Drexon listens intently to Librarian Toros explain the history behind the binding by marriage of House Pedrov and House Clarent, fascinated by the political workings in Mantagard. His interest in this subject had been peeked after he learned of House Daxos' wealth being controlled by the Verdant Masons.
"The politics of Mantagard is quite complex it seems. And these house heirlooms seem to be of great importance".
When David Clarent introduces himself, he bows. "Do not worry about us being scared off, we are a persistent bunch. You are a Clarent yourself then, are you are sibling of Lord Clarent?".
He looks to the others, "I am not sure we were aware that the contract was for two days. It would be good to hear more of the duties required".
"Very well," David nods. "That is correct. I am Lord Daven's half-brother. I handle the internal work of the estate while my brother handles the external relations of the house."
"The contract is only for tomorrow, but we would appreciate it if you would also help us prepare for tomorrow's event voluntarily," David explains. "If you do not wish to do so, you can come here tomorrow morning around 6. However, we would like your help assessing our estate's security and bolstering it. It may ease both of our work tomorrow. We can, of course, discuss an addendum on the contract to include compensation for today's work."
Drexon is a little surprised that they are being asked to work for free, but tries not to show it. He looks to the others to see if they have any issue with it, not wanting to speak for the whole group on the matter.
"Perhaps we could discuss this in private before we give a response", he says politely to David, before wandering a little way away so they can whisper without being overheard.
"What do you all think? It’s a little cheeky trying to get free labour, right?".
"Perhaps," David says to Cob's musing. He then nods to the other and motions his hand toward the manor. "Come. We can discuss it inside. I can tell that you are interested in taking the job. We can discuss compensation for today's work if you prefer not to do it voluntarily."
"Well, I think it is better that I leave," Toros says. He turns toward the group and gives a respectful and appreciative nod. "I thank you once again for helping yesterday. I hope you can benefit from this employment. A backing or a favour from a house is invaluable. I bid you goodbye, friends."
"It is good to see you again, Toros," David calls as Toros takes his leave.
When you walk into the manor proper, you are greeted with the sight of a long hallway to the front, the right, and the left. The wall is painted in soft cream with intricate sunlight and wavy lines relief near the bottom and top of the wall. The hallway to the front leads to a massive red double door, seemingly a main room for meetings and events, while the hallway to the left leads to something resembling an inner courtyard. At the end of the hallway to the right, you can see a room decorated entirely with glass panes. A few exotic plants can be seen growing from pots and hanging lantern-like baskets. At a glance, a lot of them are unknown to you, but you recognize the Lightbloom, a white and yellow flower tied with the Illuminated Papacy, the religious order worshipping the Light Bearer.
David leads you to a room near the massive red double door. It is a cosy library. The collection of books inside is not as extensive as the one you have seen in the Annex, but you notice that two ceiling-height bookshelves stand as the main fixture of the room, almost filled to the brim with books, scriptures, and scrolls. Most of them are old but well-kept. A couple of reading couches and a study desk complement the calm atmosphere of the room.
"Tomorrow, Lady Zelena will become of age," David says after motioning you to take a seat anywhere you like. "People vying for the Clarent's wealth and support will be attending the party to clamber for the lady's hand in marriage or even kidnap her for ransom. The reason for the advert is simple, to create a warning that there will be additional guards for the party tomorrow. Many will be dissuaded to act, but many others will prepare enough to counter the additional guards."
"I am sure there are no spies within the estate," he continues, "but we still had to submit a budget plan for tomorrow's event to the Mayor's Office to get the event permit. Spies will be able to see how many additonal guards in the rotation by looking at the submitted budget and adapt accordingly. That is the reason why I hope you would volunteer to work an additional day without pay so we can trick any spies from knowing the full extend of the estate's security."
"If you still prefer for compensation," he adds after a long pause, "I can allow you to take one book from this library. Here lies the rarest collection of knowledge concerning the Light Bearer and the Illuminated Papacy. You will not find this information in any other place except in the Illuminated Basilica in Root Anvil. Or, as your friend said, I can offer you any information I have on anything you wish to know. The compensation for today's work just cannot be in the form of monies."
