Jack jumps in with his two cents while taking a bite of food.
”We also need to agree to do the job, but we need to know what the job is first. Accepting a mystery job on blind faith from a person we just met does not seem all that intelligent. It may be too dangerous or not profitable enough. What if we spend two weeks and recover just 10 silver pieces? Tell us some details but withhold the specific location if you wish. We can then choose if we are interested.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Duncan's friends seem better negotiators than he would be, he simply sits back listening to the discussion, keen to join in an adventure, and trusting that his friends' interest align with his. While listening he is doing the one thing that he is good at in this type of situation, which is reading people; trying to glean anything useful about an elf that would let himself go so badly, and who prefers to let others do the work while he profits from the shadows, or from the other patrons who may be listening in on their conversation. INSIGHT5
Also, because just sitting in a pub listening feels a bit awkward, Duncan would signal the barkeep for another pint of mead and would hand him the 5c for his drink (and cheese and bread~) when delivered.
Elron blows his nose on a white silk handkerchief. "Very well. On the way road from Hudon to this charming town I was waylaid by a notorious highwayman who goes by the name of The Scorpion. Following this encounter, I took it upon myself to alert the local authorities of his disgraceful misconduct. I was introduced to a charming noblewoman, Ardidd, who seeks to apprehend the scoundrel and bring him to justice. The reward is 700 pieces of gold, dead or alive."
At the mention of a potentially worthy foe, Duncan looks up from his mead and asks "Is there anything more you know of this 'Scorpion'? 700 gold is a large bounty. He must be considered quite dangerous."
Jack interjects, “How many were there when you were robbed and where on the road did it happen? Were you on foot or did you have a cart? Also before we accept, I would think an introduction to Adridd would be in order. Sounds like she may have some additional information we would find helpful. Rest assured if we accept you will get your fee when we return.”
Jack looks over to Kai and Landrae for their thoughts.
Landrae fixes Elron with a glare, "You claim to be a purveyor of dangerous ventures, of quests larger than orcs and goblins, but when the prize is revealed you are merely a traveller beset by a local brigand, who already has a price upon his head! For this I am less than pleased to be paying your tax." Landrae almost spits the last word, but as quickly as her mood seemed to raise, it swings back, and a look of almost sympathy fills her face as she continues, "The words I spoke before were no sweet nothing to be lightly discarded. We are of an inclination to help those with troubles, and if you have been robbed of your wares, your coin, and your pride in such a way, then we are able to help. Tell us of the attack, the details Jack asks for are but a start. What wares and coin were taken from you? Mayhap you have some interest in their recovery, should we be able to."
Landrae glances at each of her comrades briefly, judging their minds in her own; Duncan with his desire to test and prove himself in combat; Jack with his cautious but steady mind will weigh in on the side of sensibility; Elber will appreciate the hunt as both man and beast are but a game to him; Kai as quiet and brooding as ever remains stonefaced...
"Friend Elron, I will make you two offers, and these will be the terms of our arrangement, You may choose which one suits you best, but there will be no further mystery in these dealings. In either case, we shall be taking enough time to rest in town for a night, replenish our supplies, and speak to this, Ardidd to verify the rewards is as you say. Your first option is that we will accept your compensation, one fifth of the promised 700 gold when we receive it, and acknowledgement of your involvement but no more, and any loot from our endeavour is fully ours; for this we will set about your task in our own time, and after we have had more time to understand the lay if the land and explore the town. Your second option, is that we shall make our way with most haste to apprehend this Scorpion, but your price shall be either 10%, or the return of your good and stolen effects, again though, we will include your name in our endeavour."
Landrae drops her gaze from Elron, straightens up a little, and in a light tone, finishes "In essence, your are paying for our time, and as such that is the premium you can choose. The story of the deed, I can promise will be a good one thereafter."
Duncan listens closely to Landrea's words, nodding in agreement. <Though a bit much for his own tastes, he can see the worth that words, wielded well, can have. And is, himself, curious to hear the story of the deed that they are seemingly soon to undertake.>
Jack smiles silently for a moment, slaps his hand down on the table, and gives a nod that he is in full agreement with this fierce negotiation. “Sounds like you need to make a decision sir. I would however, make it quickly. 700 gold will draw other mercenaries and if my numbers are correct, a percentage of nothing is, well...nothing.”
When the barkeep returns and Duncan reaches for his coins Elber interjects. "You've paid your round, Duncan. More of that to all six of us, miss." He makes a sweeping gesture around the table, including Elron, and hands over coins of his own.
"Hah! Cheers Elber!" and turning to the elf. "Elrond... we seem to have an extra drink here. Though, as my friend here" gesturing to Jack "has pointed out, time is of the essence, take it and relax while we discuss the terms that they have raised. I still would love to hear about this man, or is it a group?, that you called 'The Scorpion'." holding his hand out to the elf "Also let me introduce myself. You may call me Duncan." When shaking Elrond's hand Duncan will squeeze just a bit tighter, and hold on just a bit longer, than is standard for a first handshake, while looking straight into Elrond's eyes, yet also smiling as he feels he's starting to get a feel for the type of man this Elf is.
