This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Still mounted atop her steed, Tylaerys finds herself leaving the cover of her magic and slowly rides over to the garbage men, looking between them to gauge their intent. Insight to determine if they are truthful: 22 "Thank you for your concern about our welfare gentlemen. These woman and their cat are however on a mission from the pillaged town of Greenest just north of here. I can only speak for myself but I would have to continue towards the secret camp of the those scoundrels." She says in a firm but friendly tone, gracefully dismounting her horse, offering her hand to Mr. Ivory. "I'm Tylaerys, I'd hope you aren't assuming we are not capable of helping you just because we're women?" She continues, smiling and winking at Mr. Ivory.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jararaka raises a brow as Finn and Tylaerys hops off to meet these people, trying to steer her horse behind the cover of tress, she soon gives up on the effort as Pumpkinspice finds a particularly enticing grass beside the road. She slips off the saddle and approaches as well but keeps a safe distance. Hearing that they are here to deal with the cultists, she asks, "oh yeah? You a hero or just employed?" She scans the trio, "dealing with these fanatics with just the three of you?"
Insight, (+ guidance) to gauge their true intentions: 24 + 1
(ooc: would Jararaka know these people? using her criminal background, to see if they are fellow criminals haha)
At the appearance of Jararaka, the tall lizardfolk, the two in the back shift in their seats, but the front man still appears non-plussed. Though at the words of Tylaerys and Jararaka, he makes a pained smile, gritting his teeth.
"I see..." he says with a pregnant pause. "It seems we find ourselves at the awkward crossroads of both purpose and vernacular. You, I fear, are here to 'deal' with the Cult of the Dragon under the second parsing of the word, as Michtenzibber defines it, 'to take measures concerning someone or something, especially with the intention of putting something right.' My associates and I mean to 'deal' with them under the third parsing. That is, 'to take part in commercial trading of a particular commodity.' We have all the staffing required for our mission. You, on the other hand, seem to lack the army necessary to take on these fanatics."
If that unsettles any of you, he slowly raises a hand with another reassuring smile. "But just because we find ourselves at cross-purposes, there is no reason for us to have to cross steel. Our interest with the Cult and their wizards is purely transactional. A bit of quid pro quo. This for that. We hold them in no high esteem... but we do need to complete our business with them uninterrupted."
"Surely, there must be some way we can all get what we want and part ways in friendship?" he asks with clear eyes and bright smile.
Tylaerys:
It's clear to you this guy is a conman or scoundrel of some sort. He is all charm but no substance. Still, there isn't an obvious reason to lie about their intentions... if he wanted to deceive you, he could have just played along with your initial belief they were here to oppose the cult.
Jararaka:
The two men in the back are nervous, ready to defend themselves if necessary. The front man, Mr. Ivory, seems a practiced liar and confidence man. What is clear, is that he is not afraid of you, but rather seems to be enjoying this exchange.
You have indeed heard of this outfit, the Garbage Men. They are mercenaries, hired killers, and allegedly a strong musical act. They have a reputation for taking any job, no matter how scandalous, dangerous or unsavory, if the price is right. They used to work out of Waterdeep, until one of the Masked Lords put a huge bounty out on them. Now, it seems, they have relocated to the southern Sword Coast. It may surprise you they would continue to work under the same name. These soft skins... why so many of them see theft and crime as a means to fame and notoriety, rather than survival, is baffling.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Still atop Widowmaker, Jirel was silent. The pair held still like mountains in the back. Having spent much of the travels developing a bond, she kept her connection in communication open at each opportunity. The giantess had no interest in an elaborate ruse right now, nor the time. However, she and her horse look down upon the situation and observe. They'd also keep an eye on Shiloh, Chomper, and Pumpkinspice, making sure they don't wonder too far from that patch of grass they liked. As the exchanges occur, honey eyes scan and watch while attentive ears sift through words, trying to strip away the fluff to get to the meat of the discussion. Not only would Jirel listen to the people, but she'd listen to the horses as well. Maybe they gossip like drunks in a tavern?
(Essentially would like to have kept, and would like to keep Speak with animals up, within reason, should it be possible for her to recast the ritual while riding/atop Widowmaker.)
While the Garbage Men stated most of their business clear enough, Jirel found herself even more curious about something. Then what was so important to the cultists that they'd hire these men? And why would it be so time critical? Her chin would raise as she'd look down upon the group of men. "What 'particular commodity'?" The giantess breaks her silence to ask their business.
