Bhelmek gives back the letter. He bows his head as he thinks a moment, then he looks up at the young prince. "Say we are successful and we retrieve this crown for you. Surely, the only reason for keeping the crown within the reach of those who would want it, after they took it, instead of destroying it or sending it to another plane, would have to be so that they could follow the crown back to you. If it was ever retrieved. My question is how do we get the crown back to you without leading them to you?" the dwarf asks.
‘I have thought of that too. For Cabilar to attain full control he has need of living Royal blood as well as the crown. It is a risk I must take however.’
He appears to fret for a while before saying.
‘You see, part of the importance of the crown is that it enables the defence of Stoutwall by its guardian golems. Without the crown tasting the blood of a living heir, they are useless and therefore cannot aid in overthrowing Cabilar. I trust in you with this knowledge, knowing that it could be all of our undoing if you mistreat my trust.’
Darree gives a soft hum, before placing the letter in her hands back in front of the prince. This is a whole lot, that's for sure. Damn. What a job.
"If it's a fake it just won't work, right?" Glancing between Bhelmek, Kassandra, and Lan as she speaks. "But being tracked down is sure cause for concern. If we do unintentionally lead 'em to you we still get paid, right? Ain't nothing in the contract about that after all. We just have to get you the crown."
"Ratty's right, we're gonna need some kind of assurance that we'll get paid even if things turn bad after we get you this crown" Ulfric downs yet another beer before continuing. "Although if these golems are any good then perhaps as long as we get the real crown the little princling won't have to worry about getting his pretty head chopped off and all his blood drained from him, even if we do lead this Cabilar here".
‘I can offer you 500 gold pieces now, with the knowledge that you will attain the other 500 once the task is done plus more once I have won my throne back. I do not forget my friends or underestimate the task at hand. It seems that our guide Haw Magor is here now. I’m afraid that your fifth member is not coming. If you wish to recruit another for your mission place your trust carefully, and do not dally. Time is of an essence and whilst I am hidden for now it is only a matter of days before Cabilar realises I have resurfaced.’
A short Half-Orc waddles into the room, introducing himself as Haw Magor and informs you that he is ready to take you to the location where the princes sources informed them the crown is at.
He explains that all he knows is that it is a tower within a large cave entrance. No one has hazarded a closer look than this.
"Could we get as much of that gold in Platinum as you are able or can we stop by a money changers?" Bhelmek will ask combing his beard out with his fingers. "I have need of the platinum for one of my spells. I could also purchase a pearl if I am allowed to use more of it than my equal share. I guess that is the real questions, Are we going to use the up front gold to make some purchases that might help our chances of success? and if so, Are we dividing it equally or using it as a pool to get the items that will help us? In either case I will tell you what I need with the items I mentioned. The platinum I will use to make two rings for a spell I will use on one of you so that you take less damage in combat, probably the halfling so she is able to take as much punishment as Ulfric. The pearl allows me to cast Identify so that we know we have the correct item."
Bhelmek will take a drink of ale to moisten his throat before continuing, "We should also discuss other thing like food, drink, mundane adventuring gear, maybe pack animals in case we find more of a haul than one crown."
"I don't mind doing it quickly. All we need to do is decide whether we are working out of a total pool for all items or dividing the 500 evenly between us which would be 125 gold each or because we have 50 platinum and 250 gold it comes out a bit odd. I will take 23 platinum, because I need it for a spell, and 10 gold, that would leave each of you getting 9 platinum and 80 gold. Again if we are splitting. Lets vote, then get to dividing. I vote pool for the up front coin, divide when we get the rest. Spend the gold first and then the platinum. What say all of you?" The dwarf rattles out quickly barely pausing in figuring out the math.