Karm has been quiet until now but the mention of rare book gets him to talk.
Knowledge, to me at least, sounds reasonable. You will understand most certainly that we, as people usually do, wont work for free. But i personally will accept your offer if you garantuee that our selection is made without restriction.
Karm turns to his friends. What do you think? Sounds like something that could be of use.
Cob nods at Karm's suggestion, already thinking that there's plenty on display in this place that he could secretly pocket if he really felt like they needed extra compensation.
With Karm and Cob both agreeable to the offer of alternative payments for the day's work, Drexon sees no reason to decline and happily takes a seat on one of the offered couches and takes off his hat.
"I am not so fond of books myself, but the favour of House Clarent or some knowledge shared is indeed an attractive offer of recompense", he says to David. "I expect our working today gives you the opportunity to see us at close quarters before party as well, which must be appealing".
As he outwardly relaxes, he studies their host closely to determine if there might be anything that they have not disclosed.
Insight: (6,10)+5=11 (Passive -5 for Disadvantage due to exhaustion: 10)
“I usually stick to working for money, but the information is probably more useful for us.” Eremoz paces the room, hoping this jobs goes better than the last.
Cob looks through the books and scrolls while the others talk. Perhaps the owners have forgotten they owned spell books or spell scrolls and they’re in the mix here.
Drexon, David seems genuine in everything he said so far. He's been very open, unlike any noble you have encountered before.
Cob, at a glance, you don't see any spell books or scrolls on the shelves. The books are mostly religious texts, journals, and some stories that could be fictional from the looks of them.
"That and more," David replies to Drexon. "I suppose you will need the map of the estate. As I said before, I would appreciate it if you could help us bolster the estate's security. Maybe you can walk around the estate to look for weaknesses. Some of you appear to be spellcasters. If you have any spell that can help, be my guest. If you want to commission something, tell me and I will allocate some funds from the staff's internal budget and savings. That way, I can put the expense as estate maintenance. Unfortunately, it cannot be more than 10 silver or 1000 copper, else we have to cut the staff's salary. I also see that one of you is a bard. Perhaps you can befriend some of the staff, walk around the city, and see the people's intention for tomorrow's party. That way, we can prepare for any eventualities."
Drexon listens to the instructions given by David, happy that their host is being forthright with them.
"A map, a walk around, and a meet and greet with the staff sounds like a good idea. It would be good to meet the members of the household as well. Knowing who is meant to be in certain parts of the house is critical to determining if someone is out of place".
He thinks for a moment, "Are you expecting to disarm all party guests? What about entertainment, are you bringing people in?".
Eremoz glances around the estate. “Will Lady Zelena be wandering the grounds freely or will she stick to a general area? Also, do we have an outlook on the weather tomorrow?”
"The Ladies Zelena and Leillana are already out," David says exasperatedly. "Lady Leillana is insistent on finding the perfect dress despite her daughter's aversion to formal dresses. Daven is also out of the estate; the mayor is calling all hands on deck to deal with the recent attack on the warehouse district. You will meet the staff and guards when I take you to tour the manor."
He moves toward a pile of newspaper on the table and takes a long look before turning to Eremoz. "The forecast looks good enough for the next three days. The paper usually has an accurate read. From what I heard, they commissioned someone from the Annex who has a good grasp of divination magic. It's a good thing you mention because Lady Zelena will take any chance to be out of the party. If, at any time during the party, you cannot see her, then you should first check the inner courtyard and the lake. If she's not there, that means something is amiss."
"Unfortunately, disarming the guest is not possible. We just don't have enough guards or staff to enforce it. However, all entertainment will be handled by the staff, so we don't have any people other than the guests coming in. In addition, all guests will have an invitation, preventing anyone without it from entering the estate."
“I can tell you right away, you’ll want to put up a post for a sharpshooter or at least someone to watch for an attack coming from the air. It’ll be easier for them to attack from the air with decent weather, but it’ll also be easier to see them coming.”
Eremoz continues, “Does the Lady have a personal guard? And if not, would she be opposed to one?”