"A good question," Finn says with a smile towards Jirel. "Mind you we have no intention at all of interrupting your business dealings. We are not here to deal, in any meaning of the word, with the Cult. We are here merely to gather information. We ourselves are not from Greenest so we have no particular skin in the game, if you will. But those in Greenest have offered us a tidy sum for particular pieces of information. The location of their camp we have surmised, obviously... Then other obvious information - Their numbers, their intentions, etc. None of which should interfere with your more immediate transactions with the Cult as we won't be reporting back to Greenest until long after you have done your dealings."
Finn pauses to turn and look at her own crew trying to signal them with her eyes and expression that they should just go with it, despite her perhaps skirting of certain truths.
"So the commodity being dealt is of interest to use but also not a concern of ours, if you understand my meaning. In fact, as you hold no particular love for the Cult, perhaps you wouldn't mind assisting us in attaining the information we need. Especially as it will require no extra effort on your part?" Finn teases as she carefully puts the card into a safe pocket. "Some good will for no effort whatsoever? ow is that not a deal?"
The two in the back shift again in their saddles when the giantess reveals herself, but the blond front man continues without a care. "Oh, I've nothing to hide on that front. Some time ago we three ran afoul of a particular Hag in the Wood of Sharp Teeth. Balthazar..." he gestures toward the bestial-looking man, "...an artist with blades, and most soulful baritone you could ever hope to hear, took the witch's ire on the chin, so to speak. She hit the man with a dreadful curse, the 'terrible trio of tzitzimime'. Awful stuff. You'd never know it, but a lifetime ago he was once voted most handsome farmhand in Red Larch - true story. One of the curses is responsible for his current, compromised appearance. The other two curses are simply too dreadful to mention in polite company."
The disfigured man in the breastplate smiles nervously, and a horsefly, big as your thumb, buzzes out of his mouth. He clamps it shut again in embarrassment.
"As it happens, the cult here has a wizard counseling them who has kindly offered to lift this curse that weighs upon poor Balthazar... provided we kindly bring them our weight in coin and treasure. A princely sum, to be sure, but they held all the cards in that negotiation and we just can't go on with our mate in such sorts. And so here we ride, prepared at last to consummate this deal, deliver on our payment, and extract our reward."
He listens to Finn's proposal and waves his hand back and forth... palm up, palm down, palm up, palm down. "Its true..." he says at last, "... we have no love for the cult. Are you suggesting we spy for you? Report back on the cult's plan, disposition, thought, feelings, the diet of their horses, etcetera? I don't suppose such a thing would cost us very much at all. At the same time, this particular job for the cult is the inverse of our usual... it is going to leave us quite bereft of coin, rather than swimming in it. This 'tidy sum' from the good people of Greenest has me most intrigued. I'm not a shy man... a visionary, some like to say. I smell... partnership on the wind. How does that sound? We scratch your back, as it were, and you help us refill our purses with half of your reward money?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As Tylaerys realizes the riders true intent she grows cold and takes a step back before regaining her composure somewhat, grateful that Jirel and Finn steps in and tries to salvage the situation. She stands silent in a peaceful manner, nodding in a confirming way at Finn's spin on things. She is increasingly worried though that nothing would be done about the prisoners but she decides that matter would have to wait until they knew more about the situation inside that camp. Hopefully they would still get there in time to take advantage of the disarray.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Finn will do her best to listen for telltale signs of falsehood or insincerity in their offer to spy for a share of the reward money... Insight: 12
"That... That is a most intriguing offer, Jozen. I had something slightly different in mind but perhaps both could be accomplished. If you'll give me just a quick moment to consult with my friends here? I am sure we can work something out," Finn says is her best saleswoman tone.
Finn then quickly huddles up the others. "They're disreputable sorts, to be sure. If they see advantage or opportunity, they will surely use it to their advantage," Finn quickly tells the others in a hushed tone. "Like knows like, and all that, eh? But our ask is little more than they would be doing anyway... And I am also thinking they could sneak me into the camp as well and I can do what I can to try to find the hostages and other information on my own. If they go for it, Ty you said you could make me invisible? That would surely help get me inside and do some snooping..."
"Thoughts? I mean it seems safer than me sneaking in alone without their help?"
Jararaka's tail curls and uncurls behind her slowly, she trains her eyes on the trio before tilting her head towards Finn and nodding, showing agreement to what the bard says.
