Brymys signs the paper and puts a check mark next to the 1,000 platinum. No point in saying no as this is obviously serious and may affect me even if I do nothing.
"Of course! Happy to follow standard procedure." Mugun rises and approaches the desk, taking up the pen to sign. He is trying not to show it but he is positively mystified by the size of this reward. He selects the Royal Boon. 1,000 platinum was a lot of money, of course. One could buy one's own ship with that kind of money! But the opportunity at a lord-ship would take him further than a sailing ship ever could.
Inge furrows her brow, trying to think again. A painful exercise. 1,000 platinum. How many goats could she buy with that? How many glaives like the one she wielded? How many of the delicious spiced meat curries that the man with the street stand on the corner near her sold? Somebody really wanted whatever they were trying to get done to get done.
She can't say that she loves the part about secrecy, but at this point, she doesn't know if she has a choice. Not if she wants to stay part of the Adventurers' Guild, anyway.
She signs her name and selects the 1,000 platinum. The King could keep his Boon.
Eilynn crosses the room and stands before the desk, taking the pen within her hand. Certainly no stranger to veiled intentions and dishonesty, the cleric does not hesitate to sign the contract, scrawling her name in elegant handwriting and marking a tick beside the words ’1,000 platinum.’
((Heroforge doesn't work for me, so here's an image I made of Eilynn :) ))
Seamus studies the Magistrate's face. "We can discuss the mission with each other, yes? Otherwise that would reduce our coordination and effectiveness. For a boon... Would His Majesty consider creating a nature preserve, off-limits to hunting, logging and other development?"
The druid signs, but delays checking a reward pending Rembrandt's response.
Seamus thinks to himself, With the ridiculous reward they are offering, clearly they don't expect us to survive long enough to collect.
Garronwas silent as the magistrate explained what this contract meant and what it’s capabilities were. Bile crawled its way up the back of the assassin’s throat at the mere thought putting his signature on the blasted thing. The way the binding magic took hold after one was finished putting ink to parchment. So many times had Garron been subject to this sort of magical bindings. It was a way to protect the higher powers from backlash if things went wrong. Somethings never changed. “Failure isn’t a option then..”
Of course, greed took over immediately after the magistrate detailed the rewards for successful and all reservations disappeared into thin air. Garron stood and practically glided across the room to the large desk which the document rested upon. He stared at the elf for several long moments before picking up the pen and dipping it into the ink well. “I care nothing for the king’s favor but only a fool would turn down a coin purse that heavy.” Several precise movements of the hand and Garron Rey’s signature was where it belonged. “My services are yours to use.”
((Lemme get a picture of good ole Garron so I’m not the Lone Ranger XD))
Mugun puts a hand on Garron's shoulder and, with a grin that is good natured if more than a bit smug, mutters "How would you describe that reward, my friend? Because I personally would employ the phrase 'Once in a lifetime opportunity.'"
Garron looked over at Mugun with smirk that was so sardonic it could have been considered a frown. “These types of rewards bring as much grief as they do joy, Mugun, but only a fool would think the pros do not outweigh the cons.” The assassin patted the half-orc on the back as he passed back, returning to the window seal and planting himself once more. “Let’s just survive, yeah?”
Mugun chuckles as he returns to his spot on the summoned sofa. He lifts his goblet of spiced wine towards Garron and says "On that much, at the VERY least, we can agree."
Rembrandt turns toward Seamus with a stoic expression, "So long as a third party is not within earshot or eavesdropping, the magic will not take effect. As to your second question, I am sure Ruslan will be happy to approve such a request. The land would be a part of the kingdom and subject to kingdom law, but that would be a discussion for another time; once the quest is completed."
Rembrandt rolls up the document and sets it ablaze. Blue fire consumes the contract and with a puff of smoke, it's gone. A tingling sensation flows over your minds down to the tip of your tongues.
"Now for the quest. Your party is tasked with a perilous journey to the summit of Skyreach mountains. It will be a three-day-long journey if the weather holds fair. Your party will make the first day's journey to Timberhold, a village known for supplying lumber, furs, and other wild game. Be wary on the roads. Monsters and banditry have run rampant since the war."
"The elder should have already received word of your arrival. Speak with the elder; they will show you the safest path into the mountains. They will also supply you with climbing gear and food, but any other supplies you must purchase for yourselves. Once you are on the path into the mountains use this-."
Rembrandt reveals a sterling silver pearl pendant.
