Oriace watches as his companions each react to the offer in their own way. He listens carefully to Toser’s words, considering the implications of joining the Harpers. The pins, the mission, and the group’s enthusiasm all weigh heavily on his mind. He hadn’t planned on joining such a secretive organization, but the thought of his friends embarking on these missions without him doesn’t sit right. After all, they’re in this together.

Finally, Oriace speaks up, his tone decisive but measured. "I can see the merit in joining the Harpers. If my friends are going to be part of this, it only makes sense that I stand alongside them. After all, if we’re taking on missions together, it’s better if we’re all on the same page—and if things go wrong, I’d rather be there to help."

He nods in agreement with Toser’s caution. "I also agree with you, Toser. It’s wise not to broadcast our allegiance. Discretion seems to be part of the Harper way, and I’d rather we move through the city without drawing unnecessary attention. The pin will stay in my pocket for now."

Turning to Mirt, Oriace smiles, "I’d like to formally accept your offer. I’ll join the Harpers and do my part to keep this city safe. But for now, I suggest we keep our affiliation discreet, as Toser mentioned. We’ll handle this mission with care and ensure that Maxeene’s privacy is respected. Thank you, Mirt for placing trust in us. We’re certainly up for the challenge, but given the size of the city and the importance of discretion in finding Maxeene, there may be unforeseen complications. I’m wondering if it might be appropriate to reconsider the reward, especially considering the value of the information we’re tasked to gather? I wonder if there’s any flexibility in the reward? This city is vast, and locating a specific mare—especially one who values her privacy—could take more time and effort than anticipated. Not to mention, the Zhentarim aren’t exactly known for being forgiving if we’re noticed. We do aim to exceed expectations, and knowing there’s a more at stake could drive us to ensure we gather every bit of valuable information for the Harpers, wouldn't you agree?"

(Persuasion: 8, or 22 with help)

Quote from Paladin54 >>

"Maybe best not to advertise we are Harpers?  Not sure how all of this works.  But those I've met in the past,  Harpers I mean, didn't often advertise where there allegiance was.  My understanding is semi formal and somewhat secretive?"

Sterling pondered Toser's words, and after a moment reached to remove his pin, but stopped.

If the Harpers were supposed to be a force for good, then he didn't want to be completely covert in his involvement. Granted, he wasn't planning on inking "Harper" onto his forehead, but if someone in the immediate community noted the discreet pin and knew enough to know what it was for, then that was well and good, to his mind. What if someone in town needed a Harper? Surely, they must have some semi-public contacts; otherwise, what was even the point of having an identifying pin in the first place? Besides, the bard was no fool... any organization, no matter how noble, could be subject to corruption and misdoings; and a certain degree of sunlight and openness were necessary to preventing that as far as he was concerned.

That said, he wasn't running his own shop alone yet; he had companions. And if they intended to keep their affiliation covert for now for whatever reason, he would respect that and not out them through association. So... a bit more discretion was warranted for the time being. Sterling quickly cast a spell to rejuvenate his outfit's splash of yellow, then swiftly moved the pin to the inside of a lapel so that it would only be revealed at a deliberate turn of the collar.

Mana watches his mates carefully as they store their pins. He glances over his outfit and finds a nice spot on the inner lining of his surcoat to affix his own silver pin. Completely unnoticeable unless revealed by a flashing of the coat open to one side. The same idea, he thinks, will work on the inside of his more common mantle when these fine clothes are inappropriate for upcoming missions. He practices silently a few practiced flourishes and a few more clandestine reveals. He smiles to himself.

You really have come a long way, you scoundrel. He teases himself.

"We can always revisit the reward after completion. But if you wish to challenge it at that stage, know that if it is felt that you are not being truthful about how it went, the reward can just as easily go down or vanish completely."

Oriace listened carefully, considering Mirt's words before responding with a thoughtful tone. "I understand the sentiment behind revisiting the reward after completion, but I must respectfully disagree. It would be rather unprofessional to renegotiate terms once a task is underway. The terms should be clear from the outset, so both parties know what to expect. However, I do agree that flexibility is important, especially when unforeseen risks might arise." He paused, weighing his words, before continuing. "Why don’t we keep the reward as it stands? If the task is as straightforward as you believe, then 25 dragons will be more than fair. But, perhaps we could add a clause to account for the unexpected. If we find ourselves having to defend against any threat or engage in combat, the reward could be doubled. This way, if the task truly is simple, there’s no risk to you, but if it turns out to be more dangerous than anticipated, our compensation would reflect that. How do you feel about this arrangement?" Oriace's tone remained respectful, seeking a balanced solution that protected both the party and their benefactor.