Joining the huddle, she says in a hushed voice, "they're infamous for taking any job, no matter how scandalous, dangerous or unsavory, if the price is right. Used to work out of Waterdeep but one of those Masked Lords put a bounty on their heads, though I'm surprised they are still working under that name. I think sneaking in with them is a good idea, this bunch is expected and has a good reason to be in that cultist camp." She narrows her eyes in thought, "In terms of risk... the usual loyalty disputes? I don't see why they'd turn against us, unless the cultists offer them more coin? But I doubt they'd divide a dragon's hoard."
"The rest of us... Go around like planned? Finn might be able to get close to that dragon wizard so we could go find the prisoners, or their treasures, while the Garbage Men's meeting is happening."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tylaerys listens to conman's story and proposal, trying to discern what he's truthful about, if anything ;-) Insight: 22
The young blonde half-elf huddles up with the others, listening to Finn and then Jararaka before speaking. "Perhaps try to find out a bit more about what they want us for? If it seems we really can help them it would make me more inclined to believe they would not sell us out to the cult in return for keeping some of their precious gold. Put simply I think we need to try to make sure it would be more profitable for them to stick with us than to simply deliver us into the hands of the Cult of the Dragon. That said, cooperating with them seems like a good idea. I can certainly make one of us invisible and you Finn can change appearance and maybe even be one of the garbage men. Now, I realize there might not be an opportunity to free any townsfolk, but I came to Greenest to meet with a Leosin Erlanthar and I suspect he might have been taken by the raiders. I need to at least know if he's inside the camp, but I'm prepared to take the risk and go in there myself, invisible." She says in a lowered voice, glancing over at the garbage men, then looking at Cheddar and Jirel for their thoughts.
“What who want us for? These guys?” Finn asks, jerking her head to indicate they’re new ‘friends.’ “I think just half the reward we were promised for doing what they were doing anyway… easy money and all. I think we’re the beggars here, we can’t be too choosey about where we get help?”
Finn does pause and mull over her changing form though. It would make sense for two of them to sneak in, if possible. As much as she dislikes revealing what she can do to others it is probably the best tactic…
“So we go in with them,” Finn proposes.”Tylaerys invisible, me looking like them best I can. Ty tries to find the hostages and assess, I will listen for any info I can glean or sneak away to gather on leaders and plans and such.”
“The rest of you perhaps stealthily circle the camp? Get as good a description of defenses and guards and numbers as possible?”
Jirel brings her hand up, patting her finger on her nose before gesturing to Jararaka to note and support her points. “Knowing their type now, I’m of the same mind.” She starts. “However, speaking fer myself,” Honey eyes scan the others. “I intend teh ante up.” While she knows some of them wouldn’t be willing to meet the same offer, she was willing to use the rest of her share to further assure their success by tempting the garbage men further with more gold. “Half my share fer the original agreed upon spying fer information.” She states the obvious before adding, “An my other half if they keep ‘em busy/distracted enough fer us successfully complete our ‘other business.’” While she wouldn’t expect the Garbage Men to directly help them with, or care about, rescuing prisoners, she’d be willing to give up the rest of her share to buy their loyalty and the success of their mission. Allowing the Garbage Men to keep their face with the Cult could prove to be an asset in a double agent scenario. They’d just have to be willing, and able, to pay them more than the cultists, and be the favourable employer/business partner.
”I’ll be keeping my eyes an’ ears out for their stables and horses. Especially if you go in with one. I can access the beast’s senses similar to you an’ yer owl Finn.” Jirel adds. “An’ if I do, Jararaka, Cheddar, I’mma need you to watch my back while my senses are elsewhere.”
(Offering Speak with Animals if/while they scout around the outside or locate their stables and/or using Beast Sense to accompany Finn or the Garbage Men via their steed depending on how deep they go in with their horses.)
Tylaerys listens to Finn, nodding at the plan, looking at the others for confirmation. She preferred to have the team together but she couldn't figure out how to sneak the others into the camp. Even if they came along as garbage men there was a risk they all could be recognized from Greenest, Jirel in particular. The young blonde half-elf then breaks out in a smile as Jirel speaks. "I too will gladly offer my whole part of the reward to pay these men for their services if they can somehow also assist us with freeing the townsfolk, maybe simply with a nice distraction while I let them out." She says with a firm nod, then looking up in appreciation at the blonde giantess.
Cheddar nods, agreeing to Jirel's proposal. "Nothing will touch your body while you are elsewhere." he states.
