Quote from PolarBearSoup >>

"Comin' from someone with an identity complex themselves you should be more considerate of how you refer to others! Now you'd best be offering an apology."

Oberyos nods in relief, as he discovers why the female elf "male half-orc" was so upset: "I apologize for the distress you've taken from my words. I did not realize that you had an identity complex. I would have spoken more carefully if I knew that you were struggling with mental issues. If I come across a good healer or mind-sorcerer in town, I will be sure to pass their location to you."

To Thom: "Your story about Mara does not ring true. If she sent a child off a cliff, why would she have it land safely... Ah, I see. Rather than disposing of an inferior hatchling, she was frightening the child to install discipline. Very clever, indeed."

To Mara: "Pleased to meet you. It is always interesting to meet a fellow wizard, especially a clever one who is also of non-standard height. If we have time during the trip, perhaps you would be interested in swapping knowledge from our spell books. (Limited by time and the cost of the inks, of course.)"

To Brandon: "Gnomes are known for their bushy white beards and their non-standard heights. You may be confused and thinking of Pixies, who do not have bushy white beards and are normally much smaller than gnomes."

To Teswan: "Ah, so you are coming as well. With only five active guardians to protect you, it would be useful to have someone multi-talented like myself in the party. While I am best suited for magic, I can also rely on my sword, even though it hasn't been sold. I'm no elvish Bladesinger, but gnomish great swords are formidable in combat."

Thom turns to Brandon pulls his sword and hands it to the dwarf, it is a basic sword, one that is made with simplicity so that many can be made, if Brandon has done any mass weapon production he would know that it is a guard's issued sword.  "My new friend I would be happy to have my sword blessed."

"Oberyos I think you miss understood again, she did not push the child, the child fell from other means, Mrs. Mara just saved the child."

“Aye, you are no pixie, lad, that’s for certain” Brandon chuckles at Oberyos.  He takes Thom’s sword and gives it an appraising glance.  It is a simple blade, but balanced and looks as if it is well maintained.  With one hand on the sword and one holding the amulet around his neck, he whispers a quiet prayer to Moradin. Allfather, fill this blade with the fire from your own forge of creation. 

He hands the sword back to Thom “Here you go lad, a blessing of the forge to guide your strikes and strengthen your blows.  Doesn’t last forever, may you use it well and it serve your needs”   (OOC: Thom has a +1 bonus to attack and damage until the next long rest)

“Well then Mr. Tu, you will be wanting to take the three of us for sure then” Brandon points at Thom and Mara, then looks at Oberyos “and the tales of gnomish greatswords are indeed legendary.  He should be a fourth.  We will find your mine for you.”  He drains his ale and wipes his beard with the back of a meaty hand “When do we leave?”

Quote from coachmanak >>

"Oberyos I think you miss understood again, she did not push the child, the child fell from other means, Mrs. Mara just saved the child."

"Ah, so you were the "other means". In dealing with the hatchlings, you were the whip and Mara the carrot. Very commendable, to be able to coordinate your actions to train them."

(You suspect he is being serious about his praise of Thom and Mara. And that getting him to understand the actual situation will erase some of the respect he has right now.)

Drumming her fingertips on the table at which she was seated, Mara glanced over at Brandon as he explained that a sure payment was better than a potentially good or bad one. "You make a fine point... But the long term pay out if this mine does have some juice still left in it?" She let out a low whistle, leaning back in her chair, legs dangling. "I'm a businesswoman as well as a wizard so I appreciate the possibility of a steady source of income, even if it does take a bit." Mara just couldn't resist the deal. 

Eyes flicking between Thom and the Moradin worshipper, she watched the blessing with curiosity, not having had many opportunities to watch a Cleric at work. She whipped out her spare notebook and charcoal pencil, scratching down whatever of the whispered prayer she could overhear. "First time ever having the honor of meeting a Cleric of Moradin my good sir. Am I right in assuming you would have the ability to bless us with healing as well?" Looking over pointedly to Teswan she states, "That certainly would be helpful." Nodding along with Brandon's declaration that the four of them would find his mine.

Hearing the "gnome"'s reply to the half orc, Mara internally groaned. Wondering if he was truly this dense or if he was trying to start something. Listening to his back and forth with Thom, the halfling was fairly sure he simply was just like that. Nodding with a soft almost manic chuckle, Mara chips in, "Yep, good ol Thom here booted the kid off of a cliff to teach him a lesson and I floated him to safety." Rather obviously lying but simply going along with the rather fantastical story.  "The pleasure is all mine Mister....? I should get your name if we're to be working together. Especially if we'll be swapping spells." She seemed to have genuine interest in this. "I'm always eager to learn. One can never be too old to do so!" 