*I was wrong on my calculation on the Platinum. I forgot its 10 gold to 1 platinum in 5e*
Bhelmek thinks a little bit and looks around at the parties gear with the critical eye that knows weapons and armor both in use and in creation. Then he says," OK How about this. We have 500 gold worth of coins. I need 10 platinum for one of my spells that is 100 gold and I need 1 pearl for an identify spell that is another 100. Leaves us with 300 gold. 20 days rations with what we have will give us 8 days each at 10 gold. That leaves us with 290 in gold. 10 pints of oil for the lantern for those who can't see in the dark or in case we have to burn something at 1 gold. leaves us at 289 gold. 1 potion of healing is 50 gold. leaves us at 239 gold. A Longbow for Ulfric and a Shortbow for me with 20 arrows each in case we get in a long range fire fight cost 77 gold pieces. leaving us with 162 gold." "If we aren't using them we can give our arrows to Thokk and Ratty when they run out. Move Ratty and Thokk into some Studded leather armor cost 90 gold. Leaving us with 32 gold. Unless, Thokk, you would want a chain shirt which is only 5 more gold? Ulfric into a chain shirt would cost us 50 more gold. leaving us short 18 gold piece, unless he doesn't want the added protection. A shield for Ulfric and Thokk in case we get pinned down in a small area and defense becomes more important than offence, 20 gold. leaving us short 38 gold. We can sell the leather armor Thokk and Ratty currently have probably get 5 gold a piece for it. leaving us 28 gold short. I can sell a gem I have its worth 10 gold, so I should get between 5 and 10 for it and I can throw in 5 of my own gold. That will leave us between 13 and 23 gold short depending on how much I get for the gem and if Thokk wants a chain shirt instead of studded leather. Can you guys invest in this venture in hopes to make it up along the way or after we succeed?" "Let us decide on how we want to handle these purchases and any sells and be on our way."
Bhelmek gives back the letter. He bows his head as he thinks a moment, then he looks up at the young prince. "Say we are successful and we retrieve this crown for you. Surely, the only reason for keeping the crown within the reach of those who would want it, after they took it, instead of destroying it or sending it to another plane, would have to be so that they could follow the crown back to you. If it was ever retrieved. My question is how do we get the crown back to you without leading them to you?" the dwarf asks.
Katerielle in Lost mine of Phandelver.
Bhelmek Thuldren in The dark tower of Cabilar.
Iam Unsure in Tower of Heaven.
The prince nods.
‘I have thought of that too. For Cabilar to attain full control he has need of living Royal blood as well as the crown. It is a risk I must take however.’
He appears to fret for a while before saying.
‘You see, part of the importance of the crown is that it enables the defence of Stoutwall by its guardian golems. Without the crown tasting the blood of a living heir, they are useless and therefore cannot aid in overthrowing Cabilar. I trust in you with this knowledge, knowing that it could be all of our undoing if you mistreat my trust.’
Bhelmek nods as well holding his head bowed for a moment in acceptance of the trust.
"How do we tell the crown from a fake?", the dwarf will ask.
Katerielle in Lost mine of Phandelver.
Bhelmek Thuldren in The dark tower of Cabilar.
Iam Unsure in Tower of Heaven.
Darree gives a soft hum, before placing the letter in her hands back in front of the prince. This is a whole lot, that's for sure. Damn. What a job.
"If it's a fake it just won't work, right?" Glancing between Bhelmek, Kassandra, and Lan as she speaks. "But being tracked down is sure cause for concern. If we do unintentionally lead 'em to you we still get paid, right? Ain't nothing in the contract about that after all. We just have to get you the crown."
"Ratty's right, we're gonna need some kind of assurance that we'll get paid even if things turn bad after we get you this crown" Ulfric downs yet another beer before continuing. "Although if these golems are any good then perhaps as long as we get the real crown the little princling won't have to worry about getting his pretty head chopped off and all his blood drained from him, even if we do lead this Cabilar here".
"Half now half when job is done is always my policy on taking jobs." Playing with my empty cup as everyone talks
‘I can offer you 500 gold pieces now, with the knowledge that you will attain the other 500 once the task is done plus more once I have won my throne back. I do not forget my friends or underestimate the task at hand. It seems that our guide Haw Magor is here now. I’m afraid that your fifth member is not coming. If you wish to recruit another for your mission place your trust carefully, and do not dally. Time is of an essence and whilst I am hidden for now it is only a matter of days before Cabilar realises I have resurfaced.’
A short Half-Orc waddles into the room, introducing himself as Haw Magor and informs you that he is ready to take you to the location where the princes sources informed them the crown is at.
He explains that all he knows is that it is a tower within a large cave entrance. No one has hazarded a closer look than this.
"Well what are we waiting for?!" Ulfric says as he stands. "Let's get to it!"
A small nod and the halfling hops down from her chair, stretching her arms above her head with a small groan. "Payment first, then lets go."
