This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Bring to your venture? Apart from my charming personality you mean? Well I´m clearly of high moral fibre, as high as can be expected in Baldurs gate." Laura says with a smirk referring to the flyer. "But I also claim to have the magical aptitude needed to make a vital contribution to finding that mine, and to clear it of any unwanted inhabitants. If you want a demonstration you will have to pay for the damages." She finishes with a cocky grin. Persuasion to convince Mr. Tu of Lauras competence, mentally adviced by Darius:25
(OOC: Would Laura know if Mr. Tu was lying or was holding back on anything of importance? See post #14)
After receiving directions from the barkeep, Tragedy saunters into the room like she owns the place. Confidence, after all, had gotten her into more places than skill ever had. She just catches the last bit of what the lean half-elf was explaining, and assumes he must be the Mr Tu from the flyer. She looks around the room at the gathered faces. Quite a ragtag group, and that suited her quite well.
"Discussing payment already? Very good, sir,"she begins, dragging up a chair to join the group. "Please, go on and explain the business venture - but first, must I go back out to the barkeep myself, or how should I receive that free drink?"
(Ooc: Let me know if I can just assume he explains it all again so I'm all caught up :) )
Jimena doesn't wait for Ideation to respond to her enquiry and decides to propose an alternative deal:
"What if we take a half portion of the total amount of money upon the completion of the quest as well as keep the share of two percent stock for ourselves? You're going to need skilled miners to extract the platinum out of that abandoned mine, and I'm willing to work overtime."
Jimena pauses abruptly when she uses a tattered piece of cloth to rub the surface of the blade in order to keep it dry. Then she offers another proposal:
"Or we can keep the full payment, then hold the share of two percent gazenue...er...revenue...and"- Jimena sets up a telepathic connection with the businessman using the 'Mind Link'feature and completes the sentence by saying telepathically:
"...I keep my mouth shut regarding the place where you're actually staying."
As Tragedy enters the room, Teswan looks up at her and welcomes her, "Welcome, welcome. The barkeep was likely the man standing behind the bar 'keeping' it tidy in the sparsely populated room you passed through to get here. Here is a quick brief of the venture I am hiring for, though it doesn't reflect well on your capabilities for the tasks at hand if you couldn't find a signed tavern in the middle of a city or a barkeep in a tavern... " He moves over and hands you a sheet outlining the tasks expected of you, much as he verbalised to the other attendees of the meeting. "Catch up quick, we're at the fun part!"
As he turns back to the existing audience, you can see that Teswan's demeanour starts to turn hard at the caveats and counter offers the group has decided to throw at him. He seems momentarily distracted after Jimena finishes her proposal, then his lips shape into a thin smile and a sparkle lights his eyes, "Ah, negotiation, the true soul of commerce." He raises a hand in front of you, and raises a finger, an action he repeats as he methodically addresses each of your points in turn, speaking in a very calm and calculating tone.
"First. If you wish to negotiate for you or your family business to work for our consortium after this phase of the venture, we can negotiate rates once you provide appropriate evidence of the resources and benefits you would bring over our existing contacts. That shall have no impact on our initial transaction, unless you are willing to forgo a measure of your own payment to act as an ambassador for your company to demonstrate your commitment to the endeavour? That would certainly allow us to cast a favourable eye on the arrangements. We can look at extending the cover for travel and accommodation to the percentage option, if you are hard up for coin at present?"
"Second, Ms. Vakaris and her cousin shall count as a single member of the group, no double shares. That leaves five places."
"Third, attempts to leverage the deals offered through nefarious means will not be met with favour. However, resourceful and creative thinkers would likely suit the venture well if they aligned themselves with us, rather than against."
The weathered man throws in a question, "An when does we get paid this advance? Can't be hangin' around here for days chewin' into our own purses for you." The quiet of the two men gets up and walks round to the door, exiting the room as Teswan replies, "Upon completing the necessary paperwork to enroll you on our ledger I shall provide the necessary funds tomorrow morning ready for you to embark."
