Hoid to the group, “Have we done all we can here? I defer to those with arcane and other worldly knowledge. If so, we should head to the surface and let the Stonejaws in.”
Creatures from other planes destroyed on the Material Plane reform on their home plane. Destroying such creatures on their home plane permanently destroys them.
"Do we want to fight the fiend in its territory, or would it be better to bring it here? Or do we need to fight it on its plane to fully destroy it?"
Hoid asks Chadwick, “Is there a need to travel to another plane of existence, which the fiend calls home, and destroy the fiend? Have we not completed our task as it pertains to the fiend by removing it from the mine?”
“Let’s complete our task on this plane of existence and hand the mine over to the Stonejaws, as we have agreed.”
”I plan to do more investigation around the perceived tie with a former tyrant that enslaved my clan and killed my parents and this Demon. Until then, I plan to do Tyrs work here.”
“Let’s complete our task on this plane of existence and hand the mine over to the Stonejaws, as we have agreed.”
”I plan to do more investigation around the perceived tie with a former tyrant that enslaved my clan and killed my parents and this Demon. Until then, I plan to do Tyrs work here.”
Gneuman nods at Kragen and claps him on the back. "Sounds good, cousin. Whatever you need."
Finalize what cut we are going to negotiate for among The Company.
Return to camp and let them know about the hoard, then hammer out the final deal. Also let them know there might be additional dangers so we plan to remain and scout for (2 weeks?). We do need to protect our investment.
“I would remind all that we have no evidence, actually the contrary, that the Stonejaws will not bargain fairly. Our interactions with them to date is that they have been fair in remuneration of services rendered. If we begin bargaining as if we will be treated unfairly, it may make things worse and ostracize an ally.”
”not suggesting we don’t ask for what our services were worth. Let’s lay out the conditions and facts and allow this to be our bargaining leverage.”
”my feedback for what it’s worth.”
“I have no intent on entering the negotiations allowing The Company representatives to be my proxy in interest. Please conduct yourselves accordingly.”
”Hoid seems best at laying out the facts and providing a compelling argument. I suggest he be a part of our negotiating team.”
The Company greets the Stonejaw brothers and Hoid exclaims, “Brothers, it is time for you to enter the mine.We have toiled these past days to purge the place of evil, toiled to the brink of death so that you may work safely.Let us go.”
On the way to the mine, Hoid continues the story, “We have learned a fair amount about the mine, and guiding you along the path of our labors will help you to understand the mine and the great task that The Company has accomplished.”
Following the path of exploration on the entry level, Hoid continues, “We first explored over here, to our left.We were immediately beset by feelings of dread and bone chilling wails followed by the crash of waves.You probably experienced that for yourself during your brief trip into the mine.That was likely a harrowing experience for you, or it sounded so when brother Kragen reached out to you from across the continent.We dropped everything to arrange otherworldly travel to come to your aid, but that is a tale for another day.
Here you can see where we were ambushed by ogres and an oni.The battle was fierce but we managed to pull out a victory.We left the corpses of the ogres where they fell as the oni flew away, yes, flew.We did not know this at the time, but he went to gather a greater force of ogres to waylay us again.
As the company retraces the path of exploration, Hoid stops at the northern lift. “Here we found this elevator, not functioning after years of neglect.With some ingenuity and the might of Sir Chadwick, we forced the elevator to function.We were faced with a choice, up or down.We ultimately chose to go down because this is a mine after all, and one doesn’t expect to find the wealth of a mine at the top.So down we went.”
Once everyone is at the bottom of the elevator, Hoid continues, “We continued along these tracks and were beset by awful insect creatures that tried to suck our all of our bodily fluids.Unpleasant creatures, some of which may still be around.We managed to exterminate most of them.If any remain, they should be easily dealt with.We continued along the tracks using the enhanced senses of Starker’s magic mastiff, which lead us over to this fungus farm on the east side of the tracks.The mastiff saw the corpse of a long dead elf and we went to investigate.There we were beset by an awful shambling fungus creature.Several of The Company were afflicted with horrible effects of the thing’s spores.We managed to best the vile creature after considerable effort on our part. As I believe you know, we found the fine cloak that Kragen now wears that day on the remains of the elf.Let us return to the elevator.”