"Could we get as much of that gold in Platinum as you are able or can we stop by a money changers?" Bhelmek will ask combing his beard out with his fingers. "I have need of the platinum for one of my spells. I could also purchase a pearl if I am allowed to use more of it than my equal share. I guess that is the real questions, Are we going to use the up front gold to make some purchases that might help our chances of success? and if so, Are we dividing it equally or using it as a pool to get the items that will help us? In either case I will tell you what I need with the items I mentioned. The platinum I will use to make two rings for a spell I will use on one of you so that you take less damage in combat, probably the halfling so she is able to take as much punishment as Ulfric. The pearl allows me to cast Identify so that we know we have the correct item."
Bhelmek will take a drink of ale to moisten his throat before continuing, "We should also discuss other thing like food, drink, mundane adventuring gear, maybe pack animals in case we find more of a haul than one crown."
Katerielle in Lost mine of Phandelver.
Bhelmek Thuldren in The dark tower of Cabilar.
Iam Unsure in Tower of Heaven.
The prince provides half of the upfront sum as platinum, stating that is the best he can provide at this time.
*In the town you will find most things at cost price as per the PHB. I am happy for you to distribute and purchase as you wish.*
"Lets not take too long shopping like to get this job done quickly "
"I don't mind doing it quickly. All we need to do is decide whether we are working out of a total pool for all items or dividing the 500 evenly between us which would be 125 gold each or because we have 50 platinum and 250 gold it comes out a bit odd. I will take 23 platinum, because I need it for a spell, and 10 gold, that would leave each of you getting 9 platinum and 80 gold. Again if we are splitting. Lets vote, then get to dividing. I vote pool for the up front coin, divide when we get the rest. Spend the gold first and then the platinum. What say all of you?" The dwarf rattles out quickly barely pausing in figuring out the math.
Katerielle in Lost mine of Phandelver.
Bhelmek Thuldren in The dark tower of Cabilar.
Iam Unsure in Tower of Heaven.
(500 each or 500 to spilt between the party ?)
"As long as I have ample rations and enough ale and spirits to knock out a dragon I don't care about the coin." Ulfric says getting impatient.
"I just want to get rations and health potions. Give me enough to do that and I'll be sorted."
*I was wrong on my calculation on the Platinum. I forgot its 10 gold to 1 platinum in 5e*
Bhelmek thinks a little bit and looks around at the parties gear with the critical eye that knows weapons and armor both in use and in creation. Then he says," OK How about this. We have 500 gold worth of coins. I need 10 platinum for one of my spells that is 100 gold and I need 1 pearl for an identify spell that is another 100. Leaves us with 300 gold. 20 days rations with what we have will give us 8 days each at 10 gold. That leaves us with 290 in gold. 10 pints of oil for the lantern for those who can't see in the dark or in case we have to burn something at 1 gold. leaves us at 289 gold. 1 potion of healing is 50 gold. leaves us at 239 gold. A Longbow for Ulfric and a Shortbow for me with 20 arrows each in case we get in a long range fire fight cost 77 gold pieces. leaving us with 162 gold."
"If we aren't using them we can give our arrows to Thokk and Ratty when they run out. Move Ratty and Thokk into some Studded leather armor cost 90 gold. Leaving us with 32 gold. Unless, Thokk, you would want a chain shirt which is only 5 more gold? Ulfric into a chain shirt would cost us 50 more gold. leaving us short 18 gold piece, unless he doesn't want the added protection. A shield for Ulfric and Thokk in case we get pinned down in a small area and defense becomes more important than offence, 20 gold. leaving us short 38 gold. We can sell the leather armor Thokk and Ratty currently have probably get 5 gold a piece for it. leaving us 28 gold short. I can sell a gem I have its worth 10 gold, so I should get between 5 and 10 for it and I can throw in 5 of my own gold. That will leave us between 13 and 23 gold short depending on how much I get for the gem and if Thokk wants a chain shirt instead of studded leather. Can you guys invest in this venture in hopes to make it up along the way or after we succeed?"
"Let us decide on how we want to handle these purchases and any sells and be on our way."
*someone double check my math, please.*
Katerielle in Lost mine of Phandelver.
Bhelmek Thuldren in The dark tower of Cabilar.
Iam Unsure in Tower of Heaven.
"I take the studder leather."
*Once you are done, all purchases are pnb priced, let me know and I’ll have you set out*
The prince directs you to various places of commerce for your needed equipment and asks if you could set out on the morrow on your quest.