Ruby again frowns, this time trying to decipher the complicated words suddenly cascading from Tovar, all the more difficult given his thick accent. Giving up after only a few seconds, she follows Ravi's instructions and stands motionless, eyes fixed on the short-tempered 'Mistress' as she rampages about her office.
Gunnar narrows his eyes at the temper tantrum, but puts on a smile and smoothes out his beard, “Gunnar Wayland, of the Wayland & Sons Smithing Corporation. I will be providing the necessary tools for this expedition.” He flicks his wrist and produces a blank card that spontaneously generates his family’s logo, “While my associate has noted that we would not be so bold as to demand full payment up front, of course you understand that, due to the nature of mercenary work, we will need half up front.” He gives a sidelong glance to Tovar, as if to say, “c’mon, make a good deal here.”
Ravi, noticing Ruby's focus, nods to himself. There's more to that one than a sad story and a haze of magic, he thinks. He eyes The Cycle nervously, But I haven't the faintest clue what this lizardfolk is after. Something about him makes me itch...
"Ah, so I am dealing with proper businessmen here, great. Finally some competence." She opens a drawer in her desk and drags her finger down a plethora of alphabetised folders. "We do have something we could use in here." She stops and pulls out a very basic form and puts it on the desk in front of Tovar and Gunnar. "We operate with a fixed payment for the job here. I'll give the five of you 300 gold if you manage to get rid of the source of the problem and 200 if you manage to just clear the outer tunnels. We only need the outer tunnels for now, but getting rid of the source will result in a duly earned payment."
Turning to Ravi she says. "Sure, out on the plateau there are a few black tents. Those are our infirmary tents, the healers there will know where the spikes are, it is not part of my job to know." She gives the two remaining adventurers a glance too, and her eyes visibly linger on Ruby for a few seconds.
As Mistress meets Ruby's gaze, she averts her eyes and looks at the floor instead. While it was interesting to watch her antics and demeanor, she had learnt the hard way not to meet the gaze of her obvious superiors, especially those who were having a bad day.
The Mistress steps up to Ruby and grabs her chin firmly. "Don't look down, girl. I don't like blatant submissiveness." She lets go in an almost forceful manner whipping a little the young girls head backwards as she loosens her grip
Insight info for Ruby:
There is more to the mistress than you can glean from that one look, but definitely there is something there. As if she sees something in you and the brashness towards you might just be to toughen you up a little.
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Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of Guilds
The Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & Ruffians Eira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors Expanded
Roland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
The tiefling raps Ruby on her nose with tip of a wand she pulled out of her sleeve in but a flash. "Don't EVER call memistress! I do not like that nickname particularly more than you like being called racial slurs, half-breed. You will call me Mrs. Stringent and I'll call you...?" She waits for an answer with the pearly white, wand placed right under the half-elfs nose.
Ravi raises a hand, then lets it fall. Ruby has already proven she can take care of herself, and this tiefling would likely erupt further if interrupted. All the same, he touches a hand to his symbol of Moradin and gets ready to cast silence.
The sting of the blow from the wand brings tears to the girl's eyes. Holding her nose, Ruby stumbles backwards away from the tiefling, lest she be hit again. "But.. but.. your own guard called you Mistress", she protests, her voice a mix of confusion and anger.
The "apparently not mistress" sticks her wand back up her sleeve and starts walking around the room again, waving her arms around in frustration. "Well, I can't fire every one of them! HQ has given me strict orders to not fire any more of the ones they ship here anymore, but you.., She places a stiff finger in the middle of Ravis forehead. "You. Are. Only. Freelancers!" With each word she pokes the dwarfs forehead before quickly turning to Ruby again. "So you see girl, I can't do anything about them, but you.... I never caught your name.. You are free game. So do treat me with the respect I demand of you or the job is off and you are back to nothing."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of Guilds
The Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & Ruffians Eira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors Expanded
Roland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
Gunnar holds up a hand, “I’ll thank you to not strike my associates. This will remain a cordial business negotiation, or there will be no negotiation at all. Any further ‘outbursts’ and we will bother you no longer. We will leave and you, I’m sure, will continue to hemmorage both workers and profits. We have an understanding, correct, Mrs. Stringent?”
Tovar, having stepped back slightly while Gunnar led the conversation, raises an eyebrow at the request for terminated negotiations, but says nothing. Internally, he considers adding in another parting shot about how 'nothing' could hardly have been what they were, since a contract could clearly not be signed against a non-entity. Yet, it seems likely that these negotiations were at a close. He sniffs sadly after the lost opportunity, hitches his wide belt, and makes ready to leave the room with the contract unsigned, as per Gunnar's threat.