Edit: Teswan counters Jimena's of the % plus 37.5gp with % plus advance on travel expenses
"We can look at extending the cover for travel and accommodation to the percentage option, if you are hard up for coin at present?"
"Ahem, I beg to differ Mr. Tu. If anything me and Lily should count as three, or at least get paid accordingly." Laura says defiantly standing up, her hands on her waist as she speaks.
(OOC: Maybe I misunderstood. Did Mr. Tu want us to say why we should be hired? Also, did Lauras persuasion roll help at all?)
The persuasion got Teswan to accept you at your word. I was trying to clarify that of the six spaces, Laura and Darius would be considered one space, and only entitled to a single payment option.
Tragedy resists the urge to roll her eyes at the businessman."Of course I found the barkeep,"she deadpans. "He told me to find you. I did that too. And now, I will find him again and tell him that I found you. And he will give me the drink that you promised."
She stalks out of the room, and comes back sipping a wine.
"I'll take the long term option. What guarantee do I have of you paying it though? How about this: you pay me the short term funds so I know I've been paid, then that sum can be taken out of the first long term payments. Win-win, Mr Tu."
"Most excellent choice Ms Vakaris. And for you too Ms Whispers. I did explain to the other that the offer of the percentage is to assist with the consortium's capital flow, the offer of percentage is a calculated incentive on our behalf, against a further short term outlay of funds on the venture. This is one of our pipelines for future revenue, each of which has risks and variables which we must account for and capital outlaid to cover. The additional initial outlay and then providing you with the generous long term offer is very much a lose-lose on our side of the deal. However, the contract you sign shall cover your entitlement and detail the arrangements for withdrawing your funds. Trust is a commodity, and one I think we agree is best supported by appropriate legislation and evidence."
Teswan starts to route through his papers again, drawing out a sheaf of documents and spreading out several copies of what appear to be the same document across the table. He looks around and starts counting heads off. "So, up to six contracts are available. As stated Ms Vakaris is the first recipient, and I shall extend the second Ms. Disengulp for her mining experience. The group should have some muscle, and I've been impressed with the thoughts and care of your weaponry miss...?" He indicates Jimena. "So that's three and four for your associate." This time he nods towards Ideation. "That leaves us with two spaces and four persons..."
"Your group seems a little, well, small at the moment. Name's Arjun Chopin, and I'm gonna be far better in a brawl than any of your other options."The half orc that had been silent since asking for his free drink finally speaks up.
"I ain't on board without my brother... So if you want us, we'll take those last two slots, but we're strictly payment by coin. None of this paper promise rubbish."
"Well, I thank you for your attendance, but I think that makes Ms Whispers and Mr. Chopin our final two. Now, let's get these contracts signed and once you've all done that then we can get into the details you shall need."
The hooded man departs the room, muttering under his breath and you hear the door to the taproom close behind the two men. Teswan seem unperturbed and presents the paperwork for your signatures.
OoC
If you want to review any specifics of the contract, feel free to ask Teswan. To save me writing an overly long document in Teswan's verbose language though, the summary is:
Payment by percentage share OR 75Gp upon completion.
Teswan will pay for any immediate lodging and travel costs in preparation to depart Baldur's Gate.
Percentage option allows for collection of funds every fourth tenday, from any agency of the consortium located around Faerun. Funds not collected are held in trust until you do collect.
The contract covers your recovery of the book, and any further investigatory work required up to the discovery of the mine.
Once the location is confirmed and the mine found, you are expected to advise the consortium, then explore and secure the mine.
There is a clause that you will not discuss the mine with anyone outside of the consortium unless not doing so directly impedes the recovery of the book, or discovery of the mine. (basically you are agreeing not to tell the world and their grandma about a potential platinum mine).
Laura walks over and swiftly signs the contract, and then returns to her seat and her glass of wine. She clances over the others. A motley crew she thought, but no matter. This contract could solve all her problems.
