on the convincing.
“I know these lands better than anybody and already know key points where the bandits have made camps. With a little bit of magic,” Syl nods toward Vark “, and some brute force and skill we can knock out these bandits before they know what hit them”
“The truth of the matter is, we don’t have to slaughter a whole bandit camp. We just have to make it in their best interests to stop doing what they are doing. If it becomes too dangerous, too expensive, or too much trouble then they will disband.... either way you will come to find that we are worth it. I do think it’s best to tackle one job at a time. Guard the caravan and then eliminate the bandits.
Valaith figured it was best for her to remain in the rear and simply appear stoic and strong. So she attempts to back up her companions efforts by removing the large hammer from its resting place at her back and throwing it easily over her shoulder!
20 - Intimidation (Using strength hopefully?) to assist in proving they are a capable group.
"Well you're an enthusiastic lot, if nothing else," Irithiel remarks dryly. "Let's see if you can get my goods safely to Eldren. Then we can discuss further work. If you can indeed relieve our need for the metal Sheercleft provides, then I see no reason why it shouldn't continue to be sold to the dwarves. They do so love their shiny rocks, after all."
The elf rises from his chair.
"I shall leave it to you to negotiate a fair price for me, Quinton. I must be going. It's a long journey back to the forest and my people need me in this trying time. I trust you will honour our deal, as I will."
With a flourish of his cloak, Irithiel turns and departs.
"Aehm," Grothir begins, clearing his throat. "Well I suppose tha' clears tha' up. Once this lot 'ave solved the ar- aehm -elves' bandit problem, things can go back t' business as usual. Be seein'y Quinton."
The dwarven trading party also heads off, leaving the six would be mercenaries alone with the governor in his office. He does not look pleased and aims his ire first and foremost at those he recognises.
"Alright, Hurrig, BrĂĽndir, Sylelor. Would you mind telling me what in the Lady's name you think you're playing at?"
“Ah but with the papers flying everywhere downstairs I didn’t wanna... I just thought... you know with the lightning I figured... I think... yeah I think it worked.” he responds, leaning down a bit to be able to speak under his breath.
BrĂĽndir slid in during the sidebar about magical showmanship, "Sir, I'd like t'stress that I don' know any of these people. Well, Hurrig I'do, an' the elf a bit, but not th' others. So don' lump me in with their shenanigans. Now to business, we came on behalf of our friend Grothir an' his trade caravan. We underatand the plight o' th' elves, but we can'ot cut ties. Ye want an escort? Then ye've got one by grace of Fate." BrĂĽndir folds his hands over in front of him to appear more proper in such an awkward position, but turns a baleful eye on anyone who tries to appear less than servile for the moment.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale BrĂĽndir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
BrĂĽndir's words seem to placate Quinton a little and he leans back in his chair briefly and sighs in exasperation, taking a moment to clean his round-lensed spectacles before running a thoughtful hand through his greying goatee.
"Well I don't see that I've been left with much choice either way now, have I? We'll make the best of this. Go and see Anders - all of you. Tell him you're to escort the next shipment to Eldren."
The governor grabs a quill from his desk and scribbles a short note on a piece of parchment. He folds it in on itself, before dripping red wax on the opening and pushing his signet ring down to make the seal.
"Give him this so he knows the order came from me. Lady willing I won't see any of you in here again without my express invitation. If you have news for me you can leave it downstairs."
He stands and walks over to a cabinet by a window overlooking the settlement, clearly expecting the 'problem' behind him to disappear now.
Archibald sneaks up to Brundir while Quinton is looking out the window and nudges him on the side and whispers to him. “How much are we getting paid?”
Katie squeals in surprise as papers from her desk go whooshing in all directions. She stands, clearly quite distressed, and begins to gather them as quickly as she can.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, BrĂĽndir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
As the papers fly everywhere, Syl tries to see if he can see anything important written on them.