"This pendant will show the way to...", he pauses. A long uncomfortable silence settles upon the room. His expression shows reserved thoughts about his next statement. Finally, he lets out a heavy sigh, "This pendant will show the way to the Dragon Lord of Skyreach's Lair."
Rembrandt's statement hits with an impact of Moradin, the dwarven god of blacksmiths, hammering his anvil.
(The Dragon Lord of Skyreach is a golden dragon said to have a vast hoard of treasure during the time of the Demon Wars. Weapons and armor that can give godlike status and power. Gold. So. Much. Gold. Enough treasure that no one could spend all of it in their lifetime. The Dragon Lord died while defending the city against the demonic invaders. Many people mourn his passing and celebrate his life with a festival once a year. The location of his lair died with him. However, it has not stopped many would-be treasure-hunters from searching the Skyreach Mountains for what has become a myth.)
Rembrandt extends the pendant for someone to take. "The pendant is set with an enchanted pearl of power. "Renew" is the command for using the pendant's power. "Nistri" is the command word that shine a golden light in the direction of the lair."
Mugun's mouth goes dry. He reaches out for the pendant almost instinctively, and without thought for what his companions might think of his taking it. To rediscover the Horde of Skyreach would be a feat worthy of legend. The type of quest from which the name Bahbalen would be reforged. Honored, even revered. With one great deed, he'd be free from the shadows of his father and of his lord. Truly his own man, and what a man he would be...
But as he reaches, he catches himself, and stops. His hand drops to his side. Surely he's wiser than that. There must be a catch. "And what, Lord Magistrate..." he asks, quietly, with a tone of hesitation "Are we to do once we've reached the Lair of the Dragon Lord?"
Inge stands motionless. The pearl is nothing to her except as a means to strengthen her allies hopefully, and the pendant is a means to an end, as is the promise of gold. She looks askance at Mugun, at first, mistrusting the man's evident hunger for personal honor and glory, but then nods at his question, since it is hers as well. She waits to hear more.
Is this why the clan elders sent me? It has the feel of something to shake the very mountains...
Brymys stares flabbergasted at the pendant. With that much treasure he can retire from adventuring and become a rich philanthropist in the comfort of his own home while pursuing his own studies. He shakes his head as if waking from a dream.The gears of his mind start kicking in and he looks at the Magistrate intently. "Hold on, I wager you have had this pendant for quite some time. Why are we being sent to the dragon hoard now? What has changed?"
Seamus' eyes widen slightly at the mention of the great Dragon's name and lair, but otherwise shows no reaction to the news. He watches his companions' faces. He knows how the possibility of becoming rich can corrupt men's hearts, even make them betray family and friends. If it were not for the faint possibility that Rembrandt actually was serious about the creation of the preserve, the druid would back out now.
The dragon lord’s lair? Garron shook his head with a mirthless grin that may have been easier to describe as a snarl. “You must be joking..” Even the stoic assassin couldn’t stamp out the feeling of intrigue welling up within him. If the legends were true, the lair was overflowing with treasure. The mere thought made Garron’s mouth water. “What sort of beastie will be waiting for us on the other side, I wonder? Far too much gold being offered for this to simply be a delivery errand..”
Eilynn simply smiles, any surprise she feels hidden behind her veiled eyes. She observes her companions reactions, amusement at their greed twisting her lips up further.
When Brymys speaks up the cleric nods along to his question, glancing at the enchanted pendant. "Yes.. this seems far too straightforward. There must be a catch of some sort."
Seeing everyone hesitate on who should bear the pendant, he places it on the desk. "The pendant will act as a guide and key. You may discuss amongst yourselves who will bear the amulet at a more leisure time.".
"Now, once you enter the Skylord's lair, your party will be greeted by its guardians and caretaker. They will not be subjective to the MNDA, so present them with the pendant and request passage through the treasury and into the inner vault."
"If you become possessed with the notion of thievery within the treasury", Rembrandt leans forward on his elbows; sternly interlocking his fingers, "it would not be wise. Many items in that room have been taken from defeated demons and sealed away for protection. Items that would shatter the minds and morals of lesser mortals. Also, thievery would forfeit all rewards from this quest and possible banishment from the kingdom. The Skylord gifted his lair encase he fell during the war and it has remained a hidden asset and treasury to the Lahelmdar Kingdom."
