Corti responds quickly to Thia's polite worry that she was interrupting, waving her hand in a gesture of dismissal "Oh no, don't worry. I'm happy to catch up with you," she finishes, smiling.
She nods at her friend's concerned look, "Yes, that's quite true. Actually, ha," she chuckles, glancing down, "He was here to talk to me. He was curious about me, and we ended up having a lovely conversation."
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Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Hadar Jaffe- Half-elf Knowledge Domain Cleric (Nemo's Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun)
Thia’s head would nod through Corti’s responses and let out a mini sigh of relief. Of course a Cannith would be curious about a sentient Warforged. “I suppose I can understand the curiosity.” She’d chuckle, being guilty of it herself. She’d give Corti’s arm a little squeeze, “Glad to hear it was positive conversation.”
After a bit of a pause, Thia’s stomach would break the silence with a loud growl. Her cheeks would redden as she places her free hand on her stomach, “I suppose I haven’t ate yet today.” She’d let out an embarrassed chuckle. “Would you care to accompany me, maybe?”
The Thran delegates just gave Milo a curt nod. Clearing his throat, the Magistrate started speaking: “Mr Spudsder, it is clear that you are passionate about this project and wish for it to succeed. You’ve also shown yourself to be quite the orator and your solutions might be workable. But, what you have in charisma, you lack in diplomacy. You might win a battle by debating your way to victory, but if you’re making three new ones in the process, you’ll lose.”
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Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Milo stops “Wise words, enemies are not something I thought I could make today..... One can say that I am far from home within these walls. But I don’t wish that to continue. I apologize for coming off as brash and ignorant to protocol. You all deserve respect. I hope to continue our work together and I intend to earn your trust by doing so. Please give us a chance, whatever you need I will give an earnest ear and effort. It may not look it, but this has been a humbling moment for me and as I continue, I get the overwhelming feeling I should have stopped talking by now. But Thank you.”
"Merely your family's assistance with Mr. Sparks' project. His project is a revolutionary one and it would benefit him greatly if he had the backing of a house with the resources and brilliant minds that House Cannith boasts."
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Arc gives a small smile at the flattery, but his eyes show little care, however his tone maintains it's composure, "IF you and your employer desire a meeting between the head of our house and Mr.Sparks, I can arrange for such a thing, however, he'd first need to present his plans to my house's leader. I will say I've heard interesting things about the project, and I wish your employer luck on it regardless of what happens. However, since you are his representative, I will require a way to contact either you or him to confirm the meeting and the time and place." He sticks out a hand to seal the deal (so to speak).
Corti giggles, "It would be a pleasure. I suppose I can wrap things up here. They've all done good work today," she responds, referring to the workers, "They likely won't mind having me off their backs for a bit."
As Thia and Corti make their way back around to where most of the workers are, Corti raises her voice to speak to all of them, "Hello all! I wanted to thank you all for the effort you've put in today. As I said earlier, I know that it's hard when it feels like you aren't making a difference in an area that you care about, but I'm thrilled that you were all here and able to participate. I'm going to be heading out, but please, don't think that I need to be here for you all to continue this. This yard can be used as a meeting place, I'll continue to check back here." She leaves with Thia, saying her goodbyes as they walk out.
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Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Hadar Jaffe- Half-elf Knowledge Domain Cleric (Nemo's Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun)
At first, as Corti says she should wrap things up, Thia’s mind goes into a mini panic almost wanting to ‘abort’ her invite, feeling terrible about not asking if Corti was still busy first. Thia hates to pull others away from their tasks.
Thia’s anxieties would calm as Corti says her little speech. She’d just smile, nod her head, or wave her goodbyes to the workers as she leaves with Corti.
“Do you have a place close by that you like to hang out at or recommend?” She’d smile up at Corti.
As Milo comes to a stumbling finish, the Magistrate rises, and says with a voice surprisingly soft for so imposing a man: “I think we’ve all heard a lot today. I’m of the opinion that we should adjourn and think on the importance of this project, rather than dismiss it outright. It is clear that adjustments will have to be made in future meetings. I would also welcome it if we could hold of reaching any decision before the Garronian delegates arrive. Although the situation with the Iron Legion is uncertain for now, reaching agreements without them present will only cause resentment. Similarly, I hope that within a week, we will have representatives for Cyre and Zhivargo present. We have sizeable communities of both here in Duskrock, and their people should have a voice in shaping the future of the continent!”