"It will be tight, but I think we can call for the carpenters to build a temporary lookout post," David replies with a nod. "It won't be pretty or strong enough to withstand an attack. We don't have time to make such a structure even if we commission the help of wizards. But, I suppose it will be good enough for keeping watch over the estate. We will have to see what the carpenters can do."
He ponders Eremoz's question for a moment before shaking his head. "Lady Leillana has her own guards. I'm sure if you were in town yesterday you would have seen them. She made quite a ruckus in one of the shops. Lady Zelena, on the other hand, despises having a bodyguard. She's a very independent woman and trained in blades. It will be hard to convince her, but I think she will see reason."
"If Lady Zelena resists having a guard, I could perhaps accompany her. I am far more discreet than most", Drexon offers. "Or did you have someone else in mind?", he adds to Eremoz.
"For today though, I think I will spend some time in the local taverns and such like, seeing what the gossip is about the party".
Cob listens to the others ask their questions but can't think of anything to add.
"We're free to wander the grounds, yes?" Cob says, more as a statement than question. He does think for a moment before continuing. "Lady Zelena was the obnoxious one in the shop yesterday, right? But I'm sure how much she spends would prevent any of them from wanting to hurt her. The daughter seemed much nicer too."
He looks around.
"I imagine a lot of the guests including the host display a lot of wealth during one of these things, don't they? Lots of expensive jewelry and the like?"
Cob starts heading for the grounds. "While I think the thief is going to come through the front doors, I guess someone should at least walk the grounds and see what's what."
"Very well, you decide what to do," David says while eyeing Cob cautiously after his remark. "Meanwhile, would you like to tour the manor and the grounds? Afterwards, I will contact the carpenters and leave you to your chosen duty. Which one of you suggested the watchtower? I'd like you to join me at the carpenters' shop to describe what you have in mind. If possible, I would like all of us to convene in the staff residence for lunch and an update. If you cannot, we'll plan for dinner."
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Drexon listens intently to Librarian Toros explain the history behind the binding by marriage of House Pedrov and House Clarent, fascinated by the political workings in Mantagard. His interest in this subject had been peeked after he learned of House Daxos' wealth being controlled by the Verdant Masons.
"The politics of Mantagard is quite complex it seems. And these house heirlooms seem to be of great importance".
When David Clarent introduces himself, he bows. "Do not worry about us being scared off, we are a persistent bunch. You are a Clarent yourself then, are you are sibling of Lord Clarent?".
He looks to the others, "I am not sure we were aware that the contract was for two days. It would be good to hear more of the duties required".
"Very well," David nods. "That is correct. I am Lord Daven's half-brother. I handle the internal work of the estate while my brother handles the external relations of the house."
"The contract is only for tomorrow, but we would appreciate it if you would also help us prepare for tomorrow's event voluntarily," David explains. "If you do not wish to do so, you can come here tomorrow morning around 6. However, we would like your help assessing our estate's security and bolstering it. It may ease both of our work tomorrow. We can, of course, discuss an addendum on the contract to include compensation for today's work."
Drexon is a little surprised that they are being asked to work for free, but tries not to show it. He looks to the others to see if they have any issue with it, not wanting to speak for the whole group on the matter.
"Perhaps we could discuss this in private before we give a response", he says politely to David, before wandering a little way away so they can whisper without being overheard.
"What do you all think? It’s a little cheeky trying to get free labour, right?".
Cobb looks around at their surroundings and frowns.
"TImes a little tough, then?" Cobb muses. "If coin is scarce maybe we trade for something else for the day. Information? A peek in the basement?"
"Perhaps," David says to Cob's musing. He then nods to the other and motions his hand toward the manor. "Come. We can discuss it inside. I can tell that you are interested in taking the job. We can discuss compensation for today's work if you prefer not to do it voluntarily."
"Well, I think it is better that I leave," Toros says. He turns toward the group and gives a respectful and appreciative nod. "I thank you once again for helping yesterday. I hope you can benefit from this employment. A backing or a favour from a house is invaluable. I bid you goodbye, friends."
"It is good to see you again, Toros," David calls as Toros takes his leave.