(Rolled in discord)
10
Seeing the papers fly everywhere, Vark's smile changes to a grimace as he didn't intend to make a huge mess. "Ah! Oh god's, I'm so sorry!" he rushes forward and begins grabbing the papers, trying to help her stack them back up.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Archie waits for the papers to settle. “Hello love, what might your name be?” ...”what a lovely name that is. My name is Archibald Swiftstep and We are here to see the governor. I know you might be thinking that he’s in a meeting and too busy to see us without an appointment. And we can all pretend that we don’t know what’s going on in that room between the governor and elven gentleman in there. But the bottom line is.... you’re looking at the solution to the bandit and supplies woes troubling the area. It’s in his best interest to see us. What do you say Love?”Archibald begins to step around the desk in an aloof sort of way
Sylelor briefly spots a couple of pieces lying on the floor before they are gathered up. It seems to be mundane fare such as equipment requisition requests.
Katie begins to stammer after Archie, but she is distracted gathering her work from the floor and before she can say anything to the contrary he is confidently striding past her desk and up the stairs. Grothir hastily follows the gnome, before Katie can pull herself together.
At the top, the staircase splits right and left into a landing with a balustrade looking down over the stairwell. Both sides loop around towards the front of the building, meeting again above the foot of the stairs in front of a large dark wood door. Once stood in front of the door, it's a simple matter to eavesdrop on the conversation going on on the other side.
DC 5 Perception Check
"The dwarves aside, Irithiel, I have concerns about how the materials are to reach your people. Neither of us can spare the manpower for an escort and if your people are as plagued by these raids as you say, then an unprotected shipment may as well be a gift."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, BrĂĽndir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Syl quickly followed Archie up the stairs to the door. When they arrived he heard very clearly that the governor was talking to an elf about the shipments needing an escort. He looked at Archie and nodded, hoping the gnome would realize this was their way of making money.
perception - 13
Archie waits for the group to have caught up, turns back and makes a 1..2..3 motion silently before having Syl open the door for him. Archie struts into the office with shoulder back and chin up high.
”Yes gov’na we are here like you asked.... the team of rag tag explorers exceptional! Ready to defend shipments and squash bandits... reporting for duty! I’m glad you and your associate had arrived l, so we can all discuss our fee together.”
Archie brings his attention to the elf “pleasure to meet your acquaintance, my names Archibald Swiftstep, this is Syl, Hurrig, Brundir, Valaith, and Vark.” As he goes to shake his hand.
Archie then goes around to shake the hand of the governor.
The governor's face begins to turn a little red as he sees this eclectic group of dwarves and assorted wanderers stroll into his office in the middle of his important meeting. However, before he can gather himself to deal with the situation the elf begins to speak.
"...and of course you've already made arrangements to remedy that situation," he observes, taking Archie's hand and returning the shake. He is, in spite of himself, clearly a little impressed by the governor's forethought and initiative. "You're as efficient as ever, Quinton."
"You know me so well, Irithiel," the governor replies coolly, now unable to deny the situation without embarrassing himself in front of his guest. Nevertheless, his eyes narrow at Archie as the gnome takes his hand. "Of course, how such a service is to be paid for remains to be seen. Sheercleft is already stretching its resources to the limit to meet your demands. We cannot bear the cost alone."
The elf nods graciously in return.
"Naturally, my people would provide for your expenses in this matter..."
"Plus a modest finder's fee," Quinton interrupts with a shark-like smile full of overly white teeth. "We are taking the bother of planning the whole endeavour off of your hands after all."
Irithiel's friendly smile fades slowly from his face, but he does nod in acquiescence. The elf stiffens though, when he notices Grothir's trading party gathered behind the others.
"What, are they doing here? We agreed that Sheercleft's entire output was to be sent west in exchange for the premium we are prepared to offer you for it."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, BrĂĽndir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Vark's eyes jump between the dwarves and the elf. "Uhm w-w-well ah w-we were hoping that... uhm maybe, you know, once we uh take care of the uhm, the bandits then maybe y-your people wouldn't need uh quite so many... uh, so much material and so.... you could.... renegotiate" his voice trails off towards the end, the last word basically a murmur. Vark's face is now flushed, and he clearly regrets speaking up at all.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Irithiel raises a dubious eyebrow at Vark's interjection.
"Do you mean to say that the six of you... mercenaries will not only protect our goods, but simultaneously dismantle an entire bandit clan, and this all by yourselves? If you are capable of all that, then you must cost a pretty penny indeed."