Mrs Stringent gives a quick nod. "Alright, Ruby, no more slurs or nicknames now, you hear?" She waves her finger at the half elf, but continues to wave it as she turns to Gunnar. "And you, quite the shrewd businessman, but my outbursts are my own business, thank you very much. However I'll take you up on your word, then since I have no better offers. A hundred gold up front? Since I have no guarantee that you will take care of the source I can give you half of the minimum fee. Sound good?"
(OOC: You could make that persuasion check now)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of Guilds
The Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & Ruffians Eira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors Expanded
Roland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
“I have no issue with the outbursts, direct them at your men at your leisure, simply steer them away from mine. In any case, 100 gold will do fine. However, I would ask that you provide us with supplies as needed. Additionally, maps, layouts, and information would be greatly appreciated. Come, Mrs. Stringent, let’s make a deal.”
Gunnar extends a hand for her to shake.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Mrs Stringent goes quiet and turns away, looking at the golden stag embroidery decorating the wall, probably weighing her options at the moment. "You know what, Mr Wayland. You tell no-one about my outbursts and I will raise your up front payment to half the money for getting rid of the actual source. If you don't get rid of it? Fine. I'll only give you 50 gold when you get back. If you manage to do it I will pay the other half of the optimal sum." She stretches out her hand in turn and grips the artificers hand.. tightly. "As for maps or layouts. I will see what I can do and send out for the imbecile archeologists in charge of excavating the inner chambers." She snorts. "Don't get your hopes up, though." She shakes your hand.. once. "I'll get them ready while look for your spike related information at the infirmary." The tiefling walks behind her desk again, opens a drawer and pulls out two purses, one larger and one smaller, putting them both on the table. "Theres your up front pay. If you wouldn't mind I have other things to do than stand around complaining to you about the idiots." She gives each of you a nod, pulls out a blank piece of paper from another drawer and gets back to whatever work she was doing before you entered the room.
Gunnar swipes the coin off the table, “What outbursts?” He tucks the bags into his belt, “Now, if you’ll excuse us. We have a job to take care of.” With that, Gunnar spins on a heel and looks to the rest of the group, “Shall we?” He gives little nod as if to say, “We should really go.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Ruby swiftly exits the room as soon as Gunnar suggests to do so, avoiding eye contact with the tiefling and the others. She stands outside silently seething, with a scowl on her face.
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Ruby again frowns, this time trying to decipher the complicated words suddenly cascading from Tovar, all the more difficult given his thick accent. Giving up after only a few seconds, she follows Ravi's instructions and stands motionless, eyes fixed on the short-tempered 'Mistress' as she rampages about her office.
Gunnar narrows his eyes at the temper tantrum, but puts on a smile and smoothes out his beard, “Gunnar Wayland, of the Wayland & Sons Smithing Corporation. I will be providing the necessary tools for this expedition.” He flicks his wrist and produces a blank card that spontaneously generates his family’s logo, “While my associate has noted that we would not be so bold as to demand full payment up front, of course you understand that, due to the nature of mercenary work, we will need half up front.” He gives a sidelong glance to Tovar, as if to say, “c’mon, make a good deal here.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Ravi, noticing Ruby's focus, nods to himself. There's more to that one than a sad story and a haze of magic, he thinks. He eyes The Cycle nervously, But I haven't the faintest clue what this lizardfolk is after. Something about him makes me itch...
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
The lizardfolk meets Ravi's gaze, staring dispassionately back at him.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Ah, so I am dealing with proper businessmen here, great. Finally some competence." She opens a drawer in her desk and drags her finger down a plethora of alphabetised folders. "We do have something we could use in here." She stops and pulls out a very basic form and puts it on the desk in front of Tovar and Gunnar. "We operate with a fixed payment for the job here. I'll give the five of you 300 gold if you manage to get rid of the source of the problem and 200 if you manage to just clear the outer tunnels. We only need the outer tunnels for now, but getting rid of the source will result in a duly earned payment."
Turning to Ravi she says. "Sure, out on the plateau there are a few black tents. Those are our infirmary tents, the healers there will know where the spikes are, it is not part of my job to know." She gives the two remaining adventurers a glance too, and her eyes visibly linger on Ruby for a few seconds.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
Insight: 12
As Mistress meets Ruby's gaze, she averts her eyes and looks at the floor instead. While it was interesting to watch her antics and demeanor, she had learnt the hard way not to meet the gaze of her obvious superiors, especially those who were having a bad day.
The Mistress steps up to Ruby and grabs her chin firmly. "Don't look down, girl. I don't like blatant submissiveness." She lets go in an almost forceful manner whipping a little the young girls head backwards as she loosens her grip
Insight info for Ruby:
There is more to the mistress than you can glean from that one look, but definitely there is something there. As if she sees something in you and the brashness towards you might just be to toughen you up a little.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
Ruby acquiesces to Mistress' request, and meets her stare with a quiet "Forgive me, Mistress."