Rembrandt trails off as he rubs his eyes and temples to soothe a headache. Seamus and Eilynn can see the bags under his eyes more clearly. Brymys can tell that potion's effects have worn off.
"In the inner vault, you will find an elixir on a pedestal in a large glass pitcher. The Elixir of Life, gifted by the goddess, Chauntea, and blessed by the god, Lathander to help heal and restore a world tainted by demonic corruption, is what you are there to find."
Rembrandt reaches into the bag on his desk and produces a small vial. "Pour enough of the elixir into this vial and only this vial.", he states with all seriousness. "This vial has been heavily enchanted to withstand the power and purity of the liquid. Any other container may have explosive repercussions. To reproduce this-," he holds up the vial, "-would take a vast amount of resources and an inscribing time of around 200 years." He narrows his eyes, "Do. Not. Lose. It."
He returns the vial into the bag and places it next to the pendant. "Keep it within this bag of holding for safekeeping."
Rembrandt looks at Garron. Something about his comment of "beastie will be waiting for us on the other side" made Rembrandt pause in confusion. He was forgetting something. Shock at a sudden realization he exclaims, "Oh, by the gods!".
What follows next, is a string of curses in the order of the following languages: Common, Elvish, Dwarvish, Draconic, Sylvan, and ???. His cursing is enough to make the saltiest sailor blush with shame.
"I completely forgot, she is sleeping there!", Rembrandt says as he pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration.
Mugunaverts his eyes the moment Rembrandt goes into his swearing fit. He doesn't look down with embarrassment. It's more like he suddenly noticed something DEEPLY interesting in the patterns of the wallpaper off to the right, and examining it requires his fullest, deepest attention. Mugun learned early on to allow powerful men their little outbursts. Interrupting or drawing any attention to the display only made it worse, or focused the rage onto you.
When it seems to be over, Mugun decides to wait for someone else to ask the obvious question, despite his curiosity and dread. Who in the nine hells is she?
Seamusoffers to carry the pendant for the group, if the others are willing. "I would protect it with my life," he says simply.
To Rembrandt, he asks, "What has occurred that the 'Elixir of life' is suddenly needed? And of course, we must ask to whom you are referring? Who slumbers there in the lair?"
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Brymys signs the paper and puts a check mark next to the 1,000 platinum. No point in saying no as this is obviously serious and may affect me even if I do nothing.
"Of course! Happy to follow standard procedure." Mugun rises and approaches the desk, taking up the pen to sign. He is trying not to show it but he is positively mystified by the size of this reward. He selects the Royal Boon. 1,000 platinum was a lot of money, of course. One could buy one's own ship with that kind of money! But the opportunity at a lord-ship would take him further than a sailing ship ever could.
(Get it? Do ya get it?)
Inge furrows her brow, trying to think again. A painful exercise. 1,000 platinum. How many goats could she buy with that? How many glaives like the one she wielded? How many of the delicious spiced meat curries that the man with the street stand on the corner near her sold? Somebody really wanted whatever they were trying to get done to get done.
She can't say that she loves the part about secrecy, but at this point, she doesn't know if she has a choice. Not if she wants to stay part of the Adventurers' Guild, anyway.
She signs her name and selects the 1,000 platinum. The King could keep his Boon.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
“Hiding the truth? How... predictable. Very well”
Eilynn crosses the room and stands before the desk, taking the pen within her hand. Certainly no stranger to veiled intentions and dishonesty, the cleric does not hesitate to sign the contract, scrawling her name in elegant handwriting and marking a tick beside the words ’1,000 platinum.’
((Heroforge doesn't work for me, so here's an image I made of Eilynn :) ))
Seamus studies the Magistrate's face. "We can discuss the mission with each other, yes? Otherwise that would reduce our coordination and effectiveness. For a boon... Would His Majesty consider creating a nature preserve, off-limits to hunting, logging and other development?"
The druid signs, but delays checking a reward pending Rembrandt's response.
Seamus thinks to himself, With the ridiculous reward they are offering, clearly they don't expect us to survive long enough to collect.
Garron was silent as the magistrate explained what this contract meant and what it’s capabilities were. Bile crawled its way up the back of the assassin’s throat at the mere thought putting his signature on the blasted thing. The way the binding magic took hold after one was finished putting ink to parchment. So many times had Garron been subject to this sort of magical bindings. It was a way to protect the higher powers from backlash if things went wrong. Somethings never changed. “Failure isn’t a option then..”