At that, the drow delegate rose yo his feet, and jutting an accusatory finger at the Magistrate, he interjected: “Yes, Garronia, Cyre and Zhivargo need to be present! But your honeyed words won’t lull us, we demand a Zhivargo delegation that represents their government, rather than a group of hoodlums, rebellious students and freed slaves! And Cyre? I don’t think that the instigators of this whole mess deserve a seat or a voice! Andas for Garronia, as we speak, several Generals are sending their representatives to negotiate. We are going to ensure their safety in this city with a contingent of Khalash mercenaries.”
The magistrate seethed with anger, and tried his best to remain calm. Sparks turned to Milo, and in an angry whisper, said : “When you step into a nest of vipers, better prepare to get bitten! I want this project, but now it is likely to be delayed by weeks!”
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Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"I've been working the Golden Gear, I think I mentioned it last night. They have good options, I think," Corti responds, somewhat shyly, "Other than that... there are plenty of taverns around here, I'm sure any of them would happily boast of the best food in the Forge." she grins back at Thia as she finishes.
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Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Hadar Jaffe- Half-elf Knowledge Domain Cleric (Nemo's Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun)
Afternoon wore into evening and still Milo hadn’t shown. Tarian sat with a pair of former soldiers, listening to their tales of the war and playing a few rounds of Kobold’s Hoard with them. She had gone up and down a few copper, but the net result was a wash. Not that she had been trying to win, but it would have been nice to not have to pay for her second ale.
Her true objective, gaining information on the Duskrock Dragoons, was about as fruitful as her game. The pair had certainly heard of the Dragoons. The older of the two, a dwarf who lost his right hand and leg from just below the knee, and wore a large leather eyepatch over the right half of his burned face, heard that they had taken his company’s position for a time after saboteurs laid a glyph of warding on the door to the alchemical artillery vault. He stomped his peg leg and tapped the hook of his right hand several times during the retelling, went on to tell the story about how he got the replacements for his lost limbs, including the iron, fist-shaped hammer hand replacement he had slung at his hip. An interesting story overall, but it wasn’t terribly informative about the Dragoons.
The younger, an elf with a deep scar that ran through his scalp, had actually seen the Dragoons in combat. The story he told was short and missing a good number of details, but went over how a single platoon of the Dragoons took out half a battalion of soldiers over six days while defending a mountain post. It certainly sounded impressive, but Tarian had to wonder if the story wasn’t just exaggerated in the retelling.
Having drained the last of her ale from the mug, Tarian thanked the pair for their time and the game and made her way over to the barkeep.
“Say, that Halfling fellow from yesterday, Mister Spudsder, he wouldn’t have happened to mention when he’d be back, would he?”
Tarian had earlier considered whether she should show him the note saying she had permission to enter Milo’s room, but that selfsame note also stated that he had two hundred gold simply sitting there. While she felt she could trust the barkeep, Tarian didn’t know if that trust was returned. If she went up there and Milo’s gold went missing, it would be Tarian that would be the prime suspect. Better to play it safe: stay visible, don’t go anywhere near the room.
"Ah yes! I'd like to check out the Golden Gear." Thia would grin letting Corti lead the way. She'd never been and was secretly hoping she'd be able to witness Corti play in her environment.
Milo turns to Sparks and returns an angered whisper “Loads of help you’ve been.” Milo turns back to the Magistrate and Drow representative. If this Railway is to bring unity, everyone should be involved. We will not reach our desired outcome through exclusion. I respect the idea to wait for the others to make the key decisions. But earlier today I spoke with the steel workers, the welders and secured their support and work for the project. They’ve also promised no more strikes. It would be key to get them to work. A minor investment today would be a step in the right direction to be efficient and help further negotiations. For whatever reason that a party rescinds their partnership could be reimbursed. This would pure be preparation and fabrication of basic parts so they are ready when you are.”
