The elf smiles. 'Ah, small folk. Gotta love them, or is it Little Folk? Nevermind.' he drains the last of his wine. 'You got anything a bit harder, Chancy?' he asks the Chancellor. 'The wine is superb, no doubt but it doesn't really pack a punch.
He turns his head back to the party, 'There'll be due time for you to be impressed. Let us first discuss your resumes, and skillets of course, and if all goes well, the finer details of our contractual relationship, compensation and the like. Please, sit, sit.' he gestures to the seats that are arrayed before him.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Darwin bristles at the patronising tone of the elf.
"Let's cut the bravado, I don't see anyone else queueing to help you, and i can see why. Tell us what you need of us, how much you will be paying, and keep your patronising comments to yourself".
Toryn walks up to Antonius and pulls out his sword. Don't be disrespecting us ya prick. We're the only ones who are even willing to consider protecting ye.
Antonius arches an eyebrow at the pair of you and shakes his head gently. Then he turns to the Chancellor who has, reluctantly, brought him a glass of amber liquid.
'Are these people always this belligerent or did you give them some of this before bringing them in?' he asks as he takes the glass.
'Well, the Dwarf, yes. The Halfling, I think you hit a nerve.' he says with a half smile.
Antonius sighs and turns back to the party, 'Well, I'm sorry this couldn't work out. I would say it's been a pleasure but sadly it hasn't.' he sips on the fluid and takes another puff.
Darwin looks sheepishly at the Chancellor then back at Antonius.
"It is true you hit a nerve. Too many tall folk look down on us of smaller stature, and not just in the obvious way. When it happens my mouth engages before my brain", he says frowning. "In truth you are quite a lot, but I have worked for people I liked less, so I am sorry this didn't work out", he adds, not being the best at apologies.
He turns to Hamish and Ida. "If you want to take the job without us loud mouths, I wouldn't hold it against you".
Hamish has been sitting back listening to the exchange when he suddenly stands up and claps his hands together for a thunderous boom, finishing the minor illusion he was weaving. As best he can, he speaks to the room, "Why are you all being so stupid? Darwin is right that no one else seems to be leaping at the opportunity ti be insulted by you, but you even admit that you don't want to the other option of military escort. You seem very relaxed for someone who claims to be holding an earth-shattering discovery that other people might harm you to get. And if we know, you can be sure other people do already as well. So you're welcome to turn us away because we rightly bristled at your condescension, or you can check your ego and let us escort you for a fair wage. And while Darwin's apology leaves something to be desired, at least he did, Toryn. For all that I grew up on the street, it's you all that seem to have the social skills of hungry rats. The truth is we need a job and he needs escorts. And I am SO BORED at just sitting in a tavern." As his speech grows in intensity, coruscating lights flickers around Hamish's hands, but never materialize into anything more than an ominous magical glow.
The elf arches an eyebrow, mildly intrigued by the casual use of magic, even if it is low level. He nods, 'You make a decent point, though I fail to see when I've insulted any of you. I introduced myself, two of you attempted to cow me immediately, as if I wasn't your would be employer, and then one of you apologized for it. I'm willing to reconsider but I'm going to need assurances that the ornery dwarf will be kept, well, on a leash.' he takes another sip.
'So, I see one of you has at least some minor magical abilities. What do the rest of you bring to the table?'
Ida smiles coyly and says "there is a unique set of skills between the four of us. But I'm sure you're well aware, or you wouldn't have let the Chancellor tell us anything about you or what you need. So, I'd say the question is- what do you feel like you need in a security detail?"
The Elf shrugs, 'I, honestly, don't believe I need one but the Emperor's Marshall is very concerned that my weapon may fall into the hands of some bandits and is insisting I have protection on the road with me.' he pauses for a puff and sip. 'Oooh this is good.' he comments to the Chancellor.
'However, I don't like this to be imposed upon me, and I certainly don't trust the government to provide me their own soldiers and not try to use that in some way. I had planned on acquiring my own private group but they are insisting that the guard be vetted and approved by a representative of the state. This creates a problem, I don't want anyone directly tied to the state and the state doesn't want some ransoms, however highly trained and reputable.' another sip and puff.
'Which brings us to you four. The Chancellor gave me a bit of background and, m'lady, you're the only red flag vis a vis the state having too much power over me, given your status but otherwise, I'm satisfied. A lot of planning has gone into this, of course, and my business partner has all the information regarding our travel plans, if anything should happen to me then you, and the Duke, will be held directly responsible. What that means, I cannot really say.' he shrugs.
'So, what kind of compensation are you all looking for?'
If your magic machine be working, I want my sword to be adding lightning to who, or what, I hit with it.. Prove it works, add it to my sword, and maybe I'll apologize. Toryn nearly chokes on the words, but to have an electrified sword would overcome his hatred of this elf
Antonius arches an eyebrow at the dwarf, 'Erm, that's not really how it works?' he says with a peaked inflection towards the end of the sentence. 'My weapon is an entire suit, I can't just 'add it' to a sword...' he trails off with a shrug.