Of course, greed took over immediately after the magistrate detailed the rewards for successful and all reservations disappeared into thin air. Garron stood and practically glided across the room to the large desk which the document rested upon. He stared at the elf for several long moments before picking up the pen and dipping it into the ink well. “I care nothing for the king’s favor but only a fool would turn down a coin purse that heavy.” Several precise movements of the hand and Garron Rey’s signature was where it belonged. “My services are yours to use.”
((Lemme get a picture of good ole Garron so I’m not the Lone Ranger XD))
Mugun puts a hand on Garron's shoulder and, with a grin that is good natured if more than a bit smug, mutters "How would you describe that reward, my friend? Because I personally would employ the phrase 'Once in a lifetime opportunity.'"
Garron looked over at Mugun with smirk that was so sardonic it could have been considered a frown. “These types of rewards bring as much grief as they do joy, Mugun, but only a fool would think the pros do not outweigh the cons.” The assassin patted the half-orc on the back as he passed back, returning to the window seal and planting himself once more. “Let’s just survive, yeah?”
Mugun chuckles as he returns to his spot on the summoned sofa. He lifts his goblet of spiced wine towards Garron and says "On that much, at the VERY least, we can agree."
Rembrandt turns toward Seamus with a stoic expression, "So long as a third party is not within earshot or eavesdropping, the magic will not take effect. As to your second question, I am sure Ruslan will be happy to approve such a request. The land would be a part of the kingdom and subject to kingdom law, but that would be a discussion for another time; once the quest is completed."
Rembrandt rolls up the document and sets it ablaze. Blue fire consumes the contract and with a puff of smoke, it's gone. A tingling sensation flows over your minds down to the tip of your tongues.
"Now for the quest. Your party is tasked with a perilous journey to the summit of Skyreach mountains. It will be a three-day-long journey if the weather holds fair. Your party will make the first day's journey to Timberhold, a village known for supplying lumber, furs, and other wild game. Be wary on the roads. Monsters and banditry have run rampant since the war."
"The elder should have already received word of your arrival. Speak with the elder; they will show you the safest path into the mountains. They will also supply you with climbing gear and food, but any other supplies you must purchase for yourselves. Once you are on the path into the mountains use this-."
Rembrandt reveals a sterling silver pearl pendant.
"This pendant will show the way to...", he pauses. A long uncomfortable silence settles upon the room. His expression shows reserved thoughts about his next statement. Finally, he lets out a heavy sigh, "This pendant will show the way to the Dragon Lord of Skyreach's Lair."
Rembrandt's statement hits with an impact of Moradin, the dwarven god of blacksmiths, hammering his anvil.
(The Dragon Lord of Skyreach is a golden dragon said to have a vast hoard of treasure during the time of the Demon Wars. Weapons and armor that can give godlike status and power. Gold. So. Much. Gold. Enough treasure that no one could spend all of it in their lifetime. The Dragon Lord died while defending the city against the demonic invaders. Many people mourn his passing and celebrate his life with a festival once a year. The location of his lair died with him. However, it has not stopped many would-be treasure-hunters from searching the Skyreach Mountains for what has become a myth.)
Rembrandt extends the pendant for someone to take. "The pendant is set with an enchanted pearl of power. "Renew" is the command for using the pendant's power. "Nistri" is the command word that shine a golden light in the direction of the lair."
Mugun's mouth goes dry. He reaches out for the pendant almost instinctively, and without thought for what his companions might think of his taking it. To rediscover the Horde of Skyreach would be a feat worthy of legend. The type of quest from which the name Bahbalen would be reforged. Honored, even revered. With one great deed, he'd be free from the shadows of his father and of his lord. Truly his own man, and what a man he would be...
But as he reaches, he catches himself, and stops. His hand drops to his side. Surely he's wiser than that. There must be a catch. "And what, Lord Magistrate..." he asks, quietly, with a tone of hesitation "Are we to do once we've reached the Lair of the Dragon Lord?"
Inge stands motionless. The pearl is nothing to her except as a means to strengthen her allies hopefully, and the pendant is a means to an end, as is the promise of gold. She looks askance at Mugun, at first, mistrusting the man's evident hunger for personal honor and glory, but then nods at his question, since it is hers as well. She waits to hear more.
Is this why the clan elders sent me? It has the feel of something to shake the very mountains...