At Milo's news, the representatives of House Orien, House Cannith, Sparks, and the Magistrate briefly looked surprised, with the patriarch of House Cannith actually dropping his jaw. Seeing the surprise on their faces, the drow representative from the Khalash trade republics stood once more. "I think in light what we have heard it would be best to adjourn and move on to the next, though related point on the agenda, the new borders of Cyre. All in favour?"
Though clearly still processing the new information, the Brelish delegates voted in favour, hoping to get a bit of time, even if it meant giving the Khalash representatives a bit of momentum in the peace negotiations. As the new dossiers were opened, the Magistrate turned to Sparks and Milo. "We thank you for speaking before the Council today, Mr Sparks. please excuse us, you're invited again for the next meeting on the subject in two days. It is up to you if you want to bring Mr Spudsder along." With that, the two of them were ushered outside. At the sight of Milo, one of the guards, recognising him as the halfling from earlier gave him a very angry look, but shoved him outside wordlessly.
As the walked down the steps of the stairs leading up to the building, Sparks was breathing deeply, calming himself. At the bottom of the steps, he turned to Milo, and suggested that they head to a bar or tavern, ideally not the Velvet Glove, since he was afraid that Khalash spies were shadowing the Velvet Glove. "We need somewhere reasonably private, there are a few things we need to discuss. I actually think that despite my performance of being angry with you in there, things went fairly well. The delegates have been like this for weeks now, and surprising them has helped move the discussion forward and put them before accomplished facts. But the route will remain an issue for a while, and I doubt that the press is doing much good."
Just as they were about to head off however, a messenger came running down the steps. "Mr Sparks, before you leave, this is a letter from the bureau of the magistrate. I was instructed to hand it to you or your assistant in person." The envelope was sealed, and on it was a stamp that read- "Personal". Breaking the seal, Sparks quickly read over the lines, his eyes widening in excitement. With a grin, he turned to Milo and said "Interesting. It seems like there's something more we need to discuss. Best we do that in the presence of Mr Brandt as well however. Where shall we go?"
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Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
The gruff barkeep looked up at Tarian and with a wrinkled expression, shrugged his shoulders: "Sorry, I'm not paid to inquire after my customers whereabouts. The room's still paid for for a a fortnight though, so he'll be back sooner or later." Turning away from the useless barman, Tarian was just about ready to take her seat at the table again, when a young man in a leather coat and white hair tapped her shoulder. "Heard ya wanted to know sumthin' 'bout the Dragoons. Mebbe I can help. Why're ye askin'?"
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Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Let's head there for now, Mr Brandt is on business in the ward, and hence will be easier found when sent from from there!" With that, Sparks led the way, with a spring in his step Milo had only seen just before his presentation in the park. Whatever was in the letter, it clearly had him bouyant.
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Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Walking into the bar and seeing Tarian. Milo goes to the bar and “My associate over here will have a drink of his choice and whatever else he desires.” Turning to Sparks. “I do have some matters to attend to. I do run a business too while helping you with this endeavor. Enjoy what you want, they won’t have a problem with you ordering on my tab. I’ll be back quickly.” With that he gives a slight nod to Tarian motioning towards the rooms before he walks down to hallway to his rented space.
Once together “Well you’re here so I suppose that means something. Did you receive my letter? What do you think of my proposal?”
"Okay!" Corti would happily lead the way to the Golden Gear, saying hello to the barkeep as they enter and orders two drinks, then picks an empty table that's close to the bar.
"Well, here we are!" she announces as they sit. She unstraps her lute and places it in her lap, where it is ready if needed.
She wouldn't notice Tarian immediately, as her focus would be mainly on Thia.
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Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Hadar Jaffe- Half-elf Knowledge Domain Cleric (Nemo's Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun)
Tarian had just opened her mouth to respond to the white-haired young man in the leather coat when Milo marched up with a salvo of questions.
“Hold on, hold on, sir. I got your letter, but—” Tarian looked back and forth between Milo and the unfamiliar man before raising a warding finger toward Milo. “Give me a moment and we can discuss.”