"I don't either Cicero." Cheddar says to his small companion. "But the bigger folks seem to think they can cooperate with them and get what they want." Cheddar pauses, as if listening to an unheard voice, then he can be heard saying. "I agree." Cheddar then goes silent.
[Once a proposal is ready, I need someone to pitch it to the Garbage Men. Make a Persuasion Check. If someone wants to tack on a Help action that is ok but it needs to come hand in hand with a little roleplay help.]
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Cheddars recalls all manner of unpleasant things about hags. Fey-connected beings, they are powerful magic users that delight in the manipulation - and often corruption - or mortals. They often dwell on the margins or outskirts of towns or villages, luring the lost or the desperate to them and then ensnaring them into faustian bargains.
The Wood of Sharp Teeth is a forest to the southeast of Baldur's Gate with an ancient and fey-connected history. Cheddar doesn't recall any particular stories about any famous hags who dwell there, but the forest is known to hold such fey creatures as nymphs, satyrs and dryads. So a hag residing there seems plausible. On a possibly unrelated note, the forest is said to currently have a nasty werewolf problem.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Good sirs,” Finn starts as she abruptly turns away from the huddle her own group had been in and once again faces The Garbage Men.“Forgive the delay, we are understandably cautious…But not so understandably rude, we haven’t even introduced ourselves…”
“Firstly is Jararaka, our resident holy person and smiter of ills.And there is Jirel, a fiercer warrior I have yet to meet,” Finn says, indicating each as she speaks their names.“Cheddar, as you seem to have noted earlier, is more than a cat.How so and how much even we aren’t sure about.We like to respect his privacy, you understand…Tylaerys, here, is about the kindest soul you’d ever want to meet.It is due to her persuasion that we are prepared to accept the proposed offer and offer a sweetener as well.”
“In exchange for any and all information you can gleam about the Cult and their encampment, including their numbers, their leaders, their goals and their upcoming plans, we are of course willing to share any and all rewards, gratuities and compensations we receive from the people of Greenest for that information.I must admit no actual numbers have been spoken but they are honest and generous people, in my experience, and have reason to reward well those who aid them in this matter…”Finn pauses and looks to the others, specifically Tylaerys, in case they have more to add on the topic.
“The added sweetener, for your consideration, is you assist Tylaerys and myself with sneaking in to the Cult’s camp with you.It shouldn’t be difficult, Tylaerys is able to turn herself invisible so should be easy enough to sneak in, yes?” Finn says, using her most persuasive voice and demeanor.
“I have talents of my own, as well…” Finn adds and pauses to bend over as if in a deep bow, her hands pressed to her face.A moment later she stands tall again, or rather he does.Once revealed again Finn is a rough but handsome looking man, much in line with those in The Garbage Men.Finn is a bit slighter of frame than they are, one does not want to squeeze themself right out of the clothes and armor, but this Finn is easily just one of the boys.“I play flute, lite and drum and can carry a tune as well, so perhaps I could just play the role of your newest recruit?”
“For this extra bother Tylaerys has convinced us to add another portion of the reward to yourselves.Instead of a fifty-fifty split we can call it… what?Sixty-forty in your favor?” Finn offers, trying to make it sound even more generous than it is, willing to go 70-30 once Tylaerys steps up and whispers in her (or rather his, now) ear, and trying to make 75-25 seem like the best and last offer…
Finn is, of course, more than willing to allow others to step up and chime in during the negotiations.He can use all the help he can get, he doesn’t figure these Garbage Men are as persuadable as the usual yokels he deals with…but the skeleton of the offer is the same, even if tweaked and adjusted by others.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tylaerys too turns from the huddle, standing at Finn's side as the roguish woman adresses the garbage men, a slight blush adorning the half-elf's cheeks as Finn calls her kind. The young half-elf knew one such as Finn would use words to achieve her goals, not necessarily being sincere with all of them, and yet she felt defenseless against Finn's praise. As Finn pauses and looks her way she simply nods affirmatively. "Yes, I would need to free some of the townsfolk the cultists took as prisoners. If you create a distraction for me to free them and leave the secret camp I expect them to eventually come after us, which would give you gentlemen the opportunity to use that distraction to help yourselves to some of the treasures the cult has been hoarding." She says says with a warm smile.
Another persuasion if needed to make the garbage men agree to Tylaerys' idea: 18
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Still mounted atop her steed, Tylaerys finds herself leaving the cover of her magic and slowly rides over to the garbage men, looking between them to gauge their intent.