When you walk into the manor proper, you are greeted with the sight of a long hallway to the front, the right, and the left. The wall is painted in soft cream with intricate sunlight and wavy lines relief near the bottom and top of the wall. The hallway to the front leads to a massive red double door, seemingly a main room for meetings and events, while the hallway to the left leads to something resembling an inner courtyard. At the end of the hallway to the right, you can see a room decorated entirely with glass panes. A few exotic plants can be seen growing from pots and hanging lantern-like baskets. At a glance, a lot of them are unknown to you, but you recognize the Lightbloom, a white and yellow flower tied with the Illuminated Papacy, the religious order worshipping the Light Bearer.
David leads you to a room near the massive red double door. It is a cosy library. The collection of books inside is not as extensive as the one you have seen in the Annex, but you notice that two ceiling-height bookshelves stand as the main fixture of the room, almost filled to the brim with books, scriptures, and scrolls. Most of them are old but well-kept. A couple of reading couches and a study desk complement the calm atmosphere of the room.
"Tomorrow, Lady Zelena will become of age," David says after motioning you to take a seat anywhere you like. "People vying for the Clarent's wealth and support will be attending the party to clamber for the lady's hand in marriage or even kidnap her for ransom. The reason for the advert is simple, to create a warning that there will be additional guards for the party tomorrow. Many will be dissuaded to act, but many others will prepare enough to counter the additional guards."
"I am sure there are no spies within the estate," he continues, "but we still had to submit a budget plan for tomorrow's event to the Mayor's Office to get the event permit. Spies will be able to see how many additonal guards in the rotation by looking at the submitted budget and adapt accordingly. That is the reason why I hope you would volunteer to work an additional day without pay so we can trick any spies from knowing the full extend of the estate's security."
"If you still prefer for compensation," he adds after a long pause, "I can allow you to take one book from this library. Here lies the rarest collection of knowledge concerning the Light Bearer and the Illuminated Papacy. You will not find this information in any other place except in the Illuminated Basilica in Root Anvil. Or, as your friend said, I can offer you any information I have on anything you wish to know. The compensation for today's work just cannot be in the form of monies."
Karm has been quiet until now but the mention of rare book gets him to talk.
Knowledge, to me at least, sounds reasonable. You will understand most certainly that we, as people usually do, wont work for free. But i personally will accept your offer if you garantuee that our selection is made without restriction.
Karm turns to his friends. What do you think? Sounds like something that could be of use.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Cob nods at Karm's suggestion, already thinking that there's plenty on display in this place that he could secretly pocket if he really felt like they needed extra compensation.
With Karm and Cob both agreeable to the offer of alternative payments for the day's work, Drexon sees no reason to decline and happily takes a seat on one of the offered couches and takes off his hat.
"I am not so fond of books myself, but the favour of House Clarent or some knowledge shared is indeed an attractive offer of recompense", he says to David. "I expect our working today gives you the opportunity to see us at close quarters before party as well, which must be appealing".
As he outwardly relaxes, he studies their host closely to determine if there might be anything that they have not disclosed.
Insight: (6,
10)+5=11 (Passive -5 for Disadvantage due to exhaustion: 10)“I usually stick to working for money, but the information is probably more useful for us.” Eremoz paces the room, hoping this jobs goes better than the last.
Cob looks through the books and scrolls while the others talk. Perhaps the owners have forgotten they owned spell books or spell scrolls and they’re in the mix here.
Drexon, David seems genuine in everything he said so far. He's been very open, unlike any noble you have encountered before.
Cob, at a glance, you don't see any spell books or scrolls on the shelves. The books are mostly religious texts, journals, and some stories that could be fictional from the looks of them.
"That and more," David replies to Drexon. "I suppose you will need the map of the estate. As I said before, I would appreciate it if you could help us bolster the estate's security. Maybe you can walk around the estate to look for weaknesses. Some of you appear to be spellcasters. If you have any spell that can help, be my guest. If you want to commission something, tell me and I will allocate some funds from the staff's internal budget and savings. That way, I can put the expense as estate maintenance. Unfortunately, it cannot be more than 10 silver or 1000 copper, else we have to cut the staff's salary. I also see that one of you is a bard. Perhaps you can befriend some of the staff, walk around the city, and see the people's intention for tomorrow's party. That way, we can prepare for any eventualities."