Elron sits back in his chair with a deep sigh. "I accept your former offer." He says to Landrae. " And I expect no more. " To Duncan and the others; "I know little of this Scorpion save what Adridd told me. He is an unscrupulous ruffian of violent intent, and he has seized nearly a dozen merchant caravans as they made their way on the Grey Trail. His band is a congregation of criminals and cutthroats who obey his every whim and are fiercely loyal to both the Scorpion and his cause. Neither I nor Ardidd have precise information regarding their numbers, but I estimate around a score. " Here he pauses and takes a long swig from the extra tankard of ale. "Ardidd is negotiating a trade agreement with Hudon, but she should return to Thithladroth ere the sun sets. I will introduce you to her then and she will brief you further. "
The season is early spring. You have experienced light rainfall and an average temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius, I know that a few of you are international players) during the past few days.
“Elrond, do you own a cart or wagon we may borrow so we can pose as merchants? Or maybe we can get one from Ardidd. Just thinking we should look like meek merchants and have an element of surprise on our side. Covered wagon would be best for hiding some of us.”
The time is late morning, about 11:00. Elron sniffs. "I am a potion merchant by trade, and the scoundrel took half of my collection when he ambushed the wagon. "
((I imagine that Elber and Duncan have occasionally spent their time gambling the same silver piece back and forth as they alternate between playing dice and playing cards... until Jack joins in and wins, throwing the balance off in favor of his purse.))
Already calculating odds and tactics, Duncan says to Elrond: "A score men is a rather large force for simple bandits. While we wait for Ardidd could you tell me about the time that you were attacked? How large was your caravan? How many attacked you? Did they approach by foot or horse? Or were they hidden and ambushed as you passed? Did they actually attack? Or simply demand payment in exchange for safe passage? And, if they did attack, what types of weaponry was used? And how did you survive?"
((I imagine that Elber and Duncan have occasionally spent their time gambling the same silver piece back and forth as they alternate between playing dice and playing cards.))
((I do have a set of bone dice~ 1s for the higher combined roll: 41))
Jack jumps in with his two cents while taking a bite of food.
”We also need to agree to do the job, but we need to know what the job is first. Accepting a mystery job on blind faith from a person we just met does not seem all that intelligent. It may be too dangerous or not profitable enough. What if we spend two weeks and recover just 10 silver pieces? Tell us some details but withhold the specific location if you wish. We can then choose if we are interested.”
As Duncan's friends seem better negotiators than he would be, he simply sits back listening to the discussion, keen to join in an adventure, and trusting that his friends' interest align with his. While listening he is doing the one thing that he is good at in this type of situation, which is reading people; trying to glean anything useful about an elf that would let himself go so badly, and who prefers to let others do the work while he profits from the shadows, or from the other patrons who may be listening in on their conversation. INSIGHT 5
Also, because just sitting in a pub listening feels a bit awkward, Duncan would signal the barkeep for another pint of mead and would hand him the 5c for his drink (and cheese and bread~) when delivered.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Elron blows his nose on a white silk handkerchief. "Very well. On the way road from Hudon to this charming town I was waylaid by a notorious highwayman who goes by the name of The Scorpion. Following this encounter, I took it upon myself to alert the local authorities of his disgraceful misconduct. I was introduced to a charming noblewoman, Ardidd, who seeks to apprehend the scoundrel and bring him to justice. The reward is 700 pieces of gold, dead or alive."
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
At the mention of a potentially worthy foe, Duncan looks up from his mead and asks "Is there anything more you know of this 'Scorpion'? 700 gold is a large bounty. He must be considered quite dangerous."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Jack interjects, “How many were there when you were robbed and where on the road did it happen? Were you on foot or did you have a cart? Also before we accept, I would think an introduction to Adridd would be in order. Sounds like she may have some additional information we would find helpful. Rest assured if we accept you will get your fee when we return.”
Jack looks over to Kai and Landrae for their thoughts.
Landrae fixes Elron with a glare, "You claim to be a purveyor of dangerous ventures, of quests larger than orcs and goblins, but when the prize is revealed you are merely a traveller beset by a local brigand, who already has a price upon his head! For this I am less than pleased to be paying your tax." Landrae almost spits the last word, but as quickly as her mood seemed to raise, it swings back, and a look of almost sympathy fills her face as she continues, "The words I spoke before were no sweet nothing to be lightly discarded. We are of an inclination to help those with troubles, and if you have been robbed of your wares, your coin, and your pride in such a way, then we are able to help. Tell us of the attack, the details Jack asks for are but a start. What wares and coin were taken from you? Mayhap you have some interest in their recovery, should we be able to."