(So A, Thom would miss if Oberyos was being sarcastic.  B, Thom would rather the truth be known rather than more respect.)

"Good Sir Oberyos, I would never throw a child off a cliff, with out or with the knowledge that someone would save their life, the children were playing, and the one boy tripped while at the edge of a cliff.  Mrs. Mara saw it happen and saved the child's life." Thom send upset that someone would think he was a wicked man.

Letting out a sigh, Mara shrugged in mock defeat, gesturing to Thom and telling Oberyos, "He speaks the truth. Not as exciting to you perhaps. But true."

To Mara: "Mister Brightstone. A very solid, very gnomish family name. But if we will be working together, then first names might be more appropriate. I am Oberyos... And I will second your recommendation of a healer to support this assault team."

After judging the responses from Mara and Thom, it is obvious what happened in the past. "Of course, of course, the child fell "by accident while playing"." (blatant double wink, and elbow nudge of Thom) "Non-gnomish cultures like to coddle their children, instead of preparing them for combat, so I can understand why you are so vocal about saying you were not trying to toughen them up (at least within earshot of the authorities)... The important thing is that you have already practiced squad tactics with the lady wizard Mara."

“Why yes, Miss Mara. The All Father watches over those who labor in his forge and healing magics are part of his divine gift, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that” Brandon winks. “I much prefer smiting evildoers before they get a chance to hit us”

“Brandon is the name” he turns to the others in the group “Brandon Ironmight, a cleric of the Soul Forger like my father before me.  It is a pleasure to meet you all.”

As your conversation continues, Teswan keeps glancing around the room, his eyes weighing up the potential from each person in the room. The other four occupants have remained quiet and surprisingly respectful of your banter and conversation, though the perceptive amongst you have noted that the three brothers have been in quiet conversation amongst themselves. With a note of triumph in his voice, Teswan stands up and exclaims "My decision is made. With a group of three candidates banded togather, and similarly what appears to be a group of four, neither leaves room for the other within my budgetary constraints." Looking towards the brother who had spoken, and still has his hood lowered, Teswan politely dismisses him, "Your interest and time has been appreciated, and I hope that you enjoyed the compimentary drink, but I shan't be needing your services on this occassion." 

"Your loss there Teswan. Could have made some good money with us by your side. Guess we'll have to find another way to line our pockets now" The brothersstand up and make there way out, keeping their hoods up. They pass by your group as they go, and you can hear a few muttered curses as they walk by and into the taproom, "Smelly little halfling." "What sort of a gnome was that"

To the rest of the room "Mr Brightstone, if you and Mr...?" He gestures for the half-orc to offer a name. "Arjun Chopin." The half-orc offer through gritted teeth and still giving Oberyos unfriendly eyes. "Mr. Chopin can come to an accord, then we can work with five people. Now, if you'll all take a seat, I have some standard paperwork for you to sign, and then we can start dealing with the devil in the details." Teswan lays out a few sheets of paper for each of you.

The documents are written in common, and as you skirt over them you realise that the first is a contract of work, entitling you to either, 75 gold upon completion of the tasks Teswan had earlier outlined, with a provision for a further payment at the start to allow for expenses incurred through travel, or the other option is for two percent of the mine's profit indefinitely, collectable every fourth tenday from an agent of the consortium.

The second document is an agreement that you shall not disclose any information as to the specifics of the 'business venture' to 'other parties' until you have secured the mine and completed your contract.

Teswan waits for all of your marks of acceptance before continuing.

Oberyos is oblivious to Arjun's stink-eye. "I have no prejudice against working with the mentally unstable. If Missus Mister Chopin didn't mention his identity complex, I wouldn't have known that his behavior was any different from his usual." Oberyos signs the contract (very neat and precise handwriting for someone of his size), then steps aside to allow the others to reach the table.

Thom signs the contract in an almost illegible hand wrighting.  "I hope that those men do find a new means of gaining money, but they do give me a little bit of the creeps."

Arjun turns to Oberyos, "Were yer born an idiot, or 'ave yer spent years perfecting it? YOU are the one confused about your identity!". He steps forward and scrawls a large X on the page.