After The Company and Stonejaws return to the entrance floor, Hoid leads everyone to the northeast quadrant. “Brothers, here we managed to find the tricky oni again.Having tasted our wrath once, it beset us with many more ogres this time and unleashed more of its magical abilities trying to best us. We had expended considerable effort that day, and the oni refused to come down from its cowardly heights.Nonetheless, after great effort once again, nearly exhausting all of our considerable abilities, we managed to defeat the oni and the ogres that followed it.Again, you can see the corpses as evidence.
The oni left a bag of coins and a key.I hid it away over there out of concern that it could be cursed.We intended to return when better equipped to deal with the potential curse.Exhausted and taxed to our limit, we left the mine.We thank you for having a warm fire and hearty meal waiting for us.We found nothing else of value that day.Let us return to the elevator and proceed upward. When we returned the next day, the bag of coins and key were gone.We did not find those until the third day.But first, let us recount the second day, when nearly all of us died.”
When the group arrives at the upper level, Hoid leads the group to the dragon corpse. “Gentlemen, here you see the corpse of a mature shadow dragon.You all were bested by the darkness, or so I understand.You failed to mention that there was also a dragon living here.A mature shadow dragon.But I’ve skipped ahead.As we explored this level, we were beset by some blights.During that battle, the mature shadow dragon was rude enough to interrupt by breathing its vile breath on most of us, greatly to our detriment.Starker replied with a fireball, eliminating many of the blights and angering, and wounding, the dragon mightily.As we danced with the mature dragon, we were all nearly dead. I saw that Starker and the others had wounded the mature shadow dragon and I knew it was time to act.I leaped at the dragon, swinging my trusty sword with exhausted arms, hoping against hope that we would prevail.With luck, likely brought about by the favor of the two holy men of Tyr, I managed to make these final few nicks that vanquished the mature shadow dragon.(Hoid points at the massive gashes in the corpse.).
With the dragon dead, and the company exhausted and on the brink of death ourselves, we exited for the second time.You know that part of the story, although perhaps you did not appreciate how fearsome the mature shadow dragon could be.What you surely do not know is this.”
Hoid leads the group to the pile of treasure.
“Gentlemen, your need of funds is no more.With your share of this vast treasure, you should be able to get the mine up and running.Maybe you don’t even need to work the mine with your share of this treasure.”
After the slack jawed Stonejaws are paying attention again, Hoid says, “This was just the work through the second day.We bested more bugs, a fiend, a band of wraiths and a water elemental.All of this was much more than we bargained for when we came to your aid.Now it is time for an accounting.
You see before you all the items of value we found in the mine except for the cloak and spectacles Kragen is wearing, the halberd Sir Chadwick is wielding, a magic ring, the tentacle rod that [whoever has it] is carrying, and an item Staker possesses for controlling the fiend.Our agreement was to aid you for half the items of value in the mine and one percent ownership for each member of The Company.
Our services exceeded that agreement.We have not counted the tens of thousands of coins here, but the jewels and other items of value we separated out, by my estimation, are just over the equivalent of 15,000 gold coins.The Company will be keeping all of the magic items we now carry. The ring may be dangerous and the item for controlling the fiend may be dangerous as well.We therefore do not count them as items of value but burdens The Company will bear.There are several magic bolts and arrows that we believe you can put to good use if you need to defend yourselves.Of the potions, we want the potion of invulnerability and the healing potion.The remaining potions are negotiable.
The coins, gems and jewelry will be split per our agreement, although The Company would prefer our shares to be taken first from the gems and jewelry.We believe this is favorable to you because you will need coins to get your operation up and running.
The stuffed Owlbear and the dragon’s skull should be on public display.If you plan to keep this mine secret, then the skull and owlbear should be transported to Jotrun’s for all to see.