'Maybe this was my fault for the confusion. A fair days pay for a skilled employee is 2gp. The trip will take 11 days. Let's start with 90gp.'
We were only told a magic device, not details. 90 gold is 2 per person per day and 2 extra for the crew to split. Make it 3 per for a total of 132 gold. Perhaps we can make a deal.
'I like that energy. Sure, 132 gold pieces. I'll front you 20, so that you can acquire whatever supplies or gear you believe you'll need for the journey. The remaining 112 will be delivered upon arrival back here in Haukberg.'
Darwin contemplates for a moment before speaking up.
"Sir, you claim to be an artificer, and although gold is always welcome I am just wondering if there is anything else you might offer instead, or by way of bonus that would be of interest to us?".
"I would also like to know about this 11 day journey, that is there and back right? Will it involve stays in roadside inns along the way or camping? I assume you will cover any travel expenses? You will have a cart for you creation, what about the rest of us, are we to walk?", he asks respectfully, but quickly in a stream of thought.
Antonio muses for a moment, we will have five horses. My invention will be kept in my pack on my steed. Carts cannot flee an ambush with haste. We will stay in boarding houses whenever possible, for security, but that may not be possible every night but, yes, I will be securing boarding when possible.' he explains.
'As for your first question, this is why I asked what you wanted in way of compensation. Some things, like putting my weapon into a sword, are simply not possible but if you can suggest something reasonable and that would not take more than 11 days of my time to arrange, maybe we can come to an agreement on an alternative payment.'
“Well”, Darwin says as he thinks for a moment. “I am not entirely sure what you are able to do, would some sort of item to aid my spellcasting be possible? I have seen magic users use them before and quite fancy a rod or something like that”.
The elf contemplates momentarily, 'Something like that would probably take me 5 or 6 days to craft. That would be acceptable, but you may wish to consult the others before claiming half of everyone's pay, mmmm? I would say that I would estimate a similar timeline for any simple creation like that. Anything more complicated, like a flaming sword or something like that would likely take twice as long'
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The elf smiles. 'Ah, small folk. Gotta love them, or is it Little Folk? Nevermind.' he drains the last of his wine. 'You got anything a bit harder, Chancy?' he asks the Chancellor. 'The wine is superb, no doubt but it doesn't really pack a punch.
He turns his head back to the party, 'There'll be due time for you to be impressed. Let us first discuss your resumes, and skillets of course, and if all goes well, the finer details of our contractual relationship, compensation and the like. Please, sit, sit.' he gestures to the seats that are arrayed before him.
Darwin bristles at the patronising tone of the elf.
"Let's cut the bravado, I don't see anyone else queueing to help you, and i can see why. Tell us what you need of us, how much you will be paying, and keep your patronising comments to yourself".
Intimidation: 12
Toryn walks up to Antonius and pulls out his sword. Don't be disrespecting us ya prick. We're the only ones who are even willing to consider protecting ye.
Intimidation: 4
Antonius arches an eyebrow at the pair of you and shakes his head gently. Then he turns to the Chancellor who has, reluctantly, brought him a glass of amber liquid.
'Are these people always this belligerent or did you give them some of this before bringing them in?' he asks as he takes the glass.
'Well, the Dwarf, yes. The Halfling, I think you hit a nerve.' he says with a half smile.
Antonius sighs and turns back to the party, 'Well, I'm sorry this couldn't work out. I would say it's been a pleasure but sadly it hasn't.' he sips on the fluid and takes another puff.
Darwin looks sheepishly at the Chancellor then back at Antonius.
"It is true you hit a nerve. Too many tall folk look down on us of smaller stature, and not just in the obvious way. When it happens my mouth engages before my brain", he says frowning. "In truth you are quite a lot, but I have worked for people I liked less, so I am sorry this didn't work out", he adds, not being the best at apologies.
He turns to Hamish and Ida. "If you want to take the job without us loud mouths, I wouldn't hold it against you".
Antonius smiles, 'I appreciate the apology young man.' he says graciously.
Hamish has been sitting back listening to the exchange when he suddenly stands up and claps his hands together for a thunderous boom, finishing the minor illusion he was weaving. As best he can, he speaks to the room, "Why are you all being so stupid? Darwin is right that no one else seems to be leaping at the opportunity ti be insulted by you, but you even admit that you don't want to the other option of military escort. You seem very relaxed for someone who claims to be holding an earth-shattering discovery that other people might harm you to get. And if we know, you can be sure other people do already as well. So you're welcome to turn us away because we rightly bristled at your condescension, or you can check your ego and let us escort you for a fair wage. And while Darwin's apology leaves something to be desired, at least he did, Toryn. For all that I grew up on the street, it's you all that seem to have the social skills of hungry rats. The truth is we need a job and he needs escorts. And I am SO BORED at just sitting in a tavern." As his speech grows in intensity, coruscating lights flickers around Hamish's hands, but never materialize into anything more than an ominous magical glow.