Tarian called over a server since the barkeep was preoccupied with another pair of guests. Tarian’s tension eased a bit when she saw the familiar lute on one. Corti. While the server was on her way, Tarian quickly explained to her potential informant, “Look, if you don’t mind waiting a spell, I’d love to hear what you have to say. My business isn’t terribly urgent, but his is.” She inclined her head toward Milo. “I’ll pay for your next couple of drinks if you don’t mind sticking around.”
Tarian pulled out a silver and gave it to the server. “His next drinks are on me.”
Tarian returned to Milo and ushered him away from the bar so they could discuss things a bit less publicly. As they sat at a table she pulled out the letter. “I did receive your letter, Mister Spudsder, yes, but I haven’t done anything about it yet. I only got to the Golden Gear late in the afternoon, you see, so it was a bit too late to begin searching for a warehouse.”
Tarian leaned back in her seat, and indicated the coal gray surcoat she wore over her chainmail. It was simple and unadorned, but bore several randomly-placed lines of rough stitching far away from the seams. The armor had clearly seen use and been repaired many times over. “But even had I arrived earlier, I’m… not exactly dressed for major business transactions, as you can see, sir. Rather, with any large sum of money in my possession, a realty clerk might mistake me for a bandit wanting to set up in town, having stolen from some hapless magnate or aristocrat.” Tarian smoothed out the letter facing Milo and placed her index finger on the paper just above the words ‘200 gold in my room.’
“Now, if information was a currency equal to gold, then trust would be equal to platinum. You earned that platinum last night. But I have to trust that I’m not being set up here, and I won’t buy it with just one plat. You’ve paid for ten gold worth of my services and you’ll get it, if you want. But I’m not ready for a long-term contract. So, Mister Spudsder, you’ve got ten gold of my services and a plat of my trust. What would you like do with them?”
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"On the other side of the screen, it all looks so easy." --Kevin Flynn, Tron (1982)
Out of context, also applicable to Dungeons & Dragons.
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Corti responds quickly to Thia's polite worry that she was interrupting, waving her hand in a gesture of dismissal "Oh no, don't worry. I'm happy to catch up with you," she finishes, smiling.
She nods at her friend's concerned look, "Yes, that's quite true. Actually, ha," she chuckles, glancing down, "He was here to talk to me. He was curious about me, and we ended up having a lovely conversation."
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Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Hadar Jaffe- Half-elf Knowledge Domain Cleric (Nemo's Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun)
Thia’s head would nod through Corti’s responses and let out a mini sigh of relief. Of course a Cannith would be curious about a sentient Warforged. “I suppose I can understand the curiosity.” She’d chuckle, being guilty of it herself. She’d give Corti’s arm a little squeeze, “Glad to hear it was positive conversation.”
After a bit of a pause, Thia’s stomach would break the silence with a loud growl. Her cheeks would redden as she places her free hand on her stomach, “I suppose I haven’t ate yet today.” She’d let out an embarrassed chuckle. “Would you care to accompany me, maybe?”
just an unstable unicorn.
The Thran delegates just gave Milo a curt nod. Clearing his throat, the Magistrate started speaking: “Mr Spudsder, it is clear that you are passionate about this project and wish for it to succeed. You’ve also shown yourself to be quite the orator and your solutions might be workable. But, what you have in charisma, you lack in diplomacy. You might win a battle by debating your way to victory, but if you’re making three new ones in the process, you’ll lose.”
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Milo stops “Wise words, enemies are not something I thought I could make today..... One can say that I am far from home within these walls. But I don’t wish that to continue. I apologize for coming off as brash and ignorant to protocol. You all deserve respect. I hope to continue our work together and I intend to earn your trust by doing so. Please give us a chance, whatever you need I will give an earnest ear and effort. It may not look it, but this has been a humbling moment for me and as I continue, I get the overwhelming feeling I should have stopped talking by now. But Thank you.”
Milo motions for Sparks to take over
"Merely your family's assistance with Mr. Sparks' project. His project is a revolutionary one and it would benefit him greatly if he had the backing of a house with the resources and brilliant minds that House Cannith boasts."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Arc gives a small smile at the flattery, but his eyes show little care, however his tone maintains it's composure, "IF you and your employer desire a meeting between the head of our house and Mr.Sparks, I can arrange for such a thing, however, he'd first need to present his plans to my house's leader. I will say I've heard interesting things about the project, and I wish your employer luck on it regardless of what happens. However, since you are his representative, I will require a way to contact either you or him to confirm the meeting and the time and place." He sticks out a hand to seal the deal (so to speak).