Thom steps up as the half-orc is signing, "Excuse me Sir, but the kind Gnome is easily confused, that is no reason to be so rude to him.  I will not stand for it."  and I put my hand on the hilt of my sword, standing tall, not fully trying to intimidate the half-orc, but letting him know that I am not ok with how rude he just was.

"Then sit yer backside down and let 'im 'andle 'is own affairs." The half-orc squares up to Thom, cracking his knuckles and also resting his hand on one of the exes at his waist.

Whilst Arjun seems oblivious to Thom's subtlety, Teswan again tries to call the situation. "Gentlemen, gentlemen. This is hardly the way to start a productive working relationship. Let's all take a step back and continue with the paperwork." Teswan gives Thom a pleading look, appreciating he is likely to be the more reasonable of the two.

Nodding at the "gnome"s name, Mara tried only a little to hide her chuff at his continued misunderstanding of the Feather Fall incident. Smiling widely at Teswan's wide decision, leaning back in her chair with arms crossed in satisfaction, the halfling couldn't help but glance between him and the brother's three and wonder if there was something more going on. If perhaps the brothers weren't actually competition to be hired. Or if maybe they were going to be scheming against Teswan for the mine. She was wary all the same, but glad she wasn't going to have to work with them, her slightly pointed ears warming to red as she overhead, "Smelly little halfling."  Though she made sure not to let her expression change. 

Focusing on the contracts set in front of her, she paid little mind for the squabbling going on, instead focusing on the money portion before raising a hand while clearing her throat, deliberately trying to draw attention away from that situation and onto her. "Mr. Tu, if I'm reading this correctly, am I to understand that if we would opt to receive two percent of the mine's profit indefinitely that we would not be given the same provision for a further payment at the start to allow for expenses incurred through travel as we would if we choose to opt for the flat seventy five gold?" Tapping the parchment seriously, his answer possibly being the deciding factor in her choice. While he answered, she conjured her Wizardly Quill into her hand, which looked like a raven's feather that had been dipped into gold at the tip. She made sure to read over the non disclosure agreement thoroughly before scratching out her signature in deep gold ink, which was oddly slanted to the left even though she was right handed. But didn't yet sign the contract of work just yet.

"Mr. Tu if the Gentelman is willing to put this contest of skill, might and right to the side, I am as well, more for the job and my own honnor than for him."  Thom puts hit hand out to the half-orc as if for a hand shake.

Teswan double checks the document laid out, and Mara can see him scrutinizing the language used to lay out the payment terms. He quickly, somewhat eagerly, takes out his pens and scribes a further document, an addendum to the percentage payment clause and presents it to Mara to review, it specifies that the advance is a payment by the representative of the consortium to the vendor of the signee's choosing for agreed upon rates of travel, and additional lodgings to be covered at 1gp per night for the duration of the travel if required. "The advance for travel was admittedly a late rider. The language around it is a little, err, less clear than intended. It can be extended into both options, and the amendment clarifies that matter. Should any of you that have previously signed wish to switch with that knowledge in mind, I can ratify your decision on the contract?"

"Ain't no contest when it's clear I'd win." The half orc returns to his seat, "Bad business spilling guts without gettin' paid fer it." 

Oberyos has his contract altered to match what Mara pointed out. "What a strong leader directs is beneficial to the group."

"It is good to see everyone already contributing to the entire squad. Mara was corrected mistakes in the employment. Brandon has improved the performance of Thom's rented sword. Thom is working on squad unity. I bring the joviality and personal service (that are traits of the gnomes). Arjun..." (hesitates to find something positive) "... has enthusiasm and energy. Yes, a well-wrought squad indeed."

Brandon looks on with interest as the three brothers exit the room, grumbling along the way, and tries to determine if they are going to be a potential threat in the future.  It does good to know who your enemies are, and missing out on a contract such as this...well, people had fought for less.  Insight 16

He largely ignores the standoff between Thom and the half-orc, but gives Thom a small nod when he takes the high road and puts the mess behind him.  The half-orc though, he is quick to take offense and Brandon will keep an eye on him.  Brandon glances up in surprise when Mara questions the terms of the contract “Good catch, lass. You have a keen eye for business dealings”  For his part, Brandon barely scans the documents before signing his name in small, neat script, electing the flat price payment option and expenses. 

He looks up at Oberyos' summary of the group so far, the 'gnome' was a little strange, but he did accurately capture the workings of the group thus far "Aye, Oberyos, you have the right of it, we have the beginnings of a good group to be sure." He turns back to Mr. Tu "Now that we got the paperwork outta the way, tell us what you know about this mine and this book, Mr. Tu"