(Persuasion if needed: 10, or 11 with help)

"Threats are relative. And if you happen to get into combat while undertaking the mission that is of no relation to the mission, you should not get extra payment for that. However, I am willing to say that if you do end up attacked as a direct result of your enquiries then I will pay a further 25 dragons. Same way, if you manage to keep your attacker alive and they can provide us with further information that we were not expecting, we will reimburse you for that too. But that is not something I am willing to put a price on in advance, as that will depend entirely on how much information we are able to gain, which will be a decision my superiors would be making,"

Oriace nodded with a small smile. "That sounds fair, and I'm glad we could reach an understanding. Hopefully, the mission will be as straightforward as suggested, but it's good to know there's room for adjustment if things take an unexpected turn."

The intermission draws to a close and Mirt dismisses you so he can watch the rest of the opera. You head back to your seats and finish it, enjoying your free tickets to a prestigious evening. 

You leave and start heading to your destination (I assume home for the night, seeing as its now late and the drays have mostly stopped working for the night). As you take a route through a dark alleyway, a flying snake comes out and hovers near Oriace with a note tied around its body. It waits for the note to be untied and then flies off. 

“Want to be part of something big? Speak to Davil Starsong at the Yawning Portal.”

Mana leaps back.

”Woah!”

He is surprised by the sudden flying intruder but searches his memory for any recollections of seeing a flying snake before or their allegiances, since they’re willing to be carrier pigeons.

Mana might not have any prior knowledge of it. Those who helped rescue Renear definately have a knowledge of flying snakes as a symbol. But not of the actual creature 

Sterling almost jumped back, but instead stepped aside and prepared to coolly cast a spell... when he realized the creature was simply delivering a message to Oriace.

A bit annoyed at being startled, the would-be jeweler straightened his clothes as he waited to hear what the contents of the message were--presuming said contents were for the entire group, anyway.

Toser side-eyed the flying snake as it approached and seemingly delivered a message to Oriace.  After it flew away he asks "What was that about and what does the note say?"

Oriace watches the flying snake disappear into the darkness, then unfolds the note and quickly scans its contents. Clearing his throat, he reads aloud, "'Want to be part of something big? Speak to Davil Starsong at the Yawning Portal.'"

He looks up at his companions with a curious expression. "Delivered by a flying snake—that's a symbol of the Zhentarim, isn't it? What do you all think? Should we look into this?"

(Sorry, I've been sick with fever the last few days and couldn't post earlier.)

(glad you are feeling better) 

"Well, the timing is actually pretty good," suggested Sterling. "We're only going to make so much from finding this Maxeene, and maybe this is another way to earn some coin? In fact, presuming this Mr. Starsong is already waiting for us at the Portal, we could probably hear out his offer before heading home, and then we can maybe take on both tasks tomorrow."

"Personally, I would pass on that invitation.  I literally just joined the Harper's, I have no desire to aid the Zhentarim, a criminal organization. Seems to me there would be some conflict of interest going on. I'm heading back to the manor.  I need a good night's sleep." Toser says to the others.

"I'd say we explore different avenues before committing wholly to one or the other. No one got ever hurt by listening to a proposition," argues Oriace and is ready to find out what the Zhentarim would want them to do. 

Sterling mulled it over. "If anything, knowing what the Zhentarim are up to might be useful for the Harpers. It's not likely they know of us joining yet, but even if they did, they sent the invite, so there still might be some info to glean."

Finally he nodded to himself. "We can join you back at the manor later, Toser," he continued. "Might be best that not all of us go, anyway. I'm up for joining you though, Oriace."

"If the Harpers knew you were working for the Zhentarim they would just stop talking to you.  If the Zhents knew you were trying to work for both the Harpers and them they would kill you.  I'll pass.  But I didn't get the invitation, or at least I can't say the invitation was for all of us. I'll see you when you get back." Toser replies.

(as per the module, you don't all have to join the same guilds as each other. And you are still able to help with missions where you aren't a member. That being said, I can't promise there is no conflict of interest. But it makes for fun rp if there is)