Corti giggles, "It would be a pleasure. I suppose I can wrap things up here. They've all done good work today," she responds, referring to the workers, "They likely won't mind having me off their backs for a bit."
As Thia and Corti make their way back around to where most of the workers are, Corti raises her voice to speak to all of them, "Hello all! I wanted to thank you all for the effort you've put in today. As I said earlier, I know that it's hard when it feels like you aren't making a difference in an area that you care about, but I'm thrilled that you were all here and able to participate. I'm going to be heading out, but please, don't think that I need to be here for you all to continue this. This yard can be used as a meeting place, I'll continue to check back here." She leaves with Thia, saying her goodbyes as they walk out.
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Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Hadar Jaffe- Half-elf Knowledge Domain Cleric (Nemo's Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun)
At first, as Corti says she should wrap things up, Thia’s mind goes into a mini panic almost wanting to ‘abort’ her invite, feeling terrible about not asking if Corti was still busy first. Thia hates to pull others away from their tasks.
Thia’s anxieties would calm as Corti says her little speech. She’d just smile, nod her head, or wave her goodbyes to the workers as she leaves with Corti.
“Do you have a place close by that you like to hang out at or recommend?” She’d smile up at Corti.
just an unstable unicorn.
As Milo comes to a stumbling finish, the Magistrate rises, and says with a voice surprisingly soft for so imposing a man: “I think we’ve all heard a lot today. I’m of the opinion that we should adjourn and think on the importance of this project, rather than dismiss it outright. It is clear that adjustments will have to be made in future meetings. I would also welcome it if we could hold of reaching any decision before the Garronian delegates arrive. Although the situation with the Iron Legion is uncertain for now, reaching agreements without them present will only cause resentment. Similarly, I hope that within a week, we will have representatives for Cyre and Zhivargo present. We have sizeable communities of both here in Duskrock, and their people should have a voice in shaping the future of the continent!”
At that, the drow delegate rose yo his feet, and jutting an accusatory finger at the Magistrate, he interjected: “Yes, Garronia, Cyre and Zhivargo need to be present! But your honeyed words won’t lull us, we demand a Zhivargo delegation that represents their government, rather than a group of hoodlums, rebellious students and freed slaves! And Cyre? I don’t think that the instigators of this whole mess deserve a seat or a voice! Andas for Garronia, as we speak, several Generals are sending their representatives to negotiate. We are going to ensure their safety in this city with a contingent of Khalash mercenaries.”
The magistrate seethed with anger, and tried his best to remain calm. Sparks turned to Milo, and in an angry whisper, said : “When you step into a nest of vipers, better prepare to get bitten! I want this project, but now it is likely to be delayed by weeks!”
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"I've been working the Golden Gear, I think I mentioned it last night. They have good options, I think," Corti responds, somewhat shyly, "Other than that... there are plenty of taverns around here, I'm sure any of them would happily boast of the best food in the Forge." she grins back at Thia as she finishes.
I do both party and individual character commissions. PM me for info.
Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Hadar Jaffe- Half-elf Knowledge Domain Cleric (Nemo's Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun)
Afternoon wore into evening and still Milo hadn’t shown. Tarian sat with a pair of former soldiers, listening to their tales of the war and playing a few rounds of Kobold’s Hoard with them. She had gone up and down a few copper, but the net result was a wash. Not that she had been trying to win, but it would have been nice to not have to pay for her second ale.
Her true objective, gaining information on the Duskrock Dragoons, was about as fruitful as her game. The pair had certainly heard of the Dragoons. The older of the two, a dwarf who lost his right hand and leg from just below the knee, and wore a large leather eyepatch over the right half of his burned face, heard that they had taken his company’s position for a time after saboteurs laid a glyph of warding on the door to the alchemical artillery vault. He stomped his peg leg and tapped the hook of his right hand several times during the retelling, went on to tell the story about how he got the replacements for his lost limbs, including the iron, fist-shaped hammer hand replacement he had slung at his hip. An interesting story overall, but it wasn’t terribly informative about the Dragoons.