"Miss Jimena Lenhareth"- Jimena replies to the enquiry of the patron when she signs the contract with elegant script then adds telepathically,
"Lady Jimena Lenhareth, the former Chevalier of the Order of the Gauntlet."
She breaks eye contact with Mr. Teswan Tu after blessing him with a polite smile that exhibits her pearl-white teeth, and mimicking a curtsy. Then she requests Miss Tragedy Whispers to play her musical instruments so that the Kalashtar woman can entertain the newly recruited adventurers by singing a song about her native land:
Tragedy politely declines Jimena's request. "Songs are for the road, and I'm sure your song belongs in the beautiful surrounds of nature, not in a stinky bar. Unless it's a bar tune?"She pulls out a flute and, with much exaggeration, plays one line of a song on it, one of those funny little ditties that every bar-goer knows.
(For reference, I'm imagining the first line of the spongebob theme)
She then tucks the flute away, hoping that her point was made well enough. More importantly, she now has a contract to negotiate.
"Mr Tu,"she begins...
(I don't remember, did Teswan actually quote the percentage of profits they were each going to get?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"It's a battle song!"- Jimena exclaims while standing up and drawing out her Rapier. Then she kicks off some of the randomly placed chairs and swings her Rapier in a repetitive pattern, then she moves her legs to make tapping sound on the floor.
Meanwhile, she has successfully stepped on a number of strangers' toes, nudged their elbows and spilled drinks on their clothes. Finally, she settles down to read the conditions of the contract, and asks gingerly:
"Does life insurance plan apply for the contract? If I die while trying to secure the mine, what happens then?"
Laura, still leaning back in a comfy chair sipping a glass of wine, watches Jimenas weird dance. "Excentric performance, huh Darius." Laura says, seemingly to herself followed by an eerie giggle seemingly from thin air.
Teswanfirst applauds Jimena's song and dance, rivetted by the impromptu display of her ancestral traditions. The then switches emotion as he laughs at Jimena's question, a tittering sort of giggle more suited to young girls, "My dear, Ms Lenhareth, I believe that your profession comes inherent with such risks, and those of you who last at it do so because you are capable survivors. Now, if you were to take on employment at the mine post completion of this contract, we would have death in service restitutions available to specified benefactors. And Ms Whispers, the percentage is a flat 2% figure of the monthly profit."
Lilly's conversation with Teswan moves back and forth, each pointing out pros and cons within the other's offer or counter. At the end of it Teswan finishes the discussion, a smile on his face. "Ms Disengulp, your fervor in trying to secure future business for your family company does you proud. Whilst I cannot issue such a binding contract here and now, I shall speak favourably of your interest when the consortium come to discuss the matter."
As the nogotiations and questions seem to draw to a close, Teswan files the papers you have each signed and invites you to regain your seats around the table. Teswan looks around each of you, making eye contact and ensuring he has the full attention of you all before continuing. "Yes, yes, where to go next. Well, let me tell you the tale of a small village, it was a prosperous mining village that was locally known for platinum production. A village named Vermeillon."He pauses and you can see he quickly scans each face for any recognition of the name.
DC 22 History check if you wish (It was very small, and knowledge of this town is fundamental to the story line)
"The village seemed to disappear completely from any records close with the last three score years. We believe that the location of the village is contained within an account of it's demise. This is the book I mentioned. We believe the book to have until recently been located in ten towns and has now made it's way to Candlekeep. This is where you come in. The consortium wishes you to enter Candlekeep to divulge whatever information this book holds regarding Vermillion, the mine, and what happened to it. After that, send word to our agencies in Baldurs Gate and continue forwards with your search for the mine's location. From there I expect your hands-on skillset will most likely take the fore should any unwanted occupants have taken up residence."
"The book is titled 'A Deep and Creeping Darkness'."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
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"Bring to your venture? Apart from my charming personality you mean? Well I´m clearly of high moral fibre, as high as can be expected in Baldurs gate." Laura says with a smirk referring to the flyer. "But I also claim to have the magical aptitude needed to make a vital contribution to finding that mine, and to clear it of any unwanted inhabitants. If you want a demonstration you will have to pay for the damages." She finishes with a cocky grin.