(Not sure if this needs a Persuasion check...)
The elf arches an eyebrow, mildly intrigued by the casual use of magic, even if it is low level. He nods, 'You make a decent point, though I fail to see when I've insulted any of you. I introduced myself, two of you attempted to cow me immediately, as if I wasn't your would be employer, and then one of you apologized for it. I'm willing to reconsider but I'm going to need assurances that the ornery dwarf will be kept, well, on a leash.' he takes another sip.
'So, I see one of you has at least some minor magical abilities. What do the rest of you bring to the table?'
Toryn looks ready to murder this elf, magic be dammed. But he bites his tongue for the sake of his team
Darwin wiggles his fingers and speaks some words in Gnomish, and a translucent Mage Hand appears and drags a chair closer to him.
”Well apart from being perfectly proportioned, I also have a bit of skill with magic”, he says as he climbs into the chair.
Ida smiles coyly and says "there is a unique set of skills between the four of us. But I'm sure you're well aware, or you wouldn't have let the Chancellor tell us anything about you or what you need. So, I'd say the question is- what do you feel like you need in a security detail?"
The Elf shrugs, 'I, honestly, don't believe I need one but the Emperor's Marshall is very concerned that my weapon may fall into the hands of some bandits and is insisting I have protection on the road with me.' he pauses for a puff and sip. 'Oooh this is good.' he comments to the Chancellor.
'However, I don't like this to be imposed upon me, and I certainly don't trust the government to provide me their own soldiers and not try to use that in some way. I had planned on acquiring my own private group but they are insisting that the guard be vetted and approved by a representative of the state. This creates a problem, I don't want anyone directly tied to the state and the state doesn't want some ransoms, however highly trained and reputable.' another sip and puff.
'Which brings us to you four. The Chancellor gave me a bit of background and, m'lady, you're the only red flag vis a vis the state having too much power over me, given your status but otherwise, I'm satisfied. A lot of planning has gone into this, of course, and my business partner has all the information regarding our travel plans, if anything should happen to me then you, and the Duke, will be held directly responsible. What that means, I cannot really say.' he shrugs.
'So, what kind of compensation are you all looking for?'
If your magic machine be working, I want my sword to be adding lightning to who, or what, I hit with it.. Prove it works, add it to my sword, and maybe I'll apologize. Toryn nearly chokes on the words, but to have an electrified sword would overcome his hatred of this elf
Antonius arches an eyebrow at the dwarf, 'Erm, that's not really how it works?' he says with a peaked inflection towards the end of the sentence. 'My weapon is an entire suit, I can't just 'add it' to a sword...' he trails off with a shrug.
'Maybe this was my fault for the confusion. A fair days pay for a skilled employee is 2gp. The trip will take 11 days. Let's start with 90gp.'
We were only told a magic device, not details. 90 gold is 2 per person per day and 2 extra for the crew to split. Make it 3 per for a total of 132 gold. Perhaps we can make a deal.
He smirks and looks to the Chancellor who shrugs
'I like that energy. Sure, 132 gold pieces. I'll front you 20, so that you can acquire whatever supplies or gear you believe you'll need for the journey. The remaining 112 will be delivered upon arrival back here in Haukberg.'
Darwin contemplates for a moment before speaking up.
"Sir, you claim to be an artificer, and although gold is always welcome I am just wondering if there is anything else you might offer instead, or by way of bonus that would be of interest to us?".
"I would also like to know about this 11 day journey, that is there and back right? Will it involve stays in roadside inns along the way or camping? I assume you will cover any travel expenses? You will have a cart for you creation, what about the rest of us, are we to walk?", he asks respectfully, but quickly in a stream of thought.
Antonio muses for a moment, we will have five horses. My invention will be kept in my pack on my steed. Carts cannot flee an ambush with haste. We will stay in boarding houses whenever possible, for security, but that may not be possible every night but, yes, I will be securing boarding when possible.' he explains.
'As for your first question, this is why I asked what you wanted in way of compensation. Some things, like putting my weapon into a sword, are simply not possible but if you can suggest something reasonable and that would not take more than 11 days of my time to arrange, maybe we can come to an agreement on an alternative payment.'
“Well”, Darwin says as he thinks for a moment. “I am not entirely sure what you are able to do, would some sort of item to aid my spellcasting be possible? I have seen magic users use them before and quite fancy a rod or something like that”.
The elf contemplates momentarily, 'Something like that would probably take me 5 or 6 days to craft. That would be acceptable, but you may wish to consult the others before claiming half of everyone's pay, mmmm? I would say that I would estimate a similar timeline for any simple creation like that. Anything more complicated, like a flaming sword or something like that would likely take twice as long'