"Magic weapons? Orcs? Sounds like something is going on. I'm all for an adventure among the mountains, but may I ask, what are we looking at in terms of our payment? I don't mean to sound greedy, but it would nice to know. Also, what exactly would our objective be?"

"I serve", Aradurk states plainly.

Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 1 | Human | Rogue

"Of course I'm willing to investigate further for you and help get to heart of this matter. As you may or may not know the group that I work for has no affiliations with anyone and I'm quite versed in dealing with sensitive matters." "Also, what shall we expect in the way of support?"

"Yes, that would be a suitable mission, I would be happy to work for you in this case." Karst looks grim after hearing the problem but resolute as well, he looks about gauging the reactions of the others too. 

Meepo takes another peek at the other two individuals that came into the room while ducking beneath the table.

"Our group just need to know who is the supplier of magic weapons to those orc tribes living on the Nether Mountains.

No need to fight a large group of creatures bred for war who uses brawns for brains right? I think that's manageable if I have a detailed map of Sundabar and its nearby regions. Perhaps some of your spies can lend me it."

"Definitely useful that one" Karst whispers to Aradurk, nodding at the kobold. "Promising group we have here". 

“I hate to admit it but he’s right. The idea of wantonly engaging an orc force with a group this size would be foolish. We need someone who can recon from both a military and orc background. At first blush, it would appear I have the tools to fulfill this aspect of our mission. A little espionage.”

I look around the room. “Additional thoughts?”

"That's...quite astute," Glendale says, having clearly underestimated this kobold. "The objective is to determine who is dealing these weapons, and if possible, their motive. We must know if the orcs plan to move against the local settlements, especially Rauvincross. This objective is the only thing that matters. Discretion is key. Divination attempts have revealed nothing to us; whatever forces are at work here are much too powerful for this group to hunt down alone. Return as soon as you discover this information. As for payment, a budget of 500 gold pieces has been set aside for your successful return.

Sal will escort you to our quartermaster if you would like to purchase weapons, armor or supplies. When you are equipped, set out immediately for Rauvincross and the orc camp in the Moon Pass."

"I would like to buy a few things... if only I could carry them."

Meepo drags himself from the table as he grunts while carrying his backpack. It seems the things he brought are quite few and light compared to your belongings but the brown kobold still struggles as he moves. The group can also see he wears a set of clothes akin to a traveler.

"I'm not the strongest of my tribe as you can see. I'll wait for you guys until you finish your preparations."

Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 1 | Human | Rogue

With another short bow, "It shall be done Grand Inquisitrix." continueing he adds, "I shall only need a forgers kit. Other than that, I have a contact I could get a hold of  that maybe able to provide some information. One last thing, shall we be provided transportation? As you can see, are small friend here may have trouble traveling the long road ahead and if you could provide horses it would be greatly appreciated." 

"I will do my best." Travus responds to Glendale. "I don't need to purchase much, perhaps just a bedroll to sleep in while travelling."

"Karst - I have learned in the army that every team needs leadership,  planning, and resources. We seem to have adequate resources. You seem like a good choice to lead this team and help create a plan. Travus, Bartram, Meepo - would you all accept this designation for Karst?"

Karst looks the half-orc in the eyes. "Thank you for the compliment, especially as you seem to possess the qualities required for those functions as well." Turning to the others "I have no wish to take charge of this all, please let me offer my expertise where it is appropriate but we all offer much and each of us must feel they can be the authority on something when the time is right." He draws the holy symbol from under his mail hiding it out to catch the light, the two faced coin clear to the rest of the party. "There is another reason we should consider my suitability for leadership, my service is to Hoar, and he is not a kindly god, my path is and always will be retribution, as much as I wield a sword in his name I am myself the weapon. There may be times when I must serve him and administer vengeance to one who deserves it when the safer, more pragmatic choice would be retreat or deflect, you may not want a leader who would put you in that position.. "

His speech finished Karst looks over the others finishing with Aradurk "You see there is every chance you would do a better job yourself, you clearly have a military background and would have much to offer too". 

I sigh deeply.

“Perhaps those best suited to power are those who those who have never sought it.”,  Aradurk states. “As for my own ambition to leadership or the general lack thereof, I have ideas and have an understanding of planning and execution.”

I look at Beltram, Travus, and Meepo slowly, one by one, gauging their body language and looking them one by one in the eyes. “What would the three of you think on the matter? If we are not united, it will make our pending mission at best untenable and at worst, a death trap. I seek your opinions.”

Travus seems to be stuck in thought for a bit, then speaks up, "I think we should all have equal say in decisions pertaining to our mission. We should each use our own areas of expertise to make suggestions to each other. That said, Aradurk, if you insist on being the figurehead of the group, I would not be against that. I do see certain advantages to having a single figurehead in some situations."

"If no one wants to take leadership, I present myself for candidacy."

Meepo climbs to the top of the table as he begins his speech.

"Ehem. First of all, I would like to point some of the agendas my current political party would like to implement, which currently consists of myself, if I ever get to be elected.

One, if we encounter any hostiles, I promise to hide with all my strength and as soon as we have disadvantage during a battle, we will run away.

Two, if we encounter any deadly traps, I promise to move behind the group and wait until the trap is disarmed. Otherwise, we will run away.

Lastly, as soon as we finish the assigned mission, I promise to urge everyone to go back here and run away.

Some of you may be injured while doing the job and die as the result but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make."

“Meepos. I applaud your ability to run as needed.”  I kneel to face him. 

“As a soldier, I value our lives as much as the mission. However a leader must be able to push from within and make himself the sacrifice as needed.”

I turn to Travus. “No decision will be made without us acting in majority. If I act  as our leader, I put your safety as paramount. I have lost comrades before and I do not intend to let it happen again.”

”we put it to a vote then move to action”

Bartram Shadecrest
Lvl 1 | Human | Rogue

Hearing this speech given by Meepo, Bartram can't help but chuckle. Looking to the others he says, "I agree with Travus, we shall need someone to act as are representative. Aradurk, if you are willing act in the best interests of the group and the mission I would not be opposed to it being you. That being said, it may come a time when each of us may have to take charge."

Meepo looks at the half-orc as he releases a deep sigh.

"It seems the results are obvious. One for me and four to you Aradurk."

Meepo climbs down from the table and lifts his backpack.

"Maybe I should hand rations for the next election to pull voters to my side. Food has always been effective to my tribe."

“We all are here to serve our purpose.”, Aradurk tells Bartrum. “If I fail to serve mine, it will be because I have fallen.”