The younger, an elf with a deep scar that ran through his scalp, had actually seen the Dragoons in combat. The story he told was short and missing a good number of details, but went over how a single platoon of the Dragoons took out half a battalion of soldiers over six days while defending a mountain post. It certainly sounded impressive, but Tarian had to wonder if the story wasn’t just exaggerated in the retelling.
Having drained the last of her ale from the mug, Tarian thanked the pair for their time and the game and made her way over to the barkeep.
“Say, that Halfling fellow from yesterday, Mister Spudsder, he wouldn’t have happened to mention when he’d be back, would he?”
Tarian had earlier considered whether she should show him the note saying she had permission to enter Milo’s room, but that selfsame note also stated that he had two hundred gold simply sitting there. While she felt she could trust the barkeep, Tarian didn’t know if that trust was returned. If she went up there and Milo’s gold went missing, it would be Tarian that would be the prime suspect. Better to play it safe: stay visible, don’t go anywhere near the room.
"On the other side of the screen, it all looks so easy." --Kevin Flynn, Tron (1982)
Out of context, also applicable to Dungeons & Dragons.
"Ah yes! I'd like to check out the Golden Gear." Thia would grin letting Corti lead the way. She'd never been and was secretly hoping she'd be able to witness Corti play in her environment.
(I couldn't remember if you did tell Thia XD)
just an unstable unicorn.
Milo turns to Sparks and returns an angered whisper “Loads of help you’ve been.” Milo turns back to the Magistrate and Drow representative. If this Railway is to bring unity, everyone should be involved. We will not reach our desired outcome through exclusion. I respect the idea to wait for the others to make the key decisions. But earlier today I spoke with the steel workers, the welders and secured their support and work for the project. They’ve also promised no more strikes. It would be key to get them to work. A minor investment today would be a step in the right direction to be efficient and help further negotiations. For whatever reason that a party rescinds their partnership could be reimbursed. This would pure be preparation and fabrication of basic parts so they are ready when you are.”
At Milo's news, the representatives of House Orien, House Cannith, Sparks, and the Magistrate briefly looked surprised, with the patriarch of House Cannith actually dropping his jaw. Seeing the surprise on their faces, the drow representative from the Khalash trade republics stood once more. "I think in light what we have heard it would be best to adjourn and move on to the next, though related point on the agenda, the new borders of Cyre. All in favour?"
Though clearly still processing the new information, the Brelish delegates voted in favour, hoping to get a bit of time, even if it meant giving the Khalash representatives a bit of momentum in the peace negotiations. As the new dossiers were opened, the Magistrate turned to Sparks and Milo. "We thank you for speaking before the Council today, Mr Sparks. please excuse us, you're invited again for the next meeting on the subject in two days. It is up to you if you want to bring Mr Spudsder along." With that, the two of them were ushered outside. At the sight of Milo, one of the guards, recognising him as the halfling from earlier gave him a very angry look, but shoved him outside wordlessly.
As the walked down the steps of the stairs leading up to the building, Sparks was breathing deeply, calming himself. At the bottom of the steps, he turned to Milo, and suggested that they head to a bar or tavern, ideally not the Velvet Glove, since he was afraid that Khalash spies were shadowing the Velvet Glove. "We need somewhere reasonably private, there are a few things we need to discuss. I actually think that despite my performance of being angry with you in there, things went fairly well. The delegates have been like this for weeks now, and surprising them has helped move the discussion forward and put them before accomplished facts. But the route will remain an issue for a while, and I doubt that the press is doing much good."
Just as they were about to head off however, a messenger came running down the steps. "Mr Sparks, before you leave, this is a letter from the bureau of the magistrate. I was instructed to hand it to you or your assistant in person." The envelope was sealed, and on it was a stamp that read- "Personal". Breaking the seal, Sparks quickly read over the lines, his eyes widening in excitement. With a grin, he turned to Milo and said "Interesting. It seems like there's something more we need to discuss. Best we do that in the presence of Mr Brandt as well however. Where shall we go?"