Insight to determine if they are truthful: 22
"Thank you for your concern about our welfare gentlemen. These woman and their cat are however on a mission from the pillaged town of Greenest just north of here. I can only speak for myself but I would have to continue towards the secret camp of the those scoundrels." She says in a firm but friendly tone, gracefully dismounting her horse, offering her hand to Mr. Ivory. "I'm Tylaerys, I'd hope you aren't assuming we are not capable of helping you just because we're women?" She continues, smiling and winking at Mr. Ivory.
Jararaka raises a brow as Finn and Tylaerys hops off to meet these people, trying to steer her horse behind the cover of tress, she soon gives up on the effort as Pumpkinspice finds a particularly enticing grass beside the road. She slips off the saddle and approaches as well but keeps a safe distance. Hearing that they are here to deal with the cultists, she asks, "oh yeah? You a hero or just employed?" She scans the trio, "dealing with these fanatics with just the three of you?"
Insight, (+ guidance) to gauge their true intentions: 24 + 1
(ooc: would Jararaka know these people? using her criminal background, to see if they are fellow criminals haha)
At the appearance of Jararaka, the tall lizardfolk, the two in the back shift in their seats, but the front man still appears non-plussed. Though at the words of Tylaerys and Jararaka, he makes a pained smile, gritting his teeth.
"I see..." he says with a pregnant pause. "It seems we find ourselves at the awkward crossroads of both purpose and vernacular. You, I fear, are here to 'deal' with the Cult of the Dragon under the second parsing of the word, as Michtenzibber defines it, 'to take measures concerning someone or something, especially with the intention of putting something right.' My associates and I mean to 'deal' with them under the third parsing. That is, 'to take part in commercial trading of a particular commodity.' We have all the staffing required for our mission. You, on the other hand, seem to lack the army necessary to take on these fanatics."
If that unsettles any of you, he slowly raises a hand with another reassuring smile. "But just because we find ourselves at cross-purposes, there is no reason for us to have to cross steel. Our interest with the Cult and their wizards is purely transactional. A bit of quid pro quo. This for that. We hold them in no high esteem... but we do need to complete our business with them uninterrupted."
"Surely, there must be some way we can all get what we want and part ways in friendship?" he asks with clear eyes and bright smile.
Tylaerys:
It's clear to you this guy is a conman or scoundrel of some sort. He is all charm but no substance. Still, there isn't an obvious reason to lie about their intentions... if he wanted to deceive you, he could have just played along with your initial belief they were here to oppose the cult.
Jararaka:
The two men in the back are nervous, ready to defend themselves if necessary. The front man, Mr. Ivory, seems a practiced liar and confidence man. What is clear, is that he is not afraid of you, but rather seems to be enjoying this exchange.
You have indeed heard of this outfit, the Garbage Men. They are mercenaries, hired killers, and allegedly a strong musical act. They have a reputation for taking any job, no matter how scandalous, dangerous or unsavory, if the price is right. They used to work out of Waterdeep, until one of the Masked Lords put a huge bounty out on them. Now, it seems, they have relocated to the southern Sword Coast. It may surprise you they would continue to work under the same name. These soft skins... why so many of them see theft and crime as a means to fame and notoriety, rather than survival, is baffling.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Cheddar watches the exchange with his crossbow still at the ready and him not moving from his spot.
Still atop Widowmaker, Jirel was silent. The pair held still like mountains in the back. Having spent much of the travels developing a bond, she kept her connection in communication open at each opportunity. The giantess had no interest in an elaborate ruse right now, nor the time. However, she and her horse look down upon the situation and observe. They'd also keep an eye on Shiloh, Chomper, and Pumpkinspice, making sure they don't wonder too far from that patch of grass they liked. As the exchanges occur, honey eyes scan and watch while attentive ears sift through words, trying to strip away the fluff to get to the meat of the discussion. Not only would Jirel listen to the people, but she'd listen to the horses as well. Maybe they gossip like drunks in a tavern?
(Essentially would like to have kept, and would like to keep Speak with animals up, within reason, should it be possible for her to recast the ritual while riding/atop Widowmaker.)
While the Garbage Men stated most of their business clear enough, Jirel found herself even more curious about something. Then what was so important to the cultists that they'd hire these men? And why would it be so time critical? Her chin would raise as she'd look down upon the group of men. "What 'particular commodity'?" The giantess breaks her silence to ask their business.
just an unstable unicorn.