Persuasion to convince Mr. Tu of Lauras competence, mentally adviced by Darius:25
(OOC: Would Laura know if Mr. Tu was lying or was holding back on anything of importance? See post #14)
After receiving directions from the barkeep, Tragedy saunters into the room like she owns the place. Confidence, after all, had gotten her into more places than skill ever had. She just catches the last bit of what the lean half-elf was explaining, and assumes he must be the Mr Tu from the flyer. She looks around the room at the gathered faces. Quite a ragtag group, and that suited her quite well.
"Discussing payment already? Very good, sir," she begins, dragging up a chair to join the group. "Please, go on and explain the business venture - but first, must I go back out to the barkeep myself, or how should I receive that free drink?"
(Ooc: Let me know if I can just assume he explains it all again so I'm all caught up :) )
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
OoC
@Oberon, you can read the spoiler for Ideation, should have put Laura on it as well. Sorry
@Firexx yeah, I'll write a catchall, but you can continue as though you know what has been offered.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
(OOC: Thanks )
Jimena doesn't wait for Ideation to respond to her enquiry and decides to propose an alternative deal:
"What if we take a half portion of the total amount of money upon the completion of the quest as well as keep the share of two percent stock for ourselves? You're going to need skilled miners to extract the platinum out of that abandoned mine, and I'm willing to work overtime."
Jimena pauses abruptly when she uses a tattered piece of cloth to rub the surface of the blade in order to keep it dry. Then she offers another proposal:
"Or we can keep the full payment, then hold the share of two percent gazenue...er...revenue...and"- Jimena sets up a telepathic connection with the businessman using the 'Mind Link' feature and completes the sentence by saying telepathically:
"...I keep my mouth shut regarding the place where you're actually staying."
Charisma (Intimidation) 10 (rolled in gamelog)
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
As Tragedy enters the room, Teswan looks up at her and welcomes her, "Welcome, welcome. The barkeep was likely the man standing behind the bar 'keeping' it tidy in the sparsely populated room you passed through to get here. Here is a quick brief of the venture I am hiring for, though it doesn't reflect well on your capabilities for the tasks at hand if you couldn't find a signed tavern in the middle of a city or a barkeep in a tavern... " He moves over and hands you a sheet outlining the tasks expected of you, much as he verbalised to the other attendees of the meeting. "Catch up quick, we're at the fun part!"
As he turns back to the existing audience, you can see that Teswan's demeanour starts to turn hard at the caveats and counter offers the group has decided to throw at him. He seems momentarily distracted after Jimena finishes her proposal, then his lips shape into a thin smile and a sparkle lights his eyes, "Ah, negotiation, the true soul of commerce." He raises a hand in front of you, and raises a finger, an action he repeats as he methodically addresses each of your points in turn, speaking in a very calm and calculating tone.
"First. If you wish to negotiate for you or your family business to work for our consortium after this phase of the venture, we can negotiate rates once you provide appropriate evidence of the resources and benefits you would bring over our existing contacts. That shall have no impact on our initial transaction, unless you are willing to forgo a measure of your own payment to act as an ambassador for your company to demonstrate your commitment to the endeavour? That would certainly allow us to cast a favourable eye on the arrangements. We can look at extending the cover for travel and accommodation to the percentage option, if you are hard up for coin at present?"
"Second, Ms. Vakaris and her cousin shall count as a single member of the group, no double shares. That leaves five places."
"Third, attempts to leverage the deals offered through nefarious means will not be met with favour. However, resourceful and creative thinkers would likely suit the venture well if they aligned themselves with us, rather than against."
The weathered man throws in a question, "An when does we get paid this advance? Can't be hangin' around here for days chewin' into our own purses for you." The quiet of the two men gets up and walks round to the door, exiting the room as Teswan replies, "Upon completing the necessary paperwork to enroll you on our ledger I shall provide the necessary funds tomorrow morning ready for you to embark."