Drexon listens to the instructions given by David, happy that their host is being forthright with them.
"A map, a walk around, and a meet and greet with the staff sounds like a good idea. It would be good to meet the members of the household as well. Knowing who is meant to be in certain parts of the house is critical to determining if someone is out of place".
He thinks for a moment, "Are you expecting to disarm all party guests? What about entertainment, are you bringing people in?".
Eremoz glances around the estate. “Will Lady Zelena be wandering the grounds freely or will she stick to a general area? Also, do we have an outlook on the weather tomorrow?”
"The Ladies Zelena and Leillana are already out," David says exasperatedly. "Lady Leillana is insistent on finding the perfect dress despite her daughter's aversion to formal dresses. Daven is also out of the estate; the mayor is calling all hands on deck to deal with the recent attack on the warehouse district. You will meet the staff and guards when I take you to tour the manor."
He moves toward a pile of newspaper on the table and takes a long look before turning to Eremoz. "The forecast looks good enough for the next three days. The paper usually has an accurate read. From what I heard, they commissioned someone from the Annex who has a good grasp of divination magic. It's a good thing you mention because Lady Zelena will take any chance to be out of the party. If, at any time during the party, you cannot see her, then you should first check the inner courtyard and the lake. If she's not there, that means something is amiss."
"Unfortunately, disarming the guest is not possible. We just don't have enough guards or staff to enforce it. However, all entertainment will be handled by the staff, so we don't have any people other than the guests coming in. In addition, all guests will have an invitation, preventing anyone without it from entering the estate."
“I can tell you right away, you’ll want to put up a post for a sharpshooter or at least someone to watch for an attack coming from the air. It’ll be easier for them to attack from the air with decent weather, but it’ll also be easier to see them coming.”
Eremoz continues, “Does the Lady have a personal guard? And if not, would she be opposed to one?”
"It will be tight, but I think we can call for the carpenters to build a temporary lookout post," David replies with a nod. "It won't be pretty or strong enough to withstand an attack. We don't have time to make such a structure even if we commission the help of wizards. But, I suppose it will be good enough for keeping watch over the estate. We will have to see what the carpenters can do."
He ponders Eremoz's question for a moment before shaking his head. "Lady Leillana has her own guards. I'm sure if you were in town yesterday you would have seen them. She made quite a ruckus in one of the shops. Lady Zelena, on the other hand, despises having a bodyguard. She's a very independent woman and trained in blades. It will be hard to convince her, but I think she will see reason."
"If Lady Zelena resists having a guard, I could perhaps accompany her. I am far more discreet than most", Drexon offers. "Or did you have someone else in mind?", he adds to Eremoz.
"For today though, I think I will spend some time in the local taverns and such like, seeing what the gossip is about the party".
Cob listens to the others ask their questions but can't think of anything to add.
"We're free to wander the grounds, yes?" Cob says, more as a statement than question. He does think for a moment before continuing. "Lady Zelena was the obnoxious one in the shop yesterday, right? But I'm sure how much she spends would prevent any of them from wanting to hurt her. The daughter seemed much nicer too."
He looks around.
"I imagine a lot of the guests including the host display a lot of wealth during one of these things, don't they? Lots of expensive jewelry and the like?"
Cob starts heading for the grounds. "While I think the thief is going to come through the front doors, I guess someone should at least walk the grounds and see what's what."
Eremoz shakes his head. “I think discretion is our best bet. I look like I would be a guard, plus you can communicate with us easily.”
"Very well, you decide what to do," David says while eyeing Cob cautiously after his remark. "Meanwhile, would you like to tour the manor and the grounds? Afterwards, I will contact the carpenters and leave you to your chosen duty. Which one of you suggested the watchtower? I'd like you to join me at the carpenters' shop to describe what you have in mind. If possible, I would like all of us to convene in the staff residence for lunch and an update. If you cannot, we'll plan for dinner."