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
The gruff barkeep looked up at Tarian and with a wrinkled expression, shrugged his shoulders: "Sorry, I'm not paid to inquire after my customers whereabouts. The room's still paid for for a a fortnight though, so he'll be back sooner or later." Turning away from the useless barman, Tarian was just about ready to take her seat at the table again, when a young man in a leather coat and white hair tapped her shoulder. "Heard ya wanted to know sumthin' 'bout the Dragoons. Mebbe I can help. Why're ye askin'?"
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
The only other Tavern I know of is the Golden Gear. I have a room there. I don’t know about finding Mr. Brandt though. Milo will suggest.
"Let's head there for now, Mr Brandt is on business in the ward, and hence will be easier found when sent from from there!" With that, Sparks led the way, with a spring in his step Milo had only seen just before his presentation in the park. Whatever was in the letter, it clearly had him bouyant.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
(What time is it?)
Walking into the bar and seeing Tarian. Milo goes to the bar and “My associate over here will have a drink of his choice and whatever else he desires.” Turning to Sparks. “I do have some matters to attend to. I do run a business too while helping you with this endeavor. Enjoy what you want, they won’t have a problem with you ordering on my tab. I’ll be back quickly.” With that he gives a slight nod to Tarian motioning towards the rooms before he walks down to hallway to his rented space.
Once together “Well you’re here so I suppose that means something. Did you receive my letter? What do you think of my proposal?”
"Okay!" Corti would happily lead the way to the Golden Gear, saying hello to the barkeep as they enter and orders two drinks, then picks an empty table that's close to the bar.
"Well, here we are!" she announces as they sit. She unstraps her lute and places it in her lap, where it is ready if needed.
She wouldn't notice Tarian immediately, as her focus would be mainly on Thia.
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Corti- Warforged bard (Union!)
Hadar Jaffe- Half-elf Knowledge Domain Cleric (Nemo's Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun)
Tarian had just opened her mouth to respond to the white-haired young man in the leather coat when Milo marched up with a salvo of questions.
“Hold on, hold on, sir. I got your letter, but—” Tarian looked back and forth between Milo and the unfamiliar man before raising a warding finger toward Milo. “Give me a moment and we can discuss.”
Tarian called over a server since the barkeep was preoccupied with another pair of guests. Tarian’s tension eased a bit when she saw the familiar lute on one. Corti. While the server was on her way, Tarian quickly explained to her potential informant, “Look, if you don’t mind waiting a spell, I’d love to hear what you have to say. My business isn’t terribly urgent, but his is.” She inclined her head toward Milo. “I’ll pay for your next couple of drinks if you don’t mind sticking around.”
Tarian pulled out a silver and gave it to the server. “His next drinks are on me.”
Tarian returned to Milo and ushered him away from the bar so they could discuss things a bit less publicly. As they sat at a table she pulled out the letter. “I did receive your letter, Mister Spudsder, yes, but I haven’t done anything about it yet. I only got to the Golden Gear late in the afternoon, you see, so it was a bit too late to begin searching for a warehouse.”
Tarian leaned back in her seat, and indicated the coal gray surcoat she wore over her chainmail. It was simple and unadorned, but bore several randomly-placed lines of rough stitching far away from the seams. The armor had clearly seen use and been repaired many times over. “But even had I arrived earlier, I’m… not exactly dressed for major business transactions, as you can see, sir. Rather, with any large sum of money in my possession, a realty clerk might mistake me for a bandit wanting to set up in town, having stolen from some hapless magnate or aristocrat.” Tarian smoothed out the letter facing Milo and placed her index finger on the paper just above the words ‘200 gold in my room.’
“Now, if information was a currency equal to gold, then trust would be equal to platinum. You earned that platinum last night. But I have to trust that I’m not being set up here, and I won’t buy it with just one plat. You’ve paid for ten gold worth of my services and you’ll get it, if you want. But I’m not ready for a long-term contract. So, Mister Spudsder, you’ve got ten gold of my services and a plat of my trust. What would you like do with them?”
"On the other side of the screen, it all looks so easy." --Kevin Flynn, Tron (1982)
Out of context, also applicable to Dungeons & Dragons.