"A good question," Finn says with a smile towards Jirel. "Mind you we have no intention at all of interrupting your business dealings. We are not here to deal, in any meaning of the word, with the Cult. We are here merely to gather information. We ourselves are not from Greenest so we have no particular skin in the game, if you will. But those in Greenest have offered us a tidy sum for particular pieces of information. The location of their camp we have surmised, obviously... Then other obvious information - Their numbers, their intentions, etc. None of which should interfere with your more immediate transactions with the Cult as we won't be reporting back to Greenest until long after you have done your dealings."
Finn pauses to turn and look at her own crew trying to signal them with her eyes and expression that they should just go with it, despite her perhaps skirting of certain truths.
"So the commodity being dealt is of interest to use but also not a concern of ours, if you understand my meaning. In fact, as you hold no particular love for the Cult, perhaps you wouldn't mind assisting us in attaining the information we need. Especially as it will require no extra effort on your part?" Finn teases as she carefully puts the card into a safe pocket. "Some good will for no effort whatsoever? ow is that not a deal?"
The two in the back shift again in their saddles when the giantess reveals herself, but the blond front man continues without a care. "Oh, I've nothing to hide on that front. Some time ago we three ran afoul of a particular Hag in the Wood of Sharp Teeth. Balthazar..." he gestures toward the bestial-looking man, "...an artist with blades, and most soulful baritone you could ever hope to hear, took the witch's ire on the chin, so to speak. She hit the man with a dreadful curse, the 'terrible trio of tzitzimime'. Awful stuff. You'd never know it, but a lifetime ago he was once voted most handsome farmhand in Red Larch - true story. One of the curses is responsible for his current, compromised appearance. The other two curses are simply too dreadful to mention in polite company."
The disfigured man in the breastplate smiles nervously, and a horsefly, big as your thumb, buzzes out of his mouth. He clamps it shut again in embarrassment.
"As it happens, the cult here has a wizard counseling them who has kindly offered to lift this curse that weighs upon poor Balthazar... provided we kindly bring them our weight in coin and treasure. A princely sum, to be sure, but they held all the cards in that negotiation and we just can't go on with our mate in such sorts. And so here we ride, prepared at last to consummate this deal, deliver on our payment, and extract our reward."
He listens to Finn's proposal and waves his hand back and forth... palm up, palm down, palm up, palm down. "Its true..." he says at last, "... we have no love for the cult. Are you suggesting we spy for you? Report back on the cult's plan, disposition, thought, feelings, the diet of their horses, etcetera? I don't suppose such a thing would cost us very much at all. At the same time, this particular job for the cult is the inverse of our usual... it is going to leave us quite bereft of coin, rather than swimming in it. This 'tidy sum' from the good people of Greenest has me most intrigued. I'm not a shy man... a visionary, some like to say. I smell... partnership on the wind. How does that sound? We scratch your back, as it were, and you help us refill our purses with half of your reward money?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As Tylaerys realizes the riders true intent she grows cold and takes a step back before regaining her composure somewhat, grateful that Jirel and Finn steps in and tries to salvage the situation. She stands silent in a peaceful manner, nodding in a confirming way at Finn's spin on things. She is increasingly worried though that nothing would be done about the prisoners but she decides that matter would have to wait until they knew more about the situation inside that camp. Hopefully they would still get there in time to take advantage of the disarray.
Cheddar scans his memory to place any reference he may know of the "Hag in the Wood of Sharp Teeth".
Arcana: 14
History: 17
Finn will do her best to listen for telltale signs of falsehood or insincerity in their offer to spy for a share of the reward money... Insight: 12
"That... That is a most intriguing offer, Jozen. I had something slightly different in mind but perhaps both could be accomplished. If you'll give me just a quick moment to consult with my friends here? I am sure we can work something out," Finn says is her best saleswoman tone.
Finn then quickly huddles up the others. "They're disreputable sorts, to be sure. If they see advantage or opportunity, they will surely use it to their advantage," Finn quickly tells the others in a hushed tone. "Like knows like, and all that, eh? But our ask is little more than they would be doing anyway... And I am also thinking they could sneak me into the camp as well and I can do what I can to try to find the hostages and other information on my own. If they go for it, Ty you said you could make me invisible? That would surely help get me inside and do some snooping..."
"Thoughts? I mean it seems safer than me sneaking in alone without their help?"
Jararaka's tail curls and uncurls behind her slowly, she trains her eyes on the trio before tilting her head towards Finn and nodding, showing agreement to what the bard says.