Edit:
Teswan counters Jimena's of the % plus 37.5gp with % plus advance on travel expenses
"We can look at extending the cover for travel and accommodation to the percentage option, if you are hard up for coin at present?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"Ahem, I beg to differ Mr. Tu. If anything me and Lily should count as three, or at least get paid accordingly." Laura says defiantly standing up, her hands on her waist as she speaks.
(OOC: Maybe I misunderstood. Did Mr. Tu want us to say why we should be hired? Also, did Lauras persuasion roll help at all?)
OoC
The persuasion got Teswan to accept you at your word. I was trying to clarify that of the six spaces, Laura and Darius would be considered one space, and only entitled to a single payment option.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"I´ll take a share in that mine then." Laura says sitting down again, thinking of the possible future this arrangement could give her and her mother.
Tragedy resists the urge to roll her eyes at the businessman. "Of course I found the barkeep," she deadpans. "He told me to find you. I did that too. And now, I will find him again and tell him that I found you. And he will give me the drink that you promised."
She stalks out of the room, and comes back sipping a wine.
"I'll take the long term option. What guarantee do I have of you paying it though? How about this: you pay me the short term funds so I know I've been paid, then that sum can be taken out of the first long term payments. Win-win, Mr Tu."
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
"Most excellent choice Ms Vakaris. And for you too Ms Whispers. I did explain to the other that the offer of the percentage is to assist with the consortium's capital flow, the offer of percentage is a calculated incentive on our behalf, against a further short term outlay of funds on the venture. This is one of our pipelines for future revenue, each of which has risks and variables which we must account for and capital outlaid to cover. The additional initial outlay and then providing you with the generous long term offer is very much a lose-lose on our side of the deal. However, the contract you sign shall cover your entitlement and detail the arrangements for withdrawing your funds. Trust is a commodity, and one I think we agree is best supported by appropriate legislation and evidence."
Teswan starts to route through his papers again, drawing out a sheaf of documents and spreading out several copies of what appear to be the same document across the table. He looks around and starts counting heads off. "So, up to six contracts are available. As stated Ms Vakaris is the first recipient, and I shall extend the second Ms. Disengulp for her mining experience. The group should have some muscle, and I've been impressed with the thoughts and care of your weaponry miss...?" He indicates Jimena. "So that's three and four for your associate." This time he nods towards Ideation. "That leaves us with two spaces and four persons..."
"Your group seems a little, well, small at the moment. Name's Arjun Chopin, and I'm gonna be far better in a brawl than any of your other options." The half orc that had been silent since asking for his free drink finally speaks up.
"I ain't on board without my brother... So if you want us, we'll take those last two slots, but we're strictly payment by coin. None of this paper promise rubbish."
"Well, I thank you for your attendance, but I think that makes Ms Whispers and Mr. Chopin our final two. Now, let's get these contracts signed and once you've all done that then we can get into the details you shall need."
The hooded man departs the room, muttering under his breath and you hear the door to the taproom close behind the two men. Teswan seem unperturbed and presents the paperwork for your signatures.
OoC
If you want to review any specifics of the contract, feel free to ask Teswan. To save me writing an overly long document in Teswan's verbose language though, the summary is:
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Laura walks over and swiftly signs the contract, and then returns to her seat and her glass of wine. She clances over the others. A motley crew she thought, but no matter. This contract could solve all her problems.
(going to need some time to read that)
"Miss Jimena Lenhareth"- Jimena replies to the enquiry of the patron when she signs the contract with elegant script then adds telepathically,
"Lady Jimena Lenhareth, the former Chevalier of the Order of the Gauntlet."
