Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine.

'I hope you don't mind", Ravager says as she picks up one of the documents.  "But I'd like to read it thoroughly before I sign."

Vanja narrows her eyes a little and speaks slowly. "Seems we are swapping bosses quickly these days. Not that I'm not interested, but why are you offering us more tomorrow for doing the same work we were doing today, just for a different boss?"

Guile listens to the proposal carefully.  "A increase in title and a private quarters would be welcome.  Wealth is all well, I also need access to arcane magic to advance my studies. I am fine with the terms as long as it's clear we claim any treasure recovered clearing the mines."

"I see little risk, unless your allegiance puts us at between you and an assassin's blade.  This was the issue with your predecessor, so you understand my companions' hesitation..."

Aegnor

"Most interesting.  I'm interested.  I would also prefer to read the document prior to signing.  A devil's bargain is rarely equitable for the signee."

Aegnor studies the individual to see if he can read them for their intentions. 

Aegnor cast guidance once for each skill check.

Aegnor Insight:  8 + 1

He looks over the document.  

Aegnor Investigation:  8 +[roll]1d4[/roll]

OOC - Second D4 rolled in log....is a 2

The contract is pretty straight forward, short and to the point.  The one thing that Aegnor notices (insight roll success) is that there is NO oath of fealty, notble because that is something ALL the Horde's contracts have.  It is just an outline of your responsibilities.  

Kaylan responds to Ravager, "Of course not, take your time. No rush."  

He turns towards Guile and says with a chuckle, "Well, arcane libraries & secrets ARE a specialty of my religion. You'll will have no problem in that department once we get the temple restored." He pauses looking off into the distance. "As for the assassin's blade... well... you ARE part of the Horde.  No guarantees on that part.  I sooner be able to guarantee you winning at gambling tonight than predict that." 

"And you my little denizen of the Fey" as he turns to Vanja, "The answer is simple, I'm not asking for your loyalty to ME.  I am asking for your loyalty to the town.  I believe by giving you a stake in the town wealth, it will make you want to help it prosper.  That is my penultimate goal."  

Aegnor : 18

Ravager: 14

Vanja: 18

Guile: 9

Aegnor raises an eyebrow, catching the inflection of the priest's voice on "penultimate", arcana roll was successful, I rolled insight for Vanja & Ravager.  Difficulty for both rolls was 20.

Aegnor says, "I'm in.  I like your style. Be warned.  IF.....I get the sense that later on I'm screwed.  I won't go down without a fight.  Just so we're clear.  I'm not one to just sit around either.  I'm going to want to move up or get better things, and gradually is ok too.  I not in a rush for power just that I like to know I have opportunities see. You got my loyalty of sorts as long as you have my back.  So, you want us to clear out the cave?  I'm good with that.  It might take some time though."

Aegnor is filling full of himself and takes a breath to settle himself to focus on the task at hand.  Once the others are ready if they sign he'll be ready to move out with Skelly and Shadow.  Aegnor refreshes his control over Skelly to maintain it.

"Fair to warn you my ultimate goal is to get a ship of my own.  Of course, I could build up a shipwright in the process, but eventually sailing.  And by the way.  It's been a while since my vocabulary training.  Is "penultimate" like "before ultimate" or "everything ultimate, which I thought was panultimate.  What does it mean?  Or do you have a dictionary I can borrow?"

"Ah yes," responds the priest. "Penultimate does mean next to last.  I do have other goals, but for now I'd like to keep that to myself.  The reasoning being that not everyone here in town appreciates me taking control. No need giving them any advantages by accident!"  

He then pulls out a map.  "We have had lord Arnel here scouting the small bay where you met him earlier.  I would say his map making skills are subpar, but it was enough for our diviners to use to create a fairly accurate map."  He points to a spot on the map. "This island here is about 700' from the area our good elf found you at.  The is an old stonework opening leading down into it."  he then points to an X nearby, "Here is an undersea building.  I mention this because apparently your group has no problem in an underwater environment. Start with whichever one you want.  You'll be taking Arnel with you, he'll take the orders of whichever of you are going to be leading this expedition."

At this last comment, the elf frowns and starts to protest, but Priest Phant cuts him off. "You WILL take the leader's orders.  We have settled this already.  You accepted the terms."

He turns to your group and asks "Any other questions?"  If not, you can start whenever you're ready."

Aegnor decides not to lead at this point,  "One of you can lead....for now.  I'll keep an eye on him though."

Aegnor will move out when everyone is ready with Skelly and Shadow on heel and protect/guard group mode.

OOC - Real life stuff might have me on a slower post rate possibly.

Guile steps forward, "I am predisposed to discipline and order, so I can lead this expedition if that suits the rest."

He addresses his companions, "What say you all, head back underwater and likely deal with the lizardfork or venture to the island through the stonework?  I'm inclined to explore the island so we know a bit more about what we'll find there.  But it may be best to deal with the lizardfolk while they're on their heels."

Vanja nods slowly at Phant. "I like your style Mister Phant. That sounds like a logical way to make sure we do the duty. I'm in."

She turns to Guile and smiles. "Sure thing, mate. One more boss coming up!" She winks to show she is teasing. 

Aegnor

Just before they head out.  He thinks..it doesn't hurt to ask. 

Looks up at Priest Phant, "Any goodies you might have to increase the chance of success on our mission?  Boss."

The priest cocks his head to the side for a moment, then raises his eyebrow.  "Yes, I think I do."  He heads over to a bookcase and opens a small coffer.  He takes out two small stones and brings one to Aegnor.  "This is a sending stone, you'll be able to contact me once per day and send a message about 20 words long. No I have another meeting I must attend, good luck!"

He also gives you a script receipt giving you access to 500 gp (total) of gear from the supply dump (rations, wine and brew, special components for spells, minor gear, etc)

Give me a list in OOC channel of what you want for your group and which area you want to go after first.

Aegnor

Aegnor goes over to Guile, "Not sure what that was about.  Here's the stone and a script receipt for 500 gp.  Best you take it.  We'll probably need some stuff."

Aegnor hands the stuff over to Guile.  

Guile nods to Aegnor "Very well.  Any strong opinions on where to start?  Underwater or the island?"

Aegnor says, "I'm not a fan of water.  That might be pretty tough for us.  Can we breathe under water or have a way to function well under water?  Maybe save it for last we might find some stuff to help us out there.  I'm ok with whatever though."

Guile to Aegnor: "Recall my water breathing is still in effect.  Ravager has the magic cloak that will allow her to swim and I have additional magic that will adapt me to the environment.  But I agree additional resources would obviate some of the challenges.  Shall we head to the island than?  At least we can see what we're dealing to better weigh our options..."

Guile to Arnel: "Well, it seems you might be the closest thing to a healer that we've got.  Can you cure wounds or transmute what the druid's call a goodberry?  Otherwise, we best acquire some healing potions."

Vanja watches this discussion without input until they start discussing whether to go to the island or start underwater. "That water breathing thing was fun, but I don't want to try that too often, mate. Let's keep our heads above water for a little while and get used to breathing properly again."