Joining the huddle, she says in a hushed voice, "they're infamous for taking any job, no matter how scandalous, dangerous or unsavory, if the price is right. Used to work out of Waterdeep but one of those Masked Lords put a bounty on their heads, though I'm surprised they are still working under that name. I think sneaking in with them is a good idea, this bunch is expected and has a good reason to be in that cultist camp." She narrows her eyes in thought, "In terms of risk... the usual loyalty disputes? I don't see why they'd turn against us, unless the cultists offer them more coin? But I doubt they'd divide a dragon's hoard."
"The rest of us... Go around like planned? Finn might be able to get close to that dragon wizard so we could go find the prisoners, or their treasures, while the Garbage Men's meeting is happening."
Tylaerys listens to conman's story and proposal, trying to discern what he's truthful about, if anything ;-)
Insight: 22
The young blonde half-elf huddles up with the others, listening to Finn and then Jararaka before speaking.
"Perhaps try to find out a bit more about what they want us for? If it seems we really can help them it would make me more inclined to believe they would not sell us out to the cult in return for keeping some of their precious gold. Put simply I think we need to try to make sure it would be more profitable for them to stick with us than to simply deliver us into the hands of the Cult of the Dragon. That said, cooperating with them seems like a good idea. I can certainly make one of us invisible and you Finn can change appearance and maybe even be one of the garbage men. Now, I realize there might not be an opportunity to free any townsfolk, but I came to Greenest to meet with a Leosin Erlanthar and I suspect he might have been taken by the raiders. I need to at least know if he's inside the camp, but I'm prepared to take the risk and go in there myself, invisible." She says in a lowered voice, glancing over at the garbage men, then looking at Cheddar and Jirel for their thoughts.
“What who want us for? These guys?” Finn asks, jerking her head to indicate they’re new ‘friends.’
“I think just half the reward we were promised for doing what they were doing anyway… easy money and all. I think we’re the beggars here, we can’t be too choosey about where we get help?”
Finn does pause and mull over her changing form though. It would make sense for two of them to sneak in, if possible. As much as she dislikes revealing what she can do to others it is probably the best tactic…
“So we go in with them,” Finn proposes.”Tylaerys invisible, me looking like them best I can. Ty tries to find the hostages and assess, I will listen for any info I can glean or sneak away to gather on leaders and plans and such.”
“The rest of you perhaps stealthily circle the camp? Get as good a description of defenses and guards and numbers as possible?”
Jirel brings her hand up, patting her finger on her nose before gesturing to Jararaka to note and support her points. “Knowing their type now, I’m of the same mind.” She starts. “However, speaking fer myself,” Honey eyes scan the others. “I intend teh ante up.” While she knows some of them wouldn’t be willing to meet the same offer, she was willing to use the rest of her share to further assure their success by tempting the garbage men further with more gold. “Half my share fer the original agreed upon spying fer information.” She states the obvious before adding, “An my other half if they keep ‘em busy/distracted enough fer us successfully complete our ‘other business.’” While she wouldn’t expect the Garbage Men to directly help them with, or care about, rescuing prisoners, she’d be willing to give up the rest of her share to buy their loyalty and the success of their mission. Allowing the Garbage Men to keep their face with the Cult could prove to be an asset in a double agent scenario. They’d just have to be willing, and able, to pay them more than the cultists, and be the favourable employer/business partner.
”I’ll be keeping my eyes an’ ears out for their stables and horses. Especially if you go in with one. I can access the beast’s senses similar to you an’ yer owl Finn.” Jirel adds. “An’ if I do, Jararaka, Cheddar, I’mma need you to watch my back while my senses are elsewhere.”
(Offering Speak with Animals if/while they scout around the outside or locate their stables and/or using Beast Sense to accompany Finn or the Garbage Men via their steed depending on how deep they go in with their horses.)
just an unstable unicorn.
Tylaerys listens to Finn, nodding at the plan, looking at the others for confirmation. She preferred to have the team together but she couldn't figure out how to sneak the others into the camp. Even if they came along as garbage men there was a risk they all could be recognized from Greenest, Jirel in particular. The young blonde half-elf then breaks out in a smile as Jirel speaks. "I too will gladly offer my whole part of the reward to pay these men for their services if they can somehow also assist us with freeing the townsfolk, maybe simply with a nice distraction while I let them out." She says with a firm nod, then looking up in appreciation at the blonde giantess.