The tiefling raps Ruby on her nose with tip of a wand she pulled out of her sleeve in but a flash. "Don't EVER call me mistress! I do not like that nickname particularly more than you like being called racial slurs, half-breed. You will call me Mrs. Stringent and I'll call you...?" She waits for an answer with the pearly white, wand placed right under the half-elfs nose.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
Ravi raises a hand, then lets it fall. Ruby has already proven she can take care of herself, and this tiefling would likely erupt further if interrupted. All the same, he touches a hand to his symbol of Moradin and gets ready to cast silence.
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
The sting of the blow from the wand brings tears to the girl's eyes. Holding her nose, Ruby stumbles backwards away from the tiefling, lest she be hit again. "But.. but.. your own guard called you Mistress", she protests, her voice a mix of confusion and anger.
The "apparently not mistress" sticks her wand back up her sleeve and starts walking around the room again, waving her arms around in frustration. "Well, I can't fire every one of them! HQ has given me strict orders to not fire any more of the ones they ship here anymore, but you.., She places a stiff finger in the middle of Ravis forehead. "You. Are. Only. Freelancers!" With each word she pokes the dwarfs forehead before quickly turning to Ruby again. "So you see girl, I can't do anything about them, but you.... I never caught your name.. You are free game. So do treat me with the respect I demand of you or the job is off and you are back to nothing."
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
"My name is Ruby, Mrs. Stringent." Ruby forces the words out, not wishing to let the others in the room down.
Gunnar holds up a hand, “I’ll thank you to not strike my associates. This will remain a cordial business negotiation, or there will be no negotiation at all. Any further ‘outbursts’ and we will bother you no longer. We will leave and you, I’m sure, will continue to hemmorage both workers and profits. We have an understanding, correct, Mrs. Stringent?”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Tovar, having stepped back slightly while Gunnar led the conversation, raises an eyebrow at the request for terminated negotiations, but says nothing. Internally, he considers adding in another parting shot about how 'nothing' could hardly have been what they were, since a contract could clearly not be signed against a non-entity. Yet, it seems likely that these negotiations were at a close. He sniffs sadly after the lost opportunity, hitches his wide belt, and makes ready to leave the room with the contract unsigned, as per Gunnar's threat.
Mrs Stringent gives a quick nod. "Alright, Ruby, no more slurs or nicknames now, you hear?" She waves her finger at the half elf, but continues to wave it as she turns to Gunnar. "And you, quite the shrewd businessman, but my outbursts are my own business, thank you very much. However I'll take you up on your word, then since I have no better offers. A hundred gold up front? Since I have no guarantee that you will take care of the source I can give you half of the minimum fee. Sound good?"
(OOC: You could make that persuasion check now)
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
“I have no issue with the outbursts, direct them at your men at your leisure, simply steer them away from mine. In any case, 100 gold will do fine. However, I would ask that you provide us with supplies as needed. Additionally, maps, layouts, and information would be greatly appreciated. Come, Mrs. Stringent, let’s make a deal.”
Gunnar extends a hand for her to shake.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Mrs Stringent goes quiet and turns away, looking at the golden stag embroidery decorating the wall, probably weighing her options at the moment. "You know what, Mr Wayland. You tell no-one about my outbursts and I will raise your up front payment to half the money for getting rid of the actual source. If you don't get rid of it? Fine. I'll only give you 50 gold when you get back. If you manage to do it I will pay the other half of the optimal sum." She stretches out her hand in turn and grips the artificers hand.. tightly. "As for maps or layouts. I will see what I can do and send out for the imbecile archeologists in charge of excavating the inner chambers." She snorts. "Don't get your hopes up, though." She shakes your hand.. once. "I'll get them ready while look for your spike related information at the infirmary." The tiefling walks behind her desk again, opens a drawer and pulls out two purses, one larger and one smaller, putting them both on the table. "Theres your up front pay. If you wouldn't mind I have other things to do than stand around complaining to you about the idiots." She gives each of you a nod, pulls out a blank piece of paper from another drawer and gets back to whatever work she was doing before you entered the room.
Blixanix Glitterpain, Goblin Bard - In campaign: Ravnica, City of GuildsThe Soggiest DM - In campaign: Boats, Rocks & RuffiansEira Whitefeather, Human Sorcerer/Warlock - In campaign: Death Inspectors ExpandedRoland "THUNDER HIPPO" Wolfscribe, Human Bloodhunter - In campaign: Core City: A Play-by-post Adventure
Gunnar swipes the coin off the table, “What outbursts?” He tucks the bags into his belt, “Now, if you’ll excuse us. We have a job to take care of.” With that, Gunnar spins on a heel and looks to the rest of the group, “Shall we?” He gives little nod as if to say, “We should really go.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Ruby swiftly exits the room as soon as Gunnar suggests to do so, avoiding eye contact with the tiefling and the others. She stands outside silently seething, with a scowl on her face.