She breaks eye contact with Mr. Teswan Tu after blessing him with a polite smile that exhibits her pearl-white teeth, and mimicking a curtsy. Then she requests Miss Tragedy Whispers to play her musical instruments so that the Kalashtar woman can entertain the newly recruited adventurers by singing a song about her native land:
"тнα ĸαpeтнι ѕнαтα α ĸαĸн нαѕнαl eтн тнιѕнт
eтнα тнιlαтн αjαr αтн нαт тнα тнιѕнт
αjαr vαѕн нelαтн αтн pel vαѕн нeтн
vα dαr ɴнeѕн тнα ĸαlαтнαѕн нαтнαтн rαp тнe тнα peтн"
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Tragedy politely declines Jimena's request. "Songs are for the road, and I'm sure your song belongs in the beautiful surrounds of nature, not in a stinky bar. Unless it's a bar tune?" She pulls out a flute and, with much exaggeration, plays one line of a song on it, one of those funny little ditties that every bar-goer knows.
(For reference, I'm imagining the first line of the spongebob theme)
She then tucks the flute away, hoping that her point was made well enough. More importantly, she now has a contract to negotiate.
"Mr Tu," she begins...
(I don't remember, did Teswan actually quote the percentage of profits they were each going to get?)
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
"It's a battle song!"- Jimena exclaims while standing up and drawing out her Rapier. Then she kicks off some of the randomly placed chairs and swings her Rapier in a repetitive pattern, then she moves her legs to make tapping sound on the floor.
"vα dαr ɴнeѕн тнα ĸαlαтнαѕн нαтнαтн rαp тнe тнα peтн"
(We hail from the darkness but shed light on the land!)
Charisma (Performance) 3
Meanwhile, she has successfully stepped on a number of strangers' toes, nudged their elbows and spilled drinks on their clothes. Finally, she settles down to read the conditions of the contract, and asks gingerly:
"Does life insurance plan apply for the contract? If I die while trying to secure the mine, what happens then?"
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Lilly accepts the long term gain while constantly trying to haggle for subcontractor rights
Persuasion 19
Laura, still leaning back in a comfy chair sipping a glass of wine, watches Jimenas weird dance. "Excentric performance, huh Darius." Laura says, seemingly to herself followed by an eerie giggle seemingly from thin air.
Teswanfirst applauds Jimena's song and dance, rivetted by the impromptu display of her ancestral traditions. The then switches emotion as he laughs at Jimena's question, a tittering sort of giggle more suited to young girls, "My dear, Ms Lenhareth, I believe that your profession comes inherent with such risks, and those of you who last at it do so because you are capable survivors. Now, if you were to take on employment at the mine post completion of this contract, we would have death in service restitutions available to specified benefactors. And Ms Whispers, the percentage is a flat 2% figure of the monthly profit."
Lilly's conversation with Teswan moves back and forth, each pointing out pros and cons within the other's offer or counter. At the end of it Teswan finishes the discussion, a smile on his face. "Ms Disengulp, your fervor in trying to secure future business for your family company does you proud. Whilst I cannot issue such a binding contract here and now, I shall speak favourably of your interest when the consortium come to discuss the matter."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
As the nogotiations and questions seem to draw to a close, Teswan files the papers you have each signed and invites you to regain your seats around the table. Teswan looks around each of you, making eye contact and ensuring he has the full attention of you all before continuing. "Yes, yes, where to go next. Well, let me tell you the tale of a small village, it was a prosperous mining village that was locally known for platinum production. A village named Vermeillon." He pauses and you can see he quickly scans each face for any recognition of the name.
DC 22 History check if you wish (It was very small, and knowledge of this town is fundamental to the story line)
"The village seemed to disappear completely from any records close with the last three score years. We believe that the location of the village is contained within an account of it's demise. This is the book I mentioned. We believe the book to have until recently been located in ten towns and has now made it's way to Candlekeep. This is where you come in. The consortium wishes you to enter Candlekeep to divulge whatever information this book holds regarding Vermillion, the mine, and what happened to it. After that, send word to our agencies in Baldurs Gate and continue forwards with your search for the mine's location. From there I expect your hands-on skillset will most likely take the fore should any unwanted occupants have taken up residence."
"The book is titled 'A Deep and Creeping Darkness'."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...