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Brymys stares flabbergasted at the pendant. With that much treasure he can retire from adventuring and become a rich philanthropist in the comfort of his own home while pursuing his own studies. He shakes his head as if waking from a dream.The gears of his mind start kicking in and he looks at the Magistrate intently. "Hold on, I wager you have had this pendant for quite some time. Why are we being sent to the dragon hoard now? What has changed?"
Seamus' eyes widen slightly at the mention of the great Dragon's name and lair, but otherwise shows no reaction to the news. He watches his companions' faces. He knows how the possibility of becoming rich can corrupt men's hearts, even make them betray family and friends. If it were not for the faint possibility that Rembrandt actually was serious about the creation of the preserve, the druid would back out now.
The dragon lord’s lair? Garron shook his head with a mirthless grin that may have been easier to describe as a snarl. “You must be joking..” Even the stoic assassin couldn’t stamp out the feeling of intrigue welling up within him. If the legends were true, the lair was overflowing with treasure. The mere thought made Garron’s mouth water. “What sort of beastie will be waiting for us on the other side, I wonder? Far too much gold being offered for this to simply be a delivery errand..”
Eilynn simply smiles, any surprise she feels hidden behind her veiled eyes. She observes her companions reactions, amusement at their greed twisting her lips up further.
When Brymys speaks up the cleric nods along to his question, glancing at the enchanted pendant. "Yes.. this seems far too straightforward. There must be a catch of some sort."
Seeing everyone hesitate on who should bear the pendant, he places it on the desk. "The pendant will act as a guide and key. You may discuss amongst yourselves who will bear the amulet at a more leisure time.".
"Now, once you enter the Skylord's lair, your party will be greeted by its guardians and caretaker. They will not be subjective to the MNDA, so present them with the pendant and request passage through the treasury and into the inner vault."
"If you become possessed with the notion of thievery within the treasury", Rembrandt leans forward on his elbows; sternly interlocking his fingers, "it would not be wise. Many items in that room have been taken from defeated demons and sealed away for protection. Items that would shatter the minds and morals of lesser mortals. Also, thievery would forfeit all rewards from this quest and possible banishment from the kingdom. The Skylord gifted his lair encase he fell during the war and it has remained a hidden asset and treasury to the Lahelmdar Kingdom."
Rembrandt trails off as he rubs his eyes and temples to soothe a headache. Seamus and Eilynn can see the bags under his eyes more clearly. Brymys can tell that potion's effects have worn off.
"In the inner vault, you will find an elixir on a pedestal in a large glass pitcher. The Elixir of Life, gifted by the goddess, Chauntea, and blessed by the god, Lathander to help heal and restore a world tainted by demonic corruption, is what you are there to find."
Rembrandt reaches into the bag on his desk and produces a small vial. "Pour enough of the elixir into this vial and only this vial.", he states with all seriousness. "This vial has been heavily enchanted to withstand the power and purity of the liquid. Any other container may have explosive repercussions. To reproduce this-," he holds up the vial, "-would take a vast amount of resources and an inscribing time of around 200 years." He narrows his eyes, "Do. Not. Lose. It."
He returns the vial into the bag and places it next to the pendant. "Keep it within this bag of holding for safekeeping."
Rembrandt looks at Garron. Something about his comment of "beastie will be waiting for us on the other side" made Rembrandt pause in confusion. He was forgetting something. Shock at a sudden realization he exclaims, "Oh, by the gods!".
What follows next, is a string of curses in the order of the following languages: Common, Elvish, Dwarvish, Draconic, Sylvan, and ???. His cursing is enough to make the saltiest sailor blush with shame.
"I completely forgot, she is sleeping there!", Rembrandt says as he pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration.
Mugun averts his eyes the moment Rembrandt goes into his swearing fit. He doesn't look down with embarrassment. It's more like he suddenly noticed something DEEPLY interesting in the patterns of the wallpaper off to the right, and examining it requires his fullest, deepest attention. Mugun learned early on to allow powerful men their little outbursts. Interrupting or drawing any attention to the display only made it worse, or focused the rage onto you.
When it seems to be over, Mugun decides to wait for someone else to ask the obvious question, despite his curiosity and dread. Who in the nine hells is she?
Inge starts scratching her shoulder again, grinning at the string of profanity.
"She?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Seamus offers to carry the pendant for the group, if the others are willing. "I would protect it with my life," he says simply.
To Rembrandt, he asks, "What has occurred that the 'Elixir of life' is suddenly needed? And of course, we must ask to whom you are referring? Who slumbers there in the lair?"