His voice drips with sarcasm.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, BrĂĽndir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
A bit surprised that the elf at least seems mildly open to the suggestion, Vark finds a sliver of confidence. "Y-yes! That is what we intend to do. We're warriors and..." Vark looks around at his new companions, now realizing that he actually has no idea what most of them are capable of beyond Valaith's brawn. "And we have magic too!" Vark uses his shocking grasp cantrip, not to attack but just to achieve the effect of blue lightning arcing up and down his hands and forearms, which he raises in front of the elf. "R-right guys? We can do it, right?" he looks to the party for backup.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Syl, starting to like this group of people , decides to join in on the convincing.
“I know these lands better than anybody and already know key points where the bandits have made camps. With a little bit of magic,” Syl nods toward Vark “, and some brute force and skill we can knock out these bandits before they know what hit them”
(deciption roll in discord) 12
“The truth of the matter is, we don’t have to slaughter a whole bandit camp. We just have to make it in their best interests to stop doing what they are doing. If it becomes too dangerous, too expensive, or too much trouble then they will disband.... either way you will come to find that we are worth it. I do think it’s best to tackle one job at a time. Guard the caravan and then eliminate the bandits.
Valaith figured it was best for her to remain in the rear and simply appear stoic and strong. So she attempts to back up her companions efforts by removing the large hammer from its resting place at her back and throwing it easily over her shoulder!
20 - Intimidation (Using strength hopefully?) to assist in proving they are a capable group.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"Well you're an enthusiastic lot, if nothing else," Irithiel remarks dryly. "Let's see if you can get my goods safely to Eldren. Then we can discuss further work. If you can indeed relieve our need for the metal Sheercleft provides, then I see no reason why it shouldn't continue to be sold to the dwarves. They do so love their shiny rocks, after all."
The elf rises from his chair.
"I shall leave it to you to negotiate a fair price for me, Quinton. I must be going. It's a long journey back to the forest and my people need me in this trying time. I trust you will honour our deal, as I will."
With a flourish of his cloak, Irithiel turns and departs.
"Aehm," Grothir begins, clearing his throat. "Well I suppose tha' clears tha' up. Once this lot 'ave solved the ar- aehm -elves' bandit problem, things can go back t' business as usual. Be seein'y Quinton."
The dwarven trading party also heads off, leaving the six would be mercenaries alone with the governor in his office. He does not look pleased and aims his ire first and foremost at those he recognises.
"Alright, Hurrig, BrĂĽndir, Sylelor. Would you mind telling me what in the Lady's name you think you're playing at?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, BrĂĽndir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Archibald looks visibly flustered about being overlooked, but stays quiet and walks back to stand next to Vark.
”you forgot the wind, man!”
he says quietly
“Ah but with the papers flying everywhere downstairs I didn’t wanna... I just thought... you know with the lightning I figured... I think... yeah I think it worked.” he responds, leaning down a bit to be able to speak under his breath.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
BrĂĽndir slid in during the sidebar about magical showmanship, "Sir, I'd like t'stress that I don' know any of these people. Well, Hurrig I'do, an' the elf a bit, but not th' others. So don' lump me in with their shenanigans. Now to business, we came on behalf of our friend Grothir an' his trade caravan. We underatand the plight o' th' elves, but we can'ot cut ties. Ye want an escort? Then ye've got one by grace of Fate." BrĂĽndir folds his hands over in front of him to appear more proper in such an awkward position, but turns a baleful eye on anyone who tries to appear less than servile for the moment.
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
BrĂĽndir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
BrĂĽndir's words seem to placate Quinton a little and he leans back in his chair briefly and sighs in exasperation, taking a moment to clean his round-lensed spectacles before running a thoughtful hand through his greying goatee.
"Well I don't see that I've been left with much choice either way now, have I? We'll make the best of this. Go and see Anders - all of you. Tell him you're to escort the next shipment to Eldren."
The governor grabs a quill from his desk and scribbles a short note on a piece of parchment. He folds it in on itself, before dripping red wax on the opening and pushing his signet ring down to make the seal.
"Give him this so he knows the order came from me. Lady willing I won't see any of you in here again without my express invitation. If you have news for me you can leave it downstairs."
He stands and walks over to a cabinet by a window overlooking the settlement, clearly expecting the 'problem' behind him to disappear now.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, BrĂĽndir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Archibald sneaks up to Brundir while Quinton is looking out the window and nudges him on the side and whispers to him. “How much are we getting paid?”