The remainder of the dragon corpse likely has value.We trust that you will find a purchaser and remit our share when you can.
Despite The Company expending more effort than we bargained for, our agreement is largely unchanged.The magic items we are keeping account for The Company’s increased, and nearly deadly, efforts.The disposition of the dragon skull and owlbear are common sense and, of course, could not be foreseen and negotiated in advance.The remainder will be split per our agreement on a value basis, and we believe coins are more preferable to you anyway.
Oh, and one last thing.We will have use of the living flame for reasonable times at no cost to The Company.This is part of our ownership stake."
Starker, in a quiet aside to The Company:”Perhaps Trokarl should aid the able Hoid in finalizing the negotiations Hoid so ably started with that accurate recounting of our exertions and stating our reasonable offer.”
EDIT: The following was written before the preceding post was edited to have a more reasonable tone.
Hoid grabs Starker by the arm and pulls him aside. “Are you a fool or bad with numbers? I have just demanded we be given the most valuable items we found, above and beyond what we bargained for. I argued that coins are more useful than gems, just in case one of us needs the gems. I have set the Stonejaw brothers on the task of turning the dragon corpse into more money to line our pockets. And I have demanded that signs of our victory, in the form of taxidermy, be put on public display to increase our fame. Unlike your skull on the walking stick, that has a chance of generating more gainful employment and more money in your pocket. Which you can continue to waste on pottery and embalming supplies. You asked to be rich, and I have set you down that path. If you dislike my negotiations, take the lead next time.”
Hoid releases Starker’s arm and returns to the rest of the group.
Starker:”We should separate out The Company’s fair share of the loot (almost all of it, I’d say) and somehow secure it.
”Also, should we not make sure this Mine is clear of all we pledged to eliminate before we leave it to the dwarf clan and go off fiend hunting?”
Hoid to the group, “Have we done all we can here? I defer to those with arcane and other worldly knowledge. If so, we should head to the surface and let the Stonejaws in.”
"Do we want to fight the fiend in its territory, or would it be better to bring it here? Or do we need to fight it on its plane to fully destroy it?"
Chadwick ponders and thinks back to his religious training trying to remember if they were taught anything about this.
Religion check 13
Creatures from other planes destroyed on the Material Plane reform on their home plane. Destroying such creatures on their home plane permanently destroys them.
Hoid asks Chadwick, “Is there a need to travel to another plane of existence, which the fiend calls home, and destroy the fiend? Have we not completed our task as it pertains to the fiend by removing it from the mine?”
"I don't think we need to defeat to uphold our end of the bargain.
However, ridding the world of fiends is the right thing to do, plus it seems to have it's eye on Trolkarl."
“Let’s complete our task on this plane of existence and hand the mine over to the Stonejaws, as we have agreed.”
”I plan to do more investigation around the perceived tie with a former tyrant that enslaved my clan and killed my parents and this Demon. Until then, I plan to do Tyrs work here.”
Gneuman nods at Kragen and claps him on the back. "Sounds good, cousin. Whatever you need."
Starker tries to recall all he can about kytons and their ability to appear in a terrfying form. Might Kragen be mistaken?
arcana = 22
Starker:”if we are honor bound to clear the Mine let us do so. For instance, is the body of water safe?”
Gneuman: "No. There many fish with big teeth. They will attack anyone who enters the water."
You have not studied them in specific. The fiend kept the same appearance for you as that of a creature made entirely of chains with burning eyes.
/Plans?
Time to let the Stonejaw brothers in.
Finalize what cut we are going to negotiate for among The Company.
Return to camp and let them know about the hoard, then hammer out the final deal. Also let them know there might be additional dangers so we plan to remain and scout for (2 weeks?). We do need to protect our investment.
Return to mine in morning.
“I would remind all that we have no evidence, actually the contrary, that the Stonejaws will not bargain fairly. Our interactions with them to date is that they have been fair in remuneration of services rendered. If we begin bargaining as if we will be treated unfairly, it may make things worse and ostracize an ally.”
”not suggesting we don’t ask for what our services were worth. Let’s lay out the conditions and facts and allow this to be our bargaining leverage.”
”my feedback for what it’s worth.”
“I have no intent on entering the negotiations allowing The Company representatives to be my proxy in interest. Please conduct yourselves accordingly.”
”Hoid seems best at laying out the facts and providing a compelling argument. I suggest he be a part of our negotiating team.”
Starker:”I need wealth. I have been poor. I have been middle class. I would like to experience wealth. I will use the wealth to become more powerful.
”That being said, I am a poor negotiator unless our position would be advanced by fire or lightning. I will stand by for the signal.”
The Company greets the Stonejaw brothers and Hoid exclaims, “Brothers, it is time for you to enter the mine. We have toiled these past days to purge the place of evil, toiled to the brink of death so that you may work safely. Let us go.”
On the way to the mine, Hoid continues the story, “We have learned a fair amount about the mine, and guiding you along the path of our labors will help you to understand the mine and the great task that The Company has accomplished.”
Following the path of exploration on the entry level, Hoid continues, “We first explored over here, to our left. We were immediately beset by feelings of dread and bone chilling wails followed by the crash of waves. You probably experienced that for yourself during your brief trip into the mine. That was likely a harrowing experience for you, or it sounded so when brother Kragen reached out to you from across the continent. We dropped everything to arrange otherworldly travel to come to your aid, but that is a tale for another day.
Here you can see where we were ambushed by ogres and an oni. The battle was fierce but we managed to pull out a victory. We left the corpses of the ogres where they fell as the oni flew away, yes, flew. We did not know this at the time, but he went to gather a greater force of ogres to waylay us again.
As the company retraces the path of exploration, Hoid stops at the northern lift. “Here we found this elevator, not functioning after years of neglect. With some ingenuity and the might of Sir Chadwick, we forced the elevator to function. We were faced with a choice, up or down. We ultimately chose to go down because this is a mine after all, and one doesn’t expect to find the wealth of a mine at the top. So down we went.”
Once everyone is at the bottom of the elevator, Hoid continues, “We continued along these tracks and were beset by awful insect creatures that tried to suck our all of our bodily fluids. Unpleasant creatures, some of which may still be around. We managed to exterminate most of them. If any remain, they should be easily dealt with. We continued along the tracks using the enhanced senses of Starker’s magic mastiff, which lead us over to this fungus farm on the east side of the tracks. The mastiff saw the corpse of a long dead elf and we went to investigate. There we were beset by an awful shambling fungus creature. Several of The Company were afflicted with horrible effects of the thing’s spores. We managed to best the vile creature after considerable effort on our part. As I believe you know, we found the fine cloak that Kragen now wears that day on the remains of the elf. Let us return to the elevator.”
After The Company and Stonejaws return to the entrance floor, Hoid leads everyone to the northeast quadrant. “Brothers, here we managed to find the tricky oni again. Having tasted our wrath once, it beset us with many more ogres this time and unleashed more of its magical abilities trying to best us. We had expended considerable effort that day, and the oni refused to come down from its cowardly heights. Nonetheless, after great effort once again, nearly exhausting all of our considerable abilities, we managed to defeat the oni and the ogres that followed it. Again, you can see the corpses as evidence.
The oni left a bag of coins and a key. I hid it away over there out of concern that it could be cursed. We intended to return when better equipped to deal with the potential curse. Exhausted and taxed to our limit, we left the mine. We thank you for having a warm fire and hearty meal waiting for us. We found nothing else of value that day. Let us return to the elevator and proceed upward. When we returned the next day, the bag of coins and key were gone. We did not find those until the third day. But first, let us recount the second day, when nearly all of us died.”
When the group arrives at the upper level, Hoid leads the group to the dragon corpse. “Gentlemen, here you see the corpse of a mature shadow dragon. You all were bested by the darkness, or so I understand. You failed to mention that there was also a dragon living here. A mature shadow dragon. But I’ve skipped ahead. As we explored this level, we were beset by some blights. During that battle, the mature shadow dragon was rude enough to interrupt by breathing its vile breath on most of us, greatly to our detriment. Starker replied with a fireball, eliminating many of the blights and angering, and wounding, the dragon mightily. As we danced with the mature dragon, we were all nearly dead. I saw that Starker and the others had wounded the mature shadow dragon and I knew it was time to act. I leaped at the dragon, swinging my trusty sword with exhausted arms, hoping against hope that we would prevail. With luck, likely brought about by the favor of the two holy men of Tyr, I managed to make these final few nicks that vanquished the mature shadow dragon. (Hoid points at the massive gashes in the corpse.).
With the dragon dead, and the company exhausted and on the brink of death ourselves, we exited for the second time. You know that part of the story, although perhaps you did not appreciate how fearsome the mature shadow dragon could be. What you surely do not know is this.”
Hoid leads the group to the pile of treasure.
“Gentlemen, your need of funds is no more. With your share of this vast treasure, you should be able to get the mine up and running. Maybe you don’t even need to work the mine with your share of this treasure.”
After the slack jawed Stonejaws are paying attention again, Hoid says, “This was just the work through the second day. We bested more bugs, a fiend, a band of wraiths and a water elemental. All of this was much more than we bargained for when we came to your aid. Now it is time for an accounting.
You see before you all the items of value we found in the mine except for the cloak and spectacles Kragen is wearing, the halberd Sir Chadwick is wielding, a magic ring, the tentacle rod that [whoever has it] is carrying, and an item Staker possesses for controlling the fiend. Our agreement was to aid you for half the items of value in the mine and one percent ownership for each member of The Company.
Our services exceeded that agreement. We have not counted the tens of thousands of coins here, but the jewels and other items of value we separated out, by my estimation, are just over the equivalent of 15,000 gold coins. The Company will be keeping all of the magic items we now carry. The ring may be dangerous and the item for controlling the fiend may be dangerous as well. We therefore do not count them as items of value but burdens The Company will bear. There are several magic bolts and arrows that we believe you can put to good use if you need to defend yourselves. Of the potions, we want the potion of invulnerability and the healing potion. The remaining potions are negotiable.
The coins, gems and jewelry will be split per our agreement, although The Company would prefer our shares to be taken first from the gems and jewelry. We believe this is favorable to you because you will need coins to get your operation up and running.
The stuffed Owlbear and the dragon’s skull should be on public display. If you plan to keep this mine secret, then the skull and owlbear should be transported to Jotrun’s for all to see.
The remainder of the dragon corpse likely has value. We trust that you will find a purchaser and remit our share when you can.
Despite The Company expending more effort than we bargained for, our agreement is largely unchanged. The magic items we are keeping account for The Company’s increased, and nearly deadly, efforts. The disposition of the dragon skull and owlbear are common sense and, of course, could not be foreseen and negotiated in advance. The remainder will be split per our agreement on a value basis, and we believe coins are more preferable to you anyway.
Oh, and one last thing. We will have use of the living flame for reasonable times at no cost to The Company. This is part of our ownership stake."
Starker, in a quiet aside to The Company:”Perhaps Trokarl should aid the able Hoid in finalizing the negotiations Hoid so ably started with that accurate recounting of our exertions and stating our reasonable offer.”
EDIT: The following was written before the preceding post was edited to have a more reasonable tone.
Hoid grabs Starker by the arm and pulls him aside. “Are you a fool or bad with numbers? I have just demanded we be given the most valuable items we found, above and beyond what we bargained for. I argued that coins are more useful than gems, just in case one of us needs the gems. I have set the Stonejaw brothers on the task of turning the dragon corpse into more money to line our pockets. And I have demanded that signs of our victory, in the form of taxidermy, be put on public display to increase our fame. Unlike your skull on the walking stick, that has a chance of generating more gainful employment and more money in your pocket. Which you can continue to waste on pottery and embalming supplies. You asked to be rich, and I have set you down that path. If you dislike my negotiations, take the lead next time.”
Hoid releases Starker’s arm and returns to the rest of the group.