Cheddar nods, agreeing to Jirel's proposal. "Nothing will touch your body while you are elsewhere." he states.
"I don't either Cicero." Cheddar says to his small companion. "But the bigger folks seem to think they can cooperate with them and get what they want."
Cheddar pauses, as if listening to an unheard voice, then he can be heard saying.
"I agree."
Cheddar then goes silent.
[Once a proposal is ready, I need someone to pitch it to the Garbage Men. Make a Persuasion Check. If someone wants to tack on a Help action that is ok but it needs to come hand in hand with a little roleplay help.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Cheddar:
Cheddars recalls all manner of unpleasant things about hags. Fey-connected beings, they are powerful magic users that delight in the manipulation - and often corruption - or mortals. They often dwell on the margins or outskirts of towns or villages, luring the lost or the desperate to them and then ensnaring them into faustian bargains.
The Wood of Sharp Teeth is a forest to the southeast of Baldur's Gate with an ancient and fey-connected history. Cheddar doesn't recall any particular stories about any famous hags who dwell there, but the forest is known to hold such fey creatures as nymphs, satyrs and dryads. So a hag residing there seems plausible. On a possibly unrelated note, the forest is said to currently have a nasty werewolf problem.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
“Good sirs,” Finn starts as she abruptly turns away from the huddle her own group had been in and once again faces The Garbage Men. “Forgive the delay, we are understandably cautious… But not so understandably rude, we haven’t even introduced ourselves…”
“Firstly is Jararaka, our resident holy person and smiter of ills. And there is Jirel, a fiercer warrior I have yet to meet,” Finn says, indicating each as she speaks their names. “Cheddar, as you seem to have noted earlier, is more than a cat. How so and how much even we aren’t sure about. We like to respect his privacy, you understand… Tylaerys, here, is about the kindest soul you’d ever want to meet. It is due to her persuasion that we are prepared to accept the proposed offer and offer a sweetener as well.”
“In exchange for any and all information you can gleam about the Cult and their encampment, including their numbers, their leaders, their goals and their upcoming plans, we are of course willing to share any and all rewards, gratuities and compensations we receive from the people of Greenest for that information. I must admit no actual numbers have been spoken but they are honest and generous people, in my experience, and have reason to reward well those who aid them in this matter…” Finn pauses and looks to the others, specifically Tylaerys, in case they have more to add on the topic.
“The added sweetener, for your consideration, is you assist Tylaerys and myself with sneaking in to the Cult’s camp with you. It shouldn’t be difficult, Tylaerys is able to turn herself invisible so should be easy enough to sneak in, yes?” Finn says, using her most persuasive voice and demeanor.
“I have talents of my own, as well…” Finn adds and pauses to bend over as if in a deep bow, her hands pressed to her face. A moment later she stands tall again, or rather he does. Once revealed again Finn is a rough but handsome looking man, much in line with those in The Garbage Men. Finn is a bit slighter of frame than they are, one does not want to squeeze themself right out of the clothes and armor, but this Finn is easily just one of the boys. “I play flute, lite and drum and can carry a tune as well, so perhaps I could just play the role of your newest recruit?”
“For this extra bother Tylaerys has convinced us to add another portion of the reward to yourselves. Instead of a fifty-fifty split we can call it… what? Sixty-forty in your favor?” Finn offers, trying to make it sound even more generous than it is, willing to go 70-30 once Tylaerys steps up and whispers in her (or rather his, now) ear, and trying to make 75-25 seem like the best and last offer…
Finn is, of course, more than willing to allow others to step up and chime in during the negotiations. He can use all the help he can get, he doesn’t figure these Garbage Men are as persuadable as the usual yokels he deals with… but the skeleton of the offer is the same, even if tweaked and adjusted by others.
Persuasion: 24
Tylaerys too turns from the huddle, standing at Finn's side as the roguish woman adresses the garbage men, a slight blush adorning the half-elf's cheeks as Finn calls her kind. The young half-elf knew one such as Finn would use words to achieve her goals, not necessarily being sincere with all of them, and yet she felt defenseless against Finn's praise. As Finn pauses and looks her way she simply nods affirmatively. "Yes, I would need to free some of the townsfolk the cultists took as prisoners. If you create a distraction for me to free them and leave the secret camp I expect them to eventually come after us, which would give you gentlemen the opportunity to use that distraction to help yourselves to some of the treasures the cult has been hoarding." She says says with a warm smile.
Another persuasion if needed to make the garbage men agree to Tylaerys' idea: 18