Landrae glances at each of her comrades briefly, judging their minds in her own; Duncan with his desire to test and prove himself in combat; Jack with his cautious but steady mind will weigh in on the side of sensibility; Elber will appreciate the hunt as both man and beast are but a game to him; Kai as quiet and brooding as ever remains stonefaced...
"Friend Elron, I will make you two offers, and these will be the terms of our arrangement, You may choose which one suits you best, but there will be no further mystery in these dealings. In either case, we shall be taking enough time to rest in town for a night, replenish our supplies, and speak to this, Ardidd to verify the rewards is as you say. Your first option is that we will accept your compensation, one fifth of the promised 700 gold when we receive it, and acknowledgement of your involvement but no more, and any loot from our endeavour is fully ours; for this we will set about your task in our own time, and after we have had more time to understand the lay if the land and explore the town. Your second option, is that we shall make our way with most haste to apprehend this Scorpion, but your price shall be either 10%, or the return of your good and stolen effects, again though, we will include your name in our endeavour."
Landrae drops her gaze from Elron, straightens up a little, and in a light tone, finishes "In essence, your are paying for our time, and as such that is the premium you can choose. The story of the deed, I can promise will be a good one thereafter."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Duncan listens closely to Landrea's words, nodding in agreement. <Though a bit much for his own tastes, he can see the worth that words, wielded well, can have. And is, himself, curious to hear the story of the deed that they are seemingly soon to undertake.>
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Jack smiles silently for a moment, slaps his hand down on the table, and gives a nod that he is in full agreement with this fierce negotiation. “Sounds like you need to make a decision sir. I would however, make it quickly. 700 gold will draw other mercenaries and if my numbers are correct, a percentage of nothing is, well...nothing.”
When the barkeep returns and Duncan reaches for his coins Elber interjects.
"You've paid your round, Duncan. More of that to all six of us, miss."
He makes a sweeping gesture around the table, including Elron, and hands over coins of his own.
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
"Hah! Cheers Elber!" and turning to the elf. "Elrond... we seem to have an extra drink here. Though, as my friend here" gesturing to Jack "has pointed out, time is of the essence, take it and relax while we discuss the terms that they have raised. I still would love to hear about this man, or is it a group?, that you called 'The Scorpion'." holding his hand out to the elf "Also let me introduce myself. You may call me Duncan." When shaking Elrond's hand Duncan will squeeze just a bit tighter, and hold on just a bit longer, than is standard for a first handshake, while looking straight into Elrond's eyes, yet also smiling as he feels he's starting to get a feel for the type of man this Elf is.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Elron sits back in his chair with a deep sigh. "I accept your former offer." He says to Landrae. " And I expect no more. " To Duncan and the others; "I know little of this Scorpion save what Adridd told me. He is an unscrupulous ruffian of violent intent, and he has seized nearly a dozen merchant caravans as they made their way on the Grey Trail. His band is a congregation of criminals and cutthroats who obey his every whim and are fiercely loyal to both the Scorpion and his cause. Neither I nor Ardidd have precise information regarding their numbers, but I estimate around a score. " Here he pauses and takes a long swig from the extra tankard of ale. "Ardidd is negotiating a trade agreement with Hudon, but she should return to Thithladroth ere the sun sets. I will introduce you to her then and she will brief you further. "
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
@JJ: about what time of day is it now? Ah, and what's the season/weather?
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
The season is early spring. You have experienced light rainfall and an average temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius, I know that a few of you are international players) during the past few days.
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
"Guess this is the last round then. No need to insult the lady by arriving drunk."
Elber paces himself, and settles in for a relaxed day.
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
“Elrond, do you own a cart or wagon we may borrow so we can pose as merchants? Or maybe we can get one from Ardidd. Just thinking we should look like meek merchants and have an element of surprise on our side. Covered wagon would be best for hiding some of us.”
”Also we never did hear what was stolen from you”
Ah. Still rather chilly then. And about how long till the sun sets?
Did anyone wanna do anything else while we wait? Landrae was interested in the theater. Duncan less so :P
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
The time is late morning, about 11:00. Elron sniffs. "I am a potion merchant by trade, and the scoundrel took half of my collection when he ambushed the wagon. "
Flayr Flameseeker | Genasi/Fire | Wizard/School of Evocation | Level 2 | Custom Campaign: Cold Cash
((I imagine that Elber and Duncan have occasionally spent their time gambling the same silver piece back and forth as they alternate between playing dice and playing cards... until Jack joins in and wins, throwing the balance off in favor of his purse.))
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
Already calculating odds and tactics, Duncan says to Elrond: "A score men is a rather large force for simple bandits. While we wait for Ardidd could you tell me about the time that you were attacked? How large was your caravan? How many attacked you? Did they approach by foot or horse? Or were they hidden and ambushed as you passed? Did they actually attack? Or simply demand payment in exchange for safe passage? And, if they did attack, what types of weaponry was used? And how did you survive?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
((I do have a set of bone dice~ 1s for the higher combined roll: 4 1))
<prepares to hand the coin over>
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM: