Starker aside to Hoid: ”I have observed that people like Trokarl more than they like you or me. Often, much more. You did an exceptional job laying out the facts. Trokarl may be able to provide the warp to your woof and weave us a tapestry of riches. I would no more attempt it than I would attempt to wield Chadwick’s weapon. Each of us has unique gifts. It is what makes The Company great. I apologize if I offended you. It no doubt stems from the same specific blindness that makes me unloved by most and thus only an average negotiator at best.”
Chadwick hearing the self deprecating Starker "Aw buddy, your not unlovable, your just an acquired taste. Like yak milk." He then gives him a hug
"Also carrying around skulls on a stick can be a bit off putting to some, well, most folks...that and the sneering. Maybe you should try smiling more." He then wanders off smiling to himself thinking how he was glad he could help perk up the moody wizard.
The dwarves join you on the tour of the mountain. They are duly impressed by the slaying of the dragon and all clap you on the shoulders mightily.
The dragon’s hoard is awe inspiring indeed. After it sinks in you see the Stonejaw brothers all get close to being emotional.
An equal part of excitement is had when the forges and furnaces are displayed. They tell you that this band of ogres has been harassing them in the mountains. They are happy to see them handled.
Cleggor looks to you, “First things are first. You have cleared our new home of the evil within. Now, we must settle our deal.”
Brothers Stonejaw. Seeing your faces light up at the sight of this hall—your hall—feels like the true reward. The forges will burn again, the halls will echo with life instead of wails, and the shadows that once claimed this place have been banished. For that, and mostly for the trust you placed in us, we’re grateful.
He glances briefly at Hoid and Starker, then back with a half-smile.
Like any family, we in The Company have our moments—raised voices, clashing words, different thoughts on what’s fair and what’s wise. But make no mistake: our strength lies in that bond. We bled and stood shoulder-to-shoulder through horrors we didn’t expect—not just for gold, but because we believed in what we were doing. And because we believed in you.
Trolkarl gestures to the cleared halls.
You’ve seen the work. You’ve heard the tale. You know what we’ve faced—dragons, fiends, things that twisted our very souls. And so, while we have our thoughts on what might be fair… this is your mine. Your dream. Your legacy.
He pauses, his voice lowering in reverence and conviction.
We ask only that you weigh what’s been done with open hearts, and make a fair offer also with a sincere heart. Not as payment to mercenaries, but as kin who helped carry a burden you could not carry alone. Make us an offer not just as partners, but as kin, united in seeing the legacy of the Stonejaw name shine bright.
Using heroic inspiration -persuasion: 21, 27 (nat 20)
The dog and pony show put on by Hoid follow up with the charm offensive of Trolkarl is impressive, indeed. The Stonejaw brothers and their fellow dwarves take a moment to converse amongst themselves. Standing atop the dragon's lair with its hoard spread out before you, Cleggor responds, "Once again, I am indebted to each of you. Firstly for my life and now for making the dream of my brothers and I possible." He walks to each of you and shakes each of your hands wholeheartedly followed by his two brothers. He returns to stand before Trolkarl, "Let us be done with the tawdry dividing of coins into piles When you agreed to take on this task we spoke of evenly splitting the treasures found within the mountain and a 1% share to each of you in return for successfully opening the mountain up to us. We now suggest the following: 55/45 split of the treasures found, in favor of The Company, and, a 1.5% share to each of you. In addition, we offer a 0.5% share to Gohumbee on the condition that he is able to successfully negotiate clan Granitethew's assistance with miners, stonemasons and farmers at typical wages. We offer this in belief it is a good offer for each of us. Our preference is for the coin, not the gems, and we would appreciate you accepting the gems first in dividing the hoard. The magical items and other items found within we suggest be divided into parcels from which we will take turns selecting. We suggest the following groups:"
Coins - 3,455pp, 35,550gp, 23,128sp, 11,843cp
Gems, Art objects total value = 15,220gp
55% share = 48,263.18gp 45% share = 39,488.05gp
(( I am assuming that Starker has spent some time Identifying all of the magical items ))
Hoid responds, “Cleggor, we thank you deeply for the offer of an increased ownership stake, and we are more than happy to take any monetary value first from the gems and jewelry. But as I am sure you can understand, the magic items are potentially much more useful to The Company than cash on hand, particularly in view of the revenue we expect the mine to generate. Those items are how we conduct business. This leads me to ask a few questions. First, would you consider some change in the monetary split for a different division of magic items? Second, who do you propose to have first selection? Third, do we make alternate selections or alternate the order of selection every round? This would result in the side that goes first making one selection and there forward each side would make two selections“
Somewhat surprised at the complexity of Hoid’s response, Cleggor responds, “We are inclined to exchanging items for coin. Coin is our need”. He looks to his brothers and gets subtle nods, “We assumed you would select first and then we alternate.”
Hoid spits on his hand and holds it out to Cleggor and says, “Good sir, you have a deal.” After the handshake is over, Hoid continues, “Depending on how the items are chosen, we may well haggle over the price of some items as we quaff a few pints. The Company’s first selection is the halberd.”
Embarrassed, Hoid blurts, “Gohumby, I apologize, but we failed to consult you! Are you willing to accept an ownership stake in return for the arduous task of asking some of your clansmen if they are willing to accept gainful employment?”
“Yes, Gohumby, if you are able to convince your clansmen to come here and accept employment, you will gain an ownership stake. If this task or ownership is offensive to you, you can likely decline.”
Cleggor nods. "That looks like everything. An impressive haul for sure. Is there anything that fell to our share that you are interested in trading coin for?"
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😳
Starker aside to Hoid: ”I have observed that people like Trokarl more than they like you or me. Often, much more. You did an exceptional job laying out the facts. Trokarl may be able to provide the warp to your woof and weave us a tapestry of riches. I would no more attempt it than I would attempt to wield Chadwick’s weapon. Each of us has unique gifts. It is what makes The Company great. I apologize if I offended you. It no doubt stems from the same specific blindness that makes me unloved by most and thus only an average negotiator at best.”
Chadwick hearing the self deprecating Starker "Aw buddy, your not unlovable, your just an acquired taste. Like yak milk." He then gives him a hug
"Also carrying around skulls on a stick can be a bit off putting to some, well, most folks...that and the sneering. Maybe you should try smiling more." He then wanders off smiling to himself thinking how he was glad he could help perk up the moody wizard.
The dwarves join you on the tour of the mountain. They are duly impressed by the slaying of the dragon and all clap you on the shoulders mightily.
The dragon’s hoard is awe inspiring indeed. After it sinks in you see the Stonejaw brothers all get close to being emotional.
An equal part of excitement is had when the forges and furnaces are displayed. They tell you that this band of ogres has been harassing them in the mountains. They are happy to see them handled.
Cleggor looks to you, “First things are first. You have cleared our new home of the evil within. Now, we must settle our deal.”
Trolkarl steps forward
Brothers Stonejaw. Seeing your faces light up at the sight of this hall—your hall—feels like the true reward. The forges will burn again, the halls will echo with life instead of wails, and the shadows that once claimed this place have been banished. For that, and mostly for the trust you placed in us, we’re grateful.
He glances briefly at Hoid and Starker, then back with a half-smile.
Like any family, we in The Company have our moments—raised voices, clashing words, different thoughts on what’s fair and what’s wise. But make no mistake: our strength lies in that bond. We bled and stood shoulder-to-shoulder through horrors we didn’t expect—not just for gold, but because we believed in what we were doing. And because we believed in you.
Trolkarl gestures to the cleared halls.
You’ve seen the work. You’ve heard the tale. You know what we’ve faced—dragons, fiends, things that twisted our very souls. And so, while we have our thoughts on what might be fair… this is your mine. Your dream. Your legacy.
He pauses, his voice lowering in reverence and conviction.
We ask only that you weigh what’s been done with open hearts, and make a fair offer also with a sincere heart. Not as payment to mercenaries, but as kin who helped carry a burden you could not carry alone. Make us an offer not just as partners, but as kin, united in seeing the legacy of the Stonejaw name shine bright.
Using heroic inspiration -persuasion: 21, 27 (nat 20)
The dog and pony show put on by Hoid follow up with the charm offensive of Trolkarl is impressive, indeed. The Stonejaw brothers and their fellow dwarves take a moment to converse amongst themselves. Standing atop the dragon's lair with its hoard spread out before you, Cleggor responds, "Once again, I am indebted to each of you. Firstly for my life and now for making the dream of my brothers and I possible." He walks to each of you and shakes each of your hands wholeheartedly followed by his two brothers. He returns to stand before Trolkarl, "Let us be done with the tawdry dividing of coins into piles When you agreed to take on this task we spoke of evenly splitting the treasures found within the mountain and a 1% share to each of you in return for successfully opening the mountain up to us. We now suggest the following: 55/45 split of the treasures found, in favor of The Company, and, a 1.5% share to each of you. In addition, we offer a 0.5% share to Gohumbee on the condition that he is able to successfully negotiate clan Granitethew's assistance with miners, stonemasons and farmers at typical wages. We offer this in belief it is a good offer for each of us. Our preference is for the coin, not the gems, and we would appreciate you accepting the gems first in dividing the hoard. The magical items and other items found within we suggest be divided into parcels from which we will take turns selecting. We suggest the following groups:"
Coins - 3,455pp, 35,550gp, 23,128sp, 11,843cp
Gems, Art objects total value = 15,220gp
55% share = 48,263.18gp 45% share = 39,488.05gp
(( I am assuming that Starker has spent some time Identifying all of the magical items ))
1 - Tzan'tar's Cloak - Cleggor
2 - Stormforged halberd - The Company
3 - Ring of Radiant Resistance - The Company
4 - Tentacle Rod - The Company
5 - Scroll: Summon Construct, Eyes of the Eagle - The Company
6 - Saddle of the Cavalier - Cleggor
7 - Potion of Water Breathing, Potion of Invulnerability, Potion of Healing - Supreme - Cleggor
8 - 14 +1 Arrows - The Company
9 - 12 +2 Bolts - Cleggor
10 - 10 Enspelled Arrows: Acid Splash - Cleggor
Hoid responds, “Cleggor, we thank you deeply for the offer of an increased ownership stake, and we are more than happy to take any monetary value first from the gems and jewelry. But as I am sure you can understand, the magic items are potentially much more useful to The Company than cash on hand, particularly in view of the revenue we expect the mine to generate. Those items are how we conduct business. This leads me to ask a few questions. First, would you consider some change in the monetary split for a different division of magic items? Second, who do you propose to have first selection? Third, do we make alternate selections or alternate the order of selection every round? This would result in the side that goes first making one selection and there forward each side would make two selections“
Somewhat surprised at the complexity of Hoid’s response, Cleggor responds, “We are inclined to exchanging items for coin. Coin is our need”. He looks to his brothers and gets subtle nods, “We assumed you would select first and then we alternate.”
Hoid spits on his hand and holds it out to Cleggor and says, “Good sir, you have a deal.” After the handshake is over, Hoid continues, “Depending on how the items are chosen, we may well haggle over the price of some items as we quaff a few pints. The Company’s first selection is the halberd.”
Embarrassed, Hoid blurts, “Gohumby, I apologize, but we failed to consult you! Are you willing to accept an ownership stake in return for the arduous task of asking some of your clansmen if they are willing to accept gainful employment?”
Cleggor spits into his palm and joins hands with Hoid. Relief and joy crosses his face, “We would like the cloak.”
Gohumbee replies, “I…….WHAT?!”
“Yes, Gohumby, if you are able to convince your clansmen to come here and accept employment, you will gain an ownership stake. If this task or ownership is offensive to you, you can likely decline.”
Then to Cleggor, “We will take the rod.”
“I am happy to introduce you to Lord Granitethew…..if I can,” Gohumbee replies.
Cleggor nods, “Yes, that would be wonderful.” He turns to Hoid, “We would like the saddle.”
Scroll and Eyes of the Eagle
The potions
The ring
The bolts
+1 arrows
The Enspelled arrows.
I believe that is everything?
Cleggor nods. "That looks like everything. An impressive haul for sure. Is there anything that fell to our share that you are interested in trading coin for?"